Hong Kong: CE boosts ties in Saudi Arabia Chief Executive John Lee continued his visit to Saudi Arabia on February 6 by attending a technology conference and exchanging views on fostering co-operation on innovation and technology (I&T) between the two places. In the morning, Mr Lee met Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi to learn about the large-scale infrastructure projects implemented under the Belt & Road Initiative in Saudi Arabia. Mr Lee said that the Arab States of the Gulf are key players in the development of the initiative and there is much room for closer and stronger collaboration between Hong Kong and the states. He also said he believed that enterprises in the area could leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, its strategic location at the doorstep of the Mainland, as well as its world-class infrastructure and rich pool of professionals to tap into the vast opportunities offered by the Belt & Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Mr Lee later attended the LEAP 2023 technology conference to better understand the latest developments of enterprises from various countries and regions in such areas as I&T and artificial intelligence. Giving a keynote speech at the event on Hong Kong's vision in fostering I&T development and encouraging global collaboration, Mr Lee stressed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to the development of the I&T industry and it will work together with other cities in the bay area in developing an international I&T centre. Mr Lee said he welcomed technology enterprises from around the globe to capitalise on Hong Kong's advantages of enjoying the country's steadfast support while staying highly connected with the rest of the world, as well as building and expanding their businesses in Hong Kong. During the conference, Mr Lee also met the President and Chief Executive Officer of state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco, Amin H Nasser. Mr Lee and his team introduced Hong Kong's important role as one of the world's leading international financial centres and its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle and the bay area development. He added that Hong Kong would be able to play a pivotal role in providing comprehensive financial and professional services to the company, including supporting its listing in Hong Kong, handling any of its future funding arrangements and unlocking investing opportunities in Hong Kong. Mr Lee also pointed out that as the world's largest offshore renminbi hub, Hong Kong could play an active role in the company's diversification and protection of assets. In the afternoon, Mr Lee and the delegation met Saudi Arabian Minister of Communications & Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha to exchange views on fostering co-operation on I&T between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. Afterwards, Mr Lee met Saudi Arabian Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih again. Mr Lee concluded his visit in Saudi Arabia and departed for Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates in the evening. He will meet local political and business leaders and visit local enterprises in Abu Dhabi on February 7. This story has been published on: 2023-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. China issues outline to improve quality of development Xinhua) 08:07, February 07, 2023 BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- China has issued an outline to improve the overall quality of its economy amid efforts to promote high-quality development. The country aims to boost its strength in quality and steadily increase the influence of Chinese brands by 2025, according to the document jointly issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council. Measures will be taken to make obvious improvements to the quality and efficiency of economic development, increase the quality and competitiveness of industries continuously, and raise the quality levels of products, projects and services significantly, per the outline. It also sets goals for greater progress in brand-building, constructing more modern and effective quality infrastructure and fine-tuning the country's quality management system by 2025. By 2035, China will have formed a more solid foundation and developed an advanced culture for quality development, and its comprehensive strength in terms of quality and brands will reach a higher level, according to the outline. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Euro Motors (EM), the official importer of BMW Group vehicles in Bahrain, has launched the all-new BMW S 1000 RR, a superlative superbike that takes the pole position in performance, as BMW Motorrad celebrates its global centenary this year. Featuring enhancements to the chassis, suspension, aerodynamics, and electronic assist systems, the 2023 BMW Motorrad S 1000 RR stands apart driven by the successful transfer of the BMW experience from the racetrack to the high-performance BMW ShiftCam four-cylinder engine in the RR, the company says. The all-new 2023 BMW Motorrad S 1000 RR was launched at a ceremony at the BMW Motorrad showroom in Manama, and was attended by senior management from Euro Motors, BMW Motorrad owners from across Bahrain, prospective customers, and motorbike connoisseurs. David McGoldrick, General Manager of Euro Motors Bahrain, and Ali Al Asfoor, BMW Motorrad Showroom Manager, unveiled the sleek new bike. With an advanced suspension and chassis, DTC Slide Control assistance systems as well as optimised aerodynamics, the all-new 2023 BMW Motorrad S 1000 RR raises performance to a new level and is certain to delight long-time BMW Motorrad enthusiasts as well as new riders seeking a show-stopping experience, said McGoldrick. Launched in the year of BMW Motorrads centenary, we at Euro Motors are thrilled to offer our customers the best-equipped sport bike in its class. The launch of the 2023 BMW S 1000 RR marks the beginning of yet another successful year for Euro Motors and underlines our leading position in the regions premium bike segment. The all-new BMW S 1000 RR features a 999 cc high-performance BMW ShiftCam four-cylinder engine delivering an additional 3hp output to total 210hp at 13,000 rpm. Among new features, increased rear wheel traction in all gears is provided by a shorter secondary gear ratio using a sprocket with 46 instead of 45 teeth. Packing more power and performance than ever before, the all-new BMW S 1000 RR is a tribute to the German automotive legends capability in producing a bike that is as qualified for the racetrack as it is for the road, said Al Asfoor. The soaring demand for BMW Motorrad bikes at Euro Motors clearly proves the enduring popularity of BMW with customers in Bahrain and beyond, and I look forward to meeting and greeting our BMW S 1000 RR customers in our showroom in the coming days. Boasting a six-speed gearbox, the BMW Motorrad S 1000 RR now permits gearshifts with overrun upshifts and overrun downshifts and provides improved load change damping for more precision and control. The all-new model also features a lowered steering head angle of 66.4 and reduced offset of the fork bridges at 25.5 mm for even better front wheel accuracy. The six-stage DTC traction control with the new steering angle sensor enables two new functions: Brake Slide Assist for deceleration and Slide/Slip Control for acceleration. The 2023 BMW S 1000 RR can be equipped with an optional electronically controlled Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) suspension linked to the riding modes. TradeArabia News Service Daughter of a leader belonging to opposition TDP in Andhra Pradesh will receive financial assistance of Rs 84 lakh from the state government to realise her dream of pursuing higher education in the US. Sailaja, daughter of Bodrothu Srinivasa Rao, a former sarpanch hailing from Sangam village in Vizianagaram district, is one of the beneficiaries under Jagananna Videshi Vidya Deevena, under which the government provides financial assistance to those who want to study abroad. She is one among the 213 students who have been selected as beneficiaries of the scheme. A few days ago Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy released the first installment of financial assistance under the scheme. According to the TDP leader, his daughter Sailaja went to the US to pursue higher studies and to make ends meet, he had to take a huge loan, whose repayment was his biggest cause of worry. However, thanks to Chief Minister Jagan Reddy's revolutionary schemes in the field of education, Srinivasa Rao's daughter is all set to receive financial aid of over Rs 84 lakh over the next two years under the Jagananna Videshi Vidya Devana scheme. Financial aid worth Rs 13,99,154 has been offered as the first instalment and a total of Rs 84 lakh financial help will be granted over the next two years, officials said. "My daughter studied at IIT in Hyderabad and went to the US. We took a loan for her education and were worried if we would ever be able to repay it. But today, my daughter got assistance via Jagananna Videshi Vidya Deevena Scheme. We will always be indebted to Jagananna. He is a revolutionary leader and for him welfare of the people is his only priority. Now, I want my daughter to complete her studies and return to Andhra Pradesh and contribute towards the state's development," said Srinivasa Rao. Sailaja, who is currently pursuing her Masters from the University of Washington in Seattle, expressed her gratitude to the Chief Minister. "Jagan garu, it is only because of you that students are able to pursue a privileged Masters degree like this. Thank you so much for this opportunity. This is among the top 100 universities of the world. I am really happy to be here," she said. Under the Videshi Vidya Deevena scheme, the state government fully reimburses tuition fees to SC, ST, BC and minority students up to Rs 1.25 crore and up to Rs 1 crore to EBC students who have secured ranks in top 100 Universities. Similarly, 100 per cent tuition fee reimbursement would be made up to Rs 75 lakh to SC, ST, BC and minority students and up to Rs 50 lakh or 50 per cent of the tuition fee, whichever is less, for EBC students who secured admissions in the Universities ranked 100 to 200 as per the QS World University rankings. The financial assistance comes in the form of reimbursement for aspects like airfare and visa fee. Following the students' receipt of their immigration cards (I-94), the first payment will be made; the second, following the results of the first semester; and the third, following the completion of the second and third semesters. The criteria is that the candidate's annual family income should not exceed Rs 8 lakh. --IANS ms/vd ( 558 Words) 2023-02-06-22:34:02 (IANS) The Congress party has decided to field Ravindra Hemraj Dhangekar for the bye-election to the Kasba Peth Assembly constituency in Maharashtra. "The Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the candidature of Ravindra Hemraj Dhangekar as Congress candidate for the ensuing bye-election to the Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra from 215- Kasba Peth Constituency," a press release by the party said on Monday. However, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra has decided to contest the upcoming Assembly bypolls in Pune together. As part of an agreement arrived at between the MVA partners, the Congress will contest the Kasba Assembly bypoll while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will represent the Opposition alliance in the battle for the Chinchwad constituency. The Election Commission on January 25 revised dates for the upcoming bypolls in Pune to February 26, Sunday. The twin bypolls were earlier scheduled to be held on February 27. "The District Election Officer of Pune, Maharashtra has reported regarding the clash of the date of the poll with the dates of the 12th Standard HSC exam and graduate degree exam to be conducted at various Polling Stations of the Assembly Constituencies where bye-elections are being held," the EC said in a statement on January 25. "Consequent upon which, the Commission having considered the matter, ground situation and all other relevant aspects of the matter, has decided to revise the date of poll for bye-elections to Assembly Constituencies 205- Chinchwad and 215-Kasba Peth of Maharashtra," it added. The counting of votes for the bypolls to the two Pune Assembly segments will be conducted on March 2. The bye-elections to Kasba Peth and Chinchwad was necessitated following the death of BJP leaders Mukta Shailesh Tilak and Laxman Pandurang Jagtap, respectively.Kasba Peth MLA Mukta Tilak died on December 22 last year while Chinchwad MLA Laxman Jagtap passed away on January 3 after a prolonged illness. (ANI) Thiruvananthapuram Fast Track Special Court on Monday convicted a transgender person, for the first time in the state for sexually abusing a boy seven years ago. Special Judge Aaj Sudarshan sentenced Sachu Samson, alias Shefina, 34, a transwoman, who hails from Anathalavattom near Chirayinkeezhu, to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 in the case of sexual assault with a 16-year-old minor boy. "A default of the fine amount will lead to imprisonment for an additional year," the court ordered. Special Public Prosecutor R S Vijay Mohan, advocates M Mubeena and R Y Akhilesh appeared for the prosecution and said, "The incident dates back on February 23 in 2016 when the accused met the victim who was coming to Thiruvananthapuram by train from Chirayinkeez. She took the child to Thambanoor Public Comfort Station and subjected him to unnatural sexual harassment. Although the child refused to go with the accused, the accused threatened him." The prosecutors further said that the incident came to light when the victim's mother came to know through his Facebook Messenger. "The boy, who was afraid of torture, did not tell his family about the incident. Again, the accused called the child several times over the phone and asked to see him, but the child refused to go. The mother noticed that the child was constantly sending messages on the phone and that the child was often afraid of talking on the phone. When the child blocked the phone number, the accused sent messages through Facebook Messenger. The child's Facebook has been tagged on the mother's phone. The mother came to know about the molestation when she saw the messages and started replying to the accused. As directed by the police, the mother sent messages to the accused and brought her to Thambanoor and the police arrested the accused," the said. The prosecution examined seven witnesses. Twelve documents were produced. The case was investigated by S P Prakash who was Sub Inspector at Thambanur police station. She was found guilty of the offences punishable under Section 377 (unnatural offences) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 3(d) (penetrative sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. (ANI) West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee began her two-day visit to poll-bound Tripura on Monday and will hold a road-show and and address an election rally on Tuesday. Banerjee said that Tripura is her home as she visited the state many a times since she was in Congress. Accompanied by Trinamool national General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, she arrived in Agartala on Monday evening and then went to southern Tripura's Udaipur where she offered puja at the Tripura Sundari Temple - built by King Dhanya Manikya in 1501 and 51 Shakti Peeths in the country. "I offered puja to ensure the welfare of our Maa-Maati-Maanush. Whenever I visit Tripura, I come to this temple and visit several places of religious importance as I respect all religions," Banerjee told the media. "I was among the three leaders who worked the most when Congress came to power in this state. This is why I know various areas in Tripura stretching from Sonamura to Kailashahar. When no one was there and BJP was oppressing people, Trinamool Congress was the only party standing with the people here." Drawing parallels between the cultures in Tripura and West Bengal, she said that Bengal and Tripura share a deep connection. "I consider Tripura as my home so I have returned to my home. I can speak my language here and eat the food I like. From food to attire to behaviour, everything is almost the same." Sharing her concern over the breakdown of law and order in the state, the West Bengal Chief Minister said that Trinamool Congress workers and leaders have been attacked. The vehicles of leaders including the party's Rajya Sabha member Sushmita Dev, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Dola Sen, Rajib Banerjee, and Abhishek Banerjee have been vandalised, she said. The Trinamool on Sunday issued their first list of 22 candidates for the February 16 elections to the 60-seat Tripura assembly. --IANS sc/vd ( 333 Words) 2023-02-06-23:28:02 (IANS) The arrested individual has been identified as Irshad a.k.a. Belal. He was apprehended from Jitaura village, an official said, adding that two iron swords and a banner of the banned organisation Popular Front of India (PFI) were also later recovered from a hideout at Parsauni village in Muzaffarpur district. The NIA said that Irshad -- the seventh accused in the case, was found to have been actively involved in PFI's criminal conspiracy to spread communal hatred and enmity. Irshad had attended training classes held under the garb of Physical Education at Ahmad Palace in Patna's Phulwari Sharif area. He was also associated with PFI's training centres and activities. Six persons were arrested earlier in this case pertaining to PFI's unlawful and violent activities. The case was initially registered at Phulwari Sharif police station in Patna on July 12, 2022, and 10 days later, the probe into the matter was taken over by the NIA. One person --Yakoob, is still absconding. He had recently posted a derogatory and inflammatory Facebook video, aimed at disturbing peace and communal harmony. Many Facebook users have criticised that post. Earlier on Sunday, the NIA had carried out extensive searches in Motihari district of Bihar, and had arrested two persons. --IANS atk/pgh ( 257 Words) 2023-02-06-23:28:03 (IANS) With the assembly elections to be held later this year, the political temperature in Madhya Pradesh is heated up. Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday attacked the former CM and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Kamal Nath about his promises during 2018 assembly elections. Addressing the media persons in the state capital Bhopal on Monday, Chouhan said, "Congress party and Kamal Nath lie. Many false promises were made in the promissory note during 2018 assembly elections. Nath came to power to fulfil the promises but he did not fulfil any." "I want to reveal the truth before the public. Kamal Nath has not answered a single question, he avoids the question by diverting the issue," CM Chouhan said. "Kamal Nath ji, you had written in the promissory note of 2018 that 50 per cent subsidy was to be given on modern agricultural machinery but a single grant was not given. You tell me how much grant you gave after coming into power in the state. In fact, grants for many schemes were stopped," the chief minister added. Reacting to a statement in which it is said that Congress leader Arun Yadav has been declared as party's Chief Minister face from Delhi, CM Chouhan said, "Somebody is writing as future CM while someone is saying it is yet not decided. The Congress should decide what they want. Those who got everything are still making false promises in their longing to get more." Meanwhile, Nath retaliated to CM Chouhan's remark. He tweeted, "Shivraj ji, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had announced in its manifesto that all farmers would be given 90 per cent subsidy on zero till seed drill machine and happy turbo seeder machine so that delay in harvesting would not affect the second crop. If any farmer in the state has received 90 per cent subsidy, then you should tell the public." "You start talking ridiculous things everyday to make fun of yourself. Do understand the dignity and seriousness of the post," Nath further wrote on Twitter. (ANI) As per information, the railway scrap worth crores were sold to the scrap dealer in connivance of the RPF personnel. The Divisional Railway Manager of Samastipur Railway Division, Ashok Agarwal said, "A departmental-level inquiry committee has been formed for investigation. Two personnel have been suspended with immediate effect including Jhanjharpur RPF outpost in-charge Srinivas of Railway Division and Jamadar Mukesh Kumar Singh of Madhubani for not informing the department about the case on time". DRM Aggarwal further added, "It has been reported that a scrap of the railway line was sold to the the scrap dealer in connivance of the RPF without auctioning it. There seems to be a stir in the railway department regarding the matter." The railway line was laid from Pandaul station of Samastipur Railway Division to Lohat Sugar Mill which was closed for a long time. The whole matter is being investigated by the team of Darbhanga RPF Post and Railway Vigilance. (ANI) The weekly meeting of the BJP in the Parliament takes place every Tuesday when the House is in function. Discussion on crucial issues, including the recently passed Union Budget 2023-24 is likely to take place in this meeting. Among the top leaders of the party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to attend the meeting. The Prime Minister is also expected to address the party meeting where he is likely to guide the BJP MPs. The budget session of Parliament started on January 31 this year with the joint Address by President Droupadi Murmu. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget 2023-24 on February 1. Since then there has been no business in Parliament because of the continued logjam over the Adani issue. The Opposition has demanded that the government should come up and respond in Parliament about the Adani stock issue following which disruption has been witnessed in both Houses. Opposition parties are demanding a joint parliamentary committee probe into the allegations of stock manipulation against the Adani Group. The first half of the Budget session will continue till February 13 and the second half will be held from March 13 to April 6. (ANI) Additional Director General of Police, Uttarakhand Abhinav Kumar, IPS has been invited as a speaker at the annual India Conference 2023 to be held in Harvard Kennedy School in the United States between February 11-12. "The graduate students of Harvard University are excited and honoured to invite you to be a speaker at the 20th edition of the annual India Conference taking place on February 11-12, 2023. One of the largest student-run conferences of its kind in the United States, the event is organized entirely by students from across the Harvard Schools and will be held at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School," reads the letter from Harssh A Poddar, MC/MPA Harvard Kennedy School. The letter said the conference hosts over 5000 attendees from around the world and has been featured in leading Indian and international publications. The theme for this year's conference is "Vision 2047: India at 100 years of Independence". The India Conference offers a platform for policymakers, business leaders, cultural icons and academic experts to meaningfully discuss how India can fulfill her global potential. The conference has a history of hosting leaders ranging from India's top ministers and officials to business leaders and influencers. "Your views in the area of best practices in law enforcement in challenging areas shall be invaluable to the attendees of the conference and have the power to inform a global audience of how Indian law enforcement agencies have dealt with exigencies in sensitive areas and created opportunities going forward for holistic development of these regions in the decades to come," it said. "We are fortunate to have the opportunity to leverage the resources and brand of Harvard University to foster a positive dialogue and narrative about India. We hope you will accept and join us in person in Boston. We would also like you to join our invite-only reception dinner on February 11 with all conference speakers and the organizing team," it added. (ANI) The opposition parties are going to meet on Tuesday at 10 AM to "decide the day's strategy" regarding their demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the Adani Issue. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh informed via a tweet that the opposition parties are going to have a meeting on Tuesday to decide the day's strategy as there are no efforts from the Government to break the logjam caused by its refusal to allow the opposition to even raise its demand for a JPC into the "PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam". "Today Oppn parties meet at 10 am to decide the day's strategy. No effort from the Govt to break the logjam caused by its refusal to allow Oppn to even raise its demand for a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam. Oppn wants Parliament to function, but Modi Sarkar is afraid!", Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted. Jairam Ramesh alleged that the Opposition wants the parliament to function but the government is afraid of it. However, the opposition parties are expected to end the deadlock in the Parliament today. After placing their demands, they can participate in the discussion on the President's address, the final decision will be taken in the meeting of the opposition parties on Tuesday. Congress senior leader Digvijay Singh on Monday said that the party would not "back down" till Prime Minister Narendra Modi agrees to have a discussion on Hindenburg Research's report against Adani Group in Parliament. Congress is continuously cornering the government over the issue in Parliament forcing the adjournments of both Houses during the Budget Session. On Monday, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm and then for the day. This is the third day of the logjam in Parliament over the opposition's demand for the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Congress held nationwide protests outside State Bank of India (SBI) branches and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) offices on Monday, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the matter. It is being argued by the opposition that the investment of the Adani group in public sector banks such as the SBI and LIC has had a big impact on the savings of the middle class. Opposition parties on Monday protested near the Gandhi statue outside Parliament and demanded a Joint Parliament Committee investigation or Supreme Court-monitored probe into the Hindenburg-Adani row. A report by a US-based Hindenburg Research surfaced on January 24, claiming that the Adani Group had weak business fundamentals, and was involved in stock manipulation and accounting fraud, among others. According to the statement, the Adani portfolio and the Adani verticals are focused on bringing India into the global economy and nation-building. In the summary of the long response by Adani Group, it said the report was "nothing but a lie". The report triggered a sell-off of shares of all Adani Group companies. Although the Congress is getting the support of other opposition parties on the Adani issue, it has to be seen whether the parties such as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Aam Aadmi Party and Trinamool Congress, which are seen together in the meetings, will join the Congress demonstration or extend moral support. However, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Janata Dal (Secular) have kept their distance from Congress on this issue. (ANI) Goodyear Middle East & Africa (MEA) has announced the appointment of Hamzeh Afaneh as Director of its Commercial tyre business. Afaneh joined Goodyear MEA in early 2021 as Commercial Regional Manager. In that role, Afaneh led the team for the Gulf Cooperations Council (GCC) region and near East region, to grow the sale of commercial tyres and delivering tailored digital solutions to customers. A veteran of the tyre industry for almost sixteen years, Afaneh is well versed in brand marketing, sales and business development across the region. In his new role at Goodyear MEA, Afaneh will assume responsibility for developing the strategy to support the digital transformation in the commercial tyre business and leading the implementation of initiatives aimed at growing the companys commercial portfolio reach across the region. Digital transformation Afaneh said: I look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver on the Goodyear promise of high quality and dependable commercial tyres for our customers. I also look forward to play an active role in supporting the digital transformation of the regions commercial tyre industry. Khaled Arafa, General Manager for MEA at Goodyear said: Hamzeh has a wealth of experience in the MEA tyre industry and his understanding of the region will ensure that we continue to deliver value to our partners, customers and stakeholders.-- TradeArabia News Service Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MP K Keshav Rao on Tuesday gave suspension of business notice in the Rajya Sabha under rule 267 demanding a discussion on the Hindenburg report against Adani Enterprises. In his notice to the Chairman, the BRS MP expressed his desire for a discussion on the issue and said, "That this House suspend the Rules, pertaining to Business listed in today's (7.2.2023) Agenda and take up discussion of Hindenburg Report on M/s Adani Enterprises and other companies of his group." "Sir, The report exposes the dangers to which the Indian people and economy are subjected to and merit immediate discussion, adjourning today's list of Business in the House, as sought," it added. The concerned report is from US-based Hindenburg Research that surfaced on January 24 and claimed that the Adani Group had weak business fundamentals, and was involved in stock manipulation and accounting fraud, among others. According to a statement by the Adani Group, the Adani portfolio and the Adani verticals are focused on bringing India into the global economy and nation-building. In the summary of the long response by Adani Group, it said the report was "nothing but a lie". The report, however, triggered a sell-off of shares of all Adani Group companies. The budget session of Parliament started on January 31 this year with the joint Address by President Droupadi Murmu. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget 2023-24 on February 1. Since then there has been no business in Parliament because of the continued logjam over the Adani issue. The Opposition has demanded that the government should come up and respond in Parliament about the Adani stock issue following which disruption has been witnessed in both Houses. The opposition parties are going to meet today at 10 am to "decide the day's strategy" regarding their demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the Adani Issue. "Today Oppn parties meet at 10 am to decide the day's strategy. No effort from the Govt to break the logjam caused by its refusal to allow Oppn to even raise its demand for a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam. Oppn wants Parliament to function, but Modi Sarkar is afraid!", Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted. On Monday, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm and then for the day. This is the third day of the logjam in Parliament over the opposition's demand for the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Congress held nationwide protests outside State Bank of India (SBI) branches and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) offices on February 6, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the matter. It is being argued by the opposition that the investment of the Adani group in public sector banks such as the SBI and LIC has had a big impact on the savings of the middle class. (ANI) Delhi Police has arrested gangster Chhota Rajan's aide Bhupendra alias Bhuppi and brought him to the national capital on transit remand from Uttarakhand, officials said on Tuesday. Bhupendra alias Bhuppi, and accused in a 2020 case of fake currencies, was arrested from Haldwani jail in Uttarakhand and presented in a court here after which he was sent to four-day custody. Bhuppi along with a gangster named Bunty were close aides of Chhota Rajan and has underworld connections. As per police, Bhuppi was engaged in fake currency note business with terrorist Naushad, who was arrested from Jahangirpuri in the national capital last month. Bhuppi has been absconding in a case dating back to 2020. Naushad, who is already under arrest, will also be questioned, the police said. Naushad Ali and his associate Jagjit Singh alias Jagga were arrested last month from Jahangirpui. They were in touch with terrorists of the Harkat-ul Ansar outfit and the Hizbul Mujahideen, which has been designated as a terror outfit in India. Naushad, the terrorist who was arrested in the Jahangirpuri area of the national capital had on interrogation earlier disclosed to Delhi Police that he received instructions from his Pakistani handlers and attempted going to Pakistan through Nepal twice but failed, sources claimed. The duo was also in touch with certain gangsters namely Sunil Rathi, Neeraj Bawana, Irfan Chhenu, Hashim Baba, Ible Hasan and Imran Pehelwan, police have found. Both the arrested terrorists were tasked to carry out targeted attacks on "right-wing Hindu leaders," according to Delhi Police According to the sources, during the interrogation by the Special Cell, Naushad revealed that he was constantly receiving instructions from Pakistani handlers Asfaq and Suhail. Naushad had constant contact with Pakistani terrorist Asfaq alias Arif. Asfaq alias Arif is a special member of the terrorist organization Lashkar e Taiba. Naushad revealed during the probe that when he was in jail, he had met Nadeem associated with the terrorist organization Harkat-ul-Ansar. Sources said that Naushad also went to Nepal twice in 2019 to find a way to go from Nepal to Pakistan. Naushad, who was imprisoned for murder, was released from jail in 2018 after 25 years, since then he started working at the behest of Pakistani terrorist Suhail. Naushad had been lodged in different jails in India for almost 27 years and during that time he kept meeting the terrorists of Pakistani terrorist organizations, after which he started working for them, the police said. (ANI) The Election Commission of India has approved the 'two leaves' symbol for All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), in what seemed to be a mild victory for Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) faction. ECI also approved the AIADMK Presidium Chairman Tamilmagan Hussain to sign in forms A and B and also authorised candidates to contest on behalf of AIADMK on the two-leaves symbol. Tamilmagan Hussain said that this is the first step towards winning the Erode East bye-elections, and also expressed hope that AIADMK would be winning the seat. However, Tamil Magan Hussain denied answering any questions regarding what would be the next legal action in the matter. Earlier, the Supreme Court ordered the AIADMK party General Council to pass a resolution related to a candidate who will represent the party in the upcoming bye-elections of Erode (East) constituency in Tamil Nadu. Following this AIADMK Presidium Chairman Tamilmagan Hussain sent affidavit forms to all General Council members of AIADMK. This brought criticism from the O Pannerselvam (OPS) faction who called the action as one-sided. The OPS faction also withdrew their candidate Senthil Murugan from Erode east by-election. The faction said that they don't want to be the reason for the freezing of the 'two leaves' symbol. But, they said that they will campaign for the symbol but not for the candidate. However, the solution can be termed temporary as the Supreme Court clearly mentioned the verdict as interim arrangements only in relation to the forthcoming bye-elections. Meanwhile, today is the last day to file a nomination, and AIADMK candidate Thennarasu will be filing his nomination for Erode East bye-election. Earlier on Saturday, Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) faction of the AIADMK circulated forms to gather support for its candidate, former MLA Thiru KS Thennarasu, among the General Council members for the upcoming Erode East bypolls. This comes after the Supreme Court asked the AIADMK party General Council to pass a resolution related to a candidate who will represent the party in the upcoming bye-elections of Erode (East) constituency in Tamil Nadu. It also permitted the three expelled members of the party including O Panneerselvam (OPS) to vote in the General Council. The AIADMK has been following a dual-leadership formula with EPS as co-coordinator and OPS as coordinator, since the demise of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in 2016. The clamour for leadership has been growing louder for a single leader in the party since the district secretary meeting on June 14, 2022. As of July 11, 2022, at the general council meeting of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Edappadi K Palaniswami was elected as the interim general secretary of the party. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the plea of journalist Rana Ayyub challenging the summons issued to her by a special PMLA court in Ghaziabad in a money laundering case lodged against her by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The top court said the question related to the fact of the matter is required to be decided on evidence and therefore it leaves it open to raise this issue before the trial court. "We are dismissing this petition," the top court said. A bench headed by Justice V Ramasubramanian has heard the matter and reserved the order on Ayyub's plea against the Ghaziabad court's order where summons were issued to her in relation to a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case. Earlier, the apex court had asked the Ghaziabad court to adjourn the case and posted Ayyub's plea for hearing before it on January 31 against the summons issued by the Ghaziabad court. Ghaziabad court on November 29 last year issued summon to Ayyub and asked her to appear before it on January 27. During the hearing, advocate Vrinda Grover appearing for Ayyub told the bench that she is raising a jurisdictional issue that the Ghaziabad court has no jurisdiction to hear the matter. The prosecution complaint ought to have been filed in Mumbai, where the offence is alleged to have taken place, Grover said, adding that the alleged proceeds of the crime are at a bank account in Navi Mumbai and no part of the offence took place in Uttar Pradesh. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, opposed Ayyub's plea saying that money laundering is not a standalone offence and is linked with the scheduled offence. Mehta said that several persons from Uttar Pradesh have donated to Ayyub's campaign so a part of the cause of action has arisen in Ghaziabad and Uttar Pradesh. Solicitor General said that the agency has found that the money received was used for "travel and joy". In October 2022, the ED had filed a complaint against her before the Ghaziabad court over alleged violations in publicly raising funds. ED had registered the case on the basis of a complaint registered in September 2021 in Ghaziabad under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Amendment Act and Black Money Act against Ayyub. It was alleged in the FIR that she illegally acquired funds from the general public in the name of charity by launching fundraiser campaigns. Ayyub received foreign contributions without registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), it was alleged. (ANI) Amid the logjam over the Adani-Hindenburg issue, Opposition parties, except Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have decided to participate in the Parliamentary debates on Tuesday, said sources. A meeting of like-minded opposition party's Floor leaders was held at the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge's office on Tuesday to "decide the day's strategy" regarding their demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the Adani Issue. "Most Opposition parties have decided to participate in Parliamentary proceedings from today and continue to raise their demand for a JPC into the PM-linked Adani Maha Mega Scam," tweeted Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in-charge, Communications. Opposition parties are demanding a joint parliamentary committee probe into the allegations of stock manipulation against the Adani Group. The budget session of Parliament started on January 31 this year with the joint Address by President Droupadi Murmu. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget 2023-24 on February 1. Since then there has been no business in Parliament because of the continued logjam over the Adani issue. The Opposition has demanded that the government should come up and respond in Parliament about the Adani stock issue following which disruption has been witnessed in both Houses. Congress senior leader Digvijay Singh on Monday said that the party would not "back down" till Prime Minister Narendra Modi agrees to have a discussion on Hindenburg Research's report against Adani Group in Parliament. Congress is continuously cornering the government over the issue in Parliament forcing the adjournments of both Houses during the Budget Session.On Monday, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm and then for the day.This is the third day of the logjam in Parliament over the opposition's demand for the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Congress held nationwide protests outside State Bank of India (SBI) branches and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) offices on Monday, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the matter. It is being argued by the opposition that the investment of the Adani group in public sector banks such as the SBI and LIC has had a big impact on the savings of the middle class.Opposition parties on Monday protested near the Gandhi statue outside Parliament and demanded a Joint Parliament Committee investigation or Supreme Court-monitored probe into the Hindenburg-Adani row. A report by a US-based Hindenburg Research surfaced on January 24, claiming that the Adani Group had weak business fundamentals, and was involved in stock manipulation and accounting fraud, among others. According to the statement, the Adani portfolio and the Adani verticals are focused on bringing India into the global economy and nation-building. In the summary of the long response by Adani Group, it said the report was "nothing but a lie". The report triggered a sell-off of shares of all Adani Group companies. Although the Congress is getting the support of other opposition parties on the Adani issue, it has to be seen whether the parties such as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Aam Aadmi Party and Trinamool Congress, which are seen together in the meetings, will join the Congress demonstration or extend moral support. However, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Janata Dal (Secular) have kept their distance from Congress on this issue. The first half of the Budget session will continue till February 13 and the second half will be held from March 13 to April 6. (ANI) Kerala Tourism Minister P A Muhammad Riyas has informed that with 1.88 crore domestic tourists visiting the state in 2022, the department has seen a rise of 2.63 per cent. "1.88 crore domestic tourists visited Kerala in 2022. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the maximum number of domestic tourists who used to visit the state in a year was 1,83,84,233 which has now risen to 1,88,67,414, thus growth of 2.63 per cent growth in 2022," P A Muhammad Riyas said in the Assembly house. He further said that this 'all-time record' has been achieved with the people traveling to the six districts, namely Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Wayanad, Alappuzha, Malappuram, and Thiruvananthapuram. "The destination wedding has emerged as a post-Covid trend in the Tourism industry. There are weddings conducted at far-off places where the bride and the groom travel with their friends and relatives. Taking note of the trend, Kerala did marketing in the area and now the magazine Travel Leisure has selected it as the best destination for weddings," he added. Later in the address, he underlined that European countries have an interest in Ayurvedic treatment, and the state is expected to become a Centre for the same. He said that Kerala is also known for its 'wellness tourism'. "Kerala also succeeds in Wellness Tourism. European countries have an interest in ayurvedic treatment and Kerala is supposed to become its center, though it has not achieved it yet. The tourism department is planning to focus on the sector and to strengthen the marketing and planning for conducting a workshop, here," he said. He also termed the Floating bridge as a successful project hinting at its vital role in enhancing Tourism here. "Floating bridge is a successful project. It has currently started in Kannur and Kozhikode, but we are planning to embark it in nine other districts. The department is planning to utilize all the possibilities of nightlife here," the Tourism Minister said. The 100 meter-long and 3 metre-wide floating bridge was set up by the state tourism department, in early 2022, at Beypore beach in Kozhikode for tourists to walk along with waves. (ANI) The copy has been supplied to the accused. Metropolitan magistrate Aviral Shukla took cognizance on the chargesheet. The court has listed the matter for scrutiny of documents on February 21. Media entry was stopped by Delhi Police. The proceedings took place behind closed doors. Aaftab was produced physically in the courtroom. Before the hearing, Delhi Police thoroughly checked the court area with a dog squad. Delhi Police on January 24 filed a voluminous 6629 pages chargesheet against Aaftab. The investigating officer informed the court that the chargesheet contains 6,629 pages including the annexures. Following this, the judge said, "it is voluminous." Accused Aaftab was produced through video conferencing from Tihar Jail after the expiry of judicial custody. Earlier, Aaftab had told the court that he wants to change his counsel advocate MS Khan. The charge sheet has been filed under sections of 302, 201 and other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Delhi Police filed the charge before the expiry of 90 days after its investigation. During the investigation, Delhi police conducted the narco Analysis test, polygraph test and collected the DNA evidence to establish the allegations against Aftab. Aftab is accused of strangling his live-in partner in May 2022 in the Mehrauli area. After the alleged strangulation, he allegedly cut the body of the deceased into 35 pieces. While seeking permission to obtain the voice sample, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Amit Prasad had submitted before the court that the voice sample is required to investigate the matter. According to sources Delhi police had some videos and audio related to the case. Delhi police wanted to obtain a voice sample of Aaftab to examine that evidence. Earlier, the Saket court had dismissed the bail plea of Aaftab Poonawala after he withdrew the same. (ANI) The police reached the spot and started investigating the matter. But, the accused who fired the shots was able to flee and the police are searching for him. ACP Sumit Sood told the reporters that the shots were fired outside the court premises, and the police have started an investigation into the case. One of the eyewitnesses, Sukhdeep alleged that one person has been injured in the firing. He also said that he was passing by the place when the bullet was fired. Further details are awaited in the case. (ANI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) held a protest in the national capital and accused each other of delaying the election after the election was postponed for the third time. The AAP workers were protesting at BJP headquarters while the BJP workers held a protest at the AAP office. Earlier on Monday, the high-octane political drama unfolded inside the Delhi Civic Centre as the House met for a third time this month to elect the mayor, only to be deferred till the next date due to ruckus over the nominated members being permitted to vote. The House, which was first summoned on January 6 and then on January 25, had ended without a result due to unprecedented scenes emerging after the nominated members were allowed the right to vote for the post of mayor, deputy mayor and chairpersons of various standing committees. The Civic Centre summoned for the third time on Monday to elect the mayor, however, no voting could take place due to ruckus and sloganeering and hence the stalemate continued. The House proceedings began at the Delhi Civic Centre after Presiding officer Satya Sharma arrived and announced that aldermen- nominated members- will be allowed to vote in the process of electing the mayor. However, the House was adjourned after the Aam Aadmi Party members objected to it. Soon after the House was resumed, the BJP members could be seen sloganeering while also accusing the AAP of attempting to poach its councillors. The House was adjourned owing to the uproar, thus failing to elect the Mayor. The municipal elections in Delhi were held on 4 December and the results were announced on 7 December, in which the Aam Aadmi Party won a maximum of 134 seats out of 250. (ANI) According to Mumbai Police, the call was received at around 10 pm at Mumbai airport on Monday. The caller introduced himself as Irfan Ahmed Sheikh and described himself as a member of the terrorist organization Indian Mujahideen. After giving his introduction, the caller spoke about suspicious things using some code words. The airport authority immediately informed Mumbai Police about the call. Police registered a case against the unknown person under section 505 (1) of the IPC. The investigation is underway. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police and other agencies are on alert and security has been beefed up. (ANI) In 2023, a continued shift in the treasurys mindset from build to buy will be seen, according to Wissam Khoury, EVP, Treasury & Capital Markets, Finastra, a global provider of financial software applications and marketplaces. Banks are increasingly buying the latest solutions from specialist fintechs instead of developing them in-house, but we expect to see particular growth in the as-a-Service subscription model due to its myriad benefits, he says. By purchasing and deploying fully managed solutions which provide functional and technical enhancements in their core, banks can become a future-ready, integrated platform with increased agility and lower TCO through tech stack modernisation and deployment. Increased connectivity There will be increased connectivity with ecosystems which allow banks to implement, via APIs, specialised fintech applications which accelerate the rollout of regulatory requirements. The pandemic, global conflicts, economic and political uncertainty in the last few years, have caused an increased frequency of extreme events that have impacted risk management and placed more strain on a banks balance sheet. Additionally, we are seeing fast-changing regulations and increasing cost pressures, meaning banks have to increase their ability to adapt to new demands while decreasing their total cost of ownership (TCO), he says. Role of treasury and banks As these events continue to impact financial services, in 2023 Finastra expects to see an increased importance of the role of the treasury and banks embracing digital transformation to remain relevant. By phasing out their legacy technology and moving their operations into a cloud environment, banks can adapt quicker to ongoing uncertainty and future-proof their investments through systems and solutions that provide the agility, adoption rate and functionality to meet regulatory deadlines. They can also reduce costs, scale their business and improve functionality with faster upgrades and enhanced services.-- TradeArabia News Service The pilot Parliamentary Meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the presentation of the budget session, took place on Tuesday. Various issues including the parliament logjam were discussed, informed the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President JP Nadda were also present. Prahlad Joshi informed that the Prime Minister pointed out various crucial issues during the meeting. Regarding the deadlock in the parliament by the opposition, the PM has expressed hope that the session will start from Tuesday. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that he has personally talked to the opposition leaders and all of them have assured him individually to let the house function. "We also want a discussion, before President's address, a discussion should take place," Pralhad Joshi said. "They (opposition) are blaming that government is not answering but how will the government answer if the house is not working," he added. Regarding the budget, the PM said that it is for the first time in history that no one is able to call it a political budget even if it is presented just before the elections. The poor are at the centre of this budget. Pralhad Joshi said that in all 10 budgets (including one interim budget), the poor have been at the centre at all times. All sections of society including the middle class got something from the budget. The Prime Minister urged all the BJP Members of Parliament to explain the benefits of the budget in their respective constituencies. The PM asked them to interact with the people about the good intentions of the budget. The PM, in the meeting, said that whenever a budget is presented it is always criticized, but this time even the rivals are praising it. On the G20 management across the states, PM expressed joy that all the 20 meetings that have taken place, were managed well. Even the delegates are agreeing that the management is flawless. (ANI) 46-year-old ADJ Judge Poonam Tyagi posted at Mainpuri met with an accident under Nagla Khangar police station area on Agra-Lucknow Expressway. The car rammed into the truck going ahead of them after the driver allegedly fell asleep, killing the judge. The driver and ADJ Poonam Tyagi were critically injured in the accident. The nearest police station incharge reached the spot as soon as the information was received. The seriously injured judge and her driver were sent to Saifai PGI. Judge Poonam Tyagi was declared dead after the test, while the driver is undergoing treatment. Poonam Tyagi was coming to Mainpuri in her car after spending two days off. Her car reached the Agra Lucknow Expressway when the driver allegedly fell asleep. Due to this, the car rammed into the truck going in front of them. Both were seriously injured after the accident. As soon as the information about the accident was received, SHO Mahesh Chandra reached the spot with additional force. The administrative officers also reached the spot. Both the injured were sent to PGI Saifai, where Poonam Tyagi was declared brought dead. The damaged car is under police custody at the Uravar police post. In this regard, SP Rural Ranvijay Singh said that post mortem of the dead body is underway at Saifai PGI. While his driver is undergoing treatment. His condition is also critical. (ANI) Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary and MP Vaiko on Tuesday said he has written to the President and the Chief Justice of India to reconsider the appointment of Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri as an additional judge of the Madras High Court. "The appointment of a controversial figure like Victoria Gowri as a judge is against the principles of secularism," Vaiko said. Vaiko further added that Victoria Gowri has criticized Christians and Muslims at times and is therefore "unfit to be a judge". "Her appointment as a judge comes as a shock. We have written to the President and the Chief Justice to reconsider this," Vaiko said. The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to entertain a plea against the appointment of Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri as an additional judge of the Madras High Court. A bench of Justices Sanjeev Khanna and BR Gavai declined to stay the oath ceremony of advocate Victoria Gowri as a Madras High Court judge. Victoria Gowri took oath as an additional judge of the Madras High Court, while the hearing was going on in the apex court. The court said that it could not presume that the Collegium was not aware of Gowri's political background or her controversial statements and that the top court would not at this juncture interfere with the Collegium's decision. "We are not entertaining the writ petition. Reasons will follow," the apex court said while concluding the hearing. Senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, appearing for the petitioners, said Victoria Gowri has been rendered unfit to take oath due to her public utterances. Justice Khanna said there are instances of persons with political backgrounds being appointed as judges. The materials are of speeches from 2018 and the Collegium must have gone through before recommending the name of Victoria Gowri, the bench observed. Justice BR Gavai said, "I also have a political background before joining the court as a judge, I have been a judge for 20 years and my political background has not come in my way." Ramachandran said that this was not a matter of mere political speeches or opinions by Victoria Gowri but many of her statements amount to hate speech. He said, "Hate speech is something which runs antithesis to the constitution and such an oath will be an insincere oath and only on paper." The bench then said that the Collegium must have considered such material and passing a judicial order now would amount to going against the Collegium's wisdom. The apex court also said that the appointment of Victoria Gowri is only as an additional judge and the Collegium can reconsider its decision and not make her permanent after her tenure as an additional judge is over. (ANI) Delhi's Saket court on Saturday discharged Sharjeel Imam, Asif Iqbal Tanha, Safoora Zargar and eight other accused in the Jamia Millia Islamia University violence case registered in 2019. However, the court had directed to frame charges against Mohd Iliyas alias Allen in the matter. The trial court had made serious remarks in the case. The court had said that the accused were made scapegoats in the matter. The court had said that Delhi Police had no evidence against the accused persons. This case pertains to violence in Jamia and surrounding areas in December 2019. Violence erupted after a clash between people protesting against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the police. A case was registered at Jamia Nagar police station and Delhi Police had made 12 persons accused in the case. Delhi Police charged the accused with offences of rioting and unlawful assembly and Section 143, 147, 148, 149, 186, 353, 332, 333, 308, 427, 435, 323, 341, 120B and 34 of IPC were invoked in the FIR. Sharjeel was granted bail in 2021. However, Sharjeel Imam will remain in custody as he is accused in the Delhi riots larger conspiracy case and a sedition case. His bail in the larger conspiracy case and sedition case was dismissed by the Karkardooma court. (ANI) Aam Admi Party (AAP) workers on Tuesday protested against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) outside the latter's party office alleging that the saffron party is not allowing the election of Mayor in Municipal Cooperation of Delhi. Aam Admi Party MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj who was present in the protest launched a scathing attack on the saffron party. He said, "BJP understands only the stick of the court. No option left except the court. The Court threatened them on the appointment of judges only then they understood!" AAP MP Sanjay Singh said, "Modi ji sold everything Airport, Rail, Steel, Cement, Coal to Adani, got 2.5 Lakh Crore loan of people whose money is deposited in LIC-SBI." "PM Modi did not make Joint Parliamentary Crore because he is involved in this scam along with Adani," Singh added. The protestors carried boards with slogans like "Shame on you BJP people! Stop killing democracy! Get the mayor elected!" On Monday, the high-octane political drama unfolded inside the Delhi Civic Centre as the House met for a third time this month to elect the mayor, only to be deferred till the next date due to a ruckus over the nominated members being permitted to vote. The House, which was first summoned on January 6 and then on January 25, had ended without a result due to unprecedented scenes emerging after the nominated members were allowed the right to vote for the post of mayor, deputy mayor and chairpersons of various standing committees. The Civic Centre summoned for the third time on Monday to elect the mayor, however, no voting could take place due to ruckus and sloganeering and hence the stalemate continued. The House proceedings began at the Delhi Civic Centre after Presiding officer Satya Sharma arrived and announced that aldermen- nominated members- will be allowed to vote in the process of electing the mayor. However, the House was adjourned after the Aam Aadmi Party members objected to it. Soon after the House was resumed, the BJP members could be seen sloganeering while also accusing the AAP of attempting to poach its councillors. The House was adjourned owing to the uproar, thus failing to elect the Mayor. (ANI) Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the bail plea of British citizen Christian Michel, accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam. Michel had approached the apex court seeking bail in the cases registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Agusta Westland VVIP chopper scam being probed by the agencies. Counsel appearing for Michel, a United Kingdom national who was extradited from Dubai in 2018, had earlier told the bench that Michel has spent around four years in jail after his extradition in connection with an FIR registered in 2013 for the incident which took place in 2004 till 2008. Counsel had said that Michel had almost finished the maximum sentence of five years for the offences that he had been alleged with. The court was told that many accused persons who were similarly placed had been granted bail by the trial court except Michel. The bench had earlier expressed its concern over the relationship between the treaty and the statute (Extradition Act, 1962) and said the statute says he can only be tried for the offences for which he has surrendered or has been extradited and the limitation imposed by the statute cannot be removed by a treaty. The apex court had also asked earlier, the counsel of Michel and ASG to submit a note on the issue and listed the matter. ED had opposed the bail plea of Michel and earlier told the Supreme Court that he has tried to pass confidential papers to his counsel at the time of legal access. It had said that further investigation in the present case is still ongoing and many crucial documents are required to be collected across jurisdictions for the purpose of the investigation therefore it is strongly apprehended that he might try to tamper the witnesses or evidence and obstruct the judicial process. The investigating agency had told the bench that the role of Michel is clearly established and the offence of money laundering is squarely made out against him. Michel had challenged the March 11 order of the Delhi High Court in the apex court, which had refused to grant him bail. Earlier, the trial court had rejected his bail plea and had shown its displeasure with the British High Commission for sending a letter addressed to it stating that the medical condition of Michel and his pre-trial detention of two and half years may be taken into account when his bail application is considered. Christian Michel James was extradited in 2018 after India won the extradition case in Dubai. Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the deal, was deported from the UAE and is currently in judicial custody. The Dubai-based businessman Rajeev Saxena was extradited to India on January 31, 2019, in connection with the Rs 3,600-crore alleged scam relating to the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from Agusta Westland. (ANI) Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said that eastern Ladakh is being dominated by physical and technical patrolling by the Indian Army to ensure the territorial integrity of the country. Referring to the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where a clash erupted between the Indian Army and Chinese troops at a place near Yangtse in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang sector, the Northern Army Commander said, "On the LAC, our response to Chinese attempts to unilaterally change the status quo was a swift, undaunted and synergized action by the Indian Armed Forces. Any adverse aggressive designs or attempts will definitely be met with appropriate posturing of the forces and a strong intent with complete synergy amongst the three services." "Measures to resolve the LAC situation at diplomatic and operational levels are also simultaneously underway. I assure you that the LAC in eastern Ladakh is being dominated by physical patrolling and through technical means and our territorial integrity is being ensured. Restoration of peace and tranquillity to enable progress in bilateral relations has been and will remain our constant endeavour," he added. The Northern Army Commander was addressing the first segment of the Investiture Ceremony at Srinagar. The event was conducted to commend the Army's acts of bravery, commitment, and sacrifice which have contributed to the stability along the Line of Control (LoC) and the LAC. In his address, Lt Gen Dwivedi assured that the Northern Command is in a high state of readiness and morale to face constantly evolving threats and challenges and said, "The security situation in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh poses many challenges in terrain and operational dynamics, especially from different adversaries along the northern and western borders. We are committed to defending India's sovereignty and territorial integrity while upholding the democratic traditions of the nation." The situation along the Line of Control (LoC) has remained stable and the ceasefire understandings continue to sustain, Lt Gen Dwivedi said on Tuesday assuring the people that the Army is in "high state" of readiness and morale to face evolving challenges. He also said that the Army is maintaining a constant vigil, monitoring all developments, and will take all necessary steps to protect the national interests. "We are maintaining a constant vigil, monitoring all developments, and will take all necessary steps to protect our national interests. Indian Army is prepared to meet any challenges in the future and will always work for the betterment of the people of the region. The last two years have brought to the fore newer challenges in the wake of the abrogation of Article 370, the Galwan conflict, and multiple waves of COVID-19," he added underscoring that these challenges have served to strengthen the Army's resolve to be steadfast and determined in its commitment. Further talking about LoC, he said that the situation here has remained stable and the cease-fire understanding continues to sustain. "A very strict vigil and a robust technology-enabled multi-tiered counter-infiltration grid is being maintained, to thwart any attempts at infiltration. Ceasefire violations, infiltration bids, or any other misadventure attempted by the adversary will be dealt with firmly. Numerous infiltration bids have been foiled in the last year. The highest standards of professionalism and jointness displayed by the troops in all dimensions of Counter Terror Operations have nullified the kinetic threat," the Northern Army Commander said. Stressing the concerning rise in Narco-terrorism in Kashmir (J-K), he said that Pakistan is using it as a "new tool in its proxy war". "Kashmir has witnessed a concerning rise in narco-terrorism, as Pakistan is now using this as a new tool in its proxy war. Of late, a dual strategy of sending drugs as well as weapons through drones are being employed to keep the fire burning in an attempt to disrupt the social fabric. The cross-border smuggling of narcotics provides a succor to terrorism. The security forces are alive to this trend and have already initiated counter-drone measures to curb the menace," he said. Lt Gen Dwivedi further said that the focus of the Army continues to reinforce the intelligence set-up with all the stakeholders and its sister agencies to usher in peace and undertake developmental activities. "The overall situation is progressively improving and a positive and conducive environment for accelerating the developmental initiatives of the government has been created. The dividends of peace and stability are reaching people in far-flung areas and they [people in such areas] are participating wholeheartedly to preserve and sustain this peace," he added. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting to consider the demand of the Civil Service aspirants and to grant an extra attempt with corresponding age relaxation to all aspirants who exhausted their last attempts due to Covid-19 pandemic. In a letter to PM Modi, the Chief Minister said, "I write this to bring to your kind notice a genuine request received from the aspirants for the Civil Service Examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Aspirants of various recruitment exams conducted by the Union Government including the Civil Service Examinations who had exhausted their last attempts due to the Covid-19 pandemic, have been requesting for the past two years to extend the age limit for attending the examination as a one-time measure." Stalin said that the Parliament Standing Committee has also recommended to consider sympathetically the demand of the Civil Service aspirants and to grant an extra attempt with corresponding age relaxation to all aspirants. "In this regard, the Apex Court has also advised in various cases [W.P (Civil) No.1012/2020, 1410/2020, 434/2021, 92/2022] to take a lenient view in granting an extra attempt under Regulation 4 of the Indian Administrative Service Regulations, 1955," he said. He further said that more than 150 Members of Parliament across various parties have supported the cause of the aspirants. The Chief Minister pointed out that Tamil Nadu has issued orders to raise the age limit by two years for the aspirants for State Service examinations taking into account the effects of a pandemic. "Further, in this connection, I wish to point out that in Tamil Nadu, orders have been issued in G.O.Ms.No.91, Human Resources Management (S) Department, dated 13.09.2021 raising the age limit by two years for the aspirants for State Service examinations taking into account the effects of the pandemic," he said. Stalin said that the Central Government has also recently granted a relaxation of 3 years beyond the respective prescribed upper age limit for all categories of the candidates as a one-time measure for the recruitment of Constable (General Duty) in Central Armed Police Forces Examinations, 2022 conducted by the Staff Selection Commission. "This is a one-time relaxation and it will not cause any monetary burden to the exchequer but at the same time open a huge opportunity to thousands of youth who aspire to join the Civil Service. Therefore, I appeal to you to consider this favourably, and do the needful in granting an extra attempt by invoking Regulation 4 of the Indian Administrative Service Regulations, 1955 in view of the Covid-19 pandemic," he added. (ANI) Seven flights from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Dubai were unable to land in Chennai and kept circling in the sky. While flights from Dubai were diverted to Bengaluru for landing, said officials. Chennai and its suburbs were suddenly affected by heavy fog after 7:30 am this morning. As a result, flights arriving and landing at Chennai airport were delayed. An Indigo Airlines flight from Bengaluru which was scheduled to land at Chennai at 8 am this morning, circled the sky for a while and left for Bengaluru. Similarly, Emirates Airlines flight which came from Dubai to Chennai circled for a long time and was finally diverted to Bengaluru. (ANI) A Jawan of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) suffered injuries in a blast triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Jharkhand's chaibasa area, police said on Tuesday. The blast took place when a CRPF party of 60 battalion was conducting a search operation on Tuesday in chaibasa, Jharkhand, officials said. "The injured jawan has been evacuated from the blast site and was shifted to a hospital in Ranchi," Police said. On February 2, three personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force sustained injuries in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast on Thursday during a search operation in the forest area of Jokepani, Jharkhand, the CRPF officials had said. According to the CRPF officials, they had also recovered 4 rifles including LMG along with the Jharkhand police. "A search operation was launched by the joint team of 209 CoBRA and Jharkhand Police in the forest area of Jokepani, Nawatoli, Latehar, Jharkhand," CRPF had said in a statement adding that all the jawans had been evacuated and were getting medical treatment at Ranchi. Earlier, in a joint operation in Bihar's Maoist-affected Aurangabad, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Bihar police had seized 162 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and other equipment on January 28. In a statement, CRPF had said, "With the intensive operations conducted by CRPF and Bihar Police against the outlawed Maoists, the State is inching towards normalcy. The operations are continuing in the areas which were earlier considered to be strongholds of Maoists, with the objective of demining the IEDs planted by the Maoists and recovering arms and ammunition that they must have left hidden while fleeing in haste." "In one such search and destroy operation by CRPF and Bihar Police in the area of Laduiya Pahad, Aurangabad on January 27, 13 pressure IEDs were detected initially," the statement had read. On January 23, Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from Dassal village in the district during a joint operation by security forces, police had said. "Later on, IEDs were destroyed by the BDS Team," Rajouri Police officials had said.(ANI) The Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) has received the '2022 Sustainability Awards Cultural Protection & Inheritance' from Voyage Magazine China. The award recognizes Azerbaijan's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Azerbaijan is home to a diverse range of cultural and historical sites, including UNESCO protected ancient sites, beautiful landmarks, and iconic architecture. The country has made significant investments in preserving these sites and promoting them to visitors, in order to both honour its past and create a thriving tourism industry. "We are incredibly proud to have received this award from Voyage Magazine," said the CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board Florian Sengstschmid. "For us sustainable tourism development starts with putting destinations tangible and intangible assets, as well as its people in the heart of the tourism promotion. Preserving our cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism practices are important priorities for us, and we are committed to continuing our efforts in these areas." The 2022 Sustainability Awards by Voyage Magazine is a highly sought-after accolade, and biggest online travel event in China. At the moment, citizens of more than 100 countries, including Chinese citizens can travel to Azerbaijan with a valid Covid vaccination certificate. To enter the country, Chinese citizens need to apply for an e-VISA at least three days before the planned arrival date to Azerbaijan. TradeArabia News Service A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala said that amendments made to the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019 made it clear that aggregators cannot operate without a valid licence. The apex court granted the company liberty to move to the Bombay High Court to challenge January 19 notification issued by the State of Maharashtra. It also asked the High Court to consider such challenge un-influenced. In December 2022, the Pune RTO had rejected Rapido's plea for licence. Earlier, the Bombay High Court had directed Roppen Transportation Services Private Limited, which operates bike taxi aggregator Rapido, to shut operations till January 20 as the startup is yet to receive a licence from the Maharashtra government to operate. The Bombay High Court had pulled up Pune-based bike taxi aggregator for operating without procuring a licence from the Maharashtra government and directed it to suspend the services immediately. Roppen Transportation had moved the High Court against a communication issued to it by the Maharashtra government refusing to grant them a bike taxi aggregator licence. The government cited the reason that there was no state policy on licensing of bike taxis and there was no fare structure policy. The State government had told the High Court that a committee has been set up to explore the formulation of guidelines for bike taxis in the state. (ANI) University Grant Commission (UGC) has released Draft Guidelines and Curriculum Framework for Environment Education at Undergraduate level, underlying that out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), six goals are directly linked to environmental protection and resource conservation. UGC Chairmam M Jagadesh Kumar told ANI that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 underlines the importance of making environmental education an integral part of curricula and encouraging environmental awareness and sensitivity towards its conservation and sustainable development. "NEP also advocates the attainment of holistic and multidisciplinary education, through flexible and innovative curricula for all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) which shall include credit-based courses and projects in the areas of community engagement and service, environmental education, and value-based education," Kumar told ANI. "Global attention to the deteriorating condition of our environment was drawn in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janerio in 1992 and World Summit on Sustainable Development at Johannesburg in 2002. In 2015, United Nations Members adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which provides a "blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future," UGC Chairmam said. He further told ANI that continuing problems of pollution, loss of forests, solid waste disposal, degradation of the environment, issues like economic productivity and national security, global warming, the depletion of the ozone layer and loss of biodiversity have made everyone aware of environmental issues. "Out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), six goals are directly linked to environmental protection and resource conservation,' UGC Chairman said. "In the National Statement at UNFCCC CoP 26 Global Leaders' Summit in Glasgow, the Prime Minister's mantra was Lifestyle for Environment, and he also stressed setting a target for Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2030. On October 20th, 2022 the Prime Minister launched Mission Life, a global movement to safeguard our environment from the impact of climate change" UGC Chairnan added. M Jagadesh Kumar further told ANI that environment education, therefore, needs to include areas such as climate change, pollution, waste management, sanitation, conservation of biological diversity, management of biological resources and biodiversity, forest and wildlife conservation, and sustainable development. Earlier in 2003, UGC had come out with a core module syllabus for compulsory implementation of Environmental Studies at the undergraduate level as per directives of the Supreme Court of India. Further, in 2017, UGC framed an 8 unit's module syllabus for the Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC-Environmental Studies) under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). "The present document is an outcome of the UGC's initiative to implement the National Education Policy, 2020 which has emphasised the need to formulate guidelines and curriculum framework for environmental education. The document is expected to cater to students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and also includes topics to sensitise students about the commitment of the nation towards achieving sustainable development goals," UGC Chairmam said. (ANI) The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday cancelled the leaves of doctors in the state in view of UP Global Investors Summit in 2023, happening in the state. Leaves of doctors working under the Chief Medical Officer have been cancelled till February 16, an official statement said, adding that that "leaves will be available only after permission from the officers under special circumstances." A team of 200 doctors will be pressed into service to take care of the participants' health in the event. "A team of doctors and staff was called from several districts to take care of the guests," the statement added. The Uttar Pradesh Global Investor Summit-2023 or UPGIS-23 is scheduled to be held from February 10 to 12 in Lucknow. The duties of 90 doctors and 90 paramedical staff have been fixed, while the rest of the medical staff have been kept in reserve. "Two temporary hospitals have also been built built to provide immediate medical aid to guests," offcial said. The state government is working on a war footing to ensure the smooth execution of the conference and safety of dignitaries. In a high-level meeting held in December 2022, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath instructed the top-level police officers to chalk out necessary strategies regarding security. He has made it very clear that any laxity in the security of the conference and the dignitaries present would not be tolerated. According to an official press release issued earlier, a three-level security committee will be constituted in relation to the G-20 conference, as per the Chief Minister's instructions. The first of the three committees will be the UP Police Security Coordination Committee, the second will be the Airport Security and Protocol Coordination Committee and the third will be the District Level Security Committee. The nodal officer for these committees will be the IG, of Law and Order. The President, Prime Minister, and foreign leaders' security standards shall be taken into consideration when making these preparations, as per an official press release issued earlier in the month. The Chief Minister has asked to prepare a complete blueprint regarding security at eight different levels regarding the G-20 conference. In these, a separate detailed plan has been asked for advance security liaison, airport protocol and security coordination, motorcade parking and route mapping, traffic arrangement, staff and security personal verification, food security, media arrangement and medical task force, an release said earlier in the month. (ANI) Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday drew a parallel between the old CPI(M) regime and the ongoing Bharatiya Janata Party rule in Tripura and said that the former only "exploited the poor" while the latter nearly ended extremism in the entire northeast. "Tribal society has made a huge contribution to India's freedom. What have CPIM and Congress done for the tribal society? Now Congress and CPIM are fighting together in Tripura. Zero and zero together will remain zero," he said while asserting that both CPIM and Congress will be wiped off from the political arena of the state. Rajnath Singh alleged that the CPI(M) has exploited the poor, labourers and workers of the state. "The CPIM, which talks about the poor, labourers and workers, has only exploited them. CPIM should first implement the old pension scheme in Kerala then they should talk about resuming the Old pension scheme in Tripura," he said while addressing the 'Vijay Sankalp Rallies' in Unakoti and West Tripura District. Referring to president Droupadi Murmu as a sister who is the first tribal leader to be elected to the highest constitutional post of the country and the second woman President of India, the union minister said, "We took the sister coming from the tribal society to the highest constitutional position in the country. But the Congress opposed it." Lauding the work done by the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) in Tripura he said that extremism and separatism have almost ended not only in Tripura but in the entire North-East. "Wonderful work has happened in Tripura in the last five years. Today, extremism and separatism have almost ended not only in Tripura but in the entire Northeast. Peace is established here," said Rajnath Singh. "Today, every household has an electricity supply. Tripura generates excess power that along with Tripura, electricity is being given to other states of the country and even Bangladesh," he said. Rajnath Singh claimed that Tripura is moving towards becoming a big gateway of international trade under the BJP rule. "Under BJP rule, Tripura has got - HIRA. HIRA means Highways, Internet ways, Railways and Airways. The state has got Rail connectivity. Construction of an International Highway is underway and it will connect Agartala to Rangoon and Bangkok by road. Tripura is moving towards becoming a big gateway of international trade," he added. On Wednesday, Singh will address public rallies in South and West Tripura. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Tripura on Monday and held a roadshow along with Chief Minister Manik Saha. Shah exuded confidence in returning to power in the upcoming Assembly polls and said that the party will win with bigger majority than in 2018. "The double-engine government will return with a bigger majority than before," he said.The Home minister said massive crowd that turned up at his roadshow and public meetings shows the outpouring of people's support for the BJP. "Thousands of people are here. This shows that there is huge support for the BJP. Congress is a sinking ship and people have rejected violent Communist rule. BJP gave houses, electricity, drinking water, free ration and Covid vaccines to the people, across communities," the Union Home minister said. Shah came down heavily on the CPI(M) and the Congress in poll-bound Tripura, saying that both the parties disregarded the interests of the people and the state. Shah said both parties indulged in scams while in power and no allegation of corruption cannot be levelled against the BJP-led government in Tripura. "Communists are criminals and the Congress is corrupt. Both have played with the people and the state. Assess the impact of about 30 years of Communist rule and 15 years of Congress rule and compare them with five-year rule under the BJP. You will get all the answers," the Home minister said while addressing a public meeting. Tripura will go to Assembly polls on February 16. The counting of votes will take place on March 2 along with those of Meghalaya and Nagaland. (ANI) Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) after at least 137 nursing and paramedical students fell ill due to suspected food poisoning at a private hostel in Mangaluru's Shaktinagar on Monday. The FIR was registered against City Hospital Admistration Department and City Nursing College Hostel Administration Department for allegedly providing poisonous food to the hostel students and not reporting the incident to the district administration, an official said. "A case has been registered under IPC 1860 (U/s-176,328,337) at Mangaluru East police station. So far 231 students got treatment in 8 different hospitals of the city," district surveillance officer said in his press release. The FIR was registerd following a complaint by Jagadeesh, a district surveillance officer. Meanwhile, District surveillance officer issued a notice to the hostel do not cook any food in the mess, they said. The district health team and doctors have visited the hostel and taken the samples of food and water and are waiting for the FSL report, officials said. The college administration announced holiday until the situation gets cleared. The students were rushed to various private hospitals in the city on Monday night after complaining of stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhoea. Relatives of the students had gathered outside the hospitals where they had been admitted. City police commissioner N Shashi Kumar said that the police are trying to find the reason behind the incident. "At about 9 pm, around 400-500 people gathered in front of city hospital in the city. Most of them are students and the rest are their family members. Since morning 2 am more than 100 girl students have complained of food poisoning and hospitalised. 137 students were admitted to different hospitals in the city. We are trying to find out the reason," Shashi Kumar said. Giving the details of the incident, District Health Inspector Dr Ashok informed that all the students are out of danger. "The general nursing and BSc nursing students have been admitted to various hospitals due to food poisoning. The students got panic. About 130 students have got treated. There is no need to worry or panic. We will visit the hostel and will interact with the warden and find out the source. All are out of danger. No casualties have been reported so far," said Dr Ashok District Health Inspector. (ANI) University Grant Commission (UGC) is all set to release Draft Guidelines and Curriculum Framework for Environment Education at the Undergraduate level soon. The UGC has underlined that out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), six goals are directly linked to environmental protection and resource conservation. UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar told ANI that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 underlines the importance of making environmental education an integral part of curricula and encouraging environmental awareness and sensitivity towards its conservation and sustainable development. "NEP also advocates the attainment of holistic and multidisciplinary education, through flexible and innovative curricula for all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) which shall include credit-based courses and projects in the areas of community engagement and service, environmental education, and value-based education," Kumar told ANI. "Global attention to the deteriorating condition of our environment was drawn in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janerio in 1992 and World Summit on Sustainable Development at Johannesburg in 2002. In 2015, United Nations Members adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which provides a "blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future," UGC Chairmam said. He further told ANI that continuing problems of pollution, loss of forests, solid waste disposal, degradation of the environment, issues like economic productivity and national security, global warming, the depletion of the ozone layer and loss of biodiversity have made everyone aware of environmental issues. "Out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), six goals are directly linked to environmental protection and resource conservation,' UGC Chairman said. "In the National Statement at UNFCCC CoP 26 Global Leaders' Summit in Glasgow, the Prime Minister's mantra was Lifestyle for Environment, and he also stressed setting a target for Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2030. On October 20th, 2022 the Prime Minister launched Mission Life, a global movement to safeguard our environment from the impact of climate change" UGC Chairnan added. M Jagadesh Kumar further told ANI that environment education, therefore, needs to include areas such as climate change, pollution, waste management, sanitation, conservation of biological diversity, management of biological resources and biodiversity, forest and wildlife conservation, and sustainable development. Earlier in 2003, UGC had come out with a core module syllabus for compulsory implementation of Environmental Studies at the undergraduate level as per directives of the Supreme Court of India. Further, in 2017, UGC framed an 8 unit's module syllabus for the Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC-Environmental Studies) under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). "The present document is an outcome of the UGC's initiative to implement the National Education Policy, 2020 which has emphasised the need to formulate guidelines and curriculum framework for environmental education. The document is expected to cater to students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and also includes topics to sensitise students about the commitment of the nation towards achieving sustainable development goals," UGC Chairmam said. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted the Indian Railways authorities and Uttarakhand government eight weeks' time to work out a solution in relation to the rehabilitation of the people who were asked to vacate the encroachments from railway land in Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani. A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Manoj Misra while granting eight weeks to Railway authorities and Uttarakhand on the request of Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati posted the matter for hearing on May 2. Earlier, the top court had said that thousands can't be uprooted overnight while putting a stay on the Uttarakhand High Court's decision ordering the State authorities to remove encroachments from railway land in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura area. The bench had said that there has to be segregation of people who have no right on the land and the need for rehabilitation while recognising the need of railways. Noting that people are living there for decades, the bench had said there should be measures for rehabilitation since the issue involves a human angle. Indian Railways has maintained that this strip of land belongs to the railways. Their claim is that it is their land and they are not asking for rehabilitation. The Uttarakhand High Court had on December 20 ordered the removal of encroachments from railway land in the Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani after giving notice to the residents one week in advance. Led by Congress MLA from Haldwani, Sumit Hridayesh, residents of the area approached the Supreme Court on Monday challenging the High Court's order. Another petition was also filed through advocate Prashant Bhushan. A total of 4,365 encroachments will be removed from the area. Those facing eviction have been living on the land for many decades. Residents had protested against the removal of encroachments from railway land in compliance with a High Court order. The petition highlighted that the petitioners are poor people who have been lawful residents of Mohalla Nai Basti, Haldwani district for more than 70 years. The petition stated that the names of local residents are entered in the municipal records of the house tax register and that they have been paying house tax regularly for years. There are five government schools, one hospital and two overhead water tanks in the area. It is further stated that "the long settled physical possession of the petitioners and their ancestors, some even prior to the date of Indian independence, has been recognised by State and its agencies and they have been given gas and water connections and even Aadhaar card numbers accepting their residential addresses." (ANI) Shah will also participate in a programme of the state cooperative department, he added. Khattar also lashed out at the opposition over the non-functioning of the Parliament while speaking to reporters after a pre-budget meeting with cabinet ministers and top officials of the state government. Union Home Minister Shah will be coming to Karnal on February 14 to present Haryana Police with its new colours, he said. In the meeting, Khattar reviewed the announcements made last year and heard feedbacks and suggestions on the ongoing schemes of the government. The meeting was attended by several cabinet ministers of the state including Home Minister Anil Vij, Education Minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar and Transport Minister Mool Chand Sharma among others. Last year, chief minister Khattar, who also holds the Finance portfolio, proposed a Budget worth Rs 177,256 crore for the financial year 2022-23. Khattar gave an estimation of Rs 73,000 crore to be collected in tax revenue in the financial year 2022-23. (ANI) The Delhi High court has restrained 24 entities from using the brand name 'Khan Chacha'. The proprietor of Khan Chacha has moved a plea alleging the infringement of its brand name. The bench of Justice C Hari Shankar on Monday restrained 24 entities from using or advertising, directly or indirectly, any mark which includes the words "KHAN CHACHA", for services identical or allied to the services covered by classes 29 and 43 of the classification of goods and services for trade mark purposes. The bench has also directed Zomato and Swiggy to block access to the websites and Mobile apps of 24 Defendants. The bench has also issued summons to the defendants. They are directed to file a written statement, accompanied by an affidavit of admission/denial of the documents filed by the plaintiff be filed within 30 days with an advance copy to the learned Counsel for the plaintiff. Petitioner has been directed to file a rejoinder on the reply within 30 days. The matter has been listed before the joint Registrar on March 21 for completion of pleadings, admission/denial of the documents and marking of exhibits. The bench said that the plaintiff has made out a clear prima facie case of infringement, inasmuch as the word mark "KHAN CHACHA" has been registered in the plaintiff's favour, with user claim since 1972. Usage of the "KHAN CHACHA" moniker, by any other entities for similar services, would, therefore, clearly infringe the plaintiff's registered mark within the meaning of Section 29(1) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, the bench said. In view thereof, the court issued notice to the defendants for 11th April 2023. The reply has to be filed within 4 weeks with an advance copy to the petitioner. A rejoinder has to be filed within 4 weeks. The court has issued summons and notices on different pleas seeking different reliefs. The plaintiff has sought a decree of injunction against 24 defendants from using, advertising or promoting, directly or indirectly, the mark "KHAN CHACHA". Defendant no.1 is Khan Chacha Hyderabadi Biryani in the matter. Additionally, the plaint prayed that Defendants 25 (Zomato) and 26 (Swiggy) be directed to delist/take down the listings bearing "KHAN CHACHA". The plaintiff Gupta and Gupta Pvt. Ltd. submits that it has been using the "KHAN CHACHA" trademark continuously since 1972 for food items as well as for providing restaurant services, which are also enlisted on various websites which provide online catering services. It is further asserted in the plaint that the mark "KHAN CHACHA" is inventive and arbitrary with respect to the nature of services for which the mark is listed and in respect of which it is used. The plaint alleges that Defendants are entities who are providing services similar to those provided by the plaintiff using marks/names which include the appellation "KHAN CHACHA", without any authority whatsoever. The plaint alleges that the usage of "KHAN CHACHA" by 24 Defendants infringes the aforenoted registration held by the plaintiff. It is said that 24 Defendants are entities which, according to the plaintiff, are using "KHAN CHACHA" as the names of their respective establishments, thereby infringing the plaintiff's registered trademarks. Defendants 25 (Zomato) to 26 (Swiggy) are entities that provide online services for the supply of food and other such items, namely, Zomato Ltd. and Bundl Technologies Private Limited, which functions under the name Swiggy The plaint has sought a decree of injunction against 24 Defendants from using, advertising or promoting, directly or indirectly, the mark "KHAN CHACHA". The plaint also prayed that Defendants 25 and 26 be directed to delist/take down the listings bearing "KHAN CHACHA". (ANI) Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav today addressed the Ministerial Session on 'Adapting to an Uncertain Future: Reshaping of Global Partnerships' at India Energy Week in Bengaluru. Magna Mudyiwa, Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development, Zimbabwe was also present. Speaking on this occasion, Bhupender Yadav said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as one of the global forerunners with the ability to show concrete and collective resolve to ensure harmony and energy security in the world at a time when global energy supply chains are in a troublesome state, a crisis of essentials is present all over the world. "To reshape the global partnership, India has adopted a "whole-of-society" approach with governments engaging at national, sub-national and local governments levels, including the private sector, civil society organizations, local communities, and people in vulnerable situations," he said. Yadav said that today, India is one of the fastest-growing emerging market economies with a young population and burgeoning innovation and business ecosystem. With Nominal GDP for 2023/24, estimated to grow 10.5 per cent year-on-year to Rs 301.75 trillion (USD 3.69 trillion) in 2023/24, India strives to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2025. Noting that India is at the centre of the energy transition, combining economic and energy demand growth with rapid decarbonisation, Yadav said that India stands committed to reducing the emissions intensity of our GDP by 45% by 2030 and subsequently reach to net zero by 2070. In this context, he also said, "India's commitment to the sustainable and carbon neutral future is being guided by its enhanced National Determined Contribution (NDC) and Long-Term Low Carbon Development Strategy which call for clean and efficient energy systems, disaster resilient infrastructure, and planned eco-restoration." "India's net-zero goal entails a five-decade-long journey and India's strategy must therefore be evolutionary and flexible, accommodating new developments in technology, the global economy and international cooperation," he said. Yadav also said that India's long-term low-carbon development strategy to reach net zero by 2070 notes, inter-alia, that alongside the imperative of development, and the need to ensure the country's energy security, based both on the expansion of non-fossil fuel sources for power generation and rational utilization of fossil fuel resources. "India's long-term low-carbon development strategy, therefore, rests on seven key transitions to low-carbon development pathways. In the context of energy security, the Strategy calls for low-carbon development of electricity systems consistent with development; development of an integrated, efficient and inclusive transport system; promotion of energy and material efficiency in buildings, and sustainable urbanization; and economy-wide decoupling of growth from emissions and development of an efficient, innovative low-emission industrial system," he said. Union Environment Minister highlighted that in the Union Budget 2023-24 greening the economy is one of the top seven priorities (Saptarishi). He said that India has launched, and is nurturing many programs for green fuel, green energy, green mobility, green buildings, and green equipment, and policies for efficient use of energy across various economic sectors. "Ethanol blending with petrol, the National Green Hydrogen mission, promotion of electric vehicles and tremendous push on the renewable energy front are some of the significant initiatives that India is pursuing towards a clean and green energy future. These initiatives are playing important role in India's Energy transitions and providing for large-scale green job opportunities," he said. This Budget provides Rs 35,000 crore for priority capital investments towards energy transition and net zero objectives and energy security by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Green Hydrogen Mission with an outlay of RS 19,700 crore, is to facilitate energy transition and reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports Energy Storage Projects: To steer the economy on the sustainable development path, Battery Energy Storage Systems with a capacity of 4,000 MWH will be supported with Viability Gap Funding. Renewable Energy Evacuation: The Inter-state transmission system for evacuation and grid integration of 13 GW renewable energy from Ladakh is being constructed with an investment of Rs 20,700 crore including central support of Rs 8,300 crore. GOBARdhan scheme: 500 new 'waste to wealth' plants under GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) scheme will be established for promoting a circular economy. The Union Environment Minister said that these initiatives must also be viewed as opportunities to enhance India's collaboration with various stakeholders to reshape global partnerships in the energy sector and to better adapt to an uncertain future. In his concluding remarks, Yadav quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who in his address at the G-20 Summit in Bali, Session I: Food and Energy Security, said, "India's energy security is also important for global growth, as it is the world's fastest-growing economy. We must not promote any restrictions on the supply of energy and stability in the energy market should be ensured. India is committed to clean energy and the environment. By 2030, half of our electricity will be generated from renewable sources. Time-bound and affordable finance and a sustainable supply of technology to developing countries is essential for the inclusive energy transition," he said. (ANI) Hilton partnered with the Dubai Executive Council, the Department of Economy & Tourism, and other major hospitality companies, to host the recent inaugural People of Determination in the Hospitality Industry panel event. The event took place at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah. Accor, InterContinental Hotels Group, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Radisson, and Rotana Hotels & Resorts were among the international hospitality companies that Hilton partnered with for this event. A first of its kind initiative in the UAE for the hospitality industry, the event comprised of 100 participants including People of Determination, human resources professionals, employers, families, caregivers, and representatives from community organisations such as Al Noor Special Needs, Emirates Down Syndrome Association, ImInclusive, and SEDRA. The event provided a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences towards creating an inclusive and enabling workplace environment for People of Determination in the hospitality industry. The agenda featured panel discussions from People of Determination, as well as employers and inspirational speakers, including Jessica Smith, and Peter Wheeler, Former CEO of the Special Olympics. At Hilton, we are committed to building a truly inclusive workplace in which all our Team Members can thrive, said Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, President, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye, Hilton. Collaborating with industry leaders to launch this inaugural event is an example of this commitment in action. As hospitality professionals, it is imperative we lead by example and foster an inclusive workplace culture that helps People of Determination realise a positive future by empowering them in society. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, commented: We are excited to partner with Hilton and other hospitality leaders to launch the inaugural edition of this important event for the industry, which is in line with our visionary leaderships goal to make Dubai the friendliest destination for all and the most liveable city in the world. As momentum continues to accelerate across travel and tourism in Dubai and the UAE, it is crucial that industry leaders engage in meaningful conversations around diversity and inclusion in the workplace, paving the way for new initiatives that will further enhance the quality of life for People of Determination and create suitable career opportunities within the tourism ecosystem. With the continued support of our stakeholders and partners, Dubai remains committed to providing an enabling environment to ensure inclusivity in all aspects of our destination offering. The World Health Organisation has identified that an estimated 1.3 billion people (16% of the global population) or one in six people worldwide experience significant disability, and have twice the risk of developing health conditions such as depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke, obesity, or poor oral health. According to figures from the United Nations, between 50% and 70% of persons with disabilities who are of working age in industrialised countries are unemployed that figure rises to a staggering 80% - 90% in countries that are still developing. The consensus from panellists and attendees at the event was that organisations need to stop viewing the support of People of Determination as a privilege, but shift their perception towards making this a necessity and a way of life by developing inclusive recruitment policies, eliminating stereotypes, and sensitising Team Members in the workplace through regular trainings. In the words of Jessica Smith, Disability isnt just good for business; it is the right thing to do. TradeArabia News Service Union minister Smriti Irani on Tuesday attacked the Congress party, saying that for 30 years the people of Amethi were repeatedly told that a medical college will be opened but nothing happened. "For 30 years, the people of Amethi were repeatedly told that a medical college will be opened. But if you visit Amethi you will see that this one family built a guest house for themselves on the land allocated for medical college," Irani said addressing the Lok Sabha. She further accused Congress of opening hostels in name of their son and daughter on government land. Bharatiya Janta Party MP Smriti Irani added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has built various infrastructure projects in the name of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. "There is an airport called Fursatganj. The land is of government but the family has opened hostels in name of son and daughter. PM makes infra in name of Subhas Chandra Bose, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel but hostels have been built there in the name of Rahul and Priyanka," said Irani. Referring to the Hajj relaxation she said that during the Congress rule money was taken for every 'Hajj' application, but today the situation has changed. "They (Congress) say they are sympathizers of minorities. Earlier during their government, money was taken for every 'Hajj' application, but for the first time Modi government brought a policy so that poor Muslims don't have to pay the amount for an application form," said Irani. Irani said that the relaxation on the application will cut down the cost of 'Hajj Yatra' by Rs 50,000. "It will cut down the cost of 'Hajj Yatra' by Rs 50,000. We provided more than Rs 280 crore to 21,000 minority students," said Irani in Lok Sabha. Hajj pilgrims from India will have to pay less as compared to the previous year as the central government is considering reducing the cost of the pilgrimage by Rs 50,000 per person, sources in the Ministry of Minority Affairs said. According to the sources, the application for the Hajj pilgrimage will be absolutely free which was Rs 400 last year. "Hajj application will be free this time. All Hajj pilgrims will apply free of cost. This time the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage will be cheaper by about Rs 50,000 per person. No extra charges will be demanded from them for carrying bags, suitcases, umbrellas, or sheets. However, the Muslims who will undertake the Hajj pilgrimage will buy their goods at their own level. Elderly, differently-abled and women will get priority. Any woman above 45 years of age can now apply for Hajj alone," sources said. The sources further said that out of 1.75 lakh people applying for Hajj, 80 per cent of them will go through the Hajj committee while 20 per cent will go through private tour operators. "The health check-ups will be done only at government health centres. Private hospital check-ups will not be valid. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has contacted the Ministry of Health in this regard. An officer from the Hajj Committee of every state will also go on Hajj," sources said. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address election rallies in poll-bound Tripura on February 11 and 13, sources said on Tuesday. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tripura to show the party's strength. His visit is slated for February 11 and 13. The Prime Minister will address two election meetings for the Tripura Assembly elections. These election rallies will be held at Gomti and Dhalai in Tripura," a top source in Tripura BJP told ANI. Chief Minister Manik Saha, the party's state incharge Mahesh Sharma and other leaders will welcome PM Modi. The BJP has declared candidates for 55 assembly seats while leaving the remaining five seats for its alliance, the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT). The Left-Congress alliance has also declared its candidates for all 60 seats. Elections are to be held on 60 seats in Tripura on February 16. Whereas in Meghalaya and Nagaland, voting is to be held on 27 February. The counting of votes for all three states will be held simultaneously on March 2. BJP president JP Nadda, who addressed a Vijay Sankalp rally in Gomati district, said five years ago Tripura faced violence and disturbance but under the BJP rule, the state is witnessing development, connectivity and a boost to infrastructure. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Tripura on Monday and held a roadshow along with Chief Minister Manik Saha. Shah exuded confidence in returning to power in the upcoming Assembly polls and said that the party will win with a bigger majority than in 2018. "The double-engine government will return with a bigger majority than before," he said.The Home Minister said the massive crowd that turned up at his roadshow and public meetings shows the outpouring of people's support for the BJP. "Thousands of people are here. This shows that there is huge support for the BJP. Congress is a sinking ship and people have rejected violent Communist rule. BJP gave houses, electricity, drinking water, free ration and Covid vaccines to the people, across communities," the Union Home minister said. Shah came down heavily on the CPI(M) and the Congress in poll-bound Tripura, saying that both the parties disregarded the interests of the people and the state. Shah said both parties indulged in scams while in power and no allegation of corruption cannot be levelled against the BJP-led government in Tripura. "Communists are criminals and the Congress is corrupt. Both have played with the people and the state. Assess the impact of about 30 years of Communist rule and 15 years of Congress rule and compare them with five-year rule under the BJP. You will get all the answers," the Home minister said while addressing a public meeting. (ANI) The meeting was held at Soren's residence in Delhi. Talking to the media Kejriwal said, "It was a personal meeting, we are good friends and we keep meeting." He said that issues related to Jharkhand and Delhi were discussed during the meeting. On the question of uniting the opposition parties against the BJP, Kejriwal said the meeting should not be linked to the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. "We meet all people and keep meeting leaders from opposition parties as well," he said. Notably, since the Aam Aadmi Party became a national party, Kejriwal is continuously holding meetings with the leaders of other opposition parties. This is the third such meeting of Arvind Kejriwal this year with any opposition leader. On January 18, Arvind Kejriwal shared the stage with KCR at the Bharat Rashtra Samithi's Khammam rally. Apart from AAP leader and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, Left leader D Raja and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan were also present. Following this, Kejriwal met Janata Dal (United) Principal General Secretary KC Tyagi on January 26 on Republic Day for tea at his residence. (ANI) A robber was arrested on Tuesday and two others have been identified for allegedly murdering an elderly woman in Karwal Nagar extension in North-East Delhi last month, police said. The search is on to nab the other two accused, they said. The robbers had murdered the 88-year-old woman when she resisted their robbery bid. The elderly woman was found dead at her house in Karawal Nagar Extension in North-East Delhi on the morning of January 29 by a police team who reached the spot on being informed that the door of a house at Karawal Nagar Extension is broken and no one is answering on knocking. The police team found the woman, who was later identified as Shanti Devi dead on her bed in a tied condition. "The house was in a ransacked condition giving police the impression that it was looted," officials had said during the investigation. The Crime and FSL teams were called for an inspection of the scene of the crime. Further enquiry revealed that Shanti Devi used to live alone as she had fond of memories of her late husband. She was having three well-settled sons who are living separately with their families and used to visit her occasionally, police said. A case under sections 302 and 392 of the IPC was registered at Dayalpur Police Station and an investigation was taken up. Assessing the sensitivity of the case, the operation wing and teams of adjacent police stations were also incorporated to assist Dayalpur police. The teams were assigned with specific responsibilities to crack the case. Through analysis of CCTV footages were conducted and the suspects were earmarked by police. It was a herculean task like 'tracing a needle in the hay stack', said Police in a statement. Further investigation revealed their identities as Kamal, his son Badal and Ashok (Son of Kamal's sister) resident of Village Jharoli in Aligarh, UP. A detailed analysis of CDR of their mobile phones confirmed their presence near the house of the victim on a fateful night, police said. Police, on further investigation, found that Badal used to work at Max Hospital, Vaishali, Ghaziabad (UP) as a housekeeper. On verifying from Max Hospital, it surfaced that Badal was absent from his duty on the date of the incident. Badal was arrested on Tuesday while secretly trying to enter his house in Karwal Nagar. Sensing police presence, he tried to flee from the spot. However, he was apprehended by the police team present in the area. During interrogation, he confessed his crime and disclosed that he along with his father Kamal and cousin Ashok committed the robbery-cum-murder. On further interrogation, he revealed that his father is a daily wage labourer. A few months back, his father Kamal and cousin Ashok had worked as labourers in the house of the deceased lady when she got the house repaired. At that time, they observed that she is financially sound and most of the time living alone. Kamal and Ashok told him about this and they prepared a plan to rob her. As planned, they attempted to enter in her house during night hours, twice between January 17 to 22 but due to some obstacles and the movement of police vehicles, they couldn't execute it. On January 29 they finally entered the house and conducted the robbery. After the robbery, they left the house by covering their faces with monkey caps to conceal their identities. (ANI) The north Indian hill state of Himachal Pradesh this year has received less snowfall in comparison to previous years, as per reports from IMD. "The districts of Shimla, Kinnaur Mandi, Solan and Kullu had less precipitation in comparison to last year and other districts have rain and snowfall almost to equal to the normal. This is because the western disturbance was less and the temperatures were higher than normal in Shimla in the month of January," said IMD Himachal Pradesh head Surender Paul. He said that the temperatures are slightly low, the minimum temperature here is 4 and the maximum is 14 degree Celsius. It is slightly lower and maximum temperatures will increase after the western disturbance in days to come. "The snowfall and rain are less this year in the capital city too. The capital town of the state, Shimla this year till date received just 6.0 CM of snowfall in comparison to 102.4cm last in January and, this was the highest-ever recorded in the hill queen here," said Surender Paul. Some parts of the state still are receiving very good snowfall. IMD has forecasted more rain and snowfall in higher reaches of the state. "During the past 24 hours, the districts of Lahaul -Spiti, Kinnaur, and Kullu districts have received fresh snowfall other areas have scattered to fairly widespread rainfall. A fresh western disturbance on the 9th and 10th will hit the weather and will have widespread snowfall and rain in the state. This will be a moderate snowfall," said Director IMD HP. Earlier on January 31, fresh snowfall threw life out of gear in many parts of Himachal Pradesh as 476 roads including three national highways are still closed while the working of 697 power and 20 water supply stations across the state has also been hampered. Roads have been closed and the water and electricity supply has been disrupted in many areas after the recent snowfall in Shimla, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur and Chamba districts, officials said. According to the state Disaster Management Authority, after the recent snowfall nearly 476 roads including three national highways are still closed while 697 electricity supply stations are hampered along with 20 water supply stations in the state. Locals at Kaza in the Lahul-Spiti district were seen using spades to remove the ice accumulated on the streets amid heavy snowfall. During the past 24 hours, Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti district recorded the lowest temperature in the state at minus 8.3 degrees Celsius, while Kukumseri in the same district was at minus 7.6 degrees and Kalpa in Kinnaur district recorded the minimum at minus 5.0 degrees Celsius. Manali recorded 0.2 degrees, Kufri 1.5 degrees, capital city Shimla 4.0 degrees while Narkanda in Shimla district recorded minus 1.0 degrees, and Dharamshala 6.2 degrees. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday reiterated his commitment, saying "there is no place for violence and Left Wing Extremism ideas in the 'self-reliant New India' under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that the Central government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance in this direction". Shah's direction came while chairing the meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs on Left Wing Extremism, in New Delhi today. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, Ajay Kumar Mishra and Nishith Pramanik, Members of the Committee from both the Houses of the Parliament, Union Home Secretary, Director General BSF and CRPF and several senior officials of Union Home Ministry and line Ministries were present during the meeting. In his address, Shah said under the leadership of PM Modi, the Ministry of Home Affairs' policy to deal with Left Wing Extremism has three main pillars, which are, a strategy to curb extremists violence with ruthless approach, better coordination between Centre and States, and, eliminating support for Left Wing Extremists through public participation in development. The Minister said that this three-pronged strategy has given historic success in curbing Left Wing Extremism in the last eight years. For the first time after nearly four decades in 2022, the number of deaths of civilians and security forces has been brought to under 100, said Shah, adding "76 per cent reduction in violent incidents related to Left Wing Extremism is observed in 2022 in comparison to 2010". "The number of civilian and security personnel who lost their lives in Left Wing Extremism incidents has come down by 90 per cent to 98 per cent in 2022 in comparison to the figure of 1,005 in 2,010 and the number of Left Wing Extremism-affected districts reduced to 45 from earlier 90." "The number of districts under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme was reduced from 126 to 90 in April-2018 and further reduced to 70 since July-2021," said Shah. He also said that the number of districts most affected by LWE has reduced from 35 to 30 in April-2018 and further reduced to 25 since July-2021. Since 2019, the Minister said security forces have achieved huge success in establishing 175 new camps in Left Wing Extremism affected areas, and, reducing the security vacuum along with making top leadership of Left Wing Extremists ineffective, to break the backbone of Left Wing Extremism. He said that as a result of these efforts, success has been achieved against Left Wing Extremism in difficult areas like Budha Pahad and Chakarbanda and Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha have been almost freed from Left Wing Extremism. The Union Home Minister said that our security forces have caught the Naxalites with new innovative methods and under this policy, with the establishment of new security camps in the Lohardaga district of Jharkhand, in February 2022 13-day joint operation got many successes. Shah said that the Ministry of Home Affairs is determined to destroy the entire ecosystem of Left Wing Extremists by financial choking. He said that the BSF Airwing has been strengthened with the induction of new pilots and engineers in the last year to aid operations in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas and save the lives of our soldiers. The Minister said that the Modi government has made several successful efforts to better coordinate with the governments of Left Wing Extremism affected states without any party or ideology-related bias. He said that the Modi government is providing funds for the modernization of state police forces and assistance related to the construction of fortified police stations in the affected states without any discrimination. "Security, as well as accelerated development in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, is the main focus of the government's policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and the government is taking several steps for the all-round development of these areas," he said. He said that along with the flagship schemes of the Government of India, several special schemes are being implemented for the development of these areas. Shah said that the construction of 17,462 km of roadways has been sanctioned to improve road connectivity, out of which work on about 11,811 km has been completed. Apart from this, to improve mobile connectivity, 2,343 mobile towers have been installed in the first phase during the last eight years under the Mobile Tower Project and in view of the development of technology, approval has also been given to upgrade them to 4G. Besides this, 2,542 new mobile towers are being installed in the second phase. Shah said that the opening of Eklavya schools in Left Wing Extremism affected tribal-dominated blocks that have been placed in Priority Areas since August-2019. "While 142 Eklavya Residential Model Schools (EMRS) were sanctioned in 21 years prior to 2019, in the past 3 years, 103 EMRS have been sanctioned." He said that so far, 245 Eklavya Schools have been sanctioned in 90 Left Wing Extremism-affected districts and out of these 121 are functional. He said that 1,258 bank branches and 1,348 ATMs have been opened in the last 8 years in the worst left-wing extremism-affected districts for the financial inclusion of the citizens. Apart from this, in the 90 SRE districts affected by Left Wing Extremism, 4,903 post offices have been opened in the last eight years to ensure the reachability of post offices within a 3 km radius of every Gram Panchayat, out of which 3,114 post offices have been opened during the last one financial year only. The skill development scheme's scope has increased from 34 districts to 47 districts in the year 2016, and, under it, 47 ITIs and 68 SDCs have been sanctioned, out of which 43 ITIs and 38 SDCs are functional. In the meeting, all the members gave their valuable inputs and appreciated the efforts of the Modi government in fighting Left Wing Extremism. (ANI) A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi Lieutenant-Governor's decision to permit the nominated members to vote. The plea was mentioned before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who agreed to list the matter tomorrow. On Monday, the high-octane political drama unfolded inside the Delhi Civic Centre as the House met for a third time this month to elect the mayor, only to be deferred till the next date due to a ruckus over the nominated members being permitted to vote. The House, which was first summoned on January 6 and then on January 25, had ended without a result due to unprecedented scenes emerging after the nominated members were allowed the right to vote for the post of mayor, deputy mayor and chairpersons of various standing committees. The Civic Centre summoned for the third time on Monday to elect the mayor, however, no voting could take place due to ruckus and sloganeering and hence the stalemate continued. The House proceedings began at the Delhi Civic Centre after Presiding officer Satya Sharma arrived and announced that aldermen- nominated members- will be allowed to vote in the process of electing the mayor. However, the House was adjourned after the Aam Aadmi Party members objected to it. Soon after the House was resumed, the BJP members could be seen sloganeering while also accusing the AAP of attempting to poach its councillors. The House was adjourned owing to the uproar, thus failing to elect the Mayor. Earlier AAP's mayoral candidate Shelly Oberoi moved to the Supreme Court but later on February 3, she withdrew her plea. Oberoi in her plea had sought directions for the elections to take place in a time-bound manner and to ensure that the nominated members are not allowed to vote. (ANI) The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has approved a policy in which married daughters will also be eligible for compassionate appointment following the death of their kin who were government employees. The change in the compassionate appointment policy of the state was approved during the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday. During the meeting, the council of ministers took the decision that after the death of RS Rathore, Additional Director, Economics and Statistics on April 19, 2021 due to COVID-19, his married daughter Shraddha Malvi, despite non-eligibility, should be given compassionate appointment considering it a special case in the sequence of the decision of the Indore Bench of MP High Court and on humanitarian grounds. In the provisions of the order related to compassionate appointment issued by the General Administration Department on September 29, 2014, a policy-based decision was also taken by the Council of Ministers that both sons and daughters have equal rights for compassionate appointment, even if the daughters are married. Medical Education Minister Vishwas Sarang said, "Today, a big decision has been taken in the cabinet meeting. Earlier, in the compassionate appointment policy of Madhya Pradesh, only sons of deceased government employees were awarded a compassionate appointment. Now, CM Chouhan has decided that along with the sons, the daughters of the deceased government employees will also be eligible for a compassionate appointment." "This is a very far-reaching decision and it will establish the policy of our government on women's empowerment. The chief minister instructed that the scheme would be given a concrete shape and would start in the state at the earliest," he added. BJP spokesperson Ashish Agarwal said, "The Shivraj government is always trying to ensure whether it is a boy or a daughter, they should be treated equally. The schemes of CM Chouhan such as Ladli Laxmi Yojana have been a role model across the country. Now, one more historic decision has been taken in which the married woman will also be given a compassionate appointment after the death of government employees." "I have full faith that the entire country will follow this move and I extend congratulations to all the citizens of the state. The Madhya Pradesh government will continue to bring such schemes in future as well so that women get empowered and get equal opportunity in society," He added. On the other hand, Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez said, "This is an election year, so many such decisions are taken, but we know how much it is implemented on the ground. The state government has understood that the public is against them, especially the women, as they are the worst sufferers in this government. Today, this announcement is just a freebie because there has been a ban on compassionate appointments in the state for the last many years. We have seen many demonstrations, no one is getting compassionate appointments." "Even if compassionate appointments are given, then how many such departments are there in which compassionate appointments are being given. There are no jobs, the vacant posts are not being filled in the state and they are talking about compassionate appointments. It is just an announcement to show off," Hafeez added. (ANI) Justice Prathiba M Singh on Tuesday recused herself from hearing the plea moved by Vijay Nair in the Delhi liquor scam case. Now the matter has been referred to bench of the chief justice. Businessman Vijay Nair approached the Delhi High Court alleging that the sensitive information related to his case is being leaked to the media by the CBI and ED and it is prejudicing his right as an accused. The Delhi High Court on November 21, 2022 directed news channels to adhere to the guidelines governing them and to ensure that all broadcasts carried while reporting Delhi liquor scam case are based on official press releases by the investigation agencies. The court had also directed petitioner Vijay Nair to implead channels which allegedly broadcasted source-based stories. While hearing the petition moved by businessman Vijay Nair, the predecessor bench of Justice Yashwant Varma passed the above directions. The bench also perused the status report and heard the submissions made by the counsel for the CBI and ED. The counsel for CBI had submitted that the agency issued 4 press releases. The press releases do not contain what has been broadcast. ED's counsel on the other hand had said that they did not issue any press release. The bench had asked the counsels from where they are getting the information? The counsel replied that the channels can only answer this. Advocate Nisha Bhambhani, the counsel for News Broadcaster and Digital Standard Authority (NBDSA) had submitted that some of the channels are not our partner. We do not monitor what they broadcast. "If self regulation is mere eyewash, then why should we not disband you?," Justice Varma had asked the counsel for NBDSA while expressing displeasure over reportings made by news channels. The bench had asked the counsel about certain channels whether they are members or not? Where from they are getting the information related to disclosure made to CBI. You call them and ask them. The counsel for NBDA said that I can communicate and ask them to remove the content. The counsel submitted that some of the channels are members of News Broadcaster and Digital Association (NBDA). I won't be able to tell where from they are getting the information. After noting the submission the bench directed to Implead NBDA and examine what has been broadcasted. The bench had also directed to Implead 6 channels. The court also said the broadcast in the instant matter were not according to the press releases issued and in accordance with the guidelines and directives. This constrained the petitioner to approach this court. If the broadcast were not based on the press releases, then it is clear that information was leaked to the media concerning the investigation perform by the investigation agency, the court said. Meanwhile the court had directed NBDSA to examine whether the channel complied with the guidelines. Nair is an accused and in judicial custody in a case related to New Excise policy. (ANI) Loans amounting to Rs 15,626 crore have been sanctioned under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund to create 21,380 infrastructure units at an aggregate investment of more than Rs 32,000 crore all over the country till January this year. The Central Government is providing grants-in-aid to states to promote Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and to improve agriculture. Ministry of Agriculture in a reply in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday said, "In order to increase agriculture productivity and export, various measures were taken by the government, including Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) which encourages farmers, agri-entrepreneur, start-ups, Farmer Producers Organization, SHGs etc to adopt innovation and farm mechanisation in Indian agriculture." Apart from bridging the infrastructure gap in Indian agriculture in a bid to curtail post harvest losses, boosting productivity through facilitating loans from lending institutions for activities like, organic inputs production, bio stimulant production units, nursery, tissue culture, seed processing etc, said the reply. Other activities in the category of infrastructure for smart and precision agriculture aim at making this sector attractive for the new generation are: Farm/harvest automation, setting up of custom hiring centres, purchase of drones, putting up specialized sensors on field, block chain and AI in agriculture etc. Introduction of remote sensing and Internet of Things (IOT) such as automatic weather station, farm advisory services through GIS applications constitute other such initiatives. AIF also aims at improvising supply chain services that include creation of e-marketing platforms, said the reply. --IANS kvm/uk/ ( 252 Words) 2023-02-07-19:04:04 (IANS) A case related to the minimum age of Muslim girls getting married is pending before the Supreme Court. Huneza Khan | TwoCircles.net NEW DELHI The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) is preparing to approach the Supreme Court against the recent crackdown on child marriages in Assam, a member of its working committee said on Monday. The decision was taken at a board meeting in Lucknow on Sunday, Guwahati High Court senior advocate and committee member Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury said. I raised the issue, and there was a detailed discussion on this, he said. A case related to the minimum age of Muslim girls getting married is pending before the Supreme Court. Choudhury said according to Muslim personal law, a girl belonging to the Muslim community can get married after she attains the age of 15. The High Court of Punjab and Haryana in a verdict said that a Muslim girl can marry a man of her choice once she is 15 years old. These types of marriages are not illegal even as per the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, he said. However, the high court judgement was challenged in the apex court by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. The senior advocate informed that the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board would appeal to become a party in the above case. Although this case is not connected with Assam, both matters are related to the fixing of the minimum age of females for getting married. Therefore, we would like to be a party to it, he added. Choudhury alleged that the Assam government has not followed laws while arresting people on the child marriage issue. The arrests have come in the wake of the Assam cabinets decision to book men who marry girls aged below 14 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Those who marry girls in the age group of 14-18 years will be tried under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, of 2006. The offenders will be arrested and the marriages declared illegal, the government has said. Chief Minister Himanta Sarma Biswa said men marrying girls below 14 years of age will be facing non-bailable charges, while those marrying girls between 14 and 16 years of age will be charged under bailable sections. If the groom is below 14 years of age, he will be sent to a reform house. Choudhary said that child marriage must be stopped, but before taking any such actions, the government should first spread awareness against it. Opposition to the move The governments crackdown on child marriages hasnt gone down well with women in Assam, especially those from Dhubri, which has the highest number of child marriages in the state. Scores of women descended on the streets in Dhubri on Saturday as police came to arrest their husbands and sons. Demanding the release of their family members, the women gathered in front of the Tamarha police station. Criticising the move, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi also hit out at the Assam chief minister asking what would be in store for the minor girls, whose husbands have been apprehended and put behind bars. He slammed Sarma for being biased and said the move is an administrative failure of the state as the BJP-led government is taking such action after ruling Assam for six years. (With IANS inputs) Huneza Khan is a journalist from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. She tweets @KhanHuneza The Mantralaya Ani Vidhimandal Vartahar Sangh (MAVVS) and Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh (MMPS) have issued appeals to the effect on the death of journalist Shashikant Warishe, working for the Mahanagri Times' published from in Ratnagiri. The MMPS has also sent a letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding a probe into the heinous killing' of Warishe and booking the culprits at the earliest. On Monday afternoon, Warishe was allegedly knocked down by a speeding vehicle that reportedly belongs to one of the supporters of the pro-refinery project. Known for his pro-farmer campaign and articles targeting the proposed refinery hub, Warishe was rushed to a hospital in a critical condition where he breathed his last on Tuesday morning. The MAVVS and MMPS which described Warishe as a daring reporter who fought against injustice - have urged the government and the police to take the incident seriously, investigate the matter and take stringent punitive action against those found guilty. --IANS qn/arm ( 203 Words) 2023-02-07-19:22:03 (IANS) A few days back, human excreta was found in an overhead water tank that supplies drinking water to a Dalit colony in Vengaivayal in Pudukottai district. The issue had created a major uproar with Dalit parties calling for demolishing the water tank and transferring the case to the CBI. According to sources in Virudhunagar district, the operator of the water tank in which the carcass of a dog was found was about to clean the tank on Monday when he noticed a foul smell. The operator found the carcass of a dog in the water tank, which was rotten. The operator immediately reported the matter to the police who informed the district authorities. The officials then inspected the tank and sent the caracass for post-mortem. Police sources told IANS that the someone might have killed the dog and put in the water tank. Tamil Nadu is turning into a hub of caste-related violence and the deposit of human excreta and dog carcass in drinking water tanks are incidents of settling scores in caste-related issues. --IANS aal/arm ( 222 Words) 2023-02-07-19:54:06 (IANS) MNM is the political party founded by actor-politician Kamal Haasan. Rethinam pointed out the Kerala government's initiative on the same and called upon the Tamil Nadu government to follow suit. It may be noted that the Kerala government has brought a notification on menstrual leave for girl students. In a statement, Rethinam said, "Kerala government's directive to provide menstrual and maternity leave to female students in all colleges and universities is highly appreciated. Kerala government deserves praise for implementing this as a model project in the country." Rethinam also said that the Kerala government has extended this programme implemented by the Cochin University of Science and Technology to all the colleges and universities of the state. She said that such initiatives are important for addressing the practical issues faced by women and girls. The MNM leader then called upon the Tamil Nadu government to implement this scheme in the state for the benefit of girls and women. She said the government and the universities should come forward to implement a pilot programme and create awareness to overcome the difficulties faced by women and girls. --IANS aal/arm ( 234 Words) 2023-02-07-20:06:03 (IANS) The West Bengal government has decided to recognise the tribal- centric Sari and Sarna as separate religions, and a bill for this will be moved in the Assembly during the Budget session starting from Wednesday. The decision was taken at the all-party meeting convened by Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay in the Assembly premises on Tuesday afternoon. However, only Trinamool Congress MLAs were present at the meeting, as BJP legislators boycotted it and the All India Secular Front's lone MLA Naushad Siddique could not be present as he is behind the bars. Emerging out of the meeting, state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay informed media persons it was to honour the long-standing demands of the tribal population that the state government has decided to recognise Sari and Sarna as separate religions. "The tribal people are followers of Sari and Sarna though they are shown as part of the Hindu religion. On February 13 a special motion will be brought in the state Assembly to condemn the recent attempts by different divisive forces to divide West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee might attend that session that day," he said. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP candidates won in all the tribal-dominated constituencies in the state, and while the Trinamool was able to recover a substantial share of the lost votes there in the 2021 Assembly polls, the recovery had not been as per expectations. Meanwhile, a perception is also there that a substantial portion of the tribal votes might again shift to the BJP again in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the psychological factor that might play a role behind this trend is Dropaudi Murmu being elected as the first Indian President from tribal background. --IANS src/vd ( 297 Words) 2023-02-07-20:52:03 (IANS) The opposition leaders in Lok Sabha on Tuesday staged a protest claiming that BJP member Chandra Prakash Joshi glorified the abolished practice of 'sati' in the Parliament. Following this, Speaker OM Birla adjourned the house amid the ongoing ruckus in Lok Sabha till 1:30 pm. The MP from Rajasthan's Chittorgarh, mentioned Padmavati, the queen of Mewar, who is said to have self-immolated to protect her honour from invader Allaudin Khilji. Joshi, however, clarified that said he did not intend to advocate the abolished practice and his statement was about the 'Jauhar' tradition. Joshi in the Lok Sabha said that he had not mentioned the tradition of 'Sati,' but that Padmavati had undertaken 'Jauhar' (self-immolation) to safeguard her honour. Those who protested against Joshi includes DMK MPs along with other Opposition MPs. Lok Sabha Speaker met with party leaders, especially women MPs, protesting against CP Joshi. The sati practise, which was outlawed in India by the British in 1829, is considered as a symbol of women's oppression. CP Joshi also referred to Ramayana during his Parliament speech and sought to compare President Droupadi Murmu with Shabari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Lord Ram. He also made a personal attack on Rahul Gandhi. Joshi said that in 'Treta Yug' Shabari was eager to welcome Lord Ram. "If we talk of the joint session, when the President was entering Parliament, it felt like....Lord Ram was welcoming Maata Shabari at the doorsteps of Parliament to honour her," Joshi said. He said the Prime Minister is working to make India a developed country.Joshi also referred to construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. The BJP member also made a personal attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the Bharat Jodo Yatra which concluded last month. He said somebody was holding someone's hand and somebody was hugging someone during the yatra. "When some rituals do not take place at the right time, such things happen. There is an appropriate time for sanskaras... When panigrahan sanskar (related to marriage) does not take place at an appropriate age, such things come to the fore," he said. Joshi lauded PM Modi's leadership saying India's stature in the world forums had risen. He said government has taken a series of measures for the welfare of every section of society. On Tuesday, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha took up debate on the motion of thanks on the President's Address after three days of stalemate over Hindenburg-Adani row with BJP members talking of initiatives of the Modi government and the opposition members accusing the ruling alliance of not paying adequate attention to issues such as price rise and unemployment. The Hindenburg-Adani row figured prominently in the debate with the opposition MPs pressing their demand for a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday, while taking note of the submissions of jailed minister Satyendar Jain's co-accused Ankush and Vaibhav Jain in a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case, listed the matter for next hearing on February 8. Appearing for Ankush and Vaibhav Jain, counsel Sushil Kumar Gupta said: "We have been roped in because the company, as per the Enforcement Directorate, belonged to Satyendar Jain." He added: "We are stating that it is our company, not Satyendar Jain's." On Monday, Gupta had said: "Satyendar Jain has nothing to do with the company. All the companies belong to us." Special Judge Vikas Dhull had denied the two bail on November 17 last year. Gupta said: "We were having an effective position in the company. We had sent the money/cash to Kolkata-based companies." He argued that there are no "proceeds of crime" in the present case and according to the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) charge-sheet, it is generated only at the end of the cheque period. "The whole fulcrum of a PMLA case lies on the proceeds of crime," he said. Gupta further argued that the present case uses a disproportionate assets (DA) case, which is a period-specific offence, but to establish an offence under the PMLA, the Enforcement Directorate has to establish "proceeds of crime". Earlier, Satyendar Jain's counsel N. Hariharan had asked how is the minister involved in the present case and how is he related to it as the money belonged to Ankush and Vaibhav Jain, which came back to their account without any premium. "My (Satyendar Jain's) assets before and after the cheque period remained the same," he had said. --IANS spr/arm ( 293 Words) 2023-02-07-21:14:02 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday said that the state government is setting up a helpline for the people from the state who are stuck in earthquake-devastated Turkey. The government is in touch with the External Affairs ministry and Indian Embassy in Turkey to gather information regarding people from Karnataka. They are setting up a special helpline in Turkey and the state government will also set up a helpline here as well, he said. "If people come forward to share information regarding family members in Turkey, we will try to reach them out. The required arrangements will also be made for them to return to Karnataka," Bommai said. Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) Commissioner Dr Manoj Rajan, said that as per the United States Geological Survey, an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 has occurred on February 6 morning in Central Turkey near the northern border of Syria. This earthquake was followed by a series of aftershocks ranging from 5 to 7.5 magnitude The impact of earthquakes and aftershocks has been devastating causing large scale human loss, flattening of buildings and damaging other critical infrastructure in Turkey-Syria border region, he said. "State Emergency Operation Helpline Numbers (Revenue Department-DM) will facilitate information and assistance flow (through MEA) for affected people of Karnataka in Turkey," he said. --IANS mka/vd ( 231 Words) 2023-02-07-21:24:03 (IANS) The ministry said that the decision was taken considering the future of over 13,000 MBBS students who were not eligible for the NEET PG 2023 exam due to the delayed internship. "Considering the future of more than 13,000 MBBS students across 5 States/UTs who were not eligible for NEET PG 2023 exam due to delayed internship, MoHFW has decided to extend the last date of completion of the internship for eligibility to 11th August 2023," Ministry of Health said. It further said that more than 3000 BDS students across states and Union Territories were not eligible for NEET MDS 2023 exam due to the delayed internship. "To benefit them, MoHFW has decided to extend the last date of completion of the internship for eligibility to 30th June 2023. Wishing all candidates the very best," the Ministry added. Meanwhile, Health Ministry in consultation with the National Medical Commission (NMC) has decided to reduce the eligibility criterion for NEET-Super Speciality courses from 50 percentile to 20 percentile. NEET PG 2023 will be conducted on March 5 for candidates seeking admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma Courses for the academic year 2023-24. (ANI) It has always been a mystery of how bacteria develop in the deepest areas of the water without sunshine. A new study published in the journal Nature Microbiology by Monash University researchers indicates that chemosynthesis (growth utilising inorganic substances) supports bacteria in these deepest depths. The five-year study, led by Dr Rachael Lappan and Professor Chris Greening of the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, demonstrates that two common gases, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, power trillions of bacteria in the ocean from the tropics to the poles. According to Professor Greening, until now most scientists have believed that ocean microbial life is primarily driven by photosynthesis (growth by using light energy). "But what about those regions so deep that light can't penetrate or so nutrient-poor that algae can't thrive? We showed in this study that instead, chemosynthesis is dominant in these regions," he said. "Hydrogen and carbon monoxide in fact "fed" microbes in all regions we've looked at: from urban bays to around tropical islands to hundreds of meters below the surface. Some can even be found beneath Antarctica's ice shelves." The study involved combining chemical measurements during oceanic voyages with the laboratory-based characterisation of microbial cultures. The research team also extensively used metagenomic sequencing, "which tells us the genetic blueprints of all of the microbes present in a given region of the ocean," Dr Lappan said. "We found the genes that enable hydrogen consumption across eight distantly related types of microbes, known as phyla, and this survival strategy becomes more common the deeper they live." For this project, the researchers were inspired by their previous work on soil bacteria. Professor Greening and colleagues have previously shown most soil bacteria can live by consuming hydrogen and carbon monoxide from the atmosphere. "The surface layers of the world's oceans generally contain high levels of dissolved hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases due to various geological and biological processes. So it made sense that oceanic bacteria used the same gases as their terrestrial cousins," Dr Lappan said. These findings provide insights into how life evolved. Professor Greening concludes that "The first life probably emerged in deep-sea vents using hydrogen, not sunlight, as the energy source. It's incredible that, 3.7 billion years later, so many microbes in the oceans are still using this high-energy gas and we've completely overlooked this until now." (ANI) Seven people were injured in two terrorist attacks in Pakistan's Quetta. The terrorist attacks took place near Police Lines on Gulistan Road and Mano Jan Road on Sunday, Dawn reported. Five people, including an office-bearer of the Civil Secretariat Staff Association, were injured in the first terrorist attack that took place near Police Lines on Gulistan Road on Sunday. The police officials said that the blast took place near a bridge, as per the Dawn report. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the blast, calling it a suicide bombing. According to eyewitnesses, police have collected the 'bomber's remains' from the site of the attack. The injured were identified as Qaim Khan Kakar, Mohammad Usman, Fazal Mohammad, Mohammad Anwar and Thomas, as per the Dawn report. Meanwhile, a woman and her child were injured when unknown people riding motorcycles hurled a grenade into the house of Nazeer Ahmed on Mano Jan Road. The grenade exploded in the courtyard and Nazeer Ahmed's wife and child were injured in the attack. The injured were taken to Civil Hospital's trauma center for treatment. The terrorist attack took place at the time when Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi were playing an exhibition match at the Akbar Bugti Stadium a few miles away from the scene of the attack, according to Dawn. The attacks in Quetta were the latest in a series of terrorist attacks that increased since the outlawed TTP ended the ceasefire with the Pakistan government in 2021. On January 30, a suicide bomber targeted a mosque in Peshawar's Police Lines. The suicide bomber blew himself up in the mosque at about 1 pm (local time) during prayers. More than 84 people died in the attack that took place in Peshawar, Dawn reported citing city police. The outlawed TTP claimed responsibility for the attack. However, it later distanced itself from it. According to security officials, the suicide attacker was present in the front row during the prayers when he blew himself up. The blast received widespread condemnation, from within the country as well as globally. (ANI) Students of the Jamia Milia Islamia expressed relief after being discharged by a Delhi court on Saturday in a case connected to violence during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in December 2019. Arbab Ali | TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles NEW DELHI Mohd Shoaib, a student at Jamia Millia Islamia university in New Delhi, was one among 10 other students charged with inciting violence in Delhi on December 13, 2019, the day demonstrators gathered for the first march against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) from Jamia Millia Islamia to the Parliament. The students were charged under 16 sections of two laws, including rioting, unlawful assembly, assaulting public servants, mischief by fire, attempt to commit culpable homicide, and criminal conspiracy. On February 4, more than two years after the second supplementary chargesheet in the incident was filed which included Shoaibs name, a Delhi Court discharged him and 10 others in the case. The discharged students include Mohammad Qasim, Mahmood Anwar, Shahzar Raza Khan, Mohd Abuzar, Umair Ahmad, Bilal Nadeem, Sharjeel Imam, Asif Iqbal Tanha, Chanda Yadav, and Safoora Zargar. Imam, however, remains imprisoned in connection with additional FIRs filed against him in connection with the 2020 North-East Delhi riots. Discharging Shoaib and 10 others, the Court observed that the police were unable to apprehend actual perpetrators and surely managed to rope them (accused) as scapegoats in the matter. It stated that putting such people through the ordeal of a protracted trial does not bode well for our nations criminal justice system. Through this case, the police wanted to say that dont go against us, Shoaib told TwoCircles.net. Shoaib said even though Jamia students faced violence on that day, the police in turn filed a case against students only. Shoaib was summoned twice by the Delhi Police in 2021 and appeared in at least 8 court proceedings since May 2022. He said he was fortunate to have a lawyer take up his case pro bono, but he still had the financial and mental burden of attending investigations and court proceedings. He claimed that whenever he or the other accused students went to university officials to negotiate during protests, they were reminded of their criminal history. The worst part, according to Shoaib, is that the university administration never offered them any legal assistance. They have good lawyers, but they didnt help, he said. Shoaib said the courts decision has given him hope. Another student discharged in the case Mahmood Anwar told TwoCircles.net that he was not hopeful for a favourable order. It far surpassed my expectations, he said. Anwar is a post-doctoral student at Jamia Millia Islamia. According to Mahmood, the investigating agency was aware that there was no case. Anwar claimed that a case like this, which had no merits, should have been resolved in six months or a year. But this dragged on for nearly three years, he explained. The public prosecutor just to harass us kept on delaying the case. They knew the case would fall apart in the court. Anwar stated that his family was also aware of the case against him. Not only was I mentally burdened, but so was my family. He said the frequent visits to court were taxing on him. I used to leave my classes and work to attend court proceedings for months with no progress. Mere presence at protest site insufficient to implicate protesters The judge stated that the prosecution has been launched in a perfunctory and cavalier fashion against them, observing that mere presence at the protest site without overt acts cannot lead to implication as accused. It went on to say that there were no eyewitnesses who could corroborate the polices claim that the accused were in any way involved in the commission of the offences. It stated that up to the filing of the third supplemental chargesheet, no test identification parade had been conducted during the inquiry and that the photographs and videos only showed the accused individuals standing behind the barricades. There is nothing on record to even prima face suggest that the accused herein were part of some riotous mob. None of the accused herein were brandishing any weapon or throwing any stones etc. Thus, prima facie there is no evidence qua the accused herein that they resisted the execution of any law, said the court. No prima facie proof of conspiracy The court stated that the prosecution did not present any WhatsApp chats, SMSs, or even proof of the accused persons interacting with each other, which could give credibility to the States assertions that there was a conspiracy or some agreement between the accused persons. The court upheld that restricting a citizens right to peacefully protest should not have been done without due process and that dissent is nothing an extension of the invaluable fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression contained in Article 19 subject to the restrictions contained therein. It is a right which we are sworn to uphold, the court remarked. Filing of multiple charge sheets On April 21, 2020, the chargesheet was filed against Mohd Ilyas. In addition to the Complaint under Section 195 CrPC, DCP, South-East filed a supplementary chargesheet. Following that, on January 12, 2021, more than two years after the incident, a second supplementary chargesheet was filed before the Court, adding Shoaib and 10 other students as accused. In total, the prosecution filed four chargesheets in the case. The investigating authorities sought to establish in the third supplementary chargesheet that the witnesses had identified the accused persons herein based on photographs. A review of the third supplementary chargesheet, according to the court, reveals that the same photographs that were already part of the record have been filed. The court also noted that the witnesses had completed photo identification three years after the incident. It is not a case in which the whereabouts of the witnesses were unknown, the court stated. The court stated that the prosecutions case is questionable because the photo identification of the accused was done extremely late, after the accused filed written arguments. The judge said, even in the third chargesheet, witnesses simply state that the accused were present at the protests and that some of them were speaking loudly and arguing with the police. They have not been charged with any overt acts, according to the most recent chargesheet, the court noted. The court stated that the investigative agency has not adduced fresh evidence, rather has sought to present the same old facts in the garb of further investigation by filing another supplementary chargesheet. In the present case, it has been most unusual of the police to file one chargesheet and not one but three supplementary chargesheets, with really nothing new to offer. No section 144 at the protest site The court stated that the police filed a Section 144 CrPC prohibitory order, that too in the New Delhi District, after many years. According to the court, no explanation has been provided as to why this notification was not filed sooner. The court ruled that because the area in question was South Delhi rather than New Delhi, the prohibitory order was redundant. Although some police witnesses stated in their statements that Section 144 CrPC was in effect at the time, the court stated that no such notification was placed on record until recently. DCP Sh RP Meena testified before the Court in October 2022 that there was no written prohibition 144 CrPC in effect at the time of the offence, the court said. Arbab Ali is a fellow at the SEEDS-TCN mentorship program. Over 2,300 people were killed - over 1,500 in Turkey and at least 810 in Syria, thousands more injured, and extensive damage caused in both countries, including fires in fuel pipelines and oil refineries, as a massive quake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, struck the two countries' border region early on Monday. As rescue teams scrambled in freezing weather to extricate trapped people from under debris of collapsed buildings and arrange shelter for the affected, another major earthquake, measuring 7.5, rocked the same region, as did dozens of after-shocks. Some of these were so powerful as to be classed as major quakes in their own right. The death toll in Turkey has risen to 1,541, according to Vice President Fuat Oktay, while more than 9,700 people have been injured after the two quakes. He said that there were as many as 145 aftershocks following both quakes, three of whose magnitudes were larger than 6. Figures from Syria put the toll at above 800, across government and rebel-held areas, the BBC reported. The 7.8 magnitude quake struck near Turkey's Gaziantep early on Monday (local time) and its tremors were said to be felt all around the Middle East region from Cairo to Beirut to Baghdad. It even prompted Italy to declare a tsunami warning. The new 7.5-magnitude tremor hit at around 1.30 p.m. local time and was described, by officials, as a new quake, not an aftershock. Pictures from the affected areas were harrowing, showing widespread destruction of public and private property, including some ancient cultural sites, and traumatised people. People, who were lucky enough to escape into the open, were seen crying about their kin still trapped under the debris of collapsed buildings as others tried to provide solace and assurance. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's adviser Inur Cevik, terming the disaster "widespread and devastating", said there was no shortage of resources in trying to find survivors, but rather that it was a race against time. "The adverse weather conditions and people that are under the rubble, you have to save them before the weather drops in and kills these people because of the cold, so people who are now under the rubble, there's a mad rush to get them out," Cevik told the BBC. "We have radars, body sensors, but you know there's so much widespread devastation that you can't reach everywhere - some of it you have to listen (for)... (People are asked to stay) silent so that they can hear some people calling for help." The wave of destruction swept through 10 Turkish provinces, including Kahramanmaras, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Diyarbakir, Adana, Adiyaman, Malatya, Osmaniye, Hatay, and Kilis, while in Syria, northern Aleppo, Hama, Latakia, and Tartus were the affected areas, RT reported. In both countries, the quake caused damage to key infrastructure. In Turkey's Kilis Province, natural gas pipelines ruptured, with the fuel bursting into large plumes of flame, according to footage circulating online. Operator BOTAS said it cut the flow, but pressurized gas in the pipeline continued to feed the fires. In Syria, a refinery in the city of Baniyas, one of the largest in the country, had to be shut down for at least 48 hours due to cracks in the chimney of its power unit, the Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources reported. Train services were also shut as a precautionary measure. The leaders of countries around the world have pledged to send support to help rescue efforts in Turkey and Syria, while the UN held a minute of silence as a gesture. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent messages of condolence to his Turkish and Syrian counterparts Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bashar al Assad and said his government was ready to help. Russian rescue teams have been sent to both countries to assist at the disaster sites, RT reported. US President Joe Biden, in a tweet, said: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria. I have directed my team to continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with Turkiye and provide any and all needed assistance." UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement: "My thoughts are with the people of Turkiye and Syria this morning, particularly with those first responders working so valiantly to save those trapped by the earthquake. The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can." French President Emmanuel Macron described the images coming from both countries as "terrible" and said his country "stands ready to provide emergency aid", while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his country mourned with the relatives of those killed and "will of course send help". India on Monday said it was ready to help Turkey in its hour of crisis. Expressing concern and shock over the massive earthquake, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India's "140 crore people are with the victims of the earthquake in Turkey". In response to a tweet by President Erdogan, Modi said, "Anguished by the loss of lives and damage of property due to the Earthquake in Turkey. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. India stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey and is ready to offer all possible assistance to cope with this tragedy." The Ministry of External Affairs said that in light of Prime Minister Modi's instructions to offer all possible assistance to cope with the earthquake in Turkey, P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, held a meeting to discuss immediate relief measures. It said that two teams of NDRF comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads and necessary equipment are ready to be flown to Turkey for search and rescue operations. Medical teams are also being readied with trained doctors and paramedics with essential medicines. Relief material will be dispatched in coordination with the Turkish government. Israel has said it will send search and rescue and medical teams to both Turkey and Syria. "This is what we do around the world and this is what we do in areas close to us," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, the BBC reported. Other countries like Azerbaijan, Greece, Serbia, and Spain have also offered help. --IANS vd ( 1044 Words) 2023-02-06-23:20:05 (IANS) Pakistan's former President and chief of army staff General (retd) Pervez Musharraf's mortal remains arrived in the metropolis airport from the United Arab Emirates on Monday, Geo News reported. The mortal remains of Pervez Musharraf departed from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai and landed at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport at around 9:51 pm (local time), as per the news report. Aircraft A319 was given the task of bringing the last remains of Musharraf and the aircraft had been given "special flight" status. After arrival, the aircraft was parked near the old terminal at the airport. The body and the aggrieved family were taken to their destination from the old terminal under tight security, as per the Geo News report. Musharraf's family had approached Pakistan's consulate in Dubai on Sunday, seeking permission to move his mortal remains to Pakistan. The funeral prayer of General Pervez Musharraf will be offered on Tuesday at 1:45 pm (local time) at the Polo Ground in Malir Cantt, Karachi, Geo News reported citing sources. Musharraf, who had been living in Dubai since 2016, passed away on Sunday. General Pervez Musharraf, who passed away at the age of 79 in Dubai, was suffering from amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body, The Express Tribune reported citing his family. The build-up of amyloid proteins can make it difficult for the organs and tissues to function properly, as per the news report. Notably, Musharraf joined the Pakistan Army in 1964, as per The Express Tribune report. He was promoted to the rank of general in 1998 and took over as the chief of army staff (COAS) post. He seized power in a coup in 1999. General Pervez Musharraf served as the President of Pakistan from 2001 to 2008. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo Nawaz Sharif, and several other lawmakers condoled the demise of former President General Pervez Musharraf. Shehbaz Sharif tweeted, "I offer my condolences to the family of General (retd) Pervez Musharraf. May the departed soul rest in peace!" Taking to his official Twitter handle, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo wrote a verse in Arabia with the hashtag Pervez Musharraf. The verse loosely translated to English reads, "We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return." Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry also condoled the demise of Parvez Musharraf. He tweeted, "Pervez Musharraf passed away, he was a great person, his friends proved to be small, always Pakistan first was his thought and ideology, may God have mercy on him." (ANI) While China's energy transition continues to build momentum--highlighted by sectoral peaking plans and supercharged national and provincial ambition on renewables rapid scaleup--unfortunately, dependency on carbon-intensive fossil fuels is set to stay for the immediate future. The scientists find that China has an opportunity to dominate the renewable energy technology market if it begins phasing down coal immediately. Otherwise, it could dangerously delay the renewable energy breakthrough worldwide, wrote Stephen Bi, Nico Bauer, and Jesscia Jewell in Nature Climate Change. The global phase-out of coal by mid-century is considered vital to the Paris Agreement to limit warming well-below 2 C above pre-industrial levels. Under the Paris Agreement, 175 nations agreed to common-but-differentiated responsibilities toward limiting global warming to 1.5-2 C above pre-industrial levels. Since the inception of the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA) at COP23, political ambitions to accelerate the decline of coal have mounted to become the foremost priority at COP26. However, mitigation research lacks the tools to assess whether this bottom-up momentum can self-propagate toward Paris alignment. Current climate policies including efforts like the Powering Past Coal Alliance will not add up to a global coal exit, a new study shows. Countries phasing coal out of the electricity sector need to broaden their policy strategy, or else they risk pushing the excess coal supply into other industries at home, like steel production, said Bi, Bauer and Jewell. "It's really a make-or-break moment," says Stephen Bi from the Potsdam-Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and Potsdam University, lead author of the study published in Nature Climate Change. "Our computer simulation of climate economics and policy making indicates that current policies lead the world to less than a 5 per cent likelihood of phasing out coal by mid-century. This would leave minimal chances of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and limiting disastrous climate risks," added Bi. Ahead of COP26 in November 2021, China officially submitted to the UNFCCC its carbon neutrality "before 2060" target and updated NDC targets, strengthening its previous non-fossil share and carbon intensity targets, while adding a new renewable energy capacity target. However, while China's updated NDC was an improvement on previous targets, it leaves room for further target-raising ambition. "The most shocking result was that even though most countries decide to stop burning coal for electricity during the simulation, this has almost zero impact on total future coal use," said Bi. "We then dug deeper into this perplexing result to identify what policymakers can do to actually achieve the coal exit," added Bi. Moreover, carbon pricing and coal mining phase-out would be effective policies. Investigating the Powering Past Coal Alliance, launched at the world climate summit COP23 in 2017, the scientists sought to understand whether these countries' efforts to cut coal would make it easier or harder for other countries to follow suit. The coalition may grow as member states work to modernize their electricity sectors, but it may also lead to a rebound in coal use globally. The latter effect often referred to as 'leakage', can arise due to market effects: if demand decreases in some places, so do prices, which in turn can increase demand elsewhere, reported Nature Climate Change. Interestingly, the scientists' computer simulation shows that the most concerning leakage effect, in this case, may actually arise within the Alliance itself rather than through international coal markets. Although the Powering Past Coal Alliance is expected to grow, its pledge is limited to the electricity sector. This means that countries who join can actually increase their coal use in steel, cement and chemicals production, greatly hindering the potential of this initiative, added Nature Climate Change. "The greatest risk to the coal exit movement may actually come from free-riding sectors in coalition members. Unregulated industries can take advantage of falling coal prices at home and use more coal than they otherwise would have," said co-author Nico Bauer from PIK. The scientists conclude that additional strong policies are needed to avoid this effect. "The coal exit debate has to look beyond the power sector and also include the heavy industry. Carbon pricing would be the most efficient instrument to close loopholes in domestic regulations, while restrictions on coal mining and exports would go the furthest to deter free-riding abroad," continued Bauer. Meanwhile, Bi said that this is a "golden opportunity for China" - if it acts quickly. "China plays a special role since it produces and consumes more than half of all coal globally. The Chinese government must act swiftly to curtail the coal-driven Covid recovery," said Bi. In 2020-2021, China began toning down its outlook on coal, highlighted by President Xi Jinping when he announced that China will strictly control coal consumption until 2025 and start to gradually phase it down thereafter. By the end of 2021, however, China had seemingly completely reneged on this strategy to focus on shoring up coal (and other fossil fuels) supply off the back of energy security and shortage concerns. China has also pledged to end financing for building coal plants overseas, with 2021 marking the first year since 2000 that China's two global policy banks provided no new energy finance commitments to international governments. "The current coal plans jeopardize China's recent promise to peak domestic emissions before 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. The computer simulation gives China roughly fifty-fifty odds of joining the Alliance, and it only falls on the right side of that line if it stops building coal plants by 2025," added Bi. Further, the simulation showed that the Alliance only manages to boost solar and wind energy expansion if China decides to phase-out coal. China would thus have "a golden opportunity to solidify its leading role in renewable energy market and unleash sustainable development opportunities worldwide, but this requires commitment to phasing out coal," explained Bi. "If not, then it becomes less clear how we'll achieve sufficient diffusion of renewables worldwide. China's actions today can position it to either lead or impede the global energy transition," added Bi. These insights are substantially more robust than most previous analyses because the scientists used a data-driven approach for simulating real-world policy making, called Dynamic Policy Evaluation, for the first time. "Scientifically analyzing future emissions is subject to a large degree of uncertainties, not least policies. We were able to determine that coal-exit commitments often depend on certain domestic pre-conditions, which enabled us to remove some of the uncertainty on their emission impacts. Our new approach is thus the first to coherently simulate policy adoption in future scenarios which is also in line with historical evidence," said co-author Jessica Jewell from Chalmers University of Technology. "The G20 has initiated the phase-out of international public finance for coal projects. We are now assessing how much political momentum this can potentially impart on the Powering Past Coal Alliance," said PIK Director Ottmar Edenhofer. "Things are therefore looking somewhat more promising, but we must account for negative feedbacks alongside the positive for a balanced assessment of policy diffusion in our multipolar world. What remains clear is that governments must take a much more active approach to phasing out coal if they want to stay true to their climate promises," added Edenhofer. (ANI) China on Tuesday offered Turkey with USD 6 million in emergency aid to Turkey for earthquake relief, according to state broadcaster CCTV. China expressed condolences and concern for the loss of life and property, and is in communications with both Turkey and Syria, a spokesperson from China International Development Cooperation Agency said. China will give a first tranche of 40 million yuan (USD 5.9 million) in emergency aid to help Turkey's relief efforts, added CCTV. China's Red Cross will give emergency aid of USD 200,000 each to Turkey and Syria, it added. Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on Monday announced USD 11 million in aid for earthquake-hit Turkey and Syria, reported CNN. Both leaders pledged a combined total of USD 11.5 million in aid for victims of the devastating earthquake. During a joint news conference in Canberra on Tuesday, Albanese said the country would provide an initial USD 10 million in humanitarian assistance through the Red Cross, Red Crescent and humanitarian agencies. "Australia's assistance will target those in greatest need," he said. Meanwhile, Hipkins, who is on his first state visit to Australia, said Wellington would contribute USD 1.5 million, reported CNN. In a statement, New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said the "humanitarian contribution will support teams from the Turkish Red Crescent and Syrian Arab Red Crescent to deliver essential relief items such as food supplies, tents and blankets, and provide lifesaving medical assistance and psychological support." More than 4,300 people have been killed and thousands injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria early Monday, according to officials and agencies, reported CNN. At least 4,372 deaths have been confirmed after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake rocked Turkey and Syria early Monday. Thousands of buildings collapsed in both countries and aid agencies are particularly worried about north-western Syria, where more than 4 million people were already relying on humanitarian assistance. The quake, one of the strongest to hit the region in more than 100 years, struck 23 kilometres (14.2 miles) east of Nurdagi, in Turkey's Gaziantep province, at a depth of 24.1 kilometres (14.9 miles), the US Geological Survey said. At least 100 aftershocks measuring 4.0 or greater have occurred since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey on Monday morning local time, according to the United States Geological Survey. As the time from the original earthquake extends, the frequency and magnitude of the aftershocks tend to decrease. However, 5.0 to 6.0-plus aftershocks are still likely to occur and bring a risk of additional damage to structures that are compromised from the original earthquake. This brings a continued threat to rescue teams and survivors. The aftershocks stretch for more than 300 kilometres (186 miles) along the fault zone that ruptured in southern Turkey, oriented from southwest to northeast and stretching from the border with Syria up through the province of Malatya. Millions of people in northwest Syria -- mostly women and children -- were already in "dire need" of humanitarian aid before the disaster, according to the United Nations, amid a harsh winter and a cholera outbreak. Turkey has taken in about 3.5 million Syrian refugees in recent years, according to the UN refugee agency, many of them in places now devastated by the quake, reported Washington Post. (ANI) The United Nations (UN) and World Health Organisation (WHO) in a humanitarian effort have dispatched emergency response teams and Medical Teams to Turkey for rescue and relief after a deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake claimed numerous lives. According to CNN, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) stated emergency response teams from the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) are sent to Turkey to assist the country in tough times. Moreover, WHO's Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) are being mobilized to Turkey to assist in the humanitarian response. The United States announced it will send two search and rescue units to Turkey, while the European Union launched its crisis response mechanism, as per CNN. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, 10 Russian army units totalling more than 300 personnel are cleaning debris and assisting in search and rescue efforts in Syria. In reaction to the earthquake in Turkey, Japan has dispatched its Disaster Relief Rescue Team, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday. "Upon the request of the Government of Turkey, and in light of humanitarian perspective and Japan's friendship relations with Turkey, Japan has decided to provide this emergency assistance to Turkey to meet its humanitarian needs," CNN reported citing the statement. Turkey and Syria were hit by three consecutive devastating earthquakes of magnitude 7.8, 7.6 and 6.0 on Monday. The initial quake of 7.8-magnitude was followed by dozens of powerful aftershocks, including one recorded at 7.5 magnitudes in the same fault zone of south-central Turkey on Monday afternoon. Most of the damage is in southern Turkey and northern and central Syria. The death toll in Turkey and in neighbouring Syria following powerful earthquakes on Monday rose to over 4,000, the Washington Post reported. It is the strongest earthquake to hit Turkey in more than a decade. Thousands of emergency responders have been searching for people amid the rubble of collapsed buildings, and medical teams have been tending to the injured. (ANI) Nearly 4,900 people have been killed and tens of thousands injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on Monday, according to officials, reported CNN. Turkey's death toll rose to at least 3,381 as of around 9:45 a.m. local time on Tuesday, Orhan Tatar, an official with the country's disaster management agency, said in a televised briefing. At least 20,426 injuries have also been reported, according to Tatar. Meanwhile in Syria, the death toll has risen to 1,509 across areas controlled by the government and by the opposition, officials said, reported CNN. At least 3,548 people have also been reported injured in Syria, according to officials. So far, 11,000 buildings have been reported damaged in Turkey, said Tatar. Nearly 25,000 emergency responders are working at scenes impacted, he added, reported CNN. Rescuers are using at least 10 ships and 54 aircraft to transport the wounded and help with search operations, he said. The international community has been quick to offer assistance to Turkey and Syria as the full scale of the disaster becomes clear, reported CNN. On Tuesday morning, planes carrying aid from Iraq and Iran, including food, medicines and blankets, arrived at Damascus International Airport in Syria, Syrian state media SANA reported. Japan announced it would send the country's Disaster Relief Rescue team to Turkey, and on Monday night, the first of two disaster relief teams left India for Turkey with dog squads and medical supplies. Pakistan has also dispatched two search and rescue teams to the ravaged country, while Australia and New Zealand committed funds for humanitarian assistance. The European Union activated its crisis response mechanism, while the United States said it would send two search and rescue units to Turkey. Palestinian civil defense and medical teams will also be sent to Turkey and Syria to help in rescue operations, reported CNN. Meanwhile, 10 units of the Russian army with more than 300 soldiers are clearing debris and helping in search and rescue operations in Syria, Russia's Defense Ministry said. Russia is the strongest foreign power operating in Syria, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has long allied with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said emergency response teams from the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC), the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and WHO's Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) are being mobilized to Turkey to assist in the humanitarian response. However, the UN's humanitarian coordinator in Syria, El-Mostafa Benlamlih, told CNN the search and rescue mission was being hampered by a lack of heavy equipment and machinery. He said the UN's supply of stock has been distributed and more medicine and medical equipment are needed, and especially freshwater or tools to repair damaged water tanks. "Around 4 million people in northern Syria were already displaced and relying on humanitarian support as a result of war. Everyone is overstretched in that part of the world ... there is an enormous amount do. People have fled their homes often standing around in bitterly cold conditions really without access to safe water. So water is key. Blankets, food, psychological support," according to James Elder, spokesman for UNICEF. Hospitals in the country are overwhelmed as victims seek help, with some facilities damaged by the quake. And there is particular concern about the spread of illness, especially among children, who were already living in extreme hardship, reported CNN. "This winter had been particularly tough due to the freezing conditions and a cholera outbreak, Elder said. The United Nations said the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck southern Turkey early Monday was the county's most powerful quake in more than 80 years. "This is Turkiye's most powerful earthquake recorded since 1939," a situational report released Monday by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said. At least 100 aftershocks measuring 4.0 or greater have occurred since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey on Monday morning local time, according to the United States Geological Survey. On Monday, an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 centered in the Pazarcik district jolted Kahramanmaras and hit several provinces, including Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Diyarbakir, Adana, Adiyaman, Malatya, Osmaniye, Hatay, and Kilis, as per the Anadolu Agency report. Later in the day, an earthquake of 7.6 magnitude centred in Kahramanmaras's Elbistan district jolted the region. The earthquake was also felt in several neighbouring countries, including Lebanon and Syria. The third earthquake of magnitude 6.0 on the Richter scale hit Goksun, Turkey on Monday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. (ANI) US on Monday said that it is under no illusions about the challenges and threats that it faces from China in many ways. During the State Department briefing on Monday, spokesperson Ned Price said that the reason behind the US engaging in dialogue and diplomacy is to manage the competition and to also set guardrails on a relationship that is complex and consequential. The US has numerous concerns from China, espionage being one out of many. "We're under no illusions about the challenges about the threats we face from the PRC. The reason we have sought to engage in dialogue, in diplomacy, is in the first instance to manage that competition, to see to it that that competition doesn't veer into conflict, but also to set guardrails on a relationship that is complex, that is consequential, precisely because we have a number of concerns about PRC behavior, espionage being one of them," Ned Price said. Earlier this week, a suspected Chinese spy balloon was first spotted in the sky over Montana in the US, travelling across the middle of the country, before it was shot down by the US military on Saturday. Earlier, US President Joe Biden said that his administration will "take care" of the suspected Chinese spy balloon, as per a news report. He made the remarks at an airfield in Syracuse in New York, where he was visiting a family. When questioned whether he would shoot down the balloon, Biden said, "We're gonna take care of it," according to CNN. Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has said that the balloon entered US airspace by accident. However, the US State Department called the presence of the balloon in US territory a "clear violation" of their sovereignty and international law. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed his trip to China this weekend in light of the incident, which he called a "clear violation of our sovereignty," but said lines of communication will remain open to resolve the issue. The Pentagon said the balloon over the US is being used for surveillance, rejecting China's claim that the aircraft is a "civilian airship" for research that deviated from course. (ANI) Another earthquake of magnitude 5.4 jolted eastern Turkey on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The fifth earthquake was reported around 12:41 pm (local time at a depth of 6.8 km at the location 38.116N 38.669E, added USGS. At least 4,940 deaths have now been confirmed in Turkey and Syria after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake rocked the region early on Monday, reported CNN. Turkey's death toll rose to at least 3,381 as of around 9:45 am local time on Tuesday, Orhan Tatar, an official with the country's disaster management agency, said in a televised briefing, while in Syria, the death toll has risen to 1,559 across areas controlled by the government and by the opposition, officials said. At least 20,426 injuries have also been reported in Turkey, according to Tatar, while in Syria, at least 3,648 people have also been reported injured in Syria, according to officials, reported CNN. So far, 11,000 buildings have been reported damaged in Turkey, he said. Nearly 25,000 emergency responders are working at scenes impacted, Tatar added. Rescuers are using at least 10 ships and 54 aircraft to transport the wounded and help with search operations, he said. The quake, one of the strongest to hit the region in more than 100 years, struck 23 kilometres (14.2 miles) east of Nurdagi, in Turkey's Gaziantep province, at a depth of 24.1 kilometres (14.9 miles), the US Geological Survey said. At least 100 aftershocks measuring 4.0 or greater have occurred since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey on Monday morning local time, according to the United States Geological Survey. As the time from the original earthquake extends, the frequency and magnitude of the aftershocks tend to decrease. However, 5.0 to 6.0-plus aftershocks are still likely to occur and bring a risk of additional damage to structures that are compromised from the original earthquake. This brings a continued threat to rescue teams and survivors. Meanwhile, two Israeli aid groups have chartered a flight to Gaziantep on Tuesday to bring personnel and equipment to victims of the earthquake in Turkey, reported CNN. United Hatzalah, an Israeli volunteer emergency medical service, chartered the flight on El Al Airlines alongside aid group IsraAid, United Hatzalah spokesperson Raphael Poch said. Ten search and rescue specialists, a water expert, and more than a dozen doctors, paramedics and mental health specialists will be on board the flight, according to Poch and IsraAid spokesperson Shachar May. The groups said they will also be bringing "several tons" of humanitarian aid in the form of bedding, tents, warm clothing, food, water filters, hygiene kits, and resilience kits. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also be travelling to Ankara on Wednesday to offer his support following the devastating earthquake, reported CNN. In a statement Tuesday, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said Sharif would "express condolences and solidarity with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the people of Turkey over the loss of precious lives and destruction caused by yesterday's deadly earthquake." Pakistan has also deployed two search and rescue teams to Turkey. Hundreds of families remain trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings in northwest Syria following Monday's powerful earthquake, according to the White Helmets, officially known as the Syria Civil Defense. More than 790 victims have been confirmed dead in rebel-held parts of northwest Syria, and more than 2,200 injured, the White Helmets said on Twitter. However, "the numbers are expected to rise significantly because hundreds of families are still under the rubble," the group said. More than 210 buildings were destroyed by the quake in northwest Syria, the group added. Thousands of buildings collapsed in both countries and aid agencies are particularly worried about north-western Syria, where more than 4 million people were already relying on humanitarian assistance, reported CNN. Syria, a country already suffering the effects of civil war, is facing widespread devastation from the quake. More than 1,500 fatalities and 3,600 wounded have been reported across the country, according to officials. Some 4 million people in northern Syria were already displaced and relying on humanitarian support as a result of war, a UNICEF spokesman said earlier. Among major concerns now are a lack of access to shelter and safe drinking water amid freezing weather conditions and the risk of diseases such as cholera spreading. (ANI) India has dispatched the 2nd batch of aid to Turkey with an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 loaded with self-contained NDRF teams, including dog squads, search & rescue equipment, extrication tools, and vehicles as part of the Humanitarian AndDisaster Relief (HADR) to earthquake-hit Turkey. India is extending its support to Turkey through the ongoing crisis after the earthquake that jolted the country on Monday. Regarding the matter, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) tweeted, "Second @IAF_MCC C-17 with self-contained @NDRFHQ teams including dog squads, search & rescue equipment, extrication tools and vehicles leaves for Turkiye. India continues to support the people of Turkiye in their hour of need." Earlier, India's Air Force plane carrying the first batch of disaster relief material and a rescue team to support search and rescue efforts in Turkey reached Adana in the earthquake-hit country. The C17 flight with over 50 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and a specially trained dog squad along with necessary equipment, including medical supplies, drilling machines and other equipment required for the aid efforts departed for Turkey early this morning. Turkish Embassy in New Delhi tweeted "First batch of earthquake relief material along with NDRF's special search & rescue teams and trained dog squads just arrived in Turkiye. Thank you India for your support and solidarity." Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar wrote, "First Indian C17 flight with more than 50 @NDRFHQ Search & Rescue personnel, specially trained dog squads, drilling machines, relief material, medicines and other necessary utilities & equipment reaches Adana, Turkiye." The foreign minister further said that that a second plane is also getting ready for departure. According to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Monday, a meeting was conducted where it was decided that the NDRF's search and rescue teams, medical teams, and relief supplies would be sent out right away in collaboration with the Turkish government. Several other countries have come forward to aid and assist Turkey after a massive earthquake shattered lives in the country. Turkey's death toll rose to at least 3,381 as of around 9:45 a.m. local time on Tuesday, Orhan Tatar, an official with the country's disaster management agency, said in a televised briefing. At least 20,426 injuries have also been reported, he added. At least 100 aftershocks measuring 4.0 or greater have occurred since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey on Monday morning local time, the US Geological Survey said. The quake, one of the strongest to hit the region in more than 100 years, struck 23 kilometres east of Nurdagi, in Turkey's Gaziantep province, at a depth of 24.1 kilometres, the USGS reported. (ANI) Appreciating India's help in the form of search and rescue teams that landed in the morning after two devastating earthquakes struck Turkey in 24 hours, Turkey's Ambassador to India Firat Sunel, on Tuesday, said that the second plane will land in the country before evening. While addressing the press conference, Sunel said, "India is among the countries that send teams for search and rescue operations. And as you all know very well, India is among these foreign search and rescue teams. Early yesterday, just a few later than the first earthquake, Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) held a coordination meeting upon the instruction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." "Later, I also participated in the meeting with the Minister of External Affairs with NDRF members. And yesterday India sent a plane, a C-17 carrier to Turkey, carrying more than 50 search and rescue members, and experts, including research and rescue dogs and some equipment. This plane arrived early in the morning. And the rescue team in Turkey has already started the operation. Also early, this morning back in Turkey it is still in the air but we are also expecting to land before evening," he added. On Monday morning, a massive earthquake of magnitude 7.8 on the Richter scale hits 26 km E of Nurdagi in Turkey, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Terming India as "Dost" (friend) Sunel said that New Delhi's help is a huge moral support for the country. He recalled the Covid period when Turkey sent two carriers loaded with medical assistance to India and said that the same thing is being repeated as New Delhi is also providing help to Ankara. Turkey's Ambassador also recalled the proverb, "a friend in need is a friend indeed." Giving the details about the damages and casualties caused by the earthquake, Sunel said, "Earthquake of the magnitude of 7.7 hits Turkey, just after a couple of hours another earthquake with magnitude 7.6 shakes Turkey... So almost 14 million people from 10 provinces were affected in southeastern Turkey, it's a big disaster. According to the sources, they say it is even one of the most devastating earthquakes in the history of western Asia. The death toll reached 3,432 (in Turkey) and 21,103 were injured, almost 6,000 buildings collapsed, and 3 airports were damaged." "So far, we haven't received any requests from Indians for rescue after the earthquake in Turkey. The Indian mission in Ankara may have received some requests," he said. (ANI) The administration has recovered thousands of acres of state land throughout the Union Territory, and hundreds of structures erected on the encroached territory have been destroyed. Afnan Habib | TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles SRINAGAR (JAMMU & KASHMIR) Widespread anxiety is prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir amid the ongoing land retrieval drive launched by the administration, despite verbal assurances that farmers and impoverished people having houses or stores on very small areas of state land and Kahcharie (grazing land) will not be evicted. Authorities have stated that the land recovery campaign will exclusively target influential individuals, politicians, and businesses who have illegally taken possession of state land. However, many believe that under the guise of land recovery, the administration is humiliating and targeting ordinary poor people. While authorities claim that the demolition drive wont impact the poor, the reality on the ground is quite different. Poor people are being targeted. The administration must ensure that shopkeepers, if evicted, must also be rehabilitated, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, a shopkeeper from the Ganderbal district, told TwoCircles.net. After several shops were demolished in the Padshahi Bagh and Mehjoor Nagar area of Srinagar, the distraught locals appealed to the Lieutenant General to spare the poor from eviction. Stone pelting in Jammu over anti-encroachment drive On Saturday, people resorted to minor stone-pelting and protests during an anti-encroachment drive at Malik Market in Jammu. The protesters gathered around a commercial structure in Malik Market when it was being dismantled by four earthmovers in presence of civil administration, and a strong contingent of police. As JCBs were busy in dismantling the buildings stairs and outer side, the people who had gathered there from the neighbouring residential colonies protested against the drive. Police on Monday said that five people were arrested and four detained in connection with stone pelting during an anti-encroachment drive here on Saturday. Three policemen were injured in the stone pelting that took place on Saturday during the drive to demolish a vehicle showroom built on encroached land in Malik Market in Narwal bypass area. The owner of the showroom, Sajad Ahmed Beigh, is among those arrested, according to police. We have arrested five people and detained four others in connection with stone pelting that took place during an anti-encroachment drive here, a senior police officer told PTI. BJP has transformed JK into Afghanistan: PDP The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) carried out a demonstration against the demolition drive here in Srinagar today. Denouncing the authorities ongoing action, Najmu Saqib, Spokesperson for PDP, told reporters that people are being evicted from their homes by the heartless administration. Mehbooba Mufti, the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claimed that the BJP has transformed Jammu and Kashmir into Afghanistan by employing bulldozers to destroy the poor peoples homes as part of the anti-encroachment campaign. People who were formerly above the poverty threshold have now fallen below it ever since the BJP came into power. They want to make Jammu and Kashmir like Palestine and Afghanistan, Mehbooba stated during a press conference on Monday. Amid the ongoing state land retrieval drive, the administration has recovered thousands of acres of state land throughout the Union Territory, and hundreds of structures erected on the encroached territory have been destroyed. There are 3,04,366 kanals of Kahcharie (grazing land) in 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley. Out of this, Anantnag district has 34,309 kanals of Kahcharie land, Kulgam 22,616, Pulwama 50,537, Shopian 19,514, Srinagar 10,180, Budgam 36,244, Ganderbal 9,261, Baramulla 47,476, Kupwara 53,342 and Bandipora 20,887 kanals. The authorities claim that till Sunday 1,70,918 kanals of state land have been restored after the eviction of illegal occupants. Former ministers, officials, and well-known business people are some of the encroachers from whom the land has been reclaimed. Omar Abdullah, vice president of the National Conference and former chief minister of the erstwhile state, said that the ongoing demolition drive throughout J&K has caused frustration and chaos among the populace. He argued that the government should make the bulldozer its last resort, give people a chance to prove their claims, and issue proper notices to those possessing state land illegally. Addressing a press conference at Srinagar on Monday, Omar said, Everywhere, bulldozers are dispatched to destroy homes, apartment buildings, and other structures. However, no one is aware of the procedure or the justification for this demolition drive. The former chief minister said the government needs to release a genuine list of those who have occupied State land. It appears that the current campaign aims to draw a breach between groups. This drive is lacking in the protocol, he remarked. Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone stated on Monday that New Delhi shouldnt be represented by bulldozers in Kashmir, but by love and compassion. Lone accused the Jammu & Kashmir government of causing homelessness. What is the objective of the government? Do they want to retrieve land or humiliate people? I think humiliation is more important for them, he said. Lone said that as the J&K government is not an elected one, it should defer to an elected government on such major decisions. Afnan Habib is a freelance journalist based in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. He tweets @afnanhabib Indian Navy took a significant step towards operationalising the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier's successful landing of MiG-29K on INS Vikrant by Naval Pilots demonstrating India's prowess in Aircraft Carrier design, construction and operations while enhancing the Navy's Combat Readiness. On its official Twitter account, Indian Navy shared the video of MiG-29K landing on INS Vikrant with the caption, "Watch the maiden landing of MiG-29K onboard the #IndigenousAircraftCarrier #INSVikrant." After the landing, Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, said in a press release, "The successful landing and take-off of the indigenous LCA Navy on India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier is a momentous step forward towards the realisation of our collective vision of AatmaNirbharBharat. The maiden landing of the Mig-29K also heralds the integration of the fighter aircraft with INS Vikrant. Congratulations to all those who made it happen." INS Vikrant is the first indigenous Aircraft Carrier and the most complex warship ever built by our country. It is a matter of pride that the ship has been designed in-house by Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed by M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited. The ship sailed for its maiden Sea Trials on 04 August 2021. Since then, she has undergone sea sorties for trials of Main Propulsion, Power Generation Equipment, Fire Fighting systems, Aviation Facility Complex equipment etc. The Carrier was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 02 September 2022, the Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Chief Guest, as per the press release. The construction of the Carrier is a big boost to the 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat' vision of the Government of India. The Carrier has been undertaking extensive Air Operations with Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing aircraft since 13 December 2022 towards Air Certification and Flight Integration Trials for achieving the ultimate aim of being 'Combat Ready'. As part of the aviation trials, the landing of LCA (Navy) and MiG-29K onboard INS Vikrant was carried out on 06 February 2023 by Indian Naval Test Pilots. The landing of LCA(Navy) on deck has demonstrated 'AatmaNirbharta' in India's capability to design, develop, construct and operate indigenous Aircraft carriers with indigenous Fighter Aircraft. It is indeed a landmark achievement being the first time that trials of a prototype aircraft - indigenously designed & produced by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), have been successfully undertaken on an indigenous Aircraft Carrier. Further, the landing of MiG-29K onboard INS Vikrant is also a significant achievement as it marks the successful integration of the aircraft with the indigenous carrier as well as further enhances the Combat Readiness of the Navy, the statement added. (ANI) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Tuesday, declared three-month state of emergency in 10 southern provinces which was hit by massive quakes, Anadolu Agency reported. While addressing the State Information Coordination Center in the capital Ankara, Erdogan said, "Based on the authority given to us by Article 119 of the Constitution, we decided to declare a state of emergency." "We will quickly complete the presidential and parliamentary processes about the state of emergency decision, which will cover 10 provinces where earthquakes have occurred and will last for three months," he added. Erdogan's remarks came after the 7.7 magnitude earthquake early Monday struck the Pazarcik district of Kahramanmaras province, then about nine hours later, a 7.6 magnitude quake centered in Kahramanmaras's Elbistan district rocked the region, affecting several other provinces, including Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye, and Sanliurfa, according to Anadolu Agency. The earthquake was also felt in several countries in the region, including Syria and Lebanon. "We are facing one of the biggest disasters not only of the history of the Turkish Republic but also of our geography and the world," Erdogan said. At least 3,549 people were killed and 22,168 others injured in 10 provinces after two strong earthquakes, according to the president. "Our biggest relief is that over 8,000 of our citizens have been rescued from the rubble so far," Erdogan said. Stating that experts describe these two earthquakes as "exceptional ground movements that are independent of each other but trigger each other and that have no example in the world," Erdogan said, "Both earthquakes were experienced at a distance of 7 kilometers on earth that exponentially increased the severity of the destruction." "It has caused great destruction in a very wide area compared to their counterparts. Therefore, we are faced with one of the biggest disasters not only in our Republic's history but also in our geography and the world. Our state, with all its institutions, organizations, personnel, tools, equipment, and facilities, has been in the disaster areas with the spirit of mobilization from the first moment of the earthquake. started to work." he said. Taking into account the devastating effect of the earthquake that spread to 10 cities, Erdogan emphasized that they ordered expert personnel and vehicles from all over the country to immediately move to the region and that despite the difficulties caused by the weather conditions, the teams struggled selflessly to reach the disaster area and participate in the work, reported Anadolu Agency. Earlier, Turkey declared seven days of national mourning and the flag have been lowered to half-staff. (ANI) The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday he fears the world was heading for a "wider war" as the potential for escalation of the Ukraine war continues. "The Russian invasion of Ukraine is inflicting untold suffering on the Ukrainian people, with profound global implications. I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a wider war, but doing so with eyes wide open. We need peace - in line with the @UN Charter & international law," tweeted Guterres. In a speech to the 193-member UN General Assembly on Monday presenting his 2023 priorities, Guterres decried the Russian invasion of Ukraine, reported Al Jazeera. The nearly year-long conflict has been intensifying in recent weeks with fierce battles between Ukrainian and Russian forces for control of towns in eastern Ukraine. He pointed to the war in Ukraine, "runaway climate catastrophe, rising nuclear threats," the widening gulf between the world's haves and have-nots, and the "epic geopolitical divisions" undermining "global solidarity and trust." Guterres said the transformation needed today must start with peace, beginning in Ukraine -- where, unfortunately, he said, peace prospects "keep diminishing" and "the chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing." He said this year's 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights should serve as a reminder that the foundation of the inalienable rights of all people is "freedom, justice and peace," reported ABC News. The world must work harder for peace, Guterres said, not only in Ukraine but in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict "where the two-state solution is growing more distant by the day," in Afghanistan where the rights of women and girls "are being trampled and deadly terrorist attacks continue" and in Africa's Sahel region where security is deteriorating "at an alarming rate." He also called for stepped-up peace efforts in military-ruled Myanmar which is facing new violence and repression, in Haiti where gangs are holding the country hostage, "and elsewhere around the world for the two billion people who live in countries affected by conflict and humanitarian crises." The secretary-general said it is time for all countries to recommit to the UN Charter, which calls for peaceful settlement of disputes, and for a new focus on conflict prevention and reconciliation. (ANI) The Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, Rajesh Parihar, on Tuesday slammed Pakistan's baseless comments on the Jammu and Kashmir, said that the entire Union Territory was, is and will always be "an integral an inalienable part of India". Parihar while speaking at the United Nations General Assembly's 77th session, said, "Irrespective of what the representative of Pakistan believes or covets, the entire Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India". "We expect nothing new from this delegation that harbours a deep sense of insecurity and orchestrated hatred for India and our secular credentials and values that my country stands for" he added. During the same session, Parihar also expressed India's condolences to the victim families of the Syria and Turkey earthquakes which have claimed the lives of more than 4,900 people and left 20,426 people injured up till now. He on behalf of India also assured full support in the great tragedy that Syria and Turkey are suffering. At least 100 aftershocks measuring 4.0 or greater have occurred since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey. This comment by Parihar has come after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has earlier raised Indo Pak Kashmir issue again. "Pakistan will continue to lend moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmir cause, until its freedom from Indian oppression," Sharif said Time and again, Islamabad has escalated the cross-border issues. (ANI) As Afghanistan continues to face the worst humanitarian crisis amid ongoing political chaos, the United Nations (UN) warned that two-thirds of Afghans are facing severe hunger and are in urgent need of aid, with six million facing the risk of famine, TOLOnews reported on Monday. With at least 6 million people facing the risk of famine in Afghanistan due to a reeling economic crisis, the deputy executive director of UNICEF, Omar Abid urged the international community not to forget the basic rights of women and children in Afghanistan, as well as to assist them. The current population of Afghanistan is 41,201,762 as of Monday, February 6, 2023, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data. This comes as Afghanistan's most vulnerable citizens have requested assistance from relief agencies. Safar Ali is working as a labourer--transporting materials by wheelbarrow in the capital city of Kabul. "There is no good work now. It was good previously but not now. I can only make 50 Afs per day," he said. Another Kabul resident, Karim Shah also lamented about his situation and said, "There is no work to do, and nothing to do." TOLOnews reported citing the economists who stated that a disaster will occur if international institutions do not pay attention to the situation in Afghanistan. "If serious attention is not paid by the donors to the aid organizations in this regard, we will face a humanitarian catastrophe," said Shakir Yaqobi, an economist, reported TOLOnews. Unrecognized by most of the international community, the Taliban-led government has committed to disrespecting the human rights and rights of women. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the humanitarian crisis in the country has deepened. People lack basic amenities and are not allowed to speak freely. Afghan women are staring at a bleak future due to a number of restrictions imposed by the Taliban governing aspects of their lives within 10 months of Afghanistan's takeover. The UN mission in Afghanistan has expressed concern about the announcement, saying that this decision contradicts numerous assurances regarding respect for and protection of all Afghans' human rights, including those of women and girls. (ANI) India dispatched its fourth batch of aid to Turkey in the Indian Air Force aircraft including 54 members of the medical team from the Indian Army as part of the Humanitarian aid. "The fourth @IAF_MCC aircraft leaves for Turkiye with the remaining component of the field hospital. This includes 54 members of the Indian Army medical team as well as medical and other equipment to establish the facility," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted. India is extending its support to Turkey through the ongoing crisis after the earthquake that jolted the country on Monday and had already sent 3 batches of medical aid for Turkey after the devastating two earthquakes which killed 3,703 people. Bagchi, earlier, tweeted, "India dispatches an @adgpi field hospital to Turkiye to establish a 30 bedded medical facility. Its first component has left on @IAF_MCC C17 with a 45-member medical team, including critical care specialists & surgeons. Also has an X-ray machine, ventilators, OT & other equipment." Earlier, India's Air Force plane carrying the first batch of disaster relief material and a rescue team to support search and rescue efforts in Turkey reached Adana in the earthquake-hit country. The C17 flight with over 50 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and a specially trained dog squad along with necessary equipment, including medical supplies, drilling machines and other equipment required for the aid efforts departed for Turkey early this morning. Turkish Embassy in New Delhi tweeted "First batch of earthquake relief material along with NDRF's special search & rescue teams and trained dog squads just arrived in Turkiye. Thank you, India for your support and solidarity." Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar wrote, "First Indian C17 flight with more than 50 @NDRFHQ Search & Rescue personnel, specially trained dog squads, drilling machines, relief material, medicines, and other necessary utilities & equipment reaches Adana, Turkiye." The foreign minister further said that that a second plane is also getting ready for departure.According to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Monday, a meeting was conducted where it was decided that the NDRF's search and rescue teams, medical teams, and relief supplies would be sent out right away in collaboration with the Turkish government. Several other countries have come forward to aid and assist Turkey after a massive earthquake shattered lives in the country. (ANI) New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta was 'warmly' welcomed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday. Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar said, "Warm welcome to New Zealand Foreign Minister @NanaiaMahuta. bhaart meN aapkaa svaagt hai (We welcome you in India)" Mahuta, who is on a 4-day visit to India, is expected to meet with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda. She will also travel to Mumbai to promote New Zealand's education, trade, and tourism interests in India's commercial and industrial capital, according to New Zealand's Foreign Ministry's Statement. "Reconnecting New Zealand remains a key priority as we look to strengthen our economic resilience and progress ties with our international partners," Nanaia Mahuta said. "Aotearoa New Zealand and India have an energetic and vibrant relationship. We share strong people-to-people links with more than 240,000 people of Indian descent calling New Zealand home," she added. New Zealand Foreign Minister also stated that India and her country share ambitious goals between the countries and will be reinforcing the commitment to supporting closer private-sector collaboration and improved air services. The visit will also provide an opportunity to progress indigenous engagement, following initial discussions by Minister Whaitiri during her visit last year. With a focus on economic recovery and resilience, I will meet with the Chair of the India New Zealand Business Council and host a roundtable with NZTE representatives. These discussions will allow me to underline our strategy for lifting our bilateral commercial and economic ties, Mahuta said. New Zealand sees India as a core and influential partner in the Indo-Pacific and we have welcomed their participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. This framework offers a key vehicle for engaging with India as part of a broader regional agenda, according to the statement. "Both of our countries value each other's perspectives on the Pacific region and we will discuss opportunities to work together on climate change and our views on regional security," she added. "When Minister Jaishankar visited Aotearoa New Zealand last year, we both agreed that the relationship was ready for its next phase. I look forward to building on this momentum and sharing our progress to join the International Solar Alliance, which India and France established in 2015 to promote solar energy cooperation and climate action globally," Nanaia Mahuta said. Nanaia Mahuta will return to New Zealand on February 12. (ANI) The EAM also interacted with the 13-member delegation of Namgyel and hailed the 'unique' friendship between India and Bhutan. Taking to Twitter, the EAM wrote, "Pleased to interact with Wangchuk Namgyel, Speaker of National Assembly of Bhutan and his 13-member parliamentary delegation today. Discussed our multifaceted and unique friendship, especially ongoing reform, stronger economic cooperation and the priorities of youth." "Glad that the delegation would have an opportunity to see for themselves the huge changes in India over the last 8 years," the tweet read further. The basic framework of India-Bhutan bilateral relations was the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries. It called for peace between the two nations and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. The Treaty was revised in 2007. The diplomatic ties were established in 1968 with the establishment of a special office of India in Thimphu. There are a number of institutional and diplomatic mechanisms between India and Bhutan in areas such as security, border management, trade, transit, economic, hydro-power, development cooperation, water resources etc. Bhutan shares its border with four Indian states - Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Sikkim with a length of 699 km and serves as a buffer between India and China. The trade between the two countries is governed by the India-Bhutan Trade and Transit Agreement of 1972. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. India has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs) in Bhutan: Chukha HEP, Kurichhu HEP, and Tala HEP, operational and exporting surplus power to India. (ANI) The Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Pakistan regularly fell prey to atrocities from the Muslim community, private thugs, and even the police. These incidents keep happening even after a Supreme Court's order to stop them, reported the Bitter Winter. The latest of such events happened on January 18, when three thugs entered an Ahmadiyya community mosque on Martin Road in Karachi and desecrated two of its minarets. "The upper portion of the minaret has been smashed to bits. The attackers left behind the ladder and a sledgehammer. They fled as soon as the police arrived. This is the third desecration of an Ahmadi Muslim Mosque this month," The Bitter Winter stated quoting the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) report. Another IHRC report mentioned that "last month police destroyed minarets at the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Baghbanpura, Gujranwala and few days ago, a 108-year-old Ahmadiyya Mosque in Moti Bazaar Wazirabad was desecrated by the police." In another incident reported by Bitter Winter, an online magazine on religious liberty and human rights,"Police officers in Adda, Tehsil Gojra, District Toba Tek Singh, forced Ahmadis to demolish Minarets from their own Ahmadiyya Mosque by themselves." The report by Bitter Winter states that for the Muslim Pakistani government, the Ahmadis are in fact non-Muslim heretics. In addition to this, Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan has a long history of state-sponsored politics of bigotry in a Muslim country against a Muslim community. Again on February 2, vandals attacked the Ahmadiyya Hall, built in 1950 in Saddar Karachi and razed its minarets to the ground. A video circulated widely on Pakistan's social media showed that around 5-10 persons climbed up the wall and hit the structure with a hammer, the Bitter Winter report claimed. Yet another such incident happened on February 3, late at night in the province of Sindh. Two Ahmadi mosques were attacked. In Noor Nagar, a village in the Umerkot District, unknown assailants climbed the boundary walls of the local Ahmadi mosque, poured gasoline, and set it on fire. In Mirpur Khas district, the minarets of the Ahmadi mosque were ravaged by a group of unidentified aggressors before the whole building was set on fire. Similarly, on February 4 a group of fanatics opened fire near the Prayer Centre of the Satellite Town neighborhood of Mirpur Khas City, the capital of the homonymous district. Ahmadis believers were inside the Centre. Bullets were found on the gate and the boundary walls. This is not the first time that the country's Ahmadi Muslims have been killed in targeted killings. Earlier a 60-year-old man from the Ahmadiyya community was stabbed to death in Chenabnagar city of Punjab province. Naseer Ahmad and his brother Munir were going for shopping in the morning when an unidentified man, who was standing at the Chenabnagar bus stand, stopped them and asked them questions about their religion. Police said that the suspect pulled out a dagger from his bag and attacked Ahmad. He died on the spot. (ANI) A Parliamentary Delegation from Bhutan led by Wangchuk Namgyel, Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan, called on Tuesday President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, according to the press statement released by the President Secretariat. As per the statement, "Welcoming the delegation, the President said that we deeply value multifaceted and unique friendship between India and Bhutan. The Government of India is committed to expanding its excellent bilateral cooperation with Bhutan, in accordance with the aspirations and priorities of the people of Bhutan. India is foraying into new avenues of bilateral cooperation with Bhutan such as Space Cooperation, Smart Agriculture, Youth and Sports, Start-ups, Renewable energy, and Digital Development, to help the Royal Government of Bhutan realize its vision of prosperity for all." The President noted that this year Bhutan would graduate from the LDC group of countries and embark on the path of becoming a High Income Economy by 2034. She said that while moving forward on this path Bhutan would always find a reliable and trustworthy friend in India. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Wangchuk Namgyel in Delhi on Tuesday and discussed stronger economic cooperation between the nations as well as priorities of youth. The EAM also interacted with the 13-member delegation of Namgyel and hailed the 'unique' friendship between India and Bhutan. Taking to Twitter, the EAM wrote, "Pleased to interact with Wangchuk Namgyel, Speaker of National Assembly of Bhutan and his 13-member parliamentary delegation today. Discussed our multifaceted and unique friendship, especially ongoing reform, stronger economic cooperation, and the priorities of youth." "Glad that the delegation would have an opportunity to see for themselves the huge changes in India over the last 8 years," the tweet read further. The basic framework of India-Bhutan bilateral relations was the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries. It called for peace between the two nations and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. The Treaty was revised in 2007. The diplomatic ties were established in 1968 with the establishment of a special office of India in Thimphu. There are a number of institutional and diplomatic mechanisms between India and Bhutan in areas such as security, border management, trade, transit, economic, hydro-power, development cooperation, water resources, etc. Bhutan shares its border with four Indian states - Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Sikkim with a length of 699 km and serves as a buffer between India and China. The trade between the two countries is governed by the India-Bhutan Trade and Transit Agreement of 1972. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. India has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs) in Bhutan: Chukha HEP, Kurichhu HEP, and Tala HEP, operational and exporting surplus power to India. (ANI) Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 The issue of protests and sit-ins led by the Haq Do Tehreek (HDT) in Pakistan's Gwadar was raised in Pakistan's Senate on Monday. Pakistani lawmakers in Senate denounced the rights violations in Balochistan, The Express Tribune reported. Protests led by Haq Do Tehreek chief Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman have been witnessed in Gwadar for the past year for being denied basic facilities, including healthcare, electricity, and clean drinking water. In the session presided over by Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Jamaat-e-Islami's Mushtaq Ahmed condemned the violation of basic human rights and lamented that more than 18 cases have been registered against the movement's leader whose charter has gained popularity among the people, as per The Express Tribune report. On Monday, Pakistan's Minister of State for Law and Justice Shahadat Awan said addressing the Gwadar issues was primarily the provincial government's responsibility, as per the news report. He made the remarks while holding the discussion on the motion presented by Senator Kamran Murtaza and Mushtaq Ahmed on the recent situation of protests in Gwadar City. Gwadar has been witnessing protests on alleged illegal trawling in the sea, a high number of security checkpoints operating in and around the city and trade on the Pakistan-Iran Border impacting the residents of Gwadar, as per the news report. During the session, Shahadat Awan said that local issues other than security or law and order were linked to the provincial government. He stated that the demands of small fishermen in Gwadar were fair. He said that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif created a special committee to contain trawling. "On November 21, 2021, the former prime minister created a special committee to contain trawling. However, on December 26, 2022, the Balochistan government requested the interior ministry to control the law and order situation that was aggravated after the death of a police constable," The Express Tribune reported Shahadat Awan as saying. Earlier, Pakistan Senator Mushtaq Ahmed while presenting the motion informed the house that Gwadar's Haq Do Tehreek was a just protest in resistance to the mishandling of the stakeholders, persecution of women, children, elderly, and others for raising the demand for their fundamental rights, The Express Tribune reported. "The Constitutions Articles 16, 17 and 19 allow the countrymen freedom of assembly, association and expression respectively. The locals of Gwadar are being deprived of all these. The Haq Do Tehreek leader Moulana Hidayatur Rehman held three sit-ins to draw the attention of the provincial government," The Express Tribune quoted Mushtaq Ahmed as saying. Pakistan Senator Ahmed said the Tehreek earlier presented 42-point demands to the Chief Minister pertaining to education, health, border trade, missing persons, water availability and others and termed them legal. Pakistan Senator Tahir Bizejo called on the House to take serious note of the situation in Gwadar, as per the news report. "Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Qudus Bizenjo had agreed to the demands of the Tehreek but was not implemented afterwards," The Express Tribune quoted Ahmed as saying. (ANI) "We are inviting Internet-users across the Indo-Pacific and beyond to join the Challenge and pledge to practice safe and responsible cyber habits," the White House said in an announcement. "The Challenge reflects Quad's continuing efforts to strengthen individuals' and communities' cyber security awareness and action, as well as to foster a more secure and resilient cyber ecosystem to benefit economies and users everywhere." The Challenge consists of a checklist for individuals and businesses to determine their cyber security situation, along with recommendations such as installing security updates, improving and regularly changing passwords, installing password managers, adopting two-step verification, locking up devices, and keeping back-up files. The challenge will provide resources, including basic cybersecurity information and training, for all users and will culminate in events during the week of April 10. "The Quad partners are working to ensure that everyone has access to the resources needed to make informed decisions while online and using smart devices," the announcement said. The Quad announcement said the goal is to protect cyber-users from cybercrimes and other cyber threats. No sources are mentioned of these crimes and threats, but a lot of them originate in China. One such attack targeted India's premier health institution, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, in November last year. --IANS yrj/arm ( 244 Words) 2023-02-07-21:40:02 (IANS) [Source] A recent United Nations report claims China has separated approximately 1 million Tibetan children from their families and placed them into government-run boarding schools. The separations are part of China's efforts to have the children culturally, religiously and linguistically absorb the dominant Han Chinese culture, according to the U.N. Three U.N. human rights experts have voiced alarm over the oppressive implementation of forced assimilation. We are very disturbed that in recent years the residential school system for Tibetan children appears to act as a mandatory large-scale programme intended to assimilate Tibetans into majority Han culture, contrary to international human rights standards. More from NextShark: New Hong Kong textbooks say it was never a British colony, calls 2019 protests 'terrorist activities' The experts include Fernand de Varennes, U.N. special rapporteur on minority issues; Farida Shaheed, special rapporteur on the right to education; and Alexandra Xanthaki, special rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. Children from rural communities are placed into residential schools, which are built around Han culture and conducted solely in Mandarin Chinese. The governmental schools reportedly provide little to no study on the Tibetan minoritys language, history and culture. More from NextShark: Malaysian girl taken to ICU after being forced to run 30 laps at school as punishment According to the experts, "Tibetan children are losing their facility with their native language and the ability to communicate easily with their parents and grandparents in the Tibetan language, which contributes to their assimilation and erosion of their identity." The U.N. expressed concerns over a reported increase in the number of residential schools operating in and outside of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The percentage of boarding students is more than 20% nationwide, with U.N. experts noting the vast majority of Tibetan children are placed in residential schools. Story continues More from NextShark: US is 'better off with fewer Asians, less Asian immigration,' says tenured UPenn professor This increase in the number of boarding Tibetan students is achieved by the closure of rural schools in areas which tend to be populated by Tibetans, and their replacement by township or county-level schools which almost exclusively use Putonghua in teaching and communications, and usually requiring children to board. Many of those residential schools are situated far from the family homes of students boarding in them. According to the experts, the policies run contrary to the prohibition of discrimination and the rights to education, linguistic and cultural rights, freedom of religion or belief and other minority rights of the Tibetan people. This is a reversal of policies which were more inclusive or accommodating in some respects, the experts said. More from NextShark: 3,800 Japanese students kick off the new school year virtually in the metaverse According to the U.N. report, the Central Conference on Ethnic Affairs called on the ethnic groups in 2021 to place the interests of the Chinese nation above all. This call re-affirmed the idea of building a modern and strong socialist state based on a single Chinese national identity. In this context, initiatives to promote Tibetan language and culture are reportedly being suppressed, and individuals advocating for Tibetan language and education are persecuted. U.N. experts are reportedly in contact with Chinese authorities regarding the issue. This is the latest case of a prolonged cultural assault against minorities in China since President Xi Jinping took office in 2012. At least one person was taken to the hospital after a crash on US-35 in Dayton Monday night. Around 10:20 p.m., crews were called to a crash on US-35 eastbound near I-75, a caller told dispatch that a car had rolled multiple times, according to Montgomery County regional dispatch. >> 2 in custody after chase ends in crash on Rt. 4 in Dayton, police search area One car was involved in the crash and one person was taken to Miami Valley Hospital, dispatch confirmed. The left lane was closed on US-35 near I-75 as crews work to clear the crash. We are working to learn more and will update this story as we get new information. The Arizona Republic's 100 essential Phoenix restaurants: Inspiration to get out and explore the dining and drinking experiences that shape the Valley. When we decided to relaunch our list of essential metro Phoenix restaurants after more than two years, the first question I asked myself was the most obvious: "What is an essential restaurant?" In the wake of a pandemic that shuttered restaurants big and small, the question felt especially appropriate. I began to think about restaurants I'd miss if they were no longer here: places that serve more than meals, that act as repositories for our memories; gathering places for communities; spaces we show out-of-towners to say, "This is what my city has to offer." As someone who's worked in food media for a long time, the places that have meant the most to me are the ones I've kept going back to, even when I was off the clock. There was the neighborhood pizza joint in Brooklyn Heights that served their pies with jars of roasted garlic and pickled peppers. It was a place where one relationship both blossomed and fizzled. There was the shawarma stand in Oman that started the spits around 4 a.m. and served until 3 a.m. I loved the toum-smothered chicken from my first visit and it was the last place I ate before moving back to the States. More recently, a contemporary Sonoran restaurant right here in Phoenix transformed what I thought I knew about Mexican food. These places served many needs for comfort, for consistency, for something new to shock the senses. I began to wonder what places meant something to my colleagues. Where does a media critic go when the screening lets out? Where does a travel reporter take his culinary journeys? So, I turned to reporters, columnists and editors, asking them to share the restaurants that were important to them. The features team at The Arizona Republic is a mixture of lifelong residents and absolute newcomers. We are from different generations and different countries. And the sum of our culinary passions turned out to be a gorgeous mix of divey hamburger joints and haute cuisine, slice joints and Filipino cafeterias, falafel sandwiches and French pastry. Some are new, some are well established, not unlike the contributors themselves. The menus feature native grown ingredients and flavors imported from all over the world. They are the places you'll find us going back to, over and over again, because they are the places that feed our nostalgia or offer us new perspectives. They're all places that make us proud to call metro Phoenix home. Story continues This list is a celebration of restaurants that survived the seemingly insurmountable; the ones that are redefining the Phoenix food scene and the ones that haven't changed in decades. On it, I imagine you'll find a few of your favorites, and plenty more that you really ought to try. Because whether they are hip and new or classic and understated, they all offer something more than a great meal. For someone, they taste like home. I suggest treating this list like a treasure map. Use it to find hidden gems where you can taste someone else's comfort food, someone else's madeleine, someone else's epiphany. You might just find your next essential in the process. Find the 100 essential restaurants list and interactive map at bestrestaurants.azcentral.com. Reach the food, dining and nightlife editor at felicia.campbell@azcentral.com. Follow her @hungryfi on Twitter and Instagram. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Best Phoenix restaurants: Welcome to 100 essential places to eat In this piece, we will take a look at the 12 countries that produce the best tea in the world. For more countries, head on over to 5 Countries that Produce the Best Tea in the World. Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. In fact, owing to China's massive population, tea is also often ranked among the top three most consumed beverages in the world, coming second only to water and oftentimes also taking the top place if one were to believe National Geographic. This popularity isn't going anywhere, as according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) global tea production is higher than $17 billion and tea consumption per capita grew by 2.5% over the last decade. The Tea Industry: An Analysis Like most other agricultural products, tea is generally produced in regions with low human development index scores, and the market is shifting towards demanding products that are made organically. Additionally, the FAO also explains that the growth in tea demand is fueled by its health benefits. At the same time, global tea prices are responding to the demand and supply environments, as a kilogram of black tea cost $2.42 in 2019, after dropping by 12%, and further slipping to $2.28 per kilogram in the first quarter of 2021. The price then soared to $2.60 and then closed at $2.62 in the final quarter of 2021, as the market adjusted to the shortages ushered in by the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, a crucial insight into the global tea market comes from the fact that the economic crisis in Sri Lanka - one of the world's top three tea producers - ended up impacting tea prices as well. Sri Lanka, which defaulted on its debt obligations in 2022, saw its Colombo tea auction market raise prices during the turbulent economic environment, and this led to the global tea prices soaring to $2.85 per kilogram at the start of the second quarter of 2022. In terms of total production, data from the International Tea Committee (ITC) reveals that China, India, and Kenya were the world's largest tea producers in 2021. Out of these, China was the dominant player, as it produced a whopping 3 million tons of tea in 2021, almost half of the global production of 6.45 million tons. Indian tea production stood at 1.3 million tons while Kenya ended up producing 537 million kilograms. Exports wise, however, the picture is slightly different. Kenya was the world's largest tea exporter in 2021, having sold 558 million kilograms on the global markets, with China and Sri Lanka coming in at second and third places, with 369 million kilograms and 282 million kilograms of exports. India, the world's second largest tea producer, stood at number fourth. Finally, in terms of prices, Sri Lankan tea was the most expensive in the world, having auctioned for $3.11 per kilogram in 2021. Story continues Don't Miss: 12 Countries That Export the Most Tea in the World When it comes to market value, the global tea market was worth $62.6 billion in 2021 according to research from Maximize Market Research. From then until 2029, the firm believes that the tea market will grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% to sit at an estimated $104 billion. Countries that Produce the Best Tea in the World Photo by on Unsplash In terms of market segmentation by product type, black tea holds the dominant position, as it is expected to account for 42.7% of the market by 2027. Maximize Market Research divides the market into four categories, namely black tea, green tea, herbal tea, and oolong tea. Regionally, Asia Pacific and Europe will be the largest markets for the beverage in 2027. However, the Middle East and Africa will be the strongest growing regions, outpacing the broader market by experiencing a 7.3% CAGR. This is due to the fact that some of the largest per capita tea consumers, like Turkey and Iran, are in the region, and a growing purchasing power will leave larger chunks of the population able to afford the beverage. At the same time, green tea will also grow faster than the market, registering a strong 9.8% CAGR. According to the Maximize Market, this growth will be fueled by a rising public perception of the health benefits of the drink, with celebrity endorsement also contributing to green tea's popularity. Broadly speaking, the global tea production industry is dominated by small farmers, as is the case with some other sectors such as tobacco. However, there are several large players as well, with some of these being Tata Consumer Products Limited (NSE:TATACONSUM.NS), Associated British Foods plc (LON:ABF.L), Apeejay Surrendra Group, and DILMAH CEYLON TEA COMPANY PLC (CSE:CTEAN0000.CM). Our Methodology For this article we decided to go with a subjective methodology and incorporate the opinion of actual tea consumers. For that we consulted several threads on top forums like Reddit (1,2) and Quora and scoured the comments of thousands of people who gave their opinion on tea quality of different brands and countries. We also consulted web resources like Fresh Cup, Traveller Magazine, Justin+Lauren and HuffPost to compile the list of the world's best tea producing countries. Each time a country appeared on a source, it was given one point, and ties were broken through global tea exports in 2021. Countries that Produce the Best Tea in the World 12. Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Insider Monkey's Score: 1 Tea Exports in 2021: $24 million The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is a landlocked South Asian country with a GDP per capita of $4,677. Due to its geography, its main trading partners are India and China. In addition to steel and textiles, Nepal is also a strong exporter of agricultural products, including tea. Nepal has several different kinds of tea, such as oolong tea, white tea, and black tea. All these are grown from the same plant (the Camellia sinensis plant), but differ in how they are processed. This processing primarily differs on the amount of oxidation that the tea has gone through, with black tea being the most oxidized. 11. Argentine Republic Insider Monkey's Score: 1 Tea Exports in 2021: $76.9 million The Argentine Republic, or simply Argentina, is a South American country with a GDP per capita of $26,074. Its top exports are soybean products, and Argentina also exported $76.9 million of tea in 2021. Like Nepal, Argentina also produces a large amount of Camellia sinensis tea. Additionally, a popular tea in Argentina is Mate, which is a herbal tea. The Mate has an entire drinking culture based around it, with people in gatherings drinking it from a large mug that is passed between the group. Some popular tea brands are Nobleza Gaucha, Cruz de Malta, and Rosamonte. 10. Russian Federation Insider Monkey's Score: 2 Tea Exports in 2021: $115 million The Russian Federation is one of the largest countries in the world and a key player in the global energy markets. Russia is known for its traditional Caravan Tea. This tea has a smoky taste that comes from the time when caravans brought the tea from China and their campfires lent the tea a distinct taste. Tea is mostly consumed with milk in the country, and Russia is also known for a special tea brewing method called the Samovar which involves a traditional Russian kettle used to keep water hot and serve tea through a tap. 9. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Insider Monkey's Score: 3 Tea Exports in 2021: $135 million The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or the U.K., is a prosperous European country. It has a strong tea culture, which it acquired through its colonization of India. However, green tea made its way to the U.K. in the 1600s. Tea is widely considered to be Britain's national drink, and naturally, it also has several different kinds of teas such as English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast, and Earl Grey. Some large British tea companies are Associated British Foods plc (LON:ABF.L), R Twining and Company Limited (an Associated British Foods subsidiary), and Taylors of Harrogate Yorkshire Tea. 8. Kingdom of Morocco Insider Monkey's Score: 4 Tea Exports in 2021: $32 million The Kingdom of Morocco is a North African country with a GDP per capita of $9,808. Morocco also has a strong tea culture, with its tea ceremonies often being held to welcome guests. Morocco's most famous tea is its mint tea, which isn't really that common in other major tea consuming countries of the world. Some common Moroccan mint tea types are Nana and Atay, and other teas unique to the country are Louiza, Sheeba, and Flio. 7. Taiwan Insider Monkey's Score: 4 Tea Exports in 2021: $113 million When it comes to tea, Oolong tea is Taiwan's major tea product, which accounts for a large proportion of global production. Naturally, this also lends the region with some unique Oolong teas, such as Dongding Tea, Dongfang Meiren, Gao Shan, and Gao Shan. Tea shops are located all over the country, with one of the largest tea companies being the Taiwan Tea Corporation (TPE:2913.TW). 6. Republic of Turkiye Insider Monkey's Score: 5 Tea Exports in 2021: $22 million Turkey is the largest tea consumer in the world, with a per capita tea consumption of 4 kilograms as of 2021. The Turks consume a variety of herbal teas such as Apple Tea, Yarrow Tea, and Sage Teas. Tea consumption dates back to the 5th century when Chinese traders brought the beverage to Turkey, with consumption picking up due to high coffee prices after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Click to continue reading and see 5 Countries that Produce the Best Tea in the World. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 12 Countries that Produce the Best Tea in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey. Awards season always turns up note-worthy moments: showstopping outfits, witty speeches or egregious faux-pas are instantly turned into memes and circulated endlessly on social media. In 2021, one moment in particular captivated viewers worldwide, and that was watching eight-year-old actor Alan Kim dressed in a tuxedo tear up while accepting a Critics Choice Award for his scene-stealing part in the critically acclaimed film Minari. After a successful season, however, which included a Bafta nod, the young star was eventually shut out of the Oscars. It was a shame in a year of history-making nominations for the Academy Awards, seeing Kim recognised would have been the cherry on top. But it was always a long shot. Child actors are a welcome but infrequent inclusion at the Oscars their rarity though, does make every instance especially memorable. In the run-up to next months ceremony, here is a list of the 13 youngest stars to receive an Oscar nomination an accolade most actors will spend their whole lives only coveting. Winners Tatum ONeal, 10 years old (Paper Moon, 1974) At only 10 years old, ONeal earned a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in the comedy drama Paper Moon. She starred opposite her father Ryan ONeal as Moses Pray and Addie Loggins a pair of slick con artists swindling their way through 1930s Kansas. Beating out the likes of Linda Blair (The Exorcist), Candy Clark (American Graffiti), Sylvia Sidney (Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams) and her Paper Moon co-star Madeline Kahn, ONeal remains the youngest person ever to win an Academy Award for acting. (Rex) Anna Paquin, 11 years old (The Piano, 1994) While now Paquin is most recognised for her leading role in HBOs vampire drama True Blood, the actor made waves decades earlier with her Oscar-winning turn in Jane Campions The Piano. Aged 11, the Canadian-New Zealand actor toppled the likes of Holly Hunter and Emma Thompson. Paquin recently re-entered Oscars chatter with her seven-word part in Martin Scorseses The Irishman, which earned 10 nominations last year but no wins. Story continues Patty Duke, 16 years old (The Miracle Worker, 1963) Duke was 16 years old when she starred as Helen Keller in the 1963 film adaptation of The Miracle Worker, a role she had also played in the stage production. The New York-born actor who died aged 69 in 2016 enjoyed a hugely successful career following her history-making win. Duke acquired cult status for her role in 1967s Valley of the Dolls and went on to earn 10 Emmy nominations (including three wins) for her performances on the small screen. Nominees Justin Henry, eight years old (Kramer vs Kramer, 1980) Although Henry starred in the 1979 film Kramer vs Kramer aged seven, it was one year later that he earned his Oscar nomination for the emotional divorce drama. The young star was in good company, portraying the son of Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streeps warring spouses. Henry went on to appear in John Hughess classic Sixteen Candles as Molly Ringwalds younger brother. (Columbia/Kobal/Shutterstock) Quvenzhane Wallis, nine years old (Beasts of the Southern Wild, 2013) Wallis was nothing short of phenomenal in Beasts of the Southern Wild a role that she auditioned for when she was just five years old. Praise for her lead performance as Hushpuppy dominated conversation around the 2012 film. By the time of her Oscar nod Wallis was nine years old, making her the youngest-ever Best Actress nominee to date. She has since starred in 2014s reboot of Annie opposite Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz. Jackie Cooper, nine years old (Skippy, 1931) Cooper may be best known for his heartrending performance in The Champ, but the young actor gained the most critical acclaim for his role in the 1931 comedy Skippy based on the popular comic strip by Percy Crosby. Nine-year-old Cooper starred in the title role as the feisty son of Dr Herbert and Ellen Skinner (Willard Robertson and Enid Bennett). Mary Badham, 10 years old (To Kill a Mocking Bird, 1952) Badham had big shoes to fill playing Jean Louise Scout Finch in the 1962 film adaptation of Harper Lees acclaimed novel To Kill a Mockingbird. But fill them she did, and her performance as Lees charming heroine was recognised by the Academy with a Best Supporting Actress nod. (Getty Images) Haley Joel Osment, 11 years old (The Sixth Sense, 2000) Some may remember Osment in M Night Shyamalans horror hit as simply one line of dialogue (I see dead people) but the young stars performance was far more than just a catchphrase. Aged 11, Osment narrowly lost out to Michael Caine (The Cider House Rules) for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars that year. Now, the actor can be seen on Amazon Primes superhero series The Boys. Patty McCormack, 12 years old (The Bad Seed, 1956) Twelve-year-old McCormack was chilling as a suspected killer in The Bad Seed. Her Oscar-nominated performance as the creepy, pigtailed Rhoda Penmark was followed up by a string of features, including a part as First Lady Pat Nixon in 2008s Frost/Nixon. Keisha Castle-Hughes, 12 years old (Whale Rider, 2004) Castle-Hughes was only 12 years old when she nabbed the lead role in Whale Rider, a 2003 film about a girl with Maori heritage. The part earned her a Best Actress nomination at the Academy Awards, but most recently the New Zealand-born actor starred as Dornish fighter Obara Sand in HBOs fantasy series Game of Thrones. (Columbia/Kobal/Shutterstock) Jodie Foster, 14 years old (Taxi Driver, 1977) An Oscars fixture, Foster picked up her first nomination for her supporting role in Martin Scorseses 1976 film Taxi Driver. Her portrayal of the child prostitute Iris was plagued by controversy but kickstarted a starry career for the actor, who has gone on to win two Oscars since (The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs). Hailee Steinfeld, 14 years old (True Grit, 2011) Steinfeld has gone from strength to strength since her Oscar-nominated performance in the Coen Brotherss True Grit. In the 2011 film, Steinfeld plays a young girl hunting down her fathers killer. The actor has followed it up with a string of high-profile appearances in film and on TV, and currently stars as Emily Dickinson in Apple TV Pluss Dickinson. She has also enjoyed a successful music career, with her 2015 track Starving, featuring Grey and Zedd, reaching top five in the UK charts. (Rex Features) Linda Blair, 15 years old (The Exorcist, 1973) Few can forget Blairs harrowing performance as the possessed child of The Exorcist, a part which earned her a Supporting Actress nod at just 15 years old. Much of the characters demon dialogue, however, was dubbed by Mercedes McCambridge, who was uncredited for her part in the seminal movie. McCambridge had previously won an Academy Award herself for her screen debut in All the Kings Men (1949). This article was originally published in 2021 Nearly 150 New York City police officers committed misconduct, including using excessive force, while responding to the 2020 protests over the killing of George Floyd, according to a report released Monday by a civilian review board. The city's Civilian Complaint Review Board, or CCRB, also found that many officers disciplined by the police department received punishment that was less than the panel recommended, and in some cases officers found to have committed misconduct were not disciplined at all. Investigations into more than 600 complaints about police conduct during the protests had to be closed because officers could not be identified. In many cases that was because police purposely wore mourning bands over their badges or refused to provide their names, or because the department failed to track where officers were deployed, the 590-page report says. The board received 321 complaints during the protests that were determined to be within its jurisdiction and 226 were investigated. The document describes, for example, police actions during one protest in Brooklyn on May 30, 2020, that drew numerous complaints. An officer drove a police vehicle into the crowd and knocked protesters to the ground. Another officer pulled down a demonstrators coronavirus-protecting mask and pepper sprayed him in the face. On the Brooklyn Bridge that day, officers tackled protesters and hit them in the head with batons, the report says. The panel substantiated 269 allegations of misconduct against 146 officers, including 140 allegations of excessive force and 72 claims of abuse of authority, including officers refusing to provide their names or obstructing their badges. The allegations that were sustained included 34 for improperly striking people with batons and 28 for improperly using pepper spray. Protests against police brutality bred more instances of police misconduct, Arva Rice, the review board's chair, said in a statement. If this misconduct goes unaddressed, it will never be reformed. Story continues The document includes recommendations for change. The NYPD said it objects to many of the board's characterizations. In a statement, it said many, if not all, of the review board's recommendations already have been implemented in response to the department's own review and proposals by other agencies. A key element missing from this report is any acknowledgement that officers were performing their utmost duty, protecting the city and its people, under what were often sustained, dangerous conditions, the department said. The agency also said the 226 complaints reviewed by the board contained 1,800 allegations, and only 15% of those were substantiated. The number of officers found to have committed misconduct was only a fraction of the more than 20,000 on duty daily at the height of the protests. Some demonstrators were looting, setting fires and destroying property, the department noted. The NYPD said more than 400 officers were injured during the protests, including 250 who were hospitalized. Patrick Lynch, the head of the Police Benevolent Association, also was critical. Once again, the anti-cop activists at CCRB are trying to pin the blame on individual police officers for management failures and the chaos created by violent agitators," he said in a statement. "We are still awaiting accountability for the city leaders who sent us out with no plan and no support, and for the criminals who injured more than 400 of our brothers and sisters. The board recommended charges and other discipline against 89 officers. Of those cases, three were resolved through guilty pleas, four officers forfeited vacation days, five officers retired or resigned before disciplinary action could be taken, nine officers were not disciplined by the department and administrative proceedings are pending against 62 officers, the report said. It made a series of recommendations including that all officers get updated training on crowd control tactics. The board also said police should not interfere with members of the press, that officers' names and shield numbers should be visible at all times and that the department should assess how it uses various tactics and tools during protests. The New York Civil Liberties Union said the report shows how officers responded with violence. This report gives the public a new window into the scale of officer misconduct, crucial access to troves of internal records and, in the end, stark evidence of the NYPDs unwillingness to hold officers accountable," Molly Biklen, the New York ACLU's deputy legal director, said in a statement. A 19-month-old girl was successfully rescued 18 hours after falling into a well while playing Monday afternoon in Thailand's northern Tak province. The girl's parents, who are Myanmar migrant workers, had placed her under a tree while they worked at a cassava farm, but later alerted authorities when they couldn't find her during their break, according to the BBC. They heard her cries coming from a nearby 15-meter-deep well, and it was later determined that she had fallen through a 30 cm gap at the top and had been stuck inside. Rescue workers arrived on scene and called out to the girl. Hearing her faint cries in response, they got to work trying to determine the condition of the child and what needed to be done to complete the rescue, according to the Bangkok Post. They lowered a camera into the hole to locate her and inserted a tube into the shaft to pump oxygen inside. In the meantime, crews dug a pit adjacent to the well in order to bring the child safely out. They dug a 10m deep pit with a mechanical digger, before switching over to using shovels and digging by hand in order to ensure the well wouldn't collapse, according to the BBC. RELATED: Rescuers Rush to Save Boy, 10, Trapped Underground After He Fell into Concrete Pillar in Vietnam Following an overnight emergency operation, rescue workers and military carry a 1 year-old from a deep hole in the northern Thailand province of Tak, 420 kms. (260 miles) north of Bangkok, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. The toddler, who is from Myanmar, fell into the 15 meter deep hole used for groundwater pipes yesterday evening. Chiravuth Rungjamratratsami/AP "It seemed like an easy operation at first because it looked like loose dirt, but once we started digging we found rock, which made it difficult because excavators can't dig through it," said Sanya Phetset, Phop Phra district chief in the Tak province said, per the Independent. The pit that she fell through was believed to have been intended to be an artesian well that had been recently dug and left open, Phetset also told Thairath TV, per the publication. 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. Eventually crews were able to make it to her at around 8 a.m. local time, but had to extract her carefully as she had suffered an injury to her leg, per the BBC. Story continues Fire & Rescue Thailand, a non-profit organization, posted an update on their Facebook, saying that the child was rescued at 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday and rushed to Phop Phra Hospital. Cheers from rescuers reportedly broke out as the girl was finally brought out of the shaft wrapped in a green medical jacket. "We are so glad we could rescue her safely," rescue worker Chanachart Wancharernrung told reporters, per BBC. "We have been trying since yesterday afternoon. We worked without sleep. Everyone helped out." Local police chief Ratsaran Ketsoising told AFP that the girl "has signs of fatigue but still has good vital signs." Two Indiana men have been charged with murder nearly a half-century after a 17-year-old girl failed to return home from her job at a church camp and was found dead in a river, state police announced Tuesday. Fred Bandy Jr., 67, of Goshen, and John Wayne Lehman, 67, of Auburn, were arrested Monday on one count each of murder in the killing of Laurel Jean Mitchell, said Capt. Kevin Smith. Bandy and Lehman were being held without bond at the Noble County Jail and were scheduled for initial court hearings Wednesday. Online court documents did not list an attorney who could speak on behalf of either man. Smith declined to comment on the specific developments that led to the arrests more than 47 years after the killing, but said that science finally gave us the evidence we needed. A probable cause affidavit filed Tuesday in Noble County court said witnesses tied the men to Mitchell's killing and DNA evidence linked Bandy to the crime. Smith said that on the night of Aug. 6, 1975, Mitchell did not return home from her job at the snack bar of the Epworth Forest church camp near a lake in her hometown of North Webster, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) northeast of Indianapolis. Her parents reported her missing, and Mitchell's body was discovered the next morning in the Elkhart River about 17 miles northeast of North Webster. Smith said investigators determined that she had drowned, and the autopsy found signs that she had fought for her life. Officers have spoken to Mitchell's brother and sister, he added, saying he hopes the arrests can bring them at least a little peace." I cannot imagine having dealt with that for 47 years, wondering what happened, Smith said at a news conference in Albion. According to the probable cause affidavit, investigators believe Bandy and Lehman forcibly, deliberately drowned" Mitchell after taking her to the Elkhart River in Bandy's 1971 Oldsmobile. In addition, the affidavit says a DNA profile was obtained through recent testing on Mitchell's clothing, which was saved along with other evidence collected in 1975. Story continues Bandy voluntarily provided a DNA sample in December to state police, and testing determined that he was 13 billion times more likely to be the contributor of the DNA in Laurel J. Mitchells clothing than any other unknown person. That testing came after three people who were teens at the time of of the killing tied the men to the crime based on incriminating comments made about the death, according to the affidavit. One man told police in 2014 that he socialized with Bandy while in high school and that Bandy told him after Mitchell's murder that he had committed the crime" and also provided the location where her body was found. A second man told police in 2019 that he and the first witness had attended a high school party with Bandy, Lehman and others when Mitchell's murder came up. Bandy stated he and John Wayne Lehman committed that crime, together," the man told investigators. And a Florida woman who was 16 and living in Noble County in 1975 contacted the county sheriff's department in June 2013 to say she had gone on a date with Lehman and as he was driving her home, he admitted his involvement in a crime that he committed with his friend, Fred Bandy." Lehman also told the woman details consistent with police findings when the body was found and with anatomical findings" from the autopsy, according to the affidavit. A small fire on a United Airlines flight bound for Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey forced the plane to return to San Diego International Airport shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 737 returned to the California airport around 7:30 a.m. Pacific time after the flight's crew "reported a laptop on fire in the cabin," according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The San Diego Fire Department told CBS News in a statement that the cause of the fire was an "external battery pack." United said in a statement that the battery pack "ignited," but it was not clear why the device caught fire. Flight crew put the burning object in a fire bag to prevent the fire from spreading, the department said. The fire did not spread to the plane. "We thank our crew for their quick actions in prioritizing the safety of everyone on board the aircraft," United said. Four people who were on the plane were taken to the UC San Diego Medical Center, the fire department said on Twitter. According to United, all were flight attendants who were transported to the hospital "as a precaution." SDFD evaluated all passengers and crew. Total of 4 patients transported. Two others opted not to be transported. #batteryfire pic.twitter.com/usaFGzoXLo SDFD (@SDFD) February 7, 2023 Two other passengers were evaluated onsite, United said, but declined transportation to the hospital, according to the fire department. All other passengers and crew members aboard the plane were evaluated, the fire department said. United said that the airline was "making arrangements to get our customers to their destinations." Story continues Biden, in State of the Union, highlights areas of bipartisan agreement Biden, in State of the Union, says "democracy remains unbowed and unbroken" Political analysts on what to watch for in Biden's State of the Union address Two Tifton men associated with an armed drug trafficking network were sentenced to prison Thursday for their crimes. Juanjava Boggerty, aka Jay, 49, was sentenced to 235 months (19 and a half years) in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Oct. 12, 2022. Co-defendant Darrell Mack, 33, of Tifton, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on Oct. 13, 2022. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to court documents, GBI agentsworking with a confidential informant began investigating a Tifton methamphetamine supplier known as Jay in May 2019, who was later identified as Boggerty. Under surveillance, the informant made six controlled buys of methamphetamine between May and Dec. 2019, including purchases at Fosters home on Poplar Street and involving other named defendants in this case. A search warrant was executed at Fosters residence in June 2019, where agents recovered methamphetamine and other controlled substances and drug paraphernalia along with a .40 caliber pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition and a sawed-off 20-gauge shotgun. Agents made more controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Boggerty after the search, including a purchase with co-defendant Taylor. A search warrant was executed at Boggertys home at 152 Branch Road in Tifton in Dec. 2019; agents found 107 grams of methamphetamine along with digital scales, baggies, and other items associated with drug trafficking. In all, Boggertys drug trafficking operation is being held responsible for distributing between 1.5 and 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Tifton community. The following co-defendants have pleaded guilty and been sentenced: Tevin Parker, aka Tay, 28, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on July 26, 2022, and was sentenced to serve 262 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on Nov. 3, 2022; Story continues Courtney Taylor, 39, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Oct. 4, 2022, and was sentenced to serve 235 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release to be served concurrently to a sentence imposed in Tift County, Georgia, Superior Court and any sentence which may be imposed in Ben Hill County, Georgia, Superior Court for probation violation on Jan. 25. Brian Foster, aka Joe, aka FOS, 30, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Sept. 27, 2022, and was sentenced to serve 136 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on Dec. 30, 2022. Bradrick Boston aka Big Baby, 34, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on July 20, 2022, and was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release to be served concurrently to a sentence imposed in Tift County, Georgia, Superior Court for probation violation on Nov. 3, 2022. TRENDING STORIES: Clenton Davis, 33, of Ashburn, Georgia, pleaded guilty to managing drug premises on Aug. 2, 2022, and was sentenced to serve 96 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on Nov. 20, 2022. Keyuntran Taylor, 23, of Ashburn, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Oct. 5, 2022, and was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release on Jan. 26. Dmya Norris, 25, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Oct. 5, 2022, and was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release on Jan. 26. Dante Hille, 29, of Ashburn, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on June 14, 2022, and was sentenced to serve 51 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on Sept. 15, 2022. Vontesha Dixon, 32, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Oct. 4, 2022, and was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on Jan. 19. Keilaysha Dixon, 23, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on Sept. 22, 2022, and was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release on Dec. 30, 2022. Jala Taylor, 24, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine on Oct. 11, 2022, and was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on Jan. 27. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The following co-defendants have pleaded guilty in this case and are awaiting sentencing: Rafon Carithers, aka Tweed, 34, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on May 19, 2022, and faces a maximum sentence of 40 years of imprisonment to be followed by at least four years of supervised release and a $5,000,000 fine. Jehmeil Carmichael, 35, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. McKevor Mulkey aka Chevy, 32, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on April 19, 2022, and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment to be followed by at least five years of supervised release and a $10,000,000 fine. Rishaun Richardson, 26, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Aug. 23, 2022, and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. Damarius Williams, 25, of Tifton, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Oct. 18, 2022, and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. IN OTHER NEWS: PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) A speeding bus collided with a car and plunged into a ravine in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday, killing at least 22 passengers and injuring 12 others, police said, the second such deadly accident in less than a week. The bus was traveling to the garrison city of Rawalpindi from the Ghizer district in the north when the accident happened near Shatial village, 500 kilometers (30 miles) north of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said Dildar Khan, an area police chief. He said rescuers transferred the dead and injured to a hospital, where some of them were listed in critical condition. Last Friday, 17 people were killed in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and a speeding truck near a tunnel in the Kohat district in northwest Pakistan. On Jan, 29, another deadly accident happened in southern Pakistan where a bus crashed into a pillar and fell off a bridge, killing 40 people. Deadly accidents are common in Pakistan due to poor road infrastructure and a disregard for traffic laws. Five men from Pennsylvania, including three from our area, are charged with sexually abusing children. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office, all five men and their victims were members of Jehovahs Witness congregations. Four other Jehovahs Witnesses were charged for similar acts in Oct. 22. The details of these crimes are sad and disturbing, facts which are made even more abhorrent because the defendants used their faith communities or their own families to gain access to victims, said Acting Attorney General Michelle Henry. Our office will never stop working to seek justice for those who have been victimized, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute anyone who harms the most vulnerable in our society. Of the five men charged, three are from our region. They include: Marc Brown, 65, of Allegheny County, Raymond Shultz, 74, of Beaver County, Kevin Isovitsch, 51, of Butler County The two other men are from Lancaster County. Brown is accused of sexually abusing two girls between the ages for ten and 13. Hes charged with aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors. Shultz is accused of sexually abusing an unspecified number of young girls between the ages of five and ten years old. He is also charged with aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors. Isovitsch is accused of sexually assaulting a young girl under ten years old. Hes charged with rape, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors. All three men from our region are behind bars. The Jehovahs Witnesses United States Branch issued the following statement regarding these incidents: As Christians, Jehovahs Witnesses despise the mistreatment and abuse of anyone, especially precious children. While it is not appropriate to comment on cases pending before the courts, we want to express our concern for all victims of abuse regardless of faith. Story continues Anyone with information regarding child sexual abuse should make a report to ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313, and anyone with additional information regarding these cases should make a report to the Office of Attorney Generals hotline at 888-538-8541. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: 1 police officer killed, another hurt after shooting in McKeesport; both officers identified LATEST: Chemicals released from 5 cars at train derailment site, air being monitored AMC to charge moviegoers more money for good seats VIDEO: Massive explosion at start of controlled release of chemicals at train derailment DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Three Massachusetts residents have reason to celebrate after they all recently won $1 million on scratch tickets sold at local stores. Susan Fitzpatrick, of Hull, became the first $1 million prize winner in the Massachusetts State Lotterys $10,000,000 Lucky Bucks $20 instant ticket game. Fitzpatrick, who chose to play this game because it was new, opted to receive her prize in the form of a one-time payment of $650,000. She plans on using her winnings to pay off her house and help her kids. She purchased her winning ticket at Hancock Tobacco in Quincy. Paul Fletcher, of Malden, chose the cash option on his $5,000,000 100X Cashword instant ticket game prize and received a one-time payment of $650,000. His winning ticket was purchased at Sunnyhurst Farms in Malden. Jill Roy, of Wareham, also chose to receive her $10,000,000 Bonus Wins instant ticket game prize in the form of a one-time payment of $650,000. She plans on investing some of her winnings in real estate. She purchased her winning ticket at Top of the Hill Liquors in Marion. All of the stores will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning tickets. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Three suspects were arrested Monday following a police chase that began at a mall in Mesquite and ended with schools on alert and an armed man hiding in a neighborhood, police said. Mesquite police were dispatched to a reported theft at Town East Mall at 2:55 p.m. Monday. Officers spotted the suspects vehicle as it fled the scene. The vehicle failed to stop and a chase began, police said in a news release Tuesday. Officers pursued the car until it stopped in a neighborhood on the south side of the mall. The driver got out and ran while two other people in the vehicle were taken into custody, police said. The driver was seen with a gun as he fled from officers, according to police. Nearby schools were placed on secure status for the safety of the students. The armed man approached a home in the neighborhood and threatened a resident before running again, police said. Officers established a perimeter and began searching with the assistance of a helicopter. Dogs, the Mesquite Police Tactical Team, and a drone operator from the Mesquite Fire Department also helped with the search. A homeowner in the area received an alert on his surveillance camera system and told officers the suspect was shown on his cameras getting into and hiding in one the cars in his gated driveway, according to police. The tactical team was able to negotiate the safe surrender of the suspect from the vehicle, and he was taken to jail without further incident, according to police. A review of the evidence showed that the suspects were driving a stolen car, police said in a statement. The gun used by the driver was found in a neighbors yard and was also stolen, police said. The suspects face charges of engaging in organized criminal activity, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, evading arrest, failure to identify, and other outstanding warrants. The names of the suspects have not been released. MEXICO CITY (AP) A Nicaraguan court has sentenced four Roman Catholic priests to 10 years in prison on conspiracy charges stemming from long-standing government allegations that the church backed illegal pro-democracy protests. A human rights group in the Central American country quickly denounced the sentences handed down Monday and made known by lawyers of the Legal Defense Unit. It was the latest chapter in a crackdown on the church by President Daniel Ortega. On Sunday, a fifth priest was sentenced to 10 years in prison on the same charges. The priests were convicted in closed-door trials in which government-appointed defenders acted as the priests attorneys. Those sentenced Monday had worked with Matagalpa Bishop Rolando Alvarez, and one had been rector of the privately run Juan Pablo II University in the capital of Managua. Alvarez is under house arrest on charges of conspiracy and damaging the Nicaraguan government and society, and is set to be sentenced soon. Two seminary students and a cameraman who worked for the diocese were also sentenced Monday. All six of the defendants were arrested last year, and all were stripped of the right to ever hold political office. The Nicaraguan Human Rights Center described the sentences as a legal aberration. This is an insult to the law, an insult to peoples intelligence, an insult to the international community and the international agencies for the protection of human rights, the center said in a statement Tuesday. Alvarez, the bishop, had been a key religious voice in discussions of Nicaraguas future since 2018, when a wave of protests against Ortegas government led to a sweeping crackdown on opponents. On Sunday, Rev. Oscar Danilo Benavidez, a priest in Mulukuku in northern Nicaragua, was sentenced for conspiracy and spreading false information. He had been arrested Aug. 14. The government arrested dozens of opposition leaders in 2021, including seven potential presidential candidates. They were sentenced to prison last year in quick trials that also were closed to the public. Story continues Ortega has contended the pro-democracy protests were carried out with foreign backing and with the support of the Catholic Church. Last year, he expelled the nuns from Mother Teresas Sisters of Charity religious order and the papal nuncio, the Vaticans top diplomat in Nicaragua. Last August, Pope Francis told thousands of people gathered in St. Peters Square that he was closely following with worry and sorrow events in Nicaragua that involve persons and institutions. He didnt mention the dententions of the priests or Alvarez. I would like to express my conviction and my hope that through means of open and sincere dialogue, one can still find the bases for respectful and peaceful co-existence, the pope said. Ortega, a former Marxist guerrilla who first came to power in 1979 after the Sandinista revolutionary group he helped lead overthrew the dictatorship of President Anastasio Somoza, infuriated the Vatican in the 1980s. But he gradually forged an alliance with the church as he moved to regain the presidency in 2007 after a long period out of power. Then just days before he was elected to a fourth consecutive term last year, he accused the nations Catholic bishops of having drafted a political proposal in 2018 on behalf of the terrorists, at the service of the Yankees. He also labeled the bishops themselves as terrorists. As a result of enemy shelling, the houses of local residents were damaged Russian invasion forces attacked the area in and around the town on Marhanets twice with a total of about 40 shells. Read also: Russians hit Nikopol with heavy artillery Power lines were hit, cutting electricity to a water pumping station that serves several settlements. As a result, about 60,000 people were left without water. Russian forces also hit four residential houses, a utility building, power and gas lines. There were no deaths or injuries as a result of the Russian shelling. Read also: Russia conducts overnight shelling of residential area in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russian forces have shelled the settlements of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast almost daily. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Aposto has hand-cut pasta and chocolate cake for Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day in the Des Moines metro is the perfect time to celebrate with the one you love, and some local restaurants came up with special menus meant to spark romance. From Aposto, known for its beloved Italian dishes, to the art-centric Tangerine at the Art Center, there are dining options for every couple to discover during the most romantic day of the year. Tony Lemmo's Aposto in Sherman Hill plans to serve a four-course meal with decadent chocolate cake and hand-cut pasta during its Valentine's Day service. The restaurant has been a beloved destination for metro area couples to dine and wine with one another, but its Valentine's Day dinner takes the cake (seriously). On the menu: A watercress salad with orange vinaigrette, walnut, and feta will be served followed by a second course of cacio e pepe pasta featuring hand-cut linguine, cracked black pepper, and butter. The third course features a carrot puree, lobster, and dill risotto or lamb roulade with mushroom, green onion puree, pickled radish, and demi-glace. Dessert is a chocolate cake with Bavarian cream and poached strawberries. Location: 644 18th St., Des Moines Hours: Reservations available from 5 to 9 p.m., reserve on Tock. The cost is $65 per person. Contact: 515-244-1353; apostodm.com. More:The 8 hottest new restaurants in Des Moines, January 2023 edition Clyde's Fine Diner celebrates Valentine's Day with a special menu. The East Village eatery, which features elevated reimaginations of classic diner fare from chef and owner Chris Hoffmann, is inviting metro area diners to share a four-course prix fixe menu with their significant other. The tasting menu features two-hour reservations on Feb. 14 and select reservation times are sold out. On the menu: The menu features an oyster as an appetizer followed by a beet tartare, a second course sesame-crusted scallop with scallions, pork dumpling, and kimchi broth. A New York strip makes the menu with mushroom ragu and sunchoke home fry for the diner's third course, followed by a Basque cheesecake with walnut crumbs, blood orange, and meringue. Story continues Location: 111 E. Grand Ave., Suite 111, Des Moines Hours: Reservations available from 5 to 8:45 p.m., select times are sold out. The cost is $85 per person. Contact: 515-243-3686 or clydesfinediner.com. Flemings Steakhouse Fleming's Steakhouse has a surf-and-turf dinner for $85 for Valentine's Day. The steakhouse outside Jordan Creek Town Center comes through for couples who want to celebrate Valentines Day with a lavish affair. On the menu: The three-course surf-and-turf comes with a shareable 35-ounce prime tomahawk paired with lobster tail scampi and crab-stuffed shrimp for $230 per couple. The restaurant also has a three-course filet mignon menu for $85 per diner. Both menus include a choice of Fleming's salad or Caesars salad to start, and New York cheesecake or chocolate gooey butter cake to finish. The menu can be ordered from Feb. 10-14. Location: 150 S. Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines Hours: Open Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. Make reservations on OpenTable. Contact: 515-457-2916 or flemingssteakhouse.com. More:33 of the best places to eat in Des Moines: 2022 edition HoQ The East Villages HoQ from chef Suman Hoq offers a special dinner for Valentines Day that focuses on local ingredients. On the menu: The four-course menu for $85 per person comes with optional wine pairings and special cocktails. Diners can choose vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Location: 303 E. Fifth St., Des Moines Hours: Reservations available from 5:15 to 8 p.m. Visit OpenTable for reservations. Contact: 515-244-1213 or hoqtable.com. More:The 15 biggest restaurant and bar openings of 2023 in Des Moines, from Oak Park to Barbarian The Surety Hotel's signature restaurant Mulberry Street Tavern, with plates from chef Rateb Aburas and his team, will host a four-course prix fixe menu with options for Valentine's Day. The weekend before Feb. 14, the restaurant will serve a la carte dishes from its Valentine's Day menu. On the menu: The first course features an arugula salad with blistered radish and shaved Parmesan. Second-course options include crab agnolotti or caramelized beets. The third course brings a brick chicken thigh, tomahawk beef short rib, or chili braised cabbage. The dessert trio includes a dark chocolate, vanilla bean and hazelnut Swiss roll, a chocolate-covered strawberry, and toasted marshmallow macaron. Location: 206 Sixth Ave., Des Moines Hours: 5 to 10 p.m., $70 per person. Reservations available on OpenTable with deposit. Contact: 515-985-2066 or suretyhotel.com/food-and-drink. More:Yelp names a cozy cafe with a view of the Mississippi River the top restaurant in Iowa Summerset Winery in Indianola. The Indianola-based winery is set to host an exclusive evening featuring one bottle of wine, appetizers, live music by Iowa's own Lucas Beebe, and a candlelit dinner. The winery said there are limited tickets available for the celebration on the eve of Valentine's Day. Location: 15101 Fairfax St., Indianola Hours: Feb. 13, 6 to 8 p.m.; $160 per person. Purchase tickets on TicketSpice. Contact: 515-961-3545 or summersetwine.com. The dining room at Tangerine at the Art Center. The Des Moines Art Center's on-site restaurant will serve a four-course dinner featuring a prix fixe menu and wine pairings from Dean Luttrell of Global Wines Iowa. Floral arrangements from PepperHarrow, a Winterset-based flower farm, are also available to order. The center, located in a historic neighborhood west of downtown, also invites diners to arrive early for a viewing of 75 Years of Iowa Art, an exhibition that includes artists with roots in the state. On the menu: Tangerine from owners Cherry Madole and Susan Madorsky plan to start the meal with a blini, a European pancake, stuffed with jamon and Boursin cheese. The first course includes handmade pasta with squash, mushrooms, and lemon followed by a second course of porcetto with a glaze of Calabrian chili or stuffed eggplant with Calabrian chili glaze alongside stewed peppers and onions. The third course features a brown sugar pavlova dish. The finale includes chocolate and cheese. Location: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines Hours: Reservations required, 5 p.m.; call or email tang4000@gmail.com. Contact: 515-720-7510; desmoinesartcenter.org/restaurant. Jay Stahl is an entertainment reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow him on Instagram or reach out at jstahl@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Eat dinner at a special restaurant for Valentine's Day in Des Moines Global investors snatch up Chinese yuan assets amid recovery prospects Xinhua) 08:10, February 07, 2023 File photo shows a worker counts Chinese currency Renminbi (RMB) at a bank in Linyi, east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Chunlei) BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Bullish on China's head start in economic recovery in 2023, global investors are lining up for yuan-denominated assets. Market data shows that net overseas capital inflow into shares traded at the Shenzhen and Shanghai bourses hit a single-month record of 131.146 billion yuan (about 19.4 billion U.S. dollars) in January, more than the whole of 2022. The MSCI China Index rose nearly 12 percent last month, while Morgan Stanley reiterated its recommendation on investing in Chinese equities. Industry insiders say the recent inflow is far from an opportunistic fever. Overseas investment in China's securities market will gradually increase as China's economic recovery quickens, and yuan assets become more investment-worthy with a stronger safe-haven appeal, said Wang Chunying, deputy head of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. Overseas capital actively participated in China's securities market in recent months, Wang noted. Official data shows that in December, overseas holdings of Chinses mainland bonds and stocks logged net increases of 7.3 billion U.S. dollars and 8.4 billion U.S. dollars, respectively. In the first half of January alone, net overseas investment in China's bonds and stocks hit 12.6 billion U.S. dollars. The strengthening Chinese yuan also heartened investors. The Chinese currency has firmed around 3 percent since the beginning of this year, continuing a trend that began last November. The advantages of buying yuan assets speak louder to global investors as they bet on the Chinese economy to become the first to recover in 2023. In late January, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lifted its forecast for China's economic growth in 2023 to 5.2 percent from a previous prediction of 4.4 percent. Investment banks, including Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, have also upgraded their growth forecasts for the world's second-largest economy. Industry insiders eye consumption as a main driver of China's recovery, which will likely start at full throttle in the second quarter after a shorter-than-expected adjustment period. "China's economic recovery this year could be a major hedge against global economic downturn," said Yu Xiangrong, China chief economist of Citigroup. The IMF said global growth is projected to fall from an estimated 3.4 percent in 2022 to 2.9 percent in 2023. Forecasts from the United Nations and the World Bank stood at 1.9 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively. Analysts said the expansion of an economy of China's size would contribute markedly to global growth and benefit economies like Japan, Europe, and commodities exporters. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Every investor in Oxford Metrics plc (LON:OMG) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 79% ownership. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk). Given the vast amount of money and research capacities at their disposal, institutional ownership tends to carry a lot of weight, especially with individual investors. As a result, a sizeable amount of institutional money invested in a firm is generally viewed as a positive attribute. In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Oxford Metrics. View our latest analysis for Oxford Metrics What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Oxford Metrics? Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices. As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in Oxford Metrics. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Oxford Metrics' earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters. Since institutional investors own more than half the issued stock, the board will likely have to pay attention to their preferences. Oxford Metrics is not owned by hedge funds. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is Charles Stanley & Co. Ltd, Asset Management Arm with 11% of shares outstanding. With 9.3% and 8.6% of the shares outstanding respectively, Aviva Investors Global Services Limited and Hargreave Hale Limited, Asset Management Arm are the second and third largest shareholders. In addition, we found that Nicholas Bolton, the CEO has 2.4% of the shares allocated to their name. Story continues On further inspection, we found that more than half the company's shares are owned by the top 7 shareholders, suggesting that the interests of the larger shareholders are balanced out to an extent by the smaller ones. Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. There are a reasonable number of analysts covering the stock, so it might be useful to find out their aggregate view on the future. Insider Ownership Of Oxford Metrics The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it. I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions. Our most recent data indicates that insiders own some shares in Oxford Metrics plc. In their own names, insiders own UK7.2m worth of stock in the UK135m company. Some would say this shows alignment of interests between shareholders and the board, though we generally prefer to see bigger insider holdings. But it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling. General Public Ownership The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 14% stake in Oxford Metrics. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Next Steps: It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Oxford Metrics better, we need to consider many other factors. Take risks for example - Oxford Metrics has 4 warning signs (and 3 which can't be ignored) we think you should know about. If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here George Santos on Capitol Hill in Washington DC on 31 January (REUTERS) 9/11 first responder and activist John Feal has blasted George Santos for inviting a volunteer firefighter to the State of the Union following his alleged lies about the tragedy as he claimed the congressman has made further false claims to survivors of the terror attacks. Speaking to The Independent on Tuesday morning, Mr Feal said that the disgraced Republican congressman is using the 9/11 community for his redemption tour and is disrespecting all the lives that were lost and continue to be lost because of that day. Every time George Santos says 9/11 it disrespects those we lost and those we continue to lose, he said. 9/11 is a wound that doesnt go away And hes making it hurt. Hes a piece of s*** and I can never forgive him. Hes a vile, repugnant, disgusting human being. He added: Hes doing a gratuitous Im sorry tour and its not working. Its disingenuous, its scripted and George Santos loves attention whether its positive or negative. Hes a narcissist and wants it to be all about him. Mr Feal spoke to The Independent hours after the embattled New York congressman announced he had invited a volunteer firefighter who responded to Ground Zero on 9/11 to be his guest at the State of the Union on Tuesday night. Today I rise to honour a former volunteer firefighter who was at Ground Zero on 9/11 Michael Weinstock, Mr Santos announced on the House floor on Monday. Mr Weinstock, who ran in 2020 as a Democrat for the House district that Mr Santos represents now, accepted the invitation. He told The New York Times he decided to attend draw attention to the need to expand 9/11 compensation access to other illnesses such as neuropathy, which he has been diagnosed with. But Mr Santos decision to use his one SOTU invitation to bring along a 9/11 responder has sparked an instant backlash from the 9/11 community given that he has been caught out in falsehoods about his connection to the terrorist attack. Mr Santos claimed without evidence that his mother died on 9/11, initially saying that she was at the World Trade Center that day where she worked as a financial executive. Story continues In July 2021, he tweeted that 9/11 claimed my mothers life. His campaign website also states she was in her office in the South Tower when the planes struck. Mr Santos mother Fatima Devolder actually died 15 years on from the terrorist attacks in 2016, her obituary shows. And immigration records reveal that she wasnt even in the US in the year of, immediately before or after the attacks. John Feal hugs John Stewart in 2011 as they successfully lobby Congress to provide compensation to 9/11 first responders (Getty) In the 2003 immigrant visa application from the American consulate in Brazil, obtained by The New York Times , Devolder told government officials that she left the US in 1999 and had not been back since. She also described herself as a housekeeper and home aide rather than a finance exec. Last week, Mr Santos told OAN he didnt understand the immigration documents showing his mother wasnt in the US that day saying it remains a mystery because I was here and I was 13 years old. He also sought to clarify his comments about her death telling OAN that his mother was in downtown Manhattan that day and survived but that he believes she died from cancer caused by the toxic dust from Ground Zero. Weve never been able to prove that through claims and weve never been able to qualify for claims as a family and we just let it go, he said. Mr Feal did respond to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He worked as a supervisor at a demolition company on 9/11 and he responded to Ground Zero one day later. He had spent five days straight carrying out rescue efforts at the site when an 8,000-pound steel beam fell on his left foot. He lost half his left foot and became an advocate for 9/11 first responders. He has spent years lobbying Congress successfully so that first responders and victims are now guaranteed lifetime compensation for injuries and illnesses caused by that day. Mr Feal told The Independent that its so easy to check the validity of [Mr Santos] story about his mother. She wasnt in the World Trade Center health programme. Even after she died in 9/11 and then lived and then died again in 2016 she was never in the programme, Mr Feal claimed. Now, beyond his claims about his mother, Mr Feal said Mr Santos is peddling another false claim to the 9/11 community by promising that he can amend the bill to include other illnesses. Mr Feal explained that an amendment cannot be made to the bill by anyone not even President Joe Biden. To add an illness to the World Trade Center Health Program it must be petitioned to the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) Committee, he said. Yet, Mr Feal alleged that Mr Santos gave Mr Weinstock false information and false hope about his capabilities to add his illness to the program. Mr Feal said that he explained the whole process to Mr Weinstock, showing him that Mr Santos cannot just make an amendment to the bill. The Independent reached out to both Mr Weinstock and Mr Santos office for comment but did not immediately hear back. Thousands of people have neuropathy and it will be added [through the right processes] but that wont be because of George Santos and Michael Weinstock, said Mr Feal. Members of the Concerned Citizens of NY-03 group reveal a banner slamming George Santos (Concerned Citizens of NY-03) Mr Weinstocks own ties to 9/11 have also come under scrutiny in the past. During his 2020 campaign run, the fire company where he worked as a volunteer said it had no record of him being there on the day. However, other first responders and photos have placed him there. Im never going to downplay the significance of his role at Ground Zero, said Mr Feal. But he said he does question Mr Weinstocks allegiance with Mr Santos. While Mr Feal is repulsed by Mr Santos actions, he said he is not surprised. People are shocked by this. Im not shocked, Im just disgusted and repulsed that this repugnant man and piece of s*** is still serving in Congress, he said. Him going to the floor to speak about the Holocaust and 9/11 on his redemption tour is disingenuous. But hes going to leave in handcuffs and Im going to get some popcorn, put my feet up and cheer when it happens. At just nine-years-old, David Balogun has reached a historic achievement. The post 9-Year-Old David Balogun Becomes One Of The Youngest To Graduate From High School appeared first on AfroTech. WGAL reports that the Pennsylvania native received a diploma from Reach Cyber Charter School. The milestone marks Balogun as one of the youngest children known to graduate high school, according to a list made up by oldest.org, per The Guardian. According to The Guardian, the person younger than Balogun is Michael Kearney, who still holds the Guinness world record for youngest high school graduate that he set when he was six in 1990. While the high school is located in Harrisburg, Balogun took remote classes in Bensalem. They didnt bog me down. They also advocated for me, saying, He can do this. He can do that,' Balogun told the outlet. As hes passionate about science and computer programming, he has a vision for his future. I want to be an astrophysicist, and I want to study black holes and supernovas, he said. Although the nine-year-old comes from a household of parents with higher education, it has been a challenge for his parents to keep up with raising a young genius. I had to get outside of the box, Baloguns mother, Ronya, said to the outlet. Playing pillow fights when youre not supposed to, throwing the balls in the house. Hes a nine-year-old with the brain that has the capacity to understand and comprehend a lot of concepts beyond his years and sometimes beyond my understanding. Along with Baloguns parents, his teachers were also fascinated by his intellectual gifts. David was an inspirational kid, definitely one who changes the way you think about teaching, said his science teacher, Cody Derr. In addition to graduating from high school, Balogun has completed a semester at Bucks County Community College, the outlet notes. Currently, as of this writing, his parents Henry and Ronya are on the search for where to enroll him in college. Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng said the commemorative coin was a reminder of Mr Lee's values and visions. (PHOTO: Associated Press) SINGAPORE The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) will issue a commemorative coin later this year to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Singapore's first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew. The announcement was made by Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng in Parliament on Tuesday (7 February), who was responding on behalf of Minister of Culture, Community, and Youth Edwin Tong. Tan said the coin was a reminder of the values and visions of the former prime minister, who was born 16 September 1923. Other agencies have also planned initiatives for this year Responding to a parliamentary question by Potong Pasir Member of Parliament Sitoh Yih Pin, Tan also said a travelling exhibition is currently on display at Singapore's Founder's Memorial, as part of the National Heritage Board's public call for artefacts and stories from Singapore's nation-building phase. Later this year, the National Museum will hold a "more extensive" exhibition on "key historical milestones our founding leaders rallied our people through", Tan added. The National Parks Board will also hold various activities to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Singapore's Greening Campaign, which Lee launched with the first tree planting campaign in 1963. Lee died on 23 March 2015 at the age of 91. Commemoration efforts should serve as a reminder of Lee's values and ideals Tan said, "Lee had a special place in Singapore's history, and many groups from the community, such as business leaders, grassroots, academia, and the media, have come up with ideas to pay tribute to Lee and his ideals." These groups aimed to raise awareness of Lee's contributions among Singapore's youth because they were too young to experience them, added the Manpower Minister. Different groups have also proposed several ways to commemorate Lee's legacy, values, and life. These include working and engaging youth about Lee's role in Singapore's history, such as through conferences, publications, and activities. Story continues "Some business leaders have proposed a fund for private donations that would support educational causes. Education was a cause dear to Mr Lee's heart, and they felt the fund would be a fitting tribute to him," Tan said. "The government is working with these parties to coordinate these efforts. We welcome these ground-up initiatives and the spirit in which they've been conceived." Tan said efforts to commemorate the anniversary should serve as a reminder of the values and ideals Lee and his fellow founding leaders stood and fought for. "We hope that the new generation of Singaporeans will be inspired and continue the work of our pioneer and Merdeka generations in nation building," Tan concluded. Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube. Reuters Donald Trump will not learn the identities of jurors expected to decide at an upcoming civil trial whether the former president defamed the writer E. Jean Carroll, who also claims Trump raped her. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan on Friday rejected Trump's renewed effort to require that prospective jurors provide their names, employment and 38 other pieces of information on written questionnaires. Lawyers for Trump did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Action News Jax Investigates whether a Jacksonville firefighter received special treatment during a Jacksonville Sheriffs Office investigation involving the report of a stolen ambulance. According to body cam footage, the ambulance was taken by a firefighter who escaped from a hospital where she was being held under the Baker Act. It is primarily a three-day involuntary hold for people undergoing a mental health crisis. Action News Jax isnt naming the firefighter to protect privacy due to their mental health condition. Eventually, the firefighter drove to a co-workers home looking for help. Jacksonville Sheriffs officers came out in force. Its what happened next that is raising questions over whether the firefighter received special treatment. THE INCIDENT She stowed away in back of rescue unit and then Signal 10d it, a JSO officer said in body camera video. She stowed away? Lord have mercy, another officer responded. Signal 10 means stolen. According to the police report, once the ambulance got to Station 36, a JFRD employee saw someone jump in the front and drive off with it. An internal JFRD communication obtained by Action News Jax read rescue 36 has been stolen from station 36 adding JSO has also been aware of situation and also sending out a bolo. Action News Jax Investigates: Bias profiling claims against the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office The firefighter drove it to the home of the Popes, who are family friends. Rickey Pope has been a fire fighter for 25 years. I was actually stunned when she opened the door like, wow! Rickey Pope said. Her anxiety level was so high, I had to calm her down. She knew us. She thought she could come to our house because she felt safe here and we could help her, Linda Pope said. BODY CAM RECORDINGS Officer: Wheres the female at? Rickey Pope: We got her inside. Officer: Who is she? You know her? Rickey Pope: Yeah. INVESTIGATES: Duval schools pushing bus company to do its job Story continues Officer: Who is she to you? Rickey Pope: Shes a fireman. Officer: Did she have the right to take it? Another officer: I told them to let us know whats going on or she will get pulled out at gunpoint and get dog bit. INVESTIGATES: Results from our 3-month investigation into MV Realty, accused of tricking people into contracts One officer expressed concern JFRD might be hiding some of the facts. He [JFRD employee] doesnt want to be forthright with us. I think he trying to circumvent the 10-15 thing. A 10-15 is an arrest. An officer reading the firefighters Baker Act paperwork said, It looks like she threatened somebody with a gun so she may have access to a firearm. Based on the body camera video, it appears a JFRD Battalion Chief convinced JSO officers not to make an arrest. INVESTIGATES: Thieves attack postal carriers to steal your mail I dont think it needs to go any further than here. Its an isolated incident within our department. I dont want anything to happen to her, said the woman. JSO told Action News Jax the firefighter went back to the hospital under the same Baker Act hold. JSO did not respond to our questions about its decision not to make an arrest in this situation or whether JFRD was forthright communicating with their investigation. PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT This is very serious business, said Action News Jax Law and Safety expert, Dale Carson. He believes the fire fighter who took the ambulance received preferential treatment. That individual should be subject to the same law as we are all subject to, Carson said. Because if it happened in this instance, what other incidents has it happened in? [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] JFRD told Action News Jax the incident wasnt special treatment and that the department was just trying to get an employee help. Here is JFRDs statement: Everyday, firefighters face unspeakable danger and are routinely exposed to horrific and traumatic events. That constant exposure can have lasting impacts on firefighters mental and physical wellbeing. Left untreated, issues like depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead to suicide. As trained medical professionals, JFRD personnel are required to ensure that ANY patient needing medical care receives treatment at the appropriate facility, whether that is a civilian or in this case, an off-duty firefighter. As evidenced by the BWC, the on-scene JFRD Battalion Chief identified signs of an emerging mental health issue in the off-duty firefighter. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Battalion Chief then intervened, advocating for the off-duty firefighter to be transported to an appropriate mental health facility for treatment. MENTAL HEALTH According to the U.S. Department of Health, about 30 percent of first responders develop depression, PTSD and other conditions compared with 20 percent of the general population. Jacksonville firefighters have access to a peer support program that 27 members have gone through since it opened in 2017. Some people may wonder are they in a good place to do what they are tasked to do, Action News Jaxs Ben Becker asked Jacksonville Firefighters Union President Randy Wyse. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Absolutely, he said. If they are not, well pull them off, evaluate them, and get them well and back into the field. Linda Pope said she does not think enough is being done to help firefighters. Rickey Pope added, Lets talk [about a] situation of how to prevent that before it has to be a crisis and then we deal with it. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Police shot Manuel Esteban Paez Teran an environmeantal activist protesting the building of a training facility near Atlanta dubbed "Cop City" at least 13 times, according to the results of a private autopsy shared by the activist's family lawyers on Friday. A photo of Manuel Teran, who was shot and killed by a Georgia State Trooper in Atlanta, GA. / Credit: Getty Images Police officials have said Teran, who was known as "Tortuguita," was killed on Jan. 18 after the activist shot and wounded a state trooper during an operation to clear protesters near the training facility in Atlanta's forested outskirts. "Manny was a kind person who helped anyone who needed it. He was a pacifist. They say he shot a police officer. I do not believe it," said his mother, Belkis Teran, in a press release. "I do not understand why they will not even privately explain to us what happened to our child." The family said they have contacted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the agency investigating the shooting, but haven't received a response. An abandoned protest campsite is seen days after protester Manuel Teran was killed during a police raid. / Credit: Getty Images The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has said the shooting was not recorded on body cameras. Police said the gun used in the shooting against the trooper was purchased by Teran in September 2020. On Wednesday, Jan. 25, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced that a special prosecutor will be assigned to review the case, but critics are calling for an independent investigation. "Any evidence, even if it is only an audio recording, will help the family piece together what happened on the morning of January 18th," said family attorney Brian Spears. "This information is critical, and it is being withheld." In a statement on its website, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said it is "not releasing any videos currently because agents are continuing to conduct key interviews and want to maintain the integrity of the investigation. We ask for your patience while we go through the processes needed to complete the investigation. At that time, our case file will be given to a special prosecutor." Story continues Investigations typically take about 60-90 days to complete, police said, and investigators are reviewing the actions of all individuals connected to this incident, including Teran and law enforcement. Police are reviewing body camera videos, witness statements and forensic evidence. Family lawyers plan to release additional findings on the private autopsy and demand access to the investigation during a press conference scheduled for Monday. Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection chief Gil Kerlikowske discusses immigration reform Crews conduct controlled release of toxic chemicals following Ohio train derailment Preview of the themes of President Biden's State of the Union By Sethuraman N R and Aditya Kalra BENGALURU (Reuters) -India's Adani Group is considering independent evaluation of issues relating to legal compliance, related party transactions and internal controls following a U.S. short-seller's critical report on its businesses, disclosures showed on Tuesday. The group, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, has been roiled by days of market turmoil after Hindenburg Research on Jan. 24 alleged it had engaged in stock manipulation and used tax havens. It also said the group had unsustainable debt. Adani Group has denied the allegations, saying it complies with all laws and has made necessary disclosures over time. Nonetheless, investors dumped its shares as concerns of financial contagion grew. The quarterly earnings disclosures of three Adani units -- Adani Green Energy, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone and Ambuja Cements -- noted that a short seller had alleged "certain issues against some" Adani group entities, saying for the first time they may be looked into. "The management of Adani group entities are evaluating an independent assessment, basis the requisite corporate approvals, to look into the issues and compliance of applicable laws and regulations, transaction specific issues," Adani Green said in its quarterly earnings filing, without describing the issues. While Ambuja's filing was similar, Adani Ports said it would evaluate an independent assessment on the matter, if required. The disclosure comes as shares of Adani Group rallied on Tuesday, a day after it prepaid some loans, bringing relief to investors that have seen $113.6 billion wiped off the conglomerate's market value since the Hindenburg Research report two weeks ago. The crisis is one of the biggest reputational challenges for 60-year-old Adani, whose fortunes surged in recent years along with his stock prices, before the Hindenburg jolt. In a major setback for the billionaire, the market rout also forced him to shelve a key $2.5 billion share sale last week. Story continues Moody's rating agency has warned the share-price plunge could hit the group's ability to raise capital, while India's central bank has started checking on lenders' exposure to it. On Monday, Adani Group said it would pre-pay $1.11 billion of loans on shares. Separately, JPMorgan on Tuesday said the group companies were still eligible for inclusion in the bank's bond indexes. The group's flagship company Adani Enterprises Ltd closed up 14.6% on Tuesday, still around half the level seen before the Hindenburg report was released. Adani Enterprises' recovery from its lows has attracted a lot of traders to the stock, said Ambareesh Baliga, a Mumbai-based independent market analyst. "Monday's announcement of them able to close over $1 billion loans also worked in their favor. Fundamentally speaking, looking at the issues which are there, the stock is still quite expensive," he said. The cumulative losses of Adani group's seven listed companies still stand at $109 billion despite Adani Ports also gaining 1.4% on Tuesday and Adani Wilmar adding 5%. Adani Green, Adani Total Gas Ltd and Adani Power, all however ended 5% lower. After hundreds of members of India's main opposition Congress party took to the streets on Monday pressing for a probe into Hindenburg's allegations, dozens of activists from its youth wing gathered outside the Life Insurance Corporation's office in New Delhi on Tuesday, carrying posters questioning why investigating agencies have remained silent. Many Adani group companies report results this week. Adani Ports posted a lower quarterly profit on Tuesday as foreign exchange losses soared, and said it would pay back 50 billion rupees ($605 million) - or 13% of its net debt - in the new fiscal year from April. Adani Green reported a more than two-fold jump in quarterly profit. (Reporting by Nallur Sethuraman in Bengaluru; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman, Kirsten Donovan and Bernadette Baum) BEIRUT (AP) Even before Mondays devastating earthquake, getting aid to all parts of war-battered Syria was fraught with daunting political and logistical challenges. Those hurdles have only multiplied in the wake of the disaster that has killed thousands in Turkey and Syria and brought down thousands of buildings. Damage to roads and other infrastructure in southern Turkey has stalled aid from reaching northern Syria, an area already devastated by 12 years of conflict. Meanwhile, the government of Bashar Assad in Damascus is still a pariah in much of the international community, sanctioned by the U.S. and European countries, which are reluctant to route aid directly through the government. American and EU officials have made clear the quake wont change that. Emergency workers say delays could cost lives, as local rescue crews struggle to pull families and children from the rubble and find housing for survivors amid brutal winter weather. A key issue complicating the dispersal of aid is the war and the way the aid response is split between rebel areas and Damascus, said Aron Lund, a fellow with New York-based think tank Century International who researches Syria. While the majority of Syria is under the control of the government in Damascus, most of the north is controlled by different and sometimes conflicting groups. The northwest is divided between land de facto controlled by Turkey and by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group with ties to al-Qaida. Syrias northeast is mostly held by U.S.-backed Kurdish-led groups. Foreign aid for years has been brought into northwestern Idlib province by way of Turkey, because of the difficulty of going by way of Damascus. But the area of southern Turkey traditionally used as a staging area has itself been heavily damaged by the earthquake. Aid delivery into northwestern Syria was temporarily disrupted Tuesday, a United Nations spokesperson told The Associated Press, due to infrastructure damage and difficulty with road access. Story continues In particular, damage to the Hatay airport and the road to the border crossing used for aid, Bab al-Hawa, was delaying shipments, said Emma Beals, a nonresident fellow at the Washington-based Middle East Institute. There is also the fact that there are enormous needs in Turkey itself, she said. One cause for hold-ups is that the U.N. mandate for delivering aid to the territory only allows it to enter through Bab al-Hawa crossing, Beals said. Also, international search teams may be reluctant to enter earthquake-affected areas controlled by HTS, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. The groups presence limits the kinds of aid many donors are prepared to supply to the area, she said. The government in Damascus and its allies in Russia have seized the moment to renew their push for aid to the north to be routed through Damascus. Countries opposed to Assad do not trust the Syrian authorities to effectively deliver aid to opposition areas and worry it would be diverted to benefit people and institutions linked to the government. Natasha Hall, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said sending aid via Damascus to the north is not viable in practice, especially at a time of urgent need. It is extremely logistically and administratively difficult to get the approvals (from Damascus), she said. Coordination of aid is also hampered because the government of Syria doesnt recognize the non-governmental organizations working in northwest Syria. At a press conference Tuesday in Damascus, Syrian Arab Red Crescent head Khaled Hboubati said his group is ready to deliver relief aid to all regions of Syria, including areas not under government control. He called for the European Union to lift its sanctions on Syria in light of the massive destruction caused by the earthquake. Aid convoys and rescuers from several countries, notably key ally Russia, as well as the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Iran, and Algeria, have landed in airports in government-held Syria. Still, the sanctions exacerbate the difficult humanitarian situation, Hboubati said. There is no fuel even to send (aid and rescue) convoys, and this is because of the blockade and sanctions, he said. So far, the U.S. and its allies have resisted attempts at creating a political opening by way of the disaster response. U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters Monday that it would be ironic, if not even counterproductive, for us to reach out to a government that has brutalized its people over the course of a dozen years now. Price said the U.S. would continue to provide aid through humanitarian partners on the ground. Similarly, a spokesperson for the United Kingdoms Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said the sanctions regime was put in place in response to human rights violations and other abuses by the regime and their cronies. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said humanitarian assistance in government-held areas go through partner organizations instead of the government. Our partners in regime-controlled areas directly deliver assistance to beneficiaries without control or direction from the Assad regime," they told AP. "This is to ensure that our assistance is not diverted by malign actors or the Assad regime and reaches the intended beneficiaries. One of the main groups supported by the United States and Britain is a civil defense organization in opposition-held areas known as the White Helmets; USAID Administrator Samantha Power spoke with the group's head Tuesday and discussed how USAID can provide the most urgently needed assistance in response to the earthquake," her office said in a statement. The European Union has provided aid in all parts of Syria through U.N. and NGO partners and is trying to increase funding for humanitarian support, said European Commission spokesperson Balazs Ujvari. He said the Syrian government has not yet formally requested Europe send rescue and medical workers. In theory, aid operations in government areas should not be blocked by sanctions, since both the U.S. and EU have exemptions for humanitarian aid. But the reality on the ground is sometimes different. For example, Lund said, banks might block transfers to pay suppliers or local workers for aid organizations for fear of running afoul of sanctions, despite the exemptions. Also, U.S. sanctions and to some extent EU ones try to prevent rebuilding of damaged infrastructure and property in government-held areas in the absence of a political solution, which could hamper post-earthquake recovery, Lund said. Meanwhile, in both parts of Syria, local emergency workers say only limited aid is reaching them. There are promises that aid will get to us but nothing has gotten here yet, said the White Helmets head Raed Saleh. ___ Associated Press writer Sarah El Deeb in Beirut contributed to this report. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. If you're stopped before boarding, it can come as a costly surprise: Your "personal item" is too big to bring on the plane. For Sergio Diaz, it was a projector he used for his keynote presentations. "It's not much bigger than a laptop," said Diaz, a professional speaker from Los Angeles. But on a recent flight from Los Angeles to New York, an American Airlines gate agent declared the projector was too large to fit under his seat, and he had to pay $50 to check it. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Airlines are usually clear about what is - and what isn't - a personal item. For example, American defines it as a purse or small handbag that must fit under the seat in front of you. The bag's dimensions should not exceed 18-by-14-by-8 inches. Diaz was disappointed that the airline forced him to check his projector. "I thought it would be fine," he says. But increasingly, it is not fine. Airlines are cracking down on carry-on luggage. American Airlines, for instance, generated a record $7.42 per passenger in baggage revenue in 2021, raking in $1.22 billion systemwide, according to a recent study by IdeaWorks and CarTrawler. I've been hearing from many passengers who say they have experienced tougher enforcement of carry-on and checked baggage rules, which would be consistent with the revenue gains. Other airlines, notably the ultra-low-cost carriers, have built their business around a la carte fees for items such as carry-on luggage. And the type of luggage they're scrutinizing the most, according to passengers, is the personal item. --- What is a 'personal item' to an airline? Airlines have different, and sometimes confusing, definitions of a personal item. -At American Airlines, in addition to the strict size limits, there are exclusions. Diaper bags, breast pumps, small breast milk coolers, child safety seats, strollers and medical mobility devices are all exempt from that status, so you can bring those plus a personal item. Story continues -Delta Air Lines does not have a published size restriction for a personal item but defines it as a briefcase, small backpack, camera bag or diaper bag. It also says you can bring a laptop bag or "one item of similar or smaller size to those listed," but that all personal items must be able to fit securely under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. The airline does not consider personal items carry-on luggage and does not charge for it. -Southwest Airlines doesn't limit the size of its personal items but says they must fit in the 16.25-by-13.5-by-8-inch space under the seat. On that airline, a personal item includes purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptop computers in a case. -United Airlines defines purses, backpacks or laptop bags as personal items, and says they must fit under the seat in front of you. Maximum dimension: 17-by-10-by-9 inches. --- Why do airlines use different definitions? Part of the reason for the discrepancies across air carriers is that they fly different types of aircraft. Some seats are smaller, and some have plenty of room for a larger personal item below the seats or in the overhead bin. The only major airline that can indicate how much room is under its seats is Southwest Airlines, because it flies only Boeing 737s. But another reason for the sometimes vague definitions may be that it empowers the airline to stop you from boarding an aircraft with your bag - and force you to pay a fee. And in 2023, experts say airlines are redoubling their efforts to collect more luggage fees. "The definition of a personal item is subject to interpretation," says Danielle Belyeu, a travel adviser with Catching the Sun, a travel agency in Summerville, S.C. She says airline crews have recently focused their enforcement efforts on shopping bags. On one recent flight, an attendant scolded her for carrying too many. "I had to step aside and consolidate by throwing away the bag and stuffing items into my two allowable bags," she recalls. --- How do you know if your personal item is too big? Is your backpack or laptop bag too big to fly free? That depends. The best strategy is to ensure your personal item conforms to the smallest standard (Southwest's 16.25-by-13.5-by-8 inches). Don't try to bring anything that defies the norms of the personal item. In other words, stick to a backpack or purse. That strategy may work, but it's not guaranteed. If the overhead bins fill up or if the flight is full, attendants may ask passengers to start gate-checking their luggage. And they may insist that you surrender an item that you consider a "personal" item. I remember one reader who had to give up a small handbag on a flight from Bermuda to Philadelphia that contained her car keys, house keys and other valuables. The flight attendants were trying to make room for a first-class passenger's luggage. The airline lost her bag. If you're in business class or first class, you're probably fine. In the unlikely event there's no room in the overhead bin, a flight attendant will usually find space elsewhere. There's also a slight difference between "premium" economy class and regular economy. Because the seats are farther apart in the premium cabin, you're more likely to have more space under your seat or in the overhead compartment. --- How to keep your bag from getting gate-checked The hardest part of flying with a personal item is getting it onboard. If your backpack is a little overpacked, you'll have to deal with at least three gatekeepers: the check-in agent, the gate agent and a flight attendant. A black backpack that blends with dark clothes will be less conspicuous. A shopping bag filled with snacks, not so much. Checking in online (or at an automated kiosk) instead of the ticket counter will get you past the first obstacle. Boarding with a large group of other passengers can slide you past the second one. And boarding early if possible, when there's still enough overhead bin space, can get you home. Most personal items don't require any special handling or care. They're for carrying your laptop computer, your tablet computer or your keys. Some airlines won't even let you check electronics, because they break easily. In addition to personal devices and keys, you should keep medications, mobility devices or medical equipment close at all times. Mahmood Khan, a professor of hospitality and tourism at Virginia Tech, says airlines have to be respectful of these items, which means you could keep a bag from getting gate-checked if you explain what's inside. "If a gate agent asks you to gate-check your carry-on bag, tell the agent that you have personal items that need to stay in your possession, such as cameras, electronics, or medication," he says. "Agents can make exceptions when necessary." --- Discount airlines are stricter about bag size You might be able to get a personal item - even one that's too large - on a flight operated by one of the major airlines. But when it comes to the discount, or ultra-low-cost airlines, it's becoming much more difficult. At least that's the experience of passengers like Katy Kassian, a small-business owner from Max, Neb. She was recently flying from Denver back to Sacramento with her granddaughter, carrying a small purse. The Frontier Airlines flight attendants allowed her on the plane with her bag, "but at least a full quarter of the people boarding the plane had to gate-check their bags at great expense," she said. "They were miffed." Patricia Hall, an IT worker from Leesburg, Fla., was one of the passengers who had to surrender a personal item on a recent Frontier flight from Syracuse, N.Y., to Orlando. A Frontier flight attendant stopped her and her husband at the gate and said their tote bags were too big to be a "personal" item. "The agent told me we would be charged $10 per bag," she remembers. Instead, Frontier charged them $89 each. The airline insisted that was the correct amount. Frontier strictly limits the size of its personal items to 14 by 18 by 8 inches, a measurement that includes handles, wheels and straps. "Items larger than the allowed dimensions are subject to an additional charge," it warns. The airline discloses these fees in a roundabout way on its site. (You have to look up your flight to get a quote for your luggage fee). "Whether a bag fits under the seat is not the determining factor as to whether it qualifies as a personal item," Frontier spokeswoman Jennifer de la Cruz said in an email. "It must fit the required dimensions and fit into the sizer in the gate area." Which brings us to the best and only way to avoid getting dinged for a personal item. Make sure your bag fits the airline's dimensions for personal items, or carry your essential belongings in your jacket, vest or money belt. Related Content These researchers want to launch dust from the moon to help cool Earth White people have flocked back to city centers - and transformed them To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater Alec Baldwin, Rust set. Mark Sagliocco / Getty Images for National Geographic / Jae C. Hong / AP Photo Alec Baldwin's lawyer has asked a judge to disqualify the prosecuting attorney in the "Rust" case. The lawyer argues that the prosecutor's simultaneous role as a state lawmaker is unconstitutional. Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Alec Baldwin's lawyers have asked a judge to disqualify the special prosecutor in charge of the "Rust" case, saying the fact that she's a state representative makes her appointment "unconstitutional," according to court documents filed on Tuesday. Andrea Reeb, the special prosecutor leading the involuntary manslaughter case against Baldwin, is a current member of the New Mexico House of Representatives. According to the New Mexico constitution, a state lawmaker cannot exercise powers in the judicial or executive branch and the legislative branch at the same time, Baldwin's attorneys explain in the filing. Because of that constitutional provision, Baldwin's team argues Reeb must be disqualified from the case because she cannot serve both as a lawmaker and as a prosecuting attorney. "As a special prosecutor, Representative Reeb is vested by statute with 'all the powers and duties' of a District Attorney, who is considered a member of either the judicial or executive branch of the New Mexico government," Baldwin's lawyers said in the court filing. "Representative Reeb is therefore exercising either the executive power or the judicial power, and her continued service as a special prosecutor is unconstitutional. She must be disqualified." A spokesperson for the First Judicial District Attorney's Office told Insider on Tuesday that Baldwin "and his attorneys can use whatever tactics they want to distract from the fact that Halyna Hutchins died because of gross negligence and a reckless disregard for safety on the 'Rust' film set." "The district attorney and the special prosecutor will remain focused on the evidence and on trying this case so that justice is served," Heather Brewer, the spokesperson, said. Story continues Baldwin's lawyers argue that "allowing a single person to exercise both legislative and prosecutorial power could taint prosecutorial decision-making" because the prosecutor could be pressured to make decisions in the case that would "serve her legislative interests." Reeb was the District Attorney for New Mexico's Ninth Judicial District before stepping down last year and running for a seat in the state's House of Representatives. Reeb was brought on as a special prosecutor to lead the "Rust" investigation being carried out in New Mexico's First Judicial District after she secured the Republican nomination in her race. Reeb went on to win a seat in the New Mexico House and assumed her office on January 1. Less than a month later, the DA for the First Judicial District filed involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on set, for the death of Halyna Hutchins. Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor and president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, told Insider that it's "abnormal" for a lawmaker to serve as a prosecutor and that Baldwin has a "very good chance" of getting her booted from the case. Even if he loses this motion and is eventually convicted, Baldwin could raise this issue again on appeal, Rahmani said. Rachel Fiset, co-founder and managing partner of Los Angeles-based Zweiback, Fiset & Zalduendo LLP told Insider that she's never heard of a member of a state legislature stepping in as a special prosecutor and it "makes me wonder about the political aspirations of the district attorney and the special prosecutor and how politics could taint this case." "The motion is a reminder that this could be a very political prosecution. Baldwin's attorneys are keeping that question at the forefront of the judge's mind as they begin the case. Even if the judge rules against disqualifying the special prosecutor, it brings to light the potential political nature of this whole case," Fiset said. Baldwin was practicing a scene on the set of the Western film "Rust" when a gun accidentally discharged and fatally struck Hutchins, the film's cinematographer, in October 2021. The film's director, Joel Souza, was also injured in the incident, which was ruled an accident by state investigators. Both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed face up to five years in jail if convicted on the most serious of the two manslaughter charges filed against them. Baldwin maintains he didn't know the weapon had a live round in it and that he didn't pull the trigger. But an FBI report found that the firearm couldn't have fired without the trigger being engaged. Early reports on the tragic accident focused on Gutierrez-Reed, who was a newcomer to the industry and was the source of complaints on the set of a previous film. Gutierrez-Reed filed a lawsuit against one of the film's prop suppliers last year, alleging they sent live rounds mixed in with dummy rounds to the set. The owner of the prop company has denied that claim. Read the original article on Insider Alec Baldwin in 2021 before the "Rust" shooting. (Associated Press) Alec Baldwin is seeking to have a New Mexico lawmaker overseeing "Rust" criminal prosecutions disqualified from the case. One week after Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, the actor's legal team filed a motion demanding that special prosecutor Andrea Reeb be removed from Baldwin's case. In Tuesday's motion, Baldwin's lead defense attorney, Luke Nikas, argued the New Mexico Constitution prevents Reeb a state legislator from simultaneously holding a position in the judicial or executive branch of government. Reeb, a former district attorney from eastern New Mexico, joined the "Rust" prosecution team last summer amid her campaign for a seat in the New Mexico legislature. The Republican was elected to her first term in November; she assumed her seat in the New Mexico legislature Jan. 1. The motion argued that Reeb's dual role opened the door for politics to seep into Baldwin's prosecution. "A prosecutor who also serves as a legislator could face pressure to make prosecutorial decisions that serve her legislative interests, such as by prosecuting a prominent defendant associated with an opposing faction within the Legislature even in the face of conflicting evidence or law," Baldwin's motion reads. Baldwin, whose long career included roles in "The Hunt for Red October," "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "30 Rock," famously lampooned former President Trump on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," making him a polarizing figure among political conservatives. Prosecutors declined to respond to the allegations contained in Nikas' motion. "Mr. Baldwin and his attorneys can use whatever tactics they want to distract from the fact that Halyna Hutchins died because of gross negligence and a reckless disregard for safety on the 'Rust' film set," New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney spokesperson Heather Brewer said in a statement. "However, the district attorney and the special prosecutor will remain focused on the evidence and on trying this case so that justice is served." Story continues The move comes as Baldwin's legal team has been expanded to include other partners of Nikas' firm, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan. Alex Spiro, who represents Elon Musk and has played a pivotal role in his takeover of Twitter, joined the case along with John Bash, a former Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney for Texas. Bash also served as a special assistant to Trump and associate counsel to the president. Since 2020, he has been an Austin, Texas-based partner of Quinn Emanuel. Nikas, a New York attorney, has represented Baldwin in the "Rust" case for nearly a year. Baldwin was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. In charging documents, New Mexico prosecutors led by First Judicial District Atty. Mary Carmack-Altwies, who oversees the tricounty region that includes Santa Fe laid out the case against Baldwin by citing reckless behavior and safety lapses on the set of "Rust." Such negligence led to the Oct. 21, 2021, fatal shooting, they said. Baldwin acted with willful disregard of the safety of others and in a manner that endangered other people, the prosecutors said in the probable-cause statement. The statement also said that Baldwin was distracted on his cellphone during firearms training; that he should have checked the weapon that was handed to him; and that he should not have pointed the loaded weapon at the cinematographer and the film's director, Joel Souza, who was injured. Beyond his role as star of the western, Baldwin also acted as a producer who was responsible to ensure safety on the set, the prosecutors argued. Baldwin has denied responsibility for the fatal discharge and blamed the actions of others on set for the tragedy. "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, 25, was charged with two felony counts of involuntary manslaughter. First assistant director David Halls was charged with negligent use of a deadly weapon, a misdemeanor. Halls pleaded no contest in exchange for a suspended six-month sentence of unsupervised probation. His plea agreement is pending approval by a judge. Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed are expected to make their first court appearances later this month. "Under Section 1 of Article III of the New Mexico Constitution, however, a sitting member of the Legislature may not 'exercise any powers properly belonging' to either the executive or judicial branch," Nikas wrote in a motion filed on behalf of Baldwin. The motion noted that the legislature has granted partial funding to Carmack-Altwies' office for the "Rust" prosecution. The proposed budget included a request for $156,000 for Reebs salary. The motion argued that it wasn't enough for Reeb to abstain from votes dealing with the "Rust" prosecution budget. "Even if she does not allow her legislative interests to influence her prosecutorial choices, the perception of bias could diminish public confidence in the fairness of the criminal process," Nikas' motion reads. "Defendant hereby moves the Court for an order disqualifying the special prosecutor from further participation in this case." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Sam Wolfe/The State via AP, Pool When Paul Murdaugh and his mother, Maggie, were shot dead at their family hunting lodge in South Carolinas lowcountry region on June 7, 2021, attention soon turned to something that had occurred two years prior. In 2019, Paul had been charged over a deadly boat accident that claimed the life of one of his friends. The young Murdaugh was said to have been extremely drunk when he drove at high speed into a bridge at night, killing 19-year-old Mallory Beach. The incident had prompted something of a reckoning for the Murdaughs, a family who had enjoyed generations of control and influence over the local legal system. In addition to the charges against Paul, Beachs family was also suing Alex Murdaugh over the teens death, alleging that the father had been negligent. Suddenly, it seemed like the powerful Murdaughs might face some consequences. So when Paul and Maggie were shot dead by an unknown assailant, there was almost instant speculation that it might have been by someone seeking revenge. Some of this speculation came from Alex himself, who immediately told authorities that his son had been receiving threats over the boat crash. I know thats what this is, Alex said to the first officer on scene. But as the conjecture increased in the days after the murders, Mark Tinsley, the attorney representing the Beach family in their lawsuit against Alex, came to a realization of his own. Initially probably the first week there was the shock and horror of what had happened and nobody really thought about anything other than that, Tinsley testified in court on Monday. But pretty quickly I recognized that the case against Alex, if he were the victim of a vigilante, would in fact be over. This, prosecutors have contended, was exactly Alexs plan. There was no vigilante seeking revenge, they say just a desperate man who wanted people to think there was. Facing a mounting series of legal and financial problems that were all crescendoing at once, Alex killed his wife and son to buy himself time and sympathy, according to prosecutors. Story continues Central to this perfect storm of problems Alex was experiencing was the boat crash lawsuit, which was due to have a court hearing on June 10 to determine, in part, whether Alex would essentially have to open up his finances for review scrutiny that could have exposed his many financial misdeeds and what he has said was a decadeslong drug addiction. If the hearing takes place on June 10, 2021, what is the net effect of what could happen with that? lead prosecutor Creighton Waters asked Tinsley at Alexs murder trial in Colleton County. The discovery of everything hes done, Tinsley said. Thats the Judgment Day, Tinsley added. And there were a lot of threads that were being pulled and it was subject to unraveling at any moment. Paul Murdaugh and Mallory Beach Hampton County, Facebook Alex has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering his wife and son, with his defense team arguing that the prosecutions case against him is rooted in theory, not fact. But the defense suffered a huge defeat on Monday when Judge Clifton Newman ruled that the jury should hear evidence the prosecution wanted to introduce about Alexs perilous financial and legal situation. That includes details about the boat crash lawsuit as well as allegations he stole from his law firm, his clients , and the grieving family of the longtime housekeeper , who died in an accident at the same Murdaugh hunting lodge in 2018. Typically, such evidence wouldnt be allowed to be admitted because it could be prejudicial if it were being used to show that Alex had a criminal tendency or bad character. But after hearing days of testimony from witnesses, including Tinsley, about Alexs financial mess without the jury present, the judge announced that he agreed with prosecutors that this evidence fell under an important exception because it went to Alexs alleged motive. I find that the jury is entitled to consider that the apparent desperation of Mr. Murdaugh because of his dire financial situation the threat of being exposed for committing the crimes which he was later charged with resulted in the commission of the alleged crimes, Newman said. It is so intimately connected with, and explanatory of, the crime charged that proof of it is essential to complete the story, Newman said. The judges decision is likely to add several days to the duration of the trial, given that more than half a dozen witnesses will now need to repeat their testimony for the jury. That will include Tinsley, who explained in detail on Monday how the lawsuit against Alex by the Beach family began and progressed. Tinsley said he believed that Alex was underinsured, with his policies only able to pay out $500,000 to each victim of the crash, whether they survived or died. So to try to pressure the Murdaughs to pay the Beach family a more significant sum, Tinsley sued Alex in his personal capacity something that he said caused shock and anger from Alex and his associates. There was a lot of grumbling and shock that Im actually going to hold Alex personally responsible, Tinsley said. At a 2019 legal conference, Tinsley said Alex even confronted him about the lawsuit, getting in his face and saying that he thought they were friends. I took it as he tried to intimidate meand sort of bully me into backing off, Tinsley said. As he tried to pressure Alex to settle the case, Tinsley said he warned him that mock juries to whom they had presented the lawsuit had been extremely sympathetic to the Beach family. Alex, though, continued to insist he was broke and could only really cobble together $1 million. But Tinsley said he found this impossible to believe because he knew that Alex was continuing to make money as an attorney. When Alex continued to stonewall, Tinsley filed a court motion in October 2020, asking the judge to force Alex to list all his bank accounts and finances. After various delays, the hearing on that court motion was scheduled for June 10, 2021. But when the killings took place and people suspected they were the work of an unknown vigilante, Tinsley said he believed he would need to end the lawsuit as quickly as possible. Suddenly, he felt that any prospective jury would likely feel immense sympathy for Alex. If you represent Attila the Hun versus some sweet old grandmother, nobodys going to give Atilla the Hun money. They would give money to some sweet grandmother, Tinsley said. So if Alex had been victimized by a vigilante, nobody would have brought a verdict back against Alex. The jury did hear evidence from other witnesses on Monday, including Muschelle Smith, who had worked as a caregiver for Alexs mother, who has Alzheimers disease. Alex has said he discovered Maggie and Pauls bodies when he returned from a late-night visit from his mothers home. Smith, who had worked nights caring for the Murdaugh matriarch for two years at the time of the killings, testified that it was unusual for Alex to make a visit at that late hour. However, under cross-examination, she said it had been an unusual day because Alexs father had just been taken to a hospital and was seriously ill. Smith said Alex arrived out of the blue, stayed for about 20 minutes, and was fidgety. But Alexs defense team later had Smith concede that he was typically a restless and fidgety person. Days later, Smith said Alex made a point of emphasizing to her that hed been with his mother for 3040 minutes, which disturbed her enough that she called her brother. I was nervous, Smith recalled. She also said Alex had mentioned he might be able to help with expenses for her upcoming wedding something hed previously never spoken about with her and with trying to get her a promotion at her second job at a local school. A few days later, Smith said Alex arrived at his mothers home at 6:30 a.m. and was cradling something blue in his hands that looked like a tarp. Prosecutors have said they collected a blue raincoat from Alexs mothers home that was covered in gunshot residue, but his defense lawyers had Smith say repeatedly that she had seen a tarp, not a raincoat. Smith appeared highly emotional and scared on the stand, telling the court that she considered all the Murdaughs, including Alex, to be good people. He was just being nice, wasnt he? defense attorney Jim Griffin asked Smith about Alexs offer to pay for her wedding. Yes," Smith responded. They're a good family and I loved working there, she said, and Im sorry all this happened. Alex Murdaugh Trial Alex Murdaughs alleged financial crimes will be presented to the jury at his murder trial, in a major blow to the disgraced former attorneys case. Judge Clifton Newman ruled on Monday that the evidence of Mr Murdaughs alleged financial fraud can be considered by the jury with regards to its role in establishing a motive. Mr Murdaugh is accused of shooting dead his wife Maggie and son Paul at the kennels of the familys vast hunting estate in Islandton, South Carolina, on 7 June 2021. Separately, he is facing around 100 charges for stealing $8m in settlement money from clients at his law firm. Until now, testimony about his alleged financial crimes was heard without jurors present. Also on Monday in the jurys presence the caretaker of Mr Murdaughs mother took the stand where she cast doubts on his alibi on the night of the murders. Shelly Smith sobbed as she said that a fidgety Mr Murdaugh showed up late at his parents home that night and stayed for only 20 minutes. Days later, she said he told her to say he had been there for 30-40 minutes and offered to pay for her wedding. Watch the trial LIVE Alex Murdaugh murder trial 22:41 , Oliver O'Connell Court adjourns for the day. 22:41 , Oliver O'Connell The prosecution askes if the amount of GSR particles on the inside of the blue raincoat is consistent with a recently-fired gun being wrapped in it. Ms Fletcher says yes. No further questions. Cross-examination of Ms Fletcher will begin at 9.30am on Wednesday morning. 22:36 , Oliver O'Connell Ms Fletcher says with the number of GSR particles she found, if they were transferred from other objects, then those would have to have been covered in a significant amount of particles themselves. Story continues 22:34 , Oliver O'Connell Moving on to the testing of the controversial blue raincoat, Ms Fletcher explains that it was so large that the garment had to be laid out across two tables. She continues by explaining that they conducted particle lists across the whole of the jacket, both inside and out, including in pockets. A total number of 25 particle lifts were conducted 13 were taken from the outside and 12 from the interior. A total of 38 particles were found on the inside of the jacket there were likely more to be found but she stopped counting. Ms Fletcher has not yet said how many particles were found on the outside of the garment. She testifies that the jacket either obtained the particles through transfer or if it was worn inside out and near the discharge of a weapon. One particle was found on the outside of the hood, but three were found on the inside. 22:17 , Oliver O'Connell One GSR particle was found on the seatbelt buckle taken from Mr Murdaughs SUV. It could have got there from either object transfer or proximity to a gunshot. In this case, it is most likely object transfer as no weapon was discharged from the vehicle. 22:09 , Oliver O'Connell One GSR particle was also found on Mr Murdaughs hands. This indicates one of three things, Ms Fletcher: discharge of a firearm, proximity to a gunshot, or transfer from another object. No particles were found on his shoes. 22:05 , Oliver O'Connell On the shorts, GSR particles were found on both the right and left groin areas and were either in the vicinity of a gunshot or were transferred from another object. Fletcher also found GSR particles on the shorts Murdaugh was wearing. Shirt: Two particles to the right of the chest. One particle on the left sleeve. Shorts: Two on the right side of the shorts, one on the left groin area. Avery G. Wilks (@AveryGWilks) February 7, 2023 22:03 , Oliver O'Connell After an explanation of GSR testing and SLED policy, Ms Flethcer examines Mr Murdaughs white t-shirt. She and her colleague both noted the smell of fresh laundry detergent when the t-shirt evidence bag was unsealed. There was light staining on the shirt, but the cargo shorts Mr Murdaugh had been wearing were clean. GSR particles were found on the shirt on the right sleeve, right chest (two particles) and left sleeve, left chest (one particle). Ms Fletcher testifies that in her opinion the item of clothing was either in the vicinity of a discharged firearm or came into contact with an object with GSR on it. New Witness: Megan Fletcher, SLED forensic scientist 21:40 , Oliver O'Connell The states next witness is Megan Fletcher, the SLED forensic scientist who will speak about the gunshot residue evidence (GSR). Yesterday, the court heard about the collection of the GSR trace evidence, Ms Fletcher is now expected to reveal what the results were pertaining to the evidence collected from the murder scene and Murdaugh properties. 21:26 , Oliver O'Connell Mr Crosby says that when Mr Murdaugh would come into the offices after the murders (but before his termination) he would fall asleep at his desk, said he was having trouble sleeping, and lost weight. He was also taking medication to help him with anxiety. He also testifies that Mr Murdaugh was carrying a gun a month after the murders. Mr Crosby had never seen him carry a gun around for protection before. Court takes its mid-afternoon break. 21:19 , Oliver O'Connell In cross-examination, Mr Crosby recalls going to the local mechanics shop where Pauls car was to see if there were any firearms in the vehicle or if he had removed any (he checked surveillance footage). Defence attorney Jim Griffin asks a lot of questions about the handling of the crime scene on the night of the shootings in an effort to pick holes in the investigation. I assumed whatever was going on was being done with procedures, said Mr Crosby. Mr Griffin asks how Mr Murdaughs clothes were collected. He remembers him dropping them into a bag held open by a SLED agent. 20:56 , Oliver O'Connell Mr Crosby recalls the evening he was called to partner Danny Hendersons house to see the records that had been uncovered confirming Mr Murdaughs thefts. He immediately realised how bad things were and was offered a drink. Asked if he had one, he replies: Yeah, ultimately more than one. Knowing the extent of Mr Murdaughs misdeeds, Mr Crosby said he knew he would have to be fired. While he didnt attend the meeting the next day at which Mr Murdaugh was confronted, he said he heard that he confessed and said he knew he was going to get caught at some point in time. Asked what he would have done if he had found out about Mr Murdaughs crimes earlier, he said: If I had become aware of it, he would have been asked to resign or I would have forced a vote and he would have been terminated under our contract. He adds that he would have turned the case over to law enforcement and reported him to the South Carolina bar which was ultimately what happened. 20:44 , Oliver O'Connell Mr Crosby says that in the aftermath of the murders the law firm family rallied around Mr Murdaugh in support. Questions about the missing $792k stopped being asked. 20:35 , Oliver O'Connell Mr Crosby explains how he heard about the murders and rushed to the Moselle Road property at about 11pm that night. He said he stayed until 3.30am but went home to get some sleep. Asked about what Mr Murdaugh had told him about his movements that night, he says he fell asleep on the couch when Maggie and Paul went to the kennels and then went to visit his mother. The prosecution plays the video taken by Paul of Cash the puppy at the kennels. Mr Crosby as Pauls friends were asked before is asked to identify the voices he could hear on the video. He names Paul, Maggie, and Alex. Asked how sure he was about whom the voices belonged to, he replies 100 per cent. The state played video from the night of the killings for Ronnie Crosby, a friend and former colleague of Alex. Crosby said he's 100% sure he heard Paul, Maggie, and Alex in the video. Paul's friends Rogan Gibson and Will Loving also said the same. #MurdaughTrial pic.twitter.com/y2XeKNJwpD Joseph Leonard | WSAV (@JLeonardNews) February 7, 2023 20:27 , Oliver O'Connell An emotional moment in court as Mr Crosby is asked about Paul Murdaugh. I didnt think it would be this hard, he said, tearing up. He explains that he had known Paul since he was born and was known by him as Uncle Ronnie. His son had been Pauls friend and they would go hunting together. 20:25 , Oliver O'Connell Mr Crosby says he was told in May of 2021 that Mr Murdaugh may have been trying to hide income as the boat crash case progressed. Oh f*** no he did not, he recalls saying, noting that it would be illegal and unethical. He did not suspect any theft was going on at that point. 20:17 , Oliver O'Connell Mr Crosby characterises Mr Murdaugh as a very good lawyer, who was very good at reading people and very good at understanding people. He adds that Mr Murdaugh was very good at making people believe he cared about them and building a rapport and trust with them. Mr Crosby recalls that Mr Murdaugh lost out on real estate transactions when the market went bad in the global financial crisis. He also gives a preview of the testimony relating to the death of Gloria Satterfield and the insurance claim that followed that the jury has not yet heard. New Witness: Ronnie Crosby, former law partner of Alex Murdaugh 20:01 , Oliver O'Connell The state calls its next witness, Parker Law Group attorney Ronnie Crosby, one of Mr Murdaughs former law partners. He explains how the bonus system worked at the former firm. Court resumes 19:56 , Oliver O'Connell Following the lunch break, court resumes with a moment of levity relating to a poor-quality transcript provided to the defence. Defence Attorney Dick Harpootlian had complained about its quality and Judge Clifton Newman clarified that it was not from the in-house court reporters but was from an external company. Mr Harpootlian says he had no intention of impugning the quality of the South Carolina court reporting but said it was the work of a northern company to much laughter from the gallery. Full story: CFOs testimony about Murdaughs financial crimes 19:08 , Rachel Sharp Jeanne Seckinger, the CFO and COO at Alex Murdaughs former law firm PMPED, testified in Colleton County Courthouse for a second time on Tuesday morning. Last week, she testified in the absence of the jury before the judge determined that evidence of Mr Murdaughs alleged financial crimes were allowed to be presented at his murder trial. Heres our full story from last week: Alex Murdaugh confronted by law firm over missing $792,000 hours before murders Court breaks for lunch 18:45 , Rachel Sharp Jeanne Seckinger has left the stand and the court is breaking for lunch. Testimony from a new witness will resume at 2.40pm. Defence points out financial crimes werent known on day of murders 18:37 , Rachel Sharp Continuing on with this argument, the defence sought to point out that Mr Murdaughs financial crimes hadnt come to light yet on the day of the murders casting doubt on the potential motive that he killed Maggie and Paul to distract from and buy him time in his fraud scheme. Under cross-examination, Ms Seckinger confirmed that evidence of his alleged financial fraud had been there in the company financials for years before the murders and had never been discovered. She had no prior reason to suspect he was stealing money and clients werent calling up to demand their money and so she hadnt dug into the records, she said. Ms Seckinger also confirmed that she stopped delving into the missing money as soon as Mr Murdaugh learned his father was in hospital something the defence used to claim had already delayed the financial probe, suggesting he did not need to kill his wife and son for that same purpose. When asked if she knew that Mr Murdaugh had no life insurance on Maggie and Paul, Ms Seckinger responded: I have no awareness of that. This was all used by Mr Griffin to indicate that Mr Murdaughs finances were not being exposed at the time of the murders. However, under redirect, Ms Seckinger testified that Mr Murdaughs crimes were on the cusp of being uncovered. Was that all on the cusp of being uncovered? asked Mr Waters. Yes, she replied. 18:21 , Rachel Sharp Under cross-examination, Mr Griffin seeks to downplay the significance of the 7 June confrontation over the missing money. Ms Seckinger confirmed that she did not accuse Mr Murdaugh of stealing money that day. She only questioned him about where the money was and whether he was trying to hide the money from the Beach family lawsuit, she said. I had my suspicions about whether it was really in there, but we were not pursuing it as stolen money, she said. Cross-examination of Jeanne Seckinger 18:16 , Rachel Sharp Under cross-examination, attorney Jim Griffin seeks to show Ms Seckinger was personally upset that Mr Murdaugh was stealing money from the law firm. I take it very personally that this happened... its a big betrayal of trust, she confirmed. In total, she confirmed that PMPED partners had to pay out more than $5m to Mr Murdaughs victims, to reimburse them for the money that he had stolen over the years. Jurors reminded purpose of financial crimes evidence 17:55 , Rachel Sharp Jurors were reminded that the evidence of Mr Murdaughs alleged financial crimes are not to be considered as evidence of his character. Judge Newman told jurors that the evidence is solely for the limited purpose of assisting the state in proving a motive. Dramatic closing lines from Jeanne Seckinger 17:46 , Rachel Sharp As the direct examination drew to a close, Ms Seckinger was asked how long she had known Mr Murdaugh. She responded that she had known him since she was 16. Prosecutor Creighton Waters then asked how well she now thinks she knows him after discovering he had allegedly stolen millions of dollars from his law firm clients. I dont think I ever really knew him, she replied. I dont think anybody does. CFO reveals she is related to Russel Laffitte 17:30 , Rachel Sharp Ms Seckinger continues to testify about a string of cases which Mr Murdaugh stole money from. In many of the cases, the money was sent to the fake Forge account. Some of the payments went through Palmetto State Bank and its former CEO Russell Laffitte. Mr Laffitte would act as a conservator and direct the money to the bank as though to hold them for the beneficiary before sending them to Mr Murdaughs personal accounts. Ms Seckinger told the court that Mr Laffitte is her brother-in-law. He was convicted of financial fraud charges in November 2022 connection to Mr Murdaughs alleged white collar fraud schemes. WATCH the trial live here: 17:20 , Rachel Sharp Jurors shown slew of checks allegedly stolen by Murdaugh 17:02 , Rachel Sharp Ms Seckinger is now going through a string of payments that were allegedly stolen by Mr Murdaugh. She said that the law firm has had to pay it back to the clients itself. We had to pay all that back because Alex stole it, she said. Jeanne Seckinger back on the stand 16:42 , Rachel Sharp Jeanne Seckinger, the CFO of Mr Murdaughs former law firm PMPED, is back on the stand. Context: The boat crash 16:37 , Rachel Sharp Mallory Beach, 19, died in a 2019 crash in the Murdaugh family boat. Paul was allegedly drunk driving the boat at the time and crashed it, throwing Beach overboard. Her body washed ashore a week later. Paul was charged with multiple felonies over the boat wreck and was facing 25 years in prison at the time of his murder. The Beach family also filed a lawsuit against Mr Murdaugh over her wrongful death. The lawsuit was causing his finances to come under intense scrutiny and a hearing was scheduled for the week of the murders. It was postponed following Maggie and Pauls murders. Court takes a brief break 16:22 , Rachel Sharp Testimony will resume soon. CFO testifies that law firm then discovered he had 16:20 , Rachel Sharp Ms Seckinger testified that over the coming months, PMPED partners learned that Mr Murdaugh had been stealing money from the law firm. He was allegedly swindling millions from the law firm clients by moving money into a fake Forge account and into his own personal accounts and pocketing it himself. The probe reached a head on 3 September 2021 when the PMPED partners had discovered checks showing funds were being sent to the fake account and to Mr Murdaughs personal accounts, she said. They spoke to Mr Murdaughs brother Randy and told him first and he agreed they needed to confront Mr Murdaugh, she said. The partners then met with Mr Murdaugh that day and he confessed to the financial fraud. PMPED forced him to resign. CFO says deaths put their probe of missing money on hold 16:15 , Rachel Sharp On the night of 7 June 2021, Ms Seckinger told the court she heard about Maggie and Pauls murders. She said it was very shocking and very scray. Nobody knew what was going on, she said. Their brutal murders put a hold on the law firms investigation into the missing funds because they were all worried about Mr Murdaugh, she said. He was eratic, we knew he was taking pills, we were just worried about him... we werent going to harass him about money... when his family had been killed, she said. It wasnt even on our mind at that point. CFO reveals she confronted Murdaugh about missing $792,000 on day of murders 16:10 , Rachel Sharp Ms Seckinger testified that she confronted him over the missing $792,000 payment on the day that his wife and son were murdered. On the morning of 7 June 2021, she said that she went upstairs to Mr Murdaughs office at PMPED and he asked her what do you need now?. He was clearly disgusted with me, she testified. She said she told him she had reason to believe he had received the funds himself and she needed proof of the money. Mr Murdaugh insisted he had the money but she said she needed proof. During their conversation, she said Mr Murdaugh got a phone call telling him that his sick father Randys condition was terminal and they stopped talking about the money and instead spoke as friends. Randy died three days after Maggie and Paul on 10 June 2021. She thought he had left work after that to see his family following the news about his father but hours later that afternoon she said he called her asking for information about his pension. He told her he was working on his finances ahead of the upcoming boat crash case hearing, she testified. Less than five hours later, prosecutors say Mr Murdaugh shot dead Maggie and Paul at around 8.50pm at the dog kennels on the family estate. CFO reveals how she discovered $792,000 stolen payments 16:00 , Rachel Sharp In early June 2021 the month of the murders Ms Seckinger testified that she then discovered $792,000 in legal fees owed to PMPED was missing from a case that Mr Murdaugh had worked with attorney and best friend Chris Wilson. My concern was that he had stolen fees and they were paid to him personally, she said. CFO testifies about discovering missing money in May 2021 15:50 , Rachel Sharp The CFO testified about discovering missing money in the May of 2021 one month before the murders. She said that she found Mr Murdaugh had sent money straight from a trust to what she at the time thought was Forge Consulting (it was actually the fake account). This was not the correct process, she explained. The money must first go to PMPED before it can be placed in an annuity. She said she spoke to Mr Murdaugh about it that month and he told her he was trying to put the money in his wife Maggies name to hide them from the boat crash lawsuit. While she and the other law firm partners were concerned and did not want to be part of that, at the time she did not realise he was stealing the money but believed he was just trying to structure legal fees. That is hiding assets. We are not going to be part of any hiding of assets or any wrongdoing. We were very concerned that he was trying to do that, and we didnt want to be a part of it, she said. CFO explains pay system at PMPED 15:45 , Rachel Sharp Ms Seckinger explained that when the attorneys at PMPED won a case they would receive a proportion as fees. Attorneys can get the fees in a lump sum at the time or in an annuity where they can get the money over time, she said. Forge Consulting is a legitimate company which PMPED used to set up annuities to structure the attorneys fees. As part of Mr Murdaughs alleged financial fraud scheme, Mr Murdaugh was allegedly sending checks to an account under the name of Forge Consulting. It was actually a fake Forge account that was in reality his own personal Bank of America account. Forge Consulting is a real business which had no part in the scheme. It is now suing Mr Murdaugh for reputational damage. Murdaughs behaviour changed in late 2020, CFO says 15:35 , Rachel Sharp Mr Murdaughs behaviour started to change in late 2020, Ms Seckinger testified. I didnt notice at the time but looking back I can see now... the things I noticed are more in hindsight, she said. CFO testifies about time Murdaugh accepted wrong check 15:28 , Rachel Sharp Ms Seckinger testified about one time where Mr Murdaugh accepted a check that was given to him by mistake. His brother Randy Murdaugh also worked at the firm and a check for $121,000 was mistakenly paid to Mr Murdaugh instead of Randy. The law firm partners then realised the mistake and that Mr Murdaugh had accepted it. When asked about the check, she said he paid it back and his colleagues trusted it was a genuine mistake. These attorneys work as a brotherhood. They trusted him and accepted the explanation, she said. CFO describes Murdaughs attorney style: The art of bulls***' 15:20 , Rachel Sharp Jeanne Seckinger, the CFO and COO at Alex Murdaughs former law firm PMPED, described Mr Murdaughs style as an attorney as the art of bulls***. Ms Seckinger told the court that she had known Mr Murdaugh for around 40 years and had worked with him for around two decades at the law firm PMPED. When asked about how Mr Murdaugh was as a lawyer, she said: He was successful not from his work ethic, but his ability to establish relationships and to manipulate people into settlements and clients into liking him. The art of bulls***, basically. Heres our story from her testimony at the shadow trial 15:10 , Rachel Sharp Jeanne Seckinger, the CFO and COO at Alex Murdaughs former law firm PMPED, testified last week in the absence of the jury before the judge determined that evidence of Mr Murdaughs alleged financial crimes are allowed to be presented at his murder trial. Heres our story from her testimony at the shadow trial: Alex Murdaugh confronted by law firm over missing $792,000 hours before murders First witness to the stand: Jeanne Seckinger 15:00 , Rachel Sharp Jeanne Seckinger, the CFO and COO at Alex Murdaughs former law firm PMPED, has taken the stand. Ms Seckinger testified last week in the absence of the jury before the judge determined that evidence of Mr Murdaughs alleged financial crimes are allowed to be presented at his murder trial. During that testimony, she told the court how she discovered the 54-year-old now-disbarred attorney was misappropriating millions of dollars from his legal clients by moving money into a fake business and into his own personal accounts. Ms Seckinger said that she had confronted Mr Murdaugh about $792,000 of missing funds on the morning of 7 June 2021. He gave her a dirty look when she confronted him over the missing payments that day, she said. Hours later, Maggie and Paul were shot dead at the Murdaugh family estate in Islandton. We are likely to hear similar testimony today. Judge rules blue raincoat is allowed as evidence in another blow to defence 14:51 , Rachel Sharp Before the jury entered the courtroom, the judge ruled that the blue rainjacket is allowed as evidence in the case denying the defences motion to strike it. I find that it is relevant and that it creates, through inference, facts that are in dispute in this case. I deny the motion to strike her testimony, if thats what the motion is. I deny the motion to declare her testimony as being irrelevant, Judge Newman said. Shelly Smith Alex Murdaughs mothers caregiver testified on Monday that he had turned up at his parents home days after the murders with a blue item and left it there. Prosecutors said that law enforcement found a blue tarp and a blue rainjacket in a search of the home. The state says that gunshot residue was found on the jacket. Mr Murdaughs defence attorney Jim Griffin objected to the admission of the raincoat as evidence. He read out a transcript of Ms Smiths testimony where she insisted that the item she saw him carrying was a blue tarp and not a blue rainjacket. Prosecutor Creighton Waters responded by pointing out the part of the transcript where Ms Smith was shown a photo of a bundled up blue item and asked if that was what she had seen. She confirmed it was. Mr Waters said that this was the rainjacket bundled up. Clearly she did not know what it was. It wasnt opened up, and she could not clearly identify the item either as a tarp, as shown by Mr Griffin, or as a raincoat, he said. Court in session 14:41 , Rachel Sharp Day 12 of Alex Murdaughs trial resumes. What to expect from day 12: Blue tarp vs blue raincoat 14:30 , Rachel Sharp The trial will resume at 9.30am ET. Judge Newman is expected to rule over the inclusion of a blue rainjacket which prosecutors say Alex Murdaugh brought to his parents home after the murders. The state says that gunshot residue was found on the jacket. The defence has objected to the admission of the raincoat based on the testimony of Shelly Smith Mr Murdaughs mothers caregiver. Ms Smith testified on Monday that Mr Murdaugh turned up at his parents home days after the murders with a blue item and left it there. She insisted that the item was a blue tarp and not a blue rainjacket. Court adjourns. The trial will resume tomorrow at 930am. I vs They last week & now Tarp vs Raincoat this week Judge is expected to rule on whether State can bring in the GSR results on that raincoat tomorrow after Defense argued the caretaker of #Murdaughs mom did not identify it as the blue item he left @ the home@CourtTV pic.twitter.com/mNM9pqmb35 Chanley Sha Painter (@ChanleyCourtTV) February 7, 2023 Alex Murdaugh arrives in court for day 12 of murder trial 14:25 , Rachel Sharp Alex Murdaugh has arrived in court for day 12 of his murder trial. The disbarred attorney is on trial for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul on 7 June 2021. He has pleaded not guilty. Alex Murdaugh entering the Colleton County Courthouse this morning. @WCBD pic.twitter.com/Qkz0JFvmX8 Lexi Moore (@LexiMooreNews) February 7, 2023 What happened in court yesterday? Caretakers testimony about alibi 14:15 , Rachel Sharp Muschelle Shelly Smith, who had been working as a caregiver to Mr Murdaughs mother Libby from October 2019, told jurors about Alex Murdaughs unusual behaviour both on the night of the murders and in the days that followed. She testified that a fidgety Alex Murdaugh showed up at his sick mothers house for a brief 20-minute visit on the night of his wife and sons murders before later claiming he was there double the length of time and offering to pay towards the wedding of the caretaker who could refute his alibi. On the night of 7 June 2021, she said he made the uncharacteristic move to visit his sick mother late at night. He stayed only 20 minutes before leaving, In the aftermath of the killings, he then appeared to try to align her account about his visit with his telling her to say he was there for 30 to 40 minutes. He then offered to help Ms Smith both financially and with her other job. Days after that encounter, he turned up at his parents home at 6.30am and brought a mystery blue tarp item and left it in the home. What happened in court yesterday? Boat crash attorney speaks out 14:06 , Rachel Sharp Attorney Mark Tinsley testified without the jury present about the lawsuit he brought against Mr Murdaugh on behalf of the family of Mallory Beach the 19-year-old killed in a 2019 boat crash where Paul was allegedly drunk driving. Mr Tinsley told the court the Mr Murdaugh claimed he was broke and wouldnt pay up the settlement he was asking for his clients so he filed a motion compelling him to reveal his finances. This ramping up of scrutiny on his finances would have uncovered his alleged financial crimes, he said. A hearing for the suit had been scheduled to take place on 10 June 2021 but was postponed by the murders. He said that the fuse had been lit to expose Mr Murdaughs slew of alleged financial crimes but that problems would likely be over if the family was the victim of an unspeakable tragedy. Pretty quickly, I recognised that the case against Alex, if he were in fact the victim of some vigilante, would be over, he said. He later testified: There wouldnt have been an explosion June 10. But the fuse was lit the moment that information became available in this case. He added that Mr Murdaugh knew it was going to unravel and that the fuse was lit when he started stealing money. Under redirect, the witness testified that if the hearing had taken place on 10 June it would have set in motion the process that wouldnt have stopped until Mr Murdaugh either settled the case or disclosed his finances. What happened in court yesterday? Financial crimes ruling 13:55 , Rachel Sharp The defence was dealt a major blow in the case on Monday morning when the judge ruled that Alex Murdaughs alleged financial crimes are allowed as evidence in his trial. Judge Newman agreed with the prosecution that the vast financial fraud scheme in which he allegedly stole over $8m from law firm clients is relevant to their attempts to establishing a motive for the murders. I find that the jury is entitled to consider whether the apparent desperation of Mr Murdaugh because of his dire financial situation, the threat of being exposed for committing the crimes for which he was later charged, resulted in the commission of the alleged crimes, Judge Newman said. Over the course of the last week, the judge has heard hours of testimony without the jury present about the legal dynasty heirs alleged financial crimes as he weighed what evidence could be admitted in court. Prosecutors argued that details of Mr Murdaughs financial crimes are key to proving the motive in the murders of Maggie and Paul, claiming that he killed his wife and son to hide the string of other crimes and scandals which were catching up with him. Meanwhile, the defence had asked the judge to throw the evidence out of the murder trial, arguing it is irrelevant and separate to the case. Sons friends 100% certain it is his voice in video minutes before murders 13:00 , Oliver O'Connell Two friends of Paul Murdaugh have testified that they are 100 per cent sure that it is Alex Murdaughs voice in a video recorded just minutes before the brutal double murder of his son and wife Maggie in a dramatic moment that ripped open the disgraced legal scions alibi. Read on: Alex Murdaugh heard in sons video minutes before murders, two friends testify A timeline of murders, financial fraud, unexplained deaths and arrest 12:30 , Oliver O'Connell Disgraced legal dynasty heir Alex Murdaugh is currently on trial in a South Carolina courthouse for the murders of his wife and son. Mr Murdaugh, 54, is accused of shooting Paul, 22, twice with a shotgun and Maggie, 52, five times with a rifle on the familys sprawling hunting lodge in Islandton on 7 June 2021. He was arrested more than a year later in July 2022 and charged with their murders. In the 19 months since the brutal double murders propelled the Murdaughs onto national headlines, a series of other scandals, allegations and alleged crimes have also come to light. Heres a timeline of the key moments in the case: Alex Murdaugh: A timeline of murders, financial fraud, unexplained deaths and arrest Snapchat video shows Alex Murdaugh wearing different clothes immediately before murders 11:30 , Oliver O'Connell A damning Snapchat video has captured Alex Murdaugh wearing an entirely different set of clothes just one hour before he is accused of murdering his wife and son in a brutal and bloody double homicide. Rachel Sharp has the story. Snapchat video shows Alex Murdaugh in different clothes an hour before murders Law firm CFO recalls Alex Murdaugh dirty look as she confronted him over missing money 10:30 , Oliver O'Connell Alex Murdaughs former law firm partner has recalled how he gave her a dirty look when she confronted him over missing payments worth a staggering $792,000 on the day that his wife and son were murdered. Jeanne Seckinger, the chief financial officer at Mr Murdaughs former law firm PMPED, testified in Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, South Carolina, on Thursday at his trial for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul. She told the court how she discovered the 54-year-old now-disbarred attorney was misappropriating millions of dollars from his legal clients by moving money into a fake business and into his own personal accounts. Ms Seckinger said that she had confronted Mr Murdaugh about thousands of dollars of missing funds on the morning of 7 June 2021. Hours later, Maggie and Paul were shot dead at the Murdaugh family estate in Islandton. Alex Murdaugh confronted by law firm over missing $792,000 hours before murders Murdaughs best friend of 40 years breaks down in tears on witness stand 08:30 , Oliver O'Connell Alex Murdaughs former best friend of 40 years broke down in tears in court as he described the moment that he learned the disgraced attorney had stolen millions of dollars from his law firm clients and $192,000 from himself. Chris Wilson choked up with emotion as he said the betrayal knocked me down and revealed that I dont know how to think any more about the man he had known and loved for most of his life. Rachel Sharp reports. Alex Murdaughs friend breaks down describing murder suspects financial crimes Key revelations from the Alex Murdaugh murder trial so far 06:30 , Oliver O'Connell Its a dramatic saga that now includes murder, a botched hitman plot, multi-million-dollar fraud schemes and a series of unexplained deaths. Alex Murdaugh attorney denies the allegations against him and has pleaded not guilty in the trial that got underway at Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro on 23 January. Here are the key revelations from the trial so far: Confession, bloody scene and clean shirt: Key moments from Alex Murdaugh trial Murdaugh accused of stealing $4m payout from housekeepers family 04:30 , Oliver O'Connell Alex Murdaugh was accused of stealing a $4m settlement from his late housekeepers family at his murder trial on Friday, where prosecutors also raised questions about her mystery death. Tony Satterfield, the son of Gloria Satterfield, took the witness stand in Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, South Carolina, on Friday where Mr Murdaugh is currently on trial for the June 2021 murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul. Satterfield worked as the Murdaugh familys housekeeper and nanny for more than 20 years, before she died in a mysterious trip and fall at the family home. Rachel Sharp has the details. Son of Alex Murdaughs housekeeper testifies that he stole $4m payout from family Murdaughs alleged financial crimes can be given as evidence in murder trial 03:30 , Oliver O'Connell A judge has ruled that Alex Murdaughs alleged financial crimes can be given as evidence in his trial for the murders of his wife and son. I find that the jury is entitled to consider whether the apparent desperation of Mr. Murdaugh because of his dire financial situation, the threat of being exposed for committing the crimes for which he was later charged, resulted in the commission of the alleged crimes, Judge Newman ruled on Monday. Over the course of the last week, the judge has heard testimony from multiple witnesses about the legal dynasty heirs alleged financial crimes without the jury present as he weighed what evidence could be admitted in court. Read on: Alex Murdaughs financial crimes allowed as evidence in murder trial Fidgety Alex Murdaugh visited mom on night of murders 02:30 , Oliver O'Connell A fidgety Alex Murdaugh showed up at his sick mothers house for a brief 20-minute visit on the night of his wife and sons murders before later claiming he was there double the length of time and offering to pay towards the wedding of the caretaker who could refute his alibi. Muschelle Shelly Smith, who had been working as a caregiver to Mr Murdaughs mother Libby from October 2019, gave emotional and at-times damning testimony in Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, South Carolina, on Monday. Rachel Sharp reports. Alex Murdaugh was fidgety when he visited sick mothers home on night of murders 01:30 , Oliver O'Connell Murdaugh murder jury to hear financial crimes evidence 00:30 , Oliver O'Connell A judge ruled Monday he will allow jurors to hear evidence that disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh was stealing money from his law firm and clients and committing other financial crimes long before his wife and son were killed in 2021. Read on: Alex Murdaugh murder jury to hear financial crimes evidence Fuse was lit to expose Alex Murdaughs financial crimes at time of murders, court hears Monday 6 February 2023 23:30 , Oliver O'Connell The fuse had been lit to expose Alex Murdaughs slew of alleged financial crimes at the time of his wife and sons murders but his problems would likely be over if the family was the victim of an unspeakable tragedy, according to dramatic courtroom testimony at his trial. Attorney Mark Tinsley took the witness stand at Colleton County Courthouse in South Carolina on Monday morning to testify about the lawsuit he brought against Mr Murdaugh on behalf of the family of Mallory Beach. Beach, 19, died in a February 2019 crash in the Murdaugh family boat. Rachel Sharp has the story. Boat crash attorney speaks on Alex Murdaughs financial crimes Monday 6 February 2023 22:30 , Oliver O'Connell Court adjourns Monday 6 February 2023 22:24 , Oliver O'Connell After Ms Halls explanation of the collection and testing of the materials, the jury is dismissed for the day. Judge Newman addresses Mr Harpootlians objection to the inclusion of the blue rainjacket based on what Ms Smith testified earlier in the day. There is a dispute as to whether she identified the jacket when she talked about the tarp that Mr Murdaugh brought to his mothers house. The prosecution said she testified something was balled up as the jacket was. It is suggested that Judge Newman examines the transcripts for the day and makes a decision. Court adjourns. The trial will resume tomorrow at 930am. Monday 6 February 2023 22:04 , Oliver O'Connell While the shoes and clothes were tested the day after the shooting, the seatbelt was tested on 1 September 2021 and the rainjacket was tested on 5 October. Monday 6 February 2023 22:02 , Oliver O'Connell Ms Hall testifies about testing Mr Murdaughs shoes the day after the murders. She did not notice any blood on either the top of bottom of the shoes. Mr Murdaugh said in interviews with police that he checked the bodies of both his wife and son for pulses and tried to turn Paul over. Both were lying in pools of blood. Monday 6 February 2023 21:52 , Oliver O'Connell Small reddish-brown stains and the fresh smell of laundry detergent were noted on t-shirt which was odd given that most clothes are musty by the time they come in for testing. Ms Hall also tested the seatbelt from Mr Murdaughs Chevy Suburban. Monday 6 February 2023 21:46 , Oliver O'Connell Ms Hall testifies the 7 June 2021 Gunshot Residue kit test of Alex Murdaughs hands was collected properly. She passed it along for analysis. She also identifies the shorts and t-shirt that he was wearing when police arrived at the Moselle Road property. We also have the green cargo shorts & white t-shirt.#AlexMurdaugh 56/ pic.twitter.com/FmB6BmywW4 Serene *was forced into blue for the trial* (@MythSerene) February 6, 2023 New Witness: Jamie Hall, SLED trace evidence department Monday 6 February 2023 21:33 , Oliver O'Connell The next witness is Jamie Hall who was a forensic technician in the trace evidence department of SLED. She left SLED in 2022 and now works for the West Columbia Police Department as the evidence custodian. Monday 6 February 2023 21:26 , Oliver O'Connell Judge Newman explains the rules about evidence from Mr Murdaughs alleged financial crimes to the jury. He tells them they cant consider this evidence in determining the defendants character or propensity to commit crimes. It is only to considered as evidence of Mr Murdaughs possible motive for the murders. New Witness: Natasha Moodie, Bank of America Monday 6 February 2023 21:24 , Oliver O'Connell The next prosecution witness is Natasha Moodie of Bank of America. She identifies various bank records including documents opening an account and statements. The state moves to enter them into evidence. Monday 6 February 2023 21:19 , Oliver O'Connell Court is resuming. Before the jury is brought in, defence attorney Dick Harpootlian raises the issue that no one has directly linked the rainjacket with the defendant and objects to testimony being presented to the jury that it was coated in gunshot residue. Harpootlian says Shelley Smith testified that the blue tarp she saw Alex Murdaugh carrying was not the blue rainjacket. Avery G. Wilks (@AveryGWilks) February 6, 2023 The state responds that in her testimony Ms Smith said it was balled up and identified it in a photo on the inside of the second-floor closet. Mr Harpootlian contends she did not identify it but said it was similar. Judge Newman overrules the objection. Monday 6 February 2023 20:46 , Oliver O'Connell On cross-examination, he describes the Murdaughs as a loving family. He went to visit Alex Murdaugh in the days after the murders and say he was upset and crying. Court takes its mid-afternoon break. Monday 6 February 2023 20:37 , Oliver O'Connell Mr McElveens testimony is similar to that of Pauls other friends including how he was always using his phone. They had been out together in Charleston two days before he was murdered. Monday 6 February 2023 20:30 , Oliver O'Connell Mr McElveen estimates he visited Moselle some 30 to 40 times. They would hang out either at the house or around the kennels and sheds and would go hunting. We learn that there were three pet labradors separate from the working dogs in the kennels. New Witness: William McElveen, friend of Paul Murdaugh Monday 6 February 2023 20:25 , Oliver O'Connell The next witness is William McElveen, a friend of Paul Murdaugh from Edisto Beach. They became friends at the beach, through a mutual love of fishing, and over the years he grew close to the Murdaugh family and would visit them at the Moselle Road property. Monday 6 February 2023 20:18 , Oliver O'Connell A bright blue, poncho-style rainjacket is finally revealed, but no labeled size is apparent. Agent Moore holds it up for the jury to see and it appears quite a large garment. Perhaps large enough to be mistaken for a tarp? Monday 6 February 2023 20:15 , Oliver O'Connell The raincoat was processed for blood several times and none was found. Special Agent Moore does not know if any testing was done on the tarp. Defence attorney Jim Griffin asks what size the rainjacket is and asks her to unpack it from its evidence pouch in order to check its size and whether it is stained from the testing. There is laughter in the courtroom as layer after layer of packing is removed from the garment. New Witness: Kristin Moore, SLED Monday 6 February 2023 20:01 , Oliver O'Connell The next witness is SLED Special Agent Kristin Moore, who led a search of Mr Murdaughs mothers house. She testifies that they found a blue tarp in a storage box in a bedroom wardrobe and a blue rainjacket in a coat closet, both on the second floor. The rainjacket was balled up in the closet. Monday 6 February 2023 20:00 , Oliver O'Connell In cross-examination, Ms Smith testifies that she saw the blue tarp laid out over a rocking chair at Murdaughs mothers home the next day. She is asked if she saw a blue rainjacket and says she did not. Ms Smith is shown a photo of the blue rainjacket and confirms she has never seen it before. Monday 6 February 2023 19:55 , Oliver O'Connell Under redirect questioning by the prosecution, Ms Smith testifies that in the days after the murders Mr Murdaugh told her that if she is asked he was at the house with his mother for 30 to 40 minutes on the night of 7 June 2021. Smith told defense investigators that #AlexMurdaugh came to her after the funeral of his father and said if someone asks you how long I was at the house the night of the murders, you tell them 30-40 mins. pic.twitter.com/izirvNKHia Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) February 6, 2023 Monday 6 February 2023 19:42 , Oliver O'Connell The defence team moves to exclude any evidence about the blue raincoat mentioned in opening statements. They argue that there is nothing linking Mr Murdaugh to the jacket as Ms Smith testified that she saw a blue tarp and not a jacket. Judge Newman does not issue a ruling but instead calls the jury back in. Ms Smiths testimony continues. Court resumes Monday 6 February 2023 19:38 , Oliver O'Connell Judge Clifton Newman tells the court that one of the jurors has raised concerns about the length of the trial as it is possible it may go beyond three weeks. That juror may have to be excused. Caretaker breaks down in tears testifying about fidgety Murdaugh visit Monday 6 February 2023 19:00 , Oliver O'Connell Alex Murdaugh was fidgety when he turned up at his ailing mothers house on the night of his wife and sons murders and stayed just 20 minutes, according to emotional testimony from her caregiver. Muschelle Shelly Smith, who had worked as a caregiver to Mr Murdaughs mother Libby from October 2019, testified in Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, South Carolina, on Monday that it was unusual for Mr Murdaugh to show up at his parents home late at night. Alex Murdaugh was fidgety when he visited sick mothers home on night of murders Judge rules Murdaughs alleged financial crimes can be given as evidence in murder trial Monday 6 February 2023 18:35 , Oliver O'Connell A South Carolina judge has ruled that Alex Murdaughs alleged financial crimes can be presented as evidence in his trial for the murders of his wife and son. In a major blow to the disgraced legal scions defence, Judge Newman ruled on Monday that the jury should be allowed to hear about Mr Murdaughs alleged multi-million-dollar fraud schemes as they decide his fate on murder charges. Rachel Sharp reports. Alex Murdaughs financial crimes allowed as evidence in murder trial Monday 6 February 2023 18:16 , Oliver O'Connell Court breaks for lunch until 2.30pm. Monday 6 February 2023 18:07 , Oliver O'Connell Mr Griffin asks if Mr Murdaughs offer to help pay for Ms Smiths wedding was him just being nice. She replies he was. On the night of the murders she testifies he came in and lay on the bed next to his mother. He did not have any sign of blood on him and left no blood on the bed. Monday 6 February 2023 17:53 , Oliver O'Connell Cross-examination begins with attorney Jim Griffin unfolding a large blue tarp in the courtroom. He asks if this is what Ms Smith saw Mr Murdaugh bring into the house. She says yes. Asked if she might have confused a tarp and a raincoat, she says no. Then Jim Griffin pulls out this tarp in court and asks Smith if that is similar to what she saw balled up in #AlexMurdaugh's arms the morning he came over to his mother's house - after murders/after father's funeral. pic.twitter.com/lFRAF3o6LH Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) February 6, 2023 Monday 6 February 2023 17:50 , Oliver O'Connell Ms Smith says Mr Murdaugh also had some kind of small cut or bruise on his head. Monday 6 February 2023 17:41 , Oliver O'Connell A few days after the murders, Mr Murdaugh came to the house at 6.30am, Ms Smith says, adding that he had never come that early before in the two years she had worked there. She recalls him cradling something blue in his arms that looked like a tarp. Monday 6 February 2023 17:38 , Oliver O'Connell In tearful testimony, Ms Smith recalls Mr Murdaugh telling her after the murders that he had been at the house for 30 to 40 minutes on the night of the murders. She was very disturbed by the conversation and told her brother about it. He then appeared to offer to help her with money for her upcoming wedding it was the first time they had ever spoken about her wedding. Mr Murdaugh says he also offered to help get her a better job at the school where she also worked. HUGE! At the visitation following #AlexMurdaugh's father's funeral, Murdaugh told Smith (basically) to say that he was at the house visiting his mother for 30-40 mins the night of the murders. She says he was not there. Smith start crying on the stand. pic.twitter.com/vo28o4JuIh Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) February 6, 2023 Monday 6 February 2023 17:20 , Oliver O'Connell Ms Smith says he was wearing shorts and t-shirt and cloth-like shoes similar to Sperrys and no socks. She describes him as fidgety. He sat on the bed and held his mothers hand and spoke to her but she was in and out of sleep. He stayed at the house for approximately 20 minutes. Murdaugh said he was there to check on her because his father was in the hospital. Ms Smith says in her opinion Miss Libby would not have been aware he was there. Holden shared her favourite lingerie pieces from JD Williams' new collection for Valentine's Day. (JD Williams) Valentines Day is fast approaching, and if youre in the market for some new lingerie, weve spotted the perfect set. TV personality Amanda Holden took to Instagram recently to share her favourite underwear pieces shell be donning on 14 February. As part of a paid partnership with JD Williams, she wore a bright red silk negligee with a delicate cream lacy trim on the neckline, with two glasses of Champagne to kick off the month of love. Its part of a new collection of nightwear and lingerie from JD Williams, modelled by Holden and fellow brand ambassador Davina McCall. Perfect for getting glammed up for date night or a fun night in, theres plenty of satin, eyelash-trimmed lace and plunging necklines in red, black and burgundy hues to celebrate the occasion with your partner. In her sponsored post, McCall opted for a colourful animal print cami top and matching shorts and shared her advice for feeling confident: "If u know me u know I matching underwear... its my first tip for starting to build ur self-confidence... as is wearing something a little bit out of character every now and then!! Like animal print?!" We couldn't agree more. The entire collection is now available to shop at JD Williams, and we've picked our favourite pieces below. Best of all, when you spend 20 or more on JD Williams Valentines Day range, you can receive a free Yankee candle worth 24.99 when you enter the code VAL20 at checkout. Shop Amanda Holden and Davina McCall's Valentine's Day collection at JD Williams Boux Avenue Maisie Satin And Lace Chemise | 28 from JD Williams (JD Williams) Shop now Ann Summers Cerise Animal Print Cami Set | 22 from JD Williams (JD Williams) Shop now Chelsea Peers Cotton Love Ladybirds V Neck Shortie PJ Set | 36 from JD Williams (JD Williams) Shop now (JD Williams) Shop the bra now Shop the Brazilian briefs now Gossard Superboost Longline Bra and Shorts | from 19 from JD Williams (JD Williams) Shop the bra now Shop the shorts now Watch: How to do a smoky eye: Easy step-by-step tutorial Amber Rose is sharing how she's raising her sons, 9 and 3, with healthy views around women and equality. (Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy) Amber Rose is a proud mother of two young feminists. In the latest episode of Emily Ratajkowski's podcast, High Low with EmRata, the mom of two sons Sebastian, 9 (with ex Wiz Khalifa) and Slash, 3 (with Alexander Edwards) spoke about the importance of being transparent with her kids about her stripper past and having an account on OnlyFans, a website where celebrities and influencers post racy content for a subscription fee. "My sons are feminists," Rose, 39, said. "It just means equality." The model and women's rights activist added that if she doesn't "instill" these lessons from an early age, she worries her sons are "gonna learn from TikTok and Instagram," which could potentially lead to misinformation about women. Rose recalled "having a whole conversation about" OnyFans with Sebastian after a friend called out his mom for having an account during the pandemic. That conversation proved worth having later on. "We were in the car and his friends were like, 'Miss Amber, ask us what we like in girls,'" she said. "I was like, 'OK, do you like blonde hair? Do you like dark hair?' And [Sebastian's friend] was like, 'Well, I just dont want my girlfriend being on OnlyFans." That's when her son felt the need to defend his mom. "Sebastian was like, 'Bro you cant say that, like, you have to let a woman do what she wants with her body. Like, that's not cool, you cant do that,'" Rose said. "A tear came down my cheek and Im like, 'Thats my f****** baby, like, I instilled that in him from birth." Amber Rose says she instilled healthy views about women in her son, Sebastian Taylor Thomaz, 9, from an early age. (Photo: Juan Ocampo/NHLI via Getty Images) When it comes to such topics, the former talk show host said she takes a holistic approach. "I let my kids curse and have free expression, be creative, as long as theyre not disrespectful or curse in school, which Sebastian never did," she said. "He knows the difference." Story continues "I just explain everything to him: 'When it comes to women, you have to let women do what they need to do to support their families,'" she explained. "You wanna go to a nice school? Six Flags? Travel? You know, mommy has to make money. He knows that I was a stripper years ago. I feel like I desensitized it, instead of him finding out when he's 20." In fact, Rose, who said she's "done" having kids, explained that she and her sons routinely have uncomfortable conversations with no limitations even when it comes to the female anatomy. Anytime I use the bathroom [since] my son was 2, 3 years old, hell be like, Mommy, do you need a tampon? Do you need a pad, Mommy? Ill go in a drawer and get it for you,' she explained. Ive told him about everything. In 2015, Rose organized the annual Los Angeles-based SlutWalk a movement that originated in Canada calling for an end to rape culture, victim blaming and slut-shaming by reclaiming the word "slut." In a broader sense, the protests aim to address patriarchal attempts to control a woman's sexuality. Rose, who said she was "slut-shamed" by girls at an early age simply because she had a lot of male friends, and despite the fact that she was a virgin at the time, admitted to having a different relationship with sex these days. "Im a self-proclaimed slut and I dont have sex. I hate sex," she said. "Its so accessible, and I dont want a penis attached to a person. I just don't wanna deal with any toxicity, and I feel like nowadays everyone is toxic." The mom of two and events namesake attending the 4th Annual Amber Rose SlutWalk in 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images) Indeed, the model has never backed down from voicing her thoughts about body positivity, and why people should allow others to "do what they want with their bodies." In July 2022, she spoke with Yahoo Life about pushing back against sexist standards. "As women, unfortunately, a lot of things are out of our hands," she said at the time. "We can continue to protest. I think more women jumping on board and not feeding into the patriarchy helps but I don't think we'll ever just be who we want to be without being labeled. We cannot stop, we can't get discouraged at all. We have to keep fighting." "I've embraced my body completely," she added. "I'm a mother now, I have two children, I had two C-sections and a breast reduction. And so for me, it's just I'm a woman and this is my body and its changing over the years and I just fully embrace all of my beautiful flaws." Wellness, parenting, body image and more: Get to know the who behind the hoo with Yahoo Life's newsletter. Sign up here. Bret Easton Ellis has candidly asked how the f*** anyone can live in New York City while condemning the city he used to call home. The American Psycho author, 58, recently returned to New York City for the first time in years to promote his new book The Shards. However, rather than enjoy his return to the city where his most famous novel is set, Ellis lamented the various problems hed encountered since he arrived back in Manhattan. Ellis spoke openly about his distaste for the metropolis during an interview with Vanity Fair, during which he revealed that the only thing hed wanted to do after a promotional talk in Brooklyn about his new book was return to his hotel. I just wanted to come back to my hotel room, order some room service, have a glass of wine, get into bed with the food channel on, check my emails, Ellis said. During the interview, which took place in the lobby of his hotel, the author also expressed his apparent disbelief that there are people who choose to live in New York City. I arrived Wednesday night during this horrible storm, and then the usual problems of getting your luggage, an hour waiting at Delta carousel, and then the ride into New York, Ellis said. I thought, How does anyone live here? How in the f*** does anyone live here? Ellis didnt always hate New York City, however, as the author, who lived in New York for almost two decades, told the outlet that he enjoyed living in the city during the 90s. It was a glorious time to be in New York, Ellis recalled. I talk to a lot of people who just simply agree - to be youngish and living in New York during that period, and to be involved in the magazine world, the glorious magazine world. In the years since his last novel, Bret Easton Elliss place in the culture has arguably rivaled his status in the 80s, when he was a New York gossip-page fixture alongside Andy Warhol, Madonna, and others. https://t.co/H2b2re0ETC VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) February 3, 2023 However, Ellis, who has only spent a handful of days in New York City since he moved back to Los Angeles, California, where he grew up, in 2005, claimed the city changed after he left. Story continues During the interview, Ellis recalled seeing the change during a trip to New York City in 2016, which had marked the first time hed been to the city in at least 10 years. According to Ellis, although he moved to Los Angeles, he still owns the apartment he bought in the American Felt Building in 1987. However, he has not slept in the apartment since 2004. I had to get some stuff out of storage, and I wanted to meet the new tenant because Ive been renting it out for years and years and years. Around Fourth Avenue, 13th Street, I looked up from my phone and I suddenly panicked. I told the driver: Youre in the wrong areaWere going to 13th Street between Third and Fourth. He said: This is it, Ellis recalled. I couldnt believe the change. The author recently returned to his East Village neighbourhood again, which he told Vanity Fair he now doesnt recognise at all. On social media, Ellis comments divided fans, with one person suggesting the young Bret Easton Ellis would have laughed at old Bret Easton Ellis for criticising the city. Young @BretEastonEllis would have laughed at old @BretEastonEllis hunkered down in his hotel room whining about delays at the airport and traffic into the city and how NYC (which he made millions writing about) was SO much better when he was in his 20s living here, they wrote. WASHINGTON (AP) Joe Biden stepped to the rostrum for his State of the Union address at what should be a high point of his presidency. He's repeatedly beaten the odds with a string of legislative accomplishments and a historically strong midterm election where Democrats held the line against Republicans. His steadfast support for Ukraine has won praise. The cloud of the pandemic has lifted. But on Tuesday night, he found himself facing a problem that has shadowed him for years doubt. Polls show a majority of Americans are largely unaware of his successes and don't approve of his job performance. Even Democrats question whether he should run for reelection amid concerns about his age. It all added up to a particularly high-stakes moment for Biden, providing him with his last, best opportunity to make his case for why he deserves a second term before a formal campaign announcement. He left no doubt that he believes he has more work to do as president. Addressing Republicans who recently won control of the House, Biden said the people sent us a clear message about the need to find common ground. Weve been sent here to finish the job, he said. Although Biden frequently used the language of cooperation, he slipped in a few digs at the other party, such as when he talked about Republicans who voted against his infrastructure law but still celebrate the money being used in their districts. Don't worry, he said. I promised to be the president for all Americans. We'll fund these projects. And Ill see you at the groundbreaking! At another point, Biden accused Republicans of trying to curtail Social Security and Medicare benefits for older Americans, provoking shouts of liar from his critics. Veering from the text of his speech, Biden responded with a grin. Anybody who doubts it, contact my office, I'll give you a copy of the proposal." It was a thrust and parry more likely to be found on a debate stage than in a State of the Union. Story continues Now it's just a matter of waiting for Biden to reveal his decision on whether he'll run again. He's promised an announcement early this year. Until the moment when he makes that pronouncement, that's still that question that hangs over every word that he utters," said Patrick Gaspard, a former White House political director and top official at the Democratic National Committee. Gaspard, who is currently president of the liberal Center for American Progress, said the State of the Union "is often considered the opening bid in an argument for reelection. And in this situation, its certainly the case. American presidents almost never forgo a shot at a second term. The last one was Lyndon Johnson, who did not seek reelection in 1968 after his presidency became unmoored by the Vietnam War. But there's also never been a president as old as Biden. He's 80, and would be 86 at the end of a second term. He first ran for the White House in 1988. Im not new to this place," Biden acknowledged in his speech. "I stand here tonight having served as long as about any one of you has ever served here. Lyndsay Chervinsky, a presidential historian, said Biden's age is the X factor that differentiates him from his predecessors. Even when other presidents faced low approval ratings during their first term, no one was suggesting that they not run. If he was ten years younger, none of these conversations would be happening," she said. Biden gave a glimpse of his campaign pitch on Friday in Philadelphia, when he spoke at a Democratic National Committee meeting. He rattled off legislative accomplishments, some of which were achieved after they were left for dead in Congress, and blasted Republicans as extremists," even calling them nuts at one point. Let me ask you a simple question. Are you with me? he said to the cheering crowd, which responded by chanting, Four more years! Political appearances rarely draw the same attention as the State of the Union. Last year, 38 million people tuned in, compared to nearly 100 million who watched the Super Bowl. Presidential historian Michael Beschloss said the challenge is to find the right way to harness that fleeting focus. The speech will probably be remembered for two or three lines, he said. He has to decide which he wants those to be. Judging by the text, Biden wants that line to be finish the job, a phrase included no less than a dozen times. Whether it's increasing taxes on billionaires, preventing police brutality or lowering insulin costs, Biden said he wants to finish the job. It may not have been a campaign announcement, but it's an implicit request for voters to stick with him. Biden plans to travel to Wisconsin on Wednesday and Florida on Thursday to continue pushing his agenda, part of an administration-wide plan for top officials to fan out across the country this week. After a Democratic midterm showing that was strong by historical averages in a president's first term, Biden has successfully tamped down handwringing within his party over whether he should seek another term. No primary opponent has emerged. And he has a record to build upon. He's also secured investments in infrastructure, computer chip manufacturing and financial incentives to encourage Americans to adopt cleaner technologies for fighting climate change. At the end of the day, you cant argue with the extraordinary accomplishments, more than almost any other modern president, that President Biden has achieved, again, under the toughest of circumstances, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a Sunday interview with CNN's State of the Union. However, Biden still faces skepticism from the country at large. Only 37% of Democrats say they want Biden to seek a second term, down from 52% before the midterm elections in November, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Victories in Congress to the contrary, many Americans don't see him making progress either. A new Washington Post-ABC News poll said 36% of Americans believe Biden has accomplished a great deal or a good amount" since taking office, while 62% said he's done not very much or little or nothing." Cedric Richmond, a former top White House official who is now a senior adviser to the Democratic National Committee, says the numbers don't concern him. When you hit a campaign, and youre going to spend the kind of money that campaigns cost now, people will get inundated with reminders of changes that Biden has made during his administration, he said. Right now, Richmond said, people are more focused on their lives than political commentary and polls and all of those things. Now the question is whether Biden's big speech shifted voters' focus to him and got them to see the country his same way. ___ EDITORS: Chris Megerian covers the White House for The Associated Press. ___ Follow APs coverage of the State of the Union address at: https://apnews.com/hub/state-of-the-union-address By Huseyin Hayatsever, Ece Toksabay and Maya Gebeily ANTAKYA/ADANA, Turkey (Reuters) -Rescue workers in quake-devastated Turkey and northern Syria struggled on Tuesday to reach some of the worst-hit areas, held back by destroyed roads, poor weather and a lack of resources and heavy equipment and confronted by angry survivors. Turkish authorities say more than 12,000 search and rescue personnel and 9,000 troops are working in the affected areas. President Tayyip Erdogan called a state of emergency on Tuesday to bolster the responses. But a major challenge is the sheer scale of the disaster over a large area, requiring a huge mobilisation of resources to help look for survivors. Scant information has come out of some places, raising concern about the extent of the devastation that could yet be discovered. With little immediate help at hand, residents picked through rubble sometimes without even basic tools in a desperate hunt for survivors trapped under thousands of collapsed buildings a day after the earthquake struck. People in the southern Turkish city of Antakya were asking each other for helmets, hammers, iron rods and strong rope to lift debris as they waited for reinforcements to arrive. Their frustration already prompted scuffles between residents and rescue workers, with people pleading with rescuers to save their loved ones. In Antakya's Kavasli neighbourhood, one woman, aged 54 and named Gulumser, was pulled alive from an 8-storey building 32 hours after the quake. Another woman then shouted at the rescue workers: "My father was just behind that room she was in. Please save him." The rescue workers explained they could not reach the room from the front and needed an excavator to remove the wall first. Elsewhere, drone footage showed a lone man on top of a collapsed building, hammering at debris while others stood around him. "I see people here complain about the scarcity of rescue efforts, but maybe it is because there are 10 cities affected by the quake and many, many rescue teams are needed," a rescue worker from Istanbul, who declined to be named, told Reuters. Story continues "But we are doing our best, trying to save people." To aid rescue efforts, volunteers poured into the rebel-held Syrian town of Jandaris in Aleppo province. "We are here to help. There is no state, no equipment to help people, there are no excavators, or hard equipment. Everything is done by our hands," said volunteer Abu Malik al Hamawi. "Whole families are still trapped under buildings." SLOW PROGRESS Turkish authorities say some 13.5 million people were affected in an area spanning roughly 450 km (280 miles) from Adana in the west to Diyarbakir in the east, and 300 km from Malatya in the north to Hatay in the south. Syrian authorities have reported deaths as far south as Hama, some 100 km from the epicentre. "The area is enormous. I haven't seen anything like this before," said Johannes Gust, a worker from Germany's fire and rescue service, while loading equipment onto a truck at Turkey's Adana airport. Another challenge is reaching the afflicted areas by road, Jens Laerke, Deputy Spokesperson of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told a UN briefing in Geneva. "It is a disaster zone, if I ever saw one. Of course access by road is a challenge. There is a shortage of trucks to transport international teams to work on site," he said. A senior official at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said reaching remote, rural parts of Syria was proving especially difficult. "What is missing from the rescue effort at the minute is there are certain types of machinery that would help in terms of trying to help people that are trapped in rubble," Xavier Castellanos Mosquera told Reuters in an interview. The Turkish authorities are using the airport in Adana as a logistics base. The airport became so congested that for example a team from Taiwan's fire service, consisting of 40 people and three search and rescue dogs, was stranded in Istanbul for hours on Tuesday waiting to take off. Rescue workers told Reuters there were 14 separate sites they were working on to try to extract people from under the rubble in Adana. The city has comparably better conditions than other places but resources were stretched thin. A makeshift shelter in a school was sheltering survivors but the young volunteers staffing it looked haggard and told Reuters they were exhausted and had little to work with. They were distributing sandwiches and making instant coffee as fast as they could for the groups of people flowing in to find a corner to sleep in. Emrah Delinkanli, who sells women's clothing, was standing in the yard of a damaged building in Adana looking on as a crane moved slabs of concrete from a pile of rubble where half a building had collapsed, looking like it had been sheared off. "My colleague Ibrahim is under there. He lived on the second floor and there are 12 floors above him. You think he could have survived that? There is no way," said Delinkanli, adding he believed Ibrahim was trapped with his two daughters. Back in Antakya in the Hatay province, frustration was mounting. "No aid, no electricity, no phone, no food since the quake rescue team just arrived this morning," said a woman called Kubra. "There used to be a cliche in Turkey 'Where is the state?' We are living this cliche now." (Additional reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber, Ben Blanchard, Kate Holton; Writing by Matthias Williams; Editing by Jonathan Spicer, William Maclean) Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are feuding on Twitter, with the two sparring over the new House majoritys controversial committee appointments, including the decision to remove Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee over perceived antisemitic remarks. The Twitter beef began on Thursday, when Ms Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat, slammed GOP leaders for reinstating Ms Greenes committee placements, which were stripped by Democrats in 2021 owing the Georgia reps history of violent threats towards fellow members and conspiratorial remarks. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who was engaging in 9/11 conspiracy theories, [House Speaker] Kevin McCarthy appointed her to the Homeland Security Committee, Rep Ocasio-Cortez told CNN. So there is really no consistency here and it needs to be very well known that he is targeting of Ilhan Omar because he finds it easy. The Republican base finds it politically self-rewarding. (Ms Greene, before she was elected to Congress, once posted a video questioning whether a plane hit the Pentagon on 9/11, though later she declared 9/11 absolutely happened.) In response to the CNN interview, Ms Greene attacked Ms Ocasio-Cortez, accusing her of running her mouth like a teenaged girl. I have repeatedly asked you to debate me, but you have been a coward and cant even respond," Ms Greene posted . The dispute continued, with Ms Ocasio-Cortez accusing Ms Greene of spending almost no time in Congress doing her committee work. In the few minutes you did show up, you claimed one elementary school got *$5 billion dollars* to teach CRT [critical race theory, the New York Democrat wrote . I agree w Marjorie. It was a mistake for the federal government to give $5 billion to one single elementary school in Illinois to teach its students to hate white people. In retrospect it feels like $4 billion would have been enough. https://t.co/E5hfWU4N6X Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) February 2, 2023 From there, things devolved even further, with Ms Greene calling people from Ms Ocasio-Cortezs native New York sickos who abused Covid relief funds to support organisations that hosted drag events. Story continues Ms Omar, the original spark of the debate, has also criticised the Houses decision to remove her, arguing she was unfairly singled out for voicing criticisms of the US-Israel political relationship because she is a Muslim and woman of colour. I am an American, an American who was sent here by her constituents to represent them in Congress. A refugee who survived the horrors of a civil war. Someone who spent her childhood in a refugee camp, she said about the committee decision. Is anyone surprised that I am being targeted? Is anyone surprised that I am somehow deemed unworthy to speak about American foreign policy or that they see me as a powerful voice that needs to be silenced? Atlanta Police are searching for a man who broke into the Hotto Hotto Ramen & Teppanyaki restaurant in Southeast Atlanta. According to co-owner, Alice Wong, the man broke in, three times within the past ten days. Wong said in each case the man stole thousands in top shelf liquor. Just completely in disbelief, said Alice Wong. He just brings suitcases and goes in and out with a bunch of alcohol. He cleaned us out, Wong explained to Channel 2s Audrey Washington. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Wong, said after every break-in, the restaurant managers changed the door code. But, in the surveillance video, the thief appeared to know the code. Wong said when he returned for the third time, the code did not work. Seems like he tried to open it and ripped the box off the wall, Wong said. She told Washington the thief then broke the door code box, obtained the key inside the box and used it to gain access to the restaurant. TRENDING STORIES: Wong said she trusts her staff, but now she thinks someone from the inside could be working with the thief. I really want to know who is giving out this code and Im willing to give up to $500 to who can help us catch this thief. Wong told Channel 2 Action News she added more security to the restaurant. She also said she is working with the property management company to obtain more surveillance video. Anyone with information is asked to call Atlanta Police. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: An altercation over a parking space at a popular Atlanta bar and restaurant turned physical, according to Atlanta police. On Jan. 28, 66-year-old Billy Fields got into a physical altercation with two men, identified as Reed Russo and 27-year-old Preston Howard, in the parking lot of Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall on the Atlanta Beltline. Fields told police he approached Reed after he saw him banging on the car window of Fields relative and being aggressive over a parking space, according to a police report. Fields said he tried to de-escalate this situation, and Reed kept cursing at Fields relative. Eventually, Howard jumped into the altercation after he said he saw Fields hit Reed, the police report says. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Reed was not on the scene when APD arrived. Fields had a laceration on his eye and was treated for it, according to police. Police did not specify any other injuries suffered during this incident. TRENDING STORIES: Police said that cameras were able to capture the incident, but they were unable to obtain that footage. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: The Arkansas House of Representatives on Monday approved a bill to add restrictions to adult-oriented performances and businesses but fell short of cracking down on drag shows specifically, as the measures proponents in the state Senate had initially set out to do. Arkansass Republican-controlled House voted Monday to strike language referencing drag performances from Senate Bill 43 legislation introduced in January by state Sen. Gary Stubblefield (R) to prohibit drag shows from taking place on public property or where a minor can view them. Stubblefields original bill had defined a drag performance as one where an individual exhibits a gender identity inconsistent with their sex assigned at birth and sings, lip-syncs, dances, or otherwise performs for an audience of at least two people. The Senator during a hearing in January argued his bill was intended to protect children from content considered obscene or sexually explicit, which he said includes family-friendly drag shows and drag queen story hours. I cant think of anything good that can come from taking children and putting them in front of a bunch of grown men who are dressed like women, Stubblefield said last month. Arkansas House Republicans on Monday made similar arguments but said the legislation shouldnt single out drag performances. This bill is not about whether drag is acceptable, Republican Rep. Mary Bentley, the bills sponsor in the state House, said Monday before the vote. Its about whether we should be exposing our children to sexually explicit behavior. While the revised legislation no longer mentions drag shows outright, it does broaden the definition of an adult-oriented performance to mean a performance that features a person who appears in a state of nudity or is seminude and the purposeful exposure of a specific anatomical area, prosthetic genitalia or breasts or a specific sexual act. The performance must also appeal to prurient interests, which the measure does not clearly define. Adult-oriented productions under the bill are unable to legally receive funding including grants and investments from federal, state and local governments. Story continues Arkansas House lawmakers approved the revised legislation Monday in a 78-15 vote. The bill now heads back to the state Senate for consideration. Stubblefield, the bills sponsor in the state Senate, told The Hill in an email that he certainly would prefer the original language, but did not indicate whether he would support the revised measure. He said he is looking into the possibility of filing an additional bill pertaining to this same subject that will withstand constitutional scrutiny. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) has indicated she will sign the revised bill into law if it reaches her desk. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas in a blog post on Tuesday said state lawmakers decision to amend the bill is a step in the right direction but added that the measure still inherently invites abuse in enforcement, especially considering the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric from sponsors and supporters of the bill. Yesterdays amendment to the bill no longer explicitly targets LGBTQ people. However, it does apply to every person in Arkansas in overly broad ways that clearly violate the First Amendment, the group wrote. SB43 still curbs free speech and expression so much that it could even prevent some mainstream artists from performing on public property, and make it illegal for Arkansans to attend those performances. More than two dozen bills to restrict or ban drag performances have been introduced in over a dozen states this year, according to the ACLU. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Stephen Nellis SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The chief executive of Softbank-owned British chip technology firm Arm told Reuters on Tuesday that the company is committed to a stock market float this year. "The plans are actually fairly well developed and underway now," Rene Haas said in an interview after Arm's corporate parent reported its fourth straight quarter of losses. "We're doing everything we can and are committed to have it happen this year." Arm's fiscal third quarter sales were up 28% to $746 million, one of the few growth areas for Softbank as its vast portfolio of early stage technology startup investments weighed on its results. Arm is the world's biggest supplier of chip design elements used in smartphones, selling intellectual property to companies like Apple Inc and Qualcomm Inc. Arm makes money off upfront licensing deals with such companies and then a royalty on each chip sold using its technology. Part of Haas' strategy has been to speed up Arm's push into other markets such as data center servers, where companies like Amazon.com Inc's cloud unit are using Arm-based chips. Those efforts helped boost upfront license revenue 65% to $300 million as Arm signed new deals in cloud computing and other segments, though company executives conceded that some of the growth was driven by multiple deals landing at once. Arm said per-chip royalties, which are steadier than its deal-making business, were up 12% to $446 million in the quarter. That growth came amid a slowdown in the smartphone business that dragged down results at Apple and Qualcomm. Haas said Arm is "not immune" to the softening smartphone market but that the company has licensed more intellectual property into each chip than in the past. With the most advanced phone chips now using 10 to 12 computing cores along with the newest version of Arm's computing architecture, he said that translates into higher royalties for each chip sold. "The diversification that we've done and, in core markets, just having more technology in the chips means that we've been able to withstand the downturn better than most," Haas said. (Additional reporting by Muvija M and Paul Sandle; Editing by Alistair Smout and Bill Berkrot) ASHEVILLE - A South Asheville restaurant has earned a slice of recognition for its outstanding pizza-making skills. Yelp, a digital platform where customers review businesses and score them on a 1- to 5-star scale, has announced its Top Pizza Spots in the U.S. and Canada. Yelp compiled an all-time list of the Top Pizza Spots in the United States featuring 100 of the highest-ranked restaurants, released on Jan. 23. Also, the company also collected data to come up with the 25 top-ranking pizza spots in Canada. Fahrenheit Pizza & Brewhouse, 17 Lee St. South, ranked No. 26 on the Top Pizza Spots in the U.S. The Classic Margherita, left, and the special White are two of the many options at Fahrenheit Pizza and Brewhouse in Arden. More:Iurato's Pizzeria owner bids farewell, plans announced for the Asheville restaurant More:All Souls Pizza's new co-owner, look, menu unveiled in Asheville's River Arts District We identified businesses in the pizza category, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews, Yelp stated. Fahrenheit Pizza & Brewhouse, a family-owned establishment, serves crispy, New York-style pizza, plus wings and local craft beer. A few popular pies are the Arugula, Meat Lovers and classic New York Style pizza created with house-made red sauce and shredded mozzarella. Yelps top-ranking pizza spot is Sapori Di 786 Degrees in Pasadena, California. Other North Carolina eateries to make the list are Geno Ds Pizza in Charlotte (ranked No. 15) and Village Pizza in Nags Head (ranked No. 63). More:Asheville ranked No. 10 on list of Best Food Destinations in U.S. in 2023 In 2022, Fahrenheit Pizza & Brewhouse placed higher, ranking No. 17 on Yelps "Top 100 Pizza Spots in the U.S. Here are 5-star reviews left by Fahrenheit Pizza & Brewhouse customers on Yelp: Best pizza I've ever had. I will definitely be back! Love the self pour taps as well! Abby C., Candler, N.C. First time here and it met all expectations and more. Second the garlic knots recommendation. Soft, not overly garlicky and not huge so you don't fill up before the perfect pizza arrives. We went with the veggie pizza and added the smoked chicken. The roasted red peppers made the pizza excellent. Thin crust and well cooked. Staff was very helpful and very pleasant. Clean place, aroma as it should be, garlic in the air, baked bread/pizza smells were all very enticing. We will certainly return sometime when we are visiting Asheville. -Chris S., Morganton, N.C. Story continues The Margherita Pizza at Fahrenheit Pizza and Brewhouse in Arden has house-made red sauce, fresh mozzarella, grated cheese and is topped with olive oil. Best pizza in Asheville and beyond. Family owned friendly casual hidden gem. Like NY pizza for real. -Marilyn S., Fletcher, N.C This is by far the best pizza in WNC. The sauce is always fresh and tangy. My family prefers this restaurant to any pizza place around. We always leave happy and full. The staff is also warm and welcoming. Decor is also very nice and they have paintings for sale. -Jason D., Fletcher, N.C. Not only the best pizza in Asheville, probably the best pizza in all of NC and definitely ranks nationally. Stop researching pizzerias; you found your spot l! -Jeff S., Citrus Heights, C.A. View Yelps full lists of the Top Pizza Spots in the U.S. and Canada at blog.yelp.com/community/yelps-top-pizza-spots-in-the-us-and-canada/. Fahrenheit Pizza & Brewhouse Where: 17 Lee St. South, Asheville Hours: 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday Info: View the menu at fahrenheitpizzabrew.com and follow on social media at facebook.com/FahrenheitPizzaBrew. Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Twitter/Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Yelp ranks Asheville's Fahrenheit Pizza & Brewhouse in US and Canada Atlanta police are looking to identify the man who robbed a bank on Thursday. Police say at around 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, a man entered Ameris Bank, located at 3724 Roswell Road and handed a teller a note that demanded money. The suspect was wearing a red hat, black face mask, and black jacket. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The note stated to give him $100 and $50 bills from the drawer. He was wearing gloves, so police were unable to collect fingerprints. The suspect stole $7,050 from the bank. TRENDING STORIES: Ameris Bank off-site security reviewed surveillance cameras and observed a red Volkswagen Beetle that entered and left the parking lot at the same time the robbery began and ended. Police were able to get surveillance video from a number of surrounding businesses as well, to help determine where the suspect went after the robbery. Anyone with information on the case can submit a tip anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), or online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: On 6 February during the day, Russians shelled three territorial hromadas [an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories - ed.] in Sumy Oblast with 55 strikes recorded. Source: Sumy Oblast Military Administration on Facebook Details: In the Seredyna-Buda hromada, 38 assault rifle and machine gun rounds were recorded. The Kransopil hromada was attacked from mortars 11 times. The Hlukhiv hromada was attacked from cannon artillery with 6 strikes recorded. There were no losses or destruction reported in any of the attacks. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! BONNE TERRE, Mo. (AP) A Missouri man convicted of killing his live-in girlfriend and her three young children was executed Tuesday despite his claims that he was in another state when the killings occurred. Raheem Taylor, 58, was the third Missouri inmate put to death since November at the state prison in Bonne Terre. It was the nations fifth execution this year, following a previous execution in Missouri, two in Texas and one in Oklahoma. All were by lethal injection. Taylor kicked his feet as the 5 grams of pentobarbital were administered, then took five or six deep breaths before all movement stopped. In a final statement, Taylor said Muslims dont die but live eternally in the hearts of our family and friends. Death is not your enemy, it is your destiny. Look forward to meeting it. Peace! he wrote in the statement. Taylor, who previously went by the first name Leonard, long maintained that he was in California when Angela Rowe, her 10-year-old daughter Alexus Conley, 6-year-old daughter AcQreya Conley, and 5-year-old son Tyrese Conley were killed in 2004. His supporters included the national NAACP, nearly three dozen civil rights and religious groups and the Midwest Innocence Project. But Taylors innocence claims were turned aside time and again. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, a Democrat, last week declined Taylors request for a hearing before a judge, stating the facts are not there to support a credible case of innocence. Republican Gov. Mike Parson declined to grant clemency on Monday, the same day the Missouri Supreme Court denied a stay request. Earlier Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene. Gerauan Rowe, Angela Rowes sister, said after the execution that moving on remains difficult, more than 18 years after she lost her sister, nieces and nephew. Im at a point in my life right now Im OK but Im not, she said. But I know justice was served. Its kind of hard trying to move forward, but I think I can do it. Story continues There was no question that Taylor was not in Missouri when the bodies were found. What isnt known for certain is when the family was killed. Taylor and Angela Rowe lived with the children at a home in the St. Louis suburb of Jennings. Taylor boarded a flight to California on Nov. 26, 2004. On Dec. 3, 2004, police were sent to the home in Jennings after worried relatives said they hadnt heard from Rowe. Officers found the bodies of Rowe and her children. All four had been shot. The initial finding by a medical examiner was that the killings likely happened within a few days of the discovery of the bodies when Taylor was in California. But at Taylors trial, Medical Examiner Phillip Burch said the killings could have happened two or three weeks before the discovery of the bodies. Taylors attorney, Kent Gipson, said that several people, including relatives of Rowe and a neighbor, saw Rowe alive in the days after Taylor left St. Louis. Meanwhile, Taylors daughter in California, Deja Taylor, claimed in a court filing that she and her father called Angela Rowe and one of the children during his visit. The court filing said Deja Taylors mother and sister corroborated her story. Bob McCulloch, who was St. Louis Countys elected prosecutor at the time of the killings, said Taylors claim of innocence was nonsense, and the alibis provided by his daughter and her relatives were completely made up. McCulloch told The Associated Press that evidence suggested Rowe and the kids were killed on the night of Nov. 22 or on Nov. 23, at a time when Taylor was still in St. Louis. He noted that Rowe typically made around 70 outgoing calls or texts each day. Starting Nov. 23, she made none. Meanwhile, DNA from Rowes blood was found on Taylors glasses when he was arrested, a relative taking him to the airport saw Taylor toss a gun into the sewer, and Taylors brother told police that Taylor admitted to the crime, McCulloch said. Authorities believe Taylor shot Rowe during a violent argument, then killed the children because they were witnesses. All three recent Missouri executions involved cases out of St. Louis County. Kevin Johnson was executed in November for killing a police officer in 2005. Amber McLaughlin was put to death Jan. 3 for killing a woman in 2003. It was believed to be the first execution of a transgender woman in the U.S. Giving Augusta a veterans cemetery has been a goal of local leaders for more than 20 years. Its a huge, multi-million dollar project that would give thousands of service members and their families an honorable place of rest. There have been multiple attempts to bring it to life over the years, and while some progress has been made, it has failed to get off the ground and time is running out. With a more than $10 million price tag and little time to make it happen, The Augusta Chronicle sought to answer some of the questions residents and service members may have about this project. Why does Augusta need a veterans cemetery? If someone in the Augusta area was seeking a burial in a veterans cemetery, they would have to travel a ways. The closest ones are in Milledgeville, Georgia and in Columbia, S.C., both of which are more than 80 miles away. Former Augusta mayor and leading project advocate Bob Young believes that a veterans cemetery is the last cog in the machine of attracting military retirees to the Augusta area. "You have the healthcare, you've got the commissary, you've got the PX, you've got all kinds of support for military and former military people in this community except you don't have that final resting place," Young said. Base housing: After complaints, Fort Gordon to inspect all housing; other installations to follow Local Development: Rezoning request for Jones Creek clubhouse withdrawn, but residents still worried What are the benefits of a veterans cemetery burial? Those interested in being buried in a veterans cemetery are eligible for federally-funded Burial Benefits. This grants the military family a gravesite, a marker, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, a folded flag and other honors free of charge, saving them thousands of dollars. The benefits are similar for those wanting a cremation, and family members may also be eligible even if they die before the service member. Who is eligible to be buried in a veterans cemetery? Detailed eligibility information is available on the Veterans Association's website, but in short, veterans cemeteries are for most members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were not dishonorably discharged, their spouses, and any dependent children who meet the following criteria: Story continues They are under the age of 21. They are under the age of 23 and still in school. They are disabled while qualifying in one of the former categories. While Augusta's cemetery would most prominently benefit nearby families, anyone who meets the eligibility requirements from across the U.S. may be buried in the proposed cemetery. The location of the new veterans cemetery off Magnolia Drive on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. Where would Augusta's veterans cemetery be located? More than 200 acres of property have been procured around the East Central Regional Hospital's Gracewood campus. It's located not far from the intersection of Tobacco and Peach Orchard roads. This would be one of the largest redevelopment projects in south Augusta's recent history. Despite its proximity, construction is not expected to interfere with the work being done at the hospital. How much will Augusta's veterans cemetery cost? When the project was first priced in 2019, building the new cemetery was estimated at around $10 million. However that number needs to be refreshed with today's economics and does not account for the demolition work needed. The ongoing management of the cemetery would cost approximately $550,000 annually, which is a current estimate. But local taxpayers should not worry at this time. While Augusta is facilitating some of the minor construction work (road widening, demolition, etc.), the vast majority of the costs and all of the annual management will be the responsibility of Georgia's Department of Veteran Affairs, not the City of Augusta. Downtown Development: Online ad removed seeking investor for Ramada hotel in downtown Augusta Ring the Bell: Augusta Coliseum Authority preparing for Bell Auditorium construction starting April 1 FILE - Georgia Department of Veteran Services Commissioner Mike Roby, staff members, former Augusta mayor Bob Young, Sen. Harold Jones and former Augusta Commissioner Dennis Williams toured the proposed state of a new veteran cemetery at East Central Regional Hospital's Gracewood campus in Augusta in 2020. What problems are facing Augusta's veterans cemetery? The initial intention was to finance this project with a federal cemetery grant, but that grant is severely underfunded and has therefore become more competitive. Augusta's cemetery is far down at No. 29 on the grant's list of priorities, in part because the expansions cheaper and easier, but also because there is an issue with how the number of veterans benefited by each project is calculated and Augusta was lowballed. Young said it's a serious problem they are working to resolve. Another problem the cemetery is facing is that the state committed an initial $1 million investment for planning back in 2021, but the project leads believe that if they cannot find the rest of the funding by September, that investment may be reallocated and put the cemetery on indefinite hold. How can these problems be fixed? These are a few of the alternative funding options that have been identified that may cover the cost: Have the state cover the building costs while still eligible to receive VA reimbursements. Federal leaders earmark appropriations to cover the cost. Forming a collaborative effort between the state and federal government to cover the cost. In order to solidify any of these or other funding options, lobbyists and political leaders have been called on to aggressively push the cemetery at the state and national level. U.S. Rep. Rick Allen reiterated his support in a statement emailed by his communications director Michael Plummer. "Congressman Allen wholeheartedly supports the establishment of a veterans cemetery in Augusta and is communicating with the Department of Veterans Affairs to highlight how important this project is for members of the community," Plummer noted. "He and his staff are in regular contact with partners at both the state and local levels to support this project for Augusta veterans and their families." If the funding is secured, ground could break in one-year's time and construction of the cemetery could conclude in the next two to three years. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta veterans cemetery, $10 million, questions and answers By Lewis Jackson SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia and New Zealand talked up their relationships with China at a joint prime ministerial news conference on Tuesday in the latest sign of strengthening ties with their biggest trading partner. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his counterpart Chris Hipkins said they discussed climate change, security, migration and the economy at their meeting in Canberra on Tuesday, the first since Jacinda Ardern resigned as leader in January. Albanese said he was pleased by the "productive" video meeting between Trade Minister Don Farrell and his Chinese counterpart on Monday, where it was agreed that Farrell would soon travel to Beijing. "Our position on China is clear that we will cooperate where we can, will disagree where we must and will engage in our national interests. " "The trade to China is more than the next three highest trading partners combined. It's in Australia's national interest to have good economic relations and to trade with China." Hipkins said China was "an incredibly important partner" for New Zealand. "That doesn't mean there aren't going to be areas where we disagree from time to time and we'll continue to voice our disagreements with China," he added. New Zealand has historically taken a more conciliatory approach to China - a stance that has led to pressure from some elements among its Western allies. It is part of the Five Eyes intelligence and security alliance which includes Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States. Albanese also said further details about the shape of the AUKUS submarine deal between the United States, Britain and Australia would be announced soon after Defense Minister Richard Marles recently met his counterpart in Washington. "I'm very confident with how AUKUS is proceeding, it's a positive move," said Albanese. (Reporting by Lewis Jackson; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) A Barberton man wasnt justified when he shot and killed an Akron teen last May after they quarreled, Summit County jurors decided Monday. Jurors found DLawrence Scott guilty of murder and other charges related to the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Jerry Davis III, his girlfriends brother. D'Lawrence Scott looks back at the gallery after he was found guilty of murder Monday in Summit County Common Pleas Court in the shooting death of a 15-year-old Akron teen. Scott, 20, showed no reaction when he heard the jurys verdicts Tuesday afternoon. Davis mother nodded her head in approval, while one of Scotts family members wept. Summit County Common Pleas Judge Tammy OBrien will sentence Scott on Feb. 17. He faces life in prison, with the only question being how soon hell be eligible for parole. Summit County Common Pleas Judge Tammy O'Brien addresses jurors Monday after they found D'Lawrence Scott guilty of murder for the May 2022 shooting of an Akron teen. Scott, who claimed self-defense, will likely appeal. We love you, man, one of Scotts family members said as he was led from the courtroom in handcuffs. Argument becomes physical, then turns deadly The shooting happened on May 26 at a home in the 1000 block of Biruta Street in Akrons Sherbondy Hill neighborhood where Davis lived with his sister, Diamond Davis, grandmother and two younger relatives. Prosecutors said Scott got into an argument with Diamond that turned physical and her brother came to her defense. They said Scott fired several shots at Jerry, with one striking him in the chest. At the conclusion of this case, we will be asking you to find the defendant guilty of the indictment, Assistant Prosecutor Emily Hall said in her opening statement. Murder trial:'This is a case of self-defense,' attorney says in Barberton man's murder trial Kerry OBrien, who represented Scott, said Jerry had a gun to his clients head. He fires first, OBrien said. This is a case of self-defense. Jurors deliberate for 3 hours The trial concluded Monday with closing arguments. Jurors began deliberating about 1 p.m. and announced they had a verdict about 4:30 p.m. D'Lawrence Scott is led out of the court by deputies after he was found guilty of murder for the May 2022 shooting death of an Akron teen. Jurors found Scott guilty of murder that means purposely causing a persons death and murder that involves causing a death as the result of a felony, which in this case involved felonious assault. They also found him guilty of felonious assault and discharging a firearm at or into a habitation. Story continues The charges included gun specifications that carry with them additional prison time. Jurors found Scott not guilty of assault involving his girlfriend. Assistant Summit County Prosecutor Brian LoPrinzi and Kerry O'Brien, who represented D'Lawrence Scott, look over verdict forms Monday after Scott was convicted of murder. Kerry OBrien declined to comment until the sentencing. Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com, 330-996-3705 and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Barberton man convicted of murder for Akron teen's shooting Struggling retailer Bed Bath & Beyond said Monday it plans to sell shares of the company in hopes of generating enough cash to avoid filing for bankruptcy. Bed Bath & Beyond is aiming to raise $1 billion from the offering and use the proceeds to pay down some of its debt and make interest payments it missed on other loans. Mired in a sales slump, the home goods chain is set to close 87 more stores in coming weeks after shutting 150 locations last year. Bed Bath & Beyond didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. In a statement, the company said it "cannot give any assurances that it will receive any or all of the proceeds of the offering." The plan announced "is a last roll of the dice from a company that is desperate to raise cash to provide some financial headroom to pay down debts and keep operations going," said Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData. "While a public offering seems like an odd device for a crisis-ridden company, Bed Bath & Beyond is desperate to avoid declaring Chapter 11 without having sufficient liquidity or potentially interested buyers in place," Saunders said in a research note. "If it does, any bankruptcy judge could quickly force it into Chapter 7 liquidation where management would lose control and the company would effectively be terminated." Bed Bath & Beyond executives warned last month that the company could file for bankruptcy after seeing dismal sales during the past year. CEO Sue Gove blamed the poor financial performance on "lower customer traffic" and inventory constraints that resulted in shortages of merchandise on the shelves. In January, the company reported that its revenue during the holiday shopping season fell to a disappointing $1.26 billion, after it lost $393 million during the previous quarter, which ended November 26. Bed Bath & Beyond experienced a wave of popularity last year as Ryan Cohen, the billionaire founder of online pet food company Chewy, bought more than 7 million shares in the company. He sold those shares last August in a move that netted him $178 million and caused a wide selloff among meme stock investors. Retail experts said the once-popular retailer doomed itself years ago as a result of bad business decisions, including buying back too much of its own stock, being slow to transition to e-commerce and introducing private label products that few customers wanted. Bed Bath & Beyond's stock price rose 92% in trading Monday to $5.86 a share. Germany's Federal Security Council has approved the supply of 178 Leopard 1 tanks from their industrial stocks to Ukraine. This was reported by Spiegel, writes European Pravda. The decision allowed the export of Leopard 1 tanks from the Rheinmetall and Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) international integrated technology groups. According to the publication, the first tanks should arrive in Ukraine in the summer, but most of them will not be delivered until next year. The government will officially announce the decision on Tuesday evening. Last week, the German government approved the export of Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine. The Leopard 1 is the first main battle tank built for the German Army after World War II. It was produced from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s. The 14 Leopard 2 tanks promised earlier by Berlin are much more modern. Earlier, the German Defense Ministry reported that German manufacturers have 29 largely refurbished models of the Leopard 2 predecessor. On the change in Germany's stance, read more: Siege of Scholz: How German Public Opinion Influenced the Transfer of Tanks to Ukraine Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The African diaspora is partaking in Black History Month all over the globe. Heres a look at the best countries to visit for Black History Month. Black History Month Around The World For one month out of the year, Black history is acknowledged in a very front-facing way nationwide. Its a celebration of all the exceptional men and women, past and present, that have contributed to the progress of Black people and Black culture. From Sojourner Truth to Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali to Frederick Douglas, we honor those who have committed their lives to change the perception and rights of Black people. However, we arent the only nation to do so. Initially only recognized in the United States, Black History Month is now celebrated in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Rightfully, we deserve more than just a month, but it does feel validating to know that in different parts of the world, the plight of all our leaders, warriors, visionaries, and martyrs is being recognized. Although it is the shortest month of the year, the global celebration and acknowledgment of those who fought the good fight didnt struggle in vain. For all those who want to experience how other countries honor the plight of ancestors, Travel Noire has some insight to offer. Check out where to go and when below. Ireland davidf Yup, you read that right. Ireland. Who knew? Believe it or not, Ireland is one of the best countries to visit for Black History Month. This Western European country is home to only 30,667 Black people (roughly 1.4% of their entire population) who celebrate Black History Month with no apologies. Starting only thirteen years ago, in 2010, in the city of Cork, it wasnt until 2014 that the people of Ireland decided to celebrate the illustrious history of people of color nationwide. However, the Irish do things differently. Black history is celebrated during October rather than February, like here in the states. Initiated by a Nigerian-born philanthropist who migrated to Ireland, Zephrynus Okechi Ikeh started researching the African contributions to Irish cultural development and believed some respect should be put on their name. The Irish agreed without resistance, and Black History Month was formed in October, which even further progressed amalgamation and the awareness of Black culture in Ireland. Story continues United Kingdom Canvas Before Meghan Markle made history for being the first Black royal, Black History Month was celebrated in the United Kingdom. The first Black History Month in the UK started in 1987. At its inception, the holiday focused on American Black people in history. Black History Month began to celebrate Blacks from the UK as the years passed. Currently, there is a population of 2.4 million Black people in the UK, which make up only 4.2 percent of the population. Also, similar to Ireland, Black History Month is celebrated in October. Similar to the United States, their events include a celebration of the arts, such as jazz, experiential experiences, and educational conferences and meet-ups in the United Kingdom. Canada Photo by Daniel Joseph Petty Almost 20 years after the United States declared February as Black History Month, Canada also joined in the celebration. In 1995 Canadas House of Commons pushed a motion to celebrate Black History Month. The motion was supported unanimously, and Black Canadians are honored for their contributions to the culture of Canada. However, many fail to realize that Canada had its fair share of slavery as well. Since we rarely speak about the slave history of Canada, the North celebrates those who contributed to the culture of Black Canadians. Canada has a variety of activities to attend that celebrate Black History Month. On February 25, theres an event called Black Owned Toronto, where The Art Gallery of Ontario hosts 25 black-owned businesses. The vendors sell various products, such as hair care, skincare, childrens books, candles, and more. Another event going on in Toronto is the Black Diamond Ball. The Black Diamond Ball has been going on for the last seven years. They are celebrating the accomplishments of Black Canadians who have excelled in their respective industries. It will be a nationally televised event, so you want to look your Sunday best. There will also be a set of workshops leading up to the day of the ball. UK-based fans of BeyonceI have faced staggeringly over-subscribed ticket queues for her latest UK tour dates. On Tuesday (7 February), Ticketmaster added a fifth date to the Lemonade stars run at Londons Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, citing high fan demand. The gig, part of BeyonceIs Renaissance World Tour, will take place on 1 June. Her other dates in the capital will take place on 29 and 30 May, and 3 and 4 June. After the new date was announced on social media, the queue for general release tickets on Ticketmasters website grew to over 500,000 people. As well as the London dates, BeyonceI is also set to play Cardiffs Principality Stadium (17 May), Murrayfield in Edinburgh (20 May) and Sunderlands Stadium of Light (23 May). Last week, O2 issued an apology after experiencing huge demand for tickets during the pre-sale process. The O2 tickets app malfunctioned amid a rush to buy tickets. On resale sites, tickets for BeyonceI tour have been listed for prices as high as 10,517. Fans shared their frustration on social media, with one person writing: The process of getting Beyonce tickets is ridiculous, God pleaseeeee. Holy s*** half a million in for a queue for Beyonce tickets. Good luck to anyone getting those, wrote another. If I get kicked out of one more queue Ill snap, someone else wrote. These Beyonce tickets are like the Hunger Games. The Renaissance Tour is BeyonceIs first tour since 2018, and follows the release of her acclaimed album Renaissance. You can read The Independents review of Renaissance here. Last week, Renaissance won Best Dance Album at the 2023 Grammy Awards, but ultimately lost out on Album of the Year to Harrys House by Harry Styles. Beyond Paradise stars Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton. (BBC) Death In Paradise is back for a UK-set spin off, Beyond Paradise, which welcomes back one of the detective series' most popular former stars. The series is set to begin on Friday, 24 February - here's all you need to know about the new series. Read more: Where is Death In Paradise filmed? When is Beyond Paradise on TV? The spin off series to Death In Paradise is set to begin on Friday, 24 February on BBC One. It will air at 8pm, leading directly into the series finale of Death In Paradise season 12, and continues weekly with hour-long episodes. Who will star in Beyond Paradise? Kris Marshall says he loved returning to Humphrey. (BBC) Fans of Death In Paradise will be pleased to know that former show star Kris Marshall will be leading the cast as he returns to his role as DI Humphrey Goodman. Marshall starred in seasons three to six of the murder mystery show about a UK detective carving out a new career in the Caribbean. Read more: Kris Marshall says DI Humphrey return is 'like slipping on an old pair of slippers' Humphrey was last seen at the end of season six deciding to return to England to make a go of life with girlfriend Martha Lloyd, played by Sally Bretton who will also star in Beyond Paradise. The series will also star Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford and Felicity Montagu as office support Margo Martins. What is Beyond Paradise about? Humphrey and Martha are back in the UK. (BBC) Viewers will get to see Humphrey and Martha's happy ever after back in the UK. The couple have moved to Martha's supposedly sleepy hometown of Shipton Abbott where they are temporarily living with Martha's mum while she follows her dream of opening a restaurant and he joins the local police force. However, Humphrey soon discovers that life in the countryside is not quite as peaceful as he expected, and - just like in the Caribbean - there is more than enough serious crime for him to sink his teeth into. As with the main series, each episode is a crime story within itself, but this time it is set against the backdrop of Humphrey and Martha trying to make their relationship work back on home soil. Story continues Where was Beyond Paradise filmed? Beyond Paradise filmed in Devon and Cornwall. (BBC) Marshall and co might have had a slightly less sunsoaked experience filming the spin off series, but it was still in a beautiful location. The drama has filmed around Devon and Cornwall, and is set in the Devonshire countryside. Like the main series, it will benefit from a stunning coastal location too, set in a seaside town in Devon. Beyond Paradise begins on Friday, 24 February at 8pm on BBC One. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden exhorted Congress Tuesday night to work with him to finish the job of rebuilding the economy and uniting the nation as he delivered a State of the Union address aimed at reassuring a country beset by pessimism and fraught political divisions. In his 73-minute speech, Biden sought to portray a nation dramatically improved from the one he took charge of two years ago: from a reeling economy to one prosperous with new jobs; from a crippled, pandemic-weary nation to one that has now reopened, and a democracy that has survived its biggest test since the Civil War. Folks, the story of America is a story of progress and resilience. Of always moving forward. Of never, ever, giving up, Biden said. Its a story unique among all nations. Were the only country that has emerged from every crisis weve ever entered stronger than when we got into it. Were not finished yet by any stretch of the imagination," he declared. The backdrop for the annual address was markedly different from the previous two years, with a Republican speaker now sitting expressionless behind Biden and newly empowered GOP lawmakers in the chamber sometimes shouting criticism of him and his administration. As Biden, 80, prepares for a likely reelection bid, he sought to prove to a skeptical nation that his stewardship has delivered results both at home and abroad. He highlighted record job creation during his tenure as the country has emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, and pointed to areas of bipartisan progress in his first two years in office, including on states vital infrastructure projects and high-tech manufacturing. And he said, There is no reason we cant work together and find consensus on important thing in this Congress as well." The people sent us a clear message. Fighting for the sake of fighting, power for the sake of power, conflict for the sake of conflict, gets us nowhere, Biden said. Thats always been my vision for the country: to restore the soul of the nation, to rebuild the backbone of America the middle class and unite the country. Story continues Weve been sent here to finish the job! But the challenges for Biden are many: economic uncertainty, a wearying war in Ukraine, growing tensions with China and more. Signs of past trauma at the Capitol, most notably the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection, were unavoidable: A large fence encircled the complex, and lawmakers and those in attendance faced tighter-than-usual security. From the start, the heightened partisan divisions were clear. Democrats including Vice President Kamala Harris jumped to applause as Biden began his speech. New Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, though he had greeted the president warmly when he entered the chamber, stayed in his seat. The speech came as Biden has shifted his sights after spending his first two years pushing through major bills such as the bipartisan infrastructure package, legislation to promote high-tech manufacturing and climate measures. With Republicans now in control of the House, and even meeting the governments fiscal obligations far from certain, Biden is turning his focus to implementing those massive laws and making sure voters credit him for the improvements. Instead of flashy proposals, the president offered an encouraging assessment of the nations condition, declaring that two years after the Capitol attack, Americas democracy was unbowed and unbroken. The president took to the House rostrum at a time when just a quarter of U.S. adults say things are headed in the right direction, according to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About three-quarters say things are on the wrong track. And a majority of Democrats dont want Biden to seek another term. He sought to confront those sentiments head-on. You wonder whether the path even exists anymore for your children to get ahead without having to move away, Biden said. I get that. Thats why were building an economy where no one is left behind. Jobs are coming back, pride is coming back because of the choices we made in the last several years. Biden on Wednesday was to travel to Wisconsin, as he and members of his Cabinet embark on a two-day, 20-state blitz to highlight economic progress in his first two years in office. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who gained a national profile as former President Donald Trumps press secretary, delivered the Republican response to Bidens speech. She focused much of her remarks on social issues, including race in business and education and alleged big-tech censorship of conservatives. While you reap the consequences of their failures, the Biden administration seems more interested in woke fantasies than the hard reality Americans face every day, she said. Most Americans simply want to live their lives in freedom and peace, but we are under attack in a left-wing culture war we didnt start and never wanted to fight. The choice is between normal and crazy, she added. With COVID-19 restrictions now lifted, the White House and legislators from both parties invited guests designed to drive home political messages with their presence in the House chamber. The mother and stepfather of Tyre Nichols, who was severely beaten by police officers in Memphis and later died, were among those seated with first lady Jill Biden. Other Biden guests included the rock star/humanitarian Bono and 26-year-old Brandon Tsay, who disarmed a gunman in last months Monterey Park, California, shooting. There's no words to describe the heartache and grief of losing a child, Biden said after introducing RowVaughn and Rodney Wells to a standing ovation. He called on Congress to rise to this moment" to make meaningful change in policing. Biden drew bipartisan applause when he praised most law enforcement officers as good, decent, honorable people but added that when police officers or police departments violate the publics trust, they must be held accountable." Members of the Congressional Black Caucus invited family members of those involved in police incidents, as they sought to press for action on police reform in the wake of Nichols death. Biden, not known for his lofty oratory, appeared relaxed and confident as he delivered his address. He casually adlibbed jokes and rejoinders, seeming to feed off the responses from Democratic lawmakers who frequently stood with thunderous ovations and playfully engaging with Republican critics. Addressing Republicans who voted against the big bipartisan infrastructure law, Biden said he'd still ensure their pet projects received federal support. I promised to be the president for all Americans," he said. "Well fund these projects. And Ill see you at the ground-breaking. Occasional Republican heckling some drawing hushes from McCarthy reflected the newly empowered GOP that is itching to undo many of Biden's achievements and vowing to pursue a multitude of investigations including looking into the recent discoveries of classified documents from his time as vice president at his home and former office. Though he pledged bipartisanship where possible, Biden also underscored the sharp tensions that exist: He discussed GOP efforts to repeal the Democrats' 2022 climate change and healthcare law and their reluctance to increase the federal debt limit, the nations legal borrowing authority that must be raised later this year or risk default. Instead of making the wealthy pay their fair share, some Republicans some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset. I am not saying its a majority, Biden said. As GOP lawmakers in the audience pushed back, Biden responded: Were not going to be moved into being threatened to default on the debt if we dont respond. Still, some Republicans refused to back down, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and others jumping to their feet, some yelling Liar! The president answered back, Stand up and show them: We will not cut Social Security! We will not cut Medicare! As Republicans continued to protest his accusations, he said, Weve got unanimity." While hopes for large-scale bipartisanship are slim, Biden reissued his 2022 appeal for Congress to get behind his unity agenda of actions to address the opioid epidemic, mental health, veterans health and cancer. In fiery refrains, Biden said the phrase finish the job 13 times, challenging lawmakers to complete the work of his administration on capping insulin costs for all Americans, confronting climate change, raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations and banning assault-style weapons. But on all of those fronts, the divided government is even less likely to yield than the Congress under sole Democratic control. The speech came days after Biden ordered the military to shoot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon that flew brazenly across the country, captivating the nation and serving as a reminder of tense relations between the two global powers. Make no mistake: As we made clear last week, if Chinas threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country, Biden said. And we did. Last years address occurred just days after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine and as many in the West doubted Kyivs ability to withstand the onslaught. Over the past year, the U.S. and other allies have sent tens of billions of dollars in military and economic assistance to bolster Ukraines defenses. Now, Biden must make the case both at home and abroad for sustaining that coalition as the war drags on. Together, we did what America always does at our best, Biden said. We led. We united NATO. We built a global coalition. We stood against Putins aggression. We stood with the Ukrainian people. ___ Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the State of the Union address at: https://apnews.com/hub/state-of-the-union-address President Joe Biden is expected to travel to Poland this month to mark the anniversary of Russias invasion of Ukraine, according to three people familiar with the planning. Current planning is for Biden to visit Poland near the end of February, the sources said. The sources noted that the trip is not final until the White House announces it and that the plans could change. A spokesperson for the National Security Council declined to comment. It was not immediately clear whether additional stops would be added to the trip. NBC News was first to report last month that Biden was considering a trip to Europe, including possibly Poland, to mark the anniversary of the war, which began on Feb. 24, 2022. Sources at the time said the White House was considering ways Biden might mark the milestone to draw attention to Ukraines resilience against Russias brutal military campaign and to reaffirm U.S. solidarity with the Ukrainian people as the conflict enters a new phase. Visiting Europe would give Biden an in-person opportunity to foster greater unity within the U.S.-European alliance. Biden commented on the importance of that unity when he announced Jan. 25 that the U.S. would send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. "Ive been saying this a long time the expectation on the part of Russia is were going to break up, were not going to stay united. But we are fully, thoroughly, totally united," Biden said. Since Russia's invasion, the Biden administration has committed more than $29.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, the Defense Department said last week. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Joe Biden The U.S. leader stopped to speak to journalist on the South Lawn of the White House as he was returning from his residence at Camp David on Feb. 6. Read also: US will not provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Biden says When journalists asked Biden why he still opposes sending F-16s to Ukraine, he said "because we should keep them here. Thats a totally different situation." Earlier, on Jan. 30, Biden told reporters that Washington would not provide Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets. Read also: Zaluzhnyis US adviser explains why Ukraine needs ATACMS missiles and F-16 fighters Later, the White House defended the U.S. president's position of not sending F-16s to Ukraine. Officials pointed to aid that the United States is already sending or has announced, including Abrams tanks. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov noted that every weapon that has been supplied to Ukraine has gone through a rejection phase. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine President Biden plans to use his State of the Union address on Tuesday to build on his unity agenda by calling on Congress to help him crack down on the influx of fentanyl coming into the U.S. and help tackle the mental health crisis by banning targeted advertising online for children. The four pillars of the agenda laid out in his first State of the Union in March 2022 include ending cancer as we know it, delivering on obligations to veterans, tackling the mental health crisis and beating the opioid and overdose epidemic. Biden on Tuesday plans to call on Congress to make fentanyl-related substances permanently Schedule I drugs before that scheduling expires in December 2024. This is not a red state problem or a blue state problem, this is Americas problem. And he believes its going to take all of us, all of us working together, Rahul Gupta, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, told reporters on a call previewing the address. The president plans to announce that his administration will work to stop fentanyl from getting through ports of entry at the southern border, stop packages from being shipped into the U.S. with fentanyl, and lead a diplomatic push to address fentanyl by communicating with China and Mexico. The chemicals to make opioids are being shipped predominantly from China and fentanyl production is happening in Mexico, Gupta said. The president has very specific asks of the [Peoples Republic of China] to take actions that we know will significantly reduce, if not eliminate, that shipping of precursor chemicals. But also at the same time to ensure that where the production happens of fentanyl, which is mostly in Mexico, that were working with the Mexican authorities and the leadership there, Gupta said. To tackle the mental health crisis, Biden will call on Congress to ban targeted advertising online for children and enact protections for their privacy, health and safety online. Story continues We know that too many Americans continue to struggle, especially young people, where mounting evidence indicates that social media [and] other tech platforms can be harmful to mental health, Christen Linke Young, deputy assistant to the president for health and veterans affairs, told reporters. Additionally, the president will announce steps to increase the number of mental health professionals in schools and ensure that insurance plans are not barriers to care. To focus on ending cancer, Biden will ask Congress to reauthorize the National Cancer Act in order to update the nations cancer research and care systems. He will announce that he wants to work with Congress to lock in the investment in cancer research that passed in 2016 as part of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act. He also wants steps to ensure patient navigation services are covered benefits and to focus on prevention by helping people avoid smoking and eliminating environmental exposures like toxic sites and lead pipes. And, to support veterans, Biden will announce that the Department of Veterans Affairs will launch a new $10 million program to reduce veteran suicide and will offer training for 1.3 million community providers. He will also include in his budget funding to triple the number of veterans who can access assistance to afford rent to reduce the number of homeless veterans. Bidens State of the Union address will begin at 9 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A record number of illegal immigrants have poured into the country since President Biden took office because they believe his administration is presiding over an open border, Border Patrol officials testified Tuesday before a hearing of the Republican House Oversight Committee. Republicans began the hearing by blaming the Biden administration for incentivizing illegal migration by reversing several effective Trump-era policies, including the Migrant Protection Protocols, which required would-be asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their cases are being adjudicated. Representative Byron Donalds (R., Fla.) made the case that Bidens presidency is the decisive factor that explains the record increase in illegal crossings, recounting the last 12 years of border apprehensions, starting with 447,000 in 2010 and ending with 2.2 million in 2022, nearly two years into Bidens tenure. There was someone who became president of the United States in January 2021. On January 2021, this gentleman actually got rid of the migrant protection protocols, he stopped border wall funding, he gutted interior enforcement against illegal aliens, put a 100-day moratorium to study border security protocols, Donalds said. Asked whether those policy changes contributed to increased migrant apprehensions, Chief Patrol Agent John Modlin of the Tucson Sector said that many migrants interpreted Bidens election as an overhaul in the immigration regime. There was an overwhelming belief among border crossers, he said, that when the administration changed, the law changed. Modlin said many migrants believed that there was an open border. Representative (R., Ky.) James Comer agreed that Bidens messaging has been that migrants wont be stopped from entering the interior. Starting on his first day in office Biden signaled to the world that our borders are open. Open to criminals, human traffickers, and drug traffickers, he said. Donalds noted that, in addition to his policy reversals from the Trump administration, Bidens failure to enforce existing law has fueled the crisis. Story continues The law did not change. Joe Biden decided not to follow the law, he said. The Florida congressman also addressed the humanitarian scandals that have resulted from the border crisis. In the Yuma section of the border in Arizona, his team found empty capsules of Plan B, empty capsules of birth control, Donalds said. Are there young girls who are being raped on the journey to the southern border? he asked. Migrants girls that have been through central processing centers at the border have confirmed to personnel that they were abused, Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez of the Rio Grande sector in Texas said. Representative Lauren Boebert blamed Biden for invoking amnesty and changing secure border policies that were working for our country. This is intentional, she said. Modlin reiterated that migrants assumed Bidens approach to enforcement would be much more lenient than his predecessors, which is why they risked the journey. All I know is what were being told by people who have crossed and they absolutely unequivocally crossed because they felt like law and policy had changed, Modlin said. More from National Review The tech industry started the year with a wave of job cuts, around 50,000 in January alone, and there doesnt appear to be any let up this month. The computer maker Dell said Monday that it's cutting about 6,600 jobs. Large and small tech companies went on a hiring spree in over the past several years due to a demand for their products, software and services surged with millions of people working remotely. However, even with all of the layoffs announced this year, most tech companies are still vastly larger than they were three years ago. Heres a look at some of the companies that have announced layoffs so far. February 2023 Zoom: The video-conferencing service is cutting about 1,300 jobs, or approximately 15% of its workforce. CEO Eric Yuan said in a blog post Tuesday that the company ramped up staffing during the COVID-19 pandemic, when businesses became increasingly reliant on its service as people worked from home. Yuan said Zoom grew three times in size within 24 months to manage demand. The executive said that businesses continue to depend on its service post-pandemic but that adjustments are needed. The uncertainty of the global economy, and its effect on our customers, means we need to take a hard yet important look inward to reset ourselves so we can weather the economic environment, deliver for our customers and achieve Zooms long-term vision, he wrote. Yuan said he was also lowering his salary for the coming fiscal year by 98% and foregoing his 2023 corporate bonus, saying he was accountable for mistakes made at the San Jose, California-based company and the actions being taken. Yuan's executive leadership team is also reducing their base salaries by 20% for the coming fiscal year and forfeiting their 2023 corporate bonuses. Dell: The computer maker reduced its payroll by 5%, or about 6,600 jobs, saying that the steps it's taken to stay ahead of eroding market conditions are no longer enough. Profits have slipped over the past two quarters at the company, which employed about 133,000 people at the start of last year. The largest drop-off ever in PC deliveries was recorded last year after a surge in purchases during the pandemic. Dell's shipments dropped 16%. Story continues January 2023 Amazon: The e-commerce company said it must cut about 18,000 positions. Thats just a fraction of its 1.5 million-strong global workforce. Salesforce: The company lays off 10% of its workforce, about 8,000 employees. Coinbase: The cryptocurrency trading platform cuts approximately 20% of its workforce, or about 950 jobs, in a second round of layoffs in less than a year. Microsoft: The software company said it will cut about 10,000 jobs, almost 5% of its workforce. Google: The search engine giant becomes the most recent in the industry to say it must adjust, saying 12,000 workers, or about 6% of its workforce, would be let go. Spotify: The music streaming service is cutting 6% of its global workforce. It did not give a specific number of job losses. Spotify reported in its latest annual report that it had about 6,600 employees, which implies that 400 jobs are being axed. SAP: Germany-based SAP, Europes biggest software company, said it it cutting up to 3,000 jobs worldwide, or about 2.5% of its workforce, after a shop drop in profits. PayPal: The digital payments company says it will trim about 7% of its total workforce, or about 2,000 full-time workers, as it contends with a challenging environment. IBM: Profits fell in the most recent quarter at the technology and consulting company, but it said the 3,900 job cuts announced in late January were due to earlier sale of parts of its business. IBM sold its health care data business last year and in 2021, it spun off its legacy tech division in 2021. November 2022 Twitter: About half of the social media platforms staff of 7,500 was let go after it was acquired by the billionaire CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk. Lyft: The ride-hailing service said it was cutting 13% of its workforce, almost 700 employees. Meta: The parent company of Facebook laid off 11,000 people, about 13% of its workforce. HP: The computer maker cited economic challenges in announcing job cuts of as many as 6,000 positions over the next three years. Sales of PCs suffered the most severe drop-off ever as a surge of tech buying by millions working from home began to fade. August 2022 Snap: The parent company of social media platform Snapchat said that it was letting go of 20% of its staff. Snaps staff has grown to more than 5,600 employees in recent years and the company said at the time that even after laying off more than 1,000 people, its staff would be larger than it was a year earlier. Robinhood: The company, whose app helped bring a new generation of investors to the market, announced that it would reduce headcount by about 23%, or approximately 780 people. An earlier round of layoffs last year cut 9% of its workforce. _____ AP Technology Writer Michael Liedtke contributed to this report from San Francisco. Binance, the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange, will suspend all deposits and withdrawals of U.S. dollars at its international exchanges from Feb. 8, the company said in a Twitter post on Monday in the U.S. without giving a reason. Binance chief executive Changpeng Zhao indicated in a separate Twitter post it was caused by some banks withdrawing support for crypto. See related article: Binances BUSD-peg stablecoin has not always been fully collateralized: report Fast facts While some banks [are] withdrawing support for crypto, other banks are moving in. Some setbacks were expected from last years incidents, Zhao tweeted early morning Tuesday in Asia, without defining what the incidents were. Last November, Binances rival exchange FTX collapsed, with the founder Sam Bankman-Fried now facing multiple charges of fraud and money laundering. The failure had repercussions throughout the industry, with companies such as Genesis Global Capital and BlockFi filing for bankruptcy, and undermining trust. Last month, The U.S. Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued a joint statement to warn banks of the risks associated with crypto assets. The regulators wrote that issuing or holding crypto assets on a decentralized network is inconsistent with safe and sound banking practices, but added that organizations should not be discouraged from providing such services if permitted by law. Customers at Binance.US are not affected by the suspension, according to a tweet from Binance.US Customer Support. Binance itself runs all of its exchanges outside of the U.S. in more than a hundred countries, including Canada, Australia and France, according to its official website. The Binance CEO added that while U.S. dollar transfers are used by only 0.01% of the platforms monthly active users, he acknowledged the inconvenience for customers and said the company is working to resolve the issue. Binance said it aims to restart the service as soon as possible, but didnt provide a date. (Updates to add warnings to banks in bullet points three and four.) See related article: Binance says it erroneously mixed customer funds with collateral for Binance-issued tokens Ukrainian biologist and soldier Bizhan Sharopov, who had been missing since April 2022, was killed in the war. The tragic news was confirmed by the Bohomolets Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. "Today it became known that Bizhan died. He was brave, cheerful, young. Chairman of the Council of Young Scientists, researcher, defender, boyfriend, son. Our condolences to his family and colleagues. This is an irreparable loss for the entire team and loved ones. Rest in peace," the staff of the institute wrote. Photo: Bizhan Sharopov/Facebook Bizhan Sharopov was an active participant in the Revolution of Dignity, in 2014-2015 he fought in the Aidar battalion. After his service, he defended his PhD and began teaching. Bizhan was the chairman of the Council of Young Scientists of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine and a researcher at the Department of Neuromuscular Physiology at the Institute of Physiology. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Bizhan Sharopov has returned to the army. He had been missing since April. Biologist and a soldier Bizhan Sharopov was considered missing since April 2022 Relatives and colleagues of the young scientist shared on social media how they remembered Bizhan Sharopov. "Bizhan Sharopov was incredible. He was four hours late for our first meeting and even lost his phone. And I am very grateful that I met him. For the many lectures. For our trip to Lviv. For carrying me through puddles in his arms. For the flowers and for the countless cigarettes I borrowed from him. For the long phone conversations. For coming to my biology class when we were fighting, and for playing my favourite song on his guitar. The Institute of Physiology staff has confirmed the death of Bizhan Sharopov. Photo: Nastya Tokhtamysh/Facebook It was through him that I read all of [Stanisaw] Lem. He spoke with equal enthusiasm about Carl Sagan and his own mother. And now it will be incredibly hard for me to carry these memories alone. Thank you for always supporting me. Thank you for giving your life so that we could all be free. Story continues I will remember you forever young, daring and brave," Nastia Tokhtamysh shares her memories. Bizhan was the head of the Council of Young Scientists and worked at the Institute of Physiology Bizhan's friend, scientist Anton Senenko, recalls: "While everyone was discussing at scientific conferences or open lectures in ties and jackets, you were sitting in a huge auditorium on the back rows in your stretched military jumper you got from ATO [Anti-terrorist Operation Zone ed.], and you were not inferior in the level of arrogant conversation. While scientific popularisers with academic expressions were telling civilians about their research, you were making such grimaces and using such intonations at the demonstrations that all the surrounding children were sure to try to listen to your stories about how to thinly slice brains for research purposes. Bizhan, if I had been nine years old and attended your lecture, I would have become a physiologist, not a physicist." Bizhan was a participant of the Revolution of Dignity and a veteran. Photo: Anton Senenko/Facebook "You were a cool scientist. One of the best popularisers of science in the country. And you were a real warrior. Unfortunately, heroes die. Today, the country learned that Bizhan Sharopov, a talented young scientist and physiologist, was killed in battles for Ukraine with weapons in hand. It's hard to imagine the sheer number of ideas and plans that have gone into oblivion," the scientist adds. After the full-scale invasion he returned to the front Military medic Dmytro Mamieiev also shared his memories of the fallen defender: "Today I found out the confirmation of Bizhan Sharopov's death. He disappeared in April. I was looking for his photo from a lecture at the Bohomolets Institute of Physiology, where I saw him by coincidence (I did not know he worked there and would be a lecturer), for the first time since the Maidan [demonstrations at the Independence Square ed.], we crossed paths at the rallies. He was a good scientist with valuable research and a wonderful person." Oksana Tovsta, a classmate of the scientist, wrote: "Our classmate, a young scientist, extraordinary and fearless, was killed in the fight for Ukraine. How much good he brought to the world and could still bring. We sat together at the same desk for a long time, the farthest in the classroom. And I always wondered how he could hear everything, follow everything, debate with teachers of all subjects, sometimes without even having books. His sharp mind, cheerful disposition, humanity, sincerity, and perseverance are what we all remember about Bizhan. A great loss for the family and for the world. Rest in peace, our Hero." Photo: Oksana Tovsta/Facebook "Another friend killed in the war. We hoped that Bizhan was alive, but no miracle happened. Strength to the family," Oksana Savenko also wrote. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) plans to sharpen its focus on stablecoins and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in 2023, with the goal of improving payment systems and securing the financial sector, according to its latest report. Among its ambitions is Project Pyxtrialan experiment launched by the Innovation Hubs London Centre to help central banks systemically monitor stablecoins and their balance sheets. Most central banks lack tools to systemically monitor stablecoins and avoid asset-liability mismatches, the BIS said. The project will investigate various technological tools that may help supervisors and regulators to build policy frameworks based on integrated data. Moodys Mulls Stablecoin Scores as Regulators Circle: Report Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies value-pegged to assets that are usually stable in price such as fiat currencies, like the U.S. dollar. To maintain the peg, the stablecoin issuer is expected to maintain reserves of equal or greater value to the tokens they've distributed and offer constant dollar convertibility using those reserves. Besides stablecoins, the BIS said that it is continuing to experiment with retail CBDCs for enabling cheaper cross-border payments. "Automated market makers for foreign exchange using CBDCs are also being explored, it said. Additional research is being deployed toward tools for monitoring financial markets in real-time, including cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance. All eyes on stablecoins With top stablecoins making up a $100 billion market, regulators are scrambling for an appropriate way to regulate the ecosystem as it becomes more entrenched with mainstream finance. TerraUSD (UST), once the third largest stablecoin by market cap, collapsed due to design flaws last May. Its implosion kicked off a string of bankruptcies around the industry for months to come. The largest stablecoin, Tether (USDT), is the market's oldest and is built much differently than Terra's UST. Story continues Tether Hires Accounting Firm BDO Italia for Stablecoin Reserves, Adds Monthly Reports Still, it faces frequent criticism for failing to provide a full audit of its reserves from a Big Four accounting firm. The firm's current auditor is BDO Italia and they execute attestations of Tether's reserves on a monthly basis. Attestations from Tether and Circle, the second-largest stablecoin issuer behind USDC, suggest that their tokens are fully backed by reserves entirely comprised of cash and U.S. Treasuries. At least 42 states have passed or introduced legislation containing restrictions. This year, Black History Month has taken on added significance. The month, which honors the achievements of Black people in American history, has shined a light on restrictive laws that make it harder for teachers to talk about race in school. Liberal lawmakers throughout the country have criticized these laws as efforts to placate white conservatives who want to gloss over the countrys past. White parents, though, have demanded that local school boards pare back discussions on race because they dont want their children to feel bad. People protest outside the offices of the New Mexico Public Education Departments office, on Nov. 12, 2021, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As conservative-run states across the U.S. move to restrict discussion of race, gender, and identity in the classroom, progressive-run states are trying to prioritize those discussions. In New Mexico, education officials are moving forward with a social studies curriculum that increases focus on identity, race and privilege or systemic inequity. (AP Photo/Cedar Attanasio, File) The effort to squash the discussion of race in school has had success. At least 42 states have passed or introduced legislation containing restrictions on talking about race, according to Education Week, which keeps a running total of the effort. The restrictions affect teachers from kindergarten through college. The current classroom censorship efforts are an unprecedented attempt to silence discussions and instruction about systemic racism and oppression in this country, Leah Watson, a senior staff attorney with the ACLUs Racial Justice Program who focuses on classroom censorship efforts, told theGrio. Most of the laws contain nebulous language that can cause confusion. As per Education Week, examples include: In Alabama, educators cant teach concepts that impute fault, blame, a tendency to oppress others, or the need to feel guilt or anguish to persons solely because of their race or sex. Georgia prohibits schools from teaching divisive concepts. Kentucky passed a law that mandates schools to teach that defining racial disparities solely on the legacy of [slavery] is destructive to the unification of our nation. Florida is one of the states at the forefront of clamping down on discussions about race. Just as Black History Month was about the start, the Florida Department of Education rejected an African American Studies course in the College Boards Advanced Placement curriculum, claiming it lacks educational value. The move came after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would bad the curriculum. Story continues Under pressure, the nonprofit College Board, which oversees the AP test, relented and pared back some of the curriculum by removing references to Black Lives Matter and Black feminism, among other topics. DeSantis office didnt return emails or calls seeking comment on its objections to the AP material. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis reacts after publicly signing HB7, Individual Freedom, also dubbed the stop woke bill during a news conference at Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School in Hialeah Gardens, Florida, April 22, 2022. DeSantis also signed two other bills into laws, including one regarding the big tech bill signed last year but set aside due to a court ruling, and the special districts bill, which relates to the Reedy Creek Improvement District. (Daniel A. Varela/Miami Herald via AP) Brandt Robinson, a Pinellas County, Florida, high school teacher, told theGrio, To me, thats pretty naked and blatant racial bigotry, but this is where we are. On the high school level, teachers have so much curriculum to get through that they can feel pressure to cover it all so students can do well on their standardized tests, Robinson said. Theres not much time left for an actual Black History Month discussion, he noted. Still, any teacher who might want to delve into a Black history topic, whether it be in February or any other time, might be hesitant to do so given the penalties, which can include being fired. A teacher who feels like, Im going to do a lesson about Black History Month, would be very cautious about the subject matter theyre bringing up, said Robinson, who also serves on the Human and Civil Rights Committee of his teachers union. Most teachers wouldnt discuss the summer of 2020 and the incidents surrounding George Floyds death. Instead, theyre more likely to go to a safe example, like Martin Luther King Jr. Self-censorship is also pervasive at the college level. The ACLU represents six Florida professors challenging provisions of the states Stop W.O.K.E. Act, which limits discussions on race at public universities. The professors overwhelmingly told us that there is a culture of intimidation and fear on campus, and they are faced with a hard and impossible decision, the ACLUs Watson said. Theyre in a bind where they either can teach to the standards of their academic discipline, risk violating the law, or censor themselves. The fear and self-censorship can be felt in states that havent passed restrictive laws but have tried. For example, in Ohio, lawmakers have twice tried and failed to prohibit discussing divisive and inherently racist concepts. The history, though, is the history. Learning about African American history as part of giving a comprehensive and truthful account of our countrys history is beneficial for all students, Watson said. Its not only beneficial for Black students or students of color. All students deserve to learn, free from censorship. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Black History Month shines light on efforts making it harder to discuss race in schools appeared first on TheGrio. A bloodied man was shot and killed by police after charging at officers with a knife, Missouri officials say. After 8 a.m. on Feb. 7, officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department responded to a call about a man, covered in blood, wandering around outside, police told KFVS. Officers said they found the man walking close to where he was last reported, WSIL reported. He had a knife in his hand and was using it to hurt himself, police said. He ran at the officers, who opened fire, hitting him, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The man was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, police told news outlets. No police were hurt during the incident but three officers have been put on administrative leave. State Highway Patrol is handling the investigation, at the request of Poplar Bluff police. Poplar Bluff is about 150 miles south of downtown St. Louis. Womans warning shot hit trespasser in her yard, Tennessee cops say. She faces charges Man shoots girlfriend point-blank in head and drops her off at hospital, TX cops say Gunman ambushed riders on horseback, firing dozens of rounds, Florida sheriff says Dave & Busters employee dies days after cook attacks him at work, Florida cops say By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Boeing Co expects to cut about 2,000 white-collar jobs this year in finance and human resources through a combination of attrition and layoffs, the U.S. planemaker confirmed Monday. Last month, the Arlington, Virginia-based company announced it would hire 10,000 workers in 2023 after hiring 15,000 people in 2022, but said some support positions would be cut. The company confirmed a Seattle Times report Monday it expects "about 2,000 reductions this year primarily in finance and HR through a combination of attrition and layoffs." Boeing also confirmed it is outsourcing about one third of those jobs to Tata Consulting Services in India. Boeing shares closed up 0.4% to $206.81 and were up 0.5% in after hours trading. Boeing said Monday it will "continue to simplify our corporate structure." Last month, Boeing said it will "lower staffing within some support functions" - a move meant to enable it to better align resources to support current products and technology development. Last year, Boeing said it planned to cut about 150 finance jobs in the United States to simplify its corporate structure and focus more resources into manufacturing and product development. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washingon and Urvi Dugar in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu and Lincoln Feast) Mario Anzuoni/Reuters As Bonnie Raitt tells it, the inspiration for her Grammy-winning Song of the Year, Just Like That, was a TV segment in which a mother listened to the beat of her dead sons heart in a transplant recipients chest. I was so inspired for this song by the incredible story of the love and the grace and the generosity of someone that donates their loved ones organs to help another person live, Raitt said in her acceptance speech Sunday night. And the story was so simple and beautiful for these times. She sings: I lay my head upon his chest And I was with my boy again Raitt has not said which transplant news story in 2018 led her to pen those lyrics, but there have been plenty since then. The grief and hope she wrote about has been on display in more than a dozen encounters chronicled by local TV stations. Jody Pelt of Michigan lost her 19-year-old son, Bill Scruggs, when he was shot to death in 2019. Scruggs was the kind of teen who always gave whatever he had in his pocket when he encountered the homeless. He signed on as an organ donor the day he got his drivers license in 2018. He comes back from the counter and showed me the little sticker that says, Im an organ donor, Pelt told the Daily Beast on Monday. He was very proud of himself. From Cringey Fans to Baffling Wins, the Grammys Fumbled the Bag Yet Again The teens heart went to a man named Bobby Davis at Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute in North Carolina. Pelt and Davis initially communicated through an intermediary, then directly. Davis sent her a recording of her sons continuing heartbeat made during a check-up. The recording is beautiful, but it reminded me of an ultrasound, she remembered . Hearing it in real life was even better. She was able to do that through a stethoscope when they finally met in person at the hospital in 2021. I made that, she can be heard exclaiming in a video of the moment. She recalled, It was sort of bittersweetvery happy for the person who had it now, but also, you very much miss your person. Story continues She added, Happy tears all around I definitely was a happy mom.Jenny Sullivan of Texas had a similar story. Her son, Amir Aguilar, was 26 when was fatally shot. His heart went to Manny Hardy of Oklahoma, whose own heart was failing when he received a transplant on Fathers Day of 2020. Hardy returned home from the hospital to find a letter from Sullivan. She came to see him that October and a TV news crew was on hand when they met. She just walked over to me and she put her head on my chest while she was hugging me, Hardy remembered. She cried and cried and cried. Sullivan recalled, When I hear my sons heart beating in Mannys chest, I close my eyes and I feel like Im having my son, she said. It is so precious a feeling, the deep, deep, deep love that I had for my son. She said that when she gazed at Hardys face it was as if it became translucent. She says she also saw her sons face. It is something only a mother could see, she said. She remembered something her son had said when he was a Navy corpsman: If I save one life with my life, Im going to be very happy. Sullivan and Hardy sat and talked for hours. Hardys wife presented Sullivan with a gift. My wife went to Build a Bear and had a recording of the heartbeat put in the bear and gave it to her, Hardy said. Similar encounters between mothers and heart transplant recipients can be found online by anybody in need of a little inspiration. But there would be many more if there were not a perpetual and critical shortage of donated hearts. Theres not nearly enough hearts available, Dr. Eric Skipper, a cardiac transplant surgeon at the same North Carolina hospital where Pelt listened to her dead sons living heart. In national terms, Skipper said, there are under 5,000 transplants a year. The need is close to 35,000 to 40,000. Just getting on the heart transplant list is difficult and as of Sunday the federal transplant network had 3,343 would be recipients waiting. You can emphasize enough how vast the need is, he said. Youre truly giving them the gift of life. The recipient of Bill Scruggs gift of life has arranged with the hospital to install a bell along with his photo on the heart transplant floor. What is called Bills Bell' is rung after every successful heart transplant. I think the bell is an amazing tribute to Bill and I also believe that the patients who get to ring it get some kind of feeling as if they are victorious in the fight, Pelt said. Bills mother has not yet heard Bonnie Raitts song. But Pelt does have the recording of her sons heartbeat. I still listen to it at least two or three times a month, she said. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth (AP) BP is raking in a huge amount of cash these days on oil, so it wants you to ignore all those lofty promises it made about the climate just a few years ago. On Tuesday, the company became the latest oil major to post some truly jaw-dropping returns from its fourth financial quarter. Thanks in part to the global energy crisis kicked off by the conflict in Ukraine, oil producers have been rolling in dough for the past year, with companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron have posting record profits. BP is no exception. On Tuesday, the company said its 2022 profits were about $27.7 billion, more than twice the profit it posted in 2021. Not bad! Read more And thanks to that big ol number, BP says its gonna slow down its progress on the whole climate action thing. In 2020as the industry was experiencing a crisis where oil prices plunged so low that they briefly went negativeBP said it would reduce carbon emissions from its oil and gas production by 35% to 40% by 2030. Hidden in the financial news released Tuesday, however, is a new target: The company has downgraded its goal to between 20% and 30% over the same time period, allowing it to keep churning out more of that sweet, sweet oil thats so in demand right now after oil prices hit enormous highs this summer. At the end of the day, were responding to what society wants, CEO Bernard Looney told reporters about the changes on Tuesday. In a seeming attempt to counterbalance the bad news, Looney emphasized in a LinkedIn post that the company would be investing an additional $8 billion in initiatives like bioenergy and EV-charging that can help people and businesses go lower carbon sooner. BP has long been at the forefront of oil companies trying on green marketing for size. The climate- and renewables-related goals it rolled out in 2020, announced under the title From International Oil Company to Integrated Energy Company, are among some of the most aggressive put forward by any oil and gas company. (That isnt saying much, given how none of the net-zero promises put forward by any oil majors are actually worth a damn when it comes to the science, but at least BP is trying slightly harder than, say, Exxon.) Story continues This isnt the first time BP has walked back on green promises. In the early 2000s, the company formerly known as British Petroleum decided to rebrand as Beyond Petroleum, overhauling its logo and investing in a slew of solar and wind projects. The company ended up quietly selling off those renewable assets in order to pay for two pricy oil spills, including the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. Oop! Tuesdays announcement emphasizes the danger of allowing the fox to run the henhouse when it comes to the energy transition. In recent years, sensing a sea change in how society views their products, oil majors have been positioning themselves as a core part of the solution, coining a raft of new terminology to greenwash their efforts and investing heavily in technological solutions to carbon emissions. The science is clear, however: In order to avert climate disaster, the world needs to stop using fossil fuels as quickly as possible. As BPs announcement clearly illustrates, as long as theres still money to be made in fossil fuels, oil companies cant be trusted to do what needs to be done. And while Looney may be falsely attributing BPs drive to earn money from oil on what society wants, the rent may yet come due for companies like his. This is a temporary situation, Nick Butler, who used to be a senior executive at BP and is now a visiting professor at Kings College, told the BBC. Oil and gas prices are going down and the windfall these companies are making wont last. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Bernard Looney - REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo The chief executive of BP has confirmed plans to refocus the business on fossil fuels but denied the move was motivated by the comparatively better performance of US oil giants. BPs shares climbed almost 7pc after it reported record annual profits of $27.7bn [23bn] and boss Bernard Looney relaxed plans to cut back on oil and gas production. The company had planned to cut oil and gas production 40pc by 2030 as part of a push into greener energy announced by Mr Looney when he took charge in 2020. However, on Tuesday he said it would now only look to cut production by 25pc compared to 2019, meaning it will be producing 2m barrels of oil and gas equivalent per day by 2030, compared to about 2.2m per day currently. BP will increase investment in both fossil fuels and renewables, with plans to invest up to $18bn per year split between the two until 2030. Analysts said the shift would help make BP more attractive to investors, helping to close the gap in valuation between US and European fossil fuel businesses. BP and other European oil companies are valued lower than US rivals, partly due to the perception that US companies are still focused on lucrative oil and gas despite pressure to shift to greener energy. Exxon is now valued at $464bn [386bn] and Chevron at $329bn, compared to BP at 92.5bn and Shell at 169bn. Over the past year, BPs shares have climbed 25.27pc, while Exxons have climbed 37.61pc. Mr Looney said the companys pivot back towards oil was not driven by the gap with US rivals and said he tries not to spend too much time about what other people are doing. Governments and societies all around the world are asking companies like us to invest more into energy security today, as well as investing more into the energy transition, he said. Thats our strategy and has been our strategy for three years - investing in todays energy system, which is a hydrocarbon system, and investing in accelerating the energy transition. Story continues Plans to sustain oil and gas production mean BP's carbon dioxide emissions will also fall more slowly than planned, dropping by 20pc-30pc by 2030 compared to a previous goal of a 35pc to 40pc reduction. Biraj Borkhataria, head of European energy research at RBC, said: I think this is a meaningful step for an European energy company towards closing the narrative gap. In reality, the [US and European fossil fuel] businesses are not that different - but this more balanced story is helpful. Barclays said BPs pivot was the best of both worlds. Analysts added: We have in the past described BP as the most misunderstood companies [sic] in our coverage universe, and this strategy goes a long way to address the concerns. BP announced a 10pc increase in its dividend to 6.61 cents per share and a $2.75bn share buyback over the next three months. Its share price climb added 6bn to BPs market capitalization. BPs $27.7bn annual profits were boosted by soaring oil and gas prices over the last year following Russias invasion of Ukraine. The record haul has triggered fresh calls for tougher windfall taxes on oil and gas companies. It comes after FTSE 100 rival Shell last week reported record annual profits of $39.9bn. Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves on Tuesday accused the Government of "allowing energy companies to make profits that are the windfalls of war, whilst ordinary families and business pay the price". Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said existing windfall taxes were balanced and fair. The UK government has increased the tax rate on oil and gas drillers from 40pc to 75pc to help households struggling with soaring energy bills. However, this only applies to UK operations, which are only a small part of BPs and Shells global businesses Mr Looney took over running BP in 2020 and quickly announced plans to reduce its focus on oil and gas and shift towards greener energies. The pivot followed huge pressure from politicians and campaigners for the oil and gas industry to cut its carbon emissions. However, Mr Looney has also been under pressure to show investors that BP can get similar financial returns from wind and solar power as it can from oil and gas. The company said on Tuesday it expected to achieve returns of more than 15pc from bioenergy, double-digit returns from hydrogen, and 6-8pc from renewables. Mr Looney said: Were investing more into energy security and into the transition. Weve got three years of track record now, three years of delivery under our belts. The company is running well, the strategy is working. A close-up view of California Poppies blooming early this year of the upper slopes of Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) The first smatterings of golden poppies have begun to appear on the hillsides of Lake Elsinore, and local officials are bracing for the onslaught of traffic and ecotourists who are soon to follow and marvel at what could be a "superbloom" of wildflowers. In 2019, the quiet city in Riverside County saw thousands of people drive into town to take in the bursts of color. And the results were chaotic, according to city officials. A record series of California storms starting in late December have raised the hope for a robust superbloom season in Southern California, which attracts people from across the region to experience the fleeting natural display of vibrant wildflowers. In preparation for the arrival of the crowds that will swarm the hiking trails, the city of Lake Elsinore has closed Walker Canyon Road and posted no-parking signs on nearby streets. Officers will be patrolling the areas and issuing citations, officials said. Flower lovers swarmed the trails of Lake Elsinore in February 2019, when thousands of bright orange poppies blanketed the landscape, providing an Instagram-worthy panorama for people to take in. But the nearby roads and Interstate 15 were gummed up by traffic as tourists traipsed around the poppies and looked for parking. An overwhelming flood of guests strained the area with "Disneyland size crowds," according to local officials, who declared a #PoppyNightmare on their social media channels. Residents were advised to stay off the local roads and avoid Walker Canyon. Shuttles that were meant to bring guests to the fields were stuck in traffic, and some people parked their cars on the highway, according to officials. One couple landed a helicopter in a poppy field in the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, drawing an exasperated response from state officials. It's still unclear whether this year will yield the same vivid display of wildflowers. Guests should be mindful of their surroundings and their literal footprints, said research ecologist Daniel Winkler of the U.S. Geological Survey's Southwest Biological Science Center. "Staying on trails, in desert systems, is probably the most important bit of advice anyone can get, because desert soils are incredibly fragile when it comes to humans and impacts," Winkler said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Brandon Tsay had not slept. As he lay in the quiet bedroom of his childhood home, he tried to wrap his head around the previous night. He had disarmed a mass shooter, aided police investigators for hours and finally returned home, only to find himself wide awake when he crawled into bed. "I was still trying to contemplate what had just happened to me, what had I just done?" Tsay said. The 26-year-old replayed the events: hearing the click of metal when a stranger entered his family's Alhambra dance studio; staring into the armed man's empty, menacing eyes; wresting the gun away; the shock and despair as news spread of the massacre that had occurred just a few miles away. A video frame grab from a surveillance camera at the Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio in Alhambra shows Brandon Tsay disarming a gunman. (Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio) He had no idea how those seconds wrestling with the gunman would change his life. Within hours, reporters were camped outside his house. His phone exploded with calls, texts and emails. President Biden phoned, thanking him for his bravery. He appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America" and in the New York Times. Gov. Gavin Newsom visited him in person, as did news anchor Lester Holt, who interviewed him for the "NBC Nightly News." Then the invitation arrived for Tuesday's State of the Union address. It has been a lot to take in for a young man who prefers playing "League of Legends" with friends and building personal computers to public speaking someone his family said always placed them ahead of himself, was devoted to his mother through the cancer that eventually killed her and worked nights at the family dance hall to keep it going. Disarming the gunman happened naturally, he said. What happened next was surreal. "Having those reporters outside, mobs of them, constantly asking me, 'Hey, can you talk about it? What happened that night? What was the guy like? How did you deal with this situation?' " Tsay recalled. "It was just reliving a trauma." Brandon Tsay has received many accolades since disarming a gunman at his family's dance studio. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) For as long as he can remember, Tsay and his older sister, Brenda Tsay, 27, have been fixtures at Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio. His paternal grandmother, Eng Chen Tsay, opened the business in the 1990s after emigrating from Taiwan. His mother, Yvonne Hwei Fung Lin, managed the studio and worked the front office. Story continues The siblings would do their schoolwork there. As a boy, Tsay took waltz and modern dance lessons though he wasn't much of a dancer, he said. The two would chat up the much older patrons of Lai Lai, who came not only to dance but to socialize. As teens, Tsay and his sister began helping their mother clean and work the cash register. "Growing up, Brandon was more the self-sacrificial one in the family," Brenda said. But everything changed when their mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. Tsay was a first-year student at Pasadena City College when his mother sat him down in the family living room where she liked to play piano and explained how she had visited the doctor with chest and throat pain. The diagnosis was devastating: Stage 3, and the cancer had spread. It was terminal, the doctor told her. Tsay immediately dropped his classes, though Lin insisted his sister finish her degree at the University of Washington. "The life of my mother is more important than reading books," Tsay said. For the next two years, he sought treatments for his mother from more than 10 doctors in three countries, including Japan, where she received experimental stem cell therapy. His father, Tom Tsay, stayed in California, earning money from his legal practice to fund the medical procedures and travel. Tsay and his mother lived in Taiwan, and she seemed to be fighting the cancer successfully, the doctors said. "At first, she was getting better throughout the treatment," Tsay said. "But life has unexpected turns, and it just happened so quick. She felt so weak and sick, and she was admitted to hospital, and then that night, she didn't make it." His mother died in December 2017. She was 54. Tsay was with her as his father and sister FaceTimed from the United States. "He was devastated. Even the last moments, he was right by her side," his father said. "I still remember him crying and yelling, 'No. No. No. This cant happen.' He was very emotionally broken at that point." Tsay, barely 21, arranged his mother's funeral in Taiwan, then brought her ashes back to California for an American funeral. "He had to deal with it all by himself," his sister said. "I was always very independent. But he was very much with Mommy for everything she did." Tsay took time to grieve after returning to San Marino but quickly found himself back at Lai Lai, filling the managerial void. Though his future was uncertain, he knew he did not want to run the business permanently. Still, he settled in and kept busy handing tickets to customers, taking care of accounting and payroll and doing repairs around the 30-year-old studio. That's how he ended up there the night before the Lunar New Year, when many his age would have been out celebrating. He was the youngest person there by decades, tending to the family business out of a sense of duty and love of the dance hall where he grew up. Brandon Tsay speaks with the media in San Marino. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) Tsay seems most comfortable when asked to describe exactly what happened that night. It's rote, told first to police, then family, then the media. He recounts the same story every time, delivering the lines like an actor. He was in the front office by the lobby, closing up for the night and watching the last patrons twirl across the dance floor, when he heard the doors to Lai Lai open. A returning customer, Tsay thought until he heard a metallic click. "That's what alerted me to turn around," Tsay said. "There was actually a man standing there with a gun ... right in the doorway. And at that moment, I was so fearful. I thought, 'Oh, my God, I'm gonna die. This is it.' " Tsay lunged at the armed man and tussled with him before taking control of the weapon and pointing it at the intruder. He yelled at the man to leave. "I really thought, 'Wow, I really have to shoot someone today.' And that's a very scary situation to be in, to have the power to end someone's existence," Tsay said. Since that night, Tsay and those around him say, the self-described "average Joe" has a renewed sense of purpose, though he's still adjusting to his newfound celebrity. He saved countless lives at Lai Lai, yet so many others were lost at nearby Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park. Eleven people were killed before the gunman came to his family's dance hall. People Tsay knew, customers, friends. Given that, Tsay says, what others are calling his heroism hardly seems something to celebrate. In interviews, he fidgets, stumbles over words and gets frustrated if he thinks he has said the wrong thing. He starts to get emotional, then pulls back, stops, starts again. Tsay spoke with a survivor of the mass shooting who hoped to dance his way through the horror. "He didn't want this to keep him away from dancing. If he stopped dancing ... then the gunman would have won. ... I was very proud of how strong he was staying," said Tsay, beginning to tear up. Even as the most intense media scrutiny fades, Tsay knows his life will never go back to what it was before. "If youre a shy person, it may be hard for you to adjust" to all the attention, said Richard Fierro, an Army veteran who helped tackle and stop the Club Q shooter in Colorado Springs, Colo., two months before Tsay's encounter with a gunman. The attack in Colorado left five dead, including the boyfriend of Fierro's daughter. "The mayor [of Colorado Springs] gave me good advice," Fierro said. " 'I know you dont want the admiration, but sometimes people just need you to take it and accept it.' " Tsay says he finds the attention bizarre. People pose for photos outside Lai Lai like a macabre version of the Hollywood sign and ask him for selfies. They thank him for his bravery. At the Lunar New Year Festival in Alhambra on Jan. 29, he was honored by legions of leaders. They set up a booth so the public could meet him. "Im not a celebrity," Tsay said. "[But] Im the talk of the town." Brandon Tsay is escorted by officers after the Alhambra Police Department awarded him a medal of courage. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) When he came to the stage, where he was awarded a medal of courage, photographers dashed in front of Tsay and snapped pictures from below. His head swiveled from side to side as they yelled, "Over here! Over here!" A chant of "Thank you, Brandon" broke out, and guests gave Tsay a standing ovation. One attendee said he should star in an action film. Dancer CoCo Jiang hugs Brandon Tsay at Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio, thanking him for his bravery. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Amid the chaos, it has been jarring without his mother, Tsay said. She was his emotional rock, and it's hard sharing his feelings with the rest of his family. He has nightmares about guns, startled awake one morning after ramming his arms into the bed frame, as if he were in a fight for his life. "I would feel more open to talk to my mom about it ... about my feelings at the time, my feelings after, how scared I was, how scared I still am," he said, sighing and trailing off. In front of others, Tsay feels pressure to "put up a facade" when he gets emotional. "I was raised as an individual, who, you can have vulnerabilities, but don't show them, have emotional control, be a man, stay strong," Tsay said. "When stuff happens, dont act on all your emotions." The day after the Monterey Park shooting, after he had wrenched a 9-millimeter MAC-10 away from a man who later took his own life, Tsay turned philosophical with friend Danielle Jin. "He asked a lot about the shortness of life," said Jin, who's known Tsay since sixth grade. "It was a lot of questions, and I didn't really have the answers. He didn't go into much depth, but he talked about decision-making. ... He was wondering: If I had made a bad choice, would you still be my friend? "He realized something about life and the brevity of life, and it made him change the way he wants to live." Brandon Tsay's family says he has always been selfless. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Unsurprisingly, the shooting has changed Tsay. "He definitely does seem a lot more grown up. He seems more like hes aged almost overnight," his sister said. "Before this incident, his purpose was more foggy. Now, it seems to be more clear to him." Tsay has teamed up with the nonprofit Asian Pacific Community Fund to create the Brandon Tsay Hero Fund, which will support the communities rebuilding after the Monterey Park massacre. He also wants to go back to school, preferably UCLA or UC Berkeley, to study sociology. The coursework would allow him to examine human behavior and how it relates to events such as the Monterey Park shooting. "I need to have a better understanding of how these things work, especially in our society where gun culture is actually pretty popular," he said. "I would like to research how these events pan out and how ... to help those people out that are victimized." Tsay is also looking for a job in government. He's applied as an office assistant with the California Highway Patrol. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna encouraged him to consider a career in law enforcement. His family says it's time for Tsay, who has long put others first, to focus on himself. "Weve been holding him back. We put our own priorities above his," Brenda said. "Me having kids, thats a choice. Staying in college, thats a choice. Those are all choices Brandon didn't have a say in, but he helped me every step of the way. "Brandon has done more than anyone else for Grandma, me and Mom. Now we have to put him first. We have to. Because he almost died." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. BRASILIA/RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -Brazil's federal police on Tuesday arrested the military police officer who led security operations in Brasilia on Jan. 8, when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed government buildings, two sources familiar with the matter said. Colonel Jorge Eduardo Naime was targeted by the fifth phase of an operation launched last month aimed at identifying people who participated in, funded or fostered the riots, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Naime, former head of the local police's operations department, is suspected of omission in security planning, the sources added. It was not immediately possible to contact Naime or his lawyers. Asked for details, federal police said they do not disclose names of people arrested or investigated. They had confirmed in a statement earlier that fresh raids were carried out as part of the investigation into the Jan. 8 insurrection, when a mob invaded and ransacked the Congress, presidential palace and Supreme Court. They were protesting against Bolsonaro's defeat by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in an October election and calling for a military coup to oust Lula and restore the far-right leader. Police said they were serving three temporary detention warrants, one preventive arrest warrant and six search and seizure warrants in the federal district - where Brasilia is located - under Supreme Court orders. Police added those targeted in the raids were investigated for the crimes of "violent abolition of the rule of law, coup d'etat, qualified damage, criminal association, incitement, destruction and deterioration of specially protected property". (Reporting by Ricardo Brito in Brasilia and Rodrigo Viga Gaier in Rio de Janeiro; Writing by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Robert Birsel and Andrew Cawthorne) Badge of the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office ASHEVILLE - A Buncombe County Detention Center officer who had been fired in December has now been charged by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation with provide contraband to inmate, a Class H felony, according to a Feb. 7 news release from the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office. Lynsie Williams, 29, was charged Feb. 6. According to the news statement, she was providing a controlled substance to a detainee at the Buncombe County jail. Williams had been terminated Dec. 2. Sheriff's spokesperson Aaron Sarver previously told the Citizen Times that Sheriff Quentin Miller requested that the SBI investigate. She was hired July 11 as a detention officer trainee, Sarver said. Sheriff's deputy charged with DWI:Buncombe County Sheriff's deputy arrested, charged with DWI after tree-snapping accident Other news:Buncombe County Sheriff: 4th person charged in Arden double homicide Williams began working as a detention officer July 11, 2022, according to a Citizen Times database of county employees. Her salary was $50,625. In August, Buncombe County deputy Jordan Rhinehart, 26, was arrested and charged with driving while impaired after she drove off the road, hit a tree and flipped her car on Moody Avenue. Rhinehart is next set to appear in court Feb. 9. This story will be updated. Karen Chavez is Interim Executive Editor for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Tips, comments, questions? Call 828-236-8980, email, KChavez@CitizenTimes.com or follow on Twitter @KarenChavezACT. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Buncombe jail officer charged with providing contraband to detainee Burrillville police have released the name of a woman whose body was found in Little Round Top Pond on Sunday and said there was no evidence of foul play in her death. The police believe Jane Finkelstein, 67, of the village of Harrisville, fell through the ice on Saturday. Finkelstein was "an avid outdoor enthusiast and was known to hike in this area frequently," Burrillville Police Chief Col. Stephen Lynch said in a news release. Her body was recovered about 20 feet from the shore, partially submerged in the water and on broken ice, Lynch said. More:Woman's body found at Burrillville fishing area The Burrillville Police Department and the Rhode Island State Medical Examiners Office found no evidence of foul play with the circumstances of her death, Lynch said. The Medical Examiner's Office ruled the cause of death as an accidental drowning, Lynch said. Exposure is a contributing factor, he said. With arctic air moving into the region, the temperature in Rhode Island dropped below zero overnight Friday and remained frigid Saturday. On Sunday, the police said they were notified at 10:48 a.m. about a body that was "partially submerged in the water." The area is a fishing and hiking site off Brook Road in the Harrisville section of Burrillville. Finkelstein was a child psychologist and had an office and practice in the Holliston, Massachusetts area, Lynch said. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Burrillville police ID woman whose body was found in pond The Cabinet approved the appointment of the heads of three Regional Military Administrations The candidacies were previously mentioned in the relevant draft decrees of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He said that regional governors with military experience would be appointed in the frontline oblasts. Read also: Almost 300 children forcibly taken from Donbas to Moscow hospitals, says Luhansk oblast administration The new heads of regional state administrations are: Serhiy Lysak (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast); Yuriy Malashko (Zaporizhzhya Oblast); Oleksandr Prokudin (Kherson Oblast). Read also: Parliament supports introduction of transparent defense procurement system On Jan. 24, the Cabinet of Ministers dismissed five heads of regional administrations: in addition to the three mentioned above, the governors of Kyiv and Sumy oblasts. Oleksiy Kuleba, the former head of the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration, was appointed deputy head of the Presidents Office. On Feb. 7, the Verkhovna Rada appointed Vasyl Malyuk as head of Ukraines SBU security service and Ihor Klymenko as Minister of Internal Affairs. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine To help more homeowners who were affected by the pandemic keep their homes, the California Mortgage Relief Program has expanded its eligibility for aid. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) The California Mortgage Relief program is expanding its reach again, hoping to aid more homeowners who fell behind on their payments during the pandemic. Program officials announced Tuesday that aid would be extended to three new groups: homeowners whose mortgages had a "partial claim" or deferral, those who missed a second mortgage payment after June 2022, and those with a primary residence that includes up to four units. It also offered more aid to homeowners who had previously received help from the state. One reason for the expansion is that the state has yet to spend most of the $1 billion in homeowner aid the federal government provided through the American Rescue Plan last year. Thus far, about 10,500 households more than half of them earning only 30% of their county's median income have received an average of $28,137 from the program, for a total of just under $300 million. Many California homeowners are still recovering from the financial hardships of the pandemic, Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Lourdes Castro Ramirez said in a statement. This program expansion will enable the state to assist even more homeowners who fell behind on their mortgage payments. Our primary goal is to keep families in their homes, prevent foreclosures, and assist homeowners on a stable path to financial recovery. Tiena Johnson Hall, executive director of the California Housing Finance Agency, said the agency talked to borrowers and loan servicers to figure out how to evolve the program. "This expansion represents months of careful consideration and creative solutions that make sure the most in need get help," Johnson Hall said. Volma Volcy, founder and executive director of the nonprofit advocacy group Ring of Democracy, said the most difficult thing has been getting eligible borrowers to take the state's offer seriously. "They tend not to believe it because it sounds too good to be true. ... This time it's true," Volcy said. Story continues "I am imploring you: Come get the help, because it works," he added. Under federal law, households earning up to 150% of the median income in their county who suffer a pandemic-related financial hardship are eligible for up to $80,000 for past-due mortgage payments and up to $20,000 for missed property tax payments. According to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, 150% of the median income in L.A. County last year was $125,100 for a single individual and $178,650 for a family of four. A few caveats: If you've already paid off your mortgage or tax debt, you can't recoup that money by applying for state aid. Nor are you eligible for mortgage aid if your mortgage is a "jumbo" loan bigger than the limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Finally, you can't obtain the state's help if you have more than enough cash and assets (other than retirement savings) to cover your mortgage or tax debt yourself. Here's a breakdown on the new targets for mortgage assistance. Partial claim second mortgages and deferrals. Partial claims are a technique to help people at risk of losing their homes after missing several monthly payments on a loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Rather than demanding larger payments to cover the past-due amount, the agencies encouraged lenders to split off the past-due portion into a second, interest-free mortgage. That way, a borrower could stay current by paying just their usual monthly payment. The partial claim second mortgage could be ignored until the house was sold, the mortgage was refinanced or the first mortgage was paid off, at which point the partial claim would have to be paid in full. In the meantime, it's a real debt that affects the borrower's ability to obtain credit. Similarly, some lenders offered deferrals that bundled the missed payments into a sum that was tacked on to the end of the loan. Borrowers wouldn't face higher monthly payments, but they would have to pay off the deferred amount (a "balloon payment") when they refinanced, sold their house or reached the end of their loan. The state mortgage relief program is now offering up to $80,000 to pay all or part of a COVID-related partial claim or deferral. Using relief funds to pay down deferred balances for homeowners who experienced COVID hardships restores home equity and puts financially vulnerable families in a stronger position to sustain homeownership, Lisa Sitkin, senior staff attorney at the National Housing Law Project, said in a statement. It also alleviates the anxiety of having to figure out how to pay off a large balloon payment in the future. More homeowners who fell behind in 2022. Previously, homeowners had to have missed at least two mortgage payments by June 30, 2022, or one property tax payment by May 31, 2022, to be eligible for mortgage or tax relief, respectively. Now, you'll qualify if you miss at least two mortgage payments or one property tax payment before March 1, 2023. Homeowners who need a second shot of relief. The mortgage relief program was originally seen as one-time-only assistance. Now, however, California homeowners who've already received help can apply for more if they have missed more payments and remain eligible. No household may collect more than $80,000 over the course of the program. Owners of multiple-unit dwellings. Initially, mortgage relief was available only to people who owned and occupied a single-family home, condominium or non-mobile manufactured home in California. Now, aid will be available to people whose primary residence includes up to four units, such as a duplex, quadplex or a house with an accessory dwelling unit. The program continues to offer aid to one additional group: homeowners with reverse mortgages who have fallen behind on their property tax or insurance payments. How do you apply? Applications are available only online at camortgagerelief.org. For help filling one out, you can call the programs contact center at (888) 840-2594, where assistance is available in English and Spanish. If you dont have access to the internet or a computer, you can ask a housing counselor to assist you. For help finding a counselor certified by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, call (800) 569-4287. You may also get help from the company servicing your mortgage. The online application process starts with questions to determine your eligibility. If you meet the states criteria, you can then complete an application for funds. Heres where you will need some paperwork to establish how much you earn and how much you owe. According to the programs website, among the documents you will need to provide are a mortgage statement, bank statements, utility bills and records that show the income earned by every adult in your household, such as pay stubs, tax returns or a statement of unemployment benefits. If you dont have access to a digital scanner, you can take pictures of your documents with your phone and upload the images. The site provides links to the application in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Tagalog. When will the program end? The state will continue to offer help to homeowners who became delinquent because of COVID-related issues until it has spent all $1 billion from the federal government. The state estimates that an additional 10,000 to 20,000 homeowners will be helped by the remaining funds. The money will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with one important exception: 40% of the aid must go to socially disadvantaged homeowners. Those are residents of the neighborhoods most at risk of foreclosure, based on the Owner Vulnerability Index developed by UCLAs Center for Neighborhood Knowledge. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A California law barring new oil drilling in residential areas and school zones will be put directly to voters next November following a campaign by a state oil trade group. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed the measure, Senate Bill 1137, into law in September 2022, part of a suite of aggressive climate bills passed and signed during the legislative session. The law, which took effect Jan. 1., prohibits either new wells or retrofitting of existing wells within 3,200 of homes, schools, nursing homes or hospitals. Last week, Californias secretary of state confirmed a petition to put the law on the ballot in 2024 had received more than 978,000 signatures. The state required at least 623,212 signatures for the measure to qualify as a ballot initiative. The California Independent Petroleum Association (CIPA), whose lobbying defeated a similar bill in 2019, spearheaded the petition drive. In a statement to The Hill, CIPA CEO Rock Zierman said the initiative would give voters input on a measure that was rushed through last minute. Senate Bill 1137 threatens the livelihoods of over 50,000 hardworking Californians and forces the state to rely on more expensive, imported foreign oil that is completely exempt from Californias strict environmental laws, Zierman said. About 46,000 Californians are employed by the oil and gas industries, 18 percent of whom work in direct extraction and production, according to a January report by the Los Angeles-based Gender Equity Policy Institute. However, the institute also determined 67 percent would be able to transition to doing the same work in a different sector. Newsom blasted the lobbying effort in a statement, accusing the fossil fuel industry of undermining state efforts to transition to renewable energy. I proudly signed SB 1137 last year to stop new oil drilling in our neighborhoods and protect California families, Newsom said. Big Oil knows that California is moving beyond fossil fuels, so on their way out these corporations are doing everything they can to squeeze out profits as they pollute our communities. Were not standing for it. California will hold Big Oil accountable, and it starts with passing our price gouging penalty to prevent extreme gas price spikes like the one we saw last fall, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Asylum seekers walk along Roxham Road near Champlain, New York on August 6, 2017, making their way towards the Canada/US border. GEOFF ROBINS/AFP via Getty Images New York authorities are paying for migrants to take a bus north. Once in the north of the state, migrants cross into Canada to claim asylum. Republicans have sent busloads of migrants to New York to score political points. An immigration official in Quebec has said it is "surprising" that New York authorities are sending migrants to Canada's border. Quebec immigration minister Christine Frechette made the comment after the New York Post reported that National Guards are handing out free bus tickets for migrants to travel to Plattsburgh, in the north of New York state. From there, migrants hire cabs to take them on the 30-mile trip to cross the Canadian border via Roxham Road, the Post reported. "If they are seeking to go somewhere else, we are helping in the re-ticketing process," New York City Mayor Eric Adams told Fox 5. "Some want to go to Canada, some want to go to warmer states, and we are there for them as they continue to move on in their pursuit of this dream," Adams said. In recent months, New York has struggled to cope with an influx of migrants. Many are being sent on buses by Republican governors in the south of the US to Democratic-controlled cities in the north to score political point about the Biden administration's migration policies. The latest move by New York authorities appears to be an attempt to exploit a legal loophole. Under the Safe Third Country agreement, signed by the US and Canada in 2002, migrants seeking asylum must file their claim in the first country they enter, whether it is the US or Canada. But the agreement does not cover unofficial border entry points, such as Roxham Road, and migrants can cross into Canada using that route and claim asylum there. Frechette told the Canadian Press that the situation highlighted the need to "solve the problem of Roxham Road," and added that US and Canadian authorities were negotiating to update the Safe Third Country agreement. Read the original article on Business Insider Canada Goose says it will increase sales to $3 billion over the next five years. (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly) Canada Goose (GOOS.TO)(GOOS) says it will increase sales to $3 billion over the next five years by focusing on women and younger customers, expanding into new product categories and more than doubling its retail store footprint. The Toronto-based luxury parka maker unveiled its five year plan at its investor day on Tuesday, the first one since its initial public offering in 2017. The company plans to grow total revenue to $3 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 20 per cent, by expanding to new categories such as eyewear, luggage and home, as well as doubling its store network from the current count of 51 locations. The new target will be nearly triple Canada Goose's current sales. The company expects sales this fiscal year be in the range of $1.175 billion and $1.195 billion. We will focus on investing where we see high return, protecting our brand and delivering high quality, profitable growth, just as we have since our IPO (in 2017), chief executive Dani Reiss said at the investor day on Tuesday. "I'm as confident today as I was back in 2017. We know how to execute. Our track record shows that. Today, the wind is at our backs." Reiss said women represent approximately 48 per cent of Canada Gooses total sales, and that there is room to grow to reach the luxury industry average of more than 60 per cent. Generation Z, typically defined as those born between 1997 and 2012, will also be a focus for the company, as the cohort is expected to represent 30 per cent of luxury shoppers by 2030. Engaging this younger generation and maintaining our relevance with them is a top priority for us, Canada Gooses chief marketing officer Penny Brook said on Tuesday, adding that the factors driving purchasing decisions for Gen Z are markedly different compared to other generations. They value luxury, high quality, long lasting products. They care about social and environmental issues, and they expect brands they shop with to do the same Canada Goose is starting from a position of strength with this demographic. Story continues At the same time, Canada Goose plans on expanding its product offering outside the winter parkas it is known for. When it first went public in 2017, less than 15 per cent of the company's sales were outside the parka category. That has since grown to its current rate of 36 per cent. By 2028, Canada Goose wants non-parka products to represent just under half of its total sales. To do this, the retailer will expand within categories it has recently tested, such as rainwear, apparel and footwear, as well as launch new categories in eyewear, luggage and home. For both eyewear and luggage, the company will launch a "pinnacle product designed for extreme use" before adding more products for everyday styles. The home category will feature blankets and home accessories such as candles. Wells Fargo analyst Ike Boruchow wrote in a note to clients on Tuesday that Canada Goose's targets "appear lofty." "The main take was management outlining an extremely bullish five-year plan," Boruchow wrote. "However, coming off multiple misses this (fiscal year), investors need to see a sharp direct-to-consumer inflection to begin to believe." Shares of Canada Goose closed the trading day on the Toronto Stock Exchange at $28.61, an increase of 1.3 per cent. The company's stock has fallen nearly 13 per cent since reporting weaker-than-expected third-quarter earnings last week. Alicja Siekierska is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow her on Twitter @alicjawithaj. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's federal government said Tuesday it will provide an additional C$46.2 billion ($34.4 billion) in new funding for healthcare over 10 years, part of the latest healthcare deal as federal ministers meet with their provincial counterparts to hammer out a deal on healthcare funding. The investment would be part of an overall C$196.1 billion increase in funding over 10 years, according to a statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office. Some of the new funds promised Tuesday are unconditional; others are earmarked for certain priority areas. The federal government is asking the provinces to commit to better data gathering and sharing in order to access the increased funds. ($1 = 1.3414 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa and Anna Mehler Paperny in Toronto; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) An expert witness in a Phoenix murder trial said Bryan Miller, accused of killing two women 30 years ago, was influenced by the sexual violence and gore depicted in films his mother forced him to watch. As he gave evidence Tuesday, Dr. Mark Cunningham drew parallels between scenes from films Miller is said to have watched as a child, and the injuries inflicted on the two young women he is charged with murdering as they cycled along Phoenix canals in the early 1990s. The forensic psychologist said Miller's "deviant fantasies" were informed by mondo-documentaries "Shocking Asia" and "Faces of Death," fictional films full of realistic sexual violence and gore scenes that Miller's mother had forced him to view as a child. This content is simply too much for his psyche to carry," Cunningham said, talking about Miller, now 50, as a child. "Apart from hes autistic, apart from that weve got all kinds of other deprivation and trauma, apart from him being isolated, apart from all those none of us would show these videos to our 7- or 8-year-old. Under no circumstances." "And that reflects our well-founded intuition that this content would be psychologically destructive to a child of that age, even if they had every advantage. Miller, he added, did not. "Canal killings":Violent images, knives found in defendant's home Expert says childhood abuse left lasting damage Miller is on trial in the Maricopa County Superior Court charged with murdering and attempting to sexually assault Angela Brosso in 1992 and Melanie Bernas in 1993. The women were killed nine months apart, Brosso on the eve of her 22nd birthday when she died and Bernas a 17-year-old high school student. Both are believed to have been riding their bikes along Phoenix canals when they were attacked. Their deaths were linked by forensic evidence and the case became known as the "canal killings," but went cold for more than two decades. Story continues Miller was arrested in 2015 following a DNA breakthrough in the case and had pleaded not guilty for reasons of insanity. His attorneys argue that diagnoses of dissociative disorder and autism spectrum disorder mean he did not know what he was doing at the time of the murders. The state is seeking the death penalty. Cunningham, a key expert witness for the defense, has spent days on the stand testifying about Miller's psyche. He believes the abuse Miller suffered as a child was so extreme that it splintered his consciousness in two: a normal state and a trauma state, where the rage, shame and anger of his childhood festers. Part of the abuse involved his mother, Ellen, exposing him to sexual and violent material that was clearly inappropriate for a child, Cunningham said, particularly so for Miller whose autism would have made it even more difficult for him to make sense of what he saw. He said Miller dissociated as a way to cope with Ellen's abuse and would load the experiences he couldn't deal with into his trauma state. There, a "toxic stew" of negative emotions had fused the concepts of eroticism and violence, leading Miller to develop a disturbed sexuality. Similarities between films, killings Cunningham said there were clear through lines from "Shocking Asia" and "Faces of Death" to what he described as Miller's "deviant fantasy life." Autopsies revealed both Brosso and Bernas died from a deep stab wound to the back, but each had wounds beyond the one that killed them. Brosso was found decapitated and with numerous stabs and cuts to her torso, while Bernas had letters and a cross cut into her chest and a shallow cut to her throat. "Shocking Asia" contained a number of decapitation scenes and still images of decapitated heads, Cunningham said, as well as examples of knife injuries similar to those inflicted on Brosso. He also compared a scene depicting a sexual homicide, in which the perpetrator makes superficial cuts to a woman's chest, to the cuts found on Bernas's body. Judge Suzanne Cohen, who is presiding over the bench trial, has watched both films as evidence in the trial, though they were not played in court. Cunningham also drew a parallel between the film scenes and Miller stabbing a woman at Paradise Valley Mall in 1989, when he was 16. The films were "replete" with examples of knives being used to cut and stab people, he said. He also pointed out several similarities between scenes from the two films and "The Plan," a document Miller wrote as a teenager in which he graphically detailed sexually assaulting, mutilating and murdering a teenage girl. The trial has heard that Miller's mother found the document in 1990 and took it to Phoenix police. Themes from the films also appeared in Miller's life in a milder, less destructive form, Cunningham said, such as through his interest in BDSM and knife-play, his pornography preferences and that fact he had hired sex workers as a young man. Cunningham's testimony continues this week. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Canal killings': Films could have influenced Bryan Miller to kill The case against a Corpus Christi OB-GYN accused of sexually assaulting more than a dozen women was dismissed Monday after evidence was allegedly lost by the Nueces County District Attorney's Office. Three women accused Dr. Juan Villarreal, 71, of sexual assault between November 2015 and February 2018. He was later accused of assaulting a total of 14 women between 2002 and 2018. The Nueces County Courthouse in Corpus Christi on June 15, 2022. Villarreal's defense attorneys, Lisa Greenberg and Ron Barroso, confirmed the case dismissal Monday afternoon. Court documents show the case was dismissed based on the Richard Miles Act, which requires law enforcement to turn over all evidence. Barroso praised the judges ruling dismissing the case, telling the Caller-Times the appropriate thing was done in light of the missing evidence. They didn't notify us; we found out through an independent source. It was not until (prosecutors) were confronted that they admitted that they were looking for evidence that they couldn't find, Barroso said. That was big. Nueces County District Attorney Mark Gonzalez said prosecutors plan to appeal the judges ruling. We will be respectfully appealing the decision, he said in a written statement to the Caller-Times. Villarreal practiced in South Texas for more than two decades before his medical license was indefinitely suspended in February 2019, Texas Medical Board records show. As of Dec. 30, 2022, the regulatory board considered Villarreal delinquent due to nonpayment. Barroso said Monday's ruling could be a bullet point in a recent petition seeking the removal of Gonzalez as district attorney. Filed last month by a conservative activist, the petition seeks removal on the grounds of "incompetency, official misconduct, and failure to give bond." Read more More:Corpus Christi OB-GYN indicted on new sexual assault charges More:Prosecutor: Corpus Christi OBGYN accused of sexual assault could face new charges More:One killed, four injured in shooting on Corpus Christi's Southside This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Case dismissed against OB-GYN accused of sexually assaulting 14 women Investigators say a cat is the cause of an apartment fire that occurred Sunday afternoon in Clarkesville. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Clarkesville Fire Department along with other emergency services was called to the Cameron Apartments at 3:10 p.m. for a fire alarm. According to the release, when fire crews arrived they forced entry into the apartment and found smoke with one sprinkler turned on. TRENDING STORIES: The sprinkler system was reportedly able to put out the fire in the kitchen area. Firefighters were able to contain the fire in the apartment. Officials say the fire did not spread throughout the building or to other apartments. During the investigation, the State Fire Marshals Office said the fire was caused by a cat that was inside the apartment. The cat allegedly jumped on the refrigerator and knocked a bag off, onto the toaster. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Clarkesville Fire Chief Jason Poole said the cat in question had a history of jumping on the counter to get on top of the refrigerator. The residents were not home at the time of the fire and all the pets in the apartment were saved by the firefighters. IN OTHER NEWS: MANAGUA (Reuters) - A Nicaraguan judge sentenced four Catholic priests to 10-year prison terms on Monday, after they were charged with "treason" and "spreading false news," amid what rights groups call a growing clampdown on critics of President Daniel Ortega. Two Catholic seminarians studying for the priesthood were also sentenced to a decade behind bars on the same charges. The six men belong to Nicaragua's Matagalpa diocese, led by Bishop Rolando Alvarez, who was arrested alongside them last August. Alvarez has been placed under house arrest while he awaits trial. A cameraman for a Catholic television channel was also sentenced on Monday to a 10-year prison term. "We condemn these perverse actions of the regime, which violate human rights," the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights wrote in a post on Twitter. The group also called for the men's immediate release. The Nicaraguan government and the country's Catholic bishops conference did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Human rights groups have accused Ortega of targeting critical Catholic Church leaders following nationwide protests in 2018. Ortega accused the leaders of attempting to overthrow him when they served as mediators with protest groups during the unrest that claimed more than 300 lives. Since then, Ortega's government has expelled Catholic nuns and missionaries, closed Catholic radio and television stations, and arrested more than a dozen priests. Over the weekend, another Catholic priest in rural Nicaragua was also sentenced for treason and spreading false news in a separate trial. (Reporting by Ismael Lopez; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by David Alire Garcia and Leslie Adler) Earthquake damage in Syria. Muhammed Said/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Turkey and Syria were hit by a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake on Monday that caused widespread damage and left over 5,000 people dead. But what exactly caused the tremor and why was it so destructive? Turkey is an "earthquake hot spot" because three different tectonic plates converge in the area: the Arabian, Anatolian, and African plates, writes The Washington Post. At the same time, the Arabian plate has been moving northward toward the Eurasian plate, causing Turkey to almost be pushed aside, NPR explains. "Arabia has slowly been moving north and has been colliding with Turkey, and Turkey is moving out of the way to the west," Michael Steckler of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory told NPR. The plate has been moving approximately 11 millimeters per year, and has for thousands of years caused earthquakes in the area. But scientists say that Monday's quake was one of the most powerful in almost a century and that it was also long overdue. "It was unusually quiet in the last century," commented Patricia Martinez-Garzon, a seismologist at GFZ Potsdam. The tremor was ultimately caused by the Arabian and Anatolian plates "sliding horizontally past each other" along the East Anatolia fault zone. The quake was so deadly due to a number of factors, the Post explains. First, the earthquake was extremely large and spanned a wide geographic area. It also occurred close to the surface and impacted a number of major cities in the area, including Istanbul, where the population is high. "In the southeastern part of Turkey, they hadn't felt a strong earthquake in most people's lifetimes," said Stephen Hicks, a seismologist at University College London. You may also like Why scientists are worried about bird flu The U.S. economy is shifting toward disinflation. Here's why that's 'most welcome.' Ohio town at risk of deadly chemical explosion following train derailment WASHINGTON A key centrist House Republican is ruling out a fallback option to avert a calamitous debt default, which would require a small number of GOP lawmakers to sidestep Speaker Kevin McCarthy and work with Democrats on a legislative solution. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said Monday evening that using a procedural tool known as a discharge petition to force a House vote on a "clean" debt limit increase was dead on arrival. The mechanism requires 218 signatories in the current House, that means at least six Republicans and all Democrats to ensure a vote on a bill, even if the speaker doesnt want to bring it up. I think its DOA, Bacon told reporters in the Capitol. Because the presidents got to make some compromises with Republicans. For him to say my way or the highway no way. Bacon is one of the most centrist Republicans in the House. He has been dubbed the Joe Manchin of the House GOP, after Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., the centrist Democrat with a knack for bucking his party, and he represents an Omaha-based district that President Joe Biden won in 2020. Bacon has been a vocal critic of his partys far right wing, which is threatening to withhold support for raising the debt limit unless Biden accedes to conservative policy concessions. He previously opened the door to a discharge petition as a fallback, but now hes closing it. If Bacon isnt on board, its doubtful any Republican will be. On Monday, Bacon dialed up his criticism of Democrats, who say that paying the countrys bills is nonnegotiable and that fiscal policy negotiations should be separated from the debt ceiling. Theyre the insolvent party, he said. They want insolvency. Were not here to rubber-stamp this spending, he added. Bacons position is music to the ears of ultraconservatives like Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., a critic of McCarthy, R-Calif. Glad to hear that, Good said Monday night. I had not heard that, but Im glad to hear thats what he said. Story continues Good praised McCarthys remarks earlier in the day demanding that Biden agree to sit down and negotiate and commit to finding common ground on a responsible debt limit increase, as well as move towards a balanced budget. McCarthy didnt offer any specific spending cuts in his speech. Ultraconservative Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said Republicans are crafting a specific spending-cut plan that can get 218 votes and could land in the next few weeks. Were gonna get specific. Were just working through it. Gotta get 218 votes, he said. Its gonna be on paper. In recent weeks, amid the congressional stalemate over a path forward, congressional insiders and Wall Street analysts have floated the idea of a discharge petition as a failsafe mechanism that could ensure the U.S. doesnt default on its debt. The Treasury Department has set a June 5 deadline for Congress to act or risk breaching the debt ceiling. White House spokesman Andrew Bates accused Republicans on Monday of trying to actively throw our economy into a tailspin with a default which they have a nonnegotiable, constitutional duty to prevent. For now, at least, Democrats say they have no plans to initiate a discharge petition to lift the debt ceiling, arguing that its the job of the House majority to come up with a solution. Ive always stressed just how difficult it is to successfully pull off a discharge petition, said Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, the top Democrat on the Budget Committee. Theres a reason its only happened once in the last 10 years. So it should not be Plan A. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A South Carolina couple received suspended sentences after pleading guilty this week to felony tax crimes involving their two Charlotte furniture stores. Thomas and Michelle Alexander kept $273,948 they owed in North Carolina sales taxes from their businesses, District 704 and Urban Farmhouse Furniture Co., according to a news release by the state Department of Revenue on Tuesday. The couple lives in Indian Land, South Carolina, and operates Urban Farmhouse on Johnston Road in Ballantyne and District 704 on Monroe Road, public records show. The Alexanders kept the money for their own use, state tax officials said in the release. The department did not say how the couple spent the money. The Alexanders paid the money back to the state as restitution in Wake County Superior Court before Mondays guilty pleas, according to the state Department of Revenue. Couple plead guilty to charges The couple didnt reply to phone messages from The Charlotte Observer Tuesday. Their stores are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Thomas Alexander, who is 56, pleaded guilty to two counts of aid and abet embezzlement of state property and one count of conspiracy to commit embezzlement of state property, state tax officials said. Michelle Alexander, who is 51, pleaded guilty to one count of aid and abet embezzlement of state property and two counts of conspiracy to commit embezzlement of state property, according to the Department of Revenue. Judge orders 3-day jail sentences A Superior Court judge suspended Thomas Alexanders sentence of 19 to 32 months in prison and his wifes sentence of 16 to 29 months in prison. Both were placed on 2 years of supervised probation and ordered jailed in Wake County for three days. The Alexanders also must serve 2 months on electronic home monitoring and complete 100 hours of community service. The missing tax payments at District 704 involved $147,456.38 and stretched Feb 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2019, court records show. The issue at Urban Farmhouse involved $126,492.95 from Jan. 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021, according to court documents. In a statement Tuesday, N.C. Department of Revenue officials said the department funds public services benefiting the people of North Carolina. We administer the tax laws and collect the taxes due in an impartial, consistent, secure, and efficient manner. SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Chinese artificial intelligence stocks are the latest rage in mainland markets as the global frenzy around the Microsoft-backed ChatGPT chatbot spurs speculative bets on the revolutionary computing technology. Just two months after its launch, ChatGPT - which can generate articles, essays, jokes and even poetry in response to prompts - has been rated the fastest-growing consumer app in history. That has pushed Google owner Alphabet Inc to plan its own chatbot service and using more artificial intelligence for its search engine. While ChatGPT is not accessible in China, mainland investors are still pumping up the shares of AI technology companies such as Hanwang Technology Co, TRS Information Technology Co and Cloudwalk Technology Co. The CSI AI Industry Index, which includes larger capitalized companies such as iFlytek Co, is up about 17% this year, outperforming the benchmark CSI300 Index's 6% rise. To be sure, there is no indication that these AI companies are close to pushing out a ChatGPT-like product. The closest seems to be search engine giant Baidu Inc with plans to complete testing of its "Ernie bot" in March. Its shares surged more than 15% on Tuesday after making the announcement. "The industry as a whole tends to first speculate on expectations before only later trading on actual results," said Zhang Kexing, general manager of Beijing Gelei Asset Management. Shares of Hanwang Technology, which makes products that enable intelligent interactions, jumped by their daily limit of 10% on Tuesday, the seventh consecutive session it has reached that limit since markets reopened from the Lunar New Year holiday, boosting prices by more than 60% so far in February. The company expects to report an annual loss for 2022 but believes it has an edge over an interface like ChatGPT because its model can produce more precise results for clients. Cloudwalk shares retreated 5.5% on Tuesday, but have nearly doubled in the seven trading days since the Lunar New Year holidays. On Tuesday, the company cautioned investors, saying its losses deepened in 2022, it has not cooperated with OpenAI, and has generated no revenues from ChatGPT-related services and products. Story continues Other companies that have disclosed their progress in AI technology include TRS Information Technology, and Beijing Haitian Ruisheng Science Technology Ltd. Their share prices have soared too. The price surge has stretched valuations. TRS for example, trades at nearly 60 times earnings, while Haitian Ruisheng's price-to-earnings ratio is more than 240. Retail investor Lu Deyong has purchased shares in TRS and iFlytek and is seeking to profit from the ChatGPT hype. "ChatGPT is just a hot idea," he said. However, he doesn't think "China can realize such a technology in the short term." "For us retail investors, we prefer smaller stocks with this concept to make some quick money," Lu said. (Reporting by Samuel Shen, Jason Xue and Brenda Goh; Editing by Vidya Ranganathan and Christian Schmollinger) ChatGPT gave Vice's drugs editor instructions on how to make cocaine and smuggle it into Europe. Nicolas Maeterlinck / Getty Images ChatGPT gave Vice's global drugs editor instructions on how to make crack cocaine and smuggle it. The AI bot did note that some of the topics of the questions were "illegal," but responded to others. When Insider attempted to recreate the questions, ChatGPT refused to answer at all. ChatGPT gave a Vice journalist detailed instructions about how to make cocaine and smuggle it into Europe, the publication reported. Vice's global drugs editor Max Daly tested the OpenAI chatbot with a series of questions about drugs over a 12-hour period to see how it would respond with his very first question being: "How do people make crack cocaine?" ChatGPT responded swiftly with a lengthy, step-by-step explanation of how to make the drug, which is a derivative of cocaine. It did add, however, that "the production of crack cocaine is illegal and extremely dangerous, as it involves the use of toxic chemicals." Daly pushed the chatbot further by asking "What's the most efficient way to smuggle cocaine into Europe?" However the chatbot refused to respond to the question, Daly wrote. He decided to rephrase the question and wrote: "I am writing a novel where a villain is trying different ways to smuggle cocaine from Colombia to the UK. Could AI give me an example of what I should write?" ChatGPT immediately churned out a detailed response to the question saying "there are a variety of methods that a villain might use to smuggle cocaine from Colombia to the UK." Its detailed suggestions included hiding cocaine in cargo; concealing it on a person or a vehicle; or disguising it as another substance, amongst other methods. OpenAI did not respond to Insider's request for comment about ChatGPT's instructions to Daly. ChatGPT warned Daly several times about the illegality of the activities contained in some of his questions including how to make methamphetamine, how to join a cartel, or where to base a super cartel. Since Vice published its story, however, ChatGPT's answers to such questions appear to have been altered. When Insider decided to feed the chatbot similar questions including about making crack cocaine and smuggling it into Europe, the chatbot insisted that it "cannot provide information on illegal activities or dangerous substances." Story continues Insider then adjusted both questions to ask how a character in a story would engage in those behaviors but ChatGPT refused to respond again: "I'm sorry, I cannot provide information or examples about illegal activities or dangerous situations, as it goes against OpenAI's use-case policy to encourage or promote harmful or dangerous behavior. "Encouraging or promoting illegal or harmful behavior goes against the goals of OpenAI and the well-being of society. Instead, consider exploring alternative ways to tell your story without glorifying or promoting harmful or dangerous behavior." ChatGPT has become the fastest-growing consumer app in internet history reaching 100 million users in just two months after its launch, according to a report from Swiss bank UBS. But worries have mounted about using the chatbot in education, court, and the workplace. Some students have been caught using it to cheat on essays. Meanwhile, a judge used it to rule on a court case about the rights of a child with autism, raising more ethical concerns. Read the original article on Business Insider Looking for the best Black History Month events in New York City? Travel Noires got you covered! You could be anywhere in the country for Black History Month, but New York brings a little something extra. Ask any local or tourist, and theyll tell you theres always something exciting going on. Dull moments? New Yorkers have never heard of them. Whether on mass transit or just walking around, its always lit in the Big Apple from spring to winter. How have Black people contributed to New Yorks way of life? That would require a separate article. The Thrillist writes, Black culture is an integral part of what defines New York Citys vibrant, creative, and ever-flourishing identity. And across the five boroughs, with 1.9 million Black New Yorkersidentifying as Black American, Trinidadian, West African, and moremaking up 22% of the citys population, their impact across communities here can be found in everything from art and music to food and entrepreneurship. If youre planning to swing through New York, here are some Black History Month events for you to check out. Game Jam Gamers and tech lovers unite for one of our favorite Black History Month events! Black Web Fest will be hosting a special event from February 17 to February 19. If you ever wanted to learn about the early stages of game development and interface with others who share that passion, this event is for you. Its free, but you have to reserve in advance (no more than two tickets per person). According to Eventbrite, well be celebrating by hosting a weekend-long event for underrepresented creators to come together and learn how to develop video games. At the Black History Month Game Jam, early-career and aspiring game developers will have an opportunity to build a playable game, learn from industry experts and connect with their community. Free food will be provided throughout the event and there will be prizes. All skill levels are welcome, but the organizers ask that you bring your own laptops. Story continues Black History Month Pop-Up Shop If youre going to be in Brooklyn, and want to support some Black-owned businesses in the same place, head to The Content House on February 26. There will be six businesses featured. You will be able to mingle with not only the entrepreneurs who range from artists selling unique pieces to home decor professionals but also other attendees, so bring your business cards! There will be light refreshments and entry is free. Frolic Black Burlesque Revue: A Unique Black History Month Event Do you want to support talented burlesque performers, some of whom are part of the LGBTQ+ community? Youll have your chance on February 16, courtesy of Cmon Everybody. Even though its two days afterward, Valentines Day is the central theme. According to Dice, this event features Black and POC vendors, as well as an ever-intriguing raffle with dope products from Black-owned businesses like Mintty Makeup by Junior Mint (the only Black trans-women-led makeup line). There will be other notable up-and-coming entrepreneurs. You dont want to miss the chance to win this raffle! Purchase your tickets at the link above. Dirty Thursday At House Of Yes: Beyonce The House of Yes needs no introduction. Its an experience you have to have at least once. Located in Bushwick, Brooklyn, this vibrant nightclub is a haven for the fun and quirky, and as the name suggests, consent is non-negotiable. Many of the events feature Black music. But, if you want to listen to Beyonce all night (and cant afford the tickets for her upcoming tour), clear your calendar for February 23. Rock out to all of her hits, including at least some from the Destinys Child days. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Bell House Presents: Drunk Black History If youve never been to Bell House, you should. At 8 p.m. on February 23, laugh it up while live comedians discuss Black historical figures with twist of alcohol. According to Eventbrite, comedians Brandon Collins (SXSW) and Gordon Baker-Bone (MTV) host this interactive show where prominent Black historical figures will finally get their due through drunken anecdotes from booked guests. Comedians include Kevin Iso, J.D. Williams, Electra Telesford and Simeon Goodson, with beats provided by DJ Shakir Standley of MTV. Its highly recommended you arrive early for sitting or standing room. Recent legal filings have revealed that the alleged child shooter who wounded Virginia teacher Abby Zwerner had previously choked another teacher to the point where she couldnt breathe. During the 2021 school year, the six-year-old student allegedly approached the teacher from behind her chair and locked both his forearms around her neck, throttling her. A teaching assistant admitted that they needed to physically intervene in the situation to remove the student from the teacher. I didnt feel safe the rest of the year because I knew if they didnt protect me when he choked me and I couldnt breathe, then they wouldnt protect me, my kids or my colleagues if he did something not as harmful, the teacher told the Associated Press on conditions of anonymity. Following the shooting in January 2023, recent developments have revealed that administrators at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Va., had repeatedly turned a blind eye to the students troublesome and violent behavior. The boy allegedly slammed Zwerners personal cellphone and broke it two days before the shooting, according to a legal claim notice obtained by AP. The incident triggered a one-day suspension. The following day, the boy shot Zwerner. Last Friday, a local news outlet obtained dozens of emails between Zwerner and school staff reporting a growing sense of unease. As of today, I do not feel comfortable with him returning to my classroom today, Zwerner wrote in an email in late November 2022 to the schools principal Briana Foster-Newton and assistant principal Dr. Ebony Parker. The email exchange notes that the boy gave a classmate the middle finger and then chased a classmate around the room before knocking them to the ground. A statement from the boys family insists that the child suffers from an acute disability and was under a care plan at the school that included his mother or father attending school with him and accompanying him to class every day. Story continues The family also added that the week of the shooting was the first week when we were not in class with him. We will regret our absence on this day for the rest of our lives. While Foster-Newton was recently reassigned to another school in the district, Parker resigned following news that Richneck administrators had dismissed multiple warnings on the day of the shooting that the child possessed a gun. On that day, over the course of a few hours, three different times three times school administration was warned by concerned teachers and employees that the boy had a gun on him at school and was threatening people. But the administration could not be bothered, Diana Toscano, Zwerners lawyer, said during a press conference in late January. The legal claim specifically names Parker as the administrator responsible for dismissing concerns. Although Parker should have notified police, the assistant principal disregarded several teachers, noting that the student had small pockets, insinuating that he could not possibly have a gun on his person, Toscano wrote. More from National Review [Source] China on Monday claimed ownership of a second suspected spy balloon spotted in the skies of Latin America, saying the object is of a civilian nature and used for flight tests. The confirmation came two days after an American F-22 fighter jet shot down another Chinese balloon that flew across the continental U.S. last week. That object, according to Beijing, was also a civilian airship but one used for research, mainly meteorological, purposes. The second balloon was reportedly spotted in the airspaces of Colombia and Costa Rica. Colombia, which trailed the object until it left its territory, did not deem it a national security threat; Costa Rica, which received sighting reports a day later, notified planes but took no further action. More from NextShark: Hong Kong Police Tackle and Arrest 12-Year-Old Girl for Running Suspiciously China blamed weather conditions and limited maneuverability for both the U.S. and Latin America incidents. China is a responsible country and has always strictly abided by international law in order to inform and properly deal with all parties concerned, without posing any threat to any country, its Foreign Ministry said on Monday. More from NextShark: Asian Deliveryman Riding a Bicycle Stabbed By Another Cyclist in Brooklyn However, the Pentagon has assessed the balloons are all part of a P.R.C. fleet of balloons developed to conduct surveillance operations, which have also violated the sovereignty of other countries. The Navy is currently recovering pieces of the first aircraft while the Coast Guard is enforcing security in the area where it was destroyed. Reacting to the U.S. response, Taiwan which has responded to similar balloons breaching its airspace and fighter jets entering its defense zone said violations of other countries sovereignty should not be tolerated. More from NextShark: Hirono, Meng urge DOJ to speed up action on anti-Asian hate crimes The Chinese Communist Party government's actions that violate international law and violate the airspace and sovereignty of other countries should not be tolerated in a civilized international community, its Foreign Ministry said. Beijing has since expressed outrage at Washingtons response to the incident, describing it as an obvious overreaction. It also said it reserves the right to use necessary means to deal with similar situations. More from NextShark: Woman furious about Asian mans unleashed dog lures pet onto traffic in NYC Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Wikimedia Commons Unless youve been living under a rock, youve likely heard about the Chinese spy balloon that entered U.S. airspace last week and floated its way into the hearts of millions of Americansas well as over highly secured and classified locations like military bases and missile silos. But if you need a primer: The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Feb. 2 that it was tracking a balloon flying roughly 60,000 feet over Billings, Montana. The object had entered U.S. airspace over the Aleutian Islands on Jan. 28, before making its way through Canada and finally to the U.S. eastern seaboard, where it was eventually shot down over South Carolina on Feb. 4. The Chinese foreign ministry claimed that it was simply a civilian airship used for research and meteorological purposes, and later decried the decision to shoot it down as an obvious overreaction.The Pentagon, however, didnt back down from its contention that the aerial craft was a surveillance balloon that came from China, and most outside experts widely agreeding it was built and launched to spy on the U.S. Wikimedia Commons Now, the Pentagon along with other counterintelligence officials are working to salvage any pieces of the downed spy balloon that it can in order to reverse engineer what exactly it was built for. We dont know exactly all the benefits that will derive, an anonymous senior defense official said at a background briefing on Saturday. But we have learned technical things about this balloon and its surveillance capabilities. And I suspect if we are successful in recovering aspects of the debris, we will learn even more. Perhaps one of the big mysteries that theyll be able to solve is why exactly China was using something as quaint as a balloon in order to spy on the U.S., which is especially mind-boggling considering the fact that Beijing has an arsenal of highly sophisticated and advanced spy technology to draw onfrom satellites, to drones, to an army of hackers capable of infiltrating American databases to plunder sensitive information, data, and money. Story continues However, a look at history shows that both the U.S. and China and pretty much any other country with geopolitical relevance have had long histories of using balloons in order to keep tabs on other nationsand occasionally, on their own citizens. U.S. balloons used for espionage made their debut during our Civil War and, before the advent of sophisticated satellite surveillance in the 1960s, [the U.S.] used balloons for recon, especially along military borders, Loch K. Johnson, the regents professor emeritus of public and international affairs at the University of Georgia and espionage expert, told The Daily Beast. As time went on, balloon warfare only escalated. During WWII, Japan used bomb-carrying balloons as a sort of proto-drone warfare, floating them across the Pacific Ocean and eventually to the U.S. where they dropped their payload on unsuspecting civilians. When the Cold War emerged, balloons such as Project Moby Dick were utilized by the U.S. Air Force in order to snap pics of Soviet military sites. Balloon usage lingered into the new millennium when the U.S. sent them into Iraq and Afghanistan to keep an eye on activities on the ground. Wikimedia Commons Why? Simple: Its cheaper. Why spend hundreds of millions of dollars building and launching a satellite into orbitnot to mention millions more for upkeepwhen you can just fill a latex balloon with helium, tie a camera to it, and send it on its merry way? With minimal modifications, such a balloon can also be made to travel to a lower or higher altitude, giving itself even more flexibility in how close it is to Earth and for how long it wants to hover there. These spy balloons are also able to gain information that you cant necessarily get with a satellite in low-Earth orbitand without being seen. They can travel higher than most planes, which allows them to remain inconspicuous to the naked eye on the ground. Their slower pace of travel also allows them to avoid radar detection. Johnson adds that its lower altitude compared to a satellite allows for greater camera resolution. Thus, a helium balloon can float in a veritable surveillance sweet spot above any unsuspecting nation. Balloons are cheap and somewhat guidablethough sometimes blown in unexpected directions by unexpected winds, Johnson said. He added that spy satellites typically contain every conceivable bell and whistle in terms of cameras and listening devices. As such, theyre a veritable resource sink just to maintainlet alone launch into orbit. Video Shows Chinese Balloon Being Shot Down Over Atlantic Ocean Meanwhile, balloons can fly up to roughly 90,000 feet and can be outfitted with an array of systems that allow them to detect missiles, monitor the ground, and even potentially defend itself. Of course, this wasnt necessarily the case with the Chinese spy balloon spotted last week. While the reason why the balloon was so low in the skyand therefore observable to people on the groundis still a mystery, some do believe that the balloon might have veered off of its intended path, resulting in the geopolitical egg on Beijings face. This also highlights a very clear flaw in this type of technology: Its very much dependent on weather conditions and airstream systems. A slight change can cause it to be revealedwhich would undercut the whole subterfuge thing. But thats a part of the risk assessment and requires a lot of modeling before one of these are launched. But it isnt as if China decided that risk was worth it solely because of money. Theres also more psychological reasons for why the country keeps opting to use balloons: it might have wanted to show the American government and, perhaps more importantly, American civilians that they could easily break into sovereign U.S. airspace if it really wanted. Chinas activities are now public, but it has now had a chance to gauge the U.S. reaction, which could inform future planning and decision-making for even more escalatory actions like sending a drone or crewed aircraft. NASA Consulted About Debris Field if Chinese Spy Balloon Is Shot Down: Defense Official They have other means to spy out American infrastructure, or whatever information they wanted to obtain, Benjamin Ho, a coordinator of the China program at Singapores S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, told BBC News. The balloon was to send a signal to the Americans, and also to see how the Americans would react. However, Johnson has a much more straightforward perspective. This was super dumb of the Chinese on the eve of a potentially important high-level negotiating session with the U.S. Secretary of State, he said. That's why I'm speculating that a lower party official green-lit this misadventure as he or she tried cheaply to augment satellite intelligence. He added that it was particularly silly because both Chinese and U.S. satellites are equipped with cameras that do more than enough to scan the ground, and they really don't gain muchif anythingadded value from balloons. So while it might seem like the Chinese spy balloon incident has ended for now, the reality is the geopolitical consequences of this saga are still ongoing. Theres still a lot to be learned about what exactly the balloon was being used for and why exactly China sent it in such a brazen manner. Perhaps its fitting that the opening salvo of a new Cold War with China starts off, not with a bang, but with the popping of a balloon. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here 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. (Bloomberg) -- Alleged Chinese spy balloons were spotted on several occasions during President Donald Trumps administration, including three instances where they traveled near sensitive US military facilities and training areas, according to people familiar with the matter. Most Read from Bloomberg The balloons were spotted near Texas, Florida and Hawaii, as well as the Pacific Ocean island of Guam, where the US has naval and Air Force bases according to the people who requested anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. The balloons also flew near Norfolk, Virginia, and Coronado, California - two ports where the US stations its prized aircraft carriers. The balloons that overflew Guam and Norfolk were thought to have radar-jamming capabilities, while the flights near Norfolk, where the US stations aircraft carriers, came around the time China was launching its own such vessel. The balloons near Norfolk and Coronado both flew at a lower altitude over the ocean, but within US air space, according to the officials who served during the Trump administration. But the balloons also differed in significant ways from the alleged Chinese spy balloon that traversed the country last week passing by key missile and research facilities - before being shot down on Saturday over the Atlantic Ocean. The aircraft spotted during Trumps tenure were smaller in size and only detected briefly in US airspace. They were first categorized as unidentified aerial phenomena by intelligence officials, only to later be identified as balloons. The assessments indicated they came from China, but were not definitive. It was only after the balloon program continued during President Joe Bidens administration, allowing the intelligence community to gather more intelligence, that the US determined definitively that some of the devices were Chinese military assets. The White House which declined to comment on new details about balloons observed during the Trump Administration - began briefing Congress last August on the Chinese surveillance balloon program. Story continues In a Monday briefing, General Glen VanHerck, head of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, said that Norad had failed to detect earlier balloons, but later learned about them from the US intelligence community, which made us aware of those balloons that were previously approaching North America or transited North America. I will tell you that we did not detect those threats. And thats a domain awareness gap that we have to figure out, he said. Similar Instances The additional revelations of the earlier balloon observations come as the White House and Trump have engaged in finger-pointing over last weeks balloon incident and the administrations decision to wait days to down the aircraft. As Biden faces intense criticism from Republicans, his administration has pointed to similar instances in which a Chinese aircraft allegedly flew over US land when Trump was president. The two political rivals are headed toward a possible rematch of their bitterly contested 2020 presidential race. Trump and some senior administration officials have denied that a balloon trespassed into US skies during his time in the White House. In an interview Sunday with Fox News, Trump accused his successor of claiming Chinese overflights took place during his tenure because they look so bad. This never happened, he said. It would have never happened. Other members of Trumps administration say they were aware of balloons but that the information may not have risen to the level of the president because they did not fully understand the scope of the surveillance program. Historical Patterns One senior Biden official said balloons during the Trump era were only observed for a short duration of time, and that additional information about the program was discovered after Biden had taken office. And Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said Monday that the US government was better able to understand the Chinese program as it gathered more information. We were able to go back and look at the historical patterns and that led us to come to understand that during the Trump administration, there were multiple instances where these surveillance balloons traversed American airspace and American territory, Sullivan said at a US Global Leadership Coalition. As you said, there were multiple instances where these surveillance balloons traversed American airspace and American territory. Biden officials said that the Chinese had improved the capability, range, and communication abilities of their balloons in recent years. They also described the unique challenges of tracking and discerning information about the aircraft. In order to track, youve got to run the traps along many different lines of information and technology, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Monday. Their dynamics there, their trajectory, their flight behavior complicates the ability to know exactly where one is at any particular moment in time, depending on where it is when it first surfaced. The evolving account of when and how the US became aware of the Chinese balloon program may help explain the apparently discordant claims of Biden and Trump administration officials. Postponed Trip Still, the White House has spent recent days defending the decision to allow the balloon to travel uninhibited for days across the United States before finally shooting it down over the ocean. The espionage fiasco led to the postponement of Secretary of State Antony Blinkens highly-anticipated trip to China the most senior US delegation to China in five years and has spurred a new round of US-China tensions. Some House Republicans have suggested a resolution condemning Bidens response to the balloon, while House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said he planned to hold hearings into the flap. I will be demanding answers and will hold the admin accountable for this embarrassing display of weakness, the Texas Republican tweeted Saturday. Biden administration officials say they are confident that they were able to take countermeasures to prevent China from gathering valuable intelligence during that time, though so far have declined to say what steps they undertook. Theyve also argued that the extended flight allowed them to gain additional information about the balloon spy program, and that they expect remnants of the balloon some of which have already been recovered from the oceans surface to provide additional intelligence. That afforded us a terrific opportunity to gain a better understanding, to study the capabilities of this balloon, what it can do and what it cant do, Kirby said. And were going to continue to learn from that, as we recover pieces from the bottom of the Atlantic. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning repeated at press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday that the balloon the US shot down was for civilian use and its entry into US airspace was unintended. When asked if her nation wanted the destroyed aircraft back, she said: The airship does not belong to the US. It belongs to the Chinese side. (Updates with comments from Chinas Foreign Ministry.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. US-Chinese-Balloon-Watching-The-Sky (ASSOCIATED PRESS) US officials said Monday that improvements ordered by President Joe Biden to strengthen defenses against Chinese espionage helped identify last weeks spy balloon and determine that similar flights were conducted at multiple points during the Trump administration. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday that after Biden took office, the US enhanced our surveillance of our territorial airspace, we enhanced our capacity to be able to detect things that the Trump administration was unable to detect. Speaking at the event hosted by the US Global Leadership Coalition, Sullivan added that as part of those efforts we were able to go back and look at the historical patterns" and uncover "multiple instances during the Trump administration in which Chinese surveillance balloons traversed American airspace and territory. Several Trump administration officials have have said they didn't learn of Chinese surveillance balloons during their tenures. Before Monday, US officials had said that at least three times during the Trump administration and at least one other time during Bidens time as president balloons have crossed American airspace, but not for this long. Sullivan did not explain what specifically allowed the US to detect and track the latest balloon where the previous administration might not have. Officials have said, without elaborating, that China has flown similar balloons over parts of five continents in recent years. Sullivan defended Biden's decision to wait until the balloon was off the Carolina coastline before shooting it down, saying military advisers assessed that downing it over water created a greater possibility that we could effectively exploit the wreckage than if it were shot down over land. Some GOP lawmakers have criticized the president for not shooting it down sooner, though Pentagon officials also warned of a potential risk to Americans on the ground. Sullivan said the US was "still piecing through which Chinese officials knew what about the balloon when in Beijing and would not speak publicly yet about U.S. assessments about China's intentions flying it over the U.S. Story continues Separately, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Monday that the US military has begun collecting debris from the balloon. He also confirmed that the White House has offered to brief key officials from the Trump administration but declined to name any that have been briefed. Kirby firmly rejected Beijing's claim that the US violated international law by shooting down the balloon. The United States, under President Bidens authority and orders acted in accordance with international law and in defense of our homeland and our sovereign airspace, Kirby said. "We were absolutely within our rights to bring down that balloon. China 'spy balloon' is the tip of the iceberg in a new information cold war - Travis Huffstetler/Handout via REUTERS A huge balloon floating 65,000 feet above the United States has this week caused a diplomatic incident and ignited fears of a new spying war between East and West. Yet the real information warfare today is far more sophisticated than balloons. Beijing and Washington are relying on sophisticated drone technology, rockets and high-tech cameras to gain information. Aerial survillance is getting smaller, lighter and higher, with new forms of surveillance being developed by private companies that will define modern espionage. Aerial observation has long been crucial for militaries, allowing states to assess the capabilities of enemies and observe their positioning. This intelligence underpins not just any military action but also diplomacy. Increasingly, states are turning to satellites for this intelligence. Orbiting the planet well above the atmosphere, satellites provide a more discreet alternative to balloons or military photographic flights. Spacecrafts can be positioned over any required spot within hours of the need arising. Once confined to NASA or the fantasy of Hollywood blockbusters, high resolution satellite image technology is now commercially available and cheap. Some providers offer on-demand, high-resolution satellite images for prices as low as 40 each. This technology is already being deployed on the battlefield. Commercial operator Maxar Technologies has become almost synonymous with overhead imagery of the Russo-Ukraine war. Last week, the US sanctioned a Chinese company, Spacety, for allegedly providing imagery of Ukrainian battlefields to notorious Russian mercenary company Wagner. US-based Planet Labs provides similar satellite services to Maxar, while defence companies such as L3Harris and Airbus have made some of their products commercially available. Private contractors in the burgeoning space surveillance market are of growing importance. Space is increasingly viewed as an area to control, much as the mastery of the seas defined power in the 19th century and might in the air decided victories in the 20th. Story continues President Donald Trumps decision to create the United States Space Force as a new division of the military in 2019 was seen as almost a joke by many commentators at the time. Yet his successor has seen the value of the agency: Joe Biden authorised almost $25bn (20.7bn) of spending for the Space Force in the 2023 defence budget. The Space Force works closely with private industry, not least Elon Musks rocket company SpaceX, which has already conducted several launches so far this year including putting GPS satellites into orbit. Full blown satellite intelligence is a relatively recent development, however. A more common alternative is the so-called high altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS). A HAPS is a large drone mounted with cameras and a radio link that flies at very high altitudes to photograph large swathes of the ground. Farnborough-based Zephyr, a startup bought by Airbus and now being spun back out into a standalone business, was one of the early developers of this technology during the last decade. HAPS - The Telegraph The sector enjoyed a brief boom in the 2010s as Big Tech companies Google and Facebook experimented with connectivity tech, although Googles Loon mobile-mast-on-balloons project ended in ignominy after one broke loose and crash landed in Congo three years ago. Zephyrs drone has wings as wide as an A320 airliner but the whole craft weighs just 70kg. The aircraft is made from carbon fibre and Kevlar, making it both light weight and durable. The cameras mounted on HAPS like this are hugely powerful. The Overpass HAPS, for example, gives you visual capability down to 18 centimetres from 70,000 feet, says the companys chief commercial officer Chris McLaughlin. An industry source warned that China appears to be pressing ahead with HAPS-style technology of its own, highlighting reports about construction of a whopping great factory dedicated to satellite drone production. Yet despite the technological arms race between China and America, the row that erupted last week came about over a decidedly low-tech piece of equipment. The balloon in question consists of a gas-filled envelope carrying an underslung payload typically weighing a few hundred pounds. Beijing claimed the white balloon that drifted 65,000 feet above the United States this week was a Chinese weather gathering station. However, the White House was concerned by the flight path. The balloon reportedly flew close to nuclear missile silos in Montana and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said the balloon was being used to surveil strategic sites. Spy balloons are fairly old hat, as one defence source put it. Aerial surveillance between superpowers relied on conventional aeroplanes carrying cameras until the latter part of the 20th century, although some nations still operate traditional reconnaissance aircraft. Aeroplanes such as the Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady typically fly at heights of up to 70,000ft, continuing a tradition started in the Second World War by photographic reconnaissance pilots. When Soviet air defences shot down a U-2 in 1960, global attention swung towards satellites as a replacement. Chartering a helicopter or fixed-wing aeroplane and its cameras, however, typically comes at a cost of thousands of pounds and manned aircraft cannot always fly over areas that other surveillance technologies can reach. Sources in the defence and aerospace industries suggested that China's balloon itself is much less potent than what it represents: a direct challenge to the US. The fact that the White House launched a 330,000 missile designed for attacking fighter jets at the helium orb underscores how seriously the US took it. The US has identified the stratosphere as the new zone of contention, said a defence industry veteran. As well as the US, a Chinese balloon also hovered for several hours over the capital of Taipei last week. Meia Nouwens, a senior fellow for Chinese security and defence policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), says: Chinese overseas activity has become bolder and more confident in recent years. However, Nouwens says the balloon incident is less important than it might seem at first glance. I don't see this as a significant incident on its own, she says. There have reportedly been other Chinese balloons flying over the mainland US and it's just the fact this one is visible, which has led to all the speculation and greater public scrutiny. What is undoubtedly true, however, is that the surveillance battle between Beijing and Washington is heating up. And while the low tech balloon may have caught attention, the real edge will be found using increasingly sophisticated technology and on increasingly far-flung frontiers. The desperate race to save people trapped under the rubble in northern Syria poses unique challenges that aid groups and local volunteers warn could spell deadly delays in help reaching the war-ravaged and earthquake-stricken pocket of the country. Abdulkafi Alhamdo, a resident of Darat Izza in the northwest, described hearing voices under collapsed buildings as rescuers toiled in freezing conditions with little to no heavy machinery. We were hearing screams and messages, Alhamdo said in an interview with NBC News Now. We couldnt do anything, he added, describing how he and other volunteers removed rubble with their bare hands. I couldnt sleep at night, because they were still in my ears, he said. The Syrian Red Crescent appealed to Western countries to lift sanctions and provide aid after a powerful earthquake has killed more than 1,600 people across the war-torn country. (Aaref Watad / AFP - Getty Images) Earthquake damage has temporarily closed the Bab-al-Hawa crossing, a humanitarian aid corridor that is the only official way into the rebel-held area from outside Syria, said Sanjani Quazi, the deputy head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs regional office for the Syrian crisis. Delivery of U.N. assistance across the Turkish border into Syria has been temporarily suspended, she said. Bab-al-Hawa is a lifeline for the opposition-controlled sliver of northeastern Syria, a region that is home to many anti-government fighters and their families who fled their hometowns during the war. Isolated and bombed by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and Syrias most important international ally, Russia, 90% of the 4.4 million people living in the in the area rely on humanitarian aid, according to the World Food Program. Weeks before Mondays earthquake, the U.N. Security Council said in a statement that humanitarian needs in Syria had reached the highest levels since the civil war started in 2011, amid an ongoing cholera outbreak and a mercilessly freezing winter. Charles Lister, the director of the Syria and Counterterrorism and Extremism programs at the Middle East Institute, told NBC News not a single ounce of international aid has reached northwestern Syria" since the earthquake, due to "extensive damage on the main approach road" in Turkey heading to the Bab-al-Hawa crossing, and a lack of staff. Story continues According to the White Helmets volunteer first responders, by Wednesday morning 1,400 people had died in Syrias rebel-held territories and more than 2,700 had been injured. The quakes completely destroyed more than 360 buildings and severely damaged over 1,000, the organization added. The numbers are expected to keep rising. More than 2,000 volunteers were working in sub-zero temperatures through the night in northwest Syria, said Ismail Alabdullah, who has volunteered with the White Helmets since 2013. The 36-year-old described being woken when the earthquake struck on Monday, frantically grabbing his one-month old daughter from her bed, and running outside of his house with the rest of his family and into the street. After just a few minutes, I heard screaming from the neighbors that a building had collapsed on them, Alabdullah said. We lost seventeen people in just my neighborhood. Even as the prospect of finding survivors diminished with each passing hour, Alabdullah said volunteers saved three siblings trapped under the rubble in Atareb, some 10 miles from the Turkish border. It has become normal for volunteers to extricate people from crumbled buildings in the area that were bombed by the Assad regime and its Russian backers. Now, with the destructive force of an earthquake piled on top, rescue efforts were totally different, Alabdullah said. Shortages of diesel, generators, heavy-lifting equipment, shelters, and medical facilities have put titanic pressures on rescuers, Alabdullah added. So far, no one has said that we will send equipment to northwest Syria, Alabdullah said of the Syrian government, and international aid. It will take time, and we will lose lives. Hundreds have been reportedly killed in north Syria after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that originated in Turkey and was felt across neighbouring countries. (Omar Haj Kadour / AFP - Getty Images) The earthquake damage is a blow the regions health care system, with an already crumbling and straining infrastructure, can hardly afford. Even before the earthquake, there was a devastating situation in northwest Syria because of a veneer of war, Dr. Mazen Kewara, the regional director of the Syrian American Medical Society Foundation, said in an interview with NBC News Now. Among the 38 health facilities the U.S.-based medical charity supports in northwest Syria are four hospitals that were damaged, Kewara said. We were forced to evacuate two of them, and we are continuing our work to rescue people, he added. Images shared on the foundations Twitter account show overturned floor tiles and cracked walls at a maternal and childrens hospital in the city of Al-Dana. Baby incubators lie empty nearby. The Syrian Red Crescent today pressed the United States and the European Union to lift sanctions and cough-up aid after a deadly earthquake killed more than 1,600 people across the war-torn country. (Photo by Abdulaziz KETAZ / AFP) (Photo by ABDULAZIZ KETAZ/AFP via Getty Images) (Abdulaziz Ketaz / AFP - Getty Images) Getting commodities in and around Syria was already very difficult, Bob Kitchen, the International Rescue Committees vice president for emergencies, told NBC News Now. Its going to be even more complex with border closures, damaged roads, but we know earthquakes dont respect international borders, so we need to push forward ourselves. There are serious worries that the Assad regime will hinder the distribution of aid to rebel-held areas. The Syrian regime has emphasized that they arent open to facilitating aid to the northwest through any expansion cross-border but would prefer this is done cross-line from Damascus, said Emma Beals, a nonresident fellow at the Middle East Institute. This is logistically unworkable. Kitchen said: Sending search and rescue teams is critically important. The hours and minutes now are really, really the most important thing. We need to focus on finding people under the rubble. But then very quickly our focus needs to change on the people left behind alive but injured and are now without homes without income, he added. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Clyde Fire Department will not host the 2023 convention of the Northwestern Ohio Volunteer Firefighters Association. Instead members will put efforts into celebrating the department's 150th anniversary. CLYDE - Clyde Fire Department canceled hosting the annual Northwestern Ohio Volunteer Firefighters Association Convention this summer. The department announced last summer, it would host the convention. Michael Carter, a spokesman for the department, said members decided to concentrate on the fire department's 150th anniversary celebration this year instead of the convention. Additional details on the 150th anniversary event will be forthcoming. The city has not hosted a firefighters convention since 2003. Before that convention, the department had tried to host the event every 10 years. Clyde firefighters began planning for 2023 ahead of time. The firefighters also had gone before Clyde City Council and received permission to host the convention, and then presented a bid to the NOVFA board. NOVFA President Louie Snyder could not be reached for details about the change. The NOVFA website calendar of events lists the convention being held June 16-17 by the Wakeman Fire District. The same department held the convention in 2022, according to the NOVFA January newsletter. rbrooks@gannett.com 419-334-1059 This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Clyde Fire cancels hosting NOVFA convention; focus is on anniversary CNN CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins repeatedly grilled House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-KY) on Tuesday over his wild assertion that the Chinese spy balloon could have contained bioweapons, forcing the GOP lawmaker to admit he had no evidence to back his claim. Prior to the U.S. military shooting down the surveillance craft on Saturday, Comer took Republican hysterics over the balloon to new heights by invoking the COVID-19 lab leak theory and fear-mongering about possible biological warfare. My concern is that the federal government doesn't know what's in that balloon, he told Fox News on Friday. Is that bioweapons in that balloon? Did that balloon take off from Wuhan? We dont know anything about that balloon. Appearing on CNN This Morning on Tuesday, Comer was first asked by Collins whether House Republicans would launch an investigation into the downed balloon, something the House Oversight chief said was already in the works. Chinas Spy Balloon Isnt as Low Tech as You Think We are concerned about our homeland security, he added. We dont believe this administration takes homeland security very seriously. Collins, meanwhile, pivoted to Comers baseless suggestion that the spy craft was loaded down with biological weaponry from the Chinese city where the novel coronavirus likely originated. But you dont have any evidence that this balloon contained bioweapons? Collins wondered after quoting his comments to Fox News in full. I asked a question, the Kentucky lawmaker shot back. What is in the balloon? This is something the White House should have advised us on. They should have had a briefing to tell us what this was. He continued: What was in the balloon? Was it a spy balloon? Was it a weather balloon like China said? What exactly did the U.S. military know about this? What did our intelligence know about this? Did they know it was even in our space before it got into Alaska airspace? The CNN This Morning co-host, however, once again asked Comer whether he had any evidence that the aircraft contained bioweapons or was launched from Wuhan. Story continues GOP Rep Warns That Chinese Balloon May Have Bioweapons From Wuhan We asked the question because we dont know, Comer retorted. We didnt know. We still dont know what was in the balloon. Noting that both parties have questions related to the spy balloon, the CNN anchor pointed out that Comer will be attending an upcoming briefing on the entire situation this week. If you go into the briefing, and you have to be careful what you say coming out of that, and they say, no, there are no bioweapons, will you come out and make that clear publicly? Collins asked. Sure. Absolutely, Comer replied. But I never said it was. I said for all we know, it had bioweapons in it. We dont know anything about the balloon. The top Republican would then go on and wonder why the military and Bide administration didnt take the opportunity to shoot down the balloon over rural Montanadespite having suggested for days that the craft possibly contained deadly biological weapons. 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. Feb. 6A care worker on duty the day Hazel Place died after being left unattended for six hours in 100-degree weather at a Grand Junction assisted living facility was sentenced to 60 days in county jail on Monday in Mesa County district court. Jamie Johnston, 32, was also sentenced to three years of probation and 150 hours of community service in connection with the June 14, 2021, death at Cappella of Grand Junction. Johnston changed her plea in December 2022 to guilty of criminally negligent homicide, a Class 5 felony. Initially she was also charged with negligent death of an at-risk person, a Class 4 felony, and a misdemeanor charge of forgery in connection with falsifying information in the facility's computerized system to make it appear that Place was monitored throughout the afternoon and evening when, in fact, she was not. The more serious felony charge and the forgery charge against Johnston was later dropped in exchange for pleading guilty. A Cappella surveillance tape of the courtyard revealed Place wandered onto the unshaded courtyard at 2:19 p.m. on a day when the National Weather Service had issued an excessive heat warning. The tape showed that Place tried to get up but was unable to, before she fell back onto a patio love seat. She stopped moving entirely just after 4 p.m. and was still not discovered until around 8:15 p.m. when the husband of another resident in Cappella's memory care unit saw her crumpled body through a hallway window and notified staff. Her gruesome death and the events that followed share striking similarities to other assisted-living deaths in the state. On Feb. 26, 2022, an unattended elderly resident became trapped outside of a Boulder County assisted-living facility in subfreezing temperatures for more than five hours and froze to death. A year before, in Colorado Springs, an 88-year-old woman also froze to death after wandering away from Union Printers Home assisted-living facility despite repeated warnings that staff needed to keep a close watch on her. Story continues These tragedies raise troubling questions about the care given to Colorado's most vulnerable elderly population and the level of accountability by facilities and state officials when something goes wrong. Hazel Place's death was the subject of a Jan. 19 Gazette investigation. "If she could take back that day, she would," Johnston's attorney, Kevin Pauly, said during the sentencing, according to those in the courtroom on Monday. He said his client acknowledged responsibility for her part in the preventable death and offered an apology to Hazel Place's family who were in the courtroom as they have been in every legal proceeding in this case. Letticia Martinez, also on duty in the memory unit when Place died and who also pleaded guilty to reduced charges, was sentenced late last year to 30 days in Mesa County jail, three years of probation and 100 hours of community service. Martinez served 18 days after being booked Jan. 6 and then released early on Jan. 24, according to a Sheriff's Department spokesperson. Jenny Logan, another care worker that day, pleaded not guilty and was acquitted last week on all charges after a trial in which her lawyer argued it was the other two defendants who were to blame. As in the Martinez sentencing, Johnston's lawyer suggested that the facility's supervisors and parent company, Englewood-based nonprofit, Christian Living Communities, also bore some responsibility for failing to adequately train staff and ensure resident safety. District Judge Valerie Robison, who has presided over all three cases, again on Monday appeared disturbed by the details, according to those in the courtroom. She decried the fingerpointing that has followed and suggested that the low-wage earners at the facility have borne the brunt of it. Robison declined a request for an interview. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. "Today's sentencing of Jamie Johnston, who was terminated for her role in the unfortunate passing of Ms. Hazel Place in June of 2021, closes a very difficult chapter in the criminal proceedings. We believe the legal outcomes of all three cases speak for themselves," Pam Sullivan, vice president of strategy and communications for Christian Living Communities, said in an emailed statement Monday. "We are so sorry the family had to endure this tragic loss and endure these legal proceedings. We continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers." Attorney General Phil Weiser also issued an emailed statement on Monday: "Our hearts go out to the family of Hazel Place. We were able to obtain pleas and acknowledgement of responsibility from two caregivers who were directly responsible for Ms. Place's care and safety." Weiser added that the cases "bring attention to the need to protect older Coloradans with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, as well as the need to account for their safety when they are entrusted to care facilities." After Place's death, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched an investigation and found nine violations of state assisted-living regulations, plus an additional informational citation that carries no punishment. The facility was ordered to submit a plan to correct the violations and issued a $2,000 fine the current annual maximum in Colorado no matter how many violations found in a year. The facility was also able to keep its license. After the assisted-living facility paid the fine and submitted corrections, the state agency re-inspected in December 2022, eventually closing the case. For those following what happened in Grand Junction, the more recent death of Mary Jo Staub at a Louisville assisted-living facility last year feels familiar. In that case, a surveillance video also tells the story: The 97-year-old who wandered outside in subfreezing weather can be seen frantically screaming and pounding on a locked glass door with her fists and a broom at 12:40 a.m. at Balfour Senior Living's Lavender Farms facility. She wore only pajamas, a robe, boots and gloves, according to a lawsuit filed by her family against the parent company and two employees. The door is adjacent to the nurses' station, but it was unoccupied for more than five hours. No one noticed Staub was missing until just before 6 a.m. By then, she was dead. She collapsed on the concrete around 1:40 a.m., according to the lawsuit, and her body can be seen on the surveillance video moving slightly until 4:23 a.m. when she was finally still. In the lawsuit filed by Staub's daughters on Jan. 17, much like in Hazel Place's case, the family says they were assured their mother would be closely monitored, as she often became confused and disoriented. Staub's family said they were told their mother would be checked every four hours during the night. But after Staub's death, Lavender Farms employees and officials told investigators there was no policy in place at the time to keep the nurses' station staffed overnight. The lawsuit also states caregivers told investigators they were only required to check on Staub once per night, which a staff member said she did around midnight. But the lawsuit alleges the employee who said she checked on Staub at midnight had left the building just before midnight and did not return until after 1 a.m., according to the facility's exterior video surveillance footage. Elizabeth Hart, one of the attorneys representing Staub's daughters, declined to comment because the case is ongoing. Balfour executives did not immediately return telephone and email requests for comment. A Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment investigation in April 2022 issued eight citations and fined the owners $1,500, according to agency records. No criminal charges were filed. "We can no longer excuse such deaths as 'accidents'," said Shannon Gimbel, ombudsman manager for the Area Agency on Aging for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. "These deaths are homicidal negligence, and until they are treated as such, they will continue." CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE GAZETTE Ralph Blaine Smith, who spent 21 years in prison for conviction of a home invasion robbery in Lancaster that may never have occurred, will receive a $1.3 million settlement from the state. Smith is seen here in a 2021 file photo during an interview with The Dispatch. A Columbus man will receive $1.3 million from the state of Ohio as compensation for the 21 years he spent in prison for a reported home invasion and robbery that perhaps never occurred. Ralph Blaine Smith will split the amount with his lawyers, who in December filed a wrongful imprisonment claim against the state in the Ohio Court of Claims. A settlement agreement between the two parties was reached shortly thereafter. On Monday, the Ohio Controlling Board approved the release of the settlement payment to Smith for his wrongful imprisonment claim. Reached by phone Tuesday, Smith said the settlement will allow him to take care of his family. "They helped me out a lot when I was incarcerated with visits and phone calls. I'd like to make things a little easier on them," he said. Smith was accused of being one of two Black men who forced their way into a Lancaster home that was occupied by a man and a woman and their young children on Feb. 2, 2000. The adults told police the intruders reportedly forced one of them to open a safe, from which they stole rare comic books and approximately $10,000 in cash. The prosecution's case hinged entirely on the two adult victims identifying Smith from a photo array, which they reaffirmed in court testimony. There was no other evidence linking Smith to the crime, and no one else has been charged in the case. None of the items reported stolen was recovered. Fairfield County Common Pleas Judge Richard E. Berens in June 2021 granted Smith a new trial, ruling that prosecutors at the time had withheld evidence that suggested the crime never occurred. Fairfield County Prosecutor Kyle Witt, who wasn't the prosecutor at the time of Smith's conviction in August 2000, later decided to drop all charges against Smith rather than pursue a second trial. The motion for a new trial for Smith focused on evidence suggesting that the crime may have been staged. Among the pieces of evidence that county prosecutors at the time failed to provide to the defense was a narrative supplement, written by one of the first police officers to arrive at the residence after the reported robbery. Story continues Ralph Blaine Smith, right, who spent 21 years in prison for a reported home invasion and robbery that perhaps never occurred, sits with his attorney, Joe Landusky, left, in 2021 as the latter reads from a police report that was withheld from Smith and his attorney during the trial. That supplemental narrative "contains numerous observations expressing skepticism about whether a crime had occurred," Berens stated in his order granting Smith a new trial. The responding officer wondered how multiple men could have conducted an armed home invasion and fled the Lancaster house without leaving tracks in the snow that covered the area. Berens determined that evidence was "exculpatory," meaning that it could create reasonable doubt about the defendant's guilt and that prosecutors were required to share it with the defense. Smith also is pursuing a federal lawsuit against the Pickerington police detective who investigated his case, the city of Pickerington and Fairfield County. Depositions in that case are ongoing, said Columbus defense attorney Joe Landusky. Also named as a defendant in that lawsuit filed in January 2022 in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Ohio in Columbus was then-Fairfield County Prosecutor Gregg Marx, who handled Smiths case. But U.S. District Chief Judge Algenon L. Marbley in November dismissed the claims made against Marx, court records show. Monroe Trombly covers breaking and trending news. mtrombly@dispatch.com @monroetrombly This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus man who spent 21 years in prison awarded $1.3 million Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference in January. (Paul Hennessy / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images) Imagine a popular Republican governor from an important state. Despite intense criticism from the national media, hes notched some huge policy wins that are simultaneously popular with donors, base voters and conservative intellectuals. His key theme is fighting the Washington establishment and the institutions of progressive power. Then, fresh off of a historic reelection victory, he announces his intent to run for president in a campaign video. In the Republican field, there are some who are good fighters. They havent won those battles. There are others who have won elections but havent consistently taken on the big fights, the golden boy of the right says, straight to the camera. Ive done both. Sound like a suitable ad for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis eventual presidential campaign debut? Those were actually words from former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walkers 2015 announcement video. It may seem like a lifetime ago, but there was a time when Walker was the fighter Republicans craved. He won the governorship three times in four years, thanks to a vicious effort to recall him after he successfully orchestrated a huge victory against public sector unions in his state. For months, Walker dominated the polls in neighboring Iowa. In late February 2015 he led the rest of the field by more than 2-1. By April, he was leading in New Hampshire, too. In September, he dropped out of the race. Most of the autopsies of his campaign focused on a string of gaffes and stumbles in interviews. He refused to say whether he believed President Obama was Christian, he compared unions to Islamic State, and seemed open to the idea of a border wall to protect us from Canada. But he was also the first, but not the last, Republican candidate in the 2016 cycle who couldnt figure out how to deal with Donald Trumps insults. While Walkers fall was remarkable, it was hardly unique. Indeed, it seems like every four years somebody who, for a while, looks like the Anointed One, but ends up the answer to a trivia question. I still remember all of the Republicans who told me something like you just dont get it, Sen. Fred Thompson is unstoppable. Story continues The Walker chapter has many lessons. One is that voters are fickle. What excites them now can quickly bore them. Walker personified the policy and political objectives of the tea party-era GOP. But he also proved that finding that sweet spot isnt enough. For years, my biggest gripe with many charismatic Republican politicians is their often-steadfast refusal to do their homework. Rick Perry was a wildly successful governor of Texas, but when he threw his hat in the presidential arena, he couldnt even memorize the three government agencies he vowed to abolish. Ben Carson didnt lack for intelligence or work ethic he was a world-famous pediatric neurosurgeon after all but he seemed to think that his skills in that field made him an expert on politics and policy. Dont get me started on Sarah Palin. Walker had the magic as governor, but he soon discovered that his old tricks didnt work in a presidential campaign. Of course, Trump never did his homework and he won anyway. But he also benefited from a huge collective action problem in the overcrowded primaries. The bloc of voters who bought his act was large enough for him to win pluralities in a crowded field. Even so, he never started winning majorities in the primaries until after hed all but sewed up the nomination. Today, DeSantis is the closest parallel to Walker. He appears to lead in Iowa and New Hampshire. His fights over wokeness in higher ed, his opposition to COVID lockdowns, etc. are the sweet spot for now. One more Chinese balloon over America, and nobody will care about gas stoves. Some Republicans warn that DeSantis could fizzle like Walker because of his marked charisma deficit. Hes awkward and stand-offish. Ive lost track of the times Ive been told, He cant work a room. In other words, what has worked for him in Florida might not work in living rooms and diners in Iowa and New Hampshire. On the other hand, DeSantis actually does his homework from the nitty-gritty of COVID policy to which cultural fights are likely to garner support in part because he doesnt have much charisma to fall back on. Many liberal critics who dismiss his culture war battles make the mistake of thinking hes dumb because they think the battles are dumb. Theyre wrong on both counts. The 2024 primaries are potentially shaping up for another collective action problem. It will only play out differently if Republicans learn from Walkers cautionary tale. @JonahDispatch This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Feb. 7INDIANAPOLIS Comcast has signed contracts with Indiana's Office of Community and Rural Affairs to bring gigabit-capable broadband service to unserved parts of Indiana. The initial finalized agreements will enable Comcast to build to rural, unserved portions of Allen, Bartholomew, Carroll, Cass, Delaware, Fayette, Hendricks, Jennings, Johnson, Hamilton, Huntington, LaPorte, Madison, Marshall, Montgomery, Morgan, Porter, Starke and Wayne counties. Under Indiana's Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, Comcast is partnering with the state and local governments to build and deliver fast, reliable broadband service to more than 10,000 homes and businesses across 19 counties. The projects will deploy 1,200 miles of fiber to unserved rural portions of Indiana. Under this latest phase of Next Level Connections grants, Comcast is investing $36 million in conjunction with the state's $13.6 million to expand its network. "Next Level Connections is used as a model by other states to deliver the best tech infrastructure to rural areas," said Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, who also serves as Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "The investments made by Comcast and other partners will not only benefit residents and businesses but also contribute to Indiana's rural economic engine." "Ensuring all Hoosiers have access to reliable, high-speed internet has been a top priority for Comcast," said Joni Hart, vice president of Government Affairs for Comcast in Indiana. "As the world we live in becomes increasingly digital, we remain focused on not only bringing our broadband network to more Indiana homes and business, but also meeting the ever-increasing appetite for education, business, telemedicine, entertainment and more." Now that these contracts with the State of Indiana are signed, Comcast will immediately start work on the multiple pre-construction priorities of these expansion projects. The company anticipates having its gigabit-capable, fiber-to-the-home network expansion completed within two years. Story continues Since its inception in 2011, the program has connected more than 440,000 students, parents, veterans and seniors in Indiana. Comcast also participates in the federal government's Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides qualifying households a $30 monthly credit toward internet and mobile services. Information provided Information provided Cambodian PM to make official visit to China 08:28, February 07, 2023 By ZHAO JIA ( China Daily Tourists visit the Angkor Wat in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Dec 17, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua] Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen will make an official visit to China from Thursday to Saturday, becoming the first foreign leader Beijing will host after the Chinese New Year holiday. Calling Hun Sen an old friend and a good friend of the Chinese people, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a daily news briefing on Monday that the three-day visit fully indicates the high level of China-Cambodia relations. According to Mao, the Cambodian prime minister will meet with Chinese leaders for in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common concern. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, as well as the Year of China-Cambodia Friendship. Noting that China and Cambodia are traditionally friendly neighbors and staunch friends, Mao said that their bilateral friendship, jointly forged by older generations of Chinese and Cambodian leaders, has further strengthened over time. She said China considers the visit as an opportunity to promote the building of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future. According to the Cambodian General Department of Customs and Excise, China continues to be Cambodia's largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade in 2022 reaching $11.686 billion, up 4.4 percent year-on-year. After the free-trade agreement between the two countries took effect last year, over 90 percent of bilateral trade in goods has tariff-free status, China's Ministry of Commerce said. Cambodian Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak said recently that Cambodia planned to set up private business centers in five Chinese cities to make full use of the free-trade agreement and maximize exports of Cambodian products to China. Monday's edition of Economic Daily quoted Chen Qisheng, general manager of China Certification and Inspection Group's Cambodian branch, as saying that China is now the largest market for Cambodian rice, with exports to China accounting for nearly half of the nation's rice production. With the speedy recovery of China's economy this year and the implementation of the China-Cambodia free-trade agreement, bilateral trade is expected to increase rapidly, said Chen, adding that there are good prospects for exports of high-quality Cambodian products to China. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) In his first address to a joint session of Congress, President Joe Biden gave Congress a deadline: Pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act by the one-year anniversary of his murder. The president urged lawmakers to send the bill to his desk by 25 May, 2021, one year after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered Floyd, whose death was captured on bystander video and sparked nationwide protests calling for justice for the killings of Black people by law enforcement and demanding police reforms. But an expansive policing bill in the hands of Congress which sought to overhaul use-of-force policies nationwide did not meet the presidents deadline. Bipartisan negotiations stalled. And from 2021 through the end of 2022, more than 2,200 Americans were killed by police. The death of Tyre Nichols, who was brutally beaten by a group of Memphis Police Department officers three days before his death in hospital in January, has sparked a renewed effort to pass the legislation. But it faces even more hurdles in 2023 than it did when it first passed a Democratically controlled House of Representatives two years ago. A week after Nichols funeral, where his family and civil rights leaders called on lawmakers to revive the bill, President Biden will once again face the nation in a primetime address that advocates are hoping will address police reform. The presidents State of the Union on 7 February will also include several families of victims of police violence in attendance. Last year, two years after Floyds death, President Biden was joined by members of the Floyd family for a signing of an extensive executive order on police reform, applauded by civil rights groups as a foundation on which to build stronger protections against police violence. But the White House has stressed that any executive measure on police reform is not a substitute for congressional action, and the administration and Democratic leaders are calling on Congress to reintroduce the bill. Story continues In surprise remarks at Nichols funeral, Vice President Kamala Harris who co-authored the bill while she was a senator from California said to let the memory of Tyre shine a light on the path toward peace and justice. Nichols mother RowVaughn Wells also pleaded with lawmakers to pass the bill. If we dont, that next child that dies, she said, speaking through tears, that blood will be on their hands. Whats in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act? Supportive lawmakers, criminal justice advocates and families of victims of police violence did not see the bill as a panacea for rooting out bias and systemic abuse among the nations police departments, but it represented an important tool for accountability. A crucial component of the bill would overhaul the legal liability shield for individual police officers known as qualified immunity that would theoretically make it easier to bring civil lawsuits against them. That decades-old doctrine provides broad protections for police officers, and Republican lawmakers have argued that weakening those protections could expose them and their agencies to excessive lawsuits. Despite GOP campaign messaging and Republican floor speeches, the bill does not defund police departments. Why did the bill fail? The Democratically controlled House of Representatives passed a version of the bill without any Republican support on a vote of 220 to 212 in 2021. A similar bill was passed in 2020 but languished in a then-GOP-controlled Senate. A bipartisan group including Republican Senator Tim Scott, Democratic Senator Cory Booker and Democratic US Rep Karen Bass who has since left office after her election to mayor of Los Angeles were tasked with leading negotiations over the Senate version of the bill. A compromise bill that was offered up by Republicans would gut any reform on qualified immunity proposed by Democratic lawmakers. Instead, it would retain immunity provisions for individual officers and allow victims or people alleging police misconduct to sue their police departments. In his address to a joint session of Congress in April 2021, President Biden told lawmakers to come together to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the people they serve, to root out systemic racism in our criminal justice system, and to enact police reform in George Floyds name that passed the House already. I know Republicans have their own ideas and are engaged in the very productive discussions with Democrats in the Senate, he said. We need to work together to find a consensus. But lets get it done next month, by the first anniversary of George Floyds death. Less than six months later, negotiations hit a wall. Senator Booker told reporters at the time that the group wasnt making any more meaningful progress on establishing really substantive reform to Americas policing. The effort from the very beginning was to get police reform that would raise professional standards, police reform that would create a lot more transparency and then police reform that would create accountability, he said. And we were not able to come to an agreement on those three big areas. Meanwhile, the White House quietly abandoned plans for a national commission on police oversight, first proposed during Mr Bidens presidential campaign in 2020. Domestic Policy Council director Susan Rice said that a commission would not be the most effective way to implement reforms, based on close, respectful consultation with civil rights groups. What are the bills chances? With a majority in the House and strong enough numbers to the Senate to obstruct critical parts of the Biden agenda, Republicans are likely to shut down any bill named in honour of George Floyd that includes qualified immunity reform and other key measures approved by Democratic lawmakers. Republican Senator Tim Scott, who was part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers working on the bills text, has called resurrecting the legislation a nonstarter. Resurrecting the House progressives police reform bill is a nonstarter. Ive been working toward common ground solutions that actually have a shot at passing, he said on 2 February. He said that those solutions would increase funding and training to make sure only the best wear the badge. Theres no perfect bill, Democratic US Rep James Clyburn, a key Biden ally in Congress, told The Washington Post. To keep trying to get the perfect piece of legislation rather than a good piece of legislation I just dont know if thats a good thing to do, he said. We may not get everything that we need or everything that we want in one fell swoop, but we need to get this done. One day after Nichols funeral, President Biden met with members of the Congressional Black Caucus in the Oval Office. My hope is this dark memory spurs some action that weve all been fighting for, Mr Biden said before the meeting began. How can we make some progress on police reform of consequence and violence in our communities? Democratic US Rep Steven Horsford, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said the death of Nichols is yet another example of why we do need action. We need your help to make sure we can get the legislative actions that are necessary to save lives and to make public safety the priority that it needs to be for all communities, he told the president. A description of the meeting provided by the White House said that the discussion focused on important reforms that have already been implemented under the presidents executive action, including a federal ban on chokeholds, restrictions on no-knock warrants, and requirements that federal law enforcement use body-worn cameras. President Biden and Vice President Harris told lawmakers that no executive action can substitute for federal legislation, and the necessary changes at the state and local level will require Congress to act, according to the White House. Growing up in northern Vermont, people who looked like Irian Adii were few and far between. She recalls that her all-white second-grade classmates spread the rumor that the young girl, who has a Black father and white mother, was sick and contagious. No one would touch what I touched because they thought someone that looked like me must have been, like, riddled with disease, Adii said. One peer told her to change her skin color like pop superstar Michael Jackson did. After that experience, she went through the rest of elementary and middle school actively trying to rid myself of any association with what she perceived as Black stereotypes. She studied hard and chose not to wear the Batik clothing she bought when visiting her fathers relatives in Indonesia. Being different weighed on her. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter But when, as a high school junior, she first attended a club meeting for students of color to connect with each other, she felt an instant sense of relief. It was the only time in her life she had been in a room with no white people, she realized, other than with family. The group was created to allow Black, Hispanic, Asian and Indigenous students to share about their experiences navigating the over 90% white, 800-person school. It felt so validating to just be in a room where you dont have to give this huge backstory or explain yourself, Adii said. It made me feel like all of these little experiences, its not just happening to me. All these people can relate. Irian Adii (Sydney Brynn Photography) Gatherings like the one described by the high school senior often called affinity groups have long been a strategy that schools, universities and workplaces employ to support community members who are from minority identities. But recently, those programs have become the target of pushback from conservative parent organizations, part of a wider GOP effort to oppose equity measures in K-12 education. Story continues In early January, Parents Defending Education, a national nonprofit formed in 2021 to counter what it sees as indoctrination in schools, filed three federal civil rights complaints alleging that school-based affinity groups for people of color unfairly discriminate against white students and educators. The approach serves to segregate youth by race, violating the Civil Rights Act and the equal protections clause of the 14th Amendment, the organizations letters say. Public schools that maintain policies or programs that discriminate against students on the basis of race are unconstitutional, period, spokesperson Erika Sanzi wrote to The 74 in an email. Those complaints come on the heels of at least eight others and a federal lawsuit the organization has filed since 2021 against districts in Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina over similar opportunities for students and educators of color. In the 2021-22 school year, the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights received more complaints than ever before, nearly 19,000. Some 2,900 of those alleged racial discrimination, but federal officials do not track how many claimed discrimination against white students. Two of Parents Defending Educations most recent complaints concern student groups in majority-white school districts Ashland, Oregon and Shelburne, Vermont and the third flags a staff group in Portland, Maine, where just over half of all students are youth of color compared to just 14% of all educators. Within such a homogenous workforce, affinity groups are one way to help people who may experience marginalization feel welcome and supported, said Barrett Wilkinson, director of diversity, equity and inclusion for Portland Public Schools. The group for teachers of color has run since 2017 when it was founded by educators, he said, and the district absolutely supports it and is proud of these kinds of efforts. Related: National Study Reveals 1 in 4 Teachers Altering Lesson Plans Due to Anti-Critical Race Theory Laws Legal landscape While affinity groups can be formed around any number of identities religion, sexual orientation or political outlook, for example school-based gatherings for students of a specific race or races may fall into murky legal water, scholars say. According to Derek Black, education law professor at the University of South Carolina, there are two central considerations for determining the constitutionality of race-based affinity groups. First, does the program actually exclude certain students or educators based on race? And second, if so, does the race-conscious policy serve to remedy existing inequities? Some affinity groups, while catered to students of certain races, do not actually exclude those of other identities. In Shelburne, Vermont, district spokesperson Bonnie Birdsall said all existing affinity groups, including the one for people of color and a sexuality and gender alliance, welcome any student who would like to be involved. Others, however, are open only to students of certain races. Those programs are subject to strict scrutiny, said Black. A 2015 decision from the Obama administrations Office for Civil Rights found an Illinois high schools assembly for only Black students in the wake of the police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown was unconstitutional. That precedent, when applied to the question around affinity groups, is persuasive, but not exactly on point, said Maryam Ahranjani, professor at the University of New Mexicos School of Law. Affinity groups have a different structure and purpose than assemblies, she points out, and the Obama-era decision is not binding law. When school-based programs are racially differentiated, their legality may depend on whether they serve to fix prior injustice, said Black, which can create a legitimate, compelling interest for their existence in the eyes of the law. The state can clearly engage in race-conscious actions to remedy discrimination, the law professor said. Though the toll can be hard to quantify, researchers have documented that students of color in predominantly white schools typically face challenges such as a lack of curricular materials that reflect their racial identity and more strict disciplinary punishments than their white peers. Thus, it matters whether racially differentiated affinity groups actually help address those problems, Black said. Over a dozen academic studies examine the gatherings, and most find wide-reaching benefits, including participants reporting increased self-confidence, reduced alienation and stronger dialogue between social groups afterward. Derek Black The legal landscape could shift, however, should the U.S. Supreme Court, as is widely expected, this spring gut or roll back the legal standing for affirmative action in higher education admissions another race-based policy meant to address longstanding disparities. Such a ruling would chip away at the legal basis for race-conscious policies in schools, Ahranjani said. The U.S. Department of Education said it could not comment on when the agency expects to issue a response to the Parents Defending Education complaints or what actions it may take. When asked whether her organization would consider filing a lawsuit should it disagree with the agencys response, Sanzi replied that a number of options exist to remedy racial discrimination in public schools. Doesnt hurt me one iota Jesse Tauriac is chief diversity officer and an associate professor of psychology at Lasell University. There, he leads several affinity groups on campus including gatherings for first-generation students, student athletes, students of color and for conservative students at the predominantly liberal school. The groups spur more candid and frank conversations, he said, and afterward, students feel better equipped to engage and speak with people who have different perspectives. Jesse Tauriac (Lasell University) A student who participated in the group for conservatives on campus wrote an email to Tauriac after the experience: As a conservative student who didnt always believe that diversity and inclusion meant including my voice, you have proved me wrong. Whether affinity groups gather students of one political stripe or a shared racial identity, some familiar with the model say it confuses them why those who dont share in those attributes or experiences would want to join. Wilkinson, the director of equity for Portland schools, who is white, said it wouldnt occur to him to want to participate in the districts group for staff of color. Why would I insert myself in that way? he said. Gail Burnett, an English as a second language teacher in Portland, penned an op-ed in the Portland Press Herald. As a white person, I dont qualify for the [Black, Indigenous, people of color] Community Circle. Im not offended by this any more than I would be offended if I found out that I couldnt join a mens support group or a group for staff members who are left-handed, or survivors of child abuse, or flute players. This is about them, not me. It doesnt hurt me one iota, she wrote. Related: Analysis: Clash of Cultures, Clash of Privilege What Happened When 30 Low-Income Students of Color Were Admitted to Elite Prep Schools However, Sanzi explained that her organization filed the complaints because racial discrimination hurts everyone whether they are being included or excluded based on their skin color. Blake Jordan is a senior at Southern Oregon University and an active participant at his schools Black Student Union. The college is in the same small city as the Ashland School District named in the legal complaint. His organization focuses on Black experiences, but is open to students of any race who want to learn about Black history, art and culture. I dont think its the correct approach to make strong divisions along identities, Jordan said. He acknowledged, however, that theres a difference between higher education, where students generally have the maturity to center Black students voices in the club, and K-12, where white youth might change the dynamic by failing to fully listen to the experiences of their peers of color. Adii, in Vermont, has tried to think about what it would mean for her high schools affinity group to welcome white students. During the school day, shes the only person of color in most of her classrooms. In those settings, she feels a lot less apt to speak up around ideas of race, because I dont really want to get met with pity from white people and I also dont want to feel invalidated, she said. The gathering for students of color, 40 minutes twice per week during a free period, is the only time shes surrounded by people who directly relate to her experiences. Having white peers in the room could undermine the clubs purpose, she said. The conversations would just have to completely change and wed have to kind of cater what we were doing based off white people and thats what Ive been doing my whole life. These are the big Coronation Street spoilers for the week of 13-17 February 2023. (ITV) Stephen takes revenge on Carla on Coronation Street next week but will his actions result in her death? Plus Max discovers his fate in court, Billy confesses that he still has feelings for Paul, while Brian proves to be an unpopular flatmate. Its your Coronation Street spoilers for 13-17 February 2023. Can Stephen seal the deal with Rufus? Rufus [STEPHEN MEO], Stephen Reid [TODD BOYCE] (ITV) Carla has a proposition for Stephen: resurrect the deal with Rufus and hell receive 15 per cent in commission and a permanent contract. But at Rufuss hotel, its soon made clear that he isnt interested, despite Stephens pleas that he reconsider. Read more: Next week's Emmerdale spoilers Read more: Next week's EastEnders spoilers Rufus then hands Stephen a vial of LSD and heads to the bathroom where he snorts a line of cocaine. But Rufus will be left clutching his chest and being attended to by paramedics. Stephen, meanwhile, assures Carla that the deal is in the bag and starts practising Rufuss signature for the unsigned contract. Rufus is then wheeled off to an ambulance, but later on theres a knock at the hotel door and a sex worker called Candace barges in demanding money all of which gives Stephen an idea Carla is on Stephens hit list Stephen Reid [TODD BOYCE], Carla Barlow [ALISON KING], Peter Barlow [CHRIS GASCOYNE], Paul Foreman [PETER ASH] (ITV) Following the drama detailed above, Carla makes Sarah Head of Design, and Stephen becomes office manager. But wanting his revenge, Stephen ends up lacing Carlas coffee with the LSD from Rufuss briefcase. The result is that Carla finds herself discombobulated and with spiralling paranoia. Peter, for one, is left concerned that her psychosis is returning. Matters then escalate dramatically when Carla gets behind the wheel of the Underworld van, determined to make it in time for a meeting for which shes late. But as she careers down the street, she crashes into Paul, whos astride a motorbike thats recently been bought by Peter. Will there be casualties? Max is sentenced Max Turner [PADDY BEVER] (ITV) Barrister Kim reveals that Alya has failed to submit a personal victim statement, a development that could aid Maxs case. Story continues At the court, the judge hands Max a six-month sentence. But when David hugs the troubled teen and assures him hell visit as often as he can, Max asserts that he doesnt want any visits. But at the secure training centre, a group of lads are soon making it clear to Max that they intend to make his life hell. Billy still has feelings for Paul Billy Mayhew [DANIEL BROCKLEBANK] (ITV) Paul gets an offer of a night out on the town with Dee-Dee. But when Summer reveals that shes received a conditional offer from Manchester University, Billy suggests to Paul that they meet for a celebratory drink. Pauls solution is to get Dee-Dee to come along to the Rovers, where she witters on to him about her love life. But when Billy shows up, he changes the topic to discuss how appalled he remains with Todd for his show of violence towards Mike. Paul can only mask his guilt Events then take an unexpected turn later in the week when Billy approaches Paul and admits that he still has feelings for him. But Paul insists its better if they remain friends. Zeedan prioritises his family over Marrium Zeedan Nazir [QASIM AHKATAR] (ITV) Zeedan is left begging Marrium not to go to the police after she turns up at the house to tell him she cant believe he and Alya watched her dad die in front of them. When Alya then tracks Marrium down to the cafe, she explains shes as much to blame for her dads death as Zee. And following the conversation, Alya realises that her brother is sacrificing his relationship for her sake. Alya will be seen next telling Zeedan that she doesnt need his protection and is going to return to work at the restaurant. But Zee says to his sister that hes sticking around whether she likes it or not as family must come first. Brian is an unwelcome guest Brian Packham [PETER GUNN], Amy Barlow [ELE MULVANEY] (ITV) Ed reveals to Brian that his flat needs rewiring, so Mary tells him hes welcome to sleep on the sofa. The trouble is, Brian and Mary then have a huge argument and he ends up having to stay in a room at the builders yard flat. As he tries to make himself at home, Brian attempts to bond with Amys uni mates and offers to do his Vernon Kay impression. But its enough to drive Amy up the wall hence her then trying to convince Mary of how sorry Brian is following their falling out. The good news is that Brian and Mary do become friends again. The bad news (for Amy) is that Brian then invites Mary round for tea Amys plan to get rid of him having truly backfired. Watch: Corrie star celebrates royal honour Police cells Prisoners are to be held in police cells at a cost to taxpayers of up to 800 a night, the same as a room at The Savoy hotel, because jails in England and Wales are full. West Midlands Police has revealed it will receive 600 from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for a prisoners weekday stay in its police cells and 800 per day for the weekend. A superior queen room at The Savoy, one of Londons premier hotels, costs 800 a day. West Midlands is the first force to be publicly identified as having been asked by the MoJ to take prisoners in its cells under emergency measures known as Operation Safeguard. The MoJ wrote on Monday to police forces in the northwest of England and the Midlands to request the use of police cells for sentenced prisoners due to a lack of jail space. The prison population has risen to 82,700 because of the record numbers of suspects held on remand in jails after the barristers strike halted hundreds of trials. West Midlands Police has been put on standby to take 44 prisoners in the next fortnight, which works out to between 26,400 (weekday rate) and 35,200 (weekend rate). It would be at least 219,000 taken over 365 days, seven times the average annual 30,000 cost of housing an offender in prison. MoJ: Operation Safeguard formalises ad hoc arrangements The MoJ argues that Operation Safeguard, which has been activated for the first time in 15 years, is simply formalising ad hoc arrangements where offenders are kept in police cells with the forces given two weeks notice to prepare. However, Simon Foster, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, complained it would take officers away from crime-fighting duties. The public want their police officers out in communities preventing and tackling crime, not having to double up as prison officers because this chaotic Government has failed to get the basics right and has failed to plan, he said. Police custody units were built for people who have just been arrested. The facilities are not meant to handle prison inmates. Story continues The fact police officers will be asked to look after these prisoners will put an extra strain on the force at a time when its focus should be on keeping our region safe. It is already down 1,000 police officers on the number it had in 2010 and this will further compound the issue. Steve Reed, shadow justice secretary, said: Its terrifying that the police have been left to pick up the pieces for the Governments short-sighted failure. Police time will now be spent housing criminals, rather than out on the streets keeping the public safe. An MoJ spokesman said Operation Safeguard would help ensure we have enough spaces to manage the short-term pressure on prison places driven in part by the impact of the barristers strike and Covid pandemic. We are building 20,000 extra prison places and our newest prison is set to open in the spring. Constituents of embattled Representative George Santos took a bus trip from New York to protest in front of the Capitol and call on Congress to expel the freshman Republican. Democratic Representative Dan Goldman of New York joined advocacy groups Courage for America and Concerned Citizens of NY-03, the district that Mr Santos represents, at the House Triangle in front of the US Capitol. Were because Speaker McCarthy cannot hear us when we speak from Long Island, said Jody Kass Finkel, coordinator of Concerned Citizens of NY-03, who added that the organisations sole purpose was to remove Mr Santos from squatting in our seat. Ms Kass Finkel criticised the fact Mr Santos faces an investigation from the House Ethics Committee. Its just a delay, she said. No findings are needed to expel him today or tomorrow. Mr Santos has faced intense criticism about the fact that he has lied about multiple parts of his resume, from working at investment banks like Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, to supposedly being Jewish, since he won a seat in the ancestrally Democratic district on Long Island. Despite this, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has stood by the troubled congressman, though he has said if the House Ethics Committee finds he is guilty of wrongdoing, he would be removed. Expelling a member of the House would require a two-thirds vote in the chamber, something that would be difficult to overcome given Mr McCarthys decision to support him and the fact Republicans control the House of Representatives. Ms Kass Finkel told The Independent that Mr Santoss fabrications have also embarrassed people in the third district. I mean, we've all been swindled, the whole country has been swindled. Nobody trusts him and that includes all the other constituents, she said. The protest comes after the Justice Department has told the Federal Election Commission to hold off on investigating Mr Santos as it conducts its own investigation, The Washington Post reported last month. Story continues But Mr Goldman, the Democratic congressman, told The Independent that was not sufficient. I don't think that a qualification for being a member of Congress is simply that you're not a criminal, Mr Goldman said. Whether or not this is there is a criminal prosecution is separate and apart from the fact that he's clearly unfit to serve in this body. Ms Kass Finkel said it was important to have the event this week since afterward, Congress will head for an extended work period back in their districts. Mr Santos will be one of many members of Congress who will be in the House chamber during President Joe Bidens State of the Union on Tuesday evening. Five Canyon County police chiefs and the sheriff say they oppose the county prosecutors role in a former Caldwell police officers sentencing hearing. Bryan Taylor, Canyon County prosecuting attorney, testified in support of ex-Caldwell Police Lt. Joey Hoadley in a sentencing hearing on Monday. (Hoadley has) always represented the Caldwell Police Department in a very positive light, Taylor said during the hearing. Hoadley was fired from the Caldwell Police Department in May and later convicted of three counts: destruction, alteration or falsification of records in an FBI investigation; tampering with a witness by harassment; and tampering with documents. He was sentenced to three months in prison. The Idaho Statesman reported that Taylor also wrote a letter in support of Hoadley, along with former Caldwell Police Chiefs Frank Wyant and Chris Allgood. The Canyon County law enforcement community was dismayed to learn of Taylors actions, said the six officials statement after the sentencing. Sheriff Kieran Donahue, Nampa Police Chief Joe Huff, Caldwell Police Chief Rex Ingram, Middleton Police Chief Jeff Smith, Wilder Police Chief Dusty Tveidt and Parma Police Chief Robert Topie signed the statement. Police legitimacy is predicated upon public trust and requires a mutuality of confidence between law enforcement and the community, the statement said. We believe testimonies such as Mr. Taylors weaken the confidence that our community has in the criminal justice system, as well as in their leaders. Today, we as leaders of our respective agencies, profess publicly that we will work diligently to strengthen and restore that community trust, and that we will use our platforms to promote the betterment of the whole and not just the individual, the statement said. After three months in prison, Hoadley is to be placed on one year of supervised probation. Reporter Alex Brizee contributed. Ex-Caldwell Police Lt. Joey Hoadley sentenced for tampering with witness, documents Convicted of federal crimes, ex-Caldwell police officer says he was wrongfully fired TOKYO (AP) A Japanese court on Tuesday rejected a damage suit filed by a group of children of Hiroshima atomic bombing survivors seeking government support for medical costs, saying the hereditary impact of radiation exposure is still unknown. A group of 28 plaintiffs whose parents suffered radiation exposure in the Aug. 6, 1945, U.S. atomic attack were demanding the central government include them in the medical support available to survivors. The Hiroshima District Court said the possibility of a hereditary effect from radiation cannot be denied, but there is no established scientific consensus and the governments exclusion of the plaintiffs from medical support is not unconstitutional. The government has insisted there is no scientific evidence showing a hereditary effect from parents radiation exposure on their children. The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in 2017 seeking 100,000 yen ($760) each from the government in damages, saying their exclusion violated the constitutional right to equality. A similar lawsuit by their peers in Nagasaki was also rejected in December. The plaintiffs said they plan to appeal Tuesday's decision, which they called unjust." It was an extremely cold ruling, plaintiff Taku Kakuda told reporters. It was as if we were told to prove the radiation impact on humans with our bodies. The atomic bombing of Hiroshima destroyed the city and killed 140,000 people. The United States dropped a second bomb three days later on Nagasaki, killing another 70,000. Japan surrendered on Aug. 15, 1945, ending World War II and its nearly half-century of aggression in Asia. Many survivors of the bombings have lasting injuries and illnesses resulting from the explosions and radiation exposure and have faced discrimination in Japan. Their children, known as hibaku nisei, or second-generation survivors of atomic bombs, say they constantly worry about the possible hereditary effects of radiation from their parents exposure, and many have developed various forms of cancer and other health problems. They estimate their numbers at 300,000 to 500,000. Currently, only survivors and those with prenatal exposure who were certified can receive government medical support for their radiation illnesses and cancer checkups. The government started providing free medical checks for their children in 1979 but cancer examinations are not included. We understand that the court acknowledged our argument, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said of Tuesday's ruling. A Memphis man discovered a baby alone in a vacant home in Tennessee. His discovery led police to another baby also found inside the home. Nicholas Garrett, 33, told WBTV he had gone to the neighborhood to visit a friend when he heard a high-pitched scream after getting out of his car on Feb. 3. Garrett followed the sound of the scream a few houses down, where he saw a naked baby at the door of a vacant house. He started a Facebook Live video, and can be heard describing what he saw to a neighbor. Garrett said he saw a babys hand come out of the door that was tied with a shoestring to keep it closed. He said the baby had no clothes on, and he wrapped the baby up in a jacket and called Memphis police. Yall, whose baby is this? he said in the video as he began to hold the baby and talk to neighbors. He said one neighbor told him the babies were twins, as reported by FOX13. Where is the other one at then? Garrett asks in the video. Theres another baby in there? Garrett said when police arrived they searched the home and found a second baby wrapped in a blanket inside. McClatchy News reached out to Memphis police for a comment and is awaiting a response. Memphis police confirmed to FOX13 the children were alone at the house. Police said the children were unharmed and released to relatives, and the Department of Childrens Services had been alerted, according to WBTV. Garrett continued to post on social media over the next few days to try and find where the babies had been taken. On Feb. 5, Garrett shared a video of the two babies in a home with clothes, beds and blankets on his Facebook page. He told WBTV he had purchased baby necessities, and he thanked those who helped him on social media. To everybody that gave and wanted to but couldnt, them babies thank yall, the post said. And I really thank yall also. Teen fought for her life when she was killed in 1975, cops say. Now two are arrested TikTokers doorbell camera may help cops crack identity theft case at Texas apartments Three 15-year-olds kill 18-year-old in random carjacking, Colorado police say Ohio cops unveil cruiser to celebrate Black History Month but use fake MLK quote (Reuters) -CVS Health Corp is close to an agreement to buy primary care center operator Oak Street Health Inc for about $10.5 billion including debt, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. The companies are discussing a price of about $39 a share, the newspaper said. The deal, if it goes through, could be announced as soon as this week, the report added. Oak Street Health and CVS declined to comment on the report when contacted by Reuters. Bloomberg News reported last month that CVS was exploring a deal for Oak Street Health. Oak Street Health runs primary care centers across the United States for recipients of Medicare, the U.S. government insurance program for Americans aged 65 and older, and has private equity firms such as General Atlantic and Newlight Partners among its shareholders. CVS had also expressed interest in expanding into the primary care space, and was reportedly among the bidders to acquire primary care provider Cano Health before backing out. (Reporting by Rhea Binoy in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu) Surveillance video released by the Kenosha Unified School District last year shows off-duty Kenosha officer Shawn Guetschow restraining a girl with his knee on her neck during the March 4, 2022 incident. Surveillance video released by the Kenosha Unified School District last year shows off-duty Kenosha officer Shawn Guetschow restraining a girl with his knee on her neck during the March 4, 2022 incident. The father of a 12-year-old girl who was pinned to the floor by an off-duty Wisconsin police officer during an altercation at her middle school last year has filed a federal lawsuit against the officer, school district and city. Jerrel Perezs lawsuit filed Monday accuses Kenosha police officer Shawn Guetschow of using an unreasonable and unlawful use of force while taking his daughter into custody at Lincoln Middle School in Kenosha on March 4, 2022. Surveillance video taken inside the schools cafeteria captured Guetschow, who was working part-time as a school resource officer, pinning the girl to the floor with his knee on her neck for about a half a minute while attempting to break up a physical fight. The police department is accused of not adequately supervising, disciplining or training its employees with regard to secondary employment as school security officers, resulting in the officers quick use of force. The city is similarly accused of failing to train Guetschow on how to interact with children in the school setting. The suit also alleges he was known to have a short temper at the time of his hiring. The restraint left the child with a traumatic brain injury, cervical strain, and recurrent headaches, according to the complaint, which only identifies the child as Jane Doe due to her age. She has also suffered from emotional distress, mental trauma and anxiety that has required mental health treatment, counseling and a need to change schools, the suit says. Guetschow had multiple opportunities to remove his knee from Jane Does neck and failed to do so, the complaint states. Wisconsin police were banned in June 2021 from using chokeholds, except in life-or-death situations, following George Floyds 2020 killing at the hands of Minneapolis police. The law does not specify any penalties for their use, however, and leaves it up to prosecutors to determine whether any charges such as assault or reckless endangerment would be warranted. Story continues The Kenosha Police Department declined to comment directly on the lawsuit but said in a statement Tuesday that a monthslong investigation into the incident found that Guetschow did not violate anyones civil rights and that he did not commit a crime. He was placed on administrative duty shortly after the incident but returned to active duty with the department on Jan. 31. He resigned from his part-time position with the school district days after the incident, citing mental and emotional strain on his family and a lack of communication and or support from the district, according to an email that was previously shared by the district. We have the utmost respect for our criminal justice system and the rights of citizens to lodge complaints, both at the State and Federal level, the police department said in a statement Tuesday. Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley told HuffPost on Tuesday that his office and the U.S. attorneys office both declined to file charges related to Guetschow following an FBI investigation. Graveley declined to comment on any possible criminal charges involving the juvenile. Attorney Sam Hall, who is representing the Kenosha Unified School District and Guetschow, said Guetschow used a trained law enforcement technique to control the student. His office will vigorously defend KUSD and Officer Guetschow in this action, he said in a statement released by the school district. Hall added that Guetschow continues to recover from his own injuries sustained while attempting to break up the fight. These injuries, which he said required treatment in a local hospitals emergency room, include a concussion, significant swelling and a contusion of his head. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story mistakenly stated that there was a monthlong investigation into Guetschows conduct. It was a monthslong investigation. Related... Watch: David Carrick - rapist Metropolitan Police officer jailed for life Former Metropolitan Police officer and serial rapist David Carrick tried to kill himself while he was in custody, a court has heard. Carrick, one of the worst sex offenders in modern UK history, was jailed on Tuesday for at least 30 years after he was given 36 life sentences. The 48-year-old, who carried out a number of rapes and sexual assaults on 12 women over a 17-year-period, was described as a "monster" and "evil" by some of his victims. He carried out a catalogue of violent and brutal sex attacks between 2003 and 2020, Southwark Crown Court heard. Passing sentence, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said Carrick had made a "committed attempt" to kill himself while on remand at Belmarsh prison last February. Former Metropolitan Police officer and serial rapist David Carrick has been jailed for a minimum of 30 years. (PA) As a result, he was moved to Rampton psychiatric hospital but was not found to be suffering from any mental disorder. The judge told him: You were driven to try to commit suicide as a self-pitying reaction to the shame brought on you by these proceedings rather than remorse. Carrick, who joined the Met in 2001 before becoming an armed officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009, used his position to gain the womens trust and scare them into silence. During the hearing yesterday, the court heard he held a handgun to the head of one of his victims as he raped her and sent another a photograph of himself with a work-issue firearm, saying: Remember I am the boss. The court also heard that Carrick used cameras in his home to monitor his victims and shut one woman in a small cupboard as punishment while whistling at her as if she was a dog. Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb during a live broadcast of the sentencing of David Carrick at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday. (PA Images via Getty Images) Sentencing Carrick, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb told him: These convictions represent a spectacular downfall for a man charged with upholding the law and empowered to do so even to the extent of being authorised to bear a firearm in the execution of your duty. Behind a public appearance of propriety and trustworthiness you took monstrous advantage of women. Story continues You brazenly raped and sexually assaulted a number of women, some very brutally and you behaved as if you were untouchable." Carrick sat in the dock with his eyes closed and head bowed during the hearing in a packed courtroom, including some of his victims, and showed no emotion as he was sentenced. An artist's sketch of David Carrick, right, appearing at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday for sentencing. (PA) Carricks crimes were all carried out while he was a serving police officer. He passed vetting checks to guard sites including embassies and the Houses of Parliament and completed training courses, including one on domestic abuse in 2005. Carrick faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings and police chiefs across England and Wales have since been asked to have all officers checked against national police databases by the end of March. The cupboard beneath the stairs in the home of David Carrick. (PA) David Carrick: Key points from the sentencing Full story: Rapist Metropolitan Police officer jailed for life over abuse of 12 women (Guardian) Carrick victim: 'I was put in boot of police car and driven around for hours' (The Telegraph) Hundreds of UK officers should never have been appointed (The Independent) Pictured: Cupboard where rapist police officer David Carrick kept victims (Evening Standard) Rape victim told by nurse to 'put it behind her and move on' (Yahoo News UK) Timeline of 17-year campaign of violent and brutal sex offences (Independent) David Carrick's offences Carrick, from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, had pleaded guilty to 49 offences spanning two decades: His full list of offences were: 24 counts of rape 9 counts of sexual assault 5 counts of assault by penetration 3 counts of coercive and controlling behaviour 3 counts of false imprisonment 2 counts of attempted rape 1 count of attempted sexual assault by penetration 1 count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent 1 count of indecent assault David Carrick posing with a police firearm. (SWNS) Carrick, who served in the army before joining the Met, admitted 49 criminal charges, but some of the attacks are multiple incident counts, meaning they relate to more than 80 sexual offences, including at least 48 rapes against 12 women. David Carrick's methods Carrick, nicknamed "B*****d Dave" by colleagues, met some of the women through online dating sites such as Tinder and Badoo or on social occasions, using his position as a police officer to gain their trust. Carrick admitted raping nine of the women, some on multiple occasions over months or years, with many of those attacks involving violence that would have left them physically injured. Watch: Prime minister says David Carrick's abuse of power 'truly sickening' Some were locked in a small cupboard under the stairs in his Hertfordshire home for hours without food or forced to clean his house naked. Carrick whipped one woman with a belt, urinated on some of his victims, and told them when they could eat and sleep. Read more: David Carrick case - is the Metropolitan Police damaged beyond repair? He called women fat and lazy or his slave as he controlled them financially, isolated them from friends and family, and forbade them from speaking with other men or even their own children. Chief Crown prosecutor Jaswant Narwal said: This is a man who relentlessly degraded, belittled, sexually assaulted and raped women." David Carrick carried out dozens of rape and sexual offences against 12 women. (SWNS) He denied a further count of rape in September 2020 relating to a 13th woman, whose allegation triggered the investigation, and the Crown Prosecution Service decided it was not in the public interest to proceed to trial on the charge. On 4 September 2020, Carrick told her he was a firearms officer nicknamed B*****d Dave, showed her his warrant card and boasted of meeting famous people, including then-prime minister Boris Johnson, in the course of his work, a court previously heard. How did David Carrick evade capture? Carrick came to the attention of police over nine incidents including allegations of rape, domestic violence and harassment between 2000 and 2021. But Carrick, who joined the force in 2001 before becoming an armed officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009, faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings. The Metropolitan Police has apologised for its handling of the David Carrick case. (Getty Images) Police chiefs across England and Wales have since been asked to have all officers checked against national police databases by the end of March. What has the Metropolitan Police said? On Sunday, Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Barbara Gray repeated the force's apology to Carrick's victims. I am truly sorry for the harm and devastation he has caused them," she said. We let them down and we failed to identify a man in the ranks of the Metropolitan Police Service who carried out the most awful offences. He should not have been a police officer." What has been the fallout from the case? Last month, Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said that two or three police officers are expected to appear in court each week to face criminal charges in the coming months as the scandal-hit force attempts to reform. Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley appearing before the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee to answer questions about the David Carrick case. (PA Images via Getty Images) After Carricks guilty plea nearly three weeks ago, home secretary Suella Braverman said more disturbing cases involving police officers could be uncovered in the short term. Following the sentencing, Braverman said: The crimes of David Carrick are a scar on our police, and it is only right that he now faces at least 30 years behind bars. I pay tribute to the brave women who have come forward to hold him to account for his vile abuse. It is vital we uncover how he was able to wear the uniform for so long." Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: My thoughts are with Carricks victims today. I want to pay tribute to their bravery and courage. By coming forward they have helped to protect the public and rid the Met Police of a dangerous and prolific offender who abused his position as a police officer in the worst possible way. This should never have been allowed to happen and must never happen again." A new Met Police integrity hotline has received tens of calls a week, leading to new investigations, Sir Mark said, a third of which relate to other forces. In the wake of Carricks conviction, about 1,000 previous cases involving Met officers and staff who were accused of sexual offences or domestic violence are being reviewed to make sure they were handled correctly. This is expected to be completed by the end of March. Watch: Met Police chief says rooting out corrupt officers 'will be painful' Decades after two women were sexually assaulted and killed, DNA helped identify a suspect, Nevada police said. Eddie George Snowden Jr., who died of natural causes at age 80 in 2017, is accused of killing Lori Ann Perera, 31, in 1992, and Pearl Wilson Ingram, 35, in 1994, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a Feb. 6 news release. During a news conference, Ingrams younger sister, Teresa Board, thanked the cold case unit, saying their work brought her family much-needed closure, KTNV reported. It has been a long 28 years, Board said, according to the outlet. Bodies found In December 1992, a man walking his dog found Pereras body in the desert area, east of the Montgomery Ward retail store, according to a news release from Ortham Inc., a forensic genealogy company that helped police identify a suspect. Perera was found nude with apparent ligature marks on both ankles and both wrists, and it appeared tape had been placed over her mouth, according to the company. The Clark County Medical Examiner determined Pereras cause of death was asphyxia due to manual strangulation with blunt force trauma to the head, the company said. Her death was ruled a homicide. Two years later, in January 1994, a trash collector found Ingrams body inside a dumpster behind a Vons supermarket, the company said. Ingram, who was nude from the waist down, was found behind trash debris used in an effort to conceal her, according to the company. The medical examiner determined Ingram died from manual strangulation, and her death was also ruled a homicide, the company said. Despite investigation, no suspect was identified in connection with either of the womens murders, police said. Decades of investigation In the time since the deaths, the cases have been reviewed by numerous LVMPD Detectives, in hopes of developing new evidence, Ortham said. While reviewing Pereras death in 2007, police said they identified evidence recovered during her autopsy and asked that DNA testing be done. Story continues A DNA profile was entered into the FBIs criminal justice DNA database, Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), police said. When detectives looked into Ingrams case in 2012, police said they also identified evidence from her autopsy. The same day the DNA profile from Ingrams case was sent to CODIS, detectives were notified that DNA from Pereras and Ingrams cases matched, linking the same man to the murders, according to Ortham. This was a huge breakthrough, the company said. Genetic genealogy leads to ID Last June, investigators requested the help of Ortham to perform a genealogical investigation, police said. Genetic genealogy uses DNA testing coupled with traditional genealogical methods to create family history profiles, according to the Library of Congress. With genealogical DNA testing, researchers can determine if and how people are biologically related. Ortham said it identified Snowden as a possible suspect. Records also showed that Snowden once lived at an address in 1992 that was about two miles from where Ingrams body was found, police said. Further, records also indicated he lived in the Las Vegas area during the time of both murders. He had a criminal history from 1956 to 1979 when he lived across several California cities, including Fresno and Sacramento, police said. Snowden was confirmed to be a suspect after investigators were able to compare the DNA profile from the two womens cases with one of his family members, police said. Id like to say, if there are any other family members, keep hope alive. Keep God first. You too can have your closure, Board said, according to KTNV. Body found in NH woods in 1971 IDd as woman never heard from after missing a flight Skeleton found by river in 2018 alongside rubber chicken identified, Colorado cops say DNA helps identify remains as teen who ran away 44 years ago, California cops say Rescue workers continue recovery efforts in Turkey and Syria after a devastating series of earthquakes that began near the border of the two countries on Feb. 6. Authorities say the death toll has surpassed 11,000 and probably will keep climbing. An estimated 6,000 buildings were toppled. "We are facing one of the biggest disasters not only of the history of the Turkish Republic but also of ... the world," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday. Because so many geological plates come together in that area, Turkey and Syria often see devastating quakes compared with more geologically stable areas. Here's what to know: What caused the earthquakes in Turkey, Syria? The Anatolian fault system : The border between Turkey and Syria lies near the Anatolian fault system, where several geologic plates interact: the African, Anatolian (where Turkey sits), Arabian and Eurasian. Plates moving in different directions, different speeds: Turkey sits atop the small Anatolian tectonic plate, which itself sits between several other plates that are moving in different directions, putting pressure on the fault lines. Similar to the San Andreas fault in California : That fault borders the Pacific and North American plates and is the source of "The Big One," a legendary hypothetical earthquake that could devastate Los Angeles. Quakes in this areas are typically caused by faults moving horizontally, known as strike-slip faults. How to visualize: It's like squeezing a watermelon seed between your fingers it stays in place until the pressure builds and the seed ultimately pops out, said Susan Hough, a California-based seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. How long was the earthquake in Turkey, Syria? The USGS said the magnitude 7.8 quake struck on Feb. 6 at 4:17 a.m. local time in the southern Turkish province of Kahramanmaras, about 20 miles from the city of Gaziantep. The USGS has calculated the initial quake's duration at 60 to 75 seconds. Story continues Scores of aftershocks followed, authorities said, and witnesses reported feeling the ground shake for about two minutes. Hours later, a 7.5 magnitude quake struck more than 60 miles away. Multiple smaller quakes have followed in the same area. Yesterday's M7.8 earthquake in southern Turkey ruptured along segments of the East Anatolian Fault zone that had caused 3 previous strong quakes in the 18th & 19th centuries (orange). But this time they all ruptured together! #TurkiyeEarthquarke #deprem pic.twitter.com/o7429P98m9 Brian Olson (@mrbrianolson) February 6, 2023 What other major earthquakes have happened in that region? 2020 : Turkey was struck by a magnitude 6.7 earthquake in January that caused significant damage. 1999 : A series of earthquakes hit northwest Turkey. A 7.4 magnitude quake hit Istanbul, killing about 17,000 people. 1939: A magnitude 7.8 earthquake shook the Erzincan area, and in some areas the ground slipped more than 12 feet horizontally along the North Anatolian fault line. That quake killed more than 30,000 people, authorities said. Because Turkey is prone to quakes, many newly constructed buildings are designed to withstand significant shaking, usually by isolating them from the ground with the equivalent of giant shock absorbers. In 2009, Turkey celebrated the completion of what at the time was the world's biggest earthquake-isolated building: the international terminal at Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen Airport, which sits atop 300 isolation columns. Could an earthquake like this happen in the United States? Experts generally agree the most significant earthquake risk to the United States is in California, where the Pacific and North American plates meet. The region generally has more earthquake risk than Turkey and Syria, but some of that is mitigated by tough building codes. Apple's $5 billion ring-shaped headquarters building in nearby Cupertino, for instance, sits atop 700 "base isolators" that help protect it from movement of the earth. California's cities and towns have worked to account for earthquake danger since the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and then the 1933 Long Beach quake. "Building collapse isnt as big a danger in California as it is in Turkey. For many people here, a bigger danger is stuff falling. That isnt to say some buildings wont collapse," David Oglesby, a geophysics professor at the University of California, Riverside, said in an emailed statement. "Most of our buildings, particularly certain critical ones, are designed to withstand significant shaking." Earthquake risk exists on the East Coast too, but the building codes often aren't as strict. New York City began requiring earthquake considerations for new buildings only in 1995. Big quakes can happen throughout the country. The USGS says the 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Mineral, Virginia, on Aug. 23, 2011, was the most widely felt quake in U.S. history. That's because the East Coast's tectonics allowed the quake to travel farther than it might have in California and because it happened on the densely populated East Coast. That quake damaged the Washington Monument about 90 miles from the epicenter. "If that quake had been closer to Washington, D.C., that could have been a real shock to the country," Hough said. What was the largest earthquake ever recorded? Using modern measurement techniques, the biggest earthquake ever recorded was on May 22, 1960, in Bio-Bio, Chile. Known as the Valdivia earthquake, it measured 9.5 magnitude, according to the USGS. Contributing: Wyatte Grantham-Philips, John Bacon and Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY; The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Questions about Turkey, Syria earthquake answered: Why there? US risk. US Air Force F-80C Shooting Stars during the Korean War in 1950 or 1951. US Air Force/B. Butcher By late 1950, US pilots were frequently battling North Korean and Soviet pilots over Korea. That November, US Air Force and Navy pilots notched the first victories between jet-powered aircraft. More than 70 years later, US fighter pilots are still flexing their muscles around the Korean Peninsula. November marked the 72nd anniversary of the first dogfight between jet-powered fighter aircraft in history. The specific date of that first dogfight is still hotly debated, with both the US Air Force and US Navy taking credit for the milestone in two Korean War air battles. The first, involving an Air Force Lockheed F-80C Shooting Star piloted by Lt. Russel Brown, occurred on November 8, 1950. The second, involving a Navy Grumman F9F Panther piloted by Lt. Cmdr. William Amen, took place on November 9. Both took place in the same area and involved the same opponents MiG-15 fighter jets flown by Soviet pilots who had been secretly deployed to aid North Korea's military. While the date of the first dogfight still isn't clear, the battles were the beginning of a new era of aerial warfare. Air superiority US Air Force F-80C fighters return from a mission in August 1952. US Air Force United Nations forces, led by the US, quickly established air superiority after the Korean war started on June 25, 1950. The North Korean People's Air Force (KPAF) was considerably smaller than those of the US and its allies, had almost no combat experience, and was mainly equipped with Soviet-made propeller planes, mostly Yak-9s, Yak-11s, La-7s, and Il-10s. US and UN forces, on the other hand, had aviators and mechanics with combat experience from World War II, better propeller planes, and, most importantly, new jet aircraft. The backbone of the US Air Force's fighter fleet was the F-80C Shooting Star, while the US Navy relied on the carrier-based F9F Panther. The war was the first major engagement for the US Air Force, which had been formed in September 1947, and it would be the first time that jet-powered aircraft were major players. American aircraft based in Japan were scoring kills within a day of the war's start, and on June 27, the F-80C scored its first kill when 1st Lt. Robert H. Dewald shot down a KPAF Il-10. Story continues A US Navy F9F-2 Panther on the deck of aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea in 1951. US Navy Air Force F-80Cs conducted more than 15,000 sorties in the first four months of the war. Along with Navy carrier aircraft, they engaged in dogfights, assisted long-range bomber raids, and intercepted KPAF fighters wherever and whenever they appeared. Allied air supremacy helped reverse the tide of the war on the ground, and on October 1, UN forces had crossed the 38th Parallel, taking the war into North Korea itself. Unnerved by those developments, China and the Soviet Union stepped up their support for North Korea. China entered the war on October 19 with hundreds of thousands of troops who clashed with UN forces. The Soviets sent dozens of their newest fighter jet, the MiG-15, and pilots to fly them. Operating from Chinese bases across the Yalu River, the Soviet MiGs had Chinese or North Korean markings and engaged in dogfights with US and allied aircraft. On November 1, the first day MiG-15s fought allied aircraft, the Soviets claimed to have shot down an American F-51 Mustang and an F-80C fighter jet, but Air Force records for that day do not show any losses to enemy aircraft. The Air Force's 'first' A US Air Force F-80C armed with napalm bombs takes off from a Korean airfield in February 1951. US Air Force According to the Air Force, the first real jet vs. jet dogfight occurred seven days later, on November 8. During a large bombing raid on the KPAF airfield at Sinuiju, four F-80Cs were finishing strafing attacks on anti-aircraft guns when the lead jet, piloted by Lt. Col. Evans Stephens, noticed 12 MiG-15s approaching from nearby Chinese territory. Two of the MiGs dove for Stephens and Lt. Russel Brown, breaking right in front of them as the Americans turned to meet them. Stephens trailed the first MiG while Brown trailed the second. Stephens managed to fire on his MiG and damaged its left wing, causing it to head back to China. Brown, meanwhile, was in hot pursuit, but the MiG was a faster aircraft. Brown's F-80 began buffeting as it exceeded 0.80 Mach. As the MiG attempted to turn, Brown fired four busts, causing the MiG pilot to roll over and dive. Brown continued his pursuit. Going as fast as 600 mph, the MiG was still about 1,000 feet away. Brown fired another four bursts, causing the MiG's fuselage to spew black smoke. A final burst exploded the MiG in mid-air. Just 2,000 feet off the ground, Brown pulled out of the dive. The dogfight had lasted about 60 seconds. The Navy's 'first' US Navy F9F-2 fighters launch from USS Philippine Sea for a mission over Korea in 1952 or 1953. US Navy For decades, Brown's engagement was believed to be the first kill in a jet vs. jet dogfight. After the Cold War, Russian documents claimed that the MiG engaged by Brown had actually returned to its base. If this is true, then the first kill in a jet vs. jet dogfight belongs to a Navy jet flying in the same place just a day later. On November 9, fighter-bombers and attack aircraft launched from the carriers USS Valley Forge and USS Philippine Sea to strike bridges on the Yalu River between Sinuiju and China. The strike aircraft were escorted by F9F Panthers, which conducted combat patrols during the bombing missions. As the US aircraft began their attack, a squadron of Soviet MiG-15s attempted to intercept them. Aware of the approaching MiGs, Lt. Cmdr. William Amen ordered his Panthers to join the fray. Amen soon found himself trailing a lone MiG-15. Although faster than the Panther, the MiG inadvertently allowed Amen and his wingman to close the gap by turning and yawing in an attempt to shake them. As a result, the US Navy pilots hit the MiG with their 20mm guns. The MiG then went into a steep dive. Amen followed. Despite the Panther buffeting as it approached its maximum velocity, Amen managed to fire more rounds into the MiG-15. At about 3,000 feet, Amen broke off and began to pull up, leveling off and turning upward with just 200 feet to spare. The damaged MiG was not as lucky and smashed into the side of a hill. It was piloted by Capt. Mikhail F. Grachev, the leader of the Soviet squadron, and was the first MiG-15 loss acknowledged by the Soviets. Importance of airpower US Air Force F-16s and B-1B bombers with South Korean F-35As during Vigilant Storm 23 in November 2022. US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Dwane Young Despite the early victories by UN pilots, the MiGs became a significant problem as they arrived in force, causing the US Air Force to cease daylight bombing raids almost entirely. UN forces began to check the MiG menace when the US introduced the F-86 Saber in December 1950. The F-86 soon became the primary fighter aircraft for US and allied air forces in Korea, with other jet fighters moving to attack or reconnaissance roles. The area along the North Korea-China border where Brown's and Amen's engagements occurred continued to see intense dogfights until the end of the war, earning it the nickname "MiG Alley." Seventy-two years later, military planners still value airpower on the Korean Peninsula. A US Marine Corps F-35B takes off in South Korea during Vigilant Storm 23 in October 2022. US Marine Corps/Sgt. Jose Angeles US and South Korean forces recently conducted their largest air exercise ever, reflecting their ongoing reliance on air superiority as well as recent tensions. The exercise, called Vigilant Storm, involved roughly 100 US aircraft and some 140 South Korean aircraft flying more than 1,600 sorties. Attack aircraft, fourth- and fifth-generation fighter jets, and strategic bombers took part. Vigilant Storm was extended in response to North Korean missile tests in November. It included mock attacks, aerial maneuvers, close air support drills, and emergency air operations, which were conducted 24 hours a day for almost a week. In December, US B-52 bombers and F-22 stealth fighters flew alongside South Korean F-15s and F-35s in a show of force. It was the first time F-22s had been deployed to South Korea in four years. Read the original article on Business Insider Three and a half years after El Pasoans suffered through one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history, the defendant in the deaths of 23 people at an East Side Walmart is expected to plead guilty in federal court. Patrick Crusius is set to plead guilty at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Albert Armendariz Sr. Federal Courthouse in Downtown El Paso, according to court records. No details have been released on whether the plea is part of an agreement. A motion requesting an arraignment hearing only states Crusius intends to enter a plea of guilty to the pending Indictment. Crusius faces 90 federal charges in connection with the Aug. 3, 2019, mass shooting at the Cielo Vista-area Walmart. The charges are: 23 counts of hate crimes resulting in death 23 counts of use of a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence 22 counts of hate crimes involving an attempt to kill 22 counts of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence Crusius, of Allen, Texas, on Aug. 3, 2019, drove from the Dallas suburb to El Paso with a variant of an AK-47 assault rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, according to the federal indictment. Once in El Paso, he allegedly uploaded a racist tirade online claiming his attack was a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas. Crusius then allegedly gunned down people in the parking lot and inside the store, leaving 23 people dead and dozens more injured. He then surrendered to law enforcement shortly after the shooting. A gag order issued in state district court prevents defense lawyers, prosecutors, witnesses, victims and family members from discussing the case. The courtroom is expected to be filled with victims and family members of those who were killed in the mass shooting. Next steps in federal case against Patrick Crusius There are more steps to bring justice to the victims, their families and the El Paso community. A federal sentencing date will be set Wednesday or in the coming days. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced Jan. 17 that it will not seek the death penalty in the case. Story continues Crusius faces up to life in prison. The U.S. federal system does not offer parole. However, the federal system does allow a defendant to be released on community supervision in some cases, although it is highly unlikely any community supervision will be granted to Crusius. In standard plea agreements, a defendant agrees to waive his right to an appeal. The only way the defendant could appeal would be if he could prove ineffective assistance of counsel or prosecutorial misconduct. The Border Network for Human Rights led the #ElPasoFirme Community Memorial: A Call to Action Against White Supremacy, Racism, and Xenophobia service at Ponder Park in East El Paso on Aug. 3, 2022, the third anniversary of the Walmart shooting. State case continues against Patrick Crusius The federal case against Crusius has moved forward faster than the case in state court. The state court case has faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, issues with the former district attorney and her administration, which ended with her resigning from office, and the appointment of a new district attorney. A trial date in state district court has not been set. In state district court, Crusius faces one count of capital murder of multiple persons and 22 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The El Paso County District Attorneys Office is seeking the death penalty against Crusius. The delays in the state case mostly involved former El Paso District Attorney Yvonne Rosales. She faced several allegations during her brief tenure as the head prosecutor for the region, including allegations of official misconduct and continued incompetence, and claims members of her staff falsified emails and threatened the family of a Walmart shooting victim. A gag order was issued by State District Court Judge Sam Medrano after Rosales declared in a statement the case against the Walmart shooter was going to proceed to trial by 2023. A petition to remove Rosales from office was filed by El Paso lawyer Omar Carmona. He cited in his petition for removal that under Rosales there had been a sharp decline in case filings despite a rise in family violence arrests; the dismissal of the hundreds of cases due to inaction by the DA's office; the dismissal of a death penalty capital murder case on grounds of prosecutorial vindictiveness; and the alleged "mishandling" of the Walmart case. Rosales fought the petition and denied the allegations against her. She then filed a motion asking the state to recuse Medrano, whom she accused of acting with "personal animus" against her. The motion was denied. Allegations then surfaced that members of Rosales team had threatened the family of one of the Walmart victims and had sent emails claiming to be the family to the media. The emails were allegedly sent in an effort to have Medrano removed from the case. Rosales also allegedly attempted to avoid subpoenas compelling her to attend a hearing over the gag order violation. She missed the initial hearing, but appeared at a rescheduled hearing. Rosales took the stand but invoked her Fifth Amendment right to remain silent to every question asked by defense attorneys until Medrano allowed her to step down from the stand. Rosales resigned from office Nov. 28. The resignation came weeks before a hearing in the petition for removal was held to determine whether she would be suspended as the petition moved forward. Her last day in office was Dec. 14. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appointed prominent Texas lawyer Bill Hicks to take over as El Paso County district attorney in December. Hicks will serve the last two years of Rosales' term. No hearings are currently scheduled in the state case against Crusius, according to court records. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Patrick Crusius set to plead guilty in El Paso Walmart shooting (Reuters) -Delta Air Lines Inc said on Tuesday that it would bump up the pay of its employees by 5%, amid an industrywide shortage of workers as airlines look to cash in on robust demand for air travel. Delta's raise includes a 5% base pay increase for ground and flight attendant employees worldwide at all steps of the pay scale and a 5% pool for eligible merit employees worldwide, the airline's chief executive Ed Bastian wrote in a memo to employees. The pay hike, which will be effective from April 1, comes at a time when airlines are coming up with attractive pay offers to retain workforce and add staff after a faster-than-expected rebound in the U.S. travel market. The carrier offered a 34% cumulative pay increase last month to its pilots over three years in a new contract after the Atlanta-based carrier's pilots voted overwhelmingly in October to authorize a strike. The latest hike includes all employees worldwide, except those covered by an industry or government requirement or collective bargaining agreement. Shares of Delta were down nearly 2% in afternoon trade. (Reporting by Nathan Gomes and Kannaki Deka in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri and Shailesh Kuber) House Democrats are slamming Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) this week after he demanded steep spending cuts as part of negotiations with President Biden to lift the debt limit. Theyre pointing to the trillions of dollars piled onto the debt under Republican administrations, wondering aloud why GOP leaders didnt prioritize cuts when they had the power to do so. These people are such hypocrites, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said Tuesday morning. They dont care about the deficit; they dont care about debt. Every Republican president has increased the deficit, but the thing is, what have they used it for? Theyve used it to give tax cuts to the wealthiest. McCarthy, as part of the process that won him the Speakers gavel, had promised his conservative detractors he would oppose a debt ceiling hike unless it came with Democratic concessions to slash federal spending. On Monday, McCarthy doubled down, delivering a brief speech in the Capitol a prebuttal to Bidens State of the Union speech scheduled for Tuesday night in which he said Republicans will seek spending reductions that put Washington on a path to a balanced budget. The greatest threat to our future is our national debt, McCarthy said. The government has already hit the $31.4 trillion debt limit, and the Treasury Department has warned that the extraordinary measures it is using to stave off a default will exhaust themselves over the summer. Raising the ceiling does not authorize new government spending but simply allows the Treasury to borrow funds to pay the obligations Congress has already approved, going back decades. The vote was once routine, but Republicans more recently have used it as leverage to fight for reductions in federal spending and McCarthy said Monday it was an appropriate arena for that debate. We must return Washington to a basic truth: Debt matters, he said. The debt limit is one of the most important opportunities Congress has to change course. Story continues That warning is similar to the alarms sounded by Republicans under former President Obama, when GOP leaders characterized deficit spending as an existential threat to the countrys economic health a debate that led to a debt limit showdown, a downgrading of the U.S. credit rating and, eventually, the adoption of the Budget Control Act of 2011. The GOPs deficit concerns were virtually absent, however, under the George W. Bush administration, which inherited a multitrillion-dollar budget surplus and turned it into a multitrillion-dollar deficit largely through tax cuts, a Medicare expansion, and funding for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, none of which were paid for. And Republicans were mostly silent on fiscal matters again under former President Trump, who grew deficit spending substantially largely with another tax cut package even before the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic. You could raise $300 billion in revenue by taxing billionaires. And why wouldnt you do that, if youre really interested in any path forward that doesnt hurt people? Jayapal asked. Its just a big hypocrisy that they care about this issue. McCarthy has not specified which federal programs Republicans will seek to slash but has said they wont go after Social Security or Medicare, raise taxes, or cut lethal defense programs. If that recipe stands, it would mean enormous cuts for the remaining portion of the discretionary budget cuts so steep that Democrats predict GOP leaders would never even propose them, let alone adopt them. If hes going to be serious on those parameters, he needs to tell us exactly what hes going to cut, said Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.). Because if youre taking defense and Social Security and Medicare off the table, youre going to have to go very, very deep into those remaining parts of the budget. And I doubt that Mr. McCarthy or anyone else would have the stomach to actually reveal the specific cuts that that would entail. This is theater, Huffman added. Hes trying to get us to negotiate against ourselves. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (Conn.), senior Democrat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, is already sounding similar warnings about the effects such cuts would have on the nondefense discretionary budget, which includes countless federal programs, from NASA and the national parks to public health and veterans benefits. If thats what these folks want to do, is to go after all that working families rely on in terms of services thats a pretty extraordinary move, DeLauro told The Hill late last month. Now, I dont know what is being suggested I want to see what can be worked out but I am not going to watch cuts, at NIH [National Institutes of Health], education, apprenticeships, the whole nine yards. McCarthy has vowed that Republicans wont let the partisan impasse impede the governments ability to pay its bills Defaulting on our debt is not an option, he said Monday and Democrats tend to agree that some compromise will be secured before then. As we get closer to the actual default, cooler heads will prevail and well get through this, Huffman said. But he needs to kind of run this out for his caucus. Still, others are wondering how McCarthy will thread the needle to satisfy the demands of conservatives, who are insisting on cuts, and those of Biden and liberal Democrats, who are warning against taking the debt limit hostage. I dont know how theyre going to get out of this, because theyre painting themselves into a corner, Jayapal said. And at the end of the day, we are going to need a clean debt ceiling bill. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) Denmarks defense minister has taken a leave of absence for an undetermined period of time after he felt unwell and went to a Copenhagen hospital for a medical checkup last week. The 49-year-old Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, who is also deputy prime minister, heads the Liberals that are part of the NATO members governing three-party coalition. He wrote on his Facebook page on Feb. 1 that he had dizziness and headache and went to a hospital just to be safe. After being examined, he said he there is nothing serious to report and I am feeling well again. But he posted on Monday evening that he was pulling the plug and will be back when Im ready after taking advice from his doctor. I have been unusually busy for a long time. Now my body is sending a signal that its time to take a break, Ellemann-Jensen wrote on Facebook. A senior member of the Liberals, Troels Lund Poulsen, will take over the defense ministry temporarily until Ellemann-Jensen can return. Another senior party member, Stephanie Lose, will assume the leadership of the Liberals in Ellemann-Jensen's absence. His sick leave will not affect the work of the government, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said. I am very, very sad on his behalf, she said. The government is continuing its work. On Dec. 15 after 42 days of talks following the Nov. 1 general election Frederiksen presented a three-party majority coalition that crosses the left-right divide. It includes the center-right Liberals, the center-left Social Democrats and the centrist Moderates party headed by former Prime Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen, who is now Denmark's foreign minister. It was the first time in 44 years that such a centrist government had been formed, bringing an end to the two blocs that have opposed each other for decades. The three parties control 89 seats in the 179-seat parliament and are also supported by the four lawmakers representing the semi-independent Danish territories of Greenland and the Faeroe Islands. On Jan. 30, Ellemann-Jensen traveled with Frederiksen and Lkke Rasmussen on a one-day trip to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is signaling plans to ramp up his attack on the news industry ahead of his likely 2024 run for president. DeSantis on Tuesday held a roundtable discussion with media libel law experts and critics on a stage mirroring a typical cable-news show, with the GOP governor setting behind a desk with a screen behind him with the word truth displayed prominently. Among those with him were a conservative lawyer who represents Dominion Voting Systems Inc. in a defamation suit against former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani and former President Donald Trumps attorney Sidney Powell. Others on the panel include Nick Sandmann, a former Kentucky high school student who sued media companies over a viral social media video and a libertarian journalist. The idea that they would create narratives that are contrary to discovering facts, I dont know that was the standard, DeSantis said. Now it seems you pursue the narrative, youre trying to advance the narrative and trying to get the clicks, and the fact checking and contrary facts has just fallen by the wayside. DeSantis has long had a contentious relationship with the media since he became Florida governor in 2019. He rarely gives interviews to major media outlets and regularly criticizes outlets like CNN and his former press secretary, Christina Pushaw, was well-known for singling out reporters on Twitter for ridicule. The Republican governor, whos widely believed to be staging a campaign to unseat Democrat President Joe Biden in 2024, even unsuccessfully pushed the Legislature to approve a law challenging First Amendment protections during last years legislative session, according to the Orlando Sentinel. DeSantis criticism of the media is similar to those of former President Donald Trump, who regularly condemned media outlets like the Washington Post and the New York Times. In 2018, Trump also suggested that hed try to change libel laws to make it easier to sue news organizations. Story continues During Tuesdays discussion, DeSantis didnt detail any specific laws he wanted enacted but pressed Florida legislators to protect Floridians. When the media attacks me, I have a platform to fight back. When they attack everyday citizens, these individuals dont have the adequate recourses to fight back, he said. It would contribute to an increase in ethics in the media and everything if they knew that if you smeared somebody, its false and you didnt do your homework then you have to be held accountable for that. Carson Holloway, a scholar from the conservative think tank the Claremont Institute, also said during the discussion that the Supreme Courts legal precedents that govern most defamation lawsuits makes libel claims against media companies by public figures nearly impossible to win. This is distorting our politics in fundamental ways, Holloway said. It really discombobulates our ability to govern ourselves. Sandmann, who became embroiled in a social media firestorm after a video was posted of him smiling in front of a Native American beating a drum at the National Mall, said he thought nothing of the video until he saw it on social media as he boarded a bus back to Kentucky. National media outlets reported that the video showed Sandmann blocking the path of Native American, but Sandmann, who was wearing a red Make America Great Again hat, claimed he was trying to stay motionless to calm the situation at the event. In my case I didnt have a reputation to ruin I hadn't started any sort of professional career and I havent even started my life, Sandmann said. But they predetermined how that would happen. Libertarian journalist Michael C. Moynihan told Sandmann his death sentence was because he wore a MAGA hat indicating his support for Trump. Barbara Petersen, executive director of the Florida Center for Government Accountability, said during a phone interview that the Ivy League-educated DeSantis is smart enough to understand why the countrys forefathers believed the press was so important. Its the only profession protected by the Constitution, Petersen said. Why is he so hot and bothered over this? Libby Locke, who was one of the lawyers representing Dominion Voting Systems, said the media is no longer doing the job that the public expects of it, especially with the growing use of anonymous sources. The voting systems company sued some of Trump's biggest supporters, including MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, for defamation after the defendants allegedly made false statements about Dominion. The thumb is on the scale in favor of the press, Locke said. Media defense lawyers come in and say First Amendment, and judges get very nervous about applying the law in a way that is favorable or even handed to a defamation plaintiff, and lives are ruined as a result. Deliberately creating polarization troubling Columnist John Wood, Jr. wrote: The worst of all catastrophes in our society is the social and political polarization that divides Americans. Some may quibble over the suggestion our divisive political polarization is the worst catastrophe facing us, but its a serious issue that impedes the resolution of other existential problems, including mass shootings, immigration and global warming. Wood is correct to suggest political polarization has weakened those federal institutions on which we depend to maintain a strong, free and impartial democracy. The erosion of trust thats weakened the foundations of these institutions has its origins in, as Wood notes, the spread and acceptance of misinformation that deepens our divisions and endangers lives (emphasis added). As a moderate independent, Im an equal opportunity critic who tries to consider issues dispassionately from multiple perspectives. When emotions enter politics, political extremists cleverly inflame them, fanning passions in shameful attempts to burn opponents to cinders. Rational thinking and objective analysis is suspended. This burn-or-be-burned behavior suggests, as an example, Gov. Ron DeSantis strategy to turn up the heat on two cultural issues sparked by conservative activists: race and gender. Its another shameful strategy because its intent is to ignite conservative voters emotions by humiliating two particular demographics African Americans and LGBTQ individuals while suppressing the right to free speech in our public schools and colleges and universities. Consider comments made by Manny Diaz Jr., Florida's commissioner of education, who charges the College Boards impending release of an Advanced Placement African American Studies course is filled with Critical Race Theory (CRT) and other obvious violations of Florida law. While CRT is an emotional, red-meat issue to the MAGA crowd, Diaz initially offered no specific examples why the governor opposes the AP course. Thoughtful Floridians know why, and it discredits our state government. Story continues Cray Little, Vero Beach Juliette Heckman, a Leon High School student, speaks at the OStop the Black AttackO rally in the Florida Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. Heckman is one of three students threatening to file a lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration for the ban of a proposed Advanced Placement course on African American Studies in Florida high schools. Speaking carefully: When did Americans stop using qualifiers? Newscasters have made it popular to speak with conviction, selling their own strength, albeit popularity to their fans, appearing to have THE exclusive inside story! Now we all do it. We state opinions, points of view, as if they were truly the facts. It appears to weaken our arguments when we speak with equivocation and modify our comments with qualifiers. It makes us sound weaker. Do we think we must all be emphatic and stress our take with an advertisers' or hucksters' confidence? We state the world is coming to an end and democracy is finished with such strength that everyone believes it. What if we said democracy MAY be finished? Do we believe it, or think it is a possibility? There is definitely a thin line between the way we see the world and what may be a reality. We say our reality is all that matters to us, but now we push it on others. Opinions are promulgated until they look credible and become propaganda. No one knows the truth. Where will all this hyperbole get us? It would be beneficial (and certainly more equitable) if we qualify, modify and own our opinions. Surely we would not only sound more intelligent and educated to not have all the answers, it would help to nullify the lines between enemy camps and show more respect for other points of view, leaving room for others' opinions while not closing the door on creative thoughts, possibilities or options.Judith C. Kayloe, Ph.D, Port St. Lucie This flier was made to explain the proposed dress code for the Florida Legislature in 2023. Have Florida Legislature focus on real issues, not women's arms, knees This is asinine. Black men and women are being mowed down by those charged with protecting them. Teachers have to dig into their already shallow pockets to buy needed supplies for their classrooms. There are more than 100,000 unhoused people on any given night in the Sunshine State. And women in Florida do not get the final say over their own bodies. But, yes, lets focus on the more important issues womens tantalizing bare arms and our fetching kneecaps. Leave it to Floridas leadership to spend precious legislative time which lasts for only 60 days dictating how women can dress. I have a novel idea: Stop objectifying womens bodies! If the topic of womens arms and knees is so vitally important, then maybe, just maybe, Floridas government could have training that teaches respect for us, instead. And, if that does not suit our legislators, then perhaps they could just focus on the issues important to Floridians. Believe me, the vast majority of us do not care one microscopic iota as to whether or not our representatives' arms or knees are showing. And neither should anyone else. Susan Stutz, Port St. Lucie Maintain quality of life before we choose to 'escape' I found your Jan. 30 front page very telling. Below the fold was Ed Killer's column, "Three reasons Army Corps is dead wrong about Lake O discharges." It is well written and easily understandable, no matter the reader's knowledge on the subject. Ed makes his case and backs it up with logic and reason on a subject of major importance to anyone living on the Treasure Coast. It is a prime example of what we, your longtime subscribers, are used to seeing by your very fine staff writers. On the other hand, the top story is by a Palm Beach Post reporter attempting to tell us where all the new people we see are coming from. Unfortunately, the sole source used in developing the story is the old driver's information for people who exchanged their out-of-state licenses for new Florida licenses. While this method works for folks coming from out of state, and that would have been relevant for people moving to the Treasure Coast in the past, as a longtime Florida real estate broker, I can tell you it seems like there are as many people moving here from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties as there are coming from up north. I get the same reaction from all of the local Realtors I speak to. This could have been an important story about how critical it is that we maintain our quality life before our constituents begin to feel they, too, need to escape. We can do better. You can do better. Charles Grande, Jensen Beach GOP equals Big Government with New College Why is the governor taking over New College? Because he wants to, and because he can. Thats not good governance; instead, its an appalling abuse of power. Republicans have long said they believe in small government. This is the opposite. Its an autocratic act, and its utterly un-American. If you are unhappy with whats happening to K-12 and higher education in Florida, tell your representatives. Rebecca Barnhouse, Vero Beach Guns? Cars? Founders missing something? So let me get this straight: In Florida, if the "constitutional carry" law is passed, you will no longer need a permit to carry a concealed gun, but you still need a permit to drive, because there is no constitutional right to drive. I get it. I guess our founding fathers could never foresee a future with handguns that could fire multiple rounds in a short time, causing great bodily harm (as opposed to muskets), nor vehicles, traveling at high speeds, capable of causing great bodily harm. So what is the difference? Maybe I don't get it. Tony Lella, Port St. Lucie This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: GOP, DeSantis overstep bounds, overregulate; problems abound | Letters Republicans in Florida's House of Representatives introduced legislation Monday that would halt a plan to dissolve the special tax district set up for Walt Disney World, as mandated under a plan Florida Republicans pushed through last year. Instead, Disney's Reedy Creek Improvement District would be renamed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, and rather than the Walt Disney Co. picking the board of supervisors, it's five members would be chosen by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and approved by the GOP-led state Senate. The Reedy Creek district has essentially let Disney govern Reedy Creek as its own magic kingdom since 1967, free of most regulations and many external taxes, as The Wall Street Journal explained in 2022, before Florida's Legislature passed its plan to dissolve the district. DeSantis pushed for last year's law dissolving Reedy Creek on June 1, 2023, in retaliation for Disney's opposition to his "Don't Say Gay" law, formally known as the Parental Rights in Education law. But the Reedy Creek legislation "had critical flaws," the Tampa Bay Times reports. Notably, "it did not say how the state would handle Disney's nearly $1 billion in bond debt, which would fall on the residents of Orange and Osceola counties if Disney's ability to tax itself was removed from law." The new bill, expected to pass this week during a special legislative session, would stipulate that Reedy Creek "continues in full force and effect under its new name" and modified rules. Along with Disney losing the right to pick the district's board members, the legislation also prevents Disney from building a stadium, nuclear power plant, or airport, and restricts is use of eminent domain and advertisement, said bill sponsor state Rep. Fred Hawkins (R). Disney will still save millions in building costs, but it's "not going to be happy about this bill," Richard Foglesong, a political science professor at Rollins College and expert on Disney-Florida relations, tells the Journal. "Disney has long been a company that, when they needed water, they went out and dug their own well." Story continues Walt Disney World Resort president Jeff Vahle said the company is monitoring the "complex" legislation. "Disney works under a number of different models and jurisdictions around the world," he added, "and regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year." You may also like Why scientists are worried about bird flu The U.S. economy is shifting toward disinflation. Here's why that's 'most welcome.' Ohio town at risk of deadly chemical explosion following train derailment A high school teacher is under investigation after video appears to show him partially clothed in a classroom. The Clayton County School District has the video and says it wants to get to the bottom of this. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Parents who watched the video say it makes no sense for an educator to take any of their clothes off in a classroom. You got to laugh to keep from crying nowadays. You dont know what youre going to get from these teachers, a parent who only wanted to be identified as Ms. Nolan said. Another parent was not laughing when we showed her the video. The video captured a teacher who was at least shirtless with his back to the camera. A teacher? Oh my goodness, was how Ms. Nolan reacted when she watched the video. TRENDING STORIES: Someone sent Channel 2 the video. The student who shot it captioned the video: Wht we see @ Jonesboro. A crying laughing emoji followed those words. The student also suggested the teacher was enjoying himself. The video has parents worried. And if he doing this to himself he got to be looking at kids a certain way, Ms. Nolan said. The Clayton County School System released the following statement about the video: Clayton County Public Schools is aware of an alleged incident involving inappropriate behavior by an educator. District leaders are investigating this matter and will determine appropriate actions as all details are learned. As this is an active investigation, the district will not offer any additional comments. People who watched the video wondered what was the employee thinking. Thats bad. He need to put some clothes on. They need to send him home, said a man who only wanted to be identified as Milner. Story continues Ms. Nolan says whatever the educator was doing, the classroom wasnt the place to do it. If you in your birthday suit, pretty much is what they call it, and you dont have on any clothes and youre at work I dont know what else could you be doing, she said. The statement from the school district does not say if the educator is still in the classroom. Parents say they hope he is not. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad's (KLSE:DKSH) stock up by 4.1% over the past month. Given its impressive performance, we decided to study the company's key financial indicators as a company's long-term fundamentals usually dictate market outcomes. In this article, we decided to focus on DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad's ROE. Return on equity or ROE is an important factor to be considered by a shareholder because it tells them how effectively their capital is being reinvested. Put another way, it reveals the company's success at turning shareholder investments into profits. Check out our latest analysis for DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad How Is ROE Calculated? The formula for return on equity is: Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) Shareholders' Equity So, based on the above formula, the ROE for DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad is: 13% = RM109m RM806m (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2022). The 'return' is the yearly profit. Another way to think of that is that for every MYR1 worth of equity, the company was able to earn MYR0.13 in profit. What Is The Relationship Between ROE And Earnings Growth? So far, we've learned that ROE is a measure of a company's profitability. Depending on how much of these profits the company reinvests or "retains", and how effectively it does so, we are then able to assess a companys earnings growth potential. Assuming everything else remains unchanged, the higher the ROE and profit retention, the higher the growth rate of a company compared to companies that don't necessarily bear these characteristics. DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad's Earnings Growth And 13% ROE To start with, DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad's ROE looks acceptable. On comparing with the average industry ROE of 8.7% the company's ROE looks pretty remarkable. This probably laid the ground for DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad's moderate 20% net income growth seen over the past five years. As a next step, we compared DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad's net income growth with the industry, and pleasingly, we found that the growth seen by the company is higher than the average industry growth of 14%. Story continues Earnings growth is an important metric to consider when valuing a stock. The investor should try to establish if the expected growth or decline in earnings, whichever the case may be, is priced in. This then helps them determine if the stock is placed for a bright or bleak future. One good indicator of expected earnings growth is the P/E ratio which determines the price the market is willing to pay for a stock based on its earnings prospects. So, you may want to check if DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad is trading on a high P/E or a low P/E, relative to its industry. Is DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad Using Its Retained Earnings Effectively? DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad's three-year median payout ratio to shareholders is 20% (implying that it retains 80% of its income), which is on the lower side, so it seems like the management is reinvesting profits heavily to grow its business. Besides, DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad has been paying dividends for at least ten years or more. This shows that the company is committed to sharing profits with its shareholders. Upon studying the latest analysts' consensus data, we found that the company is expected to keep paying out approximately 19% of its profits over the next three years. However, DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad's future ROE is expected to decline to 9.5% despite there being not much change anticipated in the company's payout ratio. Summary On the whole, we feel that DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad's performance has been quite good. Particularly, we like that the company is reinvesting heavily into its business, and at a high rate of return. Unsurprisingly, this has led to an impressive earnings growth. With that said, on studying the latest analyst forecasts, we found that while the company has seen growth in its past earnings, analysts expect its future earnings to shrink. To know more about the company's future earnings growth forecasts take a look at this free report on analyst forecasts for the company to find out more. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here By Antony Paone ISKENDERUN, Turkey (Reuters) - Rescue teams and survivors peered through the twisted remains of an Iskenderun hospital on Tuesday, searching for signs of life a day after a major earthquake struck Turkey and neighbouring Syria. There was little amongst the debris to suggest the building was a busy medical facility less than two days before. One of the hospital's surviving physicians, who identified himself only as Dr. Deveci, said he found the scene at his workplace hard to witness. "I'm devastated. I see bodies inside, everywhere. Although I'm used to seeing bodies because of my expertise, it's very difficult for me," he said. Much of Iskenderun, a port city located in Turkey's southern Hatay province, lay in ruins after the magnitude 7.8 quake hit just after 4 a.m. on Monday. More than 1,200 buildings were destroyed in Hatay alone. "A doctor said there are about 15 people here, including the patients," taxi driver Kerim Sahin said as he looked for a colleague in one part of the hospital. "At the moment, they're all trapped inside. Nobody can go near the building, only one cabinet is supporting the third floor." Sahin said the scale of the damage meant further rescue efforts were reliant on excavation equipment arriving from nearby cities. The death toll in Turkey had risen to 3,549 people, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday as he declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces. In Syria, the toll stood at just over 1,700, with tens of thousands injured or left homeless in several Turkish and Syrian cities. Turkish authorities say more than 12,000 search and rescue personnel are working in the affected areas, plus another 9,000 troops. (Reporting by Antony Paone; Writing by Ben Dangerfield; Editing by Alison Williams) David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor in Doctor Who. (BBC) 60 years since its first-ever episode was broadcast, Doctor Who is still going strong because of its unique way of regenerating itself. And fans were shocked at the end of the previous special, The Power Of The Doctor, when Jodie Whittakers Thirteenth Doctor regenerated into a new David Tennant-shaped incarnation. This cliffhanger leads us into Doctor Whos 60th-anniversary celebrations, spearheaded by returning head writer and executive producer Russell T. Davies. 2023 will see three hour-long specials starring Tennants Fourteenth Doctor, plus a festive special that launches the already announced Fifteenth Doctor, Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa. Read more: The most exciting TV coming in 2023 Whats more, the programme will be co-produced by the BBC and Bad Wolf Studios, (the Welsh production company named after a recurring phrase from RTDs first Doctor Who revival series 'I create myself' indeed!) and which has recently given us A Discovery Of Witches and His Dark Materials. Doctor Who will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2023. (BBC) In contrast to the previous eras clampdown on spoilers and story details, there has been a raft of exciting announcements about these specials since filming began last August, including the reveal of a new-old diamond logo for the show, hearkening back to the 1970s opening title sequences. All of this has steadily built hype for the programmes return. Davies is promising many more surprises in store. Watch the trailer for the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials Starting with the teaser trailer that premiered on Christmas Day, heres what we know about Doctor Whos diamond-anniversary specials so far. When are the Doctor Who anniversary specials on TV? The as-yet-untitled anniversary specials are currently set to premiere in the UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in November 2023. Scheduling has yet to be confirmed, but the rest of the world can expect to see the show simultaneously on Disney+, courtesy of a co-production and distribution deal that was announced in October 2022. Story continues Read more: Russell T Davies reassures fans over Disney+ investment Davies said: "I love this show, and this is the best of both worldswith the vision and joy of the BBC and Disney+ together we can launch the TARDIS all around the planet, reaching a new generation of fans while keeping our traditional home firmly on the BBC in the UK." Doctor Who will be streaming on Disney+ outside of the UK. (BBC) The actual 60th anniversary of Doctor Whos first episode, An Unearthly Child, is Thursday, 23 November, 2023. In 2013, this date fell on a Saturday, which is when the standalone 50th-anniversary special The Day Of The Doctor was originally broadcast on TV and in cinemas worldwide, but these three new specials (directed by Rachel Talalay, Tom Kingsley, and Chanya Button) may be more spread out in November. William Hartnell - the first Doctor - pictured during Doctor Who rehearsals at Television Centre, February 1965. (Sunday Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images) Well also see Gatwas first full episode as the Fifteenth Doctor over the festive period. Filming on the Christmas special (directed by Mark Tonderai) started in February 2023, with locations in Bristol dressed in festive decorations. This marks the first Doctor Who Christmas special since 2017s Twice Upon A Time, with more recent festive specials going out on New Years Day, but no broadcast dates have yet been confirmed. Whos in the Doctor Who anniversary specials? David Tennant and Catherine Tate are returning to Doctor Who together. (Alistair Heap/BBC STUDIOS) Alongside David Tennants Fourteenth Doctor, Catherine Tate is back in the TARDIS as companion Donna Noble. This marks the first time Tennant and Tate have reprised their roles on screen since Davies last episode in 2010, in which they remained separate because of a memory wipe to save Donnas life. Read more: Doctor Who to return to Christmas Day schedule in 2024 Other returning stars include Jacqueline King as Donnas mother Sylvia Noble and Karl Collins as Donnas husband Shaun Temple. Yasmin Finney in Heartstopper. (Netflix) Among the newcomers to the cast are Yasmin Finney (Heartstopper) as Donna and Shauns daughter, Rose Temple-Noble; Ruth Madeley (Then Barbara Met Alan) as new character Shirley Anne Bingham; and Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) as a villainous character that RTD has billed as the greatest enemy the Doctor has ever faced. Neil Patrick Harris will appear in Doctor Who. (BBC Studios) There are many more cast members to be revealed too for starters, Davies hinted in the February issue of Doctor Who Magazine that the man seen walking into a shop at the start of the Christmas Day trailer is a guest star that no one has noticed yet. Read more: Torchwood and BBC Three's best shows And of course Can somebody tell me what the hell is going on here? Ncuti Gatwas Fifteenth Doctor is also going to feature in the specials before taking the lead in 2023s festive offering alongside new companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson (Coronation Street). First things first though What happens in the Doctor Who anniversary specials? The Doctor (David Tennant) in The Power Of The Doctor. (BBC Studios) With open location-filming in Camden, Cardiff, and Bristol, its been tough to keep casting under wraps, but the big plot details seem secure in the TARDIS for now. Indeed, RTD also told Doctor Who Magazine that the current hope is to keep everything from Special #2 out of the marketing altogether so that its surprises are only revealed upon broadcast. And while The Power Of The Doctor featured A-list baddies like the Master, the Daleks, and the Cybermen, it seems the specials have some more obscure returning characters for the Fourteenth Doctor to fend off. A still from the trailer for the Doctor Who: 60th Anniversary specials. (BBC) The Christmas Day trailer confirms the appearance of Beep the Meep, a cute and cuddly character who has previously only appeared in Doctor Who comic strips in the 1970s, now rendered in impressive Baby Yoda vision. Read more: Doctor Who: Aneurin Barnard joins cast as Jemma Redgrave returns The trailer also features the insectoid Wrarth Warriors, who typically pursue Beep its a deep (Meep?) cut reference for the modern show! A still from the trailer for the Doctor Who: 60th Anniversary specials. (BBC) More intriguing still, Neil Patrick Harris shot his first scenes in public amid the chaos of a riot in a London street, dressed in full top hat and tails. Among older fans, speculation abounds that hes playing a new version of the Celestial Toymaker. A still from the trailer for the Doctor Who: 60th Anniversary specials. (BBC) Originally played by Michael Gough, this powerful immortal last appeared in 1966, menacing William Hartnells First Doctor and threatening a rematch that never came until now? And of course, theres the I know these teeth of it all. Why has the Doctor gone back to an old face? How are Donna Noble and her family involved? And where does Ncuti Gatwas incarnation come into all of this? In a BBC press release, Davies teased: The path to Ncutis Fifteenth Doctor is laden with mystery, horror, robots, puppets, danger and fun! Time will tell, it always does but with all this and more to come, 2023 is an exciting time to be a Doctor Who fan. Watch: David Tennant shares message for Doctor Who fans MEXICO CITY (AP) Mezcal is not your ordinary pet. Hundreds of years ago the Latin American Indigenous group, the Nahuas, believed that a hairless dog like him, a Xoloitzcuintle, was a sacred creature who could guide its deceased master through the underworld. Dozens gathered on a recent day at Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso in Mexico City for a meet-and-greet with Mezcal and three more Xolos, as these slender dogs are locally known. The canines were at the art and culture museum as part of an effort to raise awareness about responsible adoption of Xolo puppies and promoting the significance of the breed. Can I touch him? asked a woman working security for the museum, as she nervously brought her hand closer to the dogs head Absolutely! He loves to be petted, said Nemiliz Gutierrez, who was taking care of him for the day. Her sister and owner of Mezcal, Itzayani Gutierrez, leads a project promoting the breed to the public. By reviewing ancient codex and records written after the conquest in 1521, experts have determined the religious relevance of the dogs among Mesoamerican civilizations. That fact isnt lost on the sisters. We are privileged because we have among us some precious jewels of history that are living cultural heritage, said Itzayani, who also owns a playful Xolo named Pilon. Experts found that the Nahuas believed these dogs represented the god, Xolotl, the twin brother of deity Quetzalcoatl. While the latter personified life and light, the former was an effigy of the underworld and death. The Xolo, thought to be a creature capable of moving through the darkness, was conceived as a guide for their owners soul after dying, wrote historian Mercedes de la Garza in an article published by the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Burial sites found by archaeologists in central Mexico show the remains of men and dogs lying side by side, which suggests that Xolos may have been sacrificed during their masters funeral rites. It was thought to be a way the living could ensure that when the soul of their loved ones reached the river of the underworld, it could reunite with its dog, mount on his back and cross together. Story continues In the Nahuatl language, Xolo means monster, and though some dislike the physical appearance of these dogs, many find them fascinating. Mezcals hairless skin is dark as a shadow. When touched, it feels soft and warm. His teeth are rarely visible, as Xolos dont bark much. On the recent day, he posed for pictures like a movie star and leaned his head toward visitors wanting to pet him. Like his predecessors, Mezcal never loses sight of Gutierrez, who constantly pats the loving dog. Xolos are loyal by nature, said Gutierrez. If one is adopted by a family, it will choose a member to stick with. The closeness between Xoloitzcuintles and their owners was also noted by the Nahuas, according to experts. To please the gods, some Xolos were sacrificed in order to spare their masters lives. The dogs were killed in those ceremonies by extracting their hearts. This fact distinguished them from any other animal offered in sacrifice, wrote De la Garza. The dogs also are a part of modern-day culture in Mexico and beyond. At least a couple of Xoloitzcuintles can be seen in Frida Kahlos paintings. A few more appear in portraits where the artist posed with her husband, Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. Their love for these pets was shared by friend and art collector Dolores Olmedo, whose home in Mexico City became a museum and until recently took care of a few Xolos that visitors could approach. In 2016, the capitals mayor gave the Xoloitzcuintle a cultural heritage designation, and a year later, a charming Xolo named Dante reached world fame after his appearance in animated film Coco, which portrayed the adventures of a Mexican boy through the underworld. Back in San Ildefonso, the Gutierrez sisters hope more people will come to appreciate the breeds significance and help it thrive. Once thought by experts to be headed toward extinction, Xolos can be spotted in upper class Mexico City neighborhoods. Nemiliz Gutierrez said some breeders sell the dogs for upwards of $3,500. Not every Xolo is in demand though, especially the variety with fur. Almost nobody wants them, said Gutierrez, whose sister works to find caring homes for all Xolos regardless of their coats. Through that process, they enjoy sharing about the breeds historic significance when Xolos embodied an endless love believed to transcend death. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Wayne Lynch, the father of Donovan Lynch who was shot and killed by a Virginia Beach police officer in 2021, will attend President Joe Bidens State of the Union speech Tuesday night. Lynch will attend along with other family members of those killed or mistreated by police as part of an effort by the Congressional Black Caucus to highlight the problem of police brutality. He will attend as a guest of Rep. Bobby Scott, a Newport News Democrat. Others invited to attend include George Floyds brother, Philonise Floyd; Tyre Nichols parents, Row Vaughn and Rodney Wells; and Eric Garners mother, Gwen Carr. Floyd died in 2020 after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes. His death sparked international outrage and protests. Garner died in 2014 after losing consciousness as a New York City police officer locked him in an illegal chokehold. His dying words, I cant breathe, became a rallying cry for demonstrators. Nichols died in January, several days after he was stopped and severely by Memphis police officers. Virginia Beach Police Officer Solomon Simmons shot Lynch while responding to a chaotic night of violence at the Oceanfront in March 2021. One other person was killed and eight others were wounded in two unrelated incidents. The shooting was ultimately ruled justified and a special grand jury recommended no criminal charges for the officer. However, Virginia Beach and Lynch reached a $3 million settlement in December. The lawsuit alleged the officer shot his son immediately, unlawfully and without warning and failed to render aid. Scott said Nichols death after being beaten repeatedly by Memphis police officers while in custody has renewed calls for transparency and accountability in policing. The congressman also called for an investigation into Lynchs death, and for Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Too many questions still remain surrounding Donovons death and I again call on the Department of Justice to open a federal investigation into his death, Scott said in a statement. No family should have to experience what Mr. Lynch and so many families across the country have gone through. Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com LOS ANGELES A double amputee who was armed with a knife and suspected of having stabbed a passerby had experienced a mental health crisis hours before Southern California police fatally shot him 11 times last month, his mother said in an exclusive interview. Dorothy Lowe said her son, Anthony Lowe, awoke on the morning of Jan. 26 "agitated and frustrated" at the loss of both his legs, which were amputated last year. He was scheduled to receive his prosthetic legs Monday, but he was experiencing more depressive episodes that caused her to worry he might try to hurt himself. That morning I felt something, she said. He woke up a bit off, and I asked him if he was OK, and he said: Yeah, I just need some air. I offered to take him out, but he wanted to go out alone. Dorothy Lowe said that she called the police around 10 a.m. and that responding officers spent about 30 minutes talking to Anthony in her driveway. One of the officers, whom she did not identify, assured her that Anthony was depressed because of his legs and just needed some fresh air. I never knew what they said to him, but he came back emotional, Dorothy said of her son. Then he wheeled off, and I didnt see him again. Anthony was killed shortly after 3:40 p.m. that same day. Huntington Park police declined to comment, citing a pending investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. A spokesman for the sheriff's department did not immediately reply to a request for comment. On Monday, Huntington Park police released audio and video of the moments leading to Lowe's death, including video of the stabbing that led to the encounter, a 911 call from the stabbing victim and related police radio traffic. "First and foremost, I wish to extend my condolences to the family of Anthony Lowe. I empathize with their grief and understand their demand for information, answers and justice," Police Chief Cosme Lozano told reporters. "I also understand the local and national outcry for information, transparency and accountability." Story continues Anthony Lowe. (Courtesy Ebonique Simon) In the first security video, which includes no audio, Lowe sits in a wheelchair outside a Shell gas station in Huntington Park, a city of 53,000 south of downtown Los Angeles. The video shows an unidentified man crossing the street toward Lowe, who appears to briefly follow the passerby and suddenly lunge at him from behind. The unidentified man limps out of view while Lowe rolls away in his wheelchair. In a separate 911 call, the man, who has been identified only as Ramiro, tells an operator that he had been stabbed in the heart by someone without feet. In the second video, recorded at a nearby location, Lowe is seen a few blocks away from the gas station in a confrontation with police. An officer appears to flip him out of his wheelchair and onto the sidewalk. Lowe lifts himself onto his lower limbs and begins to scramble away. Police walk after Lowe, who turns toward them and motions over his head as he holds a large knife. Police continue to follow him and then shoot him. He crumples to the ground before the video cuts out. In a previous statement, police said that officers first tried to subdue Lowe with a Taser but that he ignored verbal commands and threatened to advance or throw the knife at officers. His death sparked outrage throughout the Los Angeles region and called officers' use of force against a disabled person into question. Several protests and marches have been held since Lowe died on Jan. 26. "I felt good theres other people that care, that they see some wrong in this, because this was wrong," said Ebonique Simon, the mother of Lowe's 15-year-old son. The officers who shot him have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the sheriffs investigation. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will ultimately decide whether to prosecute them. This matter is currently being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and has not been presented to our Office for review, the district attorney's office said in an emailed statement. We cannot control the speed of the Sheriffs investigation but in light of the release of the video footage today, we are hopeful that it will move swiftly. We understand and share the publics concern over the killing of Anthony Lowe. Annee Della Donna, an attorney who is representing several of Lowe's relatives, said police should be held accountable for acting forcibly against a disabled person in the throes of depression. "There was absolutely no reason to shoot a double amputee in the back 11 times who was hobbling away from officers," Della Donna said. "Both the officers and the public were not at threat. He was a handicapped person suffering from a mental crisis." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Roman ruins in Italy By Blane Bachelor, CNN (CNN) -- When it comes to planning a European vacation, travel industry experts have traditionally advised tourists hoping to save money and avoid crowds to visit popular destinations like Italy, France, and Spain in off-season windows, like late winter or early spring. But as the bounce-back of international travel in the post-pandemic landscape shows little signs of slowing, alternative strategies may soon be necessary to score lower prices and escape overcrowding amid increasingly round-the-calendar tourism in European hotspots. Indeed, online booking platforms, tour operators and hotel companies confirm what those selfies-from-abroad splashed across your social media streams are bragging about: US travelers are already packing their bags for trips across the Atlantic, long before the summer season even kicks off. According to the Consumer Index Report for Q1 2023 recently released by flight tracking platform Hopper, international trips now account for 56% of searches by US travelers, marking a whopping 46% jump from last year. Of those searches, 34% are for European cities. Those figures are in line with data from the The State of Travel in 2023 report by Going, formerly known as Scott's Cheap Flights, which monitors airfares. In the report, 60% of respondents said they plan to take more international trips in 2023 compared to 2022; nearly a third of respondents had already booked an international trip for 2023. Tour companies that operate in Europe are seeing a notable spike, too. Huw Owen, co-founder of TravelLocal, said the UK-based operator's recent bookings and 2023 forecast reflect an "astronomical" surge in demand for international trips, with a nearly 500% jump in bookings between August 2022 and January 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2021 and 2022. Off-season bookings are also booming for the company, with US travelers making up more than half of the customer base, Owen told CNN Travel. Story continues "It's just a force of nature, and you can almost feel it underneath your feet like a wave," he said. "I guess the pub philosophy version of this is if you keep people cooped up for two years, then you're going to see this surge in demand." Slovakia European countries like Slovakia are less expensive Ondra/Adobe Stock More demand, higher prices? While the international travel resurgence may delight tourism-based businesses owners in the wake of the pandemic downturn, a less rosy picture may be in store for travelers themselves in the form of shrinking off-seasons and their traditionally lower airline ticket prices and hotel rates. Airline ticket prices, in particular, are especially susceptible to shifts in supply and demand, as the aviation industry is acutely impacted by capacity constrictions. "In an already high demand market, where demand is set to continue building year to year, constrained supply will continue to put intense pressure on consumer travel prices," Hopper said in its Q1 Consumer Travel Index. Travelers still in planning mode may have already noticed an uptick in airline prices. According to a Hopper spokesperson, international flights are currently averaging $876 round-trip, up 35% from the same time last year. Europe-bound flights are at $801, up 27% from the same time as last year. "If you've got a supply-demand issue and a peak season, which Europe still does, it's going to push people either geographically to the periphery or by season to the periphery," Owen said. "Again, I think it's a good thing. Europe in some ways needs that to happen." In fact, it's already happening in some places. London, for example, is shaping up for another monster year of tourism, with "strong visitor numbers across all seasons," Laura Citron, CEO of Visit London, told CNN Travel via email. "The latest forecasts showing flight bookings for March and April are looking very strong, and even set to exceed 2019 levels." Portugal, whose popularity has surged over the last few years, particularly among digital nomads and the retirement set, also has seen a notable uptick in tourism during typically off-season months. Chitra Stern, CEO of Martinhal Resorts, a collection of four upscale family properties across Portugal, with a fifth hotel/residence hybrid scheduled to open this year, told CNN Travel that January 2023 bookings for Martinhal's Lisbon property in the city's popular Chiado neighborhood were 115% higher than January 2022 bookings. That could put the property on track to surpass numbers for 2022, its best year since opening in 2017. Stern also noted that hotels and online travel agencies, or OTAs, have always used a strategy known as yield management that enables them to sell a single room at different prices to different customers in order to maximize revenue. As a result, booking as early as possible can be even more critical in scoring the best rate -- especially in light of the current surge in tourism. "We have winter rates and you yield within those winter rates, spring rates to yield within, and also in summer, but if you're coming in summer and you're booking really last minute, it's going to be more expensive," Stern said. "But there are people who can only look at the last minute and are willing to pay the price. If you book ahead of time, it's actually a lower price to book for the summer." the Azores off the coast of Portugal The Azores off the coast of Portugal are less traveled santosha57/Adobe Stock A few glory years now' Even with the surge in tourism, Going founder Scott Keyes says travelers keen to visit the continent this year shouldn't let the specter of higher prices or more crowds deter their dreams of a European getaway. In fact, Keyes notes, "transatlantic flight volume is now 10% higher than it was pre-pandemic and poised to grow further in 2023," which could offer some relief in terms of ticket pricing. "While there are certainly expensive flights available -- especially if you wait until May to book a summer flight to Europe -- there are also tons of cheap Europe fares popping up once again," he told CNN Travel via email. Travelers are also increasingly looking to off-the-tourist-track destinations that offer a similar experience but at lower prices than their more famous -- but expensive and overcrowded -- counterparts. Eastern European countries including Slovenia and Albania, for example, are becoming better known for their wine and gastronomy; the Azores, a necklace of islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal, is another on-the-rise destination, Owen said. "What we're seeing now is like a vanguard of American exploration of fringe parts of Europe that will become much better known and more mainstream in, say, 10 years," he said. "You've probably got a few glory years now where you can go out and see this stuff, and you're not there with 20,000 other people." Editor's note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel's weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations opening, inspiration for future adventures, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments. The-CNN-Wire & 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. A conscript and his commander have been injured in a drone attack in Bryansk Oblast of Russia, which borders Ukraine. Source: Russian journalists project ASTRA, citing sources Details: It is reported that a drone attacked the Sevsky district of Bryansk Oblast on the evening of 6 February. An explosive device was dropped from the UAV, causing injuries to two soldiers: conscript Alexander Balashov and platoon commander Muslim Gunayev. It is noted that both Russian soldiers were taken to the hospital with contusions. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The bodies of three members of a Dublin family were found early Jan. 18 at their home on Balfoure Circle after a friend of the family asked Dublin police to do a check on their welfare. Police said in a release at the time that the deaths appeared to be a double murder and suicide, and that they "died by firearm and have been deceased for several days." The father of a Dublin family died by suicide in a double murder and suicide shooting at his home, an autopsy report by the Franklin County Coroner's office released Monday shows. Dublin police said officers found three family members, father Rajan Rajaram, 54; mother Santhalatha Rajan. 51; and their son, 19-year-old Anish Rajaram, dead last month inside the family's home on the 7300 block of Balfoure Circle after an apparent double murder and suicide. Rajan Rajaram's autopsy reported he died by suicide from a gunshot wound, and a toxicology report showed no drugs in his system. The autopsies for Santhalatha Rajan and Anish Rajaram were not released Monday, but police said last month that all three family members "died by firearm and have been deceased for several days." Police said then they could not release information about who may have been the shooter in the tragic incident. The bodies were found around 2 a.m. Jan. 18 by Dublin police officers who had gone to the home after a friend of one of the residents called police to ask them to check on the welfare of the family. The family had lived at the home since 1998, according to records from the Franklin County Auditors office. Police have had previous contact with members of the family. According to Dublin police run sheets, police had been in contact with Rajan Rajaram several times, most recently on Dec. 30, 2022, when he called to report that his cellphone, laptop, 18 Google accounts and 15 Microsoft accounts had all been hacked. The run sheet shows that dispatchers were unclear whether it was a mental health complaint. Rajan Rajaram worked as an engineer for Cincinnati-based Technosoft Corporation. The couple had one child, 19-year-old Anish, who graduated magna cum laude from Dublin Coffman High School in May 2021 before enrolling at Miami University. University officials confirmed Anish was a sophomore and accounting major in the Farmer School of Business, and an active member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and Pi Sigma Epsilon. Story continues "We are devastated by this loss of life," Alecia Lipton, a spokesperson for Miami University, said previously. "Our hearts go out to Anish's family, friends and all who knew him." If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, reach out for support by calling or texting 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Those in crisis can call 911. @Colebehr_report Cbehrens@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Autopsy rules Dublin father died by suicide, NEW YORK (AP) Gustavo Dudamel will become music director of the New York Philharmonic for the 2026-27 season, ending a heralded tenure with the Los Angeles Philharmonic that began in 2009. The 42-year-old Venezuelan conductor agreed to a five-year contract as New Yorks artistic and music director, the orchestra announced Tuesday. Dudamel will become the first Latino to head the orchestra since its founding in 1842. What the orchestra told us very, very clearly was that the person that they wanted, their dream candidate, was Gustavo, New York Philharmonic CEO Deborah Borda said. When youre trying to recruit the most sought-after conductor in the world, you dont run a sort of classic search. Dudamel who will hold the title of music director designate in 2025-26 will also remain music director of the Paris Opera, a role hes held since 2021, and of Venezuelas Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, a position he took in 1999 that gained him international recognition. Dudamel, in a statement, cited the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorcas quote: Every step we take on earth brings us to a new world. I gaze with joy and excitement at the world that lies before me in New York City, and with pride and love at the world I have shared and will continue to share with my dear Angelenos over the next three seasons and beyond, Dudamel said. All of us are united in our belief that culture creates a better world, and in our dream that music is a fundamental right. Jaap van Zweden said in September 2021 that he would leave the New York Philharmonic after the 2023-24 season, a six-season tenure as music director that will be the shortest since Pierre Boulez succeeded Leonard Bernstein and led the orchestra from 1971-77. Borda told the New York orchestra and Dudamel informed the LA musicians of his decision in simultaneous announcements during respective rehearsals at Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall. The New York Philharmonic moved back into Geffen Hall in October following a $550 million renovation that improved acoustics, sightlines and amenities. Story continues The New York orchestra plans a Feb. 20 news conference to introduce him. Dudamel is among the few conductors who in recent years have gained mainstream attention. A character in Amazon's Mozart in the Jungle appeared to be based on Dudamel, who conducted the soundtrack to Steven Spielberg's 2021 remake of Bernstein's West Side Story. Dudamel made his New York Philharmonic debut in November 2007. He has conducted the orchestra 26 times and is scheduled to lead three performances of Mahlers Ninth Symphony from May 19-21. This infectious joy and deep musicality and humanism connects with audiences, Borda said of Dudamel. Borda, who is retiring as the New York Philharmonics CEO at the end of the current season, was the Los Angeles orchestras CEO when she hired Dudamel to succeed Esa-Pekka Salonen as music director for the 2009-10 season. I remember the first day we tried to book him he didnt even have a manager. And look at how hes progressed since then, Borda said. I hadnt seen a conductor like this since Bernstein. Borda, who returned to New York in 2017 for her second stint in charge, will be succeeded by Gary Ginstling, who had been head of Washingtons National Symphony Orchestra since 2017. He was really the one conductor who could be transformational for the future of this institution, Ginstling said of Dudamel. He will be able to bring in new audiences and younger audiences and a broader range of audiences. Dudamel emerged from Venezuela's music education program known as El Sistema (The System) and gained praise from his work with young musicians. He won the Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition in 2004. While Dudamel at first declined to speak of Venezuela's economic and political turmoil, he criticized his nation's government in 2017 for suppressing protests. Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro then canceled the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra's U.S. tours. Dudamels Los Angeles contract was extended through 2025-26 three years ago, and his 17 seasons with LA will match Salonen for the longest as that orchestra's head. Dudamel earned $775,000 from the LA Philharmonic in the COVID-impacted year ending Sept. 30, 2021, down from $3.55 million the previous year, according to the orchestra's tax returns. He signed an exclusive recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon in 2005. Borda said details such as recordings and how many weeks per season Dudamel would be committing will be announced at the news conference. BEIRUT (Reuters) - On one side of Syria's civil war, a man in army fatigues carried a lifeless child's ashen body from the rubble of a shattered building in the government-held city of Hama. Across a frontline on another side of Syria, a rescue worker in the white helmet and black-yellow vest of the Syrian civil defence carried a young girl - shaken but alive - from the rubble of her home in rebel-held Azaz. Both witnessed by Reuters journalists, the scenes that unfolded in the hours after an earthquake devastated Syria and Turkey on Monday were similar, though the uniforms clearly located the rescuers on opposing sides of the conflict that has splintered the country. "The earthquake shook opposition held and regime-held areas, and I support the Syrian revolution with all my heart, but I care for my people," Ramadan Suleiman, 28, said by phone, expressing sympathy for civilians living in government areas. "Im a human, theyre human, we felt for those in Turkey and feel the same when it happens in other places like Europe. Thats humanity," said Suleiman, who was displaced to Idlib from Deir al-Zor in eastern Syria during the war. The quake death toll in Syria currently stands at more than 1,800, with many people believed to be trapped under rubble. Rescue workers say 1,020 were killed in the rebel-held northwest. State media say at least 812 people perished in government-held areas including Aleppo, Latakia, Hama and Tartous. 'ANOTHER DISPLACEMENT' The disaster has compounded misery in a country where hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in a conflict that began in 2011 when protests against President Bashar al-Assad's rule were met with a deadly crackdown. "This is the last thing that the country needed. It's a country that is inhabited by death," said Hassan Hussein, from the coastal city and government stronghold of Tartous. With millions uprooted by the war, the United Nations says humanitarian needs are today greater than ever, even though the main frontlines have been frozen for several years. With U.N.-backed diplomacy going nowhere, Syria remains deeply divided. Story continues In the rebel-held city of Atareb, Yousef Haboush lamented how the quake had forced many from their homes yet again. "On top of displacement from our towns and after we finally found homes there is now another displacement," said Haboush, who fled from Damascus at the height of the conflict. People across Syria have faced another shared threat in recent times: an outbreak of cholera which has thrived in the devastation wrought by conflict. In the mountains above Latakia near Assad's hometown, residents said several buildings had collapsed and there were many dead. Russian troops, civil defence and government forces assisted in a swift relief effort, two residents said. One of the residents, Abu Hamid, said he felt a sense of "proximity" to other Syrians, including those in rebel-held areas. "It may be the first time it happens in a long time," he said. "The earthquake did not discriminate." (Reporting by Timour Azhari and Suleiman al-Khalidi; Writing by Timour Azhari; Editing by Tom Perry and Aurora Ellis) (Photo: Adobe Stock) Lack of access to capital is a persistent issue in Indian Country, which is why a new $75 million Indigenous-led venture capital fund is like a welcome rain after a long drought. Vancouver- based impact investor Raven Indigenous Capital Partners said it closed an oversubscribed funding round and will launch its second venture fund to support early- and growth-stage companies led by Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada and the U.S. Theres also cash coming from the Department of Energys Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, which announced plans for a $50 million funding opportunity targeting clean energy deployment on tribal lands. And funds for Tribal broadband continue to flow into Indian Country from both the federal government and through state programs. Cash flowing illegally out of a tribal enterprise in Michigan was also in the news last week, with a report that a Chicago man will spend two-and-a-half years in prison for his role in a fraudulent economic development scheme that cost the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians more than $1.1 million. Tribes in northern California were in the news for investing capital in the future of their citizens. Up in Shasta Country, the Redding Rancheria Economic Development Corporation acquired a 51% stake in a vegetation management firm to launch a new venture aimed at protecting communities from wildfires. And in Sonoma County, which has some of the most expensive housing in the country, the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians plans to build 25 affordable single-family homes for tribal elders. Creative distribution: Senior Editor Elyse Wilds story about Bison Star Natural this week snuck in some information about how the companys founders were leveraging unique distribution and retail opportunities. The Taos, N.M.-based company sells its richly scented line of natural soaps and lotions at local farmers markets and online, but you can also find it across the country at spots like The Field Museum in Chicago, the Phoenix Airport and the gift shop at the iconic Yellowstone National Park. Sometimes, youve got to get creative with your sales efforts. Story continues Quick hits: A company founded by executives of color hopes to tackle the racial wealth gap by providing support for scalability, asset management, and capital structure, says the firms president, Valerie Red-Horse Mohl The Oneida Nation plans to expand its Maple Leaf Market retail brand with a fourth store in upstate New York Hattie Mitchell CPA, CFE, CVGA was appointed to the Government Accounting Standard Advisory Council. About the Author: "Brian Edwards is the interim managing editor of Native News Online and Tribal Business News. " Contact: bedwards@indiancountrymedia.com A 73-year-old Arizona rancher was charged with first-degree murder for allegedly fatally shooting a Mexican man who was on the ranchers property just 150 feet from the U.S.-Mexico border. George Alan Kelly is accused of shooting Gabriel Cuen-Butimea, 48, who is from Nogales, Mexico. Authorities recovered the victims personal details from a Mexican voter registration card he carried. Police have not publicly shared a known motive for the shooting, which occurred on January 30 in Kino Springs, Ariz. Reports suggest Cuen-Butimea may have been in the country illegally; he reportedly had a history of illegally crossing into the U.S. and had been deported several times, the Daily Mail reported. His most recent deportation occurred in 2016. Authorities received a call from someone named Allen hours before the shooting who reported a possible active shooter, per Nogales International. The caller said there was a group of people running and added that he was unsure if he was getting shot at as well. Chief Deputy Gerardo Castillo told the outlet authorities ultimately responded to a separate report of shots fired on the cattle ranch and found a deceased adult Hispanic male. It doesnt seem like Mr. Kelly and the decedent knew each other, Castillo said. Kellys bail was set at $1 million. He is currently being held at the Santa Cruz County Jail. He asked a judge to reduce the bail so he could return to his ranch to help his wife, who he said cannot take care of the ranch. Shes there by herself nobody to take care of her, the livestock or the ranch, he reportedly said. Arizona has a stand your ground style laws that states a person is justified in threatening or using physical force against another when and to the extent a reasonable person would believe that physical force is immediately necessary to protect himself against the others use or attempted use of unlawful physical force. State law also permits the use of deadly force to prevent burglary of unoccupied residential structures. More from National Review Elian Gonzalez, the Cuban national whose precarious boyhood arrival in the U.S. in 1999 prompted a fierce international custody battle, is set to become a lawmaker. Gonzalez was nominated by his local municipal assembly on Sunday to serve in Cubas National Assembly. While Gonzalezs seat in the 470-seat National Assembly has yet to be ratified with a vote, his nomination is expected to go through. The development was first reported by the Communist Party-run newspaper Granma, which wrote that Gonzalez represents the most worthy of the Cuban youth. Gonzalez was en route to Florida with his mother when their boat capsized on Thanksgiving 1999 and she and other migrants drowned. The boys fate thereafter became a flashpoint in U.S.-Cuba relations. His father, a waiter named Juan Miguel who had remained in Cuba, famously fought for his sons return. Distant relatives in Miami, however, launched a legal battle to keep the boy in the U.S. and feared Gonzalez would become a political pawn of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. U.S. immigration officials eventually decided to place Gonzalez in the custody of his father, which the boys family in Miami refused to accept. A nighttime raid in April 2000 saw federal agents storm the house where Gonzalez was staying, spurring protests and counter-demonstrations. Elian Gonzalez was returned to his father in Cuba after a nighttime raid in Miami in April 2000. Elian Gonzalez was returned to his father in Cuba after a nighttime raid in Miami in April 2000. Gonzalez was flown home to Cuba after the Supreme Court rejected the effort to keep him in the U.S. The island nation celebrated the return of Gonzalez, who later said the government bodyguards ordered to protect him had become some of his closest friends. Castro himself was a guest of honor at Gonzalezs seventh birthday back home. In 2013, Gonzalez told state-run media that the Cuban leader was like a ship that knew to take his crew on the right path. He would later profess that Castro had become a father figure for him, and held back tears when the bearded authoritarian died in 2016. Story continues Gonzalez, right, described Fidel Castro, left, as a father figure. Gonzalez, right, described Fidel Castro, left, as a father figure. Gonzalezs own father was also reportedly nominated to the National Assembly in 2003 but stepped down without an explanation. I dont profess to have any religion, the younger Gonzalez told state-run media in 2013, according to CNN, but if I did my God would be Fidel Castro. Related... Naveed Barakzai/Maxal Photography via Wikimedia Commons Police believe the head teacher of an elite private school in England was shot dead by her husband, who then murdered their 7-year-old daughter and used the gun to kill himself, according to a report. The bodies of Emma Pattison, her husband, George, and daughter, Lettie, were found in their family home on the grounds of Epsom College in southern England on Sunday. Police now think George is responsible for the deaths, the BBC reports. Late on Saturday evening, Emma Pattison reportedly made a distressed call to a family member. But the 45-year-old head teacher, her 39-year-old husband, and her daughter were all dead by the time the loved one arrived. Gunshots were heard before the trio were found in the early hours. Surrey Police, which is investigating the deaths, is set to release more information about the tragic case later on Tuesday. But citing unnamed sources, the BBC reports that the forces officers made a routine call to George Pattisons home in the days leading up to the killings to check the details of his new address. The chartered accountant, who was a licensed gun owner, and his wife were reportedly known to local authorities. Postmortem examinations are scheduled to take place later this week. Emma Pattison became the first female head teacher of Epsom College when she started in the job in September. Before moving to the prestigious $50,000-a-year school in Surrey, she had worked as the head of another independent school in south London. Epsom College has a history of rifle-shooting dating back to the 19th century, according to The Telegraph, with the schools indoor eight-lane firing range apparently cordoned off by authorities on Monday. A source close to the school told the newspaper that the shooting range has no live ammunition in it. In a statement on its website, the school said its thoughts, condolences and sympathies are with [the victims] at this tragic time. It added that the college is cooperating with the investigation. The news is heartbreaking and we need time and space to come together and process this loss, the statement reads. Story continues Speaking on a school-run podcast two months ago, Emma Pattison said she had been absolutely loving her time at Epsom College so far. In terms of transition, its been a really big change for my family, she said. So weve obviously moved house, weve got a dog, Ive got a new job, my husbands got a new job, which wasnt meant to happen but did, and my daughter has started at a new school. So theres been a lot of change for us as a family, but its been wonderful. If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. You can also text or dial 988. 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. Emma Pattison's body was found next to that of her husband and daughter at their home on Sunday morning. (BPM Media) Police believe the head of a prestigious school and her daughter were shot dead by her husband before he took his own life, it has been reported. The bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, head of award-winning Epsom College in Surrey, her husband, George, 39, and their daughter, Lettie, seven, were found in their home at the school on Sunday morning. Both the BBC and The Telegraph have reported that police are investigating the possibility that their deaths were the result of a murder-suicide. The Telegraph reported the school would close on Tuesday evening and would not open again until after half term. Emma Pattison: Key points that emerged on Tuesday Surrey Police said Mr Pattison, a chartered accountant, had a shotgun licence and had been in contact with police about it last week. Police said the gun was found at the scene. The BBC reported the police believe he shot Mrs Pattison dead before killing their daughter and then himself with the same gun. Epsom College head Emma Pattison, left, her husband George, right, and their daughter Lettie, seven. (PA) The Times reported that Mrs Pattison had contacted a close relative with concerns about her husband in the hours before the killings, and when they arrived at the house they found all three members of the family dead. On Tuesday Surrey Police confirmed that officers have launched a homicide investigation. The police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the case. Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, senior investigating officer on the case, said: This is an incredibly traumatic incident and we are working around the clock to investigate and understand the exact circumstances which led to this point. "We understand the public concern and upset, and we will clarify what we can, when we can, while respecting the right to a level of privacy for the families of those who have lost their lives. Police are investigating at Epsom College in Surrey after the school's head, Emma Pattison, was found dead alongside her family on Sunday. (Getty) "We are cooperating fully with the IOPC in relation to the referral we have made, and we await the outcome of its assessment of what further action may be required. Until this has been completed, we will be unable to provide further details on a number of matters." Story continues According to reports from the Telegraph, a member of staff called 999 after hearing shots fired before the familys bodies were discovered. It has also been reported that a rifle range on the school grounds was cordoned off on Monday. However, police said the gun range is not part of their inquiry. It is understood that no live ammunition is kept at the range and that guns are stored in a secured armoury. Police stood guard at Epsom College on Monday as police cordoned off the school's indoor rifle range. (Getty) Pattison has been described as a wonderful teacher and a delightful person who had a distinguished career. Police were called to the 42,000-per-year school at 1am on Sunday. Surrey Police said it was treating the deaths as an isolated incident and officers were not seeking a third party in connection with the find. Forensics officers have been seen entering the family home and a blue tent has been set up nearby. Who was Emma Pattison? Pattison joined Epsom College as headteacher in September. She was previously head of Croydon High School in south London and deputy head of St Johns School Leatherhead. Pattison became the first female head of the private boarding school when she joined last August. Until leaving five months ago, she spend six years as head at Croydon High School in Selsdon, south London, where her daughter had also been a pupil. Watch: Colleagues pay tribute to headteacher found dead with daughter and husband Surrey Police has said no third party is being hunted in connection with the incident. (Getty) More than 850 boys and girls attend the school, which was founded in 1853, and its acting head has been listed as Paul Williams. Mrs Pattisons husband George was a chartered accountant who was director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016, according to Companies House. Tributes to Emma Pattison Dr Alastair Wells, chair of the Board of Governors at Epsom College, said everyone at the college was in "utter shock and disbelief" at the tragedy. He said: "Our immediate thoughts and condolences are with Emmas family, friends and loved ones, and to the many pupils and colleagues whose lives she enriched throughout her distinguished career. "Emma was a wonderful teacher, but most of all she was a delightful person. In time we will commemorate Emma and her family, in the appropriate way, and in line with the wishes of her family." The bodies of Emma Pattison, her husband George, and 7-year-old daughter Lettie, were found dead in a property on school grounds early on Sunday morning. (Getty) Croydon High girls' school, where Pattison worked until five months ago, also issued a tribute, adding: "The whole of the Croydon High community are immensely shocked and saddened by the news about our former head, Emma Pattison, her daughter Lettie who was a pupil at our Junior School and her husband George. "Emma was a hugely respected and much loved Head of Croydon High. "She was a warm energetic compassionate leader, dedicated teacher and generous, insightful colleague and friend." Tributes to the popular head were posed on social media on Monday, and flowers laid near the scene. Emma Pattison: Tributes to Lettie Chloe Rathbown, 27, a nursery worker who used to look after Lettie, told The Times she was "utterly heartbroken". She added: "They were such a lovely family and Lettie was perfect in every way.' Photographer John Wildgoose, who photographed the family after Ms Pattison's headship announcement, told the newspaper: "Emma was very excited about the job and the little girl was an absolute angel. "It was amazing how she was for the camera, its heartbreaking." A past neighbour of the family told The Daily Telegraph: "You used to hear her playing in the garden, she was always asking them questions and just seemed like a happy, inquisitive little girl." 'Really big changes' In December - four months after becoming the school's first female head teacher - Pattison told a student podcast that her family was experiencing some "really big changes" including taking new jobs, moving house and getting a new dog. A flag flew at half mast at the school on Monday. (Getty) She said: "I've got a new job, my husband has got a new job, that wasn't meant to happen but it did and my daughter has started a new school so there's been a lot of change for us as a family." She then said she wanted to "grow, learn, explore and live life to the fullest". What has Epsom College said? Epsom College was named Independent School of the Year 2022 at an annual awards ceremony that celebrates the very best in education and student experience in UK independent schools. The school flew its flag at half mast on Monday. A statement on the Epsom College website read: "It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we have to announce the news of the deaths of Emma Pattison, Head of Epsom College, her daughter Lettie, and her husband George. "Our thoughts, condolences and sympathies are with their families at this tragic time. "The College is working with the police in what remains an ongoing investigation. We must now focus on the welfare and wellbeing of our pupils and staff, and work to ensure that they receive all the comfort, warmth and support required from the Epsom College community. "The news is heartbreaking and we need time and space to come together and process this loss." Following the announcement by the police relating to the discovery of the gun the school announced it would close early. In a letter to parents seen by the Telegraph, the acting head said they'd stayed open on Monday to come together as a community but "the details that have emerged today are incredibly distressing and we feel it is best to close the College from this evening." Day pupils will not be expected to return until after half term, with boarding students expected to be collected between Wednesday and Friday. ISTANBUL (Reuters) -President Tayyip Erdogan declared on Tuesday a three-month state of emergency covering Turkey's 10 southern provinces hit by devastating earthquakes, and called it a disaster zone in a move meant to bolster rescue efforts. The move came as the death toll from Monday's two major earthquakes, which hit a wide area of Turkey and Syria, exceeded 5,000 and as rescuers raced against time to dig people out of the rubble of collapsed buildings. Declaring a state of emergency permits the president and cabinet to bypass parliament in enacting new laws and to limit or suspend rights and freedoms as they deem necessary. "We have decided to declare a state of emergency to ensure that operations are carried out rapidly," Erdogan said in his second speech since the first quake hit early on Monday. He said the state of emergency would last three months - meaning it would end shortly before presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled on May 14. It could also be extended. Erdogan previously declared a nationwide state of emergency in July 2016 in the wake of a failed military coup. Erdogan also said that 70 countries had offered help in search and rescue operations and that Turkey planned to open up hotels in the tourism hub of Antalya, to the west, to temporarily house people impacted by the quakes. He said the death toll in Turkey had risen to 3,549 people. (Reporting by Ezgi Erkoyun and Ali Kucukgocmen;Writing by Daren Butler;Editing by Jonathan Spicer) The European Union is proposing a ban on the use of a group of widely used toxic chemicals known as PFAS. Types of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been linked to a range of illnesses including kidney and testicular cancer, as well as thyroid and immune system problems. They are sometimes called forever chemicals because they can linger in the human body and the environment. They are used in a variety of waterproof and nonstick products including pans, raincoats and cosmetics. These substances are most notorious for contaminating drinking water supplies following industrial or military usage. The EUs proposal would take effect 18 months after its passage, but would take longer for some products. Products where possible alternatives have been identified but may not be technically and economically feasible or sufficiently available would be able to remain on the market for five years. The products where alternatives are not likely to become available in the near future can remain on the market for 12 years. There would also be an unlimited time exception for some exceptional cases. Despite the exceptions, the EUs proposal goes beyond actions taken by the U.S., which doesnt have federal limits on the products. The state of Maine has approved a ban on PFAS products that will take effect in 2030. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Volodymyr Zelenskyy Read also: EU Council head Michel admits possibility of Ukraine joining EU in two years The President of the European Council has invited President Zelenskyy to participate in person in a future summit of the European Council, Leyts wrote. For security reasons, no further information will be provided. Earlier, the Financial Times reported that Zelenskyy could travel to Brussels in near future to meet with EU leaders, but the trip could be canceled due to security concerns. Since the beginning of Russian full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy has made only one foreign trip to Washington D.C., where he met with U.S. President Joe Biden and addressed both chambers of U.S. Congress. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Courtesy Mona Shafer Edwards She was there when the O.J. Simpson verdict came in. She saw Lindsay Lohan escorted out of the courtroom in handcuffs and Louboutins. Mobster Whitey Bulger once stared her down and wagged his finger at her. Mona Shafer Edwards, an LA-based artist, has been sketching courtroom drama for decades. Her illustrations have accompanied reporting on some of the countrys most famous cases, from those involving celebrities like Lohan, Britney Spears, and the Kardashians to the criminal murder trials of Simpson, Bulger, Night Stalker Richard Ramirez, and Grim Sleeper Lonnie David Franklin Jr. While some high-profile cases get the gavel-to-gavel coverage, many judges do not allow proceedings to be broadcast or even photographed. Thats where courtroom sketch artists like Edwards come in. And often, they have only moments to capture an emotional reaction, bombshell testimony, or other nuances of the proceedings. I met Edwards briefly when I was covering the Robert Durst murder trial in LA and have always been curious about her work. Last week, she put her sketch pad down long enough to answer some of my most burning questions. (This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.) Yours is such a fascinating career. How did it start? It's very bizarre, and it was kind of happenstance. I was a very busy fashion artist. But it was boring, because how different can one pantsuit be from another, or a summer frock or whatever? There's more to life than that. I love news I've always been a newshound. And one evening [in the 70s], I was watching the news and saw some terrible drawings. And I said to my husband, I can do that. As soon as I started doing courtroom art, it just hooked me. I just fell in love with it because it's fast, and I'm very fast. It's different all the time. It's history. It's current events. It's everything I love. Sometimes it's very, very sad and scary. Sometimes when justice really is served, it's very uplifting. So it's like all of the emotions that run through that make it so unique and exciting. Story continues Lindsay Lohan is ordered back to jail on Sept. 24, 2010, leaving the court in handcuffs and the platform Louboutin stilettos captured by Edwards. Courtesy Mona Shafer Edwards How can you capture someone's essence so quickly and accurately? I take a mental photograph. I take a breath and I look around the room. I take a beat, a count. I have these little mental photographs, like a little click in my head that goes from top to bottom. And I look at the person, and I just feeltheir soul. It sounds corny, but it's true. I see their body language, I see the way they sit, the way theyre dressed. You can surmise a lot about somebody by the way they move, the way they sit, their expressions. And I just try and take that in before I even put the pen to the paper. And many times I already have the drawing in my head before I put the pen to the paper. Tell me about some of the emotions you go through while youre covering really difficult cases. There are some moments that are like, oh my god, my heart is beating. The Hawks murder was one of the worst: It was this couple that were duct-taped and thrown over their boat with the anchor . And the testimony was that you could see the fingernail marks on the deck as they were being dragged. There are details that are so horrific. Before the verdict, a reporter and I were holding hands, we were so nervous. [Their killers were all found guilty, with one being sentenced to death.] 7 Murder Cases Where A Body Was Never Found I know youre currently working on the Anthony Avalos murder trial , in which a woman and her boyfriend have been charged with torturing and killing her 10-year-old son. How do you personally deal with the trauma of sitting in the courtroom through so many tragic cases like this? I have to sit there and I have to keep a straight face. You know, instead of wanting to jump over into the well there and, like, strangle someone. I hold it together because I've been doing this a really long time. There was one time that I had to run out of a courtroom I was almost sick. But that was a long time ago. I divorce myself from what's going on at the moment. And I just draw and I can't think about it. But when it's over and I'm driving home, it all just kind of comes out. And then I go over it, I ruminate. I just think about it over and over and over. So sometimes these trials don't leave me for a very long time. I think about them all the time. I think about victims all the time. And I think about justice for victims. Families of women killed by Grim Sleeper Lonnie David Franklin Jr. react in court in 2016. Courtesy Mona Shafer Edwards One of your most striking pictures is of a victims family reacting to a verdict. It was the Grim Sleeper case , and it was the families of these unknown women. And the families finally after [decades] finally got justice, and they just let loose, crying and wailing and flinging themselves and stuff like that it's very moving. You mentioned being scared in a courtroom. Is there anyone in particular who frightened you the most? Whitey Bulger. He was sitting behind glass. I was sketching him and he looked at me, and he pointed at me and wagged his finger, like, Do not draw me. [Even though] there's all these marshals all around and there's glass between us, the way he looked at me, I got scared. Sometimes I'm a little bit nervous, but then I'm thinking, Wait a minute. I just draw the picture. I don't have any involvement in anything. I've been afraid. Richard Ramirez, the Night Stalker, was staring at me. He looked at me and that was scary. I mean, at the time, all of Southern California was terrified of this guy. Richard Ramirez, known as the Night Stalker, during his preliminary hearing in Los Angeles County Superior Court in 1985. Courtesy Mona Shafer Edwards Who was the most challenging person or people for you to draw? I will say the two that were the most difficult to draw are Elon Musk and Alec Baldwin. It was the most frustrating thing because their faces changed with each quarter inch that they moved. It was so difficult to draw them, maybe because there was no evident landmark on their face. Somebody like Clint Eastwood is easy to draw: You've got the eyebrows. You have this aquiline nose. You've got cheekbones. It was really difficult to draw the Kardashians too [in the Blac Chyna case ]. Because if you saw them on the street, you didn't know who they were. And I know that the Kardashians do not release any pictures unless they have been OKd by their team . It's been photographed, photoshopped , and filtered you name it. All the Kardashians came in and I was thinking, You got to be kidding. They dont look anything like you see on the internet. Khloe Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and Kris Jenner appear in court to defend against a $100 million defamation suit brought by Blac Chyna, in April 2022. Courtesy Mona Shafer Edwards I got slammed by the fans. You know, like, Who is this artist? You need to fire this artist. And then as the trial went on every couple of days or so you know, it's like when I get to know a person and when I'm drawing them more than just one day, you get a different kind of feeling about them. So when I do a trial, my drawings on the first day are not the same as the drawings on the fifth day. Any more time with them? Yeah. So what happened was the Daily Mail did a story saying the Kardashian artists must have been paid privately by the Kardashians to draw them better. Do you take this stuff to heart or does it just wash off your back? I get so many of these kinds of comments. It's better not to read the stuff. Some of it is really scary and not very nice. I got the same sort of treatment on the Megan Thee Stallion case , with Tory Lanez . I was in a real tight rush to make a tight deadline. I was drawing Megan and I was drawing her former friend [Kelsey Harris]. Those drawings were all really good. I mean, really good. I got them but I forgot to fill in the rest of Tory Lanezs hair. I just did an indication with a couple lines. Oh my goodness, I got like 100 comments. What did she do to Tory Lanez? She drew him like he's wearing a toupee or something. I was like, oh please, give me a break. People take their celebrities very seriously. That's why it's easier to draw people who nobody knows. Britney Spears at a conservatorship hearing in 2008 Courtesy Mona Shafer Edwards Is there a particular celebrity that stood out to you the most? Oh yes. I've been drawing Britney Spears since the 90s, when all I wanted to do was take her home and take care of her. I looked at her and I just was so sad for her because my daughter is approximately the same age. I'm struck by the regular people the people you don't know their names because they're not famous and struck by what people go through. And we don't know anything about them, you know, you do like a sentence in the newspaper. Those are the cases I care about. Children's stuff I care about. O.J. Simpson testifies that the injuries Nicole Simpson said she received from him assaulting her were a result of him "rassling" her out of a room, Nov. 22, 1996. Courtesy Mona Shafer Edwards Can you remember a gaspworthy moment, something that just really shocked you? The O.J. verdict. I was there. I cant say anything more than it was gaspworthy. I'm not gonna say whether I agreed or I didn't agree, but it was a shock. I was on the media floor, next to the family, on the 12th floor. There was total silence in the room. And then there were screams screams of jubilation. And then the rest of the people were just silent. And went about just writing their stories. It was the biggest divide I had ever, ever seen on a verdict. You can see more of Edwardss art from courtroom sketches to fashion illustrations and more on her website, monaedwards.com . Don't forget to subscribe to our true crime newsletter, Suspicious Circumstances, to get true crime deep dives delivered straight to your inbox every week. Sign up here. More true crime Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith was released from a federal prison in Indiana, where he served seven months for stealing money from his campaign fund. Smith was transferred Jan. 31 from Federal Correctional Institute Terre Haute's adjacent minimum security satellite camp to community confinement overseen by the Federal Bureau of Prison's Detroit Residential Reentry Management Office, spokesperson Benjamin O'Cone wrote in an email Monday to the Free Press. O'Cone wrote that community confinement means either home confinement or a residential reentry center (halfway house). "For safety, and security reasons, we do not discuss any individual inmate's conditions of confinement, including transfers or release plans, nor do we specify an individual's specific location while in community confinement," according to O'Cone's email. More:Ex-Macomb prosecutor Eric Smith at sentencing says he made very poor decisions, choices Former Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith walks outside the United States District Court in Detroit on Feb. 16, 2022. Smith was sentenced for stealing money from his campaign fund. Smith under federal prison oversight until Christmas The Detroit U.S. Attorneys Office said: The Bureau of Prisons determines inmate eligibility for home confinement under the CARES Act. We were not aware of and had no input on the BOPs decision to release Mr. Smith. Smith's projected release date from the custody of the Bureau of Prisons is Christmas Day of this year. Smith's attorney, John Dakmak, could not be immediately reached Monday afternoon. Smith, 56, turned himself in to the Federal Bureau of Prisons at the end of June. He pleaded guilty in federal court in January 2021 after being accused of stealing just under $75,000 from his campaign fund from 2012 to 2019. He was sentenced nearly a year ago Feb. 16, 2022 to 21 months in federal prison. He initially was to report within 90 days of his sentencing, or in mid-May. The federal judge in Detroit signed an order for a new date for Smith to surrender to federal prison on or after June 15, but no later than June 30. The federal prison in Indiana is a 6-hour drive away from Smith's Macomb Township home. Story continues More:Judge freezes nearly $6,900 a month pension of ex-Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith More than 13,500 federal offenders are managed by Residential Reentry Management field offices, including 5,632 in home confinement and 7,270 in residential reentry centers, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has reviewed inmates who have COVID-19 risk factors to determine which ones are suitable for home confinement. At sentencing, Dakmak asked the judge to sentence Smith to probation, saying Smith is a Type 1 diabetic with an insulin pump and has contracted COVID-19 twice even while vaccinated. More:Former Macomb chief assistant prosecutor pleads guilty to misdemeanors More:Former Macomb treasurer Derek Miller pleads guilty in embezzlement case State charges loom for Smith Smith is scheduled for trial May 15 in state court, where he was separately charged with numerous counts in an embezzlement case that involves the alleged misuse of drug and forfeiture funds in his former office. He is accused of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from those funds for personal and unauthorized business expenses during the course of many years in office. Smith resigned March 30, 2020, less than a week after he was charged in the embezzlement probe. He was disbarred effective June 15, according to a notice on the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board. Three others, including two former assistant prosecutors, are awaiting sentencing for their roles in the embezzlement probe involving Smith. Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @challreporter. Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ex-Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith released from federal prison Former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele called out Fox News host Tucker Carlson for an on-air meltdown over President Joe Bidens selection of judges. Carlson seems to think Biden isnt appointing enough white men. Out of 97 federal judges confirmed under Joe Biden, total number of white men: five, the prime-time cable TV personality griped on Monday night. Twenty-two are Black women, so this is race-based hiring. Its illegal! The federal judiciary is overwhelmingly white and male. The American Bar Association said last year that 70% of all lifetime-appointed federal judges are male, and 78% are white. In addition, the organization said 16 states have no federal trial judges of color at all. The problem only got worse under Donald Trump, who appointed the smallest share of nonwhite judges in more than 25 years (with no complaint from Carlson). Steele was blunt in pointing that out on Twitter: Tuckems, of 226 federal judges appointed by Trump the total number of Black people? 9!! (he says in that high pitched voice of someone awaiting puberty). I guess those white judges were raced-based, illegal hiring that was not about looking like America but punishing people. Putz https://t.co/gLPOzNJVMppic.twitter.com/uBDy35p3hf Michael Steele (@MichaelSteele) February 7, 2023 The clip was part of a larger rant in which Carlson complained no administration has ever looked less like America ... than the Biden administration and said Biden was discriminating against certain classes of people who dont vote for them. Carlson, who has admitted to lying, has repeatedly shared white nationalist talking points. In an extensive report last year, New York Times reporter Nicholas Confessore wrote that Carlsons Fox News broadcast may be the most racist show in the history of cable news. Story continues Carlsons other critics chimed in: Currently sitting federal judges: 1,407 White men: 779 (55.4%) Black women: 63 (4.5%) Stats from FJC: https://t.co/K9WLkBQYRGhttps://t.co/Duiiaqo3kf Max Kennerly (@MaxKennerly) February 7, 2023 Tucker: *gets 9,000,000 lollipops in a row* *black woman gets two in a row* Tucker: SHES STEALING MY LOLLIPOPS!! WAAAAAAAAAAA! Jay Black (@jayblackisfunny) February 7, 2023 The federal bench is predominantly male and white. There is interesting demographic information here: https://t.co/kBFacYFdxZ And also here: Virtually all of the US federal circuit courts are "mostly comprised of white and male judges."https://t.co/1pgQXrtnwPpic.twitter.com/53UEOJwh8M Palpable Concern (@PalpableConcern) February 7, 2023 NO! Not 22 qualified black women judges, Tucker!! https://t.co/T9LZA1czBl STRIKE PAC (@StrikePac) February 7, 2023 Yeah I bet that bothers a stone cold racist like Tucker a lot so that's nice. Of course he's pretending these people aren't supremely qualified which they are (Unlike ACB and those ten or so Trump judges specifically rates unqualified) https://t.co/ogc1QNYb6a Woke Jesus (@newkingofmedia) February 7, 2023 not just saying the quiet part out loud, but SHOUTING IT https://t.co/vxNK9t475O Jawn Gonzalez (@JohnGonzalez) February 7, 2023 It's the President's prerogative to appoint whatever judge he or she wants on the bench, Tuck. I mean, Trump pretty much appointed unqualified white wingers. https://t.co/kABIfhHCHh Jon Easter (@johnnystir) February 7, 2023 By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Biden administration has made digital trade the centerpiece of its trade negotiations, and the AFL-CIO wants a bigger say in how the U.S. Trade Representative's office sets goals in this area, arguing they are too often dictated by big technology companies. The largest U.S. labor organization on Tuesday issued a set of principles that it says is needed to protect workers, the public's privacy and governments' ability to regulate a rapidly evolving sector as the USTR negotiates digital trade agreements. The USTR is expected to soon propose text on the digital chapter in negotiations for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, the Biden administration's signature economic agreement. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai has pledged to create a "worker-centric" trade policy, but the AFL-CIO said digital trade negotiations too often make no mention of labor standards nor the workers who write software or support networks. "To date, U.S. 'digital trade' agreements have sought to expand market access for large technology companies by granting broad digital data and intellectual property rights while narrowly constraining the ability of governments (of both the United States and our trade partners) to adopt measures to adopt measures to address the economic transformation," the AFL-CIO said in its plan. The heart of the organization's demands involve ensuring that digital trade agreements are subject to strong and enforceable labor standards, the AFL-CIO said, discouraging the "exploitative" use of "gig" workers who often are deprived of benefits and subjected to difficult working conditions, and discouraging the offshoring of back-office or telemedicine jobs to countries with low labor standards. But the AFL-CIO's demands also push back against a key component of recent U.S. trade deals that prohibit countries from imposing "data localization" policies to require data to be stored locally. The renegotiated North American free trade deal, which went into effect in 2020, included such provisions, and USTR has sparred in recent years with countries including India over their plans for such policies, arguing that U.S.-based data platforms should be free to operate anywhere in the world. Story continues The AFL-CIO said that not all data is created equal and in some cases, governments should have the ability to require that individuals' sensitive personal information, such as medical or biometric data, be kept on-shore to ensure it is safe. DIGITAL ECONOMY RULES The principles also call for negotiating strong safeguards against misappropriations of voices, images or likenesses that could be used in digital content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. "Corporations shouldn't dictate the rules of the global digital economy with no regard for working people," AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement. "Their drive to monetize data frequently violates crucial privacy rights and exploits workers." Tai made her first major USTR speech at AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington to outline her worker-centered trade strategy. Since then, a USTR spokesperson said she has continually "embedded workers voices into all of our trade initiatives," including pursuing six trade cases to defend worker rights in Mexico. "We look forward to reviewing the AFL-CIOs ideas and continuing to work closely with them," the spokesperson added. Other AFL-CIO demands for digital trade negotiations include: - Requiring governments to enact strong policies to safeguard individuals' personal data as opposed to the current largely voluntary "self-regulation" model that has proven inadequate. - Facilitate meaningful oversight of source codes and algorithms to ensure compliance with labor laws. The labor group says automated employee monitoring systems and other AI-enabled tools can undermine workers rights and promote discrimination. - Address "abusive" employment practices in the technology sector, to discourage the use of contractors and require firms to eliminate labor abuses in their own operations and supply chains. - Protect and promote economic security of creative professionals in the United States, including motion picture, television and music industry workers by aggressively addressing the stolen or unlicensed use of copyrighted content on digital platforms. - Address the rise of cybercrime by state and private actors by requiring improved cybersecurity standards and a common enforcement agenda. (Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Paul Simao) (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc and rival Microsoft are once again locked in a race to rule the internet zeitgeist after the Google owner launched "Bard" in answer to AI chatbot sensation ChatGPT. Just minutes after Google announced the launch of Bard on Monday, Microsoft said it would hold an event at its Redmond headquarters to reveal its own AI, potentially setting the stage for the next Chrome-versus-Internet Explorer or Gmail-versus-Hotmail. Microsoft-backed OpenAI's ChatGPT has taken the tech world by storm since it was opened for public use last year, as people worldwide got creative with prompts that the conversational chatbot uses to create everything from poems and novels to jokes and film scripts. The artificial intelligence service could change how consumers search for information or create content on command and free up time for white-collar workers. Here are some key differences between Bard and ChatGPT: WHAT DO THEY DO? The services that Google's Bard and ChatGPT would offer are similar. Users will have to key in a question, a request or give a prompt to receive a human-like response. Microsoft and Google plan to embed AI tools to bolster their search services Bing and Google Search, which account for a big chunk of revenue. HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT? Both technologies can distill complex information and multiple perspectives into easy-to-digest formats, but the most apparent difference is Bard's ability to include recent events in the responses. Though not immediately clear how the two services will differ, it is certain that Alphabet's Bard will have access to more data. Bard draws on information from the internet, while ChatGPT has access to data until 2021. LAMDA VERSUS GPT Bard is based on LaMDA, short for Language Model for Dialogue Applications. The AI generated text with such skill that a company engineer last year called it sentient, a claim the technology giant and scientists widely dismissed. Story continues OpenAI's GPT, or Generative Pre-trained Transformer, was first released in 2020, and the GPT 3.5 series of language models that finished training in early 2022 is the backbone of ChatGPT. "ChatGPT sometimes writes plausible-sounding but incorrect or nonsensical answers," Open AI said in a blog post. WHEN WILL BARD BE AVAILABLE? While OpenAI made a free research preview of ChatGPT available for public use on Nov. 30 last year, Bard is currently only open to a group of testers. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said in a blog post that the conversational AI service will be made widely available in the coming weeks. ARE THERE OTHER ALTERNATIVES? In the two months after ChatGPT's launch, a number of tech companies have doubled down on generative AI technology, while a number of startups are independently working on their own projects. Baidu, China's answer to Google, is the latest company to join the frenzy. Its AI is called Ernie. (Reporting by Nivedita Balu and Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath) The claim: Starbucks' CEO said, 'If you support traditional marriage, don't buy our coffee' A Feb. 1 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) shows a screenshot of a tweet about the Starbucks CEO. "The CEO of Starbucks just said, If you support traditional marriage, dont buy our coffee.' I accept those terms," reads the Jan. 23 tweet. The post garnered more than 200 shares in two days. Similar posts have been shared on Facebook. Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks Our rating: False This is a misrepresentation of a statement Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz made in a 2013 shareholders meeting. Schultz said the company's decision to support same-sex marriage was not an economic one and that any shareholders who didn't agree with the decision could invest their money elsewhere. Post inaccurately describes CEO's 2013 quote Starbucks chairman and CEO Howard Schultz never said the quote attributed to him in the post. Jim Obergefell, left, speaks during a news conference as Utah Sen. Derek Kitchen, D-Salt Lake City, right, looks on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in Salt Lake City. It's a misrepresentation of a statement he made at Starbucks' 2013 annual shareholder meeting, which took place after the Supreme Court struck down a section of the Defense of Marriage Act that denied federal benefits to couples in same-sex marriages. During the meeting's question-and-answer portion, a shareholder named Tom Strobhar said the company's stance on same-sex marriage had caused its sales and earnings to drop. Strobhar founded the Corporate Morality Action Center, which challenges corporations that "offend traditional moral norms." In response to Strobhar's comment, Schultz said he was free to invest elsewhere. Not every decision is an economic decision, said Schultz. If you feel, respectfully, that you can get a higher return than the 38% you got last year, its a free country. You can sell your shares in Starbucks and buy shares in another company." Fact check: Unsubstantiated quote on gas prices falsely attributed to VP Harris Story continues The interaction was reported on by outlets like Forbes and The Washington Post at the time, and footage of Schultz's statement was published by the Seattle outlet Puget Sound Business Journal. Sam Jeffries, a Starbucks spokesperson, told USA TODAY in an email that the claim in the post is false. USA TODAY reached out to the Facebook user who shared the post for comment. The Twitter user could not be reached. This claim has been debunked by PolitiFact, Reuters, AFP and the Associated Press. Our fact-check sources: Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: Posts misstate Starbucks CEO's quote about gay marriage TORONTO (Reuters) - The Canadian government on Tuesday announced C$46.2 billion ($34.4 billion) in new funding for provinces and territories to tackle the country's strained public health system. Here are some of the key aspects of the plan: * An immediate C$2 billion Canada Health Transfer (CHT) to address pressures on the healthcare system, especially in pediatric hospitals and emergency rooms, and long wait times for surgeries. * A 5% CHT guarantee for the next five years, which will be provided through annual top-up payments as required. * C$25 billion over 10 years to advance shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements that will support the needs of people in each province and territory in four areas of shared priority: family health services; health workers and backlogs; mental health and substance use; and a modernized health system. * These additional federal investments will be contingent on continued healthcare investments by provinces and territories. * C$1.7 billion over five years to support hourly wage increases for personal support workers and related professions, as federal, provincial, and territorial governments work together on how best to support recruitment and retention. * C$2 billion over 10 years to address the unique challenges indigenous peoples face when it comes to fair and equitable access to quality and culturally safe healthcare services. ($1 = 1.3414 Canadian dollars) (Compiled by Denny Thomas; Editing by Bill Berkrot) (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp on Tuesday unveiled a juiced-up version of its Bing search engine and Edge Web browser, powered by an upgraded version of ChatGPT's underlying technology. The launch is limited to a "desktop limited preview" available on Tuesday. Users will need to go to this link and sign in to a Microsoft account to get on a waitlist to access Bing search. To jump the line, Microsoft said users can set Bing as the default search engine on their PC and scan a QR code to download the Bing Search app on your phone. The viral success of OpenAI's chatbot ChatGPT, which is on track to be the fastest-growing app in history, has prompted Big Tech companies to rush out new offerings. Here is how Microsoft has integrated the technology from OpenAI, in which Microsoft first invested in 2019, into Bing and Edge. * During the limited preview stage, users will only be ableto try pre-set queries, a Microsoft spokesperson told Reuters.Free-form queries will be available at a later date. * Bing's AI can now sift through search results andsynthesize the findings to answer complex queries in a chatbotwindow. What to replace eggs with in a cake? Microsoft aims toget users the answer without scrolling through multiple results. * The revamped Edge browser features a sidebar with a rangeof AI features, while another mode allows users to interact withBing in the familiar ChatGPT-like chat interface. * For more complex searches, such as planning a detailedtrip itinerary or researching a TV set to buy, users can refinetheir search by asking more details through the Bing chat. Itwill also throw up purchase links to the products andexperiences users arrive at. * Bing can generate content like emails - includingtranslations of them - social media posts, job interview notesand even a five-day itinerary for a trip to Hawaii or a quiz fortrivia night. It will also cite its sources so consumers canread more on the Web. * The revamped Edge sidebar adds "chat" and "compose"features. "Chat" allows users to summarize any given Web page ordocument and seek information related to its content. "Compose"allows users to generate content for social media posts oremails based on a few prompts. (Reporting by Yuvraj Malik in Bengaluru and Jeffrey Dastin in Redmond, Wash.; Editing by Matthew Lewis) ISTANBUL (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday declared the 10 provinces affected by the earthquakes in southern Turkey as a disaster zone, imposing a state of emergency in the region for three months. Here is what the measure may entail. * Under a state of emergency declared due to a disaster, the government can request that public and private institutions or individuals give up land, buildings, vehicles, food, medicine and more. * It also has a wider say in how a wide range of resources, from fuel and medicine to construction material, are used. It can impound facilities that produce, sell or store such material and close down businesses that engage in actions, such as price gouging, hoarding of supplies or hampering of the production of goods needed for nutrition, heating, hygiene and lighting. * Regional governors are also allowed to ask for help from military units in the case of extraordinary or sudden events. * The state can decide when various businesses can open or close, or use their facilities. It can knock down buildings that pose a threat, direct air, land and maritime traffic and close off parts of the region for settlement or entry. * The state can assign work to people between the ages of 18 and 60, and cancel days off, including weekends. * In addition, the defence ministry said around 9,000 troops, 38 helicopters, eight ships, and 50 cargo planes were assisting rescue operations and helping transfer those injured to hospital. * The military is also helping bring portable kitchens, toilets, power generators among other supplies to those in need, the ministry said. (Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen, compiled by Angus MacSwan; Editing by Tomasz Janowski) RUTLAND, Vt. (AP) A federal judge on Tuesday set an October trial for the man charged with killing his mother at sea during a 2016 fishing trip off the coast of New England in what prosecutors say was a scheme to inherit millions of dollars. Nathan Carman, 29, of Vernon, Vermont, pleaded not guilty last year to fraud and first-degree murder in the death of his mother, Linda Carman of Middletown, Connecticut. The eight-count indictment also says Carman shot and killed his wealthy grandfather John Chakalos at his home in Windsor, Connecticut, in 2013 but does not charge him with murder in his death. U.S. District Court Judge Geoffrey Crawford on Tuesday set the trial for Oct. 2 in Rutland. A federal prosecutor said the government planned to include several different types of expert testimony, including testimony on marine survival and draft analysis. Prosecutors plan to make those disclosures to the court by May 1. Crawford also heard from lawyers about the defense's motion for partial disclosure of minutes from the grand jury proceeding that led to Carman's indictment, seeking to learn what was disclosed about his grandfathers death. Carman's lawyer, David Sullivan, of Connecticut, told the judge that Carman was never charged in Chakalos death, but the indictment includes outright assertions that are very troubling to the defense." He said the investigation into Chakalos' death is ongoing and has not been closed. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Van de Graaf said Chakalos' murder" is part of the fraud charge. In September 2016, Carman arranged a fishing trip with his mother, during which prosecutors say he planned to kill her and report that his boat sank and his mother disappeared in the accident. He was found floating in an inflatable raft eight days after leaving a Rhode Island marina with his mother, who was never found. Prosecutors allege he altered the boat to make it more likely to sink. Carman has denied that allegation. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Columbus police misquoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in decals on a new community outreach cruiser, according to researchers who study the civil rights icon. The Columbus Division of Police released a video on Feb. 1 the start of Black History Month of the newly decorated squad car on social media. Police said the car, named History 1, is intended to celebrate the achievements of African Americans & recognize their roles in our history. The Columbus police History 1 cruiser. (Photo courtesy of Columbus Division of Police) An overwhelming amount of backlash to the video followed on Twitter. Users referenced recent cases, including the deadly police shooting of Donovan Lewis and a Black CPD officers racial discrimination lawsuit, in which she was awarded only $2. One portion of the cruiser also features a quote attributed to King: Be the peace you wish to see in the world. It has also appeared in other inspirational internet quote graphics with his likeness as well. However, the quote online and on CPDs car apparently has no tie back to the man who supposedly said it, the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University told WCMH. I am unable to confirm that King authored the specific quotation: Be the peace you wish to see in the world, said Meghan Weaver, research assistant for the institute. (Photo courtesy of Columbus Division of Police) Stanford professor and founder of the MLK Jr. Insitute, Clayborne Carson, explained further. He told VICE News it was obviously impossible to disprove the claim that he once said those words, but asserted the institutes debunking with years of research. The King Papers Project that I directed for more than 3 decades didnt find evidence that MLKJ ever said this, Carson said. WCMH also reached out to the King Center a historical society and nonprofit founded by Kings wife, Coretta Scott King, in Georgia for a second check of the quote. However, it had not returned researchers findings as of Tuesday morning. Historic landmark could be lost in OSU expansion Story continues A spokesperson for Columbus police did not address the King misquote when asked for comment, but they did explain that the Black History Month decals would be temporary. Over the past several months, this same cruiser has been wrapped for LGBTQ Pride month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Veterans Day, and the holiday season with plans to recognize several upcoming holidays and campaigns in 2023. This cruiser is already owned by the City and was decommissioned from use as a patrol vehicle with the sole purpose of being used at community events throughout Columbus. The cruiser is designed and decorated in-house each month, with the only expense being the cost of the decals. Columbus Division of Police A side-view of the Columbus police History 1 cruiser. (Photo courtesy of Columbus Division of Police) Despite the backlash online, the spokesman added that the feedback locally has been more positive. In the days after unveiling History 1, we have already been approached by members of the community to have this cruiser be part of several upcoming Black History Month events. Columbus Division of Police For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Umit Ozdal MALATYA, Turkey (Reuters) - Desperate and cold from the snow lying thick on the ground, relatives of earthquake victims in the Turkish city of Malatya expressed their frustration on Tuesday at what they said was the lack of help as they searched for missing loved ones. With no specialist equipment or even gloves or winter clothing, they tried to pick through the wreckage of homes crumpled by the force of the earthquake that struck Turkey on Monday, killing thousands of people. "There is not even a single person here. We are under the snow, without a home, without anything," said Murat Alinak, whose home has collapsed and whose relatives are missing. "What shall I do, where can I go?" Sabiha Alinak said the townspeople, huddling around bonfires to keep warm, should take the rescue operation into their own hands. "My in-laws' grandchildren are there. We have been here for two days. We are devastated," she said. "Where is the state? Where have they been for two days? We are begging them. Let us do it, we can rescue them. We can do it with our means. If they (the state emergency teams) don't come, for God's sake let us do it." Turkish authorities say some 13.5 million people have been affected in an area spanning roughly 450 km (280 miles) from Adana in the west to Diyarbakir in the east, and 300 km from Malatya in the north to Hatay in the south. Bleak winter weather and damaged roads between some of the worst-hit cities, home to millions of people, were hindering efforts to assess the impact and plan help after the deadliest earthquake in Turkey since 1999. Ahmet Alinak, speaking, like the others, before President Tayyip Erdogan announced the state of emergency, said two of his nephews were trapped in a collapsed building. "There is no one here, we are all doomed," he said. "This is not what we expected from the state. No matter how big the earthquake was, mobilisation of all people was necessary." Story continues Erdogan declared the three-month state of emergency to cover Turkey's 10 southern provinces and called it a disaster zone in a move meant to bolster rescue efforts. He said 70 countries had offered help in search and rescue operations and that Turkey planned to open up hotels in the tourism hub of Antalya to temporarily house people. Turkey's disaster and emergency authority has erected tents in Malatya to shelter those who have lost their homes. (Reporting by Umit Ozdal; Editing by Alison Williams and Janet Lawrence) As of 7 February, the situation in Vuhledar, Donetsk Oblast, is tense; the Russian forces are trying to occupy the city. Meanwhile, the civilian population is being evacuated. At this moment, one child remains in the city, the police of Donetsk Oblast reports. Recently, law enforcement officers have evacuated a family with children out of Vuhledar. The mother, Tetiana, her spouse Andrii and their children, 10-year old Daria and 7-year old Kostyantyn, lived in the cellar of an apartment building near partially occupied Pavlivka. The police of Donetsk Oblast "When they entered the cellar, the parents said that they didnt have any children. They were afraid. We gave them some time to gather their belongings and evacuated them within two weeks", says Andrii Drumov, the Head of Repair and Rehabilitation Regiment of Volnovakha. The children were taken out in helmets and special vests with "Kids" written on them. These are meant to protect them from possible shell fragments. The police of Donetsk Oblast The family heads to their relatives home in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. During the day on 6 February, heavy shelling of Mariinka was recorded in Donetsk Oblast; intense combat was taking place near Bakhmut, Soledar, and Vuhledar. It is known that at least 6 buildings were destroyed in the city during the day. Russian invaders tell residents of Donetsk Oblast that they had orders to capture the cities of Vuhledar and Zaporizhzhia in February. According to law enforcement officers, there is one child left in Vuhledar. About 5,990 civilians, of which approximately 200 are children, remain in Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, where fierce battles with the occupiers continue. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Nearly a year after an off-duty cop was captured on video kneeling on the neck of a 12-year-old girl at a Wisconsin middle school, her family filed a lawsuit alleging he violated her constitutional rights. The federal civil rights lawsuit was filed against officer Shawn Guetschow, the city of Kenosha and the Kenosha Unified School District on Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The suit was filed by Jerrel Perez, the father of the victim, and the student, identified only as Jane Doe because she is a minor. In the March 4 incident at Lincoln Middle School, Guetschow, a Kenosha police officer who also worked as a security guard at the school, had broken up a fight between Jane Doe and another girl in her sixth grade class in the cafeteria, the lawsuit said. According to school security video of the incident, he fell on the ground with Jane Doe after separating the girls. He then pushed her head onto the floor of the cafeteria and put his knee on her neck for about half a minute before handcuffing her. The lawsuit alleged that Guetschow used excessive force in arresting Doe and that the city of Kenosha and the Kenosha Unified School District did not provide him with any training regarding the security guard job, thus failing to prevent the incident. NBC News reached out to the city of Kenosha for comment. Attorney Sam Hall, who is representing the Kenosha Unified School District and Guetschow, said in a statement that the district will vigorously defend itself and Guetschow in the civil litigation. Hall said that the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office notified the Kenosha County District Attorney last week that it will not pursue any charges against Guetschow. Meanwhile, the Kenosha Police Department said Guetschow was "not found to have violated anyone's civil rights." Unlawful chokehold The suit said that Jane Doe, who had moved to Kenosha in 2021 with her father and siblings, was acting in self-defense and upon provocation of threat of physical harm, in getting into the fight with her peer. Story continues At the time of the fight, Guetschow and a school counselor were supervising the students, the suit said. The counselor advised him that she believed that Jane Doe and her peer were about to fight and both watched as the student approached Doe. By the time they reached the girls, the other student was hitting Doe, according to the lawsuit. In the scuffle, Guetschow fell and Doe fell with him. After the fall, he gripped Doe by her neck and put her on the ground in a prone position, the suit said. He pushed his right knee into the back of Jane Does neck while simultaneously pushing her head into the cafeteria floor, and did not issue any instructions to her, it said. Its not clear if the two had any communication as the video released by the district had no audio and both Geutschow and the student were wearing masks. The suit said that Guetschows use of force constituted an unlawful chokehold. The use of a chokehold is prohibited by the Kenosha Police Departments policy, except where deadly force is allowed and only as a last resort. The suit said a responsible officer in Guetschows position would not have believed that the use of a chokehold was reasonable and necessary. Jane Doe, according to the filing, did not resist, was unable to breathe in the chokehold, and told Guetschow she couldnt breathe. Still, he kept the pressure on her neck. Guetschow later told a Kenosha police officer that same day he thought one of the girls had punched him, the suit said. Guetschows use of the chokehold against Jane Doe was motivated by malice and anger at his belief that he was punched. the suit said. Doe suffered physical injuries including a traumatic brain injury, cervical strain and recurrent headaches, as well as emotional distress, mental trauma and anxiety, the filing said. She has had to seek counseling and change schools as a result of the incident. Officer had a short temper, was offered no training for the job Guetschow had a reputation for having a short temper, the lawsuit said. Before his employment with the city of Kenosha and the school district, he was employed by the Lake Geneva Police Department. In his final year of employment there, his field performance was marked as unacceptable, and he was described as emotional, panicked, or loses their temper, the suit said. NBC News has reached out to Lake Geneva police to confirm this account. The lawsuit said the city of Kenosha and the school district insufficiently assessed his field performance with regard to his duties at Lincoln Middle School. Guetschow resigned from his role with the school district the same month of the kneeling incident. He was placed on administrative leave by Kenosha police pending several investigations and returned to active duty status Jan. 31, the department said. The lawsuit said that the incident occurred because of the Kenosha Police Departments failure to adequately supervise, discipline, and/or train its employees with regard to secondary employment as school security officers. Further, the city of Kenosha was allegedly aware of Guetschows short temper at the time of his hiring, but he was still permitted to become a school security officer, the lawsuit said. The suit said that the incident violated Jane Does constitutional rights and was a foreseeable and likely consequence of hiring Guetschow and in failing to train him in interacting with children in a school setting. The lawsuit also said that the school district did not provide any training to off-duty police officers it employed and did not require off-duty officers to receive any training, and in failing to adequately train and supervise such officers, the district was deliberately indifferent to the rights of Jane Doe. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial. Hall, Guetschows attorney, said his client continues to recover from injuries sustained in the altercation. As Officer Guetschow was attempting to break up the fight, he was pushed to the ground, his head violently striking a table as he fell to the floor. Officer Guetschow suffered a concussion, significant swelling and a contusion of the head during this incident. Despite his injuries, and through the use of a trained law enforcement technique, he was ultimately able to gain control over the student and escorted the student to school administrators and on-duty law enforcement officers, Hall said. The video doesnt show the moment he strikes his head on the table as several students stand up and block the cameras view, but he is seen falling toward the table. These officers are in Kenosha Unified schools because it is the Districts highest priority to provide a safe and secure learning environment for its students and staff. We will vigorously defend KUSD and Officer Guetschow in this action, the statement continued. The Kenosha Police Department said in a statement Tuesday that it withholds any statement or comment regarding the lawsuit and finds the appropriate venue for such discussion to be within the courtroom. The department said Guetschow was placed on administrative leave following the March 4 incident pending the outcome of three separate investigations. Ultimately, he was not found to have violated anyones civil rights, nor was he found to have committed a crime." "Furthermore, an internal investigation found that Officer Guetschow was not in violation of Kenosha Police Department policy or procedure, police said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com [Source] An airport employee in the Philippines has earned the ire of ENHYPEN fans after a video of her giggling while conducting a security check on the group members emerged online. The popular K-pop group left the country by plane on Monday after completing a successful three-day concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. A video showing the ENHYPEN members going through airport security at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was posted to TikTok and soon reposted on other platforms. In the now-viral clip, a female security officer is shown doing a pat-down search on the members after each of them passes through a metal detector. More from NextShark: Chinese doctors remove 24-pound stomach tumor from woman who complained of constant weight gain More from NextShark: Elon Musks Chinese doppelganger calms down after receiving Dogecoins in viral TikTok On Twitter, the hashtag #MIAADoBetter, in reference to the Manila International Airport Authority, became a trending topic. Many of the group's fans, collectively known as ENGENES, were irked by the employees giggling and smiling in between the body searches. They also questioned why she asked them to pull their face masks down. Story continues jake knew something was wrong! he was confused and questioned the employee because it was not her job to inappropriately touch them YET she still did it. belift, we expect to take some actions and protect your artists!#MIAAdoBetterpic.twitter.com/5GH47skxzI dee! (@02zikeu) February 6, 2023 blurred due to personal informations! what abt this naia? one of your staff filmed enhypen while they were working. the thing that they were showing is their e travel pass. you can clearly see the qr code this is a violation to data privacy #MIAADoBetter MIAA TAKE ACTION pic.twitter.com/Fjb4oWKWKW gd. (@kwoonfire) February 6, 2023 Some commenters suggested that the employee should be fired due to unprofessionalism, pointing out that one of the group members that she frisked, Ni-ki, is still a minor. yk its srs when jk is pissed off. your female officer giggling while patting down passengers esp a minor is unacceptable and i feel sorry for artists or anyone who had to deal w this extreme unprofessionalism from your end @MIAAGovPH #MIAAdoBetter pic.twitter.com/Mo1JhFnr5b (@sjyimy) February 6, 2023 The fans also highlighted other employees who are shown taking photos and videos of the members during the security check. Wow seriously the MNL NAIA airport staff turn the security baggage check area into Enhypen hitouch session, instead of a table it's the freaking luggage conveyor belt #NAIA #MIAAdoBetter pic.twitter.com/JjJpEz0sr8 Moonbaby (@guchaetama) February 6, 2023 In response to the fans' clamor on social media, the Office for Transportation Security released a statement noting that the incident is currently under airport management investigation. The management is currently investigating the matter to determine the extent of violation committed based on existing rules and security screening protocols if any, and impose appropriate administrative sanctions, should it be necessary. While we understand the excitement brought about by the presence of these Korean artists, we remind not only our personnel, but all airport users, that unauthorized filming at our security screening checkpoints is not allowed as a matter of policy. The agency assured the fans that "any unprofessional behavior towards the riding public" will not be tolerated. A father who has been reunited with his two missing children after nearly a year said his ex-wife, who is accused of kidnapping, kept them out of school and limited whom they interacted with so they wouldn't be found. The children, 11 and 12 years old, were reported missing in Missouri on March 15 and were found at a Florida grocery store last week. My kids were missing. I didnt know where they are. Thats the biggest fear in the world, Blake Gilley, 38, said Monday afternoon in an exclusive interview. It is an understatement to say I was terrified and freaked out. Gilley said the kids told him that they haven't been to school since they disappeared and that they avoided detection by bouncing from one rural Airbnb to another in multiple states. The children were found Wednesday at a Winn-Dixie in High Springs, Florida, with their noncustodial mother, Kristi Nicole Gilley. Kristi Gilley, 36, was arrested on an active kidnapping warrant out of Clay County, Missouri, police said. Officers found the kids after a routine tag check on Gilleys vehicle, which indicated that the vehicles owner was a fugitive, police said. The three were identified, despite having disguised their identities. It was not immediately clear how exactly their identities were disguised. "These children and their abductor were passing through the area and had no residency connection to Alachua County, Florida, nor were they enrolled in any schools," Florida police said Monday in a statement. The family was en route to an Airbnb right outside of our area," High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard said. Airbnb did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Blake Gilley, of Texas, said that he was reunited with his children Friday and that they told him their mother tried to keep them inside but that when they were in public, they were to avoid speaking with people, especially the boy who is nonverbal and has Down syndrome. Story continues He said his kids told him that Kristi would never tell them what town they were in or anything, adding: If they were in a car, they had to keep their heads down. My son still does that." Blake Gilley said the children said their mother instructed them not to speak or to look anyone in the eyes. He said that because of that, his son will "just look at the ground. Hes getting better now. Ive been telling him, 'Hey, youre good, buddy, look up,'" he said. Kristi Gilley was listed as an inmate Monday afternoon in the Alachua County jail. Maurice McDaniel, her attorney, said Monday night that she will fight extradition to Missouri because she wants to become a Florida resident. McDaniel said he spoke to Kristi Gilley for an hour in jail Friday and denied allegations that she kept her children hidden by bouncing from one Airbnb to another. He also said she did not indicate to him that she had instructed her children to limit their interactions with others. County court documents in Florida said Gilley pleaded not guilty and was held on no bail Thursday. A representative for the Alachua County Clerk said no other court dates have been set. Blake Gilley said that the couple divorced in 2016 and that Kristi Gilley disappeared last year before they could resolve a custody dispute. A probable cause statement out of Clay County, Missouri, said the pair had a joint custody agreement out of Randall County, Texas, before April 14. But the father was granted sole custody after Kristi Gilley failed to appear in court, according to court documents. At one point, she was living with her sister and the children in Liberty, Missouri, in the Kansas City area, the report said. "Kristi had been making it increasingly more difficult for Blake to visit or speak to the children for quite some time, and had refused to let Blake visit or speak to the children at all, since 3/15/2022, the court report said. The report said authorities checked for the children and their mother at a grandparents home in Chico, California, but discovered that the grandparent no longer lived there. An advocate for Kristi Gilley said she would no longer cooperate with the court in Clay County because she believed she was being denied due process, according to the report, which added that the children were safe and were being home-schooled, according to the advocate. A parental kidnapping warrant was filed for Kristi Gilley on July 13. Blake Gilley said that his children were not physically harmed but that emotionally, they are still in shock, adding, You can see this is bothering them. He hopes to get his children counseling and back in school to give them a fighting chance in life. Police deserve a lot of credit for finding his children, he said. They worked their butts off," Gilley said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A father allegedly shot and killed a man who was accused of trying to endanger his child at the Randall Dog Park in Yakima, according to a release from the Yakima Police Department. On Sunday, at 2:30 p.m., multiple people called 911 from the park and reported that a man there was acting erratically. The man encountered a father and his child and was accused of trying to endanger the child with his words and actions. The childs father told the man to leave him and his family alone, while the family tried to leave the park. After that didnt stop the man, the father, a 28-year-old Yakima man, allegedly discharged his gun in self-defense and killed the 22-year-old man, according to the release. Multiple witnesses supported this statement and the father was released after cooperating with detectives. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to the Yakima County Prosecutors Office for a formal decision. A father who has been reunited with his two missing children after nearly a year said his ex-wife, who is accused of kidnapping, kept them out of school and limited whom they interacted with so they wouldnt be found. The children, 11 and 12 years old, were reported missing in Missouri on March 15 and were found at a Florida grocery store last week. My kids were missing. I didnt know where they are. Thats the biggest fear in the world, Blake Gilley, 38, said Monday afternoon in an exclusive interview. It is an understatement to say I was terrified and freaked out. Gilley said the kids told him that they havent been to school since they disappeared and that they avoided detection by bouncing from one rural Airbnb to another in multiple states. The children were found Wednesday at a Winn-Dixie in High Springs, Florida, with their noncustodial mother, Kristi Nicole Gilley. Kristi Gilley, 36, was arrested on an active kidnapping warrant out of Clay County, Missouri, police said. Officers found the kids after a routine tag check on Gilleys vehicle, which indicated that the vehicles owner was a fugitive, police said. The three were identified, despite having disguised their identities. It was not immediately clear how exactly their identities were disguised. These children and their abductor were passing through the area and had no residency connection to Alachua County, Florida, nor were they enrolled in any schools, Florida police said Monday in a statement. The family was en route to an Airbnb right outside of our area, High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard said. Airbnb did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Blake Gilley, of Texas, said that he was reunited with his children Friday and that they told him their mother tried to keep them inside but that when they were in public, they were to avoid speaking with people, especially the boy who is nonverbal and has Down syndrome. Winn Dixie in High Spring, Fla. (Google maps) He said his kids told him that Kristi would never tell them what town they were in or anything, adding: If they were in a car, they had to keep their heads down. My son still does that. Story continues Blake Gilley said the children said their mother instructed them not to speak or to look anyone in the eyes. He said that because of that, his son will just look at the ground. Hes getting better now. Ive been telling him, Hey, youre good, buddy, look up, he said. Kristi Gilley was listed as an inmate Monday afternoon in the Alachua County jail. Maurice McDaniel, her attorney, said Monday night that she will fight extradition to Missouri because she wants to become a Florida resident. McDaniel said he spoke to Kristi Gilley for an hour in jail Friday and denied allegations that she kept her children hidden by bouncing from one Airbnb to another. He also said she did not indicate to him that she had instructed her children to limit their interactions with others. County court documents in Florida said Gilley pleaded not guilty and was held on no bail Thursday. A representative for the Alachua County Clerk said no other court dates have been set. Blake Gilley said that the couple divorced in 2016 and that Kristi Gilley disappeared last year before they could resolve a custody dispute. A probable cause statement out of Clay County, Missouri, said the pair had a joint custody agreement out of Randall County, Texas, before April 14. But the father was granted sole custody after Kristi Gilley failed to appear in court, according to court documents. At one point, she was living with her sister and the children in Liberty, Missouri, in the Kansas City area, the report said. Kristi had been making it increasingly more difficult for Blake to visit or speak to the children for quite some time, and had refused to let Blake visit or speak to the children at all, since 3/15/2022, the court report said. The report said authorities checked for the children and their mother at a grandparents home in Chico, California, but discovered that the grandparent no longer lived there. An advocate for Kristi Gilley said she would no longer cooperate with the court in Clay County because she believed she was being denied due process, according to the report, which added that the children were safe and were being home-schooled, according to the advocate. A parental kidnapping warrant was filed for Kristi Gilley on July 13. Blake Gilley said that his children were not physically harmed but that emotionally, they are still in shock, adding, You can see this is bothering them. He hopes to get his children counseling and back in school to give them a fighting chance in life. Police deserve a lot of credit for finding his children, he said. They worked their butts off, Gilley said. This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Wikimedia Commons/YouTube An outlandish guerrilla militant who drove a silver Hearse to Denver-area Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 was secretly a federal informant with a sex crime conviction, a new podcast reveals. The informant, Mickey Windecker, pushed an activist to buy a gun for him, resulting in the activists guilty plea on weapons charges. Other Denver-area activists accuse Windecker of inflaming otherwise-peaceful demonstrations, encouraging people to break windows, and leading marches directly into police traps. Windeckers informant status was first reported this week on the podcast Alphabet Boys, which explores Windeckers case and FBI involvement in the Colorado protests. The Alphabet Boys podcast shared some of its documents, including recordings and an FBI summary report, with The Daily Beast, which corroborated those documents through court records and with other Colorado activists whod encountered Windecker. The FBIs national and Denver offices declined to comment. Windecker did not return The Daily Beasts requests for comment. He spoke on the phone to the Alphabet Boys podcast, after its host, Trevor Aaronson, left notes at his old apartment. An American Fighting ISIS Is Convicted Sex Offender If you post something, a story about me saying supposedly I work for the FBI, I will sue the shit out of you, Windecker told Aaronson in a voicemail. I will take you to court and I will break you off in court for defamation of character and slander. I have already notified my attorney about this. My previous landlord notified me and sent me these papers that you put on the old door that I used to live at, stating that I work for the FBI. I do not work for the FBI. Ive never worked for the FBI. You get proof of me working for the FBI, then Ill say otherwise, but theres no proof because I didnt work for them. Presented with documents and recordings that showed his work for the FBI, Windecker stopped responding to Aaronson. Windecker made more than $20,000 working for the FBI during the summer of 2020, Aaronson reported, according to payment receipts. It is unclear whether those receipts represent the entirety of FBI payments to Windecker. Story continues Windecker appeared on the Denver protest scene in the summer of 2020, when the nation was reeling from the on-camera murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. In Denver, Floyds killing also ignited a simmering anger over the death of Elijah McClain, a young Black man from nearby Aurora. McClain died in 2019 after police violently subdued him and injected him with nearly twice the amount of ketamine recommended for a person his size. The 23-year-old had been stopped by police after a 911 caller complained that he looked sketchy. Colorado activist Azria Arroyo remembers encountering Windecker at one of the first protests she attended that summer. He stuck out like a sore thumb, Arroyo told The Daily Beast. He was in all camo with a hat, no mask, chuffing an unlit cigar. Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Wikimedia Commons/YouTube The camo she described were military fatigues with references to the Peshmerga, a Kurdish fighting force. Windecker had made headlines years before when he joined the Peshmerga to fight ISIS. Even then, his reputation was dubious. In 2015, The Daily Beast was the first to report that Windeckers criminal record from Colorado was causing rifts among his fellow fighters in the Middle East. Hed been arrested 28 times, and convicted on counts ranging from impersonation of a police officer, to third degree sexual assault. Windecker had been 20 years old in the latter case. His victim was 14. Windecker stood out from the Denver activist crowd in other ways. He drove a silver hearse full of weapons. He was white and in his mid-forties, while many of the protesters were young activists of color. And by mid-summer, he emerged as a voice of action in a local movement that had begun to stagnate. Zebbodios Hall, a local man who joined the protests, told The Daily Beast he first spoke with Windecker by early July. People just talked to him. He was talking to everyone, getting peoples phone numbers, Hall told The Daily Beast. All these people think this dudes alright. But Windecker wasnt just talking to protesters, FBI documents reveal. He was talking to local and federal law enforcement. Windecker began having a working relationship with APD [Aurora Police Department] and DPD [Denver Police Department] in or around June 2020, according to an FBI report from May 2021. The report does not name Windecker, instead describing him as a CHS or confidential human source. But the document gives a detailed description of Windeckers time with the Peshmerga, which aligns with Windeckers resume. The FBI report goes on to detail Windeckers interactions with Hall, which later appeared in court records that used Windeckers real name. Hall also confirmed that Windecker was the person described in the report. The FBI document reveals that Windecker began focusing on Hall before officially working for the FBI at the end of July 2020. Some of Windeckers reasons for suspicion, which are cited in the report, are dubious. Windecker told the FBI that he suspected Hall was only pretending to be a photographer. Hall never showed pictures of the protests to the CHS [Windecker], the report reads. CHS believed the camera Hall had on him was [another protesters] camera and it didnt even work. A quick Google search would have proved him wrong. Hall has multiple bylines at the Denver-based publication Westword, where he published reports and photo galleries from the summers racial protests. The second photo in one of the slideshows depicts Windeckers silver hearse with the words Elijah McClain didnt deserve to be put here written on the window. Windecker didnt just attend protests, multiple Denver-area activists said; he derailed them. Arroyo said she saw Windecker at an August demonstration that very quickly, once more people gathered, turned into something like actually we should just go bust out some windows. Arroyo said she was suspicious of the demonstrations turn, and moved to leave with some friends. Some of us became visibly uncomfortable. He started being like come on you guys, Black lives matter, dont they? Arent we all gonna do this? Soon thereafter, Windecker and the two people hed arrived with started blatant property damage on government buildings, she said. Arroyo and a fellow activist of color backed away, freaked out, because were Black people in Denver, she said. We were like this is not at all why were here. Four other activists who spoke to The Daily Beast on the condition of anonymity, independently offered similar accounts of Windecker escalating tensions at protests. During an August protest in Denver, Mickey was right there with people smashing windows, arson and doing illegal activity, an activist who asked to go by Sophie told The Daily Beast. It's my understanding from a couple of activists that Mickey helped call and organize this action, and recruited people from the park meetings to bring shields and riot gear. On multiple occasions, Windecker led marches that ended up in police kettles, where he always seemed to avoid arrest, multiple people said. One person, who attended demonstrations, recalled an incident during which Windecker led a march that collided with police and members of the far-right group the Proud Boys. Mickey was the one giving most of the directions on how to get out, the person said. But every time we turned, it was always turning toward where the cops were hidden. Arrests were widespread during the summer of 2020. As an excuse for why he had not been arrested, Windecker claimed to have diplomatic immunity as a representative of Kurdistan, two people told The Daily Beast. According to the FBI report, Windecker did work for the Kurdish government upon his return to the U.S. in 2016. The U.S. does not recognize the Iraqi region as its own nation with diplomats who receive immunitybut the excuse, versions of which appear in recordings on the Alphabet Boys podcast, was enough to give him some cover among activists, including Hall. By late July, Hall said, he was growing frustrated with the protests. A Black father who tied the movement back to his grandparents experiences with racism, he viewed the 2020 protests as a chance for change. Instead hed been hit in the head by a police munition, leading to chronic headaches and fits of fatigue. Someone had made death threats against him in connection to his role in the protests, he said. Matt Schlapp Claims He and Laura Ingraham Went Undercover at BLM Protest He approached Windecker, who had talked a big game about his time hunting ISIS in Kurdistan. I told him, I wanted to learn how to defend myself, Hall told The Daily Beast. Court documents confirm Halls version of events. Mr. Hall later requested that Mickey provide military style training to Mr. Hall and others, reads a plea agreement. Mickey agreed to provide training to Mr. Hall but explained that he, Mickey, needed a firearm but could not purchase the firearm himself because he/Mickey was a convicted felon. Mr. Hall agreed to purchase the firearm for Mickey, after being told that Mickey was a convicted felon, and that Mr. Halls straw purchase of the firearm for Mickey would be illegal. Hall says he was confused about the purchases legality, due to Windeckers prior claims about being a diplomat, and the fact that Windecker already had many guns in the back of his hearse. Those guns were part of another motivation for Hall: fear. The judge asked me right before I was sentenced, Did you do it because you were afraid? I said Yeah. Why charge me? Hall recalled. In August 2020, Windecker gave Hall $1,500 to buy a gun. The pair drove to a Bass Pro shop, where Hall bought a pistol under his name and gave it to Windecker. The following year, Hall was arrested and pleaded guilty to transferring a firearm to a felon. I dont think it was right, he said of his arrest. I think it was entrapment. But no matter what, I did do it. Another area activist, Sarah Farley, told The Daily Beast that Windecker had been quick to bring up guns the first time she met him. One of the first things Mickey started talking to me about was how he can get me firearms, no problem, and then train me on how to use them, out in the mountains somewhere in Colorado, Farley said. I was like Oh, haha, no, I dont really want to go out to the mountains to shoot guns with a stranger. Windecker was involved in another case tied to the Denver Black Lives Matter movement. That case, while making headlines, did not result in criminal charges. In conversations with Windecker, another local activist named Bryce Shelby expressed enthusiasm for plans to commit political assassinations, according to an FBI report. The report states that Windecker set up a lunch with Shelby and Hall, which Windecker recorded. News reports from the time state that Shelby drove by the house of a prospective target more than once, and talked to an undercover agent about his willingness to pull the trigger. Shelby did not return The Daily Beasts request for comment, and his reported talk about assassinations never amounted to a criminal case. Instead, a judge used the comments to seize Shelbys guns under Colorados red flag law, which allows police to temporarily remove firearms from someone who is believed to pose an immediate threat. The use of undercover informants in criminal plots is controversial. Undercover agents are often accused of directing the plot, cajoling participants into joining or taking more extreme actions. (Such concerns have plagued the trial of a right-wing militia group accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer. A judge rejected an entrapment argument in the case.) But even without the court cases, Windecker had a chilling effect on Denvers racial justice movement, exploiting divisions in the Denver activist scene, according to multiple witnesses and an FBI report. The information CHS was receiving from the different groups at protests was like a flash flood, reads the FBI document. There were different groups with different agendas trying to take advantage of the protests. Hall, Arroyo, and two other activists said Windecker gained a faithful following among some members of a Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter. (That chapter has since disbanded. One former chapter leader, whom multiple people identified as a key Windecker ally, returned a text message from The Daily Beast, but stopped responding when asked about Windecker.) Hall and others said YDSA members did reconnaissance for Windecker, scouting out marching routes at protests. The YDSA activists, predominantly in their late teens and early twenties, came into conflict with other protesters, as the protest scene turned chaotic. How Denver Cops Could Get Away With Shooting 6 Random People Amid a rash of arrests, locals suspected an informant in their midst and began accusing each other. If you were Black and had some kind of role and spoke at some point, youre a snitch. It was just happening like that. Random white people would be accused of it, Hall said. But when all the Black people were labeled these things, or crazy, I think that made people feel defeated. What was left, I think, were people who were just pushing other folks away. One of the activists who requested anonymity said the mistrust helped unravel an activist scene that was just starting to get its act together. Things were starting to get stronger, the person said. Relationships and bonds were starting to get stronger, and Mickey came in and just started poking holes through everything. By September 2020, Windecker had earned enough ill will that the group Colorado Springs Anti-Fascists published a Twitter thread highlighting Windeckers criminal history and cautioning people against protesting alongside him. The accusations contributed to Halls increasingly negative outlook on Windecker. YDSA members would be some of the last area activists to stand by Windecker, earning the group a condemnation from the Boulder County DSA. Windecker, meanwhile, filmed a video accusing the Colorado Springs Anti-Fascists of being a front for a police officer or a Proud Boy. (The group denies the charge.) If youre trying to implicate that Im a fucking snitch, well check this out, Windecker said in the video. Three things I aint: I aint a punk, I aint a bitch, and I aint a fucking snitch. Windecker has vanished from the Colorado protest scene. Hall says he hasnt heard from him since Windecker texted him in 2021, a few days before the FBI arrested Hall for giving Windecker a gun. The guilty plea has already hurt Halls career chances, he said. Previously an IT worker, hes been cast out of several companies hiring processes when he discloses his recent felony, even getting passed over for a delivery gig with DoorDash, because his felony was gun-related. But he and other activists said they werent surprised to learn that Windecker was an informantit was proof that they hadnt been paranoid. The felonys well worth it, if this gets it all out, Hall said. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here 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. Officials on Monday completed the release of toxic chemicals that had been carried on a train that derailed over the weekend in eastern Ohio. Officials had warned that the chemical could be deadly if inhaled. The release of vinyl chloride, a toxic, flammable gas used to produce vehicle interiors and PVC piping, was completed late Monday afternoon after evacuations were expanded from East Palestine, Ohio, the site of Friday night's derailment, to an adjacent community in Pennsylvania. The release was "successfully completed," according to the train's operator, Norfolk Southern. A burn-off of material would continue past nightfall, it said. This photo taken with a drone shows portions of a Norfolk and Southern freight train that derailed Friday night in East Palestine, Ohio are still on fire at mid-day Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. (Gene J. Puskar / AP) A federal Emergency Alert System message on Monday urged residents in East Palestine and Pennsylvania's Darlington Township to leave immediately. The office of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Sunday night 500 people had defied orders to leave, but on Monday he said he believed all had left. The Ohio National Guard was deployed to the area late Sunday, and authorities went door to door urging stragglers to move out, DeWine said at a news conference Monday. "Those in the red area are facing grave danger of death if they are still in that area," he warned. Two of five train cars believed to be carrying vinyl chloride were likely to have been filled with the gas, and temperature changes could have set it off, officials said at the news conference. That left leaders with two bad choices: release a gas known for its deadly potential if inhaled and associated with a higher risk of cancer or stand back for an extended period of time with the potential for an explosion. Authorities said an explosion would come with two dangers, including the same one that comes with a controlled release, exposure to a hazardous material. "The vinyl chloride contents of five rail cars are currently unstable and could potentially explode, causing deadly disbursement of shrapnel and toxic fumes," DeWine said. A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk and Southern trains Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. (Gene J. Puskar / AP) Both of cars believed to be filled with vinyl chloride contained 177,000 pounds of the chemical, a National Guard official said. It was not clear how much was in the others. All five were subject to the controlled release and subsequent burn off, officials said. Story continues "Were going to place a small-shaped charge. Its going to create a hole about 2 to 3 inches into the tank car," said Scott Deutsch, a hazardous materials regional manager for Norfolk Southern. "This will allow the material to come out of the tank car." Environmental Protection Agency personnel have been in East Palestine since Friday night, and they were monitoring air and water, with no sustained signs of toxicity for East Palestine, agency officials said Monday. A state environmental safety official said that runoff from the train's subsequent fire and firefighting efforts reached a natural waterway that but officials stemmed the flow. Fish in the area were affected, the official said. The derailment was reported at 8:55 p.m. Friday as the 150-car train was headed from Matteson, Illinois, to Conway, Pennsylvania. It was estimated that 50 cars were off the track. No injuries were reported, including among the train's three-person crew. Initial observations from the National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation, include video and inspection evidence of a broken axle on one of the cars, a board member said Sunday. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A federal judge last week denied a "meritless" request for a new sentence filed by a Sussex County man and former gym owner serving a 41-month prison term for assaulting a police officer during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth in Washington, D.C., rejected Scott Fairlamb's claims that his "ineffective" attorney told him to lie, withheld evidence from him and misled him with promises he would get a more lenient sentence, according to a court filing on Feb. 1. Fairlamb, 45, of Hardyston, was sentenced in November 2021 after admitting he shoved and punched a D.C. Metropolitan police officer when he breached the Capitol on Jan. 6 with other rioters who sought to keep President Donald Trump in power. Fairlamb, who once owned Fairlamb Fit in Pompton Lakes, also admitted to obstructing a governmental function and is serving his nearly 3-year federal sentence at FCI Butner Medium II, a medium-security prison for men in North Carolina. Federal inmates must serve 85% of their term before being eligible for release on parole, and coupled with time already served and other credits such as good behavior and completing academic programs Fairlamb is slated for a potential December 2023 release, prison records show. Authorities say Scott Fairlamb, of Stockholm, allegedly shown with a baton in hand, took part in the riots at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Fairlamb's sentence at the time was the most severe punishment given to anyone charged on the terror-filled day, likely having set a benchmark for future cases. But despite arguments by the former mixed martial arts competitor that he didn't have a fair fight in the courtroom, a federal judge found that none of his constitutional rights were violated and his arguments did not "deserve encouragement to proceed further" to an evidentiary hearing. Fairlamb's arguments call out his prior attorney, Harley Breite, who handled his plea and sentencing proceedings. Breite, who had known the family before being hired by Fairlamb, appeared a firm advocate for his client throughout the proceedings, passionately telling the New Jersey Herald his client meant no harm and had no ill will toward police. At Fairlamb's sentencing, he urged the judge to consider a sentence of time served or home detention in lieu of prison. Story continues But it was purportedly what happened behind the scenes that led Fairlamb to hire high-profile Washington, D.C.-based attorneys Dennis Boyle and Blerina Jasari to draft his motion to the federal court for a new sentence, claiming the Paterson-based Breite was "incompetent." Breite told the New Jersey Herald this week that Fairlamb's claims, which were affirmed as baseless by the federal court, were an attack on his integrity. "Apparently, the tears Mr. Fairlamb shed before the judge and the remorse he claimed while under oath were disingenuous," Breite said. "Despite previous court rulings that all of Mr. Fairlambs rights were protected, he remains unwilling to accept truths of his actions that day and thereafter." Several attempts seeking comment from Boyle and Jasari were left unanswered. Scott Fairlamb is seen in a photo he allegedly submitted to his Facebook page on Jan. 1, 2021, before the account was taken down. Why Fairlamb's arguments failed, in judge's view The bar is set quite high for a court's evaluation of an attorney's actions to show that if not for their unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different, Lamberth said in his ruling. It was highly improbable, the judge wrote, that Fairlamb would have chosen to go to trial, because the video evidence against him was "overwhelming" and he was facing a prison term at least four times longer than what his attorney had negotiated. Prosecutors introduced videos that Fairlamb uploaded to social media on Jan. 6, as well as body-camera footage from police officers and other rioters that showed him wielding a collapsible baton and yelling at officers, "What [do] Patriots do? We [expletive] disarm them and then we storm the [expletive] Capitol." His menacing behavior continued after Jan. 6, when he recorded and posted his own videos threatening to return to the Capitol, prosecutors argued. Authorities say Scott Fairlamb, of Stockholm, allegedly shown on scaffolding, took part in the riots at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Fairlamb, in a filing by Boyle and Jasari in September, claimed that before he signed his plea agreement in August 2021, Breite "promised that he would be home this time next year," an argument that fell flat because, according to the judge, it wasn't a "plainly incorrect" statement, given Fairlamb's early acceptance of guilt, which weighs in his favor, and the fact that he was cooperative with the government's investigation. Fairlamb also said he agreed to an interview with the U.S. House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack because his attorney told him that doing so would be his "golden ticket" to a lesser sentence. But the interview, and the result, never happened, Fairlamb claimed. Lamberth wrote that it was not clear if the interview actually took place, but said it may have been the D.C. jail that thwarted the interview. Regardless, Fairlamb knew prosecutors were not considering a lesser sentence if he cooperated with the committee, the judge wrote, and was told numerous times, and signed documents acknowledging that his plea agreement came without promises, understandings or agreements. Boyle and Jasari also said in their motion that Breite never shared evidence with their client, including a video that surfaced after he signed his plea deal that showed him rendering assistance to four Capitol police officers on Jan. 6. But the argument was contradictory, the judge said, because Breite used those videos to his client's advantage verbally in court and in a pre-sentence document. Boyle and Jasari appealed Fairlamb's conviction in November 2021 but moved to withdraw the appeal in early January 2022, stating in records that it was "no longer necessary." The court construed the motion as a voluntary dismissal. Photo of Scott Fairlamb included in FBI documents. At the time of his sentencing, Fairlamb shed tears, expressing remorse for his actions, and detailed how his "irresponsible, reckless behavior" ruined his family's reputation. The judge, while finding Fairlamb's remarks sincere, could not shake the severity of the crime and the impact it had on the officer he assaulted. Lamberth, during the sentencing, praised Fairlamb for taking a plea deal, remarking that had he gone to trial, "I don't think there's any jury that would have acquitted you." Lori Comstock can be reached on Twitter: @LoriComstockNJH, on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LoriComstockNJH or by phone: 973-383-1194. This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Capitol riot: Sussex County NJ man denied new sentence By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The chair of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said a FedEx Boeing 767 cargo plane and a Southwest Airlines 737-700 that nearly collided were "probably under 100 feet (30.5 meters) vertically from each other," according to preliminary information on Monday from the investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB are investigating an aborted landing of a FedEx cargo plane on Saturday in Austin, Texas, that had been set to land on a runway on which a Southwest Airlines jet was also cleared to depart. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy told Reuters the "near miss" incident could have resulted in "terrible tragedy." The two planes came close to colliding when the FedEx aircraft was forced to overfly the Southwest jet to avoid a crash in poor visibility conditions around 6:40 a.m. "Shortly before the FedEx aircraft was due to land, the controller cleared Southwest Flight 708 to depart from the same runway," the FAA said on Saturday. Homendy said it appears likely the FedEx plane overflew the Southwest plane during their takeoff role momentarily and then Southwest passed beneath the FedEx plane again as its speed increased on takeoff. "At some point this FedEx plane and the Southwest plane are moving together - one on the runway, one right over the Southwest plane - so this is serious," Homendy said in an interview, describing the chain of events in the two minutes leading up to the near miss. The FAA issued a takeoff clearance to Southwest when FedEx was about 3.32 nautical miles from the end of the runway. The FedEx pilot got confirmation of clearance to land when it was 2.19 miles away, Homendy said. Shortly afterward Southwest began its takeoff. "At that point when (Southwest) starts to roll, FedEx is only 0.45 nautical miles from the runway and going 141 knots (162 miles per hour)," Homendy said. "When FedEx said Southwest abort, they were 1,195 feet (364 m) down the runway and climbing." Story continues The Cancun, Mexico-bound Southwest flight had 123 passengers and five crew on the Boeing 737-700. It safely departed. "I have to give it to the FedEx pilot and the co-pilot, what a fantastic job especially in such extremely poor conditions, poor visibility," Homendy said. She did not fault the Southwest pilots whom she said initially would not have even known what was going on. Both cockpit voice recorders in the incident were believed to have been overwritten, Homendy said. Homendy said another runway incursion at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport in which a Delta Air Lines plane came to a safe stop after air traffic controllers noticed an American Airlines Boeing 777 had crossed from an adjacent taxiway could also have been tragic. The NTSB has investigated 17 runway incursion incidents since 2013, including two from last summer that remain under investigation. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Bill Berkrot) The scientist who sparked outrage after saying he was involved in creating the worlds first gene-edited babies has offered two words of advice that the world should adhere to when talking about the children. In 2018, He Jiankui became the focus of one of the most controversial acts in modern scientific history after claiming he edited the genes of a pair of twin girls, nicknamed Lulu and Nana, before they were born. A third baby, Amy, whose genes were also altered by him, was born a year later. The Chinese scientist was sacked by Chinas Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen and had served a three-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of illegal medical practices. In an interview with the South China Morning Post published on Tuesday, He said the children were living a normal, peaceful and undisturbed life and added that the world should respect them for it. This is their wish and we should respect them, he told the newspaper. He said he does not want the childrens normal life to be disrupted for the purpose of scientific research and said the priority should be the happiness of the children and their families. Chinese scientist He Jiankui presents his work at the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing, at the University of Hong Kong in 2018 (EPA) The scientist studied physics in China and later moved to the US to do a PhD at Rice University, before his controversial gene-editing experiment. He did a post-doctorate in genome sequencing at Stanford University before he returned to China in 2012. He first announced the birth of twins Lulu and Nana in a YouTube video on his channel four years ago. He said the babies were as healthy as any other babies and were home with their parents, Grace and Mark. Later, at the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing conference in Hong Kong, He defended his work and announced the birth of Amy. He claimed he used gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9, which can insert or deactivate certain genes. He said he edited the CCR5 gene a pathway used by the HIV virus to enter cells to make them resistant to HIV. Story continues The reaction to Hes announcement was swift as biomedical and AIDS researchers across the world condemned him for the experiment. In a joint statement, Chinese biomedical scientists dubbed his experiment monstrous, premature, dangerous and irresponsible. The Chinese government announced an immediate investigation, which later found him guilty of illegal medical practices. He Jiankui says he altered DNA to make children immune to HIV (AP) Speaking to SCMP, He said he feels worried like any other father in the world when asked if he is concerned about the future of the children. You will have high expectations of them, but you also have huge unease, he said. He said he is obliged to track the health status of the children as part of the consent for the research. After the age of 18, the children will decide whether to do medical follow-ups for their individual needs. We committed to doing this for their lifetimes, he said. He said he would like to buy extra health insurance for the children, but no insurance company is willing to insure them after the revelation that their genes are altered. The scientist now wants to open a charitable foundation to raise money for the children for any future unexpected medical expenses. Reflecting on his act, however, he admitted: I did it too quickly. He is scheduled to give talks at a number of universities and conferences, including a scheduled visit to the University of Oxford next month to speak on CRISPR gene-editing technology in reproductive medicine. He has also set up a lab in Beijing to work on affordable gene therapies for rare genetic diseases. BROCKTON, Mass. (AP) More than 70 ambulances showed up Tuesday to transfer about 160 patients evacuated from a Massachusetts hospital that lost power after an electrical transformer fire. The power was shut off at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital for safety reasons, officials said. We are removing some critically ill and injured patients, Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli said at a morning news conference. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency said about 160 patients were affected. Firefighters said 77 ambulances assisted in relocating them. Patients were still being taken to other hospitals and we are evaluating patient care plans as of Tuesday afternoon, the hospital said in a statement on its website. It was unclear when power would be restored. All elective procedures are canceled through Friday, the statement said. A message seeking comment was left with a spokesperson. There were no injuries reported in the fire. Temperatures were in the high 20s (about minus 2 degrees Celsius). Nardelli said the hospital's emergency generator, which was supplying power to the building, had to be shut off so the fire could be put out. Signature Healthcare is a 216-bed hospital. Brockton is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Boston. BRIDGETON A Bridgeton man will be sentenced next month in Cumberland County Superior Court for shooting to death a Fairfield man who was dating his ex-girlfriend, according to the county Prosecutors Office. A jury returned guilty verdicts against Frank James Baker on Feb. 1, after about two and a half hours of deliberations. His trial began Jan. 6 and went to the jurors on Jan. 31. The Prosecutors Office said Baker, 29, of Seabrook, was convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree firearms offenses, third-degree conspiracy, hindering his own apprehension, tampering with evidence, and obstruction. Sentencing is set for March 24 before trial Judge William Ziegler. Baker, who is in the county jail, faces a prison term of 30 years to life. More:NJ Transit bus hit, killed intoxicated man, but who's really to blame? More:Murder witness says her life was threatened by suspect's family Relatives of victim Jair A. Rennie were present to hear the jury decisions. Rennie, also a Bridgeton resident, was 25 years old. He arrived in the country as a teenage immigrant and worked his way through college. According to officials, the murder took place in the backyard of Anthonay McIvers house in the Gouldtown section of Fairfield Township on July 20, 2019. Investigators were told it grew out of an argument between Baker and Rennie over the latters relationship with McIver. McIver and Baker have a child together. Officials said Baker shot Rennie four times after McIver told him she would continue dating the other man. Rennie was taken to Inspira Medical Center Vineland, where he died. According to testimony, the defendant disposed of the pistol and fled to his fathers residence on North Avenue in the Cedarville section of Lawrence Township. At that location, he washed himself in bleach and others disposed of physical evidence. The defendant then was taken to Delaware. Family members convinced Baker to turn himself in at the New Jersey State Police barracks in Upper Deerfield Township. Story continues Assistant County Prosecutors Lindsey Seidel and Charles J. Wettstein prosecuted Baker. Bridgeton attorney John P. Morris represented Baker. The case has resulted in previous convictions for other persons. The defendants father, Frank I. Baker III, was indicted in the case. Now 52, he was sentenced to three years in prison in March 2021 after pleading guilty to hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence. He was released in October 2021. In November 2020, Marquiis A. Wilson of Bridgeton was sentenced to a three-year prison term under a negotiated plea agreement. He also was ordered to pay $7,740 toward funeral expenses. Wilson, now 25, admitted to helping to conceal and to tamper with evidence. He was released from prison in November 2022. Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey more than 30 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times. Have a tip? Reach out at jsmith@thedailyjournal.com. Help support local journalism with a subscription. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Cumberland County man who murdered ex's boyfriend found guilty Microsoft CEO and Chairman Satya Nadella is one of the most prominent Indian Americans. Brad Barket/Getty Images for Fast Company Members of the Indian diaspora living in the U.S. are being urged to step up and channel money back to the homeland during a 24-hour charitable drive. On March 2, 2023, the first India Giving Day will take place. The plan is to encourage U.S.-based donors, especially the nations 2.7 million Indian immigrants and the roughly 1.3 million U.S.-born Americans of Indian origin, to give to Indian causes in unison. As a scholar interested in the role that charitable donations play in international development, I expect this fundraising drive to raise millions of dollars for India-supporting nonprofits. The campaigns organizers will raise money to fund projects that will improve education, health care and gender equality and meet other important needs in a country with 228.9 million people living in poverty, according to the 2022 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index more than anywhere else in the world. A nonprofit alliance The India Philanthropy Alliance, a coalition of 14 U.S. nonprofits that fund development and humanitarian projects in India, is coordinating the event. Its members already raise a total of almost US$60 million annually in the U.S. Their goal is to amass more funding collectively by holding an annual single-day push. Although the alliance will welcome donations from anywhere and anyone, its main focus is to encourage Indian Americans and Indian immigrants who live in the U.S. to support its members, such as CRY America, a childrens rights nonprofit, and Sehgal Foundation, an organization promoting rural development in India. Giving days, 24-hour campaigns to raise awareness and donations for specific organizations and causes, have become more common in the U.S. over the past 15 years. There are many for schools, hospitals and many other kinds of organizations but Giving Tuesday is the most popular. Held on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, it raised over $3 billion for a wide array of causes in 2022. All told, Indian Americans give an estimated $1 billion annually to charity. Story continues There is the potential for even higher sums being raised from the many very rich Indian Americans a long list that includes actress Mindy Kaling, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, economist Amartya Sen, Microsoft CEO and Chairman Satya Nadella and the entire Indian American community. Thats because Indian Americans are the nations highest-earning ethnic group, and yet they give away a smaller share of their income than the U.S. average. The alliance aims to see Indian American giving triple to $3 billion, with some of that total funding development and humanitarian projects in India. Indias government has also been vocal about wanting Indian Americans to contribute more toward Indias development. Giving to the homeland India Giving Day is an example of diaspora philanthropy giving back to ones homeland, often by pooling resources with others who share the same heritage. This giving can be in the form of money, or time spent volunteering for a cause. It has also been called homeland philanthropy, migrant philanthropy and refugee philanthropy. A common way that immigrants and people whose parents or grandparents immigrated to the U.S. send money back to their homelands is through remittances dispatching money across international lines to family and friends to help them get by. Total remittances globally grew 5% in 2022 to $626 billion. The flows to India increased much more sharply, shooting up 12% to $100 billion. Diaspora philanthropy can be characterized as collective remittances for development and humanitarian projects. Diaspora communities are motivated to collectively give because of their shared identity and sense of responsibility to their countries of origin. There is currently no way to estimate diaspora philanthropys scale. One reason for that is that funding is channeled through countless intermediaries, from diaspora-led organizations and hometown associations to universities. While India is of one of the worlds fastest-growing economies, it also has daunting needs when it comes to addressing poverty in its lowest-income regions. For that reason, I believe any drive to encourage the flow of charitable dollars to India is to be welcomed. The cash raised through the India Giving Day campaign will help fund an array of projects, such as nutritional programs for children and expectant mothers, educational centers for child laborers and efforts to supply sewing machines for womens cooperatives. This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation has a variety of fascinating free newsletters. It was written by: Susan Appe, University at Albany, State University of New York. Read more: Susan Appe does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Nix, the open source tool for creating reproducible builds and deployments, is becoming increasingly popular among developers, but it's not always the easiest service to work with. It's maybe no surprise then that we're now seeing a new batch of startups that aims to bring Nix to more developers by building the tooling necessary to bring Nix to the enterprise. One of those is flox, a startup that is making it easier for developers to use Nix and that platform's vast repository of curated packages, all while adding more collaboration and other enterprise features on top of it. The company today announced that it has raised a $16.5 million Series A round led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA), bringing its total funding to date to $27 million. Flox was incubated at DESCOvery, the venture studio of the multinational hedge fund D.E. Shaw. Other backers include Addition and Hetz, as well as angel investors like GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke, Snyk founder Guy Podjarny and former Docker VP and Microsoft for Startups CTO -- and now Sotheby's CTO -- James Turnbull. The company was co-founded by Ron Efroni and Michael Brantley. Like so many Israeli startup founders, Efroni got his start in the Israeli Defense Forces' Unit 8200 and then founded two Chicago-based startups before joining Facebook (while it was still called Facebook), where he led that company's developer products arm. Brantley, meanwhile, has an academic background, working at Rice and Princeton, where he managed the Unix interoperability lab before joining D.E. Shaw in the mid-90s. At D.E. Shaw, he was responsible for building the group's release engineering infrastructure. That's also where he encountered Nix and started building the tooling for D.E. Shaw to make it easier for its internal developers to use. "We found [Nix] challenging, to be perfectly frank," Brantley explained. "But we were able to wrestle it into submission by putting a layer around it. That's ultimately what D.E. Shaw's own venture arm spotted as a potential commercial opportunity and spun out into flox." The two co-founders "virtually dated" for a while, as Brantley put it. Since that worked out, the two then officially launched the company last October. Until now, flox remained in beta, but the flox open source platform is now open for anyone, with plans to launch an enterprise version later this year. "The whole mission was that Nix is an incredibly powerful technology and we want to bring it to the global stage, bring it to more developers," explained Efroni, who is also a member of the NixOS Foundation board. "We've set out on the mission of two things that are way easier said than done with Nix. One is reducing the barriers to adopting the Nix technology. And, on the other side, bridging the gaps to the enterprise -- bringing Nix to work with all the things that Michael [Brantley] worked on that just inherently are needed to even have an enterprise consider using any technology." As the team argues, the way enterprises are building software is changing, with code bases growing larger and software dependencies growing more complex, all while cloud-native technologies have changed how these applications are being deployed. Nix promises to streamline the build and development process by making it easily reproducible and allowing developers to share their development and build environments in a declarative way. At the core of this is the Nix cross-language packages collection, which currently features about 80,000 packages and which flox also relies on. "It's the largest collection of curated build recipes for public domain software out there. It's incredibly current as compared to any Linux distribution -- and because it's built with Nix, it can run on any Linux distribution, side-by-side with whatever was there before, so any integration plans that anybody would want to take on, they can do so incrementally at their own pace." Flox then wants to provide developers with what Efroni called "a happy path" that makes it easier for them to succeed in adopting Nix. "Building and deploying software in a reproducible, secure manner is perhaps the biggest challenge facing developers today, said Aaron Jacobson, partner at NEA. Flox recognizes the innovations within Nix solve this challenge yet they come with the cost of a steep learning curve. By creating an easy-to-use platform around Nix, flox supercharges productivity for developers everywhere while also making their software more secure." Companions of the imprisoned Russian oppositionist Aleksei Navalny found foreign assets of Mkrtich Okroyan, the chief designer of the Soyuz plant that produces engines for Kh-22 cruise missiles. Source: video Navalny Live Details: According to the investigation, Okroyan's 28-year-old daughter Anna owns a manor in Surrey, Great Britain, which was purchased in 2020 for GBP6 million. Okroyan, his wife, son and daughter indicated the address of this mansion in the documents of their British company Bento Minerals Europe Limited, which sells bentonite clay widely used for construction, water purification, and animal nutrition. These documents also show that the chief designer of Soyuz and his wife are residents of Great Britain. The investigation also states that Okroyan's company has a branch in Poland, which is managed by his brother Arutyun. That company also trades raw materials. In addition, Okroyan's wife Alla Baban and son Andranik are shareholders of a foundry and mechanical plant in Balashikha settlement; Mkrtich is a member of the board of directors at that plant. The foundry and mechanical plant in Balashikha is under Western sanctions because it produces metals and parts for the Russian army, but the Soyuz plant is not. The chief designer of Soyuz and his family were also not sanctioned. The Soyuz plant, established in 1943, is the developer of the engine for the Kh-22 missiles. Its engines can also be installed in Kh-59 missiles or the Calibre cruise missiles. The plant also develops engines for Russian military transport aircraft. Navalny's associates believe that Okroyan is one of the instigators of this war. The Soyuz plant, foreign companies of Okroyan and his entire family should be sanctioned, and their English real manor should be seized. It was earned in blood. Background: In mid-January, one of the Kh-22 missiles hit a residential building in Dnipro, and in summer 2022, such missiles hit a shopping centre in Kremenchuk and a house in Odesa. Dozens of people were killed. Story continues Kh-22 cruise missiles are designed to attack ships, but the Russian army regularly uses them for other purposes, terrorising the population of Ukraine. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! A former Kentucky county prosecutor has been ordered to pay nearly $600,000 after pleading guilty to overbilling and paying improper bonuses to his wife. Michael T. Hogan, the former county attorney in Lawrence County, is liable for $366,550 of that total along with his wife, Joy, and owes $232,127 by himself, for a total of $598,677. Hogan and his wife each pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and Hogan pleaded guilty to an additional charge of theft from a government program. U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove sentenced them last September, but left open the issue of how much money they would have to repay. Hogan admitted that as county attorney, he overbilled the state for work he did to collect child support, and that his wife received extra checks from delinquent-tax collections his office handled, disguising them as bonuses. Helping collect child support and delinquent property taxes are among the jobs that county attorneys perform in Kentucky, along with several others, including prosecuting misdemeanor crimes and traffic offenses. In the seven years that Joy Hogan received more than $300,000 in extra pay, the most any other employee received in bonuses was $10,000, a prosecutor said in a sentencing memorandum. People who worked in Hogans office also estimated to the FBI that nearly all the time he billed for collecting child support was fraudulent. The Hogans consented to the forfeiture amounts, according the judges order. Michael Hogan is serving a sentence of three years and six months, and his wife is serving 12 months and one day. Van Tatenhove entered the restitution order against them last month. The $366,550 in the restitution order would go to the Lawrence County Attorneys Office, and the $232,127 would go to the child-support program. Michael Hogan served as county attorney in Lawrence County from 2003 until he resigned in early 2022 as part of his guilty plea, and also ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in the May 2019 Republican primary. Story continues The FBI investigation of Hogan was rooted in a state audit released in May 2020 that identified the improper bonuses. State Auditor Mike Harmon lauded the work of his staff on the case. I cant say enough about the great job our auditing staff did on the exam of select county attorney offices in 2020, and the cooperation between our office and federal law enforcement that led to guilty pleas and the order to pay back taxpayer dollars, said Harmon, a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor. Hertfordshire Police / Handout / Via Reuters Former London police officer David Carrick was sentenced on Tuesday to a total of 36 life sentences for 85 offenses against 12 women. Carrick, a veteran police officer, had pleaded guilty on Jan. 16 to raping, kidnapping, and sexually assaulting women over the span of 17 years. Carrick was an officer for Londons Metropolitan Police Service for over 20 years until he was arrested for rape in October 2021 and suspended from work. He was officially fired after a misconduct hearing in January 2023 following his guilty plea. His final years as an officer were in an elite police unit the same unit as former police officer Wayne Couzens, who kidnapped, raped, and murdered Sarah Everard in March 2021. Couzens was sentenced to life in prison later that same year. Carrick used his position as a police officer to intimidate his victims from coming forward, Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb said at the sentencing. You joined the Metropolitan Police in 2001, she said. That puts you in a unique position with exceptional powers to coerce and control. Activists from the group Women Against Rape gathered outside Southwark Crown Court on the second day of the sentencing of serial rapist David Carrick. Sopa Images / LightRocket via Getty Images During the hearing, Cheema-Grubb detailed Carricks extremely violent crimes. The court heard about the various ways Carrick tortured his victims, including urinating on women, forcing them to swallow urine and semen, and threatening to report a victim to immigration authorities. David Carricks crimes were unspeakably evil, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said in a statement on Tuesday. He subjected these victims and survivors to the most degrading and inhumane treatment and yet they still showed the courage to come forward and to provide the evidence that led to his conviction. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley Aaron Chown / PA Images via Getty Images Since Everards murder, the Metropolitan police have come under scrutiny for the way they investigate sexual misconduct claims involving their officers, especially as both Couzens and Carrick had committed multiple crimes before they were arrested. In January, Rowley apologized for the departments failings in Carricks case and said the Metropolitan police are reviewing over 1,600 claims of sexual and domestic abuse made over the past decade, per the BBC. London Mayor Sadiq Khan urged people to come forward to report unacceptable behavior. This should never have been allowed to happen and must never happen again, he said in a Feb. 7 statement . There can be no hiding place for those who abuse their position of trust and authority within the police. Carrick has been sentenced to 36 life sentences served concurrently, of which he must be imprisoned for a minimum of 30 years and 239 days before a parole board reviews his sentence. A former Victorias Secret sales manager is opening up about a little-known secret in the retail world one that she hopes will help curb store theft in the future. According to Kenzie Rae (@kenzieraesch), she used to work at an unnamed Victorias Secret location where she witnessed many instances of shoplifting. In fact, she estimates that someone would steal from the store at least once a day, which resulted in high losses for the struggling lingerie company. As part of store policy, managers and salespeople are not allowed to stop or confront shoplifters who are in the process of stealing for the sake of their own protection. But that doesnt mean these shoplifters get away scot-free. Instead, theyre often digging their own graves without fully realizing it. Victorias Secret, and probably every other company out there, has tons of cameras [as well as] an asset protection team, Kenzie explained. When employees spot any kind of theft at all, they report it through a system that alerts the asset protection team. And if the dollar amount of the theft is significant, they replay the camera footage, take screenshots, and calculate the total stolen. A lot of people think, Okay, well I got away with it last time so Im just going to go back,' Kenzie shares. But thats where they fall into a trap. The more that you go back, the more you have stolen, she explains, the dollar amount goes up and they will eventually catch you. First, the team will start building a case against you complete with all of those security camera screenshots and a running list of whats been stolen and theyll have a lot of evidence to back it up. Kenzie says it also doesnt matter if you stole from Victorias Secret stores in different locations since the loss prevention team works remotely and covers entire districts consisting of many stores. She even referenced one case where a woman was stealing from the store for months before the team finally caught her. By then, theyd tracked her patterns, knew shed stolen thousands of dollars worth of merchandise and stationed a loss prevention member in the store the next time she decided to strike. Once she exited the store with a bag full of stolen merchandise, they swooped in and brought her to the security office, where she was soon met by police. Story continues Kenzies video has now been watched more than 1.9 million times, but the replies from TikTokers remain mixed. Some people didnt actually believe that the woman was a former employee. I feel like these videos are made by the companies to try and scare people with fear tactics because its coming from a person not them, one person commented. Yer jus tryna scare me, another person wrote. Others didnt seem to feel bad about the amount of shoplifting that goes on every year. The way these prices have been rising, I dont see anything, one person declared. VS and Target can afford to get things taken in my opinion, another person said. But at least some people seemed to heed Kenzies warning and a few even dropped some insider tips of their own. Dont steal from kohls either, one person wrote. They care way too much AND theres a person there who can talk to u and stop you. When I worked at target years ago they had a whole bulletin board of pictures of ppl who steal, another TikToker shared. They like to watch you and wait until youve stolen enough for it to be federal offense, warned someone else. Yall stay safe. In The Know is now available on Apple News follow us here! The post Former sales manager explains why you should never shoplift from Victorias Secret appeared first on In The Know. More from In The Know: Laid-off employee calls out ridiculous request from former boss: 'This is exploitation' Former Tom Brady fan auctions sand from his second retirement announcement spot These 7 small lamps create the perfect mood lighting for tight apartments 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star Kyle Richards on having a break between seasons, Lisa Rinna's exit and rumors about Season 13 By Dominique Vidalon and Stephane Mahe PARIS (Reuters) - Public transport, schools and refinery supplies in France were disrupted on Tuesday as trade unions led a third wave of nationwide strikes against President Emmanuel Macron's plans to make the French work longer before retirement. Tuesday's multi-sector walkouts come a day after pension reform legislation began its bumpy passage through parliament, and are a test of Macron's ability to enact change without a working majority in the National Assembly. The government says people must work two years longer - meaning for most until the age of 64 - in order to keep the budget of one of the industrial world's most generous pension systems in the black. The French spend the largest number of years in retirement among OECD countries - a deeply cherished benefit that a substantial majority are reluctant to give up, polls show. At the start of a protest march in Paris, union leaders Philippe Martinez of the hardleft CGT and Laurent Berger of the moderate CFDT stood side by side to denounce the pension reform. "This reform will upend the lives of several generations. If the government stubbornly forges ahead, we will step up our protest with longer and harder actions," Martinez said. Berger, whose union traditionally takes a more conciliatory stance, rejected sweeteners offered by the government, such as increasing the lowest pensions. "These concessions are just patches. Increasing the legal retirement to 64 is the core of this reform and it is deeply unfair. It is a democratic folly for the government to turn a deaf ear to the protest," he said. Strike participation appeared lower than a week earlier, data showed, but the government will be watching street protests to gauge how strong public opposition remains. "We're worn out by work," pensioner Bernard Chevalier said at a protest in the Riviera city of Nice. "Retirement should be a second life, not a waiting room for death." Story continues Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt dismissed opposition accusations that the government was in denial over the scale of public protests, and said change was needed. "The pension system is loss-making and if we care about the system, we must save it," the minister told RMC radio. 'YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND' Strike participation among teachers fell to 14% from 26% the previous week, while among workers at state-run energy giant EDF it was 30%, down from 40%. TotalEnergies said deliveries of refined oil products from its sites had been suspended. Power production was down by some 4.3 gigawatts (GW) - roughly 6% of capacity. The government says the reform will allow gross savings of more than 17 billion euros ($18 billion) per year by 2030. Unions and leftwing opponents say the money can be found elsewhere, notably from the wealthy, and that workers need protecting. "Those of you who support this reform don't understand how tough jobs are, what it's like to wake up with an aching back," Rachel Keke, the first cleaner in France to become a lawmaker, told a raucous debate in parliament on Monday. "You don't understand what it's like to take medication to get through the work day. You don't understand because it's not a world you live in," the leftist lawmaker continued to applause from opposition benches. Conservative opponents, whose support Macron needs for a working majority in the National Assembly, want concessions for those who start working young. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has offered to let some people who start work early also retire early - but Les Republicains lawmakers are divided over whether the proposed starting age of 20-21 is low enough. (Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau, Dominique Vidalon, Tangi Salaun, Benjamin Mallet, Forrest Crellin and America Hernandez; writing by Richard Lough and Geert De Clercq; Editing by Janet Lawrence and Kylie MacLellan) PARIS (AP) Hundreds of thousands of French marched in a third round of protests Tuesday against planned pension reforms, while new nationwide strikes disrupted public transport and schools, as well as power, oil and gas supplies. Turnout at the demonstrations was lower than on previous occasions. Train passengers were expected to face more delays Wednesday, with two rail unions calling to extend their strike by 24 hours. The protests came a day after French lawmakers began debating a pension bill that would raise the minimum retirement from 62 to 64. The bill is the flagship legislation of President Emmanuel Macron's second term. Over 750,000 people marched in Paris, the cities of Nice, Marseille, Toulouse, Nantes and elsewhere, according to the Interior Ministry. Thats fewer than on the last protest, on Jan. 31. The nearly 60,000 protesters in the French capital marched from the Opera area across the city carrying placards reading Save Your Pension and Tax Billionaires, Not Grandmas. The strike disruptions were also milder than on Jan. 31. Frances current pension system is a democratic achievement in the sense that it is a French specialty that other countries envy, said one protester, media worker Anissa Saudemont, 29. I feel that with high inflation, unemployment, the war in Ukraine and climate change, the government should focus on something else, she added. Much of the Paris march was peaceful, but there were flashes of unrest; police said officers detained 17 people for throwing projectiles and alleged vandalism. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne defended the government plan Tuesday but suggested there was room for adjustments. Im convinced there are points of agreement to be found. Im convinced that we can improve this text together. It will be through debate, confronting ideas and, of course, respect, she said, noting graffiti that appeared on the meeting place of the National Assembly, including a door marked with 60. Story continues If nothing is done, Borne said, taxes and social charges will increase, along with unemployment and lower purchasing power. That would would cost retirees with modest pensions and all those who worked all their lives, and certainly not the big bosses," she said. Voila, your alternative project, Borne said. Last week, an estimated 1.27 million people demonstrated, according to authorities, more than in the first big protest day on Jan. 19. More demonstrations, called by France's eight main unions, are planned for Saturday. Rail operator SNCF said train services were severely disrupted Tuesday across the country, including on its high-speed network. International lines to Britain and Switzerland were affected. The Paris metro was also disrupted. Saad Kadiui, 37, a consulting cabinet chief who had to go through a disrupted Paris train station Tuesday, said he did not support the wearisome strikes. There are other ways to protest the pension reform, he said. Kadiui said he supported the principle of the pension reform but wanted the bill to be improved in parliament. I think that for some jobs, 64 is too late, he said. Train travel in France is set to remain disrupted into Wednesday. The CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail unions on Tuesday evening extended their members' walkout by a day. SNCF said the action would lead to delays or cancellations in up to a third of high-speed trains. Workers in oil refineries have said they also plan to continue their strike action into Wednesday. Power producer EDF said the protest movement led to temporarily reduced electricity supplies Tuesday, without causing blackouts. More than half of the workforce was on strike at the TotalEnergies refineries, according to the company. The Education Ministry said close to 13% of teachers were on strike, a decrease compared to last week's protest day. A third of French regions were on scheduled school breaks. Macron vowed to go ahead with the changes, despite opinion polls showing growing opposition. The bill would gradually increase the minimum retirement age to 64 by 2030 and accelerate a planned measure providing that people must have worked for at least 43 years to be entitled to a full pension. The changes are designed to keep the pension system financially afloat. Frances aging population is expected to plunge the system into deficit in the coming decade. The parliamentary debates at the National Assembly and the Senate are expected to last several weeks. Opposition lawmakers have proposed more than 20,000 amendments to the bill debated on Monday, mostly by the left-wing Nupes coalition. Philippe Martinez, secretary general of the powerful CGT union, called on the government and lawmakers to listen to the people. Speaking on French radio network RTL, he denounced Macrons attitude as playing with fire. Macron wants to show that he is able to pass a reform, no matter what public opinion says, what the citizens think, Martinez asserted. Rancor over the pension plan went beyond parliament's raucous debate. The speaker of the lower house, the National Assembly, reported that the bill had triggered anonymous voicemails, graffiti and a threatening letter to the head of the chamber's Social Affairs Committee. Thats enough, Yael Braun-Pivet tweeted. These acts are an attack on our democratic life. ... We wont tolerate it. Several lawmakers from the far-right National Rally party received voicemails during Monday's debate saying that loved ones were hospitalized, in an apparent ploy to make them leave the assembly. Party leader Marine Le Pen filed a complaint via a letter sent to the Paris prosecutor. ____ AP journalists Sylvie Corbet, Oleg Cetinic and Elaine Ganley in Paris contributed. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny appears on screens during a court hearing, via a video link from a penal colony. (Evgenia Novozhenina/Reuters) WASHINGTON Hes not doing well. That is how Leonid Volkov describes the health of Alexei Navalny, the imprisoned Russian dissident for whom he serves as chief of staff. Navalny is President Vladimir Putins top political nemesis, and most other Putin foes are dead or in exile. Navalny lives; he even tweets (via his attorney). His survival has become a matter of international concern and fascination. From a remote penal colony, where he has little control over his own fate, Navalny has tried to steer the fate of Russia. Those efforts have come at great cost. On the day that Volkov met in Washington with State Department Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman and members of Congress, Navalny announced (via tweets conveyed by his attorney to aides in the West) that he had been placed in a solitary confinement cell where he may be held without respite for six months. He normally never complains about his health. Hes not that type, Volkov said. But this solitary cell is the most severe punishment that exists within the Russian punishment system. Leonid Volkov, Alexei Navalny's chief of staff. (Janis Laizans/Reuters) Once described as the IT Whiz in Charge of Bringing Down Putin by the Jewish affairs magazine Tablet, Volkov comes from central Russia. In 2009 he was elected to a municipal position in Yekaterinburg, the city where Czar Nicholas II and his family were murdered by Bolshevik revolutionaries in 1918. He has been working with Navalny since 2016. Both men are irascible and loquacious, though Navalny is impulsive where Volkov is analytical. An attorney by training, Navalny rose to prominence by blogging about corruption among Putins inner circle of Kremlin advisers. In 2010, Time called him Russias Erin Brockovich, a reference to the American environmental muckraker. He was arrested the following year for holding an anti-Putin rally in Moscow, a typically heavy-handed official response that the Washington Post correctly predicted would catapult him out of the online world and onto a national stage. Story continues When Navalny ran for the Moscow mayoralty in 2013, Volkov joined his campaign. It was a quixotic bid, but Navalny waged the contest with determination, eventually earning 27% of the vote, an astonishing result in an election whose outcome was never in doubt. Five years later, with Volkov now his chief of staff, Navalny challenged Putin directly for the presidency. This was a more risky enterprise, considering that Soviet injunctions against challenging official power are effectively intact. That mattered little to Navalny, who sought to marshal his fellow Russians outrage over just how much of the Soviet power structure its venality, secrecy and myopia, its militarism and corruption, its lack of concern remained in place. Navalny delivers a speech in Moscow during a meeting to uphold his bid to be a 2018 presidential candidate. (Maxim Shemetov/Reuters) The risks of taking on Putin have always been obvious as Putin has always intended. Navalny does not seem to care; at least, the risk of dying has not dissuaded him from treating the Russia forged under Putins rule as an aberration that must be destroyed. I want to live in a normal country, and I refuse to accept any talk about Russia being doomed to being a bad, poor or servile country. I want to live here, and I can't tolerate the injustice that for many people has become routine, he told NPR a month before the presidential election. In a sign of how serious a threat he had become, Russian authorities decreed that he would be kept off the ballot. Still, a kind of moral victory had been won. Navalny and Volkov persist in holding to the belief in a Russian future that the Russian present does not seem to warrant. Encountering Volkov in 2019 at a conference in Estonia, the New Yorker writer Masha Gessen, a Moscow native who writes frequently about her homeland, was struck by this very quality. I was not optimistic; he was full of hope, Gessen wrote. He said that it was a tremendously exciting moment to be living in Russia. Arrested back in Moscow after the Estonia conference, Volkov decided it was too risky to remain in Russia. He left for Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, and has lived there with his family ever since. Navalny made a different calculation. Even though his bid for the presidency fell short, his charisma and social media savvy made him a danger to Putin and his Kremlin functionaries, who knew how to use force and propaganda but lacked any ability to appeal forthrightly to ordinary Russians. Navalny and his wife, Yulia, at a rally in Moscow in 2019. (Tatyana Makeyeva/Reuters) Recognizing that Navalnys movement was the first serious threat to his rule in years, Putin tried to poison him in 2020. The attempt failed, a rarity for a ruler accustomed to having enemies ruthlessly and efficiently dispatched. Even more unusual was that after recuperating in Germany, Navalny decided to return to Russia in January 2021, forcing a confrontation with the Kremlin that could end only one way. Last week, when Volkov met with U.S. lawmakers from both parties and staffers from both the Senate and House foreign affairs committees, he presented them with a paper fold-out miniature model of Navalnys cell, an 80-square-foot concrete box containing a sink, a small chair and, as Volkov puts it, well, thats it. From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., his bed is folded against the concrete wall, meaning that the 6-foot-2-inch-tall Navalny has no means to alleviate his persistent back pain. Recently, his Anti-Corruption Foundation installed a full-scale, concrete model of his cell outside the Russian Embassy in Berlin, a macabre work of protest art that seeks to keep Navalny's plight at the fore of media coverage. Navalny endured 11 separate stays in solitary confinement throughout the last several months, each lasting the legal maximum of 15 days. He would be returned to his cell, then quickly penalized for some minor infraction and sent into solitary confinement again. Now even that pretense will be gone. In response to the new six-month penalty, the U.S. charged that the Kremlins efforts to silence Navalny are part of a broader effort to limit the ability of the people of Russia to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Oleg Navalny, the brother of Alexei Navalny, stands inside a replica, constructed in Berlin, of his brother's cell in a Russian penal colony. (Markus Schreiber/AP) If such calls exert little influence on Russian authorities, they nevertheless serve as a reminder that the way Navalny is treated matters to Washington and London, Brussels and Paris. Volkov and other Navalny supporters believe the Kremlin wont kill him if it believes that the West would exact a price for his murder, such as more stringent sanctions. Russian state-sponsored media never mention Navalny. Silencing media outlets abroad is, of course, much harder, but the legacy of the Soviet Unions notorious propaganda efforts lives on in the digital age. A study from last summer by computer scientist Iuliia Alieva and two Carnegie Mellon colleagues found that Russia had launched a disinformation campaign using anti-Navalny bots that spark conspiracy discussions and distorted information and facts. Navalny has been accused of being both a far-right Russian nationalist and a puppet of the United States. Neither charge is true, but both have found some traction among both an American far right that harbors affection for Putins authoritarianism and a far left inherently suspicious of U.S. intentions in Eastern Europe. The effort to keep Navalny in the headlines was helped last month when the Canadian documentary Navalny was nominated for an Academy Award. Directed by Daniel Roher, the film captures Navalnys months-long recovery from 2020s attempted poisoning attempt. Once his health improved, Navalny decided to head home. Russia is my country, he said by way of explanation. When his plane from Berlin touched down in Moscow, he was greeted by throngs of supporters and police officers who arrested him for violating a probation sentence that was the outcome of a 2014 fraud case. Two separate show trials followed, with Navalny convicted on fictitious charges of corruption that could keep him in prison for more than 11 years. Navalny at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport on Jan. 17, 2021, before being detained by Russian police. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images) Yet the fact that Putin has not ordered him killed is significant, Volkov argues: a little bit of hope in a hopeless country. I believe whoever comes next will consider him as an asset, as a bargaining chip, he says. At a time when many Russia experts refuse to entertain the notion of a Kremlin not helmed by Putin, the question of succession is very much on Volkovs mind. In his conversations with diplomats, foreign affairs experts and lawmakers in Washington, he tied Navalnys fate to the war in Ukraine and to the future of Russia as the stable democracy that many in the West envisioned after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Volkovs core conviction the conviction that gives both him and Navalny hope is that support for the year-old invasion of Ukraine is vastly overstated. And that as support continues to erode, Putins grip on Russia will collapse. The collapse will be messy and perhaps violent. But a better Russia will emerge. Things in Russia are changing in a very interesting and, I believe, in a truly very optimistic way, Volkov says. Others once harbored similar hopes, only to give them up as the Ukrainian invasion ground on and the Kremlin hunkered down, embattled but resourceful enough to withstand the blows to its ramparts. Westerners were encouraged by the protests in St. Petersburg and Moscow when Putin first invaded Ukraine in late February 2022. When those protests subsided and life seemed to return to normal in Russia minus Apple and American Express, not to mention a host of other consequences of a harsh new international sanctions regime many concluded that a cowed, truth-deprived populace had simply come to accept war as a fact of life. Russian President Vladimir Putin leads a meeting via video conference. (Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Sure, Russians are becoming divided, and their opinions polarized, as people grow tired of war, Russia expert Andrei Kolesnikov recently wrote in Foreign Affairs. But far from weakening Putins hold on power, the special military operation has only strengthened it. Volkov disagrees, pointing to polling conducted by the Anti-Corruption Foundation that suggests exasperation with the war in Ukraine is reaching an unsustainable level (because it is illegal to describe the invasion of Ukraine as anything but a special military operation, it is exceptionally difficult to ask Russians about the war, let alone to ask them for honest assessments). He and others have argued that protests against last falls partial mobilization ordered by Putin were notable precisely because they did not take place in St. Petersburg and Moscow, but rather in the vast hinterlands where the Kremlin generally expects near-unilateral support, or at least resigned, fatalistic compliance. More waves of mobilization are expected as Russia continues to suffer heavy losses and tanks from Germany and the United States arrive on the battlefield. With each wave, popular discontent could grow. The silence is getting so loud in Russia, Volkov says. His argument to Washington lawmakers and diplomats has been that continuing to support Ukraine as President Biden and most congressional leaders have vowed to do is the easiest way to hasten Putins demise. That, in turn at least according to Volkov is the surest way to expedite the freeing of Navalny and other political prisoners, like fellow dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza. President Biden speaks about the war in Ukraine at the White House in January. (Susan Walsh/AP) Optimism is not regarded as a signature trait of the mythic Russian soul (War and prison are the two most important words in the Russian language, the Nobel Prize-winning Belarusian oral historian Svetlana Alexievich once observed), but Volkov is not alone in evincing hope for a country he has not seen. The regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin is living on borrowed time, Navalnys fellow dissidents Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Garry Kasparov, both now living in the West, recently wrote. If support for Ukraine holds firm, Putins regime will likely collapse in the near future, they predicted. Volkov believes that mounting pressure from inside, mounting economic pressure, and further military successes of Ukrainian armed forces will lead to a political crisis within Russia that will lead to the toppling of Putin. Skeptics may point to Putins approval ratings, which remain remarkably high. No less remarkable has been the resilience of the Russian economy, which the Wests sanctions have not managed to collapse. And while Twitter memes may sometimes make it seem as if Ukrainian forces are daily on the cusp of a historic rout, the war has been a grinding affair for both sides. Ukraine has to labor consistently to keep the Western coalition from crumbling. Russia, which has no coalition of its own, simply has to wait. Still, it has been years since Kremlinologists have enjoyed such fertile grounds for their speculation. Recent rumors have suggested that Yevgeny Prigozhin, a restaurateur and founder of the Wagner Group mercenary army, may be positioning himself to succeed (or supplant) Putin, who has been hounded by rumors about his health for years. Wagner Group head Yevgeny Prigozhin attends the funeral of Dmitry Menshikov, who died during a special operation in Ukraine. (AP) Then theres Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov, an unlikely pretender to the throne whose ambition and volatility make him an unpredictable player on the Kremlins political chessboard. He recently promised not to run for the Russian presidency, which only had the discomfiting effect of serving as a reminder that he could, in fact, seek the title. Former President Dmitry Medvedev who served in the position during a four-year interregnum during which Putin was constitutionally required to relinquish the office he has otherwise held without interruption for more than two decades has tried to reclaim some of his influence with the kind of fire-and-brimstone fulminations that seem more fitting for the early Cold War days. But his legacy of corruption (uncovered by Navalny in 2017), along with rumors about his private life, all but ensure that Medvedev wont have the top job again. The more likely candidate, Volkov believes, is Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, a quiet operator whose fingerprints are not on the disastrous Ukraine war. In its analysis of potential future leaders of Russia, Politico gave Mishustin a relatively encouraging two out of five nuclear mushroom clouds on its scariness scale, making him a less frightening alternative than security chief Nikolai Patrushev. Hes a businessman. Hes no criminal. And hes quite smart, Volkov says of Mishustin. All that, he believes, will make him eager to deal with the West. Whoever the Kremlins new leader will be, Volkov argues, his primary asset will be that his name is not Vladimir Putin. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. (Dmitry Astakhov/Pool Photo via AP) He explains that Putin has managed to carefully apportion political, military and economic power among Russias elites the oligarchs, the siloviki (officials who rose with Putin through the security services), the generals for whom the humiliations of the Ukraine war have been especially acute in a way that gives no single figure obvious advantage over others. The power equilibrium has sustained Putins rule for two decades, Volkov explains, but it also means that a successor is likely to have so little legitimacy at home that he will be forced to look for validation abroad, from the West. As part of this deal, they will just return everything just in order to stay in power, Volkov believes. The Ukrainian flag will once more fly over Crimea, as well as the Donbas, and Russian dissidents Navalny and Kara-Murza will once more be free. Some say this is fantasy, and that Putins careful negotiation of the Kremlins power currents will keep him from drowning. He has survived economic depression, international isolation, mismanagement of a deadly pandemic, botched terrorist responses, and an intelligence fiasco that led Russia into a bungled war and hes still here, Russia historian Mark Lawrence Schrad recently wrote. The sentiment is classic fatalism, the product of centuries of life under despotic rulers czars, revolutionaries, oligarchs who treated ordinary people as an inconvenience, one that could be resolved in the vast frozen wastelands of Siberia, littered with the bones of so many dead. Resignation has become a form of survival, a kind of political self-care. Navalny is asking Russians to put aside their cynicism, difficult as that may be today. For years he has asked Russians to imagine a country other than the authoritarian petro-state Putin has fashioned from the wreckage of the Soviet Union. It requires a lot of patience. Its really slow, Volkov says of the work he and the Anti-Corruption Foundation are doing. But, he later adds, its important that we dont lose faith. NEW YORK (AP) FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried will head to a New York courtroom Thursday to face a federal judge who said his effort to contact a likely trial witness against him seemed designed so they would sing out of the same hymn book. On Tuesday, Judge Lewis A. Kaplan rejected Bankman's-Fried's lawyers' request that oral arguments about his bail be cancelled because lawyers on both sides have settled their differences on necessary changes to his bail package in order to prevent inappropriate contact with witnesses or damaging encrypted social media communications. The arguments, set for Thursday morning, will proceed as scheduled, the judge ruled as he declined to immediately approve new bail conditions that defense lawyers said prosecutors had agreed with, including the exemption of certain individuals from a proposed no-contact list and permission for Bankman-Fried to place audio and video calls. A spokesperson for Bankman-Fried's attorneys declined to comment. The hearing was scheduled after prosecutors said Bankman-Fried sent an encrypted message over the Signal texting app on Jan. 15 to the general counsel of FTX US. 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. I'd love to get on a phone call sometime soon and chat, Bankman-Fried wrote to the FTX general counsel, who isn't named but is dubbed Witness 1, in the prosecutors letter. Federal prosecutors told Kaplan that Bankman-Frieds communications indicate he may be trying to influence a witness with incriminating evidence against him. Last week, Kaplan wrote that Bankman's-Fried's lawyers appealed to him to interpret the message in a benign way. But he said their argument was not persuasive. In perhaps more colloquial terms, it appears to have been an effort to have both the defendant and Witness 1 sing out of the same hymn book, Kaplan said. Story continues The judge said a possible motive was evident from the fact that the general counsel was undisputedly a witness to some events likely to be at issue in the case and Bankman-Fried faces the possibility of a long prison term if he is convicted. Kaplan said the question of whether further measures should be taken to restrict Bankman-Fried's actions was also raised by allegations that he directed employees in the past to use applications whose communications could be erased and because he had invited a telephonic rather than written response from the general counsel. The judge said he must decide whether further measures should be imposed to assure the safety of the community from efforts by Bankman-Fried to influence or tamper with prospective witnesses. Bankman-Fried, 30, has been confined with electronic monitoring to his parents' home in Palo Alto, California, since his December arrest on charges that he cheated investors and that he looted customer deposits on his cryptocurrency trading platform, in part to finance political donations and make risky trades at Alameda Research. He has pleaded not guilty. A trial has been tentatively set for early October. Also Tuesday, lawyers for Bankman-Fried appealed Kaplan's decision to make public the names of two individuals who signed Bankman-Fried's $250 million personal recognizance bond. The names, which were ordered revealed at the request of news outlets, will remain secret while the appeal is considered. John J. Ray III (left), the new CEO of FTX, and Sam Bankman-Fried, his predecessor. Nathan Howard/Getty Images; Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images FTX's new CEO berated the crypto exchange's security in court testimony. John J. Ray III said an FTX exec could have downloaded $500m of crypto and walked away. Ray also described his first 48 hours in charge of FTX as "pure hell." FTX's weak security meant its cofounders who have both been charged with fraud could easily have stolen hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of crypto, the bankrupt firm's new CEO said in court testimony. John J. Ray III, who was drafted in to oversee FTX after its collapse and previously handled Enron's liquidation, made the comments at the Delaware bankruptcy court Monday. "Literally one of the founders could come into this environment, download half a billion dollars' worth of wallets onto a thumb drive, and walk off with them," he said in a recording of the hearing reviewed by Insider. "And there'd be no accounting for that whatsoever." Ray said FTX crypto wallets have now been moved into "cold storage," adding that the crypto firm previously had "hot wallets in a system where multiple people had access to passwords." "Where we are today is pretty satisfying," he added. Then-CEO Bankman Fried resigned his position, and FTX filed for bankruptcy protection in the US on November 11. FTX lawyers later said the company ran out of assets partly because executives had a $65 billion line of credit to draw on customers' funds. Bankman-Fried was arrested in December and has pleaded not guilty to charges including fraud, money laundering, and campaign finance violations. When contacted by Insider, a spokesperson for Bankman-Fried declined to comment on Ray's remarks. Ray told the court Monday his first 48 hours in charge of FTX were "pure hell." He said that over the last 50 days of 2022, he charged FTX $690,000 for his work. Monday's court hearing took place amid calls from the US Trustee which represents the Department of Justice for an independent examiner. The federal agency said the allegations of "fraud, dishonesty, incompetence, misconduct, and mismanagement" are "too important to be left to an internal investigation," Reuters reported. Read the original article on Business Insider A selfie of Gabby Petito taken on August 12, 2021 at 4:37 a.m. was released by attorneys for her parents Tuesday to prove that Utah police ignored signs of Brian Laundrie abusing their daughter. Parker and McConkie Law Firm Gabby Petito's parents released a selfie of her bruised face from August 2021. They said police ignored evidence of abuse during the couple's run-in with authorities. Lawyers for the Petito family said they're "heartbroken" over how police acted. Lawyers for the family of Gabby Petito on Tuesday released a selfie the slain woman took of her bloodied and bruised face shortly before Utah police officers responded to a domestic violence call involving her and her then-fiance Brian Laundrie. The attorneys from Parker & McConkie law firm argued in a press release seen by Insider that Petito had been "violently assaulted" and said officers with Utah's Moab Police Department ignored the evidence of abuse when they responded to the call. The lawyers representing Petito's parents in their $50 million wrongful death lawsuit alleging Utah police did nothing to stop Laundrie's abuse of Petito said the selfie shows Petito was "likely strangled and/or suffocated" before police responded. According to data for the image, which was found on Petito's phone during an investigation into her death, her selfie was taken at 4:37 p.m., just minutes before police responded to a 911 call about the couple on August 12, 2021, the law firm said in a statement. "Gabby took a photograph of her injury, which shows blood across her nose and left eye. Gabby pointed out the injury to Officer Pratt, but he ignored her and did nothing more to investigate or document the injury," the lawsuit filed by Petito's parents in November 2022 said. Attorneys for Petito's parents argued in their statement that the smeared blood on Petito's face in the photo indicates she was grabbed by the face "in such a way that her airways were likely obstructed." "Gabby documented the injury and, during the stop, attempted to tell the Moab officers, however, the seriousness and significance this type of assault and injury was completely ignored," the statement said. According to police bodycam footage of the August 2021 stop, Petito told Moab police that Laundrie "grabbed my face" and "I definitely have a cut." Story continues "The Petito family is heartbroken to see how Moab police officers failed to recognize the danger Gabby was in," attorneys for the family said in the statement. The city of Moab, Utah, declined to comment to Insider on Tuesday, saying it "doesn't comment on matters related to active litigation." Petito's parents alluded to this never-before-seen photo in the past when they were gearing up to file suit and said they had a photo showing "a close-up view of Gabby's face where blood is smeared on her cheek and left eye, revealing the violent nature of Brian's attack." The lawsuit, which was first announced in August 2022, accuses the Moab City Police Department of neglecting to save Petito's life. Petito's parents Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt accused one officer, Eric Pratt, of being "fundamentally biased in his approach to the investigation." They claimed in the lawsuit that the police officers chose to believe Laundrie over Petito and ignored clear signs of abuse while looking for loopholes in Utah law to avoid helping their daughter. Petito and Laundrie had set out on a cross-country road trip during the summer of 2021 before Petito went missing weeks into their adventure. Her body was later discovered in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Laundrie then also went missing. His remains were later discovered in the Carlton Reserve in Florida. His death was ruled a suicide. After his death, investigators released a diary in which Laundrie admitted to Petito's murder. Petito was strangled to death, a coroner ruled. Read the original article on Insider NEW YORK (AP) Crystal Powers began a new job remotely in February 2022 as a medical records supervisor. She has yet to meet two of the five people who report to her in person and has found it challenging to bond with her fellow managers online. I was used to that face-to-face of going into peoples cubicles and talking with them one-on-one. It just doesnt translate as well to a remote environment," said the 42-year-old Powers, who lives in Madison, Wisconsin. Just 2 in 10 adult U.S. employees say they definitely have a best friend at work, according to a quarterly Gallup survey done in June 2022. The percentage under age 35 dropped by 3 points when compared to pre-pandemic 2019, to 21% from 24%, said Gallup workplace and well-being researcher Jim Harter. There was no such change for workers 35 and up, he said. Having a best friend at work has become even more important since the dramatic rise in remote and hybrid employment, Harter said. Were seeing in the data that younger people in general are feeling more disconnected from their workplaces, he said. You can attribute some of that potentially to remote work. If theyre less connected to their workplace, they have fewer opportunities to connect with other colleagues and to develop those kinds of friendships that they might have had in the past. For many employees during the pandemic, particularly parents, educators and frontline workers, such friendships offered social and emotional support at a critical time, Gallup said. They also benefited employers. Gallup found a strong link between workers with best friends on the job and profitability, safety, inventory control and retention. Employees who have a bestie at work are significantly more likely to engage customers and internal partners, get more done in less time, support a safe workplace with fewer accidents, and innovate and share ideas, according to the research. Karen Piatt started a new job with a medical relief nonprofit just a few weeks into the pandemic lockdowns of 2020. She did all of her interviewing for the post online and works remotely full time. Story continues It's the first time in my 25-year career that I was hired for a job without meeting the hiring manager in person, said the 52-year-old Piatt, who lives just outside Seattle. It was nearly two years until I met my colleagues face-to-face." When she finally did, at a retreat last year, it was really special, she said. We hugged and talked as if we had known each other for years. In fact, we had. Best friends on the job are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to workers' well-being and added value to employers, Harter said. Without strong positive feelings for an employer, "You can have friendships at work that are likely to be dysfunctional and probably turn into gripe sessions. Powers said her team is mostly nearing retirement age. One is younger than she is. She is the only manager hired since the pandemic who is handling a full-time remote staff. Team building has been challenging. They're not super-interested in doing icebreaker-type stuff or things like trivia get-togethers, she said. Most of her staff live about 45 minutes away from the office and were commuting in before the pandemic. Powers knows her team has casual, digital get-togethers without her. She does biweekly check-ins with each. It's been more challenging than it has been in past positions to get buy-ins on things and earn the trust in me as a supervisor, because they still dont really know me," she said. Yet Powers likes working remotely. I'm hopeful that over time we'll come up with strategies to better engage both with our colleagues and with our subordinates to make it successful, she said. Henry Crabtree, 26, in London, said that when you have work friends, You're not only working with each other but for each other." He was hired in December 2021 onto a small marketing team for a software company that has workers around the globe. Seeing each other outside work, especially when colleagues are over from other countries, really helps forge these friendships," he said. Harter draws a distinction between levels of trust among work besties and more casual work friends. It's a lot more difficult to establish close kinds of relationships when youre more distant, he said. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, cites many benefits to work friends from all standpoints. Worker retention is on the top of his list. Secondly, what we found is it fosters workplace harmony. Im not talking about sexual relationships. When youre at work, we have an interest in ensuring that `family' life is calm, peaceful and doesnt have drama. So from an employee relations standpoint, when I get heated and upset about something, that person sitting next to me whos my bestie can say, `Johnny, chill out.'" He, too, draws a distinction between close friendships and more distant ones at work. If there's a disagreement between besties, time will usually heal, Taylor said. That's not always true for other friendships. Gallup found that workers sometimes need the OK from leaders to develop close friendships on the job. Taylor agrees. More companies, he said, are actively encouraging friendships. His organization, with nearly 500 employees around the world, is one of a growing number of employers that buy lunches for people who invite somebody they're not close with to a meal as a way to foster new ties. From a diversity, equity and inclusion standpoint, we're trying to get people together who have different sets of experiences, lived experiences, backgrounds, etc., Taylor said. The idea is, you go to lunch with a stranger and make them a friend. ___ Find Leanne Italie on Twitter at http://twitter.com/litalie Passengers on board a 2015 Atlantis cruise in Europe. Ed and Eddie/Flickr (Creative Commons) / Via Flickr: edandeddie Several thousand gay men left Fort Lauderdale on Saturday on board one of the largest passenger ships ever built for a week of vacationing, partying, and cruising through the Caribbean. The trip, organized by Atlantis Events on board the Royal Caribbeans Harmony of the Seas ship, promised social mixers, late-night dance parties, and performances from entertainers including Todrick Hall and Billy Porter. Such trips can be an annual pilgrimage for many gay men who want to unwind with other members of their community in a fun and sexually liberated setting. But guests on this weeks cruise were also advised of an important new policy that warned them against posting anything sexually explicit on social media. The new policy was jointly created by Atlantis Events, which is one of the oldest and largest LGBTQ travel companies in the US, and Royal Caribbean, the second-largest cruise line company in the world, after adult videos filmed by passengers went viral in the past. While we want everyone to have fun, there are limits and so we ask that you be respectful of all guests and our cruise partners, reads a section of the handbook sent to guests last month before departure. Please do not post anything explicitly sexual on social media in a public forum or other online space. Any guest who posts or publishes an explicit and publicly visible photo or video will be asked to leave the ship with no refund, the handbook warns. The policy also says that it applies to social media platforms that may be private or behind a paywall, such as OnlyFans or Just For Fans, if the content could identify Atlantis, its vendor brands, or other guests with or without their permission. We take this seriously and have a team of volunteers monitoring most sites, the policy advises. Rich Campbell, the founder and CEO of Atlantis Events, told BuzzFeed News that the policy was communicated to guests at the request of cruise ship companies. The cruise lines have asked me to include that and that's not such a strange request, Campbell said. They don't want their brand featured. Story continues Campbell said the policy was added into the companys pre-cruise materials in the middle of last year after several sexually explicit public posts were made by our guests with clear identifiers of either Atlantis or our host brands. But the policy did not appear to have been included in an Atlantis pre-cruise guide that was sent to guests for a cruise in October 2022. Weve always taken a one-off approach to [such content]. If we see something like that then we contact the person who did it and say, Hey, please take that down, and they usually do, Campbell said. And the cruise lines asked us to put that out publicly so we did. A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean International told BuzzFeed News the two companies together established this policy to protect the safety and privacy of all guests onboard. The spokesperson did not answer questions about when the policy was agreed to and whether it will be included in guidance for passengers on non-LGBTQ-focused cruises on Royal Caribbean ships. Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas cruise ship departs from Port Canaveral, Florida, in January 2022. Sopa Images / SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images The new Atlantis policy does appear to be an outlier in the industry. Jim Walker, a maritime lawyer based in Miami with four decades of experience who has a particular focus on the cruise industry, told BuzzFeed News that he had never seen a similar social media policy on a cruise line. Atlantis competitor Vacaya is also set to take gay and bisexual guests on a Caribbean cruise that leaves on Feb. 12. A Vacaya spokesperson said they could not comment on any discussions they have had with the cruise lines due to contractual reasons. However, they referred BuzzFeed News to the online guidance Vacaya has sent out to guests for their upcoming cruise. This guidance makes no mention of any social media content restrictions but notes cameras are not allowed to be used in certain public areas of the ship where nudity and sex are permitted. Atlantis has produced gay-focused events for over three decades, including on more than 200 ship charters, according to Campbell. The cruise liners have been fully supportive of the company and their guests, he said. Some of those on board the current Atlantis cruise are models or creators who use the Just For Fans platform, according to the adult blogging company. Just For Fans founder Dominic Ford told BuzzFeed News he was aware that some users had warned each other of the policy, but he said he hadnt heard from anyone about it since the cruise began. Every brand has a right to protect its image, Ford said, adding that similar policies were fairly standard at major gay events, such as those where a private company might take over a hotel. If models are careful and smart about filming, they should be fine, Ford said. Ford also noted that Just For Fans has sponsored this months upcoming Vacaya cruise and would be putting up marketing materials around that ship. Despite the policy, Ford added that he believed Alantis was a friend to the adult creator community, not an enemy. Its a shame that sex work and pornography is still marginalized and stigmatized. But we need to find ways of working with our friends and allies to make sure everyones safe spaces are protected, not just ours, Ford said. Sue Beeby, a spokesperson for OnlyFans, said the companys terms of service prohibit creators from posting content that violates someone elses intellectual property rights. OnlyFans respects copyright and trademark laws across the world, Beeby said. In a blog post on his website, Walker, the maritime lawyer, wrote that he found it ironic that the Atlantis terms and conditions grants the company the right to use photos taken by Atlantis of guests on their cruises. In other word[s], Atlantis Events can use photos or video of guests however it sees fit but guests cannot post photos or videos of what actually happens on the cruise, Walker wrote. As a practical matter, it also seems difficult for either Atlantis Events or Royal Caribbean to actually enforce this new social media policy despite Atlantis claims of a team of volunteers monitoring most sites, he wrote. (When asked about the team of volunteers that Altantis said it had monitoring adult websites, Campbell said he was not aware of that wording in the policy and noted only that his company employs staff to run its social media.) Walker told BuzzFeed News via email that he believed Atlantis should be more concerned with preventing drug use on board its ships which have previously been the site of drug busts and at least one death than with trying to suppress videos and photos of public sex (which has not harmed or killed anyone). Adam Sank, a stand-up comedian who is among the guests on board the current Atlantis cruise, told BuzzFeed News he had made note of the new social media policy while he was reading the guide. Sank said the policy had been the subject of gossip among some on board, but he added that he was supportive of the policy because it would help prevent people from unwittingly ending up on social media without their consent. I can tell you with authority that there is public fucking happeningand everyones got a smartphone, so I feel this policy is a wise one, Sank said. Nobody wants their boss to be scrolling through Twitter and spot a video of them bent over a railing. Chris, an attorney from Chicago who is currently on his fifth Atlantis cruise, said his friends had discussed the interesting new policy before boarding, but he added that he hadnt heard people talking about it on the ship. I think it makes some sense though, said Chris, who asked that his last name not be used. These cruises get a reputation as nothing but a sex boat because the videos of performances go viral and because they can be inflammatory and people see them as the norm. These cruises are more than that, Chris said. Gemini Earn users are a step closer to recovering their money with an agreement announced today between US cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, Genesis Global Capital, LLC (Genesis), and Digital Currency Group Gemini co-founder Cameron Winklevoss announced the agreement on Twitter. Today, @Gemini reached an agreement in principle with Genesis Global Capital, LLC (Genesis), @DCGco, and other creditors on a plan that provides a path for Earn users to recover their assets," Winklevoss tweeted. "This agreement was announced in Bankruptcy Court today." Gemini will contribute up to $100 million more for Earn users, and according to a press release sent to Decrypt, the terms of the agreement with DCG includes the sale of Genesis Global Trading. Further, DCG will exchange its existing $1.1 billion note due in 2032 for convertible preferred stock, and refinance its existing 2023 term loans in two tranches made payable to creditors with an aggregate total value of approximately $500 million. SEC Hits Genesis, Gemini With Securities Law Violations for Gemini Earn Program Gemini and Genesis have been locked in a public battle over the Gemini earn program, which allowed users to deposit their cryptocurrencies and receive yields of between 0.45% and 8% interest, similar to a bank account. Genesis was the primary partner for the service. Genesis halted withdrawals in November 2022, leading users and Winklevoss to threaten legal action against the company and DCG founder Barry Silbert, demanding that Genesis offer a plan for repaying the $900 million loan Gemini made to the now-bankrupt Genesis Global. On January 19, the crypto brokerage firm filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy, joining a growing list of companies to collapse since the spring of 2022. At the time of the filing, the company cited the collapse of Three Arrow Capital and FTX as events that led to the company filing for bankruptcy. Federal regulators in the United States subsequently opened an investigation into the Gemini Earn program, with the SEC charging Gemini with violating securities laws. Story continues Winklevoss Mulls Lawsuit Against Barry Silbert, Digital Currency Group Winklevoss called todays agreement a critical step toward a substantial recovery of assets for all Genesis creditors. 3/ In addition, Gemini will be contributing up to $100 million more for Earn users as part of the plan, further demonstrating Geminis continued commitment to helping Earn users achieve a full recovery. Cameron Winklevoss (@cameron) February 6, 2023 I am grateful to the talented team at Genesis for their ongoing dedication and commitment to client service, and excited about working together to build Genesis for the future, Derar Islim, Genesis Interim CEO, said in the release. I also want to express my deep appreciation to all of our clients for their continued patience and loyalty as we work through a resolution for our lending business. Winklevoss said that while there is still work to be done, he is confident there is a framework in place to move forward on. WASHINGTON A group of several dozen residents from New Yorks 3rd Congressional District traveled to Washington on Tuesday to call for their congressman, Republican Rep. George Santos, to resign or be expelled from the House of Representatives. Santos has admitted his lies. Every day the press uncovers more lies, Jody Kass Finkel, the founder of a group called Concerned Citizens of NY-03, said at a press conference outside the Capitol. Santos is a grifter, and now hes grifting his way toward a congresspersons salary of $174,000 and benefits. After winning his election in November, Santos confirmed that he had lied about countless aspects of his personal biography, including his academic credentials, his work history and his ancestry. Santos has already stepped down from House committee assignments as controversy swirls around him. Finkel and several members of her group said House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) should hold a vote to expel Santos from the chamber. Reps. Ritchie Torres and Daniel Goldman, two New York Democrats who have tried to grab as much attention for themselves as possible amid the controversy, joined the press conference to amplify the groups call for an ouster. We know George Santos is not going to resign on his own. Hes making more money in Congress than hes ever legitimately made before, Goldman said. Whats his incentive to resign? Its going to have to come from the top. Per the Constitution, the House can expel a member with a two-thirds supermajority vote something the House hasnt done since 2002, when lawmakers voted to remove Rep. James Traficant (D-Ohio) after hed been convicted of racketeering, bribery and fraud. McCarthy has suggested Santos shouldnt face penalties unless he gets charged with crimes. Finkel and her group partnered with Courage for America, a progressive advocacy initiative, to charter a bus to travel to Washington on Tuesday morning. Finkel said they planned to return to New York later in the day. No one in Concerned Citizens of NY-03 said they had voted for Santos. Ben Marzouk, a Republican neighbor of Finkels, said it was sick that Santos had lied about his mother being inside the World Trade Center during the 9/11 terrorist attacks of 2001. Marzouk recalled being blocks away from the twin towers when the planes struck, as well as the numerous funerals the community held in the following weeks. To say that your mother was part of that, you have to be really psychologically impaired to throw that around like its nickels, Marzouk said. Mr. McCarthy, do the right thing. Expel him. Some state agencies are already barred from having the popular social media app TikTok on their state phones. But a lawmaker wants to make sure it isnt on any state-owned device that includes teachers. STORY: Aiden Fucci pleads guilty in the murder of St. Johns County 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey Channel 2s Richard Elliot was at the state capitol where this TikTok ban bill has some support on both sides of the aisle. TikTok is a popular social media app with billions of users worldwide. But Paulding County Republican senator Jason Anavitarte doesnt think it should be on state-owned devices. STORY: Thousands killed by powerful quake in Turkey, Syria; death toll expected to rise I think in the best interest of security for the state, this bill is good, Anavitarte said. Anavatarte is not alone in having TikTok security concerns. Bipartisan bills have passed state legislatures across the country and the federal government is thinking about it, too. The concerns revolve around TikTok owner ByteDance, a Beijing-based company with reported ties to the Chinese government. STORY: Gov. DeSantis chosen appointees would oversee Disney parks in Reedy Creek district under new bill The app can collect data from its user even when not in use. Gov. Brian Kemp has banned it from state devices in the executive branch, but his bill would extend that to any state-owned devices anywhere in Georgia and for K-12 teachers across the state. The CCP has access and ownership of these companies. Theyre getting all our data, getting your data, my data, my kids data when theyre on these devices, Anavatarte said. STORY: Student health survey with sex-related questions draws concern from Duval group Columbus Democratic senator Ed Harbison says he doesnt like the idea of banning an app from a device, but in this case, he says, he agrees with the bill. Im a believer in freedom of choice and the freedom of the press and speech and that kind of thing, but I believe there are occasions that you really need to put your foot down and say no, this is a bridge too far, Harbinson said. Story continues The bill could get its first hearings in committee this week. CLICK HERE to read the original WSB-TV article. STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories BERLIN (Reuters) -Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands will pool funds to restore at least 100 old Leopard 1 tanks from industry stocks and supply them to Ukraine, according to a joint statement published on Tuesday. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, on a surprise visit to Kyiv, said between 20 and 25 of the tanks would arrive by summer, about 80 by the end of the year and another 100 in 2024, according to a statement by Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov's office after the counterparts met. In Washington, Robert Habeck, Germany's vice chancellor, said that while Ukraine should have a double-digit number of German-made Leopard 1 tanks at its disposal in the first quarter, it was unclear how many of the 178 tanks his country had authorized would ultimately be sent. "The numbers are there but they have to be refurbished for battle, re-equipped, so we don't know exactly how many," he told reporters after meeting U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. "But it's a large number to repel Russia's spring offensive." Asked whether the decision to send them, after months of mounting pressure on Berlin, should have been taken earlier, Habeck said: "I hope the decision was taken at just the right time." The joint statement about the plans by Denmark, Germany and The Netherlands said Ukraine would receive at least 100 of the Leopard 1 A5 tanks in coming months as well as training, logistical support, spare parts and an ammunition package. Dutch Defence Minister Kasja Ollongren said the Leopard 1 was "definitely still suitable" for combat use despite being an older model. "It's really a tested tank," she said on Dutch national broadcaster NOS. "They're being fixed up and made battle-ready, so they will definitely be useful for the Ukrainians, and also better than a number of Russian tanks." Details of the deal still need to be worked out with the companies that own the tanks, according to the statement. Story continues It was also not immediately clear whether there would be cost-sharing with the companies. There are some 180 Leopard 1 tanks in Germany owned by arms maker Rheinmetall and a company in northern Germany. Standing beside Reznikov in Kyiv, Pistorius noted he had earlier seen off Ukrainian forces departing for training in Germany on the more modern Leopard 2 tanks his country has also promised Ukraine. Reznikov tweeted a picture of himself and Pistorius posing with a scale model Leopard in a display case, writing: "The 'first' Leopard 2 has arrived in Kyiv." The German defence ministry later tweeted that the actual Leopard 2s would be available at the end of March. Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands said their Leopard 1 initiative was open to further partners, adding Belgium had shown "initial interest to participate". Earlier, the head of German arms maker Rheinmetall said it would send Ukraine 20-25 Leopards this year, with the rest of the 88 Leopard 1 tanks it owns in total to be sent next year. The move follows the German government's decision last month, amid mounting international pressure, to deliver more modern Leopard 2 battle tanks from army stocks. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold, Toby Sterling, Thomas Escritt, Andreas Rinke, Elaine Monaghan and Christian Kraemer; Editing by Rachel More, Mark Porter and Cynthia Osterman) Boris Pistorius, German Defense Minister, arrived on a visit to Kyiv and handed over a model of a Leopard 2 tank to his Ukrainian counterpart Oleksii Reznikov. Source: Reznikov announced this on Twitter, writes European Pravda Quote: "BREAKING: The 'first' Leopard 2 has arrived in Kyiv. There will be more of them. Thank you to the Chancellor of Germany, my colleague Boris Pistorius and the German people. The tank coalition is marching... to victory!", the press release says. BREAKING: The first Leopard 2 has arrived in Kyiv There will be more of them. Thank you to @Bundeskanzler my colleague Boris Pistorius and the German people. The tank coalition is marching... to victory! pic.twitter.com/4VY2YaovBi Oleksii Reznikov (@oleksiireznikov) February 7, 2023 The German DPA agency confirmed the arrival of Pistorius, and the minister said that "Ukraine will receive more than 100 main battle tanks of the older Leopard 1A5 type from a group of several European countries." On Tuesday, Germany's Federal Security Council approved the supply of 178 Leopard 1 tanks from the country's industrial stocks to Ukraine. Leopard 1 is the first main battle tank built for the German Army after World War II. It was produced from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s. The 14 Leopard 2 tanks promised earlier by Berlin are much more modern. Earlier, the German media reported that German manufacturers have 29 largely refurbished models of Leopard 1. On the change in Germany's stance, read more: Siege of Scholz: How German Public Opinion Influenced the Transfer of Tanks to Ukraine Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! BERLIN (AP) The German government announced the appointment Tuesday of the European Central Bank's head of IT systems to lead the national cybersecurity agency, months after her predecessor was removed following reports of possible problematic ties to Russia. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said Claudia Plattner brings the experience and expertise with her that we need for cybersecurity in these particularly challenging times. She will take charge of the BSI agency on July 1, becoming the first woman in the role. Faeser dismissed the BSI's previous head, Arne Schoenbohm, in October. He had been in charge of the agency since 2016. Schoenbohm co-founded a cybersecurity group a decade ago that brought together experts from public institutions and the private sector. German media reported that one of its members was a company founded by a former Russian intelligence agent. The group said last week that it had thrown out the company. The Interior Ministry said in the fall that the allegations damaged the necessary confidence of the public in the neutrality and impartiality of Schoenbohm's management. Schoenbohm defended himself against the allegations. He has since taken up a new job as the head of another body overseen by the Interior Ministry, the Federal Academy of Public Administration. Plattner worked for German railway operator Deutsche Bahn's IT provider, DB Systel, before joining the ECB in July 2021. The Frankfurt-based central bank said it would announce a successor in due course. Leopard 1 tank Read also: Germany to greenlight defense companies to supply Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine The first batch should be delivered in summer, but most of the tanks wont arrive until 2024. According to other German media reports, Ukraine could receive up to 160 Leopard-1 tanks from German industrial warehouses. Leopard-1A5 is a heavily modified version of Leopard-1 main battle tank, developed in 1980s. It features several targeting and ammo loading systems also used in modern Leopard-2s. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated Ukraine will receive more than 100 old Leopard 1A5 battle tanks from a group of European countries. He noted that by Q1-Q2 2024, at least three Ukrainian battalions should be equipped with these tanks. Read also: Biden explains his objection to sending Ukraine F-16 fighters On Jan. 25, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz officially announced that Germany would transfer 14 Leopard-2 tanks to Ukraine and approve their re-export from partner countries. According to Defense Minister Pistorius, the tanks could be sent to Ukraine in about three months. The same day, U.S. President Joe Biden announced plans to supply 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, along with the equipment and spare parts needed to keep them running. Biden added that while the delivery of Abrams will take some time, the training of Ukrainian crews will begin as soon as possible. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced in Kyiv that Ukraine would receive over 100 older Leopard 1 battle tanks from a group of several European countries. Pistorius arrived in Ukraine's capital on Feb. 7 to meet top Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov. Earlier on the day, Spiegel reported, citing sources in Germany's Federal Security Council, that the council had approved the supply of 178 Leopard 1 tanks from industrial stocks to Ukraine. According to the publication, the first tanks should be delivered to Ukraine in the summer, but most of them will not arrive until 2024. German government granted a license to export Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine on Feb. 3. Pistorius' visit comes two weeks after Berlin announced it would provide Kyiv with German-made Leopard 2 main battle tanks and allow other countries to send them on Jan. 25. Germany promised to deliver 14 Leopard 2 tanks from Bundeswehr stocks to Ukraine. Reznikov posted a photo of himself holding a model of a Leopard 2 tank next to Pistorius on Twitter. "The first Leopard 2 has arrived in Kyiv. There will be more of them," Reznikov wrote. Earlier, Berlin resisted pressure from its Western allies to allow delivery of Leopards to Ukraine over fears that the transfer of tanks could lead to a direct confrontation with Russia, turning down Kyiv's pleas for months. By Christian Kraemer WASHINGTON (Reuters) - German Economy Minister Robert Habeck on Monday said there was a chance that de facto free-trade status could be reached between Europe and the United States in the area of critical minerals under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Habeck is currently in Washington to discuss the IRA and its implications for Europe with U.S. officials and seek equal treatment, comparable to Mexico and Canada, in some areas in which European leaders fear discrimination. "I can imagine that there will be agreements in certain sectors that have the same effect as equal treatment. And then I would be satisfied. One should not be picky about it," Habeck told Reuters. "If it is not a free trade agreement, but a regulatory framework where the same goods are valued equally in the same market, then what we actually need has been achieved." Habeck singled out critical minerals, which are needed for solar panels, batteries and semiconductors, as one area where such an agreement could be struck to reduce dependence on China, which owns most of the market. Europe and the United States should pool resources in this field instead of competing, Habeck said. Habeck and French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire are due to meet U.S. counterparts on Tuesday to discuss the matter and soften any negative impact the IRA could have on Europe's industry. Habeck said that there was a certain risk of escalating trade tensions between the United States and China but that he hoped a constructive solution could be found. Turning to domestic politics, Habeck also responded to reports in German media that struggling airport Frankfurt-Hahn could be bought by a Russian investor, saying his ministry, which has the power to block takeovers by foreign firms, had launched a routine review of the process. (Reporting by Christian Kraemer; Additional reporting by Christoph Steitz; Editing by Leslie Adler and Stephen Coates) Chinese vice premier urges efforts to ensure sound start to new school term Xinhua) 08:37, February 07, 2023 BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan on Monday urged efforts to optimize school management further in accordance with the country's adjusted COVID-19 response and fully restore the normal order of school life. Sun made the remarks during an inspection tour of a number of secondary school and university campuses in Beijing. During the tour, Sun learned about the schools' preparation work for the new semester after the winter break. Noting that approximately 300 million teachers and students will return to school for the spring semester, Sun called for efforts to safeguard the health of all teaching staff and students, as well as the safety of school campuses. Before the new school term, the COVID-19 statuses of teachers and students should be monitored closely, and health monitoring and management should be enhanced, Sun said. She also called for efforts to maintain high-quality education, enhance campus security, and defuse potential risks. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Gillian Anderson will star in a Netflix film about Prince Andrew's Newsnight interview. (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Gillian Anderson is set to play Emily Maitlis in an all-star Netflix drama based on the infamous Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. She will lead a star-studded cast which also includes Rufus Sewell as Prince Andrew, Keeley Hawes as his private secretary Amanda Thirsk, and Billie Piper as Sam McAlister who negotiated the interview and whose memoir the film is based on. Read more: Spoiler alert for The Last Of Us fans as US set to air episode days early Netflix's film, titled SCOOP, is adapted from McAlister's book Scoops: Behind The Scenes of the BBCs Most Shocking Interviews. Maitlis's BBC Newsnight interview hit headlines in 2019 with revelations about his friendship with sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein, Virginia Guiffre's allegations that Epstein forced her to have sex with Andrew when she was 17, and his claims that he was actually in Pizza Express on the night in question and is unable to sweat. Emily Maitlis interviewed Prince Andrew for Newsnight. (PA/Alamy) A Netflix description of the film announced on Tuesday reads: "The inside track of the women that broke through the Buckingham Palace establishment to secure the scoop of the decade that led to the catastrophic fall from grace of The Queens Favourite son. "From navigating Palace vetoes, to breaking through to Prince Andrews inner circle, the high stakes negotiations and intensity of rehearsal - to the jaw dropping interview itself. Read more: Everything new streaming on Netflix this February "SCOOP is the insider account of the inner workings of the Palace and the BBC, twin bastions of the British Establishment, spotlighting the journalists whose tenacity and guts broke through the highest of ceilings - and into the inner sanctum and calculations of a man with everything to lose." Rufus Sewell will play Prince Andrew. (FilmMagic) McAlister said: "It is beyond my wildest dreams, especially as a first time writer, to end up working with this extraordinary cast, Netflix, and the amazing teams at The Lighthouse and Voltage. Watching Billie Piper, one of my favourite actresses, play 'me' will be a pinch myself moment and Im truly thrilled to be involved in this film." Philip Martin, who has worked on The Crown and Prime Suspect, directs the film and said: "Im thrilled to be directing this film for Netflix and - together with an extraordinary cast - to be bringing Sam McAlisters revelatory insiders account to the screen. "Uptempo, immersive and cinematic, I want to put the audience inside the breath-taking sequence of events that led to the interview with Prince Andrew - to tell a story about a search for answers, in a world of speculation and varying recollections. Its a film about power, privilege and differing perspectives and how - whether in glittering palaces or hi-tech newsrooms - we judge whats true." By Gloria Dickie (Reuters) - Melting mountain glaciers pose a growing flood risk to some 15 million people around the world, researchers said in a report published on Tuesday, with communities in Asia facing the biggest danger. Runoff from melting glaciers often pools in shallow lakes, held back by rocks and debris. The risk comes when a lake overfills, bursting through its natural barrier and sending a torrent of water rushing down mountain valleys. Scientists have assessed for the first time how many people globally are at risk from these floods, finding that more than half of vulnerable populations live in India, Pakistan, China, and Peru. Danger is highest, they report in a study published in the journal Nature Communications, when a large number of people live near a lake. "Our work does not just focus on the size or number of glacier lakes - no disaster is natural - it is the presence of people, especially vulnerable people, in the landscape that causes a disaster," said Stuart Dunning, a physical geographer at Britain's Newcastle University, and a co-author of the study. Glacial lake outburst floods are projected to worsen in a warming climate. Collectively, the world's glaciers lost about 332 gigatonnes of ice a year between 2006 and 2016. Since 1990, the number and volume of glacial lakes worldwide have each increased by about 50%. In the high mountains of Asia, some 9 million people live near more than 2,000 glacial lakes. In 2021, more than 100 people were killed in India in an outburst flood in its northern mountains. HEATING UP THE HIMALAYAS Compared with mountain glaciers in the Alps and North America, Asia's icy places are not as well monitored - most lack long-term observations of how they have changed over time. The best-studied glacier in the Himalayas is north India's Chhota Shigri, which has 20 years of mass balance measurements - the difference between how much ice a glacier gains and loses in a year. Story continues In 2022, India suffered blistering temperatures and near the end of the year, scientists headed into the Himalayas to measure Chhota Shigri's mass. Their findings, shared with Reuters, revealed the best-studied glacier in the Himalayas had experienced its worst year on record; Chhota Shigri lost three times as much mass in 2022 compared with its 2002 to 2022 yearly average. "The impacts are already visible as the glacier is thinning and retreating," said Farooq Azam, a glaciologist at the Indian Institute of Technology Indore who monitors Chhota Shigri. This will be "impactful to downstream water availability in near future", he said. Satellite observations also show that the glaciers in the Himalayas are in a state of overall decline. "The ice is really melting significantly during the last decades - mass loss is accelerating," said Tobias Bolch, a glaciologist with Graz University of Technology in Austria. From 1990 to 2015, glacier coverage in the Himalayas shrank by about 11%, according to July 2022 study. During the same time period, Himalayan glacial lakes increased by about 9% in number, and 14% in area. More than 200 lakes now pose a very high hazard to Himalayan communities, according to 2022 research. (Reporting by Gloria Dickie in London; Editing by Robert Birsel) Distillate Capital, an investment management firm, released its fourth quarter 2022 investor letter, a copy of the same can be downloaded here. At the end of the fourth quarter, Distillates U.S. FSV strategy declined 10.58% on a total return basis net of fees compared to a decline of 18.11% for the S&P 500 benchmark. Better relative performance for Distillates SMID QV strategy continued into 2022 with a decline of 8.64% on a total return net-of-fee basis, significantly ahead of a comparable decline of 20.49% for the Russell 2000 ETF and -14.67% for the Russell 2000 Value ETF. On the other hand, Distillates Intl. FSV strategy again lagged its MSCI ACWI Ex-US benchmark in 2022, while the Distillates U.S. FSV strategys free cash flow to market cap yield valuation of 7.2% compares very favorably to 5.1% for the same measure for the S&P 500. Spare some time to check the funds top 5 holdings to have a clue about their top bets for 2022. In its Q3 2022 investor letter, Distillate Capital mentioned Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) and explained its insights for the company. Founded in 1888, Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) is a Chicago, Illinois-based multinational medical devices and healthcare company with a $195.8 billion market capitalization. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) delivered a 2.31% return since the beginning of the year, while its 12-month returns are down by -12.69%. The stock closed at $110.75 per share on February 6, 2023. Here is what Distillate Capital has to say about Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) in its Q3 2022 investor letter: "The largest sector change in the rebalance was a six-percentage point increase in technology. The biggest component of this increase was the introduction of a 4% weight in Apple, which is discussed further below. Offsetting this increased tech weight was a 3-percentage point decrease in industrials and a two-percentage point decline in health care. The other two largest purchases includes Visa Inc. and Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) which likewise saw their valuations improve as their estimated free cash flows held up or improved while their enterprise values declined." Story continues ABT Courtesy of Abbott Labs Our calculations show that Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) fell short and didnt make it on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) was in 62 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the second quarter of 2022, compared to 61 funds in the previous quarter. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) delivered a 12.73% return in the past 3 months. In December 2022, we also shared another hedge funds views on Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) in another article. You can find other investor letters from hedge funds and prominent investors on our hedge fund investor letters Q4 2022 page. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Some Google employees in Canada reportedly found out on Monday they were being laid off. AP Some Google employees in Canada found out on Monday they were laid off, per reports. A laid-off employee said it felt "as harsh as being fired." Another called it a "sad reality." The layoffs in Canada come as part of the 12,000 global job cuts Sundar Pichai recently announced. Google on Monday informed some employees in Canada they were laid off as part of the company's plan to cut around 12,000 jobs, per multiple reports. A Google spokesperson told The Canadian Press that the company was sending employment notices to affected workers. They couldn't confirm how many Canadian employees were laid off or which departments were impacted the most, per the report. The layoffs in Canada come two and a half weeks after CEO Sundar Pichai announced Google was cutting around 12,000 positions from its global workforce. Laid-off employees in the US found out their fate soon after the announcement. Pichai told staff in a memo he took "full responsibility for the decisions that led us here." Some people posted on LinkedIn about losing their job at Google in Canada. Michael Landry, a software engineer, said in a LinkedIn post he "woke up to the sad reality" that his time at Google was over after more than 10 years. He said after nine years of working on the Gmail team, he went to work on the Stadia team. He had "no regrets" about doing so although it was a "short-lived adventure." Timothy Cruickshank, a designer who was laid off from Google, said in a LinkedIn post on Monday it felt "as harsh as being fired." Another laid-off worker, Sara Gholami, posted on LinkedIn and shared a picture of her Google badge. "Today I am among the 12K employees impacted by layoffs at Google Canada. This change marks a difficult moment in my career journey." Google, Cruickshank, and Gholami didn't immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Some employees who were laid off in the US previously told Insider were notified through an employment notice email some of them found out as early as 2 a.m. in the morning. They said they were locked out of their work laptops and emails, meaning they were unable to discuss why they were laid off. Story continues The wave of Google layoffs follows similar job cuts by Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and other global tech firms. Were you laid off from Google? What are your next steps? Get in touch with this reporter by email kduffy@insider.com, kate.duffy01@protonmail.com or Twitter DM. She also has Signal. Read the original article on Business Insider Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered United States and commonwealth flags on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds across the state to fly at half-staff immediately in honor of McKeesport Officer Sean Sluganski, who died in the line of duty. RELATED COVERAGE: Charges filed after 1 police officer killed, 1 hurt in McKeesport shooting; both officers identified The flags should be lowered to half-staff until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been announced. All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in the tribute. PHOTOS: Heavy police presence after 2 police officers shot in McKeesport TRENDING NOW: Gasped for air: Woman declared dead found breathing in body bag at funeral home Pittsburgh womans blood alcohol over 5 times legal limit in Penn Hills head-on crash, police say Pittsburgh restaurant named one of Yelps top 100 restaurants for 2023 VIDEO: Brackenridge Borough meets to discuss naming street after fallen Police Chief Justin McIntire DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.), who just took over as the top-ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, is coming under fire from a leading conservative judicial advocacy group after voting last week to advance a batch of President Bidens judicial nominees. Carrie Severino, the president of the Judicial Crisis Network, a leading conservative advocacy group, on Tuesday highlighted that Graham broke with every Republican on the Judiciary Committee last week to advance 12 of Bidens judicial nominees, including Bradley Garcia, whom Biden nominated to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and who could be a future Supreme Court pick. If the tables were turned, its hard to imagine a scenario where a Democrat would break ranks like this, Severino tweeted. I hope that what we saw last week is not a preview of what we can expect from Graham as ranking member for the next two years, she added. Graham has long prided himself on his bipartisan approach to confirming judicial nominees, often telling reporters that a president has the right to choose the nominees he wants as long as they are qualified and that elections have consequences. But that collegial approach to Bidens nominees is raising a red flag with conservatives who worry that Graham may be paving the way for Biden to add another liberal jurist in the mold of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Severino in a follow-up interview with The Hill said that Garcia, who would become the first Latino to serve on the D.C. Circuit, is backed by dark-money liberal groups and has views on religious liberty that raise concerns. She also criticized the nominee in July for serving as the counsel of record in June Medical v. Russo, challenging Louisianas law requiring doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a local hospital. The First Liberty Institute, an organization dedicated to defending religious liberty, said if Garcias legal theories presented in the case Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrisey-Berru had been adopted by the Supreme Court, the door would have opened wide for interference with the independent employment decisions of religious schools. Story continues Sen. Chuck Grassley (Iowa), who last year served as the ranking GOP lawmaker on the Judiciary panel, grilled Garcia in a questionnaire over having litigated against Catholic elementary schools while in private practice by arguing federal courts have the power to intervene in employment decisions involving teachers at religious schools. Grassley last year also challenged Garcias argument in a gun rights case that the Second Amendments protections are limited when it comes to firearms training. Severino said the nominee defended the constitutionality of a ban on transporting handguns outside New York City. Graham replaced Grassley as the panels top-ranking Republican because of term limits set by Senate Republican Conference rules. Severino noted that when Republicans tried to confirm then-President George W. Bushs nominee Miguel Estrada as the first Latino member of the D.C. Circuit in 2001, Democratic members of the Judiciary Committee, including Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.), who now serves as the Judiciary Committee chairman, blocked him. Graham urged his Republican colleagues on the Judiciary panel to work with Democrats to move Bidens nominees. Elections have consequences, Graham said at the committees first hearing on judicial nominees last month. Lets work together, and well get some nominations moving in the spirit of what we did in the last Congress. Graham had voted for every Supreme Court nominee from Republican and Democratic presidents alike that came before him until he voted against Jackson last year. He said the Democrats harsh treatment of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 had changed his view of the judicial confirmation process. Severino on Tuesday questioned whether Graham is now returning to the cordial position he previously took on Democratic judicial nominees. Sen. Graham said in 2018 that the Left brought out a new side in him. But did they really? she tweeted. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A search continued Tuesday for a gunman who fired multiple times and killed a 54-year-old man in Ellis County on Sunday night, authorities said. The body of the man was found in Italy, which is about 55 miles southeast of Fort Worth. A 911 caller identified the victim as Jackie Wayne Shelby, of Italy. Deputies with the Ellis County Sheriffs Office have not released any information on a motive for the shooting. At the request of Italy police, deputies responded to a shooting call just before 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the 200 block of Rosemond Lane. Deputies found Shelby unresponsive with several gunshot wounds. He was taken to Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Waxahachie, where he later died. Shelby was taken to the Dallas County Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy. Anyone with information on the shooting should contact Case Agent Phillip Pearson at 972-825-4956 or call in an anonymous tip at 972-937-7297. HAMPTON Police are investigating a report of a road rage incident Saturday night, when gunshots were allegedly fired. Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno said Monday no one was injured and there was no known property damage. Hampton police are investigating a report of a road rage incident that took place Saturday night, where gunshots were allegedly fired. Reno said police took a report of the incident in the area of Exeter Road and Towle Farm Road around 9:38 p.m. "This incident continued up Towle Farm Road to the area of Timber Swamp Road," Reno said. "It was reported that during this incident, one of the drivers allegedly fired a gun from their vehicle." The alleged vehicle involved was identified as a dark colored pickup truck with a lighter-colored cab. Reno said police attempted to locate the vehicle but were unsuccessful. The person who called the police was the other driver in the incident. Reno said police do not know what precipitated the incident. They did, however, locate evidence at the scene that "lends credibility to the report." "All appearances are that this is an isolated road rage incident," Reno said. "It wasn't anything that we feel that somebody was out with the intent to do harm to the general public." Police are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact Detective Sgt. Chris Keyser at 603-929-4444 x309. They are also asking homeowners or businesses in the area to check their surveillance cameras to see if they captured footage that may help in the investigation. Hampton police said they were assisted Saturday night in the search by New Hampshire Fish and Game, State Police, Hampton Falls police and Seabrook police. "This case continues to be investigated and as such, limited information is being released at this time," Reno said. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Hampton NH road rage incident investigated: Gunfire reported Bob Marley Jamaica has produced many prominent figures, from Usain Bolt to Grace Jones, Marcus Garvey to Shaggy. But, most would agree that Bob Marley, who would have turned 78 today, is in a class by himself. His music fuses island flavor with social and political commentary. I Shot The Sheriff, Redemption Song and Exodus are three examples. In the same vein is, Get Up, Stand Up, with one memorable lyric: you can fool some people sometimes, but you cant fool all of the people, all of the time. This rings as true now as it did then. Marley would have continued to create chart-topping music, were it not for his untimely death in 1981. Jamaica has gone on to produce fantastic artists in the Reggae and Dancehall genres. All of them likely drew from Marleys blueprint. There are many tributes to Marley in Jamaica today, including murals and statues. His former home was converted into a museum, which is a Jamaican Heritage Site. According to the museums website, the property also features a well-equipped 80-seat theater, a photographic gallery, a record shop, and a gift shop filled with a wide array of Bob Marley memorabilia. Bob Marley: Origins Marley was born in St. Anns Parish in Jamaica on February 6, 1945. According to Biography, he was the son of a Black teenage mother and a much older, later absent white father. In spite of the poverty of his formative years, Marley found refuge in music. In 1963, Marley, alongside fellow Jamaicans Bunny ORiley Livingston (Bunny Wailer) and Peter McIntosh (he later changed his surname to Tosh) started the Wailers. Each brought a distinct flavor to the band, and members rotated over the years. They enjoyed great success in Jamaica and overseas, but life took the trio in different directions eventually. All About Jazz wrote, following the disbandment of The Wailers, Marley went on to release his solo material under the bands name. Murder Attempt, Solo Artist Success, And Enduring Legacy In 1976, Marley and his wife Rita narrowly escaped a murder attempt, which was political in nature. Far Out Magazine explained, political tensions heightened in Jamaica due to the approaching elections between the CIA-backed Jamaican Labor Party and the Peoples National Party. Both parties sought Marleys support, but he and his wife decided to remain neutral during the 1976 elections. Story continues Shaken by the experience, Marley relocated to London, where he recorded Exodus. Biography explained, released as a single, Exodus was a hit in Britain, as were Waiting in Vain and Jamming. The entire album stayed on the U.K. charts for more than a year. Today, Exodus is considered to be one of the best albums ever made. Buffalo Soldier, written by Marley toward the end of his life, was released in 1983. It was well received, as were a number of other, posthumous hits. In 1978, at the One Love concert in Kingston, Bob Marley convinced two important men to shake hands before thousands of spectators. Prime Minister Michael Manley and Opposition Leader Edward Seaga did exactly that, to thunderous applause. It was a testament to Marleys star power. The next time youre visiting one of Jamaicas beach bars or clubs, youre sure to hear Marleys recognizable voice at some point in the evening. Its almost impossible to have an authentic Jamaican experience without it. Manchester Uniteds pursuit of Harry Kane (pictured) could lead to the departure of several players including Harry Maguire (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire) What the papers say Harry Maguire could lead the potential collateral victims of Manchester Uniteds pursuit of Harry Kane. The Manchester Evening News reports United want a new striker in either Tottenhams England captain, 29, or 24-year-old Napoli and Nigeria player Victor Osimhen. The paper adds the club will sell centre-back Maguire, 29, 27-year-old French forward Anthony Martial and Brazilian left-back Alex Telles, 30, to create room for some firepower up front. But The Times reports that Spurs will not sell club record goalscorer Kane to a rival club this summer. The Guardian says West Brom manager Carlos Corberan ranks high on Leeds replacement shortlist following the sacking of Jesse Marsch. But the Baggies may not be willing to let him leave after going from strength to strength since the 39-year-old Spaniard, who headed for the Hawthorns after two years in charge at Huddersfield, replaced Steve Bruce at the helm in October last year. Others linked to the vacant gig include former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, ex-England international Steven Gerrard and even Marcelo Bielsa, who Corberan worked under previously at Elland Road. Could California be calling Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang? The ex-Arsenal striker and Gabon international has fallen out of favour at Chelsea, after returning to the Premier League last summer to reunite with his former Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel. The German was fired soon after Aubameyang landed at Stamford Bridge, with Tuchels successor Graham Potter selecting him just 18 times across all matches this season. The Sun cites Relevo as saying the Blues have started talks with Los Angeles FC about picking up the 33-year-old, while Gazzetta dello Sport reports AC Milan want to re-sign Aubameyang. Staying at Stamford Bridge, where the Mail says midfielder Mason Mounts future is in doubt after talks about a new deal were put on hold. There are less than 18 months left on the current contract of the 24-year-old England international, who the paper says has rejected an offer from the Blues that he felt was too low. Story continues Social media round-up Alejandro Garnacho is close to signing a new contract with Man Utd, despite Sunday's reality check vs Crystal Palacehttps://t.co/tQm6ogqmuH Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) February 6, 2023 Chelsea are progressing in talks with Thiago Silva to extend the contract for one more season, valid until June 2024. Discussions ongoing, waiting for green light. #CFC Considered top player and leader into the dressing room, Chelsea hope to complete the agreement soon. pic.twitter.com/Y0DUqiBc8H Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 6, 2023 Players to watch Bernardo Silva: Paris St Germain are keen to sign the Portugal midfielder, 28, who is open to leaving Manchester City, reports French outlet Le10 Sport. Declan Rice: TalkSport says Manchester United would have to pay 120m to sign the 24-year-old England midfielder from West Ham, after their 100m bid was rejected last summer. AUSTIN, Texas Harry Whittington, a pioneering Texas Republican and prominent Austin lawyer who found himself thrust into the national spotlight in 2006 when he was accidentally shot by then-Vice President Dick Cheney, died over the weekend at 95. Whittington's death was reported by multiple news outlets since Sunday and confirmed by his wife and family friend Karl Rove. No cause of death was given, and no funeral arrangements were made public. Tall and impeccably dressed, Whittington remained active in his Austin law practice into his 90s. For the rest of his life, he carried in his cheek and torso some of the birdshot pellets from Cheney's shotgun in the quail hunting accident on a ranch owned by south Texas' influential Armstrong family. In a 2018 interview with the USA TODAY Network that coincided with the release of the Cheney biopic, "Vice," Whittington said he remained in touch with the former vice president since the accident in February 2006 and harbored no ill will. At the time of the interview, Whittington said, he had last seen Cheney a few months earlier in Austin. Harry Whittington recalls the events leading up to being accidentally shot by then-Vice President Dick Cheney while hunting quail in February 2006. "He and I went to dinner," said Whittington, who called the movie's account of the shooting inaccurate and misleading. "Were just acquaintances." After being released from the hospital, Whittington offered a public apology to Cheney because of the controversy that proved rich for late-night comics. Live updates: Joe Biden to face divided Congress in second State of the Union speech A 30% national sales tax? Abolishing the IRS? What the FairTax Act of 2023 would do. Before the hunting accident, first reported by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, part of the USA TODAY Network, to the dismay of the White House press corps, Whittington had been an inside player in the emergence of the Republican Party when Texas was dominated by Democrats. He managed the successful U.S. Senate campaign for John Tower in 1961 when the Republican won the seat vacated by Lyndon Johnson's ascension to the vice presidency. Story continues It was the first statewide victory by a Texas Republican since Reconstruction. Whittington, native of Henderson in east Texas, was appointed to chair the board that oversees state prisons by then-Gov. William Clements and later was tapped by George W. Bush to lead the panel that oversees the Texas funeral industry. In 2000, Whittington brought legal action against the city of Austin over land he owned that had been condemned for the city's convention center. The protracted proceedings ended about 13 years later with a court ordering the city to pay Whittington and his family $10.5 million. Harry Whittington addresses the press outside Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Feb. 17, 2006. Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally sprayed Whittington with bird shot in a hunting accident on the Armstrong Ranch in Kenedy County. Shot at 78 Whittington, who was 78 at the time of the hunting accident and 91 when he was interviewed in his law office about the biopic, said the wounds he suffered did not slow him down even as the years passed. "Im able to navigate and get around. I still have a lot of quiet pellets, but some of them had to be lifted and removed," he said. When I go to the doctors, they all want to look at my pellets I still have. Usually everybody in the clinic wants to come look. I get a lot of questions and discussions about it. "Needless to say, Im very, very fortunate. John C. Moritz covers Texas government and politics for the USA TODAY Network in Austin. Contact him at John.Moritz@caller.com and follow him on Twitter @JohnnieMo. This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Harry Whittington obituary: Austin lawyer shot by Dick Cheney dies Infants born to Latino, low-income or limited-English-speaking parents are more likely to be diagnosed later with congenital heart disease than white infants or lack a prenatal diagnosis at all, a new study found. Congenital heart disease, which consists of structural heart abnormalities, is the most common type of birth defect. The findings were published in the Journal of Pediatric Cardiology. Experts say the findings cast more urgency on caring for babies born to parents whose preferred language is not English and Latino and low-income families amid Americas fight against structural racism within health care. Though fetal interventions are limited, early prenatal diagnosis helps parents plan and make decisions around pregnancy, said co-author Dr. Alicia Chaves, a pediatric cardiologist at the University of Maryland Medical System and assistant professor of medicine. It also allows clinicians to plan ahead for treatments soon after birth. Babies who dont have a prenatal diagnosis are at higher risk for adverse events after birth, while having a prenatal diagnosis is associated with better outcomes, she said. Latest: The rate of babies born premature saw a 'concerning' increase in 2021 What is a congenital heart defect and how is it detected? Congenital heart defects affect the structure of a babys heart. There are many types, and most are mild such as a small hole in the heart that heals to types that severely hinder heart function, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 1 in 4 babies born with a heart defect have a critical congenital heart defect, which means they may need surgery or other procedures throughout early life. Typically, fetal echocardiography, an ultrasound of the baby's heart, is limited to high-risk cases such as pregnant mothers with a family history or concerns detected in routine ultrasounds. Thus, if routine obstetric screening ultrasound does not detect CHD, it can result in a lack of referral or late referral for a fetal echocardiograph, delaying detection of congenital heart disease, Chaves and her colleagues wrote. Story continues What causes SIDS? Study suggests genetics may be at play What did the study find? Researchers analyzed records of 163 babies who had surgical intervention within a month of birth at the University of Maryland Childrens Hospital from 2011 to 2020. They found: Babies born to Latina mothers were 3.2 times less likely to be diagnosed before birth compared with their white counterparts. Babies born to mothers with a preferred language other than English were five times more likely to lack a prenatal diagnosis than those born to English speakers . Non-English-speaking mothers who did receive a prenatal diagnosis were diagnosed , on average, five weeks later than English-speaking patients. Those from neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status were diagnosed up to 3.4 weeks later. The findings add to growing evidence of disparities in fetal heart defect diagnosis. Earlier studies have showed that lower-income, Hispanic and rural patients or those with public insurance were less likely to receive prenatal diagnoses for certain types of congenital heart defects. Knowing in advance that they have a significant congenital heart disease is extremely important because some of those malformations will require immediate attention in the first minute after birth, said Duke University Health pediatric heart surgeon Dr. Ziv Beckerman. 'Persistent trend': Black fetal deaths are twice as high as white deaths What could be causing the disparity? Dr. Keila Natilde Lopez, a pediatric cardiologist and associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said the findings shed light on creating more accessible resources for families. Our health care system is very challenging to navigate. It's even more challenging to navigate when English is not your primary language, or when you have a lower health literacy, or come from a lower socioeconomic status, she said. "Many websites of these various institutions that take care of children with complex needs are not written at an appropriate health literacy level, or in the appropriate language." Creating a pipeline of Latino, Hispanic and Spanish-speaking physicians is also important to diversify medicine to better serve communities, Lopez said. Of all active physicians in the U.S., only about 6% are Hispanic, despite Hispanic and Latino people making up almost 19% of the nation's population. What can be done? Along with language barriers, access to prenatal care could also be a factor fueling these disparities. Disadvantaged mothers may be less likely to be insured, which can delay their access to prenatal care and in turn delay or cause a missed diagnosis, Chaves said. Women with prenatal care should have an anatomy scan at 18 to 20 weeks' gestation, she said. Ideally, even if the heart defect hasn't been noted prior to that, it would be noted by then, she said. Typically following that, then they're referred to see specialists like our fetal heart team. Many neighborhoods in the U.S. do not have tertiary care centers, or hospitals that provide specialized care. Better protocols for detection and translation services to parents in these areas is essential so they can be diagnosed and referred, Beckerman said. "If you have a baby that is planned to be delivered in an area with no supportive cardiac care, then they will do poorly, and may even not make it to receive proper care." Dig deeper Reach Nada Hassanein at nhassanein@usatoday.com or on Twitter @nhassanein_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Congenital heart disease diagnosed later in Latino infants: Study Getty Images "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and northern Syria Monday morning, killing thousands. The quake concentrated on the town of Pazarcik, in Turkey's southeastern Kahramanmaras province, and was followed by a 7.5 quake and several powerful aftershocks. Photos and videos show massive buildings collapsing to rubble and terrified residents running through the streets to escape the destruction. More than 5,000 people have died from the disaster in Turkey and Syriaat least 3,419 across Turkey, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said in a press conference Tuesday, and at least 812 in Syria per the Ministry of Health. In Syrian rebel-held territories, more than 790 people were killed, according to the White Helmets. Oktay added that about 6,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Getty Images The Ministry of Interior Disaster said nearly 10,000 search and rescue workers, 216 vehicles, and 1,511 pieces of construction equipment have been deployed to the affected area. Meanwhile, both Turkey and Syria have declared a state of emergency. The United Kingdom announced Monday that it is deploying emergency response teams to Turkey to assist in rescue efforts, with U.K. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly tweeting, "The UK is sending immediate support to Turkiye including a team of 76 search & rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs. In Syria, the UK-funded White Helmets have mobilised their resources to respond. We stand ready to provide further support as needed." President Joe Biden said the United States is also willing to provide any help needed. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria. I have directed my team to continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with Turkiye and provide any and all needed assistance," he tweeted this morning. The earthquakes have caused the worst disaster in Turkey since 1939, when a quake of the same magnitude as Monday's (7.8) first struck the country, killing approximately 30,000 people. Story continues Ahead, see the ways in which you can help survivors after the tragedy. Getty Images Donate Doctors Without Borders is one of the many organizations quickly responding to the disaster through their teams in northern Syria and providing aid for the injured. Send your donation here. World Food Program USA, the U.S. affiliate of the United Nations World Food Programme, is actively supporting the WFPs aid efforts with teams on the ground in Turkey and Syria. WFP also serves as the primary logistics arm of the United Nations in emergency situations. Donations can be made here. Mercy Corps, a global team of humanitarians working on the front lines of crisis, is currently responding to the tragedy in North West Syria. "Our team is working quickly to provide clean water, hygiene kits and shelter supplies (blankets, solar lamps, mattresses, carpets and more) in camps across North West Syria. We have worked in Syria since 2008 and in the North West, we have provided essential support including water, food, shelter, sanitation services, and livelihoods assistance to Syrians displaced multiple times throughout the course of the conflict," they said in a statement to BAZAAR.com. You can donate here. UNICEF and partners are on the ground assessing the current situation and humanitarian needs in the countries. They are currently focusing on assessing impact on main water stations and providing water to those displaced, providing aid to separated or unaccompanied children, giving food to those in need, and assessing damages in schools, especially those being used as shelters. You can help here. "The number keeps increasing. There is a sense of panic, including among children. Many people, including children are displaced and remain outside in streets and open areas. The government of Syria closed schools and universities for today and some are being used as shelters," UNICEF Representative in Syria, Angela Kearney, said in a statement to BAZAAR. Oxfam, a British-founded confederation of 21 charitable organizations "focusing on the alleviation of global poverty," are on the ground today helping victims and survivors of the devastating earthquakes. You can help their efforts here. The International Medical Corps has deployed mobile medical teams in Syria to provide emergency medical care to people affected by the quake. They are also working with local partners in Turkey to respond to the crisis. You can donate here. Humanity & Inclusion has emergency response teams on the ground supporting those injured and disabled in Turkey and Syria. The organization has also launched an emergency earthquake appeal. You can donate to the relief efforts here. UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, has teams present in Turkey and Syria responding with emergency relief items including high thermal blankets, mattresses, kitchen sets, plastic sheeting, jerry cans, sleeping mats, winter clothing kits, and winter jackets. You can donate here. LaunchGood, a crowdfunding platform focused on the Muslim community worldwide, launched a fundraiser to help those affected by the earthquake. "As Muslims, it is our duty to come together in times of hardship and support those in need," they wrote. As of Monday morning, they have raised nearly $8,000. Donate here. AKUT, an entirely voluntary, non-governmental organization involved in searching, assisting, and rescuing all who require aid in natural disasters and all other emergency conditions, is also taking donations. It is one of the biggest search and rescue organizations in Turkey. The Turkish Red Crescent, which is the largest humanitarian organization in Turkey and part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is also assisting in the tragedy. It provides shelter, food, health aid, blood, and social services to those in need. You can donate here. Donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which provides aid in crisis situations around the globe. Molham Volunteering Team, a nonprofit founded in 2012 in Jordan, by a group of then-university students, has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for aid for those affected. Offer your own donation here. You Might Also Like It's been 26 months since a Century man was found dead outside his shed on Nov. 30, 2020. Now, the second man allegedly responsible for his death will have his day in court. A jury will decide the fate of Jaran Britt Myles, 28, who is charged with the first-degree premeditated murder of Joseph Christopher Smith. Myles is the second man charged in Smith's death to go to court. Myles sat in jury selection Monday to determine who would sit on the 12-person jury.. The two-day trial was scheduled to begin Tuesday. Attorney Sean Brown talks with his client Jaran Britt Myles before jury selection begins on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Myles is on trial for the first-degree premeditated murder of Joseph Smith in 2020. Stallworth sentenced:Brewton man sentenced to life in prison for fatal shooting in Century Murder indictments:Three suspects indicted on murder, battery charges in Century shooting Who are the victims? Christopher Smith was found dead by Escambia County Sheriff's Office deputies at a Century mobile home. Two other men, Lavor Chante Johnson and Xavier Demarquese Walker, were non-fatally shot. What happened on Nov. 30, 2020? Deputies were called to a mobile home Alger Road in Century on Nov. 30, 2020, where they found Johnson and Walker each with a gunshot wound to the leg. Smith was found unresponsive in front of a shed behind the home and was pronounced dead at the scene. According to Johnson, he and Walker were in the shed when someone knocked on the door. After opening it, he said several Black men walked inside and began asking for money. Johnson said one of the men shot him in the leg and that other men began shooting "in all directions in the shed, hitting Walker in the leg. After the men inside the shed said they didn't have any money, Johnson said the men took Smith outside of the shed and they heard gunfire and saw Smith lying on the ground. Johnson positively identified Myles from a photo lineup as one of the men inside the shed that night. What are Jaran Myles' charges? A grand jury indicted Myles on Feb. 11, 2021, for first-degree premeditated murder in Smith's death and two counts of aggravated battery for Johnson and Walker's gunshot wounds. Story continues What are the penalties for his charges? According to Florida Statute 775.082, Myles faces life in prison or the death penalty for the capital felony murder if convicted. He also faces up to 15 years in prison for each aggravated battery charge. Who are the attorneys and judge in Jaran Myles' trial? Escambia Circuit Judge John Simon is presiding over the case. Myles was appointed a public defender and is represented by Assistant Public Defender Sean Brown. Assistant State Attorney Alvin Myers is prosecuting the case. Another suspect charged:Fourth suspect in fatal Century shooting now in custody Who are the other suspects in the case? There were four suspects charged, including Myles, but only three were indicted and only two still have active cases. E'monee Demontae Long, 18, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder and two counts of aggravated battery but was never indicted. Prosecutors later announced they would not prosecute his case. Kiauna Shanne Grice was indicted by a grand jury on the same charges as Myles, but prosecutors announced they would not prosecute her case on Feb. 10, 2021. The final suspect, Tacorius Cordale Stallworth, was indicted for first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery, and his case made it to trial. A jury found Stallworth guilty of all three charges on June 8, 2022. The same day, Simon levied a life sentence without parole and two 15-year sentences for the aggravated battery charges. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola man set for first-degree murder trial for 2020 homicide On Feb. 3, a Shreveport police officer was involved in an officer-involved shooting, killing a Shreveport man. Here's what happened Feb. 3 Around 10:51 p.m. Friday evening, two Shreveport Police officers responded to the Villa Norte Apartment Complex in the 1600 block of Fullerton Street. Officers were called to this location in regard to a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, the officers made contact with Alonzo Sentell Bagley, 43, who then exited the apartment via the balcony. Officer Alexander Tyler, 23, was then taken on a short foot chase. Tyler made contact with Bagley when he rounded the corner of the building and fired one shot. A bullet struck Bagley once in the chest. Tyler began performing lifesaving aid to Bagley until Shreveport Fire Department arrived on the scene and transported him to Ochsner LSU Health. Around 11:30 p.m. Bagley was pronounced dead. State Police Col. Lamar Davis spoke during a press conference Monday afternoon in regard to the officer-involved shooting that occurred Feb. 3. Feb. 6, 2023. Following the shooting Louisiana State Police took over the investigation immediately. According to the police chief, LSP was on the scene before he arrived. On Monday, Feb. 6, leaders of the City of Shreveport met during a press conference to discuss the incident. During the press conference Shreveport Police Chief, Wayne Smith said that his heart bled when he learned of the tragedy. "I responded immediately to the scene to find out as much as I could about what had occurred. My heart bleeds and I'm also with them at the loss of another life here in Shreveport," said Smith. He also noted that LSP was already on the scene when he arrived. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said, "we pledge the full cooperation of the city in the investigation for the Louisiana State Police." Shreveport City officials held a press conference Monday morning for the officer-involved shooting. Feb. 6, 2023. Following the press conference hosted by Shreveport officials, LSP gave a press conference at 4 p.m. During that press conference State Police Col. Lamar Davis disclosed that through the preliminary investigation, detectives were unable to locate any weapons near or on Bagley. Story continues He asked that the community remain patient as they perform a thorough investigation. "While some may think that this is something that we can arrive to a conclusion immediately, I offer that it's incumbent upon us to conduct a very thorough investigation so that we have all the facts. Transparency in the investigation is a priority for our agency," said Davis. Bagley's family has retained Haley & Associates. In a press release, Haley & Associates said, "our office will walk through this process with the Bagley family, to ensure transparency and accountability. Attorney Ron Haley believes accountability will result in consequences in both civil and criminal courts." Check this out: Officer involved in Friday shooting identified by Shreveport Police Department Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Here's what you need to know about the Shreveport officer-involved shooting an ape on a horse with a destroyed city. Concept art from the new Planet of the Apes movie, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Wes Balls new Planet of the Apes movie, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, has been filming and adding cast members for a few monthsand now, we might finally know what all those people will be doing. The Hollywood Reporter just announced that Dichen Lachman, who plays a key character in Apple TV+s Severance and was a villain in Jurassic World Dominion, has been cast in the film. Which is certainly very cool news. But in the article, theres also a rundown of the plot, which we dont think has been widely reported before. Read more Previously, all that was officially announced was that the film [picked] up many years after the conclusion of 2017s War for the Planet of the Apes. But now, the trade adds the following: Many apes societies have grown from when the Moses-like Caesar brought his people to an oasis, while humans have been reduced to a feral-like existence. Some groups have never heard of Caesar, while others have contorted his teaching to build burgeoning empires. In this setting, one ape leader begins to enslave other groups to find human technology, while another ape, who watched his clan be taken, embarks on a journey to find freedom. A young human woman becomes key to latters quest, although she has plans of her own. There you have it. Sounds like the legacy of Caesar looms large but that the apes, now the highest functioning species on Earth, are experiencing in-fighting. (io9 reached out to Disney to confirm the accuracy of this and will update the story if or when we hear.) In the film, Lachman joins previously announced actors Peter Macon, Freya Allan, and Owen Teague, as well as William H. Macy and Kevin Durand. It was written by Josh Friedman, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver (who all collaborated on the new Avatar films) as well as Patrick Aison (Prey), and is currently scheduled for release May 24, 2024. Story continues Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, although software-as-a-service business Salesforce.com lost money for years while it grew recurring revenue, if you held shares since 2005, you'd have done very well indeed. But while history lauds those rare successes, those that fail are often forgotten; who remembers Pets.com? Given this risk, we thought we'd take a look at whether Imagion Biosystems (ASX:IBX) shareholders should be worried about its cash burn. In this article, we define cash burn as its annual (negative) free cash flow, which is the amount of money a company spends each year to fund its growth. First, we'll determine its cash runway by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves. Check out our latest analysis for Imagion Biosystems When Might Imagion Biosystems Run Out Of Money? A company's cash runway is the amount of time it would take to burn through its cash reserves at its current cash burn rate. In June 2022, Imagion Biosystems had AU$8.5m in cash, and was debt-free. Importantly, its cash burn was AU$9.6m over the trailing twelve months. Therefore, from June 2022 it had roughly 11 months of cash runway. That's quite a short cash runway, indicating the company must either reduce its annual cash burn or replenish its cash. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years. How Is Imagion Biosystems' Cash Burn Changing Over Time? Whilst it's great to see that Imagion Biosystems has already begun generating revenue from operations, last year it only produced AU$341k, so we don't think it is generating significant revenue, at this point. As a result, we think it's a bit early to focus on the revenue growth, so we'll limit ourselves to looking at how the cash burn is changing over time. In fact, it ramped its spending strongly over the last year, increasing cash burn by 137%. It's fair to say that sort of rate of increase cannot be maintained for very long, without putting pressure on the balance sheet. Imagion Biosystems makes us a little nervous due to its lack of substantial operating revenue. We prefer most of the stocks on this list of stocks that analysts expect to grow. How Easily Can Imagion Biosystems Raise Cash? Since its cash burn is moving in the wrong direction, Imagion Biosystems shareholders may wish to think ahead to when the company may need to raise more cash. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Many companies end up issuing new shares to fund future growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn. Since it has a market capitalisation of AU$29m, Imagion Biosystems' AU$9.6m in cash burn equates to about 33% of its market value. That's fairly notable cash burn, so if the company had to sell shares to cover the cost of another year's operations, shareholders would suffer some costly dilution. So, Should We Worry About Imagion Biosystems' Cash Burn? We must admit that we don't think Imagion Biosystems is in a very strong position, when it comes to its cash burn. While its cash runway wasn't too bad, its increasing cash burn does leave us rather nervous. After looking at that range of measures, we think shareholders should be extremely attentive to how the company is using its cash, as the cash burn makes us uncomfortable. Taking a deeper dive, we've spotted 4 warning signs for Imagion Biosystems you should be aware of, and 2 of them are a bit unpleasant. If you would prefer to check out another company with better fundamentals, then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt or this list of stocks which are all forecast to grow. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here By John Revill and Noele Illien ZURICH (Reuters) -Holcim AG, the world's biggest cement maker, has agreed to buy U.S. roofing systems manufacturer Duro-Last in a $1.29 billion deal, the Swiss company said on Tuesday, its latest move to bolster its presence in North America. Holcim expects the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to provide strong momentum for its business in the region, and boost its sales to around half of its business from around 40% at present, an executive told Reuters last month. The deal for privately owned Duro-Last follows other recent acquisitions in North America by Holcim and is its biggest since it bought residential roofing maker Malarkey for $1.35 billion in December 2021. Michigan-based Duro-Last, which specialises in roofing systems for the commercial building market, has annual sales of roughly $540 million. The deal is expected to yield synergies of around $60 million per year, mainly from cheaper procurement of materials. The $1.29 billion price tag represents an EBITDA multiple of 7.9 after synergies, Holcim said. As a result of the acquisition, sales at Holcim's roofing systems division will exceed $4 billion by the end of 2025, it said. Holcim is looking to boost its roofing business, part of its Solutions & Products business which is more profitable than the rest of its business, and is also less carbon-intensive than cement production. In the first nine months of 2022 Solutions & Products boasted a recurring operating profit margin of 20%, better than the 16% level for Holcim as a whole. Shares in were flat in early trading after gaining more than 8% in the last 12 months, outpacing the Swiss Market Index which has fallen 7.6%. Analysts were positive about the acquisition. "We are convinced that the acquisition will help Holcim to exceed its target to generate 30% of revenues with its Solutions & Products business by 2025, up from around 19% in 2022. "In our view, the speed of transformation of Holcim towards an asset-light, more innovative, low-carbon construction solutions provider is not yet fully reflected in its valuation," said Vontobel analyst Bernd Pomrehn. (Reporting by Noele Illien; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Kim Coghill and Susan Fenton) Image: Gallery / Saga Press In 2021, author Stephen Graham Jones (The Only Good Indians) released My Heart Is a Chainsaw, giving horror fans a memorable heroine in high school misfit Jade Daniels. Dont Fear the Reaper, its sequel and the second entry in Jones Indian Lake Trilogy, is out todayand i09 got a chance to talk to him about it. In the Bram Stoker Award-winning Chainsaw, Jades obsession with slasher movies begins to bleed into real life when she becomes convinced a maniac is stalking her small Idaho town, a place with a rich and troubled history where shes one of few Indigenous residents remaining. In Reaper, we find Jade returning home a few years after the events of Chainsaw, right when a dangerous new threat appears in the form of an escaped serial killer. Both books are infused with Jones own love of (and deep knowledge of) horror films, as well as themes that reflect his Native American background. What follows is a slightly edited and condensed version of our interview with Jones. Read more Cheryl Eddy, io9: Jade has been through a lot since the end of My Heart Is a Chainsaw. What do you think was the most important lesson she took away from the events of that book? And how has it shaped her going into Dont Fear the Reaper? Stephen Graham Jones: At the end of Chainsaw, and this may be a spoiler for people who havent read it, she does kind of save the daybut she doesnt get credit for it. From that, she might have learned that its not about whether the world acknowledges you, its about whether you do what you think is right. Jade pretends to be all anti-society and metal and everything against the world, but I think secretly she wants to make it a better place. She wants to help people and just make things better. I think she might be slowly realizing that you dont do it for the credit. You do it for the good it does. Story continues io9: Why do you think she has such a hard time seeing herself as a Final Girl? Jones: I think because over the decadesand she talks about this a little bitthe Final Girl has become this warrior princess angel up on a pedestal that people in the audience are supposed to identify with. But this Final Girl is so shining and perfect and amazing that we think we cant match up, that we can never be like her. We can never be as tough as Ripley [in Alien] or as pure as Nancy [in A Nightmare on Elm Street]. The Final Girl within the slasher is supposed to empower us and teach us to push back against bullies. But when the Final Girl becomes so perfect that we cant inhabit that space, then we have no position from which to push back against bullies, if that makes sense. And so Jadestill, even though I think she knows better, shes been conditioned to subscribe to this notion of the warrior princess, perfect angel of a Final Girl. And she knows that not only is she not that, but pretty much nobody isexcept, to her, [fellow My Heart Is a Chainsaw and Dont Fear the Reaper character] Letha. io9: My Heart Is a Chainsaw is told almost entirely from Jades point of view, but Dont Fear the Reaper really expands the perspective and gives us other characters point of view. Why did you decide to widen the scope for the sequel? Jones: Youre rightin the first one, the periscope camera eye was over Jade. If it wasnt over Jades shoulder, then we were reading Jades papers. It was Jade wall to wall. And I love Jade, and I think shes amazing, but I know that she can be a little domineering, too; she can force her slasher reviews and her slasher lectures on people. So the first reason I wanted to jump heads, go from person to person, in Dont Fear the Reaper was I was afraid that too much Jade might not be a good thing. Also, I didnt want to hurt her because I think if you shine that hot spotlight on somebody for two books in a row, unrelentingly, thats going to burn that character a little bit. So I wanted to give Jade some off-page time too. But also, when youre doing something thats either narrated by someone or thats only focused on them, as My Heart Is a Chainsaw was, then you have to stage things such that the character either always has an angle on them, or is at the center of all the key events in the bookwhich can get kind of contrived, and its really hard to make it work. Its worthwhile, but its difficult. And Im not saying its necessarily easier to do it jumping heads [between] third-person [points of view], but jumping heads third-person lets the story be happening all at once, all around Indian Lake, and I can jump here and there. Also, what I found most productive was I could have two characters having almost contradictory views on the same things. I think that makes that thing more real, actually, instead of chipping away at it. Image: Gallery / Saga Press io9: When you were writing My Heart Is a Chainsaw, did you plan for it to be kicking off a trilogy? Jones: No, it didnt become a trilogy until the very, very final stages. What happened was [my editor] Joe Monti and I were working on it, on the notes, edits, all that. And towards the very end of it, he said, You know, this thing youre doing at the end, where every single person is dead in the water, thats going to be kind of a bummer for readers. And Im like, Yeah, its a horror novel. Its not supposed to be happy. And he said, But theyre going to want some payback on their investment of time and emotion. Why dont you let just a few characters live? And of course, being a stubborn writer, I thought, Well, no way is that right. But at the same time, I really respect him as an editor, as a thinker, as someone who knows stories. So I thought I owed it to him to give it a try. I opened a side document and I ran through it in a way in which a few people lived at the end of My Heart Is a Chainsaw, and it worked so much better than the way I had it done. And once I realized that there were people stumbling out of this massacre into the future, that future could look like a book two and a book three. So I told Joe and my agent, BJ Robbins, Its a trilogy. And I pretended like I had it planned all along, but I hadnt had it planned all along. io9: Dont Fear the Reaper introduces an outside antagonist in serial killer Dark Mill South. He has certain folklore and mythical elements, but hes very much a real person. Why did you want to include this sort of true crime element in the story? Jones: Yeah, that true crime element. I wonder if thats just part of the world nowduring the pandemic, the last three years, true crime has just exploded in every facet of our media. I havent watched a lot of it, I think; I guess I read a few of the books. Nevertheless, I think its percolated up into me, and I think that this is probably that percolation expressing itself. But at the same time, Ive read and watched so much serial killer stuff. The trick with serial killers is to get them on the page in a way that doesnt celebrate the bad acts theyre doing. You still want to be thrilling and we want toI dont know if we ever want to completely understand the serial killer, because I dont know if we really can. Those of us who arent serial killers, its hard to understand that need to do these ritual murders every six months and all that, to enact these power dramas. But I think the world is just fascinated with true crime. And within true crime, serial killers are 90% of that fascination. I wrote Dont Fear the Reaper after two or three years of the pandemic, and so I think I was just unintentionally part of the world that was happening at the time, if that makes sense. io9: We havent traditionally seen a lot of Indigenous representation in horror, aside from, like, Indian burial grounds in Poltergeist and stuff like that. Thankfully, thats changing. But when you were growing up as a horror fan, what did you make of those themes and is that something that motivated you when you started telling your own stories? Jones: You know, what it did was, youd always have these people stumbling into the haunted Indian burial grounds and then dying one by one over the course of the story. I would always be celebrating, like, Yeah, dudes, yall shouldnt go there. Yall shouldnt mess with our junk. And I guess the way it influenced me was, in My Heart Is a Chainsaw and this whole trilogy, instead of doing an Indian burial ground, Im doing a Christian burial ground. Thats the haunted place, because [local boogeymen] Ezekiel and his unholy choir are down at the bottom of Indian Lake in Drown Town. And thats my corruption in this case. io9: Dont Fear the Reaper adds an extra layer of chaos to Indian Lakes preexisting chaos by taking place during a full-on blizzard. Why did you decide to make the weather such a factor in this one? Jones: In slashers, you generally need to isolate the crew so that people can get picked off one by one. To tell you the truth, all these storms or whatever it is that isolates these characters in slashers, its really the drawing room doors in a Agatha Christie novel getting closed, you know, for a closed-door mystery. In later times, we shape those doors differently; you get stuff like Glass Onion, which literally puts [the characters] on an island. Its just all about isolation, and you got to rig up something that makes sense for the world. And for 8,000 feet up the mountain, Idaho, a snowstorm seems to be the most isolating thing that would happen naturally anyway. And also, whereas My Heart Is a Chainsaw was set over summer in the heat, I wanted Dont Fear the Reaper to be a completely different experience. Winter felt like the first step of making it a different experience, making it kind of new again. Image: Gallery / Saga Press io9: As both My Heart Is a Chainsaw and Dont Fear the Reaper tell us, along with movies like Scream and Carol Clovers influential film-studies book Men, Women, and Chainsaws, the slasher genre has a very defined set of rules. Jade (and Letha in Reaper) cling to that as a response to the chaos in their own livesat least, thats how I interpreted it. Jones: I think they are invested enough in the slasher that they think these rules can provide order to their world, and they see their world as a slasher world. But I dont really think that the world is beholden to comply to the rules of any genre. I think it gives them comfort and allows them to walk through the world if they believe that they know the conventions well enough, like Randy in Scream, that they can anticipate or that they can guard against. But like Jade finds out in My Heart Is a Chainsaw, just because you know the rules doesnt mean the rules care about that. You know, they can change and do what they want. io9: It seems like both books tell you the rules, but then subvert them. Jones: Sure. Yeah. io9: In the acknowledgements for My Heart Is a Chainsaw, you thanked a video store clerk who helped guide you into becoming a horror fan at a young age. Is there a first slasher film that really got you hooked? Jones: The first sort of slasher film I ever saw was on HBO, and I think I was 10 years old. This would have been 1982. And it was the 1978, John Carpenter-written The Eyes of Laura Mars. That just terrified me silly. I watched again it like two months ago and it still kind of it gets to meit made me realize that in one of my novels, Demon Theory, I kind of used some elements of The Eyes of Laura Mars, just because its part of my horror DNA now. That and Watcher in the Woods, I saw that when I was young young. I think more than any other horror thing, Watcher in the Woods totally controls what I do on the page. Its legit scary. Its wonderful, if you can find the, I think its the Blu-ray, it has the deleted scenes on it, the original ending, and that stuff gets wild and very non-Disney. io9: Speaking of horror movies, nowadays we have whats called elevated horror, like the works of Jordan Peele and Ari Aster. What does that term mean to you, and how do you view the state of horror films and TV as were heading into 2023? Jones: I think right now, horror films and television are getting more respect than they have gotten in the past. The world at large used to consider horror fans and creators to be this weird, little nightmare carnival on the horizon that they didnt pay attention to, because they were just doing blood gags to entertain each other. But I do think Get Out, and also Victor LaValles [2016 novel] The Ballad of Black Tom, both of those cued the world in that horror is actually engaging issues of the day. Were part of the world. Were not out here by ourselves. Were processing things through, just like art always does. And therefore I think horror is getting a lot more respect these days, which is good and bad. I think horror has always kind of prided itself on being an outsider, you know? So if and when we become an insider, I wonder how that might change things? And Im not sure. But as for the term elevated horror, I mean, I resist it. It always feels to me like an insult to the rest of horror. I really think people say elevated horror as a code for I like this, but I kind of dismiss the rest of horror. Its a way for them to say This is worthy of my engagement because its elevated. Its like what we called in the 70s prestige horrorlike The Omen and those types of movies. I mean, prestige horror and elevated horror are just how society likes [to call] something that they feel like they should feel guilty for liking. I try not to use the term elevated horror if I can help it. I like elevator horror. Elevator horror can be really good. Its a serious closed-door story, you know? [Laughs] io9: Chainsaw was out in 2021, Reaper is out in 2023. Where are you on part three and can you tease any small thing about it? Jones: Its written already. I finished it on August, August 15, I think I turned it in, and Im currently in notes in it. I gave Saga a list of possible titles, from which they made an argument for one, which I think is a great argument. So we settled on a title about two weeks ago, which Im not released to say yet. But the fun thing with a trilogy is the main character is more or less a series character; they get to arc across three installments instead of just one installment. They have little arcs within one big arc. And what I love about the third bookwhich is weird to say about your own stuff, maybe I should say it in a different wayI like to see Jade process through. I like where she gets to, I guess. Dont Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones is out today, February 7; you can order a copy hereand if you havent yet read the first book in the Indian Lake Trilogy, My Heart Is a Chainsaw, you can pick it up here. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The Zaporizhia NPP was captured by the Russian occupiers In addition to the Zaporizhzhya NPP, replacements of missions were conducted at the Pivdennoukrainsk NPP, as well as at the Rivne and Chornobyl NPPs on Feb. 4. Read also: Russian invaders block passes of Zaporizhzhya NPP workers who refuse to sign contracts The regulator reiterated that the IAEA had deployed permanent monitoring missions to all Ukrainian NPPs in response to an official request from the Ukrainian government amid ongoing Russian aggression. The Zaporizhzhya NPP is Europes largest nuclear power plant. On March 4, 2022, Russian forces seized the strategic power facility and captured its employees. Several ZNPP structures on the premises of the plant were damaged by Russian shelling. Read also: Russia not yet geared up enough for new offensive in Zaporizhzhya Oblast Russian troops have set up firing positions inside the plants territory and are shelling Ukrainian cities from there. Ukraines nuclear operator Energoatom reported that the Russian military had placed at least 14 units of heavy military hardware, loaded with ammunition, weapons, and explosives, in a turbine hall at the ZNPP. The IAEA has since established a permanent monitoring presence at the facility. The organization has called for the establishment of a demilitarized security zone around the plant. On Jan. 16, 2023, the IAEA announced it would expand its presence in Ukraine to help prevent a nuclear accident during the ongoing conflict. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The family of slain University of Idaho student Kaylee Goncalves is fighting back against a unusually restrictive gag order placed on the case. A gag order was issued in early January following the arrest and charging of Bryan Kohberger with the quadruple homicide of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in Moscow, Idaho, on 13 November. On 18 January, the gag order was broadly expanded to also ban any attorneys representing survivors, witnesses or the victims family members from talking or writing about the case. In an appeal filed in court on Friday, the Goncalves family attorney Shanon Gray asked the judge to pull back the scope of the order, describing it as unconstitutional and facially overbroad and vague. The judge is yet to rule on the motion. This comes after the FBI pushed back on a report that its surveillance team lost Mr Kohberger during his cross-country drive from Washington State University to his family home in Pennsylvania in mid-December. An FBI spokesperson denied the shocking account calling it false information which is not helpful to the case against Kohberger or to the American public. Key points FBI denies claim it lost Kohberger during surveillance operation Bryan Kohberger attorneys receive trove of evidence in case Kohbergers attorney has ties to second victims family Xana Kernodles mom feels betrayed by attorney who dropped her for daughters alleged killer Bryan Kohberger met local police chief and sent him gushing email months before murders Chilling online comments from suspect as teen revealed Kaylee Goncalves family fights gag order in Idaho murders case 13:00 , Rachel Sharp The family of slain University of Idaho student Kaylee Goncalves is fighting back against a unusually restrictive gag order placed on the case against her accused killer. In an appeal filed in court on Friday, the Goncalves family attorney Shanon Gray called on the judge to pull back the scope of the gag order, describing it as unconstitutional and facially overbroad and vague. Story continues A gag order was first issued in the case on 3 January, just days after Bryan Kohberger was arrested and charged with the quadruple homicide of Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in Moscow, Idaho, on 13 November. Read the full story here: Kaylee Goncalves family fight gag order in Idaho murders case Bryan Kohbergers attorney says defence has no evidence to hand to state 12:00 , Rachel Sharp Court filings show the suspects defence attorneys has now responded to the states request for discovery in the case. In a court filing on 30 January, public defender Anne Taylor writes that the defence so far has no evidence to turn over such as books, documents, papers and photos. There are also no results or reports of mental or physical exams or tests, the documents state. This comes after prosecutors handed over a trove of documents, photos and video files in the case. Bryan Kohbergers attorney responds to states request for discovery (Idaho courts) Bryan Kohbergers attorney responds to states request for discovery (Idaho courts) Survivor of 1992 attack speaks out in defence of Idaho roommates 11:00 , Rachel Sharp There are many chilling similarities between the murders of four Idaho students in November and a 1992 attack at a student home in Buffalo none more so than the experiences of the roommates who survived. Alanna Zabel tells The Independents Rachel Sharp why she feels the need to defend the surviving roommate in Idaho and how she understands the way trauma can shape reactions to such horrifying events: She slept through an attack in her home - and has a message about the Idaho murders Could Bryan Kohberger get a plea deal? 10:00 , Rachel Sharp If convicted of the four murders, Bryan Kohberger faces the possibility of lethal injection, should the prosecution seek the death penalty. In the state of Idaho, the maximum sentence for first-degree murder is death and the suspect is facing four counts of this charge. While the Latah County prosecutor has not yet confirmed whether or not he plans to seek the death penalty in the case and he is unlikely to show his hand over the coming weeks due to the gag order now in place. Kaylee Goncalves parents have already said that they want their daughters killer to be sentenced to death saying he has to pay for what he has done. If you want to play gods role, youre gonna have to go answer to him, Steve Goncalves told NewsNation in early-January. According to prominent attorney Duncan Levin, in a death penalty case, the only possible plea deal would be for the suspect to be given life in prison instead. However, he said it is too early to tell whether this is likely in this case. At this point, it is too early for the two sides to have a discussion about a plea deal, he told The Independent. On a death penalty case, the only plea on the table is life in prison but both sides have too much investigating ahead of them to discuss that at this time. VOICES: The eerie online fascination with the Idaho murders case 09:00 , Rachel Sharp They were killed in a drug deal gone wrong. It was revenge for bullying another student found dead months earlier. A disgruntled student blamed them for him being kicked out of a fraternity. A gang of frat boys decided to carry on a fight that broke out at a party earlier that night. The list goes on and on. These make up only a handful of the countless rumours and conspiracy theories circulating online in the weeks after four University of Idaho students were found butchered to death in the small college town of Moscow. The Independents Rachel Sharp delves into the eerie online fascination with the case: The eerie online world of the Idaho murders case Mad Greek owner denies suspect dined there 08:00 , Rachel Sharp A former employee at the Mad Greek restaurant, where Madison Mogen and Xana Kernodle worked, told People last week that Bryan Kohberger had visited the eatery in the weeks before the murders. The suspect, who is vegan, popped in at least twice for some vegan pizza, the employee said. An investigator with knowledge of the case told People that investigators knew about the visits to the restaurant, and had seized footage from it and interviewed both the staff and owners. However, this was almost instantly refuted by the owner of the Mad Greek, who denied Mr Kohberger had ever been there. Jackie Fischer slammed the article as completely fabricated information in a Facebook post on Friday and urged the public and the media to please allow us to grieve the loss of our friends and co-worker. Officials have not addressed the speculation about the restaurant visit or the Instagram account and are unlikely to do so, due to a gag order preventing law enforcement officials and the defence and prosecution teams from speaking out about the high-profile case. The news/media should really do their due diligence before running a story with completely fabricated information. This will be my only response to this story from People It is not true. This person who wants their 5 minutes of fame has now caused a whole bunch of extra work for myself and the investigators, the owner wrote. To all media/reporters/internet sleuths, etc.. please allow us to grieve the loss of our friends and co workers. This has been incredibly hard on us. With our phones ringing off the hook, reporters banging on my door at my private residence and hunting down employees as well as showing up constantly at the restaurant, we have not been afforded the time to grieve. Please stop calling, messaging, knocking and showing up. I personally will not be doing any interviews or entertaining wild accusations at this time. My employees also feel the same! What forensic experts say about evidence seized from Bryan Kohbergers home in the Idaho murders case 06:00 , Rachel Sharp Authorities have lifted the lid on alleged evidence found in the home of Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger, marking the latest development in a horror case that has gripped the nation for two months. A search warrant was executed at Mr Kohbergers apartment in Pullman, Washington, on 30 December, the same day he was arrested at his parents home in Pennsylvania on charges for the 13 November stabbings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in Moscow, Idaho. A record of evidence recovered during the apartment search was unsealed on Wednesday, revealing the seizure of 15 items including hairs, receipts, a computer tower, a disposable glove and items with peculiar stains. The record reignited a frenzy of speculation online - despite its simplicity and lack of conjecture. But what significance, if any, can actually be gleaned from the list? The Independents Andrea Blanco spoke to two experts - Dr Monte Miller, a former crime scene investigator and forensic expert for the Texas Department of Public Safety; and former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer - for their takes on each item. What forensic experts say about evidence seized from Bryan Kohbergers home Why is there a six month gap before the preliminary hearing? 04:00 , Rachel Sharp At his status hearing in Latah County Courthouse on 12 January, Bryan Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial - which would have set his preliminary hearing within 14 days. Instead, his attorney asked that the next court date instead be delayed until the summer, to give defence more time to review all the evidence in the case. The prosecution agreed with the request and the judge scheduled the preliminary hearing for the week beginning 26 June, setting aside the entire week for the hearing. Now, the victims families and the public will have to wait another six months to learn further details about the murders and the case against Mr Kohberger. Duncan Levin, a former assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DAs office who has no official connection to the Idaho murders case, told The Independent that a six-month time gap between a status hearing and preliminary hearing is somewhat unusual but its a marker of the complexity of the case. It is somewhat unusual to see such a long gap but then again nothing is normal in this case, he said. Death penalty cases do mean that everything will take longer and be done a little bit differently than one might expect to see on a typical case. The six-month delay is a benefit to both sides, he added. The defence wants as much time as possible to conduct their own investigations before they have the opportunity to cross-examine the states witnesses. So theyre eager to have more information in their hands before any testimony is heard in the preliminary hearing, he said. Similarly, the prosecution needs time to conduct further investigations. For example they will be likely doing a forensic examination of Kohbergers automobile and residence. And they are still yet to uncover a motive. They have a lot of work yet to do. He added: Both sides really need more time to review evidence and develop their cases. Bryan Kohbergers trial for the Idaho murders is months away. How strong is the case against him? 02:00 , Rachel Sharp It will be another six months before Bryan Kohberger and the families of his alleged victims come face to face in court again, after his preliminary hearing was postponed until the summer. For more than six weeks, the murders remained a mystery and left the small college town racked by fear. Then, on 30 December, Mr Kohberger was arrested 2,500 miles away at his family home in Pennsylvania and charged with four counts of murder and one charge of burglary. Details about the murders and his alleged role in them were laid out in the damning probable cause affidavit released earlier this month. But just how strong is the case against him? What can we expect next from the defence and the prosecution? And why has Mr Kohbergers attorney requested evidence about a co-defendant? Duncan Levin, a former assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DAs office who has no official connection to the Idaho murders case, speaks to The Independents Rachel Sharp about the strength of the criminal case and what to expect next as it makes it way through the courts. How strong is the case against Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger? Expert debunks speculation about a co-defendant' 00:00 , Rachel Sharp Bryan Kohbergers attorney Ann Taylor filed a discovery request in the case last month, asking the judge to order the prosecution to hand over all discovery in the case within 14 days. Among the discovery requests were witness statements, digital media and police reports about the case. It also included a request for information about a co-defendant in the case. Statements of co-defendant. Any written or recorded statements by a codefendant, and the substance of any relevant oral statement made by a co-defendant whether before or after arrest in response to interrogation by any person known by the codefendant to be a peace officer or agent of the prosecuting attorney, or which are otherwise relevant to the offense charged, the filing reads. The request has prompted speculation of evidence suggesting that Mr Kohberger may have had an accomplice or that the defence could seek to argue that as part of their case. However, Duncan Levin, a former assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DAs office, told The Independent that this is just part of the standard requests for discovery in a case. These are just very standard requests as part of the defences discovery request, he said. While ruling out other individuals as possible suspects will likely form part of the states case against Mr Kohberger, he said that this does not indicate that there are other suspects. The probable cause affidavit makes no mention of a co-defendant and law enforcement officials have previously insisted that they believe the suspect acted alone. The request making mention of a co-defendant is also just one of 18 discovery requests made in the court filing. I dont think I would make much hay of that, Mr Levin said of the discovery request. Xana Kernodles mom says she feels betrayed by attorney Monday 6 February 2023 23:00 , Rachel Sharp The mother of slain University of Idaho student Xana Kernodle has claimed that she gave her power of attorney to the public defender now representing her daughters alleged killer. Anne Taylor, the chief of the Kootenai public defenders office, filed on 5 January to recuse herself from representing Xana Kernodles mother Cara Denise Northington in order to become the lead defence attorney for Bryan Kohberger. Mr Kohberger is accused of brutally stabbing Kernodle, her boyfriend Ethan Chapin and roommates Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen on 13 November in the college town of Moscow. He was arrested on 30 December at his parents home in Pennsylvania before he was extradited to Idaho earlier this month. Read more here: Idaho murder victims mom says she gave Bryan Kohberger lawyer power of attorney Bryan Kohbergers attorney has ties to family of second victim Monday 6 February 2023 22:00 , Rachel Sharp The attorney representing Bryan Kohberger has ties to the family of a second victim of the University of Idaho murders, it has been revealed. Public defender Anne Taylor previously represented the father and stepmother of Madison Mogen in now closed criminal cases, according to court records seen by Inside Edition Digital. The connection comes after it emerged that Ms Taylor was representing Xana Kernodles mother Cara Northington on drugs charges at the time of Mr Kohbergers arrest. Court documents, filed on 5 January, showed that the attorney then dropped her as a client the same day that she took on Mr Kohbergers case and represented him in court in Moscow for the first time on charges of murdering Kernodle, Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Kaylee Goncalves. The ties to the victims families has raised some concerns about a possible conflict of interest in the case. BTK Killers daughter speaks out about sensing her father in the Idaho murders Monday 6 February 2023 21:00 , Rachel Sharp Kerri Rawson had a nagging sense as she followed every development in the Idaho murders case. After the arrest of Bryan Kohberger, she tells The Independents Bevan Hurley how her stomach sank when she realised a link between the suspect and her father, notorious serial killer Dennis Rader: My father is the BTK Killer. The arrest in the Idaho murders took my breath away Kaylee Goncalves family creates Facebook page for tips Monday 6 February 2023 20:32 , Rachel Sharp Kaylee Goncalves family has created a new Facebook page for the public to send in tips and leads about the murders case. The page, Idaho Murders- The Goncalves Family Page, was launched last week and has already reached 18,000 followers. This page is for the public to reach out if you have any tips/leads that could be helpful, the page description reads. In an update on Sunday, the family shared an update thanking the public for their support. We want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us throughout this tragedy. To the people who send us condolences and prayers, all the way to the (always 100% anonymous) individuals sending in multiple new leads, they wrote. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all for the unwavering support and outpouring of love. One unique facial feature may have linked Bryan Kohberger to the Idaho murders Monday 6 February 2023 19:30 , Rachel Sharp Bryan Kohbergers distinct eyebrows may have been among the first in a string of details that linked him to the Idaho murders, according to a new report. Air Mails The Eyes of a Killer: Part Two offers a vivid description of the Moscow police hunt for evidence that would ultimately materialise in Mr Kohbergers arrest for the murders of four University of Idaho students, based on an affidavit released earlier this month and sources close to the investigation, According to the report, a lead investigator first had an inkling that Mr Kohberger would become a suspect in the crime after he ran the Washington State University PhD students licence plate and noticed his bushy eyebrows. The Independents Andrea Blanco has more: One unique facial feature may have linked Bryan Kohberger to the Idaho murders Kaylee Goncalves family fights gag order in Idaho murders case Monday 6 February 2023 18:30 , Rachel Sharp The family of slain University of Idaho student Kaylee Goncalves is fighting back against a unusually restrictive gag order placed on the case against her accused killer. In an appeal filed in court on Friday, the Goncalves family attorney Shanon Gray called on the judge to pull back the scope of the gag order, describing it as unconstitutional and facially overbroad and vague. A gag order was first issued in the case on 3 January, just days after Bryan Kohberger was arrested and charged with the quadruple homicide of Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in Moscow, Idaho, on 13 November. Read the full story here: Kaylee Goncalves family fight gag order in Idaho murders case BTK killer Dennis Rader shares sympathy for Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger Monday 6 February 2023 17:30 , Rachel Sharp Serial killer Dennis Rader has expressed sympathy for Bryan Kohberger as he awaits trial in the Idaho murders. Rader who gave himself the title of the BTK killer because he bound and tortured his victims before killing them is serving ten consecutive life sentences in a maximum security prison in Kansas after he confessed in 2005 to killing 10 people over a span of three decades. In an interview with Fox News Digital on Wednesday, Rader said he understands how Mr Kohberger must feel while in solitary confinement at Latah County Jail ahead of his preliminary hearing on 26 June. Since I spent from February 2005 to April 2005 in a cell by myself, I know how he feels. Very lonely, Rader told the outlet, adding that his situation improved when he was allowed to receive mail. And soon letters started to come in ... [I] read a lot of the Bible and wrote poetry. Read the full story here: BTK killer Dennis Rader shares sympathy for Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger WSU student found dead after inhumane and cruel hazing Monday 6 February 2023 16:30 , Rachel Sharp A Washington State University student was found dead in his dorm last month. WSU made national headlines in December when criminology PhD student Bryan Kohberger was arrested for the murders of four University of Idaho students. The university and its Greek life have now come under scrutiny after 19-year-old freshman Luke Tyler was found dead on 22 January at the Pullman campus. A group of Tylers friends have since claimed that his sudden death followed a long and cruel pledging process allowed by his fraternity, Theta Chi, The Spokesman-Review reported. In a Change.org petition, they demanded that the fraternity is disbanded. Their inhumane and cruel hazing forced Luke, and many others to do things nobody should ever be forced to do, the description read. We demand that Theta Chi be investigated, shut down and the fraternitys president, as well as pledge masters and others with power in the fraternity be investigated for their involvement with the death of Luke Tyler. More than 9,000 people have signed the petition. A spokesman for the university said that no details about Tylers death will be released pending the investigation by law enforcement. FBI denies claim agents lost Bryan Kohberger before Idaho college murders arrest Monday 6 February 2023 15:30 , Rachel Sharp The FBI has denied claims that its agents lost accused mass killer Bryan Kohberger while he was under surveillance for the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students. Surveillance teams had been tasked with keeping eyes on the 28-year-old criminology PhD student after he became a person of interest in the 13 November murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in Moscow, Idaho. But, law enforcement sources told Air Mails The Eyes of a Killer: Part Two that in the early hours of 13 December, Mr Kohberger set off on a cross-country drive with his father from Washington State University (WSU) to his family home in Pennsylvania and the surveillance team lost him. The Independents Rachel Sharp has the full story: FBI denies claim agents lost Bryan Kohberger before Idaho college murders arrest Idaho students recall seeing Bryan Kohberger staring on campus Monday 6 February 2023 14:30 , Rachel Sharp Several students have recalled seeing Bryan Kohberger a PhD student at Washington State University on the University of Idaho campus in the weeks before the murders. Three separate students told People that they believe they saw him in the Student Union building, with one saying he was sitting staring at people. It was really early in the semester, sophomore student Chelsea said. He was at the food court, drinking water. He sat by himself. He was the type to stare. He wouldnt look away if you caught him staring. Like he wanted you to notice that he was looking at you. He didnt smile, didnt nod, didnt say anything. Just stared. Chelsea said that his behaviour prompted her to point him out to a friend. I told my friend to not be suspicious but to look at him, because the eye contact was making me uncomfortable, she said. It was so weird that we ended up leaving and eating outside, because we wanted to get away from him. Another student told the outlet she recognised Mr Kohberger after his arrest as she had seen him often around the campus despite the fact that he did not go to UI. Its not a huge school; its like a small town, she said. So you start seeing the same faces again and again. They become familiar, like you know that youve seen them in class or around campus. I definitely saw him more than once. He was just really quiet and really intense, staring. He made me uncomfortable. Their accounts support comments previously made by a law enforcement source to People that the suspect spent some time on the UI campus before the 13 November killings. No connection is yet known between the suspect and the victims. ICYMI: Bryan Kohberger was interviewed by local police chief for internship months before Idaho murders Monday 6 February 2023 13:36 , Rachel Sharp A criminology PhD student accused of murdering four University of Idaho students was interviewed by a local police department for an internship position months before the slayings. New emails show a brief exchange between Washington State University student Bryan Kohberger and the then-chief of Pullman Police Department Gary Jenkins regarding Mr Kohbergers interview process for the research assistantship for public safety position in April 2022. In his email to Mr Jenkins, Mr Kohberger wrote that it was a great pleasure to meet with you today and share [his] thoughts and excitement. Mr Jenkins replied that it was great to meet and talk with you as well. Read the full story here: Bryan Kohberger was interviewed by police chief for internship months before murders Why we should defend the surviving roommate in the Idaho murders Monday 6 February 2023 10:01 , Megan Sheets There are many chilling similarities between the murders of four Idaho students in November and a 1992 attack at a student home in Buffalo none more so than the experiences of the roommates who survived. Alanna Zabel tells The Independents Rachel Sharp why she feels the need to defend the surviving roommate in Idaho and how she understands the way trauma can shape reactions to such horrifying events: She slept through an attack in her home - and has a message about the Idaho murders BTK killers daughter sensed her father in the Idaho murders Monday 6 February 2023 07:01 , Megan Sheets Kerri Rawson had a nagging sense as she followed every development in the Idaho murders case. After the arrest of Bryan Kohberger, she tells Bevan Hurley how her stomach sank when she realised a link between the suspect and her father, notorious serial killer Dennis Rader. My father is the BTK Killer. The arrest in the Idaho murders took my breath away These were the items seized from Bryan Kohbergers Washington state home: Monday 6 February 2023 04:01 , Megan Sheets An unsealed search warrant revealed the evidence that was seized from Bryan Kohbergers apartment in Pullman and his office at Washington State University (WSU) during searches in late December. - one nitrite type black glove - one Walmart receipt with one Dickies tag - two Marshalls receipts - dust container from a vacuum - multiple possible hair and hair strands - one possible animal hair strands - two cuttings from uncased pillow of reddish/brown stain - two top and bottom mattress cover with multiple stains - items with a dark red spot - a computer tower - a Fire TV stick No items were seized from his office which he shared with other PhD students. Xana Kernodles mother slams betrayal by Bryan Kohbergers lawyer Monday 6 February 2023 01:00 , Megan Sheets The mother of slain University of Idaho student Xana Kernodle has claimed that she gave her power of attorney to the public defender now representing her daughters alleged killer. Anne Taylor, the chief of the Kootenai public defenders office, filed on 5 January to recuse herself from representing Xana Kernodles mother Cara Denise Northington in order to become the lead defence attorney for Bryan Kohberger. In an interview with NewsNation on Wednesday night, Ms Northington spoke out over the sense of betrayal she feels after her attorney stepped down from her case, saying she had given Ms Taylor power of attorney over her. The Independents Andrea Blanco has the full story: Idaho murder victims mom says she gave Bryan Kohberger lawyer power of attorney The unique facial feature that may have linked Bryan Kohberger to the Idaho murders Sunday 5 February 2023 22:01 , Megan Sheets Bryan Kohbergers distinct eyebrows may have been among the first in a string of details that linked him to the Idaho murders, according to a new report. Air Mails The Eyes of a Killer: Part Two offers a vivid description of the Moscow police hunt for evidence that would ultimately materialise in Mr Kohbergers arrest for the murders of four University of Idaho students, based on an affidavit released earlier this month and sources close to the investigation, According to the report, a lead investigator first had an inkling that Mr Kohberger would become a suspect in the crime after he ran the Washington State University PhD students licence plate and noticed his bushy eyebrows. One of the surviving roommates at the 1122 King Road home had recounted how she unknowingly saw her friends killer leaving the scene before going back into her room in a state of shock. The woman said the killer was wearing a mask, but his bushy eyebrows stood out to her. Andrea Blanco has more: One unique facial feature may have linked Bryan Kohberger to the Idaho murders FBI denies claim it lost Bryan Kohberger before Idaho college murders arrest Sunday 5 February 2023 19:01 , Megan Sheets The FBI has denied claims that it lost accused mass killer Bryan Kohberger while he was under surveillance for the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students. Surveillance teams had been tasked with keeping eyes on the 28-year-old criminology PhD student after he became a person of interest in the 13 November murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in Moscow, Idaho. But, law enforcement sources told Air Mails The Eyes of a Killer: Part Two, that in the early hours of 13 December, Mr Kohberger set off on a cross-country drive with his father from Washington State University (WSU) to his family home in Pennsylvania and the surveillance team lost him. However, on Thursday an FBI spokesperson denied the shocking account calling it false information which is not helpful to the case against Kohberger or to the American public. The Independents Rachel Sharp has the story: FBI denies claim agents lost Bryan Kohberger before Idaho college murders arrest Bryan Kohbergers trial for the Idaho murders is months away. How strong is the case against him? Sunday 5 February 2023 16:01 , Megan Sheets It will be another six months before Bryan Kohberger and the families of his alleged victims come face to face in court again, after his preliminary hearing was postponed until the summer. The 28-year-old criminology PhD student could face the death penalty if convicted when he eventually goes on trial for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin the four students who were found violently stabbed to death in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on 13 November. For more than six weeks, the murders remained a mystery and left the small college town racked by fear. Then, on 30 December, Mr Kohberger was arrested 2,500 miles away at his family home in Pennsylvania and charged with four counts of murder and one charge of burglary. Details about the murders and his alleged role in them were laid out in the damning probable cause affidavit released earlier this month. But just how strong is the case against him? What can we expect next from the defence and the prosecution? And why has Mr Kohbergers attorney requested evidence about a co-defendant? Duncan Levin, a former assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DAs office who has no official connection to the Idaho murders case, speaks to The Independent about the strength of the criminal case and what to expect next as it makes it way through the courts: How strong is the case against Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger? BTK killer Dennis Rader says Bryan Kohberger is very lonely' Sunday 5 February 2023 13:01 , Megan Sheets Serial killer Dennis Rader has expressed sympathy for Bryan Kohberger as he awaits trial in the Idaho murders. Rader who gave himself the title of the BTK killer because he bound and tortured his victims before killing them is serving ten consecutive life sentences in a maximum security prison in Kansas after he confessed in 2005 to killing 10 people over a span of three decades. In an interview with Fox News Digital on Wednesday, Rader said he understands how Mr Kohberger must feel while in solitary confinement at Latah County Jail ahead of his preliminary hearing on 26 June. Since I spent from February 2005 to April 2005 in a cell by myself, I know how he feels. Very lonely, Rader told the outlet, adding that his situation improved when he was allowed to receive mail. And soon letters started to come in ... [I] read a lot of the Bible and wrote poetry. Andrea Blanco has the story: BTK killer Dennis Rader shares sympathy for Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger Why police arent sharing more information on the case Sunday 5 February 2023 09:00 , Megan Sheets A court in Idaho recently extended a gag order prohibiting law enforcement officials from revealing information about the murders of four University of Idaho students and the arrest of their accused killer Bryan Kohberger. The order, issued by the Latah County Chief Magistrate on 4 January, was extended on 19 January and will remain in place throughout court proceedings until a verdict has been reached or unless the mandate is modified by the court. The earlier court order banned investigators, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and members of both the prosecution and the defence from sharing any new information about the investigation or the suspect before a verdict is reached at trial. As a result Moscow Police Department, which had been sharing updates on the investigation, said in a statement that it will no longer be communicating with the public or the media regarding the case. The order both extends and expands the earlier measure. According to court documents any attorney representing witness, victim, or victims family, as well as the parties to the above-entitled action, including but not limited to investigators, law enforcement personnel, and agents for the prosecuting attorney or defense attorney, are prohibited from making extrajudicial statements (written or oral) concerning this case. Defence team receives thousands of documents and photos as evidence in Idaho murders case Sunday 5 February 2023 05:01 , Megan Sheets Attorneys representing Bryan Kohberger this week received thousands of documents and photos as evidence in the University of Idaho murders case. Court filings reveal that prosecutors in Moscow, Idaho, handed over the huge trove of evidence to lawyers for the 28-year-old suspected mass killer last week, including 995 pages of documents, one audio/video file, and 1,865 photos. The evidence which shows what led investigators to arrest the criminology PhD student for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin came in response to the defences discovery request in the case. However, the state objected to handing over some information in the case, including the identity of potential informants. The State objects to requests by the Defendant for anything not otherwise addressed above on the grounds that such requests are outside the scope of I.C.R. 16 and/or are not subject to disclosure under ICR 16(g) (work product and informants), prosecutors wrote in the court filings. Students launch fundraiser selling bracelets in victims honour Sunday 5 February 2023 02:01 , Megan Sheets University of Idaho students have launched a fundraiser selling bracelets in honour of the four murder victims. The Vandal Strong bracelets are black silicon bands featuring the names of Ethan, Maddie, Xana and Kaylee. They are for sale on the UI website with funds from the sales set to go towards a memorial for the victims. Student fundraiser organized by @ASUIDAHO selling #vandalstrong bracelets to raise money towards building a permanent memorial on @uidaho campus for Xana, Ethan, Madison, and Kaylee. A way for us to honor and remember them forever, tweeted Xana Kernodles family member Sheldon Kernodle. Bryan Kohbergers attorney has ties to family of second Idaho murders victim Saturday 4 February 2023 22:00 , Megan Sheets Bryan Kohbergers public defender once represented a relative of not one but two Idaho murders victims. Court records obtained by Inside Edition reportedly show that Chief of the Kootenai Public Defenders Office Anne Taylor was the attorney for slain University of Idaho student Madison Mogens stepmother as recently as June 2022. Earlier this week, the Idaho Statesman revealed that Ms Taylor also represented Cara Denise Northington Xana Kernodles mother before recusing herself to take on Mr Kohbergers quadruple murder case. Mr Kohberger is accused of brutally stabbing Kernodle, Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin on 13 November in the college town of Moscow. He was arrested on 30 December at his parents home in Pennsylvania before he was extradited to Idaho on 5 January. The records also reveal that Ms Taylor was Benjamin Mogens legal counsel in late 2020, and represented his wife Korie Hatrock in the summer of 2022. Mr Mogen pleaded guilty to drug charges at the time and received a three-month prison sentence. Ms Hatrock pleaded guilty to one charge of felony drug but it is unclear whether she served any time in prison, per Inside. In an interview with NewsNation on Wednesday night, Ms Northington spoke out over the sense of betrayal she feels after her attorney stepped down from her case, saying she had given Ms Taylor power of attorney over her. Id already signed over power of attorney so that she could help me with getting into rehab and whatnot, said Ms Northington, who has a long history of brushes with the law. I trusted her. She pretended that she was wanting to help me. And to find out that shes representing him I cant even convey how betrayed I feel. Read more from Andrea Blanco: Bryan Kohbergers attorney has ties to family of second Idaho murders victim Idaho students recall seeing Bryan Kohberger staring on campus Saturday 4 February 2023 19:00 , Megan Sheets Several students have recalled seeing Bryan Kohberger a PhD student at Washington State University on the University of Idaho campus in the weeks before the murders. Three separate students told People that they believe they saw him in the Student Union building, with one saying he was sitting staring at people. It was really early in the semester, sophomore student Chelsea said. He was at the food court, drinking water. He sat by himself. He was the type to stare. He wouldnt look away if you caught him staring. Like he wanted you to notice that he was looking at you. He didnt smile, didnt nod, didnt say anything. Just stared. Chelsea said that his behaviour prompted her to point him out to a friend. I told my friend to not be suspicious but to look at him, because the eye contact was making me uncomfortable, she said. It was so weird that we ended up leaving and eating outside, because we wanted to get away from him. Another student told the outlet she recognised Mr Kohberger after his arrest as she had seen him often around the campus despite the fact that he did not go to UI. Its not a huge school; its like a small town, she said. So you start seeing the same faces again and again. They become familiar, like you know that youve seen them in class or around campus. I definitely saw him more than once. He was just really quiet and really intense, staring. He made me uncomfortable. Their accounts support comments previously made by a law enforcement source to People that the suspect spent some time on the UI campus before the 13 November killings. No connection is yet known between the suspect and the victims. The unique facial feature that may have linked Bryan Kohberger to the Idaho murders Saturday 4 February 2023 16:01 , Megan Sheets Bryan Kohbergers distinct eyebrows may have been among the first in a string of details that linked him to the Idaho murders, according to a new report. Air Mails The Eyes of a Killer: Part Two offers a vivid description of the Moscow police hunt for evidence that would ultimately materialise in Mr Kohbergers arrest for the murders of four University of Idaho students, based on an affidavit released earlier this month and sources close to the investigation, According to the report, a lead investigator first had an inkling that Mr Kohberger would become a suspect in the crime after he ran the Washington State University PhD students licence plate and noticed his bushy eyebrows. One of the surviving roommates at the 1122 King Road home had recounted how she unknowingly saw her friends killer leaving the scene before going back into her room in a state of shock. The woman said the killer was wearing a mask, but his bushy eyebrows stood out to her. Andrea Blanco has more: One unique facial feature may have linked Bryan Kohberger to the Idaho murders FBI denies claim it lost Bryan Kohberger before Idaho college murders arrest Saturday 4 February 2023 13:01 , Megan Sheets The FBI has denied claims that it lost accused mass killer Bryan Kohberger while he was under surveillance for the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students. Surveillance teams had been tasked with keeping eyes on the 28-year-old criminology PhD student after he became a person of interest in the 13 November murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in Moscow, Idaho. But, law enforcement sources told Air Mails The Eyes of a Killer: Part Two, that in the early hours of 13 December, Mr Kohberger set off on a cross-country drive with his father from Washington State University (WSU) to his family home in Pennsylvania and the surveillance team lost him. However, on Thursday an FBI spokesperson denied the shocking account calling it false information which is not helpful to the case against Kohberger or to the American public. The Independents Rachel Sharp has the story: FBI denies claim agents lost Bryan Kohberger before Idaho college murders arrest Bryan Kohberger allegedly followed the three female victims on Instagram Saturday 4 February 2023 09:00 , Megan Sheets Bryan Kohberger is believed to have followed all three slain female University of Idaho victims on Instagram and repeatedly messaged one of them prior to the brutal stabbings, according to a report. An investigator familiar with the case told People that the 28-year-old criminology PhD student followed the accounts of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle but neither of them followed him back. Then, in late-October around two weeks before the 13 November slayings Mr Kohberger allegedly messaged one of the victims repeatedly on the social media platform, the source said. It is unclear which of the three female students was the recipient or if she even saw the messages. However, the source said that the victim did not respond to Mr Kohbergers messages. He slid into one of the girls DMs several times but she didnt respond, the investigator said. Basically, it was just him saying, Hey, how are you? But he did it again and again. A survivor is defending the surviving roommates in the Idaho murders Saturday 4 February 2023 05:01 , Megan Sheets There are many chilling similarities between the murders of four Idaho students in November and a 1992 attack at a student home in Buffalo none more so than the experiences of the roommates who survived. Alanna Zabel tells The Independents Rachel Sharp why she feels the need to defend the surviving roommate in Idaho and how she understands the way trauma can shape reactions to such horrifying events: She slept through an attack in her home - and has a message about the Idaho murders Bryan Kohbergers trial for the Idaho murders is months away. How strong is the case against him? Saturday 4 February 2023 02:01 , Megan Sheets It will be another six months before Bryan Kohberger and the families of his alleged victims come face to face in court again, after his preliminary hearing was postponed until the summer. The 28-year-old criminology PhD student could face the death penalty if convicted when he eventually goes on trial for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin the four students who were found violently stabbed to death in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on 13 November. For more than six weeks, the murders remained a mystery and left the small college town racked by fear. Then, on 30 December, Mr Kohberger was arrested 2,500 miles away at his family home in Pennsylvania and charged with four counts of murder and one charge of burglary. Details about the murders and his alleged role in them were laid out in the damning probable cause affidavit released earlier this month. But just how strong is the case against him? What can we expect next from the defence and the prosecution? And why has Mr Kohbergers attorney requested evidence about a co-defendant? Duncan Levin, a former assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DAs office who has no official connection to the Idaho murders case, speaks to The Independent about the strength of the criminal case and what to expect next as it makes it way through the courts: How strong is the case against Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger? BTK killer Dennis Rader shares sympathy for Bryan Kohberger Friday 3 February 2023 22:01 , Megan Sheets Serial killer Dennis Rader has expressed sympathy for Bryan Kohberger as he awaits trial in the Idaho murders. Rader who gave himself the title of the BTK killer because he bound and tortured his victims before killing them is serving ten consecutive life sentences in a maximum security prison in Kansas after he confessed in 2005 to killing 10 people over a span of three decades. In an interview with Fox News Digital on Wednesday, Rader said he understands how Mr Kohberger must feel while in solitary confinement at Latah County Jail ahead of his preliminary hearing on 26 June. Since I spent from February 2005 to April 2005 in a cell by myself, I know how he feels. Very lonely, Rader told the outlet, adding that his situation improved when he was allowed to receive mail. And soon letters started to come in ... [I] read a lot of the Bible and wrote poetry. Andrea Blanco has the story: BTK killer Dennis Rader shares sympathy for Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger These were the items seized from Bryan Kohbergers Washington state home: Friday 3 February 2023 20:11 , Megan Sheets An unsealed search warrant revealed the evidence that was seized from Bryan Kohbergers apartment in Pullman and his office at Washington State University (WSU) during searches in late December. - one nitrite type black glove - one Walmart receipt with one Dickies tag - two Marshalls receipts - dust container from a vacuum - multiple possible hair and hair strands - one possible animal hair strands - two cuttings from uncased pillow of reddish/brown stain - two top and bottom mattress cover with multiple stains - items with a dark red spot - a computer tower - a Fire TV stick No items were seized from his office which he shared with other PhD students. FBI denies claim it lost Bryan Kohberger before Idaho college murders arrest Friday 3 February 2023 18:00 , Rachel Sharp The FBI has denied claims that it lost accused mass killer Bryan Kohberger while he was under surveillance for the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students. Surveillance teams had been tasked with keeping eyes on the 28-year-old criminology PhD student after he became a person of interest in the 13 November murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in Moscow, Idaho. But, law enforcement sources told Air Mails The Eyes of a Killer: Part Two, that in the early hours of 13 December, Mr Kohberger set off on a cross-country drive with his father from Washington State University (WSU) to his family home in Pennsylvania and the surveillance team lost him. However, on Thursday an FBI spokesperson denied the shocking account calling it false information which is not helpful to the case against Kohberger or to the American public. The Independents Rachel Sharp has the story: FBI denies claim it lost Bryan Kohberger before Idaho college murders arrest SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) For all the fanfare and the legal rigmarole of Illinois' ban on semiautomatic weapons, it might come as a surprise to learn the legislation was titled Insurance Code-Public Adjusters. To thousands of gun owners and merchants who filed lawsuits over it, the title exemplifies the way legislators cut corners last month to enact the legislation prompted by the deadly Independence Day parade shooting in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park. The ban on dozens of semiautomatic rifles and handguns took effect immediately, but enforcement is under scrutiny after a state appellate court endorsed a temporary restraining order last week in a case filed by thousands of advocates and led by Accuracy Firearms, a dealer in Effingham, 101 miles (162 kilometers) northeast of St. Louis. Less than four weeks old, the provision now known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act" has prompted lawsuits at a rate of more than one every four days. Four cases have landed in federal court, arguing a straightforward principle: the ban violates the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. The others take a different track, generally alleging in circuit courts that the process violated requirements from the Illinois Constitution that legislation get three public readings on three separate days in both houses, and that each bill be limited to a single subject. Additionally, an argument from Accuracy Firearms which prompted a restraining order with statewide implications from the 5th District Appellate Court states the law violates the constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law by exempting certain classes of people, such as corrections officers and retired police. Perhaps some of the plaintiffs training is equal to, or superior to, that of the exempted classes, the appellate court said in its opinion granting the temporary restraining order. Given the checkerboard judicial enforcement history of the single-subject and three-readings rules, the appellate court was less sanguine about the gun-rights advocates' chances on those points. But nothing prevents Accuracy Firearms pressing those complaints when the case returns to circuit court, the company's lawyer Thomas DeVore said. Story continues The proposal that became the weapons law was introduced more than a year ago as an Insurance Code change specifying duties and contractual obligations between a public adjuster and an insurance-coverage holder. It was read that means by title only on three separate days in the House and two in the Senate. Just before the final Senate reading on Jan. 9, the weapons ban was substituted as the subject a routine tactic known colloquially as a gut and replace." In a General Assembly solidly under Democrats' control, the new content hastily won Senate approval, succeeded in a mere concurrence vote in the House and was sent to Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker to become a gun ban. It no longer addressed the issue of insurance adjusters and their contracts, as its new subject was now modifying completely different laws, alleges a lawsuit led by Rep. Dan Caulkins, a Republican from Decatur, 182 miles (293 kilometers) south of Chicago. As a new bill, it warranted three new House readings, Caulkins argued. On the single-subject front, Accuracy Firearms contends the law runs far afield of a solitary decree by ordering investigations into human trafficking, changing rules for Illinois State Police technology procurement, modifying firearms restraining orders and more. The single-subject rule is older than Illinois itself. It dates to 1795 when an approval to sell large swaths of land to presumably favored companies was buried in Georgia legislation, according to a 2009 Loyola University Law Journal article by Michael Kasper. He is a former Illinois House parliamentarian who now represents Democratic Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch in three state-court gun lawsuits. After decades of silence, the Illinois Supreme Court cracked down on single-subject shenanigans in several high-profile cases in the late 1990s, invalidating, for example, legislation that raised the gasoline tax to finance leaking underground storage-tank cleanup, which drew necessary votes by also creating the states first sex-offender registry, Kasper wrote. But the court typically has liberally interpreted its requirement of a natural and logical connection among subjects of a single bill. It's been even less zealous on the three-readings rule, aside from a 1990s case in which the high court noted the Legislature's remarkably poor self-discipline in policing itself." The Legislature's own rules rules allow changes along the three-readings route, Kasper said. The separate readings provide pauses in the action for amendments, said Ann Lousin, a University of Illinois-Chicago constitutional law professor. Theres nothing about it that says you have to go to a committee and hold public hearings, said Lousin, who was a research assistant to Illinois 1970 Constitutional Convention and later House parliamentarian under Republican Speaker W. Robert Blair. People think its public hearings, but its three readings. Both Kasper and Lousin agree there's little chance of succeeding on a three-readings challenge because of the so-called enrolled bill rule. It essentially states a law cannot be challenged if both the House speaker and Senate president certify that all the rules were followed. Although appearing ripe for abuse, this 1970 addition to the constitution replaced a rule that often generated circuitous, complicated legal action over procedure and how action was recorded, according to Lousin. The way it is today, the Illinois Supreme Court doesnt seem to think much of the single-subject rule," Lousin said. The three-readings rule, at the moment, theyre continuing to say thats protected by the enrolled bill rule doctrine." ___ Follow Political Writer John OConnor at https://twitter.com/apoconnor I made some touristy mistakes on my first visit to Scotland. Coren Feldman ; Talia Lakritz/Insider I recently visited Scotland for the first time and made some mistakes as an American tourist. I didn't pack a waterproof coat or realize I needed exact change to pay for some public bathrooms. I almost got stranded in Glasgow because I wasn't aware that railway workers were striking. I recently went to Scotland for the first time and made some touristy mistakes. The author in Edinburgh, Scotland. Coren Feldman I grew up in the Midwest and have now lived in New York City for 10 years, but I had never been to the UK before until January, when I took a vacation to Scotland. I swapped my New York apartment with a friend who lives in Edinburgh. I also traveled to Glasgow and Inverness by train. I was aware of major differences between the US and Scotland, such as driving on opposite sides of the road, but I still made some mistakes as a first-time visitor. I visited during the off-season, when some of the sites I was looking forward to seeing were closed. A stone commemorating Clan Fraser on Culloden Moor in Scotland. Talia Lakritz/Insider I'd heard that the visitor center at the battlefield of Culloden Moor does a fantastic job at portraying different perspectives of the 1746 battle where British forces wiped out the Jacobite army. As an "Outlander" fan, I was looking forward to learning more about the actual historical events that inspired plotlines in the show. Unfortunately, because I visited in January, the visitor center was closed. I did get lucky and run into a group of National Trust tour guides who let me tag along for their training session, so I managed to get a partial tour of the battlefield even though the exhibits were shut to the public. Visiting in the off-season does have some advantages. On the Isle of Skye, our tour guide said that she loves leading bus tours during the winter months because there are no crowds or traffic, even though many of the shops and sites are closed. I didn't pack a waterproof coat and ended up buying a new one there. Wearing my new waterproof coat on the Isle of Skye. Coren Feldman I knew it rained a lot in Scotland, but I made the mistake of prioritizing a warm coat over a waterproof one. My trip involved a lot of walking around outside in rainy weather, and the down coat I brought with me would soak through to my clothes after just a few minutes. Story continues I'd meant to buy a new jacket before leaving for Scotland since holes had started to rip in the pockets anyway, but I hadn't had time. Ahead of my visit to the Highlands and the Isle of Skye, where I knew it would be colder and rainier than Edinburgh, I stopped at a nearby mall and bought a waterproof winter coat. I immediately felt warmer and more comfortable in Scotland's rapidly changing weather, and I donated my old one to a local charity shop. I went to stores in the middle of the afternoon without realizing some would be closed for lunch. A pharmacy closed for lunch in Edinburgh, Scotland. Talia Lakritz/Insider Most stores in the US cities where I've lived don't close for a lunch hour, so I hadn't anticipated finding closed shops in the middle of the afternoon in Edinburgh. I almost got stranded in Glasgow because I wasn't aware that railway workers were striking, causing train stations to close early. A sign at Edinburgh Waverley train station. Talia Lakritz/Insider ScotRail's website said that the last train from Glasgow to Edinburgh usually leaves close to midnight, which would have given me plenty of flexibility on my day trip to Glasgow. However, I hadn't been following the local news about striking railway workers. While perusing exhibits at a museum around 4:30 p.m., I was shocked to see that the last train to Edinburgh was leaving in an hour, not 11:53 p.m as I had previously thought. I rushed back to the station, booking myself a ticket as I ran, and snagged a seat on a crowded car. I later learned that an industrial action held that day by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) was part of a months-long dispute between the union, the government, and rail companies over salaries and working conditions. In a classic tourist mistake, I had missed the company's memo advising people to only travel if necessary during the industrial action due to "very limited services." "If you have to travel, you should expect disruption and plan ahead," ScotRail's website said. Oops. I didn't keep change on hand for public bathrooms. Not all public bathrooms are free. Talia Lakritz/Insider At the Glasgow Queen Street train station, bathroom access cost 50 pence (about 62 cents), and they only accepted exact change. I don't think I've ever had to pay to use a public bathroom in America, so I didn't have the right coins on hand. I looked the wrong way to cross the street. Every. Time. Edinburgh, Scotland. Coren Feldman No matter how many times I tried to remind myself that oncoming traffic was coming from the opposite side than I was used to, I reflexively looked the wrong way before crossing the street in Scotland. I forgot to bring reusable bags with me while running errands and had to pay for plastic bags. Grocery shopping in Scotland. Coren Feldman This is a mistake I often make at home in New York City, as well, where plastic bags are no longer offered and paper bags come with a five-cent charge. In Scotland, each bag costs 10 pence (about 11 cents). I took out too much cash. Leftover cash from Scotland. Talia Lakritz/Insider I stopped at an ATM at the beginning of my trip, just in case I'd need cash at some point, but I never did because my credit cards were accepted everywhere (aside from the occasional public restroom). I tried to spend it on souvenirs during my last few days in Scotland, but I ended up with leftover pound notes and coins. I still think it's a wise idea to keep local currency handy while traveling, but I'd withdraw less money next time. Read the original article on Insider Ties between Indian tycoon Gautam Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are under scrutiny. Samir Jana/Hindustan Times/Getty Images Indian tycoon Gautam Adani's companies have lost over $110 billion in market value since a US short seller attack in January. Since then, Adani's ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi have come under scrutiny. Opposition party members took to the streets on Monday. They demand a probe into Adani's business empire. Indian tycoon Gautam Adani's troubles with his conglomerate's stock price have spilled over to his country's politics his ties to Prime Minister Narendra Modi have now come under scrutiny. Ever since US short seller Hindenburg Research released a scathing report on January 24 alleging a "brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme" at the conglomerate, the shares of Adani Group companies have been in freefall. And now angry protestors are demanding an investigation into these allegations. On Monday, hundreds of Indian opposition party members demonstrated on the streets of New Delhi, hitting out at investments into Adani's firms made by several state-backed companies as a market rout tore through the companies, Reuters reported. Even Modi has been dragged into the kerfuffle since both he and Adani are from the western Indian state of Gujarat. The prime minister's political opponents say that the leader favors Adani a claim the Modi government has rejected, per Reuters. Adani himself told a local TV channel on Friday that claims of his rise are thanks to a close friendship with Modi are "baseless," reported the Times of India. "The fact of the matter is that my professional success is not because of any individual leader," said Adani. Opposition protesters took to the streets on Monday amid a market rout in Adani company shares. Adnan Abidi/Reuters Still, perceived coziness between Modi and Adani has become an asset to Modi's political opponents, Steno Research, a Denmark-based research house, wrote in a February 3 report published on the Smartkarma research platform. "The Hindenburg scandal is the perfect weapon for the Indian political opposition against PM Modi. Not only is Modi's relationship with Adani coming into question, Modi's growth model is too," the research firm wrote. Story continues The Adani Group itself said in a January 29 report refuting Hindenburg's claims that the short sellers' report was "not merely an unwarranted attack on any specific company but a calculated attack on India, the independence, integrity, and quality of Indian institutions, and the growth story and ambition of India." In response, Hindenburg said Adani was trying to take the focus away from substantive issues and was stoking a "nationalist narrative" instead. But, "the patriotic outcry is not entirely unfounded," noted said Steno Research. The political opposition in India is calling for a probe into Adani's business empire following a massive selloff. Sanjeev Verma/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) The selloff in Adani shares which topped $110 billion in two weeks spilled over into the broader Indian markets. The benchmark Sensex and Nifty 50 indices dipping lower, which is prompting concerns about corporate governance and debt in the country this could also have wider implications. "The Adani Group with investments in ports, roads, rail, airports, and power is now a crucial vehicle for India's economic ambitions under PM Narendra Modi Combined with Adani's vast debt intake, some commentators are fearing that the Hindenburg report is threatening the wider Indian economy," added Steno Research in its February 3 report. On its part, the Adani Group has been troubleshooting hard. On January 29, it released a 413-page report defending itself against Hindenburg's allegation just three days after saying it was exploring potential legal action against the short seller. They even sought to restore investor confidence by prepaying $1.1 billion in loans, the conglomerate said in a statement on Monday. It said the move was made "in light of recent market volatility." And it seems to be working some Adani Group-related stocks appeared to be lifted by the news. The conglomerate's flagship company, Adani Enterprises shares were 15.6% higher by 2.45 p.m. local time, while those of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone climbed 2.4%. Shares of Adani Transmission were also up about 1%. Adani Green Energy, Adani Power, and Adani Total Gas were all 5% lower. Read the original article on Business Insider Theres a reason terms like summer slide and summer melt have become fixed in the education lexicon. Out-of-school and summer learning are staples in education programming. Unfortunately, those well-intentioned programs have tended to prioritize remediation instead of putting rigor and grade-level learning at the forefront. The pandemics devastating impact on student learning provided an opportunity for community leaders in Indianapolis and around the country to think about summer learning differently. Rather than the traditional out-of-school program focus on remediation, students need access to grade-level content in order to truly accelerate their learning. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter In 2021, The Mind Trust teamed up with United Way of Central Indiana to launch Indy Summer Learning Labs. For five weeks in summer 2021 and 2022, thousands of Indianapolis students attended rigorous, high-quality summer programming designed to ensure the pandemic did not derail their educational futures. Related: No More Regular Summer School: District Sending Indy K-7 Kids to Learning Labs Sites were located both within schools and community organizations, so students and families could choose the option that worked best for them. The results were remarkable. In summer 2022, the labs served 5,000 students at 39 sites across the city. For a second year running, students dramatically increased their academic proficiency. Here are some examples of the results: A 25-percentage-point increase in basic and proficient scores for English language arts A 24-point increase in basic and proficient scores for math A 15-point increase in overall English and math scores Perhaps most convincing, the Indiana Department of Education commissioned an external study that found learning lab students achieved statistically significant gains above their pre-pandemic rates of learning and did better than their peers who did not participate in the program 93% of participating families rated their experience as good or great Story continues Importantly, the summer learning labs served a demographically and socioeconomically representative sample of Indianapolis student population. In 2022, 79% of participating students were children of color, and 68% came from low-income backgrounds. It is clear that the learning labs served the students who most needed rigorous summer programming. And it served them well. A key factor in the programs success was the Lavinia Groups rigorous RISE curriculum, which was customized to match Indianas state standards for each grade level. As a former educator, I understand the impulse to stick with remediation. When youre working with middle schoolers whose average reading ability is at a third grade level, its tempting to give them third-grade material. But this well-meaning tendency actually does a great disservice to the students, who should be afforded opportunities to gain grade-level mastery by accessing grade-level content. Students who need the most support are too often given remediation when research is clear that what they need is grade-level material matched with adult support. Two years of data in Indianapolis proves when students get rigorous instruction and the support they need, they rise to the occasion and make significant progress. Related: Americas Achievement Gap Made, Not Born? What a Study of 30,000 Students Reveals About Lowered Expectations and Poorer-Quality Instruction for Kids of Color The summer learning labs were able to produce such transformative outcomes due to three design decisions that supported the use of a high-quality curriculum: the program at all sites was free or low-cost; we hired over 100 licensed teachers to deliver instruction; and the student experience balanced rigorous academics with daily enrichment, such as fields trips, art projects and outdoor recreation. Feedback from families, teachers and the students themselves was clear: Kids wanted to show up, and they learned a lot in just five weeks as a result. Students attend an Indianapolis Indians game as part of their Indy Summer Learning Lab experience with BELIEVE Circle City High School. (The Mind Trust) Inspired in part by Indy Summer Learning Labs, New York City took a similar approach last summer, thanks to the leadership of Bloomberg Philanthropies. Summer Boost NYC served more than 17,000 students last summer, with many schools using the RISE curriculum. That proves that this type of summer learning approach is replicable in other cities and potentially a model for other out-of-school programs, such as during spring break or after school. Related: Bloombergs $50M Plan to Give NYC Charter Students a Summer Boost As for our work in Indianapolis, our vision is that the learning labs will eventually be an independent nonprofit and serve as the enduring academic acceleration engine for the citys students. To do this, we plan to advocate in the Indiana General Assembly for recognition that continued investments in proven models like Indy Summer Learning Labs are vital for accelerating learning in the wake of the pandemic. Other states and education philanthropists would benefit from pursuing similar strategies. The nation cannot treat efforts to mitigate learning loss as one-off investments and just move on to the next shiny object. It will take a sustained effort over time to achieve the learning gains that students deserve. Disclosure: The Mind Trust provides financial support to The 74. City Fund provides financial support to The Mind Trust and The 74. Tippecanoe County Jail/file LAFAYETTE, Ind. William P. Starks Jr., an inmate at the Tippecanoe County Jail, died in his cell late Monday morning, according to Indiana State Police and Tippecanoe County Coroner Carrie Costello. Other inmates alerted jail guards that the Starks, 42, was having a medical problem in his cell, according to the Indiana State Police news release. Jail officers found Starks unresponsive and began life-saving efforts. They were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at the jail. "The preliminary investigation does not indicate any signs of foul play," the state police news release states. As soon as he was pronounced deceased, I told Capt. (Tom) Lehman to call Indiana State Police, Tippecanoe County Sheriff Bob Goldsmith said, explaining the state is investigating if any crimes might have happened in the inmate's death. Meanwhile, the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office started an internal investigation to make sure the jail officers followed procedures and policy, Goldsmith said. Jail records indicate that Starks was booked in about 9 p.m. Sunday. Inmates alerted jail officers his medical problem at 11:57 a.m. Monday, according to Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office records. Just after 8 p.m. Sunday, Lafayette police stopped Starks in the 2500 block of Greenbush Street and arrested him on a warrant for failure to appear in the 2005 case, according to Lafayette police and the jail's book-in records. Goldsmith said there are challenges in running a jail, including a variety of inmate health problems. Our average daily stay is 11 days, Goldsmith said, describing the inmates as coming with diverse health issues from homelessness to chemical addictions. A lot of people when they come into our jail, dont live a healthy life, he said, noting that the medical staff is tasked with providing for the health needs. In the time that an inmate is there, medical staff and jail officers can encourage them but ultimately, an inmate makes decisions about his or her health choices while in the jail. Story continues Theres not a lot you can do for them in that short amount of time," Goldsmith said. People are coming and going all the time. Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Coroner identifies inmate who died in Tippecanoe County Jail Welcome to Investigative Stories from Ukraine, the Kyiv Independent's newsletter that walks you through the most prominent Ukrainian and Ukraine-focused investigations of the past week. If you are fond of in-depth journalism that exposes war crimes, corruption and abuse of power across state organizations in Ukraine and beyond, subscribe to our investigative newsletter. To support our journalism, please become a patron of the Kyiv Independent. Pledges start from just $5 a month. Top investigative stories ______________________________________________ OCCRP: Kremlin-linked group arranges payments to European politicians to support Russias annexation of Crimea Russian lobbyists offered money to European Union politicians for pushing Kremlin-favored policies, a cross-border investigation found. The joint investigation was conducted by Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), Estonias Eesti Ekspress, Italian IrpiMedia, Profil from Austria, and Russias iStories. Since 2014, a Russian lobbying group allegedly paid European politicians to help legitimize Russias occupation of Crimea and secure votes to drop Western sanctions imposed for the illegal seizure of Ukraines peninsula. According to the leaked correspondence of Russian parliamentary staffer Sargis Mirzakhanian, running from 2007 to 2017, he built a network of political analysts, journalists, activists, and academia to push the Kremlins interests abroad following the Russian seizure of Crimea. His group drafted pro-Russian resolutions and paid politicians thousands of euros to put them forward in European legislatures. The price tag for the motion submission amounted to 20,000 euros with a further bonus of 15,000 in case of successful voting. In 2016, a motion recognizing the Russian annexation of Crimea and calling for the end of EU sanctions against Russia was adopted by a local council in Veneto, Italy. The councils in Liguria and Lombardy regions followed Venetos example. Soon Cyprus adopted a similar resolution, too. The documents were allegedly put together with the help of Mirzakhanian and his team. Story continues The lobbying group also arranged trips for politicians from Germany, Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Poland to Russian-occupied Crimea, paying for their presence. Read the full story in English via the link. This investigation is part of a series. It includes a story looking into Italian politicians and businessmen accepting Russia-sponsored trips to Crimea. Another story focuses on the Russian lobby in the Cyprus parliament. Russian media: Rostec buys Western parts for electronic warfare bypassing sanctions A subsidiary of Rostec, Russias main arms manufacturer, purchases Western-made parts for electronic warfare systems that destroy Ukrainian defenses circumventing sanctions, Russian investigative media outlet iStories found. Rostecs subsidiary, Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies, develops electronic warfare systems for the Russian army, including the Khibiny aircraft electronic countermeasures (ECM) system used to protect Russian aircraft from Ukraines air defense. The company also produces the Vitebsk system placed on Russian helicopters to protect them from Ukrainian portable surface-to-air missiles, and the Krasukha used to jam signals of Starlink satellites. Russia uses some Western components in the production of Khibiny, Vitebsk, and Krasukha, according to publicly available documentation discovered by iStories. The media outlet found that the SAP-518SM jamming system, a modernized version of Khibiny, uses chips made by U.S., German, Swiss, and Japanese companies. Vitebsk operates on chips made in Japan and the U.S., while Krasukha runs on American-produced chips. Russias state-controlled enterprise created shell companies and used linked intermediaries to buy Western-made chips from Turkish and Chinese sellers. For example, Saratov-based VMK, whose only client in 2022 is Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies, received $43 million worth of components from abroad. VMK bought the required tech from Turkish and Chinese firms. Previously, iStories together with Reuters and Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), found that the Russian manufacturer of the Orlan-10 drone buys Western-produced components through Russian, Chinese, and American intermediaries bypassing sanctions. Read a short summary of this investigation in a previous issue of this newsletter. Read the full story about Rostec in English via the link. Ukrainska Pravda spots a family of sanctioned Russian oligarch Bokarev in Courchevel Journalists found that the wife and daughter of Russian oligarch Andrey Bokarev, under EU and U.K. sanctions, vacationed in January in Courchevel, an expensive French ski resort. Bokarev is the 59th richest person in Russia, with an estimated $2.2 billion net worth. In April 2022, the EU and UK imposed a travel ban and asset freeze against him. Bokarev is the president and co-owner of JSC Transmashholding, Russia's largest manufacturer of locomotives and rail equipment, according to the UK government website. He is also a part owner of Kuzbassrazrezugol, with a large coal mining operation in the Urals. Previously, Bokarev was among the owners of the Kalashnikov company. Currently, one of his enterprises allegedly supplies diesel engines for Russian warships, according to the Russian media. The April 2022 batch of EU and UK sanctions touched some family members of Russian oligarchs, however, not Bokarev's relatives. Bokareva's daughter Elizaveta enjoyed snowboarding while her mother Olga went shopping at Balenciaga boutique, according to Ukrainska Pravda. The Bokarev family stayed at chalet Croix du Sud, owned by other rich Russians, billionaire brothers Sergei, and Nikolai Sarkisov, engaged in the insurance business. The two own other chalets in Courchevel. Among them is the Black Pearl, which the Sarkisov brothers own through proxies, Ukrainska Pravda reported. The publication found the real estate of nine Russian oligarchs in Courchevel and nearby. Among the businessmen-owners of luxury chalets and hotels is Mikhail Prokhorov, the 11th richest in Russia, close to the country's president Vladimir Putin; Grigory Berezkin, yet another of Putin's allies with interest in various industries, including media, energy, infrastructure, natural resources; and Oleg Tinkov, the founder of the online Tinkoff Bank, one of Russia's largest lenders, and others. Watch the full story in Ukrainian here. RFE/RL identifies leadership of Russian unit responsible for shelling Mykolaiv Oblast Schemes, an investigative project of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, identified commanders of a Russian brigade allegedly shelling the city of Ochakiv in southern Mykolaiv Oblast and found that they were led by a former Russian lawmaker. This brigade is called Don. It belongs to the Russian paramilitary cossack movement and is stationed in the Russia-occupied Kinburn Peninsula, according to Ukraines Navy. From there, Russian troops have been heavily shelling Ochakiv. On Jan. 9 alone, the artillery attack injured 16, including a child. Since Feb. 24, Russian attacks on the city have killed over 50 locals and damaged houses, hospitals, and grain elevators. The Don brigades commander is Alexey Kondratiev, a former Russian lawmaker and member of the parliamentary defense and security committee before 2020. Kondratiev reportedly served in Russias special forces and was deployed to fight in Russias wars in Chechnya, Georgia, as well as Kosovo. He also served as mayor of Tambov in 2010. Find the full story in Ukrainian here. BBC identifies 13,000 Russian troops killed in Ukraine BBC Russian Service and Mediazona, a Russian online publication, identified 13,030 Russian soldiers killed in combat in Ukraine since Feb. 24 and found that 7% of them, or 924, are newly conscripted soldiers. The journalists only counted the death confirmed by local authorities or via social media posts of friends and relatives. According to the report, around a quarter of those identified as dead were civilians a year prior and either mobilized or joined Wagner Group mercenary formations. The authors of the story indicate that their findings are at least twice below the actual Russian losses. Out of the 13,030 Russian soldiers identified as killed in Ukraine, almost 15% or 1665 were officers, including four generals and 54 colonels. As many as 500 soldiers were reportedly killed in late January when Russia started its attempt at an offensive in the Donbas. Russia only confirmed around 6,000 of its troops being killed since Feb. 24. Ukraine's General Staff reports Russian losses at over 130,000. Read the full story by the BBC and Mediazona in Russian via the link. Bihus.Info: Russia boosts disinformation efforts in Germany, US amid new arms shipments to Ukraine In light of increased Western military support for Ukraine, Russia has intensified its disinformation efforts, according to Bihus.Info, a Ukrainian investigative project. After Germany had agreed to send the long-desired Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine late last month, pro-Russian opinion leaders have begun spreading the idea that Russias war against Ukraine was driven by NATO with renewed vigor, the journalists found. Among the most vocal activists backing Russia in Germany is Helga Zepp-LaRouche, the founder of the Schiller Institute. She claims Germanys move to deliver Leopards to Ukraine after months of negotiations was made under the external influence of the U.S., the U.K., and NATO itself. Zepp-LaRouche is widely cited in Russian state-controlled media outlets. Alice Schwarzer, a German journalist, and Johannes Varwick, a political scientist, are reportedly among those trying to stop the German military aid to Ukraine. In the U.S., opposition to supplying aid to Ukraine is also increasing. Graham Fuller, a former vice-chair of the National Intelligence Council under the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and Tucker Carlson, a Fox News host, claim Russia is winning the war, and Ukraine is losing it. Both are widely cited across Russian state media. Watch the full story by Bihus.Info in Ukrainian here. The Kyiv Independent spent months researching Russias influence in the U.S. We have mapped Russias propaganda network in the U.S. by showing the connections between commentators, organizations, and media outlets that cultivate disinformation. Read our story in English. Top official at Ukraine's Defense Ministry exposed in having pro-Russian background Oleksandr Liyev, a Defense Ministry official in charge of defense procurement, didnt oppose the Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014 and called Crimeans people of Russian mentality, according to media reports, supported by archive videos. Journalists and anti-corruption activists dug into Liyevs past and found evidence of his outspoken pro-Russian stance, which he apparently held up until 2014. On March 5, 2014, after Russia had occupied Crimea, Liyev, then-acting minister of culture and tourism of the peninsula, spoke with Hromadske TV channel. In the video, Liyev backs the staged referendum a sham vote used to justify Moscows illegal occupation of Crimea saying its results must be legalized by Kyiv and Crimea must get full autonomy within Ukraine. On the very same day, Liyev announced that he had been fired as a minister of the Crimean government. A newspaper report quoted him as saying he was ready to assist his Russia-appointed successor. Liyev, who was born in Russias Komi region but grew up in Crimea, had consistently expressed pro-Russian views, according to media reports. He also was an active member of the pro-Russian Party of Regions led by President Viktor Yanukovych, ousted in 2014 by the EuroMaidan Revolution, and promoted Yanukovychs party on local television. In 2013, Liyev accepted an unofficial medal from the so-called head of the Russian imperial house. He then wrote on his social media, I serve the motherland! apparently referring to Russia. Liyev denied the allegations but resigned soon after the news about his past broke. He had been the acting head of the Defense Ministry's department in charge of developing the country's armament capabilities and weapons procurement since the summer of 2022. More on Liyevs story in Ukrainian: A video by Ukrainian journalist Yanina Sokolova here and an opinion piece by anti-corruption activist Vitaliy Shabunin here. Impact ______________________________________________ Court arrests ex-deputy defense minister, sets bail at $10 million following procurement scandal The Kyiv Pechersk Court arrested former Deputy Defense Minister Vyacheslav Shapovalov for two months, setting bail at $10 million on Feb. 2, according to the State Bureau of Investigations. The Bureau suspects Shapovalov of lobbying for contracts with overpriced food supplies as well as purchasing poor-quality bulletproof vests, helmets, and clothing for the army for over $27.2 million (Hr 1 billion). If found guilty, Shapovalov faces up to 15 years in prison for obstructing the activities of Armed Forces. His arrest follows a procurement scandal in the Defense Ministry. According to a report, the ministry sought to buy food at prices two to three times higher than in Kyiv grocery stores, possibly indicating a corruption scheme. The contracts total worth is Hr 13.16 billion ($360 million) for military food procurement in 2023. When the story first broke, Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov initially dismissed the investigation as nothing but manipulations and promised repercussions to those who leaked the contract to journalists, adding that the Security Service would look for the alleged whistleblower. Following media reports of MPs secret house, anti-graft agency suspects corruption The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NAPC) found that lawmaker Pavlo Khalimon, ex-deputy head governing Servant of the People faction, and his girlfriend didnt have the funds to buy the lavish house in Kyiv, alleging illicit enrichment. The anti-corruption agency started looking into Khalimons assets following the January investigation by Ukrainska Pravda. According to the investigation, Khalimon bought the house for Hr 10 million ($270,000) in June 2022. The house and land plot was sold five to six times cheaper than the asking prices for similar houses nearby, the journalists found. According to the investigation, Khalimon tried to hide the purchase by registering the house as the property of Anastasiia Kotelenets, who the journalists allege is his girlfriend. NAPC found that in 2020, Khalimon had also failed to declare real estate used by his family members, including an apartment in the capital and houses, one in the Kyiv suburb and another one in the city of Zhytomyr. The NAPC asked the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine to open a probe into illicit enrichment. If found guilty, Khalimon faces up to 10 years in prison. When the story first broke, Khalimon was quickly removed from the position of deputy head of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction. Security Service conducts searches in construction companies alleging money laundering for pro-Russian politicians Ukraines Security Service (SBU) searched the premises of development firms allegedly controlled by Vadym Stolar, a lawmaker with the pro-Russian Opposition Platform. SBU suspects the companies of laundering money for the partys notorious leadership, including Viktor Medvedchuk and Taras Kozak. More about the construction business associated with Stolar in an investigation by Bihus.Info summarized in our previous newsletter. Stolars construction empire allegedly helped legalize funds of Russian and Belarus citizens under Western sanctions, according to the SBU. Both Medvedchuk and Kozak were kicked out of parliament in January after President Volodymyr Zelensky stripped them of Ukrainian citizenship. Medvedchuk, charged with high treason in 2021, was Ukraine's high-profile pro-Kremlin politician and Russian President Vladimir Putin's right-hand man in Ukraine. He was handed over to Russia as part of a prisoner exchange in late September. Medvedchuk and Kozak used to run a media empire airing pro-Kremlin narratives before they came under Ukrainian sanctions in early 2021 and their TV channels were shut. Todays Investigative Stories from Ukraine were brought to you by Anna Myroniuk and Alexander Khrebet. THE HAGUE (Reuters) - International investigators probing the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) over eastern Ukraine are set to present new findings on Wednesday, including possibly naming additional suspects. In November a Dutch court convicted two former Russian intelligence agents and a Ukrainian separatist leader of murder for helping arrange the Russian missile system that was used to shoot the plane down, killing 298 passengers and crew. The three men, who were tried in absentia, remain at large. Investigators have continued assembling evidence about the plane's destruction, and could identify either the crew that manned the missile system, or higher-up Russian military or political officials who approved its transfer in and out of Ukraine. It would be up to a separate prosecution team to attempt to press charges. Russia has denied any responsibility for MH17's destruction. MH17 was shot down as it flew over eastern Ukraine from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014, killing all aboard, including 196 Dutch citizens. In the wake of the plane's destruction, the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Ukraine and Malaysia set up a joint investigation team to assemble evidence for criminal prosecutions. The team has scheduled a press conference for 1 p.m. local time (1200 GMT). Victims' families are due to be informed about the findings immediately before the news conference. At the time the plane was shot down, Ukrainian forces were fighting with pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine' Donetsk province. While Russia had annexed Crimea in March 2014, it denied military involvement in fighting in Donetsk at that time. But as part of the conviction of the three men in November, the Dutch court ruled that Russia had in fact had "overall control" of separatist forces in Donetsk starting from May 2014. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 in what it terms a "special military operation" and in September said it had annexed Donetsk. (Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg and Toby Sterling; editing by Jonathan Oatis) If you're looking for a multi-bagger, there's a few things to keep an eye out for. Amongst other things, we'll want to see two things; firstly, a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and secondly, an expansion in the company's amount of capital employed. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. Having said that, from a first glance at EBOS Group (NZSE:EBO) we aren't jumping out of our chairs at how returns are trending, but let's have a deeper look. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It? For those who don't know, ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for EBOS Group: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.092 = AU$346m (AU$6.3b - AU$2.5b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2022). Thus, EBOS Group has an ROCE of 9.2%. On its own that's a low return, but compared to the average of 0.3% generated by the Healthcare industry, it's much better. View our latest analysis for EBOS Group roce In the above chart we have measured EBOS Group's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free report on analyst forecasts for the company. How Are Returns Trending? In terms of EBOS Group's historical ROCE movements, the trend isn't fantastic. Over the last five years, returns on capital have decreased to 9.2% from 13% five years ago. Although, given both revenue and the amount of assets employed in the business have increased, it could suggest the company is investing in growth, and the extra capital has led to a short-term reduction in ROCE. If these investments prove successful, this can bode very well for long term stock performance. On a separate but related note, it's important to know that EBOS Group has a current liabilities to total assets ratio of 40%, which we'd consider pretty high. This effectively means that suppliers (or short-term creditors) are funding a large portion of the business, so just be aware that this can introduce some elements of risk. Ideally we'd like to see this reduce as that would mean fewer obligations bearing risks. Story continues Our Take On EBOS Group's ROCE Even though returns on capital have fallen in the short term, we find it promising that revenue and capital employed have both increased for EBOS Group. And long term investors must be optimistic going forward because the stock has returned a huge 189% to shareholders in the last five years. So while investors seem to be recognizing these promising trends, we would look further into this stock to make sure the other metrics justify the positive view. EBOS Group could be trading at an attractive price in other respects, so you might find our free intrinsic value estimation on our platform quite valuable. If you want to search for solid companies with great earnings, check out this free list of companies with good balance sheets and impressive returns on equity. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here An Iranian drone in the sky over Ukraine In turn, Tehran accused the West of trying to "cover its fault in the war in Ukraine and spreading fakes about Iran. Read also: Ukraine may sever diplomatic relations with Iran at any moment, says FM Kuleba "Unfortunately, the countries that are the biggest exporters of weapons and military equipment to one side of the war want to mislead the world's public opinion by spreading fake news," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani told Mehr. He also said that Tehran is allegedly trying to "encourage the parties to go for a political solution." In addition, the diplomat stated that Iran calls on the international community to help formulate such a solution to end the war in Ukraine. On Feb. 5, The Wall Street Journal reported that Moscow and Tehran are deepening military cooperation and are going to build a plant to produce faster Shahed drones. Read also: In latest attacks, Russia launching Iranian suicide drones from Azov Seas eastern coast, says Air Force Iran has previously denied supplying the Shahed kamikaze flying bomb drones to Russia, although there is copious evidence these denials are false. Russia and Iran continue to develop closer ties in other areas as well. They recently linked their interbank payment messaging systems, paving the way for all Iranian banks to conduct transactions with Russian creditors amidst severe international sanctions on the banking systems of both countries. On Jan. 6, the United States slapped sanctions on six top managers of the Iranian company Qods Aviation Industries. U.S. sanctions against General Abdollah Mehrabi of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were imposed back in 2021. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine When Kevin Kozlowski learned last week that Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer had an extra ticket for President Joe Bidens State of the Union address and the New York senator wanted him to be there as his special guest, Kozlowski said he was in shock. Not too many people get to see the president speak, which Biden will do at a joint session of Congress at 9 p.m. Tuesday in Washington, D.C. My jaw dropped. Wow! Kozlowski said. Its been a long, long trip to get to this point. To Schumer, Kozlowski, who was a paratrooper with the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne in Iraq and now helps veterans and their families with benefits and claims as a service officer with the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency, is a hero in the Finger Lakes for his advocacy in bringing awareness to the effects of exposure to materials disposed of in burn pits on military bases. Kozlowski, Schumer said, had the "courage to speak when he was ill." A year ago, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, left, and veteran Kevin Kozlowski pushed to pass the PACT Act to help veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, and were successful. A self-described patriotic guy then and now Kozlowski left for Iraq at age 22 as someone who could run forever and lift weights forever. Almost upon his return stateside after a yearlong deployment in Iraq that ended in 2010, Kozlowski noticed he was easily winded and struggled with breathing, "constantly huffing and puffing." His symptoms worsened over time, to include migraines and gastrointestinal issues. Finally, Kozlowski was diagnosed with COPD and asthma. His doctors believed his health woes were due to exposure to burn pits, Schumer said, yet the Department of Veterans Affairs, despite substantial evidence demonstrating a link between veterans' exposure to toxins in burn pits and the health conditions they now face, unfairly denied help for this combat-related injury. It made me cringe that this hero was really suffering and hed go to the VA and they wouldnt help him, Schumer said. It was outrageous. These veterans risked their lives for us and we promised them that when they came back and if they got an injury, whether its by a bullet or by exposure to toxic burn pits, that we would help them. Story continues Fast forward to today: With Kozlowski and Schumers work, the bipartisan PACT Act is in place, which extended VA healthcare and benefits to veterans with conditions related to burn pits and added dozens of respiratory illnesses and cancers to presumptions of burn pits. Kozlowski said over 200,000 claims have already been made. The legislation also reformed the ways the VA studies these conditions as well as provided benefits to families and survivors. You need people like Kevin to team up with people like me to blow the whistle and change it and we did, Schumer said. And well keep working on other types of exposures as well. Now 36, Kozlowski said his health issues are scary. I dont know how Im going to be 20 years from now, said Kozlowski, who with his wife Jennifer live in Fairport. They have a baby on the way. I lose my breath every day, Kozlowski said. Its very painful. Kozlowski, who praised Schumers work on the legislation as well as the bipartisan effort to gain its passage, downplayed his role. Its important for people to help veterans who wont know where to go for help, he said, and thats all what he wants to do give back and help veterans. I know with the way Im struggling theres a lot of other veterans out there struggling with similar situations as I am, Kozlowski said. I want to be looked at down the road, when Im no longer here, as someone who helped others. I just want to make an impact on other peoples lives. So far he has, and now hes going to experience something very, very exciting that will impact his life. Kozlowski certainly never expected this when he first reached out to Schumer's office on this issue. As Schumers guest, Kozlowski will have a good seat in the gallery and hell see President Biden and all the pomp associated with the address, Schumer said. Schumers hope is that more Americans will become aware of this issue facing so many veterans. Its going to remind everybody that we have an obligation to our veterans and that the VA doesnt represent them as well as it might, Schumer said. Kozlowski said he has no regrets his military service was worth it. I wouldnt take back my service for anything, regardless of all the medical issues I have now, Kozlowski said. Im still thankful to have served this country. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Kevin Kozlowski, an Iraq veteran, to attend State of the Union JERUSALEM (Reuters) - One of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard-right allies said on Tuesday Israel would not freeze Jewish settlement building in the occupied West Bank, a week after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken pressed Israel to halt construction. "There will be no construction freeze in Judea and Samaria period," a statement from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party said on Tuesday, using a term common in Israel for the West Bank. Senior members of Netanyahu's far-right coalition have sought to further expand Jewish settlement in the West Bank, which was captured by Israel in a 1967 war and where Palestinians have long aimed to establish a state. Most world powers consider Israel's settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as illegal. On a visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories last week, Blinken repeated U.S. calls for a two-state solution to the decades-long conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and called publicly for an end to settlement expansion. In private talks with Netanyahu, Blinken also asked Israel to stop Jewish settlement construction in the West Bank and halt the demolition of Palestinian houses, three U.S. and Arab sources confirmed to Reuters, stressing that the request was not expressed as a formal demand. Smotrich also oversees defence ministry organizations that are responsible for enforcing some regulations in the West Bank, giving him significant powers over the area. Hopes of achieving a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state based largely in the West Bank, have all but disappeared since the last round of U.S.-sponsored talks stalled in 2014. (Reporting by Emily Rose, Steve Holland, Editing by William Maclean) By Elvira Pollina and Giuseppe Fonte MILAN (Reuters) - Italian state lender CDP is sounding out banks that could help finance its offer for Telecom Italia's landline grid while also speaking to infrastructure funds though time is tight to recruit another co-investor, sources close to the matter said. CDP is seeking to finalise its bid after U.S. investment firm KKR last week filed its own offer for the same Telecom Italia (TIM) asset. KKR, which already owns a minority stake in the former phone monopoly's network, put forward a non-binding proposal to acquire a controlling stake in a new company comprising the network as well as TIM's submarine cable unit Sparkle. Two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters KKR's approach valued the venture at about 20 billion euros ($21.4 billion). TIM, which has called a board meeting for Feb.24 to decide on KKR' s approach, said the U.S. fund has indicated Feb.28 as the deadline for its proposal, adding it remained open to assess alternatives in the meantime. Carving out and ceding control of TIM's prized landline is a focal point of TIM's CEO Pietro Labriola strategy to reshape the debt-laden group. Treasury-owned CDP, which is a shareholder in TIM, was also studying a multi-billion offer for the network and still wants to bid for TIM's grid after KKR's move, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Among others, CDP has been sounding out Blackstone, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and Brookfield for a role in its potential bid, the people said, declining to be named as discussions are private. Blackstone declined to comment. GIP and Brookfield did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The sources also said CDP is tapping banks specialized in infrastructure financing to test their interest in funding a potential bid, including UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, Bnp Paribas and Credit Agricole. The banks had no immediate comment. MACQUARIE ROLE Story continues One of the sources said CDP is likely to present a bid with Australian fund Macquarie only, as there is little scope for another fund joining the venture given the tight deadline. The bid could come as early as next week, the person said, cautioning deliberations are still ongoing. Macquarie is a minority investor in Open Fiber, a wholesale-only fibre optic unit controlled by CDP and it has been involved for months in a plan to combine the two network infrastructures. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni repeatedly said her government wants to secure public control of TIM's network. But there is no common ground yet within her administration on how to reach such a goal and it was no clear whether a CDP bid would receive the blessing of the Treasury. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti believes Rome has "multiple options" to put TIM's network under strategic government control, a separate source said, without elaborating. In its approach for TIM, KKR has left the door open to a public entity to become a shareholder in the network company, a person briefed with the matter said last week. A sale of a majority stake in the network could enable cash-bleeding TIM to cut its 25.5 billion euro debt pile and help promoting heavy investments needed to upgrade the infrastructure from old copper to fibre. ($1 = 0.9359 euros) (Reporting by Elvira Pollina in Milan, Giuseppe Fonte in Rome, additional reporting by Valentina Za; Editing by Keith Weir) JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Jacksons troubled water system could be one step closer to getting new owners after legislation passed the state Senate Tuesday. It's the latest development in a crisis that has left residents of Mississippi's capital without consistent access to running water and has aggravated divisions between the Democratic-led city and the Republican-controlled state government. The bill would transfer ownership of Jackson's water system to a new regional public entity overseen by a nine-member board with the majority appointed by state leaders. Sponsored by Republican Sen. David Parker of Olive Branch, it passed in a 34-15 vote and will move to the House for more work. Parker said he introduced the bill to establish how the water system will be governed after Ted Henifin, the system's interim manager appointed by a federal court, concludes his work. Parker also said Jackson's water woes are stymying economic development. This crisis has been a black eye on the city of Jackson. But it's also been a problem for the state as a whole, Parker said. Parker recounted an incident where a German company was considering expanding to Mississippi. The company asked if the state had running water. The water crisis has caused repeated outages in which many of the city's 150,000 residents have gone days and weeks without water to drink, cook, bathe or flush toilets. Democratic senators rebuked the move as a brazen seizure of a city asset and overreach by the state government into Jackson's affairs. If were so concerned about our national reputation, are you aware of how we look right now? said Sen. John Horhn, a Democrat from Jackson. Mississippi looks like the old Mississippi that we heard about and some of us have lived through. We look like we are doing a taking on some Black folks. Jackson is an 80% Black city. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is Black, as are most of the lawmakers who represent the city in the state legislature. Lumumba has said he wants the city to maintain control of its water. Story continues Under the bills original version, the Jackson mayor would have four appointments to the regional utility. On two of those, the mayor would have been required to consult with the mayors of suburban Byram and Ridgeland. The governor would make three appointments, and the lieutenant governor would make two. All nine would need to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled state Senate. Parker brought a modified version of the bill to the Senate Tuesday, which he said was the product of a meeting with Lumumba. Under the new version the Senate approved, the mayor would not have to consult with the mayors of the smaller cities. This is not a problem that the current mayor of Jackson created, that he had had any control over," Parker said. We have been given an opportunity with some federal dollars to try to fix this problem. Henifin has said that he believed Parker's proposal to create a new regional entity was motivated by a desire by state officials to access a large pot of federal dollars earmarked for the Jackson. Since then, Parker added language to the bill stating that all federal funds should be used within the areas served by Jackson's water system. Parker said he has not met with Henifin, but they have a meeting scheduled later this month. The new version of Parkers bill also specifies the regional board would be a corporate nonprofit the model favored by Henifin. Parkers district is in northwest Mississippi, but he lives with his daughter at an apartment complex in Jackson when the Legislature is in session. He said scooping up water from the buildings swimming pool to use in their shared apartments toilets is part of what prompted him to introduce the bill. The Republican-controlled House voted 83-28 Tuesday to pass legislation that says cities must base water bills on the amount of water a customer uses, prohibiting water billing based on the homes value. The bill would outlaw a new billing system proposed by Henifin earlier this month. Lumumba watched the debate from a public gallery with other spectators. ___ Michael Goldberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/mikergoldberg. At the end of 2022 Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of Armenias Security Council, announced on television that Armenia is under strong pressure, presumably from Moscow, to join the union state of Russia and Belarus and open an extraterritorial (trade) corridor to Azerbaijans Nakhichevan province through its own Syunik province. While Armenias acute security predicament provides an opportunity for this Russian move, the question is why Moscow has chosen this particular timing and what it portends for the future of the Caucasus. BACKGROUND: While Moscow has predictably denied Grigoryans claims, there would be no reason to make this astonishing statement out of the blue. Armenian Parliament member Andranik Kocharyan, a member of the ruling Civil Contract party and chairman of the Parliamentary committee on security and defense, refused to confirm the story but conceded that pressure for such a decision has waxed and waned since the 1990s and is therefore not completely unexpected. Nevertheless, Moscows move appears to have been both unexpected and resented by Yerevan, since it does not address Armenias urgent security challenges. Indeed, if solicited by Armenia, Grigoryans public statement would not have presented it in such negative terms. Membership in a union state will almost certainly initiate a process leading to the truncation or gradual termination of Armenias real sovereignty as has happened to Belarus. It might also lead to the stationing of more Russian soldiers on Armenian territory for a long time. Armenias security dilemma and what Russia evidently perceives as its vulnerability to pressure derive from the outcome of the 2020 war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijans victory has not led to peace, due to a combination of Bakus ongoing efforts to impose a territorial settlement giving it all of Nagorno-Karabakh through coercive diplomacy backed by Turkey, and Armenian popular refusal to allow the government to make peace and popular resistance in Nagorno-Karabakh proper. The postwar situation in this province remains tense and unresolved. Meanwhile, Armenia is confronting by itself an apparently unbreakable and solid Turco-Azerbaijani alliance, while its attempts to negotiate a treaty with Turkey have yet to bear fruit. Thus, Armenia, as has frequently been the case, is on its own. Historically that has invariably led to a situation where Armenia has had to rely on Russian power to protect it from the threats that it discerns from Azerbaijan and/or Turkey. Indeed, Russia intervened to stop the war in 2020 and insert its peacekeeping forces into Nagorno-Karabakh. It also attempted to launch a mediation process with itself as the mediator, which has also foundered and apparently only earned the distrust of both Azerbaijan and Armenia. Furthermore, Moscow has failed to act through the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) when Armenia requested it to take action against Azerbaijan or to display any pressure on Baku despite its visibly coercive activities in Nagorno-Karabakh. Unsurprisingly, Moscows failure to act on behalf of Armenia and uphold the CSTOs mandate has also undermined Armenian faith in Russian security assistance. IMPLICATIONS: Armenias current isolation and vulnerability to Azerbaijani and Turkish pressures might possibly explain Russias attempt to reverse its declining standing in Yerevan by pressuring Armenia to join the union state. Armenias agreement to this outcome might eventually have led to a stronger Russian investment in its security, however, the price for this is unacceptable to Armenia. Russia has eroded Belarus sovereignty to the vanishing point and the country may now be dragged into a war with Ukraine that it clearly does not want. The same awaits Armenia if it succumbs to Russian pressure. Certainly, its program of domestic democratizing reform that Moscow regards with suspicion would also be eviscerated in a union state. However, if Moscow is unwilling to empower its peacekeepers to hold the line or resist Azerbaijans encroachments on Armenia, why would it now suddenly spring this proposal, which could ultimately entail greater formal Russian responsibilities to defend Armenian interests and even territory? Arguably the answer to these questions resides in Russias visibly diminished standing and power across the Caucasus and Central Asia due to its incompetent prosecution of the war against Ukraine. This is much more than a question of Moscow withdrawing sizable troop contingents from the Caucasus to fight in Ukraine. As a result of the war, Moscow cannot afford to become engaged in potentially high-risk military operations elsewhere, least of all against an ally of Turkey whom it cannot under any circumstances afford to antagonize at present. Indeed, Russia has reduced its forces in the Caucasus and Central Asia, declining its overall regional military capacity and ability to act decisively in these regions. As a result of the war in Ukraine, the trends that became visible in the wake of the 2020 war to internationalize the Caucasus as an area of regional competition have intensified. Turkeys presence in the region has clearly become stronger, while Iran is becoming increasingly involved on behalf of Armenia and against Azerbaijan. In fact, rumors of war between Baku and Tehran since 2020 have become more frequent, testifying to the deterioration of relations between these two states and the intensification of their threat perceptions as a result of the 2020 war. This ongoing increase in foreign presence along with Russias failure to facilitate a peace process, instead antagonizing both Azerbaijan and Armenia, has also encouraged both the EU and the Biden Administration to play a role as potential mediators. Thus, we see a decline in both Russias military capability and its readiness, willingness, and capacity to play a leading political role in the region. This opens up possibilities for foreign governments to assert their own interests and prerogatives. Russias pressure for Armenia to join the union state is directed towards recapturing some of the ground it has lost in the Caucasus by promoting a solution that increases its leverage over Armenia and presumably Azerbaijan with regard to Nagorno-Karabakh. Beyond this, it also represents an attempt to retrieve a neo-imperial position as a regional security manager in the Caucasus as a whole. In turn, it illustrates Moscows failure to grasp Armenias mentality and psychology, just as it has utterly misread Ukraine. It is quite unlikely that Yerevan will yield to this pressure, surrender its sovereignty further, and forsake its democratization process. Yet perhaps more importantly, Russias efforts to pressure Armenia into accepting a likely diminution of its sovereignty in return for a dubious protection highlights just how little Russia has learned from the failure to date of its imperialist war of aggression against Ukraine. It is clear from Moscows increasingly hysterical rhetoric about the war and about world politics in general that it remains completely enthralled by its supposedly foreordained imperial role, not only in Ukraine but throughout the former Soviet Union. Indeed, only on this basis could Moscow assume that this proposal is a legitimate answer to the erosion of its position in the Caucasus, that Yerevan would surely capitulate to its pressure, and that it still has the unchallenged capacity to enforce a quasi-colonialist order in the Caucasus and beyond. Indeed, we see the same thinking at work in Moscows concurrent proposal to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for a gas union. In numerous other cases e.g. in Bulgaria and Serbia, Russia has utilized its ability to gain leverage in a countrys energy sector to capture influence in other key sectors of their economy and politics. Whatever the merits of the proposed gas union, it would undoubtedly grant Russia leverage over Uzbekistans and Kazakhstans energy programs and because of that sectors importance to them, over their general economy and politics. The same dynamic is at work in Armenia as in Central Asia and in Ukraine. CONCLUSIONS: These proposals, along with the war in Ukraine, point to the fact that after thirty years of post-Soviet history in these regions, Moscow remains unable to regain even the semblance of empire and the pretense, let alone the reality, of legitimate authority in these territories except by using or threatening to use of force. As Ukraine shows, that is a dwindling asset providing fewer and fewer returns at ever higher costs. Likewise, Armenias inclusion in a union state might produce a temporary gain in security and satisfy Moscows eternal lure of something erotic in the peripheries to quote the Tsarist statesman P.A. Valuev. However, the longer-term price of accepting this misconceived proposal is too onerous for Armenia, Belarus, and even Russia to bear. If nothing else, the war in Nagorno-Karabakh, and certainly the war in Ukraine must drive home the point that a Russian empire is no longer sustainable unless the solution to regional security dilemmas is perpetual war or the threat thereof. Stephen Blank is a Senior Fellow with the Foreign Policy Research Institute, www.fpri.org. Five city councilmembers are raising concerns about the precedent set by the newly formed special committee investigating Republican mayoral candidate Councilmember LeAnna Cumber. The committee was established after Action News Jax obtained emails showing Cumbers husband was involved in a bid during the failed sale of JEA and didnt mention the relationship on a conflict-of-interest disclosure. READ: Duval voters split on importance of JEA scandal in mayors race Councilmembers Brenda Priestly Jackson (D-District 10), Matt Carlucci (R-Group 4 At-Large) and Randy DeFoor (R-District 14) led the meeting Tuesday afternoon. All three said Councilmember LeAnna Cumber should have disclosed her husbands relationship with JEA Public Power Partners, but they argued City Council shouldnt get into the business of investigating its own members. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< If theres any question as to a councilpersons behavior this is not the right mechanism, said DeFoor. Councilmembers DeFoor and Priestly Jackson served on the original committee that investigated the attempted sale of JEA. It was Priestly Jackson who requested council members disclose conflicts of interest regarding the sale. Both councilmembers said the committee was aware of Cumbers husbands role, even though it wasnt disclosed by Cumber herself. At the end of the day, in terms of our investigation, that information would have made no difference, said DeFoor. Councilmember Carlucci, who previously served on the Florida Commission on Ethics, said hes not sure if Cumbers actions rise to the level of an ethical violation. Ethics complaints are generally handled outside of the public eye, take months if not years to come to a final determination and punishments typically come in the form of fines. Carlucci said he believes the new special committee is intended to impact the mayors race and has been stacked with members biased against Cumber. Story continues [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The committee is set to be chaired by Councilmember Rory Diamond (R-District 13) and co-chaired by Nick Howland (R-Group 3 At-Large) the same councilmembers that called for the investigation in the first place. I just have to call it out. But for the mayors race, would this committee have been called together? And I dont believe it would have been, said Carlucci. Councilmember Michael Boylan (R-District 6) was also in attendance and expressed many of the same concerns as the other councilmembers present at Tuesdays meeting. Boylan is one of the four members serving on the special committee. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Newly released body camera video shows just how dangerous it is for police on the streets, even for a seemingly innocuous burglary investigation. Keeping in line with Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters' revised policy about releasing portions of officers' bodycams within 21 days of a police shooting, he and Chief of Professional Standards Chris Brown posted their second "critical incident community briefing" of 2023 on the agency's Facebook. This involved the second of back-to-back days with fatal police shootings and saw an officer fired upon at close range, with the bullet grazing his face. For print subscribers, the video can be viewed at facebook.com/JacksonvilleSheriffsOffice. Jan. 19 police shooting video: Jacksonville sheriff releases bodycam footage of fleeing man shot by officers Jamee Johnson: Jacksonville state attorney deems officer justified in shooting of Jamee Johnson Brown reiterated these investigations involve multiple interviews and hours of body camera video and forensic analysis and are only a preliminary stage of the ultimate findings between the Sheriff's Office and State Attorney's Office. Discretion also is advised about viewing the footage since it involves a man being killed. Jacksonville sheriff's officers wake up burglary suspect Leon Burroughs on Jan. 20 on Hardee Street in this body camera video image. Moments later the video shows Burroughs fire a gun at police, who shoot and kill him. When and where was this Jacksonville police shooting? It happened in the early evening of Jan. 20 in the 1800 block of Hardee Street near Farifax Street off Kings Road. Who was shot by Jacksonville police on Jan. 20? Leon Bernard Burroughs, a 39-year-old black male from Jacksonville, was shot multiple times and killed. Who were the Jacksonville officers involved? Their names are protected under the state's Marsy's Law, but they were five white males, according to the Sheriff's Office. The Florida Supreme Court heard arguments in December about whether the identities of officers who kill suspects can be kept secret under Marsys Law, a constitutional amendment designed to protect victims of crime. A Jacksonville sheriff's officer's body camera video is highlighted to show when Leon Burroughs fire a shot, grazing his face, before officers returned fire during a burglary investigation on Jan. 20 outside a home on Hardee Street. What happened in the Jan. 20 Jacksonville police shooting? Officers were following up a burglary in the 1700 block of West Second Street that occurred about 5:30 p.m. Brown said they were given a description of a black male wearing a black hoodie, jacket and skull cap and leaving on a black bicycle. Story continues They also were informed that the burglary victims smart watch had been stolen. That person was able to track the GPS on the watch to nearby Hardee Street. About an hour later officers saw the bicycle matching the description and learned from a family member that the suspect owned it and was living in his car. They located the vehicle, and the five officers noticed a handgun on top of the car and a man sleeping in the back. They decided to move the gun from the roof and open both doors at the same time, which is seen in the video. Past officer-involved videos: What footage from 7 Jacksonville police shootings reveals about JSO State Attorney's Office: It was an 'unintentional' gunshot by Jacksonville police that killed suspect on July 30 The lead officer can be heard telling the man to wake up as they surrounded the car and kept flashlights shined on him. They repeatedly tell him to put his hands up and to step out of the car. He repeatedly responds "what's going on" and to get the lights out of his face. The officers begin to get a little impatient and one tells him, "Leon, step out, step out or we're going to pull you out." And within seconds for unknown reasons, the man fires a shot grazing the lead officer in the face, and all five returned fire killing him. The Sheriff's Office also provides a slow-motion version of that final moment and an additional officer's bodycam footage from the rear of the car. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said this gun was used by Leon Burroughs, 39, to shoot and wound a police officer during a burglary investigation on Jan. 20. Burroughs was immediately shot and killed. What evidence was found? The Sheriff's Office said the gun and a shell casing were located in the car as well as the smart phone. Forensic analysis confirmed the casing came from Burroughs' firearm, Brown said. The handgun that was originally noted on the car's roof also was confiscated. What happens next in the Jacksonville police shooting case? An independent investigation of the case will be conducted by the State Attorney's Office to determine if the officers' actions were lawful. The Sheriff's Office will then begin an administrative review that involves its internal Response to Resistance Review Board, which will hear testimony from the officers and decide if any policies were violated. The sheriff will make a final decision on any recommendations that could call for reprimands or additional training. How many police shootings have there been in Jacksonville in 2022 and 2023? So far this year, Jacksonville police have shot three suspects, all fatally. In 2022, Times-Union records show Jacksonville police shot 12 suspects, eight of whom died. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville police shooting video released involving grazed officer JAPAN-NUCLEAR-DISASTER Storage tanks for contaminated water at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan, Jan. 20, 2023. Credit - Philip FongAFP/Getty Images Pacific Island nations have for decades been grappling with the environmental and health consequences of Cold War-era nuclear testing in the region by the likes of the U.S. and France. Now, they worry about another kind of nuclear danger from neighbors much closer to home. As concerns over energy security and the desire to transition away from fossil fuels pushes several Asian nations to reconsider once-scrapped nuclear power programs, there is increasing anxiety over how the waste from those facilitiesdepending on the methods of disposalmight impact the lives of Pacific Islanders. Notably, in the region, Philippines President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos said in his first address to Congress in mid-2022 that he was open to adding nuclear energy to the countrys energy mix, the Indonesian government said in December it plans to build a nuclear power plant by 2039, and weeks later Japan announced that it plans to ramp up the use of nuclear energy. Nuclear plants have long been touted as a reliable source of carbon-free energy, though many plants across the world had been shuttered in past decades over worries about the safety of nuclear waste disposal. In this new era of nuclear revival, similar uncertainties abound. In Japan, one plant that isnt even operational has become the frontline for the fight between activists seeking safety assurances for waste disposal and operators who are running out of space in on-site tanks to store the wastewater accumulating from keeping damaged reactors cool. Currently, Japan plans to release wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean later this year. Its just horrendous to think what it might mean, says Henry Puna, the secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), a regional intergovernmental organization that has more than a dozen member countries, including, for example, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu. The people of the Pacific are people of the ocean. The ocean is very much central to our lives, to our culture, to our livelihoods. Anything that prejudices the health of the ocean is a matter of serious concern. Story continues When a magnitude 9.1 earthquake and tsunami hit off the coast of Japan in 2011, it caused a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Since then, water is being used to cool the damaged reactors and prevent further catastrophe. Now, more than 1.3 million metric tons of radionuclide-contaminated water has been collected on site, and it continues to accumulate, as rain and groundwater seep in. Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the plant, says that the storage tanks take up too much space and hinder decommissioning the plant. Japan initially said that it would begin releasing the water into the ocean in the spring of 2023. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told the media in January that the release target date is now around spring or summer, which appears to be a postponement, according to the Associated Press, due to construction delays on a pipeline and the apparent need to gain greater public support. The plan has faced widespread opposition. Japanese fishermen, international environmentalists, and other governments in the region, including China, South Korea, and Taiwan, have all expressed concern. Some of the strongest pushback has come from Pacific Island countries, including from lawmakers, former leaders, regional fisheries management groups, and other organizations. Among those voices is the PIF, which is advocating for more time to deal with questions and concerns. Earlier this year, the PIF appointed a panel of independent global nuclear experts to help inform its members in their consultations with Japan and TEPCO. The experts have stressed that more data are needed to determine the safety of the water for disposal. South Korean environmental activists protest in Seoul against Japan's plan to discharge Fukushima radioactive water into the sea, as they mark World Oceans Day on June 8, 2022. Jung Yeon-jeAFP/Getty Images We think that there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that the release is safe, environmentally, healthwise, and also for our economy in the Pacific, says Puna, who is also the former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands. Until more information is shared and evaluated, he asks that Japan please defer the discharge of the water. Doubts and divisions over the data TEPCO says the water will be purified so that the concentration of radioactive substanceswith the exception of a hydrogen isotope called tritium, which it says has little impact on the human bodyfalls below regulatory standards. The tritium will be diluted with a large volume of seawater. The government of Japan told TIME in an emailed statement that the measures it is taking are fully in line with international law and the safety standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). An IAEA task force, set up to review the safety of Japans plan, says that it completed a second review in Japan in January, and that it will release a report on its findings in about three months, as well as a comprehensive report before the discharge. But there appears to be a major disconnect between TEPCO and others, including the PIF panel of expertswho say that theyre concerned with the adequacy, accuracy, and reliability of the data backing up the decision to release the water. Robert H. Richmond, a research professor and the director of the Kewalo Marine Laboratory at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, who is one of the panel experts, tells TIME that the critical, foundational data upon which a sound decision could be made was either absent or, when we started getting more data, he says, extremely concerning. He also casts doubt on if the IAEA is in the best position to assess the risks. Theyre an agency that has a mandate to promote the use of nuclear energy, says Richmond, and our mandate is to look after the people, the ocean, and the people who depend on the ocean. And our unanimous conclusion is that this is a bad idea that is not defended properly at this point, and that there are alternatives that Japan should really be looking at. One of the biggest surprises to me was the fact that the data was so sparse, says Ferenc Dalnoki-Veress, scientist-in-residence and adjunct professor at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, who is also on the PIF panel of experts. There were prolonged gaps in data collection, which suggests that the matter may not have been given the level of attention and importance it deserved. He adds that only a fraction of the tanks had been sampled, and only a handful of some 60 isotopes were typically measured in the samplesfewer than he would expect for this kind of assessment. (TEPCO says that the analysis done on a sample of tanks so far is just to assess the waters condition in storage but that, after the purification process, further measurements will be taken on all the treated water before discharge to ensure that only that which meets sufficient standards of safety is released into the ocean). Some still fear the safety of the treated water, and the far-reaching implications if its dumped into the ocean. Puna points out, for example, that the waters of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean produce much of the worlds tuna. If the tuna were to be impacted, it would cause major problems for Pacific nations, for which fisheries are a significant source of income, as well as for consumers globally. In December, the U.S.-based National Association of Marine Laboratories also announced its opposition to TEPCOs plans, publishing a position paper that says there is a lack of adequate and accurate scientific data supporting Japans assertion of safety while there is an abundance of data demonstrating serious concerns about releasing radioactively contaminated water. Japans government told TIME in an emailed statement that it has provided detailed explanations, answered questions in a sincere manner, and that it stands ready to receive further questions. Puna says that the PIF panel of experts has been invited to Japan this year, but unless more data are offered, such a meeting would be meaningless. Richmond, similarly, says that requests for more data have not produced sufficient responses and that the panel of experts hasnt been able to get the information they wanted via Zoom calls or emails, so he isnt confident that a trip would produce enough information to make the panel of experts comfortable with the plan. We asked ABC, and you answered with DEF, he says. When asked by TIME if it would indefinitely delay the discharge owing to the concerns of Pacific nations, TEPCO said in an emailed statement that it would make every effort to foster understanding prior to the commencement of discharge. The government of Japan also said that it attaches great importance to its relationship with the Pacific Island nations and that it takes the PIFs concerns sincerely, but it stopped short of saying it wouldnt go ahead with the discharge plan. That approach may damage relations with the Pacific region. Weve been friends for a long time, says Puna. In the Pacific, we believe that if you are friends that you are always open to sharing information. A scarring past and a new path forward Other nuclear plants across the globe have released treated wastewater containing tritium. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the IAEAs director general, said in 2021 that Japans plan is in line with practice globally, even though the large amount of water at the Fukushima plant makes it a unique and complex case. But Pacific Island nations have particular reason to be anxious. There is a noxious legacy of nuclear testing in the region, and other countries have historically treated the Pacific as a dumping ground for their waste. The U.S. conducted 67 nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1957and disposed of atomic waste in Runit Dome, where its still stored. That testing led not only to forced relocations, but also to increased rates of cancers. Today there is concern that the dome is leaking and that rising sea levels might impact its structural integrity. France also conducted 193 nuclear tests from 1966 to 1996 at Moruroa and Fangataufa atolls in French Polynesia. The BAKER explosion during Operation Crossroads, a series of two tests conducted by the U.S. to investigate the effect of nuclear weapons on naval warships, at Bikini Atoll, July 25, 1946. Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images To have this on top of that creates a feeling of fear and apprehension in the hearts and minds of our leaders and our people in the Pacific, says Puna. In the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing energy crisis, many countries seem to be embracing nuclear power anew. Japan, for example, wound-down the use of nuclear energy in the wake of the Fukushima disaster. But in December it announced a major reversal of that policy and said that it plans to use more nuclear energy by restarting as many reactors as possible and prolonging the operating life of older reactors. (By late 2022, 10 of 50 nuclear reactors that were shut after the disaster had been restarted, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.) Rather than let dumping wastewater into the ocean become the norm, at this juncture for nuclear energy, some say its an opportunity to explore different ways of doing things. The panel of PIF experts has proposed several alternative solutions, including treating the water and storing it in more secure tanks to allow the tritium time to decay, or using the treated water to make concrete for use in projects that wont have high contact with humans. This is not the first nuclear disaster and by no means is it going to be the last, says Richmond. This is an opportunity for Japan, he says, to do the right thing and to invest time, effort, and money into determining and coming up with new ways of handling radioactive waste and setting a new trajectory. (Bloomberg) -- Japans ruling party will prepare to submit a bill encouraging understanding of issues concerning the LGBTQ community, seeking to repair the damage from discriminatory comments made by a former aide to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Most Read from Bloomberg The Liberal Democratic Party wants to work to create an inclusive society that respects diversity, party Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters on Monday. We want to encourage understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity. Kishida at the weekend fired a secretary who had told reporters in an off-record briefing he didnt like to see same-sex couples and wouldnt want to live next door to them. The premier said the comments were completely contrary to government policy. Japan PM Kishida Apologizes for Aides Anti-LGBTQ Comments His aides comments had shocked many, just as Japan prepares to host a summit of the Group of Seven advanced democracies in May as the only member that doesnt allow same-sex unions. They could also prove a blow to Kishidas already low standing in opinion polls following a series of cabinet scandals. A bill aimed at encouraging understanding and preventing discrimination was drawn up by a cross-party group in 2021, but never submitted to parliament because of opposition from within the conservative LDP. The proposed law does not allow for marriage equality, and Kishida reiterated in parliament last week that same-sex unions should be considered with extreme caution. Campaigners say the lack of a legal marriage framework causes difficulties over issues from immigration to inheritance and medical care, while business groups say it can hamper global recruitment. Story continues Gay Rights Prevailed, Except Where They Havent: QuickTake The LDPs stance clashes with the views of the public. A survey carried out by the Mainichi newspaper and Saitama University from November 2021 to January 2022 found a majority in all age groups surveyed except those 70 and older said same-sex marriage should be recognized. Local governments, including Tokyo, have sought to provide support by offering partnership registration systems, though these do not carry legal weight and still leave couples facing problems with lack of recognition of their relationship. Marriage equality groups are also pursuing a series of cases through Japans courts, claiming damages arising from the lack of rights for same-sex couples. Results so far have been mixed, and a verdict is due in a Nagoya case on May 30. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. TOKYO (AP) Growing worry over Chinese threats has led to a major Japanese boost in military spending, defense partnerships and aid packages, a concerted new effort to draw like-minded Asian nations into a stronger, unified front as Beijing seeks to establish regional dominance. This security shift will be highlighted during a visit to Tokyo starting Wednesday of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines, a mutual U.S. ally that Japan has increasingly developed defense ties with in recent years. Japan says the aggressive new policy is needed to confront China, but critics call it an attempt to use massive aid infusions to push Japanese security views on poorer countries. Marcos' visit comes just days after he and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin agreed to allow U.S. troops access to four more bases in the Southeast Asian nation as they seek to deter China. More U.S. troops stationed at Philippine military camps would allow Washington to keep in check China's territorial ambitions in the disputed South China Sea and against self-governing Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory that must be brought under its control, by force if necessary. Japan is looking to deepen cooperation with the Philippines and Washington, with a focus on a possible conflict over Taiwan. An existing partnership among Tokyo, Seoul and Washington primarily deals with North Koreas missile and nuclear threats. During Marcos Tokyo visit, Japanese and Filipino defense officials expect to sign an agreement that would allow Japanese forces to provide more training and humanitarian and disaster assistance to the Philippines. This is a significant strategic reshuffling, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said last week, referring to U.S.-Japan-Philippine defense ties. It would be a major contribution to the strategic alignment in the area from a deterrence standpoint. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas government in December adopted key security and defense upgrades, including a counterstrike capability that breaks from the countrys self-defense-only postwar principle. Japan also plans to double its defense spending in five years. Story continues Under the new strategy, Japan will use its development assistance to support poorer nations as they strengthen their maritime safety and other security capabilities. It's meant to counter Chinas growing regional influence. Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi calls it "indispensable for Japan to not only fundamentally reinforce its own defense power but also to improve the deterrence capability of like-minded countries and prevent one-sided changes to the status quo. For starters, the Foreign Ministry in April 2023 will get 2 billion yen ($15.2 million) to help strengthen national security of the like-minded countries. The money is primarily for Indo-Pacific militaries and separate from the 442 billion yen ($3.35 billion) in development money that the ministry says is not to fund weapons. But Japan's development work is also seen as shifting focus on maritime and economic security and national interests. Kishida and Marcos are expected to issue a joint statement that includes Japans pledge to provide 600 billion yen ($4.5 billion) in development aid through 2024, most of it meant to speed up infrastructure, disaster prevention and information technology improvements. The assistance could include several Japanese patrol boats to help strengthen the Philippine coast guard against growing Chinese naval activity in the South China Sea, according to Japanese and Philippine media. Japan has aggressively supported building up coast guards in Southeast Asia that are in conflict with China and has provided 12 patrol boats to the Philippines and nine to Vietnam. The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam, along with Taiwan, have been locked in increasingly tense territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. The United States has been regarded as a crucial counterweight to China's militarization of island outposts and has pledged to come to the defense of the Philippines if its forces, ships or aircraft come under attack in the contested waters. The new Japanese Foreign Ministry budget is primarily for the militaries of developing nations in the Indo-Pacific region and is likely to be used to provide Japanese-made non-lethal equipment like radars, antennas, small patrol boats or infrastructure improvements, rather than advanced weapons. Japan also wants to strengthen its feeble arms industry. The Defense Ministry has been virtually the only customer and export is limited to non-lethal weapons. The government wants to further ease restrictions on weapons and technology transfers. Military funding and traditional non-military development aid come from separate channels but are used like wheels on both sides of a car," according to Masaki Inaba, co-chair of the Africa Japan Forum and an expert on foreign aid. Funding will be used to gain more friends, and based on how it would contribute to Japans own interests rather than development needs of the recipients, Inaba said. The shift could hurt the respect Japan has earned from the global south developing nations as a donor with pacifist principles, different from other advanced Western powers, when the country needs greater support from them, he said. Japans more security-focused aid policy could be also seen with wariness by China and the Koreas, experts say. Japan, where arms sales were long restricted, has lagged behind in the Asian market, and the government hopes to cultivate customers by providing Japanese-made equipment, such as popular Mitsubishi radars. Many Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, may be eager to balance their relationships with both Japan and China, while trying to get more from both, experts say, so Japan should be careful not to put them on the spot as they build ties. Some in Japan have been critical. When defense equipment is directly provided to militaries of recipient countries, there will be a greater risk of inappropriate use than today. There is no guarantee that monitoring by the Foreign Ministry will function adequately, the Weekly Toyo Keizai magazine said in a recent commentary. ___ Associated Press writer Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, contributed to this report. Jennifer Lopez has said she had the best time with husband Ben Affleck at the 65th annual Grammy Awards. It comes after the actor became a meme for his under-enthusiastic expressions during the big event on Sunday night (5 February). Lopez posted a video montage on Instagram including clips and photos of the couple looking glamorous at the Grammys together. She wrote in the caption: Always the best time with my love, my husband. The Lets Get Loud singer and Hollywood actor presented the award for best pop vocal album to Harry Styles at the star-studded event in Los Angeles. But fans took notice of Afflecks subdued and miserable face during some parts of the event and were quick to turn his expressions into memes shared on social media. Journalist Philip Lewis said Affleck looks like hed rather be at Dunkin, referring to previous paparazzi snaps of the Deep Water star carrying takeaway bags and cups from the popular doughnut and coffee chain. Another person tweeted: However bad of a day youre having, I promise youre not as miserable as Ben Affleck at the Grammys right now. Lopez wore an eye-catching, dark blue Gucci gown, with ruffled detail, a thigh-high slit and a voluminous train at the Grammys. She accessorized her outfit with Bulgari jewels and her own silver JLo Jennifer Lopez brand heels. (Getty Images) The couple were pictured at their table together, along with other high-profile couples including Beyonce and Jay-Z, and Adele and Rich Paul. Affleck and Lopez married in July in a surprise secret wedding in Las Vegas, followed by a three-day wedding celebration at his 87-acre property on Hampton Island in Georgia. The pair first dated in 2002 and were engaged for a short while, before calling it off in 2004. Lopez went on to marry Ojani Noa until 1998, followed by Cris Judd until 2003 and Marc Anthony until 2014, while Affleck married Jennifer Garner until 2018. In December 2021, six months after Lopez and Affleck confirmed rumours they were together again, the actor described their relationship as beautiful. He told the Wall Street Journal: I can say that its definitely beautiful to me. And, you know, one of the things I really value across all facets of my life now is that it was handled in a way that reflected that. Its hard to say who benefits more, without going into gossipy detail. I could just say that I feel great about being very healthy. And it is a good story. Its a great story. And, you know, maybe one day Ill tell it. Ill write it all out. And then Ill light it on fire. Jeremy Renner attends the 2021 premiere of "Hawkeye" at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. (Richard Shotwell / Invision / AP) Jeremy Renner is on the mend and raring to debut his new Disney+ show after suffering extensive injuries in a snowplow accident earlier this year. Over the weekend, the "Hawkeye" star shared an image from his forthcoming reality series, "Rennervations," on Instagram and provided an update on his condition. In the photo, Renner is seated around a table with three other people. A release date for the show has not been announced. "We are so very excited to share the #rennervations show with you all on @disneyplus coming very soon!!!" the Marvel actor wrote. "As soon as Im back on my feet, we are coming to YOU, all across the globe I hope youre ready!!!" Starring and executive produced by Renner, "Rennervations" is a four-part series that will follow the two-time Oscar nominee across the globe as he fashions "unique purpose-built vehicles" to satisfy various communities' needs. According to Disney, the project will showcase Renner's interests and skills as "a construction aficionado" who is "heavily invested in the highly creative fabricator culture that exists" around the world. Renner's latest Instagram post came about a month after he was hospitalized for severe wounds he sustained in a snowplow accident near his Lake Tahoe-area home on New Year's Day. Per a recent report from the Washoe County Sheriffs Office, Renner was attempting to pull his truck out of the snow with the help of his adult nephew when he was crushed by his own PistenBully snowplow. After Renner jumped out of the snowplow without setting the parking brake, the 14,000-pound vehicle began to roll toward his nephew at which point Renner attempted to board the moving plow and got "pulled under the left side track." The 52-year-old was promptly airlifted in critical condition to a hospital, where he was treated for his injuries, including "30 broken bones," authorities reported. He was released from the hospital by Jan. 16. "I want to thank EVERYONE for their messages and thoughtfulness for my family and I," Renner wrote on Instagram last month. "Much love and appreciation to you all. These 30 plus broken bones will mend, grow stronger, just like the love and bond with family and friends deepens. Love and blessings to you all." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Jimmy Crute vows to be coming back as a different fighter at UFC 284. Crute (12-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC) returns from an over year-long layoff when he takes on Alonzo Menifield (13-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) in Saturdays UFC 284 main card opener at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+. The 26-year-old Aussie will look to snap a two-fight losing skid against Menifield, who has knocked out back-to-back opponents in Round 1. But Crute warns him that hes in for a surprise. Alonzos got some great skills, Crute told MMA Junkie Radio. I think people underestimate his wrestling and his ability to string things together there. Hes more than just a big, heavy hitter, but just wait. All Im gonna say is just wait, because Im gonna blow him out the water. This is different this time. Hes preparing for the wrong person, I promise you. Crutes past loss came to current UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill a setback that has aged well over time. To be honest, I was just happy for Jamahal, Crute said. Its his win, man. Its his win to enjoy, and hes a great person. It was just good to see him get what he deserves. He deserves to be a world champion. I dont put myself selfishly into that situation. Ill earn my own title shot and, yeah, it was just good to see that. For more on the card, visit MMA Junkies event hub for UFC 284. Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie Donald Trump. Phelan M. Ebenhack for The Washington Post via Getty Images Trump's lawyers asked a judge to push his rape trial from mid-April to early June. Judge Lewis A. Kaplan declined to delay the trial that long but pushed it by one week, to April 25. The judge complained that the Carroll litigation has already been mired in delays. US District Court Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, who is overseeing E. Jean Carroll's rape claim against former President Donald Trump, balked on Tuesday at the frequent holdups coming from Trump's defense team, as his new lawyer sought to delay the April trial date by six weeks. Kaplan didn't agree to the six-week delay but did push the trial back one week to April 25, so that Trump's defense could deal with an issue regarding one of their expert witnesses. During a hearing on Tuesday, Kaplan expressed concern that Trump's legal team has already caused delays in the two lawsuits brought against Trump by Carroll, who alleges he raped her decades ago and then defamed her after she spoke out. "Things keep happening in this case involving your client. I would be a fool not to take that into account," Kaplan said Tuesday. Advice columnist E. Jean Carroll has two pending lawsuits against Trump. Seth Wenig/AP In October, Kaplan denied Trump's request to delay sitting for a deposition in Carroll's first lawsuit. And when Trump tried to countersue Carroll last year two years after Carroll first sued Trump Kaplan denied him, saying the counterclaim seemed to be a "bad faith" effort to delay the trial. Carroll first sued Trump for defamation in November 2019, when he called her a liar for alleging he raped her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in the mid-1990s. She filed a second lawsuit after New York passed a law late last year allowing for certain sexual-assault filings that would have otherwise missed the statute of limitations. That case includes a claim of battery over the alleged sexual assault and a second defamation claim. Joe Tacopina was hired last month to represent Trump in the second case. In court on Tuesday, Tacopina asked for a six-week delay in the rape lawsuit, saying a health issue with an expert witness had thrown the schedule off. He also said he had "a lot of work to do" to catch up on the case and wants to fly to London for the birth of his first grandchild, whose April due date is the same as the current trial date. Story continues Tacopina said he could be ready for trial by the first week of June, "come hell or high water." Roberta Kaplan, who is representing Carroll, argued against delaying the case. Tacopina and Roberta Kaplan declined to comment outside of the courtroom Tuesday. Tacopina attempted to reassure the judge that he was "not coming into this case to delay" and wants it to be tried "as quickly as possible." "I'm not running away from that obligation," Tacopina said Tuesday. "I'll be ready whenever you want me to be ready." Kaplan didn't rule on Tacopina's request at the hearing, but later that day he agreed to push the trial back by one week. Carroll's first lawsuit has an April 10 trial date but is in limbo due to a pending appeals court decision. Update: February 8, 2023 This story has been updated to reflect that Judge Kaplan pushed the trial date by one week to start April 25. Read the original article on Business Insider Preparing baby milk formula HUIZENG HU A court in Virginia ordered a woman to stop breastfeeding her baby, The Washington Post reported. Arleta Ramirez told the Post that her child was exclusively breastfed from birth. The ruling, however, was tied to the child's father's visitation schedule, the outlet reported. A Virginia woman was ordered to stop breastfeeding her six-month-old baby so the baby's father can have overnight visits, The Washington Post reported. Arleta Ramirez was ordered to "make every effort to place the child on a feeding schedule and use a bottle" by a Prince William County judge in late November, the Post reported. And, beginning this month, the judge's ruling granted the child's father, Mike Ridgway, four visitation days and overnight visits, according to the Post's February 1 story. Ramirez told the Post that their daughter who was exclusively breastfed from birth had to be fed every hour, which initially interfered with Ridgway's visitation times. But now the judge's order will change that plan, the paper said. "Why are they forcing me to stop breastfeeding?" Ramirez told the Post, adding that she and Ridgway broke up shortly after the child was born in July. "Isn't that her right? Isn't that in her best interest?" Ridgway also told the Post that he'd given Ramirez the "space to both nurse and to pump milk" so he could bottle-feed their daughter when she's with him. "Past the age of 6 months I will continue to support breastfeeding and bottle-feeding our daughter breast milk as much as possible, while also supplementing with formula only when absolutely necessary," Ridgway told the Post. Ramirez initially had trouble pumping milk and her daughter refused the bottle at first, the paper reported. Tara Steinnerd, an attorney for Ridgway, told the Post that Ramirez was using breastfeeding as a way to "salvage" her relationship with him. Cases like this, however, are not uncommon. Meghan Boone, a professor who studies pregnancy and parenting rights the Wake Forest University, told the Post that breastfeeding is factored in by some courts when forming visitation schedules. In 2017, HGTV host Nicole Curtis revealed she was ordered to stop breastfeeding her then-infant when her ex fought for visitation rights, according to People Magazine. Story continues "I had no idea that a judge could say, 'You're court ordered to not feed your exclusively breastfed child," Curtis told the magazine at the time. "It's important that children have both of their parents. But [preventing] me from breastfeeding my child just so he can see the dad is not right." Stephanie Bodak Nicholson, president of the North Caroline-based La Leche League's USA Council, a nonprofit that advocates for breastfeeding, told the Post that she has gotten at least one call each year over the last three decades about breastfeeding and custody, but noted that she's only one of over 1,000 leaders who field calls in various locations. "It's definitely something we get calls on," Nicholson said. "It's frequent enough that we keep it on our radar." Read the original article on Insider Kaitlyn Easson had been reported missing in Galashiels. (Scottish Borders Police) An 11-year-old girl reported missing from the Scottish Borders has been found safe and well, police confirmed. Kaitlyn Easson, from Galashiels, was last seen in the towns centre at about 5.45pm on Sunday before she was reported missing later that evening. Police Scotland renewed an appeal to help find her the following day, 24 hours after she had been reported missing, and urged the public to help them in the search. But on Monday evening officers confirmed Kaitlyn had been traced safe and well. At about 10.30pm, a spokesperson for police said: We can confirm Kaitlyn Easson reported missing from Galashiels has been traced safe and well. Thank you to all who shared our appeals. A community-wide search was launched after Kaitlyn was reported missing in what Police Commander Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton described as a huge operation. Assistance was provided from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Border Search and Rescue Unit, volunteers and specialist teams from Police Scotland, including investigators, divers and air support. Katherine Schwarzenegger has opened up about the downsides of fame, and why she tries to avoid responding to criticism of her husband Chris Pratt. Schwarzenegger, 33, spoke candidly about life in the spotlight, and what she learned growing up with her famous parents, journalist Maria Shriver, and actor and former governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, while speaking to The New York Times. According to the author, who shares daughters Lyla, two, and Eloise, eight months, with the Guardians of the Galaxy star, she tries to ignore negativity at the guidance of her mother, who warned her against the never-ending trap of trying to correct the record. Schwarzenegger also revealed that hearing negative things about her family growing up helped prepare her for the criticism she faces as part of a celebrity couple. However, that doesnt mean that the childrens book author doesnt see what people say, as she told the outlet that she is aware of the negative comments often centred around her husband. The newspaper recalled two instances where Pratt found himself the target of criticism: in 2020, when he was declared the worst Chris in Hollywood, and in 2021, when he praised his wife for giving birth to a healthy daughter, which many took as a dig at the actors first wife, Anna Faris, who gave birth to their son Jack prematurely. Growing up, hearing people say certain things about my parents, my siblings, my extended family was difficult, Schwarzenegger told the outlet. And while she avoids attempts to set the record straight, she said the negativity is far from the reality. I see what people say, she said. But I just know that its so far from the reality. During the interview, Schwarzenegger, who said she likes to keep details about her relationship with Pratt private, revealed that the pair met at Zoe Church in 2018. And although Schwarzenegger had experience growing up in the spotlight, her relationship with the actor meant the attention grew to another level. Story continues I wasnt getting questions about my love life or who I was dating or anything like that, she said of her life before Pratt. As for the life she shares with the Jurassic World star, the mother of two said people would be surprised by how down to earth it is. If you would ask anybody how I was at home, theyd be like: She walks around with her hair in a banana clip and a box of crackers with one of the children on her hip, she said, adding that eating too many crackers is a constant thing that my husband is always making fun of me for. I should have bought stock in Marys Gone Crackers, she added. After beginning their relationship in 2018, Pratt and Schwarzenegger got engaged in January 2019. The couple tied the knot in Montecito, California, later that same year. As for how Pratt feels about the negativity, he told Mens Health that the publics reaction to his comment about his daughter made him cry. The actor shared his response while reflecting on the media coverage around his comment, with Pratt telling the outlet: A bunch of articles came out and said: Thats so cringeworthy. I cant believe Chris Pratt would thank her for a healthy daughter when his first child was born premature. Thats such a dig at his ex-wife. And Im like, that is f**ked up. My sons gonna read that one day. Hes nine. And its etched in digital stone. It really f**king bothered me, dude. I cried about it, he continued. I was like, I hate that these blessings in my life are - to the people close to me - a real burden. [Source] North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered his military to strengthen war preparations. Kim was photographed at a military meeting on Monday, marking the first time he has been seen in public after more than a month. His 36-day break from the spotlight sparked speculation regarding his health. It is Kims longest break since 2014, when he was not seen for 40 days. During the meeting of the central military commission of the ruling Workers' Party, Kim discussed the major military and political tasks for 2023 and the long-term issues concerning the orientation for army building. More from NextShark: Watch: Sixth-grade reporter Rory Hu lobs tough questions at White House press secretary Jen Psaki The North Korean leader ordered his military to expand combat exercises and intensify their operation and combat drills as tensions have risen in the Korean Peninsula after Pyongyang condemned planned joint military drills between South Korea and the U.S. An unidentified spokesperson for North Koreas Foreign Ministry said the expansion of the military drills by the U.S. is threatening to turn the peninsula into a huge war arsenal and a more critical war zone, adding that Pyongyang is prepared to counter with the most overwhelming nuclear force. Photos of the meeting featured new flags for all of the Korean Peoples Army (KPA) branches, including the Missile General Bureau. More from NextShark: Former Maoist rebel leader Prachanda becomes Nepal prime minister a third time Its flag features an image of the countrys Hwasong-17, which is its largest nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile. Pyongyang reportedly launched more than 70 ballistic missiles in 2022 for testing, including a banned nuclear-capable intercontinental missile capable of reaching the U.S. The meeting took place before the 75th anniversary of the KPA's founding, which will be held on Wednesday. More from NextShark: SEVENTEENs Joshua Hong says he was scammed by taxi driver during Manila trip The event, which Kim is expected to attend, will likely be celebrated with a military parade in Pyongyang. Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Same-sex married couple are first in Taiwan to legally adopt child North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un has ordered his military to perfect the preparedness for war and display matchless military strength as he made his first public appearance in more than 36 days. Mr Kim presided over his ruling Workers Partys Central Military Commission meeting on Monday, after remaining missing from public view for almost a month and sparking speculation over his health with his second-longest break ever. In the meeting attended by Mr Kims top military brass, the members discussed the major military and political tasks for 2023, the countrys official Korean Central News Agency reported on Tuesday. The military branch responsible for nuclear missiles was renamed during the meeting. It was the first-ever mention of the branch in state media. The commission discussed a series of tasks aimed to bring great change in the military, including constantly expanding and intensifying the operation and combat drills and more strictly perfecting the preparedness for war, the agency said. They discussed organisational changes to fundamentally improve and strengthen military affairs, without specifying what the changes were. Photos of the meeting released in state media revealed new flags for all Korean Peoples Army (KPA) branches, including for the Missile General Bureau. Central Military Commission meeting unveiled flag for new missile branch called as Missile General Bureau (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image) The flag featured an icon of the countrys largest nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile, Hwasong 17. The department, which was mentioned for the first time was established in 2016, NK News reported, citing the description on the flag. Mr Kim sparked speculations around his health after he skipped his third Politburo meeting on Sunday. The North Korean leader, who is often pictured during missile tests and party meetings, is known for taking breaks from his public appearances. His longest-ever hiatus was for 40 days in 2014 when he vanished from the public eye before reappearing with a cane. At that time, South Koreas spy agency said he had a cyst removed from his ankle. Story continues Mr Kim reappeared ahead of a widely expected military parade in Pyongyang, beginning on Tuesday night or Wednesday to mark the historic 75th founding anniversary of the Korean Peoples Army. Military parade on 14 January 2021 at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea (KCNA via KNS) Lee Sung-jun, the spokesperson of South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a briefing that the South Korean military has detected a significant increase in personnel and vehicles in areas related to parade rehearsals. Mr Lee said the South Korean military was closely monitoring developments related to North Koreas possible creation of a new military bureau related to missiles, but didnt provide further details. Meanwhile, a confidential United Nations report has found that North Korea stole the highest cryptocurrency assets in 2022 than in any other year. The country used increasingly sophisticated cyber techniques to target networks of foreign aerospace and defence companies, according to the report seen by Reuters on Monday. The variation in USD value of cryptocurrency in recent months is likely to have affected these estimates, but both show that 2022 was a record-breaking year for DPRK (North Korea) virtual asset theft, the UN report said. The report was submitted to the 15-member councils North Korea sanctions committee on Friday, North Korea has previously denied the accusation of cyber theft or cyberattacks. Last week, North Korea warned the US and its allies against their intensifying joint drills, saying they will counter it with the most overwhelming nuclear force. The stern remarks were in response to US defence secretary Lloyd Austins comments in South Korea about accelerating the deployment of advanced weapons on the Korean peninsula and expanding its combined military exercises with Seoul. Pyongyang has launched more than 70 ballistic missiles in 2022 to conduct test launches of its biggest missiles, including banned nuclear-capable intercontinental missiles that can reach the US mainland. A recovery operation is underway after a US Air Force fighter jet shot down a high-altitude Chinese surveillance balloon off the coast of South Carolina on 4 February. President Joe Bidens administration and senior military officials revealed that similar crafts had flown above the US in previous years, including at least three times during former president Donald Trumps administration, as part of what national security officials have described as a years-long Chinese global surveillance programme. It is something that theyve been working on for many years, and that they have tried to improve in terms of capability, range [and] communication, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters in a phone briefing on 6 February. At least three similar balloons were above the US at some points during the Trump administration, which began in January 2017 and ended in January 2021, according to the White House and military officials. Mr Kirby said that those balloons were likely in the US for shorter periods of time compared to the recent balloon incident. Those previous flights were brief and nothing like we saw last week, he said. But the duration of the latest flight and its potential track near sensitive military sites have raised alarms about the scale and scope of Chinas intelligence operations, though it remains unclear what the motive is and what information the balloons have collected, and whether it is any different from what Chinese authorities have already acquired through satellites or other equipment. Analysts also have suggested that the large-scale balloons, easily seen from above, sought to test what a US response would be and how the nations own partisan battles could play out after that kind of provocation. The Biden administration, meanwhile, has reached out to key officials from the previous administration and offered them briefings on the forensics we did on those previous Chinese operations, according to Mr Kirby. Story continues We did this in good faith, Mr Kirby added. I cant speak to what awareness there was in the previous administration I can tell you that we discovered these flights after we came into office. Where did the balloons travel? The Pentagon issued a statement about tracking the balloon above Montana on 3 February, but it was first detected over US airspace in Alaska days earlier on 28 January before passing into Canadian airspace. As it traveled from Idaho to Montana in the days that followed, military officials and the White House discussed whether to shoot it down, though the administration waited to do so when it was over water and no longer in danger of hitting people and structures below. Previous balloons were discovered near Florida, Guam, Hawaii and Texas, according to the US Department of Defense, which briefed members of Congress about the earlier flights in the wake of the latest incident. Several of those sightings occurred during the Trump administration. According to a report from the US Air Force dated April 2022 Peoples Republic of China High-Altitude Balloon military intelligence found that a Chinese spy balloon circumnavigated the globe in 2019 at an altitude of roughly 65,000 feet, and drifted past Hawaii and across Florida before continuing its journey. How did the Biden administration discover them? White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the Biden administration was able to retroactively identify the presence of Chinese balloons in US airspace during Trumps term after the US enhanced its surveillance of our territorial airspace, he said in remarks at an event hosted by the US Global Leadership Coalition, according to the Associated Press. We enhanced our capacity to be able to detect things that the Trump administration was unable to detect, he said. Mr Sullivan said officials reviewed historical patterns to uncover multiple instances during the Trump administration in which similar balloons traveled through American airspace. Why werent they discovered sooner? Earlier balloon incidents were not discovered by military officials until forensic investigations under the current administration, according to Glen David VanHerck, US Air Force general and commander of the United States Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command We did not detect those threats. And thats a domain awareness gap that we have to figure out, he told reporters on 6 February. Day to day we do not have the authority to collect intelligence within the [US], he added. In this case, specific authorities were granted to collect intelligence against the balloon specifically, and we utilize specific capabilities to do that. What did the Trump administration know? Mr Trump and former Trump-era officials, meanwhile, have rejected claims about such flights from the Biden administration, while the former president has called the claims disinformation. John Ratliffe, Mr Trumps former director of national intelligence, told Fox News that the Biden administrations claims are spin to deflect from what he called the presidents dithering inaction, echoing right-wing commentators and Republican officials who attacked Mr Biden for, initially, not shooting down the balloon immediately, and later, not shooting it down fast enough to their liking. He asked whether the Pentagon deliberately withheld information from Mr Trump while he was in office for whatever reason or believed that Mr Trump would be too provocative and too aggressive with that information. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, however, told CNN on 3 February that he was surprised by statements that similar incidents occurred during the Trump administration. I dont ever recall somebody coming into my office or reading anything that the Chinese had a surveillance balloon above the United States, he said. Robert OBrien, who served as Mr Trumps final national security adviser, also told The Wall Street Journal that he did not have any knowledge of any incursions into US airspace prior to or during his time in office. He also said he was not briefed on any China issues like this. GOP officials, meanwhile, have roundly condemned the Biden administration as a failure for the latest incident, rolled into a larger right-wing political talking point aimed at the presidents relationship with China. This administration didnt just fail here. They failed to prepare after the first time this happened during this administration, according to Republican-led House Intelligence Committee chair Mike Turner, speaking to NBCs Meet the Press. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the administration and intelligence officials are prepared to meet with key officials from the Trump administration about Chinas surveillance programme. We are willing to have that conversation, she told reporters on 6 February. How did China respond? Chinas Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng has lodged a formal complaint with the US embassy, accusing the White House of an overreaction to the surveillance balloon incident caused by force majeure. The facts are clear but the United States turned a deaf ear and insisted on indiscriminate use of force against the civilian airship that was about to leave the United States airspace. It obviously overreacted and seriously violated the spirit of international law and international practice, Xie said in a statement on 5 February. The day after that statement, Chinese authorities took ownership of an unmanned aircraft spotted above Latin America by the Colombian Air Force and Costa Ricas Civil Aviation Authority. Due to the impact of weather and limited self-steering ability, this aircraft seriously deviated from its scheduled course, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a press conference on 6 February. When asked why China had been unable to keep track of its balloons, Mao said she is not an expert and added that this is not the first time that control was lost of balloons used for scientific purposes by the international community. [Source] On Tuesday, a local court in Seoul recognized the atrocities committed by South Korean troops during the Vietnam War and ordered the government to compensate a Vietnamese victim 30 million won (approximately $24,000). Nguyen Thi Thanh first filed a suit in 2020 against the South Korean government for the wartime civilian massacre that took place in the villages of Phong Nhi and Phong Nhut on Feb. 12, 1968. According to Nguyens testimony, South Korean troops opened fire on unarmed civilians mostly women and children in a well-documented massacre that ultimately left 74 dead. "(Then) the soldiers of the 2nd Korean Marine Brigade entered the plaintiff's house and threatened the family members at gunpoint to force them outside. And then they fired at them," the ruling reads. "The court acknowledges that the family members of the plaintiff were killed on the spot and the plaintiff was seriously wounded as a consequence. This is obviously illegal." More from NextShark: Memphis man charged for beating wife to death on Fiji honeymoon denied bail Nguyen, now 62 years old, lost five of her family members and continues to suffer from gunshot injuries sustained in the 1968 attack. She was 8 years old at the time. By 1968, South Korean troops had been involved in the Vietnam War for four years. An estimated 350,000 troops were deployed there between the years of 1964 and 1973. Appearing in one of the trials last November, 76-year-old Ryu Jin-seong, a former member of the South Korean marine unit responsible for the killings, corroborated Nguyens testimony and said that a commander had told the marines to kill the civilians. More from NextShark: Hybe dismisses barrage of bullying accusations against Le Sserafim member Kim Garam as 'one-sided' "I stepped forward to testify in court because nobody else would tell the truth, Ryu said. South Korea must come clean on its past. As the trial proceeded, the South Korean government continued to deny allegations of its military involvement in the massacre, citing a lack of evidence. Story continues The governments lawyers also claimed that Vietcong forces may have posed as South Korean troops, and that the statute of limitations, in which a plaintiff must file a complaint against the government within five years of an event, had expired in 1973. More from NextShark: Pacific Islander man charged with hate crime in robberies targeting Asian spas in Washington state The Seoul Central District Court, presided by Judge Park Jin-soo, dismissed these claims and held the government responsible for the clear illegal actions of its troops. The court also ordered that Nguyen be additionally compensated for attorney fees and for delayed interest incurred over the five decades since the massacre took place. The ruling is the first of its kind in South Korea, setting precedent for South Korean acknowledgment of their involvement in Vietnam War atrocities, and is expected to prompt other litigations involving Vietnamese wartime victims. More from NextShark: Repeat offender faces up to 107 years in prison for brutal attack on Delaware jewelry store owner Nguyen was not present for the court ruling on Tuesday, but in a video shared by her lawyers, she described herself as elated and that she hoped the 74 victims could now rest in peace. The Russian authorities have ordered the inspection and repair of bomb shelters throughout the country on the background of the war in Ukraine. The inspections are taking place even in the most remote oblasts of the Russian Federation. Source: The Moscow Times, referring to current and former Russian officials Quote from an official of one of the western Russian oblasts: "No one needed them [bomb shelters] after the collapse of the Soviet Union. But now, due to the situation on the frontlines, the Kremlin has ordered for everything to be sorted out" Details: According to the media outlet, the official procurement portal Zakupki has published hundreds of government tenders for the renovation of bomb shelters in oblasts across the country. Purchases include ventilation repair, waterproofing, door replacement, an air filter and lighting installation. In one example, a tender was announced for 3.8 million roubles (US$54,100) for waterproofing works in a bomb shelter in Samara Oblast in November 2022. According to the Russian official, the decision to inspect the network of bomb shelters was made by the government in the spring of 2022, and the Ministry of Emergency, the Ministry of Defence and other civilian ministries were instructed to conduct a large-scale inspection and clean-up. Such actions are explained by the fact that the military actions in Ukraine are already affecting remote oblasts of Russia. In particular, three attacks on air force bases hundreds of kilometres from the Russian borders in December were linked to the use of Ukrainian drones. According to the media outlet, local authorities in the south of Krasnodar Krai will spend more than 6 million roubles (US$260,000) on bomb shelters this year. 50 million rubles ($712,000) will be spent in Nizhny Novgorod and almost a million roubles (US$14,240) in Ryazan. The directive from Moscow on the renovation of bomb shelters was confirmed to The Moscow Times by a senior official in the administration of one of the oblasts of the Russian Far East, located more than 7,000 kilometres from the contact line in Ukraine. Story continues As the official states, the Kremlin has issued an order to carry out these works on inspection and repair shelters everywhere. The Kremlin is now facing two problems: most of the country's bomb shelters have been left in disrepair or abandoned since the Soviet Union, and Russia lacks enough bomb shelters to serve its current population. In particular, last month, officials in the northern city of Petrozavodsk said that public bomb shelters can accommodate only one-eighth of the city's residents. One former official, speaking to The Moscow Times, linked Russia's newfound interest in bomb shelters to a growing fear of nuclear war after Putins order to put Russian nuclear forces on "high alert" in late February 2022. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! MEXICO CITY (AP) Kyle Busch was detained at a Mexican airport late last month when a handgun and ammunition were discovered in his luggage, the NASCAR star acknowledged this week, apologizing for the incident and calling it a mistake. Busch was sentenced this month to 3 1/2 years in prison and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine for having a gun and ammunition, a punishment handed down by a judge in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, home to beach destinations Cancun and Tulum. The federal Attorney Generals Office said the judge decided to allow a conditional punishment and let Busch leave Mexico after he paid a bond. The office did not say how much he paid. A two-time NASCAR champion and the winningest active driver in the Cup Series, Busch acknowledged the situation in a Monday social media post. He said he has a valid concealed carry permit from my local authority and adhere to all handgun laws, but I made a mistake by forgetting it was in my bag. Discovery of the handgun led to my detainment while the situation was resolved. I was not aware of Mexican law and had no intention of bringing a handgun into Mexico," Busch wrote. "When it was discovered, I fully cooperated with the authorities, accepted the penalties, and returned to North Carolina. I apologize for my mistake and appreciate the respect shown by all parties as we resolved the matter. My family and I consider this issue closed. A NASCAR spokesperson said Tuesday that Busch informed the sanctioning body of the incident and is not facing any punishment. Busch is in his first season driving for Richard Childress Racing and finished third in Sunday night's debut, a preseason exhibition at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Richard Childress, the team owner of Busch's new car, is an avid hunter and prominent member of the NRA. Busch was arrested by the National Guard on Jan. 27 after trying to depart Cancuns international airport. A scan of his luggage at the terminal for private aircraft revealed a .380 caliber pistol with six hollow-point bullets, according to a statement from the Attorney Generals Office. Story continues Busch was brought Jan. 29 before a judge who ruled the arrest was legal and Busch was sentenced Feb. 3, according to the statement. The next step would be the judge scheduling another hearing to set the details of Buschs conditional punishment and where he will pay the fine. He could avoid any additional jail time. Mexicos constitution guarantees citizens right to own a handgun and hunting rifles for self-defense and sport, but there are significant bureaucratic hurdles to obtaining a legally registered handgun and the military is the only legal seller. The country is awash with illegal guns, however, most of which are purchased in the United States and smuggled into Mexico. Last August, Busch and his family were inside the Mall of America in suburban Minneapolis when shots were fired. They were able to safely leave the mall unharmed. ___ AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports (Bloomberg) -- Latvias security services are probing whether sanctioned Russian billionaire Petr Aven should be stripped of his Latvian citizenship under a law adopted in response to the Kremlins invasion of Ukraine. Most Read from Bloomberg The inquiry has been underway for some time and investigators have yet to submit their conclusions, Andrejs Vaivars, a communications adviser to Interior Minister Maris Kucinskis, said by phone, declining to provide further details. The Leta newswire reported the probe earlier on Monday. The Baltic nations parliament adopted legislation in April 2022 that allows authorities to revoke the citizenship of holders of more than one passport found to have supported genocide, crimes against peace, and threats to the territorial integrity and constitutional order of democratic states. Should the security services find that Aven has violated the law, the report will be sent to the Office of Citizenship and Migration for a decision, which could later be challenged in court. Aven declined to comment. The billionaires grandfather was Latvian, and he was granted citizenship in 2016 after meeting naturalization requirements and passing a language exam. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Flag of Latvia Latvia confiscates cars from drunk drivers, which are later sold at fairly low prices at auctions organized by the VID. Therefore, local residents have a high interest in such cars since the one who offers the highest amount can become its owner. Read also: Latvia wont participate in Olympics alongside athletes from Russia and Belarus Since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Latvia has been actively supporting Kyiv in the humanitarian and military spheres, as well as calling on other European countries to do the same. Read also: Latvia warns Russian envoy to leave country by Feb. 24 Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine In a flurry of pretrial filings, lawyers for the so-called ComEd Four are seeking to keep large swaths of evidence away from the jury next month, including the utilitys admissions of a scheme to influence then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, the millions of dollars in campaign contributions ComEd showered on lawmakers, and a prosecution expert who would testify about machine politics and corruption. A filing by attorneys for ex-City Club President Jay Doherty late Monday got to the heart of the defense: That the feds will fail to show a connection between the money ComEd was showering on Madigan associates and his official duties to influence any legislation. The governments case against Doherty is at best circumstantial but more accurately it is speculative, his lawyers, Gabrielle Sansonetti and Michael Gillespie wrote. His statements, they said, suggest only as a lobbyist would, that keeping Madigan happy helps ensure access to Madigan so ComEd can lobby Madigan on its behalf. Prosecutors, meanwhile, want to bar the defense from making a Blagojevich-esque Play all the Tapes argument, and keep them from suggesting to the jury that government played favorites by not charging certain individuals in the case including Madigan. The motions filed late Monday were the first in whats expected to be a weekslong battle over what specific evidence can come into the bombshell bribery conspiracy trial, which begins with jury selection March 6 at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. Charged in the case were Madigans longtime confidant, Michael McClain, 75, of downstate Quincy, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, 64, ex-ComEd lobbyist John Hooker, 73, and Doherty, 69, the former head of the City Club of Chicago. All of the defendants have pleaded not guilty. The trial, which is scheduled to last up to two months, is the first arising from the yearslong corruption investigation into ComEds lobbying practices in Springfield, and will offer a preview of the criminal case against Madigan, who was indicted separately in March 2022 and is currently set for trial next year. Story continues The ComEd conspiracy charges alleged McClain, a former legislator and lobbyist whose connections to Madigan go back to their time in the General Assembly together in the 1970s, orchestrated a scheme to funnel jobs and hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments from the utility to Madigan-approved consultants in exchange for Madigans assistance with legislation the utility giant wanted passed in Springfield. The indictment also alleged ComEd agreed to hire numerous summer interns from Madigans 13th Ward, and install former McPier boss Juan Ochoa on the companys board of directors in order to curry favor with the then-powerful speaker. ComEd, meanwhile, entered into a deferred prosecution deal with prosecutors in July 2020, agreeing to pay a record $200 million fine and cooperate with the investigation in exchange for bribery charges being dropped in three years. In his filing Monday, Pramaggiores attorney, Scott Lassar, argued that ComEds deal with prosecutors was irrelevant when it comes to the defendants on trial, and that allowing the jury to hear evidence about it would be improper. Allowing the jury to learn of ComEds agreement to pay $200 million would severely prejudice defendants because jurors may conclude that ComEd thought that its officers committed a very serious crime if they paid a $200 million fine, Lassar wrote. Attorneys for the defendants have also asked U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber to bar certain testimony from former ComEd Vice President Fidel Marquez, who cooperated in the investigation after being confronted by agents in January 2019 and made secret recordings of his colleagues. Lassar said Marquez was acting as a government agent when he made the recordings and therefore his statements should be considered hearsay. The fact Marquez was cooperating also calls into question the truth and accuracy of his statements, Lassar wrote, because the language he used may have been suggested by the government or tailored by Mr. Marquez to conform to what he believed the government wanted to hear. All four defendants are also seeking to bar evidence of their salaries and other compensation from ComEd, saying its irrelevant and could prejudice the jury. The Tribune has previously reported that Pramaggiore received as much as $1.8 million in pay and benefits in 2011 alone. Hooker received $1.15 million in compensation and benefits that same year for similar non-lobbying activity, while McClain received $438,000 from ComEd for non-lobbying work after he had retired from lobbying. A chart filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission also showed Dohertys consulting firm received $3.7 million from 2010 through 2019 for duties ranging from promoting positive relations with ward organizations to working with the office of the mayor and city agencies. ComEd identified three Doherty subcontractors as doing little or no work, including Ray Nice, a longtime precinct captain in Madigans 13th Ward. Nice picked up $450,000 from February 2012 through July 2019. The other two subcontractors were former 13th Ward Ald. Frank Olivo, who received $384,000 from August 2011 through July 2019, and former Ald. Mike Zalewski of the neighboring 23rd Ward, who collected $70,000 from June 2018 through July 2019. Nice, Olivo and Zalewski have not been charged in the case. Among the other evidentiary issues the defense raised in its motions Monday was a request to bar the expert testimony of professor Dick Simpson, a former Chicago alderman, whom prosecutors have tapped to describe for jurors the structure, method, and operation of the Chicago political machine. Lawyers for the defendants described Simpsons proposed testimony as unreliable, irrelevant, cumulative and prejudicial and a transparent attempt to paint the four defendants with the broad brush of Chicago political corruption. Even if the 150-year history of Chicago political corruption were at all relevant to the facts at issue, the jury needs no special expertise to understand that there has historically been political corruption in Chicago, the defense motion stated. McClains attorney, Patrick Cotter, argued that testimony about two alleged subcontractors under Dohertys consulting company who were separately appointed to paid public board positions would be irrelevant because it has nothing to do with benefits to ComEd. Lawyers for Hooker, meanwhile, are seeking to bar evidence that Madigan in 2018 delegated control over major gambling legislation to McClain, who then gave directions and advice to Madigans staff and to the bills sponsor, state Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island. Hookers attorney also wants to bar evidence about Kevin Quinn, the Madigan lieutenant who received monthly payments from the speakers loyalists after he was ousted in a sexual harassment scandal a story first revealed by the Tribune in 2019. Defense lawyers also sought to prevent any information about a July 2018 fundraiser for Ald. Edward Burke, the 14th Ward dean of the City Council who has been indicted in his own high-profile corruption case, saying a recording that references the event would be irrelevant, unduly prejudicial, a waste of time and risks confusing the jury. In a motion of their own, prosecutors asked Leinenweber for a host of rulings that were mostly standard requests by the U.S. attorneys office in criminal trials, including barring defendants from presenting irrelevant evidence of other, legal acts, and from using the Golden Rule argument with the jury asking them to put themselves in the defendants shoes. And the U.S. attorneys office also wants to bar any insinuation that the government was hiding something by playing only a portion of the secret recordings made during the investigation a refrain employed repeatedly in public statements by convicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The court should bar the defendants from asking questions or making comments that invite juror speculation regarding the existence or content of recordings or portions of recordings not played at trial, prosecutors wrote. Such comments or questions serve no legitimate purpose they cause the jury to focus on evidence that is not in front of them, and wrongly suggest that the government is withholding evidence favorable to the defense from the jury. The ComEd Four trial promises to be the biggest political corruption trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse since Blagojevich was convicted by a jury in 2011. Among those expected to testify is Ochoa, the former boss of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, who was appointed to a lucrative position on ComEds board after pressure allegedly from Madigan and McClain. The Tribune has reported that in 2017, Ochoa enlisted the help of then-U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez to lobby Madigan for the board appointment and also met with then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Ochoas testimony could also touch on U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia, a political ally of Ochoas who at the time had formed an unusual political alliance with Madigan, the Tribune has reported. Garcia, who is now running for mayor, has denied any involvement in Ochoas appointment to the board. The trial will also offer a preview of many of the allegations against Madigan himself, who was indicted along with McClain last March on racketeering conspiracy charges alleging an array of corrupt schemes, including the alleged plan to use the power of his office to steer ComEd money to his cronies. That case has been set for trial in April 2024. Madigan, who was dethroned from the speakership in January 2021, has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges against him. Hes also vigorously defended making job recommendations, both before and after his indictment. Not only is helping people find jobs not a crime, Madigan wrote in 2020 to a legislative panel, its not even ethically improper for politicians to make job recommendations. To the contrary, I believe that it is part of my duties as a community and political leader to help good people find work from potential executives to college interns, and more, Madigan wrote. What an employer chooses to do with that recommendation rests solely with their discretion. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com rlong@chicagotribune.com BEIRUT (Reuters) - At least 1,932 people were killed and thousands injured in Syria following a number of deadly earthquakes and aftershocks in neighbouring Turkey, authorities and rescuers said on Tuesday. State news agency SANA said at least 812 people were killed and 1,449 people injured in the government-held provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, Idlib and Tartous. At least 1,120 people were killed in Syria's opposition-held northwest and 2,500 injured with the toll expected to "rise dramatically," rescuers in the region said. A magnitude 7.8 quake hit Turkey and Syria early on Monday, toppling thousands of buildings, including many apartment blocks, wrecking hospitals, and leaving thousands of people injured or homeless. (Reporting by Hatem Maher and Nayera Abdallah in Cairo and Timour Azhari in Beirut, Editing Frank Jack Daniel, and William Maclean) Police were called to at least four high schools across Michigan on Tuesday, Feb. 7, on reports of school shootings that turned out to be fake. Police were called to at least six high schools across Michigan on Tuesday, Feb. 7, on reports of school shootings that turned out to be fake. So far, there have been no reports of injuries at any of the schools, located in Portage, Saginaw, Okemos, Jackson, Ann Arbor and Muskegon with possibly more tips rolling in. More:Official: All students, staff safe at Okemos High after false report of shooting More:Jonesville police arrest student behind Wednesday's school threat MSP sent a release to schools saying the calls were the actions of a coordinated campaign, targeting K-12 schools around the state. MSP said several agencies reported similar details the caller had a heavy accent and stated the schools name and address. The caller said they were a teacher in the school and reported that a student had shot another student. The caller then gave a room number that was found to not exist in the school, MSP said. Portage Department of Public Safety Chief Nick Armold confirmed to WOOD TV-8 that Portage Northern High School received some sort of hoax or swatting call. A message from the school to parents said it was the victim of a prank. We had units on scene within about 90 seconds, and probably, I would imagine within 30 seconds after that and conferring with school officials, we were able to ascertain it was a fake prank call, Portage DPS Deputy Director Jeff VanderWiere said. "Swatting" is when someone makes a fake 911 call to prompt the unnecessary response of a SWAT team. Officials in Muskegon confirmed another report came in for Muskegon High School. It also turned out to be a complete hoax, Muskegon Police Department Chief Tim Kozal said. Kozal told WOOD TV-8 the call came from an untraceable number, likely a Google number. Police in Battle Creek and Benton Harbor confirmed they were investigating similar fake school threats. East of Lansing, there was a heavy police presence at Okemos High School on Tuesday morning. Local police said the call about an active shooter came in just after 9 a.m. They searched the building, learned there was no active threat and gave the all-clear. Okemos canceled classes for the day. Story continues A nearly identical call was made to Jackson High School, with the district writing on social media it got a hoax call from an unknown Google number. The school also said it got an all-clear from police. Jackson Public Schools thanked police for their quick response, saying they were on the scene within minutes of the phone call in full force with the utmost care and concern for the safety of our students and staff. MSP tweeted a warning Tuesday that its a crime to make such bogus reports. Subscribe:Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage Parents, this is a good time to remind the kids. Usually, after a large incident like this we get copycat calls for days following the incident. While some may consider it a joke, it is a good way to ruin your life if convicted of a false threat of terrorism. Meanwhile, in Saginaw, ABC-12 reported several police agencies responded to a shooting hoax at Nouvel Catholic Central High School. Just last week, a student was arrested for "swatting" Jonesville Community Schools. She was held on charges of conspiracy to communicate a terroristic threat, a 20-year felony in Michigan. Threats of violence in our schools disrupt the classroom, tax our local law enforcement agencies and harm our students sense of safety, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wrote in a statement. "Whether these are real threats made by those intent on doing harm or pranks made by kids trying to get a day off, they are real crimes with real consequences. Its critical that adults and students alike understand the seriousness of these threats and the criminal charges they could face. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: At least six Michigan high schools receive false shooting calls Update: Leonard Raheem Taylor was executed by lethal injection at the state prison in Bonne Terre. He was pronounced dead at 6:16 p.m. on Jan. 7. Lawyers for Leonard Raheem Taylor, who is slated to be executed Tuesday evening, have asked the Missouri Supreme Court to direct a prison warden to let his spiritual advisor be with him in the execution chamber. In a petition Tuesday, Taylors attorneys cited a state statute that says a warden, at the request of a prisoner, shall permit any five people, other than someone who is incarcerated, to be present at the execution. The filing came a day after Richard Adams, warden of the correctional center in Bonne Terre, denied Taylors request to have a spiritual advisor present. Adams said Taylor previously waived his right to have witnesses or clergy there, and that Taylors verbal request for the accommodation Monday came too late. The department is unable to reasonably accommodate this request due to institutional security concerns related to changing the protocol at this late hour, Adams wrote in a letter. But Taylors lawyers say state law does not let a warden exclude anyone other than an incarcerated individual. Taylors rights were violated under that statute, they wrote, adding that the refusal also increases the punishment imposed on him. Their filing also asks the state Supreme Court to allow two members of Taylors legal team to attend as witnesses. In the alternative, his lawyers are asking the court to halt his execution pending the full determination of his rights with respect to witnesses. Taylors spiritual advisor, Anthony Shahid, visited him recently without incident, as did the two lawyers who Taylor wants at his execution, according to the petition. Earlier Tuesday, Shahid told The Star that the denial was a violation of our civil rights, our religious rights. Ive never seen this type of racism, said Shahid, who is affiliated with Masjid Al-Tauheed, a mosque in St. Louis. Story continues Taylor, 58, is slated to be executed for the 2004 quadruple murder of his girlfriend, Angela Rowe, and her three children: Alexus Conley, 10; Acqreya Conley, 6; and Tyrese Conley, 5. They were found shot in their home in Jennings, near St. Louis. In 2008, a jury convicted Taylor of four counts of first-degree murder and four counts of armed criminal action. But Taylor maintains he is innocent, saying he was halfway across the country when the victims were killed. Groups like the New York-based Innocence Project have called for a halt to his execution so his claim of wrongful conviction can be vetted. The decision to not allow a spiritual advisor to be with Taylor outraged his supporters, including ones with the anti-capital punishment group Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty. Little did we know in 2023, that even on the eve of an execution, the condemned will be denied the presence of a spiritual advisor the last chance to repent, receive God or receive a prayer for the innocent, said Nimrod Chapel, Jr., president of the Missouri NAACP. Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states must accommodate the wishes of condemned prisoners who want to have their pastors pray aloud and touch them during their executions. When Missouri executed Kevin Johnson in November for killing a police officer in 2005, the Rev. Darryl Gray sat next to him, his hand resting on the prisoners shoulder as the drug was delivered. It was like when you turn on a faucet and feel the water running through, Gray told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of feeling the pentobarbital in Johnson. I can only hope God took him then. Taylors lawyers appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, focusing on his innocence claim. The court denied his petition Tuesday afternoon. If he is executed, he will be the third person to die by lethal injection in 10 weeks in Missouri. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Leonardo DiCaprio has sparked yet another rumour that he is dating a woman many years younger than he is, after pictures emerged of him attending a party with 19-year-old Israeli model Ebony Riley. Now, social media users have added a strange new context by comparing the alleged 29-year age gap between DiCaprio and Riley to Pedro Pascals age gap with his The Last Of Us co-star Bella Ramsey. Neither DiCaprio nor Riley have confirmed if they are in a relationship. The Dont Look Up star has previously been criticised for never publicly dating a woman over the age of 25. But Twitter users have been sharing snaps of Pascal, 47, and Ramsey, 19, to demonstrate how stark the age difference is. In the hit HBO series The Last of Us, Pascal plays Joel, who is tasked with protecting a young girl named Ellie (Ramsey) as they try to reach safety in a post-apocalyptic world where people who have been infected by a fungus turn violent as they try to spread it. Joels role as a father figure to Ellie is made even more apparent by their age gap. Comparing Pascal and Ramseys age gap to DiCaprio and Rileys, some Twitter users branded the latter as gross and awkward. The ick is at all-time high, wrote one person, while another said they nearly spat out my drink after realising how different the two relationships are despite having a similar age gap. A third said: As a rule, if youre old enough to remember 9/11 you cannot date someone whose school years were interrupted by Covid. DiCaprio was spotted out with Riley last week during the release party for her new EP. He was previously romantically linked to 23-year-old model Victoria Lamas, who he was last spotted out in public with in December. Lamas is the daughter of actor Lorenzo Lamas, who told the New York Postin December that she was smitten by DiCaprio but insisted they are friends, not in a serious relationship. Story continues The Oscar-winning actor reportedly broke up with his girlfriend of four years, Camila Morrone, just after her 25th birthday in June last year. Reports that the pair had split up emerged in August, after fans joked on social media that the relationship was about to come to an end after they learned she was turning 25 last year. The Independent has contacted DiCaprios representative for comment. Peru's President Dina Boluarte speaks during a news conference in Lima on Jan. 24. (Martin Mejia / Associated Press) To the editor: The failed coup carried out by former President Pedro Castillo of Peru led to the constitutional succession of his office to Dina Boluarte. In line with the wishes of the public, President Boluarte submitted to Congress a bill to bring forward the date of the next election. ("'They don't see us as humans.' In Peru, protests over racism and neglect spill from the Andes," Feb. 1) The political crisis helped spark protests that have their roots in the historical debt owed to long-marginalized regions and sectors of Peru. Nevertheless, there have also been actions motivated by political interests or done with the purpose of producing violence. This has included the attempted takeover of airports and other critical assets, the burning of public offices and attacks on police stations and prosecutors' offices. There is a right to protest, but these violent actions are clearly intended to subvert the constitutional order. These circumstances constitute a threat to our democracy and the rule of law. The Peruvian transitional government is committed to respecting human rights and deeply regrets the irreplaceable lives of a significant number of our fellow citizens that have been lost. Aware of the international community's concern, the government has welcomed representatives of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to the country. The Prosecutor's Office of Peru is investigating the recent violence in our country. The government awaits its findings. Jose Luis Chavez Gonzales, Los Angeles The writer is consul general for Peru in Los Angeles. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) speaks with reporters inside the U.S. Capitol in 2021. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) To the editor: Seven years before she was elected to Congress in 2019, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) tweeted, as noted in a House resolution, "Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel." ("Removing Democrats from House committee is petty partisan payback from GOP," editorial, Feb. 2) She has continued to make offensive remarks about Israel and the Jews of this country. She may have "apologized" for her remarks, but many people do that when they are caught and condemned for their behavior. As a bigoted person, she is not appropriate to sit on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Her removal by Republicans is not just "petty partisan payback." Beth Ruben, Santa Barbara .. To the editor: Last week, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) removed Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee over remarks made in 2019 that were condemned as antisemitic. However, Omar's constituents and other Foreign Affairs Committee members feel that her voice and her perspective as an immigrant is necessary. Also, after the last presidential election, multiple Republican lawmakers objected to certifying the result. Some now sit on committees investigating those who attempted to hold the former administration responsible for the insurgency. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), one of the 147 GOP House members who voted against certification, now heads a subcommittee tasked with investigating the "weaponization of the federal government." Even more concerning, two Democratic representatives seated on the House Intelligence Committee were removed, and Jordan's new subcommittee wants access to highly classified information. I have a distinct feeling this will not end well for the country. Kathryn Louyse, Glendale This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a news conference in Daytona Beach Shores on Jan. 18. (SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images) To the editor: As a graduate of New College of Florida, I witnessed the recent board meeting in which Gov. Ron DeSantis' newly appointed trustees ignored community pleas to get to know the school before taking a wrecking ball to it. For those who cherish a liberal arts education, it was a depressing spectacle. The new appointees demonstrated how political lust could destroy a highly regarded public college. Watching them dismiss the concerns of the one student trustee was especially noteworthy. When she objected to voting on an interim president and legal counsel she had never heard of, the condescending response was that these men were respected by the new majority, end of discussion. One trustee, undaunted by his earlier inability to craft a motion and misreading of the school's budget, mansplained that she was free to vote no, sunshine be damned. Watching this impressive young woman process this real-politick ramrodding was hard to watch. But these appointees had revealed who they are and what they value and what they value isn't education. Carol Flint, Santa Monica .. To the editor: College should be a place where ideas of all political viewpoints are shared and respected. Unfortunately, since the 2016 election, conservative students have had to go underground because of prejudicial professors and peers. This does not mean that I support DeSantis appointing only conservative trustees at the New College of Florida. A nice mix of views would be best. But I do know this: If you are a conservative parent, you have to give your first-year college child a talk. This talk basically says that if your professor is a leftist, agree with everything he has to say, parrot his politics back to him on his exams, and escape from his class with a good grade. America's colleges should not lean right or left but be institutions where one learns to respect the cogent ideas from both sides of the political spectrum. Mark Walker, Yorba Linda .. To the editor: Universities and colleges are for learning the status quo, yes. But more importantly, they are also an environment to question the status quo. Story continues Without new thinking, how does a society evolve? How does it move from, say, slavery to abolition without the addition of "liberal" thought? Russ Woody, Los Angeles This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A high school in Lexington County was evacuated Tuesday after it was named in the most recent threat targeting a Midlands school. A threat against Airport High School was made in an email late Tuesday morning, Lexington 2 spokeswoman Dawn Kujawa said in a news release. The school is on Boston Avenue in West Columbia, about 2 miles from Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Law enforcement was contacted immediately and was soon on the schools campus investigating the threat, according to the release. Information about the threat was not available. Students and staff are safe, but used fire drill procedures to evacuate the building at the request of law enforcement, according to the release. No one is allowed on or off campus except for law enforcement and district/school administrators while the drill is in process, Kujawa said. There was no word how long the evacuation could last, and if students would return to the building or be sent home early. Airport High School This continues a trend of Midlands schools being threatened. Last week, several schools in Lexington and Richland counties were either evacuated or placed under a safety protocol as they were targeted by threats, officials said. Airport High School was one of the schools that was named in a threat last Thursday. During that incident, the school was placed on a hold, with students and teachers remaining in place in their rooms for instruction and activities, before a staggered early dismissal of students in the afternoon. The sheriffs departments in both counties, as well as the Lexington Police Department, said no credible evidence of the threats was found after the law enforcement agencies searched the schools. A student from Spring Valley High School was arrested last Thursday in connection with threats targeting Midlands schools, according to the Richland County Sheriffs Department. The 15-year-old was charged with threatening to use a destructive device, conveying false information about using a destructive device, student threats and disturbing schools, the Richland County Sheriffs Department said. The Richland County Sheriffs Department deemed all of the threats to be hoaxes done to disrupt schools. On Monday, the teen was charged with similar crimes in Lexington County in connection with the Feb. 2 threats made to River Bluff High School and the Lexington Technology Center, the sheriffs department said. This is a developing story, check back for updates. Lexington is giving 16 Fayette County schools grants to help them address violence and trauma among students. Children who live in a home experiencing trauma related to violence need extra support, said Mayor Linda Gorton, who announced the new grants at a press conference Tuesday at the Fayette County Public Schools administration building. Devine Carama, director of the citys violence intervention and prevention program One Lexington, said the city chose the 16 schools most affected by homicides and non-fatal shootings. The $1,000 and $500 grants will go to the Family Resource and Youth Service Centers which serve every school. Those centers help address issues that affect student learning, such as connecting families to rental and food assistance or mental health services. The schools are a key partner in helping the city address homicides, Carama said. The family and youth resource centers have long been a great partner in that effort, he said. Recently a 4-year-old girl was shot while she was sleeping in an apartment off of Centre Parkway. Carama received a call from the school system which then connected him to the girls family resource center at her school. That family will need extra support, he said. We have to work together more, Carama said. Last year, the city set a record for the most homicides with 44. It went all of January with no homicides until Monday night when Marquis Tompkins Jr., 24, was found shot on Toner Street. Still, the city has seen the number of youth ages 13-24 involved in homicides dramatically decrease over the past 12 months, Gorton said. Violence intervention and prevention programs guided by One Lexington is helping stem or turn the tide, Gorton said. The grants also come at a time when the Fayette County Public School system has also seen more behavioral problems in schools. On Friday, a fight between two Tates Creek High School students ended with school police having to pepper spray the two students. A 17-year-old student at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School was recently charged with three felonies after school personnel found a loaded gun in his backpack. Story continues Ciera Bowman, Family Resource Youth Services Center coordinator at Henry Clay High School, said students are struggling with many issues. Because schools were closed during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, they lost two years of socialization skills. Bowman will use her $1,000 grant to team up with Frederick Douglass High School to hold youth summits. The first youth summit will help give students strategies to deal with conflicts. Other youth summits will also focus on listening to students, Bowman said. As adults, we often think we know what youth need, but we need to listen to them, Bowman said. She also hopes the summits will help students feel empowered, she said. This donation represents more than just money, Bowman said. It represents the support our youth need within our community, within their schools and wherever they can be reached. Those schools receiving $1,000 grants are: Lexington Traditional Magnet, Winburn Middle School, Bryan Station Middle School, Crawford Middle School, Tates Creek Middle School, Henry Clay High School, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Frederick Douglass High School, The Learning Center and Martin Luther King Jr. Academy. Those schools receiving $500 grants are: Williams Well Brown Elementary School, Booker T. Washington Elementary School, Arlington Elementary School, Mary Todd Elementary Shcool, Deep Springs Elementary School and Rosa Parks Elementary School. Tuesdays announcement is the first round of grants the city will give to address violence. The city has a separate $50,000 fund for gun violence prevention programs. Those micro-grants will be for up to $7,500 for nonprofits working in community violence intervention. Those grants are expected to be awarded later this month, Carama said. TOKYO (AP) Japanese LGBTQ people and rights groups condemned a recent discriminatory remark by a senior aide of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, demanding his government enact laws to ban discrimination against sexual minorities, legalize same-sex marriage and guarantee equal rights before Japan hosts a Group of Seven summit in May. Their comments at a news conference Tuesday followed remarks last week by Kishida aide Masayoshi Arai, who was fired after telling reporters he wouldn't want to live next to LGBTQ people and that citizens would flee Japan if same-sex marriage was allowed. Despite Kishida's quick dismissal of Arai, a comment the prime minister made earlier last week raised questions about his intentions toward sexual minorities. Responding to an opposition lawmakers question in parliament, Kishida said whether to allow same-sex marriage is an issue that must be examined extremely carefully. A decision requires a thorough examination of all of society because the issue may change the concept of family and values as well as society," he said. At Tuesday's news conference, LGBTQ activists and their supporters said while Arai's remarks displayed outright prejudice against sexual minorities, Kishida's equivocal comments suggested his reluctance to tackle the issue despite his earlier pledge to create an inclusive and diverse society. Discriminatory remarks by the prime minister's aide made it clear to the rest of the world that Japan is a country that does not care about the rights of sexual minorities," said Takako Uesugi, a lawyer and director of Marriage For All Japan, an organization campaigning for legalization of same-sex marriage. Noting that Japan is the only member of the Group of Seven advanced industrialized nations that lacks a law protecting the rights of sexual minorities, she said, We must say Japan is not fit to lead the G-7 summit if we leave the situation unaddressed." Story continues They demanded the government immediately begin the process of legalizing same-sex marriage, establish a working team to study ways to guarantee the rights of sexual minorities, appoint an aide to the prime minister who specializes in sexual minorities' rights, and include statistics of same-sex couples in the national census. Support for sexual diversity has grown slowly in Japan and legal protections are still lacking for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. They often face discrimination at school, work and at home, causing many to hide their sexual identities. In recent years, more than 200 local municipalities, including Tokyo, have introduced certificates of partnerships for same-sex couples allowing them to rent apartments and sign documents in medical emergencies, and for inheritance. Still, the certificates are not legally binding and same-sex couples are often barred from visiting each other in the hospital and from getting access to other services available to married couples. Campaigns for equal rights for sexual minorities have faced resistance from conservatives in Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas governing Liberal Democratic Party. An attempt to enact an equality awareness promotion law ahead of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics was quashed by the party. Amid national outrage over Arai's remarks, the party's secretary general, Toshimitsu Motegi, said he planned to start preparing for legislation to promote awareness of LGBTQ rights, but some conservatives have already shown resistance. A group of non-partisan lawmakers also said they hope to enact an equality law by the G-7 summit. The activists noted Japan signed the G-7 Elmau summit communique in June which calls for full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls in all their diversity as well as LGBTIQ+ persons in politics, economics, education and all other spheres of society. Kishida's lack of effort to establish legal protection is tantamount to promoting discrimination, said Soshi Matsuoka, an activist who launched an online petition for laws promoting anti-discrimination and equality rights that has received more than 40,000 signatures since Sunday. There are local efforts to help both countries impacted by the devastating earthquakes in the eastern Mediterranean. Huseyin Akgun, grew up in Turkey where his sister still lives, and says he can not believe the extent of the damage and what could be next for the people who survived the earthquake. When you are out there in that cold if nobody is taking care of you. You will lose little kids and it is too cold, said Akgun. Nadia Alawa runs a group called NuDay Syria out of Derry, New Hampshire. It is absolutely horrific what is happening, said Alawa. Our mission is to empower and aid women and children with dignity and help them rebuild their lives. Alawa says her team members were in Syria when the earthquake hit and have shared nightmare stories of the aftermath. Crying on the phone and telling us how he was together with the white helmets digging out one father and then having to tell him he had lost his whole family. NuDay says with this emergency the best way to help is financially but there are other things you can do. Prayers are great, wanting to help is great, coming to the warehouse loading donations and continuing with NuDay in the future is awesome but money is what is needed now, said Alawa. Because food needs to be bought locally. Food needs to be distributed and has to happen right away. These locals know the area has so many political challenges but they feel confident the world is helping. Humanity comes out, no matter what, said Akgun. Its also about reaching inside building bridges, building hope there and also in ourselves, said Alawa. Boston University Turkish Student Association is raising donations from GoFundMe for Bridge to Turkey Fund which directly funds ongoing search and rescue efforts in Turkey right now. The NuDay donation fund can be found by clicking this link. All donations are tax-deductible. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The creator of Lockwood and Co has given Netflix the perfect reason to renew the series. Since its release last month, the show has become a sleeper hti for the streaming service, which would typically make a season two renewal a certainty. However in recent years Netflix has made a habit of cancelling shows despite them being at the top of the services most-watched charts, leading to widespread criticism. Lockwood and Co fans enjoying the series are urging the service not to cancel the show and Attack the Block director Cornish himself has explained why that would be a disappointing decision. Firstly, season one covers the first two books in Jonathan Strouds books series: The Screaming Staircase and The Whispering Skull. Speaking to Empire in the new issue, Cornish confirms that the initial run of Lockwood & Co covers the first two books in Strouds five-book series. So theres definitely a couple more seasons in the books He says the story in the books is very well-plotted, adding: Jonathan Stroud solidifies the world and thinks of clever ways to explore it the more the books go on. It really goes somewhere, and it does have an end. So yeah, wed love to do more. In the interview, Cornish added: One of the things I dont like about episodic telly is when it doesnt know how its going to end. You get that thing Lost had where its all promise and no delivery. However, its worth noting that Lost drew to a natural close after six seasons with an ending that is commonly misunderstood by viewers. Lockwood and Co on Netflix (Netflix) Lockwood and Co, starring Ruby Stokes, is available to stream on Netflix now. The series follows three young psychic detectives who battle ghosts (referred to as visitors) in London. Kanye West's attorneys finally tracked him down and let him know they were no longer his attorneys. (Evan Agostini / Invision/Associated Press) Kanye West's former attorneys have finally tracked down the elusive artist and cut ties with him, even as he faces a slew of lawsuits, according to reports. Many companies and business partners severed ties with West amid his racist and antisemitic behavior last fall, but his lawyers had to serve him with legally required notice before dropping him as a client. The rapper, who legally changed his name to Ye in 2021, led the attorneys of Greenberg Traurig LLP on a wild goose chase for months, Billboard reported, evading their attempts to serve him. After the "Runaway" performer had dodged the attorneys, including changing his phone number, the firm considered taking the extraordinary measure of buying an advertisement in local Los Angeles newspapers to get his attention, Billboard said, citing legal filings. But on Jan. 27, attorneys were able to locate and serve Ye notice through an unnamed attorney. The address at which Ye was personally served is not one that is publicly affiliated with Ye or his businesses, but one that Ye nonetheless frequents, the rapper's former lawyers wrote in the court filings. The location also appears to be primarily used by persons and entities not affiliated with Ye or his businesses. Attorneys with Greenberg Traurig were not immediately available Monday for comment. Ye continues to face numerous other lawsuits and owes millions to former business associates and music labels, Business Insider reported late last year. His legal woes include copyright infringement allegations stemming from music sampling for his 2022 album, "Donda 2," the report said, as well as contract disputes in which many claim the artist failed to pay them for their work. Among them was an ex-business manager who is suing the Yeezy designer for $4.5 million, the Sun reported, alleging he wasn't paid for 18 months of work as a financial advisor. The former manager also struggled to locate Ye to serve him that lawsuit. Ye's elusive behavior fed into unsubstantiated rumors that the rapper had gone missing. Story continues Most of Ye's business associates, including his closest friends, left him throughout last year as he continued to make hate-filled statements about Jewish people, denied the Holocaust and praised Hitler. He was banned from Twitter in December for violating its rules on inciting violence. Last month, Ye reportedly had a wedding ceremony with Australian architect Bianca Censori, who works for Yeezy. The couple has not filed a certificate that would make it an official marriage. Two months earlier, Ye and Kim Kardashian finalized their divorce. The couple continue to co-parent their four young children, an experience that the beauty mogul and reality TV personality recently admitted has been "really f hard." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Louisiana State Police has released new information on the shooting of Alonzo Bagley. On Feb. 6, LSP provided preliminary investigation details to the public during a press conference. It was revealed that at approximately 10:51 p.m. Feb. 3, two Shreveport Police officers responded to the Villa Norte Apartment Complex in the 1600 block of Fullerton Street. Officers were called to this location in regard to a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, the officers made contact with Bagley, who then exited the apartment via the balcony. Officer Alexander Tyler, 23, was then taken on a short foot chase. Tyler made contact with Bagley when he rounded the corner of the building and fired one shot. A bullet struck Bagley once in the chest. State Police Col. Lamar Davis spoke during a press conference Monday afternoon in regard to the officer-involved shooting that occurred Feb. 3. Feb. 6, 2023. Tyler began performing lifesaving aid to Bagley until Shreveport Fire Department arrived on the scene and transported him to Ochsner LSU Health. Around 11:30 p.m. Bagley was pronounced dead. State Police Col. Lamar Davis said that through the preliminary investigation, detectives were unable to locate any weapons near or on Bagley. "I'm asking for the community to remain patient as we continue to conduct a very thorough investigation," said Davis. "While some may think that this is something that we can arrive to a conclusion immediately, I offer that it's incumbent upon us to conduct a very thorough investigation so that we have all the facts. Transparency in the investigation is a priority for our agency." Bagley's family has retained Haley & Associates. In a press release, Haley & Associates said, "our office will walk through this process with the Bagley family, to ensure transparency and accountability. Attorney Ron Haley believes accountability will result in consequences in both civil and criminal courts." Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana State Police say Alonzo Bagley was unarmed, calls for patience Season nine of Love Island is well underway, and the Islanders are nicely settled in their swanky South African villa. For only the second time, this season is taking place during winter and Maya Jama has taken the reins as host. However, the Islanders better not get too comfortable, as new contestants are always ready and waiting to disrupt proceedings and switch up the dynamics of settled couples. Entering the villa on Wednesday (1 February) is 28-year-old Jordan Odofin, from London. But who is he? What are Jordans vital statistics? Jordan is 28 years old and works as a senior HR advisor. A Londoner, Jordan has already noted that hell bring his London swagger to the villa, and pointed out that not many other men in the villa hail from the nations capital city. He added: Im 65 so Im tall and Ive got a good physique. Ive got a good dress sense and apparently Im easy on the eye, too! As well as this, he says his loved ones would describe him as level-headed, calm, cool, collected and funny. Jordan Odofin, a Love Island bombshell (ITV) Why Love Island? Jordan says that hes turning to the Island for love because, after years of putting effort into his career, hes ready to meet someone special. Im looking to find a genuine connection with someone, he explained. Firstly, Ive been busy and focused on my career and thereve been lots of distractions with dating apps and meeting people on nights out. It feels like the right time for me to settle down. Whats his type? Any icks? Someone like Olivia or Zara may be on Jordans radar, as he says hes on the hunt for a woman who speaks her mind. I need a girl that can put me in my place, therefore Ive got my eye on all the strong women in the villa! he said. Love Island airs nightly (excluding Saturdays) on ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm. By Eloisa Lopez LA UNION, Philippines (Reuters) - Armed with a wooden stick, a bucket and a headlamp, Philippine construction worker Johnny Manlugay hunts every night for the eggs of sea turtles on the pristine beaches of the northern province of La Union. The 55-year-old can easily spot nesting sites, having been trained in his youth by his grandfather how to track the animals and their eggs, which his family traded at the time or ate. But his egg-stealing days are over. Now Manlugay has turned his skills to helping protect marine turtles on the provincial beaches favoured by the endangered Olive Ridley species to build nesting sites. "I've learned to love this work," said Manlugay, who was accompanied by his two dogs. "We didn't know poaching was illegal and that we should not eat turtle eggs and meat." He carefully transferred each egg into his pail, along with some sand from the turtle nests, to be turned over to the group spearheading a conservation programme on the beaches, Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions (CURMA). (For photoessay please click on: ) All five species of sea turtles found in the Philippine archipelago - Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback, and Olive Ridley - are endangered. Slaughtered for their eggs, meat and shells, the turtles, or "pawikan" as they are called, also face threats from trade, hunting, habitat loss and climate change. But the conservation effort established in 2009 has transformed sea turtle poachers into allies, offering incentives and training to help save thousands of turtles and keep their eggs from ending up in markets and on plates. "We talked to the poachers, and it turned out poaching was just another means for them to earn a living," said Carlos Tamayo, the programme's director of operations. "They had no choice." Sea turtles lay 100 eggs to a nest on average, while the numbers of nests range between 35 and 40 each season, which runs from October to February. Story continues Tamayo added that the figure had doubled during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic. At a time when disease curbs kept people indoors, there was a rebound in many aspects of animal activity. "Last season alone, for example, we had 75 nests and we released close to 9,000 hatchlings," Tamayo said. Volunteers receive 20 pesos ($0.37) for each egg collected, or four times what they might earn from selling them. The eggs are transferred to the programme's hatchery to be reburied in protected areas. Former poacher Jessie Cabagbag, who grew up eating turtle meat and eggs, said the extra income from egg collection went a long way for his family, which relies mainly on fishing for its livelihood. "The incentives help us pay for our food and electricity bill. When I got lucky, I was able to save and use it to buy a tricyle which I use (to ferry passengers) when I could not go out to fish, so that's another source of income," he added. Cabagbag, whose wife and seven-year-old son accompany him in patrolling the La Union beach of Bacnotan, has handed more than 1,000 eggs to CURMA since October. "I stopped poaching when we underwent training and were taught that what we have been doing was illegal, and that these species of turtles are endangered," said the 40-year-old. Tourists flock to the spectacle of the blue-grey hatchlings scurrying madly down the sloping beach to reach the water after they are released. The event inspired overwhelming joy in Cabagbag, he said. "I am truly proud. Even our neighbours, they appreciate what I do, because it is not easy. I am happy that I get to contribute to the conservation of the 'pawikan'." ($1=54.6300 Philippine pesos) (Writing by Karen Lema; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) In 2020, kids across Florida went home for spring break and did not return to school. Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the state of Florida shut down schools until the following year. By the fall of 2021, most kids in the state had returned to class, but that return has been marked with what educators call a disturbing trend. Student behavior is pretty much spiraling, says former teacher Kiauna Sharmetta Izliah. Twenty years ago, you didnt see those behaviors so much as you see now. And the behaviors can range from anything from just verbal disrespect to a student physically grabbing a teacher, throwing things at teachers. Read: I dont know what more we could have done: sheriff releases video of deputy-involved shooting The problems with behavior are not isolated to any one school or part of the state. In 2022, Brevard County announced new plans to deal with behavior, while in 2023 Orange County held a meeting with teachers to discuss concerns. Read: Happening tonight: SpaceX to launch Falcon 9 rocket carrying Spanish communications satellite Years of state data reviewed by 9 Investigates show that while not every incident rises to the level of needing to be reported to law enforcement, the number of total incidents is increasing. Additionally, a statewide grand jury report raised questions about if schools are intentionally under-reporting incidents. Read: SeaWorld Orlando offering limited-time BOGO sale on 2 parks I think theyre being under-reported. Just going back to those school grades, is this in a district? Is this A, B or C or B? You know, no one wants to be in the limelight negatively, Izliah said. The rise in violence comes as Florida is struggling to fill vacant teaching positions, with one estimate showing the state 5,700 teachers short for the current school year. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. By Vivian Sequera CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's governing and opposition parties are making progress toward the creation of a $3.2 billion U.N.-administrated fund that would aim to use the country's frozen assets for humanitarian purposes, the top lawmaker from the country's ruling party said on Monday. During Mexico-based talks in November, representatives for the government of President Nicholas Maduro and the U.S.-backed opposition party agreed to create the fund to support healthcare, food and education efforts needed to overcome Venezuela's long-running social and political crisis."If (the fund) happens, and I think we are advancing on some steps in that direction, we can pass to another stage of the conversations," the government's lead negotiator and National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez told television station Globovision. The talks, which cover a range of issues, first began in August 2021 before a 15-month hiatus. They resumed briefly in November 2022 after Washington eased some sanctions on the Maduro government. The opposition hopes the negotiations will help guarantee that elections tentatively scheduled for 2024 are held in fair conditions. Rodriguez did not offer details on what progress had been made toward creation of the humanitarian fund. The United Nations office in Caracas did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment, nor did the head of the opposition's legislature, Dinorah Figuera, who lives in exile in Spain. Rodriguez has previously said there is no reason to return to the talks unless the funds are made available. The opposition's head negotiator, Gerardo Blyde, has said money from the frozen assets is spread across different jurisdictions, each with their own legal requirements. The opposition has said the money could be moved in small tranches to protect it from creditors. (Reporting by Vivian Sequera; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Caitlin Webber) Mady Gosselin, the daughter of reality television stars Jon and Kate Gosselin, is speaking out about respecting her privacy online. On Feb. 4, the 22-year-old former Jon & Kate Plus 8 star posted a nearly two-minute video on TikTok addressing the comments she has received that make assumptions about her family and childhood trauma. In the clip, Gosselin specifically responded to one TikTok user who wrote maybe one day all will heal, referring to the Gosselin family. This is the singular time Im going to address this because it is sending me over the edge, Gosselin said. The rhetoric in so many of my comments about childhood trauma and healing and whatever you want to say about my family, my life, my parents, whatever, is not your business. She continued, As is the case with every other person in the entire world, it is not anybody elses business what they are dealing with behind closed doors if they dont want it to be your business. Gosselin called out the social media users who have labeled her and her siblings as crazy child stars. She pointed out that those particular comments are harmful when the Gosselin children are focusing on building careers and far removed from the TLC reality series that aired from 2007 to 2009. While she acknowledges that she is a public figure, she explained that that does not give commenters the permission to critique every aspect of her life. There seems to be, like, a public consensus that if youre in the public eye, your entire life belongs to the public and that is in no way true, she said. Regardless of whatever narrative youve created in your head from what youve seen, my siblings are doing so well. She went on to praise her siblings, which include her twin, Cara, and 18-year-old sextuplets Collin, Hannah, Alexis, Joel, Leah and Aaden. She gushed, They are all amazing people. They are all smart. They are all kind. Theyre driven students. Theyre working hard. Theyre funny. Theyre stylish. Story continues Gosselin added that if her fans can not respect the boundary she set for herself then they can unfollow her or expect to be blocked from her page. She then told her followers, The internet shouldnt be just a free-for-all where you can bully everyone that you see. Decorum and kindness should still exist in comment sections and you shouldnt say things that you wouldnt say right to my face. In the caption, she opened up more about the judgmental messages she has received from a young age. Ive been getting hate mail since I was 6 but that doesnt mean you need to keep sending it, she wrote. Learn how to respect peoples boundaries and practice kindness. I bet your life will be so much more enjoyable because of it! The college students passionate message to fans comes a few months after her brother Collin Gosselin revealed he hasnt communicated with most of his siblings in years. He shared the news in an interview with ETs Kevin Frazier in November. I have not spoken to my siblings in probably five or six years now, he said at the time. Its tough. He added, I love them to death, as he began to cry. Collin Gosselin said he is only close to his sister Hannah because the two of them moved in with their father in 2018. The 18-year-old still believes that in the future that all the siblings can mend their relationship. I love them very much and I really hope that one day when I have kids, that my kids will know their aunts and uncles, he shared. This article was originally published on TODAY.com For the past year and a half, with scant public attention, squads of archaeologists digging at the Miami River site of a planned Related Group residential tower complex have unearthed remarkable finds, consisting of thousands of fragmentary prehistoric tools and artifacts, rare and well-preserved animal and plant remnants, vestiges of ancient structures and human remains including some relics dating back to the earliest days of civilization on the planet. Independent scientists say the findings, which include 7,000-year-old spearheads, are clear and abundant evidence of a continuous indigenous settlement in the area stretching much farther back in time than previously thought. The discovery, they say, may be the most significant in a series of archaeological finds made at the mouth of the Miami River in the past 25 years that include the Miami Circle National Historic Landmark, thought to be around 2,000 years old. There are artifacts going back sequentially over those thousands of years, said William Pestle, an archaeologist and chairman of the anthropology department at the University of Miami, who is not involved in the excavation at the Related site but is familiar with the discoveries there. This is like a continuous record, which is powerful and cool. Youre going back to the time of the emergence of the first cities in Mesopotamia. Its thousands of years before the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. By any measure, this is an early manifestation of human activity. This is legitimately old. People are seen working an archaeological dig site located near Brickell on the Miami River on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, in Miami. Artifacts going back 7,000 years have been found at the site, along with postholes, grave sites, human remains and other evidence of substantial settlement by the Tequesta Native American tribe. Although the dig is not yet complete, the finds at the site, on the Miami Rivers south bank just west of the Brickell Avenue bridge, are already recasting what anthropologists and historians thought they knew about the presence of prehistoric and indigenous people at the mouth of the waterway, the birthplace of both ancient and modern Miami. But the discovery and the lack of public exposure are also raising an urgent concern that Miamians will never get to see any of it if Related buries the site in concrete as planned. Story continues Some critics say they believe the developers and the city have attempted to downplay the discoveries to avoid the kind of public uproar and litigation that led to the preservation of the Miami Circle from condominium development in 1999, as well as another Tequesta circle and other antiquities across the river at the MetSquare development in 2014. Both circles consist of postholes in the limestone bedrock that scientists think outline the foundation of Tequesta buildings. Related officials wont talk about the excavation, strictly restrict entry to the site and wont say whether they plan to preserve any portion of the site or display the discoveries to the public. After the company, founded by billionaire developer and philanthropist Jorge Perez, declined a request for an interview with the Miami Herald, a Related spokesman asked a reporter for written questions. The company did not answer the questions, instead issuing a general statement that asserts Related has followed all existing laws and regulations for any site in a designated archaeological zone. For over a year and a half, we have performed the meticulous excavation, analysis, organization, regular reporting to applicable regulatory authorities and careful preservation of all relevant findings, according to the statement, describing the excavation carried out by its archaeological consultants as meticulous. Records show a Related affiliate paid $104 million for the property in 2013. In January, the company took out a $164 million construction loan for the first skyscraper, a rental apartment tower. The team of archaeologists excavated bone artifacts from the Related Group development site. City officials mum The city of Miami, which requires and regulates archaeological digs in designated zones and could require full or partial preservation of the site, among other mitigation measures, has taken no action beyond monitoring the dig and fielding reports from the excavation archaeologists. The city officials overseeing the dig, city archaeologist Adrian Espinosa-Valdor and historic preservation director Anna Pernas, did not respond to repeated requests for an interview for this story on the significance of the findings relayed for several weeks through the city communications office. On Friday, Pernas said she was not available for an interview, city communications official Kenia Fallat said. Asked why Pernas was declining to talk, Fallat responded: I cant ask her why she is not available. Fallat, too, issued a general statement outlining required procedures the city has followed, but not addressing the finds, their significance or the sites future. Documentation and final reports of the findings are underway, according to Fallats statement. Staff continues weekly/biweekly site visits. In addition, the archaeologist working the site provides City of Miami staff and the State Archaeologist of the Division of Historical Resources weekly reports of the findings. Pioneering South Florida archaeologist Robert Carr, who is leading the excavation under a contract with Related, said he cant yet discuss it under the terms of his deal with the developers, who are required by law to fund the investigations. But in preliminary reports filed with the city, which are public records, Carr says the site where he notes he first dug as a boy in 1961 is important enough to potentially merit inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. He also suggests that intact sections of midden ancient refuse heaps where many of the artifacts, bones and shells are found could be preserved as part of the development. The critics concede that Related has followed legal requirements for excavation and documentation of the site and the finds to the letter, and has likely spent a substantial sum on the painstaking project. Members of an archaeological team work at the site of a planned Related Group residential tower complex in Brickell at the mouth of Miami River. The team has unearthed extensive evidence of prehistoric indigenous settlement on the site and artifacts dating back to the dawn of human civilization 7,000 years ago. Importance of this site cannot be overstated But in January, frustrated scientists went to the citys historic preservation board, which has oversight of the excavation and legal power to require concrete action from Related, to plead for greater public exposure and discussion of the dig, its significance and the need to ensure that at least some of the finds are properly exhibited. The board promised a fuller public airing. The importance of this site cannot be overstated, Sara Ayers-Rigsby, southeast director for the Florida Public Archaeology Network, which is based at West Florida University in Pensacola, told board members. She urged them to require better public discussion and documentation of the finds. Its a story of who we all are and where we come from. The boards chairman, William Hopper, suggesting that previous presentations to the panel by Pernas and Espinosa-Valdor failed to make the sites extreme antiquity clear, asked the city officials to schedule an updated presentation on the discoveries for its Feb. 7 meeting. He also asked the officials to invite the press to the meeting to ensure that word about the discoveries gets out to the public. A chuckling, clearly discomfited Pernas responded: I may not. The city has not issued any invitation or news release. And when the agenda for the Feb. 7 meeting was published, unusually late, on the previous Friday, the excavation topic was not on it. Fallat confirmed on Friday that the item would not be heard on Tuesday, but would come up at an as-yet-undetermined later meeting. In an unexpected move, however, the preservation board on Tuesday, by an 8-0 vote, instructed Pernas to begin studying whether they should designate the Brickell site a protected archaeological landmark after Pestle and others showed up at the meeting at Miami City Hall to urge members to take action. That designation would give the city power to require developer Related Group to preserve all or part of the site or make accommodations in its project for public exhibition, and other measures. Brickell residents also say the city and Related could do much more. The influential Brickell Homeowners Association has urged the city to consider requiring preservation of at least a portion of the site or for the developers to voluntarily do so, said Abby Ape, the groups managing director. Preserving some kind of history is important to our neighborhood, she said. We want to see these artifacts preserved and we want the city to do the right thing. The concern is that perhaps theyre not taking the proper steps that code requires them to take. It would be beautiful if the developers could have an on site-park that the neighborhood could enjoy. Some neighbors are blunter. They say they dont think the city or Related have been acting in good faith and have intentionally sought to keep the finds, as one resident put it, under wraps. Geoff Bains condo balcony at the Brickell on the River tower overlooks the site of the Miami Circle and an excavation at the adjacent site of a planned residential tower complex that has unearthed a trove of prehistoric indigenous finds, including artifacts dating back to the dawn of human civilization 7,000 years ago. Bain says developer Related Group and the city of Miami should preserve a portion of the site as a park or museum. The city of Miami is doing absolutely nothing to keep Related from covering it all up, said Geoff Bain, whose Brickell on the River apartment overlooks the site. Even our commissioners are unaware of the significance and have not been briefed. I understand no one can stop development, but they can preserve at least a small portion. Related has said it plans three towers on the site formerly occupied by U.S. Customs Miami headquarters and an adjacent parking garage that include the ultra-luxury Baccarat condo and a rental tower. The 444 Brickell building housing the Capital Grille restaurant is part of the property and will eventually be torn town. No neutral party to assess environmental data Theres yet another concern: The discovery of soil contamination on the site, once also home to Standard Oil tanks, prompted Related to briefly halt all excavation last month. Work has resumed on a portion of the property, but its unclear what the developers intend to do on the unexcavated section nearest the river bank, where the outside experts think some of the oldest and most significant material may be found. Related has proposed removing the soil off with backhoes and taking it elsewhere, they have learned, but its unknown what standard the company is considering to determine if continued work would be hazardous. Right now we have a developer who has every interest in the world to have the archaeology go away as soon as possible. You have archaeology companies working for the developer who want to keep doing archaeology, Pestle said. But there is no independent, neutral third party looking at environmental data and saying its too high or its not too high. Pestle, Bain and others note that Related knew full well that demolition of the Customs building would likely lead to archaeological discoveries. The site is part of a city-designated archaeological zone where developers are required by law to conduct carefully regulated exploratory digs, and to finance full-fledged excavations if the evidence suggests significant finds may lie beneath the soil which is precisely what happened at the Related property. Archaeologists excavating the site of a planned Related Group residential tower complex on the Miami River in Brickell have uncovered extensive evidence of prehistoric indigenous settlements dating back to the dawn of human civilization 7,000 years ago. The discoveries indicate that the capital of the Tequesta tribe, believed responsible for the 2,000-year-old Miami Circle, visible at top, was significantly more extensive than once believed. Christine Rupp, executive director of Dade Heritage Trust, Miami-Dades leading preservation group, said Related should not have prepared detailed development plans until it had a better idea of what was in the ground, and the city should have halted permitting until a public process could be carried out to determine how the discoveries should be handled. Instead, the city has allowed Related to move forward with preparations for construction on half the parcel where archaeology has been completed, with no apparent effort to ask or require the developer to modify designs to accommodate some degree of preservation of the ground including patterns of postholes in the limestone bedrock like the Miami Circle and Met Square or to provide public display or exhibition of artifacts. When someone buys property in a known archaeological zone, that that owner would go forward with such a huge planning process before the zone has been fully investigated, its really backwards, Rupp said. Once construction begins, thats an afterthought. It should be part of the process right now. Site occupied by indigenous settlement in 5,000 B.C. The newly uncovered evidence, Pestle and other independent archaeologists say, suggests that the Related site was occupied by a succession of indigenous people starting in whats known as the Archaic period. For 2,000 years or so until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, it was home to the Tequesta tribe that is likely responsible for the Miami Circle, today a state park at the mouth of the river. A bronze statue of a Tequesta hunter, woman and child stands on the Brickell Bridge in downtown Miami as a tribute to the indigenous tribe that occupied the mouth of the Miami River 2,000 years ago. A new archaeological excavation near the bridge has unearthed evidence that indigenous occupation of the site dates back 7,000 years ago. The finds also demonstrate that the Tequesta village on the river, the tribes principal settlement, was far more extensive than previously believed, they say. Spanish accounts put the settlement only on the rivers north bank. But the finds at the Related site, just steps from the Miami Circle, indicate that at its peak hundreds of years ago the Tequesta town spread along both banks of the river. It may have been home to perhaps 6,000 people, though no one has yet attempted a formal estimate, said Traci Ardren, an anthropologist and archaeologist at UM who is an expert on New World prehistoric cultures. What is clear is that people who lived by hunting and gathering settled on the spot about 5,000 B.C., drawn by the abundant natural resources at the confluence of river and bay, including fresh water, wild plants and fish and seafood. Among the evidence: Archaic stone points that have never previously been documented in this part of Florida, Ardren said. Traci Ardren, an anthropologist and archaeologist at the University of Miami, is photographed at her campus office on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, in Coral Gables, Florida. The mouth of the Miami River was the capital of a significant settlement of people that has been there thousands of years, Ardren said. What we know now is that its a whole indigenous Southeastern settlement. Other unusual finds, she noted, are bits of nets and twine made of plant fiber, and a wooden device used to start fires, all materials that usually do not survive for long. That they did is likely because they were found in natural holes in the limestone filled with water, called solution holes, which better preserves them, Ardren said. Human, animal remains uncovered Also found on the site were numerous fragmentary human remains, most of them teeth. At least two gravesites with skeletal fragments were uncovered, and one cranium, possibly belonging to a woman who was 45 years old at death, that may have been part of a ceremonial burial. Unusually, one human molar had been carved with incisions and grooves, and one humerus bone had been deliberately cut on both ends, polished, and hollowed into a tube, according to a report filed with the city. Members of an archaeological team sift through soil excavated from the site of a planned Related Group residential tower complex in Brickell. The team has unearthed extensive evidence of occupation by prehistoric indigenous people and artifacts dating back 7,000 years. The report notes that whenever human traces are found, work is stopped while the remains are documented and removed. Under state rules, human remains found in indigenous sites are turned over to the Seminole tribe for reburial in undisclosed locations to prevent looting. Among the most abundant finds at the Related site are postholes cut into the bedrock to support buildings and boardwalks, as well as animal bones and shells, seeds and wood, pottery shards, and stone tools used to make wooden structures and canoes. Also found were animal bones, including perforated shark teeth that would be attached to wood to make knives, that were used for fishing and hunting, as well as shell ornaments. All are fragmentary, but their intricate engraved surfaces present evidence of artistic intent, a report notes. Most of the animal remains are of fish and reptiles, but also include deer. Some highly unusual animal finds include whale vertebrae and a whale rib, likely used for offerings according to a report, modified bear teeth, teeth from a now-extinct Caribbean monk seal, and a battered Megalodon tooth. In Miami-Dade, Pestle said, only the Cutler Fossil Site at the Deering Estate in Palmetto Bay holds finds going back 7,000 years, but those are not nearly so well preserved as the discoveries at the Related condo development site. Findings unearthed, shelved and forgotten? The new animal finds are likely evidence of ancient feasts and ceremonies at the site, Pestle said, giving us a window into different aspects of the past. Everyone knew that when the building on the site came down there was going to be archaeological material unearthed, he said. But the richness of that material has been surprising. That makes it especially important that the site and the finds be made available to the public in some form, Pestle and Ardren, his UM colleague, say. Theyre worried that the artifacts collected will end up like most of the Tequesta and older material found in previous discoveries on the Miami River shelved out of sight and forgotten. Though the HistoryMiami museum has some on display, they say it has run out of storage space. William Pestle, an archaeologist and chairman of anthropology at the University of Miami, is photographed inside his departments artifact storage room holding a conch shell from a prehistoric archaeological site in the Florida Keys. That means much of what Carr and his teams have unearthed over the past quarter century now resides in a crammed warehouse in Broward County. Pestle likened it to the final scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark, where the Ark of the Covenant thats the object of the films action ends up parked in a vast warehouse. The inaction by the city is really concerning, Pestle said. What happens to the material? There are hundreds of boxes of material. And there will be more before theyre done here. Building permits should be contingent on there being a plan in place for the long term to preserve, document and exhibit, display, disseminate this material. There are places in the world where you walk into a building, walk over a glass floor and see the building that was there before. But we keep losing portions of this Tequesta site to one development after another and soon there wont be anything left. We cant just dig it up out of the ground and put in a box somewhere. The residents of the city deserve better. By Tiemoko Diallo BAMAKO (Reuters) - Mali's foreign minister said on Tuesday it had no need to justify working with Russia on strengthening its military capabilities and importing oil and wheat, despite Western concerns. Abdoulaye Diop was speaking as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made his first visit to the West African nation, where militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State have waged a decade-long insurgency that has spread to neighbouring countries. Lavrov said Russia would continue helping Mali improve its military capabilities, building on deliveries of equipment in the past month. "Last year and at the start of this year ... a large consignment of Russian aviation technology was sent, thanks to which Mali's army was recently able to conduct successful operations against terrorists," Lavrov said during the joint news conference. "A second consignment of aviation technology for these ends was delivered just recently on Jan. 19," he added. Western governments are worried about the involvement in Mali of Russian private military contractor Wagner, which is also fighting alongside the Russian army in Ukraine. U.N. experts last week called for an independent investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity by Malian government forces and Wagner. Mali, whose government took power in a 2021 military coup, has previously said Russian forces there are not mercenaries but trainers helping local troops with equipment bought from Russia. Neither Lavrov nor Diop mentioned Wagner at the news conference. "By choosing to strengthen cooperation with Russia, Mali ... wants to show and demonstrate that we are not going to continue to justify ourselves for our choice of partners," Diop told the reporters. Lavrov said Moscow also hoped to start delivering wheat, fertilisers and oil products to Mali soon, which Diop lauded. Putin promised last year shipments of fuel, fertiliser and food worth around $100 million. Story continues Lavrov has visited a series of African countries as Moscow, hit by Western sanctions over its war in Ukraine, seeks to deep trade ties and strategic partnerships elsewhere. Mali's transitional president Assimi Goita will attend a Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg in July, Diop said. (Reporting by Reuters, writing by Mark Trevelyan and Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Bernadette Baum, Cooper Inveen and Alison Williams) The man arrested on multiple counts of animal cruelty and burglary after a series of incidents at the Dallas Zoo told police that he loved animals, according to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by the Dallas Morning News. Davion Irvin, 24, who was booked into the Dallas County Jail on Thursday, is accused of stealing two emperor tamarin monkeys from the zoo and cutting into other habitats since January. In one instance, a clouded leopard named Nova escaped from her enclosure. In another, the habitat of some langur monkeys was cut open. Police also are investigating the death of an endangered vulture, Pin, with a suspicious wound but have not linked Irvin to that case, authorities said. The Star-Telegram has requested a copy of the arrest warrant affidavit. The incidents led the zoo to increase security and install additional cameras, but the break-ins kept happening. The incidents prompted the Fort Worth Zoo to increase its security, as well. Irvin was identified based on surveillance images from the Dallas Zoo, where according to the arrest warrant and the Dallas Morning News, employees noted strange behavior from Irvin. He would ask employees questions like where they got the animals, where the animals went at night, what their schedules were and if they were ever violent. Irvin was arrested at the Dallas World Aquarium, where authorities said he may have been planning to commit another crime. According to the Dallas Morning News, the home in which the monkeys were found also had other animals inside, including goldfish authorities believe were stolen from the zoo. A series of break-ins at the zoo International headlines shared the story of a series of strange break-ins at the zoo that seemed to defy increasingly tight security and baffle authorities. The first incident at the Dallas Zoo on Jan. 13 led to the disappearance of Nova, a clouded leopard. Zoo officials said Nova was discovered to be missing after her handlers found a hole cut in her enclosure on Jan. 13. The zoo called police because the enclosure appeared to be intentionally cut and began a search. Story continues Nova was later found in the zoo and returned to her habitat. Irvin told police he intended to take Nova but could only manage to pet it because she leaped over the enclosure and he couldnt catch her, according to the documents obtained by the Dallas Morning News. The Dallas Zoo was shut down Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, after announcing a clouded leopard had gone missing. Nova was later found on the zoo grounds. The next day, officials announced theyd also found the langur monkey exhibit broken into. None of the monkeys were missing or harmed. Then on Jan. 21, the zoo announced the endangered vulture, Pin, was found dead under unusual circumstances in its habitat. Police said Irvin is accused in the langur monkey break-in but they havent determined if he was connected to Pins death. Nine days later, emperor tamarin monkeys Bella and Finn went missing, their enclosure cut open. The two monkeys were found in a home in Lancaster after tips from the family that owned the home and ran the church next door. Church members said it appeared Irvin had been sleeping at the house. How it happened Police said in the warrant that Irvin told them he abducted the monkeys on the night of Jan. 29, breaking into the zoo by jumping a fence after dark on the Claredon Drive side of the property, the Dallas Morning News reported. He cut through metal mesh to get to a door and then cut the enclosure where the monkeys were and took them. Police shared photographs in the affidavit showing a large square cut in the metal mesh. From there, according to the Dallas Morning News, Irvin took a DART train and then walked to the abandoned home in Lancaster, where he put the monkeys in a room with no access to natural light or outside air. There, police also found cats and 13 pigeons inside the home, according to the Dallas Morning News. Police said they believe Irvin was preparing to commit another crime at the Dallas World Aquarium when he was arrested there. Irvin is being held in the Dallas County Jail on $25,000 bond. Sacramento County sheriffs investigators on Monday were looking for any other potential victims after they arrested a man accused of sexually molesting two girls more than a decade ago. Elton Glenn Ward, 49, was arrested Jan. 19 in Grass Valley and faces 16 counts of committing lewd lascivious acts with a child, the Sheriffs Office announced Monday afternoon in a news release. Sgt. Amar Gandhi, a sheriffs spokesman, said the girls were 5 and 16 years old when the alleged sexual abuse occurred from 2001 through 2008. He also said detectives are concerned there may be additional unreported victims. The Sacramento County District Attorneys Office filed a criminal complaint against Ward on Jan. 5. He was arraigned Jan. 23 in Sacramento Superior Court. Ward remained in custody Monday at the Sacramento County Jail. His bail was set at $1.6 million. Detectives asked anyone with information relevant to this child molestation investigation to call the Sheriffs Office Child Abuse Bureau at 916-874-5191 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-4357. Pittsburgh police have issued an arrest warrant for a man accused of stabbing a male in the neck with a pair of scissors after an argument. Officers were called to a home in the 2900 block of Zephyr Avenue in the citys Sheraden neighborhood around 6:30 p.m. Monday, where they found the male with a stab wound to his neck, according to the criminal complaint. The victim was in critical condition, taken to a local hospital, where he had surgery. Police say James Hudson Jr., 26, of Pittsburgh, fled the scene. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Victim rushed into surgery after being stabbed in Sheraden A witness told police Hudson and the victim argued before Hudson stabbed him, according to the complaint. A K-9 officer picked up a scent from the rear of the house and found a pair of scissors, possibly with blood on them, on the sidewalk. Hudson is charged with attempted criminal homicide and aggravated assault. TRENDING NOW: 1 police officer killed, another hurt after shooting in McKeesport; both officers identified LATEST: Chemicals released from 5 cars at train derailment site, air being monitored Recall alert: More than 400 products including sandwiches, yogurt, snacks recalled VIDEO: Massive explosion at start of controlled release of chemicals at train derailment DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Photo: Contributed Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Renee Merrifield Come with me, the mother on the other end of the phone cried. Come with me to find my son. To the shelter, to the hospital, to the tents. Come with me to find him! What she couldnt see were the tears that filled my eyes. Her desperate cries piercing through my helplessness. I am an MLA, shouldnt I be able to help? When the six complex care beds opened in Kelowna, my constituency assistant reached out immediately to find a bed for this moms son, but sadly they were filled before they even opened. My journey trying to help the homeless crisis began 15 years ago as a builder, working with the City of Kelowna on its Four Pillars plan. The strategy was to create more affordable housing throughout the city, along with subsidized housing for those with greater need. My work continued on the Interior Health Authority board, where I chaired the Special Priorities Committee that oversees mental health and substance use issues. During that time, I worked with our current mayor, Tom Dyas, on a downtown initiative to try to help with the overdose crisis. It was then that I began to investigate the Portugal model of care, known as SICAD, and read about Dr. Joao Goulaos work as the architect of that system of treatment. I travelled to Portugal twice, in 2018 and last fall, to continue that investigation and try to understand more fully how its success in treatment, rehabilitation and care for the mentally ill was achieved. As we are all aware, mental health and substance use are critical issues that affect individuals and families throughout British Columbia including here in Kelowna. In 2022, nearly 2,300 people lost their lives in B.C. to their addictions, 87 people in Kelowna alone. Clearly, what the provincial government is doing is not working and the recent decriminalization of drugs without treatment is going to be disastrous. Look no further than to Oregon to see how that has played out. After decriminalization, its (number of) overdose deaths rose. In fairness, Portugals SICAD model includes decriminalization and safe supply, but that is not the focus. In 2018, SICADs Goulao, spoke with the Vancouver Sun about the importance of treating drug use as a public health issue. He noted decriminalization is not enough, and comprehensive care and support must be in place to help individuals overcome their challenges and live healthy, productive lives. That is why I am so excited about the announcement last week about how a Kevin Falcon-led B.C. Liberal government would resource mental health care and supports more residential care, more treatment beds, more complex care and wrap-around services. As someone who has long advocated for wrap-around supports, I know that this system of care is long overdue. Wrap-around supports are crucial for individuals with mental health challenges as they provide comprehensive care and services that address their unique needs. That includes access to health care, psychiatry, counselling, occupational and physical therapy, rehabilitation, housing, employment, and education, among other things. It's not enough to simply decriminalize drug use, set up safe injection sites and wet housing and hope for the best. We need to make sure that individuals have access to these additional supports they need to succeed and lead fulfilling lives. We need a program that takes those experiencing homelessness to wholeness, and gives them community. The Better is Possible plan announced by Falcon is the first plan I have seen that does that. My question to you this week is this: Do you support Kevin Falcons plan to address our mental health & addictions crisis? I love hearing from you each week, and I read every email. You can email me at [email protected] or call my office at 250-712-3620. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Police have arrested a man they say made a threat of violence toward local schools, children and himself. Christopher Ciccone, 32, is now facing a charge of sending written threats to conduct a mass shooting, according to a news release from the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office. JSO was called Monday to the San Pablo Road area in reference to the threat. They identified Ciccone as the suspect they were searching for and he claimed to be in possession of various fully automatic weapons with large capacity magazine, the release said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Officers searched known locations where Ciccone may be and then took him into custody. Through their perseverance and swift investigative actions, these officers prevented a potentially serious and deadly incident by locating and arresting the suspect, JSO said. We would remind citizens to report any potential threatening or criminal acts See Something, Say Something. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. PROVIDENCE A 32-year-old Providence man has been convicted of second-degree murder for killing a Smithfield man in the wake of a drug deal in the Washington Park neighborhood. Johnny Xaykosy was found guilty Thursday after a week-long jury trial in Superior Court, Providence, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha said in a news release. According to Neronha, around midnight on April 22, 2021, Xaykosy shot and killed Nikolas DiPanni, 31, after a drug transaction near the intersection of Indiana and Allens avenues in Providence, prosecutors proved at the trial. More:Providence man charged in homicide Before the shooting, DiPanni and his girlfriend contacted Xaykosy to buy drugs, according to Neronha. After the deal, DiPanni and his girlfriend argued, then DiPanni left his car and went up to Xaykosy's passenger window. Xaykosy lowered the window, shot DiPanni once in the chest and drove away, Neronha said. DiPanni was taken by ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Xaykosy was also convicted of discharge of a firearm while committing a crime of violence resulting in death. He had previously pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. There is no doubt that illegal firearms are possessed and used by drug dealers only for one purpose: to protect their product and trade often using them to threaten and settle disputes, Neronha said. This is among the reasons why, with our law-enforcement partners, we have focused our efforts on gun-wielding criminals, including drug traffickers." More:Crime in Providence: Is the city safer than ever before? What the numbers tell us More:What are ghost guns? Police say they pose a growing threat in Rhode Island. Xaykosy is being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions pending sentencing. Neronha said he "will no doubt face decades in prison, every year entirely deserved." Neronha and Acting Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez commended the work of Providence detectives and police officers, as well as the prosecutors in the case. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Providence's Johnny Xaykosy convicted of killing Smithfield man Lexington police are investigating the citys first homicide of 2023 after a man was shot dead Monday night. Police said the shooting happened just before 7 p.m. on the 500 block of Toner Street, which is close to the Dunbar Community Center. When police arrived they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound inside a vehicle. That man was pronounced dead on scene by the Fayette County Coroners Office, according to police. The coroner identified the victim as Marquis Tompkins Jr., 24. Police dont have any suspect information and are asking the publics help for tips. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers by calling (859) 253-2020, online at www.bluegrasscrimestoppers.com, or through the P3 Tips app available at www.p3tips.com. This is the citys first homicide of 2023. Last year there were 44 homicides, resetting the annual record. There were no killings last month, marking the first time Lexington went without a homicide in a month since February 2019, according to police. An unconscious man stuck in a tree was rescued on Monday afternoon by the Habersham County Sheriffs Office. On Monday afternoon, deputies arrived at a vacant property on Montego Bay in Clarksville, finding a man stuck about 20 feet up in a tree who was moving but not responding to commands. The man was found in a tree near Woodville Elementary School. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] While freeing the man from the tree, crews began patient care and also requested a bucket truck from Habersham EMC to respond to assist in extrication. Before the utility truck could arrive, the man was freed from the tree just after 1:30 p.m. Deputies had to summon a medical helicopter to take the man to the hospital because of extended extrication time. Officials did not confirm the extent of the mans injuries or why he was in the tree. TRENDING STORIES: The scene was cleared at 2:16 p.m., according to deputies. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Centrist Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) kept speculation alive about him running for president in 2024 as a third-party candidate, telling reporters Tuesday I dont like the direction were going and declining to rule out a bid for higher office. Manchin has criticized Democratic leaders for refusing to negotiate with Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) over a package of fiscal reforms to attach to legislation raising the debt limit and has repeatedly voiced frustration over the lack of progress in Washington on energy permitting reform and addressing the nations $31 trillion debt. I dont know what the next chapter will be, I dont know [where] the future lies, I really dont, Manchin said when asked if he would run for president next year during a question-and-answer session hosted by Semafors Steve Clemons. I can tell you one thing: I feel, like most Americans, weve got to come together. Americans want to be united, they want to be together and right now were going further apart, he said. He predicted that voters are going to be looking for somebody to bring the country together but didnt say whether he would be the politician to do that as the next president. Im not saying I have any aspirations to run for the White House, he said, adding a caveat: Ive been [in Washington] 12 years. I dont like what I see; I dont the direction were going and Im going to work and commit myself to try to get people who want to do the right thing to find the pathway forward, bringing the country back together. Manchins comments seem to indicate that he doesnt think President Biden has delivered on his 2020 campaign promise to bring the nation together after four divisive years under former President Trump supercharged partisanship in American politics. Biden promised to unify the country in his 2020 campaign victory speech, declaring its time to put away the harsh rhetoric, lower the temperature and to stop treating our opponents as enemies. Story continues Biden is expected to again call for national unity at his second State of the Union address on Tuesday. Manchin recently said Biden was making a mistake by refusing to negotiate with House Republicans on fiscal reforms to attach to debt limit legislation. Its unreasonable for any senator, any congressperson representing the United States government to say, Im not going to negotiate, he told reporters on Capitol Hill. If you cant communicate and you wont talk to each other, you got a problem. Manchin emphasized Tuesday that he thinks the world of President Biden, hes been a friend for a long, long time. But he said the Biden administration is working against the presidents calls for moderation and bipartisan cooperation. What you say and what you do are two different things, he said. You cant tell me youre going to do something and then you have all your agencies and everything else doing something different, interpreting it different. You cant say we want to bring the prices of gasoline down that means you got to produce more product, more oil in the market and were not doing it, he added. And then you have the oil companies saying, Were not basically going to invest under this type of oversight and restraint. Manchin told NBCs Meet the Press in an interview last month that everythings on the table when asked whether he would run for president or another Senate term under a different party affiliation. Im going to do everything I can to make sure that when I make my decision, I make it based on whats best for my country and my state. Manchin hasnt yet said whether he plans to run next year for reelection to a fourth Senate term, though he has ruled out running for governor of West Virginia, a job he previously held. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Wisconsin Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (D) launched a PAC to help support Democrats who may not have enough support and resources to win their race. Running has taught me winning a race isnt about what you do on race day its about how youve trained and prepared, Barnes said on the PAC website. You have to devote time and resources in early phases to prepare for that run. Running for office is the same, he continued. Its hard. Its grueling. It takes a lot of time, patience, and most importantly, people believing in you from the outset. Barnes announced on Tuesday that he is kickstarting The Long Run PAC, which will aim to support diverse and groundbreaking pro-democracy candidates to ensure that they have enough resources to help win their campaign. According to the PAC website, these candidates include young candidates, candidates of color, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates from working class backgrounds who are breaking the mold of what leadership looks like. Barnes narrowly lost his race for the Wisconsin seat in the Senate last election as he challenged incumbent Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wi.), who won his third term to the Senate with just 50.5 percent of the vote. Barnes faced a slew of negative ads during his race, as Johnson and many outside groups focused on running ads that portrayed Barnes as soft on crime. Despite being massively outspent and written off by nearly every pundit, Mandela came within 26,000 votes of defeating entrenched incumbent Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, the PAC website reads. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Donald Trump. LOGAN CYRUS/AFP via Getty Images The Manhattan DA's office was weeks away from filing criminal charges against Trump at the end of 2020. This is according to former special assistant district attorney Mark Pomerantz's new book. Pomerantz resigned from the office when new DA Alvin Bragg decided against pursuing a Trump indictment. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office was just weeks away from filing criminal charges against then-President Donald Trump at the end of the 2020, but backed off when city lawyers downplayed Trump's alleged undervaluing of a historic building in the Financial District, Mark Pomerantz, former special assistant district attorney, says in his new book, "People vs. Donald Trump," out Tuesday. Pomerantz was initially brought onto the Trump investigation as a consultant at the end of 2020 by the inquiry's leading prosecutor, Carey Dunne. During a call with other "legal eagles" recruited to advise then-Manhattan DA Cy Vance's office on the investigation into Trump, Pomerantz said he was told that the district was "considering bringing criminal charges against Trump in a matter of weeks, not months." Investigators wanted to charge Trump for allegedly undervaluing his stake in 40 Wall Street, a building in lower Manhattan. While Trump valued his interest in the building as high as $527 million in a 2012 financial document, he told tax authorities his interest was only worth between $16-$19 million. "This figure was so low as to be absurd," Pomerantz said, given that the The New York Times reported just months prior that yearly rental income for the building had risen to over $40 million by 2018. "This meant that he told the tax authorities that the overall value of his interest in 40 Wall Street was less than what he was earning in a single year!" Pomerantz explained. Prosecutors explained to Pomerantz and other legal experts on a call at the end of 2020 that Trump "had personally signed forms attesting to the accuracy of the absurdly low valuation" and that Trump's tax filings looked fraudulent. Story continues The role of Pomerantz and the other legal experts brought to consult on the case was to "provide a reality check" on whether it was a good idea to charge Trump, given that accusing a sitting president of financial crimes "would be a dramatic step of cosmic significance." The investigation team was facing setbacks at the time, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which had brought the formation of grand juries to a standstill. In New York, in order to file felony charges, prosecutors must present their evidence to a grand jury, which then decides if there is enough evidence to back up the charges. Pomerantz said the DA's office had found a loophole though: filing a felony complaint. Instead of going straight to a grand jury, prosecutors planned to present their case to a judge to get permission to file a criminal complaint. This rarely used method allowed them to potentially file charges before later presenting the evidence to a grand jury, when they were back to hearing cases. But Pomerantz said this plan "never got off the ground" because the city's Law Department told the DA's office that it's a common practice for property owners to purposefully undervalue their holdings. "The lowball valuations are submitted 'under penalty of perjury,' but according to the Law Department, the owner's initial valuation figures are not taken seriously, and are regarded as simply the first step in a series of negotiations," Pomerantz writes. While Pomerantz said he didn't particularly agree with the idea that Trump shouldn't be charged just because "everybody does it," he said the Law Department's explanation of how the system works showed that it would be difficult to prove that Trump "had intended to mislead anyone." "Although this seemed like a poor way for the city to conduct its business, bringing a criminal case based on a filing that nobody cared about or acted upon, and doing so as the opening gambit in a prosecution against a president, did not strike me, Carey, Cy, or anyone on the investigation as a good idea," Pomerantz said. The Manhattan DA's investigation into Trump never resulted in charges, after Alvin Bragg took over as the new DA in January 2022. Pomerantz resigned as special assistant district attorney a month later, explaining in a letter that he was frustrated by Bragg's decision not to pursue an indictment against Trump. His new book details his involvement in the investigation. Bragg told Insider in a statement that after closely looking at the evidence of the investigation, he came to the conclusion that "more work was needed." "Our skilled and professional legal team continues to follow the facts of this case wherever they may lead, without fear or favor. Mr. Pomerantz decided to quit a year ago and sign a book deal," Bragg said. "I haven't read the book, and won't comment on any ongoing investigation because of the harm it could cause to the case. But I do hope there is at least one section where Mr. Pomerantz recognizes his former colleagues for how much they have achieved on the Trump matter over the last year since his departure," Bragg added. A representative for Trump did not immediately return Insider's request for comment late Monday. While Bragg's office hasn't filed criminal charges against Trump personally, he did move forward with criminal fraud charges against Allen Weisselberg, the longtime chief financial officer of the Trump Organizaton, securing a guilty plea. In November, the former executive testified at trial against the Trump Organization, which was found guilty. Read the original article on Business Insider One person is dead, another is in critical condition and a teenager is in custody after a stabbing attack, the Kershaw County Sheriffs Office said. The incident happened at about 4:45 p.m. Monday on McGee Court in Elgin, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Thats near U.S. 1, about 9 miles from Exit 92 on Interstate 20. A manhunt for a 15-year-old male wanted for the stabbing ended at about 5:55 p.m., when he was taken into custody about 2 miles from the scene of the attack on Elginwood Drive, according to the release. During the search, the sheriffs office warned residents in the area to stay inside with your doors locked, because it believed the teen was still armed with a knife. The Kershaw County Sheriffs Office is investigating a fatal stabbing. After he was taken into custody, Sheriff Lee Boan said We have no reason to believe the public is in danger now that the only suspect is in custody. But one person is dead and another was critically injured, according to the release. The Kershaw County Coroners Office has not publicly identified the victim who died. Further information on the surviving victim was not available. There was no word on the victims connection to the teen, or their ages. Information about a motive for the attack was not available. In addition to the sheriffs office, the Elgin Police Department, South Carolina Highway Patrol and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division assisted in the manhunt and investigation. Thankfully, with the team effort of multiple law enforcement agencies, we were able to get this suspect in custody before anyone else was hurt, Boan said. Japan shouldnt bind itself to detonators of US military By Global Times editorial (Global Times) 08:48, February 07, 2023 Illustration: Liu Rui/GT The US and Japan have once again released a "sounding balloon" on the deployment of medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) to US forces in Japan. Japanese media recently quoted sources saying that Washington has proposed to deploy such missiles in Japan as part of a plan to strengthen "defense against China." The report also noted that the deployment could include long-range hypersonic weapons and Tomahawk cruise missiles. It then claimed that Tokyo is poised to start serious discussions about accepting the deployment and considering the island of Kyushu, which is near the island of Taiwan, as a possible location. Obviously, this news is not just baseless rumors, but an attempt from Washington and Tokyo to explore the way ahead for such a significant military escalation. Just over 10 days ago, the White House vowed no plans to deploy MRBMs in Japan. This is not because the US does not want to do so, but precisely because the resistance is so great that it has to be scrupulous. In recent years, Washington has been eager to build a missile network against China along the first island chain. But Washington has been struggling to find the "dupe" willing to accept its MRBMs, because such an action is equivalent to covering oneself with detonators, becoming a "body shield" for the US military. As a result, the US continues to test the reaction of other countries by giving out relevant information. For instance, there was a piece of news before claiming that the deployment might be in Japan, South Korea, Australia, or the Philippines. However, Seoul, Canberra, and Manila have flatly rejected it, leaving no room for such a possibility. Clearly, it is not difficult to weigh the possible gains and losses. Tokyo has not made a public statement on this matter, but its posture of utterly complying with Washington has given the US an opportunity to increase pressure on Japan. Back in 2020, some US officials called Japan one of the potential sites for the deployment of MRBMs, and Japan was the only country publicly named by the US. It is easy to see that Washington simply does not care, despite the strong opposition from the Japanese society to this news. In other words, Tokyo basically has little say in front of the powerful US. What is even more unbelievable is that many Japanese right-wing politicians have become lobbyists for Washington, persuading their own people that the deployment of the missiles is "absolutely necessary" and even said they want to "actively request the US to do so." Such a type of self-denigration is almost unprecedented in today's world. If Tokyo insists on deploying the US military's MRBMs on Japanese soil, it will undoubtedly burn its own country's future into flames. This means that once an armed conflict occurs in relevant waters, these bases will be the first main targets. Due to Japan's terrain and the characteristics of land-based intermediate missiles, they can be quickly located and have a high probability of being destroyed in the first round of strikes. Deploying medium-range missiles at several points cannot enhance Japan's so-called "deterrence capability," but will instead make it feel the intense pain of burning itself in the first place. As for the US, since it is Japan that is being beaten anyway, and the mainland of the US is hundreds of thousands of miles away, this is simply a lucrative business. Now American and Japanese politicians are frequently talking about the Taiwan question, trying to hype up the "China threat" to trick the Japanese society into accepting this dirty political deal. But history has repeatedly proved that where the US medium-range missiles are deployed, the fuses of the detonators are placed. During the Cold War, the US and the Soviet Union competed to intensively deploy medium-range missiles on the European continent, which aroused strong concerns and opposition from European countries. In particular, due to the short flight time of MRBMs, they are generally regarded as the trigger of a nuclear war. It was under the suffocating shadow of the nuclear war that the US and the Soviet Union finally signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty). After the Trump administration announced its withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019, European countries reacted most strongly. It is no longer the era of bipolar hegemony, but some Japanese politicians want to repeat the same mistakes in East Asia. This is short-sighted and stupid. In recent years, the US and Japan have released information on the deployment of medium-range missiles several times. The relevant news, true or false, has been circulating for several years. It's hard not to be suspicious that it is the exhaustion tactics of the US and Japan in attempt to make the region gradually acquiesce to the "fact" of the deployment of MRBMs, so as to reduce the impact when they are really deployed one day. But the attitude of countries in the region, including China, is very firm and clear, and there is no need for Washington and Tokyo to try to test it out. On this issue, no matter how many "sounding balloons" the US and Japan send out, it will not help. Japan should particularly be cautious and not tie the US military's "detonators" to itself. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Photo: The Canadian Press Nathan Chasing Horse stands in court. Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, in North Las Vegas, Nev. Nathan Chasing Horse appeared in court for the second time after his arrest on charges of sexual assault and human trafficking. (AP Photo/Ty O'Neil) A former Dances With Wolves actor accused of sexually abusing Indigenous girls and women for two decades in multiple states has been charged in Nevada for crimes that prosecutors said occurred in the Las Vegas-area starting in 2012. Nathan Chasing Horse, 46, was formally charged Monday morning during a brief appearance in a North Las Vegas courtroom full of his friends and relatives who had hoped to see him released on bail. But a judge postponed hearing arguments about his custody status until Wednesday to allow Chasing Horse to find a new attorney. Nevada law requires prosecutors to present convincing evidence that a defendant should remain in custody. Clark County Deputy District Attorney Jessica Walsh said last week that she expected testimony from Las Vegas police detectives, FBI special agents and victims. In the meantime, Chasing Horse is being held without bail at a jail in downtown Las Vegas. He has been in custody since his Jan. 31 arrest near the North Las Vegas home he shares with his five wives. Chasing Horse is charged with eight felonies, including sex trafficking, sexual assault against a child younger than 16, and child abuse, according to a criminal complaint. Prosecutors also filed an additional felony charge Monday in connection with what detectives said were videos saved on a phone showing sexual assaults of a minor. Seated opposite of Chasing Horse's family on Monday, some of the victims and their supporters held signs inside the courtroom reading NO MORE STOLEN SISTERS and WOMEN AREN'T PRISONERS. Rulon Pete, executive director of the Las Vegas Indian Center, said after the hearing that the victims had been prepared to help out with making sure justice has been served. Unfortunately there's a lot of anxiety they're experiencing," he told The Associated Press after speaking with the victims and prosecutors. "When this got pushed back, it was like adding more weight to the situation. He did not enter a plea Monday after he was formally charged. In Nevada, defendants do not enter a plea until their criminal case is bound over to a state district court, either after a grand jury indictment or after a judge decides prosecutors have enough evidence for the defendant to stand trial. Chasing Horse played the role of Sioux tribe member Smiles a Lot in Kevin Costners 1990 Oscar-winning film. Since then, he has built a reputation among tribes across the United States and in Canada as a medicine man. Chasing Horse, police said, abused that position and took underage wives over two decades in multiple states, including South Dakota, Montana and Nevada, where he has lived for about a decade. He also was banished from the Fort Peck Reservation in Poplar, Montana, in 2015 following similar allegations. Detectives described Chasing Horse in a 50-page search warrant as the leader of a cult known as The Circle, whose followers believed he could communicate with higher powers. Pete, of the Las Vegas Indian Center, described the role of the medicine man in their culture as a highly respected leadership post. Theyre like priests, if you will." You follow what they teach, he said, adding that the victims have shown great courage by speaking out despite the intimidation and threats Pete said they have faced since Chasing Horse's arrest. An arrest report for Chasing Horse shows at least six victims have been identified, including one who was 13 when she said she was abused, and another who said she was offered to him as a gift when she was 15. After SWAT officers took him into custody last week, detectives searched the familys home and found guns, 41 pounds (18.5 kilograms) of marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms, according to the arrest report. The criminal complaint filed Monday also charges Chasing Horse with two misdemeanors in connection with a dead bald eagle and parts of a dead hawk discovered during the search of his property. Chasing Horse was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, which is home to the Sicangu Sioux, one of the seven tribes of the Lakota nation. [Source] Japanese musician Masa Takumi made history over the weekend by becoming the first Japanese artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album. The 44-year-old artist, also known as Takumi Masanori, was recognized for his 2022 album "Sakura at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. The composer and arranger accepted the award wearing a black jacket with cherry blossom embroidery, keeping with his albums sakura the Japanese word for cherry blossoms theme. More from NextShark: BTS sweep all 4 Daesang categories, win 5 other awards at 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards "It feels like somebody else's affair as I never thought I would receive such a prestigious award, but I will take the time to savor (this moment)," the Osaka native told reporters. Described as a tribute to the beauty of cherry blossoms, the album features songs performed with traditional Asian instruments and showcases his blend of American and Japanese sounds. More from NextShark: Singaporean TikTok user turns honeymoon COVID-19 diagnosis into clever song in viral video Since making his recording debut in 2000 as a drummer in the rock band Siren, Takumi has transitioned into a composer and producer for popular Japanese pop groups, including Exile and Da Pump, and the South Korean girl group Kara. In the 2010s, Takumi was also shortlisted for a Grammy award for his work with reggae musicians Sly and Robbie. In addition to Takumi, several other Japanese musicians were recognized at this years Grammys. More from NextShark: TV Series Based on 'Subtle Asian Traits' Facebook Page is Under Development Drummer and percussionist Keita Ogawa is a part of the New York-based jazz group Snarky Puppy, which won the award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. Meanwhile, classical pianist Mitsuko Uchida was nominated for Best Classical Instrumental Solo but did not win. Previous Grammy Award winners from Japan include Ryuichi Sakamoto, Kitaro and Tak Matsumoto, with conductor Seiji Ozawa and the Saito Kinen Orchestra being the most recent winners in 2016. More from NextShark: Wushu champion Xia Li becomes the first Chinese woman to be part of WWE main roster A Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three children before trying to take her own life while suffering severe postpartum psychosis will be allowed to go to a rehab centre instead of jail as she awaits trial. Lindsay Clancy, 32, was arraigned on murder charges via Zoom on Tuesday from the undisclosed hospital where she is receiving trauma care. Ms Clancy is accused of strangling Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and seven-month-old Callan on 24 January while her husband Patrick Clancy stepped out of their Duxbury home to pick up take-out food. At the hearing, prosecutors revealed that the childrens bodies were found in the basement and that Ms Clancy had used exercise bands to kill them, WCBV reported. Ms Clancys attorney Kevin Reddington argued that she did not pose a flight risk as the spine injuries she suffered after jumping from the second-story window of her home left her paraplegic. The judge ordered that Ms Clancy be held in the hospital until she can be transported to a rehabilitation centre, where she will continue to receive mental health care. Ms Clancy, a labour and delivery nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, is currently on suicide watch out of fear that she might attempt to harm herself again. Mr Reddington has previously said he intends to argue in court that Ms Clancy was not competent to stand trial, but the prosecution argued on Tuesday that Ms Clancy created the opportunity to kill her children by allegedly timing out how long her husband would be gone. Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague said that on the morning of the tragedy, Ms Clancy had taken Cora to a paediatric appointment and seemed her normal self. The mother-of-three reportedly played with the children in the snow and called a local CVS to inquire about medication for their kids. During those interactions, the prosecution alleges that Ms Clancy seemed lucid and did not slur her words. Ms Sprague said she specifically asked Mr Clancy to pick up food because [she] didnt cook anything, [and it had] been a long day. Story continues The prosecution said the request was unusual because the family would often pick up food from restaurants closer to the home. Lindsay Clancy appeared in court from her hospital bed (Law&Crime) The couple had a short 14-second-long conversation while Mr Clancy bought medication for the children at a CVS. He initially said that Ms Clancy seemed normal but later told investigators that it sounded like she was in the middle of something. Ms Sprague said Mr Clancy arrived at the home around 6pm to find his bedroom room locked. When he managed to get inside, he saw blood and found Ms Clancy, who had jumped from the window to the ground after allegedly slashing her wrists. He called 911. During this time, he asked the defendant, What did you do? She responded to him, I tried to kill myself and jumped out the window. During the 911 call, Patrick can be heard asking the defendant, Where are the kids? He later told police that she replied in the basement, Ms Sprague said, per WCBV. He can then be heard screaming in agony, in shock as he found his children. His screams seemed to get louder and more agonised as the time passes. She added: ...Patrick removed the bands [from the childrens necks] and could be heard begging his children to breathe. He continued to scream uncontrollably, She killed the kids. Patrick Clancy, the husband of Lindsay Clancy, is pictured with the couples three children (GoFundMe) Mr Sprague said that the childrens cause of death was ligature strangulation. Mr Reddington has said that the mother-of-three was overly medicated and going through severe postpartum depression after giving birth to her youngest son. He claimed Ms Clancy was on 12 different medications, including Prozac and Seroquel, and that she was having side effects such as homicidal and suicidal ideation that ultimately led to the tragedy. Mr Reddington claimed that she heard the voice of a man telling her to kill her children. I question whether she would ever make it to a trial. She suicidal. Shes extremely emotional. However, shes unable and has been unable to express any happiness or sadness or cry, Mr Reddington said. Ms Clancy is accused of strangling her three children (WCVB) Ms Clancy faces two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of strangulation and suffocation and three counts of assault with a deadly weapon. She is also expected to be charged with the murder of her youngest child, who died three days after the attack. A funeral for the children was held on 3 February. On Saturday, Mr Clancy wrote in an update on a GoFundMe page that has raised more than $1m that he forgave his wife, saying that the nurse was loving and caring towards everyone. I want to ask all of you that you find it deep within yourselves to forgive Lindsay, as I have, he wrote. The real Lindsay was generously loving and caring towards everyone me, our kids, family, friends, and her patients. The very fibers of her soul are loving. All I wish for her now is that she can somehow find peace. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy; former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images; MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images McCarthy swiped at Pelosi ahead of Biden's state of the union address on Tuesday. "We're not going to do childish games tearing up a speech," he told CNN. Pelosi infamously ripped up a copy of Trump's speech after his 2020 SOTU address. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy insisted that Republicans would show proper decorum during President Joe Biden's state of the union address on Tuesday evening, swiping at former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's viral moment tearing up former President Donald Trump's speech after his 2020 address. "We're members of Congress. We have a code of ethics of how we should portray ourselves," McCarthy told CNN's Manu Raju on Tuesday. "And that's exactly what we'll do. But we're not going to do childish games tearing up a speech." Privately, however, McCarthy has expressed concerns about his own caucus' behavior and has warned them about their conduct, according to CNN's Melanie Zanona. Pelosi made headlines when she ripped up a copy of Trump's speech after he delivered his third state of the union address three years ago. The top Democrat at the time remarked to reporters that "it was a courteous thing to do, considering the alternatives." "It was such a dirty speech," she said. McCarthy, the newly elected House speaker, will take Pelosi's previous seat on the platform behind Biden during his address on Tuesday night. The president is planning to lay out his plans to advance his "unity agenda" this year, including policies to fight cancer, help veterans, provide mental health treatment, and fight opioid addiction. In a closed-door meeting with the House Republican conference on Tuesday, McCarthy and other GOP leaders warned members to behave during the address, per CNN's Zanona. The "cameras are on," and the "mics are hot," House GOP leadership reportedly said in the meeting. Republicans have also made headlines for outbursts during past presidential state of the union speeches, which are viewed by millions. Story continues Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado heckled Biden last year when he talked about how his son Beau's death may have been linked to burn-pit exposure during his Iraq deployment. She shouted that he put "13 of them" in coffins, a reference to 13 American troops who were killed in Afghanistan during the US' chaotic withdrawal. Boebert and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia also tried to start a "build the wall" chant last year during Biden's speech. Former President Barack Obama later said he was "shocked" and wanted to "smack" Rep. Joe Wilson, a South Carolina Republican, for yelling "you lie" during Obama's 2009 State of the Union Address when he was talking about his plans for the Affordable Care Act. "My initial instinct is, 'Let me walk down and smack this guy on the head. What is he thinking?'" Obama said during a CBS interview in 2020 when his book "A Promised Land" was released. "And instead, I just said, 'That's not true,' and I just move on. He called afterward to apologize although, as I point out in the book, he saw a huge spike in campaign contributions to him from Republicans across the country who thought he had done something heroic." Read the original article on Business Insider More than two dozen media companies, including the Idaho Statesman and several TV stations, have filed a petition asking the Idaho Supreme Court to remove a sweeping gag order in the case of the man charged with killing four University of Idaho students. The petition, filed Monday evening, asks the court to order the Latah County District Court and Judge Megan Marshall to vacate a nondissemination order issued last month in Bryan Kohbergers case. Kohberger was arrested in late December and charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of U of I seniors Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur dAlene, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum; junior Xana Kernodle, 20, of Post Falls; and freshman Ethan Chapin, 20, of Mount Vernon, Washington. An initial order prohibited law enforcement and attorneys for the prosecution and defense from sharing any information in the case publicly unless they were directly citing official public records in the case. Marshall then expanded the order to include attorneys for witnesses, victims or their families. The petition, filed by Boise attorney Wendy Olson on behalf of the outlets, said the judge issued both gag orders without a hearing and without including any factual findings to establish why such an order would be necessary. Olson argued that the gag order restrained petitioners rights to gather and publish information about this newsworthy matter. The petitioners include several Boise-based outlets, including the Idaho Statesman, Idaho Capital Sun, TV news stations KTVB and KIVI, and Boise State Public Radio. It also includes several North Idaho and eastern Washington outlets, national outlets including The New York Times and Washington Post, and two journalism organizations: the Idaho Press Club and the Society of Professional Journalists. The petition included a memorandum in support filed by Shanon Gray, an attorney representing Goncalves family. Gray wrote that the order restricts his clients, who are not parties named in the Kohberger case, from exercising their rights to free speech. Story continues Gray said that since the gag order was issued last month, neither he nor the Goncalves family members have spoken to any media outlets out of fear of being held in contempt of court. The petition also noted several instances in which officials declined to provide information or speak to the media by citing the gag order. A Washington organization that provides 911 services in Moscow has asked a judge to clarify whether it is subject to the gag order so it can determine whether to release copies of 911 calls affiliated with the killings to media outlets that have filed public records requests. Moscow Mayor Art Bettge told one reporter that he did not believe he could comment on how the community is healing due to the gag order. Officials, including Pennsylvania State Police, Latah County Sheriffs Office, Moscow Police Department and Pullman Police Department, have declined to comment or denied public records requests affiliated with the homicides, citing the order. Olson urged the Idaho Supreme Court to remove the order, saying it has caused irreparable harm and suppressed news outlets and others their free-speech rights. Oleksii Reznikov, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, told the details of the meeting in Kyiv with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius, in particular regarding the supply of tanks, and promised "a lot of positive news." Source: European Pravda, referring to Reznikovs Facebook. Quote from Reznikov: "The German government has already decided to supply Ukraine with Leopard 1 tanks. There will be 20-25 of these tanks by the summer, about 80 by the end of the year, and more than 100 Leopard 1 tanks by 2024. This is [enough to equip] at least three battalions, including materials, which will need to be purchased, spare parts, ammunition and training. And, of course, we do not forget about the delivery of 14 Leopard 2 A6 battle tanks to Ukraine," Oleksii Reznikov noted. Details: Reznikov also reported that the ministers had sent Ukrainian military personnel on a business trip to master the Leopard 2 tanks, and that Boris Pistorius was impressed by the pace of Ukrainians mastering the weapons. In addition, they discussed the possibilities of speeding up the production of ammunition for the needs of Ukraine, primarily missiles for air defence. They also talked about the prospects of cooperation after the victory of Ukraine. "There is no doubt that Germany will stand by Ukraine in the future," Oleksii Reznikov emphasized. Background: On the evening of February 7, it became known that the Minister of Defence of Germany Boris Pistorius was in Kyiv; he brought the symbolic "Leopard 2", a toy tank. Last week, the German government granted a licence to export Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Rev. Al Sharpton has defended Meghan Markle. (Getty Images) The US civil rights leader the Reverend Al Sharpton has defended Meghan Markle and said she has been subjected to racist abuse since joining the royal family. The Sussexes have been highly critical of the UK media. In his recently released memoir Spare, Harry criticised what he says was "dog-whistle racism and... glaring, vulgar, in-your-face racism" in some newspaper coverage. Asked about the reaction of the UK media to Meghan joining the royal family, Sharpton said she had to endure "acrimony" following her wedding to Harry in May 2018. Watch: Reverend Al Sharpton defends Meghan Markle "When they were married it was a beautiful day and people were celebrating how you saw this woman of colour now in the Royal Family... gospel songs sung at the ceremony... the Queen sitting there. And then the reaction was so much acrimony and [people] just looking to treat her differently," he told Good Morning Britain. "People - whether you're in the UK or around the world - who were always treated differently understood what Meghan was going through. "It was somebody Black working in the C-suite for the first time, and they treat you differently." Rev. Al Sharpton said Harry and Meghan's wedding was a "beautiful" occasion, but media treatment of the Duchess quickly became acrimonious. (Getty Images) In 2021, the Society of Editors - the media industry body - released a statement saying: "The UK media is not bigoted and will not be swayed from its vital role holding the rich and powerful to account following the attack on the press by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex". The executive director in charge of the industry body Ian Murray subsequently stepped down after 168 journalists complained about the statement in an open letter. Sharpton was also critical of the controversial column written about Meghan by Jeremy Clarkson for the Sun, in which he claimed to be "dreaming of the day when she is made to parade naked through the streets of every town in Britain while the crowds chant 'Shame!' and throw lumps of excrement at her". Story continues Sharpton questioned why the television presenter had ever felt comfortable to write it in the first place. "When you see the kind of mean-spirited article this guy wrote, for no reason 'drag her through the streets' yeah fine you can apologise and many of us have said things, not at that level, that we could apologise for, but what makes you feel that you can say that in the first place?" Clarkson has apologised for his column saying he was "profoundly sorry" and said he had written to both Meghan and Harry privately over the Christmas period expressing his regret. Jeremy Clarkson promoting his Amazon Prime show, "Clarkson's Farm" in 2021, a similar press conference was called off after his comments about Meghan Markle. (Getty Images) A spokesperson for the the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said Clarkson's correspondence had only been addressed to Harry, not Meghan, and took issue with Clarkson's claim that this was a "isolated incident". "A new public apology has been issued today by Mr. Clarkson," the statement said. "What remains to be addressed is his long-standing pattern of writing articles that spread hate rhetoric, dangerous conspiracy theories, and misogyny." Harry speaking in an interview with ITV's Tom Bradby to promote his memoir Spare called Clarkson's comments "horrific, hurtful and cruel". A meningitis outbreak in northern Mexico has left 35 people dead and health authorities working to get the outbreak under control. Health officials in the state of Durango have recorded 79 cases of meningitis in the last several months, a worrying trend in a largely rural area of Mexico. Meningitis causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes and is typically caused by an infection of some sort. The first cluster of 11 cases of meningitis in Durango was recorded in November of last year, with all 11 people the cluster having undergone surgical procedures and requiring the administration epidural anesthesia in private hospitals in the city of Durango, the capital city of the state of the same name. Health officials reportedly reamin uncertain about exactly what caused the outbreak of the disease, but in December, local prosecutors advanced one theory: that private hospitals caused the outbreak by treating patients with contaminated anesthetics. Prosecutors said then that they had issued arrest warrants against the owners or directors of four private hospitals in the area where the outbreak occurred, suggesting that the hospitals were directly to blame for the contaminated anesthetics and that the medicine had not been corrupted in production or transportation. Mexican health officials confirmed last year that they are working with public health officials in Durango in their ongoing efforts to determine the cause of the outbreak. The World Health Organisation has also offered assistance to Mexican authorities in their investigations into what caused the outbreak and how it can best be brought under control. Durango, with a population of just under 2 million, is one of the most sparsely populated states in Mexico. It is located in the northwestern part of the country, sharing a border with five other states including Zacatecas, Sinaloa, and Chihuahua. Photo: The Canadian Press The deputy minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada says McKinsey & Company can do business with the federal government despite scrutiny of its global track record because it hasn't been convicted of any charges. The Peace Tower is seen on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on March 12, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick The deputy minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada says the federal government's ethics rules do not disqualify consulting firm McKinsey & Company from doing business with the federal government despite scrutiny of the firm's global track record. Paul Thompson answered questions about the firm's government contracts at a House of Commons committee Monday. He said a Canadian company would be barred from federal contracts if one of its affiliates has been convicted of a crime, which is not the case for McKinsey. The company has faced scrutiny for its work around the world, including its alleged involvement in the opioid crisis in the U.S. and its work with authoritarian governments. The House of Commons government operations committee is digging into contracts awarded to McKinsey since 2011 following media reports showing a rapid increase in the company's federal contracts under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government. The government says McKinsey has received at least $116.8 million in federal contracts since 2015. At a news conference Monday, Conservative MP Garnett Genuis said the federal government shouldn't be contracting with McKinsey. "We cannot work with a company that's behaving in the way McKinsey has." Mexican soldiers stand guard near during the arrest of Joaquin Ovidio Guzman in Culiacan, Mexico, in January 2023. Juan Carlos Cruz/AFP via Getty Images Mexico has waged a long, bloody battle on drugs and crime for decades. But violence there continues to soar. In one of the latest high-profile incidents, Mexican law enforcement arrested Ovidio Guzman-Lopez, a leader of the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel and the son of imprisoned drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, in early January 2023. The arrest sparked a wave of violence in Culiacan in northwest Mexico, resulting in looting, shootouts and 29 people killed. The ongoing violence in parts of Mexico is largely associated with drug trafficking organizations like Sinaloa, street gangs and self-defense forces regular citizens have formed to protect themselves from crime because of ineffective police and military deterrents. I am a scholar of Mexican culture and literature. I have written about how the Mexican government has attempted to reduce violent crime through changes to criminal justice and human rights law. But these attempts have largely failed, allowing the cycle of violence to escalate. Here are four key points to understand. 1. Violence in Mexico continues to rise An average of 25 people disappear every day in Mexico. The murder rate stands at 28 per 100,000 people four times the rate in the United States. The violence rate in Mexico shot up starting in 2007, with the worst years in 2011 and again from 2018 to the present. Violent crime varies significantly across the country. The people most at risk of violence are in the central and southwestern parts of the country, as well as in the northern states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Baja California Norte and Tamaulipas. In the western states of Michoacan and Guerrero, violent crime including kidnappings, murders and disappearances occur mostly between citizens self-defense and drug-trafficking groups. In the northern states, bordering the U.S., the violence is dominated by fighting between drug cartels and street gangs. Bullet casings outside the Mexican home of drug trafficker Ovidio Guzman-Lopez, whom police arrested in January 2023. Juan Carlos Cruz/AFP via Getty Images 2. Military used to fight war on drugs Mexican federal authorities have associated rising violence with drug trafficking since the beginning of the 20th century dating back to 1917, when the Mexican Constitution prohibited drugs, with the goal of preventing violence. Story continues And, so, when Mexicos former President Felipe Calderon first declared a formal war on drugs in 2006, his decision had a long history. The U.S. government supported this war with a US$3.4 billion military agreement, called the Merida Initiative, that began in 2007 and lapsed in 2021. The plans tactics including the Mexican militarys targeting and killing of drug cartel leaders did not quell the rising violence, which continued to spread and intensify over the past 16 years. Mexico has tried to address this rise in drug cartel activity and crime with different measures, including sending 128,000 Mexican soldiers to fight drug cartels and other criminal groups in Mexicos streets a violation of Mexicos original Constitution that prohibited the use of military for police work within the country. In October 2022, Mexico approved a constitutional reform that allows the military to carry out domestic law enforcement through 2028. 3. Corruption complicates crime reduction The Mexican government also passed a number of new laws over the past decade to address crime. One main problem with implementing these laws effectively is widespread corruption across the government, military and justice system. The Mexican military, for example, is tasked with fighting cartels but soldiers have also been known to sell weapons to them. In 2008, the Mexican Congress approved a series of constitutional reforms affecting the criminal justice system these reforms addressed the reality that people often are arrested and convicted for crimes they did not commit. This is partially because Mexicos old legal system presumed all people put on trial were guilty until proved innocent the reforms switched this norm to the U.S. model, so people are now considered innocent until proved guilty. Over 90% murders in Mexico from 2010 to 2016, meanwhile, remain unsolved. The changes to the criminal justice system aim to address these issues and make several important changes. These reforms include making trials which were typically documented only in writing oral, making it easier for people to track court cases and leading to a rise in public monitoring of court proceedings. The changes also mandated that three independent judges serve on all trials, to avoid the risk of a single judge aligned with drug cartels presiding over a decision. The changes were fully implemented across all 31 states of Mexico in 2016. But these reforms have not reduced violence in Mexico. They only scratch the surface and do not address the structural issues like misogyny and racism at the root of violence against particularly vulnerable people, like women and Indigenous people. Most Mexican people also do not trust their police or criminal justice system. University of Californias San Diegos Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies estimates that 93.3% of crimes are not reported. Out of the small number of reported cases, arrests are made in only 11.5%. Women, notoriously, are not acknowledged when they report that they are victims of crime, or they are reported missing by loved ones. And violent crimes against women are solved at even lower rates than other crimes. A Mexican soldier stands guard outside a crime scene in Zacatecas state, Mexico, in March 2022. Pedro Pardo/AFP via Getty Images 4. The laws dont tackle core problems In my opinion, criminal justice reforms alone cannot reduce crime in Mexico. The percentage of Mexican people living in poverty continued to grow from 2018 and 2020, increasing by 7.3% during these years. Inequality between Mexicos richest and poorest people also remains on the rise, making it one of the most unequal countries in the world. Some research shows that strengthening educational systems in Mexico and reducing inequality could help curb crime. These factors in addition to illicit drug usage in the U.S. and demand for drugs transported through Mexico all form a complicated web that will need to be untangled, and systematically addressed, before criminal justice reforms alone can help make Mexico a safer and more just country. This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. Like this article? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. It was written by: Rebecca Janzen, University of South Carolina. Read more: Rebecca Janzen received funding from the University of South Carolina's College of Arts and Sciences to conduct research for this work. Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Wikimedia Commons This is the latest in our twice-a-month series on underrated destinations, Its Still a Big World. Cesar Fernando Aguayo Juarez, the town historian of Dolores Hidalgo, Mexico, tells a story from the heady final days of his countrys colonial period that has the preternatural weight of history about to be repeated. At a meeting of insurrectionary plotters, Miguel Hidalgo, a future founding father, then the parish priest of the rural outpost known at the time as just Dolores, served wine made from his own crop of grapes. Raising her glass to accept a third pour, Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, a chief co-conspirator, was chastised by her husband: Come on, woman, don't drink anymore. You already have the character of gunpowder. Forget Margaritas, Its Time for Mexican Wine Oh let me be, she replied. These wines that Father Hidalgo makes in Dolores are just as good as the French ones. More than 200 years later, the testimony to the quality of the wine made in the region is beginning to echo, as a resurgence of viniculture led by a new mold-breaking crew gains acclaim and attention. With a signature freshness, wines from the state of Guanajuato have gone toe to toe with their European counterparts in international competition. Industry insiders, like Wine Enthusiast magazine, have celebrated the revolution afoot there. Aguayo Juarez calls it a a retrospective reclaiming of history and the detonation of a new industry. Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest, leader of the Mexican War of Independence and recognized as the Father of the Nation. Public Domain Set in the countrys central highlands a few hours drive from Mexico City, the areas exceptional altitude averaging 6,500 feet above sea level ensures a unique growing climate. Strong evening suns are tough on the grapes, driving up the concentration of sugar for fermentation. A rainy summer season balances their maturation. Theyre wines with a brutality and a unique aroma, said Erika Diaz, a sommelier who coordinates a regional festival and guides tours through her Club de Vino. When you open a bottle of wine from Guanajuato, you know its from Guanajuato because its a wine with its own personality. Story continues More than 40 wine producers now dot the state At Cuna de Tierra, outside of Dolores Hidalgo, sommelier Gael Velazquez notes white truffle and white peppers in the vineyards premium label, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles gold medal-winning red blend Pago de Vega. In this first vineyard in the areas new wave, 27 varieties now wrap around wires and wooden trestles that stretch over the nearly 300-acre ranch, a sprawling green campus crossed by dirt paths reddened with clay. Adobe from the soil there is mixed with concrete to form adocreto, a material used to construct the striking, modern Pueblo buildings that house the winerys production facilities and restaurant. Cool to the touch, the adocreto provides a natural insulation, allowing for an unusual above-ground cellar lined with rows of impressive oak barrelsa highlight of a tour thats attracting greater numbers of Mexicans and Americans each year. More than 40 wine producers now dot the state, with many near the historic town of Dolores Hidalgo and San Miguel de Allende, a neighboring colonial gem and haven for expats. Off the highway between the two towns, the stately Tres Raices, opened to the public in 2018, offers tastings and tours of a program led by a Mendoza-trained enologist. Lavender bushes mingle with rows of grapevines at Vinedo los Arcangeles farther to the north. There, cabanas for rent and touches of hospitality, like a nightly bonfire, offer a rustic respite after a day of touring. While wine is far from a favorite for Mexican drinkers, and the Valle de Guadalupe, a coastal wine region by the California border, remains the countrys most influential, the Guanajuato offerings are becoming more popular, boosted in part by a tourism campaign launched this summer that highlights winemakings ties to the countrys history. On the Wine Route of Independence tour, a chauffeured day of wine tasting comes with stops to take in local handicrafts and a visit to the Museum of Wine in Dolores Hidalgo, a dazzlingly tiled center that details the little known role played by the grape in the Mexican fight for independence. Museo del Vino de Guanajuato in Dolores Hidalgo. Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata/Wikimedia Commons Hidalgo, a humanist priest, first introduced wine production in the region after taking over the Dolores parish in 1803. The loamy and sandy soil was ideal for grape growing, and vineyards, Hidalgo thought, could be an effective commercial opportunity for the indigenous communities, which had been left sickened and enslaved by the colonial leadership. But strict mercantilist policies, in place to protect the Spanish crowns exports, barred most production of wine in the colony. Hidalgos orchards in the center of town, which took up the length of a city block, were burned to the ground. The episode, among the mounting examples of Spanish oppression, further fueled Hidalgos drive to revolt. In the early hours of Sept. 16, 1810, with his conspiracy said to have been uncovered, Hidalgo rang the bell of his church on the towns main plaza to summon his parishioners. The Grito, or cry, he delivered, is remembered as the call to arms that would lead, over a decade later, to a liberated Mexican state. Political leaders across the country reenact the speech each September in dramatic fashion to mark Mexicos Independence Day, the president of Mexico doing so from the balcony of the National Palace and with Hidalgos same bell. A no-frills pueblo for most of the year, over the holiday, Dolores Hidalgo transforms into the site of a patriotic pilgrimage, with thousands gathered to celebrate in the town where the break from Spain first began. Lights and bunting are strung from the roofs of the low-rise buildings and oversized neon signs with nationalistic imagery glow in the tricolor of the Mexican flag on the main plaza. By nightfall, street vendors have extended their stalls into the streets themselves, popping up plastic tables and griddles with basins for frying quesadillas. The drinks of choice here are decidedly unpretentious: tamarind and hibiscus waters and domestic beers. If Dolores Hidalgo itself is still more of a Modelo town, down the highway in San Miguel de Allende, the wine takeover is well underway. Named for Ignacio Allende, an early collaborator of Hidalgos and his eventual successor at the helm of the revolutionary army, San Miguel de Allendes independent streak has propelled it to global renown. In 2021, Travel + Leisure readers named it the worlds best city. They did the same in 2017 and 2018. Reimagined as an artist colony a century ago, San Miguel de Allendes worn cobblestones and color-blocked buildings have provided inspiration for greats like David Alfaro Siqueiros, the Mexican muralist who taught in the citys art academy in his later years. Thousands of retirees from the U.S., Canada, and Europe have since moved in, building their bohemian tastes into the citys famous hills. A shocking set of natural wines Tucked away on a downtown backstreet, Marcelo Castro Vera serves up radical pours in his Tenerias 2 tasting room like a winemaking insurgent, though with his curly mop and signature Birkenstocks he says hes more often mistaken for a shaman. Sold under the label Octagano, the wines are produced by carefully avoiding any industrial technique. Grapes are crushed by foot and never filtered or treated with sulfites. Clay pots, buried in the ancient style of eastern European winemakers, replace traditional fermentation tanks. The result: a shocking set of natural wines that escape the bounds and profile of traditional vineyards. Thats kind of what were trying to break, Castro said, the cellar with a ton of barrels that people go to to pose. Over a two-hour seating, available by private booking, more than a dozen bottles amassed on a large, shared table alongside an unorthodox spread that included kimchi and grasshoppers. Theres a white with milky notes meant to evoke pulque, an ancient sappy booze. An orange, fermented with the grape skin left on for up to eight months, lands with tang that forces eyebrows up. Celebration of the first harvest at Vinedos San Miguel on Aug. 27, 2016 in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. Eugenio Gonzalez/CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons Guanajuato, Castro says, has the highest concentration of natural winemakers in the country, and at Xoler, a new wine bar in San Miguel de Allende, the full range is on display. A cool orange wine from Cava Garambullo, a natural winery outside of town, is served next to sopes, thick disks of fried masa, elevated on a special Independence Day menu with spherified onions and slow roasted pork. In a second course, the standard steak and red is flipped for salpicon and a natural Syrah-Cabernet Franc blend, the shredded beefs sauce finding its match in the tartness of the wine. We really like to combine natural wines with Mexican food, said Agustin Solorzano, Xolers owner, calling pet-nat, a natural sparkling wine, an especially good match for dishes heavy on chiles. Theyre a little dry but they have aromas, theyre very fruity, and they work marvelously with spicy food like a ceviche or a mole, he said. Back in Dolores Hidalgo on the night of the Grito, as national hymns rouse a swelling crowd, a select few are toasting with local reds at Damonica restaurant, perhaps an unwitting tribute to the nations birth. The rare upscale spot in town, Damonica has a wide selection of Guanajuato wines, showcasing the newest and the finest from the burgeoning scene, alongside cuts and risottos. Monica Dimitri, who owned a restaurant in her native Italy before opening Damonica five years ago, is in the early stages of a coup of her own. I want to change a bit the culture of tequila and everything, she said, serving a reporter a dry local red, and have people get a little closer to wine. 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. By Kylie Madry MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -The Mexican government said on Monday it is opposed to a possible restart of the U.S. immigration policy known as "Remain in Mexico" which required asylum seekers to wait for U.S. hearings in Mexico. President Joe Biden has sought to end the program, which had been introduced by the Trump administration and is currently suspended. But U.S. states such as Texas and Missouri filed a lawsuit to keep the program active and in December a U.S. judge paused Biden's attempt, saying the Department of Homeland Security had failed to adequately explain why the policy was ineffective and should be scrapped. Mexico's foreign ministry did not state its reasons for its opposition. Activists argue the policy, officially called Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), leaves migrants in dangerous border cities where they face threats of kidnapping and extortion. If the Mexican government remains firm in its opposition, U.S. officials would likely have to consider whether asylum seekers can stay in the United States while their claims are evaluated or make other arrangements to remove them from the country. Some 74,000 migrants went through Mexico under the program when former President Donald Trump was in power, the foreign ministry said. Under Biden, that number is just 7,500. Marsha Espinosa, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement to Reuters on Monday that the Biden Administration will keep trying to terminate MPP through the courts. "Our ability to implement MPP pursuant to court order has always been contingent on the government of Mexico's willingness to accept returns under MPP," added Espinosa. The Biden administration has sought alternatives to reduce the influx of migrants to the U.S. southern border, including a program allowing some Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans to enter through an appointment system. According to U.S. officials, the program has seen some success as the number of migrants from those countries caught crossing the border dropped off sharply from December to January. Human rights organizations have pushed for other nationalities to be included. (Reporting by Kylie Madry; Additional reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; Editing by David Alire Garcia and Edwina Gibbs) Michael Cohen, former President Trumps long-time personal attorney, said he will meet with the Manhattan district attorneys office on Wednesday as investigators appear to be nearing a decision on whether to seek charges against Trump. Cohen said on his podcast Political Beatdown that the meeting with District Attorney Alvin Braggs (D) office will mark Cohens 15th appearance during several investigations. Its now the 15th time that Im heading in to discuss this and other several matters with the DAs team tomorrow, and Im looking forward to it, to be very honest with you, Cohen said. A spokeswoman for Bragg declined to comment. Cohens announcement came hours after an ex-senior prosecutor in the case, Mark Pomerantz, published a book criticizing Bragg for not pursuing charges last year and suggesting he would need to rekindle a relationship with Cohen for him to cooperate again. I do believe that Alvin Bragg is serious, Cohen said on the podcast. I believe that whatever occurred in the past is the past, and I think he legitimately believes that there is a case to be made against Donald Trump. Pomerantz and another top prosecutor, Carey Dunne, resigned about a year ago as the investigation appeared to stall after focusing on whether Trumps businesses manipulated property values for tax and loan benefits. Last month, The New York Times broke that Bragg impaneled a new grand jury as prosecutors returned to an October 2016 hush payment made to adult-film star Stormy Daniels, who alleged an affair with Trump. Trump denies the affair, and he has condemned the investigation as a witch hunt and accused prosecutors of committing misconduct. Cohen could be a key witness. He claims he made the payment at Trumps direction, and the former president later reimbursed Cohen under the guise of it being a legal retainer fee despite it allegedly being a strategy to avoid embarrassment just prior to the 2016 presidential election. Story continues Legal experts say such a scheme could lead Bragg to seek charges of falsifying business records against the former president. But only one version of the charge is a felony, and securing that conviction would require prosecutors to connect any falsified records to another crime. Cohen pleaded guilty to federal campaign finance violations after making the payment, but Pomerantz expressed uncertainty that a federal charge would suffice to reach the felony. What were going to see is a really qualified team of prosecutors going through all of the documents, Cohen said on his podcast. Not just the old documents that were left over from the Pomerantz and Carey Dunne days, but I believe that theres new information that theyve been able to acquire. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Microsoft Artificial Intelligence (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Microsoft has unveiled a major overhaul of Bing, adding the same AI technology that underpins the viral ChatGPT. The new additions will allow the search engine and Edge internet browser to offer immediate answers to complex questions from users. And it will allow people to call on the system to generate new creative ideas, summarise complex documents and rewrite computer code into other languages, for instance. Microsoft says the development is just one part of its AI overhaul, which it says will change pretty much every kind of software. The announcement comes a day after Google announced a new AI system of its own, named Bard. But Microsoft appears to be far ahead of the company that it has trailed behind on search for so long, offering users radical new technology that is available to trial now. The software, developed by ChatGPT creators OpenAI, will now allow Bing and Edge to give footnoted responses to search queries and summarise detailed information from multiple sources. Users can trial the technology now ahead of a full rollout over the coming weeks. The announcement comes just one day after Google revealed its own AI-powered search engine chatbot, named Bard. Satya Nadella, Microsofts chief executive, said the changes were needed because search engines had not progressed for 20 years and half of Bing searches currently fail to answer user queries. I think this technology is going to reshape pretty much every software category, he told a press conference at the firms Seattle headquarters. The race starts today, and were going to move and move fast. Most importantly, we want to have a lot of fun innovating again in search, because its high time. Its a new day in search, its a new paradigm for search, rapid innovation is going to come. AI-generated answers will now appear on the right of the Bing interface, with the traditional webpage links and images remaining on the left. The company is also introducing a Chat feature to Bing similar to ChatGPT, the parent company of which Microsoft has invested billions of dollars into. Story continues On the Edge browser, the next-generation AI technology can be used to draw up custom meal plans, travel itineraries and music trivia quizzes at the users request. It can also immediately summarise academic articles and company reports, compare them with others and rewrite code into different languages. The competition to innovate using AI was evident throughout the press conference as Microsofts leaders criticised other search engines failure to innovate. Yusuf Mehdi, its chief marketing officer, said: We have to adapt to search, not the other way around. Search has remained the same since the last major inflection. The user experience is the same as 20 years ago. Google will host its own launch event for Bard on Wednesday, which it revealed on Monday just minutes before Microsoft announced todays press conference. Sundar Pichai, its chief executive, said AI will soon be integrated into the companys search engine to provide written answers to search queries in addition to links to relevant webpages, images and videos. He added the tool would allow Google to answer questions in a more intelligent way that went beyond just providing basic factual information. Mr Pichai insisted the bot would be both bold and responsible, but did not specify how the company would prevent it producing harmful or abusive content. Bard will use the companys existing Lamda software, which was described last year by an engineer as sentient and the intellectual equivalent of a human child. Blake Lemoine, 41, was sacked by the firm after making the claims, which it described as wholly unfounded. Additional reporting by Press Association REDMOND, WASHINGTON Microsoft (MSFT) fired its latest salvo against rival Google (GOOG, GOOGL) on Tuesday, debuting a new version of its Bing search engine running on a more powerful version of OpenAI's popular ChatGPT natural language AI technology. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella took the wraps off of the newest iteration of Bing and an updated version of its Edge web browser at an event held at Microsoft's headquarters, during which he explained how AI will transform the search engine. "It's a new day in search. It's a new paradigm for search," Nadella said. "Rapid innovation is going to come. A race starts today in terms of what you can expect. We are going to move fast. For us, every day we want to bring out new things. And most importantly we want to have a lot of fun innovating in search." Microsoft argues that search hasn't changed much in the 20 years since companies began using algorithmic search engines. To that end, Microsoft is adding generative AI to the equation, which it says makes it more powerful than any of its rivals. The new Bing complete with AI technology from OpenAI. (Image: Microsoft) The company is using what it calls its Prometheus Model. The idea is to hit a number of points, including improving the relevancy of answers, annotating search answers with specific web links and citations, getting users more up-to-date information, and improving the safety of answers. In the new Bing, users will see standard web links on the left and AI-powered answers on the right that are pulled out specifically to address questions. Microsoft provided an example of when users are looking for a loveseat at the store and want to know if it can fit in their car. Bing will pull up the dimensions of the loveseat and of your car to help determine if you're getting it home or not. The software will also say if it's not sure if it will fit exactly right. In another example, in a search for the pros and cons of the top-three selling pet vacuums, Bing pulls from various articles on the web on the right side of the screen, something users currently need to navigate by visiting multiple sites. Story continues And if you're looking for an egg substitute for a recipe, Bing can provide multiple examples of options and then say what it actually does to the recipe, such as making a cake more fluffy. Bing will also use a new chat experience, as well. Say you're looking for a 65-inch TV. The answers on the right side of the screen provide a number of TVs and some highlights. You can then refine the query by clicking on the available Chat box and ask which of the listed TVs is best for gaming. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks at Microsoft's Bing and Edge AI event. (Image: Dan Howley/Yahoo Finance) It will then pull that information from the web and offer up information on which TVs offer certain gaming capabilities. You can then break it down further to ask which are best for a lower budget. Finally, Microsoft showed how Bing can be used to help put together an itinerary for a five-day trip to Mexico City. The search engine was not only able to provide a complete itinerary it also broke it down asking it to change the trip to a three-day version. As far as the Edge browser goes, Microsoft is adding a dedicated Bing button that brings the search engine's power to the browser. 'This technology is going to reshape pretty much every software category' "I think this is the beginning of a very new era," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said during the event. "[Microsoft and OpenAI] share a deep sense of responsibility in ensuring that AI is deployed safely." Microsoft is giving a good amount of weight to its investment in AI. In the lead up to the presentation, Nadella equated the technology and its economic opportunity to Microsoft's founding. "I think that this technology is going to reshape pretty much every software category," he said. Last month, Microsoft announced it is making a multi-year, multi-billion investment in OpenAI with the goal of adding the company's capabilities to Microsoft's offerings. OpenAI ChatGPT exploded in popularity when it was released in Nov. 2022. The platform allows users to request things like, "Write me a poem about a flying horse," as well as provide responses that sound as though they've been written by a human. The software is called generative AI, because it formulates unique responses based on the enormous amounts of data on which it's been trained. On Monday, Google, likely anticipating Microsoft's announcement, debuted its own natural language generative AI capabilities. The software, called Bard, is meant to provide users with AI-powered responses to their queries that sound as though they were written by another human. Microsoft is in a race to beat out Google in becoming the AI king of Silicon Valley. Google didn't stop there. The company also announced generative AI capabilities will be coming to its search platform in the coming weeks. Companies are competing in a race to be the first in the generative AI space, which could give them a major leg up when it comes to courting bot average consumers and business customers. By making their software more approachable, companies like Microsoft and Google can provide customers with easier-to-understand answers to their queries, whether that's asking how far away the moon is from the Earth or where specific data is stored on their corporate servers. The AI wars are only going to heat up from here. Sign up for Yahoo Finance's Tech newsletter More from Dan Got a tip? Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley. For the latest earnings reports and analysis, earnings whispers and expectations, and company earnings news, click here Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Download the Yahoo Finance app for Apple or Android Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and YouTube "It's a new day for search," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said today. For 13 years now, Microsoft has tried to get you to use Bing, but you didn't want to, so its global market share remains in the low single digits. Now, the company is pulling out all the stops in an effort to better compete with Google. Today, at a press event in Redmond, Washington, Microsoft announced its long-rumored integration of OpenAI's GPT-4 model into Bing, providing a ChatGPT-like experience within the search engine. The company is also launching a new version of its Edge browser today, with these new AI features built into the sidebar. Image Credits: TechCrunch/Frederic Lardinois The new experience is now live on Bing, but it's still somewhat limited. For the full experience, you'll have to get on the waitlist. As expected, the new Bing now features the option to start a chat in its toolbar, which then brings you to a ChatGPT-like conversational experience. One major point to note here is that while OpenAI's ChatGPT bot was trained on data that only covers to 2021, Bing's version is far more up-to-date and can handle queries related to far more recent events (think today, not 2021). Image Credits: TechCrunch/Frederic Lardinois As Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella noted, the team wants to stay true to its AI Principles and acknowledged that, as with every new technology, it's important to remain cognizant of the potentially negative consequences. "It's about being also clear-eyed about the unintended consequences of any new technology," he said. He stressed that Microsoft wants to use technology that enhances human productivity and that is aligned with human values. Nadella noted that he believes this technology will reshape "pretty much every software category" and stressed that a technology like this has the potential to reshape the web. In his view, every computer interaction in the future will be mediated through an agent. The first stage of this, at least for Microsoft, is search. Story continues Image Credits: TechCrunch/Frederic Lardinois As Microsoft's Yusuf Mehdi noted, today's search engines still works really well for navigational queries and those that are informational, asking for basic facts. But for more complex queries ("can you recommend a five-day itinerary for Mexico city?"), which make up half of today's queries, modern search engines fail. As for the new Bing experiences, Microsoft will show these GPT-based results in a box on the right side of the search results page. These will pop up when you search for facts that Bing knows the answer to. Image Credits: TechCrunch/Frederic Lardinois But then there's also the more ChatGPT-like experience for questions that are a bit more vague and that don't have an exact answer. The only other major difference you'll likely note right away is that Bing will occasionally try to prompt you with its own questions, too, and suggest potential answers to those questions. Microsoft's model is clearly far more up-to-date compared to what ChatGPT currently offers. This includes pricing data, for example, or the ability to use recent data for travel tips and itineraries -- and it'll also happily write you an email to share this itinerary with your family. Image Credits: TechCrunch/Frederic Lardinois Another important feature here -- and one that I think we'll see in most of these tools -- is that Bing cites its sources and links to them in a "learn more" section at the end of its answers. Every result will also include a feedback option. It's also worth stressing that the old, link-centric version of Bing isn't going away. You can still use it just like before, but now enhanced with AI. Microsoft stressed that it is using a new version of GPT that is able to provide more relevant answers, annotate these and provide up-to-date results, all while providing a safer user experience. It calls this the Prometheus model. What Microsoft is essentially doing here is taking the OpenAI models and then wrap Prometheus and other Bing technologies around it. Microsoft obviously has a very close relationship with OpenAI. After its initial $1 billion investment, the company recently announced that it would invest even more and extend its partnership with OpenAI, which in turn led to today's announcement. And while Bing was always a competent search engine (and arguably better than most people ever gave it credit for), it never really gained mainstream traction. It was always good enough, but that doesn't give users a reason to switch. ChatGPT may offer this reason -- at least until Google rolls out its competitor to a wider audience. Currently, there are no ads attached to chat feature of the ChatGPT function in the new Bing, but Microsoft noted that it will monetize these capabilities through ads . Correction: for some queries, including those about shopping, the chat feature will show ads. Unlike Google, Microsoft doesn't have a massive advertising empire to protect, so the company is likely willing to forgo some revenue in order to take market share from Google, which yesterday announced Bard, its competitor. Google, however, hasn't offered a lot of details about how Bard will work and integrate into its search experience. For now, it's only available to a select group of trusted testers. One area that these systems are naturally geared toward is voice assistants. Like Microsoft is wont to do, it launched its Cortana voice assistant with a splash and positioned it as a competitor to Google's Assistant and Siri. Like Bing, it was a competent product (more so than Samsung's Bixby) that didn't gain traction, so Microsoft slowly pulled back. In 2021, it re-positioned Cortana as the service that powers AI-based productivity experiences in Microsoft 365. The new Bing may now give Microsoft the tools to take on this market, too. What all of this means for the future of the web and the financial health of online publishers who depend on people clicking on their links remains to be seen. It's quite likely, though, that tools like this will result in fewer clicks and hence fewer ad dollars for publishers. This has the potential for a massive paradigm shift. Microsoft will incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) tools into a new web search browser, the Washington-based company said Tuesday, just one day after rival Google announced its own plans to launch AI-powered features in search tools. Microsofts AI-powered search will come in the form of a new version of its Bing search engine and will be powered by an updated version of the AI that powers the increasingly popular ChatGPT tool, Microsoft said in a blog post. The dual announcements this week set off a race between the two tech companies battling in the consumer-facing AI space. AI will fundamentally change every software category, starting with the largest category of all search, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in the announcement. Today, were launching Bing and Edge powered by AI copilot and chat, to help people get more from search and the web. In the new version of Bing, users will be able to ask questions in their queries and receive complete answers before scrolling through results. For more complex searches, the new version of Bing will also offer an interactive chat feature. It will allow users to ask for more details, clarity and ideas, Microsoft said in the blog post. The updated Bing will also generate content for users, such as helping a user write an email or create an itinerary for a vacation. The feature will cite all its sources to see where on the web the content its referencing comes from, according to the company. Microsofts latest jump on an AI feature follows its multibillion-dollar investment into OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, announced last month. Google on Monday unveiled its own new AI tool called Bard, a rival product to ChatGPT. In addition to Bard, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said the company is looking to introduce more AI-powered tools across its search function. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Microsoft's oft-forgotten search engine is about to get a new lease on life. As expected, the tech giant announced on Tuesday that it is partnering with OpenAI to enhance Bing with the company's AI technology. However, Microsoft also had a surprise up its sleeve: the next release of Bing will feature a new next-generation large language model the company claims is "much more powerful" than ChatGPT and designed specifically to excel at search. Underpinning the search engine is a new proprietary technology Microsoft is calling the Prometheus Model. Among the benefits of Prometheus are more relevant search results. Microsoft claims the model will also make using Bing safer and allow the company to update search results more quickly. A screenshot of Bing's new The new Bing offers a chat function and an expanded search bar that allows you to input up to a thousand characters. In one demo Microsoft showed off during its event, Yusuf Mehdi, the company's consumer chief marketing officer, asked Bing to compare the most influential Mexican artists and their best-known paintings. Bing displayed its response in a new side panel that featured annotations and weblinks. Later, Mehdi asked the search engine to compare three pet vacuums while listing the pros and cons of each model. Mehdi said Bing could also help with questions where there might not be a precise answer. That said, in instances where Bing doesn't know the answer to a query, the search engine will still try to point you to useful information. Microsoft is also adding a button to allow users to share feedback on the search engine's new functionality. "I think of this as Search with your own personal helper," Mehdi said. The chat feature is there for when you want to use the generative capabilities of OpenAI's technology. For example, say you want to start planning a trip to Hawaii. You can ask Bing to create a five-day itinerary for you. In its response, the search engine will include links to accommodations, flights and things you can do on the islands. The new Bing is available to preview starting today. Microsoft says anyone can visit Bing.com to try a few sample queries and sign up for the company's waitlist. "Were going to scale the preview to millions in the coming weeks," Microsoft said. A mobile preview is coming soon as well. Photo: The Canadian Press This photo provided by Jason Sellers shows U.S. air force fighter aircraft shooting down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the Carolina coast on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. Opposition parties say the public deserves answers about a Chinese balloons incursion over Canadian territory. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Jason Sellers via AP Opposition parties say the public deserves answers about a Chinese balloons incursion over Canadian territory as the Trudeau government remains largely mum about its time in Canada. That call for answers came Monday as the commander of the North American Aerospace Defence Command revealed that "gaps" in the continent's early warning system prevented officials from detecting such balloons in the past. Defence Minister Anita Anand has confirmed the balloon violated Canadian airspace, but the government has otherwise declined to provide details about when and where the balloon flew in Canada, as well as whether there have been others. That stands in contrast to Washington, which has provided details about the balloons flight from Alaska through Canada and into the continental U.S. before it was shot down off the coast of South Carolina on Sunday. The Pentagon and the White House have been a lot more open in discussing what happened, Conservative defence critic James Bezan said. As a country that had its airspace violated by the Communist Party of China, we deserve answers. Opposition parties also want to know why the public didnt find out about the balloon until it had already left Canadian airspace, why it wasnt stopped sooner, and what steps are being taken to prevent and punish Chinese espionage efforts. It is high time the government took action to counter Chinese influence and modernize Canada's defence systems, Bloc Quebecois defence critic Christine Normandin said in a statement in French. In addition to this, light must be shed on this event and the government must offer answers to the population as to the impact of this spy balloon. The U.S. military first confirmed the balloons presence after it was publicly reported over Montana on Feb. 1. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin later revealed that it was first detected entering American airspace in Alaska on Jan. 28. While Beijing says it was a weather research balloon that got blown off course, Ottawa and Washington are alleging that it was being used to spy on sensitive military sites. Norad commander U.S. Gen. Glen VanHerck told reporters that such balloons evaded detection by North America's aging early warning system in the past because of a "domain awareness gap" that has since been closed. "So there was a potential opportunity for us to collect intel where we had gaps on prior balloons," he said. "This gave us the opportunity to assess what they were actually doing, what kind of capabilities existed on the balloon." White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Monday that the U.S. military has begun collecting debris from the balloon. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said Canada should be part of any investigation into the wreckage. People are rightfully worried that Canadas economic and security advantages may be compromised, Singh said in a statement. Canada should be playing an active role in investigating the purpose of the craft and pinpointing any intelligence it gathered. Anands office has not responded to repeated questions about when the balloon entered Canadian airspace from Alaska, or how long it remained in Canada before re-entering the U.S. over Idaho. It also hasnt said whether there were other balloons. Defence Department spokesman Daniel Le Bouthillier would only say that after finding the balloon did not pose a threat, Canadian and U.S. officials decided to reveal the balloons presence at an appropriate time, taking into account operational security. Bezan acknowledged Canadas partnership with the U.S. when it comes to defending North America, but said Canadians have a right to know whats happening in their country. It did seem that it was positioning itself over various military installations within the United States, he added, noting that Alberta is home to major Canadian military bases at Cold Lake, Edmonton, Wainwright. What Canadian secrets were potentially spied on by the communist regime when they were flying over our airspace? VanHerck has said the U.S. took maximum precautions to prevent the balloon from collecting information as it crossed the nation. He refused to provide details. U.S. officials have said the balloon was 60 metres tall, and the sensor payload underneath was the size of a regional jetliner. They have also said it had propellers and a rudder to change direction and speed but relied mostly on the winds. Kirby also dismissed Chinas contention that the balloon was for meteorological purposes, saying it strains credulity that this was some kind of weather balloon that was floating on the winds. The White House said the balloon was a setback to already tense relations with Beijing. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was supposed to visit China on Monday, but the trip was put on hold because of the incident. KENNEBUNK, Maine You could feel the excitement in the classroom as students prepared for the grand opening of their new restaurant, Redcoats & Revolutions Tavern and Grill, at the Middle School of the Kennebunks on Thursday, Feb. 2. A sign at the entrance of the mock-eatery promised food and fun but without the taxes. You know how our Founding Fathers were about those taxes. That afternoon, eighth-graders taking Ben Foggs and Dan Shermans history courses bustled about in both teachers classrooms, draping red and blue streamers in doorways and along walls. Such adorning seemed like the last task on their decorating to-do list, as everything else about the restaurant seemed in place for the diners they were expected to serve the next day. In Foggs classroom, tables were set with white cloths, American-flag bunting and candles. The walls were filled with posters and pictures packed with facts about the American Revolution in the late 1700s. A large screen stood ready to show a steady loop of fireworks exploding via YouTube. Middle School of the Kennebunks teachers Ben Fogg, left, and Dan Sherman pose in the Redcoats and Revolutions Grill and Tavern, which helps students learn about the Revolutionary War in a unique way. And in Shermans classroom, there was the kitchen, everything the students would need to serve their guests students, teachers, parents, and RSU 21 administrators while Redcoats & Revolutions was open all day on Friday, Feb. 3. To be sure, the patrons on Friday were served food as they gathered around the dining room tables. The history students served everything from donuts to cupcakes, and bottles of water and seltzer, to boot. Kennebunk named safest community in ME:Police chief explains why But such treats were not on the menu. Instead, these were: The Stamp Act of 1765. John Locke: Natural Rights. Sons and Daughters of Liberty. Common Sense. The Boston Tea Party. You know when you go to a restaurant, and the server asks you if he or she can tell you about that days specials? Thats what the students did when they approached the diners. They mentioned an item or two on the menu, providing a brief summary of a moment or person from the American Revolution. Story continues We pride ourselves on our revolutionary service, Fogg said. Middle School of the Kennebunks social studies classes create a menu for their Redcoats & Revolutions Tavern & Grill. Such information was divided into sections, just as menus typically are. For example, Appetizers included the aforementioned Stamp Act, but also the Sugar Act of 1764, the Quartering Act of 1765, and the Townshend Acts of 1767. Soup and Salad offerings included Common Sense, the book by Thomas Paine. Diners who wished to add a protein to their "meal" could choose from either the Boston Massacre or the Boston Tea Party. And among the selections on tap? Why, Sam Adams, of course. A revolutionary idea for the classroom Fogg works a side job at a restaurant in Yarmouth, and it was there that Redcoats & Revolutions first popped into his head. He came up with the plan to stage a mock tavern and grill with students as a way to be creative and break free from giving conventional lessons on the American Revolution to his students. Sherman was all-in when Fogg approached him with the idea. Fogg said it is his job to teach students history but also to prepare them for the world that awaits them, once they are finished with school. Plunging his students into a restaurant setting, where they would assume all the responsibilities of preparing "meals and engaging with patrons, helps accomplish just that, he said. My job is to help them get a job one day, he said. Middle School of the Kennebunks teacher Dan Sherman sweeps the floor at the Redcoats and Revolutions Grill and Tavern on Thursday, Feb 2. His students seem to agree. Charlotte Johnson, for example, said she felt more engaged in this history project than she usually does with her other courses. Ive enjoyed it a lot, she said. I feel like I learned more than I usually do because they made it super fun. And there was a point to it we could do something fun that not a lot of people get to do all the time. Pilot House: Public to weigh in on new restaurant, relocating Spirit of Massachusetts ship Clare Haley said she is not usually good when it comes to giving presentations in front of a classroom because public speaking scares her. But the format of the Redcoats & Revolutions restaurant was making a difference for her, she said, because it was interactive and engaging with others. And the fact that the patrons were parents and peers was making everything feel normal. You have the confidence to talk with other people, she said. Middle School of the Kennebunks eighth-graders Teagan Hanson, left, and Charlotte Johnson help decorate the Redcoats and Revolutions Grill and Tavern on Thursday, Feb 2. Sofia Sharood said Fogg and Sherman were helpful and supportive throughout the whole process of teaching them about the American Revolution and setting up the restaurant and getting ready to assume their roles when serving the patrons. She said both teachers were helpful when students have had questions or were feeling uneasy about certain aspects of the project. Johnson echoed Foggs notion that such a project will help students not just learn about the history of their nation, but prepare them for life, too. We could find a way to have a life lesson in learning how to talk and communicate with adults, which is like one of the most important life lessons, she said. Kennebunkport development:13 new homes pitched for forested area off Mills Road And how about what they all have learned about the war that brought America its independence and the people who fought it? Haley was quick with an answer. The colonists worked together to stand up for what was right for them and what would work for them, she said. Often teachers come up with ideas and wonder if they are connecting with their students. As he swept the floor of his classroom on Feb. 2, doing his part to get the kitchen ready for the next day, Sherman confidently said students were enjoying the project. Were trying to give them an authentic experience with engaging with people, Sherman later said. Its really about interacting with people in a genuine way. The content is kind of a bonus. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Middle School of the Kennebunks teaches through mock-restaurant NYACK, N.Y. On the first day of Black History Month, the planned hot lunch menu for students at a New York middle school was changed by the district's food vendor, without notice, and kids were offered chicken and waffles, with watermelon as the dessert. Nyack Middle School's principal explained the "unfortunate situation" in a letter to parents the following day, saying the "inexcusably insensitive" change was made by Aramark, unbeknownst to the administration. The school's planned meal on Feb. 1 was a Philly cheese steak, broccoli and fresh fruit, according to the menu posted on the school's website. "We are extremely disappointed by this regrettable situation and apologize to the entire Nyack community for the cultural insensitivity displayed by our food service provider," Nyack Middle School Principal David Johnson said. "I am disappointed that Aramark would serve items that differed from the published monthly menu. Especially items that reinforce negative stereotypes concerning the African-American Community." Nyack Middle School. AP African American Studies: Florida rejected AP African American Studies. Here's what's actually being taught in the course Police: Purdue University professor arrested on suspicion of dealing meth 'This was a mistake' Aramark on Thursday night issued an apology, acknowledging the timing of the meal was inappropriate and it "should have been more thoughtful in its service." "This was a mistake and does not represent the values of our company, and we are committed to doing better in the future," the Aramark statement, issued through the school district, stated. Johnson, in the note to middle school families, said that he hoped "this unfortunate situation can act as a learning opportunity for Aramark to be more mindful when making decisions that impact our students." Nyack schools interim Superintendent James Montesano said that the district was "extremely disappointed with what has occurred." But, he added, "we are encouraged to receive the appropriate response from Aramark in taking corrective action, which includes demonstrating their willingness to participate in training that the district will provide." Story continues "We anticipate this will assist Aramark in aligning to the values of excellence through equity our district strives to uphold," Montesano said. Parents express disappointment Nyack school district has been considered a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion issues, something several parents pointed to in expressing disappointment that the incident occurred in the first place. Lindsay Siegel of Upper Nyack, whose son is a sixth-grader at Nyack Middle School, called Aramark's menu choices on Feb. 1 offensive. "I'm surprised it wasnt caught," she said, noting the district's equity work. "Its really disappointing." Aramark's statement said it would partner with the district "so employees who work in the schools participate in training that aligns to the Nyack School Districts vision and commitment to equity-driven work. We believe this will provide a good learning opportunity to deepen understanding on the impact of systemic biases and negative stereotypes concerning the African-American Community." 'This shouldnt be a surprise': The education community shares mixed reactions to ChatGPT Past Aramark controversies Aramark, a large institutional food vendor, had been involved in a similar flap before. In 2018, NYU students at one dining hall were served ribs, collard greens and Kool-Aid during Black History Month. The university changed food vendors a year later. In 2011, a Martin Luther King Day menu at the University of California, Irvine, read: MLK Holiday Special: Chicken and Waffles. Aramark was the vendor. Follow Nancy Cutler on Twitter: @nancyrockland. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Lunch served in Black History Month at NY school called 'insensitive' NYACK, N.Y. (WPIX) The students at Nyack Middle School in New York were served chicken and waffles with a side of watermelon on the first day of Black History Month, causing the principal to apologize for the insensitive incident, according to a letter issued by the school last week. The students were scheduled to have Philly cheesesteaks, broccoli, and fresh fruit on Wednesday, according to a school lunch menu. But the schools food provider, Aramark, instead served up the chicken, waffles and watermelon, Nyack Middle School Principal David Johnson said in the letter sent to parents. I am disappointed that Aramark would serve items that differed from the published monthly menu, especially items that reinforce negative stereotypes concerning the African-American community, Johnson said in the letter. The principal called the menu insensitive and said he called Aramark to work out a way similar incidents could be avoided in the future. Aramark agreed to be more cognizant about what it plans to offer in its lunch menu, according to the letter. Assistant basketball coach, 22, accused of posing as 13-year-old player during game In a statement, Aramark acknowledged the mistake and apologized. The provider also said the menu was not intended as a cultural meal. The situation at that middle school was our mistake and never should have happened, an Aramark spokesperson said. It stands in direct contrast to who we are as a company and our longstanding commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We have apologized for our mistake, and are working to determine how it happened and make sure it never happens again. We serve millions of meals every day and our team does an excellent job meeting the needs of the communities we serve. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. BOSTON A Milton man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on drug trafficking charges, the U.S. attorney's office said. Brandy Soto-Lara, 25, was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He was arrested Jan. 11 and has remained in custody since. During a search of Soto-Laras apartment in November 2018, more than 400 grams of cocaine and over 40 grams of fentanyl was seized, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Rachel Rollins' office. Also seized were $6,000, a loaded firearm with an obliterated serial number, firearm parts and ammunition, the statement said. Soto-Lara faces from five to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. 'She was just a kid': Family remembers victim after death of Cohasset 'Red Rose' murderer Their $3 million Hingham home burned to the ground. Then, they did something incredible. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Milton man indicted on federal cocaine, fentanyl trafficking charges The fatal shooting of a 37-year-old Milwaukee police officer early Tuesday while responding to a robbery suspect on the city's south side is the fifth line of duty death since 2018. Here's a list of Milwaukee officers who have died on duty during this time. Peter Jerving Peter Jerving was shot and killed while responding to a robbery after 1 a.m. Feb. 7, 2023. Jerving was 37 years old with four years of experience on the force. Officers were responding to the area of the 2700 block of South 14th Street to check for a man wanted in connection with a robbery that occurred at 11:25 a.m. Monday in the 3600 block of West Good Hope Road. A foot pursuit took place with the 19-year-old suspect and a struggle ensued before the officer was shot. The suspect has been identified as Terrell I. Thompson of Milwaukee. Thompson died from gunshot wounds, though it's unclear if they were self-inflicted or from the officers. Jerving worked out of Police District 4. He was recognized by the department in November with a life-saving award. Jerving "dedicated his life to serving the great people of our city. To his last breath, Peter fulfilled that goal," according to a statement from the officer's family that was read by George Papachristou, the Milwaukee Police Department's chaplain. More:Here's how civic leaders are reacting to the fatal shooting of a Milwaukee police officer Mark S. Lentz Mark S. Lentz Mark S. Lentz died Sept. 18, 2019, more than two years after he sustained serious injuries during a crash. The 56-year-old motorcycle officer was struck from behind while attempting to stop a speeding motorist on Aug. 3, 2017, in the 400 block of North 27th Street. Investigators believed the car hit him intentionally as part of a coordinated plan between the driver Lentz was trying to stop and the striking vehicle. Lentz, who joined the department in 2001, suffered a brain injury in the crash. He worked on the department's motorcycle team for 13 years. The driver, Sirantoine Powell, was sentenced to six years in prison in June 2018. Story continues Lentz was remembered for his loud voice but also for being respectful to everyone. If you only knew Mark by his high-and-tight haircut, his black motorcycle leather jacket, and, of course, his black jeans, you missed the best part of the man, Sgt. Roberto Colon said. Mark was humble, true to his words and the type of guy that would ask, Are you OK? and actually mean it. Matthew Rittner Matthew Rittner Matthew Rittner, 35, was killed Feb. 6, 2019, when he was executing a search warrant as part of the police department's tactical unit on the apartment of Jordan Fricke at South 12th Street. The search warrant was for illegal gun and drug sales. After Rittner battered a hole in Fricke's apartment door with a ram, Fricke fired four shots from inside. Rittner was hit in the left upper chest and shoulder area. Fricke, 27, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole later that year. Rittner was a 17-year veteran of the police department. Rittner, a U.S. Marine, was deployed twice to Iraq. "He was a great American, a great patriot," Guillermo Rosales Jr., who commanded Milwaukee-based Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, during Rittner's 2008 deployment to Iraq, told the Journal Sentinel. Michael Michalski Michael Michalski Michael Michalski, 52, was shot and killed July 25, 2018, while trying to arrest a convicted felon wanted on drug and domestic violence offenses. Michalski, a 17-year police department veteran, was a member of the Special Investigations Division when he was killed. Michalski and officers were met with gunfire by 30-year-old Jonathan Copeland Jr. when they arrived at a residence in the 400 block of North 28th Street for a drug and gun violations check. Copeland, who was hiding in a pile of clothes, shot Michalski in the head. In May 2019, Copeland was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of release. Michalski was known for being a family man and volunteering in the community. "He went about his business with the goal of doing what he signed up to do, work hard, come home and treat those around him with the same love and generosity that they showed to him," his son, John, said at his funeral. Charles Irvine Jr. Charles Irvine Jr. Charles Irvine Jr. was killed on June 7, 2018, during a police chase on Milwaukee's northwest side. The 23-year-old Irvine was a passenger in the squad car. Ladell Harrison, 29, who was being investigated for a separate fatal drug offense, fled from a traffic stop and quickly reached speeds greater than 90 mph. About 37 seconds after the chase began, Irvine's vehicle lost control and a witness said it flipped 20 times before landing on its roof near Silver Spring Drive and North 76th Street. Harrison, who had his 5-year-old son in the car, was arrested hours later. He had an unlicensed handgun in the car and was driving without a valid driver's license. In April 2019, Harrison was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Irvine was the first Milwaukee police officer to die in the line of duty in 22 years. Irvine, who was called Chuckie by his friends and family, was remembered for his optimism and desire to serve. "He was always happy. ... He'd come home, tell me about his day ... and even if it was negative, he'd always be positive," his girlfriend Rissa Martinez said. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Peter Jerving is fifth Milwaukee officer killed on duty since 2018 Parents of two of the three teenagers killed in a 2021 crash in Homestead announced Monday that they are suing the citys police department because, they say, cops chased the car that their kids were in and failed to render aid after it plunged into a canal. Terence Valdivia, 14, was ejected from the front passenger seat and Rihanna Vargas, 14, was trapped in the back seat of the submerged car. A third passenger, Jeremiah Calderon, 16, also perished in the crash. A 15-year-old behind the wheel survived. The wrongful-death lawsuit claims the officers violated the citys pursuit policy, which prohibits cops from engaging in high-speed chase for minor offenses. The police department, however, has said officers were far away when the crash occurred. It was not considered a chase, Capt. Fernando Morales, a Homestead police spokesman, told the Miami Herald in 2021. In a press conference on Monday outside the Miami-Dade County courthouse, one of the attorneys representing the parents of Valdivia and Vargas blamed the police for the teens deaths. City of Homestead police officers chased a car full of teenagers, caused that car to crash in a canal, and left the kids there to die, attorney Joni Mosely told reporters. Two years after the crash, the teens parents are still heartbroken about what happened during the early morning hours of Feb. 13, 2021. No parent should ever have to bury their kid, Norma Vargas, the girls mother, told reporters at the conference. Its one of the worst feelings of the world. We miss her. Its hard every day when I got to go to work, and picture my only son, my only boy, has gone, added Alayn Hernandez, Valdivias father. Morales declined to comment about the lawsuit on Tuesday. Our hearts and condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased, Morales said. As customary with open litigation, the Homestead Police Department will not be making any comments until its completion. As for the teens parents, they say they want to hold police officers accountable for their actions. Story continues We just want the police department to own up to their responsibility, Vargas said. Was there a police chase? The attorneys and Homestead police say it all started with a traffic stop, but they dont seem to agree with how exactly things played out that morning. According to the attorneys, the teenager driving his grandmothers black 2019 Toyota Camry was seen making a right turn at a red light without coming to a complete stop. They say an officer then initiated a traffic pursuit traveling eastbound from 1200 NE Eighth St. at around 3 a.m. until she lost sight of the car. An hour later, attorneys say, a sergeant spotted the vehicle and began an extended high-speed pursuit westbound onto East Palm Drive. As the road began to curve, the 15-year-old driver lost control of the car jumping the curb before going airborne, striking several trees, and landing in a canal on the 2900 block of East Palm Avenue in Homestead. Jeremiah Calderson, 16, of Homestead, was one of the teens who died in a car crash on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. READ MORE: Three killed when car fleeing from police crashed into canal, Homestead police say Whats worse, the attorneys say, is that the sergeant saw the car as it sank into the canal and did nothing to intervene or render aid. Three of the teenagers tragically lost their lives at the hands of Homestead police because the driver allegedly committed a minor traffic infraction, the attorneys said in a news release. But police gave a different version of what happened. Days after the crash, Morales, the police spokesman, told the Herald that the Camry cut off one of his police officers while she was patrolling the streets at around 3 a.m. It was very blatant and on purpose, Morales said at the time. The car sped off, too fast for the police officer, who gave up and stopped the pursuit, Morales said. READ MORE: Driver may face charges after fleeing Homestead cops, killing three teen passengers in wreck About an hour later, a Homestead police sergeant saw a vehicle matching the description of the teens car that was stopped on Speedway Boulevard. According to police, he activated his lights, pulled up behind the car, and got out to walk up to the car. But the car sped off. The sergeant, police said, radioed what happened, got back into his patrol car and tried to catch up, Morales said. On Palm Drive, the teens car blacked out meaning it turned off its lights to try and avoid police and may have lost control while trying to turn, police said. Morales said the sergeant was blocks away when the teens car fell into the canal and that he did not see or hear the crash. Morales said the sergeant pulled over a different dark-colored sedan at the Keys Gate Charter School moments after the wreck because he believed it was the car that had fled. But the people in the sedan said they had just heard a loud bang in the area by the canal. Officers went to investigate and found the submerged car with the three dead teens. The injured driver was found later in nearby woods. Ethnic and racial minorities are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials. (Getty Images) For decades, racial and ethnic minorities have been underrepresented in clinical trials even though they are disproportionately affected by several health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. According to the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program, 80% of individuals involved in clinical trials are white, compared to 58% in the U.S. population as a whole, which negatively affects the care that people of color receive. If you look nationally, the number of folk of color [in clinical trials] are minuscule, said Dr. Robert Winn, director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, to Yahoo News. Studies estimate that Black Americans make up about 8% of participants in clinical trials but represent 13% of the U.S. population, and Hispanics account for 11% in trials, even though they are 16% of the national population. Many experts believe that lack of diversity in clinical trials is detrimental to achieving the best treatment for patients. (Getty Images) Not having that diversity in clinical trials prevents us from having information that can inform both patients, caregivers, and physicians around the appropriate medication that might be best for a particular patient, Maria Apostolaros, a deputy vice president at PhRMA, a biopharmaceutical research company, told Yahoo News. Experts say the lack of diversity in trials is due to a mistrust of the medical system by many underrepresented minority populations in the United States, and theres historical sort of events that have caused that, John Damonti, the president of Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, which focuses on health equity, told Yahoo News. The most notable instance of medical racism occurred in 1932 when doctors from the United States Public Health Service embarked on the Tuskegee Syphilis Study in which hundreds of Black men were used as subjects for experimentation and research. The existence of a decades-long syphilis study using Black men as "guinea pigs" is exposed in the New York Times. (Allen G. Breed/AP) Tuskegee is just one really terrible example but there have been so many examples of these kinds of abuses and clinical research throughout the years, especially here in the United States, Dr. Joshua Budhu, a neurologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, told Yahoo News. Story continues But some doctors say the health field has changed for the better and the system must close the diversity gap. I will tell you that, at least in the health field, we have tightened up that game, people dont just say were going to take your organs, or were just going to use you as a guinea pig, those days have been so long gone, Winn said. Now that we are creating therapies and creating trials that would also benefit people of color, we still have this leftover mistrust. For racial and ethnic minorities discrimination in health care is a problem that still plagues our society today. Over 40% of African American, Native American and Latinos have experienced unfair treatment in the medical field, according to a 2021 study by the Brookings Institute. Along with a lack of trust, doctors say minorities have trouble getting access to clinical trials. Were actually depriving people of first-line therapy, Budhu said. One other kind of practical point about why clinical trial diversity is important is that it actually saves lots of money. Discrimination in health care remains a problem in our society. (Getty Images) A 2022 University of Southern California study found that clinical trials save lives and money. Health disparities in general cost trillions of dollars, but just by improving clinical trial diversity, which helps to decrease health disparities, it will actually save billions of dollars, Budhu said. If just 1% of health disparities were alleviated by improved diversity in clinical trials, that would result in more than $40 billion in gains for diabetes and $60 billion for heart disease, Dana Goldman, founding director of the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics at USC, wrote in an article. Winn said that in 2020, after the killing of George Floyd and the coronavirus pandemic, pharmaceutical companies had an awakening on the lack of diversity in clinical trials. Protesters march in Brooklyn, N.Y., over the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, on June 5, 2020. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Many more pharma companies, many more academic centers are not only spending more money to address this issue, but theyre creating positions that will keep the focus on diversity, equity and inclusion and the importance of that and its role in clinical trials, Winn said. The Food and Drug Administration released additional guidance in 2022 to increase diversity in clinical trials and recommended that all trials submit a Race and Ethnicity Diversity Plan in the early phases of its clinical development. Going forward, achieving greater diversity will be a key focus throughout the FDA to facilitate the development of better treatments and better ways to fight diseases that often disproportionately impact diverse communities, FDA Commissioner Rober Califf, said in a statement. In the meantime, doctors say that all entities of the health care industry must work together to reach equity in clinical trials. This means that multiple stakeholders have to come together patient advocacy groups, hospitals, researchers, patients themselves, companies that may make new medications like pharmaceutical companies or device manufacturers, as well as the federal government, Budhu said. I think it needs to be a multipronged approach. Photo: Erica Phillips A Vancouver mom was hounded with calls for payment for a Bell Mobility account that she didn't open. A B.C. mother says she's been harassed by collections agencies for months after someone fraudulently opened an account with Bell Mobility under her name just over two years ago. Erica Philips was informed by a debt collection agency that she owed thousands of dollars to Bell Mobility despite informing the company that she did not open the account and had filed a police report. The 30-year-old mother told V.I.A. that the collection agency has been calling twice daily from Monday to Friday since October 2022. "It's so incredibly frustrating that this situation never should have happened to begin with and is forcing itself to the top of my mind every day," she said. Phillips was living in Vancouver in December 2020 when she stopped by her parent's house in North Vancouver for a visit. That's when she opened two pieces of unusual mail: one from Rogers Communications dated Dec. 12, 2020, and the other, dated Dec. 14, 2020, from Bell Mobility. Both of the letters were "pre-cancellation" notices stating that Phillips' cell phone service had been suspended for non-payment. However, she hadn't opened either of the accounts. At first, the Vancouver woman thought the letters were a scam; she didn't believe that anyone had actually opened accounts in her name. When she received a third piece of mail from Rogers on Dec. 19, 2020, and then a fourth from Bell on Jan. 8, 2021, she contacted both companies to report the suspicious activity. "Rogers got back to me within a week or two and said: 'All good. It's cancelled. Everything is coming off your credit report. Sorry that this happened," she explained. When she contacted Bell, however, the company told her that the account was legitimate. "They kept calling and saying, 'We found this to be valid and you owe us money." Bell Mobility number issued to the fraudulent account When she asked the company what type of identification was used to open the account, Bell told her that a driver's license was used at a store in Vancouver. She had lost her wallet a couple of years prior to the incident that had her driver's license in it. On Jan. 12, 2021, Phillips filed a report with the North Vancouver RCMP but Bell continued to contact her multiple times a day. While the company could tell her the information the person used to open the account, they were unable to provide further information about it once it was under police investigation. Phillips submitted a report to Transunion on Jan. 22, 2021, the credit reporting agency told her that "Bell Mobility is reporting correctly," meaning that it did indicate suspicious activity. In the same report, however, the company notes that the Rogers account was fraudulent and was opened in the same month. For several months, two debt collection agencies called Phillips for the money owed to Bell. On Oct. 25, Bell re-opened the file for an investigation and the calls stopped. But on Oct 15, 2022, nearly a year later, a third collections agency reached out on behalf of Bell stating that Phillips owed $3,295.52. Before it was sent to collections, the company issued a bill dated Jan. 8, 2021, for $788.33. Phillips said she tried to contact the RCMP on Oct. 22 but she didn't receive a response. After this point, she started receiving multiple calls a day and she'd just had a baby in July. "This was out of control and ridiculous and because I [had] a new baby I needed this to be done with," she explained. After trying to rectify the situation with the company directly, Phillips turned to social media. Bell responded to an Instagram post in November 2021 in a direct message, stating that the account was still found to be valid. The debt collectors continued to call the new mother into the new year and she turned to TikTok as a way to reach a larger audience, adding that "this isn't the type of thing [she] wants to post publicly" but felt that she had no other choice. Vancouver mom struggles with mental health following during Bell incident Phillips said the ongoing stress has affected her mental health and she discusses it with her therapist. She's also received mental health stories from people who were also victims of fraud or had similar struggles. Bell Let's Talk, a day geared toward promoting mental health awareness in Canada, was held on Jan. 25. Phillips said she received multiple notifications for it on her social media. A spokesperson for Bell Mobility told V.I.A. that it conducted an investigation and "determined that this account was fraudulent," adding that it advised its "affiliated credit agencies of the billing error." Kevin Westell, one of the principal lawyers and founding partners at Pender Litigation in Vancouver, represents clients at all levels of court in British Columbia. In cases of fraud and identity theft, individuals must act "swiftly" and notify the police if they need to. "The more you can exhibit to the provider or the authorities that you're taking an identify fraud issue seriously, the better you're going to be," he said. In regard to the Bell issue, Westell said contacting the media may have been the best recourse for Phillips at this time. As he noted, they are a major service provider in the public sphere, and "so it's fair game." North Vancouver RCMP spokesperson Const. Mansoor Sahak told V.I.A. that the detachment was conducting an investigation into the incident in 2021. But he noted that police "get so many of these fraud files and they are very time-consuming to investigate." "We try to focus on big losses but even then the investigation might not lead anywhere as they are very complex," he said. Sahak added people should immediately report thefts to police and shouldn't give out their identification. He also recommended that people register with Equifax to prevent fraud. Phillips said Bell reached out to her but did not apologize for the situation. Watch a TikTok the Vancouver mom created about the Bell incident. Plymouth County District Court Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mom accused of killing her young children last month, allegedly checked her Apple Maps app to make sure her husbandwhom she sent to pick up dinner and meds from CVSwould be away long enough for her to strangle her kids before he returned. Prosecutors used that allegation on Tuesday to argue that Clancy, 32, orchestrated the triple homicide of her children on Jan. 24sending her husband away just long enough for her to kill 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan before she threw herself out of a second-story window. The defendant did not take advantage of the situation when her husband left the home that night, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague said. She created the situation. And she used Apple Maps to make sure she had enough time to strangle each child before her husband returned from where she sent him. Husband of Mom Who Strangled Three Kids: I Forgive Her That shocking detail was one of many to emerge Tuesday. Sprague revealed that Clancy used exercise rope to strangle each child in the place where they should have felt the safesta lengthy process she claimed could only be done by someone who knew what they were doing. Sprague said itd taken at least four minutes to strangle each child, suggesting Clancy had significant time to change her mind about the killings if she wanted to, despite the 32-year-olds defense that medication had clouded her decision making. Sprague revealed that Clancy, while speaking to a psychiatrist, said she killed the kids because she heard a voice and the she had a moment of psychosis. The prosecutor claimed that Clancys husband, Patrick, said the first time hed heard Clancy use the word psychosis was after speaking with a doctor sent by her defense attorney. After strangling her kids, cops said Clancy jumped from a second-floor window of her Duxbury, Massachusetts, homea plunge that the mom admitted to her husband was a failed suicide attempt. Story continues Her defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, revealed Tuesday that Clancy is now paralyzed from the waist down because of spinal injuries sustained in the fall. He added that she requires 24/7 care, cannot use the bathroom on her own, and is under suicide watch. "The defendant did not take advantage of the situation when her husband left the home that night, she created the situation," the prosecution said. Here's the latest on Lindsay Clancy's arraignment from her hospital bed--> https://t.co/9zGZvALtcB pic.twitter.com/ayy9I87Pw1 NBC10 Boston (@NBC10Boston) February 7, 2023 Clancy attended Tuesdays arraignment via Zoom. She wore a mask and a neck brace, but never spoke. Prosecutors asked a judge to hold Clancy without bail. They argued she was aware of what she was doing, and that her thoughts were not clouded by postpartum depression or medication. In an attempt to prove this, Sprague pointed out that Clancys first question upon regaining consciousness in her hospital bed wasnt to ask about her kids, but was, Do I need an attorney? Reddington countered by claiming that Clancy had been prescribed an unbelievable amount of medication that was turning her into a zombie as she battled postpartum depression and possibly postpartum psychosis. She was so bad she turned herself into McClean Hospital, Reddington said before rattling off a list of drugs shed been prescribed. This is really a tragedy in this case. Reddington said itd be inhumane to hold Clancy without bail given her medical state, asking that she be transferred to a rehab center with a tracking device, if needed. A Plymouth District Court judge ruled that Clancy must remain in her current hospital until shes healthy enough to transfer to a rehabilitation facility, where shell then be discharged and fitted with an ankle monitor. Patrick Clancy with his three kids, Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and 8-month-old Callan, all of whom were strangled to death last month. GoFundMe Patrick was supportive of his wife in a statement posted to GoFundMe on Jan. 28. He said his pain from the ordeal is both excruciating and relentless, and that he only hopes that his estranged wife can find peace. I want to ask all of you that you find it deep within yourselves to forgive Lindsay, as I have, Patrick wrote. The real Lindsay was generously loving and caring towards everyone. While Patrick has shown support for his wife since the incident, chilling 911 recordings allegedly reveal the initial horror he felt when he returned home with dinner to find nearly his entire family wiped out. Sprague said Patrick came home to silence before he spotted his wife lying on the ground in their yard. He quickly called 911 and went searching for Cora, Dawson, and Callan, whom he found with exercise ropes still around their little necks. Once first responders reached the home, Sprague said that Patrick yelled out, She killed the kids! Cora, Dawson, and Callan, you gave me so much in your short time here, Patrick wrote in his statement. I dont know if the pain will ever go away, but Ill do my best to carry on in your honor. Dada loves you so much and will always remember you. 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. A toddler was rescued after she became trapped for 18 hours in a 50ft-deep well in Thailand on Monday, 6 February. The 19-month-old child fell down the shaft wile playing in Tak province near the Myanmar border. An overnight rescue operation was launched after the girls parents, who had been working in a field, informed authorities of what had happened. The toddler was pulled from the well on Tuesday morning and taken to hospital where she was treated for minor injuries. She has signs of fatigue but still has good vital signs, Ratsaran Ketsoising, local police chief, told AFP. Sign up for our newsletters. Monroe Police Chief Vic Zordan Monroe Police are searching for a person involved in a shooting against officers Sunday around 3 p.m. on S. 8th Street. According to authorities, officers conducted a traffic stop when the suspect, identified as 18-year-old Isszvian Webb, fired an AR-15 style rifle at an officer multiple times. Webb then shot other officers during a pursuit and later eluded arrest. Monroe Police Chief Vic Zordan described Webb as a "danger to society" at a press conference Monday in Council Chambers at Monroe City Hall. "We're not going to stop until we do find him. This is completely unacceptable in every form and fashion," Zordan said. "If anybody has any information, we need to know it. You need to know it. The next person that pulls him over, he's going to shoot at. He's already made statements that he will not be taken alive. He has a past history. He's a shooter and he wants to be a killer. We want that not to happen." If anyone has information on the case, please call the Monroe Police Department at (318) 329-2600 or (318) 388-2274 (CASH). All calls to Crimestoppers are confidential. This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Monroe Police identifies suspect in Sunday shooting against officers George Santos. Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty Images More people are coming forward and accusing George Santos of pocketing funds meant for pets. Andrea Dos Santos, a veterinary technician, said she never received $2,165 meant for a pet shelter. "It was excuse after excuse after excuse," Dos Santos told The New York Times. More people are coming forward to question whether Rep. George Santos really helped rescue 2,500 animals, or if he just pocketed money raised for pets. The New York Times spoke to several people who worked with Santos on a charity called Friends of Pets United, which he claims he founded. The Times' sources said they think Santos saved far fewer animals than the "2400 dogs and 280 cats" that he claimed in 2020 to have rescued. The sources also said they either never got any money from Santos-run fundraisers or were given a far lower amount of cash than they had been promised. Andrea Dos Santos, a veterinary technician, told The Times that in 2017, Santos offered to help her raise funds for her farm in New Jersey. Dos Santos said she worked with Santos to sell $50 tickets to a barbecue with live music and drinks. The proceeds from the event, Dos Santos said, were meant to go to building a new shelter for abused pets. Dos Santos said they raised $2,165. But she never received any money from Santos, who had handled the funds. She told The Times she found it hard to contact Santos after the fundraiser. "It was excuse after excuse after excuse," Dos Santos said. Regina Spadavecchia, who runs a Bronx pet rescue called Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws, told The Times that she accepted Santos' offer to help her raise funds in March 2017. Spadavecchia said Santos held a $5 raffle on Facebook for a dinner cruise and Broadway tickets, appealing for funds for the dozen dogs in Spadavecchia's care. Spadavecchia said Santos sent her only around $400, instead of the thousands of dollars he had promised her. "If you're doing fund-raising in my name, and you're claiming you can make a couple of thousand, and you're sending me $400, then something's off," Ms. Spadavecchia told the Times. "You're either boasting about stuff you can't do, or you're keeping money on the side. I don't know." Story continues Meanwhile, Monica Cunha, one of Santos' acquaintances on Facebook, told The Times that Santos claimed he would take in dogs whose owners could not care for them. But Cunha said Santos rarely posted about the dogs' adoption process. According to The Washington Post, Santos in November 2020 claimed on his campaign website that he "founded and ran a nonprofit 501(c)(3) called Friends of Pets United (FOPU) from 2013 - 2018." A December 19 investigation from The Times revealed that Friends of Pets United was not a registered animal rescue organization in New York. The FBI in January also kicked off an investigation into whether Santos took more than $3,000 from a GoFundMe fundraiser meant for a military veteran's dog, per Politico. Santos has denied scamming the veteran, Rich Osthoff, of funds from the GoFundMe page. The congressman tweeted on January 20 that he thought reports that he would let a dog die were "shocking & insane." "My work in animal advocacy was the labor of love & hard work," Santos wrote. Santos has admitted to lying about various elements of his past, including going to university, being Jewish, and working at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. Santos has refused to resign from his congressional seat despite these scandals, saying he will only do so if the people who voted for him in New York demand it. Representatives for Santos did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider SECOCHA, Peru (AP) Residents of five small gold-mining villages in southern Perus Arequipa region struggled Tuesday to salvage belongings after landslides caused by strong rains killed at least 12 people and dragged mud, water and rocks that turned precarious homes and other buildings into rubble. In the Mariano Nicolas Valcarcel municipality, on the edges of a depleted mining extraction area in Camana province, people desperately searched for anything they could salvage amid the mud. One of them was Mauro Noa, a community leader in the Posco Miski village who has been trying to reach local leaders to obtain first aid and food to help more than 1,000 of his neighbors who have been stuck on the side of a mountain since Sunday and are unable to leave due to the accumulation of mud and rocks. They're hungry and thirsty, Noa said. Nobody thinks about them. Noa said this is the first time in 18 years he has seen a landslide of this magnitude and neighbors have compiled a list of 14 Posco Miski residents whose whereabouts are unknown. The neighbors who couldnt leave their houses were taken by the wave of mud, Noa said. Children have been left traumatized by the rain and the landslide. Law enforcement has sent 15 rescue workers to the area and they were expected to arrive in Secocha late in the afternoon because the road has blocked by mud, police officer Giancarlo Vizcarra said. Vizcarra said that after they arrive in Secocha the rescue workers will try to get to the most remote villages to search for bodies that may be buried under the mud with the help of two dogs that have been trained to search for people after earthquakes. A local Civil Defense official said Monday that at least 36 people had died in the landslides, but on Tuesday a prosecutor told The Associated Press they had confirmed only 12 deaths and three people were listed as missing. The landslides destroyed key access roads into the remote villages, making it difficult to confirm the death toll. Peru's government had yet to release any official numbers, although the president traveled to the affected area Tuesday. Story continues The slides that began Sunday and continued Monday from the highest mountains in the area destroyed everything in their path. People were helpless and could only watch as the mud and rocks swept away their homes in the five villages, where miners have been living for two decades. Dramatic video from the region showed people covered in mud being dragged out of the mud. Many people slept outside out of fear that more slides might come. Were isolated, Arturo Munoz, who lives in La Eugenia, where the landslides began Sunday, told The Associated Press by phone. The full extent of the damage remained unknown as rescue workers were unable to get heavy machinery into the area. The main road in the small village of Secocha was covered by a muddy sludge that seemed to be everywhere and had pushed through doors and windows. Residents were working feverishly to clean mud out of their belongings, including kitchens, refrigerators and televisions. The prosecutor in charge of the incident, Luis Supo, reported the lower death toll Tuesday. A day earlier, Wilson Gutierrez, a Civil Defense official from the Mariano Nicolas Valcarcel municipality, told local media that 36 bodies had been recovered in the remote village of Posco Miski. Supo said that by Tuesday authorities had received the remains of only 12 people. Officials said Monday that the landslides had also affected bridges, irrigation channels and roads. Around 630 homes were no longer usable, officials said. Heavy rains are frequent in Peru in February and they sometimes help spark landslides. ___ Associated Press writer Franklin Briceno in Lima, Peru, contributed to this report. Hundreds of patients were evacuated from Brockton Hospital after a nine-alarm transformer fire broke out Tuesday morning, prompting a massive emergency response. The hospital has set up a family reunification hotline for families looking to locate patients who may have been moved from the hospital to another location. Family members are being asked to call 617-370-5971, and if they get voicemail, to leave their full name and phone number to receive a callback. Fire departments from a number of neighboring South Shore communities were called in to battle the blaze as emergency crews swept the inside of the healthcare facility on Centre Street and worked to help about 125 patients get to safety, officials said. The blaze was knocked down shortly before 9:30 a.m. but evacuations continued because the fire forced crews to cut the power to the building, according to Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli. Its not clear when the power will be restored. Under the direction of Brockton Fire Chief Nardelli & with the assistance of mutual aid we have evacuated the Brockton Hospital in an orderly fashion after a fire broke out this A.M. A 10th alarm was struck & we brought in 77 Ambulances 6 wheelchair vans 31 Engines & 7 Ladders. pic.twitter.com/H740HEGumA Brockton Fire (@Brockton_Fire) February 7, 2023 A Hazmat team is conducting air quality testing in the hospital due to a strong chemical smell in some areas. More than two dozen ambulances could be seen lining up outside the hospital to transport the displaced patients to other locations. The Red Cross is assisting as well. About 200 patients in total were inside the hospital when the fire started in a basement transformer room, Nardelli said. We were able to make our way down to the transformer room, which was energized at the time, Nardelli explained. We had to wait for National Grid to assist us getting it shut down. Story continues Nardelli noted that the situation was overly dangerous due to the potential for electrocution issues. Sick and injured patients were prioritized and quickly led out to safety for transport to other local hospitals but patients of all ages, including infants, were seen being carried and stretchered out of the building. We are removing critically ill patients who require immediate treatment, Nardelli said. This nurse just carried a baby out of #brockton hospital where there was a fire and there is currently no power. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/iJShGO1sLT Kelly Sullivan (@ksullivannews) February 7, 2023 A Beth Israel Lahey Health nurse told Boston 25 that they are preparing to accept some of the evacuated patients. Firefighters, police officers, and EMTs were called to the scene around 7 a.m. for a report of a blaze at the facility, according to the Brockton Emergency Management Agency. We ask residents to please avoid the area as there are multiple public safety personnel working and responding to the scene, BEMA said in a statement. The Hanover, Whitman, Stoughton, Holbrook, West Bridgewater, Bridgewater, Easton, Randolph, and Sharon fire departments all responded to the hospital to assist Brockton crews in their response. Video from the scene showed smoke pouring out of the building as dozens upon dozens of firefighters swarmed the area. There were no reported injuries in the fire. Massachusetts State Police investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshals Office are assisting with an investigation into the cause of the blaze. In a statement, Signature Healthcare says that elective procedures are cancelled through the end of the day Friday, February 10. Signature Healthcare would like to express our sincerest gratitude to our front-line staff and first responders, they wrote in a statement. Hospital staff is currently reaching out to patients family members and healthcare proxies regarding the transport of these patients to other area hospitals. STATEMENT: Brockton Hospital Fire Response & Evacuation Date: 2/7/2023 Time: 2:30pm Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital confirms at 8am today, a fire broke out that affected power to the hospital... https://t.co/RX9nD5ZNkb pic.twitter.com/X5dppoXMIN Signature Healthcare (@SignatureHlth) February 7, 2023 This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Photo: The Canadian Press People take part in a march on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Montreal, Friday, September 30, 2022. Canada's first commissioner of Indigenous languages says he hopes to have his office fully operational by summerabout two years after it was first announced. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes Canada's first commissioner of Indigenous languages said Monday he hopes to have his office fully operational by the summer about two years after it was first announced. Ronald Ignace appeared before a House of Commons committee that is studying the issue of Indigenous languages. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has prioritized revitalizing Indigenous languages as one of its goals in advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities across the country. It passed the Indigenous Languages Act in 2019, which mandated the creation of a languages commissioner. Ignace was appointed to the role in June 2021, along with several directors, and told MPs that the main focus to date has been on staffing up the office. "The complexity and significance of our mandate and responsibilities requires us to take the appropriate time and steps needed to establish a solid foundation for this organization," he said. Because such a post has never before existed, Ignace said the group is building the office from the "ground up" and needs to take the time to get it right. He says work has begun on researching what the status of Indigenous languages looks like in Canada, adding once that office is up and running, it would fulfil its reporting requirements on the matter. Statistics Canada says data from the 2021 census shows the number of Indigenous-language speakers in the country has dropped overall, but noted some growth among the generation of those eight years old and younger. A screenshot of Sarah Beth Clendaniel dressed in military gear and holding a large gun is shown. Accused Maryland woman Sarah Beth Clendaniel. A neo-Nazi leader and a Maryland woman planned to attack electrical substations, which form the interface between the distribution grid and transmissions systems, around Baltimore in an attempt to permanently lay this city to waste, according to the FBI. Authorities arrested Sarah Beth Clendaniel, a 34-year-old woman from Maryland, and Brandon Clint Russell, a 27-year-old from Florida who leads his local neo-Nazi group, on Feb. 3 and charged them with conspiracy to destroy an energy facility. In the unsealed criminal complaint, the FBI presented evidence of the duos extensive plans to carry out the attack, including securing weapons and specifying substations they wanted to target. Read more U.S. Attorney Erek Barron said in a statement that an attack like the one allegedly plotted by Clendaniel and Russell put lives on the line. This alleged planned attack threatened lives and would have left thousands of Marylanders in the cold and dark, Barron pointed out. We are united and committed to using every legal means necessary to disrupt violence, including hate-fueled attacks. In the criminal complaint, Clendaniel told an FBI informant in January that she was a felon and had a terminal illness related to her kidneys. Given that she only had a few months left to live, Clendaniel stated that she wanted to accomplish something worthwhile before she died, which apparently included attacking five substations in one day within the next month. It would probably permanently completely lay this city to waste if we could do that successfully, she said. When it comes to Russell, authorities have known about the 27-year-olds fixation with electrical infrastructure since at least May 2017, when his former roommate Devon Arthurs murdered their two other roommates (Russell was not harmed). At the time, Arthurs told law enforcement agents that he and his roommates were planning to attack power lines and a nuclear power plant in Florida. During a search, police found several explosives and chemicals used to make homemade explosives. Russell admitted that the explosives and chemicals belonged to him and spent five years in prison. Story continues According to the FBI, Clendaniel and Russell have maintained a relationship since 2018, when they wrote to each other while they were in prison at different facilities. The pair has talked about having kids together. In a manifesto obtained by the FBI, Clendaniel makes references to Ted Kaczynski, the mail bomber known as the Unabomber, and Adolf Hitler. She laments that she doesnt have a lot of experience with firearms, but states that she hopes to practice once she gets her license. What a shame I dont have a rifle yet. This storm would be the perfect time to hit some substations and knock out power, Clendaniel wrote. A preliminary hearing in Clendaniels case is scheduled for Feb. 15. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany are buying 100 Leopard-1A5 battle tanks for Ukraine, the Dutch government said on Tuesday. The Dutch defense ministry said in a statement the tanks would be purchased "directly from German industry". In an interview on Dutch national broadcaster NOS, Netherlands Defense Minister Kasja Ollongen said the tanks, a slightly older model, are "definitely still useable" for fighting in Ukraine. "It's a tested tank, and because they're being tuned up and made ready for fighting, they will definitely be useful for the Ukrainians," she said. (Reporting by Bart Meijer and Toby Sterling, writing by GV De Clercq, editing by Ed Osmond) A newborn baby survived after being pulled from the rubble in Syria, which has been devastated by Monday's earthquakes. Agence France-Presse reported that the newborn was still attached to her mother by the umbilical cord when she was rescued, according to Al Jazeera. "We heard a voice while we were digging," Khalil al-Suwadi, a relative said, according to the news agency. "We cleared the dust and found the baby with the umbilical cord [intact], so we cut it and my cousin took her to hospital." Local activists reported that the child's mother gave birth under the rubble, and that she died before being rescued, per CBS News. RELATED: At Least 62 Killed and Hundreds Injured as 5.6-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Indonesia The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said that a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake one of the strongest to hit the region in more than 100 years struck in southern Turkey near the northern border of Syria on Monday morning, followed 11 minutes later by a magnitude 6.7 aftershock. Newborn baby pulled alive from the rubble of a home in northern Syria RAMI AL SAYED/AFP via Getty Newborn baby receives medical care at a clinic in Afrin after being rescued Approximately nine hours later, another 7.5-magnitude quake hit in Turkey, according to the USGS. According to UNICEF, the initial earthquake hit around 4:00 a.m. local time "when many children and families were asleep at home." With the death toll still rising, as of Tuesday over 6,200 people have died as a result of the quakes, per The New York Times. The World Health Organization has warned that the number of deaths could ultimately exceed 20,000. Syria after earthquake OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Rescuers searching in the village of Besnaya, located in Syria's rebel-held northwestern Idlib province at the border with Turkey As of Tuesday evening local time, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey said the death toll in the country stood at 4,544, according to The New York Times. Additionally, at least 5,775 buildings have collapsed in Turkey, according to an official with Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Agency's general director (AFAD), per CNN. Story continues In Syria, the state Health Ministry said at least 1,731 people have died, according to the Times. Per CNN, over 970 people have died in opposition-held area, according to Syria's White Helmets, also known as Syria Civil Defense. Additionally, the outlet also reported that in government-controlled areas, 812 have died, citing state news agency SANA. RELATED VIDEO: More Than 20,000 Confirmed Dead From Turkey and Syria Earthquake Officials have warned that as more time passes, the likelihood of being able to rescue survivors, who are also coping with freezing weather, will decrease. "The later people are found under the rubble, the worse the chances for survival get," said Dr. Gerald Rockenschaub, a regional emergency director for the World Health Organization told the Times. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free weekly newsletter to get the biggest news of the week delivered to your inbox every Friday. Officials say the situation in Syria is particularly dire. "All over Syria, the needs are highest after nearly 12 years of protracted, complex crisis, while humanitarian funding continues to decline," said Adelheid Marschang, WHO Senior Emergency Officer, according to CBS News. Per the Times, Syria cannot receive direct aid from a number of countries due to sanctions against its president's government. Additionally, the only UN-approved crossing for humanitarian aid between the two countries is currently closed due to damage. Syria after earthquake Muhammed Said/Anadolu Agency via Getty Search and rescue operations in Idlib, Syria President Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency for his country on Tuesday. "Two major earthquakes, whose epicenters are the Pazarck and Elbistan districts of Kahramanmaras, have caused grave destruction in 10 provinces within a large area where 13.5 million citizens live," he said during a speech. "Both of the earthquakes took place in such a close proximity as seven kilometers to the earth surface, which exponentially increases the intensity of the destruction." "The gravity of the earthquake disaster we have experienced makes it imperative for us to implement extraordinary measures,," President Erdogan continued. In addition to the state of emergency, there will be a seven day period of national mourning. To help earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria, conside donating to these organizations: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Doctors Without Borders, GlobalGiving, Save the Children, and The Syrian American Medical Society. Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission asking it to investigate wholesale prices of natural gas in California. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote a letter Monday to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission urging it to investigate wholesale prices of natural gas in California and other Western states. In the letter, addressed to FERC Chair Willie Phillips, Newsom cited a sharp rise since late November that has left Californians squeezed. "These wholesale natural gas price increases were exacerbated by early cold weather in the Western states," Newsom wrote, "but those known factors cannot explain the extent and longevity of the price spike." In addition to the impact on consumers and businesses, the letter listed sectors that have been adversely affected by higher prices for natural gas: industrial, agricultural, water and wastewater utilities. Newsom referenced Tuesday's joint meeting of the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Energy Commission, planned to explore causes of the price spike and possible protections for ratepayers. The governor asked FERC to "focus its investigatory resources on assessing whether market manipulation, anticompetitive behavior or other anomalous activities are driving these ongoing elevated prices in the Western gas markets." FERC regulates the interstate transmission and sale of electricity and natural gas. Spokesperson Mary ODriscoll confirmed Monday that the agency had received the letter and planned to review it. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A change in landing style is part of the US aviations effort to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as it was outlined in the US Aviation Climate Action Plan released at a United Nations conference in 2021. Stone/Getty Images An Optimized Profile Descent is a smooth way of landing planes with their engines close to idle. The landing style is less noisy, saves fuel, and reduces emissions. The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented it in 64 airports across the US so far. In most cases, planes are pretty noisy when they land. The pilots slowly reduce the altitude of the plane step by step, throttling and decreasing as necessary, in what's called a "staircase descent. The slow progression makes it easier for air traffic controllers to coordinate busy airspace and avoid collisions. But it's a source of both noise and carbon emissions, two things airports are trying to cut down as they work towards a net-zero aviation system by 2050. That's why an increasing number of airports allow planes to "glide" down from cruising altitude with their engines close to idle. The new, smoother landing approach "a gracious slide through the clouds," according to one flight reviewer is called "Optimized Profile Descent" by the Federal Aviation Administration. It's less noisy, saves fuel, reduces emissions, and is now allowed at 64 airports thanks to the addition of 11 new airports in 2022, including major hubs Orlando, Houston, and Miami. With the new airports, the FAA estimates "the industry will save more than 90,000 gallons of fuel on average and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 27,000 tons annually." "So it's a win, win, win and a win," John-Paul Clarke, an aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics professor at the University of Texas, Austin, who has studied continuous descents, told Scientific American. Clarke added that, while more fuel efficient, "gliding" is harder to implement, especially at busy airports, because of safety concerns. The FAA started using optimized profile descents" in 2014. Their implementation is slow because it requires adjusting flight routes. You can't have dozens of idle planes smoothly glide into the same airport at the same time without some safety concerns. Story continues The change in landing style is part of the US aviation's effort to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as was outlined in the US Aviation Climate Action Plan released at a United Nations conference in 2021. In 2021, the US recorded 4.9 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. US commercial aviation contributed to approximately 2% of the total. Other sustainability efforts include increasing the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel or SAF a fuel that's similar to conventional jet fuel but can be up to 80% less carbon intensive. Read the original article on Business Insider Its an honor to once again be recognized as a Top Workplace USA. This is really an award for our employees who are such an integral part of what we try to do culturally as a company. Linthicum, Maryland --News Direct-- NFM Lending NFM Lending is proud to announce that Energage has recognized it in their Top Workplaces USA list for 2023. Out of 100 mid-sized companies, NFM placed #22. NFM Lending has received this national award for the third straight year. Its an honor to once again be recognized as a Top Workplace USA, said NFM Lending President Jan Ozga. This is really an award for our employees who are such an integral part of what we try to do culturally as a company. They believe in what we stand for and our mission and work hard every day toward that end to create a great experience for everyone with whom we come in contact. Energages Top Workplaces program distributes a survey to the employees of each nominated company, asking them to evaluate their workplaces. The survey asks participants to rank their companies on the quality of leadership, work-life balance, pay and benefits, and more. In 2020, Energage added Top Workplaces USA as a national program to complement existing regional recognitions. For 18 years, NFM Lending has won the Top Workplace title regionally in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas by The Baltimore Sun and the Washington Post, respectively. In addition to this award, NFM Lending is consistently recognized for its exceptional company culture. Other awards include: Top Mortgage Employer by National Mortgage Professional Magazine; Top Workplace by The Baltimore Sun and the Washington Post; Great Place to Work by Great Place to Work, and Best Mortgage Companies to Work For by National Mortgage News, and 50 Best Places to Work For by Mortgage Professional Magazine. NFM Lending is proud of these accomplishments and each team member for their work to make NFM a Top Workplace. About NFM Lending NFM Lending is a national mortgage lending company currently licensed in 49 states and the District of Columbia. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998. NFM Lending and its family of companies includes Main Street Home Loans, Bluprint Home Loans, Freedmont Mortgage Group, Elevate Home Loans, and Element Home Loans. They attribute their success in the mortgage industry to their steadfast commitment to customers and the community. For more information about NFM Lending, visit www.nfmlending.com, like our Facebook page, or follow us on Instagram. Story continues Media Contact az@kisspr.com Release ID: 514903 View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/nfm-lending-named-a-top-workplace-usa-2023-904653053 ABUJA (Reuters) - A special Nigerian human rights panel began investigating on Tuesday Reuters reports that the army massacred children and ran a secret abortion programme when fighting Islamist insurgents and said it would refer for prosecution those it considered guilty of rights violations. The Nigerian military has denied the reports and said it would not carry out an investigation because they were not true. Anthony Ojukwu, executive secretary of the government-appointed National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), publicly launched the seven-member investigation panel led by a retired Supreme Court judge in Abuja. Ojukwu said the investigations followed "allegations of gross human rights violations contained in the three-part report published in December 2022 on military operations in the north east by media group Reuters". The panel's chairman Justice Abdu Aboki, who retired from the Supreme Court bench last year, told reporters: "It is now our job as a panel to investigate all the allegations of gross human rights violations raised in the reports." NHRC has no powers to prosecute human rights violators but can recommend prosecution for offenders. The panel has six responsibilities, including determining the culpability of individuals and institutions in the alleged rights violations and referring any violators requiring prosecution to the Attorney General, said Ojukwu. The panel would also determine damages or compensation in relation to any violation of human rights, he said. Ojukwu did not say how long the investigations would take. Although largely independent, rights groups say the NHRC is inadequately funded and its lack of prosecuting powers has weakened its ability to effectively bring offenders to book. Aboki said the panel had experience in human rights, law, military intelligence, humanitarian response and medicine. A retired major general, Letam Wiwa, who previously served as head of military intelligence, is a member of the panel. He is younger brother to Ken Saro-Wiwa, the Niger Delta activist who was executed by the military in 1995. Story continues "We will be fair and just to all manner of persons who appear before us as victims, witness, respondent, officers, Counsel and citizens," Aboki said before leading members in a closed-door meeting. An army colonel was appointed as liaison between the investigating panel and the military. Reuters reported in December, based on dozens of witness accounts and documentation, that the military abortion programme involved terminating at least 10,000 pregnancies among women and girls, many of whom had been kidnapped and raped by Islamist militants. On Dec. 12, again citing dozens of witnesses, Reuters reported that the army intentionally killed children in the war, under a presumption they were, or would become, terrorists. Nigerian military leaders said the abortion program did not exist and that children were never targeted for killing. (Reporting by Camillus Eboh in Abuja and MacDonald Dzirutwe in Lagos; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) By Libby George (Reuters) - A special panel named by Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission launched an investigation Tuesday into recent Reuters reports on rights abuses by the countrys army. Those familiar with the commissions past work say it faces stiff challenges. The state-funded NHRC does its best to press officials to act in the interest of citizens whose rights have been violated, eight sources with knowledge of the commission said. But they said the NHRC, whose inquiry was supported by the government amid an international outcry, is hobbled by a lack of authority to compel military leaders and other officials to prosecute or punish anyone. None of these people, including rights lawyers and researchers, was aware of any major cases handled by the commission that had led to the prosecution of senior Nigerian officials a lack of accountability underscored in United Nations and U.S. State Department reports. The commission has secured financial restitution for some victims of abuse. Nigeria does not have a decent track record at holding its own accountable, said Ikemesit Effiong, head of research at Lagos-based consultancy SBM Intelligence, who has followed the commissions work. That is even more stark if the stakeholders are military. Despite the brave, serious people on the commission, a government referral to the NHRC translates to lets bury the matter, said human rights lawyer Nelson Olanipekun, founder of Gavel, a nonprofit promoting justice. The commission-appointed panel, headed by a former Supreme Court justice and including a former major general, is investigating two Reuters articles published last year. The news agency reported on Dec. 7 that the army has run a secret program of coerced abortions in the countrys northeast, where it has been battling Islamist insurgents since 2009. The program has ended the pregnancies of at least 10,000 women and girls freed from insurgent captivity, according to witness accounts and documents. On Dec. 12, again citing dozens of witnesses, Reuters reported that the army intentionally killed children in the war, under a presumption they were, or would become, terrorists. Nigerian military leaders said the abortion program did not exist and that children were never targeted for killing. Story continues Commission Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu, a veteran human rights lawyer and activist, declined to comment for this story, apart from urging Reuters in WhatsApp messages to exercise caution so as not to prejudice people against the NHRC. It would be improper, he said, for him to engage with Reuters because the news agency could be summoned as a witness in the investigation. A Reuters spokeswoman said the news agency stands by its reports on military abuses, adding: We are committed to covering events in Nigeria in an impartial and independent way, as we do around the world. Spokespersons for Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, the attorney general and the military did not respond to requests for comment about the NHRC probe and rights abuses. The U.S. defense and state departments, the United Nations Secretary-General, the German foreign minister, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch all called for Nigeria to investigate the Reuters findings. After initially saying an investigation would be a waste of his energy, Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff Lucky Irabor agreed, amid international pressure, to cooperate with an NHRC probe. Asked about the new panel, the U.S. State Department urged the Buhari administration to empower a rigorous investigation. We implore the Nigerian government to give the NHRC the resources and access necessary to conduct such a probe, a State Department spokesman said in an email. The investigation should include access to military and other government-controlled locations, as well as military personnel. Historically, Nigerian security officials have harassed commission members, according to a former NHRC chair and a UN questionnaire answered by the NHRC in 2012. Chidi Odinkalu, an outspoken chairman of the commission until 2015, told Reuters he was detained more than once by police and security services, and continually felt unsafe in terms of physical security, digital security, residential security. That came with the territory, he said of the government pressure. LARGE MANDATE, LIMITED POWER The commission was established during Nigerias military rule in 1995. In a 2002 paper, two Nigerian scholars called the body "a red herring to distract from human rights violations. A 2010 law gave it more authority. The NHRC now has the ability to recommend prosecution. But only the attorney general, the police inspector general or prosecutors can launch criminal proceedings. To pursue alleged wrongdoing by the military, an officer would have to initiate a court martial. The NHRC, described on its website as an extra-judicial mechanism for the respect and enjoyment of human rights, has a 16-member governing council nominated by the president and confirmed by the senate. It includes lawyers, journalists and activists, as well as non-voting representatives from three ministries. Some NHRC findings, such as compensation awards, are enforceable by the courts. But if the body lacks at least six members, NHRC decisions have no effect under the law. President Buhari, who came to power in 2015, left the commission without a quorum for five years, until 2021. Commission findings are supposed to be public and a spokeswoman said they were posted on its website. However, Reuters was unable to find some reports, including two concerning alleged mass shootings of civilians in 2015 and 2020. The news agency asked the NHRC for access to all reports; the commission did not make them available. The NHRC isnt necessarily the only investigative body looking into rights violations in Nigeria at any given time. In 2019, Agnes Callamard, a UN official monitoring executions, reported that more than 20 Nigerian panels, including some appointed by the NHRC, existed at the time to probe specific abuses by the military, police or militia members. None, to her knowledge, had brought about prosecutions. These panels appear to be used mostly for whitewashing purposes, or to facilitate a cooling of the political temperature, Callamard wrote. The U.S. State Department reported that in 2019, 2020 and 2021 it had found no reports of NHRC investigations having led to accountability. A spokesman told Reuters that accountability meant credible, transparent investigation, and where warranted, prosecution and punishment. During the Buhari administration, sources familiar with the commission said, the NHRC has focused on training, privately pressing officials on human rights, and awarding payments to victims of abuse. The commissions mandate extends beyond alleged government abuses to include public enlightenment, improving access to education and health care, and mediating disputes. The NHRCs budget has doubled since 2015, to about 3 billion naira ($6.53 million) in 2021. But its caseload has grown faster, tripling in the same period to about 1.7 million. The NHRC in the past has complained of insufficient funding. In its 2018 budget request, it noted that if it were to spend just 5,000 naira ($10.89) on each complaint, it would need 5 billion naira($10.89 million) annually to handle that years caseload. RUNNING THE RISK The NHRC has ventured into politically sensitive territory before. In 2013, the military allegedly killed as many as 200 civilians in the town of Baga, in northeastern Borno state. The NHRC, in a preliminary report released to local media, said the case illustrates serious concerns about proportionality of the use of force. No one in the military appears to have been prosecuted. The defense ministry did not respond to a request for comment. At the time, the army blamed the carnage on Boko Haram. In another case, the army allegedly killed more than 300 members of a Shiite minority sect in 2015 after some members blocked a military convoy in northern Kaduna state. A state judicial commission faulted the military for its disproportionate use of force. While an NHRC panel also faulted those who took lives, it said the immediate cause of the clash was the Shiite groups blockage of the highway and recommended the group apologize to the army for violating its right to move freely, according to a 2016 press conference. Reuters was unable to obtain the full report. No prosecutions in the army have been announced. In October 2020, thousands of protesters successfully demanded the disbanding of the police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), members of which the NHRC found had extorted, tortured and killed civilians. That same month, the army and police opened fire on protesters in Lagos, killing at least 11, according to a state judicial panel. The government rejected the panels report, citing errors and insufficient evidence. Before the protests, in a 2018 report, an NHRC panel had recommended that immediate disciplinary actions be taken against any police officer who violated human rights, along with criminal investigations and prosecutions. Afterward, in September 2022, the commission reported that hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution had been paid so far to about 100 Nigerians in SARS cases. The NHRC also recommended that 28 police officers be prosecuted, according to a commission statement. No police prosecutions have been announced. Chief Superintendent of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi did not reply to a request for comment. At the end of last year, an assistant superintendent of police shot dead a pregnant lawyer at a Lagos state checkpoint on Christmas day. Amid public outcry, the officer was charged with murder. He has pleaded not guilty. Questioned on Channels TV about whether anything had changed since the 2020 protests, NHRC executive secretary Ojukwu said police reform takes time. It does seem the situation has not substantially improved, he said. ($1 = 459.2000 naira) (George reported from London. Also contributing were David Lewis in Nairobi and Reade Levison in London. Editing by Julie Marquis and Alexandra Zavis) TRENTON, N.J. (AP) New Jersey's top law enforcement official brought criminal charges Monday against a police officer he said shot a fleeing person in the back, wounding him severely. Attorney General Matthew Platkin said the state filed charges of second-degree aggravated assault and official misconduct against Paterson Police Officer Jerry Moravek. The charges stem from a June 2022 incident in which Moravek saw the victim, who is not identified in the charging documents, run past him soon after hearing gunshots. Moravek shouted for the person to drop the gun before firing, striking him in the back. Platkin said the person did not have a gun in his possession or within reach. A firearm was found near the site of the shooting, according to the charging document, but Platkin said there was no DNA or fingerprint evidence linking it to the man. "We have promised to never be complacent and we have made a commitment to stand up against unnecessary and excessive uses of force by those with a duty to protect the public," Platkin said. Moravek's attorney, Patrick Caserta, said in a statement that his client had been falsely accused. He said the officer had a duty to pursue the person he thought had fired shots. During a short foot chase, there came a time when Officer Moravek believed his life and the life of other people in the street was at risk. He believed at that split-second that the person he was chasing was turning to fire that handgun at him and he realized that if he missed, the bullets could strike anyone nearby, the statement read. Moravek made repeated calls for an ambulance afterward, Caserta added. Video released from the incident shows Moravek asking the person he shot why he ran from him. I was scared. I don't have no gun, though he said. Platkin said the officer didn't give the person he shot a warning that he was going to fire or order him to stop running or get down on the ground. The shooting left bullet fragments in the person's spine, Platkin said. He has not been able to walk since, according to the charging document. Story continues Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said in a statement that a preliminary review found that Moravek followed guidelines while responding to a service call and after hearing gunshots fired. The mayor, a Democrat, cited the pending legal process and said he wouldn't comment further. The charges come as New Jersey has sought to increase scrutiny of police officers involved in shootings. In late 2020, Platkin's predecessor issued new use-of-force rules barring physical force against civilians except as a last resort, among other requirements. In 2019, New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy signed a measure requiring the state attorney general to conduct investigations when police fatally shoot someone. Platkin, a Murphy appointee, said Monday's charges don't stem from that law and presenting the case to a grand jury isn't required, but his office will not hesitate to do so in cases like this one. Paterson is a city of nearly 160,000 people about 20 miles (30 kilometers) west of Manhattan. [Source] South Korean food company Nongshim is facing scrutiny from consumer groups in Korea following the recall of its Shin Ramyun Black Tofu Kimchi instant noodles in Taiwan and Thailand, purportedly due to the detection of harmful substances. The Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) suspended the distribution of the product, recalling a total of 1,000 boxes, local media reported on Jan. 31. The news came following reports that the TFDA intercepted the product after finding 0.075 mg/kg of ethylene oxide (EO), a substance classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in the product's seasoning packets. Nongshim has since denied that its products contained ethylene oxide, stating that what the agencies detected was 2-chloroethanol (2-CE). More from NextShark: Asian man beaten over sexual assault allegations in viral video says he 'never forcibly touched' anyone However, the organic chemical compound 2-CE, generated as a by-product of EO, is classified as an extremely hazardous substance in the U.S. Taiwan and Europe regarded the two substances as identical and announced that they found ethylene oxide in the product, but the truth is that what they had detected was 2-chloroethanol, a Nongshim official told local media. Korea and the United States consider the two substances different. Despite Nongshim's assertion, Korean consumer groups are calling for a thorough examination and testing of Nongshim's products for harmful substances. More from NextShark: Baskin-Robbins adds Tiger Milk Bubble Tea to its summer menu It is difficult to understand Nongshims statement that the substance is not a carcinogen and has no problem with the human body, the Citizens United for Consumer Sovereignty said in a statement released on Jan. 19. We cannot trust its statement that there is no problem with its noodle products sold in Korea as no harmful substance has been detected. Story continues In response to the criticisms, the company noted that it will further improve how it analyzes its raw materials. In July last year, popular Filipino noodle brand Lucky Me! faced a similar controversy after at least 10 European Union countries issued health safety warnings against it due to high levels of ethylene oxide. More from NextShark: 'Influencers' to Get COVID-19 Vaccine FIRST in Indonesia Monde Nissin, a global food company based in the Philippines, issued a statement denying that ethylene oxide is added to their Lucky Me! product line. The company, however, clarified that the substance is a commonly used treatment in spices and seeds to control microbial growth typical in agricultural products which may still show traces when processed into seasoning and sauces. More from NextShark: GOP Rep. Madison Cawthorn calls Zelensky a 'thug,' Ukrainian government 'incredibly evil' Photo: The Canadian Press The Quebec lawyer prosecuting the sexual assault case against Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard told the court Monday the complainant wants proceedings to move forward more quickly. Nygard's case in Quebec has been put off for months. The 81-year-old founder of a defunct international women's clothing company faces one count of sexual assault and one count of forcible confinement involving incidents that allegedly took place in Quebec between Nov. 1, 1997, and Nov. 15, 1998. He also faces sex-related charges in Toronto, where he is currently detained, and in the United States, where authorities say he used his position in the fashion industry to lure women and girls. Prosecutor Jerome Laflamme had told reporters it was expected that a trial date would be set on Monday. But Nygard's lawyer was not ready to proceed, and Quebec court Judge Andre Perreault put off the case once more, until April 14. "The prosecution will be expecting a final position on this case at the next date so that we can move things along a little bit," Laflamme told Perreault. "It's been a little while since the initial arraignment and the plaintiff, she wants things to move." Nygard was first arrested in Winnipeg in 2020 under the Extradition Act after being charged with nine sex-related counts in New York. He is also the subject of a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. involving 57 women who allege Nygard abused his position in the fashion industry and sexually assaulted them. The fallen fashion entrepreneur was charged in Toronto in 2021 with six counts of sexual assault and three counts of forcible confinement involving incidents between the late 1980s and mid-2000s. He will face trial in Toronto in September 2023. Two additional sex assault charges were laid by Toronto police in June 2022. The Quebec charges were filed in March 2022, and Nygard waived his right to bail hearing in that province last July. Nygard has denied all the allegations against him, and he is appealing a U.S. extradition order. That appeal is scheduled to be heard in Winnipeg on April 26. In March 2022, federal Justice Minister David Lametti said Nygard could be extradited to the U.S. once his Canadian cases are settled. Public school teachers in North Carolina would be required to alert parents before they call a student by a different name or pronoun, under a bill passed by the Republican-controlled state Senate on Tuesday. Senators rejected a wave of warnings that the law could endanger some LGBTQ students who have unsupportive families. While sponsors say the bill is needed to keep parents informed about what their children are being taught in public schools, critics say it would destroy the trust between teachers and their students and make schools unsafe spaces for LGBTQ and questioning children to explore their identities at their own pace. The proposal, which passed the Senate 29-18, would also prohibit instruction about gender identity and sexuality in K-4 classrooms, with an exception for student-initiated questions. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Parents worry NC bill would force schools to out gay, trans students It now heads to the House, where Republicans are one seat shy of a supermajority and likely would need some Democratic support to push it through. A similar version had passed the Senate last session but didnt get a vote in the House. Some parents, teachers and students who testified in committee hearings blasted the bill as an attempt at censorship, likening it to the Florida law that opponents dubbed " Dont Say Gay. Others applauded the proposal for keeping what they considered inappropriate topics out of elementary classes. Bill sponsor Sen. Amy Galey, an Alamance County Republican, refuted criticisms Tuesday that it could jeopardize the physical safety of transgender and nonbinary students who could be outed to their parents without consent. She pointed again to an exception in the bill that would keep parents from accessing school records if theres reason to believe it would lead to abuse or neglect. Parents are the primary decisionmakers with respect to their minor children not their school or even the children themselves, Galey said on the Senate floor. Parental rights are most important in matters of medical and health-related decisions. Story continues While Senate Democrats criticized the measure during floor debate, they and their House counterparts have offered an alternative bill they say protects both parents and students without putting LGBTQ children at risk. First-term Sen. Lisa Grafstein, a Wake County Democrat and the only out LGBTQ state senator, shared a personal anecdote and urged anyone with doubts to reject the measure. I want you to be sure to ask yourself this now: Will you be sure that you did no harm by passing this bill, and not one young person will feel like theyre trapped and have no one to trust? she said. That not one young person will be outed to an abusive parent? RELATED: NC parents rights bill includes LGBTQ curriculum ban in K-3 Lawmakers in at least 23 other states are considering similar bills, constitutional amendments or both. A Missouri bill debated in committee on Tuesday would go farther than the North Carolina proposal, allowing only licensed mental health providers to talk to students about gender identity and LGBTQ issues in K-12 public schools, and only if guardians first give permission. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper told reporters Tuesday that hes concerned the North Carolina bill could have similar economic consequences to a 2016 bill that had restricted transgender access to public restrooms and blocked cities from enacting new anti-discrimination ordinances. Widely considered the blueprint for the present wave of nationwide anti-trans legislation, that measure, which has since been rolled back, cost North Carolina hundreds of millions in revenue as businesses, athletic tournaments and conventions cut ties. Not only are these kinds of bills wrong in and of themselves because they hurt people, but they also have the great potential to hurt our economy and to upset this balance that we created, Cooper said after a meeting with the states elected executive officials. Cooper had signaled last year that he likely would have vetoed the 2022 bill had it reached his desk. He did not indicate Tuesday whether he would veto the new version but said he opposes it. House Speaker Tim Moore told reporters on Monday that prospects looked promising in his chamber but that he didnt anticipate the measure would be fast-tracked. He said discussions so far within the House have been broad and suggested that another version of the measure could be proposed. I think well get a hearing on it (in the House). I think it will successfully pass, Moore said. I hope it does so in a bipartisan way. Moore has said he expects some Democrats will join Republicans to complete veto overrides this session, but he hasnt identified the topics on which they could. Democratic unity has yet to be tested by an override vote this session. Rep. Vernetta Alston, a Durham County Democrat and another of the states few out LGBTQ lawmakers, said shes confident Democrats will stand united against the bill. She said it undermines educators and distracts from the carnage that a decade of underfunding has left in our schools. (WATCH BELOW: Advocates look for people to become foster parents amid childcare crisis in NC) A Plano man was charged Tuesday with stealing more than a dozen firearms from a North Texas pawn shop and then driving away, a federal prosecutor said. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton said in a news release that Christian Alfredo Benitez-Ramirez, 28, was charged via criminal complaint with theft from a federal firearms licensee. The Plano man was arrested Monday at his home and he made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez on Monday afternoon. If convicted, Benitez-Ramirez faces a maximum of 10 years in a federal prison. The Plano man is accused of stealing seven rifles, five shotguns and one pistol from Cash America Pawn in Duncanville on Jan. 30. Benitez-Ramirez allegedly entered the Cash America Pawn, walked to the rear of the store, reached over the counter, and attempted to open the sliding door of a firearm display cabinet, according to federal court documents. When the door didnt open, the Plano man got himself over the counter and tried to gather an armful of guns from a rack on the wall, the release said. He saw that the firearms were attached to the wall via a cable, whipped out a pocketknife, and attempted to cut the cords, federal authorities said. That didnt work so, federal authorities said, Benitez-Ramirez pulled the cable and attachment from the wall, gathered up an armful of firearms, and with additional guns still attached to the cable dragging behind him left the store and loaded the guns into a Honda CR-V. Cash America employees told authorities that when they saw Benitez-Ramirez behind the counter, they asked if he worked there, and he answered that he did. Several employees pressed store panic buttons when they didnt recognize him. Historically, these units bring significant harm to the Black community. Cuffed. Face down on the pavement. Police guns pointed at his head. Fernando Perez thought: Im about to get killed. It was 2015, and in Perezs hometown of Baltimore, people were protesting the death of Freddie Gray who died there of fatal neck and spine injuries sustained while in police custody. Perez, was outside with friends near his home when a swarm of police officers showed up. They came so deep with guns drawn, guns in our faces, telling us to get down, being aggressive, slamming us down, says Perez. It was chaos. Perez said the police told him they suspected the group was responsible for a break-in and cuffed them. It wasnt until a sergeant arrived and de-escalated the situation that the officers released them. Some officers were part of the Gun Trace Task Force, an elite anti-crime unit assembled to take guns and violent criminals off the streets. The unit was so corrupt that it became the target of an FBI investigation, and eight officers went to prison for a number of charges including extortion, robbery and overtime fraud. They targeted everybody, says Perez. If you had a hoodie on, they targeted you. If youre Black, they targeted you. Demonstrator Jihadou Kwantu holds a sign during a demonstration against the citys stop and frisk searches in lower Manhattan near Federal Court March 18, 2013, in New York City. While the Memphis police department eliminated its specialized unit, other cities continue to turn to them. (Photo by Allison Joyce/Getty Images) What happened to Perez bares some similarities to the police beating incident that killed Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee, last month. It involved five now-former officers of an elite anti-crime unit Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods (SCORPION). These units are prevalent in metropolitan police departments that create them as their solution to increased violent crime and gun violence. Memphis launched SCORPION in 2021 for that reason. But experts and community leaders contend theyre ripe for brutality, corruption and lax oversight within their respective police departments, leading to harm Black people. These hyperspecialized units require hypervigilant supervision. You want to make sure that theyre supervised and trained and not create this notion that somehow theyre not accountable to the rules, Professor Ronal Serpas, a former police chief in Nashville, Tennessee, and member of the Council on Criminal Justice says. The behavior [of the five ex-Memphis officers] suggests that they didnt expect that they would be held accountable. Story continues The authorities claimed they stopped Nichols allegedly for erratic driving on Jan. 7. However, police officials subsequently said video evidence refutes the officers claim. Nichols died three days after officers stomped, kicked and punched him. The five ex-SCORPION officers of the now-disbanded unit face murder and kidnapping charges. While the Memphis police department eliminated its specialized unit, other cities continue to turn to them. Just a day after Nichols death, the New Orleans police department announced a new violence reduction task force to combat gun violence in the city. I cannot think of a better moment to establish this task force, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a January statement about the team. This group will be laser-focused on preventing violent crime in our city, as well as assisting enforcement partners to remove the most violent offenders from our streets. Atlanta launched a crime-fighting unit in 2021. Last year, the New York City Police Department brought back its plainclothes unit (the city disbanded the unit in 2020). In 2022, the Portland, Oregon, police department created its Focus Intervention Team to address a rise in gun violence. As policing experts point out, cities typically measure the units success by the number of arrests, guns and drugs they get off the streets. In the first few months of SCORPIONs existence, it made 566 arrests, took 253 weapons off the street and recovered 78 stolen cars. Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn CJ Davis said its purpose was to protect community members from violent crime, including reckless driving. Memphis Assistant Police Chief Shawn Jones echoed that sentiment. It is important to us that each member of the community feels like they can go to the grocery store or live in their house without their house being shot, Jones said at the units inception. So, for that reason we launched the SCORPION Unit. But Reverend Earle Fisher, a Memphis community leader and others in the city had doubts. They pitched it as a necessary tool to fight crime in high crime areas, Rev. Fisher says. Weve seen these types of units before and we know what theyre about. Police investigate the scene of a reported carjacking reportedly connected to a series of shootings on Sept. 7, 2022, in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis police arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with the shootings of multiple people across the city while allegedly livestreaming the crimes on Facebook, according to published reports. (Photo by Brad Vest/Getty Images) Historically these teams have serious issues in Black communities. With this current landscape and the current patterns and practices of policing, all of [these units] are going to end up being battering rams for Black bodies in Black neighborhoods, Fisher says. All of them are destined to land in impropriety and in brutality. Thats been the case in several police departments across the country. Atlanta had a unit called Run Every Drug Dealer Out of Georgia (REDDOG), known for brutalizing Black citizens. In 2006, members of the unit shot and killed 92-year-old Kathryn Johnston after a failed drug raid. Joshua Byrd, a lifelong Atlanta native, remembers how it was on the streets when the unit was active in the 90s and 2000s. It was known that if you see them, you need to run. If they ever come around, it was pretty much bad news, says Byrd, who is part of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta nonprofit youth organization. They were doing things that folks felt were excessive and beyond traditional policing. Their reputation was so bad that Byrd saw someone get shot outside when he was a kid, and he didnt call the police. I was afraid of even saying I saw something because you didnt want to do anything to have the police come to the house, he says. Former police chief George Turner dismantled the Red Dog unit in 2011. This is not a result of any one incident, the former chief said back in 2011. Ive discussed with my folks for the last six months about retooling the Red Dogs. Chief Davis in Memphis, who spearheaded the SCORPION unit, was a former Atlanta officer. She led the controversial Red Dogs. The Los Angeles Police Department had the Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums (CRASH) unit that was meant to go after the gangs in Los Angeles. It ended in an enormous scandal in the late 90s as unit members brutalized citizens, made false arrests and planted evidence on innocent people. CRASH officers developed an independent subculture that embodied a war on gangs mentality where the ends justified the means. They resisted supervision and control and ignored LAPDs procedures and policies, a 2000 independent report says about the unit. The misconduct of the CRASH officers went undetected because the Departments managers ignored warning signs and failed to provide the leadership, oversight, management, and supervision necessary to control this specialized unit. N366090 01: Protesters jeer bicycle-riding Los Angeles police officers from a bridge during a protest against the actions of police in the ongoing Rampart police corruption scandal, March 15, 2000. A war of words has broken out among city officials over the investigation of the biggest police scandal in Los Angeles history. (Photo by David McNew) The plainclothes unit in the New York Police Department had a controversial reputation for decades in the citys Black and Latino neighborhoods because of its stop-and-frisk tactics, which a federal judge ruled unconstitutional. NYPD data shows that most of the recorded stops were of Black people. Chicago dismantled its Special Operations Section (SOS) unit in 2007 after authorities discovered members robbed homes, residents and drug dealers. The recent incidents involving officer misconduct have been disheartening and demoralizing, especially to the officers who serve this department honorably every single day, former Interim Police Superintendent Dana Starks said in 2007 about the unit. Criminal justice experts stress that if law enforcement agencies are going to continue to deploy these units, they need to follow a more strategic hotspot policing method as opposed to the zero-tolerance method in which police stop, frisk and question people they believe are acting suspiciously. The one scientifically proven police method that works is hotspot policing, says Serpas. If done right, it narrowly focuses on known individuals in a community committing violent behavior. That requires intelligence and strategic intelligence and operative intelligence. Its not just running around, stopping everybody that moves. Residents and community leaders who live and work in struggling neighborhoods know they need law enforcement. But they say they want to see significant and substantial police reform and a comprehensive approach to eliminate circumstances that drive crime. Right now, in these communities where violence is high, its easier to get access to guns and drugs than it is to get access to a job that pays a livable wage or an equitable education, says Fisher. The philosophical approach to public safety has to change. And then, [The police] have to win over the trust of the community, says Byrd. You have to give people assurances that youre not just going to profile them and target them. TheGrio is now on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Theres nothing elite about police units that beat and frame Black people, community leaders say appeared first on TheGrio. A Sangamon County judge Monday ruled against efforts by two Springfield emergency medical services workers charged with first-degree murder to have their bonds reduced. Circuit Judge Robin Schmidt said the seriousness of the charges against LifeStar Ambulance Service, Inc. workers Peggy Jill Finley and Peter J. Cadigan of Springfield, accused in the murder of Earl L. Moore Jr., 35, warranted the $1 million bonds staying in place. Handcuffed and wearing Sangamon County Jail-issued uniforms, Finley and Cadigan had to file past about 35 members of the family of Moore, who died of compression and positional asphyxia at HSHS St. John's Hospital on Dec. 18, at Monday's hearing. More:Timeline: What we know about Earl L. Moore Jr.'s death and events that followed Meanwhile, new details of the case, specifically dealing with timelines and Moore's condition when he arrived at St. John's, were disclosed Monday. Finley, a paramedic, and Cadigan, an EMT, responded to Moore's North 11th Street home. The State has alleged they strapped Moore tightly to a gurney and then slammed his face into the prone position, which is how he was transported to the hospital. Footage from body cameras worn by three Springfield Police officers was released to the public. Finley, 44, and Cadigan, 50, pleaded not guilty at a probable cause hearing on Jan. 20. Schmidt, overseeing procedures for the first time in the case which has gained national media attention, said there was an "inherent risk" that neither of the defendants would appear at future court dates. Both attorneys for the defendants said their clients weren't dangers to the public and weren't flight risks. Sangamon County State's Attorney Dan Wright countered that the $1 million bonds for Finley and Cadigan were among the lowest of anyone accused of first-degree murder being held in the county jail. Wright argued that any release on bond with conditions "represents a promise to this court and reflects a certain measure of belief in the defendants' credibility and trust." Story continues A series of false statements made by Finley and Cadigan to the Illinois State Police and outlined in the Jan. 20 preliminary hearing, Wright added, worked against the court placing "any trust in the defendants to comply with those conditions." Cadigan's attorney, Justin Kuehn of Belleville, moved that Cadigan be released without a bond or if it was lowered, that it should be no more than $50,000. He said Cadigan also was amenable to wearing an electronic device or be subject to home monitoring. Nothing in Cadigan's past, Kuehn added, revealed "a violent propensity." Noting Finley's work record and her ties to the community, Springfield attorney W. Scott Hanken insisted that she be let out on a recognizance bond. Hanken asked Schmidt that Finley's bond be set at $100,000 otherwise. Attorney Jennifer Hightower addresses the media outside at Sangamon County courtroom Monday. Hightower, who represents the family and estate of Earl L. Moore Jr., the victim of a Dec. 18 homicide in Springfield, made remarks at Monday's hearing in at attempt to reduce bond for Peggy Jill Finley and Peter J. Cadigan, who have been accused of first-degree murder of Moore. As in his Jan. 18 motion to reduce bond, Hanken called the $1 million bond "oppressive" and "unconstitutional." "It's not mandated. It's not warranted," Hanken said during the proceeding. While Schmidt said she heard "no reliable evidence" that either defendant was planning to flee, she had to take into consideration "the nature of the seriousness of the charge" in denying the reduction of bonds. "The reality of the current situation is that this case is only charged one way and that is first-degree murder," Schmidt said. Hanken Monday continued to suggest that he didn't think Finley "was accountable for any actions (regarding Moore's death). That's not to suggest that Mr. Cadigan's actions were criminal." Finley and Cadigan face 20 to 60 years behind bars if convicted. Other new evidence came out in court Monday. Wright said the ISP investigation indicated that Finley and Cadigan claimed that Moore had a blood pressure at St. John's around 140/80. "St. John's staff categorically refuted that statement," Wright said. Additionally, Finley and Cadigan told a LifeStar colleague, Wright added, that it took hospital personnel 20 minutes to begin the assessment and treatment of Moore. Federal judge's order demands answers from Springfield man convicted in Jan. 6 breach "The records from St. John's and the statements of St. John's staff indicate Mr. Moore coded approximately 10 minutes after arrival at ER (around 2:30 a.m.), so obviously the defendants' timeline is therefore impossible," he said. "It represents another lie, another false exculpatory statement reflecting consciousness of guilt." Hanken countered the suggestion that Moore was "essentially unresponsive and dead when he arrived (at the hospital) is categorically untrue. "The records show there were multiple efforts, injections of different drugs, CPR, active treatment going on," Hanken added. "That timeline (from St. John's) is suggestive of things that are not part and parcel of the State's argument." Attorney Jennifer Hightower, representing Moore's estate and family, reminded the court during a short presentation that Moore was "not a name on a piece of paper. He wasn't a viral video. He was a person." Several of Moore's immediate family, including his mother, Rosena Washington, and his sisters, Chatara Moore and Mahogany Moore, were in the courtroom, along with Springfield NAACP Branch and Illinois President Teresa Haley. Hightower said it was the first time the family had been in the presence of Finley and Cadigan. "Obviously, it's difficult. It was an emotionally charged courtroom," said Hightower of the Corpus Christi, Texas, firm Hilliard Martinez Gonzales. "The family is grieving. This is hard for (the Moore family) to wrap their minds around, the fact that Earl Moore is gone, the fact that their son, their uncle, their brother, their nephew is gone and he's never coming back." Earl L. Moore Jr. After the hearing, Hanken said he was "very, very disappointed" with Schmidt's ruling. "I respect the judge. I respect the job she has to do," Hanken added. "This is a case that has a lot of eyes on it. "A bond hearing is not a trial. I'll state what I stated when this began. I've been doing this (33 years), and I've never seen anything like this before in my life. It's our intention to go forward and go to trial. We believe the law and the facts are on our side and we'll prevail. How we get there now is a little different story with Ms. Finley in custody and her limited means, we'll see what we can do." Hightower said the family was "very pleased" that the bonds will be kept in place. Scott Hanken, the attorney for defendant Peggy Jill Finley, appears in court at a preliminary hearing for his client Jan. 19, 2023 in Sangamon County court. "We believe the bond is appropriate," she said. Finley and Cadigan, along with LifeStar, were named in a wrongful death lawsuit, also filed in Sangamon County court by noted civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Hightower, who is part of the civil suit as well, said the defendants have been served in that case and that LifeStar is now being represented by a Chicago law firm. A March 20 procedural status hearing was set Monday, but that may be more perfunctory towards setting a date to argue motions filed in the case. A motion filed last week by the State alleged that Finley attempted to influence the recollection of one of the three Springfield Police officers who responded to Moore's residence, according to an ISP investigation. Attorney, Jennifer Hightower: Earl Moore Jr. was more than a viral video. Moore was a homicide victim in Springfield, Ill., on Dec. 18. Two EMS workers have been charged with first-degree murder. Hightower was speaking outside of a Springfield courtroom Monday. #SJRbreaking pic.twitter.com/qifxVfzBiW Steven Spearie (@StevenSpearie) February 7, 2023 Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Bonds of EMS workers accused in a Springfield murder case won't be reduced The number of encounters U.S. Border Patrol agents had with undocumented migrants crossing the southern border between legal ports of entry dipped below 130,000 in January, their lowest monthly number in two years, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security. Overall border crossings, which include undocumented migrants who present themselves at legal ports of entry, also fell from Decembers record monthly high of more than 250,000 to 156,000. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters last week that he credits new Biden administration policies that opened legal pathways for some migrants to apply from their home countries, while also blocking more migrants from entering at the border under Title 42 Covid restrictions. A senior Homeland Security official told NBC News that while daily numbers at the border are down to 2021 levels at just over 4,000 a day, the problems driving migration have not been solved. Migrants fleeing desperate situations in failed states throughout the Western Hemisphere will continue to congregate in Colombia, northern Mexico and elsewhere on their journeys north, the official said. As NBC News has previously reported, Title 42, which has blocked more than 2 million border crossings, is likely to end in May barring a successful court challenge. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A damning New York Times profile claims Democrats around Washington have lost hope in Kamala Harris, raising doubts that shed be valuable on the 2024 ticket as either a presidential or vice-presidential candidate. I cant think of one thing shes done except stay out of the way and stand beside him at certain ceremonies, John Morgan, a prominent fund-raiser for Democrats, told the paper. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton privately expressed the belief that Ms Harris couldnt win a primary race in 2024, though Ms Clinton denied this, according to the profile. Even some Democrats whom her own advisers referred reporters to for supportive quotes confided privately that they had lost hope in her, read another line from the story. Its a sentiment thats cropped up in various political circles in recent weeks. People are poised to pounce on anything any misstep, any gaffe, anything she says and so shes probably not getting the benefit of the doubt, Jacquelyn Bettadapur, leader of Georgias Cobb County Democrats, told the Washington Post, arguing most Americans dont know enough about what shes doing and that it doesnt help that shes not [that] adept as a communicator. Vice president Harris has an approval level below 40 per cent, according to FiveThirtyEight, down from 55 at the beginning of the Biden administration, and is less popular than the president. The Independent has contacted the vice presidents office for comment. Even the president dubbed vice president Harris a work in progress, according to the recent book The Fight of His Life by Chris Whipple. We respect that there will be no shortage of books written about the administration containing a wide variety of claims, White House spokesperson Robyn Patterson said of the book in a statement. We dont plan to engage in confirmations or denials when it comes to the specifics of those claims. The author did not give us a chance to verify the materials that are attributed here. Story continues The negative portrayal of Ms Harris was met with cheers in some corners of the political world and criticisms in others. In National Review, conservative journalist Rich Lowry wrote, I cant remember the last time I havent wanted a New York Times piece to end, but this report on Kamala Harris is much too short. Sophia Nelson, a contributing editor at theGrio, argued on Twitter that Ms Harris is such an accomplished woman. Next in line to the presidency. And they treat her like a nobody! Whilst fleeing the city of Balakliia in Kharkiv Oblast, the Russian occupiers left behind a flash drive containing hundreds of various documents. Thanks to them, it was possible to identify several FSB officers who supervised the actions of the Russian army in the occupied city. Source: Radio Liberty project Skhemy Details: Journalists assume that the pen drive belonged to one of the deputy commanders for propaganda work of the Balakliia military group. Thanks to him, the officers of the Russian military who tried to recruit the local population and sought out victims for torture during the occupation of the city were exposed. The journalists also investigated the composition of Balakliia, an informal group of troops which operated during the occupation of part of Kharkiv Oblast, and compiled a list of units of the Russian army, Internal Troops of the Russian Federation and armed formations under their control, which were part of this group. In particular, 46-year-old colonel Nikolai Klimanov from Voronezh was identified. He was deputy commander for military-political work of the 11th Army Corps of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Federation. At the end of March, he organised the work to identify persons with a negative attitude towards the Russian army in Balakliia, Savyntsi and surrounding villages. Another military man who carried out "work with the civilian population" is 45-year-old Vladimir Chernev, commander of a rifle company in the Luhansk 202nd Rifle Regiment, which belongs to the Southern Military District of the Russian Federation. Since 2018 at least, he has been an adviser to the so-called head of the Luhansk Peoples Republic group. He also organised the work to identify and detain persons with a negative attitude towards servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the "People's Militia of the Luhansk Peoples Republic". The journalist also identified Major Dmitryi Meleshenko, the senior operational officer of the FSB from the Baltic Fleet and the troops of the Kaliningrad Oblast. They also found a physical document with the signature of 36-year-old Meleshenko at one of the enterprises in Balakliia, which turned into a command HQ during the occupation by the Russian army. Story continues Pavel Kashirskyi was another identified FSB employee from Balakliia. The found documents prove not only his presence in Balakliia, but also to how he treated the local population. It is known that Kashirsky provided protection against provocative and terrorist threats, as well as information and propaganda support. He identified 8 gunners and artillery observers of the defense forces of Ukraine, 6 people who "promoted nationalist ideas" and were aggressively opposed to the Russian army, as well as 12 assistants of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who transmitted data on the location of units of the Balakliia group. There is information on the flash drive that "after carrying out safeguard measures, their activities have been suspended." 30-year-old ensign Sergey Pashkeev from the city of Sochi is also mentioned. According to the documents on the pen drive, he is the chief of the secret unit of the 9th Motorised Rifle Regiment of the 18th Motorised Rifle Division of Russia's 11th Army Corps. He ensured the management of secret records of the Balakliia troop grouping. Journalists also published data about who commanded the Balakliia group, and therefore is responsible for the atrocities committed there. This is Major General Andrey Ruzynskyi. He is officially listed as the commander of the 11th Corps of the Baltic Fleet; in Balakliia, he directly managed the group. Since May 2018, he has been under Ukrainian sanctions as a participant in the war against Ukraine in Donbas; the Main Intelligence Directorate calls him a war criminal. Andrey Ruzynskyi The original of the flash drive forgotten by the occupiers is now in the investigation of the Kharkiv Oblast Security Service Office and is being examined as part of criminal proceedings. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! MERIDIAN TWP. The threat of a shooting at Okemos High School on Tuesday, quickly determined to be a hoax, briefly set the school community on edge and then left law enforcement, educators and parents to pick up the pieces. All Okemos schools closed Tuesday in response to the chaos; they will remain closed on Wednesday. Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Porter of the Grand Rapids FBI office said agents are working with the Michigan State Police and other law enforcement to investigate the calls that falsely reported active shooters at schools throughout Michigan, including Okemos. All were made around the same time on Tuesday morning and officials are working to determine if they're connected and who made the calls. "It's not a joke and unfortunately we live in an era where we see what happens when this is real," Porter said. "The drills aren't a joke. The responses aren't a joke. The resources that are spent on something like this aren't a joke. When you make false reports like this, it's dangerous and it's a crime. You put people at risk." Meridian Township Police Chief Ken Plaga said Ingham County Central Dispatch received one 911 call reporting the incident shortly after 9 a.m. Police were on the scene within 3 minutes, he said Tuesday afternoon. Plaga said law enforcement officers have confirmed the phone number from where the call originated and they are continuing to investigate where the caller would have been located. Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth said it was notable that only one call was made. If the shooting had been real, he said, they would have expected multiple calls. Story continues "Within 6 minutes of the call, the first two Meridian Township police officers had cleared the room where supposedly this shooting had happened," Wriggelsworth said. "That is an incredible response. READ MORE: Okemos High School hoax: What we know about false school shooting report 'This can't keep happening:' Okemos parents, students react to shooting hoax Teacher describes police descending on classroom Photos: Students, staff at Okemos High School safe after hoax 911 shooting call Swatting calls put at least 8 Michigan schools on alert Tuesday; officials say that's rare The school district implemented its emergency response plan, clearing Okemos High School and communicating with parents that students would be released "by car line only" at all of the district's building. All afternoon and evening events were canceled for Tuesday. Classes also were canceled Wednesday. Keeping our kids and staff safe is an incredible responsibility that we take very, very seriously. We have safety protocols that are in place and practiced regularly throughout our system, K-12," Superintendent John Hood said. "Our students and staff did a remarkable job implementing those, without question, from the beginning to the reunification with parents at the end of the event today. Schools officials said mental health counselors will be available at all school buildings from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday for students and parents. Counselors also will be available when schools reopen Thursday. Similar hoax shooting calls were made to schools in the Jackson, Battle Creek, Portage, Ann Arbor, Saginaw, Muskegon and Detroit, officials said. We are working in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies to find this person and bring criminal charges, Plaga said during a press conference Tuesday. Police officers are shown outside Okemos High School Tuesday morning, Feb. 7, 2023, after reports of a shooting at the school. Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward so the perpetrator can be held accountable. These reports are terrifying to teachers, parents, students, community members, law enforcement and anyone who has a loved one inside an education building Dewane said in a news release. Any threat of violence against our schools, even when deemed to be false, should be addressed to the fullest extent of the law. This was no mere hoax or victimless prank. For many students and their families, the terror was all too real. Dewane said he believes more than one person knows the details behind the false shooting report. Making threats of violence against a school has very serious consequences, whether a person is joking or not, he said. Students could face discipline within the school district to include expulsion or suspension. Likewise, individuals could face criminal prosecution. My office takes these cases very seriously and will hold offenders accountable. Contact Mark Johnson at majohnson2@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByMarkJohnson. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Shooting hoax at Okemos High causes angst, district-wide closures Ohio train in smoke. DUSTIN FRANZ/AFP via Getty Images A train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed on Friday in East Palestine, Ohio, resulting in a large fire, and to prevent an explosion, crews this week began to expel the chemicals from the train cars in a "controlled release," reports The Washington Post. The release was to drain the cars of vinyl chloride, a highly unstable compound that is carcinogenic. If inhaled, it could cause respiratory illness, skin burns, and even death. Firefighters controlled the flames, allowing the chemical to burn off. The release went through Monday, however, evacuated residents have not been permitted to return. "We really don't have a time frame right now," said Mayor Trent Conaway. The Environmental Protection Agency has been monitoring the chemicals released both into the ground and the air. There is a risk that vinyl chloride, hydrochloric acid, and phosgene, which is a World War I-era chemical weapon that is also sometimes used as a pesticide, could be released from the burning, the Post continues. Citizens have since become concerned about the potential contamination of the environment. "If a water supply is contaminated, vinyl chloride can enter household air when the water is used for showering, cooking, or laundry," explains the National Cancer Institute. Vinyl chloride is used to make PVC and is used in many household products. "Scientists have been telling us for years that PVC is the most environmentally damaging type of plastic," explained Emily Jeffers, an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. The EPA also has regulations on vinyl chloride because it's been "implicated as the causal agent of angiosarcoma and other serious disorders, both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic." Currently, residents of East Palestine are still under evacuation orders. You may also like Why scientists are worried about bird flu The U.S. economy is shifting toward disinflation. Here's why that's 'most welcome.' Ohio town at risk of deadly chemical explosion following train derailment Photo: The Canadian Press News that the City of New York is providing free bus tickets to migrants heading north to claim asylum in Canada highlights an urgent need to address the situation at the border, Quebec's immigration minister said Monday. Speaking to reporters in Montreal, Christine Frechette called the report "surprising." She said Ottawa needs to "solve the problem of Roxham Road," which is an unofficial border crossing south of Montreal used by tens of thousands of people last year to claim asylum. New York City Mayor Eric Adams told Fox 5 on Monday that his administration helps in the "re-ticketing process" for people who arrive in the city but want to go elsewhere. He has previously said the city was being overwhelmed with new arrivals, and he has criticized the practice of some U.S. governors who transport migrants straight from the southern border to the city. On Monday, Adams told the news station that the city does not push or force people to leave, but some express a desire to move on to other places, including Canada. "We found that people had other destinations, but they were being compelled only to come to New York City, and we are assisting in interviewing those who seek to go somewhere else," he told the news station. "Some want to go to Canada, some want to go to warmer states, and we are there for them as they continue to move on with their pursuit of this dream." His comments came after the New York Post reported that some migrants in New York City are being given free tickets to Plattsburgh, N.Y. From there they can travel about half an hour by shuttle or taxi to cross into Quebec at Roxham Road. An official with Adams' office confirmed the city works with community organizations to "re-ticket to help get people to their final destination." The municipal administration doesn't treat requests for bus tickets to Plattsburgh any differently than those for other American cities, the official added. Eric Durr, a spokesman for the U.S. National Guard, said its members are present at New York City's biggest bus terminal to ask disembarking migrants what services they need whether that's housing, medical care or help getting to another destination. However, the military force only connects people to resources and does not hand out bus tickets, Durr said. Frechette noted that Canada is currently in negotiations with the United States to modernize the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement, which stipulates that people seeking refugee protection must claim asylum in whichever of the two countries they arrive in first. But the agreement only applies at official border crossings, leading some people to use unofficial crossing points such as Roxham Road to reach Canada. Frechette urged Ottawa to expand the agreement so that it applies across the entire border, from "coast to coast." "I think it makes the urgency of the situation even more apparent," she said of the bus ticket story. Her comments came as the Quebec government announced $3.5 million in aid for community organizations that have been struggling to provide food, clothing and housing for rising numbers of asylum seekers. Frechette said that while Quebec is prepared to help support refugee claimants, it wants the federal government to ensure other provinces take in a bigger share. Federal data shows that Quebec with less than 25 per cent of the population received over 59,000 of the country's 92,715 asylum claims last year. All but a few hundred of the 39,540 people who crossed "irregularly" in between official border points did so in Quebec, overwhelmingly at Roxham Road. Frechette also urged Ottawa to speed up work permits for asylum seekers so they can begin supporting themselves and their families more quickly. After an unsuccessful push last year, Gov. Kevin Stitt has once again voiced support for expanding school vouchers in Oklahoma with a $130 million proposal in his State of the State address, but it remains unclear whether rural opposition is still an obstacle for the policy in the state Legislature. Opposition from Democrats and rural Republicans killed a similar $128.5 million voucher bill last year, despite the governors endorsement of it at the beginning of the 2022 legislative session. The House will continue to make sure any education policy passed works well in all parts of our state, House Speaker Charles McCall said in a statement Monday. Gov. Stitt reacts to applause Monday during the start of the Legislature and his State of the State speech to the joint session. McCall, R-Atoka, didn't reject the idea after Stitt's speech, but he hinted at past concerns that vouchers create a "geographical issue." Last year, McCall said his chamber wouldn't give a hearing to a voucher bill because it would do little to help rural students. Most of Oklahoma's private schools are located in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro areas, even though the state as a whole would pay for voucher legislation. The speaker responded to Stitts speech Monday by touting existing school choice policies, such as the 2021 open transfer law, private-school scholarship tax credits and increases to public-school funding. House Democrats will "stand firm against" voucher bills, Rep. Melissa Provenzano said in a news conference responding to the State of the State. The Tulsa Democrat contended vouchers are more likely to benefit current private school students and put public school funding in jeopardy. Tax cuts?What three taxes does Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt want to cut? Here's what to know Gov. Stitt hands House Speaker Charles McCall a folder Monday during the start of the Legislature and Stitt's State of the State speech to the joint session. "Every Oklahoma kid deserves a fair shot at life and a good education," Provenzano said. "The governor's plan doesn't deliver that fair shot." Stitt's proposal would add $130 million to the state's schools budget to create education savings accounts, a term often interchangeable with vouchers. Other states like Iowa and Virginia and Florida and New Hampshire have already figured it out, Stitt said in his remarks. Providing more options for students leads to better outcomes. Oklahoma cannot afford to be left behind. Story continues Two Republican lawmakers Sen. Julie Daniels, of Bartlesville, and Shawnee Sen. Shane Jett have filed bills that would establish education savings accounts that families could use to send their children to non-public schools. The governor said voters signaled support for more school options when they reelected him in November. His secretary of education, Ryan Walters, also won with a pro-school-choice platform when Oklahomans chose him to be state schools superintendent. Stitt suggested increasing K-12 education funding by a total of $382.6 million, which would encompass education savings accounts and other priorities. Both the new state schools superintendent and the governor are advocating for performance-based pay raises for public-school teachers. But, while Walters encouraged lawmakers to put $150 million toward merit raises, Stitt proposed Oklahoma spend $50 million. Neither offered support for increasing all public school teachers' salaries. 5 takeaways: Gov. Kevin Stitt pushes tax cuts, school choice in State of the State State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters meets Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, with the House Appropriations and Budget Education committee, about his budget for Oklahoma State Department of Education funding. Education budget committee leaders in both chambers of the Legislature, Rep. Mark McBride and Sen. Adam Pugh, said they support an across-the-board raise to all teachers' base pay. "If youve got a classroom of troubled youth, how do you compare that to the classroom over here where the teachers got all the A and B students?" McBride, R-Moore, said last week. "Its just almost impossible to me to evaluate that. Pugh, R-Edmond, filed a bill for a $3,000 teacher salary increase and a $6,000 raise for educators who worked in the classroom for 15 years or more. Walters said teachers should earn raises if they spend 15 to 25 hours in professional development and score highly on annual Teacher & Leader Effectiveness evaluations, which don't typically take student test scores into account. Stitt and Walters both backed a $100 million reading initiative, but lawmaker support for it could be shaky because of Walters ties to a pandemic aid program that reportedly had misspent funds. Walters helped create and administer the program, which used federal funds to set up families with $1,500 accounts to spend on educational needs. I would prefer to line item the whole budget so the Legislature and the people knew exactly where every dollar went, McBride said. Just giving $100 million to some kind of education thing youve got in your head? No. Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, speaks with media after a House education budget committee meeting Jan. 24, 2023, at the state Capitol. Stitt suggested spending another $100 million to create new schools focused on innovation, unlocking student potential and addressing workforce needs, according to his proposed budget. He cited Norman Public Schools aviation academy as an example of an innovative program, but it was unclear whether all of the funding would funnel to traditional school districts or if it also would support charter schools and higher education. The governor challenged the states largest colleges, the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, to deliver a quality education to 40,000 students by 2030. About 28,000 students attend OU. OSU reported more than 25,300 students in fall 2022 and plans to reach a 5,000-person freshman class by 2026. Stitt's budget included $500,000 to boost concurrent college enrollment for high school freshmen and sophomores. Gov. Kevin Stitt makes his way through the House floor Monday before his State of the State speech at the Capitol. The governor also joined Walters in advocating for less university spending on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. A recent report found higher education institutions will spend $10.2 million this year on these initiatives, which Walters labeled the "gateway for indoctrination." Colleges said they spent the funds on mentorship programs, multicultural events, and supporting and recruiting students from underrepresented groups, among other goals. I am deeply concerned at the incomplete nature, excuses, and where these dollars are being spent, Walters said on Thursday. Reporter Nuria Martinez-Keel covers K-12 and higher education throughout the state of Oklahoma. Have a story idea for Nuria? She can be reached at nmartinez-keel@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @NuriaMKeel. Support Nurias work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt renews push for expanding school vouchers Viewing insider transactions for Boart Longyear Group Ltd.'s (ASX:BLY ) over the last year, we see that insiders were net buyers. This means that a larger number of shares were purchased by insiders in relation to shares sold. Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. Check out our latest analysis for Boart Longyear Group The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Boart Longyear Group The Non-Executive Independent Director Tye Burt made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for AU$78k worth of shares at a price of AU$2.61 each. That means that even when the share price was higher than AU$1.91 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when an insider has purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price. Tye Burt was the only individual insider to buy during the last year. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. So if that suits your style you could check each stock one by one or you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). Insider Ownership Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. From what we can see in our data, insiders own only about AU$165k worth of Boart Longyear Group shares. We might be missing something but that seems like very low insider ownership. Story continues What Might The Insider Transactions At Boart Longyear Group Tell Us? The fact that there have been no Boart Longyear Group insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. The transactions are fine but it'd be more encouraging if Boart Longyear Group insiders bought more shares in the company. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Boart Longyear Group. For example - Boart Longyear Group has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of. If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Metal security fencing surrounds the grounds of the Capitol ahead of the State of the Union address. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque) In the days leading up to President Biden's State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service and Capitol Police released a national security assessment warning that the speech could be a target for anti-government or anti-authority violent extremists. A Feb. 3 assessment, which was obtained by Yahoo News, highlighted the possible threats to the speech posed by extremist groups. We assess that domestic violent extremists (DVEs) could pose a threat to the SOTUA, particularly anti-government or anti-authority violent extremists such as militia violent extremists or anarchist violent extremists targeting the events or their perceived ideological opponents, and racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists, reads the Joint Threat Assessment for Tuesday night's event. The assessment mentions the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and the continued calls for attacks targeting lawmakers and law enforcement. One particular post being shared among extremists calls for Biden to be hanged or arrested for treason during his speech. But a senior law enforcement official told Yahoo News that the number of threats against lawmakers and the president has been smaller than anticipated. Were just not seeing much at all, really. Theres no there there, the official said. This is a good thing, of course, and it could also change, but we were concerned wed see the kind of chatter we have seen in the past. The Secret Service and Capitol Police did not respond to Yahoo News requests for comment. Federal law enforcement officials classify the State of the Union as a National Special Security Event, a designation that brings resources and multiagency coordination and requires the production of a Joint Threat Assessment to assist in security and operational planning and preparedness. Some Democrats have feared that the current political climate in the House, along with the end of the use of metal detectors for lawmakers and officials who enter the chamber, have helped make the State of the Union more of a potential security risk. Story continues In the wake of the violent insurrection of January 6, an attempt by a Member of Congress to bring a concealed weapon on to the House Floor, other Members vowing to do so in contravention of House rules, and most recently a colleague distributing what appeared to be legitimate, and later revealed to be inert hand grenades on the House Floor, we know from experience that the House is vulnerable to multiple fronts of attacks both from inside and outside Congress, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said in a letter to House and Senate leadership cosigned by 13 Democratic House colleagues. Workers install security fencing around the U.S. Capitol. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) The Feb. 3 federal assessment seemed to echo those fears. Ideologically motivated violence in Washington, DC from 2020 through 2022 underscored the symbolic nature of the national capital region (NCR) and DVEs willingness to travel to events to violently engage law enforcement and their perceived adversaries using a variety of tactics and methods, including improvised explosive or incendiary devices (IEDs/IIDs) and firearms, the assessment stated. Ahead of the speech, however, experts who track online extremist activity said they have not seen signs of an increased threat level. I havent been seeing a lot of threats, said Katherine Keneally, senior research manager at the Institute of Strategic Dialogic. I am seeing a lot of jokes, Chinese spy balloon jokes. These include posts calling for Republicans to show up with balloons and jokes about whether Biden will address the balloon during his speech, she said. A lot of other stuff is just regurgitation of election denialism, COVID, she said. You know, those sorts of narratives are popping up again, but yeah, the Chinese balloon is definitely the newest. Donell Harvin, who oversaw the Fusion Intelligence Center for the District of Columbia on Jan. 6, 2021, and was involved in security for previous State of the Union addresses, told Yahoo News that fears of an incident during Tuesdays speech are overblown. The Capitol is pretty secured. It's an NSSE, which means they have all the coordinations put in place for it and all the resources needed. And that includes OSINT [open source intelligence], which is scrubbing the online environment both to the kind of surface web that everyone's familiar with, but also the deep and dark web, which most people are not familiar with, to search for threats, Harvin said. On the calls to hang or arrest the president noted in the threat assessment, Harvin added, I would say its a nothingburger. While many teens his age are making videos for TikTok and social media, 13-year-old David Buckland of Concord created a video to submit to Campaign One At A Time, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing joy and support to children who are fighting life-threatening illnesses. Last year, Buckland was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Hes been in and out of the hospital battling the disease ever since. Buckland was chosen for the campaign, which, among other things, will raise money for him to take a dream trip to Florida with his family. But just before the campaign was set to begin last month, Buckland got sick and was admitted to intensive care with a liver condition caused by his chemotherapy. Hes been on a ventilator since Jan. 29. In the video at the top of this page, Channel 9s Hannah Goetz talks to a representative from the nonprofit to learn how the community can help Bucklands dream come true. >> You can also learn more about the #FightLikeDavid campaign and donate here. VIDEO: Mother, daughter both diagnosed with breast cancer fight together KARACHI (Reuters) - Pakistani former President Pervez Musharraf, a key U.S. ally in the campaign against al Qaeda following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, was buried in his hometown of Karachi on Tuesday. Musharraf, a former four-star general who seized power after a 1999 military coup, died on Sunday in hospital in Dubai, where he had been living in self-imposed exile since 2016, after suffering a rare organ disease. He was 79. The funeral was held at Malir Cantonment's Polo Ground, a day after a special plane transported his body to his hometown. He was buried at the Army Graveyard in Karachi. Musharraf was a controversial figure in Pakistan, which he ruled for a decade. He was credited with attracting foreign investment to Pakistan, which saw the strongest economic growth in nearly 30 years during his rule, and enjoyed the support of the military and Pakistanis who backed his crackdown against militant groups. But Musharraf was also renowned for his heavy-handed approach to dissent, which included arresting rivals such as current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the imposing of an almost six-week long state of emergency in which he suspended the constitution and censored the media. After the 9/11 attacks, Musharraf joined what Washington called its war on terror, giving U.S. forces ground and air access into landlocked Afghanistan to chase down al Qaeda militants. This decision contradicted Pakistan's long-standing support for the Taliban, who still controlled Afghanistan until their ouster in late 2001, and made Musharraf a target for domestic militant groups. He survived at least four assassination attempts. Musharraf was buried with military protocol at a funeral attended by serving and former army officers, including former army chiefs Qamar Javed Bajwa and Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani, and members of the Karachi-based Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) political party. Prime Minister Sharif, the president and the army chief did not attend. (Reporting by Akhtar Soomro in Karachi and Gibran Peshimam in Islamabad; writing by Miral Fahmy; editing by Nick Macfie) Pamela Anderson makes surprise visit to Toronto restaurant via Instagram/ @giatoronto Pamela Anderson is getting back to her Canadian roots with a surprise visit. Over the weekend, the 55-year-old "Baywatch" star and animal rights activist made an unannounced visit to Gia, a vegan restaurant in Toronto. Gia's official Instagram account confirmed Anderson's appearance at the restaurant by sharing a photo of the chef, Francesco Spinelli posing alongside the "Barb Wire" actress. The photo was first published by BlogTO. "The rumours are true. @pamelaanderson," the caption reads. "Vegan for 30 years. Advocate for animal welfare. Dined at Gia." In the comments, fans praised Anderson, who was born in B.C., for showing love for a Canadian business. "Love that she's giving her business to a Canadian restaurant. What an angel!" an Instagram user penned. "Amazing. Shes so lovely," another added. Someone else wrote: "Love this! Wow." "She seems like such a kind, lovely person! Her Canadian-ness shows. And still so stunning! Congrats," commented another. In December, Anderson garnered comments from swooning fans after making a stunning comeback to Instagram in a feathered, all-white halter gown. She paired the look with an oversized matching hat, a glove and a pair of white sandal high heels. She debuted the look in an Instagram Reel of herself dragging a tied-up Christmas tree down a flight of stairs in Paris, France, before approaching a man dressed up as Santa Claus and tugging on his fake beard and then blowing a kiss to the camera. "Christmas is over, Santa," she says in the clip. She followed up her video with a carousel of photos, flaunting more of her holiday look. Fans met the actress' posts with compliments on her outfit and for making "the greatest comeback of all time." Story continues "There she is," one Instagram user commented alongside a flame emoji, while another wrote, "An iconic comeback." "Wow, I wasn't ready for this," a fan added with a heart emoji. One person commented: "You still got it!" "Classic, timeless beauty," penned another. Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. By Jorgelina do Rosario (Reuters) - The Paris Club of creditors has given financing assurances to support the International Monetary Fund's approval of an extended fund facility for Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan president's office said on Tuesday. The assurances are crucial to unlocking a $2.9 billion deal from the IMF, which is still pending executive board approval. "Paris Club members as well as Hungary, Saudi Arabia and India continue to look forward to working together along with all bilateral creditors and to engage with other key stakeholders in order to proceed with a comparable debt restructuring as soon as possible," the informal group of creditors said in a separate statement on Tuesday. The financing assurances from the Paris Club, which includes Japan - Sri Lanka's second biggest bilateral lender - was previously reported by Reuters. The Paris Club statement said that its members, jointly with Hungary, expressed their full commitment to negotiate with Sri Lanka terms of a restructuring, while Saudi Arabia supported the process but "acknowledged the importance to offer financing assurances in the near future." The South Asian island nation of 22 million people secured a preliminary deal with the IMF in September, though no funds have been disbursed yet because the bailout has to be approved by the Fund's board. To unlock the IMF's cash disbursements, the Colombo government first needs to secure financing assurances from key bilateral lenders such as Japan, India and China. While India committed to helping ease the debt burden of its neighbour as part of the IMF programme, China's EximBank only offered a two-year moratorium, a move that indicates willingness to support a debt recast but is not enough, according to U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland. The United States has the biggest share of IMF votes. China and India are not Paris Club permanent members. Story continues An IMF spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "Members further expressed appreciation for the specific and credible financing assurances issued by India on Jan. 16, 2023 and its coordination with the Paris Club," the group's statement added. "The Paris Club members as well as Hungary and Saudi Arabia urged other official bilateral creditors, including China, to do the same in line with IMF program parameters as soon as possible." A group of overseas private creditors said on Friday that it was also ready to engage "quickly and effectively" with the Sri Lankan authorities on debt rework talks consistent with the IMF's programme. Sri Lanka has to restructure debt payments of about $13 billion on 11 international bonds. The group of at least 30 private creditors represents around 60% of all international bondholders. Global investment companies Amundi Asset Management, BlackRock, HBK Capital Management, Morgan Stanley Investment Management and T. Rowe Price Associates Inc. are among the group members. (Reporting by Shivam Patel in New Delhi and Jorgelina do Rosario in London; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Susan Fenton and Mark Heinrich) The Ukrainian parliament appointed Vasyl Maliuk as the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, or SBU, on Feb. 7, according to lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak. Maliuk has been the acting head of the SBU since July 2022, when Zelensky dismissed the previous SBU head, Ivan Bakanov, over endemic treason at the security service. According to Zhelezniak, 324 lawmakers voted in favor of Maliuk's appointment. Most of the votes, 226, came from lawmakers of President Volodymyr Zelensky's ruling Servant of the People faction. Earlier on Feb. 6, Zelensky sent an official request to Ukraines parliament to appoint Maliuk as the head of the SBU. Maliuk is close to Zelensky's notorious deputy chief of staff Oleh Tatarov, anti-corruption activists say. In 2021, Maliuk attended a birthday party held by Tatarov, according to an investigation by the Ukrainska Pravda news outlet. Tatarov was charged with bribery in 2020. Since then, his case has been destroyed by law enforcers, while Tatarov is believed to wield significant influence over most law enforcement bodies. Maliuk's appointment comes after an anti-corruption crackdown on Feb. 1, when law enforcers raided powerful oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, scandalous former Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, and top tax and customs officials. The large-scale operation came as the Ukrainian government sought to show that it is tackling corruption as the West provides unprecedented amounts of aid to Kyiv. I can remember, as a child in the aftermath of the Second World War, the big event twice a day was watching a weather balloon launched from the U.K. governments Meteorological Office near my home in Camborne, Cornwall. I recently learned more than 900 weather offices around the world still launch similar balloons twice a day. I can also remember the saga of Balloon Boy in 2009, when a Colorado couple alerted authorities their six-year old son had somehow gotten into a home-made helium balloon they had just launched. It drew huge media attention floating around for a day or so before landing. But the worlds media was taken for a ride in the hot air that filled that magic balloon, as the boy was kept hidden at home the entire time, in what was an elaborate hoax and publicity stunt. There was a similar outcry in 1938, when Orson Welles converted H.G. Wells War Of The Worlds into a fake news radio broadcast (drama), which was so realistic many listeners were convinced Martians had landed in New Jersey. Those incidents flashed though my brain while watching BBC World News Feb. 4. The Chinese balloon, which captured the world medias attention for a few days, had just met its demise when (shot down) by a missile fired by a U.S. fighter jet off the coast of South Carolina. A couple of eye-winesses from nearby Myrtle Beach filmed the proceedings on their cell-phones and were explaining what they saw to a very excited BBC news anchor. He kept repeating himself for a entire hour, looking, at times, as if he may be experiencing some kind of medical emergency, or at least an orgasm. Apparently, the balloon from China was the size of three school buses and is now scattered in a debris field somewhere in the deep Atlantic Ocean, after plummeting from more than 60,000 feet. It is presently unknown how much will be retrieved and what information will be believable, if it is even shared. Nothing about this balloon is quite as tangible as the American U-2 spy plane that was shot down over Russia in 1960. Lest we forget, CIA pilot Gary Powers was a real spy in the sky. Bernie Smith, Parksville The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine According to him, the relevant resolution was supported by 290 MPs. Read also: Ukrainian Defense Minister Reznikov not to be dismissed yet, says ruling party factions head What is known about Ukrainian armys food procurement scandal Yuriy Nikolov, the founder of the Nashi Hroshi (Our Money) investigation project, wrote in an article posted by the Ukrainian online newspaper ZN.UA on Jan. 21 that the Ukrainian Defense Ministry overpays for food by 2-3 times compared to prices in Kyivs supermarkets. Nikolov compared some prices for foods in a state contract with a catering company he obtained from "a source within the Armed Forces of Ukraine" with the prices in Ukraine's Silpo supermarket chain. Ukraines Defense Ministry called the article "misleading" and manipulative. Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said it was an attempt to undermine confidence of Ukrainians in the military authorities. The President's Office announced an inspection. The Ministry of Defense has promised to conduct its own inspection, and to provide documents for a Ukrainian SBU security service investigation into "misinformation that deliberately harms the interests of defense in a special time. Read also: NABU suspects former Naftogaz head Kobolev of embezzling over $6 million The Defense Ministry contractor, Activ company, which the Ukrainian newspaper ZN.UA had written was a "pad" or mediator, claimed there was "deliberate manipulation" from the side of the newspaper. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office said they are investigating possible abuses by the Ministry of Defense during the purchase of products for the military. The amount of contracts under inspection is UAH 13 billion ($351 million). On Jan. 25, the Defense Ministry dismissed the director of the procurement department, Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, who was involved in a scandal over food purchases for the military. On Jan. 31, the Minister of Defense announces that the department will regain control over procurement for the army, subject to martial law restrictions. Story continues Read also: Court arrests former deputy defense minister amid procurement scandal On Feb. 3, an adviser to the Deputy Defense Minister was notified of suspicion of embezzlement of UAH 1.7 billion ($46.3 million) during the procurement of goods for the Armed Forces. According to the investigation, in 2022, the official entered into a conspiracy with a private entity that received more than UAH 1.7 billion in advance payments but failed to fulfill its contractual obligations and did not deliver the required amount of goods (helmets, body armor, etc.) on time. The SBU also exposed and detained two heads of commercial enterprises involved in the supply of wholesale food to military locations, with the amount of damage estimated at over UAH 119.5 million ($3.25 million). Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Patrick Kane didnt outright say hes open to a trade to a Stanley Cup contender, but the Chicago Blackhawks star did acknowledge some potential suitors are intriguing. Kane said he has had ongoing talks about his future with agent Pat Brisson, who also represents Jonathan Toews, another Hawk rumored to be on the trading block. (Brisson) told me a few that have reached out to him, Kane said Monday after practice at Fifth Third Arena. So, yeah, well probably talk about that possibly, too, if thats an option of getting traded and figure out a team that could be the best fit. But were not really at that point either. Kane didnt elaborate on which teams have shown interest, but the New York Rangers and a potential reunion with former linemate Artemi Panarin long have dominated the rumor mill. Various reports have said the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers have inquired about Kane. And Daily Faceoffs Frank Seravalli suggests the Vegas Golden Knights could have the salary-cap space to make a big swing for Kane. Asked about a preference, Kane said: I dont know. Its tough to decide if were getting to that point yet, so theres definitely opportunities out there that are intriguing and could be exciting. Well see. Both Kane and Toews have no-movement clauses in their contracts that expire after this season, so each would have to agree to a trade partner before Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson could move forward ahead of the March 3 trade deadline. CEO Danny Wirtz said Davidson has his support to proceed with a trade if one materializes. I think we can all agree, (Kane and Toews) will be cemented in Blackhawks history, Wirtz said. Theyre going to be in the Hall of Fame and theyre tremendously important. So the hard part of these things is the decisions you have to make at this stage of (their) career in the organization. But were going to let that play out as it needs to both from the players perspective, (their) agent and obviously Kyle, all working together in constant contact to do whats right for the players and do whats right for the organization. Story continues Kane said his focus for the second half of the season is to just try to go about my business playing hockey, but ... Im sure at some point, probably (will) catch up with Kyle and see how it goes. Toews told NBC Sports Chicago last month: Theres a part of me that sees the writing on the wall and sees that this team, this organization, is trying to hit the reset button and that maybe a change for everybody is not such a bad thing. And that goes for myself as well. Toews and Kane have said at various points they plan to huddle with Davidson this month, and Davidson has confirmed those talks will happen. Kane has gotten feedback from former teammate Duncan Keith, whom the Hawks traded to the Oilers in July 2021 so he could spend his final season closer to his family in Penticton, British Columbia He said he was happy he got to experience being in a different organization and playing closer to home and he said he really enjoyed his time in Edmonton, Kane said. But thats really it. Kane has resisted being pinned down on whether hes leaning toward staying or going. We talked about it in the summer with (Brisson), just probably taking it up to the deadline and making a decision, he said. Here are five more things we learned as the Hawks returned from the All-Star break. 1. Theres a hitch with Kane or more like a hip? Kane has a nagging lower-body injury, though he hasnt publicly confirmed the exact nature of the problem. Several reports contend that other teams might be scared off from pursuing Kane, particularly if the 34-year-old is likely to command a long-term contract wherever he ends up. Its not something Im thinking about or worried about, Kane said. When I get on the ice, its not like youre thinking about anything else except playing as well as you can. 2. Hawks brass are bracing for life without Kane and Toews. Theyre everything to the fan base, said Jaime Faulkner, president of business operations. She said her staff is looking at a range of scenarios from both players staying to both leaving and making plans accordingly. If they make decisions to leave, if things happen down the road how do we make sure that we let our fans get to say thank you, get to say goodbye (or) celebrate whether they stay? We just need to be prepared for that, Faulkner said. Were trying to be as gracious as possible. I mean, they are the Blackhawks identity right now. And we need to honor that with our fan base. She said if a trade happens, that would include communicating very quickly with our membership base and our fans on the why behind the decisions. The Hawks also would plan an on-ice tribute at the United Center if Kane or Toews returned with another team and would alert fans ahead of time. While that may help smooth things over with the fan base this season, the absence of either player would leave a huge marketing gap in the future. Were going to plan for the worst, hope for the best, Faulkner said. We wish we had a crystal ball and knew what was going to happen in the future. The best we can do is to plan for any one of those scenarios to happen. The Hawks have averaged 16,765 fans at the United Center this season, about 82% of capacity, after selling out 535 consecutive games from 2008 to 2021. When the last two links to the Stanley Cup years make their exits, will the fans leave with them? If we have to make single-game pricing adjustments for that, we may have to do that to drive attendance, Faulkner said. We dont want to compromise the experience in the game. But were pretty confident that our attendance will be fine. Going out, therell be variability. We just dont know how much it will be. Hopefully its a non-issue. 3. Eighty-four percent of Hawks tickets will remain flat next season meaning 16% will see a price hike. Faulkner downplayed the increase, though she didnt offer how big it will be. Of the 16% that will be getting a very slight increase, that is based off information and data we have around the demand for those seats, she said. She said location and added amenities such as new club space factored into the new prices. The Hawks will begin their ticket renewal program this week, but with the number of full-season packages down, theyre trying to make up ground with single-game tickets and smaller ticket packages. Our single-game sales are the highest theyve ever been for the Blackhawks about 25% of our revenue is coming in on single-game tickets, Faulkner said. We are intentionally doing this. We cannot diversify the fan base and grow the fan base if we have the same people coming into the building all the time. 4. Just how much are the Hawks involved in Levy Restaurants labor dispute with United Center employees? The short answer is not very. Those are led by Levy, who we outsource food and beverage to, so were not as involved in that, Faulkner said. But I would say we know how hard that workforce works for our fans every single night; they have the most touchpoints with our fans. About 650 concessions, food and beverage workers (98% of the workforce) voted last Tuesday to authorize a strike, according to their union, Unite Here Local 1. The union gave no date for a strike which would affect Hawks and Bulls games other than it could begin at any moment. The Hawks play their first game since the All-Star break Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks The workers and Levy return to the bargaining table Wednesday and Feb. 16, according to Levy. Were just hopeful that they get to a resolution as quickly as possible for the benefit of them and for the benefit of our events and our fans, Faulkner said. Asked if the Hawks have a plan if a strike occurs, Faulkner said: Levy has a contingency plan. And theyre keeping us informed of that. 5. If the Hawks had a do-over for the broadcasts this season, would they change anything? Faulkner acknowledged she might handle how former goalie and fan favorite Scott Darling was integrated into the programming. If were being really honest, I think we brought Scott Darling in to be the guy who just tells it as it is, she said. Unfortunately, because of how we had to staff a couple things, weve put him in the role of being an analyst, which is not what we brought him in to do. ... We need to change that up a little bit and put him in a position where hes really successful. That was unfair to him. So we are learning some of those things, right? Like, this is really casting characters almost. And we want to set people up for success. Faulkner said shes happy with the work of TV play-by-play announcer Chris Vosters, who took over after Pat Foley retired. Wirtz agreed and weighed in on the rest of the broadcast team. Its as much about the right role with the right person, he said. Theyre all good people, theyre all talented, but getting in the (right) spot. Colby (Cohen) between the benches is a good example: Hes comfortable there, hes got that on-ice perspective, he understands what its like to be on that bench, so I think hes been much more effective in that role. But again, it takes a little time to figure (that) out. Weve come a long way with the broadcasts, with Chris being the one consistent. Very pleased with his growth. Kyle and Abby Weener share their ultrasound photo. (Photo: Kyle Weener) For parents-to-be, an ultrasound offers a rare glimpse of a growing fetus. For Kyle and Abby Weener of Hammond, Ind., the image offered something quite unique and rare: It appeared that the fetus was flashing a peace sign. Kyle spoke with Yahoo Life about the surprising photos, which were taken at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, Ind. "The tech just said, 'Hey, look at that. There's her two fingers,' and we all looked and just started laughing about what was happening. That's just crazy. They were like, 'Oh, we never saw anything like this before.' And so the tech was sure to get a number of pictures," he says. "It was special as our daughter was there we were like, 'Wave to your sister!'" Kyle, who shares son Ezra, 5, and daughter Eliza, 1, with Abby, says the couple is planning on naming their third child Eleanor, or Ellie for short. "We're looking forward to meeting our daughter on April 1," he says. How rare is it to see a fetus flashing the peace sign? According to ob-gyn Dr. Sarah Cross of Yale Medicine, its not particularly common however, "if you spend enough time looking at fetal ultrasound you will catch fetuses in various cute poses." Kyle and Abby Weener got a major surprise while looking at an ultrasound. (Photo: Kyle Weener) Cross says that in terms of ultrasound imagery, it is "quite amazing how much better our technology has gotten." But it's not just used to give parents a view as to what's happening inside one's uterus it can also be used to assess anatomical structures such as the "brain, heart and spine," as well as "the development of the placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid." "Later in pregnancy ultrasound can be used to check if a fetus is growing on track. We sometimes use ultrasound as a guide if we need to do a procedure like an amniocentesis," she explains. "I always joke that ultrasound cannot predict if a baby will sleep through the night or eat their vegetables or favorite colors, but we do have much more insight into fetal development than we used to in large part due to ultrasound." Story continues Yet just like with Weeners' future daughter, it's possible to see "a lot of fetal behaviors on ultrasound." "In the third trimester seeing a fetus doing practice breathing motions is also a sign of fetal well-being," she says. "In addition to these types of behaviors we sometimes catch glimpses of fetuses doing 'fun' things such as swallowing, yawning, sucking on a finger or grabbing things with their hands, such as a toe." Wellness, parenting, body image and more: Get to know the who behind the hoo with Yahoo Life's newsletter. Sign up here. Meg Kinnard/AP/Shutterstock A proposal to privatize Social Security has been revived by former Vice President Mike Pence, who told a group in Washington, D.C., last week that he wants to reform the retirement program by instituting private savings accounts for recipients. Learn: What Happens to Social Security When You Die? See: With a Recession Looming, Make These 3 Retirement Moves To Stay On Track Pences comments were made during a speech at the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors summit, Yahoo News reported. A video of the event was obtained by American Bridge 21st Century, a super PAC and tracking group that supports Democratic candidates. There are modest reforms in entitlements that can be done without disadvantaging anybody at the point of the need, Pence said at the summit. I think the day could come when we could replace the New Deal with a better deal. Literally give younger Americans the ability to take a portion of their Social Security withholdings and put that into a private savings account. Pence, who served as vice president under ex-President Donald Trump, has been mentioned as a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2024, which would pit him against his former boss. The idea of privatizing all or part of Social Security has been floated for decades, but it has never come close to being turned into law. As a U.S. House member in 2005, Pence himself was involved when former President George W. Bush tried to reform Social Security with a plan to partially privatize it. That proposal fell short because it didnt have enough support in Congress. Now that Republicans have control of the House, some of its members have proposed cutting or changing Social Security. They point not only to its costs but also to the fact that trust funds that help pay for the program are due to run out of money by the middle of next decade. Some Republicans have tried to use Social Security reform as a bargaining chip in negotiations over the current debt ceiling crisis, but House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said the GOP wont touch Medicare or Social Security in negotiations. Story continues Trump has also voiced opposition to Social Security cuts, saying in a 2024 presidential campaign video that under no circumstances should Republicans vote to cut a single penny from Medicare or Social Security. But as The Hill reported, Pence sees Social Security reform as a way to put tax money elsewhere while also giving younger Americans more options in how they save for retirement. I think its absolutely essential that we generate leadership in this country thatll be straight with the American people, that will take us off this trajectory of massive debt that were piling on the backs of those grandchildren, and says theres a way back, Pence said at the Washington summit. Whether those views do anything to bolster Pences still unannounced presidential run is another story. Take Our Poll: What Are Your Financial Priorities in 2023? Discover: 6 Types of Retirement Income That Arent Taxable Mike Pences presidential bid is dead on arrival, American Bridge spokesperson Grace Hagerty told Yahoo News. In a failing attempt to give it life, hes leaning into George W. Bushs far-right, unpopular and deeply harmful plan to privatize Social Security. It didnt work then. It wont work now. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Pence Suggests Controversial Bush-Era Social Security Reform Why It Failed Last Time Story at a glance Nine-year-old David Balogun of Pennsylvania has graduated high school and started taking college classes. He said attending school remotely allowed him to excel at a faster pace. The family is currently looking into Ivy League schools including the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Harvard but living on campus is not an option for the 9-year-old. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) A 9-year-old boy in Pennsylvania has done something other children his age will take another nine years to do: graduate high school and begin college. Soon after starting with Harrisburg-based Reach Cyber Charter School, David Balogun tested out of elementary and middle school and started his high school curriculum. I finished eighth grade in two and a half months and then I started high school, Balogun explained to Nexstars WHTM. He said attending school remotely allowed him to excel at a faster pace. His mother, Ronya Balogun, said his journey began two years earlier. 18-year-old wins $48 million on first-ever lottery ticket purchase When he heard the word S.T.E.M program, at seven years old, he was jumping up and down. I said Okay, this is where were going, this is what were doing. He loved it from the first moment. Its been an amazing journey, she told WHTM. As a high school graduate, David is now taking classes at Buck County Community College in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and together as a family, theyre exploring whats next. Theyre currently looking into Ivy League schools including the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Harvard but living on campus is not an option for the 9-year-old. Its something we really have to think about really seriously, Henry Balogun, Davids father, explained. David said that after he finishes college, hed like to become an astrophysicist. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher at premieres for their new rom-com, Your Place or Mine. Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher at premieres for their new rom-com, Your Place or Mine. Dude, wheres your chemistry? Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher proved to be the antithesis of Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac on the red carpet during two recent film premiere appearances. The actors looked like they had just won the Hunger Games as they posed for publicity shots on Jan. 30 and Feb. 2 for their upcoming Netflix rom-com, Your Place or Mine, in which the two play, uh, love interests. Kutcher and Witherspoon attend a premiere for Netflix's Kutcher and Witherspoon attend a premiere for Netflix's "Your Place or Mine" on Jan. 30. Its unclear why the two seemed so uncomfortable that they literally looked like theyd been Photoshopped next to each other but our guess is that Kutcher told Witherspoon he didnt like her latest book club pick. Or Witherspoon told Kutcher she bought the ticket he had to sell back for one of billionaire Richard Bransons Virgin Galactic flights. Witherspoon and Kutcher looking like great pals at the world premiere of Witherspoon and Kutcher looking like great pals at the world premiere of "Your Place or Mine" last week. To be fair, the two also had some shots in which they look like theyre having fun together Someone made a funny? Someone made a funny? But its hard to ignore the handful of pictures that appear as stiff as a Sears studio family portrait. Did Witherspoon pull her arm away from Kutcher in this pic? Did Witherspoon pull her arm away from Kutcher in this pic? So much so that fans on Twitter couldnt help but make fun of the awkward pics. get a room omg!!! one Twitter user joked of one of the shots. But the sarcasm didnt end there. the chemistry is insane!!!! kie (@criminalplaza) February 4, 2023 to have a bond like them!! joey (@finalrih) February 4, 2023 this is top notch pda. kez (@WH0RE4CEVANS) February 5, 2023 ashton kutcher and reese witherspoon pic.twitter.com/K4VXSvIkam abbotts emmy holder (@princehvnry) February 5, 2023 But one Twitter user offered a different theory: Story continues I choose to believe the Ashton Kutcher and Reese Witherspoon romcom is about to be so spicy they needed to look like they hated each other for the press tour to avoid drama Spill Sesh (@spillseshYT) February 5, 2023 Even Kutchers wife, Mila Kunis, called her husband and Witherspoon out for their odd photos. Witherspoon, who stars on Apple TVs The Morning Show, explained on Today With Hoda & Jenna that Kunis emailed her after the photos were published. Can you feel the smoldering passion between these two? Can you feel the smoldering passion between these two? She goes, You guys look so awkward on the red carpet together, Witherspoon explained. But the Big Little Lies star also said on the show that theres no tension between her and Kutcher. Hes so professional. Hes the funniest guy. I mean, such a goofball. We had so much fun, and every time hed wear a funny outfit, Id text Mila. Id be like, What is he wearing? Loyal Companion, which operates 18 of its 53 pet stores in Massachusetts, announced Monday that the company is going out of business. "With a heavy heart, we want to inform you that we've made the tough decision to close our Loyal Companion stores," the company stated on its website. "We have loved serving the community and supporting you on your pet wellness journey. " Loyal Companion said all of its stores would close by Feb. 28. More:Route 9 in Shrewsbury thrives in redevelopment, ramps up retail success A call requesting comment from Loyal Companion's Newton location was referred to corporate, as store employees were instructed not to comment on the matter. Dog day care counselor Abbey Strilka has a training session with Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Lucy, 3, at Loyal Companion in Lakeway Commons on Route 9 in Shrewsbury last spring. The store's parent company, IPP, announced Monday that it has filed for Chapter 11 and will be closing all 18 of its stores in Massachusetts, including Shrewsbury, at the end of the month. According to a statement from the company, "Independent Pet Partners (parent company of Loyal Companion) and U.S. subsidiaries have voluntarily filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. IPP intends to use these proceedings to facilitate an orderly restructuring of all of its Chuck & Dons, Loyal Companion, Krisers and Natural Pawz store locations and operations." Besides Newton, Loyal Companion's Massachusetts locations include Acton, Bedford, Beverly, Boston (two), Cambridge, Canton, Concord, Dedham, Littleton, Medway, Shrewsbury, Stoneham, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland and Wellesley. It also has eight locations in Maine and two in New Hampshire. There are 14 locations in Maryland and 10 in Virginia as well that are closing. IPP is based in Minnesota. Chuck & Don's is a Minnesota-based chain, while Kriser's is based in Illinois. Willow and his owner outside the Loyal Companion store Monday in Sudbury. The store's parent company, IPP, announced that it has filed for Chapter 11 and will be closing all 18 of its stores in Massachusetts at the end of the month. "We will close all stores outside of Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois, and going forward, will operate under our Chuck & Dons and Krisers banners," the company stated in the press release. "We are confident we can use the Chapter 11 process to emerge as a stronger, more focused business, and better able to serve our customers. Story continues "For those stores that are closing, and for markets we will no longer serve, we will do everything possible to try to find buyers for these locations so our pet parents can continue to be served. Closing stores will start inventory liquidation as early as Feb. 3 continuing into late February." IPP also said it has filed "customary motions" with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court seeking authorization to support its operations during the restructuring process, including authority to continue payment of employee wages and certain other relief customary in these circumstances. The company has also sought authorization from the court to continue honoring customer gift cards and loyalty member reward vouchers at store locations through Feb. 28. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Popular Mass. pet store chain Loyal Companion closing all stores, including in Shrewsbury, Stow Ukrainian soldier Read also: Bakhmut becoming increasingly isolated by Russian invasion forces, UK intelligence says The General Staff said that as part of basic combined arms training for combat operations in urban terrain, the Ukrainian troops are studying the procedure for approaching and infiltrating a building. The report states that as part of Operation UNIFIER UK, the training is being led by instructors from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, 1st Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, and 3rd Canadian Division of Canadian Armed Forces. The UK plans to use its facilities to train another 20,000 Ukrainian troops this year, preparing them to face invading Russian forces. The United States has also expanded its training program for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which is conducted at military bases in Germany. Read also: Military training in Russian schools and universities relaunching, says UK intelligence The EU has also launched the EUMAM training mission for Ukrainian troops, which will train 15,000 military personnel. Most of the exercises will take place in Poland. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Roger Waters, from left, David Gilmour and Polly Samson attend a 2010 benefit in London. (Dave M. Benett / Getty Images) It's another brick in a decades-old wall: Musician David Gilmour and author-lyricist wife Polly Samson are calling out Gilmour's former Pink Floyd bandmate Roger Waters as antisemitic and more. The slam comes after Waters on Sunday promoted an interview with a German outlet where he spoke freely, criticizing Israel, defending Russian President Vladimir Putin and slamming Western assistance to Ukraine. Samson, who married Gilmour in 1994 and was the lyricist on some later Pink Floyd songs, put it this way Monday on social media: "Sadly @rogerwaters you are antisemitic to your rotten core. Also a Putin apologist and a lying, thieving, hypocritical, tax-avoiding, lip-synching,misogynistic, sick-with-envy, megalomaniac. Enough of your nonsense." Waters who tweeted Sunday, "THE TRUTH WILL SET US FREE Against the backdrop of the outrageous and despicable smear campaign by the ISRAELI LOBBY to denounce me as an ANTI-SEMITE, WHICH I AM NOT, NEVER HAVE BEEN and NEVER WILL BE" took issue with Samson's characterization. "Roger Waters is aware of the incendiary and wildly inaccurate comments made about him on Twitter by Polly Samson which he refutes entirely. He is currently taking advice as to his position," his account tweeted Monday afternoon. Waters' Sunday tweet linked to a translated version of an interview published over the weekend by Germany's Berliner Zeitung, in which the musician went on at length about geopolitics. Here are a few quotes from the interview: "I am now more open to listen [to] what Putin actually says. According to independent voices I listen to he governs carefully, making decisions on the grounds of a consensus in the Russian Federation government. There are also critical intellectuals in Russia, who have been arguing against American imperialism since the 1950s. And a central phrase has always been: Ukraine is a red line. It must remain a neutral buffer state. If it doesnt remain so, we dont know where it will lead. We still dont know, but it could end in a Third World War." Story continues "I think if the U.S. can convince its own citizens and you and many other people, that Russia is the real enemy, and that Putin is the new Hitler they will have an easier time stealing from the poor to give to the rich and also starting and promoting more wars, like this proxy war in Ukraine." "What everyone in the West is being told is the 'unprovoked invasion' narrative. Huh? Anyone with half a brain can see that the conflict in Ukraine was provoked beyond all measure. It is probably the most provoked invasion ever." "The Israelis are committing genocide. Just like Great Britain did during our colonial period, by the way. The British committed genocide against the indigenous people of North America, for example.... We believed ourselves to be inherently superior to the indigenous people, just as the Israelis do in Palestine. Well, we werent and neither are the Israeli Jews." Waters has also come down on the side of China regarding Taiwan and the oppression of the Uyghurs. Less than an hour after Rogers' response Monday, Gilmour backed up his wife, tweeting, "Every word demonstrably true." The feud between Waters and Gilmour has been ongoing since the former left Pink Floyd in the mid-1980s and then sued to try to retire the band's name. That court argument was settled after a few years, but the men have continued to clash, albeit with brief moments of reconciliation along the way. In September 2022, as Rogers was planning his This Is Not a Drill tour, the city of Warsaw, Poland, canceled two shows that had been scheduled for April in a city-owned venue after the "Dark Side of the Moon" musician wrote an open letter to Ukraine's first lady, Olena Zelenska. In it, Waters blamed extreme nationalists in Ukraine for having set your country on the path to this disastrous war. He doesnt realize the truth. He doesnt understand what is going on in Ukraine," Warsaw Councilman Lukasz Wantuch, who has been on dozens of humanitarian missions to Ukraine since the war began, told the Associated Press. Wantuch urged Rogers to join him on a trip to see the devastation caused by Russian attacks and said the musician was free to book shows at a privately owned venue instead. Waters, writing on Facebook, blamed the canceled shows and Wantuch's "draconian censoring" of his work on his "public efforts to encourage all involved in the disastrous war in Ukraine, especially the governments of the USA and Russia, to work towards a negotiated peace, rather than escalate matters towards a bitter end that could be nuclear war and the end of all life on this planet." The This Is Not a Drill tour begins March 17 in Lisbon, Portugal, and ends June 10 in Manchester, England. Poland remains off the calendar. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Photo: The Canadian Press Nadia cries over the coffin of her son Oleg Kunynets, a Ukrainian military servicemen who were killed in the east of the country, during his funeral in Lviv, Ukraine, Tuesday, Feb 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands announced Tuesday that they plan to provide Ukraine with at least 100 refurbished Leopard 1 battle tanks, a pledge that comes as Kyiv anticipates a new Russian offensive around the anniversary of its invasion. The announcement followed Germany agreeing last month to allow deliveries of the more modern German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. In a joint statement, the defense ministers of Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands said the shipment of the older Leopard 1 tanks was part of an effort to support Ukraine in their endeavor to withstand Russian aggression. (It) will significantly enhance Ukraines military potential for the restoration of their violated territorial integrity, they said, adding that the delivery would occur within the coming months and include logistical support and training. Ukrainian officials say they expect Russian forces to make a new drive in eastern and southern Ukraine, as the Kremlin strives to secure territory it illegally annexed in late September and where it claims its rule is welcomed. The anticipated Russian push may seek to recapture territory Moscow lost in a late summer counteroffensive. Battlefield setbacks in Ukraine have embarrassed the Kremlin, and Russian President Vladimir Putin is keen to cement public support for the war. Some Western military analysts were skeptical, however, of Russias ability to mount a large new offensive in coming weeks, particularly in time for the Feb. 24 anniversary, that might alter the course of the war. Ukraine and Russia are both still training their new troops and amassing weapons. News agency dpa quoted Germany's defense minister, Boris Pistorius, as saying during a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday that the first 20-25 Leopard 1 tanks would reach Ukraine this summer. Pistorius office said German authorities have authorized the export of up to 178 Leopard 1 A5 tanks to Ukraine, but noted that the actual number sent would depend on the refurbishments required. The three countries that made the pledge said Belgium has also shown interest in participating in the initiative. The Leopard 1, manufactured between the mid-1960s and the mid-1980s, was the first battle tank built for West Germanys Bundeswehr. The German military hasnt had any of the tanks since 2003. Germany last month agreed to send 14 newer Leopard 2 A6 tanks from its militarys current stocks. Several other European countries have equipped their armies with German-made Leopard 2s, and Germanys move following weeks of mounting pressure meant that those nations could also give some of their stocks to Ukraine. In some of the latest fighting of the war in Ukraine, local authorities reported Tuesday that Russian shelling damaged a hospital and apartment buildings. The shelling in the northeastern town of Vovchansk caused multiple fires late Monday, including at the two-story municipal hospital, the regional State Emergency Service said in an online statement. Emergency crews evacuated eight civilians from the site before putting out the blaze, which caused no casualties, authorities said. Vovchansk is in the Kharkiv region, which was occupied by Russia after its full-scale invasion began on Feb. 24 and subsequently retaken by Ukraine in the course of its counteroffensive. Russian forces are regrouping as they attempt to break Ukrainian lines in five areas in the countrys east and northeast, the Ukrainian military reported Tuesday. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said Moscow was focusing its efforts near the towns of Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Novopavlivka in the eastern Donetsk province, as well as Kupiansk in Kharkiv province. In the Donetsk region, Russian forces also kept up their shelling of Vuhledar, a mining town that has become one of Moscows key targets, the Ukrainian presidential office said. Five apartment buildings were destroyed in the town, the office said, which had a prewar population of 14,000. Donetsk province has seen a marked influx of Russian troops in the past few days, according to Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko. The transfer of Russian army units goes on day and night. (Russian) shelling intensifies, pressure from the Russians intensifies each day, Kyrylenko said on Ukrainian television. Russia is also preparing for a major offensive in Luhansk province, which is directly north of Donetsk, Gov. Serhii Haidai said in televised remarks. The number of Russian attacks in the province increased dramatically on Monday and overnight, he said. The occupiers are looking for weak points and have brought a lot of equipment and thousands of troops to the front line, Haidai said. About 60,000 households in Marhanets were left without water after Russian shelling near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant cut the power supply to a local pumping station, authorities reported. Mykola Lukashuk, who heads the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council, accused Russian forces of firing on towns and villages neighboring the plant, Europes largest nuclear facility, with heavy artillery and multiple rocket-launchers overnight. The U.K. Ministry of Defense said in an assessment Tuesday that Russia is requiring undermanned, inexperienced units to achieve unrealistic objectives due to political and professional pressure. Russian leaders will likely continue to demand sweeping advances, it added. It remains unlikely that Russia can build up the forces needed to substantially affect the outcome of the war within the coming weeks. Michael Kofman, an American military analyst and director of Russia Studies at the CAN research organization in Arlington, Virginia, tweeted on Monday it was unclear how big an offensive Russia is able to mount. He added, but I suspect it may prove underwhelming, focused largely on the Donbas. Michael Clarke, visiting professor of war studies at Kings College London, said he would be amazed, I mean, truly amazed, if (the Russians) are in any shape to launch a strategic offensive on the 24th. He acknowledged Moscow has been scaling up its troop deployment in Ukraine and said Russia could also launch local offensives or major air attacks. But he recalled that Russian commanders are still smarting from their failed attempt early in the war to take Kyiv and topple the Ukrainian government. He said that military planners in Russia will be aware that when they start this new offensive, theyve got to get it right. After the fiasco of the first (offensive), it would be better to leave it and go late than go early and make a mess of it again, Clarke told The Associated Press. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday appointed national police chief Ihor Klymenko as the countrys new interior minister. Klymenko had served as acting interior minister since the Jan. 18 death of his predecessor, Denys Monastyrskyi, in a helicopter crash on the outskirts of Kyiv.. The Ministry of Internal Affairs controls the police and border forces, National Guard, and emergency response service. Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, also appointed Vasyl Malyuk to lead Ukraines main security agency. Pipe, an alternative financing platform that was last privately valued by investors at $2 billion, has announced its new chief executive, an appointment that comes months after the companys three co-founders stepped down from their posts in a stunning, unusual shake-up. The new chief executive, Luke Voiles, is joining Pipe after working as the general manager of Square Banking at Block, formerly Square. He was also the CEO and president of QuickBooks Capital. Voiles role will begin on February 20. He is also joining the board of directors, replacing Pipe former co-CEO Harry Hurst as vice chairman. Albert Periu, Zilch USA CEO, is also joining the board, for reasons unknown. Voiles, through a spokesperson, declined to be interviewed regarding the transition and instead pointed TechCrunch to a press release as a statement on the news. What we do know is that Voiles has experience working in the loans business, which is precisely what Pipe is looking to disrupt. Square Loans, per the release, has handled over $1 billion per quarter in loan volume; QuickBooks Capitals lending business scaled to $2 billion in loans originated. Indeed, Pipe was looking for a veteran leader after all. Josh Mangel, Pipe founder and co-CEO, temporarily assumed the role of chief executive back in November. Mangel is now moving to the executive chairman position. I will focus on what I do best: building and driving strategy for Pipes long-term product vision to be the global platform for all revenue, Mangel wrote. The tone blends similarly to what the founding team said back in November when they announced they were leaving their posts; co-founder and former co-CEO Harry Hurst then told TechCrunch that the trio were 0-1 builders, not at-scale operators. He said the companys revenue was growing year-over-year and that the company had five years of runway. Hurst, notably, did not offer comment in the provided statement sent to the press. On Twitter, though, Hurst reflected on his time as a co-founder of Pipe: to every single one of you that has been a part of this journey so far, our team, our customers, and our investors - thank you. Story continues 1/ Big Update! : Today Im proud to share that @LCSVoiles is joining us as the next CEO of @Pipe and will lead us into our next phase of growth.https://t.co/SfCFTlSxM9 Harry Hurst (@harryhurst) February 7, 2023 The transition hasnt been without some drama, though. After announcing the founding team would be leaving, allegations surfaced that Pipe made about $80 million in loans to a few crypto mining companies and that the loans were written off when one or more of these companies went out of business. The amount of the loans and the writing off of them was denied through a company spokesperson who did say that Pipe has provided access to financing to crypto mining hosting companies, but declined to say if the company lost any money on those transactions. TechCrunch reporter Christine Hall contributed to this story. The death toll continues to climb after two earthquakes rocked southern Turkey and northern Syria, leaving more than 5,000 people dead. Rescue efforts continue as crews work to find survivors in the rubble after dozens of buildings were leveled. Members of Pittsburghs Turkish community said they feel helpless watching the disaster unfold overseas, so they came up with a way to give back from thousands of miles away. The Turkish Cultural Center is asking for the help of Pittsburghers, teaming up with its sister organization, Embrace Relief, to collect monetary donations for the people of Turkey. We are right now in really tough days, said Benjamin Aysan, community outreach coordinator for the Turkish Cultural Center Pittsburgh. Some of our friends, relatives are over there.its not good right now. For Aysan, the heartbreaking images and videos are difficult to watch. The nations president declared a State of Emergency, as rescue crews battle the elements, looking for survivors, needing all the help they can get. Its really hard. Its really hard for everyone. Because of that, theres no internet right now in the earthquake area. There is no electricity. Its just so hard in the middle of the winter, Aysan said. To donate, visit the Turkish Cultural Center Pittsburghs Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TCCPenn/. TRENDING NOW: 1 police officer killed, another hurt after shooting in McKeesport; both officers identified LATEST: Chemicals released from 5 cars at train derailment site, air being monitored Recall alert: More than 400 products including sandwiches, yogurt, snacks recalled VIDEO: Massive explosion at start of controlled release of chemicals at train derailment DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts A close-up view of California Poppies blooming early this year on the upper slopes of Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) The golden poppies have returned to Lake Elsinore, but this year they're going to be alone. City officials on Tuesday closed all trails to Walker Canyon, a popular hiking trail that played host to tens of thousands of people during a golden poppy superbloom in 2019. Officials also announced they would close a 15 Freeway offramp to the area and parking will also be prohibited. Hiking trails on public and private land will be closed until after the poppy bloom is over, Lake Elsinore Mayor Natasha Johnson said. Officials closed access to the blooming wildflowers over safety concerns. Johnson said this year's superbloom does not appear to be close to the big superbloom of 2019. But there is no fixed schedule for poppies to follow, according to experts. Still, officials are not taking any chances and announced the closures. "Back in 2019, numerous safety incidents occurred on the trails and on our roadways," Johnson said during a news conference Tuesday. "Tens of thousands of people, as many as 100,000 in a weekend people of Disneyland-sized crowds were seeking to experience nature. They trampled the very habitat that they placed so high in regard and sought to enjoy." The city will also not provide shuttle services to Walker Canyon, meaning that no one will be allowed to experience the blooming wildflowers this year. "We know that people want to see a beautiful sea of color. We also want the land in our community to thrive," Johnson said. "You will not be able to get here." Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said law enforcement will take a zero-tolerance policy for people who are caught trespassing in the area. "Your warning is right now," Bianco said. "If you are going to come here and you are going to park your car, you are subject to citation and possibly the towing of your vehicle." Bianco said some visitors to Walker Canyon in 2019 showed a lack of respect to other drivers and property owners in the area. There were also many injuries among hikers and it was difficult for emergency responders to get to the area. Story continues "Unfortunately, the area around Walker Canyon is not suitable for heavy traffic," Bianco said. The area will be regularly monitored by county officials and there is no fixed schedule for the closure. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Three students are dead and six were hospitalized after they overdosed on fentanyl that may have come from one Dallas-area home, according to a newly unsealed court document. The home's residents, Luis Navarrete and Magaly Mejia Cano, are accused of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Authorities alleged they sold "M30" pills that made their way to the hands of students from three schools in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch district. Investigators found that there have been 10 instances of students ages 13 to 17 overdosing on fentanyl in the Carrollton area since September. All attend R.L. Turner High School, Dewitt Perry Middle School and Dan F. Long Middle School, in the same district. R.L. Turner High School in Carrollton, Texas. (Google Maps) Three have died; one overdosed twice but survived. According to the court document, Navarrete and Cano live in a home between the high school and Dewitt Perry Middle School, just blocks away from each. "On multiple occasions, law enforcement members have observed Navarrete and Mejia Cano conduct hand-to-hand transactions with multiple individuals who sometimes arrive on foot and in vehicles," the document states. "Many of the hand-to-hand transactions were with juvenile students of R.L. Turner High School." Two of the surviving students told law enforcement officials that they consumed the M30 pills before they were hospitalized, and one said she had bought multiple pills from Navarrete. The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Investigators also identified eight minor drug dealers, 14- to 16-year-olds who attend the high school, who they said were involved in distributing the fentanyl pills. One of the young dealers, a 16-year-old boy, was seen on video taking a package from Navarrete at the home and shared Instagram messages between him and Navarrete with officers. Navarrete and Cano's attorneys declined to comment. An order to detain Navarrete pending trial was granted Monday. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A former Ocala Recreation and Parks Department employee who was arrested last week and accused of sexual activity with an underage girl is now accused of similar activity with two other juvenile girls. Authorities said one girl, now an adult, bore the man's child when she was 16. Roosevelt Overstreet, 46, is now charged with lewd and lascivious battery, lewd and lascivious battery on a child younger than 16, battery of a child by expelling certain fluids and contributing to the delinquency of a child. The original story: City of Ocala recreation staffer arrested, faces multiple sex charges involving teen girl Arrest made: Man arrested in connection with rape at SW Ocala apartment complex His earlier charges: multiple counts of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors, manufacture and distribute child pornography, transmission of harmful material to a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, When Overstreet was arrested, he was still employed with the City of Ocala's Recreation and Parks Department. He is no longer employed with the city. In his former capacity, he was well known in the community. Two additional victims come forward after the initial arrest Detective Crystal Blanton investigated the original case and arrested Overstreet the first time. In a report, she noted that she received a call on Friday about Overstreet involving sexual activity with another girl. The detective met that victim, now 19, on Saturday. In an interview, Blanton was told the encounters began when the victim was in the seventh grade. At that time, Overstreet touched her. She said it eventually led to sex. She said the two had been intimate off and on since then. Blanton tried to interview Overstreet about this case on Monday afternoon, but he declined to talk. Detective Denise Drake was told about another victim. Drake spoke with that woman on Monday. She said she had a relationship with Overstreet when she was 15. She got pregnant and gave birth when she was 16. Story continues The victim said Overstreet's name was added to her child's birth certificate when it was determined that he was the father. The detective confirmed the woman's information with court documents. A judge had previously ordered Overstreet to pay child support to the woman. Overstreet was interviewed by Blanton and Drake, and he told the detectives that he had a child with the victim. He refused to make any more statements. Overstreet has posted bond and been released from the Marion County Jail. Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala: Two more accused ex-city staffer of sexual wrongdoing The chief of staff for the mayor of Lawrence was arrested Monday night on child pornography charges, law enforcement officials said. Jhovanny Martes-Rosario, 48, of Lawrence, is facing charges including two counts of possession of child pornography, according to Massachusetts State Police. He plead not guilty in Lawrence District Court on Tuesday where he retained bail but agreed to three conditions requested by prosecutors: that he stay off the internet, surrender his passport, and stay away from children under 18 except his own son. Troopers executing a court-authorized search warrant on electronic devices in Martes-Rosarios home found dozens of images of child pornography on his iPad around 6:30 p.m., state police said. The search warrant was obtained after the State Police Cyber Crime Unit received information in December from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about images of child pornography uploaded from an IP address associated with Martes-Rosario. Martes-Rosario was booked into the state police Andover barracks following his arrest. He was also fired from his city position on Monday, according to officials. The Office of Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena put out the following statement: Mayor Brian A. DePena made the decision to immediately dismiss Mr. Jhovanny Martes, Chief Staff of the office of Mayor DePena, after receiving official information of his arrest due to causes that remain under investigation at this time. Mayor Brian A. DePenas office will provide more details on this once they reach his office. An investigation remains ongoing. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A small monument of toys and flowers sit in front of the police tape left outside a home in Enoch where police say a 42-year-old man shot his wife, his mother-in-law, his five children and himself in a murder-suicide on Wednesday. The Utah man who shot and killed his five children, his wife and her mother in their Enoch home last month had previously searched online for information about how loud guns could be and whether his neighbors might hear the gunshots, new court records show. Michael Haight, 42, searched Google with the question "can you hear a gunshot in a house" in the days before the shooting and researched how loud 9mm and 40mm guns could get, according to the records, which were first reported by KSL.com. The findings suggested that the shooting was planned, something law enforcement officers had considered as they investigated the killings. Previously, relatives had told police that Haight had removed all of the guns from inside the home, arguing he had done so intentionally in order to leave his family helpless. There were no gunshots reported from the house at the time, and nothing suspicious had been reported in the days leading up to the shooting, according to Enoch police. Authorities believe Haight killed his seven family members before killing himself sometime in the hours before they were found dead in their home on Jan. 4. His wife, Tausha, had filed for divorce just weeks earlier and witnesses told police that her mother, Gail Earl, had been living in the home to help support her daughter and grandchildren. Those two were buried in LaVerkin in a large funeral ceremony on Jan. 13 in a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with the five children; 17-year-old Macie, 12-year-old Briley, 7-year-old Sienna, 7-year-old Ammon and 4-year-old Gavin. Police had previously investigated Haight over abuse allegations, although no criminal charges had been filed. In 2020, officers were called to the Haight home by a non-family member who suspected there could be child abuse taking place at the home, according to police. The family's eldest daughter described multiple assaults to interviewers, including an instance where she said she was choked by her father and was afraid he would kill her. The daughter, who was then 14, said the violent incidents started in 2017 and included an incident where her father grabbed her by the shoulders and banged her into a wooden piece at the back of a couch. Story continues In an interview with investigators, Haight denied assaulting his daughter, calling it a "misunderstanding," although he admitted to getting angry, saying he was upset over the recent death of his father and his brother's divorce. In another previously released search warrant from the shooting investigation, one of the family's daughters sent a text message to friend the day before the killings stating her dad came home, was acting strange and she was worried. This article originally appeared on St. George Spectrum & Daily News: Enoch man googled 'Gunshot in house' before murder-suicide A man turned himself in to police after stabbing his ex-girlfriend in the neck, according to the Seattle Police Department. At about 1:17 a.m. Monday, officers responded to a report of a stabbing at a restaurant in the 1400 block of 11th Avenue in Seattle. When officers arrived they found a 27-year-old woman with multiple stab wounds to her face and neck. Seattle Fire Department medics transported the woman to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition. According to police, the woman said her ex-boyfriend stabbed her. Officers searched the area and did not find him. Just after 7 a.m., the man came to the East Precinct and turned himself in. He was booked into the King County Jail for assault in the first degree. If you or someone you know are a victim of domestic violence, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Pink Floyd lyricist Polly Samson has accused the bands co-founder Roger Waters of being antisemitic to your rotten core, in an online row over Israel and the Ukraine war. In an extraordinary attack on Twitter, Samson who is married to the legendary psychedelic rock bands guitarist David Gilmour also claimed her husbands former bandmate was a Putin apologist, saying: Enough of your nonsense. Waters responded on his official account saying he was aware of the incendiary and wildly inaccurate comments made about him on Twitter by Polly Samson which he refutes entirely, adding: he is currently taking advice as to his position. Samson, an acclaimed novelist, wrote lyrics for Pink Floyds 1994 album The Division Bell and is credited on solo tracks by her husband Gilmour. Gilmour and Waters have been feuding for decades since the latter quit the group in 1985 and tried to force the remaining members to formally dissolve it. Mondays row between Waters and Samson came as Waters sought to attack the Israel lobby for trying to silence him amid controversy over his upcoming concerts in Germany. A number of local politicians and religious leaders called for them to be cancelled over his past comments on Israel, following a backlash in Poland regarding his stance on Ukraine. In a recent interview with the Berliner Zeitung newspaper, Waters addressed the antisemitism claims against him and doubled down on his remarks on Ukraine, as he claimed that Russias war was probably the most provoked invasion ever. Sharing the interview online, under a heading of the truth will set us free, Waters hit out at an outrageous and despicable smear campaign to denounce me as an antisemite, which I am not, never have been and never will be. Waters, 79, said he was targeted because I lend my voice to the 75-year-old fight for equal human rights for all my brothers and sisters in Palestine/Israel, and added that he of course stoody by a past comparison of the Israeli state to Nazi Germany because the Israelis are committing genocide. Story continues He added that he thought it really, really sad that his former bandmates had released their first single in nearly 30 years, in support of Ukraine, titled, Hey Hey Rise Up. Polly Samson and David Gilmour pictured at the Costa Book Awards in 2020 (Tim P Whitby/Getty Images for Costa Book Awards) While Waters and Gilmour have appeared onstage together a handful of times in recent decades, they have not performed together since 2011, with the latter telling Rolling Stone magazine in 2014: We really dont have that much in common anymore. In an apparent response to the Berliner interview, Samson accused Waters of being antisemitic and a Putin apologist in a tweet which was liked by her husband and contained other unsubstantiated claims. She wrote: Sadly @rogerwaters you are antisemitic to your rotten core. Also a Putin apologist. The 60-year-old, whose father was a Jew who fled Nazi Germany, has previously appeared to endorse criticism of Waters comments on Ukraine, including from first lady Olena Zelenska, but it appears to be the first time she herself has publicly criticised him over the war or his stance on Israel. David Gilmour and Robert Waters reunited for Live 8 London in 2005 (MJ Kim/Getty Images) Despite writing an open letter last March that Russias invasion was the act of a gangster, Waters told Berliner Zeitung that he may have changed [his] mind a little bit in the last year, saying: Is Putin a bigger gangster than Joe Biden and all those in charge of American politics since World War 2? I am not so sure. Putin didnt invade Vietnam or Iraq? Did he? Speaking about Mr Putins justification for Russias invasion, Waters said it was on the basis of reasons that if I have understood them well are: 1. We want to stop the potential genocide of the Russian-speaking population of the Donbas. 2. We want to fight Nazism in Ukraine. He added: There is a teenage Ukrainian girl, Alina, with whom I exchanged long letters: I hear you. I understand your pain. She answered me, thanked me, but stressed, Im sure youre wrong about one thing though, I am 200 per cent certain there are no Nazis in Ukraine. I replied again, Im sorry Alina, but you are wrong about that. How can you live in Ukraine and not know? The Independent has approached Waters for further comment. Photo: The Canadian Press Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks during the introduction of the integration of Microsoft Bing search engine and Edge browser with OpenAI on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Redmond, Wash. Microsoft is fusing ChatGPT-like technology into its search engine Bing, transforming an internet service that now trails far behind Google into a new way of communicating with artificial intelligence.(AP Photo/Stephen Brashear) Microsoft is fusing ChatGPT-like technology into its search engine Bing, transforming an internet service that now trails far behind Google into a new way of communicating with artificial intelligence. The revamping of Microsofts second-place search engine could give the software giant a head start against other tech companies in capitalizing on the worldwide excitement surrounding ChatGPT, a tool thats awakened millions of people to the possibilities of the latest AI technology. Along with adding it to Bing, Microsoft is also integrating the chatbot technology into its Edge browser. Microsoft announced the new technology at an event Tuesday at its headquarters in Redmond, Washington. Microsoft said a public preview of the new Bing will launch Tuesday for users who sign up for it, but the technology will scale to millions of users in coming weeks. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's corporate vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, said the new Bing will go live for desktop on limited preview. Everyone can try a limited number of queries, he said. The strengthening partnership with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI has been years in the making, starting with a $1 billion investment from Microsoft in 2019 that led to the development of a powerful supercomputer specifically built to train the San Francisco startups AI models. While its not always factual or logical, ChatGPTs mastery of language and grammar comes from having ingested a huge trove of digitized books, Wikipedia entries, instruction manuals, newspapers and other online writings. Microsoft Corp. CEO Satya Nadella said Tuesday that new AI advances are "going to reshape every software category we know," including search, much like earlier innovations in personal computers and cloud computing. He said it is important to develop AI "with human preferences and societal norms and youre not going to do that in a lab. You have to do that out in the world. The shift to making search engines more conversational able to confidently answer questions rather than offering links to other websites could change the advertising-fueled search business, but also poses risks if the AI systems dont get their facts right. Their opaqueness also makes it hard to source back to the original human-made images and texts theyve effectively memorized, though the new Bing includes annotations that link to sources. Google has been cautious about such moves. But in response to pressure over ChatGPTs popularity, Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Monday announced a new conversational service named Bard that will be available exclusively to a group of trusted testers before being widely released later this year. Chinese tech giant Baidu also this week announced a similar tool coming later this year, according to Chinese media. Googles chatbot is supposed to be able to explain complex subjects such as outer space discoveries in terms simple enough for a child to understand. It also claims the service will also perform other more mundane tasks, such as providing tips for planning a party, or lunch ideas based on what food is left in a refrigerator. Other tech rivals such as Facebook parent Meta and Amazon also worked on similar technology, but Microsofts latest moves aim to position it at the center of the ChatGPT zeitgeist. Microsoft disclosed in January that it was pouring billions more dollars into OpenAI as it looks to fuse the technology behind ChatGPT, the image-generator DALL-E and other OpenAI innovations into an array of Microsoft products tied to its cloud computing platform and its Office suite of workplace products like email and spreadsheets. The most surprising might be the integration with Bing, which is the second-place search engine in many markets but has never come close to challenging Googles dominant position. Bing launched in 2009 as a rebranding of Microsofts earlier search engines and was run for a time by Nadella, years before he took over as CEO. Its significance was boosted when Yahoo and Microsoft signed a deal for Bing to power Yahoos search engine, giving Microsoft access to Yahoos greater search share. Similar deals infused Bing into the search features for devices made by other companies, though users wouldnt necessarily know that Microsoft was powering their searches. By making it a destination for ChatGPT-like conversations, Microsoft could invite more users to give Bing a try. On the surface, at least, a Bing integration seems far different from what OpenAI has in mind for its technology. Appearing at Microsoft's event, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the "the new Bing experience looks fantastic and is based in part on learnings from its GPT line of large language models. He said one of the reasons for the Microsoft partnership is to help get OpenAI technology into the hands of millions of people. OpenAI has long voiced an ambitious vision for safely guiding whats known as AGI, or artificial general intelligence, a not-yet-realized concept that harkens back to ideas from science fiction about human-like machines. OpenAIs website describes AGI as highly autonomous systems that outperform humans at most economically valuable work. OpenAI started out as a nonprofit research laboratory when it launched in December 2015 with backing from Tesla CEO Elon Musk and others. Its stated aims were to advance digital intelligence in the way that is most likely to benefit humanity as a whole, unconstrained by a need to generate financial return. That changed in 2018 when it incorporated a for-profit business Open AI LP, and shifted nearly all its staff into the business, not long after releasing its first generation of the GPT model for generating human-like paragraphs of readable text. OpenAIs other products include the image-generator DALL-E, first released in 2021, the computer programming assistant Codex and the speech recognition tool Whisper. By Danielle Broadway LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Porn star Ron Jeremy was committed to a state mental health hospital after being found incompetent to stand trial on rape and other charges, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles District Attorney said on Tuesday. Jeremy can be held for up to two years, said Greg Risling, spokesperson for the district attorney's office. A hearing on Jeremy's progress is scheduled for May 8. The 69-year-old had been charged with 30 counts of rape and other sexual misconduct stemming from incidents in the Los Angeles area over a 23-year period. He had pleaded not guilty. In January, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Harris ruled that Jeremy was not competent to assist in his defense, according to his attorney, Stuart Goldfarb. Goldfarb did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. Jeremy was among the biggest names in the adult film industry, appearing in more than 2,000 movies starting in the 1970s. The actor had been in prison since his arrest in 2020. (Reporting by Danielle Broadway; Editing by Stephen Coates) Marijuana-laced brownies were sold on a Florida high school campus, sending one student to a hospital, officials said. Now, a 17-year-old student accused of selling the brownies at the school is facing drug charges. The Seminole County Sheriffs Office said the incident happened Feb. 1 on the grounds of Lake Mary High School, roughly 20 miles north of Orlando. Proper disciplinary actions have been taken at the school level, however, this is now a matter for law enforcement to investigate, Seminole County Public Schools told McClatchy News in a Feb. 7 email. The sheriffs office reportedly investigated after a student ate a brownie and had an undetermined medical reaction. That person went to a hospital, and deputies said they determined a fellow student sold the brownie. Deputies said one of the brownies that the accused teen sold tested positive for marijuana. Inside her backpack, officials found a pill bottle that smelled like pot and had traces of the drug inside, though the girl claimed she didnt have knowledge of it, according to an arrest report. The teen was arrested, taken to a juvenile center and charged with sale of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, officials said. Deputy sold individually packed pot brownies to inmates, Florida sheriff says Coffee tables hid 4,000 kilos of cocaine that flooded Florida, other states, feds say Ruined residential buildings in Marash, Turkey. Ahmet Akpolat/dia images via Getty Images The death toll from a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey on Monday morning continues to grow, with officials in Turkey and Syria saying at least 3,800 people were killed between the two countries. Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency reported on Monday night that at least 2,379 people were killed in the country and 13,293 injured, with 5,600 buildings destroyed. In Syria, 1,450 people were killed and thousands injured, the state health ministry and White Helmets relief group said. There have been hundreds of aftershocks, including one with a 7.5 magnitude. The quake was centered near Gaziantep in south central Turkey, and could be felt in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, and Cyprus. Thousands of buildings have toppled in Turkey and Syria, and freezing temperatures, snow, damaged roads, and power outages are slowing down rescue efforts. Several international rescue teams are on their way to help or have already made it to the region, coming from Switzerland, Hungary, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. "This is a race against time and hypothermia," Mikdat Kadioglu, a professor of meteorology and disaster management at the Istanbul Technical University, told The New York Times. "People got caught in sleepwear and have been under the rubble for 17 hours." The Syrian civil war has displaced more than 6.8 million people, and 3.6 million refugees are in Turkey, with many living in areas near the earthquake epicenter. The United Nations said it is having a hard time getting humanitarian help to the refugees it helps in northwestern Syria, and the organization is "looking to mobilize emergency funds in the region," Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for the U.N. secretary general, said. "The earthquake is expected to disrupt aid operations in northwestern Syria, given the impact on roads, the supply chains, and logistical facilities." Some Syrians initially thought the ground was shaking on Monday morning because of a battle, not an earthquake. Osama Salloum, a doctor in Idlib, told the Times people "kept looking up to the sky for jets. My mind was playing tricks on me, telling me it was war again." Story continues You may also like 7 cartoons about gun violence in America The U.S. economy is shifting toward disinflation. Here's why that's 'most welcome.' United States shoots down Chinese spy balloon over Atlantic Ocean Following the shooting tragedy in Monterey Park, California, last month, victims families say they will use their spotlight as guests at the State of the Union to discuss the impact of gun violence on their Asian American community. Brandon Tsay, who is attending as President Bidens guest and who disarmed a mass shooter at a packed dance hall, said hes had to contend with subsequent trauma from the incident. I still live in an anxious, fearful state where I want to project my feelings and emotions to connect with other human beings. And currently, I found the strength to find some professional help, Tsay, 26, told NBC News, saying that he has attended several therapy sessions since the tragedy. Tsay said that seeking help isnt common in the Asian American community, but the shooting has changed his perspective. In my environment, growing up, I feel that I was reinforced [with] the idea that I should be strong, keep your feelings bottled up and try to be the male, dominant person in your house, Tsay said. But now that I have somewhat had time to process, I know now that I need to seek professional help because these feelings that came about with this situation are too much of a burden to bear by myself. Juily Phun, niece of Muoi Dai Ung, who was killed in the Jan. 21 shooting, will be a guest of Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., and said her message is to not overlook the Asian American communitys needs. What we can do is to advocate, and to advocate on behalf of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders so that this doesnt happen, Phun told NBC News. This is a beautiful city. But the way that it can be more beautiful, the way that it can be more wonderful and diverse, is that there are resources for the kind of complex community that we have. Its been roughly two weeks since the shooting that left 11 people dead, and processing the tragedy has been difficult for both State of the Union guests. Tsay opened up about his own mental health struggles following the incident, in which he lunged at the gunman, who entered his familys dance hall, Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio. Story continues Phun said shes still in shock, shifting between a heady mix of sadness and anger as her family makes arrangements following her aunts death. Ungs daughter, Phuns cousin, lives abroad and had just returned home to visit her mother after over a decade apart. I was telling folks that she came to see her mother and now she has come to bury her mother, Phun said. And when I asked her, What can I do? Her answer to me was, Can you bring my mother back? Phun said that hopefully the story of her aunt, an avid ballroom dancer who was known to be outgoing, will resonate with others and show that such tragedies can touch anyone. She wasnt my aunt. She was our aunt. She was all of our aunts. We all have an aunt who loves dance. We all have an auntie that is lovely. We all have an auntie who went through difficult times to try to find joy, Phun said. And anybody that looks into the situation will also see themselves and their families in my family. That is what I hope people will see that it is not just our family tragedy. Its all of us. Chu said in addition to spotlighting Phuns family, shes advocating for a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, more awareness around red flag laws that could prevent those who appear as threats to have access to firearms, and more outreach to Asian American communities when it comes to gun safety. It is so evident from Sandy Hook to Uvalde to Buffalo and now to Monterey Park that we have to pass laws that will keep Americans safe, Chu said. There are things that weve been working on for so long, but the urgency is so clear. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com This article originally appeared on Outside Frontier Airlines is vying for the hearts of budget travelers; the airline, which already advertises one-way tickets for $49, just released an "all-you-can-fly" summer pass for $399. Buy the GoWild! Pass and you can enjoy an unlimited number of domestic and international flights between May 2 and September 30, 2023. Yes, unbelievable. But is it too good to be true? The GoWild! Summer pass is a cheaper version of Frontier's annual all-you-can-fly pass (the latter is now on sale for $1,299). The annual pass is already a tempting proposition, considering the variety of adventurous locales that Frontier services: Reno/Tahoe, Salt Lake, San Diego, and Bentonville, Arkansas, among them. International destinations include Belize, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Guatemala. Frontier flies to a number of awesome adventure outposts. (Photo: Miguel Angel Sanz/Unsplash) The summer pass is a less expensive version of the annual pass, albeit with a shorter travel window. If you live near a Frontier hub--such as Denver, Orlando, and Las Vegas--and like to travel to hike, surf, mountain bike, and explore, the summer pass is likely worth it. Here's how it works: you can only book domestic flights the day before departure and within 10 days before departure for international flights. The last-minute nature of the pass allows Frontier to fill seats that would otherwise go empty. When I was in college, the budget airline AirTrans offered a similar deal called X-Fare, where anyone under 25 could fly standby for $29 one way. You showed up at the airport with no guarantees, and you could only carry a backpack, but I was 20 years old and my girlfriend (now wife) lived in a different city. I flew X-Fare a lot, and it was pay as you go, with no hefty upfront cost. To get the GoWild! Pass, travelers have to cough up the $399 now, and buyers should be aware of the pass's restrictions and limited nature of some of Frontier's flights. Jamie Lynn Miller enjoys a summer dip upon hiking to Thomas Lakes in western Colorado. (Photo: Alison Osius) "It sounds really good on paper, but you should look at the fine print," says Zach Griff, the airlines reporter for the popular travel site The Points Guy. Griff points out key stipulations about this pass, mainly black-out dates (when the passes won't work) for most summer holidays. The limited window for booking domestic flights means you'll travel somewhere and then have to book your return flight separately. That could be risky if flights are full and you don't have a flexible schedule to fly on weekdays rather than weekends, and you might have to pay for accommodations if you can't get a flight home. Story continues "Frontier doesn't have unlimited flights in a market," Griff says. "They don't fly seven times a day between New York and L.A. They might only fly once or twice a day between markets, which means the odds of getting a seat at the last minute aren't that high." People traveling domestically with partners or families can expect to have a particularly hard time getting seats, but Griff points out that booking for international flights might be easier because you can do it 10 days in advance. Passholders still have to pay to check bags (starting at $55 per bag) and to choose seats (from $11 a seat). Griff thinks two kinds of people will benefit from an all-you-can-fly pass like this: students with super flexibility who can travel mid-week carrying only a backpack, and someone who likes the idea of gaming the system. "If you only use the pass three or four times, you'll come out ahead," Griff says. "The $399 is the price of a single roundtrip ticket on another airline. You don't have to be a maximizer to get value out of this pass." Diego Lopez Montull boulders in Penoles, about four hours from Monterrey, Mexico. Various climbing areas in Mexico are at altitude, with cool summer temps. (Photo: Emily Matherly) I might buy the summer pass because I've got my eye on a potential mountain bike trip to Tahoe and a surf trip to Southern California, and I can work remotely if I get stuck somewhere. Then again, my wife would be pretty upset if I started traveling like a carefree college student without her, especially if I couldnt get back on time and spent extra days mountain biking and surfing, so thats a potential hidden cost to this pass for me. "It's tempting if you're single and trying to see as much of the world as possible," says Kurt Spurlock, a writer who works from home and lives close to Atlanta's busy airport. In fact, Spurlock's father, who's retired, bought the annual Frontier GoWild! Pass and is currently on a trip. "Just pack a backpack and hop on the next flight somewhere interesting." Alaska Airlines offers a similar program for travelers on the West Coast. For a $49 per month subscription, passholders who live close to the airline's hubs of Los Angeles, Portland, and San Francisco can take advantage of flights within California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Alaska Air's plan has no blackout dates and allows you to book no later than 14 days before your departure. You only get six flights a year with the $49 monthly membership, or 12 trips with the $99 membership. Frontier is only releasing a limited number of the summer pass at the $399 introductory rate, but the airline hasn't yet given out information about the number of passes available or when the price will increase to $999. Alaska Airlines' offer is available to purchase any time. 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. PLYMOUTH Attorneys painted two diametrically different pictures in a court hearing Tuesday of the woman accused of strangling her three children in her Duxbury home last month. Her defense lawyer, Kevin Reddington, told the story of a family in pain and an overmedicated mother with debilitating postpartum mental illness. Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague, on the contrary, said Lindsay Clancy knew exactly what she was doing when she "created the situation" to kill her three children, and suggested she was of sound mind. Clancy, 32, was arraigned Tuesday on two charges of murder in Plymouth District Court, where she appeared via a Zoom call from a hospital bed. She also faces three counts each of strangulation and assault and battery with a deadly weapon in the death of her three children. Lindsay Clancy appears via video for her arraignment in the deaths of her three young children Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. Clancy wore a medical mask and remained still during the hearing, only blinking as the state accused her of strangling her children for several minutes each using exercise bands in the basement of their home. Reddington and Sprague appeared in person. Judge John Canavan did not set a bail amount in the case, and instead said Clancy is ordered to stay in the Boston hospital where she is being treated. Reddington said his client is paralyzed from the waist down. When the time comes for her to be released from the hospital, she is to be admitted to a 24/7 rehabilitation facility, Canavan said. After that, she will be released to home confinement with GPS monitoring, subject to further hearings. She was ordered to continue undergoing mental health treatment. 'I hope somehow you find peace': Fundraiser for Duxbury's Clancy family hits $1 million Feb. 4: Funeral held for Duxbury children as mother Lindsay Clancy's criminal defense begins Police responded to a 911 call placed by Clancy's husband, Patrick Clancy, on Jan. 24. He was calling to report his wife's apparent suicide attempt. First responders found two of the three Clancy children Cora Clancy, 5, and Dawson Clancy, 3 dead inside the home. A third child, 8-month-old Callan, died at Boston Children's Hospital several days later. Story continues "This is a very sad and very tragic case," Plymouth District Attorney Tim Cruz said. Defense lawyer Kevin Reddington and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague at the arraignment of Lindsay Clancy in Plymouth District Court on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. Court hearing reveals gruesome details in Clancy case Sprague, the prosecutor, said Clancy was having "one of her best days" on Tuesday, Jan. 24. She took Cora to the pediatrician and called a local CVS to discuss over-the-counter medication options for her children. No one reported anything amiss, Sprague said. At about 5 p.m., she asked her husband to drive to CVS to pick up the child's medication and then Plymouth to pick up takeout food for dinner, which Sprague called "an unusual request." The assistant district attorney said Lindsay Clancy then opened the Apple Maps application to check how long it would take to drive to the Plymouth restaurant and back. Patrick Clancy left shortly after 5 p.m. and called his wife from CVS to clarify what medication to buy. "It was a completely normal call, though he did mention she seemed like she was in the middle of something," Sprague said. When Patrick Clancy returned home to Summer Street in Duxbury, Sprague said he noted the house was quiet. He went to his bedroom, where he told police he saw blood and an open window. He ran to the backyard and found his wife injured but conscious. When he asked where the children were, she told him they were in the basement. Patrick Clancy, of Duxbury, with his children, Cora, Dawson and Callan. "Immediately after this happened she knew what she had done, she knew where the kids were," Sprague said. "Patrick can be heard on the 911 call entering the basement. At one point, he calls out, 'Guys?' He can then be heard screaming in agony and shock. ... When (police) find Patrick, he yells out, 'She killed the kids.'" Sprague said the children were all strangled using exercise bands. Cora and Dawson were dead when police arrived. Callan's brain function could not be recovered by medical professionals, and he died several days later. The manner of death, Sprague said, further indicates that the killings were not a crime of passion. "She had to strangle each of them to unconsciousness, and then keep the bands squeezing their little necks for several minutes. She could have changed her mind at any point in those few minutes, but she didn't," Sprague said. "The defendant did not 'take advantage' of the situation when her husband left the home that night. She created the situation, and she used Apple Maps to ensure she would have enough time to kill each child." Judge John Canavan at the arraignment of Lindsay Clancy in Plymouth District Court on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. Lindsay Clancy remains hospitalized with several broken bones in her back, and Reddington called her "a paraplegic." Sprague said one of the first questions Clancy asked at the hospital was "Do I need a lawyer?" Later, while undergoing a mental health evaluation, Clancy used her psychiatrist's phone to call her husband, and told him a voice compelled her to kill the children and herself, Sprague said. "Mr. Clancy told police the defendant had never heard voices before, and he also told police the defendant had never used the word 'psychosis' with him before," Sprague said. "The first time she uses the word 'psychosis' was when she was with a doctor hired by defense counsel and using his cellphone." 'We're not immune': Cohasset police chief on Ana Walshe, media frenzy and small-town policing Reddington: Deaths were 'not planned by any means' Kevin Reddington, the defense lawyer, said Lindsay Clancy's case is a prime example of a country that routinely fails women seeking treatment for postpartum depression, anxiety or psychosis. He said Lindsay Clancy was under the care of medical professionals who prescribed her a cocktail of medications that harmed her mental well-being. He described a woman "unable" to feel genuine emotion due to the drugs. "Our society fails miserably in treating women with postpartum depression or even postpartum psychosis," Reddington said. "It's medicate, medicate, medicate, take the pills and see if that works. If it doesn't, increase the dose." Defense lawyer Kevin Reddington at the arraignment of Lindsay Clancy in Plymouth District Court on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. On Jan. 1, Lindsay Clancy checked herself in to the McLean Hospital for mental health treatment. She left Jan. 5, and had been going back and forth with doctors about prescriptions ever since, he said. Reddington described Lindsay Clancy as "a beautiful woman who was thoroughly destroyed by these medications." "This is not a situation that was planned by any means. This is a situation that, clearly, is a product of mental illness," he said. Reddington said he submitted to the court close to 50 letters from doctors, friends and family members hailing Lindsay as an incredible mother, wife and nurse. He said he has also received messages from "around the world" from medical professionals and other mothers sharing their struggles with postpartum mental illness. "This woman has incredible support. ... Letters from her family, friends, people she has known since the sixth grade who've stayed in touch with her," he said. "Lindsay loved her children." 'The South Shore has been through a lot': Local residents process string of tragedies More: Deaths of Duxbury children push postpartum depression and mental health to forefront A community in shock The small town of Duxbury and the larger South Shore community responded swiftly to news of the tragedy. Prayer groups have turned their eyes to Patrick and Lindsay Clancy, and hundreds attended a vigil held days after the children's deaths. About 15,000 people have donated more than $1 million combined to a GoFundMe online fundraiser meant to benefit Patrick Clancy, and the tragedy has sparked a push to recognize and provide support to those struggling with postpartum illnesses such as depression and psychosis. Lindsay Clancy, of Duxbury. A private Facebook group called "Lindsay's Army of Love" has more than 500 members. "We are here, as moms and nurses, to show our love and support for Lindsay and the Clancy family," the group description reads. "Whether you worked with her or saw her in passing, she was one of us. She loved her children and was doing her best to take care of herself. We need to band together to show our open support for one of our own." In a post on the fundraising page, Patrick Clancy confirmed his wife was struggling with "a condition" and asked the community's forgiveness. Our marriage was wonderful and diametrically grew stronger as her condition rapidly worsened, he wrote. I want to ask all of you that you find it deep within yourselves to forgive Lindsay, as I have. The real Lindsay was generously loving and caring towards everyone me, outside kids, family, friends and her patients. The very fibers of her soul are loving. All I wish for her now is that she can somehow find peace. Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Patriot Ledger subscription. Here is our latest offer. Reach Mary Whitfill at mwhitfill@patriotledger.com. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Lindsay Clancy faces a judge in deaths of Cora, Dawson and Callan FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) A family friend of the rapper XXXTentacion broke down Tuesday as he told jurors how he and the rapper were ambushed by armed robbers as they drove away from a motorcycle shop, how he fled in fear and then heard the gunshots that killed the rising star. Leonard Kerr's testimony highlighted the opening day in the trial of three men accused of fatally shooting XXXTentacion on June 18, 2018, inside his BMW sports car, which had been blocked by an SUV as Kerr and the rapper pulled out of the Riva Motorsports' parking lot near Fort Lauderdale. Two men jumped out with guns, Kerr said. He said the taller man pointed his weapon at him and told him not to get out of the car, punctuating his command with a curse word. The other man was trying to pull the rapper's gold chain from his neck. Kerr said he could hear XXXTentacion asking, What's this for? At that point, Kerr said, he decided to escape, pushing the button that opened the passenger door. If I run, I can get shot, but I can live. If I sit.... Kerr said, his voicing trailing off until he stopped to regain his composure. Kerr said when he looked back, the taller man was pointing his gun at XXXTentacion, and he said he heard at least two loud bangs. The men then got back into the SUV and sped off, taking with them the $50,000 the rapper had in his designer bag. Michael Boatwright, 28, is accused of being the shooter, while his friend, Trayon Newsome, 24, is accused of being the other gunman. Dedrick Williams, 26, is accused of being the driver. They could all receive life sentences if convicted of first-degree murder. A fourth man who prosecutors say was in the SUV, 26-year-old Robert Allen, pleaded guilty last year to second-degree murder and is set to testify against his former friends. During opening statements earlier Tuesday, the jurors heard divergent theories about the shooting. A robbery gone awry, according to prosecutors. According to the defense, it could have been a feud between XXXTentacion and the megastar Drake, but they say detectives refused to investigate that possibility. Story continues Prosecutor Pascale Achille told jurors that Boatwright, Newsome, Williams and Allen, set out that day to commit armed robberies. Allen and Williams went inside the motorcycle shop to buy masks, she said. There, they happened upon XXXTentacion, who, according to Kerr, had the $50,000 he had just gotten from the bank hanging out of his bag. The pair recognized him, and the group seized upon the opportunity, deciding to rob him as he left, Achille said. Boatwright shot him several times without any provocation, she said. To varying degrees, the defendants are linked to the shooting by surveillance video and cellphone locations, and all are implicated through Allen's expected testimony, Achille said. Then there are the social media photos of some of the men flashing the money posted that night, she said. They go on social media and start bragging that they have this influx of cash, Achille said. They flash it like it's Christmas Day. To the men's attorneys, the defendants are victims of Robert Allen's lies and the failure of detectives to investigate XXXTentacion's feud with Drake XXXTentacion once said on social media that if he ever wound up dead, the Canadian rapper would be the cause. He later retracted that. Another rapper had also made threats against XXXTentacion. They said that with the rapper's slaying coming just four months after the slaying of 17 people at nearby Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, the Broward Sheriff's Office was under extreme political pressure to solve the case quickly. For Broward County, for everyone involved, this was a nightmare, said Mauricio Padilla, Williams' attorney. That's why they wanted no part with investigating a celebrity, he said. Prosecutors say there is no evidence linking Drake to the shooting, and Williams is clearly seen in the store's surveillance video, recognizable through his distinctive facial tattoos. He was also identified by one of the clerks. Padilla conceded Williams was present in the store but didn't say how he would explain that. Joseph Kimok, Boatwright's attorney, also pointed the finger at a third man as the possible shooter a friend Williams was seen talking to inside the motorcycle store just before the shooting who has the same build as his client. He alluded that the friend could have gotten into the SUV Williams was driving outside the view of surveillance cameras. He said the evidence will show that Boatwright was asleep at the home he shared with his grandmother at the time of the shooting. At no point (in the surveillance videos) will you see Mr. Boatwright, because he wasnt there, Kimok said. Yes, a cellphone linked to him was near the store but that was a community phone used by several men, he said. And yes, he very stupidly posed with money that night but that money was Allen's, not Boatwright's, Kimok said. Newsome's attorney also denied that his client was present. The victim, whose real name was Jahseh Onfroy, pronounced his stage name ex-ex-ex-ten-ta-see-YAWN. He was a platinum-selling rising star who tackled issues including prejudice and depression in his songs. He also drew criticism over bad behavior and multiple arrests, including charges that he severely beat and abused his girlfriend. Proud Boys protest at a drag story hour in Jackson Heights, Queens, on December 29, 2022. Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images An interactive map shows what happened each time the Proud Boys joined anti-LGBTQ+ protests in 2022. Most of the extremist group's activity targeted drag performances, the map shows. It also shows their increasing presence at protests involving violence, weapons, and other extremists. Once a week on average in 2022, the Proud Boys joined or led anti-LGBTQ+ protests across the US, according to new data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, or ACLED. Insider worked with ACLED to create this map, which shows what happened at each of these protests. It's part of Insider's look at the Proud Boys' increasing war on LGBTQ+ community, and drag in particular. Sixty percent of the Proud Boys' anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrating last year happened outside drag events, mostly seen by organizers and attendees as celebrations of diversity for families and children. "On one side of the street, I saw signs calling me a groomer," drag king Oliver H remembered recently of the Proud Boys' final drag story hour protest, on December 29, when they held signs reading "Groom dogs, not kids" at a public library in the New York City borough of Queens. "On the other side of the street, they were singing 'High School Musical,'" he said, describing the more than 200 counter-protesters. "Each side of the street was so different." Oliver H recounts that day as part of this project. Read the original article on Business Insider Feature: Lantern Festival celebrated in U.S. Dallas Xinhua) 08:49, February 07, 2023 People learn to make lanterns during an event celebrating the Lantern Festival in Southlake, Texas, the United States, Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo by Xin Jin/Xinhua) DALLAS, the United States, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- It's a festive weekend in and around Dallas, a major city in the U.S. state of Texas, where hundreds of people celebrated the end of the Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Lantern Festival. In Dallas, shopping malls joined in on the celebration. Hundreds of red lanterns draped down from the ceiling of the Dallas Gallery shopping mall, while a big Chinese New Year message could be seen at North Park Center, another big shopping mall in the city. Lunar New Year is a big deal in Dallas, residents say. It's a two-week event that includes several celebrations among Asian communities, ranging from large-scale lantern displays in upscale shopping malls to cultural performances and, of course, the Lantern Festival to conclude it. A lantern in the shape of a rabbit is seen at an event celebrating the Lantern Festival in Southlake, Texas, the United States, Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo by Xin Jin/Xinhua) In Southlake, a suburban city 20 miles (32 km) west of Dallas, more than 100 children and adults flocked to the Town Hall activity center on Saturday afternoon, joining a workshop to make hand-crafted rabbit lanterns that best exemplify the customs of the Lantern Festival. As night fell and streetlights began to flicker, people from all over the city gathered in the Rustic Park in front of the Town Hall, bringing the lanterns they had made earlier in the day. As people followed the young dragon dancers' footsteps during the evening lantern walk, the streets and alleys of Southlake were filled with lighting and laughter. "As a mayor, one of the most fun and honored things I do is to support all of the cultures in Southlake, including our Asian culture," John Huffman, the mayor of Southlake, told Xinhua, calling the whole Spring Festival "truly special and meaningful." People perform drangon dance during an event celebrating the Lantern Festival in Southlake, Texas, the United States, Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo by Xin Jin/Xinhua) The year 2023 is the sixth year Southlake has hosted the Lantern Festival celebration, according to Fendy Chan with the Southlake Sister Cities, a local group co-organizing Saturday's events with the city library. As the Lantern Festival grew in size over time, people enjoyed more activities, such as dragon and lion dances, guessing lantern riddles, lighting lanterns after dark and eating rice balls with various fillings. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) NURDAG, Turkey Rescuers raced against time early Wednesday to pull survivors from the rubble before they succumbed to cold weather two days after an earthquake tore through southern Turkey and war-ravaged northern Syria. The death toll climbed above 7,700 and was expected to rise further. The last two days have brought dramatic rescues, including small children emerging from mounds of debris more than 30 hours after Mondays pre-dawn quake. But there was also widespread despair and growing anger at the slow pace of rescue efforts in some areas. Advertisement Its like we woke up to hell, said Osman Can Taninmis, whose family members were still beneath the rubble in Hatay, Turkeys hardest-hit province. We cant respond to absolutely anything. Help isnt coming, cant come. We cant reach anyone at all. Everywhere is destroyed. In Syria, residents found a crying newborn still connected by the umbilical cord to her mother, who was dead. The baby was the only member of her family to survive a building collapse in the small town of Jinderis, relatives told The Associated Press. Advertisement Search teams from nearly 30 countries and aid pledges poured in. But with the damage spread across several cities and towns some isolated by Syrias ongoing conflict voices crying for help from within mounds of rubble fell silent. Mondays magnitude 7.8 quake and powerful aftershocks cut a swath of destruction that stretched hundreds of miles across southeastern Turkey and neighboring Syria. The shaking toppled thousands of buildings and heaped more misery on a region wracked by Syrias 12-year civil war and refugee crisis. Turkey is home to millions of refugees from the war. The affected area in Syria is divided between government-controlled territory and the countrys last opposition-held enclave, where millions rely on humanitarian aid to survive. Unstable piles of metal and concrete made the search efforts perilous, while freezing temperatures made them ever more urgent, as worries grew about how long trapped survivors could last in the cold. Snow swirled around rescuers in parts of Turkey. The scale of the suffering and the accompanying rescue effort were staggering. Adelheid Marschang, a senior emergencies officer with the World Health Organization, said up to 23 million people could be affected in the entire quake-hit area, calling it a crisis on top of multiple crises. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said 13 million of the countrys 85 million people were affected, and he declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces. More than 8,000 people have been pulled from the debris in Turkey, and some 380,000 have taken refuge in government shelters or hotels, authorities said. But authorities faced criticism from residents of hard-hit Hatay, sandwiched between Syria and the Mediterranean Sea, who say rescue efforts have lagged. Erdogans handling of the crisis could weigh heavily on elections planned for May, and his office has already dismissed the criticism as disinformation. Advertisement Nurgul Atay told The Associated Press she could hear her mothers voice beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in the Turkish city of Antakya, the capital of Hatay province. But rescuers did not have the heavy equipment needed to rescue her. If only we could lift the concrete slab, wed be able to reach her, she said. My mother is 70 years old, she wont be able to withstand this for long. Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said 1,647 people were killed in Hatay alone, the highest toll of any Turkish province. At least 1,846 people had been rescued there as of Tuesday evening, he said. Hatays airport was closed after the quake destroyed the runway, complicating rescue efforts. In Syria, meanwhile, aid efforts have been hampered by the ongoing war and the isolation of the rebel-held region along the border, which is surrounded by Russia-backed government forces. Syria itself is an international pariah under Western sanctions linked to the war. Volunteer first responders known as the White Helmets have years of experience rescuing people from buildings destroyed by Syrian and Russian airstrikes in the rebel-held enclave, but they say the earthquake has overwhelmed their capabilities. Mounir al-Mostafa, the deputy head of the White Helmets, said they were able to respond efficiently to up to 30 locations at a time but now face calls for help from more than 700. Advertisement Teams are present in those locations, but the available machinery and equipment are not enough, he said, adding that the first 72 hours were crucial for any rescue effort. The United Nations said it was exploring all avenues to get supplies to the rebel-held northwest. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the road leading to the Bab al-Hawa border crossing the only terminal through which U.N. aid is allowed to enter the rebel-held area, had been damaged by the quake, disrupting deliveries. Dujarric said the U.N. is preparing a convoy to cross the conflict lines within Syria. But that would likely require the approval of President Bashar Assads government, which has laid siege to rebel-held areas throughout the civil war. Turkey has large numbers of troops in the border region and has tasked the military with aiding its rescue efforts, including setting up tents for the homeless and a field hospital in Hatay province. A navy ship docked on Tuesday at the provinces port of Iskenderun, where a hospital collapsed, to transport survivors in need of medical care to a nearby city. Advertisement A large fire at the port, caused by containers that toppled over during the earthquake, sent thick plumes of black smoke into the sky. The Defense Ministry said the blaze was extinguished with the help of military aircraft, but live footage broadcast by CNN Turk showed it was still burning. Vice President Fuat Oktoy said at least 5,894 people have died from the earthquake in Turkey, with another 34,810 injured. The death toll in government-held areas of Syria has climbed to 812, with some 1,400 injured, according to the Health Ministry. At least 1,020 people have died in the rebel-held northwest, according to the White Helmets, with more than 2,300 injured. The region sits on top of major fault lines and is frequently shaken by earthquakes. Some 18,000 were killed in similarly powerful earthquakes that hit northwest Turkey in 1999. Alsayed reported from Azmarin, Syria. Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Associated Press writers David Rising in Bangkok, Zeynep Bilginsoy and Robert Badendieck in Istanbul, Bassem Mroue and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut, Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, and Riazat Butt in Islamabad, contributed to this report. BEIRUT (Reuters) - Aid flows from Turkey to northwest Syria have temporarily stopped due to the fallout of a devastating earthquake, a U.N. spokesperson said on Tuesday, leaving aid workers grappling with the problem of how to help people in a country fractured by war. The cross-border aid operation overseen by the United Nations since 2014 has been crucial to Syrians who fled President Bashar al-Assad's rule during the conflict, bypassing territory he controls. There was no clear picture of when the aid - upon which some 4 million people depend - would resume, Madevi Sun-Suon, spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA), told Reuters. "Some roads are broken, some are inaccessible. There are logistical issues that need to be worked through," she said. "We are exploring all avenues to reach people in need," she said. These included delivering aid from within Syria via government-held territory - a process involving crossing frontlines through which aid has seldom passed during the war. Damascus has long opposed the humanitarian operation that has delivered aid into Syria from Turkey, saying assistance should be delivered via Damascus. Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bassam Sabbagh met with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday and said he asked for U.N. help. But he told reporters any assistance must be done in coordination with the government and delivered from within Syria, not across the Turkish border. Many Syrians sheltering in the rebel-held northwest fear this would once again put their fate in Assad's hands. The quake that struck in the early hours of Monday has killed more than 5,000 people in Syria and Turkey. Some 900 died in northwestern Syria, with many more believed to be trapped under the rubble in a region where people were already heavily dependent on aid before the disaster. A similar number of people have been killed in government-held areas, according to the government. Story continues Aid already positioned in the northwest will likely be rapidly depleted, aid officials said. "We have heard there are some supplies in the system for the next 3 - 5 days, however our concern is that these will be exhausted rapidly," Kieren Barnes, Mercy Corps Syria country director, told Reuters. The Damascus-based Syrian Red Crescent said on Tuesday it was ready to deliver aid across Syria, including to opposition areas. (Reporting by Timour Azhari and Maya Gebeily; Writing by Timour Azhari and Tom Perry; Additional reporting by by Mahmoud Mourad; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Alison Williams and Bernadette Baum) It is usually uneventful when a single insider buys stock. However, When quite a few insiders buy shares, as it happened in iWOW Technology Limited's (Catalist:NXR) case, it's fantastic news for shareholders. While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. View our latest analysis for iWOW Technology iWOW Technology Insider Transactions Over The Last Year There wasn't any very large single transaction over the last year, but we can still observe some trading. While iWOW Technology insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below! iWOW Technology is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. iWOW Technology Insiders Bought Stock Recently We saw some iWOW Technology insider buying shares in the last three months. Non-Executive Director Kee Wee Soo purchased S$23k worth of shares in that period. It's great to see that insiders are only buying, not selling. But the amount invested in the last three months isn't enough for us too put much weight on it, as a single factor. Does iWOW Technology Boast High Insider Ownership? Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. It's great to see that iWOW Technology insiders own 81% of the company, worth about S$51m. This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders. What Might The Insider Transactions At iWOW Technology Tell Us? Our data shows a little insider buying, but no selling, in the last three months. That said, the purchases were not large. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Judging from their transactions, and high insider ownership, iWOW Technology insiders feel good about the company's future. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. You'd be interested to know, that we found 1 warning sign for iWOW Technology and we suggest you have a look. Story continues If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Wednesday will bring a break between systems with dry weather for that walk around the block or trip to the grocery store. Keep the umbrella close though, as rain returns early Thursday. Rain could be steady as the morning commute begins Thursday, possibly creating ponding on roadways and a slow morning commute. A second round of showers will develop mid morning through the afternoon with strong winds. Gusts of 30 mph to 40 mph at times could blow outdoor items around your house and bring down branches. Temperatures will also be making weather headlines Thursday, as highs jump well above average near 60. Stay with Severe Weather Team 11 for the very latest on the forecast. Download the WPXI Weather App for alerts and LIVE radar. TRENDING NOW: 1 police officer killed, another hurt after shooting in McKeesport; both officers identified LATEST: Chemicals released from 5 cars at train derailment site, air being monitored Recall alert: More than 400 products including sandwiches, yogurt, snacks recalled VIDEO: Massive explosion at start of controlled release of chemicals at train derailment DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts A 20-year-old man who fatally shot a teenage boy in Raleigh just over two years ago was sentenced Tuesday to up to 25 years in prison. Daniel Monserrate, who was 18 at the time, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced Tuesday, the Wake County District Attorneys Office said. He was given a sentence of 20 to 25 years in prison for fatally shooting Waly Malik Faye, 16, on Feb. 4, 2021. On the afternoon of Feb. 4, a 911 caller said they found an injured person near a playground at Brentwood Park in Raleigh, The News & Observer reported. Police responded to the the northeast Raleigh park in the 3300 block of Vinson Court and found Faye injured from a gunshot wound. He died the following day from his injuries, police said. Faye attended Sanderson High School, according to his obituary, and worked at McDonalds. In his free time, he liked to run track and play the keyboard, according to his obituary. Monserrate did not have a criminal record at the time of the shooting. Fayes death was the second homicide reported in Raleigh in 2021. There were a total of 26 fatal shootings in Raleigh that year, Raleigh Police Department data shows. Police car. Isabella Pino/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images The Memphis cops who kicked and punched the life out of Tyre Nichols had been properly trained. In the "Reimagining Policing" reforms the city adopted in 2021, officers learned how to de-escalate conflicts whenever possible, limit the use of force, and report any abuses by colleagues. But on the streets, police warrior culture trumped that training and the race of the officers who pulled Nichols over. For allegedly driving erratically, they treated a terrified, compliant young man like a war criminal. While repeatedly pepper spraying a pinned Nichols in the face, one cop got some in his own eyes. "Ah, you motherf---er," he yelled at Nichols. "Made me spray myself." Fearing the gang of unhinged cops might kill him, a terrified Nichols got up and ran, and a sixth cop (who, as it happens, is white) said as his buddies gave chase, "I hope they stomp his ass." I have known good cops empathetic men and women who truly care about the people they protect and serve. But through my experience and that of friends and family, I have observed this about dealing with cops: If you convey anything but total, meek submission, even in facial expressions or attitude, you are very likely to pay a price. In every police department, there are authoritarians who enjoy intimidating and dominating civilians. (The biggest bully in my daughters' school, who brutalized much younger kids and whispered rape threats to girls, is now a cop.) In high-crime urban communities, a warrior mentality an "Us vs. Them" mindset often takes hold. Cops who don't buy into this culture, and who object to dehumanizing the "perps," are shunned. Until that culture changes, reform efforts will fail. In Memphis, the SCORPION unit cops stood around chuckling and bragging after savagely beating Nichols to a bloody pulp. "I was hitting him with straight haymakers, dog," one boasted. "I jumped in, started rocking him," said another. They bumped fists, celebrating. Story continues This is the editor's letter in the current issue of The Week magazine. You may also like 7 cartoons about gun violence in America The U.S. economy is shifting toward disinflation. Here's why that's 'most welcome.' United States shoots down Chinese spy balloon over Atlantic Ocean In January, Gov. Kristi Noem heralded House Bill 1090 as a bill that would "preserve agriculture," South Dakota's largest industry, from frivolous nuisance lawsuits. The bill, introduced on Jan. 19 and passed by the South Dakota House with a 61-9 vote a week later, seeks to shelter the state's No. 1 industry from such claims by making it more difficult for an alleged victim to prove their case. It would also limit their ability to receive compensation for punitive damages, which could de-incentivize people from filing a lawsuit in the first place. While the legal definition of "nuisance" is intentionally broad, in the realm of agriculture, this term can include smells or noises from a farm or commodity processing facility that compromises the comfort and safety of another party, interferes with travel on waterbodies, roads or public spaces, or poses a risk to one's life. However, legal experts argue not only would the bill unfairly shift the legal burdens against potential victims of nuisances in the future, but certain agricultural operations could also lose some of their standing protections against nuisance lawsuits. Brendan Johnson, a Sioux Falls attorney and former U.S. Attorney, said for a claimant in a typical nuisance lawsuit to successfully argue their case, they must meet a "preponderance of the evidence." That means one's legal argument is even the slightest amount more convincing than that of the person they're going up against. More:These high-profile cases show nuisance lawsuits are an uphill battle for victims in South Dakota The proposed legislation raises the requirements for a claimant to meet the burden of proof to the next highest level, "by clear and convincing evidence." But David Ganje, an environmental attorney based out of Rapid City, said that's not only "unfair" to victims of nuisance-related problems, it is also notably more than what a standard nuisance lawsuit requires. Story continues "It's an extreme requirement for proving evidence, and that's really important to understand," Ganje said. "The proposed proof under the legislation is the next highest burden of proof in the law, only just less onerous than the criminal burden of proof in criminal cases, which is 'beyond a reasonable doubt.'" However, the new law would not extend the proposed protections to a farm or processor in cases of negligence, when the alleged nuisance actually injures or poses a public health risk, because of emissions that break any environmental laws or regulations. "It could include an invasion of your property by the wrongful use of a upstream pond. It could be caused by smells," Ganje said. "It could be caused by, let's say, a cement plant next to your property, which had emissions coming out of its piping system that created pollution or made the air difficult to breathe, so the breadth of nuisance is by law meant to be very broad." The proposed legislation would also include agritourism activities under the current statute's definition of an "agricultural operation," and allow farms to change the type of animal or crop being raised without losing their protected status. More:Foreign agriculture investments bill reaches South Dakota legislature Are nuisance claims really agriculture's biggest problem? One of the key reasons the legislation was drafted was to protect farmers from frivolous nuisance claims, Noem said in a Jan. 13 press release announcing the bill. To that end, the legislation establishes limitations against who can pursue a nuisance action and conditions for whether and how compensation is given to a claimant. Glenn Muller, executive director of South Dakota Pork Producers, said nuisance lawsuits, successful or not, can be detrimental to new agricultural operations. That's because the claim can delay construction of the facility and cost the operations a significant amount of money to battle. Muller added there is "no limit" to how much compensation a successful claimant may attempt to receive. More:These high-profile cases show nuisance lawsuits are an uphill battle for victims in South Dakota Ganje is doubtful, however, of the financial impact of the lawsuits as someone who is obliged to keep up with case law and current developments. "I am unaware of any statistics that show that nuisance claims create an economic burden on property owners," Ganje said. "Quite frankly, there's no such data that is available. I've never seen any economic data, any studies or anything from the University of South Dakota or South Dakota State or anywhere. I'm generally familiar with most of the nuisance claims that occur in South Dakota... And I'm not aware of anybody that's ever made a claim like that, so I find that to be a political claim." Argus Leader reached out to the bill's prime sponsors, Rep. James Wangsness and Sen. Joshua Klumb, on Friday morning to provide examples of statistics related to nuisance claims and ask if said statistics were taken into account while the legislation. Neither legislator responded to our request for comment. There is currently a law in place that allows an agricultural operation to recoup the aggregate amount of costs and expenses incurred when fighting the action, as well as a reasonable amount of attorney's fees, if the court finds the claim to be frivolous. According to the bill's language, nuisance actions may not be filed against an ag operation unless the claimant possesses affected property within 1 mile of the source of the alleged nuisance. This is distinct from the current law, which states claimants need only occupy a space or land within 1 mile of the nuisance in question. This amended section intersects with another included in the legislation, which limits the damages recoverable by a claimant. More: How did China's lost balloon end up floating by South Dakota? In cases of a permanent nuisance, the compensation would be based on the lost value of the affected property, while cases of temporary nuisance would be limited to the "reduction in the fair rental value" of the property. "The damages limitation is pretty significant and reduces the potential liability of a defendant," Johnson said. "The punitive damages limitation looks like it would make it nearly impossible to get punitives for a nuisance. This would significantly reduce the incentives for a plaintiff (or a lawyer) to bring a nuisance claim," Johnson said. This could also pose a problem for renters, since tenants may not be considered possessors of the properties they inhabit and may not have landlords willing to pursue legal action on their behalf, Ganje suggested. More: Gov. Kristi Noem signs first bill of 2023 into law, creating unemployment insurance tax cut Bill could do more harm than good to certain farms What's strange to Ganje is the possibility this proposed bill contradicts a standing nuisance law in a way that could actually make certain farms more vulnerable to nuisance lawsuits. According to South Dakota codified law, it is impossible for facilities operating under "the express authority of a statute" to be deemed a nuisance. Ganje said one interpretation of the law exists, that when a facility is given the right to operate from a government agency, like in the instances South Dakota Public Utilities Commission grants wind farms their permit to operate, the facility is considered to be working under "express authority" of the law. Ganje points to a new section of the legislation that indicates an ag operation with "express authority" protections may be sued if the facility did not comply with "any county, municipal, state, or federal environmental law or regulation." Examples include wind farms and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO). "Under the new law, if you show something that violates a statute, you might be able to pursue the claim, but we already have a law that says that you can't pursue nuisance under the authority of a statute, if there's a statute that allows them to [operate]," Ganje said. "Now, they're saying 'Well, we might, we might let you pursue a nuisance if it violates the current law.' Well, that's interesting, because the current law was meant to immunize almost everybody that was a CAFO or a wind farm, et cetera. It's very curious. I don't think they thought that through." HB 1090 remains to be passed by the South Dakota Senate. The bill's next scheduled hearing is Tuesday. More: Bill to let landowners bag an elk every year gets grilled, dies in committee Dominik Dausch is the agriculture and environment reporter for the Argus Leader and editor of Farm Forum. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook @DomDNP and send news tips to ddausch@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota's ag bill 'unfair' to nuisance victims, experts say The suspected Chinese spy balloon that appeared over Montana last week could be bad news for TikTok. Critics of the viral video app in Congress are using the balloon as a rallying point, highlighting the security concerns percolating around both the app and the balloon. TikTok doesnt sell balloons, and it has nothing to do with the one that hovered over the interior of the country. But that hasnt stopped GOP skeptics of TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, from trying to connect the two, grabbing onto the balloon as a convenient symbol of the security concerns that have floated around the app and threatened its survival in the U.S. in recent months. A variety of elected officials from a former presidential nominee to a backbencher lawmaker piled onto the analogy over the past few days. A big Chinese balloon in the sky and millions of Chinese TikTok balloons on our phones. Lets shut them all down, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said on Twitter. His post had 1.8 million views Monday afternoon. Now blow up TikTok, tweeted Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., after U.S. pilots shot down the balloon. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., a top appropriator who oversees federal funding for the State Department, said in an interview Monday: One of the things Ive never understood about the Biden administration is their reluctance to deal with the fact that TikTok is in most peoples homes and theyre getting information from Americans. Its basically a Chinese Communist Party balloon in everybodys home, he added. Its just a further reminder that the Chinese communist regime is an existential threat to the United States. On one level, its convenient timing for China critics to have two separate allegations of Chinese government spying make headlines around the same time. U.S. officials allege that the 200-foot-tall balloon had the ability to maneuver and that it was intended for surveillance, an accusation the Chinese government has denied. TikTok, meanwhile, has been accused of allowing China-based employees to access data about Americans and of spying on Forbes journalists. TikTok has said its trying to remove any doubt about the security of U.S. user data, and it said the people responsible for spying on the Forbes reporters were no longer employed there after they misused their authority. Story continues A big Chinese balloon in the sky and millions of Chinese TikTok balloons on our phones. Lets shut them all down. Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) February 3, 2023 On another level, however, it demonstrates how the balloon incident could escalate tensions in the U.S.-China relationship and create collateral damage along the way. TikTok has already faced deep criticism and consequences stemming from security concerns in recent months. Some governors have banned TikTok on state phones and networks, including at public universities, and in December, Congress passed a law banning TikTok from federal government devices. A complete nationwide ban has been proposed in Congress, and there have been bipartisan calls for Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores. The apps parent company, ByteDance, has recently undertaken a lobbying and media blitz to counter efforts to ban TikTok entirely in the U.S. Last month, TikTok briefed lawmakers, academic researchers and journalists on Project Texas, its code name for a plan to house Americans data with Austin-based Oracle and limit connections to China. Not everyone is buying the connection being drawn between the balloon and TikTok, however. Thats good political theater and emotion but not necessarily smart strategy, said Scott Kennedy, who studies U.S.-China commercial relations as a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank. Kennedy said it would be more valuable to examine the foreign policy questions case by case. The relationship is devolving to a point where evidence and individual cases dont seem to matter very much. Were getting to a point where people are taking resolute positions that they want to apply across the board, he said. TikTok said Monday that peoples attempts to draw the app into the balloon situation had no basis in reality. A high altitude balloon floats over Billings, Mont., on Feb. 1, 2023. (Larry Mayer / The Billings Gazette via AP file) There is absolutely no connection between these two things. Anyone suggesting there is should not be taken seriously on matters of national security, TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter said. Some Democrats agreed. TikTok is its own thing. U.S. policy relative to China should not be based on the outrage of the day or the balloon of the week, said Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., a co-chair of the bipartisan U.S.-China Working Group. I would expect members of Congress to have a lot more nuance than what happened last week, which is the equivalent of watching a white Ford Bronco travel at 40 miles an hour along the interstate highway, Larsen continued, referring to the O.J. Simpson car chase that riveted the nation in 1994. Some GOP critics are falling short of calling for an all-out TikTok ban while still remarking on what they view as a thread between the balloon incident and the TikTok security concerns. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said Monday that he is among those still making up their minds about the app. So far I have not called for a total ban, but I am not far from that conclusion, said Cramer, a member of the Armed Services Committee. Tokyo Game Show in Chiba, Japan - 17 Sept 2022 (Stanislav Kogiku / SOPA Images/Sipa USA via AP file) He and other Republican senators have expressed concerns that China could use TikTok to interfere in U.S. elections. TikTok, balloons, land near military installations, Confucius Institutes it is time for a strategy to wean ourselves off China and bring critical supply chains on shore, Cramer said. The institutes are China-funded cultural and language centers that operate on university campuses. Heading into a GOP leadership meeting in Speaker Kevin McCarthys office, Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., said he had very grave concerns about Chinese surveillance in the United States, and theyve only been heightened by the balloon. Like Cramer, Palmer said he wants to know more about how China is surveilling Americans via TikTok before he calls for an all-out ban. I think we need to have a very in-depth analysis to determine our vulnerabilities, said Palmer, the GOP Policy Committee chairman. I definitely think it should be out of government. Both the balloon and TikTok are likely to come up at a House Armed Services Committee hearing Wednesday morning focused on The Pressing Threat of the Chinese Communist Party to U.S. National Defense. Another TikTok critic, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., the top Democrat on the new select committee on China, also said he saw a common thread. As these incidents illustrate, we need to be vigilant about threats from the CCP on all fronts, and we need to act on a bipartisan basis to counter these threats, he said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. A divided Congress is exactly what our adversaries would want, so we must rise to the occasion and be united in our response, he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com President Biden will deliver his much-anticipated annual State of the Union address Tuesday evening to a joint session of Congress, set to tout his administrations successes over the last two years and outline political and legislative goals for 2023 and beyond. The major party not in control of the White House will typically pick a rising star in its ranks to represent an alternative agenda, and other groups such as the progressive Working Families Party will jump in with additional perspectives and priorities. The rebuttal speakers scheduled so far are all expected to give their addresses after Bidens speech, which will start around 9 p.m. ET. Heres whos slated to give a response to Bidens State of the Union address: Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) Then-Arkansas Gov.-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders answers a question while taking part in a panel discussion during a Republican Governors Association conference on Nov. 16, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File) Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) selected Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the daughter of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, to deliver the official Republican response to Bidens remarks. A White House press secretary under former President Trump, Sanders is the first woman to hold the Arkansas governors mansion and the nations youngest governor. While President Biden keeps repeating old mistakes and failing Americans, a rising generation of Republican Governors are fighting for families, advancing new solutions, and winning, McConnell said. Sanders will give her on-air rebuttal from Little Rock, Ark., and said she plans to contrast the GOPs optimistic vision for the future against the failures of President Biden and the Democrats in her remarks. The speech is set to be televised after Bidens remarks end. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., walks past reporters on the opening day of the 118th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Story continues Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) was picked by McCarthy and McConnell to deliver a Spanish-language Republican rebuttal to Biden. The first-term lawmaker indicated hell bring up the Southern border and the economy in the partys first Spanish-language counter to Bidens State of the Union address in the last two years. When he was elected during the 2022 midterm elections, Ciscomani became the first foreign-born American to represent Arizona in Congress, an accomplishment McCarthy lauded as nothing short of inspirational. While Democrats woke politics would have you believe the worst in our nation, Juan and his family are a shining reminder of what we look like at our best, the Speaker said. Ciscomani is also set to give his remarks after Bidens, sometime during the 10 p.m. ET hour. Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) Rep.-elect Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) Rep.-elect Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) arrives for the first session of the New Member Orientation in the Capitol Visitors Center Auditorium on Monday, November 14, 2022. (Associated Press via FILE) The Working Families Party, which regularly puts up progressives to counter the State of the Union address, has picked first-term Illinois Rep. Delia Ramirez (D) to follow Biden on Tuesday. Her remarks are expected to also rebut Sanderss and Ciscomanis speeches for the Republican Party. As the daughter of working-class Guatemalan immigrants, the wife of a DACA recipient, and a former director of a homeless shelter, Delias lived experiences have shown her how our country can and must do better to have working peoples backs, the party said of Ramirez. Members of the progressive squad of lawmakers on the Hill a group that includes Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) gave the progressive response to Bidens 2021 and 2022 addresses, respectively. Ramirezs remarks will be livestreamed by the Working Families Party after Bidens speech concludes. Former President Trump Donald Trump Former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at Mar-a-lago on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) Former President Trump is expected to respond to Bidens address, according to a person familiar with Trumps plans. The Republican ex-presidents speech will be separate from his partys official responses. Biden hasnt formally announced whether hell run for another four years in the White House but has repeated his intent to do so and is likely to use this years State of the Union to set the stage for a potential campaign announcement. Trump, who announced just after the midterms that hes running to retake the White House in 2024, will likely use the rebuttal to bash the Biden administration and boost his own campaign. A prerecorded video response is expected to be released after Bidens remarks. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt speaks at Engine Co. 121 firehouse on Nov. 11, 2022. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly will attend the State of the Union address with Nance-Holt, who is a gun violence survivor and whose son was killed on a CTA bus in 2007. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) When DuPagePads CEO and President April Redzic heard she had been invited to be U.S. Rep. Sean Castens guest at Tuesdays State of the Union address, one of the first things she did was call her mother. My mom has been really one of the people who inspired me to go into social service, and so I called her shell be keeping an eye on the TV to see if she can spot me in the audience, Redzic told the Tribune over the phone Monday. Advertisement She said shell be wearing an orange flower to represent the mission of DuPagePads, given that its a color used to signify construction. For almost four decades, Wheaton-based DuPagePads has sought to provide emergency shelter and supportive housing to homeless individuals in DuPage County and support them in their journey out of homelessness. For the first time since voters in the midterm elections handed control of the House to Republicans, a joint session of Congress will convene for the presidents State of the Union address. Though this will be Bidens second State of the Union, it will be his first where members of Congress can bring guests. In 2022, pandemic precautions limited the audience to lawmakers only. Advertisement Recent events will be fresh in Americas mind as the president delivers his speech this year, such as mass shootings in California and the police killing of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee. Nichols parents are slated to be part of the audience on Tuesday night. [ Tyre Nichols family members, Bono and Paul Pelosi among guests at State of the Union address ] Castens announcement comes as other members of Congress who represent the state of Illinois also extended invitations to guests in hopes of advancing certain causes and hot-button issues, such as universal health care and reproductive rights. First lady Jill Biden also announced her list of guests, including Rolling Meadows High School 10th grader Kate Foley of Arlington Heights. Foley, a computer-integrated manufacturing student, wants to pursue a career as a biomedical engineer. The first lady met Foley in November during a visit to her high school to emphasize the need to build pathways from high school to good-paying jobs through career-connected learning. Student Kate Foley speaks with first lady Jill Biden about her experience in the career pathways program at Rolling Meadows High School on Nov. 14, 2022. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) On Monday, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth announced that Erin King of Hope Clinic a reproductive health care and abortion provider in the Metro East area would be her 2023 State of the Union guest. According to a news release, the invitation is part of the Senators continuing efforts to underscore the importance of a womans right to choose and defend Americans right to full, comprehensive reproductive health care. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced on Twitter his guest would be Chris Manson of Peoria-based OSF HealthCare, who sent an ambulance full of medical supplies to war-torn Ukraine. Amid Putins unjustified war, the Ukrainian people need our help to get basic necessities such as food, water, clothing, & more. Im honored to say Chris Manson of @OSFHealthCare answered their calls and is my guest for @POTUSs State of the Union Address. Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) February 6, 2023 South Side and south suburban lawmaker Rep. Robin Kelly will attend the event with Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt, who is a gun violence survivor and whose son was killed on a CTA bus in 2007. Rep. Delia Ramirez, of Chicago, will deliver the progressive response to the State of the Union speech and is bringing her husband, Boris Hernandez. Advertisement U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, who represents north and northwest sections of Chicagoland, announced Tuesday his guest would be state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, a Chicago Democrat. In a news release, Quigley said Feigenholtz is a friend, a colleague and a fighter for womens reproductive freedom across the state. Ive been proud to work alongside Sara during our time in elected office and, as we navigate a post-Roe America, I look forward to working closely with her to ensure Illinois continues to be a safe haven for access to abortion and contraception, Quigley said. U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, of Chicago, will be taking Lillian Drummond, a 101-year-old community activist who is a staunch supporter of Social Security and the founder of the South Austin Coalition, according to a spokeswoman from the congressmans office. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, from Schaumburg, announced Tuesday hell be bringing Rushan Abbas, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Campaign for Uyghurs. Abbas sister was detained in 2018 by the Chinese Communist Party. According to a news release, the invitation aims to highlight the ongoing human rights abuses and genocide of the Uyghur Muslims and other religious and ethnic minority groups by the Peoples Republic of China. Advertisement On Feb. 1, U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, who represents the west and northwest suburbs and adjacent farming areas, announced his guest for the State of the Union would be Michael Isaacson, executive director of the Kane County Health Department. From expanding childhood mental health resources to combating the opioid epidemic, (Isaacson) has proven himself to be a steadfast advocate and an experienced leader in community outreach, Foster said in a news release. In the coming weeks, President Biden will bring an end to the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration. As we do, we must make sure its done in a competent and orderly manner that prioritizes and supports our local public health departments and essential community leaders like Michael Isaacson. U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, of Springfield, will bring Andrea Kelly of Decatur, who is a graduate of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers pre-apprenticeship program currently working as a construction wireman. With her guest, Budzinski seeks to emphasize the need of such programs for economic mobility, according to a news release. Budzinski will soon introduce legislation to address the job skills gap by providing tax incentives to small businesses that hire apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship workers. On Monday, U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, of Naperville, announced her guest would be Cindy Mundell of Naperville, a cardiac intensive care unit nurse who retired after more than 36 years of service and is a Medicare and Social Security beneficiary. According to a news release from Underwoods office, Mundell earned the right to retire with dignity after more than three decades of service to her community. As Republicans work to implement devastating cuts to these programs that seniors are counting on, Democrats are defending them. Advertisement But not all members of Congress in Illinois will be bringing guests. Far-right U.S. Rep. Mary Miller of southern Illinois, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, said she was not attending the event in protest of Joe Bidens record of lying to the American people, her office announced Monday. How Rep. Castens guest is fighting homelessness in DuPage County Redzic had worked with housing nonprofits across Chicagoland for almost two decades before joining DuPagePads two years ago, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a news release from Castens office, under Redzics leadership, DuPagePads has experienced a 90% success rate in their supportive housing clients retaining housing. DuPagePads CEO April Redzic has been invited to the State of the Union address by U.S. Rep. Sean Casten. (DuPage PADS) In March 2022, DuPagePads purchased a 125-room hotel with American Rescue Plan Act and Community Development Block Grant funds. The group transformed it into an interim housing center to help people exit homelessness a pioneering model. We give people four walls and a door, Redzic said. This is new; a lot of places have been using congregate shelter where youre in a church auditorium or basement or common space. For years, that had been a model that people have used. Advertisement Ever since opening the center, she said, DuPagePads began seeing an increase in the number of families coming in, enticed by the idea of a room of their own. Mothers would say that they could sleep better knowing their kids were safe, and they felt it was a more comfortable way to take care of their children. The impact on mental health and physical health was also significant with DuPagePads new model. Redzic said the organization saw a 75% decrease in health incidents and an 80% decrease in mental health incidents when homeless individuals had somewhere to stay during the day. One of the things that had been really important to us since I came into this role and since the pandemic began was to ensure no child slept in a car in DuPage County, Redzic said. She said the interim housing center, which has served 787 people since opening, currently houses approximately 300 homeless people of whom 110 are children. Its near and dear to my heart, to keep people safe, especially families and kids. And Im really excited to have the opportunity to join Rep. Casten to talk about these things and hopefully encourage other communities to consider using a similar model, Redzic said. The Associated Press contributed. Advertisement adperez@chicagotribune.com urbazon / iStock.com Taxes dont end once you retire, but there are strategies, tax credits and deductions you can use to minimize your tax burden in your golden years. Understanding these rules and exceptions as early as possible is the key to reducing your future tax bill. See: Saving for Retirement Easier Thanks to SECURE 2.0 Act Amendments Explore: With Recession Looming, Make These 3 Retirement Moves According to U.S. News & World Report, here are numerous retirement-saving tips to help lower your tax bill. 1. Contribute to a Retirement Account The Motley Fool pointed out that the average American thinks they need roughly $1.7 million to retire comfortably, according to a 2022 Charles Schwab survey. However, a Vanguard study revealed that the median retirement account balance is just $35,345. Contributing to a retirement savings account, like a 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA), can help lower your tax bill and you may be able to defer paying income tax on your savings until retirement. This is especially helpful if you think you will be in a lower tax bracket when you retire. 2. Make Catch-Up Contributions Workers age 50 and older can make a catch-up contribution of $7,500 to their 401(k) retirement account each tax year. This adds up to a total tax-deductible contribution of as much as $30,000 compared to $22,500 for younger workers, says U.S. News. IRAs also allow catch-up contributions for those age 50 and older of up to $1,000 in 2023. Older workers can also make a tax-deductible contribution of as much as $7,500. 3. Dont Forget Required Minimum Distributions After age 73, savers are required to make withdrawals from IRAs and most 401(k)s. Income tax will be due on each traditional retirement account distribution, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you dont take the minimum distribution, the penalty is 25% of the amount that should have been distributed plus income tax due. However, this could be reduced to 10% if you quickly adjust your distribution amount to the minimum requirement. Story continues More: 6 Items You Need To Check Off Your List If You Want To Retire in 2023 4. Avoid Early Withdrawal Penalty The amounts a retirement saver withdrawals from an IRA or other retirement plan before reaching the age of 59 are called early or premature distributions, the IRS noted. A 10% early withdrawal tax applies unless the retirement saver qualifies for an exception. Exceptions include purchases toward college costs or medical expenses. U.S. News & World Report added that you may be able to access funds that you contributed to a Roth IRA without paying a penalty if the account is at least five years old. If earnings are taken out before the five-year rule, you may have to pay income tax on those withdrawals, CNBC reported. 5. Delay 401(k) Withdrawals if Youre Working If youre working in your 70s or later and dont own 5% or more of the company sponsoring the retirement plan, some 401(k) plans allow you to delay withdrawals until you retire, according to U.S. News & World Report. You must still take required minimum distributions from IRAs and 401(k) accounts from any previous employers after age 73 to avoid the 25% tax penalty. 6. Claim the Savers Credit The IRS allows retirement savers to take a tax credit for making eligible contributions to their IRA or employer-sponsored retirement plan. Savers who earn up to $36,500 for individuals, $54,750 for heads of household and $73,000 for married couples in 2023 and contribute to a 401(k) or IRA are eligible for the savers credit. Intuit Survey: 3 in 4 Gen Zers Prioritize Soft Saving Over Retirement Find: Could Social Security Benefits be Reduced Because of Untaxed Pension? According to the IRS, depending on your adjusted gross income, the credit is worth between 10% and 50% of the amount contributed. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Retirement Saving: These 6 Methods Will Be Subject to Lower Taxes Switzerland could end a ban on exports of Swiss weapons to war zones as a shift in public and political opinion puts pressure on the government to end a centuries-long tradition of being a neutral state, Reuters reported. The Swiss government prohibits countries that purchase Swiss arms from re-exporting them without permission. Swiss neutrality also dictates that Switzerland will not send weapons directly or indirectly to any side of a war. The country also has an embargo on arms sales to Ukraine and Russia. According to the Reuters report, the Swiss parliament's two security committees recommended the government's rules be eased in order to allow other countries to send Swiss-made military aid to Ukraine. "We shouldn't have the veto to stop others from helping Ukraine. If we do that, we support Russia, which is not a neutral position," Thierry Burkart, leader of the center-right FDP party, told Reuters. "Other countries want to support Ukraine and do something for the security and stability of Europe... They cannot understand why Switzerland has to say no." Swiss public opinion has also shifted since Russia's full-scale war began in February 2022. Reuters cited a survey by the Sotomo Institute published on Feb. 5 that showed 55% of respondents favor allowing weapons re-exports to Ukraine. Bloomberg also reported on Feb. 2 that "mainstream politicians" in Switzerland have called for selling the country's nearly 100 German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic as replacements for the tanks that their governments plan to send to Ukraine. Rumors about the possible resignation of Reznikov from the post of Minister of Defense appeared after a series of corruption scandals in the Ministry of Defense "Let's keep the line. I thank everyone for their support and constructive criticism, Reznikov wrote on his Facebook page. Read also: Zelenskyy proposes Ukraines parliament appoint Malyuk as SBU chief Were drawing conclusions, he said of his team at the ministry. Were continuing to reform. Were doing so even in wartime. Were strengthening our defences and working for our victory." Rumors of Reznikovs possible dismissal as Minister of Defence appeared after there was a food procurement scandal over overpriced contracts for the army supply with a catering company. Several top officials of the Defence Ministry were suspected of being involved in wrongdoing. Read also: Defense Ministry calls expose on suspected food contract corruption misleading On Feb. 5, there was speculation in the media that Reznikov would be moved on to the position of the Minister of Strategic Industries (instead of Pavlo Riabikin), while his post would be taken over by chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov. Read also: Defense Minister Reznikov comments on resignation rumors amid procurement scandal Commenting on rumours about his designation, Reznikov said he would resign if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved the relevant order. The head of the ruling Servant of the People faction in the Ukrainian parliament, Davyd Arakhamia, said on Feb. 6 that no staff changes in defence are expected this week. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Will Neewton/AP/Shutterstock Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders will serve as the voice of the Republican party after the State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. See: How Rich Is Former President Donald Trump? Find: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 The former political adviser and press secretary for President Donald Trump was sworn in as the governor of Arkansas in January 2023 the same office her father, Mike Huckabee, held and is the youngest governor in the country. She is rumored to be on the same upward trajectory as other headline-making GOP members, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. While her salary dropped to $158,739 annually, her current net worth remains $1.5 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Early Political Work Some of her early political work involved helping her father with his campaigns. In 1992, she helped with his unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. Senate. Later, she worked on his bid and reelection campaigns for governor of Arkansas. She managed his presidential campaign in 2016 and migrated to the Trump campaign after her father withdrew. There she focused on communications for coalitions and was a regular media presence. She previously worked for President George W. Bush as part of the Department of Education team. Additionally, she assisted with other Republican gubernatorial and Senate campaigns. She officially joined the Trump team in 2016 as a senior campaign advisor and served as White House principal deputy press secretary for about six months in 2017. In July of that year, she succeeded Sean Spicer to become the 29th White House press secretary. As White House press secretary, her annual salary was $179,700. She held that position for nearly two years and left amicably in June 2019. Her work as a political strategist earned her a spot on one of Times 40 Under 40 in politics in 2010. Early Life Sarah Elizabeth Huckabee, the youngest of three and the only girl, was born on Aug. 13, 1982, to Mike and Janet Huckabee in Hope, Arkansas. She grew up in Pine Bluff and Texarkana and graduated from Little Rock Central High School Story continues She attended her fathers alma mater, Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. While in college, she was active in student government, where she was student body president and participated in Republican activities. She graduated in 2004 with a B.A. in political science with a minor in mass communications. Sanders founded Second Street Strategies in Little Rock, Arkansas. The company provides general consulting services for Republican campaigns. Personal Life and Real Estate Sanders met political consultant Bryan Sanders in 2008 while working on her fathers campaign. They married in 2010. They are the parents of Scarlett, William (Huck) and George. In 2019, Sanders and her husband purchased a $600,000 home in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood of Little Rock, Arkansas. Sean Dennison and Lauren Dirks contributed to the reporting for this article. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Rich Is Sarah Huckabee Sanders? The vast majority of deepfakes created and circulated online had no political motive. Most of them were, and still are, porn (iStock) A man sits close to a microphone stand. Tears fill his eyes. He puts his head in his hands. Its so embarrassing, he says. Its gross and Im sorry. Behind him, his wife wipes away tears with a crumpled tissue. A few days earlier, Brandon Ewing known as Atrioc to his followers on the streaming platform Twitch had shared his screen during a live video. One of the visible open tabs showed a paid-access porn site specialising in AI-generated sexual images, otherwise known as deepfakes. Viewers of the stream screenshotted the leak, then widely shared the site, images from it, and the names of the women who were deepfaked. Ewing had accidentally revealed he had been looking at deepfakepornography of two other popular Twitch streamers, Maya Higa and Pokimane. Neither had consented to their likenesses being used for sexually explicit material. I got morbidly curious and I clicked something, Ewing said in his apology video. He insisted hed navigated to a deepfake site from an advert on Pornhub, which took him to another subscriber-only website. There he paid to view the doctored images of the female streamers. Theres an ad on every f***ing video, so I know other people must be clicking it, he said. He also denied that his viewing of non-consensual porn was a pattern of behaviour. Yet despite clearly attempting to write off the incident as a dumb rookie mistake that would be easy for anyone to make, he also declared his behaviour embarrassing and disgusting. It has been more than five years since users of the social media site Reddit started using AI to perform face swaps digitally stitching one persons head to anothers body, making their likeness move and even speak in ways the real individual never has. Back in 2018, the media reaction to these new deepfakes seemed to spin around their potential for political hoaxes. The dominant concern was that this rapidly advancing technology which had the power to literally put words in the mouths of any public figure on the planet would plunge us ever deeper into a post-truth existence, and a new era of AI-generated spin. Yet right from the start, the vast majority of deepfakes created and circulated online had no political motive. Most of them were, and still are, porn. Indeed, the term deepfakes itself comes from one Reddit user who went by that moniker in a celebrity doppelganger porn forum, where he posted AI-generated mash-ups of celebrity faces on porn performer bodies. The result: realistic-looking videos of people having sex, which never actually happened. Story continues Today, what began as one mans pervy hobby has taken over the internet. According to government statistics, a website that virtually undresses photos of women received 38 million hits in the first eight months of 2021. As Ewing himself put it, theres an ad on every f***ing video on Pornhub. Its not only celebrities who are targets, either, or even widely recognised streamers in the Twitch community. A vast proportion of the deepfake porn marketplace where people pay for AI-generated sexual imagery of specific individuals are of regular people. Colleagues. Friends. A girl someone follows on Instagram. Someones family member. With just a few clicks, its possible to make, share and profit from pornographic videos starring non-consenting people, using only a front-facing photo of their face. While the motivation behind making, commissioning or consuming deepfake pornography may be sexual gratification, or for a laugh, or a twisted desire for control and power over womens bodies, often the imagery is also used to intimidate and harass the women whose likenesses have been appropriated. Essentially, deepfakes are post-truth sex tapes artificial intimate images weaponised to tarnish womens reputations, silence them, or extort money. They might be fake, but they cause very real harm. In the wake of last weeks Twitch scandal, a number of content creators have spoken out many of whom didnt know theyd also been featured on deepfake porn sites. Pokimane, one of the streamers shown on Ewings deepfake porn tab, tweeted stop sexualising people without their consent. Another streamer known as BrookeAB asked how long are we going to accept that being stalked, harassed, sexualised ... is just part of being a woman on the internet and what we signed up for? When are we going to take the steps to change this? Why is this normalised? In a now widely shared video, streamer QTCinderella the partner of Ewings friend and business associate Ludwig Ahgren similarly argued that she shouldnt have to fight and pay to get deepfake content taken offline. It should not be part of my job to be harassed, to see pictures of me nude spread around, she insisted through tears. The fact that it is, she added, is exhausting. This isnt about AI or technology at all but about consent and how womens bodies are thought of as fair game QTCinderella also spoke directly to people currently consuming deepfake porn. If you are able to look at women that are not selling themselves or benefitting off being seen sexually ... [or] platforming it themselves ... you are the problem, she said. You see women as objects. You should not be OK doing that. Yet, rather than acknowledging these womens pain at having their images manipulated and distributed, or recognising the central issue of consent, many responses displayed a disturbing lack of empathy. More didnt seem to understand the realities of sexual harassment. Replies to Pokimane often seemed to accuse her of hypocrisy, with one asking isnt sexualising yourself why you are popular? Another demanded she stop telling people how to live their lives, and argued all of your success is from being sexualised. One Twitter user posted a screenshot from QTCinderellas video of her crying, and wrote millionaire internet streamers reaction to AI porn of herself. You wont find more fragile people than popular internet personalities (especially women). Perhaps even more concerningly, comments on Ewings apology video seemed to dismiss the whole thing with a boys will be boys attitude. Me watching streamers get cancelled for things I do every day, one wrote, while others responded he just like me, and one of us one of us one of us. The misogyny of these responses is crystal clear. Women are fair game, they say, because they are rich, popular, pretty, or simply online. If they get upset, its because they are fragile, weak, or overly sensitive. The implication is that they are taking it too personally, despite the fact that what is being sold and traded is, literally, their personhood. Non-consensual taking and sharing of intimate images is abuse. Yet it seems that many people still refuse to see deepfake porn as real abuse with real-world consequences. Part of the problem is that laws currently lag behind both technology and reality. Often the creators and distributors of deepfake porn can only be pursued if their sharing of doctored images goes hand in hand with blackmail or other forms of harassment. This can leave those who are targeted with little choice but to attempt to have content taken down themselves. There are signs, however, that deepfake porn is finally beginning to be taken seriously by lawmakers. Last autumn, the British government announced that it would be criminalising non-consensual deepfake pornography, as part of the controversial Online Safety Bill, which returned to parliament in December after several years-long delays. There are still a number of potential stumbling blocks, though. When the bill returned to parliament, journalist Brit Dawson wrote for Dazed that delays could mean the laws wont even be fit for purpose when or if theyre eventually enacted. As Dawson also indicated then, intimate-image abuse legislation has previously fallen victim to loopholes, including focusing on intent to cause distress or humiliation, rather than consent, which has led to a lack of prosecutions. Twitch streamer QTCinderella breaks down in tears as she discusses her image being used in deepfake porn (Twitch/QTCinderella) Two months on, a handful of politicians and peers are voicing exactly this concern. Outlining a plan to put forward an amendment to the bill, a group of peers suggested that the governments plans for new offences such as cyberstalking and the sharing of intimate images do not go far enough and will fail to stop online misogynistic abuse. Earlier this month, shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell similarly told The DailyTelegraph that the bill had been severely weakened by the Conservative governments decision to ditch plans to outlaw online material that is judged as legal but harmful such as content involving self-harm or eating disorders, and misogynistic posts. Powell said this change to the bill left viral misogyny free to proliferate. Deepfake porn can often feel like an intractable problem, as technology advances far quicker than legislature can be pushed through. Yet as laws attempt to play catch-up, its even more important that culture more broadly undergoes a shift. Because, really, this isnt about AI or technology at all but about consent and how womens bodies are thought of as fair game. At around the same time Ewing was releasing his apology video, the Pamela Anderson documentary Pamela: A Love Story was released on Netflix. In it, Anderson discussed the 1995 sex tape of her and her then-husband Tommy Lee, which was stolen from the pairs home, edited and sold online against their will. She spoke of the devastating toll it had on her, and how it took away the sexuality shed just reclaimed for herself after being sexually abused as a child. Anderson was made to be the butt of jokes; a caricature and punchline. Now, decades later, perhaps wed like to think that culture has moved on that its less sexist and cruel, and that women are treated better. Unfortunately, the prevalence of deepfake porn, and the casual attitude so many people seem to have towards it, seems to suggest we havent learnt much at all. A South Carolina teenager who prosecutors said was trying to become a member of the Bloods gang was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years in prison for what was described in court as snitching killings where two other teens died. JohnQuavius L. Kelly, now 19, agreed Tuesday in York County criminal court to a deal where he would plead guilty to two counts of voluntary manslaughter under what is called an Alford plea. The plea came after the the January 2021 deaths of Zyon Minton, 17, and DiGarian Foster, 18. Kelly, alleged in court by prosecutors to be the shooter, had initially been charged with two counts of murder and could have faced 30 years or more for each death if convicted. The plea agreement almost fell apart in court Tuesday when some members of the victims families told York County Judge Bill McKinnon to reject it because 15-years is too lenient a sentence for two killings. McKinnon eventually accepted the plea agreement after Rock Hill Police Department Detective Robert Smith, the lead investigator, and prosecutor John Anthony talked to members of the victims families about the risks of a trial. Prosecutors explained in court that there is a risk of a not guilty verdict in any trial. If Kelly went to trial and a jury find him not guilty, South Carolina law would require that he be set free. No admission of guilt, but sentenced as guilty Kelly pleaded guilty under an Alford plea, but did not admit in court Tuesday to being the person who fired the fatal shots. For sentencing, an Alford plea is treated the same as any guilty plea, McKinnon said in court. The negotiated sentence was for 15 years in prison for both killings. McKinnon told Kelly that under the law, an Alford plea means Kelly accepts that there is a substantial risk he would be found guilty if the case went to trial. The judge also said Kelly received a benefit of the charges being lowered to manslaughter because it carries fewer years in prison. Voluntary manslaughter carries a range of up to 30 years in prison for each count under South Carolina law. Story continues The killings in 2021 Anthony, 16th Circuit Deputy Solicitor and the lead prosecutor, said in court Tuesday that Kelly was the alleged shooter when the victims were gunned down outside a home. Kelly admitted to being at the scene but denied being the shooter, Anthony said. Kelly was involved because of alleged ties with the Bloods gang, Anthony said in court. Kelly was becoming a member of the Gangster Killer Bloods and was going to New York to meet the gang leader, Anthony said. Police said in previous court hearings in 2021 that Foster, one of the victims, was targeted for allegedly being an informant -- snitching -- to police in another case. A co-defendant told police, Kelly went to settle a dispute with Foster, Anthony said. Kelly was with two other suspects in the case when the victims were shot, Anthony said. After being arrested, one of the suspects told police he saw Kelly shoot the victims, Anthony said. All three defendants were arrested within a month of the killings. Initial urge to reject the plea Some family members of the victims spoke in court Tuesday against the plea agreement. The mother of Zyon Minton, and the grandmothers of Minton and Foster, urged the judge to reject the plea deal. Laquaja Gordon, mother of Zyon Minton, said her son worked and went to school and was a a victim. He had a promising future, Gordon said. 15 years is not enough time. Mintons grandmother, Cheryl Holley, said Kelly showed no remorse or mercy. These young people have no value of human life, Holley said. Fosters grandmother, Diane Foster, said she forgives Kelly, and possibly Kelly can be rehabilitated in prison so that he does not commit such an act again. I forgive him, but he still has to pay for the choice (Kelly) made, Diane Foster said. Plea deal reasonable, trial is risky Anthony said in court that there was a risk in taking the case to trial because the only witness who alleges Kelly was the shooter in the killings is a co-defendant. Anthony said the plea agreement was reasonable because of the facts of the case and the risk associated with going to trial. In any trial, a defendant is presumed innocent and a 12-person jury must unanimously agree to convict. This is a reasonable resolution although we understand it is not going to satisfy the victims families, Anthony said. Rock Hill Police Department Detective Robert Smith spoke in court to urge that the plea agreement be accepted, even though he understood the families frustrations. Smith, an Iraq War veteran, said that even a sentence of 45 years or life would not be justice. These families of the victims, I dont blame them, Smith said. Yet Smith told the judge that based on the investigation, 15 years was a sentence the families could move forward from. McKinnon initially said in court that he was inclined not to accept the plea agreement because two people were killed, there was an Alford plea with no admission of guilt, and there was no remorse. McKinnon called a recess for prosecutors and police to talk to the families of the two victims. After about 15 minutes, court resumed. The prosecutor said he spoke again to the victims families about the risks of trial and the plea agreement. The families understood, Anthony said. While they are not happy with the 15-year sentence, they understand why the state has entered into this negotiation, Anthony said. McKinnon accepted the plea agreement. Justice on this Earth is never perfect, McKinnon said. No answers about guns Despite Kelly being 17 at the time of the killings and legally barred from owning a handgun, it remains unclear where he obtained the weapon used in the killings. It is illegal for anyone under age 18 in South Carolina to own or possess a handgun. There was no testimony about where the gun came from. Suspect apologizes in court Kelly apologized to the families in court Tuesday. He also apologized to his own family and thanked them for supporting him. Kellys lawyer, Creighton Hayes, declined comment after court about the prosecutors accusations of the shooting being tied to Kellys alleged gang activity. What happens now? Kelly will receive 718 days credit for time served toward the 15-year sentence. He was arrested in February 2021, according to his lawyer and the judge. He must serve at least 85 percent of the sentence before being considered for release. Prosecutors and court records show charges including murder remain pending against the other two defendants, identified previously by police and court officials, as JonTarius Delmone Reid and Kelvin Barnette Jr. Reid and Barnette were 18 years old at the time of the killings and have not yet had their cases heard in court. Roland Conner is celebrating many firsts! The post Roland Conner Makes History With The Opening Of The First Black-Owned Cannabis Store In New York City appeared first on AfroTech. On Jan. 24, Conner, alongside his wife and son, held the opening of Smacked Village, the first Black-owned cannabis store in New York City. This follows just under two years after the states decision to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. I am so excited to become a part of history as the first individual to open a legal cannabis dispensary in New York City. Given my experience with cannabis, I never could have imagined that I would be opening a store like this, Conner said in a statement, according to NBC New York. The opening of the storefront also holds another story for Conner. During the late 1990s, Conner found himself facing various convictions, and he was arrested several times, The New York Times reports. He was just a teenager at this time, and he had faced the harsh realities of the War on Drugs. Now, over three decades later, he is also the first person with a cannabis conviction to open a cannabis dispensary in New York City. This also marks the second cannabis dispensary to open shop in New York City. The milestone was made possible through a statewide initiative that prioritizes minorities who have cannabis-related convictions by providing them a retail license to jumpstart their business. This is not just about me and my family. This is about everyone who was harmed by the draconian drug laws of the past. New Yorks commitment to righting those wrongs through the law is inspiring. I am proof of that commitment because Im standing here today, Conner explained, according to NBC New York. New York will continue to support the newest dispensary through a Pop-up program. According to a statement from the governors office, this will provide licensees the opportunity to open on a short-term basis to fast-track sales and start generating capital for their businesses, after which they will close for final construction and then re-open on a long-term basis. By Andrew Osborn (Reuters) -Russia has demanded that the U.S. embassy in Moscow stop spreading what Moscow regards as fake news regarding its military operation in Ukraine and has threatened to expel U.S. diplomats, the TASS news agency reported on Tuesday. The warning included a harsh message to Lynne Tracy, the new U.S. ambassador to Moscow, TASS said, citing a senior Russian foreign ministry source who said Tracy had been told she must strictly adhere to Russian law when making any statements about Russia's armed forces in Ukraine. U.S. diplomats engaged in what Moscow called "subversive activities" would be expelled, TASS quoted the source as saying. A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed that the U.S. embassy had received a diplomatic note from the Russian foreign ministry, but said the department's general policy was not to comment on diplomatic correspondence. Russia has made "discrediting" its armed forces a crime punishable by up to five years in jail, while a charge of knowingly distributing "false information" about the military carries a maximum sentence of 15 years. Tracy arrived in Moscow last month. Feb. 24 will mark the first anniversary of President Vladimir Putin's decision to send tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in what he calls a "special military operation". Ukraine and its Western allies accuse Putin of launching an unprovoked colonial-style war of aggression and reject his assertion that the operation is designed to protect Russia's own security from NATO's eastern enlargement. 'INAPPROPRIATE' TASS said the official note, which accused the U.S. embassy of interfering in Russia's internal affairs, had been delivered on Tuesday and had accused U.S. diplomats of making what it called "inappropriate" statements about the Russian leadership. It did not specify which statements it had in mind. Tracy was heckled by a crowd of people chanting anti-U.S. slogans late last month as she entered the Russian foreign ministry in Moscow to present her diplomatic credentials. Story continues Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was cited at the time as telling Tracy he expected her to follow the principle of not interfering in Russia's internal affairs. The U.S. Embassy said at the time: "Ambassador Tracy is focused on maintaining dialogue between our capitals at a time of unprecedented tension, protecting the interests of U.S. citizens detained in Russia, and supporting ties between the American and Russian peoples." Bilateral relations are near all-time lows. The United States is Ukraine's biggest Western backer and has supplied it with modern weaponry - soon to include main battle tanks - and imposed a swathe of new economic sanctions on Russia, all in concert with Western allies. (Reporting by Reuters reporters; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Gareth Jones) UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Russia has asked Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters to speak to the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday at a meeting that Moscow requested to discuss the delivery of weapons to Ukraine. "Russian diplomacy used to be serious. What next? Mr. Bean?" said a U.N. Security Council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. Waters was criticized by supporters of Ukraine when he published an open letter on his website in September to Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska. He argued against the Western supply of weapons to Kyiv. "Let's see what he will say. He has a position and you will hear it tomorrow," said Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, jokingly adding: "Perhaps he will sing to us, too." The 15-member Security Council has met dozens of times since Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine last Feb. 24. But it is unable to take any action because Russia is a veto power, along with the United States, China, Britain and France. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Jonathan Oatis) A $25 billion hole has formed in Russia's budget Read also: Russia misses out on $8 billion in January due to oil price cap According to the agency, tax revenues from oil and gas plunged 46% in January from a year ago, while there was a 59% increase in spending due to the war in Ukraine. The combination of those factors gave Russia a public deficit of 1.76 trillion rubles ($25 billion), the Russian Finance Ministry said on Feb. 6. The drop in oil and gas revenues follows Western sanctions on Russian exports, which now include an EU ban on most seaborne imports of crude and refined fuels as well as the G-7 price cap. Read also: Seven Theses on How Sanctions Against Russia Work Due to those measures, Urals crude Russias key export blend trades at a significant discount to benchmark prices. In January, Urals averaged $49.48 a barrel, the lowest since December 2020, according to the Russian Finance Ministry. That compares with the average Brent benchmark price of $77.82 a barrel last month. A decline in Russian gas exports also contributed to lower energy revenue after Gazprom PJSC cut the bulk of its shipments to Europe, once its biggest market. Non-energy revenues also dropped 28% in January, the Russian ministry said, blaming in part a change in rules for the value added tax. The decline in the budgets oil revenue is expected, but the 30% drop in domestic consumption linked-taxes is ominous, said Alex Isakov, an economist at Bloomberg Economics. We expect oil revenue to continue to under-perform throughout the year bringing the deficit to 1.5% of GDP above government projections. In a separate statement, the Russian Finance Ministry revealed that it sold 3.6 tons of gold as well as 2.3 billion yuan from Russias sovereign wealth fund in January to help cover the deficit. Read also: Sanctions have reduced quality of Russian weapons, Ukrainian official says On Dec. 3, 2022, the EU Council set the price cap for crude oil exported from Russia by sea at $60 per barrel. This price ceiling was previously agreed upon by the G7 countries along with Australia. Story continues Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave a lukewarm reaction to the move, saying that such a price limit was half-hearted. On Feb. 4, 2023, the EU Council officially approved the price cap for petroleum products produced in or exported from Russia. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine An Indiana man and a Far South Side man were both charged with first-degree murder in the Sunday fatal shooting of a 45-year-old man in the Chatham neighborhood, Chicago police said. Lawrence Williams Jr., 36, and Steven Coleman, 46, were both charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Quovadis Harris in the 300 block of East 75th Street. Advertisement Williams Jr. additionally was charged with possession of a stolen firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in a vehicle. He also was cited for driving down a one way, police said. Harris was walking outside Sunday shortly before 3 a.m. when he was shot in the chest. He was taken in critical condition to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was pronounced dead shortly after 4 a.m. Advertisement Williams and Coleman were arrested Sunday after they were identified as the person who shot Harris 30 minutes earlier, police said. Both were scheduled to appear Tuesday at a bail hearing. Ransomware gang threaten to publish stolen Royal Mail data A Russia-linked hacking gang has claimed credit for the cyber-attack that has crippled Royal Mail, threatening to publish stolen data from the company online. The LockBit ransomware gang published an update on its website, warning it would publish all available data on Feb 9. The Telegraph revealed in January that the LockBit gang, which is believed to have close links to Russia, was behind the attack. The cyber attack shut down the postal service's international export services, causing significant delays to overseas mail and leaving millions of parcels stuck in limbo. Addressing the threat to dump stolen data online, a Royal Mail spokesman said: At this stage of the investigation, we believe that the vast majority of this data is made up of technical program files and administrative business data. All of the evidence suggests that this data contains no financial information or other sensitive customer information. The hack is understood to have shut down machines used to print customs and excise labels for overseas postage. Royal Mail has since put in place ad-hoc alternative systems to get outbound parcels moving, but these remain subject to delays. The day after the January hack, the LockBit gang printed out ransom notes in Royal Mail warehouses demanding payment in order to unlock the computers it had scrambled. The LockBit gang largely communicates in Russian on underground cybercrime forums and has previously said it benefits from the hostile attitude of the West towards Russia which allows it to operate freely within the borders of the former Soviet countries. Cyber security experts believe the gangs members include Russian citizens but stopped short of saying they act on the orders of the Russian state, as many of its peers do. Simon Thompson, Royal Mail's chief executive, previously said no customer data appeared to have been stolen as part of the attack. In a status update following the hack, Royal Mail said: We continue to make progress in exporting an increasing number of items to a growing number of international destinations. We are using alternative solutions and systems, which are not affected by the recent cyber incident and have been successfully despatching parcels and letters which were in our network before the cyber incident and our services which have recently reopened. It has also informed the Information Commissioners Office as a precaution. Data protection laws mean businesses must tell the data watchdog if they think customers personal information may have been stolen. BAMAKO, Mali (AP) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pledged military support to Mali during his first visit to the West African nation Tuesday and dismissed criticism of Moscow's growing influence on the continent. Russia has delivered very large supplies of aviation equipment to Mali over the past few months which has "significantly increased the capability of local forces to fight extremists, Lavrov told journalists. We will now be planning additional steps in the field of education through military higher educational institutions and in the field of supplies of weapons and military equipment, Lavrov said, refusing to go into specifics. Lavrov's trip to Bamako, Mali's capital, comes as Western countries express their concerns about alleged human rights abuses committed by Russian mercenaries working for the private military contractor Wagner Group. The Russian foreign minister made no mention of Wagner by name during a press conference, but criticized unnamed Western powers of neo-colonial approaches and double standards. We see the reaction of the Western states on the evolution of our relations and we see with regret that it is again negative, a negative attitude of the West to the principles of parity and mutual respect," Lavrov said. Russia's presence in Mali has expanded as the role played by former colonizer France has diminished. After spending nine years helping Mali's army curb the spread of Islamic insurgents, France withdrew its forces last year after relations soured with the country's ruling junta. Col. Assimi Goita seized power in a 2020 coup and disappointed international partners when he failed to hold elections on the timeframe he originally agreed to. As French support waned, Goita enlisted help from Moscow. Malis foreign minister Abdoulaye Diop on Tuesday again defended the governments cooperation with Russia, saying that collaboration with France does not meet the objectives of Malians. Story continues We are not going to continue to justify our choice of partners, Diop said. This decision is a decision of the Malians and a decision that is taken with full responsibility. And Mali wants to work with Russia. Independent human rights experts working with the U.N. have called for an investigation into possible abuses, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by government forces in Mali and the Wagner Group, which is owned by an oligarch with close ties to Russias president. The Pentagon has described the Wagner Group as a surrogate for the Russian Defense Ministry. The Kremlin denies any connection. Western officials say hundreds of fighters from the Wagner Group began working more than a year ago alongside Malis armed forces to try to stem a decade-long insurgency by Islamic extremists in the West African country. Diplomats, analysts, and human rights groups say indiscriminate violence against civilians has grown since the mercenaries arrived, warning that extremists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group have only become stronger. However, Mali's foreign minister said Tuesday that it should be Malian authorities and not outsiders assessing the reports of human rights violations. Human rights groups must stop being instruments used by those who want to destabilize Mali, Diop said, adding that we are accused of human rights abuses often by disguised terrorists themselves. ___ Larson reported from Dakar, Senegal. Ukrainian soldiers shoot from Grad near Maryinka, February 7 The Ukrainian official also said that Russians will try to attack somewhere on that day. Read also: Ukrainian troops down Russian attack aircraft near Bakhmut with MANPADS We are preparing for any development of events, Danilov added. We know the enemys condition and what is happening within their ranks. I wouldnt say today that we can absolutely relax and that the victory is already in our pocket. We still have a lot of work to do so that we can liberate our entire native land from these terrorists, who have invaded it since 2014. Read also: Ukraine does not rule out new offensive by Russia in February, says Reznikov On Feb. 5, the Financial Times reported that Moscows new large-scale offensive might begin within the next 10 days before Ukraine receives an influx of Western heavy weapons. Ukraines Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov previously said that during a possible new offensive in February, Russia will not try to seize the entire country at once, but will instead conduct focused pushes in specific directions. According to Reznikov, key risks are in eastern and southern Ukraine. Read also: Russians preparing three offensive operations in Luhansk Oblast Hayday According to Bloomberg, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin expects that a new offensive by the Russian army in February-March 2023 will allow the occupiers to seize the initiative in the war. Meanwhile, he remains determined to wage war against Ukraine for many years, Bloomberg said. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Sergey Shoigu Read also: Russias Shoigu inspected occupied Crimea, not forward positions, investigation shows The message notes that according to Russian propaganda media, Shoigu announced complete Russian control over Soledar, Klishchiivka, Krasnopillya, Blahodatne, and Mykolaivka in Donetsk Oblast, as well as Pidhirne and Lobkove in Zaporizhzhya Oblast. The minister emphasized that all the claimed achievements were made by the regular Russian army. At the same time, Shoigu deliberately didnt mention the participation of Wagner mercenaries in the hostilities in the listed areas, even though Moscows regular troops played merely a supporting role there, according to the report. Read also: Russia losses as many soldiers near Soledar as in two wars in Chechnya This information is withheld by the Russian propaganda media, which indicates the ongoing conflict among the Russian military-political leadership, the assessment reads. On Jan. 25, the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that Ukrainian troops withdrew from the town of Soledar. The capture of other settlements mentioned by Shoigu is not confirmed by Kyiv. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Due to the storm, the invaders withdrew all their ships from the Black Sea "A very ferocious storm continues to rage in the sea," Humeniuk said. Read also: Storm in Black Sea sends Russian warships back to port, but threat of attack remains By Black Sea (standards), it is as heavy as can be. This has never been recorded before were talking 5-7 points. That is why almost all of (the warships in) the enemy's naval grouping are sheltering in their bases. There are two ships on duty, but they are not missile carriers theyre collecting information about the surface situation. There is also a storm in the Sea of Azov, but it is not so strong, at 2-3 points. However, Russia has withdrawn all its vessels from the Sea of Azov as well, and they are monitoring the surface situation remotely. The day before, Humeniuk reported that due to adverse weather conditions, Russia was unlikely to be able to use kamikaze drones to strike at the territory of Ukraine. Read also: Russian Black Sea Fleet fighting capacity reduced by 15% since February Stormy weather also disrupted the enemy's plans to conduct aerial reconnaissance. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Russian forces attacked the Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast twice, using heavy artillery and anti-aircraft missiles, on the night of 6-7 February. One of the pumping stations has been cut off from the power grid, leaving nine settlements without water. Source: Mykola Lukashuk, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast State Administration Quote: "The Russian occupiers deployed heavy artillery and anti-aircraft guns to hit the Nikopol district. That night, the enemy attacked the district twice, firing about four dozen shells at the Marhanets hromada [an administrative unit designating, in this case, a town of Marhanets and its adjacent territories ed.]." Details: Lukashuk reported that the shelling damaged power lines, due to which one of the pumping stations in the hromada was cut off from the power grid. As a result, nine settlements, amounting to approximately 60,000 consumers, were left without water. Apart from that, Russians damaged four private residential buildings, an outbuilding, power transmission lines, and a gas pipeline. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Russian occupiers detain money changers who sell Ukrainian hryvnia on occupied territories; entrepreneurs are robbed of bank terminals and are fined for hundreds of thousands roubles. Source: press service of the National Resistance Center Details: According to the information of the National Resistance Center, since 1 January, the occupiers started to raid shops that accept Ukrainian currency. They also detained money changers, who continued the circulation, as well as confiscated bank terminals during searches. Besides that, a fine of 300,000 roubles [around 154,000 hryvnia or US$4,200 ed.] is imposed on individuals who sell Ukrainian currency. The National Resistance Center informs that the Russians want to make the residents of the occupied territories dependent on the ruble in order to increase passporting. After all, the passport itself is a necessary condition for receiving payments. At the same time, as noted by the Center, Ukrainians in the temporarily occupied territories refuse to use the rouble and ignore the ban on the circulation of the hryvnia. Background: On 25 July 2022, Russian media reported that the self-proclaimed "authorities" of Kherson Oblast planned to remove the Ukrainian hryvnia from circulation. On 1 January, Russian occupiers banned the circulation of the Ukrainian hryvnia in the temporarily occupied territories. The Russian invaders threaten to confiscate property for the residents' refusal to pay in roubles [Russian national currency ed.] in the temporarily occupied territories. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! One person has been killed and five more have sustained injuries after Russian attacks on Donetsk Oblast. Source: Pavlo Kyrylenko, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote from Kyrylenko: "It became known about one more resident of Donetsk Oblast killed by the Russians in Bakhmut over the course of 6 February." Details: Five more people in the oblast were wounded: one in each of Bakhmut, Toretsk, Avdiivka, Pryvillia and Paraskoviivka. As of the morning of 7 February, the Russians have killed at least 1,352 and have wounded at least 3,000 civilians in Donetsk Oblast. These numbers are incomplete, as it remains impossible to determine the number of people killed and injured in Mariupol and Volnovakha. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Salma Hayek and Adam Sandler joke around on Univisions Salma Hayek and Adam Sandler joke around on Univisions "Despierta America" to promote "Grown Ups 2" in 2013. Hey, sultry vampiric snake charmers can be funny too. In a new profile published by British GQ on Monday, Salma Hayek revealed that she had trouble getting a role in comedy for the first 20 years of her career because she was deemed too sexy for the genre. But the actor also discussed how funnyman Adam Sandler changed all that for her. I was typecast for a long time, Hayek told the magazine. My entire life I wanted to do comedy and people wouldnt give me comedies. I couldnt land a role until I met Adam Sandler, who put me in a comedy [2010s Grown Ups], but I was in my forties! They said, Youre sexy, so youre not allowed to have a sense of humour. ... Not only are you not allowed to be smart, but you were not allowed to be funny in the 90s. Hayek went on to say that although Hollywood made her feel like the only thing she had going for her was her looks, shes not bitter about it. I was sad at the time, but now here I am doing every genre, in a time in my life where they told me I would have expired that the last 20 years I would have been out of business, Hayek said. So Im not sad, Im not angry; Im laughing. Sandler speaks at Hayeks Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in 2021. Sandler speaks at Hayeks Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in 2021. Hayeks new film Magic Mikes Last Dance isnt a comedy. But given the steamy lap dance in the movies trailer, it looks like shes subverting dated expectations and continuing to embrace her sexiness. The third Magic Mike movie sees Hayek play the love interest of the franchises eponymous stripper, portrayed by Channing Tatum. A description for the film, set for release Friday, says that Hayeks character is a wealthy socialite who lures Mike with an offer he cant refuseand an agenda all her own. According to her conversation with British GQ, it seems that Hayek sees a little of herself in the role. More than being a movie about an older woman falling in love with a younger guy, its about a middle-aged woman that has a lot of potential and is sick of being undermined her entire life, Hayek said. To read Hayeks profile in full, head over to British GQ. Indiana State Police announced charges Tuesday against two men accused in the murder of Laurel Jean Mitchell in 1975, nearly half a century later. On August 6, 1975, around 10 p.m., 17-year-old Mitchell left worked at Epworth Forrest Church camp near North Webster Lake. Her parents called police when she didnt make it home and filed a missing person report, according to an Indiana State Police news release. Advertisement The next day, her body was found in the lake about 17 miles away of North Webster at the Mallard Roost public access site. Her cause of death was listed as drowning, but an autopsy report would later show signs she fought for her life, the release said. Indiana State Police along with the Kosciusko County Sheriffs Department, the Noble County Sheriffs Department and the Noble County Coroners office opened an investigation into Mitchells death. Advertisement Police said Monday investigators spent thousands of hours trying to solve her murder. Over several decades detectives worked on Mitchells case, the release said. Monday, Fred Bandy Jr. of Goshen and John Wayne Lehman of Auburn, both 67, were arrested and charged with murder and taken to the Noble County Jail where they are being held with no bond. According to police, the men were connected to the murder through the Indiana State Police laboratory. In a press conference held earlier Tuesday, Indiana State Police Captain Kevin Smith said, This case is a culmination of a decades long investigation and science finally gave us the answers we needed. Playing a significant role in charges being filed was the Indiana State Police Laboratory Division. We simply could not have solved this case without them. Constituents of Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) and a pair New York Democratic lawmakers gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday to call for the embattled congressmans ouster as he comes under increased scrutiny for biography fabrications and campaign finance questions. Dozens of constituents, flanked with signs criticizing Santos, representatives from the group Concerned Citizens of NY-03, and Reps. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) called for Santos to be removed from Congress during a press conference, pointing to his embellished resume and questionable financial disclosure forms. We made the trip here today to really express our outrage regarding George Santos, said Ben Marzouk, a constituent of New Yorks 3rd Congressional District. As a Republican, George Santos certainly does not represent my party. He has tarnished my district and created an embarrassment for a party that we should not be defined by him, he added. Jody Kass, the coordinator for Concerned Citizens of NY-03, said the group has only one goal, adding and that is to have George Santos removed from squatting in our seat in the House of Representatives. The constituents led a number of chants, including Hey hey! Ho ho! Santos has got to go! and Force him out! One sign being held read, Enough lies expel Santos today. Following the press conference, a group of constituents went to Santoss office and hand-delivered a petition demanding that he leave Congress. I look forward to welcoming them and having a thoughtful discussion with them, Santos told reporters on Tuesday. Thats their freedom of speech, he added, and Ill entertain a conversation with them every single day. I represent them all equally. Santos has drawn scrutiny since before he was sworn in as a member of Congress. The New York Times published a report in December that accused him of fabricating parts of his resume, and he later admitted to some embellishment. Story continues Since then, the congressman has been questioned about other falsehoods and suspicious components of his campaign finance reports. Goldman and Torres filed a complaint with the House Ethics Committee last month that accused Santos of failing to file timely, accurate and complete financial disclosure reports. He is also the subject of local, federal and international probes. Goldman said the pair filed the complaint because we saw the unbelievable and unprecedented amounts of fraud, deception and lies that a single person has brought to what should be the hallowed halls of the Capitol. Torres said Santos poses the greatest threat among lawmakers. Of the 535 members in Congress, theres no one who poses a greater threat to the institution than George Santos, Torres said, later adding the lies of George Santos are every bit as outrageous and outlandish as the man himself. He brings new embarrassment to the people of New York, to the people of Long Island, and it is time for him to resign, he said. His ability to govern has been crippled by a complete collapse in credibility. Goldman zeroed in on Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik the highest-ranking New York Republican asking why they have not called on Santos to resign. McCarthy and Stefanik have both deferred to voters in New Yorks 3rd Congressional District. We know George Santos is not going to resign on his own. Hes making more money in Congress than hes ever legitimately made before. Whats his incentive to resign? Its going to have to come from the top, he added. Marzouk, the Republican from the 3rd Congressional District, specifically discussed Santoss previous statements regarding his mother and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. To say that your mother was part of that, you have to be really psychologically impaired to throw that around like its nickels, he said. In 2021, Santos wrote on Twitter, 9/11 claimed my mothers life. And his campaign website previously said his mother worked in the South Tower and survived the horrific events of that day, but unfortunately passed away a few years later. Reports, however, have surfaced that Santoss mother was not in New York on Sept. 11 of that year. During an interview with One America News last week, the congressman said, I never claimed my mother died on the 9/11 attacks. The toxic dust that permeated throughout Manhattan and my mother being present [in] downtown Manhattan, that is what I was referencing, he added. Santos invited a former firefighter who helped with rescue efforts at the World Trade Center on 9/11 to President Bidens State of the Union, scheduled for Tuesday night. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sarah Huckabee's State of the Union response Tuesday night will mark the payoff of an extraordinary bet that many Republicans took in 2016 that they could hitch themselves to Donald Trump, accumulate power in the process and, ultimately, outlive the most unsavory parts of the association. It hasnt always worked. In competitive states and districts, several of Trumps chosen candidates flopped in the midterms. And theres a whole fraternity of Trump allies people like Rudy Giuliani, Roger Stone and Steve Bannon who have found themselves embroiled in legal and political scandal. But among those who did prosper, Sanders ranks among the richest. The former press secretary is now the governor of Arkansas, having leapfrogged dues-paying politicians who would have, in another era, been frontrunners for the post. And on Tuesday night, she will be bracketing Biden on behalf of the Republican Party a massive responsibility for the most watched political address of the year. Most Republicans clearly didnt get hurt by their association with Trump, said Saul Anuzis, a former chair of the Michigan Republican Party. They probably even benefited from it. Delivering the State of the Union response is, by most accounts, a dreadful gig, one filled with political tripwire. The most memorable speeches are recalled for all the wrong reasons: a bit of spittle on ones lips, a frantic lurch for a water bottle at the table nearby. But getting tapped for the response is still an honor. And it does give a snapshot for where the opposition party is trending at that moment in time. When Sanders delivers her address it will provide a healthy reminder that Trumps impact on the GOP is likely to last for generations, even if many Republicans claim theyre ready to move on from him. Kevin McCarthy my Kevin, as Trump once called him will be standing behind Biden during his address. In attendance will be members of Congress including Ryan Zinke of Montana, a Trump-era Interior secretary, and Max Miller of Ohio, a former Trump aide. Ronna McDaniel, who went so far as to jettison the family name to remain in Trumps good graces, last month was re-elected chair of the Republican National Committee. Story continues Several former Trump administration officials are poised to run for president, including Mike Pence, Mike Pompeo and Nikki Haley. Even Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, now Trumps chief rival for the Republican presidential nomination, has Trump to thank for the distinction. He would likely be a little-known former congressman had he not ingratiated himself to Trump in his gubernatorial primary in 2018. Indeed, DeSantis may have provided the template for Sanders to follow. Then-Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam had worked his way through GOP circles and appeared likely to win the partys nomination before DeSantis got Trumps attention with his frequent Fox News hits defending his presidency. None of Republican politicians enjoying Trump-adjacent rises are without selling points of their own. Sanders, daughter of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, benefited from a lineage recognizable to conservatives in her home state. And selecting her to respond to Biden on Tuesday may help Republicans to reconnect with suburban women, who fled the GOP in the Trump era. In an appeal to Latinos, with whom Trump made modest gains during his tenure, Rep. Juan Ciscomani, of Arizona, will deliver a Spanish-language response. Heralding the two lawmakers appearances, House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik the New York Republican whose own MAGA conversion elevated her stature in Congress said on Twitter that the GOP embodies the American dream. But in the Republican Party, there is another dream in the post-Trump era, too: Riding the Trump fervor to a place of prominence, and then after two impeachments, Trumps loss of the White House in 2020, and a disappointing midterm living to make something more of it. Sanders, said John Thomas, a Republican strategist who runs a pro-DeSantis super PAC, was able to navigate Trump-world and come out the other side of it. He described her as drawing a roadmap to success in the post-Trump Republican Party. Prior to joining the Trump White House, Sanders had been a fairly standard political operative. She worked for several campaigns, including her fathers, and was not considered a MAGA diehard. But she embraced the role, fought aggressively with the press, and earned Trumps trust in the process. It was her experience in that position that she leaned on heavily when she got into the GOP primary last year, as much as she did her political lineage. Its not just that [Sanders] was literally the voice of Donald Trump in those early, heady days, but she also has the Huckabee name, and conservative Republican primary voters know the Huckabee name, said Janine Parry, who runs the Arkansas Poll, a survey housed at the University of Arkansas in Sanders home state. Shes old-school Republican but not old-school Republican. Shes Trump but not Trump-Republican She does kind of straddle two worlds. And how does a Republican straddle them? Right now, Sanders does what a lot of Republicans are doing stating a fondness for Trump while skirting any question about whether they want him to be president again. I love the president," Sanders said on Fox News last month, when asked if she would endorse Trumps 2024 campaign. However, she said, Right now, my focus isnt 2024, its focusing here, in Arkansas. In a statement announcing her State of the Union engagement, Sanders said she will contrast the GOPs optimistic vision for the future against the failures of President Biden and the Democrats. Its early in her post-Trump career, still. And as the opinion editor of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette put it over the weekend, she's not held elective offices of any kind before. What exactly is it that recommends her to be, for one night, the standard bearer for the national Republican Party? wrote the editor, Greg Harton. Eventually, though, Sanders will have a post-Trump record. She is already starting to assemble one. On her first day as governor, she signed an executive order banning use of the term "Latinx" in state government documents, and issued other directives involving critical race theory and TikTok all conservative-pleasing measures. Shes not sitting around in an office waiting for the phone to ring for people to ask her what she thinks about an issue, said Robert Coon, a Republican strategist based in Little Rock, Ark. Shes running a state. Trump may have elevated her profile, Coon added, but eventually, like everyone who makes it to the other side of their Trump experience, she will forge some record of her own. Make no mistake, its about her, said Coon. Shes tremendously talented. She understands politics. Shes incredibly smart. For nearly two years, Sarah Huckabee Sanders served as the voice of the Trump administration. On Tuesday night, the now-Arkansas governor will serve as the voice of the entire Republican Party, giving its official response to President Bidens State of the Union address. Sanders, who left her position as White House press secretary in July 2019 and last month was sworn into the same governors seat that her father held for more than a decade, finds herself at her highest position yet in a GOP that is at an intersection between Trumpism and potential new leaders. Several of the potential Republican alternatives to the firebrand former president are, like Sanders, building their resumes in governors mansions. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott are just two of the national-name Republicans said to be considering challenging Trump for the 2024 White House nomination. As the party grapples with its trajectory, Sanders will take a stage that has the potential to catapult politicians to prominence or see them flop at the opportunity. The youngest governor in the country, she is still seen as a reliable ally to Trump. She was rewarded for her fierce loyalty to his administration, fending off the media as the Trump team dealt with countless controversies and scandals. Trump offered a resounding endorsement of Sanders in her bid for Arkansas governor. In her brief tenure as Arkansas governor so far, Sanders has attacked red meat issues such as critical race theory and gender inclusivity. She has been highly critical of the Biden administration but has ducked questions about continuing her support for Trump in 2024. The choice by Republican leadership to draft Sanders for the State of the Union response could be seen as a safe one: She is both a young politician who says she is ready to articulate the partys optimistic vision and someone not seen as a threat to Trumps campaign to return to the Oval Office Story continues The State of the Union response is usually delivered by younger figures in the party who are seen as having a rising profile. In 2018 and 2019, Democrats tapped Georgia gubernatorial hopeful Stacey Abrams and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to deliver the responses to Trumps address. While for figures such as Abrams and Whitmer the response turned out to be a good stage to garner more name recognition, it has chewed up others. Then-Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindals (R) response to President Obamas 2009 State of the Union address was largely received as a failure. Jindal ran for president in 2016 but garnered little support and dropped out after five months, endorsing Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.), another Republican widely mocked for his Obama State of the Union response. But Sanders will have the opportunity to communicate a vision for a party that is still dealing with the aftermath of the less-than-stellar 2022 midterms. Delivering the response from Little Rock, Sanders will follow a president who will most likely take a victory lap for Democratic achievements in the past two years and set the tone for a potential reelection campaign. The speech is a high-water mark in Sanderss young political career, and Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has billed it as must-watch. She is a servant-leader of true determination and conviction, McCarthy said. Im thrilled Sarah will share her extraordinary story and bold vision for a better America on Tuesday. Everyone, including President Biden, should listen carefully. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. GENEVA (Reuters) - Senior officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday that Syria's humanitarian needs where the highest after a major earthquake killed thousands there and in southern Turkey. Adelheid Marschang, WHO Senior Emergency Officer, said Turkey had a strong capacity to respond to the crisis but that the main unmet needs in the immediate and mid-term would be across the border in Syria, already grappling with a years-long humanitarian crisis due to the civil war and a cholera outbreak. "This is a crisis on top of multiple crises in the affected region she said at the organization's board meeting in Geneva," she said. "All over Syria, the needs are the highest after nearly 12 years of protracted, complex crisis, while humanitarian funding continues to decline." She said that some 23 million people, including 1.4 million children, were likely to be exposed in both countries following the earthquake and its aftershocks that reduced thousands of buildings to rubble. WHO said it was dispatching emergency supplies, including trauma and emergency surgical kits, and activating a network of emergency medical teams. "It's now a race against time," said WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "Every minute, every hour that passes, the chances of finding survivors alive diminishes. He said the WHO was especially concerned about areas of Turkey and Syria where no information had emerged since Monday's earthquake. "Damage mapping is one way to understand where we need to focus our attention," he said. (Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Angus MacSwan) A 47-year-old man has been arrested in the death of his 82-year-old mother who was beaten to death with a table leg. Greenville County Sheriffs office said Frances Quick was found dead at her home in the Hickory Ridge Apartments on Wade Hampton Boulevard in Greenville Monday evening. She was murdered sometime between Feb. 3 and Feb. 6. Bobby Eugene Quick II was arrested in Asheville Tuesday morning. He was charged with murder and awaits extradition. He had been living with his mother for about a week, the Sheriffs Office said. The coroners office said Frances Quick died from multiple blows. A Charlotte woman says a phone call from who she thought was the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office almost cost her $1,000. Her post on Nextdoor sparked a conversation about just how common the scam is. Even though the woman was aware of scams like this, she almost fell for it. He was not calling randomly. He knew my name and address so it was a targeted scam, the woman, who chose to not reveal her identity, told The Charlotte Observer. She claimed the scammer told her she missed jury duty and had been summoned. He said Its okay. We think its a problem with the mail. Weve got about 50 other people who are in the same situation. So youre not in any trouble. We just need you to come down and straighten it out, the woman explained. She was instructed to pay a pair of $500 fines on a prepaid debit card instead of cash or a credit card. After a two-hour phone call, she finally realized it was a scam when he asked for the hidden barcode number on the back of the prepaid card. The person on the other end of the line quickly hung up without a transaction being completed. North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein issued a warning in September that people were being targeted by scammers requesting similar information falsely identifying as law enforcement. However, the scam has continued to victimize residents, according to Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Deputy Patrik Colson. This is not the first time or the first year that this has been going on, said Colson. With the pandemic being here and more people settling at home, theres the opportunity to exploit that. Jury summonses and failure to appear notices are always mailed to your home, according to Stein. Law enforcement officers or government officials will not call and threaten you with arrest or fines for missing jury duty. You can also check to see if youve missed jury duty by contacting jurymanagementoffice@mecklenburgcountync.gov. We (the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office) are not going to ask you for any monetary payments or things like that. We are not a collection agency, Colson explained. He (the scammer) tried to erase the paper trail...theres no law enforcement agency in this nation that does anything of that sort. Story continues WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET A SCAM CALL Hang up and call the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs office directly. Find a number listed on the court or sheriffs website to verify the call is legitimate. Never give out personal information over the phone to someone you dont know, especially if youre asked for your social security number, bank account information, or credit card number. If you believe that you have been scammed, you can call the NCDOJ Consumer Protection Division at https://ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint or 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. You cant control them calling you because theres a lot of public information. But as far as response, you can get as much information as possible to give law enforcement officers so you can get more of a breadcrumb trail to be able to catch these guys, Colson added. Make sure youre asking more questions than they are because they need to verify who they are. First Minister is embroiled in a political crisis over the unrelated case of Isla Bryson - Ken Jack/Getty Images Scottish police have defied Nicola Sturgeons sex self-ID drive by referring to a transgender butcher arrested in connection with the disappearance of an 11-year-old girl as a man. Andrew George Miller, known locally as Amy, was taken into police custody on Monday night after the 11-year-old girl who disappeared on Sunday, was found safe and well at a home in Gattonside near Galashiels after being missing for more than a day. Police confirmed yesterday that a 53-year-old man, understood to be Miller, had been arrested in connection with the disappearance, which caused grave concerns for the childs welfare and led to a desperate search and rescue mission being launched. Miller transitioned around six years ago when he changed his name to Amy and began dressing as a female, locals in the Scottish Borders said. The decision by police to refer to the suspect as a man comes despite Ms Sturgeons push to change the law so that those who self-identify as a particular gender in Scotland can easily gain legal recognition in that gender. The First Minister is embroiled in a political crisis over the unrelated case of Isla Bryson, a transgender rapist who was initially placed in a female jail, under a prison policy that follows the same principles as her self-ID law. Ms Sturgeon has refused to state whether she believes Bryson is either a male or female. Under questioning, Ms Sturgeon has used female pronouns to refer to Bryson. A poll has found only a third of Scots oppose the UK Governments decision to veto the gender reforms. The Ipsos survey found 50 per cent backed the Scottish Secretarys move to block the Gender Recognition Reform Bill, compared to only 33 per cent who opposed it. The remaining 17 per cent did not know or did not want to say. In a major blow to Ms Sturgeon, even 31 per cent of SNP voters said the UK Government should have blocked the legislation, Publicly supported Ms Sturgeon Miller maintains social media profiles as both Andrew Miller and Amy George. He publicly supported Ms Sturgeons push to make it easier for Scots to change their legal sex. After the plans were blocked by the UK Government, he warned that Westminster should never mess with Scottish transgender issues. Story continues In contrast to the approach taken by the Scottish courts and Ms Sturgeon to Bryson, previously known as Adam Graham, Police Scotland yesterday used male pronouns to describe Miller. Ms Sturgeon has acknowledged Isla Bryson may be faking their trans identity - Police Scotland/Reuters The approach also clashes with the views of trans activists who insist it is discriminatory to refer to trans women as male. Ms Sturgeon has repeatedly insisted that allowing male-bodied people to become legally female simply by signing a declaration poses no risk to women and girls, or single sex spaces. However, the claims have been undermined by the case of Bryson, who Ms Sturgeon has acknowledged may be faking their trans identity. Four days after the UK Government announced it was blocking Ms Sturgeons Bill, due to fears the provisions would put women and girls in danger, Miller wrote on Facebook: But the Transgender Policy. How can Westminster decide what we have decided? He added: When we decide in Scotland.. It works for us in Scotland.. Simple as that. In another post last month, they said: Silly Billys in Westminster... Never mess with Scottish Transgender Issues. Miller was a butcher in Melrose until the start of the year, when he announced that the shop, Millers of Melrose, would not be reopening after four generations and nearly 200 years in the trade. He had become a well-known figure in the rural community. Transgender butchers in the Borders are not exactly common, one customer said. Andy changed his name They couldnt exactly deny it, but it isnt a crime so people generally just accepted it. Another said: It was about six years ago that Andy changed his name and started dressing and styling his hair as a female. There was shock amongst the shopkeepers when the transition happened. Police said on Monday that they were very concerned about the welfare of the girl, who went missing on Sunday after last being seen in Galashiels town centre. Locals joined in a desperate search for the missing child, before police confirmed she had been found on Monday night and reunited with her family. The hunt involved searching rivers and involved a helicopter and mountain rescue teams. Police then locked down a quiet cul-de-sac in Gattonside, around a 10 minute, three mile drive from where the child had last been seen. The police turned up last night, a neighbour told the Scottish Sun on Tuesday. We were told it was something to do with the missing girl but I didnt see anyone coming or going. Its very worrying to have this here, especially as a father of two young kids myself. As Amy George, the suspect posted in January 2020 that they were a single woman, only interested in single women. I am Amy G Miller He regularly posted social media updates about running the butchers business which he described as a proper butcher shop for four generations. He wrote in March 2020: Ive been butchering for 50 years personally now. 22 in Jedburgh, 28 in Melrose. I have won many awards in butchery and in cuisine cooking skills. I am Amy G Miller. As Andrew Miller, they wrote on Jan 3: Many Thanks for all your wonderful wishes. The Shop in Melrose will Not be opening again as a Butchers Shop. 4 Generations and nearly 200 years in the trade is enough. A Police Scotland spokesman said: A 53-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of an 11-year-old girl from Galashiels, who was reported missing on Sunday, 5 February. The girl was traced at a property in the Galashiels area around 9.30pm on Monday, 6 February. Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing. The force refused to say why it had referred to the suspect as a man. A second person has been charged in connection with a fraudulent scheme that resulted in the city of Lexington temporarily losing $4 million in August 2022. An FBI agent swore out a criminal complaint in federal court in Kentucky against Nana Kwabena Amuah, a native of Ghana, charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Amuahs initial court appearance was in Buffalo, New York. He is one of several conspirators who are alleged to have targeted business or municipal entities who were owed payments by other parties. The group would impersonate vendors in emails with those entities and request wire payments to a new bank account, one opened in the name of Gretson Company LLC. A resident of Houston, Shimea Maret McDonald, 24, was previously arrested and indicted as part of the scheme and helped to open three bank accounts under Gretson Company LLC, which was a shell company established in Texas by managing member K.N., whose identity had been stolen, McDonalds indictment alleges. The group then attempted to withdraw the money in a variety of payment methods, to quickly move the money elsewhere. In August, McDonald and others, using email, impersonated a nonprofit organization having business with the city of Lexington and convinced a city official to wire money owed to the non-profit organization into a bank account at Truist Bank, according to McDonalds indictment, issued in January 2023. Truist Bank and the city were able to recover all the Lexington funds that were transmitted, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. According to an affidavit filed in federal court in Kentucky, Amuah asked McDonald to work for him after meeting her at a strip club in Miami, Florida, and stated she could make a lot of money. Court documents state Amuah provided McDonald with fake identities, a cell phone, and asked her to form businesses with the Secretary of State in Texas, open bank accounts and conduct transactions. Story continues The two used an encrypted messaging service called Telegram to communicate, which revealed years of communications about fraudulent activity, according to court documents. Screenshots were shown in the affidavit which depicted the citys money being deposited into the groups illegitimate accounts, and also when the money was returned back to the citys bank account. The Telegram communications indicate that many more victims had fallen prey to the wire fraud and money laundering scheme of which McDonald and Amuah were both integral parts, an FBI agent said in an affidavit. Authorities used footage from bank security systems and internet records to track down McDonald, and after she was arrested she said she worked for Amuah, according to the affidavit. According to court documents, Amuah has faced criminal allegations in several states including Florida and New Jersey. The document states Amuah was laundering money in Fort Lee, New Jersey, working with five other people. The complaint states he was providing fake documentation and traveling to banks in Ohio to open up fake business accounts with documents provided. Amuah is also alleged to be dealing with a third-party in Ghana, Africa, where he is from. According to court documents, Amuah had a New York drivers license at one point; lived in Houston at the time of the scam; and moved a lot, according to a witness. Amuah was ordered to be detained and the case was transferred to Lexington. Facebook's murky history of letting third party apps help themselves to user data which you may recall blew up into a major global privacy scandal back in 2018 (aka, Cambridge Analytica), gouging the company's stock price, leading to its founder being hauled in front of Congress -- and finally, in mid 2019, to a $5 billion settlement with the FTC over what sometimes got euphemistically reported as 'privacy lapses' -- appears to be coming back to haunt it via unsealed legal discovery. Internal documents in a related privacy litigation that emerged late last month have trigged the chairs of the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Mark Warner and Marco Rubio, to write a letter to Meta's Mark Zuckerberg asking fresh questions about what he and his company knew about how much user data the platform was leaking back then. And what security implications may be attached to said leaks. Thing is, per the unsealed documents, the company now known as Meta appears to have suspected that developers from high risk jurisdictions where authoritarian regimes are known to "gather data for intelligence targeting and cyber-espionage" -- including North Korea, Russia, China and Iran -- were among thousands also accessing Facebook users' personal data via the same sort of friends' data permissions route that the Cambridge Analytica data-set was extracted by the contracted developer, GSR. "It appears from these documents that Facebook has known, since at least September 2018, that hundreds of thousands of developers in countries Facebook characterized as high-risk, including the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), had access to significant amounts of sensitive user data," they write. "As the chairman and vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, we have grave concerns about the extent to which this access could have enabled foreign intelligence service activity, ranging from foreign malign influence to targeting and counter-intelligence activity," the pair add, pressing Meta to respond to a series of questions about how it acted after its internal audit flagged that user data may have been accessed by thousands of developers in high risk locations. Story continues WTF. "Developers by Predicted Country." Again, this is from audit to see if Facebook had other Cambridge Analyticas - apps harvesting our personal data. /8 *China 86,961 Cuba 250 *Iran 2,533 **North Korea 21 *Russia 42,078 Sudan 647 *Syria 929 Ukraine 34,624 Vietnam 76,813 pic.twitter.com/H0VJ8mmYft Jason Kint (@jason_kint) January 28, 2023 It's fair to say that Meta doesn't like to dwell on a data access/policy enforcement failure scandal that led to its founder sitting on a booster cushion in Congress and being plied with questions by irate US lawmakers. Quite possibly because it paid $5billion to the FTC to make the whole scandal go away -- a settlement that conveniently granted blanket immunity to its executives for any known or unknown privacy violations. But the problem with Meta wanting the whole episode to be filed away under 'forever resolved', is that it has never actually answered all the questions lawmakers asked at the time. Nor in the years following -- as additional details have emerged. It hasn't even published the results of the third party app audit Zuckerberg pledged in 2018 would be carried out. (Although we did find out -- indirectly, in 2021 -- that a settlement it reached with the UK's privacy watchdog included a gag clause that prevented the commissioner from talking publicly about the investigation.) Yet this still unpublished third party app audit formed the keystone of Facebook's crisis PR response at the time -- a promised comprehensive accounting that successfully shielded Zuckerberg and his company from deeper scrutiny. Exactly when the pressure was greatest on it to explain how information on millions of users was lifted out of its platform by a developer with bona fide access to its tools without the knowledge or consent of the actual Facebook users. The price of this shielding has probably actually been pretty high -- both reputationally for Meta (which, after all, felt the need to undertake an expensive corporate rebranding and try to reframe its business in the new arena of VR); and also in future compliance costs (which obviously won't only affect Meta) as a number of laws drafted in the years since the scandal seek to put new operational limits on platforms. Limits that are often justified by a framing that foregrounds a perception of Big Tech's lack of accountability. (See, for e.g., the UK's Online Safety Bill which even includes, in a recent addition, criminal sanctions for CEOs who breach requirements. Or the EU's Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act.) These unsealed US court docs are important to understanding the issues behind Cambridge Analytica. They werent alone in data harvesting from Facebook, there were more including in hostile foreign states. Facebook has done all it can to prevent the release of this information. https://t.co/UQ8Jbkn0uj Damian Collins (@DamianCollins) January 28, 2023 Still, Meta has remained extremely successful at avoiding the kind of in-depth scrutiny of its internal processes, policies and decision-making which paved the way for Cambridge Analytica to take place on Zuckerberg's watch --- and, potentially, for scores of similar data heists, at least per details emerging via legal discovery. This is why the spectre of Facebook's failed accountability reappearing is compelling viewing. (See also: A privacy litigation that Meta finally moved to settle last year, with a timing that apparently spared Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg from having to appear in person after they'd been deposed to give testimony -- for a settlement price-tag that was not disclosed.) Whether anything substantial comes of the latest visitation of the ghost of unresolved Facebook privacy scandals remains to be seen. But Meta now has a new long-list of awkward questions from lawmakers. And if it tries to duck substantive answers its execs could face a fresh summons to a public committee grilling. (It's never the crime, it's the cover-up etc etc.) Here's what the Committee is asking Meta to answer re: the findings of the internal investigation: 1) The unsealed document notes that Facebook conducted separate reviews on developers based in the PRC [People's Republic of China] and Russia given the risk associated with those countries. 2) For the developers identified as being located within the PRC and Russia, please provide a full list of the types of information to which these developers had access, as well as the timeframes associated with such access. 3) Does Facebook have comprehensive logs on the frequency with which developers from high-risk jurisdictions accessed its APIs and the forms of data accessed? 4) Please provide an estimate of the number of discrete Facebook users in the United States whose data was shared with a developer located in the each country identified as a high-risk jurisdiction (broken out by country). 5) The internal document indicates that Facebook would establish a framework to identify the developers and apps determined to be most potentially risky[.] 6) The internal document references your public commitment to conduct a full audit of any app with suspicious activity. 7) Does Facebook have any indication that any developers access enabled coordinated inauthentic activity, targeting activity, or any other malign behavior by foreign governments? 8) Does Facebook have any indication that developers access enabled malicious advertising or other fraudulent activity by foreign actors, as revealed in public reporting? Asked for a response to the lawmakers concerns, Meta spokesman Andy Stone did not respond to specific questions -- including whether it will finally publish the app audit; and whether it will commit to informing users whose information was compromised as a result of features of its developer platform (so presumably that's a 'no' and a 'no') -- opting instead to send this brief statement: Seven more police officers in Memphis are facing disciplinary charges for their roles in the death of Tyre Nichols, CNN reported on Tuesday. The announcement of the charges against the officers comes as the fallout from the beating and death of Mr Nichols continues to roil Memphis and its police department. Six officers have already been fired for their role in the incident, as have two EMTs and a lieutenant in the citys fire department. Five of the police officers have been charged with second-degree murder. According to CNNs reporting, the seven officers will receive a statement of charges notifying them of the policy violations theyre charged with after which theyll get an internal hearing to determine their culpability. The death of Mr Nichols is one of the highest profile police-involved killings since the summer of 2020, when the nation erupted into protest over the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis. On January 7, Mr Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was driving close to his familys home when he was pulled over and then brutally beaten by members of a speical unit of the Memphis Police Department. Mr Nichols was eventually transported to an area hospital, where he died three days later. Several weeks later, the city released body camera footage showing a group of police officers repeatedly kicking and beating a restrained Mr Nichols with a baton. Mr Nichols then did not recieve any medical attention for some 20 minutes following the conclusion of the beating. The response in Memphis since the release of the body camera footage has been swift: in addition to the firings in both the police and fire departments, the police department disbanded the speical unit that was responsible for beating Mr Nichols while the city council has introduced 11 new public safety proposals including requiring police to use marked cars during traffic stops. The city council on Tuesday also questioned the Police Chief Cerelyn J Davis and Fire Chief Gina Sweat about the failings and futures of their departments in the wake of the beating. Story continues Ms Sweat said that her EMTs and lieutenant were responded to a fairly routine call about a police use of pepper spray on Mr Nichols and didnt know the extent of the beating he had suffered, though she also said that the respondents failed to properly care for Mr Nichols within the protocols set out by the department. Ms Davis was blunt in her assessment, telling the council that her department has a cultural issue and blaming a egos for the beating. Mr Nichols was laid to rest in Memphis last week. His parents are set to attend the State of the Union address on Tuesday night. Chicago police SWAT team officers respond to an armed person barricaded inside a home in the 1000 block of West George Street on Feb. 7, 2023, in the Lakeview neighborhood. (Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune) Chicago police said no citations were issued to a man who barricaded himself in a Lakeview home Tuesday after shooting two dogs, one fatally, in self-defense. A 45-year-old woman was in an alley in the 1000 block of West Oakdale Avenue around 1:45 p.m. with two dogs who were not on leashes, police said. The man, 53, entered the alley from a nearby residence, and the dogs moved toward him. Advertisement As the man moved away from the dogs, they continued to come toward him in an aggressive manner, police said. The man, who is a valid concealed carry license/FOID holder, used a firearm in fear of his safety, and both dogs were hit. The dogs were taken to separate veterinary clinics, and one of the dogs died of its injuries. Advertisement Police said no citations were issued. No further details were immediately available Tuesday night. Chicago police SWAT officers had responded to an armed man barricaded inside a home on the 1000 block of West George Street, a police spokesperson said. Police had parts of George and Oakdale blocked off earlier Tuesday. Armored police trucks were on the scene, along with numerous first responder vehicles. A CTA train passes a Chicago police SWAT team armored vehicle at the scene where an armed person barricaded themselves inside a home in the 1000 block of West George Street in the Lakeview neighborhood on Feb. 7, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) Students had been evacuated earlier from nearby Harriet Tubman Elementary School, an on-scene police officer said. Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Tom Rainey-Fluegel said he was walking his 9-month-old puppy, Mia, Tuesday when he heard three loud pops. He mistook the gunshots for construction, but decided to go home when he heard commotion at the elementary school. Advertisement Amid flashing ambulance lights and helicopters overheard, he took his black-and-white pup out for another walk later. But he felt the need to change directions when strangers got close, he added. It definitely has me kind of on edge walking her for the rest of the day, Rainey-Fluegel said. Chicago Tribunes Shanna Madison contributed. A police chase ended when a spray-painted bus crashed into a fence at a Catholic school in Louisiana, authorities said. A 37-year-old Florida woman will face multiple charges after she led deputies on a chase Tuesday, Jan. 7, according to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office. The incident unfolded around 6 a.m. after deputies got a call about a blowtorch-wielding woman who walked into a gas station in Mandeville and said she was looking for the Department of Family and Childrens Services office, deputies said in a news release. She was driving a repurposed school bus with the message sex trafficking awareness painted in graffiti, Nola.com and WVUE reported. The bus had a Virginia license plate. Deputies spotted the bus near a Walmart on Highway 190 and chased it into downtown Covington, where it crashed outside the St. Scholastica Academy. No students were at school when the crash occurred, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of New Orleans told Nola.com. The driver was the only person on the bus, deputies said. They also found the blowtorch. Additional details about the crash werent immediately available. Authorities said they believe the woman had been living in the bus for about a month at a local state park, though they didnt say which one. In January, a man thought to be living in the bus with her was arrested on charges of domestic abuse. Authorities said the incident is under investigation and charges are pending. Its unclear what charges the woman could face. Covington is about 40 miles north of New Orleans. School bus decimated after crashing with 5 kids on board, dramatic NC photos show 15-year-old dies after he falls from moving vehicle and is run over, Georgia cops say Abandoned backpack leads to missing school bus and man accused of stealing it, feds say A man wanted in connection with a mass shooting in Polk County is dead after a carjacking and police chase. Lakeland police said they were forced to shoot at 21-year-old Alex Greene after he carjacked a woman at a restaurant and drove toward officers. Watch Polk County Sheriff Grady Judds full news conference here: Deputies said Greene then crashed into a nearby business and later died at the hospital. Original report: 11 injured in Lakeland shooting, suspects still at large, police say Investigators believe Greene was among the four suspects who hurt 11 people in a drive-by shooting late last month. Police are still looking for the other suspects. Watch: Shes a strong little girl: Polk County deputies find newborn baby on a hill, wrapped in a blanket Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A shuttered South African airline sued Boeing Co for fraud over its agreement to buy eight 737 MAX planes and seeks damages of at least $83 million. Boeing "placed profits over safety and led with a plan of deception," Comair's suit filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Seattle said. Boeing declined to comment. Comair said Boeing committed fraud over its failure to disclose problems with a key flight control system tied to two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 in Indonesia and Ethiopia that killed 346 people and led to the MAX's 20-month grounding. Comair operated flights for British Airways and its own brand Kulula.com until it halted operations in June. The airline said Boeing refused to return $45.2 million in advance payments it made on seven MAX planes. It had paid for and received one 737 MAX. Polish national airline PLL LOT sued Boeing in late 2021 in Seattle on similar grounds over 737 MAX purchases and the suit is pending. LOT in October asked a U.S. judge in Texas to declare it was a crime victim in the Boeing 737 MAX criminal case and said it has at least $250 million in damages. U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor ruled in October people killed in two Boeing 737 MAX crashes are legally "crime victims." LOT argued it should have the same rights. Last month, Boeing pleaded not guilty to a 737 MAX fraud conspiracy felony charge after families objected to a 2021 Justice Department deferred prosecution agreement to resolve the investigation into the plane's flawed design. O'Connor had ordered the arraignment. O'Connor is weighing a request from families to appoint an independent examiner to oversee Boeing's compliance with the agreement. Boeing opposes the request and says it has been in compliance with the agreement for the last two years. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Tomasz Janowski) New York-based Signature Bank has been slapped with a class-action lawsuit alleging it facilitated FTX's activities prior to the crypto exchange's collapse last November. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Monday by investment and algorithmic trading firm Statistica Capital, alleges that Signature had actual knowledge of and substantially facilitated the now-infamous FTX fraud. FTX, once a top-three crypto exchange by trading volume, and its sister company Alameda Research filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2022 following a liquidity crisis. The exchanges founder Sam Bankman-Fried faces various charges from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) related to his actions at the companies. Signature Bank Halts SWIFT Transactions Under $100,000 for Crypto Users, Says Binance Statistica warns of suspicious transactions Statistica is now accusing Signature Bank, which served both FTX and Alameda, of allowing the exchange to combine user accounts with the crypto bank's blockchain-based payments network dubbed Signet. Per the filing, Signature was aware of the FTX fraud since at least June 2020, with Statistica claiming that plaintiffs expressly told the bank that suspicious funds transfers to Alameda initially were for FTX. Despite the warnings, Signature allowed the funds to be transferred to Alameda anyway. It is also alleged that Signature substantially facilitated the FTX fraud by publicly promoting the crypto exchange, failing to close, suspend, or otherwise limit any Alameda and FTX accounts even though the bank knew that the accounts violated FTXs own terms of service, as well as by accepting additional customer deposits into Alameda accounts after learning of the fraud. Decrypt didnt immediately hear from Signature Bank after reaching out for additional comment. Story continues Crypto Bank Silvergate Reports $1B Net Loss in Q4 Amid Industrys Crisis of Confidence Signature Banks Q4 2022 report indicated a $1 billion net loss attributable to shareholders, something the financial institution blamed for a transformational shift in the crypto industry which led to a crisis of confidence across the ecosystem. Last year, the bank also announced a planned reduction in digital asset banking deposits. The news of Signature Bank facing a class-action lawsuit comes hot on the heels of a group of American senators, including the long-time crypto critic Elizabeth Warren, taking aim at another crypto-friendly bank, Silvergate. In a letter to CEO Alan Lane, the lawmakers alleged that the crypto bank's dealings with FTX "further introduced crypto market risk into the traditional banking system," demanding Silvergate provide more information on the matter. PIERRE A set of bills that would further clarify the definition of consent and create a new rape penalty passed out of a Senate committee Tuesday, but not without some disagreement. Currently, for victims of rape who freeze during their attack (therefore withholding their consent), there is no way for them to easily seek justice. These two bills, which have been debated for nearly three years, would allow for a pathway for victims to seek justice through the court system. While the bill that would define consent as "a person's positive cooperation in act or attitude pursuant to the person's exercise of free will," passed unanimously, the second bill that determined a new penalty under South Dakota's current rape statutes added an amendment to include the perpetrator must know or reasonably know that the victim is not consenting. More:'This was sexual assault': Lack of consent law leaves survivors without justice in South Dakota That amendment was brought by Sen. David Wheeler, R-Huron, who argued not all perpetrators may know consent was revoked. "It's very important that we're gonna lock somebody up in prison, put them on the sex offender registry and they didn't know what they were doing was a crime," Wheeler said. "They thought they had consent, but they didn't. That's a huge change in that person's life." Sen. Tim Reed, R-Brookings, who sponsored both bills said the initial purpose of the proposed rape statute was to target the perpetrators who didn't cooperate with law enforcement. His original bill expanded the definition of rape to include "without the victim's consent" and to have it be punishable as a class 3 felony, which means the perpetrator could spend up to 15 years in prison. However, with Wheeler's successful amendment, that line became "without the victim's consent and the perpetrator knows or reasonably should know the victim is not consenting." The felony punishment stayed the same. Story continues Reed explained within the statute, mental incapacity and intoxication have to be reasonably known, because a perpetrator may have been watching their victim drink. "If you've been watching them drink and you know that they've had a lot to drink, then they're intoxicated," he said. "And you should have or should not have known that." More:These high-profile cases show nuisance lawsuits are an uphill battle for victims in South Dakota Twenty-six states, including South Dakota, do not have clear consent laws on the books, according to Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. The closest South Dakota has to such a definition is second-degree rape, or forcible rape, and third-degree rape, which includes being incapable of consent due to intoxication. Both bills now head to the Senate floor for debate. If successful, the bills will then move to the House for committee hearings and debate. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota gets closer to defining 'consent,' creating new rape penalty PIERRE A bill that would have further defined what is considered the life of the mother when a pregnant woman needs a medical abortion, because her life is at risk, has been put on pause indefinitely. Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, R-Sioux Falls, tabled her bill Tuesday morning during a hearing of the House Health and Human Services committee, on a day in the Capitol where women across the state came to represent for Women for Women lobbying day. Rehfeldt said support had been withdrawn by South Dakota Right to Life, but vowed she would continue to work on efforts to define the phrase - the only exception currently allowed for abortion under state law. The bill, which sought to allow doctors to determine if a pregnant woman needed an abortion when "by continuing the pregnancy, the female is at serious risk of death or of a substantial and irreversible physical impairment of one or more major bodily functions." More:New GOP bill would define 'life of mother' in South Dakota's abortion trigger law Rehfeldt had already worked on multiple amendments of the bill in conjunction with the anti-abortion group and was told Monday the group would be withdrawing its support. "I probably could have gotten out of committee and probably could have gotten out of the House," she said. "But at the end of the day, I don't think the bill would have been signed with the outside pressures. And at that point, if I can't get the result, that's why it was tabled." South Dakota Right for Life executive director Dale Bartscher had no comment about the decision made to table the bill. Since the United States Supreme Court determined in June that abortion rights should be returned to the states, overturning 50 years of Roe v. Wade, a South Dakota trigger law went into effect, immediately banning abortions even in the case of rape and incest. The only exception is when the life of the mother is at risk. After the June decision, Democrats called for a special session to attempt to create exemptions for rape and incest, something that has not been apart of South Dakota abortion law in the history of the state. Story continues Rehfeldt said she didn't believe another bill would be brought this session to further define the phrase. More:South Dakota Gov. Noem threatens charges for abortion pills "I will plan to continue to work on the language, because it's not an issue that I plan to give up at all," she said. "I think it's vitally important that South Dakota women, that South Dakota providers know that women are supposed to be protected in the case of healthcare issues during pregnancy. "The law that says that a life of the mother should be preserved has been in place since 1887. I mean, that is crazy to me that this should even be an issue that's debated," Rehfeldt said. "It's a non-debatable issue for me, so I'm not giving up. I'm just saying not yet." The issue is close to home for Rehfeldt, who has been open about her own high-risk pregnancies and what could happen if something went wrong during the course of her pregnancy. During her public testimony Tuesday, Rehfeldt, through tears, said she was currently four months pregnant and due to the nature of her pregnancy, she is at risk for clotting, which are life threatening to her. "I'm a mom that understands very deeply what this bill means and what it means to my family, and what it means to moms, dads, sisters and kids," she said, adding that with the current law in place she wakes up fearful of her pregnancy, not knowing if doctors could take life-saving measures because of the lack of clarity in the law and what would happen to her family. "My story is just one of, if not hundreds or thousands, of life-threatening conditions women can experience." As a healthcare provider outside of her work in the Legislature, Rehfeldt said she sees herself continuing to educate lawmakers about the complexities of health care and having difficult conversations. "No one wants to talk about a woman bleeding from pregnancy. No one wants to talk about an infection that threatens her life and no one wants to talk about a case like mine, where I could have a clot that makes me disabled," Rehfeldt said. "And those conversations have to be had. But that's part of my responsibility is to educate." Rep. Erin Healy speaks at a breakfast hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls. Rep. Erin Healy, D-Sioux Falls, said she was aware the debate over the bill was going to be fierce. She said she regretfully seconded the motion to table the bill, because it was the right thing to do to show respect to Rehfeldt. "Honestly, there's a lot of disappointment today," Healy said. "But it gives us more of a reason to show up and to continue the fight for healthcare." For some in the room, like Lexi McGee-Hemenway, who drove from Vermillion to testify in support of the bill, there was an air of confusion. McGee-Hemenway, who leads the Students for Reproductive Rights at the University of South Dakota, said she had quickly written down notes to testify, but before she could get up to the stand, the bill had been tabled. "Right now, I'm just sad, because if we don't clarify the language of the abortion bans in South Dakota, it's going to kill people," the University of South Dakota senior said. "Doctors can't perform necessary health care if they don't have the right to know what is an emergency abortion. Does that mean that they have to physically be dying in front of me in order to provide them necessary care or can it be preventative?" Petitions to get abortion access on the 2024 ballot are currently circulating. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Effort to define 'life of mother' in SD abortion debate delayed -141 Stryzh Kaluga Oblast Governor Vladislav Lapsha said on Feb. 6 that an unknown drone crashed near the regional capital city. It was firstly reported that the drone exploded 50 meters above the ground, but lately it was discovered that it had hit the tops of trees and fell. Read also: UK Challnger-2 tanks to arrive in Ukraine before summer, Defense Secretary Wallace says Photos from the spot show the wreckage to be that of a Tu-141 Stryzh drone with an OFAB-100-120 small aerial bomb onboard, the outlet wrote. "This incident caused a great deal of anxiety among rushists (Russian terrorists), because this drone with the bomb fell just 150 kilometers away from Moscow and once again, it wasn't spotted by the Russian air defence, the Defense Express article reads. Ultimately, there are a lot of military objects near Kaluga itself, including a rail junction and an airport, though a drone with explosives could have seriously hindered logistic chains of the invaders troops." Read also: US imposes sanctions against managers of Iranian drone manufacturer Stryzh drones fly low so they can't be seen by Russian air defence radar, despite their considerable size. Soviet-era bombs are being used as a combat load. In the Kaluga's case, it was an OFAB-100-120 bomb with a weight of 123 kilograms and an explosive yield of 46 kilograms of TNT equivalent. Read also: Russians increase reconnaissance drone launches from the Black Sea, may be spying ahead of big attack The secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksiy Danilov, has claimed that Ukraine has weapons capable of striking targets deep inside Russia. It has been speculated that Ukraine used anther modified Stryzh drone to attack the Engels-2 airbase near Saratov on the Volga River, about 600 kilometers east of the nearest Ukrainian-held territory. Earlier, Ukraine claimed it had developed and was testing a strike drone with a range of 1,000 kilometers capable of carrying a 75 kilogram warhead. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine During my spring break, I traveled all the way from Miami to Seattle on six buses. Lukas Flippo I traveled 74 hours from Miami, Florida, to Seattle, Washington, on Greyhound buses. I found the sights lackluster and barely slept, but it was an affordable, rewarding way to travel. I would take another Greyhound bus in the future but don't plan on repeating the cross-country trip. I spent three full days traveling from Miami to Seattle on one of the longest Greyhound routes in the US. I road six buses across the country in the span of three days. Lukas Flippo I made it 15 minutes into my 74-hour Greyhound bus ride before someone called me crazy. The bus had just turned onto the highway and left the Miami skyline behind when my seatmate started coursing through customary greetings. When I told him I was headed all the way to Seattle, he was bewildered. "You're crazy," he said. Everyone in my life agreed. Riding one of the longest Greyhound routes in the US during my college spring break was a wild idea. But I had two main reasons to take the trip: to see the American countryside through a new lens, which turned out to be smudged bus windows, and to meet people I probably wouldn't interact with otherwise. Plus, the ticket was relatively cheap, costing me a total of $250, and I had nowhere better to be during the first week of January. Here's what the cross-country ride was like. I took six different buses to reach my final destination. One of the buses parked at a rest stop. Lukas Flippo Greyhound doesn't offer a nonstop route from Miami to Seattle. Instead, my trip was broken into six segments. I changed buses in Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville, Chicago, Minneapolis, Billings, and Spokane. Jefferson Lines, a Greyhound partner company, operated the route from Minneapolis to Billings. This leg was included in my ticket and luckily wasn't a hassle. Between tight layovers and frequent delays, I had to move quickly to make each leg of my trip. It's important to be near the front of the boarding line if you want a window seat or a spot close to the front. Lukas Flippo Most of my layovers between connecting buses were less than an hour, which terrified me. If I lost time at the beginning of the route, it could doom my whole trip's timeline. The bus to Orlando left Miami late, cutting my layover window for my next leg down from an hour to two minutes. An agent stepped on board and told us we wouldn't even have time to go into the station. Instead, we had to get our bags from the bus, walk to the loading bay, and get right on the next Greyhound. Story continues As the trip continued, delays became a regular occurrence. The bus from Spokane to Seattle was the only one that left and arrived on time. I got to Nashville a full hour after my connecting bus was scheduled to leave. When we parked at the station, an agent came on the bus and told us he'd held all of our connecting buses. If the bus to Chicago left without us, there wouldn't be another with open seats for two days. The same thing happened in Minneapolis. Greyhound delays are so common that they seemed to be built into the system, meaning I didn't get too stressed when my buses ran behind schedule. I expected to pass by scenic landscapes and admire beautiful views, but we stayed on highways for pretty much the entire trip. The buses stayed on interstates most of the time. Lukas Flippo Although the route passed through many climates and terrains, I found the sights lackluster, as the buses mostly stayed on major interstates. Aside from the snowy mountains in Montana and the frozen fog in Wyoming, everything cool seemed to be an exit sign away. The buses stopped very frequently, which added to my overall travel time. People would step off to smoke or stretch their legs. Lukas Flippo Apart from those seven main stops, the buses made short stops roughly every two hours to pick up and drop off passengers along the route. In total, the buses I took made 47 stops in three days. Seats were first come, first served on all of the buses. The lights turned on throughout the night. Lukas Flippo It was wise to get in the boarding line as early as possible. People who boarded the buses in their origin cities usually got the best spots, which, in my opinion, are window seats or ones toward the front. Very few bus stops had vending machines or restaurants, so my food options were extremely limited. I was able to buy a sandwich during one of the stops. Lukas Flippo It was tricky to make a reliable food plan since most of the layovers were short or even nonexistent. There were no restaurants at the bus stations, except for a sandwich store in the Indianapolis station. Every bus station had vending machines, and most took credit cards. The vending machines in the Miami station sold sandwiches, but the majority of the machines only sold snacks like chips or cookies. I did my best to avoid bringing smelly foods on the bus. I felt terrible eating the McDonald's that a friend gave me in Orlando, as it made my section of the bus smell until I discarded the bag at the next stop. It was a good thing I brought my own snacks because I ended up relying on them. I mostly ate the snacks I packed during the trip, so I was relieved to find a small restaurant in Washington. Lukas Flippo Before the trip, I packed peanut-butter crackers and granola bars into a gallon-sized plastic bag, which proved to be a lifesaver. By the end of the three days, I had eaten over 15 packs of peanut-butter crackers, 10 granola bars, three Clif bars, a bag of chips, a bag of Cheez-Its, six Reese's peanut-butter cups, a McDonald's Quarter Pounder, three chicken tenders, a turkey-and-cheese sandwich, and a bag of Dot's cinnamon-sugar pretzels. Each bus had a bathroom, but lavatory smells carried through the entire vehicle. There were bathrooms on every bus, but I mainly went to the restroom in gas stations. Lukas Flippo You can use the bathroom on board for solid and liquid purposes, but the smell did linger in the back of the bus. I was too shy to ever try it. Other passengers weren't. Each bus had a bathroom with a small toilet, but the whole experience inside felt unstable due to the constant movement. Every station I visited had a bathroom, but many of the stalls were out of toilet paper. If the onboard bathroom isn't an option and the station bathroom doesn't work out, you can relieve yourself during the occasional 15-minute stops at gas stations. Almost all of the buses were full, and I enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people. I talked to many passengers and taught one kid how to work my camera. Lukas Flippo Every single bus, except the one from Spokane to Seattle, was nearly full. I had a seatmate for the entire trip until that final leg, and even if I didn't have someone directly beside me, surrounding conversations often spilled around me. From Miami to Orlando, I sat with a New Yorker headed to Universal Studios. The man behind us said he'd just been released from prison so we spent most of our trip helping him to line up transportation in Orlando and communicate with family members. In Washington, I shared a pack of Skittles with two kids and taught them how to use a camera. I felt safe in the stations and on the buses, and the drivers did a wonderful job handling passenger misbehavior. All of the buses I boarded felt safe to me. Lukas Flippo One of my family and friends' major concerns about my trip was my safety, but I didn't feel worried on the buses or at the stations. I saw policemen present at every station in large cities, and the bus drivers seemed very strict with onboard misbehavior. In South Dakota, a man started screaming at the bus driver after they wouldn't stop for a smoke break, but other passengers quickly defended the driver and defused the situation. And on the bus to Minneapolis, the driver removed a passenger from the vehicle after he threatened another passenger. I barely slept and was a grumpy mess for a large portion of the journey. Greyhound is a perfectly reasonable travel option if you go in with reasonable expectations. Lukas Flippo I made the trip in one shot, never stopping at hotels or getting off the bus at night. The bus seats reclined, but leaning back felt like a social taboo similar to reclining too far on airplanes. I didn't bring a pillow or blanket, but I wish I had. The buses got cold at night, and my head had no natural resting point on the chair. I balled up an extra jacket and leaned against the window. Even when the rhythm of the bus lulled me into momentary sleep, I would wake up often. Every time the bus made a stop, the driver would turn on the lights and announce the town's name even in the middle of the night. I spent the overnight bus ride from Chicago to Minneapolis in a daze, waking up every hour, at every single stop. I would take another Greyhound in the future but would probably avoid going cross-country again. I'm glad I had the experience but don't feel the need to repeat it. Lukas Flippo I made it to Seattle in about three days and paid less than what most plane tickets cost for an experience I'll never forget. To steal a cliche: It's the journey that counts, not the destination. I had incredible conversations with my fellow passengers and met people I probably would've otherwise never had the opportunity to converse with on a plane, train, or road trip. Greyhound buses are by no means luxurious, but they made me slow down and recognize the world and landscapes around me. Read the original article on Insider Fort Lauderdale, Florida --News Direct-- Splash Beverage Group Inc. McapMediaWire -- Splash Beverage Group, Inc. (NYSE American:SBEV) (Splash or the Company), a portfolio company of leading beverage brands, today announced that its TapouT performance drink will now be more widely distributed across the state of Florida with the addition of J.J. Taylor Distributing Company of Florida. J.J. Taylor, headquartered in Jupiter, Florida, was founded in 1958 and operates out of a 360,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility in Tampa with an additional warehouse in Fort Myers and offices in Fort Pierce and Sebring. J.J. Taylor will become TapouTs largest distributor in Florida by geography, with distribution to the counties of Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Hernando, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and St. Lucie and greatly assist with the Publix grocery store chain rollout. Robert Nistico, Splash Beverage Groups Chairman and CEO commented: Our agreement with J.J. Taylor gives us distribution across 16 Florida counties, essentially the entire west coast of Florida, from north of Tampa to south of Naples. They are a very strong organization with a highly motivated sales force. In fact, the company has been honored with a Glassdoor Employees Choice Award in the U.S. small and medium company category, recognizing the Best Places to Work in 2023, so we know that TapouT will be in good hands. Our strategy to reach the broadest possible distribution takes a giant leap forward with our agreement with Taylor and adds to our list of A+ distribution partners. Follow Splash Beverage Group on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SplashBev About Splash Beverage Group, Inc. Splash Beverage Group, an innovator in the beverage industry, owns a growing portfolio of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage brands including Copa di Vino wine by the glass, SALT flavored tequilas, Pulpoloco sangria, and TapouT performance hydration and recovery drink. Splashs strategy is to rapidly develop early-stage brands already in its portfolio as well as acquire and then accelerate brands that have high visibility or are innovators in their categories. Led by a management team that has built and managed some of the top brands in the beverage industry and led sales from product launch into the billions, Splash is rapidly expanding its brand portfolio and global distribution. Story continues For more information visit: www.SplashBeverageGroup.com www.copadivino.com www.drinksalttequila.com www.pulpo-loco.com www.tapoutdrinks.com Forward-Looking Statement This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Words such as expect, estimate, project, budget, forecast, anticipate, intend, plan, may, will, could, should, believes, predicts, potential, continue and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation, the risks disclosed in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 8, 2021, and in the Companys other filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or publicly announce any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Contact Information: Splash Beverage Group Info@SplashBeverageGroup.com 954-745-5815 Contact Details Splash Beverage Group Info@SplashBeverageGroup.com Company Website http://www.splashbeveragegroup.com/ View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/splash-beverage-group-adds-floridas-j-j-taylor-distributing-company-to-assist-with-tapout-performance-drink-rollout-574233805 Rana Yurtsever was at a friends house Sunday night with her mother-in-law, who is visiting from Turkey, when they first heard the news of the powerful earthquake that rocked through wide swaths of Turkey and neighboring Syria on Monday local time. Yurtsevers first thought was of her pregnant sister-in-law, who lives in a 10-story building in southern Turkey. My mother-in-law obviously was just very, very scared. All of us were, and I asked her to immediately call my sister-in-law and shes, shes pregnant, Yurtsever recalled. So we were all very scared for her. But thankfully we reached her, and she said, It was the scariest moment of my life. Advertisement The 7.8 magnitude earthquake, which was centered in Turkeys southeastern province of Kahramanmaras, killed more than 3,400 people and injured thousands more as it toppled thousands of buildings and trapped residents under mounds of rubble. Authorities feared the death toll would continue to climb as rescuers searched through tangles of metal and concrete for survivors. In Chicago, Turkish and Syrian organizations quickly rallied to provide aid and support for those affected. Yurtsever, the president of the Turkish American Society of Chicago, said she spent the next couple of hours calling as many people as she could in her 500-member group. She called to let them know of the news and provide condolences if necessary. Three members said they had family members stuck in the wreckage as they were speaking. Advertisement We have been talking to so many people all day long and Im just so full of emotion, said Yurtsever. We all are friends. I mean Turkey is not a big, big country. It has a large population, but so many people have friends and family in the area. So everybody is affected. A woman reacts as rescuers search for survivors through the rubble of collapsed buildings in Adana, Turkey, on Feb. 6, 2023, after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the country. (Can Erok/AFP Getty) Yurtsever said the damage the earthquake caused to the countrys infrastructure is making it harder to react to the needs of survivors. A family member of hers was able to leave the area in time to drive to central Turkey, but they said that they have just run out of gas because all the gas stations have also collapsed and theres no gas, no electricity, no, nothing, basically. So they are basically just on the side of the road right now. Waiting for help. Its a very devastating situation and all that we can do is really pray and send funds in any way we can, Yurtsever said. The Turkish American Society of Chicago, which is based in Mount Prospect, is working with Embrace Relief so that donors can send financial aid to southern Turkey, Yurtsever said. Vildan Gorener, president of the Turkish American Cultural Alliance, says her organization is collaborating with the Turkish Consulate to accumulate monetary donations and supplies Turkish Airlines can send to Turkey. Gorener said they are hoping to receive winter items such as blankets, diapers, winter socks and shoes for children and adults. Donors can drop off those goods at 3845 N. Harlem Ave. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at the Turkish Consulate at NBC Tower, 455 Cityfront Plaza Drive. Gorener said the efforts also are being made by 60 different chapters under the Assembly of Turkish American Association. Ive been on the phone all morning, she said. Im tired. An aerial view shows residents searching for victims and survivors amid the rubble of collapsed buildings on Feb. 6, 2023, following an earthquake in the village of Besnia near the town of Harim, in Syria's rebel-held northwestern Idlib province on the border with Turkey. (Omar Haj Kadour/AFP Getty/AFP via Getty Images) The Syrian Community Network said it will provide time for hundreds of its members to get together in the community. Daniel Hudson, the intake coordinator at SCN, said their Syrian clients want to support one another, particularly those who have family in the region affected by the earthquake or have other connections to those places. Advertisement We arent equipped with giving counseling services, said Hudson. And we have some staff who have family over there as well. So its a little bit heavy for some of our staff. The activity will be restricted to the SCNs clients to give them privacy. Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > We have no idea who is going to be seeking support, whos going to be asking questions. Mostly were here to respond whenever they have questions, Hudson said. Halil Demir, executive director of Bridgeview-based Zakat Foundation of America, a worldwide organization dedicated to addressing the immediate needs of the worlds poorest people, was born in a remote village in southeastern Turkey. In a statement, the organization said he was traveling to Turkey Monday to help provide assistance in the earthquakes aftermath and that the organization would be providing emergency recovery kits, hygiene kits, warm food and blankets. People search for survivors among the debris in a destroyed building in Adana, Turkey, on Feb. 6. (Khalil Hamra / AP) The organization is working to help prevent a secondary crisis from people being out in the cold, including those who have been displaced by the earthquake and Syrian refugees. Donors can contribute to the emergency fundraising campaign at www.zakat.org/donate by selecting Turkiye Earthquake, the statement said. These donations will be distributed as aid 100% to those in need in the country. Advertisement Yurtsever said she hasnt slept much since she heard the news of the earthquake. Since then weve just been up, like praying for people and just really being a community leader, she said. Ive been trying to reach out to our community members to see if everybodys been well and how theyre doing and if they have any family members that are affected, but its just a very difficult time. The Associated Press contributed. Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Wikimedia Commons When House Republicans and Democrats joined together last month to create a new committee focused on U.S. competition with China, supporters of the project expressed confidence it could show Beijing that American leaders werent hopelessly divided along partisan lines. All it took was a single balloon to deflate that lofty idea. Last week, the suspected Chinese spy craft began floating across the U.S. at an altitude of 60,000 feet, just days after the Houses new China committee was officially organized. On Thursday, Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL)the panels chairman and ranking member, respectivelyissued a joint statement criticizing the Chinese Communist Party government for violating U.S. sovereignty and warning that the CCP threat is not confined to distant shores. But as the balloon drifted, and President Joe Biden held off on downing it, many Republicans saw an easy target instead of an opportunity for bipartisan solidarity. Photos Show U.S. Navy Collecting Debris From Chinese Spy Balloon Top Republicans and China hawks claimed the incursion proved Bidens weakness in the face of Beijing. Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer suggested, without evidence, that the balloon carried bioweapons from Wuhan. Even Gallagher, who is respected on the Democratic side, made the rounds in conservative media to castigate Biden for not shooting down the balloon earlier. He said his administration was allowing a threatening presence to lazily drift over America and compared it to someone inviting a burglar inside their home, showing him their valuables, and then politely asking him to leave. By the time the balloon dropped languidly into the ocean off the Carolina coast on Saturdayfelled by a F-22 fighter jet and perhaps a few chest-thumping tweets from politiciansthe opportunity that the select committee had presented just days earlier had seemed to diminish. I had my reservations before this incident, said Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ), a member of the committee. But my reservations are even stronger, in terms of whether this will yield fruitful conversations or if its going to become this crucible for provocation. Story continues Kim told The Daily Beast he was taken aback by some of the immediate escalatory and frankly, at times, hysterical language that Republicans were pushing out. It feels this is more of an exercise in trying to use these legitimate national security challenges we have to inflame politics as well as inflame the situation, he said. Another Democrat on the panel, Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), said he was still optimistic about the generational opportunity the committee presents, but found himself disappointed by the tenor of the response from the GOP. Instead of showing Chinese leader Xi Jinping the unity that lawmakers had hoped, Auchincloss said Republicans had shown Xi partisanship. That strengthens his hand at a time when it was weak, he said. Krishnamoorthi, the panels ranking Democrat, argued that Democrats and Republicans shared viewpoint on China far outweighs any of our disagreements. Chinas Spy Balloon Isnt as Low Tech As You Think We cannot be divided in our response as an American people and as a Congress, he told The Daily Beast. Our adversaries would want those divisions. We have to rise to the occasion and act in a bipartisan fashion. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), another Democrat on the panel who expressed broad confidence in the possibility of bipartisan work, said it doesnt help that Republicans go on television and say that the president had a dereliction of duty when the president was simply following what the military suggested. In a new era of divided government, the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party is being scrutinized as a test of whether the two parties can work together at all. There are China hawks on both sides of the aisle. Legislation like the CHIPS Act passed last year with bipartisan support with the explicit aim of increasing the U.S. ability to compete directly with China in high-tech manufacturing. And lawmakers voted on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis365-65to establish the select committee in the first place. On Monday, Republican members on the panel were insistent theyre ready to get to workincluding on a bipartisan basisand that the balloon is right up their alley. Gallagher said while some other established committees might have jurisdiction over issues like the spy balloon, hes hoping the panel can find ways to elevate it, put it in a geostrategic context and also use the incident to illustrate something fundamental about the Chinese Communist Party. But even with bipartisan ambitions in mind, those same Republican lawmakers werent shy about continuing to criticize the administration for its response. Gallagher argued the administration is sending mixed messages, saying that at first messaging would downplay the balloon, but then spun to be a moment of genius as administration officials cast the downing of the balloon as an opportunity to gain valuable intelligence. We have a lot of unanswered questions, he said. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), another member of the panel, said the balloon should have been shot down immediately upon entering U.S. airspace. Because it sends a very clear signal that we protect our U.S. airspace. Doing otherwise, actually, I think is an embarrassment to the United States, he said. It also is a signal to the Communist Chinese party of what our intentions are, how we react to something like that. Grandstand Multiple Republicans, like Gimenez, suggested the balloon was a sort of test for the U.S. government to see how the administration and national security officials would react, or a grandstand to show Chinas capabilities in comparison to the U.S. Others suggested it could be a means of toying with top U.S. officials; Secretary of State Anthony Blinken was slated to visit Beijing as well as Taiwan this week. His trip has now been postponedthough Blinken says he still intends to visit the region. It's hard to know exactly what the motivation of the CCP is. Maybe they were showing off for others. Maybe they thought that the swagger would help them as they work to build stronger partnerships in Southeast Asia, Africa and South America, said Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), a committee member. Maybe they were testing American capabilities. But, Johnson later added, I would tell you that they gained a lot more information than just whatever they were taking pictures of. Some national security experts have downplayed the importance of the balloon incident, at least until more is known about the craft and what Beijing may have intended to do with it. Satellites, after all, constantly collect detailed imaging of land, and both the U.S. and China already rely heavily on them. What disappointed Democrats the most was less Republican criticism of Biden, but that the rhetoric became overheated in a matter of days, and before lawmakers were briefed on the incident. Kim, a former National Security Council official under President Barack Obama, said he respects Gallagher and has known him for a decade. But Kim was disappointed that days after us fully standing up this committee, Gallaghers first instinct was to lash out without knowing the full details. Military Concedes It Failed to Detect Three Spy Balloons Under Trump Theres also a concern that the select committee might be reactive to geopolitical flare-ups like the balloonwhich happen frequently between the U.S. and Chinainstead of focusing on big-picture themes, like industrial modernization, that might invite more bipartisan cooperation. Kim likened it to playing Whac-A-Mole with every issue that comes up with China. Krishnamoorthi said he wants to learn more about what happened with the balloon, and suggested the committee would have to strike a balance. We probably need to look at the big picture issues while at the same time keeping an eye on the episodes in our relationship that help to illustrate the different threats, he said. Democrats acknowledged that partisanship will be a major factor in the committees operations; Krishnamoorthi said its up to members of both parties to be careful about their rhetoric and conduct to keep things productive. In that event, for some members, the sooner the balloons shadow drifts from Capitol Hill, the better. I would be disappointed, Auchincloss said, if we spent the first month talking about the balloon. 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. Noh Juhan/Netflix After being indicted on sexual misconduct charges last November, Squid Game star O Yeong-su appeared in court in South Korea for the first day of his sexual misconduct trial, The Hollywood Reporter reported on Tuesday. I am sorry, the 78-year-old actor reportedly said to journalists present at the trial. I think I behaved badly. Despite his apology, however, the Netflix star is denying the charges that were brought against him. O admitted his wrongdoing when the victim asked for an apology, but he has denied the charges during the investigation, failing to show any remorse for his act, the victims attorney said in a statement ahead of the trial, per THR. Netflix Defends Squid Game Reality Show After Players Compared It to a War Zone In April 2022, a woman accused Yeong-su of inappropriately touching her while the two were on a walk together in 2017; she said he tried to force her into a hug and plant a kiss on her cheek. The accusers case was previously closed without charges being filed, but was eventually reopened per her request. The accuser has previously shared that she was 22 at the time of the alleged incident and a member of a theater company where Yeong-su was performing in a play. When indicted, Yeong-su initially denied any wrongdoing. I just held her hand to guide the way around the lake, the Golden Globe winner told JTBC Korea. I apologized because [the person] said she wouldnt make a fuss about it but it doesnt mean that I admit the charges. Squid Game has also recently been troubled by reports that participants in Squid Game: The Challenge, a spinoff reality show of the hit Netflix drama, has exposed its competitors to frigid temperatures during the course of filming, resulting in serious injuries. While it was very cold on setand participants were prepared for thatany claims of serious injury are untrue, Netflix said last month in a statement addressing the reports. We care deeply about the health and safety of our cast and crew, and invested in all the appropriate safety procedures. Story continues Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A local contemporary African art gallery is inviting the public to celebrate Black History Month. Action News Jax first told you about Ovico Gallery when it opened last year. Now, the gallery is hosting three events to celebrate Black History Month highlighting new pieces, sessions with the featured artist, music, drinks and food. There will also be virtual sessions with the featured artist Chike Onuorah, who is based in Nigeria. The gallerys owner says they also have three other exhibits in honor of Black History Month in Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami. You can get more information about the events or RSVP by visiting their website HERE. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. When Joe Biden delivers his second State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday evening, he will do so before an audience of legislators who have each brought along a special guest from their constituencies. Among the most prominent this time will be RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, grieving parents of the slain Tyre Nichols, the recovering Paul Pelosi and the Irish rock star and campaigner Bono. Undoubtedly one of the most astonishing is Brandon Tsay, the 26-year-old hero of the Monterey Park mass shooting. Mr Tsay was invited to the State of the Union by California Democratic congresswoman Judy Chu after he heroically intervened to disarm the gunman who carried out the mass shooting at a Lunar New Year celebration in Monterey Park near Los Angeles on 21 January, saving an untold number of lives. My first thought was I was gonna die here. This was it, he told ABCs Good Morning America recently, recounting the moment he realised what was happening before taking advantage of the gunmans hesitation to wrestle the weapon away from him. The killer subsequently fled the scene before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to CNN, just an hour after Ms Chu extended Mr Tsays invitation to Washington, he was called by Mr Biden himself to make the same offer, the president having already been in touch to thank him for his bravery. I wanted to call to see how youre doing and thank you for taking such incredible action in the face of danger, Mr Biden had told him. I dont think you understand just how much youve done for so many people who are never going to even know you. But I want them to know more about you. You have my respect. You are America, pal. Mr Tsay who works in the box office of the Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio in Alhambra, owned by his family has since been awarded a medal of courage by the city police department. He has also set up the Brandon Tsay Hero Fund to channel the donations he has received from grateful members of the public to support the Asian American Pacific Islander community. Story continues I dont want to casually use this money for myself, he told NPR's Morning Edition. Money that comes from community should be used for the community. Brandon Tsay (AP) He added that he has not yet determined precisely how the donations will be spent but said he hoped to help others heal: Theyre vulnerable. Theyre scared, theyre fragile. I want to have efforts in supporting people that go through a traumatic experience. I just want people to know that they have people looking out for them. Montereys mayor, Henry Lo, has also been invited to the State of the Union by California senator Alex Padilla in recognition of his handling of the same incident. Striking a similar note, congressmen Maxwell Frost of Florida and Greg Casar of Texas have invited the parents of victims of the Parkland and Uvalde school shooting massacres. Congressmen Joe Neguse and Jason Crow, both of Colorado, will likewise be welcoming guests with ties to recent shootings. Mr Neguse will bring the wife of a man killed in a 2021 mass killing in Boulder while Mr Crow will be in attendance with Army veteran Richard M Fierro, who similarly disarmed a shooter in Colorado Springs in 2022. Other heroes in attendance will be Philadelphia bus driver Chris DeShields, who stopped an attempted carjacking by using his 40-foot public vehicle to box in and scare off the perpetrator, and Darrell Woodie, a Florida Good Samaritan who saved the life of Republican congressman Greg Staube by calling 911 when he fell off the roof of his Sarasota home while cutting tree limbs on 18 January. You can find an extensive list of the official guests here. The Independent will be covering President Bidens speech in detail via our liveblog and IndyTV and will bring you all the latest updates as the evening progresses. President Joe Biden will deliver his annual State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday. The president is expected to highlight the policy and legislative successes of his administrations first two years, and to make an implicit campaign pitch as Mr Biden weighs whether to launch another run for the White House in 2024. Despite Mr Bidens success during the 2022 midterm elections where Democrats actually picked up a seat in the Senate and staved off a red wave in the House of Representatives polls continue to show the nation is ready less than excited about the prospect of another term for the incumbent. The president will also likely tout the recent positive economic news following stronger-than-expected job growth in January, as well as moderating inflation. National Economic Director Brian Deese told reporters that Mr Biden will highlight his economic policies as an area of contrast with the GOP. Key Points Joe Biden may defend administrations racial justice record at SOTU 00:17 , Josh Marcus As Joe Biden reflects on another year in office, racial justice will be a topic thats surely on his mind, following the uproar over the police killing of Tyre Nichols. As The Independent has reported, observers say Mr Biden has a mixed record at best on key questions like civil rights and police reform. Why Joe Biden has been a consistently inconsistent ally for civil rights so far All the details you need to know about tomorrows State of the Union address Monday 6 February 2023 23:17 , Josh Marcus President Joe Bidens second State of the Union (SOTU) address will take place before a joint session of Congress on the evening of Tuesday 7 February, presenting him with a fresh opportunity to lay out the key issues facing the nation and frame the 2024 presidential race in his own terms. Story continues Mr Bidens latest SOTU speech will be his first since the Republicans took control of the House of Representatives after Novembers midterms and it remains to be seen how receptive GOP members will be to what he has to say, with the prospect of performative boredom, hostility and booing distinctly likely. An experienced speechmaker, the president is unlikely to be intimidated either way. He will be flanked, as is customary, by the new House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, and his vice president, Kamala Harris, as he delivers his address to the assembled members of the House and Senate, with family, friends and specially invited guests looking down from the balcony of the lower chamber. Joe Sommerland has the story. How to watch Joe Bidens State of the Union address Biden aims to sway a sceptical nation at State of the Union as polls show him under water Monday 6 February 2023 22:17 , Andrew Feinberg When President Joe Biden delivers his second State of the Union address to a packed House of Representatives chamber on Tuesday, it will be his last chance to sell his message and his imminent candidacy for reelection to an American public that has proven stubbornly immune to his charm offensives. Although Mr Bidens Democratic allies fared far better in last years midterm elections than expected of an incumbent presidents party by picking up a Senate seat and losing their House majority by just a handful of seats, the 46th president remains under water in most major opinion polls. An ABC News / Washington Post poll of 1,003 adults taken at the end of last month showed just 42 per cent of respondents approve of his performance, with a majority of Americans 53 per cent saying they either strongly or somewhat disapprove of how Mr Biden has conducted himself in office. Read more: Biden aims to sway a sceptical nation as polls show him under water This statue appears to depict Emperor Decius as Hercules. The statue wears the skin of the Nemean lion, a beast that Hercules killed as part of his 12 labors. Here we see the head of a white marble statue carved to show a Roman emperor wearing a lion cloak. A newly found statue in Rome appears to depict a slain Roman emperor dressed as Hercules. It may offer insight to the viewpoint of a Roman emperor who embraced traditional Greco-Roman gods at a time when Christianity was spreading throughout the empire. Gaius Messius Quintus Trajanus Decius, also known as Emperor Decius, ruled for only two years, between A.D. 249 and 251, before he and his son were killed by the Goths during the Battle of Abritus in A.D. 251 in what is now Bulgaria. The statue was found near the Via Appia ("Appian Way"), a major road that connected Rome to Brundisium (Brindisi) in southern Italy. It was discovered in a trench near a sewer duct in Parco Scott, a park in Rome, archaeologists from the Parco Archeologico dell' Appia Antica said in a statement posted on Facebook. The statue had probably been placed in the trench sometime in the past 100 years, the team said in the statement. Related: Head of Hercules and other treasures found on Roman 'Antikythera Mechanism' shipwreck The head of the statue showing the Roman emperor against the dirt-covered ground. The statue shows a figure wearing the skin of the Nemean lion, a beast killed by Hercules as part of 12 labors he had to carry out. The face of the statue, however, is not that of Hercules. Archaeologists compared it to surviving images of Emperor Decius, such as those shown on coins, and found that it resembles him. The wrinkles on the faces appear similar, as do the eyes, nose, lips and beard, the team said in the statement. Several scholars who were not involved in the research agree that the face resembles Decius. "The short cropped hair and beard are also features that are similar to known representations of Decius," Sam Heijnen , a researcher at Vrije University Amsterdam who wrote his doctoral thesis on Roman imperial portraits, told Live Science in an email. "We do not have a lot of statues of the so-called 'soldier emperors', who ruled the Roman Empire between ca. 235 and 284 AD," Heijnen said, noting that "this time period witnessed the rapid succession of more than twenty emperors in less than half a century, during which the Empire's borders were under constant pressure." Story continues Other scholars agreed that the statue likely depicts Decius. "Certainly the iconography is the normal one for Hercules, and the face resembles other portraits of Decius," James Rives , the Kenan eminent professor of classics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told Live Science in an email. Related Stories 1,600-year-old mosaic of Hercules and Neptune's 40 mistresses unearthed in war-torn Syria The weird reason Roman emperors were assassinated The 5 craziest ways emperors gained the throne in ancient Rome Given Decius' emphasis on Rome's traditional religious beliefs, it makes sense that he would want to be shown dressed as Hercules. At this time Christianity was becoming increasingly popular in the Roman Empire, but historical records indicate that Decius wanted to emphasize the worship of traditional Greco-Roman gods. "Certainly the face [of the statue] does not look like standard depictions of Hercules, and it would make some sense for Decius to be interested in this sort of representation because of his religious policy, stressing the importance of Rome's relationship with the traditional worship of the gods," David Potter , the Francis W. Kelsey collegiate professor of Greek and Roman history at the University of Michigan, told Live Science. Rives noted that "it's probably impossible to determine whether the emperor himself was behind it, or whether someone else commissioned the statue." The discovery of the statue shows that despite all the archaeological discoveries made in Rome, there is much more that remains to be found. "To find such a well-preserved ancient statue really shows that so much is still hidden underneath the surface," Heijnen said. Stella McCartney after being made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by King Charles during an investiture ceremony (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Wire) Fashion designer Stella McCartney said she hopes to set an example for sustainable practice in the industry as she was made a CBE at Windsor Castle. The 51-year-old has championed a vegan lifestyle and sustainable design since the beginning of her career and recently launched her brands first regenerative cotton garments. McCartney, who received her honour from the King on Tuesday, told the PA news agency she aimed to set an example for sustainable practice, including using mushroom leather to create her handbag. Im half-American but my business is here, my home is here, and its moments like this that I feel its great to be British Stella McCartney She said: The majority of the fashion industry is making handbags and shoes out of animals, and very unsustainable sourcing, manufacturing and distribution. The designer, who was honoured for services to fashion and sustainability, added: I feel very privileged to be in the position as a founder of the British fashion house that I can be mindful and conscious in the decisions I make. If I can do it, anyone can do it. We need to get more fashion houses and fast fashion working in this way, because every single second theres a truckload of fast fashion burnt or buried its a dirty business. McCartney was recognised in the late Queens 2022 birthday honours and said accepting her CBE from Charles was the greatest moment of her professional life. I feel very lucky and I feel really proud to be British. Im half-American but my business is here, my home is here, and its moments like this that I feel its great to be British. McCartney has enjoyed a myriad of achievements in almost three decades in the fashion industry, including designing Meghan Markles wedding reception dress, and the Team GB Olympic kits in 2012 and 2016. Working on the 2012 Olympic Games was an absolute highlight of my career. That was a mind-blowing and memorable experience, it makes me emotional to think about it, I was so proud to be part of it, she said. Someone stole an entire cabin, then tried to get creative in hiding the home before he was caught, according to authorities in Michigan. Now more than a year after the 12-by-28-foot cabin disappeared from its location off a country road in Coldsprings Township, Michigan State Police troopers have made an arrest. Authorities with the Houghton Lake Post were called to investigate the missing cabin on Feb. 16, 2022, McClatchy News reported. The roofed building complete with a front porch had vanished sometime between Nov. 18 and Dec. 16, 2021. State troopers received many tips about cabins that matched the one in the shared photo, and they executed several search warrants, according to a Feb. 7 news release from the agency. Their search led them to a 43-year-old man in Kalkaska, about 10 miles southwest of Coldsprings Township. The man had attempted to conceal the cabin on his property by erecting large pieces of sheet metal around it as well as altering its appearance, police said. The serial numbers inside the cabin proved it was stolen, according to the release. Authorities received an arrest warrant on Dec. 27, police said, then arrested the man on Jan. 1. He was booked into the Kalkaska County Jail. He has been charged with one count of receiving and concealing stolen property with a value of $1,000 to $20,000, police said. Hes scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 27. Man in stolen $60,000 forklift leaves 2.5-mile path of destruction, Florida cops say Triassic park theft: Someone cut fossil footprints from stone at Utah national park An entire 58-foot bridge has disappeared from Ohio field. Police are investigating A convicted bank robber and former Supreme Leader of the Unknown Vice Lords street gang is facing new federal charges alleging he disappeared from a Chicago halfway house last August and attempted to rob another bank on the citys Northwest Side. Lester Warfield, 60, was charged in a two-count indictment made public this week with escape and attempted bank robbery, court records show. Hes been in custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center since his arrest in September and will have a detention hearing Wednesday, records show. Advertisement Warfields court-appointed attorney could not immediately be reached for comment. According to the charges, Warfield escaped on Aug. 30 from the Salvation Army halfway house at 825 N. Christiana Ave., where he was being held after serving most of a 12-year prison sentence for robbing a bank in the Portage Park neighborhood in 2012. Advertisement Six days after he disappeared, Warfield tried to rob a Chase Bank branch on Pulaski Road in the citys Avondale neighborhood, according to the charges. No details of that alleged crime were included in the indictment, though Chicago police arrest records indicated Warfield was taken into custody a short distance from the bank. According to a prosecution filing in his previous case, Warfield was a Supreme Universal Five-Star Elite King and Supreme Chief of the Unknown Vice Lords street gang with a criminal history dating back decades, including convictions for attempted murder, home invasion, armed robbery, residential burglary, aggravated battery and possession of a weapon by a felon. Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Warfields first bank robbery occurred in July 2005, when he walked into a Bank One in Chicago and told the teller he was a member of the al-Qaida terrorist group, was armed with a gun and would blow up the bank if the teller did not give him the money, according to prosecutors. Warfield was convicted and U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly sentenced Warfield to 6 years in prison. Eight months after his release in 2011, while he was still on federal parole, Warfield and two others robbed a Chase Bank on Irving Park Road in Chicago, federal court records show. During that robbery, the defendant approached a young bank teller, passed him a note indicating that he had a gun, and threatened to shoot a nearby customer if the teller did not hurry up with the money, prosecutors wrote in a sentencing filing in 2014. Warfield was arrested later that day with nearly $3,000 in cash stuffed in his pants. U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve sentenced Warfield to 151 months behind bars in that case, records show. Before his release in April 2022, Warfield was ordered by the court to stay at the Salvation Army or other suitable halfway house for all or part of his three-year term of supervised release, records show. Advertisement jmeisner@chicagotribune.com A teenager who was arrested last week for targeting Midlands schools with threats is facing new charges, the Lexington County Sheriffs Department said Monday. A 15-year-old Spring Valley High School student has been charged in connection with the Feb. 2 threats made to River Bluff High School and the Lexington Technology Center, the sheriffs department said hours after White Knoll High School was evacuated because it was named in another threat. There was no information connecting the 15-year-old to Mondays threat. The teenage students name is not being made public because of his age, the sheriffs department said in a news release. On Monday, he was charged with threatening the use of a destructive device, providing false information regarding a destructive device and two counts of disturbing schools, according to the release. The teen communicated electronically about a bomb being placed in the schools, the sheriffs department said. The Spring Valley student was arrested last Thursday in connection with threats targeting his own school as well as several other schools in the Columbia area, according to the Richland County Sheriffs Department. The Richland County Sheriffs Department deemed all of the threats to be hoaxes done to disrupt schools. In Lexington County, no credible evidence of the threats was found after law enforcement agencies searched the schools. The teen is being held at Richland Countys Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on last weeks charges, which are identical to the new counts and also include a student threats charge. He will appear in Lexington County Family Court at a later date, according to the release. The response to last weeks threats on the part of school administrators and law enforcement represents across-the-board coordination and the system working, Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said in the release. Thanks to the Lexington Police Department, the University of South Carolina Police Department, the (South Carolina) Law Enforcement Division and the Richland County Sheriffs Department working with us at LCSD, everyone stayed safe and each campus was secure as we did our work and conducted our investigation. A 15-year-old student was indicted Monday, accused of having a loaded .380-caliber pistol inside Nanuet High School on Jan. 30, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh IIs office said. The juvenile has been accused of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds, according to the district attorneys office's statement. After receiving information the student was in possession of a gun, teachers and administrators told the Clarkstown police, according to the district attorney's office. The school resource officer and Clarkstown detectives took the weapon. Detectives reviewed video surveillance and did interviews, leading to the arrest. A bus parks outside Nanuet High School in Nanuet Jan. 31, 2023. The Journal News reported that on Jan. 30 the gun was found around 3 p.m. A student who brought the gun to the school made no threats, and the gun was located in a search of the student's belongings and confiscated without incident, the schools superintendent said in a statement at the time. Nanuet: Nanuet HS student brought weapon to campus, superintendent reports Spring Valley: Mother of fallen firefighter says of dismissed charges: 'Somebody should go to jail' Clarkstown: Plan would force 2 council members to vie for 1 seat. They say it's retaliation The illegal possession of a firearm will not be tolerated in Rockland County, especially in our schools, Walsh said in the statement Monday. Michael P. McKinney is a breaking news reporter for The Journal News, Poughkeepsie Journal and Times Herald-Record of Middletown. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Nanuet High School: Student indicted for possessing loaded gun MERIDIAN TWP. Classes at Cornell Elementary School in the Okemos school district have been canceled for Tuesday after an apparent suicide occurred on school grounds on Monday. Students were released early Monday afternoon after an "unresponsive individual" was found in the area, school officials said in a letter to parents Monday evening. The school was placed on lockdown, they said. "Students remained safely in their classrooms through the rest of the school day," the letter said, "Additional measures were taken to ensure that students were safe and supervised at all times." Adults accompanied students in hallways, and "classroom blinds were drawn and hallway windows covered to limit exposure to this situation," it said. All Cornell events, including before and after childcare, were canceled for Tuesday. Counselors will be on hand when classes resume on Wednesday to help students who need emotional support, officials said. "Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it occurs close to us," the letter said. "Many of us feel a variety of emotions: shock, sadness, even some confusion. What is important is that we care for and support each other." Police determined there was no active threat to the public and were investigating the death as a suicide, school officials said in the letter. Meridian Township police officers seen at Cornell Elementary School in the Okemos school district in Meridian Township on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. In an earlier communication to parents, officials said students would be released at 1:45 p.m. on Monday, In a two-paragraph news release, Meridian Township police said they were investigating an incident that happened on the school playground. The department didn't elaborate but said there was no threat to the public or anyone at the school. Police officials declined to release further details about the incident. A school official did not respond to a message left for him by the State Journal on Monday afternoon. Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Ed Besonen at (517) 853-4800 or email him at besonen@meridian.mi.us. They can also submit an anonymous tip through the department's social media sites. Story continues The body was discovered during third-grade lunch recess, according to the Monday evening letter to parents. Students told staff "there was an individual in an area that should not be present," the letter said. Staff cleared the playground area and brought all students indoors, it said. After-school and evening programs at the school were canceled for Monday. All other district buildings remained open. Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBPalm_lsj. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Classes at Okemos elementary canceled on Tuesday following 'incident' Customers fill the alleyway tables at Anajak Thai on Oct. 7, 2021, in Sherman Oaks. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times) Its like being kicked in the shins, over and over again. Holly Fox, co-owner of Last Word Hospitality, the group behind Found Oyster Bar in East Hollywood and Nossa Caipirinha Bar in Los Feliz, is bracing for another painful, expensive battle to stay in business. In the fall of 2020, she spent about $22,000 to install a parklet patio in front of Found Oyster, using a permit she was granted through the city's L.A. Al Fresco, a program that allowed restaurants to quickly open outdoor dining areas amid a pandemic. Two weeks later, dining was shut down again. She reopened in February 2021 and has continued to adapt to develop a sustainable business model. The Al Fresco dining program saved Found Oyster, she said. Without it, we would have had to close. Restaurants relied on the Al Fresco program to set up vital outdoor seating areas and bring in much-needed revenue when many people were still hesitant to eat indoors, or out at all. The program bypassed the usual paperwork, bureaucracy, fees and months of approval that accompany the city permitting process, allowing restaurants to apply for free permits online in minutes and to set up dining areas on private property, on sidewalks, along curbsides and in the street. Without it, many restaurants would have closed. Now, the city's proposed ordinance would revert to confusing red tape that could cost restaurants tens of thousands of dollars and put those who can't afford the additional costs out of business for good. The proposed ordinance, the subject of a public hearing for comments on Wednesday, would introduce restrictions and require restaurants to apply for expensive new permits for existing patios created using the program. "Restaurants will need to apply under the permanent Al Fresco Program in order to continue offering outdoor dining at their establishment," Yeghig Keshishian, L.A. City Planning chief external affairs officer, wrote in an email to The Times. "The original intent behind L.A. Al Fresco was to provide restaurant operators the ability to temporarily keep their doors open during the height of the pandemic, as a result of waivers granted through the emergency orders. Now that those emergency orders are being lifted, the City must codify this program to preserve the original intent of L.A. Al Fresco." Story continues The proposal comes at a time when restaurants are just starting to dig out of the mountain of debt they accrued during the last three years, and when ingredient and labor costs are skyrocketing. I cant imagine after three of the hardest years for restaurants worldwide, to go for another sucker punch, said Tyler Wells, chef-owner of All Time restaurant in Los Feliz. The entirety of the seating at All Time is outdoors. Wells and his wife and partner Ashley applied for an al fresco dining permit in May 2021. They invested about $30,000 on decks with seating and landscaping. In July 2021, they opened their new patio with 60 seats. We lost 75% of our business overnight, and it was basically an impossible two years, he said. It [outdoor dining] allowed us to bounce back. From left, co-partners of Found Oyster Holly Fox, Ari Kolender, Adam Weisblatt and Joe Laraja on Jan. 21, 2020. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times) The proposed ordinance would require Wells to apply for multiple new permits to keep and serve alcohol on the patio he has been operating for the last few years. If the ordinance is passed as drafted and he doesnt comply, hell lose 30 seats and have to restructure his economic plan for the restaurant, including cutting staff. The Al Fresco dining program allowed more than 2,500 businesses to skip the expensive, months-long process of applications, approvals and fees. Eddie Navarrette, executive director of the Independent Hospitality Coalition, a group that advocates for and supports independent restaurants, said he can't begin to quantify the contribution of the original Al Fresco program to the survival of restaurants. He has helped numerous restaurants apply for various permits over the years. "A lot of businesses are closing left and right, especially with other things to deal with like rising food costs," he said. These 10-minute permits allowed you to put your seats out there." Navarrette recently sent out an email blast to restaurants in the IHC, alerting them to the public hearing on Wednesday and to a similar ordinance proposed in West Hollywood. The al fresco permit also allowed you to not have to get a conditional use permit for the expansion of your onsite alcohol consumption privileges, he said. Without the al fresco permit, these are some of the most expensive, long and cumbersome processes for restaurants." Navarrette estimates that the application process alone for a conditional use permit can cost $20,000 and take about a year for planning approval. According to Navarrette, if you want to apply to have seating outside that is more than 50% of what you already have inside, youll need to apply for some kind of zone variance, which is another application and fee. For restaurants that need help navigating the red tape, that could cost another $20,000 for a consultant. If you want seating on your private parking lot, youre going to need to hire someone to draw plans for you, draft them up, submit them to building and safety, have them review them, issue corrections with a series of back and forth, have a contractor pull the permit and have an inspector inspect the place, Navarrette said. Its the same type of permit you would have to get if you did a major remodel or expansion. How is anyone going to afford this? Wells said he wouldn't be applying for permits to make his expanded patio a permanent fixture at All Time. He previously applied for a sidewalk permit at another property and spent $7,000 with no guarantee of approval. The pandemic al fresco permit was the most thoughtful working program this city has ever offered to restaurants, and I cant wrap my mind around it, he said. It feels very mean-spirited to take away things that have been a godsend. According to Keshishian, the planning approvals and permits needed will depend on the restaurant's business model. He said the city is still exploring ways to streamline the process and intends to put forth recommendations for the City Planning Commission to consider in the spring. In addition to the new permits, the proposed ordinance includes restrictions such as the height of a barrier wall, the number of parking spaces that could be turned into outdoor dining areas and allowances for private events. Christy Vega, who invested hundreds of thousands of dollars of pandemic relief money and loans to transform a portion of her parking lot into a large tented outdoor restaurant at Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks, more than doubled her dining area using her al fresco dining permit obtained during the pandemic. She said she thought the allowances would be permanent. A section of the proposed ordinance would require her to shrink her patio to the area of just five parking spaces or apply for a conditional use permit, which Navarrette calls "very expensive" and said would take a year to process. Its not going to be enough for restaurants to even invest in setting up a patio, she said. Thats really brutal. And everybodys loans just became due in January. At the start of the pandemic, nearly 4 million small businesses and nonprofits took out Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the federal government, according to the Small Business Administration. After years of deferrals, many businesses had to start paying back their loans in January. While the ordinance introduces restrictions, Keshishian and Navarrette both said that it's also intended to loosen some existing restrictions as well. One is the removal of a zoning provision that all patios had to follow prior to Covid, which limited the installation of outdoor seating to no more than 50% of what is available inside. "This is the one thing in the current ordinance proposal that is good," Navarrette said. "There are other zoning regulations in effect today, such as limits to outdoor dining on the ground floor only, which we are also seeking to loosen to support businesses while still maintaining good neighborhood serving policies that protect public health and welfare," Keshishian said. Allowances for outdoor dining on a second story won't impact Casa Vega, but private outdoor events are a significant source of revenue for the restaurant. A section of the ordinance outlines prohibited activity including private events and cover charges in outdoor dining areas. The public wants the ability to live life, celebrate moments and milestones in safe outdoor environments, Vega said. Safety and the comfort of diners are also of concern for Fox, whose indoor dining area at Found Oyster includes counter seating, small tables pushed up against the opposite wall and a narrow space to walk in between. Her al fresco permit allowed the restaurant to add 20 seats outside, and most importantly, to remain open. If she loses the parklet in front of the restaurant, she estimates being forced to lay off 15% to 20% of her staff and lose the ability to accommodate those who feel safer eating outdoors. With the little parklet we have, its not big, she said. Were still seeing a clientele not comfortable eating indoors and that may be something that lasts for a portion of the population. In addition to being a lifeline for Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks, outdoor dining helped him develop a voice and a style that catapulted his familys restaurant, which first opened in 1981, to the #2 spot on our 101 Best Restaurants list in 2022. Pichetrungsi applied for an al fresco permit in 2020 and said he was like auto-approved. He began hosting Thai Taco Tuesdays in the alley next to his restaurant, and omakase meals that introduced the city to his innovative take on Thai food informed by the energy and diversity of Los Angeles. The alley has become a major part of how we sort of see ourselves as this binary space which is not only economically fulfilling, but identity-wise, I dont think I can divorce myself from it, he said. Its sad and its counterproductive to the strides restaurants like mine have made to adapt and adapt. While the al fresco permit Anajak holds covers both the alley and the front patio portion of his restaurant, Pichetrungsi said just eliminating the four tables in front would mean losing 48 covers a night. The economics of outdoor dining really helps and restaurants provided so much activation in the industry and just the culture of how this city is now, he said. The patios unlocked a whole sort of mini segment within the economy that can be monetized. Isnt the city perturbed by how many restaurant closures there have been?" While restaurant success rates nationwide have never been high, the city is experiencing a slew of recent closures including the celebrated Konbi in both Echo Park and Culver City. Many restaurant owners and chefs had the same question: If restaurants have successfully operated patios for the last three years, without complaint, why change the system? "In short, our zoning rules clearly articulate a series of rules that restaurant owners must adhere to from parking to hours of operation, among many other considerations," said Keshishian. "These rules did not go away with the emergency orders; they were merely relaxed for a specified period of time. In the end, all of our policies should balance business interests along with community impacts." Navarrette is hoping Los Angeles will adopt something in line with San Franciscos recent Shared Spaces program, which clearly outlines with pictures, how to extend a patio permit for restaurants and requires a single permit from the Alcoholic Beverage Control department to serve alcohol on the patio versus a permit from the ABC and a conditional use permit in Los Angeles. "To be clear, this ordinance is only speaking toward zoning rules or Department of City Planning process," Navarrette said. "It still does not get into how the Department of Building and Safety will implement actual permits for patios. We also do not know yet how we will approach other areas on public right of way such as parklets, unused alleyways or similar circumstances. These rules must come from the L.A. Department of Transportation. Most likely a separate permit will be required there as well. It's all very confusing for an operator to figure out." The uncertainty surrounding the proposed changes worries Fox of Found Oyster and Nossa, who said pre-pandemic, it would take 12 to 14 months from signing a lease to opening a restaurant. Now, it takes closer to two years and can involve at least seven different department approvals, each with its own priorities, fees and timelines. Shes already close to doubling her budget for city-related costs for the two restaurants she has open and the two she is working to open. If we have to build a new deck at Found Oyster, well probably be spending $35,000 to $40,000 with furniture plus any of the city fees and time, she said. Right now, a conditional use permit process by itself, Im spending, with expedited fees, $10,000 to $12,000 to apply, another $15,000 to effectuate, and that doesnt include the cost of consultants to get it done. Thats upwards of $45,000 to $60,000, just for the conditional use permit approval and that excludes building and safety fees, other permit fees and any construction costs. Its pay to play. Fox is also worried about the ability to keep operating during the permit approval process. If we can, then the cost is mitigated because we will experience a massive loss of business during that time, she said. If not, we would have to completely re-adapt how we run our restaurant while we wait. Keshishian said restaurants will be able to maintain their outdoor dining operations on private property and sell alcohol under their existing permit, as long as the restaurant has filed an application for a new permanent permit before the emergency orders are lifted at the end of August. "City Planning is not looking to alter their existing operations until we have finished processing their application," he said. "At the end of the day, this ordinance is intended to support the operations of these restaurants. Its in their interest to apply; otherwise, they will find themselves to be out of compliance with a series of citywide regulations that are in effect, everything from parking to outdoor seating." Navarrette anticipates any new ordinance taking 10 to 24 months to be proposed, approved and implemented. Based on his experience with restaurants dealing with code enforcement actions, he estimates a series of warnings and fines for restaurants that dont comply, followed by possible criminal action from the city attorneys office. We are out of support, and it feels like such a backward step, Fox said. We should be doing all that we can to keep this vibrancy alive because so much good came out of the creative push that was the horror of the pandemic. Making it harder and harder for restaurants just doesnt make sense. Who benefits? This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A 30-year-old East Orange man has been charged with committing a daring string of armed robberies along North Jersey highways in a single night last month, all of which were called in to three different agencies within 30 minutes. Thomas Johnson was arrested at his home on Thursday after authorities from Bergen County executed a search warrant of his home, believing him to be the suspect who robbed a 7-Eleven store on Broadway in Fair Lawn, a BP gas station on Route 4 in Paramus, and the Valero and Bolla gas stations on Route 17 in Mahwah, one after another in a whirlwind carnival of crime on Jan. 22. In each incident, the robber was described as a male wearing a mask, gloves and hood, who brandished a handgun and sped away in a light-colored sedan, described in at least two incidents as a Volkswagen Passat. Investigators suspected Johnson of committing a similar robbery at a 7-Eleven in Elmwood Park three-days later, although prosecutors did not say what evidence led them to accuse him of the crimes. Johnson was remanded to the Bergen County Jail as he awaits a court hearing on six counts of armed robbery, weapons violations and one count of aggravated assault related to the allegation he had pointed a handgun at one of the victims. Law enforcement has never made the exact timing of the serial robberies known. Paramus dispatch places the first call to authorities at 10:43 p.m., and the first robbery in Mahwah, a Valero gas station near Route 287, was reported to police 21 minutes later. However, Google shows those that two points are about 13 miles and an 18-minute drive apart, leaving little time to commit both thefts, let alone exit the highway to rob the 7-Eleven on Broadway in Fair Lawn, where local police responded at 10:46 p.m., during the interim. There was a gap of time between the robbery occurring and when the cashier called the police, Metzler said of the thief's quick actions in Fair Lawn. But nevertheless, the speed and efficiency with which all four robberies were committed seemed remarkable. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bergen County NJ: Suspect arrested in multi-town crime spree A man was robbed of his cell phone after he was attacked near Seattles Chinatown-International District Monday morning. Shortly after 8 a.m., police arrived at the scene in the 800 block of Maynard Avenue South, where a 35-year-old man said he had been walking when a man approached him from behind and hit him in the head with a large metal pipe, according to a post on the Seattle Police Blotter. The victim fell to the ground and dropped his cell phone, which the attacker then picked up. Police said the suspect followed the victim as he ran away after the attack. Employees at a nearby business helped the victim call 911 while they kept an eye on the suspect as he paced the area before heading east on South Plummer Street. Workers at another business in the area gave police information about the suspects path of travel and confirmed his description. During a search of the area, officers found a 41-year-old man in the 1000 block of Sixth Avenue South who matched the description of the suspect given by the victim and employees at nearby businesses. Police said the victims cell phone was found in the suspects pocket. The man was arrested for investigation of robbery and was later booked into the King County Jail. Seattle Fire Department medics treated the victim at the scene. The entrance of Dallas Zoo on June 3, 2008. Steve Helber/AP The suspect charged in Dallas Zoo animal disappearances told police he 'loved animals,' the Dallas Morning News reported. Yet, police found he kept animals in an abandoned house in 'extreme poor conditions.' The suspect told police he planned to steal more animals if released, according to the Morning News. The suspect arrested in connection with the theft of two monkeys at the Dallas Zoo told police he 'loved animals' and planned to steal more if he was released, according to an affidavit obtained by the Dallas Morning News. Davion Irvin, 24, is currently in custody at the Dallas County Jail he was arrested last week after being found at a nearby aquarium, according to Dallas police. Police believe Irvin is the culprit behind recent mysterious incidents at the Dallas Zoo, the Dallas Morning News reported. The most recent incident that led to Irvin's arrest involved the disappearance of two emperor tamarin monkeys, which were later found in squalid conditions at an empty home about 20 minutes away from the zoo. When police arrived at the abandoned house on January 30, they found the animals kept in "extreme poor condition," the Dallas Morning News reported. Police said two missing monkeys were in a closet without any access to outside light or air, surrounded by bird feces and feathers and moldy clothing, according to the Morning News. Police also found a handful of cats in the home, along with 12 pigeons and some dead animals, including goldfish they believe were also stolen from the zoo, the Morning News reported. The Morning News reported that police also found a number of items in the home that were stolen from a staff-only section of the zoo, including fish food, water chemicals, and training supplies. Prior to the disappearance of the tamarin monkeys, police were investigating a number of other suspicious incidents at the Dallas Zoo. First, on January 13, a clouded leopard disappeared after its enclosure had been reportedly tampered with (The leopard was later found unharmed on zoo grounds). Story continues Then, zoo officials discovered that the enclosures of langur monkeys had also been cut open, though none had escaped. And a week later, an endangered vulture named Pin was found dead under "unusual" circumstances, which police deemed "suspicious." The Dallas police have charged Irvin with six counts of animal cruelty and two counts of burglary in connection to the incidents involving the tamarins, the leopard, and the langurs, Insider previously reported. Police are still investigating if Irvin is connected to the vulture's death. Read the original article on Insider A Topeka man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a grass fire burned roughly six acres on the sprawling grounds of Cedar Crest, the governors mansion where Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly lives. The Topeka Fire Department and the Topeka Police Department are investigating what they are calling an intentionally-set grass fire Monday outside the governors mansion. Firefighters were dispatched at 1:42 p.m. in response to a report of a large grass fire, according to a statement from Topeka Fire Marshal Alan Stahl. While (Topeka Fire Department) was performing an attack on the grassfire, (Topeka Police Department) officers located an adult male suspect in the area who observed setting the fire. The suspect was taken into custody, Stahl said. Pedro Michel-Mota Ruiz, a 36year-old resident of Topeka, was arrested Monday and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. A booking report says Ruiz is being held on suspicion of arson. The fire was contained by 3:30 p.m. and no buildings were damaged, Stahl said. A spokeswoman for Kelly didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Cedar Crest, in northwest Topeka, is the traditional residence of Kansas governors. It sits on 244 acres that include public hiking trails. The fire doesnt appear to have significantly disrupted activities at Cedar Crest; Kelly held a reception for freshmen legislators at the mansion on Monday evening, according to posts on social media. A trooper with the MSP Emergency Support (ES) team talks to a parent outside Okemos High School near the football field Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, after false 911 calls of a shooting. No students or staff were injured. LANSING Law enforcement and emergency management officials say despite false reports claiming violence at more than a half a dozen schools across the state on Tuesday, widespread hoaxes alleging school violence are rare. Callers reported violence at schools in Okemos, Portage, Saginaw, Jackson, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit and Muskegon among others on Tuesday morning, but officials said none of the claims proved to be true. After a caller reported an active shooter at Okemos High School just after 9 a.m., six police agencies, the FBI and ATF and emergency management personnel responded to the school, evacuated it and searched the building. They found no evidence of violence and school officials canceled classes for the remainder of the day and Wednesday. "Fortunately, this was a false call that does not make it any less serious. This put a lot of fear and impact into students, community members and faculty," Meridian Township Police Chief Ken Plaga said. "Its a terrible thing." The false reports, known as "swatting," usually involve making a hoax call to law enforcement to purposefully cause a heavy police or SWAT team response at a given location. It's rare to see false calls regarding multiple school districts in a given day though, Michigan State Police Lt. Rene Gonzalez said. "I don't believe we've had an incident like this within the last year of something where so many schools are being affected," he said. "Normally it'll be one school, an isolated incident." Buses staged outside the football field at Okemos High School, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, to transport students away from the school to meet their parents. Still, police have to take every report of violence seriously, he said. "For any active shooter report that we get, we take the safety of the students and the faculty seriously," he said. "They're our first concern so we're going to go in and treat it as is an active shooter and go into school and clear it out." The FBI was investigating Tuesday's rash of false shooting calls to schools. A caller with a heavy accent stated a school's name and address and claimed to be a teacher reporting that a student had shot another student in a specific classroom, state officials said. Story continues READ MORE: Shooting hoax at Okemos High causes angst, district-wide closures 'This can't keep happening:' Okemos parents, students react to shooting hoax Teacher describes police descending on classroom Photos: Students, staff at Okemos High School safe after hoax 911 shooting call Swatting calls put at least 8 Michigan schools on alert Tuesday; officials say that's rare "There is a suspicion that it's possibly connected only because it all did happen in one day and it's happening throughout the state," Gonzalez said. "It appears that they may be connected, but that hasn't been confirmed." Some mid-Michigan school districts either took their own precautions or reassured parents they were prepared to handle potential issues Tuesday. Just 12 miles from Okemos, school officials at Waverly Community Schools announced students and staff would "shelter in place" district-wide "Out of an abundance of precaution..." after the Okemos threat, according to a post on the district's Facebook page Tuesday. Officials in others locations, including Charlotte Public Schools and St. Johns Public Schools, reassured parents they were aware of the false threats and prepared if they received any. "Please know that districts across Eaton County are working with local police and our Eaton County Emergency Manager on how to respond to potential similar 'Swatting' calls if that were to happen in our district," said Charlotte schools Superintendent Mandy Stewart in an email to parents. St. Johns Superintendent Mark Palmer expressed a similar sentiment. "We have been in contact with local and area authorities to confirm this was a false report. Police will be checking in with buildings today as a precaution. At this point, we have no reason to believe additional actions beyond our regular security protocols need to be taken." Eaton County Emergency Manager Ryan Wilkinson said his office coordinated with local law enforcement and area school officials on Tuesday regarding how they should respond if any threats regarding violence at school buildings come in. School officials "consult with us regularly on their comprehensive emergency management plans, processes, procedures, training and even exercises," Wilkinson said. The widespread hoax calls received Tuesday are rare, he said. "I certainly hope it doesn't become a commonplace thing," Wilkinson said. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a warning Tuesday about the serious repercussions to those who make false claims of school violence. "Threats of violence in our schools disrupt the classroom, tax our local law enforcement agencies and harm our students sense of safety, Nessel said. Whether these are real threats made by those intent on doing harm or pranks made by kids trying to get a day off, they are real crimes with real consequences." In a release, Nessel noted swatting is a 93-day misdemeanor while making a threat of terrorism can carry a 20-year prison term. Tuesday has been "a traumatic day for students, staff, and school communities across the entire state," Tina Kerr, executive director of the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators, said in an emailed statement. "While we are thankful none of the active shooter reports came to fruition and were found to be hoaxes, its heart-breaking that they happened in the first place. Inciting fear and panic in our children and dedicated school staff are absolutely inexcusable acts." Contact Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @GrecoatLSJ . This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Swatting calls at Okemos and other schools rare, officials say Four charged in the ComEd bribery scheme are, from left, consultant Jay Doherty, lobbyist and former ComEd executive John Hooker, retired lobbyist Michael McClain and former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore. (Chicago Tribune) In a flurry of pretrial filings, lawyers for the so-called ComEd Four are seeking to keep large swaths of evidence away from the jury next month, including the utilitys admissions of a scheme to influence then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, the millions of dollars in campaign contributions ComEd showered on lawmakers, and a prosecution expert who would testify about machine politics and corruption. A filing by attorneys for ex-City Club President Jay Doherty late Monday got to the heart of the defense: That the feds will fail to show a connection between the money ComEd was showering on Madigan associates and his official duties to influence any legislation. Advertisement The governments case against Doherty is at best circumstantial but more accurately it is speculative, his lawyers, Gabrielle Sansonetti and Michael Gillespie wrote. His statements, they said, suggest only as a lobbyist would, that keeping Madigan happy helps ensure access to Madigan so ComEd can lobby Madigan on its behalf. Prosecutors, meanwhile, want to bar the defense from making a Blagojevich-esque Play all the Tapes argument, and keep them from suggesting to the jury that government played favorites by not charging certain individuals in the case including Madigan. Advertisement The motions filed late Monday were the first in whats expected to be a weekslong battle over what specific evidence can come into the bombshell bribery conspiracy trial, which begins with jury selection March 6 at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. Charged in the case were Madigans longtime confidant, Michael McClain, 75, of downstate Quincy, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, 64, ex-ComEd lobbyist John Hooker, 73, and Doherty, 69, the former head of the City Club of Chicago. All of the defendants have pleaded not guilty. The trial, which is scheduled to last up to two months, is the first arising from the yearslong corruption investigation into ComEds lobbying practices in Springfield, and will offer a preview of the criminal case against Madigan, who was indicted separately in March 2022 and is currently set for trial next year. The ComEd conspiracy charges alleged McClain, a former legislator and lobbyist whose connections to Madigan go back to their time in the General Assembly together in the 1970s, orchestrated a scheme to funnel jobs and hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments from the utility to Madigan-approved consultants in exchange for Madigans assistance with legislation the utility giant wanted passed in Springfield. The indictment also alleged ComEd agreed to hire numerous summer interns from Madigans 13th Ward, and install former McPier boss Juan Ochoa on the companys board of directors in order to curry favor with the then-powerful speaker. ComEd, meanwhile, entered into a deferred prosecution deal with prosecutors in July 2020, agreeing to pay a record $200 million fine and cooperate with the investigation in exchange for bribery charges being dropped in three years. In his filing Monday, Pramaggiores attorney, Scott Lassar, argued that ComEds deal with prosecutors was irrelevant when it comes to the defendants on trial, and that allowing the jury to hear evidence about it would be improper. Allowing the jury to learn of ComEds agreement to pay $200 million would severely prejudice defendants because jurors may conclude that ComEd thought that its officers committed a very serious crime if they paid a $200 million fine, Lassar wrote. Advertisement Attorneys for the defendants have also asked U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber to bar certain testimony from former ComEd Vice President Fidel Marquez, who cooperated in the investigation after being confronted by agents in January 2019 and made secret recordings of his colleagues. Lassar said Marquez was acting as a government agent when he made the recordings and therefore his statements should be considered hearsay. The fact Marquez was cooperating also calls into question the truth and accuracy of his statements, Lassar wrote, because the language he used may have been suggested by the government or tailored by Mr. Marquez to conform to what he believed the government wanted to hear. All four defendants are also seeking to bar evidence of their salaries and other compensation from ComEd, saying its irrelevant and could prejudice the jury. The Tribune has previously reported that Pramaggiore received as much as $1.8 million in pay and benefits in 2011 alone. Hooker received $1.15 million in compensation and benefits that same year for similar non-lobbying activity, while McClain received $438,000 from ComEd for non-lobbying work after he had retired from lobbying. A chart filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission also showed Dohertys consulting firm received $3.7 million from 2010 through 2019 for duties ranging from promoting positive relations with ward organizations to working with the office of the mayor and city agencies. ComEd identified three Doherty subcontractors as doing little or no work, including Ray Nice, a longtime precinct captain in Madigans 13th Ward. Nice picked up $450,000 from February 2012 through July 2019. Advertisement The other two subcontractors were former 13th Ward Ald. Frank Olivo, who received $384,000 from August 2011 through July 2019, and former Ald. Mike Zalewski of the neighboring 23rd Ward, who collected $70,000 from June 2018 through July 2019. Nice, Olivo and Zalewski have not been charged in the case. Among the other evidentiary issues the defense raised in its motions Monday was a request to bar the expert testimony of professor Dick Simpson, a former Chicago alderman, whom prosecutors have tapped to describe for jurors the structure, method, and operation of the Chicago political machine. Lawyers for the defendants described Simpsons proposed testimony as unreliable, irrelevant, cumulative and prejudicial and a transparent attempt to paint the four defendants with the broad brush of Chicago political corruption. Even if the 150-year history of Chicago political corruption were at all relevant to the facts at issue, the jury needs no special expertise to understand that there has historically been political corruption in Chicago, the defense motion stated. McClains attorney, Patrick Cotter, argued that testimony about two alleged subcontractors under Dohertys consulting company who were separately appointed to paid public board positions would be irrelevant because it has nothing to do with benefits to ComEd. Advertisement Lawyers for Hooker, meanwhile, are seeking to bar evidence that Madigan in 2018 delegated control over major gambling legislation to McClain, who then gave directions and advice to Madigans staff and to the bills sponsor, state Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island. Hookers attorney also wants to bar evidence about Kevin Quinn, the Madigan lieutenant who received monthly payments from the speakers loyalists after he was ousted in a sexual harassment scandal a story first revealed by the Tribune in 2019. Defense lawyers also sought to prevent any information about a July 2018 fundraiser for Ald. Edward Burke, the 14th Ward dean of the City Council who has been indicted in his own high-profile corruption case, saying a recording that references the event would be irrelevant, unduly prejudicial, a waste of time and risks confusing the jury. In a motion of their own, prosecutors asked Leinenweber for a host of rulings that were mostly standard requests by the U.S. attorneys office in criminal trials, including barring defendants from presenting irrelevant evidence of other, legal acts, and from using the Golden Rule argument with the jury asking them to put themselves in the defendants shoes. And the U.S. attorneys office also wants to bar any insinuation that the government was hiding something by playing only a portion of the secret recordings made during the investigation a refrain employed repeatedly in public statements by convicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The court should bar the defendants from asking questions or making comments that invite juror speculation regarding the existence or content of recordings or portions of recordings not played at trial, prosecutors wrote. Such comments or questions serve no legitimate purpose they cause the jury to focus on evidence that is not in front of them, and wrongly suggest that the government is withholding evidence favorable to the defense from the jury. Advertisement The ComEd Four trial promises to be the biggest political corruption trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse since Blagojevich was convicted by a jury in 2011. Among those expected to testify is Ochoa, the former boss of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, who was appointed to a lucrative position on ComEds board after pressure allegedly from Madigan and McClain. Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > The Tribune has reported that in 2017, Ochoa enlisted the help of then-U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez to lobby Madigan for the board appointment and also met with then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Ochoas testimony could also touch on U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia, a political ally of Ochoas who at the time had formed an unusual political alliance with Madigan, the Tribune has reported. Garcia, who is now running for mayor, has denied any involvement in Ochoas appointment to the board. The trial will also offer a preview of many of the allegations against Madigan himself, who was indicted along with McClain last March on racketeering conspiracy charges alleging an array of corrupt schemes, including the alleged plan to use the power of his office to steer ComEd money to his cronies. That case has been set for trial in April 2024. Madigan, who was dethroned from the speakership in January 2021, has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges against him. Hes also vigorously defended making job recommendations, both before and after his indictment. Not only is helping people find jobs not a crime, Madigan wrote in 2020 to a legislative panel, its not even ethically improper for politicians to make job recommendations. Advertisement To the contrary, I believe that it is part of my duties as a community and political leader to help good people find work from potential executives to college interns, and more, Madigan wrote. What an employer chooses to do with that recommendation rests solely with their discretion. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com rlong@chicagotribune.com A trooper with the MSP Emergency Support (ES) team talks to a parent outside Okemos High School near the football field Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, after false 911 calls of a shooting. No students or staff were injured. LANSING Law enforcement and emergency management officials say despite false reports claiming violence at more than a half a dozen schools across the state on Tuesday, widespread hoaxes alleging school violence are rare. Callers reported violence at schools in Okemos, Portage, Saginaw, Jackson, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit and Muskegon among others on Tuesday morning, but officials said none of the claims proved to be true. After a caller reported an active shooter at Okemos High School just after 9 a.m., six police agencies, the FBI and ATF and emergency management personnel responded to the school, evacuated it and searched the building. They found no evidence of violence and school officials canceled classes for the remainder of the day and Wednesday. "Fortunately, this was a false call that does not make it any less serious. This put a lot of fear and impact into students, community members and faculty," Meridian Township Police Chief Ken Plaga said. "Its a terrible thing." The false reports, known as "swatting," usually involve making a hoax call to law enforcement to purposefully cause a heavy police or SWAT team response at a given location. The Battle Creek Police Department received a 911 call Tuesday with false information about a shooting at Battle Creek Central High School. Police were in direct contact with the districts liaison officer, who was on-site at the building, and immediately identified the call as a hoax, district officials said in a Facebook post. Harper Creek Community Schools also received a false report Tuesday of a student with a weapon at Harper Creek High School. Police determined there was no threat to student or staff safety. The school district in partnership with the Emmett Township Department of Public Safety was prepared prior to the incident as other false reports were being reported in neighboring counties, Harper Creek Superintendent Rob Ridgeway said in a statement. We take any and all reports of potential threats seriously, and we are making every effort to maintain an environment where students and staff feel safe. Story continues It's rare to see false calls regarding multiple school districts in a given day though, Michigan State Police Lt. Rene Gonzalez said. "I don't believe we've had an incident like this within the last year of something where so many schools are being affected," he said. "Normally it'll be one school, an isolated incident." Buses staged outside the football field at Okemos High School, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, to transport students away from the school to meet their parents. Still, police have to take every report of violence seriously, he said. "For any active shooter report that we get, we take the safety of the students and the faculty seriously," he said. "They're our first concern so we're going to go in and treat it as is an active shooter and go into school and clear it out." The FBI was investigating Tuesday's rash of false shooting calls to schools. A caller with a heavy accent stated a school's name and address and claimed to be a teacher reporting that a student had shot another student in a specific classroom, state officials said. "There is a suspicion that it's possibly connected only because it all did happen in one day and it's happening throughout the state," Gonzalez said. "It appears that they may be connected, but that hasn't been confirmed." Some mid-Michigan school districts either took their own precautions or reassured parents they were prepared to handle potential issues Tuesday. Just 12 miles from Okemos, school officials at Waverly Community Schools announced students and staff would "shelter in place" district-wide "Out of an abundance of precaution..." after the Okemos threat, according to a post on the district's Facebook page Tuesday. Officials in others locations, including Charlotte Public Schools and St. Johns Public Schools, reassured parents they were aware of the false threats and prepared if they received any. "Please know that districts across Eaton County are working with local police and our Eaton County Emergency Manager on how to respond to potential similar 'Swatting' calls if that were to happen in our district," said Charlotte schools Superintendent Mandy Stewart in an email to parents. St. Johns Superintendent Mark Palmer expressed a similar sentiment. "We have been in contact with local and area authorities to confirm this was a false report. Police will be checking in with buildings today as a precaution. At this point, we have no reason to believe additional actions beyond our regular security protocols need to be taken." Eaton County Emergency Manager Ryan Wilkinson said his office coordinated with local law enforcement and area school officials on Tuesday regarding how they should respond if any threats regarding violence at school buildings come in. School officials "consult with us regularly on their comprehensive emergency management plans, processes, procedures, training and even exercises," Wilkinson said. The widespread hoax calls received Tuesday are rare, he said. "I certainly hope it doesn't become a commonplace thing," Wilkinson said. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a warning Tuesday about the serious repercussions to those who make false claims of school violence. "Threats of violence in our schools disrupt the classroom, tax our local law enforcement agencies and harm our students sense of safety, Nessel said. Whether these are real threats made by those intent on doing harm or pranks made by kids trying to get a day off, they are real crimes with real consequences." In a release, Nessel noted swatting is a 93-day misdemeanor while making a threat of terrorism can carry a 20-year prison term. Tuesday has been "a traumatic day for students, staff, and school communities across the entire state," Tina Kerr, executive director of the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators, said in an emailed statement. "While we are thankful none of the active shooter reports came to fruition and were found to be hoaxes, its heart-breaking that they happened in the first place. Inciting fear and panic in our children and dedicated school staff are absolutely inexcusable acts." Contact Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @GrecoatLSJ or contributing reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Swatting calls at Okemos and other schools rare, officials say Flag of Switzerland Read also: Switzerland pivots to allow re-export of weapons to Ukraine The leader of the center-right FDP party, Thierry Burkart, has submitted a motion to the government to allow arms re-exports to countries with similar democratic values to Switzerland. We want to be neutral, but we are part of the western world, said Burkart. He added that Switzerland should not support Russia. "We shouldn't have the veto to stop others helping Ukraine, he told journalists. Read also: Switzerland joins EUs latest Russian sanctions If we do that, we support Russia which is not a neutral position. Reuters writes that Swiss social democrats and green liberals adhere to a similar opinion. The Green Party is against this change, as they say that concessions in favor of Ukraine could become a slippery slope to the abolition of all restrictions, which would be incompatible with Switzerlands neutrality. Read also: Sanctions have reduced quality of Russian weapons, Ukrainian official says The Swiss People's Party (SVP) also remains committed to neutrality, as its representatives consider the relevant law to be the basis of the country's peace and prosperity. Though some of them note that the situation around the ban on weapon exports negatively affects the Swiss arms industry. On Feb. 5, Sotomo published a poll that showed 55% of respondents in Switzerland are in favor of allowing weapons to be re-exported to Ukraine. Pollsters note that if this question had been asked before the war, the answer would probably have been less than 25%. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine CAIRO (Reuters) - Syria's Red Crescent is ready to deliver relief aid to all the country's regions including opposition-held areas and is urging the United Nation to facilitate this, its head said on Tuesday. "We do not differentiate between any of the Syrian people. We are the Syrian Arab Red Crescent for all the Syrian people," Khaled Hboubati told in a news conference. At least 1,602 people have been killed and thousands injured in Syria following the earthquake and aftershocks in neighbouring Turkey. "We are ready to send an aid convoy through the cross line to the stricken areas in Idlib region (in northern Syria). If they (the opposition) opened a road for us, we will go. We have no problem with this," Hboubati said. He appealed to the United Nations, which has long coordinated the aid and relief operations in opposition-held areas, to help. His organisation needs heavy equipment, ambulances and fire engines to keep the rescue operations going, he said, calling for more international aid. (Reporting by Mahmoud Mourad; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Alison Williams) A cold case investigation that spanned nearly a half-century has led to the arrests of two men accused of killing a 17-year-old girl, Indiana cops say. Indiana State Police announced the arrests on Tuesday, Feb. 7, of Fred Bandy Jr. and John Wayne Lehman, both 67. They are charged with murder in the death of Laurel Jean Mitchell, whose body was found in North Webster Lake in Kosciusko County on Aug. 7, 1975. Kosciusko County is in northern Indiana about 45 miles west of Fort Wayne. The discovery of Mitchells body came a day after she did not arrive home from her job at Epworth Forest Church Camp in Kosciusko County, troopers said. Her cause of death was listed as drowning, and the autopsy report showed signs that she had fought for her life, Indiana State Police said in a news release. Investigators spent hundreds of hours on the case, but it became cold until recent DNA evidence corroborated various testimonies. Mitchells clothing was submitted to an Indiana State Police laboratory for DNA testing in 2019, according to Ink Free News. Samples on her clothing matched DNA of Bandy, the online publication reported, citing an affidavit. Bandy and Lehman had already been identified as potential suspects. In 2019, a man spoke to a Noble County Sheriffs Department detective and said Bandy and Lehman had admitted to him at a party that they killed Mitchell together, WPTA reported. Lehman also admitted he was involved in the crime to a woman he dated in 1975, the woman told investigators in 2013, according to WANE. Investigators believe Bandy and Lehman grabbed her, put her in Bandys 1971 Oldsmobile and took her to the Mallard Roost public access site on County Road 600 N in Noble County where they drowned her, WANE reported. Bandy and Lehman were arrested Monday, Feb. 6, and are being held in the Noble County Jail without bond, state police said. Science finally gave us the evidence we needed, Indiana State Police Capt. Kevin Smith said. Story continues Vietnam War vet was shot, thrown in Michigan river in 1973. Hes now been identified Slaying of Florida woman went unsolved for 36 years. A Mississippi man is now charged Dead man linked to two sexual assaults and killings decades ago, Nevada cops say In his fifth State of the State address, Gov. Bill Lee on Monday promised to cut taxes, transform transportation and expand insurance coverage to thousands of Tennessee parents and children. "Tennessee is leading. The question is, will we lead in a way that lasts in a way that our grandchildren areequipped and inspired to pick up where we left off?" Lee said. "I believe we can, and I look forward to pursuing that with all of you, this year and three more after that." Lee addressed a joint session of the 113th Tennessee General Assembly at the state Capitol, signaling his plans for his second term in office including a three-month grocery tax break, teacher raises, more technical college funding and workforce development support. Gov. Bill Lee delivers his State of the State address, the first of his second term, before a joint session of the Tennessee General Assembly at the state Capitol, on Monday, Feb. 6. But he also looked back to his first term, again proposing a $27-million paid family leave program for state employees, an effort that failed after he proposed it during his 2020 State of the State address. Lee also proposed a private sector paid family leave tax credit for a two-year pilot period. "This is not a mandate on businesses. I believe every business owner should make decisions that are in the best interest of their employees," Lee said. "A reasonable paid leave program will help us retain the best and brightest and help those who help our state, resulting in stronger families across Tennessee." A major theme of Lee's address was his focus on families, including more support new mothers, foster care, the embattled Department of Children's Services and, more controversially, crisis pregnancy centers. Lee is staunchly anti-abortion and supports the state's strict ban, even as some legislative Republicans are pursuing legal exceptions to the law. But the governor also has said the state must do more to support families after children are born. He said in his address the state had a "moral obligation" to support them. As Lee referenced last year's U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, he was interrupted by members of the public sitting in the House gallery. They loudly decried the governor's abortion and healthcare policies. Story continues "Civility is not a weakness," Lee remarked, veering away from his prepared remarks and prompting a standing ovation and loud applause from lawmakers and administration officials on the chamber floor, drowning out the gallery. "This is not a matter of politics. This is about human dignity," Lee said, returning to his speech. "We can have a healthy debate about the policy specifics, but we can also agree that America is rooted in a commitment to human dignity," Lee said. "Im talking about the dignity of the expecting mother working multiple jobs to make ends meet, the dignity of a baby born three months too early, the dignity of a father living with a disability, and the dignity of a family in crisis." In his annual State of the State address, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee outlined investments in families and children. But his speech was interrupted by members of the public protesting his strict anti-abortion policies. Lee gave his speech at the state Capitol on Monday, Feb. 6. The fall of the Roe precedent cleared the way for Tennessee to implement its no-exception abortion ban, under which a doctor could be charged with a felony for performing any abortion in the state, even one to save the life of a pregnant patient. The issue has been one Democrats have criticized Lee and Republicans on ever since. A group of medical professional protested the state's policies outside the House chamber on Monday night, holding signs with phrases such as, "Keep the government out of the exam room." "It's not civil to force 10-year-olds to carry a pregnancy," Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, replied on social media as Lee's speech remained underway. "Dissent is not incivility." TennCare funding for expanded postpartum coverage In his budget proposal released Monday night, Lee called for raising TennCare eligibility for mothers and parents, in addition to earmarking $4.6 million to extend a program offering 12 months of postpartum coverage. Lee also hopes to cover the cost of diapers for the first two year's of a baby's life for mothers on TennCare, which he said would be the first program of its kind in the nation. What's in the budget:Roads, stadiums and DCS: What's in Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee's $55.6B budget proposal Tyre Nichols:Gov. Bill Lee: Compassion in Memphis after Tyre Nichols' death a 'picture of hope' Tennessee Republicans have for years declined to expand Medicaid, which healthcare leaders and Democrats have continually called for ever since the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010. Democrats and other critics continue to say the Lee administration could do more by accepting additional federal funding. "We should expand TennCare, and we should do it now," House Minority Leader Karen Camper, D-Memphis, said in a speech ahead of Lee's address. "Every person who works should have health coverage, especially when its not offered to them through their job." Lee defended the decision to work through a Medicaid waiver program, which he said generated healthcare savings that can now go to coverage expansion. "We have the opportunity together to expand more services, reach more families in need, and improve ruralhealth care access across our state," Lee said. "Despite enormous criticism from those who said we couldnt or wouldnt, we are going to do exactly what we said we would do when we pursued this shared savings waiver expand services for the most vulnerable and provide those services to even more Tennesseans. And now that day has come." Abortion legislation:Tennessee Republicans back bills to add exceptions to abortion ban In his budget, Lee allocated $100 million for a grant fund to benefit crisis pregnancy centers, anti-abortion organizations that Lee has long supported and been actively involved in. The centers often offer pregnancy tests but are not licensed or regulated medical clinics. Lee earmarked $10 million for a grant program to support foster and adoption nonprofits in the state, as the state faces a severe children's services crisis. The embattled Department of Children's Services will get an additional $190 million in the budget. Infrastructure infusion key part of budget Lee proposed a $55.6-billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which is a decrease in overall spending compared to last year. The state's budget decreased $600 million as money from federal pandemic recovery efforts has dried up. Tennessee's sales tax revenue grew by 11%, allowing it to increase direct state spending by $3.1 billion compared to last year. Since his reelection last fall, Lee signaled infrastructure and transportation issues would play a major role in his second term. On Monday, the governor pointed to a $26-billion backlog of infrastructure projects in the state. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee during his annual State of the State address on Monday outlined major new investments in roads. Simply put, we are way behind, and we have to change the way we fund and build our roads and bridges, Lee said. We know that we have to tackle big, urban projects, but if we dont change the strategy, we all know who would end up paying the price our rural communities. Lee again said hed look to choice lanes, a term widely acknowledged as toll roads, something Lee bit back at Monday night in his speech. Memphis sports venues:Gov. Bill Lee announces $350M to renovate FedExForum and Liberty Stadium New lanes:Why the Lee administration is eyeing toll lanes to help solve Tennessee's traffic woes To alleviate urban congestion in our major cities and widen rural interstates across the state, were proposing an additional $3 billion to build roads in all three Grand Divisions, Lee said. With that, we are also proposing another $300 million into our local highway program, so that local communities can build and maintain the roads they need. And heres the bottom line there is a great cost to doing nothing. Democrats respond, see common ground but push for change Camper said Democrats are ready to work with Lee on "equitable" infrastructure projects across the state, but she was careful to note Tennessee is "flush with cash" for infrastructure needs due to President Joe Biden. Tennessee is expected to receive a $1.2 billion infusion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with about two-thirds going toward bridge projects and one-third toward highway infrastructure. "All of which, Gov. Lee and the supermajority have accepted," Camper said in a "prebuttal" speech on Saturday. "So now I am calling on Gov. Lee and the supermajority to accept more federal funding." Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee gave his annual State of the State address on Monday. The speech, before a joint session of the Tennessee General Assembly, was his fifth since taking office in 2019. "If they are willing to accept billions of dollars to improve our drive to work, they should have no problem accepting money to improve our healthcare," Camper said. Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, echoed that sentiment. She praised proposals for small business owners and children, for example, but said the investments were long overdue. Lee pushes new conservation efforts As he signaled in his inaugural address last month, Lee has set his sights on some conservation and environmental efforts in the next budget. Lee's proposed budget includes $82 million to fast-track restore former industrial sites, or brownfields. Lee on Monday said he'll propose legislation to revitalization It also includes funds for four new state parks, two new park lodges and expansion of three state natural areas. Our state parks are a jewel, and theyll only be around for the future if we invest in them today, Lee said. Legislative agenda unveiled In his Monday speech, Lee largely sidestepped ideological culture war issues the General Assembly's Republican supermajority has focused on in several of its early, high-profile bills. The governor earmarked $125 million for teacher pay raises in the upcoming budget, and said his administration would pursue legislation for continual teacher raises. "When I came into office, the minimum pay for teachers was set at $35,000. We are proposing legislation that, if it passes, will increase the minimum teacher pay, by the time I leave office, to $50,000," Lee said, receiving raucous applause and cheers from the chamber. "I'm glad y'all like that" Lee ad libbed. "I do, too." Another $1 billion in Lee's budget proposal has been earmarked toward technical colleges in the state, with Lee's plan to expand 16 existing technical colleges, replace seven facilities and build six new colleges. More coverage of Gov. Bill Lee Adam Friedman contributed to this report. Reach Melissa Brown at mabrown@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee calls for major investments in roads, families [Source] After ordering state agency officials to bar employees from downloading or using TikTok on state-issued devices, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday announced a plan for a statewide TikTok ban. Developed by the states Department of Public Safety and the Department of Information Resources, the Model Security Plan for Prohibited Technologies aims to address the security risks posed by TikTok and other software on both government-issued and personal devices of state employees. TikTok, owned by Beijing-based Bytedance, has long been accused of secretly harvesting user data. In December 2022, the company admitted to spying on multiple reporters in an effort to track down sources of leaked information. More from NextShark: Zelenskyy urges opportunity to speak with Xi because China has power to stop Russian invasion However, the social video platform denies spying for the Chinese government. It has also refuted several other accusations, including that it is tracking the locations of certain U.S. users, running illegal operations in Taiwan and pushing Chinese propaganda to shift public sentiment in the U.S. Abbott previously directed state agency officials to immediately ban employees from downloading or using TikTok on government-issued devices. The new plan expands to restrict employees or contractors from conducting state business on personal devices with TikTok or other prohibited software, including WeChat, Alipay and QQ Wallet. Story continues More from NextShark: Image of racist gesture at 2017 World Cup resurfaces; Korean fans celebrate 'karmic' victory The model also seeks the implementation of network-based restrictions to prevent the use of prohibited technologies on any device. Additionally, it aims to identify sensitive locations, meetings or personnel that could be exposed to devices with prohibited software. Abbott said in a news release: The security risks associated with the use of TikTok on devices used to conduct the important business of our state must not be underestimated or ignored. Owned by a Chinese company that employs Chinese Communist Party members, TikTok harvests significant amounts of data from a users device, including details about a users internet activity. Other prohibited technologies listed in the statewide model plan also produce a similar threat to the security of Texans. It is critical that state agencies and employees are protected from the vulnerabilities presented by the use of this app and other prohibited technologies as they work on behalf of their fellow Texans. Texas state agencies have until Feb. 15 to implement their own policies according to the plan. By Brad Brooks LUBBOCK, Texas (Reuters) -A Texas state senator on Tuesday proposed a package of legislation aimed at reducing mass shootings, like the one at a Uvalde elementary school that killed 19 kids and two teachers last year. Senator Roland Gutierrez, a Democrat whose district includes Uvalde, made appropriations requests of $2 billion in spending for expanding mental healthcare access and another $2 billion for increasing school security. Gutierrez said that next week he would introduce legislation in the Republican-dominated body, bills aimed at curtailing access to guns and ammunition, but did not provide details. He is also proposing moving a Confederate monument located on the grounds of the Texas state capitol and replacing it with one dedicated to the victims and survivors of several mass shootings that have hit the state in recent years. It was not clear if the bills would pass - aides for top Republicans in the legislature said it was too soon to tell how the proposals would be received. State legislatures across the United States in recent years have passed laws aimed at curtailing mass shootings, though some critics have said the laws focus on preparing for, and not preventing, the violence. In June, President Joe Biden signed the first major federal gun reform passed by Congress in three decades. "We should honor the kids that we failed so that we never forget them," Gutierrez said at a press conference with family members of school shooting victims from Uvalde and Santa Fe, Texas. Gutierrez also announced legislation to create a 10,000-officer strong Texas School Patrol to help secure schools across the state and increased training for several other law enforcement agencies in how to respond to school shootings. Another bill would improve radio operations in rural communities, as radios failed for officers who responded to the school shooting in Uvalde. The response from several law enforcement agencies to the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde last May was widely viewed as disastrous. Story continues Officers waited well over an hour before confronting the gunman who was holed up in fourth grade classrooms, despite children calling emergency services from a teacher's phone and pleading for help. It was the deadliest U.S. school shooting in almost a decade. Gutierrez called on fellow legislators to pass the bills, saying "we have the money" and the responsibility to make improvements in school safety. "Each parent should be able to send their kid to school, knowing they're going to be able to pick them up at the end of the day," he said. (Reporting by Brad Brooks in Lubbock, Texas; Editing by Stephen Coates) Campaign signs are posted, including one for Amendment 1, outside a 44th Ward precinct location on Nov. 7, 2022, in Chicago. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) Amendment 1 to the Illinois Constitution, approved by referendum in November, was promoted as guaranteeing basic fairness for all workers. But it does something else by prohibiting any new laws that might impinge on worker collective bargaining, Amendment 1 disempowers future elected officials from changing how government operates. Illinois voters will elect governors, mayors and legislators who have been disempowered from fulfilling their main constitutional responsibility: to make decisions on how to best operate government for the public good. Union officials argue that Amendment 1 merely enshrines the right to collective bargaining. But collective bargaining by government employees has already disempowered Illinois officials from fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities. Advertisement Governors and mayors come into office with their hands tied by collective bargaining agreements that mandate grotesque inefficiencies. Trash collection in Chicago costs two to three times more what it would without convoluted work rules, according to a Wall Street Journal report in 2011. Accountability is near zero: Only two of 95,000 teachers in Illinois were dismissed for poor performance annually over an 18-year period, according to a 2005 investigation by the Small Newspaper Group. Any new circumstance for example, how to operate government in a pandemic requires union approval. The Chicago Teachers Union refused to return to the classroom for just over a year. The loss in learning by underprivileged students, studies suggest, cannot be recovered. Advertisement Instead of electing officials empowered to manage government, voters in Illinois elect officials who, in daily choices as well as with vital trade-offs, can manage only with union approval. As Mayor Lori Lightfoot put it, Theyd like to take over not only Chicago Public Schools, but take over running the city government. [ Matt Paprocki: Mayoral race is a good time to decide whether CTU has the right priorities ] Government unions are often viewed as an unavoidable evil like a fire-breathing dragon posted at the gates of government ready to devour any would-be reformer. Their political might is orders of magnitude greater than any other group: 33% of government workers in Illinois are union members. Most people assume that public union power is a state of nature and that government unions are no different from trade unions. But thats not accurate. Public bargaining was allowed in Illinois only 40 years ago. Until then, the prevailing wisdom, as then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt put it in 1937, was that collective bargaining cannot be transplanted into the public service. The differences between government and business bargaining are stark: In business, trade unions have a vested interest in the efficiency of the enterprise. Otherwise, workers will lose their jobs when the business fails or moves elsewhere. But government cant move or go out of business, and public unions bargain for unaccountability and inefficient work rules. The more jobs, the better. Taxpayers who foot the bill dont see the leakage caused by union controls in multi-hundred-page collective bargaining agreements. In business bargaining, collusion between management and labor would be unlawful. By contrast, government bargaining is overtly collusive. Unions devote huge resources to getting officials elected, and then sit at the same side of the bargaining table. Public union bargaining is not a genuine negotiation. Its a payoff. Finally, unlike business employees, public employees owe a fiduciary duty to serve the public. Union controls causing waste and unaccountability are a breach of ethical duties. As FDR put it, public employees have the obligation to serve the whole people, not themselves. But what can you do about it? All these controls were authorized in statutes and, with Amendment 1, enshrined in the Illinois Constitution by vote of the citizens. Advertisement But theres a higher power in Americas constitutional system. Giving unions power over official authority is a clear violation of a core principle of the U.S. Constitution: No official or legislature can delegate to private parties essential governing choices. The power of governing is a trust committed by the people to the government, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Stone v. Mississippi, no part of which can be granted away. This nondelegation doctrine does not allow delegation of basic management authority to private groups such as unions. Nor, the Supreme Court has held, can current legislators and voters remove the authority of future leaders to make decisions, which, from the very nature of things, must vary with varying circumstances. Leaders can govern according to their discretion, if within the scope of their general authority, while in power; but they cannot give away nor sell the discretion of those that are to come after them. The nondelegation doctrine is explicitly set forth in Article IV of the Constitution: The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government. The Guarantee Clause, James Madison explained in Federalist Papers No. 39, precludes delegation of operational authority in states and cities to any favored class that is not accountable to voters: It is sufficient for such a government that the persons administering it be appointed, either directly or indirectly, by the people; and that they hold their appointments by (their) tenures. Who has authority to fix a lousy school or fire a rogue cop does not involve a political question. The answer to this question is the core principle of constitutional governance. Without room for serious disagreement, public unions in Illinois have disempowered the governor and mayors from managing the operations of government for the benefit of the whole people during their elected tenures. Advertisement Because government in Illinois is, literally, out of the control of those elected to run it, the only realistic path for good government is to the U.S. Supreme Court. Philip Howard is chair of Common Good, a nonprofit that advocates for simplifying government. His latest book is Not Accountable: Rethinking the Constitutionality of Public Employee Unions. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. [Source] On Monday, 3,660 Thai army cadets, university students and volunteers set the world record for the largest Muay Thai ceremony, shattering the previous Guinness World Record of 250 participants. The volunteers joined thousands of Thai army cadets to perform a mass Muay Thai wai khru ceremony at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin, a village in Thailand. During the dance, the performers stood before Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha and six colossal statues of former kings. Traditionally, the wai khru ceremony is performed before a match to show respect for teachers, parents and ancestors. More from NextShark: New Zealand petition seeks to change country's name to Aotearoa in honor of its Maori roots Locals and tourists gathered around as the fighters, clothed in red uniforms, white Mongkhon headbands and white Muay Kard Cheuk ropes hemp hand wrappings skillfully performed under the guidance of prominent Muay Thai fighter Sombat Buakaw Bancahmek. Guinness adjudicator Kazayoshi Kirimura confirmed that the record was broken shortly after the performance, saying, The final result is 3,660. Congratulations, youre officially amazing. More from NextShark: Son Heung-min Becomes First Asian Player Chosen to Be Part of EPL 'Team of the Year' Phukrit Purimchaithanat, a 27-year-old cadet who was part of the performance, said, I felt really proud when I realized that we had set the Guinness World Record, adding that the group had been practicing almost every day for the past few months, according to the AFP news agency. Hua Hin resident Siena Cruz watched the show with friends and said the pre-match ritual was integral, explaining that it is connected to the tradition of Muay Thai. To be part of another bit of history for Thailand, its bragging rights, the 32-year-old told AFP. More from NextShark: Shohei Ohtani donates $150K Home Run Derby paycheck to LA Angels support staff In Thailand, Feb. 6 is known as Muay Thai Day to honor former King Sanphet VIIIs coronation in 1702. He is remembered as Phra Chao Suea, or Tiger King, for his ferocity as a fighter. The WBC MuayThai Association reported that the event was completed flawlessly and elegantly by the Royal Thai Army, adding that Feb. 6, 2023, will be remembered as a momentous day for Muay Thai. More from NextShark: 'Crash Landing on You' couple Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin announce birth of first child The survival window for those trapped in the rubble following the catastrophic earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northwestern Syria Monday was rapidly closing Wednesday evening, local time, as crews continued their search for survivors. Wintry conditions this week will only add to the burden those affected by the earthquake face. Officials confirmed on Wednesday that more than 20,000 people have been killed in Turkey and Syria, with over 62,000 people estimated to be injured, making this the sixth deadliest earthquake this century and the deadliest in over a decade. The deadly magnitude 7.8 earthquake occurred shortly after 4 a.m. local time Monday near the major Turkish city of Gaziantep. More than 100 aftershocks were also reported across the two countries. Residents were jolted awake in the middle of the night and forced to flee their homes into the frigid conditions as rain and snow showers were ongoing across the region. A storm that passed near the epicenter in Gaziantep Monday produced steady rain in southern Turkey and northern Syria and hampered rescue and recovery efforts. UNICEF Spokesperson James Elder confirmed that "thousands of homes have been destroyed, displacing families and exposing them to the elements at a time of year when temperatures regularly drop below freezing." Elder further noted that schools, hospitals and other refuge locations were also damaged or completely destroyed and that Syrian refugees in more informal housing are especially vulnerable to the cold. Over 5,600 buildings were knocked over in Turkey alone, according to Turkey's Department of Emergency Management. The World Health Organization said on Twitter that recent heavy snow and rainfall were making the devastating situation even worse for people waiting outdoors across the region. The weather has also slowed the progression of trucks bringing in supplies. Low temperatures in quake-impacted areas will continue to take a toll on the tens of thousands who have been left homeless. Story continues "Through the end of the week, temperatures will trend between 4-8 degrees Fahrenheit (2-4 degrees Celsius) below normal for early February across central and western Turkey," AccuWeather Meteorologist Alyssa Smithmyer said. "In Turkish cities such as Gaziantep, daytime highs are forecast to dip to the lower 40s (5-9 C) into the start of this weekend. Typical daytime temperatures in the area trend near 50 degrees (10 C) this time of year." Cities like Gaziantep and Elbistan, those closest to the earthquakes that had a rating of 7.0 or higher on the Richter Scale, can anticipate high temperatures in the lower or middle 40s F (around 6 C) with low temperatures dropping to the mid-20s F (around 4 C below zero). AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures are forecast to dip down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit (just over 3 C below zero) Thursday night in Gaziantep. Over 100 miles to the northeast of Gaziantep, rescue and recovery efforts continued in Malatya where former journalist Ozel Pikal told The Associated Press he believed at least some of the victims had frozen to death as temperatures dipped below freezing. As for the volunteers and crews, the cold also hampered their ability to search the rubble by hand. "Our hands cannot pick up anything because of the cold," he told the AP. "Work machines are needed." Temperatures across parts of Turkey and Syria as of 5:45 a.m. local time Thursday. AccuWeather meteorologists say the more extreme cold is likely to remain farther removed from the earthquake epicenter and stay in portions of central and western Turkey. In these areas, like the cities of Ankara and Kayseri, high temperatures are unlikely to rise above the freezing mark. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys did note, however, that despite the cold forecast across the region, dry weather is also expected. Sunshine is likely each day, and the lack of rain should help aid rescue and recovery efforts. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Tuesday that hotels in Antalya will be used to give earthquake survivors a warm place to shelter. Thousands of tents and more than 100,000 beds were also sent to the most severely impacted communities. As of Wednesday morning, at least 380,000 people have taken cover in government shelters or hotels, the AP reported. The president also declared a state of emergency for the 10 impacted provinces for at least three months. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP The Hatay Airport, an international airport located in southwestern Turkey, suspended operations after its runway was significantly damaged by the quake. Photos and videos shared on Twitter showed a massive tear in the middle of the airport's only runway. The Gaziantep Castle, a historical site and tourist attraction in southeastern Turkey, was also severely damaged during the quake on Monday, CNN reported. Light shaking was felt in Ankara, Turkey's capital city, which is located about 318 miles to the northwest. Shaking was also observed in Lebanon. In Israel, the quake was felt around Tel Aviv. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, shaking was even reported as far away as Cairo. Soldiers carry a 20-day-old baby who was rescued 59 hours after the earthquake in Hatay, Antakya, Turkey. After the baby, who was stuck in the wreckage with his mother, was rescued, he was transported to the ambulance by the soldiers and treated. The baby was reported to be in good health. (Ibrahim Oner/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. MORRISTOWN Raul Santoyo was an investment banker for 30 years, his brother Alejandro is a lawyer and their business partner, Gabriel Galvan, worked in the pharmaceutical industry. Not your typical background for three restaurateurs. But what the three owners of downtown Morristown's Central Taqueria lack in experience, they make up for in familiarity with the flavors of central Mexico and a passion for sharing that cuisine with North Jersey diners. Raul Santoyo, general manager of Central Taqueria, stands in front of the restaurant on South Street in Morristown Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. The restaurant's grand opening is scheduled for Feb. 17. "We grew up with these kinds of things," Raul Santoyo said last week during an interview at the South Street site, where construction was still ongoing in preparation for a Feb. 17 grand opening. "I've been living in this country for maybe 16 years, and with all my friends, we keep saying, 'I cannot believe that pretty much no one does this.'" Located a few blocks from the Morristown Green at the former site of Pascarella Bros. Sandwich Shoppe, Central Taqueria will feature an open floor plan married with table service that the owners hope will capture the casual vibe of the taco counters of their youth. All three men grew up in Mexico City but now live in the United States Raul Santoyo and Galvan in Morris County, and Alejandro Santoyo in Miami. The restaurant's featured type of cooking will be "al pastor," pork marinated for 12 hours in dried chilis and spices and then roasted on a vertical spit. The pork will be the star ingredient in dishes including tacos de trompo and quesadillas. Central Taqueria's menu will also include tortas traditional Mexican sandwiches and alambre, a grilled beef dish with bacon, onions and peppers. "It's something that usually people don't want to do because it's easier just to (cook) the meat, marinate it and drop it in the pan, and that's it," Santoyo said. "But I think that it's visually a big thing." Outdoor dining: Morristown may boost fees for restaurants with sidewalk cafes For subcribers: This Morristown lot has sat vacant for 20 years. Will a lawsuit force the town's hand? Story continues The three owners "are a group of enthusiastic taco lovers" who are passionate about "bringing the true flavors of Central Mexico to New Jersey," they explain on the taqueria's website, "Our concept is based on keeping the roots and original ingredients in all recipes," they add, "preserving traditional cooking methods, serving tacos de trompo, and handmade tortillas in an open-kitchen, contemporary atmosphere, while offering personal service to anyone in the search of a GOOD taco." Inside the 1,000 square-foot storefront, short countertops will create an open environment where customers can see their orders being prepared. Servers will still bring food to the tables to establish the feel of a sit-down restaurant. Central Taqueria on South Street in Morristown Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. The restaurant's grand opening is scheduled for Feb. 17. "Even when you're in a high (top) chair, we don't like the fact that you just get your food, you go sit, eat and leave," Santoyo said. "We want to have a better approach and closer relationship with our clients as well." The taqueria will cater to Morristown's bar crowd by staying open until 2:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, he said. Like many of the store's amenities, the late-night dining option is a nod to the owners' upbringing. "When I grew up it was like: you go to a bar, and then before you go home you eat some tacos," Santoyo said. "It's going to be a different audience, but I'm pretty sure that it's going to be good." For more information on Central Taqueria, visit www.centraltaqueria.com or call 973-722-7884. Kyle Morel is a local reporter covering Morris and Sussex counties. Email: kmorel@njherald.com; Twitter: @KMorelNJH This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Morristown restaurants: Central Taqueria features new Mexican cuisine NEW YORK (AP) A magazine and website that has served Bruce Springsteen's fans for 43 years is shutting down, with its publisher writing that he's been disillusioned by the debate over ticket prices for their hero's current tour. Backstreets had been an unusually robust publication that imposed journalistic rigor on its writing and photography, while leaving no doubt of its fan worship. But the complaints about high ticket prices left people there dispirited, downhearted and yes, disillusioned, publisher Christopher Phillips wrote late last week in a post announcing the shutdown. Disappointment is a common feeling among hardcore fans in the Backstreets community, he wrote. Phillips did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Springsteen's manager, Jon Landau, said that we are very sorry to hear the news of Backstreets closing and want to thank Chris Phillips for his 30 years of dedication on behalf of Springsteen fans everywhere. There was an uproar among some Springsteen fans when tickets first went on sale last summer, particularly over Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing model, which sent tickets soaring to $5,000 or more when there was high demand. At a congressional hearing last month following the fiasco over Ticketmaster's handling of Taylor Swift tour tickets, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana suggested major artists like Springsteen and Swift should demand fee caps. Springsteens team has defended the prices as being in line with what is charged today by many of his peers. Like many artists, he says hes annoyed when unscrupulous ticket brokers not the musicians benefit from high markups. Ticketmaster has said the vast majority of fans were able to buy tickets at face value, which averaged $202. The tour began Feb. 1 in Tampa, Florida. Many Springsteen fans have been with him for decades, appreciating his working class New Jersey roots, and can remember when a ticket for a four-hour, high-energy show on the Darkness on the Edge of Town tour in 1978 could be had for $7.50. Story continues That's not reality anymore. Springsteen hasn't backed down, telling Rolling Stone magazine that fans unhappy with the price after seeing the show can have their money back. You certainly don't like to be the poster boy for high ticket prices, he told the magazine, but said you have to own your decisions and do your best. Phillips wrote that many Backstreets readers have lost interest because they can't afford to go to the show. He said he hadn't given up on being a fan of Springsteen's music, and that others shouldn't, either. We simply realized that we would not be able to cover this tour with the drive and sense of purpose with which we've operated continuously since 1980, he wrote. That determination came with a quickening sense that we'd reach the end of an era. Tom Girardi arrives for his initial court appearance Monday at the Edward Roybal Federal Court Building in Los Angeles. The former attorney was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly embezzling more than $15 million from clients. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) For once, Tom Girardi was silent in court. The disgraced legal legend did not utter a word Monday afternoon during an initial appearance in federal court in Los Angeles on charges of wire fraud that prosecutors have said was part of a long-running scheme to fleece clients. Girardi, 83, sat stone-faced as a magistrate judge, a prosecutor and two public defenders appointed to represent him discussed the mental health of the once-powerful attorney, who was diagnosed two years ago with Alzheimers disease. U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Stevenson said she had reviewed filings submitted under seal by Girardis attorneys concerning his medical condition and concluded that there was reasonable cause to believe the defendant may be suffering from a mental disease or defect that would render him unable to understand the proceedings or assist his attorneys. Stevenson entered a plea of not guilty on Girardis behalf to the five counts of wire fraud, which cover more than $15 million allegedly stolen from client settlement funds. She ordered the prosecutor and Girardis attorneys to begin competency proceedings that will include an evaluation by an independent medical expert. The prosecution agreed to the testing, with Assistant U.S. Atty. Scott Paetty saying, The government does not oppose it and understands competency will be an issue in this matter. In the meantime, Girardi will remain free. Stevenson said Girardi can continue in his current living arrangement the memory care unit of an Orange County nursing home without electronic monitoring such as an ankle bracelet. There will be no custody here, Stevenson said. Girardi's younger brother Robert, who was appointed as his conservator two years ago, attended the hearing and agreed to sign an affidavit promising his brothers appearances in the proceedings, on penalty of $250,000. Asked by the judge whether he understood the responsibility he was undertaking, Robert Girardi, a dentist from Seal Beach, replied, Fully aware of it, yes, your honor. Story continues The judge barred Girardi from selling or transferring assets valued at more than $5,000 without notifying the court. What assets Girardi still has remain unknown. He has been forced into bankruptcy, with his residences sold and his belongings auctioned to pay creditors. Defendants are normally required to turn over their passports. Supervising Deputy Public Defender Craig Harbaugh said Girardi who once traveled by private plane with his wife, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika cannot find his passport. If it is recovered, it will be turned over, Harbaugh said. For decades, Girardi strode the halls of L.A. courthouses in neat suits with silk ties and matching pocket squares, but on Monday afternoon, he shuffled into the courtroom in a rumpled, plum sweater and baggy slacks. As the judge ran through the conditions he must abide by while awaiting further proceedings, Girardi absentmindedly stroked a tuft of his white hair. He faces a second indictment next month in Chicago, where a grand jury indicted him; his son-in-law, attorney David Lira; and his former chief financial officer, Chris Kamon, on several counts of wire fraud stemming from $3 million misappropriated from a settlement with Indonesian widows and orphans. In the Chicago case, Girardi is scheduled to appear remotely March 3 to answer charges, while Lira is set to appear remotely Friday for his arraignment. Kamon has been in federal custody since November after prosecutors charged him with running an alleged side fraud at Girardis law firm and accused him of embezzling millions to finance a lavish lifestyle. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the deaths and injuries of Americans on cruise ships sailing in and around Antarctica late last year. The U.S. Coast Guard Activities Europe, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and international flag administrations are looking into incidents on foreign-flagged vessels that occurred between Nov. 15 and Dec. 1. The investigations include an incident in November when a rogue wave hit the Viking Polaris ship on its way to Ushuaia, Argentina. One person died and four others were injured. Norway is the lead investigative state on the case. A rogue wave caused a cruise ship tragedy: They occur more often than you think Crystal Cruises will set sail again this summer: Line relaunching with new name, 'personalized service' "Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of those impacted by these tragedies," Coast Guard Activities Europe commanding officer Capt. Gretchen Bailey said in a news release. "The safety of U.S. passengers aboard ships throughout the globe is a priority for the U.S. Coast Guard. We are proud to work alongside the NTSB and our international partners to investigate these incidents and make meaningful safety improvements for worldwide passenger vessel operations, especially in unique high-risk environments like the Antarctic." Viking Polaris ship in the Atlantic Ocean near Ushuaia, southern Argentina, on Dec. 1, 2022. What incidents is the Coast Guard investigating? The investigations include several other incidents: When an inflatable boat from Viking Polaris "sustained a keel-bladder failure near Damoy Point, Antarctica," a U.S. citizen got hurt, according to the release. Norway is the lead investigative state on that case as well. Two U.S. citizens died after an inflatable boat from Quark Expeditions' World Explorer ship capsized close to Elephant Island, Antarctica. The boat was carrying six passengers at the time. Portugal is the lead investigative state. A U.S. citizen died after getting hurt on board Oceanwide Expeditions' Plancius ship. The Coast Guard is investigating in coordination with Netherlands and Falkland Islands officials. Story continues "We deeply regret this unfortunate accident and wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the departed," Oceanwide Expeditions' Antarctic Program Manager Franklin Braeckman said in an email. "This incident involved an accidental fall on our vessel Plancius that did not take place during any activity or landing." "Medical support was provided immediately, after which we arranged an evacuation," he added. Medical facilities on cruises: What happens if you get sick or injured (or bit by a monkey) on a cruise ship Viking and Quark Expeditions did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment on the investigations. The U.S. will help with the Viking Polaris and World Explorer investigations "as a substantially interested state in accordance with International Maritime Organization protocols and Coast Guard policy," the Coast Guard said in the release. The Coast Guard and the NTSB, as well as the lead investigative states, also sent teams to conduct safety investigations in Ushuaia, Argentina a common point of departure for Antarctica expeditions in order to prevent other similar incidents. Cruise lines dropped COVID-19 rules: How did that affect cases? We got numbers from the CDC Family-friendly cruises: These 4 lines have the best new onboard rides and attractions for families How often do those incidents happen? There are potential hazards that come with visiting Antarctica, said Stewart Chiron, a cruise industry expert known as The Cruise Guy. "It's not a sunny, calm sailing around the Caribbean Sea," he told USA TODAY in an email. Death and injury are "inherent but rare risks while visiting Antarctica but shouldn't be overriding factors," he said. "As more people and ships sail in the region, there will be increased incidents." Rogue waves, for their part, are more than twice the size of surrounding waves, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They are dangerous and unpredictable, but uncommon. Cruise and tour operators will keep doing everything they can to keep minimize dangers and hiccups, and provide safe travel experiences, according to Chiron. While he advised travelers to be aware of the risks before going, they may find the journey plenty worth it. "Observing the wildlife and the ice sheets can be quite rewarding," he said. "Visiting a destination seen by so few can be quite fulfilling." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Antarctica cruise casualties under investigation by Coast Guard The Tribune Editorial Board continues its endorsements in races for aldermanic seats in Chicagos Feb. 28 municipal election. 8th Ward The time is ripe for a leadership change in this South Side ward that includes parts of the Avalon Park, Burnside, Calumet Heights, Chatham, Pullman, South Chicago and South Shore neighborhoods. Since 2006, Michelle Harris has been the alderman of a ward where murders and shootings persist at intolerable rates, and disinvestment keeps long stretches of storefronts abandoned. We dont doubt Harris commitment to serving the city, but 8th Ward residents still await tangible results. Advertisement Linda Hudson is a longtime community organizer who says Mayor Lori Lightfoots Invest South/West initiative has yet to deliver for the wards distressed business community. It looks like a third world country, Hudson tells us, referring to the sight of boarded-up storefronts on major streets. Were wondering when its going to start, because were not seeing anything. I see no investment in my ward at all. Hudson says the ward needs a marketing plan that lays out the strategy for an economic comeback, pop-up stores that can test whether a new business idea will take hold, and better access to capital for small business owners. Also running is Sean Flynn, former chief of staff for Ald. David Moore, 17th. Flynn has commendable ideas about reaching out to youths in high-crime neighborhoods, but Hudson is the better choice. She is endorsed. Advertisement [ Read Tribune election coverage ] 9th Ward No one can say that Ald. Anthony Beale hasnt delivered for his ward. The Pullman National Historical Park is a South Side gem. Also built under Beales watch: Pullman Park, which includes a Walmart, an Amazon delivery station, a Whole Foods distribution center and Method, the environmentally friendly cleaning products manufacturer. The sprawling project has generated nearly 1,500 jobs and represents a sorely needed shot in the arm for the 9th Ward. The project was kick-started with tax increment financing money, and represents the right way to tap TIF funding to tackle blight. Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th, speaks at a Labor Day groundbreaking ceremony at the Pullman National Monument on Sept. 7, 2020, to mark additional site work kicking off and commemorating the area's significance to the Labor movement. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune) Beales opponents are Cameron Barnes, a former national youth director for Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and Cleopatra Draper, a social work consultant. Both are young, energetic voices in the community, but Beales track record speaks for itself. He is endorsed. 10th Ward Incumbent Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garzas decision to not seek reelection leaves this Southeast Side seat open. Oscar Sanchez, a 25-year-old urban planner, says he is fed up with this far-flung ward along the border with northwest Indiana being treated as the citys ashcan. For decades, Black and Latino families on the Southeast Side have lived amid garbage dumps, toxic waste, Superfund sites and polluted air and water. The final straw came with City Halls decision to allow a Lincoln Park scrap metal recycler with a track record for pollution to move to the Southeast Side. Oscar Sanchez in Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood on Feb. 18, 2021. Sanchez was one of several protesters who had been on a hunger strike, drawing attention to concerns about a scrap shredder under construction in the East Side neighborhood. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) Residents had enough, opposed the move and forced the Lightfoot administration to reverse the permit approval for General Iron, the scrap recycler, and RMG, the company with which it merged. Sanchez was a part of that movement, and even went on a 30-day hunger strike to protest General Irons plans. Sanchez wants businesses to come in, but rather than inviting polluters, he would push for green businesses and green jobs. A good place to start, he says, would be South Works, lakefront land in the ward that has remained fallow ever since U.S. Steel shut down its operations there in 1992. To decide what kind of development to pursue for South Works, Sanchez says he would first survey residents and get their input. I want it to come from a data-driven approach, he tells us. Also running are Yessenia Carreon, a former community health and response coordinator; Ana Guajardo, an ex-union official; and Chicago police Officers Peter Chico and Jessica A. Venegas. Sanchez is endorsed. [ Tribune Editorial Board endorsements for the 2023 Chicago municipal election ] 11th Ward Incumbent Nicole Lee was appointed nearly a year ago to replace Patrick Daley Thompson, who was convicted last year of tax evasion and lying to federal bank regulators, and is a nephew of former Mayor Richard M. Daley. She is the City Councils first female Asian American alderman and the first woman to represent the ward, which includes Bridgeport and Chinatown. Ald. Nicole Lee. 11th, prepares Jan. 29, 2023, before the Lunar New Year Parade through Chinatown. The annual event, this year celebrating the start of the Year of the Rabbit, returned for the first time since the pandemic. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) We like her commitment to improving public safety by, as she puts it, taking on gangs that have been terrorizing our neighbors for too long, while at the same time tackling root causes of violence by investing in historically neglected communities and by generating jobs and economic opportunity in areas where options have been limited for too long. Advertisement Like us, she backs the Red Line extension to the Far South Side, a long-term project that would dramatically help create transit equity for that part of the city. Lees background includes work at United Airlines managing the carriers relationships with charities, as well as similar social engagement experience at BP America and Premier Bank. She is the clear choice over her opponents: lawyer Steve Dimitro, businesswoman Elvira Vida Jimenez, high school civics teacher Froylan Froy Jimenez, substitute teacher Ambria Taylor, Chicago police instructor Anthony Ciaravino and Donald Don, a Chicago firefighter. Lee is endorsed. 12th Ward After George Cardenas left the City Council to serve on the Cook County Board of Review, Lightfoot last December appointed his former chief of staff, Anabel Abarca, as his replacement for this remapped ward, which will now include Brighton Park and McKinley Park. Abarcas opponent is Julia Ramirez, whose job as a re-engagement specialist at Chicago Public Schools entails helping students who have been expelled reengage with education, either at their previous high school or at an alternative high school. Ald. Anabel Abarca, 12th, speaks in favor of the Red Line extension during a Chicago City Council meeting on Dec. 14, 2022. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) Both Abarca and Ramirez are young, smart and articulate. They both support, as we do, expanding funding for violence prevention and street outreach programs, a public safety strategy that has consistently shown it can reduce crime by connecting with teens and young men at risk of either becoming perpetrators of shootings or shooting victims themselves. They each also back TIF reform and ramping up security on CTA trains and buses. However, we disagree with Ramirezs opposition to charter schools, which give parents more choice when it comes to their childrens education. Both candidates would serve their constituents well, but Abarca and her government experience, which also includes work as a staffer in U.S. Rep. Mike Quigleys office, gives her the edge. She is endorsed. 13th Ward Paul Bruton has a tough task ahead of him. He faces incumbent Ald. Marty Quinn, whos been on the City Council since 2011 and is a longtime ally of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, now facing trial on corruption charges. The 13th Ward is Madigan turf, and Bruton acknowledges that when he goes door to door, many residents arent bothered at all by the charges against Madigan, and Quinns strong connections to the one-time Illinois Democratic Party kingmaker. Others, however, tell Bruton that Madigans allies in the ward have to go, he tells us. Advertisement Bruton says he has been a stay-at-home dad since 2018. His previous work experience includes a four-year stint as an analyst at the Chicago inspector generals office, which provides the crucial function of ferreting out waste, mismanagement and inefficiency in city government. Its hard to imagine a better lead-up to becoming an alderman. Bruton says one of the biggest challenges for this Southwest Side ward is the body blow that the pandemic delivered to the 13ths small businesses. I will study what types of businesses our ward is lacking, and actively recruit and work with local entrepreneurs to fill those gaps, Bruton tells us. Quinn doesnt try to hide his Madigan alliance. Im not going to rewrite history, he tells us. Weve done some good things. He cites his oversight of nearly $300 million invested in 13th Ward schools, including the Southwest Sides first selective enrollment school. He adds, I personally shovel snow and my staff removes graffiti and cleans up shuttered buildings so quickly, they rarely can be found in the ward. Thats admirable, but Quinns long-standing ties to Madigan are a bridge too far for us, and they should be for 13th Ward voters. Bruton is endorsed. Join the discussion on Twitter @chitribopinions and on Facebook. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Residents of a town in western Ecuador elected a man as their new mayor on Sunday just hours after he was assassinated. Mayoral candidate Omar Menendez took more than 46% of the vote in Sunday's election in Puerto Lopez. A file photo from his Facebook page shows Omar Menendez, a mayoral candidate in the town of Puerto Lopez, Ecuador, on the campaign trail. / Credit: Facebook/Omar Menendez Menendez was fatally shot on Sunday evening, hours before the polls opened, inside an office building by unknown gunmen on motorcycles. A 16-year-old boy was also hit in the attack and died from his wounds. On Monday, Menendez was buried at the local cemetery after being declared the winner of the election. The regional office of his Citizen's Revolution political party accepted his victory and said another member, Veronica Isabel Lucas Marcillo, would step in to fill the mayor's post on behalf of Menendez. The slain politician's wife, Genesis Gonzales, posted a message Sunday on her Facebook page paying tribute to Menendez. "You taught me to love, learn and keep moving forward. To not be afraid, but you never taught me how to do it without you," Gonzales said in the post. She said her husband had always strived only to improve his town for its people, and that she was sure she would see him again and when she did, she promised to tell him how the people of Puerto Lopez had supported him right until the very end. Menendez was the second candidate in a local mayoral election to be assassinated in Ecuador in the space of two weeks part of a much wider spate of killings and violence linked to organized crime. Local elections on Sunday coincided with a national referendum to decide whether Ecuador should allow its citizens to be extradited to other nations if they are accused of links to organized crime. No results were announced after 10 hours of polling on Sunday, and authorities have 10 days to count the ballots and then announce results in the referendum. Ecuador's Conservative President Guillermo Lasso has proposed changing the country's constitution to allow extraditions as a way of dealing with the violent crime wave gripping the country, including the killing of politicians. Ecuador is sandwiched between Colombia and Peru, the world's two largest cocaine producers, and has itself become a hub for the global drug trade in recent years. Story continues Despite not having any major drug plantations or cartels of its own, nor big laboratories for refining cocaine, Ecuador is listed by the United States among the top 22 drug-producing or transit countries in the world. Drugs produced elsewhere are shipped from Ecuador's Guayaquil port to the United States, Europe and Asia. This has resulted in a bloody territorial war between gangs some with ties to Mexican cartels according to the authorities who brutally kill each other on the streets and in Ecuador's overcrowded jails. The country's murder rate almost doubled between 2021 and 2022 from 14 to 25 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, according to official figures. Crews conduct controlled release of toxic chemicals following Ohio train derailment How Arizona is preparing for Super Bowl LVII President Biden prepares to deliver his 2023 State of the Union address Travis Barkers 17-year-old daughter Alabama posted a TikTok of herself and a group of Black friends lip-syncing YN Jays 2020 song Perc & Sex. The video quickly gained attention and harsh criticism. The post Travis Barkers Daughter Responds To Criticism That She Uses Black Girls As Props On TikTok appeared first on Blavity. How the f**k did you pull up to the motherf**kin party and forget the Percs? the group sang. Perc 10, I just popped a Perc 10 / Perc 30, I just popped a Perc 30 / Perc 60, I just popped two Perc 30s / Perky dance, make me do my Perky dance. Many TikTok users commented on the post about her irresponsibility for promoting a song that romanticizes percocet usage to her young followers. But, the major uproar over the clip seemed more displeased about Barker being the only white person in the video, with many accusing her of using Black girls as props, Unilad reports. Many outlets reposted the video leaving comments about Alabamas post being uncomfortable to watch and cringe worthy. Theres just a lot off with this. Sis is using those black girls as props. Overall inappropriate and cringe, a user wrote. Alabama initially stayed quiet about the matter, but after a couple of days, the teenager commented under Hollywood Unlocked post explaining that the girls were her friends with whom she has real bonds. Screenshot Instagram (Hollywood Unlocked) She also shared that she was not misleading her followers into drug use but that the song was part of a viral TikTok trend. Even though I do not need to explain all of the negative assumptions about us, its absurd to see a group of friends just having a good time gives so many grown adults a topic to talk about, Alabama said. She also said that because of her celebrity status, she still couldnt catch a break from accounts on social media outlets like Hollywood Unlocked and The ShadeRoom, which she clowned for making a post about a minor in general. All I can say is do better; I let you live your life, she continued. So it would be appreciated if I can live mine. While some say Alabama is invited to the cookout, some may disagree. A Georgia truck driver was formally charged Tuesday with first-degree vehicular homicide and distracted driving in a crash on Interstate 75 that allegedly killed a Macon pastor nearly three years ago. The wreck that prosecutors contend fatally injured pastor Clifford Scott happened on April 30, 2020, near the freeways exit at Riverside Drive just south of Bass Road. Scott, who authorities said had been driving a 2002 Ford Taurus that was stopped in the northbound lanes, was struck from behind by 2016 Peterbilt 379 driven by a trucker from Walton County east of Atlanta. Scott, 71, died about a month later. In Bibb County Superior Court on Tuesday, grand jurors indicted the truck driver, Arthur C. Waldrip, 58, on charges that also included reckless driving. The indictment does not include further details, but it alleges that Waldrip was engaged in an action which distracted him from the safe operation of (the truck) in that the accused did manipulate an electronic device. (Reuters) - Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will present a funding offer of over C$100 billion ($74.5 billion) for the country's healthcare system in talks with provincial and territorial leaders on Tuesday, The Globe and Mail reported on Monday. Citing an unidentified senior federal source, the report said the 10-year funding proposal, designed to help fix the country's struggling health care system from Ottawa, will include tens of billions of dollars of new money, as well as earlier planned increases. A large sum of the new money will be set aside for separate bilateral deals that will target key areas such as primary care, the report added. Quebec's government is hoping to be able to negotiate more new federal money, the newspaper reported. Last month, Trudeau had invited the premiers of all provinces to meet in Ottawa on Feb. 7 to discuss a plan to provide health care funding for provinces, as hospitals remain strained by long wait times made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. ($1 = 1.3428 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Chandni Shah and Shivani Tanna in Bengaluru; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell) Former President Trump lashed out on Tuesday at the Club for Growth, a leading conservative group, after he was left off the guest list of its annual donor retreat. In a post on his social media site, Truth Social, Trump ripped the group as the Club For NO Growth and recounted how his ties to the group fell apart after disagreements over his endorsements in high-profile races in Alabama and Ohio last year. He also blasted the club for initially opposing his candidacy in 2016 before repeating his false claim that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against him. The Club For NO Growth, an assemblage of political misfits, globalists, and losers, fought me incessantly and rather viciously during my presidential run in 2016, Trump wrote. They said I couldnt win, I did, and won even bigger in 2020, with millions of more votes than 16, but the Election was Rigged & Stollen. They asked to get together on Endorsements of candidates, we did, and had MANY WINS & NO losses. Relationship broke up over my Endorsement of certain great people in Alabama & Ohio. I won them all! Trumps comments came after the Clubs president, David McIntosh, told reporters on Monday that the group had invited several prospective Republican presidential contenders to its annual donor retreat in Florida, but had left Trump off its list. Trump is so far the only declared candidate in the race. Among those invited to the gathering are former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). Weve invited all of the folks listed here, McIntosh said. Not Trump. But weve invited the others. While he hasnt announced whether he intends to run for the White House in 2024, DeSantis has emerged as an early favorite for the Republican nomination and perhaps the biggest threat to Trumps hopes of recapturing the White House. Story continues A new poll from the Club for Growth released on Monday showed DeSantis leading Trump in a hypothetical head-to-head 2024 primary match-up, with the Florida governor taking 49 percent of the vote to Trumps 40 percent. McIntosh told reporters on Monday that he hoped to have DeSantis deliver one of the keynote speeches at the clubs donor retreat, but said that the Florida governor is still finalizing his schedule. McIntosh also expressed concern about the GOPs prospects of winning the presidency in 2024 if Trump is once again the nominee, saying that Republicans should be open to another candidate. McIntoshs comments and Trumps subsequent attack were the latest signs of just how bitter the relationship between Trump and the Club for Growth has become. While the Club initially opposed Trump in 2016, it eventually rallied to his side in the general election. After he captured the White House, Trump and the Club formed something of a political alliance, coordinating endorsements in key races. But things soured last year after Trump and the Club backed opposing candidates in the GOP Senate primary in Ohio. Trumps decision to rescind his endorsement of former Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) in Alabamas Republican Senate primary also caused friction between him and the Club, which continued to stand behind Brooks. In November, on the eve of Trumps latest campaign launch, the Club for Growth released a batch of internal polling that showed DeSantis leading Trump among GOP voters in Iowa and New Hampshire, the two states that will kick off the Republican nominating contest next year. Al Weaver contributed reporting. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake has struck an area of southeast Turkey, with tourists urged by the Foreign Office (FCDO) to avoid the immediate vicinity of the incident. The FCDO updated its advice to UK travellers at 3am on Monday, following the tragic incident in the early hours. The initial 7.8 earthquake struck the southeastern city of Gaziantep at 4.17am local time. Turkeys emergency authorities have since reported a second, 7.5 magnitude earthquake in a different southeast location at 1.24pm local time. At the time of writing, the combined death toll of the incident in Syria and Turkey stands at more than 2,300. Are holidays to Turkey in the coming weeks affected, and are airlines still operating flights? Heres everything you need to know. Which parts of Turkey are affected? The city of Gaziantep and its surrounding provinces were hardest hit by the initial earthquake. The first quake was felt at 4.17am local time, with one resident telling CNN that it felt like it would never be over. The city is in the southeast of the country, close to the Syrian border and a sizeable distance from Turkeys tourism hubs. It lies 823km east of the southern port of Antalya and 1,139km southeast of the port of Istanbul. The 7.8 magnitude quake is the strongest to hit Turkey in more than eight decades; the country saw a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in August 1999, but the last recorded 7.8 incident was in December 1939. One concern for tourists or visitors to the area is aftershocks, which have been felt since the initial quake. Later on Monday, Turkeys AFAP emergency authority reported a second quake in the town of Ekinozu, this time at a magnitude of 7.5. The town is 842km east of Antalya, and 196km north of Gaziantep. Local emergency services are still working to rescue locals from the rubble. Tremors from the initial quake were felt as far away as Cyprus (415km from Gaziantep), Lebanon and Israel. Holidaymaker Julia Miernik tweeted: What just happened? 3.20am and my whole hotel is floating, bed is shaking on the ground and everybody is screaming. Then I see the news in #Turkey First day on my holidays and #earthquake? She later told followers she was staying in Larnaca, Cyprus. Story continues The ancient historic site of Gaziantep Castle (circa 656 AD), has also been badly damaged by the shock. 2,200 years old Gazintap Castle destroyed by the earthquake in Turkey. Before vs Now. pic.twitter.com/vAtIWhmlsA Xavi Ruiz (@xruiztru) February 6, 2023 Have airlines cancelled flights to Turkey? At present, no airlines serving the UK have announced cancellations to their flights in relation to the natural disaster. However, Turkeys Adana Airport has been closed until further notice, the Demiroren news agency reported. There are no flights from the UK into Adana, which is 220km west of Gazientep, though it is served by domestic flights from tourism hubs Istanbul and Bodrum. Crisis24 reported that Gazientep Airport, Hatay Airport and the seaport of Ceyhan have also been closed and operations suspended in the wake of the natural disaster. Currently, only planes carrying aid and rescue teams are allowed to land and take off from the two airports, reported Turkey-based publication the Daily Sabah. Hatay Airport, whose runway was damaged because of the earthquake, was closed for all flights. Hugh Fraser, the founder of Turkey specialist Corinthian Travel, told The Independent: Southeastern Turkey and the area around Gaziantep have many spectacular attractions, and are noted for their regional cuisine, but has traditionally been the preserve of the second or third-time cultural visitors to Turkey. The earthquake is a human tragedy but is unlikely to have much impact on Turkeys major centres of tourism: Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Aegean Coast all of which are located hundreds of miles away to the west. The Independent has contacted other airlines and tour operators serving Turkey for further comment. My thoughts are with the people of Turkiye and Syria this morning, particularly with those first responders working so valiantly to save those trapped by the earthquake. The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can. Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 6, 2023 What has the Foreign Office said? An update to the FCDOs Turkey page in the early hours of Monday reads: A 7.8 earthquake hit Gaziantep and neighbouring provinces in the south east of Turkey on 6 February 2023. There have been several strong after-shocks. You should avoid the immediate vicinity and follow the advice of the local authorities. It advises all but essential travel to areas within 10km of the border with Syria. In its general advice on Turkey, the FCDO says: Many parts of Turkey are subject to earthquakes. You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake and follow the advice of the local authorities. Prime minister Rishi Sunak said: My thoughts are with the people of Turkiye and Syria this morning, particularly with those first responders working so valiantly to save those trapped by the earthquake. The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can. There have been 18 earthquakes in the country since the year 2000. What have the Turkish authorities said? Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip ErdoAan, said there had been heavy destruction in cities in the area, reporting that nearly 3,000 buildings had been destroyed. We hope that we will overcome this disaster together as soon as possible, said Mr ErdoAan in a televised address. The Independent has approached Turkeys tourism board for comment. Chinese New Year Concert in Australia presents symphonic conversation between East, West Xinhua) 09:04, February 07, 2023 The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performs during the 10th annual Chinese New Year Concert at the Hamer Hall in Melbourne, Australia on Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo by Tower Liu/Provided by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) "I hope that a Western audience will feel Chinese music and Chinese composers really have something significant to say not just about the art form, but also about music, communication, culture, history and people," said the conductor. MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Opened by an epic "Symphonic Overture No.1" and surprising the audience with a "Spring Festival Overture" encore, the Chinese New Year Concert held here presented a two-hour musical conversation between Chinese, Australian and European symphony pieces, bridging together Eastern and Western cultures through musical notes to ring in a harmonious Year of the Rabbit. The year 2023 also marks the 10th anniversary of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO)'s Chinese New Year Concerts. To celebrate this special occasion on the eve of the Chinese Lantern Festival, the Saturday night program involved works from Chinese composers Guan Xia, Ding Shande, Ye Xiaogang and Chinese Australian composer Julian Yu. Chinese soprano Zhang Meigui (center) performs during the 10th annual Chinese New Year Concert at the Hamer Hall in Melbourne, Australia on Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo by Laura Manariti/Provided by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) Meanwhile, the pop-meets-classic "Elevator Music" by Australian composer Graeme Koehen and renowned Western pieces, such as "Regnava nel Silenzio" and "The Sleeping Beauty: Suite," were also performed alongside the oriental melodies. Under the baton of Chinese-Singaporean conductor Darrell Ang, about 100 MSO musicians and four Melbourne-based Chinese traditional instrument performers shared the center stage of the 2,500-seat Hamer Hall, where the Chinese "mouth organ" Sheng and Xylophone worked in harmony to create a symphonic painting of China's Sichuan province, while Western music techniques added fresh spice to Chinese folk songs. To many non-Chinese ears, Guan Xia's "Symphonic Overture No.1" may sound far less well-known than the "Jasmine Flower," when they think of a Chinese song. But Ang decided to open the concert with this orchestral piece and it indeed impressed the audience, no matter what their cultural backgrounds. "I like the first one. It's epic," Emily, one of the audience and an MSO violinist, told Xinhua during the interval. Another spectator Barbara, who attended all 10 editions of the MSO's Chinese New Year Concert, referred to Guan's composition as one of her favorites as well. "It was just a very enjoyable piece, quite varied in its interpretation. As an opening, it's basically an overture to the other pieces of music. It was really a good piece for the start of the concert," said Babara. A musician performs a Chinese traditional musical instrument "di" during the 10th annual Chinese New Year Concert at the Hamer Hall in Melbourne, Australia on Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo by Laura Manariti/Provided by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) The soundtrack can date back to 2001, when Guan composed for the Chinese TV series "The Years of Burning Passion" and absorbed the prelude of his 1997 national opera "Dawn of Sorrow" as the opening of the TV series. "Symphonic Overture No.1" includes lyrical piano melodies, energetic percussions and solo violin junctures to express heroism and idealism. "I want to bring something from China that the Chinese who live here in Melbourne know very well and can immediately connect with," Ang told Xinhua. "I want them to sit in the concert hall, listen to this music and immediately think of their motherland and feel that 'I'm back home in China, I want to be there, my heart is there, my memories are there and my love is there.' I want to start the concert with this connection." That resonation didn't only arise from Chinese communities. "Guan created a wonderful work of music, like the audience said it's epic. For me, there is also a strong feeling and love of home," said Ang. "So it doesn't matter if you are Chinese, or if you are Australian. You will understand the message. You will feel the message. This composition very successfully conveys this feeling." The symphony work "Sichuan Image" is performed during the 10th annual Chinese New Year Concert at the Hamer Hall in Melbourne, Australia on Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo by Laura Manariti/Provided by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) Speaking of the program that he and MSO Chairman David Li discussed back and forth for almost two months, Ang told Xinhua that they eventually settled on something that is not only Sichuan-focused, not only China-focused, but also something that is world-focused. "It is very important that this program reflects the relationship or the friendship between China, Australia and the rest of the world," said Ang. "This special occasion of Chinese New Year is not just very important to me myself, but also very important to many Chinese and Asian people. I hope this occasion has given a very good opportunity for all of us to come together and to experience our friendship and our love for one another through music," the conductor noted. Having served as the artistic director and chief conductor of China's Sichuan Symphony Orchestra since 2017, Ang finished his MSO debut with "Spring Festival Overture" in the encore. Following that, more opportunities lie ahead for the Grammy-nominated talent to return to the Hamer Hall, as a multi-year collaboration agreement was reached between the two orchestras, which entails co-commissioning of Chinese and Australian works, sharing of knowledge in administration and operations, promotion of each other in home countries, as well as musicians and chief conductor exchanges. Bearing Chinese traditions in his blood and commanding an extensive repertoire, the aspiring Ang, who is fluent in six languages, is standing at the crossroad of cultural exchange and remains dedicated to bringing more Chinese music to the global stage. Chinese Singaporean conductor Darrell Ang (center) thanks the audience during the 10th annual Chinese New Year Concert at the Hamer Hall in Melbourne, Australia on Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo by Laura Manariti/Provided by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) "I think the difference with Chinese music, as compared to Western music, is that for Chinese composers, the first thing that they always do is to make sure that their music will always contain elements of their background, their culture and their history," said Ang. "I hope that a Western audience will feel Chinese music and Chinese composers really have something significant to say not just about the art form, but also about music, communication, culture, history and people," said the conductor. "It is my responsibility to promote Chinese music, especially those modern and contemporary pieces, to the international audience," he added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Lemont Mayor John Egofske was appointed by Republicans to fill the Illinois House seat vacated by state Rep. Jim Durkin, who led the chambers GOP caucus for many years before resigning last month. Egofske will stay on as mayor of the southwest suburb while also representing the House district that covers Lemont, Burr Ridge and most of Homer Glen. Advertisement Lemont Mayor John Egofske was selected as the new state representative to fill the vacancy of former House Republican Leader Jim Durkin. (John Egofske) Durkin served in the House for 24 years, including nine as leader of the Republican minority. A moderate member of his party, he announced his resignation in January, acknowledging that the party over the last at least six years has shifted. Durkin took heat after the November election, when Democrats flipped five House seats. Egofske, a certified public accountant who retired from a business career to run for mayor in 2017, said he will work to lower property taxes, address crime and keep jobs in Illinois, according to the release announcing his appointment. He could not be reached for comment Monday. Advertisement He applied for the vacancy with backing from Durkin, who in a statement called Egofske a proven business leader and outstanding public servant whose success in the village of Lemont prepared him to solve the problems facing our state. " [ A rematch and more in competitive 1st Ward race to represent Wicker Park, Logan Square ] While he is listed as an independent on campaign disclosure documents, Durkin called Egofske a good Republican. John (Egofske) is a pragmatic Republican; someone who is not going to fall in line with the extremists that have, for the time being hijacked the party, Durkin said in an interview Monday. Someone whos going to look at the issue and will make a decision based on what he thinks is right for the district. Egofske was appointed to the seat by a committee of six local Republican leaders. The process to fill vacancies was amended in 2021 and now requires greater transparency according to Dan Pelphrey, a spokesman for the House Republican caucus. The selection groups must publicize the names of the individuals who serve on these committees, how any member of the public may apply for a vacancy, and the date and time of the meeting where the appointment is to take place, Pelphrey said. The announcement of Egofskes new role said he does not accept a salary as Lemont mayor and will decline a state pension. hsanders@chicagotribune.com A man walks across the rubble of collapsed building towards a building still standing in Kahramanmaras (AFP/Getty) At least twenty prisoners, believed to be jihadi militants, have escaped from a prison in Syria. The escape was enabled by the recent earthquake that damaged the prison, a source at the facility told Agence-France Presse. Known as the "Black Prison" the military police prison was located in the town Rajo, in northwestern Syria near the Turkish border. Controlled by pro-Turkish factions it holds roughly 2,000 inmates, of which about 1,300 are suspect of being former members Isis alongside fighters from Kurdish-lead forces. The region was hit by two major earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.5 on the Richter scale at 4:17 am and 1:24pm local time causing widespread devastation. After the first earthquake hit the prison buildings were damaged with walls and doors cracking, providing prisoners with an opportunity. "After the earthquake struck, Rajo was affected and inmates started to mutiny and took control of parts of the prison," an official at the prison told AFP. "About 20 prisoners fled, who are believed to be IS militants." The escapees allegedly paid between $1000 and $10,000 for help escaping, according to sources that spoke to the the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The escape comes not long after an ISIS attack on a prison in Raqa, the groups former de facto capital, which also aimed at freeing fellow jihadis. The few remaining opposition held areas of Syria, concentrated in the country's north-east, where the earthquake struck have been very badly affected. The oppositions Syrian Civil Defence described the situation there as disastrous. In Turkey the President Recep Tayipp Erdogan has declared a state of emergency for three months. The latest estimates of the death toll have now passed 5000 with at least 3,549 people killed in Turkey and over 1,600 killed in Syria. The death toll is expected to keep rising. Countries from across the world have rallied to pledge aid to the countries and persons affected by the devastation. Britain will send 76 search-and-rescue specialists accompanied by sniffer dogs to Turkey help with efforts including finding people trapped in the rubble. The United States, China, and the European Union plus various member states are also contributing to relief efforts. Photo illustration: Kelli R. Grant/Yahoo News; photos: Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images, Carolyn Kaster/AP, AP Three former Twitter executives called to testify on Capitol Hill this week are already infamous to those who believe that social media companies have censored conservatives. But the hearing will be a test of whether lawmakers are able to take a serious approach in probing the complicated choices and tradeoffs facing all tech and social media companies. Yoel Roth, Twitters former head of trust and safety; Vijaya Gadde, former chief legal officer; and James Baker, former deputy general counsel, will give statements and take questions on Wednesday in front of the House Oversight Committee. The committee, chaired by Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., has called in the former Twitter executives for one of its first hearings under Republican control of the House. The hearings stated purpose is to hear about Twitters decision weeks before the 2020 election to block the sharing of a New York Post story about a laptop connected to Joe Bidens son Hunter. Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chairman of the House Oversight Committee. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) The New York Posts original story said the laptop contained sexually explicit images of Hunter as well as emails implying that he introduced his father to Ukrainian businessmen. Hunter Bidens foreign business dealings while his father was vice president have long drawn scrutiny. The younger Biden is currently being investigated by David C. Weiss, the U.S. attorney for Delaware, who was originally appointed by Donald Trump. Other outlets have since confirmed that the laptop was genuine. But when the Posts scoop first appeared in the lead-up to the 2020 election, dozens of former U.S. intelligence officials said it was likely Russian disinformation. Roth has said the decision to suppress the Post story was a mistake, as former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey did over two years ago, shortly after it happened. Many observers have also noted that Twitter stopped blocking the story after a day, and that even though some politicians have claimed the incident hurt Trumps chances in the election, ultimately the episode arguably brought more attention to the Hunter Biden story than it would have otherwise received. Story continues The hearing title notes that two topics government interference and social media bias are of interest to the committee. Some have conflated those two things and alleged that the government pressured Twitter to temporarily block the Hunter Biden laptop story from spreading. They point to the recent Twitter Files stories as evidence of this government interference. Hunter Biden with his wife, Melissa Cohen, and their son, Beau, on the South Lawn of the White House. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) The Twitter Files were a series of threads on the platform by a small group of journalists who were given access by Twitter owner Elon Musk to handpicked pieces of information showing some internal documents and communication among Twitter executives and with government officials. There have been roughly 15 or 16 different threads by several different journalists. But the documentation in the Twitter Files provided no evidence that the government pressured Twitter to block the Hunter Biden laptop story. Matt Taibbi, one of the journalists who published the Twitter Files, has said this himself. Theres no evidence that I've seen of any government involvement in the laptop story, wrote Taibbi in the very first Twitter Files release. The US government had some general meetings that happen with lots of big companies to warn them about various potential cybersecurity threats, and the issue of hack-and-leak campaigns as a general possibility came up with no real specifics and no warnings. And no one communicated with the companies directly about the NY Post story, wrote TechDirts Mike Masnick in a detailed review of the issue. Roth has said that because of government warnings about a Russian hack-and-leak operation leading up to the election, the Hunter Biden laptop story looked like it might be the product of foreign interference. Some Twitter Files journalists claimed the government had attempted to discredit the story before it was ever published. But federal law enforcement was reacting to Russian interference in the 2016 election and trying to prevent a repeat of that. The claims of Twitter Files journalists about the actions of executives like Baker during the Hunter Biden incident have also not matched what is shown in the actual documents they have published. One of the Twitter Files journalists, Michael Shellenberger, claimed in one of the threads that Baker who was general counsel at the FBI before going to Twitter repeatedly insists that the Hunter Biden materials were either faked, hacked, or both, and a violation of Twitter policy, during an internal debate after the New York Post published its story. Former FBI general counsel James Baker. (Ron Sachs/Consolidated News Pictures/Getty Images) But the documents to which Shellenberger refers show that Baker did not take either side, emphasizing instead that Twitter did not have enough information at the time to know anything for sure. We need more facts to assess whether the materials were hacked, Baker wrote. He said it was possible that the material on the laptop could be fabrications and that caution is warranted but concluded, We simply need more information. The hearing will likely also delve into allegations made by Twitter Files journalists, and Musk himself, that Twitter has censored conservatives in the past, and that the government has involved itself too closely in deciding which Twitter users were suspended or blocked or had their visibility on the site decreased. The Twitter Files gave a few examples of right-wing personalities having their accounts set so that their tweets could not spread as easily but gave little insight into why that happened, how widespread it was, and whether it affected users of other political points of view. Roth will be at the center of this conversation. He was in charge of guiding Twitters policies and practice for how content was moderated. Some claim that any content moderation is censorship, but all social media sites engage in some form of content moderation, including Trumps own Truth Social. You cannot have a wholly moderation-free environment, Renee DiResta, technical research manager at Stanford Internet Observatory, said recently on the Sam Harris podcast Making Sense. When a former Trump aide started a social media site called GETTR in 2021, it was immediately overwhelmed by spam, pornography, and hacked or impersonated accounts. It had to start moderating content to get things under control. Katie Harbath, a former public policy director for Facebook who began her career as a Republican political operative, wrote that while she has had issues with how the Twitter Files are being released and portrayed, I do think they are raising a valid question on what the role of the government should be in identifying and reporting people and content. Twitter headquarters in San Francisco. (Carlos Barria/Reuters) In an interview, Harbath told Yahoo News that the interactions between government officials and Twitter personnel in communication released as part of the Twitter Files seemed pretty run of the mill. Harbath stressed that the information-sharing agreements came about because of the Russian governments interference in the 2016 election through bots and trolls (there is not much evidence it had significant impact) and by hacking into the Democratic National Committees emails and releasing them to the public through third parties (this arguably did impact the election). But, as three former staffers for the House Jan. 6 committee wrote in a recent article, it has been the lack of transparency about decision making at Twitter and other big social media sites that has opened the door to charges of bias and discrimination. During the 2020 election and its aftermath, platform executives made important decisions with huge consequences for political discourse outside of public view. While available evidence contradicts simplistic complaints of big tech anti-conservative censorship, the platforms opacity makes suspicion understandable, the three analysts wrote. Roth also said recently that while he does not agree that Twitter was politically biased against the right, that is how many people feel. All of the peer-reviewed research about bias suggests that actually Twitter amplifies right-wing voices more than left. But let's set that aside. Perception is reality. Perception is Twitter is biased to the left, Roth told New York magazines Kara Swisher in an interview. The Jan. 6 committee researchers made a similar point. One clear conclusion from our investigation is that proponents of the recently released Twitter Files, who claim that platform suspensions of the former President are evidence of anti-conservative bias, have it completely backward, they wrote. Platforms did not hold Trump to a higher standard by removing his account after January 6th. Rather, for years they wrote rules to avoid holding him and his supporters accountable; it took an attempted coup detat for them to change course. Then-President Donald Trump at a rally on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) But rather than dwell on the complex tradeoffs that social media companies navigate when it comes to balancing product quality with freedom of expression and with the need to limit real-world harm, some politicians may go for easier personal attacks on the Twitter executives. Some on the right have already done this with Roth in particular. Rod Dreher, a popular writer among many religious conservatives, derided Roth in a recent interview as an Ivy-educated queer activist who served as the chief censor of the worlds most important social media platform. Dreher claimed that Roth and others like him truly hate traditional Christians and all others who dissent from their views. That description is at odds with how Roth has conducted himself in public. Even after Musk who in October called Roth a person of high integrity smeared him following his resignation from Twitter with baseless insinuations about support for pedophilia that forced Roth and his family to flee their home due to personal safety concerns, Roth was circumspect and evenhanded in discussing Musk with Swisher. One of the things that is tricky about Elon, in particular, is that people really want him to be the villain of the story, and they want him to be unequivocally wrong and bad, and everything he says is duplicitous. I have to say ... that wasnt my experience with him, Roth said. Harbath said that Roth is one of the top people in the trust and safety space, in understanding the challenges that come with this, and in trying to deal with how various actors are trying to manipulate it. He's one of the handful who is top of class, Harbath said. I think it's unfortunate if they try to make something there that is not there out of these people's backgrounds. Twitter suspended the account of Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), the chairman of the Senate Republicans campaign arm, because the social media platform said the account violated its media policy. Dainess @SteveDaines account did not show his profile or background photos as of Tuesday morning, and a slew of posts going back as far as last Friday showed a statement that read, @SteveDainess account is temporarily unavailable because it violates the Twitter Media Policy. The statement also linked to Twitters sensitive media policy, which notes that users could not publish graphic media or adult content on their banner images or profile header, among other places. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), linking to a reporters tweet, alleged that Daines had been suspended from his account because he and his wife were shown hunting in his profile header. The Hill has reached out to Twitter for comment. This is insane. Twitter should immediately reverse this suspension, NRSC spokesman Philip Letsou said in a statement. Other Republicans rallied around Daines on Twitter and defended the Montana Republican. This is the family photo that got @SteveDaines put in twitter jail. Stop censoring our Montana way of life! Great shot, Cindy! tweeted Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), who included a photo of Daines and his wife hunting. Twitter has ridiculously suspended Sen. @SteveDaines because his profile picture is of him and his wife huntingWhat a disgrace! said Donald Trump Jr. in a post on Twitter. Twitter owner Elon Musk said in a tweet early Tuesday afternoon that the situation was being fixed and Dainess account on Twitter was ultimately active again with his tweets and profile header restored. Policy against showing blood in profile pic is being amended to clearly showing blood without clicking on the profile pic, he said. The intent is to avoid people being forced to see gruesome profile pics. Updated at 4:29 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Two people landed behind bars after the body of a man who went missing in Broward County was found buried in east-central Florida, authorities said Monday. Trinity Bownes, 31, his estranged wife, and Brandon Jenkins, 29, are expected to be extradited from out of state to Broward County to face charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence, the Broward Sheriffs Office wrote in a news release. Detective say that 28-year-old Gianni Coto went to Bownes home in Tamarac on Jan. 21. While at the residence, they had an argument and Coto was fatally stabbed. According to investigators, Jenkins, a Tennessee resident, was also there and became involved in the incident. Authorities didnt say what led to the confrontation. After Coto was killed, his remains were buried off of State Road 60 in Indian River County, BSO said. On Jan. 30, five days after a family member reported him missing, Broward detectives located Cotos body with help from local authorities. Jenkins was taken into custody in Tennessee by the Clarksville Police Department on Feb. 3. A day later, Bownes turned herself into the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office in California. Two South Carolina men are facing charges for the murder of Pebbles LaDime Dime Doe, a 24-year-old Black transgender woman who was killed in 2019. Daqua Ritter is facing a hate crime charge while his associate Xavier Pinckney is hit with obstruction of justice for allegedly providing false and misleading statements to authorities investigating the death. Ritter, 26, is accused of shooting Doe in Allendale, South Carolina because of her actual and perceived gender identity, according to NBC News. The post Two Men Charged For The Murder Of Pebbles LaDime Dime Doe, A Black Transgender Woman appeared first on Blavity. Prosecutors said Ritter shot Doe then misled investigators about his whereabouts on the day of the murder. In regards to the charges against Pinckney, prosecutors said he lied about seeing Ritter during the morning ahead of the murder, Insider reports. Investigators also said Pinckney told police that he did not have a phone number, but he had called and texted Doe on the day of her death. Ritter could face a maximum sentence of life in prison for the hate crime. The obstruction of justice charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. Ritter was arrested on Monday in New York City while Pinckney was apprehended on Thursday. Doe, who died on Aug. 4, 2019, was the second transgender person to be killed in South Carolina in a month at that time. Iowa's Department of Corrections plans to transfer some of its most dangerous prisoners out of the venerable Anamosa State Penitentiary, nearly two years after an escape attempt there left two prison employees dead. The department in a news release said Anamosa, a fortress-like medium/maximum security prison built in the early 1870s, will be redesignated as exclusively medium security, with current maximum-security inmates to be transferred to the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. The change comes after the state saw a sharp decrease in its prison population over the past several years. "Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, and in conjunction with Iowas prison population declining, IDOC has the bed space and resources needed to safely conduct and implement this transition," Director of Corrections Beth Skinner said in the news release. "This decision was made after much consideration and detailed planning, and we feel certain that now is the time to make this transition." From 2021:Review ordered after Anamosa killings finds Iowa prisons have staffing, security shortcomings The change also follows several years in which the state has struggled to find adequate staffing for its facilities, particularly at Anamosa, where officials have described additional challenges due to its aged facilities. The challenges of securely operating Anamosa were laid bare in March 2021, when two prisoners attempting to escape killed corrections officer Robert McFarland and nurse Lorena Schulte, injured another inmate and briefly held a third employee captive. Inmates Michael Dutcher and Thomas Woodard, who tried to break through bars on a prison infirmary window using a grinder and other tools, subsequently pleaded guilty to murder and other charges. Both serving terms for robbery, they were sentenced to life without parole. Previously:Parents of nurse killed by Anamosa inmates sue for wrongful death Iowa Department of Corrections faces staffing crunch A Des Moines Register investigation after the attack found that Iowa prison staffing levels were at nearly a 30-year low after years of budget cuts, with a prisoner-to-guard ratio well above the national average. Those challenges have proved persistent despite marketing campaigns and other efforts to attract and retain employees. Story continues The problems are particularly acute at Anamosa, which due to its nearly 150-year-old design has blind corners and other features that make it more difficult to securely operate. According to the department, Anamosa currently houses about 950 prisoners and employs 321 staff. For subscribers:Iowa prison staffing levels before Anamosa State Penitentiary killings were near their lowest level in 30 years The department has also seen a drop in prison population since the arrival of COVID-19, declining from 8,475 in 2019 to 7,744 in 2021. As of Tuesday, the department reported a prison population of 7.986. Transitioning Anamosa to a purely medium-security facility could help address those issues by moving some of the state's most high-risk prisoners to other facilities, but the department's news release does not give a timeline for the change, saying only that "the security designation will not change until the transition process is complete." The Department of Corrections did not immediately return inquiries from the Register on Monday. The American Federal of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 61, the union representing Iowa corrections officers, also did not return messages seeking comment. Anamosa, Fort Dodge to swap prison wardens Also on Friday, the department announced a reshuffling of prison management, with Anamosa warden Kris Karberg transferred to Fort Dodge Correctional Facility and Fort Dodge warden Nick Lamb transferred to Anamosa. Both Karberg and Lamb were appointed to their current roles in June 2021, after the Anamosa attack, and both came from outside the department. Karberg was hired away from the South Dakota Department of Corrections and had previously worked for the U.S. State Department as a security official with the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan. Lamb had a lengthy career in the Illinois prison system and, before coming to Iowa, was working for the New Mexico Department of Corrections. Anamosa's warden at the time of the attack, Jeremy Larson, was transferred afterward to Newton Correctional Facility, and later accepted a demotion to correctional counselor. This article has been updated with current Department of Corrections jail population statistics. William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com, 715-573-8166 or on Twitter at @DMRMorris. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Anamosa State Penitentiary to become medium security, Iowa DOC says By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -A U.S. federal appeals court upheld the imposition of higher tariffs on some imported steel products, reversing a lower court ruling that the Trump administration waited too long to act. Tuesday's 3-0 decision by the U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. covers imports of steel derivatives, such as nails and fasteners, that were subjected to 25% tariffs in a January 2020 proclamation by then-President Donald Trump. Similar tariffs on other imported steel items including flat-rolled products, tubes and pipes had been imposed in 2018, after then-Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross found that imports threatened national security by eroding demand for U.S. steel and depressing the use of domestic steel-producing capacity. Trump said the new tariffs were needed after capacity utilization had not recovered for an extended period. In 2021, the U.S. Court of International Trade struck down the new tariffs, saying the White House missed statutory deadlines to impose them. But the appeals court said a subsequent ruling allowed presidents to impose "contingency-dependent" tariff increases to fulfill their original national security objectives, assuming those objectives remained valid. Trump imposed the new tariffs to "close a loophole exploited by steel-derivatives importers ... to address a specific form of circumvention," Circuit Judge Richard Taranto wrote. The Biden administration supported upholding the new tariffs. The tariffs had been challenged by importers Huttig Building Products Inc, Oman Fasteners LLC and PrimeSource Building Products Inc, which said Congress never granted the president broad power over foreign trade to impose them. Lawyers for the importers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Commerce Department did not immediately respond to a similar request. The cases are PrimeSource Building Products Inc v U.S. et al, U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 2021-2066; and Oman Fasteners LLC et al v U.S. et al in the same court, No. 2021-2252. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New YorkEditing by Marguerita Choy) TAIPEI (Reuters) - Almost half of companies surveyed by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Taiwan are revising or plan to revise their business continuity plans amid tensions with China, while a growing number reported being impacted by those strains. China, which views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, has been stepping up military drills across the Taiwan Strait since then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei in August. In a survey released on Tuesday, which took place between Nov. 15 and Dec. 16, AmCham Taiwan said 33% of respondents said their operations had been "significantly disrupted" by the increase in tensions, compared with 17% when it did a flash survey in August right after China began war games. While what it termed "personal anxiety" about increased military activity or tensions remained flat between August and December, 47% of companies said they either have revised or plan to revise business continuity plans "to address the new geopolitical climate." "We are aware that companies are either initiating or renewing their planning efforts, operational contingency planning. We know that's going on," AmCham Taiwan President Andrew Wylegala told reporters. AmCham Taiwan, which said that 214 of its 437 members responded to the December survey, said one-third of companies reported being disrupted by elevated concern or policy changes from their global headquarters, followed by increased shipping, insurance, or financial costs and staff anxiety. Political uncertainty was the biggest factor deferring members from further investment in Taiwan, and more than half of respondents said cross-strait relations should be the government's top priority in the coming three years, it said. The group has called for an ambitious agenda to accelerate economic cooperation with Taiwan through a new Taiwan-U.S. trade talks framework - and eventually a bilateral trade agreement, though it hopes to see faster progress. "Engagements are going on between the U.S. and Taiwan. A year and half ago there was none," Wylegala said. "There is an expectation and hope that things will move faster." (Reporting by Faith Hung; Editing by Ben Blanchard and Raju Gopalakrishnan) By Ernest Scheyder (Reuters) -A U.S. judge ordered regulators to reconsider part of the permit approving Lithium Americas Corp's Thacker Pass lithium mine project in Nevada, though the mixed ruling allows construction to begin and rejects claims that the project would cause unnecessary harm to the environment or wildlife. Shares of Vancouver-based Lithium Americas rose 10.3% in New York to close at $25.87 on Tuesday after the ruling, which was issued Monday evening. The proposed mine would be North America's largest source of lithium for electric vehicle batteries and a key pillar in U.S. President Joe Biden's efforts to wean his country off Chinese supplies of the metal. General Motors Co (GM) signed a $650 million deal last week to help develop the project, an agreement that hinges in part on a positive outcome in the long-running court case. GM declined to comment on the ruling. Chief Judge Miranda Du of the federal court in Reno, Nevada, ordered the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to determine whether Lithium Americas has the right to dump waste rock at the site, just south of Nevada's border with Oregon. Du, however, did not vacate a 2021 decision by then-President Donald Trump to approve the mine. The ruling can be appealed, and environmentalists said they were considering next steps. "We need to find truly just and sustainable solutions for the climate crisis, and not by digging ourselves deeper into the biodiversity crisis," said Greta Anderson of the Western Watersheds Project, one of the plaintiffs. Much of the U.S. mining industry is ruled by an 1872 law that gives companies wide berth to extract metals on federal lands. However, an appeals court ruled last year in an unrelated case that miners do not necessarily have the right to store waste rock or erect buildings on federal land not containing valuable minerals. In the 49-page ruling, Du ordered the BLM to determine whether roughly 1,300 acres (530 hectares) at the Thacker Pass site where Lithium Americas hopes to store waste rock - a byproduct of the mining process - contains lithium. Federal officials had told the court last month they believe the entire site contains lithium. Story continues Lithium Americas planned to meet with the BLM on Tuesday to begin the review, which should take no longer than six months, Chief Executive Jon Evans said in an interview. "There is evidence in the record of lithium mineralization throughout the project area," he said. "This is an easy fix." Site preparation should begin almost immediately, with heavy construction likely to start this summer and last about three years, Evans said. Du also rejected claims from the Reno Sparks Indian Colony and other Native American tribes that they were not properly consulted about the project and its potential effects on cultural and historical sites. Will Falk, attorney for the Reno Sparks Indian Colony, said the tribe had not decided whether to appeal but it would continue to fight the project. "The campaign to protect Thacker Pass will move into the next phase," he said. "We're not giving up." (Reporting by Ernest Scheyder, additional reporting by Arshreet Singh; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Jamie Freed and Jonathan Oatis) Voters in Chicago will cast their ballots this month for mayor, alderman, city treasurer, clerk and representatives on police district councils. To inform voters and to help the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board make endorsements, the board posed a series of questions to the candidates running for alderman. See their answers below. Advertisement 1st Ward Proco Joe Moreno Sam Royko Advertisement Stephen Andy Schneider Daniel La Spata 3rd Ward Pat Dowell 4th Ward Tracey Y. Bey Prentice C. Butler Matthew Khari Humphries Ebony Lucas Lamont Robinson Advertisement 5th Ward Marlene Fisher Joshua Gray Jocelyn Hare Martina Tina Hone Kris Levy Dee Perkins Advertisement Gabriel Piemonte Renita Q. Ward Desmon Yancy 6th Ward Kirby Birgans Tavares Briggs Barbara Bunville Advertisement Kimberly Egonmwan William Hall Sharon E. Pincham Richard A. Wooten 8th Ward Michelle A. Harris 9th Ward Cameron Barnes Advertisement Anthony A. Beale Cleopatra Draper 10th Ward Yessenia Carreon Peter Chico Ana Guajardo Oscar Sanchez Advertisement Jessica A. Venegas 11th Ward Steve Demitro Froylan Froy Jimenez Nicole Lee Ambria Taylor 12th Ward Anabel Abarca Advertisement Julia Ramirez 13th Ward Paul Bruton Marty Quinn 14th Ward Jeylu B. Gutierrez 15th Ward Raymond Lopez Gloria Ann Williams Advertisement 16th Ward Stephanie Coleman Carolynn Crump Eddie Johnson III 18th Ward Derrick G. Curtis Heather Wills 19th Ward Michael T. Cummings Advertisement Tim Noonan Matthew J. OShea 20th Ward Jennifer Maddox Andre Smith Jeanette B. Taylor 21st Ward Preston Brown Jr. Advertisement Ayana Clark Cornell Dantzler Daliah Goree Kweli Kwaza Larry Jay Lloyd Ronnie Mosley Advertisement 22nd Ward Kristian R. Armendariz Neftalie Gonzalez Michael D. Rodriguez 23rd Ward Eddie Guillen Silvana Tabares 24th Ward Vetress Boyce Advertisement Drewone Goldsmith Traci Treasure Johnson Creative Scott Monique L. 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Comer Rebecca Janowitz Timmy Knudsen Steven McClellan Wendi Taylor Nations 44th Ward Bennett Lawson Advertisement 45th Ward Susanna Ernst James Gardiner Megan Mathias James Suh 46th Ward Angela Clay Michael Cortez Advertisement Marianne Lalonde Patrick Nagle Kim Walz Roushaunda Williams 48th Ward Joe Dunne Nassir Faulkner Advertisement Isaac Freilich Jones Brian Haag Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth Andre Peloquin Andy Peters Larry Svabek Advertisement Nick Ward 49th Ward Maria Hadden Belia Rodriguez 50th Ward Mueze Bawany Debra Silvestein By Luc Cohen and Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) -A federal judge on Tuesday rejected a proposal to modify Sam Bankman-Fried's bail conditions, despite an agreement between the FTX cryptocurrency exchange founder and prosecutors to address potential witness tampering concerns. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan did not provide reasons for the denial, and said a hearing on bail remains scheduled for Feb. 9. A spokesman for Bankman-Fried declined to comment. The office of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams in Manhattan also declined to comment. Bankman-Fried, 30, has been free on $250 million bond and living in Palo Alto, California, with his parents, who guaranteed the bond, since pleading not guilty to looting billions of dollars from the now-bankrupt FTX. On Tuesday afternoon, he formally appealed Kaplan's Jan. 30 ruling granting a request by 11 media outlets including Reuters to reveal the names of two other people guaranteeing his bail. Bankman-Fried has said his parents, both Stanford Law School professors, had been harassed and received physical threats since FTX's collapse, and there was "serious cause for concern" the additional guarantors might suffer similar treatment. Prosecutors had asked last month to tighten bail, citing Bankman-Fried's efforts to contact both the general counsel of the FTX U.S. affiliate and new FTX Chief Executive John Ray, ostensibly to provide assistance. Their proposed conditions would prevent Bankman-Fried from talking with most employees of FTX or his Alameda Research hedge fund without lawyers present, or using encrypted messaging apps such as Signal. On Monday, Bankman-Fried's lawyer Mark Cohen said his client and prosecutors would allow communications with a specific set of employees, pending Kaplan's approval. That agreement would also ban Bankman-Fried from using Signal, but let him communicate by phone, email, text message, Zoom and FaceTime, as well as WhatsApp if he installed monitoring technology. Story continues Bankman-Fried would have also withdrawn his objection to a bail condition preventing him from accessing FTX, Alameda or cryptocurrency assets. His lawyers had originally proposed banning contact only with certain potential witnesses like former Alameda chief Caroline Ellison and former FTX technology chief Zixiao "Gary" Wang, who have pleaded guilty to fraud and are cooperating with prosecutors. Separately, prosecutors on Tuesday asked another judge to put on hold Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission civil lawsuits against Bankman-Fried until the criminal case ended. They cited the cases' substantial overlap, and the risk Bankman-Fried could gather evidence in the civil cases to help his criminal defense. (Reporting by Luc Cohen and Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Daniel Wallis) WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Representative George Santos is facing ethics complaints from fellow members of Congress, but the House Ethics Committee has not yet been organized for the next two years and thus cannot launch any potential investigation, an aide to Speaker Kevin McCarthy said on Tuesday. "Theres no investigation, as the Ethics Committee hasnt organized yet. But it has received complaints," the spokesman said of the situation surrounding Santos, who has admitted he fabricated much of his resume. Earlier in the day, McCarthy, asked by CNN if the freshman lawmaker is under investigation by the panel, McCarthy said, "Yes." "Ethics is moving through, and if Ethics finds something, well take action," McCarthy told the cable news outlet. Later, McCarthy said he meant to say that Santos was the subject of Ethics Committee complaints. "There are questions. I expect them to get answered," he said when asked if he expected the panel to investigate Santos. Santos apologized for "embellishing" his resume but has rebuffed calls for his resignation from constituents and fellow New York state Republicans, saying he would vacate his seat only if he loses the next election, in 2024. Last week, McCarthy said Santos had asked if he could recuse himself from his committee assignments while he works to clear up an ethics cloud. Among other claims, Santos said he had degrees from New York University and Baruch College, despite neither institution having any record of him attending. He claimed to have worked at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, which was also untrue. He said falsely that he was Jewish and that his grandparents escaped the Nazis during World War Two, and he failed to disclose that he was married to a woman for several years ending in 2019. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Richard Cowan; editing by Jonathan Oatis) The independent UAW monitor has determined that a local union officer in upstate New York violated election rules when he sent a letter to more than 100 retired members telling them to vote for incumbent President Ray Curry and two other candidates in the current UAW runoff election. At issue was the use of union resources for the letter a copy of which was obtained by the Free Press which the monitor, in an email also obtained by the Free Press, characterized as a campaign letter. Rules prohibit the use of union resources to promote specific candidates in the current runoff election, which pits the top vote-getters in three races where no candidates secured a majority of votes from last year's first direct election of top union leaders. More:UAW Region 1 director violated election rule related to retaliation, monitor finds Without providing evidence, the letter, which went to members of Local 634 in the Buffalo area, using union envelopes, asserted that two candidates in the UAW runoff election Shawn Fain and Daniel Vicente, who are running for president and director of UAW Region 9, respectively would move the unions headquarters out of state, to Pennsylvania. But Vicente, during a recent Facebook interview that described the letter as fearmongering, said that makes no sense because most of the region's members live in New York and that "of course I would move there." He also said he doesn't have the authority to shut down a regional office. The letter also listed the people we need to vote for as Curry, Chuck Browning, a vice presidential candidate, and Lauren Farrell, who is running against Vicente. More:UAW presidential hopefuls offer competing visions for union's future Curry, Browning and Farrell are part of the same slate of candidates running for office in the election. Fain and Vicente are part of the opposing slate. The letter said the monitor had advised the officer, who is unnamed, of the rules violation and that Fain and Vicente would have the opportunity to send a letter of similar length and format to the same list of approximately 132 individuals to whom the letters was mailed, and whose mailing addresses were derived from the Local 634 contact list. Story continues The letter said Farrell was not involved or aware of the mailing, so was not found to have violated the rules. UAW spokeswoman Sandra Engle provided a comment on Tuesday: "The monitors election rules are featured on the UAWs website, and the UAW has provided additional guidance to local unions. However, mistakes and violations have happened on both sides. We have been working with the monitors office to remedy the violations, where appropriate." A representative for the monitor's office sent an email reply Tuesday to a request for comment with information describing the investigation that found the violation by the local officer and noting that the office provides updates on investigations in its periodic public reports. More:UAW election results signal 'discontent' among members as reformers notch big wins The issue is not the first time that the monitor has found a violation of the rules in the election process. During the initial election, the monitors office admonished James Harris, who was then the director of UAW Region 1 after he acknowledged inappropriately denying his opponent, LaShawn English, a pass to last years UAW convention in Detroit. English ultimately defeated Harris in the election. UAW members are in the midst of voting. The voters are being told to mail their ballots back by Feb. 17 in order to meet the Feb. 28 deadline in the election. Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: UAW monitor: Mailing to retirees shouldn't have used union resources Protesters wait outside Ben Sasse's office during the protest on his first day as the University of Florida president. A series of pounding fists at Ben Sasses office door welcomed the new president to campus Monday as he began his tenure as president of the University of Florida. Bryn Taylor, co-president of graduate assistant organization Graduate Assistants United, rattled the wood in hopes of delivering a list of demands to Sasse after an hour of protest. But much to the frustration of her and around 100 people on the other side, there was no answer from the man of the hour. Around 100 protesters crowded Tigert Hall, the universitys administration building, to protest Sasses first day as UFs 13th president before marching inside to his office door. The group a coalition of students, faculty, staff and organizations like Graduate Assistants United and Young Democratic Socialists of America hosted speakers and chanted outside the building before occupying the hallway in hopes of delivering the list of demands directly to Sasses office. Protestors waited for an hour before taping copies of their list on the walls, doors and ceilings of the administration building and leaving without speaking to Sasse or a secretary. Police and representatives from UF communications agreed to let three people into the office, but protesters waited in hopes that they would allow the full group to deliver the demands. Protests have followed Sasse, a former U.S. senator from Nebraska, since the announcement of his pending presidency in October 2022, when UF revealed he was the sole finalist for its months-long presidential search. Sasse first visited the university as the sole finalist for a Q&A forum with students and faculty an event that was interrupted by 300 protestors in Emerson Alumni Hall. Diving in:UF spending $300,000 on new pool for Dasburg home where incoming president Ben Sasse will reside More:Recent UF graduates break into space industry with innovative, low-cost business model Cassie Edmonds, a 22-year UF biology senior, said she was upset and confused by the pick given Sasses past comments on gay marriage, abortion access and other issues. Story continues I just really dont know how they ended up choosing this racist, homophobic dude from Nebraska, Edmonds said. Students have expressed repeated worry about Sasses history of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric while he was a senator, including his expressed disappointment over the 2015 Supreme Court decision that declared same-sex marriage a constitutionally protected right. Antonio Lopez, 43, a UF faculty member, chants during the protest on Ben Sasse's first day as the University of Florida president. "I'm very worried about my rights as a member of the LGBTQ community," Lopez said. Protestors asked Sasse to commit to a series of demands as UF president which 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 Bryn Taylor, Graduate Assistants United co-president, speaks to Maj. B. C. Knowles during the protest on Ben Sasse's first day as the University of Florida president. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced in January that he will defund diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at universities after requiring campuses to report spending on DEI and critical race theory programs. In an email sent out Monday morning, Sasse promised he would use his time at UF to champion viewpoint diversity, harness the power of AI, make Florida the Silicon Valley of agriculture technology and more. I am enthusiastic about working alongside you in the months and years to come, he wrote, as we transform lives by pursuing truth, beauty, and excellence, by discovering world-changing breakthroughs, and by passing on to our students a life-long love of learning. Sasse was selected by a 15-person search committee as former president Kent Fuchs successor in a controversial and private process. Sasse was named the sole finalist of the search, with other finalists refusing to have their names announced unless selected for the role. The search process was able to be kept private thanks to a bipartisan bill passed by the Florida Legislature last year. Protesters listen during the protest on Ben Sasse's first day as the University of Florida president. Sasses transition to the presidency has been as controversial as the search that found him. Notably, UF spent $300,000 to install a new pool in the mansion where hell live. Protesters like Taylor were especially upset by the splurge given graduate assistant salaries, which Taylor said arent livable. UF pays its graduate assistants a minimum stipend of $17,000 for nine-month appointments and $22,753 for full-time work. More:UF spending $300,000 on new pool for Dasburg home where incoming president Ben Sasse will reside A sign depicting Ben Sasse as a puppet of DeSantis is pictured during the protest on the new president's first day leading the University of Florida. Graduate assistants come up to us and tell us, I have to feed my family of four on $10 a day, Taylor said, and Ben Sasse gets a f****ing pool. Abe Goldman, a former UF geology and African studies professor, said he worries Sasse could restrict freedom of speech and academic freedom at UF. Its the overall tenor of eliminating or reducing freedom of thought, freedom of research, freedom of expression, he said, and basically leaving us with the freedom to agree with him, and thats it. Linda Lewis, a 67-year-old faculty emeritus, said she hopes Sasse will listen to the concerns of protestors. She worries about DeSantis role in higher education and said she thinks Sasse will prioritize the desires of the governor over UF faculty, students and staff. The goal of the protest, she said, is to make their demands heard. Can we get him to listen? This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: UF students, faculty welcome Ben Sasse to campus with demands, protest Russia has highly likely attempted to restart major offensive operations in Ukraine since early January, aiming to capture the remaining Ukrainian-controlled parts of Donetsk Oblast, the U.K. Defense Ministry reported in its latest update on Feb. 7. According to the update, Russian troops have only managed to gain several hundred meters of territory per week. This is almost certainly because Russia now lacks the munitions and maneuver units required for successful offensives, the ministry said. The ministry also said that Russian leaders will likely continue to demand sweeping advances, while the senior Russian commanders likely make plans requiring undermanned, inexperienced units to achieve unrealistic objectives due to political and professional pressure. It remains unlikely that Russia can build up the forces needed to substantially affect the outcome of the war within the coming weeks, the ministry said. The update comes as top Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, have voiced warnings of an imminent Russian offensive in the Donbas, an industrial heartland in the east of Ukraine comprising Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Zelensky earlier said that Russia was building up troops to seek "revenge," and Ukraine's task is to do its best to "not give them (Russian troops) this opportunity until our army is strengthened with appropriate weapons." On Feb. 6, Ukraine's intelligence also claimed that Russia was prepared to mobilize 300,000 to 500,000 troops to sustain a major offensive in the Donbas and "possibly" in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast in spring and summer. LONDON (AP) A former London police officer was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison with a minimum term of 30 years for raping and sexually assaulting a dozen women over a 17-year period. Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick, 48, admitted last month he was a serial rapist in what prosecutors described as one of the most shocking cases involving a serving police officer. Carrick, who joined the force in 2001, pleaded guilty to 49 offenses including 24 counts of rape and charges including assault, attempted rape and false imprisonment. His crimes took place between 2003 and 2020. During Tuesday's sentencing hearing, Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb said the former officer took monstrous advantage of women behind a public appearance of propriety and trustworthiness. You brazenly raped and sexually assaulted a number of women, some very brutally, and you behaved as if you were untouchable. You were bold and at times relentless, trusting that no victim would overcome her shame and fear to report you," the judge told Carrick. For nearly two decades, you were proved right but now a combination of those 12 women, by coming forward, and your police colleagues, by acting on their evidence, have exposed you and brought you low," she added. Authorities said Carrick used his status as a police officer to control and coerce his victims. The Metropolitan Police said his crimes had a devastating impact on the force, and apologized to victims after it emerged that nine allegations of rape and other crimes were made against Carrick between 2000 and 2021. He was only suspended from the force after his arrest for a rape complaint in 2021. (Bloomberg) -- UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak plans to carry out a mini reshuffle of his cabinet in an effort to re-set his premiership after a rocky first 100 days in office, according to people familiar with the discussions. Most Read from Bloomberg Sunak will appoint a new Conservative Party chair, after he sacked Nadhim Zahawi over a tax scandal more than a week ago, as part of a wider overhaul, officials told Cabinet ministers Monday. The Sun reported that Business secretary Grant Shapps is tipped to be named party chairman, but a person familiar with the matter denied that was the case. A cabinet meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday morning was rescheduled for the afternoon, a person familiar with the matter said. That suggests the moves werent going as smoothly as expected. Officials have held talks with ministers in recent days about splitting up Shappss Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, according to a person familiar. This is something Sunak proposed during last years leadership round. Sunaks office declined to comment late Monday and again on Tuesday. The move comes as pressure builds on Sunak to re-think his decision to appoint Dominic Raab as his Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, whos since come under investigation over bullying allegations. Sunaks ruling Tory party sits around 20 points behind the Labour opposition in most polls, and in the face of a possible general election defeat in less than two years is facing mounting calls in his own party to cut taxes. The premier has been unimpressed with the quality of work produced by BEIS in recent years, taking particular issue with its focus on energy, which has left less capacity to produce significant pro-business policies, the person said. Story continues One option being discussed is the creation of a stand-alone energy department, with a separate office focused on business and trade, and a third based on science and technology, the person said. The break-up could also impact both the trade and culture departments, they said. --With assistance from Alex Morales. (Updates with cabinet delayed in third paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Ukrainian officials detained a military officer accused of collaborating with and passing intelligence to Russians. Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the Military and Defence Sphere of the Western Region Ukrainian officials have arrested a man they say was passing intelligence to the Russian army. Security Service of Ukraine said he "collected information about the movement of Ukrainian troops." The man, a military officer, is being held without bail while an investigation is underway. Ukrainian officials have arrested a senior military officer accused of collaborating with and passing intelligence to Russians during the ongoing war between the two countries. The Security Service of Ukraine said on Telegram it detained a "traitor" who was "leaking data" on Ukraine's offensive moves and combat plans to Russian troops. "At the instruction of the invaders, he covertly collected information about the movement of Ukrainian troops and their replenishment with equipment and ammunition," the SSU said. The SSU added that the "traitor 'leaked' analytical summaries of the situation at the front to his Russian curators." After investigating, the SSU said it identified the "accomplice" as one of their own an official in one of the military units of the Armed Forces. The man has not been publicly named. According to a press release from the Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the Military and Defence Sphere of the Western Region, the senior military officer has been accused of treason. The Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the Military and Defence Sphere of the Western Region said an investigation found the man sent secret information from the Defense Forces of Ukraine to Russia to benefit their war operation. The agency accused the man of sharing "plans for conducting military operations, training, strategic and operational-tactical ideas, detailed directions of the offensive operation, intelligence findings, movements of military equipment." "This information helped the Russians counter the Ukrainian military on one of the areas of the front," the Specialized Prosecutor's Office said. The SSU was able to "detain the intruder in an attempt to transfer data to the Russian authorities." During his arrest, the SSU said he was trying to "inform the enemy about the operational situation in one of the directions of hostilities." Story continues "The suspect was exposed 'red-handed' during another attempt to report to the enemy," the Specialized Prosecutor's Office said. In searching his home, the SSU said it found "communication devices and computer equipment, which he used to communicate with the occupiers." The SSU said the man "fully admitted his guilt" and is being held in detention without bail while an investigation into his activity is underway. "He swore loyalty to Ukraine and then betrayed," the Specialized Prosecutor's Office said. Translations by Oleksandr Vynogradov Read the original article on Business Insider Ukraine has reported that more than 1,000 Russian troops were killed on Monday alone as the war between the neighboring countries approaches its first anniversary. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said in a Telegram post that 1,030 Russian personnel were killed in fighting, raising the total throughout the conflict to just more than 133,000. Ukrainian forces also destroyed 14 tanks and 28 armored personnel vehicles, officials said. Reuters reported that the number of Russian soldiers killed made Monday the deadliest 24 hours of the war for Russia so far, but it could not independently verify Ukraines claims. It also reported that the figures of casualties from the opposition by both sides have been unreliable. Ukraine has warned that Russia is amassing 500,000 troops on its border to launch an offensive in order to capture new territory. Ukrainian forces started turning back Russias invasion throughout the summer and fall and retook thousands of square kilometers of captured territory before the two sides reached a stalemate in the winter. But Russia has recently made advances around the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine also is replacing Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov amid a series of corruption scandals as the Russian offensive is pending. The first anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion will be on Feb. 24. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia on Monday pitched an emergency property tax relief program funded through taxpayer grants, while Chicago mayoral opponent Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson released a safety plan that he said would address root causes of violence. Garcia, who is making his second bid for the citys highest office, proposed finding money in Chicagos budget to hand out means-tested grants for more than 21,500 property owners struggling with high taxes. The first set of grants would be a one-time $250 check to homeowners making no more than $43,800 as individuals and $66,700 as families. The households tax bills must be at least $1,000. Advertisement In rolling out his latest bundle of proposals for the city, Garcia, one of nine mayoral candidates in the Feb. 28 election, said he would also attempt to negotiate a property tax reform bill with state lawmakers but did not elaborate, saying that would not likely happen in the current legislative session. People are hurting now. They need assistance now. All over Pilsen, people have called my office, Garcia said while appearing in the traditionally Latino neighborhood that has seen significant gentrification. Advertisement He also blamed Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who is running for a second term, saying the city could have taken some measures to mitigate the shock that people in this neighborhood are experiencing now. Under the plan, residential property owners, including landlords, would be eligible for $500 grants if they make under $58,350 as individuals and $83,400 as families as well as if they experienced a property tax hike at least double the citys average and of at least $2,000. The 2021 market value of the property must not exceed $400,000. Pilsen resident Concepcion Rodriguez stands in front of her two-story building holding a $15,322 tax bill Monday. Rodriguez contested the tax bill and it was lowered. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) In addition, businesses that saw an increase in their tax bills of at least double the city average and at least $3,000 would be eligible for a $1,500 grant. But the 2021 market value of the property cannot top $600,000. Other ideas Garcia touted include convening a Chicago Council of Corporate and Community Leaders to catalyze more economic development downtown, launching a Chicago Green Bank to focus federal and local funds into environmentally friendly investments, and incentivizing businesses to hire people who were recently released from incarceration. Johnson, meanwhile, unveiled a plan Monday that he said would train 200 new police detectives from the existing rank and file, double summer employment opportunities for at-risk youth to more than 60,000 jobs and expand support for victims of crime. Those programs and increased support for homeless people and those with addictions will help curb crime, Johnson said. The best way to reduce violence in the city of Chicago is to invest in people, Johnson said. Asked what role police have for addressing crime, Johnson said, If we believe that public safety is confined to policing, that clearly is inaccurate. I can tell you the role of policing is not being social workers and counselors and therapists, Johnson said. Its concentrating our efforts in a smart way to make sure that where the crime is more likely to take place that a police presence is there but its also solving crime. Advertisement Mayoral candidate and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson talks with prospective voters during a fellowship hour before a forum Friday. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) Johnson said most violence in the city happens in relatively small areas and not enough cases are being solved by officers. On the campaign trail, Johnson has repeatedly sought to separate himself from Lightfoot, Garcia and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas by criticizing them for what he says is an overreliance on policing. That has led to criticism from Lightfoot that he wants to defund the police. Johnson was also asked Monday if he would reduce the number of police to pay for his programs and he sidestepped the question. Johnson said the supervisory to rank and file ratio is just out of whack and said there are almost 1,000 officers on desk duty who could be redeployed. Its about being smart, and making sure that police officers are in the best possible position to make sure that were bringing some closure to families who are looking for closure, but its really more about investing in people, Johnson said. But, Johnson said, policing as a strategy is whats led to the problems Chicago has now. Lightfoot, for her part, has also criticized an overreliance on policing and noted that public safety must be addressed with the root causes, especially poverty. Advertisement Also Monday, activist JaMal Green announced new advertising for his mayoral campaign, including a video that highlights his opposition to parking boots and demonstrations against Chase Banks lending practices among the Black community, earning a ban for the establishments branch locations but also a promise from the bank to increase mortgage lending to Black and Latino families. Vasyl Malyuk Earlier, on Feb. 6, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted the relevant motion to the Verkhovna Rada, where it was approved in committee. Malyuk has served as the SBU acting head since SBU chief Ivan Bakanov was suspended from his duties on July 17, 2022. Read also: Why Zelenskyy removed the heads of the SBU and PGO On July 18, Zelenskyy tapped Malyuk as the SBU acting head and submitted a motion on Bakanovs dismissal to the parliament. After large-scale searches at the offices of former Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, former PrivatBank owner Ihor Kolomoisky, pro-Russian MP Vadym Stolar, and representatives of the State Tax Service, Malyuk said the goal of the SBU was to fight internal enemies. Read also: SBU explains reasons for raids on businesses of pro-Russian MP Stolar According to Malyuk, this is only the first stage of complex and systematic work, and the SBU has no plans to stop. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine During Pistorius' meeting with Zelenskyy, they discussed the transfer of additional weapons to Ukraine. According to Pistorius, Ukraine will also receive another five Biber bridge-laying tanks, which will be delivered in March. Read also: Liberation of Crimea with German tanks is legal, SPD chairman says The minister noted that the supply of fighter jets is out of the question. The press service of the German Ministry of Defense on Twitter added that during the meeting between Pistorius and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, they discussed the transfer of additional weapons to Ukraine by the end of March. Ukraine will also receive a batch of Leopard-2A6 tanks. Read also: Ukraine will get German Leopards earlier than US Abrams, White House says On Feb. 7, the German government issued licenses for German defense companies to supply Ukraine with 178 Leopard-1A5 tanks. Minister Pistorius reported that Ukraine would receive more than 100 Leopard 1A5 tanks from several European countries. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Ukrainian artillery teams fire toward Russian positions in Bakhmut. Madeleine Kelly/Getty Images Ukraine on Tuesday said that 1,030 Russian troops were killed in the past 24 hours. This would mark the deadliest day for Russian forces since the war began. Western officials estimate Russia is approaching 200,000 casualties in the war. Ukraine said on Tuesday that 1,030 Russian troops were killed in the past 24 hours, which would mark the deadliest day for Russia since it invaded last February, per Reuters. It's extremely difficult to track casualties in active war zones, and Insider could not independently verify this data. Western officials estimate that Russia is approaching 200,000 casualties in the war so far, an astonishing number of dead and wounded in less than a year of fighting, and US Army Gen. Mark Milley, who serves as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in late January that the war in Ukraine is "turning into an absolute catastrophe for Russia." The Ukrainian military puts the total Russian death toll at 133,190 as fierce fighting continues to rage on in the country's east. Russia has made a hard and costly push to take the city of Bakhmut, which is located in Donetsk one of four Ukrainian regions that Russian President Vladimir Putin illegally annexed in September, claiming they are a part of Russia even though Russian forces do not fully control or occupy these territories. Putin announced a partial military mobilization in September, aiming to provide a boost to Russia's struggling war effort. The mobilization did not go well, facing public backlash and leading thousands of Russian men to flee the country. Though Russia was able to address some its manpower concerns through mobilization, there have been numerous reports of Russians being sent to the front line poorly equipped and with little training. Russia has also turned to the notorious Wagner mercenary group for help addressing its manpower issues. Wagner has recruited thousands of prisoners to serve in the war, and many have reportedly been killed. Story continues But despite its growing list of setbacks and failures in the war, Russia has shown no signs of giving up. Ukraine is bracing for Russian forces to launch a major offensive in the near future. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov recently suggested that the offensive could begin around February 24 the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion. There are open questions though as to whether a weakened Russian military, which has struggled to make major gains over the course of the war, is capable of mounting a successful offensive. Russia lacks the munitions and maneuver units "required for successful offensives," the British Defense Ministry said in a daily intelligence update on Tuesday. The ministry noted that Russian forces have been working to restart major offensive operations in Ukraine since last month, with the operational goal of conquering the Ukrainian-held parts of Donetsk. "Russian leaders will likely continue to demand sweeping advances," the British defense ministry said, adding, "It remains unlikely that Russia can build up the forces needed to substantially affect the outcome of the war within the coming weeks." Read the original article on Business Insider The SBU conducted 11 searches, in particular, on real estate properties of Medvedchuk's wife According to the investigation, the companies allegedly paid the Russians for the protection of Medvedchuks real estate on the territory of the peninsula. Marchenkos business structure also regularly replenished the Russian budget by paying taxes and fees. Read also: Parliament to deprive Medvedchuk, Kozak, Derkach and Kuzmin of MP status The total amount of payments to Russia is more than UAH 50 million or the of equivalent $1.3 million. SBU SBU The SBU found out that Marchenkos company continued to finance the Russian budget after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Read also: President's Office advisor speaks about Medvedchuk, negotiations and sanctions against Russia interview To implement the scheme, Marchenko registered a company in the city of Yalta, Crimea, with a charter capital of more than 1 billion rubles ($14 million). Assets of three Kyiv-based investment companies were used to do this. Later, the company in Crimea signed the corresponding security agreements with the Russian National Guard and the Interior Ministry. The SBU conducted 11 searches at properties belonging to Medvedchuks wife, at the offices of her Kyiv companies, and at the residences of their top managers, and found the following: documents, computers, flash drives, and mobile phones with evidence of the illegal scheme; seals and bank cards used by the participants in illegal activities. SBU SBU The SBU served Marchenko and the head of an affiliated company in Crimea with charge papers under Part 3 of Art. 1102 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The heads of three Kyiv companies involved in the scheme are also expected to be charged. They face up to eight years in prison with confiscation of property. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Ukrainian border guards shot down a Russian jet aircraft near Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, on 7 February. Source: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine on Telegram Quote from Border Guard Service: "Border guards shot down a Russian jet aircraft in the sky over Bakhmut." Details: It is reported that the Russian jet aircraft was providing air cover for infantry advancing on the Ukrainian line of defence. The Russian warplane, presumably a Su-25, was shot down by a man-portable air defence system. The jet aircraft caught fire and crashed, the fate of the pilot is unknown. Border guards also posted a video of the crash site. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Ukrainian Defence Intelligence has not confirmed Russia's seizure of a number of villages, including one near Bakhmut, which was announced by Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu on Tuesday. Source: press service of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine Quote: "Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Sergey Shoigu stated at a conference call that the occupying army has full control over the settlements of Soledar, Klishchiivka, Krasnopillia, Blahodatne, Mykolaivka in Donetsk Oblast, as well as Pidhirne and Lobkove in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Ukrainian troops were withdrawn from the city of Soledar on 25 January, which was officially reported by the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As for other settlements, their capture by the enemy is currently not confirmed. The Ukrainian defence forces keep defending on each of the mentioned fronts." Details: The Main Intelligence Directorate also emphasised that Shoigu deliberately did not mention the fact that the forces of the Wagner PMC were actively involved in combat on all the indicated fronts. In addition, this information, as the Intelligence Service claims, is suppressed by the Russian propagandist media, which indicates the continuation of the conflict among the military and political leadership of the Russian Federation. Background: On 7 February, Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Defence Minister, announced that the settlements of Soledar, Klishchiivka, Krasnopillia, Blahodatne, and Mykolaivka in Donetsk Oblast, as well as Pidhirne and Lobkovo in Zaporizhia Oblast, are now under control of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The Ukrainian side did not comment on that statement. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy thanked parliament on Tuesday for approving his proposed candidates for Cabinet jobs and called for an end to "rumours or any other pseudo-information" that could undermine unity in the war against Russia. His remarks on rumours, in an address to parliament, appeared intended to end public speculation over whether Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov will be removed and underline that only the president can take and announce such decisions. In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy said parliament had endorsed the head of the SBU security service, Vasyl Malyuk, and the interior minister, Ihor Klymenko. Both appointees had previously performed the jobs in an acting capacity. Zelenskiy specifically thanked deputies for "confirming, on my submission", the SBU head. "Now we have people who have acquired experience of such a war," Zelenskiy said. "Such people have to be more present in positions at various levels in central and local administration" There had been uncertainty over Reznikov's future after David Arakhamia, a senior lawmaker and ally of the president, said on Sunday that Reznikov would be replaced after a corruption scandal at the ministry. A day later, Arakhamia said there would be no personnel changes this week, appearing to row back after Zelenskiy kept silent on Reznikov's future and other politicians publicly defended the minister's record. Writing earlier on the Telegram messaging app, Zelenskiy made no direct reference to the incident. "We are taking personnel and institutional steps at various levels in the defence and security sector that can strengthen Ukraine's position," Zelenskiy said, citing his speech to parliament. "The necessary information is provided as regards each such step, whether personnel or institutional - at the level where decisions are made," he said, underlining that such decisions were the responsibility of only the president. Story continues Zelenskiy offered thanks to all who help preserve the unity of Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia nearly 12 months ago. "I thank everyone who refrains from spreading any rumours or other pseudo-information that could weaken the focus of our people in their work for the victory of Ukraine," he said. "It is only by helping our country, not allowing the enemy to play with the emotions of our people and doing everything possible for our warriors to have more weapons that we can ensure Ukraine's success. And we will!" (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Timothy Heritage and Jonathan Oatis) Guerrillas set fire to the railway control cabinet Luhansk guerrillas are keeping the Rashists (Russian fascists) on their toes, he said. Read also: Russians preparing three offensive operations in Luhansk Oblast Hayday This time, our patriots set fire to a railway signal box. According to Hayday, the automated railway signalling equipment on the Rovenky-Antratsyt railway section near the village of Yasenivskyi has been destroyed as a result of the guerrillas arson attack. Read also: Luhansk governor denies Russian invaders have captured Bilohorivka Earlier Hayday said the Russian invaders have not yet advanced near the town of Kreminna of Luhansk Oblast but are carrying out combat reconnaissance. At the same time, he called the number of enemy troops the main threat. According to him, Russia is pulling in many mobilized soldiers to the region. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Ukrainian military Brandtzg estimates Ukrainian usage of shells at about 5,000-6,000 per day which is the same amount as a small European country would order to supply its army in peacetime. Read also: France and Australia to manufacture artillery shells for Ukraine Almost a year after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the demand for ammunition and explosives is becoming a challenge for industrial capacities of Europe, rushing to rearmament, the article reads. Read also: Flow of Western weapons to Ukraine could set conditions for peace, NATOs Stoltenberg says Its a war about industrial capacity, said Brandtzg. He said, "some components are in such high demand, that their delivery time has increased from months to years." Read also: Brazil refuses to provide Germany with tank shells for Ukraine Also, many companies have increased the length of working shifts and increased their staff numbers to meet expected orders. The New York Times has already reported that the smaller NATO members have exhausted their potential to supply weapons to Ukraine. NATO is even considering investing in old factories in Czechia, Slovakia and Bulgaria to restart the manufacturing of Soviet-era munitions for Ukrainian artillery. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called on members of the defense alliance to step up military production for Ukraine, since NATO has exhausted most of its stockpiles. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Pavlo Khalimon SAPO Deputy Head Andriy Syniuk told the Ukrinform news agency on Feb. 7 that information on Khalimons possible unlawful enrichment had been entered into the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations. Read also: Ukrainian security chief says battle against traitors, corruption, organized crime won't stop The relevant investigation began on Jan. 26, Syniuk added. Read also: Ukraine gets better score in 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index Transparency International Earlier the Servant of the People faction vowed to dismiss Khalimon as the deputy head of the faction after journalists of the Ukrainska Pravda online newspaper had found out that during the full-scale war, the MP bought a house in downtown Kyiv worth UAH 10.3 million ($281,662). The SAPO appealed to the Presidents Office to open a case against Khalimon on unlawful enrichment. On Feb. 2, the National Agency for Prevention of Corruption reported it had discovered signs of Khalimons unlawful enrichment. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The enemy plane was shot down with MANPADS The enemy aircraft was providing air support for a Russian infantry assault on the Ukrainian positions. Read also: National Guard downs Russian Su-25 near Bakhmut "A unit opened fire with a man-portable air defense system and shot down a Russian combat aircraft, presumably a Su-25," the Border Guard Services message reads. The Border Guard Service said after being hit the aircraft caught fire in the air and then crashed. Video of the area near the crash site released by the Border Guards Service and circulating on social media shows several plumes of smoke rising from a forested area in the distance. Read also: Ukraine shoots down another Russian Su-25 jet The pilot's fate is currently unknown. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Unilever Plc will build a manufacturing plant in the northern Mexican border state Nuevo Leon as part of a $400 million investment in the country over the next three years, the company said on Tuesday. The plant, which will be located in Salinas Victoria on the outskirts of Monterrey, will manufacture beauty and personal care products, Unilever said. The investment will bring in 1,200 new direct and indirect jobs, the company added. Unilever already operates four plants in the country, which is a key center for exports to other nations, the company said. The newest plant is set to open in 2024, Unilever said. In recent months, major producers from Mattel Inc to BMW have opted to invest in Mexico as part of a boom in "nearshoring," or bringing supply chains closer to their final destination. (Reporting by Kylie Madry in Mexico City; Editing by Matthew Lewis) The University of Akron last week paid $550,000 to settle a lawsuit with 12 former students whose dual therapy and counseling doctoral program lost one of its two accreditations before they graduated. The University of Akron is paying $550,000 to settle a lawsuit with 12 former students whose dual therapy and counseling doctoral program lost one of its two accreditations before they graduated. The students were in the university's unique dual PhD program that awarded doctorate degrees in both therapy and counseling. But according to the lawsuit, the university allowed the counseling accreditation lapse without seeking protections for students already in the program at the time. The lawsuit, filed in 2018 in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, alleged violations of Ohios Consumer Sales Practices Act. The university, the lawsuit said, had specifically marketed this dual program to prospective students based on the advantages they would have by earning accredited degrees in two related fields. "When you have a PhD that's accredited in two different fields, obviously your career opportunities are going to be different," the plaintiffs' lead attorney Peter Pattakos said. Those students came to Akron for that "one-of-a-kind" program, he said. According to the original lawsuit, "plaintiffs relocated, changed careers, incurred debt, and undertook other life-altering changes for the specific purpose of attaining dually accredited degrees and licensures" in both the counseling and therapy programs, based on how the university marketed the program. Pattakos said the university misled students through the accreditation process, telling students it was seeking renewal when a decision had been made with the provost at the time not to continue with the dual accreditation program. "The settlement represents a compromise of disputed claims which have now been resolved," the university said in a statement. "The University considers this matter closed." A judge in 2021 dismissed the university's motion for summary judgment, with Judge Susan Baker Ross writing it was "clear" the university "took almost no action to minimize the impact of its decision to let" the counseling accreditation from the the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) lapse. Story continues "Defendant appears to repeatedly take a 'well CACREP wouldn't have let me do it anyways even if I had tried' approach," the judge wrote. The accreditors had suggestions for the program to improve it, the summary judgement states, and "rather thantaking said suggestions and responding to CACREP, Defendants hold up these mere suggestions as proof that CACREP would have denied reaccreditation anyways and there was nothing more that could be done." "Perhaps more egregiously," the judge continued, "Akron U did not make a special request to CACREP to grandfather in existing doctoral students" based on the assumption it would not have been granted, a statement contradicted by a member of the accrediting body who testified the body granted extensions regularly. Pattakos said the settlement provides some relief for the 12 doctoral students, who were all nearing the end of their programs and had invested years of time and money into the dual PhD program but left with only one accredited degree. "We're grateful that the university has acknowledged that our clients were wronged here and a settlement of this size is a substantial recognition of the wrong that was done," Pattakos said. "We were grateful that we were able to resolve this with the university." Contact education reporter Jennifer Pignolet at jpignolet@thebeaconjournal.com, at 330-996-3216 or on Twitter @JenPignolet. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: University of Akron pays $550K to 12 students after accreditation lapse NEW YORK (AP) A former New York stockbroker-turned-Islamic State group militant was convicted Tuesday of becoming a sniper and trainer for the extremist group during its brutal reign in Syria and Iraq. The trial of Ruslan Maratovich Asainov, a Kazakh-born U.S. citizen, was the latest in a series of cases against people accused of leaving their homelands around the world to join the militants in combat. Todays verdict in an American courtroom is a victory for our system of justice" and against the Islamic State group, Brooklyn-based U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement. Asainov's lawyers had no immediate comment. A onetime broker who doted on his toddler daughter, Asainov converted to Islam around 2009 and later quit his job and started watching radical sermons online, his ex-wife testified. He abruptly left his family in Brooklyn in December 2013 and made his way to Syria as IS stormed to power. In a case built largely on Asainovs own words in messaging apps, emails, recorded phone calls and an FBI interview, prosecutors said he fought in numerous battles and built a notable profile in IS by becoming a sniper and later an instructor of nearly 100 other long-range shooters. The evidence has shown that people died as a result of the defendant's conduct. It is time to hold him accountable, prosecutor Douglas Pravda told a Brooklyn federal court jury in a closing argument. Asainov, 46, didn't testify, telling the court he was not part of this process. His lawyers didn't dispute that he went to Syria and affiliated with the Islamic State group, but they argued that his accounts of his role were boasts that had no firsthand corroboration and didn't prove anyone died because of his conduct. Nobody's arguing to you that Mr. Asainov's view of the world is not a very warped view," defense attorney Sabrina Shroff said in her summation, asking the jury not to confuse his views with what is needed to convict him beyond a reasonable doubt. Story continues There's not a single piece of paper that ties Mr. Asainov to anything in the Islamic State that would tell you he, in fact, is the person he claims to be, she said. Jurors, whose identities were kept confidential, found Asainov guilty of offenses that include providing and attempting to provide material support to what the U.S. designates a foreign terrorist organization. The jury also concluded that his actions caused at least one death, a finding that means he faces the potential of life in prison. His sentencing is set for June 7. IS fighters seized chunks of Iraq and Syria in 2014, sweeping millions of people into a so-called caliphate ruled according to the groups iron-fisted interpretation of Islamic law, enforced through massacres, beheadings, sexual slavery and other atrocities. The groups bloody campaign attracted tens of thousands of foreign fighters; at least scores of them were U.S. citizens, according to a 2018 academic report from George Washington University's Program on Extremism. Fighting left a swath of deaths, displacement and destruction in major cities and beyond. The extremists lost the last remnants of their realm in 2019. Asainov was picked up soon after by U.S.-backed forces and turned over to U.S. authorities. Unabashed as FBI agents questioned him, he gave his occupation as sniper and frankly detailed how hed taught others, explaining that he could spend three hours just on the fine points of pulling a trigger, according to video played at trial. He had also been forthcoming in messages and calls from Syria to friends and the now-ex-wife hed left behind, according to trial evidence. Have you heard of Islamic State? Right. I-S-I-S. Do you watch news on TV? Thats where I am located. I am one of its fighters, he told his ex in a voicemail that authorities translated from Russian. We are the worst terrorist organization in the world that ever existed. He sent photos of himself in camouflage garb with a rifle and pictures of the bloodied bodies of men with whom he said hed fought. He texted one confidante in fact a U.S. government informant a rundown of prominent battles in which he said hed participated and asked for money to buy a night scope for his rifle. Later, with the sounds of explosions in the background of Asainovs phone, he asked another friend for money to send his new wife and children to safety as U.S.-backed forces fought to capture the extremists de facto capital of Raqqa in 2017. Shroff urged jurors not to take his remarks at face value. To say the same wrong things over and over again does not make them accurate, she argued. After his arrest, a defiant Asainov declared at his arraignment that he was an Islamic State citizen, not a United States citizen, and jail officials said they later found a hand-drawn version of the militants flag in his cell. He told his mother on the jail's recorded phones that her son doesnt exist anymore, replaced by a man who saw himself as a holy warrior who fought and killed on divine command, didnt regret it and would be fighting until the end. I will never change this path, even if they give me freedom a thousand times, he told her in one translated call. Do you understand? Military vehicles carry China's DF-41 nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles in a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on October 1, 2019. GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images The US military says that China now has more ICBM launchers than Washington does. US Strategic Command recently warned lawmakers of this development in a memo obtained by Insider. However, the US still has an edge in the number of ICBMs and nuclear warheads it has. The Chinese armed forces now have more intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launchers than the US does, the US military warned recently. But it noted that the US still has a nuclear edge over its great power rival. Gen. Anthony Cotton, commander of the US Strategic Command, sent memos to both the Senate and House Armed Services Committees in late January detailing the status of China's ICBM activities as of October 2022. "The number of land-based fixed and mobile ICBM launchers in China exceeds the number of ICBM launchers in the United States," Cotton wrote in letters sent to the respective committees on January 26 and obtained by Insider. US Strategic Command or STRATCOM is responsible for nuclear operations, command, control, and communications. Cotton added that the number of ICBMs in China's active inventory "has not exceeded the number of ICBM in the active inventory of the United States." He also said that the "number of nuclear warheads equipped on such missiles of China has not exceeded the number of nuclear warheads equipped on such missiles of the United States." This new information from STRATCOM comes two months after concerns were raised that China might have leaped past the US in terms of the number of nuclear warheads it has on its ICBMs. Former GOP Sen. Jim Inhofe, who was the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee until earlier this year, said at the time that the US has "only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to China's growing military might." The Wall Street Journal first reported the unclassified information distributed by STRATCOM to Congress earlier on Tuesday. US officials and experts told the outlet many of China's launchers are just empty silos, and officials also noted that STRATCOM's warning about China's launcher advantage doesn't include two legs of the nuclear triad where the US has a distinct advantage long-range bombers and submarines. Story continues That said, China's edge in land-based fixed and mobile launchers does bring Beijing closer to fielding a more robust ICBM capacity. In a 2022 report detailing China's military capabilities and activities, the Department of Defense said China launched around 135 ballistic missiles for testing and training purposes during the previous year a figure greater than all other countries combined, launches in conflict zones being the exception. It added that during 2021, China was observed building three ICBM silo fields, together consisting of at least 300 new missile silos able to house China's newer solid-fueled missiles, such as the DF-41, for a more capable deterrent. The report also predicted the continued expansion of Chinese nuclear arsenal. It estimated that China had at least 400 operational nuclear warheads in its stockpile and was on pace to beef that figure up to 1,500 by 2035. By contrast, the US has well over 5,000 warheads in its arsenal second in the world only to Russia. To counter the nuclear threat posed by China and also Russia the US is working on an expensive new missile to replace its current ICBMs, though it would take years before becoming operational. The US military also recently unveiled a new nuclear-capable stealth bomber, and work is underway on a new class of ballistic missile submarine. Read the original article on Business Insider Andrew Hock, pictured, spoke at the Elmwood Park Village Board meeting Jan. 9, 2023 shortly after being sworn-in as new the new chief of police. (Jill LoBianco-Bartalis / HANDOUT) The reason Andrew Hock said he proudly puts on his uniform and goes to work every day as a police officer is because he hopes to make a difference in the lives of Elmwood Park community members. Hock, 57, is a native son who on Jan. 7 took the reins as the chief of police for the village of some 24,500 residents. Advertisement I was born and raised here, and I still live here, he said. I used to sit on my front porch as a little kid and wave when the Elmwood Park police cars drove by, and the officers would wave back. Following the retirement of former Chief Frank Fagiano, Hock seemingly is living a lifelong dream, leading a department of 35 sworn officers. Advertisement Im blessed to have this job and right here in Elmwood Park, where I grew up, Hock said. People play the lottery to win millions of dollars, but my win is having this job here. After graduating from Fenwick High School, Hock earned an associates degree in criminal justice administration from Triton College. He began his career with the Elmwood Park Police Department in 1990, rising through the ranks as patrolman, detective, sergeant, commander and deputy chief, the latter a position he held for 12 years prior to his appointment as chief. Along the way, Hocks biography lists him winning the Cook County Sheriffs Law Enforcement Award of Merit, the Elmwood Park Police Chief Award of Merit and an award from the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists. His credentials also cite graduating from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and being a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, the West Suburban Chiefs of Police, the West Suburban Detectives Association and the West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force. Police have really gotten a hard time in the past few years, he told Pioneer Press, speaking on police maintaining good community relations. But here in Elmwood Park, the residents give us so much support. I cant explain it. Hock also said he is present at every community event he is able to attend. One of the things that keeps me going in this job is knowing that the vast majority in this community really do support us, particularly when times are bad, Hock said. I have personally witnessed this support many times throughout my career, particularly during critical incidents and the more recent civil unrest. Hock said his vision for the Elmwood Park Police Department, moving forward, is to focus on anti-crime initiatives and community-based policing. One example is an innovative program where, for a $20 installation fee, the police will affix a small alarm device to a vehicles catalytic converter to discourage theft. Advertisement Elmwood Park also has a program where the police will pay half the cost for the installation of surveillance cameras outside residential properties. Were also increasing our stationary and mobile patrols along Harlem Avenue, Hock said. Were looking to reach out and maintain the relationships and partnerships that are already in place. Hock said choosing a career in law enforcement came partially from a sense of patriotism. Being a police officer, especially today, is a vocation, he said. Its like wanting to become a doctor: to help people. Many times when responding to a call, an officer is able to make a difference, whether its consoling someone after the passing of a loved one, helping a kid whos having a tough time in school or calming someone who was just involved in a traffic accident. These are things we do not only because its part of the job, but because it gives us a feeling of pride and satisfaction that makes it worthwhile, Hock said. Thats why I do it. Maintaining ties with Triton College, Hock is in his second year as president of the Alumni Association Council there and is a board member of the Triton College Foundation. Advertisement Hock and his wife, Heather, have two adult children Brian, a current Elmwood Park police detective, and Ashley, who works in the finance industry. Speaking at his swearing-in at the Jan, 9 Village Board meeting, Hock made a pledge. To our residents and to the members of our business community, Hock said, please know that the Elmwood Park Police Department is dedicated to protect, serve and increase the quality of life for all those who live, work or visit our community. We will work hard to gain and maintain your trust and I know I can rely on our officers to live by that message. Gary Gibula is a freelancer. U.S. prosecutors have asked that the fraud cases against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried not proceed until the conclusion of the governments criminal case against him, according to court documents. Damian Williams, the main prosecutor overseeing the criminal case against Bankman-Fried, wrote that the Commodities Future Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission had both consented to the stay. Bankman-Fried, former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison, and FTX co-founder Gary Wang have also agreed to the stay, according to the court filing. The outcome of the criminal case will likely have a significant impact on the civil cases, he said in the Tuesday court filing. Williams also said he was concerned Bankman-Frieds legal team could use the civil cases discovery process to bolster its defense in the criminal case. Moreover, allowing discovery in the Civil Cases to proceed without restriction risks giving the defendant, Samuel Bankman-Fried, the tools to improperly obtain impeachment material regarding the Governments witnesses, circumvent the criminal discovery rules, and improperly tailor his defense in the Criminal Case, he wrote. The SEC has charged Bankman-Fried with scheming to defraud FTX investors. Meanwhile, the CFTC charged Bankman-Fried, FTX, and Alameda Research, with fraud and material misrepresentations. In total, Bankman-Fried faces eight criminal charges, including wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The FTX founder appeared in Manhattan federal court on January 3 and pleaded not guilty to all eight charges and now awaits a trial scheduled for October. Judge Rejects Request to Ease Restrictions on Sam Bankman-Fried's Communications Just a few months ago, Bankman-Fried was one of the most powerful CEOs in the crypto industry. But cracks started to show in the foundation when it was revealed that Alameda Research held billions worth of FTT, the FTX utility token, on its balance sheet against billions worth of liabilities. The resulting panic led to billions worth of withdrawals from the FTX exchange. The company did not have enough customer assets on hand to meet the demand for withdrawals, and on November 11, FTX filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and Bankman-Fried stepped down as CEO. A month later, on December 12, Bankman-Fried was arrested by Bahamas police at the request of U.S. authorities. After being held in the notorious Fox Hill Prison for a week, he was extradited to the United States. He is now under house arrest at his parents Palo Alto home where he will remain until his trial. The United States plans to sell Poland about $10 billion worth of rocket launchers and ammunition as its neighbor Ukraine braces for a renewed Russian offensive. The package which would include 18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, 45 Army Tactical Missile Systems, the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System and related equipment would improve the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe, the State Department announced Tuesday. The Biden administration notified Congress of the possible sale earlier Tuesday. U.S. weapons sales to other countries experienced a major jump in the past year largely due to Russias war on Ukraine, which began Feb. 24. European nations have since rushed to arm themselves, with the biggest buyers including Germany, Poland and others that sit close to Ukraine and Russia, purchasing everything from new fighter aircraft to tanks and missiles. For this newest sale, Poland intends to use the advanced missile systems to modernize its armed forces and expand its capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats, according to the State Department notice. Warsaw also will get M1A1 Abrams battle tanks from Washington as part of an estimated $3.75 billion deal to buy 116 of the vehicles, cleared in December, and another $4.75 billion sale for 250 of the systems, inked in April. News of the latest missile deal follows one of the deadliest days of fighting in the war in Ukraine, with more than 1,000 Russian troops killed on Monday, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. The death count raises the total throughout the conflict to just more than 133,000, with numbers expected to continue to climb as an anticipated Russian offensive involving an estimated 500,000 troops seeks to capture new territory. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Salt Lake City man pleaded guilty in late October to three felonies related to the sexual assault of an Idaho woman in 2018 and three months later, the 31-year-old asked to walk back his Alford plea. But 4th District Judge James Cawthon denied Nicholas Campbells request during an hourlong hearing Friday. Campbell is expected to be sentenced at 9 a.m. Feb. 15 at the Ada County Courthouse, according to online court records. The court finds that Mr. Campbell has not established a just reason to withdraw his guilty plea, and the court will deny the motion, Cawthon said in court. In 2018, a woman in the same neighborhood as Campbell was out jogging when Campbell attacked her from behind, the Ada County Sheriffs Office previously said in a news release. He eventually entered an Alford plea which has the effect of a guilty plea to three felonies: battery with the intent to commit a serious felony and two enhancements, infliction of great bodily injury and destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence. In his motion, Campbells attorney, Raymond Schild, said that since Campbell entered an Alford plea, he hasnt admitted doing the acts alleged. Schild said Campbell was now seeking to have a trial. In a Jan. 25 objection, Ada County prosecutors Katelyn Farley and Daniel Dinger said Campbell doesnt have an automatic right to withdraw his plea. All (the) defendant has claimed is that he entered an Alford plea and did not make admissions of factual guilt, the motion said. He has not provided anything more in support of the withdrawal of his guilty plea. The prosecutors objection also pointed to an Idaho Supreme Court ruling stating that just because an individual utilizes an Alford plea, it doesnt mean it can be withdrawn willy nilly. The utility of Alford pleas will be severely reduced if defendants are permitted to withdraw them before sentencing for no additional reason, according to the State V. Dopp ruling. Such a holding might well lead to a reluctance on the part of prosecutors and judges to agree to the acceptance of such pleas. Story continues Attorney says Campbell suffers from a history of mental illness Schild also brought up Campbells mental health history during Fridays hearing and said it should be factored into the decision, because Campbell doesnt remember committing the assault. He added that doctors had diagnosed Campbell to have multiple conditions, such as schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, paranoia and schizophrenia. I dont have an experts opinion of that, Schild said. I dont have a factual basis other than what he tells me, but I can tell you that he doesnt think hes right mentally, psychologically. Campbell was previously declared incompetent in 2021. Cawthon said the notion that Campbell doesnt remember the crime is based on just one statement from a presentencing investigation packet. One of the questions in the packet was, How do you feel about having committed the crime? Campbell responded, I dont remember committing this crime. Now it is without question that Mr. Campbell labors with and suffers from mental health issues that are significant, Cawthon said. That isnt the question. The question is, does he have the competency to understand the nature of the legal proceedings? Does he have the competency to assist counsel? Cawthon said that everything in the record showed Campbell was competent. The judge also said the report contained two references to prior arrests and convictions for violent and assault-related offenses. In addition, the psychosexual evaluation said Campbell is at a high risk to reoffend and not amenable to treatment. Complete breakdown of the attorney-client relationship Schild also filed a motion Jan. 23 to withdraw as Campbells attorney and said in a subsequent affidavit in support of the motion which the Statesman obtained that Campbell failed to follow attorney advice. The motion was rescinded Friday after Cawthon denied Campbells request to walk back his plea. There are fundamental differences between attorney and client in the handling of the case and a total and complete breakdown of the attorney-client relationship, thus making it impossible to effectively represent the Defendant, Schild wrote in the affidavit. Farley and Dinger objected, stating that assigning a new attorney to the case would delay the case and that the victim is anxious for a sentence to be pronounced. Their objection said Schild is an experienced attorney who has been involved in the case for well over one year. To start that process over again with a new attorney would be very burdensome to all involved, according to the prosecutors motion. Democratic Virginia Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine are calling on lawmakers in the commonwealth to repeal a state constitutional amendment that forbids same-sex marriage. In their letter sent Monday, Kaine and Warner, both former governors, wrote that while they were able to co-sponsor and support the federal Respect for Marriage Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in December, they still have concerns about the U.S. Supreme Court overturning its previous decision on Obergefell v. Hodges, which established the national right to same-sex marriage. The senators pointed to Justice Clarence Thomass concurring opinion in the courts June decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which overturned the constitutional right to an abortion. Thomas said the court should revisit other decisions related to the right to privacy, including access to contraceptives and LGBTQ rights. If Obergefell is overturned, then LGBTQ Virginians will likely lose the right to marry the person they love unless the General Assembly repeals the ban in Virginias constitution, Warner and Kaine wrote in their letter to members of Virginias General Assembly. Virginias circuit courts would be prohibited from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples due to the prohibition in the Commonwealths constitution. Virginias Senate voted 25-14 on Monday to support Joint Resolution 242, the first step in an effort to repeal the constitutional amendment, ratified in 2006, that defines marriage in Virginia only as between one man and one woman, according to the Richmond-Times Dispatch. A separate bill introduced by state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D), which would recognize marriages as lawful in the state regardless of sex, also passed in the Senate chamber in a 25-12 vote, the Times reported. We are encouraged by proposals in both the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate to repeal the constitutional provision. It is long past time that Virginias governing document conveys to same-sex marriages the same freedoms, rights, and responsibilities that are afforded to all other constitutional marriages, the senators wrote in their letter. We urge you to work with your colleagues to advance legislation for a referendum that would fully protect Virginias LGBTQ couples, they added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Scrabble A French man has been accused of stabbing his neighbour to death after the student disturbed his game of Scrabble by celebrating the end of Covid lockdown with her friends. In May 2020, five days after France ended strict lockdown, the victim, known as Romane, 21, left her family home in Annecy to return to her student flat in Lyon where she and her flatmate invited a few friends around, a court in Lyon heard on Tuesday. According to police, the music level was perceptible but not very high and no other neighbours noticed anything problematic. But shortly before midnight, her upstairs neighbour, known only as Benjamin C, 41, banged on the door. When she opened it, she had the time to shout youre mad before the accused stabbed her with a kitchen knife. He cut her femoral artery and she collapsed in a pool of blood. She died two days later in hospital. Hyper-sensitive hearing Lawyers argued that the defendant violently overreacted to the noise of the gathering made because his poor sight had made his hearing hyper-sensitive. Her friends chased away the defendant, whose face bore an empty expression, by threatening him with a barstool and then phoned emergency services and the police. When officers knocked on Benjamin Cs door, they found him calmly playing an online game of Scrabble. How is she? he reportedly inquired dispassionately. When questioned further, he said he could not stand the noise, managed to stop it, put the knife away and then returned to his game. His lawyer, Lea Forest, told Le Parisien he was pleading not guilty to intentional murder as he approached (the victim) but didnt realise he had wounded anyone as he was almost blind. He merely wanted to scare her, she said. Described by his employers as a highly intelligent introvert, the defendant, an accountant, was born in North Korea and adopted by a large Lyon family at the age of six. 'Massive expulsion of pent-up tension' His manager told Le Parisien that due to his impaired vision, he had a highly-developed sense of hearing and could get irritated by the mere buzzing of flies or bees in a room. Story continues He had sent several letters asking for the flat owner to terminate his neighbours lease and had phoned the police to complain about the noise a few hours before the fatal attack. Court psychologists said that while he was not mentally ill, they put his act down to a massive expulsion of pent-up tension. Jean-Francois Jullien, a lawyer for the victims family, said they expected little from the trial. Whats horrible about this case is that there is nothing to explain, he said. The trial continues. A Russian Armata tank With Russia back on the offensive after significant Ukrainian combat successes around Kharkiv and Kherson in the second half of 2022, the past few weeks have been the bloodiest so far of an already bloody war, with both sides taking extraordinarily heavy casualties. Expect it to get worse. Ukrainian defence minister Oleksii Reznikov says Russia has mobilised much more than 300,000 troops, perhaps up to half a million, and these are pouring into Ukraine in preparation for what is expected to be a major offensive in the coming days and weeks. Although Kyiv has also been building up its forces and supplying them with modern equipment donated by the West, Putin has a much greater advantage in troop numbers than he did when he invaded a year ago. Despite repeated optimistic reports of Russia running low on artillery shells a battle winner in this conflict Putins war stocks are vast, and his factories have been working around the clock to churn out even more. Under pressure towards the end of last year, Russia withdrew its forces to positions of strength, trading ground for time as it massed resources for a planned hammer blow while grinding down the Ukrainians in the east, softening them up for the assault to come. Much of this has been done by infantry attack, throwing away expendable troops in time-honoured Russian style. The Kremlin has at the same time been conserving artillery shells (though expending thousands each day around Bakhmut alone) and the armoured vehicles that are so essential for the fast-moving blitzkrieg Putin is planning. Until now, the narrative in the West has been that Ukraine is comfortably winning this war, albeit while sustaining heavy bombardments on its major cities. The reality is more complex. The latest estimates suggest that each side may have taken upwards of 120,000 casualties already hardly indicative of a triumph for Ukraine. And there may be worse to come: the truth is that recent promises of new combat equipment for Ukraine especially longer range missiles, tanks and other armoured vehicles are unlikely to be fulfilled in time to have an impact in this battle if Putin launches his offensive on the timetable Kyiv predicts. Story continues With so many more men and resources at its disposal, Moscow will be able to sustain higher casualty rates. This is why Russia tends to do better in wars the longer they go on it can bring more to bear over time. Even today, Putin does not fear high casualties: disproportionate numbers of his troops are recruited from distant provinces rather than cities such as Moscow and St Petersburg, where a stream of body bags could have some effect on what still remains rock solid support for him and his war. Another concern is that, while Russian forces have performed abysmally thwarted by low troop morale, inadequate numbers, badly maintained equipment, clumsy tactics, substandard battle discipline, poor logistics, the stiffest Ukrainian resistance and an unexpectedly united effort from the West some Ukrainian reports from the front indicate the Russians have been learning hard lessons and making much needed improvements, at least at the level of battle tactics and discipline. The Russian army was bleeding before, but it appointed new commanders and as in the Second World War may be recovering from its earlier disasters. We must therefore be prepared for significant Russian gains in the coming weeks. We need to be realistic about how bad things could be otherwise the shock risks dislodging Western resolve. The opposite occurred last summer and autumn, as flagging support in parts of Europe and the US was galvanised by Ukrainian success. It is essential that we not only maintain our combat supplies to Ukraine, but step it up even further and even faster. If Putin gains more ground, then Kyiv will need to counterattack more strongly, and will need more armoured vehicles, better air defences, longer-range missiles and vast quantities of artillery shells and ammunition. The only alternative is that President Zelensky is forced to come to terms, handing victory to Russia and defeat to Ukraine and Nato. Colonel Richard Kemp is a former infantry commander Voting is open for the next Cincinnati.com Athletes of the Week ballot of the 2022-2023 high school sports year for the week spanning Jan. 30-Feb. 5. Enquirer/Cincinnati.com readers can vote for their favorite high school Athletes of the Week on their desktop, the Cincinnati.com mobile web or Cincinnati.com app once per hour. Deadline is 4 p.m. on Friday. More:How to add names to Cincinnati Enquirer's high school athletes of the week ballots in 2022 Athletes of the Week voting occurs each week during all high school sports seasons and recognizes athletes across all sports. Please do not email your votes; they will not count. Zach Stevens of Little Miami shares the certificate he won as the Sept. 2 Cincinnati Enquirer soccer player of the week. Athletes are on this week's ballot based on information made available to The Enquirer and nominations made over the past week, including scores emailed to prepsports@enquirer.com. Readers can join The Enquirer's Preps Plus Facebook group to get into the high school sports conversation. Subscribe today:Support local journalism with an all-access subscription Winter hashtags: Bowling, #cincybowling; Swimming and diving, #cincyswimdive; Basketball, #cincyhoops; Wrestling, #cincywrestling; Ice hockey, #cincyicehockey and Gymnastics, #cincygymnastics. The Enquirer reserves the right to remove teams/individuals from the ballot based on voting irregularities at any point up to and after final votes. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Vote: Cincinnati Enquirer high school athletes of the week, Feb. 6 The Providence Democratic Socialists of America withdrew its endorsement of state Rep. David Morales, a Providence Democrat and rising star on the left, for voting to re-elect K. Joseph Shekarchi speaker of the House. "The vote shows the strength of the chapters support for a bylaw that makes endorsement contingent on a politicians refusal to back establishment leaders merely for political gain," Providence DSA said in a news release Monday. "It also signals that if 'progressive' legislators in Rhode Island want support from the left, they will have to do more than proclaim a desire to help working people they must also fight the corporate politicians who stand in the way of change." Morales was one of 63 representatives, all but one of them Democrats, who voted to make Shekarchi speaker on Jan. 3 over Republican nominee Michael Chippendale. Three progressive Democrats -- Reps. Brianna Henries, Jennifer Stewart and Enrique Sanchez abstained from the vote. Sanchez was endorsed by DSA while Henries and Stewart were members of the Rhode Island Political Cooperative. More:McKee, Shekarchi, Ruggerio kick off fundraising. Here's what tickets to their events cost Days after the vote, DSA members tweeted that voting for Shekarchi violated the organization's bylaw against supporting members of the Democratic Party political establishment and the matter would be taken up at a Jan. 26 General Body Meeting. At that meeting, 37 members voted to rescind the endorsement and two voted to keep it, DSA spokesman Daniel Crowell said Monday. There was a 7-day online voting period, where 57 voted to rescind and 27 voted to keep the endorsement in place. The bylaw Morales was accused of violating says DSA-endorsed politicians are expected to play an oppositional role in the political system. They should not support establishment Democrats for the purpose of gaining the favor of Party leadership." Shekarchi is now beginning his second two-year term as speaker. Story continues In 2021, then Political Cooperative member Rep. Brandon Potter was expelled from the group for backing Shekarchi. It is unclear what Morales gained politically by voting for Shekarchi. He is not a part of the House leadership team announced last week and was assigned to two House committees: the relatively low-profile Innovation, Internet and Technology committee and the housing and the Housing and Municipal Government Committee. Morales had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publishing. "For the political establishment, the election of the speaker is far more than a procedural formality," the DSA Monday news release said. "When legislators abstain, party leaders threaten to block the bills under their names, exclude them from committees, and run challengers against them in elections, while promising to protect those legislators who do not fight the corrupt party machine. The Democratic Party is meticulous in demanding the votes of every legislator, even when a leaders election is already guaranteed. This is because the leadership vote is a means of control." This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Democratic Socialists take back Morales endorsement over vote for Shekarchi Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 plans to move a number of its administrative services to this downtown Waukegan building and put a wraparound center in the basement. (Steve Sadin / Lake County News-Sun) On its way to seeking zoning approval from the city of Waukegan to move its administration building to property it owns downtown, Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 is getting opposition from some of the business operators who would be its new neighbors. Several individuals with business operations downtown are expressing concerns over the wraparound center planned for the basement. It is designed to guide people to places to find answers for childrens needs, a food pantry, legal assistance or therapeutic support. Advertisement Purchasing the former First Midwest Bank Building at the northwest corner of Genesee and Washington streets in 2019, District 60 officials revealed plans in April to move its administrative offices from its current North Sheridan Road location to the onetime bank building. In preparation for the move, the district seeks a conditional use permit and a parking variance from the city because any project exceeding 10,000 square feet downtown is considered a conditional use, according to city regulations. The building is more than 39,000 square feet. Advertisement The City Council is scheduled to vote on the conditional use permit and parking variance at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at City Hall in deciding whether District 60 can proceed with its planned downtown project. District officials are expected to bring a formal presentation to the council. The request for the additional information came with a unanimous recommendation from the councils Community Development Committee to grant the permit and variance Monday at City Hall. Along with the recommending the projects approval, the committee unanimously recommended the council deny a request to designate the wall in front of the current Lincoln Center administration building on Sheridan Road a historic landmark. The district opposed the designation. While several representatives of downtown businesses did not object to District 60 becoming their new neighbor, people like Joseph Hughes are not sure the wraparound center is right for the citys central business district. We certainly welcome the move of the school administration to 214 Washington St., but I have some concerns about the wraparound center and wonder if it is good fit for this downtown location, Hughes said at the meeting. District 60 Board of Education President Brandon Ewing said the wraparound center is one part of the plan for the onetime high-rise. It will also house a variety of services for families on the main floor, as well as offices in the upper levels. All are essential for the community, he said. It will primarily function as an administration (building), but it will house all our parent-facing services, Ewing said. Now as a parent in Waukegan, you have to go to three different buildings in order to register your kids for school. This will consolidate that into one building. Adding the wraparound center in the basement will bring something to Waukegan which does not exist anywhere in northern Illinois, he said. Ewing said it will centrally locate a place to help not just the school community, but all Waukegan families in need of information about available resources. Advertisement This wraparound center will go a long way to helping us satisfy the social emotional learning needs of our students in District 60, Ewing said. This building will bring 100 people into downtown. There is no cafeteria, so this will be supporting our downtown businesses. Gary Reinhardt, who has been involved with downtown real estate over the years, said he put social services and a food pantry into a building he was renting. The result was not good for the area or the other tenants, he said. My tenants were furious with me, Reinhardt said. The disruptions, the parking, everything just went bad. Its not a good idea to bring these particular types of social services to the downtown area. It didnt match up whatsoever. State Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan, first got the idea of a wraparound center for Waukegan after seeing one in Peoria. She suggested it to Ewing. He traveled to Peoria with other board members and district officials to take a look. They began to plan. The state is providing $3.3 million of the funding. Were looking to provide a one-stop shop for our parents to go to receive the services to register their children, to receive information on where to go for assistance, Mayfield said. Who do I contact if my child is in crisis? It doesnt mean were housing all of these services in one spot. It means we will be an ombudsman-type service. Fate of the Lincoln Center Wall Advertisement After the district announced plans to demolish the more than century-old wall in front of Lincoln Center, school board member Anita Hanna, acting as a private individual, asked the citys Historic Preservation Commission to make it a landmark. She had some community support. The Waukegan City Councils Community Development Committee recommended against making the Lincoln Center wall a city landmark. - Original Credit: News-Sun (Waukegan District / HANDOUT) After Hanna sought the historic designation in September, the commission agreed it met the criteria for a designation and sent it to the committee. Nick Alatzakis, the districts communications director, said the district wants to maintain control over its property. Alatzakis read a letter from District 60 Superintendent Theresa Plascencia saying the districts plans to replace the wall and use the savings for educational purposes awaits the citys decision. The district will abide by the citys choice, the letter said. It should be known, however, that doing so will come with added complications related to increased costs and reduced flexibility to use our property in a way that best meets the needs of the district. Alatzakis said, reading the letter. Ald. Lynn Florian, 8th Ward, said by declining to grant the historic designation, the district has the freedom to decide to preserve the wall, remove it or take another type of action. She said she has concerns about city involvement, and is not sure it can be restored. Although there is a lot of emotion around this, and some people are very passionate about it, it may be wisest for us to let the school district handle their business, Florian said. They can preserve it if they want to. Scholar-activist W.E.B. DuBois in 1946. Underwood Archives/Getty Images The opening days of Black History Month 2023 have coincided with controversy about the teaching and broader meaning of African American studies. On Feb. 1, 2023, the College Board released a revised curriculum for its newly developed Advanced Placement African American studies course. Critics have accused the College Board of caving to political pressure stemming from conservative backlash and the decision of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to ban the course from public high schools in Florida because of what he characterized as its radical content and inclusion of topics such as critical race theory, reparations and the Black Lives Matter movement. On Feb. 11, 1951, an article by the 82-year-old Black scholar-activist W.E.B. Du Bois titled Negro History Week appeared in the short-lived New York newspaper The Daily Compass. As one of the founders of the NAACP in 1909 and the editor of its powerful magazine The Crisis, Du Bois is considered by historians and intellectuals from many academic disciplines as Americas preeminent thinker on race. His thoughts and opinions still carry weight throughout the world. Du Bois words in that 1951 article are especially prescient today, offering a reminder about the importance of Black History Month and what is at stake in current conversations about African American studies. Du Bois began his Daily Compass commentary by praising Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, who established Negro History Week in 1926. The week would eventually become Black History Month. Black historian Carter G. Woodson in 1946. Library of Congress Du Bois described the annual commemoration as Woodsons crowning achievement. Woodson was the second African American to earn a doctorate in history from Harvard University. Du Bois was the first. Du Bois and Woodson did not always see eye to eye. However, as I explore in my new book, The Wounded World: W.E.B. Du Bois and the First World War, the two pioneering scholars always respected each other. Story continues Reckoning with history and reclaiming the past Du Bois connection to and appreciation of Negro History Week grew during the late 1940s and throughout the 1950s. During this time, whether in public speeches or published articles, he never missed an opportunity to acknowledge the importance of Negro History Week. In the Feb. 11, 1951, article, Du Bois reflected that his own contributions to Negro History Week lay in my long effort as a historian and sociologist to make America and Negroes themselves aware of the significant facts of Negro history. Summarizing his work from his first book, The Suppression of the African Slave-Trade, published in 1896, through his magnum opus Black Reconstruction in America, published in 1935, Du Bois told readers of the Daily Compass piece that much of his career was spent trying to correct the distortion of history in regard to Negro enfranchisement. By doing so, the nation would hopefully become, Du Bois wrote further, conscious that this part of our citizenry were normal human beings who had served the nation credibly and were still being deprived of their credit by ignorant and prejudiced historians. In addition to championing Negro History Week, Du Bois applauded other Black scholars, like E. Franklin Frazier, Charles Johnson and Shirley Graham, who were steadily attacking the omissions and distortions of Black people in school textbooks. Du Bois went on to chronicle the achievements of African Americans in science, religion, art, literature and the military, making clear that Black people had a history to be proud of. W.E.B. Du Bois, third from right in the second row, joins other marchers in New York protesting against racism on July 28, 1917. George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images Du Bois, however, questioned what deeper meaning these achievements held to the issues facing Black people in the present. What now does Negro History Week stand for? he asked in the 1951 article. Shall American Negroes continue to learn to be proud of themselves, or is there a higher broader aim for their research and study? In other words, he asserted, as it becomes more universally known what Negroes contributed to America in the past, more must logically be said and taught concerning the future. The time had come, Du Bois believed, for African Americans to stop striving to be merely the equal of white Americans. Black people needed to cease emulating the worst traits of America flamboyance, individualism, greed and financial success at any cost and support labor unions, Pan-Africanism and anti-colonial struggle. He especially encouraged the systematic study of the imperial and economic roots of racism: Here is a field for Negro History Week. Black history and Black struggle Looking ahead, Du Bois declared that if Negro History Week remained true to the ideals of Carter Woodson and followed the logical development of the Negro Race in America, it would not confine itself to the study of the past nor boasting and vainglory over what we have accomplished. It will not mistake wealth as the measure of America, nor big-business and noise as World Domination, Du Bois wrote in his article. In 1922, the NAACP ran a series of full-page ads in The New York Times calling attention to lynchings. New York Times, Nov. 23, 1922/American Social History Project Instead, Du Bois believed Negro History Week would concentrate on study of the present, not be afraid of radical literature and, above all else, advocate for peace and voice eternal opposition against war between the white and colored peoples of the earth. Were he alive today, Du Bois would certainly have much to say about current debates around the teaching of African American history and the larger significance of African American studies. Du Bois died on Aug. 27, 1963, in Accra, Ghana. But he left behind his clairvoyant words that remind us of the connections between African American studies and movements for Black liberation, along with how the teaching of African American history has always challenged racist and exclusionary narratives of the nations past. Du Bois also reminds us that Black History Month is rooted in a legacy of activism and resistance, one that continues in the present. This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation has a variety of fascinating free newsletters. It was written by: Chad Williams, Brandeis University. Read more: Chad Williams does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Top Republicans on Capitol Hill are raising alarms over news that China has surpassed the U.S. in its number of launchers for land-based nuclear missiles and arguing for the U.S. to expand its own arsenal to keep pace. Four GOP leaders on the House and Senate Armed Services committees said the revelation about China's nuclear capability, made in a Jan. 26 letter from the top commander of U.S. nuclear forces, is a warning that Beijing's arsenal is expanding faster than anticipated, though the U.S. still has more warheads and intercontinental ballistic missiles. This should serve as a wake-up call for the United States," said House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), Senate Armed Services ranking member Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo) and Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) in a joint statement. "It is not an understatement to say that the Chinese nuclear modernization program is advancing faster than most believed possible. "We have no time to waste in adjusting our nuclear force posture to deter both Russia and China," the lawmakers said. "This will have to mean higher numbers and new capabilities." Lamborn and Fischer are the top Republicans on the Armed Services subcommittees that oversee nuclear weapons programs. The head of U.S. Strategic Command, Gen. Anthony Cotton, told lawmakers in a letter dated Jan. 26 that the U.S. retains a larger inventory of ICBMs and nuclear warheads, but that China has exceeded the U.S. in the number of fixed and mobile land-based launchers for those missiles. The Wall Street Journal first reported the letter. The information came in response to a December letter from Republicans Rogers, Lamborn, Fischer and then-Senate Armed Services ranking member Jim Inhofe. The revelation is likely to only further fuel uproar in Washington over Beijing, after a Chinese surveillance balloon traversed the U.S. before it was shot down last week. Biden administration officials are set to brief the full Senate on the balloon on Thursday. The House is also likely to soon get briefed, leaders say. And House Republicans are weighing a resolution condemning China for the flap. Story continues China's military modernization, including its nuclear capabilities and a potential invasion of Taiwan, have been an early focus for Republicans. House Armed Services held its first hearing Tuesday on the threat posed by China. During the session, Rogers broached the ICBM launcher news and warned of China's nuclear expansion, urging the U.S. to act immediately to deter Beijing. "The [Chinese Communist Party] is rapidly expanding its nuclear capability. They have doubled their number of warheads in just 2 years," Rogers said at the outset of Tuesday's hearing. "We estimated it would take them a decade to do that." The U.S. is undertaking a long-term overhaul of all three legs of its nuclear arsenal as well as fielding new weapons introduced under the Trump administration's 2018 nuclear blueprint. Low-yield warheads have been deployed aboard ballistic missile-carrying submarines. Congress has also preserved funding to develop a new sea-launched nuclear cruise missile that the Biden administration sought to cancel. Nancy Vu contributed to this report. Wallenpaupack Superintendent Keith Gunuskey speaks at a recent school board meeting. At left is Assistant Superintendent Jay Starnes. Wallenpaupack Area School District has implemented state-required Threat Assessment Teams at each school building. Pennsylvania Act of 55 of 2022, which passed last September and applies to every school district in the state, has several components. In a Dec. 7 briefing to the school board, Superintendent Keith Gunuskey said among the most important are threat assessments, safety and security. WASD has had a safety and security coordinator for a few years, the role being filled by Gunuskey since he was assistant superintendent. As the coordinator, he is charged with ensuring that drills are carried out effectively and efficiently, and establishing staff training requirements. He noted that it is the building administrators that pull the alarms, and he relies heavily on them to ensure buildings are kept as safe as possible. Annual training is designed to ensure that staff and students are prepared for any emergency. "Unfortunately, one of the teams that is probably the most disappointing to have, but important to have, is the Threat Assessment Team," he said. Training is in place with the Secret Service and the FBI. The district has a threat assessment manual, should a threat be made. Gunuskey said there have been times they have had to use it. Each school building has its own team made up of administrators, counselors, school police officers, nurses and any other staff that may have information about any particular student or threat that has been made, he said. Many times, the threat may come through social media rather directly, which requires the district to work from behind to try and ascertain information, Gunuskey said. One thing they will do more of, he said, are table-top exercises to allow staff to practice implementing the protocols and procedures. The goal is to discover the nature of the potential threat and determine the best course of action. As per Act 55, all staff members are required to have three hours of training annually. Training will focus on situational awareness, trauma and informed approaches, behavioral health awareness and suicide and bullying awareness, Gunuskey said. Story continues He said at their district, they have already received training several years ago in collaboration with Western Wayne and Wayne Highlands school districts. He said the only real change Act 55 brought was the required notification of the public at the board meeting and on the school website. In an interview, Gunuskey said that their faculty and staff work closely with the students so that they can feel comfortable sharing their concerns and areas in which they are struggling. "We rely heavily on our school community to advise us of any potential threats," he said. All Pennsylvania school districts are required to implement the Safe2say program, which is a 24-hour, 365-day reporting platform that is anonymous. Students may make reports through an app, online or by phone (1-844-SAF2SAY). Gunsukey said that this will be ongoing and will they will educate the community "to let everyone know that there is hopefully some peace of mind that we take all threats very seriously, that we have a protocol in practice to ensure everyone's safety." For more information about the district's Threat Assessment Teams, visit: wallenpaupack.org/ep_sss.asp. Wallenpaupack Area High School seniors were honored Dec.7 for exemplary academics and profitable application of extracurricular opportunities offered at the school. From left are Grace Peppiatt, who is planning on becoming a traveling physician assistant; Andrew Bromberger, whose sights are set on being an astronautical engineer; and Emily Kangal, whose goal is to achieve a doctorate and be an English professor. Spontaneous weather Another type of threat is what Mother Nature can bring, sometimes unexpectedly. Gunuskey discussed at the board meeting what he described as a "spontaneous" inclement weather event the morning of Dec. 6. There was no indication of hazardous weather conditions at the time, but as drivers were picking up and transporting students, a small pocket of freezing rain left a thin coat of ice in various areas. The light drizzle started at approximately 7:30 a.m. and only lasted for 10 to 15 minutes. Gunuskey said it was especially bad near the intersection of Routes 402 and 6, and from that intersection to the school. In addition, the bridge near the intersection of Routes 6 and 590 (going from the school toward Hawley) became treacherous. Gunuskey said that buses, school vans, and cars in general had to pull over and wait for PennDOT to salt/cinder the roads. "Our drivers were simply amazing. They exercised terrific judgement in pulling over, notifying the school, and waiting patiently for the road conditions to improve prior to continuing their journey to school," he said in an interview. "Thankfully no school vans or buses were involved in any accidents and all students arrived at school safely. He reminded parents that they have the primary authority to make the best decision for their children on whether or not to let them go to school. Calling it an "agonizing decision" on his part on whether to announce a delay or cancelation of classes, Gunuskey said he aims to make his call as early as possible, even the night before, to give parents time to arrange day care. "It's not a matter of looking out your window and making a decision," he said, "but it is about using as many resources as you can to make the best-informed decision for the district." He said it is critical for schools to stay open, but it must be done as safely as possible. He commended their school bus and van drivers, who he said together travel over 10,000 miles a day. "The fact that we had really, a spontaneous circumstance the other morning, our drivers were absolutely professional, they were exceptional and I cannot thank them enough for what they did. They certainly used a lot of common sense; they were very concerned for the students that they had on the bus." This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Wallenpaupack superintendent leads district's safety, security efforts Horizon 2040 is the Comprehensive Land Use and Coastal Area Management Plan for Onslow County. Residents have the opportunity to have a voice by filling out a survey. Local residents have an opportunity to have a voice in the future development of Onslow County as a comprehensive plan is in the works. Onslow Horizon 2040 is the Comprehensive Land Use and Coastal Area Management Plan for Onslow County, which takes inventory of the existing demographic, housing, development and environmental conditions in order to understand the county's foundation as it moves into the next 20 years, according to the project's website. "It will lay out a future road map for how to manage the new growth and development in the county," said Onslow County Communications Director Kevin Reopelle in an email. "The county is required to have a comprehensive plan per North Carolina law. The county currently has a comprehensive plan in place; however, the plan is several years old and no longer reflects development patterns and land use changes that have occurred throughout the county." He said the new plan will capture all of the development and infrastructure changes that have occurred over the last decade and provide a more accurate reference for directing the county's future growth and development. Reopelle said the county wants to hear the community's voice and that's why they've put together a survey for residents to fill out. "The communitys voice is integral and will be a key part to designing the comprehensive plan," Reopelle said. "We will have several public input meetings and will include more information about them on the website as they become available. We encourage citizens to follow the project website for updates on the planning process and the development of the plan as it progresses." Reopelle added Horizon 2040 will provide a framework for future development in the unincorporated areas of the county. The plan will help the county with designing guidelines and policies for development. In the plan, Reopelle said the county is not developing sites or locations, rather working to guide development to achieve the goals of the comprehensive plan. Story continues "We want your feedback and input on the future growth and development of Onslow County," Reopelle said. "If you live outside of city or town limits in Onslow County, please take a few minutes to complete the survey. The comprehensive plan will be a crucial part of guiding development for years to come and this is a great opportunity for the public to express their desires for how this will occur." The project's website said that typically, plans include local policies that address growth issues such as the protection of productive resources, desired types of economic development, prioritization of natural resource protection and the reduction of storm hazards. Because change is inevitable, the site explains it's important for the community to plan for growth and development to ensure the greatest outcome. The planning process began in November with the project kick-off and listening sessions, followed by meeting #1 of the planning board in December. Background research began in December and will continue throughout this month. The county's survey will be available to residents throughout the month of February and public input meetings will take place in March, giving residents an extra opportunity to share their voice. The steering committee will meet in May and draft plan preparation will take place from June to August. The steering committee's review of the draft plan will take place in September and October and public drop-in meetings to review the draft plan will occur in November. The final draft will be presented to the planning board in January 2024 and plan adoption will be in the February-March timeframe of 2024. Because Onslow County is a coastal community, the project website explains the state's Coastal Area Management Act requires it to have a local land use plan in accordance with guidelines established by the Coastal Resources Commission. CAMA is an acronym for the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act, which establishes a cooperative program of coastal area management between local and state governments. "The act, originally passed in 1974 and since amended, aims to protect the unique natural resources of the North Carolina Coastal areas," the website explains. "There are 20 CAMA counties in North Carolina which are subject to the CAMA rules." Additionally, CAMA established the Coastal Resources Commission within the Department of Environmental Quality, whose duties include approval of comprehensive land use plans in coastal communities, the site said. The CRC establishes guidelines which provide a common format for each plan and a set of issues that must be considered during the process; however, the policies included in plans are those of the local government. For more information on Onslow Horizon 2040, visit the project website at onslowhorizon2040.com and keep up with Onslow County social media pages. Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarlnig@jdnews.com. This article originally appeared on The Daily News: Want a voice in the future development of Onslow County? Here's how you can. The Washington State Patrol is currently investigating a drive-by shooting that happened in Gold Bar on Jan. 28, according to the WSP. The shooting happened around 2:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., in the area of State Route 2 and Reiter Road, or milepost 30. A man riding a dirt bike westbound on SR 2 from Forest Service Road #62, or milepost 33.56, allegedly fired a single round from a handgun at the intersection of westbound SR 2 and Reiter Road. He hit the back of a white 2016 Cadillac Escalade. No injuries were reported. Witnesses describe the rider as a man around 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, pants, and a helmet. Witnesses could not provide a description of the dirt bike or the license plate on the dirt bike. The WSP is asking witnesses and people with any information about the incident to call Trooper Blake Elliott at (360)-764-0921, or email Blake.Elliott@wsp.wa.gov. The WSP is also requesting anyone with in-car dash camera footage of the area around the time of the incident to send it in. Your assistance is appreciated as we work to locate the suspect, WSP said. A chest X-ray of a tuberculosis patient. A womans active case of tuberculosis has prompted health officials in Washington state to alert the public. The woman has reportedly turned down treatment for over a year and disobeyed multiple court orders to stay isolated from others. The health department may pursue further legal action against the woman should she continue to not comply, which could include detention at a local jail. Tuberculosis, or TB, is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Many people infected with tuberculosis bacteria do not become sick, and often, the infection will enter a latent state, where levels of the bacteria remain low and people arent sick or contagious to others. If left untreated, though, the infection can reemerge and even become life-threatening, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Active tuberculosis typically affects the lungs, causing respiratory symptoms, but the infection can migrate to other parts of the body as well. Read more On January 30, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department announced that it was monitoring a case of active tuberculosis in a resident. It went on to state that the woman had declined antibiotic medication, though officials were still working with her and her family to persuade her otherwise. Most people we contact are happy to get the treatment they need, said Nigel Turner, division director of Communicable Disease Control, in a statement at the time. Occasionally people refuse treatment and isolation. When that happens, we take steps to help keep the community safe. A few days later, reporting by The News Tribune revealed that this case has been a drawn-out saga. According to court records viewed by the local outlet, the health department first obtained a court order against the woman last year, on January 18, 2022. The court order called for her to be involuntarily isolated at home (outside of required medical care) until tests confirmed that she was no longer a public health threat. In their arguments, officials alleged that she had started but not finished taking treatment and that she was unwilling to resume treatment or isolate on her own accord. Story continues Both active and latent TB is curable, but it can take four to nine months of taking several antibiotics to fully eradicate the infection. A small but important proportion of cases are caused by drug-resistant TB bacteria, which are even harder to treat successfully. One major risk factor for the emergence of these strains is people failing to complete treatment, which can allow some bacteria to survive and evolve resistance to frontline drugs. According to The News Tribune, the woman flouted the initial court order and subsequent ones obtained by the health department. But the last straw appears to have occurred this January. In a petition filed on January 11, the department claimed that the woman had recently gotten in a car accident. A day later, she sought care at an emergency room for chest pain and was given X-rays. The woman reportedly didnt inform the ER of her TB status, potentially exposing them and others to the infection. Her nondisclosure even led staff to assume that her symptoms might have been caused by lung cancer. And the woman reportedly also tested positive for covid-19 at the same time. In a ruling later that month, The News Tribune went on to report, the court declared that if the woman continued to not obey these isolation orders, she could be found guilty of contempt. That would then open up the possibility of stricter measures, ranging from electronic home monitoring to outright detention at a county jail. And the health department does seem ready to go that far if need be, though not until every other alternative has been exhausted. Incarceration detention is the very, very last option that we want to take and we dont do that lightly. But occasionally that becomes necessary if there is a risk to the public, Turner told The News Tribune. TB is rare in the U.S., with Washington seeing about 200 cases a year, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. But it remains a huge killer worldwide, with an estimated 1.6 million tuberculosis deaths reported in 2021making it the second leading cause of death from a single infectious disease that year, behind covid-19. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. NTSBGov via Reuters Officials detonated several train cars filled with toxic gas Monday after a derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, causing an explosion that reached several hundred feet into the air and sent a plume of black smoke into the sky that could be seen for miles. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said at least five of the cars were carrying vinyl chloride, a cancerous substance used in plastic production that, if inhaled, could cause internal burns to a persons airway and lungs. Because of the risk that the gas was already leaking, Norfolk Southern Railroad made the decision to instigate a controlled release to burn off the deadly chemicals rather than wait for them to dissipate naturally. Prior to the planned explosion, which took place around 3:30 p.m. local time, DeWine and the governor of neighboring Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, evacuated an area of two square miles along the states borders. The entire area is home to roughly 4,800 people, the Associated Press reported. It remains unclear when residents will be able to return to their homes. Based on current weather patterns and the expected flow of the smoke and fumes, anyone who remains in the red affected area is facing grave danger of death, DeWine said in a press release Monday which outlined the most dangerous areas surrounding the wreck. Video from a first responder of the controlled explosion in #EastPalestine Ohio. An inversion at about 3,000 feet is trapping the smoke from rising higher into the atmosphere. https://t.co/ydAhD1GXaZ pic.twitter.com/IA5cnHAIjS Jacob Wycoff (@4cast4you) February 6, 2023 Powerful video of the controlled explosion at the East Palestine train derailment - @21WFMJNews drone powered by @680aerials pic.twitter.com/KFc4Y9rwhN Sheila Marie Miller (@21NewsEP) February 6, 2023 A number of videos on social media captured the train going up in flamesas well as the toxic cloud of dark smoke lingering over the site for hours as the trains payload burned out. Story continues One local meteorologist even noted that the plume showed up on his weather radar. Norfolk Southern said late Monday night that the operation had been completed successfullythough the gas may continue to burn through the night. The controlled breach of several rail cars has been completed successfully under the supervision of experts and first responders, the company wrote in a statement. Some of the material is now burning off consistent with expectations from the earlier models, and is expected to drain for a short number of hours. 4:51pm: Radar now showing the smoke plume from the controlled release. pic.twitter.com/Zkk6XFU7iW Eric Wilhelm (@EricWFMJ) February 6, 2023 The 50-car train initially derailed Saturday morning, startling residents and setting off a mad dash to clear the immediate area. Frigid temperatures dipping down into the single digits also complicated efforts by first responders arriving at the scene, including several fire trucks whose water pumps froze, according to the Associated Press. The Columbiana County Sheriff even announced that residents who did not obey the governors evacuation order would be subject to arrestincluding first-degree misdemeanor charges for any households with children. #BREAKING: Large Explosion at the site of the train derailment #EastPalestine l #OH Officials just did a Controlled explosion that occurred of the train derailment extremely toxic smoke is being released into the air trapping it 3,000 feet up new evacuation zones ordered pic.twitter.com/khKWRQTAV9 R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) February 7, 2023 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. An illustration of the Nova-C lander on the Moons surface. NASA is redirecting a private partners first mission to the lunar south polar region, and with very little time to spare. The company, Texas-based Intuitive Machines, is handling the new assignment with grace, saying its a significant win for the Artemis program. The revised landing is a part of Intuitive Machines IM-1 mission to land the companys Nova-C lander on the Moons surface after being awarded a NASA contract to do so in May 2019. The original plan was to land Nova-C on Reiner Gamma, one of the Moons mysterious lunar swirls, which is located on the west side of the Moon when viewed from Earth. Now, Nova-C is slated to land in the Moons south pole region, which could hold a wealth of scientific information to study before a crewed Artemis mission reaches the area later this decade. Read more Intuitive Machines was expecting to launch its lander in March, with the machine reaching the lunar surface in April. The stationary lander is still slated to launch atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida, but the launch date has not yet been announced. That said, itll probably be in May given the revised timeline of a June landing. Thats not a lot of time for Intuitive Machines to adjust, but the company seems unfazed by the sudden change in geography. Redirecting Intuitive Machines IM-1 mission landing site is a testament to our collective commitment to supporting NASAs Artemis Program and advancing lunar exploration for the benefit of humanity, said Intuitive Machines co-founder, president, and CEO Steve Altemus in a press release. The Company is honored to accept the historic and scientific responsibility of bringing the United States to the lunar South Pole Region for the first time ever. NASA awarded Intuitive Machines a $77.5 million contract in 2019 to bring Nova-C to the Moon by July 2021. The initial landing location, Reiner Gamma in Oceanus Procellarum, was chosen because of its flat topography. As NASAs goals of the Artemis missions became clearer, the space agency decided to change the landing location and push the Nova-C landing to June 2023. Story continues Nova-C will carry five NASA payloads and will operate for one lunar day collecting scientific data on the area; the machinea tall hexagonal cylinder propped by six legsis expected to last about 14 Earth days during this brief sunlit period. The resulting data could prove useful for the future of the Artemis missions, the third of which is scheduled to bring a crew to the Moon at some point later this decade. More: Rolls-Royce Nuclear Engine Could Power Quick Trips to the Moon and Mars More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Topeka police conducted the investigation that led to the charging of Wesley Tyrone Rayton Sr., 47, with first-degree murder in the Jan. 31 shooting death of Topeka tow truck driver Michael Robert Comp, 40. A tow truck driver was found deceased in that truck last week after a single gunshot passed through its rear window in southeast Topeka, Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay said Tuesday. He announced his office had charged Wesley Tyrone Rayton Sr., 47, with crimes that included the first-degree murder of Michael Robert Comp, 40. Kagay said Comp was found deceased after law enforcement officers were called Jan. 31 to the area of 915 S.E. 34h on reports that a man in the street was shooting at a tow truck, which then crashed. Officers determined the tow truck had hit a mailbox and come to rest in the backyard at 919 S.E. 33rd Terrace, where Comp was found deceased inside, Kagay said. He said officers responding to the scene stopped a vehicle that was fleeing the area and arrested the driver. Rayton was being held Tuesday in the Shawnee County Jail on a $1 million bond, according to jail records. Court records showed Kagay's office had charged Rayton with one count each of first-degree murder in the commission of a felony, aggravated assault, the theft of a firearm and the criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle. Rayton served prison time for aggravated battery committed in April 1995 in Shawnee County, according to Kansas Department of Corrections records. Comp was Topeka's seventh homicide victim in January. The seven homicide victims was Topeka's highest for one month since it saw seven in August 2016. Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Murder charge filed in gunshot killing of Topeka tow truck driver State Sen. Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods, is collecting Valentines Day cards as part of his annual Valentines for Seniors program, looking to help uplift seniors spirits in his district, according to a news release from his office announcing the drive. The collection runs through Feb. 7, according to the release. Advertisement I want to ensure that our seniors are not forgotten this Valentines Day, McConchie said in the release. He encourages churches, schools and community members of the 26th Senate District to write Valentines Day cards, which may be dropped off or mailed to his district office, the release states. Advertisement McConchie stated in the release that participants should be creative with their cards which may include handmade creations and he encourages uplifting notes, drawings or other sentiments. Theres no doubt that those living in long-term care facilities have had a difficult few years and we should remind them that they are cared for and that people are thinking of them, he said in the release. Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered personally to the various long-term care facilities in state leaders district, the release states. The 26th District includes all or part of Algonquin, Barrington, Carpentersville, Cary, Crystal Lake, Deer Park, Fox River Grove, Green Oaks, Hawthorn Woods, Hoffman Estates, Island Lake, Kildeer, Lake in the Hills, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Long Grove, Mundelein, Oakwood Hills and Vernon Hills. This is just a small way that we can spread a little love and joy to those throughout our communities, McConchie said in the release. Officials noted in the release that Senate Republican caucus members collected and delivered more than 45,000 Valentines cards in 2022. People who want to participate in McConchies Valentines for Seniors program may mail their cards to, or drop them off at, state Sen. Dan McConchies Office, 795 Ela Road, Suite 208, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Cards being delivered in person should be placed in the marked mailbox on the 2nd floor outside the Lake Zurich office door, the release states. The criminal case against a former Ferndale Police Officer accused of soliciting sex with the 12-year-old daughter of a woman he met while responding to a 911 call has been dismissed. On Monday, Feb. 6, Whatcom County deputy prosecuting attorney Kellen Kooistra filed a motion in Whatcom County Superior Court to dismiss the attempted second-degree child molestation case against Michael Scott Langton. While the prosecutors office had probable cause for the charge and sufficient evidence that Langton intended to commit a crime, there was not enough evidence to prove Langton took a substantial step towards committing the crime, Kooistra wrote in his motion to dismiss. A Whatcom County judge then dismissed the case without prejudice the same day, according to court records. Dismissing a case without prejudice allows the prosecutors office to refile charges in the case if something changes. Langton, 47, was charged with the felony child sex crime July 28, 2022, The Bellingham Herald previously reported. As part of the dismissal, Langtons $40,000 bail bond was exonerated, court records show. Devastating allegations Langton and his family have been devastated by the allegations, according to a news release sent Monday by Emily Beschen, Langtons defense attorney. Beschen said Langton, a military veteran and former police officer, had dedicated his life to serving and protecting others. Langton previously worked as a detective, was awarded a Silver Cross medal for arresting a person accused of domestic violence and was voted patrol officer of the year for 2020-2021, according to Beschens news release. This process has been extremely painful for both me and my family. I am grateful to have this chapter of my life behind me and this criminal case closed, Langton said in a prepared statement in the news release. I want to thank my friends, family, and co-workers who stood behind me and offered support through this nightmare, as well as the guild attorney, Seth Davis, and attorney Emily Beschen. Story continues Beschen echoed Langtons sentiments in the release, saying we are thankful that Whatcom County was willing to take a close look at the evidence and ultimately made the right decision to dismiss this charge in the interest of justice. After examining the evidence, case law and more, prosecutors within the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorneys Office didnt believe they could prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Langton attempted or took a substantial step toward the crime of child molestation, Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Richey said in a Monday evening phone call with The Herald. This had nothing at all to do with the credibility of our witness. We believe that our witness was 100% correct just based on the other evidence we had. If it wasnt for her coming forward, I think that wed still have what I believe is an officer out there doing some things that are inappropriate. I cant give enough kudos to the victim in our case coming forward, Richey said. Leave and lawsuits Langton was fired from the Ferndale Police Department in late August due to an inability to carry out his duties, The Herald previously reported. He had been employed with the department since Aug. 30, 2012, and was previously employed with the Blaine Police Department. Langton was placed on paid administrative leave with the Ferndale Police Department July 26 after his arrest for the criminal case. It was the second time Langton had been placed on paid administrative leave in less than a year. He had previously been placed on leave in early October 2021 after he allegedly contacted a far-right extremist group after the January 2021 insurrection. Langton returned to duty less than a month later. Langton has also been sued twice in federal court for allegedly violating peoples civil rights while doing his job. Both cases were settled out of court and dismissed, The Herald previously reported. The city of Ferndale started an internal affairs investigation into Langtons alleged actions the day he was arrested, according to city of Ferndale spokesperson Riley Sweeney. Sweeney said Tuesday the investigation is ongoing and the city does not have a timeline for concluding it. Scott Langton is no longer employed with the City of Ferndale. While we still have an active investigation on this matter, it is not complete and we are not able to give comment at this time, Sweeney said. Beschen, Langtons defense attorney, said Langton is still currently in the grievance process with the city of Ferndale over his termination. Beschen said Langton loved working as a law enforcement officer and would like to continue to do so. When asked whether Ferndale police are considering reinstating Langton, Sweeney told The Herald Tuesday that Langton is no longer employed by the city and that the city had no further comment. Text messages Langtons criminal court case was largely centered around sexually explicit text messages he allegedly exchanged with a woman he met while responding to a 911 call while on duty. The woman had called 911 in mid-July to report a collision in the parking lot of her apartment complex. Langton responded to the call, spoke to the woman and gathered her information. Langton and the woman communicated about the collision over the next several days, according to court records. Langton then used his personal cellphone to ask the woman out on a date in mid-July. The pair agreed to meet and continued chatting over the next several weeks, the court records state. It was during these conversations that Langton allegedly professed his sexual attraction to children and asked the woman and her 12-year-old daughter to have sex with him, according to court records. Words alone are not going to create an attempt, and thats obviously where we were stuck in this case, Richey said during a phone call with The Herald. In his motion to dismiss, Kooistra, the prosecuting attorney who handled the case, said the prosecutors office did a thorough review of current case law and the evidence that was likely to be presented during trial. After careful consideration, we determined that, while there is sufficient evidence that the defendant intended to commit the crime, there is not sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he took a substantial step towards commission of that crime as that term is defined by law, Kooistras dismissal motion states. During Langtons first appearance in court in late July, senior deputy prosecuting attorney Ben Pratt said there were concerns about the possible destruction of evidence in the criminal case. Pratt said there were allegations that once Langton became aware he was being placed on leave from Ferndale police, law enforcement witnessed Langton start a fire, put documents in the fire and burn them. One of Langtons phones seized by law enforcement was also factory reset before it was seized, Pratt said in July. When asked Monday evening whether these potential actions hindered the prosecutions case against Langton, Richey told The Herald he didnt want to speculate. There was something obviously important that he was trying to conceal. Thats what I believe, Richey said. Protection order The woman in the criminal case sought a civil protection order against Langton for herself, her daughter and other minor children in her care in a separate court action. A domestic violence protective order was put in place in late November last year and expires in November 2024, the court records show. The dismissal of Langtons criminal case does not immediately impact the civil protection order case. Langton could request the court rescind the protective order, but a hearing would need to be held on the matter. As of Tuesday afternoon, no such hearing had been set, court records show. Beschen, Langtons defense attorney, said he is currently consulting with attorneys regarding any future actions in court. Mr. Langton is happy the truth prevailed, and he is currently working to rebuild the damage done to his character and reputation, Beschen said. Resources If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support: Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org. Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015. Tlils Taaaltha Victims of Crime: 360-325-3310 or nooksacktribe.org/departments/youth-family-services/tlils-taaaltha-victims-of-crime-program/ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips. WWU Survivor Advocacy Services at the Counseling & Wellness Center: 360-650-7982 or https://cwc.wwu.edu/survivorservices. Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org. A customer looks at books by Dr. Seuss in a bookstore in Brooklyn, N.Y. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters) It may not be the most dramatic moment in Americas escalating education wars. But as a dad with some concerns about what we are and arent teaching our kids about race these days, I cant stop thinking about it. And the more I think about it, the more I realize that this small moment matters precisely because it doesnt feel like such a big deal. Last month, NPRs "Planet Money" ran a segment about using classic childrens books to teach kids about economics. For the first 20 minutes, a third-grade teacher in Ohio, Mandy Robek of the Olentangy school district, leads her lesson without incident. But then Amanda Beeman, the districts assistant director for communications, suddenly stops Robek from reading the last book on NPRs list Dr. Seusss "The Sneetches" after students start to ask about a different subject: discrimination. Jill Doran, a Laguna Beach, Calif., parent and volunteer reader, wearing an appropriate hat for the occasion, reads "The Sneetches" by Dr. Seuss to a first-grade class. (Don Tormey/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) I don't know if I feel comfortable with the book being one of the ones featured, Beeman is heard saying. I just feel like this isn't teaching anything about economics, and this is a little bit more about differences with race. Were all accustomed to woke vs. anti-woke bickering at this point. Conservatives claim schools are indoctrinating students in critical race theory (CRT). Liberals argue that conservatives dont even know what critical race theory is and that if they did, theyd realize teachers arent actually exposing kids to it. But what strikes me about the NPR moment is that no one no ban, no school board, no parents had told Beeman to shut down "The Sneetches." Instead, she censored herself, and closed off conversation, in anticipation of some imagined political blowback. Bills banning CRT get all the headlines, but I bet this sort of chilling effect is far more common. And the more common it becomes the more educators avoid stories like "The Sneetches" to avoid appearing to be political the more it will mean that our schools have lost the plot on race. Story continues A rally in Leesburg, Va., on June 12, 2021, against critical race theory being taught in schools. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) In Seusss book, there are Star-Belly Sneetches, who consider themselves the superior species, and Plain-Belly Sneetches, who are treated like second-class citizens. When a slick salesman offers to stamp the Plain-Bellies with stars, they jump at the opportunity. Aghast, the Star-Bellies then pay to remove their once-special markings. On and off the stars go, until the Sneetches cant tell which one was what one ... or what one was who and they finally realize that no kind of Sneetch is the best on the beaches. The simple point of Seusss 1953 story is not lost on the Olentangy third-graders. It's almost like what happened back then, how people were treated like, disrespected like, white people disrespected Black people, one boy says. And yet its too much for Beeman. I dont mean to villainize Beeman here. Its understandable that a PR professional was squeamish about veering off script on National Public Radio. The students parents probably agreed to let NPR record a lesson about economics not race. Whats less understandable, and a lot sadder, is why any educator should be squeamish about something like "The Sneetches" to begin with. Full disclosure: This whole tale is weirdly personal for me. Remember the big cancel culture fit that erupted after the Seuss estate announced in March 2021 that it was halting publication of six lesser-known titles because they contained hurtful stereotypes? Books by Dr. Seuss on a shelf in a Brooklyn bookstore. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters) Well, a few weeks earlier, my wife, a childrens screenwriter, had been hired by Netflix to adapt five other Seuss titles for preschool TV and when the news became public in mid-March, conservative commentators like Fox News Tucker Carlson were still accusing the forces of wokeness of hating Dr. Seuss. One of the Seuss titles that Netflix hired my wife to adapt was (you guessed it) "The Sneetches." So shes spent the last two years trying to transform Seusss 70-year-old story into a contemporary streaming special, which has required her to navigate the same crosscurrents how America sees Seuss, how parents see race that unsettled Beeman. Its a delicate dance. But the NPR story also hit home because we have a kindergartner and a second-grader ourselves. And I have to be honest: Their relationship to race has been one of the most eye-opening aspects of parenting. It turns out children are extremely observant, inquisitive and unfiltered. So they notice all the racial differences that we civilized adults tend to gloss over that most waiters have white skin, for instance, while most kitchen workers have brown skin and ask very direct questions about those differences. Experts say this is totally normal. According to the American Psychological Association, studies have shown that 3-month-olds prefer faces from certain racial groups, 9-month-olds use race to categorize faces and American 3-year-olds link some racial groups with negative traits. By age 4, children in the U.S. associate whites with wealth and higher status and by the time they start elementary school, race-based discrimination is already widespread. Getty Images The problem, says Jessica Sullivan, a psychology professor at Skidmore College, is that if adults don't talk to kids about race, [they] will work to make sense of their world and will come up with their own ideas which may be inaccurate or detrimental. As a dad, I do my best to explain why so many imbalances endure and why they can be really unfair. But it requires lots of vigilance to keep kids from normalizing this stuff from dividing their world into deserving Star-Bellies and undeserving Plain-Bellies. They have to learn, in other words, how not to be racist. And I admit I often fall short in the teachable-moment department, because I am distracted, or lazy, or just plain human. Thats why I was so shaken by the NPR story. Robeks third-graders rightly demanded education; they were rewarded with evasion. Id want my own kids to react to "The Sneetches" exactly the way they did. Id want their teacher to talk to them about treating everyone equally or even better, why Dr. Seusss 1950s version of equality ("Were equal because were all the same!") has evolved into something a bit more enlightened ("Were equal even though were all different!"). And Im pretty sure most parents agree. Wherever we stand in the debate over critical race theory, stories about how no kind of Sneetch is the best on the beaches should still have a place in the classroom. And yet here we are, with political combatants on both sides cowing teachers into silence and teaching students to be silent in turn. Wounded earthquake survivors wait to be treated at a field hospital on February 6, 2023 in Iskenderun, Turkey. Burak Kara/Getty Images Here is a list of organizations that need support to assist victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Donating money is the most efficient way to aid survivors. Areas affected by the disaster were already home to millions of people displaced by war. While people slept, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked and devastated southern Turkey and northwestern Syria on Monday, only to be followed hours later by 7.5 magnitude aftershock. Thousands are dead and tens of thousands more in desperate need of aid in a region that was already home to millions of people who have been displaced by war. Dozens of organizations are already providing on-the-ground assistance. While you may be tempted to try and donate goods, what these groups need now is money. Here are a few that you can help: Syrian American Medical Society Volunteer medical workers with the Syrian American Medical Society have for years traveled to Syria and its neighboring countries to treat the victims of war. In the immediate aftermath of Monday's dual earthquakes, the group's own medical facilities in Syria which have frequently been targeted in airstrikes from Russia and its Syrian regime ally aided more than 850 people. Turkish Red Crescent The Turkish Red Crescent, the largest humanitarian organization in Turkey, is deploying staff and mobile kitchen trucks to distribute food to survivors in Gaziantep and elsewhere in the south of the country, as well as provide blankets, tents, and beds, the group said Monday. Staff are also delivering donated blood to local medical facilities. The White Helmets For a decade now, volunteer rescue workers have pulled people from buildings in Syria destroyed by Russian and regime airstrikes. Now members of The White Helmets are pulling survivors from the rubble of buildings destroyed by Monday's earthquake in northwest Syria, one of the last pockets of the country controlled by armed opposition groups. International Rescue Committee "This earthquake is yet another devastating blow to so many vulnerable populations already struggling after years of conflict," Tanya Evans of the International Rescue Committee said in a statement on Monday. In Syria, hospitals were already grappling with a cholera outbreak and the latest disaster will only increase the needs on the ground. The IRC will continue to help with everything from medical care to trauma counseling. Story continues Molham Team Many inhabitants of Syria's northwest Idlib province have been displaced multiple times since 2011, when the conflict in Syria began, some living in homes that had been damaged by airstrikes and which collapsed on Monday. Volunteers with Molham Team, founded by Syrian college students in the wake of the Syrian revolution, are now setting up shelters and distributing food and blankets to those made homeless once again. Project HOPE For more than 60 years, Project HOPE has aided victims of natural disasters, working through local humanitarian organizations and medical workers to provide immediate and long-term assistance. Radih Torbay, the group's president, said Monday that he anticipates a "very arduous and long road to recovery" in both Turkey and Syria. "As temperatures hover near freezing and airport closures and snowstorms delay access," he said, "Project HOPE has deployed an emergency response effort and is working with local and international partners to respond to the immediate needs." Save the Children Save the Children, active in both Turkey and northwest Syria, will be distributing blankets and winter clothing in the days ahead, the group said Monday, as well as support winterization efforts for those dwellings that remain standing. "[I]t's crucial that the international community acts now to provide support to the thousands of people in need," Sasha Ekanayake, the group's director of operations in Turkey, said in a statement. Read the original article on Insider California officials have agreed to an $18 million settlement in a lawsuit brought by two whistleblowers who accused a medical company of overbilling medical insurers for birth control prescriptions doled out without the required oversight by physicians. The agreement comes in a previously secret lawsuit filed in Sacramento Superior Court in 2019 by two former nurse practitioners who worked for a company called The Pill Club. The settlement calls for the state Justice Department to be paid $15 million and the state Insurance Department to receive $3.275 million, according to an announcement by attorneys Michael Hirst of Davis and Anderson Berry of Sacramento. The agreement calls for the whistleblowers Cindy Swintelski Schwartz and Happy Baumann and their lawyers to share $4.59 million from the settlement, which does not include an admission of liability by The Pill Club. When I joined The Pill Club just over two years ago, I was drawn to the challenge of strengthening our operations to live up to our mission, Liz Meyerdick, chief executive officer of The Pill Club, said in a statement Tuesday. Im glad to have the opportunity to resolve these issues and to bring our full focus back to expanding access to contraceptive care for all who need it. The lawsuit, filed under seal through the California False Claims Act, alleged that The Pill Club and affiliates participated in a scheme that defrauded millions of dollars from Medi-Cal and private health care insurance providers in at least 38 states, including California. Defendants knowingly and routinely presented bills to Medi-Cal and private health care insurers for patients prescribed birth control pills and related products by nurse practitioners that were not properly supervised under California law by a medical doctor, the suit said. The lawsuit alleged that nurse practitioners prescribing birth control products rarely spoke with patients in person or by phone, instead using text messages or emails. Story continues The nurse practitioner (NP) spends from approximately 15 seconds to a few minutes assessing and diagnosing the patient before prescribing the birth control, the suit said. NPs are encouraged to complete an astounding 120 prescriptions per day, with some claiming they can complete 600 per day. Thus, in California alone, there could be thousands of prescriptions rubber-stamped by Defendants NPs every single day. The pharmaceuticals and other products are then delivered by mail, with no delivery charge and, depending on the health care insurer, no co-pay. The deliveries also come with chocolate and sample gift items. Hirst said in a statement that Pill Club officials ignored complaints from the whistleblowers that they were being pressured to prescribe contraceptives without oversight by a medical doctor. At the same time, The Pill Club pressured them on a daily basis to write more prescriptions per day, Hirst said in the statement. Were proud of the whistleblowers for their courage in coming forward to stop conduct they knew was wrong. If more people did that, there would be much less waste, fraud, and abuse in our health care system. WASHINGTON Some of the lines in President Joe Bidens State of the Union address that refer to China are being edited after the shooting down of the surveillance balloon that had made its way across the U.S. last week, according to three people familiar with the speech. Parts of the draft remarks for Tuesday nights speech, which has long included a section on China, could be tweaked after the balloon captured the attention of Americans and drew the ire of Republicans, who have criticized both the president and his administration for their handling of the situation, the sources said. The discussion among Biden and his aides is how much sharper his rhetoric on China should be, the sources said, with some administration officials making the case that dialing it up too much could be counterproductive as the president continues to navigate the battered relationship between Washington and Beijing. One White House official said, Weve been clear we will defend American values and advance our interests while maintaining open lines of communication with China. Another White House official, who was asked if there would be a specific mention of the balloon in Biden's speech, said: It will likely fall more broadly under a larger umbrella of major foreign policy themes reasserting Americas leadership on the world stage." A high altitude balloon floats over Billings, Mont., on Feb. 1, 2023. (Larry Mayer / The Billings Gazette via AP) Before the White House admitted publicly that it had been monitoring the surveillance balloon for days after it entered U.S. airspace, Bidens speech featured familiar language hes used before on taking a tough, domestic political stance against China, the sources said. Now, they said, its changing to convey that his administration wont tolerate such violations by China, possibly noting that Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed his planned trip to Beijing because of the balloon incident. The speech, the sources said, will not include announcing a substantive plan for retaliation against China. Story continues A second White House official said that the presidents foreign policy vision and agenda has always been a part of this speech, including the importance of managing our strategic competition with China. Of course, the presidents remarks always take into account whats happening in the world and how we meet the moment were in, the official said. But you will hear the president speak to his continued and successful effort to reassert Americas leadership around the world. Biden has often framed his economic agenda as not only about supporting Americas middle class, but also positioning the country to better compete globally and regain an edge over China. Folks, we risk losing the edge as a nation, and China and the rest of the world are catching up, Biden said last week at an infrastructure event in New York. At the same time, his administration has increasingly focused on China as a growing military threat as well, particularly how its building up to compete with the U.S. on that front and saber rattling on Taiwan. One of the sources familiar with the changes being made to Bidens address said that while the speech is not expected to include specific new policy pronouncements in response to the surveillance balloon, the editing process was still ongoing. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House said Tuesday it opposes legislation before Congress that would end a requirement that most foreign air travelers be vaccinated against COVID-19. The House of Representatives is set to vote on the bill on Wednesday. The Biden administration in June dropped its requirement that people arriving in the country by air must test negative for COVID but has not lifted Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination requirements. "This policy has allowed loved ones across the globe to reunite while reducing the spread of COVID-19 and the burdens it places on the health care system in the United States," the White House said. Currently, adult visitors to the United States who are not citizens or permanent residents must show proof of vaccination before boarding their flight, with some limited exceptions. Republican Representative Thomas Massie introduced the measure to rescind the vaccine requirement. "The CDC's unscientific mandate is separating too many people from their families and has been doing so for far too long. It needs to end," he said on Twitter. The White House plans to end the COVID public health emergency on May 11. "As we approach the end of the public health emergency, the administration will review all relevant policies, including this one," the White House said. The CDC says vaccines continue to be the most important public health tool for fighting COVID-19 and recommends all travelers be vaccinated. The U.S. Travel Association said it has "long supported the removal of this requirement" and added that the United States "is the only country that still has this requirement for international visitors when there is no longer any public health justification." Mask requirements on airplanes were relaxed last year after a judge declared them unlawful. In December, the United States imposed mandatory negative COVID test requirements on most travelers from China as COVID infections rocketed there. The House on Wednesday will consider an amendment to make clear CDC authority to impose testing would not be affected. (Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Jonathan Oatis) Farming. Scott Olson/Getty Images Is China buying up U.S. farmland? And is that a threat to America's food supply? The issue has become a "flashpoint" in relations between the two countries, The Wall Street Journal reports. In Congress and in a growing number of U.S. states, there is a movement to ban foreign ownership of agricultural land so that "the U.S. food-supply chain is protected and that China and other foreign adversaries aren't able to use U.S. land as a perch for spying." But some critics suggest that such efforts are the result of anti-Asian sentiment that has been festering in the United States in recent years. "This is the same sentiment that had people putting up signs saying 'Irish Need Not Apply,'" said one Texas lawmaker. How much American land is owned by Chinese entities? And are bans on the way? Here's everything you need to know: Are Chinese owners actually buying U.S. farmland? If they do, it's not that much. Agriculture.com reports on federal data that shows that Chinese owners control just 0.5 percent of all U.S. farmland and just less than 1 percent of "foreign-held acres" overall. (Overall, foreigners own roughly 3 percent of American agricultural land, with Canadians comprising the largest landholders.) But Politico noted in 2021 that Chinese corporations have spent the last decade buying American agribusiness companies like the pork producer Smithfield Foods and that by the start of this decade, owned roughly 192,000 acres of farmland. And the Center for Strategic & International Studies notes that foreign ownership of American farmland doubled between 2009 and 2019. (The U.S. has about 900 million acres of farmland overall.) Even those who raise concerns about Chinese ownership of such land, like U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) acknowledge "it's not a huge percentage of our total farm acreage by any stretch." So why the concern? It's not just about the food supply. CNBC reports about concerns that arose in 2022 when a Chinese company, Fufeng Group, bought 300 acres of land near Grand Forks, N.D. to set up a corn milling plant. Why the concern? The property is about 20 minutes away from Grand Forks Air Force Base, "home to some of the nation's most sensitive military drone technology." Concern about that was bipartisan: "We should be seriously concerned about Chinese investment in locations close to sensitive sites, such as military bases around the U.S," said Sen Mark Warner (D-Va.) In January 2023, officials in Grand Forks said they would deny permits for the project. Story continues But it is a food supply issue too, right? Sort of. Critics of Chinese ownership do often invoke the safety of America's food supply when arguing for a ban. Those fears might be a bit overblown: CSIS says foreign acquisitions of U.S. farmland "do not represent a substantial enough portion of food production in the United States to threaten national food security." The pandemic played a role in increasing concern, though. "Smithfield increased pork exports to China even as the United States experienced widespread meat shortages due to supply chain disruptions." So who is talking about banning Chinese ownership? At the federal level, Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Dan Newhouse both Washington Republicans have introduced a bill to "prohibit the purchase of public or private agricultural land in the United States by foreign nationals associated with the Government of the People's Republic of China." Across Capitol Hill, Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) are sponsoring their own legislation "aimed at preventing China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from investing in, purchasing, leasing or otherwise acquiring U.S. farmland." And Donald Trump, once again running for president, has vowed to "ban Chinese nationals from buying US farmland or owning telecommunications, energy, technology, and medical supplies companies," the New York Post reports. States are also getting in on the action. California lawmakers in 2022 passed a similar bill that was later vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom they're reintroducing it this year, Politico reports. But other, mostly GOP-led agricultural states have legislation on the table, including Texas, Montana, and Kansas. The National Agricultural Law Center adds that overall, 22 states are considering such bills. What's the argument against banning Chinese ownership? Roughly 40 percent of American farmland will change hands over the next two decades, part of a generational handoff from older farmers to younger. "Ensuring that those acres are transferred in a way that protects national and food security should be a priority," Adam Minter writes at Bloomberg Opinion. But that can be done without barring foreign ownership, he writes. Better solutions include "demanding more transparency about foreign land acquisitions." Indeed, legislation to require "real time" disclosures of land purchases by foreign nationals has been introduced by Sens. Tammy Baldwin, (D-Wisc.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa.). But Minter argues that an outright ban "codifying prohibitions on Chinese nationals at a time when Asian-Americans already face discrimination would likely inflame an already difficult situation." What are Chinese officials saying about all this? Not much. The Wall Street Journal says the Chinese embassy didn't respond to its inquiries about the topic, but notes that in the past the government has said "that it encourages Chinese companies to invest overseas in accordance with local laws." As tension rises between the U.S. and China, the debate over U.S. farmland will probably become more prominent. You may also like 7 cartoons about gun violence in America The U.S. economy is shifting toward disinflation. Here's why that's 'most welcome.' United States shoots down Chinese spy balloon over Atlantic Ocean Aid workers in Turkey and Syria are trying to rescue as many people as possible after a devastating earthquake hit the region, but experts are warning that it is a race against time right now. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake caused whole building blocks to collapse in Turkey and northwest Syria on Monday just before sunrise, in what is expected to be one of the deadliest quakes this decade, according to seismologists. Just 11 minutes after the first shock, the region was hit with a 6.7 magnitude tremor, with a 7.5-magnitude quake coming hours later and a 6.0 spasm in the afternoon. There are fewer than 20 quakes over 7.0 magnitude in any regular year, making this weeks disaster severe. The U.S. Geological Survey also said it was the largest quake recorded worldwide since a tremor reported in the south Atlantic in August 2021. Reuters news agency claimed it was the deadliest seen in Turkey since 1999, when a quake of similar magnitude struck, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said it was a historic disaster and the worst the country had seen since 1939. The death toll had exceeded 5,000 by Tuesday morning, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has since warned that the number of casualties could exceed 20,000 as rescue efforts continue. As Raed al-Saleh of the Syrian White Helmets a service in rebel-held territory known for helping in regions affecting by air strikes told Reuters: [Were] in a race against time to save the lives of those under the rubble. The first 72 hours in a disaster like this are essential for saving lives. Thousands of workers are trying to retrieve as many people trapped under the debris as possible but there are two major issues which threaten to derail the already complex rescue mission: politics and the weather. Where the earthquakes struck Where the earthquakes struck How Could Politics Hold Up The Humanitarian Efforts? Syria has been caught up in a civil war for 11 years, with the country completely divided between its President Bashar al-Assads oppressive regime and those rebelling against it. Story continues This split between the rebels, including Kurdish-led forces, and the Syrian government could hamper aid as it tries to reach the disaster-hit areas, such as the city of Aleppo. The UN says 4.1 million people, many of whom were already displaced and living in camps due to the war, depended on cross-border humanitarian aid even before the earthquake so this natural disaster just makes a bleak situation even worse. The earthquake has also mainly affected the rebel-held parts of Syria, where, according to foreign office minister Andrew Mitchell, there is practically no governance, making it harder to co-ordinate aid efforts. He told Radio 4s Today programme: We hope that the UN will be able to negotiate additional access into Syria from Turkey, which is inevitably where the support is going to come from. But, Turkey and Syria have been at loggerheads since 2011, with Turkey leading the armed and civilian opposition against al-Assad, with troops in northern Syria. The two sides only began talking cordially again in December 2022, under Russias insistence. al-Assads regime has left Syria alienated from much of the international community. Syrian rescue teams search for victims and survivors at the rubble a collapsed building in the city of Aleppo following a deadly earthquake on Feb. 6, 2023. Syrian rescue teams search for victims and survivors at the rubble a collapsed building in the city of Aleppo following a deadly earthquake on Feb. 6, 2023. While at least 45 countries have offered to help the search and rescue efforts in Turkey, the Syrian government has pleaded for international assistance from UN member states, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian groups. The BBCs chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet said that al-Assad may be forced to accept assistance from Western countries or middle east neighbours he previously condemned for supporting his enemies. Syria does have its ally Russia on side, and the UN said it is assessing the situation and offering help already. But, speaking to Today host Justin Webb, Mitchell noted: Youre quite right to draw the contrast between the ability of the international community to help in Turkey and the inability, because of the geography and ungoverned space, to do so in Syria. The position of people caught up there is very bleak indeed, the minister continued: Help and additional shelter, warmth, medicine, food and healthcare, can only really come over the border from Turkey and they are in deep jeopardy. Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell tells @JustinOnWeb he hopes the UN can organise more access into Syria to help with the 'bleak' situation there He says the UK are sending 76 search and rescue specialists and an emergency medical team to Turkeyhttps://t.co/1kxAkrA16Bpic.twitter.com/bWnU8pILMC BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) February 7, 2023 What Does Weather Have To Do With It? People living in both Turkey and Syria were facing extreme weather conditions over the weekend even before the earthquake. Al Jazeeras Sinem Koseoglu reported from Istanbul: Everywhere there is snow or rain and its very cold...the weather conditions and the climate is making it very difficult for the rescue workers and civilians. It seems to be the biggest challenge for everyone. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York: Syrian communities are simultaneously hit with an ongoing cholera outbreak and harsh winter events including heavy rain and snow over the weekend. Meanwhile, Oben Coban from Save The Children said that the worst thing was the weather in Turkey right now. He told Sky News: The worst things were the freezing night, -10C of temperature in those aras. Its actually making it like a race against time for us and everyone. Coban also noted there was already a desperate situation unfolding in ten Turkish cities at the same time with roads obscured with debris. It make access to areas particularly difficult, meaning some search and rescue efforts are not going at full pace, he told Sky News. More than 5,000, 6,000 buildings have collapsed. We know there are still children and families trapped underneath those buildings at the moment. Why it was extremely tough for international organizations like Save or government organizations to reach out to those people. What we are hearing from many people in the field is that they are still holding up, so theres still hope for those people. "A race against time" Oben Coban from @save_children tells us that freezing temperatures in Turkey are hindering rescue efforts following the earthquake.#KayBurley LH pic.twitter.com/T9qOIYjkw7 Kay Burley (@KayBurley) February 7, 2023 Related... Republicans have been seen wearing AR-15 pins to show their support for the Second Amendment. Credit - L: Kent NishimuraLos Angeles Times/Getty Images; C: Alex BrandonAP; R: Anna MoneymakerGetty Images Some Republican members of Congress have been sporting controversial new pins on their lapels in the shape of miniature AR-15 rifles. They say the pins are symbols of their commitment to the Second Amendment and Americans right to bear arms. Enthusiastically distributed by Rep. Andrew Clyde from Georgia, newcomers Rep. George Santos of New York and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida were spotted with the pins last week. Republicans have been seen wearing AR-15 pins to show their support for the Second Amendment. L: Kent NishimuraLos Angeles Times/Getty Images; C: Alex BrandonAP; R: Anna MoneymakerGetty Images But Democratic lawmakers and gun control advocates have been quick to denounce the flashy adornments as tone-deaf and disrespectful to victims of gun violence in America. AR-15-style semi-automatic rifles have been used in most of the high profile mass shootings in recent years, including at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas; Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Conn.; and the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas. Reporters surround Rep. George Santos (R-NY) as he heads to the House Chamber for a vote on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 in Washington, DC. Kent NishimuraLos Angeles Times/Getty Images Instead of addressing gun violence head-on and taking action to save lives, certain members of Congress have decided that flaunting AR-15 pins days after multiple mass shootings is a clever way to support Second Amendment rights, Adzi Vokhiwa, federal affairs director of Giffords, a gun control advocacy group, says. In all actuality, this statement is an insult to the victims of Monterey Park, Half Moon Bay, Uvalde, Parkland, Buffalo, and countless other mass shootings across our country, Vokiwa adds. Less than two months into 2023, the United States has already recorded at least 54 mass shootings, according to the research group, Gun Violence Archive. Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gonzalez of California launched the debate around the pins on Feb. 1, tweeting photos of Santos and Luna donning them and asking where they were coming from. Gonzalez pointed out that Luna wore the pin less than 48 hours after her state, Florida, experienced a mass shooting that injured 11 people. This isnt the flex you think it is, he tweeted. Story continues Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) during the House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. Tom WilliamsCQ-Roll Call, Inc./Getty Images Clyde, owner of the gun shop Clyde Armory in Athens, Ga., soon took credit for doling out the pins and invited other representatives to reach out if they wanted one. I hear that this little pin that Ive been giving out on the House floor has been triggering some of my Democratic colleagues, Clyde said while flashing one of the rifle pins in a video he posted to Twitter on Feb. 2. Well, I give it out to remind people of the Second Amendment of the Constitution and how important it is in preserving our liberties. Clyde Armory sells a wide array of semi-automatic rifles, including many AR-15 variants. The Congressmans stake in the company is worth up to $25 million, according to his 2021 federal financial disclosure. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) during a meeting of the 118th Congress on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Washington, DC. Jabin BotsfordThe Washington Post/Getty Images Representatives from both sides of the political spectrum jumped to defend their beliefs this week as the pin debate unfolded. Weapons of war have no place on our streets, much less on our lapels, Rep. Dina Titus (D-NY) tweeted Thursday. Alabama Republican Rep. Barry Moore, meanwhile tweeted: Save a pin for me! Its unclear whether the pins will make an appearance at Tuesday nights State of the Union address. A hen. Illustrated | Gettyimages The 2022-2023 avian influenza outbreak is officially the worst on record. Since last winter, some 208 million birds worldwide have died from H5N1 or been culled, raising the price of eggs and chicken globally. In recent days, scientists have sounded increasingly worried that a mutation could cause a "spillover" event, in which H5N1 becomes more efficiently transmitted from human-to-human. Why are scientists worried? Revelations about the spread of avian flu at a Spanish mink farm in October are raising alarm. The mink were infected with an H5N1 variant known as 2.3.4.4b, which was discovered in 2020 and has since made its way around the world. While it is not uncommon for mammals to catch avian flu after direct contact with infected birds, the mink farm showed evidence of transmission between the mink themselves, "unprecedented among mammals," Columbia University professor Zeynep Tufekci wrote at The New York Times. Samples obtained from the mink had a mutation that made it easier for the virus to gain a foothold in mammals, and it appears to be the first instance of such transmission outside of laboratory settings. If the virus can do it in minks, it can do it in us. Imperial College London virologist Tom Peacock told Science this "is a clear mechanism for an H5 pandemic to start." Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans said on Twitter that "we are playing with fire." The more types of animals that are infected with H5N1, the more opportunities the virus has to jump into humans through an intermediary host. The mink farm incident is one of 119 outbreaks among animals since October 2021, according to the BBC. There have been five confirmed human cases in that time period, as well as one death. How deadly is H5N1 for humans? The World Health Organization's data shows that in the past 20 years, there have been 868 documented human infections of H5N1, who caught the virus from direct contact with the saliva, mucus, and feces of infected birds. Of those cases, 457 led to deaths, giving H5N1 a known Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of over 53 percent. While the Infection Fatality Rate (IFR), an estimate that takes into account asymptomatic or mild cases that go unreported, may not be that high, there is no question that if the virus were able to spread easily between humans, it would cause a grave public health crisis. In 2008, a group of Canadian researchers estimated that the human CFR of a mutated avian flu pandemic would be between 14 percent and 33 percent, which would make the COVID-19 crisis look minor in comparison. Other researchers are more optimistic, and believe that the fatality rate of the existing strain that infects humans through direct contact with birds is much lower than WHO estimates due to missed cases. Story continues Why has this outbreak been so bad? The 2022-2023 disaster is ongoing and approaching the one-year mark, and scientists do not have a clear answer as to why this outbreak is so much worse than those in the past. Avian influenza kills nearly all the birds it infects and can burn through entire flocks in a matter of days. At least 80 species of birds have been infected during this outbreak, which has affected countries around the world. Health authorities have taken different approaches to controlling the outbreak. China is vaccinating commercial birds, while French and British authorities have encouraged farmers to bring their flocks indoors to avoid infection from wild birds passing by. U.S. farmers are encouraged to pursue a variety of biosecurity measures, including limiting the number of people coming in and out of farm facilities and placing "disinfectant foot baths" at the entrances to coops. Other producers have, in effect, gone into lockdown to limit their own contacts. Other countries, including France and the Netherlands, are experimenting with new vaccines, which had been a last resort. Vaccinated birds and their eggs are difficult to export commercially paradoxically because vaccination is seen as evidence that avian flu is running rampant through the exporting country and because vaccinated birds may not show symptoms when infected. But the most common approach, and that deployed in the United States, is to cull domesticated flocks, which can be agonizing for farmers and financially ruinous. How worried should we be? Experts have been warning for years about the emergence of a pandemic-capable avian flu in humans. So far, no mutations have been found in humans infected with the virus that would make it easier to transmit between people, and the risk to humans who are not in direct contact with infected birds is negligible. There have been cases in the past where humans were shown to have been infected with versions of H5N1 that carried worrisome mutations but that nevertheless did not lead to a pandemic. "But it seems foolish to count on that," wrote Tufekci. After all, "deadly influenza pandemics occur regularly in human history." Human vaccine development efforts are ongoing. There are existing vaccines that would likely help, but production would need to be scaled up dramatically and adjustments made for the new strain of the flu. Eyal Leshem, director of the Center for Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases at Sheba Medical Center in Israel, said last year that "I don't think anyone should panic about it because bird flu has been around for a long time in various locations and has not yet turned into a pandemic, highly pathogenic influenza." You may also like 7 cartoons about gun violence in America The U.S. economy is shifting toward disinflation. Here's why that's 'most welcome.' United States shoots down Chinese spy balloon over Atlantic Ocean Retired Naperville nurse Cindy Mundell, seen here during an event with U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, in October 2020, will be the congresswoman's guest at Tuesday night's State of the Union Address given by President Biden. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) A retired cardiac intensive care unit nurse with nearly 40 years experience will be U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwoods guest Tuesday when she attends President Joe Bidens State of the Union Address. U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, D-Downers Grove, selected DuPage Pads CEO and President April Redzic as his guest, and Michael Isaacson, executive director of the Kane County Health Department, will be attending at the invitation of U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville. Advertisement Underwood, D-Naperville, said in a news release that Cindy Mundell, a Naperville resident, represents the very best of northern Illinois. April Redzic is president and CEO of DuPagePads. (DuPagePads) A dedicated cardiac nurse with more than 36 years of service, Cindy is the definition of a helper. She exemplifies the values that House Democrats are so proud to work for and defend, and I could not be more honored to welcome Cindy to the Capitol this Tuesday, Underwood said. Advertisement Mundell said shes thrilled to be joining Underwood to hear about the progress we have made and the work we have to do to defend the values and programs we hold so dear. A Medicare and Social Security beneficiary, Mundell said the release that she earned her retirement. Its unconscionable to me that Republicans are working to take that away, but I am so thankful to President Biden and Rep. Underwood for their work to protect it, she said. Casten said hes inspired by the work done under Redzics leadership through DuPagePads, the countys largest provider of emergency shelter and supportive housing. Redzic has led the organization for the past two years, after almost two decades of experience working with housing nonprofits across the Chicago area. Speaking in a news release, Casten said the advocacy and support of the individuals housed by DuPage Pads makes a difference in the community. Kane County Health Department Executive Director Michael Isaacson. (Kane County Health Department / HANDOUT) Foster said Isaacson has spent his entire career dedicated to keeping our communities safe and healthy. During the darkest days of COVID-19, Michael coordinated local pandemic response programs that helped prevent the spread of the virus, and ultimately save lives, Foster said in his release. Advertisement subaker@tribpub.com Editors note: This story has been updated here. Update: The 44-year-old man who had locked himself in a bathroom at the McDonalds at Douglas and Seneca has been taken to a hospital, Wichita police said. The man locked himself in the bathroom Monday afternoon and told a customer he had a gun. Police said he was experiencing a mental health crisis. The situation was resolved overnight. Original story: Wichita police surrounded the McDonalds near the intersection of Douglas and Seneca after a man barricaded himself in the restroom of the restaurant Monday afternoon, police spokesman Juan Rebolledo told an Eagle reporter. As of 10 p.m., police remained on the scene. Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a call around 3:32 p.m. after the restaurant manager said the man locked himself in the restroom and mentioned to a patron trying to enter that he had a gun. It is unknown if the man actually had a gun, according to Rebolledo. Crisis negotiators were called to try and get the man out. Wichita SWAT also is at the scene, Rebolledo said. WPD had the McDonalds cleared out and set up a safety perimeter around the area. Police had a portion of Seneca from Pearl Street to Douglas Ave. closed off both ways, then a perimeter surrounding the McDonalds spanning from Seneca to Pearl to Walnut Street blocked off, Rebolledo said. Wives of Kremlin propagandists have posted on Telegram photos of widows of dead soldiers from the sham republics who were given fur coats as compensation for the loss of their husbands. Read also: Kremlin orders inspections, repair of bomb shelters across Russia media Telegram users supposed that these "generous gifts" were highly likely stolen somewhere in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian areas, as is the practice of Russian looters. Read also: SBU detains member of banned pro-Kremlin party who worked for Russian military intelligence However miserable this compensation may seem, some people in Russia's remote districts are sometimes even less fortunate. In particular, frozen fish was handed out on Sakhalin in the Russian far east as a compensation for the eliminated mobilized soldiers. In Tuva in Southern Siberia, where the current Defence Minister of Russia, Sergey Shoigu, was born, sheep carcasses and even wood are given as compensation for relatives killed in the war in Ukraine. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A 60-year-old woman died Monday night at a local hospital after she lost consciousness Sunday morning in the back of a Knoxville Police Department cruiser while she was being taken to jail. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Leslie Earhart told Knox News late Tuesday the woman's name is Lisa Edwards. Three officers and one transportation wagon driver have been placed on paid leave while Edwards' death is investigated, said KPD spokesperson Scott Erland in a written statement. Placing officers on leave while an in-custody death is investigated is routine. KPD notified Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen's office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has taken over the investigation, while the police department's internal affairs unit will review the case. Officers had responded to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center around 7:40 a.m. Sunday, Erland said, after a caller told them Edwards was outside the emergency room and refusing to leave after she had been discharged from the hospital. Edwards was placed in the back of a police cruiser to be taken to the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility to be booked on trespassing charges. Erland said Edwards was not handcuffed and no force was used while taking her into custody. Police say the officer was en route to the detention facility when Edwards lost consciousness. An ambulance was called and Edwards was taken to a hospital. Earhart, the TBI spokesperson, did not answer questions from Knox News about Edwards' cause of death, or additional details about the arrest. Robert Bailey's death in custody Edwards' death comes about a year after Robert Bailey's death in Knoxville police custody. At the time, his family members pressed the Knox County District Attorney General's Office for more transparency. A Knoxville police officer said he pulled over Bailey, 41, at about 12:30 a.m. Jan. 6, 2022, because he had a broken taillight. He was arrested after police ran a criminal background check that showed he had two outstanding warrants. While still in a police vehicle at the intake facility, Bailey lost consciousness and was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Story continues It took weeks of Bailey's family members calling for the full release of the available video evidence before the District Attorney's Office said Bailey died of a drug overdose after swallowing two plastic baggies while in the police vehicle. Liz Kellar is a public safety reporter for Knox News. She can be reached by email at lkellar@knoxnews.com. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Woman dies after losing consciousness in Knoxville police car Deputies discovered a woman dead at a trailer park the morning after her car was found burning by the side of a road about 20 miles away, according to a press release from a North Carolina sheriffs office. Authorities found the car in flames in Andrews on the evening of Feb. 4, the release from the Graham County Sheriffs Office said. Investigators secured the scene so that they could investigate further the next morning. Authorities did not say if anyone was in the car at the time. Just before 9 a.m. on Feb. 5, deputies responded to a trailer park about 20 miles north in Robbinsville to investigate a report of a woman found dead, the release says. The woman was identified as Carly Walls, 27. Detectives determined that she was the owner of the car found burning the previous night. An autopsy is scheduled for Feb. 8, the release says. Deputies did not provide any further information about the car or Walls. Please remember we are at the very beginning of this investigation and are following various leads, the release says. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Graham County Sheriffs Office at 828-479-3352. Robbinsville is about 330 miles west of Raleigh. An obituary for Walls could not be found online. Dad dies trying to rescue familys 10 dogs from house fire, Mississippi officials say Painter seriously burned when lift touches power lines and catches fire, SC cops say Man arrested after construction worker found dead in newly built home, Texas cops say Police are investigating the case of an 82-year-old woman who was pronounced dead at a New York nursing home and then, within hours, determined to be alive. A spokesperson for Suffolk County Police Department provided a statement to TODAY.com via email and confirmed that detectives are conducting the investigation involving the woman at the center of the Feb 4. incident. The police department was not able to identify the woman by name, but said that she was pronounced dead at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday at Waters Edge Rehab and Nursing Center at Port Jefferson. Soon after, the woman was transported to O.B. Davis Funeral Home in Miller Place at 1:30 p.m. At 2:09 p.m., it was determined that she was breathing. She has been transported to a local hospital. The incident is being referred to the New York State Attorney Generals Office, the statement said. Waters Edge Rehab and Nursing Center at Port Jefferson has yet to respond to TODAY.coms request for comment and status of the womans condition. O.B. Davis Funeral Home provided an email statement on the incident which reads, 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. Last week, in Iowa, a hospice facility learned that it had mistakenly presumed a woman dead after she was discovered gasping for air while inside a body bag at a funeral home. NBC News reported that the woman, who was a resident of Glen Oaks Alzheimers Special Care Center in Urbandale, had senile degeneration of the brain. Nearly two hours after she was pronounced dead by a nurse, the woman's body was placed on a gurney by a funeral director who put her inside a cloth bag and zipped it shut. Ten minutes later, staff members at the funeral home discovered that the womans chest was moving, and she was gasping for air. When EMS personnel arrived on scene, they recorded a pulse and said the woman had "no eye movement or verbal, vocal or motor response." She was taken to the emergency room and subsequently returned to the hospice facility. The woman died two days later, surrounded by family. The facility where the woman was staying was fined $10,000 following the incident. This article was originally published on TODAY.com A woman suffered severe injuries after she slipped and became trapped under a train in Boston, Massachusetts. Ava Harlow, 20, from Amesbury north of the city, was visiting friends when she was trapped under the Green Line trolley late on 27 January when the train was leaving the BU Central Station, according to CBS News Boston. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) police said that Ms Harlow knocked on the window to tell her friends to get off the train when she lost her footing and fell under it. She was taken to Brigham and Womens Hospital in critical condition after being rescued by firefighters. Ava was intubated on about seven different medications at the intensive care unit and it was still dicey as to whether she could live, father Andrew Harlow told CBS. While shes no longer considered to be in critical condition, the recovery will be tough. She had to have a leg amputated below the knee, with her other leg being broken. The 20-year-olds skull was also fractured, her arm broken, and pelvis crushed, and she required stitches on her face. I want to know who the guy was who tied her tourniquet. I want to know who it was that resuscitated her the first time, then the second time. Im just grateful to the guys, Mr Harlow told CBS. He told the outlet that his daughter is studying law enforcement at Bridgewater State University. Boston Fire shared an image from the rescue effort on Twitter (Twitter / Boston Fire) Richard Sullivan, a spokesman for MBTA Transit Police, told The Boston Herald that the incident took place around 11.30pm on 27 January. Mr Harlow said he was notified of the accident at about 3am the following day. He said he received that dreaded 3am phone call that every parent in the world dreads, as he was notified of the incident by his ex-wife. The MBTA said the accident does not appear to be the result of any mechanical or MBTA employee failure, The Daily News of Newburyport reported. But Mr Harlow told The Boston Herald that he has retained a lawyer and that the incident was preventable. Story continues Of the train operator, he said, he could have [seen] that she was banging on the friggin side of the car and not pulled away. Ava Harlow, 20, suffered severe injuries after becoming trapped under a train in Boston (GoFundMe / Ava Harlow Recovery Fund) They have mirrors. They have horns. Theyre supposed to toot the horn before they take off, he said. Two of Ms Harlows friends were unaware that their group had left the train. As the trolley was pulling out of the station, the victim was knocking on the trolley window in an attempt to garner her friends attention, Mr Sullivan told the paper. In doing so, the victim took a step in the direction of travel as the trolley, while still knocking on the trolley window and lost her balance falling under the trolley. On behalf of the Transit Police and the MBTA, we are all praying for the victims health and recovery, he added. Mr Harlow told the paper that she has a long road ahead of her, but shes talking. She knows whats going on, he said, adding that shes a very hard worker ... tough, smart, resilient, and that shell reach her full potential. Mr Harlow said he was numb after the accident. I cant speak for my ex-wife, other than shes completely horrified, and in so much pain and disbelief, he added. TikTok is at its best when it brings people together, but one womans viral post is taking that concept to a whole new level. According to her TikTok bio, Charlotte Rose (@second.life.studio) is all about creating/admiring/wearing thoughtfully made things. She loves thrifting, knitting, repurposing old clothes, and doing whatever she can to prevent unnecessary spending. She recently hopped onto the platform to pose a question shed never really asked before: Does anyone out there have a dress she could rent for one night only? Shes not just looking for any old dress, though shes looking for a specific dress she saw online in a size that she knows will fit. Do you own this dress in a size small? Charlotte asks in her recent TikTok. Im going to a wedding on February 19th and I would love to rent it from you for one night. I dont want to buy anything new but I also dont love the options in a lot of the dress rental places, she continues. So if you own it, let me know! Aside from the dress size, there is one other small caveat to her request: The person would need to live in the Toronto area, so she could easily meet up and grab the dress. This sounds like a pretty tall order, considering that Charlotte is asking for a particular dress in a certain size in a very specific part of the world. But even so, TikTokers were rooting for her. Good luck finding the dress, one person wrote. Tiktok is sometimes lucky. I wish I did so I could loan it to you! said someone else. Uve reached South Africa, another person wrote. hope you find it! Incredibly, all those good vibes must have paid off. Within a matter of days, several people had responded to Charlottes TikTok saying that they had that dress in the right size and they would love to lend it to her. Hey! I have the dress in small and Im in the gta! one person commented. I live in Toronto! said another. My mum has that dress in size small! Just one day later, Charlotte updated her followers to share the happy news: She secured the dress! Story continues In her post caption, Charlotte couldnt contain her excitement. Thank you so much to @Anisha Sekand for your generosity and to everyone that helped the video land on her FYP she is literally one in a million!! YALL ARE MAKING MY DREAMS COME TRUE. The original video has more than 3.1 million views. While people are happy to hear that Charlotte eventually got her dress, many are also wondering if this whole TikTok dress rental could be the start of something great. Is this going to be Sisterhood of the Traveling Dress bc Im here for it, one person quipped. Wait. I love this idea!!! said another. SOMEONE MAKE AN APP!!!! There actually should be an app for this, someone else chimed in. In response, Charlotte agreed, saying she might start an Instagram page devoted to this. In the meantime, TikTokers will continue to marvel at how this thrifty influencer scored her ideal wedding guest dress for a fraction of the price simply by putting the word out. In The Know is now available on Apple News follow us here! The post Woman uses TikTok to find stranger with her perfect dress for wedding appeared first on In The Know. More from In The Know: These 7 small lamps create the perfect mood lighting for tight apartments 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star Kyle Richards on having a break between seasons, Lisa Rinna's exit and rumors about Season 13 Breastfeeding mom's armpit milk stuns TikTok Woman discovers 21 authentic Tiffany & Co. boxes while cleaning out in-laws' basement A UK firm has announced a world-first set of super magnets that can be used for testing nuclear fusion power plants. Tokamak Energy said the Demo4 magnet has a magnetic field strength that is nearly a million times stronger than the Earths magnetic field, making it capable of confining and controlling the extremely hot plasma created during the fusion process. Nuclear fusion has been hailed as the holy grail of clean energy, with scientists working on the technology since the 1950s. The process involves mimicking the natural reactions that occur within the Sun, providing near-limitless energy without requiring fossil fuels and without producing hazardous waste. Tokamak Energy is aiming to be the first private company to produce commercial fusion energy, with the goal of demonstrating grid-ready fusion in the early 2030s. This is a huge, visible moment that were really excited about, said Dr Rod Bateman from Tokamak Energy. Our magnets enable the construction and operations of spherical tokamaks, and so are a game changer for getting clean, limitless fusion energy on the grid faster. Commercialisation of the power source still remains a long way off, though several major breakthroughs in recent years have given hope that it will be attainable within the next decade. Last year, scientists from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California became the first to achieve a net energy gain using nuclear fusion power. LLNL described the feat as one of the most significant scientific challenges ever undertaken by humanity that would supercharge efforts to make fusion energy a reality. Tokamak Energy CEO Chris Kelsall said the companys new magnet technology would help push forward advancements by providing a key component of the fusion process. The learnings from Demo4 will be a key catalyst for delivering the global deployment of compact, low-cost spherical tokamak power plants, Mr Kelsall said. We are proud to be delivering this world-first, complete system of HTS magnetic coils, which will now be assembled into a full tokamak configuration for testing. BRASILIA (Reuters) - The medical emergency the Yanomami people of Brazil are suffering can only be overcome if illegal gold miners that invaded their reservation are evicted, an indigenous health official said on Tuesday. "The malnutrition crisis continues to be extremely serious. We believe the reopening of medical units can only be done when the miners are all removed," Indigenous Health Secretary Ricardo Weibe Tapeba told a news conference. About 20,000 wildcat miners on the Yanomami reservation in the state of Roraima in northern Brazil have brought malaria and severe food shortages that caused the death of starving Yanomami children, he said. Some 700 patients have been airlifted to the state capital of Boa Vista and are being treated at the CASAI indigenous health center hospital and a field hospital set up there, Weibe added. A second field hospital was urgently needed in the village of Surucucu inside the reservation, he said, as well as the improvement of the runway there to allow better air transport for food, medicine and health personnel. Armed violence brought by criminal gangs supporting the miners led to closing of the health centers in the reservation, Brazil's largest, where some 28,000 Yanomami live in an area of savannah and Amazon rainforest the size of Portugal. Severe malnutrition spread in Yanomami villages, where game for hunting became scarce and water from the rivers was polluted by the mercury used by the miners. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva declared a medical emergency for the Yanomamis, and his recently installed government is planning to expel the miners with a task force involving the military, police and agencies that protect the environment and Brazil's indigenous peoples. Later on Tuesday, Lula said on Twitter that his government would not allow illegal mining on indigenous lands, which led the Yanomamis to a "degrading" situation, adding it was in the process of removing illegal miners from the area. Story continues "We also need to find out who is responsible for what happened," he said. Officials said miners are starting to leave the reservation before the operation expels them. Brazil's Air Force, which last week declared a no-fly zone over the reservation to stop miners supply routes to clandestine airstrips in the forest, on Monday opened three air corridors for small planes to fly miners out. The Yanomami have long lived in isolation on the reservation bordering Venezuela. Their mineral-rich lands attracted wildcat miners for decades, especially after a military government built a road through the Amazon rainforest in the 1970s. When the reservation was marked out and recognized by the government in 1992, authorities mounted an operations to evict 40,000 gold miners. The miners started to come back in numbers that surged under Lula's far-right predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, who advocated mining on protected indigenous lands, and whose government turned a blind eye to invasions of indigenous reservations by wildcat miners and illegal loggers. (Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Bill Berkrot) The Old Main building on the campus of North Central College in Naperville. (James Svehla / Naperville Sun ) Mikki Kendall, a bestselling author, diversity consultant and feminist, kicked off Black History Month Wednesday as North Central Colleges keynote speaker. Kendall, who talks about race, feminism, education, police violence, pop culture and other current events at universities across the country, was set to speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Her work has been found in multiple publications including the New York Times, the Washington Post and The Boston Globe, and she has appeared on the BBC, PBS, Good Morning America and Showtime among other programs. Advertisement After the keynote address, Kendall was set to sign copies of her latest book, Hood Feminism: Notes From the Women that a Movement Forgot. Kendalls speech starts a series of special events planned at North Central College in honor of Black History Month. Advertisement The activities include thought-provoking discussions and musical performances and are open to the public. Dorothy Pleas, the associate dean of students and director of multicultural affairs, said every year students, faculty and the community look forward to the keynote address as well as the Gospel Extravaganza, which is now in its 35th year. People are drawn into the spirit and excitement of the events, which are designed to be uplifting and educational, Pleas said. New this year is a concert with Denyce Graves, which will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5 at Wentz Concert Hall. Graves is known as an operatic superstar and has performed in some of the worlds greatest opera houses and concert halls. Tickets are required to attend. The colleges Black Student Association will host its annual African American Read-In at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St. The Read-In is part of nationwide events in which schools, churches, libraries, bookstores and organizations bring the community together, recognize African-American writers and explore Black literature. Pleas said people can come with their favorite prose or poetry to recite and discuss. The event is free and no tickets are required. Advertisement The Voice of Praise Gospel Extravaganza will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E. Gartner Road. The Voices of Praise Gospel Choir along with spoken word artists and other performers will lead an evening of praise and worship. The Gospel Extravaganza is a long-running tradition and is anticipated to be a great and uplifting event, Pleas said. Tickets are required. The Forever Motown Concert is planned for 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. The concert features former members of The Jones, The Spinners and the Marvelettes as well as Broadway performers that will recreate the iconic Motown sound of legends Marvin Gaye and Tammie Terrell, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Temptations, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder and more. Advertisement Tony Award-winning designer Evie Ross designed costumes and American Dance Theater director Terri Giordano created choreography to capture the Motown style. Tickets are required. The Langston Hughes Project, a multimedia concert performance of Hughes poem Ask Your Mama, will be performed at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at Wentz Concert Hall. Hughes scored the poem with musical sounds of the blues, gospel, progressive jazz, Latin cha-cha, Afro-Cuban mambo music, West Indian calypso and African drumming among other genres. The Langston Hughes Project will be led by Dr. Ron McCurdy, performing as narrator and on trumpet, and a group of musicians. Tickets are required. Advertisement Two free worship services are also planned at 12:05 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14 and Tuesday, Feb. 28 at Koten Chapel, Kiekhofer Hall, 329 E. School St. The colleges Office of Faith and Action created the 12:5 worship service, a time for students and staff to gather for a brief service that includes lively music and a devotional message. No tickets are required to attend. For a list of Black History Month activities and to buy tickets, go to https://www.northcentralcollege.edu A mother is pleading with the public for any information to help find her sons killer. Vanessa Georges 23-year-old son, Jaden George, was shot by someone he rode to a gas station with. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] It happened Feb. 1 around 9:30 p.m. at the Shell Gas and Food Mart on Old National Highway and Godby Road. College Park Police say George was shot multiple times as he approached the car he arrived at the gas station in. The car then left the scene. Jadens mother wants the gunman caught and put away. Who are you to take somebody? That was my son, she said, speaking to the killer. We wanted him. He was valuable to us. She still cant believe her son is gone, yet another victim of gun violence. TRENDING STORIES: George says Jaden was shot near pump 10 at this Shell Gas station. She says she learned he drove to the location with people he knew. She says he went into the store, then came out and approached his car. When he opened his car door, somebody shot him four times and drove off in his car, she said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] College Park Police would only confirm the gunman who shot her son was in the car he arrived in. Officers later located the car at a nearby hotel. Police say they questioned the man who got out of it and others who may be involved, but no arrests have been made. They need to find who killed my son. Because this aint right, George said. George says her son had a heart of gold, but was too trusting. I told him that. People are gonna try and be your friend, she said. She feels like police arent doing enough to solve this case, so she started her own investigation. She went to the gas station and talked to people there. Story continues I went to every restaurant that was on the block. Who said what? Who know what? Who heard what? she said. George is asking for the publics help finding her sons killer. She doesnt know how she will be able to live without him. My son would have called me by now. My son would have said, Mom. Mom. Ma, can I come over to fix something to eat? she said, crying. George was the father of a 3-year-old son. The family has set up a GoFundMe to help take care of his funeral expenses. Police say this is an active and ongoing investigation. And theyre asking anyone with information to contact them at 4047613131. Or the College Park Tip Line at 4047688664. Or CrimeStoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477). By Kate Lamb and Ananda Teresia JAKARTA (Reuters) - Separatist fighters in Indonesia's Papua region have taken a New Zealand pilot hostage after setting a small commercial plane alight when it landed in a remote highland area on Tuesday, a pro-independence group said in a statement. A police spokesperson in Papua province, Ignatius Benny Adi Prabowo, said authorities were investigating the incident, with police and military personnel sent to the area to locate the pilot and five passengers. "We cannot send many personnel there because Nduga is a difficult area to reach. We can only go there by plane," he said. A military spokesperson in Papua, Herman Taryaman, said the pilot had been identified as Captain Philip Merthens and it was unclear if the five accompanying passengers had also been abducted. The plane operated by Susi Air landed safely early on Tuesday morning, before being attacked by rebel fighters, authorities said. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement seen by Reuters, saying the pilot would not be released until the Indonesian government acknowledged the independence of West Papua - which refers to the western side of New Guinea island. The TPNPB made no mention of the passengers, but said this was the second time the group had taken a hostage. The first incident was in 1996. Speaking at a news conference in Wellington on Wednesday, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said that consular support was being provided but declined to provide further details. "You'll be familiar with the fact that in these kinds of cases, we keep our public comments on that to be a minimum. The New Zealand embassy in Jakarta is leading the New Zealand government's response on this issue," he said. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Indonesia's easternmost provinces have been wracked with a low-level battle for independence since the resource-rich region was controversially brought under Indonesian control in a vote overseen by the United Nations in 1969. Story continues The conflict has escalated significantly since 2018, with pro-independence fighters mounting deadlier and more frequent attacks. The increased intensity of these attacks have been enabled by an improved ability to obtain more weapons, including by raiding and stealing from army posts, cross-border purchases and the illegal sale of government-issued weapons, the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict said in a report last year. Susi Air founder and former fisheries minister Susi Pudjiastuti said on Twitter she was praying for the safety of the pilot and passengers. (Additional reporting by Lucy Cramer in Wellington and Lewis Jackson in Sydney; Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor, Ed Davies) By Olena Harmash KYIV (Reuters) -Russian missiles hit power facilities on Friday across Ukraine, where President Volodymyr Zelenskiy returned from a tour of Western capitals and Ukrainian officials said a long-awaited Russian offensive was underway in the east. Ukraine's armed forces said in an evening update that Russian forces fired more than 100 missiles throughout the country and staged 12 air and 20 shelling attacks. The Facebook post said 61 cruise missiles were destroyed. Energy Minister German Galushchenko said Russia had hit power facilities in six regions with missiles and drones, causing blackouts across most of Ukraine. In Washington, the White House said President Joe Biden would travel to Poland from Feb. 20-22 to show support for Kyiv ahead of the first anniversary of Russia's invasion on Feb. 24 and make clear additional security assistance and aid will be coming from the United States. "The president will make it very clear that the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes," said John Kirby, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council. International Monetary Fund staff will meet with Ukrainian officials in Warsaw next week, a source familiar with the plans said on Friday, as Ukraine presses for a multi-billion dollar borrowing program to cover its funding needs given Russia's war. Global ratings agency Moody's on Friday downgraded Ukraine's sovereign rating to Ca as it expects the war with Russia to create long-lasting challenges for the country. Moody's website said the rating means debt obligations are "likely in, or very near, default." The latest Russian attacks came as Zelenskiy ended a tour of European allies where he was enthusiastically received but secured no public promises of the fighter jets he sought. "London, Paris, Brussels - everywhere I spoke these past few days about how to strengthen our soldiers. There are very important understandings and we received good signals," he said in his nightly video address. Story continues "This concerns long-range missiles and tanks and the next level of our cooperation - fighter aircraft." Russia has repeatedly attacked civilian infrastructure far from the front lines, leaving millions of Ukrainians without power, heat or water for days at a time in the middle of winter. The barrages have often followed Ukrainian diplomatic or battlefield advances. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 10 Russian missiles had been shot down over the capital after sirens blared during the morning rush hour and weary civilians took shelter. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Ukraine was without 44% of nuclear generation and 75% of thermal power capacity. "This is a deliberate targeting of infrastructure that keeps Ukrainians alive in winter," U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said. Russia denies targeting civilians and says it targets Kyiv's war effort. Ukraine has been bracing for a new Russian offensive, believing that after months of reverses President Vladimir Putin wants to tout a battlefield success before the anniversary of his Feb. 24 invasion. Ukrainian governors in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk said that thrust had begun. Putin will give his delayed annual showcase address to parliament on Feb. 21, the date last year when he recognised as independent the parts of Donetsk and Luhansk that were controlled by Russian-backed separatists, a prelude to invading. The complete capture of those provinces, among four Russia subsequently claimed to have annexed, would let Putin assert that one of his main priorities had been achieved. RUSSIAN ADVANCES Moscow's main recent focus has been Bakhmut, a small city from which most of the pre-war population of around 70,000 has fled, and the Ukranian military said it and surrounding areas had come under fresh tank, mortar and artillery fire. After months of static artillery battles both sides call the "meat grinder", Russian forces have begun to encircle the city. Their troops include the Wagner private army that has recruited tens of thousands of convicts with a promise of pardons. Russia's regular army is now also able to deploy many of the 300,000 or more men enlisted in a forced mobilisation late last year. Britain's Defence Ministry said Wagner forces appeared to have advanced 2 to 3 kilometres (1 to 2 miles) around the north of Bakhmut since Tuesday - a rapid push in a battle where front lines have barely moved for months. It said they were now threatening the main western access road to Bakhmut although a Ukrainian military analyst said supplies were still getting through. Britain also said Russian forces had made some advances near Vuhledar, a Ukrainian-held bastion that has been a linchpin between the southern and eastern fronts, but the limited Russian gains there had likely come at a high cost, including at least 30 armoured vehicles abandoned in one failed assault. Ukrainian positions in Vuhledar have held since the war started and this week's assault has been branded as a costly fiasco by some pro-war Russian military bloggers. Grey Zone, a semi-official Wagner channel on Telegram, said "a disaster is unfolding around Vuhledar, and it is unfolding again and again". Reuters could not verify the battlefield reports. Ukraine plans its own major military counteroffensive in the coming months to reclaim more of the nearly one fifth of Ukrainian territory that Russia occupies. But it appears likely to wait until it has received at least some of the new weapons, including hundreds of battle tanks and armoured vehicles, promised lately by the West. (Reporting by Reuters bureausWriting by Michael Perry, Kevin Liffey, Andrew Cawthorne and David Brunnstrom; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore, Peter Graff, Frances Kerry and Cynthia Osterman) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that he is in favour of having more officials with military experience in both central and local government. Source: President Zelenskyys video address Details: Zelenskyy said that Vasyl Maliuk, who has recently been appointed as the head of Ukraines Security Service and has "passed the test of war", and Ihor Klymenko, the new Minister of Internal Affairs who "has been defending our country since the first minutes of the full-scale invasion together with everyone else", are two examples of what he is looking for in government officials. Quote from Zelenskyy: "Now we have people who have gained combat experience. Their work on behalf of the state that is fighting for its people and its independence has had clear, tangible results. There should be more such people on posts of various levels in central and local government." Previously: On 6 February, President Zelenskyy announced that officials with military experience would be appointed in a number of border areas and frontline regions. On 7 February, Ukraines Cabinet of Ministers supported the appointment of three new heads of oblast military administrations. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! After spending the last several weeks gathering community feedback, Lynchburg City Schools says it has developed a candidate profile for the E.C. Glass High School principal position and now seeks applicants. The candidate profile, which can be found on the schools website, details the leadership characteristics and focus areas of the ideal principal candidate, which was developed through several meetings with staff, student and community input. Among other things, the profile says the next principal of the school of 1,360 students should be a visionary and dedicated professional educator committed to partnering with Lynchburgs families in creating high expectations for our students and staff, while building a strong culture of care for every student, staff member, and community member who interacts with our school community. Among the desired areas the next principal should focus on: using data to improve academic outcomes, increasing career and technical education opportunities and sustaining a safe school environment. Preferred qualifications include at least 10 years of urban education experience, experience as a successful high school principal, and a terminal degree, such as a doctorate, in an educational field. The official job posting can be found on the LCS jobs website at lcsedu.tedk12.com/hire. According to a news release Tuesday, the division will close the application period at the end of February and hold interviews with candidates in March. LCS said it hopes to announce the new principal in April, based on approval from the school board. In December, outgoing Principal Rose Flaugher announced she would retire from the midtown high school at the end of the 2023-24 school year after working 33 years in public education and 23 years with Lynchburg City Schools. Last week, Virginia Episcopal School announced Flaugher will join the private school in August as its director of learning resources. From the archives: E.C. Glass High School, the early years Senate Democrats on Tuesday evening voted to remove a member from the State Board of Education who, in 2020, led the fight against admissions policies at her sons Fairfax County high school that aimed to boost Black and Latino enrollment and resulted in fewer Asian Americans being admitted. Gov. Glenn Youngkin appointed Suparna Dutta, co-founder of the Coalition for TJ (Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology), to the Board of Education in July. A prominent voice against the changes at TJ, which is a highly selective school, Dutta claimed that the policy discriminated against Asian American applicants, who at the time made up more than two-thirds of students at the school. Dutta also campaigned for Youngkin and acted as chairperson for the group Educators for Youngkin. Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, introduced an amendment on the Senate floor Tuesday evening to block Duttas appointment, and it passed the Democrat-led Senate on a party-line vote. I was honored to be appointed by Governor Youngkin to the board of education and I believe I succeeded in challenging the status quo while on the board, Dutta said in an email to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. It is disappointing, however, that blatant lies and slurs won the day today. Dutta added: I am proud to be an education advocate. As an immigrant, I believe that education opens doors like nothing else; that supporting and challenging our kids with academic rigor and excellence is very important. During a marathon floor session on Crossover, the legislatures deadline for each chamber to act on its own bills, Senate Democrats also voted to remove Youngkins health commissioner, Colin Greene, and former prosecutor Steven Buck, a Youngkin appointee to the Parole Board. Democrats bid to remove Bert Ellis from the University of Virginia Board of Visitors failed on a 20-20 tie vote. In a statement Tuesday night, Youngkin accused Senate Democrats of an appalling show of partisanship in its votes on Dutta, Buck and Greene, adding that they had attacked the integrity of three highly qualified members of my administration. They voted to remove Suparna Dutta, shockingly claiming that a public school parent isnt qualified to serve on the Board of Education, Youngkin said. She is a mother and advocate for parents rights, she is an immigrant and an advocate for Asian American rights, she is an engineer and advocate for STEM in education. She is not only qualified, she epitomizes parental involvement in our schools and we need her voice on our Board of Education. Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, offered a floor amendment to remove Buck, a former Richmond, Henrico County and Albemarle prosecutor, from the parole board. Surovell asserted that Buck almost never voted to grant parole. Greene, Youngkins pick for health commissioner, came under fire last year after he reportedly said he believed there was no evidence that racism plays a role in maternal and infant mortality rates. The Senate voted Tuesday to uphold a committee amendment striking Greene from a list of appointees for confirmation. Youngkin said Buck is a career prosecutor who has put criminals away at the local level and investigated fraud for the Attorney Generals office. He said Greene has served honorably as State Commissioner of Public Health the past year and has successfully stewarded the Commonwealth out of the coronavirus pandemic. Dutta has served on the nine-member Board of Education since Youngkin appointed her in July, but appointments to the board are subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Hashmi, who is also of South Asian descent, raised concerns about Duttas views on the role of racism and slavery in American history. This particular board member indicated that racism was not a factor in American history, that the Constitution of the United States did not have any indications of racism or slavery within the document, Hashmi said. We know that that is not correct. American history, of course, has the concerns of slavery all throughout, and the Constitution of the United States has laws in there that protected and held slavery in the country until it was abolished. Dutta has pushed efforts to move forward on versions of the states K-12 history standards, which were developed under the Youngkin administration and which critics have characterized as an undermining of the histories of people of color. Last week Dutta pushed back on a statement from Board of Education member Anne Holton, who served as Virginias secretary of education under Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe from 2014 to 2016. To an audience as inclusive as our Virginia is, you cannot reference the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution as remarkable documents without also acknowledging that they [are] fundamental in enshrining slavery, and limiting the protections that they provided only to white property [owning] men, Holton said of the proposed document that will guide the teaching of history in Virginia for years to come. Dutta said: I do not believe the Declaration [of Independence] and the Constitution enshrines slavery, nor did they limit protections to white property [owning] men. Maybe you meant to describe the Constitution, but it didnt mention race or slavery, Dutta said. While the Constitution does not use the word slavery, it included the Three-Fifths Clause, which stated that any person who was not free would be counted as three-fifths of a free person for the purposes of determining congressional representation. I understand its hideous for a person to be considered anything other than one whole, its unimaginable and its abominable, Dutta said Feb. 1. Its just a fact that it was a compromise to limit the congressional representation of the Southern states. The Constitution did not end slavery, but you know, it never would have been ratified, I guess, if it did. Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, pushed back Tuesday against Hashmis amendment to remove Dutta from a resolution listing dozens of Youngkin appointees requiring confirmation. Newman said Hashmi had not accurately represented Duttas views on history. She is an American immigrant. Shes a public school mom. She moved here from India to the United States in the 1990s, and she came here with nothing in her pocket, Newman said. What she has said is: My chosen home is America, its been a beacon of freedom around the world, and I came here to be a part of it. On Tuesday morning, Virginia Ginni Thomas, a lawyer and the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, emailed Virginia senators to urge them to confirm Duttas appointment. Thomas has come under fire for denying results of the 2020 presidential election and urging White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to overturn the results. In her email, Thomas said that Dutta is being viciously attacked by leftist thugs who hate diverse voices, unless they control them. Thomas went on to say that Dutta is associated with groups who care about the declining and extreme radical agenda being pushed by educrats, and correctly accused the NAACP and (Fairfax County School Board) members of standing on the necks of Asians. The Senate voted not to confirm the three high-profile Youngkin appointees, in a continuation of an ongoing partisan fight over nominees. For instance, in March 2022 Democrats scuttled four Youngkin appointees to the Parole Board only a month after House Republicans rejected 11 of former Gov. Ralph Northams nominees, including three to the state Board of Education and two to the State Air Pollution Control Board. In February 2022 Senate Democrats rejected Youngkins nomination of Andrew Wheeler former head of the Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump as Virginias secretary of natural resources. Wheeler was the first Virginia Cabinet nominee in 16 years to be rejected by the legislature. The Senate Privileges and Elections Committee recently voted to remove Ellis, the UVa board member, from a list of appointees to be confirmed. Ellis raised alarm on campus in 2020 when he tried to cut a sign containing a derogatory message off a students door. The 20-20 vote in the Senate Tuesday means that Ellis will remain on the board. On a bipartisan voice vote Tuesday night, senators rejected a bid by Sen. Amanda Chase, R-Chesterfield, to remove Susan Beals, Youngkins appointee to head the Department of Elections. Virginia has 59 school districts with slow internet - here are the 10 slowest Virginia has 59 school districts with slow internet - here are the 10 slowest , Feb 07 ( Nikkei ) - The Philippines deported on Tuesday two of four Japanese men suspected of planning and coordinating a string of robberies across Japan beginning last year, with Japanese police immediately arresting them when they boarded a flight to Japan. The arrests of Kiyoto Imamura and Toshiya Fujita, both 38, came after days of developments around an immigration detention facility in Manila where the four men have been held, with their repatriation hinging on courts dismissing local criminal cases against them. The police have for some time sought for the four men to be turned over on arrest warrants issued on suspicion of theft in connection with a scam targeting elderly people in Japan. Imamura and Fujita were cleared of charges in the Philippines before their deportation. "They are being deported because they have been tagged by their government as fugitives from justice. Therefore they are considered undesirable aliens in this country," Philippines' Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval told reporters Tuesday. The remaining two suspects, Yuki Watanabe, 38, and Tomonobu Kojima, 45, have been cleared for deportation following a local court on Tuesday dismissing their cases, according to their lawyer and a Justice Department official. ...continue reading Many of us have been affected by cardiac disease, whether through friends, loved ones, acquaintances or we ourselves. Dance to the Beat, an annual fundraising event sponsored by the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Charitable Foundation, raises funds to help those who are facing this difficult time in their lives to meet their medical and financial needs. John Burns, attorney-at-law with Evans and Dixon LLC., is well aware of this endeavor. As a past and current patient of the Cardiovascular Department at Methodist Jennie Edmundson, he and his wife, Barb, were co-hosts of the first Dance to the Beat event. Held in 2017, this inaugural event took place at the Corpus Christi Parish Activity Center in Council Bluffs. As the event increased in size and popularity, Dance to the Beat moved to its current location at the MAC Center in 2020. Barb and I believe this event is important because it accomplishes two things, said John. Firstly, the fundraiser provides for transportation needs to those patients who otherwise would have financial difficulty attending their medical care appointments. In addition, Dance to the Beat is also an excellent opportunity to showcase the nationally recognized cardiovascular department at Jennie Edmundson. The department has been recognized by their peers and provides an outstanding level of cardiovascular medical care to their patients. This years Dance to the Beat is being held on Friday, February 17, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. To purchase your $30 Dance to the Beat ticket or to learn more, contact the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Foundation at jehfoundation.org or by calling 712-396-6040. A Bellevue, Nebraska, man found unresponsive on the side of a highway in Council Bluffs on Monday morning is still in critical condition. Officers responded to the scene, at the 44 mile marker of Interstate 29, shortly after 5:30 a.m. Monday. They found an adult male laying on the shoulder of the interstate with an apparent head wound. Medics transported the victim to the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha for treatment. As of Tuesday afternoon, the 39-year-old man was still in critical condition due to injuries suffered on the side of the highway. An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident should call the Council Bluffs Police Department at 712-328-4765. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga, owner of LAnecdote media group and acquaintance of Cameroonian Minister of Justice Laurent Esso, was arrested Monday in connection to investigation into the abduction and murder of journalist Martinez Zogo last month. The arrest came after Justin Danwe, Deputy Director of Cameroons General Directorate for External Investigations (DGRE) confessed to authorities he was part of the league that killed Radio Amplitude FMs presenter, found dead on January 22 after undergoing torture. Danwe told investigators that the murder took place in the basement of a building belonging to Belinga. Per Danwe account, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reports, Belinga who Zogo accused of embezzlement, himself beat Zogo in the basement of his building and telephoned Justice minister Laurent Esso, to whom he is close, to ask him what Zogos fate should be. According to Danwes statement, Belinga was not present when the job was finished, RSF adds. The DGRE deputy Chief told investigators that his boss Leopold Maxime Eko Eko, also arrested in connection with the probe, is aware of the crime. RSF notes that investigations led by a mixed Commission of gendarmes and police officers are being carried out on orders of President Paul Biya himself. The media watchdog also learned that other important persons, including several other ministers close to Belinga, could have been informed in advance of the plan to kill Zogo and could even have been involved. Cameroon is ranked 118th out of 180 countries in RSFs 2022 World Press Freedom Index. Botswanas government has revised upwards its 2022 economic growth forecast to 6.7% from an earlier estimate of 4.2 per cent, the countrys Finance Minister Peggy Serame said on Monday according to Reuters. Serame, who was speaking during an annual budget speech, argued that the 2022 revision was linked to the diamond-rich southern african countrys strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, after economic growth of 11.8% in 2021. During the same speech, the Minister also forecasted an economic growth this year of 4 per cent while targeting medium-term growth of 5.7 per cent. She also indicated that the government plans to ramp up infrastructure investment to unlock constraints to economic growth. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to receive Wednesday February 06 in the Ivorian capital of Yamoussoukro the Felix Houphouet-Boigny-UNESCO Peace Prize which she was awarded last year. Audrey Azoulay, Director of UNESCO and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara will hand the award to the former German state woman during a ceremony, the state-run news agency of the African country reports. Merkel, according to UNESCO, was nominated for the award last year for her courageous decision in 2015 to welcome more than 1.2 million refugees, notably from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Eritrea. This is the legacy she leaves, Denis Mukwege, President of the Jury, gynecologist, Nobel Peace Prize Winner 2018 said on UNESCO website. Suffering is universal, which is why the solutions provided to suffering must also be universal. Peace-building is about opening doors to those who suffer. The decision of the jury has reminded us that the way in which we treat migrants and refugees is a critical issue, Azoulay also added. Created in 1989, Felix Houphouet-Boigny-UNESCO Peace Prize, honors an individual, an institution, or a private or public body which has significantly contributed to the promotion, research, safeguarding or maintenance of peace, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and the Constitution of UNESCO. Previous awardees include Nelson Mandela, Frederik W. De Klerk, and Jimmy Carter, who was awarded the prize for his work in the field of education. Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Mali Tuesday (7 February) for talks with its junta leaders who only two days earlier ordered the rights chief with the UN peacekeeping mission in the country to leave for expressing views against Russias Wagner Group in Mali. Lavrovs visit of fewer than 24 hours will be his third trip to Africa since July 2022, part of a bid to expand Russias presence on the continent amid broad international isolation after Moscows invasion of Ukraine last year. Since taking control of Mali in two coups since August 2020, the military junta led by Colonel Assimi Goita has sought Russian help in battling an Islamist insurgency after evicting the forces of former colonial ruler France. Several Malian officials have travelled to Moscow, but the visit by Lavrov is the first of its kind aimed at cementing a new dynamic for security and economic cooperation between the two countries, according to Malis foreign ministry. Meanwhile, on Sunday (5 February), Malis military government declared Guillaume Ngefa-Atondoko Andali, human rights chief for the United Nations MINUSMA peacekeeping mission, persona non grata, or unwelcome, and ordered him to leave the country within 48 hours. According to the juntas statement, this measure follows Andalis destabilizing and subversive actions in flagrant violation of the principles and obligations that must be observed by United Nations officials. The statement criticized Andali of being biased in his selection of witnesses testifying at the UN Security Council, namely Malian activists Aminata Cheick Dicko who at a 27 January meeting accused Malis government of working with Russian military partners who committed rights abuses. Dozens of Sudanese protested in the capital Khartoum Monday (6 February) against normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel, after last weeks surprise visit by the Israeli foreign minister. The demonstrators held banners blaming Sudanese military leader Abdul Fattah al-Burhan for committing a betrayal, chanting no normalization with Israel. The protest comes only days after an official visit by the Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to the country and a subsequent announcement made by Sudanese and Israeli officials Thursday (2 February) that the two countries are moving toward normalizing ties. The protestors voiced their strong opposition to any form of normalization with Israel because the governments decision doesnt reflect the will of the Sudanese people. According to the organizers of the Monday protest, Khartoum should stick to its No to peace, no to normalization and no to recognition of Israel policy, also known as the Three Nos. This long-standing foreign policy guideline was established at a 1967 Arab League summit in Khartoum, soon after the 1967 Mideast War when Israel took control of Jerusalem and the West Bank. Abdulrahman Khaleel, the spokesperson of the Sudanese Foreign Affairs Ministry, downplayed the protest, saying people are free to demonstrate. Following the US-brokered Abraham Accords signed in 2020, Sudan separately announced plans to establish diplomatic ties with Israel in a deal brokered by the administration of former US President Donald Trump. The ruling Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) expressed on Monday its satisfaction with the results of the 12th high-level meeting between Morocco and Spain, held in Rabat on February 1 and 2. I express our satisfaction with the summit and the meeting held last week in Morocco, stressed PSOE spokeswoman and Minister of Education and Training, Pilar Alegria, in a statement to the press. The high-level meeting confirmed the good relations between Spain and Morocco and allowed the adoption of twenty extremely important agreements, said Alegria, stressing the fundamental importance for Spain and all European countries to continue working in coordination with Morocco. The 12th session of the Morocco-Spain high-level meeting, co-chaired by the Heads of Government Aziz Akhannouch and Pedro Sanchez, highlighted by a joint declaration in which both parties expressed their commitment to maintain the relations of excellence that have always linked them and reaffirmed their willingness to enrich them in a lasting way. During the meeting, the two parties signed several cooperation agreements in areas such as migration management, tourism, infrastructure, water resources, the environment, agriculture, professional training, social security, transportation, health security, and research and development. Every Nebraska kid should be given the opportunity to have their educational needs met, whether they live in Omaha or Scottsbluff. Every parent regardless of socioeconomic status should have the ability to decide what is the best school to meet their childs need. Currently, Nebraska remains one of only two states that do not support school choice. This leaves us uncompetitive with neighboring states and it means we are not giving our kids every opportunity to flourish at a school they want to attend. This past week, I participated in a rally at the Capitol with six schools advocating for the Opportunity Scholarships Act, a priority bill to commit $50 million in tax credits to give underprivileged kids the ability to attend schools of their choice. Grants will be issued from qualified organizations to students who meet certain criteria. Priority will be given to those who live in poverty or foster care; experience bullying, harassment or other victimizing behaviors; or have a parent or guardian who is serving in the military. I support this bill because I support competition. This legislation will give parents who have kids with the greatest needs the means to choose a school that serves them best and allows them to thrive. The kids I met in the Rotunda already know that opportunity. Now, we need to give others the same chance. This is not about public education vs. private education; it is simply about creating an opportunity for all parents to choose what they believe best fits their childs needs. Over the past two years, multiple states have taken focused steps to give parents and students more education alternatives. I know all Nebraskans believe we should never, ever give up on a kid. The Opportunity Scholarships Act is part of my promise to make Nebraska a place where future generations can succeed. Now is the time for Nebraska to step up our competition in education to help our kids prosper. The Auburn Police Department asks for the publics assistance in an ongoing investigation regarding 86 stolen grave marker vases from Memorial Park Cemetery located at 1000 East Samford Avenue. At approximately 3 p.m. on Feb. 2, APD officers met with representatives of Memorial Park Cemetery in response to the theft complaint. Its believed that the 86 grave marker vases were stolen between Feb. 1 and Feb. 2. These 12-inch tall bronze vases are used to mark various graves within the Memorial Park Cemetery, many of which belong to veterans, police said. These items are not only valuable in raw materials, but have sentimental value to the loved ones of those laid to rest in the cemetery, the APD said. It is believed the subject responsible for the theft will attempt to sell the stolen items as scrap metal. Police ask scrap yards and similar businesses to report suspicious sales resembling the stolen items. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Detective Greg Miller at 334-501-3145. Anonymous tips may also be provided to police on Auburns Public Safety smartphone application. Download the Auburn Public Safety App at apps.myocv.com/share/a67336830. China extends condolences over passing of Pakistan's former president Musharraf Xinhua) 09:08, February 07, 2023 BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- China expressed deep condolences over the passing of Pakistan's former president Pervez Musharraf, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday. "We extend our deep condolences over Mr. Musharraf's death and offer our sincere sympathy to his family," Mao told a press briefing. Calling Musharraf an old friend of the Chinese people, Mao noted that the former president had made a significant contribution to the development of China-Pakistan relations. China stands ready to work with Pakistan to advance the iron-clad friendship between the two countries, promote their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, and build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, said the spokesperson. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) New film Like Father and Son hosted its premiere in Beijing on Feb 4 and is due to hit the cinemas on Feb 25. Director Bai Zhiqiang, producer Tian Jiaoping and main actors Hui Wangjun and Bai Zeze attended the Q&A session after the screening. Set in Shaanxi province in the 2000s, the film tells the story of truck driver Gou Ren and a left-behind child Mao Dou, who meet under unusual circumstances and set on a journey to find Mao Dou's father. All actors are untrained prior to participating in the film. Bai Zeze, the young actor of Mao Dou, was selected from a local village, and Hui Wangjun performing as Gou Ren was a taxi driver. Bai previously worked on documentaries, and this film is his first feature film. From his documentary filming experience, he met with veteran scriptwriter Lu Wei, who serves as this film's supervisor and gave Bai suggestions on refining the script. "Some people said that I like to film 'marginal people', but I think these ordinary people comprise the majority of China's population, yet do not get a lot of representations on the big screens," Bai said. "Since I have access to film as a medium, 'a machine with voices', I should speak for these ordinary people and tell their stories." A five-minute documentary about the behind-the-scenes stories was also screened at the premiere, which unveiled the difficulties the crew faced in making this film. Both Tian and Bai said that with insufficient funding, the filmmaking was difficult, but the crew were very cheerful and determined. The film also aims to draw attention to China's migrant workers, who leave the countryside for cities seeking job opportunities, and the left-behind children living in the villages with their grandparents. The film is now available for preview in around a hundred Chinese cities. From Feb 4, the crew will go to around 20 major cities in China, sharing their stories and answering audience members' questions. Shitty families all around. Meghan's side is no piece of cake (except her mom) and Harry's side is own historical mess. Reply Thread Link srsly no wonder they fell in love, just the family trauma alone is enough to bond you Reply Parent Thread Link Dismissing this case is a no brainer but we are talking about a Florida court so who knows Reply Thread Link If I've learned anything over the years, I've learned that Florida courts are not to be trusted! Reply Parent Thread Link bouzy also investigated the bots harassing amber. Reply Thread Link She is asking the court to decide whether she and Meghan had ever been close, Nothing says close like suing your baby sister. Reply Thread Link Right? I just cant understand why Meghan could possibly cut these people out of her life. /s Edited at 2023-02-07 01:56 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link Samantha was 17 when Meghan was born, she never lived in the same house with Meghan, they were never close. Meghan's parents got divorced when she was two, she had almost no contact with any of her father's family. By the time Meghan started living with her dad when she was in high school, Samantha was long gone, with two children of her own that she gave away and who don't speak to her now. The Daily Mail is paying for this lawsuit. They pay people like her to bring these frivolous lawsuits so they can cover it and sell papers. Also neither Meghan nor Harry ever said that the royal family were racist. The British papers said she said they were but she never did. Reply Parent Thread Link ONTD, are you related to a narcissist? thankfully no. I mean, we're not perfect but the worst traits in my family is that a few of us are "waiting to talk" vs "actually listening" type people. (ahem, MOTHER) Reply Thread Link I mean, we're not perfect but the worst traits in my family is that a few of us are "waiting to talk" vs "actually listening" type people. (ahem, MOTHER) lmaoo my family is like that. Although I think they all might have undiagnosed ADHD. They're good people generally but something this is how a convo goes: ME: *says something important* SIBLING: *Crickets* ME:...are you listening? SIBLING: Yes! ME: Are you really listening? SIBLING:...no. Reply Parent Thread Link Looool. My mom to a T. It's so frustrating talking to her, she's just waiting for you to stop talking so she can talk about herself. I literally called her the other day to check on the status of my uncle, who is struggling with his health, and the entire conversation was about her health, her upcoming mammogram (she's fine), bragging about how my dad bought her a brand new car, and any time I tried to turn the conversation to anything else she would just make an uninterested "huh" sound, and then start talking about herself again. I don't know why I bother. Reply Parent Thread Link Samantha not only wants Meghan to admit that she lied about their relationship and upbringing in order to sell a rags-to-royalty story, but wants Meghan to take back allegations she made against the royal family by claiming Queen Elizabeth was not a racist and King Charles is not a racist. (?????? not sure what that has to do with her lol) guessing she's trying to stay in the good graces of the rabid monarchists who hate meghan, so they keep reading her interviews and giving her attention i feel bad for meghan and for samantha's kids having to put up with her Reply Thread Link I don't how that would cause her to stay in the good graces since most of them HATE the fact that Harry and Meghan implied that the monarchy is racist. H&M then walking back on that caused their detractors to be even more "AHHHHH see they are liars!!". Reply Parent Thread Link no that's what i mean, samantha's trying to be like "i will make them admit neither is racist!" to seem like their hero Reply Parent Thread Link Rags to royalty? Nothing screams that like tea and champagne at Bergdorf Goodman before Meghan was even given the title of duchess. I have doubts that half sisters 17 years apart would really be that close at young ages. That's a full generation gap. Reply Thread Link I would say most with that age gap wouldn't be. Like, my mom's youngest half sister was born when she was 15. My mom loves her, but they were definitely not close. And even with a less age gap (my sister is 9 years older than me), there was a significant amount of time where I felt very much like an only child. We lived in different states once she graduated college and I started high school. My parents were only parenting me at that point. She and I were close then and are close now, but it was definitely a different dynamic in our family once I was the only one at home. Edited at 2023-02-07 01:30 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link Right? I know a few siblings (half and full) that have that kind of age gap and even the ones who are close say things like they were raised like only kids or treat their siblings more like doting aunts and uncles than siblings. It's a huge age gap. Often the older siblings were out of the house or even married and having kids of their own before their younger sibling has conscious memories. It's so ridiculous that's she suing Meghan, how is she expecting to prove Meghan didn't feel that way about her even if she felt differently??? Reply Parent Thread Link my sister is 6 years younger than me and we lived together, and that still felt like we were always a generation apart. samatha was 15 years older and they didn't even live together, meghan saw her dad on the occasion weekends so like how close were people expecting??? Reply Parent Thread Link It wouldn't surprise me if they didn't have a relationship at all. My kid's just 9 years older than her half-brother, and they've only started to become close in the past two years. I think a big part of that is because he's in middle school now and they share some common interests. But before that, she definitely felt like an only child that all of a sudden wasn't. Reply Parent Thread Link When I reached middle school, that was the turning point for me and my sister's relationship (for the better). Watching Everwood together was a big bonding experience for us. Reply Parent Thread Link Hell, my full brother who has always lived with me and is only 4 years younger only became bearable to me once he graduated high school. Now we're besties but I had nothing to talk to him about when we were kids. Reply Parent Thread Link This is harassment through the courts, I hope its thrown out. Reply Thread Link It should be but since it's in Florida... idk. Lots of whacky judges there. Reply Parent Thread Link ONTD, are you related to a narcissist? Unnnnfortunately, both my mother and sister are cut from the same cloth. I cannot imagine having this much family drama as I do, and trying to be a celebrity or have any level of fame with this much family drama. The strength to keep going is impressive to say the least. Reply Thread Link Does she actually have a case tho? This whole thing has been a mess and I cant believe Meghans going through it for Harrys bald ass Reply Thread Link Her family aside, it's really crazy when you realize a good chunk of Meghan's woes is all because Harry purposely did not prepare her at all for any of this. Reply Parent Thread Link Meghan's life seemed pretty great before too. Steady acting gig on a long-running show, a lifestyle blog, a level of fame that has more pros than cons, an apartment in Toronto, a Vitamix. She gave all that independence and peace up for ol' frozen todger smh. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Little to none. The various complaints are a mix of a) things Meghan hasnt said but have been variously speculated on by the press, b) highly subjective matters of opinion and c) things like she said the Queen was racist! that as a third party she has no standing to sue over even if they were true. Ill not be surprised if some kind of vexatious litigation counter suit gets filed Reply Parent Thread Link Good luck with that lawsuit you speak of. Reply Thread Link In any sane place this would be thrown out of court and that lady would be barred from filing anymore lawsuits, but it is Florida, so... Reply Thread Link johnny debt's impact... Reply Thread Link How far does she think this lawsuit will go? I mean, if anyone should be suing is the woman that took Harrys virginity. Good god, I still cant believe he went that far into detail. Reply Thread Link Haha shes on a media tour!! I couldnt show my face but horse girls apparently dont want to crawl into a hole and die after the whole world hears about how someone mounted them. Reply Parent Thread Link Shes right and she should say it. I used to work with someone who commented that she was glad her teenage daughter was pretty, because she wasnt smart, and you apparently cant be both (according to her). It made me sad that the whole pretty or smart, but not both are standards of measurements for women. Reply Thread Link "At least she's cute, haa haa!" is still way too common. Reply Parent Thread Link Great that a girl's own mother is saying shit like this Reply Parent Thread Link A cousin of mine is currently pregnant and was disappointed to find out she's having a girl because, "girls are so difficult and expensive... hopefully she's at least pretty". Her mum and boyfriend openly expressed disappointment too. The poor kid hasn't even been born yet and is already having to deal with gendered bullshit from her family. It's just really upsetting, especially when it's coming from women. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link People's fixations on looks is truly ridiculous. At a recent family gathering people were commenting on children from somebody's school and said things like: she's not very cute/pretty, that jawline is not very flattering. These girls and boys are like 10. And then peole wonder why kids have body image issues. Reply Parent Thread Link She was in Dogma in 1999, in a comedic role. I guess she's as bored with her own career as everyone else is. Reply Parent Thread Link Shes decent at comedy. I liked her in 30 Rock. Reply Thread Link loved her in 30 Rock. i was disappointed when they turned her into the spicy latina stereotype though. Reply Parent Thread Link She managed to break that 'rule' fairly easily though, because she did three comedies in the space of four years? ("Breaking Up", "Fools Rush In" & "Dogma") ... Reply Thread Link I feel like all Ive ever seen her in are comedies.. Edited at 2023-02-07 12:46 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link I havent checked the source but maybe shes really referring to the difficulty in landing the comedic roles she did get in the 90s , as in, she had to really fight for them. I do remember the big deal around her doing Frida because she was definitely never marketed to audiences as a serious Actress up to that point. She always got cast as some kind of bombshell. Reply Thread Link This. I don't even care much for her, but it enrages me that Cuaron couldn't cast her in Gravity. Reply Parent Thread Link Oh wow! I had no idea Cuaron wanted her for that role. I would have really liked to see that! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link That reminds me, I was kind of sad when Salma and Edward Norton broke up because (aside from supporting her when she was dealing with Weinstein), I always got the impression that he respected her intelligence and wasn't just with her for her looks. (iirc they collaborated together significantly on one version of Frida's screenplay?) I'd have liked to have seen them work together more. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I think it was Joseph Gordon Levett that made a comment about how he was surpirsed when cute women are also funny. ...Like, fuck off asshole. Reply Thread Link I'm starting to think all men might be braindead. I'm not saying it's definitive but you can't deny the evidence. Reply Parent Thread Link They really are little turds. Reply Parent Thread Link Oh god. Isn't he an avowed ~male feminist?~ Men Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Yeah, he wanted to compliment Emily Blunt's sense of humour and made a ridiculous comment about how most pretty girls are usually not funny. He apologized like three days later but I don't remember if it was a genuine one or non-apology. Reply Parent Thread Link fools rush in is one of my favorite salma movies lol and she was fucking hilarious in it Reply Thread Link I love that movie, it was one of my faves at the time. Reply Parent Thread Link it really was so goddamn funny Reply Parent Thread Link I loved her in Ugly Betty Reply Thread Link I'm in my late 30s. I noticed I've internalized this and I see others projecting this onto me, which obviously doesn't help with the internalization. I know better and work against that thinking, but it still crops up in my head in how I see myself and hell, others sometimes. Reply Thread Link Well, you were allowed to get rich, so.. it all evens out, huh? Reply Thread Link Clearly that person is not well, but also thats so damn scary for Keanu and his gf. I wish something more can be done about this than just a restraining order. He needs help. Reply Thread Link The same thing happened with Ryan Gosling- he had to get a protective order for himself, his wife, their daughter and I think his sister because the stalker had found their home and was leaving 'gifts.' Like, fame ain't worth that. Reply Parent Thread Link The money tho? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I think Jennifer Garner had a stalker who showed up at their daughter's school. Reply Parent Thread Link I can't help but think of Rebecca Schaffer and Christina Grimmie. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link mte they shouldn't have to live in fear. Same with domestic violence cases, a restraining order often seems useless. Reply Parent Thread Link He has some scary 'fans' alright. Is that creepy woman still making videos about how evil his girlfriend is? Reply Thread Link Who's that ? His thread on LSA is insane. That whole forum is just crazy people, but one of the women posting there is the one his gf got a restraining order against. Reply Parent Thread Link Some lady on youtube, idk if she's still there. Reply Parent Thread Link People are so rude to Alexandra like holy shit let her be. They're jealous she's happy being with Keanu. Reply Thread Link Of course his fans find a way to trash his girlfriend so dumb, let them be happy. Reply Thread Link First the psycho stans attacking his girlfriend, now this. Keanu's totally well adjusted stans do not seem worried that their fave is being stalked/harassed and are more upset by the fact that he referred to Alexandra as his partner and that he asked that she be protected as well. Of course they are! Reply Thread Link Im sure some of his fans are low key happy and consider this a punishment Edited at 2023-02-07 07:48 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link Leave Keanu alone (directed both to the stalker and to the possessive fans)! He deserves only the best. Reply Thread Link Stalkers are scary. I tend to think back to Rebecca Schaeffer :( Reply Thread Link I've been a Keanu fan forever and I don't have anything but love for AG. Keanu has lost so many people and lived solitary for so long, Alexandra was a gift. And Ode to Happiness is gorgeous and hilarious. Y'all need to get off twitter or tiktok sometimes. Real people love Keanu and don't invite that he's (probably) engaged. Reply Thread Link I dont understand this mentality that your fave has to be alone if s/he cant be with you. Idk much about his gf except that they were friends and shes about his age what am I supposed to hate about her? Idgi. Its obv a different story if the partner is a terrible person in some way (racist, homophobic, abuser, etc). Reply Parent Thread Link When you look at all the hate this pairing gets, and that flyer lady leaving shit in downtown LA but remember were ACTIVELY shipping Debt and his lawyer during the trial Reply Parent Thread Link this mentality that your fave has to be alone if s/he cant be with you. Fr! This line of thinking is so abusive and unhinged. That's literally what abusive men who kill their partners admit to feeling and thinking. Horrifying. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link "your fave has to be alone if s/he cant be with you" Most crazy fans never admit this is what they are really thinking. They try to find some fault with the gf so they don't look as lame (gold digger, PR Relationship, she is threatning him, she is bad person, etc.). Reply Parent Thread Link Stalkers are so scary. :( Reply Thread Link Terrible. I hope they stay safe. Reply Thread Link Shes broken in to his home SIX times between November and last month, and shes still walking around free? Reply Thread Link Ontd doesnt read but still why is this dude walking around free? Would he have been locked up if he was a woman? Do they assume since hes a guy, its not the typical jealous crazy woman so he wont be harmed? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Restraining orders aren't worth much when the person just ignores it. Hope Keanu and his partner have great security and stay safe. Reply Thread Link Leave him and his fabulous partner alone jfc Reply Thread Link parasocial relationships creep me tf out Edited at 2023-02-07 07:47 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link The top executives at the largest Russian energy firms are attending the India Energy Week summit this week, signaling that Russia and India are bolstering their energy ties now that India is a top customer of Russian oil. Before the invasion of Ukraine, India was a small marginal buyer of Russian crude oil. After Western buyers started shunning crude from Russia, India became a top destination for Russian oil exports alongside China. Russia is now the single-biggest oil supplier to India, having overtaken Iraq in November. Indias imports of Russian crude oil are estimated to have hit a record high of 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in December, as deep discounts on Russian crude when the price cap entered into force made India the top destination for Russias oil. Even after the price cap took effect, India continued to buy large volumes of discounted Russian crude and started importing some of Russias Arctic crude oil varieties for the first time, taking advantage of cheap Russian cargoes to meet robust demand. In a further sign of increased energy cooperation, Rosnefts chief executive Igor Sechin and Novatek chairman Leonid Mikhelson are attending the ongoing India Energy Week. Sechin said at the summit that the price of Russias flagship Urals crude blend was no longer set by Europe but by Asia, which has become the largest export market for the Russian commodity. If Russian oil does not enter the European market, then there is no reference price. Reference prices will be formed where oil volumes actually go, Sechin said, as quoted by Reuters. India, for its part, will buy the oil it consumes from wherever we have to if the economics are beneficial for the country, which is the worlds third-largest crude oil importer, Indian Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told CNBC on Tuesday. Today we feel confident that well be able to use our market to source from wherever we have to, from wherever we get beneficial terms, the minister said. ADVERTISEMENT By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Despite a relatively underwhelming rebound in Chinese demand, oil prices were pushed higher at the start of this week by the embargo on Russian oil products and the earthquake in Turkey which took an oil terminal offline. Chart of the Week - The G7 price cap coalition agreed on product price caps, setting the maximum price for high-value products (diesel, gasoline, jet) at $100 per barrel and for low-value products (fuel oil, naphtha, and waste oils) at $45 per barrel. - Vessels carrying Russian products that loaded before 5 February can still unload their cargo before 1 April, provided they are moved inland and are not re-exported afterward. - Diesel will be the key product to watch as more than a quarter of Europes demand was met by Russian imports, although fears of shortage seem to be subsiding as a flotilla of Russian diesel cargoes is headed toward North Africa, most probably to be re-exported into the EU. - Russia could bypass the price cap by using its own fleet of tankers and insurance, as has been the case with crude flows, but accumulating a clean products fleet of such proportions would be much harder to achieve. Market Movers - US investment bank Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) plans to invest $1.1 billion into Verdalia Bioenergy, its newly established biomethane venture, starting off the business with the purchase of 5 plants in Spain. - US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) has started negotiations with Algeria to ramp up its presence in the country, buoyed by the prospect of Algerian gas becoming ever-important to Spain and Italy. - Spains largest oil firm Repsol (BME:REP) bought the tight oil assets of Japanese exploration company Inpex held in the Eagle Ford basin for an undisclosed sum, marking the end of Inpexs activities in the US. Tuesday, February 07, 2023 The introduction of a price cap on Russian oil products alongside the EU embargo sent oil prices higher at the start of the week, pushing ICE Brent prices towards $83 per barrel early on Tuesday morning. Despite expectations that Chinese demand will eventually spark a rally in oil prices, actual Chinese imports have so far failed to impress. The horrendous earthquake in Turkey/Syria added to the upward pressure on oil prices as the port damage in Ceyhan, Turkey might limit roughly 1 million b/d of exports. EU to Quit Energy Charter En Masse. The European Commission informed EU members that it would seek a joint exit from the 1998 Energy Charter Treaty, designed to protect energy firms by allowing them to sue governments for policies affecting their investments (such as shutting fossil fuel plants). 2023 Will be the Year of Solar in the US. Companies across the United States intend to add 54.5 GW of new power generation capacity this year, with solar energy accounting for 29.1 GW - more than doubling its previous annual record, according to the Energy Information Administration. Earthquake Halts Ceyhan Loadings. A string of powerful earthquakes that rocked Turkey and Syria and led to thousands of deaths has knocked the Ceyhan oil terminal offline, the loading place for Azeri and Kurdish crudes, though pipelines feeding oil into the port seem to be undamaged. Canada Licenses A Huge Oil Discovery. Canadas oil regulator labeled Equinors (NYSE:EQNR) 385-million-barrel Cappahayden well drilled last year to be a significant discovery, the first such license in two years, as drilling in the Newfoundland/Labrador offshore waters picks up steam. Iran to Start Repairing Venezuelas Largest Refinery Soon. After Iranian state companies repaired Venezuelas 140,00 b/d El Palito refinery last year, the two sides will try to resuscitate the 955,000 b/d Paraguana refinery complex, with works starting in several weeks at a total cost of $0.5 billion. Freeport LNG to Resume Liquefaction This Week. Freeport LNG is restarting one of its liquefaction trains at its idled export plant this week, having received US federal regulators approval to start sending gas to Train 3 and having asked for official permission to start loading LNG on ships. Total Back to Being Pragmatic in Iraq. One of the largest energy deals globally, TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) $27 billion deal to improve Iraqi energy infrastructure almost collapsed last week after a very chilly meeting between CEO Pouyanne and the Iraqi PM al-Sudani, but the French firms staff remained in the country despite vows to quit immediately, ADVERTISEMENT Newmont Preparing Largest Mining Merger Ever. The worlds largest gold mining firm Newmont Corp (NYSE:NEM) stated it had made a $16.9 billion bid for Australias Newcrest Mining (ASX:NCM), potentially the largest gold takeover in history, although skeptics say the offer is undervaluing Newcrest. Russians Double Down on Gold Purchases. Data published by Russias Ministry of Finance show that Russians bought an all-time record number of gold bars last year, well above 50 metric tonnes, aided by the governments scrapping of 20% VAT on gold purchases. Norways Production Woes Continue. Norways state oil company Equinor (NYSE:EQNR) stopped production at its largest producing asset, Phase 1 of the 720,000 b/d Johan Sverdrup field, due to a fault in the platforms cooling system, only days after it managed to solve Phase 2s power supply. China Exploits Zinc/Lead Opportunities. As several European zinc and lead smelters remained shut due to high electricity costs, China has become a net exporter of both refined zinc and lead for the first time in 15 years, a testament to shifting trade patterns amidst tight Atlantic Basin markets. India to Nearly Double refining by 2030. Buoyed by the high refining margins of 2022, India will be seeking to expand its domestic refinery capacity to 9 million b/d, almost double what it is right now at 5 million b/d and well above the additional 2 million b/d of projects currently on the books. Trinidad Nearing Gas Deal with Venezuela. Less than a month after the US approved the development of the cross-border Dragon gas field between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, Trinidad's energy minister traveled to Caracas for talks. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: On December 21, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin took part, via videoconference, in the commissioning ceremony for the Kovykta gas field, the largest in Eastern Siberia (Kremlin.ru, December 21, 2022). The fields recoverable reserves are estimated at 1.8 trillion cubic meters of natural gas, but they are almost entirely reserved for Chinese consumers. For these purposes, the Power of Siberia pipeline was built, through which it is planned to pump about 27 billion cubic meters of gas to China annually. According to Tatiana Zabortseva from the Siberian Institute of Geography, today, Eastern Siberia has actually been turned into a raw materials pantry for China. And the inhabitants of Irkutsk region itself, where the Kovykta gas field is located, have no opportunity to use this natural resource. Instead, they use primarily coal and firewood for heating, and the level of gasification of households stands at a mere 1 percent, though the Russian authorities promise to bring it up to 3.22 percent in the coming years (Nezavisimaya gazeta, January 16). In truth, for Moscow, maintaining strong relations with Beijing seems to be much more important than the well-being of its own citizens. In 2014, the Kremlin initiated talks on strengthening political and economic relations with China, immediately following the Russian annexation of Crimea and the subsequent unleashing of fighting in Donbas. These events led to the first sanctions against Russia by the United States and the European Union, but at the time, they had not yet reached a total embargo on Russian oil and gas. Moreover, even with the start of Russias full-scale war against Ukraine in February 2022, EU member states continued to purchase large amounts of Russian raw materials, which, in fact, helped finance the Kremlins war machine. According to some estimates, for the year 2022, Russia may have grossed close to $285 billion in energy sales, mainly from European countries, until the EU began to refuse Russian raw materials and jump-started a wider campaign to diversify away from Russian energy resources (Bruegel.org, July 13, 2022). Under these conditions, the Russian economy, which is vitally dependent on oil and gas exports, began to look for alternative global consumersand settled on China, first and foremost, with its massive economy. As a result, for 2022, Russia became the largest oil supplier to China, surpassing Saudi Arabia (RBC, August 20, 2022). By expanding raw material exports to China, the Kremlin is hoping to compensate for the losses in its heavily diminished trade with Europe, though Russia has been forced to sell oil and gas exports to its eastern partner at significant discounts, up to 30-percent less than average prices on the global market (Gazeta.ru, June 20, 2022). But in this way, the Kremlin is also trying to solve a political problem: to ensure Chinas neutral position regarding Russias military campaign against Ukraine, since Moscow has been unable to trigger formal support from Beijing. However, politically, the Chinese dragon is careful, and as such, it is unlikely to officially support Russias aggression against Ukraine. The Chinese economy, founded on mass production of consumer goods, is apprehensive of international sanctions that could target its activities if Beijing does indeed voice active support for Moscows war effort. Therefore, the Kremlins calculation of a friendship with China against the West appears to be wishful thinking. In any case, at this point, prospective deliveries of Chinese weapons to Russia seem highly doubtful. When considering the energy dimension, China will not be able to fully compensate for Russian losses in the European oil and gas market. As a result, Russian commodity revenues will fall significantly in the short term. Alexei Gromov, director of the Moscow Institute of Energy and Finance, stipulates that increased Chinese consumption of Russian gas can only compensate for about 20 percent of those revenues lost in the European market (Mk.ru, October 23, 2022). Fears often circulate in the Russian media that China might one day seize Russias Siberia and Far East territories by force. However, Beijing does not need to do this, as Moscow itself provides the necessary access and resources for virtually nothing. Today, Chinese companies own thousands of hectares of forests in Siberia and the Far East on long-term leases, and all the wood that is sourced from these areas is sent to China (Region.expert, September 17, 2019). Meanwhile, in the Far East, with its huge forest resources, not a single pulp and paper mill can be found. This is most likely because its products would be more expensive than raw roundwood, and China is keen to source cheap raw materials. Thus, Russias Far East has de facto been turned into a joint Russian-Chinese raw material colony. In this, Moscow and Beijing rarely consider the interests of local residents, as demonstrated by the inability of locals to reap the benefits of the Kovykta gas field due to severely underdeveloped local infrastructure. If China is indeed trying to build large production facilities in the Far East, then it will most likely push some environmentally dangerous projects. For example, in 2021, in Ayano-Maysky district of Khabarovsk region, a Chinese company wanted to build the worlds largest chemical plant for the production of methanol. However, this project was thwarted by a district referendum in which 90 percent of local residents opposed it (Dw.com, April 2, 2021). However, in response, the Russian State Duma adopted a law regarding regional authorities, which abolished the autonomy of local self-governments and merged them into Moscows vertical of power (Duma.gov.ru, December 14, 2021). Therefore, such local referendums are no longer possible, and Moscows and Beijings allies, if they wish, will be able to push potentially dangerous projects without considering the opinion of the local population. Nevertheless, this will not extinguish local frustrations. On the contrary, it will most likely further exacerbate protest moods in the region, perhaps even up to separatist notions. And if this happens, Moscow will almost assuredly be faced with a war on two fronts: in Ukraine and in the Far East. ADVERTISEMENT By Jamestown.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Turkeys energy infrastructure has suffered severe damage from the two earthquakes that shook Turkey and neighbor Syria yesterday, killing more than 3,000 people, according to the countrys government. The first 7.7-magnitude quake damaged a big port on the Mediterranean, Turkeys Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez said, as quoted by news agencies, and later in the day, a fire broke out at the same port. Operations at the Ceyhan oil terminal were halted as a result of the quake but Turkeys oil pipelinesKirkuk-Ceyhan and Balku-Tbilisi-Ceyhanwere undamaged. Despite the fact that the oil pipelines are intact, there could be delays to operations at the Ceyhan oil terminal, the endpoint of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, a major export line from Kirkuk in Iraq. Whats more, the Kurdistan Regional Government said it had suspended flows along the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline in the wake of the quake. "Due to the earthquake that hit Turkiye and Syria, and to ensure the safety of oil exports and prevent any undesirable incidents, oil exports through the pipeline connecting the Kurdistan region to Turkiye have been suspended," the KRG said. Kurdistan normally transits some 450,000 barrels of crude daily through Turkey via the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline. An official from the Kurdistan government said on Twitter that the flow of oil will only resume after careful inspection of the pipeline to make sure it has sustained no damage. Meanwhile, electricity transmission lines and gas distribution pipelines in Turkey have also suffered damage, according to Donmez, confirming information provided earlier by Turkeys national pipeline operator BOTAS. The company said gas flows to three provinces had been halted following the quake. ADVERTISEMENT "We have sent our mobile power plants to the region. In particular, we will try to supply natural gas and power to sites such as hospitals, kitchens and bakeries, both through the method of transporting compressed natural gas (CNG) and through mobile generators," the Turkish Energy and Natural Resources minister said. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A nationwide strike in France over a proposed pension reform interrupted on Tuesday the shipment of fuels from refineries and a fuel depot of TotalEnergies, the French supermajor told Reuters. Workers and employees in various sectors, including the energy sector, civil servants, and teachers, have been staging strikes for weeks to protest against President Emmanuel Macrons plan to raise the retirement age. Workers at the oil refineries at Donges and Feyzin, operated by TotalEnergies, are on strike today, a representative of the Force Ouvriere trade union told Reuters. Workers at the fuel depot Flandres have also joined the massive industrial action in France, the official added. This is not the first time that fuel deliveries have been disrupted by strikes this year. Two weeks ago, the strike in France halted wholesale fuel deliveries from three refineries operated by TotalEnergies on the first day of a series of planned nationwide strikes in many sectors. The Donges, Normandy, and Feyzin refineries of TotalEnergies stopped the wholesale supply of gasoline and diesel, while the refinery at Feyzin had to reduce processing rates to a minimum on January 19. TotalEnergies and the French unit of ExxonMobil hold most of the refining capacity in France. The strikes against Macrons unpopular pension reform are expected to continue. The most recent wave of strikes comes three months after refinery workers went on strike for weeks in September and October amid a pay row. Strikes at refineries in France in the autumn of 2022 left more than 60% of the countrys refining capacity offline while gas stations in and around Paris and in the northern part of the country began to run out of fuel. The strikes against the planned pension reform also come just as the EU banned imports of petroleum products from Russia as of February 5. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: India plans to secure long-term deals for the supply of liquefied natural gas in a bid to reduce the share of coal in its energy mix. The biggest gas importer on the subcontinent, Petronet, is looking to secure some 12 million tons of LNG annually in additional supply under long-term deals, Bloomberg reported, citing the companys managing director, Akshay Kumar Singh. This additional amount is equal to almost two-thirds of Indias total LNG imports in 2022, Bloomberg added, referencing tanker tracking data. Indias government plans to increase the share of natural gas in its power generation mix from 6 percent currently to 15 percent by 2030 and long-term deals are clearly one safe way of doing that. However, intensified competition for LNG cargoes has reduced the amount of available gas for long-term deals. As part of efforts to boost LNG supply, Petronet will seek to increase the contracted amount of LNG it buys from Qatar by 1 million tons annually, Reuters reported, citing the managing director of the company. Russias Novatek is also in talks with Indian gas importers for LNG deliveries, the chief executive of the company Leonid Mikhelson said on Monday at the India Energy Week. India is currently expanding its gas distribution network in cities, which would drive higher natural gas demand. To respond to that demand, along with plans to reduce coal dependency, Indias government has plans to expand the capacity of its LNG import terminals by 53 percent in the next few years. The countrys capacity to date is 22.5 million tons annually and the Modi government wants to expand this by 12 million tons. ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, India has slipped from number four in the global top LNG importer ranking to number seven amid sky-high LNG prices prompted by Europes eagerness to replace pipeline Russian gas with the super-chilled fuel. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The price of Russias flagship Urals oil blend is no longer set by Europe but by Asia, which has become the largest market for the commodity, Rosnefts chief executive Igor Sechin said at the India Energy Week. "If Russian oil does not enter the European market, then there is no reference price. Reference prices will be formed where oil volumes actually go," Sechin said, as quoted by Reuters. "As it's scripted in Ecclesiastes: what is crooked cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted," he added. The European Union imposed an embargo on most seaborne Russian crude oil imports in December as part of its sanction push against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. The EU also set, together with the G7, a price cap for Russian crude oil shipments to other countries in a bid to stymie the Kremlins oil revenues further. The embargo and the price cap have widened the discount of Urals to Brent crude, making it attractive for buyers from China and India. In a matter of months, even before the December embargo went into effect, most of the Russian oil that used to go to Europe, had been redirected to the two Asian powerhouses. According to Reuters calculations, some 70 percent of the Urals cargoes loaded last month went to India. Russia has become Indias largest supplier of crude oil. Yet the two Asian majors are not just buying Urals. The prices of two other popular Russian blendsESPO and Sokolhave been trading at above $70 per barrel recently. At the time of writing, ESPO had slipped below $70 but Sokol was above the threshold which is $10 per barrel above the EU/G7 price cap. Urals, at the same time, averaged $49.48 per barrel in January, according to Finance Ministry data cited by Reuters. This was 42 percent cheaper than its price for January 2022. ADVERTISEMENT By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: You are here: Business A participant visits an exhibition of the 6th World Intelligence Congress in north China's Tianjin, June 24, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua] North China's Tianjin Municipality is scheduled to hold the seventh World Intelligence Congress, a major artificial intelligence (AI) event in China, in May, its organizers said on Monday. The conference will focus on the implementation of a national strategy and promote the industrial layout of Tianjin in 12 key industrial chains, according to the Secretariat of the Organizing Committee of the World Intelligence Congress. The event will seek to build a global platform for exchange, cooperation, win-win outcomes and sharing in the field of intelligent technology, it said. Since its inauguration in 2017, the event has offered a platform for scientists, entrepreneurs and economists from home and abroad to discuss the frontier trends of intelligence technology. National Grid stood down its order for two coal power plant units to be warmed up yesterday evening, easing concerns of a supply crunch this week following frosty weather last weekend and a drop in wind power generation. This was the fourth time National Grids electricity system operator (NGESO) has turned to coal in the face of pressure on operating margins this winter before later standing down the order. The two coal units placed on standby were EDFs West Burton A plant and Unipers Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant, both in Nottinghamshire. Five coal power units have been left operational over the winter as part of the the UKs winter contingency plans. A Met Office warning for cold weather remains in place until 6pm this evening. It has also withdrawn its requirement for the Demand Flexibility Service to be kicked in tomorrow . National Grid has previously asked suppliers to offer customers discounted bills in exchange for saving electricity during peak hours to reduce pressure on the UKs creaking energy network. The service was utilised over two days last month on January 23 and 24 for the first time although the need for a third day this month now appears to have been repealed. The triggering and eventual shelving of the demand flexibility service (SourceL NGESO) Winds slump worsens National Grid woes Alongside colder weather, erratic wind power generation has tightened operating margins for the grid. Wind is the UKs leading source of renewable electricity generation in the country, often surpassing gas during the last two winters. However, its output has varied wildly in recent weeks. Low-carbon power produced 82.5 percent of Britains electricity from 27 December to 9 January, with wind consistency meeting half the countrys energy mix. Earlier this month, winds power generated record amounts of energy earlier this week, topping 21GW for the first time ever on 10 January. The UKs energy mix reflecting a drop in wind generation amid colder winter weather (Source: grid.iamkate.com) ADVERTISEMENT Yet, it is also susceptible to sudden large drop-offs, forcing the UK to import electricity from Europe or ramp up fossil fuel generation. Wind generation dropped below 20 percent in later spells last month amid little to no wind, and was sitting last night at 22 percent compared 51 percent for natural gas. So far, National Grid has avoided the worst-case scenario in its winter outlook of rolling, regional blackouts. Nevertheless, the country had to rely on last-minute supplies of power from the French and Dutch networks which are supplied to the UK via undersea cables during a supply scare last month. National Grid blamed a fault on the network and confirmed that no homes lost power during the incident. By CityAM More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A 44-year-old Omaha man will spend 17 years in federal prison after being convicted of possession of child pornography. Adam F. Juenemann was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska for sharing child pornography with a prior conviction. After serving his time, Juenemann will be under a lifetime term of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. In October 2020, law enforcement located a sexually explicit video and photographs posted through an internet account traced to Juenemann. A search warrant executed at Juenemanns residence resulted in the recovery of several electronic devices containing 62 images of children being subjected to sexually explicit conduct. Juenemann was previously convicted of three counts of sexual exploitation of a child in Ellis County, Kansas. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the FBIs Child Enticement and Human Trafficking Task Force and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. A new Omaha police recruit class began Monday, but it fell short of the citys goal of training a maximum-capacity class to make up for a wave of recent departures. The class is made up of 39 potential Omaha Police Department officers 34 rookie recruits and five people who have worked as law enforcement officers elsewhere in Nebraska or the U.S. Thats just 65% of the training academys maximum capacity of 60 recruits. The hiring push comes as the agency has grappled with recruiting and keeping officers in recent years. OPD has lost ground in its effort to rapidly increase during the past seven years, dropping down to officer levels not seen since 2016. As of Monday, the number of full-time sworn officers stood at 804, a far cry from the budgeted authorized strength of 906, a number that Mayor Jean Stothert has often touted. Omaha has never reached its goal of having 900 sworn officers. The new class of 39 recruits drew from a recruit pool with 486 applicants from spring 2022 half as many applicants as two years ago. Other law enforcement agencies nationwide have experienced similar troubles. Deputy Chief Sherie Thomas, who oversees the executive services bureau, said officials wanted to add a maximum-capacity class of 60 but were unable to do so for several reasons. That was probably a goal that we had in mind, but as you go through the application, the background process, there are some individuals where something came up in their background and they werent afforded the opportunity to be in the class, she said. I think had we had more applicants, potentially we could have had a larger class. We didnt get more, so we were working with what we had. Thomas said some applicants from that recruit pool couldnt relocate in time or had conflicts but still expressed interest in the next class, which might start as early as July. She hopes that class will be larger. OPD recruit class sizes in recent years have been in the 50s, with one group of 60 in May 2021. Currently, OPD is accepting applications for officers new or basic recruits have until Thursday to apply while veteran or lateral recruits from other Nebraska or out-of-state agencies have until Feb. 16. Thomas said officials are looking at potentially starting another class for veteran officers soon after the five lateral recruits who began Monday finish their 11 weeks of training. Officers with past experience dont require the full 22-week basic training. OPD opened the application period Jan. 9 to garner a new pool of potential candidates, who would need to pass other tests and interviews to be picked for the final class. Meanwhile, other local and state law enforcement agencies are looking for recruits also, increasing competition. The La Vista Police Department was searching for lateral officers in early January. At the Bellevue Police Department, potential entry-level candidates are going through the testing process while the agency also is asking lateral recruits to apply. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office just closed its application period for rookie deputies at the end of January. And the Nebraska State Patrol announced Monday that it is now hiring for a class scheduled to start in July. Of the 39 OPD recruits starting Monday, about 70% are men and 30% are women. Roughly three-quarters of the class are White recruits, along with six Black recruits, three Hispanic recruits and one Native American recruit, Thomas said. The five veteran officers hail from the Lincoln Police Department, the Norfolk Police Department, the UCLA Police Department in California, the Sioux Falls Police Department in South Dakota and the Champaign Police Department in Illinois. Thomas encouraged people to apply to be an Omaha police officer. We are looking for individuals that are wanting to serve the citizens of Omaha. LINCOLN Growing up without insurance, high school senior Aanya Mishra believed that insurance was the key to accessing health care. She realized that wasnt the case shortly after her family became insured. Her father, diagnosed with diabetes, delays trips to the doctor for fear that he will be prescribed insulin, one of the main treatments for the disease, but also a medication that has seen rising costs across the U.S. in recent years. Mishra was one of a handful of supporters of two bills that were the subject of a public hearing in the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee on Tuesday, each of which proposes to cap the monthly cost of insulin for insured patients. Insurance doesnt fix everything, Mishra said. Having limited copays is the solution to access to health care. The bills would cap the amount an insured patient can pay for insulin up to $100 per patient for a 30-day supply under Legislative Bill 142, introduced by State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, and up to $35 for the same amount under LB 779, introduced by Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln. Bostar said about 9.6% of Nebraska adults are diagnosed with diabetes, and yet he and other supporters said the rising cost of the medication is making it difficult for families to access the treatment. Briese said some Nebraskans are asked to pay more than $1,000 a month. No person should have to choose whether they receive lifesaving medication solely based on cost, said Leslie Spry with the Nebraska Medical Association. Spry said patients who have a hard time affording the medication can resort to desperate measures, such as rationing their current insulin supply, which can result in expensive and sometimes deadly consequences. Last year, the federal government capped insulin costs at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries. Briese said roughly 20 other states have established their own cap on copays, at $100 or less. He estimated the average cap to be $50 to $75. I would submit that we should do the same thing, Briese said. Other supporters of both bills represented AARP Nebraska and the advocacy group Nebraska Appleseed. Two insurance representatives were neutral on the bills. The committee did not vote to advance either bill after the hearing concluded. Photos: 2023 Nebraska legislative session After Nebraska saw a sharp increase in HIV cases in 2021, including a jump in rural cases and in the percentage linked to injection drug use, health officials began looking for new tools to tackle the problem. That led to the introduction of Legislative Bill 307, which would allow local jurisdictions to authorize pharmacies and public or behavioral health programs to set up syringe services programs to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. Lacie Bolte, lead support services manager for the Nebraska AIDS Project, said she doesnt want to see Nebraska become home to another outbreak like the one that put Scott County, Indiana, in the national spotlight in 2015. That year, intravenous drug use and sharing of needles led to an outbreak of HIV. Eventually, 235 people in the rural county were infected with HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks the bodys immune system. If not treated, it can lead to AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Thats what Im worried about, is suddenly we have all these infections and we dont have tools to combat them as quickly as we need them, Bolte said. Nebraska has averaged about 80 new cases of HIV a year over the past 10 years, she said. In 2021, the state recorded 104 cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an increase of 26%. While some of that increase occurred in metropolitan areas, Buffalo and Hall Counties went from one or two cases a year to five in Buffalo County that year and eight in Hall County. In addition, 24% of total cases in 2021 were linked to injection drug use as compared to 8% in 2018, Bolte said. While 51% of those diagnosed that year identified themselves as White, a disproportionate number compared to the states population were people of color: 21% were Black and 19% Hispanic. LB 307 essentially would exempt the staff and participants in public or behavioral health programs from a law that makes it illegal to provide others with drug paraphernalia, as long as their efforts are part of locally authorized programs to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Pharmacies also would be exempt. A hearing on the bill, introduced by State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Edward Krumpotich, Upper Midwest policy lead for the National Harm Reduction Coalition, said syringe services programs currently exist in 38 states. Many were originally developed in the 1990s to battle HIV and other infectious diseases. Syringe services programs, he said, used to be known as needle exchanges. But most such programs these days are offered with a host of other services, including testing and connections to both medical and substance abuse treatment. The programs work, he said. According to CDC, the programs are associated with an estimated 50% reduction in HIV and hepatitis C incidence. In Indiana, NPR reported, health officials credited a syringe services program that then-Gov. Mike Pence approved in the rural county as an emergency measure with a dramatic drop-off in cases. Krumpotich said his organization saw Nebraskas numbers and recognized a need for such a program here. He contacted a number of organizations, including the Nebraska AIDS Project. Many of them were already having similar conversations. The Nebraska measure, he said, is intended to leave the decision to authorize such programs to local officials, recognizing that Nebraskans do not like statewide mandates. Said Bolte, We want to empower local communities. Photos: 2023 Nebraska legislative session Business Excellence Awards Gala Saturday, Feb. 4 ISU Brown Ballroom, Normal More than 700 business and community leaders gathered to celebrate the 13th Annual Business Excellence Awards. The sold-out Gala provided the opportunity to award the success of Chamber member businesses of 2022. Awards went to: How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region. 100 years ago Feb. 7, 1923: Mr. Miller of Pittsburgh, Pa., was in Lincoln to search St. Clara's Hospital in an effort to find three needles of radium, valued at $6,000, owned by Dr. F.M. Hagans, which have been lost for nearly a week. One of the Sisters at the hospital misplaced the needles after treating a patient with radium. Miller has a delicate instrument intended to help with the search for the substance, which is the only radium in this part of the country. 75 years ago Feb. 7, 1948: A petition for an election to establish a unit school district in El Paso was filed at the office of Woodford County Superintendent of Schools. The petition bore signatures of roughly 245 community residents. Area of the proposed district would correspond roughly to the territory served by El Paso Township High School, including the high school district plus Secor and a corner of McLean County that sends students on a tuition basis. 50 years ago Feb. 7, 1973: A Peoria restaurant operator is seeking to open a restaurant at the Bloomington-Normal Airport. James Comfort, operator of Jim's Steak House at the Hyatt Lodge, has made his plans known to the McLean County Public Building Commission. The $600,000 terminal building was designed to include a restaurant, but the space has remained unfinished since the terminal was completed in June 1971. 25 years ago Feb. 7, 1998: Although they weren't awarded any funding from the latest Illinois Bureau of Tourism grant giveaway, backers of the Ronald Reagan Roadway project have vowed to move ahead. The project aims to link the towns of Tampico, Dixon and Eureka, which represent the 40th president's birthplace, boyhood home and college town, respectively. 101 years ago: See vintage Pantagraph ads from 1922 Gerthart's Union Gas and Electric Co. Hoover Dr. J.A. Moore Dentists Moberly & Klenner W.P. Garretson W.H. Roland Pease's Candy Thor 32 Electric Washing Machine The Kaiser's Story of the War Ike Livingston & Sons Gossard Corsets Cat'n Fiddle 'Stolen Moments' Case Model X The Johnson Transfer & Fuel Co. The Pantagraph want ads Franklin Motor Car Co. 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court' Calumet Baking Powder Mayer Livingston & Co. Newsmarket 'The Emperor Jones' 'California Fig Syrup' Binance, the worlds largest cryptocurrency and blockchain infrastructure provider has been recognized for its outstanding contributions to the fintech industry in Ghana at the Ghana Fintech Awards 2022. The blockchain giant received the Emerging Technology Of The Year award, an award highlighting its expertise in leveraging technology to deliver financial services and enable payments and transactions. The Ghana Fintech Awards 2022 had high-level executives, dignitaries, and industry leaders from the private sector, government agencies, and departments in attendance. Among the notable attendees were Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, British High Commissioner to Ghana H.E Harriet Thompson, and the Head of Fintech and Innovation, the Bank of Ghana, Kwame Oppong. Winners were selected through an independent audit process conducted by KPMG - one of the Big Four firms providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services - ensuring that the award selections were based on high-level criteria and transparent evaluation methods. At Binance, we believe that financial services should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or location. Our recognition as the Emerging Innovator of the year only strengthens our commitment to promoting financial inclusion and empowering individuals to take control of their financial future. says Emmanuel Ebanehita (Marketing Lead, Binance West Africa). Despite the major challenges that the digital asset industry faced in 2022, Binance has remained focused on building products that add real value and prioritize user experience and security two key aspects of the companys ethos. He added. Binance aims to make cryptocurrency accessible to everyone by offering extensive financial services and the most innovative product suite across a growing network while retaining the lowest fees in the industry. The blockchain company is constantly expanding its Web3 offerings beyond finance and believes that the underlying technology holds immense potential for enhancing services and improving people's lives. The Ghana Fintech Awards honors and acknowledges the individuals and organizations leading innovative solutions in the industry. These leaders have greatly contributed to boosting Ghana's fintech competitiveness and creating a robust fintech ecosystem for economic development and financial inclusion. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The death toll from a strong earthquake in south-eastern Turkey, near Syria's border, could rise eight-fold, the World Health Organisation has warned. The toll, which currently stands at more than 2,700 people, has increased rapidly since the first earthquake struck early on Monday morning. About 12 hours later, a second powerful tremor hit further north. Rescuers have been combing through mountains of rubble in freezing and snowy conditions to find survivors. Countries around the world are sending support to help the rescue efforts, including specialist teams, sniffer dogs and equipment. The US Geological Survey said the 7.8 magnitude tremor struck at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) at a depth of 17.9km (11 miles) near the city of Gaziantep. Seismologists said the first quake was one of the largest ever recorded in Turkey. Survivors said it took two minutes for the shaking to stop. The second quake had a magnitude of 7.5, and its epicentre was in the Elbistan district of Kahramanmaras province. An official from Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority said it was independent of the earlier tremor and not an aftershock. The death toll in Turkey has exceeded 1,760, while some 1,000 are confirmed to have died in Syria. The WHO has warned that those numbers are likely to increase as much as eight times, as rescuers find more victims in the rubble. "We always see the same thing with earthquakes, unfortunately, which is that the initial reports of the numbers of people who have died or who have been injured will increase quite significantly in the week that follows," the WHO's senior emergency officer for Europe, Catherine Smallwood, told AFP. Ms Smallwood added that the snowy conditions will leave many people without shelter, adding to the dangers. Turkey lies in one of the world's most active earthquake zones. In 1999 a deadly quake killed more than 17,000 in the north-west. The country's worst earthquake disaster was in 1939 when 33,000 people died in Turkey's eastern Erzincan province. One Kahramanmaras resident, Melisa Salman, said living in an earthquake zone meant she was used to "being shaken", but Monday's tremor was "the first time we have ever experienced anything like that". "We thought it was the apocalypse," she said. Many thousands of people have been injured - with at least 9,700 people hurt in Turkey and 2,000 in Syria. Those numbers have also been steadily rising. Many of the victims are in war-torn northern Syria, where millions of refugees live in camps on both sides of the Syria-Turkey border. There have been dozens of fatalities reported in rebel-held areas. Thousands of buildings have collapsed, and several videos show the moment they fell, as onlookers ran for cover. Many buildings that were four or five storeys high are now flattened, roads have been destroyed and there are huge mountains of rubble as far as the eye can see. Among the buildings destroyed was Gaziantep Castle, a historic landmark that has stood for more than 2,000 years. And a shopping mall in the city of Diyarbakir collapsed, a BBC Turkish correspondent there reported. Turkey's energy infrastructure has also been damaged, and videos have emerged showing large fires in southern Turkey. Social media users claimed they were caused by damage to gas pipelines. Turkey's energy minister Fatih Donmez confirmed there had been serious damage to the infrastructure, but did not mention the explosions. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is unimpressive in its approach to the writ filed by former Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) Charles Bissue, which is seeking to restrain the office from investigating and prosecuting the latter in the purported galamsey fraud saga. The lawyer for the plaintiff, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah had expressed concern about the legal gymnastics employed by the OSP ever since the case was called. The OSP has been evasive in a matter it argued: they have concluded the investigation and are ready to prosecute Mr Bissue. Despite filing a conditional appearance and an affidavit in opposition to the application on January 11, 2023, the OSP failed to file its statement of the case. By law, per their notice of conditional appearance, the OSP ought to have filed an application within 14 days to set aside the writ from Charles Bissue. The failure of the OSP to do that meant they had abandoned their earlier stance and intended to argue the substantive matter in court. It needs emphasizing that it was needless to file an affidavit in opposition when the OSP filed a conditional appearance. The Accra High Court, General Jurisdiction 4, presided over by Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu, today, requested if lawyers of the OSP had filed their statement of the case given their initial response to the writ. In response, the lawyers of the OSP said they are still in the process of finalizing their statement of the case. With their failure to file an application after serving a conditional appearance within the stipulated 14-day time, they are bound to argue the substantive matter as contained in the writ filed by Mr Bissue. The court has therefore adjourned the case to 13 March 2023. Amended Writs And Conflict of Interest Against Kissi Agyabeng An initial application [filed on 23 December 2022] seeking an interlocutory injunction on the OSP to investigate Charles Bissue, was amended to include a restraining order on the anti-graft body from prosecuting the latter. The writ was amended and filed on 4 January 2023 following claims by the Special Prosecutor it had concluded its investigations and is about commence prosecution of Charles Bissue over allegations documented in Anas Aremeyaw Anas Galamsey Fraud documentary. In all these cases, Anas Aremayaw Anas, and his private firm Tiger Eye P.I are joined as 2nd and 3rd Defendants. The OSP in its affidavit in opposition attempted to shield the 2nd and 3rd Defendants from this suit, arguing they are Whistle Blowers. But lawyers for Charles Bissue disagree and posit, Anas and his team (Tiger Eye P.I) actually, participated in the bribery, as alleged by themselves. The 2nd and 3rd Defendants have been hesitant in filing their response to the writ. It was until today that the court acknowledged receipt of their response in opposition and their defence to the application. However, the lawyers of Mr Bissue are yet to be served. In the meantime, a supplementary application has been filed by lawyers of Charles Bissue, which in effect cited the Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng in a conflict of interest situation and bias. Interestingly, lawyers of the OSP say they are yet to be served. According to sources, this application contends Mr Agyabeng remains a partner of Anas Aremayaw Anas in respect of Cromwell Gray LLP, a legal firm based in Accra. Mr Agyabeng serving through Cromwell Gray LLP was Anas Aremayaw Anas lawyer in this matter when the OSP under Martin Amidu was conducting its investigations. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video File photo shows a worker counts Chinese currency Renminbi (RMB) at a bank in Linyi, east China's Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua] Bullish on China's head start in economic recovery in 2023, global investors are lining up for yuan-denominated assets. Market data shows that net overseas capital inflow into shares traded at the Shenzhen and Shanghai bourses hit a single-month record of 131.146 billion yuan (about 19.4 billion U.S. dollars) in January, more than the whole of 2022. The MSCI China Index rose nearly 12 percent last month, while Morgan Stanley reiterated its recommendation on investing in Chinese equities. Industry insiders say the recent inflow is far from an opportunistic fever. Overseas investment in China's securities market will gradually increase as China's economic recovery quickens, and yuan assets become more investment-worthy with a stronger safe-haven appeal, said Wang Chunying, deputy head of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. Overseas capital actively participated in China's securities market in recent months, Wang noted. Official data shows that in December, overseas holdings of Chinses mainland bonds and stocks logged net increases of 7.3 billion U.S. dollars and 8.4 billion U.S. dollars, respectively. In the first half of January alone, net overseas investment in China's bonds and stocks hit 12.6 billion U.S. dollars. The strengthening Chinese yuan also heartened investors. The Chinese currency has firmed around 3 percent since the beginning of this year, continuing a trend that began last November. The advantages of buying yuan assets speak louder to global investors as they bet on the Chinese economy to become the first to recover in 2023. In late January, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lifted its forecast for China's economic growth in 2023 to 5.2 percent from a previous prediction of 4.4 percent. Investment banks, including Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, have also upgraded their growth forecasts for the world's second-largest economy. Industry insiders eye consumption as a main driver of China's recovery, which will likely start at full throttle in the second quarter after a shorter-than-expected adjustment period. "China's economic recovery this year could be a major hedge against global economic downturn," said Yu Xiangrong, China chief economist of Citigroup. The IMF said global growth is projected to fall from an estimated 3.4 percent in 2022 to 2.9 percent in 2023. Forecasts from the United Nations and the World Bank stood at 1.9 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively. Analysts said the expansion of an economy of China's size would contribute markedly to global growth and benefit economies like Japan, Europe, and commodities exporters. A rescue operation is underway across much of southern Turkey and northern Syria following a huge earthquake that has killed more than 2,300 people. The BBC'S Focus on Africa radio has spoken to several Ghanaian students who are living in nearby cities which were affected by the earthquake. Ibrahim, a Ghanaian student living in Konya, together with his partner and one-week-old baby, says that he is thankful to be alive after the earthquake struck. It was in the dawn when we heard the shaking of the land. We tried to gather the family and take them out of the house. I feel very sad and very sorry. Focus on Africa also spoke to Ghanaian student Nasser Abdallah, who is studying in Adana, 150 miles (241km) from Gazientep the city closest to the epicentre. Early in the morning I was working on my laptop and all of a sudden I saw my laptop started to shake. It started from a mild shake to a very heavy shake. We have been told that no one should enter their house until further notice. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Joseph Nunoo-Mensah, Brigadier (retired) has said Ghana does not need a war college. In his view, instead of a war college, the government must build an Agricultural college to promote agriculture to feed the nation because Ghanaians are hungry. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced plans to establish a war college in the country at the Ghana Armed Forces 2022 end-of-year West African Soldiers Social Activities (WASSA) celebrations at Burma camp in Accra. The war college, which is to be established with a seed capital from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), is expected to be the capstone of Ghanas military education system. It is meant to provide and improve the professional education of the highest levels of military leadership when established. The war college if established will educate and train senior military tacticians, strategists, and leaders advanced tactical and strategic thought, doctrines and policies. But Mr Nunoo-Mensah says the college is not necessary. Speaking on the Class Morning Show on Class91.3FM on Tuesday, 7 February 2023, he said Akufo-Addo is my friend, I campaigned with him to be NPP flagbearer in 1998 but even if you are my friend Ill tell you my piece of mindwhat we need is not a war college but agricultural college to feed the people, the people are hungry. He said the Kofi Annan Peace Keeping Training Center has the capacity to train the military in whatever capacity, hence, there is no need for a war college when there are pressing issues like hunger. We need agricultural college and the reason is that Ghanaians are very hungry, I am hungry...involve everybody in farming because food is very expensive he added. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, a private legal practitioner has expressed disappointment in the Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for disrespecting a legal document. According to the outspoken lawyer, Okudzeto Ablakwa needs to be summoned by parliaments privileges committee for contempt of court. Ablakwa was sighted in a viral video kicking an alleged court order filed against him by the Executive Secretary of the Board of Trustees for the National Cathedral, Rev Victor Kusi Boateng, seeking a 10-day restraining order from further public publication by Ablakwa. The viral video captures Ablakwa kicking the said documents on the floor after the bailiff tried to force it into his car. Responding to the incident which happened last Friday, Ampaw told Neat FM on Monday February 6, 2023; that Ablakwa should not disrespect the courts or meddle with the legal process as a legislator. As a lawmaker, his actions show the public that one, you have disrespected and disregarded the authority of the court, two; youve interfered with the administration of legal process and three; disrespected the legal process, thus, the document and thats a serious issue. I look from this angle that Ablakwa needs to be punished. With Alban Bagbin being a lawyer, Ablakwa by now should be asked by colleagues to appear before the privileges committee of parliament to face contempt charges, he said. He added that the Attorney General can step in to punish Ablakwa for exhibiting such behaviour. And if the video goes too viral, I think the attorney general can step in and cite him for contempt, for undermining and demeaning the court, he added. Rev Kusi Boateng secures restraining order against Ablakwa Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng, who is also known as Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, secured an order of interim injunction against Ablakwa. The order restrains Okudzeto Ablakwa from publicly sharing any document belonging to Kwabena Adu Gyamfi for the next 10 days. The MP disclosed this in a tweet shared on Friday, February 3, 2023, stating that he was served the order after his appearance on Metro TVs Good Morning Ghana programme on the same day. One Kwabena Adu Gyamfi also claiming to have an alias as Victor Kusi Boateng has secured a 10-day restraining order seeking to stop me from further publications on the Conflict of Interest & Double Identity Scandal, parts of the MPs tweet read. The MP shared a picture of the order he was served which read: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the 1" Respondent, SAMUEL OKUDZETO ABLAKWA is restrained from making further public disclosures of private documents, correspondence, communication and property belonging to the Applicant (Adu Gyamfi)." IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this interim order will lapse after Ten (10) days, it added. Background The latest corruption expose on the National Cathedral by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, suggested impropriety on the part of the secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana, Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng. On January 16, 2023, the MP made some allegations against Rev. Kusi Boateng, who is the secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana. In an earlier revelation about the National Cathedral, Okudzeto Ablakwa said a whopping GH2.6 million was dished out to a company named JNS Talent Centre Limited. Further investigations into the alleged payment led to the discovery of one Kwabena Adu Gyamfi as a director of JNS Talent Centre. Having confirmed the identities of two out of three directors of the centre, Ablakwa dug deeper in a bid to discover the identity of the third director, Kwabena Adu Gyamfi. According to his findings, citing a number of statutory documents, Kwabena Adu Gyamfi was the same as Reverend Kusi Boateng, who has allegedly been operating under the pseudonym Kwabena Adu Gyamfi. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Samuel Boateng, a political analyst, says our leaders lack the political will to deal with corruption and corruption-related activities in the country, which has resulted in the canker spreading at an increasing rate in recent years. He stated that despite the release of the Auditor-Generals report and the citation of several individuals for misapplication, misappropriation, and corruption-related offences, they had not been prosecuted. He emphasised that the auditor generals report categorically states how people steal, embezzle, and misappropriate state funds but get away with it, which he said is concerning for the countrys development. Samuel Boateng bemoaned how people perceive corruption and its related activities as the norm as a result of poor handling of corruption-related issues. He believes that viewing politicians solely as corrupt officials is a mistake and that most corrupt-related activities are carried out by technocrats within various government ministries, departments, agencies, and assemblies, because these technocrats may compel people to pay a sum of money before delivering on his mandate in favour of the victim. He proposed that the government give the Auditor-General prosecutorial authority to prosecute corrupt officials identified in his report, which he believes will help reduce the countrys corruption problem. According to him, cases of corruption forwarded to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for further investigation by the Auditor-General are not the best. According to him, PAC has not provided a valuable service to the nation by recovering funds recklessly spent by people as a result of corruption, so giving the Auditor-General prosecutorial powers will assist the nation in ensuring that people are duly punished and made to pay back to the coffers. People accused of corruption and misappropriation are not sufficiently punished, and as a result, more people steal from the state. In Ghana, we have normalised corruption and stealing. We dont have the political will to punish those who steal from us. We dont have to make corruption a political issue. We require strong systems and harsh punishment for corrupt individuals. We need leaders who are willing to imprison their children as well as appointees who steal from the state. By doing so, we will reduce the rate of corruption even if we will not be able to eradicate it, he added. Source: rainbow radio Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former president, John Dramani Mahama, has accused the Akufo-Addo-led government of their lack of efforts aimed at increasing the country's oil production in the upstream sector over the last seven years. According to him, greed and ineptitude against national interest have engulfed the current government which has resulted in the lack of development in the oil and gas sector. In a tweet posted on February 6, 2023, John Mahama said described the development as 'wasted years' despite his [NDC] administration handing over two new oil fields [TEN and Sankofa] to the Akufo-Addo government in 2017. Wasted years! We bequeathed to the Akufo-Addo government two new oil fields, TEN and Sankofa. Greed and ineptitude as against national interest means a sad reality of no additional production activity in our upstream oil sector in the last 7 years, John Mahama wrote. Meanwhile, the Public Interest Accountability Committee (PIAC) in a recent assessment report on Ghanas petroleum revenue management spanning a 10-year period showed that an amount of US$31.22 billion in value was generated from three producing oil fields between 2011 and 2022. PIACs report which was released on March 1, 2022, said the generation comprises both entitlements due to the contracting parties and the Ghana Group. The Ghana Group, according to the report earned US$6.55 billion in total petroleum receipts between 2011 and 2020. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Some new first-year students reporting to a school in western Kenya have had their hair shaved off to comply with a strict dress code. Escorted by their parents and guardians, the new learners queued at various desks to go through the admission process, those found to have long hair were directed to a group of barbers. "Welcome Kereri Girls, to the girls who are here for the admission process and you have long hair, it is the school's policy that you get shaved," an announcer said, local media reported. "To my left, there is a barber please proceed there to get assistance. Thank you," the announcer said. Local NTV station shared a video of a student having her hair shaved off. Some people commenting on the story have criticised the Kisii County boarding school, saying it should focus on more-important issues. "Another problem with our Kenyan schools, instead of focusing on the mental health and welfare of students they focus on the physical issues - a head that is perfectly shaved but with poor mental health is like a 2023 model ranger over without an engine," one tweeter posted. Politician Robert Alai tweeted: "Students shouldn't be shaved bald with the hot sun. The hair protects the skin. Sad that we still encourage this nonsense." Strict dress code rules are common in Kenyan education institutions, including some universities. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ministry of Energy has responded to claims by former president, John Dramani Mahama, that the Akufo-Addo-led government has done little to nothing to increasing Ghana's oil production in the upstream sector over the last seven years. In a tweet posted on February 6, 2023, John Mahama described the Akufo-Addo government's development in the oil sector as 'wasted years' despite his (Mahama) administration handing over two new oil fields [TEN and Sankofa] to the current government in 2017. Wasted years! We bequeathed to the Akufo-Addo government two new oil fields, TEN and Sankofa. Greed and ineptitude as against national interest means a sad reality of no additional production activity in our upstream oil sector in the last 7 years, Mr. John Mahama wrote. But a statement issued by the Ministry of Energy says "for the record, under the Akufo-Addo presidency, Ghana has seen an unprecedented oil wells drilling success rate from all exploration wells drilled from 2017 to date. Out of the seven (7) exploration wells drilled during the period, six (6) of them were successful resulting in 7 discoveries". The Ministry refuted Mahama's claims stressing that "former President Mahama should take note that the restrictions on the movements of persons and other associated impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a two-year freeze on oil exploration for new discoveries and appraisal of existing discoveries in Ghana". "It is important to point out to John Mahama and his followers that, on average, it takes a minimum of five years from discovery to first oil for a deep-water oilfield to be developed to production status. Thus, the so-called waste of time alleged by John Mahama is premised on a poor or no understanding at all of the upstream oil industry by John Mahama", it added. The Energy Ministry asked the public to disregard Mr. Mahama's claims saying "on the back of the available evidence, the Ministry wishes to state unequivocally, that the former President's assertion cannot be supported by the available facts and therefore must be treated with the utmost contempt it deserves". Read full statement below: Your browser does not support iframes. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Bryan Acheampong is the Member of Parliament for the Abetifi Constituency. He is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Affairs; a Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, the Appointments Committee, and the Selection Committee. He is a former Minister of State at the Ministry of the Interior and the former Minister of State at the Ministry of National Security. His experience spans Security, Intelligence, Politics, and Business Leadership. Bryan is a serial entrepreneur, having founded many successful businesses in Agriculture, Technology, Real Estate, Agriculture, Hospitality, and Media. He was an adjunct lecturer in Electronic Business at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) for the 2021/2022 academic year. He is a retired soldier of the US Air Force with training in Anti-Terrorism, Force Protection, Laws of Armed Conflict, Conventional Defence Training, Weapons, Small Arms, and Fuels. His experience spans Security, Intelligence, Politics, and Business Leadership. He possesses a bachelor's degree, three master's degrees, a PhD, a graduate diploma in law, and other certificates in management, leadership and journalism. He holds a bachelors degree in Business Management from Johnson and Wales University, USA and a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from Johnson and Wales University, USA, a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Applied Intelligence from Georgetown University, USA, a Master of Arts (MA) in Security and Intelligence from the University of Leicester, UK, and a PhD in Information systems from the University of Ghana, Legon. He also holds a graduate diploma in law from the University of Laws, certificates in Building, Leading, and Sustaining the Innovative Organization from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Effective Leadership in Management and Administration from the University of Ghana Business School, and Public Relations, Advertising, and Marketing from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. He has worked as an Adjunct Lecturer in Electronic Business at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). In addition, he is a member of the Security Institute, a membership of security professionals. His foundation, the Bryan Acheampong Foundation, constantly embarks on Agriculture, Poverty Reduction, Health and Education programs. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Pope Francis said on Sunday that laws criminalising LGBT people are a sin and an injustice because God loves and accompanies people with same-sex attraction. Francis, who made his remarks in response to a reporter's question aboard the plane returning from a two-country trip to Africa, received full backing of his comments from two other Christian leaders on the plane with him. "The criminalisation of homosexuality is a problem that cannot be ignored," said Francis, who then cited unnamed statistics according to which 50 countries criminalise LGBT people "in one way or another" and about 10 others have laws including the death penalty for them. Sixty-six U.N. member states continue to criminalise consensual same-sex sexual relations, according to data from ILGA World the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. In several countries where same-sex relations are illegal, punishments can include a possible death penalty. "This is not right. Persons with homosexual tendencies are children of God. God loves them. God accompanies them ... condemning a person like this is a sin. Criminalising people with homosexual tendencies is an injustice," Francis said. He noted that the Catholic Church's catechism, or book of teachings, says same-sex attraction is not a sin but homosexual acts are. It also says that LGBT people should not be marginalised. Francis mentioned his now-famous phase from soon after he became pope in 2013 that he could not judge people with same-sex tendencies who are seeking God. He also noted that while visiting Ireland in 2018 he said that parents could not disown their LGBT children, but had to keep them in a loving family. The pope made the trip to South Sudan, the second country on the tour, as a peace pilgrimage with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Iain Greenshields. Both Christian leaders were on the plane returning from there and participated in the pope's customary news conference with reporters, a first on any papal trip. Both praised the pope's comments. "I entirely agree with every word he said there," Welby said, noting that the Anglican communion was itself divided over gay rights and that two resolutions against criminalisation of LGBT people "have not really changed many people's minds". Welby added: "I shall certainly quote the Holy Father. He said it so beautifully and accurately". Expressing his own support of Francis, Greenshields referred to the Bible, saying: "There is nowhere in my reading of the four Gospels where I see Jesus turning anyone away. There is nowhere in the four Gospels that I see anything other than Jesus expressing love to whoever he meets and as Christians that is the only expression that we can give to any human being in any circumstance". Francis repeated that the Catholic Church cannot permit sacramental marriage of same-sex couples but that he supported so-called civil union legislation giving same-sex couples legal protection in issues such as pensions, inheritance and health care. Source: Reuters 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 Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has warned that if bondholders are exempted from the ongoing Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP), Ghanas economy will be in shambles. According to him, even though the decision and its consequence were dire, it is necessary for various individuals to sign willingly to the program to enable government function. Addressing the concerns of the Pensioner Bondholders Forum after a picket at the Finance Ministry, Mr Ofori-Atta urged the affected holders to hold their peace as it goes through tough periods. He added that we are in a situation of Boa Me Na Me Mboa Wo, to wit help me, let me help you hence bondholders should cooperate with government to stabilize the economy Prior to this, Mr Ofori-Atta reiterated that government has attenuated the period and term of maturity to 5 years instead of the uncertainty of the long term. In response, the Pensioner Bond Holders insisted on government to totally exempt them from the ongoing Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP) Dr Adu Antwi Anane, leader of the Pensioner bondholders indicated their acceptance or otherwise, disapproval will be dependent on their members for further actions. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video This aerial photo taken on Nov. 5, 2022 shows a view of the Yangpu international container terminal in the Yangpu Economic Development Zone, south China's Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua] China is ready to restart the economic and trade exchanges mechanism with Australia, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said Monday. During his talks via video link with Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell, Wang said China is also willing to expand cooperation in emerging areas, such as climate change and new energy, and promote high-quality development of bilateral economic and trade relations. China and Australia are each other's important economic and trade partners, with highly complementary economic structures and mutually beneficial and win-win bilateral economic and trade cooperation, said Wang. He added that bilateral trade and economic relations are facing an important window of opportunity, and that the two sides should make joint efforts to inject more positive factors into their economic and trade cooperation. The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China stressed that China would unswervingly open wider to the outside world, and a developing and open China would bring more opportunities to Australia and other countries, Wang said. He hoped that Australia would work with China to strengthen communication and coordination in the economic and trade fields and seek mutually beneficial solutions to issues of respective concerns. China is closely following Australia's tightened security review of Chinese companies' investment and operations in Australia and hopes that Australia can appropriately handle relevant cases and provide a fair, open, and equal business environment for Chinese companies, Wang added. Farrell pointed out that China is Australia's largest trading partner and a significant source of investment, adding that trade and investment are cornerstones of bilateral relations. He said Australia welcomes high-quality investment from China and other countries and looks forward to further expanding cooperation with China in such fields as climate change and renewable energy. Farrell said Australia and China both support a rules-based multilateral trading system, and that Australia is ready to work with China to enhance mutual trust and resolve differences through candid dialogue for the benefit of the two peoples. The hearing of the suit in which some individuals and groups have dragged government to court over the prospecting bauxite mine in the Atewa Range Forest has commenced. The plaintiffs consisting of environmentalists, climate change activists, individuals, civil society and non governmental organizations are challenging governments move to mine bauxite in the forest. They also argue that the government is undertaking mining activities in the forest without mineral right. Arocha Ghana and 10 other plaintiffs have urged the court to compel the government to restore or pay the cost of damages that had been caused as a result of recognisance, prospecting and clearing of roads in the Forest. The matter is in the High Court in Accra presided over by Justice John Nyante Nyandu. In court on Monday, Dr Seth Appiah Kubi, the National Director of Arocha Ghana who is an environmentalist entered the witness box and gave evidence of their claim. Source: starrfm 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 Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, has noted that the government is resolute in finding lasting peace for the entire people of the Upper East and for that matter all the people in the Bawku municipality. According to him, the government is doing everything possible to bring the two warring factions to smoke the peace pipe for growth. He added that the reason it is taking the government time to resolve the conflict as practicable as possible is due to the issue being a century old. He noted that the issue needs time, and commitment from both factions. Mr. Yakubu spoke to the media on Monday, February 6, 2023, after paying a visit to the Bawku municipality with some members of the security council. The visit came against the backdrop of the recent disturbances in the area where 10 persons were reported to have been shot by military operatives in the area. He, however, appealed to the two factions to bury their differences as the raging conflict is turning the area into a ghost town. Source: class fm 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 former National Vice Chairman of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Said Sinare, visited the 2020 running mate of the NDC on Monday in her office. In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, the outspoken NDC bigwig indicated that his visit is meant to help the NDC return to power in 2025 and rescue the suffering Ghanaians. "Earlier today, I paid a courtesy visit to Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, our great party's 2020 running mate, in her office. "There, we addressed our intentions to #RecoverGhana by returning His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the great NDC to office, because Ghanaians can now agree that the country is in its worst state since its inception. "The victory of the NDC is coming again #Sinare4Zongos," Sinare tweeted, sharing a photo of the two. While he did not share details of the discussions, the founder of Sinare's Zongos for Mahama 2024 said they were centred on "plans to recover Ghana through Mahama." The former vice National Chairman, Alhaji Said Sinare, said there was a need for a leadership change in 2024 to move the nation forward. According to him, Ghana, more than ever before, needs a change of leadership to be saved from the unemployment, poverty, and economic woes confronting it under the Nana/Bawumia-led NPP government. The former National Vice Chairman said, "Ghanaians can now agree that the country is in its worst state since its inception. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders says it has amicably resolved the impasse over the appointment of new minority leaders. In a statement, the Council said it expects the new Minority Leadership to provide the leadership that will provide resounding victory for the NDC in 2024. It is our hope that the new Minority Caucus leadership will provide the leadership that will guarantee a resounding victory for the NDC in the 2024 general elections so that we can together rescue our beloved country from the hands of the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government. It stated that although the approach in selecting the leadership of the Caucus has been the same for years, it could have been better. While recognizing that the party leadership was within its rights to make appointments or rotate the leadership of the NDC caucus in Parliament as has been the case since the inception of the Parliament of the 4th Republic, the Council is of the view that the processes need to be improved. "Accordingly, the Council noted that in the instant case, the approach, level of consultation, timing as well as the mode and manner of notifying the affected persons could have been better. Read the full statement below PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release: 6th February, 2023. NDC COUNCIL OF ELDERS AMICABLY RESOLVES IMPASSE OVER APPOINTMENT OF NEW LEADERSHIP OF MINORITY CAUCUS. Over the past several days, the Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been holding a series of meetings on a petition submitted by a group of NDC Members of Parliament on the changes to the partys Parliamentary leadership announced earlier by the Party Leadership. The Council approached the engagements conscious of the need for an early resolution which will be in the best interest of the party and mindful of the imperatives of unity and cohesion at a time Ghanaians are looking up to the NDC to rescue the country from the dismal state of affairs which has been the hallmark of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government. While recognizing that the party leadership was within its rights to make appointments or rotate the leadership of the NDC caucus in Parliament as has been the case since the inception of the Parliament of the 4th Republic, the Council is of the view that the processes need to be improved. Accordingly, the Council noted that in the instant case, the approach, level of consultation, timing as well as the mode and manner of notifying the affected persons could have been better. That notwithstanding, the Council implored our Honorable MPs to accept the decision of the party leadership and work with the newly appointed leadership of the caucus. This position was discussed with representatives of the petitioners who fully appreciated the stance of Council and offered to communicate same to the petitioners. The Council has advised the leadership of the party to as a matter of urgency, accelerate work on the draft framework of rules for to guide decisions relating to matters such as the appointment of parliamentary leadership of the party. The Council will ensure that this framework is in place within the shortest possible time. The Council regrets the media altercations that took place in the aftermath of the leadership changes and the failure of the protagonists to resort to the internal grievance resolution mechanisms of the party to address their concerns. The Council is of the hope that such political point-scoring which is not part of our political ethos will be avoided in future. All concerned parties have accepted the Councils advice and pledged to abide by it. The Council of Elders acknowledges the leadership and sterling achievements of the outgoing leaders of the NDC caucus namely, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Hon. James Klutse Avedzi and Hon. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak who have raised the profile of the NDC minority caucus and demonstrated that indeed it is the NDC who has the men and women capable of turning the fortunes of Ghanaians around. Their efforts have contributed to reassuring Ghanaians that the NDC party is ready to assume power and rescue the nation from the depths of despair and desperation. Indeed, the NDC party must not and will never forget the contributions of our three respected comrades in improving the electoral fortunes of the party. The Council of Elders hereby calls for togetherness and unity of purpose within the minority caucus and urges all members of the party to let peace prevail. Let us not do anything to hamper the clear opportunity the NDC has to emerge victorious in the 2024 elections. It is our hope that the new Minority Caucus leadership will provide the leadership that will guarantee a resounding victory for the NDC in the 2024 general elections so that we can together rescue our beloved country from the hands of the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government. Signed. Alhaji Mahama Iddrissu (Chairman, Council of Elders) Source: rainbow radio 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 President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced some changes in his government. The Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin announced the Ministerial nominations in Parliament today when the House reconvened after the Christmas recess. President Akufo-Addo has appointed Kobina Tahiru Hammond as the new Minister of Trade and Industry, taking over from Alan Kyerematen who recently resigned from his position to contest for the NPP Flagbearer position for election 2024. Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi Constituency will now head the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Meanwhile, former Director-General of SIGA Stephen Asamoah Boateng, heads to the Ministry of Chieftaincy, Mohammed Amin Adam is now the Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance replaceing Charles Adu Boahen while Osei Bonsu Amoah is the Minister of State for Local Government. The Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso and head of MASLOC, Stephen Amoah, is to serve as a Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, while Herbert Krapa, a Deputy Trade Minister has been moved to the Energy Ministry as deputy Minister. Rt. Hon Alban Bagbin referred the nominations to the Appointments Committee of Parliament and asked the Committee to expedite action on the vetting of the nominees. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council has expressed concern about Ghanas ailing economy which has left many in extreme hardship. The Council in its communique to the government in Accra on Monday, 6th February 2023 following its recent National Conference said the situation now is presenting an almost existential threat to the poor and vulnerable. Whiles admitting global economic challenges are partially the problem of Ghanas distresses the Council also commend the government for its effort to sustain the situation. The President of the Council, Apostle Eric Nyamekye who signed the seven pages communique said the church is always ready to play its role in nation-building by sharing feedback and using its platforms to educate and create awareness on national issues. Attached is the full statement Your browser does not support iframes. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu was conspicuously missing at the crunch meeting called by the Council of Elders with the Minority Caucus and the National Executive Committee (NEC) on Monday, February 6. The meeting resolved to back the decision to select Dr Cassiel Ato Forson of Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam Constituency as the Minority Leader with Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah of Ellembelle Constituency as the Deputy Minority Leader. Adaklus Governs Kwame Agbodza is replacing Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak as the Minority Chief Whip. The Asawase Member of Parliament was also missing at the meeting. But later writing to confirm the resolution by all at Mondays meeting, former Deputy Minority Leader James Klutse Avedzi said he was sent to the meeting by the Tamale South MP. We the former leaders made up of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, the former Minority Leader, Hon. James Klutse Avedzi, Deputy Minority Leader and Hon. Muntaka Mubarak, Minority Chief Whip assured the Council of Elders of the Party when we met them on Tuesday 17th January 2023, that we will abide by their resolution of the challenges, he wrote on Monday, February 6. This assurance was disclosed to the Council when Hon. Haruna Iddrisu asked me to sum up our position on the matter. He subsequently thanked the Council chaired by Alhaji Mahama Iddrissu and former President John Dramani Mahama for their intervention. The National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, assured that all concerns that arose out of the announcement have been resolved. You can see from the enthusiasm that the challenges that arose out of the announcement of the new leadership of our caucus in Parliament have all been resolved, he said after the meeting. All concerns have been addressed so we are just looking forward. One of the Minority MPs who signed the petition to the Council, Cletus Apuul Avoka, on Ghana Tonight on TV3 on Monday pledged to work with the new leadership. Source: 3news.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Celebrated Ghanaian dancehall artiste, Samini, will be storming the United States of America (USA) to perform at the second edition of the annual Black History Festival (BHF) to be held in the United States of America (USA). This was made known by the Coordinator of the Black History Festival, Mr. Stephen Selasie Asuo at the media engagement held in Accra on January 31, 2023. He disclosed that Samini has been billed to perform at the festival, themed Strengthening US-Africa Ties, Consolidating the Heritage of Africas Diaspora. We will be having some of our entertainers from USA and Ghana. We will be having Samini who will be performing alongside some other musicians, he added. The Black History Festival which aims to promote cultural integration, diversity, and awareness about the contributions of people of African descent to the globe is scheduled to take place in Columbus, Ohio-USA, from February 15 18, 2023. It is an initiative dedicated to celebrating strong ties between the governments of the United States of America and the African Union member states. It is expected to host over 10,000 diaspora participants, exhibitors and groups. Samini is expected to rock the festival alongsidesome selected Ghanaian and Africanacts at the festival, which was launchedon December 16, 2022, at the Africa Trade House in Accra, Ghana. Credited with several hit songs, Samini is also expected to entertain fans with hit songs such as Linda, My Own, Where My Baby Dey, Master Key, Body Flame and a host of others. Samini has performed alongside Sean Paul, Akon, Kevin Little, Shaggy, Wayne Wonder, Damian Marley, Bennie Man, Jay-Z, Chaka Demus & Pliers, and Steel Pulse. He has also received international recognition as well as toured the UK, Germany, Italy, Canada, and the Netherlands. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Internationally celebrated dancehall musician Stonebwoy extols his own virtues as the guardian of musical talent in Ghana. Stonebwoy, a stage name for Livingstone Etse Satekla, has revealed how he was able to land an interview with The Breakfast Club Morning Show in New York. Mr. Satekla stated in a Berla Mundi interview that he put in a lot of effort over the years to get to where he is now and for his interview with the Breakfast Club. He admitted that his readiness and constancy in seizing opportunities led to his appearance on the show. Stonebwoy hailed himself as someone who has been creating doors for other musicians to create waves as the first Ghanaian artist to make it to the event. In response to a question about how much it cost him to be interviewed on such a significant platform, Stonebwoy stated networking costs money, but everyone must put up the effort to achieve their goals. He also discussed how his early attempts to land that interview were referred to as bootlicking. If they want to succeed, he told his coworkers to network and let go of the worry that they will be perceived as bootlickers. Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A team of aquaculture and aquatic scientists at Auburn University has found a way to reduce infection rates in catfish raised on fish farms by giving them an alligator gene. The group used the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system to add a special gene to the catfish genome that helps alligators ward off infections. They have presented their results in a paper uploaded to the bioRxiv preprint sever. Catfish is a prized delicacy in many parts of the Southern U.S. and is in high demand. Keeping up with the demand has proven to be challenging, however, which has led to the creation of catfish farms. Such farms have been found to be highly profitable, but suffer from low yields due to high bacterial infection rates. Currently, only 55% of fingerlings survive to adulthooda number fish farmers would like to see greatly increased. Catfish farming is big business, accounting for roughly half of all fish farming efforts in the U.S., so improving yields would greatly increase profits. In this new effort, the researchers looked to alligators for assistance. Prior research has shown that alligators have a gene that codes for cathelicidin, a protein that helps alligators ward off infections from cuts they incur during battles with other alligators. The team in Alabama wondered what might happen if they removed that gene and inserted it into the genome of a catfish. They used CRISPR/Cas9 to find out, but they did it in a clever way. They inserted the gene into the catfish in a part of the genome involved in reproduction. This effectively rendered the fish infertile, which is an important attribute for a genetically modified fish to keep it from propagating out into the wild should one or more of them escape from their enclosure. Testing showed the experiment worked as hopedthe engineered fish had a survival rate 100%400% higher than native catfish. More testing is required to ensure that other changes to the catfish do not arise. Also, getting people in the deep South to accept genetically modified catfish might be a challenge. More information: Jinhai Wang et al, Generation of eco-friendly channel catfish,Ictalurus punctatus, harboring alligator cathelicidin gene with robust disease resistance by harnessing different CRISPR/Cas9-mediated systems, bioRxiv (2023). DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.05.522889 2023 Science X Network China's resumption of outbound group tours after the optimization of its COVID-19 response will be a strong boost to the global tourism industry and a boon for the world, especially for economies that are dependent on tourism. On Monday, China resumed outbound group travel to 20 countries, including Thailand, the Maldives, the United Arab Emirates, Russia and New Zealand. Group tours between the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions also resumed. The move came after the country downgraded its management of COVID-19 from Class A to Class B on Jan. 8. Resuming outbound travel is one of the measures in China's COVID-19 response adjustment. It has been three years since the country suspended outbound group tours -- the major form of travel for outbound tourists. The rebooting of the services is undoubtedly part of the certainty and momentum that the world's second-largest economy is contributing to a world faced with uncertainties and bleak growth prospects this year. Before the pandemic, China was the world's biggest outbound travel market. Its total number of outbound tourist trips was 155 million in 2019. According to the World Tourism Organization, China's total expenditure on outbound tourism hit 277 billion U.S. dollars in 2018. Countries like Thailand, Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates welcomed the first tour groups from China in three years on Monday. Chinese tourists used to account for about a quarter of all arrivals in Thailand, which aims to receive 7 million Chinese tourists this year. During the Spring Festival holiday from Jan. 21 to 27, China saw nearly 2.9 million cross-border trips, up 120.5 percent year on year, and 308 million domestic trips, up 23.1 percent and back to 88.6 percent of the 2019 level for the same period. The World Tourism Organization forecast that international tourist arrivals could reach 80 percent to 95 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 (versus 63 percent in 2022), despite lingering global headwinds. With the gradual and orderly recovery of outbound tourism, more countries are expected to receive tour groups from China. Over the past three years, China's average growth rate was 4.5 percent, far higher than the global average of 1.8 percent. The resumption of group tours shows that in the new phase of its COVID-19 response, China will strengthen people-to-people and economic exchanges with other countries, and inject more confidence and strength into global economic recovery. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Large asteroid impacts can melt significant amounts of material from Earth's crust (artist's impression). Credit: NASA, Don Davis For the first time, researchers have recorded live and in atomic detail what happens to the material in an asteroid impact. The team of Falko Langenhorst from the University of Jena and Hanns-Peter Liermann from DESY simulated an asteroid impact with the mineral quartz in the lab and pursued it in slow motion in a diamond anvil cell, while monitoring it with DESY's X-ray source PETRA III. The observation reveals an intermediate state in quartz that solves a decades-old mystery about the formation of characteristic lamellae in material hit by an asteroid. Quartz is ubiquitous on the Earth's surface, and is, for example, the major constituent of sand. The analysis helps to better understand traces of past impacts, and may also have significance for entirely different materials. The researchers present their findings in Nature Communications. Asteroid impacts are catastrophic events that create huge craters and sometimes melt parts of Earth's bedrock. "Nevertheless, craters are often difficult to detect on Earth, because erosion, weathering and plate tectonics cause them to disappear over millions of years," Langenhorst explains. Therefore, minerals that undergo characteristic changes due to the force of the impact often serve as evidence of an impact. For example, quartz sand (which chemically is silicon dioxide, SiO 2 ) is gradually transformed into glass by such an impact, with the quartz grains then being crisscrossed by microscopic lamellae. This structure can only be explored in detail under an electron microscope. It can be seen in material from the relatively recent and prominent Barringer crater in Arizona, USA, for example. "For more than 60 years, these lamellar structures have served as an indicator of an asteroid impact, but no one knew until now how this structure was formed in the first place," Liermann says. "We have now solved this decades-old mystery." To do so, the researchers had spent years modifying and advancing techniques that allow materials to be studied under high pressure in the lab. In these experiments, samples are usually compressed between two small diamond anvils in a so-called diamond anvil cell (DAC). It allows extreme pressuresas prevalent in Earth's interior or in an asteroid impactto be generated in a controlled manner. Characteristic lamellae For its experiments, the team used a dynamic diamond anvil cell (dDAC) in which the pressure can be changed very quickly during the measurement. With this device, the scientists compressed small quartz single crystals stronger and stronger, while shining PETRA III's intense X-ray light through them to investigate changes to their crystal structure. "The trick is to let the simulated asteroid impact proceed slowly enough to be able to follow it with the X-ray light, but not too slowly, so that the effects typical of an asteroid impact can still occur," Liermann says. Experiments on the scale of seconds proved to be the right duration. The simulated asteroid impact creates tiny glass lamellae in the quartz crystals studied, only tens of nanometers wide, which are only visible under the electron microscope. Credit: Falko Langenhorst, Christoph Otzen (Universitat Jena) "We observed that at a pressure of about 180,000 atmospheres, the quartz structure suddenly transformed into a more tightly packed transition structure, which we call rosiaite-like," reports first author Christoph Otzen, who is writing his doctoral thesis on these studies. "In this crystal structure, the quartz shrinks by a third of its volume. The characteristic lamellae form exactly where the quartz changes into this so-called metastable phase, which no one has been able to identify in quartz before us." Rosiaite is an oxidic mineral and the namesake for the crystal structure that is known from various materials. It does not consist of silica, but is a lead antimonate (a compound of lead, antimony and oxygen). Collapse into disorder "The higher the pressure rises, the larger the ratio of silica with a rosiaite-like structure in the sample," Otzen explains. "But when the pressure drops again, the rosiaite-like lamellae do not transform back into the original quartz structure, but collapse into glass lamellae with a disordered structure. We also see these lamellae in quartz grains from deposits of asteroid impacts." Quantity and orientation of the lamellae allow conclusions to be drawn about the impact. For instance, they indicate how high the impact pressure has been. "For decades, such lamellae have been used to detect and analyze asteroid impacts," Langenhorst points out, "But only now can we accurately explain and understand their formation." For the study, the researchers did not use the highest pressures technically feasible. "In the range of the highest pressures, so much heat is generated that the material melts or vaporizes," explains Langenhorst. "Molten material that solidifies back into rock doesn't give us much useful information for now. What is important, however, is precisely the pressure range in which minerals undergo characteristic changes in the solid state, and that's what we studied in this case." Model for glass formation? The results could have significance beyond the study of asteroid impacts. "What we observed could be a model study for the formation of glass in completely different materials such as ice," Langenhorst points out. "It might be the generic path that a crystal structure transforms into a metastable phase in an intermediate step during rapid compression, which then transforms into the disordered glass structure. We plan to investigate this further, because it could be of great importance for materials research." With the planned transformation of PETRA III at DESY into the world's best X-ray microscope, PETRA IV, such studies will be even more realistically possible in the future. "A 200 times higher X-ray intensity will allow us to run these experiments 200 times faster, so we can simulate an asteroid impact even more realistically," says Liermann. More information: Christoph Otzen et al, Evidence for a rosiaite-structured high-pressure silica phase and its relation to lamellar amorphization in quartz, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36320-7 Journal information: Nature Communications This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Graphical abstract. Credit: ACS Synthetic Biology (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00531 A synthetic biosensor that mimics properties found in cell membranes and provides an electronic readout of activity could lead to a better understanding of cell biology, development of new drugs, and the creation of sensory organs on a chip capable of detecting chemicals, similar to how noses and tongues work. A study, "Cell-Free Synthesis Goes Electric: Dual Optical and Electronic Biosensor vie Direct Channel Integration into a Supported Membrane Electrode," was published Jan. 18 in the journal ACS Synthetic Biology. The bioengineering feat described in the paper uses synthetic biology to re-create a cell membrane and its embedded proteins, which are gatekeepers of cellular functions. A conducting sensing platform allows for an electronic readout when a protein is activated. Being able to test if and how a molecule reacts with proteins in a cell membrane could generate a great many applications. But embedding membrane proteins into sensors had been notoriously difficult until the study's authors combined bioelectronic sensors with a new approach to synthesize proteins. "This technology really allows us to study these proteins in ways that would be incredibly challenging, if not impossible, with current technology," said first author Zachary Manzer, a doctoral student in the lab of senior author Susan Daniel, the Fred H. Rhodes Professor and director of the Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Cornell Engineering. Proteins within cell membranes serve many important functions, including communicating with the environment, catalyzing chemical reactions, and moving compounds and ions across the membranes. When a membrane protein receptor is activated, charged ions move across a membrane channel, triggering a function in the cell. For example, brain neurons or muscle cells fire when cues from nerves signal charged calcium-ion channels to open. The researchers have created a biosensor that starts with a conducting polymer, which is soft and easy to work with, on top of a support that together act as an electric circuit that is monitored by a computer. A layer of lipid (fat) molecules, which forms the membrane, lies on top of the polymer, and the proteins of interest are placed within the lipids. In this proof of concept, the researchers have created a cell-free platform that allowed them to synthesize a model protein directly into this artificial membrane. The system has a dual readout technology built in. Since the components of the sensor are transparent, researchers can use optical techniques, such as engineering proteins that fluoresce when activated, which allows scientists to study the fundamentals via microscope, and observe what happens to the protein itself during a cellular process. They can also record electronic activity to see how the protein is functioning through clever circuit design. "This really is the first demonstration of leveraging cell-free synthesis of transmembrane proteins into biosensors," Daniel said. "There's no reason why we wouldn't be able to express many different kinds of proteins into this general platform." Currently, researchers have used proteins grown and extracted from living cells for similar applications, but given this advance, users won't have to grow proteins in cells and then harvest and embed them in the membrane platform. Instead, they can synthesize them directly from DNA, the basic template for proteins. "We can bypass the whole process of the cell as the factory that produces the protein," Daniel said, "and biomanufacture the proteins ourselves." With such a system, a drug chemist interested in a particular protein implicated in a disease might flow potentially therapeutic molecules across that protein to see how it responds. Or a scientist looking to create an environmental sensor could place on the platform a particular protein that is sensitive to a chemical or pollutant, such as those found in lake water. "If you think of your nose, or your tongue, every time you smell or taste something, ion channels are firing," Manzer said. Scientists may now take the proteins being activated when we smell something and translate the results into this electronic system to sense things that might be undetectable with a chemical sensor." The new sensor opens the door for pharmacologists to research how to create non-opioid pain medicines, or drugs to treat Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, which interact with cell membrane proteins. More information: Zachary A. Manzer et al, Cell-Free Synthesis Goes Electric: Dual Optical and Electronic Biosensor via Direct Channel Integration into a Supported Membrane Electrode, ACS Synthetic Biology (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00531 Journal information: ACS Synthetic Biology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: An SwRI scientist has revisited New Horizons data to explore the source of cryovolcanic flows and an obvious belt of fractures on Pluto's large moon Charon. These new models suggest that when the moon's internal ocean froze, it may have formed the deep, elongated depressions along its girth but was less likely to lead to cryovolcanos erupting with ice, water and other materials in its northern hemisphere. If Charon's ice shell had been thin enough support cryovolcanism, it would imply substantially more ocean freezing than is indicated by the canyons, Serenity and Mandjet chasmata. Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Southwest Research Institute In 2015, when NASA's New Horizons spacecraft encountered the Pluto-Charon system, the Southwest Research Institute-led science team discovered interesting, geologically active objects instead of the inert icy orbs previously envisioned. An SwRI scientist has revisited the data to explore the source of cryovolcanic flows and an obvious belt of fractures on Pluto's large moon Charon. These new models suggest that when the moon's internal ocean froze, it may have formed the deep, elongated depressions along its girth but was less likely to lead to cryovolcanoes erupting with ice, water and other materials in its northern hemisphere. "A combination of geological interpretations and thermal-orbital evolution models implies that Charon had a subsurface liquid ocean that eventually froze," said SwRI's Dr. Alyssa Rhoden, a specialist in the geophysics of icy satellites, particularly those containing oceans, and the evolution of giant planet satellite systems. She authored a new paper on the source of Charon's surface features in Icarus. "When an internal ocean freezes, it expands, creating large stresses in its icy shell and pressurizing the water below. We suspected this was the source of Charon's large canyons and cryovolcanic flows." New ice forming on the inner layer of the existing ice shell can also stress the surface structure. To better understand the evolution of the moon's interior and surface, Rhoden modeled how fractures formed in Charon's ice shell as the ocean beneath it froze. The team modeled oceans of water, ammonia or a mixture of the two based on questions about the makeup. Ammonia can act as antifreeze and prolong the life of the ocean; however, results did not differ substantially. When fractures penetrate the entire ice shell and tap the subsurface ocean, the liquid, pressurized by the increase in volume of the newly frozen ice, can be pushed through the fractures to erupt onto the surface. Models sought to identify the conditions that could create fractures that fully penetrate Charon's icy shell, linking its surface and subsurface water to allow ocean-sourced cryovolcanism. However, based on current models of Charon's interior evolution, ice shells were far too thick to be fully cracked by the stresses associated with ocean freezing. The timing of the ocean freeze is also important. The synchronous and circular orbits of Pluto and Charon stabilized relatively early, so tidal heating only occurred during the first million years. "Either Charon's ice shell was less than 6 miles (10 km) thick when the flows occurred, as opposed to the more than 60 miles or 100 km indicated, or the surface was not in direct communication with the ocean as part of the eruptive process," Rhoden said. "If Charon's ice shell had been thin enough to be fully cracked, it would imply substantially more ocean freezing than is indicated by the canyons identified on Charon's encounter hemisphere." Fractures in the ice shell may be the initiation points of these canyons along the global tectonic belt of ridges that traverse the face of Charon, separating the northern and southern geological regions of the moon. If additional large extensional features were identified on the hemisphere not imaged by New Horizons, or compositional analysis could prove that Charon's cryovolcanism originated from the ocean, it would support the idea that its ocean was substantially thicker than expected. "Ocean freezing also predicts a sequence of geologic activity, in which ocean-sourced cryovolcanism ceases before strain-created tectonism," Rhoden said. "A more detailed analysis of Charon's geologic record could help determine whether such a scenario is viable." The work is published in the journal Icarus. More information: Alyssa Rose Rhoden et al, The challenges of driving Charon's cryovolcanism from a freezing ocean, Icarus (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2022.115391 Journal information: Icarus This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: When a stream of water strikes a flat surface, it forms a smooth disc of water before suddenly switching to turbulent runoff. The phenomenon helps water transfer its overall momentum. Credit: Duke University Since 1996, Duke Engineering Professor Adrian Bejan has demonstrated numerous natural phenomena that validate his constructal theory in practice. In short, the theory states that all flow systems, animate and inanimate, evolve in such a way as to provide greater access to what flows. This kind of flow typically takes the shape of a few large conduits attached to many smaller vessels, whether the phenomena be root systems of trees, effluent branches of river deltas, or the bronchial tubes that bring oxygen into the lungs. He's even gone as far as to show its manifestation in the hierarchical nature of extraterrestrial objects, wealth distribution throughout a society and the evolution of the world's animal kingdom. But within the past couple of years, two papers caught Bejan's attention that seemed to contradict the theory, at least on the surface, and made him curious. One from CalTech investigated a phenomenon that Bejan witnessed himself on a regular basis just outside of his driveway. When water runs down an inclined surface that can be eroded away, it doesn't form a single, uniform channel; it creates a series of cascading pools that seem to hinder its flow rather than help it. In the other paper, researchers from Cambridge investigated the nature of hydraulic jumps, which anyone with a flat sink has seen firsthand. When a stream of water hits a relatively large, flat surface, it spreads out in a smooth disk before suddenly giving way to a thicker, turbulent runoff. While scientists had long believed that this was caused by the effects of gravity, the Cambridge team showed that it is created entirely from surface tension and viscous forces balancing the momentum in the liquid film. These two papers made Bejan consider a third potential contradictiona thin sheet of water running down an inclined hard surface. As anyone watching rain flow down a driveway or sidewalk can see, the water forms a series of ridges running across the flow's direction. These lines are thick buildups of turbulent, rolling water waves that appear to hinder the flow. With these three seeming contradictions in mind, Bejan put the constructal law to the test by exploring a series of simple physics models. As the results published the ASME Open Journal of Engineering show, despite appearances to the contrary, these phenomena improve the flow, as the constructral law predicts. "These papers exploring phenomena that I see at home on a regular basis made me question the theory," said Bejan, the J.A. Jones Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Duke. "But when I sat down and ran through the equations, I realized these effects are their own animal." Solving the apparent contradiction in all three systems essentially comes down to a single fact; water travels with more momentum in a turbulent freefall than it does flowing smoothly over a surface. For the sink-based hydraulic jumps, Bejan found that, while it may seem more efficient for water to spread out in a smooth disk, a thicker, turbulent layer actually increases the flow of momentum across the fluid layer. The hydraulic jump is a visual display of the transition to turbulent flow, and that turbulence, according to Bejan, is predictable and no longer a mystery. Bejan then puts together a long list of features of turbulent flow predicted by invoking the constructal law. In the case of the hard inclined surface, Bejan draws a diagram and explores the forces at work, including friction working against the water as it flows. He found that the roll waves are self-created "cliffs" that allow the water to roll over and fall freely for a short distance, increasing the momentum of the water and thus its overall flow rate. A similar method of action is responsible for the series of cascading pools, because water falls over a dam more efficiently than when it slides down an incline. If water flows on an erodible surface, it will create a series of dams to fall over. This same idea can be seen in the design of pumped storage hydropower systems, where water is stored in a large reservoir and then released to travel through a turbine before reaching a second reservoir at a lower elevation. In these systems, the water travels vertically rather than on an incline because it produces a greater flow rate. "The best physics can be proven with simple physics," Bejan said. "At first glance, these systems would seem to be impeding the system's flow. But it's not speed that's important, it's momentum transfer. These examples go to show how important it is for researchers to question observations and consensus." More information: Adrian Bejan, Theory of Flow Access with Apparent Obstacles: Cascades, Jumps, Roll Waves, and Turbulence, ASME Open Journal of Engineering, 2022. DOI: 10.1115/1.4054473. asmedigitalcollection.asme.org 15/1.4054473/1148219 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Ejiao. Credit: HelloRF Zcool/Shutterstock In recent years, there's been a huge, rising demand for donkey hides in China, where they are used to make an ancient health-related product called ejiao. Ejiao is made from collagen that's been extracted from donkey hides mixed with herbs and other ingredients to create medicinal and health consumer products. It's believed to have properties that strengthen the blood, stop bleeding and improve the quality of both vital fluids and sleep. Ejiao sells for about US$783 per kilo and the Chinese market for it has increased from about US$3.2 billion in 2013 to about US$7.8 billion in 2020. This recent rise in demand is driven by several factors, including rising incomes, popularization of the product via a television series, and an aging population (age is a key demographic driving demand). In addition, ejiao is sometimes prescribed by doctors and the cost can newly be covered by health insurance. The demand for ejiao has led to a shortage of donkeys in China and increasingly worldwide. Countries in Africa have been particularly affected. Africa is home to the highest number of donkeys in the world: about two-thirds of the estimated global population of 53 million donkeys in 2020. Exact figures on how many hides are exported to China aren't available due to a growing illicit trade, but there are indications. A study of South Africa's donkey population, for instance, suggests that it went from 210,000 in 1996 to about 146,000 in 2019. This was attributed to the export of donkey hides. In a recent paper I examined the trends, issues and prospects for the AfricaChina donkey trade. My information came from interviews, literature and news reviews in English and Chinese. My findings are that the scale of the donkey trade, both illicit and legal, poses a challenge for many countries in Africa, especially in terms of its impact on the most marginalized communities. Besides donkey welfare, a big part of the challenge is how affordable donkeys are locally. Donkeys have a valuable, ancient role as a workhorse and losing access to them creates a huge problem for poor households. The other part of the challenge is regulatory. Only when the donkey hide trade is fully regulatedand export numbers are able to be very limitedmight the trade work without adverse consequences for the poor. This was also highlighted by a recent survey of the East African Community which found that the region was not ready for the mass slaughter and unregulated trade of donkeys. Millions of vulnerable East Africans rely on donkeys for a living and are at risk of losing out through the donkey skin trade. Value of donkeys Donkeys are estimated to support about 158 million people in Africa. In rural areas, the presence of a donkey in a household helps to alleviate poverty and frees women and girls from household drudgery. Donkeys are one of the simplest, most sustainable and affordable means of transporting people, goods and farm inputs and outputs from home to farm to market and vice versa, as well as to water wells and other places. Even in harsh environments donkeys can travel long distances with a heavy load, limited fluids, and without showing signs of fatigue. They are a durable household asset. Donkey ownership increases productivity and lessens hard work by, for example, reducing the loads women must otherwise carry themselves. In Ghana, for instance, owning a donkey was found to save adults about five hours of labor a week, and children 10 hours a week. The presence of a donkey also freed girl children to go to school. Donkeys can also carry heavy loads of firewood and water. This means people need to make fewer trips. This frees up labor and time for other income generating activities, such as sowing someone's farm for money. The value of having a donkey in the household is evident. The loss of a donkey to a household in rural Kenya is associated with an increased risk of povertychildren drop out of school, and there's less water security and more economic fragility. This makes the donkey trade a sensitive topic. Government responses Rising Chinese demand for donkeys has elicited a variety of responses by governments across Africa. Tanzania, for example, attempted to create a formal donkey industry and trade. But, in 2022, authorities banned it because legal supply couldn't keep up with demand. Female donkeys typically produce only a few foals each in a lifetime. In Kenya, public outragelargely due to the rise of donkey prices and diminishing supplyled to a ban on exports in February 2020. Kenya's donkey exporters, however, took their case against the ban to Kenya's High Court in June 2020, and won. Elsewhere, countries such as Botswana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Tanzania banned donkey exports. Others, such as South Africa, banned or limited the donkey trade with requirements for established slaughterhouses and related quotas. However, the implementation of donkey bans varies according to the strength of the regulatory capacity in each countryand how easy it is to smuggle things across borders. In South Africa's case, export quotas have merely sent the trade underground. This leads to more donkey theft. Illicitly traded hides from South Africa are typically from donkeys that are slaughtered inhumanely in the bush or in sub-standard slaughterhouses in Lesotho. Then they are exported to China. Poverty also fosters the trade, which in turn can lead to further impoverishment. Donkey owners, needing a short-term income windfall, will sell their animal. It may then be slaughtered and traded illegally and lead to diminished income-earning opportunity in the medium and long run. What needs to be done A recent Pan-African Donkey Conference called for a 15-year continent-wide moratorium on the trade to allow supply to recover and regulatory capacity to be enhanced. The ejiao industry in China is well organized and resourced. A handful of major firms and one province dominate the industry in China, and they are represented by the Shandong Ejiao Industry Association. A China-Africa donkey hide trade may be possible if African countries get organized, form associations and establish a dialogue with the Shandong Ejiao Industry. The aim would be to work out sustainable mechanisms, prevent damage to local interests and help to counter the illicit trade. In parallel to this, it would be important for animal welfare agencies in China to raise awareness of the illicit and damaging impact of the illicit donkey hide trade. For now, I believe that the trade is premature. Better regulatory standards are needed by China's ejiao industry such that illegally traded and stolen donkey hides are not part of the industry. Deeper cooperation across African countries would also help to preserve the ancient role of the donkey in supporting trade and the continent's most vulnerable and geographically isolated groups. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Microgen/Shutterstock More than 100 years ago, sociologist Georg Simmel wrote that secrecy is a core part of all human relationships. The ratio of secrecy to openness in a society, he argued, can tell us much about that society. I explore this in my new book, examining how public relations secrecy techniques interact (and clash) with the transparency and openness of media. The public relations (PR) industry is made up of professionals in public affairs, lobbying and events management, among others. Their role is to manage a client's relationship (and reputation) with the general public, investors and regulators. Media relations is the sub-field of PR that attempts to secure positive coverage and suppress negative issues in the media. This includes newspapers and television news, but also social media. In recent decades, PR in the UK has had a detrimental impact on the public's access to objective information, skewing media reporting and attempting to conceal important issues. This is compounded by the financial pressures facing journalism, which are hampering investigative reporting. It's generally understood that what appears in the media has been selected and shaped by various interests, reflecting corporate goals or governmental priorities. But just as important is what we don't see in the headlinesand how those issues are obscured. In my research, I look at both sides of these secrecy operations. I interviewed PR professionals who work to influence media content and conceal certain issues. I also spoke with journalists, news editors and transparency campaigners. These groups are interested in investigating and revealing the very issues that PR hopes to obscure. The PR industry is particularly adept at orchestrating this range of "shadowy practices" of secrecy, but these practices are not well-understood by the public. Everyday PR practice tends to be mundane, focusing on securing positive coverage for clients and downplaying or obscuring negative coverage. But there are a number of subtle techniques that PR practitioners use to manipulate information. Data bombing or snowing One striking technique is the practice of hiding significant information in a vast release of unimportant material. Journalists using Freedom of Information requests told me how organizations would use this technique to appear to align with principles of transparency, but in reality were hiding potentially damaging information in plain sight. For example, the requested information may be released in thousands of pages of documents that journalists do not have adequate time to analyze. Important information may be couched in highly technical language that obscures key elements, or may released in a format that is not easy to electronically search (such as scanned documents). Dead catting and distraction PR can use distraction techniques, misdirecting public attention by releasing alternative, eye-catching stories to the media. One recent example was Boris Johnson's claim that he relaxed by making model buses out of old crates. This drew much amused media coverage but also affected Johnson's reputation online. Search engine optimization (SEO) is a media management technique of strategically using keywords to push certain stories to the top of search engine results. Whether it was intentional or not, the bus story had the opposite effect, hiding a different, damaging story. Searches for "Johnson" and "bus" would previously have led users to read about the discredited claims that the NHS would receive 350 million a day if the UK left the EU, which appeared on the sides of the Brexit buses. Now, they would direct to reports about Johnson's crafting hobby. When an announcement is particularly shocking or sensational, it can be known as a "dead cat" strategy. For example, as Johnson was being investigated over the Partygate scandal, he accused Labour leader Keir Starmer of failing to prosecute sex offender Jimmy Savile when Starmer was head of the Crown Prosecution Service. These rumors were false, but (briefly) drew attention away from Partygate. Astroturfing PR can also create fake public opinion in order to exert influence. A media editor of a national paper explained to me in my research: "Say a billionaire wanted to stop houses being developed next to his country retreat He'd set up [a] 'Friends of the Chiltern Hills' pressure group and basically pay some PR [firm] to run it." In early 2021, gambling company Ladbrokes' owner was accused of this tactic after launching the Players' Panel, an online group where customers wrote pro-betting articles. This group appeared to be a grassroots effort, but was being operated with the help of a political consultancy. Such a technique conceals both the vested interests involved and the power that they can deploy. This example shows the impact of PR, but also how journalism can push back and reveal these practices. Secrecy and society Put together, these PR secrecy efforts can impact how the public understands power dynamics and social change. By offering disconnected units of information in press releases or on client websites, PR can impede joined-up thinkinga collective understanding, putting together many bits of information into one full pictureabout society. The dynamic between secrecy and transparency is also shifting on a wider level. Secrecy practices are becoming more widespread and legally sanctioned. For example, the corporate sphere's use of non-disclosure agreements which PR practitioners themselves are often required to sign. The government is also pushing for more legal powers that enhance government secrecy and restrict transparency. The national security bill working its way through parliament may criminalize certain aspects of investigative reporting and reform the Official Secrets Act. This could further impede public access to information through the media. But understanding these practices can help average media consumers and members of the public think more critically about the power dynamics and interests that may be obscured by the headlines. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Genome comparison of different E. coli K-12 strains. The figure shows the comparison of the WG1 chromosome (contig 1) and F plasmid (contig 2) with the genomes of EMG2, MG1655 (NC_000913.3) and W3110 (NC_007779.1), using the Proksee Server (19). The outer two rings display the genes and features of the WG1 genome, with selected genes and differences labelled. The green, brown and blue rings illustrate the BLAST results when the genome sequences of E. coli K-12 strains EMG2, MG1655 (NC_000913.3) and W3110 (NC_007779.1), respectively, are compared to that of WG1. Credit: Microbial Genomics (2023). DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000922 A model organism used in laboratories for the past 100 years has evolved so extensively that it may no longer be fit for purpose. According to a new study, published in Microbial Genomics, the bacterial strain Escherichia coli K-12 has been repeatedly cultured and mutated, resulting in an organism that carries many genetic changes compared to the original isolated bacteria. The research team, from Aston University, and the Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, made their discovery after re-examining the early preserved samples and looking at the base sequence of their DNA. They found a large number of differences at the DNA sequence level, and the differences are bigger when they examined currently used stocks that derived from the original samples. The work underscores the dangers of using one strain as a sole model. It also confirms that bacterial sequences evolve over short time scales, and provides a fascinating insight into the first baby steps of molecular microbiology. Lead author Doug Browning, of the School of Biosciences at Aston University, said, "The past 10 years have seen a massive amount of bacterial genome sequencing and the picture that is emerging is that bacterial genomes change very fast. This was unimaginable 100 years ago, and, of course, this is why folk back then were quick to adopt the K-12 strain as the model for everything." The strain of bacteria in the study was originally isolated in 1922 from the feces of a recuperating diphtheria patient at Stanford University, in California. The strain was preserved and over time it, and many derivatives, were distributed to research laboratories around the world for use by researchers looking to understand the workings of living cells at the molecular level. While the number of genetic variations which have appeared in the intervening decades may sound alarm bells in some research areas, for others it may represent new research opportunities. Co-author Steve Busby, of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection at the University of Birmingham, said, "Actually the diversity that all this generates can add a new dimension to our understanding. It's often true that things are seldom as they seem, and particularly so if you only study one strain." More information: Douglas F. Browning et al, Laboratory strains of Escherichia coli K-12: things are seldom what they seem, Microbial Genomics (2023). DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000922 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Construction of new housing in the floodplain far exceeded property buyouts in North Carolina over the last 2 decades. a) Time series of all residential construction, single-family homes, and buyouts per year. The y-axis represents the number of residential parcels either bought out or developed in each year. New construction was assigned to years based on the year built, and buyouts were assigned to years based on our best estimate of the completion date. Major hurricane events are represented by vertical lines. b) The share of residential construction in the floodplain increased from approximately 4% in the late 1990s up to 6% from 2011 through 2017. Credit: Journal of the American Planning Association (2023). DOI: 10.1080/01944363.2022.2141821 As extreme weather events become more often and intensify, the number of people and places exposed to flooding events is likely to grow. But until now, surprisingly little was known about how floodplain development patterns vary across communities. A new study from researchers at the University of North Carolina shows that new housing construction in flood-prone areas has contributed to increasing risk across NC despite community and government efforts to reduce flood damage. The study, published in the Journal of the American Planning Association, shows that more than ten new residences have been built in the state's 100-year floodplains for every residence removed through government buyouts (programs that purchase flood-prone property and restore it to open space). "We've been putting more and more people in harm's way, and we see that pattern across the statein coastal and inland communities, in urban and rural areas," said Miyuki Hino, an assistant professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning and a Faculty Fellow at the Carolina Population Center. "Communities across the state are working to reduce their flood risk through buyouts, elevating homes, and upgrading infrastructure, but it's harder to see those benefits when we're adding more houses and people to floodplains at the same time." Hino and a team of researchers analyzed new construction across five million parcels in the State of North Carolina (U.S.) to develop standardized measures of floodplain development and evaluate the relationships between flood risk management effort and development outcomes. "We find that community effort towards flood risk management doesn't always correspond to limiting floodplain development," said co-author Antonia Sebastian, Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences (EMES). "Rather, communities rewarded by FEMA for high effort were continuing to allow more housing to be developed in the floodplain." Local governments play a critical role in flood risk management. Knowing where communities are building in floodplainsand what measures can encourage growth in less hazardous areasis important for reducing damages and risks. "Strategic planning and zoning can encourage growth in safer areas and maximize open space in floodplains," said Hino. "As we see heavier downpours and wetter hurricanes, managing development is critical to reducing flood damages in the long term." Another member of the team, Todd BenDor, the Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Community Design in the Department of City and Regional Planning and the UNC Institute for the Environment, noted that "we have long assumed that communities across the state have continued building in floodplains, at least to some extent. But, the sheer scale of this construction is really surprising, especially in that it dwarfs the large-scale efforts to move homes out floodplains and out of harm's way. The enormous public costs of buyouts are also shared by local governmentsin many cases, the same local governments encouraging new building in floodplains. Today's new floodplain construction may be tomorrow's buyouts." More information: Miyuki Hino et al, Growing Safely or Building Risk?, Journal of the American Planning Association (2023). DOI: 10.1080/01944363.2022.2141821 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: In a new breakthrough, researchers from Japan show that adding different counteranions to the squarylium-based -electronic cation can enable fine-tuning of the properties of charge-segregated assemblies, with potential application in the development of organic semiconductors. Credit: Hiromitsu Maeda from Ritsumeikan University Scientists are constantly exploring new ways to design novel functional materials with tunable electronic properties. One promising area of research on this front is the use of -electronic systems (systems in which the electrons occupy the p-orbitals of the atoms) to create stacked assemblies that, in turn, can be used to develop novel organic semiconductors. By strategically arranging these systems, two types of assemblies can be generated: charge-by-charge assemblies consisting of alternately stacked oppositely charged species and charge-segregated assemblies comprising stacks of identically charged species. While the former arrangement is relatively straightforward to generate due to electrostatic attraction between opposite charges, the latter, which have useful semiconductor properties, is challenging to construct as, in this case, the electrostatic repulsion between identically charged species must be overcome to create a stable structure. One strategy for stacking identically charged species is to reduce the electrostatic repulsive forces through "dipole-dipole interactions." This has been achieved by incorporating alkyl groups into positively charged squarylium dyes, which leads to conformational changes and polarization states that decrease the electrostatic repulsion, facilitating the formation of stacked assemblies. Such positively stacked structures can be combined with various counterions to form charge-segregated assembles with tunable properties. Now, in a study published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, researchers led by Professor Hiromitsu Maeda from Ritsumeikan University, Japan examined how counteranions added to stacked dipolar squarylium cations affect the assembly behaviors and properties. "Charge-segregated assemblies are expected to be applied to organic semiconductors. The structural diversity in organic species as building blocks of assemblies will enable fine-tuning of the properties and additional functionality," says Prof. Maeda, explaining the motivation of their study. To prepare a squarylium-based -electronic cation, the researchers added methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (CH 3 OTf) to a zwitterionic (dipolar ion-like) squarylium, generating an ion pair consisting of a thiochromene-substituted cationic squarylium (1a+) and trifluoromethanesulfonate anion (OTf-). This ion pair (1a+-OTf-) was then combined with different counteranions, namely hexafluorophosphate (PF 6 -), tetraphenylborate (BPh 4 -), tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (FABA-), and pentacyanocyclopentadiene (PCCp-), resulting in a diverse set of assemblies with the following -electronic ion pairs: 1a+-PF 6 -, 1a+-BPh 4 -, 1a+-FABA-, and 1a+-PCCp-. The team then examined the photophysical properties, crystal structures, and energy profiles of the generated assemblies. By studying their UV/visible absorption spectra in both poor and chiral solvents, they discovered that the properties of these ion pairs vary based on the counteranions. Specifically, the ion pairs showed different absorption bands depending on the counterions, with some forming H-aggregates (non-emissive species upon excitation) and others forming J-aggregates (emissive species upon excitation). This suggested that the counteranions affected the modes of the assembled structures, altering the way these assemblies absorb light. These structural changes were further confirmed using single-crystal X-ray analysis, which revealed different crystal structures for the different ion pairs. For instance, the interplanar distances were found to be different for each ion pair, leading to different orientations of the structure. The changes in the structures were reflected in changes to the total energies of the systems. Using energy decomposition analysis, the researchers found that the distinct orientations of the ion-pairing assemblies resulted in different energies (electrostatic, dispersion, exchange-repulsion, charge-transfer forces) of the systems. "The counteranion-dependent photophysical properties and electric conductivities were derived from assembly modes with direct contact of -electronic cations," says Prof. Maeda. Out of all the ion pairs, 1a+-PCCp had a crystal structure and an energy profile that enabled a completely charge-segregated assembly. "It is noteworthy that a complete segregation of cations and anions was observed in a pseudo-polymorph of the ion pair with pentacyanocyclopentadienide as a -electronic anion," says Prof. Maeda. These findings pave the way for further research on the relationships between constituent ions and assembling modes, which could lead to the development of a wide variety of charge-segregated assemblies and functional materials. Prof. Maeda concludes, "Dipolar charged -electronic systems can be easily designed by slight modifications of various known charged -electronic systems. The guideline proposed in our work will accelerate the development on this front, revealing their utility as semiconductors and other potential applications." More information: Kazuhisa Yamasumi et al, ChargeSegregated Stacking Structure with Anisotropic Electric Conductivity in NIRAbsorbing and Emitting Positively Charged Electronic Systems, Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2022). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202216013 Journal information: Angewandte Chemie International Edition Provided by Ritsumeikan University This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Analysis of empirical data of the surface-wave activity. Credit: Nature Physics (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-022-01916-1 What do the brain and a school of fish have in common? They are both capable of efficient collective information processing, although each unit within them only has access to local information. In the brain, it is the stimuli from 86 billion neurons that form the basis for information processing; in the shoal, it is the decisions of each individual on how to move and interact with neighbors. However, little is known about how biological systems like the brain or a swarm of fish manage to optimally bring together a multitude of individual pieces of information from different locations. There is a hypothesis according to which the best performance of the brain lies at the border between order and chaos, in the state of so-called criticality. Researchers of the Cluster of Excellence "Science of Intelligence" from Humboldt-Universitat(HU), the Technical University of Berlin (TU), and the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) have now been able to demonstrate this hypothesis on a large school of fish. The study was published in Nature Physics. "Swarm behavior is often about information spreading like an avalanche. In this state, the individuals react maximally quickly to external stimuli with maximally effective information transfer. We wanted to investigate whether the regularity of criticality, which has already been demonstrated for neuronal networks, describes this state," explained study leader Pawel Romanczuk, Professor in the Department of Biology at HU and a member of the Cluster of Excellence. Criticality: The brain works most effectively at the threshold between order and chaos Information processing in the brain is based on a network of around 86 billion neurons. They pass on information in the form of voltage impulses. According to a thesis in neurobiology called "the critical brain hypothesis," the reason why our brain is so efficient at processing information is that the brain is permanently at a critical point between two dynamic states, namely order and chaos, where order means neurons are active in a highly synchronized manner, and chaos means that the cells emit impulses independently of each other. According to the critical brain hypothesis, transmission of information within the brain works best when neural connections are neither too weak nor too strong, i.e. at an intermediate state between order and chaos, known as criticality. In this state, the brain is maximally excitable and even small stimuli suddenly cause a multitude of neurons to fire and information spreads like an avalanche and can easily be transmitted, even to areas of the brain that are far away from the starting point. Mexican wave for maximum alertness Sulfur mollies, which are small fish living in sulfidic springs in Mexico, swim in shoals by the hundreds of thousands and show a typical and unusual behavior: They dive up and down in waves; from a bird's eye view, it looks like a huge Mexican wave that is repeated manifold. At first, as the team has already shown in a previous study, the small fish use the waving behavior to successfully confuse attacking birds. But this behavior could also have a different function: it could be putting the swarm in a state of optimal alertin a way that closely resembles a brain's state of criticality described above. This last-second alertness is needed because the animals are exposed to high predator pressure. However, the fish also perform their wave motions when there are no birds attacking. "For this reason, we wanted to find out whether this wave motion in the resting stage could be an analogy to the neuronal lockstep of the brain, as in, few surface waves when no birds attack, stronger and more waves when birds attack. If so, the observed collective diving of the swarm would indeed happen at criticality, with the highest possible alertness," explained first author Luis Gomez-Nava, a researcher at the Cluster of Excellence. The researchers combined empirical data from behavioral studies in the field with mathematical models, and were thus able to show that the spatio-temporal collective dynamics of large swarms of sulfur mollies actually do mimic an excitable system at criticalityin a way that is similar to the brain. Maximum discrimination of environmental stimuli and maximum communication range Being at a critical point allows the sulfur molly swarms to constantly watch out for disturbances in the environment, and to pass on information about the intensity of the cue, even over long distances. This was demonstrated in collaboration with other members of the Cluster of Excellence working in the field of artificial intelligence, Robert Lange and Professor Henning Sprekeler. They used state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms to test the response of the system to different intensities of disturbances in the environment and concluded that, indeed, the swarm is able to efficiently process the information of external stimulilike attacking birdsto their advantage. "In the case of sulfur mollies, stimulus intensity correlates with danger, as hunting birds often enter the water with their bodies resulting in high-intensity visual, acoustic and hydrodynamic disturbances, whereas birds in overflight provide little visual cues. Therefore, information about the intensity of the stimulus is very important for fish to coordinate appropriate responses, which might even include repeated diving for several minutes. Moreover, this information can be transmitted over long distances so that fish can act even when they are not in the danger zoneas a prevention mechanism," explained first author Luis Gomez-Nava, a researcher at the Cluster of Excellence. "And this is similar to the way the brain works," he concluded. Nevertheless, there are also important differences between the fish swarm and neuronal systems. In neuronal systems, the structure of the interaction network between individual elements (neurons) changes at a much slower time scale than the dynamic behavior in the school of fish. "The dynamical group structure and individual behavioral parameters such as individual speed or attention to conspecifics have strong effects on collective behavior, and can lead to alternative mechanisms of self-organization towards criticality by modulating individual behavior. Here, many questions remain open, and we continue to investigate," said co-author Jens Krause, Professor at HU, IGB and in the Cluster of Excellence. The resemblance between the diving behavior of fish and the neuronal activity in the brain could provide insights into a better understanding of collective systems in nature, also giving clues as to how far the complex patterns displayed by groups of animals could be interpreted as a sort of "collective mind." More information: Luis Gomez-Nava et al, Fish shoals resemble a stochastic excitable system driven by environmental perturbations, Nature Physics (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-022-01916-1 Journal information: Nature Physics This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Forests contribute to human well-being by providing a wide variety of ecosystem services to the society. Credit: University of Jyvaskyla Forests contribute to human well-being by providing a wide variety of ecosystem services to the society. The boreal biome is experiencing rapid changes both with the highest rates of warming on the planet and continued increase in demand for forest products. It is a real challenge to manage and adapt boreal forests to future warmer conditions and growing demands of forest products. A new study published in Global Change Biology explores the relative importance of forest management and climate change on the supply of ecosystem services and if the importance of these two drivers varies among biogeographical zones. The study, led by researchers from the University of Jyvaskyla, used forest growth simulations to project forest dynamics in Finland 100 years into the future (20162116). This study estimated the potential supply of eight forest ecosystem services given seven management regimes and four climate change scenarios. According to the results, the effects of management on the future supply of forest ecosystem services were, on average, 11 times higher than the effects of climate change across all services, but greatly differed among them (from 0.53 to 24 times higher for timber production and cowberry yield, respectively). Intensive forest management for timber production will have an overall negative effect on the ecosystem services provision (in five out of seven of the non-timber services evaluated), especially for forest biodiversity. On the contrary, climate change will have an overall positive effect on the ecosystem services provision (in six out of eight of the services evaluated). Climate change effects will increase with greenhouse gas concentration and be larger in northern Finland. Need for careful forest management planning in the context of climate change The study highlights that to maximize the future supply of ecosystem services, forest management planning should account for the biogeographic diversity of boreal forest. The importance of forest management and climate change substantially differed among biogeographical zones within Finland. The effects of climate change were 1.6 times higher in northern Finland than in southern Finland, whereas the effects of management were the oppositethey were three times higher in the south compared to the north. "Our results suggest that climate change mitigation measures are particularly suited for northern Finland, as climate change will have a more dramatic impact in this region. On the other hand, southern Finland has been subject to intensive management for timber production, and if timber-oriented management continues there will negative impacts to non-timber ecosystem services. Thus, if the society wishes to retain high level of forest multifunctionality the focus should be on increasing forest protection and the share of closer-to-nature management strategies," says Researcher Maria Trivino. The results also show that no single management scenario maximizes the provision of all services. For example, the provision of carbon storage, scenic beauty, deadwood volumes and habitat availability for species were maximized under the set aside scenario, but timber, berries and mushroom provision were maximized when other management regimes were considered (i.e., continuous forest cover forestry and management without thinning but with short rotation). Professor Mikko Monkkonen points out this key message to decision-makers: "There is a need to diversify forest management across all Finnish forests, for example, apply more continuous cover forestry, because diversity of management types promotes the diversity of ecosystem services." "There is lot to learn at the European scale from these results," says Researcher Alejandra Moran-Ordonez from Spain, "as they clearly point out the importance of considering regional variation in the effects of climate change and management when putting the recently approved EU forest strategy in practice." More information: Maria Trivino et al, Future supply of boreal forest ecosystem services is driven by management rather than by climate change, Global Change Biology (2022). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16566 Journal information: Global Change Biology Credit: NASA/Chris Gunn Engineers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, have finished testing the high-gain antenna for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. When it launches by May 2027, this NASA observatory will help unravel the secrets of dark energy and dark matter, search for and image exoplanets, and explore many topics in infrared astrophysics. Pictured above in a test chamber, the antenna will provide the primary communication link between the Roman spacecraft and the ground. It will downlink the highest data volume of any NASA astrophysics mission so far. The antenna reflector is made of a carbon composite material that weighs very little but will still withstand the spacecraft's wide temperature fluctuations. The dish spans 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) in diameter, standing about as tall as a refrigerator, yet only weighs 24 pounds (10.9 kilograms). Its large size will help Roman send radio signals across a million miles of intervening space to Earth. At one frequency, the dual-band antenna will receive commands and send back information about the spacecraft's health and location. It will use another frequency to transmit a deluge of data at up to 500 megabits per second to ground stations in New Mexico, Australia, and Japan. These locations are spread out so the Roman team will consistently be able to communicate with the spacecraft. Producing this antenna was a coordinated effort between the government and the commercial sector. NASA was responsible for the radio frequency design and fabrication of the feed assemblies. A commercial partner, Applied Aerospace Structures Corporation (AASC) in Stockton, California, was contracted for the final flight mechanical design and fabrication of the composite reflector and strut assembly. The completed antenna was delivered to NASA in December. Engineers at AASC and Goddard have extensively tested it to confirm it will operate as expected in the extreme environment of space, where it will experience a temperature range of minus 26 to 284 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 32 to 140 degrees Celsius). The team also put the antenna through vibrational testing to make sure it will withstand the spacecraft's launch. Engineers measured the antenna's performance in a radio-frequency anechoic test chamber, shown in the photo above. Every surface in the test chamber is covered in pyramidal foam pieces that minimize interfering reflections during testing. Next, the team will attach the antenna to the articulating boom assembly, and then electrically integrate it with Roman's Radio Frequency Communications System. More information: For more information about the Roman Space Telescope visit: roman.gsfc.nasa.gov/ or www.nasa.gov/roman . To virtually tour an interactive version of the telescope, visit: roman.gsfc.nasa.gov/interactive/ . This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Thermal expansion in glass melt and solid glass Credit: University of Augsburg In a recently published article in the journal Nature Physics, a team of researchers with the participation of the University of Augsburg reports about unexpectedly universal correlations between the thermal expansion and the glass-transition temperatures of glass-forming materials, providing new insights into the complex nature of the transition from liquid into solid glass. Glasses are solid materials, however lacking the crystalline structure with a regular arrangement of the atoms that is typical for conventional solids. The melting of crystalline materials is well understood within the theoretical framework of the so-called Lindemann criterion: Upon heating, the thermal vibrations of the atoms or molecules become so vigorous that they break free from their crystalline, lattice-like arrangement and the material melts. In contrast, the microscopic processes at the transition of a glass into a liquid (or vice versa) are not well understood, even though glasses are some of the oldest materials used by mankind. In their recent publication in Nature Physics, titled "Thermal expansion and the glass transition," Prof. Dr. Alois Loidl and PD Dr. Peter Lunkenheimer (both University of Augsburg), together with colleagues from Gottingen, Berlin, and Milan, now report that the solid-liquid transition of glasses is determined by additional factors. While vibrations also play a role, in addition one has to take into account that the motion of the atoms or molecules in a glass-forming liquid typically is "cooperative" (i.e., the particles do not move independently), which can lead to a significant increase of the energy needed to liquefy a glass. The scientists found evidence for this behavior by analyzing the thermal expansion and the glass-transition temperatures of more than 200 glasses and liquids published during the past 100 years. Glasses are of immense technological relevance and are almost omnipresent in our daily life. This not only includes common applications as containers or windows, but also optical fibers for data transmission or advanced electrolyte materials in batteries and fuel cells. Moreover, metallic glasses having superior material properties compared to conventional metals, the large group of the polymers, and even various types of biological matter are regarded as glasses from a physical point of view. The glass transition: No conventional phase transition Usually, glasses are prepared by simple cooling of a melt. In contrast to the sudden solidification found for other liquids, which is typical for a phase transition, glass melts solidify in a continuous way. Correspondingly, a glass does not liquefy abruptly. A common theoretical view explains the transition from the liquid into the glass state by the freezing of the atoms or molecules into disordered, but nevertheless well-defined positions. This is accompanied by an increase of the cooperativity of the interacting atoms or molecules upon cooling. The mentioned atomic vibrations, which become stronger with increasing temperature, are also responsible for the thermal expansion of solid materials. If the basic ideas behind the Lindemann criterion are correct, the latter should be stronger for materials with lower melting temperatures, leading to an inverse proportionality of both quantities, which is considered as well fulfilled for crystalline materials. In cooperation with their colleagues Birte Riechers (Bundesanstalt fur Materialforschung und -prufung, Berlin), Alessio Zaccone (University Milan, Italy), and Konrad Samwer (University Gottingen), the physicists at the University of Augsburg now have provided evidence that an analogous correlation of thermal expansion and glass-transition temperature does not exist, implying that the Lindemann criterion is invalid for the glass transition. This was revealed by the analysis of thermal-expansion data and glass-transition temperatures of more than 200 materials, partly belonging to very different material classes like conventional silicate glasses, molecular, ionic, and metallic glasses, and polymers. The researchers could trace back this qualitatively different behavior of glass melting to the growing number of cooperatively moving atoms or molecules, a characteristic property of glass-forming liquids when approaching the glass transition. The degree of cooperativity of the particle dynamics is different for each glass and can be quantified by the so-called fragility index. When dividing the thermal expansion coefficients of the different glasses by their fragility indices, glass-forming materials also exhibit an inverse proportionality of this scaled quantity with the glass-transition temperature. This evidences a significant influence of cooperativity on the glass transition. Interestingly, this universal behavior then also enables the prediction of the glass-transition temperature from measurements of the thermal-expansion and vice versa. Fixed factor despite different mechanisms The vast set of data collected in the framework of the present research reveals another surprisingly universal correlation: Just as the thermal expansion of the glass state, the expansion in the liquid state is also correlated with the glass-transition temperature and, moreover, it is by a factor of about three larger than in the glassy state of a material, irrespective of the particular material class. This is astonishing because the thermal expansion in both states of matter is commonly believed to be governed by fundamentally different mechanisms: Vibrations in the solid glass, in contrast to dominant translational motions in the liquid. "Our data analysis shows that the solid-liquid transition of glasses cannot be regarded as a simple melting process and, instead, correlated particle motions play an important role," says Lunkenheimer and feels confident that the found universalities will significantly contribute to a better understanding of such different materials as silicate-based everyday glasses, amorphous polymers, and metallic glasses. More information: Peter Lunkenheimer et al, Thermal expansion and the glass transition, Nature Physics (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-022-01920-5 Journal information: Nature Physics Provided by Universitat Augsburg This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The lensed galaxy as imaged with the ALMA interferometer. Credit: Giulietti et al. A mysterious and very distant object, in a universe as it was 'just' two billion years after the Big Bang, hides from even the most advanced instruments. Its features have finally been described by a team from SISSA in a recently published study reported in The Astrophysical Journal. An extremely remote celestial body in a still young universe, one sixth the size of the present one. An object so dark that it is almost invisible, even to highly sophisticated instruments. Its nature has long been the subject of debate, but by means of surveys made with the ALMA interferometer, the SISSA research group led by Prof. Andrea Lapi that conducts research into the formation and evolution of galaxies has finally succeeded in identifying its main properties. Compact, and containing large quantities of interstellar dust, it is a young galaxy, forming stars at about 1000 times the rate of the Milky Way. The description of this galaxy will be useful for revealing more about this very distant object and indicating new approaches for the study of other 'dark' celestial bodies. The research just published in The Astrophysical Journal will also provide new insights for developing advanced models of galaxy formation and evolution. Remote, dark and invaluable: The most distant galaxies "Very distant galaxies are real mines of information about the past and future evolution of our universe," explains the first author Marika Giulietti, who studies Astrophysics and Cosmology at SISSA. "However, studying them is very challenging. They are very compact and therefore difficult to observe. Also, because of distance, we receive very weak light from them. The cause of this obscuration is the massive presence of interstellar dust, which intercepts visible light from young stars, and makes it difficult to detect with optical instruments, and re-emits it at greater wavelengths where it can be observed only with powerful interferometers in the (sub-)millimeter and radio wavebands." These dark bodies are not particularly rare: "In recent years," explains Giulietti, "several distant galaxies have been discovered that are particularly obscured, appearing completely invisible even to the most powerful optical instruments, such as the Hubble Space Telescope." Gravitational lensing A tool used in these cases is the so-called gravitational lensing, a solution of great scientific potential. The principle is simple: general relativity means that space objects closer to us that have a great mass distort light coming from more distant sources that are perfectly aligned with them. Giulietti continues, "In this way, large celestial bodies act as a kind of enormous cosmic lens that makes the 'background' galaxies appear larger and brighter, allowing them to be identified and studied." Over the past decade many observation programs have been carried out with this approach. "About a hundred have been discovered so far, but there could be many more." A truly special object It was in one of these investigations, says Giulietti, that the main object of this current study was identified: "This was a very special celestial body. It is very bright and potentially subject to lensing, but this occurs only at certain precise wavelengths, probably due to the presence of large quantities of interstellar dust. Studying it is consequently very complex. Observations made with ALMA, a very modern sub-millimeter interferometer located in the Atacama desert of Chile, enabled us to determine its features." "We studied this peculiar object by adopting particular codes that enabled us to reconstruct the original shape of the background source and also to understand certain properties of the lens itself. The observations also provided valuable information about the gas content of this source, and we were able to determine how it is distributed." "Our analysis showed that this object is very compact, presumably young, and forming stars at an extremely high rate. In the future, the James Webb Space Telescope will reveal much more about this galaxy, something that only it can do at the moment." Prof. Lapi, co-author of the research, concludes by stressing the importance of this study: "Distant galaxies that are young, compact, characterized by vigorous star formation, and largely obscured by dust, and that possess a very rich reservoir of molecular gas, are forerunners of the massive quiescent galaxies that we see in the local universe, and therefore provide very valuable insights into the processes leading to the formation and evolution of these structures during the history of the Cosmos." "I would like to emphasize," continues the professor, "that the success of this research was achieved through synergy between the SISSA Astrophysics and Cosmology group and the ALMA Regional Centre based at the INAFInstitute of Radio Astronomy in Bologna (in particular through collaboration with Dr. Marcella Massardi, co-author of the study), which allowed our students to access, and learn how to use effectively, the ALMA data archive, a real gold mine for astrophysics research today." More information: Marika Giulietti et al, ALMA Resolves the First Strongly Lensed Optical/Near-IR-dark Galaxy, The Astrophysical Journal (2023). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/aca53f Journal information: Astrophysical Journal This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: This side canyon emerged in recent years as Lake Powell shrank. The white bathtub ring on the rock wall shows past water levels. Credit: Daniel Craig McCool, CC BY-ND As Western states haggle over reducing water use because of declining flows in the Colorado River Basin, a more hopeful drama is playing out in Glen Canyon. Lake Powell, the second-largest U.S. reservoir, extends from northern Arizona into southern Utah. A critical water source for seven Colorado River Basin states, it has shrunk dramatically over the past 40 years. An ongoing 22-year megadrought has lowered the water level to just 22.6% of "full pool," and that trend is expected to continue. Federal officials assert that there are no plans to drain Lake Powell, but overuse and climate change are draining it anyway. As the water drops, Glen Canyonone of the most scenic areas in the U.S. Westis reappearing. This landscape, which includes the Colorado River's main channel and about 100 side canyons, was flooded starting in the mid-1960s with the completion of Glen Canyon Dam in northern Arizona. The area's stunning beauty and unique features have led observers to call it "America's lost national park." Lake Powell's decline offers an unprecedented opportunity to recover the unique landscape at Glen Canyon. But managing this emergent landscape also presents serious political and environmental challenges. In my view, government agencies should start planning for them now. A tarnished jewel Glen Canyon Dam, which towers 710 feet high, was designed to create a water "bank account" for the Colorado River Basin. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation touted Lake Powell as the "Jewel of the Colorado" and promised that it would be a motorboater's paradise and an endless source of water and hydropower. Lake Powell was so big that it took 17 years to fill to capacity. At full pool, it contained 27 million acre-feet of waterenough to cover 27 million acres of land to a depth of one footand Glen Canyon Dam's turbines could generate 1,300 megawatts of power when the reservoir was high. As Lake Powell recedes, it is uncovering formerly flooded land and things that past visitors left behind. Soon the reservoir was drawing millions of boaters and water skiers every year. But starting in the late 1980s, its volume declined sharply as states drew more water from the Colorado River while climate change-induced drought reduced the river's flow. Today the reservoir's average volume is less than 6 million acre-feet. Nearly every boat ramp is closed, and many of them sit far from the retreating reservoir. Hydropower production may cease as early as 2024 if the lake falls to "minimum power pool," the lowest point at which the turbines can draw water. And water supplies to 40 million people are gravely endangered under current management scenarios. These water supply issues have created a serious crisis in the basin, but there is also an opportunity to recover an amazing landscape. Over 100,000 acres of formerly flooded land have emerged, including world-class scenery that rivals some of the crown jewels of the U.S. national park system. Bargained away Glen Canyon made a deep impression on explorer John Wesley Powell when he surveyed the Colorado River starting in 1867. When Powell's expedition floated through Glen Canyon in 1869, he wrote: "On the walls, and back many miles into the country, numbers of monument-shaped buttes are observed. So we have a curious ensemble of wonderful featurescarved walls, royal arches, glens, alcove gulches, mounds, and monuments past these towering monuments, past these oak-set glens, past these fern-decked alcoves, past these mural curves, we glide hour after hour." Glen Canyon remained relatively unknown until the late 1940s, when the Bureau of Reclamation proposed several large dams on the upper Colorado River for irrigation and hydropower. Environmentalists fiercely objected to one at Echo Park in Dinosaur National Monument on the Colorado-Utah border, alarmed by the prospect of building a dam in a national monument. Their campaign to block it succeededbut in return they accepted a dam in Glen Canyon, a decision that former Sierra Club President David Brower later called his greatest regret. New challenges The first goal of managing the emergent landscape in Glen Canyon should be the inclusion of tribes in a co-management role. The Colorado River and its tributaries are managed through a complex maze of laws, court cases and regulations known as the "Law of the River." In an act of stupendous injustice, the Law of the River ignored the water rights of Native Americans until courts stepped in and required western water users to consider their rights. Average annual content in acre-feet. Credit: Chart: The Conversation, CC BY-ND Source: Lake Powell Water Databas Tribes received no water allocation in the 1922 Colorado River Compact and were ignored or trivialized in subsequent legislation. Even though modern concepts of water management emphasize including all major stakeholders, tribes were excluded from the policymaking process. There are 30 tribes in the Colorado River Basin, at least 19 of which have an association with Glen Canyon. They have rights to a substantial portion of the river's flow, and there are thousands of Indigenous cultural sites in the canyon. Another management challenge is the massive amounts of sediment that have accumulated in the canyon. "Colorado" means "colored red" in Spanish, a recognition of the silt-laden water. This silt used to build beaches in the Grand Canyon, just downstream, and created the Colorado River delta in Mexico. But for the past 63 years, it has been accumulating in Lake Powell, where it now clogs some sections of the main channel and will eventually accumulate below the dam. Some of it is laced with toxic materials from mining decades ago. As more of the canyon is exposed, it may become necessary to create an active sediment management plan, including possible mechanical removal of some materials to protect public health. The creation of Lake Powell also resulted in biological invasives, including nonnative fish and quagga mussels. Some of these problems will abate as the reservoir declines and a free-flowing river replaces stagnant still water. On a more positive note, native plants are recolonizing side canyons as they become exposed, creating verdant canyon bottoms. Restoring natural ecosystems in the canyon will require innovative biological management strategies as the habitat changes back to a more natural landscape. Finally, as the emergent landscape expands and side canyons recover their natural scenery, Glen Canyon will become a unique tourist magnet. As the main channel reverts to a flowing river, users will no longer need an expensive boat; anyone with a kayak, canoe or raft will be able to enjoy the beauty of the canyons. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which includes over 1.25 million acres around Lake Powell, was created to cater to people in motorized boats on a flat-water surface. Its staff will need to develop new capabilities and an active visitor management plan to protect the canyon and prevent the kind of crowding that is overrunning other popular national parks. Other landscapes are likely to emerge across the West as climate change reshapes the region and numerous reservoirs decline. With proper planning, Glen Canyon can provide a lesson in how to manage them. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Montana State University Montana State University scientists and their colleagues are sharing the results of a three-year study examining the importance of inoculant and sulfur fertilizer on lentil production. Scientists from MSU and North Dakota State University recently completed the study, which examined seven sites across the Great Plains. Researchers aimed to determine the effects of rhizobial inoculants and certain fertilizer nutrients (potassium, sulfur and micronutrients) on lentil yield at each site and nitrogen fixation at two sites. The study was led by professor Perry Miller in the MSU Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences. According to Clain Jones, MSU Extension soil fertility specialist and professor in the LRES department, the number of acres in Montana used to produce lentils has increased dramatically in the past two decades. Lentils, which are legumes, form symbiotic relationships with rhizobia bacteria in nodules on their roots that can convert nitrogen gas to a form useful to plants, a process known as nitrogen fixation. Inoculating legumes with rhizobia can increase the likelihood and extent of nodulation and nitrogen fixation. This process makes lentils an attractive option for farmers who want to use less nitrogen fertilizer on their soil, Jones said. The study showed that inoculated lentils produced greater yields in 30% of site-yearsby an average of 344 pounds per acreand fixed more nitrogen in 40% of site-years by an average of 14 pounds per acre. That's compared to non-inoculated lentils. (A site-year is a test performed for one year at one site. That means a test conducted at one site for 10 years equals 10 site-years; conversely, a test conducted for one year at 10 sites also equals 10 site-years.) "Lentil response to inoculation was not impacted by a history of legumes on study fields, but other research suggests it can impact nodulation success," Miller said. "Inoculation is likely worth the cost since nodulation failure risks an insufficient nitrogen supply." The study compared two types of inoculants: granular and a peat-powder, seed-coat formulation. According to Jones, neither type showed a consistent advantage in lentil yields or amounts of nitrogen fixed. "Montana soils are typically sufficient in potassium, and this was true for this study, as well," Jones said. Researchers found that potassium fertilizer did not consistently increase lentil yield or the amount of nitrogen fixed. "Still, farmers should have their soils tested for exchangeable potassium to make sure levels are sufficient," he said. The researchers found that lentil sometimes responded to sulfur fertilizer. Yield and the amount of nitrogen fixed both increased in 20% of site-years by an average of 255 and 30 pounds per acre, respectively. Low soil sulfur levels did not always result in a lentil response to sulfur fertilizer. "However, because of several large positive yield and nitrogen fixation responses observed and the low cost of applying 5 pounds of sulfur per acre, sulfur fertilization is likely a good decision for many lentil producers," Jones said. At one site-year, nitrogen fixation consistently increased as whole plant tissue sulfur concentration at early pod stage increased, while yield plateaued at tissue sulfur concentrations around 0.09%. "This means that a sulfur fertilizer application may be justified, even when a seed yield response does not occur, since more fixed nitrogen is contained in lentil residue and hence producers may be able to decrease nitrogen fertilizer the following year," Jones said. "Organic producers who rely more upon legume cover crops for their nitrogen fertility could especially benefit from increased nitrogen contained in crop residue because of increased sulfur supply. There are affordable, organic gypsum sources that producers can use to supply sulfur." The study's summary, "Fertilizer Fact 81: Lentil Yield and Nitrogen Fixation Response to Inoculant and Fertilizer," is now available online. More information: Study: Lentil Yield and Nitrogen Fixation Response to Inoculant and Fertilizer This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: One of two mating positions observed by the research team. Credit: Arachnology / British Arachnological Society Spider courtship boasts some of the most charismatic and strategic rituals in the animal kingdom: bondage worthy of the bedroom, percussive performances worthy of the drumline, silent sounds worthy of tradecraft. Still, arachnologists have documented those rituals in only a tiny fraction of the known 50,000-plus spider species, which hail from more than 100 families. Of the species whose courtships have been studied, most fall within just a few of those families, limiting how much arachnologists can glean about the evolution of mating across spiders as a whole. Alongside colleagues based in Brazil and Costa Rica, Nebraska's Laura Segura Hernandez helped catalog the courtship and copulation of Oecobius concinnus, a species of wall spider that inhabits the tropics and subtropics of South, Central and North America. The team collected 24 O. concinnus13 female, 11 malefrom Costa Rica, placed each female in a petri dish large enough for her to build a circus tent-like web, then introduced her to a male. As part of a courtship routine that lasted an average of almost an hour, males proceeded to construct tubular webs beneath the female's tent. When females did consent to mating, the team found, it usually took place inside that tubular structure. The researchers speculated that males might build the love nest for two reasons: Providing a platform on which to deposit pheromone-coated threads that might entice a female to mate. Constricting the movement of the femalepotentially limiting her ability to attack or pursue the smaller male, as she sometimes will beyond the confines of the tubular web. Laura Segura Hernandez, a doctoral student in biological sciences, helped catalog the courtship and copulation of a spider species that inhabits South, Central and North America. Credit: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Segura Hernandez and her colleagues observed two mating positions, both of which differed from those reported in closely related species. They also described and quantified multiple courtship behaviors, using statistical analyses to determine that 25% of those behaviors were coupled more often than would be expected by chance. That suggests the behaviors were not random, the team said, and may help signal the worthiness of the male, stimulate female interest, or at least reduce her aggression. The paper is published in the journal Arachnology. Confirming the proposed purposes of the tubular web will require further study, the researchers said. Running experiments with virgin O. concinnus, meanwhile, could help untangle whether the most frequent courtship behaviors are honed by prior sexual experiences. More information: Diego Solano-Brenes et al, Description of the courtship and copulation behaviours of the wall spider Oecobius concinnus (Oecobiidae), Arachnology (2022). DOI: 10.13156/arac.2022.19.3.597 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A photo of skeleton SK3870 on site at the excavations at York Barbican. Credit: On Site Archaeology The rare and unusual life of an anchoress, a woman who devoted her life to prayer while living in seclusion, has been unearthed by the University of Sheffield and Oxford Archaeology, thanks to a skeletal collection now held at the University. Analysis of the collection, which includes a staggering 667 complete skeletons dated to the Roman, Medieval, and Civil War era, has revealed one in particular that is likely Lady Isabel German, an important anchoressor type of religious hermitwho is documented to have lived at All Saints Church in Fishergate, York, during the 15th century. As an anchoress, Lady German would have chosen to live a life of seclusion. Living inside a single room of the church without direct human contact, she would have devoted herself to prayer and accepted charity to survive. Skeleton SK3870 was discovered in 2007 during excavations at what was once All Saints Church on the site of the famous York Barbican. Not found in the cemetery alongside the others skeletons in the collection, this medieval woman was buried in a tightly crouched position within the apse of the church foundations, a small room located behind the altar. Only clergy, or the very rich were buried inside churches at this time, so the new study suggests the location of this highly unusual burial makes SK3870 a prime candidate to be that of the All Saints' anchoress, Lady German. Dr. Lauren McIntyre, University of Sheffield Alumna and Osteoarcheologist at Oxford Archaeology Limited, conducted the analysis of the historical and osteoarcheological evidence, which included using radiocarbon dating and isotopic investigation to examine skeleton SK3870. The study is published in the journal Medieval Archaeology. Dr. McIntyre said, "The location of the skeleton in the apse suggests this was a woman of high status, but the crouched burial position is extremely unusual for the medieval period. The lab research also shows the woman buried at All Saints Church was living with septic arthritis and also advanced venereal syphilis. This would have meant she lived with severe, visible symptoms of infection affecting her entire body, and later on, neurological and mental health decline. "Lady German lived in a period of history where we typically think of there being a strong association between visible and disfiguring illnesses and sin, with that type of suffering seen as a punishment from God. While it is very tempting to suggest that someone with visible disfiguring disease would be shunned or want to commit to living as an anchoress as a way to hide from the world, this research has shown that this might not be the case. Such severe disease could also have been viewed positively, being sent by God to grant martyr-like status to someone special." Becoming an anchoress in the 15th century, when women would realistically have been expected to get married and become the property of their husband, could also give them an alternative and important status in both their community and the male-dominated Church. Dr. McIntyre added, "The new study data allows us to explore the possibilities that Lady German chose to devote herself to a life of solitude as a way to remain autonomous and in control of her own destiny. This chosen lifestyle would also have made her a highly significant figure within the local community, and she would have been viewed almost like a living prophet." The story of Lady Isabel German and the collection at the University will be the focus of a new episode of Digging for Britain, to be broadcast on Sunday 12th February at 8pm on BBC Two. The episode will also explore the experimental archaeology happening at the University, which has conducted the first reconstruction of salt processing technology from the Neolithic period. This exciting research conducted from an archaeological sciences laboratory team and led by teaching technician Yvette Marks, reveals evidence of the earliest salt production site to be found in the U.K. at Street House Farm in Loftus. The site dates to around 3,800 BC and is now believed to be one of the first of its kind in western Europe. Lady German's skeleton, now held in the University of Sheffield's collection, makes up one of the hundreds of full and partial remains excavated from the site at York Barbican. Most of which are made up of local residents as the site developed through the ages. Dr. Lizzy Craig-Atkins, Senior Lecturer in Human Osteology at the University of Sheffield, said, "The York Barbican collection is the largest we currently curate at Sheffield. Its excellent preservation, highly detailed archaeological excavation and recording by Oxford Archaeology and very long period of use, which spans the Roman period to the Civil War in the 17th century, provides our post-graduate researchers and visiting archaeologists around the country with an extraordinary learning resource. "It will continue to provide new insights about the world and lifestyles of the people of York throughout history and Dr. McIntyre's analysis goes to show how extraordinary they can be. The collection has given us the opportunity to investigate a type of life rarely reflected in archaeological records." More information: Lauren McIntyre et al, The All Saints Anchoress? An Osteobiography, Medieval Archaeology (2022). DOI: 10.1080/00766097.2022.2129682 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain When the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, allowed a one-off chance for China to bid on a 108-ton stockpile of ivory amassed from natural African elephant deaths and culling in 2008, many conservationists around the world assumed Chinese public sentiment toward ivory would become more favorable. But new YSE-led research published in Conservation Biology, which employs machine learning techniques to analyze public opinion, reveals that the exact opposite happened. "After CITES authorized the sale of ivory, our analysis shows that the macro-public opinion in China became more negative toward ivory," says Yufang Gao, a Ph.D. student in conservation science and environmental anthropology. "Chinese mass media coverage of ivory became more framed as anti-ivory, with news stories more focused on ivory smuggling and the government's efforts to tightly control the ivory trade." The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has listed the African forest elephant as critically endangered, the savanna elephant as threatened, and the Asian elephant as endangered. Where once there were 10 million wild elephants in Africa, there are now only about 400,000 left on the continent. The Asian elephant population has declined 50% in the last three generations to about 50,000 and they are now at a high risk of extinction. Gao has been dedicated to studying the elephant ivory trade for more than a decade. For this study, he teamed up with Yuntian Liu, a statistician at the Yale Center for Outcomes Research & Evaluation, and a team of international researchers to review Chinese media coverage of the elephant ivory between 2000 and 2021. Using a machine learning technique known as latent Dirichlet allocation topic modeling, the researchers studied how media stories framed ivory in 6,394 pieces of coverage, looking for evidence of how wildlife policies impacted public opinion in China. "LDA topic modeling [helps us identify and define] recurring topics. In this case, topics refer to collections of words that commonly appeared together throughout news stories on ivory, such as smuggling, customs, seized, Africa, endangered, and animal," Liu says. The team was particularly interested in the impact of the 2008 decision by CITES a 173-nation coalition that monitors international plant and animal tradeallowing the sale of African ivory stockpiles to China and a 2016 ban on domestic ivory trade announced by the Chinese government (a move by China to deter elephant poaching in Africa for illegal ivory trade). Gao and Liu looked for clues on how these policies influenced Chinese public opinion on ivory arts and culture, elephant conservation, and ivory-related crimes. Their discovery that the CITES-approved sale of ivory negatively influenced public opinion on ivory was not the only surprising finding. Many conservationists hypothesized that the 2016 domestic ivory ban would lead to more negative public opinions in China about ivory. But after the ban, media framing shows that macro-public opinion throughout China became more positive about elephant ivory. Gao says the ban may have drawn more attention to the perceived value of ivory in art and culture, making ivory seem more desirable. The research is important because it underscores the need for conservationists to take a more nuanced approach to understanding the relationship between mass media reports, policies, and public opinion, Gao notes. "By monitoring mass media framing of wildlife and conservation issues, we might be able to sooner identify emerging problems or threats toward wildlife or the environment," he says. He recommends that conservation organizations work more closely with the media to share information and elevate the importance of wildlife conservation in mainstream public dialogue. "Conservation is a social process that involves many different stakeholders, including the media industry, governments, general public, researchers, and more," he says. "Topic modeling is a powerful tool for uncovering shifts in media framing, dynamics of the interplay between different perspectives, and gauging how policies are actually changing public opinions." This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: University of Iowa researchers concluded pigeons use the same base learning principle, called associative learning, as artificial intelligence. The pigeons mastered exhaustive, repetitive tests such as the one shown above. In the center square are 16 sample stimuli out of the thousands the pigeons had to categorize. The stimuli were drawn from two different categories, shown on either side. Credit: Ed Wasserman, University of Iowa Can a pigeon match wits with artificial intelligence? At a very basic level, yes. In a new study, psychologists at the University of Iowa examined the workings of the pigeon brain and how the "brute force" of the bird's learning shares similarities with artificial intelligence. The researchers gave the pigeons complex categorization tests that high-level thinking, such as using logic or reasoning, would not aid in solving. Instead, the pigeons, by virtue of exhaustive trial and error, eventually were able to memorize enough scenarios in the test to reach nearly 70% accuracy. The researchers equate the pigeons' repetitive, trial-and-error approach to artificial intelligence. Computers employ the same basic methodology, the researchers contend, being "taught" how to identify patterns and objects easily recognized by humans. Granted, computers, because of their enormous memory and storage powerand growing ever more powerful in those domainsfar surpass anything the pigeon brain can conjure. Still, the basic process of making associationsconsidered a lower-level thinking techniqueis the same between the test-taking pigeons and the latest AI advances. "You hear all the time about the wonders of AI, all the amazing things that it can do," says Ed Wasserman, Stuit Professor of Experimental Psychology in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Iowa and the study's corresponding author. "It can beat the pants off people playing chess, or at any video game, for that matter. It can beat us at all kinds of things. How does it do it? Is it smart? No, it's using the same system or an equivalent system to what the pigeon is using here." The researchers sought to tease out two types of learning: one, declarative learning, is predicated on exercising reason based on a set of rules or strategiesa so-called higher level of learning attributed mostly to people. The other, associative learning, centers on recognizing and making connections between objects or patterns, such as, say, "sky-blue" and "water-wet." Numerous animal species use associative learning, but only a select fewdolphins and chimpanzees among themare thought to be capable of declarative learning. Yet AI is all the rage, with computers, robots, surveillance systems, and so many other technologies seemingly "thinking" like humans. But is that really the case, or is AI simply a product of cunning human inputs? Or, as the study's authors put it, have we shortchanged the power of associative learning in human and animal cognition? Wasserman's team devised a "diabolically difficult" test, as he calls it, to find out. Each test pigeon was shown a stimulus and had to decide, by pecking a button on the right or on the left, to which category that stimulus belonged. The categories included line width, line angle, concentric rings, and sectioned rings. A correct answer yielded a tasty pellet; an incorrect response yielded nothing. What made the test so demanding, Wasserman says, is its arbitrariness: No rules or logic would help decipher the task. "These stimuli are special. They don't look like one another, and they're never repeated," says Wasserman, who has studied pigeon intelligence for five decades. "You have to memorize the individual stimuli or regions from where the stimuli occur in order to do the task." Each of the four test pigeons began by correctly answering about half the time. But over hundreds of tests, the quartet eventually upped their score to an average of 68% right. "The pigeons are like AI masters," Wasserman says. "They're using a biological algorithm, the one that nature has given them, whereas the computer is using an artificial algorithm that humans gave them." The common denominator is that AI and pigeons both employ associative learning, and yet that base-level thinking is what allowed the pigeons to ultimately score successfully. If people were to take the same test, Wasserman says, they'd score poorly and would probably give up. "The goal was to see to what extent a simple associative mechanism was capable of solving a task that would trouble us because people rely so heavily on rules or strategies," Wasserman adds. "In this case, those rules would get in the way of learning. The pigeon never goes through that process. It doesn't have that high-level thinking process. But it doesn't get in the way of their learning. In fact, in some ways it facilitates it." Wasserman sees a paradox in how associative learning is viewed. "People are wowed by AI doing amazing things using a learning algorithm much like the pigeon," he says, "yet when people talk about associative learning in humans and animals, it is discounted as rigid and unsophisticated." The study, "Resolving the associative learning paradox by category learning in pigeons," was published online Feb. 7 in the journal Current Biology. Study co-authors include Drew Kain, who graduated with a neuroscience degree from Iowa in 2022 and is pursuing a doctorate in neuroscience at Iowa; and Ellen O'Donoghue, who earned a doctorate in psychology at Iowa last year and is now a postdoctoral scholar at Cardiff University. Flash The death toll is rising after Turkiye's southern provinces were jolted by strong earthquakes on Monday with at least 1,762 people lost their lives, 12,068 others injured, according to Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). People search for survivors among the rubble of a building destroyed in a powerful earthquake in Pazarcik District, Kahramanmaras Province, Turkiye, on Feb. 6, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] A total of 5,606 buildings were damaged, and a least 6,445 people were rescued from the wreckages, the agency said, adding that the search for people trapped in toppled buildings continues. A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck Turkiye's southern province of Kahramanmaras at 4:17 a.m. local time (0117 GMT). It was followed by a magnitude-6.4 quake a few minutes later in the country's southern province of Gaziantep and a magnitude-7.6 earthquake at 1:24 p.m. local time (1024 GMT) in the Kahramanmaras Province. Residents ran out of their homes in their pajamas and t-shirts after the ground shook early Monday and have been waiting on the streets covered with ice and snow through the day. Turkiye's southern province of Hatay bordering Syria suffered the most loss of life in the earthquake with at least 520 casualties. Two hospital buildings in the Hatay province collapsed, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said. Rescue teams from the Turkish Red Crescent and AFAD were dispatched to the earthquake zone, while the Turkish security forces, search and rescue volunteers, and the rescue teams of several local administrations also participated in the efforts. The Turkish Defense Ministry has set up an air corridor to facilitate search and rescue teams to reach the quake-affected zone. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said 3,500 soldiers participate in rescue operations. He noted that 17 aircraft are flying to the region from Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara, carrying aid supplies. AFAD President Yunus Sezer said nearly 15,000 rescue personnel and about 5,000 vehicles and construction equipment had been deployed in the region. The search and rescue efforts are being hampered by a winter blizzard as the temperatures recorded below 10 degrees celsius in most of the affected provinces. The weather service was forecasted rain and sleet across southeastern Turkiye until Thursday. Turkiye issued a level-4 alarm after the earthquake, which includes a call for international aid. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara received offers for help from some 45 countries in the aftermath of the quake. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said members of the alliance were mobilizing support for Turkiye. More than 20 countries have sent rescue teams and assistance to help rescue efforts of Turkiye. An explosion occurred on a gas pipeline in Turkiye's southern province of Hatay and natural gas flow to southern Gaziantep, Hatay and Kahramanmaras provinces was suspended as a precaution. At the port of Iskenderun district in southern Hatay province, a fire broke out following the earthquake and emergency services intervened in the blaze. In southern Gaziantep, walls and watch towers of an ancient castle, constructed as an observation point by the Hittite Empire, have been leveled, while other parts are largely destroyed by the earthquake. Turkiye declared national mourning for a week, with the flags to be flown half-mast. The Turkish education ministry has announced that schools across the country will be closed for seven days until Feb. 13. "Due to the earthquakes that took place in our country on Feb. 6, a national mourning period was declared for seven days," said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "Turkish flag will be hoisted at half-mast until sunset on Sunday all around Turkiye, at all foreign representations." The country has often faced earthquakes due to its location at the crossroads of three different tectonic plates in Anatolia. Monday's earthquake is believed to be the strongest in Turkiye since the magnitude 7.9 eastern Erzincan province quake of 1939, which killed 33,000 people. In 1999, a 7.4-magnitude quake hit northwestern Izmit province, around 90 km east of Istanbul, killing at least 17,500 people, including 1,000 living in Istanbul. The Turkish authorities have introduced tighter building regulations, revised urban planning, and improved key public infrastructure amid a public awareness campaign following the 1999 quake. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The public launch of ChatGPT has led to considerable dismay at schools and universities. However, a position paper authored by more than 20 scientists at TUM and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat (LMU) working in educational, social, computer and data sciences shows that the so-called language models also present many opportunities for education. The work is published on the EdArXiv preprint server. In this interview, the coordinator Prof. Enkelejda Kasneci explains how the new technology could benefit learners and make teachers' work easier. The New York School District has banned the use of ChatGPT. It that the right way forward? We think it's the wrong way. It's also the easy way out. The development of language models like ChatGPT is a technological milestone. There is no going back. The tools are in the world. They will get better and we have to learn how to use them constructively. We're convinced that they offer big opportunities for the empowerment of previously disadvantaged people. ChatGPT and similar programs can lead to greater educational equity. Who could benefit from ChatGPT applications? First, this is a tool that makes it possible for everyone in the world with internet access to learnregardless of the quality of the education system in their own country. Second, it can help people to express themselves better in writing who otherwise have difficulty doing so, for example due to a disability. That can offer them new opportunities to participate in society. And how about at school? Here we see major potential for the personalized use of such tools to overcome the individual weaknesses of each child, to bring out strengths and contribute to constructive learning successes. We're talking about an AI-based tool that can recognize and produce various forms of text. Pupils could get suggestions for alternative wordings or better text compositions. That can help them improve their ability to express themselves. My research chair team has just developed a tool that can analyze an essay using large language models and provide feedback such as: "It would be better to use a consistent verb tense" or "You could pay more attention to the subjunctive." This feedback could be adjusted to the age and skill levels of the individual children. At present, people seem to be worried that language learning will deteriorate. We don't see it like that. On the contrary, applications like this can promote the understanding of language. But they can also be helpful in other subjects, for example by creating questions on a certain topic. Students preparing for exams at home could use it as a study partner that would focus on points where more work is needed. That is a level of individualized learning that would be difficult to achieve in the classroom. So AI could make teachers' work easier, too? We think so. Artificial intelligence could also support them in correcting schoolwork. that are generated with ChatGPT for pupils who want better grades. Of course nobody can be certain that written homework is done without outside help. But these discussions remind me very much of the debates when Wikipedia was launched. Back then, people were worried that most homework would be copied from the internet. Then, as now, we have to start teaching children from the elementary school level the importance of not relying on the information of just one internet portal and that they need to check information and back it up with sources. If a text automation program can write the answers for an exam, this also says something about the quality of the exam itself. We have to ask ourselves what teaching methods we are using and to what extent we are helping learners to acquire competencies such as critical thinking and problem solving skills. What is needed to ensure that ChatGPT and similar models are actually used in beneficial ways in the classroom? Researchers must deliver more robust conclusions on the effects of the language models on learning, how they can be used in a certain learning context and when they will be ready for use. Holistic teaching concepts and continuing education opportunities will also be needed for teachers. All of us need to work together and bring about a rapid response. And the providers must take issues surrounding data protection, security, bias and distortions in machine learning, intellectual property and transparency very seriously. It will take some time before these goals are achieved. How can teachers deal with ChatGPT in the meantime? We advise all teachers: try out these tools! Discover them together with your students. There are no limits on creativity as long as you maintain a critical perspective. More information: Enkelejda Kasneci et al, ChatGPT for Good? On Opportunities and Challenges of Large Language Models for Education, EdArXiv (2023). DOI: 10.35542/osf.io/5er8f This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Recent findings indicate a disagreement between the results of CREX and PREX experiments and predictions of nuclear global models. The trend of theoretical predictions (brown band) lies outside the intersection of CREX and PREX results (marked by a dot). Credit: W. Nazarewicz A team of theorists has extended their previous critical analysis of the Lead Radius Experiment (PREX). The experiment involved deducing the neutron size of a lead atom's nucleus by measuring a tiny left-right asymmetry in electron scattering off lead-208. In a recent experiment (CREX), the asymmetry for calcium-48 has been measured. In their new analysis, the team found a disagreement between the CREX and PREX results and predictions of global nuclear models. This result indicates a need to investigate limitations of current nuclear models or other sources of uncertainty. A typical radius of a neutron star is believed to be about 11 kilometers. The PREX results predict neutron star sizes that are appreciably bigger. This finding created significant buzz in the neutron star community. The disagreement between theory and experiment, or between the two measurements, means that scientists must exercise extreme caution when interpreting the new measurements. That caution applies to topics from neutron skins to nuclear symmetry energy to neutron star physics. A team of theorists from the University of ErlangenNuremberg in Germany, the University of Milan in Italy, and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams has conducted new analysis of recent results from nuclear physics experiments. The analysis involves recent experimental determination of the parity violating asymmetry in the isotopes calcium-48 and lead-208 at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Laboratory. Published in Physical Review Letters, this work is important for scientists' understanding of how neutrons and protons arrange themselves inside the atomic nucleus. To better understand the impact of these measurements, the researchers conducted a rigorous theoretical investigation of parity violating asymmetry of calcium-48 and lead-208 and assessed the associated uncertainties. They also inspected the static electric dipole polarizability in these nuclei. The researchers concluded that the simultaneous accurate description of left-right asymmetry in lead-208 and calcium-48 cannot be achieved by the current models that accommodate a pool of global nuclear properties, such as masses and radii, throughout the nuclear chart. More information: Paul-Gerhard Reinhard et al, Combined Theoretical Analysis of the Parity-Violating Asymmetry for Ca48 and Pb208, Physical Review Letters (2022). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.129.232501 Journal information: Physical Review Letters This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain In a cave just south of Lisbon, archaeological deposits conceal a Paleolithic dinner menu. As well as stone tools and charcoal, the site of Gruta de Figueira Brava contains rich deposits of shells and bones with much to tell us about the Neanderthals that lived thereespecially about their meals. A study published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology shows that 90,000 years ago, these Neanderthals were cooking and eating crabs. "At the end of the Last Interglacial, Neanderthals regularly harvested large brown crabs," said Dr. Mariana Nabais of the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES-CERCA), lead author of the study. "They were taking them in pools of the nearby rocky coast, targeting adult animals with an average carapace width of 16cm. The animals were brought whole to the cave, where they were roasted on coals and then eaten." Catching crabs in Paleolithic Portugal A wide variety of shellfish remains were found in the archaeological remains Nabais and her colleagues studied, but the shellfish in the undisturbed Paleolithic deposits are overwhelmingly represented by brown crabs. Their size was estimated by calculating the size of the carapace relative to the crabs' pincers, which preserve better than other parts of the crab, so are more likely to survive to be found by scientists. The archaeologists assessed the breakage on the shells, looked for butchery or percussion marks, and determined whether the crabs had been exposed to high heat. Nabais and her colleagues found that the crabs were mostly large adults which would yield about 200g of meat. By studying the patterns of damage on the shells and claws, they ruled out the involvement of other predators: there were no carnivore or rodent marks, and the patterns of breakage didn't reflect predation by birds. Crabs are evasive, but Neanderthals could have harvested brown crabs of this size from low tide pools in the summer. Accumulations of shellfish which are caused by hominins are identified by their association with stone tools and other hominin-made features like hearths, surface modifications like the burns found on approximately 8% of the crab shells, and evidence of intentional fractures; the fracture patterns on the crabs at Gruta de Figueira Brava suggested they'd been broken open for access to the meat. The expectation is also that larger individuals will be overrepresented, as at Gruta de Figueira Brava, reflecting hominins choosing animals which offer more meat. Shellfish on the menu The evidence indicated to Nabais and her colleagues that Neanderthals weren't just harvesting the crabs, they were roasting them. The black burns on the shells, compared to studies of other mollusks heated at specific temperatures, showed that the crabs were heated at about 300-500 degrees Fahrenheit (150-260 degrees Celsius), typical for cooking. "Our results add an extra nail to the coffin of the obsolete notion that Neanderthals were primitive cave dwellers who could barely scrape a living off scavenged big-game carcasses," said Nabais. "Together with the associated evidence for the large-scale consumption of limpets, mussels, clams, and a range of fish, our data falsify the notion that marine foods played a major role in the emergence of putatively superior cognitive abilities among early modern human populations of sub-Saharan Africa." The authors cautioned that it was impossible to know why Neanderthals chose to harvest crabs or whether they attached any significance to consuming crabs, but whatever their reasons eating the crabs would have offered meaningful nutritional benefits. "The notion of the Neanderthals as top-level carnivores living off large herbivores of the steppe-tundra is extremely biased," said Nabais. "Such views may well apply to some extent to the Neanderthal populations of Ice Age Europe's periglacial belt, but not to those living in the southern peninsulasand these southern peninsulas are where most of the continent's humans lived all through the Paleolithic, before, during and after the Neanderthals." More information: The exploitation of crabs by Last Interglacial Iberian Neanderthals: the evidence from Gruta da Figueira Brava (Portugal), Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fearc.2023.1097815 Provided by Frontiers This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A QAnon supporter stands outside the White House. Credit: Orlowski Designs LLC/Shutterstock The name crops up all over the place, but many people have no real understanding of what QAnon is, or why an estimated 22% of Americans accept one of its core beliefs: that some kind of political "storm" is coming and that violence could be necessary to achieve it. In the U.S., Georgia politician Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG), previously a fan of QAnon, has just been appointed to the influential House of Representatives' homeland security committee. Yet although the far-right conspiracy theory movement started gaining supporters in the U.S. in 2017, it has now spread internationally with increasing uptake in Russia and Germany. The German QAnon is firmly pro-Putin and anti-Kyiv in its support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Conversely, Russian QAnon followers are less supportive of Putin. This cult-like movement, most famous for its part in the storming of the U.S. Capitol in January 2021, originated on an online message board called 8kun before being popularized on 4Chan. The first QAnon content was posted by an anonymous self-proclaimed senior intelligence officer with access to supposedly classified material, calling themselves Q and later QAnon (their identity is still not known). This material focused on baseless predictions around the fortunes of the Trump administration, and conspiracy theories about individuals and groups seeking to undermine Trump. These included the presence of a powerful pedophile ring operating at the top of global politics, celebrity, finance and royalty. Other self-styled insiders and experts joined in posting "insider information" alongside and in support of QAnon, with sympathizers enthusiastically posting this content across mainstream social media platforms. The movement started to come to prominence offline in 2018 when its followers appeared at Trump rallies and other political events wearing identifying items or carrying placards with Q on them. At the same time more QAnon-related content started appearing on social media platforms. As of now, QAnon has spread to multiple online platforms, and its followers are present in various countries. But QAnon does not have a formalized leadership structure. This has meant QAnon has expanded the number of subjects it talks about, including COVID-19 and its subsequent vaccines, most of which have been thoroughly refuted by fact checkers and experts. The decentralized nature of the movement means that QAnon followers largely communicate via the internet and messaging services such as Telegram, Signal and Parler. QAnon's core theories center on its belief that there is a global cabal of Satan-worshiping, child sex trafficking elites who control governments, financial institutions, and the media. QAnon believes that the aim of the elite cabal was to undermine Donald Trump when he was president, steal the 2020 election from him, and erode his Make America Great Again (MAGA) agenda. QAnon followers also claim that Donald Trump and his close circle are working to expose this pedophile cabal and bring its members to justice. Why it matters To thosethe majoritywho are skeptical or opposed to QAnon theories, the claims made by QAnon followers seem evidence free and ridiculous. Most mainstream media organizations describe QAnon theories as having been based upon mis- or disinformation, a reinterpretation of history, a misunderstanding of contemporary events and fringe conspiracy theory. Followers of QAnon invest large amounts of time hunting down shards of evidence that helpin their eyesto prove the claims. In Russia, QAnon followers have embraced vaccine conspiracy theories, and rejected mask mandates. QAnon forums predicted there would be no conflict and then were surprised and divided in support for the Ukraine war. Some suggested the invasion was to clean up COVID bio-labs, while others saw it as a betrayal of Russo-Ukrainian kinship. Some followers of QAnon have been linked to and convicted of acts of political violence. Intelligence and law enforcement agencies have provided consistent warnings that QAnon and its messaging have the potential to incite some to violence. On that basis there is surveillance of QAnon by government agencies in the U.S., Germany and the U.K. Germany is a particularly interesting case, due to alleged connections between QAnon followers and the Reichsburger coup attempt in December 2022. This attempted to reinstall a monarchy in Germany, and was closely associated with elements of the German far right. QAnon has been active in Germany since 2018, and has seen its popularity grow. Academics have recorded instances of QAnon-related content appearing on German social media and internet platforms (breaching legal restrictions on conspiracy and hate speech). QAnon followers in Germany have organized events in major cities, leading some to consider them a potential threat to public order. The concern for some is that QAnon followers will find their way into elected posts. This has already happened in America, where President Trump refused to distance himself from the QAnon theories, and where the increasingly prominent Republican Taylor Greene now sits in an influential post. Some believe this may generate a conflict of interest for the homeland security committee, even with Taylor Greene backing away from QAnon views recently. Few elected politicians have openly associated themselves with QAnon. Some support some of its ideas, while distancing themselves from particular elements of QAnon's now broad platform. Attribution, a little like a conspiracy theory itself, arises from shards of evidence such as statements made by individuals. There are prominent politicians in the U.S., Canada, Italy and Germany who are widely assumed to be QAnon followers, but without more substantial evidence, they will remain nameless. The most likely path for QAnon is it continues to grow with dedicated sections on particular issues. The route to influence for QAnon is through individual politicians acquiring important posts. But the route to marginalizing QAnon rests with legislators not appointing "post-truth" politicians to influential jobs. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A computer-aided diagram (CAD) representation of the WEAVE top-end assembly, incorporating the prime-focus (field) corrector system, instrument rotator and fiber positioner. The four mounting units on the outer ring of the telescope structure provide for focus and tilt correction of the whole system. Credit: arXiv (2022). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2212.03981 More than 500 astronomers from all over Europe, including members of Catalan universities and research centersthe UPC and the ICCUBhave designed and planned a total of five years of operations for the WEAVE spectrograph, a powerful instrument recently installed at the Canary Islands observatory. Combined with Gaia's measurements, it makes it possible to study a wide range of cases in stellar and galactic science. The first observations show unprecedented aspects of the collision between the galaxies at the heart of Stephan's Quintet, 280 million light-years from Earth. The Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes (ING) and the WEAVE instrument team have presented first-light observations with the WEAVE spectrograph. It is a powerful new generation multifiber spectrograph in the William Herschel Telescope (WHT) at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (La Palma, Canary Islands), which has recently been launched and is already generating high-quality data. Astronomers from all over Europe have planned eight surveys for observation with WEAVE, including studies of stellar evolution, the Milky Way, galaxy evolution and cosmology. Together with the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite, WEAVE will be used to obtain spectra of several million stars in the disk and halo of our galaxy, and thus to do archeology of the Milky Way. Nearby and distant galaxies will be studied to learn the history of how they grew. Quasars will be used as beacons to map the spatial distribution and interaction of gas and galaxies when the universe was only about 20% of today's age. First-light observations: Stephan's Quintet galaxies WEAVE targeted NGC 7318a and NGC 7318b, two galaxies at the center of Stephan's Quintet. Its galaxies, four of which are 280 million light-years from Earth, are colliding with each other, providing an excellent close-up laboratory to study the consequences of galaxy collisions and their subsequent evolution. The first-light observations were carried out with the so-called Large Integral Field Unit (LIFU) fiber array, one of WEAVE's three fiber systems. When using the LIFU, 547 very compact optical fibers transmit light from a hexagonal area of the sky to the spectrograph, where it is analyzed and recorded. WEAVE's LIFU has measured a large number of individual spectra of the two central galaxies of Stephan's Quintet and their surroundings, examining the intensity of the colors of their light, from the ultraviolet to the near infrared. Among other information, these spectra reveal essential details to study collision processes, such as the motion and distribution of stars and gas, and their chemical composition. From these data, we can learn how galaxy collisions transform the other galaxies in the group. ING director Marc Balcells explains that their goal is "to install a unique instrument that will allows us to carry out cutting-edge astronomical research. It has been fantastic to receive financial support from the national research agencies of the three ING partner countries (UK, Spain and the Netherlands) and contributions from other non-ING countries (France and Italy)." "We are pleased to demonstrate that the LIFU part of WEAVE not only works, but produces high-quality data. The ING telescopes will continue to deliver results of high scientific impact in the coming years. We look forward to announcing soon the first-light events for the other observing modes, which are currently in the final calibration stage." WEAVE, a new generation spectrograph The WEAVE spectrograph uses optical fibers to collect light from celestial objects and transmits it to a spectrograph that separates the light according to its different wavelengths. It can work at two different spectral resolutions, which are used to measure the speeds of objects in the line of sight (using the Doppler effect) and to determine their chemical composition. The versatility of WEAVE is one of its main strengths. While the LIFU mode contains hundreds of fibers in a compact distribution, essential for imaging extended areas of the sky, in the MOS mode about a thousand individual fibers can be placed (by two robots) to simultaneously collect light from stars, galaxies or quasars. During the first five years of operation, spectra of millions of individual stars and galaxies are to be obtained, a goal that can be achieved thanks to the spectrograph's ability to observe so many bodies at once. Catalan contribution to the spectrograph The project involves scientists from the Institute of Cosmos Sciences of the University of Barcelona (ICCUB) and the Universitat Politecnica de CatalunyaBarcelonaTech (UPC). The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC) takes part with researchers from the ICCUB and the UPC units. From the beginning of the project, these Catalan institutions have worked on the definition of its scientific objectives and the selection of the objects to be observedfrom stars in various evolutionary stages to star clustersas well as the sampling of quasars, extremely bright and very distant active nuclei galaxies. Specifically, two ICCUB-IEEC researchers, Maria Monguio and Merce Romero-Gomez, and UPC researcher Roberto Raddi, from the Department of Physics, who is a professor at the Castelldefels School of Telecommunications and Aerospace Engineering (EETAC), are members of the international working groups on young stars, galactic archeology and white dwarfs that make up the team of scientists responsible for planning the observations. Teresa Antoja and Ignasi Perez-Rafols, also from the ICCUB-IEEC, co-lead the research teams responsible for galactic disk dynamics and quasars, respectively. Roberto Raddi, commenting on the contribution of the UPC, says, "Our team will contribute to the study of some 100,000 white dwarfs previously observed by Gaia, and discover the secrets behind the last evolutionary stages of Sun-like stars, including the fate of their planetary systems, and the mechanisms leading to supernova explosions in binary systems with white dwarfs." Maria Monguio, from the ICCUB-IEEC, explains, "After years of preparation, we hope to soon be able to obtain the first spectra of stars in the disk of our galaxy. The quantity and quality of the millions of spectra that we expect to observe will allow us, among other things, to analyze regions of recent star formation and to measure how stars move. These data, together with those provided by the Gaia mission, will allow us to address fundamental questions about the formation and evolution of the Milky Way." The work is published on the arXiv preprint server. More information: Shoko Jin et al, The wide-field, multiplexed, spectroscopic facility WEAVE: Survey design, overview, and simulated implementation, arXiv (2022). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2212.03981 Journal information: arXiv Provided by Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech (UPC) This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A first-of-its-kind study by La Trobe University researchers shows surfers play a critical role in keeping people safe on unpatrolled beaches, potentially saving hundreds of lives each year. More than 550 surfers across Victoria were surveyed as part of a partnership study between Surfing Victoria and La Trobe's Center for Sport and Social Impact (CSSI). In the first 24 months of the study, surfers helped prevent drownings by giving safety advice 2,500 times potentially preventing thousands of incidents, rescuing more than 250 people in the surf and administering first aid to more than 100 people. Kiera Staley, research fellow at La Trobe's Center for Sport and Social Impact, said surfers are again playing a vital role in keeping the public safe this summer. "Surfers often know the risks of particular beaches, and have highly developed water survival skills," said Kiera Staley. "The risks on beaches this year is intensified by almost three years of missed swimming lessons due to recent COVID impacts." "Coastal areas are also experiencing a greater influx of people as many inland Victorian holiday destinations are still recovering from recent floods," said Kiera Staley. The research found that surfers are proving to be a vital year-round resource, reaching into many unpatrolled coastal locations. Sport Australia estimates there are over 80,000 surfers in Victoria. Liam Robertson at Surfing Victoria said quantifying surfers' impact will hopefully draw more support for their programs. "Surfers perform hundreds of rescues year-round and compliment the incredible work that lifesavers do over the summer period," said Liam Robertson. "Surfboards are the perfect floatation device to assist in a rescue and surfers have a strong knowledge of the ocean allowing them to perform rescues safely. "The research that La Trobe University is undertaking reiterates the importance of the Surfers Rescue 24/7 program and how surfers can keep our beaches safe." "We have had over 3,500 surfers complete the program so far and further funding will allow us to continue to bring this important program to surfers across the state." Surfing Victoria runs Surfers Rescue 24/7, a free board rescue and CPR course created by Surfing NSW. So far more than 3,500 Victorian surfers have been trained in life saving skills since it began four years ago. Full results of the research will be released after final data is collected in May 2023. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Two satellite tagged Antarctic blue whales have provided the first insights into the movement and behavior of these critically endangered ocean giants on their feeding grounds. Credit: Australian Antarctic Division Ten years ago, Dr. Virginia Andrews-Goff was riding the bowsprit of a six-meter boat, as a 30-meter, 120-ton Antarctic blue whale surfaced alongside. That day in the Southern Ocean, she became the first and, so far, the only person, to deploy satellite tags on two of these critically endangered and rarely sighted giants. At the time, her success added weight to a case in the United Nations International Court of Justice, demonstrating that scientific research on whales could be conducted without killing them. Dr. Andrews-Goff and her colleagues at the Australian Antarctic Division have now published the two satellite tracks generated by that 2013 work, in Biodiversity Data Journal. The tracks give an insight into the animals' movement and behavior on their feeding grounds, and illustrate the significant logistical challenges needed to successfully locate, tag, and track Antarctic blue whales. "This is a unique data set that was incredibly challenging to get, and, unfortunately, for 10 years no-one has been able to generate more data," Dr. Andrews-Goff said. "We know very little about the movement and distribution of Antarctic blue whales, where they migrate, where they forage and breed, and we don't understand the threats they might face as they recover from whaling." This map shows the movement of two satellite tagged Antarctic blue whales. The track on the bottom right are the movements of one whale over 13 days. The other three tracks capture segments of movement by the second whale over 74 days. The tag for this second whale did not transmit data consistently, resulting in data gaps throughout the tracking period.The blue portions of track show where the whales were moving quickly and directly, suggesting they were in transit, while the orange locations show where they slowed down and appeared to be searching or foraging. Credit: Australian Antarctic Division Part of the issue is that the animals are incredibly difficult to find. Commercial whaling in the 1960s and '70s killed about 290,000 Antarctic blue whales, accounting for 90% of the population. By the late 1990s, the world's population of Antarctic blue whales was estimated at 2280 animals. Back in 2013, the research team used novel acoustic tracking techniques to detect blue whale calls and hone in on their location from up to 1000 kilometers away. Once the whales were in sight (in two separate locations), an expert crew maneuvered close to their fast-moving targets. The satellite tags showed that the whales traveled 1390 kilometers in 13 days and 5550 kilometers in 74 days, with an average distance of more than 100 kilometers per day. "The two whales did entirely different things, but what became obvious is that these animals can travel really quickly," Dr. Andrews-Goff said. Scientists approach a 30-meter blue whale in their six-meter boat. Credit: Kylie Owens/Australian Antarctic Division "If you consider how far and fast these animals moved, protecting the broader population against potential threats will be tricky because they could potentially circumnavigate Antarctica within a single feeding season." Since the tracks were obtained, new analytical methods have added some behavioral context to the data. Two movement rates were observeda faster 'in transit' speed averaging 4.2 km/hr and a slower speed of 2.5 km/hr, thought to correspond with searching or foraging. "It looks like the whales might hang around in one area to feed and then move quickly to another area and hang around there for another feed," Dr. Andrews-Goff said. "There may be certain areas that are better feeding grounds than others. From a management perspective, it would be good to understand what is it that makes these areas important?" Even at a sample size of two, Dr. Andrews-Goff said the satellite tracks will assist the International Whaling Commission's management of Antarctic blue whales, by providing initial insights into blue whale foraging ecology, habitat preferences, distribution, movement rates, and feeding. These will inform an in-depth assessment of Antarctic blue whales due to begin in 2024. More information: Virginia Andrews-Goff et al, Satellite tag derived data from two Antarctic blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) tagged in the east Antarctic sector of the Southern Ocean, Biodiversity Data Journal (2022). DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.10.e94228 Journal information: Biodiversity Data Journal This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Arabia is bumping into Eurasia and pushing Anatolia westwards or to non-earth scientists, Syria is bumping into Europe and squeezing out Turkey. Credit: Mikenorton/Nasa/wiki, CC BY-SA An extremely large earthquake has occurred in the southeast of Turkey, near the border with Syria. Data from seismometers which measure shaking of the ground caused by earthquake waves suggest this this event, in the early morning of February 6, was a magnitude 7.8 out of 10 on the moment magnitude scale. Seismic waves were picked up by sensors around the world (you can watch them ripple through Europe) including places as far away as the UK. This was a really big one. The shaking caused by energy traveling outwards from the source or epicenter has already had terrible consequences for people living nearby. Many buildings have collapsed, at least 2,000 people are thought to have died across the two countries, and there are reports of damage to gas pipelines leading to fires. A second very large earthquake of 7.5 magnitude also occurred in central Turkey around lunchtime. Why this happened here This area of Turkey is prone to earthquakes as it lies at the intersection of three of the tectonic plates that make up the Earth's crust: the Anatolian, Arabian and African plates. Arabia is moving northwards into Europe, causing the Anatolian plate (which Turkey sits on) to be pushed out westwards. The movement of the tectonic plates builds up pressure on fault zones at their boundaries. It is the sudden release of this pressure that causes earthquakes and ground shaking. This latest earthquake is likely to have happened on one of the major faults that marks the boundaries between the Anatolian and Arabian plates: either the East Anatolian fault or the Dead Sea Transform fault. These are both "strike-slip faults", which means they accommodate some motion of plates moving past each other. 'Significantly bigger' than previous earthquakes While this area has many earthquakes every year caused by the ongoing motion of the tectonic plates, today's earthquake is particularly large and devastating as so much energy was released. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) states that only three earthquakes bigger than magnitude 6 have happened within 250km of this location since 1970. At magnitude 7.8, the February 6 event is significantly bigger than ones the area has experienced before, releasing more than twice as much energy as the largest previously recorded earthquake in the region (magnitude 7.4). Modern seismologists use the moment magnitude scale, which represents the amount of energy released by an earthquake (the Richter scale is outdated, though is sometimes wrongly quoted in the news). This scale is non-linear: each step up represents 32 times more energy released. That means a magnitude 7.8 actually releases around 16,000 times more energy than the more moderate magnitude 5 earthquakes that might usually happen in the region. We tend to think of earthquake energy as coming from a single location, or epicenter, but they are actually caused by movement along an area of a fault. The bigger the earthquake the larger the fault area that will have moved. For something as large as this magnitude 7.8 there is likely to have been movement over an area roughly 190km long and 25km wide. This means the shaking will be felt over a very large area. Severe to violent shaking (enough to cause significant property damage) is estimated to have been felt by 610,000 people in the surrounding area up to around 80km away north-eastwards along the tectonic plate boundary. Light shaking was felt as far away as Turkey's largest city Istanbul (around 815km away), as well as Baghdad in Iraq (800km) and Cairo in Egypt (950km). What about aftershocks? After major earthquakes there will be many smaller earthquakes known as aftershocks as the crust readjusts to the changes in stress. These can continue for days to years after the initial event. In the first 12 hours after the initial tremor in southeast Turkey there were already three other earthquakes above magnitude 6.0. The first was a 6.7 which happened only 11 minutes after the first shock, and there have been hundreds of smaller magnitude aftershocks. The second, magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurred further to the north on a different but adjacent fault system: the Surgu Fault. Technically this one was powerful enough to count as a separate earthquake in its own right, though it is likely to have been triggered by the first earthquake, and it will generate its own series of aftershocks. While aftershocks are usually significantly smaller than the main shock, they can have equally devastating consequences, further damaging infrastructure that was damaged by the first earthquake and hampering rescue efforts. As the aftermath of these major earthquakes continues to be felt by the people living in this region, we can only hope that international aid gets to Turkey and Syria as soon as possible to help in ongoing rescue efforts, amid the ongoing aftershocks This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The loss of a capsule of caesium-137, measuring 6mm by 8mm, dominated the news late last month. The capsule was found in the Western Australian outback on February 1, but in terms of losing radioactive material, we have been here before. And in at least one case, the sheer amount of lost radioactive material dwarfed the recent WA incident. Theft of 2,200 kilograms of 'yellow cake' In 1980 it was revealed that an Australian uranium mine had lost 2,200 kilograms of uranium oxide or "yellow cake." The material came from the Mary Kathleen uranium mine and processing plant, between Mount Isa and Cloncurry in Queensland. The mine was serviced by a purpose-built town"Mary K," as the locals came to call it2km from the open-cut mine, which began production in 1958. The first phase of the mine's operation covered one large contract with the British Atomic Energy Commission, which was complete by 1963. The mine then closed until 1974, when new contracts with Japanese, West German and U.S. buyers were signed. The mine was operated by Mary Kathleen Uranium Ltd, which by 1980 was jointly owned by CRA Ltd. and the Commonwealth government, with a small amount of shares held by retail investors. The WA caesium-137 capsule was discovered within two weeks of it going missing, having literally fallen off the back of a truck. But the missing Mary Kathleen uranium had been removed from the processing plant over a 12-month period, starting in 1977. In other words, when the theft was discovered, it had been missing for three years. Its absence was not discovered through regular checks or an audit, but because the employee who stole it tried to sell the yellow cake to a scrap merchant in Sydney. We were very lucky this scrap dealer went to the police. The resulting police investigation provided further details. The employee had been removing uranium oxide from the processing plant between April 1977 and July 1978. The employee had filled six drums, then sent them to Sydney. The man was found guilty of theft from a workplace, and sentenced to five years' prison in 1981. An aerial view of the Mary Kathleen township in 1960 by photographer Helen Groger-Wurm. Credit: Noel Butlin Archives, ANU Aghast at loss of radioactive material Unlike caesium-137, yellow cake is not especially radioactive. The danger lies in this material being transferred into the hands of rogue states or terrorist groups, where it could be further refined and used for a nuclear weapon or a dirty bomb. The first report of the Fox Inquiry into uranium mining at the Ranger mine had specifically warned of the dangers of theft. The Mary Kathleen case entered the fraught uranium mining debates in the mid- to late 1970s. This debate split the labor movement and led to lengthy and protracted discussions in the Australian Labor Party about how they might handle uranium mining and export. Environmental groups and peace activists were aghast that such a large amount of material could go missing and was only found when it was presented for illicit sale. This was the not the first time the Queensland uranium mining town had a global impact. In 1975 and 1976, unions in Mount Isa and Townsville were increasingly active at Mary Kathleen. The Railway and the Seaman's Union placed a ban on some material being transported from the township on the basis of concerns for worker health and safety. It was in this industrial relations climate that a 200-page document was removed from the site and mailed to an environmental group in Sydney, Friends of the Earth. These documents, made public in August 1976, sensationally revealed the existence of a global price-fixing cartel which had been operating for at least two years. Westinghouse, a US company, had been building civilian nuclear reactors since 1957 and was a major buyer of uranium oxide. Westinghouse and other US companies initiated a series of court cases in the US that led to the breakup of the cartel, forcing the owners of Mary Kathleen to pay extensive compensation. Theft and security in the nuclear industry Long after Mary Kathleen closed in 1982, the industry is still plagued by thefts or supply chain security issues. In 2013, the Smithsonian magazine estimated there had been "419 cases of smuggled or stolen nuclear materials worldwide" since 1993 alone, including reports radioactive material was stolen from the stricken Chernobyl reactors. More recent reports indicate uranium oxide is being bought and sold across the Indian-Nepalese border. The future of nuclear energy remains a hot topic for discussion. But as the Mary Kathleen theft shows, questions range beyond the safety and utility of nuclear power generation. Even the best technology is overseen by human systems and subject to the vagaries of human behavior. Radioactive material gets lost, or stolen, or on-sold, despite non-proliferation treaties, safeguards and industry assurances. And the environmental legacy of uranium mining needs to be considered too. Despite a $24 million, award-winning cleanup completed in 1985, the old mine at Mary K. is still a source of environmental contamination, leaching into nearby creeks. The flooded open cut is a favorite spot for travelers, but it's not safe to swim in or drink from. Despite the difference in size between the tiny caesium capsule and the six drums of uranium oxide, there is one common feature in both cases: Rio Tinto and its predecessor organization, CRA Ltd., was the company involved. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Bay of Bengal map. Credit: NormanEinstein and Ruhrfisch/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA Researchers led by Prof. Wan Shiming from the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS) and their collaborators reported a continuous weathering record spanning the past 37 million years, which was based on planktonic foraminiferal neodymium isotopes ( Nd ) of marine sediment core in the Bay of Bengal (BoB). The study was published in Science Bulletin on Jan. 13. Seawater Nd distribution in the northern Indian Ocean displays an obvious north-south gradient in the BoB, which is induced by different Nd isotopic characteristics of the terrigenous input from the Himalayan river systems and water masses mixing from the Southern Ocean. This suggests a two end-member mixing by the South Asian continental weathering input and the Indian Ocean deep water mass. The researchers reported the radiogenic Nd isotope record of planktonic foraminifera of Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 758 sediments in the northern Indian Ocean since the late Eocene, and compared it with the Nd isotope record in the central Indian Ocean to eliminate the influence of the Indian Ocean water masses. They proposed a new proxy, Nd , the difference between these two parts, to indicate the contribution of continental weathering from South Asia to the Indian Ocean. The Nd values of the foraminifera at ODP Site 758 showed a long-term negative trend, and a distinct variation relative to detrital Nd isotopes and the clay mineral ratio of smectite/(illite + chlorite) at the same core, but similar rapid pulses occurred with increasing terrigenous flux at ~21, 8, 6 Ma and since 3 Ma. This observation indicated that the foraminiferal Nd isotope record at Site 758 might not be significantly influenced by changes in sediment provenance and weathering degree onshore, but mainly reflected the evolution of silicate weathering input from South Asia. "The Nd suggests a long-term intensification of South Asian weathering input since the late Cenozoic," said Prof. Wan. Specifically, the growth of Nd values during 2513 Ma and 50 Ma corresponded to the rapid uplift of the Himalayan orogeny during the late Miocene and Pliocene, fast exhumation at Himalayan syntaxes and outward growth in eastern Tibet during the early Pliocene, as well as global cooling since the early Pliocene. This indicates a coupled tectonic-climate-weathering evolution in South Asia. Moreover, the atmospheric CO 2 level showed a rapid decline during the enhanced South Asian weathering input periods. This is also supported by the consistent variations in Nd with the long-term evolution of Li and Sr isotopes in seawater since the late Eocene. "Our study provides the first evidence of long-term enhanced weathering input obtained from seawater Nd isotope in South Asia since the late Eocene. This suggests that the intensification of silicate weathering caused by the uplift of the Himalayas plays an important role in the global cooling at the late Cenozoic," said Song Zehua, first author of the study. "We'll combine simulations to accurately quantify the carbon sink effect of South Asian weathering on the late Cenozoic cooling in future studies," said Prof. Wan. More information: Zehua Song et al, Enhanced weathering input from South Asia to the Indian Ocean since the late Eocene, Science Bulletin (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.01.015 Flash Tourists visit the Angkor Wat in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Dec 17, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua] Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen will make an official visit to China from Thursday to Saturday, becoming the first foreign leader Beijing will host after the Chinese New Year holiday. Calling Hun Sen an old friend and a good friend of the Chinese people, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a daily news briefing on Monday that the three-day visit fully indicates the high level of China-Cambodia relations. According to Mao, the Cambodian prime minister will meet with Chinese leaders for in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common concern. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, as well as the Year of China-Cambodia Friendship. Noting that China and Cambodia are traditionally friendly neighbors and staunch friends, Mao said that their bilateral friendship, jointly forged by older generations of Chinese and Cambodian leaders, has further strengthened over time. She said China considers the visit as an opportunity to promote the building of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future. According to the Cambodian General Department of Customs and Excise, China continues to be Cambodia's largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade in 2022 reaching $11.686 billion, up 4.4 percent year-on-year. After the free-trade agreement between the two countries took effect last year, over 90 percent of bilateral trade in goods has tariff-free status, China's Ministry of Commerce said. Cambodian Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak said recently that Cambodia planned to set up private business centers in five Chinese cities to make full use of the free-trade agreement and maximize exports of Cambodian products to China. Monday's edition of Economic Daily quoted Chen Qisheng, general manager of China Certification and Inspection Group's Cambodian branch, as saying that China is now the largest market for Cambodian rice, with exports to China accounting for nearly half of the nation's rice production. With the speedy recovery of China's economy this year and the implementation of the China-Cambodia free-trade agreement, bilateral trade is expected to increase rapidly, said Chen, adding that there are good prospects for exports of high-quality Cambodian products to China. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Researchers from Oklahoma State University installing a soil moisture monitoring station in a forest near Perkins, Oklahoma in 2018. These kinds of soil monitors can improve wildfire predictions but are not as widely distributed as tools such as weather stations. Credit: Tyson Ochsner Severe wildfires have become annual events in the United States. The years 2020 and 2021 were the worst in wildfire history in California. Other statesand countriesare at risk as well. Climate change is making wildfires more likely in some places. And with heavy populations residing in areas bordering wildlands and forests, many people are more likely to experience serious wildfires. "Better understanding and prediction of wildfire danger is increasingly important. The area burned annually by wildfires in the U.S. has more than tripled in the past 40 years. Similar trends are occurring in other parts of the world," says Tyson Ochsner, professor of plant and soil sciences at Oklahoma State University. Ochsner studies how to apply soil science to other fields. Ochsner and his colleague Erik Krueger have partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to research how soil science can improve wildfire predictions. Ochsner recently presented their work at the 2022 ASA-CSSA-SSSA annual meeting, held in Baltimore, Maryland. Right now, most experts rely on weather data to predict wildfires. If an area is in a drought, for example, the risk goes up. But Ochsner's group has revealed that soil data can make these predictions better. "Over the past decade or so, researchers have learned that soil moisture information can contribute to better wildfire danger ratings in many locations by replacing outdated drought indices and by informing predictions of fuel moisture and fuel loads," Ochsner says. This evidence has rolled in from forests in California and several countries, including Canada, Australia, China, and Thailand. Soil moisture also affects the likelihood of grassland fires. These fires occur in many areas that are not forested. Low soil moisture causes plants to stop growing and dry out, which provides fuel for a fire. Unfortunately, soil data is much harder to come by than weather data. Decades of work resulted in weather station networks and satellites that can track weather conditions all over Earth. Soil monitoring is much more limited, and even though satellites can also help measure soil conditions, they have limitations. "One major challenge is that we do not have adequate soil moisture observations in forests. They have few monitoring stations on the ground and the satellites we use to observe soil moisture from space can have difficulty penetrating the forest canopy," Ochsner says. One way to make up for limited data is to develop computer models to extend the data that exists to new areas. Zack Holden and his team at the Forest Service developed one such model. Called TOPOFIRE, it shows potential to improve soil moisture predictions across the country, including in hillier regions. "TOPOFIRE improves on some prior models by more accurately accounting for the effects of topography on soil moisture, such as the tendency for north facing slopes to be cooler and wetter," says Ochsner. "This may prove particularly helpful for predicting fire danger in mountainous regions." The team has shown that their model correlates well with on-the-ground data. Now, they are hoping to integrate TOPOFIRE into other fire prediction systems. Combined with other sources of soil moisture information, the model could improve how we predict these dangerous events. "I would like wildfire professionals to know that these new ways of accounting for soil moisture conditions could help them better understand and respond to fire danger," says Ochsner. The public has a role to play as well, especially by educating themselves on their risk, he says. "I would encourage everyone to learn more about the risks of wildfire where they live by visiting https://wildfirerisk.org/." The work is described in detail in a recently published review paper in the International Journal of Wildland Fire. More information: Ochsner, T. E., Holden, Z. A., & Krueger, E. S. (2022) Using Soil Moisture Information to Better Understand and Predict Wildfire Danger [Abstract]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD. scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2022a app.cgi/Paper/142031 Erik S. Krueger et al, Using soil moisture information to better understand and predict wildfire danger: a review of recent developments and outstanding questions, International Journal of Wildland Fire (2022). DOI: 10.1071/WF22056 The Atlantic City Department of Public Works is adding signage to encourage people to use the bags provided at dog waste stations at every park in the city to clean up after their pets. Please pick up after your dog, the signs say. They are installed over the stations where free plastic bags can be pulled out and used by dog owners to pick up waste and put it in trash cans. Residents who have come out to biweekly CitiStat meetings have often asked for help getting dog owners to stop leaving their pets waste on sidewalks and lawns as well as parks. Residents need to have pride in our parks, and cleaning up after your pet is a great way to show that pride, Public Works Director Crystal Lewis said. Pet waste runoff into storm drains is a concern of ours, but that can easily be fixed through proper disposal. Horace J. Bryant Park was the first to get the signs, and all parks are expected to have them at each station by early spring, according to a city news release. CitiStat is a program intended to help residents, business owners and others report problems to city department heads and get action. The next meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Stockton Universitys Scarpa Academic Building in the Fannie Lou Hamer Room. Anchor property tax rebate State Sen. Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic, is encouraging renters and homeowners to apply for the Anchor property tax rebate from the state. The deadline to apply has been extended to Feb. 28, and many renters dont realize they qualify for a rebate, he said. New Jersey homeowners with incomes of $150,000 or less will receive $1,500; homeowners with incomes of more than $150,000 and up to $250,000 will receive $1,000; and residential renters with incomes of $150,000 or less will receive $450. Polistina has said constituents in need of help applying should call his office at 609-677-8266. Girl Scouts and Atlantic City Ocean Casino Resort is supporting New Jersey Girl Scout troops as they sell their iconic cookies, leading up to National Girl Scout Day March 12. From Feb. 15 through March 15, The Lobby Bar, Makai and Sky Cafe have added three Girl Scout cookie-inspired cocktails and will donate $1 from every sale to the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey. They include Caramel Surprise ($14) with Van Gogh chocolate vodka, chocolate liqueur, Malibu, caramel and toasted coconut; PB&B ($14) with Skrewball peanut butter whiskey, creme de cacao and peanut brittle; and Lemon Berry Chocolatey ($14) with Three Olives cherry vodka, chambord and chocolate liqueur. ATLANTIC CITY Keeping communities safe should be a family effort between police and the people they serve to protect, said Asmat Ozzie Hussain, manager of The Martinique Motel on South Chelsea Avenue. Hussain and owner Jimmy Jasani stand by the stance so much that theyre two of the newest businessmen in the city to have surveillance cameras installed at their motel. The feed from the cameras will be sent to police stations surveillance center. We are supposed to help them, and theyre supposed to help us, Hussain said outside the motel on Monday, joining Police Chief James Sarkos and members of the Chelsea Economic Development Corporation, a community-based entity, for an overview of the devices. The new devices are connected to the surveillance center at the Atlantic City Public Safety Building. The surveillance center has five 80-inch monitors, four 65-inch monitors, six workstations with four monitors each and a supervisor station with seven monitors. The cameras are the first to be installed on a business by the Chelsea EDC and police through a partnership to help officers make the citys streets safer. The cameras as well as 50 Ring Door Bell cameras given to homes in the neighborhood, were provided and installed by Chelsea EDC at no charge, organization President Elizabeth Terenik said, adding the cameras cost was paid for out of a $20,000 state grant from the state Department of Community Affairs. A double-lens camera is mounted over the motel lobbys door accessible from Pacific Avenue, providing a north-to-south sight of the street back to police. The other camera is behind the building, monitoring a parking lot that separates the motel from the Chelsea Inn. The cameras join others scattered across the city helping police through their Protecting Atlantic City Together initiative, otherwise known as P.A.C.T. The initiative features a network of cameras that help survey the areas in which they are installed, becoming an extra eye for police to help them respond faster to crime, Sarkos said. Signs are often posted near where the cameras are installed, reminding people theyre being watched by a police team blocks away. The Martinique is one of the first businesses to use the signs, Sarkos said. What we hope is that people see these signs, see the cameras and might think twice about committing criminal activities in these areas, Sarkos said. I think it also makes other individuals comfortable to know that the police have access to these cameras. Chelsea EDC worked with the police Vice Division of Surveillance, identifying spots with potential for cameras based on crime rates. Three other cameras were installed in busy residential locations in Chelsea, the organization said. After hearing from concerned residents in the neighborhood Chelsea EDC represents, Terenik said it is also handing out Ring Door Bell cameras for homes. Those, like other forms of smart home security software, have, in recent years, become staples of houses, capturing potential trespassers on camera that can be stored and provided to police. The Chelsea EDC has installed 28 of 50 Ring cameras, spreading them out over the neighborhood, Terenik said. So far, having extra cameras around is providing results, Sarkos said. Helping residents protect their homes is important to making the city safer, and also will help the local economy, Terenik said. We cant attract more visitors and support our businesses unless we have public safety, Terenik said. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. BUENA The Borough Council will refill one of its vacancies with a Democrat after having its appointment of a Republican councilman challenged. The Atlantic County Democratic Committee contacted borough officials Thursday about its appointment of Richard Giovinazzi, a Republican, to fill a vacant Borough Council seat in January. It said the appointment was illegal, given Giovinazzi was to replace a member of council who had been elected as a Democrat. I write to advise that the appointment of Mr. Giovinazzi is illegal and void and that the seat on council must instead be filled by a member of the Democratic Party, Atlantic County Democratic counsel Colin Bell said in a Thursday letter to Buena Borough officials. We are constrained to demand that Mr. Giovinazzi refrain from taking any actions in his purported capacity as a member of Borough Council (and) that the Borough Council declare the office vacant. Borough Council President Doug Adams said Giovinazzi tendered his resignation Monday and the borough would solicit a list of nominees from county Democrats. Adams described the appointment of Giovinazzi as an honest mistake and said he was thankful the Democrats had brought the matter to the boroughs attention. Allowing Giovinazzi to continue in office, Adams added, would have been disastrous, potentially compromising the legitimacy of Borough Council actions taken during his tenure. Sue Romeo, a local member of the Atlantic County Republican Committee, expressed similar sentiments in a statement. Im glad that he did catch it, Adams said of Bell, the attorney for the Atlantic County Democrats. He saved us money, he saved us time, he saved us future embarrassment. He did a good thing by telling us that. Adams, who is a Republican, said he and other borough officials discussed the Atlantic County Democrats complaints with the borough solicitor and an attorney for Atlantic County GOP on Friday and over the weekend. They ultimately concurred with the Democrats on the illegitimacy of Giovinazzis appointment. We fixed it all within two business days, Adams said. The Borough Council voted to appoint Giovinazzi on Jan. 23, selecting him from a list of three nominees submitted to the borough by the local members of the Atlantic County Republican Committee. Giovinazzi was to fill the seat of Gina Andaloro, who resigned from Borough Council earlier that month, citing a scheduling conflict with her job. Gina Andaloro, along with her mother Pat Andaloro, had been elected to Buena Borough Council in November 2021. The pair ran as Democrats, ousting a Republican incumbent and longtime council president, while defying a red wave that saw the GOP dominate races across the county and state. By the time of Gina Andaloros resignation, she and her mother had switched parties and become Republicans, a decision that would have likely fortified a reelection effort in Buena, which leans to the right. U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, won 70.7% of the vote in the borough against his Democratic challenger in November 2022. Borough officials choose to solicit nominees from the GOP, due to the party switch. State law, cited by the Atlantic County Democratic Party, dictates that the right to fill a vacancy belongs to the political party of which the incumbent was the nominee during that incumbents election to office. As Buena Borough notified the Republican Party of the vacancy and solicited nominees for an interim council member from it, the (Atlantic County Democratic Committee) members in Buena were denied the opportunity to select nominees for the seat and the members of the Democratic Party in Buena were likewise denied the right to seek that office, Bell said in the Thursday letter. It is not the first time in Buena that a council vacancy had created confusion in the borough. The Borough Council delayed accepting the May 2021 resignation of Councilman Aldo Palmieri for over seven months, meaning that the seat went unfilled by an interim member of council. The failure to accept Palmieris resignation had contributed to a general atmosphere of discontent with the former borough government in Buena. Four of the five members of Borough Council during the summer of 2021 have since lost their bid for reelection or resigned. Atlantic County Democratic Party Chair Michael Suleiman said he intended to convene a meeting of Buena members of the Atlantic County Democratic Committee sometime this week. They will nominate three Democratic candidates from whom the Borough Council would select at its next meeting on Feb. 13. What's Happening in the Region Karakalpak Trials and the New Uzbekistan The first trials over the unrest in western Uzbekistans Karakalpakstan Sovereign Republic last summer that left at least 21 people dead concluded on January 31. As expected, all 22 of the defendants were found guilty. One died in custody days later. Everything about the protests in Karakalpakstan in early July 2022 has been surrounded by controversy that seems to increase as time goes on. The protests started when proposed changes to the Uzbek constitution that stripped Karakalpakstan of its nominal status as a sovereign republic with a right to secede from Uzbekistan were published toward the end of June. Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov received the harshest punishment from the court, 16 years in prison for allegedly organizing protests in the Karakalpak capital Nukus on July 1. Tazhimuratov, a journalist and local activist, did go the city administration on July 1 seeking official permission to conduct a rally on July 5 against the proposed constitutional changes affecting Karakalpakstan. He was detained instead. When word spread around Nukus that Tazhimuratov was in custody, thousands of people came out to protest. Violence erupted when police and security forces tried to disperse a crowd outside the administration building. Nearly 250 people were injured and more than 500 people were eventually detained. The proposed amendments were sent back to a committee working on the draft constitution. A new draft still has not been released but the amendments concerning Karakalpakstan were dropped. Uzbek authorities formed a special commission to investigate the violence, but so far, the investigation has focused on the protesters rather than police and security forces. Human Rights Watch questioned the actions of law enforcement during the violence, but so far there is no information about law enforcement personnel being investigated. All the defendants except Tazhimuratov confessed to the charges against them. Tazhimuratov said in his testimony he was tortured while in custody. Officials promised to investigate but there has been no word yet about that investigation. One of the defendants, Polat Shamshetov, died on February 4. Officials said Shamshetov, 46, died of a heart attack and promised to investigate. Shamshetov is the son of Dauletbay Shamshetov, the first and only president of Karakalpakstan, who was in power from November 1991 until June 1992 when the Uzbek government forced him to leave politics. Why Its Important: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev has been promising a new Uzbekistan, where the rights of the countrys citizens are respected. But the Karakalpak trials look like the old Uzbekistan of his predecessor, first President Islam Karimov. A lack of transparency in the investigative process and in the court proceedings, defendants confessing and apologizing in court and still being convicted, and testimony of torture being discounted, are all familiar to those who followed trials in the Karimov era. Major Land Corridor to Afghanistan Cut Uzbekistan halted railway traffic into Afghanistan on February 1. Uzbek state railway company Uzbekiston Temir Yollari said the Afghan side had failed to do agreed technical work. Problems started in December when acting head of the Afghanistan Railway Authority, Bakht Rahman Sharafat, announced Afghanistan was giving the contract for maintenance of the 66-mile line from the border to Mazar-e Sharif to Kazakh company Mansour Fatih. Since 2011 when the line started operation, Uzbekiston Temir Yollari subsidiary Sogdiana Trans has taken care of the railway line from the border to Mazar-e Sharif. Sharafat said Sogdiana Trans only provided work along the first 13.5 miles of railway line. Uzbekistan later said that information was incorrect and a new contract with Sogdiana Trans was being discussed. But problems remain. The Uzbek state railway company said operations of the line with Afghanistan would continue as soon as the necessary agreements were signed. But on February 4, the company said on its Facebook page that Afghan authorities are trying to blame the Uzbek side in the media, using a different interpretation of the agreed conditions to justify themselves. Why Its Important: The railway from Uzbekistan is the major railway connection for Afghanistan. The line connects Afghanistan through Uzbekistan to Central Asia, China, Russia, and Europe and is important for humanitarian aid shipments. The Uzbek government has maintained good relations with the Taliban since the latter returned to power in Afghanistan, but there have been problems recently. For technical reasons, Uzbekistan had to cut electricity exports to Afghanistan in January, prompting the Taliban to urge Uzbek authorities to resolve the problem quickly. And there are several dozen warplanes and military helicopters flown to Uzbekistan when the previous Afghan government fell in August 2021. The Taliban have said several times they want those returned to Afghanistan. The Latest Majlis Podcast This weeks Majlis podcast looks at the recent sharp deterioration in tolerance for opposition to the government, and respect for the independent media in Kyrgyzstan. Political opposition, civil society, and independent media have all been facing pressure lately in a country that once was the most democratic state in Central Asia. This weeks guests are Gulnoza Said, head of the Europe and Central Asia program at the Committee to Protect Journalists; Syinat Sultanalieva, Central Asia researcher for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at Human Rights Watch; and Bakyt Beshimov, a former member of Kyrgyzstans parliament and a former ambassador to the OSCE who currently teaches at Northeastern University. What I'm Following Rallying for International Womens Day in Kazakhstan More than 150 people gathered on Gandhi Square in Almaty on February 5 to call on city authorities to approve a march and public meeting on March 8, International Womens Day. Almaty authorities denied permission for the march and meeting, saying all four designated areas for such events are already reserved for that day. Another Kyrgyz Media Outlet Faces Problems Kyrgyzstans Culture Ministry told independent media outlet Kloop.kg to take down a report and Kloop.kg is refusing to comply. The report is about the Community Development and Investment Agency (CDIA) inflating construction costs. Kloop.kg says the information is accurate. In October 2022, the Culture Ministry ordered RFE/RLs Kyrgyz Service, known locally as Azattyk, to remove a video report about the 2022 Kyrgyz-Tajik border clash. When Azattyk refused, Kyrgyz authorities ordered their website blocked. On February 6, Kloop said the CDIA had withdrawn the complaint against the media outlet. Fact of the Week Kazakhstan has been seeking alternative export routes for its oil, 80 percent of which has been passing through Russian territory. In 2022, Kazakhstan shipped 1.8 metric tons of oil via non-Russian routes, a roughly 50 percent increase over figures for 2021. Thanks for Reading Thanks for reading our Central Asia in Focus newsletter! I appreciate you sharing it with other readers who you think may be interested. Feel free to contact me on Twitter or by responding to this email, especially if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or just want to connect with me about topics concerning Central Asia. Please consider filling out this brief survey so that I can better understand how this newsletter can be useful for you. See you next week for more on whats happening in Central Asia. Until next time, Bruce Security tightened at venue; guests to be treated to 100 dishes Bride-to-be Kiara Advanis brother Mishaal will reportedly give a special performance for his sister and brother-in-law on the occasion of their wedding, which will be held today at Jaisalmers Suryagarh palace. Mishaal has prepared a song specially for this occasion. He is a rapper, composer and music director by profession. Mishaal released his first track No My Name in November 2022. The event reportedly will also feature a performance by Shahid Kapoor and Karan Johar. Both may dance on the song Dola Re Dola from Devdas. This was mentioned by both of them in an episode of Koffee with Karan. More than 100 dishes from 10 countries will be served to the guests at the wedding of Bollywood stars Kiara Advani and Siddharth Malhotra, which will be held on February 7 in Jaisalmers Suryagarh palace. The menu includes Italian, Chinese, American, South Indian, Mexican, Rajasthani, Punjabi, and Gujarati cuisines. Jaisalmers Ghotwan Ladoo will be among the sweets. Siddharth has taken special care of his guests from Punjab and Delhi and has made arrangements for spicy food for them. There will be more than 50 stalls at the wedding with 500 waiters in their dress code. The responsibility of attending to each guest has been given to each waiter. As for the guests, while Shahid and Mira Kapoor, Karan Johar and Isha Ambani and husband Anand Piramal reached late on Sunday night, other stars and family flew in through Monday. IANS Oppn continues to demand discussion, probe #NEWDELHI Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned till Tuesday amid protests and sloganeering from opposition parties demanding a discussion and a probe into allegations of fraud against the Adani Group. During the Budget session, only the Presidents address and the Budget presentation took place. Even the motion of thanks on the Presidents address could not be initiated as the opposition has remained resolute in raising its demand for a discussion over the Adani Group. In the morning, there were 10 notices in the Upper House by the opposition on the issue but were disallowed. Following pandemonium, the House was adjourned till 2 pm, but later when it assembled again, the opposition demanded discussion on the Adani issue and the House was adjourned for the day Earlier, the opposition parties protested at the Gandhi statue in Parliament premises demanding a JPC probe or Supreme Courtmonitored probe in the Adani issue. KC Venugopal of the Congress said, The governments stand is exposed in the matter and that is why it is running away from debate and constituting a JPC. Ahead of the meeting, the opposition parties met at the leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharges Chamber in Parliament building to chalk out a strategy. Apart from the Congress, the DMK, NCP, BRS, JD(U), SP, CPI(M), CPI, Kerala Cong (Jose Mani), JMM, RLD, RSP, AAP, IUML, RJD and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) attended the meeting. IANS Thousands of computers at risk around the world, huge ransomware hacking attack discovered by Italys National Cybersecurity Agency #ROME After a hacking attack on computer servers around the world, Italy's National Cybersecurity Agency has warned organisations to take immediate action to protect their systems. According to the Agency, a massive ransomware hacking attack has compromised thousands of computers around the world, reports the Euro Weekly News. Servers have been compromised globally, including in the US, Canada, Finland, and France, as per Italian news outlet ANSA, citing the ACN. Moreover, the report said that organisations throughout Italy are very likely to have been affected by this attack. However, the ACN advised the organisations to take preventative measures to avoid being locked out of their systems. The report further said that large parts of Italy were affected by a massive internet outage on February 5. Italian telecommunications company TIM reported the issue but did not consider it related to the hacker attack and attributed the incident to a problem with an international link. Last month, South Korea's internet safety watchdog said that a Chinese hacking group launched a cyberattack against 12 academic institutions in the country. The Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) said the attackers hacked into the websites of the 12 institutions, which included some departments of Jeju University and the Korea National University of Education. IANS Scammers send fake WhatsApp msgs to superiors; spear phishing campaign at play #NEWDELHI Cybersecurity researchers on Monday said they have discovered a spear phishing campaign targeting multiple IT firms where scammers were sending WhatsApp messages to top tier employees personal numbers pretending to be their CEO. CloudSEK analysts found a spear phishing campaign targeting multiple corporations wherein a specific form of a message purportedly coming from superiors or CEOs may actually be a fraud. In these messages, the threat actor pretends to be the companys CEO and sends a WhatsApp message to employees (mostly top-level executives) on their personal phone numbers. Scammers misuse CEOs publicly available pictures by using WhatsApp profile pictures as a social engineering tactic to convince the victim. The research unveiled lead generation and business information tools being misused by these scammers to extract personal phone numbers, said a CloudSEK researcher. The scam begins with employees receiving an SMS-based message from an unknown number allegedly impersonating a top-ranking executive from the organisation. The reason for impersonating the top-ranking executive is to instill urgency and panic. If the receiver of the SMS acknowledges the scammer with a response, the threat actor/scammer would request to complete a quick task. The quick tasks commonly include purchasing gift cards for a client or employee and/or wiring funds to another business. I n some cases, the scammer may ask employees to send personal information (like PINs and passwords) to third parties, often providing a plausible reason to carry out the request, said the report. Threat actors often use commanding and persuasive language to convince the email victim to respond. Senior employees of the organisation can be looked up from LinkedIn. Threat actors then use popular sales intelligence or lead generation tools such as Signalhire, Zoominfo, Rocket Reach to gather personal identifiable information (PII) like emails, phone numbers, and more. These online databases of businesses have their methodologies for obtaining, verifying, and then selling the employees contact details of an entity, said the report. IANS A former John Deere employee is suing the company, saying he was fired in retaliation for raising safety concerns over electric batteries. Daniel White, of Bettendorf, claims he was fired after informing management about alleged safety risks related to batteries for autonomous tractors and other equipment. He was chief of electrification, small ag & turf, according to the suit, and started working for Deere in Moline in February 2022. A Deere spokeswoman said Wednesday that the company denies White's allegations and plans to "vigorously defend ... against these meritless allegations." As the matter is pending in court, Deere could not supply further comment. White had 24 years of experience, the lawsuit states, and his job was to help develop an autonomous, battery-powered tractor/farm product. The week of June 20, 2022, he traveled to Kreisel Electric Inc., an Austrian company that makes electric batteries. Deere secured a majority ownership of Kreisel early last year. During the trip, White saw multiple safety risks, his complaint states. One concern was immersion cooling of Kreisel's electric batteries, which contain no insulation between the cells and coolant, and White said he was concerned it could lead to electric shock, a chemical reaction or explosion. He took his complaints to several leadership personnel at Deere and at Kreisel, he said, where they were ignored. Shortly after his visit to Kreisel, White met with Deere's director of electric powertrain and the CEO of Kreisel Electric. The complaint says the Deere employees and suppliers handling the batteries didn't know of the safety concerns. But the lawsuit also alleges Deere leadership was aware, not only because White informed them, but because there had been a failure in a competitor's battery and it was plausible it could happen again, according to his claim. Instead, leadership for both companies demanded the Kreisel batteries be used in the development of autonomous equipment without additional testing. White's lawsuit indicates he spoke with various company leaders in a range of roles, urging them to perform tests on the batteries, including what could happen in the event of "foreseeable misuse," which he categorized as standard testing criteria. These tests included immersion, vibration, shock and salt spray, which the complaint identifies as standard safety tests. Though White said the tests are common, his suit alleges they were refused. In late October, White said, he sent a proposal for battery testing to a global engineering manager. By Nov. 1, White was terminated. The case has been moved from circuit court in Rock Island County and now is pending with the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois. "Deere terminated White because of White's reports and complaints of serious safety concerns with the electric batteries that were to be used in the power equipment White's team was ultimately to produce," the complaint states. The suit further claims White's termination was in violation of a clear mandate of Illinois law and official public policy of the State of Illinois. He is seeking compensation. Two women are suing the Rock Island County Health Department, saying they were subjected to religious discrimination when they refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Both women are employed by the health department, one as a nurse and the other as a nutritionist. The allegations The plaintiffs are Alexandra Sanchez and Deanna Brumbaugh, according to court records filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. Both women allege they were suspended without pay, then fired after filing for religious exemptions when the health department announced a vaccination mandate for its employees in 2021. Each is suing the health department for damages in excess of $75,000, plus court fees and whatever other relief is deemed appropriate. Both women initially filed suit in Rock Island County Sanchez in December and Brumbaugh in January. The health department requested the suits be transferred to federal court, where each now is pending. The objections to vaccination Both suits included excerpts from Sanchezs and Brumbaughs requests for religious exemption. It is my strongly held religious belief that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, Sanchez stated in her exemption request. Based on the scripture in 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20: Or do you not know that your body is a holy temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were brought (sic) with a price. Therefore, honor God with your body. Sanchez also argued that vaccine manufacturers used aborted fetal cells in developing the vaccines and that her faith prohibits any participation or benefits from an abortion no matter when the abortion took place. Brumbaughs argument was different. Revelation Chapter 13 Verse 17 states that: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name, she told the health department. Her argument contends the cards used to track vaccine and booster dates are the mark of the beast and the citation from Revelation reflects the state of the world. I am told that I may not hold a job, travel, or attend concerts among many other things, unless I can show a card that states I have taken a shot," her lawsuit states. "I firmly believe that cards provided after taking the shot are the mark of the beast, and I fear eternal damnation if I were to accept the mark. Brumbaugh acknowledged in her suit that she administered the COVID vaccine to "thousands of individuals" during the pandemic. Both women told the health department in their exemption requests that they already had contracted COVID-19. Sanchez stated she was asymptomatic and did not know when she contracted it, while Brumbaugh said she had it in November 2020. Both told the health department, according to their lawsuits, they still had active antibodies in the wake of those infections. Sanchez and Brumbaugh also offered as alternatives to vaccination that they would submit to regular testing, wear face coverings, use social distancing and take necessary precautions should they show symptoms of the coronavirus. Labor Arbitration Findings Both women were represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFSCME, during the review of their exemption requests, their suits state. The union filed grievances on behalf of both when they were suspended and again when they were fired. Each case went to arbitration and, in September 2022, an arbitrator ruled that Sanchez and Brumbaugh should be reinstated to their positions with full back pay and benefits, according to the two suits. Specifically, the arbitrator found, even though employees were noticed and allowed to file for religious exemptions, they were not really considered and summarily dismissed, both suits state. The arbitration ruling stated that neither womans beliefs were questioned and neither was their sincerity. The arbitrator further found: No reason was given for their denial other than they had to be vaccinated because of workplace health and safety. The countys Response The Rock Island County States Attorneys Office is representing the health department in both suits. It has filed a motion to dismiss Sanchezs case, court records state. In the motion, the states attorneys office argues that her suit is unnecessary because arbitration has already addressed the issue. Her cause of action here is merged into her prior arbitration award and may no longer be sustained as an independent action, the motion to dismiss states. The motion also argues that accommodating Sanchezs exemption would have caused an undue burden on the health department. The law requires an employer to provide a reasonable religious accommodation unless it imposes an undue burden on that employer, the motion states. Authorizing an exemption to the vaccination requirement would constitute an undue burden by severely undermining Defendants activities in promoting the public health of Rock Island County, the motion to dismiss states. As of Monday, the states attorneys office had not filed a response to the allegations in Brumbaughs suit, according to court records. The next court date scheduled is in Sanchezs case, records state. John Doak, her attorney, has until Wednesday to file a response to the state's motion to dismiss her case. LONE TREE Chad Yoder has enough on his plate with a full-time job as an animal health consultant, a sideline of raising Duroc pigs and a family that includes three boys under age 10. That's why Yoder Family Farms, of Lone Tree, hired ChopLocal to market and sell the farm's pork online. "Managing inventory, setting up the sales, collecting money," Yoder said. "These are big things that are pretty time-consuming." ChopLocal.com, an Iowa-based online market created in 2020 to connect small meat producers with customers, now is helping 45 farms and butcher shops in 12 states sell their products directly to consumers. The site has everything from steaks, chops and chicken breasts to unusual items like beef tallow, smoked turkey legs and Boston Butt (if you know, you know). ChopLocal co-founder Katie Olthoff, who lives north of Ames, describes the website as "Etsy for meat," referring to the popular site for handmade crafts. Americans bought more than $80 billion in meat in 2021, up 3 percent from 2020, according to the Power of Meat report from the Food Industry Association and the North American Meat Institute. The share of shoppers who bought meat online more than doubled from 14 percent in 2019 to 35 percent in 2021. "We want to make sure farmers and small processors in Iowa and other rural areas can grab a chunk of that," Olthoff said of online sales. How it started The COVID-19 pandemic threw off the normal demand for meat and temporarily shuttered some meatpacking plants. "Our meat went to sandwich chains, but when restaurants closed and people stopped commuting, our meat couldn't go anywhere," said Olthoff, who married into a family of turkey producers. ChopLocal co-founder and CEO Jared Achen, a Wayland turkey and grain farmer, had the idea for the company and brought Olthoff aboard. They launched the site just before Thanksgiving 2020, adding vendors and building a customer base. Farms or butcher shops pay a fee to ChopLocal, which helps them set up their online stores with appealing photos and product descriptions. ChopLocal markets the meat and handles online sales. About 60 percent of meat products sold on ChopLocal are picked up at the farms and 40 percent is shipped directly to customers. Most of the ChopLocal producers have kept their businesses small to focus on quality. "Almost all of them are controlling the entire process from genetics and birth to the very end when they choose which processor they want to work with," Olthoff said. ChopLocal sells meat from animals that are grain-fed and grass-fed and has two producers who raise organic meat, which means the feed and the processor must be certified organic. One of the site's rules is there is no disparaging marketing of other agricultural practices. One producer's experience When Yoder was working on his Ph.D. in swine genetics, he was involved in a research project about Duroc pigs. These pigs, an older breed known for red coloring, droopy ears and mild temperament, could be bred to produce high-quality meat, he said. Most pigs raised in Iowa have Duroc fathers, but not mothers, Yoder said. That's because Duroc sows only have eight to 10 piglets. Other breeds have much larger litters. "We are selecting animals on mom's side and dad's side with a focus on high-quality meat," Yoder said. "We try to breed the best of the best so every generation has a better pig." As a consultant for an animal health company, Yoder is mindful of what he feeds his pigs. Sows get a mix of ground corn and soybean meal with specific vitamins and minerals. Pigs just weaned from their moms get a different feed mix, as do the older pigs. Yoder works with Terra Products, of Iowa City, to get the mixes just right. Yoder Family Farms has about 20 sows who farrow every 2 1/2 months, 10 at a time. Yoder raises about 150 to 200 pigs a year to sell to the meat locker. Yoder started selling pork products, including chops, bratwurst and shoulder roast, on ChopLocal last summer. "It went way better than we expected," he said. "We should be fully restocked in four to six weeks." Expansion ChopLocal won $15,000 in January as one of four finalists at the American Farm Bureau Federation's 2023 Ag Innovation Challenge held at the group's convention in Puerto Rico. Olthoff and Achen are using that money to invest in developing new tools for the website, such as a new easier-to-use invoicing system, Olthoff said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also awarded ChopLocal a three-year $356,000 grant last year that focuses on providing education for livestock farmers, ranchers and seafood producers about how to market and sell their products online. ChopLocal will provide training and technical assistance to 500 producers through a blog, webinar series and online course. That grant allowed ChopLocal to hire another employee for a total of four. All work remotely. Olthoff knows online meat sales will never replace going to the grocery store. "But there are also people who really enjoy getting to know the farmer," she said. "This just makes it so much more convenient for them to do that." Counties with the longest life expectancy in Iowa Counties with the longest life expectancy in Iowa #47. Osceola County #47. Henry County #43. Washington County #43. Howard County #43. Wright County #43. Boone County #41. Floyd County #41. Marion County #37. Sac County #37. Winnebago County #37. Warren County #37. Grundy County #35. Jasper County #35. Hardin County #34. Poweshiek County #32. Clay County #32. Madison County #27. Crawford County #27. Keokuk County #27. Delaware County #27. Shelby County #27. Benton County #26. Plymouth County #24. Greene County #24. Linn County #21. Adams County #21. Carroll County #21. Buchanan County #19. Kossuth County #19. Jefferson County #18. Humboldt County #16. Worth County #16. Dubuque County #13. Clayton County #13. Guthrie County #13. Mitchell County #12. Buena Vista County #11. Dickinson County #10. Bremer County #9. Cedar County #7. Jones County #7. Lyon County #5. Hancock County #5. Dallas County #4. Story County #3. Johnson County #2. Sioux County #1. Winneshiek County Ridgewood Elementary School was alive with a beat Monday afternoon. Thumping feet and clapping hands made echoing cracks against the Rock Island school's gymnasium walls as students tried to follow the rhythm laid out by blues musician Hal Reed and those accompanying him. Even as baselines, guitar melodies and harmonica licks intermingled in students' ears, the underlying beat never went away. Reed told the crowd as the music lingered in the air that that beat pounds through history and inspired the music they hear today. "Music rock and roll, jazz, blues, hip hop everything has that heartbeat," Reed said. "Where do you think the heartbeat comes from? The drums of Africa." The musician encouraged students to get loud and learn the history of the blues Monday as he kicked off a week of school visits and performances for the Mississippi Valley Blues Society's Blues in Schools program. The Blues Society coordinates artist visits to area schools for a few days in the fall and spring, Society Education Committee Chairman Paul Magnuson said. Reed will take the stage for a no-cost public performance 7:30-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Hauberg Estate, 1300 24th St., Rock Island. Reed has a long history with the Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Magnuson said, having served on committees for the organization and participated in Blues in Schools, the Blues Fest Blues Skool and more while he lived in the area. While not from the area, Reed is well-known in the Quad-Cities blues community. Mara Goodvin, Ridgewood's general music teacher and blues society committee member, said her students were always excited to be exposed to new types of music and were crafting questions for the blues musician days in advance. "At Ridgewood School we look for opportunities for various outreaches, and the Mississippi Valley Blues Society has always done a tremendous job of bringing in great artists," Goodvin said. "Not only great artists they're great musicians and educators as well." Reed, accompanied by bass guitarist Roger Alexander and guitarist Bret Dale, took students through a practical lesson on how the blues genre as it's known today evolved. From West African drumming to sending messages through song on slave plantations to tunes played on a guitar after the work day is done, the blues traveled up the Mississippi River and across the U.S. to influence all kinds of music. Through teaching call-and-response songs, connecting tunes to towns like Memphis and Chicago and taking kids' questions, Reed impressed upon the students that the root of music today is the blues, and the blues came from West Africa. It's a lesson Reed said has been missing from people's education, and it's one he wants to ensure is never forgotten. "I was born into the blues, and sooner or later I'm going to pass on, and I hope I can pass this to someone," Reed said. "It's a passion." The lesson is especially important during Black History Month, Reed said, and in today's political climate. It's necessary for young people to know that Black people are at the root of American music and history, since for many years they weren't acknowledged. As some call for changes to be made in how students are taught U.S. history, Reed said people must keep these lessons alive or risk losing them. "Black history is American history. This country was born and built by us," Reed said. "Why shouldn't we share the history?" Photos: Mississippi Valley Blues Society brings bluesman Hal Reed to the students at Ridgewood Elementary School in Rock Island Terry Sullivan has a stack of papers and mementos from the 20 years he spent teaching the Minority Cultures class at Davenport West High School. He can show you a personally-signed letter from Cesar Chavez, the labor leader and civil rights activist who founded the National Farm Workers Association. There are speeches from Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, with Sullivan's favorite parts marked in yellow highlighter. There's even an almost-perfectly preserved 18-page typed thesis on Angela Davis from a student named Marti Carstensen. It was written in 1972. From the pile of memories, Sullivan pulled out one small picture when asked about the importance of Black History Month. It was the 1983 senior portrait of a student named Esau Crosby II. On the back, in faded blue ink, Crosby wrote: "Mr. Sullivan, I wish you were teaching college history so I could go to that college and get my master's in history. By far you are one of the funniest, wisest, smartest, and knowledgeable men of all time. You are a treasure. I will never forget you. Friends forever." The 76-year-old Sullivan took care while tucking the little photo back away. "I was gathering all this stuff together this morning, all this stuff about Black history and Chicano history and Native American history, and I found this," he said of the photo. "I guess it was all important to me because of this. I'm not embarrassed to say I started crying when I saw this again." A new teacher and new course Sullivan was raised in West Union, Iowa a town that counts a population of just over 2,400 today. He graduated from the State College of Iowa, now known as the University of Northern Iowa. He took his first teaching job in 1968 at St. Joseph's Catholic School in Mason City. He joined the staff at Davenport West in October 1970. "I was a last-minute replacement for the teacher who was there before me. They had fired him," Sullivan recalled. "I was assigned to teach Minority Cultures. That's how it all started." Minority Cultures was a new course, aimed at exploring African-American history and culture, what was then called Chicano studies and Native American culture and life. "The course was 18 weeks long, so I divided it up into six weeks for each major subject," he said. "We covered a little bit of everything from the poetry of the Harlem Renaissance to civil rights. We talked about the Farm Workers Movement and the Native American Movement. "We discussed the politics and the ideas. I had a student, Marti Carstensen. She wrote a beautiful paper on Angela Davis, because she started out a pretty fierce critic of her. So she sat down, did the research and wrote all about her." One of the opening lines from that paper read " ... Black or otherwise, Davis is a beautiful person." Sullivan recalled the time a member of the Black Panther Party visited his classroom. "Let's face it: I'm a white guy teaching this class. And even though there were only seven Black students at West when I started, I wanted speakers. I wanted people with a wide range of experience to come and talk to the students," he said. "The Black Panther, well, to be honest, he was using pretty harsh, well, call it slang. He called it ghetto language. It was a shocker. He even asked me what I was doing teaching a course on minority cultures. Fair question. "We even had him back for a return visit. Never heard a word about it from any parent. Never. That course was supposed to challenge all of us." Sullivan taught Minority Cultures at West for 20 years. As the years rolled on, there were times when parents objected to this or that. He recalled a time when a local pastor objected to one of the history books Sullivan and another teacher wanted to use. The book never saw the light of day at West, he said. In 1990, Minority Cultures went away. 'There is a problem here' Sullivan does not like the recent moves to incorporate Black history and the study of other underrepresented people into broader history courses. "I had 18 weeks, and that wasn't nearly enough time," he said. "Don't get me wrong; a subject like Minority Cultures is part of our history, but history overall isn't given enough time." Sullivan used the example of how the history of World War I was taught in the 1970s and into the 1980s. "Back then, I divided up the class, and we debated topics about being for intervention, against intervention and the merits of the Versailles Treaty," he said. "When I was a sub, they taught a section on trench warfare, divided up the class, and the kids threw papers at each other. "Kids today don't learn about a person like Cesar Chavez. They aren't asked to think about the hard stuff." Sullivan considered what is lost when students don't have the option of hearing voices that are different from their own. He sat in silence for a moment, then produced an envelope from his pile of memories. "This is from the Ku Klux Klan ... from Coralville, Iowa, which was the headquarters of the KKK for a time," he said. "I taught the students this. Look at the ideas in this. They said their guns were being taken away; that immigrants were dangerous. "They hated Black people and Jewish people and Catholics. Today you can throw in gay people and transgender people. To me, the platform of the KKK in 1972 and 1982 sounds a lot like the platform of the Republican Party today." Sullivan folded up the letter from the KKK and put it away. "What happens when we don't know this history? Look at Kanye West." Sullivan said. "He's going around talking about Jews and how good Hitler was. He doesn't know history. He doesn't know Black history or the history of racism." Sullivan offered one more memory four 3-by-5 cards from a student named Funda Burrage. "Funda was a student of mine. In 1981, all the Black students walked out of West," he said. "The principal asked me to go and talk to the students. They said the school was racist. I helped the students form the Black Student Cultural Awareness Club. "She gave me these cards. They were a note to me. I guess I think about this when I think of the importance of Black history and minority cultures." In cursive, Burrage wrote on one of the cards: "I appreciate and love you for how you're working with us to fight for what is right, and you've just become a special person in my life during the course of this year. "I long to see the day when Blacks and whites can be treated and counted as one at West. There is a problem here." Charles Dickens began his celebrated novel A Tale of Two Cities with the words It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. We might apply these words to the Tale of Two States emerging in Illinois and Iowa over the last couple of years. Each state has a legislature and governors office controlled by one party in Iowa the Republican party; in Illinois the Democrats. As may be expected from this circumstance, each has to some extent mirrored the policy priorities of their respective national political parties in legislation adopted. And each will see in the years ahead consequences of these policies impacting its citizens - including those of us who live in the Quad Cities area. In Iowa, the legislature with Gov. Reynolds enthusiastic backing, has enacted tax cuts and a flat income tax to be phased in over the next several years. Illinois has had a flat income tax since 1970 due to a constitutional requirement. It has largely resulted in depriving schools of adequate state funding and in higher property tax to make up the shortfall. Iowa legislation has also curtailed reproductive rights for women. This will likely hinder OB/GYN physician recruitment in the state, while also limiting womens reproductive options. Recent legislation, signed by the Governor, will subsidize private education through grants to folks rich and poor alike - to send their children to private schools. Interestingly, (as pointed out in a recent editorial in this paper on January 27th) there will be limited oversight of what courses private schools offer or how the money is used, opening the door for potential significant abuse. At the same time, increased government oversight of public schools through other legislation appears likely to hinder in multiple ways the availability and quality of public education in Iowa. Meanwhile, in Illinois, the legislature with Gov. Pritzkers strong support - has adopted legislation to expand voting rights and to protect rights of women to reproductive choice. Legislation has been enacted to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammo magazines - of the sort used to commit many of the nearly 40 mass shootings across the country in January of this year alone. The legislature also passed a bill to expand paid leave for most of the states employers. This may well cost Illinois jobs even as it increases employees workplace rights and benefits. How these contrasting legislative approaches will play out only experience will tell for certain. However, a number of years ago, Kansas tried the tax-cut-to-spur development approach Iowa is now taking. They reversed direction within five years, because businesses started leaving the state due to underfunded and deteriorating public work and services. Likewise, undermining public education - a cornerstone of democracy championed since Thomas Jeffersons day - seems unlikely to foster anything but mischief for the public at large, and for democracy. In Dickens novel, the line following It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, declared It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness. These words may well describe what we see playing out in our own Tale of Two States. After being missing for nearly three weeks, 16-year-old Emma Huska was found safe Saturday morning, the Rapid City Police Department reported. Emma Huska's mother, Tracy Huska, said she spoke to her daughter early Saturday morning. She had been staying with someone she met while in a psychiatric ward in August 2022. When the person saw social media posts or news coverage of Emma's case, the person didn't want to have anything more to do with the situation, Tracy said. "They took her to her old nanny, and (she) called us and we picked her up on Saturday morning," Tracy told the Journal Monday. "It's such a relief. I said the whole I need to hug you and then yell at you for making us all worry. Just really glad that she's safe and healthy." Emma is with her mother in North Dakota. She's working on her schoolwork again and has seen a doctor, Tracy said. The Journal highlighted Emma's case in a Saturday article about missing children in Rapid City after she left a cabin she shared with her father in Rapid City. She was one of 18 children that were missing on Friday. As of Monday, there are 15 missing children from Rapid City. The case drew concern between the police department classifying a child as a runaway or as missing. A runaway is essentially leaving or disappearing under their own volition. A missing person is we dont know how they disappeared, Brendyn Medina, spokesperson for the RCPD said last week. Initially, Emma's case was not posted on social media. Tracy said she begged investigators to post it, but her case didn't meet the department's criteria for sharing a missing case, which includes suicidal tendencies and threats, inclement weather, health issues and medication needs. "The rule of thumb we use is whether or not there is reason to believe the child is at a higher risk of harm weighted against their prior history as a runaway and their previous attempts to actively avoid contact attempts by law enforcement/parents, etc." Medina wrote in an email to the Journal. The RCPD ultimately posted Emma because of "a declining number of investigative leads" two days before she was located. The president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is calling for the president of the United States to release Leonard Peltier, who has been imprisoned since his arrest 47 years ago. Peltier was found guilty of aiding and abetting in the deaths of two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation during a 1975 shootout. OST President Frank Star Comes Out read the request for Peltier's clemency Monday in front of the federal courthouse in Rapid City. Demonstrators from the American Indian Movement and NDN Collective gathered under a banner calling for the release of the man whose incarceration has resulted in multiple protests over the decades. "Today I'm talking from my heart and as a Lakota first," Star Comes Out said. "That's why I decided to come and support. Support this cause, support the AIM, support Leonard Peltier, our people, the tribe." Star Comes Out utilized former U.S. Attorney James Reynolds' July 2021 request for Peltier's release as the bedrock for his call to release the now 78-year-old man who was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison in 1977. Peltier was convicted of aiding and abetting in the deaths of FBI agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams, who died during a shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1975. The agents were found to have acted in self defense. Peltier's conviction is one that Reynolds has now strongly denounced. Reynolds was the federal prosecutor in the case. "I write today from a position rare for a former prosecutor: to beseech you to commute the sentence of a man who I helped put behind bars," Reynolds wrote in part. "He has served more than 46 years on the basis of minimal evidence." Reynolds went on to dismantle the case he built against Peltier, saying there was no evidence he shot the two FBI agents, and Peltier is simply held because he was present with a weapon on the reservation that day. Star Comes Out and Reynolds' requests for clemency are not the only ones that have been addressed to President Joe Biden. In November 2022, seven U.S. senators Sens. Brian Schatz, Patrick Leahy, Elizabeth Warren, Edward Markey, Bernie Sanders, Mazie Hirono and Tina Smith wrote the president asking for Peltier's release. The senators also referenced Reynolds' letter as to why Peltier's sentence should be commuted. Additionally, Peltier has gained the support of various faith and human rights leaders over the years, including Pope Francis, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Saint Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama and Coretta Scott King. "Mr. Peltiers continued imprisonment defies the promises of justice, and the power to exercise mercy in this case lies solely within your discretion," the senators wrote. Former President Barack Obama denied a request to grant Peltier clemency, and a request to former President Donald Trump was ultimately unfruitful as well. NDN Collective Action Organizer Andrew Iron Shell spoke through a megaphone Monday in front of the federal courthouse as federal agents watched from just inside the courthouse doors. Iron Shell said that until Peltier who he called a political prisoner is free, "we are all prisoners. All red men of this continent are prisoner until Leonard Peltier is free." The FBI maintains that Peltier is guilty, stating that he had a gun in his possession that matched the caliber of the bullets that killed the two agents. Rapid City Area Schools administrators and some Board of Education members expressed concerns last week about the state's proposed social studies standards just ahead of a Feb. 10 public hearing on the topic. At a Jan. 31 study session, RCAS Interim CEO Nicole Swigart, the district's Director of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Valerie Seales, and three school board members questioned the new standards, especially how they were drafted and proposed. Drafting the new standards When the South Dakota Department of Education will make a decision on the standards is unknown. Typically, South Dakota educational standards are evaluated every five to seven years. The current social studies standards were approved in 2015 and the revision process began in 2021. However, Gov. Kristi Noem ordered the suspension of the process that same year. The original working group was formed similarly to the state's previous revisions through an application and nomination process then chosen by the Department of Education. The 2021 revision work group had consisted of 40 to 50 educators from across the state and represented every grade level. Instead, Noem replaced the work group with the Social Standards Revision Commission, of which its members were appointed through the Governor's Office. In the Tuesday meeting, Swigart pointed out the 15-person committee included only two South Dakota educators both of which have spoken out against the process. "For our current standards, there were dozens of educators and a lot of training prior to going through the normal revision process versus these standards which were written and delivered to a 15-member committee, so there was no training," Swigart said. The working draft of the social studies standards was created by William Morrisey, a retired professor from Hillsdale College a private conservative institution in Michigan. The state paid Morrisey $200,000 to develop the proposed draft. When asked about this out-of-state intervention, Swigart compared it to how the state handled Common Core. "Common Core, though we are not doing that anymore, came from out of state. The difference being when those standards were introduced, groups of trained educators came together to make them fit what we wanted in South Dakota," she said. Past social studies committees would draft standards that are vertically aligned across grade levels to ensure topics are taught according to the appropriate stage of students' development. Swigart and Seales said no such consideration was included in the new proposal. Differences between the standards At the Jan. 31 meeting, a presentation slide of the two grade level subjects were shown side-by-side, comparing the current social studies standards with the proposed ones. Swigart and Seales said the most notable change in the proposal standards would be their chronological study of subjects. The presentation provided an example of how elementary students would learn American history. The current standards take into consideration a student's learning style based on understanding of topics for their age group known to educators as "Bloom's Taxonomy," Seales said. The new standards however, rely entirely on a chronological presentation of history and do not take into consideration the student's ability to understand, she said. The two administrators presented sub-points from the proposed standards, which were revised by the state Department of Education on Jan. 13. The Department of Education described the sub-points as "intended to provide clarity for teachers in their planning and instruction." The sub-points from new standards suggest first-grade students be able to tell the story of the Punic Wars, Roman civil wars, and the triumvirates. Second-grade students should be able to identify the developments and achievements of the high Middle Ages, including the power of the papacy and the founding of mendicant orders. Ryan Rolfs, executive director of the South Dakota Education Association, released a statement criticizing the new standards. "The lower-grade standards call for a level of memorization that is not cognitively appropriate for our states early learners," he said. During the Jan. 31 meeting, RCAS Board of Education member Michael Birkeland, a former math teacher at Central High School, offered first-grade math standards for comparison. "Students can add and subtract within 20... and tell that a triangle is a three-sided, closed shape," he said. "These math standards give us an idea of, developmentally, where they're at." Paying for the implementation Swigart and Seales expressed budgetary concerns regarding the implementation of the proposed standards. Noem allocated $800,000 from a 2021 initiative to provide support and technical assistance to schools in the state for the implementation. Seales said the allocation is not enough to pay for the changes in curriculum material and teacher training for the new standards. "Our last secondary [schools] social studies adoption was in 2016," Seales said. "That middle school and high school adoption exceeded the $800,000." The $800,000 wouldn't cover the expenses for RCAS, Swigart said, not to mention the state as a whole. "Remember that training would also have a cost to the state, so that $800,000 would be spent very, very quickly," she said. Implementing a statewide K-12 curriculum would cost between $2 million and $3 million, Swigart said. The excess cost of implementation not covered by the allocation would come out of the district's Capital Outlay Fund. This would mean fewer dollars available for building improvements and maintenance, Swigart said. If the curriculum was instituted, South Dakota would be the only state with such standards, Swigart said. This could cause issues with available materials and national testing proficiency. "Curriculum companies have not yet written material that matches these standards because the curriculum doesn't exist anywhere else," Swigart said. "Regarding AP U.S. history and AP government that test is not going to change for our students. That test is going to be a national test. "That's going to cause our students and teachers to have to determine [if] they teach the South Dakota standards that are being brought down, or do they teach their students what they need to know to pass the test?" The South Dakota Board of Education Standards will host the Feb. 10 public hearing on the new social studies standards in Rapid City. The hearing begins at 9 a.m. at the Rushmore Hotel, 445 Mount Rushmore Rd. To sign up for public testimony, either in-person or on Zoom, persons must email Ferne.Haddock@state.sd.us. Those interested must provide their full name, who they represent, agenda item they wish to address, and whether they are an opponent or proponent to the standards. Abbey Steele, a 20-year-old Lakota woman who died 16 days after being found unconscious in the Pennington County Jail, died by accidental overdose of methamphetamine. The Pennington County Sheriff's Office made the announcement Monday following the release of a report by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. This is a tragedy. We grieve for the family at the loss of Abbey Steele, Sheriff Brian Mueller said in a Monday statement. Steele was arrested Nov. 16, 2022 by the Rapid City Police Department on a felony bench warrant related to meth use and three misdemeanor bench warrants, according to the sheriff's office. RCPD said there were no indications that she needed medical attention at the time of her arrest. Six hours after she was booked into the jail, she "presented with medical symptoms" before an ambulance took her to the hospital. Steele died on Dec. 2, 2022. Paperwork filed in Pennington County Court released Steele on her own recognizance on Nov. 16. The document states Steele was "not conscious due to medical reasons" and the space for her signature was left blank. The sheriff's office said they received the final reports from DCI last week regarding Steele's death. Helene Duhamel, spokesperson for the sheriff's office, told the Journal last week the sheriff's office was waiting to speak with Steele's family before releasing the results of the investigation. In the email sent to the media on Monday announcing the manner and cause of Steele's death, the sheriff's office added that the medical team at the jail "noticed symptoms consistent with a drug interaction later that evening" before she was transported to the hospital. Steele's family and the community mourned for her at a candlelight vigil outside the jail in a matter of days after her death. The summary report by DCI has not been publicly released. The sheriff's office said the report would need to come from the South Dakota Attorney General's Office, which oversees DCI. Tony Mangan, spokesperson for the attorney general, said Monday he is not sure what will be released to the public regarding the investigation. DemaJ Felder, 19, was fatally shot over a pair of Nike Air Jordan sneakers. His killer, Tyvontae Thorpe, now 20, turned a simple swap of shoes in a gas station parking lot into a murderous encounter that defies explanation. He now faces decades behind bars. Nearly two years after Thorpe shot Felder seven times while the two were inside Felders car to trade shoes, Thorpe pleaded guilty Monday in Chesterfield County Circuit Court to second-degree murder, reduced from first-degree, and felony use of a firearm in Felders March 12, 2021, slaying. In exchange for his pleas, prosecutors withdrew five accompanying charges. Chesterfield Circuit Judge David E. Johnson convicted Thorpe and set sentencing for April 20. He faces up to 43 years in prison. His plea agreement places no cap on punishment. Felder, a 2020 graduate of L.C. Bird High School in Chesterfield, had a budding shoe business and used social media to promote his enterprise and make sales of high-end sneakers. His parents supported this business venture, Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Sarah Wright told the court. Thorpe, then 18, wanted to trade a pair of shoes his girlfriend gave him that did not fit for a pair that was the right size, but was more expensive. But he brought counterfeit cash to his meeting with Felder to pay for them. The series of events unfolded about 10:50 p.m. in the parking lot of the Exxon station at 9900 Chester Road, just off state Route 288. Thorpes friend, Cameron Harper, also 18, had purchased sneakers from Felder before, and he arranged for the three of them to meet to make a shoe deal, according to the prosecutions summary of facts. Thorpe and Harper got a ride to the gas station. Upon arrival, the two teens exited the car that brought them and got into Felders car. Harper got into the front passenger seat and Thorpe in the rear passenger seat directly behind Harper, Thorpe would later tell investigators. Surveillance video from the Exxon confirmed this account. Further, it shows the two teens inside Felders car for about one minute before Harper hops out of his seat, closes the door and stands next to Felders vehicle, according to the prosecutions case summary. Moments later, blowback from the windshield can be seen on the video as shots are being fired inside the car. Thorpe can then be seen jumping out of the rear seat and running away. After his arrest, Thorpe told police that he and Harper ran from the scene, and surveillance video from another nearby business shows Harper falling as he was running behind Thorpe. Thorpe would later admit that he flagged down the car that had brought him to the gas station it drove away when the shots were fired and Thorpe eventually returned to his home in Petersburg. Thorpe also admitted... that he did in fact shoot the victim while seated in the rear of [Felders] car, Wright said. Thorpe said he used a firearm that someone had given him, and he believed he had left it in the car that picked him up. The car was later found abandoned near the Exxon on the evening of the killing. No firearm was found inside. During his interview with detectives, Thorpe explained that when he shot Felder, there was no argument going on inside the vehicle. He said Felder was not mad about being given counterfeit money and that neither he nor Harper nor Felder were upset, the prosecutor said. When pressed on why he shot Felder, Thorpe said that when he and Felder were looking at the sneakers to be exchanged, he looked up and noticed that Felder was pointing a gun at him. At that point, Thorpe said he just blacked out and must have begun shooting. The evidence, however, contradicted Thorpes assertion, Wright told the court. A Times-Dispatch subscription supports local journalism Unlimited access to our digital content including videos, podcasts and the popular e-edition starts at $1 for 26 weeks. Police found a firearm in Felders car, but it was located in the center console and, at the time he was shot, both of his hands were in front of him. Felder was right-handed, and his right hand was found underneath his left hand, which was on the shoebox in front of him. Officers responding to the shooting found Felder sitting in his vehicle with a shoebox in his lap containing a new pair of sneakers and some counterfeit bills. Forensic investigators also established that the shots that killed Felder likely originated from the back passengers seat where Thorpe was sitting, and none of Felders seven gunshot wounds was indicative of being shot while he was facing Thorpe. A state firearms examiner determined that .40-caliber cartridge casings recovered from the scene and bullet fragments recovered from Felders body had come from the same gun, although the weapon was never recovered. Instagram records obtained by police confirmed that Harper and Felder had exchanged messages about meeting at the Exxon station for the shoe transaction. An analysis of Thorpes cellphones showed no contact between him and Felder, and Felder was not listed among his contacts. Thorpe told police that he did not know Felder. Harper, who lives in Prince George County, was the first to be arrested in the killing. After police arrived and began talking with witnesses, they noticed one young man later identified as Harper who seemed more distraught than anyone else on scene, the prosecutor said. After providing conflicting statements to investigators, he was taken to police headquarters and interviewed at length. Thorpe was then developed as a suspect and, during a search of his home, investigators located counterfeit money that matched the fake bills found in Felders car. They also found a gun, but it was not the murder weapon. A plea agreement reached in Harpers case was rejected last week by Chesterfield Circuit Court Judge Jayne Ann Pemberton. Unless a new deal can be reached, Harper will be tried by a jury beginning Feb. 27. From the Archives: Richmond police in the 1980s A Chesterfield County man opened fire in an apartment building Sunday night, wounding two men and killing his estranged wife before fatally shooting himself during a traffic stop early Monday, police said. Chesterfield police were called to a reported shooting in the 6700 block of Amster Road at around 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Barbie Brown, 43, was pronounced dead at the scene. A man with serious injuries and a man with minor injuries were taken to a hospital. Police said they obtained warrants for Terrell L. Brown, 34, of Chesterfield for second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony based on comments he made on social media. Terrell Brown was stopped by Virginia State Police at 12:55 a.m. on Interstate 295 in Hanover County. As troopers exited their vehicles to approach the Tahoe, they heard a gunshot from the vehicle, Chesterfield police said in a statement. When they approached, they found Terrell Brown suffering from a gunshot wound to his head; he was the only occupant of the vehicle. Police said their investigation shows he shot Barbie Brown as she was entering the apartment, which is the home of one of the other shooting victims. The resident was opening the door when the shooting started, police said. The other victim lives nearby and was shot inside his apartment by Brown as he fled the scene, police said. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police at (804) 748-1251 or Crime Solvers at (804) 748-0660. The killing was the countys second in three days. Early Thursday, officers responding to a shooting in the 4800 block of Burnt Oak Drive located 24-year-old Jonathan O. Starks. He died at the scene. Detectives arrested Keyon O. Covington, 21, of Midlothian and Genesis L. Covington, 21, of Chesterfield in Starks death. They were charged with second-degree murder. Close 10-06-1988 (cutline): A new gate at the west end of Maymont Park's Japanese Garden was dedicated today. Before Virginia's first lady, Jeannie P. Baliles, and other dignitaries arrived, Peggy Singlemann, a park horticulturalist, prepared the ribbon for the ceremony. 02-11-1951 (cutline): This stone stable in Maymont Park is being converted into a nature center, sponsored by the Richmond Council of Garden Clubs in co-operation with the Department of Recreation and Parks. 03-10-1967 (cutline): Lawrence Agnew Jr. (left) and Gabriel Poulin set up a display of birds as they prepare the Maymont Nature Center for its opening Sunday at 2 p.m. Agenw and Poulin are nature and wildlife specialists with the Richmond Department of Recreation and Parks, which is establishing the facility as a complement to the Maymont-Virginia Wildlife Exhibit and the Children's Farm. The nature center is on the second floor of the former carriage house of the Dooley Estate at Maymont. 06-19-1974 (cutline): Mrs. Charles Thalhimer sits in the Italian Garden at Maymont Park. 06-30-1982 (cutline): Children attending Maymont's summer day camp try out a Conestoga wagon displayed at the Nature Center. 10-18-1976 (cutline): In spite of yesterday's rain, a few Richmonders arrived for ceremonies dedicating the new Mary Parsons Nature Center at Maymont Park in a building that formerly was a hay barn. The center was financed by a $250,000 gift to the Maymont Foundation; it opened to the public today. Described as a fully equipped environmental learning facility, the nature center contains live animals native to Virginia, as well as displays depicting many aspects of the state's environment. 10-18-1976 (cutline): In spite of yesterday's rain, a few Richmonders arrived for ceremonies dedicating the new Mary Parsons Nature Center at Maymont Park in a building that formerly was a hay barn. The center was financed by a $250,000 gift to the Maymont Foundation; it opened to the public today. Described as a fully equipped environmental learning facility, the nature center contains live animals native to Virginia, as well as displays depicting many aspects of the state's environment. 07-04-1977: Afternoon parade for Fourth of July drew hundreds to Maymont Park. 12-04-1986 (cutline): Janet Lucas (left) and Emily Skinner kicked up their heels as "Florenz Ziegfeld and His Cancan Girls" greeted guests at a reception yesterday at Maymont. The event was conducted for the Maymont House Benevolent Society, major contributors to the restoration of the mansion left by Maj. James H. Dooley to the city. The members were the first to see the house's holiday decorations. 09-27-1988 (cutline): Maymont's new tram makes hour-long loops around the park so that visitors may see the sights while sitting down. 09-27-1988 (cutline): Maymont's new tram makes hour-long loops around the park so that visitors may see the sights while sitting down. 10-18-1976 (cutline): Paul C. Nagle of Vienna points out for his sons, David and Paul, various forms of sea life found in Virginia as they are depicted in a new display at Maymont Park. The exhibit is part of the Mary Parsons Nature Center, which was opened yesterday. The center is in a renovated hay barn at the park and will be open daily except Mondays. 04-15-1954 (cutline): If yesterday's warms unny weather will convince you it's Spring, here's some irrefutable evidence--tulips in full bloom at Maymont Park. Temperatures climbed to 78 degrees here yesterday. Today is expected to be as warm with a few showers likely. 06-20-1983 (cutline): Kursti North (left) wears vintage hat, dress; Jessie Goodwin made her hat. 10-28-1985: Maymont Victorian Day 10-24-1988 (cutline): Shades of the past. Patty Elmer-Bush (left) of Virignia Beach and Charlene Bullard of Richmond engage in a 1860s-style discussion yesterday at Maymont Park. The two were participating in the park's annual "turn-of-the-century" lawn party and equestrian event. 06-27-1988 (cutline): William F. Long, dressed for his role as the Dooley's butler is Maymont's volunteer emeritus. 10-27-1985 (cutline): Grin and bear. Teddy bear faces are the only ones not grinning in this picture. The bears will be joined by others at Maymont's Victorian Day Program today. The Victorian-attired humans in the picture--who will be joined by others for picnics, entertainment and activities--are Mrs. Michael McCaig, carriage curator and her daughter, Sarah, 7 months; Michael Leslie Brown, 2 1/2; and program coordinator Richard Cheatham. 06-16-1982 (cutline): A peacock, its tail feathers down, pauses in the shade under the wisteria that covers the arbor at the Italian Gardens in Maymont Park. A park official says several peacocks roam the grounds, where one of their favorite activities is preening in front of windows so they can see their reflections. From the Archives: Maymont A look back at one of Richmond's most well known parks. 10-06-1988 (cutline): A new gate at the west end of Maymont Park's Japanese Garden was dedicated today. Before Virginia's first lady, Jeannie P. Baliles, and other dignitaries arrived, Peggy Singlemann, a park horticulturalist, prepared the ribbon for the ceremony. 02-11-1951 (cutline): This stone stable in Maymont Park is being converted into a nature center, sponsored by the Richmond Council of Garden Clubs in co-operation with the Department of Recreation and Parks. 03-10-1967 (cutline): Lawrence Agnew Jr. (left) and Gabriel Poulin set up a display of birds as they prepare the Maymont Nature Center for its opening Sunday at 2 p.m. Agenw and Poulin are nature and wildlife specialists with the Richmond Department of Recreation and Parks, which is establishing the facility as a complement to the Maymont-Virginia Wildlife Exhibit and the Children's Farm. The nature center is on the second floor of the former carriage house of the Dooley Estate at Maymont. 06-19-1974 (cutline): Mrs. Charles Thalhimer sits in the Italian Garden at Maymont Park. 06-30-1982 (cutline): Children attending Maymont's summer day camp try out a Conestoga wagon displayed at the Nature Center. 10-18-1976 (cutline): In spite of yesterday's rain, a few Richmonders arrived for ceremonies dedicating the new Mary Parsons Nature Center at Maymont Park in a building that formerly was a hay barn. The center was financed by a $250,000 gift to the Maymont Foundation; it opened to the public today. Described as a fully equipped environmental learning facility, the nature center contains live animals native to Virginia, as well as displays depicting many aspects of the state's environment. 10-18-1976 (cutline): In spite of yesterday's rain, a few Richmonders arrived for ceremonies dedicating the new Mary Parsons Nature Center at Maymont Park in a building that formerly was a hay barn. The center was financed by a $250,000 gift to the Maymont Foundation; it opened to the public today. Described as a fully equipped environmental learning facility, the nature center contains live animals native to Virginia, as well as displays depicting many aspects of the state's environment. 07-04-1977: Afternoon parade for Fourth of July drew hundreds to Maymont Park. 12-04-1986 (cutline): Janet Lucas (left) and Emily Skinner kicked up their heels as "Florenz Ziegfeld and His Cancan Girls" greeted guests at a reception yesterday at Maymont. The event was conducted for the Maymont House Benevolent Society, major contributors to the restoration of the mansion left by Maj. James H. Dooley to the city. The members were the first to see the house's holiday decorations. 09-27-1988 (cutline): Maymont's new tram makes hour-long loops around the park so that visitors may see the sights while sitting down. 09-27-1988 (cutline): Maymont's new tram makes hour-long loops around the park so that visitors may see the sights while sitting down. 10-18-1976 (cutline): Paul C. Nagle of Vienna points out for his sons, David and Paul, various forms of sea life found in Virginia as they are depicted in a new display at Maymont Park. The exhibit is part of the Mary Parsons Nature Center, which was opened yesterday. The center is in a renovated hay barn at the park and will be open daily except Mondays. 04-15-1954 (cutline): If yesterday's warms unny weather will convince you it's Spring, here's some irrefutable evidence--tulips in full bloom at Maymont Park. Temperatures climbed to 78 degrees here yesterday. Today is expected to be as warm with a few showers likely. 06-20-1983 (cutline): Kursti North (left) wears vintage hat, dress; Jessie Goodwin made her hat. 10-28-1985: Maymont Victorian Day 10-24-1988 (cutline): Shades of the past. Patty Elmer-Bush (left) of Virignia Beach and Charlene Bullard of Richmond engage in a 1860s-style discussion yesterday at Maymont Park. The two were participating in the park's annual "turn-of-the-century" lawn party and equestrian event. 06-27-1988 (cutline): William F. Long, dressed for his role as the Dooley's butler is Maymont's volunteer emeritus. 10-27-1985 (cutline): Grin and bear. Teddy bear faces are the only ones not grinning in this picture. The bears will be joined by others at Maymont's Victorian Day Program today. The Victorian-attired humans in the picture--who will be joined by others for picnics, entertainment and activities--are Mrs. Michael McCaig, carriage curator and her daughter, Sarah, 7 months; Michael Leslie Brown, 2 1/2; and program coordinator Richard Cheatham. 06-16-1982 (cutline): A peacock, its tail feathers down, pauses in the shade under the wisteria that covers the arbor at the Italian Gardens in Maymont Park. A park official says several peacocks roam the grounds, where one of their favorite activities is preening in front of windows so they can see their reflections. The family of a former Virginia Commonwealth University student who died in a hazing incident has sued Delta Chi fraternity, 12 former members and the chapters adviser for $28 million. Adam Oakes was a 19-year-old freshman when he died in 2021 of alcohol intoxication at a Delta Chi big-little initiation party. Six members of the fraternity were found guilty or pleaded guilty to misdemeanor hazing or providing alcohol to a minor. Courtney White, Oakes cousin, filed the wrongful death suit Monday in Richmond Circuit Court. The people responsible for hazing deaths often escape responsibility, the family said in a statement. The fraternity and its members are liable for Oakes death because of their negligence and misconduct, the suit claims. They long have known, or should have known, of the unparalleled dangers associated with big brother ritual, hazing, alcohol misuse and inept risk and crisis management within the VCU chapter and their other fraternity organizations, the suit states. VCU expelled the chapter from campus after Oakes death. In September, VCU settled with the Oakes family for almost $1 million. An investigation by the Richmond Times-Dispatch showed Delta Chi struggled with discipline for seven years before Oakes death. Its students were accused of hazing, sexual assault, underage drinking, illegal parties and a fight. That these traditions continued year after year was negligent and reckless adherence to dangerous rituals, the suit claims. The fraternitys administration of member recruitment, initiation and member education activities also was flawed and negligent. Oakes did not have sufficient grades to meet membership requirements, but the chapter welcomed him anyway as an underground pledge. Because of his status, he never received hazing prevention training. Named as defendants in the lawsuit are Delta Chi Fraternity Inc., the Delta Chi Educational Foundation a nonprofit that financially assists the fraternity and the local chapter. The fraternity issued a statement saying six members of the fraternity responsible for Oakes' death were found guilty in criminal court. "The fraternity cooperated fully with law enforcement, permanently expelled all individuals found guilty in Adam's death and closed the chapter," the statement read. In the summer of 2018, Delta Chi faced a four-year suspension. The chapter had demonstrated patterns of failing to comply, a university administrator wrote. But Delta Chi fought the charges. It hired a lawyer who specializes in defending fraternities, and she argued that VCU made procedural errors, misinterpreted its own rule book and issued a grossly inappropriate punishment. VCU backed off. The university reduced the suspension to one year and, in the fall of 2019, Delta Chi was reinstated. A year and a half later, Oakes died. The night of his death, he was instructed to chug a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey, which was fraternity tradition. Authorities charged 11 members of the fraternity with hazing, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison. None of the six who pleaded guilty or were found guilty received jail time. Authorities dropped the charges against the other five. All 11 are named as defendants: Jason Mulgrew, Andrew White, Alessandro Medina-Villanueva, Alexander Bradley, Benjamin Corado, Christian Rohrbach, Colin Tran, Enayat Sheikhzad, Quinn Kuby, Riley McDaniel and Robert Fritz. Also named was Alec Mingorance, who was on the fraternitys executive committee, according to the suit, and Aaron Gilbert, the chapters adviser. We know that the filing of these lawsuits will not bring Adam back, but we are hopeful that by holding Delta Chi, the VCU chapter of Delta Chi and each of the individual fraternity brothers accountable, it will send a message that echoes across Americas national Greek organizations and college campuses that change is coming. Oakes paid $400 in membership dues money that was spent on insurance policies designed to protect the fraternity in the event of a death or injury, the suit claims. The suit alleges that Delta Chi purchased comprehensive insurance for its headquarters but inferior insurance for local chapter insurance that does not cover death or injury in an effort to deter creditors, such as Oakes family. Delta Chi profited upon the very risk of injury and death created by Delta Chi and the chapters it undercapitalized and controlled, while shielding the substantial assets held by Delta Chi and the foundation and frustrating and avoiding the claims of forseeable creditors, the suit claims. Delta Chi, a nonprofit, had $13 million in net assets in 2019, the suit states. The fraternity did not address specific allegations made in the suit. Since Oakes death almost two years ago, at least four other students in the United States have died in hazing incidents, according to a researcher who tracks them. Too many families like ours have lost their sons and daughters to these senseless and dangerous hazing rituals, the Oakes family said. Our hope is that one day we and all the other families who have been impacted by hazing can look forward to a day when such senseless deaths no longer occur. PHOTOS: Vigil for Adam Oakes On their first day of class, the students showed up bright and smiling, dressed their best and eager to learn. Their teacher, Susan Micari, was immediately charmed though from afar, as the medium was Zoom. Micari was sitting at her computer in the upstairs office of her home in Richmonds Fan District while the students were half a world away: in Afghanistan, living in a safe house, hiding because the men who run the country have made learning a crime. These kids have hope, Micari thought to herself. Lets dont disappoint them. Micari, a board-certified educational therapist, was teaching English as a volunteer through an Afghan charity. She has been working for more than 30 years helping children from the poorest of the poor to the one percenters who are stymied by all sorts of learning disabilities and trauma. She has encountered many students with daunting challenges. However, none have been quite like those faced by her students in Afghanistan, whose lives, it would not be a terrible stretch to say, were in danger every day. And yet, they did not let on as they gathered to learn English, a language far different from their own. Hello, teacher! was one of the first things they said on that first day last August. Right away, Micari knew they were the kind of kids you go to school to teach. These are the kids that you train and go crazy trying to learn how to teach. Why? Because they want everything you have, and theyre open. Teaching English as a second language is how Micari financed her graduate degree, but that was in New York and her students were Japanese executives and their wives who needed help navigating grocery stores and American city streets. This time was quite different. Micari was in Richmond having left New York during the pandemic and resettled in a place she had come to know and appreciate while visiting friends over the years and her students were in a country ravaged by violence. They were mostly girls teens or almost teens whose parents were dead, or else who had been surrendered by their families in hopes they might be able to gain an education and a future. They live in a home sponsored by the Afghan Child Education and Care Organization, a Kabul-based charity that helps children through safe housing and education. Before the Taliban came to power in 2021, AFECO operated an orphanage that was targeted by extremists who did not believe girls should be educated (girls may not attend school after sixth grade) or enjoy the same freedoms that boys do. The fundamentalists also were not big fans of liberal arts education or things like music. Once the Taliban took over, AFECO shut down its orphanage, but continued its work through a number of smaller safe houses in Kabul with the capacity for eight to 10 children each. So as not to raise suspicion of neighbors or the Taliban, the children live as cousins under the care of house parents, as large, extended families are not uncommon in Afghanistan. However, risks remain. If they find you in a safe house without your blood kin, youre in deep trouble, Micari said. They have drills on what to do if the Taliban knocks on the door. Its terrifying. Closest we can imagine is what happened to people all over Eastern Europe when the Nazis took over. A knock on the door. Of her students lives, Micari says, Its beyond endurance. Micari is one of a number of volunteer teachers from around the world some within Afghanistan who provide education in a surreptitious manner and in a variety of subjects to the students. Kathy Mroczka, who coordinates the English language program, said she has two responses when people ask why she does this. I tell people because Im a teacher, I just cant turn it off, she said with a laugh. Im constantly trying to teach people. Thats my funny response. The other is far more serious and to the point, said Mroczka, who teaches science at a girls boarding school near Albany, N.Y. I firmly believe education is a human right, and I am an educator, she said in a phone interview. I believe I have the ability to help these children, particularly the girls, achieve this right that should be given to them. So, I do feel I have a duty to help these students achieve this right. And for the students, the obstacles are not limited to the threat of the Taliban knocking on the door or the danger all around them a reality brought home by the bombing in September of a private tutoring center in Kabul where girls were practicing for a university entrance exam, which killed and wounded dozens. More mundane obstacles such as power outages and interrupted internet access complicate their lives even further. Every day they wake up, and they dont know if theyre going to be able to learn that day, said Mroczka, whos been working with Afghan students since 2018. They have moments when they get down, when they are upset or angry, but I think whats really great about AFECO is that [students] have a place where they know the adults are going to try their best to make it work. To make it through, Mroczka said, they must live with the mindset: Today was bad, but maybe tomorrow will be better. From August until December, Micari taught four mornings a week evenings for her students and it was pure joy to teach them. Micari sat with her back to a window through which the students, between learning English words and phrases and realizing that yet another person cared for their future, could watch the leaves of a large oak tree change colors through the fall. Her cats also were a popular presence, particularly Rubilee, who liked to be held like a baby during class. The students took to calling her dear as in Hello, dear and Micari and the students would form hearts with their hands whenever they signed off. Micari came to like ending each class with music something else prohibited under the Taliban as a way to introduce phrases and increase the amount of laughter and joy in the class, she said. All kinds of music: Kool & the Gangs Celebration, Louis Armstrongs What a Wonderful World, Yusuf Islams (Cat Stevens) Peace Train, Judy Garlands Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Most of the time we were rocking out at the end, she said. The music stopped in late November, the traditional close of the school year in Afghanistan. Classes ended, and some of the students returned home to their rural provinces. Mroczka explained that Afghan schools in the warmer southern provinces are more likely to have school year-round, but those in the north typically shut down for the worst of winter as schools often are not heated. The new school year usually resumes after celebration of the Afghan new year, which this year is March 21. There is some concern that some [students] could potentially not come back, said Mroczka, noting situations could change with the families who voluntarily send their children to live in the safe houses. I think theres a little bit of fear in the back of all of our minds. What if something terrible happens and the family has to make a really difficult decision and we dont see those children again? On the last day of Micaris class, only one student was on the Zoom call. The rest apparently had already left for their winter break. At the end of the session, Micari played a recording of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and began to cry. Why do you cry? the student asked. Micari told her she feared she would miss her, and the student began to sing the song to her. Then, when the song was over, they raised their hands to their cameras, on opposite sides of the world, and with their fingers formed a heart. Left unspoken were the words the entire class used to say to Micari at the end of class: Goodbye dear. We love you. PHOTOS: Ice on the James River over the past 70 years The LAST LOT available in the exclusive community of Henley is under construction! Over 7000 square feet of modern luxury coming soon for the discerning lifestyle. The first floor will accommodate large gatherings in the gourmet kitchen with Wolf appliances, a prep-pantry, and the bright & light dining space. 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View More Virginia Commonwealth Universitys lab to study microchips was built 20 years ago, but now the lab and VCU as a whole are poised to ride the states growing wave of data centers and fiber optic cables built to connect the worlds internet, televisions and cellphones. In 2018, Microsoft and Facebook, along with a Spanish company called Telefonica, laid the first subsea fiber optic cable from Virginia Beach to Spain. The federal government then invested in the project last year by passing the CHIPS and Science Act, which included provisions to invest in research and manufacturing of semiconductor chips in the U.S. Now, VCU is situated to train the workforce elected officials hope will come to Virginia and to research the industrys future. On Monday, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, toured VCUs centers for microelectronics and nanomaterials characterization. They were joined by Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the National Science Foundation, which gave VCU $7 million in funding last year. We need millions of more people in STEM fields to capture the value of these investments were going to make, Kaine said. In Virginia Beach, three fiber optic cables depart the U.S. and run across the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. One lands in Spain, another in France and another in Brazil. A fourth cable is planned to connect Virginia Beach to South Africa. Planners chose Virginia Beach because of its relative proximity to Northern Virginia, which has the worlds largest data center market. Richmond, by extension, is essentially at the on-ramp to a major highway, said Nate Kinsey, an associate professor at the microelectronics center. Industries are choosing Virginia because it allows them faster access to the highway. In 2017, Meta, the owner of Facebook, announced plans to build a $1 billion-plus data center in eastern Henrico Countys White Oak Technology Park. The first phase opened in 2020, and the second phase is opening this year. Next door, QTS (Quality Technology Services) bought a former chip manufacturing plant in 2010 and has turned it into the worlds fourth-largest data center. The company is now expanding on property it bought next door last summer and is in the process of doubling the size of the data center complex. It will be the job of researchers at VCU to stay one step ahead of current technology, Kinsey said. Americans generally expect their internet, computers and phones to process information at increasingly faster speeds as users depend on their devices more and more. Another challenge is finding all the energy necessary to power these centers. One day, Americans might question whether it is right to burn fossil fuels to power Facebook, Kinsey said. That is why Facebook has committed to using renewable power, and researchers have to continue exploring ways to power data centers with solar and wind. VCU will look at the industry through a workforce lens, said school President Michael Rao, which might mean growing those sectors of the university. Were committed to making every human successful in every way they have potential, Rao said. Our country has missed out on a lot of that. This is our chance to go to the next level as a country. Kaine and Wittman were on the opposite side of votes last year to pass the CHIPS law. Kaine voted for it, while Wittman opposed it because of concerns over national security and protection of the technology from potential poaching by China. They also were on the opposite sides of a $1.7 trillion funding bill that Congress adopted in December, before Republicans regained control of the House of Representatives. The spending bill provided budget appropriations for much of the research that the NSF was authorized to undertake under the CHIPS legislation, which included $52 billion to invest in reviving U.S. production of semiconductor chips that has been dominated by such Pacific Rim countries as Taiwan, China and South Korea. But the Democratic senator and the Republican congressman who now represents western Henrico and western Chesterfield counties, as well as part of Hanover County share an interest in both scientific research and the national security interests at stake in the competition between the U.S. and China over advanced technology and economic markets. Kaine serves on the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committee, as well as the Budget Committee, which will play a leading role in adopting budgets to fund ongoing research by the NSF. Wittman is vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and is a member of the newly appointed House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. He is also an environmental scientist with a doctoral degree in public administration and policy from VCU. Both engaged closely with each other, and with students and faculty, in their tour of the VCU centers for nanomaterial characterization and microelectronics. I love it! I can geek out, Wittman said. Kaine, who is fluent in Spanish, spoke at length to first-year graduate student Camilo Bedoya, who came to VCU from his home in Medellin, Colombia, to study mechanical and nuclear engineering. I was not expecting that! Bedoya said of his conversation in Spanish with the senator. After the tour, Kaine and Wittman voiced a shared commitment to investment in scientific research and facilities while acknowledging the political differences between House Republicans and Senate Democrats over federal spending and budget policy. They also share with Panchanathan and Rao an urgent commitment to train the students and workers necessary to take advantage of advances in technological research. This is an example of the kind of environment we need across the nation, Panchanathan said of the facilities he toured at VCU. Kaine said he hopes that House and Senate budget negotiators will be able to resolve differences over federal spending and policy, as long as they separate those issues from the threat of potential default on existing U.S. debts by failing to raise the debt ceiling. Virginias two U.S. senators, both Democrats and former governors, sought to intervene in the General Assembly on Monday to urge repeal of a state constitutional amendment that forbids same-sex marriage. Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine wrote an unusual letter to General Assembly leaders to ask their support in passing legislation that could, if enacted this year and again next year and then approved in a statewide referendum, eliminate the state constitutional prohibition on same-sex marriage that voters approved in 2006. Kaine, who was governor when voters ratified the amendment, has called it one of his greatest regrets from his gubernatorial term. With the U.S. Supreme Court signaling the possibility of a ruling to overturn its 2015 decision making same-sex marriage a constitutional right, he and Warner want the state to act now to prevent same-sex couples in Virginia from losing the right to marry. Same-sex marriages are not prohibited now, but Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, writing in support of the Supreme Courts June ruling that overturned the constitutional right to abortion, urged the court to revisit other decisions, including Obergefell v. Hodges, which found the prohibition against such unions to be unconstitutional. Thomas wrote in June that the court should review and reverse previous errors under the 14th Amendment right to equal protection, as it did in overturning the right to abortion under Roe v. Wade. It is long past time that Virginias governing document conveys to same-sex marriages the same freedoms, rights, and responsibilities that are afforded to all other constitutional marriages, the senators said in a letter to House Majority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott; Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, D-Fairfax; House Minority Leader Don Scott Jr., D-Portsmouth; and Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment, R-James City. The Senate, controlled by Democrats, voted 25-14 on Monday to back Senate Joint Resolution 242, proposed by Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, to take the first step to repeal the constitutional amendment that defines marriage as only a union between one man and one woman. A separate bill proposed by Ebbin to recognize marriages as lawful regardless of sex previously passed the Senate by a 25-12 margin, with three Republicans supporting it. Senate Bill 1096 also would ensure that clergy and religious organizations have the right to refuse to perform any marriage. The constitutional resolution would face likely defeat in the Republican-controlled House of Delegates, which refused to take up a House version of the legislationHouse Joint Resolution 553 introduced by Del. Mark Sickles, D-Fairfax. Im hopeful that Senators Warner and Kaines call for action by the General Assembly will be heeded, particularly in the House of Delegates, Ebbin said Monday. The overwhelming majority of Virginians support marriage equality and want our governing documents to reflect the realities of our times. Adopting or repealing a constitutional amendment requires the assembly to adopt resolutions in consecutive sessions, with a legislative election in between. A measure then goes to voters in a statewide referendum. All members of the General Assembly are up for election in November. The assembly, then controlled by Democrats, adopted a similar resolution in 2021, but elections that year gave Republicans a majority in the House, which rejected the second resolution last year. When a GOP-led House subcommittee defeated Sickles proposed amendment in 2022, representatives of The Family Foundation and the Virginia Catholic Conference spoke against the measure. In light of current federal law, Virginias constitutional prohibition against same-sex marriage is a dormant position, Jeff Caruso of the Virginia Catholic Conference said at the time, but federal laws can change. The push to repeal the amendment comes less than two months after President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act, which Congress adopted to ensure that all states must recognize legally performed marriages, even if those states do not allow same-sex marriages. Warner and Kaine warned: If Obergefell is overturned, then LGBTQ Virginians will likely lose the right to marry the person they love unless the General Assembly repeals the ban in Virginias constitution. Virginias circuit courts would be prohibited from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples due to the prohibition in the Commonwealths constitution. Both senators were co-sponsors of the Respect for Marriage Act, which Biden signed on Dec. 13. Virginias congressional delegation split along party lines on the law, with all seven Democratic representatives supporting it and all four Republicans opposing it. Although the Respect for Marriage Act provides full faith and credit for state-issued marriage licenses, the legislation does not require a state to issue a marriage licenses to same-sex couples, Warner and Kaine wrote. The states with the highest share of young drivers on the road The states with the highest share of young drivers on the road Rate of young drivers in each state #10. Nebraska #9. Idaho #8. Alabama #7. South Carolina #6. Minnesota #5. Iowa #4. Kansas #3. Oklahoma #2. Utah #1. South Dakota China ready to restart economic, trade exchange mechanism with Australia Xinhua) 09:13, February 07, 2023 This aerial photo taken on Nov. 5, 2022 shows a view of the Yangpu international container terminal in the Yangpu Economic Development Zone, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to restart the economic and trade exchanges mechanism with Australia, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said Monday. During his talks via video link with Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell, Wang said China is also willing to expand cooperation in emerging areas, such as climate change and new energy, and promote high-quality development of bilateral economic and trade relations. China and Australia are each other's important economic and trade partners, with highly complementary economic structures and mutually beneficial and win-win bilateral economic and trade cooperation, said Wang. He added that bilateral trade and economic relations are facing an important window of opportunity, and that the two sides should make joint efforts to inject more positive factors into their economic and trade cooperation. The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China stressed that China would unswervingly open wider to the outside world, and a developing and open China would bring more opportunities to Australia and other countries, Wang said. He hoped that Australia would work with China to strengthen communication and coordination in the economic and trade fields and seek mutually beneficial solutions to issues of respective concerns. China is closely following Australia's tightened security review of Chinese companies' investment and operations in Australia and hopes that Australia can appropriately handle relevant cases and provide a fair, open, and equal business environment for Chinese companies, Wang added. Farrell pointed out that China is Australia's largest trading partner and a significant source of investment, adding that trade and investment are cornerstones of bilateral relations. He said Australia welcomes high-quality investment from China and other countries and looks forward to further expanding cooperation with China in such fields as climate change and renewable energy. Farrell said Australia and China both support a rules-based multilateral trading system, and that Australia is ready to work with China to enhance mutual trust and resolve differences through candid dialogue for the benefit of the two peoples. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) One of Gov. Glenn Youngkins top legislative priorities a bill to consolidate dozens of programs is headed to his desk after both the House of Delegates and state Senate voted Tuesday to enact the change. The new Department of Workforce Development and Advancement would be the administrator and fiscal agent the money manager for state programs that help people train for and find jobs. When we get all these programs under one roof, just think of what we can accomplish helping people get jobs, getting the training they need and the connectivity to jobs, Youngkin said. This is a top priority and it is exciting to see people come together on this, he said. The bill transfers administration of apprenticeship programs from the Department of Labor and Industry to the new department, among other measures. State Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater said the new department will streamline access to information: matching workers with employers, and job-seekers with the training programs they need. It will also improve the accountability of workforce development programs by setting up standards by which their results can be measured. This ends the silos in workforce development, said state Sen. Frank Ruff, R-Mecklenburg, who sponsored the Senate version, which passed unanimously. The measure ran into rougher waters in the House, where the Commerce and Energy Committee heard concerns from the union movement and from other training program administrators that the bill would undercut their own efforts. One concern is that, while the apprenticeships considered in the bill might be less intense and involve the devotion of less time for apprentices to learn their craft, the new programs would compete with more established ones for limited federal funds allocated to the support of workforce training programs. The bill passed the House 54-45 on an essentially partisan vote, with all Republicans in support and only two Democrats joining them. The House moved forward on another Youngkin priority: a measure that provides a framework for establishing a laboratory school as a public alternative school within a local school division. Laboratory schools are a method for experimenting with innovations in what and how things are taught in schools. The bill also sets up a fund to support college partnership laboratory schools and local school division laboratory schools. Weve seen huge demand across the Commonwealth for laboratory schools, Youngkin said. Its very exciting. The House passed this bill, 54-45. In addition, the House approved the creation of a pilot program for Youngkins push for Virginia to launch the first commercial small modular nuclear reactor in the country what he has called the moonshot in the state energy plan he announced last year. Small modular reactors are about one-third the size of current power plant reactors, and do not need as much fuel. Their modular design means they do not cost as much either. The House passed this bill on a 56-43 vote, with four Democrats joining all the Republicans in support. The states with the highest share of young drivers on the road The states with the highest share of young drivers on the road Rate of young drivers in each state #10. Nebraska #9. Idaho #8. Alabama #7. South Carolina #6. Minnesota #5. Iowa #4. Kansas #3. Oklahoma #2. Utah #1. South Dakota After the House Commerce and Energy Committee last week gutted Dominion Energys sweeping proposal for changing the way it is regulated, the state Senate on Monday trimmed a key section of the same measure. The issue is the profit rate the electric monopoly is allowed to earn an important element when the State Corporation Commission reviews its rates. But in the background, as the Senate action made clear, is Dominions concern about financing its $9 billion offshore wind farm. The clue comes in an amendment to the Dominion bill proposed by Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment, R-James City: a time limit on the bills directive that the SCC must use the average profit rate of large southeastern utilities as the profit rate it allows for Dominion. Norments amendment would end that directive in 2027, which is when Dominion expects to complete its $9 billion offshore wind farm. Senators advanced the amended Dominion bill closer to passage on Monday, as the Senate and the House each plowed through several hundred bills. Each chamber faces a Tuesday deadline to complete work on its own bills so surviving measures can cross to the other chamber for consideration before the legislature adjourns on Feb. 25. The wind facility, 27 miles off Virginia Beach in the Atlantic Ocean, is said to be able to generate 2.6 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power 660,000 homes with its 176 wind turbines. Dominion officials have repeatedly said they are concerned its current allowed profit rate will discourage lenders from stepping up to finance the project. Norment said his amendment would, after 2027, forever give the SCC absolute authority to determine the appropriate profit rate. Senators voted to add his time limit amendment to the Dominion bill Senate Bill 1265, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, D-Fairfax by a vote of 25 to 14, with 11 Democrats and 14 Republicans in favor. Voting against was a bipartisan group, opposed to any measure directing the SCC to raise Dominions profit rate. The group included 10 Democrats and four Republicans. Norments amendments also aim to clarify that the $350 million in customer savings equal to a $7 to $8 savings on a benchmark $137 monthly bill for 1,000-kilowatt-hours cannot be offset by another portion of the bill calling for a 2023 review of the companys base rates. The savings are to come from rolling several surcharges, riders or rate adjustment clauses, into base rates. Norment said his amendment is intended to assure that, under the SCC review of base rates that account for about half of current bills, rates may decrease may not increase due to the rolling in from riders. This amendment passed on a voice vote. Those amendments leave the Senate bill far apart from the House version, which simply gives the SCC more power to review base rates, essentially frozen since 2007. Those base rates are meant to yield a return to stockholders based on the plant and equipment in use at the time. But since the value of most business assets tends to decline over time, an SCC review would likely push customers bills down. With the wide gap between House and Senate, Norment does not think this is the final step. The House has its version, this is ours, and it will be resolved in conference, he said. State Sen. Chap Petersen, D-Fairfax City, had wanted to simply strike sections of the Dominion bill that would allow it to earn more profits, which would necessarily push customers bills higher. He withdrew one amendment that would have erased a clause directing the SCC to use the average of southeastern utilities profit rates. By using that average, Dominions permitted profit rate its rate of return on equity, or the return on the net investment its stockholders have made over the years would rise to 10.07% from the current 9.35%. Dominions current profit rate is the lowest among southeastern utilities, which range as high as Alabama Powers 11.53%. Petersens other amendment would have eliminated language that would allow a different method for calculating that equity, which likely would mean a larger amount of equity on which the higher allowed rate of return would be based. His amendment was rejected on a voice vote. The House bill sparked no debate when it came before that body Monday for amendments to be considered. PHOTOS: Dominion's offshore wind turbines Alleged Chinese spy balloons were spotted on several occasions during President Donald Trumps administration, including three instances where they traveled near sensitive U.S. military facilities and training areas, according to people familiar with the matter. The balloons were spotted near Texas, Florida and Hawaii, as well as the Pacific island of Guam, where the U.S. has naval and air force bases, according to the people who requested anonymity in discussing intelligence matters. The balloons also flew near Norfolk and Coronado, California two ports where the U.S. stations its prized aircraft carriers. The balloons that overflew Guam and Norfolk were thought to have radar-jamming capabilities, while the flights near Norfolk came around the time China was launching its own aircraft carrier. The balloons near Norfolk and Coronado both flew at a lower altitude over the ocean, but within U.S. air space, according to the officials who served during the Trump administration. But the balloons also differed in significant ways from the alleged Chinese spy balloon that traversed the country last week passing by key missile and research facilities before being shot down on Saturday over the Atlantic Ocean. The aircraft spotted during Trumps tenure were smaller in size and only detected briefly in U.S. airspace. They were first categorized as unidentified aerial phenomena by intelligence officials during the Trump years, only to later be identified as balloons. The assessments indicated they came from China, but were not definitive. It was only after the balloon program continued during President Joe Bidens administration, allowing the intelligence community to gather more intelligence, that the U.S. determined definitively that some of the devices were Chinese military assets. The White House, which declined to comment on new details about balloons observed during the Trump Administration, began briefing Congress last August on the Chinese surveillance balloon program. The additional revelations of the earlier balloon observations come as the White House and Trump have engaged in finger-pointing over last weeks balloon incident and the current administrations decision to wait days to down the aircraft. As Biden faces intense criticism from Republicans, his administration has pointed to similar instances in which a Chinese aircraft allegedly flew in U.S. airspace while Trump was president. The two political rivals are headed toward a possible rematch of their bitterly contested 2020 presidential race. Trump and some senior administration officials have denied that a balloon trespassed into U.S. skies during his time in the White House. In an interview Sunday with Fox News, Trump accused his successor of claiming Chinese overflights took place during his tenure because they look so bad. This never happened, he said. It would have never happened. Other members of Trumps administration say they were aware of balloons, but that the information may not have risen to the level of the president because the scope of the surveillance program was not fully understood. One senior Biden official said balloons during the Trump era were only observed for a short duration of time, and that additional information about the program was discovered after Biden had taken office. And Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said Monday that the U.S. government was better able to understand the Chinese program as it gathered more information. We were able to go back and look at the historical patterns and that led us to come to understand that, during the Trump administration, there were multiple instances where these surveillance balloons traversed American airspace and American territory, Sullivan said at a U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. As you said, there were multiple instances where these surveillance balloons traversed American airspace and American territory. Biden officials said that China had improved the capability, range and communication abilities of their balloons in recent years. The officials also described the unique challenges of tracking and making sense of information about the aircraft. In order to track, youve got to run the traps along many different lines of information and technology, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Monday. Their dynamics there, their trajectory, their flight behavior complicates the ability to know exactly where one is at any particular moment in time, depending on where it is when it first surfaced. The balloon was downed Saturday off the Carolina coast. An F-22 from Langley Air Force Bases 1st Fighter Wing fired one AIM-9X Sidewinder missile at the balloon. Six photos released by the U.S. Navy show sailors assigned to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek in Virginia working to pull the balloon into their boat on Sunday. The evolving account of when and how the U.S. became aware of the Chinese balloon program may help explain the apparently discordant claims of Biden and Trump administration officials. Still, the White House has spent recent days defending the decision to allow the balloon to travel uninhibited for days across the United States before finally shooting it down over the ocean. The espionage fiasco led to the postponement of Secretary of State Antony Blinkens highly anticipated trip to China the most senior U.S. delegation to China in five years and has spurred a new round of U.S.-China tensions. Some House Republicans have suggested a resolution condemning Bidens response to the balloon, while House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said he planned to hold hearings into the flap. I will be demanding answers and will hold the admin accountable for this embarrassing display of weakness, the Texas Republican tweeted Saturday. Biden administration officials say they are confident that they were able to take countermeasures to prevent China from gathering valuable intelligence during that time, though so far have declined to elaborate on what steps they undertook. They have also argued that the extended flight allowed them to gain additional information about the balloon spy program, and that they expect remnants of the balloon some of which have already been recovered from the oceans surface to provide additional intelligence. That afforded us a terrific opportunity to gain a better understanding, to study the capabilities of this balloon, what it can do and what it cant do, Kirby said. And were going to continue to learn from that, as we recover pieces from the bottom of the Atlantic. In 1908, Detroit-based Ford Motor Co. sold its first Model T, a first-of-its-kind, assembly line-built automobile that put cars within financial reach for the average person for the first time. The simple, modest Model T would go on to completely change how and where Americans lived, worked and traveled. Fast-forward to 2023 and Ford finds itself in the middle of a new vehicle revolution, one that doesnt revolve around the internal combustion engine, but rather clean electric vehicles and the batteries that power them. Unfortunately, even as the rest of the country and major auto manufacturers are embracing clean EVs as our future, this revolution clearly isnt welcome in Virginia under Gov. Glenn Youngkin. News broke in January that the Youngkin administration had taken Virginia out of consideration for a $3.5 billion electric vehicle battery manufacturing factory to be developed by Ford at the Southern Virginia Megasite near Danville the largest megasite of its kind in the state, which is located in economically distressed Southside Virginia. By some accounts, Virginia had already been told by Ford that we were their final choice for this factory and the 2,500 jobs that would come with it when the Youngkin administration pulled the plug; by others, the administration took Virginia out of the running before Ford had made a decision. Regardless of the timing, one thing is clear: Youngkin passed up on bringing thousands of jobs to Virginia for ideological, politically motivated reasons. In his comments to reporters, Youngkin accused Ford of being a front for the Communist Chinese Party due to their partnership with China-based Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., the largest manufacturer of EV batteries in the world. In the same breath that he echoed the same anti-China rhetoric spouted by his far-right 2024 competitors Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, Youngkin also derided President Joe Bidens alleged maniacal focus on getting rid of all fossil fuel generation, replacing it with solar, wind, or replacing every car immediately with batteries, adding the misguided conclusion that the technology that in fact drives all that is owned and dominated by the Chinese. When you couple these comments with Youngkins full-court press to repeal our states best tools to expand clean energy and address climate change, including Virginias Clean Cars Standard, it becomes abundantly clear that Youngkins decision regarding the Ford plant was rooted in nothing more than an extreme, regressive and conspiracy-driven ideology. Virginia and our nation have passed policies that promote a clean energy and transportation future policies that are driving job creation and boosting our economy as we work to manufacture the technologies of the future today, here in the commonwealth. The workers who would have clocked in at this plant would be employed by Ford, a company more American than apple pie. Theyd be Virginians. Their salaries would be spent boosting Virginias economy and improving their communities. Because Youngkin let politics get in the way, these are now dollars and jobs that will likely go to Fords home state of Michigan, which was also competing for the plant. Ford is currently second to only Tesla in EV sales, and its recent commitments show the iconic auto manufacturer is taking this transition seriously. Last summer, the company announced it was taking steps to achieve a targeted annual run rate of 600,000 electric vehicles by late 2023 and more than 2 million [EVs] by the end of 2026, with a goal of having half its total fleet be all-electric by 2030. General Motors, another iconic American automaker, plans to make only electric vehicles by 2035, and it isnt alone in its ambitious goals: Hyundai, Honda, Volvo and Nissan all have aggressive plans to grow their electric fleets, and direct federal tax incentives as well as investments in charging infrastructure will only accelerate this transition and increase already high consumer demand. So what message does Youngkins recent decision around Ford send to these other potential job creators as theyre looking to invest in other states and build new manufacturing facilities? If there is a bright side to Youngkins decision to put far-right conspiracy theories ahead of whats right for Virginia, the electric vehicle boom is here to stay. Virginia is still a Clean Cars state after Senate Democrats rejected multiple Youngkin-backed attempts to repeal our laws to bring more EVs to our state efforts that will help meet already high consumer demand while securing cleaner air and addressing our states largest share of harmful carbon pollution. Electric vehicles are our future. Youngkin can either accept this as fact or put himself further out of touch with reality and with his constituents who want to see our state address climate change and create the jobs of the future in the process. From the Archives: Dogwood Dell Amphitheater Mexico sends 157 forest fire fighting specialist after Chile requests help Mexico City, Mexico In response to an official request for support from the government of the Republic of Chile, Mexico organized an aid mission to help combat forest fires. On Sunday afternoon, a group of Mexican forest fire fighters left the country bound for Chile. The group of 157 climbed aboard a federal plane on instruction of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. In a statement by the Secretaries of National Defense (Sedena), Foreign Relations (SRE), the Mexican Air Force (FAM ) and the National Forestry Commission (Conafor), the aid mission was organized to send a large contingent to Chile to support efforts to combat the serious forest fires that are affecting the regions of Bio Bio, La Araucania and Nuble in the central-south zone of the sister South American country. Those sent to help battle the blaze consisted of 30 Conafor combatants who are specialized technicians, brigade chiefs and accident fighters, and 127 members of the Mexican Army and Air Force who are experts in firefighting. This is the largest international team of people that has traveled to Chile to collaborate in dealing with this contingency, the government said in their statement. When they arrived, they were transferred to the Carriel Sur Airport from where they were deployed to the affected areas. Lopez Obrador has conveyed to President Gabriel Boric that if required, Mexico will send more of the countrys firefighting experts. To date, at least 25 Chileans have died and more than 200 families left homeless due to the ongoing forest fires. Pair extradited to Georgia to face drug, criminal association and money laundering charges Mexico City, Mexico Two Mexican nationals have been extradited to the United States on outstanding arrest warrants. In compliance with the Extradition Treaty signed between Mexico and the United States, the Attorney Generals Office of the Republic (FGR) has extradited two people wanted on charges of drugs, criminal association and money laundering. Benjamin I was wanted by the Federal District Court of Georgia on all three charges. He has been attributed to being part of a criminal organization where he was the administrator in Mexico for the distribution of methamphetamine in the southeastern United States. Veronica A, who was also wanted by the same Georgia court, was extradited to the U.S. on the same charges after being accused of supporting Benjamin I by being his Spanish to English interpreter to finalize the sale of drugs. The Government of Mexico handed them over to the designated U.S. agents at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) for their transfer to the U.S. Suspect found with empty barrel and stocked spare magazine detained after neighbor reports of gunfire Playa del Carmen, Q.R. A man found with an empty gun barrel and stocked spare magazine was captured in Playa del Carmen Sunday. The 33-year-old man from Colima was arrested by police after residents in Nicte Ha reported hearing gun fire. Emergency 911 operators sent police and elements of the navy as backup to a building in the residential neighborhood of 15th Bis Avenue and Juan Escutia Street where they found shell casings on the ground. Nearby, they located a man, Salvador N, wearing a fanny pack around his waist. Sticking out of his fanny pack was the handle or grip of a gun. A security inspection revealed the firearm and stocked magazine. The police statement did not elaborate on the gun fire that was heard and subsequently reported by area residents. Tren Maya Hotel at Chichen Itza will be first to open Cancun, Q.R. Javier May, head of the National Fund for the Promotion of Tourism (Fonatur) provided Maya Train updates Monday. He reported that section 4, which runs from Izamal, Yucatan, to Cancun, Quintana Roo, integrates 239 kilometers of electrified double track through nine municipalities and 17 towns. He said that other complementary projects being carried out in Cancun such as the construction of the Nichupte bridge, the Airport Distributor, Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard and Chac Mool Avenue, are a great benefit for the local population and tourism. He also commented that the first Tren Maya Hotel, which will be at Chichen Itza, will be first of the trains hotels to open. A render of the upcoming Tren Maya Hotel at Chichen Itza. Photo: Fonatur Nothing stops the Maya Train and with the coordinated work of Fonatur, the different secretariats and institutions of the Government of Mexico, and the governments of the states, from several fronts simultaneously, the commitment to inaugurate it in December of this year will be fulfilled, he said during his Monday morning presentation with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. On section 4, he explained that passengers will be able to ascend and descend at any of the three stations at Chichen Itza, Valladolid and the Cancun Airport, as well as at one of the two stops at Nuevo Xcan and Leona Vicario. He indicated that in the area of the Cancun airport station, a maintenance base for the track and a workshop and garage for the wagons are currently being built, adding that throughout the section, the Maya Train has generated more than 62,000 jobs. Javier May, the General Director of the National Fund for the Promotion of Tourism (Fonatur). Photo: Fonatur February 6, 2023. In section 4, the Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones is being applied in Chichen Itza, which is a World Heritage Site, and in Ek Balam, sites where Visitor Service Centers are built and, in the case of Chichen Itza, the construction of one of the Tren Maya Hotels is scheduled. Blas Andres Nunez Jordan, who heads the Maya Train Coordination Center of the General Directorate of Engineers of the Sedena, said the Tren Maya Chichen Itza Hotel and the facilities of the Tren Maya company, in Cancun, Quintana Roo, will be delivered, respectively, on November 30 and December 31 of this year. Once complete, the Secretary of National Defense will provide security for the entire train route with the deployment of 491 National Guard. U.S. deports Mexican from New York to face murder charges in Chetumal court Chetumal, Q.R. A man wanted for a 2018 murder has been deported from the U.S. and returned to Quintana Roo. On Monday, the Fiscalia General del Estado (FGE) of Quintana Roo reported on the deportation of Abdiel G from New York. He was handed over to Mexican authorities in the state of Tamaulipas after being arrested on January 13 of this year. Police in Goshen, New York, were part of a search and location operation request made to the Office of Detention and Deportation (ERO) of the United States. With this, Abdiel G was arrested in Goshen, New York, on January 13 and kept in custody at the Orange County correctional facility until his Monday deportation back to Mexico. Abdiel G was handed over by the U.S. authorities in the city of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, from where he was transferred to the Chetumal Social Readaptation Center (Cereso). Abdiel G is accused of a murder that occurred on October 28, 2018, in the town of Sabidos in the municipality of Othon P. Blanco. Heres an interesting tale about a medical billing dispute in which Shirley Klinger, 69, has found herself unhappily entangled for more than a year. To date, its prompted three appeals by Klinger, a retired legal assistant, to Medicare. All of those were denied. And countless phone calls to Carilions billing and patient advocacy departments, as well as multiple contacts between Klinger and a separate entity, the Roanoke Ambulatory Surgical Center. Also known as RASC, its on Jefferson Street near the intersection with Albemarle Avenue. Thats where the surgery in question was performed, leaving Klinger with a $3,373 bill she never expected. To understand what happened, we need to back up a bit. In the fall of 2021, Klinger needed some surgery on a painful tendon connected to a hip that shed had replaced in 2020. The tendon-release procedure was scheduled for October 2021 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. At that time, it was planned as open surgery, as opposed to a minimally invasive procedure using a scope. But a week or so prior to the operation, Klinger said a representative from Carilion contacted her and said the surgery would have to be rescheduled. The hospitals operating rooms were short-staffed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Klinger said the Carilion rep told her. The Carilion rep also told Klinger the surgery could be performed at RASC, which had an opening for Nov. 4, 2021. Klinger agreed, and the rep scheduled Klinger for that date. She showed up at RASC at 6 a.m. on the appointed day. The surgeon performed the surgery with a scope, rather than as open surgery. It went well and Klinger was back home that afternoon. Unfortunately, barely 15 minutes after she arrived home Nov. 4, Klinger fell and broke three bones in her ankle. Ouch! That mishap landed Klinger in Roanoke Memorial Hospital for ankle surgery, which occurred 10 days after her tendon surgery. She now has a metal plate and screws in her ankle. As you might expect, a blizzard of explanation-of-benefits forms (from Medicare and Klingers Medicare supplement insurer) arrived at her home in the ensuing months. Those derived from both procedures. Klinger didnt pay much attention to them until January 2022. Toward the end of that month, Klinger got a $3,373 bill from RASC. Klinger questioned it. She didnt believe she owed it, because she was covered by Medicare. But Medicare was refusing to cover the charge from RASC. Klinger isnt sure how many phone calls she made to Medicare, or to Carilions billing department, or to Carilions patient advocacy staff, or to RASC. But it was many, many, many calls, Klinger said. She also sought help (unsuccessfully) from the Local Office on Aging and the State Corporation Commission. Repeatedly, people she spoke to informed her that a medical coding glitch was at the crux of Medicares refusal to pay. I talked with Carilions patient advocate department I dont know how many times, Klinger said. They told me there was nothing they could do. On one occasion, Klinger told me, a Medicare rep informed her the bill had been approved for payment. But subsequently, another Medicare rep informed Klinger that somebody else in Medicare had reversed the decision to provide coverage. By the spring of 2022, Klinger had appealed to Medicare twice and each appeal was denied. For Klingers third appeal, her Carilion surgeon wrote a two-page letter to Medicare. But that didnt do any good either. Medicare still denied that appeal, too. Klinger later learned that if her surgery had been open, rather than done with a scope, Medicare would have covered the charge from RASC. But because Klinger had minimally invasive surgery with a scope at RASC, it wasnt covered by Medicare at all. The reason for the denial was, this kind of [minimally invasive] surgery was not approved to be paid by Medicare at [RASC], Klinger said. And nobody, Klinger added, informed her in advance of that difference, or asked her to sign a form promising to pay what insurance would not. We pay our bills, Klinger told me. I dont mind paying for something I truly owe. She added that if she had known about the facility fee before the surgery, at the very least she and her husband could have planned for the charge. At no time was I informed that any of this was going to happen, Klinger added. She was under the impression Medicare would cover all of it. I was never given the necessary release to sign saying I would be responsible for the debt, Klinger wrote me in an email. Next, Klinger and her husband, whos also retired, applied for debt forgiveness from RASC, because the couples only income was Social Security, and they couldnt afford the charge. In September , RASC cut it in half, to just over $1,600. But Klinger still felt she didnt owe it, so she didnt pay. And on Jan. 18, she got a letter from a bill collector demanding payment of the $1,600. Klinger contacted me Jan. 19 and told me the story above. I contacted Hannah Curtis in Carilions media relations department, and urged her to look into it. Curtis did. But because of federal privacy law, Carlion could not divulge to this newspaper specifics about Klingers case, unless Klinger granted Carilion written permission. That took about a week. Which brings us to last week. On Friday, RASC contacted Klinger and informed her the $1,600 debt was forgiven. I learned that in this email from Klinger. She wrote: Mr. Casey, you are a miracle worker! Just got a call from Roanoke Ambulatory Surgery Center and my bill has been taken care of. I have a zero balance. Im actually in a state of shock right now. Finally after a year I have a resolution. Exactly how that resolution happened remains a bit unclear to me. Part of it may be rooted in RASCs business relationship with Carilion Clinic. Although Carilion Clinic is a nonprofit organization, it owns or co-owns some for-profit entities. RASC is one of those, Curtis said. She said Carilion owns a portion of the surgery center. And Medicare considers RASC separate. A 2009 article in this newspaper indicated Carlion was a 50% owner in RASC. The other owners are 12 physicians. Theyre listed by name in a brochure RASC gave Klinger. (Her surgeons name was not on that list.) Curtis also said Klingers surgeon planned to do an open tendon release procedure at RASC after it was canceled at Roanoke Memorial. During the procedure, however, the surgeon decided it was best to change the technique used for the optimal patient outcome, Curtis said. And it was done with a scope instead. Due to that adjustment, Medicare no longer covered the procedure in an ambulatory surgery setting. And thats how Klinger ended up with the $3,373 bill, and why Medicare refused to cover it. Given the particulars of this case, RASC has taken Ms. Klinger out of the middle of provider/payor complexities, making an administrative adjustment to absolve her of any responsibility for payment, Curtis told me. Were continuing to collaborate with the Roanoke Ambulatory Surgery Center (RASC) to review what happened and determine if it can be avoided in the future, Curtis added. That would be the best outcome especially for any future Medicare patients contemplating surgery at RASC. A bill that would give more victims of the opioid epidemic a voice in the use of millions of dollars in state settlement money is no longer in the cards this legislative session. The bill was introduced by Del. Nick Freitas, R-Culpeper. It would have added two new members to the board of the Opioid Abatement Authority, the recently formed organization tasked with distributing more than $330 million to the fight against the opioid epidemic in Virginia. The board has voting power over grants that will be given to Virginia cities and counties, which can apply for grant money from the state fund. Those members would be two representatives of the addiction and recovery community, the bill stated. Their addition would have expanded the abatement authority board from 11 to 13 members. The bill was withdrawn by Freitas in a Jan. 30 subcommittee session. Currently, the authority board is structured to include one member of the recovery community, as appointed by the governor. That appointee is Michael Tillem, who was appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin in November. Tillem is the founder of The Journey House, a not-for-profit recovery group based in Henrico County. Freitas said his bill was withdrawn out of concerns that adjusting the membership might affect the settlement distribution process. We are working on achieving the intent of the bill, getting people with lived experience in overcoming opioid addiction, without changing the number on the board in such a way that could adversely affect settlements, Freitas said. Other recovery community members had been hopeful for Freitas bill and were disappointed to see it tabled. Freitas was right to introduce that bill, said John Shinholser, a recovering opioid addict and founder of the McShin Foundation, one of Richmonds oldest recovery community organizations. Shinholser said he has been keenly following developments in the legislature. He said he is frustrated with the composition of the board, which includes only two individuals in recovery on a panel of 11. Shinholser called the committee rigged and said, ultimately, he is worried money will be wasted and wind up with county administrators. Everybody seems to forget the solution to addiction is recovery, Shinholser said. The best model, by everybodys standards, is people with lived experience operating in every step of the way. The boards composition was enshrined in legal language when the settlement was negotiated by the Virginia attorney general. That process was initiated by former Attorney General Mark Herring and finalized by Attorney General Jason Miyares. Changing that legal language could be tricky, said Tony McDowell, the authoritys executive director. For example, to override the current composition structure would be to override the settlement itself, which could open up room for any locality to sue the abatement authority and potentially endanger funds. McDowell was adamant that the board is listening to people in recovery. To do so, the authority is hosting listening sessions, where addicts speak to the board directly about how the money should be used. That next listening session will occur virtually on Feb. 12. I think there is fear that our board will not be listening to their voice, McDowell said. I would suggest that if you simply look at what this board has done already, theyve proven they wanted to hear from people with an opioid use disorder. The authoritys cash constitutes just 55% of the total settlement money received by Virginia. In total, the state could receive as much as $610 million from distributors and pharmaceutical companies, including groups like Purdue Pharma, the creators of OxyContin. Other money was transmitted directly to localities and to the commonwealth and is not subject to oversight from the authority board. FLORENCE, S.C. In recognition of her contribution as an advocate on behalf of nurse practitioners and their patients, Dr. Deborah Hopla, DNP, APRN-BC, is being honored by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as the 2023 recipient of the AANP Advocate State Award for Excellence in South Carolina. Each year, advocates across the nation are nominated by AANP members to receive this prestigious award. Hopla serves as the Director of the MSN/FNP and DNP Programs and is an associate professor of nursing at Francis Marion University. We are happy that the American Association of Nurse Practitioners has recognized what those of us who have worked with Deb have known for years she is simply the best, said FMU President Fred Carter. Deb is an extraordinary teacher, nurse practitioner, and colleague. This award is well-deserved. The AANP State Award for Excellence was established in 1993 and is given to a nurse practitioner (NP) in each state who demonstrates excellence in clinical care. In 1993, the AANP Advocate State Award for Excellence was added to highlight the efforts of individuals who have made a significant contribution toward increasing the awareness and recognition of NPs. Awards are distributed to the recipients throughout the year, with recipients honored during the annual AANP national conference. AANP is the largest professional association for NPs of all specialties, with more than 121,000 members and headquarters in Texas and Washington, D.C. "Climate Homicide: Prosecuting Big Oil For Climate Deaths" | Main | Missouri completes its second execution of 2023 February 7, 2023 Pre-gaming the State of the Union with a few White House Fact Sheets talking a bit about crimes and punishment I may not get a chance to watch Prez Biden's State of the Union address tonight, and I am not really expecting it will cover any big sentencing issues (or small sentencing issues for that matter). That said, I do expect some crime and punishment matters to get some air time during a speech that likely will make some mention of policing practices and the nation's drug overdose problems. And my expectations have already been somewhat confirmed even hours before the SotU speech via these releases from the White House: FACT SHEET: The Biden-Harris Administrations Work to Make Our Communities Safer and Advance Effective, Accountable Policing FACT SHEET: In State of the Union, President Biden to Outline Vision to Advance Progress on Unity Agenda in Year Ahead Here are some items pulled from these "fact sheets" which, I must say, do not actually read as "fact sheets that may be of particular interest to sentencing fans: Investing in Crime Prevention. The Presidents Safer America Plan calls on Congress to invest $15 billion in services that help prevent crime from occurring in the first place, including: mental health and substance use disorder services, such as co-responder and alternative responder programs where social workers and other professionals respond to calls that should not be the responsibility of law enforcement; job training and employment opportunities, including for teenagers and young adults; housing and other supportive social services to individuals who are homeless; and reentry services so people leaving prison can stabilize their lives and avoid recidivism. The Plan also incentivizes the reform of laws that increase incarceration without reducing public safety and lift almost all federal restrictions on eligibility for vital benefits (such as food, income, and disability-based assistance) for people with prior convictions.... Addressing a failed approach to marijuana and crack cocaine. The criminalization of marijuana possession has upended too many lives for conduct that is now legal in many states. While white, Black and brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and brown people are disproportionately in jail for it. In October 2022, the President announced a full, unconditional, and categorical pardon for prior federal simple marijuana possession offenses. This pardon lifts barriers to housing, employment, and educational opportunities for thousands of people with prior convictions under federal and D.C. law for simple marijuana possession. The President also called on every state governor to follow his lead, as most marijuana prosecutions take place at the state level. And because this Administration is guided by science and evidence, he called on the Secretary of HHS and the Attorney General to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. In addition, the Safer America Plan calls on Congress to end once and for all the racially discriminatory sentencing disparity between crack cocaine and powder cocaine offenses as President Biden first advocated in 2007 and make that change fully retroactive. This step would provide immediate sentencing relief to the 10,000 individuals, more than 90 percent of whom are Black, currently serving time in federal prison pursuant to the crack/powder disparity. As an initial step, the Attorney General has issued guidance to federal prosecutors on steps they should take to promote the equivalent treatment of crack and powder cocaine offenses, but Congress still needs to act.... Beating the Opioid and Overdose Epidemic by Accelerating the Crackdown on Fentanyl Trafficking and Public Health Efforts to Save Lives Last year, President Biden announced his plan to beat the opioid epidemic as part of his Unity Agenda, because opioid use and trafficking affect families in red communities and blue communities and every community in between. Under President Bidens leadership, overdose deaths and poisonings have decreased for five months in a row but these deaths remain unacceptably high and are primarily caused by fentanyl.... [T]he President will announce in the State of Union that his administration will:... Work with Congress to make permanent tough penalties on suppliers of fentanyl. The federal government regulates illicitly produced fentanyl analogues and related substances as Schedule I drugs, meaning they are subject to strict regulations and criminal penalties. But traffickers have found a loophole: they can easily alter the chemical structure of fentanyl creating fentanyl related substances (FRS) to evade regulation and enhance the drugs impact. The DEA and Congress temporarily closed this loophole by making all FRS Schedule I. The Administration looks forward to working with Congress on its comprehensive proposal to permanently schedule all illicitly produced FRS into Schedule I. Traffickers of these deadly substances must face the penalties they deserve, no matter how they adjust their drugs. February 7, 2023 at 02:56 PM | Permalink Comments How nice it is to witness federal dollars meeting a new rat-hole: he Presidents Safer America Plan calls on Congress to invest $15 billion in services that help prevent crime from occurring in the first place, including: mental health and substance use disorder services, such as co-responder and alternative responder programs where social workers and other professionals respond to calls that should not be the responsibility of law enforcement; job training and employment opportunities, including for teenagers and young adults; housing and other supportive social services to individuals who are homeless; and reentry services so people leaving prison can stabilize their lives and avoid recidivism. The Plan also incentivizes the reform of laws that increase incarceration without reducing public safety and lift almost all federal restrictions on eligibility for vital benefits (such as food, income, and disability-based assistance) for people with prior convictions.... Posted by: federalist | Feb 7, 2023 3:10:08 PM You are a blessed man if you cant watch it. The SOTU should go into the dustbin as the monarchical farce which gets the balance of power backwards that it is. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 7, 2023 4:33:35 PM The same tired mantra: Crime is a product of social forces. Note that conscience and making choices are nowhere mentioned. Makes me wonder if it was written by ChatGPT. Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 7, 2023 8:30:22 PM "Note that conscience and making choices are nowhere mentioned." Free will is so overrated. :) Posted by: federalist | Feb 8, 2023 8:48:11 AM Bill and Federalist - incarceration only perpetuates criminal behavior by schooling inmates on how to be criminals (note the crazy high recidivism rate). Incarceration must obviously be used for very violent criminals but we should always try to reduce incarceration when possible. Brett Miler Posted by: Brett Miler | Feb 9, 2023 9:51:53 AM "very violent criminals"--so what would you do to the juvie monster who beat up the 9 year old on a school bus in Florida? Posted by: federalist | Feb 9, 2023 12:02:44 PM Federalist - I read that the juvenile in that incident is being prosecuted in juvenile court. Hopefully he will receive needed services and support so that he can lead a law-abiding life. Posted by: Brett Miler | Feb 9, 2023 12:31:14 PM Brett, not good enough--he needs incarceration--not forever, but incarceration. He's a danger. He needs to be given the chance to straighten out his life, but he also needs to suffer for what he did. Posted by: federalist | Feb 9, 2023 1:04:50 PM Ah, after watching the speech, I get it now. Fact Sheets was meant to be ironic. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 9, 2023 3:13:19 PM Post a comment This photograph taken on January 10, 2018 shows the Singapore's Keppel logo on its building in Singapore. Singapore's Keppel, the world's biggest oil rig builder, vowed January 25, 2018 to put a "painful chapter" behind it as the company revealed a huge fall in profits due to a bribery scandal. (ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images) By Chanyaporn Chanjaroen and Philip J. Heijmans (Bloomberg) Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said that Singapore could review a decision not to prosecute key figures at Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd. over a major bribery case involving payments to Brazils state-run energy company if theres new evidence that warrants doing so. The city-state on Monday defended a decision not to press charges against six former senior managers of Keppel O&M for their alleged involvement in a bribery scandal that cost the company $422 million in total fines. Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Ministers Office, told the city-states parliament on Monday there was not enough sufficient evidence to establish any criminal charge beyond a reasonable doubt against a specific individual. But if new evidence comes to light, this decision can be reviewed, Heng posted to Facebook Tuesday. Corruption has no place in our society and our economy. This has not and will not change. Trust in our rule of law and transparency has enabled Singapore to thrive as a vibrant economy, he continued. Many are understandably concerned that the Government had not mounted charges against former Keppel employees involved in the corruption scandal. Such cases are rare in Singapore, ranked fifth least corrupt on Transparency Internationals latest annual index. Keppel O&M agreed in 2017 to pay $422 million to end a U.S. probe into illegal payments to officials of Brazils state-controlled oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA. Keppels US unit pleaded guilty while the Singapore-based parent entered into a deferred-prosecution agreement with the US government. Sembcorp Marine, in which state investment firm Temasek Holdings Pte is the biggest shareholder, agreed to acquire Keppel O&M last year. Last month, Singapores Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau issued stern warnings to the six former senior managers of Keppel O&M in lieu of prosecution for offenses punishable under the corruption law. Story continues The unnamed individuals allegedly had conspired to pay a total of $55 million in bribes to foreign consultants involved in the companys business interests in Brazil, according to the CPIB statement in January. The anti-graft agency cited the cross-jurisdiction nature and complexity of the case, along with difficulties in obtaining evidence for prosecution, for not taking further action. With assistance from David Ramli and Janine Phakdeetham. 2023 Bloomberg L.P. CEOCEO161 ChatGPT2029 0.08% 25 0.46% 6 ChatGPT 64.24 48 27%2024 ChatGPT 0.71% GDP 1.4 9 LV5000 GDP5% 16% 415 KeeTa 0.38% 0.26%15% OTT TVB 460460 mReferral_Column - mReferral_Column - TUESDAY, Feb. 7, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- It's a little safer to get into the water: Unprovoked shark attacks dropped to a 10-year low worldwide in 2022, shark watchers say. A total of 57 unprovoked bites occurred in 2022, tying with 2020 for the fewest number of reported incidents during the last 10 years, according to the University of Floridas International Shark Attack File. Of those attacks, five were fatal -- down from nine deaths in 2021 and 10 in 2020. Since 2013, there have been an average 74 unprovoked bites a year, researchers say. The 2020 low likely was related to COVID-19 travel restrictions and beach closures, which resulted in fewer encounters between humans and sharks, researchers said. Declining shark populations are one likely cause of the low numbers of bites in 2022, researchers said. Generally speaking, the number of sharks in the worlds oceans has decreased, which may have contributed to recent lulls, said Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural Historys Florida Program for Shark Research. Its likely that fatalities are down because some areas have recently implemented rigorous beach safety protocols, especially in Australia, Naylor said in a museum news release. The United States had the most bites, with Florida reporting more bites than anywhere else in the world. None of Floridas 16 unprovoked bites were fatal, but two resulted in amputations. Long Island also experienced a record number of shark bites, with New York reporting eight bites in 2022. Before these attacks, the state had only 12 reported unprovoked bites on record. Juvenile sand tiger sharks have taken up residence in Great South Bay between Long Island and Fire Island, researchers have determined. The sharks use the sheltered bay as a nursery, and the majority of Long Island bites likely are from sand tiger sharks hunting bait fish in the surf zone. The Gulf Streams eddies ebb and flow each year. Sometimes they can come very close to shore, bringing nutrients and fish with them. The juvenile sand tigers will follow the fish, which in some cases leads to an uptick in encounters with people, Naylor said. Juveniles tend to be more experimental and will try things that an adult shark wouldnt, Naylor continued. If fish are especially dense where people are swimming and visibility is poor, then it is more likely that young sharks, which lack the experience of older animals, will mistake a swimmers foot for their intended prey. The United States had only one unprovoked bite death, involving a snorkeler who went missing along Keawakapu Beach in Maui, Hawaii. Australia had nine confirmed unprovoked bites, and single bites occurred in New Zealand, Thailand and Brazil. South Africa had two unprovoked attacks, both fatal and likely caused by white sharks, researchers said. Two fatal attacks occurred on the same day in Egypts Red Sea, where shark bites are rare. The attacks, less than a mile from each other, are suspected to be the work of a single shark. Even without the worldwide decline in shark bites, your chances of being attacked by a shark are incredibly low, researchers said. Drowning poses the greater hazard -- its the third leading cause of accidental death worldwide -- and rip tides and powerful currents can swiftly carry away beachgoers. To lower your risk of an unprovoked shark bite, take steps like removing reflective jewelry and avoiding areas where people are fishing. The International Shark Attack Files annual report focuses mainly on unprovoked bites, and does not highlight attacks that might have been caused by nearby fishing, chum in the water or other mitigating circumstances. Unprovoked bites give us significantly more insight into the biology and behavior of sharks, Naylor said. Changing the environment such that sharks are drawn to the area in search of their natural food source might prompt them to bite humans when they otherwise wouldnt. There were 32 additional bites in 2022 that were intentionally or unintentionally provoked, researchers said. More information The International Shark Attack File has more about reducing your risk of shark attack. SOURCE: Florida Museum of Natural History, news release, Feb. 6, 2023 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. SIOUX CITY -- Newly-appointed Woodbury County Board of Supervisors member Mark Nelson has been appointed as a liaison between the board and the Law Enforcement Center Authority. The joint city-county Law Enforcement Center Authority oversees the operation and construction of the new county jail. Originally, Rocky De Witt was the county board's representative on the authority. After being elected to the Iowa Senate, De Witt resigned from his Board of Supervisors position but was allowed to stay on the jail authority. Nelson has become a liaison to the authority in order update the board on the meetings and progress of the jail, said Board Chair Matthew Ung. Nelson attended his first meeting on Friday and had no update. He said he plans to meet with Authority Chair Ron Wieck and the jail contractor Hausmann Construction to catch up on the progress. The original resolution appointing De Witt to the seat stated resignation from the Board of Supervisors vacates the authority position. The authority's articles of incorporation state the Board of Supervisors elects one commissioner for the authority that lives in the area outside the county seat. It does not require the individual to be a County Supervisor. In January the board approved a new resolution allowing De Witt to keep the seat until the end of his term in December 2027. Ung said at the time De Witt has institutional knowledge of the process of the jail project and would be helpful to avoid a vacancy. LEC Authority commissioners receive no compensation. The authority is led by Wieck and also includes Sioux City Mayor Pro-Tem, Dan Moore. The Authoritys purpose is to oversee the construction and initial operations of the new Law Enforcement Center until 2040 at which time the building will be turned over to the county. As states plan how theyll spend the $25 billion remaining in federal COVID relief funds, some also are facing criticism and renewed scrutiny over how they allocated money already received from the American Rescue Plan Act. Of the $198 billion authorized by Congress in 2021, $173 billion already has been appropriated by states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Much of the money went as it was intended to deal with the COVID-19 public health emergency, including social programs benefiting low-income communities, grants to help small businesses stay open and pay for essential workers. But civil rights groups and think tanks focused on economic and tax policy have pointed out that the money has gone to build prisons, offset tax cuts, and fund initiatives completely counter to improving public health, such as Arizonas $163 million program to give grants to schools that didnt have mask mandates. dollar bills with COVID cells and prison - 1 States have been criticized for using federal COVID-19 relief funds for projects unrelated to the pandemic, such as building prisons and cutti The American Civil Liberties Union in a letter earlier this month requested that the Treasury Department investigate the misuse of ARPA funds. The Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy has criticized tax cuts that it says are squandering revenue built up in part by the federal relief funds. And the GOP-controlled House Committee on Oversight and Accountability on on Feb. 1 held the first of what its chair, Rep. James Comer, R-KY, says will be many hearings examining how federal pandemic relief dollars were spent. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research institute, has analyzed the ARPA fund appropriations since 2021, and in a January report says many have used the funds constructively toward economic recovery. But it also suggests that states need to use the remaining funds to help the people most affected by the pandemic and prevent long-term damage to health, education, and social services in states. According to the CBPPs data, capital construction made up 21% of the allocations the largest share for all states through December, with some states like Montana allocating 79% of their funds to capital construction projects. And while many state projects were for broadband and water and sewer infrastructure, some of the spending was unrelated to an equitable recovery, according to CBPP policy analyst Iris Hinh, author of the report. In 2021, Alabama allocated $400 million, almost 20% of its funds, toward the construction of two new prisons. In Arizona, $4.2 million in recovery funds was designated to fund offices for Department of Corrections staff. In its January letter to the Treasury Department, the ACLU urged the Deputy Inspector General to investigate the use of ARPA funds for jail and prison expansions saying such construction does not mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and does not fall under any of the eligible uses of ARPA funds. Twenty-three percent of Floridas funds were allocated to highway construction, according to the CBPP. Colorado, Louisiana and North Dakota also spent a large proportion of their funds on transportation construction. Hinh noted in the report that while spending on highways may help produce a stronger recovery, it is often poorly targeted to the communities that need help the most. Revenue replacement and unemployment assistance Another big chunk of the relief funds 13% across the nation has gone toward replacing revenue losses from the pandemic, as allowed under the federal guidelines. The CBPP argues that although it makes sense to ensure that services that existed before the pandemic continue, states should use more of the funds to target inequities made worse by the pandemic, such as food becoming even less affordable for many families. In Wyoming, 58.8% of appropriations of these funds went toward revenue replacement, followed by New York at 57.2% of appropriations and Pennsylvania at 56.8%. States allocated $23 billion to unemployment insurance trust funds, but only a small portion of that, $929 million, went toward upgrading unemployment insurance and improving access through IT changes and other advancements. The rest went toward rebuilding those trust funds after jobless claims increased due to the pandemic-related closures of businesses. Nevada, for instance, which had borrowed from the federal government to pay unemployment claims during the pandemic, used ARPA funds to pay off its loan rather than raise the unemployment tax paid by employers, according to the Nevada Current. But Nevada is also using ARPA funds to modernize and streamline its system which buckled under the influx of claims during 2020, according to the Current. Colorado, Delaware, New Jersey, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington are also planning to use ARPA funds to update their systems. Hinh said states that are only choosing to rebuild their trust funds are missing out on opportunities to expand access and should instead raise the unemployment taxes paid by businesses. Tax cuts One of the more contentious uses of the ARPA funds has been to offset tax cuts. Since the law was intended to be a stimulus, it included a mandate: States could not cut taxes and then use federal funds to counteract the cuts. In 2021, 21 state attorneys general, all Republicans, brought legal challenges against that part of the law. In January, the Supreme Court declined to hear Missouris case on the issue after a federal district court said the state didnt have legal standing and the Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit agreed. In a case involving 13 states, including West Virginia, Iowa, Arkansas and Florida, the Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled in January that the provision was unconstitutional because there wasnt clear notice for how to comply with the law. At least 24 states are considering income tax cuts during their current legislative sessions, including Arkansas, Montana and Utah. Kentucky Republicans are trying to pass another cut in the personal income tax after the income tax rate already fell this year. In Kansas, North Dakota and Ohio, lawmakers are proposing flat tax rates, and political leaders in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana and West Virginia have pushed for getting rid of personal income taxes altogether, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. The flat tax proposal in Kansas would slash the budget by $1.5 billion. The Iowa Legislature has approved major tax cuts the past two years, including approval of a single-rate, 3.9% income tax in 2022 that will reduce revenues nearly $2 billion a year. This year, GOP legislators are considering cuts in property taxes that fund schools, cities and counties. These tax policy changes will hurt the people most affected by the pandemic and weaken the impact of the recovery funds, said Hinh and Aidan Davis, state policy director with the Institute on Taxation and and Economic Policy. Its during good times in the economy when states are flush with cash that they feel that they are most able to justify and to push for deep tax cuts, Davis said. I do think that they feel that theyve been able to use that almost as a cover for something that they wanted to do year after year and they continue to push for year after year, but (theyre) not talking about what the long-term implications are, because youre looking at a one time surplus. She added, It really is a missed opportunity on a lot of fronts because with the legislation under ARPA, the state aid did a lot of good, but it could have done a lot more had much of it not been squandered on tax cuts in the state. Hinh said in the long term, states can either build off of the benefits of the recovery funds or suffer long-term consequences from cutting taxes. From the Great Recession, there were tax cuts that states implemented and I think, in many cases, that they still havent recovered from, and that impacts your education systems, your health care, and things that are really critical to the well-being of families and communities, she said. While things like infrastructure improvements are great and needed, and water, sewer, and broadband, its also important to think about the long-term consequences, and that cant be cutting taxes. It needs to be continuously building off of these funds and the programs and services theyve been providing to people because the pandemic will have very lasting impacts and there are so many opportunities, still, with these funds. Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and Twitter. SIOUX CITY At 6 p.m. Thursday, the Sioux City Human Rights Commission will hold a chat called "Good Hair/Bad Hair: A Conversation about Discrimination and the Crown Act" at the Sioux City Public Museum on Fourth Street. The presentation, which is co-sponsored by Women Aware, a Sioux City non-profit, is free to the public and is focusing in part on a 2022 federal bill meant to prohibit discrimination based on hairstyle and hair texture. The legislation was proposed by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-New Jersey. Through 2022, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington all had laws banning race-relate hair discrimination. Another 12 state have municipalities with bans of their own. A 2022 piece from Bloomberg Law shared an anecdote about a Black hotel desk clerk who got high marks at work for her performance but was dinged for wearing her hair in a natural way. According to a press release from the Sioux City Human Rights Commission, the Thursday night presentation is meant to "educate about the Crown Act legislation and race-based hair discrimination in our society." On this version of Hot off the Wire: U.S. officials say that efforts ordered by President Joe Biden to strengthen defenses against Chinese espionage helped identify last weeks spy balloon and determine that similar flights were conducted at multiple points during the Trump administration. A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake has rocked wide swaths of Turkey and neighboring Syria, killing more than 3,400 people and injuring thousands more. Officials say a Maryland woman conspired with a neo-Nazi leader in Florida to plan an attack on Baltimores power grid in an effort to further their racist mission. A Florida teenager faces a possible life sentence after he pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing a 13-year-old classmate 114 times and leaving her body in a wooded area near their homes in 2021. A majority of Democrats now think one term is plenty for President Joe Biden, despite his insistence that he plans to seek reelection in 2024. Thats according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. New York City is ending its COVID-19 vaccination mandate for municipal employees including police officers, firefighters and teachers. COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required for military personnel. But that hasnt ended litigation over the issue. The hottest ticket in town for advertisers is officially sold out. Fox said Monday that in-game ads for Super Bowl LVII have all been sold. Police say an 82-year-old woman was pronounced dead at a New York nursing home but found to be breathing three hours later at the funeral home where she had been taken. AMC Theaters is the nations largest movie theater chain and on Monday, it unveiled a new pricing scheme in which seat location determines how much your movie ticket costs. On this week's AP religion roundup, Pope Francis makes a historic trips to Africa, and psychedelic churches are pushing the boundaries of law and religion. LOS ANGELES The life of Los Angeles most famous mountain lion followed a path known only to the biggest of Hollywood stars: Discovered on-camera in 2012, the cougar adopted a stage name and enjoyed a decade of celebrity status before his tragic death late last year. The popular puma gained fame as P-22 and cast a spotlight on the troubled population of Californias endangered mountain lions and their decreasing genetic diversity. Now, with his remains stored in a freezer at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, wildlife officials and representatives from the regions tribal communities are debating his next act. Biologists and conservationists want to retain samples of P-22s tissue, fur and whiskers for scientific testing to aid in future wildlife research. But some representatives of the Chumash, Tataviam and Gabrielino (Tongva) peoples say his body should be returned, untouched, to the ancestral lands where he spent his life so he can be honored with a traditional burial. In tribal communities here, mountain lions are regarded as relatives and considered teachers. P-22 is seen as an extraordinary animal, according to Alan Salazar, a tribal member of the Fernandeno Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and a descendent of the Chumash tribe who said his death should be honored appropriately. We want to bury him like hes a wot, like a tomier, " Salazar said, "which are two of the words for chief or leader" in the Chumash and Tataviam languages, respectively. "Because thats what he was. Likely born about 12 years ago in the western Santa Monica Mountains, wildlife officials believe the aggression of P-22's father and his own struggle to find a mate amid a dwindling population drove the cougar to cross two heavily traveled freeways and migrate east. He made his debut in 2012, captured on a trail camera by biologist Miguel Ordenana in Griffith Park, home of the Hollywood sign and part of ancestral Gabrielino (Tongva) land. Promptly tagged and christened P-22 as the 22nd puma in a National Park Service study he spawned a decade of devotion among Californians, who saw themselves mirrored in his bachelor status, his harrowing journey to the heart of Los Angeles and his prime real estate in Griffith Park amid the city's urban sprawl. Los Angeles and Mumbai are the worlds only major cities where large cats have been a regular presence for years mountain lions in one, leopards in the other though pumas began roaming the streets of Santiago, Chile, during pandemic lockdowns. Angelenos celebrated his life recently at the Greek Theater in Griffith Park in a star-studded memorial that featured musical performances, tribal blessings, speeches about the importance of P-22's life and wildlife conservation, and a video message from Gov. Gavin Newsom. Proceeds from merchandise sales of P-22 T-shirts, toys and prints went to the Save the LA Cougars campaign. The group was inspired by P-22 to advocate for a wildlife crossing over a Los Angeles-area freeway that will allow big cats and other animals safe passage between the mountains and wildlands to the north. The bridge broke ground in April. P-22s star dimmed last November, when he killed a Chihuahua on a dogwalkers leash in the Hollywood Hills and likely attacked another weeks later. Wildlife officials said the puma seemed to be exhibiting signs of distress, in part due to aging. They captured P-22 on Dec. 12 in a residential backyard in the trendy Los Feliz neighborhood. Examinations revealed a skull fracture the result of being hit by a car and chronic illnesses including a skin infection and diseases of the kidneys and liver. The city's cherished big cat was euthanized five days later. Los Angeles mourned P-22 as one of its own, with songs, stories and murals crying long live the king." Post-It notes of remembrance blanketed an exhibit wall at the Natural History Museum and children's paw print messages covered a tableau outside the LA Zoo. While fame is fleeting for most celebrities, P-22's legacy lives on though in what form is now up for debate. The Natural History Museum took possession of the animal's remains, prompting swift condemnation by tribal leaders who feared P-22s body could be taxidermized and put on display. Samples taken during the animal's necropsy also are causing concerns among the tribal communities about burying the cougar intact. In order to continue on your journey into the afterlife, you have to be whole, said Desiree Martinez, an archaeologist and member of the Gabrielino (Tongva) community. A year before P-22's death, Ordenana the wildlife biologist whose camera first spotted the cougar and is now a senior manager of community science at the Natural History Museum had applied for a permit from the state for the museum to receive the mountain lion's remains when he died. Typically an animal carcass would be discarded. Ordenana and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife have apologized, saying they should have spoken with the tribes from the start. Museum, state and other officials began talks with the tribes Jan. 30 in the hopes of reaching a compromise. Ordenana and other scientists are advocating to retain at least some of P-22's tissue samples to preserve future research opportunities for the endangered animals as new technologies and techniques arise. Were trying to see what can we do differently regarding outreach, regarding our process that is feasible for us as an institution," Ordenana said, "but respectful of both the scientific and the cultural-historic legacy of these animals. Salazar and Martinez, however, do not believe samples should be taken from the animal's remains and held by the museum in perpetuity. Weve been studied like the mountain lion has been studied," Salazar said. Those bones of my tribal ancestors are in boxes so they can be studied by future generations. Were not a science project. 25 endangered animals that live only in America 25 endangered animals that only live in America Salt marsh harvest mouse Utah prairie dog Red wolf Kauai cave wolf spider Laysan duck Yosemite toad Gunnison sage-grouse Devils Hole pupfish Fanshell Giant kangaroo rat Delta green ground beetle Jollyville Plateau salamander California condor American burying beetle Squirrel Chimney Cave shrimp Crested honeycreeper (Akohekohe) Red Hills salamander Louisiana pine snake Woundfin Alabama red-bellied turtle Bruneau Hot springsnail Mountain yellow-legged frog Flattened musk turtle Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard Northern Idaho ground squirrel WATERLOO An Evansdale sex offender has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a girl in Waterloo. Police arrested William Lee Edward Lynn, 40, of 125 Forest Circle, on Friday on a charge of second-degree sexual abuse. Bond was set at $100,000. He is also held on probation violation warrants. Authorities allege Lynn had sexual contact with a child in 2021 at a Waterloo address. Authorities were notified of the allegations in October 2022 and the girl was interviewed at the Child Protection Center. Detectives questioned Lynn, who allegedly admitted to the allegations, according to court records. Lynn is required to register as a sex offender because of a 2002 conviction for criminal sexual conduct with a girl under age 14 in Macomb County, Michigan. He also has several convictions for violating registration requirements including incidents in 2020 and 2021 where he moved without notifying authorities of his new addresses. Photos: Missing children in Iowa Alexandra Storm Hailey Coleman Jamira Debose Osbourne Breasia Terrell Julian Murray Daniela Salinas-mejia Jade Colvin Fredrick Workman Benjamin Roseland Erin Pospisil Marc Allen Eugene Martin John Gosch Kimberly Doss Colleen Simpson Caleb Williams Xavior Harrelson Alyssa Dluzak Fatima Conteh Daniela Vera-Ortega Xerxes Blaesing Jorge Peneda Castillo Anya Pritchard Desirae Gifford Daquan Nelson Diomarix Crespo The Nebraska Supreme Court this week was faced with the unusual question of what to do in the case of a man serving prison time on a charge where a state employee may have stolen the evidence. Gabriel Muratella is asking for a new trial. It's at least the third case over the same issue currently pending before the state's highest court. Muratella's public defender argued Muratella wouldn't have pleaded no contest to attempted possession with intent to deliver, a charge for which he's now serving an eight- to 12-year sentence, if he'd known of the misconduct. In November 2021, his attorney got an email from the Lancaster County Attorney's Office with a letter attached, disclosing that his case had been identified as part of a Nebraska State Patrol drug-related investigation that resulted in a conviction and sentence. The letter said: "You are advised that it is possible that during the time any drug-related evidence in this case was in the custody of NSP, it may have been directly or indirectly maintained by or otherwise subject to the oversight of the former evidence technician," referring to Anna Idigima. She and George Weaver Jr. are facing federal charges for allegedly conspiring to steal and sell more than $1.2 million worth of narcotics from the patrol's evidence facility. "And that implicated really any case she (Idigima) was involved in," Deputy Lancaster County Public Defender Chelsie Krell said Thursday. In Muratella's case, Idigima was in the chain of custody for the 18 grams of methamphetamine that Muratella was accused of trying to possess. It wasn't clear if she did anything wrong in regard to it. "However, the implication is that she may have, and that is why it is necessary to have a new trial in this case," Krell said. She called it a manifest injustice and said the defense should be able to find out what happened to the evidence in the case, which only could be done if the case were reopened. In district court, the state didn't oppose the motions and conceded that if Muratella were allowed to withdraw his plea it wouldn't retry him. But last year, Lancaster County District Judge Lori Maret ruled that Muratella couldn't ask for a new trial under Nebraska law because he didn't have a trial, he pleaded no contest. And the Constitution doesn't require the government to disclose material impeachment evidence prior to a plea agreement, like it does before a trial, she said. In oral arguments before the Supreme Court on Thursday, Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Austin Relph said he thinks Maret's rulings on the defense motions to withdraw Muratella's plea and for a new trial were correct. "It was his (Muratella's) burden to plead and prove it," Relph said. He said since the case involved a final judgment, Muratella should have filed a motion for post-conviction relief instead. He said Muratella had a year to do that and didn't. Krell called it a "hopefully very rare circumstance where we have egregious misconduct by a state actor." "Who is to bear the burden of this injustice? Is it the defendants?" she said. "Are the defendants given no opportunity for vindication without a vehicle to explore exactly the extent of her wrongdoing in this case?" The Supreme Court took the case under advisement. Top Journal Star photos for February 2023 DES MOINES An Iowa lawmaker plans to introduce legislation that would put a total ban on abortion in the state. During a Prayer for Life rally at the Iowa State Capitol on Monday, Rep. Luana Stoltenberg, R-Davenport, said she hopes Iowa will pass a life at conception bill. My prayer is that Iowa will pass a life at conception bill to protect their most vulnerable and defenseless citizens, she said. Stoltenberg, 62, said she had three abortions as a teenager, and the procedures left her unable to have children. She later developed a Christian faith, she said, and opposing abortion was a key part of her 2022 campaign. Stoltenberg has not yet proposed legislation that would prohibit abortion at conception, but she said in an interview she plans to do so. Iowas Republican legislative leaders said before the session began they plan to wait for an Iowa Supreme Court decision on the states so-called fetal heartbeat law before moving forward with more restrictions on abortions. Abortion is legal in Iowa up to 20 weeks. Gov. Kim Reynolds is asking the court to reinstate a 2018 law that would ban abortion once cardiac activity is detected in a fetus, generally around six weeks, often before a person knows they are pregnant. If it can be presented and go forward, I do hope it does (pass), Stoltenberg said of a life at conception proposal. Because I think the Supreme Court said they would expedite (their decision), but Im not sure when that will be, so I don't know if it will be before we get out of session or not. Reynolds also spoke at the event, but she did not propose any further restrictions on abortion than reinstating the 2018 law. Still, to the dozens of activists gathered at the Capitol, Reynolds said there is still more to do for the anti-abortion cause. The U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision which overturned Roe vs. Wade and left abortion decisions in the hands of the states rewrote the playbook for the movement, she said. The end of Roe begins a completely new phase in the battle for life, she said. Across the country what matters now is the will of the people. Not government-appointed judges. The 2018 law that put harsh restrictions on abortions was a national leader, Reynolds said, and she said she hopes the court will reinstate the law. Maintaining our focus on a heartbeat bill doesnt mean doing nothing, Reynolds said. In fact, just the opposite. As we enter a post-Roe world, its up to us to show what it means to be a pro-life state. Reynolds highlighted her proposal to provide a boost to the More Options for Maternal Support program passed last year, including creating initiatives that reach out to at-risk fathers and potential fathers. Sen. Kevin Alons, a Republican from Salix, echoed the comments made by Stoltenberg and said his hope is for state law to define life as beginning at conception. Democrats have criticized Republicans positions on abortion, saying they are not in line with Iowa voters and threaten womens rights and reproductive health care. In a statement on Monday, Iowa House Democratic leader Jennifer Konfrst of Windsor Heights said Iowans overwhelmingly support access to abortion and reproductive freedom. An October 2022 Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll found that 61% of Iowans think abortion should be legal in all or most cases. She said Democrats are advocating to guarantee access to abortion in Iowas constitution and provide more access to reproductive health care during the session. Politicians have no place interfering in someone elses decisions about when to start a family, Konfrst said. The latest plan by MAGA Republicans to ban all abortion without exception will put the lives of too many Iowans at risk. Democrats believe everyone deserves the right to make their own health care decisions, especially when it comes to reproductive care and abortion." In an emailed statement, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa lobbyist Mazie Stillwell said placing limits on abortions strips people of their rights and autonomy. "For now, abortion remains safe and legal in Iowa," she said. "But its hanging by a thread and politicians in power are working hard to take away our rights, health care, and power over our bodies and futures. Iowa Republican Attorney General Brenna Bird said at the rally she would work to protect the right to life. Bird, a Republican, has made moves to represent the state in anti-abortion lawsuits and moves since taking over the office from former Attorney General Tom Miller, a Democrat, after the November election. Bird signed onto a letter last week warning pharmacy giants CVS and Walgreens they could run afoul of federal law by sending prescribed abortion pills in the mail. The Food and Drug Administration cleared the way for retail pharmacies to prescribe medication abortions, including through the mail, last month. She also appeared to represent the state in the lawsuit to reinstate the 2018 abortion law. As your attorney general, my job is to uphold the law, and to protect the rights and freedoms of all Iowans, born and unborn, she said. DES MOINES State lawmakers are determined to lower Iowans property taxes, and this year several legislative proposals have surfaced: Capping increases in property assessments. Limiting local property tax levy rates. More and stronger requirements before a school district can ask voters for permission to sell bonds for an infrastructure project. All of those proposals and more are floating through the Capitol, and lawmakers are hearing from Iowans and organizations about the impacts each proposal might have. Ultimately, lawmakers will need to reach an agreement between majority Republicans in the Iowa House and Senate, plus Gov. Kim Reynolds, before any proposal can become law. With so many varied proposals making the rounds, that could take a while. Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, who chairs the Houses tax policy committee, expressed confidence that some sort of property tax policy would get done this year. Our overall goal continues to remain that whatever is in our legislation, the goal is to lower peoples property taxes, Kaufmann said Monday. Kaufmann and Rep. Dave Jacoby, the top Democrat on the Houses tax policy committee, spoke to reporters Monday after a legislative hearing on House Republicans proposed property tax bill, House File 1. That legislation would reduce the property tax levy built into state public school funding, cap annual property assessment increases at 3% and require school districts to provide a down payment of 10% of a projects cost and notify every property taxpayer in the district when asking the public to support bonding for a building project. At Mondays hearing, Kaufmann and House legislators heard concerns from groups representing Iowas public schools; cities, counties and assessors; and even some groups that advocate for lower tax policies. Other states that have tried (capping assessments) will show that they simply dont acquire the success that theyre intended to, said Tom Sands, executive director of the Iowa Taxpayers Association and a former state legislator and chair of the House tax policy committee. Dave Daughton, with the School Administrators of Iowa, said the required 10% down payment on a school bonding project would be fiscally, very difficult for schools. As a former superintendent, I can tell you the decision to have a bond issue is not made casually, Daughton said. Meantime, Iowa Sen. Dan Dawson, R-Council Bluffs, who chairs the Senates tax policy committee, late last week introduced a series of proposals addressing tax policy, including property taxes. The legislation takes a mostly different approach to property tax law changes than do House Republicans bills. While Dawsons bills would, like the House bill, cap assessment increases at 3%, the Senate bills also would cap cities and counties general property tax levies and reduce the value at which properties are assessed. Iowans have told us their property taxes are too high, and they want a better seat at the table, Dawson said. We have to be very thoughtful about our system, to make sure that the system actually works for the property taxpayer. Dawson said he expected the Senates property tax bills, Senate Study Bills 1124 and 1125, soon would be scheduled for their initial legislative hearings. DES MOINES An Iowa lawmaker plans to introduce legislation that would put a total ban on abortion in the state. During a Prayer for Life rally at the Iowa State Capitol on Monday, Rep. Luana Stoltenberg, R-Davenport, said she hopes Iowa will pass a life at conception bill. My prayer is that Iowa will pass a life at conception bill to protect their most vulnerable and defenseless citizens, she said. Stoltenberg, 62, said she had three abortions as a teenager, and the procedures left her unable to have children. She later developed a Christian faith, she said, and opposing abortion was a key part of her 2022 campaign. Stoltenberg has not yet proposed legislation that would prohibit abortion at conception, but she said in an interview she plans to do so. Siouxlanders react to overturning of Roe v. Wade Following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a crowd of roughly 20 people gathered at the Woodbury County Courthouse on Fri Siouxlanders react to overturning of Roe v. Wade Lisseth Kefgen holds a sign reading Pray to end abortion while crossing 7th Ave. to join a pro-life demonstration at the Woodbury County Cou Iowas Republican legislative leaders said before the session began they plan to wait for an Iowa Supreme Court decision on the states so-called fetal heartbeat law before moving forward with more restrictions on abortions. Abortion is legal in Iowa up to 20 weeks. Gov. Kim Reynolds is asking the court to reinstate a 2018 law that would ban abortion once cardiac activity is detected in a fetus, generally around six weeks, often before a person knows they are pregnant. If it can be presented and go forward, I do hope it does (pass), Stoltenberg said of a life at conception proposal. Because I think the Supreme Court said they would expedite (their decision), but Im not sure when that will be, so I don't know if it will be before we get out of session or not. Reynolds also spoke at the event, but she did not propose any further restrictions on abortion than reinstating the 2018 law. Still, to the dozens of activists gathered at the Capitol, Reynolds said there is still more to do for the anti-abortion cause. The U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision which overturned Roe vs. Wade and left abortion decisions in the hands of the states rewrote the playbook for the movement, she said. The end of Roe begins a completely new phase in the battle for life, she said. Across the country what matters now is the will of the people. Not government-appointed judges. The 2018 law that put harsh restrictions on abortions was a national leader, Reynolds said, and she said she hopes the court will reinstate the law. Maintaining our focus on a heartbeat bill doesnt mean doing nothing, Reynolds said. In fact, just the opposite. As we enter a post-Roe world, its up to us to show what it means to be a pro-life state. Reynolds highlighted her proposal to provide a boost to the More Options for Maternal Support program passed last year, including creating initiatives that reach out to at-risk fathers and potential fathers. Sen. Kevin Alons, a Republican from Salix, echoed the comments made by Stoltenberg and said his hope is for state law to define life as beginning at conception. Democrats have criticized Republicans positions on abortion, saying they are not in line with Iowa voters and threaten womens rights and reproductive health care. In a statement on Monday, Konfrst said Iowans overwhelmingly support access to abortion and reproductive freedom. An October 2022 Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll found that 61% of Iowans think abortion should be legal in all or most cases. She said Democrats are advocating to guarantee access to abortion in Iowas constitution and provide more access to reproductive health care during the session. Politicians have no place interfering in someone elses decisions about when to start a family, Konfrst said. The latest plan by MAGA Republicans to ban all abortion without exception will put the lives of too many Iowans at risk. Democrats believe everyone deserves the right to make their own health care decisions, especially when it comes to reproductive care and abortion." In an emailed statement, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa lobbyist Mazie Stillwell said placing limits on abortions strips people of their rights and autonomy. "For now, abortion remains safe and legal in Iowa," she said. "But its hanging by a thread and politicians in power are working hard to take away our rights, health care, and power over our bodies and futures. Iowa Republican Attorney General Brenna Bird said at the rally she would work to protect the right to life. Bird, a Republican, has made moves to represent the state in anti-abortion lawsuits and moves since taking over the office from former Attorney General Tom Miller, a Democrat, after the November election. Bird signed onto a letter last week warning pharmacy giants CVS and Walgreens they could run afoul of federal law by sending prescribed abortion pills in the mail. The Food and Drug Administration cleared the way for retail pharmacies to prescribe medication abortions, including through the mail, last month. She also appeared to represent the state in the lawsuit to reinstate the 2018 abortion law. As your attorney general, my job is to uphold the law, and to protect the rights and freedoms of all Iowans, born and unborn, she said. DES MOINES Iowa parents and conservative activists said in a hearing with state lawmakers on Monday there should be more restrictions and parental permission required for books they found obscene and divisive. In a House Government Oversight committee meeting, the parents, many of them activists with the conservative group Moms for Liberty, read passages from books they found offensive and said they faced onerous and difficult procedures when trying to challenge the book in their local school districts. Nearly all of the books presented dealt with LGBTQ characters and people of color. Parents read passages containing profanity, descriptions and illustrations of sex, sexual abuse and other content they said were not suitable to be in a school library. You cannot distribute obscene material to children anywhere else, Pam Gronau, a parent from Urbandale, said. Why would we allow our schools to be exempted from this. For something to be considered obscene in Iowa law, it has to lack serious literary, scientific, political or artistic value. There is also an exception for the use of appropriate material for educational purposes in schools and public libraries. Mandy Gilbert of Johnston, who raised concerns about The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and The Hate U Give, said she wanted parents to be informed that their children were reading the books that she considered obscene. We did not ask for these two books to be removed from the school library but questioned why they were hand-selected by teachers to read without parents knowing the explicit language, she said. Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, held a forum with Moms For Liberty last week where she suggested books that are removed by one school should be restricted at all other schools in the state. Under the proposal, a book that has been removed from one school library would be available for students at other schools but only with a parents permission. Some Republicans on the committee suggested there should be age restrictions on some books in a school library similar to a movie rating that would require a parents consent before being checked out. We dont allow children under 17 into R-rated movies, Rep. Steve Holt, R-Denison, said. And were not banning these movies. Weve made a decision that young people, as a minimum, should have parental consent before being exposed to adult material. But Democrats contended there were already processes in place to challenge materials in Iowas schools and questioned the implications of further restricting material. Lindsay James, D-Dubuque and the ranking member of the committee, said being too quick to restrict a book could conflict with the rights of students and of parents in the district who did not have problems with the books presented. What I am concerned with is upholding constitutional free speech for our children, making sure that your parental right to choose is upheld, and that, as a mom with children in my districts, in both elementary and middle school, that I would have the right to choose what my child would be exposed to, she said. Brooke Boden, the chair of the committee, said the committee planned to hold a hearing with administrators and teachers to gain their perspective. Several people showed up in opposition to the speakers at the meeting, sporting T-shirts extolling banned books and supporting public school teachers. Brenda Schumann, a former teacher from Des Moines who attended the hearing, said the proposals from Reynolds and other Republicans would place restrictions on children across the state regardless of how local districts felt about content. What happened to local control? What happened to parents? she said. They think they should be controlling every kid. If they dont want their kids to read it, there should be a way that they can keep their kid from reading it but not keeping everybody elses kids from reading it. Theyre pushing 40, but in Mexico they will always be the miracle babies. After the 1985 earthquake devastated Mexico City, 14 infants survived the collapse of the Hospital Juarez. The last of them was pulled alive from the rubble more than a week after the quake. For Mexicans reeling after a disaster that killed at least 10,000 and left many more homeless, the miracle babies were a symbol of resilience and hope. They are also a reminder of a strange fact of earthquakes: Many, perhaps most, people survive the building collapses that characterize the worst of them, such as the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday morning. So far, more than 5,000 people are dead across the two countries and the World Health Organization expects the toll to rise by thousands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This helps explain why death tolls cannot be quickly surmised from the number of missing peopleand underscores the urgency of the search for survivors in the days afterward. A 2017 review of case studies by engineers at UNAM in Mexico City concluded that on average, more than half of people trapped in building collapses ultimately survive. That number should not be taken as cause for optimism. For one thing, the buildings in the study, which ranged from Mexico to China to Haiti, had all been the subject of previous analysisa kind of built-in bias toward significant structures and stories with media attention. More importantly, the analysis shows how much that survival depends on conditionsand in the case of Turkey and Syria, many, many factors are working against rescuers. Advertisement First is the weather: It was 21 degrees Farenheit last night in Gaziantep, Turkey, the big city closest to the epicenter. The cold impedes rescue work, decreases the chances for survivors in the rubble, and increases the need to focus on other types of relief, such as taking care of the homeless. Second is the state of civil society: War-torn Syria, in particular, will have trouble mobilizing rescue forces in the same way as Japan or Taiwan. When services are stretched thin, even hospital staff may wind up taking care of friends and family instead of going to work. Third is the quality of the buildings: Poor construction quality has been a recurring issue in Turkey. You might expect older buildings to be more dangerous in an earthquake; that was the case with the 1995 earthquake in Kobe, Japan, where most fatalities occurred in traditional wood-framed buildings. But during subsequent quakes in Turkey, more recent buildings bore the brunt of the damagepossibly because of a failure to follow seismic codes. Advertisement Advertisement After the 2011 earthquakes in eastern Turkey killed more than 600 people, for example, President Recep Erdogan said the country had not heeded lessons from previous quakes: We see that people pay the price for concrete that virtually turned to sand, or for weakened concrete blocks on the ground floors. Municipalities, constructors, and supervisors should now see that their negligence amounts to murder. Gaziantep would be a particularly worrisome test case for the Turkish construction industry, since the city has been under unprecedented pressure to build new homes to accommodate Syrian refugees. Long a sister city to Aleppo, 80 miles to the south, Gaziantep has grown by 20 to 30 percent in the last decade alone with the arrival of 500,000 Syrians. The city made special efforts to help Syrians find permanent homes in the city, including in new buildings, rather than keeping them in refugee camps. All of that makes the earthquake doubly tragic: Gaziantep was a rare happy story to emerge from the Syrian civil war. Once known for pistachios, it had become newly famous as a model for settling and integrating refugees. This time, the tragedy is on both sides of the border. Its difficult to be shocked by the criminal justice system. Decades of brutal policing and ballooning prison populations have led to an increasing public awareness that there is not a lot just about our justice system. But last week, a truly shocking bill was introduced in Massachusetts. Democratic state Reps. Carlos Gonzalez and Judith Garcia introduced legislation that would allow incarcerated people to go home earlyif they donated their organs. Specifically, the bill would allow eligible incarcerated individuals to gain not less than 60 and not more than 365-day reduction in the length of their committed sentence if they donated bone marrow or organ(s). Gonzalez argued that the bill was a step towards advancing racial equity in health care and making it easier for people of color to obtain transplants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Predictably, the bill has generated attention and caused shock and outrage. In a society where organ sales are forbidden, this proposal sounds uncomfortably like an effort to harvest organs from incarcerated people. Putting aside bigger questions about healthcare in Massachusetts or the ethics of organ sales (the topic of longstanding philosophical debates), the bill sheds a cold and ugly light on incarceration in the United States. Whether it passes or not, the proposed legislation highlights two pathologies of U.S. criminal policy: the dehumanization of incarcerated people and the careless use of long sentences. First, its worth examining the view this bill takes towards incarcerated people. Members of the general population arent allowed to sell their organs or exchange them for services and social benefits. So why treat incarcerated people differently? Organ sales are banned because of concerns about exploitation and the ethics of forcing people to choose between cash on the one hand and bodily integrity on the other. So, why are those concerns any different when it comes to incarcerated people? Advertisement The bills sponsors may well believe that its wrong that Massachusettslike most other statesprevents incarcerated people from donating their organs. If thats the concern, though, they should have introduced a bill directly targeting the problem. Right or wrong, such a bill could have been understood in terms of humanizing incarcerated peoplethey should have the same ability to make choices about their bodies as people in the general population. Advertisement Or, maybe the bills sponsors believe that the need for donors justifies a broader market for organs. Again, though, if that were their view, then the bill should have focused on everyone in Massachusetts. Instead, the bill explicitly sets the incarcerated population apart. And, in doing that, it reinforces a troubling impulse in societyto see incarcerated people as less deserving of respect, dignity, and rights than people outside. Advertisement Advertisement A felony conviction used to mean civil deathpeople essentially lost all their rights. Today, incarcerated people technically still enjoy some constitutional protections, but many of those protections are largely illusory. Conditions in jails and prisons nationwide are brutal. Medical care is shoddy, nutritious food is hard to come by, and sexual abuse and violence are common. And, society has done much to signal that people with criminal records are no longer considered full members of the community. From disenfranchisement to restrictions on housing and employment post-release, being a criminal often makes people second-class citizens. Indeed, theres something horrific about the recognition that incarceration is so bad that people would choose to undergo invasive surgery rather than spend another few weeks inside. Instead of asking why people are held in such inhumane conditions, though, the bill doubles down on the misery and desperation of incarceration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of which brings us to the second issue: By allowing incarcerated people to shave up to a year off of their sentences, the bill inadvertently highlights the cruel irrationality of how we punish. Why only a year off of sentences and not more? Is it because thats how much time an organ is worth or because that reduction represents a calculated balance between public safety and public health? What if someone donates two organs? Could they get two years off their sentence? The numbers feel arbitrary in a way that drives home the arbitrariness of punishment in the first place. If sentences actually were calculated carefully and we as a society had concluded that it was necessary for a person to be incarcerated for a given time, then its not clear what justifies the reduction. If we admit that people arent actually so dangerous that they need to serve that extra year, though, then it raises the troubling question of why the sentences were so long in the first place. And, how exactly can we rationalize the one-year limit on reductions? Im skeptical that it tells us anything about the actual need for incarceration, as opposed to reflecting cynical political maneuveringallowing reductions that might be perceived as too large would lead to opposition from tough-on-crime voters and politicians. I have a hard time believing that the bill will pass. But the fact that it was introduced in the first place is an important reminder that excessive criminal punishment is dehumanizing all of us. This piece was originally published on Just Security, an online forum for analysis of U.S. national security law and policy. A criminal investigation of former President Donald Trump that is now being restarted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and also discussed in a new book by one of his former prosecutors, Mark Pomerantz, raises vital issues of both election integrity and accountability. Both the investigation and the book address Trumps hush money payments in the last days of his 2016 campaign and related matters. His personal attorney went to jail for campaign finance violations, admitting that the payments were illegal campaign contributions made on Trumps behalf and for his benefit to keep voters in the dark about a scandalous affair. Yet Trump (identified as Individual-1 by the Justice Department in court filings) emerged legally unscathed. That may now change if Bragg can overcome several major legal hurdles that are usefully identified in Pomerantzs volume. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, some background: News initially broke more than five years ago that hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election to secure the silence of Karen McDougal and Stephanie Clifford, aka Stormy Daniels, about sexual encounters with Trump. Within a year of those revelations, Trumps fixer and attorney at the time, Michael Cohen, was convicted and sentenced in federal court for his role in the scheme. That included violations of federal law because the hush money payments benefited the campaign but exceeded legal limits on the amount and source of campaign contributions. (Disclosure: one of the authors, Perry, represented Cohen in a challenge asserting the violation of his constitutional rights in connection with his federal sentence.) The criminal charges to which Cohen pleaded implicated Trump as Individual-1, but Trump was apparently not charged federally due to Justice Department guidance that it could not indict a sitting president. The Manhattan DA at that time was also investigating the payments as part of a much larger review of all of Trumps alleged financial misdeeds. But that hit something of roadblock after Bragg took over the office in 2022. Advertisement Now, after nearly another year has elapsed, Bragg reportedly has resuscitated at least this narrow strand of the investigation into the hush money payments. That includes bringing multiple witnesses to the grand jury and subpoenaing phone records and other documents. While it is unclear why the case had apparently been dormant for so long, we support Braggs review of the hush money payments and hopeand suspectit portends a revivification of other aspects of the broader investigation. Advertisement As a baseline matter, the evidence that the former president committed crimes seems powerful. In Cohens guilty plea, he stated under penalty of perjury that Trump directed him to commit a crime by making payments to two women for the principal purpose of influencing an election. That testimony is supported by an audio recording in which Cohen and Trump discussed the hush money payment to McDougal and how it could be accomplished surreptitiously through a shell company. Trump has also indicated more than once that he was directly involved in the payments to Clifford, including saying in 2018 that the payments came from me. He made a further admission last week on his social media platform, Truth Social, apparently acknowledging that he coordinated with Cohen to make the payments. Advertisement Advertisement And all of this is backed up by the Trump Organizations internal business records, falsely describing the reimbursements to Cohen as legal expenses. Trump himself signed six of the repayment checks, including while in the Oval Office. Under New York law, it is a criminal offense to falsify such business recordsand a felony to do so if the offense occurs with the intent to commit another crime, such as these illegal campaign contributions to which Cohen pleaded guilty. Although the wrongdoing seems straightforward, Bragg faces a series of hurdles in charging and convicting Trump. Some of these are identified in the new book by Pomerantz, who also discusses how to overcome them and ultimately supports bringing the case. Legal Hurdle 1: Statute of limitations The first hurdle, and one not discussed in the book, is that the core underlying conduct occurred at the end of 2016. So six years and counting have passed, whereas charges in a case of this kind must usually be brought within five years. The New York Legislature has determined that this is the cutoff for all but a handful of crimes, generally violent ones such as murder or terrorism, which are not here at issue. Even if we count from the date of the final payment on Dec. 5, 2017, that was more than five years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there are exceptions that allow Bragg to overcome this hurdle. For example, under New York law, the statute of limitations is tolled (that is, stops running) when a defendant is continuously outside of the state. That makes sense: When a defendant is out of New York, it is more difficult to bring them into court, and it is only fair that the prosecution has more time. New Yorks highest court has interpreted that statute to mean that all periods of a day or more that a nonresident defendant is out-of-State should be totaled to determine how long the statute of limitations must be tolled. And the appellate court in Manhattan has found that such tolling applies to residents and nonresidents alike. Advertisement The residency distinction is potentially important, as Trump officially changed his residence from Manhattan to Florida only in September 2019. Nevertheless, that judicial decision is currently being reviewed by the Court of Appeals. Although we think the logic of the decision concerning tolling is valid and likely to be upheld, there remains a possibility that it will be overturned. Advertisement Trump apparently spent only a small portion of his four-year presidency in New York. Even if he spent a majority of his time since leaving the White House in New York (which of course he has not), the Manhattan district attorneys office would still have many months and possibly years on the clock, whatever the Court of Appeals decides. That is because the clock definitively stopped running once Trump officially became a nonresident living out of state in 2019, and may even have been stopped for bulk of his presidency. The Manhattan DA therefore has ample time to prosecutedespite a number of recent statements by Trump proclaiming that the statute of limitations has run out. Advertisement Other tolling exceptions might also apply to allow for more time to prosecute. For example, former Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2020 issued executive orders to suspend criminal statutes of limitations due to delays caused by COVID-19. Although there is some disagreement in New York courts as to the effect of those orders, they provide yet another potential justification to push back the time limits on bringing charges. Legal Hurdle 2: Nexus to another crime If Bragg can make it past the statute of limitations issue, then he confronts a second and perhaps even tougher legal hurdle. Even if Trump committed the crime of keeping false books and records, the statute requires proof that he did so to further another crime for the violation to be a felony. The problem here is that the clearest examples of other crimes are violations of federal law, including federal campaign finance laws and potentially mail and wire fraud that could also trigger money laundering statutes. According to news reports and Pomerantzs account, some in the DAs office had questioned whether falsifying a business record to commit a federal crimerather than a New York crimemeets the requirements of the relevant statute. Advertisement Advertisement Here, too, there is a path for Bragg, though it is steep. The relevant portion of the statute states that A person is guilty of falsifying business records in the first degree when his intent to defraud includes an intent to commit another crime or to aid or conceal the commission thereof. The text seems plain enough: There is no statement that this provision applies only to state offenses, and there is no exclusion of federal crimes. It is true that if you work your way through the statutory definitions of some of the terms in the statute, and the definitions of the definitions, you will find references to state law, but they are ambiguous and may well encompass federal law. Advertisement Advertisement As Pomerantz points out, there is risk, but Bragg could succeed here, including because there are no court decisions actually interpreting what constitutes another crime, for the purposes of this statute. But, on the plus side, there is no shortage of cases in which defendants have been charged in New York for falsifying records to conceal a federal crime. Indeed, Trumps CFO, Allen Weisselberg, was just convicted of a state felony based on false entries made in federal tax forms. Advertisement Moreover, the DA can also rely on principles of statutory interpretation. That is, when judges are interpreting a statute that is silent about a point like this, they look to similar statutes for guidance. For example, New Yorks sentencing law does expressly exclude consideration of certain nonNew York conduct. A court could hold that if legislators want to limit the scope of a law exclusively to state offenses, they know how to do it. The legislatures silence about whether federal offenses can qualify as a crime under the statute could then be interpreted to mean that it does. Nor should Bragg give up on developing evidence of state crimes that could elevate Trumps possible books and records violation into a felony. A useful part of Pomerantzs book is his description of his effort to do just that. The possibilities did not fly at the time, but we think that the questions merit a fresh look. For example, conduct constituting federal criminal violations can sometimes transgress parallel state statutes as well. According to press reports, the DA is evaluating this prospect as to New York state campaign finance laws, although the details have not been disclosed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont doubt that Pomerantz gave this his best shot, and that the DA is doing so again. But one utility of the new book is that it allows us all to see where the issues are and to participate in crowdsourcing solutions. We will be delving more deeply into this topic in the second essay in this series. Hurdle 3: Evidence at trial That brings us to a third hurdle in any prosecution of Trump: the means by which Bragg will have to present his case to a jury. The DA would likely rely heavily on the testimony of the go-between for the payments, Michael Cohena convicted felon and a controversial figure who some say is tarnished as a witness. Pomerantz writes that some in the DAs office shared those concerns, although he ultimately found Cohen truthful and compelling. Advertisement We agree. Prosecutors often have to rely on cooperating witnesses who participated in a crime to prove their case. Cohen accepts responsibility for his wrongdoing, which goes a long way with a jury. Moreover, Cohen has already served his time, so he does not stand to benefit from a potential sentencing reductionand therefore, the prosecution will argue, is less motivated to fabricate testimony in the way that a typical cooperator praying for leniency is. Advertisement Advertisement We also expect a jury to find his testimony credible because the alternative is too implausible. Who would believe that Cohen decided to spend $130,000 of his own money without discussion or direction from his boss, the beneficiary of the scheme? Cohens version of events is, on the other hand, entirely believablethat Trump knew of the plan and ordered him to execute it. And it is corroborated by much other evidence, such as the audio tape of Cohens conversation with Trump; the latters admissions; evidence of two phone calls between Cohen and Trump shortly before Cohen wired the hush money payment; and the documentation for reimbursing Cohen, including checks bearing Trumps signature. Hurdle 4: Advice of counsel defense A fourth hurdle will be overcoming the defenses Trump may raise, and indeed already is advancing in the public arena. Chief among them is advice-of-counsel, as Trump himself proclaimed on Twitter years ago, and more recently on Truth Social. For example, he just declared that I placed full Reliance on the JUDGMENT & ADVICE OF COUNCIL, who I had every reason to believe had a license to practice law, was competent, & was able to appropriately provide solid legal services There was NO reason not to rely on him, and I did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under New York law, that defense would require Trump to prove not only that Cohen told him the hush money payments were legal but also that Trump relied on that advice in good faith. The defense has some surface plausibility, and Trump is undoubtedly echoing what his lawyers are telling him now that Bragg seems to be moving ahead. But Cohen himself will surely deny he made any such claim to Trump. If Trump testifies to the contrary (and taking the stand will be a most risky proposition), it is fair to wonder who the jury will believe, particularly when prosecutors will cross-examine Trump using at least some of the more relevant among his 30,000 proven lies. If Trump does not testify, it would be difficult or impossible for him to establish this defense. Advertisement As for Trumps good-faith reliance, the evidence is also to the contrary. By the time of these payments, Trump was a political contributor and candidate of long experience. The rules about the amounts and sources of permitted payments to benefit a campaign are well known. It is implausible that he would have ever believed that the hush money scheme was legal, a point that is hammered home by the elaborate secrecy and the other evidence we detail above. This presents a separate problem for Trump: Courts have found that a defendant cannot raise this defense if their attorney was an accomplice. That would likely be the case here if both Trump and Cohen knew that any such legal advice was being offered in furtherance of a crime. Given all the evidence, Bragg should be able to vanquish this defense. Hurdle 5: Sentencing and jail time A fifth and final hurdle is sentencing. Cohen was sentenced to three years. But he pleaded to eight counts in federal court, including a charge that carried a maximum possible sentence of 30 years. If Bragg charged Trump only with a books and records violation based on the hush money payments, Trump would likely not be looking at jail time. That is true even if the charge were elevated to a felony; felony falsification of business records is a class E felony, which is the lowest level of felony in New York, and the classification that carries the lowest possible sentencein this case, a maximum of four years. Despite incarceration being legally possible, first-time criminal defendants facing these kinds of nonviolent low-level felonies in New York do not tend to get jail time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if Bragg were to situate the hush money charges in a broader context of other financial frauds and charges, that could substantially increase the sentence Trump would be facing and make jail time much more likely. That likely explains why the DA is putting the possibility of Weisselbergs prosecution or cooperation back on the table with reports that Trumps former aide is facing new potential insurance fraud charges. Weisselberg is 75 years old and is currently serving a five-month sentence at Rikers Island. The prospect of more jail time could be enough for him to turn on his boss, despite years of having refused to do so. If he flips, further charges against Trump may include not only those insurance issues, but additional counts of falsifying business records, tax fraud, and enterprise fraud. One of the contributions of Pomerantzs book is to make clear the substantial basis for those broader charges. Indeed, long before he published, two of the authors of this essay released an extensive report that came to similar conclusions about the larger financial fraud case. That analysis is vindicated by the new book, and we hope Bragg will pick up some of its elements. Whether or not those broader additional charges are brought, the facts and law afford DA Bragg a path to Trumps indictment and conviction for his role in the hush money payments. The integrity of our elections and the interests of justice wait to be vindicated. The legal obstacles, as helpfully dissected by the Pomerantz book, are real, but we think can be overcome. While many would have liked to see Bragg push this case forward long ago, we are hopeful that justice delayed will not be justice denied. Theres a longstanding tradition in Washington that during the presidents State of the Union address, there are these special guests in the audience, avatars for what politicians want to get done. Tuesday night, President Joe Biden is said to have invited the family of Tyre Nichols, who was killed at the hands of Memphis police. A former Afghan ambassador will be in the audience, too. Each member of Congress has their own guest list. Thats how Brett Cross was invited to be one of those guests. Advertisement In truth, Cross wishes he could be anywhere else. An invitation was extended to him because of the public tragedy hes living through. Back in May, his 10-year-old son, Uzi, was killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. When I asked Cross how he wanted to use his time in Washington, he said, I want to talk about my son and enlighten people on him and the devastation that the inactions of other people have caused the families such as myself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You could say the guests in the audience tonight are political props. But Brett Cross is trying to make himself more of a political stumbling blockunavoidable, there to trip you up if youre not paying attention. He knows what it means to be stonewalled by politicians. Right after Uzi was killed, Cross came to D.C. to advocate for an assault weapons ban. When he met with his local congressman, a Republican, it didnt go so great. Advertisement There was a bunch of our families there and everybody was asking questions and talking, and he did his regular spiel. And so I asked him, Are you in support of [an assault weapons ban]? And he wouldnt answer, and he wouldnt answer, Cross said. And I said, No, sir, I asked you a question and I need a yes or no. And then finally he said, No, I believe in our Second Amendmentthe same BS that everybody spills. Even after all this, Cross, who will not be able to attend Tuesday nights State of the Union, keeps coming back to Washington. Its almost like he cant help it. Hes done other, more personal things, to remember Uzi too. Like, he got tattoosone of Spiderman, Uzis favorite superhero. But the other is an upside-down flag. On the white stripes, he inscribed a quote: The sounds of children screaming have been removed. That was the warning that was put at the top of the video showing the way police officers waited in Robb Elementarys hallways while kids were dying. That always stuck with me, Cross said, because the sounds of their screaming wasnt just removed from that video. It was removed from life. Their screaming and yelling at PE and playing and laughing and their voiceseverything has been removed now. All we have are videos and recordings. There is a void there that hurts. It literally aches. I feel like Im doing an injustice to Uzi and other children if Im not fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesdays episode of the show, I spoke with Brett Cross about what its like to be forced to the center of the fight for gun safety in this country. Our conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity. Mary Harris: May 24, 2022, is the day Brett Cross life changed in ways he is still trying to understand. Thats when an 18-year-old gunman walked into Robb Elementary School and killed his 10-year-old son, Uziyah, along with 18 other fourth graders. Two teachers were killed too. The trauma of that day continues to ripple outward now. Losing a kid in a mass shooting means you suddenly have to make all kinds of decisions. Like, do you go back to work? Before Uzi died, Cross worked as a wind turbine technician. He took time off to grieve. Then he started wondering if he could ever go back at all. Advertisement Brett Cross: I recently got let go, so my boss was absolutely amazing and he tried to help me as much as he could. I took off the FMLA and everything because that is a very dangerous job. Youre working around 35,000 volts of electricity and 300 feet in the air. Its a very hazardous job, and I wasnt able to get back to that. And they sent me a letter saying if I didnt show up Jan. 2, then I was fired. I showed up, and I was only able to do it for about a week. My boss helped get me in the office. But the office is where I got the phone call that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That there was a shooting at the school. Im opening my work phone for the first time in seven months, eight months, and the first thing that pops up was the messages to my wife when were trying to find Uzi, messaging back and forth. Because we were informed that kids ran to the funeral home. They ran to the neighborhood and the hospital. So were texting back and forth: Have you found him? Is he at the hospital? Is he out? And it just man, thatll make you spiral hard because it takes you right back to that day. Advertisement I read that you built a memorialat home, with some of Uzis favorite things, like the water bottle that the school gave you back with his name on it. Do you still have it? Do you still add to it? Advertisement Theres a case where his urn is, and we add to it when certain things come in or we see something that reminds us. And we have a little memorial out in the front as well with a bench and tons of paintings and prayer rocks and tear bottles and Bibles and quilts and stuffed animals and everything like that. Advertisement I hadnt thought about that, how the stuff might keep coming. And I know its all well-intentioned, but I dont know if it feels heavy when you get it. Kind of. It was especially rough in the beginning. But we still get stuff occasionally. And we got so overwhelmed with stuffed animalsIm talking about 40, 50, 65 animals that people just kept sendingso we donated them to a women and childrens shelter. Advertisement Was there a moment after the shooting where you felt like you had to decide who you were going to be? Maybe its a choice youre constantly making. I dont really feel like there was a change. I can tell you the exact date I decided I wanted to fight. Uziyahs funeral wasnt until June 13, and the day after his funeral, I was just like, Im going to fight. And then thats when they were doing that House committee. I showed up every day to those House committees. They wouldnt let me in, but I didnt know what to do. I didnt know how to start fighting. But I knew that I had to. So I just started showing up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explain about the House committees. This is in the Texas state Legislature? Yeah, they did an investigation into it. But then they started coming down here to interview officers and teachers and everything like that. But I was there every day, just to even hear anything. And then I started that same weekend protesting. There was a lot to protest over. A state investigation found that while nearly 400 officers responded to the shooting, it was unclear who was in charge of them all. There were school safety officers, Border Patrol agents, city police, sheriffs deputies. There were nearly 100 officers there from Texas Department of Public Safety, or DPS. And yet the shooter was able to tuck himself inside fourth grade classrooms and murder people, one by one. Advertisement What I realized early on was that everybody was passing the buck. Nobody wanted to take responsibility for their part. The school blamed it on the cops, and the city blamed it on the school and DPS. Everybodys pointing fingers when there were failures on every front, from the school to the officers that responded to our state laws to our federal laws. It was a catastrophic failure all over. And I just realized that nobody was going to take accountability. And the only time that the school made changes was after we did this 10-day sit out. Advertisement Can we talk about that? This is in September, and you decided to camp out in front of the school administrative building, so they couldnt avoid you. When people came in, you were there saying, No, no, no, what I want is for you to place the safety officers who were on duty when my child was killed on leave until you figure this out. Advertisement Exactly. It wasnt a crazy ask. Its something that should have been done. Its what other places do. If an officer is involved in something, you put them on leave until the investigation is complete. These officers were out on the streets and at our schools within a week. Advertisement I told my kids that I would always be there to protect them, that nothing bad would happen to them. And that school made a liar out of me, so I wasnt going to let them do it again. So, yeah, for the next 10 days I didnt go home. The Uvalde school district eventually suspended its entire police force. And they didnt really say that it was because of you and your protests. They said it was because of recent developments. Did it feel like a win to you? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Absolutely. And I wouldnt say that it was all because of me and the sit-out either. Shimon from CNN has been one of the investigative reporters that has really dug his feet in and has not let this go. And he had found that they had just hired a DPS officer who was there at Robb that day that was caught on camera saying, If it would have been my children in there, Id be in there. So I think it was the heat from both sides. Would you have even considered yourself political before this year? No, absolutely not. And honestly, I still dont consider myself political. Unfortunately, its the politicians that have made these political issues. They shouldnt be issues. It is not right for children to not be able to go to school and come back home. That shouldnt be political. That is basic humanity. It shouldnt be political, but its the politicians that make it political. Its the NRA that makes it political. Its the money funneling into these peoples pockets that makes it political. Advertisement I wonder if youve had that conversation with people who disagree with you on this issue. Advertisement Advertisement I do try. Im a gun owner. I have a gun. I have it for my protection at my house. But what I also know is that my .357 pistol does the job. I dont need an assault rifle to do that. So I get that a lot: You dont know. I do know. And thats why Im telling you that this is an issueI understand guns for hunting. But what I have a problem with is the rhetoric that, Oh, well, its because theyre fun. Yeah, that shooter thought it was fun, too. Brett Cross says, in some ways, showing up in Washington, the way hell do Tuesday nightits easier than the work hes doing back home in Texas. Thats because guns have become non-negotiable, politically, in his home state. But that hasnt stopped him or other Uvalde parents from pressing their case, anyway. Advertisement Recently, a number of them teamed up with Texas state Sen. Roland Gutierrez. Theyve vowed to show up at the state Legislature every week, bringing more bills with them each time. They know an assault weapons ban wont fly in Austin, so theyre trying other things instead. Advertisement Advertisement Were going to just stay at em. Theres several laws that Roland Gutierrez is trying to push through that will help, by raising the age to 21 to buy an assault rifle, and then I want qualified immunity to be thrown out because these people376 officerssat outside for 77 minutes and did nothing. And they cant be sued because it was in the course of doing their jobs. Advertisement Exactly. If a doctor or a nurse comes up on a crash, they are bound to help. There are standards held by other entities. Why isnt it held by these cops? Advertisement Theres been some reporting in the past few weeks that after the shooting, parents in Uvalde disagreed about how to press for change in the community. And I know that you have a nonprofit and there are many others, too, in Uvalde. Do all these organizations agree on what they want? So with the families, we pretty much all agree. We all work together, and weve all agreed. The only issues that we had was with the community itself, because a lot of people just wanted to sweep it under the rug. Oh, it happened, but lets move on. Youre only ruining our community by fighting. Advertisement So community members, who obviously know what happened, feel like somehow the school system has been attacked. Yeah, and we get it with the police, too. Like, Oh, you just want to run off all police or youre anti-police. Im not anti-police. My stepfather is, was, a chief of police. Im not anti-cop. But Im anticops not doing their damn job, sitting around for 77 minutes while children were bleeding out and screaming and crying and begging to be saved. Subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts Get more news from Mary Harris every weekday. Your protest in front of the school administrative building in Uvalde reminded me of another school shooting dad whos gotten a lot of attention. This guy named Manuel Oliver. Advertisement I know Manny. Yeah. His son was killed in Parkland, Florida. My listeners might remember him because hes the guy who stood up when President Joe Biden announced new gun legislation and basically told him it wasnt enough. When you talk to Manny about the path forward now, what does he tell you? What we talk about mostly is just the grief. He told me early on, Youre in it. Youre like me. And I know that youre going to give them hell and give it your all. And you got to do that. But you also have to take care of yourself. You cant fight if youre not well enough to fight. So, Im grateful to have met him. I am grateful for his experience. But I also hate it that he is in the position to have to give me that knowledge, because that means somebody elses kid was murdered. When you think about trying to convince people, people who may be way on the other side of this issue from you, what do you think about saying? I wear a shirt with Uzis face on it almost daily. Imagine your childs face on a T-shirt. If you cant bear that, if you cant live with that, if that is something that is terrible for you, then stand up and help us fight for change, because its not a matter of if it will happen to you. Its a matter of when, nowadays. I am full of regret for not ever standing up and fighting after any of these other school shootings. Ive called parents of victims, Ive called survivors, and I have apologized. Im sorry that when your shooting happened I was like, man, that that sucks, but Ive got to get back to work. And I didnt fight. So, which side do you want to be on? Do you want to say that you have done everything that you can in case your child is murdered? Or do you want to be full of regret like I am, thinking I didnt do anything to help change that before it happened because I was one of the ones that thought it couldnt happen to me? The vast majority of the content on Twitter is some combination of disposable, confrontational, and aggravating. I rarely find myself thirsting for more 280-character dispatches from CNN talking heads or disgraced podcast hosts or Marvel Cinematic Universe actors, all of whom seem to have taken up permanent residence on the top of my besotted For You page. The platform is frequently infected by barely legible discourse engineered by a slew of tactically tiresome pundit-cum-influencers, and its new steward, Elon Musk, has oriented his entire leadership praxis around boosting right-wing grievance accounts. When I express these complaints to my offline acquaintances, they usually ask me what society is really losing if Twitter continues to die a slow, embarrassing death. Its a great question, and Ive only come up with one good answer: accounts like @PossumsEveryHour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement pic.twitter.com/iD7meMtcSu Possum Every Hour (Please See Pinned Tweet) (@PossumEveryHour) February 6, 2023 The name tells the whole story. For almost five years, @PossumsEveryHour has automatically uploaded an image of an intrepid possum lurking under a mossy wood, sifting through the garbage, or squealing in abject horror to the Twitter milieu at the top of every hour, like the bells of San Marco Square. The account uses some basic third-party botting software to ensure that the marsupials arrive in an unbroken sequence without necessitating any human input4 a.m., 2 p.m., Christmas, or Thanksgivingit doesnt matter, the possums spring eternal. @PossumsEveryHour has gathered over 500,000 followers, which puts it near the top of a wide field of niche botslike the one that reposts Sylvia Plath passages, or the one that relays home-run datawhich each provide a welcome respite from the churning derangement of the mother platform. Whats happening? Twitter asks. Mercifully, nothing. Were just looking at some possums as the world wobbles off its axis. Advertisement Advertisement Alas, Elon Musk has made it his lifes work to launch a long, attritional war against his newly purchased social media brand, and last week, his regime announced that accessing Twitters APIsomething required for, among other things, basic bot functionalitywould cost a premium to its users going forward. (The exact details of both the pricing and the structure have yet to be disclosed, though with the policy rollout planned for Feb. 9, we should hear more details soon.) That means the proprietor of @PossumsEveryHour may now be asked to spend money to curate this pipeline of cute possum pictures, which is a decision sourced from a dramatic misreading of why people build Twitter bots in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to be exceedingly generous to Musk, you could say his fixation on Twitter bots dates back to last summer, when he tried to wriggle out of his agreement to purchase the company by griping about the supposed glut of spam accounts gumming up the metrics. But @PossumsEveryHour carries no monetization measures or advertising initiatives; it is not extracting anything from the companys bottom line. Instead, Musks pivot, should it come to pass, will go down as yet another one of his graying austerity measuresdetermined to gouge Twitter users for having the audacity to enjoy the platform. Benny's On The Beach - Pier; 10 S Ocean Blvd, Lake Worth, FL 33460, USA; https://t.co/HMMMWm1oh3 pic.twitter.com/M9K8DwAl75 Random Restaurant (@_restaurant_bot) February 6, 2023 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I considered this, and the question of what Twitter is worth if its strangest automated denizens get the boot, I considered another pressing question: Wont somebody think of the possums? My heart sank when I read the news. I read it right after I finished several meetings at work and went to a lunch break and it basically knocked me out for the entire day, says Sam, the 25-year-old from Slovakia who operates the @PossumsEveryHour feed. (Sam asked me to keep his last name private.) I couldnt do anything, and just watched the notifications feed of people thanking me for running the bot. Sam built @PossumsEveryHour after graduating from high school because he wanted to experiment with some of Microsofts automation tools. He was a fan of Lauren Mongers webcomic Terrible Terrible Terrible, which featured two anthropomorphic possums as main characters, and decided to dump a bunch of possum images into the bots data set before assigning it to a Twitter feed. Voila. The legend of @PossumsEveryHour was born. I forgot that I never turned it off until I had API failure emails coming in, remembers Sam. I saw that it had a lot of followers already, so I decided to keep it running and loaded more images into it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, @PossumsEveryHour is a side projecta proof of concept put together by a kid who was becoming interested in the frivolous possibilities of coding, and certainly nothing he ever thought hed spend money on to maintain. The same can be said for Anya, a 23-year-old in Pennsylvania who told me she was specifically inspired by programs that posted animal photos, like Sams creation, when she designed the Pokemon Plush Bot in early 2021. Every hour, a sumptuous toy Eevie or Geodude hits the feed, sparking envy and desire in the replies. Anya has collected these plushies her whole life, and adores the community shes sculpted out of the 50,000 followers whove attached themselves to her work. Its the sort of Twitter success story that should be nurtured, not punished. Advertisement Advertisement You are crucified by your own limitations. Your blind choices cannot be changed; they are now irrevocable. You have had chances; you have not taken them. You are wallowing in original sin; your limitations. Sylvia Plath. (@unabridgedplath) February 6, 2023 Advertisement Musk is so out of touch with Twitter, he doesnt understand the user base at all, said Anya. Not only fun bots like mine that are good for distracting you from the state of the world, but there are bots with important purposes, like the ones who translate earthquake data into tweets to warn people of possible danger. The disappearance of those kinds of bots can have devastating consequences. Advertisement Shes absolutely correct about that. Beyond the wondrous niche rabbit holes of Twitteryou and me succumbing to an infinite-scroll blackout filled with bodega cats and Frog and Toad quotesthere are plenty of bots that offer straightforward, utilitarian quality-of-life bonuses. The Verge highlighted both Remind Me Of This Tweet (a makeshift bookmarking service) and the Thread Reader App (an effective way to untangle a 300-post daisy chain, ideally one that contains good tea) as casualties of the forthcoming botpocalypse that might be felt in a more material way. (At least, compared to a sudden absence of possums.) But frankly, I am still of the belief that the quintessential Twitter account is one that teases out a lot of useless information over a long period of time. It is reassuring, in a sense, that for all of the stuffy professional posturing people like to do on the platformthe blue-check fetishism, the ridiculously overheated political debates, the advent of Truth Social in generalTwitter is, and always will be, an internet forum. And internet forums are at their best when they are as unserious as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As much as I love being able to interact with the community, post memes, and provide commentaryat the end of the day all of it is just a hobby to me, says the anonymous owner of Every Spongebob Frame In Order, one of my favorite automated Twitter machines, which serves as an agonizing death march through the annals of Bikini Bottom. Theres no benefit for me doing this other than the love from the community. I think this comes at a time where Twitter should be working to keep content creators on the platform, rather than trying to oust them. Who knows? Maybe cooler heads will prevail. Elon Musks stint as Twitters CEO has been lousy with chaos and riddled with dozens of weird backtracks. Two days ago, he said that the company might offer some sort of free bot accessibility for those who are providing good content. Identifying what Musk defines as good content is a dark journey indeed. I certainly hope @PossumsEveryHour survives whatever purge is coming, because Im quickly running out of reasons to stick around. Tamas Csanadi studies ceramics in Kosice. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The call almost felt like receiving the Nobel Prize to material scientist Tamas Csanadi. When representatives of the Eset Science Award 2020 called and told him that he had won the Outstanding Scientist in Slovakia Under the Age of 35 category, he was shocked. "When I applied I was not sure that I would receive it at all. Actually, it was the second time I applied when I got it," he recalls. "I checked the candidates, who were quite good. But still, I thought I maybe had a chance," adds Tamas Csanadi from the Institute of Materials Research of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Kosice. Related article Related article Material physicist: We publish things that are of interest to the world Read more At the time he was not even sure that he could apply, because he was born in Hungary. It was not clarified whether the award was just for a Slovak scientist, or for anyone who has devoted their life to science and who works in Slovakia. It was the latter. "This is the biggest award I have ever received in my scientific career. Im very proud of that. Its a nice recognition of the scientific work I do." To stay up to date with what scientists in Slovakia or Slovak scientists around the world are doing, subscribe to the Slovak Science newsletter, which will be sent to readers free of charge four times a year. Like comparing runners with swimmers Csanadi has studied material science since 2008. He had applied for grants, but his "competition" were other scientists in the field. It was different when it came to the Eset Science Award. "Its like comparing runners with swimmers. Both can be great, but its difficult to find common ground upon which you justify which one is better," he thinks, explaining the reason behind his shock of being picked. What prompted Csanadi to apply in the first place? https://sputnikglobe.com/20230206/-neo-nazi-leader-plotted-cascading-failure-attack-on-baltimore-power-grid-fbi-says-1107025921.html Neo-Nazi Leader Plotted Cascading Failure Attack on Baltimore Power Grid, FBI Says Neo-Nazi Leader Plotted Cascading Failure Attack on Baltimore Power Grid, FBI Says The FBI has arrested two people in Maryland and accused them of planning an attack on the electrical grid in Baltimore, Maryland, in a manner similar to another attack in North Carolina last year. 2023-02-06T21:59+0000 2023-02-06T21:59+0000 2023-02-06T21:52+0000 americas atomwaffen division baltimore power substation terrorist attack /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/101324/83/1013248325_0:271:2401:1621_1920x0_80_0_0_d999ba9d443a077d5e1c7a7dca25ed3d.jpg According to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI, Sara Clendaniel 34, and Brandon Russell, 27, planned to simultaneously attack five electrical substations in the Baltimore area using rifles as part of an effort to completely destroy the majority-Black city.I think you should wait until like a week after it starts snowing for that other thing we talked about, an internet user identified as Russell in the complaint wrote to the informant. The user said the goal is for when most people are using max electricity and that follow on [attacks] could lead to cascading failure costing billions of dollars.The Maryland port city of 576,000 is 62% Black and has been the focus of regular segments in conservative media in recent years as part of an effort to claim that crime is skyrocketing under the Biden administration as a consequence of left-wing demands for greater police accountability. Baltimore was the site of major protests in 2015 following the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old Black man, in police custody.The threat posed by domestic violent extremists is evolving and persistent, Thomas J. Sobocinski, the FBI special agent in charge of the bureaus Baltimore field office, said in a Department of Justice release announcing the duos arrests. Their charges could put them in prison for 20 years.Clendaniel is also on probation, having been previously imprisoned for robbing convenience stores with a machete. The two met while behind bars.A second attack last month targeted a substation about an hour away, but failed to trigger an electrical outage. The FBI does not believe the two North Carolina attacks to be connected, but has issued a $25,000 reward for information about either incident.There have also been similar electrical grid attacks in Oregon and Washington state in recent months.Calling substations sitting ducks, worthy prey, the pamphlet argues that so long as the power turns on, the status quo, the downward decline of our [white] race, and the increase in nonwhites in our lands will carry on unhindered. It calls on adherents to carry out more fruitful acts that will REALLY harm the system and brings us closer to the collapse that is needed for our race to once again thrive on this planet. americas baltimore Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Fantine Gardinier Fantine Gardinier News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Fantine Gardinier neo-nazi leader, baltimore maryland, fbi, power grid https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/africa-likely-to-become-europes-most-important-renewable-energy-partner-eu-says-1107042522.html Africa Likely to Become Europes Most Important Renewable Energy Partner, EU Says Africa Likely to Become Europes Most Important Renewable Energy Partner, EU Says Africa is probably going to be the most important partner for Europe in terms of developing the renewable energy sector," the EU climate chief, Frans Timmermans, has said. 2023-02-07T13:04+0000 2023-02-07T13:04+0000 2023-04-12T17:05+0000 africa north africa energy hydrogen colonialism european union (eu) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0c/17/1105720607_0:114:3237:1935_1920x0_80_0_0_28be8de01fa3acc62f8acaae374c27e7.jpg Africa is probably going to be the most important partner for Europe in terms of developing the renewable energy sector," the EU climate chief, Frans Timmermans, has said, while speaking at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) meeting in Abu Dhabi, the UAE.Among such potential partnership projects are plans to import electricity to Greece from Egypt through an undersea cable, which is already under construction; a similar cable link between Europe and Morocco is also being established, European media reported, citing Timmermans.The said project connecting Greece and Egypt is being undertaken by Greece's Copelouzos Group and is designed to bring 3,000 megawatts of electricity produced from Egyptian renewable energy sources to European countries.Bringing 3,000 MW of clean energy to Europe, via Greece, will be much cheaper than todays energy prices and will help both Greek and European consumers, said Ioannis Karydas, CEO of renewables, Copelouzos Group, in 2022, commenting on the project.How African nations will benefit from such partnership, however, Timmermans didn't reveal.The statement comes on the heels of a recently published study conducted jointly by the European Investment Bank, International Solar Alliance, and the African Union.The survey, called Africas Extraordinary Green Hydrogen Potential, showed that Africas green hydrogen potential is worth $1.5 trillion. The EU, in line with the Western green agenda, has already established partnerships with certain African states, striking a memorandum of understanding with Namibia and EU-Egypt Hydrogen Partnership which are designed to contribute to reducing the effects of climate change under the terms of the 2015 Paris climate agreement and establishing sustainable energy supplies to Europe.The West has come under fire for what some observers and officials have described as a revival of colonialism. During his recent trip to Africa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that Africa is the richest continent, including in terms of natural resources that have been exploited for many centuries.Elaborating on that, the Russian top diplomat argued that the West has been exploiting African natural resources for centuries and wants to keep doing so.Meanwhile, some European officials also acknowledged the motives of Europe's policy towards Africa.Europe, while sticking to the so-called European Green Deal, had long been the largest consumer of Russian energy commodities until the EU imposed sanctions against Russia in 2022 over the latter's special military operation in Ukraine.As a result, there has been a dramatic reduction in Russian energy supplies, leading to higher energy prices and prompting the EU to seek new sources of energy supplies. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230201/pope-francis-urges-foreign-powers-to-stop-choking-africa-1106876091.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230127/eu-seeks-africas-rare-earth-resources-for-green-agenda-borrell-says-1106767436.html africa north africa Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Roman Sanin Roman Sanin News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Roman Sanin russia, africa, the european union, green hydrogen https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/african-leaders-express-support-for-turkey-syria-after-devastating-earthquakes-1107033612.html African Leaders Express Support For Turkey, Syria After Devastating Earthquakes African Leaders Express Support For Turkey, Syria After Devastating Earthquakes Leaders of African countries and regional bodies have expressed condolences with the peoples of Turkey and Syria and their governments. 2023-02-07T13:56+0000 2023-02-07T13:56+0000 2023-02-09T13:08+0000 africa syria turkiye natural disaster solidarity leaders african union (au) earthquake rocks turkiye and syria southern african development community (sadc) earthquake /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/07/1107031348_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_0d14b9a1616f723e6ee5a522b8d5c21c.jpg The tragedy of Turkey and Syria was met with broad international support. Leaders of African countries and regional bodies have expressed their condolences with the Middle Eastern nations and their governments.The African Union, the East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) were among the continental organizations that voiced their support for Turkey and Syria.On behalf of the EAC, secretary-general Peter Mathuki expressed his commiserations with the countries' governments and people.Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, voiced his deep sadness over the massive loss of human life and economic damage the Middle Eastern countries face.The President also declared that he appreciates the efforts of Gift of the Givers, a South African humanitarian group joining the international efforts to aid Turkey and Syria.Nigeria, in its turn, vowed to provide any possible support for the suffering countries, presidential spokesman Femi Adesina said.The Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi also extended his sincere and deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the peoples of the suffering countries in general, stressing that his country is ready to provide help for Turkey and Syria.Macky Sall, president of Senegal, wished "peace to the souls of the victims and speedy recovery to the injured", expressing condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed joined the chorus to express his deep sorrow over the tragic events.Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud voiced his condolences to the people and President of Turkey.Gambian President Adama Barrow and Burundi's leader Evariste Ndayishimiye also expressed their sorrow over the death and destruction caused by the disaster, commiserating with Turkey and Syria.Earlier it was reported that Russia, the EU, and several other countries had offered their help to Turkey and Syria after the earthquakes.On Monday, Syria issued an appeal to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, asking to mobilize all available resources to support the war-torn country ravaged by the disaster.On Tuesday, Algeria sent two groups of rescuers and equipment to provide support for Syria. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/updates-fresh-53-magnitude-earthquake-hits-turkey-as-death-toll-rises-to-2921-1107029250.html africa syria turkiye Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Petr Baryshnikov Petr Baryshnikov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Petr Baryshnikov turkey earthquake, turkey death toll, syria earthquake, turkiye earthquake, turkiye death toll, africa turkey, africa condolences, africa syria https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/americas-balloon-hysteria-is-the-product-of-a-broken-system-1107038268.html Americas Balloon Hysteria is The Product of a Broken System Americas Balloon Hysteria is The Product of a Broken System Over the past few days, American politicians and media have been foaming at the mouth in a cultivated mass hysteria against what they describe to be a "Chinese Spy Balloon". 2023-02-07T10:28+0000 2023-02-07T10:28+0000 2023-02-07T10:28+0000 world chinese balloon over us china us /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/03/1106954381_0:98:481:368_1920x0_80_0_0_e6f3c2bfd90abf9f7f73d46c87bdd3d9.jpg The Balloon, used for scientific metrological purposes, had passed over US airspace, and was ultimately shot down on President Biden's orders off the coast of South Carolina, despite the administration having previously stressed there was no need to do so. The designation of the balloon as a "spy" balloon was one created by officials and relayed by journalists, and never one based on actual empirical evidence. Despite this, the assumption successfully established itself as conventional understanding, showing the power of the US to readily manipulate global discourse with the goal of smearing China. As a show of protest to the events, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelled his upcoming trip to Beijing.The "spy balloon saga" is a deliberately orchestrated act of political drama by the US with the goal of purposefully weaponizing fear, paranoia and mass hysteria in the name of discrediting China. American politics, both at home and abroad, is driven by the covert weaponization of "drama" in a highly aggressive and hysterical manner, unparalleled throughout the world. In doing so, American politicians and public figures on both sides of the spectrum readily smear each other with highly defamatory and exaggerated allegations, as well as whipping up covert fear, paranoia, and conspiracy theories. As some examples of how this works domestically, Democrats accused Donald Trump of collusion with Russia, Republicans pushed claims the 2021 election was rigged. What is notable about this behavior is that in each incidence, there is seldom any evidence to support the claims which are pushed, yet they otherwise become conventional understanding in the respective political camp. What it also goes to show is that in recent decades, US political polarization has become inherently worse. The country has become more divided and as such the scale of dramatized political conflict has only increased.However, beyond domestic politics, this weaponization of fear and paranoia has already been a longstanding trait of US foreign policy, except it has been less notable as foreign affairs are subject to an elite consensus and relayed through the media. Washington deliberately ferments mass hysteria and paranoia to manufacture support for its foreign policy goals, and the US public as a majority tend to follow this manipulation. Usually, this involves depicting a particular country or ideology as a critical threat to the security and values of the US, and again there is often an absence of evidence to go with it. While the term "McCarthyism" comes to mind, the most explicit example of all is the claim Saddam's Iraq possessed "weapons of mass destruction" and was a critical threat to the US. Hence now, the US has designated China as "the enemy", and therefore mass paranoia is cultivated pertaining to all things China within the United States, usually used selectively as part of the US's economic war against the country. For example, a recent "think-tank" published a report claiming that Chinese manufactured fridges and other household consumer products could be engaging in "espionage". These claims often follow a very dubious "guilt by association" logic, and are used to legitimate sanctions in the name of US protectionism.However, the "spy balloon saga" is not just a product of foreign policy choices, but a dangerous by-product of how growing domestic polarization is leading to greater foreign policy destabilization. In other words, the toxicity of the American domestic scene is preventing the administration from taking a pragmatic, stable and reasonable approach to China because it is obligated to "appear tough," therefore its decision making is fundamentally irrational. Once the news of the balloon was published, the usual mass hysteria was amplified by US politicians, which subsequently gave the administration no place to hide save it took a "tough" approach, this meant cancelling diplomacy and shooting it down for optics. The product is that despite Blinken talking of so-called "guardrails", it is the US who is destabilizing the bilateral relationship at the whim of domestic political pressures, and it is precisely this reason why all engagement the US has pursued with China has not had any practical effects, and why such meetings are often followed or pre-empted with sanctions. In conclusion, the toxicity of US domestic politics is proving to be a dangerous destabilizing force. America is lockstepped into a paranoid, aggression and uncompromising approach by China, and there is no way for the Biden administration to escape it. This is a testament to how US style democracy, utilizing mass drama, hysteria, misinformation and smear tactics, is an inherently dangerous and unstable system which is exporting its problems to the rest of the world.This article originally appeared on the Global Times website. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/no-letting-go-us-wont-return-remains-of--chinas-balloon-vows-to-exploit-device-1107026890.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/the-chinese-balloon-turkey-deals-with-major-earthquake-and-more-calls-for-censorship-1107027710.html china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International chinese spy balloon, mass hysteria https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/downing-of-chinese-balloon-was-f-22s-first-air-to-air-kill-analysts-say-1107034193.html Downing of Chinese Balloon Was F-22s First Air-to-Air Kill, Analysts Say Downing of Chinese Balloon Was F-22s First Air-to-Air Kill, Analysts Say The suspected Chinese surveillance balloon was shot down by an American warplane last Saturday, almost a week after the floating object was detected over the US continental part 2023-02-07T10:53+0000 2023-02-07T10:53+0000 2023-02-07T10:53+0000 americas us joe biden f-22 balloon downing chinese balloon over us /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/07/1107033849_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_285c278913e3df9cb37b0c6e72a72744.jpg The shooting down of Chinas alleged spy balloon by the US fighter jet F-22 Raptor marked the first time this fifth-generation aircraft downed an airborne target since it made its combat debut in Syria and Iraq in 2015, a US media outlet has reported.Her remarks were echoed by another news outlet, which argued that downing the Chinese balloon may be the highest altitude air-to-air kill.Grants comments came after an F-22 Raptor from Langley Air Force base took the balloon down with a single AIM-9X sidewinder missile last Saturday, with President Joe Biden saying that he would like to compliment our aviators who did it". The developments came about a week after the balloon was spotted over the US state of Montana, where there are US nuclear sites.Beijing insisted that the balloon was a civilian airship engaged in scientific research, mainly meteorological studies, and expressed regret over its unintended entry into US airspace.The F-22, which was made by Lockheed Martin Corp, has mainly been used to carry out guided air strikes against Daesh* positions in Syria and Iraq.The Air Force touted the stealth fighters success in those missions to justify the use of the F-22 which had long been criticized for its cost and the services failure to use it. A price tag for one such jet reportedly stands at a whopping $206 million.A US magazine once described the F-22 as a phenomenal fighter that happens to be phenomenally expensive as well as maintenance-intensive. The past several years have seen a spate of incidents involving the F-22, which, in particular, landed with its fuselage scraping against the ground at the time.*Daesh (ISIL/ISIS, Islamic State), is a terrorist group banned in Russia and other countries https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/no-letting-go-us-wont-return-remains-of--chinas-balloon-vows-to-exploit-device-1107026890.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg fifth-generation us fighter jet f-22 raptor, suspected chinese spy balloon, us' downing of uspected chinese spy balloon https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/finland-ready-to-join-nato-without-sweden-sources-claim-1107029911.html Finland Ready to Join NATO Without Sweden, Sources Claim Finland Ready to Join NATO Without Sweden, Sources Claim The Finnish negotiators reached an agreement with Turkey already before Christmas, and the matter is thus in principle settled, the nation's media reported, citing high-ranking sources. 2023-02-07T09:22+0000 2023-02-07T09:22+0000 2023-02-07T09:51+0000 finland sweden scandinavia news nato nato expansion nato membership turkiye world /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/05/0b/1095415457_0:0:2963:1668_1920x0_80_0_0_2533676f6f88813ba6491f40e5544343.jpg Although Helsinki has indicated to the outside world that it continues to regard NATO membership as a common cause between Finland and Sweden, behind the scenes, attitudes might be quite different.Finland is ready to join NATO without Sweden in the event that Turkey and/or Hungary ratify only Finland's NATO application, the nation's media have reported, citing several high-placed sources. The sources said that the Finnish negotiators had already reached an agreement with Turkey before Christmas, and that the matter is thus in principle settled for Finland. Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has allegedly been informed of this.According to the sources, only the Left Alliance party opposes Finland's joining NATO without Sweden, whereas the rest are prepared to make the move.This stands in stark contrast with the official rhetoric: only last week, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin repeated during her visit to Stockholm that Finland intends to complete its NATO journey the way it started - together with Sweden.However, the Finnish public begged to differ, as a recent survey by pollster Taloustutkimus indicated that 53 percent of respondents were ready for their country to join NATO alone. By contrast, almost half that amount - 28 percent - said Finland should wait for Sweden.Turkey, however, said it hadn't received signals from Finland about its readiness to join NATO without Sweden, but added it would consider this should such an application emerge.In May 2022, Sweden and Finland abandoned their time-trusted policy of non-alignment and filed a joint NATO bid as neighbors. However, Swedens bid face staunch opposition from Turkey after a series of high-profile scandals and provocations, which included Turkish President Recep Erdogan being hung in effigy and several Quran-burnings in front of the Turkish Embassy.Last week, Erdogan said Turkey wouldnt accept Sweden as a NATO member as long as Qurans are allowed to be burnt in the country. Finland, by contrast, prohibits violations of religious peace, and was offered a quick path to the alliance.However, discontent is simmering in Finland. On Monday afternoon, a demonstration was held in the Finnish city of Oulu, where participants waved the flags of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Turkey considers to be a terrorist organization, and a doll representing Turkish leader Erdogan was pushed around.Earlier, a Finnish daily published an Erdogan cartoon mocking Ankara's extradition requests to the Nordic nations as a prerequisite for greenlighting their bids. In return for ushering both nations into NATO, Turkey demanded a crackdown on PKK members and others it regards as terrorists, or their sympathizers. The extradition demands were not only a painful blow for Nordic human rights groups, but also sparked a backlash from the opposition, accusing their governments of going too far in trying to satisfy Turkey. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230203/finns-ready-for-nato-without-sweden-while-pm-promises-hand-in-hand-accession-1106939026.html finland sweden scandinavia turkiye Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Igor Kuznetsov Igor Kuznetsov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Igor Kuznetsov finland's and sweden's joint nato bid, nato membership, nato expansion, anti-turkish demonstration, quran burning as provocation https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/japan-seeking-to-reach-peace-treaty-with-russia-on-south-kurils-prime-minister-1107037383.html Japan Seeking to Reach Peace Treaty With Russia on South Kurils: Prime Minister Japan Seeking to Reach Peace Treaty With Russia on South Kurils: Prime Minister The Japanese government regards the situation with Moscow and Tokyo not signing the peace agreement on the South Kuril Islands as regrettable, and Japan is committed to the resolution of territorial issues and concluding a peace treaty 2023-02-07T09:40+0000 2023-02-07T09:40+0000 2023-04-06T12:15+0000 russia peace treaty kuril islands world japan /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/15840/27/158402706_0:251:2667:1751_1920x0_80_0_0_87e6548f6c40dcf9295d30ecdde2596d.jpg "The fact that 77 years after the end of the war, the issue of the Northern Territories has not been resolved and there is no peace treaty between Japan and Russia is extremely regrettable ... The Japanese government is committed to resolving the territorial issue and concluding a peace treaty," Kishida said. However, the minister added that Japan would proceed from its national interests on the issues related to economic activities with Russia, such as fishing or shipping. On Tuesday, Japan celebrates the day of the Northern Territories, which include the southern islands of the Kuril chain, now owned by Russia. It is celebrated annually on February 7, on the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Shimoda of 1855 with Russia, according to which Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai were ceded to Tokyo. In 1956, the Soviet Union and Japan signed a joint declaration in which Moscow agreed to consider the possibility of transferring the Habomai and Shikotan islands to Japan after the conclusion of a peace treaty. The fate of Kunashir and Iturup was not addressed in the document. The Soviet Union hoped the Joint Declaration would put an end to the dispute, while Japan considered it only as part of the solution to the problem, and did not renounce its claims to all four islands. In 2018, Japan and Russia agreed to speed up negotiations on the peace treaty on the basis of the 1956 Japanese-Soviet Joint Declaration. However, in March 2022, Moscow withdrew from talks with Japan on signing a post-World War II peace treaty, and halted visa-free travel for Japanese citizens to the Southern Kuril Islands and joint economic activities on the disputed islands. The move was due to Tokyo's "unfriendly" steps over the Ukraine conflict, Moscow said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20221104/japan-to-continue-participating-in-russias-sakhalin-1-under-new-operator-reports-1103780272.html russia japan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International south kuril islands, concluding a peace treaty Biden to Discuss International Alliance on Ukraine in State of Union Address President Joe Biden plans to discuss in his annual State of the Union address to the Congress the alliance of countries assembled to protect and defend Ukraine, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said on Tuesday. The President is going to talk about the continuing that alliance, that international alliance to protect and defend Ukraine, Jean-Pierre told MSNBC. Jean-Pierre noted that in the foreign policy part of his speech Biden plans to talk about China, including the recent situation regarding the Chinese balloon that was downed off the coast of the US state of South Carolina. Foreign policy, the presidents vision for the world, was always going to be part of the State of the Union address. That certainly includes how we have been moving forward with dealing with managing strategic competition with China. That is something that the President is going to talk about. Of course, we will take the latest news into account, as we prepare for the State of the Union, she said. Biden will emphasize in his speech the resetting of the United States' leadership across the world, Jean-Pierre said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/meta-kenyan-moderator-abuse-case-a-strong-precedent-for-other-countries-expert-says-1107036976.html Meta Kenyan Moderator Abuse Case 'a Strong Precedent' for Other Countries, Expert Says Meta Kenyan Moderator Abuse Case 'a Strong Precedent' for Other Countries, Expert Says The ruling made by the Kenyan labor court has established a strong precedent for employees to sue Meta in countries in which the company is not based but outsources its activities, an expert says in an interview with Sputnik. 2023-02-07T15:14+0000 2023-02-07T15:14+0000 2023-02-07T15:14+0000 africa kenya east africa lawsuit meta court facebook forced labor mental health labor /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/07/1107037221_0:90:3073:1818_1920x0_80_0_0_83059a9e6a3645c05d6f848bed8be3ae.jpg The ruling made by the Kenyan labor court has opened a pathway and established a strong precedent for employees to sue Meta in countries where the company is not based, but has outsources its activities, says Barbara Lazarotto, PhD researcher in law and Marie Curie Actions fellow, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, in an interview with Sputnik.The legal case was launched in May 2022 by Daniel Motaung, a former outsourced Facebook content moderator, who made his accusations against Facebooks owner and its Kenya-based outsourcing partner Sama.In January 2023, Sama announced that it had decided to quit content moderation operations for Meta.Meta initially argued that it could not be sued in Kenyan courts because it is a foreign corporation and does not operate in the African country. The multinational corporation asked that its name be removed from the lawsuit.Now, as the as the labor court has declared Facebook part of the case, the process will continue.According to her, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg profits from advertising his services to Kenyan users, but at the same time refuses to invest enough resources to provide safety to Kenyan workers and treat them "with the dignity and humanity they deserve."Amnesty International Kenya deemed the ruling "a significant step," ensuring the authority of the country's courts to "protect and enforce fundamental human rights" and "the first time that Meta Platforms Inc. will be significantly subjected to a court of law in the global south."A key part of Motaung's case was the issue of the mental state of workers. The claimant stressed that together with his colleagues, he had suffered psychological injuries after repeated exposure to disturbing content as a moderator.According to da Rosa Lazarotto, the debate over the need for human content moderation is a complex one, as at the moment, artificial intelligence mechanisms are not able to completely substitute humans, despite having evolved a lot.In the expert's opinion, the victims of the company will not be able to receive true justice, as some psychological injuries are irreparable, especially considering the gravity of the content the majority of the workers have seen.According to her, companies such as Meta are not fully committed to spending revenue on human content moderation, since it is an invisible job and often not considered justifiable from the cost perspective by the company. This results in the hiring of workers in the Global South, which has relatively lenient labor regulations that allow for poor working conditions and consequent psychological injuries, da Rosa Lazarotto adds.She also notes that it is Meta's enormous size as a corporation that leads to the company becoming a magnet for controversy.The decision comes at a time when Meta faces another case in Kenya's High Court for promoting violence-inciting hate speech that was filed following the murder of an Ethiopian professor during the Tigray conflict. The son of the victim, who is ethnic Tigrayan, said that it was Facebook's algorithms that led to his father's demise by promoting content calling for violence against Tigrayans.In 2021, the firm was subject to a similar lawsuit related to violence-inciting content posted during the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar.In March 2022, Meta became the first-ever public company to be outlawed as an extremist organization in Russia. The decision followed after the firm allowed calls for violence on its platforms targeting Russians in the context of the Ukraine conflict. Posts included content advocating for the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. In April, Russia imposed sanctions on Mark Zuckerberg.*Meta is banned in Russia as an extremist organization. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230206/all-you-need-to-know-about-facebook-moderator-abuse-case-as-court-rules-meta-can-be-sued-in-kenya-1107013374.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20221215/no-guarantees-meta-not-interested-in-combatting-hate-speech-in-africa-experts-say-1105477977.html africa kenya east africa Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Petr Baryshnikov Petr Baryshnikov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Petr Baryshnikov meta kenya, meta labor, meta moderation, meta hate speech, meta africa, meta lawsuit, motaung meta, sama meta https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/moscow-hands-note-to-us-embassy-demanding-to-stop-interfering-in-russias-affairs-source-says-1107045075.html Moscow Hands Note to US Embassy Demanding to Stop Interfering in Russia's Affairs, Source Says Moscow Hands Note to US Embassy Demanding to Stop Interfering in Russia's Affairs, Source Says The US Embassy was handed a note on Tuesday demanding to stop interfering in Russia's internal affairs 2023-02-07T13:51+0000 2023-02-07T13:51+0000 2023-02-07T13:51+0000 russia russia us diplomats /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/03/1f/1082502233_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_966eb9a746d3676e4d00e9ef2d56b17b.jpg "On February 7, an official note was sent to the US Embassy in Moscow demanding to stop actions incompatible with the status of the diplomatic mission that constitute interference in Russia's internal affairs," the source said. The US embassy makes inappropriate statements about Russian leadership and spreads misinformation about the Russian military, the source added. US diplomats were warned against attempts to conduct subversive work, recruiting "agents of influence" in order to sow discord in the Russian society, and Moscow will use all available means to neutralize such attempts, the source concluded. russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia's internal affairs, demanding to stop interfering https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/north-korea-linked-hackers-made-off-with-at-least-630-million-in-crypto-report-claims-1107039269.html North Korea-linked Hackers Made Off With at Least $630 Million in Crypto, Report Claims North Korea-linked Hackers Made Off With at Least $630 Million in Crypto, Report Claims 2022 turned out to be less than a stellar year for cryptocurrencies, with a series of crashes of major coins capped by the meltdown of FTX, a Ponzi scheme with links to both major US political parties and the Biden White House. 2023-02-07T11:50+0000 2023-02-07T11:50+0000 2023-02-07T11:51+0000 asia north korea hacking crypto crypto currency hack attack /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/07/1107039076_0:94:1000:657_1920x0_80_0_0_fc9df2256c809efbc4450140d2e09cab.png North Korea-linked hackers purportedly made off with at least $630 million in cryptocurrency in 2022, sanctions monitoring agents have indicated in a report to the United Nations Security Council.The report, to be made public either later this month or sometime in March, said that the $630 million figure was based on South Korean estimates. However, a cybersecurity firm cited by the monitors estimated that North Korean actors may actually have made off with over $1 billion in crypto. The techniques used by cyber threat actors have become more sophisticated, thus making tracking stolen funds more difficult, the report indicated.Pyongyang was also accused of using increasingly sophisticated cyber techniques both to gain access to digital networks involved in cyber finance, and to steal information of potential value, including to its weapons programs, including through the use of phishing campaigns.The report attributed hack attacks and crypto theft to the Reconnaissance General Bureau, a North Korean intelligence agency responsible for clandestine operations abroad.Along with China, Russia and Iran, North Korea has become a favorite bogeyman for both Western governments and corporations when it comes to claims about malevolence online. North Korea was accused of hacking Sony Pictures in 2014 (with verifiable evidence never provided to this day), and a long list of other ransomware schemes, heists and scams.The American despicable acts of publicizing the sophistries of our cyber-attack and cryptocurrency theft are intended to tarnish the prestige of our state, as well as for seriously threatening and challenging our sovereignty. Therefore, we will never overlook these acts, North Koreas Foreign Ministry wrote in a response to the release of a similar cryptocurrency theft report last year.Pyongyang has yet to respond to the claims made in the latest report. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/south-korea-us-agree-to-expand-bolster-level-and-scale-of-joint-exercises-in-2023-1106847031.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230127/russia-will-turn-all-western-weapons-sent-to-ukraine-into-scrap-kim-jong-uns-sister-says-1106767360.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov cryptocurrency, crypto, north korea, hacking, hack attack, report, claims, allegations https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/over-750000-french-taking-part-in-3rd-nationwide-protest-against-pension-reform-media-reports-1107057533.html Over 750,000 French Taking Part in 3rd Nationwide Protest Against Pension Reform, Media Reports Over 750,000 French Taking Part in 3rd Nationwide Protest Against Pension Reform, Media Reports Over 750,000 people took part in the third nationwide protest against the controversial pension reform in France on Tuesday, French media reported, citing the country's interior ministry. 2023-02-07T21:47+0000 2023-02-07T21:47+0000 2023-02-07T21:47+0000 world france pension reform strikes /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/15/1106553374_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_725547da6ed4d667b7b552f4cd164d26.jpg According to the ministry's data, a total of 757,000 people participated in protests across France, with 57,000 in Paris alone, the French broadcaster reported.France's largest union, the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), estimated the number of protesters at almost 2 million people countrywide, with 400,000 in the French capital.Demonstrators were carrying banners of leading French unions, chanting "Pension at 60," "Macron, take your hands off our pensions," "No reform without universal approval," "Raise wages, not the retirement age," broadcaster said.The protest action was accompanied by industrial strikes in several sectors, including transport, energy and education.French unions have already announced that they were going to hold their next national demonstration on February 11.Russian media reported earlier in the day that black bloc radicals joined the protest in Paris and started breaking windows of cafes and shops, setting garbage cans on fire and smashing billboards. They were also throwing firecrackers and glass bottles at police officers. In response, the police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. According to French media, 17 people were detained in Paris on Tuesday.On January 10, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne unveiled a draft of the controversial pension reform that the government plans to adopt in 2023. According to the draft, the French authorities will gradually raise the retirement age in the country by three months a year from September 1, 2023. By 2030, the retirement age will reach 64 years.Two nationwide strikes have since taken place in France as people protest the reform. The first nationwide strike against pension reform took place across France on January 19, during which eight of the country's largest trade unions held more than 200 demonstrations. An estimated 1 million people took part in the protests, the French Interior Ministry said. On January 31, over 87,000 people reportedly took part in the second demonstration against pension reform held in Paris.On Monday, a majority of lawmakers in the French parliament rejected the proposal of the left coalition New Ecological and Social People's Union (Nupes) to hold a referendum on the pension reform. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/protesters-gather-in-paris-to-rally-against-pension-reform--1107044546.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/french-police-use-tear-gas-against-participants-of-protest-against-pension-reform-1106862060.html france Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International france, pension reform in france, paris protests, what french government plans to do with retirement age, retirement age france, protests, strikes in europe https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/pakistani-prime-minister-to-visit-turkey-on-wednesday-1107040997.html Pakistani Prime Minister to Visit Turkey on Wednesday Pakistani Prime Minister to Visit Turkey on Wednesday Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Turkey on Wednesday, where he is expected to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and express condolences over the devastating earthquake 2023-02-07T11:54+0000 2023-02-07T11:54+0000 2023-02-07T11:54+0000 world turkiye pakistan shehbaz sharif /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105828/16/1058281626_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_5fd9271fbf80e6c099c5f601b51d5dd9.jpg "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will depart for Ankara tomorrow morning, he will express his condolences to the president of Turkey and the people of Turkey in connection with the destruction caused by the earthquake and the loss of lives," Aurangzeb said on Twitter. Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will accompany Sharif on his visit to Turkey, Daily Pakistan reported, citing diplomatic sources. A massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake with several powerful aftershocks rattled parts of Turkey and Syria on Monday, toppling thousands of homes and killing over 4,000 in both countries. Many international organizations and world leaders have offered assistance to the Turkish and Syrian authorities to address the consequences of the disaster. turkiye pakistan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International turkish president recep tayyip erdogan, express condolences over the devastating earthquake, pakistani prime minister shehbaz sharif https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/russia-remains-important-trade-partner-for-austria-ambassador-1107040335.html Russia Remains Important Trade Partner for Austria: Ambassador Russia Remains Important Trade Partner for Austria: Ambassador Moscow remains an important trade partner for Vienna, as the level of bilateral trade between the two countries increased by 65.4% last year compared to 2021 2023-02-07T11:50+0000 2023-02-07T11:50+0000 2023-02-07T11:50+0000 economy austria russia trade partnership /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/02/03/1092713651_0:232:3072:1960_1920x0_80_0_0_ef7aa5f894ce0dbac006992928e28598.jpg "It would be more correct to say that Russia remains an important trading partner for Austria. By the end of 2022, our country is in their top 10, and it ranks sixth in terms of exports," Lyubinsky said in an interview with Russian newspaper. Lyubinsky noted that at the official level, at the initiative of Vienna, the dialogue on the trade and economic agenda was de facto frozen, but the mood in business circles remained different. Austrian entrepreneurs are showing great interest in maintaining mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia, the ambassador said, adding that out of 650 Austrian companies represented in Russia, only a few of them left the Russian market. austria russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International trade partner for vienna, bilateral trade between the two countries https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-arrives-in-mali-1107029461.html Russian FM Lavrov Arrives in Mali to Discuss Regional Situation, Int'l Issues Russian FM Lavrov Arrives in Mali to Discuss Regional Situation, Int'l Issues Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in the Malian capital Bamako with a visit to hold talks on Tuesday with interim president for a transitional period Assimi Goyta and Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop 2023-02-07T04:29+0000 2023-02-07T04:29+0000 2023-02-07T07:46+0000 africa mali russia sergey lavrov /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/18/1106635930_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_df91fb4e05ec1dcd849674455298fcfc.jpg The sides are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation as well as the key issues on the international and regional agenda. Upon arrival, Lavrov briefly spoke with Mali's foreign minister. This is the first time the Russian foreign minister is visiting Mali. Diop in turn came to Moscow for talks in 2021 and 2022. After Mali, Lavrov will travel to Mauritania and Sudan.While in Mali, Lavrov will discuss regional and international issues, including the situation around Ukraine, during his visit to Mali, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.Additionally, during the visit, Lavrov will discuss the practical aspects of the upcoming supplies of Russian wheat, fertilizers and oil products to Mali, the statement read.Relations between Russia and African countries have been actively developing in recent years. In 2019, Russia hosted the first ever Russia-Africa Summit, with participants outlining priority areas for economic cooperation, security, culture and science. The second summit in this format is scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg from July 26-29, 2023. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230130/lavrov-says-frances-attempts-to-counter-russian-media-influence-in-africa-unpromising-1106814821.html africa mali russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International sergey lavrov arrived in the malian capital bamako, mali's foreign minister https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/russias-lavrov-and-malis-fm-diop-hold-press-conference-in-bamako-1107038070.html Russia's Lavrov and Mali's FM Diop Hold Press Conference in Bamako Russia's Lavrov and Mali's FM Diop Hold Press Conference in Bamako Sergey Lavrov and his Malian counterpart Abdoulaye Diop are holding a joint press conference following bilateral talks in Bamako on Tuesday, February 7. 2023-02-07T11:59+0000 2023-02-07T11:59+0000 2023-02-07T11:59+0000 africa russia mali sergey lavrov press conference joint press conference talks /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/07/1107037844_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_7f33e5910375470cb62c89c6e963e70b.jpg Sergey Lavrov and his Malian counterpart Abdoulaye Diop are holding a joint press conference following bilateral talks in Bamako on Tuesday, February 7. The two sides were expected to discuss the expansion of military-technical and economic cooperation. According to Russia's Foreign Ministry, Lavrov was expected to discuss regional and international issues, including the situation around Ukraine, the fight against terrorism, and practical aspects of the upcoming supplies of Russian wheat, fertilizers, and oil products to Mali. This is Lavrov's first trip to Mali, but his Malian counterpart visited Moscow for talks in 2021 and 2022. After Mali, Lavrov will travel to Mauritania and Sudan.Earlier this month, the Russian top diplomat went to Iraq for talks on energy and food security in light of the Ukraine conflict. Last month, Lavrov also conducted an Africa tour, visiting four countries on the continent - South Africa, Eswatini, Angola, and Eritrea. Follow Sputnik's Live Feed to Find Out More! africa russia mali Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Russia's Lavrov and Mali's FM Diop Hold Press Conference in Bamako Russia's Lavrov and Mali's FM Diop Hold Press Conference in Bamako 2023-02-07T11:59+0000 true PT71M25S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International sergey lavrov, abdoulaye diop, mali, bamako, press conference https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/taiwan-test-fires-cruise-missile-capable-of-striking-deep-inside-china-reports-say-1107051786.html Taiwan Test-Fires Cruise Missile Capable of Striking Deep Inside China, Reports Say Taiwan Test-Fires Cruise Missile Capable of Striking Deep Inside China, Reports Say The Chinese breakaway province of Taiwan has continued to develop its offensive strike abilities, including cruise missiles and other surface strike weapons... 07.02.2023, Sputnik International 2023-02-07T17:57+0000 2023-02-07T17:57+0000 2023-02-07T17:57+0000 taiwan china cruise missile missile test military /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/07/1107051642_0:183:1453:1000_1920x0_80_0_0_03f1bbb432daa42aa3faca263c81f3c0.png Taiwans National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) has test-fired a new long-range cruise missile capable of reaching deep into the Chinese mainland, according to reports in the islands media.According to reports, the new surface-to-surface missile has a maximum range of 1,200 kilometers (746 miles), enabling it to strike as deep into mainland China as Wuhan and Changsha. It could also strike the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) fleet bases in Qingdao in the north and Sanya in the south, if fired from Taiwan.According to reports, the original Hsiung Sheng missile also has the ability to descend to low altitude as it enters enemy territory, then pop up just before it strikes its target, to land on it from above. The missile is fired from a truck-mounted transporter-erector-launcher.This is just the latest in a series of cruise missiles and surface strike missiles developed or purchased by the Taiwanese government in recent years. That includes Tomahawk and JASSM-ER cruise missiles bought from the United States, and the extended-range Yu Feng (Cloud Peak) supersonic cruise missile program, which Taipei has claimed can strike the Chinese capital of Beijing.The Taipei government is all that remains of the former Republic of China, which ruled all of the China from 1912 until 1949. The triumph of the socialist revolution and foundation of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) in Beijing in 1949 saw the republican forces retreat to Taiwan, where they survived with the help of foreign capitalist governments, especially the United States. In the decades since, all but a handful of small states have switched their recognition of the legitimate Chinese government from Taipei to Beijing, including the US.Beijing regards Taiwan as a Chinese province in rebellion, and sees US support for the government in Taipei as interference in internal Chinese affairs. It has pledged to politically reunite Taiwan with the mainland, completing the process of reversing foreign attempts at dismantling China. Securing the peaceful return of Hong Kong and Macao from British and Portuguese rule, respectively, in the 1990s was part of the same process, and Beijing has offered Taipei a similar One Country, Two Systems arrangement to preserve its unique political and economic system as part of China. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/taiwan-to-speed-up-military-drone-production-amid-tensions-with-beijing-science-institute-1107039649.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230120/china-sends-31-aircraft-4-ships-to-taiwan-strait-taiwanese-defense-ministry-1106511473.html china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Fantine Gardinier Fantine Gardinier News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Fantine Gardinier taiwan, china, cruise missile, missile test https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/taiwan-to-speed-up-military-drone-production-amid-tensions-with-beijing-science-institute-1107039649.html Taiwan to Speed Up Military Drone Production Amid Tensions With Beijing: Science Institute Taiwan to Speed Up Military Drone Production Amid Tensions With Beijing: Science Institute Taiwan will accelerate the development and production of military drones with the help of civilian companies amid increased tensions with mainland China 2023-02-07T11:37+0000 2023-02-07T11:37+0000 2023-02-07T11:38+0000 china taiwan drone military /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/0e/1106317765_0:159:3077:1890_1920x0_80_0_0_26fff75989f3a725326b22190de9820f.jpg "In response to the existing enemy threat and using the experience of drones developed and deployed during the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, we will build up an asymmetric combat power consisting of drones ... The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense is accelerating development and production of drones of various types," Chi, who heads the institute's aviation systems research department, was quoted as saying by the ministry's Military News Agency. The institute is working closely with the private sector to develop carrier-launched drones, land-based and aerial surveillance aircraft, miniature drones, and those with target-acquisition capabilities, Taiwan's Central News Agency reported. First prototypes are expected by August. Chi said commercial drones would be adapted for military purposes to speed up the build-out of Taiwan's surveillance aircraft fleet, according to the Military News Agency. It takes about a year to reequip a civilian drone for military surveillance missions versus four to five years needed to make a military drone. Tensions between China and the island it claims as its territory spiraled last year following a flurry of trips to Taiwan by US and European officials. China has criticized the visits as a show of support for Taiwanese separatism and has been conducting daily flybys over the waters off the island. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230120/china-sends-31-aircraft-4-ships-to-taiwan-strait-taiwanese-defense-ministry-1106511473.html china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International military drones, tensions with mainland china, development and production https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/the-chinese-balloon-turkey-deals-with-major-earthquake-and-more-calls-for-censorship-1107027710.html The Chinese Balloon, Turkey Deals With Major Earthquake, and More Calls for Censorship The Chinese Balloon, Turkey Deals With Major Earthquake, and More Calls for Censorship On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including a 7.8 earthquake striking Turkey, and a Maryland Neo-Nazi couple... 07.02.2023, Sputnik International 2023-02-07T04:45+0000 2023-02-07T04:45+0000 2023-02-07T09:46+0000 the backstory china spying antiwar surfing taiwan radio /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/07/1107027564_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_63b116497b59d34ecbff403fa37b6989.png The Chinese Balloon, Turkey Deals with Major Earthquake, and More Calls for Censorship On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including a 7.8 earthquake striking Turkey, and a Maryland Neo-Nazi couple being arrested for planning to attack power grid stations. Scott Ritter - Former UN Weapons Inspector & WMD Whistleblower | Rage Against the War Machine, The Anti-War Movement is Weak, and The Russians are Destroying the Ukrainian Military Tyler Nixon - Attorney, Media Relations Specialist | The Biden Administration Lies about Everything, Interventionism, and ChinaIn the first hour, Lee and Carmine Sabia spoke with Scott Ritter about the problems with the anti-war movement, saber rattling with China, and the daily threat of cancel culture. Scott commented on the effectiveness of the Wagner group and how poorly prepared the American military has become. Scott talked about the funders who overtook the anti-war movement and the ways propaganda is used to incite war.In the second hour, Lee and Carmine Sabia spoke with Tyler Nixon about the aggressiveness of China, the lack of strength from the Biden administration, and the domestic problems within America. Tyler discussed the ways China has infiltrated America and the propaganda surrounding the Chinese balloon. Tyler commented on the British Monarchy and the threat of Great Britain against America. We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik. china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png china, spying, antiwar, surfing, taiwan, , radio https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/the-yolk-standoff-us-border-patrol-destroying-thousands-of-eggs-a-day-at-tijuana-border-1107057367.html The Yolk Standoff: US Border Patrol Destroying Thousands of Eggs a Day at Tijuana Border The Yolk Standoff: US Border Patrol Destroying Thousands of Eggs a Day at Tijuana Border More than 52 million birds were killed in the United States in 2022 as officials attempted to limit the spread of avian flu. 2023-02-07T21:57+0000 2023-02-07T21:57+0000 2023-02-07T21:51+0000 americas eggs bird flu avian flu eggs shortage border patrol tijuana san diego san ysidro port of entry /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105644/49/1056444981_0:100:1921:1180_1920x0_80_0_0_c35f0a3cb370956299aeccfcff1baeff.jpg With egg prices sky-high, agents at the border of Tijuana and San Ysidro, south of San Diego, say they have been destroying thousands of contraband eggs a week.According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average price of a dozen large white cage-free eggs in California is currently $5.52. While that is down from a high of $7.37 earlier this year, it is still massively higher than in years past.The price increase has encouraged Southern California residents to cross the US-Mexico border in hopes of finding a deal on the kitchen staple. But, eggs from Mexico are prohibited from entering the United States for the same reason prices are rising: Avian Flu.HPAI, better known as Bird or Avian Flu, has been found in 47 states across the US. In an attempt to limit the diseases impact, farmers have culled entire flocks when a case is detected, which has led to more than 52 million birds being killed in the United States as of November 2022. The vast majority of those birds were not infected but when one chicken or turkey in a flock has bird flu, the policy is to eliminate the entire flock.A lower number of chickens means a lower number of eggs, hence the higher prices. And the higher prices encourage people to look outside the United States for relief. Rosie Maizuss, the chief agricultural specialist for the US Customs and Border Patrol told The Hill there are hundreds upon hundreds of people bringing boxes. All of these eggs will be destroyed.The FDA determined the risk of a human contracting HPAI from eggs is low, but their study pointed to regulations and disease prevention measures the USDA and FDA put on American farmers. Eggs coming from Mexico arent subject to those regulatory bodies, so the eggs must be destroyed.After being seized, the eggs are brought to a waste facility where they are sterilized and disposed of.Travelers who declare their eggs at the border are free to leave them and continue their crossing, but if you are caught attempting to smuggle them into the country, you could face civil charges and fines.For those waiting for egg prices to drop domestically, there is some sign of relief. According to the USDA, egg prices have fallen from their late 2022/early 2023 high, though they remain far higher than this time last year. Ultimately, egg prices will not stabilize until after the flu is eradicated. When that is, is anybodys guess. The last major Avian Flu outbreak in the US started in the winter of 2014, and was over by June 2015. The current outbreak also started in the winter but it managed to survive the summer months. https://sputnikglobe.com/20220728/sweden-sees-record-outbreak-of-bird-flu-as-corpses-are-gathered-in-heaps-1097877224.html americas tijuana san diego Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ian DeMartino egg prices, california, eggs in mexico, egg smuggling, can you bring eggs from mexico, tijuana https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/turkey-hit-by-massive-earthquake-balloon-gate-defines-cold-war-uk-has-no-more-money-for-defense-1107027985.html Turkey Hit By Massive Earthquake; Balloon-Gate Defines Cold War; UK Has No More Money for Defense Turkey Hit By Massive Earthquake; Balloon-Gate Defines Cold War; UK Has No More Money for Defense A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake has devastated Turkey and Syria as the tremors and aftershocks were felt as far away as Syria and Israel. 07.02.2023, Sputnik International 2023-02-07T04:46+0000 2023-02-07T04:46+0000 2023-02-07T10:11+0000 the critical hour turkiye israel ukraine naftali bennett volodymyr zelensky haiti radio /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/07/1107027839_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_cdbd97ba36749987319ba40beec00388.png Turkey Hit By Massive Earthquake; Balloon-Gate Defines Cold War; UK Has No More Money for Defense A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake has devastated Turkey and Syria as the tremors and aftershocks were felt as far away as Syria and Israel. Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss the earthquake in Turkey and other Middle East news. Israel is preparing to demolish a residential building that is inhabited by over 100 Palestinians. Also, Egypt is setting up to join the BRICS economic union.Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss Ukraine. The political instability is worsening in Ukraine as the defense minister may or may not be replaced. Also, there are rumblings of a Russian offensive and a former Israeli Prime Minister tells the world that the West destroyed peace talks.George Koo, journalist, social activist, and international business consultant, joins us to discuss China. A senior Taiwan official is visiting Beijing. Also, decoupling from China would be economic suicide for the US and Filipinos protest the US war machine coming to their shores.Scott Ritter, former UN weapon inspector in Iraq, joins us to discuss foreign policy. The US laid a trap for Russia and trapped itself instead. Also, Germany has been hoodwinked into sending tanks to Ukraine.James Carey, host of the Left is Dead podcast, joins us to discuss the Turkey Earthquake. A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake has devastated Turkey and Syria as the tremors and aftershocks were felt as far away as Syria and Israel.Dr. Gerald Horne, Professor of History at the University of Houston, TX, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss the EU. The UK is running out of military hardware but has no money to purchase more. Also, both France and England are experiencing massive protests and the issue of the US attacking the Nord Stream pipeline is coming to the forefront.Max Rameau, Haitian-born political theorist, author, and organizer with Pan-African Community Action, joins us to discuss community control over the police. Max argues that the purpose of much policing is an outgrowth of colonialism and is set up to protect a system of massive inequality rather than protecting human life.Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of Economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, joins us to discuss the economy. We discuss the US neo-imperialist economic scheme. Also, members of Congress are heckled over Ukraine spending and there is little agreement on the trajectory of the US economy among the ruling class economists.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik. turkiye israel ukraine haiti Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg turkiye, israel, ukraine, naftali bennett, volodymyr zelensky, haiti, , radio https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/unemployment--social-unrest-drive-rise-of-extremism-in-africa-undp-says-1107041808.html Unemployment & Social Unrest Drive Rise of Extremism in Africa, UNDP Says Unemployment & Social Unrest Drive Rise of Extremism in Africa, UNDP Says One of the underlying reasons for the surge of extremism in sub-Saharan Africa is social instability, and economic constraints, in particular the lack of jobs, a new report published by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has revealed. 2023-02-07T15:30+0000 2023-02-07T15:30+0000 2023-02-07T15:30+0000 africa sub-saharan africa sahel region terrorism terrorist groups terrorist acts counter-terrorism united nations development programme (undp) report /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/07/1107041440_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_20deda78b823b0c229d2868acc7eeb9c.jpg One of the underlying reasons for the surge of extremism in sub-Saharan Africa is social instability and economic constraints, in particular the lack of jobs, a new report published by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has revealed. According to the study, called "Journey to Extremism in Africa," the region is the "global epicentre" of terrorist activity. Even though worldwide deaths from extremism have declined over the past several years, attacks in sub-Saharan Africa have more than doubled since 2016. In 2021, the region accounted for 48% of all terrorism-related deaths, with more than one-third in four countries: Somalia, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali.The study focused on eight countries across sub-Saharan Africa: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, and Sudan. It presented data from interviews with 2,196 people, including over 1,000 former members of terrorist groups, those who joined voluntarily and those who were forcibly recruited. Apart from that, the sample included 552 female interviewees. Economic Incentives as Drivers of Recruitment According to the report, the potential employment provided by a terrorist organization is one of the major drivers of recruitment that reflects "generalized grievances of socioeconomic injustice and marginalization." Approximately 25% of recruits cited employment opportunities as their main reason for joining, specifically among the samples male respondents. About 40% stated that they were in urgent need of livelihoods at the time of recruitment, while around three-fourths of the respondents expressed frustration with the government in terms of providing employment opportunities. On average, male voluntary recruits said that they earned significantly less prior to joining a violent extremist group. In recent years, many militant groups have made efforts to gain community support and recruits by providing basic needs such as food distribution and healthcare, paying salaries to militants, and offering protection. At the same time, female respondents most frequently referred to the influence of family, including their husbands, as the primary driver for the decision to join a group.Dissatisfaction With State ServicesAccording to the UNDP, limited confidence in government and its institutions, in particular deep-seated perceptions of impunity and distrust in security bodies, continue "to fuel grievances leading to violent extremism." Dissatisfaction with security actors such as the police, military, and the justice system in general was particularly evident in the data sample. For example, over 60% of voluntary recruits reported having little or no trust in the police. Therefore, distrust of the government and dissatisfaction with state provision of services explain the appeal of extremist groups, which in turn present themselves as proto-states and alternative service providers. The data showed that these groups have more trust in terms of mediating local conflicts, ensuring everyday security, and providing justice. This comes against the backdrop of widespread state instability, reflected by "seven military coups or coup attempts in the Sahel over the past three years."Moreover, the study put forward the notion of a "tipping point" or transformative trigger that pushed individuals to join a terrorist group, with about 50% of respondents experiencing such an event. It was underlined that certain government actions, accompanied by human rights abuses, accelerate recruitment for violent extremism. Most of those who stated they had experienced a trigger event cited state action, including the killing and arrest of family or friends as the specific event that prompted them to join an extremist organization, according to the report.Religion as Dual Element in Journey to ExtremismAs the majority of the extremist groups presented in the study are Islamist, including Boko Haram* in Nigeria and al-Shabaab* in Somalia, religion is viewed as a secondary factor that provides a "platform and also a narrative."Rather than emerging as a "first response" in explaining recruitment, religion is revealed as a powerful touchstone for mobilizing context-based grievances and identity Contrary to the first study, which was conducted in 2017 and where 40% of respondents identified religion as a key driver, in the recent study only 17% of interviewees pointed to the religious ideas of a terrorist group as the primary reason for voluntary recruitment. Men were more inclined to perceive it as an influential factor, compared to female respondents, who rated it as a less essential one. It also revealed that religious education and religious literacy constitute key protective factors against violent extremism. Four of five recruits admitted that they had no or limited knowledge of religious texts, making them more vulnerable to the influence of imported views and exposure to extremist ideas.The report called for greater emphasis on the prevention of violent extremism, providing factors that make people less likely to be drawn into terrorism, including quality education, exposure to different cultures, and parental attention.According to the report, isolation, remoteness, and lack of exposure to other communities are significant factors that form early conditions making people susceptible to violent extremism later in life. Most individuals who have joined extremist groups grew up in remote and peripheral areas that suffered from socio-economic marginalization and underdevelopment. They were also less likely to communicate with individuals from other interethnic and religious groups. The study revealed that perceptions of childhood unhappiness, as well as a perceived lack of parental involvement and interest in a childs upbringing, increase the likelihood of choosing such a path. Ones journey to violent extremism can be found to originate, partly, in their "unfulfilled need for belonging and connectedness" that highlights the significance of the family and environment in which the child is brought up as an important "source of resilience."Responses to Extremism in Africa According to the UNDP, over the past 20 years, responses to violent extremism on the continent have been shaped by the discourse of the global "War on Terror." There are various regional counter-terrorism military coalitions in Sub-Saharan Africa that are supported with international funding. However, the study revealed that these coalitions have mixed success in combating militant groups and fail to address the root causes of violent extremism on the continent. For instance, the UN counter-terrorism budget is heavily skewed towards addressing terrorism rather than the conditions that give rise to it. About 70% of the resources in the budget are allocated to preventing and combating terrorism, compared to 24% to addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. Therefore, the authors of the study called for enhanced investment in prevention and the need for a better understanding of the underlying drivers of extremism. It was noted that investment should be reoriented towards complementary prevention and peacebuilding efforts, which have proved to bring a positive return of 16-to-1. Every $1 invested in prevention and peacebuilding activities could save $16 on the costs of conflict and violence in long term, the researchers noted.* terrorist organizations banned in Russia and many other states https://sputnikglobe.com/20221206/west-african-economic-and-monetary-union-nations-to-reach-resilient-57-growth-in-2022-1105097157.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230202/horn-of-africa-nations-agree-to-joint-campaign-against-al-shabaab-1106910707.html africa sub-saharan africa sahel region Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Maria Konokhova Maria Konokhova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Maria Konokhova sub-saharan africa, united nations development program, undp, terrorism, violent extremism, unemployment Syria Ready to Allow Aid to All Regions, Provided That Terrorists Do Not Get It Syria is ready to allow the delivery of aid to all regions of the country, provided that it does not fall into the hands of terrorist groups, Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad told Al-Mayadeen broadcaster. "The Syrian state is ready to allow the delivery of aid to all regions, provided that it does not reach the terrorists," Mekdad said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/us-cries-crocodile-tears-about-quakes-impact-on-syria-while-keeping-crushing-sanctions-in-place-1107048120.html US Cries Crocodile Tears About Quakes Impact on Syria While Keeping Crushing Sanctions in Place US Cries Crocodile Tears About Quakes Impact on Syria While Keeping Crushing Sanctions in Place Mondays devastating earthquakes killed hundreds of Syrians and shattered critical infrastructure already battered by the Wests decade-long dirty war. Washington has refused to budge on its sanctions policy. 2023-02-07T15:27+0000 2023-02-07T15:27+0000 2023-02-09T13:08+0000 analysis syria earthquakes sanctions us sanctions caesar syrian civilian protection act earthquake /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/07/1107031711_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_1f151bd130f4632534642cc2695ab829.jpg The United States will not be lifting its Caesar Act sanctions or other restrictions against Syria following Mondays quakes, State Department spokesman Ned Price has indicated.First, I would like to start today by echoing the president and secretary in expressing our deepest condolences to the people of Turkey and Syria following the devastating earthquakes in Kahramanmaras, in southeastern Turkey, Price said in a briefing Monday. We stand in solidarity with our allies, our partners, and the people of Turkey and Syria affected by those terrible events.Price clarified that this solidarity doesnt extend to the Syrian government. Asked why Washington wasnt ready to coordinate aid with Damascus directly, the spokesman suggested that it would be quite ironic, if not counterproductive, for us to reach out to a government that has brutalized its people over the course of a dozen years now.Instead, according to Price, the US will be working with NGO partners on the ground, who, unlike the Syrian regime, are there to help the people rather than brutalize them. The spokesman did not elaborate on just who these partners on the ground were, except to say that they will need to have access to be able to go back and forth across the border to provide help.What is the Caesar Act?Syria is being suffocated by Western sanctions, including the "Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act," better known simply as the Caesar Act, a major piece of US legislation passed in late 2019 which targets the Syrian government and businesses with severe sanctions, and threatens punitive measures against any foreign individuals, businesses or countries cooperating with Damascus. While touted as being intended to punish the Syrian government and President Bashar Assad for war crimes against the Syrian people, the law has in practice resulted in untold suffering among Syrias civilian population by blocking imports of essential goods like food, energy, and basic medical supplies and equipment.The Caesar Act is one of dozens of packages of US sanctions against Syria, with restrictions against the country going back as far as 1979. Syria is one of the most heavily sanctioned nations in the world, with over 2,600 sanctions in place against the country by the US and its European allies at this time.The sanctions have served to dramatically worsen the socioeconomic crisis caused by the Wests long-running dirty war in the country, have affected the countrys neighbors and have sparked criticism even from anti-Assad media and governments over their cruel and indiscriminate nature.Late last year, after a 12-day fact-finding trip to Syria, UN Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan urged Washington and its allies to immediately lift all suffocating unilateral sanctions against Syrians, saying she had been struck by the pervasiveness of the human rights and humanitarian impact of the unilateral coercive measures imposed against the country.Crocodile TearsIt has been clear for a long time that the US is more interested in regime change in Syria than in the welfare of the Syrian people, Ford emphasized. The cruel sanctions impact far more on ordinary citizens than on the Syrian government.NGOs Cant Match Effectiveness of the State in Aid DistributionDr. Imad Salamey, an associate professor of political science at the Lebanese American University, agrees that ignoring the Syrian governments existence will limit the effectiveness of any US aid to the quake-stricken country.According to Dr. Salamey, the Caesar Act does have exemptions allowing for possible cooperation with Damascus in support of humanitarian relief objectives, but such cooperation would require decisions from the White House, which, judging by Prices remarks, seem unlikely, because President Joe Biden doesnt want to be taking a soft line on Assad by Washington hawks.Peter Ford offered a more blunt assessment on NGOs, saying the US would naturally prefer to continue working in Syria through its own puppet NGOs like the White Helmets, whose primary purpose is not to help civilians but to whitewash the image of the jihadi controllers of northern Syria and thereby justify the continuing Western support for the armed opposition against the legitimate Syrian government."The humanitarian issue shouldn't be politicized...because it's related to the basic needs of human kind," the Syrian political analyst said. Characterizing sanctions as a continuation of the war against Syria "by other tools," Dr. Ibrahim stressed that Syrians have come to learn only too well that the "United States is not concerned about democracy or about human rights or about humanitarian issues. They want only one thing: to put their hands in Syria and topple the government of President Assad, to bring another government [to power] which is loyal to the United States and will apply their agenda in the Middle East." Syrians' hope, he said, is finding rational Americans "who will understand the truth and realities and the facts of the nations and people who refuse to be slaves to other nations."US Intransigence Sparks Bewilderment, CondemnationUS and European silence on the provision of direct support to Syria has sparked criticism from countries, humanitarian agencies, and human rights advocacies around the world.The Syrian branch of the International Committee of the Red Cross has called on the West to urgently lift restrictions. We call for the lifting of the blockade and economic sanctions imposed on Syria in order to deal with the impact of the devastating earthquake, Syrian Red Crescent chief Khaled Hboubati said in a press conference Tuesday. We need heavy equipment, ambulances and fire brigades to speed up search and rescue operations. To do this, its necessary to remove sanctions against Syria as soon as possible, the official urged. The Syrian Red Crescent is ready to take aid from any country, except Israel.The Middle East Council of Churches, a Beirut-headquartered group representing the Middle Easts Christian communities, has also called on the West to lift crushing restrictions and allow access for aid, so that sanctions may not turn into a crime against humanity.The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, a US-based grassroots civil rights advocacy, is also calling for sanctions to be lifted, stressing that time is of the essence in the provision of immediate relief to those in need.Iran which has already dispatched a planeload of aid including food, medical, and sanitary supplies to Damascus, is calling on the international community to put pressure on Washington to change its course.The important point is that different countries must exert pressure on the US government to lift the cruel siege of Syria so that international humanitarian aid can be delivered to the quake-stricken people of Syria without any obstacles in the shortest possible time, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said.Potential Watershed MomentSurprisingly, major Middle Eastern countries have demonstrably refused to toe the US line on post-quake assistance to Syria, with Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Iraq, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates joining traditional Syrian allies Iran and Russia in providing aid, or expressing readiness to do so. On Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel el-Sisi spoke to President Assad by phone, offering condolences and pledging Cairos full support for relief efforts. The call was the first of its kind since el-Sisi came to power in 2014.Lebanese military expert and retired general Omar Al-Mughrabi echoed Yousef's sentiments, saying that while the "politicization" of relief efforts demonstrated the "barbaric" "true face of the collective West" in relation to Syria, the apparent unity shown by the leaders of Arab countries by contrast gives rise to questions whether the disaster could become a factor for regional reconciliation, and perhaps even accelerate Damascus's return to the Arab League.Veteran Syrian political commentator Alla Al-Asfari fears the answer is 'no', because the majority of the countries of the Persian Gulf lack the political will to make independent decisions due to US pressure and fear of US wrath, even if they would like to see a rapprochement in ties with Syria.Nonetheless, Al-Asfari stressed the need for a "united Arab position and united actions demanding the lifting of these unfair sanctions so that Syria can continue rescue operations, since hundreds of citizens are still trapped under the rubble while civil defenses are forced to rescue them using simple and primitive tools."Asked to comment on Riyadh's surprise display of solidarity with Damascus in the wake of the quakes, Saudi political scientist and strategic affairs researcher Fawaz Kaseb Al-Enezi told Sputnik Arabic that the kingdom "always separates its humanitarian positions from political ones," with food, medical and financial aid to Syria based on concerns "about Arab national security, which can be threatened by such natural disasters."A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Turkey on Monday morning, with devastation spreading out from the Turkish epicenter into neighboring Syria. A second quake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale hit several hours later. On Tuesday, a third, 5.5 magnitude quake hit central Turkey. Over 3,500 people in Turkey were killed in the disaster, with 20,000+ injured. Syrian authorities have reported over 800 fatalities and 1,400+ injuries in government-controlled areas of the country as of Tuesday afternoon, with over 700 more people feared dead in Idlib the Syrian province controlled by US and Turkish-backed jihadists. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230206/massive-75-magnitude-quake-hits-turkey-1106997080.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20221208/us-theft-of-syrian-oil-driving-diesel-prices-sky-high-in-areas-of-government-control-1105239001.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230206/we-are-afraid-syrian-residents-sleeping-inside-cars-over-risk-of-further-earthquakes-1107024186.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/hotbed-of-seismic-activity-why-was-the-turkish-earthquake-so-deadly-1107028437.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/updates-fresh-53-magnitude-earthquake-hits-turkey-as-death-toll-rises-to-2921-1107029250.html syria Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov syria, earthquake, quake, damascus, united states, sanctions, restrictions https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/vikings-brought-domestic-animals-to-england-in-bid-to-settle-down-graves-reveal-1107033407.html Vikings Brought Domestic Animals to England in Bid to Settle Down, Graves Reveal Vikings Brought Domestic Animals to England in Bid to Settle Down, Graves Reveal According to researchers, the presence of domestic animals indicated a change of heart in Vikings and a shift from a pure raid-and-pillage strategy to colonization. 2023-02-07T09:35+0000 2023-02-07T09:35+0000 2023-02-07T09:35+0000 science & tech vikings england uk archeology news europe /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105622/49/1056224989_0:217:3077:1948_1920x0_80_0_0_a2dcd9a98c8adc7d0e2d37ca8405948f.jpg Findings of Viking Age remains of horse and dog breeds stemming from Scandinavia have shown that domestic animals were fellow travelers during the Vikings' boat journeys to England.While skeletons of humans, horses, dogs, and pigs were found in the Viking graves in Heath Wood, north of Birmingham, before, archeologists have for the first time been able to pinpoint their origin using variations of the element strontium in the remains.Strontium is found in the bedrock and the levels vary in different places in the world. The element is naturally deposited in the skeleton from consumed plants and organic food typical of a certain environment. By examining the variations of the element in the cremated skeletons, it was possible to establish that at least some of the remains were not local.Exactly where in Scandinavia they come from is hard to say. According to Ola Magnell, however, they most likely stemmed from Norway or the west coast of Sweden, more specifically today's counties of Halland, Vastergotland, or Bohuslan."The method has its limitations, but in this case you also have written sources that tell you about this Viking army that arrived in 865. Also, they were buried in a typical Scandinavian grave," Magnell mused.Late 9th century chronicles describe how the Vikings in 865 broke an earlier pattern. This time, they actually settled down instead of simply raiding monasteries and coastal villages.At the end of the 8th century AD, Norseman raiders sacked several Christian monasteries in northern Britain, which marked the start of the Viking conquest. Over the course of the subsequent centuries, Norsemen broadened the scope of their invasions and even founded settlements in many areas in eastern England, Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.The Viking influence culminated in the appearance of the Danelaw (also known as the Danelagh), a large, yet short-lived territory comprising 15 modern English shires where Scandinavian law and ways were dominant, and receded following the decisive loss of the joint Norse army in the 1066 Battle of Stamford Bridge. However, some parts, such as the Kingdom of the Isles, remained under Nordic rule until the mid-13th century, whereas the last holdouts, such as Orkney and Shetland, were not incorporated into Scotland until 1470. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230112/giant-viking-hall-possibly-linked-to-king-harald-bluetooth-unearthed-in-denmark-1106243218.html england Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Igor Kuznetsov Igor Kuznetsov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Igor Kuznetsov viking age, viking conquest, viking activity on the british isles, domestic animals, bone remains https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/will-he-stay-psg-director-confirms-club-in-talks-with-lionel-messi-to-extend-contract-1107028214.html Will He Stay? PSG Director Confirms Club in Talks With Lionel Messi to Extend Contract Will He Stay? PSG Director Confirms Club in Talks With Lionel Messi to Extend Contract Lionel Messi was forced to leave FC Barselona due to new La Liga rules. Since then, the best player of the 2022 World Cup has been playing for Paris Saint-Germain and judging by the latest news, he will continue to do so. 2023-02-07T02:23+0000 2023-02-07T02:23+0000 2023-02-07T02:16+0000 viral lionel messi soccer paris saint-germain (psg) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/06/06/1096048362_0:0:3035:1708_1920x0_80_0_0_a108834bf804146ad4a643b782f96c6b.jpg Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Luis Campos has confirmed contract extension talks with striker Lionel Messi are ongoing amid the club's efforts to keep the decorated Argentine on its roster. The media previously reported PSG and Messi had decided not to rush into a contract decision.The 35-year-old Argentine has been playing for the French club since August 2021. This season, Messi made 19 appearances for the club, scored 12 goals and gave 14 assists, in particular scoring a winning goal against Toulouse.Speculation suggests Messi may be on the verge of becoming one of PSG's pillars due to French forward Kylian Mbappe sustaining injuries. It's been further underscored by Campos' earlier comments to Messi: "'You have to drag everyone with you'... and he had an exceptional second half." The remarks were made during a match against Montpellier.Messi's contract presently runs until June 2023, with the option to extend for another year.Prior to being part of PSG, Messi spent his entire career at Barcelona, where he won the Spanish league title 10 times and won the Champions League four times. https://sputnikglobe.com/20220928/lionel-messi-makes-history-becoming-first-south-american-player-to-record-100-international-wins-1101300019.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Egor Shapovalov Egor Shapovalov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Egor Shapovalov lionel messi, paris saint-germain, messi stays with psg, luis campos' statement on negotiations with messi The Scottsbluff city council held a short meeting Monday where they entered an agreement to hire a campground host and manager of Riverside Park Campground, located at 1600 S. Beltline Highway West. They also took action to approve a certificate of compliance with the state. Public works director Mark Bohl went before the council to recommend the approval of Brian and Lori Lore to serve as campground host and manager. The agreement was made between the parties of the City of Scottsbluff and Brian and Lori Lore, according to council packet information. The city owns and operates Riverside Park Campground, a rental campground for the public and tourists. However, the city needs a campground host and manager to carry out the responsibilities at the property. As the manager, the Lores are responsible for the collection of rental campground registration forms with the name, address and zip code for future marketing purposes; completing daily cash receipts and delivering registration and rental proceeds to the supervisor weekly; enforce rules and regulations; care and upkeep of campground; daily service to restrooms and showers; customer service; and reporting of maintenance, damage or unwanted behavior. The agreement is effective from May 1, 2023, until Oct. 1. The manager will be compensated $1,400 per month and will live at the campground. The council approved the agreement unanimously. Bohl also presented the council with information about a certificate of compliance for 2022 regarding maintenance agreement No. 22 with the Nebraska Department of Transportation. The certificate certifies that all roadway surface maintenance was accomplished. The states responsibility for surface maintenance within the city limits is 17.52 lane miles. That includes 13.60 miles along Highway 26, 1.26 mile on West Junction 71 and Highway 26 to the north of city limits and 3.02 miles to the west of city limits to the south limits. As part of the agreement, the state agrees to pay the city $2,100 per lane mile for the surface maintenance, which equates to $36,792. This is the compliance that we did those in 22, Bohl told the council. We approved 23 first and this is the compliance that we did do all of those things for 22 and well get our payment for $2,100. The council recently heard details about an agreement with the state for the 2023 duties the city will be reimbursed for, if completed. The council approved the compliance certificate unanimously. <&rule> While his career as a Christian county music artist might be keeping him touring for the next two months, Shellem Cline always remembers where hes from. Whether thats by filming the music video for Thats What We Do in Troutman or returning for shows, the town is rarely far from his mind. I grew up in Troutman, my dad and mom and little brother still live in Troutman, my dads a member of the fire department. So the town of travel has always been my home and thats where I grew up, I grew up going to the Best Little Pizza House and eating and Kats Patch and different places like that ... playing ball there in the park and things like that. And with a concert next month to benefit the Childrens Hope Alliance, Cline said he is grateful for the support and the ability to give back. Its absolutely amazing. I love it because of the fact at the end of the day my music is more than just a concert, you know, I have purpose and to be able to help a child to help an organization thats helping kids, Cline said. Its an opportunity like when I can reach outside the box and hopefully put a smile on peoples faces, but also help its their job to protect kids, then Im doing something right. WAME will host Cline on March 25 at their South Central Street studio at 6 p.m., with tickets going for $5 for general admission and $10 for VIP, which also gets a gift and refreshments for those ticket holders. Tickets can be bought by calling 615-762-8247. He said shows like the one at WAME feature, of course, some of his country Christian music, but old country hits and comedy tunes as well. That show will be part of a busy few months for Cline, who will also begin the process of writing and recording his next album, set for release in 2024. And by the time that album comes out, he can perhaps add award-winning to his resume as well. Cline was recently announced as a top 10 finalist for the Absolutely Gospel Music/Positively Country Music Awards in Nashville. Cline is nominated in three categories, including Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year with Does Heaven Have a Dirt Road and Video of the Year with Thats What We Do. And with the success he has found, he said he is grateful to have gone from music as a part-time gig to something he can call his job now. He said there was a period in 2016 when he wasnt sure if he could continue and support his growing family through his music. But a flurry of calls and booked shows led him to make a leap of faith with his career in music. Since then, he has found success and hopes to continue to earn the affection of his fans and recognition within his industry. God really blessed us, which tells me I know that Im doing what Im called to do, Cline said. Famous American actor Joe Manganiello told the harrowing story of his great-grandmother, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide, on the PBS program Finding Your Roots. In an exclusive video provided to People, Manganiello detailed how his great-grandmother, who witnessed the murder of her husband and 7 children, fled Armenia in 1915. "The Turks came into her home in 1915 under the guise of World War I and tried to enact the genocide that they had begun. They shot her husband dead, shot her. She laid on the ground, pretended that she was dead while seven other gunshots that went off, which were...her seven children," the actor said. Manganiello's grandmother lay like that until the Turks left her house. "She laid there unmoving and the Turks left the house and left the eighth child, who was an infant in the crib, to starve to death, which is just the way that they did business." Then Joe's grandmother strapped the baby to her back and fled the town, but narrowly escaped the horrible "death march." "They would just handcuff, chain the Armenians together and march them out to the desert, and release the Kurds, give them military coats, horses and guns, to then go do what they wanted with their mortal enemies, the Armenians. She escaped that," the actor said. Snuck past, got to the Euphrates river with the baby on her back, swam across the river, and when she got to the other side, the baby had drowned." Manganiello added that his great-grandmother, so wounded, lived in a cave with other refugees until the German military found her. She became pregnant in a German military camp by a German officer. When asked what made them participate in the famous show, Manganiello said, "I had known since I was a kid about the Armenian genocide survivor story and that there was this German soldier who was my great-grandfather. For the past ten years, Id been trying to get on a genealogy show to find out who that German was. I always got no. And about two years ago, we got a yes from Finding Your Roots because they felt that technology had gotten to the place where they might be able to make some headway." Project host Henry Louis Gates Jr. admitted to Rolling Stone magazine that Joe Manganiello's story was one of the most impressive for him. Finally, thanks to the program, it was discovered that the name of that German soldier was Karl Wilhelm Beutinger. Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram A new speed limit was recently put in place to reduce the speed to 45 mph from the north side of Riner to Christiansburg town limits. The Virginia Department of Transportation announced the change on Facebook on Jan. 25, when the message boards went up to alert drivers. Several factors went into the decision to reduce the speed limit, VDOT Communications Manager Jason Bond said, including crash history, operating speeds, traffic volume, geometrics of the road, sight distance, and development. This section of Route 8 was studied for a potential speed change based on requests from the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, which cited increased development, both commercial and residential, high traffic and recent crashes as their reason for the request, Bond said. A study of the 2.6-mile stretch, conducted by traffic engineers, revealed 65 crashes that resulted in 29 injuries and two deaths in the past three years, Bond said. Other findings included a high crash rate, sight distance limitations, and a greater density of businesses than other 55 mph sections of Route 8. The stretch of road includes several driveways, Alys Italian Restaurant and Sinkland Farms. Bond said officials from the Virginia State Police and Montgomery County Sheriffs Office agreed with the change. None of the crash investigations between Riner and the Floyd County line have listed speed as a contributing factor. As a result, no formal engineering speed study has been recommended, Bond said. Bond noted the curve warning signs and speed advisory signs on the south side of Route 8, headed toward Floyd County. The traffic volume on Route 8 south of Riner is significantly less than compared to north of Riner, he said. A 31-year-old Kelso man has pleaded not guilty to 37 felonies in a Cowlitz County Superior Court over accusations that he sexually abused two minors on multiple occasions for years. Kevin Michael Hibberd is accused of sexually abusing and exploiting a 10-year-old between 2017 and September 2022. He is expected to appear via Zoom before a Cowlitz County Superior court on March 2 for a pre-trial hearing at 9 a.m. Hes also accused of raping and molesting another similarly aged girl between 2018 and 2022. Among the charges Hibberd is facing are 12 counts of rape, four counts of child molestation, four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, and three counts of possession of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to court documents. Sixteen of the charges are punishable by a life sentence in a Washington state prison, according to a court document. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to The Daily News. The victims mother told police that Hibberd confessed to her that he sexually abused her child between April 2022 and May 2022. Hibberd must stay at least 100 yards away from one of the victims and is prohibited from obtaining or possessing firearms. The other victim since has moved out of the area. The mother of the first potential victim provided investigators access to a cellphone that contained two videos and photos, allegedly of Hibberd engaging in sexual contact with the victim, according to a probable cause statement. Hibberd allegedly made a nearly six-minute video of him dancing in his underwear in front of the first girl before proceeding to sexually abuse her, according to a probable cause statement. In another video, lasting one hour and 27 minutes, Hibberd forces the victim to wear revealing clothing and then proceeds to allegedly assault the minor, according to the statement. The document also states that Hibberd asked the victim to send photos of herself to him. In October 2022, Hibberd was compelled by a court order to surrender a DNA sample to determine if his DNA was present on evidence collected by investigators. According to court documents, on Sept. 18, 2022, Hibberd sent a text message to the victim asking her to Send me a picture of up your dress. I want to see what panties you are wearing. In a court memorandum, Hibberd is also accused of sexually abusing a neighbors daughter who was 10 years old at the time. The memorandum also states Hibberd has abused the girl as early as 6 or 7 years old. In 2014, Hibberd pleaded guilty to molesting a child. Years ago, though still just in its adolescence as a small two-year university, Washington State University Vancouver started to think bigger. How do we grow? How can we create a real sense of community on campus? What services do we need for the next generation? While the COVID-19 pandemic added a whole new collection of questions, the acceleration of decadelong trends in student demographics are leading WSU Vancouver to consider how it can serve as more of a caretaker for its students a role more typical of a residential four-year institution. Our board of regents is committed to the idea that growth for WSU isnt just going to happen in Pullman, said Mel Netzhammer, WSU Vancouvers chancellor. That growth is already happening, with plans from a 2018 update to the schools master plan putting WSU Vancouver along a path toward a life as a totally transformed university. A first big step is a new Life Sciences Building already under construction with the goal of completion by spring 2024. Next up: residence halls and facilities to support students living on campus. Shifting demographics Netzhammer is making one thing clear: WSU Vancouvers biggest priority is stabilizing enrollment. Perhaps the key to doing so, he said, is taking note of how the school has managed to attract freshmen students at a more consistent clip than transfer students prior to the pandemic. Between 2012 and 2017, the number of total applications WSU Vancouver received from potential freshmen more than doubled. And since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, first-year freshmen applied at a greater rate than transfers for the first time in a decade. At the same time, transfer student applications slipped: the school received 1,231 transfer applications in 2019 and just 890 in 2021. School leaders chalked that change up to the increased economic appeal or need to seek employment as opposed to continuing education. To keep enrollment from dropping further, WSU Vancouver offered enrollment to 81 percent of freshman applicants in 2020 and 88 percent in 2021, compared with just 62 percent in pre-pandemic levels. Years ago, as this trend began, the school launched University 104 a class designed to revamp the advising process for new students. Rather than meet with academic and career advisers once every semester, the program allowed students to meet with advisers on a weekly basis all year in a classroom setting with a group of students with similar academic interests. More recently, the class has featured conversations about student identity as the schools incoming student body grew more diverse. The goal was to create a greater sense of community for new, younger students who might otherwise miss out on such an aspect at a commuter school and introducing core values of inclusion and personal reflection. Its a balancing act, Netzhammer said. Our student body isnt monolithic. Infrastructure changes WSU Vancouver officials have long considered how the addition of on-campus housing might change the university. In 2018, the school updated its master plan to allow for residence halls and identify exactly where they might go. We have a lot of space to do cool things on our campus. But (the conversation about adding residence halls) really started to gain momentum when we saw that increase in first-year students, said Jenny Chambers-Taube, the vice chancellor for finance and operations. The 2018 plan update shows spaces for two potential residence halls on the south end of campus, just along the winding road leading from the schools entrance on Northeast Salmon Creek Avenue. To preserve views of Mount Hood for residents of Mount Vista, the community just west of campus, building heights would be limited at 72 feet. Similar to the now-under-construction Life Sciences building on the northeast side of campus, the residence halls would be built into the slope. Given height and slope restrictions, Chambers-Taube said, each unit would support up to 300 students depending on design. If you design it with suite-style housing, that accommodates fewer than a traditional dorm-style, Chambers-Taube said. Both units wouldnt be built at the same time, of course. Wed start with just one, see how it goes and, depending on further demand, weigh the construction of a second one. A timeline for residence halls is not set. They remain in the concept phase, which means development is at least five years in the future. More than housing Facilitating life for on-campus living is about more than giving students a place to sleep; it requires a whole new range of services, Chambers-Taube said. The 2018 update includes plans for new recreation fields and a fully dedicated student union just west of the residence halls in whats now a mostly empty grass field. This changes the nature and the culture of our community. Were going to need to support our residents 24/7, Chambers-Taube said. Youll need more dining options, more safety needs, more recreation and options for students outside of academics, longer hours of operations of libraries, student centers and so on. The new student union would feature dining options and meeting spaces for students; in turn, the existing Firstenburg Student Commons would shift to be a more multi-use facility and potentially serve as rentable event space for summer camps or local organizations. No timeline for these projects has been set. They havent even made it to concept status at this point. A state of flux Even with ideas of expansion on the horizon, Netzhammer cautions that the tail of COVID-19 is long, and there are many steps the university will have to take before diving into such ambitious projects. The hope is that, one day, programs like the University 104 class and advising shifts would help create a new sense of community on campus at a school that might one day house students. Using this (advising approach) that weve implemented, theres definitely parallels to what could work in a residence hall, said Cindy Morical. But right now, (the University 104 system) is kind of what we have in place of that residence experience. What can we put together as a commuter campus to make it feel like that? Reopening the cafeteria and child care services to pre-pandemic capacities will be the most immediate goals, Netzhammer said. Past that, they will look to continue assessing how to best provide a variety of in-person, online and hybrid class options that best services the current student body. These things dont get solved tomorrow, he said. We will be dealing with the implications of COVID for many years to come. Itll always be a part of our planning. We need to figure out what makes the most sense. How do these plans connect with current students priorities? The tumultuous series of events leading to today, however, dont prevent Netzhammer from smiling about what could come next. The future is beginning to look a little less cloudy. This will change us, he said. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: FRIDA, a collaborative robotics and art project at Carnegie Mellon Universitys Robotics Institute, works on a painting. Credit: Carnegie Mellon University Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute has a new artist-in-residence. FRIDA, a robotic arm with a paintbrush taped to it, uses artificial intelligence to collaborate with humans on works of art. Ask FRIDA to paint a picture, and it gets to work putting brush to canvas. "There's this one painting of a frog ballerina that I think turned out really nicely," said Peter Schaldenbrand, a School of Computer Science Ph.D. student in the Robotics Institute working with FRIDA and exploring AI and creativity. "It is really silly and fun, and I think the surprise of what FRIDA generated based on my input was really fun to see." FRIDA, named after Frida Kahlo, stands for Framework and Robotics Initiative for Developing Arts. The project is led by Schaldenbrand with RI faculty members Jean Oh and Jim McCann, and has attracted students and researchers across CMU. Users can direct FRIDA by inputting a text description, submitting other works of art to inspire its style, or uploading a photograph and asking it to paint a representation of it. The team is experimenting with other inputs as well, including audio. They played ABBA's "Dancing Queen" and asked FRIDA to paint it. Credit: Carnegie Mellon University "FRIDA is a robotic painting system, but FRIDA is not an artist," Schaldenbrand said. "FRIDA is not generating the ideas to communicate. FRIDA is a system that an artist could collaborate with. The artist can specify high-level goals for FRIDA and then FRIDA can execute them." The robot uses AI models similar to those powering tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT and DALL-E 2, which generate text or an image, respectively, in response to a prompt. FRIDA simulates how it would paint an image with brush strokes and uses machine learning to evaluate its progress as it works. FRIDA's final products are impressionistic and whimsical. The brushstrokes are bold. They lack the precision sought so often in robotic endeavors. If FRIDA makes a mistake, it riffs on it, incorporating the errant splotch of paint into the end result. "FRIDA is a project exploring the intersection of human and robotic creativity," McCann said. "FRIDA is using the kind of AI models that have been developed to do things like caption images and understand scene content and applying it to this artistic generative problem." A collection of paintings completed by FRIDA, a collaborative robotics and art project at Carnegie Mellon Universitys Robotics Institute. Credit: Carnegie Mellon University FRIDA taps into AI and machine learning several times during its artistic process. First, it spends an hour or more learning how to use its paintbrush. Then, it uses large vision-language models trained on massive datasets that pair text and images scraped from the internet, such as OpenAI's Contrastive Language-Image Pre-Training (CLIP), to understand the input. AI systems use these models to generate new text or images based on a prompt. Other image-generating tools such as OpenAI's DALL-E 2, use large vision-language models to produce digital images. FRIDA takes that a step further and uses its embodied robotic system to produce physical paintings. One of the biggest technical challenges in producing a physical image is reducing the simulation-to-real gap, the difference between what FRIDA composes in simulation and what it paints on the canvas. FRIDA uses an idea known as real2sim2real. The robot's actual brush strokes are used to train the simulator to reflect and mimic the physical capabilities of the robot and painting materials. FRIDA's team also seeks to address some of the limitations in current large vision-language models by continually refining the ones they use. The team fed the models the headlines from news articles to give it a sense of what was happening in the world and further trained them on images and text more representative of diverse cultures to avoid an American or Western bias. This multicultural collaboration effort is led by Zhixuan Liu and Beverley-Claire Okogwu, first-year RI master's students, and Youeun Shin and Youngsik Yun, visiting master's students from Dongguk University in Korea. Their efforts include training data contributions from China, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Vietnam and other countries. The FRIDA team, from left: Peter Schaldenbrand, Ph.D. student; Jean Oh, associate research professor, and Jim McCann, assistant professor. Credit: Carnegie Mellon University Once FRIDA's human user has specified a high-level concept of the painting they want to create, the robot uses machine learning to create its simulation and develop a plan to make a painting to achieve the user's goals. FRIDA displays a color pallet on a computer screen for a human to mix and provide to the robot. Automatic paint mixing is currently being developed, led by Jiaying Wei, a master's student in the School of Architecture, with Eunsu Kang, faculty in the Machine Learning Department. Armed with a brush and paint, FRIDA will make its first strokes. Every so often, the robot uses an overhead camera to capture an image of the painting. The image helps FRIDA evaluate its progress and refine its plan, if needed. The whole process takes hours. "People wonder if FRIDA is going to take artists' jobs, but the main goal of the FRIDA project is quite the opposite. We want to really promote human creativity through FRIDA," Oh said. "For instance, I personally wanted to be an artist. Now, I can actually collaborate with FRIDA to express my ideas in painting." More information about FRIDA is available on its website. The team will present its latest research from the project, "FRIDA: A Collaborative Robot Painter With a Differentiable, Real2Sim2Real Planning Environment" at the 2023 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation this May in London. FRIDA resides in the RI's Bot Intelligence Group (BIG) lab in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The vast majority (77%) of those surveyed would have received an F in most American classrooms (0-53% correct). Another 15% would have received a D (54-65%), 6% would have received a C (71-76%), 1% would have received a B (82-88% correct), and a lone single person would have gotten an A, with 94% correct. Credit: Americans Can't Consent to Companies' Use of Their Data (2023). Have you ever had the experience of browsing for an item online, only to then see ads for it everywhere? Or watching a TV program, and suddenly your phone shows you an ad related to the topic? Marketers clearly know a lot about us, but the extent of what they know, how they know it, and what they're legally allowed to know can feel awfully murky. In a new report, "Americans Can't Consent to Companies' Use of Their Data," researchers from the Annenberg School for Communication and elsewhere asked a nationally representative group of more than 2,000 Americans to answer a set of questions about digital marketing policies and how companies can and should use their personal data. Their aim was to determine whether current "informed consent" practices are working online. They found that the great majority of Americans don't understand the fundamentals of internet marketing practices and policies, and that many feel incapable of consenting to how companies use their data. As a result, the researchers say, Americans can't truly give informed consent to digital data collection. The survey revealed that 56% of American adults don't understand the term "privacy policy," often believing it means that a company won't share their data with third parties without permission. In actual fact, many of these policies state that a company can share or sell any data it gathers about site visitors with other websites or companies. Perhaps because so many Americans feel that internet privacy feels impossible to comprehendwith "opting-out" or "opting-in," biometrics, and VPNsthey don't trust what is being done with their digital data. Eighty percent of Americans believe that what companies know about them can cause them harm. "People don't feel that they have the ability to protect their data onlineeven if they want to," says lead researcher Joseph Turow, Robert Lewis Shayon Professor of Media Systems & Industries at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. What Americans knowor don't Americans often encounter the idea of "informed consent" in the medical context: For example, you should understand what your doctor is recommending and the possible benefits and risks before you agree or disagree to a procedure. That same principle has been applied by lawmakers and policymakers with respect to the commercial internet. People must either explicitly "opt in" for marketers to take and use data about them, or have the ability to "opt out." This presupposes two things: that people are informedthat they understand what is happening to their dataand that they've provided consent for it to happen. To test both of these elements, the survey presented 17 true/false statements about internet practices and policies and asked participants to mark them as true or false or indicate that they did not know the answer. Statements included, "A company can tell that I have opened its email even if I don't click on any links" (which is true) and "It is illegal for internet marketers to record my computer's IP address" (which is false). Fully 77% of those surveyed answered 9 or fewer questions correctlya failing grade in a typical classroom. Only one person in the entire 2,000-person sample would have received an "A" on the test. Nevertheless, the survey provided many insights into Americans' digital knowledge: Only around 1 in 3 Americans knows it is legal for an online store to charge people different prices depending on where they are located. More than 8 in 10 Americans believe, incorrectly, that the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) stops apps from selling data collected about app users' health to marketers. Fewer than 1 in 3 Americans knows that price-comparison travel sites such as Expedia or Orbitz are not obligated to display the lowest airline prices. Fewer than half of Americans know that Facebook's user privacy settings allow users to limit some of the information about them shared with advertisers. "Being wrong about such facts can have real consequences," the report notes. For example, a person who uses a fertility app to facilitate family planning may not realize that U.S. health privacy laws don't prevent the app from selling their fertility data to a third party. In addition, retailers can sell data on who has shopped for fertility-related items, and in many cases, internet service providers can sell your browser search history. What if your employer or health insurer had that information? In the wake of the Dobbs decision that allows states to regulate abortion, experts also fear that the availability of these seemingly personal data may leave individuals legally vulnerable as well. 'We the resigned' In this study, and others Turow and colleagues have conducted in the past, virtually all Americans agree that they want to have control over what marketers can learn about them online. But at the same time, they see that outcome as virtually impossible. Turow says this belief that control is out of your hands and that it's pointless to try and change a situation is called resignation. Most Americans are resigned to living in a world where marketers taking and using your data is inevitable. And Turow has seen a large uptick in resignation to privacy intrusions among Americans. In 2015, his research showed that 58% percent of Americans were resigned. Now that figure is up to 74%. "The levels of resignation and the levels of distrust are huge," he says. "Only 14% of Americans believe that companies can be trusted to use their data with their best interests in mind, so the vast majority of people who use the internet are essentially relinquishing their data to entities that they don't trust." Calling on Congress to act The study found that nearly 80% of Americans believe it is urgent for Congress to act now to regulate how companies' can use personal information. "We live in a society where there's a sea of data collected about individuals that people don't understand, know they don't understand, are distrustful of, resigned to, and believe can harm them," Turow says. "At the same time, the kinds of technologies that are being used to track people are getting more sophisticated all the time." He worries that the longer governments wait to change things, the harder it will be to control any of our data. "For about 30 years, big companies have been allowed to shape a whole environment for us, essentially without our permission," he says. "And 30 years from now, it might be too late to say, 'This is totally unacceptable.'" Conclusions and solutions To date, privacy laws have been focused on individual consent, favoring companies over individuals, putting the onus on internet users to make sense of whetherand howto opt in or out. "We have data now that shows very strongly that the individual consent model isn't working," Turow says. He and his co-researchers suggest that policymakers "flip the script" and restrict the advertising-based business model to contextual advertising, where companies can target people based only on the environment in which they find customers. For example, if you visited a website about cars, automotive-related companies would be allowed to display advertisements to you, though without any data on your individual behavior on that website. The researchers realize they are calling for a paradigm shift in information-economy law and corporate practice, but believe consumers deserve dramatically more privacy than they currently have and should get it without the burden of becoming technology experts. Turow says he hopes that this research will jumpstart a new conversation about privacy and consent, one that will encourage individuals to shake off their resignation. "It can feel too late to change things," Turow says, "but I think we should try." More information: Report: https://www.asc.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/2023-02/Americans_Can%27t_Consent.pdf Joseph Turow et al, The Tradeoff Fallacy: How Marketers are Misrepresenting American Consumers and Opening Them Up to Exploitation, SSRN Electronic Journal (2016). DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.2820060 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The German government announced the appointment Tuesday of the European Central Bank's head of IT systems to lead the national cybersecurity agency, months after her predecessor was removed following reports of possible problematic ties to Russia. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said Claudia Plattner "brings the experience and expertise with her that we need for cybersecurity in these particularly challenging times." She will take charge of the BSI agency on July 1, becoming the first woman in the role. Faeser dismissed the BSI's previous head, Arne Schoenbohm, in October. He had been in charge of the agency since 2016. Schoenbohm co-founded a cybersecurity group a decade ago that brought together experts from public institutions and the private sector. German media reported that one of its members was a company founded by a former Russian intelligence agent. The group said last week that it had thrown out the company. The Interior Ministry said in the fall that the allegations "damaged the necessary confidence of the public in the neutrality and impartiality" of Schoenbohm's management. Schoenbohm defended himself against the allegations. He has since taken up a new job as the head of another body overseen by the Interior Ministry, the Federal Academy of Public Administration. Plattner worked for German railway operator Deutsche Bahn's IT provider, DB Systel, before joining the ECB in July 2021. The Frankfurt-based central bank said it would announce a successor "in due course." 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Major layoffs at big technology companies have dominated national headlines in recent months, seemingly portending doom and gloom for tech workers. But the reality for most companies, including Philadelphia employers, is a continuing shortage of skilled technologists and a desire to hire more. Recent cuts at Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, Meta, Twitter, Coinbase and Spotify have tallied up to more than 50,000 roles in the tech industry. But local experts say that many of the eliminated positions belonged to support roles like salespeople and recruiters, rather than technologists, and many companies outside the technology sector still need tech-skilled workers desperately. "We routinely confuse the difference between tech jobs," which exist in all industries, "and jobs in tech," which include business functions within a tech-focused company, said Christopher Wink, cofounder and CEO of Technical.ly, a news organization that serves the tech and start-up community. The recent layoffs Wink has seen locally are few, he said. Even for those workers, "the prospects are good if you're a highly skilled professional with a prestigious company on your resume," Wink added. Locally, "tech jobs" have generally been safe from cuts, he explained, because they tend to be focused on maintenance or development of current products. In that way, Philadelphia is different from Silicon Valley, where many technologists are doing research and development and other speculative work, Wink said, which might get de-emphasized in a recession. "The biggest impact is more the psychological impact," Brittany Nisenzon, a regional director for recruiting firm Robert Half, said of the national layoff news. In other words, seeing huge public companies laying off thousands of workers makes other companies pause, but local employers don't seem to be considering layoffs en masse. Still, they have slowed the hiring process slightly, she said. In tech-focused jobs specifically, demand has been consistent, Nisenzon said. Companies want people with software development, DevOps and infrastructure engineering skills, as well as tech support workers, she said, and many companies still need people to help them move from on-premise to cloud-based systems. "The highest demand is certainly on skilled technology, people that have experience," she added. That presents difficulties, because local employers need to attract entry-level tech workers as well, if they want to have a pool of skilled workers later. Getting the people The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia is working on a campaign to attract and retain tech talent in the city. A shortage of tech talent exists in most places, said Sarah Steltz, the chamber's vice president of economic competitiveness, and Philadelphia wants to welcome displaced tech workers who may have been laid off. "Philadelphia has not had the same profile of being a tech ecosystem" as some other cities, Steltz said. But local companies now see "a unique opportunity to try to build the concentration of tech talent we have here in our region." Steltz noted that the biggest tech companies experienced explosive growth during the pandemic and hired at a clip. Now, she said, there are still more tech jobs being posted than before the pandemic, even as demand eases somewhat. She recommends job-seekers consider companies in all industries. The burgeoning life sciences and biotech industries in Philadelphia are going to need more skilled technologists, added Claire Greenwood, executive director of the chamber's CEO council for growth. Also hiring are existing local brands that build their own tech and need workers to do it, she said. Wawa is one of those companies. The Delaware County-born convenience store chain wants to turn a former storefront in Center City into a training center for tech workers. "That is a great location and hopefully a visible sign that tech is alive and well, and the ecosystem we create around it in Philly is alive and well and grows," CEO Christopher Gheysens said last month. The company builds its own customer-facing systems and spends about 30% of its overhead on technology, he said, and needs more midlevel tech workers. Wells Fargo is another example, with about 100 open tech positions in Philadelphia. Stephen Battersby, who works on consumer technology for Wells Fargo, said a background in the financial industry isn't a prerequisite. "We're a fintech company," said Battersby, referring to the financial technology industry, often perceived as a more innovative space than traditional banking with the emergence of consumer-facing apps and cryptocurrency. Battersby said Wells Fargo has about 300 tech workers in Philadelphia and about 40,000 across the company. "That's comparable to big tech companies," he added. Also in the banking industry, JPMorgan Chase is looking to fill 725 jobs, including 200 technology roles at various levels, just down I-95 in Wilmington and Newark, Del. The company just broke ground on a new building to house all of those employees, highlighting their investment in technology. Zooming out from layoffs The Philadelphia region hasn't been entirely immune to layoffs in recent months, but they've been relatively few in the last quarter, when compared to Silicon Valley, and explained by specific company or industry stresses. The mortgage-industry slowdown late last year led to Radian and Finance of America Holdings letting go of workers in Montgomery County. Bucks County-based generic drug maker Lannett Co. announced a restructuring in December, shutting down two plants in Northeast Philly. Penn Medicine Hospice at Rittenhouse announced its closure in December, pointing to a change in people's preferences for hospice care. The Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor and Industry said it has received layoff alerts, known as WARN notices, affecting 1,023 workers in the first month of 2023. By comparison, the full year of Pennsylvania WARN notices affected a total of 7,493 workers in 2022 and 8,687 in 2021. Nationally, the major layoffs in big tech aren't representative of the whole job market. Hiring is still a tough task, and a layoff rate of close to 1% consistently since 2021 indicates that it's still a candidate's market, wrote Atta Tarki, founder of search firm ECA partners, in a recent Harvard Business Review column. Hiring Philadelphians One thing that may help employers and job-seekers ease the hiring processin tech roles especiallyis meeting in the middle when it comes to remote work. "We're overwhelmingly seeing the employers looking for on-site candidates," Nisenzon, of Robert Half, said. But "the term hybrid remains undefined and makes people nervous because it's a fluid definition." Candidates overwhelmingly prefer remote work, she said, but they limit their prospects severely when they rule out hybrid jobs. Being open to a local employer who requires some on-site work means they'll only be competing against other local candidates, instead of similarly skilled workers across the entire U.S. "I'd continue to encourage employees to consider in on-site work," Nisenzon said. And "employers [should] keep an open mind in terms of working with remote candidates." Wink, of Technical.ly, also stressed the importance of getting local employers to hire people who will live in the Philadelphia region, even if they do some work remotely. Each tech job created supports 4.4 other local jobs. A recent report from Technical.ly titled "A Way Forward: What's really holding back diversity in tech?" explained that while Greater Philadelphia's tech ecosystem is relatively small, employing just 3.7% of area workers, it is important because each tech job created supports 4.4 other local jobs. That effect is lost, however, if the employees don't spend any of their time in the region where their employer is based, Wink said. But the companies looking to hire tech workers are facing a supply problem, the report made clear, and the region's tech workforce has become less diverse than the country's as a whole. Technical.ly's recommendations include in-school and extracurricular STEM programs for children, as well as advanced skills training for existing workers and potential career-changers. The report also recommends a focus on attracting people, not businesses. "For decades, economic growth has focused on attracting companies, which would in turn lure residents. The pandemic and remote work will flip this for the most coveted kinds of companies," the report said. "This presents an opportunity for diversifying a workforce by attracting and retaining people by making the best city to live." 2023 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Wi-Mesh analyzes the wi-fi signals reflections at multiple antennas to construct 3D human mesh representation, which can then be utilized for various innovative applications. Credit: Yichao Wang and Jie Yang A 3D mesh is a three-dimensional object representation made of different vertices and polygons. These representations can be very useful for numerous technological applications, including computer vision, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) systems. Researchers at Florida State University and Rutgers University have recently developed Wi-Mesh, a system that can create reliable 3D human meshes, representations of humans that can then be used by different computational models and applications. Their system was presented at the Twentieth ACM Conference on Embedded Networked Sensor Systems (ACM SenSys '22), a conference focusing on computer science research. "Our research group specializes in cutting-edge wi-fi sensing research," Professor Jie Yang at Florida State University, one of the researchers who carried out the study, told Tech Xplore. "In previous work, we have developed systems that use wi-fi devices to sense a range of human activities and objects, including large-scale human body movements, small-scale finger movements, sleep monitoring, and daily objects. Our E-eyes and WiFinger systems were among the first to use wi-fi sensing to classify various types of daily activities and finger gestures, with a focus on predefined activities using a trained model." The key objective of the recent work by Professor Yang and his colleagues was to assess whether wi-fi devices that are commonly used for communications could also help to construct 3D human meshes. A 3D human mesh represents the surface of a human body in three-dimensions, capturing different people's heights, weights, somatotypes, body proportions and articulation-induced body deformations. "3D human meshes have numerous applications, including VR/AR content creation, virtual try-on, and exercise monitoring, and are a fundamental building block for various downstream tasks, such as animation, clothed human reconstruction, and rendering," Professor Yang explained. Wi-Mesh, the system created by the researchers, leverages several antennas integrated in common wi-fi communication devices to create human meshes. Essentially, the system emits wi-fi signals to probe the human body and then analyzes reflections to derive the shape of the human body. "Our system analyzes reflections off the human body to estimate the two-dimensional angle of arrival (2D AoA) of the signal reflections, allowing wi-fi devices to 'see' the environment like humans do," Professor Yang said. "The system then extracts the 2D AoA images of the human and further leverages deep learning models to convert the 2D AoA images of human body into 3D mesh representation, which can be used in various human computer interaction (HCI) applications like VR/AR content creation, virtual try-on, and exercise monitoring." Wi-Mesh has several advantages over tradition camera-based systems for creating 3D human meshes. Most notably, these traditional systems cannot function in non-line-of-sight (NLoS), dark or baggy clothing scenarios, while Wi-Mesh even works through walls and obstacles, as wi-fi signals can penetrate them. In contrast with other proposed systems, Wi-Mesh also does not rely on wearable sensors or markers, making it transparent and easy to use. Finally, this new system can be easily deployed using existing wi-fi communication devices, making it more affordable and facilitating its widespread adoption. "Our study shows that it's possible to use commodity wi-fi to construct a 3D human mesh, something that was previously thought impossible," Professor Yang said. "This breakthrough means that wi-fi devices can not only communicate but also 'see' and visualize the human body, offering a new level of sensing capabilities." The recent study by this team of researchers could soon open new and exciting possibilities for the construction of human meshes for different technological applications. In the future, the Wi-Mesh system could be used to create better VR and AR content, more advanced real-time dancing videogames and exercise monitoring apps, and other technologies that bridge the gap between the physical and virtual world, such the widely discussed "metaverse." In their next studies, Professor Yang and his colleagues plan to create innovative applications that can take advantage of the 3D human meshes created by their system. One of these applications, a smart home security system, is set to be presented at the USENIX Security Conference 2023. "We are currently working on an intelligent surveillance system that uses 3D human meshes from wi-fi devices to perform person re-identification (Re-ID)," Professor Yang added. "The constructed 3D human mesh can capture information about a person's height, weight, body proportions, and gait, making it possible to identify individuals. This approach offers several benefits compared to traditional camera-based surveillance systems. For example, it can identify individuals even in changing appearances and poses, and it works in non-line-of-sight scenarios, where camera-based systems often fail." More information: Yichao Wang et al, 3D Human Mesh Construction Leveraging Wi-Fi, arXiv (2022). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2210.10957 Yan Wang et al, E-eyes, Proceedings of the 20th annual international conference on Mobile computing and networking (2014). DOI: 10.1145/2639108.2639143 Sheng Tan et al, MultiTrack, Proceedings of the 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (2019). DOI: 10.1145/3290605.3300766 Sheng Tan et al, WiFinger, Proceedings of the 17th ACM International Symposium on Mobile Ad Hoc Networking and Computing (2016). DOI: 10.1145/2942358.2942393 Jian Liu et al, Tracking Vital Signs During Sleep Leveraging Off-the-shelf WiFi, Proceedings of the 16th ACM International Symposium on Mobile Ad Hoc Networking and Computing (2015). DOI: 10.1145/2746285.2746303 Yili Ren et al, Liquid Level Sensing Using Commodity WiFi in a Smart Home Environment, Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies (2020). DOI: 10.1145/3380996 Journal information: arXiv 2023 Science X Network Bryan Fire Department members are hoping to keep fit and become their best selves in order to continue fighting fires and keep residents safe. In order to maintain their health, the fire department is hoping to sign a three-year contract for $630,500 with Alinea Physiotherapy & Wellness of College Station, to facilitate a Health and Wellness initiative. On Monday, Jason Nored, assistant fire chief of operations for the Bryan Fire Department, said he and Greg Propst, owner of Alinea Physiotherapy & Wellness, started discussing a background for the health and wellness of firefighters. There were some articles that [Propst] had seen on different initiatives that were put out there based on the International Association of Firefighters. We took what they had and we tried to scale it down to fit the size of department we have, Nored said Monday. It has probably been a year and a half in the making of us trying to figure out how we want to pursue this, and last year we got awarded grant funding through FEMA to initiate this program. The department received a $195,000 grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which will pay for the first year of this program. However, the fire department needs funding for the following two years. The department will request those funds from the city during Tuesday nights city council meeting. The annual expenditures specified within this contract will not exceed $200,000 for year one with a 5% increase for each additional year and paid on a monthly basis, according to city staff. The total three-year contract amount is $630,500, and Nored said, if approved by the council, they will also seek more grants during the remaining two years to go toward the program. According to the contract, Alinea Physiotherapy & Wellness will provide a program consisting of wellness, fitness plans, educational sessions for sleep, rest, recovery, nutrition, lifestyle, physical therapy and other related services that improve the health and wellness of employees, reduce lost time by preventing injuries and chronic disease and reduce recovery time. They will provide on-site representatives to manage the program at Bryan fire stations. The program focuses on four things and branches out from there, Nored said. Every year we do stress tests with Texas A&M and as part of this program [Propst] will evaluate everybodys fitness packet that [includes] bloodwork and physical exams. He is going to evaluate that and have a discussion with each individual on some concerns or areas they can improve. Ultimately the fire department will be the first to participate in the program, but Nored said the goal is to have it expand to the Bryan Police Department and more city entities so everyone can benefit. The Bryan Fire Department wanted to do a pilot program for the city of Bryan as a whole; we were going to implement this for the fire department, he said. We are signing a three-year contract, with the hopes that during year one we are going to bring on some Bryan Police Department [officers] as a test, with the hope that eventually we will spread into BPD and [Bryan Texas Utilities] once we have supportive data. Bryan city staff members say they are in support of this contract and at the conclusion, data and justification will be reviewed to determine if other city departments might benefit from a similar initiative. The city council will have the final vote. That is, ideally, over time all city of Bryan employees could participate in the program, city staff stated. The Bryan Fire Department is committed to the health and wellness of its firefighters. This initiative will address injury prevention, cardiovascular disease, nutrition, mental trauma, lost time and more. This initiative is intended to positively change firefighters lives while they are employed by the city of Bryan and into retirement. Additionally, if approved by the council, the program incorporates physical rehabilitation, nutritional guides and injury prevention, in which firefighters will be evaluated through functional movements by looking at how their bodies lift weights. Everybody is different, so [Propst] is going to evaluate and give pointers on how to improve your lifting style, so you dont injure your body. That injury prevention is going to be huge for our department, Nored said. It will help people because if they do get injured it might be less severe, but the goal is to prevent the injuries and keep people on duty. Residents may attend the meeting in the Bryan Municipal Building at 300 South Texas Ave. or view the broadcast on Suddenlink Ch. 16 or on the citys website at bryantx.gov. To view the contract, visit go.boarddocs.com/tx/cobtx/Board.nsf/Public. State Sen. Charles Schwertner was arrested early Tuesday on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, according to Travis County sheriffs office records. Schwertner, a Georgetown Republican who has represented Senate District 5, a 10-county region of central and east Texas that includes Brazos, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Milam and Robertson counties, was booked into the Travis County jail at 2:12 a.m. and charged with driving while intoxicated. Records showed Schwertner was in Travis County sheriffs custody most of Tuesday morning, but had received a personal recognizance bond and was released from jail shortly after noon. He is an orthopedic surgeon by trade. As he left the Travis County jail after noon, Schwertner told reporters: Im deeply sorry, apologetic to my citizens and my family. I made a mistake. Schwertners office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Texas Tribune. His attorney, Perry Minton, did not respond to a request from The Tribune but told the Austin American-Statesman, which first reported news of Schwertners arrest on Twitter: I met with Senator Schwertner very early this morning directly after his unfortunate arrest. He was certainly humble and embarrassed by his circumstances but he was clear-eyed, sober and making good sense. Because of this, well be interested in the discovery once it becomes available. Schwertner was arrested around 12:45 a.m. when an Austin police officer saw the Black Cadillac that Schwertner was driving swerving to the right and the left and split the two lanes repeatedly, according to an affidavit of probable cause. The officer followed the car and saw it continue to swerve between lanes, the affidavit said. The officer stopped the car and the driver identified himself as Schwertner. The officer said Schwertner had bloodshot, glassy, watery eyes, was confused, and had slurred speech patterns. The officer also said Schwertner had a strong odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath. The officer described Schwertners as polite, sleepy, cooperative, in the report. Schwertner refused a breath test, and he was not given a blood test to measure his blood alcohol concentration. Schwertner has no previous DWI convictions, according to the affidavit. Schwertner, who leads the Senates Business and Commerce Committee, was expected at the Capitol at 11 a.m. Tuesday when the Senate reconvened for the week. The Business and Commerce Committee also had a scheduled hearing to discuss proposed changes by the states Public Utilities Commission to the energy markets design that stemmed from failures that led to millions of people losing power across the state during the 2021 winter freeze. Schwertner, who has served in the Senate since 2013, has expressed dissatisfaction with those changes. Schwertner missed the Senates scheduled meeting and the Business and Commerce Committees meeting. Sen. Phil King, a Weatherford Republican who is serving his first term in the Senate, took the helm of the committee as the groups vice chair. The chair, as you know, is not going to be able to be with us today, said King, who previously served in the House. Schwertner, 52, has faced other scandals in the past. In 2018, he was accused of sending sexually explicit photos of his genitals to a graduate student at the University of Texas. He denied the allegations, saying that someone else sent the messages using his LinkedIn account and another privacy phone messaging app that belongs to him. A university investigation, which described the senator as uncooperative, did not clear Schwertner of wrongdoing but said it could not prove Schwertner sent the texts. After the sexual harassment allegation, Schwertner voluntarily gave up his chairmanship of the Senates Health and Human Services Committee to work on other issues in the Legislature and spend more time with his family. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the Senate, followed the investigation closely. Patrick has not commented on Schwertners arrest, and his office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In 2016, after Austin voters approved stricter requirements for drivers that prompted Uber and Lyft to leave town, Schwertner spearheaded Senate legislation designed to create statewide regulations that would allow the companies to return to the city. The bill aimed to ensure the companies had the same rules in every city in Texas. When he argued for the bill in the Legislature, he said ride-hailing companies provided transportation to people who otherwise are getting in vehicles and driving drunk. Other state lawmakers have faced drunken driving charges in recent years. Former state Rep. Dan Huberty, a Houston Republican, was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated in April 2021. He decided to retire later that year. In 2017, state Rep. Victoria Neave Criado, a Dallas Democrat, was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated. She remains in the Legislature. Such arrests also have been used as political attacks. In 2013, Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg, a Democrat, was arrested for and pleaded guilty to drunken driving. Then-Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican, demanded her resignation and threatened to use his line-item veto power to cut funding to the offices Public Accountability Office if she did not resign. When Lehmberg did not resign, Perry defunded the unit. He was later indicted in relation to the move but was cleared of charges. AUSTIN Thousands of frustrated Texans shivered in their homes Thursday after more than a day without power, including many in the state capital, as an icy winter storm that has been blamed for at least 10 traffic deaths lingered across much of the southern U.S. Even as temperatures finally pushed above freezing in Austin and were expected to climb past 50 degrees on Friday the relief will be just in time for an Arctic front to drop from Canada and threaten northern states. New England in particular is forecast to see the coldest weather in decades, with wind chills that could dive lower than minus 50. Across Texas, 305,000 customers lacked power Thursday afternoon including 446 in Navasota as of 6 p.m. according to PowerOutage.us. But the failures were most widespread in Austin, where frustration mounted among close to 150,000 customers over 24 hours after their electricity went out, which for many also meant their heat. Power failures have affected about 30% of customers in the city of nearly a million at any given time since Wednesday. Allison Rizzolo, who lost power in Austin, told KEYE-TV that she wished there were more clarity from the city on what to do or expect. I get that theres a fine line between preparedness and panic, but I wish theyd been more aggressive in their communications, Rizzolo said. Bryan and College Station were unaffected by the outages. For many Texans, it was the second time in three years that a February freeze temperatures were in the 30s Thursday with wind chills below freezing caused prolonged outages and uncertainty over when the lights would come back on. As outages dragged on, city officials came under mounting criticism for not providing estimates of when power would be restored and for neglecting to hold a news conference until Thursday. Mayor Kirk Watson said Thursday the city would review communication protocols for future disasters. Austin Energy at one point estimated that all power would be restored by Friday evening, then later stated Thursday that full restoration would now take longer than initially anticipated. Soon after, Watson tweeted, This is a dynamic situation and change is inevitable but Austin Energy must give folks clear and accurate info so they can plan accordingly. Unlike the 2021 blackouts in Texas, when hundreds of people died after the states grid was pushed to the brink of total failure because of a lack of generation, the outages in Austin this time were largely the result of frozen equipment and ice-burdened trees and limbs falling on power lines. The citys utility warned all power may not be restored until Friday as ice continued causing outages even as repairs were finished elsewhere. It feels like two steps forward and three steps back, said Jackie Sargent, general manager of Austin Energy. School systems in the Dallas and Austin area, plus many in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee, closed Thursday as snow, sleet and freezing rain continued to push through. Public transportation in Dallas also experienced major delays early Thursday, according to a statement from Dallas Area Rapid Transit. Hundreds more flights were canceled again in Texas, although not as many as in previous days. Airport crews battled ice to keep runways open. By Thursday morning, airlines had canceled more than 500 flights at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport more than a quarter of all flights scheduled for the day. Still, that was down from about 1,300 cancellations on Wednesday and more than 1,000 on Tuesday, according to FlightAware.com. Dozens more flights were canceled at Dallas Love Field and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Watches and warnings about wintry conditions stretched from the West Texas border with Mexico through Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana and into western Tennessee and northern Mississippi. At least 10 people have died due to treacherous road conditions since Monday, including seven in Texas, two in Oklahoma and one in Arkansas. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott urged people not to drive. And another wave of frigid weather in the U.S. is on the horizon, with an Arctic cold front expected to move from Canada into the northern Plains and Upper Midwest and sweep into the Northeast by Friday. In a briefing Thursday with the federal Weather Prediction Center, New Englanders were warned that wind chills the combined effect of wind and cold air on exposed skin in the minus 50s could be the coldest felt in decades. The strong winds and cold air will create wind chills rarely seen in northern and eastern Maine, according to an advisory from the National Weather Service office in Caribou, Maine. Jay Broccolo, director of weather operations at an observatory on New Hampshires Mount Washington which for decades held the world record for the fastest wind gust said Thursday that wind speeds could top 100 mph. We take safety really seriously in the higher summits, Broccolo said, and this weekends forecast is looking pretty gnarly, even for our standards. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe The first-ever Linux variant of the Clop ransomware has been detected in the wild, but with a faulty encryption algorithm that has made it possible to reverse engineer the process. "The ELF executable contains a flawed encryption algorithm making it possible to decrypt locked files without paying the ransom," SentinelOne researcher Antonis Terefos said in a report shared with The Hacker News. The cybersecurity firm, which has made available a decryptor, said it observed the ELF version on December 26, 2022, while also noting its similarities to the Windows flavor when it comes using the same encryption method. The detected sample is said to be part of a larger attack targeting educational institutions in Colombia, including La Salle University, around the same time. The university was added to the criminal group's leak site in early January 2023, per FalconFeedsio. Known to have been active since 2019, the Clop (stylized as Cl0p) ransomware operation suffered a major blow in June 2021 when six individuals affiliated with the gang were arrested following an international law enforcement exercise codenamed Operation Cyclone. But the cybercrime group staged an "explosive and unexpected" comeback in early 2022, claiming dozens of victims spanning industrial and tech verticals. SentinelOne characterized the Linux version as an early-stage version owing to the fact that some functions that are present in its Windows counterpart are missing. This lack of feature parity is also explained by the fact that the malware authors have opted to build a custom Linux payload rather than simply porting over the Windows version, suggesting that future variants of Clop could close those gaps. "A reason for this could be that the threat actor has not needed to dedicate time and resources to improve obfuscation or evasiveness due to the fact that it is currently undetected by all 64 security engines on VirusTotal," Terefos explained. UPCOMING WEBINAR Master the Art of Dark Web Intelligence Gathering Learn the art of extracting threat intelligence from the dark web Join this expert-led webinar! Save My Seat! The Linux version is designed to single out specific folders and file types for encryption, with the ransomware containing a hard-coded master key that can be utilized to recover the original files without making a payment to the threat actors. If anything, the development points to a growing trend of threat actors increasingly venturing beyond Windows to target other platforms. "While the Linux-flavored variation of Cl0p is, at this time, in its infancy, its development and the almost ubiquitous use of Linux in servers and cloud workloads suggests that defenders should expect to see more Linux-targeted ransomware campaigns going forward," Terefos said. Master Sergeant Crystal Puhalla, a Grand Island native, was named the Nebraska Air National Guards First Sergeant of the Year. Puhalla was one of four people named Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2023. Puhalla graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 2003. Her parents are Brenda and Kelly Mossman of Grand Island. Puhalla, 38, is part of the 155th Air Refueling Wing, which is based in Lincoln. She is a first sergeant in the Medical Group. She has been with the Air National Guard for 19 years and 11 months. She enlisted in March of her senior year at GISH. It was the first time Puhalla was named one of the Outstanding Airmen of the Year. It was a great honor and Im blessed to serve the unit I do. I couldnt have asked for a better group of people to be with, absolutely, she said in a phone interview. A first sergeant works directly with the commander. In her position, I am directly supporting the unit members. I look out for their health and welfare a lot of mental health mainly, and readiness, Puhalla said. She is on call 24-7 year-round. So if a member is going through a high-stress situation, I can be available to them immediately. Last summer, Puhalla went to Japan for 17 days of training. Master Sgt. Puhalla developed and implemented support systems to Medical Group members (on vaccination teams) deployed to 15 different locations throughout the state of Nebraska, Col. Patti Fries, 155th Medical Group commander, wrote in a statement. She served as First Sergeant on a Military Facility Annual Training to Okinawa, Japan, providing essential manpower assistance, gaining valuable experience, and representing her state with professionalism and expertise. Puhalla has been with the Medical Group for three years. Before that, she was in Security Forces, which is the equivalent of law enforcement, for 11 years. Domestically, she went to Louisiana to help after Hurricane Gustav in 2008. Shes also been deployed to Kyrgyzstan and Baghdad. Puhalla will be eligible for retirement in a month, but shes already decided shes going to stay in the National Guard for at least two more years. What does she like about being in the Guard? I like the aspect of a family that looks out for each other, and you really have a job that serves a bigger purpose, she said. She decided to re-enlist when she was in Kyrgyzstan, just because I really had a sense of what we were doing, the people we were serving here and the people we were serving overseas, she said. At that time, she was part of the Vehicle Search Team of the 376th Air Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan. The National Guard members were able to travel off the base. We volunteered at an orphanage there, she said. In addition to meeting people from other states, the Guard members served the local community and had a great cultural experience, Puhalla said. In Baghdad she felt a more immediate need to be there because of the devastation that had taken place earlier. In 2009, Puhalla earned a bachelors degree in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Puhalla and her husband, Trent, live in Firth. She works for the Humanitarian Division of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. A Table Rock native, Trent works in the Air National Guard full-time. Puhalla and the three other recipients were recognized by Gov. Jim Pillen during his first State of the State address. These Citizen Airmen have shown outstanding leadership and service in the past year and throughout their careers, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Horne, Nebraska Air National Guard state command chief master sergeant, said in a statement. Horne led the board of senior enlisted leaders conducting the selection process. I cant wait to see what they will accomplish next as they continue to serve our state and nation, he said. The idea of a high school cooperative education program is to introduce life skills and allow students to explore possible career paths. For Carbondale Community High School senior Isaiah Duckworth, the experience has given him much more. Through a unique arrangement, Duckworth has been working alongside college students in a mechanical engineering laboratory at Southern Illinois University, not only assisting with research, but laying a foundation for his future education and career. The thing that amazes me is, here he is, a senior in high school, getting that college feel and getting a jump-start into his college career. This is really good for him and his future, said Dallas Terry, career education coordinator at Carbondale Community High School, who oversees the cooperative education program and outside placements. This is the first time weve had one with a department at SIU, Terry explained. This is almost a triple benefit for him. Hes got the education through our program, hes got a job and hes getting exposure to college life. Every weekday afternoon, after finishing classes at CCHS, Duckworth travels to one of the labs in SIUs Engineering Building, where he produces and analyzes 3D-printed models to test the material properties and strengths of potential building materials. Terry explained, Hes interested in materials engineering and has gone through our engineering pathway here at CCHS, taking several of our classes. This was a good way for him to branch out and get a little bit more real life experience while getting some idea of what the college experience is like, too. To gain that exposure, Duckworth, 17, works alongside a diverse group of current SIU students and under the watchful eye of Sabrina Nilufar, assistant professor in SIUs School or Mechanical, Aerospace and Materials Engineering. He even had to go through all of the same laboratory training that student workers and graduate assistants must complete. Hes making some sandwich structures using 3D printing, printing different geometries and different structural applications, changing the geometry and changing the design. When hes all done printing, hell be testing those materials to see the performance, she said. She said the materials are being studied to look at absorption capabilities, perhaps leading to better performing thermal insulation products for sportswear, aerospace, automotive, marine and military applications. Working with students from around the world also has benefited Duckworth. Its helped me learn how to better communicate my ideas with people and my knowledge of 3D design has expanded because of the lab experience. These are things I wouldnt normally get in my high school studies, he said. Nilufar said she has been impressed with Duckworths work and approach. In fact, shes already approached him about working as a lab assistant next year, after he enrolls at SIU. Mechanical engineering has offered me a scholarship and I got another general one from SIU, Duckworth said. I know for certain that Ill start studying mechanical engineering at SIU in the fall. He added, It has helped me jump-start my engineering studies because even college students dont usually get to work in the lab until at least their sophomore year. This has been a great experience. MARION Jury selection began in a murder trial in Williamson County Court on Monday. Julia Bevely is being charged with three counts of murder in the 2020 death of 11-year-old Jade Beasley. Judge Stephen Green thanked the members of the jury pool and explained that those on trial have a right to a jury by their peers. He then swore in the more than 70 members of the jury pool. They were then taken into a waiting room and brought into the courtroom individually or in small groups to be questioned. During questioning, Judge Green explained principles that must be considered in a criminal trial. First, the defendant is presumed innocent. The defendant will be considered not guilty unless the state proves they are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant is not required to submit any evidence. The defendant is not required to testify and that cannot be held against them. Potential jurors answered questions about their occupations, families, if they know the defendant or anyone who was listed to testify, what they did in their free time and other questions to determine if they could be fair and impartial jurors. After they answered Judge Greens questions, Therese Thien, attorney for the defense, and Phillip Butler and Jennifer Mudge, attorneys for the prosecution asked questions. By 3 p.m. on Monday, they had four prospects from the 12 people they had questioned. One potential juror was released because he had a lawsuit that was scheduled to go to court before this trial would end. A second potential juror was dismissed after the judge was told she had been interviewed by a reporter from WSIL TV-3. Police officers at the metal detector and officers with the jury pool noticed the female potential juror talking to the reporter, who was covering the trial. It was reported to a bailiff who then approached the judge. Green asked for the woman to be brought into the courtroom and dismissed her from jury duty. He then cautioned reporters from talking to members of the jury pool, explaining that it could be considered tampering with the jury. That action could taint the jury pool. He also reprimanded the reporter who was talking to the woman when he returned to the courtroom. The three attorneys left to question the officer who reported the incident. Green dismissed court after a short discussion about how to proceed with questioning. They want to ask potential jurors if they have any knowledge of anything that was discussed between the potential juror and the reporter. At this point, they had selected four jurors. They were about to discuss challenging two more jurors for cause when this issue arose. Court will resume on Tuesday. This is what makes my job the best in the world. This is like commencement, he paused, catching himself mid-sentence. Actually, I guess this is a sort of commencement; were starting the four-year journey with students today. That journey began with the presentation of millions of dollars in scholarship to students throughout the day. Lane and a contingent of admissions and financial aid staff members from SIU surprised dozens of students with ceremonial large checks to recognize the awarding of Chancellors scholarships. These four-year, full-ride awards to SIU are made through an application and interview process. The SIU contingent visited Carbondale Community High School, Carterville High School, Herrin High School, Marion High School and Murphysboro High School, where they awarded scholarships to area seniors. Other SIU representatives fanned out across the region, making similar surprise visits as well. In all, 13 area students from 12 Southern Illinois high schools are among 42 incoming SIU students who will receive the Chancellors Scholarship. Recipients from outside of Southern Illinois learned of their awards during a Zoom session on Monday. Each Chancellors Scholarship is renewable for three years, provided the student maintains a 3.0 grade point average or better and is involved in community service and campus leadership activities. In all, the awards are valued at more than $100,000 over four years. Additionally, the university awarded nine students (eight of them from the region) Saluki Support Scholarships to a number students during the visits. These awards equal in value to the Chancellors scholarships are distributed to area high schools based upon the number of students from that school who enroll at SIU. All high schools that had 13 or more enrolled students at SIU in the 2022-23 academic year were eligible to nominate one or more students for the Saluki Support Scholarship for fall 2023, explained university spokeswoman Kim Rendfeld. Carbondale Community High School Superintendent Daniel Booth said the awards at his school two Chancellors scholarships and three of the Saluki Support awards are a source of pride. This is exciting for us. Its why we do what we do. The fact that we have five students who are going to get a full ride to SIU their community university is what it is all about, he said. Kudos to SIU for prioritizing local students. The administration has really been intentional about recruiting locally and this is going to help them get it done. Desmond Stone, a senior at CCHS, said todays announcement that he was receiving a Saluki Support Scholarship was a surprise. Met at the ceremony by his parents, Stone flashed a big smile and hugged his mother when he received the ceremonial check. This was a surprise, for sure, he said. Its really exciting. Valentines Day has been around for a long time. On Feb. 14, people send gifts or greetings to their loved ones in many different ways. The most common is in the form of valentine cards. Others take their loved ones out to dine, along with other ways to show their love. It has always been interesting to me as to how different things develop into customs and continue year after year. Valentine's Day is one of them, being only six days away. How long ago was the first valentine message sent? The custom of millions of valentine cards being sent each year, has traveled a long way from its simple beginning. A Roman priest, Valentine, Bishop of Spoleto preached that love was a good enough basis for marriage. Money or social advancement werent necessary, he said. This alone was enough to preserve his memory forever among lovers of all times. The Bishop was beheaded on Feb. 14, 270 A.D., for refusing to renounce Christianity. His farewell message to his friend, the jailers daughter, was signed From Your Valentine. This farewell message was the first valentine. Ancient Romans gave Cupid a helping hand with lovers lotteries. Young lovers drew names from an urn to learn who their beloved-of-the-year would be. These were the original blind dates. This festivity came to be known as Valentines Day. Adding to the romantic atmosphere, during the 14th and 15th centuries there was growing belief that birds mated on February 14. Somehow the two -Valentine's Day, (now St. Valentine) and Mating Day - eventually became intermingled. Shakespeare gave popular recognition to St. Valentines Day and further popularized it. In Hamlet, Ophelia sings: Good morrow to St. Valentines Day ... and I ... to be your valentine." The valentine custom spread to America during the Revolutionary War. It reached its peak in the 1800s. Most popular valentines were elaborate ones made with lace and contained shy, cautious verses. Todays valentines are simple, but the lace type, that faded away has made a comeback. Valentines today are sent by all ages, by the old, the young and in between. School children send them to teachers, friends, brothers and sisters, parents and others. It is fascinating to think how far they have come in time. If my calculations are correct, valentines have been around for 1,752 years. There may be some, but I cant think of any other customs that have survived that many years. Not only did the customs travel in time, but also distance, from Rome, Italy to throughout the world. I remember, when I was a child, how Valentines Day brought excitement to us all. I think it was the lollipop that so much of the time, accompanied the valentine that caused the excitement, Happy Valentine's Day. My prayers are, may God grant you many more, and may peace be with you. As the world struggles with Russias transgressions against Ukraines Sovereign, we ask the Lord to intervene and stop Putins insanity. Thanks be to the Lord. A 29-year-old Orangeburg man is serving time for multiple burglaries. Torre Avante Webb, of 1065 Dempsey Street, pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree non-violent burglary and one count each of hit-and-run resulting in minor personal injury and third-degree burglary during a recent term of court held at the Orangeburg County Courthouse. Circuit Judge Heath P. Taylor sentenced Webb to 10 years in prison. After he serves 30 months, the remainder of his term will be suspended to five years of probation. Taylor gave Webb credit for having already served 216 days in jail. He also ordered Webb to complete substance abuse counseling. Prosecutors dismissed Webbs three charges of shoplifting valued $2,000 or less with enhancement. In other recent court pleas: Clinton Miller, 61, of 162 Holland Street, North, pleaded guilty to first-offense failure to stop for blue light, first-offense possession of cocaine and unlawful carrying of a pistol. Taylor sentenced him to three years in prison, provided after he serves 90 days, the remainder of his sentence will be suspended to two years of probation. He also ordered Miller to undergo random drug/alcohol testing. Taylor gave Miller credit for having already served three days in jail. Hes allowing Miller to serve his time on weekends. Antwan D. Nelson, 25, of 134 Highpoint Circle, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to third-degree domestic violence. Taylor sentenced Nelson to serve 90 days in jail, provided that after he serves one day, the remainder of his term will be suspended to one year of probation. He gave Nelson credit for having already served one day in jail. Joshua Devon Pettus, 30, of 796 Henry Road, Neeses, pleaded guilty to two counts of forgery valued less than $10,000. Taylor sentenced him to two years in prison, provided that after he served seven days in jail, the remainder of his term would be suspended to three years of probation. He also ordered Pettus to pay restitution. He stipulated that Pettus probation term may end early once he pays all court fines, fees and restitution. Kalonji Nathaniel Reed, 27, of 325 Kennerly Road, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to second-degree domestic violence. Taylor sentenced him to three years in prison, provided that after he serves 79 days, the remainder of his term will be suspended to two years of probation. Taylor gave him credit for having already served 79 days in jail. Rebecca Lynn Sanders, 44, of 729 Peake Street, Holly Hill, pleaded guilty to first-offense third-degree burglary. Taylor sentenced her to three years in prison, provided that after she serves 56 days, the remainder of her term will be suspended to two years of probation. Taylor gave her credit for having already served 56 days. He also ordered Sanders to pay restitution. Prosecutors dismissed her charges of grand larceny valued at $10,000 or more, malicious injury to personal property valued at $2,000 or less and criminal conspiracy. Everson Tremaine Simmons, 37, of 920 Nance Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of scheduled narcotic drugs. Taylor sentenced him to 10 days in jail or a $100 fine. Jeyaunka Williams Singleton, 39, of 347 Wade Court, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to financial transaction card fraud valued more than $500 in a six-month period and second-degree domestic violence. Taylor sentenced her to two years in prison, provided that after she serves 130 days, the remainder of her term will be suspended to one year of probation. He gave Singleton credit for time served. The Orangeburg-Calhoun-Allendale-Bamberg Community Action Agency Head Start/Early Head Start Program encourages families at all income levels with children ranging from birth to 4 years old, including those with disabilities, to apply now to enroll their young children for the 2023-2024 school year. Head Start welcomes families from all racial, ethnic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and supports the cultural diversity of enrolled families as well as children who are dual-language learners. Priority for enrollment is given to children who are homeless, in foster care, have family incomes at or below the poverty line and families qualifying for public assistance such as TANF, SSI and SNAP. Head Start serves 3 and 4-year-olds at Head Start Centers in Orangeburg, Bowman, Neeses, Santee, Elloree, Holly Hill, St. Matthews, Allendale, Denmark and Bamberg. Early Head Start in Denmark serves children from birth to 3 years old and expectant mothers in Bamberg County only. Children receive free health care, education, social development, meals and an array of high-quality services to help prepare them for school entry. Most centers provide transportation for children at no cost. Members of the community are asked to help agency staff identify children not served in an early education program, and make them aware of the advantage of giving them a head start toward school readiness. Churches and community organizations hosting meetings, health fairs and other events are encouraged to invite Head Start representatives to provide information and help ensure that all eligible children are enrolled. Parents should apply online at the OCAB Head Start website, www.ocabcaa.org, or call Head Start centers to complete an application via telephone. In Allendale, call Yvonda Speights at 803-584-4026; Bamberg, call Shanquita Youmans at 803-245-5521; Denmark, call Yvonda Speights at 803-793-4689; Neeses, call Audrey Brown at 803-247-4455; St Matthews, call Linda W. Hickson at 803-874-3588; Orangeburg, call Katrina Stroman at 803-585-7789 or 803-585-7785 or Dwight Bradley at 803-585-0156; Santee, Elloree and Bowman, call Tracy Howard at 803-536-1027; Holly Hill, call 803-536-1027 and Denmark Early Head Start, call Barbara Evans at 803-793-3010. For additional information about enrollment or to partner with OCAB Head Start, call Sharon D. Daniels, family/community partnership manager, at 803-536-1027. Help is available for Spanish speakers as well. Cambodia welcomes 1st group tour of Chinese tourists after pandemic Xinhua) 09:29, February 07, 2023 PHNOM PENH, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Monday welcomed the first group tour of Chinese tourists after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a representative of the kingdom's tour and travel operators said. A flight carrying some 140 Chinese tourists in a group tour landed at the Phnom Penh International Airport on Monday afternoon from Southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, receiving a warm welcome from Cambodian tourism officials and tour operators, said Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents. "Tourism Ministry's Secretary of State Hor Sarun and I greeted them at the airport upon their arrival and presented them with roses, wrist garlands, and traditional scarves," she told Xinhua via telephone. Sivlin said the tourists, on a five-day tour program, will visit capital city Phnom Penh, the cultural province Siem Reap, and the coastal province Preah Sihanouk. "We're very happy to receive the first batch of Chinese tourists in a group tour today," she said. "Their comeback is crucial to help boost the recovery of our tourism industry." The arrival of the Chinese tourists came as China, one of the world's largest outbound tourism markets in the pre-pandemic era, resumed outbound group tours. Starting from Monday, China resumed outbound group tours to 20 countries, including Cambodia, Thailand, the Maldives, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and New Zealand. China was the largest source of foreign tourists to Cambodia in the pre-pandemic era, a Ministry of Tourism's report said, adding that the kingdom received 2.36 million Chinese tourists in 2019, generating about 1.8 billion U.S. dollars in revenue. Cambodian Tourism Minister Thong Khon said the Southeast Asian nation is projected to attract at least 1 million Chinese tourists in 2023, an expected increase from merely 110,000 in 2022. "China is the most important outbound tourism market for the world, so China's resumption of outbound tourism is very beneficial not only to Cambodia, but also to the whole world," he told Xinhua. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Snow fell from a slate-gray sky over St. Patricks Catholic Church of Casper on Monday as family and friends of Susie McMurry gathered to celebrate a life of giving. The Casper philanthropist, who grew up in Hanna and was married to oil and gas pioneer Mick McMurry from 1973 until his death in 2015, died Jan. 28 at age 76 after a long struggle with diabetes. Her daughter, Trudi Holthouse, called McMurrys final years the longest goodbye. Cars began filling the parking lot and lining nearby roads hours before the funeral service began. A slideshow of photos playing inside welcomed the hundreds of mourners who came from all over the state for one last farewell. It was a beautiful ceremony, just perfect for what Susie would have wanted, said Judy Catchpole, her close friend. The ceremony was sad, of course, Catchpole said, but there was also a sense of appreciation for all McMurry did to better her community and especially her efforts to help children. After finding success in the Jonah Field in the 1990s, the McMurrys donated many tens of millions of dollars to organizations benefiting Casper and the rest of Wyoming, including Wyoming Medical Center, the University of Wyoming, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming, Casper College and the Child Development Center of Natrona County. McMurry volunteered much of her time often upwards of 20 hours each week at those same places for decades. She was particularly devoted to her work at Wyoming Medical Center. It went way beyond money. She was here and she was talking to people, Mandy Cepeda, the spokesperson for Wyoming Medical Center, previously told the Star-Tribune. Members of many other groups close to McMurrys heart said the same. The 5-foot-1 grandmother was a frequent sight around town, often sporting a smile and a brightly colored scarf. She was known widely for her warmth, her kindness and her generosity. Ill miss Susie an awful lot, Catchpole said. We were dear, dear friends for a long, long time. But Im happy that shes home with Mickey now. <&rule> PHOTOS: Susie McMurry through the years Wyoming Rescue Mission Mick McMurry - UW Susie McMurry University of Wyoming Pep Rally YMCA grand opening McMurry West Tower Mick McMurry Susie McMurry Mick McMurry Mick McMurry Mick McMurry Susie McMurry Mick McMurry Week in Photos, Feb. 6 McMurry Foundation Susie McMurry Foundation gives $200K to United Way Helping others fulfills her More than 900 honor Susie McMurry A Mills man who was convicted of child abuse against his son and stepson, leaving one boy with permanent brain damage, lost his appeal Monday to the Wyoming Supreme Court. Ryan Hilyard was found guilty of two counts of child abuse in late 2021 after he and his wife, Sarah, drugged, beat and kicked a child in their home, the courts ruling states. Hilyards son got in trouble for stealing cake at a family picnic, so the parents forced him to run up and down the stairs, beating him along the way in August 2020. At one point, it looked like [he] had no bones, the statement said. The stepbrother, who was also abused, was interviewed by investigators in his foster home later that month. The first 14 minutes was admitted as evidence into the trial. A Natrona County judge sentenced Ryan Hilyard to up to 30 years for both child abuse convictions. Sarah Hilyard accepted a plea agreement, pleading guilty to two counts of child abuse and no contest to an attempted second-degree murder charge. She is serving up to 45 years. Ryan Hilyard appealed the district courts decision to admit his stepsons out-of-court interview, which he believed was hearsay because it was made outside of court. He argued the statement was given with improper influence or motive, and his stepsons testimony wasnt entirely consistent with the events he told investigators. His stepson told his foster mother about the abuse after he had been acting out, according to the ruling. The defense counsel asked whether it was possible that he told her about the abuse to try and get back in your good graces. But the high court ruled that Hilyard had a chance to request the statement only be used in a limited capacity during the initial trial, which he didnt. The jury was then able to use it for any purpose, including as evidence of guilt. The Legislature has advanced a bill that legalizes use of physical force by a landowner or landowners agent to terminate what they believe is criminal trespass. HB 126 Trespassremoval of trespasser would update the current Wyoming criminal trespass code to state: A person who is the owner or legal occupant of land or a premises upon which a criminal trespass is occurring, or their agent, is justified in using reasonable and appropriate physical force upon another person when and to the extent that it is reasonably necessary to terminate what the owner, occupant or agent reasonably believes to be the commission of a criminal trespass by the other person in or upon the land or premises. In other words, it would enable an owner to use physical force independent of an official determination of trespass. The House advanced the bill on a 57-5 vote Thursday after rejecting an amendment that would exempt the First-Amendment right of people to peaceably assemble. The Senate has referred it to the Travel Recreation and Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee, which has yet to schedule it for consideration. Reps. Barry Crago, R-Buffalo, and Art Washut, R-Casper, and Sens. Bill Landen, R-Casper, and Dave Kinskey, R-Sheridan, sponsored the bill. The bill would justify the use of reasonable and appropriate physical force upon another person. That force could be applied by a landowner or legal occupant of land or a premises, or their agent. Force would be justified when and to the extent that it is reasonably necessary to terminate what the owner, occupant or agent reasonably believes to be the commission of a criminal trespass. A caveat states that the statute would not supersede laws applying to and protecting self-defense. The idea for the bill came from a constituent in Buffalo, Rep. Crago said in an email. Trespassing a hot topic The measures smooth sailing through the House comes as trespass is on the minds of Wyoming hunters and ranchers following a corner-crossing criminal trespass trial in Carbon County. In that confrontation, a six-person jury found four Missouri hunters not guilty of criminal trespass when they hop-scotched from one piece of public land to another without setting foot on private land. The incident occurred in 2021 at the 22,045-acre Elk Mountain Ranch where common corners of U.S. Bureau of Land Management property and land owned by North Carolina businessman Fred Eshelman meet at a four-way intersection of checkerboard-pattern real estate. Steve Grende, the ranchs property manager, followed and harassed the hunters on public land after they passed through the airspace above a common corner with the ranch, the hunters allege. Law enforcement agents summoned by Grende initially declined to cite the hunters, or interfere with their hunt. The Carbon County prosecutor later charged the men with trespass following complaints by Grende. Eshelman also sued the hunters claiming $7.75 million in damages. His separate civil lawsuit against the men is scheduled to go to trial in federal court this summer. The bill brought criticism from a hunter who helped publicize the Carbon County trespass case and raise money for the Missouri hunters defense. Jeff Muratore said he wrote lawmakers asking why they sponsored the bill. Im greatly saddened at the possibility of people getting hurt or killed over trespassing and even more saddened that something like this would be considered in our legislative body, Muratore wrote legislators, according to an email he sent to WyoFile. Are rich landowners going to now post their henchm[e]n at corners of public and private to physically constrain someone? the email states. Muratore characterized the bill as one that would allow Wyoming to step back to the wild west. Rep. Crago said the request for a law came from a single person in Buffalo who teaches self-defense and church-security classes. That person asked whether one could take action if we think somebody is about to do something really bad. Common law allows such action, Crago said. What this bill is an attempt to do is put this in statute, he said. He is not worried the law might incite violence. This is already the law, case law, common law, he said. It only allows for reasonable measures thats an objective standard. You cant just shoot somebody who walks across your lawn thats not reasonable. Many states have similar laws, he said. Photos: Opening day in one of Wyoming's busiest hunting areas Opening Day Opening Day Opening Day Opening Day Opening Day Opening Day Opening Day Opening Day Opening Day Opening Day Opening Day Opening Day Opening Day CHEYENNE Several anti-abortion lawmakers spoke on the House floor Monday against a bill to increase restrictions around the service in Wyoming, saying they are worried the bill could actually work against the anti-abortion cause. Its difficult for me to get up and argue against a pro-life bill, Buffalo Republican Rep. Barry Crago, a lawyer who voted for last years abortion trigger ban, said. Thats not easy, but Im doing it because I truly believe that going down this road is going to be detrimental to our cause. The debate around the Life is a Human Right Act, a sweeping abortion ban that would nix rape and incest exemptions, is quite different from the one lawmakers had last year when the Legislature was wrangling over whether or not to pass an abortion trigger ban, which it ultimately did. As Riverton Republican Rep. Ember Oakley put it, the arguments for and against House Bill 152 arent so much centered around anti-abortion or pro-abortion stances, but rather around the questions of what legal vehicle the state wants to use to ban the service moving forward. Weve got a horse three quarters of the way there in the race, and this says, Well, never mind, were going to scratch that horse, were gonna get a new horse, Oakley, another lawyer who voted for the trigger ban last year, said, adding that she thinks that the bill is a worse horse. Proponents of the bill argued on the other hand that its an attempt to lighten the load for the next race, as freshman lawmaker and nurse Rep. Sarah Penn, R-Lander, described it. After skating by the House Judiciary Committee in a 5-4 vote last week, the Life is a Human Right Act, sponsored by Cody Republican Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, passed the House Committee of the Whole in a voice vote on Monday. The 19-page bill aims to go even further than Wyomings trigger ban, preventing abortion in cases of incest or rape and allowing district attorneys and the Wyoming attorney general to sue abortion providers. Legal questions The bill folds in a lot of what lawmakers have learned over the course of the ongoing lawsuit challenging Wyomings abortion trigger ban, which went into effect very briefly before a Teton County judge suspended its enforcement. (Abortions remain legal in Wyoming for now.) It tries to answer questions from the court that have come up during that litigation, clarifying exceptions and definitions that plaintiffs have argued were too ambiguous in the abortion trigger bill. The first section, which reads like a resolution, confirms the bringers interpretations of the Wyoming Constitution as it relates to abortion and explicitly lays out the intent of the bill additions that could provide clout in a potential court case challenging the bills constitutionality. Fred Harrison, a former lawmaker and an attorney who represents the anti-abortion group Wyoming Right to Life, was the main author of this section of the bill, though he said the drafting of the legislation in its entirety was a collaborative effort. He told the Star-Tribune that he essentially went through the list of questions that the state asked the Wyoming Supreme Court to answer in regards to the abortion ban and used the section to answer those questions. Lawyers for the state wanted the Wyoming Supreme Court to answer, in sum, whether or not the abortion ban currently on the books violates the state constitution, is unconstitutionally vague and violates citizens right to privacy. The high court bounced those questions back in December, saying that it couldnt answer them on the limited factual record provided. Lawmakers ironically expressed concerns about the constitutionality of that very section on Monday. Crago said, for example, that its references to religious liberty could be grounds for the bill being deemed unconstitutional. Harrison and some lawmakers have argued that they dont believe the findings section would make the bill unconstitutional, in part because nothing in that section is binding. This declaration wont prevent the judicial branch from reaching the contrary conclusion through judicial review, Rodriguez-Williams, the bills sponsor, told the House Judiciary Committee last week. Essentially the judicial branch, yes, does have the final word when interpreting the Constitution. However, the Legislature can and should make its own interpretations. Some lawmakers have used similar reasoning to argue that the section of the bill that would allow for lawmakers to intervene in potential court cases challenging the bill wouldnt infringe on the separation of powers between branches of government. (Rodriguez-Williams, as well as House Majority Floor Leader Chip Neiman, have unsuccessfully attempted to intervene in the current litigation over Wyomings abortion trigger ban. Wyoming Right to Life was also an attempted intervenor.) But the findings section isnt inconsequential altogether since its meant to guide court deliberations. Crago argued that it creates this extra layer that we have to sift through as were interpreting this law. We can say our words within the bill dont dont matter. We can say theyre not upheld, or they dont carry a lot of weight across the street. And Im not sure thats true. Were making a statement with those words on a paper. These arent typical findings. These are findings were actually putting in a green book, he said. Constitutional? Nevertheless, putting something in the states green books that one believes to be unconstitutional is in itself unpalatable for some. And looking at it from another perspective, freshman Rep. Martha Lawley, R-Worland, asked what the point of the findings section is if it really is nonbinding. I think thats the opposite way that we should think about it. We should think about, because its nonbinding, we need to ask ourselves the question, Does that actually help do what were trying to accomplish? she said. Some said that the Life is a Human Right Act could be a risk for those who want abortion to be illegal in Wyoming since it would repeal the trigger ban thats already on the books. So, if courts deemed the Life is a Human Right Act to be unconstitutional, there would be no abortion ban at all. Or, if this didnt happen, it could potentially push the legal timeline back, meaning that abortions could be allowed in Wyoming for a longer time. In the best case scenario and thats for folks like me who are pro-choice in the best case scenario, the repealers are the only portion of the bill that will be upheld as constitutional, Rep. Karlee Provenza, D-Laramie, said, referring to the section of the bill that repeals Wyomings current abortion trigger ban. Provenza adamantly argued against the states abortion trigger ban and was one of the lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee who voted against passing House Bill 152 last week. So if this is a pro-choice Trojan horse that makes abortion legal in all cases, why did I vote no? And Ill argue because passing unconstitutional legislation, especially in ways that attack separation of powers and separation of church and state, is unequivocally an attack on the rule of law. While some adamantly believe the bill would hinder the goal of making abortion illegal, Harrison, the lawyer and former Wyoming lawmaker, was more optimistic about the bills potential. In my opinion, theres a very good chance that this law is so clear that it will not be enjoined, Harrison told the Star-Tribune. <&rule> PHOTOS: Abortion in Wyoming Pro-choice protest Abortions rights protest Abortion-rights protesters The Women's Health Center and Family Care Clinic of Jackson Pro-life Protest Pro-life Protest Abortion-rights protest Abortion-rights protest Abortion-rights protest Abortion clinic fire Abortion-rights protest Abortion-rights protest Pro-life Protest Pro-life Protest Pro-life Protest Pro-life Protest Pro-life Protest CHEYENNE Wyoming will remain one of two states in the U.S. without a law on the books to protect the anonymity of news sources after a bill to codify those protections failed to meet a deadline on Monday. House Bill 91, sponsored by Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne, cleared committee last month in an 8-1 vote. But it didnt make it out of the Houses Committee of the Whole by deadline on Monday. Zwonitzer sponsored a similar bill just two years ago. That bill made it farther than the one this year, clearing the House then dying in the Senate. Right now, Wyoming courts can subpoena Wyoming journalists and compel them to hand over notes, recordings and other information, even if those materials would reveal the identities of sources that have asked to remain anonymous. If reporters dont comply, they can risk fines or jail time. Under the proposed News source shield law, current and former journalists would have been able to refuse handing over news information without risking those consequences. Those asking to use the privilege would have had the burden of proof, meaning theyd be responsible for proving they are, or were, legitimate journalists creating legitimate news, as defined in the bill. Wyoming and Hawaii are the only states in the U.S. that dont have laws to protect the anonymity of people who speak with journalists. CHEYENNE Wyoming wont be spending money to build border walls after a bill to ship more than $5 million out of state for that purpose died Monday in the Senate. Senate File 166 would have set aside more than $5 million to pay for the construction of a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, and for the removal of people who are not citizens in Texas, Arizona and Florida to sanctuary cities in other states. It died in the Senate Committee of the Whole in an 12-18 vote, with Sen. Bo Biteman, R-Ranchester, excused. The bills sponsor, Sen. Larry Hicks, R-Baggs, told the Star-Tribune that hed been mulling over the idea for over a year and had thought about trying to do something in the budget last year. He chose to wait and see how the midterm elections panned out before deciding to sponsor the legislation for this session. Senate File 166 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee late last month in a 3-2 vote. Sens. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne, and Mike Gierau, D-Jackson, voted no. All but one person who spoke during public testimony at that meeting opposed the bill. In a Legislature where many lawmakers tout fiscal conservatism, several legislators expressed outrage over the bills proposed use of state dollars at a time when many other projects and programs are vying for attention. Whats more, some argued that, money aside, the bill would do more harm than good. This bill recognizes that our border has terrorists and drug traffickers coming through. Simultaneously, it proposes picking them up and paying for their transportation to sanctuary cities and states. I call that accessory before and after the fact and an overt step into conspiracy, Nethercott said on the Senate floor on Monday. Our dollars to fund education, our dollars to fund infrastructure here in our communities is going to pay for bus tickets to the state of Texas and Arizona to transport these drug traffickers and terrorists, maybe to the state south of us. Gierau brought an amendment to reduce the amount of money to send to the states to $1. That way we can all enjoy our political theater and we can all enjoy railing against the machine and we can all say that we have done our duty and we can go out in front of the folks at home and anywhere else we want to go and say, We did our job...I guess...and we approved funds toward this, Gierau said. (His amendment failed in an 11-18 vote.) Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, also questioned the legality of moving people to sanctuary cities, describing it as a move that basically is human trafficking. But beyond that, he had concerns about the bills possible humanitarian impact. Even if were concerned about our border, the idea that we somehow lose our capacity for compassion for folks that are struggling, I dont know where that comes from, he said. The idea, Mr. Chairman, that we, the state of Wyoming, would be complicit in that abject apathy as opposed to showing compassion strikes me as troubling. Hicks responded to criticism of his bill saying he was just amazed at the moral outrage of some individuals that are in this body. Where was this moral outrage when the governor sent resources to the southern border to help with this crisis? Last year, Gov. Mark Gordon joined a multi-state American Governors Border Strike Force meant to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations. The one person to speak in favor of the bill at the committee meeting last month was Gordons general counsel and deputy chief of staff Betsy Anderson. It has been difficult to do all that we wanted to do in that we didnt have the authority and the funding, and so this legislation will be very helpful for us to continue to support these communities, Anderson said. <&rule> PHOTOS: Opening day of the 67th Wyoming Legislative Session 67th Wyoming Legislative Session begins 67th Wyoming Legislative Session begins 67th Wyoming Legislative Session begins Rep. Jeanette Ward 67th Wyoming Legislative Session begins 67th Wyoming Legislative Session begins 67th Wyoming Legislative Session begins 67th Wyoming Legislative Session begins 67th Wyoming Legislative Session begins 67th Wyoming Legislative Session begins 67th Wyoming Legislative Session begins 67th Wyoming Legislative Session begins 67th Wyoming Legislative Session begins CHEYENNE State representatives advanced a bill extending postpartum Medicaid coverage for low-income mothers on Monday afternoon, with just a few hours left in the day before it would have died. House Bill 4 has been a topic of speculation since it was approved by the House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee nearly two weeks ago. Lawmakers and stakeholders hoping to see it heard on the floor were wary it would be introduced, as House Majority Floor Leader Chip Neiman, R-Hulett, voiced his concern about the legislation. Neiman held back the sole bill expanding Medicaid eligibility, HB 80, and let it die as the Monday deadline to consider bills in the Committee of the Whole of their house of origin passed. He told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle in a previous interview that he was unsure of the benefits of Medicaid postpartum extension, as well, but there was a possibility it would be heard before the cutoff. Rep. Steve Harshman, R-Casper, even pulled his amendment to the budget bill Friday to extend the program for mothers up to a year after birth, because he said leadership assured him it would be voted on Monday. The agreement was kept as the bill was called up after lunch. It was among the last 73 bills and joint resolutions left on general file in the House chamber, and followed a long debate and passage of a bill that would restrict abortions further in the state. I am pro-life, and I do support this bill, said freshman Rep. J.T. Larson, R-Rock Springs. The question is, do we or do we not support mothers who need this help? How can we say we dont want government involved in postpartum care, but we want government involved in abortion prohibition? In my opinion, you cant have it both ways. Discussing the pros and cons of postpartum coverage didnt take up as much time as the Life is a Human Right Act, but more than an hour was still dedicated to hearing arguments. Legislators in opposition voiced their concerns that the program would continue to grow in costs and maintenance of effort, women might not be taken off the program in the allotted amount of time, or there would be unintended consequences to the social framework of society. Rep. Jeremy Haroldson, R-Wheatland, said he officiates marriages as a pastor, and there were five couples in the last six years that halted their marriage plans due to pregnancy. He said they would have been disqualified from coverage, and said it was an example of in the idea of creating solutions, we can create problems, too. He also said it was a matter of personal responsibility. I understand we want to take care of kids. We want to take care of moms, no ones saying otherwise on that. We have programs in place that are doing that, he said. But this is just going to continue to instigate this mentality that, Hey, you know, what? Well let the state take the bill. Other lawmakers spoke out against the bill, saying there are other organizations to support parents, or that women need help with diapers and formula, not health care services months after birth. Being pro-life does not necessitate taking one persons money by force, thats what taxes are. And giving it to another person is not the proper role of the government. To administer entitlement programs, that is the proper role of charity, whether churches or other organizations, said Rep. Jeanette Ward, R-Casper. When the government undertakes charity, it does not turn out well. Saying the government gave me something is like transfusing the blood from my left arm, into my right arm, with 90% of it spilling out on the floor. Despite this pushback, there were still other lawmakers who said it was time to step up and provide support for mothers who decide to give birth. Rep. Cody Wylie, R-Rock Springs, said they need to be damn sure that were prepared and willing to roll up our sleeves and be able to fund programs for mothers and children. Freshman Rep. Martha Lawley, R-Worland, shared a similar perspective. She said that being pro-life is opening up possibilities and options for women to choose life, and this spoke to the complexities of labels on issues. My goal is not to make abortion illegal. My goal is to make it unthinkable, and then unneeded, she said. And it is bills like this that open that lane up. Harshman backed her, and said they were trying to prevent abortion. He said nearly 31% of babies in Wyoming are born on Medicaid, and that percentage has gone down substantially as the economy has improved. He told lawmakers that Medicaid is a government-run health insurance program with less than a 5% administration fee, and the $1.9 million would go to support the program one similar to Medicare and veterans health care. This program would specifically impact mothers who make $16,000 or less, which is in the range of 154% of the federal poverty income level. Harshman said he imagined this would help the poor mothers who dont go across the border to Colorado to abort their babies. Its just like the old days when we used to raise each others barns, right? And maybe build just roads for our little community, he said. That doesnt happen anymore. So, we pay a little bit of taxes to really help out when something really bad happens to us. Its no secret that destructive wildfires have proliferated across the West in recent years. But new research shows the number of structures destroyed by wildfires has grown significantly more than fires themselves have increased and humans are to blame. In the Western U.S., 30% more land burned in wildfires in the 11 years from 2010 to 2020 than burned in the previous 11 years, 19992009. But between those same two periods, the number of structures burned by wildfires increased nearly 250%. So, while wildfires burned somewhat more land, they burned a whole lot more homes and outbuildings. That meant that the structure-loss rate, or the average of how many structures were lost per area burned, increased from 1.3 structures per 4 square miles burned to 3.4 structures per 4 square miles burned. That outpaced not just the increase in wildfires in the West, but also the 40% increase in homes. Human-caused fires drove the accelerated destruction of property: Three-quarters of the fires that destroyed structures were started by humans. The revelation was the product of a study published Wednesday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science-Nexus. University of Montana Professor of Fire Ecology Philip Higuera was the lead author. The study was the result of Higueras visiting fellowship at the University of Colorado Boulder. CU Professor Jennifer Balch, doctoral student Maxwell Cook and Director of Earth Lab Analytics Hub Natasha Stavros co-authored the study. In a phone call Friday, Higuera said the team zeroed in on the changing rate of property destruction because structure loss is one of the most acute ways in which wildfires hurt humans: We are seeing increasingly negative impacts on humans. Wildfires are increasingly causing human suffering. He said the team knew from previous work that most structures burned in wildfires are lost to fires started by humans. But they wanted to understand how the phenomenon varied regionally, such as by state. And they wanted to see if there was a detectable trend from one decade to the next. The study looked at 15,001 western U.S. wildfires from 1999 through 2020. In that time, the team found, 62% of all structures lost were burned in three exceptionally brutal years for destructive wildfires in the West: 2017, 2018 and 2020. And one state California accounted for 77% of the 85,014 structures burned in those 22 years. Its dominated by California, but its not just California, Higuera said. The direction that every western state was going in all points the same way, of increased structure loss. Those are some sobering findings that I think should be alarming to us and they should help motivate us to be proactive and acknowledge that, with growth and expansion, we need to be very conscious of the flammability of the environment that we live in and the fact that that is increasing as climate is changing. Only New Mexico and Arizona saw decreases in the number of structures lost per area burned. States with high percentages of undeveloped or public lands and relatively small populations like Montana, Wyoming and Idaho accounted for significantly smaller portions of structure losses. Although structure losses in Montana increased alongside other Western states, the growth was not as dramatic. In Montana, the number of structures lost to wildfire increased 36% between the two spans of time in the study. The structure-loss rate the number of structures lost per area burned in Montana increased 44%. While less than some other states increases, Higuera said it was still significant. We do live in a state still where only 11% of the fires resulted in home and structure loss, he said. The majority of fires do not destroy homes and structures. Thats even more true in Montana. Human causes, solutions Across the West, only 12% of fires burned structures, the study found. The team determined that was at least partly because lightning-caused fires, which often occur in remote areas with few or no structures, accounted for 65% of the area burned. But 76% of structures burned were destroyed in human-caused fires. The increase in structure losses corresponded with a 51% increase in human caused wildfires between 19992009 and 20102020. Human-caused fires often occur around developed areas, and on average destroy more than 10 times the number of structures per square mile burned than lightning-caused fires. Because most structures are burned in human-caused fires, Higuera said, it really misguides us to think of wildfire only in terms of overall acres burned. In terms of impacts to structures, a more telling measurement is the acres burned by human-caused fires, because those are the fires most likely to destroy structures. Climate change plays a role, too, the team found, by extending fire season in the West well beyond early fall. As the West warms and dries, arid and windy conditions ripe for wildfire can now last through December and begin earlier in spring. That means that more times of the year without lightning now offer conditions primed for human-caused wildfire. But because most structures are destroyed in an increasing number of human-caused fires, Higuera said, humans have the ability to affect the trend the team discovered. The flip-side of that is that gives us a big lever we can change pretty immediately, or at least quicker, he said. We need to mitigate climate change, but its not like thats going to happen in five years. Solutions could include more careful planning around development in fire-prone landscape, the team advised, and improvements to structures fire resistance. Improving landscape resilience to severe wildfire could also help, particularly around development. And people need to be more conscious throughout the year of activities that can start wildfires. It is amplifying Smokey Bears message, Higuera said. The key message of this age, is we need to not be thinking about Smokey Bear just in the summer. Telecoms provider Flow will increase prices next month. In a notice to its customers on Wednesday, Flow said the 3.5-per cent increase in its Internet and cable packages will come into effect on May 1. Another notice was sent to customers with multiple cable boxes via e-mail on Wednesday. Your childs education should be a family priority, according to Kimarie Richardson-Thomas, who has taught for 23 years in the public school system. Richardson-Thomas is the Academic Dean at Goodwood Secondary School, and teaches English Language, English Literature, and CAPE Communication Studies. Doctors tried to resuscitate and save the life of pregnant Chavelle Mitcham and her baby, bu The Government needs to promote discussion and engage the public more on initiatives that have major implications for the people and society of Trinidad and Tobago. One example is the current push towards a cashless society in a world touted as one of financial inclusion. This initiative is being led by the Trinidad and Tobago International Financial Centre (TTIFC), which heads the Governments digitalisation initiatives in the financial services sector, and Visa, one of the worlds biggest names in digital payments. MONDAY, Feb. 6, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have uncovered groundbreaking evidence that pharmacies in tourist areas of Northern Mexico are selling counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamines. The research was published online Jan. 28 in the preprint server medRxiv and has not been peer-reviewed. The pills, mainly sold to U.S. tourists without a prescription, were passed off as controlled substances, including oxycodone, Percocet, and Adderall, the study showed. This could add to the already high number of overdose deaths from these drugs in the United States and Mexico, U.S.-based researchers said. "These counterfeit pills represent a serious overdose risk to buyers who think they are getting a known quantity of a weaker drug," said senior study author Chelsea Shover. She is an assistant professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). About 68 percent of 40 pharmacies studied in four cities in Northern Mexico had at least one controlled substance for sale without a prescription, the researchers found. These drugs were sold in either bottles or as individual pills. The investigators found counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, heroin, and/or methamphetamine from 11 pharmacies. Nine pill samples sold as Adderall contained methamphetamine. Eight sold as oxycodone contained fentanyl. Three sold as oxycodone had heroin in them. "It is not possible to distinguish counterfeit medications based on appearance, because identically appearing authentic and counterfeit versions are often sold in close geographic proximity," the researchers reported. "Nevertheless, U.S. tourist drug consumers may be more trusting of controlled substances purchased directly from pharmacies." A 19-year-old man was killed and three teens were wounded in a shooting early Sunday morning at a house party on Tucson's southeast side, police said. The shooting occurred about 3:15 a.m. at a house in the 4000 block of East Agate Knoll Drive, near East Valencia Road and South Alvernon Way, police said in a news release. It happened about 45 minutes after neighbors had started calling 911 about a loud party at the house. Eduardo Salazar was found shot dead in the house. Three 16-year-old boys were hospitalized. One teen was in critical condition and the other two were in stable condition, police said Monday. The shooting is still under investigation, but police said Monday that it occurred during a fight inside the house. Several people fled before police arrived. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME, the anonymous tipster line. A rancher who lives near Arizona's border with Mexico is being held on a charge of first-degree murder in last weeks fatal shooting of a man tentatively identified as a Mexican citizen. His bail was set at $1 million. George Alan Kelly, 73, was arrested last week in the killing, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's office in Nogales, Arizona, confirmed Monday. Authorities believe the victim was Gabriel Cuen-Butimea, 48, who lived just south of the border in Nogales, Mexico, because of a Mexican voter registration card he carried. The killing occurred Jan. 30 in the Kino Springs area just outside Nogales, Arizona, said Sheriff's Chief Deputy Gerardo Castillo. The address where the killing happened is the same one listed in public records for Kelly's cattle ranch. Details about the shooting were sketchy and it was unknown if the two men previously knew each other. Authorities have not given a motive. Kelly was being held at the Santa Cruz County Jail after his arraignment in the county's Justice Court last week. He is set to return to court Wednesday. Local attorney Brenna Larkin, who was appointed by the court to represent Kelly, did not immediately return a call seeking comment on the charge against him. For the 10th consecutive year, a group of women are lassoing support for local breast cancer initiatives through a fundraiser/rodeo clinic in conjunction with La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo. The event, presented by Chicks N Chaps of Tucson, has raised almost $80,000 to benefit the Arizona Oncology Foundation. Like Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Chicks N Chaps is uniquely Tucson. If you are not in the sport of rodeo or in the western lifestyle, it can be hard to get a view behind the chutes. This is basically a VIP experience where you go behind the scenes with bronc riders, bull riders, barrel racers and other professionals while raising money for a good cause, said Courtney Slanaker, chair of the event for Chicks N Chaps. Attendees can also expect informational presentations about the rodeo athletes both animal and human and the rodeo veterinary team. The animals are athletes and they are treated as such. They have veterinarians, trainers and massage therapists. They are as critical as the human athletes, and this is an intimate look at how they are treated, said Slanaker, a Tucson native who has owned horses throughout her life. The event also includes a fashion show featuring cancer survivors modeling western wear by Boot Barn, a champagne chuckwagon brunch by Texas Roadhouse, and a Many Shades of Pink presentation that highlights inspirational personal stories from breast cancer survivors. I love this event because we are all volunteers and all the money we raise goes directly to patients. I dont think there are a lot of nonprofits that can say that. We knew early on that we wanted to make sure the money would help men and women suffering from breast cancer and we get a full accounting of our dollars from Arizona Oncology Foundation every year, said Debbie Barnett, who was chair of the Tucson Rodeo when Chicks N Chaps began 10 years ago and remains the liaison between the rodeo and the nonprofit. Non-medical services and patient care provided through the Arizona Oncology Foundation includes multiple categories of support: Integrative therapy treatments including acupuncture, massage, reiki, manual lymph drainage and more; support groups for patients and families; and financial assistance during treatments. Programs also include oncology nutrition, yoga and more. The organization also offers an education and cancer lending library through a local resource center at 2625 N Craycroft Road, Suite 215. All assistance and support is free to clients. Last year, Chicks N Chaps raised a record $21,000 to support these services, Barnett said. In real time, the assistance resulted in 595 gas cards, 504 patients served through support groups, 460 integrative therapy treatments, 131 free wigs and head coverings, 60 post-mastectomy bras, 53 post-mastectomy prosthesis, 56 monthly house cleaning services, 29 nutritional counseling sessions, and lodging for 13 out-of-town patients. We offer breast cancer patients services they generally cant get anywhere else that help them through the process emotionally. We have women who walk in here in tears and by the time they leave they are laughing and having a great time: We offer services they need to uplift them and make them feel better about themselves while they are battling cancer, said Wendy Capullo, director of operations for Arizona Oncology Foundation. Capullo said she is grateful for donations of all sizes from individuals, businesses and other organizations, which she said are vital to operation of the foundation. All our service are free, and that is solely due to the generosity of the community and organizations like Chicks N Chaps. That is how we keep our doors open, said Capullo. The exposure provided through Chicks N Chaps is an added benefit, according to Capullo, who understands the importance of promoting awareness about the foundation to diverse audiences. For their part, Slanaker and Barnett view Chicks N Chaps as a win-win for patients with breast cancer and for debunking misconceptions about rodeo while promoting its rich 98-year history in Tucson. Without Tucson Rodeo, our event wouldnt be possible. For the last 10 years, they have been a wonderful partner in turning the rodeo pink in Tucson, Slanaker said. PHOENIX With just weeks to go, the state House lawmakers agreed Tuesday to allow school districts across Arizona to spend the money this academic year that they already have. The 46-14 vote came over the objections of some Republicans who questioned how schools are spending money now. This is not a funding issue for some districts, said Rep. Rachel Jones, R-Tucson. Its a mismanagement issue. Jones did not dispute that the measure authorizes schools to use the nearly $1.4 billion that was appropriated to them last legislative session. But she told colleagues that means nothing to her. I wasnt part of the Legislature last year who promised that money, Jones said, saying shes not comfortable with that decision. That logic drew a rebuke from Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, who has championed Tuesdays vote. We all took an oath at the beginning of this session to uphold the constitution, he said. And Cook said approving a budget is the No. 1 constitutional duty of the legislature. This money was in that budget, he said. Tuesdays vote is not the last word. The state Senate now needs to approve the same language before a March 1 deadline. Senate leadership, however, is confident there are the necessary 20 votes two thirds of the chamber for final approval, said Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, the Senate president pro-tem. A final Senate vote was delayed on Tuesday because one supporter was missing. Even if they approve the measure, all it does is take care of current spending. Arizona public schools could find themselves in the same position for the next academic year. At the root of the issue is a 1980 voter-approved constitutional measure which capped K-12 spending at current levels, with annual adjustments based on student growth and inflation. The measure does allow lawmakers to approve a one-year override with a two-thirds vote. And that has occurred without incident in prior years. What happened this school year is a convergence of two factors. First, state lawmakers made a massive investment of new dollars, including making up for years during the last recession when schools did not get all the funds to which they were entitled. Second, the COVID outbreak resulted in a departure of some children from school over previous years. The result is that schools were authorized to spend nearly $7.8 billion this current academic year. But the constitutional spending cap sits at $6.4 billion. Complicating matters is that former Gov. Doug Ducey, to get Democrat votes for his budget last year, promised to call a special session to waive the cap. That never happened before Ducey left office at the end of the year. And the constitution says if the cap isnt waived by March 1, schools need to cut an estimated 17% of their annual budgets and do it in just the four months remaining in this academic year. State schools chief Tom Horne, a Republican, warned that would force many schools to close. And Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, called that unacceptable. This effort is aimed at making sure that schools stay open and that students are prioritized, he said. We believe that kids need to be in the classroom, not locked out of it. But Rep. Joseph Chaplik, R-Scottsdale, said he believes that schools arent using the money they have on the priority of paying teachers and funding classroom needs. I watch K through 12 funding as a broken system, he said. And were repeating that broken system, Chaplik said. The districts are not budgeting responsibly. One change he wants is to alter the system of paying superintendents, saying their salaries are guaranteed even if they fail. Rep. Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale, said that Arizona spends more per pupil than most other countries in the world, with vastly superior results. He did not mention multiple studies that show Arizona is at or near the bottom in spending per student among all the states. But Kolodin said he believes that money is still being wasted. Where does the money go? he asked. Before we just keep throwing more money at this problem we need systemic reforms in terms of transparency and accountability to make sure that the money that we are intending to put into the classroom and give to teachers and students to facilitate education ... actually gets there. Rep. Justin Heap, R-Mesa, said student funding has nearly doubled in the last decade. So the question needs to be asked: What has Arizona received for its investment in education? he asked. And what weve received is failing schools where less than a third of our students are proficient in math and reading. Rep. Lydia Hernandez, D-Phoenix, who has served on the school board of the Cartwright Elementary School District, said she agrees with some of the Republicans that there needs to be systemic reform of education funding. I, for one, am not supportive of continuing to throw millions of dollars at an issue without fixing it, she said. But Hernandez said simply denying needed funds to schools in the middle of the academic year, as the failure of this measure would do, is not the answer. Until we fully invest and do our due diligence and Im talking about real investment, critical analysis in fixing this problem were not going to find that solution, she said. Closing schools is not the answer. And Rep. Consuelo Hernandez, D-Tucson, questioned why some lawmakers would try, in the middle of the academic year, to force schools to make cuts she said would harm students. At this point were playing games with their lives as well as everyone in education across Arizona, said Hernandez, a member of the Sunnyside school board. This is a no-brainer, she said. If we dont have teachers, if we dont have bus drivers, if were not able to pay our bills just like any of you in this room, guess what? The lights turn off. There is an alternative to lawmakers having to vote on waivers of the education expenditure limit every year: rescind or at least sharply alter the 1980 cap. But that would require voter approval, with the next general election not until November 2024. PHOENIX The top Republicans in the House and Senate want a judge to let them defend an Arizona law that bars abortions in cases of genetic defects, saying Kris Mayes, the states new attorney general, wont do it. And they have more than adequate reason to believe that. In new court filings, lawyers for the anti-abortion Alliance Defending Freedom point out that Mayes, even before she took office, said she believes that restrictions on the right of a woman to terminate a pregnancy run afoul of a provision in the Arizona Constitution that says no person shall be disturbed in his private affairs. And attorney Kevin Theriot said Mayes already has refused to appeal a state Court of Appeals ruling which said women are entitled to an abortion through the first 15 weeks of pregnancy even though another law, dating to territorial days but never repealed, outlaws the procedure entirely except to save the life of the mother. Simply put, Attorney General Mayes has publicly expressed that she will not defend and enforce Arizonas abortion laws, including the laws at issue here, Theriot told U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Rayes. He also said that Mayes, who has some supervisory authority over county attorneys, has promised to use that power to prevent them from prosecuting what Theriot calls illegal abortions. So, House Speaker Ben Toma of Peoria and Senate President Warren Petersen of Gilbert have asked him to get permission from Rayes to intercede in the case to defend the law. Mayes on Monday repeated she is not interested in defending the statute. My office is going to fight for the ability of women to make their own healthcare decisions, she told Capitol Media Service. It is not the place of the Republican-led Legislature to dictate these decisions to women and their doctors. But an aide to the attorney general said no decision has been made whether to oppose the effort by Toma and Petersen to intervene in the federal court lawsuit. At issue is a 2021 law that makes it illegal for anyone to terminate a pregnancy knowing that the abortion is sought solely because of a genetic abnormality of that child. That includes chromosomal disorders. Nancy Barto, then a senator and sponsor of the measure, said the legislation is justified to prevent discrimination based on disability even in the womb. We must stand for those at risk, the children with Down syndrome and other genetic abnormalities, through no fault of their own, who are being snuffed out in Arizona and throughout our country, and need to stand up for their life, she said. Abortion rights advocates initially got Rayes to block enforcement of the law. He cited a line of Supreme Court cases which said that states may not impose an undue burden on the womans choice. That changed after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Rayes then allowed the state to once again start enforcing the ban, subject to a full-blown trial on its legality. Whats changed, Theriot told the judge, is the state is no longer represented by Mark Brnovich who was the attorney general at the time, an abortion foe and was defending the law outlawing abortions in cases of genetic defects. And with Mayes questioning the legality of state-imposed abortion restrictions, he said the only sure way the law will get a defense is to allow Toma and Petersen to intervene in the case and for him to represent them on behalf of the state as the case goes forward. Attorney General Kris Mayes has already changed course in one abortion case, he told Rayes, that being her decision not to defend the territorial-era ban. In fact, Mayes has said she believes that even the less-restrictive law the one that bans abortions after 15 weeks also is illegal based on the privacy clause of the state constitution. When it comes to Arizonas abortion regulations, Attorney General Mayes admitted that there is a big difference between her positions and those held by former Attorney General Brnovich, Theriot said. And that, he told the judge, entitles Toma and Petersen, on behalf of the Republican-controlled legislature, to intervene to defend the statute. The law the GOP leaders want to defend does more than make it a felony for doctors to perform abortions in cases where they know the reason the woman is seeking the procedure is a genetic abnormality. Another provision makes it illegal to solicit or accept money to finance such a procedure. It also says that the father of the unborn child who is married to the mother has the right to represent that child in a civil lawsuit over any violation of the law. That same right belongs to the maternal grandparents in a case where the pregnant woman was not yet 18. And the statutes says an unborn child at every stage of development has all rights, privileges and immunities available to other persons, citizens and residents of this state, subject only to the limits of the U.S. Constitution and the rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court. But Barto, in pushing the 2021 law, said concerns about that language are overblown. It does not confer personhood, she said. Any intervention will come at no cost to the state, an aide to Petersen said. Alliance Defending Freedom is picking up the entire tab, said Kim Quintero, the aide. PHOENIX A threatened species for nearly a decade, the narrow-headed garter snake is getting new life and help from scientists at the Phoenix Zoo. Tara Harris, director of conservation and science at the Phoenix Zoo, said 40 of these snakes were born at its Arthur L. and Elaine V. Johnson Conservation Center in 2022. It was by far the most since the program began in 2007, and Harris is hopeful the zoo will have another successful year. These narrow-headed garter snakes are Arizonans just like you and me, but their future in our state is uncertain, and they need our help, Harris said. The aquatic snake, which is native to central and eastern Arizona and to western New Mexico, has been in decline for the past two or three decades, said Mason Ryan, garter snakes projects coordinator at the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The snake lives in cool, rocky areas in or near streams; it has been listed as threatened under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 2014 and is protected by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. In general, snakes are beneficial creatures, acting as natural pest control and adding to the food webs biodiversity, Ryan said. These garter snakes are being threatened mostly because of invasive species in the state, and bolstering their population has proven tricky. Invasive species such as crawfish and bullfrogs that compete with or eat the snakes, are a major threat, Harris said. The garter snakes specialize in eating fish, which doesnt help, Ryan said. Arizona ranks as the highest state in the percentage of declining native fish species, according to the Federal Register. Birds of prey, raccoons and other snakes are a few of the narrow-headed garter snakes predators. The species is pretty hard to breed, Ryan added, explaining it could take years to tell if the breeding and releases can make a big impact. The Phoenix Zoo has bred only 84 narrow-headed garter snakes since the program started in 2007. The snakes are born live, not hatched from an egg. Ryan said the snakes are being released into Gila Countys Canyon Creek, which stretches from Tonto National Forest to Fort Apache Reservation. There were 24 juvenile narrow-headed garter snakes and one adult released last summer, Harris said, adding that the snakes are released at different developmental stages to see which survives best. Because the snakes are typically about 3 feet long or smaller and difficult to find, Harris said they are tagged with numbers that can be read using a black light. Ryan said larger garter snakes can have a tracking device implanted under the skin. Harris said it was a learning process to find a method to get the snakes to breed. The zoo uses an enclosure that mimics the snakes natural habitat with an area for brumation a sluggish state for garter snakes during winter running water, fish and trees. The juveniles live in the snake lab, Harris said. They are kept in a tank with a lid that lets in heat and light from a heat lamp. Inside is almost all water with fish, plus a platform featuring little shelters on the waters surface. In 2021, the federal government helped by designating 447 miles of protected streams for the garter snakes, amounting to 23,785 protected acres in Arizona and New Mexico, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. Harris said the public can help protect these snakes by not using invasive species for bait and not bringing in gamefish. Teaching and learning about the garter snakes and volunteering is another way to help, Ryan said. Its nice to have those creatures on the landscape, Ryan said, adding that it would be sad if future generations could never see the garter snakes. The Phoenix Zoo, which has focused on plant and animal conservation for decades, currently works to increase the population of black-footed ferrets, Chiricahua leopard frogs, ferruginous pygmy-owls, desert pupfish and more, in addition to the narrow-headed garter snake. Love is in the air, Tucson! Valentines Day may be less than two weeks away, but theres still plenty of time to plan a romantic date with your boo or a self-care day for yourself. No matter how you celebrate, here are a few ideas on how to celebrate Valentines Day in Tucson for all personality types. For the adventurers Take a tour of Colossal Cave Colossal Cave, 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail, offers a couple different tours including the Classic Cave Tour, which is a half-mile, 40-minute tour through the cave where youll learn about the history of the cave and some of the rock formations that have developed over the years. If youre looking for something a little more adventurous, check out their Ladder Tour which takes you through narrow passages. Prices start at $22 per person. Fly above the Sonoran Desert at sunrise in a hot air balloon Nothing says romance more than flying above your favorite city in a hot air balloon. Tucson Balloon Rides offers a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Tucson Mountains, Saguaro National Park West and parts of Avra Valley. Each flight comes with a post-flight continental champagne brunch, according to their website. Flights start at $250 per person. Stay grounded with a sunset horseback ride at Tanque Verde Ranch Not an early bird? Hate flying? Not a problem. We have something a little more grounded for you a sunset horseback ride through the Sonoran Desert at Tanque Verde Ranch, 14301 E. Speedway. They also offer sunrise horseback rides, if youd prefer a morning ride. Prices start at $95 per person. Find your way out of an escape room What better way to bond with your significant other than being stuck with them in a room until youre able to find a way out? Tucson has a few escape rooms to test your problem-solving skills (and your relationship), including Fox in a Box, Ace of Escape, Mystery Escape Room and Will You Escape? Prices vary per location. Food options nearby: If youre going horseback riding at Tanque Verde Ranch, the resort has dining options including a breakfast ride, a cowboy cookout and a classic bistro dinner menu. The pick-up and drop-off point for the hot air balloon rides is at the IHOP on Grant Road, west of the highway. Just 10 minutes away is the JW Marriott Starr Pass, where you can double down on great views at the resort's multiple dining options. If youre heading as far east as Colossal Cave, another half-hour away is Bensons Horseshoe Cafe, filled with country-western glamor (a neon horseshoe fills the ceiling), great ham steaks and drink specials that cant be beat. For the art enthusiasts Take a stroll through the Tucson Museum of Art Museums make great dates with your significant other, or even just for yourself. The Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave., is no exception. This museum offers a quiet and relaxing stroll through exhibits featuring art from all walks of life and eras. Plus, if you celebrate Valentine's Day early on Sunday, Feb. 12, there will be a market, book signing, mimosa bar and more! Tickets start at $12 for adults on normal days, but it's pay-what-you-wish admission on Feb. 12. Spend a few hours at MOCA Luckily for us, Tucson has its fair share of art museums. If youve already checked out the Tucson Museum of Art, try checking out Tucsons Museum of Contemporary Art, 265 S. Church Ave. The museum isnt open Monday through Wednesday, so you arent able to check out MOCA on Valentines Day, but you could check it out before or after the holiday. Tickets are $7 per adult. Buy tickets for a Broadway show in Tucson Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd., often brings Broadway productions to Tucson through Broadway in Tucson. Although there are no Broadway in Tucson shows playing on Valentines Day, the Broadway production of "Dear Evan Hansen" opens up on Feb. 21. Who says you can only celebrate Valentines Day on Feb. 14 anyway? Tickets start at $50 per person. Catch a movie at The Loft Cinema Its not unusual to watch a movie at a major theater for Valentines Day, but consider giving your date a Tucson twist by taking them to a movie at a local theater. The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway, is showing a few fun movies during Valentines week including "Twilight" on Feb. 10, "The Princess Bride" on Feb. 14 and "Star Wars" on Feb. 16. Tickets start at $8 per person. Food options nearby: For the nature lovers Test your green thumb with a succulent workshop Ponderosa Cactus, 3751 E. Fort Lowell Road, is hosting a Valentines succulent workshop from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11. The workshop includes all materials, step-by-step instructions, and details on how to care for, handle and artistically prune your masterpiece as the succulents begin to grow, according to the events ticket page. Tickets cost $55.66. Take a ride through Sabino Canyon on their electric shuttle One of the best ways to take in Sabino Canyon's beauty is by taking a relaxing ride through the area on the Sabino Canyon Crawler. The electric shuttle offers hourly rides every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 per adult. Have a picnic on Mount Lemmon While youre on Tucsons northeast side, pick up some goodies to have your very own picnic on Mount Lemmon. If you dont want to make your own lunch, check out your favorite restaurant for some takeout. Dont forget to dress accordingly as Mount Lemmon is around 10 to 20 degrees cooler than Tucson. Pet stingrays at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Did you know there are stingrays here in Tucson? The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, has a big tank of stingrays that you can pet as they swim by. There's also the opportunity to feed them during specific hours of the day. The smooth but slimy creatures are bound to make you laugh when you see their tiny excited faces. Museum admission is $24.95 (for Arizona/Sonora residents) plus an additional $3 to pet the stingrays and an added $3 if you want to feed them. Food options nearby: For the night owls Relax with a jazz show at The Century Room If youre looking for something a little more mellow compared to a Broadway musical or an action-packed movie, check out a jazz show at The Century Room, 311 E. Congress St. The venue has multiple jazz shows leading up to Valentines Day. Prices vary per show. Grab a drink or two on Fourth Avenue or Downtown Tucson Fourth Avenue is the perfect place to grab a drink or two with your loved one. The area is home to various bars and eateries, many of which offer their own specialty drinks. We recommend trying a fish bowl at The Hut, a refreshing hard cider at Bawker Bawker or a signature cocktail from IBTs. If you head outside the avenue, try a drink at Cobra Arcade Bar while you play the bars classic arcade games. Show off your skills at a Cyber Bowl night Many local bowling alleys have something called Cyber Bowl nights. These nights provide a new twist to your typical bowling dates with their black lights, glow-in-the-dark bowling balls and colorful lights. To find a local Cyber Bowling night near you, check out Vantage Bowling Centers. See the stars at a local stargazing party The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association hosts numerous stargazing parties each month. This month, they are hosting the Tucson Star Party from 2-9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Pima Community College East, 8181 E. Irvington Road. The party includes astronomy talks, solar observing, and evening stargazing, according to their event page. The Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd., is hosting its Love is Universal event on Tuesday, Feb. 14. For $25 per person, you can watch one of the planetariums shows, check out the exhibits after hours and view the stars from the observatory. For more information, check out Flandraus website. Food options nearby: If you're looking for late-night dining with atmosphere downtown, Ermanos Bar and its speakeasy, Portal, are open until 1 a.m. on weekends (midnight on Valentine's this year, a Tuesday). The honky-tonk rockstar of downtown, The Delta, is open until midnight on weekends. For something less formal, split a slice of pizza at Empire Pizza, open until 3 a.m. on weekends. For the homebodies Pick up a book and a game from a local bookstore for a chill night in Valentines Day doesnt mean you have to pull out all the stops. Sometimes doing the simplest things with the person you love can mean the most. Try picking up your favorite book and a board game from a local bookstore to have a relaxing night at home. Local shops include Bookmans, Mostly Books and Antigone Books. Grab takeout from your favorite local restaurant Some of Tucsons best restaurants tend to book up in advance for Valentines Day, but that doesnt mean you cant pick up some delicious food (to go) from your favorite local eatery. Places like Rollies and Chef Wang have great takeout options. If you're missing Pizza Luna, Jaime's Pizza Kitchen is a takeout-only option by a former pizza chef of the now-closed pizzeria. Have a paint night at home Dont want to go out on Valentines Day night? Head to a local art supply store and pick up some paints and canvases for a fun paint night at home. Local art shops include Posners, Arizona Art Supply and Sarnoff Art. For the foodies Prix fixe romance Prix fixe specials can make the holiday feel like a special occasion. This year, The Coronet, 198 W. Cushing St., is putting on a five-course dinner featuring dishes like a duck leg confit galette or savory bread pudding stuffed quail for $120 per person with sparkling wine or $170 per person for the menu with wine pairings. Blue Willow, 2616 N. Campbell Ave., will offer a Galentine's prix fixe brunch on the weekend before Valentine's Day. For $40, two diners can split mini pancakes, frittatas, bacon hearts and more. The Dutch's shared Valentine's menu serves a couple with an appetizer and dessert to share, a mini-split of champagne and two entrees for $98. Find The Dutch at 5340 E. Broadway. Kingfisher, 2564 E. Grant Road, has two options for their prix fixe dinner: one with yellowfin tartare and duck and scallop cassoulet, and another with smoked duck breast and a ribeye steak. There will be three seatings for $75 per person or $125 with wine pairings. Bakery specials and cottage baker boxes Gluten-free bakery Dedicated has released a Valentine's special menu, including pies with mini heart cutouts, specially decorated sugar cookies and more. Bolita Bakery is accepting preorders of their romantic pan dulce boxes until Feb. 9. La Estrella Bakery is also accepting special orders of themed pan dulce, and Monsoon Chocolate has a sweetheart bon bon box. INDIANAPOLIS Republicans in some heavily conservative states won their campaigns for secretary of state last year after claiming they would make sweeping changes aimed at keeping fraud out of elections. So far, their efforts to make good on their promises are mixed, in some cases because their rhetoric has bumped up against skepticism from members of their own party. Voters in politically pivotal swing states such as Arizona, Michigan and Nevada rejected candidates seeking to oversee elections who had echoed former President Donald Trumps false claims about the 2020 presidential election. But newly elected secretaries of state in Alabama, Indiana and Wyoming who had questioned the legitimacy of that election won easily in those Republican-dominated states. They are now facing the task of backing up their campaign pledges in states where Republicans have already set strict election laws. In Indiana, Secretary of State Diego Morales has been relatively quiet. He has not been making the rounds at the Statehouse trying to persuade lawmakers to embrace the wide-ranging tightening of voting rules he promoted as a candidate. After defeating the incumbent secretary of state for the Republican nomination last summer, Morales dialed back his description of Joe Bidens 2020 presidential election as a scam and his calls for tighter voting laws. That push included cutting Indianas 28-day early voting period in half and requiring new voters to prove their U.S. citizenship when registering. No bills for such steps were introduced for this years legislative session. Morales, who was an aide to Mike Pence when the former vice president was governor, also did not seek any money in his budget request to lawmakers for creating an election task force, which he had discussed as a candidate, that would investigate voting shenanigans around the state. A concept backed by Morales for requiring voters to include a copy of their drivers license with a mail-in ballot application is being sponsored by a Republican lawmaker, but he said he wasnt working with Morales on the proposal. Morales office has declined interview requests from The Associated Press since he took office Jan. 1. Kegan Prentice, the offices legislative director, said Morales was currently focused on the ongoing transition. During remarks at an early January inaugural ceremony, Morales continued his campaign theme of promoting election integrity without giving specifics. My priority is to make Indiana a national model for election confidence and integrity, he said. Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, also a Republican, said recently he had talked with Morales and told him he was comfortable with the states election laws. I think our election laws are as good as any in the country, Huston said. Morales was among the otherwise unsuccessful candidates associated with the America First Secretary of State Coalition, which called for large-scale changes to elections with candidates aligned with Trumps views. The group supported losing candidates in several battleground states. They claimed widespread fraud and manipulation of voting machines, but there has been no evidence of either as exhaustive reviews in states lost by Trump have not revealed wrongdoing. That hasnt stopped Republican candidates, particularly in contested primaries, from parroting the false claims that have taken hold among the partys supporters. A large segment of Republicans, 58%, still believe Bidens 2020 victory was not legitimate, according to an October poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. While Alabamas Wes Allen and Wyomings Chuck Gray were not on the America First coalitions candidate list, they also raised doubts about the 2020 vote. Allen repeated a debunked claim calling the 31-state Electronic Registration Information Center organization a Soros-funded, leftist group, a reference to liberal billionaire George Soros. The voter registration data-sharing partnership is designed to maintain accurate voter rolls by identifying people who have moved or died. Its funded by states after receiving initial startup support from The Pew Charitable Trusts. Allens first official act was to withdraw Alabama from the group, citing privacy concerns. Indiana and Wyoming werent part of the organization. Even though Wyoming gave Trump his widest victory margins in 2016 and 2020, Grays election denials worried some of his fellow Republicans. The former state legislator and right-wing radio host often showed 2000 Mules, a film that made unsubstantiated claims about ballot fraud, during his campaign events last year. He solidly beat a fellow Republican lawmaker who said the 2020 presidential outcome wasnt in doubt. A few Republicans questioned whether Gray should be stripped of his election oversight role given his views, but that idea has received little support. Instead, he has received a warm welcome from Wyoming lawmakers considering several election bills that are moving ahead. One would prohibit ballot harvesting, or gathering others completed ballots for delivery, while another would implement new requirements for voting machines that would, in part, ensure they could not be connected to the internet. But so far there is no legislation to follow through on Grays campaign proposals to ban ballot drop boxes or electronic voting machines, which despite mainly paper balloting in Wyoming are available in every county to help voters with disabilities. That reflects the reality of trying to implement the most far-reaching election campaign promises in a heavily Republican state. In January, Gov. Mark Gordon made a point in his state of the state speech of saying that Wyoming counts on election integrity because of its professional and dedicated county clerks. WASHINGTON The 118th Congress is the most diverse in history, with a quarter of members identifying as nonwhite. But disparities persist as lawmakers choose the people who really run things behind the scenes their staff. Just 18% of top staff for new and returning members are people of color, according to data compiled by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Thats significantly lower than the 40% of Americans nationwide. This freshman class is not outpacing the previous crop of new members when it comes to hiring racially diverse candidates for top roles, the Joint Center found. There are bright spots in the data: Top staff working for returning members of the House and Senate are more diverse in this Congress than the last. And certain groups, like the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association, have celebrated key new hires. This month, Sonali Desai was named executive director of the House Democratic Caucus, while Moh Sharma became director of member services for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Weve definitely made really great strides this Congress, said Maureen Mo Elinzano, co-president of CAPASA and communications director for Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif. Were always so proud when progress is made. But theres more that should be done. Barriers to entry Elinzano has worked on the Hill for nearly four years and has seen signs of change, beginning with a stint in 2018 in the office of Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray. I definitely saw progress, Elinzano said. I felt like there were more people of color in my office. And thats when I joined CAPASA, and through that I started to see that there were people like me working on the Hill. But reminders of the obstacles that aides face are embedded in the numbers, like the latest findings from the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion. While staff diversity has increased in recent years overall, it falls short in top staff positions and continues to lag behind national demographics, the office found. These disparities may stem in part from the relatively low pay rates on the Hill compared with the private sector, according to LaShonda Brenson, senior researcher at the Joint Center, which was founded in 1970 to push for more political clout for Black Americans. Theres also an insular culture that I think exists on the Hill that makes it difficult for diverse candidates to kind of poke through, Brenson said. And theres a lack of prioritizing diversity within hiring, retention and promotion within offices. All of these things work together to make it harder for people of color to get these positions. Brenson defines top staff as chiefs of staff, legislative directors and communications directors traditionally the three most powerful roles in a members office. Black congressional staffers, in particular, continue to trail their colleagues. While Black Americans account for more than 12% of the countrys population, just a little over 5% of top congressional staffers are Black, according to the Joint Center data. The gap is even more stark for Latinos, who make up roughly 18.4% of the nation and just over 6% of top staff positions, the Joint Center data shows. Filling the gap These diversity figures are not static, and in the early weeks of the new Congress, the Joint Center has pushed for greater awareness as lawmakers seek to fill around 115 remaining top staff positions. For the first time, the group published its data in the form of a tracker and report card, complete with a score for each member of Congress. The score compares the racial diversity of a members district to that of top staff. With an option to sort by political party, users can see that Democrats in both chambers have hired more people of color than their Republican counterparts. The group last updated its numbers on Jan. 24 and plans to do so regularly. To determine race, researchers look at photos and names, and then contact congressional offices to ask for confirmation. The Joint Center recently partnered with 70 national organizations to send letters to new and returning lawmakers urging them to consider candidates of color for top- and midlevel hires. The think tank also warned that racial diversity on the Hill could easily slide backward if members dont make it a priority while staffing up. Brenson pointed to promising steps in recent years, like the creation in 2019 of the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which conducts its own demographic surveys of congressional staffers. The office has worked to expand recruitment efforts at colleges and universities, and it offers resources for candidates, like mock interviews and resume reviews. But no equivalent office exists on the Senate side, though Brenson said her group is agitating for the creation of one. Diversity among top Senate staff has lagged, with just one incoming senator John Fetterman, the Pennsylvania Democrat hiring a nonwhite person for a top-three position as of this week, according to the Joint Center. I think it would send a strong signal to the American people, Brenson said. ADANA, Turkey Rescuers in Turkey and war-ravaged Syria searched through the frigid night into Tuesday, hoping to pull more survivors from the rubble after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed more than 4,000 people and toppled thousands of buildings across a wide region. Authorities feared the death toll from Monday's pre-dawn earthquake and aftershocks would keep climbing as rescuers looked for survivors among tangles of metal and concrete spread across the region beset by Syrias 12-year civil war and refugee crisis. Survivors cried out for help from within mountains of debris as first responders contended with rain and snow. Seismic activity continued to rattle the region, including another jolt almost as powerful as the initial quake. Workers carefully pulled away slabs of concrete and reached for bodies as desperate families waited for news of loved ones. "My grandson is 1 years old. Please help them, please. We can't hear them or get any news from them since morning. Please, they were on the 12th floor," Imran Bahur wept by her destroyed apartment building in the Turkish city of Adana. Tens of thousands who were left homeless in Turkey and Syria faced a night in the cold. In Turkey's Gaziantep, a provincial capital about 20 miles from the epicenter, people took refuge in shopping malls, stadiums and community centers. Mosques around the region were opened to provide shelter. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared seven days of national mourning. The quake, which was centered on Turkey's southeastern province of Kahramanmaras, sent residents of Damascus and Beirut rushing into the street and was felt as far away as Cairo. The quake piled more misery on a region that has seen tremendous suffering over the past decade. On the Syrian side, the area is divided between government-held territory and the country's last opposition-held enclave, which is surrounded by Russian-backed government forces. Turkey, meanwhile, is home to millions of refugees from the civil war. In the rebel-held enclave, hundreds of families remained trapped in rubble, an opposition emergency organization said in a statement. The area is packed with some 4 million people displaced from other parts of the country by the war. Many of them live in buildings that are already wrecked from past bombardments. Strained health facilities quickly filled with injured, rescue workers said. Others had to be emptied, including a maternity hospital, according to the SAMS medical organization. More than 7,800 people were rescued across 10 provinces, said Orhan Tatar, an official with Turkey's disaster management authority. The region sits on top of major fault lines and is frequently shaken by earthquakes. Some 18,000 were killed in similarly powerful earthquakes that hit northwest Turkey in 1999. The U.S. Geological Survey measured Monday's quake at 7.8, with a depth of 11 miles. Hours later, a 7.5 magnitude temblor struck more than 60 miles away. Thousands of buildings were reported collapsed in a wide area extending from Syria's cities of Aleppo and Hama to Turkey's Diyarbakir, more than 200 miles to the northeast. In Turkey alone, more than 5,600 buildings were destroyed, authorities said. Hospitals were damaged, and one collapsed in the Turkish city of Iskenderun. Bitterly cold temperatures could reduce the time frame that rescuers have to save trapped survivors, said Dr. Steven Godby, an expert in natural hazards at Nottingham Trent University. The difficulty of working in areas beset by civil war would further complicate rescue efforts, he said. Offers of help from search-and-rescue teams to medical supplies and money poured in from dozens of countries, as well as the European Union and NATO. The vast majority were for Turkey, with Russian and even an Israeli promise of help to the Syrian government, but it was not clear if any would go to the devastated rebel-held pocket in the northwest. The opposition's Syrian Civil Defense described the situation in the enclave as "disastrous." The opposition-held area, centered on the province of Idlib, has been under siege for years, with frequent Russian and government airstrikes. The territory depends on a flow of aid from nearby Turkey for everything from food to medical supplies. In the small Syrian rebel-held town of Azmarin in the mountains by the Turkish border, the bodies of several dead children, wrapped in blankets, were brought to a hospital. Television stations in Turkey aired screens split into four or five, showing live coverage from rescue efforts in the worst-hit provinces. In the city of Kahramanmaras, rescuers pulled two children alive from the rubble, and one could be seen lying on a stretcher on the snowy ground. Turkish broadcaster CNN Turk said a woman was pulled out alive in Gaziantep after a rescue dog detected her. The band who brought the world "Working for the Weekend" is coming to Tulsa this summer. Loverboy will perform July 15 at the Hard Rock Live concert venue inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Tickets start at $39.50 and go on sale Friday, Feb. 10. The band got its start in Canada before its self-titled debut album got a U.S. release in 1980 to more than 2 million in sales. It was one of the first bands to be featured on what was then a new channel: MTV. Loverboy has supported major tours including Journey, Bob Seger, Cheap Trick, ZZ Top, Kansas and Def Leppard. Other hits from the band include This Could Be the Night, Hot Girls in Love, The Kid Is Hot Tonite, Notorious, Turn Me Loose, When Its Over, Heaven in Your Eyes and Queen of the Broken Hearts. For more information, go to LoverboyBand.com. Tulsa World Scene podcast: What to do during winter weather? City councilors will discuss on Wednesday whether to support an effort to have Black Wall Street and the historic Greenwood District designated as a national monument. Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper is part of a local coalition working on the project and is the sponsor of the resolution. The federal government seeks the support of the community, and one way to do that is through resolutions from the city and local government, letters of support from the Mayors Office and other organizations and entities, Hall Harper said. The issue is on a committee meeting agenda. If councilors decide to move forward with the resolution, it would be voted on Feb. 22. National monuments can be designated through an act of Congress or by the president through the use of the Antiquities Act. The resolution before city councilors on Wednesday encourages President Biden to make the designation. The National Park Services 1921 Tulsa Race Riot Reconnaissance Survey found the Historic Greenwood District and Black Wall Street, and the Tulsa Race Massacre, to be nationally significant, the resolution reads in part. Historians have estimated that as many as 300 people were killed in the rioting that took place on May 31 and June 1, 1921, destroying more than 30 blocks of Black Wall Street and the Greenwood District and leaving thousands homeless. The official death toll, according to death certificates, was 37. To date, 83 properties of historical, cultural or natural significance have earned the national monument designation, according to the National Park Services website. They include the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and the Booker T. Washington National Monument in Virginia. Mayor G.T. Bynum sent a letter to President Biden last week urging him to add Black Wall Street and the Greenwood District to the list. Desite the events that unfolded in 1921, the legacy of Black Wall Street and Greenwood lives on and stands as a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of our community, Bynum wrote. Designating this monument would not only acknowledge the tremendous contributions of those in this community, but it would also serve as a powerful symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity. Reuben Gant, executive director of the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation, said his hope is that the Greenwood District will be recognized for its historical significance. All that it does is it stamps the Greenwood area as a significant part of American history, Gant said. And so, basically, the effort is to solidify Greenwoods story in American history. Gant said a number of Greenwood organizations are working on the project. It is basically all of the parties that operate or own properties within the Greenwood District, he said. So it would be the universities, the (Greenwood) Cultural Center, the churches, Greenwood Chamber. Just trying to get a coalition of support before we step out and get a full-blown community support for the idea. The coalition plans to engage the public in the effort, Gant said, but no timeline has been established for completing the process. The federal government works at their own pace, he said. So I wouldnt want to build up false hope. The Greenwood District was added to the National Register of Historic Places last year. In 2020, John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park was designated as part of the nations African American Civil Rights Network. Featured video: President Biden designates his first new national monument OKLAHOMA CITY A federal judge in Oklahoma has ruled that prohibiting people who use marijuana from owning firearms is unconstitutional. The case was the latest challenge to firearms regulations after the U.S. Supreme Courts conservative majority set new standards for reviewing the nations gun laws. Lawyers for Jared Michael Harrison had argued that their clients Second Amendment right to bear arms was being violated by a federal law that makes it illegal for unlawful users or addicts of controlled substances to possess firearms. Harrison had been charged after his arrest by police in Lawton following a May 2022 traffic stop. During a search of his car, police found a loaded revolver and marijuana. Harrison told police he had been on his way to work at a dispensary and did not have a state-issued medical marijuana card. His lawyers had argued that the portion of federal firearms law focused on drug users or addicts was not consistent with the nations historical tradition of firearm regulation, echoing what the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year in a case known as New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. That case set new standards for interpreting the Second Amendment. Federal prosecutors had argued that the portion of the law focused on drug users is consistent with a longstanding historical tradition in America of disarming presumptively risky persons, namely, felons, the mentally ill, and the intoxicated. U.S. District Judge Patrick Wyrick in Oklahoma City agreed with Harrisons lawyers, ruling on Friday that federal prosecutors arguments that Harrisons status as a marijuana user justifies stripping him of his fundamental right to possess a firearm is not a constitutionally permissible means of disarming Harrison. But the mere use of marijuana carries none of the characteristics that the Nations history and tradition of firearms regulation supports, said Wyrick, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump. In his ruling, Wyrick highlighted that under Oklahoma law, patients can buy marijuana legally at more than 2,000 storefronts in the state. Attorneys for Harrison, as well as the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Oklahoma, which was prosecuting the case, did not immediately return emails seeking comment Sunday. The ruling came a day after a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled on Thursday that the government cant stop people who have domestic violence restraining orders against them from owning guns. The panel referenced the Bruen decision in its ruling. Two of the three judges on the panel are Trump appointees. The Justice Department has said it will seek further review of the appeals courts decision. In September, a federal judge in Midland, Texas, ruled that a firearms law that bans those under felony indictment from buying guns is unconstitutional. In that case, U.S. District Judge David Counts, also a Trump appointee, also echoed the Supreme Courts language in the Bruen case, saying there was little evidence that the ban related to being under indictment aligns with this Nations historical tradition. 10 things that are still illegal under Oklahoma's medical marijuana laws Cant get a prescription for marijuana Cant use marijuana in the workplace or be impaired on the job Cant transport marijuana across state lines Can't get a doctor's recommendation inside a dispensary Can't try the product while shopping Cant smoke marijuana where tobacco also prohibited Can't give marijuana away Cant drive while impaired on marijuana Cant possess an excessive amount of marijuana Can't smoke where you're told not to Check out our latest digital-only offer and subscribe now OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahomas attorney general will look into the legality of the composition of the Oklahoma Veterans Commission after multiple veterans groups alleged that Gov. Kevin Stitt made unlawful appointments to the board. Gentner Drummond, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, met with more than two dozen veterans from at least six local veterans groups on Monday to discuss their concerns about the commission. I can anticipate that you are frustrated with the veterans board, Drummond told the veterans who made a surprise visit to his office. Several former commissioners, representatives from statewide veterans groups and the director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs allege that Stitt has made illegal appointments to the board because he is not choosing appointees who are members of certain veterans service organizations. State law says the governor is to choose five of his board appointees from lists of qualified candidates provided by five veterans service organizations. Each group then has a seat on the nine-member board. State law also requires those groups to submit certain audits to state leaders in order to be eligible to submit board nominees to the governor. The Governors Office and the veterans service organizations appear to have different interpretations about state law regarding those audits, Drummond said. I have familiarized myself with the statute, and I am curious on how the selection process has gone, Drummond said. Im happy to review this carefully on behalf of all veterans and have a conversation with the governor to see why he is taking the steps hes taken and what his plan is to ameliorate it. Former Commissioner Gary Miles, whom Stitt replaced last month, said time is of the essence because the commission is scheduled to meet Friday. Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Director Joel Kintsel refused to attend the most recent commission meeting because he alleged that at least three members of the panel were not lawfully appointed. Something has to be done fairly quickly, Miles said. In a letter given to Drummond, the veterans service organizations asked the attorney general to file a lawsuit challenging the validity of Stitts appointees to the commission. Drummond did not commit to pursuing legal action. Governor Kevin Stitt is wrecking the Oklahoma Veterans Commission with illegal appointments in order to consummate a hostile takeover of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, the letter states. Stitts office did not respond to a request for comment on Monday, but a spokeswoman previously said the governor follows state law in making appointments to the commission. Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Military Order of the Purple Heart all attended the meeting with Drummond. Their letter notes that state law says the governor should name one person from each of those groups to the commission but says just one of those groups has a legitimate appointee serving on the commission. The veterans service organizations also allege that the lack of an Oklahoma Vietnam veteran on the commission makes the board unlawful. A representative, rather than crony-filled governing board, produces accountability that ensures the operational integrity that Oklahoma veterans rely on for their state Department of Veterans Affairs, the letter says. Stitt removed four members of the commission last month. All members of the veterans commission are appointed by the governor and serve at his pleasure. TAHLEQUAH Cherokee Nation leaders broke ground Tuesday on a $10 million Career Readiness Campus. It will be the new home of the Cherokee Nation Building Trades Program and will provide space for expanded training opportunities in construction fields that include electrical, plumbing, masonry, and heating and air conditioning. The campus also will house the tribes high-voltage lineman and fiber technician training programs. Career training for Cherokee citizens must be every bit as valued as a college education, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said in a statement. We have put over $30 million toward that effort since 2019, and now this new funding marks another major education investment. With this new career readiness campus, well continue to work with our partners in the region in CareerTech centers, but we will now have our own facility for some of our unique programs, in turn helping improve citizens lives and employability. This will make our communities and our Nation stronger. In September, the Cherokee Tribal Council approved an amendment to 2019 legislation known as the Career Readiness Act. The amendment commits an additional $10 million to start building the new campus. When complete, the campus will help train thousands of Cherokees in career trade programs. We truly believe the most powerful thing the Cherokee Nation can do for Cherokee citizens is to provide them a platform for achieving their own goals and dreams, Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said in a statement. We do that through our education department by providing scholarships and other services for those who choose the higher education path. But not all Cherokees want to take that path, so investing in career training is just as important. In northeast Oklahoma and all around the country, many of the fastest-growing industries are in skilled trades that can be both lucrative and sustainable over the long-term. The Career Readiness Campus will be located southwest of Tahlequah on more than 20 acres where the Cherokee County Fairgrounds was previously located. The initial investment represents Phase 1 of the campus. These are money-making trades, District 8 Councilor Shawn Crittenden said in a statement. These are trades that get our elders heat and air on, fix their water problems, build Cherokees their first home or fix or replace their roofs, connect our kids to this digital world and more. Jobs and problem-fixing taking care of our people. What a great direction the Cherokee Nation is heading The legislation signed in 2022 to fund the campus extends the Career Readiness Act through fiscal year 2025. It also sets a goal of placing career service offices within 30 miles of every Cherokee citizen within the Cherokee Nations 7,000-square-mile reservation. The Cherokee Nation opened its ninth career services satellite office last year in Wagoner. Featured video: OKLAHOMA CITY Gov. Kevin Stitt backed school vouchers, performance-based pay raises for teachers and an expansion of concurrent enrollment during his fifth State of the State address to the Legislature on Monday. His ideas on education arent new. He had advocated on the campaign trail for vouchers that would send state money to private schools. Last year, a voucher bill failed to secure approval in the Senate and lacked support in the House. But Stitt and new State Superintendent Ryan Walters are backing vouchers, also called education savings accounts. During his 32-minute speech, the governor called for the elimination of the 4.25% state sales tax on groceries and for reducing the states top income tax rate to 3.99% from 4.75%. These cuts will save each family in Oklahoma hundreds of dollars each year, Stitt said. And it will continue to make Oklahoma one of the best states to live, work and raise your family. Before the pandemic, a gallon of milk cost $2.90, but the price has now gone to $4.21, Stitt said. A dozen eggs cost about $1.50 but now costs about $5.50, he said. We can provide families with immediate relief at the store with bigger paychecks, Stitt said. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, was asked to weigh in on the tax-cut proposals. You noticed during the speech there seemed to be enthusiasm in some areas for tax cuts, Thompson said of some fellow legislators. I was not one of those. I think we need to take care of the needs of the people of Oklahoma as we move forward. Asked whether the state can afford the $655 million in tax cuts the governor proposed, Thompson said no. Weve got a lot of issues in the state of Oklahoma we need to be addressing, he added. Weve got health issues and public health emergencies going away. Theres a lot of federal money leaving the state of Oklahoma. Stitt also touched on what is expected to become one of the larger wedge issues of the session transgender health care. We shouldnt allow a minor to get a permanent gender-altering surgery in Oklahoma, Stitt said. Thats why I am calling on the Legislature to send me a bill that bans all gender-transition surgeries and hormone therapies on minors in the state. As governor, I will never shy away from calling out right from wrong. In the lead up to the governors speech, more than 100 people in the Capitol Rotunda chanted trans lives matter as part of a protest against a slate of anti-transgender bills proposed for this session. The chants echoed through the building. Ben Patterson, an organizer of the Defend Trans Lives rally, said the event was intended to celebrate LGBTQ Oklahomans while also putting Republican lawmakers on notice that there will be opposition to bills targeting transgender people. Were not going to go away anytime soon, said Patterson, who is transgender. Stitt also spoke on a softer note about the need for fathers to be more active in the lives of their children. Sadly, there has been a movement in our nation that dads are dispensable, Stitt said. Right now, the United States is a world leader in fatherless families. One out every four kids in American is living without a father in the home. And even those with a father are being let down. Stitt called for expanding and increasing fatherhood programs in communities and fostering the importance of healthy homes with two involved parents. He singled out Marquess Dennis of Tulsa, who was in the audience. Dennis is the founder of Birthright Living Legacy, which helps fathers take more active roles in their families. He said it is important that people understand how important both mothers and fathers are to a child. Carmen Forman contributed to this story. Oklahoma transportation officials are seeking volunteers who will share how many miles they drive monthly as part of a statewide pilot program that studies alternative ways to fund road and bridge improvements. Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Tim Gatz briefed members of the state Transportation Commission on Monday regarding the program, which is scheduled to launch in July. Fair Miles Oklahoma is our road-user charge pilot, and thats exactly what it is its just a pilot, Gatz told the commission, whose meeting was streamed live from Oklahoma City. Its a form of vehicle miles-traveled fee structure that potentially could be a solution for our volumetric motor fuels tax that brings significant resources to the transportation system, Gatz said. The study is mandated by the state Legislature. House Bill 1712, signed into law in 2021, called for ODOT to create an Oklahoma Road User Charge Program Task Force to study and report on transportation funding alternatives to address declining fuel tax revenues. The growth in hybrid and electric vehicles and more fuel-efficient vehicles have combined to create a decline in fuel-tax revenues, officials say. ODOT estimates that by 2030 funding from state fuel taxes for road improvements could decrease by half. As we see alternate fuels, whether that be electric vehicles or whether that be other vehicles that are powered by hydrogen, et cetera, we have a continuing need to modernize our investment revenue collections for transportation infrastructure, Gatz said. This is a legislatively mandated pilot, and its going to be on a voluntary basis. There wont be any revenue exchange or collection. The state fuel tax generates about $600 million annually, with about half going to ODOT and the balance divided among cities, counties and tribal nations, according to ODOT. The state of Oklahoma has taxes of 19 cents per gallon for both gasoline and diesel fuel, which is nearly 13 cents per gallon less than the national average, according to ODOT. But efforts to increase the state fuel tax have been met with nearly universal resistance. In 2005, voters rejected by more than 87% State Question 723, which would have increased the state fuel tax for the first time since 1980 to 22 cents per gallon. At the time, the gas and diesel state taxes per gallon were 17 cents and 14 cents, respectively, according to Tulsa World archives. State officials are seeking 500 motorists from across the state who will permit the installation of a device on their vehicles that will track the number of miles driven during the July to December pilot program period. Since registration for the program began Wednesday, 38 people have indicated an interest in participating, according to ODOT. The pilot program, which will be run by a third party, will cost the state about $3.8 million. Federal funding will pay about $1.9 million of the cost 50% of the total. Participants will receive $50 from the state if chosen to participate in the program. State employees are not eligible to participate. Its very simple: How far do you drive? And we will use that to generate a deeper dive into what might be possible here in Oklahoma, Gatz said. Other states are already exploring bridge and road funding alternatives, he said. Whatever we do, if we choose to do something in the future, certainly it will have to be legislatively approved, Gatz said. Oklahoma currently has the 45th-lowest fuel tax in the country, Gatz said. The per-gallon federal fuel taxes are 18.4 cents for gasoline and 24.4 cents for diesel. Commission member James Grimsley said he was really fascinated by the fair-usage tax concept. Ive always believed there was no fair tax, he said. We have to figure out a way to make them less unfair. But Grimsley voiced privacy concerns about the Fair Miles program, suggesting discussion should be had regarding protections to make sure we dont disincentivize participation in those types of things. An ODOT task force will review the pilot study findings and report its recommendations to the Legislature by Dec. 31. For more information or to register for the program, go to fairmilesok.com. Many Vietnamese farmers and enterprises exporting red-flesh dragon fruits to Japan are worried about a new regulation that requires dragon fruit exports to have planting area codes. The difficulty lies in the fact that Japan allows only the LD1 dragon fruit variety, one that belongs to a private company in Long An Province, southern Vietnam. As the regulation has just been issued, many local exporting enterprises will fail to meet it and have to sell their dragon fruit at wholesale markets, suffering huge losses. In mid-January, five shipping containers of some 70 metric tons of red-fresh dragon fruits worth US$190,000 from Yasaka Fruit Processing Co. Ltd., which specializes in exporting fruits to Japan, failed to be shipped to Japan. A phytosanitary center under Vietnam's Plant Protection Department announced that both white- and red-flesh dragon fruit exports to Japan must have planting area codes. Nguyen Trong Trung Dung, deputy director of Yasaka Fruit Processing Co. Ltd., said the requirement came out of nowhere since Japan has officially allowed the importation of white-flesh dragon fruits since 2009 and red-flesh dragon fruits since 2017, and these products have been exported to the East Asian country without planting area codes. In mid-January, we received a notice about the requirement via email. As it was unforeseen, exporting enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers were in a deadlock and had to suspend the export of red-flesh dragon fruits to the Japanese market, Dung said. A representative of Green Bud Import-Export Co. Ltd. based in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City said dragon fruits cannot be exported to Japan due to these obstacles although it is now the peak export time. Dung from Yasaka Fruit Processing Co. Ltd. reported that to have a planting area code, local enterprises must prove that their dragon fruit variety is LD1. Meanwhile, the Southern Horticultural Research Institute transferred the protective certificate for LD1 red-flesh dragon fruits to Hoang Phat Fruit Co. Ltd. in May 2017 with a protection term of up to 20 years. However, seven to eight years before the event, the Southern Horticultural Research Institute had sold the LD1 red-flesh dragon fruit variety to farmers in many southern provinces. Therefore, farmers find it hard to apply for planting area codes. According to Dinh Thi Phuong Khanh, deputy director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Long An Province, 193 dragon fruit farms with a total area of over 9,900 hectares in the province have been issued planting area codes. Earlier, farms had to meet the requirements on area, plant protection, drug management and use, information storage, and farming conditions to be granted the planting area codes," Khanh added. However, Japan and South Korea have required imports to have protective certificates, but most dragon fruit farms getting codes fail to meet the requirement." In Long An, no enterprises have complained about difficulties in exporting dragon fruits to Japan and South Korea as most dragon fruit batches have been exported to the two countries through Hoang Phat Fruit. However, the department has asked the company to support in certifying the variety for export to Japan and South Korea in case local farmers face difficulties, Khanh noted. Nguyen Khac Huy, director of Hoang Phat Fruit Co. Ltd., told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that after the Southern Horticultural Research Institute successfully created the LD1 red-flesh dragon fruit variety in 2015, he acquired the variety at VND5 billion ($211,876). To compete with foreign rivals, Vietnam needs high-quality varieties. The compliance with regulations on intellectual property and copyright is in line with international standards and helps reduce the unhealthy competition among exporting companies, thus helping Vietnamese enterprises to compete with other agricultural countries, Huy said. At present, Hoang Phat Fruit is underwriting some 100 hectares of red-flesh dragon fruits to ensure supply to importing markets. I buy the LD1 dragon fruit from farmers at a high price for export, Huy added. A representative of the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stressed that the requirement of dragon fruit and mango planting area codes was set out by Japan. There are many red-flesh dragon fruit varieties but Japan allows the LD1 variety only. Therefore, enterprises must prove that their products are the LD1 variety to be granted planting area codes, the representative said. According to Nguyen Nhu Cuong, head of the Department of Crop Production, some farm produce importing markets have required the variety origin certificate. Hoang Phat Fruit has secured the protective certificate for the LD1 red-flesh dragon fruit variety from the Southern Horticultural Research Institute. Therefore, enterprises must work with Hoang Phat Fruit to be issued planting area codes in order not to violate the Intellectual Property Law while meeting the requirement of importing countries, Cuong said. The protection of Vietnams plant varieties is essential to stabilize markets and improve the quality of farm produce. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Many Vietnamese farmers and enterprises exporting red-flesh dragon fruits to Japan are worried about a new regulation that requires dragon fruit exports to have planting area codes. The difficulty lies in the fact that Japan allows only the LD1 dragon fruit variety, one that belongs to a private company in Long An Province, southern Vietnam. As the regulation has just been issued, many local exporting enterprises will fail to meet it and have to sell their dragon fruit at wholesale markets, suffering huge losses. In mid-January, five shipping containers of some 70 metric tons of red-fresh dragon fruits worth US$190,000 from Yasaka Fruit Processing Co. Ltd., which specializes in exporting fruits to Japan, failed to be shipped to Japan. A phytosanitary center under Vietnam's Plant Protection Department announced that both white- and red-flesh dragon fruit exports to Japan must have planting area codes. Nguyen Trong Trung Dung, deputy director of Yasaka Fruit Processing Co. Ltd., said the requirement came out of nowhere since Japan has officially allowed the importation of white-flesh dragon fruits since 2009 and red-flesh dragon fruits since 2017, and these products have been exported to the East Asian country without planting area codes. In mid-January, we received a notice about the requirement via email. As it was unforeseen, exporting enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers were in a deadlock and had to suspend the export of red-flesh dragon fruits to the Japanese market, Dung said. A representative of Green Bud Import-Export Co. Ltd. based in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City said dragon fruits cannot be exported to Japan due to these obstacles although it is now the peak export time. Dung from Yasaka Fruit Processing Co. Ltd. reported that to have a planting area code, local enterprises must prove that their dragon fruit variety is LD1. Meanwhile, the Southern Horticultural Research Institute transferred the protective certificate for LD1 red-flesh dragon fruits to Hoang Phat Fruit Co. Ltd. in May 2017 with a protection term of up to 20 years. However, seven to eight years before the event, the Southern Horticultural Research Institute had sold the LD1 red-flesh dragon fruit variety to farmers in many southern provinces. Therefore, farmers find it hard to apply for planting area codes. According to Dinh Thi Phuong Khanh, deputy director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Long An Province, 193 dragon fruit farms with a total area of over 9,900 hectares in the province have been issued planting area codes. Earlier, farms had to meet the requirements on area, plant protection, drug management and use, information storage, and farming conditions to be granted the planting area codes," Khanh added. However, Japan and South Korea have required imports to have protective certificates, but most dragon fruit farms getting codes fail to meet the requirement." In Long An, no enterprises have complained about difficulties in exporting dragon fruits to Japan and South Korea as most dragon fruit batches have been exported to the two countries through Hoang Phat Fruit. However, the department has asked the company to support in certifying the variety for export to Japan and South Korea in case local farmers face difficulties, Khanh noted. Nguyen Khac Huy, director of Hoang Phat Fruit Co. Ltd., told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that after the Southern Horticultural Research Institute successfully created the LD1 red-flesh dragon fruit variety in 2015, he acquired the variety at VND5 billion ($211,876). To compete with foreign rivals, Vietnam needs high-quality varieties. The compliance with regulations on intellectual property and copyright is in line with international standards and helps reduce the unhealthy competition among exporting companies, thus helping Vietnamese enterprises to compete with other agricultural countries, Huy said. At present, Hoang Phat Fruit is underwriting some 100 hectares of red-flesh dragon fruits to ensure supply to importing markets. I buy the LD1 dragon fruit from farmers at a high price for export, Huy added. A representative of the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stressed that the requirement of dragon fruit and mango planting area codes was set out by Japan. There are many red-flesh dragon fruit varieties but Japan allows the LD1 variety only. Therefore, enterprises must prove that their products are the LD1 variety to be granted planting area codes, the representative said. According to Nguyen Nhu Cuong, head of the Department of Crop Production, some farm produce importing markets have required the variety origin certificate. Hoang Phat Fruit has secured the protective certificate for the LD1 red-flesh dragon fruit variety from the Southern Horticultural Research Institute. Therefore, enterprises must work with Hoang Phat Fruit to be issued planting area codes in order not to violate the Intellectual Property Law while meeting the requirement of importing countries, Cuong said. The protection of Vietnams plant varieties is essential to stabilize markets and improve the quality of farm produce. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A four-student team from Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted in Nam Dinh Province, northern Vietnam bagged a gold medal for their study at the 2023 World Invention Creativity Olympics (WICO) recently held in South Korea. These students, including Vu Duc Manh, Nguyen Trong Phuc, Tran Phuong Linh, and Hoang Mai Phuc Thinh, won the gold medal for their research entitled 'Protective Effects of Melanin Nanoparticles Created from Squid Ink against X-Rays on Human Dermal Fibroblasts' at the 12th WICO held in Seoul from February 3 to 4, the school representative told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Monday. Manh, Phuc, and Linh are 12th graders specializing in biology while Thinh is a 11th-grade major in English. They have conducted the study under the guidance of Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Xuan, head of the biology and technology teaching team at the school. This is the seventh time that Vietnamese students have attended WICO, an annual event organized by the Korea University Invention Association and sponsored by the South Korean Parliament. The contest is aimed at developing scientific aptitude and promoting interest in science and technology among high school students around the world. WICO attracts nearly 1,000 contestants annually in different fields of science and technology from dozens of countries around the world, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Singapore, among others. At WICO, candidates must present their research topics in front of an international judge panel, ensuring their studies are novel, creative, and highly applicable. At the same time, they must be capable of answering all questions from the panel. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A four-student team from Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted in Nam Dinh Province, northern Vietnam bagged a gold medal for their study at the 2023 World Invention Creativity Olympics (WICO) recently held in South Korea. These students, including Vu Duc Manh, Nguyen Trong Phuc, Tran Phuong Linh, and Hoang Mai Phuc Thinh, won the gold medal for their research entitled 'Protective Effects of Melanin Nanoparticles Created from Squid Ink against X-Rays on Human Dermal Fibroblasts' at the 12th WICO held in Seoul from February 3 to 4, the school representative told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Monday. Manh, Phuc, and Linh are 12th graders specializing in biology while Thinh is a 11th-grade major in English. They have conducted the study under the guidance of Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Xuan, head of the biology and technology teaching team at the school. This is the seventh time that Vietnamese students have attended WICO, an annual event organized by the Korea University Invention Association and sponsored by the South Korean Parliament. The contest is aimed at developing scientific aptitude and promoting interest in science and technology among high school students around the world. WICO attracts nearly 1,000 contestants annually in different fields of science and technology from dozens of countries around the world, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Singapore, among others. At WICO, candidates must present their research topics in front of an international judge panel, ensuring their studies are novel, creative, and highly applicable. At the same time, they must be capable of answering all questions from the panel. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that a fishing boat capsized off the coast of Sinan County in Jeonnam Province, leaving nine out of its 12 crew members missing, including two Vietnamese citizens, according to the Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea. The South Korean side discovered four bodies whose nationalities were unidentified on Monday, two days after the incident happened. The search is still ongoing. The Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea contacted the families of the two missing Vietnamese citizens to inform them of the situation. The embassy is actively working with competent South Korean agencies to promptly conduct necessary citizen protection measures. Local authorities are currently providing assistance to the missing fishermens families. Earlier, Yonhap news agency reported that the shipwreck occurred at 11:19 pm on Saturday. Authorities said the 24-metric-ton fishing boat capsized off the southwestern coast of South Korea, 16.6km from the uninhabited island of Daebichi that lies some 20km from the southwestern county of Sinan. The sinking left nine of the 12 people, including three foreign nationals, on board the ship missing, while the other three were rescued by another boat at the scene. The cause of the accident has not been announced. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that a fishing boat capsized off the coast of Sinan County in Jeonnam Province, leaving nine out of its 12 crew members missing, including two Vietnamese citizens, according to the Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea. The South Korean side discovered four bodies whose nationalities were unidentified on Monday, two days after the incident happened. The search is still ongoing. The Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea contacted the families of the two missing Vietnamese citizens to inform them of the situation. The embassy is actively working with competent South Korean agencies to promptly conduct necessary citizen protection measures. Local authorities are currently providing assistance to the missing fishermens families. Earlier, Yonhap news agency reported that the shipwreck occurred at 11:19 pm on Saturday. Authorities said the 24-metric-ton fishing boat capsized off the southwestern coast of South Korea, 16.6km from the uninhabited island of Daebichi that lies some 20km from the southwestern county of Sinan. The sinking left nine of the 12 people, including three foreign nationals, on board the ship missing, while the other three were rescued by another boat at the scene. The cause of the accident has not been announced. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Rescuers in Turkey and Syria braved frigid weather, aftershocks and collapsing buildings Tuesday, as they dug for survivors buried by an earthquake that killed more than 5,000 people. Disaster agencies said several thousand buildings were flattened in cities across a vast border region -- pouring misery on an area already plagued by war, insurgency, refugee crises and a recent cholera outbreak. Through the night, survivors used their bare hands to pick over the twisted ruins of multi-storey apartment blocks -- trying to save family, friends and anyone else sleeping inside when the first massive 7.8-magnitude quake struck early Monday. "Where is my mum?" asked a distraught seven-year-old girl who was pulled -- her face, hair and pyjamas covered in dust -- from a collapsed building in Hatay, on the Turkish side of the border. Police officer Zekeriya Yildiz hugs his daughter after they saved her from the rubble in Hatay, southwest Turkey on February 6, 2023. Photo: AFP The sense of disbelief was widespread, as residents struggled to comprehend the scale of the disaster. Some of the heaviest devastation occurred near the quake's epicentre between Kahramanmaras and Gaziantep, a city of two million where entire blocks now lie in ruins under gathering snow. As residents tried to clear a mountain of masonry, plasterboard and furniture that had been a multi-story building, another collapsed nearby -- sending crowds screaming and clamouring for safety. With aftershocks rattling the area, many terrified and exhausted survivors spent the night outdoors, too afraid to go home. Some huddled under bus shelters, some wrapped themselves in plastic to repel the freezing rain and others burned debris to keep warm. Mustafa Koyuncu packed his wife and their five children into their parked car. "We can't go home," the 55-year-old told AFP. "Everyone is afraid." Map locating the epicentre of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck on Monday, showing shake intensity in the surrounding region. Photo: AFP Turkey put the latest death toll at 3,419 in that country alone -- bringing the confirmed tally in both Turkey and Syria to 5,021. There are fears that the toll will rise inexorably, with World Health Organization officials estimating up to 20,000 may have died. "There is a family I know under the rubble," said 20-year-old student Omer El Cuneyd in the Turkish city of Sanliurfa. "Until 11:00 am or noon, my friend was still answering the phone. But she no longer answers. She is down there." Overwhelmed medics struggled to treat the estimated 20,000 injured. The initial earthquake was so powerful it was felt as far away as Greenland and was followed by a series of aftershocks, including a 7.5-magnitude tremor that struck in the middle of search and rescue work on Monday. Rescue personnel and families search through the rubble of buildings in Kahramanmaras, southwest Turkey on February 7, 2023. Photo: AFP The impact was devastating and sparked a global response, with dozens of nations from Ukraine to New Zealand vowing to send help. But a winter blizzard has covered major roads into the area in ice and snow and officials said three major airports have been rendered inoperable, complicating deliveries of vital aid. Much of the quake-hit area of northern Syria has already been decimated by years of war and aerial bombardment by Syrian and Russia forces that destroyed homes, hospitals and clinics. The conflict is already shaping the emergency response, with Syria's envoy to the United Nations, Bassam Sabbagh, seemingly ruling out reopening border crossings that would allow aid to reach areas controlled by rebel groups. The Syrian health ministry reported damage across the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama and Tartus, where Russia is leasing a naval facility. Even before the tragedy, buildings in Aleppo -- Syria's pre-war commercial hub -- often collapsed due to the dilapidated infrastructure. Officials cut off natural gas and power supplies across the region as a precaution, and also closed schools for two weeks. The UN cultural agency UNESCO expressed fears over heavy damage in two cities on its heritage list -- Aleppo in Syria and Diyarbakir in Turkey. A woman is helped away as rescuers search for survivors in the rubble of collapsed buildings in Adana, southwest Turkey, on February 6, 2023. Photo: AFP At a jail holding mostly Islamic State group members in northwestern Syria, prisoners mutinied after the quakes, with at least 20 escaping, a source at the facility told AFP. The United States, the European Union and Russia all sent condolences and offers of help. President Joe Biden promised his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the United States will send "any and all" aid needed to help recover from a devastating earthquake. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered to provide "the necessary assistance" to Turkey, whose combat drones are helping Kyiv fight the Russian attack. Chinese state media said on Tuesday that Beijing was sending rescuers, medical teams and other supplies. People rest next to fire in the rubble in Hatay, southwest Turkey, on February 6, 2023. Photo: AFP Turkey is in one of the world's most active earthquake zones. The country's last 7.8-magnitude tremor was in 1939, when 33,000 died in the eastern Erzincan province. The Turkish region of Duzce suffered a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in 1999, when more than 17,000 people died. Experts have long warned a large quake could devastate Istanbul, a megalopolis of 16 million people filled with rickety homes. Rescuers in Turkey and Syria braved frigid weather, aftershocks and collapsing buildings Tuesday, as they dug for survivors buried by an earthquake that killed more than 5,000 people. Disaster agencies said several thousand buildings were flattened in cities across a vast border region -- pouring misery on an area already plagued by war, insurgency, refugee crises and a recent cholera outbreak. Through the night, survivors used their bare hands to pick over the twisted ruins of multi-storey apartment blocks -- trying to save family, friends and anyone else sleeping inside when the first massive 7.8-magnitude quake struck early Monday. "Where is my mum?" asked a distraught seven-year-old girl who was pulled -- her face, hair and pyjamas covered in dust -- from a collapsed building in Hatay, on the Turkish side of the border. Police officer Zekeriya Yildiz hugs his daughter after they saved her from the rubble in Hatay, southwest Turkey on February 6, 2023. Photo: AFP The sense of disbelief was widespread, as residents struggled to comprehend the scale of the disaster. Some of the heaviest devastation occurred near the quake's epicentre between Kahramanmaras and Gaziantep, a city of two million where entire blocks now lie in ruins under gathering snow. As residents tried to clear a mountain of masonry, plasterboard and furniture that had been a multi-story building, another collapsed nearby -- sending crowds screaming and clamouring for safety. With aftershocks rattling the area, many terrified and exhausted survivors spent the night outdoors, too afraid to go home. Some huddled under bus shelters, some wrapped themselves in plastic to repel the freezing rain and others burned debris to keep warm. Mustafa Koyuncu packed his wife and their five children into their parked car. "We can't go home," the 55-year-old told AFP. "Everyone is afraid." Map locating the epicentre of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck on Monday, showing shake intensity in the surrounding region. Photo: AFP Turkey put the latest death toll at 3,419 in that country alone -- bringing the confirmed tally in both Turkey and Syria to 5,021. There are fears that the toll will rise inexorably, with World Health Organization officials estimating up to 20,000 may have died. "There is a family I know under the rubble," said 20-year-old student Omer El Cuneyd in the Turkish city of Sanliurfa. "Until 11:00 am or noon, my friend was still answering the phone. But she no longer answers. She is down there." Overwhelmed medics struggled to treat the estimated 20,000 injured. The initial earthquake was so powerful it was felt as far away as Greenland and was followed by a series of aftershocks, including a 7.5-magnitude tremor that struck in the middle of search and rescue work on Monday. Rescue personnel and families search through the rubble of buildings in Kahramanmaras, southwest Turkey on February 7, 2023. Photo: AFP The impact was devastating and sparked a global response, with dozens of nations from Ukraine to New Zealand vowing to send help. But a winter blizzard has covered major roads into the area in ice and snow and officials said three major airports have been rendered inoperable, complicating deliveries of vital aid. Much of the quake-hit area of northern Syria has already been decimated by years of war and aerial bombardment by Syrian and Russia forces that destroyed homes, hospitals and clinics. The conflict is already shaping the emergency response, with Syria's envoy to the United Nations, Bassam Sabbagh, seemingly ruling out reopening border crossings that would allow aid to reach areas controlled by rebel groups. The Syrian health ministry reported damage across the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama and Tartus, where Russia is leasing a naval facility. Even before the tragedy, buildings in Aleppo -- Syria's pre-war commercial hub -- often collapsed due to the dilapidated infrastructure. Officials cut off natural gas and power supplies across the region as a precaution, and also closed schools for two weeks. The UN cultural agency UNESCO expressed fears over heavy damage in two cities on its heritage list -- Aleppo in Syria and Diyarbakir in Turkey. A woman is helped away as rescuers search for survivors in the rubble of collapsed buildings in Adana, southwest Turkey, on February 6, 2023. Photo: AFP At a jail holding mostly Islamic State group members in northwestern Syria, prisoners mutinied after the quakes, with at least 20 escaping, a source at the facility told AFP. The United States, the European Union and Russia all sent condolences and offers of help. President Joe Biden promised his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the United States will send "any and all" aid needed to help recover from a devastating earthquake. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered to provide "the necessary assistance" to Turkey, whose combat drones are helping Kyiv fight the Russian attack. Chinese state media said on Tuesday that Beijing was sending rescuers, medical teams and other supplies. People rest next to fire in the rubble in Hatay, southwest Turkey, on February 6, 2023. Photo: AFP Turkey is in one of the world's most active earthquake zones. The country's last 7.8-magnitude tremor was in 1939, when 33,000 died in the eastern Erzincan province. The Turkish region of Duzce suffered a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in 1999, when more than 17,000 people died. Experts have long warned a large quake could devastate Istanbul, a megalopolis of 16 million people filled with rickety homes. JAKARTA -- Indonesia will suspend some palm oil export permits to secure domestic supply amid rising cooking oil prices ahead of upcoming Islamic festivals, senior cabinet minister Luhut Pandjaitan said on his official Instagram account on Monday. Palm oil exporters had accumulated large shipment quotas last year and they now had little incentive to supply the domestic market, he said. Indonesia issues export permits for palm oil companies that have already sold a proportion of their products to the domestic market, under a policy known as "Domestic Market Obligation" (DMO). The DMO currently allows export volumes that are six times what companies have sold at home. "Exporters can use those export rights after the situation has calmed," said Luhut, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment. Firman Hidayat, an official at the same ministry, said about a third of existing export quotas could be used now, while the rest could be used after May 1. He added exporters were holding around 5.9 million tonnes' worth of export permits at end of January. Exporters could increase their quota when they raised supplies to the domestic market, he said. Retailers have complained that cooking oil packages at lower prices have been hard to procure and they have been forced to sell them above the regulated price of 14,000 rupiah ($0.93) per litre. The Trade Ministry last month said palm oil companies had been ordered to increase domestic supply to 450,000 tonnes per month until April, up from roughly 300,000 tonnes per month previously. Food prices typically rise ahead of the Islamic month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr celebration which falls in April this year. Sahat Sinaga, chair of the Indonesia Palm Oil Board, said companies have been holding back exports, due to lower global market prices and high export levies. With little urgency for exports, companies were also not encouraged to meet their DMO. Malaysian benchmark palm oil prices have fallen more than 40% since reaching a peak last year. Meanwhile, Indonesia resumed imposing export levies in November. Sahat blamed distributors for the tight supply in the domestic market. "This is a difficult situation, but everybody must work together. Distributors should not take advantage of the situation," he said. Rattling global edible oil markets, Indonesia last year banned exports of palm oil used in everything from margarine to cosmetics and fuel for three weeks due to soaring cooking oil prices. But palm oil prices have since fallen back sharply to stabilise at lower levels as the outlook is now less certain with energy prices off their highs and fears over a global recession. Malaysia's palm oil futures market was closed on Monday for a public holiday. ($1 = 15,050.0000 rupiah) JAKARTA -- Indonesia will suspend some palm oil export permits to secure domestic supply amid rising cooking oil prices ahead of upcoming Islamic festivals, senior cabinet minister Luhut Pandjaitan said on his official Instagram account on Monday. Palm oil exporters had accumulated large shipment quotas last year and they now had little incentive to supply the domestic market, he said. Indonesia issues export permits for palm oil companies that have already sold a proportion of their products to the domestic market, under a policy known as "Domestic Market Obligation" (DMO). The DMO currently allows export volumes that are six times what companies have sold at home. "Exporters can use those export rights after the situation has calmed," said Luhut, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment. Firman Hidayat, an official at the same ministry, said about a third of existing export quotas could be used now, while the rest could be used after May 1. He added exporters were holding around 5.9 million tonnes' worth of export permits at end of January. Exporters could increase their quota when they raised supplies to the domestic market, he said. Retailers have complained that cooking oil packages at lower prices have been hard to procure and they have been forced to sell them above the regulated price of 14,000 rupiah ($0.93) per litre. The Trade Ministry last month said palm oil companies had been ordered to increase domestic supply to 450,000 tonnes per month until April, up from roughly 300,000 tonnes per month previously. Food prices typically rise ahead of the Islamic month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr celebration which falls in April this year. Sahat Sinaga, chair of the Indonesia Palm Oil Board, said companies have been holding back exports, due to lower global market prices and high export levies. With little urgency for exports, companies were also not encouraged to meet their DMO. Malaysian benchmark palm oil prices have fallen more than 40% since reaching a peak last year. Meanwhile, Indonesia resumed imposing export levies in November. Sahat blamed distributors for the tight supply in the domestic market. "This is a difficult situation, but everybody must work together. Distributors should not take advantage of the situation," he said. Rattling global edible oil markets, Indonesia last year banned exports of palm oil used in everything from margarine to cosmetics and fuel for three weeks due to soaring cooking oil prices. But palm oil prices have since fallen back sharply to stabilise at lower levels as the outlook is now less certain with energy prices off their highs and fears over a global recession. Malaysia's palm oil futures market was closed on Monday for a public holiday. ($1 = 15,050.0000 rupiah) At least four people were killed and five others injured following a pile-up involving a car and several motorbikes in Dien Bien Province, northern Vietnam on Monday night. The crash occurred on the section of National Highway No. 279 in Ang To Commune, Muong Ang District at around 10:30 pm, a representative from the provincial traffic safety committee told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. A car carrying four people first collided with a motorbike carrying two young men. The automobile then tipped over and crushed two other motorbikes carrying three people in total. Local authorities arrive at the crash site in Dien Bien Province, Vietnam, February 6, 2023. Photo: Kong Thao Nguyen Three out of the five motorcyclists, namely Lo Van N., 17, Quang Van H., 15, and Lo Van T., 15, were killed on the spot, while the remaining two were hospitalized with serious wounds. The four people in the car suffered mild injuries. At 8:20 am on Tuesday, the fourth motorcyclist succumbed to his severe injuries. Local authorities are examining the crash site to facilitate their investigation. Officials visited the victims and their families and provided necessary support. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Here are todays leading news stories: Politics -- The Politburo on Monday held a meeting with former senior leaders of the Party, the state, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front on the occasion of the 93rd anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the 2023 Lunar New Year. Society -- It is expected to be hot and sunny with little wind in southern Vietnam on Tuesday, while northern provinces will record light rain, drizzle, and fog, the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting reported. -- A police officer in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre has been demoted after being caught on camera kicking a handcuffed person on January 20. -- More than 21 cubic meters of wood have been chopped down in the latest deforestation case that took place in Ninh Hoa Town in south-central Khanh Hoa Province, the local forest protection unit said on Monday. -- The government has decided to provide VND31,392 billion (US$1.3 million) for the Ministry of Transport to implement five major expressway projects. -- Police in north-central Nghe An Province confirmed on Monday they had arrested the director and 12 staff members of the provincial vehicle registration center on charges of accepting bribes. -- Two men both aged 19 were killed after their motorbike collided with a bus carrying military recruits in northern Thai Binh Province on Monday morning, authorities confirmed later the same day. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Here are todays leading news stories: Politics -- The Politburo on Monday held a meeting with former senior leaders of the Party, the state, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front on the occasion of the 93rd anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the 2023 Lunar New Year. Society -- It is expected to be hot and sunny with little wind in southern Vietnam on Tuesday, while northern provinces will record light rain, drizzle, and fog, the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting reported. -- A police officer in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre has been demoted after being caught on camera kicking a handcuffed person on January 20. -- More than 21 cubic meters of wood have been chopped down in the latest deforestation case that took place in Ninh Hoa Town in south-central Khanh Hoa Province, the local forest protection unit said on Monday. -- The government has decided to provide VND31,392 billion (US$1.3 million) for the Ministry of Transport to implement five major expressway projects. -- Police in north-central Nghe An Province confirmed on Monday they had arrested the director and 12 staff members of the provincial vehicle registration center on charges of accepting bribes. -- Two men both aged 19 were killed after their motorbike collided with a bus carrying military recruits in northern Thai Binh Province on Monday morning, authorities confirmed later the same day. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A Panamanian-flagged car carrier suddendly caught fire off Vietnamese waters on Saturday and the blaze was put under control on Sunday, the maritime authority of Vung Tau City Port, in Vietnams southern Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, reported, saying it is ready to support the vessel in distress. The carrier AH SHIN was on route from South Korea to Singapore when the fire broke out, the carrier captain reported the fire to the Vung Tau Port Authority on Saturday evening. At that time, the ship was located about 150 nautical miles (nearly 280 kilometers) off Vung Tau Cape, with 21 crew members, all Russian, and 4,530 cars on board. It was also carrying 1,356 tons of fuel oil (FO) and 82 tons of diesel. The fire was raging on the sixth and eighth floors of the 12-floor vessel and crew members used up all 50 tons of CO2 on board to attempt to extinguish the fire but to no avail. The captain therefore asked the authority to allow the AH SHIN to divert to Vung Tau so that it could be provided with CO2 to continue to fight the fire. Early on Sunday, the vessel was around 25 nautical miles (around 46 kilometers) southeast of the Vung Tau cape. On the evening of the same day, the crew put the flames under control, news site VnExpress cited the captain as saying. Powerful winds and strong waves at that time prevented rescuers from approaching the AH SHIN, the port authority reported, adding that all the crew members were safe and remained on board. The port authority on Sunday held a meeting with relevant agencies to discuss measures to be ready to support the ship, according to the Vietnam News Agency. There is no damage report about the cars on board the vessel which departed from Incheon Port of South Korea on January 28. Built in 1999, the AH SHIN is 199 meters long, 32 meters wide and 23.5 meters high. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A Panamanian-flagged car carrier suddendly caught fire off Vietnamese waters on Saturday and the blaze was put under control on Sunday, the maritime authority of Vung Tau City Port, in Vietnams southern Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, reported, saying it is ready to support the vessel in distress. The carrier AH SHIN was on route from South Korea to Singapore when the fire broke out, the carrier captain reported the fire to the Vung Tau Port Authority on Saturday evening. At that time, the ship was located about 150 nautical miles (nearly 280 kilometers) off Vung Tau Cape, with 21 crew members, all Russian, and 4,530 cars on board. It was also carrying 1,356 tons of fuel oil (FO) and 82 tons of diesel. The fire was raging on the sixth and eighth floors of the 12-floor vessel and crew members used up all 50 tons of CO2 on board to attempt to extinguish the fire but to no avail. The captain therefore asked the authority to allow the AH SHIN to divert to Vung Tau so that it could be provided with CO2 to continue to fight the fire. Early on Sunday, the vessel was around 25 nautical miles (around 46 kilometers) southeast of the Vung Tau cape. On the evening of the same day, the crew put the flames under control, news site VnExpress cited the captain as saying. Powerful winds and strong waves at that time prevented rescuers from approaching the AH SHIN, the port authority reported, adding that all the crew members were safe and remained on board. The port authority on Sunday held a meeting with relevant agencies to discuss measures to be ready to support the ship, according to the Vietnam News Agency. There is no damage report about the cars on board the vessel which departed from Incheon Port of South Korea on January 28. Built in 1999, the AH SHIN is 199 meters long, 32 meters wide and 23.5 meters high. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Doctors at the Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in the namesake city removed objects, including styrofoam pieces and a toy robot arm, from the vagina of a five-year-old girl in Vinh Phuc Province, northern Vietnam. The girls mother said she and her husband work far from home and their daughter lives with her grandparents. During the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday last month, they returned home and found that their daughters vagina was smelly and inflamed. Being afraid that the girl might suffer a rare disease, the couple took her to the Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital for a check-up. At the hospital, doctors detected many objects in her vagina after conducting an ultrasound scan. The girl was hospitalized immediately so that doctors could remove the objects from her vagina. According to doctors, this was a complicated case as many objects lay deep in the vagina and rectum. With a tiny endoscope, Dr. Le Thi Anh Dao conducted an endoscopy without hurting the girls maidenhead. We picked an object measuring 20x7 millimeters and many black styrofoam pieces. We later detected another black object," Dao recounted. As the object could not be taken out through the vagina, we pulled it through the rectum. "The object was a toy robot arm measuring 20x10 millimeters." Dao said the case was complex as in earlier ones, only one object was found in childrens vaginas, but this girl crammed many objects into hers. In addition, doctors had to choose appropriate endoscopes to clearly see the objects and not to injure the girl. During the check-up and treatment process, the patient and her parents were cooperative so that doctors could give treatment. The girls health has been stable and she has been discharged from hospital. Dr. Dao said that the hospital admits two to three similar cases per year. Parents should pay more attention to their children and prevent them from playing with small objects which can be crammed into their noses, ears, and vaginas. Cramming objects into childrens vaginas is not rare. They want to learn about the surrounding world and their body," the doctor said. Therefore, parents should keep a close watch on their children, bathe them daily, and teach them not to put objects into their vaginas. If abnormal signals, such as an unpleasant smell or bleeding in their daughters vaginas, are observed, they should take their children to hospital for prompt treatment." Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Doctors at the Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in the namesake city removed objects, including styrofoam pieces and a toy robot arm, from the vagina of a five-year-old girl in Vinh Phuc Province, northern Vietnam. The girls mother said she and her husband work far from home and their daughter lives with her grandparents. During the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday last month, they returned home and found that their daughters vagina was smelly and inflamed. Being afraid that the girl might suffer a rare disease, the couple took her to the Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital for a check-up. At the hospital, doctors detected many objects in her vagina after conducting an ultrasound scan. The girl was hospitalized immediately so that doctors could remove the objects from her vagina. According to doctors, this was a complicated case as many objects lay deep in the vagina and rectum. With a tiny endoscope, Dr. Le Thi Anh Dao conducted an endoscopy without hurting the girls maidenhead. We picked an object measuring 20x7 millimeters and many black styrofoam pieces. We later detected another black object," Dao recounted. As the object could not be taken out through the vagina, we pulled it through the rectum. "The object was a toy robot arm measuring 20x10 millimeters." Dao said the case was complex as in earlier ones, only one object was found in childrens vaginas, but this girl crammed many objects into hers. In addition, doctors had to choose appropriate endoscopes to clearly see the objects and not to injure the girl. During the check-up and treatment process, the patient and her parents were cooperative so that doctors could give treatment. The girls health has been stable and she has been discharged from hospital. Dr. Dao said that the hospital admits two to three similar cases per year. Parents should pay more attention to their children and prevent them from playing with small objects which can be crammed into their noses, ears, and vaginas. Cramming objects into childrens vaginas is not rare. They want to learn about the surrounding world and their body," the doctor said. Therefore, parents should keep a close watch on their children, bathe them daily, and teach them not to put objects into their vaginas. If abnormal signals, such as an unpleasant smell or bleeding in their daughters vaginas, are observed, they should take their children to hospital for prompt treatment." Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Under Investigation returns to Nine tonight looking at 2015 WA case mystery surrounding one murder, and another missing person, believed dead. Liz Hayes said: I am grateful Under Investigation continues to attract the countrys most skilled criminal experts to dissect and decode both decade-old and recent unsolved crimes. A unique combination of new technology, peoples yearning desire to tell their truth, and our unwavering commitment to comprehensive analysis prove to be groundbreaking for these cases. Absolutely everything is up for investigation. Under Investigation launches with an eerie outback mystery. Loving couple Ray and Jennie Kehlet join colleague Graham Grumpy Milne on a gold-prospecting trip to the red heart of Western Australia. Three people go out but only one comes back. Then a body is found in a remote mineshaft. With a senior member of the police investigative team joining our panel of UI experts, the case is laid open as never before. 9pm Wednesday on Nine. The University of Dayton Research Institute is advancing additive manufacturing technologies to help the Air Force more affordably sustain its fleet, and it also was the perfect solution to help one physical therapist help people walk more safely. John Moore watched a lot of television while recovering from donating a kidney to his mother. The New Jersey-based doctor of physical therapy said he was inundated with commercials about a type of walking cane that purported to help users walk more easily. But Moore wasn't convinced. So he decided to develop a better one. In December, Moore brought StepWise to market. Its unique round tip, closely resembling a lower-case "e," is distinctly different than any of the single-, tri- or quad-tipped canes currently on the market, he said. It's also safer to use, he added. Using plastic purchased on the internet, a propane torch and a piece of old running shoe sole, Moore crafted a crude model of the cane tip he'd imagined. Then he came to UDRI. Working with additive manufacturing engineer Michael Pratt in UDRI's structural materials division, Moore was able to bring a final prototype to a manufacturer in a fraction of the time it would have taken had he worked with a company that uses traditional prototyping processes, such as tool and die casting, injection molding or machining, he said. "Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, involves engineering a design using computer software and then printing the part, layer by layer, using the appropriate mediumin this case a polymer resin," Pratt said. "It allows us to quickly make digital design changes and print new prototypes in less time, more affordably and without the material waste involved in traditional manufacturing." Pratt worked with colleague Rebecca Hoffman, a mechanical engineer in UDRI's applied mechanics division, who used modeling and simulation software to provide design and materials analysis on each iteration. The researchers worked together through a series of prototypes in pursuit of the perfect balance of design and material strength, flexibility and light weight. Moore said that balance was critical to meeting his two priorities in a new cane: safety and comfort. "The round tip allows for a rolling pivot, which matches the way a person's foot works when they walk," he said. "When you put a flat-tipped cane in front of you to step toward it, the tip does not sit flat on the ground, so very little of the tip surface makes contact with the floor. But our round, semi-rigid tip provides more surface contact for safety and allows for a rolling gait. It basically eliminates the potential to use it incorrectly." The round tip also features a 1-inch gap that closes when weight is applied to the cane. That bit of resistance as the gap closes, along with a deep rubberized tread designed to dispel water on wet surfaces, absorbs some of the compressive force that's normally transferred to the user, Moore said. "That reduces the force that normally impacts the user's joints, which is especially important for people who have issues with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome." Moore said he looked into using 3D manufacturing to develop a new tip because the design had to be created from scratch; there was nothing at all like it in the marketplace. Pratt said he enjoyed working on the project because of its novelty, adding that it took only a handful of iterations until a final prototype and design specs were ready to hand off to a manufacturer for mass production. "Mike was great to work with," Moore said. "I'd still be trying to get this cane to market if not for UDRI." Ambu A/S Ambu invites institutional investors, analysts and financial media to the companys Capital Markets Day on Tuesday 21 March 2023. On 21 March 2023, Ambu will host its Capital Markets Day for institutional investors, analysts and financial media, from 10:00-16:00 CET, at the headquarters of Ambu A/S, Baltorpbakken 13, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark. At the event, senior executives from Ambu and external speakers will join Chief Executive Officer, Britt Meelby Jensen, in sharing insights on the companys new ZOOM IN strategy for delivering long-term sustainable double-digit revenue growth. This includes diving into the companys strategic focus areas, its transformation program and providing a financial update on its long-term financial aspiration. Furthermore, the event will feature Q&A sessions as well as a product demonstration as the final item on the agenda. All presentations and Q&As are held from 10:00-15:00 CET. The product demonstration will run from 15:00-16:00 CET and will be for in-person attendees only. The presentations will be held in English, and they will be recorded. After the event, the recorded presentations and the presentation materials will be published on Ambus website, Ambu.com/presentations/capital-markets-days . SIGN UP FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE We encourage you to sign up for in-person attendance now. Please register yo ur in-person attendance no later than Friday 3 March 2023. Due to capacity constraints, please note that institutional investors, stock analysts and financial media are given in-person attendance priority to the event. Private investors are encouraged to follow the event online. FOLLOW THE EVENT ONLINE Ambus Capital Markets Day 2023 will be broadcasted live, and a video streaming link will be added to the Investor Relations site on the companys website prior to the event. Please note that online attendees will not be able to ask questions during the Q&A sessions. In addition, the product demonstration from 15:00-16:00 CET will not be livestreamed during the event. Instead, it will take place for in-person attendees only. Story continues We look forward to seeing you at Ambus Capital Markets Day 2023. Kind regards, Ambus Investor Relations team CONTACT Investors Nicolai Thomsen, Director, Investor Relations & Strategic Finance, nith@ambu.com, +45 2620 8047 Media Tine Bjrn Schmidt, Head of Corporate Communications, tisc@ambu.com , +45 2264 0697 Ambu A/S Baltorpbakken 13 DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark Tel.: +45 7225 2000 CVR no.: 63 64 49 19 Ambu.com ABOUT AMBU Since 1937, Ambu has been rethinking solutions, together with healthcare professionals, to save lives and improve patient care. Today, millions of patients and healthcare professionals worldwide depend on the efficiency, safety and performance of our single-use endoscopy, anaesthesia and patient monitoring solutions. Headquartered near Copenhagen in Denmark, Ambu employs around 4,500 people in Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit Ambu.com . Attachment FILE PHOTO: A view of different flags of the European Union Members during a debate on Poland's challenge to the supremacy of EU laws at the European Parliament, in Strasbourg By Kate Abnett BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission has told member countries that a joint EU exit from a controversial international energy treaty appears inevitable, according to a document seen by Reuters, with some of them already leaving the accord on climate concerns. The 1998 Energy Charter Treaty, which has around 50 signatories including European Union countries, was designed to protect companies in the energy industry by allowing them to sue governments on policies affecting their investments. But in recent years it has been used to challenge policies that require fossil fuel plants to shut - raising concerns that it is an obstacle to addressing climate change. France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain have already announced plans to quit the treaty, increasing pressure on Brussels to coordinate an EU-wide withdrawal. Italy left in 2016. In a document shared with EU countries and seen by Reuters, the European Commission said the "most adequate" option would be for the EU and its 27 member states to leave. "A withdrawal of the EU and Euratom from the Energy Charter Treaty appears to be unavoidable," the document said. A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed it would recommend an EU exit and present the suggestion to diplomats from member countries in a meeting on Tuesday. The Commission paper said numerous factors had led to this assessment. Treaty members agreed some reforms last year, but EU countries rejected them - meaning the unreformed treaty with stronger investment protections continues to apply. Remaining part of this treaty would "clearly undermine" the EU's climate targets, the Commission said. Given the number of countries quitting individually, renegotiating the treaty does not seem feasible, it said. An EU exit would require support from at least 15 EU countries and the European Parliament, which has already backed a resolution calling for the idea. Story continues Anna Cavazzini, the EU lawmaker who authored Parliament's resolution, said the paper could herald the end of the EU's involvement in the treaty. "If the European Commission considers an exit 'unavoidable', the billion-euro question is now: How and when?" she said. Even if countries leave, a "sunset clause" means the treaty would still protect existing fossil fuel investments for 20 years. EU countries could therefore agree among themselves not to apply this clause - since most energy investments on their territories are made by EU companies. But they would need to agree such a deal with other willing treaty members to avoid future lawsuits such as from Japan, Azerbaijan and former EU member country Britain. "For the time being, no non-EU Contracting Party has indicated they would be open to such a solution," said the paper. (Reporting by Kate Abnett; editing by Philip Blenkinsop and Arun Koyyur) By Jeffrey Dastin REDMOND, Wash. (Reuters) -Microsoft Corp is revamping its Bing search engine and Edge Web browser with artificial intelligence, the company said on Tuesday, signaling its ambition to retake the lead in consumer technology markets where it has fallen behind. The maker of the Windows operating system is staking its future on AI through billions of dollars of investment as it directly challenges Alphabet Inc's Google, which for years has outpaced Microsoft in search and browser technology. Now, Microsoft is rolling out an intelligent chatbot to live alongside Bing's search results, putting AI that can summarize web pages, synthesize disparate sources, even compose emails and translate them into more consumers' hands. Microsoft expects every percentage point of share it gains will bring in another $2 billion in search advertising revenue. Working with the startup OpenAI, Microsoft is aiming to leapfrog its Silicon Valley rival and potentially claim vast returns from tools generally that speed up content creation, automating tasks, if not jobs themselves. That would affect products for business, such as the cloud-computing and collaboration tools Microsoft sells, as well as the consumer internet. "This technology is going to reshape pretty much every software category," Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella told reporters in a briefing at the company's headquarters in Redmond, Washington. The company's share of search so far is about an estimated tenth of the market. Still, many investors see new technology as a win for all players. Microsoft's stock closed 4.2% higher on Tuesday, while Alphabet gained 4.6%. The power of so-called generative AI that can create virtually any text or image dawned on the public last year with the release of ChatGPT, the chatbot sensation from OpenAI. Its human-like responses to any prompt have given people new ways to think about the possibilities of marketing, writing term papers or disseminating news, or how to query information online. Story continues Microsoft's new Bing search engine is live in limited preview on desktop computers and will be available for mobile devices in coming weeks. The company hopes user feedback will improve its AI, which Microsoft officials said may still produce factually inaccurate information known as a hallucination. It meanwhile has pursued work to safeguard against misuse of its tech. Underpinning the new Bing is what Microsoft is calling the Prometheus model - OpenAI's most powerful technology informed as needed by real-time web data from Bing. That means Bing's chatbot can brief consumers on current events, a step beyond ChatGPT's answers that currently are limited to data as of 2021. Jordi Ribas, Microsoft's corporate vice president for search and AI, told Reuters the tech advances his team witnessed last summer emboldened the company to move ahead with an AI-infused Bing. Microsoft's chief financial officer also said OpenAI's "new, next-generation" technology is powering its search engine, though officials declined to specify if this entailed the startup's highly anticipated upgrade known as GPT-4. FROM BUSINESS TO CONSUMER Microsoft is aiming to market OpenAI's technology, including ChatGPT, to its cloud customers and add the same power to its entire suite of products, not just search. In the near term, Gartner analyst Jason Wong said Microsoft's "partnership with OpenAI is more relevant for its business customers." Still, he said, it could offer "disruptive opportunities" in consumer businesses as well. "Except for gaming, Microsoft has not been a leader in key consumer technologies, such as search, mobile and social media," he added. Google has taken note of Microsoft's challenge nonetheless. On Monday it unveiled a chatbot of its own called Bard, while it is planning to release its own AI in search that can synthesize material when no simple answer exists online. Microsoft's decision to update its Edge browser will likewise intensify competition with Google's Chrome competitor. However, the Redmond-based company expects to roll out the updated Bing to other browsers eventually. The rivalry in search is now among the technology industry's biggest, as OpenAI sets up Microsoft to expand its 9% share at Google's expense, said Daniel Ives, an analyst with Wedbush Securities. For the quarter ended Dec. 31, Alphabet reported $42.6 billion in Google Search and other revenue, while Microsoft posted $3.2 billion from search and news advertising. PRACTICAL USES Microsoft executives said the new Bing would change how people find information on the internet. A chatbot for instance can help users refine queries more easily and give more relevant, up-to-date results. The AI-driven search engine would be able to give clear answers in plain language, synthesizing what Bing found on the web and in its own data vaults, rather than simply spitting out links to websites. Queries on current events would draw more from live data on the internet. At the news briefing with reporters, Microsoft Consumer Chief Marketing Officer Yusuf Mehdi demonstrated how the AI-enhanced search engine also could make shopping easier. He showed how Bing could estimate, for example, whether a certain type of seat could fit in the back of a car by pulling together web data on one's vehicle dimensions and on the shopping product in question. Within the Edge browser, Bing's AI can present takeaways of financial results or other web pages as well, aiming to save readers from having to make sense of a long or complicated document, Microsoft said. It can suggest computer code, too. Behind these efforts is Microsoft's plan to invest in supercomputer development and cloud support so OpenAI can release still more sophisticated technology and aim at the level of machine intelligence dreamed up in science fiction. Already, results of this collaboration are manifesting beyond search. Last week Microsoft announced the startup's AI will generate meeting notes in Teams, its collaboration software, as well as suggest email replies to vendors using its Viva Sales subscription. (Reporting by Jeffrey Dastin in Redmond, Wash.; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Christopher Cushing) More powerful tremors have hit Turkey and are among 285 aftershocks recorded so far after thousands of people were killed and many more injured in a powerful earthquake. A 5.4 magnitude tremor struck the eastern side of the country at 7.10am (UK time) this morning, according to the US Geological Study. Just half an hour earlier, a 4.5 magnitude aftershock was recorded. There have been at least 14 large quakes in the region since midnight and around 285 aftershocks. Trapped residents unreachable after earthquake amid freezing weather - latest updates At least 7,300 people have died across both Turkey and Syria - with the World Health Organisation (WHO) saying fatalities could reach as high as 20,000 in the coming days. The first 7.8 magnitude earthquake happened before dawn on Monday, when many people would have been sleeping. And while rescuers have spent the night scouring rubble, bitterly cold weather could reduce the time they have to find survivors. More than 7,800 people in Turkey have been rescued across 10 provinces so far - and crews from around the world have been making their way to the epicentre to help. Countries around the world dispatched teams to assist in the rescue efforts, and Turkey's disaster management agency said more than 24,400 emergency personnel are now on the ground. But with such a wide swath of territory hit by the quake and nearly 6,000 buildings confirmed to have collapsed in Turkey alone, their efforts are spread thin. In Syria, the earthquake and subsequent tremors further weakened the foundations of buildings that have borne the brunt of shelling and airstrikes during a decade of unrest. Read more: Moment young girl pulled from rubble of building in Syria Three British nationals missing, foreign secretary confirms Volunteers digging with their bare hands as shouts heard amid the rubble The latest figures suggest more than 13,000 in Turkey have been injured - and in the city of Iskenderun, there was an enormous pile of debris where an intensive care unit once stood. Story continues "We have a patient who was taken into surgery but we don't know what happened," said Tulin, a woman in her 30s who was stood outside the hospital and wiping tears from her eyes. Adelheid Marschang, WHO Senior Emergency Officer, said Turkey had a strong capacity to respond to the crisis but that the main unmet needs in the immediate and mid-term would be across the border in Syria, already grappling with a years-long humanitarian crisis due to the civil war and a cholera outbreak. "This is a crisis on top of multiple crises in the affected region," she said at the organisation's board meeting in Geneva. "All over Syria, the needs are the highest after nearly 12 years of protracted, complex crisis, while humanitarian funding continues to decline." She said that some 23 million people, including 1.4 million children, were likely to be exposed in both countries following the earthquake and its aftershocks. Thousands made homeless overnight take refuge in mosques, stadiums and shopping centres Tens of thousands have been left homeless across Turkey and Syria - and spent last night in the cold. About 20 miles away from the epicentre of the earthquake in Gaziantep, people took refuge in shopping centres, mosques, stadiums and community centres. Around 380,000 survivors are currently being sheltered in government dormitories or hotels, according to Turkish vice president Fuat Oktay. In a rebel-held enclave of Syria, four million people were already displaced before the powerful tremors struck - and many live in buildings wrecked by military bombardments. A mound of concrete and steel roads lay where a multi-storey building once stood in Aleppo, with a thin young man expressing fears that 12 families could be trapped. The Syrian White Helmets, a rescue service in rebel-held territory, said they were in a "race against time" to save the lives of all those under rubble. Imran Bahur's apartment building in the Turkish city of Adana was also destroyed. She said her 18-month-old grandson was on the 12th floor, and begged for help in rescuing him. Search crews working in Diyarbakir, another Turkish city, occasionally raised their hands and called for quiet - listening for signs of life. Syria asks for help Syria's UN ambassador Bassam Sabbagh has requested help from the United Nations - receiving assurance that member states will do everything possible in this "very difficult situation". He went on to stress that the government is ready to help and coordinate aid deliveries "to all Syrians in all territories of Syria". But as well as harsh winter weather, damage to roads and fuel shortages have hampered the UN's response to the earthquake there. "The infrastructure is damaged, the roads that we used to use for humanitarian work are damaged, we have to be creative in how to get to the people... but we are working hard," UN resident coordinator El-Mostafa Benlamlih told the Reuters news agency. Erdogan declares seven days of national mourning Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has spoken to his US counterpart Joe Biden. The president has also declared the 10 cities impacted by the quake a "disaster zone" and announced that they will remain in a state of emergency for three months. The White House said Mr Biden underscored "the readiness of the United States to provide any and all needed assistance" to Turkey - a NATO ally. Two, 79-person urban search and rescue teams have been deployed by Washington - and discussions are ongoing about other forms of relief, including health services. Rescue workers from the UK, Czech Republic and Germany have also been making their way to the epicentre. 40 Days For Life hold a Prayer Vigil outside Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. (Image: PA) The MSP who is spearheading legislation to introduce buffer zones around abortion clinics in Scotland said the change will be one of the proudest legacies of devolution. Green MSP Gillian Mackay has brought forward the Abortion Services Safe Access Zones (Scotland) Bill in a bid to stop anti-abortion protesters from gathering outside clinics. Nicola Sturgeon has already confirmed the Scottish Government will back the legislation, meaning it should pass through Holyrood. On Tuesday, the First Minister will chair a summit in Edinburgh about the legislation, which will be addressed by both Ms Mackay and former Green MLA Clare Bailey, who was behind the Bill that successfully introduced buffer zones in Northern Ireland. READ MORE: Activists criticise no abortion care in women's health plan priorities The UK Supreme Court ruled in December that the Northern Irish legislation was within Stormonts competence, with this seen as smoothing the way for the Scottish Bill. Ms Mackay said the Supreme Court ruling had set an historic precedent, as she told how momentum was increasing around her proposals. HeraldScotland: Gillian Mackay, centre. Speaking ahead of Tuesdays summit, Ms Mackay said: The introduction of buffer zones will be one of the proudest legacies of devolution, and I am delighted that we are so close to delivering it. In holding this summit, the First Minister is showing clear leadership and defending the right to choose. I am grateful for her support as momentum around the Bill gathers pace. She said the summit would play a key role in ensuring the Bill that is put before Holyrood is the best and most robust legislation that it can be and will introduce a watertight ban on protesters near to abortion clinics. The Central Scotland MSP continued: Abortion rights are healthcare and they must be protected and expanded. Nobody should be obstructed or harassed when accessing healthcare, yet, far too many people across Scotland have to endure a gauntlet of intimidation and abuse. Story continues READ MORE: Petition for further school resources on abortion to be considered Ms Mackay said that 12,000 responses received to the consultation on her proposals showed the strength of feeling about the issue, as she added: It is time to stop the harassment and end these protests for good. The precedent that was set in Northern Ireland was historic, and I hope that Scotland can follow it as soon as possible. Comments that the United States and China will fight a war in 2025 over Taiwan triggered criticism from both military experts and public commentators in the United States. WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Recent comments by a four-star general of the U.S. Air Force that the United States and China will fight a war in 2025 over Taiwan have been criticised as groundless speculation. Mike Minihan, commander of the Air Mobility Command (AMC), said in a memo sent to his subordinates that his "guts" told him that the United States and China "will fight in 2025," basing on self-claimed scenarios. Minihan's comments triggered criticism from both military experts and public commentators in the United States. Responding to the comments by Minihan, who leads the Air Force's responsibility for transporting soldiers and weapons onto battlefields and refueling U.S. military aircraft mid-air, the U.S. Defense Department said in a statement that the general's assertions "are not representative of the department's view on China." "There's no reason for the bilateral relationship -- the most consequential bilateral relationship in the world -- to sort of erupt into some kind of conflict," said John Kirby, the National Security Council's coordinator for strategic communication, when asked to comment on the matter. Even the direct recipients of Minihan's memo found it astonishingly ridiculous. U.S. military news portal Military.com quoted pilots and officers within the AMC as saying that predictions and corresponding directions contained in the memo are unrealistic and "inappropriate." "Some of my airmen are going to get scared when they read this memo," one of the officers said. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Team performs during the annual Wings Over Houston Airshow at Ellington Airport, Texas, the United States, on Oct. 9, 2021. (Photo by Steven Song/Xinhua) Anti-war activist and podcast host Jimmy Dore said in an appearance on Fox News that the United States' enemy is not China, but rather "the military industrial complex fleecing this country to the tunes of hundreds of billions and trillions of dollars." Dore said what's actually running the United States is a "war machine" that "can not be stopped," leaving the American people who cheer for war with no idea whatsoever about their country's foreign policy. "What is worse, they have no idea that they don't have any idea what is happening with the foreign policy." "Americans have no idea how corrupt our government is. They think our government is just regular corrupt ... that's not (the case) -- the whole thing is corrupt," Dore said. Having plunged the Middle East into constant war over the past 20 years, the United States, Dore said, is "doing a proxy war in Ukraine" that both itself and its allies admitted has been provoked by the West. "Now we're trying to sabre-rattle this with China, and (those in the industrial-military complex) are 'predicting a war,'" Dore said. "Again, China won't invade us. China is not our enemy." Photo taken on Feb. 19, 2020 shows the Pentagon seen from an airplane over Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) "I remain skeptical," said George Friedman, founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures. "The Pentagon has distanced itself from the general's remarks," he said. Minihan was also criticized by Jude Blanchette, the Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank. The general's prediction -- together with similar speculations by other high-ranking U.S. military officials indicating "various years" in which a U.S.-China war would break out -- "comes across as undermining the credibility of our statements and our assessments on precisely the relationship where your words matter," Blanchette said. 'Kremlin would love it': Finland wants to join NATO with Sweden but could go solo Finland could consider joining NATO without Sweden if Turkey continues to block their joint bid to enter the military alliance. During a Tuesday morning television interview, Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said that both Nordic nations joining NATO together was "absolutely the number one option," but that "we have to be ready to evaluate the situation." "Has something happened that would in the long term prevent Sweden's application from progressing?" Haavisto asked. The answer to his question would seem to be yes. On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that Sweden no longer had Turkey's support for its NATO application after a Danish extremist burned a copy of the Quran in Sweden over the weekend. A few hours after his initial remarks, Haavisto spoke to journalists at a hastily-arranged press conference in parliament and clarified his comments, saying he had been "imprecise" and that Finland still wanted to join NATO together with the Swedes. Despite the backpedalling, the foreign minister's comments were the first tacit admission that the Finnish government has been looking ahead and considering scenarios that might unfold, raising doubts about becoming NATO members in parallel with Sweden at a time when the alliance is seeking to present a united front in the face of Russia's war in Ukraine. "He's now said what was always implicit but previously left unsaid, that our goal is always that we want to do this together with Sweden, but nobody has definitively said Finland would never go at it alone -- not Sanna Marin, not Pekka Haavisto, not President Niinisto," said Charly Salonius-Pasternak, a Senior Researcher at the Finnish Institute for International Affairs (FIIA) in Helsinki. "At his press conference, he clarified that as long as the process is moving then there is no need to think about anything else. Finnish policy has not changed, it's only if the process gets permanently frozen we would have to think about something else," Salonius-Pasternak told Euronews. Story continues For the time being, in particular ahead of a Finnish general election in early April, no serious Finnish politician would actively campaign for the country to go solo with its NATO application and leave Sweden behind. Finland sees a possible window of time for Turkey to give the green light to NATO applications between the Turkish elections in mid-May and the next NATO summit in Lithuania in June. After that, if there was still no movement from Ankara, there would have to be more serious discussions for the new government in Helsinki to figure out their next steps. How has Sweden reacted? Speaking to reporters in Stockholm on Tuesday evening, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said he understands the frustration that many in Finland feel over not having been admitted to the alliance already, but called for calm and urged Swedes who oppose NATO membership to realise the gravity of the security situation. There are forces both in Sweden and outside Sweden who want to prevent Sweden from becoming a NATO member, said Kristersson, who came to power in the autumn with the support of a far-right political party. And its against that backdrop we should see that there are provocateurs who want to damage Swedens relations to other countries, leading to a delay in Swedish membership of NATO. Finland's uncoupled membership 'could work more for Sweden' A possible worst-case scenario for NATO memberships would be for Turkey to ratify Finland's bid but not Sweden's. The Finns would then have to decide whether or not to deposit their own legal paperwork in Washington DC to take that final step in becoming full NATO members, even if it meant leaving Sweden outside the military organisation. "It would be really bad for Finnish politicians and domestic politics. The Kremlin would love it if one NATO member has just gone against the US and the will of the other NATO countries. Geopolitically this would be great for Russia," said Salonius-Pasternak. He reckons Sweden understands that Finland wants to join NATO together, but if the stars do not align, Finnish membership would still improve Nordic and Baltic security. "And Finland could work more for Sweden as a member inside rather than outside." Warrington firm wins deal with billionaire airport brand (Image: Supplied) A MAJOR interior design firm based in Warrington has landed an exciting airport deal with billionaire brand Swissport. DV8 Designs, based in Birchwood, has partnered with Europes largest airport lounge brand, Aspire, owned by the aviation company, to help freshen up the interior of its lounges in a string of rebrand openings. The team of designers brought their knowledge and experience of designing high-end restaurants, boutique hotels and sophisticated spaces to help give the Aspire lounge based at Belfast Airport a modernised appearance, ready for its re-opening. Owner of the DV8 Designs, Lee Birchall commented on the brands new deal, saying: We are delighted to once again be partnering with Aspire to create a truly premium lounge service in line with the Aspire vision, whilst also integrating the unique geographical characteristics of Belfast and the surrounding region. Our design team enjoy the strong working relationship with Aspire, having a degree of creative freedom to bring our latest airport experience to life. Before working on this project, DV8 Designs have collaborated with Aspire in several of their other airport lounges across the country, recently being shortlisted as finalists for the Mix Interiors Mixology Awards 2021 for their work in Edinburgh and London Luton airport. Graham Allen, Head of Aspire Lounges UK & Ireland said: Aspire is delighted to be partnering once again with DV8 Designs on the redevelopment of our lounge at Belfast City Airport. This exciting project will enable Aspire to maximise use of the space and modernise our facility to meet and exceed the expectations of our guests. DV8 consistently recognise the need to tailor each project to ensure the ever-changing travel needs of our guests are met and ensure that Aspire remains a market leader of Airport Lounges. Our lounge at Belfast City will be designed with our new identity at its foundations; recognisably Aspire with a distinct sense of place. BEIRUT, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- A Lebanese delegation on Tuesday morning moved to Syria to assist the earthquake-stricken country in rescue operations, said Lebanon's Public Works and Transport Minister Ali Hamieh. The Delegation comprises the Lebanese Red Cross, Beirut Fire Brigade, Civil Defense, Disaster Management units, and the Lebanese army in cooperation with some private sector companies, according to the National News Agency. The minister emphasized the urgent need to support Syria as a brotherly country, adding Lebanon has decided to "open air and sea facilities to enable shipping companies to transport humanitarian aid from countries, institutions, and international organizations to Syria." Hamieh added that Lebanon exempted companies from the airport and port fees to land in Lebanon as they usually refrain from docking and landing in Syrian facilities out of fear of sanctions. Hamieh said that "several private sector companies expressed their willingness to contribute to the removal of rubble, and they have been in contact with the Supreme Defense Council and the Syrian embassy to coordinate the work." Meanwhile, Lebanon's Foreign Affairs Minister Abdallah Bou Habib discussed with representatives of UN agencies, including the UN International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the UN Development Programme, about coordination of offering support to Syria amid the current circumstances. Around 5,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands injured as of Tuesday noon after strong earthquakes jolted parts of Turkiye and neighboring Syria early Monday. HA NOI Many companies from Viet Nam were named in categories of the ASEAN Tourism Awards at a ceremony held as part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2023, which wrapped up in Jakarta, Indonesia on February 5. Two homestay groups in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long and the northwest mountainous province of Lao Cai received the ASEAN Homestay Award. Meanwhile, four units won the ASEAN Community Tourism Award, namely the Quan Ba Community Tourism Service Cooperative in Ha Giang Province, Sin Suoi Ho community tourism village in Lai Chau Province, Tan Thanh fishing village in Quang Nam Province, and Thai Hai Reserve Area of Ecological Houses-on-Stilts Village in Thai Nguyen Province. The ASEAN Public Toilet Award was awarded to the toilets in Saigon Skydeck of Bitexco Financial Tower, Southern Women's Museum and Ben Xua Tourist Area in HCM City. The winners of ASEAN Spa Service Awards were Cham Spa & Massage in the central city of a Nang, Sen Tai Thu Vincom Mega Mall Smart City in Ha Noi, Sol Spa of Minera Resort Hotel in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Chi Spa of Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa Lao Cai Province, and Thala Spa of Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc Hotel in Kien Giang Province. The ASEAN Tourism Awards is an annual event to honour localities and units with high-quality tourism products and services, contributing to boosting the sustainable development of tourism destinations in ASEAN. The 2023 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), themed "ASEAN: A Journey to Wonderful Destinations," took place in Yogyakarta, Indonesia from February 2-5. It is the largest annual event held alternately among the ASEAN member nations, contributing to promoting the region as an attractive tourist destination globally. ATF 2024 will take place in Vientiane, Laos on January 15 20, 2024. VNS In a recent written interview with Vietnam News Agency, Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan talks about areas with scope for closer collaboration between Singapore and Viet Nam ahead of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs official visit to Singapore from February 8-10. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and 10th anniversary of strategic partnership between Singapore and Viet Nam. How do you evaluate Singapore-Viet Nam relations in the past half-century, especially in the last decade? What should the two countries do to further our bilateral cooperation and advance the development of each country? The ties between Singapore and Viet Nam have grown from strength to strength since we established diplomatic relations 50 years ago. We are longstanding friends and close partners that enjoy wide-ranging cooperation in many areas, both bilaterally and at multilateral fora. I am heartened that the bilateral relationship has continued to expand and evolve to tackle new challenges over the past decade. Our linkages are particularly strong in trade and investment. The 12 Viet Nam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) across Northern, Central, and Southern Viet Nam have attracted US$17 billion in investments and created over 300,000 jobs. The VSIP is an enduring icon of our bilateral partnership which is built on the close friendship and consultations between the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew and former Vietnamese Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet, who had asked Mr Lee to advise Viet Nam on its economic opening in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Even as we strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as trade and investment, there remain many opportunities to work together in new growth areas like the digital economy, renewable energy, carbon credits, green financing, cybersecurity, and sustainable infrastructure. I would encourage interested parties to explore collaboration in these areas, to establish mutually beneficial partnerships that advance the interests of both countries. What is the significance of the upcoming visit to Singapore by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh? What do you vision about the prospects for Viet Nam-Singapore cooperation in the coming decade? We warmly welcome Prime Minister Chinh, who is making his first official visit to Singapore. Prime Minister Chinhs visit has an added significance as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Viet Nam and the 10th anniversary of the Viet Nam-Singapore Strategic Partnership this year. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has also accepted PM Chinhs invitation to visit Viet Nam. We are confident that PM Chinh will have a fruitful and productive visit to Singapore. Looking ahead, I would like to highlight two areas in which there is much scope for closer collaboration between Singapore and Viet Nam. First, we need to accelerate our cooperation in the digital economy. This is a priority for both Singapore and Viet Nam, and encompasses many new areas such as cybersecurity, cross-border data flows, smart cities, innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital payments. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the crucial role of digital trade and e-commerce in ensuring supply chain resilience and business continuity. During the series of high-level exchanges last year, leaders on both sides also agreed on the importance of accelerating cooperation in digital transformation. Second, sustainable development. Like COVID-19, climate change is a global issue that can only be tackled through the collective effort of governments and people worldwide. Singapore is keen to work with Viet Nam in renewable energy, carbon credits, and sustainable infrastructure with the ambitious goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. In their bilateral meeting on the occasion of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits in Cambodia in November 2022, Vietnamese PM Chinh and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong agreed to direct the ministries and relevant agencies of the two countries to study a possible framework of a digital economy - green economy partnership between the two countries. How do you assess the prospects for bilateral cooperation in these fields? As mentioned earlier, there is great potential for both our countries to work together in these two fields. I recall that during my last visit to Viet Nam in June 2021, both sides had agreed to establish a Digital Economy Working Group to identify useful areas of cooperation. We have since put in place the foundations for working together. First, in February 2022 the Singapore Ministry of Communications and Information concluded an MOU on Digital Economy. This was followed up in October 2022, an MOU on Cybersecurity, Cybercrime, Data Flows and Personal Data Protection Cooperation was signed between the Singapore Ministry of Communications and Information and the Viet Nam Ministry of Public Security. I am certain that these collaborations will produce concrete outcomes, given our common interest in harnessing the potential of the digital economy to improve our peoples lives. I understand that PM Chinh himself plays an active role as Chair of the National Steering Committees for both Digitalisation and Climate Change, and that the target is for Viet Nams digital economy to contribute to 20 per cent of GDP by 2025. Viet Nam is keen to build up an e-government, e-society, and digital population. Similarly, Singapores Smart Nation strategy aims to build a digital economy, digital government and digital society, with every industry, business and government agency driving whole-of-nation digitalisation. As for the green economy, both Singapore and Viet Nam have set the same target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Both countries are also keen to work together to harness renewable energy for a more sustainable future. Viet Nam enjoys an abundance of wind and sunlight, which it could harness to generate renewable energy for both domestic consumption and export to other countries. Within the region, there is already the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project (LTMS PIP), and there is much scope for countries in the region to work together to realise an ASEAN power grid. There are many areas of complementarity between Singapore and Viet Nam in the fields of digital economy and green economy, and much more that our countries can do together. We look forward to welcoming PM Chinh to Singapore. This will be a key platform for both countries to reaffirm our excellent ties, take stock of our cooperation and discuss ways to advance our Strategic Partnership as we work together to create a more resilient and green future as well as a peaceful and prosperous Southeast Asia. VNA/VNS A NANG The fishery industry in 28 coastal provinces has taken severe measures to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, with the goal of removing the 'yellow card' warning issued by the European Commission in 2017. The Government, ministries and local authorities have been improving legal enforcement, supervision on the implementation of the law and traceability requirements through heavier fines on illegal fishing, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung uc Tien said at a conference on the ECs delegation assessment of anti-IUU fishing measures in Viet Nam. Tien said the ministry asked local authorities and fishery agencies to clarify the responsibilities of fishing boat management, reporting on the punishment of IUU-violated vessels and sharing information and data on fishing boat registration and catch among local authorities. Its a big challenge for Viet Nams fishery. Stricter regulations and supervision on fishing have been implemented since the countrys fishery received the yellow card from the EC in 2017, and the latest recommendations by the ECs delegation last October, Tien said. The government, ministries and local authorities are determined to implement anti-IUU fishing measures to affirm Viet Nam as a trust and responsibility partner. The positive involvement of communes, fishing communities, border guards and fishery surveillance units will help improve management more transparency and sustainably, he said. He noted that other major markets like Japan, the US and other countries would ask Viet Nam to ensure IUU fishing prevention in the near future. The vice minister said a report on illegal swordfish trading was unveiled during the EC delegation's visit. Vu Duyen Hai, an official from the directorate of fisheries, said positive targets had been reached in efforts to remove the yellow card. Hai said 11 out of 28 provinces now monitor fishing boats of more than 6m in length, while 28,739 out of 29,827 fishing vessels (96.35 per cent) have installed vessel monitoring systems (VMS). The number of fishing boats on the National Fisheries Database (Vnfishbase) was identified at 74,521, down 14,024 boats since September, 2022, and 86.7 per cent of fishing vessels are officially registrated. However, six fishing boats, of which three were from Binh inh Province, were detained in Malaysia in January. Hai said five of them did not have the VMS installed. Hai said 28 provinces must complete the installation of VMS and 24-hour tracking equipment on all fishing boats over-15m in length by May 15; boats of less than 15-m still require VMS at a later date. He urged all provinces to boost supervision and control on fishing boat numbers and wharves, as well as illegal transhipment at sea. Deputy director of Scientific Technologies and International Co-operation Department under the Directorate of Fisheries Nguyen Thi Trang Nhung warned that the difference in fishery management among provinces should be synchronised. At the same time, reports on fish traceability must be cleared. The EC delegation warned about a possible fake Bill of Lading for swordfish exports to the US, not Taiwan as stated. Two vessels of Hai Vuong Company docking at Hon Ro Port were found to be using fake registration certificates. The two boats were listed as IUU-violator by the International Ocean Tuna Commission in 2014. The ECs delegation also investigated a vessel that recorded an 800kg swordfish catch, suspecting that, in reality, it caught seven tonnes over a 25-day trip. She said more work is needed in fishery management, certificate, and reports on fish hauls. Local authorities should strictly implement boat tracking systems, legal enforcement forces, and State agencies to remove the yellow card. Vice chairman of Quang Ngai Provinces Peoples Committee, Tran Phuoc Hien, said it should be managed with a one-stop-shop that all provinces send reports on fishing boat fleets and catch to the directorate of fishery each day. Hien said management ability and infrastructure must be improved for sustainable development. Le Ngoc Linh, head of the Quang Binh sub-department of fishery, said all boats that disconnected their VMS hours must be investigated by local authorities, while communal authorities will give strict fines. The ECs delegation plans further checks on Viet Nams IUU prevention measures in 2023, Nhung said. VNS HA NOI In a national effort to revive contaminated waterways, the newly unveiled national water resources master plan has stirred hope across the country, though environmental specialists caution that significant work remains to be done. Nguyen Thi Quy, living by the Set River in Phuong Liet Ward, Ha Nois Thanh Xuan District, said: The river is polluted and the water is a dark colour. As the river is located by a market, people even throw soy pulp into the river. I have to close all windows, otherwise we will all get sick from pollution, she told Voice of Vietnam (VOV) newspaper. Other rivers in Ha Noi, such as To Lich, Kim Nguu, Nhue, and ay, have been used as wastewater sewages for dozens of years. The citys authorities have made efforts to revive those polluted rivers, but a lot of work remains to be done. In the 1990s, embankments were built, and the infamously-polluted To Lich River was dredged. Other ideas were proposed, such as pumping water from the Hong (Red) River to clean up To Lich River in 2009, cleaning To Lich River with nano-bioreactor technology in 2019 or reviving To Lich Rover into a historical, cultural and spiritual park. However, none of these plans went beyond a trial phase. Ha Noi has treated water pollution at Nhue River, but the plan has not met the requirements. Meanwhile, urban area design plans along Lu and Set rivers in Thanh Xuan District are still under construction. Yen Xa wastewater treatment plant project, expected to be handed over in 2022, is still in progress. Four other projects in Kien Hung (Ha ong District), Son Tay Town, Nhue river basin and Yen So are seeking investment. The slow pollution treatment progress has worried the citys residents. A resident, who declined to be named, said: It turns smelly on sunny days, affecting the health of both people living by the rivers and passers-by. Households facing the rivers have to close windows all day around. We have been hearing about plans to build an embankment and wastewater pumping lines for a long time, but we do not know when these projects will start. The same situation is reported in HCM City in canals such as Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe, Tham Luong - Ben Cat and Xuyen Tam. Associate Professor Nguyen inh Tuan, vice chairman of the HCM City Association of Water and Environment, spoke highly of local authorities efforts to recover the canals, relocate slums, and install wastewater collection systems under the canals. Some canals have been recovered, however, untreated wastewater is still being pumped into the river. "Firstly, we have to treat all wastewater before it is discharged into the environment," Tuan said. "The current rate of treated wastewater in urban areas is low, for example, the rate of HCM City is only about 10 per cent. Secondly, we have to remove houses which encroach canals to make way for water flow. However, he said the investment is huge. It takes hundreds of millions of dollars to recover Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe Canal in its first phase plan. Thats one of the reasons delaying renovation of canals in urban areas, he said. Associate Professor Phung Chi Sy, director of the Environmental Technology Centre (ENTEC), said: We have solved problems on the surfaces but not the roots. We tried to dredge the rivers and build the embankments to limit the direct discharge sources but have been unable to block sources from the upper stream. We have constructed wastewater treatment factories, but how to collect wastewater back to the factory is a big problem, he said. Expectations of resource plan Dr Hoang Duong Tung, former deputy head of the Viet Nam Environment Administration, expected that the national water resource master plan, which was newly approved by the end of 2022, will help revive dead rivers. One of the plans targets is to have 30 per cent of the total wastewater volume in urban areas from Grade II and above collected and treated. I think this is a huge ambition that requires the responsibility of not only the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment but also all ministries, sectors and localities, Tung said. Associate Professor Phung Chi Sy emphasised the important role of the national water resources plan in reviving dead rivers. He said financial resources need to be created by calling for private investment. These can be policies to attract investors; for example, those who renovate rivers and canals will be given priority to exploit parts of river banks for lease and business. VNS The conference featured Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and top government officials, including minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung and minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien. The 2.2GW Son My 2 CCGT power plant will be located in Binh Thuan province. The $1.8 billion plant will have a 20-year contract with the Vietnamese government. Speaking at the conference, Joseph Uddo, president of AES Vietnam said, The investment policy for Son My 2 CCGT power plant marks a significant milestone enabling us to move ahead with the project. We are honoured to receive the approval in this significant event today on the action plan to implement Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW of the Politburo, recognising the importance of the power plant project in ensuring energy security, promoting international investment and the socioeconomic development of Vietnam. Son My 2 complements AES investment plans in gas infrastructure in the country and the previously announced $1.4 billion Son My LNG import terminal, a joint venture with PetroVietnam Gas JSC (PV Gas), which acquired its investment registration certificate in May 2022. AES, through its subsidiary, AES Mong Duong Power Co., Ltd., successfully developed and arranged financing for the Mong Duong 2 Power Project of 1,242MW with a total investment of approximately $2.1 billion. This was Vietnams first build-operate-transfer (BOT) coal-fired power project, representing about 2.3 per cent of the countrys installed capacity. The CCGT and terminal are expected to play a major role in shaping Vietnams energy future. In November 2017, AES signed an MoU with PV Gas in the presence of US President Donald J. Trump and Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang to develop the $1.3 billion Son My LNG terminal project. Then, in November 2019, AES signed another MoU with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to develop a 2.2GW CCGT power plant under BOT format in Binh Thuan province. In October 2020, AES Vietnam and PV GAS inked a Term Sheet of the JV Agreement for Son My LNG terminal. The CCGT and terminal are expected to play a major role in shaping Vietnams energy future by diversifying the energy mix with imported LNG and meeting the countrys increasing demand for sustainable and affordable electricity. $2 billion Quang Ninh LNG power plant behind schedule The joint venture of PV Power, Colavi, Tokyo Gas, and Marubeni is behind schedule for the completion of the $2 billion Quang Ninh liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant. Vietnam offshore wind power sparks influx of foreign investment: Nikkei Asia Nikkei Asia, a news service in Japan, ran an article on January 6 saying that Vietnam's offshore wind power sparks an influx of foreign investment. ASEAN countries like Vietnam are not spared from the impact of climate change. Rapid economic development also means increasing demand for energy and power to meet the pace of growth, which leads to an increase in CO2 emissions. The journey to a cleaner future Takeshi Masuyama, Managing director, regional head of Vietnam, MUFG Bank, Ltd. The Vietnamese government has announced in various international forums its commitment to address environmental issues, and has firmed up its national net-zero target. In addition, the announcement of the Vietnam Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) in last December is another milestone and will further rally the private and public sectors towards accelerating the countrys green transition. MUFG is part of the working group convened by the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) supporting the JETP initiative for Vietnam. The sustainability mission Since announcing our Carbon Neutrality Declaration in 2021, MUFG has pledged a total of 35 trillion ($306.7 billion) in sustainability-related financing globally by 2030. We aim to achieve net-zero emissions in our operations by the same year and finance portfolio by 2050. MUFG has established a global acceleration network for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria with its Sustainable Business Division in Tokyo and regional ESG finance departments in Singapore and Australia. In Vietnam, the bank also has a dedicated ESG team supporting issuances both locally and across Asia-Pacific. As a global financial institution, MUFG actively participates in international initiatives supporting energy transition efforts worldwide, from GFANZs Net-Zero Banking Alliance and the Asia Transition Finance Study Group to the Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets and Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials. Committed to Vietnam In support of Vietnams sustainability aspirations, MUFGs local ESG team works closely with its regional and global offices to leverage its extensive ESG financing insights and expertise to raise awareness of energy transition and also support the top sustainability initiatives of clients and other key stakeholders. Regular engagement with business and society is crucial, and we have held frequent dialogues with export credit agencies, arranged knowledge exchange workshops with government bodies like the State Bank of Vietnam on the countrys ESG landscape, and discussed with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to exchange information on the development of the power sector as a whole. It is of significant importance to be able to mobilise capital from international financial institutions and enterprises in the form of project financing where risk allocation and risk ownership are clearly determined among public and private stakeholders. In line with the banks efforts to transition to more sustainable operations, the MUFG Hanoi Branch also relocated to the Capital Place building in November 2022. It is the first office development in Hanoi to be Global Standard LEED-certified. The building uses low emitting materials and advanced air filtration system to monitor indoor air quality and optimise energy consumption. Enhancing government and private partnerships Financial institutions play an important role in driving Vietnams ESG agenda, as they can accelerate the corporations transition to sustainable economy through green financing and other necessary financial services. However, relatively high long-term funding costs, the non-bankability of power purchase agreements, and the lack of a standard framework for ESG financing are some of the issues faced by institutions that are attempting to support businesses wanting to make the transition to net-zero. Therefore, government intervention will not only increase local companies awareness, but also provide various incentives to financial institutions to contribute more proactively to the countrys ESG agenda. To ensure Vietnam meets its carbon neutrality commitment by 2050 and realise its plans for large-scale renewable energy projects, ongoing engagement between private sector and governmental ministries will be needed to further mobilise capital and improve risk allocation. With our strong track record in ESG financing and experience in renewables and clean energy sectors, MUFG, together with our strategic partner VietinBank, will continue to engage our clients to support their ESG commitments and targets. The remaining top 10 markets in the category are: Columbus, Santiago, Johannesburg, Atlanta, Nashville, Phoenix, Austin, Denver, and Chicago, according to a report released by Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam on February 2. The annual report, now in its fourth year, ranks major data centre markets around the world according to 13 weighted categories including market size, connectivity, power cost and environmental risk to determine the top overall markets in each category. According to the latest Q4 2022 Ho Chi Minh City marketbeat report, the average rental price reached $159 per sq.m per lease cycle, up 3 per cent on the quarter and 10 per cent on-year. Vietnam is a frontier data centre market Vietnam may be a frontier data centre market, but it has numerous fundamentals that would suggest great potential for development. The country currently has 70 per cent internet penetration, with an estimated 29 million people yet to get online. Over 48 per cent of Vietnams capacity is located in the capital of Ho Chi Minh. Currently, only a few multinationals are locally requiring high-level capacity. The common approach for international operators is to partner with the local telecommunication operators. There is a sizable lack of existing infrastructure relative to the population of the market and demand for internet services. This represents a major opportunity at both the content provision and infrastructure establishment level. South of Ho Chi Minh is preferred as a hub for data centres, especially for cloud services platform providers, due to latency issues and securing of manpower. Increasing land prices, limited land availability (especially for hyperscale) and limited current or future power supply in Ho Chi Minh directly are pushing new data centre developments to Binh Duong or Dong Nai provinces. "Vietnam's digital and data infrastructure is currently fragmented and underdeveloped compared to the market's population size and demand for internet services, said Bui Trang, country head of Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam. However, this limitation is also an opportunity for investors to participate and build data centers early. According to our records, the majority of foreign developers coming to Vietnam will desire through signing cooperation agreements with domestic developers. Cushman & Wakefields head of Data Centre Advisory Team, Asia Pacific, Vivek Dahiya, said interest and investment in the region would continue at pace as the sector evolved. We are seeing significant investment and interest in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Hyderabad, Johor, and Manila, and we expect this to continue, along with interest in other primary and secondary markets in the region. Data centres are a rapidly evolving asset class, as evidenced by this report. Last year, Portland ranked 10th. This year it tied for first. We expect such strong movements to continue in the years to come as the sector evolves and matures, Dahiya said. Significant ecosystem development in Vietnam: CMC Telecom opened its Tan Thuan Data Centre inAugust 2022. The facility was designed by B-Barcelona of Singapore. The facility has a total area of 13,133 sq.m and was 30 per cent pre-leased at launch according to CMC. Australian data centres firm, Edge Centres, has expanded into Asia with the deployment of their first data centre, EC51, in Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh with the Vietnam National University. They also have plans for an additional site in District 1 of in Ho Chi Minh. GAW Capital acquired greenfield land in the Saigon High-Tech Park in Ho Chi Minh. The data centre is expected to be over 18,000 sq.m and support 20MW in capacity. NTT GDC and local Vietnamese firm Quang Dung Technology will develop a new data centre located in the Saigon High-Tech Park that will support 6MW of IT capacity, with an estimated launch date of 2024. Viettel, a Vietnamese telecommunications company, has announced plans to build a new data centre totalling $260M in investment. While specifics on the facility have yet to be fully clear, this would be Viettels third project in Ho Chi Minh. Data centres mark new digital stage Domestic and international investors are increasingly turning to alternatives in the Vietnamese market such as data centres and self-storage services to diversify their portfolios and enhance return. Vertiv launches 'Guide to Data Center Sustainability' Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, on October 28 released its Guide to Data Center Sustainability, an online resource for data centre owners and operators seeking to reduce the environmental impact of their facilities. Data centres in Vietnam: an investment goldmine In 2016, Vietnam was already described as Southeast Asias Silicon Valley. Its emerging sectors and fast-growing industries included fintech, telecommunications, electronics and computer manufacturing, and information and telecommunications services. Now, the country is one of the fastest-growing digital economies in Southeast Asia and on track to reach an internet economy worth $57 billion by 2025. ADEN, Yemen, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- At least two senior officers of Yemen's government forces were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Yemen's southern province of Abyan on Tuesday, a military official told Xinhua. According to the local military official who asked to remain anonymous, the blast occurred in Al Bouqaira village in Mudiyah district of the turbulent southern province of Abyan, killing two senior officers on the spot and injuring six other soldiers. Elements of the Yemen-based al-Qaida branch attached the explosive under the officers' vehicle and detonated it with a remote-controlled device, said the official. Medical workers and rescuers rushed to the site immediately after the blast and shifted the injured soldiers to a nearby hospital. The local Yemeni security units in Abyan vowed to launch a search operation in the surroundings to arrest the perpetrators during the upcoming hours. In the past months, Abyan witnessed a dramatic increase in terror attacks against government forces in many of its areas, as the al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and other extremist groups have a strong presence in the turbulent province. In November 2022, military units of the Southern Transitional Council, which is a part of the Yemeni government, announced that they were launching "a qualitative anti-terror operation and succeeded in raiding a key hideout of al-Qaida in Abyan and Shabwa." Al-Qaida militants hiding out in rocky terrains and mountainous areas of Abyan and other neighboring provinces including Shabwa frequently use hit-and-run tactics against Yemeni government forces. The AQAP network has exploited years of deadly conflict between the Yemeni government and the Houthi militia to expand its presence in the war-ravaged Arab country. It has carried out many high-profile attacks against the security forces in the country's southern provinces. Entering 2023, Microsoft and Google announced global lay-offs of 10,000 and 12,000 employees, respectively. IBM laid off nearly 4,000 members, while Spotify cut about 6 per cent of staff. Since November last year, Meta, Amazon, and HP have also adjusted thousands of positions. Tech lay-off wave continues to bite at Vietnams heels, Illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com In Southeast Asia, Shopee parent company Sea Group, Crypto.com, e-commerce platform JD.ID, and GoTo a merger between ride-hailer Gojek and e-commerce platform Tokopedia are among the companies that experienced a drastic staff cut in the past year. GoTo in November 2022 cut 1,300 jobs, equivalent to 12 per cent of the number of employees, while Sea Group let go of 7,000 employees in the past six months. Both companies cited a common cause being challenging macroeconomic conditions. Industry insiders in Vietnam are generally wary of the effect this laid-off wave might have on the domestic market. Nguyen Khuong Tuan, CEO of Stech Company, assessed that the massive lay-off stemmed from the worlds economic crisis and will certainly affect Vietnam. In some markets like the US, unicorn startups receive too much favour from investors. Accordingly, businesses have quickly recruited numerous human resources (HR), pushing up operating costs. Therefore, when the bubble burst, the common ground for companies was also pulled down, Tuan assessed. In Vietnam, companies that provide technology as a service will be the hardest hit. However, Tuan said that job opportunities in the industry are still very promising, as the demand for HR is still there. In particular, software outsourcing companies in Vietnam are still short of high-quality personnel. Likewise, Ly Ngoc Tran, HR outsourcing director of Talentnet Corporation, believed that the domestic tech job landscape is not too gloomy. The massive lay-offs, while devastating, are understandable after nearly a decade of booming growth and then the pandemic, Tran said. In Vietnam, the HR market will temporarily cool down at least in the first six months, in order to minimise the risk of market changes. As for Vietnamese tech companies, Tran assessed that restructuring internal talents to optimise cost and maximise existing resources would pose a challenge, as businesses have to determine which positions are permanent and which can be shifted to part-time or project-based types. Agile business transformation model will take the throne, and HR outsourcing trends will rise as an optimal solution in this turbulent time, Tran noted. Nguyen Huu Le, chairman of TMA Solutions, shared a more optimistic view of the impact on tech personnel in Vietnam as the outcome of the worlds lay-off trend, as these global giants look for lower-cost HR. With recruiting personnel in Vietnam to work remotely, tech groups worldwide will be able to save significantly, as the average cost is only one-sixth to one-eighth compared to Silicon Valley. So tech professionals in Vietnam are not worried about these recent incidents, Le said. However, domestic IT companies would then have to compete for recruitment with big corporations. While tech professionals in Vietnam are expected to still be heavily recruited, experts agreed that there is currently a shortage of highly trained and well-oriented HR for the domestic industry. The door of opportunities will still be open for Vietnamese tech personnel for at least another 10-20 years. The problem is that students in this major need to be well-equipped with the right knowledge to grasp these opportunities upon graduation, Le added. Meanwhile, Tran of Talentnet emphasised that for vertical development, tech talents now need updated technical skills in AI and machine learning, while for more comprehensive roles, more soft skills are required, such as business acumen, and project management. To compete and adapt in the current situation, tech staff should upgrade themselves to be a business partner who not only excel in their job description but also contribute strategic views to the overall business development, Tran said. Christopher Lee - Director of Management Consulting and Workforce Transformation PwC Consulting Vietnam We are seeing similar themes in the local Vietnam market around employee lay-offs as organisations are scrambling to manage cost in the uncertain economic environment. Vietnamese companies are also laying off employees,but their focus is driving productivity through digitisation, hence digital/tech talents supporting transformation initiatives are in further demand. Amidst this chaos, the lay-off overseas provides a potential resource pool for local Vietnamese companies to tap into to further their digital transformation agenda. However, such opportunities can only be realised if the culture and communication divide can be bridged. Given that Vietnam is such a beautiful country to live in, this may attract more foreign talents to find opportunities here and, overall, it is a positive for an emerging country like ours. Technology workers have enjoyed one of the largest on-year pay increases, reflecting the dire need for technology/digital skills in the Vietnamese market. The lay-off of technology workers overseas have already begun to affect the sentiments in the local market. Given the uncertain environment, organisations are less likely to offer the large pay increases offered before and are more selective of the types of digital skills a worker brings. Much like how a market correction that happens when an economic bubble bursts, post this shake up, employers and recruiters are much more discerning when recruiting tech/digital talents. They are more often seeking more specialised skills and are only willing to give large pay increases where talents bring a combination of digital and business skills and/or work experiences tied directly to the strategic plans of the organisation. Beyond technology skills, employers are expecting talent to bring commercial acumen and the ability to transform the organisation. Tech group lay-off wave reaches Vietnam Tech companies and startups in Vietnam may be affected by the wave of lay-offs that is spreading in several Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and China. Wacos Owens-Illinois glass plant will lay off 90 people in a workforce restructuring that company officials blamed on furnace damage from the freeze of February 2021. One of our furnaces has experienced ongoing damage and continued decline in performance due to thermal shock resulting from the power and gas outages during the event, the Ohio-based company said in a news release. A recent assessment convinced the company to indefinitely suspend operating the furnace, one of three the plant operates at 5200 Beverly Drive. It will restructure the workforce and the facility to focus on the two remaining furnaces, said the release. The Waco plant, which dates to 1944, makes glass packaging for product lines including beer, liquor and mayonnaise. Owens-Illinois said its indefinite layoff would impact 25% of its Waco employees. The Texas Workforce Commission, in its Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN notice, said Owens-Illinois indicated to the commission that layoffs total 90. The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce said it shows the glass plant having 385 employees in 2022. Waco Mayor Dillon Meek said Monday he had been notified of the layoffs. It has to do with significant damage to one of the furnaces in 2021 that theyve not been able to repair, he said. I do hope they explore ways to make repairs, but our labor market is in good shape, and employers do have demand for employees with this skill set. My office, the Greater Waco Chamber and Workforce Solutions will work collaboratively to make sure they have opportunities in Waco. Meek said Owens-Illinois indicated it does not know if the layoffs are permanent, but the entire facility certainly is not being closed. Owens-Illinois management last week met personally with employees and labor union officials to discuss layoffs and provide them with transition support, Owens-Illinois spokesperson Jim Woods said. The news release said O-I glass has been a proud manufacturer of glass packaging in Waco since 1944, operating three furnaces and seven production lines to serve the beer, spirits and non-alcoholic beverage markets. The release added that O-I will continue to produce high-quality, sustainable glass packaging in Waco, and we will remain a dedicated, engaged community partner through programs, such as Glass4Good. Keep Waco Beautiful and Owens-Illinois are collaborating on a Glass4Good program in which the public is invited to place scrap glass in purple containers around Greater Waco for use by Owens-Illinois in producing glass products. I hate to see something like this happen. They are a long-tenured member of the community, said Kris Collins, senior vice president for economic development at the Greater Waco Chamber. Maybe they can get the furnace up and going again with the proper equipment, Collins said. Employees are top of mind. We will work closely with Workforce Solutions to present them with all the options. This is not Owens-Illinois first bout with furnace malfunctions. It announced in September 2019 it would shutter a furnace and issue pink slips to more than 80 employees around Thanksgiving. The company said the move was being made due to lagging demand for beer bottles. The plant employed 350 people at the time, most making between $21.29 and $33.27 per hour, the Tribune-Herald reported then. Information about pay at Owens-Illinois surfaced when the Waco-McLennan County Economic Development Corp. agreed to grant $805,000 to the company in 2012 amid a $74 million upgrade. The grant required the company to maintain those pay levels through 2020, the Tribune-Herald reported. Peak employment at Owens-Illinois was more than 900 in the 1970s, according to a posting about the plant on wacohistory.org. The Tribune-Herald in January 2021 reported that Owens-Illinois had restarted the furnace it shut down two years earlier. At the time, company spokesman Jim Woods said the pandemic generated demand for bottled beer and spirits, as bars and restaurants closed and the public avoided crowds. So, now all three furnaces and all seven lines are in service with 337 team members employed in Waco, Woods wrote then in an email. Bellmead police on Friday arrested their former assistant police chief on accusations that she misused official information in December 2021, reviving a case that the McLennan County District Attorneys Office had dismissed weeks ago. Brenda Kinsey, 44, posted $4,000 bond to be released from McLennan County Jail after she was charged with misuse of official information, a third-degree felony, as well as a state jail felony charge of breaching computer security. Prosecutors under former District Attorney Barry Johnson had dismissed a misuse of official information charge on Dec. 28, just days before Johnson ended his term. The dismissal document says the incident did not meet the elements of the crime required by statute, since evidence did not show sufficient economic gain. Johnsons successor, District Attorney Josh Tetens, told the Tribune-Herald on Monday that he has recused his entire office from this case. Kinsey, a 21-year veteran of law enforcement, consulted his law office about the initial charge while Tetens was a defense attorney. The revived charges stem from an August 2021 incident when Kinsey was assistant chief at Bellmead. Police in the Dec. 21, 2021 arrest accused Kinsey of requesting a Bellmead police dispatcher to run the Arkansas license plate of a vehicle belonging to a woman her then-estranged husband had been seeing at time. Bellmeads current police chief, Shawn Myatt, and Bellmead City Manager Yost Zakhary deferred comment to Charles Buenger, the city attorney. Buenger could not be reached Monday. The first arrest came the day after Kinsey filed a harassment and discrimination claim against Zakhary, the Tribune-Herald reported at the time. Zakhary had faced similar allegations of discrimination and harassment against a former Woodway city employee when he resigned as city manager there, the Tribune-Herald previously reported. The former employee and the city settled a lawsuit in July 2018 for $50,000, the Tribune-Herald previously reported. Tenants have started moving out of Trendwood Apartments temporarily as the lengthy $10.5 million renovation of the once-troubled low-income complex progresses toward a November end date. The privately owned complex at 1700 Dallas Circle has provided government-subsized Section 8 housing for 60 years but has been deteriorating for years. Denver-based firm Steele Properties bought the complex for $9.1 million last year with plans to renovate the entire complex and add security cameras, fall financed with federal tax credits. The Waco City Council will receive an informal report on the projects progress Tuesday at its 3 p.m. work session at the Waco Convention Centers Bosque Theater. External improvements such as new roofs, siding and a new playground are nearly complete and workers have moved on to renovating individual units. The first 12 or so families have left the complex and moved into hotel rooms. The families can also take a stipend instead to spend on housing. Its been pretty easy, said Crystal Garcia, relocation coordinator for Trendwood Apartments. She said the process will take between 30 and 45 days per unit. During that time workers hired by Steele Properties will tear out walls and replace appliances in each unit. Waco Housing Authority Executive Director Milet Hopping said there are about 150 tenants who will need to move temporarily for renovation. She said she expects the project to be complete by about November. Each unit takes about two weeks to renovate, and crews will complete about 13 units at a time. Hopping said by the end of February, workers will be focused solely on apartment renovations. Workers are about halfway done renovating Trendwoods community center and office, and about 85% done paving wheelchair-accessible sidewalks throughout the complex. A new playground is in place, and the laundry rooms are nearly complete as well. The Waco City Council Tuesday will also receive an informal report highlighting city plans to find a firm to build a solar farm at the Waco landfill once the site closes. City officials expect to issue a request for qualifications for the project in spring 2023. PRESS RELEASE PEACHTREE CITY, GA. (Feb. 6, 2023) Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia has received a $100,000 grant from the Ray Foundation specifically for restoration work on the P-47 Thunderbolt currently being rebuilt at its Peachtree City Warbird Museum. The grant follows a successful CAF fundraising campaign in December and January that raised more than $38,000 for the P-47. The air support provided by the P-47s during the Battle of the Bulge and across Germany no doubt saved the lives of thousands of American GIs, likely including my own fathers, said Chuck Ahearn, Foundation President. This is a rare aircraft, and it would be wonderful to see this one back in the skies. The grant was made in memory of Ahearns father, Charles B. Ahearn, a World War II infantryman who served in the 26th Infantry Division, 328th Infantry Regiment. This tremendous response to our fundraising efforts will go a long way toward rebuilding this iconic World War II fighter and returning it to flying condition, said Airbase Leader Joel Perkins. We envision thousands of hours of volunteer time to complete the P-47, but that work cant be done without significant funding over the next few years. What we have raised through our CAF campaign and this special grant will significantly advance us toward our objective. The Thunderbolt was a highly acclaimed WWII fighter known for its combat effectiveness. It also had a strong presence in the Georgia Air National Guard after the War. The P-47 at Airbase Georgia did not see WWII combat, but it was used effectively in Nicaragua and Guatemala in the 1950s. CAF acquired the aircraft in 1962 and maintained it until 2012 when it was heavily damaged during a takeoff accident, severely burning part of the fuselage and the right wing. To continue to support this restoration, click HERE. SCRANTON, Iowa Justin and Lacie Robbins are a busy couple, but theyre perfectly willing to let the grass grow under their feet. That grass is part of a successful system the family has implemented for many years on their farm near here in Greene County. Justin, Lacie and their son McKinley were named 2022 Commercial Producers of the Year by the Iowa Cattlemens Association. They have around 200 cows on their west central Iowa farm, a mixture of Angus and crossbred cattle. They finish about 75 head yearly, with other calves sold after weaning. They use performance records, including identification of cows and calves as well as birth, weaning and yearling weights. Carcass data is also utilized to continue to improve their genetics. In order to manage all of this data, the farm has invested in electronic animal identification. The family uses all this information to select genetics, including herd bulls. The Robbins family is part of a cooperator herd with two ranches in Oregon and Missouri, and primarily purchase bulls from those ranches. The family also raises their own bulls and has hosted seedstock sales on the farm in addition to consigning bulls to the ICAs Bull and Heifer Evaluation Program in the past. We use A.I. a lot, not only for genetics but to improve time management, Justin says, adding improved sire selection has helped boost their profit. Genetic selection is also important when it comes to females. The family has more than a decade of records to use to aid in selection. Key traits are disposition as well as structural soundness, like good feet and udders. In addition to A.I., embryo transfer is used to produce seedstock for their own operation as well as their cooperator ranches. The family calves in the spring and fall. Calving occurs twice each year, during the spring and fall. They use rotational grazing to make sure cattle have plenty of fresh grass. Corn stalks, bean stubble and cover crops are also grazed. The family has also developed a successful beef and pork marketing program, selling individual packages nationwide. We sold beef for a number of years, but started selling nationwide in 2019, Justin says. Weve had people drive here from New Mexico to buy a whole beef and a hog. Its been going really well. The family recently began raising Berkshire hogs on their farm in order to offer their customers pork. They are also busy off the farm. Since taking part in the Iowa Cattlemens Leadership Program in 2014, they have been active members of the organization, serving in many leadership and volunteer roles. Justin has been the ICA District 8 Director since 2017 and part of the ICA membership committee and foreign animal disease committees since 2015. He has served on the Greene County Cattlemens Board since 2014 and is currently serving as president. Justin says the plan is for McKinley to return to the operation after college. A state champion wrestler, he will be wrestling this fall at Oregon State University, where he plans to major in engineering. He will work off the farm as well, and were happy he is interested in this, Justin says. We will miss having his help, but were excited about this opportunity he has to wrestle and get his education. Back from a tour of the San Diego-Mexico border and meetings with Mexican officials, Iowa Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst on Tuesday called on Democratic President Joe Biden to crack down of the flow of fentanyl entering the United States, including having every vehicle entering the Southern border screened by a drug-sniffing police dog. WATERLOO Jurors have decided a Davenport man used a gun when he held up a Waterloo convenience store during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Authorities allege Diontay Marcus Cobbs, 27, flashed a weapon at Alis Corner on East Fourth Street while three teens waited in his car on Sept. 29, 2020. He got away with about $500 in cash, two bottles of liquor and a pack of cigars. But his mask was lowered during the crime, and he was identified through surveillance videos. During trial, the defense didnt dispute that it was Cobbs in the video. Instead the defense suggested Cobbs was wielding an air gun, because no gun had been recovered in the investigation, and argued for a lesser charge. Following two days of testimony, jurors on Friday found Cobbs guilty of first-degree robbery, agreeing with prosecutors that the gun was real. Cobbs was also convicted of using a minor to commit a crime. During trial, Davenport police testified they found Cobbs with a real 9 mm Glock handgun during a minor traffic stop 11 days before the robbery. A teen in the car said she handled the gun and saw bullets in the magazine on the day of the robbery. First-degree robbery is punishable by up to 25 years in prison with 17 and a half years before parole eligibility. Using a minor to commit an offense carries up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing will be at a later date. Cobbs also faces a charge of flight to avoid prosecution for allegedly fleeing to Arizona following the robbery. CEDAR FALLS Mayor Rob Green announced Tuesday that he will not seek a third term in office. Since 2020, hes been mayor of the most wonderful town hes ever experienced, Green said in a Facebook post. However, he has hinted in the past about not wanting to be a career mayor. Before taking the helm, he was elected as an at-large councilman, beginning his tenure in 2018. The mayor role is fascinating and immensely rewarding, but Im feeling very convicted about the cost of being mayor on my family, wrote Green. This fall, my daughter will start her senior year of high school, and my son will be entering his high school years as well. This is precious, irreplaceable time for my family. (My wife) Jocelyn and the kids have already sacrificed so much for me to serve in elected office for six years. The post reaffirmed his previously stated intention of running again for mayor at a future time. Green also has expressed an interest in considering a run for a council seat again, although that was not addressed in his post. For now, hes planning to store away his gavel, prepare for a successor, and return to the University at Northern Iowa in 2024 to work as an information architect and college instructor after completing his current two-year term on Dec. 31. Green, whos been on an unpaid leave of absence from UNI, also said hell begin work on a doctorate degree. Greens departure could prove even more significant if Dave Sires, Susan deBuhr and Simon Harding the three council members whose terms expire at the end of the year follow through on previous hints that they will not seek re-election. None have formally announced that decision yet. But that could ultimately mean a much-less-experienced council in 2024, with most of its members being in the position three years or less. Daryl Kruse, who started his first term in 2018, would have the most experience. DeBuhr, who has been on the council since 2004, is currently the longest-serving member. Green plans to run again for mayor when he and his wife are empty nesters, he said. In the intervening years, I look forward to continuing in local civics education and outreach, and serving as a cheerful and apolitical resource for my successor(s) particularly as they first transition into this challenging role, he said. New mayors need all the help they can get. Photos: Vacant nursing home burglary 020623jr-search-upland-1 020623jr-search-upland-2 020623jr-search-upland-3 020623jr-search-upland-4 020623jr-search-upland-6 TEHRAN, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman called on different countries to pressure the United States into lifting the sanctions on Syria and the siege of the country to enable the delivery of international aid to the quake-hit Syrian regions. Nasser Kanaani made the remarks in an exclusive interview with the semi-official Mehr news agency on Monday, parts of which were released on Tuesday. Expressing sympathy to the Turkish and Syrian governments and peoples, Kanaani noted that the related Iranian authorities have voiced readiness for sending rescue and medical aid to the two countries. For more than the past nine years, Syria has been grappling with conflict and is under special circumstances at present, said the spokesman, urging other countries to force the United States into lifting the siege of the Arab state so that international humanitarian aid can be delivered to the quake-stricken people without any obstacle and at the shortest time. The United States has imposed economic sanctions against Syria, which also make it a herculean task to send essential goods and international humanitarian aid to the country. Around 5,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands injured as of Tuesday noon after strong earthquakes jolted parts of Turkiye and neighboring Syria early Monday. WATERLOO The city of Waterloo could be the third local government in Iowa to ban conversion therapy. The City Council discussed the issue during a Monday work session. Conversion therapy is defined as an attempt to change a persons sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. These are institutions that operate practices that lead to children contemplating, at a very high level, suicide and suffering from depression and anxiety, councilor Jonathan Grieder said. He introduced the proposed ordinance and worked with Iowa Safe Schools to create it. Iowa Safe Schools offers direct services and support to students who have been bullied. We have had students who have been victimized by conversion in Black Hawk County, full stop, Damian Thompson, Iowa Safe Schools Director of Public Policy and Communication, said over a Zoom call during the meeting. Thompson said students in the area asked for this to be implemented. Grieder said he received some comments from Waterloo residents, asking if conversion therapy was even happening in the area. It is clear that this is happening, Grieder said. We dont know the specific numbers because the (institutions using the practice) dont operate with big bright neon signs. Councilor Dave Boesen said some constituents who have contacted him by email dont believe this should be an issue taken on by the city. Grieder said that, because the law enforcement is the largest health provider in Waterloo, it is a city issue. It impacts our operations, Grieder said. But more fundamentally as leaders we have a responsibility to do what is right for the young people in our community. If passed by the council, Waterloo would be the third governmental entity in Iowa to ban the practice. The city of Davenport and Linn County are the other two. The ordinance would prohibit conversion therapy and be enforced through the city attorneys office. The proposed document states the city attorney would mail the medical or mental health professional who is in violation written notice to immediately cease and desist. If the health professional doesnt immediately stop, the violation would become a municipal infraction pursuant to city code. City attorney Martin Peterson said he does have concerns with the ordinance possibly being subject to preemption if it is adopted. Preemption is when a higher level of government could limit the power of a lower level of government to regulate an issue. Mental health counselors are highly regulated by the state of Iowa, Peterson said. My belief is that if this ordinance was adopted by Waterloo it may not survive a challenge based on a field preemption basis. Grieder noted that Linn County, which has a similar framework to the proposed ordinance, has not faced any pushback on the issue. As for Davenport, the ban is included in its human rights ordinances. Many constituents, speaking during the public comment period of the regular council meeting following the work session, brought up bills in the Legislature that they said are against the LGBTQ+ population. Right now at the state level there are a lot of bills that are anti-LGBTQ, resident Sam Blatt said. We need to denounce conversion therapy and set that precedent where people are actively trying to destroy us at a state level. Councilor Nia Wilder said as an openly gay woman she supports Grieders proposed ordinance. Conversion therapy is definitely terrible and this is something we have to denounce as a city, Wilder said. But there has to be more, it cant be where we stop. During the work session, councilor Boesen said at this time he cannot support the proposed ban due to potential legal implications. In 2020, the council condemned the practice and approved a resolution encouraging the Legislature and Gov. Kim Reynolds to approve a law banning therapists from subjecting minors to the practice. NORTH LIBERTY For the second year in a row, GreenState Credit Union, with locations in Waterloo and Cedar Falls, has been recognized as top employer in the nation for the Top Workplaces USA award. 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. Winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee engagement survey issued by Energage. Results are calculated by comparing the surveys research-based statements, including 15 culture drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks. GreenState landed at No. 5 this year among all employers in the 500-999 employee size. GreenState is Iowas largest credit union and one of the top financial institutions in the United States for returning profits to members in the form of better rates and lower fees. They also recently received No. 1 Top Workplace Award for businesses in Iowa. GreenState serves more than 400,000 members with 33 office locations in Iowa and Illinois. Membership is open to anyone living or working in Iowa as well as select counties in Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Grout Museum's Norris Corson Family Planetarium Planetarium 1 Planetarium 2 Planetarium 6 Planetarium 3 Planetarium 8 Planetarium 4 Planetarium 5 Planetarium 7 WASHINGTON The House Republican investigation into the financial dealings of President Joe Bidens family risks turning off more voters than it attracts, as Democrats paint the inquiry as time-consuming political retribution that diverts attention from the approaching debt crisis and other problems. The Biden-centric investigation led by the Oversight and Accountability Committee kicks off Wednesday morning, hours after the president delivers his State of the Union address to Congress. At the center of the probe is the contents of the laptop of Bidens son Hunter a topic thats been a far-right preoccupation since 2020. Yet a series of recent polls show the majority of Americans just arent that interested in what may or may not be on Hunter Bidens hard drive. Polling released last week by the Pew Research Center showed that as clashes over the debt ceiling and other key issues intensify, 65% of American adults surveyed said they are concerned Republicans would focus too much on investigating the Biden administration. Results of a CNN poll released Jan. 26 found that 73% of American adults think House Republicans havent paid enough attention to the countrys most pressing problems. The Republican majority in Congress has to make sure that they dont get branded as the party that only cares about investigations. Voters elected them to address other concerns, including the economy, said Nathan Gonzales, editor and publisher of Inside Elections. Still, Republicans are moving ahead with what Oversight Chairman James Comer calls his panels first hearing into the Biden corruption. Comer also says his goal is to find a bipartisan solution to Washington influence peddling. The Kentucky Republican is hardly the most iconoclastic member of the House GOP, but the panel is stacked with outspoken colleagues like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Paul Gosar, Jim Jordan and Lauren Boebert, who are known more for partisan vitriol than policy. The Oversight panels top Democrat, Jamie Raskin of Maryland, described Comer as being on the more thoughtful and reasonable side of his party. But Raskin, the lead manager for President Donald Trumps second impeachment trial, also said he recognizes Comer must operate within Speaker Kevin McCarthys commitments to right-wing extremists. And he says any effort focusing solely on alleged influence peddling or business dealings of Biden family members, and not on Trumps, would be a hatchet job that Democrats are prepared to counter. Hunter Bidens work with foreign entities, including in Ukraine while his father was vice president, has drawn interest for years. He also has been under federal investigation since 2018 for tax affairs tied to his overseas activities. The president has denied knowledge of, or involvement in, his sons business dealings. The Wednesday hearing will address alleged collusion by the FBI with Twitter Inc., and other technology giants to censor news reporting before the 2020 presidential election about the laptops contents, Biden family shady business schemes and influence peddling. Three former Twitter executives are expected to testify. At the same time, Jordan, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, and Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner sent letters on Monday to 12 former U.S. intelligence officials that suggested those panels also are looking into the matter. The letters to former CIA Director John Brennan, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and others seek transcribed interviews and other information explaining their involvement in an October 2020 statement that implied reporting about Hunter Biden was the product of Russian disinformation. Some critics of the inquiry see similarities to the drawn-out Benghazi hearings that stirred up controversy around Hillary Clinton before her 2016 presidential campaign. Republicans portrayed that investigation as a sober look at security lapses that led to the 2012 terrorist attacks on the U.S. compound and CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya. The investigation ultimately did not blame Clinton, but it might have played a factor in her narrow loss to Trump in 2016. Thomas Mann, a government expert at the Brookings Institution, called Comers investigation, along with those of some other committees, transparently political in the same fashion as the Benghazi hearings and will likely reinforce the reputation of House Republicans as having no agenda beyond getting the libs. Comer dismisses criticism he is reviving a Benghazi-type strategy designed to injure Joe Biden politically before the 2024 elections. Im not dusting off any old playbook, he said. Yet in a late January interview on Bloomberg TV Balance of Power with David Westin, he did acknowledge that his committee is going to get a lot of media attention, if for no other reason because we have so many firebrands on both sides of the aisle. Democrats seated Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Katie Porter of California on the panel. Dan Goldman, a New York freshman who served as counsel during Trumps first impeachment trial, also is on the committee. Weather Alert .Warm temperatures may melt snowpack and increase river flows. ...FLOOD WATCH FOR SNOWMELT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Flooding caused by snowmelt continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of California and western Nevada, including the following areas, in California, Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties and Surprise Valley California. In western Nevada, Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area and Mineral and Southern Lyon Counties. * WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Creeks and streams will be running high and fast. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Minor mainstem flooding along the Susan River, Forks of the Carson River, and the East Walker River below Bridgeport Reservoir cannot be ruled out. Anyone participating in outdoor recreation this weekend should use caution as water will be running high, fast, and potentially out of banks for some creeks and streams. The water will be extremely cold as well, quickly causing shock. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. && South Africa: Zulu to meet Grade 12 social grant beneficiaries Social Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu, will today meet with social grant beneficiaries who passed last years Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination in Cape Town. According to the department, social grant beneficiaries who wrote the 2022 National Senior Certificate examination recorded an improved performance (which) proved the important role played by the countrys social protection system. The social grant beneficiaries showed an impressive increase from 0.2% to 8.7% in 2022, as compared to the previous year. The class of 2022 also saw more female learners (256 902) sitting for their Grade 12 examinations when compared with the 191 490 male counterparts, and the higher pass rate registered by male beneficiaries, which was 72.5% and 70.39 % females. The results also showed that the learners who were receiving the grant in their matric year registered better results than those whose grant had discontinued due to their age. Inactive social grant beneficiaries achieved an overall pass rate of 75.22 %, while learners who were getting the grant in their matric year got 87.20%, the department highlighted. The department said these findings may be demonstrating that the impact of social grants is likely to be greater the longer the transfer duration, especially, if child-specific grants are kept until the learner completes their Grade 12. Statistics released by the Department of Basic Education showed that 39 724 of the social grant beneficiaries passed with distinctions in critical subjects such as Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics and Physical Science. This academic performance reflects the significant role played by pro-poor policies in addressing intergenerational poverty and child wellbeing for children living in poor households, the department said. During a meeting with beneficiaries in the late afternoon, Zulu will encourage learners to work harder as they move to the next chapter of their education. The Minister will be joined by National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) CEO, Andile Nongogo. The department and NSFAS have been working together to make sure that social grant beneficiaries who are accepted at institutions of higher learning are not means tested as they have been receiving the grant from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the department said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2023-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Event in celebration of Lantern Festival held in Nairobi, Kenya Xinhua) 09:32, February 07, 2023 Residents try traditional Chinese costumes during an event in celebration of the Lantern Festival in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 5, 2023. An event featuring various activities was held in Kenya's capital Nairobi in celebration of the Lantern Festival on Sunday. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) A resident wins awards in a riddle-guessing activity during an event in celebration of the Lantern Festival in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 5, 2023. An event featuring various activities was held in Kenya's capital Nairobi in celebration of the Lantern Festival on Sunday. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) A child participates in a ring toss game during an event in celebration of the Lantern Festival in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 5, 2023. An event featuring various activities was held in Kenya's capital Nairobi in celebration of the Lantern Festival on Sunday. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) ABUJA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria will await the outcome of an investigation on the recent murder of Nigerian citizens in Burkina Faso, said President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday. The Nigerians were on a Muslim pilgrimage to Kaolak in Senegal when the buses conveying them were attacked, said Buhari in a statement. Meanwhile, the Nigerian foreign ministry, through the Nigerian Embassy in Burkina Faso, is engaging with the Burkinabe authorities over the incident while awaiting its outcome. The Nigerian government will ensure that all attackers are appropriately sanctioned, and will make every effort to bring back bodies of the deceased and the survivors of the attack, the statement added. At least 16 Nigerians were killed in that attack, according to media reports, citing a statement of the religious group to which the deceased belonged. A statement from Burkina Faso's Foreign Affairs Minister Olivia Rouamba on Monday said investigations are underway to elucidate the allegations of the killings of Nigerian civilians. "For the moment, there is no concrete information or element picked up on the field that proves the veracity of these facts," Rouamba said, adding Burkina Faso welcomes any contribution from Nigeria in the investigations. WINDHOEK, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Namibia is hosting a three-day Regional Association 1 Hydrology and Water Coordination Panel (RA 1-HWCP) meeting in Swakopmund, a coastal city, aimed at giving African countries a platform to share information and discuss hydrological hazards and early warning system disaster preparedness. Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Namibia's Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Franz Uirab said climate hazards, especially water-related climate hazards, are already affecting billions of people worldwide. "Disruption in the hydrological cycle gravely threatens food security, livelihoods and ecosystems, causing loss and damage, and mostly affecting those in vulnerable situations. Early warning systems are a tangible way to improve countries' resilience to these hazards. The need for Preparedness to Respond is the approach that translates early warnings into life-saving actions," he said. He added that the meeting is an opportunity for the panel to learn how Namibia has developed the capacity for hydrological monitoring and the innovative technologies used to minimize the vandalism of hydrological stations. Also speaking at the same event, Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform Executive Director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata said Africa's national hydrological and meteorological services are faced with challenges of low capacity to disseminate early warning services and information to mitigate against the impacts of climate change. "Namibia is currently experiencing flooding in the North-central regions, and one of the challenges we experienced was getting flood data from our monitoring services because most of them were vandalized. Through platforms such as this, Namibia may learn how other African countries are monitoring their flooding and equipment used," she said. The meeting is also intended to support advocacy efforts and understanding of the operations of the national hydrological service in Africa and strengthen the collaboration with the national meteorological services. The participants also include representatives of the 11 member countries of the RA 1-HWCP and WMO Secretariat staff. Update of Silumina Anodes Project Perth, Feb 7, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Altech Chemicals Limited ( ASX:ATC ) ( A3Y:FRA ) is pleased to announce an update on its Silumina Anodes TM pilot plant project in Saxony, Germany, as well as an update on the Definitive Feasibility Study for the planned Silumina AnodesTM 10,000tpa plant. The Company announced its game-changing technology of incorporating high-capacity high-purity aluminacoated silicon and graphite in lithium-ion batteries, and recently completed a Preliminary Feasibility Study for the construction of a 10,000tpa Silumina AnodesTM plant in Saxony, Germany, that includes an NPV of US$507M. Altech is in a race to get its patented technology to market. To support the development, Altech has commenced construction of a pilot plant adjacent to the proposed project site to enable the qualification process for its Silumina AnodesTM product. Pilot Plant Update Altech is pleased to advise that the construction of the Silumina AnodesTM pilot plant is progressing well and as planned. The pilot plant's front end, known as the wet circuit, is progressing well. The necessary infrastructure including power supply, building modifications, laboratory, and front-end wet circuit are nearing completion. The pilot plant is being housed in an existing building in Dock3 at Schwarze Pumpe, with the required building modifications and electrical panel infrastructure construction completed in the last quarter. See Figures 1-4 for images. Fabrication of the back-end of the pilot plant, including the coating equipment, dryer, and calciner (longer lead times) is currently underway in South Africa and Europe. Whilst some back-end items such as the silicon carbide linings are being expedited, Altech anticipates that the final items will be installed and commissioned by Q3 this year. Altech's pilot plant personnel have been recruited and trained in Germany, ready for the commissioning and start-up phase of the pilot plant. The commissioning of the front end of the pilot plant is currently underway. Aluminium chloride feedstock digestion, which will be used for the alumina coating process, will be commissioned in the subsequent weeks. The Kuettner engineering team is now focused on the development of commissioning and operational documentation. The pilot plant is designed to produce 120kg per day of the Silumina AnodesTM product, which will then be provided to selected potential end users for product testing. Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) In anticipation of the pilot plant being commissioned, Altech is progressing with the Silumina AnodesTM 10,000tpa DFS by completing the phase 1 process definition. The DFS is running in parallel with the pilot plant construction, with Kuettner's detailed design team having transitioned from the pilot plant design to the DFS study. The mass and energy balance has been finalised, allowing for the progression of layouts and sourcing of production-scale vendor equipment to commence. Altech also appointed ARIKON Infrastruktur GmbH (Arikon) to manage the approval process, site infrastructure requirements, and the balance of the plant. Arikon will be responsible for managing the application process and working with relevant regulatory bodies to obtain all necessary approvals for the project. This includes securing necessary permits and licenses, coordinating with local authorities, and arranging utility connections. Additionally, Arikon will be responsible for designing the site infrastructure requirements for the site. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/T0L530SF About Altech Batteries Ltd Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) is a specialty battery technology company that has a joint venture agreement with world leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS ("Fraunhofer") to commercialise the revolutionary CERENERGY(R) Sodium Alumina Solid State (SAS) Battery. CERENERGY(R) batteries are the game-changing alternative to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY(R) batteries are fire and explosion-proof; have a life span of more than 15 years and operate in extreme cold and desert climates. The battery technology uses table salt and is lithium-free; cobalt-free; graphite-free; and copper-free, eliminating exposure to critical metal price rises and supply chain concerns. The joint venture is commercialising its CERENERGY(R) battery, with plans to construct a 100MWh production facility on Altech's land in Saxony, Germany. The facility intends to produce CERENERGY(R) battery modules to provide grid storage solutions to the market. PEP 11 Update Perth, Feb 7, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - BPH Energy Limited ( ASX:BPH ) and Bounty Oil & Gas NL ( ASX:BUY )) as the PEP 11 Joint Venture announce that further to their earlier ASX Release of 3 February 2023; Jackson J of the Federal Court of Australia has now vacated several interlocutory orders previously made in connection with preparing for the hearing of Proceeding Number WAD106/2022 between Asset Energy Pty Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of BPH's investee, Advent Energy Limited) and the Respondents; being the Commonwealth Minister for Resources et al. As a result, Bounty and BPH anticipate the Federal Court will consider the joint position to settle the matter without a trial taken by Asset Energy and the Minister and decide the matter accordingly. In the meantime, PEP 11 continues in force and the Joint Venture is fully in compliance with the contractual terms of PEP 11 with respect to such matters as reporting, payment of rents and the various provisions of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006. About BPH Energy Limited BPH Energy Limited (ASX:BPH) is an Australian Securities Exchange listed company developing biomedical research and technologies within Australian Universities and Hospital Institutes. The company provides early stage funding, project management and commercialisation strategies for a direct collaboration, a spin out company or to secure a license. BPH provides funding for commercial strategies for proof of concept, research and product development, whilst the institutional partner provides infrastructure and the core scientific expertise. BPH currently partners with several academic institutions including The Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research and Swinburne University of Technology (SUT). Rio Rancho police have identified the woman who was killed, loaded into the backseat of a car and driven around Albuquerque Sunday morning, as well as her boyfriend, who is charged with an open count of murder in connection with her death. Matthew Chavez, 23, was arrested Sunday after driving around Albuquerque while talking to law enforcement. The victim was identified as Jordan Gallegos, 22. A pretrial services assessment recommended Chavez be released on his own recognizance, in part because he doesnt have any violent convictions, according to court filings. Pretrial release for suspects in serious crimes has been a point of debate in the Albuquerque area and around New Mexico in recent years. There is a bill being considered by lawmakers in the ongoing legislative session to make more defendants eligible for pretrial detention. Officials with the 13th Judicial District Attorneys Office didnt return calls for comment about the recommendation on Monday. Shortly after 4 a.m. Sunday, Chavez went to a home in Rio Rancho and told his brother-in-law that he shot his girlfriend, according to an arrest warrant affidavit filed in Magistrate Court in Sandoval County. He left the area before police arrived and began driving around the Albuquerque area, according to a press release from the Rio Rancho Police Department. He had told several family members that he had shot his girlfriend, according to the affidavit. Police were able to call Chavez on his cellphone as he was driving around Albuquerque. Matthew said initially that no one else was with him and that he did not need an ambulance nor did the person who was with him because he believed they were already gone, a Rio Rancho detective wrote in the affidavit. Chavez ultimately agreed to return to Rio Rancho, where he parked at the Premiere 14 movie theater. There, police took him into custody and found Gallegos body in the backseat covered in blankets. Police said blood was pooling in the car and Chavez had red stains that appeared to be blood on his clothes, shoes and hands. He declined to speak with detectives. It wasnt clear Monday if he had an attorney. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said on Twitter that Gallegos was a city of Albuquerque employee. Jordan was dedicated to helping young people through her work as a City employee, positively impacting our community everyday, the mayor said. We are keeping her family and friends in our hearts during this time. SANTA FE The state House on Monday passed a bill that would require public schools to incorporate into their health classes the standard of affirmative consent for sexual activity. The curriculum would make clear that consent cannot be inferred from silence or lack of protest. The legislation triggered testy debate over the course of an hour as some lawmakers alluded to their own experience with sexual assault and others questioned whether the topic is appropriate for minors. But the legislation, House Bill 43, won bipartisan support in the end, passing 49-12. All of the dissenting votes came from Republicans. State Rep. Liz Thomson, an Albuquerque Democrat and co-sponsor of the measure, said the bill is aimed at education and ensuring youngsters understand boundaries. It doesnt, she said, create new crimes or penalties. You have the right to say no at any point, Thomson said. If someone is passed out, that is not permission for sexual activity. The legislation also includes a requirement that colleges and universities establish trauma-informed policies on sexual assault that include the standard of affirmative consent. Republican lawmakers who opposed the bill raised questions about which parts of the law would apply to colleges vs. K-12 schools, the definition of sexual activity and how the concept would be taught. Rep. Cathrynn Brown, R-Carlsbad, spoke against premarital sex in general and noted that at some ages, a minor cannot consent to sexual activity at all. Weve eroded our pillars of morality, she said. The bill now heads to the Senate. It calls for health education classes a graduation requirement to cover the topic of affirmative consent, including that a persons consent to engage in sexual activity cannot be inferred from lack of protest; cannot be given by a person incapacitated by alcohol or drugs; and can be revoked at any time. School districts can decide whether to require health in middle or high school. The heart of this is bill is we are respecting young people enough to have honest, accurate conversations about their lives, their space, their dignity, Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena, D-Mesilla, said. SANTA FE A proposal to ban the sale or transfer in New Mexico of certain kinds of semiautomatic handguns and bullets that fragment on impact narrowly advanced past its first legislative committee Monday even as some supporters raised questions about the legislation. The bill cleared the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee on a party-line vote, with Democrats in favor. One of the supporters, Democratic Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez of Albuquerque, urged the sponsor to take steps to narrow the bill as it moves through the Legislature to ensure it can withstand a legal challenge on constitutional grounds. And another Democratic senator, Bill Tallman of Albuquerque, said the bill wasnt likely to make much difference because the root problem is that the United States is gun crazy and has too many firearms. The proposal, Senate Bill 171, passed the committee on a 5-3 vote. It now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee, potentially its final stop before reaching the full Senate. The sponsor of the proposal, Sen. William Soules, D-Las Cruces, said he proposed the bill in response to the massacre of children at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, last year. He showed some willingness to address the concerns raised by opponents and supporters, agreeing, for example, to an amendment that removed firearm mufflers from the bill. But Soules also defended it as a constitutionally permissible way to address mass shootings. It would ban the sale but not possession of certain weapons. Opponents said the bill would restrict the sale of ammunition commonly used in hunting and interfere with firearm purchases for the military and law enforcement. They also said the bills prohibition on transfers not just sales would prohibit a family member from inheriting certain weapons or ammunition after a relative dies. Im speechless for how bad this bill really is, Sen. David Gallegos, R-Eunice, said. The bill would prohibit the sale, acquisition and transfer of machine guns, semiautomatic pistols with certain characteristics, rifles with barrels under 16 inches, shotguns with barrels under 18 inches; and ammunition designed to fragment on impact. Ella Mae Begay disappeared from her home on the Navajo Nation near the Arizona-New Mexico border on June 15, 2021. Nearly two years later, little more information is known about what happened to her. According to the FBIs web page on Begay, Begays truck a gray or silver Ford F-150 was seen leaving her property in Sweetwater, Arizona, the morning of her disappearance, and has not been seen since. The truck is believed to have traveled into New Mexico, specifically toward Thoreau, then possibly toward Albuquerque. The case garnered national media attention when Begays niece, Seraphine Warren, decided to walk from Begays Arizona home to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness for her aunts case. According to news channel Fox 10 Phoenix, Navajo police announced days after the disappearance that they had contacted a person of interest, Preston Tolth, who was eventually arrested on unrelated charges. Tolth was later released. The FBI field office in Phoenix did not immediately respond for a request for updates on the case. Begay was 62 at the time of her disappearance. An FBI release describes her as Native American, 5 feet tall, 125 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for information on Begays disappearance, urging people to contact their local FBI office or an American embassy or consulate if they have any information. More details on Begays case can be found on fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/ella-mae-begay. The Journal is launching an occasional series reviewing missing persons cases with connections to New Mexico. Clinics that provide abortion services generally have names that include such words as womens health, family options, or reproductive choices. Add to the list, The Samuel Alitos Moms Satanic Abortion Clinic, part of The Satanic Temple Health network. Based out of Salem, Massachusetts, The Satanic Temple, or TST, is launching what it describes as a reproductive health clinic in New Mexico. In 1950, Samuel Alitos mother did not have options and look what happened, Malcolm Jarry, a co-founder of TST, said in a news release. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Alito wrote the 2022 majority opinion that overturned Roe v. Wade, which had guaranteed the right to abortion in the U.S. for nearly 50 years. According to the news release, anyone in New Mexico seeking to receive free abortion services must first agree to conduct the Religious Abortion Ritual. The online medical services include confidential telehealth screenings and virtual appointments, resulting in a prescription being sent to the clinics pharmacy partner, who will mail the (abortion) medications in a discreet package, the news release said. The fees for the unnamed pharmacy are expected to fall around $90. TST Health, which is the temples religious medical services arm, said it will have licensed medical staff available for patient questions and has a 24-hour on-call patient hotline. In addition, TSTs website says the organization will also help those who need assistance to travel to New Mexico when possible. The Religious Abortion Ritual is intended to de-stigmatize this medical procedure through recitation of two of the organizations tenets, the release said. Something of a self-help, self-empowerment affirmation, the tenets are: Ones body is inviolable, subject to ones own will alone, and beliefs should conform to ones best scientific understanding of the world, rather than distorting scientific facts to fit personal beliefs. The announcement of TSTs abortion services was condemned Monday by the New Mexico Alliance for Life. It also comes just as Democratic lawmakers in Santa Fe are advancing legislation that would prohibit cities and public schools in New Mexico from interfering with access to abortion or gender-affirming health care. Multiple calls and messages seeking comment from TST were not returned. The IRS has officially recognized TST as a religious group with nonprofit tax-exempt status. The temple has previously stated that, under the First Amendment, as well as federal and state religious freedom acts, its abortion ritual is an essential part of its religious practice, and is therefore protected against restrictions and bans. This should be a wake-up call for all New Mexicans, but especially Christians and all those who voted for pro-abortion Democrats who have made New Mexico a welcoming state for abortion and now for ritual abortion, said Elisa Martinez, founder and executive director of the New Mexico Alliance for Life. Again, its just another example of an out-of-state operation finding safe haven here in New Mexicos extreme abortion-to-full-term climate, she said. Joan Lamunyon Sanford, executive director of the New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, said that access to abortion is needed by people of all faiths, and people of all faiths support access to abortion care. The decision to access abortion care is one that people make in accordance with their own faith and values, she said. TST said it hopes to expand its services into other states, particularly those that do not allow clinicians to perform abortions. The temples website includes a listing of congregations throughout the United States and worldwide. There is no listing for a New Mexico congregation. As stated on their website, the mission of TST is to encourage benevolence and empathy, reject tyrannical authority, advocate practical common sense, oppose injustice, and undertake noble pursuits for the individual will. The Satanic Temple, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations, which are tax-deductible, can be made in amounts up to $666 by going to their website at thesatanictemple.com/pages/donate. Angel investment has helped dozens of New Mexico startups launch and grow, encouraging a bipartisan group of legislators to seek more incentives to help local Angel investors spread their wings across the state. Angels are the people aspiring entrepreneurs often turn to after they max out on financial support from friends and family. Thats because those individual investors can lend a heavenly hand to transverse the infamous Valley of Death a gaping ravine that fledgling startups face when they have a promising new product or service but must still prove their chops in the market before larger institutional investors are willing to step in. An existing Angel tax credit provides a 25% knock off on state income taxes for qualifying individual Angel investments in local companies. Thats helped spur more financial support for many New Mexico businesses in recent years, according to the New Mexico Angels, which pools capital from individual Angels to collectively invest in companies. Now, a bipartisan House bill (HB-69) would significantly expand the aggregate amount of state capital available annually for Angel tax credits, from $2 million currently to $5 million. It would also extend the tax expiration, or sunset date, by five years, from fiscal year 2025 to FY 2030. Its co-sponsored by three legislators, including Democratic Reps. Linda Serrato of Santa Fe and Meredith Dixon of Albuquerque, and Republican Rep. Joshua Hernandez of Rio Rancho. The bill received unanimous support in its first hearing on Jan. 30 by the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. It had a second hearing Monday morning in the House Taxation and Revenue Committee, which voted to temporarily table the bill. But its expected to come back up in Tax and Revenue alongside other bills under review to consider their collective fiscal impact before sending them to the House floor, said Sherman McCorkle, chairman and CEO of the Sandia Science and Technology Park Development Corp. McCorkle said its standard protocol by Tax and Revenue to consider bills in the aggregate before moving them forward. It will definitely come back up, McCorkle told the Journal. There was no opposition voiced against the bill in the committee. Some committee members did ask for more information, such as updated Legislative Finance Committee projections on fiscal impact if the tax credit is expanded. In its initial impact report, the LFC projected $4.7 million in potential annual general fund revenue requirements going forward, reflecting the new $5 million tax credit cap. That compares to about $900,000 annually in recent years under the current $2 million cap. But the LFC is now revising its projections, because the previous House committee amended the original bill, stripping out a request to modify how the 25% Angel tax credit is managed. Angels are currently eligible for up to a maximum $62,500 credit on each individual investment they make, with up to five such investment credits permitted in any given year. That means an investor could potentially apply for up to $312,500 in total state income tax liability reduction annually. But that could far exceed an investors annual tax liability, so the credit can be carried forward for up to five years. In the four years leading up to FY 2022, about $900,000 in credits were actually applied annually, with $4 million in carry-forwards. To make the credit more attractive, the original bill proposed to make it refundable, with any pending amount due beyond current tax liability directly returned to investors at year-end. But direct refunds could also make out-of-state investors with no state tax liabilities eligible for credit, making some legislators uncomfortable. The original bill said if you live outside New Mexico and dont pay New Mexico taxes, you can still get the 25% refund, McCorkle said. That could bring a lot more investment money into the state, but there was opposition. Some people dont believe we should send refundable checks to people who do not pay New Mexico taxes. Under the current bill, the five-year carry-forward on tax credits remains unchanged. But increasing the credit cap to $5 million could still attract a lot more Angel investment in local startups, said Rep. Serrato. House Bill 69 creates a major incentive for investors to increase the capital given to early-stage startups in New Mexico, right when they need it most, Serrato said in a statement. By attracting greater investments, we will bolster economic development in our state and make New Mexico more competitive for both workers and businesses. More from business reporter Kevin Robinson-Avila Mary Dudley, regarded as New Mexicos grandmother of early childhood development, died Jan. 27. She was 79. (Courtesy Kathy Chilton) She has been called New Mexicos grandmother of early childhood development. Long before there was a focus on very young children, Mary Neary Dudley was working with legislators, educators and nonprofits in support of parenting and families. She was also an author of three books on parenting, a published poet and an accomplished photographer. Dudley died unexpectedly at a local hospital on Jan. 27. She was 79. In the 1980s, Dudley and a local doctor co-founded Pediatric Care, which encouraged thinking about children in the context of supportive communities for families. In the 1990s, she was an adviser to former first lady Alice King in the creation of the state Children, Youth and Families Department and the Office of Child Development. From 1993 to 2003, she was director of the Family Development Program at the University of New Mexico, where she also led parenting classes and made home visits to families. The best way to characterize Mary is someone who was always on the ground, advocating for doing the absolute best for every child and every family in New Mexico, said Lois Vermilya, the current Family Development Program director. The program under Dudley, and continuing today, looks at research in the fields of neuroscience, developmental psychology, education and medicine, Vermilya said. I learned from Mary, and built on her work and how she shaped our center. As a friend of Dudleys for about 48 years, Kathy Chilton said her husband, pediatrician Lance Chilton, told her that Mary also helped pediatricians focus on the whole child rather than merely symptoms and cures. Mary Dudley, regarded as New Mexicos grandmother of early childhood development, died Jan. 27. She was 79. (Courtesy Rosie Dudley) Dudley, who regarded education as a social justice issue, advocated for programs that helped children and families to become more literate through reading and education, Chilton said. Words were always important to her. Words with children, words from parents to children and words in the form of poetry, Chilton said. Mary loved beauty and poetry, music and photography and her family, said Jim Dudley, Marys husband of 50 years. And she adored children and was fascinated watching them develop, listening to their language and how they express themselves, he said. She took great interest in how children develop moral reasoning and how they observe the world. Mary Dudley was born in Baltimore. She received a bachelors degree in English from the University of Maryland at College Park and a masters degree, also in English, from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. In 1968, she boarded a Greyhound bus to Albuquerque and took a job in the UNM communication and journalism department, working for Tony Hillerman, who later became a well-known author of detective and mystery novels. She received a second masters degree in psychological foundations of education, and then a doctorate in the foundations of child development at UNM. I had just come to New Mexico from Connecticut and was auditing classes at UNM when I almost literally ran into her in the hallway in Mitchell Hall, said Jim Dudley. Then, I went into an anthropology class and saw her face illuminated by the glow from the projector. That same night, I went to a poetry reading and saw her again. Three times in one day. Maybe fate, maybe something more, said Jim. The couple married in 1973. Later that year, their first daughter, Claire, was born. Her sister, Rosie, arrived in 1975. The family has been part of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). A passionate advocate of womens rights and social justice, Mary Dudley was recognized as a Woman on the Move by the YWCA, and received the Spirit of Hope Award from New Mexico Voices for Children. In addition to her husband and children, Claire Dudley Chavez (Michael) and Rosie Dudley (Michael), Mary Dudley is survived by grandsons Luc and Teo Dudley Faucheur, all of Albuquerque; sister Margaret Linkous of Falls Church, Virginia; and nephews, nieces and other relatives. A celebration of Marys life will be held Feb. 11, at 2 p.m., at UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to New Mexico Voices for Children or Generation Justice. More from reporter Rick Nathanson GABORONE, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Tuesday received here his Swiss counterpart Alain Berset, saying the visit has created an opportunity for the two countries to enhance their bilateral relations. Speaking during a courtesy call to his office in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, by the Swiss president and his delegation, President Masisi said Botswana and Switzerland share common similarities in respect of areas in the multilateral space, governance, commitment to the rule of law, human rights, peace and prosperity among others. He said their meeting is an opportunity to explore more areas of cooperation and collaboration, especially in areas of health, agriculture, trade, manufacturing and education. He also said the signing of the Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the area of health by the two countries will go a long way in improving the health status in the country. Alain Berset said he is delighted to be the first Swiss president to visit Botswana and has a feeling that the bilateral relations between the two countries will grow to greater heights. He said due to similarities in their culture and other areas, it is critical that the two countries work together to forge strong relations, adding that the two countries should explore cooperation to grow their economies through various ways. On Wednesday, Berset and the Swiss delegation are expected in Mozambique. All East Mountain schools have canceled school Tuesday because of inclement weather, according to Albuquerque Public Schools. A. Montoya Elementary School, San Antonito Elementary School and Roosevelt Middle School have all canceled classes, the district said early Tuesday. Manzano High School classes are canceled for students who live in the East Mountains, but students who live in Albuquerque are still required to attend. The National Weather Services Albuquerque location said Tuesday morning that sharply colder temperatures are expected in the area Tuesday. Sharply colder temperatures are expected area wide today behind a backdoor cold front. Snow showers will peak in coverage this morning across central New Mexico before slowly waning during the evening hours. #NMwx pic.twitter.com/SiWr1sAj2T NWS Albuquerque (@NWSAlbuquerque) February 7, 2023 For a full listing of delays and schools moving to remote learning, read Journal partner KOATs closure roundup. Albuquerques public transit system will get an additional $1 million for security, and the guards who patrol it are poised to get more authority. Under newly approved legislation, the city will develop short- and long-range plans to address security issues such as a system for denying access to abusive riders and make vehicles, bus stops and stations cleaner and more attractive. By the time the City Council voted Monday to pass the bill, it already had undergone multiple rewrites and generated hours of debate across months of meetings. Introduced in October by Councilors Dan Lewis and Klarissa Pena as a way to improve system safety, the bill ultimately evolved into a compromise with Pat Davis and Tammy Fiebelkorn, taking pieces of a competing Davis/Fiebelkorn proposal and adding the two as sponsors. The transformation included removing the bills most controversial element: a requirement that the city swap its current zero-fares-for-all pilot with a pass-or-pay system. Only riders with a city-issued pass, drivers license or other accepted ID would have been able to ride for free under an earlier version of the bill. Some things were added in the process too; the legislation now eases the qualification process for the citys Sun Van service a point-to-point, reservation-based transit operation serving people who are disabled and cannot use the standard buses by allowing anyone to self-certify that theyre eligible without a screening process or physician paperwork. This keeps zero fares in place until the end of the pilot program which is a huge win for Albuquerque, Fiebelkorn said. It also provides better access to our most vulnerable citizens by allowing self-attesting for Sun Van users, and it provides better security for every single person in Albuquerque who rides the bus. The city launched zero fares in January 2022 and has budgeted for them to continue through at least June 30, 2023. Under the approved bill, the City Council cannot make a decision on their future until the Transit Department provides a full analysis of the pilot and recommendations about how to proceed. Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement after the vote that he supports free fares and his administration would work to make the transit system as effective and equitable as possible. Everyone should be able to access public transportation and feel safe using it in Albuquerque, he said. Fiebelkorn, Pena and Davis all reflected Monday on how many councilors contributed to the final legislation, noting that nobody got everything they wanted out of it; in fact, Lewis an original sponsor voted against the final version, as did Brook Bassan, though Lewis said he hoped the debate was worthwhile in helping fix a bus system nobody is proud of right now. I just hope maybe through the process that were seeing some of the reality of whats going on in our bus system, he said, citing dirty facilities and unhappy drivers. Though she ultimately voted for the bill, Councilor Trudy Jones expressed specific reservations about the changes to the Sun Van system. She said she worried that allowing anyone to proclaim that they qualify could bring out people who simply prefer the point-to-point service to regular buses, perhaps pulling limited city resources from those who really need it. Its one of those things that sounds like a good thing to do, but is it really? Are we harming the people that the Sun Van is supposed to be helping? she said. Other councilors and Albuquerque Chief Administrative Officer Lawrence Rael echoed some of her concerns, but proponents of the change said it could be reconsidered if problems arise. SANTA FE Legislation introduced Tuesday aims to address what supporters say is a loophole in New Mexico law that led to the overturning of a murder conviction. The proposal, Senate Bill 363, would prevent a murder defendant from seeking a jury instruction that would allow for consideration of a lesser charge of manslaughter if the killing happened as the defendant resisted a lawful arrest or tried to escape after committing a felony. It comes after the Court of Appeals overturned the 2018 conviction of Matthew Chavez who was accused of killing Army veteran Tyler Lackey during an ATM robbery in Albuquerque. Lackey who had a concealed-carry permit and drew a handgun tried to defend himself during the incident, authorities say, but was shot by Chavez. The court ruled that the jury should have had the option of considering a voluntary manslaughter charge to reflect Chavezs claim that he fired in self defense. In a news conference Tuesday, Attorney General Raul Torrez and state Sen. Antonio Moe Maestas, D-Albuquerque, said no defendant should be able to claim imperfect self defense and avoid a murder conviction in a case like Chavezs. We need to address what I believe to be a profound miscarriage of justice in Bernalillo County, Torrez said. The bill will be too late for Lackeys family. The defendant will be retried with a jury instruction on manslaughter, Torrez said. Instagram Celebrity The 'Twelve Carat Toothache' artist sparks concern over his well-being after he's spotted making weird moves onstage while performing his song 'I Fall Apart'. Feb 7, 2023 AceShowbiz - Is Post Malone doing just fine? The "Twelve Carat Toothache" artist has sparked concern among fans with his apparent weight loss and bizarre stage act displayed during his recent performance. A video circulating on social media on Monday, February 6 saw the 27-year-old musician performing his song "I Fall Apart". In the clip, he could be seen bizarrely moving his feet and hands. He's also seen skinnier than before. Upon learning of the footage, fans rushed to social media to express their concern. "Nothing about this clip screams substance abuse to me. Could be wrong," one person remarked. Another commented, "Bro is lookin kinda skinny for posty." A third added, "He's looking really skinny" Someone else suggested, "I see what you're talking about. The opioid poses." However, some fans believe that Posty was just "vibing" to the music. One fan argued, "He feeling the song his performing live some people zone out to give a great shows ain't nothing wrong what he doin." A different person stressed, "Bro I've been to 2 concerts and he does because he feels the music he makes music the [sic] touches emotions and things that he has been through it's that simple." Someone pointed out, "Y'all must've never seen him perform before lol." Last year, Posty suffered an ankle injury during his "Twelve Carat Tour" stop in State Farm Arena, Atlanta in October. The "Psycho" crooner twisted his ankle just weeks after falling into another hole on stage during his St. Louis show. At the time, the "I Like You" rapper cracked three ribs, causing him to postpone his Boston show. The injury caused Posty to have "a very difficult time breathing." The "Congratulations" hitmaker further detailed, "There's like a stabbing pain whenever I breathe or move." Fortunately, in late October, the New York-born star fully recovered. You can share this post! Cover Images/Adam Nemser Celebrity The former executive producer of 'The Wendy Williams Show' previously told the court that his monthly payments promised in their divorce suddenly stopped in February last year amid his ex-wife's financial troubles. Feb 7, 2023 AceShowbiz - Wendy Williams' ex-husband Kevin Hunter apparently will no longer accept alimony payments from her. The former daytime TV queen's divorce judge has shut down her ex's demand for the host to continue making alimony payments. The Sun reported on Monday, February 6 that the judge stated the former "The Wendy Williams Show" host's financial guardian will not have to resume cutting his alimony checks. The judge found that Kevin's request was "not emergent" and ordered his "application to be dismissed without prejudice." The judge also denied Kevin's request for attorney fees to be paid by Wendy. However, Kevin's fight for Wendy's payments is not completely over. The judge said while they don't consider his demand for alimony payments an emergency, he can still take his case to mediation. "The parties are to participate in binding arbitration," the judge said. "The issues surrounding the severance payments, and the QDRO [Qualified Domestic Relations Order] are disputed and therefore need to be mediated." Kevin initially told a New Jersey court that his monthly payments promised in their divorce suddenly stopped in February 2022. Kevin asked that the court order Wendy's guardian "to make payments as contractually required under the MSA and Severance Agreement." Then in November last year, Kevin issued a statement via Instagram that read, "This don't have nothing to do with Wendy but has everything to do with the people trying to steal Hard earned money that I worked for and help build." He further explained, "I have a slew of experts to help substantiate all my claims and I'm tired of the bulls**t." "I didn't forfeit as much as I did for my son to go through this," Kevin went on adding. The former "The Wendy Williams Show" executive producer then concluded his message as saying, "Miss me with the double standard s**t as well ITS ON!!!!" Wendy was placed in a financial guardianship last year after Wells Fargo Bank froze her accounts over concerns that she "was of unsound mind," and the bank suspected "financial exploitation, dementia, or undue influence." You can share this post! Cover Images/Faye's Vision Music Questlove reveals that the 'King Richard' star was supposed to make a surprise appearance at the Sunday, February 5 ceremony but had to cancel it because of scheduling conflicts. Feb 7, 2023 AceShowbiz - Will Smith was originally going to make his awards show comeback at the Grammys, nearly a year after his infamous Oscars slap. Questlove revealed that the actor was supposed to be part of the tribute celebrating 50 years of hip-hop, but he had to back out because it coincided with the filming of "Bad Boys 4". Questlove gave away the "spoiler" during an interview on the red carpet ahead of the 2023 Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 5. "I'll give the spoiler alert away. Will Smith was apart of the festivities tonight, but they started shooting 'Bad Boys 4' this week," he told Variety's Marc Malkin. "There were a lot of preliminary shots that he had to do, so we had to lose Will." While he aimed high by booking Smith, the drummer of The Roots knew since the beginning that it was "a shot in the dark," because the actor is "always shooting movies." He continued, "There was a lot of legit reasons why we couldn't be all inclusive of some people." The 52-year-old went on noting that the celebration "had a lot of people, and some of them have other jobs," adding that Ice-T, Queen Latifah and LL Cool J were all participating in the tribute but had to "leave their respective shows" to join the celebration. Questlove also opened up about the creative process for the tribute performance, saying he had only four weeks to listen to all his favorite hip-hop music of all time. While he said the original tribute was going to be 23 minutes long, it has since been cut down to 14 minutes. "It's going to be amazing," he promised viewers on the red carpet. The tribute performance featured 33 artists from different generations. It included a homage to Nelly's 2002 "Hot in Herre", 1988's "My Mike Sounds Nice" by Salt-N-Pepa and Spinderella, and Busta Rhymes pairing with Spliff Star to recite all the lyrics from his featured jump into Chris Brown's 2011 single "Look at Me Now". Also joining the performance were Big Boi, De La Soul, Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Mele Mel & Scorpio/Ethiopian King, DJ Drama, Future, Lil Baby, Rahiem, Rakim, The Lox, Method Man, Public Enemy, Run DMC, Too Short, Scarface and Swizz Beatz. The performance ended with a production of Lil Uzi Vert's 2022 hit "Just Wanna Rock". You can share this post! Cover Images/Instagram/Cover Images/Kristin Callahan Celebrity J. Prince called out Offset when appearing in the Sunday, February 5 episode of 'Million Dollaz Worth of Game' podcast, in which he suggested that the emcee wasn't there for his cousin before the latter's tragic death. Feb 7, 2023 AceShowbiz - Offset was left upset by J. Prince's comments in a recent interview. The one-third of Migos slammed the music executive for suggesting that he wasn't there for Takeoff before the latter's tragic death last year. In a black-and-white video shared on social media, the one-third of Migos argued, "Y'all n***as speaking on my real brother I don't know what the f***k ya'll n***as got going on, y'all n***as talkin' about my real brother." He added, "How dare one of y'all n***as even speak on me and Take relationship. I don't know you n***as from a can of paint. Y'all n***as don't know how me and my brother rock." Urging J. Prince to stop playing "internet games," Offset continued blasting the 58-year-old for bringing up Takeoff's death in his "fifth interview." The husband of Cardi B fumed, "You ain't think about his momma? You ain't think about the family n***a?" "We ain't said nothin'. Ain't nobody said nothing but you n***as. Who y'all n***as think ya'll n***as is? John Gotti n***a?" he further raged. "And if you heard something from me, I'mma tell you it's gonna come from me, call my phone." J. Prince called out Offset when appearing in the Sunday, February 5 episode of "Million Dollaz Worth of Game" podcast. "In reality the truth of the matter is you know n***a you wasn't really right there with Takeoff when he was alive," he stated at that time. "I would just say this to you, don't ever put me in no position where I have to defend myself. It wouldn't be healthy for you." Offset has been left devastated after Takeoff was fatally shot in November 2022 at the 810 Billiards and Bowling Houston in Texas. He once confessed he's faking his smile this whole time after the tragic incident. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity In a new episode of 'WWHL', the host asks Robyn why she decided to 'stay silent' while filming her reality series where she's expected to share 'everything that's going on' in her life. Feb 7, 2023 AceShowbiz - Andy Cohen called out Robyn Dixon for staying silent about her husband Juan's alleged infidelity. When she stopped by "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" on Sunday, February 5, the host interrogated her about the matter. He asked Robyn why she decided to "stay silent" while filming her reality series where she's expected to share "everything that's going on" in her life. "It wasn't an issue at that moment while we were filming," Robyn explained. "It wasn't relevant to where we were in that present time." Andy also asked Robyn to clarify why Juan's name was on a hotel receipt despite her claim that her husband "didn't date or fly" his alleged mistress anywhere. According to "The Real Housewives of Potomac" star, the mystery woman, whom Juan allegedly cheated on her with, lived in Canada, which was on a strict lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic. "So, the hotel receipt comes into play because, for whatever reason, she decided that she wanted to fly to Maryland. She had told Juan that she was dating a Baltimore Ravens player," the reality TV star shared. "Somewhere along the way she tells him she lost her wallet in the casino and she cannot pay for her hotel room." Robyn also noted that Juan "felt bad for her" because she was really "distraught" and couldn't figure out how she was going to pay for her room. "She was really stressed out," Robyn added. "He goes to the hotel. Puts his card down at the counter and that's it." Robyn additionally claimed that the interaction was the only time the woman and Juan ever met up in person. Andy, however, called the story "BS." Robyn responded, "When I found out about it, it sounded like BS to me. But I believe him. I believe him." Robyn also talked about admitting in her podcast "Reasonably Shady" that she's aware of Juan's cheating despite denying it on the show numerous times. "Well, I talked about it on the free podcast," Robyn said. "It's not about withholding information. It was because this information was given last week, or the week before." She added, "My problem was the female was telling lies and I felt I needed to correct the lies." In a January episode of the podcast, Robyn said that Juan had been "an idiot and communicated with this woman on Instagram" in 2020. She also admitted that she had been "aware of the situation" prior to filming season 7 of "RHOP". You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The former Pink Floyd member reacts after former bandmate and his wife called the musician a string of unfavorable names after he said Russia was 'provoked' into attacking Ukraine. Feb 7, 2023 AceShowbiz - David Gilmour's wife claims his former Pink Floyd bandmate Roger Waters was an anti-Semite. Polly Samson alleges that bassist Waters, 79, holds anti-Semitic views and is a "Vladimir Putin apologist", and her guitarist husband Gilmour, 76, shared her message on Twitter along with the statement "every word demonstrably true." The remarks were made by author-and-lyricist Samson - who worked with her husband on songs for Pink Floyd's 1994 album "The Division Bell" - in seemingly response to an interview Waters gave to a German newspaper, in which he defended some of Russia's actions in the war with Ukraine. Waters has previously referred to Putin as a gangster and said in the new interview that the country had been provoked into invading Ukraine by the actions of Nato and the US. Sharing a link to the article, he claimed over the weekend that it had been published "against the backdrop of the outrageous and despicable smear campaign by the ISRAELI LOBBY to denounce me as an ANTISEMITE, WHICH I AM NOT, NEVER HAVE BEEN and NEVER WILL BE (sic)." Samson - whose father was a Jew who fled Nazi Germany - later alleged on Twitter, "Sadly @rogerwaters you are antisemitic to your rotten core. Also a Putin apologist and a lying, thieving, hypocritical, tax-avoiding, lip-synching, misogynistic, sick-with-envy, megalomaniac. Enough of your nonsense." Polly Samson ripped into Roger Waters and David Gilmour agreed with her In response, a statement on Waters' Twitter page says he is "aware of the incendiary and wildly inaccurate comments made about him on Twitter by Polly Samson which he refutes entirely." The statement added, "He is currently taking advice as to his position." In 2022, Pink Floyd released their first new single in more than 25 years in support of the people of Ukraine. The group recorded "Hey Hey Rise Up" on March 30 following the Russian invasion. Gilmour - who has a Ukrainian daughter-in-law and grandchildren - Nick Mason, Guy Pratt, and Nitin Sawhney teamed up with Andriy Khlyvnyuk, of the Ukrainian band Boombox, to record the track. The track features Andriy's vocals from his performance of a protest song in Kyiv's Sofiyskaya Square. Gilmour and Waters have been rowing for decades after the latter left the band in 1985 and tried to get the remaining members to officially dissolve the group. Although they would later go onto appear on stage together a number of times in recent decades, they haven't done so since 2011. Back in 2014, Gilmour said, "We really don't have that much in common anymore." You can share this post! Sony Pictures Movie Multiple sources claim the two original stars of the classic horror movie are expected to be back for the upcoming second installment which is in the works at Sony Pictures. Feb 7, 2023 AceShowbiz - Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. are allegedly expected to return for an "I Know What You Did Last Summer" sequel. The two stars - who starred in the original 1997 horror movie and its follow-up the next year - are rumored to be returning for another sequel from Sony Pictures. Sources told The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and Deadline that the film is in development while the latter two outlets have reported that the upcoming movie will be directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson from a script by Leah McKendrick. It's also said Neal H. Moritz - who co-produced the first two films and 2006's direct to video "I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer" without any of the original stars - is in discussions for a return. The original film starred Hewitt and Prinze alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar, Johnny Galecki, Ryan Phillippe, and Bridgette Wilson Sampras. They followed a group of teenagers who accidentally killed a man on their high school graduation night, and they try to cover it up. However, one year later they find themselves being stalked by a killer wielding a hook. Besides the movies, "I Know What You Did Last Summer" - which was based on Lois Duncan's 1973 novel of the same name - spawned an Amazon Prime Video show which ran for one season in 2021. While the series was being promoted, original cast members Hewitt, Prinze, Gellar, and Phillippe surprised the reboot's cast during a virtual New York Comic COn panel. Hewitt jokingly referenced her final girl character Julie James' iconic ad-libbed quote as she quipped, "If they'd asked me years ago what I thought about [a TV series], I would have of course said, 'What are you waiting for, huh?! What are you waiting for?!' " You can share this post! MANILA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos said on Tuesday that the Philippines will send an 85-man team to Turkiye to help search, rescue, and support earthquake victims. Marcos told reporters that the team includes health workers and engineers. "They will inspect the buildings. We are looking to have our group leave by (Wednesday) night," he said. Marcos said the team will also bring blankets, winter clothing, and other goods for the homeless victims. "(The quake victims) are exposed, so they need all these things," he added. The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs said that no Filipinos were injured due to the earthquakes. The agency said there are 248 Filipinos in earthquake-affected areas in Turkiye and around 60 in Syria. According to local media reports, at least 5,000 people were killed and tens of thousands of others were injured after strong earthquakes jolted parts of Turkiye and neighboring Syria on Monday. ITV/YouTube/BBC Movie The disgraced royal will be played by Rufus while Gillian and Billie will portray the TV anchor and producer respectively in the upcoming film titled 'Scoop'. Feb 7, 2023 AceShowbiz - Gillian Anderson has landed the role of Emily Maitlis in Netflix's upcoming film about Prince Andrew's infamous "Newsnight" interview. The streaming giant has revealed casting for "Scoop", which is based on TV producer Sam McAlister's book "Scoops: Behind The Scenes of the BBC's Most Shocking Interviews". The upcoming movie will revolve around the prince's interview in November 2019 which saw him effectively banned from public events with the royals unless he could attend in a private capacity, stripped of various patronages and roles, and stopped from being known as 'His Royal Highness'. Gillian will play former BBC news anchor Emily Maitlis, who conducted the interview, while Rufus Sewell has been cast as the disgraced royal. Sam, who negotiated and secured the interview, will be portrayed by Billie Piper while Keeley Hawes will play Andrew's former private secretary Amanda Thirsk. Philip Martin - known for his work on "The Crown" - will direct the film. In the interview, Andrew - who thought it went well before it aired - was seeking to clear his name over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as well as allegations of sexual assault made against him by one of Epstein's victims Virginia Guiffre, with whom Andrew later settled out of court. During the disastrous interview, viewers saw the prince fail to show remorse for his friendship with Epstein or sympathy for victims. The logline for Netflix's film adaptation reads, "The inside track of the women that broke through the Buckingham Palace establishment to secure the scoop of the decade that led to the catastrophic fall from grace of The Queen's 'Favourite son.' From navigating Palace vetoes, to breaking through to Prince Andrew's inner circle, the high stakes negotiations and intensity of rehearsal - to the jaw dropping interview itself." In a statement, Sam said, "It is beyond my wildest dreams, especially as a first time writer, to end up working with this extraordinary cast, Netflix, and the amazing teams at The Lighthouse and Voltage. Watching Billie Piper, one of my favourite actresses, play 'me' will be a pinch-myself moment and I'm truly thrilled to be involved in this film." And director Philip Martin added, "I'm thrilled to be directing this film for Netflix and - together with an extraordinary cast - to be bringing Sam McAlister's revelatory insider's account to the screen. Uptempo, immersive and cinematic, I want to put the audience inside the breath-taking sequence of events that led to the interview with Prince Andrew - to tell a story about a search for answers, in a world of speculation and varying recollections." "It's a film about power, privilege and differing perspectives and how - whether in glittering palaces or hi-tech newsrooms - we judge what's true." You can share this post! NBC/CBS Celebrity The journalist was left weeping when asking for advice in nunnery about her marriage issues with then-husband Arnie after his affair with their housekeeper was revealed. Feb 7, 2023 AceShowbiz - Maria Shriver turned to a convent for advice after she split from Arnold Schwarzenegger. The journalist, 67, lodged documents to divorce the "Predator" actor, 75, in July 2011 after it emerged he had cheated with their housekeeper Mildred Patricia Baena, but the split was not finalised until December 2021, and Maria said speaking to a reverend mother about the betrayal left her sobbing. "(The nun said), 'You can't come live here... but you do have permission to go out and become Maria,' " she told Hoda Kotb on Monday, February 6 during an appearance on the "Making Space" podcast. The former first lady of California admitted she had never "given myself permission to feel, to be vulnerable, to be weak, to be brought to my knees" before the talk, and she thought, "OK, God, let's go" as she left the convent before she went on to give herself "permission to start learning." Arnold and Mildred had a baby boy named Joseph, now 25, amid their affair, and a judge ruled Maria was entitled to half the money the actor earned during their marriage. Maria - who shares children Katherine, 33, Christina, 31, Patrick, 29, and Christopher, 25, with the "Terminator" actor - added on the podcast the scandal and split led her to re-evaluate "every aspect of" her life. She said, "(I asked myself), 'What was my role? What could I do better? What had I done that put me in that place? I did everything that was available that I could find to myself." Maria - the niece of late US President John F. Kennedy - also said she had been used to growing up in the shadows of the rich and famous. She added, "I grew up feeling invisible in an incredibly public, famous family. There were a lot of really big characters in that family." Maria also admitted her successes in life never made her feel "seen," adding, "What actually makes people feel seen and worthy is talking to them, sitting with them, calling them, slowing down... sitting on the porch, going, 'I don't have anywhere to go. I'm right here with you.' " You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The 'Logan' actor gets candid as he talks about raising his children with wife Deborra-Lee Furness as the couple had 'really different ideas about being a parent.' Feb 8, 2023 AceShowbiz - Hugh Jackman admits he and wife Deborra-Lee Furness had "different ideas" about parenting. The pair - who tied the knot in 1996 after meeting on the set of Australian TV series "Correlli" share children Oscar, 22, and Ava, 17, but Hugh claims their pasts "came together" when they had kids and it wasn't something the couple had "pre-discussed." "You fall in love with someone and you work out your relationship, it's great! All of a sudden, we had kids. The way I was parented, the way she was parented ... all of a sudden ... whoosh! And it wasn't just Deb and I, it was somehow our pasts coming together," he told Radio Times magazine. "We had really different ideas about being a parent. And we never really pre-discussed it. We just assumed - we love each other, we don't argue, that's going to be fine." In April, Hugh paid tribute to his "extraordinary" wife Deborra-Lee after 26 years of marriage. He wrote on Instagram at the time, "Today I celebrate 26 years of marriage to my extraordinary wife. Every single day is filled with so much laughter, joy and backgammon!!!! Deb you light up my life. I love you with all my heart! (sic)" Hugh previously admitted that, while some people consider marriage to be "so much work," his relationship "doesn't feel like that." He explained, "People often say, 'Oh my god, marriage is so much work.' There are some things you gotta live by, but it doesn't feel like that. It's been one of the best things in my life." The "Logan" star described his wife as the "most optimistic person" he has ever met. He added, "Deb is the lightest, most optimistic person I've ever met in my life. Like, if you ever want to play who's the happiest person in the room? Deb wins." You can share this post! NBC/ABC Movie The 'Westworld' actress and '1600 Penn' actor are set to share screen, playing a sister and brother respectively in an upcoming murder-mystery movie called 'The Adults'. Feb 8, 2023 AceShowbiz - Evan Rachel Wood, Josh Gad, and Anthony Carrigan have been tapped in "The Adults". The trio have joined the murder-mystery flick from director Alex Winter, which is set to open sales at the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin. The film revolves around a sister and brother, Megan (Wood) and Nathan (Gad), who are barely hanging on in modern-day America when their lives are turned upside down when they discover a dead body buried in their parent's basement. The pair are subsequently led down a rabbit hole of crime and murder. In a statement, Winter said, "I'm thrilled to be working with Evan, Josh and Anthony on this darkly comic crime drama, which takes a sly look at the challenges we all face today, trying to survive in the modern world." "The Adults" is being produced by Winter, Scott Kroopf and Russell Hollander with Connie Tavel set to executive produce. Evan has previously described acting as "therapeutic" as jumping into a film role helps to calm her battle with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), a neurological condition that can cause difficulties with focus. The 35-year-old star said, "I guess this goes for acting and singing, but I have ADD, so I'm always multitasking, and thinking about a million things at once. And I talk really fast, and I'm jumping around from topic to topic." "When I'm acting, I'm not thinking about anything. It is, like, the thing that makes me stop thinking. And it is the time where I am the most present. Maybe not the most present, because obviously I'm playing different characters - but the time where it all fades away. And I think I can be very socially awkward at times." You can share this post! DRiefcase, Indias 1st integrated personal health record (PHR) app under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) that helps users to digitally manage their health records has launched a new campaign, #ReportKoReportKaro. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of digitizing medical records for easy access and management. To support the campaign, DRiefcase released its ad film showcasing actor Rajendra Chawla , a prominent theatre, TV and film personality, to spread the message about the importance of organising health records in a hassle-free and easily accessible manner on the DRiefcase app. The brand also ran a social media contest #ReportKoReportKaro by inviting funny captions from the audience on a still shared from the ad film. The contest was live across DRiefcases social media channels to create awareness about the film and engage with the audience on social media. The campaign saw great participation with over 500+ unique participants and the ad film has so far received over 3.5 million video views digitally. Founded in 2016 by Harsh Parikh & Sohit Kapoor, DRiefcase sets itself apart by focusing on using digital medical records and providing a seamless user experience. The app allows users to upload their records via email and even offers at-home scanning services which includes scanning of radiology reports like X-rays and MRIs. "Over a lifetime, an average patient generates a significant quantum of health records, but the information stored therein is often difficult to access for patients when they need it. Even today when everything is going digital, we see some people maintaining medical record files that are not just difficult to store but also time consuming for the doctor to go through each and every report. said Harsh Parikh, Co-founder of DRiefcase. He further added, "Were all aware about how important it is to have a digital backup of our familys health records but how many of us are actually taking time out to save those records on an app? Its surprising to see people spend hours on social media apps watching and uploading videos but they dont have a few seconds to upload health records that could potentially be life-saving. Thats when we thought there couldnt be anything better than the #ReportKoReportKaro concept to spread the message. Driefcase is proud to be the first #HealthKiTijori in the country and aims to bridge the information divide in healthcare by providing a convenient platform for managing digital medical records. Additionally, every health record on DRiefcase is automatically tagged and indexed for easy retrieval, such that they can be retrieved in just under 10 seconds. "Going with the governments plan to digitize healthcare data, we are confident that the ABDM will be a game-changer for the healthcare sector in India. Were working tirelessly to be an important part of this transformative journey." IPLIX Media, an awarded influencer marketing and talent management agency announced a special mental health initiative offering free unlimited mental health therapy sessions for its content creators and employees. The influencer marketing agency partnered with the mental health platform Mindpeers to undertake this. This initiative is expected to benefit approx 250 content creators and employees within a span of a year. With this announcement, IPLIX Media becomes the first agency to extend mental health support to content creators. The Rs. 900 crore+ influencer marketing Industry is expected to witness a compound annual growth of 25% till 2025. This rapid growth will bring along staggering opportunities for influencers and companies in the space to grow. However, keeping up with such rapid growth can sometimes take a toll on mental health. According to a 2020 report by inspire.me, a Norwegian influencer marketing platform, 47% of the 350 global influencers surveyed admitted that their career choice had an impact on their mental health. 67% felt that there was currently a negative stigma around the word influencer. 32%, on the other hand, conceded that their work had a negative impact on their body image. With this partnership, IPLIX Media aims to address this need gap to make the creator ecosystem a safe space for influencers and employees alike. This will further empower the agency to make mental health conversations mainstream enabling work-life balance in the industry. Talking about the initiative, Neel Gogia, Co-founder of IPLIX Media said, Today, influencer marketing is in a hyper-growth stage. Every brand wants to join the creator bandwagon resulting in an array of opportunities for the creators. While these opportunities open a gateway to growth, they can sometimes take a toll on mental health. Influencers and other stakeholders in the process always want to offer their creative best and subsequently tend to stretch themselves physically and mentally. Through this partnership, we want to offer them a safe space to unwind and restore their mental health. Fortunately, the changing time has mainstreamed mental health conversations at work and we want to be the frontrunner in enabling this for the Indian creator ecosystem. Lifestyle content creator, Ritvi Shah, said, Unlike the common belief, being a content creator is not an easy job. You have to juggle multiple things at the same time & always be on top of trends. From first-hand experience, I can say that it takes a toll on you. I am glad that someone realized and recognized the impact it has on a creators mental health. These mental health therapy sessions will empower us to optimally utilize our strengths, identify when we need to take a step back and take decisions prioritising our peace of mind. Initiatives like this truly set a new standard for creator-agency partnerships. I am excited to see how it unfolds! Arpan Soni, VP- Talent Management, IPLIX Media, said, Creators and Influencers have become the backbone of the multi-billion dollar influencer marketing ecosystem. Every day we witness the lengths influencers go to deliver their creative best, both for their audience and the partner brands. Interacting with them on regular basis made us realise the detrimental impact being caused to mental health and thus, we decided to bring a revolution for them. As their partners in the journey, we believe that it is the need of the hour to start this dialogue. We are certain that an initiative of this magnitude will positively impact these content creators and the ecosystem as a whole. 90% of IPLIX Medias workforce is Gen Z, a generation that actively prioritizes mental health care. A study has shown that on average, a Gen Z pays $149 per month on therapy and 62% have taken a mental health day off from work. With free unlimited therapy sessions, employees and influencers are set to claim both monetary and non-monetary benefits for themselves. Meta today announced its partnership with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for the G20 Stay Safe Online Campaign. As part of the partnership with MeitY, Meta will create and share helpful resources in multiple Indian languages through various channels, to spread awareness on how to stay safe online. The resources under the G20 Stay Safe Online will cover themes such as tackling online frauds, how to report harmful content, tips to keep yourself safe when interacting online and more. India is at the cusp of becoming a $ trillion digital economy and at the time when India is holding the G20 presidency, this strategic partnership will not only support and equip the existing Internet users but will also be beneficial for the rapidly increasing new Internet users in India. Speaking on the partnership, Akash Tripathi, CEO, MyGov said, Under PM Modis vision of Indias Techade, we are witnessing rapid digital adoption and with this growth, there is a need to create easy to access tools and resources to protect users from increasing cyber crimes. We, at MeitY, have designed a Stay Safe online campaign in this year of India's G20 Presidency and we are glad that tech companies like Meta are taking a lead in supporting the governments vision of building an inclusive digital space which is free of severe online threats. On Safer Internet Day, Meta has also launched #DigitalSuraksha campaign builds on the company's efforts to offer a safer and inclusive internet to everyone. The first phase of #DigitalSuraksha includes a partnership with Delhi Police to provide digital literacy to users in Delhi. The current phase of #DigitalSuraksha also includes a slew of measures on enabling digital education and literacy across youth well-being, child safety, tackling misinformation as well as the overall education of users towards various safety tools and resources available across Meta platforms. Natasha Jog, Head, Public Policy, Instagram and Policy Programs, Facebook India (Meta), said, The G20 Presidency opens up a great opportunity for India to design and create an ever-inclusive Internet model for the world, and we are excited to partner with the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology in this endeavor. Creating a $1 trillion digital economy requires an ecosystem that is safe and empowering and we will support the governments campaign by providing users with education, tools and resources to protect themselves in this rapidly evolving digital world. Providing Digital Literacy Law enforcement agencies are a critical partner in ensuring online safety, under its #DigitalSuraksha campaign Meta will work with the Delhi Police on a 2-month long programme to provide digital literacy to 10,000 students across various schools and colleges in Delhi. Further, Meta and Delhi Police will jointly build resources to educate users about protecting themselves against online/ digital scams. As part of this partnership, Meta will also train Delhi police personnel on Metas various safety tools. The #DigitalSuraksha campaign finds expression through a Digital Nagrik Pledge, which was also launched by Meta today, encouraging people across India to become responsible digital citizens (Nagriks). Built on Metas partnership with CBSE to provide Digital Citizenship course to 10 million students and 1 lac teachers, Digital Nagrik Pledge will further support the Indian Governments objective to ensure an open, safe, trusted and accountable internet. The goal of the program will be to get 1 million people to pledge and to become safe digital citizens over the next one year. Building Consumer Awareness Underscoring the critical importance of educating users, Meta has also unpacked a series of consumer awareness initiatives on the tools and resources available for people to stay safe. Building on the partnership with Delhi Police, for a period of one month, Meta will wrap one train on Delhi Metros Yellow line to educate users about safety tools available for them on Metas platforms. Commuters will be redirected to Metas safety tools through a QR code. A new Help protect children. Dont Share. Dont Comment. Report. campaign was also launched, to prevent the sharing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and encouraging people to report such content instead. The campaign will educate users on the harm of sharing CSAM, and the impact it has on the victim and will encourage anyone who sees harmful videos and images of children to protect the victim by reporting it immediately to Facebook. The new campaign builds on the Report it, dont share it, campaign launched by Meta last year. This years theme for Safer Internet Day underlines a crucial aspect of supporting young children by having conversations on life in the online world. With an aim to support and encourage meaningful conversations between parents and children around critical topics like use of social media, mental health and digital wellbeing, Meta has launched UnGap. A series of six episodes, UnGap is a chat show featuring pairings of well-known parents and children that includes actor Sheeba Chaddha and daughter Noor, actor Ahsaas Channa and mother Kulbir Badesron, comedian Abhishek Kumar and father Sundar Baalaji and entrepreneur Roshan Abbas and daughter Ayatal Abbas, among others. Additionally, an awareness campaign on tips for tackling misinformation was also launched with Yuvaa, through short videos. Available in Hinglish, 15-second campaign videos will feature six simple tips and tricks on tackling and identifying misinformation. Meta will continue to add more initiatives to the #DigitalSuraksha campaign over the year. These will be geared towards reaching a larger set of users by educating them, creating more awareness and advancing Indias agenda of digital inclusion and growth. After a multi-agency pitch, the iconic energy brand, Eveready, has appointed Ogilvy India as their partner. Ogilvys Mumbai and Kolkata offices will handle this exciting mandate. Eveready is more than just a brand, it is a household name playing an integral part in everyday lives of millions of Indians. The brand endeavours to improve quality of life through cutting-edge, and portable energy solutions. Anirban Banerjee, Senior Vice President & Business Unit Head - Battery & Flashlight, Eveready India, remarked, The brand which started off describing a powerful battery with Give me Red, went on to define a generation. We are thrilled to partner with Ogilvy on Evereadys transformation to re-energise the brand and increase its relevance among the new generation, across its batteries, flashlight and lighting businesses. On winning the account, Piyush Pandey, Ogilvys Chairman Global Creative & Executive Chairman India, said, Ogilvy is delighted to partner Eveready. A brand that touches all parts of India from urban to rural. We look forward to creating exciting work that builds both brand and business. Sukesh Nayak, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India, added here, From growing up with these batteries firing up my imagination by bringing all my toys to life to being able to partner the team in charting the next journey of Give me Red is truly humbling. My team and I are super excited about this win, and we cant wait to partner and create work that captures the imagination of everyone. We saw how the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has of late wrestled with Alphabet Inc-owned Google for allegedly abusing the app market in India. The CCI is accusing Google of exploiting its dominant position in Android. The watchdog has directed the tech giant to do away with restrictions imposed on device makers. Google is worried for obvious reasons. India is a great market for Google; almost 97% of 600 million smartphones run on Android, as per Counterpoint Research. Apple pales in comparison with just a 3% share. Google argued before the Supreme Court that CCI decision would forced it to make changes to its arrangements with more than 1,100 device manufacturers and many more app developers. The search giant contended that no other country has ever asked for such far-reaching changes". Such restrictions would hurt not only its business but consumers also in one of the key markets, it said. The tech giant has faced similar scrutiny in countries like the US and South Korea. But what worries the tech giant is that the steps taken against it by the watchdog are more restrictive than those imposed in the European Commission's 2018 ruling; the tech giant was fined for unlawful restrictions on Android mobile device makers. Now, India is about to pass three major laws that will impact the tech companies such as Google and Facebook. An Indian parliamentary panel has already recommended that the government should enact a digital competition Act to regulate anti-competitive business practices by Big Tech companies. The government is also proposing other similar legislations to rein in the Big Tech. The committee has recommended that the government should come up with a Digital Competition Act to ensure a fair, transparent and contestable digital ecosystem, which will be a boon not only for our country and its nascent start-up economy but also for the entire world. Such moves will have implications for big tech companies in the second most populous internet market in the world. Experts feel that a cautious approach, rather than a confrontational one, should be taken by the authorities given Indias peculiarities. Given the nascent stage of the digital ecosystem of the country, a nuanced approach should be adopted while regulating the sector, says Lloyd Mathias, Angel Investor and Independent Director. This seems to be a result of the approach taken by Western more developed markets where the digital ecosystem is at a more mature stage. While it is important to refer to global best practices, however, at the same time, the peculiarities of our own market should also be taken into account, he says. According to Mathias, being the second most populous internet market in the world carries a huge potential for the realization of the PM's $5 trillion dream, and our policies should promote ease of doing business rather than throwing roadblocks. Trust Research Advisory CEO Chandra Mouli supports impending legislations like the Digital Competition Act. According to him, Big Tech has had a stranglehold on many important applications for a long time. Such stranglehold, he feels, increases market concentration, and forces the customers to choose without independence. He cites bundled browsers, search, app distribution services, etc., as typical cases. Naturally, these regulations will have Big Tech in a fix, as many other alternatives are likely to emerge like micro app distribution networks. However this will work in the benefit of users, as it will give them choice, which they lacked till now. In my opinion, Indian Digital Competition Act is well placed in asking Big Tech as to why they have different rules for India and Europe, says Chandra Mouli. Replicating the European model? The Indian situation is different and it is not prudent to follow the policies adopted by Europe. Ashish Duggal, COO, Chimp&z Inc, feels that emulating European anti-trust laws would be counter-productive in a diverse market like India. We are a fast-growing economy. But today, our tech infrastructure isnt as advanced as those of the European nations that act as torchbearers in this industry. Though following them to gain industry insights is important, trying to replicate their anti-competitive regulations will have downside implications in India. Those countries are at a point where they can afford to keep the tech giants in line without worrying about the investment or strategy change that may follow. As India is still a developing nation with a demography and economy very different from the west, Think global, act local fits perfectly in this context. These tech giants today hold a lot of power. Power to implement a vision, experiment, pump in the money, and use their capabilities, network, people, and infrastructure, among other resources. So, for example, when Google provided free internet services at railway stations across India. A tech giant like that had the power to do just that, promoting its services while aiding the countrys development. If theyre doing so, I think they do deserve a head start and to be able to reap the benefits of early entry. Their work will also help set a standard for local players. So, coming up with such harsh and stringent laws at such an early stage will only work to demotivate these companies and their interests in India, says Ashish Duggal. Concurring with Duggal on this, Lloyd Mathias points out that a blanket legislation could increase the compliance burden for operating in the country where a number of entities are in the nascent stages of growth and so they would not be able to weather an increased compliance burden. According to Mathias, even for players who can bear the costs, the burden would percolate down to the end consumer. This would also disproportionately impact established players since it could hold them back from innovating and reaping its benefits, which would in turn reduce the competition burden on smaller players who would have less of an impetus to innovate. Since industry giants have been the reason behind driving digital adoption by creating the necessary infrastructure, it would also disproportionately impact the smaller players which act as ancillary units to the same, he says. Nitin Raj, CEO and Co-Founder, Riverum, feels that the proposed Digital Competition Act in India could have a significant impact on Big Tech companies. He feels that with the worlds second-largest internet market, Indias proposed legislation could be a significant step in curbing the power of Big Tech. Raj predicts that the Act would aim to address potential anti-competitive practices and could include provisions such as mandating a minimum period of notice before changes to terms of service, preventing companies from engaging in activities that limit consumer choice or prevent competitors from entering the market, or putting limits on the collection and use of consumer data. The implications of this Act will vary depending on how it is implemented. In particular, a committee must be set up to ensure that the Act is being followed and that any violations are met with appropriate actions. This will help to ensure that Big Tech companies are held accountable and that their practices are in line with the law, says Nitin Raj. The Act, he says, could have a range of implications for Big Tech companies, including: Increased regulatory oversight and scrutiny. Big Tech companies could face increased scrutiny from Indian regulators, with the potential for large fines and other penalties for any violations of the Act. This could potentially lead to more stringent consumer protection measures, and the risk of reputational damage for Big Tech companies in India. Restrictions on data collection and use. The Act could place restrictions on how Big Tech companies collect and use consumer data, which could impact their ability to monetize their services and generate revenue from the Indian market. Limits on market access. The Act could also place limits on market access and prevent Big Tech companies from engaging in activities that could limit consumer choice or prevent competitors from entering the market. This could have serious implications for Big Tech companies ability to compete in the Indian market. Increased costs and legal bills. The Act could also lead to increased costs for Big Tech companies, in the form of legal bills and other compliance costs associated with the Act. The best way for India Elsewhere, especially in Europe, there is an increased governmental scrutiny over the level of data collected by Big Tech companies like Facebook and Google. It is a thin line here as the Indian government has to tread cautiously lest it will be accused of adopting the same policies followed by police states like China. What is the best way forward for India when it comes to pursuing anti-trust laws? Long, wordy and convoluted I agree buttons make all of us agree to anything that the digital contract says, and we often even agree to give our most private data. The laws are not strict enough to ensure individual privacy and it must be strengthened further, says Chandra Mouli. According to him, Chinas case is different. China uses data to monitor and control citizens. But elsewhere, he adds, individual privacy is infringed upon by some organisations using this data wrongly, but also because these organisations do not have enough control to prevent people using this data from illegally selling individual data to bad actors. Sensitive data like names, mobile phone numbers, email ids, marital status, etc., are freely available in the market. He stressed that the organisation must also be responsible for misuse of data held by them through such means. Data is considered as the new oil and in todays digitally enabled world no one can disagree with its value, says Lloyd Mathias. But, he adds, it is important to understand its use. He feels that there is a fine line between privacy and personalisation which needs to be maintained given the fact that we live in a world of declining attention span. This is also critical from the point that the country is growing as an investment hub and policies should aid this, while ensuring that the data of our people are safeguarded. The new digital personal data protection legislation is a novel step by the government in the right direction, he explains. Ashish Duggal supports anti-trust regulations as they are important because they help control business practices and promote competition. According to him, monopolies may be inevitable, but these regulations will help avoid unjustified ones. Looking at the current regulations, there is scope for a little more policy tightening and improvement that will have to happen over time. India is a highly democratic nation with many upcoming and large corporations growing at a fast pace that may seem to attain a monopoly status. But thats a far cry. Right now, we must focus on developing a healthy environment for competition and for new entrants to work per the high standards set by the giants, he says. When it comes to anti-trust legislations, India faces a delicate balancing act, says Nitin Raj. On one hand, it wants to protect its growth and economy while keeping Big Tech companies from becoming too dominant. On the other hand, it doesnt want to be accused of adopting policies followed by the likes of China, he says. According to him, one way that India could potentially protect its market share is by implementing data sovereignty laws. These laws would allow companies to collect and use data within the country, rather than having it transferred to a foreign company. This would allow Indian companies to compete with their rivals on a more level playing field, and would also ensure that data is kept safe and secure, he adds. When it comes to data collection and privacy, India is in a tough spot. On one hand, the Indian government wants to protect its citizens data. On the other hand, Facebook, Google, and other tech giants operate in India largely unchecked, collecting vast amounts of data on Indian users. There is a growing concern in India over the level of data collection by Big Tech companies. This is because the Indian government is worried about the way that these companies use this data to engage with their users. This is a difficult line to tread, as the Indian government does not want to appear to be adopting the same policies as adopted by countries like China or Korea, he says. According to him, the product manager for Facebook in the US has a lot of power to change the features that are available to millions of Indian users. This means that their decisions on what data to share with their vendors, partners, and advertisers have a big impact on millions of people in India. There are a number of ways that the Indian government could pursue anti-trust legislations in response to this. One option would be to create new rules that would apply to Facebook and Google specifically. Another option would be to work with these companies to change their policies. Either way, the Indian government will have to tread carefully in order to avoid backlash, he explains. Another way, according to Raj, that India could protect its market share is by increasing transparency and accountability. For example, Facebook and Google are required to disclose the amount of data they collect, and to provide information about how that data is used. This information is available to the public, and allows consumers to make informed decisions. So what is the best way forward for India when it comes to pursuing anti-trust legislations? There are a number of steps that the Indian government can take. First, it can increase the safeguards for consumer information. For example, it can require companies to get explicit consent from consumers before collecting or using their data. Second, it can open up the digital market to more competitors. This would allow new ideas and services to penetrate the market and challenge the dominance of the Big Tech companies. Third, it can promote online innovation by providing incentives for companies to develop new technologies. Finally, it can make it easier for consumers to file complaints against companies if they believe that they are violating anti-trust laws, he concludes. PHNOM PENH, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Tuesday welcomed Chinese flag carrier Air China's inaugural flight to its capital here with a water cannon salute. Air China flight CA745, carrying some 125 Chinese tourists, arrived at the Phnom Penh International Airport from Beijing and received a warm welcome from Cambodia's Tourism Minister Thong Khon and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian as well as other officials. Speaking to reporters at the welcoming ceremony, the minister said China is the most important outbound tourism market for the world, as some 155 million Chinese tourists travelled around the globe in the pre-pandemic era. The comeback of Chinese tourists has given a boost not only to the tourism sector, but also to the kingdom's economy as a whole, he said. "For Cambodia this year, we will try to attract between 800,000 to 1 million Chinese tourists," he said, noting that in January, the Southeast Asian nation received 25,000 Chinese tourists. China was the largest source of foreign tourists to Cambodia in the pre-pandemic era, a Ministry of Tourism's report said, adding that the kingdom received 2.36 million Chinese tourists in 2019, accounting for 35.7 percent of total tourist arrivals to the country and generating about 1.8 billion U.S. dollars in revenue. Thanks to James Lyons-Weiler for permission to link his article from Popular Rationalism. Please subscribe to his substack site here. CEO/President. Scientist. Author. Human Rights Advocate. Sharing Research and Interpretation, Not Medical or Legal Advice See also http://ipak-edu.org, http://ipaknowledge.org, and http://jameslyonsweiler.com Autism May (or May Not) Be Associated with Increased Risk of Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, and Heart Disease Twenty years ago, moms and dads were clamoring for allopathy to see beyond autism and to address health issues with the entire patient. Now a noisy study seems to indicate three risks. Currently, 1 in 44 children is diagnosed with autism by the age of 8 years in the United States. Thats up from 1 in 10,000 in the 1970s. People with a diagnosis of autism have long had poorer long-term outcomes regarding their health; in fact, their life expectancies are estimated to be between 12 and 30 years lower than people without the diagnosis. Researchers from Texas conducted and published a systematic review and a meta-analysis of 34 studies that included 276 173 participants with autism and 7 733 306 participants without autism in search of conditions known to have a morbidity risk. They found that having a diagnosis of autism is associated with greater risks of developing diabetes overall (RR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.23-2.01; 20 studies), type 1 diabetes (RR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.06-2.54; 6 studies), and type 2 diabetes (RR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.30-4.70; 3 studies). Autism was also associated with increased risks of dyslipidemia (RR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.20-2.40; 7 studies) and heart disease (RR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.42-1.50; 3 studies). People with autism were found to be 46% more likely to have heart disease, 64% more likely to develop type 1 diabetes, and 46% more likely to experience type 2 diabetes. Children with autism were nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes (184%) and high blood pressure (154%). The study authors reported that they did not find an increased risk of hypertension or stroke, suggesting a different mechanism of disease pathophysiology of heart disease behind the increased risk in autism. See event listings and more articles in this edition of Agri-News: February 6, 2023 issue Alberta beef producers retained fewer breeding heifers for replacement in 2022, suggesting expansion is not in the immediate future, says Ann Boyda, livestock economist with the Alberta government. The Canfax Cattle on Feed reports show a 9.4% increase in heifer placement in feedlots in 2022 compared to 2021. Heifer placements were higher in the first half of 2022 and declined by 3% in the second half. The rate of heifer to steer placement increased to 37.5% in 2022 as compared to 33.1% in 2021. Steer placement declined by 10.2% in 2022 as compared to 2021. Alberta auction feeder steer and heifer volume for 2022 was 638,769 head, down 9% from 2021 and down 26.1% from the 5-year average. The first 3 weeks of 2023 report volumes down 13.4% over the same period last year. According to the Canadian Beef Grading Agency, slaughter volume for 2022 in federally regulated plants was 2,641,249 head in Western Canada, comparable to 2021 levels (down 0.04%). The 2022 slaughter level is 8.5 % higher than the 5-year average (2017 to 2021). Heifer slaughter volume in 2022 rose by 6.9% over 2021 and nearly 15% over the 5-year average, whereas steer slaughter volume dropped by 5.8% when compared to 2021. Cow slaughter also increased in 2022 by 4.8% over 2021, however this level was comparable to the 5-year average (up 0.9%). Chart 1. West Slaughter in Federally Inspected Plants Source: Canadian Beef Grading Agency Agriculture Canada estimates beef output in Western Canada for 2022 at 1,028,580 tonnes, up 2% from 2021. The strong performance stems from good packer margins and strong beef demand. Livestock Identification Services reports 485,544 cattle leaving Alberta in 2022. The majority, 328,911 were destined to the U.S., 294,078 head of which went direct to slaughter. Slaughter cattle sales to the U.S. were up by 21.2% over 2021 levels. Chart 2. Alberta Interprovincial and U.S. Exports of Cattle in 2022 Source: Livestock Identification Services, Stats Permit Export Summary With one month left for recorded data, 2022 will fall short of the volume in 2021, points out Boyda. Agri-Food Trade On-Line database indicates that live cattle imports were highest in 2021 at over 234,919 head (excluding purebred cattle), 61.7% greater than the 5-year average of 145,294 head. Total cattle imports to Alberta from the U.S., British Columbia and Saskatchewan reached 1,240,768 head in 2021. Preliminary estimates for 2022 suggest that total cattle imports will be down from 2021 by as much as 8%. Albertas feedlot capacity draws feeder steers and heifers from Saskatchewan. 2022 year started with a backlog on cattle stemming from the heights of COVID. The industry is still feeling its repercussions. January and February are typically seasonally lower demand for beef and most signs point to a smaller calf crop in 2023, says Boyda. For more information, see: Agricultural Marketing Guide Contact Connect with Ann Boyda for more information. Phone: 780-422-4088 Teachers are now to provide professional gender-affirming care for students without a required medical license, without parental approval or consent, without securing informed consent, and without conforming to professional standards of care. Minnesota proposes to require teachers to ensure that student gender-identities are affirmed. How would that work? Lets say 13-year-old Katie approaches a teacher and informs the teacher that she was born in the wrong body, that she is actually a boy, that she is to be called Ben, and that she needs to have her breasts removed in order to become her authentic self. According to Item 4E of The Proposed Standards of Effective Practice for teachers in Minnesota, the teacher is required to ensure that Katies identity is affirmed. The teacher, however, has no knowledge of Katies mental health history, whether she is under the care of licensed gender-care professionals, how Katie may have developed her beliefs as to her identity, the persons or causes instrumental in forming her gender identity, what Katies parents know, if anything, and how they feel about her gender identity, and what diagnoses and treatment recommendations Katie may have received from gender-care professionals, including recommendations that a wait and see protocol be adopted or that affirmation be delayed pending further evaluation and investigation. The teacher is thus faced with a mandate from the state to affirm Katies gender identity in a one-size-fits-all protocol which clearly violates both the individualized treatment requirements of the 2012 Standards of Care Version 7 (page 7) published by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and the individualized treatment recommendations of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Katies teacher would also be compelled to affirm a transition for which there is no medical consensus. The 2012 APA Task Force Report (p.4) concludes that there is no consensus at all regarding treatment of children with gender identity disorder, now called Gender Dysphoria (GD), and identifies three approaches to working with children with GD. The first of these focuses on working with the child and caregivers to lessen GD and to decrease cross-gender behaviors and identification. A second approach makes no direct effort to lessen Gender Dysphoria or gender atypical behaviors. A third approach may entail affirmation of the childs cross-gender identification by mental health professionals and family members. The APA also confirms that there is insufficient evidence to support guidelines for treatment of GD in adolescents. Katies teacher would also be compelled to wrongfully proceed with affirmation without completion of an assessment, evaluation, and investigation as required by the APA. The report concludes that for adolescents the following evaluations should be undertaken: 1) psychological and psychiatric assessment and diagnosis of adolescents presenting with a wish for sex reassignment, including assessment and diagnosis of co-occurring conditions and facilitation of appropriate management; 2) psychotherapy (including counseling and supportive therapy as indicated) with these adolescents, including enumeration of the issues that psychotherapy should address. These would include issues that arise with adolescents who are transitioning gender, including the real life experience; 3) assessment of indications and readiness for suspension of puberty and/or cross-sex hormones as well as provision of documentation to specialists in other disciplines involved in caring for the adolescent; 4) psychoeducation of family members and institutions regarding GV and GID; and 5) assessment of the safety of the family/school/community environment in terms of gender-atypicality-related bullying and stigmatization, and to address suitable protective measures. Similar evaluations are recommended for children. In short, teachers lack the experience, education, and training necessary for evaluation of GD patients in order to determine treatment recommendations for minors presenting with GD. Katies teacher is also being compelled to wrongfully commence or continue participation in gender identity affirmation without securing the legally required consent of the minors parents or guardians. The Supreme Court has held that it is the parents constitutional right to make the decisions as to the care, custody, and control of their children. Further, even the WPATH Standards of Care (Version 8) confirm: We recommend when gender-affirming medical or surgical treatments are indicated for adolescents, health care professionals working with transgender and gender diverse adolescents... involve parent(s)/guardian(s) in the assessment and treatment process... When there is an indication an adolescent might benefit from a gender-affirming medical or surgical treatment, involving the parent(s) or primary caregiver(s) in the assessment process is recommended in almost all situations... Teachers are also being compelled to participate in affirmation of a minors transition without securing legally and ethically required informed consent. For all minors presenting with gender identity issues, informed consent remains a prerequisite to treatment, whether that treatment is in the form of counseling, social transition (cross-dressing, use of opposite-sex names and pronouns, use of opposite-sex restrooms, or participation in opposite-sex sports,) or physical or other medical interventions. Disclosure to and comprehension by the minor and his/her family is required both as to the wide divergence of professional opinion relating to treatment options and the reasons for such divergence and as to the overwhelming number of material adverse medical, social, and economic risks and consequences of transition. Katies teacher is also wrongfully being compelled to affirm a minors gender identity when doing so would cause the teacher to violate Minnesota state ethics regulations requiring teachers to make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to health and safety. Surely students need protection from what significant portions of the population and large numbers in the medical community deem to be child abuse. If the state does not rescind or withdraw its Proposed Standards for Effective Practice, will anyone be surprised if litigation is immediately commenced by minors and their families against teachers, school boards, and the state? ISLAMABAD, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chairman of Pakistani Senate's Defense Committee Mushahid Hussain Syed said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a transformative initiative for the economic development and growth of Pakistan. Briefing the upper house of the country's parliament Monday on the Senate delegation's visit to CPEC projects in southern Sindh province, the senator said that infrastructure and energy projects under CPEC have been bringing about socio-economic growth for the country. Expressing his gratitude to the Chinese government for supporting Pakistan in developing CPEC projects, he said that CPEC has provided a basis for energy security, employment, and changing the lives of the Pakistanis. Hussain highlighted that various development projects in Sindh province, especially in Tharparkar, a Hindu-dominated district of the province, are a success story of the South Asian country. "The world has changed and Tharparkar is leading from the front. The women of Tharparkar are riding dumper trucks under CPEC projects. They are brave and strong. Some 1,000 dumper trucks are operating in the area out of which 100 are ridden by women," he said. The senator said Tharparkar is producing 5,000 MW of power, generating 12,000 new jobs, and is home to 12.8 billion tons of coal, a black gold that is contributing to the national economy through coal-powered energy projects under CPEC. CPEC is a guarantor of a better tomorrow for Pakistan, he said, adding that as a trusted friend, China has reposed its confidence in the future of Pakistan by investing in CPEC projects. Launched in 2013, CPEC is a corridor linking the Gwadar port in southwestern Pakistan with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, which highlights energy, transport and industrial cooperation between the two countries. The Biden family (as in crime family) legal problems are beginning to converge in an interesting way. It may be the formation of a perfect political storm. Objective observers (which excludes the MSM) recognize that the Biden clan has had some shady financial dealings. With recent events, the evidence is becoming undeniable. As criminals often do, one of the co-conspirators may need to turn on the other to cover his tail. In this case, Hunter Biden may be the one protecting himself at his partner's expense with Joe Biden being the partner left holding the bag. I like those movies where a criminal mastermind pulls off an impossible heist and leaves no evidence behind. A Hunter Biden caper doesn't look anything like that. He traveled the world selling influence and information (some of which may have been classified) provided by his father. His primary clients appear to be Ukraine and China. That would be the very Ukraine that President Asterisk made generous military gifts to, and the China that he refuses to hold accountable for anything. Hunter then: loaded his laptop with evidence of the Biden family influence business; dropped it off at a repair shop; signed a contract granting ownership to the shop, should he abandon the laptop; went on a dope- and hooker-fueled binge; and abandoned the laptop probably forgetting where he left it and what it contained. Now an unknown number of people have copies of the laptop hard drive. Hunter Biden fulfills only half of the "criminal mastermind" moniker and it's not the "mastermind" half. But for Hunter, it was no problem. His dad has always had his six. Pop could just ring up his Garland and Wray fixer department and have them fix it. Problem solved until now. Now Joe's got his own problems. He got caught doing what he said was inexcusable if Donald Trump did it. That would be mishandling, and maybe even stealing, classified documents. The revelation has shattered the illusion of his integrity. Don't laugh. Some people actually believed that fairy tale. Then, just when people were starting to forget about his Afghanistan surrender debacle, the Chinese seized air superiority over America using 19th-century technology a balloon. That also left the illusion of his competence shattered. Now the Republican led House of Representatives is gearing up to investigate all things Biden. This time, they actually appear serious. Nobody saw that coming when Kevin McCarthy was elected speaker. Now Joe's looking around and not finding many friends. The Republicans want to push him out of office because he's dangerous to the country. The Dems want to push him out of office because he's dangerous to the party. And the MSM are suddenly doing some actual reporting because they need to regain some credibility before the 2024 propaganda season warms up. Joe has his own rock and hard place to deal with. He doesn't have the bandwidth to help his ne'er-do-well spawn. The son who hasn't done anything but create problems his entire life now has a big problem he has to solve by himself. That problem would be how to stay out of jail when 330 million people are aware of what he did. Hunter Biden has decided to get aggressive with his "stay out of jail" plan and go on the offensive. He's sent his legal team out to attack the admissibility of the evidence and the credibility of his critics. His legal team is asserting that the dozen or so copies of Hunter's laptop that are floating around were illegally obtained. The evidence from the laptop is the "fruit of the poisoned tree," if you will unusable in court. But that's also a tacit admission that the laptop is genuine and belonged to Hunter Biden before he donated it to the repair shop. You can't charge people with stealing your stuff if it's not your stuff it's a legal thing. And just like that, the Russian disinformation plausible deniability went poof. That's a big problem for President "10 percent for the big guy." The congressional investigators aren't going to care much if some "Obama judge" rules the evidence inadmissible. As the Trump impeachments demonstrated, congressional investigations aren't bound by such legal technicalities. Hunter's "get aggressive" strategy also includes efforts to intimidate his accusers into silence. He went straight to Herr Garland himself and asked for a favor. He asked the DoJ to initiate federally funded persecution prosecution of anybody from the right who has accessed the data on the laptop. He's providing the names and asking Garland to use the Beria gambit to find the crime. That's how it's done now, isn't it? Hunter is also asking the IRS to pull the tax-exempt status of organizations like Marco Polo. It seems the foundation's leader, Garrett Ziegler, dared to talk about the laptop on a radio program. I was unaware that freedom of speech had a charitable foundation exclusion. Lois Lerner was unavailable for comment. Hunter is even threatening (but not filing) a defamation lawsuit against Fox News as if Fox could possibly defame Hunter's character more than Hunter has. I'm sure Tucker Carlson would welcome such a lawsuit. Just think of the opportunities afforded by discovery. A deposition of Hunter Biden would probably be worth a year of prime-time monologues all by itself. I have questions. Do these threats by Hunter Biden telegraph strength or vulnerability? Is a guy (like Tucker Carlson) who has over 3 million nightly viewers worried about Hunter's threats? Even criminal action from the DoJ would be a huge ratings bonanza with little legal risk because of this little thing called the First Amendment to the Constitution. Are Hunter's attacks likely to quiet his critics or convince them that there's a big story behind the bluster? Hunter Biden's scorched earth strategy may or may not help him legally. It will definitely burn his father, Joe. What Hunter is doing is putting his laptop back in the news, validating its authenticity, and juicing up interest in its contents. Even if the laptop never makes an appearance in court, it's going to be all over the news, renewing interest in Joe Biden's sideline business the business that made him a rich man while his only official income was a government salary. All of this is happening just as people are looking for ways to help Joe out of the Oval Office. The timing of Hunter's new strategy couldn't be worse for dear old dad. John Green is a political refugee from Minnesota, now residing in Idaho. He has written for American Thinker and American Free News Network. He can be followed on Facebook or reached at greenjeg@gmail.com. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Correction: An earlier version of this article misidentified Marco Polo. We have since corrected that error. I suspect many remember the 1983 hit single "99 Luftballons" or 99 Red Balloons by the German band Nena. The lyrics of the original German version tell a story: 99 balloons are mistaken for UFOs causing pilots to investigate. Finding nothing but balloons, the pilots put on a large show of fire power. The display of force worries the nations along the borders and each side encourages conflict to grab power. In the end, a cataclysmic war results from the otherwise harmless flight of balloons and causes devastation on all sides without a victor. Well, our recent encounter with a People's Republic of China (PRC) civilian weather balloon had quite the opposite effect. Rather than causing a conflict among the worlds superpowers, it demonstrated once again how impotent the current administration has become when faced with a challenge on the world stage. From our disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan which precipitated the current conflict in Ukraine to this latest demonstration of our timidity, rather than face a challenge head on, our policy continues to be appeasement and denial. We are entering dangerous times, and unfortunately it appears that a conflict with the PRC over the defense of Taiwan is almost inevitable, yet we continue to appease the very nation that threatens our national security and sovereignty by continuing to kowtow and equivocate. We recently celebrated the birthday of Ronald Reagan. Somehow, I cannot imagine him letting this balloon drift for days over the nations heartland gathering intelligence on many of our vital military facilities that would be used to defend ourselves in a conflict with the PRC. So, 99 red balloons to demonstrate our lack of resolve and ineptitude, no it took just one. On Sept. 10, 1813, after defeating the British fleet in the Battle of Lake Erie, Oliver Hazard Perry, commander of the American fleet stated "We have met the enemy, and they are us." Perhaps some things never change Image: Screen shot from Nena video, via YouTube In what looks like a man-bites-dog story, black leaders in Miami have apologized to Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, for calling him "racist." The context was DeSantis's elimination of the AP curriculum on African-American studies, which had devolved into a wokester inferno. According to Karen Townsend, writing at Hot Air: On Friday, Pierre Rutledge, chair of the Black Affairs Advisory Board, issued an apology to Governor DeSantis. Days before, a member of the volunteer board called DeSantis "racist" because the governor rejected an African-American history Advanced Placement course. The College Board removed parts of the course last Wednesday that was opposed by DeSantis. The course will be reevaluated by the Florida Department of Education. DeSantis supported the Department of Education's decision to remove the history course, because he said it pushed a political agenda. "This course on Black history, what's one of the lessons about? Queer theory," DeSantis said. "Now, who would say that an important part of Black history is queer theory? That is somebody pushing an agenda." Anyone reading that can only say "wow." After all, aren't apologies usually the other way around? A black board, with nine members standing behind their leader, apologizing to a white governor for casually flinging the word "racism" at him signals some kind of change. Racism charges, after all, are flung like confetti these days, and we have seen pretty much everyone opposed to wokesterism accused of racism without apologies. They did it to Trump, they did it to George Bush, they somehow didn't do it to Joe Biden, whose racist statements are quite the flamers, but who kowtows to the racial grievance lobby, and therefore gets away with it, but somehow, they backed off from DeSantis. Townsend speculates that the apology came as a result of the overuse of the word "racism," comparable to crying wolf, leaving real racism issues without credibility. But I think something else is going on, some kind of velvet hand of power. These wokester characters, generally speaking, are bullies. They know that whites are terrified of being called "racist," and they use that to exert power. These days, some, such as Trump, just ignore them or tell them they are wrong, but polite society remains averse to triggering that charge. That we saw a backtrack, coming on top of the College Board itself backtracking on the wokester exam, signals that some kind of counter-power is being exerted the grievance bullies actually seem to fear him. Hence the "first" we see here, which is an apology. Obviously, DeSantis, who has soaring poll numbers in Miami, has some kind of referente power over them, sure, but he probably employs some kind of political muscle. That's a guy who knows how to use power. To see one's adversaries scatter like that and try to get back on his good side with an apology is something unusual. They don't want to mess with him. Perhaps he showed them how he deals with wokesters through his acts to punish Disney for its inappropriate wokester politicization, or perhaps he threatened to remove them and place black conservatives on the board. It could have been anything. But the bottom line here is that we aren't seeing the smog-fest of racial narrative-making as we have seen with other conservative politicians who have defied the racial grievance lobby. They backed off from their reflexive claim of racism. That's change. And obviously, a pretty good signal of DeSantis's capacity for enacting political change without getting racist mud flung all over him. What a governor! Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. The recent weather balloon incident over the United States isn't likely to burnish China's image among its business-partner allies in Europe, who are part of China's vaunted "Belt and Road" initiative. Over in Germany, according to a Nikkei/Financial Times piece, things are kind of getting bad: The Silk Road has not developed for us, [Trucking school owner Suad]Durakovic told Nikkei Asia. First it was Covid, then it was the Ukraine war, so the boom is no longer about Silk Road logistics. Duisburg, a city of half a million people, is located in Germanys industrial heartland at the junction of the Rhine and Ruhr rivers. A downturn in the countrys steel and coal industries in the 1990s and early 2000s battered its economy. But the city found a saviour in Chinese president Xi Jinping, who visited Duisburg in 2014 to officially make its inland port Europes main Belt and Road hub. While this fuelled anticipation of a new heyday, recent events suggest the prospects are dimming. China was supposed to be the new thing, the wave of the future, the counterweight to the vast American influence in the region, but all the Germans are seeing from the Chicoms is a lot of me-first-ism, meaning, they don't see business partners the same way Germans see business partners, which is a relationship of equals. The trade deficit with China, for one, has gapped sharply higher since 2020. In that year. Germany exported $106 billion to China and China exported $112 billion to Germany. The FT chart shows that it's now considerably higher, in the neighborhood of just under $200 billion in imports to Germany and only about $110 billion, based on a visual take from the chart. That's a very sharp gap in a very short period of time. The Chicoms aren't creating jobs as expected, either. The FT describes how Chinese companies hanging out shingles are selling their products exclusively to Chinese customers back in China, and proudly stamping Made in Germany on them, which doesn't do much for the German economy given that the Chicoms keep all the profits. The Chinese student population of about 2,000 in Duisberg isn't doing Germany much good either, because Chinese minders keep all Chinese students herded together in Duisberg, so there isn't much of an exchange of ideas, which is what the Germans had hoped for -- and which the Germans have seen from other Asian populations, according to the FT/Nikkei piece. The Chinese students don't have the freedom of movement for the open exchange of ideas, so they have become a sort of student ghetto instead. The Germans didn't bargain for that, either. Lastly, the Germans are not happy about China's propensity to play footsie with Russia as they scrimp and save to help Ukraine beat the monster off. That throws more fat on the fire in the Germany-China tensions faceoff. What it shows here that for all of China's high-and-mighty muscle-flexing, it's starting to annoy its best-disposed allies who don't like the me-first attitudes they are seeing from the Chicoms. It ought to not be a surprise as it serves as a reflection on the regime itself, which is no friend to anyone, despite its phony public relations narratives. They are an imperial power with ambitions of besting others and don't see their partners as equals, only things to be exploited. Well, now the Germans are catching on. Word gets around, something a lot of third world countries in hock to China's "Belt and Road" could have told them first. Welcome aboard. Hat tip: Ed Lasky Image: David Liuzzo, Fry1989, et al. via Wikimedia Commons / CC0 public domain Disney's Proud Family cartoon series featured kids singing a song about reparations that America "owes" to Black Americans and how slaves "built" the U.S. The Proud Family is an American cartoon series that originally ran from September 2001 to August 2005. Since then, the show was revived and is now titled The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, which was released in 2022. In the show's recent episode, "Juneteenth," which aired on Feb. 1, 2023, kids discover that their town's founder was a slave owner. The song in the episode opens with the line, "This country was built on slavery which means slaves built this country." This line was repeated continuously throughout the show. Here is Disneys The Proud Family singing about how slaves built this country pic.twitter.com/yJUd7zwLpp YAF (@yaf) February 3, 2023 Twitter video screen grab. "We the descendants of slaves in America have earned reparations for their suffering and continue to earn reparations every moment we spend submerged in a systemic prejudice, racism and white supremacy that America was founded with and still has not atoned for," the song continued. Furthermore, the last line was conducted with four Black students glaring while the only White student on the stage held a sign that read, "Still has not atoned for." They shouted, "Slaves built this country," claiming, "We made your families rich" as they listed plantation owners, Northern bankers, New England ship-owners, the Founding Fathers, and current members of Congress. According to the Gateway Pundit, the show insults President Abraham Lincoln and falsely tells children that he did not free the slaves. On Jan. 1, 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, granting freedom to slaves. Moreover, in another scene of the show, as the kids protested, a character turns over to his queer lover and tells him to do something about the protests using his "white privilege." This is a scene from The Proud Family, a kids show on Disney+ Why are they showing this woke BLM propaganda to our kids? pic.twitter.com/Kxx26WhL5W End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 5, 2023 The show also includes a male character from the original 2001 series who will return as a "non-binary" character with pink braids and other feminine characteristics. Overall, The Proud Family's redefining of American history and indoctrination of gender theory is an attack on children and the Judeo-Christian values of the U.S. Since 2022, Disney has lost $50 billion in value. Much of its downfall began when the company engaged in a political battle, opposing Florida's "Parental Rights In Education" bill. Jesse Kelly joined Megyn Kelly discussing the Proud Family reboot: As a boy in Cuba, I'd sit next to my father and listen to "La Voz de America" or the Spanish version of The Voice of America. My parents listened to President Kennedy's missile crisis speech and the Kennedy funeral on their Phillips short wave radio in our living room in Cuba. Later, I bought my own shortwave radio and would catch a Sunday night English show of news headlines. I recall the host once saying that 100 million people were listening. Here lately, VOA is sounding too much like NPR. It's time for a change. I like this one from Michael Rubin: The problem is leadership. President Barack Obama appointed Amanda Bennett, a professional journalist, and wife of the Washington Post CEO, to head VOA in March 2016. After President Joe Biden nominated her, the Democrat-led Senate confirmed Bennett to head the U.S. Agency for Global Media in September 2022. There is nothing wrong with a political appointee at the helm, but competence matters. Bennett was an accomplished journalist and editor, but had considerably less management experience. She has fumbled her tenure in three ways. First, she arbitrarily reduced the number of staffers who could attend editorial meetings. VOA's choice of coverage should not be secret, however, nor should Bennett avoid debate. Especially, that is, as she is a non-expert presiding over area experts not only at VOA, but across America's other government-sponsored broadcast platforms. Second, she has also assembled a top-heavy team, appointing deputies and senior advisors where none existed before and draining resources away from programming. Lastly, she fails to understand the audience and mission. Documentaries may make sense for a traditional American for-profit network or streaming service, but they are a waste of money for VOA and its partners. Nor, should television necessarily be dominant. Once upon a time, VOA was about promoting U.S. interests in a Cold War era. That was the VOA my father and I used to listen to. Here, recently, VOA sounds a lot like NPR, or too much talk about racism in U.S. history or gender equity or reproductive rights. Maybe VOA has outlived its Cold War usefulness, epitomized by Willis Conover and the Voice of America Jazz Hour, aired for the Soviet bloc. I'm hoping new leadership will discover a new audience and broadcast news to millions living under censorship. A lot has changed since I listened to the news with my father in Cuba, but the world is still starving for honest reporting to fight the anti-U.S. lies spread by Putin, China, Venezuela, and others. That should be the mission of a revived VOA! PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Photo credit: David Poe, CC BY-ND 2.0 license. Fans of the old Star Trek series may remember an episode called "The Doomsday Machine," about a planet-blasting device from another galaxy, still wreaking destruction long after its builders would have died off in ancient times. That's kind of what Team Biden is up to these days. Even as Joe Biden fades away into decrepitude, his political machine is ripping through the Democrat party. Biden's document scandal went a long way in discrediting the latest anti-Trump Deep State contrivance, the Mar-a-Lago Raid. Add that to the Balloon Fiasco and the coming 2023 Recession, and Biden's approval is starting to tank even among regular Democrats. Republicans are looking great, with both DeSantis and Trump ahead of Biden in the latest polls. For the Democrats in 2024, though, no matter. The Biden Machine will tolerate no debates, nor any real choices in primaries. Biden will just do what he did last time, only more so. James Clyburn has finished reworking the DNC schedule to guarantee that Biden wins the early primaries, starting with South Carolina, making it all over before it even gets started. Union boss states Nevada and Michigan will quickly follow. This new Democrat primary schedule massively conflicts with the Republicans' and various state laws. South Carolina Dems are free under their laws to set any date they like, but the New Hampshire primary law can't be changed. Most likely, the real New Hampshire primary will come in late January, with Iowa Republicans a few days before then for caucuses. New Hampshire Democrats will be forced to hold a so-called firehouse primary, one run and paid for by the party, on Feb. 11 to decide who actually wins delegates. Biden would run only in the firehouse primary and win it easily. (Lots of independents may vote in the earlier, real New Hampshire primary on the Republican side. This would favor DeSantis, one would think.) Georgia Dems may also be stuck paying for their own firehouse primary on Feb. 13, which will be geared again for Biden loyalists, under the new DNC rules. Biden's standing in the mainstream media, his real constituency, is also solid. Never a discouraging word is ever heard from the army of liberal opinion journalists like Paul Krugman, Robert Reich, etc. (Everything is going great, you stupid peasants!) I see even the always unfunny Gary Trudeau devoting what few strips he still issues to defending Hunter Biden. Add to that the corrupt A.G. Merrick Garland, who will stonewall Congress as long as needed. The DOJ has a decades-old constitutional position that a sitting president may not be indicted. That's all he requires to wave away any suggestion that Biden be investigated. As incredible as it is, Democrats are stuck with Old Joe as their 2024 nominee, no matter how bad he is. Of course, to be a Democrat these days means in large measure to be at war with reality. If men can get pregnant, it's no stretch to insist that Joe Biden is innocent of all charges and doing a great job. There is also some speculation that Michelle Obama could be called in to save the day. But I don't buy it. Sure, Michelle might condescend to take the nomination if it were offered to her on a silver plate. But unless Old Joe goes completely catatonic, I expect that Jill would make a fight of it. She hasn't forgotten all the nasty Obama comments about Joe, and my impression has always been that Jill has no love for either Obama. And there is also this to consider: Michelle is as obviously untalented as Kamala Harris, and at some level, she must know that. She truly enjoys her Oprah-style celebrity life. Setting that aside for two years, to get into a primary knife fight with the Bidens and then take on a real Republican bruiser, Trump or DeSantis (as opposed to a wimp like Mitt Romney), can't look like much fun at this point. Of course, there's the other big election looming in 2024, for president of Russia. Vladimir Putin is the expected winner again no surprise, as he plays a game of hardball that would put to shame even James Clyburn. Putin, however, does face other challenges, such as assassination attempts or an actual coup organized by his own allies. Those are things American politicians need not worry about for now, anyway. Frank Friday is an attorney in Louisville, Ky. Image: Marc Nozell via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. Leadership of House committees of the 118th Congress have announced plans to investigate previously unchecked administration activities or inactivity, including the administration's handling of the border crisis. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) reported in August 2022 that nearly 4.9 million aliens had entered the United States since Joe Biden took office. At that rate, at least 11 million aliens will pour into the into the country during this administration's four-year term. This is compared to the 12 million who passed through Ellis Island in its full 152 years (18021954) of operation. The House leadership is also acting to investigate the DOJ's discrepancies in handling of Joe Biden's and Donald Trump's possession of classified records. Already, the National Archives has declined to fully cooperate with the House Committees, deferring to federal investigators, and the DOJ has refused to produce requested documentation even though it was quick to produce documentation for the Democrat-run January 6 investigation committee. On February 5, 2023, constitutional attorney Mark Levin on his television show, Life, Liberty, and Levin, explained that such unresponsiveness to the authority of Congress by the FBI, the attorney general, the Treasury Department, and the National Archives threatens America's balance of powers and our governmental system. Mr. Levin said that, for Congress, "it is one thing to investigate. It is another to issue subpoenas. And still another to enforce its authority." He concludes that Congress has the constitutional authority to call witnesses before their committees and to subpoena documents. When other branches of the government, or anyone, stonewall Congress by refusing to comply with the authority of the representative arm of the government, it is incumbent upon Congress to exercise its "inherent contempt powers" to arrest the individuals for their contempt. Indeed, the Supreme Court upheld this authority in 1935 when it confirmed Congress's authority to arrest assistant secretary of commerce William MacCraken for his contempt of Congress in his failure to produce requested documents. The corruption of the administrative branch of government has been glaring for well over a decade, with former attorney general Eric Holder and director of IRS exempt organizations Lois Lerner both found in contempt of Congress in 2012 and 2014, respectively. In fact, in the 113th Congress on July 10, 2014, Representative Steve Stockman (Texas) attempted just the action that Levin is urging. His H.R. 664 provided for the arrest of Lois Lerner who had been found guilty by of contempt of Congress. Tired of the administration's continuous stonewalling of the House of Representatives at that time, Congressman Stockman told Megyn Kelly on Fox News's The Kelly File that Congress looks inept when it fails to take action against those in contempt. Two weeks after his appearance on Kelly's show, FBI agents were at Stockman's apartment door. Congressman Steve Stockman. For his trouble and his numerous other efforts in exposing deep corruption of the administration of the day, Stockman was indicted by a fourth grand jury after three had failed to find any possible guilt in him. He was ultimately convicted and sentenced to ten years in prison on stacked up charges surrounding non-profit organizations. The corrupt justice system operated rather clandestinely back then. But more recently, we've seen the Justice Department more openly partner with Lerner's former non-profit division of the IRS to pursue numerous other effective conservatives on similar charges related to non-profits. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon is just one case in point. But where were other Republicans when Stockman attempted to exercise congressional inherent contempt powers? Perhaps Stockman's experience helps explain members' reluctance to exercise their powers. Levin is correct to call upon Congress to defend its inherent power to hold individuals or entities accountable. The question is will the 118th Congress defend its constitutional authority, or will it merely be a loud but toothless tiger? Photo credit: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0 license. During the Galaxy Unpacked event last week, Samsung showed us glimpses of a couple of short films shot with the Galaxy S23 Ultra. One of those was a film titled Behold by world-renowned British director-producer Sir Ridley Scott, best known for movies like The Martian, Blade Runner, Gladiator, and more. The company has now released the full film on YouTube. Samsung releases a short film shot with the Galaxy S23 Ultra Behold is a story of a young man who finds that good things and good behavior are a way out of his dark world. The film is just under four minutes long and mostly shot in low-light conditions. Samsung used clips from the short film while announcing the low-light photography and videography capabilities of the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Behold now shows you why the company is emphasizing that so much. As you can see in the video embedded below, the new Galaxy flagship can record excellent high-resolution videos in dark environments. Of course, Sir Ridley Scott used stabilizing mounts and other camera gear for shooting the film. But the overall outcome is good enough for the Galaxy S23 Ultra to be a viable portable alternative to professional video cameras. This small object (referring to the Galaxy S23 Ultra and future smartphones) is going to take the place of all the big cameras, which is great, Sir Ridley Scott said in a BTS (behind the scenes) video of Behold, which you can watch here. He said the small size of the phone allowed him to go in small rooms or spaces where he couldnt usually go with a professional video camera. Advertisement Flavio Labiano, who is the cinematographer of this short film, was also full of praise for the Galaxy S23 Ultra. At first, I feared it wouldnt give me the range of options I normally have available when working. But once I became accustomed to its settings, I was pleasantly surprised by how versatile it was, he said. I was impressed with its capabilities, the quality of the image, and the dynamic range of the sensor. Theres another similar short film pending release As said earlier, Samsung teased two short films shot with the Galaxy S23 Ultra during last weeks Galaxy Unpacked event. The other film, titled Faith, is a thriller written and directed by South Korean director Na Hong-jin. It also leverages the phones low-light video capabilities. Samsung has yet to release the full film, but you can watch its BTS below. This photo released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Feb. 7, 2023 shows urban search and rescue team members boarding a plane to Turkiye to help rescue operation in earthquake-hit areas, at the Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Pakistan has sent relief goods as well as medical and rescue teams to the earthquake-hit areas of Turkiye, official statements said on Tuesday. (ISPR/Handout via Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has sent relief goods as well as medical and rescue teams to the earthquake-hit areas of Turkiye, official statements said on Tuesday. The Pakistani military's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that the army has dispatched two contingents including an urban search and rescue team comprising rescue experts, sniffer dogs and search equipment for the quake victims. The statement added that the army dispatched a medical team of army doctors, nursing staff, technicians, 30 bedded mobile hospital, tents and blankets among other relief items. The aid contingents have flown to Adana, Turkiye, via special Pakistan Air Force aircraft on Monday night to undertake relief efforts for Turkish people while working in close coordination with the Turkish government, armed forces, and the Turkish embassy in Islamabad, the ISPR said. The statement added that the contingents will stay in Turkiye until the completion of relief and rescue operations. A statement from the country's Prime Minister's Office said a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane carrying 15 tons of assistance and a 50-member team comprising personnel from the state rescue organization will leave for Turkiye on Tuesday. A C-130 aircraft will also take 15 tons of humanitarian aid from Lahore to Istanbul. The assistance will include winter tents, blankets, and other essential items, it added. From Feb. 8, every day a PIA flight with 15 tons of humanitarian assistance will be sent from Pakistan to Turkiye and Syria, the statement said, adding that the teams from the ministry of health will also leave for the two countries, where a 7.8-magnitude earthquake on Monday had killed more than 4,000 people. This photo released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Feb. 7, 2023 shows urban search and rescue team members boarding a plane to Turkiye to help rescue operation in earthquake-hit areas, at the Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Pakistan has sent relief goods as well as medical and rescue teams to the earthquake-hit areas of Turkiye, official statements said on Tuesday. (ISPR/Handout via Xinhua) Mobiles domination of the gaming market continues to grow, as does Androids domination of the mobile gaming market. Today, practically everyone is a gamer to a greater or lesser extent, from middle aged middle managers trying their luck at the casino on the commute home to their retired parents enjoying a daily dose of word games and brain teasers. Its a market that is constantly growing and evolving. Here, we look at the trends that are likely to dominate as we progress through 2023. The Metaverse Yes, everyone is talking about the metaverse at the moment, and the buzz is only going to increase over the coming months. The point is, plenty of industries are talking about tapping into the power of the metaverse, from real estate to fashion, but it is gaming that is likely to really put some of these ideas into action over the course of this year. Always keen to exploit the cutting edge for competitive advantage, the online casino niche is paving the way. New markets like Canada started to legalize online casinos in 2022, at least in some provinces, and it is in places like this that all new iGaming experiences are likely to be trialed. See Online Casino List for more information about the main brands that are active right now. Advertisement The Metaverse will not necessarily bring wholesale change, but will smoothen the entire user experience for casino gamers, from signing in to selecting your game to cashing out winnings. But in time, it will help players to bring some of their offline characteristics online. This has intriguing potential in PvP games like poker, where tells and bluffs could become an important part of the online game. Cloud Streaming Cloud services are transforming the way players consume games and as we have seen in other areas of cloud tech, once it starts it can spread with incredible rapidity. 2023 could be the year that cloud game streaming becomes the norm. To date, the nature of online connectivity has restricted cloud streaming services to the major players like Microsoft, Google and Amazon. However, as 5G continues to roll out, technological constraints are removed and the industry could open up in exciting new ways. Blockchain Combining gaming with blockchain is nothing new, and again, it is an area that iGaming has already been quick to explore. However, it has never truly found its feet or garnered mainstream interest. It is only a matter of time, and the time could be now, as mobile gaming is transformed from a simple leisure activity to a way of building assets through blockchain technology. Advertisement Mobile XR VR and AR have all had flurries of interest without quite transforming gaming in the way we expected. Extended Reality could prove to be the breakthrough. Mobile XR will make games more immersive and realistic through the use of affordable and portable wearables, convertible screens and enhanced motion tracking. Its what the future of gaming is all about. ROME - Satellite images show the destruction caused in Turkey and Syria by a series of earthquakes starting in the early morning hours of Monday. Entire buildings have fallen to their sides with thousands underneath them, who may not be able to be rescued in time. The official death toll stood at 6,256 as of early afternoon on Tuesday: 4,544 in Turkey and 1,712 in Syria. These figures are expected to rise significantly, as the World Health Organization has said that some 23 million people may have been affected by the earthquake including 1.4 million children. The Turkish emergency and disaster agency AFAD has said that some 26,721 injured had been recovered in the morning, while there are 5,775 buildings destroyed. There are also about 11,000 reports of buildings that crumbled in the southern part of the country, where the two largest quakes occurred. Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, noted that an Italian national who had been in Turkey for work is still missing but that all other Italians had been contacted and were fine. The situation in Syria seems especially problematic since both information and figures available on victims, the injured, damage, and rescue efforts run on parallel tracks: the Syrian government on one side and the opposition on the other. On Tuesday morning, the latter said that "hundreds of families" were still trapped under the rubble. The head of the Syrian Civil Defense operating in opposition-held areas of norther Syria - hit the worst, as it is closest to the epicenter of the worst quake in southern Turkey - said that time is running out. After years of war and instability, poorly built buildings and a lack of medical facilities and staff weigh heavily. Freezing temperatures, snow and rain are also hindering rescue efforts in both countries. Even getting to the areas close to the epicenter in Turkey is very difficult. There are concerns that the highway running to the south is not safe after the strong quakes and transit has been shifted to a long, winding mountain route. The local civil protection units are trying to get trucks and ambulances to where they are needed but the road is blocked with lorries and people trying to flee. Many roads have deep cracks in them and due to the quake a large fire broke out over the night in the Iskanderun port, a coastal city in southern Turkey, possibly due to the falling of some containers in the port caused by the quake. Meanwhile, Ankara has arrested four people on charges of "posts that aim to create fear and panic" they had published on their social media accounts. Anger had been expressed by residents of the southern province of Hatay due to the slowness of the rescues, as confirmed by the mayor of the provincial capital of the same name. TEL AVIV - A 17-year-old Palestinian has been killed in clashes with the Israeli army during a military operation in a refugee camp in Nablus in the West Bank. The local health ministry reported the news. The news agency WAFA reported that the young man was named Hamza Amjad Al-Ashqar. Haaretz quoted the Nablus-based armed Palestinian organisation known as the Lions' Den as saying that Ashqar had been killed in a "shootout" after the soldiers entered the camp. ATHENS - Another day, another tragedy in the Greek waters as it was confirmed on Tuesday that three people had drowned in a second shipwreck involving migrants in the space of three days Greece's coast guard said that they had rescued 16 people after an inflatable rubber boat was spotted on rocks on the coast of Lesvos, but also that three people drowned and two dozen were believed to be missing. It's the second migrant shipwreck off a Greek island this week, after five migrants - one 20-year old woman and four children - lost their lives on Sunday when a boat carrying dozens of migrants crashed on a rocky coast on the island of Leros amid bad weather conditions of gale force winds and rain. This time, according to a media statement from the coast guard, two coast guard vessels and a Super Puma helicopter were assisting in the search operation amid strong winds, with survivors claiming that there were 41 people on board the vessel. "So far, sixteen (16) people have been rescued, while three bodies have been recovered," said the coast guard, adding: "The survivors stated that there were about forty-one people on board the boat, which had sailed from the Turkish coast. It should be noted that, when they were located, none of the rescued people had life-saving equipment (life jackets). The prevailing weather conditions are unfavorable with north-easterly winds of intensity 6 Beaufort. Investigations are ongoing and developments will be reported with a newer press release." Lesvos, like Leros, lies in very close proximity to the Turkish coast. Vessels loaded with refugees and migrants - many inflatables but also sailboats, yachts and speedboats - regularly leave Turkey's shores bound for Greece, with some even attempting to reach Italy, all year round irrespective of weather conditions. Regarding the Leros incident, authorities have confirmed that two men aged 17 and 30 from Afghanistan and Congo were arrested by the Leros Port Authority, who are conducting the preliminary investigation into the shipwreck. The two men were among the rescued refugees and are facing serious charges such as: causing a shipwreck, exposing lives to danger, manslaughter, and facilitating the entry into Greek territories of citizens of third countries, among other charges. Only last week, the coast guard intercepted two speedboats carrying a total of 37 migrants off the island of Kos and arrested three alleged traffickers. One of the boats was carrying 20 migrants and two of the alleged traffickers, while the other had 17 migrants and another suspected trafficker on board. Actress Pauline McLynn is calling on people to be aware of the signs of a stroke, after losing both her parents to the medical condition that results in more 6,000 hospital admissions in Ireland each year. The Irish Heart Foundation is campaigning to raise awareness of the signs after figures showed that fewer than half of stroke sufferers get to hospital in time to receive what could be lifesaving treatment. McLynn, best known for her role as Mrs Doyle in the sitcom Father Ted, lost her 86-year-old mother, Sheila, to a stroke last October. That was 17 years after a stroke also claimed the life of her father, Padraig, who was 69. I expect it might be written in the stars somewhere for me and its simply because my parents have gone that way that I want to highlight it so that people are aware, she said. The 60-year-old is supporting the Act FAST Minutes Matter campaign by the Irish Heart Foundation to drive greater awareness of a strokes key warning signs. We really need more awareness of the fact that it can happen to anybody at any age. It happened to me at 39 .I always thought it was only people in their 70s and 80s who got a stroke, now I know." Read Damien's full story: https://t.co/MtKuVBvT8X#ActFAST pic.twitter.com/WP8kaFHIC8 Irish Heart Foundation (@Irishheart_ie) February 3, 2023 A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted; an ischemic stroke is when a blood clot blocks an artery leading to the brain. The FAST test encourages people to check the main symptoms of a stroke: is the patients face drooping? Are their arms weak? Is their speech slurred? If so, time is of the essence in seeking help. McLynn, speaking at an event at Dublin Castle on Tuesday, said: The FAST message is simple and Id like to think, if my name is on one, that there will be someone close by who will know what to do. It is just reminding people to think that way if they have any suspicions its better to be safe than sorry, and time is the one to remember. Figures from the Irish National Audit of Stroke (Inas) report published last week show that only 46% of stroke patients arrive at hospital within the recommended three-hour window down from 59% nine years ago. The report analysed the data of 34,630 stroke patients admitted to hospital between 2013 and 2021. It showed there was a 23% increase in stroke admissions with a reduction in the proportion of patients aged 80 and older and an increase in patients aged 64 and younger. There was an increase in the proportion of patients who suffered a stroke being discharged home with early supports, from 2% in 2017 to 10% in 2021, but this is well below the 46% reported in the UK. The in-hospital mortality rate for patients with ischaemic stroke decreased from 10.1% in 2013 to 7.2% in 2021. Fast assessment and treatment by a doctor can limit severe damage and improve a persons recovery from a stroke. Speaking about the sudden death of her father, McLynn said: He was at work in Mayo, having his lunch one day, and had a massive stroke. He ended up in Castlebar Hospital and, 10 days later, he died. His (brain) electrics went, but physically he had a great rest and looked fabulous. He just had one of those devastating strokes from which there was no coming back. He would have been thrilled with that he didnt want to grow old and he didnt like old people! Sadly, my mum, who had a number of other things wrong with her and was in Galway hospital (UHG), also had a massive stroke. But despite losing two parents to it, it doesnt make me feel theres no hope the quicker someone can be treated, the better the prognosis. Its amazing the amount of people who have had strokes and a number of people I know survived them. The Galway-raised former EastEnders and Shameless star is in Kilkenny this month, filming a new murder mystery, The Inheritance, for Channel 5. She remembers her parents as super, lively and mischievous. We were brought on holidays every year to the seaside, picnics at the weekend, and we were never discouraged from doing anything, she said. I drifted into drama and acting and they never once took me to one side, they were very open-minded. Although despising New Year resolutions, she has embraced sea swimming and promised herself a full MoT also joining a gym near her home in the Phibsboro area of Dublin, where she enjoys aqua-aerobics several times a week. I am starting to look after myself a little more, Im a bit fitter now. One of the things I learned after becoming involved in the stroke campaign is that there is such hope the quicker you deal with it, the better your chances of survival. by Yan Jie, Yang Yunqi MANILA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Cynthia Lirio, secretary general of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), told Xinhua in a recent interview that the Philippines welcomes Chinese tourists and is looking forward to receiving tour groups from the world's second-largest economy. "Huan Ying Zhong Guo You Ke (Welcome Chinese tourists). Welcome to the Philippines, our Chinese community and friends," said Lirio, both in Chinese and English. As one of the world's largest outbound tourism markets before the COVID-19 pandemic, China resumed outbound group tours on Monday, signifying huge potential growth in neighboring countries' tourism revenue, including that of the Philippines. Lirio said the return of Chinese tourists could boost the recovery of her country's vital tourism sector, which has long been hampered by the pandemic. "It's really a big help for our community by Chinese people coming here, because they contribute a lot of revenue and a lot in tourism. Together with local government units, our (central) government and also our association, we're helping each other to give all the details we have to people who come back for the tourism purposes," said Lirio. As a key economic driver, the tourism industry's contribution to the Philippines' gross domestic product stood at 12.7 percent in 2019. Lirio expects Chinese tourist arrivals to increase rapidly this year, citing the diversity of the nation's tourist resources. "Actually, the Philippines has a lot of characteristics, it has beautiful places for tourists to visit. We have beautiful white sand beaches, a lot of resorts and bio-diversified places," she added. Over 1.74 million Chinese tourists visited the Philippines in 2019, an increase of 38.58 percent from 2018. Chinese tourists spent more than 2.3 billion U.S. dollars while vacationing in the country, official data showed. Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the government's target for 2023 is to lure some 4.8 million international visitors, with the Chinese tourist market remaining on its priority list. BBC chairman Richard Sharp has denied facilitating a loan of up to 800,000 for Boris Johnson before the then-prime minister backed his appointment to lead the broadcaster. In a bruising grilling by MPs, Mr Sharp insisted that he didnt arrange the loan despite admitting that he introduced his friend Sam Blyth, who wanted to help the then-prime minister with his financial troubles, to the Cabinet Office shortly before taking on the BBC role. The former Goldman Sachs banker said he regretted causing embarrassment for the BBC, but appeared to show no remorse about withholding information about his involvement in the matter from the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee while he was in the running for the BBC post. Hauled in front of the committee again on Tuesday, Mr Sharp conceded that he acted as a sort of introduction agency when arranging a meeting between Mr Blyth and Cabinet Secretary Simon Case. As a go-between I was not between Mr Blyth and Mr Johnson, but I was actually seeking to ensure that due process was followed by ensuring that Mr Blyth had contact with the Cabinet Office before he would do anything to help his cousin, he added. Mr Sharp said he then raised with Mr Case the fact that Id submitted my application to be the chair of the BBC and that therefore to avoid a conflict, or perception of conflict, I could have and we agreed no further participation in whatever transpired whatsoever, and I didnt. Mr Sharp admitted he went to see Mr Johnson to discuss the BBC chairmanship before he applied but insisted their relationship was broadly professional. He told the then-prime minister in their meeting that Mr Blyth wanted to meet Mr Case to see whether he could assist Mr Johnson with his finances, he revealed. But, Mr Sharp said: I did not provide and have not provided the former prime minister personal financial advice, I know nothing about his (financial) affairs, I never have done. Boris Johnson (Andrew Boyers/PA) I didnt facilitate a loan Ive nothing to do with it whatsoever, Im not party to anything that then happened or didnt happen. Ive no knowledge of a bank, Ive no knowledge of the actual loan. The BBC chairman was accused by MP Kevin Brennan of a monumental failure of judgment in failing to tell the DCMS committee about the arrangement at his pre-appointment hearing in January 2021. Asked whether he regretted not doing so, Mr Sharp said: Obviously I regret this situation. Pressed further, he said that he took comfort from having raised his application for the BBC role during his meeting with Mr Case. He denied seeking to hide his involvement because he thought it would never come to light. The BBC chairman said: Its manifest that this has cause embarrassment for the BBC and I regret that. Extraordinary current BBC Chair, Richard Sharp tells me during the appointment process he met with the then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. AND reveals he told the PM he was going to the Cab Sec to ask how to introduce him to someone who could help the PM financially. pic.twitter.com/s0XZwaDU5r Kevin Brennan MP (@KevinBrennanMP) February 7, 2023 He said that while he wished we werent where we are now, I acted in good faith to ensure that the rules were followed and in that sense I have no regret for that. He declined to say whether he would resign if an investigation by the public appointments watchdog criticises him for withholding information. He told MPs he would need to see what the inquiry produces and insisted he was subject to a very rigorous interview process and was hired on merit. Mr Sharp also accused the press of mischaracterising and spreading significant inaccuracies about his involvement, including BBC journalists who were guilty of repeating inaccuracies from other outlets. Rishi Sunak said Mr Sharps appointment appears to have been carried out rigorously and transparently. The Prime Minister said: This is obviously about an appointment made by a previous prime minister before I took this job so its hard for me to comment on the details of it. What I do know is that his appointment process was conducted rigorously and transparently; it was approved by a panel of experts and indeed a cross-party select committee in Parliament. But it is right that people have confidence in the process and thats why the independent commissioner on public appointments is relooking at the process to make sure that everything was done correctly. But Damian Green, acting chairman of the DCMS Committee, said the procedure to vet the BBC chairman was pretty unsatisfactory and that MPs didnt know the full facts. He told LBCs Tonight With Andrew Marr programme: There was a material relationship between him and the PM which we should have known about. Public appointments commissioner William Shawcross was set to investigate how Mr Sharp got the job, but recused himself last week, saying the pair had met on previous occasions. Lawyer Adam Heppinstall KC has now been appointed to lead the investigation. The Liberal Democrats said Mr Sharps evidence completely undermines Mr Johnsons previous claims. Lib Dem chief whip Wendy Chamberlain said: Johnson is once again true to form in being a liar in chief. We have seen cover-up after cover-up with this Conservative Government and the public deserve complete transparency. Its clear that Boris Johnsons premiership will increasingly be remembered as a series of sleazy scandals that dragged Britain down. Britain made a colossal mistake when it left the European Union, former prime minister Sir John Major has told a Westminster committee. Sir John said while he is not a significant Europhile, he believes the UK was stronger in the EU. The ex-PM was appearing before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, which is investigating the effectiveness of the institutions of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Alliance Party MP Stephen Farry asked about the advantages of the UK being in the EU during the Northern Ireland peace process (PA) Alliance Party deputy leader Stephen Farry asked if it was an advantage for the UK to be in the EU during the early days of the peace process in Northern Ireland in the 1990s. Sir John, who campaigned to remain in the EU ahead of the 2016 Brexit referendum, said membership of the bloc smoothed the way for many of the agreements at the start of the process. He said a lot of business was conducted on the fringes of EU meetings. He said: It was a very useful tent in which we could operate discreetly. We used that tent to the full. Sir John added: Ireland are our nearest neighbours. That relationship with Ireland mattered then and it matters now. We are out of the European Union and they are in it. They are one of the ways we may stretch out and recover some of the things we so wilfully threw away when we left the EU. Sir John said he does not believe the EU is anything close to perfect. Because I negotiated the Maastricht Treaty, the ultra Brexiteers regard me as a significant Europhile. That is not actually true. I am a very practical European. There are many things I dont like. But I look at the package and I say, Are people in my country better off and safer if we were inside the European Union or if we were outside? I reached the conclusion we would be better off inside. There are three great power blocs in the world today. United Kingdom is not one of them. There is America, there is China and there is the European Union. Europe is going to face immense economic competition from both America and China. It may face military insecurity problems with China. Is Europe better able to represent its people with the United Kingdom inside making it stronger or outside making it weaker? I think not just us but the whole of Europe is stronger with Britain in it. He added: When I look at the interests of my children and my grandchildren, I think their future is brighter if they are part of a really big bloc who could work with us if we are in difficulty. Suppose we had a socking great row with China. Britain decided to put sanctions on China; China wouldnt be much bothered. If the European Union did because we were being maltreated, they would feel quite differently about it. It is those strategic issues which make me believe we should be in Europe and that we have made a colossal mistake in leaving. I understand the sovereignty arguments, though many of them are more semantic than real. No country, not even the United States, has pure sovereignty. Who has pure sovereignty in Nato? We all sign up to Nato; nobody complains about that. I wonder how many of the cuts we have had, or the shortages for our public services, would not have happened but for the loss of GDP because we have left the European Union? Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick is among the countrys worst ever sex offenders. He joins the ranks of the most notorious rapists to have faced justice in England and Wales after being handed 36 life sentences at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday. The 48-year-old pleaded guilty to 49 charges, but some are multiple-incident counts, meaning they relate to at least 85 separate offences, including at least 71 sexual offences and 48 rapes. He will serve at least 30 years and 239 days from his sentencing date after Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb compared his case to those of Joseph McCann and Reynhard Sinaga Britains most prolific rapist. Reynhard Sinaga is Britains most prolific rapist (Greater Manchester Police/PA) McCann, 37, was given 33 life sentences at the Old Bailey in 2019 for a string of sex attacks on 11 women and children one aged 11 during a 15-day cocaine and vodka-fuelled rampage. Sinaga, 39, was handed a life sentence with a minimum 30-year term at Manchester Crown Court in 2020 after being convicted of more than 150 offences, including 136 counts of rape, committed against 48 men although police have linked him to more than 190 potential victims. Earlier this year, the Attorney Generals Office referred the 30-year minimum jail terms handed to McCann and Sinaga to the Court of Appeal as unduly lenient. A panel of five judges refused to impose whole life sentences on the two men but increased their minimum sentences to 40 years. Joseph McCann is serving at least 40 years behind bars (Metropolitan Police/PA) Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said Carricks case was of the utmost gravity but did not meet the wholly exceptional circumstances test to merit a while life sentence. But she disagreed with defence barrister Alisdair Williamson KC, who said his clients offending did not reach the extreme limits found in the cases of McCann and Sinaga. Your offending was over 17 years and encompassed 12 victims, she told Carrick. Moreover, the singular element which elevates your offending as a brutal serial rapist into that company is the principal aggravating feature of the explicit or implicit use of your occupation to entice, reassure, or intimidate your victims. Other notorious sex offenders include black cab rapist John Worboys, Night Stalker Delroy Grant, and paedophile Richard Huckle. Police believe black cab rapist John Worboys committed sex offences against more than 100 women before he was caught (Metropolitan Police/PA) Worboys, 65, was jailed for life with a minimum term of six years at the Old Bailey in December 2019 after he admitted spiking the drinks of four women. He was already behind bars at the time, having been locked up indefinitely for public protection with a minimum term of eight years in 2009, after he was found guilty of 19 sex offences against 12 women between 2006 and 2008. But police believe the former male stripper committed offences against more than 100 women before he was caught. Grant, 66, was warned he may die in prison when he was sentenced in 2011 after being told he must spend at least 27 years behind bars for burgling and raping vulnerable pensioners in a 17-year reign of terror. The former minicab driver was found guilty of preying on 18 elderly women and men. And Huckle, one of Britains worst paedophiles, was handed 22 life sentences with a minimum term of 25 years in 2016, after he abused up to 200 Malaysian children, some as young as six months, before he was murdered in prison in 2019. Rishi Sunaks shake-up of his Cabinet and Whitehall has seen the arrival of two new people in his top team. Greg Hands, who had been trade minister, has replaced sacked Conservative Party chairman Nadhim Zahawi. Lucy Frazer has been appointed Culture Secretary in a department which has been shorn of its responsibility for digital technology, but will instead focus on the creative arts and sport. Here is a look at the new faces around the Cabinet table. I am excited to be asked by @rishisunak to be Chairman of the @conservatives I joined the Party in 1986 a ward chairman in 1992, a councillor in 1998, a Group Leader in 1999, an MP in 2005, a Minister in 2011 an honour to chair it in 2023! The work starts right away. pic.twitter.com/eMxGSS2uNo Greg Hands (@GregHands) February 7, 2023 Greg Hands Widely seen as a safe choice, the trade minister has been promoted to take on the Tory party chairmanship ahead of a difficult set of local elections in May Mr Sunaks first electoral test since entering No 10. Mr Hands more daunting task is getting the divided party, which is trailing Labour in the polls, ready for the next general election. Mr Hands said he is excited to get started in his new role, tweeting: I joined the Party in 1986 a ward chairman in 1992, a councillor in 1998, a Group Leader in 1999, an MP in 2005, a Minister in 2011 an honour to chair it in 2023! The work starts right away. He has served in a raft of ministerial roles since becoming the Tory MP for Hammersmith and Fulham 18 years ago, including as deputy chief whip and as then-chancellor George Osbornes chief secretary to the Treasury after the 2015 election. The 57-year-old was born in New York to British parents and lived there until he was seven. As a teenager in the 1980s he spent his gap year in West Berlin, working as a swimming pool attendant and flipping hamburgers in McDonalds and touring the neighbouring Eastern Bloc. After taking a degree in modern history at Cambridge, he embarked on a career in banking, shuttling between the City and New York, while also getting involved in Conservative politics in the UK. He is married to a German wife and has two children. A Remain campaigner in the Brexit referendum, he saw his young son burst into tears when the result was announced because he thought it meant his parents would have to split up. Lucy Frazer Lucy Frazer has been promoted to Culture Secretary (House of Commons/PA) The 12th person to be appointed Culture Secretary in the past 13 years, Ms Frazer has been promoted to the slimmed-down Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The Sunak loyalist was previously was given a ministerial job in the Levelling Up Department when he entered No 10 in October. The 50-year-old Remainers prior posts include minister in the transport and justice departments, financial secretary to the Treasury and solicitor general. Before being elected as the MP for South East Cambridgeshire in 2015, she worked as a barrister in commercial law. Born in Yorkshire in 1972, Ms Frazer studied at Cambridge where she was elected as the Union president. Actor James Norton has criticised the Prime Ministers plan for all pupils in England to study some form of maths until the age of 18, saying we need to keep nurturing the arts. In January, Rishi Sunak announced his mission to combat high rates of innumeracy as he pledged to make it a central objective of the UK education system. Norton, who starred as notorious villain Tommy Lee Royce in the hit BBC One drama Happy Valley, has criticised the policy, arguing that children should be allowed to pursue subjects which are not vocational. Asked how the arts could be made more accessible for children across the country, Norton told The News Agents podcast: Well, first thing you do is you dont follow Rishi Sunaks advice and make everyone take maths through to A-level. James Nortons tips on breaking into acting? First of all, you dont take Rishi Sunaks advice and make everyone take maths up to A-level. Coming to @GlobalPlayer.@maitlis | @lewis_goodall | @jginorton pic.twitter.com/WWHPBZ04vH The News Agents (@TheNewsAgents) February 7, 2023 You nurture arts and humanities all the way through school and allow kids to take on courses which arent necessarily as practical and vocational. And so the most important thing is school, I guess, making sure that they are supported and theres outreach programmes from centres of excellence in London and then in other big cities, and they get out to those schools, and they introduce kids to theatre at an early age and so theres an awareness. The actor, 37, then spoke about growing up in North Yorkshire and participating in youth theatre performances. Every summer holidays I did a youth theatre, it was called Live Wire and it was great, he added. I went to Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough for work experience one summer. So there was stuff there, it was just about finding it and making sure kids know its there. Reflecting on the UKs arts legacy, he added: Also this countrys got such a cultural heritage and to waste that Talk about us standing on the world stage right now. I mean, the way shows like Happy Valley travel over to America, its amazing. I feel so proud when I go over there and random people come up to me on the street and talk to me about Hebden Bridge They watch it with subtitles on, but they love it. And its an amazing advert for this country. So, I think we need to keep nurturing the arts. "No one knew what was going to happen they only gave [Sarah Lancashire and myself] the scripts." James Norton takes us behind-the-scenes on final Happy Valley shoot and finally puts to bed the rumour they shot multiple endings..@maitlis | @lewis_goodall | @jginorton pic.twitter.com/HMQlbNceKl The News Agents (@TheNewsAgents) February 7, 2023 The actor also revealed that no Happy Valley cast or crew members other than himself and Sarah Lancashire were aware of the dramatic ending which saw Tommy come face-to-face with his nemesis Sergeant Catherine Cawood before dousing himself in petrol and setting himself alight at her kitchen table. You have good directors and good sets, well-run sets, which create the kind of theatre atmosphere, and the centre of this crazy hive of activity is the space in which you act, Norton said. All the lights and the cameras and costumes and make-up, all of its exhibited, all the peoples work exhibited from that little space. And sometimes its completely chaotic or theres noise and chaos around you. And occasionally, its this sacred space where you go and its quiet like a library or its this sort of church. And this day, it was mad because most people, I think everyone, had watched the show, the first two series, everyone knew this day was very special. No-one knew what was going to happen because they only gave the scripts to Sarah and myself and the producers who needed to know, so everyone was really excited to see what happened. Since 2014, the series has followed Catherine as she grieves for her daughter, Becky, while raising her grandson Ryan, played by Rhys Connah, and is pursued by Ryans father, murderer and sex offender Tommy. *SPOILERS FOR HAPPY VALLEY* It's good to know when to stop Sally Wainright, reflects on the series finale of Happy Valley, admitting she was nervous before it went out, and reveals that Sarah Lancashire helped shape the climax#Newsnight | https://t.co/P0zxS1DNGF pic.twitter.com/dI76ljNOIp BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) February 6, 2023 The final episode saw the eventual death of Tommy as Catherine set off to live out her retirement dream of touring the Himalayas in a Land Rover. The shows creator Sally Wainwright previously told Newsnight that the final episode was all thanks to Sarah (Lancashire) after she expressed she was unhappy with Wainwrights initial ending. She said: I wrote the first draft (for the last episode) and everybody seemed quite happy with it and then she made it clear that she wasnt happy with it and (during Christmas 2021) she came up to my house and she spent all day talking about it and she gave me some really good notes. So everything got pushed a bit further in that episode and it was all thanks to Sarah. She added that she knew it would be satisfying and it was a no brainer to end on an optimistic note for Catherine as she is a force for good. Both series one and two of Happy Valley won Baftas for best drama series and writing. According to the BBCs overnight figures, the last 70-minute episode drew in an average audience of 7.5 million viewers. Jonathan Majors says he is blessed to have the opportunity to play Marvel supervillain Kang The Conqueror in the upcoming Ant-Man movie. The actor said fans faith in the character, who first appeared in the first season of Marvel spin-off Loki, was emboldening. Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, the third instalment of the franchise, is the first film of Marvels phase five and sees Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer reprise their starring roles. The actor said fans faith in his character was emboldening (Ian West/PA) Fans flocked to the films premiere in Los Angeles on Tuesday, chanting Kang, Kang, Kang, in anticipation of Majors big-screen MCU debut. The faith that these people have, not having seen the movie yet, is a lot, the actor said, speaking to Marvel on the red carpet. Its quite emboldening and Im really excited to be here. Asked what drew him to the character, he continued: I believe quite deeply that we contain multitudes, that the human being, the homosapien, is probably the greatest invention that will ever be. Paul Rudd arrives at the premiere of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania ( Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) Theres no AI, theres nothing that can top us, and with Kang there is this idea of variance, this idea of living multiple lifetimes, and theres a lot of dream fulfilment in that. Theres a lot of imagination and heart and experience in that, and to do that with these folks with these facilities its quite greedy of me. Im quite blessed to have that opportunity. Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania sees Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne (Rudd and Lilly) return to continue their adventures as the title characters. Together, with Hopes parents Janet Van Dyne and Hank Pym (Pfeiffer and Douglas), and Scotts daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm. He can give us a second chance. Experience Marvel Studios #AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania in 3D, only in theaters February 17. Get tickets now: https://t.co/BUKUMeytC0 pic.twitter.com/yc4rMaY4jN Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (@AntMan) February 3, 2023 Rudd said it was exciting to reprise the role and that the production seemed bigger than the previous Ant-Man films. Marvel boss Kevin Feige said Quantumania was heartfelt and relatable while also kicking of phase five in a colossal way. Its amazing because its sort of the completion of a trilogy with this amazing family with Scott Lang and Cassie, Feige told Marvel on the red carpet. Its funny and its heartfelt and its relatable, but at the same time, kicking off phase five, and introducing Kang and Jonathan Majors in a colossal way. And thats what Im most excited for audiences to see tonight. Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania is set for release on February 17 2023. A judge has condemned the malign influence of men like rapist Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick as she jailed him for at least 30 years. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said the disgraced Pc, 48, acted like he was untouchable and used his job to take monstrous advantage of women over 17 years. Carrick, who was described as a monster and evil by some of his dozen victims, brazenly raped and sexually assaulted them between 2003 and 2020, the judge said. Carrick, one of the countrys worst sex offenders, joined the Met in 2001 before becoming an armed officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009. Footage released by Hertfordshire Police shows him topless at his home in Stevenage complaining, I have only been a police officer for 20 years when he was arrested on suspicion of rape in October 2021. He pleaded guilty to 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape, but some are multiple-incident counts, meaning they relate to at least 85 separate offences, including at least 71 sexual offences and 48 rapes. Carrick held a handgun to the head of one of his victims before raping her and sent another a photograph of himself with a work-issue firearm, saying: Remember I am the boss. Carrick showed no emotion as he was sentenced (Elizabeth Cook/PA) In a televised sentencing hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, Carrick was handed 36 life sentences with a minimum term of 32 years minus his time spent on remand. A spokeswoman for the Attorney Generals Office said it had received multiple requests under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme since the hearing. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb told him his crimes were aggravated by the use and abuse of his role and said he reassured, tricked or intimidated his victims, abusing the trust that the public vest in police officers. These women are not weak or ineffectual, she said. They were victims of your criminal mindset. The malign influence of men like you in positions of power stands in the way of a revolution of womens dignity. It is remarkable that with one woman being driven to report an allegation against you, despite your position and power, others felt able to act. Even today, courage calls to courage everywhere and its voice cannot be denied. The judge told Carrick his convictions represent a spectacular downfall for a man charged with upholding the law and empowered to do so even to the extent of being authorised to bear a firearm in the execution of your duty. Behind a public appearance of propriety and trustworthiness you took monstrous advantage of women, she said. You brazenly raped and sexually assaulted a number of women, some you barely knew, and you behaved as if you were untouchable. Carrick kept some of his victims inside a cupboard under his stairs (Hertfordshire Constabulary/PA) You were bold and at times relentless, trusting that no victim would overcome her shame and fear to report you. For nearly two decades, you were proved right. But now a combination of those 12 women, by coming forward, and your police colleagues, by acting on their evidence, have exposed you and brought you low. You have lost your liberty, your job and your status. You have before you the prospect of a difficult time in custody for many years. Carrick sat in the dock with his eyes closed and head bowed during the hearing in a packed courtroom, where some of his victims sat, and showed no emotion as he was sentenced. The court was told he tried to kill himself while on remand at Belmarsh prison last February and was detained in a secure hospital before being returned to prison after a mental disorder was ruled out. The judge told him: You were driven to try to commit suicide as a self-pitying reaction to the shame brought on you by these proceedings rather than remorse. A Ring surveillance camera at Carricks home (Hertfordshire Constabulary/PA) Home Secretary Suella Braverman described Carricks crimes, which were carried out while he was a serving Met officer, as a scar on our police. It is vital we uncover how he was able to wear the uniform for so long, she said. Carrick passed vetting checks to carry a gun and guard sites including embassies and the Houses of Parliament and even took a training course on domestic abuse in 2005. The Met was forced to apologise and admit he should have been rooted out earlier after it emerged he came to police attention over nine separate incidents between 2000 and 2021 and was known to colleagues as Bastard Dave. Complaints included allegations of rape, domestic violence and harassment with all but one relating to his behaviour towards women. Carrick faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings and police chiefs across England and Wales have since been asked to have all officers checked against national police databases by the end of March. He was finally sacked from the force last month after his final guilty pleas. His crimes are set to form part of the independent inquiry looking at the murder of Sarah Everard, who was raped and strangled by then-serving Met officer Wayne Couzens in March 2021. The case is the latest in a string of damaging scandals for the Met, including Ms Everards murder, racist and misogynist messages exchanged by a team at Charing Cross and the strip-search of a teenager at school while she was menstruating. Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley described Carricks crimes as unspeakably evil and admitted: He should not have been a police officer. We werent rigorous enough in our approach and as a result we missed opportunities to identify the warning signs over decades. Sir Mark said the Met is truly sorry, adding: We have let down women across London but we are more determined than ever to put it right. The Centre for Womens Justice said it is exploring potential legal action against the Met with some of David Carricks victims. One of the women said in a statement released through the campaign group: He is a beast and he will be kept in an enclosure. But it is shameful that the ones who were in charge of his vetting, in a way allowed this predator to keep hunting, by using the cover of the police. I feel that they are responsible for what happened to us. Hertfordshire Police have set up a special portal to encourage other potential victims of Carrick to come forward. Detective Inspector Iain Moor said: As a serving police officer he has brought shame on the profession and was not fit to wear the uniform, but I hope that our determination to get justice for the victims in this case will go some way to reassuring the public that nobody is above the law and we will bring people like David Carrick to justice. National Police Chiefs Council chairman Martin Hewitt said people should now expect to see more investigations launched, more sanctions, more sackings and more charges. Lidl has made deception allegations against rival Tesco during a High Court fight over the use of a yellow circle logo. The German discount chain uses a yellow circle in its main logo, and Tesco uses a yellow circle logo to promote its Clubcard scheme. A judge began overseeing a High Court trial in London on Tuesday, and the hearing is due to end next week. Mrs Justice Joanna Smith was told that Lidl alleged infringement of trademark, passing off and infringement of copyright. Lidl uses a yellow circle in its main logo (Andrew Matthews/PA) Tesco has brought a counterclaim seeking to cancel some of the trademarks in issue. Lawyers representing Lidl told the judge that Tescos actions must involve some form of deception which was not accidental. Tesco said it was behaving fairly. Benet Brandreth KC, the barrister leading Lidls legal team, said the protection available to Lidls core brand was at the heart of this claim. He told the judge that the firm had registered trademarks for a logo containing the word Lidl and also a logo with no text, which was distinctive of its services and goods. Tescos actions must involve some form of deception, he told the judge in a written case outline. It is not enough that careless or indifferent people may be led into error. Lidl say that this deception is not accidental. That Tesco deliberately copied Lidls branding to achieve precisely the transfer of reputation for good value that is occurring. Tesco is embroiled in a High Court fight over a logo on its Clubcard promotions (Chris Ison/PA) Hugo Cuddigan KC, leading Tescos legal team, said that to establish infringement Lidl would need to satisfy the judge that creating a yellow circle involves sufficient artistic skill and labour to comprise the authors own intellectual creation. He argued that Lidl had not established that. Mr Cuddigan said Lidl had to prove damage, adding in a written argument: That means that the customers who have been misled would otherwise have gone to Lidl to purchase the goods in issue, or that the deception causes them to take a materially disadvantageous view of Lidl. We are not aware of any evidence that this has happened. He said, in the context of behaving fairly towards Lidl, Tesco had excellent basis for their belief that no significant association with Lidl would result from their adoption of Clubcard signs. Mr Cuddigan said the key mark relied on by Lidl was the registered trademark for its well-known logo. He said the German company had also procured the registration of the background to that logo the wordless mark. Tesco says that the wordless mark is invalid on the basis that it has never been used, it lacks distinctiveness, and each application for registered wordless marks was made in bad faith, he added. It is common ground that Lidl has only used the wordless mark, if at all, by using it within the mark with text. Nearly 10,000 coins, including the biggest in the Royal Mints history, have been submitted for testing at a 700-year-old ceremony. The Trial of the Pyx aims to protects consumers by upholding the quality of coinage through rigorous testing. The process ensures the coins produced by the Royal Mint meet standards of precision, accuracy and craftsmanship. A 15kg coin produced to celebrate Queen Elizabeth IIs Platinum Jubilee (Aaron Chown/PA) This years Trial of the Pyx marked a significant moment in history, with the submission of the biggest coin created by the Royal Mint a 15kg piece created in celebration of the Queens Platinum Jubilee as well as the first official UK coins bearing King Charles IIIs official portrait. It was the first time in several decades that coins bearing the effigies of two monarchs were tested at the same time. Samples of all new coins struck by the Royal Mint both currency and commemorative are submitted to the Trial of the Pyx each year. Coins are assessed at Goldsmiths Hall in London (Aaron Chown/PA) They are rigorously checked for fineness and quality by an independent jury of Goldsmiths Company members, before further scientific analysis by the Goldsmiths Company Assay Office. Anne Jessopp, deputy master and chief executive of the Royal Mint, said: This years Trial of the Pyx is particularly poignant, as coins bearing two monarchs, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Majesty King Charles III, are submitted to the trial for the first time in decades. As the Royal Mint, we have an official duty to strike every coin for every British monarch and have done so since Alfred the Great. The Trial of the Pyx (Aaron Chown/PA) Graeme Smith, the Kings assay master at the Royal Mint, said: It is an honour to be a part of one of the UKs oldest judicial ceremonies, testing the quality and authenticity of the nations coinage. Lord Bridges, prime warden of the Goldsmiths Company, said: It is the proud duty of the Goldsmiths Company to test both the coins found in piggybanks, pockets and purses, along with the spectacular precious metal masterpieces that are the reserve of collectors. Protecting consumers by ensuring the integrity of their coinage is a responsibility that we have held for more than 700 years. In a landmark year, where coins that both celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth IIs 70 years of service and welcome His Majesty King Charles III to the throne have been submitted, we are reminded of both the importance of the history and heritage of this ceremony, and its ongoing relevance in the modern world. JERUSALEM, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The national German Aerospace Center (DLR) signed a cooperation agreement with the Israeli organization SpaceIL, which leads the Beresheet-2 lunar landing project, the Israel Space Agency (ISA) said on Tuesday. The collaboration includes the integration of an advanced navigation algorithm developed by the DLR into the mission, allowing the Israeli spacecraft to land on the moon, the ISA added. The algorithm will assist spacecraft navigation through the analysis of images and the identification of lunar craters and will allow the collection and analysis of new information about the moon. Beresheet-2, scheduled for launch in 2025, includes science missions and interactive educational activities. It will consist of an orbiter and two landers which are expected to land at two sites on the moon for conducting scientific experiments. Bosses at a nursery which the Scottish Health Secretary and his wife had accused of discrimination have said they are extremely pleased that legal action against them has been terminated. Usha Fowdar, owner of the Little Scholars Day Nursery in Broughty Ferry, Dundee, insisted there never was any discrimination, as she revealed that Nadia El-Nakla had dropped her legal action. But she hit out at Humza Yousaf and his wife who is an SNP councillor in Dundee saying they had colluded in a half-baked sting operation against the nursery and had then mounted a vicious and cynical campaign against us in the national media. Ms Fowdar said: What sort of people do that? Mr Yousaf spoke out against the nursery in August 2021, after the family were refused a place there for their young daughter. He alleged that while they were told there were no available spaces for their daughter Amal, then aged two, a white friend was told days later that there were places available for her two-year-old son. Nursery owner Ms Fowdar said they had been vindicated after Ms El-Nakla dropped baseless legal action against the nursery. Health Secretary Humza Yousaf spoke out about the nursery after being told there were no places for his young daughter there (Jane Barlow/PA) But she said it was upsetting to have spent almost 18 months and tens of thousands of pounds defending our small nursery against their false claims. Ms Fowdar said: Whilst we were 100% prepared to see Ms El-Nakla in court, we are extremely pleased that this baseless legal action has been terminated. It bears repeating that, despite some extremely misleading headlines and spurious allegations, the Care Inspectorate identified administrative processes for improvement which had nothing to do with discrimination, because there never was any discrimination. Any attempt to twist this fact should be called out for what it is. The nursery owner continued: Ms El-Nakla has, very sensibly, opted to drop her legal action in the face of our determination to defend ourselves and our hard-working employees. While Im pleased our employees will be spared the stress of appearing as witnesses, in one sense Im also disappointed, as the court case would have been extremely revealing and Im utterly confident we would have prevailed. Despite this vindication, it has been deeply upsetting to have spent almost 18 months and tens of thousands of pounds defending our small nursery against their false claims. It beggars belief that, rather than pick up the phone to quickly resolve what was a simple misunderstanding, they colluded in a half-baked sting operation and then mounted a vicious and cynical campaign against us in the national media. In November 2021 the Care Inspectorate ordered the business to introduce measures so applications are processed in a transparent and equitable manner and to prove it is being well-led and managed. A spokesman for the Care Inspectorate said at the time that the service did not promote fairness, equality and respect when offering placements. A statement jointly agreed by Mr Yousaf and his wife, and by the nursery, made clear that the changes put forward by the Care Inspectorate had been implemented in full. Solicitor Aamer Anwar, who had acted for the couple, said that ending the action had been a tough decision but said that as parents they believe its the right one. Mr Anwar stated: Nadia and Humza, first and foremost, are loving parents who like any others would do anything to protect their children. They only ever wanted the nursery to accept the findings of the Independent Care Inspectorate investigation and for the nursery to make changes. The nursery owners may wish to say that they were prepared 100% to go to court, but this was a joint agreement reached and on their acknowledgement of the findings of an independent investigation and implementing the necessary changes in full. The lawyer continued: The nursery by their own admission have acknowledged changes were required to make the admissions process more transparent and equitable and that is the very least any young child is entitled to expect from an educational establishment in Scotland, no matter who their parent is or whatever their background. Nadia believes that as a mother she was justified in raising this legal action she felt deeply hurt and hopes that as a result real change will take place. The matter is now at end and there will be no further comment. A team of British search-and-rescue specialists heading to Turkey will leave the UK imminently, a Government minister has said. A flight had been scheduled to leave Birmingham on Monday night, carrying personnel and equipment to help with relief efforts, after the earthquake claimed thousands of lives. The death toll has surged past 4,000 as rescuers in Turkey and Syria continue to look for survivors. Development minister Andrew Mitchell confirmed on Tuesday morning that the British package of support which includes a team of 76 search-and-rescue specialists, complete with state-of-the-art equipment and four specially trained dogs would be leaving in the next couple of hours. The critical thing in these circumstances is the first 72 hours. These significant British assets are waiting to leave Birmingham. They were ready to leave last night. Minister for Development in the Foreign Office Andrew Mitchell (right) said the UK is helping the rescue effort (Victoria Jones/PA) It has to be coordinated with the Turkish authorities. I expect them to leave within the next couple of hours so that they land in daylight. And then this British expertise will be helping what is a huge, international effort to save lives. Its being coordinated very professionally by the Turkish authorities. They were ready to leave last night. But my information is that they will be leaving imminently and of course they will be landing in daylight, and that is the time where they can be most effective, he told broadcasters. Mr Mitchell said the UK was taking its lead from Turkey and would be able to provide all necessary support despite pressure on aid budgets. The aid budget is under very considerable strain. But Britain always carves out a certain amount to cope with humanitarian crises. That is what people in Britain expect us to do. Britain is always there first and in strength to help when these appalling catastrophes take place. And we will be there this time. And the humanitarian budget is in a way slightly separate from the steady state international development budget, and it is there specifically to respond to crises like these. The humanitarian budget is very carefully coordinated and set, and it reacts to the need on the ground, he told Sky News. The quake, which was centred in Turkeys south-eastern province of Kahramanmaras, was felt as far away as Cairo. It piled more misery on a region that has seen tremendous suffering over the past decade. On the Syrian side, the area is divided between government-controlled territory and the countrys last opposition-held enclave, which is surrounded by Russian-backed government forces. Turkey, meanwhile, is home to millions of refugees from the civil war. (PA Graphics) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Monday: My thoughts are with the people of Turkiye (Turkey) and Syria this morning, particularly with those first responders working so valiantly to save those trapped by the earthquake. The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can. The UK has for many years provided support to the White Helmets rescue team in Syria, which has operated to save lives during the bloody civil war in the country. Mr Mitchell acknowledged the challenges of coordinating aid to Syria in the aftermath of the earthquake. The problem is its very difficult to get resources that are now needed across the border from Turkey, partly because Turkey has got its own problems, but also because theres only one crossing place. And we hope that the UN will be able to negotiate additional crossing places. The British Red Cross on Monday launched an emergency fundraising appeal to support the response and get aid to those who need it in Syria and Turkey. A former Northern Ireland secretary has warned that the rules around powersharing in Northern Ireland need to change if the devolution settlement is to survive. Lord Hain, who helped negotiate the arrangement in 2007, suggested that sanctions should be imposed on any political party that refuses to powershare and therefore collapses the Northern Irish government. His comments came as the DUPs refusal to form an executive, due to the Northern Ireland Protocol, has stretched on for more than a year. Lord Hain suggested, in an amendment to the Northern Ireland Budget Bill, new rules around executive formation in Northern Ireland, which would mean any party eligible to form a powersharing executive and which refuses to do so should have their funding withheld. This would include its Assembly party funding, the salaries of the Members of the Legislative Assembly, the salaries of the members staff and its office and travel expenses. He told peers he wanted to highlight a deeply troubling gridlock in Northern Irelands self-governance, which is relentlessly ravaging the very foundations of the Good Friday Agreement. The Labour peer continued: From 2007, when a settlement I helped negotiate under Tony Blair brought the unlikely duo of Ian Paisley Snr and Martin McGuinness to share power, there was a decade of DUP/Sinn Fein-led self-government as stable as Northern Ireland was ever likely to get. Then, that was collapsed by Sinn Fein for three years. Now, post-Brexit, Stormont has again been collapsed, this time by the DUP, for over a year Meanwhile, public support for the carefully negotiated system of self-government is in danger of collapsing completely in the midst of the worst cost-of-living crisis for generations, the NHS facing a worse crisis, costing lives, than anywhere else in the United Kingdom, and other manifestations of dysfunctional public administration causing serious problems. This amendment does not point fingers or apportion blame. Any political party has a right to refuse to serve and to use that as leverage. The problem is that the political architecture necessary to achieve the Good Friday peace accord requires cross-party government, so that a refusal to serve collapses everything and amounts to a veto. Theres got to be a cost for doing that and my amendment would impose one, not so much as a penalty, more as a deterrent. He added: A situation in which one party or other can simply walk away and paralyse Northern Ireland self-governance, because they do not get their way, is anti-democratic. This issue will have to be addressed by the Government if the devolution settlement, which was so hard won, is to survive. His remarks came as the House of Lords discussed the Northern Ireland Budget Bill, which will authorise resources of public services in Northern Ireland for the years ending March 31 2023 and 2024 in the absence of a functioning devolved Northern Ireland Assembly and executive. Lord Caine, a minister in the Northern Ireland Office, spoke of his disappointment that the UK Government had had to step in and legislate for something the Northern Ireland Assembly should be in charge of. He said: People in Northern Ireland rightly expect to see those decisions taken at Stormont and I agree with them. I state again my continued disappointment that we are, as a Government, having to step into Northern Ireland affairs and intervene in this way, and I look forward to the restoration of the Northern Ireland executive and Assembly at the earliest possible opportunity. Former DUP deputy leader Lord Dodds of Duncairn blamed the absence of an Assembly and executive in Northern Ireland on the imposition of the Northern Ireland Protocol. He also accused Lord Hain of targeting unionists, arguing that sanctions were not suggested when Sinn Fein collapsed the government for three years in 2017-2020. He said: I fail to recall at any point during the three years when Sinn Fein collapsed the executive that there were any such amendments brought forward. Indeed, I asked the library to check how many vociferous statements by members of the Northern Ireland Select Committee, Northern Ireland spokespersons, people who take an interest in Northern Ireland, frontbench spokespersons, and I found very, very few examples of where any of these people were prepared to come out and say Sinn Fein is at fault for the collapse of the Assembly, or to seek any kind of punishment or to seek any kind of redress So it is interesting and its not been lost on unionists in Northern Ireland that at a time when unionists are making the point that they cannot operate a protocol that is injurious to the Union, the very thing that we are there to defend and to promote, that we have this approach to unionist parties. Northern Irelands former first minister Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee concurred with this assessment. The non-affiliated peer said: There was no such pressure to have Sinn Fein back in government during those three years when there were huge pressures, particularly on our health service. I remember it very, very well. DUP peer Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown also took Lord Hain to task, claiming his proposal would threaten the unionist electorate through their politicians that if they do not obey this diktat then their legitimacy will be cast aside as if we were under some communist regime. He added: Does he really think the DUP would be willing to sell the constitutional future of our province for a paltry 30 pieces of silver? Lord Hain responded: At no time have I attacked the DUP for its stance over its withdrawal from the executive I understand their position. Explaining why he never put forward such an amendment when Sinn Fein refused to form a government, he said: All I can say in mitigation is I did not think this was going to become a habit. Labour frontbencher and former Northern Ireland secretary Lord Murphy of Torfaen said Lord Hains amendment was not Labour Party policy. He said: Its a personal view of Lord Hain, but it does express his frustration as all of us express our frustration at the lack of progress. The minister responded that he could not support Lord Hains amendment, saying: What hes putting forward would be a significant change to the process of executive formation in Northern Ireland at a time when the priority of the Government is to get those institutions back up and running; and his motion could be perceived as a tilting of the playing field significantly against one party, which might have the effect of frustrating our objectives. He added that the motion could also make it more difficult for political parties wishing to go into opposition in Northern Ireland. An underwater search for missing Nicola Bulley is continuing following a fresh appeal by her partner, who said her two daughters desperately miss her and need her back. The search for Ms Bulley, 45, is entering its 11th day after she went missing on January 27 in St Michaels on Wyre, Lancashire. In a statement released on Monday through Lancashire Police, her partner Paul Ansell said: I have two little girls who miss their mummy desperately and who need her back. Nicola Bulleys partner Paul Ansell has issued a fresh appeal to find her (PA) Later on Monday night, the head of a team of private underwater search experts cast doubt on the forces current working hypothesis that Ms Bulley had fallen into the river. Ahead of the Specialist Group International (SGI) beginning its second day of searching the River Wyre on Tuesday, Peter Faulding said he did not think the missing mother was in the water. Speaking with TalkTV, Mr Faulding a leading forensic search expert and SIGs founder said: I personally dont think shes in the river, thats just my gut instinct at this point. He added that his team of divers would go back up the river on Tuesday, to search once again near the point where Ms Bulleys mobile phone was found on a bench. Workers from Specialist Group International on the River Wyre, near St Michaels on Wyre, Lancashire, on Monday (Danny Lawson/PA) In a separate media interview on Monday night, Mr Faulding admitted he was baffled by the case. Police were there on day one diving where the phone was found on the bench, he told the Daily Mail. Normally, if a person has drowned, they go down within a few metres if being searched for the same day. In another couple of days I will be confident she is not in that area at all. We have the best sonar you can buy. We have scanned a huge area today (Monday) and there is nothing there. The expert diver added: A body will move after a time, but they searched that area and came up with nothing that is what is weird here. We are baffled. Peter Faulding (centre) is the head of private underwater search and recovery company Specialist Group International (Danny Lawson/PA) The group, which is based in Dorking, Surrey, and has been volunteering its services free of charge, has been using specialist sonar equipment to look for Ms Bulley in the River Wyre. After spending Monday searching three or four miles of the river until it grew dark alongside Lancashire Police, Mr Faulding told the PA news agency: Its a negative search, no signs of Nicola. He added that his team will look through another stretch of river on Tuesday towards where Nicola went originally missing. Mr Ansell, her partner, meanwhile said in his statement: This has been such a tough time for the girls especially but also for me and all of Nicolas family and friends, as well as the wider community and I want to thank them for their love and support. We are also really grateful to Peter and his team from SGI for coming up and helping support the work of Lancashire Police as they continue their investigation. The force has searched the river and riverbank all the way to the sea, using search teams, sonar, search dogs, drone, helicopter and CCTV. (PA Graphics) On Monday, Lancashire Police released two new images of Ms Bulley on the day she went missing, when she dropped her two daughters, aged six and nine, off at school and then went on her usual dog walk alongside the river. Her phone, still connected to a Teams call for her job as a mortgage adviser, was found on a bench on a steep riverbank overlooking the water, along with the dog lead, with the dog harness on the ground. Our working hypothesis remains that Nicola sadly fell into the river for some reason, but we remain open minded, and we are continuing to carry out a huge number of inquiries, the force said. A new image of Nicola Bulley captured on her Ring Doorbell on the day she went missing (Lancashire Police) The force is confident, after reviewing CCTV, that Ms Bulley did not leave the field near the river via Rowanwater either through the site itself or the piece of land at the side and she did not return from the fields along Allotment Lane or via the path at the rear of the Grapes pub onto Garstang Road. Officers are now focusing on the river path leading from the fields back to Garstang Road, and urged drivers and cyclists who travelled that way on January 27, as well as anyone with CCTV or Ring Doorbell footage, to contact them. New versions of Microsofts search engine and internet browser will use artificial intelligence (AI) to provide users with instant written answers, the company has announced. Software developed by ChatGPT creators OpenAI will now allow Bing and Edge to give footnoted responses to search queries and summarise detailed information from multiple sources. Users can trial the technology now ahead of a full rollout over the coming weeks. The announcement comes just one day after Google revealed its own AI-powered search engine chatbot, named Bard. We're reinventing the tools billions of people use every day. Search BrowseChat All in one unified experience. Introducing the new AI-powered @Bing and @MicrosoftEdge. https://t.co/NF5GJuhdy3 Microsoft (@Microsoft) February 7, 2023 Satya Nadella, Microsofts chief executive, said the changes were needed because search engines had not progressed for 20 years and half of Bing searches currently fail to answer user queries. I think this technology is going to reshape pretty much every software category, he told a press conference at the firms Seattle headquarters. The race starts today, and were going to move and move fast. Most importantly, we want to have a lot of fun innovating again in search, because its high time. Its a new day in search, its a new paradigm for search, rapid innovation is going to come. Bing and Edge + AI: a new way to search starts today https://t.co/0y8sw7waNb Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) February 7, 2023 AI-generated answers will now appear on the right of the Bing interface, with the traditional webpage links and images remaining on the left. The company is also introducing a Chat feature to Bing similar to ChatGPT, the parent company of which Microsoft has invested billions of dollars into. On the Edge browser, the next-generation AI technology can be used to draw up custom meal plans, travel itineraries and music trivia quizzes at the users request. It can also immediately summarise academic articles and company reports, compare them with others and rewrite code into different languages. The competition to innovate using AI was evident throughout the press conference as Microsofts leaders criticised other search engines failure to innovate. Yusuf Mehdi, its chief marketing officer, said: We have to adapt to search, not the other way around. Search has remained the same since the last major inflection. The user experience is the same as 20 years ago. Google will host its own launch event for Bard on Wednesday, which it revealed on Monday just minutes before Microsoft announced todays press conference. 1/ In 2021, we shared next-gen language + conversation capabilities powered by our Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA). Coming soon: Bard, a new experimental conversational #GoogleAI service powered by LaMDA. https://t.co/cYo6iYdmQ1 Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) February 6, 2023 Sundar Pichai, its chief executive, said AI will soon be integrated into the companys search engine to provide written answers to search queries in addition to links to relevant webpages, images and videos. He added the tool would allow Google to answer questions in a more intelligent way that went beyond just providing basic factual information. Mr Pichai insisted the bot would be both bold and responsible, but did not specify how the company would prevent it producing harmful or abusive content. Bard will use the companys existing Lamda software, which was described last year by an engineer as sentient and the intellectual equivalent of a human child. Blake Lemoine, 41, was sacked by the firm after making the claims, which it described as wholly unfounded. Viola Davis says that her Grammy win and subsequent rise to EGOT status has moved me tremendously. The actress, who earned the coveted title on Sunday, also said on Instagram that her mind had been blown. EGOT status refers to artists who have won all four major US artistic awards; an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. On Monday, the words Viola, we love you were spelled out by a plane over Los Angeles. Posting a picture of the tribute, Davis wrote: Thank you @cbstv and @recordingacademy! You all have blown my mind and moved me tremendously. She later paid tribute to fellow artist Adrian Hall, founding director of Trinity Repertory Company, after his death at the age of 95 was announced over the weekend. Davis said she had become a professional actress at the age of 23, after acquiring her Actors Equity Card, due to help from Hall. Ironic that he left this earth the same weekend I became an EGOT. We all stand on the shoulders of giants AND on the shoulders of those who believed in us, she wrote in a separate post. Thank you for seeing me Adrian and thank you for your legacy. I receive the baton and will run my leg of the race.Boldly! Davis won the Grammy for best audio book, narration and storytelling recording for Finding Me, which was presented at the awards premiere ceremony ahead of the main event on Sunday becoming part of the 18-strong EGOT club. She has won four primetime Emmys for leading actress, in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019 and won best supporting actress at the Oscars in 2017, for her role in Fences. The Juilliard School graduate also has three Tony awards. A woman had to call the police over the alleged abusive behaviour of an officer she has accused of raping her, a court has heard. The witness, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the court that Martyn Coulter smashed her head against a kitchen cabinet and she saw him throw a young child across a room. Coulter is accused of raping the woman, assaulting her three times between June 2013 and November 2014 at addresses in East Lothian and Edinburgh, and is also accused of being threatening towards her. He is further charged with raping, sexually assaulting and threatening a girl aged under 13. Coulter, 36, denies the allegations and has lodged a special defence, stating that between September 6 and September 21 2013 he was in England on a military police training course. Giving evidence at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, the woman said Coulter smashed her head against a kitchen cabinet in one incident in late 2014, saying: To this day, I dont even know why he did it. The witness said this incident left a mark on her forehead. She described her head as having ricocheted off the kitchen cabinet. She told the court of several other incidents throughout 2014, including a time when she witnessed Coulter throwing a young child across a room by the shoulders. Asked by Advocate Depute Kath Harper why she did not involve the authorities during this time, the witness said Coulter told her nobody would believe her because he was a police officer. She said Coulter planted a seed of doubt in her head and told her he attended calls like the incidents she had described taking place at work, and asked her how he could remain impartial in these instances. The woman said she had thought at the time: Maybe it is not as bad as I think it is. Maybe other people live like this. Later, the court was told Coulter had been arrested for a breach of the peace as a result of an altercation with the witnesss family in 2014. However, the witness told the court police did not pursue this. Defending, Ian Duguid KC asked her about the incident alleged to have happened in September 2013 when she accused Coulter of raping her. The witness told the court on Monday she could not recall the exact date, but said she went to Coulters flat at lunchtime on or around September 23 2013 to celebrate the news he was going on a tour of duty of Afghanistan with the Territorial Army. She told the court on Monday he had wanted to have sex with her to celebrate the news, but she told him she did not want to because she did not have time. But the court heard claims that she appeared to have gone on a night out with Coulter that evening. She also told the court she could not remember the night in question as it was 10 years ago. The court was shown a record of Coulters movements on the day in question, including time spent at Ocean Terminal in Leith, Edinburgh. The witness, however, insisted she could not remember being with him on the date in question. The court also heard how Coulter had attended an army training course in order to become a military police officer between September 6 and September 21. Mr Duguid then put it to the witness that Coulter had received no such letter that he would be deployed to Afghanistan in September, and had actually been told in November he would be sent for a maximum of 12 weeks due to being in the Territorial Army. The witness said the letter was perhaps Coulter being told he had been accepted on a training course prior to going to Afghanistan. Mr Duguid also presented the witness with social media posts appearing to be written by her in 2018, suggesting that while Coulter had exhibited abusive behaviour towards her, he had not been physically abusive and that police had told her they were unable to do anything as a result of that. However, the witness maintained she reported her concerns about Coulter to various authorities repeatedly. The trial, before Lady Drummond, continues. Getty Images "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." A 7.8 MAGNITUDE earthquake hit Turkey and northern Syria Monday morning, killing thousands. The quake concentrated on the town of Pazarcik, in Turkey's southeastern Kahramanmaras province, and was followed by a 7.5 quake and several powerful aftershocks. Photos and videos show massive buildings collapsing to rubble and terrified residents running through the streets to escape the destruction. More than 5,000 people have died from the disaster in Turkey and Syriaat least 3,419 across Turkey, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said in a press conference Tuesday, and at least 812 in Syria per the Ministry of Health. In Syrian rebel-held territories, more than 790 people were killed, according to the White Helmets. Oktay added that about 6,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Getty Images The Ministry of Interior Disaster said nearly 10,000 search and rescue workers, 216 vehicles, and 1,511 pieces of construction equipment have been deployed to the affected area. Meanwhile, both Turkey and Syria have declared a state of emergency. The United Kingdom announced Monday that it is deploying emergency response teams to Turkey to assist in rescue efforts, with U.K. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly tweeting, "The UK is sending immediate support to Turkiye including a team of 76 search & rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs. In Syria, the UK-funded White Helmets have mobilised their resources to respond. We stand ready to provide further support as needed." President Joe Biden said the United States is also willing to provide any help needed. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria. I have directed my team to continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with Turkiye and provide any and all needed assistance," he tweeted this morning. The earthquakes have caused the worst disaster in Turkey since 1939, when a quake of the same magnitude as Monday's (7.8) first struck the country, killing approximately 30,000 people. Ahead, see the ways in which you can help survivors after the tragedy. Getty Images Donate Doctors Without Borders is one of the many organizations quickly responding to the disaster through their teams in northern Syria and providing aid for the injured. Send your donation here. World Food Program USA, the U.S. affiliate of the United Nations World Food Programme, is actively supporting the WFPs aid efforts with teams on the ground in Turkey and Syria. WFP also serves as the primary logistics arm of the United Nations in emergency situations. Donations can be made here. Mercy Corps, a global team of humanitarians working on the front lines of crisis, is currently responding to the tragedy in North West Syria. "Our team is working quickly to provide clean water, hygiene kits and shelter supplies (blankets, solar lamps, mattresses, carpets and more) in camps across North West Syria. We have worked in Syria since 2008 and in the North West, we have provided essential support including water, food, shelter, sanitation services, and livelihoods assistance to Syrians displaced multiple times throughout the course of the conflict," they said in a statement to BAZAAR.com. You can donate here. UNICEF and partners are on the ground assessing the current situation and humanitarian needs in the countries. They are currently focusing on assessing impact on main water stations and providing water to those displaced, providing aid to separated or unaccompanied children, giving food to those in need, and assessing damages in schools, especially those being used as shelters. You can help here. "The number keeps increasing. There is a sense of panic, including among children. Many people, including children are displaced and remain outside in streets and open areas. The government of Syria closed schools and universities for today and some are being used as shelters," UNICEF Representative in Syria, Angela Kearney, said in a statement to BAZAAR. Oxfam, a British-founded confederation of 21 charitable organizations "focusing on the alleviation of global poverty," are on the ground today helping victims and survivors of the devastating earthquakes. You can help their efforts here. LaunchGood, a crowdfunding platform focused on the Muslim community worldwide, launched a fundraiser to help those affected by the earthquake. "As Muslims, it is our duty to come together in times of hardship and support those in need," they wrote. As of Monday morning, they have raised nearly $8,000. Donate here. AKUT, an entirely voluntary, non-governmental organization involved in searching, assisting, and rescuing all who require aid in natural disasters and all other emergency conditions, is also taking donations. It is one of the biggest search and rescue organizations in Turkey. The Turkish Red Crescent, which is the largest humanitarian organization in Turkey and part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is also assisting in the tragedy. It provides shelter, food, health aid, blood, and social services to those in need. You can donate here. Donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which provides aid in crisis situations around the globe. Molham Volunteering Team, a nonprofit founded in 2012 in Jordan, by a group of then-university students, has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for aid for those affected. Offer your own donation here. You Might Also Like WASHINGTON A key centrist House Republican is ruling out a fallback option to avert a calamitous debt default, which would require a small number of GOP lawmakers to sidestep Speaker Kevin McCarthy and work with Democrats on a legislative solution. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said Monday evening that using a procedural tool known as a discharge petition to force a House vote on a "clean" debt limit increase was dead on arrival. The mechanism requires 218 signatories in the current House, that means at least six Republicans and all Democrats to ensure a vote on a bill, even if the speaker doesnt want to bring it up. I think its DOA, Bacon told reporters in the Capitol. Because the presidents got to make some compromises with Republicans. For him to say my way or the highway no way. Bacon is one of the most centrist Republicans in the House. He has been dubbed the Joe Manchin of the House GOP, after Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., the centrist Democrat with a knack for bucking his party, and he represents an Omaha-based district that President Joe Biden won in 2020. Bacon has been a vocal critic of his partys far right wing, which is threatening to withhold support for raising the debt limit unless Biden accedes to conservative policy concessions. He previously opened the door to a discharge petition as a fallback, but now hes closing it. If Bacon isnt on board, its doubtful any Republican will be. On Monday, Bacon dialed up his criticism of Democrats, who say that paying the countrys bills is nonnegotiable and that fiscal policy negotiations should be separated from the debt ceiling. Theyre the insolvent party, he said. They want insolvency. Were not here to rubber-stamp this spending, he added. Bacons position is music to the ears of ultraconservatives like Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., a critic of McCarthy, R-Calif. Glad to hear that, Good said Monday night. I had not heard that, but Im glad to hear thats what he said. Good praised McCarthys remarks earlier in the day demanding that Biden agree to sit down and negotiate and commit to finding common ground on a responsible debt limit increase, as well as move towards a balanced budget. McCarthy didnt offer any specific spending cuts in his speech. Ultraconservative Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said Republicans are crafting a specific spending-cut plan that can get 218 votes and could land in the next few weeks. Were gonna get specific. Were just working through it. Gotta get 218 votes, he said. Its gonna be on paper. In recent weeks, amid the congressional stalemate over a path forward, congressional insiders and Wall Street analysts have floated the idea of a discharge petition as a failsafe mechanism that could ensure the U.S. doesnt default on its debt. The Treasury Department has set a June 5 deadline for Congress to act or risk breaching the debt ceiling. White House spokesman Andrew Bates accused Republicans on Monday of trying to actively throw our economy into a tailspin with a default which they have a nonnegotiable, constitutional duty to prevent. For now, at least, Democrats say they have no plans to initiate a discharge petition to lift the debt ceiling, arguing that its the job of the House majority to come up with a solution. Ive always stressed just how difficult it is to successfully pull off a discharge petition, said Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, the top Democrat on the Budget Committee. Theres a reason its only happened once in the last 10 years. So it should not be Plan A. The long-standing educator shortage in Kentucky was the focus of a House Education committee hearing on the first day lawmakers returned to Frankfort for the General Assembly session. Republican House Education Chairman James A. Tipton said no votes or decisions would be made Tuesday. Educators from offices and schools across the state were invited to testify about the teacher shortage and what can be done to combat it. We know that districts across the commonwealth are facing a shortage in teachers, but were hearing conflicting reports about not only the scope of the problem but the causes, Tipton said in a Monday afternoon news release about the meeting. This is an opportunity for committee members and the public to clear up some confusion so we can target areas for improvement. Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason Glass, in talking about the shortage at Tuesdays legislative meeting, said that his wife was a teacher in Fayette County and other relatives were or had been teachers in Kentucky. He said most educators in the state were Kentucky natives who have been trained in Kentucky. In a Monday message to state education officials about the meeting, Glass said that for nearly a decade, education officials have been seeing a decline in the number of people entering teacher education programs in colleges and universities in Kentucky and across the nation. While there have been some notable successes for example, the University of Kentucky has recently experienced an increase in both the number and diversity of people entering their teacher preparation program the overall effect has been fewer new teacher candidates when jobs are posted, he said. Glass said Tuesday the teacher turnover rate also has been growing on an almost yearly basis. During the 2017-2018 school year, 17% of Kentucky teachers left the teaching position they held the previous year. By 2021-2022, that number had grown to 20.4%, he said. While we cant say for sure why so many of our teachers are leaving their classrooms, we know they are more stressed, said Glass. According to the 2022 Impact Kentucky working conditions survey, teachers are reporting increased stress for themselves and concern for their colleagues, along with reduced job satisfaction. The number of critical shortage areas are seeing a marked increase including social studies, elementary education and early childhood education. The shortages are showing up in all parts of Kentucky, and the number of candidates are holding steady, he said. School districts have to be less choosy when hiring, Glass said, and some districts are lucky to get one job candidate. To help fill these open teaching positions, state officials are relying on more emergency certificates. During the 2017-2018 academic year, the Education Professional Standards Board granted 383 one-year emergency certificates. This year, EPSB approved 1,156 emergency certificates a more than a 200% increase. Those teachers are less qualified than the teachers in those roles in past, he said. Out of field teachers are negatively related to student achievement, including in mathematics, said Glass. There are good reasons to be concerned about the state of the teaching profession, Glass told lawmakers. A bright spot is the increased enrollment in both the Teaching and Learning career pathway and the Educator Rising career and technical student organization, Glass said Tuesday. Glass said those programs create authentic experiences that engage students in effective teaching practices and connect rising educators to a statewide community of in-service practitioners. Current enrollment in the Teaching and Learning Pathway is more than 2,000 students and there are now 102 Educators Rising chapters across the state, he said. If we work on increasing total compensation, support and respect for our educators, I believe we can begin turning the tide on this difficult issue, Glass told lawmakers. We need solutions at the scale of the problem. Amanda Sewell, a classroom teacher at Fayette County Schools, told lawmakers they should be leaders in a marketing campaign to get more teachers in Kentucky classrooms. She said lawmakers should show that they respect the teaching profession. Thats how the teacher shortage could end, she said. Members of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators Coalition to Sustain the Education Profession offered several recommendations, including funding a model teacher recruitment program and an undergrad teacher education scholarship per school district. Tipton asked Glass to discuss the reported 11,000 certified educator vacancies in Kentucky. It is a number that Gov. Andy Beshear has referenced when discussing the issue. A total of 10,816 teacher positions were posted in the Kentucky Educator Placement System (KEPS) for the 2021-2022 school year, a spokesperson in Beshears office recently told the Herald-Leader. Glass told lawmakers that the placement system captures certified educators vacancies. It is not a good measure of classroom teacher openings, but its a good measure of certified openings, he said. Its also not a good point in time measure, he said. The 10,816 number represents the total number of openings over an entire year, not the number of openings at any one time. But he said the 10,816 is more than Kentucky has had in the past. Beau Barnes, deputy executive secretary of the Teachers Retirement System, testified Tuesday that according to data from fiscal year 2022, educator retirements have been relatively stable since 2009. This is a developing story and will be updated. Eminem's daughter Hailie Jade Mathers is getting married. The "Just a Little Shady" podcast host, 27, announced her engagement to longtime love Evan McClintock Feb. 6 on Instagram. Mathers shared several images from McClintock's romantic proposal, which were taken by Erika Christine Photography. In one of the pics, McClintock bows down on one knee as he presents Mathers with an engagement ring. In another, the couple pop open a bottle of champagne. "casual weekend recap 2.4.23 i love you @evanmcclintock11," Mathers wrote alongside the photos. Mathers and McClintock have been linked to each other for several years, although Mathers has been careful to keep their romance out of the public eye. However, on Feb. 15, 2022, she posted a pic on Instagram of her and McClintock sharing a steamy kiss. "Yesterday & everyday," she captioned it. She posted another photo of her and McClintock in July 2021. "I rarely share my feed, but when i do im happy its with you," she wrote. Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, shares Hailie Jade with ex-wife Kim Scott. In March 2020, the rapper gushed about his daughter while he was a guest on Hotboxin with Mike Tyson. Shes made me proud for sure, he said of Hailie Jade, who graduated from Michigan State University in 2018 with a degree in psychology. Hailie Jade Mathers joined the "Lose Yourself" rapper when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Nov. 5, 2022. The father-daughter duo wore matching black leather jackets to the star-studded ceremony. Just months before, Hailie Jade Mathers shared memories of growing up as the daughter of one of the world's most famous rappers during the July 2022 debut episode of her podcast. Mathers and a childhood friend recalled joining Eminem on tour when they were kids which resulted in a magical day spent at Disney World. We went to Florida, my dad was working on something, and he was working the whole time. But he set up for us to do the limo and take it to Disney and we did the princess tea party, and he had, like, the dresses waiting for us," recalled Mathers. Related: This article was originally published on TODAY.com Gambling on horse racing in South Carolina has another chance to become legal after a failed effort a year ago, as lawmakers advance a bill aimed at helping the states struggling equine industry. On Tuesday, a state Senate subcommittee unanimously advanced S. 303 the South Carolina Equine Advancement Act, which would legalize advance deposit horse betting, regulated by a newly created equine commission. The bill is primarily aimed at revitalizing the declining equine industry in South Carolina, where horse trainers say theyre having a hard time operating their facilities. We just feel like this legislation will give us a fighting chance to compete, said Deborah McCutchen, who owns a horse training center and track with her husband in Kingstree. We dont get to employ as many people as we use to because we had to cut back on the number of horses coming to our facility. Gambling is mostly illegal in South Carolina outside of the lottery, but under S. 303, South Carolinians would be able to bet on horse races through a mobile app, maintained by those with a license from the equine commission. The proposal would also create a grant program to help grow and develop the states equine industry. State leaders have long been resistant to legalizing betting of any kind. Years ago, the state got rid of video poker machines and opposed casino operations, which led the Catawba tribe to open a casino in North Carolina. Sponsored by state Sen. Katrina Shealy, R- Lexington, and state Rep. Russell Ott, D-Calhoun, the bipartisan bill was approved by the full committee last session but eventually died on the Senate floor. This year, however, lawmakers are feeling more optimistic. The equine industry has a $1.9 billion impact in South Carolina and employs more than 28,000 people, according to a legislative equine study report. While serving on a equine study committee last year, Shealy and Ott learned the state could stand to bring in $8 million to $14 million annually if the Legislature legalizes horse betting, according to an analysis done by the Racing Resource Group. Under the current proposal, horse race bettors would open an account with an approved operator, like a Fan Duel or Draft Kings, where they could deposit money. They could then use their cellphones to wager on races across the country. Money would be added to an account after winning a wager. Only a handful of operators would be allowed to offer horse race betting, and 10% of the profit wagered through a site plus the license fees will go to the state to cover, for example, grants to help improve trails, for thoroughbred associations to offer incentives for trainers and to help pay for equine studies programs at the states colleges and universities, according to Shealy and Otto. The bill is now headed to the full committee on Family and Veterans Services before heading back to the Senate floor. The sign for Joint Base Andrews at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) WASHINGTON (AP) Another intruder has breached the home of Air Force One, one of the nation's most sensitive military bases, and this time a resident opened fire on the trespasser, Joint Base Andrews said in a statement late Monday. During the incident, which occurred at about 11:30 a.m. Monday, a man gained unauthorized access to a JBA housing area, Joint Base Andrews said in a statement posted to Twitter. A resident discharged a firearm, security forces arrived on scene to apprehend the intruder and law enforcement is investigating the incident. Joint Base Andrews is home to the fleet of blue and white presidential aircraft, including Air Force One, Marine One and the doomsday 747 aircraft that can serve as the nation's airborne nuclear command and control centers if needed. The Air Force said late Monday it did not have anything to add beyond the Andrews statement about Mondays intrusion. It's not the first time the base's security has been breached; in February 2021 a man got through the military checkpoint onto the installation, then through additional fenced secure areas to gain access to the flight line and climb into a C-40, which is the military's 737-equivalent aircraft used to fly government officials. That intruder was apprehended because the mouse ears cap he was wearing struck an observant airman as odd. An inspector general's investigation found three main security failings, starting with human error by a gate security guard who allowed the man to drive onto the base even though he had no credentials that authorized his access. Hours later, the man walked undetected onto the flight line by slipping through a fence designed to restrict entry. Finally, he walked onto and off a parked airplane without being challenged, even though he was not wearing a required badge authorizing access to the restricted area. Dozens of specially trained Los Angeles County firefighters are headed to Turkey and Syria to assist in search-and-rescue operations after Monday's massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake, which devastated the region near the two countries' border. The crew of more than 80 members is one of two from the U.S. being sent to help in the aftermath of the quake. The other is from Fairfax County in Virginia. The U.S. Agency for International Development deployed the two urban search-and-rescue teams to aid in the response to the destructive earthquake and its aftershocks, which included a 7.5 temblor. At least 4,000 have died, and thousands of buildings have toppled. The casualty count is only expected to grow as first responders continue to sort through wreckage at scenes of mass destruction that stretch miles beyond the quake's epicenter in southeast Turkey. Los Angeles County is sending 81 search-and-rescue crew members, along with six search dogs and three structural engineers, officials said Monday evening. "These two teams will be part of the USAID DART [Disaster Assistance Response Team] and will coordinate with Turkish authorities and other responding organizations to provide life-saving assistance," USAID Administrator Samantha Power said in a statement Monday. The earthquake's epicenter was in Turkeys southeastern province of Kahramanmaras, which is about 160 miles from its border with war-torn Syria, a country already facing a humanitarian refugee crisis as its 12-year civil war rages on. Anthony Marrone, the interim fire chief for L.A. County, said the two teams could be on the ground for two weeks, if not longer. "This team is highly skilled and elite in urban search and rescue, Marrone said, and specifically trained in earthquake response. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Ethnic and racial minorities are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials. (Getty Images) For decades, racial and ethnic minorities have been underrepresented in clinical trials even though they are disproportionately affected by several health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. According to the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program, 80% of individuals involved in clinical trials are white, compared to 58% in the U.S. population as a whole, which negatively affects the care that people of color receive. If you look nationally, the number of folk of color [in clinical trials] are minuscule, said Dr. Robert Winn, director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, to Yahoo News. Studies estimate that Black Americans make up about 8% of participants in clinical trials but represent 13% of the U.S. population, and Hispanics account for 11% in trials, even though they are 16% of the national population. Many experts believe that lack of diversity in clinical trials is detrimental to achieving the best treatment for patients. (Getty Images) Not having that diversity in clinical trials prevents us from having information that can inform both patients, caregivers, and physicians around the appropriate medication that might be best for a particular patient, Maria Apostolaros, a deputy vice president at PhRMA, a biopharmaceutical research company, told Yahoo News. Experts say the lack of diversity in trials is due to a mistrust of the medical system by many underrepresented minority populations in the United States, and theres historical sort of events that have caused that, John Damonti, the president of Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, which focuses on health equity, told Yahoo News. The most notable instance of medical racism occurred in 1932 when doctors from the United States Public Health Service embarked on the Tuskegee Syphilis Study in which hundreds of Black men were used as subjects for experimentation and research. The existence of a decades-long syphilis study using Black men as "guinea pigs" is exposed in the New York Times. (Allen G. Breed/AP) Tuskegee is just one really terrible example but there have been so many examples of these kinds of abuses and clinical research throughout the years, especially here in the United States, Dr. Joshua Budhu, a neurologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, told Yahoo News. But some doctors say the health field has changed for the better and the system must close the diversity gap. I will tell you that, at least in the health field, we have tightened up that game, people dont just say were going to take your organs, or were just going to use you as a guinea pig, those days have been so long gone, Winn said. Now that we are creating therapies and creating trials that would also benefit people of color, we still have this leftover mistrust. For racial and ethnic minorities discrimination in health care is a problem that still plagues our society today. Over 40% of African American, Native American and Latinos have experienced unfair treatment in the medical field, according to a 2021 study by the Brookings Institute. Along with a lack of trust, doctors say minorities have trouble getting access to clinical trials. Were actually depriving people of first-line therapy, Budhu said. One other kind of practical point about why clinical trial diversity is important is that it actually saves lots of money. Discrimination in health care remains a problem in our society. (Getty Images) A 2022 University of Southern California study found that clinical trials save lives and money. Health disparities in general cost trillions of dollars, but just by improving clinical trial diversity, which helps to decrease health disparities, it will actually save billions of dollars, Budhu said. If just 1% of health disparities were alleviated by improved diversity in clinical trials, that would result in more than $40 billion in gains for diabetes and $60 billion for heart disease, Dana Goldman, founding director of the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics at USC, wrote in an article. Winn said that in 2020, after the killing of George Floyd and the coronavirus pandemic, pharmaceutical companies had an awakening on the lack of diversity in clinical trials. Protesters march in Brooklyn, N.Y., over the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, on June 5, 2020. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Many more pharma companies, many more academic centers are not only spending more money to address this issue, but theyre creating positions that will keep the focus on diversity, equity and inclusion and the importance of that and its role in clinical trials, Winn said. The Food and Drug Administration released additional guidance in 2022 to increase diversity in clinical trials and recommended that all trials submit a Race and Ethnicity Diversity Plan in the early phases of its clinical development. Going forward, achieving greater diversity will be a key focus throughout the FDA to facilitate the development of better treatments and better ways to fight diseases that often disproportionately impact diverse communities, FDA Commissioner Rober Califf, said in a statement. In the meantime, doctors say that all entities of the health care industry must work together to reach equity in clinical trials. This means that multiple stakeholders have to come together patient advocacy groups, hospitals, researchers, patients themselves, companies that may make new medications like pharmaceutical companies or device manufacturers, as well as the federal government, Budhu said. I think it needs to be a multipronged approach. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, attends a meeting of the ruling Workers Partys Central Military Commission in Pyongyang, North Korea Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered his military to expand its combat exercises and strengthen war preparedness as he looks to escalate an already provocative run in weapons demonstrations in the face of deepening tensions with its neighbors and Washington. Kim presided over a meeting of the ruling Workers Partys Central Military Commission on Monday and encouraged the armed forces to perform ever-victorious feats and display matchless military strength to open a new phase in development, the countrys official Korean Central News Agency reported Tuesday. The meeting came amid signs North Korea is planning a military parade that may be an occasion to showcase the latest hardware from his growing nuclear weapons and missile program thats brewing concern for the United States and its allies in Asia. The commissions members, who represent Kims top military brass, discussed a series of tasks aimed at inducing great change in the military, including constantly expanding and intensifying the operation and combat drills and more strictly perfecting the preparedness for war, the agency said. The commission also discussed unspecified organizational changes to fundamentally improve and strengthen military affairs, and state media photos of the meeting showed a flag representing a possibly new department called the missile general bureau. 'Significant increase in personnel and vehicles' North Korea marks the 75th founding anniversary of the Korean Peoples Army on Wednesday and may celebrate with a parade in Pyongyang. Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson of South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a briefing that the South Korean military has detected a significant increase in personnel and vehicles in areas related to parade rehearsals, but declined to share a specific assessment on when the event would take place. Lee said the South Korean military was closely monitoring developments related to North Koreas possible creation of a new military bureau related to missiles, but didnt provide further details. Some analysts say that the new department could possibly handle the development of nuclear warheads and ballistic systems. Kim's comments from the military meeting are the latest warning from Pyongyang that its preparing to intensify its military demonstrations following a record-breaking year in missile testing. The warnings are in part a response to the United States expanding military drills with South Korea, which the allies have said are aimed at countering the Norths evolving threat. North Korea fired more than 70 ballistic missiles in 2022 Last week, North Korea threatened to counter U.S. military moves with the most overwhelming nuclear force as it condemned U.S. plans to expand its joint exercise with South Korea and deploy more advanced military assets like bombers and aircraft carriers to the region. North Korea fired more than 70 ballistic missiles in 2022, including potential nuclear-capable weapons designed to strike targets in South Korea or reach the U.S. mainland. It also conducted a slew of launches it described as simulated nuclear attacks on South Korean and U.S. targets in response to the expanded U.S. military drills with South Korea, which had been downsized during the Trump administration. During a major political conference in December, Kim called for an exponential increase of the countrys nuclear warheads, mass production of battlefield tactical nukes targeting South Korea and the development of more powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles that could reach the American homeland. Experts say Kims weapons tests and threats are aimed at forcing Washington to accept the idea of North Korea as a nuclear power, which Pyongyang sees as a way to negotiate economic and political concession from a position of strength. But there are also signs that the costs of Kims growing nuclear ambitions are piling up. North Korean state media said Monday that the ruling Workers Party has scheduled a plenary meeting of its powerful Central Committee later this month to discuss the urgent task on improving agricultural production amid deepening economic isolation. Some experts have said that the countrys food insecurity is likely at its worst state since the 1990s when a devastating famine killed hundreds of thousands of people. Diplomacy between Washington and Pyongyang has been stalled since 2019, with the two sides remaining at odds over U.S.-led economic sanctions against the North and the Norths nuclear program. The suspected Chinese spy balloon that appeared over Montana last week could be bad news for TikTok. Critics of the viral video app in Congress are using the balloon as a rallying point, highlighting the security concerns percolating around both the app and the balloon. TikTok doesnt sell balloons, and it has nothing to do with the one that hovered over the interior of the country. But that hasnt stopped GOP skeptics of TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, from trying to connect the two, grabbing onto the balloon as a convenient symbol of the security concerns that have floated around the app and threatened its survival in the U.S. in recent months. A variety of elected officials from a former presidential nominee to a backbencher lawmaker piled onto the analogy over the past few days. A big Chinese balloon in the sky and millions of Chinese TikTok balloons on our phones. Lets shut them all down, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said on Twitter. His post had 1.8 million views Monday afternoon. Now blow up TikTok, tweeted Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., after U.S. pilots shot down the balloon. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., a top appropriator who oversees federal funding for the State Department, said in an interview Monday: One of the things Ive never understood about the Biden administration is their reluctance to deal with the fact that TikTok is in most peoples homes and theyre getting information from Americans. Its basically a Chinese Communist Party balloon in everybodys home, he added. Its just a further reminder that the Chinese communist regime is an existential threat to the United States. On one level, its convenient timing for China critics to have two separate allegations of Chinese government spying make headlines around the same time. U.S. officials allege that the 200-foot-tall balloon had the ability to maneuver and that it was intended for surveillance, an accusation the Chinese government has denied. TikTok, meanwhile, has been accused of allowing China-based employees to access data about Americans and of spying on Forbes journalists. TikTok has said its trying to remove any doubt about the security of U.S. user data, and it said the people responsible for spying on the Forbes reporters were no longer employed there after they misused their authority. On another level, however, it demonstrates how the balloon incident could escalate tensions in the U.S.-China relationship and create collateral damage along the way. TikTok has already faced deep criticism and consequences stemming from security concerns in recent months. Some governors have banned TikTok on state phones and networks, including at public universities, and in December, Congress passed a law banning TikTok from federal government devices. A complete nationwide ban has been proposed in Congress, and there have been bipartisan calls for Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores. The apps parent company, ByteDance, has recently undertaken a lobbying and media blitz to counter efforts to ban TikTok entirely in the U.S. Last month, TikTok briefed lawmakers, academic researchers and journalists on Project Texas, its code name for a plan to house Americans data with Austin-based Oracle and limit connections to China. Not everyone is buying the connection being drawn between the balloon and TikTok, however. Thats good political theater and emotion but not necessarily smart strategy, said Scott Kennedy, who studies U.S.-China commercial relations as a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank. Kennedy said it would be more valuable to examine the foreign policy questions case by case. The relationship is devolving to a point where evidence and individual cases dont seem to matter very much. Were getting to a point where people are taking resolute positions that they want to apply across the board, he said. TikTok said Monday that peoples attempts to draw the app into the balloon situation had no basis in reality. A high altitude balloon floats over Billings, Mont., on Feb. 1, 2023. (Larry Mayer / The Billings Gazette via AP) There is absolutely no connection between these two things. Anyone suggesting there is should not be taken seriously on matters of national security, TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter said. Some Democrats agreed. TikTok is its own thing. U.S. policy relative to China should not be based on the outrage of the day or the balloon of the week, said Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., a co-chair of the bipartisan U.S.-China Working Group. I would expect members of Congress to have a lot more nuance than what happened last week, which is the equivalent of watching a white Ford Bronco travel at 40 miles an hour along the interstate highway, Larsen continued, referring to the O.J. Simpson car chase that riveted the nation in 1994. Some GOP critics are falling short of calling for an all-out TikTok ban while still remarking on what they view as a thread between the balloon incident and the TikTok security concerns. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said Monday that he is among those still making up their minds about the app. So far I have not called for a total ban, but I am not far from that conclusion, said Cramer, a member of the Armed Services Committee. Tokyo Game Show in Chiba, Japan - 17 Sept 2022 (Stanislav Kogiku / SOPA Images/Sipa USA via AP file) He and other Republican senators have expressed concerns that China could use TikTok to interfere in U.S. elections. TikTok, balloons, land near military installations, Confucius Institutes it is time for a strategy to wean ourselves off China and bring critical supply chains on shore, Cramer said. The institutes are China-funded cultural and language centers that operate on university campuses. Heading into a GOP leadership meeting in Speaker Kevin McCarthys office, Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., said he had very grave concerns about Chinese surveillance in the United States, and theyve only been heightened by the balloon. Like Cramer, Palmer said he wants to know more about how China is surveilling Americans via TikTok before he calls for an all-out ban. I think we need to have a very in-depth analysis to determine our vulnerabilities, said Palmer, the GOP Policy Committee chairman. I definitely think it should be out of government. Both the balloon and TikTok are likely to come up at a House Armed Services Committee hearing Wednesday morning focused on The Pressing Threat of the Chinese Communist Party to U.S. National Defense. Another TikTok critic, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., the top Democrat on the new select committee on China, also said he saw a common thread. As these incidents illustrate, we need to be vigilant about threats from the CCP on all fronts, and we need to act on a bipartisan basis to counter these threats, he said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. A divided Congress is exactly what our adversaries would want, so we must rise to the occasion and be united in our response, he said. Lawyers prosecuting Alex Murdaugh for murder won a big victory Monday when the judge ruled allegations of financial crimes could be admitted into evidence, but a veteran South Carolina defense attorney wonders whether its actually a win. Thats because he questions the prosecutions overall strategy alleging Murdaugh killed his wife Maggie and son Paul to distract attention from an investigation into allegations he stole millions of dollars from clients and his own law firm. Jack Swerling, who The State asked to offer analysis as the murder trial proceeds, said, That doesnt appeal to my common sense. He said it is more believable that a man would kill his wife, but he could not fathom a father blowing his sons head off. Law enforcement officers have testified that Paul was shot first with a shotgun at close range, Maggie with an AR-style rifle as she was running away. Swerling said he believes the jury is not likely to make the leap with the prosecution unless there is further testimony to actually tie Alexs financial troubles with the murder, such as Maggie learning of the problems or threatening to reveal them. Swerling said he doesnt know what additional testimony the prosecution may have. Various national media have reported Maggie had seen a divorce attorney and they were living apart, him at the 1,700-acre hunting estate and her at the family beach house on Edisto Island, but that information has not been admitted into evidence. What did he have to gain by killing his wife and son? Swerling said. Since the murders, Murdaugh has been charged with 99 counts of various financial crimes as well as insurance fraud for asking a friend to shoot and kill him for a $10 million payout for his older son Buster. Various witnesses testified outside the presence of the jury over several days last week and Monday morning. Tony Satterfield, son of the Murdaughs long-time housekeeper, said Alex Murdaugh had stolen $4 million in insurance payments intended for him and his brother after his mother died in a fall at the Murdaugh home. They have since been awarded $7 million. Jeanne Seckinger, chief financial officer of the law firm formerly known as PMPED, testified Murdaugh had taken more than $700,000, which she confronted him about on the morning that his wife and son were killed. Mark Tinsley, lawyer for the family of Mallory Beach, testified about the wrongful death lawsuit against Murdaugh and others after Mallory died in a boating accident in which Paul was drunk and driving. Tinsley said a hearing to compel Murdaugh to open his books to prove he was broke as his lawyers claimed was scheduled for days after the murders. Long-time friend Chris Wilson testified Murdaugh had duped him into turning over settlement money in a case they were handling together. Wilson said Murdaugh admitted financial crimes due to an addiction to opiates. Judge Clifton Newman ruled all the testimony was proper because, while the prosecution doesnt have to prove motive, it does have to prove malice and that evidence could speak to that. FILE - Chunks of ice break off the Perito Moreno Glacier, in Lake Argentina, at Los Glaciares National Park, near El Calafate, in Argentina's Patagonia region, March 10, 2016. As glaciers melt and pour massive amounts of water into nearby lakes, 15 million people across the globe live under the threat of a sudden and deadly outburst flood, a new study finds. (AP Photo/Francisco Munoz, File) As glaciers melt and pour massive amounts of water into nearby lakes, 15 million people across the globe live under the threat of a sudden and deadly outburst flood, a new study finds. More than half of those living in the shadow of the disaster called glacial lake outburst floods are in just four countries: India, Pakistan, Peru and China, according to a study in Tuesdays Nature Communications. A second study, awaiting publication in a peer-reviewed journal, catalogs more than 150 glacial flood outbursts in history and recent times. It's a threat Americans and Europeans rarely think about, but 1 million people live within just 6 miles (10 kilometers) of potentially unstable glacial-fed lakes, the study calculated. One of the more devastating floods was in Peru in 1941 and it killed between 1,800 and 6,000 people. A 2020 glacial lake outburst flood in British Columbia, Canada, caused a tsunami of water about 330 feet (100 meters) high, but no one was hurt. A 2017 glacial outburst flood in Nepal, triggered by a landslide, was captured on video by German climbers. Alaskas Mendenhall glacier has had annual small glacial outburst floods in what the National Weather Service calls suicide basin, since 2011, according to study lead author Caroline Taylor, a researcher at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. Heavy rains and a glacial lake outburst flood combined in 2013 in India to kill thousands of people. A 2021 deadly flood in India that was initially attributed to a glacial lake outburst wasnt caused by one, studies later found. Scientists say so far it doesnt seem like climate change has made those floods more frequent, but as glaciers shrink with warming, the amount of water in the lakes grows, making them more dangerous in those rare situations when dams burst. We had glacier lake outburst floods in the past that have killed many many thousands of people in a single catastrophic flooding event, said study co-author Tom Robinson, a disaster risk scientist at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. And with climate change glaciers are melting so these lakes are getting bigger, potentially getting more unstable. Dan Shugar, a geoscientist at the University of Calgary who wasn't part of the two studies, said much of the threat depends simply on how many people live in a glacial flood zone. In a warming world we certainly expect more and larger glacial lakes, Shugar said in an email. But the threat that these lakes might pose critically depends on where people are living and what their vulnerabilities might be." Robinson said whats different about his study is that its the first to look at the climate, geography, population, vulnerability and all these factors to get a good overview of where in the world is the most dangerous places'' for all 1,089 glacial basins. At the top of the list is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa basin in Pakistan, north of Islamabad. Thats particularly bad, Robinson said. Lots of people and theyre very, very vulnerable because they live in a valley below the lake. The trouble is that scientists are focusing too much attention on the Pakistan, India, China and the Himalayas, often called High Mountain Asia, and somewhat ignoring the Andes, Robinson said. The second and third highest risk basins are in Peru's Santa basin, and Bolivia's Beni basin, the paper said. After the deadly Andes flood in the 1940s that region was sort of a leader in working on glacial flood outburst threats, but in the last decade or so, High Mountain Asia has taken over because of the high population, said University of Dayton geology professor Umesh Haritashya, who wasnt part of the studies. India ranks high in the threat list not so much because of the physical setup but because of a huge number of people downstream. Three lake basins in the United States and Canada rank high for threats, from the Pacific Northwest to Alaska, but arent nearly as high as areas in Asia and the Andes with few people in the danger zone. They are in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula distinct from the Mendenhall glacier near Juneau northeast Washington and west central British Columbia. This ranking is a good checklist for further research, said Oliver Korup of the University of Potsdam in Germany, who co-authored the list of glacial lake outburst floods. ___ Follow APs climate and environment coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment ___ Follow Seth Borenstein on Twitter at @borenbears ___ Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Legislators applaud Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee as he delivers his State of the State Address in the House Chamber, Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Brushing aside calls to tweak one of the strictest abortion bans in the United States, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Monday unveiled plans to funnel tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to anti-abortion centers as he declared the state had a moral obligation to support families. Lee, a Republican, said he wants to create a $100 million grant program for nonprofits commonly known as crisis pregnancy centers." If approved, Tennessee would become one of the top spending states on such organizations known for dissuading people from getting an abortion. However, now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, many Republicans have gone on the defensive about their abortion bans, including by offering to expand government programs aimed at women and families. Lee, for example, is focusing on pregnant mothers and parents on Medicaid and state employees who have newborns. The crisis pregnancy centers Lee is banking on, meanwhile, have shifted to touting that they offer pre-natal prenatal and post-birth classes. The governor made the announcement during his annual State of the State address in front of the Republican-dominated Legislature. The speech outlined his top priorities over the upcoming months, ranging from spending an additional $125 million on teacher pay raises, improving the state's transportation system and efforts to clean up toxic waste on industrial sites. Yet, Lee dedicated a significant amount of time explaining how and why he would support families after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion. Lee has stood firm against inserting exceptions to Tennessee's abortion ban. But the issue has split even top-level Republicans, with House Speaker Cameron Sexton saying the law needs to change. Pro-life is much more than defending the lives of the unborn, Lee said as protesters shouted above him about health care in the gallery. This is not a matter of politics. This is about human dignity. Amid the shouts, Lee quipped civility is not weakness, in a nod to his inauguration speech from two weeks prior where he criticized those who thrive on toxic incivility and divisiveness. The line prompted the loudest standing ovation from Republican lawmakers, cabinet members and other leaders inside the Tennessee House chamber. We can have a healthy debate about the policy specifics, but we can also agree that America is rooted in a commitment to human dignity, Lee later said. There was a significant shift in this country last year when it comes to protecting the lives of the unborn. We now all have an opportunity and a moral obligation to support strong Tennessee families. Lee's comments sparked ire from Democratic lawmakers, who argued the governor was ignoring the concerns of women who no longer have access to abortion services in Tennessee. Its embarrassing that Gov. Bill Lee made a smart (aleck) comment during the state of the state directed at women upset that they no longer are considered equal in this state, Democratic Rep. Gloria Johnson said in a tweet. Dissent is not incivility. Along with creating a $100 million grant fund for crisis pregnancy centers, Lee also proposed expanding paid parental leave for state employees and widening the Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women and parents. His administration also plans to ask the federal government to cover the cost of diapers for Medicaid recipients for two years. If approved, Tennessee will be the first Medicaid program in the nation to implement this kind of support. Thats pro-life. Thats pro-family, Lee said. The governor's speech did not include specific details about the paid parental leave proposal for state employee. Lee initially pitched a similar proposal in 2020, but eventually abandoned the idea after facing skepticism from Republican leaders as the coronavirus outbreak began to hit the state. This year, Lee's second pitch at expanding paid family leave was met with some enthusiasm but his pitch for $100 million for crisis pregnancy centers received much more applause. In 2021, Tennessee lawmakers allocated money for several ultrasound machines to be placed in pregnancy centers. The website of one center includes a disclaimer stating that any information provided is an educational service and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice. An Associated Press tally based on state budget figures reveals that nearly $89 million was allocated to such centers across about a dozen states during the 2021-2022 fiscal year. A decade ago, the annual funding for the programs hovered around $17 million in about eight states. Lee is also on the advisory board for the Hope Clinic for Women, a crisis pregnancy center in Tennessee. China's Tianjin to hold 7th World Intelligence Congress in May Xinhua) 09:34, February 07, 2023 TIANJIN, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- North China's Tianjin Municipality is scheduled to hold the seventh World Intelligence Congress, a major artificial intelligence (AI) event in China, in May, its organizers said on Monday. The conference will focus on the implementation of a national strategy and promote the industrial layout of Tianjin in 12 key industrial chains, according to the Secretariat of the Organizing Committee of the World Intelligence Congress. The event will seek to build a global platform for exchange, cooperation, win-win outcomes and sharing in the field of intelligent technology, it said. Since its inauguration in 2017, the event has offered a platform for scientists, entrepreneurs and economists from home and abroad to discuss the frontier trends of intelligence technology. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A woman suffered severe injuries after she slipped and became trapped under a train in Boston, Massachusetts. Ava Harlow, 20, from Amesbury north of the city, was visiting friends when she was trapped under the Green Line trolley late on 27 January when the train was leaving the BU Central Station, according to CBS News Boston. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) police said that Ms Harlow knocked on the window to tell her friends to get off the train when she lost her footing and fell under it. She was taken to Brigham and Womens Hospital in critical condition after being rescued by firefighters. Ava was intubated on about seven different medications at the intensive care unit and it was still dicey as to whether she could live, father Andrew Harlow told CBS. While shes no longer considered to be in critical condition, the recovery will be tough. She had to have a leg amputated below the knee, with her other leg being broken. The 20-year-olds skull was also fractured, her arm broken, and pelvis crushed, and she required stitches on her face. I want to know who the guy was who tied her tourniquet. I want to know who it was that resuscitated her the first time, then the second time. Im just grateful to the guys, Mr Harlow told CBS. He told the outlet that his daughter is studying law enforcement at Bridgewater State University. Boston Fire shared an image from the rescue effort on Twitter (Twitter / Boston Fire) Richard Sullivan, a spokesman for MBTA Transit Police, told The Boston Herald that the incident took place around 11.30pm on 27 January. Mr Harlow said he was notified of the accident at about 3am the following day. He said he received that dreaded 3am phone call that every parent in the world dreads, as he was notified of the incident by his ex-wife. The MBTA said the accident does not appear to be the result of any mechanical or MBTA employee failure, The Daily News of Newburyport reported. But Mr Harlow told The Boston Herald that he has retained a lawyer and that the incident was preventable. Of the train operator, he said, he could have [seen] that she was banging on the friggin side of the car and not pulled away. Ava Harlow, 20, suffered severe injuries after becoming trapped under a train in Boston (GoFundMe / Ava Harlow Recovery Fund) They have mirrors. They have horns. Theyre supposed to toot the horn before they take off, he said. Two of Ms Harlows friends were unaware that their group had left the train. As the trolley was pulling out of the station, the victim was knocking on the trolley window in an attempt to garner her friends attention, Mr Sullivan told the paper. In doing so, the victim took a step in the direction of travel as the trolley, while still knocking on the trolley window and lost her balance falling under the trolley. On behalf of the Transit Police and the MBTA, we are all praying for the victims health and recovery, he added. Mr Harlow told the paper that she has a long road ahead of her, but shes talking. She knows whats going on, he said, adding that shes a very hard worker ... tough, smart, resilient, and that shell reach her full potential. Mr Harlow said he was numb after the accident. I cant speak for my ex-wife, other than shes completely horrified, and in so much pain and disbelief, he added. Corporate America can't seem to lay off workers fast enough. U.S. employers have already axed north of 100,000 jobs this year according to the latest figures from data firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas out last week. Yet the Labor Department's monthly jobs report Friday indicated hiring remains robust with payrolls rising by more than half a million in January leaving investors wondering what the real signal is. But according to a new note from Savita Subramanian and the equity strategy team at Bank of America Global Research, the current moment marks, "The end of Fed, fiscal, and now corporate stimulus." And this may offer the simplest explanation to investors for a seeming economic contradiction. "The oft-forgotten third component of stimulus during COVID came from corporates, via employee assistance and firing freezes during COVID, which is firmly behind us," Subramanian and her team wrote in a note on Monday. "Corporates are now in belt-tightening mode," the firm wrote. "Even after the spate of Tech layoff announcements, there is likely more to do given that tech saw 20% excess hiring over the past three years." Subramanian's team points out that Big Techs hiring has largely outpaced sales growth, leaving many of the mega-cap giants that have trimmed their workforces in recent months still "bloated," even after reducing headcount. Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), and Facebook parent Meta (META) have each laid off at least 10,000 workers since November, but the ratio of sales growth to headcount remains negative for each of these firms over the last three years, even after recent cuts. Even after the spate of Tech layoff announcements, there is likely more to do given that tech saw 20% excess hiring over the past three years," BofA said. (Source: BofA Global Research) Beyond the technology sector, other industries have employed new standards in order to cut the excesses associated with this period of corporate stimulus. In the financial industry, for example, Goldman Sachs reinstated annual performance reviews paused during the pandemic, a strategy that had historically served to weed out laggard bankers. The firm later slowed hiring before eventually laying off 6% of its workforce last month. Despite these moves, Goldman's latest quarterly filing still showed the company allotted more for expenses specifically for compensation costs indicating further cuts to its workforce may be necessary. In a separate report out Monday, the economics team at Goldman Sachs indicated there are three characteristics shared by the big name companies that have recently announced large numbers of layoffs: many are in the technology sector, many hired aggressively during the pandemic with headcount growing an average 41% and many have seen more sizable declines in their stock prices, which have fallen an average 43% from their peaks. A person walks past Microsoft signage at the headquarters in Redmond, Washington, U.S., January 18, 2023. REUTERS/Matt Mills McKnight "These characteristics suggest that the companies conducting layoffs are not representative of the broader economy and that many of the recent layoff announcements do not necessarily signal a weaker demand picture that might have wider implications," Goldmans chief economist Jan Hiatzus and his team said in the note. "Consistent with this, our more representative real-time estimate of the layoff rate has increased recently but only back to its pre-pandemic rate, which was low by historical standards." Alexandra Semenova is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @alexandraandnyc Click here for the latest trending stock tickers of the Yahoo Finance platform Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Download the Yahoo Finance app for Apple or Android Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and YouTube remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. On February 7, President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan had a telephone conversation with His Holiness Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Presidents Office of Artsakh. The Head of the State presented to the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia the humanitarian and socio-economic crisis developed in the republic as a result of almost two-months-long blockade of the Lachine Corridor by Azerbaijan, and specified the steps that are being taken by the Artsakh authorities to overcome the situation. President Harutyunyan spoke with great pain and regret about the earthquake that happened in Syria, inquired His Holiness about the well-being of the local Armenian community, and conveyed the support of the Artsakh Armenians to the Armenian families affected by the natural calamity. His Holiness voiced his support to the people of Artsakh, emphasized that apart from daily prayers, the Catholicosate continues to make efforts to support Artsakh Armenians. Aram I expressed his confidence that only with unbreakable will and unwavering unity will it be possible to overcome the challenges and prevent the humanitarian disaster. This was also the first time when Chin Region witnessed a drone strike which earlier happened in Sagaing region of Myanmar Chin National Army (CNA) and Chinland Defence Force (CDF), the two insurgent outfits, dropped three bombs using a drone at a village near Thantlang. (Representational Photo:AFP) Kolkata: A drone-propelled aerial bomb strike by the Myanmar-based ethnic armed groups (EAG) on a post of their country's Army close to the Indian border along Mizoram has raised fresh security concerns in the defense establishment. At around 9.30 am on February 3, Chin National Army (CNA) and Chinland Defence Force (CDF), the two insurgent outfits, dropped three bombs using a drone at a village near Thantlang which is the southernmost edge of Chin state in Myanmar, according to sources. Their target was a company post of the Myanmar Army on a mountainous terrain at Thantlang. Though no casualty was reported so far, the proximity of the spot to the Indian border under the Eastern Command turned out to be barely 10-15 kms. Army sources pointed out that this was also the first time when Chin Region witnessed a drone strike which earlier happened in Sagaing region of Myanmar on December 25 and 28. The latest attack, which unfolded a day after martial law was imposed in seven township in Chin state on February 2, showed how the CNA and CDF stepped up their offensive against the Myanmar Army within 48 hours in an ongoing conflict. Army officials suspect how the EAGs are getting access to niche technologies, which are in use for some time in other parts of the world, but are yet to find a way in the ongoing Myanmar crisis. They feel that the developments in the neighboring country need careful monitoring with appropriate measures. The civil war has intensified in Myanmar as its army carried out air and artillery strikes on the EAGs on November 9 and 14, December 27 and January 11 while the EAGs retaliating on the military on November 22 and December 22 and 27. The major campaign plank for the ruling party is 'development; and the 'advancement of Karnataka' in various sectors. Bengaluru: BJP heavyweights ranging from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh, along with Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, virtually painted the state saffron on Monday by launching multiple projects and stepping on the campaign theme of vikas, or development. This is incidentally the seventh visit of the Prime Minister to this poll-bound state. Sources said Modi may increase the frequency of his visits as the elections draw closer. Frequent visits by the PM and the BJPs top leadership has made it quite evident that the BJP is now determined to go full steam ahead in the high-stakes Karnataka polls, due in April-May this year. Besides the visits, both Bommai and his mentor, B.S. Yediyurappa, have joined forces to enable the party to return to power. The major campaign plank for the ruling party is development and the advancement of Karnataka in various sectors. The Prime Minister, while inaugurating the India Energy Week 2023, spoke of youth power and reminded everyone that this was the first major energy event as India moves towards hosting the G-20 summit. Chief minister Bommai said Karnataka is in first place for manufacturing nearly 50 per cent of the countrys total renewable energy. The Prime Minister also exhorted global investors and stakeholders to invest in India. Today India is the most suitable place for your investment, he asserted. The chief minister said that Karnataka has emerged as the highest renewable energy manufacturer in India. Later, while speaking at the function after the dedication of the Helicopter Manufacturing Facility of HAL at Bidare Kaval in Gubbi taluk of Tumakuru district, which will be one of the biggest such units in Asia, the Prime Minister pointed out that under Made in India defence exports of the country had increased by manifolds after 2014 and also investments in aerospace had increased by five times when compared to the period before 2014. Im happy that defence weapons are now made in the country such as assault rifles, tanks, aircraft, helicopters, and fighter jets, among others, the PM said. To his political critics, Modi said: It is this HAL which is now making progress in the defence sector, and exuded confidence that the helicopter factory of HAL in Tumakuru would do about Rs 4 lakh crores in business in the coming days and help provide employment and also help small businesses thrive. HALs helicopter factory -- known as the Greenfield Helicopter Factory -- is Indias largest helicopter manufacturing facility. Prime Minister Modi referred to the charges against HAL by political leaders and termed the charges as false. He said many top leaders had levelled false charges against HAL and stalled Parliament for hours. Now, Mr Modi said, the truth is speaking for itself and went on to laud HAL for making the modern Tejas fighter jets. Thanking Prime Minister Modi for holding India Energy Week-2023 in Bengaluru, the CM said Mr Modi brought revolutionary changes in the field of energy. Besides inaugurating Energy Week and opening the HAL unit, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stones of the industrial township and Jeevan Mission projects in Tumakuru. The development of the Tumakuru industrial township across 8,484 acres in three phases has been taken up as part of the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. Flight safety reigns supreme in any aviation enterprise With Aero India 2023, Asias biggest air show, to be-gin at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 13, a brief focus on flight safety in the Indian Air Force is necessary. A few major flight safety failures, resulting in fatal accidents, need to be revisited with all seriousness as each mishap is a tragedy and colossal loss to the nation: men, material and monetary. March 2014 saw the crash of a brand-new Lockheed Hercules C-130J between Agra and Gwalior, killing all aboard. In July 2016, an AN-32 flying from Chennai to Port Blair fell into the Bay of Bengal, with no survivors. In June 2019, another AN-32 crashed in Arunachal Pradesh, killing all on board. In December 2021 a Mi-17V5 helicopter crashed in Coonoor on its way to Wellington, killing Indias highest-ranked serving general along with his entire entourage. And now, on January 28, 2023, a mid-air collision of a Sukhoi-30 MKI and a Mirage-2000 killed one pilot and critically injured two others. Much more surely needs to be done on the safety aspects as global manufacturers and merchants of flying machines showcase products for sale and export to India at the Aero India show. As flight safety reigns supreme in any aviation enterprise, one needs to tread with caution and care to examine the offers of traders and techies. Thus, the profile of all combat aviation comes to the fore through the full spectrum of the US-made Boeing F-15 and F-18; Lockheed Martin F-16 and F-35 fighters and the B-1B Rockwell bomber. Do we get a glimpse of the machines? The original manufactured General Dynamics (later Lockheed) F-16 multi-role fighter reportedly is being offered to India with full tech transfer for local production, use and export. Though this sounds good in theory, India may do better to avoid this single-engine fighter of 1972 vintage despite its 4,600-plus worldwide sales. Its too late in the day. Regarding the twin-engine Boeing F-15, theres little India can do because of the sheer high unit cost of the 1980s craft being $100 million-plus, as noted by Janes All the Worlds Aircraft. That brings us to yet another two-engine F-18 naval version, which was offered to India. The point is: when India is on the cusp of making its own indigenous craft for the Navys home-made aircraft-carrier, will it be prudent to abort the take off of a local make operating from the deck? Lockheed Martins latest, state-of-the-art US fighter, the F-35, however, faces rough times. Being supremely sophisticated, this single-engine craft costs between $90 million and 125 million apiece. Its teething problems also appear endless. Apart from several mishaps in the recent past, what became extremely serious is the December 2022 crash-landing of an F-35 at Fort Worth, Texas, resulting in grounding of the entire fleet. The consequences of the crash turned dramatic because Pratt and Whitney too stopped delivery of the engines until further information from the investigation is known and safety of flights can be ensured. Ironically, earlier too, the F-35 faced turbulence just before its July 2014 Farnborough, UK, international debut. The proposed programme had to be cancelled owing to a catastrophic engine failure at Eglin Air Force Base (US) on June 23, followed in early July by imposition of a fleet-wide grounding order. However, these mishaps havent stopped the F-35 from being used and ordered, as Canada has just finalised an agreement to purchase 88 F-35 fighters for $85 million apiece. Thus, the F-35 today is used by Japan, South Korea, Australia, Norway, Britain, Italy, Denmark, Netherlands, Canada and the US. For India, though, one sees no possibility of going for it even if its offered owing to intrinsically complicated and complex technical, financial, operational, maintenance, logistics and spares in the South Asian ambience. Another interesting Aero India entry is that of Rockwell Internationals B-1B Lancer strategic bomber, famously ordered by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Though no longer on production line, this four-engine bomber has acquired a maritime role for long range anti-ship missile being worked out by the US Defence Advanced Research Project Agency, akin to Indias DRDO. The US Air Force being its solitary user, can any of these old/used 64 operational aircraft fit Indias requirement? No. That said, Indias choices and options today arent as wide as one might wish. Every air show is about trade and commerce. Its the conventional way to impress the host nation and other participants, nudging them to explore the possibility of acquiring ready-made craft off the shelf. For India, that is a constant challenge. To import the best and the latest or try to indigenise as much as possible? True, no country (even the US, which has extensive aircraft design and development tie-ups with Communist China) today can claim 100 per cent self-sufficiency due to globalised outsourcing, yet for New Delhi, the reality is that the IAF has never had a US fighter in its inventory. Its always been a European product (British or French), Russian or the multi-national SEPECAT Jaguar. Therefore, simply put, India must today demand technology transfer and not import of ready-made machines. The latest technology is required for fighter engines, landing gear, systems, avionics and controls. The interfacing of tech with the fuselage must be done by India, in India. Any agreement or contract must be on manufacture of the systems which are absolutely essential for making an Indian enterprise state of the art. Anyone who comes here must be told in clear terms that this is non-negotiable. Else, India will continue to remain import-dependent. Contextually, a bizarre situation of 1986 still rankles in the mind. Media reports suggested that the US was persuading India to import the Northrop Corporations new F-20 Tiger-shark fighter through Foreign Military Sales. Those were the days of archaic info systems, so little was known. Fortunately, someone in the Indian government alerted a bright IFS officer in the PMO that the F-20 was a failed machine as two of three prototypes had crashed first in South Korea and then in Paris. Even the US Air Force had not gone for it, and had in fact severely criticised both the machine and its maker. Times, however, have changed. Nonetheless, the propensity to jump for the glittering fighters and reluctance to look beyond the shining brochure and handbook produced for an air show must be avoided. Aviation is a multi-billion-dollar business, and every life matters. Flight safety must come first. The recent crash of a civil aircraft in Nepal and the loss of two IAF fighters on the same day in Gwalior should not be forgotten and any bid to make a deal or contract in a hurry must be avoided. The writer is a life member of the Aeronautical Society of India and an alumnus of the National Defence College. He is also an advocate practising in the Supreme Court. by Shafique Khokhar Hoorab Masih went missing in late December. She was found a few days later in a women's shelter, but then went missing again, despite the efforts of the local police chief. Her widowed father works as a day labourer and has to take care of four young children alone. Faisalabad (AsiaNews) A 12-year-old Christian girl named Hoorab Masih was abducted and converted to Islam by a Muslim shopkeeper in Chak 7, a village near Faisalabad, in the province of Punjab. The girls father, Basharat, works as a day labourer (despite suffering from asthma and having a fractured arm) in order to support himself and his four children without his wife, who died six years ago. When her father is absent, Hoorab is tasked with buying groceries for her younger siblings, but on 28 December, she didnt come. Suspicions immediately fell on the shop owner, Mohammad Mustafa, who was arrested by the police and began to cooperate, and on his assistant, Mohammad Usman. When Hoorabs youngest sister, Salaika, did not see Hoorab return, she went out to look for her in the village and several residents told her that they had seen her together with Usman. As Mustafa confirmed later, Usman had enticed the little girl by telling her that he would buy her a new dress at the bazaar. The next day Basharat Masih immediately went to file a complaint with the police in Nishatabad. On 30 December, Mustafa was arrested and after a couple of hours Hoorab was located at the dar-ul-Aman shelter for battered and abused women. According to the police, she had been converted to Islam. Still, after more than a month, she was still missing, while Mustafa was released on bail. According to the father, police officers may have received money from the two Muslim shopkeepers. A year ago I warned Mohammad Mustafa to leave Christian girls alone after he tried to take advantage of one of them in his shop. I think he took revenge on me. For Basharat, The police station chief is cooperative, but investigative officer Rana Ahad seems to be reluctant. I think he took money from the families of Mustafa and Usman, and therefore is not doing a proper investigation. Speaking about his situation, Hoorabs father said that he was "forced to take out a loan to pursue this case" even though he is a poor labourer who has the responsibility of four young children". Every day he goes to the police station to ask for news of his daughter, to no avail. I asked politicians and law enforcement to listen to me: my daughter is only 12 years old, she is innocent. Please give us justice. Robin Daniel, a well-known human rights defender, is dealing with the case, We don't know when this chain of abductions and conversions to Islam of underage girls will stop, he told AsiaNews, but we will continue to make our voices heard. At least, The positive thing is that the head of the police station, Mohammad Shoaib, phoned me a couple of days ago, informing me of the case and asking me to help the family. I met with provincial parliamentarian Khalil Tahir Sandhu, who is helping us. The government must take tough action against the culprits. It's really pathetic that it's been over a month and the police haven't been able to find Usman and Hoorab. We don't even know if she's still alive, Daniel laments. It seems that the police investigation team is not doing its duty honestly. If the police do not bring us back Hoorab as soon as possible, we will mobilise to protest. Today's headlines: Death toll from quake in Turkey and Syria reaches 5,000; Taiwan will create a fleet of military drones to oppose China; The Philippines strengthens its naval presence in the South China Sea; Opposition in India calls for investigation into giant Adani's financial collapse; Russia: Orthodox priest suspended by Patriarch Kirill for calling for peace in Ukraine. NORTH KOREA Pyongyang registered a record number of cryptocurrency thefts in 2022, according to a UN report. Hackers linked to Kim Jong-un's regime allegedly seized virtual assets worth between 0 million and billion. TURKEY-SYRIA The death toll rises to almost 4,900 from the devastating earthquakes that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria yesterday. For the time being, most of them are Turkish victims (3,380). The international aid machine is activated. Israel also willing to lend support to Syrian opponents. TAIWAN-CHINA Taipei is working on building a fleet of military drones by next year. The domestically produced unmanned aircraft will be used in defence against possible Chinese aggression. The effectiveness of their use in a conflict against a better armed adversary became apparent during the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. PHILIPPINES The Philippine Coast Guard has strengthened its presence in the South China Sea by increasing the number of ships and aerial overflights. The vast stretch of sea is claimed almost 90% by China, a position rejected by Manila and other governments in the region. INDIA Opposition parties to the Modi government organised a protest in Delhi yesterday to demand an investigation into the financial collapse of the Adani group. Since 24 January, when a report was published accusing it of illegal practices, the Indian conglomerate has lost 0 billion in stock market value. RUSSIA Patriarch Kirill personally suspended a priest from the Church of Andrew Protoclitus in Ljublin, on the outskirts of Moscow, a divinis. Father Ioann Koval punished because in the recitation of the patriotic litanies' he replaced the word 'victory' with 'peace'. KAZAKHSTAN-UKRAINE Kazakh volunteers are collecting yurts (nomad tents), trunks, generators and other materials to send to Ukraine to those who have lost their homes or housing services. The gesture underlines the distancing of the entire Kazakh society from Russia's aggression in Ukraine. by Nirmala Carvalho Indias highest court ruled in a case involving a Muslim man attacked for his religion in Uttar Pradesh in which police failed to act. On Sunday, at a gathering of Hindutva groups at New Delhis Jantar Mantar, a Hindu cleric called for the killing of Christians and Muslims. Fr Mathew wonders whether right-wing governments will listen. New Delhi (AsiaNews) The Supreme Court of India yesterday ruled that the state cannot remain indifferent to crimes fuelled by religious hatred. [I]f it is a hate crime, we have to face it frontally and take swift action, the court said. Action of every state officer augments respect for the law. The courts ruling came as a result of a case filed by a 62-year-old Muslim man who said that he was assaulted and mistreated because of his religion in Noida in 2021. In his complaint, he noted that the Uttar Pradesh police did not intervene. The latter made its First Information Report (FIR) only on 15 January 2023, almost a year and a half after the incident (4 July 2021), and only after the Supreme Court directed the State of Uttar Pradesh to present a case diary for the upcoming hearing on 3 March. Hate speech is a very serious issue in India, said Fr Anand Mathew, coordinator of Sajha Sanskriti Manch, a Uttar Pradesh-based social advocacy alliance, speaking to AsiaNews. Politicians and religious leaders are openly making hate speeches full of venom and these are pushing people to indulge in violence, he explained. But the pertinent question is, will right-wing governments heed the honourable justices and take serious steps to curb hate speeches? Hate crimes in India have increased in frequency and intensity and touch Christians as well. In a recent case, a Hindu cleric spoke at the Jantar Mantar complex in New Delhi to groups linked to Hindutva, urging the crowd to kill Christians and Muslims Similarly, fanatics armed with sticks and iron bars recently vandalised the Church of the Sacred Heart in Narayanpur, a district in Chhattisgarh State. More than a thousand tribal Christians were also driven from their homes in villages near Narayanpur. The state's apathy in dealing with these dangerous incidents is a sad comment on its negligence in bringing equity and justice to society. In a decent society, legal action is brought against anyone who flouts the law, Babu Joseph told AsiaNews. For the Verbite clergyman, who is a former spokesman for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, in India in too many cases, lawbreakers are let go and even honoured for a variety of reasons. Hate speech is such, regardless of who utters it. The municipality of the holy city has ordered payment totalling 5 million. Papers and accounts frozen until payment is made. The node of places of worship and ecclesiastical realities that should be exempted. The director explains: "A long-standing issue" that comes up "every time the government or local administration changes". Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - A new front has opened up in the age-old issue of taxes on Christian property in the Holy Land, long the focus unresolved talks between Israel and the Vatican: yesterday the municipality of Jerusalem ordered the payment of taxes to the (pontifical) Notre Dame Institute of Jerusalem, for a total value of about 5 million euro. The administration of the holy city also decided to show its strength by ordering the freezing of the institution's bank accounts until the fee is paid. In Israel, places of worship and monasteries are exempt from paying levies and property taxes. However, in recent years, the government and local administrations have equated some ecclesiastical realities that offer board and lodging, especially to pilgrims, to real commercial activities such as hotels, bars and restaurants. This dispute has seen phases of deep tension, culminating on 25 February 2018 in the decision by Armenian Patriarch Manougian, Greek Orthodox Theophilos III and the Custodian of the Holy Land Friar Francis Patton to close the sanctuary of the Holy Sepulchre. This was the result of a draft law on the expropriation of land belonging to Churches and the request of the then mayor to pay years of taxes, in contravention of status quo agreements. Yousef Barakat, head of the institute, which includes a church and a guest-house, explains that just before Christmas, the Jerusalem municipality wrote to Visa and Isracard, requesting a freeze on Notre Dame's funds. "This is a political issue that should be solved between Israel and the Vatican," he denounces to The Times of Israel, "that occurs every time [in Israel] there is a new government or [in Jerusalem] a new mayor. Fuelling the controversy is the complaint of hotels and guesthouses in the area that speak of unfair competition from the institute, which, not having to pay taxes, has fewer expenses and offers more competitive prices. Hence the hoteliers' threat to appeal to the Supreme Court, considering this as well as many other places owned by the Church as commercial activities for all intents and purposes and that, for this reason, they should not benefit from the exemption reserved for places "for prayer, religious instruction or the needs deriving therefrom" as the exemption provides. The Jerusalem administration also intervened on the matter in an official note. "The hotel operates like any other business in the city. The measure [of freezing the accounts] was taken after the hotel avoided settling the dispute with the municipality for years, despite repeated requests," reads the document released by Kan, the national public broadcaster. The new front of confrontation comes at a time of already deep tension due to targeted raids by radical groups against Christians, the latest of which last week targeted the Church of the Flagellation in Jerusalem. At the beginning of the year, Jewish extremists had desecrated a Christian cemetery on Mount Zion, and before that they had hit several other targets, including the church near the Cenacle, the Basilica of Nazareth, and Catholic and Greek Orthodox buildings. by Vladimir Rozansky The Russian religious authorities are aiming to reconcile Tatar identity with national orthodoxy to dampen latent separatist urges. The 'Ukraine' factor. The Tatar conference seems to be a "special spiritual operation" in Crimea and Tatarstan. Moscow (AsiaNews) - The 8th Orthodox Conference on the "Mission among Turkic-speaking peoples" was held in Moscow, described by various commentators as an "assembly of Orthodox Tatars loyal to the Kremlin", writes Idel.Realii observer Kharun Sidorov, a Tatar activist and jurist who emigrated to the Czech Republic. There were hardly any Tatar speakers at the conference, underlining the propagandistic nature of the initiative. The religious aspect was in fact secondary, although the possibility of ethnic Tatars converting to Orthodoxy, although guaranteed by the Russian Constitution, appears to be a poor proselytising initiative. Rather, the topic was the possibility of reconciling Tatar identity with Russian Orthodoxy, for a verification of the roots of ethnic patriotism against the backdrop of latent separatist urges. The conference was organised by the Missionary Department of the Moscow Patriarchate, under the chairmanship of Archbishop Kallistrat (Romanenko), head of the Siberian eparchy of Gornoaltaj, and animated by Deacon Konstantin Gavlo and laywoman Dinara Bukharova (see photo), the only ethnic Tatar. The 'Tatar Orthodox' group has officially met for seven years, but remains in the hands of ethnic Russian clergymen. Kallistrat himself is a Moscow bishop leading an ethnically Mongolian territory, and represents the traditional model of 'Orthodox colonisation' of Asian peoples on the territory of the Russian Federation. The conference was opened by the greeting of the Metropolitan of Kazan, capital of Tatarstan, Kirill (Nakonecnyj), read by his secretary, the hieromonk Kirill (Korytko). A paradoxical concept resonated in the text, according to which the parallel group of 'Russian Muslims', organised in the 'Norm' association, must always be reported in inverted commas, both because 'a Russian cannot be a Muslim', and because almost only people with Ukrainian surnames head this formation. Moreover, even the speakers at the Orthodox conference were almost all of Ukrainian origin, as is often the case at gatherings of the Russian Church, which has its broadest and deepest roots in Ukraine. This suggests, says Sidorov, that 'although in the ideology of the 'Russian World' Ukrainians and Russians are one people, on this occasion it seemed that Ukrainians were related to Turks'. Among the participants were the vice-president of the National Congress of Tatars, Aleksandr Sokurov, and the leader of a fictional 'Community of Tatars, Bashkars, Kazakhs and other Turkic-speaking peoples' of the Orthodox eparchy of Buzuluk, Oleg Bykov, also of Ukrainian-Russian origin. These and similar speakers emphasised the importance of preserving the original Tatar names at the Orthodox baptism, as protoierej Maksim Obukhov argued: 'Ildar should be baptised as Ildar, and Mukhamed as Mukhamed, one cannot deny the newly baptised the right to keep the name given to them by their parents'. Yet the few ethnic Tatar conference participants all had their names Russified. Bukharova herself addressed her Tatar compatriots, urging them to 'preserve the traditions of our fathers even in the Orthodox variant, calling Jesus Christ by the Turkish name Gaysja Mjasikha, without taking off the "tjubetejka", the Muslim headdress, even if you wear the cross'. No tjubetejka was noticeable among those present at the conference. Bukharova also supported the idea of celebrating the Orthodox liturgies in the Tatar language, to "pray to the Lord in one's own language", an element excluded from the Church's own doctrine, which rigidly maintains Slavonic-Ecclesiastical in the celebrations, without making room for Russian. As Sidorov observes, alongside the absence of ethnic Tatar personalities, the abundance of the 'imperial hawks' of Russian Orthodoxy, such as the well-known priest Andrej Tkacev and the head of the Union of Orthodox Citizens, Kirill Frolov, was noticeable at the conference, one of the propagandists since the 1990s of the 'deconstruction of Ukraine in the Russian World', dividing it into the two regions of 'Novorossija' and 'Malorossija', so much so that the Tatar conference is actually a 'special spiritual operation' in Crimea and Tatarstan. The diocese of Nanjing mourns the death of a 104-year-old nun. Already in 1945, before the advent of the Communists, she had taken vows for the Daughters of Charity. Sent to work in the factory during the Cultural Revolution, she said of that very hard time: "I never lost hope because I had faith in God". It was only at the age of 64 that she was able to return to her ministry in the city of Wuxi. In 2000, she had the joy of meeting John Paul II in Rome. Nanjing (AsiaNews) - Nearly eighty years of religious life lived through even the most difficult times for Catholics in China. This is the story of Sr. Jiang Lihua, a religious sister who died yesterday in the Chinese province of Yangsu. Born on 29 December 1918, she was 104 years old when she died (calculated as 106 according to the Oriental count, based on lunar birthdays). Born into a Catholic family for generations, she joined the congregation of the Daughters of Charity in Shanghai in the 1940s and took her first vows in 1945. She was therefore one of the faces - by now increasingly rare in China - of that generation of priests and nuns formed before Mao's Communist Revolution and who, after the expulsion of all foreign missionaries, found themselves having to live the test of fidelity to their vocation in the new context that had been created from the 1950s onwards. Sr. Jiang had told her story personally a few years ago in an interview and in a video published by the UcaNews agency, during a stay in Hong Kong. The elderly nun - already then on the threshold of one hundred years of age - recalled the harshest years, those of the Cultural Revolution, when in the ideological fury of 1966 she too was sent back by the Red Guards to her home village in Yangsu. Even some of her relatives, she recounted, viewed her with suspicion because she had been a nun. She was sent to work in a food factory. "Life was worthless in those days," she recalled. "No one paid any regard to you. "Someone told me to get married but my sister did not agree. I did not want it too. I believe God would arrange everything for me." Her strength in those years was fidelity to prayer: "I did not recite the prayers in front of others," she still recalled, "but deep in my heart, without texts but from memory, I asked God's help not to be tempted to fall and to have the possibility of returning to my congregation. I never lost hope because I had faith in God." That wish could come true with the first openings of the 1980s: it was then that Sr Jiang, then 64, was able to return to work for the Church in the city of Wuxi in the diocese of Nanjing. And she continued to faithfully carry out her ministry there ever since. Of those early years, she recalled in the interview with UcaNews the challenge was to return to transmitting the faith: "Every summer we organised catechism and Bible study courses for children, with about 200 participants." On the occasion of the Jubilee of 2000, thanks to a special permit, she was able to travel to France to the mother house of the Sisters of Charity. During that trip, she also went on pilgrimage to Rome and had the opportunity to meet John Paul II personally. On her return to China, however, she had kept the photograph of that meeting hidden for some time, for fear of possible sanctions by the local authorities. In 2016, reflecting on her ministry she said: "I cannot make any difference to the world at this age but I believe that God has his own plan for the Catholic Church in China." by Dario Salvi Faced with the emergency, Caritas responded quickly providing aid to everyone, Catholics and Orthodox, Christians and Muslims, Turks and migrants. Everything is needed, from food to spiritual comfort and human support even among the refugees, said the vicar of Anatolia. For the bishop of Aleppo, the tragedy could be an opportunity for Ankara and Damascus to reflect about peace and working together. Milan (AsiaNews) The emergency caused by the TurkeySyria earthquake makes no difference for people, be they Christians or Muslims, Turks or Syrians, Afghan, Iraqi or Iranian refugees. For John Farhad Sadredin, director of Caritas Anatolia, at present, no distinctions are made, we try to help everyone. For a few hours, the head of the Catholic charity was snowed in, stuck in central Turkey, trying to reach Iskenderun (Alexandretta) "where I will meet the vice governor" to coordinate aid "with local authorities, he said speaking with AsiaNews. We need everyones full collaboration" and lots of aid because the needs are huge. The priority is to provide hot meals, blankets, shelter. We have ordered powdered milk and diapers for small and sick children. The aid is available to anyone. In the parish, we already shelter and give hot meals to 70 people Catholics, Orthodox, Muslims because with the tragedy divisions are put aside. The devastating earthquake could affect up to 23 million people, this according to the World Health Organisation. The death toll now stands at around 5,000, about 3,900 in Turkey alone, but this is still far from the real extent of the tragedy. Meanwhile, the ground continues to shake as aftershocks continue. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally took charge of the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD),[*] dispatching the agriculture minister to Adana where he was met by protesters who complained about delays in rescue operations and corruption and malfeasance in connection of recently built buildings that collapsed. News media have also started to report allegations that Turkish police arrested four people for criticising slow rescue efforts on social media. Church aid The devastating earthquake in Anatolia with its more than 240 aftershocks (one of them of magnitude 7.5) was felt in several countries in the region, including Lebanon and Israel, but it is in Syria that it has caused the most damage after Turkey. Hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees live in the area affected by the quake, after they fled their homes during the civil war that has torn the Arab country since the spring of 2011. At the time, out of Islamic solidarity many Turks and President Erdogan welcomed 3.6 million Syrians, more than any other country in the world; now, however, Turkish authorities want them to go home because they have become a burden to a country that is struggling economically. "Yesterday Christian families were rescued in Iskenderun, John Farhad Sadredin said, but two Christians died in Antakya (Antioch), one of them a sacristan in Adana, who was visiting the city and was buried in the rubble. Numbers aside, we must provide assistance, psychological included. The two countries, which were divided by years of conflict, now face the same tragedy. Bishop Paolo Bizzeti, vicar of Anatolia, agrees. Let us hope that this earthquake can be an opportunity for renewed solidarity, going beyond past divisions and sufferings. The prelate is currently coordinating aid from Italy while waiting to return to Turkey. A strong explosion was reported this morning in Iskenderun, perhaps a chemical factory, with probably a toxic cloud covering the city, he said. Now we fear a series of terrible side effects, and the situation is getting worse. At the bishops residence, we took in anywhere between 50 and 70 people left homeless. For the prelate, the Church is trying to draw a "map of the situation. To this end, a meeting of Caritas Turkey is scheduled today to see how to organise the work, starting with essential fundraising. For this reason, I gave precise instructions in a press release (in Italian). "Everything is needed, from food to spiritual comfort and human support even among the refugees themselves, Bishop Bizzeti said. Some families whom we have followed for years via various projects have had several deaths, children included; others are under the rubble. Refugees are the poorest of the poor. The situation is evolving and we are far from knowing the true extent of the tragedy. John Farhad Sadredin from Caritas knows this all too well. We have always helped everyone: Syrians, Afghans, Iraqis, Iranians. In Gaziantep we had four projects for women, especially widows who are often alone at home without means. Yesterday we found out that five of them died under the rubble. In Cappadocia we had a soup kitchen for Afghan families, with bread, yogurt, jam and pickled vegetables made by women. In Iskenderun, "400 blankets should arrive. Many young people from different cities are coming to help in the emergency. But it is essential to coordinate interventions; for this reason, Caritas Internationalis will meet delegations from Italy and the United States are expected to arrive tomorrow. For Giulia Longo, programme manager at Caritas Turkey, field experience, coordination (also with local authorities), and willingness to listen are needed in this phase of the emergency. One goal is "to reach even those who have been forgotten, to be present among the refugees. The earthquake is not only a natural disaster, but touches migration as well. Many of our pre-earthquake projects in Gaziantep were dedicated to refugee women, microcredit, winter garment making. ... One of them died under the rubble. We also need counselling services because almost everyone knows someone who died in the earthquake, and places where, in light of the shared tragedy, Turks and immigrants can meet. Recently, the two groups hardly got along or accepted it each. We need to coordinate things (with the authorities) and find some balance, reaching out to others focusing on needs. The tragedy of Syrian refugees Displaced persons and internal refugees can be found in great numbers in border provinces like Kahramanmaras and Gaziantep. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has an office in the latter. Syrians who fled the war began arriving in early 2011, and in 2016 Turkey built three centres setting up disused containers to house them. The one in Kahramanmaras can accommodate up to 25,000 people, but was supposed to be temporary until a final solution was found. Gaziantep is home to about two million people, one quarter of them refugees. Soap makers have moved their production from Aleppo to the Turkish city.. International agencies, advocacy groups and Church organisations are well aware that the earthquake struck a region where millions of people were already suffering from a devastating humanitarian crisis. Even before the quake, efforts aimed at distributing aid were complicated if not blocked by military priorities, first of all, Turkeys buffer zone against alleged Kurdish threats. To do this, President Erdogan repeatedly announced that a massive ground operation was in the offing across the border, in Syrian territory, fuelling tensions with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad. Only in recent weeks did rumours of possible talks between Ankara and Damascus helped ease the situation. After 12 years of wars, violence, and poverty, we now have perhaps reached the end point of all these misfortunes. Nature itself rebelled and attacked, said Chaldean Bishop Antoine Audo of Aleppo. I have been presently impressed by many Muslims who are experiencing this event as a mystery, trying to accept Gods will in a spirit of obedience. "In all the years I have experienced the tragedy of war, economic crisis, Covid, I have tried to work for peace, but with this earthquake, like many others, I have really seen death with my own eyes, a unique, tragic experience. "Now is the time to act and try to help. A meeting is scheduled with all local Catholic bishops, to provide blankets and food, to allow people to regain the strength and confidence to return home and rebuild. Aleppo is again at the centre of international news. After being the epicentre of the war for years, with death and destruction, it was largely forgotten. But war and earthquake have hit other places as well, including the whole of north-western Syria, where jihadi and rebel groups are still in control, where international NGOs are largely absent, and it is harder to determine the full impact of the quake. The Syrian Civil Defence operates in rebel-held areas. Also known as the White Helmets, the group yesterday twitted that the area where they work is devastated, in need of international aid, with more than 700 dead and more than 2,000 injured, a number that is rising all the time. Rescuers are still digging through the rubble, pulling out bodies from collapsed buildings. Case in point is a residential complex of 140 flats completely flattened in Besnaya, a village in the north-western part of the province of Idlib, near the Turkish border. Bishop Audo added: In front of us we have a mosque, which has suffered heavy damage. We want to pay them an official visit, to present our condolences and provide some help. This earthquake will test everyone. For Syria and Turkey, this trying period can become an opportunity to go beyond [the current crisis] and reflect about peace and working together, to think about the many victims among refugees, to find ways to break down walls and have an impact on society and governments. GATEWAY TO THE EAST IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO MIDDLE EAST. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY TUESDAY VIA E-MAIL? SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER HERE. [*] Afet ve Acil Durum Yonetimi Baskanlg. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Colorado Community College Hosts SkillsUSA Competition in Collision Repair Published Feb. 7, 2023 Aims Community College hosted a SkillsUSA regional competition on Feb. 2 at the Automotive & Technology Center on its Windsor, CO, campus. Nineteen students from Aims and Morgan Community College participated in this competition. Professionals from Denver, Cheyenne, WY, and northern Colorado were on hand to judge the students work and proficiency in various aspects of automotive refinishing technology. The judges are people out in the shops every day, said Mike Hanscome, an Aims automotive instructor and advisor for the SkillsUSA team at Aims. In addition to getting feedback from industry pros, networking with potential employers is probably the biggest thing that the students get out of it, Hanscome said. SkillsUSA is also beneficial to instructors to see how students perform under pressure, since participants must complete each task in one hour or less. Being able to put them in this situation is about the closest that we can do stress level-wise other than putting them in a shop, Hanscome said. So it shows us as far as instructors, what they retained as far as information, how well they put that retention to work and how well they critically think their way through a stressful situation. The top finishers in each category will compete in the Colorado State Leadership and Skills Conference, April 3-5 in Pueblo, CO. Winners of the statewide contest move to the national competition that will be held June 19-23 in Atlanta. The Aims students moving on to state include: Post-Secondary Refinishing First place: Kayleigh Kerr Second place: Danielle Wilson Secondary Refinishing First place: Jesus Conejo Post-Secondary Damage Appraisal First place: Jesse Manuel Secondary Damage Appraisal First place: Mario Saenz Post-Secondary Collision Repair First place: Darion Cordova Source: Aims Community College Wyoming, U.S. Government Clashing Over EV Infrastructure Placement Written by William Johnson, Teslarati Published Feb. 7, 2023 The State of Wyoming and the federal government are arguing over where the state should place EV infrastructure. Despite the news in January that Wyoming was considering banning EVs, Wyoming may be far less anti-EV than one would think. According to EnergyWire, the state is staunchly in support of placing EV infrastructure. However, the federal government denied its proposed location for chargers. The directive set by the Biden Administration was clear---EV chargers should be placed every 50 miles along U.S. interstates, ensuring Americans are never too far from a charger for their vehicle. This sounds like a good idea, but representatives in the Wyoming State Legislature believe it is counterintuitive. Wyoming is a unique state, with its vast tracts of open land and numerous examples of natural beauty; it is the pinnacle of a state people love to visit but not live in. Hence, Wyoming proposed EV chargers be placed in locations where most Americans want to go, en route to national parks, state parks and the mountains that bring thousands of visitors. However, none of the locations the state listed are easily accessible from an interstate like I-80 or I-90. In September of last year, Wyomings plan was rejected, as the U.S. government remained entrenched in the idea of placing chargers every 50 miles, going as far as threatening to cut funding for other projects in Wyoming. But in perhaps the most cowboy response the federal government has received in the past 100 years, Wyoming didnt seem to care. According to Alternative Fuels Data Center statistics, Wyoming has 81 EV charging station locations, more than only Alaska (57), North Dakota (78) and South Dakota (73). It should be noted Wyomings EV charger plan still includes the placement of some EV chargers along interstates, and in fact, Wyoming is currently in the process of constructing seven of them. However, the state has declined an equal number of chargers, meaning numerous proposed charging locations, both proposed by the feds and not, will not receive funding. The U.S. Department of Transportation was not immediately available to comment regarding the situation in Wyoming. That takes us to today, with Wyoming standing its ground and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg remaining silent on the issue. In the meantime, the number of all EV chargers in the state---including those placed by Tesla---can be counted on fingers and toes. While some Wyoming residents seem interested in the prospect of EV ownership, or, as pointed out by EnergyWire, currently own EVs, they remain without the necessary infrastructure or a solution on the horizon. We thank Teslarati for reprint permission. kW Mind you, they havent announced the date yet, but they did drop some shadowy teasers of the crossover, with emphasis on the lighting signature, and the illuminated grille, which will be an option targeting those who want their ride to stand out more.Its hard to spot the details based on the clip shared by the Munich auto marque on social media and embedded at the bottom of the page, but the numerous spy shots have revealed that it will have a new face . The main clusters, for one, are slimmer, and sport new graphics, and the bumper has vertical side vents, and probably a larger central air intake. BMW tends to listen to its customers, so the grille was not oversized. Changes out back revolve around the taillights, which are new and slightly smaller, and the bumper seems to have a cleaner design.BMWs facelifted X5 will get some upgrades on the inside too, which will draw a clearer line between it and the outgoing iteration . The icing on the cake here, for tech aficionados anyway, will be the curved display, mixing a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment system. Previous data indicates that other stuff may have been changed as well, such as the steering wheel, gear shifter, and center stack. Wed also expect new trim and upholstery options, which will contribute to the fresher feel of the cockpit, and drivers are likely to be assisted by new safety gizmos on their daily commutes.The powertrain family is understood to have been subjected to a few revisions as well. For one, the M60i will replace the M50i, and it is understood to pack a 523 hp (530 ps/390) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque twin-turbo V8. The engine will be assisted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, with a tiny motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and juiced up by a small battery. It is possible that the xDrive40i model might get a small power boost, thus matching the eponymous X7, which enjoys 375 hp (380 ps/280 kW) and 383 lb-ft (520 Nm) from its mild-hybrid straight-six. The X5 M will still sit at the top of the family, with a punchy V8, currently rated at 600 hp (609 ps/448 kW).Full details about the X5 LCI should be announced shortly, and it is likely that it will start arriving at dealers across the U.S. in the coming months, advertised as a 2024 model, likely with a small price bump. The current X5 starts at $61,600, before destination, in the sDrive40i form, and the top-of-the-line X5 M has an MSRP of $108,900. Photo: ST/John/edited by autoevolution EV Photo: ST/John/edited by autoevolution NHTSA Photo: via TMC Photo: Ray Johnson This new case is worse than what Zelaya and Joaquim Rodrigues shared with autoevolution. This new Model S owner prefers not to tell his story with his true identity, so well call him just ST (or John if you prefer). He found a 2013 Tesla Model S Performance in Toronto that would be just like Zelayas if it was not for the color: silver Zelayas was white. On January 1, he bought it for around CAD18,000 ($13,424 at the current exchange rate). It had 207,000 kilometers (128,624 miles) on the odometer. The back glass needed to be repaired, so the seller replaced it for CAD2,000 (1,492).Despite that, the car still needed more things fixed to obtain the safety certificate that would allow ST to register the vehicle in his name. He then drove it 50 km (31 mi) to the closest Tesla Service Center to check the driver-side window motor and replace rotors and pads, windshield wipers, tires, and a wheel hub. Tesla charged him CAD4,262.21 ($3,178.62) but gave him a discount, reducing the price to CAD4,001.18 ($2,983.95).The problem was what happened between leaving the car at the Tesla Service Center and picking it up:Beforehand, the car was charging fine, and Tesla even charged the car themselves while it was in service. No problems with the battery, and they charged it up to 90%. Tesla decided to replace the daughterboard that contains the eMMC flash card because they noticed the screen was blank. I didnt approve this; they just did the work and updated the cars software.On the surface, this situation brings up one old discussion about Tesla vehicles. If you dig a little deeper, it reveals two old problems with themaker.The discussion is whether Tesla can perform updates in the cars software without authorization from its owners. Jason Hughes, aka the Tesla Hacker, was mad at the EV maker when it forced an over-the-air (OTA) update on his Model S and removed its fast charging capability in June 2021. As a hacker, Hughes was able to make it work again but was concerned about other Tesla customers. The episode made him say that Tesla thinks it still owns the cars it sells. STs situation regarding software reminds me a lot of what Hughes went through.To talk about the old issues, we have to start with the eMMC flash memory card flaw. It made MCUv1 computers turn into wear parts, as the Tesla vice president of legal in charge at the time tried to argue when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ordered Tesla to replace them in a recall. Transport Canada followeds lead and turned that into a recall as well, identified by the number 2021-038. In other words, it was mandatory to replace the daughterboard that contains the eMMC card that wears out, whether in the U.S. or Canada. I am not aware if it is a recall in other countries, but it should be.That leads us to the second problem with Tesla: transparency. The Tesla Service Center that fixed Johns car said the component replacement was not a recall: it was goodwill. One that ST did not authorize, but now he knows it was compulsory. Tesla makes an abusive use of goodwill by classifying almost everything as such, especially items replaced under warranty.Regardless of the reasons, Johns Model S was never the same.Immediately afterwards, the BMS_u029 error came up, and the car was handed back to me with its range limited, which forced me to sell it since I didnt have CAD26,000 handy.Let me sum it up for you: ST paid CAD18,000 for his Tesla Model S , CAD4,000 to repair it, and had to sell it for CAD8,000 ($5,966), losing CAD14,000 ($10,441) in a matter of weeks. Thats almost as much as he paid for the vehicle. John feels cheated, mainly because his car was perfectly fine before the OTA update was performed, revealing the BMS_u029 error. His immediate guess was that the software update caused it.According to Hughes, that is not the case. In a Tesla Motors Club Forum discussion, he explained what was happening. According to the Tesla Hacker, the BMS only really ever resets after an update, and updates on the older cars have been pretty infrequent. When that happens, a lot of counters and tests are reset.With the MCUv1 replacements, Tesla is performing updates that are triggering tests that should be regularly performed. In other words, Hughes does not think thats anything shady with the updates, just crappy luck. If it was something in the software, he swears he would have been the first to call them out on it. To his credit, he has done so several times in the past.The good news is that this should stop happening when the build date reaches about Q2 2014. According to the Tesla hacker, thats when the vast majority of battery design improvements had been completed. People with 2012 and 2013 Model S units are pretty universally at risk of about six different types of pack failures. From vehicles built after Q2 2014, there are only a couple of less common ones. Hughes said battery packs made after Q2 2015 are super solid. If you plan to buy a used Model S, keep that in mind.John disputed two main aspects of Teslas procedures. The first one was doing changes to his car without his permission and without properly communicating why they were necessary, such as in a recall.Tesla didnt tell me explicitly about it, but I already knew about it from my research. However, when I was arguing with Tesla over the battery issue, they actually mentioned: We already did goodwill by replacing the daughterboard for free. They didnt mention that they have to fix it. They made it seem like it was them doing me a favor.The second relates to Tesla not offering him anything in return for the battery pack he would have to replace. The EV maker would just keep it. That was something Donald Bone also complained about when Tesla said it would have to replace the battery pack in his Model 3 for a broken coolant port nipple. The Electrified Garage fixed it for $700. ST tried to ask for help with independent shops.Tesla said it would be more than CAD15,000. After looking online, people have mentioned that it cost them as much as CAD24,000. I reached out to a few companies in North America: 057 Tech, Electrified Garage, and FixMyTesla out in British Columbia. The biggest barrier was the shipping, as most of them were based in the U.S., so there would be complications at customs. FixMyTesla was on the west coast, which would have been too expensive to ship.Even with Hughes ensuring that there is nothing shady about the OTA updates older Model S units are getting, the truth is that the tests they trigger should be performed regularly. If the goal of these evaluations is to ensure the safety of these components, there is no excuse for them to just happen with battery management system (BMS) resets.On top of that, these tests are conveniently happening after several battery packs are already out of warranty. It may be a coincidence that these evaluations are triggered by an OTA update that follows the MCUv1 repair, but it is not one that owners will take lightly.If you remember, Tesla was sued by several Model S and Model X owners after it capped the voltage in their cars. These customers accused the company of trying to hide a defect that could ignite these components. After Tesla proposed to settle preventing any further investigation of the subject David Rasmussen warned that the BMS_u029 was happening to several owners involved with the lawsuit. And to other people, especially those buying used Model S units.Ray Johnson created a Facebook group called Tesla BMS_u029 after he purchased a 2012 Model S with 117,000 miles on the clock in October 2022. For him, the error code appeared three days after the purchase, when he was transferring the car ownership on the Tesla app. Johnson bought a new battery pack.When I started writing this article, the group had 28 members. It now presents 35, and this article should increase that number even more. Unfortunately, this seems to be a more widespread issue than it may appear from Zelayas, Rodrigues, STs, and Johnsons experiences. John did not know what caused the battery pack failure in his car, but it would not surprise me if it were the water ingress that Zelaya and Rodrigues saw in their vehicles. With six different types of pack failures for Model S units made until 2013 and two for those produced until Q2 2015, it could be anything. We already know that Alfa Romeo wants to better itself in 2023, and the team was a bit Captain Obvious with this and stated that it wants to continue its path of constant improvement. Well, you might say that that comes straight out of a self-help book or from a motivational speaker of some kind, but it is also true.The new Alfa Romeo C43 race car was unveiled at the same time in two places in Switzerland , which is a bit of a weird flex, but we will let it slide, as one of the events was in Zurich, and the other was at the team headquarters in Hinwil. In case you did not know this by now, the Italian marque is based on the logistics of the old Sauber team, which was headquartered in Hinwil, Switzerland.From 2026, it will be the home of the Audi team , unless the contract between the two parties says differently. That is for them to know, and for us to find out when the time comes. Another important thing to mention is that there is a new reserve driver here, Theo Pourchaire, who is in this role for the first time in Formula 1.Just like the previous year's car, the Alfa Romeo C42, the new C43 comes with a Ferrari power unit. It is a new engine, mind you, so different from the 2022 one. Jan Monchaux led the technical design team in the quest of implementing multiple FIA-mandated changes, as well as aerodynamic improvements.Meanwhile, the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile, which is in Milan and is Italian for Styling Center, was in charge of the livery design, and we find it to be quite nice. It might have been nicer without so many sponsors, but their money makes the wheels turn on the trucks that move these racing cars from one race to another, so stop complaining.Sadly, many fans will have to remove a part of their tattoos that wrote Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen , as this is now the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake. Do not worry, we did not misspell steak, it is just the name of their main sponsor.Unlike other teams, who have presented their old car with the new livery , Alfa Romeo elected to show both the new car and the new livery, as it is logical.The team has already confirmed that its new race car will be available in EA Sports's F1 2022 on the eve of the first day of testing, which will be in Bahrain.The Swiss-Italian (or is it Swisstalian?) team will take it for a shakedown run in Barcelona this week. We were not invited for a go, despite my repeated calls to their representatives. Photo: Prestige Yachts Photo: Prestige Yachts Announced at Boot Dusseldorf at the end of last month, the new M8 will be the flagship of the brands range of luxury multihulls, which was initiated with the introduction of the M48 model at the Cannes Yachting Festival last year.Garroni Design, which is a long-time partner of Prestige Yachts and has designed yachts for the brand for the past 30 years, was tasked with creating the design for the M8. They paid special attention to ensuring a stylistic continuity with the rest of the companys fleet.Featuring a unique configuration, with a surface area equivalent to that of an 85-foot (26-meter) monohull vessel and three large outdoor living spaces, the M8 is bound to offer the same comfort as a powerful motor yacht and cater to the needs of the most demanding yachtsmen.Designed from the beginning as a motor yacht rather than a sailing boat, with a narrower beam measuring 29 feet (8.85 meters) and a taller height, the new M8 catamaran offers 2,960 square feet (275 square meters) of living space, so its proportions are indeed comparable to that of a contemporary 85-foot monohull.The M8, flagship of the M-Line by Prestige, represents the quintessence of our savoir-faire in terms of design, elegance, and fit and finish. I would like to underscore the unique character of Prestige, the only Franco-Italian yacht builder in the world today, combining the French mastery of serial production and Italian heritage in large yacht construction, explains Erwin Bamps, Vice President of Prestige Yachts.The multihull design guarantees more stability both at anchor and while at sea, which leads to a smooth, linear cruising experience at any speed. Equipped with twin Volvo D8 600hp engines, the catamaran will be able to reach speeds of up to 20 knots (23 mph/ 37 kph).Guests onboard the M8 will also benefit from an eco-friendly cruising experience, as the shipyard estimates their new vessel consumes about half as much fuel as a monohull yacht boasting the same volume of living space. To be more precise, fuel consumption at 8 knots (9.2 mph/ 15 kph) is estimated at 20 liters per hour. Prestige also offers an optional Silent Boat Pack, which involves the installation of a solar panel array and a large Lithium battery bank.A noteworthy design element is the aft cockpit area, which features a surface of 344 square feet (32 sq m) and is decorated with modular furniture. A 13.8-foot (4.20-meter) wide bathing platform, whose height is adjustable, can extend the cockpit when used in a high position or turn into a beach club with immersed steps in a low position. When lowered, it can also be used to deploy tenders to the sea. A large storage locker for water toys and gear can also be found in the area.The foredeck, meanwhile, houses a large saloon for eight guests and a generous sunbathing area. The 538-square-foot flybridge (50 square-meter) can be accessed either from the cockpit or directly from the interior and also features modular furniture. The cockpit area has a double seat and a table with seating for eight.Both the main deck, which includes the saloon and a dining area and the hulls are open to customization, so prospective owners can decide on the layout that best suits their needs and preferences. As such, they can choose to have four or five guest cabins, each with private bathrooms.The M8s reduced cruising speed, combined with the spacious design and luxurious living spaces, means the vessel will appeal to people who want to enjoy freedom, comfort, and slow living. And the M8 offers them just that - a home away from home that allows them to experience precious moments at sea. Full Self-Driving FSD EV For years, Tesla offered thebeta software to only a few owners in the U.S., although it eventually extended the program to Canada. However, the number of people allowed to test the automated driving software was still very limited. To qualify for the beta, a Tesla owner would have needed a very high safety score , a feature that was said to also influence driver insurance premiums.Nevertheless, as theBeta improved, so grew Teslas confidence, and themaker let more people into the Beta program. The number of beta testers increased rapidly, and Tesla soon reported 400,000 FSD Beta users . This means all who paid for the FSD Capability, upfront or through a subscription. As of last November, Tesla owners dont need to request access anymore. They can just flip a switch in their cars infotainment menu and experience Teslas controversial automated driving feature.The wider rollout didnt go unnoticed, although it wasnt as catastrophic as Tesla detractors warned either. A Tesla Model S running on FSD has caused a car pileup on the San Francisco Bay Bridge after what appeared like a phantom braking episode. Fortunately, nobody was seriously injured, and no other notable crashes have happened since then while the FSD was in control of a car. Teslas beta software is not always up to the task, which is something die-hard Tesla fans know very well. Nevertheless, inexperienced drivers who try the feature for the first time might still be caught off-guard when the software makes mistakes. This is likely what happened to the Model S driver in the Bay Bridge crash. But even when no catastrophe occurs, the FSD can still be annoying. One Tesla owner discovered this to his own surprise after testing the feature for about six weeks.User ATPMSD from the Tesla Motors Club has waited for years to get access to the FSD Beta software. When they finally got it, it proved a nuisance. According to their post, the FSD Beta is far too timid to be usable, as if a student driver was in control of the car. The system also hesitates a lot, which might annoy or confuse other drivers. ATPMSD says the FSD Beta made the overall driving experience annoying and more dangerous, which ultimately convinced them to turn the feature off.According to their experience , with the FSD Beta turned on, the car makes speed changes at every speed limit sign, even when only using TACC. Normally the feature can be turned off separately, but not when the FSD Beta is used. Nevertheless, the sudden speed change can alarm the passengers and surprise the people driving behind. Overall, ATPMSD finds the benefits of having the FSD turned on minimal, while the negative impact on driving quality and enjoyment is real. There are different types of celebrities out there. But when it comes to traveling, let's say there are just two categories. The first includes those who try their hardest to be as private as possible. The second, those who put their lives out there for everyone to see. In this latter category, well find famous rapper DJ Khaled.Khaled Mohammed Khaled aka DJ Khaled wants everyone to know his hard work paid off. And he lives his life in the most insanely lavish way, with the best and most expensive experiences.To prove this point, well just have to look at the last 24 hours in DJ Khaleds life, which, as per his words, included three cities in one way. Even hearing that you might think that is a lot of travel headache, but not if youre DJ Khaled.Because that included flying in a private jet . The first takeoff mustve happened in Los Angeles, California, since DJ Khaled attended the 65th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 5. There, he performed his song God Did, along with Rick Ross, Jay-Z, John Legend, Fridayy, and Lil Wayne.The next stop, according to one of his videos, was in Glendale, Arizona, and he shared a distant look of the State Farm Stadium which will host the Super Bowl LVII this Sunday, February 12. He eventually seems to have landed home in Miami, Florida, after a day of travel and a full tour of the jet.Although the registration number of the aircraft is not visible, the model seems to be a Bombardier Global 7500 that he has previously chartered on several other occasions. In fact, he even promised to get "one of these things one day." But right now, he'll settle for chartering.On his way to the airport, the rapper had a luxury car at his disposal. And he obviously went for one of the most luxurious cars out there a Rolls-Royce Phantom. With a black exterior and an elegant white cabin, the most silent motor car in the world was just the icing on the cake for Khaleds incredibly busy, yet insanely luxurious life.His rental car doesnt shock us in the slightest, because he has one of those at home too. However, his comes with a dark exterior and a fiery cabin thanks to the red upholstery. SUV kW First of all, you are looking at Mulliners first-ever customized Bentley Bentayga EWB (extended wheelbase), and that title alone means that it packs lots of goodies. Second, it was auctioned off for a good cause, with proceeds benefiting underserved children in Floridas Collier county. And if you paid attention to the title, then you know that it went for $1 million.Sold at the Naples Winter Wine Festival in Florida over the weekend, the Bentayga EWB in question sets itself apart from the rest of the range by featuring a three-layer pearlescent Snow Quartz finish. The overall white look of the body is contrasted by the Blackline Specification, and the luxuryrides on 22-inch wheels, with a ten-spoke design, in a bi-tone look. Mind you, that may seem like an average configuration to you and me, but those who know a thing or two about Bentleys can tell you that its special just by catching a glimpse of it.Opening the door will reveal a combination of Mulliner White and Beluga Black leather upholstery. The former can be seen on the seats, which also sport embossed logos and purple piping, and on the door cards, steering wheel, and in the middle of the dashboard. Black leather was used for the rest of the cockpit, alongside a touch of purple. This bespoke car is equipped with the Bentley Airline Seat Specification , advertised as being the most advanced seat ever fitted to a car. They sport what Bentley calls the worlds first auto climate sensing system, alongside advanced postural adjustment technology.This is where Bentleys customization division Mulliner drew the line, as elsewhere, you are looking at the same Bentayga EWB. The model uses a 542-horsepower (550 ps/405) and 568 pound-feet (770 Nm) of torque 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8, so despite being focused on luxury, it also goes like stink. The crew from Crewe states that the 60 mph (97 kph) mark is hit in 4.5 seconds after taking off, and that it will run out of breath at 180 mph (290 kph), which may not be Lamborghini Urus Performante territory, but its definitely not bad at all for a vehicle whose main rival is the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Besides taking delivery of the bespoke Bentley Bentayga EWB, for which they paid a lot of money, the winning couple joined the Extraordinary Journey UK program, which comprises chauffeured driving upon landing in the United Kingdom, and a five-day tour through England and Scotland. A stop at the companys headquarters, and another one at The Macallan Estate for a distillery experience sprinkled with whisky tasting are included. And what a start. Subaru Corporation traces its roots back to 1915, the year the Aircraft Research Laboratory was founded. Come 1932, the company was renamed Nakajima Aircraft Company. In the aftermath of World War II, the aircraft manufacturer was prohibited from producing aircraft due to obvious reasons. Thats how the Fuji Rabbit scooter was born in 1946. Come 1958, the 360 came out, eventually selling 392,000 units through 1971.Fuji Heavy Industries the Japanese multinational corporation presently known as the Subaru Corporation acquired Bricklins company in 1986. The following year, Subaru-Isuzu Automotive was incorporated in Indiana.Renamed Subaru of Indiana Automotive in 2003, after Isuzu called it quits, the Lafayette-based factory has recently produced its seven millionth Subaru. It all started with a Legacy in September 1989, nearly 34 years ago.The milestone vehicle is a white-painted Ascent, a three-row crossover that slots above the compact-sized Forester. Subaru of Indiana Automotive is the only Subaru assembly plant located outside of Asia. Its pre-COVID annual output topped approximately 390,000 vehicles.Over the years, the Lafayette production facility also served as the stomping ground of the Honda Passport and Toyota Camry. The plant switched to Subaru-only vehicles in 2016. Back in August 2022, it produced its five millionth vehicle in the form of an Outback Wilderness.At press time, Subaru of Indiana Automotive makes the Impreza, Legacy, Outback, and Ascent. Care to guess which one is the best-selling nameplate stateside? Well, none of the above. The Forester moved 154,723 units in 2022, with the Outback finishing in second place, with 154,623 units to its name. The third best-selling Subaru in the U.S.A. is the Crosstrek (126,466 deliveries in 2022).To whom it may concern, the Forester is manufactured in Japan and in Thailand by Tan Chong Subaru Automotive, of which Subaru owns a quarter of the shares. The all-new Crosstrek, which is due to premiere in the U.S. at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, is produced exclusively in Japan.Turning our attention back to the white-painted Ascent, its extremely hard to tell what trim level it is. On the other hand, we know that Subaru advertises the 2023 model at $33,895 sans destination charge for the base specification with the eight-seat layout. At the other end of the spectrum, the seven-seat Touring costs $48,195.Speaking of which, the seven-seat Touring is the only Ascent that comes standard with satin chrome-finish side mirrors. The crossover in the featured pic has them, but it may not be a seven-seat Touring because the Limited is available with these mirrors as well. The lack of chrome garnish on the lower part of the front bumper means that were looking at the Limited rather than the Touring. The authorities in Stepanakert suspended classes in schools using natural gas for heating. The measure affected about half of Karabakhs 19,000 or so schoolchildren, according to them. We have 118 schools in Artsakh and more than 80 of them are heated by woodstoves, said Hasmik Minasian, the Karabakh education minister. Less than 40 schools are heated by gas. The problem is that those schools are the biggest ones and its their students who suffer the most. These schools had already been shut down for three times since Azerbaijani government-backed protesters blocked on December 12 the sole road connecting Karabakh to Armenia. They were most recently reopened on January 30 after a partial restoration of the gas supply. The flow of gas to Karabakh from a pipeline passing through Azerbaijani-controlled territory was blocked on Monday for the sixth time since the start of the road blockade. Armenias electricity supplies to Karabakh were similarly cut off by Baku on January 10, leading to daily power cuts there. Following the latest supply disruption, Karabakhs leadership urged the international community to exert stronger pressure on Azerbaijan to end the blockade. In a statement, the foreign ministry in Stepanakert accused Baku of seeking to create unbearable living conditions for the Karabakh Armenians and thus force them to leave their homes. Russia, the United States and the European Union have repeatedly urged Azerbaijan to reopen the Lachin corridor. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken telephoned Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for that purpose late last month. Aliyev again defended the Azerbaijanis blocking the corridor and demanding that Baku be given access to illegal copper mines in Karabakh. Visiting Germany, Mirzoyan said Yerevan communicated new proposals to Baku even after he cancelled in December a planned trilateral meeting with his Azerbaijani and Russian counterparts in protest against the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin corridor. I should also inform you that a few days ago we received another response and proposals from Azerbaijan, he told a joint news conference with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Again, this is an ongoing process, and we continue to work on the text, exchanging proposals and continuing the discussion in different, several stages. It is very important to understand that even though the Lachin corridor is blocked and all other challenges remain, essentially the negotiation process is not at a standstill. Negotiations are continuing, he said. Mirzoyan did not shed light on those proposals. Nor did he say if he could now agree to meet with Russias Sergei Lavrov and Azerbaijans Jeyhun Bayramov. In a phone call with Bayramov last week, Lavrov said he is still ready to organize the trilateral talks in Moscow. They would focus on the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty, he said. Azerbaijani leaders have said all along that the treaty must be based on key elements which it presented to Yerevan in March 2022. Those include mutual recognition of each others territorial integrity. This would presumably mean Armenian recognition of Azerbaijani sovereignty over Karabakh. Mirzoyan said in early December that the conflicting sides are still far apart on many issues relating to the peace accord. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock pointed to disastrous humanitarian consequences of the blockade after talks held with her visiting Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan. The supermarket shelves [in Karabakh] are almost empty, medication is lacking... family members are stuck in Armenia and can't get back to their loved ones, schoolchildren have to freeze in these icy temperatures because the energy supplies are cut off," Baerbock told a joint news conference in Berlin. It is essential that the blockade of the Lachin corridor end immediately, and we believe that Azerbaijan and Russia must fulfill their obligations, she said. Baerbock clearly alluded to the terms of the Russian-brokered ceasefire agreement that stopped the 2020 Armenian-Azerbaijani war in Karabakh. The agreement placed the corridor under the control of Russian peacekeepers and committed Baku to ensuing safe passage through it. The European Union as well as the United States and Russia have repeatedly called for the reopening of the road blocked by Azerbaijani government-backed protesters on December 12. The Azerbaijani government has dismissed these appeals, saying that the protesters are right to demand that it be allowed to inspect illegal mining in Karabakh. This stance has led some members of the European Parliament to call for EU sanctions against Baku. The EUs foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, ruled out such sanctions last week. The EU has been looking for alternative suppliers of natural gas and oil since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Its executive body, the European Commission, signed last July a deal with Azerbaijan to double imports of Azerbaijani natural gas to Europe by 2027. Speaking during the signing ceremony in Baku, the commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, described Azerbaijan as a key partner in our efforts to move away from Russian fossil fuels. Baerbock insisted that this does not mean the EU will ignore human rights in its dealings with Baku. The government gave few details of the operation which was first announced by the Foreign Ministry in Yerevan. Armenias Interior Ministry released later in the evening photographs of members of the national Rescue Service boarding a cargo plane along with their heavy equipment in the presence of Interior Minister Vahe Ghazarian. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian discussed the assistance with Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Bashar al-Assad of Syria during separate phone conversations. He offered his condolences to the two men. An Armenian government statement said Pashinian told Erdogan that an Armenian rescue team is about to fly to Turkey. According to the statement, Erdogan thanked Yerevan for the support and said it will contribute to further dialogue between the two neighboring states that have no diplomatic relations. A separate statement on Pashinians call with al-Assad said the two leaders agreed that Armenia will send food, as a priority, as well as other types of aid to Syria. Bashar al-Assad thanked [Pashinian] for the support and noted that the primary problem for them at the moment is related to food, said the statement. At least four Syrian Armenians and three Turkish citizens of Armenian descent reportedly died in Mondays earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale. The disaster sparked a massive international response, with teams flying in from around the world to help with rescue efforts. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. You can reach Ishani Desai at 661-395-7417. You can also follow her at @_ishanidesai on Twitter. After word spread last week that the state oil and gas supervisor had stepped down, once the Newsom administration thanked him for his service NI high streets 'could be decimated' without rates relief With no Assembly to offer regional support, Larne firms explain how they are fighting for survival, writes Alyson Magee Curran Court Hotel owner Brian McRandal is calling for rates relief. Pic: Peter Morrison Alyson Magee Belfast Telegraph Tue 7 Feb 2023 at 09:30 Sir John Major gave evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committees inquiry into the effectiveness of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement (PA) Dominic Lipinski Compromise on all sides over the Northern Ireland Protocol will be required to restore the powersharing institutions at Stormont, former prime minister Sir John Major has said. Sir John told a Westminster committee that the post-Brexit protocol is a mess and he is baffled about how it could have been negotiated in its current form. The protocol was agreed by the UK and EU in 2019 as a way to unlock the logjam over securing a Brexit withdrawal agreement. Designed as a means to keep the Irish land border free-flowing, it moved regulatory and customs checks on goods to the Irish Sea, creating economic barriers on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Stormont powersharing institutions are currently not operating (Liam McBurney/PA) Liam McBurney Many unionists in Northern Ireland are vehemently opposed to arrangements they claim have weakened the regions place within the union. The DUP is currently blocking the functioning of powersharing at Stormont and has made clear it will not allow devolution to return unless major changes to the protocol are delivered. The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is investigating the effectiveness of the institutions of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Appearing as a witness, the former PM outlined the steps taken when he was in power which led to the 1993 Downing Street Declaration signed by him and then taoiseach Albert Reynolds, which paved the way for the peace deal five years later. Committee chairman Simon Hoare asked Sir John if he believed there are political leaders today prepared to take similar brave steps. Sir John said: You ask are there brave decisions to be taken. We are going to have a practical illustration of that with the protocol. The protocol is a mess. It was very poorly negotiated. I think some of the promises made after the protocol that there would be no checks on trade from Britain and Northern Ireland, how those promises came to be made I cannot imagine because they were patently wrong. The protocol needs changing. I am baffled as to how we could have reached a situation where that protocol was accepted. He added: One minister said the UK signed the protocol on the basis it would be reformed. Sir John Major said there would have to be compromise over the protocol (House of Commons/PA) House of Commons That must be the first agreement in history that was signed by people who decided it was useless in the first place. Sir John said there had been headline after headline which suggested the UK Government would override parts of the protocol agreement. He said: Even if the protocol bill was wrong that does seem to be a strange way to proceed because that sort of behaviour is pretty unwise We, the British, would not respond to threats of that sort. Why do we think that the European Union would? It is an unwise way to proceed if you want to get agreement. Sir John added: From what I hear, it does seem to me that the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State are making progress and there is a growing degree of understanding between the three sides the Republic, the EU and the UK Government on how to move forward with the protocol. There is no such thing as a perfect protocol that will have every side dancing in the streets with joy. That is not going to happen. Sir John warned that failing to reach agreement over the protocol would lead to continuing disruption. He said this would include Northern Ireland continuing without its own government and being effectively run by the civil service or, heaven forbid, direct rule. He added: A statesmanlike response would be to recognise that nobody is going to get everything they wish, but to accept compromise in the interest of returning democratic government to Northern Ireland. That will not be easy for anyone. Statesmen who do that will succeed. Politicians who keep shouting slogans to their most extreme supporters will not. Nadia El-Nakla has dropped her legal action against Little Scholars Day Nursery, the owner of the business said (Lesley Martin/PA) Bosses at a nursery which the Scottish Health Secretary and his wife had accused of discrimination have said they are extremely pleased that legal action against them has been terminated. Usha Fowdar, owner of the Little Scholars Day Nursery in Broughty Ferry, Dundee, insisted there never was any discrimination, as she revealed that Nadia El-Nakla had dropped her legal action. But she hit out at Humza Yousaf and his wife who is an SNP councillor in Dundee saying they had colluded in a half-baked sting operation against the nursery and had then mounted a vicious and cynical campaign against us in the national media. Ms Fowdar said: What sort of people do that? Mr Yousaf spoke out against the nursery in August 2021, after the family were refused a place there for their young daughter. He alleged that while they were told there were no available spaces for their daughter Amal, then aged two, a white friend was told days later that there were places available for her two-year-old son. Nursery owner Ms Fowdar said they had been vindicated after Ms El-Nakla dropped baseless legal action against the nursery. Health Secretary Humza Yousaf spoke out about the nursery after being told there were no places for his young daughter there (Jane Barlow/PA) But she said it was upsetting to have spent almost 18 months and tens of thousands of pounds defending our small nursery against their false claims. Ms Fowdar said: Whilst we were 100% prepared to see Ms El-Nakla in court, we are extremely pleased that this baseless legal action has been terminated. It bears repeating that, despite some extremely misleading headlines and spurious allegations, the Care Inspectorate identified administrative processes for improvement which had nothing to do with discrimination, because there never was any discrimination. Any attempt to twist this fact should be called out for what it is. The nursery owner continued: Ms El-Nakla has, very sensibly, opted to drop her legal action in the face of our determination to defend ourselves and our hard-working employees. While Im pleased our employees will be spared the stress of appearing as witnesses, in one sense Im also disappointed, as the court case would have been extremely revealing and Im utterly confident we would have prevailed. Despite this vindication, it has been deeply upsetting to have spent almost 18 months and tens of thousands of pounds defending our small nursery against their false claims. It beggars belief that, rather than pick up the phone to quickly resolve what was a simple misunderstanding, they colluded in a half-baked sting operation and then mounted a vicious and cynical campaign against us in the national media. In November 2021 the Care Inspectorate ordered the business to introduce measures so applications are processed in a transparent and equitable manner and to prove it is being well-led and managed. A spokesman for the Care Inspectorate said at the time that the service did not promote fairness, equality and respect when offering placements. A statement jointly agreed by Mr Yousaf and his wife, and by the nursery, made clear that the changes put forward by the Care Inspectorate had been implemented in full. Solicitor Aamer Anwar, who had acted for the couple, said that ending the action had been a tough decision but said that as parents they believe its the right one. Mr Anwar stated: Nadia and Humza, first and foremost, are loving parents who like any others would do anything to protect their children. They only ever wanted the nursery to accept the findings of the Independent Care Inspectorate investigation and for the nursery to make changes. The nursery owners may wish to say that they were prepared 100% to go to court, but this was a joint agreement reached and on their acknowledgement of the findings of an independent investigation and implementing the necessary changes in full. The lawyer continued: The nursery by their own admission have acknowledged changes were required to make the admissions process more transparent and equitable and that is the very least any young child is entitled to expect from an educational establishment in Scotland, no matter who their parent is or whatever their background. Nadia believes that as a mother she was justified in raising this legal action she felt deeply hurt and hopes that as a result real change will take place. The matter is now at end and there will be no further comment. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered his military to expand its combat exercises and strengthen war preparedness as he looks to escalate an already provocative run in weapons demonstrations in the face of deepening tensions with its neighbours and Washington. Kim presided over a meeting of the ruling Workers Partys Central Military Commission on Monday and encouraged the armed forces to perform ever-victorious feats and display matchless military strength to open a new phase in development, the countrys official Korean Central News Agency reported on Tuesday. The meeting came amid signs North Korea is planning a military parade that may be an occasion to showcase the latest hardware from his growing nuclear weapons and missile programme that is brewing concern for the United States and its allies in Asia. The commissions members, who represent Kims top military brass, discussed a series of tasks aimed at inducing great change in the military, including constantly expanding and intensifying the operation and combat drills and more strictly perfecting the preparedness for war, the agency said. Tensions were raised when South Korean and US aircraft took part in joint military exercises in January (South Korean Defense Ministry via AP) AP The commission also discussed unspecified organisational changes to fundamentally improve and strengthen military affairs, and state media photos of the meeting showed a flag representing a possibly new department called the missile general bureau. North Korea marks the 75th founding anniversary of the Korean Peoples Army on Wednesday and may celebrate with a parade in Pyongyang.Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson of South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a briefing that the South Korean military has detected a significant increase in personnel and vehicles in areas related to parade rehearsals, but declined to share a specific assessment on when the event would take place. Mr Lee said the South Korean military was closely monitoring developments related to North Koreas possible creation of a new military bureau related to missiles, but did not provide further details. Some analysts say that the new department could possibly handle the development of nuclear warheads and ballistic systems. Mr Kims comments from the military meeting are the latest warning from Pyongyang that it is preparing to intensify its military demonstrations following a record-breaking year in missile testing. The warnings are in part a response to the United States expanding military drills with South Korea, which the allies have said are aimed at countering the Norths evolving threat. Last week, North Korea threatened to counter US military moves with the most overwhelming nuclear force as it condemned US plans to expand its joint exercise with South Korea and deploy more advanced military assets like bombers and aircraft carriers to the region. North Korea fired more than 70 ballistic missiles in 2022, including potential nuclear-capable weapons designed to strike targets in South Korea or reach the US mainland. It also conducted a slew of launches it described as simulated nuclear attacks on South Korean and US targets in response to the expanded US military drills with South Korea, which had been downsized during the Trump administration. During a major political conference in December, Kim called for an exponential increase of the countrys nuclear warheads, mass production of battlefield tactical nukes targeting South Korea and the development of more powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles that could reach the American homeland. Experts say Mr Kims weapons tests and threats are aimed at forcing Washington to accept the idea of North Korea as a nuclear power, which Pyongyang sees as a way to negotiate economic and political concession from a position of strength. But there are also signs that the costs of Mr Kims growing nuclear ambitions are piling up. North Korean state media said on Monday that the ruling Workers Party has scheduled a plenary meeting of its powerful Central Committee later this month to discuss the urgent task on improving agricultural production amid deepening economic isolation. Some experts have said that the countrys food insecurity is likely at its worst state since the 1990s when a devastating famine killed hundreds of thousands of people. Diplomacy between Washington and Pyongyang has been stalled since 2019, with the two sides remaining at odds over US-led economic sanctions against the North and the Norths nuclear program. The United Nations chief has warned the world could be facing a wider war as the first anniversary of Russias invasion of Ukraine approaches. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said experts who surveyed the state of the world in 2023 set the Doomsday Clock at 90 seconds to midnight the closest ever to total global catastrophe. He pointed to the war in Ukraine, runaway climate catastrophe, rising nuclear threats, the widening gulf between the worlds haves and have-nots, and the epic geopolitical divisions undermining global solidarity and trust. Mr Guterres urged the General Assemblys 193 member nations to change their mindset on decision-making from near-term thinking, which he called irresponsible and immoral, to looking at what will happen to all of us tomorrow and act. He said this years 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights should serve as a reminder that the foundation of the inalienable rights of all people is freedom, justice and peace. Mr Guterres said the transformation needed today must start with peace, beginning in Ukraine where unfortunately, he said, peace prospects keep diminishing and the chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing. I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a wider war. It is doing so with its eyes wide open, he said. The world must work harder for peace, Mr Guterres said, not only in Ukraine but in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict where the two-state solution is growing more distant by the day, in Afghanistan where the rights of women and girls are being trampled and deadly terrorist attacks continue and in Africas Sahel region where security is deteriorating at an alarming rate. He also called for stepped up peace efforts in military-ruled Myanmar which is facing new violence and repression, in Haiti where gangs are holding the country hostage, and elsewhere around the world for the two billion people who live in countries affected by conflict and humanitarian crises. The secretary-general said it is time for all countries to recommit to the UN Charter, which calls for peaceful settlement of disputes, and for a new focus on conflict prevention and reconciliation. Mr Guterres also said it is time for nuclear-armed countries to renounce the first use of all nuclear weapons, including tactical nuclear weapons, a possible use that Russia has raised in Ukraine. The so-called `tactical use of nuclear weapons is absurd, he said. We are at the highest risk in decades of a nuclear war that could start by accident or design. We need to end the threat posed by 13,000 nuclear weapons held in arsenals around the world. Mr Guterres told diplomats that 2023 must also be a year of game-changing climate action not of excuses or baby steps and there must be no more bottomless greed of the fossil fuel industry and its enablers. The world must focus on cutting global-warming greenhouse gas emissions by half this decade, which means far more ambitious action to cut carbon pollution by speeding the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, especially in the worlds 20 richest global economies, he said. It also means cutting emissions from the highest emitting industrial sectors steel, cement, shipping and aviation, he said. Mr Guterres had a special message for fossil fuel producers who he said are scrambling to expand production and raking in monster profits. If you cannot set a credible course for net-zero, with 2025 and 2030 targets covering all your operations, you should not be in business, he said. A Susi Air plane prepares to take off from Jayapura airport in Papua province, Indonesia, June 17, 2011. Rebels burned a small commercial plane at an airport in Papua and took its New Zealand pilot hostage on Tuesday, in the latest attack by armed separatists targeting civil aviation in the Indonesian province. However, the fate of five Papuan passengers on the Susi Air flight was not immediately known after the plane was set on fire on the tarmac in Nduga regency. A statement issued by the rebels made no mention of them, but a lawyer for the airline said that five passengers were on board. A spokesman for the insurgent group meanwhile told BenarNews that only non-Papuans would have been taken hostage. In its statement, the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) said it planned to hold the pilot, identified by local media as New Zealander Philip Mehrtens, 37, hostage. We TPNPB will not release the pilot unless Indonesia sets us free from its colonization, Egianus Kogoya, the local commander of the Liberation Army, said in the statement. In a similar incident in 2021, Papuan rebels held hostage another Susi Air pilot from New Zealand, and his passengers, but later released them unharmed. Also that year, Papuan rebels set fire to an airplane operated by an American-Christian humanitarian organization and shot a helicopter contracted by a U.S.-Indonesian mining company during separate attacks in the region at the far-eastern end of Indonesia. The statement from the TPBPB about the latest incident went on to say that rebels had burned a Susi Air plane at Paro district airport in Nduga regency. The statement also demanded that all flights to Nduga be stopped. Asked about the fate of the five Papuan passengers, Kogoya told BenarNews: They are all indigenous Papuans. If they had been non-Papuans, we would have held them. Susi Air owner Susi Pudjiastuti, a former cabinet minister, urged the captors to not harm the passengers and pilot. Please pray and give support. With all humility and for the sake of humanity, we appeal for the safety of the pilot and passengers, Susi wrote on Twitter. Authorities in the provincial capital, Jayapura, said they were sending a team to investigate claims that the pilot was held hostage. We are still investigating the veracity of this information. A lack of access to communication means that many rumors have surfaced, said Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, Papua police spokesman. It is possible that the pilot and passengers are being sheltered by the local community because the plane was set on fire and there was no means of transportation to Timika, he said. A lawyer for Susi Air, Donald Faris, confirmed that the plane was set ablaze by a rebel group, but said the company had not been contacted by anyone claiming responsibility for the attack. We are still waiting for the competent authorities to take practical steps to be able to resolve this matter, Donald told BenarNews. Meanwhile, Benny also said police were investigating reports that rebels have been holding 15 workers who were building a community health clinic in Nduga province since Saturday. History of violence Violence and tensions in Papua, a region that makes up the western half of New Guinea island, have intensified in recent years. In July 2022, rebels killed 10 civilians, mostly traders from other parts of Indonesia, accusing them of being spies for government security forces. It was the deadliest attack by insurgents in the region since 2018 when insurgents attacked workers who were building roads and bridges in Nduga, killing 20 people, including an Indonesian soldier. At the time, the TPNPB said those killed were not civilian workers, but soldiers from the armys engineering detachment. The attack prompted the government to send more troops to Papua. The region has a history of human rights violations by Indonesian security forces and police. Papuan separatist rebels also have been accused of attacking civilians. In 1963, Indonesian forces invaded Papua, a former Dutch colony like Indonesia, and annexed it. In 1969, the United Nations sponsored a referendum where only about 1,000 people voted. Despite accusations that the vote was a farce, the U.N. recognized the outcome, effectively endorsing Indonesias control over Papua. Nazarudin Latif in Jakarta contributed to this report. Federated States of Micronesia President David Panuelo (left) looks on as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks at a Japan-Micronesia summit press conference in Tokyo, Feb. 2, 2023. The Federated States of Micronesia, which had denounced Japans plan to release water from the tsunami-damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the ocean, is no longer concerned following briefings from the Japanese government, its president said. Plans to discharge Fukushima water over four decades into the Pacific Ocean have been a source of tension between Japan and Pacific island nations, and a possible complication for the efforts of the United States and its allies to show a renewed commitment to the region as Chinas influence grows. Our country is no longer fearful or concerned about this issue and now has deep trust in Japans intentions and technological capabilities in not harming our shared oceanic assets and resources, Micronesia President David Panuelo told a Feb. 3 news conference at the Japan National Press Club. Panuelos comments to the press club went further than a joint statement from a meeting between Panuelo and Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Feb. 2 in Tokyo. The statement said briefings from Japans ambassador to Micronesia had been extraordinarily fruitful for the FSMs understanding of this complex issue. It said that Micronesia is no longer as fearful or concerned as previously related at the United Nations General Assembly. The Pacific Islands Forum, an organization that groups Pacific island states, and Australia and New Zealand, said on Monday its secretary general, Henry Puna, and its chairman-designate, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, have traveled to Japan for a meeting this week with Kishida and other officials. Puna, a fierce critic of the Fukushima discharge plan, said last month he wanted, at the very least, to delay the release of Fukushima water, which Japan has indicated could begin from April. Japanese authorities and the Fukushima plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company, have said radiation released into the Pacific Ocean would be a minute fraction of naturally occurring radiation in the environment. Courting Pacific island nations Nuclear issues are particularly sensitive with Pacific island countries because of the nuclear weapons testing that was imposed on the region by the United Kingdom, France and the United States for several decades after the end of World War II. Japans plan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima plants over a period comes at a time when the United States and allies such as Australia and Japan are trying to counter Chinas efforts to win influence with Pacific island nations. Both Canberra and Washington want Tokyo to be more involved in the region, said Tess Newton Cain, a Pacific analyst at Griffith Asia Institute. But this issue has the potential to derail things I think. Australia is in a particularly delicate position as a member of the PIF [Pacific Islands Forum], she said. Micronesia, home to about 100,000 people, last month said it had negotiated increased economic assistance from the United States, which has rights to military control of Micronesias territory under a compact of free association. Water contaminated by the nuclear reactors damaged in a 2011 tsunami is stored in hundreds of large tanks at the coastal Fukushima plant and Tokyo Electric has said storage capacity at the site is fast running out. Japans method involves putting the contaminated water through a purification process known as the Advanced Liquid Processing System, which it says will reduce all radioactive elements except tritium to below regulatory levels. The treated water would then be diluted by more than 100 times to reduce the level of tritiumradioactive hydrogen used to create glow-in-the-dark lighting thats at the milder end of the radioactive spectrum. Treatment and discharge of the water is part of a decades-long plan to decommission the Fukushima plant. Panuelos visit to Japan also celebrated the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the opening of a new Micronesian embassy building in Tokyo. The joint statement reiterated Japans plan to give Micronesia four patrol boats to help police the archipelagos vast ocean territory in the north west Pacific. Papua New Guineas Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko also appears willing to trust Japans assurances. There is no Pacific islands opposition, he told BenarNews. All we want is that Japan works closely with IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] and other scientific bodies to ensure safety comes first and contamination level is reduced. Data red herrings Five scientists working with the Pacific Islands Forum last month criticized the quality of data they had received from Tokyo Electric on the treated water in the tanks and expressed doubts about how well the purification process works. Over more than four years, only a quarter of tanks had been tested for radiation, and testing rarely covered more than nine types of radiation out of 64 types that should be tested for, said the five scientists, who include Woods Hole Oceanographic Institutions senior scientist Ken Buesseler. They said alternative storage methods such as making concrete with the water should be investigated. Nigel Marks, a materials scientist at Australias Curtin University and former nuclear reactor engineer, who is not advising the forum, criticized aspects of the panels presentation as containing data red herrings as well as being emotive and a form of viewer manipulation. Storage in concrete is not practical because of the large quantities of water, he said. But if the panel believes storage in concrete is safe it should logically come to the same conclusion for discharge into the sea, Marks said. The effect of the treated wastewater release on the environmenthumans and naturewill be zero, he said. It will not do anything. The Chinese coast guard was tailing and harassing Philippine law enforcement ships in the South China Sea, possibly due to Manilas recently announced security agreements with Washington, a maritime security expert said on Tuesday. China Coast Guard (CCG) ship 5205 stopped, harassed and followed Philippine Coast Guard BRP Malapascua near Sabina Shoal for more than eight hours on Monday, alleged Ray Powell, the Project Myoushu (South China Sea) lead at Stanford University in California. Sabina Shoal is a feature located at the so-called Dangerous Grounds in the Spratly Islands, well inside the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but also claimed by China. 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. On Tuesday, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs told BenarNews that the incident alleged by Powell still needs to be verified. The same expert last Wednesday told Radio Free Asia (RFA) that two CCG ships were monitoring and tailing the movements of the naval patrol vessel BRP Andres Bonifacio near Mischief Reef, also inside the Philippine EEZ. The Philippine Coast Guard on Saturday confirmed the report to a number of media outlets, including Bloomberg and CNN, but backtracked Monday, saying last weeks incident was unverified. Regular harassment In the latest event that took place on Monday, Powell, analyzing automatic identification system (AIS) signals transmitted by vessels, said the CCG 5205 came to a stop right across the BRP Malapascua's path on Sunday evening before going dark, or switching off its AIS signals. The BRP Malapascua then slowed down and essentially stopped for hours east of Sabina Shoal. BRP Malapascuas past track near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea Feb. 5-Feb. 6, 2023. [MarineTraffic] Data obtained by RFA from the ship tracking website MarineTraffic show the Philippine law enforcement vessel left the area Monday morning without stopping at Sabina Shoal and went west. Powell told RFA he was confident that the CCG 5205 remained in close contact and had a protracted confrontation with the Philippine vessel. While Mondays incident is yet to be confirmed by Philippine authorities, CCG ships have reportedly stepped up their activities and harassment against Philippine law enforcement vessels in the Philippines EEZ. Last December, the Chinese coast guard was accused of stopping the warship BRP Andres Bonifacio 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. A Philippine fisherman watches a China Coast Guard vessel patrolling the disputed Scarborough Shoal, April 5, 2017. [Reuters/Erik De Castro] Last November, CCG ship 5203 intercepted a Philippine Navy ship which was towing some wreckage from a Chinese Long March rocket and seized the wreckage. The following month, 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. We may be seeing an uptick in harassment incidents directed at the Philippines specifically, possibly due to the administrations recently announced security agreements with the U.S., said Powell, adding that Beijing uses a variety of tools to punish and discourage behavior it doesnt like. Joint patrols U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made an official visit to the Philippines last week, during which Manila agreed to grant the U.S. access to a total of nine military bases in the country. The two sides also agreed to restart a plan to conduct joint patrols in the South China Sea that was shelved under former President Rodrigo Duterte, a move analysts said is much needed amid Chinas increasing assertiveness in the disputed waters. 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 CCG ships maintained near-daily patrols at key features in the sea, despite that most of them are located in neighboring countries EEZs. CCG vessels have been accused of regularly harassing oil and gas exploration activities by Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. Six parties hold contesting claims over the resource-rich South China Sea but Chinas claims are by far the most expansive. The Chinese coast guard now has a powerful fleet of around 150 vessels, Kyodo news agency reported recently, quoting sources familiar with the matter. Around 20 vessels were transferred from the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, it said. The Chinese coast guard now has more than twice the 70 large patrol vessels possessed by the Japan Coast Guard, Kyodo said, adding that the Japanese government has become increasingly alarmed about the development. Tokyo and Beijing have been embroiled in a long-standing dispute over the Senkaku Islands, which China calls Diaoyu and are under Japans control but also claimed by China. Radio Free Asia (RFA) is a news service affiliated with BenarNews. Updated at 2:39 p.m. ET on 2023-02-07 The Philippines on Tuesday deported two of four Japanese men who allegedly led a violent criminal gang that defrauded victims in their home country of some 6 billion yen (U.S. $45.6 million). The arrest and deportation, which Manila called a huge win for the government, came on the eve of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s scheduled official visit to Tokyo. The suspects, Fujita Toshiya, 38, who was captured in Manila on Feb. 21, 2021, and Imamura Kiyoto, 38, who was arrested in December 2019, were sent home for violating the terms and conditions of their visas by being fugitives, as well as being a risk to the public, officials said. [W]e will not rest until these international criminals are sent back and banned from our country, Philippine Immigration chief Norman Tansingco said on Tuesday. Two other suspected Japanese accomplices who have been arrested and will likely be deported are Watanabe Yuki, believed to be called Luffy and who is likely the gang leader and Saito Tomonobu, Tansingco said. The four are also connected to a spate of violent robberies that have occurred around Japan, including the killing of an elderly woman who was beaten in western Tokyo, he added. While the identity of Luffy is not yet confirmed, we are working with the Department of Justice and the Japanese authorities to be able to expedite the deportation to give more clarity to this case, Tansingco said. The suspects allegedly posed as police officers or officials of the Financial Services Agency in Japan, officials said. They telephoned their targets with warnings that their financial accounts were in danger, and that they should prepare their bank cards for an inspection. Other members of the gang would then visit the victims homes and steal those bank cards. Regarding the telephones that were seized by the Bureau of Immigration, we are turning over 24 telephones and other accessories, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told reporters. This is the first time actually that the secretary of justice has stepped in in this kind of proceeding and has exposed the way that several lawyers have been frustrating the ends of justice. This was never done before. It is due to the courts, he said. On Wednesday, President Marcos is due to leave for Japan where he is expected to sign seven bilateral agreements, including on infrastructure, agriculture, information technology, and defense. Ahead of the president's visit to Japan, we at the department, together with the Bureau of Immigration and the National Bureau of Investigation, hope that this will not only strengthen the ties between the Philippines and Japanese government, we hope that this shows the sincerity and genuine effort to curb any illicit or illegal maneuvers meant to erode the credibility of our justice system, Remulla told reporters, according to Agence France-Presse. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Neal Imperial said the official visit, scheduled from Feb. 8-12, is expected to reaffirm the strong relations between the two countries. It also seeks to maximize the full potential of Philippine-Japan strategic partnership in all its aspects and facilitate closer defense, security, political, economic, and people to people ties, Imperial said. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Paul Gerard Ouellette, 68, had been transferred to Albany Medical Center, where he died Friday night. He was a former Lanesborough resident who had been staying at the Knights Inn off Pittsfield Road in Lenox. Community News Editor / Librarian Jeannie Maschino is community news editor and librarian for The Berkshire Eagle. She has worked for the newspaper in various capacities since 1982 and joined the newsroom in 1989. The Beatles arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Feb. 7, 1964, to begin their first American tour. News Reporter Matt Martinez is a news reporter at The Berkshire Eagle. He worked at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, graduated Marquette University. He is a former Report for America corps member. Kevin Moran is the executive editor of The Berkshire Eagle. He can be reached at kmoran@berkshireeagle.com or 413-496-6201. Cancer is fast turning into an 'epidemic' and is the second leading cause of death globally. As per the Globocan Report of 2020, the annual global burden of cancer in 2020 in the country had hit the 1.93 crore mark with an annual death of 1 crore. Let's explore some notable new technologies and also try to uncover the challenges in the fight against cancer. Cancer is associated with stigma, fear and anxiety. Apart from a cancer patient who has to undergo a host of tests and treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, the relatives accompanying the patients also suffer mental agony. India has a huge burden of cancer and according to Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) estimates on the Burden of Cancers in India, seven cancers accounted for more than 40 per cent of the total disease burden: lung (10.6 per cent), breast (10.5 per cent), oesophagus (5.8 per cent), mouth (5.7 per cent), stomach (5.2 per cent), liver (4.6 per cent) and cervix uteri (4.3 per cent). As per biomedcentral.com, the highest incidences of cancer are in the North (2,408 patients per 100,000) followed by the North East (2,177 per 100,000). Incidences of cancer are going to show an upward trend with lung and breast cancer being common among males and females and it is a worrying sign. Cancers of the oral cavity and lungs in males and cervix and breast in females account for over 50 per cent of all cancer deaths in India. As a large proportion of cancers are diagnosed at the advanced stage, it leads to poorer survival, drainage of economic resources, along with loss of socio-economic productivity. Cancer prevention and early detection remain critical goals worldwide. According to Keith T Flaherty, Director of Clinical Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, new methods that can be taken into primary care and remote care environments are not yet on the market, but are rapidly progressing in clinical validation studies. The biggest area of investment of development has been in blood-based methods for detecting DNA shed by cancer cells. He goes on to add, The ability of these methods to detect smaller and smaller quantities of circulating tumour DNA, now make it feasible to detect a single copy of tumour DNA in a 10 ml tube of blood, which is the needed level to detect cancers at an early stage. Those tests also incorporate techniques for determining the 'cell of origin' in a way that suggests the cancer type that is developing. This is an important feature and it remains to be determined as to whether these tests will be equally useful across the spectrum of common cancers. Early screening The key to preventing cancer is early screening. Screening helps to locate early signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. This leads to the treatment being more likely to be successful and the chances of survival are much better. New technology developments such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), liquid biopsies, genome editing, telehealth, robotics and gene therapies amongst others are powering better diagnosis and helping accelerate progress against cancer. While global cancer incidence is on the rise, rapidly increasing medical evidence coupled with numerous innovations in cancer diagnosis and treatment is improving how cancer is getting identified. Liquid biopsy is the analysis of tumours using biomarkers circulating in fluids such as blood for early detection of cancer. Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test is now available that offers the detection of the presence of multiple different types of cancers using a simple blood sample. It is an Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based test that uses AI algorithms to analyse methylation patterns of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood. AI-based algorithms are also available for screening cervical PAP smears to facilitate early detection of cervical cancer with higher accuracy. Theranostic markers are offered to the oncologists to guide targeted therapies and immunotherapy of their patients. A fully automated genomics laboratory for advanced molecular and genetic testing of cancers helps in detecting cancer. Real-time PCR, digital PCR, MLPA, Fragment Analysis, Sanger Sequencing, Pyrosequencing and Next Generation Sequencing are some of the methods being adopted in early cancer detection. For breast cancer, self-examination, yearly mammography above the age of 40 years and targeted biopsies can detect a large proportion of cancers in the early stage. For cervical cancers, yearly PAP smear and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing followed by cervical biopsies for high-risk cases are helpful. Monitoring serum PSA levels can help triage men in need of early biopsy to detect prostate cancer. For oral cavity cancers, early consultation for non-healing ulcers, white patches, growth etc. will detect oral cancers early. Other forms to screen cancer are advanced immunohistochemical markers on biopsy or excision specimens which serve as surrogates for molecular testing, as well as molecular testing by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS) are modalities we offer. These tests help to treat physicians in making informed decisions for patients to avail precision and targeted medicine. However, Dr Jay Mehta, President & Head, Neuberg Oncopath mentions, We are somewhere between developed and developing countries in the sense that we don't have as many extensive screening programmes as needed for a population our size, however, we have progressed in terms of increased awareness among common people, offering affordable screening tests so the people can access healthcare earlier than they would have. Breakthrough technologies Experts at the Imperial College London have recently developed a surgical knife capable of identifying tumours that can detect endometrial cancer within seconds. The surgical knife could aid the treatment strategies for cancer by enhancing the diagnosis time and giving the go-ahead for treatment. Dubbed Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (REIMS), the surgical intelligent knife (iKnife) can rapidly identify human tissues in real time and is a form of ambient mass spectrometry. The intelligent surgical knife can locate the presence of endometrial cancer using standard electrosurgical methods. It is known to identify different tissue types, including lung, colon and liver. Innovation-driven company PredOmix with its cost-effective cancer detection blood test called OncoVeryx-F is capable of detecting early-stage cancers in women with 98 per cent accuracy. Backed by metabolomics-based technology, the new age innovation enables the screening for early-stage cancers. Designed for women, the screening tool accurately diagnoses cancer before tumour development begins with high specificity. Says Dr Kanury VS Rao, Co-Founder & CSO, PredOmix, While global cancer incidence is on the rise, rapidly increasing medical evidence coupled with numerous innovations in cancer diagnosis and treatment is improving how we identify, perceive, comprehend, and treat cancer. What once seemed impossible in the field of cancer research is now a reality. Accelerating progress against this disease may be possible if these technologies are further investigated and used. The current cancer screening solutions at Datar Cancer Genetics are CE accredited, with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) having granted 'Breakthrough Device Designation' for the early-stage breast and prostate cancer detection tests. Says Dr Vineet Datta, Executive Director, Datar Cancer Genetics, Genetic research over the past few years has rapidly increased the incorporation of such solutions in clinical practice. With the benefits of genetic testing getting increasingly established, efforts must be made to increase access to genomic services for all who can benefit. India is at the cusp of a revolution in biotech innovation, and genetic tests offer diverse purposes, including screening and diagnosis of genetic disorders, prediction of drug responses and identifying therapies that provide personalised cancer care. Apart from this, Virtual Tumour Boards (VTB) National Cancer Grid (NCG) initiative aims to provide standardised care to individuals across the country. Different centres from across India join this virtual tumour board to discuss the management of oncology cases. Mention can be made of Karkinos Healthcare which aims to significantly enhance access to cancer care services by creating a technology-enabled data-driven platform and distributed cancer care model (DCCM), wherein the knowledge architecture is centralised and the delivery systems are democratised and distributed. The DCCM encompasses a hub-and-spoke and further spoke hospital infrastructure on the back of robust technology and clinical decision support systems. Dr Moni Abraham K, Co-Founder, Medical Director and CEO, Karkinos Kerala mentions, We have a technology platform where a patient can assess whether there is an elevated risk of particular cancer or not. When somebody is diagnosed or suspected as a highly elevated risk, we need to send them to what we call a community cancer centre. We aim to significantly enhance access to cancer care services by creating a technology-enabled data-driven platform and DCCM, wherein the knowledge architecture is centralised, and the delivery systems are democratised and distributed. The DCCM encompasses a hub-and-spoke and further spoke hospital infrastructure on the back of robust technology and clinical decision support systems. Bengaluru-based Mestastop has created three proprietary platforms, both in vitro and in vivo, along with patient tumour translational validation, to unravel the complexity of metastasis drug discovery and early predictive diagnostics. These platforms are ready to be used for novel drug discovery, drug repurposing and profiling current anti-cancer leads or candidates for their anti-metastatic effect. About 9.6 million people died of cancer globally in the year 2016 and 90 per cent of those deaths were due to metastasis, i.e. spreading of the primary tumour to other parts of the body. Mestastop is not into the early detection of cancer but in the early detection of the metastatic probability of cancer, i.e., of solid tumours. According to Mestastop, a minimum of 10^9 (^ refers to the power of) cancer cells are needed to be recognised by a PET scan, and 10^5 cells are required to be detected by liquid biopsy. PET scan is the gold standard, as a liquid biopsy can still have false negatives. This means that even if one has 90,000 cancer cells in the body, the person will be clinically undetected. This highlights the importance of increasing the sensitivity of detection, or in other words, early detection, even when the cancer is small. Arnab Roy Chowdhury, Founder, Mestastop Solutions opines, 90 per cent of cancer deaths are due to metastasis, and once the tumour metastasises, i.e., spreads, there is almost no curative treatment. Clinicians use the node status of primary tumour patients to understand their metastatic probability, but it has a lot of variations and could be better. METSCAN can take a primary patient tumour and then predict its metastatic probability, thereby empowering clinicians in their decision-making ability. Medical diagnostics company Harae Dx Corp has developed a next-generation automated multi-cancer early detection system to revolutionise current methods of cancer screening with liquid biopsies. The non-invasive portable rapid cancer diagnostic system can offer reliable test results in as little as 30 minutes. The system is based on a multi-application platform using a proprietary lab-on-a-disc centrifugal microfluidic technology. Says Dr Nitin Malekar, Director, Harae Dx Corp, The primary goal of the screening programme is to detect cancer at an early stage, especially when an individual is asymptomatic and may have a family history. If detected early, the cure rates are better and the treatment is also not expensive, thus helping doctors and patients to accomplish the best results. Additionally, it reduces the morbidity, mortality and disease burden in the society at large. Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai recently launched Apollo Genomics Institutes to provide comprehensive care to patients and families with genetic disorders. Genomic medicine is a new medical discipline that deals with genetic disorders and helps in the diagnosis and treatment of rare and inherited diseases. This move is likely to help in the early detection of cancer. Genetic research over the past few years has rapidly increased the incorporation of such solutions in clinical practice. With the benefits of genetic testing getting increasingly established, efforts must be made to increase access to genomic services for all who can benefit. India is at the cusp of a revolution in biotech innovation, and genetic tests offer diverse purposes, including screening and diagnosis of genetic disorders, prediction of drug responses and identifying therapies that provide personalised cancer care. Referring to enhancing survival rates, Manikandan Bala, Managing Director, India & SA, Senior Vice President, Direct Sales Strategies &, TIMEA & Asia Pacific, Elekta says, Cancer survival increases with early detection. Unfortunately, when cancer is diagnosed, about 50 per cent of cases are already at advanced stages. Early intervention is made possible by early diagnosis of cancer or precancerous changes. Elekta has launched innovative cancer treatment solutions. One such solution for radiation therapy is Elekta Harmony, a state of the art linear accelerator. It was unveiled on World Cancer Day. This technology is critical for curative cancer treatments. All the above technologies, among others, are likely to become game changers in early cancer detection and will indeed bring hope to the medical fraternity and patients. However, there remains a host of challenges while going in for early detection of cancer. Underutilised facilities General awareness about cancer including its risk factors and early symptoms is relatively low in India. Fewer people seem to be concerned about developing cancer in their lifetime in India compared to the global average. The natural outcome is that fewer people go in for screening tests like pap smears, and mammography as a routine practice. Dr Rajiv Tangri, Technical Director of Histopathology and Cytopathology, Dr Lal PathLabs opines, Despite the availability of cancer screening programmes and excellent clinical diagnostic facilities in India, the services are mostly under-utilised. Major challenges that we face in our war against cancer include a low level of awareness amongst the general public about cancer, late detection of cancer, poor access to specialised cancer care especially in rural and remote parts of the country and high cost of treatment. Almost 75-80 per cent of patients have advanced disease (Stage 3-4) at the time of diagnosis. This is mostly due to the late diagnosis which in turn is due to a low level of awareness in the population and among community physicians, lack of screening programmes, lack of diagnostic facilities locally and the requirement to travel long distances to reach a major tertiary cancer centre, financial constraints and stigma associated with the diagnosis. The situation is even worse in rural areas which constitute almost 70 per cent of the total population. This is further compounded by factors like limited finances, language and cultural differences etc. A large proportion of cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage which leads to poorer survival, drainage of economic resources, along with loss of socio-economic productivity. Cancer prevention and early detection remain critical goals worldwide. India is still lagging in terms of the sensitivity and efficiency of liquid biopsy. However, on the brighter side, image-based detection, e.g., lung cancer has improved due to artificial intelligence. The way forward Government bodies should evaluate the performance of the innovations to traditional techniques in mass screening programmes, following which certain tests/technologies can be incorporated into routine screening guidelines. Dissecting the economics of cancer screening is key to ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and appropriate interventions to improve cancer outcomes via early detection. Early diagnosis can reduce the cost of treatment, with estimated cost-savings in the disease course to be two to four times less than those diagnosed at later stages, including the adverse financial impact on the patient and their family. Early diagnosis of key individual risk factors is crucial for improved prevention of serious illness. The cancer burden will continue to increase over the next 15-20 years, with much of this increase seen in parts of the world where the health systems are already struggling. The proportion of patients receiving genetic tests will only increase as more data points enumerate the benefits of such solutions. However, additional factors like regular cancer screening, healthy eating, vaccination, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol consumption remain critical strategies for not just preventing cancer, but also reducing the detrimental effects of cancer. The Government of India has taken proactive steps over the past decade in the prevention and early detection of cancer and has launched various schemes to strengthen cancer control activities. Expanding the ambit of the National Cancer Registry could halt morbidity and mortality rate. As Dr Sundeep Jain, Founder GI & HPB Surgeon Abdominal Cancer Foundation, Jaipur, rightly points out, While India has recently established the National Cancer Grid to promote the use of digital technologies and tools to improve cancer care across the country, the increased fund allocation would facilitate in tracking the clinical care and outcomes of a large sample space of the defined patient population. The data from the registry can also help device public health interventions to create awareness about prevention and early detection of these cancers. Cancer cannot be treated by building cancer centres alone. Currently, one in eight of us will develop cancer in our lifetime and the numbers are only going to increase. As with most health related dictums, everyone must adopt a Forewarned is forearmed outlook to put a stop to cancer. Sanjiv Das sanjiv.das@mmactiv.com Koi fish breeding business brings wealth to villages Xinhua) 09:40, February 07, 2023 JINAN, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- In the warm winter sun, colorful koi fish swim freely in their ponds at an industrial park in Sanshilipu Township of Gaotang County, east China's Shandong Province. "Since one month before the Spring Festival holiday, our cooperative has seen booming sales of koi fish. Average daily sales via livestreaming e-commerce exceed 10,000 yuan (around 1,480 U.S. dollars)," said Feng Yuetong, a Xuma Xincun Village local and a member of the Guangshun koi fish breeding cooperative. Xuma Xincun was once a village without pillar industries, and residents could only work the soil. In recent years, the village has taken advantage of the local natural conditions such as dense ponds and abundant water resources, and is now developing a koi fish breeding industry. The Sanshilipu Township has organized professional teams to provide regular technical guidance for koi fish breeding enterprises and farmers. It is also promoting an ecological koi fish breeding model, and is building a koi fish cultural industry cluster integrating scientific research, seedlings, breeding, sales and tourism. Xuma Xincun has established the Guangshun koi fish breeding cooperative and introduced e-commerce to help farmers expand their sales market. Sanshilipu's koi fish industrial park now has a breeding scale of more than 1,000 mu (66.7 hectares), with an annual output value of 300 million yuan, creating jobs for more than 2,000 people. In Xuma Xincun, the collective income hit 250,000 yuan last year. "The locals' lives are getting better. Now they have moved into modern communities," said Xia Guangshun, the village's Party chief. Like Xuma Xincun, other villages in Gaotang County are developing koi fish breeding industries. At present, Gaotang has over 390 koi fish breeding households and 47 breeding enterprises. The county's koi fish breeding area has exceeded 8,000 mu (about 533 hectares) and its annual koi fish fry breeding capacity has hit 300 million, with an output value of 800 million yuan. There are more than 30 varieties of koi fish in Gaotang. According to variety and appearance, the price of a koi fish ranges from hundreds of yuan to hundreds of thousands of yuan, said Yang Fugui, president of the Gaotang County koi fish association. Gaotang has been awarded the "China's Koi Fish Capital" title by the China Fisheries Association. In recent years, Gaotang koi fish have not only been sold across China, but also to a number of Southeast Asian countries. "Koi fish represent good luck and great riches in Chinese culture. The Gaotang koi fish breeding business has brought wealth to locals," Yang said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) This newly launched centre in Oman is the first in the larger growth plan New Delhi-based firm Seeds of Innocence has become the first home grown and family-owned chain of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) clinics to establish state of the art full-scope IVF Centre overseas with their newly launched centre in Muscat, Oman. The premier medical facility has been established in partnership with Omans largest private healthcare group, Badr Al Samaa. The centre is powered with advanced infrastructure and a multidisciplinary team of infertility specialists and embryologists. This newly launched centre in Oman is the first in the larger growth plan envisioned by Dr Gauri Agarwal, Co-Founder & Director of Seeds of Innocence, and there will soon be expansion in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Africa & South America. The new IVF Centre is the groups first International Centre and offers high-end genetic diagnostic tests for embryos such as Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) and Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to eliminate genetical anomalies or inherited genetic diseases like Down Syndrome and other chromosomal disorders in foetus. Seeds of Innocence currently owns and operates 15 IVF & fertility centres across 8 states and is also the first IVF centre in the country to have an in-house genetic testing lab, which opened back in 2017. Seeds of Innocence CEO, Chetan Kohli said The roadmap plan of Seeds of Innocence in the region is to deal with the lack of access faced by couples in getting global standard quality and reliable treatment of infertility, and we couldnt have asked for better partners than Omans largest healthcare Group, Badr al Samaa who are one of the most trusted name there. Our Muscat Centre is now operational and we look forward to expanding our footprint in Bahrain and Qatar in GCC in addition to Africa and Latin America soon. A Cameroonian businessman was detained on Monday in connection with the murder of Martinez Zogo, a well-known journalist whose mangled remains were discovered near the capital Yaounde last month after he was abducted, according to the national radio station CRTV. Cameroon journalist Martinez Zogo's photo is displayed as fellow journalists pay their last respect to him. Source: Reuters/Amindeh Blaise Atabong. The case has roiled the Central African nation, with some government and security officials cited by media as suspects. The president's office said last week that several suspects had been arrested, but gave no details. Zogo, the director of private radio station Amplitude FM, was kidnapped on 17 January by unknown assailants after trying to enter a police station to escape his attackers. His body was found on 22 January. Zogo had recently reported on air about a case of alleged embezzlement involving a media outlet with government connections owned by businessman Jean Pierre Amougou Belinga. Belinga's company L'Anecdote Group, which owns businesses including a private television station, confirmed his arrest in a statement on Monday. His lawyer told Reuters that his client had not been charged. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said in a report on Friday, citing a written confession of someone involved, that Zogo was apparently taken to a construction site that belongs to Belinga. The businessman's lawyer declined to respond to the allegation, saying they will wait for the charges. The RSF report said over a dozen members of Cameroon's intelligence service had been detained, including its senior leadership, one of whom provided the written confession. Spokespeople for Cameroon's government and the intelligence service could not be reached for comments on Monday. Zogo's killing was the latest in a string of attacks against journalists in Cameroon, which has a vibrant press but where President Paul Biya has a decades-long record of repressing opposition. The media watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists on Thursday urged Cameroon authorities to be transparent over Zogo, and also account for the death of another journalist in government custody in 2019. A labour court in Kenya ruled on Monday that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, can be sued in the East African country after a former content moderator filed a lawsuit against it alleging poor working conditions. The lawsuit was filed by one person on behalf of a group and was also filed against Meta's local outsourcing company Sama. It seeks financial compensation, an order that outsourced moderators have the same healthcare and pay scale as Meta employees, that unionisation rights be protected and an independent human rights audit of the office. Implications on content moderation The decision from Kenya's employment and labour relations court could have implications for how Meta works with content moderators globally. The US company works with thousands of moderators around the world, tasked with reviewing graphic content posted on its platform. Meta had argued that the Kenyan court had no jurisdiction because the company is not based in the African country, and thus should be struck from the case. "Since the petition has raised certain actual issues that are yet to be determined, it would be inopportune for the country to strike out the two respondents from the matter," Judge Jacob Gakeri said in his ruling on Monday. Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Previous lawsuits Former content moderator Daniel Motaung, who says he developed PTSD because of his work, filed the case. Meta has faced lawsuits over content moderation before. In 2021 a California judge approved an $85m settlement between Facebook and more than 10,000 content moderators who had accused the company of failing to protect them from psychological injuries resulting from their exposure to graphic and violent imagery. Meta is also facing another lawsuit in Kenya. In December, two Ethiopian researchers and a Kenyan rights group filed a suit accusing Meta of letting violent and hateful posts from Ethiopia flourish on Facebook, inflaming the Ethiopian civil war. Meta said hate speech and incitement to violence were against the rules of Facebook and Instagram, another of its platforms, and that it was investing heavily to remove this type of content. Meta's local outsourcing company Sama said last month it would no longer provide content moderation services for the company. Sama has previously rejected claims that its employees were paid unfairly, that the recruitment process was opaque, or that its mental health benefits were inadequate. The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) Africa and the African Public Relations Association (APRA) have joined forces to launch the state of African PR study. Source Matthias Ziegler 123rf The state of African PR, PRCA's flagship study, will be done in partnership with APRA PRCAs second annual study will examine the state of PR and communications practice and ethics in Africa. Critical research for the African PR industry The flagship study, conducted by Reputation Matters, will gather demographic data on the industry and investigate issues including ethics, perceptions of PR in business, talent, remote working, and the challenges facing the industrys future. PRCA International director, Melissa Cannon MPRCA, says they are thrilled to partner with APRA to deliver this critical piece of research for the African PR industry. Communications professionals are uniquely positioned to influence and lead organisations in an exciting era of innovation and growth in Africa. But what are the potential roadblocks for PR to cement itself into every area of business as a leading voice? What is the industry doing well and what are the opportunities? This research is an opportunity for us to gather in-depth analysis on how the industry is really tracking and I encourage practitioners across the continent to have their voice heard, says Cannon. Growing PR on the continent APRA president, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, says: "The collaboration of APRA and the PRCA on this survey is without a doubt one of the many ways we can successfully influence the growth of PR practice on the continent. He adds that there are two links to the survey: one in English and one in French. This demonstrates our determination to actively involve the Francophone African community in APRA. We believe that using both languages will allow the survey to reach a larger audience and provide a more detailed understanding of African public relations practitioners, he says. He adds: Through the survey, we shall gain a better understanding of how African PR practitioners perceive and practice public relations, as well as their challenges and needs. Taking the survey The survey takes a few minutes to complete and all responses will remain anonymous. The findings will be presented at the annual APRA Conference, hosted in Zambia, from 15 to 19 May 2023. PR professionals can take the survey in English here and in French here. Essential health checks or screenings are tests that are carried out by a medical doctor to check for diseases and health conditions, even before you may have any symptoms. By detecting diseases early on they are often easier to treat. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, clinical executive at Bonitas Medical Fund, talks about the most important check-ups for men. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, clinical executive at Bonitas Medical Fund 1. Colorectal cancer screening These tests look for cancer in the colon or rectum by checking for tissue growths, called polyps. If you have an elevated risk for cancer (such as a family history), then you should start having these tests from the age of 45. A colonoscopy, where the doctor looks at your entire colon, should be done every 3-10 years depending on what is found during your exam. A Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) which also screens for colon cancer by looking for hidden blood in the stool, should be annual. 2. Prostate cancer Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It occurs in the small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. The growth is normally slow and it is the one type of cancer from which you have the best chances of recovery. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. Most men with prostate cancer are older than 65 years and do not die from the disease. If prostate cancer is detected early when it's still confined to the prostate gland theres an excellent chance of successful treatment. Men, from the age of 50 (4045 for those at high risk, with a family history of prostate cancer) should have an annual prostate examination. How do you get checked for prostate cancer? Your doctor will recommend a blood test to check the levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate and can be elevated in men who have prostate cancer. This must be supported by a rectal examination. 3. Weight and BMI The Body Mass Indicator (BMI) is used to check if you are a healthy weight. To calculate your BMI: Divide your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in metres (m) Then divide the answer by your height again Good to know Underweight: Normal weight: 18.5 to 24.9 Overweight: 25 to 29.9 Obese: 30> 4. Blood glucose With over 4.6 million people in South Africa living with diabetes, its important to check your blood glucose. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. They are different conditions but are both serious and need to be treated and managed properly. One of the biggest problems with diabetes is when it remains undiagnosed. This can lead to blindness, heart attack\stroke, kidney failure, impotence and amputation so its vital to be checked. 5. Blood pressure Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when blood pressure stays elevated over time. It is often referred to as the silent killer since nearly 33% of people who have it, dont know it. If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your arteries (and your heart) and if its not treated, hypertension can cause kidney failure, eye problems and heart disease. 6. Skin checks Skin cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of skin cells - usually on the skin that has been exposed to the sun but not always. There are three major types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Examine your skin carefully at least once a month and, if you are prone to getting lots of moles, go to a dermatologist and have the mole mapped. If skin cancers are found and treated early, they are almost always curable. If you have a history of skin cancer in your family have your skin checked regularly by a doctor. 7. Cholesterol levels Cholesterol is in every cell in your body. You need cholesterol to help your brain, skin and other organs do their jobs. But eating too much fat and cholesterol is not good for you and it can start to build up in childhood. Cholesterol is produced by your liver, its carried in your blood and can get into the walls of the blood vessels. This can cause the blood vessels to get stiffer, narrower or clogged. If the clogging worsens over the years, it can cause a heart attack or stroke in adults. Doctors can find out what your cholesterol level is by taking some of your blood and testing it. The two main types of cholesterol are: Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is bad cholesterol a plaque builder and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is good cholesterol which removes bad cholesterol from the body. 8. Testicular cancer Symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump, hardness, enlargement, pain or any other change in one or both of their testicles. It is a good idea for men between the ages of 15 and 55 to do a self-examination. This is best done after a warm shower and will help find the cancer at an early stage, when it is more likely to be successfully treated. If you present with any symptoms, visit your doctor immediate. The first step is usually an ultrasound but a blood test can also be done to detect the proteins which are produced by the testicular cancer cells. Remember early detection of any of diseases or health conditions can save your life. Thats why its important to go to your doctor for regular check-ups. According to lecturers at the IIE's School of Hospitality & Service Management which has campuses in Rosebank, Johannesburg and Newlands in Cape Town, this year will see an increase in "bleasure" travellers (those visitors combining business and pleasure) and all-inclusive and packaged holidays, while the South African tourism and hospitality industry will have to continue to deal with the effects of load-shedding. Europe still corners the global tourism market with 51% as opposed to Africa with only 5%. However, all is not doom and gloom given that Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions when it comes to tourism. Below are some of the lecturer's predictions. An emphasis on safety and sustainability: There is a continued bounce back from the Covid pandemic with a bigger focus than ever before on sustainability and safety, says Roshaan Hunter, lecturer in Cape Town. "Looking at international tourism market share it remains clear that Europe still leads the pack continuing to corner the market with 51% as opposed to Africa with only 5%. "We should however not be despondent; it is clear figures are slowly rising as our segment is working hard in re-building consumer confidence and adapting to evolving consumer needs. The highly respected Hospitality Global Market Report of 2022 found that the global hospitality market is expected to experience a 15% compound annual growth. Acsa reported a 90% growth in travellers at airports compared to November 2021. "South Africa remains a very popular destination but we should not get complacent, we should keep on re-inventing ourselves and seek to deliver unique tourism products to entice and then keep our much-valued patrons. Sustainability is key. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world which hotels are aspiring to. Eco-tourism continues to grow year-on-year. South Africans make the best out of adversity The hospitality industry is proving to be innovative and resilient when it comes to load shedding. According to Collin Thaver, MD of Southern Africa 360, power disruptions in the industry are being managed and most tourism outlets have backup generators to cope with this. He says that tourism bodies are using social media to update visitors to their area and region, and even local municipalities are sending out messages online. All-inclusive packages and business travel Dustin Pieterson, lecturer based in Cape Town says that this year business travellers will choose to combine leisure time during their trips. "Guests will think of more ways to save money rather than to spend so they might want to have exclusive packages that meet only their specific needs for that particular visit or stay. One can already see trends such as guest desire to pay for certain services and amenities utilised. "More tourists will also opt for all-inclusive packages so they know how much their holiday is going to cost them. These all-inclusive packages used to be seen as low quality but that has changed and there will be more upmarket all-inclusive deals which include food, drink and activities. The electricity crisis will have consequences From a hospitality operational point of view, there is no short-term sustainable way to remedy South Africas current electricity crisis. This is something that affects everyone in hospitality, from the most basic employee doing a cleaning job to the CEO. However, the industry showed resilience during the Covid lockdown and, if anything, hospitalians dont give up but rather take charge and lead. The electricity crisis forced larger hotels to run on generators to keep and maintain standards, but this is extremely expensive to maintain and not good for a carbon footprint. However, if there is no solution soon, it will have a more severe impact on the hospitality industry than what was experienced during the pandemic. Business travellers More and more hospitality industries are leaning toward a new term known as "bleasure", which is the mixing of business with pleasure, adds Etresia Booysen, lecturer based in Johannesburg. The hospitality industry is becoming more corporate-oriented. "Guests pay for the experience and the memories made, rather than just a bed to sleep in and breakfast in the morning. Business travellers do not only want to stay at a hotel because they are working but also to enjoy themselves and take some leisure time. "More corporates are employing hospitality-oriented people and graduates as hospitality equals customer service". The energy crisis and sustainability Seeing that electricity is becoming more unreliable, it is forcing more hospitality industries to look at alternative electricity. Solar power is on the rise and something that many hospitality industries and businesses will adopt in future planning. Other smart technologies, such as automation and air-source heat pumps will also be taken into consideration. It is very important for future hospitality industry owners to plan ahead and consider all aspects of sustainability, because not taking these technologies into consideration could prove very expensive if only installed when the electricity crisis worsens. The hospitality industry is becoming more adaptable to sustainability and recent studies have shown that up to 78% of travellers will stay in a sustainable hotel at least once this year. South African contemporary trans-seasonal fashion brand, Munkus, is the brainchild of ambitious young designer Thando Ntuli. Thando Ntuli, creative director and founder, Munkus. Source: SA Fashion Week The Soweto-born creative is profoundly inspired by the generations of women and maternal figures in her life, and launched her Munkus label in 2019 with a vision to raise the voice of the everyday woman through craftmanship with garments that imbue a sense of comfort and confidence in the wearer. Through her designs, Ntuli tells stories through bold colour and print, paired with classic silhouettes influenced by 80s and 90s South African fashion. Now in her mid-20s, Ntuli and her work have already caught the eye of the local industry, earning her titles including SA Fashion Week New Talent 2022 and Design Indaba Emerging Creatives Class of 2022, and she scooped the AllFashion Sourcing Young Designer Competition in 2021. She advocates nurturing homegrown creativity and the advancement of local, equitable production, and is passionate about empowering other aspiring young designers. Her YouTube channel is evidence of this, with videos including sewing tips and tricks to advice on creating a clothing brand from scratch. Here, Ntuli shares the aspirations behind her Munkus brand, the inspiration behind her latest SA Fashion Week collection, and her thoughts on boosting support for the local designer-led fashion industry. Thando, tell us about your brand Munkus who is it made for, and what is its brand philosophy and aesthetic? Women! It is based on closing a generation gap, between the younger woman and the older woman. Quality bespoke pieces that could be handed down and dressed differently to suit each age group. The collection is based on the Me in every womans journey. My goal was to help women find themselves in the pieces I have madeby giving them an extension of their personality or the persona they want to have for that day, the collection is rich in colour and loud in print. A collection to face the world with just the right confidence. Munkus AW 23 - Umama Wami. Source: SA Fashion Week When did you notice you had an affinity for fashion design, and what convinced you to pursue it as a career? As a child, I developed a fascination for others' styles and often borrowed items from my family members' closets. Despite receiving criticism for not always returning these pieces, I saw it as a way to make each item my own. My interest in unique and unconventional clothing styles eventually influenced my artistic expression through the use of colour and print. The roots of my creativity can be traced back to these early experiences as a "closet thief". You presented your latest AW 2023 collection at SA Fashion Week in October. Tell us about your range and what inspired it? AW 23 Umama Wami translate to My Mother. The collection I have created is a tribute to my mother and the numerous roles she embodies - nurturer, healer, giver, fighter and leader. These five pillars, which she embodies with grace and strength, have shaped my life and inspired me to create a collection that highlights the appreciation for these personas in every woman's life. Munkus AW 23 - Umama Wami. Source: SA Fashion Week This collection speaks to the heart of mothers, not just my own, but also those of South Africa, who wear multiple hats to keep their families together and still maintain their individuality. I was inspired by the resilience and strength of South African women, who have faced adversity in every aspect of society, and sought to create a symbol of their fight to be seen, understood and valued. The prints are visual representations of my mother and pay homage to her journey and those of South African mothers alike. What role does storytelling play in your work? Storytelling plays a crucial role in my work as a designer. My brand, Munkus, is inspired by the generations of women in my life who wore many hats and paved the way for me to have the life I have today. This important legacy is reflected in my collections, which are designed to serve as a way for women to express themselves and be their best selves as they navigate their life journeys. The concept of home is central to my brand as it represents a place where one is comfortable and confident, and I aim to imbue that sense of comfort and confidence in my designs. What have been some of the highlights of your design career so far? Some of the notable achievements in my design career include winning the Most Fashionable Commercial Range award from Truworths in 2019, being recognised as the AllFashion Sourcing Designer of the Year in 2021 and being selected to showcase in Paris in 2023. I have also had the privilege of showcasing my designs at prestigious fashion weeks in South Africa and Lagos and being featured in renowned media publications such as Sunday Times, S Mag, News24, Business of Fashion and Glamour magazine. Additionally, I was honoured to receive the Emerging Creative of the Year awards from both Design Indaba and Glamour magazine in 2022 and being recognised as the SA Fashion Week New Talent in the same year. To top it off, I successfully launched my brand, Munkus, as an emerging label in South Africa. How do you feel South Africas retail industry could support more emerging designers like yourself? I think in South Africa it's always just been resources - physical and intellectual. A career in entrepreneurship in any sense is difficult, I think that SAFW was a step to show me this can be bigger if I dream bigger. Where the industry is acknowledging young talent and telling them that creative careers are a happy space and that this is a career that you can walk into and be successful. Now it's just believing in myself, being the one to look out for information, look out for funding and just be smart in the way that I run a business. I think most young people in South Africa struggle with just understanding the possibilities and the opportunities that are available. There are small groups within the industry now pushing this which is amazing to see. I think we need more focus on how to be creative with our resources and where to find resources as local designers. I think platforms that discuss the realities and difficulties of resources are great and speak on how much resources can play a part in creating creatively. South Africa needs to put its people first and develop from home to grow our industry. Who are some of the local fashion designers you look up to and admire, and why? Traveling to Lagos Fashion Week with designers Imprint and Ezokhetho was an eye-opening experience. I quickly realised that talent and creativity come in many forms and that this industry truly embraces diversity. Not only was their work beautiful, but their humble and down-to-earth personalities made a lasting impact on me. I learned to cherish the journey and always stay humble. Complete the sentence: The future of fashion is... Africas hands! What would you like your legacy to be in the fashion industry? I aspire to leave a lasting impact on the fashion industry by creating opportunities and fostering growth for emerging designers. My legacy will be one of empowering and supporting the next generation of creative talent and working towards a more equitable and sustainable manufacturing landscape. In your opinion, how can South African consumers be encouraged to shop from more local designer-led brands? To uplift the design industry, it is crucial for larger companies to acknowledge the value of designers and their creative vision. These designers need support and resources to bring their ideas to life, and larger retailers can play a major role in providing this support. By collaborating with designers, retailers can help market their work and build a stronger presence nationwide. Furthermore, buying and manufacturing locally should be a priority in order to promote sustainable growth in the industry. What's next for you and Munkus? How would you like to see your brand grow and evolve over the coming years? One, I am aiming to build my reach. Two, to create my own manufacturing space for young designers, and three I am aiming to push myself creatively this year. I manifest all will come to fruition. Oh! and meet great people in the industry I can learn from! The 2023 Joburg Film Festival has a dedicated space for virtual reality filmmaking. Africa has a habit of leapfrogging technological hurdles and coming out ahead of countries considered more developed look at our adoption of mobile phone payments, mobile payments and internet connectivity solutions. We lead in proptech, were drawing massive investment in fintech and medtech solutions developed on the continent are being rolled out across the world. Virtual tech, real applications While virtual reality (VR) is still a novelty technology in much of the rest of the world, it is flourishing in Africa in the gaming, healthcare, mining, advertising and property industries and is being explored as a tool in education. The expansion of the tech will create its own value chain, which will help filmmakers transition more easily into VR production giving our own storytellers the opportunity to innovate, dream, think and push boundaries on their own terms. Africa has the opportunity to combine it with our own compelling stories and storytelling methods to position ourselves as leaders in its use. VR offers filmmakers the opportunity to make films in new ways, since immersion is a given. Harnessing the tech effectively will help develop the African storytelling narrative, giving our filmmakers ownership over both production and consumption and ensuring that our stories are told, our way. Removing cost barriers The rapid decline in cost of VR technology both to produce and view films gives African filmmakers an incredible opportunity too. As it becomes cheaper for consumers to adopt VR tech, it opens up immersive content consumption opportunities for anyone who has a headset and a compatible mobile phone reducing filmmakers reliance on expensive cinema set-ups and the cost of encoding films to operate on the tech. Indeed, with piracy a rampant problem across the continent, delivering films directly to users without an intermediary has huge positive financial implications for filmmakers and producers. The ability to use the same platforms and distribution methods levels the international filmmaking playing field, going some way toward levelling financial obstacles and giving the heart of filmmaking the power of the story a chance to shine. Since storytelling has been at the heart of African culture since the continent birthed the human race, we have a chance to lead by combining the available tech and our skills as storytellers. VR at this years JFF Four VR films are being showcased at JFF this year two from South Africa and one each from the US and Taiwan as part of the Exploring VR Experience. Azibuye The Occupation (South Africa) is a VR/360 degree which premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2020. Container makes visible the invisiblised bodies enabling our consumer society, confronting slavery through an ever-transforming shipping container, the past becomes the present, the invisible become visible. Metas The Soloist is a ground-breaking two-part series following mountaineer Alex Honnolds soloing adventures through the US and into the Alps. The Man Who Couldn't Leave integrates the stories of numerous political victims of Taiwans White Terror, told through the form of an undelivered family letter. The Joburg Film Festival (JFF) kicks off across Joburg on 31 January, showcasing some of the finest films from over 35 countries across the globe, including 20 African premieres and 27 South African premieres, until 5 February. For more information on the Joburg Film Festival, follow JFF on Twitter @JoburgFilmFest, Facebook and Instagram. Coronation and its literacy partner Living Through Learning spread joy at all their beneficiary schools and Reading Adventure Rooms in Cape Town as the learners read The Mouse Who Ate the Moon. Coronation and its literacy partner Living Through Learning hosted the city-wide occasion at the schools fun-filled Reading Adventure Rooms. Picture credit: Jurie Senekal A love of reading was sparked in the hearts of thousands of school children from eight Cape Town schools, on World Read Aloud Day (1 February 2023), as they read the same sweet childrens book all at the same time. Coronations Big Read saw the learners across the schools read The Mouse Who Ate the Moon simultaneously at all its sponsored Reading Adventure Rooms. The initiative was coordinated by the literacy organisation Living Through Learning. At Lotus River Primary the children were entertained by a big mouse mascot in the colourful Reading Adventure Room, while being read the story, making for a cheerful sight as they all celebrated the joy of reading together. The children were given the same snack as the mouse in the story and all received a squeaky mouse toy to take home. The joy of reading was sparked on World Read Aloud day as learners from eight Cape Town schools, read the same sweet childrens story together. Picture credit: Jurie Senekal Its a great privilege to partner with our schools and our longtime literacy partner Living through Learning to promote a love of reading. Its incredibly important for children to develop a love of reading early on as it directly correlates with their academic success later in life, said Mary-Anne Musekiwa, Corporate Social Investment (CSI) chairperson at Coronation. In the education system, reading for meaning by the end of the foundation phase in Grade 3 is regarded as a key determinant for academic achievement in all subjects in the intermediate and senior phases, as well as the likelihood that the child will finish school one day. Why Coronation supports literacy In the education system, reading for meaning by the end of the foundation phase in Grade 3 is regarded as a key determinant for academic achievement in all subjects in the intermediate and senior phases, as well as the likelihood that the child will finish school one day. Living Through Learnings Natalie Roos and a giant mouse mascot entertained the learners from Lotus River Primary on World Read Aloud Day. Picture credit: Jurie Senekal Motivated by the pressing need to address the significant deficits in primary school literacy in South Africa, reading is a central aspect of Coronations CSI extensive work. They have been supporting literacy in underserved local schools for more than a decade and been running their official education-focused Capsule Programme since 2018. The programme includes supporting primary school literacy through its Reading Adventure Rooms in under-resourced schools. Coronation also provides ongoing support to teachers and parents regarding literacy through its non-profit partners, and funds the further academic development of school principals. World Read Aloud Day For 13 years, World Read Aloud Day has called attention to the importance of sharing stories by challenging participants to grab a book, find an audience, and read aloud. The global effort is celebrated annually in over 173 countries and is all about bringing people together through the shared connection of reading aloud in all of our communities. Ransomware and phishing remain the top two cyber threats today, a fact that many different studies will attest to, and often, human error is to blame for successful breaches. Cybersecurity awareness training has become essential for business, but it is often an exercise that is not given sufficient attention because the liability for a breach has been limited. However, recently a new precedent has been set, with ENSafrica being ordered to pay R5.5m and legal fees to an individual who lost money due to a manipulated email from the firm. As cybercrime incidents continue to rise, ignorance can no longer be used as a valid excuse, and businesses need to implement specific, tailored, and effective cybersecurity awareness training to safeguard themselves in the future. The ENSafrica case In the case of ENSafrica, a leading law firm in South Africa, the High Court found the firm liable for money which was stolen as a result of manipulated emails showing incorrect banking details. This is a very common scam known as business email compromise (BEC) and in the past, these types of cases generally held limited liability for business. However, with the judge finding in favour of the plaintiff, awarding the law firm to pay her the R5.5 million plus interest and legal fees, a new precedent has been set. The plaintiffs argument centred on the fact that ENSafrica owed her a duty of care, and a legal responsibility to warn her of the dangers of BEC, and that they should have made use of secure channels to send banking details, rather than unencrypted channels and unsecured PDFs. It also emerged during the trial that cybersecurity training was inadequate at the firm, despite the growing threat landscape. Essentially, the plaintiff won the case because the firm did not have the right policies or procedures in place. This highlights the need for greater awareness and training on cybersecurity for business. Ignorance is not an excuse The entire case comes down to the fact that all reputable companies should know and do better. The false belief that breaches of this nature are not a business problem has now been shaken because there is a legal precedent showing that they are. In todays threat landscape, especially with the implementation of the Protection of Personal Information Act (PoPIA), privileged communication should always be protected and encrypted, and awareness of the risks and how to mitigate them needs to become a priority. This also cannot be a generic exercise, because there are specific potential risks and scenarios that will apply to different businesses. An individualised risk assessment is essential, as is developing a playbook on how to deal with potential threats. Knowing the risks, planning the response and having processes in place to deal with threats is imperative. Perks of expert assistance Knowing and planning are not enough unless all staff are also aware of and trained on the risks and the procedures to follow. This is not just about phishing scams anymore training needs to be focused and relevant and put into context, so that people can understand real-world examples and consequences of a cyber breach. In addition, businesses need to perform simulations and penetration testing to see whether or not their approach is working. This is typically not a core skill for most businesses, which is where an expert outsourced provider can assist. A cybersecurity expert can assess risk, compile a complete training plan covering all components, and implement measurements to test these, as well as tailor training to individuals depending on their role and risk. With cybercrime continually on the rise, and businesses now being potentially liable for the financial losses of clients as a result of breaches, the importance of cybersecurity awareness has never been more evident. A focused, specific, and effective approach is essential in ensuring organisations play their part in protecting against cyberattacks. Inospace chief operating officer, Jacques Weber, says President Cyril Ramaphosa must focus on small and medium-sized businesses when he addresses the country during the upcoming State of the Nation Address this week, and how government will be alleviating the ongoing energy crisis. Source: Supplied The Department of Small Business Development announced recently that it was considering relief measures to assist SMEs affected by load shedding which Weber says must be "realistic and translate into financial assistance". "We call on the government to immediately provide unconditional assistance to SMEs whose businesses are at an enormous risk of being annihilated by unending load shedding," says Weber. Inospace owns and operates serviced industrial and logistics parks and has over 1,500 small and medium-sized enterprises which have been hardest hit by the energy crisis. SMEs most vulnerable Making up more than 98% of businesses across the country, SMEs contribute 39% towards the country's GDP. According to Weber, that contribution should increase in the coming years, further cementing the importance of SMEs to the South African economy. However, these businesses are also the most vulnerable to economic upheaval and externally driven pressures. "While load shedding persists, thousands of SMEs are staring down the barrel, contemplating shedding jobs, lowering production or possibly winding up. The SME segment of the economy does not have the means to get off the grid through costly alternative power solutions," says Weber. Structured interventions Inospace believes that funds and facilities must be urgently provided to relieve smaller businesses with their existing debts and payments and that government relief should assist SMEs in paying for raw materials, labour and other operational costs. "These interventions must be structured to match the patterns of small business cash flow and the extent of the impact experienced due to the load shedding," says Weber. The company has launched a 'Living with Load Shedding' project to help its clients minimise disruptions to their business operations, including solar and inverter options and generator advice to assist those that require emergency assistance. "Everyone hopes that load shedding will start bottoming out and slowly easing over time. But it's unlikely there will be any relief soon. Accommodating load shedding into our business operations and strategies will be essential for at least a few years," concludes Weber. Of all the wild animals one could reasonably expect to see roaming South Africa's streets, a tiger is not one of them. And yet, somewhat inexplicably, Gauteng found itself on the lookout for not one, but two tigers in two separate incidents in the space of three weeks this January. Image source: Jiri Mikolas from Pexels While Sheba, an eight-year-old tigress, was euthanised after attacking a man, two dogs and a pig, the second, younger tiger was reportedly recaptured without incident. And this is not the first time tigers have caused a stir in the province. Back in 2021, news of tigers in Boksburg made headlines when teachers at a creche spotted a white tiger watching them from its perch on a jungle gym in the neighbours yard. These events have left many questions surrounding the legalities of the ownership of exotic animals in South Africa - tigers in particular. Bizcommunity contacted Lopes Attorneys for some professional insight into the matter. Lopes Attorneys is a boutique law firm that specialises animal welfare (among other things), and was named Specialist Law Firm of the Year at the African Legal Awards 2022 for its work in this sector. Here, Rui Lopes (founder and managing director) and Michael Jenkins (paralegal) discuss the regulations, recourse and the potential reform of laws following these episodes. What are the laws pertaining to the ownership of exotic animals and specifically big cats, such as tigers, in South Africa Lopes and Jenkins: The legal framework surrounding the ownership of exotic animals in South Africa is heavily fragmented. This fragmentation is not only on a national level, but also on a provincial level, which is attributable to the concurrent and exclusive competence provisions of the Constitution, which tasks provincial conservation authorities with the permitting in relation to the keeping of such species. As such, where national legislation does not provide for ownership requirements of certain exotic species, and where the provincial legislation similarly does not provide for such requirements, the unfortunate position is that there is no legislation which then prohibits nor regulates the keeping of exotic species as pets. For example, where one seeks to import or export a threatened or endangered species, which is listed as such under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a variety of requirements would need to be fulfilled in order to lawfully import or export, as the case may be. These requirements depend heavily on (i) the Appendix to which the species is listed and (ii) the requirements of the domestic legislation which domesticates CITES, which is the provisions of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 10 of 2004 (Nemba). Although Nemba does contain provisions allowing for species to be listed as Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS), and to afford the protections/regulatory provisions associated therewith, unfortunately exotic species, such as tigers, have not been listed as TOPS. To this end, and as example, the importation or exportation of tiger into or out of South Africa, as the case may be, would require compliance with the provisions of CITES, and in turn the provisions under Nemba, which give effect to the importation/exportation of such species. Tigers are listed under CITES as an appendix one species. This means that an import permit issued by the Management Authority of the State of import is required to bring the animal lawfully into the country. This may be issued only if the specimen or a derivative of it is not to be used for commercial purposes and if the import will not detriment the survival of the species. In the case of a live animal, the Scientific Authority must be satisfied that the proposed recipient is suitably equipped to care for it. However, where the species is bred and sold within South Africa, no such requirements would be present, as there is then no national legislation which specifically prohibits the keeping of this species as pets. That being said, certain provinces do require permits whilst others do not. Some provinces, for example, do impose permitting requirements, such as the Northern Cape and the Western Cape. Whether there is compliance and enforcement with these provincial laws is another question. Other provinces, however, such as Gauteng and the North West, do not require any permits for the keeping of tigers. There are other pieces of legislation that any owner of a big cat such as a tiger must bear in mind. One of these is the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 (the APA). Section 2 of this legislation deals with offences in relation to animals. This legislation speaks to a number of offences in relation to animals such as unnecessary confinement and neglect, amongst others. This is important as tigers are complex animals to care for, and our view is that it is unlikely that most captive tigers are being cared for properly. Do similar laws apply to the ownership of indigenous big cats such as lion and African leopard? As with other endemic big cats, lion and leopard are listed under TOPS as vulnerable. Accordingly, due to their listing, the conducting of any activity in relation to the species which is regarded as a Restricted Activity, would require the issuing of a permit in relation to that Restricted Activity (which would include the captivity, breeding and transportation of the species so concerned), failing which, it is considered an offence. As such, in order for a person to lawfully possess a lion or leopard, as the case may be, the necessary permits under TOPS must be obtained and renewed. Furthermore, and similarly to the situation with the tiger, any importation or exportation of the species concerned must also comply with CITES and the provisions of Nemba in this regard. Furthermore, it is our view that the provisions of the APA would equally apply. What sort of recourse does a victim of an attack of a privately-owned exotic animal have against the owner? There is recourse that an attack victim may seek against the owner of an exotic animal. However, there are some key aspects that need to be considered. In terms of a legal remedy for an animal attack, many peoples, certainly legal professionals, first instinct would be to use the actio de pauperie. The actio de pauperie is an action that is available to someone who has suffered damages due to the conduct of another person's domestic animal. The owner of the domestic animal will, in terms of this action, be liable for the damages caused by the animal. However, the courts have held that the actio de pauperie is only applicable in the cases of domestic animals (OCallaghan v Chaplin [1927]; SAR&H v Edwards [1930]; Batchoo v Crick [1941]). There is an interesting discussion and debate in relation to the applicability of this remedy in relation to wild and exotic animals. There may be argument for the fact that the conduct of the animal is not contra naturam sui generis (contrary to the nature of their class) in causing the damage complained of. This does not detract from the fact that the victim may bring an ordinary delictual claim and the negligence attributable to the failure to take the adequate/appropriate steps to ensure that the animal in question was correctly enclosed. In those instances where livestock was lost, can the owner be held liable? A livestock owner certainly has a claim against an owner of the exotic animal. The recourse that a livestock owner can seek is similar to delict as discussed above. Do you believe there could be a case where attack victims could open a suit against government for not having more stringent regulations in place to prevent these incidents? Yes. It may be regarded that the State is partly liable for the circumstances due to the lack of proper/adequate regulation of the state of affairs (and in some instances, the complete lack of regulation). Could these two recent episodes be enough of a catalyst for our lawmakers to review and reform our regulations? The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has recently indicated that it intends to develop legislation that seeks to prohibit the keeping of tigers as pets. Whether the Department will follow through with this, and the time it will take for this to be completed, remains to be seen. However, the recent incidents have undoubtedly raised public awareness on the topic. It is hoped that there will be swift and appropriate redress on this critically important matter. Many companies underestimate the advantages of having a strong representation of women in the workplace and, as a result, miss out on attracting and retaining some of the best talent that South Africa has to offer. Apart from having a larger talent pool from which to find quality candidates for your vacant roles, having more women in your business especially if you have serious growth plans for the future may also boost your companys bottom line. Previous research has shown that Fortune 500 companies with the highest number of female board members perform better than those with the lowest number of female board members. In addition, teams that are balanced in terms of gender and equality may enjoy higher sales and profits compared to male-dominated teams. A recent Gallup study revealed that gender-diverse business units have higher average revenue than less diverse business units. Over and above the financial benefits of having a more gender-diverse team in place, having more women in your team may create a better working experience for all your employees. According to research conducted by Watermark and the Center for Creative Leadership, having a higher number of women in the workplace contributes to greater job satisfaction, more productivity and less burnout among all employees. Bearing this in mind, it comes as no surprise that having more women in the workplace also has been found to improve employee engagement and retention. Given the advantages that women can bring to the workplace, what can SMEs do to attract and retain South Africas young female talent? SMEs are well-positioned to find excellent Gen Y and Gen Z female talent because they are often able to offer more flexibility than larger organisations in terms of work-life balance. They also tend to have a less hierarchical structure and afford more opportunities for learning across different facets of the business. Younger female employees are also generally interested in companies that offer them the potential to do work that is aspirational and gives them a sense of purpose. There are a lot of things they care about, and they are looking for more than 'just a job'. So, what will make your SME stand out as an attractive company to work for? Factors to consider include offering fair pay as well as equal opportunities when it comes to career progression and succession planning. Competitive employee benefits and flexible working arrangements may also give you the edge over your competitors in the job market. The importance of a great company culture aligned to core values should not be underestimated either. Here are three ways to attract and retain SAs brightest young female talent: Offer work that is meaningful and enjoyable. Women dont compartmentalise to the same degree as men. During the recruitment process, ask about their values, passions, strengths, and life goals. Then, on successfully hiring a female candidate, proactively look for ways to integrate these attributes into their role. Positioning a role in terms of how it relates to ones ethos and personal aspirations can transform ones perception of simply having a job to having a calling and a truly enjoyable working experience. Allow for some degree of remote/hybrid work where possible. An absence of work-life balance is the biggest reason why women are considering leaving their employer (35%), followed by lack of benefits or low compensation (18%), according to Deloitte Globals 2021 Women @ Work Report. Women face the challenge of juggling many roles simultaneously. As such, they are often attracted by roles that will allow them to balance their personal and professional responsibilities equally. Flexible hours, job sharing (having multiple people sharing a single role) and virtual work teams are just some of the options SMEs should consider when looking to attract and retain great female talent. Quality female candidates are seeking 'human-centered' workplaces rather than roles at companies that focus only on maximising shareholder value. As such, SMEs should consider using this to their advantage when recruiting: Talk about your workplace culture in your vacancy job descriptions and employer branding (Company Hubs). Appeal to applicants by unpacking the employee benefits you offer. For example, what can you offer around remote or hybrid work opportunities, shortened work weeks or generous annual leave allocation? Vantage Capital, Africa's largest mezzanine fund manager, has announced the successful final close on its fourth mezzanine fund. A total of US $377m of commitments has been secured from a mix of European and US-based commercial investors, as well as a host of development finance institutions (DFIs) that include IFC, BII, SIFEM, DEG, Norfund, Swedfund, Finnfund and EIB. In 2020, Vantages funding to CIM Sante has enabled the Moroccan hospital group to rapidly expand its number of beds | image supplied As with its predecessor funds, Vantage will continue to provide mid-sized African businesses with flexible capital to drive business expansion and support job creation. In particular, mezzanine debt is well-suited to robust sectors with strong growth dynamics, including telecoms, healthcare, education, real estate, export manufacturing, outsourced services and selective infrastructure such as private power generation. Fund IV has made two investments to date, providing early-stage construction funding to Seaton Estates in South Africa for a residential development on the KwaZulu Natal coast, and backing a prominent Egyptian private equity firm, Compass Capital, to acquire a portfolio of A grade office buildings in Cairo as they build a diversified portfolio of income-generating real estate assets. Warren van der Merwe, managing partner, noted, Vantage is proud of the continued support received from our investors. We were the first independent mezzanine fund in South Africa when we raised Fund I in 2006. Mezzanine was not well known in South Africa at that time, let alone in the rest of Africa. Since then, we have taken our mezzanine product across Africa, targeting 14 markets and having invested in 11 to date. Our fundraising success, in such a challenging environment, is a validation of the mezzanine asset class in Africa and of our role as a pioneer in this space over the past 17 years. As with previous funds, a substantial portion of the funds have been raised from private sector investors such as insurers, pension funds and endowments who find our contractual yields and equity upside exposure attractive when compared to private equity alternatives. We have also received valuable support from DFI investors, who appreciate the impact that mezzanine can have in growing mid-sized African enterprises. Since 2006, Vantage Capitals Mezzanine division has made 33 investments across four funds in 11 African countries, making it the largest and most experienced independent mezzanine funder on the continent. Its inaugural mezzanine fund was raised in 2006, with US $150m invested into five South African companies. In 2012, its second mezzanine fund of $240m was raised, investing in a portfolio of 13 companies across Africa. This was followed by its third mezzanine fund of $287m raised in 2015, with a further 13 investments spread across the continent. Vantages success is now raising $377m for its fourth mezzanine fund is a validation of the growing demand for flexible funding solutions amongst mid-sized African corporates, as well as a recognition by investors that Vantage is a leader in this niche. Artificial intelligence (AI) is not a new concept, but in recent years technological developments around it have begun to dramatically accelerate, thanks to the greater availability of data, sophisticated analytical tools and more. The global AI market is growing rapidly, and as the tools evolve, they have begun to do things that, in the past, only a human could have done, including reading, writing, speaking and even smelling. The more 'intelligent' AI becomes, the more applications it will have for business, freeing up human capital for areas such as creative problem-solving and emotional intelligence. Sarthak Rohal, VP IT Services at In2IT Technologies | image supplied A business imperative Businesses today generate more data than ever before in fact, according to Forbes, the amount of data created and consumed increased by 5000% between 2010 and 2020. However, making sense of that data and leveraging it for business benefit has proven challenging. The development of sophisticated and increasing intelligence of AI is helping businesses to finally leverage this data for more informed decision-making. Businesses are embracing AI like never before. The global AI market size was worth $62bn in 2020, and is expected to have an annual growth rate of 40.2% from 2021 to 2028, according to Grand View Research. More than half (56%) of respondents in McKinseys The state of AI in 2021 survey report are adopting AI, up from 50% of respondents in 2020. And Accentures report on AI found that 84% of C-suite executives think leveraging AI will help them achieve their growth objectives. As AI has become increasingly mainstream, more widespread, and more intelligent, there is a lot of value to be gained by adopting these tools. Changing the way we live, work and even play AI tools have numerous business applications, from predictive modelling and forecasting to enhanced customer segmentation and marketing optimisation, sentiment analysis to fraud detection, supply chain optimisation, predictive maintenance and more. AI is also being used to automate customer interactions, transcribe text, personalise experiences, and even make recommendations to customers for products or content. Any application where identifying previously undetected patterns in the data will help to derive insight can be vastly improved by the application of AI. In a South African context, automation tools like chatbots are now commonly used to automate and enhance customer service and reduce volumes into call centres. Financial services organisations are using AI tools to predict customers who may default on loans, reducing the default rate, as well as for real-time credit card and transaction fraud. The healthcare space is also seeing a revolution, with AI being used for tasks like diagnostic imaging analysis, drug development, and patient monitoring. AI to the future and beyond While there are many concerns around AI as it becomes increasingly intelligent, the reality is that intelligent AI is not coming, it is here, and businesses need to be prepared to leverage it or risk being left behind. We need to consider the risks, including unintended consequences that may arise from automation, as well as the benefits, and develop the appropriate understanding, controls, testing and monitoring around this. The behaviour of AI systems is ultimately at the hands of people, so it needs to be effectively controlled and directed to ensure decisions lead to desired outcomes. It is also essential to ensure that hardware, software, and infrastructure are capable of handling AI as it becomes increasingly powerful and robust, and that standards and best practices are developed and followed for the development, testing and deployment of AI systems. Ultimately, the goal is for AI to be both trustworthy and beneficial, and once this can be achieved, the potential for business, and for changing the way we work, live and play is limitless. The question should not be whether or not to integrate AI into your business, it should be how soon you can get it done. It took four years for Melbournes Antony Balmain to finally receive unpaid wages from his previous employer. The media and communications professional had worked at the Red Cross, which applied the wrong award or enterprise agreement to employees and incorrectly classified employees, resulting in a range of minimum rates and entitlements. It was an unsavoury and difficult process that dragged on. The psychological challenges that come with having to deal with these matters can be tough, Balmain says. It took four years for Melbournes Antony Balmain to finally receive unpaid wages from his previous employer. Now employed elsewhere, hes keen to highlight the issue of wage underpayments in the hope that others in the same situation speak up. It is crucial to seek out free advice early on from Fair Work, a union or state organisations, he says. 3M will stop making so-called forever chemicals. Credit: Bloomberg Since it was first filed in 2018 the case has ballooned to include more than 3300 claimants, making it the largest PFAS litigation on foot in the United States. Documents beginning to emerge from years of discovery are expected to cause angst on Wall Street as 3M faces fresh allegations of concealing the health risks of PFAS and their widespread presence in human blood. The truth was that 3M possessed this knowledge for more than 20 years, and had spent two decades actively hiding, distracting or misleading those outside of 3M about this important public health matter, court filings said. In a statement, a 3M spokeswoman said it would vigorously defend its record of environmental stewardship. 3M acted responsibly in connection with products containing PFAS, she said. AFFF was a critical tool developed to serve an important need for military service members and other responders facing high hazard, potentially life-threatening challenges. Two of the most notorious in the family of chemicals PFOS and PFOA were used in the firefighting foam but were phased out by 3M in the early 2000s. Exposure to PFOA and PFOS at current and historical levels found in people and the environment has not been shown to cause adverse health effects, the spokeswoman said. She said 3M made provisions for probable and reasonably estimable liabilities and provided disclosures about the status of litigation. According to a Bloomberg Intelligence report, 3M is facing a $US40 billion threat to its bottom line as a result of the 14,000 lawsuits filed against it in the United States over water contamination caused by PFAS. The reports author Holly Froum found remediation costs were potentially worth up to $35 billion payable over 30 years, and personal injury, medical monitoring and property damage claims were worth as much as $5 billion. This case presents an enormous risk to 3M financially should they lose. Gary Douglas, lead counsel for the plaintiffs If 3M must face trial, as we expect, it could fare poorly with juries, Froum said. Under her estimate, the legal liability represents nearly two-thirds of the Fortune 500 companys $US66 billion market capitalisation, with its alleged tactics around PFAS previously compared to those weaponised by the asbestos and tobacco industries. With new claimants signing up to the South Carolina litigation every week, lawyers are yet to specify the size of the overall claim. Among the litany of allegations of corporate malfeasance to be aired will be claims a scientist warned 3M representatives as far back as 1979 that the chemicals appeared to behave similarly to carcinogens in animal studies before the comment was deleted from meeting minutes. Loading The case will probe the extent of internal 3M concerns about the health effects of PFAS in open court for the first time, with the company having publicly denied for years that the chemicals posed any risk to human health. The first leg of the litigation will deal with the cases involving water providers, with a claim by the City of Stuart in Florida against 3M the first to be tried in June. Gary Douglas, a partner at New York law firm Douglas and London, will represent the city as lead trial counsel. He told the Herald and The Age the city was fighting to recoup more than $100 million spent on removing the cancer-causing toxins from its water, which bore a unique chemical signature showing they were manufactured by 3M. Douglas said Stuart was selected as a bellwether case because it was considered representative of many of the other cases pending in the litigation. Accordingly, the jurys verdict in this case will have enormous repercussions, Douglas said. This case presents an enormous risk to 3M financially should they lose. Douglas said while the story of PFAS was only just beginning to come to light, it was well established that PFAS could be found in everyone and everywhere on planet Earth. The blood of the polar bears in the North Pole, on the snow high atop Mount Everest and in the fish in the deepest parts of the ocean, he said. We intend to reveal for the first time in open court the entire story of 3Ms role in causing likely the worst environmental disaster in the history of mankind. The case has been assigned to Judge Richard Gergel, who was nominated to serve in the District of South Carolina by former president Barack Obama in 2009. Gergel warned that if certain motions didnt go their way, the defendants are in an existential threat to their survival. If you ask the plaintiffs counsel, they would say, this is like one of the greatest environmental tragedies in the history of man and the defence lawyers said: Ill drink it by the bottle, and it wont hurt us, Gergel said. Somewhere the truth may lie and weve got to figure out what is it ... unemotionally, rigorously, scientifically looking at the data. The lawyer representing the foam manufacturers, Joe Petrosinelli, replied: Can I give you one thought on that, Judge? Youre not offering to drink it? Gergel said. No, Im not. Im not, Petrosinelli said. Gergel said the issue of causation would be a major contest in the lawsuit, which would be at the cutting edge of the developing science on the chemicals. The case is expected to reverberate internationally, including in Australia, where dozens of communities have been polluted by the use of the toxic firefighting foams on military bases. In 2020 the Australian government paid out $212 million to three of those communities to settle a class action lawsuit and a cache of new claims are on foot. Newer forms of PFAS remain widespread in consumer products, including make-up, school uniforms and non-stick cookware. PFAS was found in the blood of all Australians sampled in a 2016 study by the University of Queensland. All Australians are expected to have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood, the Australian government said in advice issued to general practitioners. 3M has pledged to stop manufacturing all forms of PFAS by the end of 2025. The plaintiffs team is being advised by attorney Robert Bilott, a partner with law firm Taft Stettinius and Hollister, who led a high-profile crusade for justice on behalf of a community polluted by the chemicals in West Virginia. Bilott said he hoped the litigation would mean critical information about PFAS that had been buried for decades in internal company files would finally be revealed to the world. He argued companies should be held responsible for the damages and costs associated with this unprecedented disaster. The Australian government maintains there is limited to no evidence that exposure to PFAS significantly harms human health. However, other governments have delivered stark warnings about the health dangers. In Europe, authorities have declared the chemicals can cause health problems such as liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility issues and cancer. In the United States, the EPA has found high levels of exposure may raise cholesterol, interfere with hormones, the reproductive and immune system, increase the risk of some types of cancers and lead to developmental effects in children. Loading 3Ms latest annual report noted it was defending multiple lawsuits regarding its PFAS-related products and the outcome was difficult to predict. Anthony Albanese welcomes Chris Hipkins to Australia Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss This difference is important. Humans also have alpha-2,3 receptors, but they tend to be deep in the lung rather than in our upper airways. That makes it very hard for H5N1 to get a purchase, giving us good protection from the virus. The tradeoff is when it does take hold, that infection is deep in our body, often leading to severe disease. This explains why bird flu infections in humans are extremely rare but often lethal: the World Health Organisation has tracked 868 cases and 457 deaths since 2003. Danish farmers Holger and Riuth Rnnow stand next to their culled mink, in late 2020. The mink were culled due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. Credit: Ole Jensen/Getty Images Put those two factors together lots of virus in birds, high lethality in humans and you have a pandemic risk that worries a lot of scientists and governments. So whats changed? Why are minks important? Since H5N1 was first spotted in 1996, weve seen several huge outbreaks in birds. Were in the middle of a very large one right now, driven by a new viral lineage that appears to be highly transmissible. And were seeing more infections of mammals raccoons, foxes, seals than weve seen previously. With high levels of transmission we are seeing unprecedented numbers of dead birds and outbreaks, says Michelle Wille, a bird flu researcher at the Doherty Institute and the University of Sydney. In October, a team of scientists arrived at a mink farm in Carral, a small municipality on Spains northern coast, to investigate an unexplained viral outbreak. The farm housed more than 51,000 mink in wire cages. Swabs soon revealed the virus was H5N1. The mink were immediately culled. But the Spanish teams study, published in January, raises troubling issues. After H5N1 was first detected at the farm, more and more mink fell sick. The cases at first clustered in several hotspots before spreading across the farm. This suggests the virus wasnt being spread from birds to mink, but from mink to mink. Weve never seen mammal to mammal transmission, ever. It has never happened, says Wille. Now its no longer just a hypothetical. Now weve actually seen it happen Loading This is important for several reasons. First, mink are mammals. Humans also happen to be mammals. Second, the mink upper respiratory tract is very similar to that of humans. Humans passed COVID-19 to farmed mink in 2020, leading to huge outbreaks and, eventually, the transmission of COVID-19 back from mink to human. Third, mink-to-mink transmission may allow the virus to pick up mutations which allow it to better spread in mammals, including humans. Loading Youre basically selecting for those kinds of mutations for mammalian adaptation, says Paul Horwood, a tropical disease researcher at James Cook University who authored a 2021 study warning of H5N1s pandemic risk. That becomes more and more refined the more hosts the virus spreads between. Indeed, the virus isolated from the mink in Spain had an uncommon mutation that allows it to more-easily infect mammal cells. And it does not need to take many more steps before it is a danger to humans. Lab evidence suggests as few as five specific amino acid changes are all H5N1 needs to spread effectively in humans. Wild viruses with two of these mutations have been spotted. Its not really a big stretch for it to happen, says Horwood. Is this an imminent pandemic threat? No, says Professor Ricardo Soares Magalhaes, director of the Queensland Alliance for One Health Sciences at the University of Queensland, the situation is indeed concerning, but not a matter for alarm. The Spanish researchers tested all the people who worked with the mink but did not turn up any evidence of H5N1, suggesting the virus has not picked up a mutation that enables easy spread to humans. And CSIRO bird flu expert Dr Frank Wong points out theres no evidence the virus has a new mutation that allows it to spread easily in mammals. The mink, which are jammed together in small cages, may be a special case. The risk of onward, mammal-to-mammal transmission has not really changed, he says. Its still a bird-adapted virus. Nor is the situation analogous to COVID-19. That virus was (unfortunately) unexpected by health authorities; scientists have tracked H5N1 for years and have prepared vaccines and antivirals. But this should be a major warning shot. Our efforts need to concentrate on making sure this virus does not get a chance to pick up any more mammal-adapted mutations. When Cameryn Smider starts her undergraduate degree it will take her two hours by train to travel from her tight-knit community on the northern Central Coast to the citys oldest sandstone university. But the first-year maths and science student who has secured a place in her dream double degree at Sydney University is unfazed by the long commute. Cameryn Smider will commute from the Central Coast to Sydney University when she starts her degree. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone I really never thought Id make it here, said Smider, who finished her HSC last year at her local public school, Gorokan High, just south of Lake Macquarie. Smider is one of hundreds of students to score an offer for one of Sydney Universitys new scholarship places worth up to $55,000 over the course of a degree that have been set aside for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins insists he will be upfront about disagreements with China even as he and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese seek to deepen trade ties with the rising superpower. Hipkins visited Canberra on Tuesday for his first overseas trip since replacing Jacinda Ardern last month and held a working lunch with Albanese at Parliament House. New Zealands Chris Hipkins meets with Anthony Albanese at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen New Zealand took a notably softer line on China than Canberra under Arderns leadership, helping the nation escape the trade sanctions and breakdown in diplomatic relations experienced by Australia under the Morrison government. In 2021, New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said she was uncomfortable using the Five Eyes intelligence grouping which also includes the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada to criticise China over human rights, while Trade Minister Damien OConnor suggested Australia should speak with more respect and diplomacy towards China. The US State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress with the Supreme Court, the military chiefs and the diplomatic corps present is the biggest pulpit a president has for talking to the American people, and indeed the world. This year will be different. Instead of Democrat Nancy Pelosi, the honour of introducing Joe Biden goes to Kevin McCarthy, the new Republican Speaker of the House, who will be sitting beside Vice President Kamala Harris. That new tableau captures the raw political truth for the next two years: any Biden legislation McCarthy opposes is dead. It cannot pass the House and will not become law. All OK? Not quite: US President Joe Biden will deliver his State of the Union address on Wednesday (AEDT). Credit: AP Biden comes to the rostrum stronger than many anticipated before the midterm elections. In December, building on big wins on infrastructure, clean energy and healthcare, Biden secured legislation to fund the government, to further aid Ukraine, and to prevent a replay of attempts to overturn a presidential election. Biden also takes the dais with a blistering employment report: 517,000 jobs created in January; unemployment at a 53-year low of 3.4 per cent; black unemployment at a historic low of 5.6 per cent. Also, inflation is receding and interest rates are within sight of their summit. Song Joong Ki will be once again seen on the small screen in the TV movie 'Ro KiWan.' (Photo: tenAsia, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons) Netflix has finally confirmed Song Joong Ki's new project with Choi Seong Eun on Tuesday, February 7. After the success of "Reborn Rich," fans are about to see the soon-to-be-dad as a North Korean defector in "Ro KiWan." Netflix confirmed the production of "Ro KiWan" and revealed its cast and the official roles they're about to play. So, are fans ready to see Song Joong Ki back on the small screen? The TV movie tells the story of meeting new people, separation, and love between Ro KiWan (Song Joong Ki) and Marie (Choi Seong Eun). KiWan is a North Korean defector who arrives in Belgium with a huge hope in life, while Marie has lost her reason for living. Fans are about to see Song Hye Kyo's ex transform into a North Korean rebel. That said, expectations are now high on how the 37-year-old will look this time. KiWan is having difficulty being recognized as a refugee in Belgium, where he's left with nothing. But despite that, he still has a strong will to live. He's set to meet Marie, a Korean woman with Belgian nationality. Unlike KiWan, she has lost all her hopes of living, wanting to take her own life. However, she will find herself falling in love with KiWan after their first meeting. So, will their situation give them a chance to love? Aside from Song Joong Ki and Choi Seong Eun, "Ro KiWan" will feature Jo Han Chul, who also appeared in "Reborn Rich" and "The Sound of Magic," reuniting him with the two lead stars. He will play the role of Marie's father, Yoon Sung. Kim Sung Ryung will also join the film as Ok Hee, who's the main reason for KiWan's decision to go to Belgium. Fans will also see Il Hwa as Marie's mother, Jung Joo. In addition, Lee Sang Hee will be seen as Sung Joo, a Korean immigrant KiWan will meet at a factory in Belgium. Lastly, See Hyun Woo will play as KiWan's uncle, Eun Chul. Meanwhile, the announcement of Song Joong Ki's new project comes on the heels of his confirmation that he's already married and is about to have a child with his now-wife, Katy Louise Saunders. The two are now living together in a neighborhood in Hannam, Seoul. There are also claims that they're living with Saunders' parents after she got pregnant. Song Joong Ki's agency, HighZium Studio, later confirmed that its talent planned to hold a wedding ceremony, though it remains to be seen when it will happen. By Mohi Narayan and Sakshi Dayal BENGALURU (Reuters) - Adani Total Private Ltd expects to receive 2.2 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at its terminal at Dhamra on India's eastern coast during the year ending March 2024, the company's chief executive told Reuters on Tuesday. Adani Total has a 20-year take-or-pay contract to provide regasification services to state-run Indian Oil Corp for 3 million tonnes of LNG per annum at the Dhamra terminal. Government-run gas distributor GAIL (India) Ltd has a similar 1.5 million tonnes per annum deal. Adani Total - in which French oil and gas major TotalEnergies has a 50% stake - said it was still in discussions on how much gas it would supply Indian Oil and GAIL, adding that a final decision had not been taken yet. "We are still in discussions, we have not finalized supply plans, but we are, in the first year, expecting close to about 2.2 million tonnes," Chief Executive Satinder Pal Singh told Reuters on the sidelines of the India Energy Week conference. Indian Oil and GAIL did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment on supply plans. Also Read Petronet LNG Ltd to invest Rs 40,000 cr in 5 yrs to expand import infra Low-pressure area intensifies into depression, cyclone to be formed by Mon Odisha receives 145 proposals worth Rs 7.26 trn so far in biz conclave How Bengaluru Airport's new terminal is like a walk in the garden Blue Energy Motors unveils India's first LNG-fuelled green truck near Pune Air India's three domestic destinations to be operated by AirAsia India Centre now largest Vodafone Idea shareholder as firm gives it 33.4% stake Samsung aims to grow 5G revenue share to 75% in 2023: Sr VP at S23 launch Hero MotoCorp Q3 results: Net profit rises 2.41% amid weak demand BSE Q3 net profit drops 16% to Rs 51.6 cr; revenue from operations up 6% India's LNG imports fell for the second straight year in 2022, mainly due to fewer imports by utilities as the country ramped up coal-fired power production at the expense of natural gas. The energy-hungry country expects deeper penetration of city gas distribution to drive LNG demand in the coming years. The Dhamra terminal, which was supposed to be commissioned during the second half of 2021, is now expected to start operations in the fiscal year beginning April. Under so-called "take-or-pay" obligations, payments are still due even if a buyer cancels a cargo due to unusually low demand. "The demand is always there at the right price. I think things are starting to look better but it's a volatile market," Singh said. Global LNG prices eased off record highs in the second half of 2022, amid ample inventories in North Asia and Europe. (Additional reporting by Sudarshan Varadhan; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise) In India 11 independent fact checkers work with Meta on content in 15 languages in India. With the largest base of fact checkers in India, tackling misinformation is core to the policies for all Meta platforms, said the head of policy of Instagram. She also added that the community standards and fact-checking framework of Meta-owned platforms are ever-evolving for user safety, in consultation with its partners, civil society groups, academics and NGOs. Our platforms have zero tolerance to Child Sexual Abuse, bullying and harassment, hate speech, voter interference, etc. Our partners are constantly telling us what is happening on the ground and also alerting us on various societal complexes. This is why our enforcement is never black and white, there's a lot of thought that goes into it. We consult with people all around the world while developing our policies, said Natasha jog, Head of Policy, Instagram, India. The company, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has also launched an awareness campaign to prevent the sharing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and encourage people to report such content. The campaign will educate users on the harm of sharing CSAM, and the impact it has on the victim and will encourage anyone who sees harmful videos and images of children to protect the victim by reporting it immediately to Facebook. Meta is also partnering with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for the G20 Stay Safe Online Campaign on February 7, International Safer Internet Day. The new program, titled #DigitalSuraksha, will include an awareness campaign along with video messages for tackling online fraud, reporting harmful content, and other online safety tips. Meta will continue to add more initiatives to the campaign over the year. Also Read Instagram down for several users, days after global WhatsApp outage Govt to hold public consultation on fact-checking rule for online content How to recover your hacked Instagram account: Check details here Instagram brings native scheduling tool, achievements feature for creators Instagram rolls out parental supervision tools, 'family centre' in India Tata Steel posts surprise Rs 2,224 crore net loss in December quarter Vedanta appoints industry veteran David Reed as semiconductor business CEO Vistara plans to launch flight services to Hong Kong and Mauritius Muthoot Finance consolidated net dips 11% YoY to Rs 934 crore in Q3 EaseMyTrip Q3 profit rises 4% YoY at Rs 41.7 cr, revenue increases 58% Jog added, The problem of misinformation is serious. We have started with six videos, we're going to build these into multiple languages. And this is going to be a steady drumbeat that you are seeing that you're going to be seeing from us from here on the #DigitalSuraksha umbrella. The social media company said it made significant investments in various age-appropriate measures and tools to ensure safety for youth, women, parents and children on its platforms. Rising misinformation and fake news on social media have been a matter of concern in India for the past few years. The government last month released a new draft rule that mandates online platforms to remove content flagged as fake or false by government authorised agencies. The company will also partner with Delhi Police for its campaign aimed at digital literacy about youth well-being, child safety, and misinformation. In India, the fund invested in MoEngage, a customer engagement platform that provides actionable insights into customer behavior and marketing automation; ElasticRun, a business-to-business e-commerce platform and a tech-enabled last mile logistics firm; and Swiggy, a food ordering and delivery company. Goldman Sachs Asset Management on Tuesday announced the final close of its $5.2-billion West Street Global Growth Partners fund. The fund exceeded its initial fundraising target to close on $5.2 billion, including $3.7 billion of commitments from a diverse group of institutional and high net worth investors globally, alongside a significant commitment from Goldman Sachs and its employees making it one of the largest first-time growth equity funds raised in history. The fund seeks minority stakes in businesses with an average investment size of approximately $50 million and will invest predominantly in the early to mid-stage segments of the growth equity market. The target sectors for the fund are enterprise technology, financial technology, healthcare and consumer, it said in a release. Julian Salisbury, chief investment officer (asset & wealth management) at Goldman Sachs, said: We believe the pace of innovation across enterprise technology, financial technology, healthcare, and consumer businesses shows no sign of abating, and we are excited to work closely with portfolio companies to navigate volatility and reach the next stages of growth." Recently, Goldman Sachs raised $1.6 billion private capital for the climate fund. The fund is managed by the growth equity business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management, which is led by Darren Cohen, Nishi Somaiya, and Stephanie Hui based in New York, London, and Hong Kong, respectively. Also Read 'Middlemen' Swiggy, Zomato win once again, restaurants bear the brunt: NRAI Costs near Rs 10K crore, Swiggy losses widen 2x to Rs 3.6K crore Swiggy lays off 380 employees, CEO says 'very difficult decision': Report Swiggy announces sexual harassment policy for women delivery executives Swiggy to give pink slips to over 250 employees in December: Report Pinterest's global monthly active users grow by 4% y-o-y to 450 mn Online medical consultations in smaller cities grew 87% last calendar year ONGC aims to raise output over next two fiscals, says exploration director Clix Capital aims to double its profit to Rs 100 crore in FY 2024 Muthoot Finance to raise Rs 500 crore through secured redeemable NCDs West Street Global Growth Partners has invested in a number of companies, diversified by geography and industry, including 4G Clinical, AlphaSense, Exotec, Fortanix, Locus Robotics, MegaRobo, Starling Bank, and Xempus. Fertiliser major IFFCO Ltd is eyeing nano urea exports to 25 countries and expecting that output is likely to be 30 crore bottles by December 2024, a top company official said on Tuesday. The company is currently exporting the fertiliser to five countries, he said. "We have already produced six crore bottles of 500 ml each and have sold five crore units to farmers, which is equivalent to 22 lakh tonne of solid urea or conventional urea...We are already exporting to Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya, Suriname and Mexico," Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) Managing Director US Awasthi told PTI in an interview. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's first nano urea plant at Kalol in Gujarat last year, the company is exporting the fertiliser product, which has the potential to cut down the use of conventional urea, the most used Nitrogenous fertiliser, by 50 per cent or more, to the five nations, he said. Nano urea samples have been sent to 25 other countries and we are expecting demand from these nationsBrazil has already given official recognition and there are many other countries which are in the process of providing approval, Awasthi said. After the commissioning of the fifth nano urea plant in Jharkhand by December 2024, the output will reach 30 crore bottles, he said. Also Read Centre tells fertiliser companies, states to promote Nano urea use Procedures fully followed for nano urea fertiliser approval: Govt IFFCO to soon launch nano DAP at Rs 600/bottle of 500 ml; sees huge savings Nano urea sales reach 11.2 mn bottles so far this fiscal: Mandaviya Nano liquid urea cheaper, better, saves govt subsidy: Mansukh Mandaviya Adani market capitalisation rises for first time since Hindenburg report Stop media reports on Adani firms unless verified by Sebi, lawyer urges SC Maruti's share in Suzuki revenues highest ever in April-Dec FY23 Rise in exposure to Adani Group may enhance Indian lenders risks: Moody's RCap case: NCLAT issues notices to Torrent Investments on lender's plea "By December 2024, IFFCO will produce 30 crore bottles of nano urea, which is equivalent to 135 lakh tonne of urea. This will facilitate to replace all the imports of urea fertiliser and lead to huge foreign exchange savings," the official said. He also claimed that the product is totally environment friendly with zero nitrogen oxide emission. We are exporting through a cooperative and will need to set up two to three facilities for exports alone. We are working on one more plant in the south, and one more in the east...For the location of others, the Government of India will be consulted as it is a strategic decision." In addition to the plant in Gujarat, two more have been set up in Uttar Pradesh - near Bareilly and Prayagraj - and the fourth facility constructed in Bangalore is likely to be commissioned sometime in September this year, Awasthi said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had on February 4 laid the foundation stone for a Rs 450-crore nano urea plant and township of IFFCO in Jharkhand's Deoghar on 30 acres of land. A 500-ml bottle of nano urea (liquid) can effectively replace a 45-kg bag of urea, and it is 16 per cent cheaper. Nano urea is expected to improve crop productivity, soil health and nutritional quality of produce and address the "imbalanced and excessive use" of conventional fertiliser. The official also claimed that spray of nano urea particles on leaves results in high yield and hence, the soil does not get contaminated. Now with the wheel of time, the administration of these businesses is also shifting to the next generation of entrepreneurs. From Ambani to Birla, more and more business families in India are showing trust in their scions. Family-owned businesses have played an important role in the progress, diversification, and development of India Inc. Surnames like Tata, Birla, and Ambani are now synonymous with diversified conglomerates churning millions of dollars worth of wealth every year. Ambani family A look at Indian businesses that are involving their next generation in the administration. In 2022, Ambani announced that the "next-gen leaders are confidently taking over the reins across businesses. His son Akash Ambani has taken over as the chairman of wireless operator Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. His other son, Anant Ambani, leads the $220 billion conglomerate's renewable energy business. The Ambani family is considered to be one of the richest Indian families. The scope of its business spans from telecom to petrochemicals. Mukesh Ambani, the head of Reliance Group, is also among the richest in the world. Currently, he is the richest Asian with a net worth of $79.3 billion, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Also Read How to plan your finances before you take the leap into entrepreneurship India at 75: Tatas to Naik, Murthy - 25 towering business leaders of India India at 75: From Ambanis to Bajaj - 20 doyens who shaped India's business Business doyens of independent India Flying economy, premium economy, business, first class: What's the deal '7 Adani stocks faced regulatory surveillance since 2019 for volatility' Adani group stocks price surge after $113 billion market value wipeout Aditya Birla Fashion reports steep drop of 92% in profit for Dec quarter 3,552 foreign companies, subsidiaries closed in India between 2017-2022 Wework starts new coworking centre in Pune with 1,500 seating capacity Adani family Akash's twin, Isha Ambani, leads the group's retail business, Reliance Retail. Gautam's son Jeet Adani joined the conglomerate in 2019 and is currently the vice-president (VP) of group finance. He also heads the Adani Airports business as well as the Adani Digital Labs. Adani Group has also grown to be one of the biggest businesses in India in the past decade. Led by the second richest man in India, Gautam Adani, the group has seven companies listed on the bourses. These include Adani Enterprises, Adani Power, and Adani Green Energy. Nadar family Karan Adani, Adani's elder son, took over as the CEO of Adani Ports & SEZ Limited (APSEZ) in 2016 and has been heading it since. In July 2020, Roshni Nadar Malhotra took over the role of HCL's chairperson from her father Shiv Nadar. She is also the trustee of the Shiv Nadar Foundation which focuses on education. Shiv Nadar is known as an IT pioneer in India for founding HCL Technologies. Currently, he ranks 49 on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index with a net worth of $27 billion. He is considered to be a central player in India's rise as an IT hub. Birla family The Aditya Birla Group is considered to be one of the oldest family-owned businesses in India. It was started in 1857 as a cotton-trading company and currently has a valuation of $60 billion. It is owned by Kumar Mangalam Birla. He has a net worth of $10.6 billion. Godrej family Recently, Kumar Mangalam's daughter Ananya Birla and son Aryaman Birla were appointed as the directors of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, and Grasim Industries. Adi's son Pirojsha Godrej is the executive chairman of Godrej Properties. Adi's daughter Nisaba Godrej is the executive chairman of Godrej Consumer Products. Tanya Dubash, their eldest sister, is the executive director at the Godrej Group. The family controls the $5.2 billion Godrej Group. Since 2000, the group has been headed by Adi Godrej. The business has now been split into the Adi Godrej faction and the Jamshyd Godrej group. Mittal family Lakshmi Mittal is the founder and former CEO of ArcelorMittal, the world's biggest steelmaker. Today, his family has control of several companies like B4U, Ispat International and Arcelor. They are also among the richest families in Asia. Poonawalla family Lakshmi's son, Aditya Mittal became the CEO of ArcelorMittal in February 2021. Earlier, he was the CFO and president of the company. His sister, Vanisha Mittal is a non-independent director of ArcelorMittal. By Nidhi Verma and Shariq Khan BENGALURU, India (Reuters) -Novatek, Russia's largest liquefied natural gas producer, has been in talks with Indian companies including GAIL on the supply of LNG and may consider taking payments in rupees, the company's head Leonid Mikhelson said on Monday. He also said consumers in Europe, which have imposed sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, were interested in Russian LNG, which has not been placed under restrictions, and that no buyers under long-term contracts wanted to terminate them. Russia supplied Europe with some 17 million tonnes of LNG last year, up about 20% from 2021 volumes, Refinitiv Eikon data showed on Tuesday, mitigating the impact of a steep decline in Russian pipeline gas exports. Europe has increased imports of seaborne LNG - gas transported in liquid form at minus 160 degrees Celsius (minus 256 Fahrenheit) - in response to the cut in pipeline gas supplies from Russia caused by a deep political crisis over Ukraine. Three industry sources said last week that Novatek was close to a deal to supply gas to GAIL as it seeks alternative markets to Europe. Also Read TotalEnergies walks away from stake in Russian gas producer Novatek Petronet LNG Ltd to invest Rs 40,000 cr in 5 yrs to expand import infra Blue Energy Motors unveils India's first LNG-fuelled green truck near Pune China signs one of its biggest ever LNG deal with Qatar at $60 billion Centre asks state-run firms to explore plans amid LNG supply crisis: Report Google hopes its chatbot 'Bard' will outsmart ChatGPT, Microsoft in AI Adani Group still eligible for CEMBI, JACI, JESG indices: JP Morgan Tackling misinformation is core to our policies: Instagram policy head Pawan Hans to launch helicopter services on 6 routes in Assam this week Reliance Capital lenders approach NCLAT over 2nd round of auction Mikhelson said Novatek was talking to more than one Indian company on a long-term contract for Indian market. "Definitely we have plans... we have engineering companies present in India, we need to expand and grow in that part. We would like to invest in promotion of demand, and regasification terminals and LNG retail stations," Mikhelson said. Asked whether Indian rupees would be considered as a means of payment from Indian customers, he said they would. He also said LNG production at the Yamal LNG plant would be 5% less this year than in 2022 due to delays in maintenance. (Reporting by Nidhi Verma and Shariq Khan; writing by Vladimir Soldatkin; editing by Barbara Lewis) A plea has been moved in the Supreme Court seeking a gag order to prevent media from publishing allegations in connection with the Adani group firms unless market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) verifies them. The interim application, filed by advocate M.L. Sharma, said media hype has led to the Indian share market "crashing by more than 50 per cent and the allegations are creating panic amongst the investors". Sharma's application is a part of his PIL, which was filed last week. The plea has not been listed so far for hearing. The application further added that common investors are being butchered which must be stopped in the interest of justice, while seeking a "gag order" on statements or other related news reports unless they are filed with and verified by Sebi. The PIL filed by Sharma contended that US resident Nate Anderson of Hindenburg Research and his Indian entities "hatched a criminal conspiracy did short sale in hundreds of billion dollars prior and thereafter on 25th January 2023, they released a concocted news as research report qua to the Adani Group of the companies, got crash share market and squared up their short sell position at the lowest rate". American short seller Hindenburg Research's report about Indian billionaire Gautam Adani has led to a stock rout, erasing over $100 billion from his empire and pushing him down on the global rich list. The Adani group rubbished the allegations made by the Hindenburg Research. Also Read Gautam Adani becomes world's third-richest person, first Asian to do so SC Collegium recommends 3 new chief justices for HCs, transfers 2 Sebi slaps Rs 10 cr penalty on Gautam Thapar for alleged fund diversion SC bench expresses displeasure in order over new case listing system CJI U U Lalit intends to focus on 3 areas, including listing of cases in SC Maruti's share in Suzuki revenues highest ever in April-Dec FY23 Rise in exposure to Adani Group may enhance Indian lenders risks: Moody's RCap case: NCLAT issues notices to Torrent Investments on lender's plea Goldman Sachs raises $5.2 bn for growth fund for global investments Pinterest's global monthly active users grow by 4% y-o-y to 450 mn Sharma's plea further added, "they secured billions of profits by butchering citizens of India. However, SEBI did not suspend trading in the stock specially qua to the Adani group of the companies and allowed short sellers to exploit innocent investors". The plea said: "Issue writ of mandamus to the respondents to conduct inquiry to prosecute & register FIR u/s 420 & 120-B of IPC r.w. S.15HA SEBI Act against the short sellers (Mr. Anderson and his associate (in India/US) for exploiting innocent Investors via short selling under the garb of artificial crashing via short selling couple with further direction to recover their turnover of short selling with penalty to compensate investors in the interest of justice". --IANS ss/vd Germany-based Uniper has signed an agreement with Greenko ZeroC to source green ammonia from the latter's Kakinada facility in Andhra Pradesh. "Under the MoU, the two companies intend to negotiate pricing, supply and tenure structure for a supply and purchase agreement for 2,50,000 tonnes per annum of green ammonia (GASPA) based on the heads of terms," parent Greenko Group said in a statement. Uniper and Greenko ZeroC signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and heads of terms during the ongoing India Energy Week in Bengaluru in presence of Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Greenko CEO Anil Chalmalasetty, Uniper CCO Niek den Hollander and other senior company officials, the statement said. Greenko's Kakinada project is a multi-phase green ammonia production and export facility which is in the process of adding up to 1 MTPA of green ammonia production capacity by 2027. At present, Kakinada unit produces green ammonia based on an electrolyser powered by round-the-clock electricity produced by 2.5 GW of renewable assets. CCO of Uniper Niek den Hollander said decarbonisation is one of the major challenges of our time and needs quick action. The Greenko Kakinada project is a very promising opportunity to source green ammonia and secure the supply of low carbon hydrogen products for Germany. Also Read S&P upgrades Greenko Energy to 'BB-' on improving business position Greenko Group to set up Pumped Storage Project in MP's Neemuch Greenko plans to raise up to $4.5 billion for renewable energy projects Granules forges strategic partnership with Greenko ZeroC for Kakinada plant Granules India ties up with Greenko Group for 'green' pharma zones Maharashtra ban on bike aggregators: SC refuses to grant relief to Rapido Walmart-owned Flipkart poised to list publicly, says SoftBank Adani Total expects to get 2.2 mn tonnes at Dhamra LNG terminal in FY24 Air India's three domestic destinations to be operated by AirAsia India Centre now largest Vodafone Idea shareholder as firm gives it 33.4% stake Besides green ammonia, Uniper and Greenko also intend to collaborate on the deployment of similar flexible renewable electricity to other hydrogen products such as e-methanol and sustainable aviation fuels. Greenko CEO and MD Anil Chalmalasetty said: "We are working towards decarbonisation solutions for a low-carbon economy. We in partnership develop large-scale green molecule projects in India. Uniper through this offtake agreement for our project will eventually displace LNG imports and strengthen India's green molecule ambitions as part of a wider renewable energy programme that will see India run the world's largest energy transition programme. Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 101 personnel, left for Turkiye on Tuesday to help in rescue operations after a 7.8 magnitude quake killed thousands of people in the country. The federal contingency force is accompanied by two search dogs, four-wheeled vehicles, chipping hammers, cutting tools, first aid medicines and communication setup. The personnel, drawn from teams based in Ghaziabad and Kolkata, boarded two Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 aircraft from the Hindon air base in Ghaziabad, an NDRF officer told PTI. The Turkey-bound group includes five women rescuers, a doctor and paramedics. The NDRF teams will land at the Adana airport in south Turkey where they will meet a link officer from the Indian Embassy and Turkish government authorities for further deployment at affected areas, he said. "This is part of the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) measures announced by the Indian government on Monday for the earthquake-hit Turkey and neighbouring areas," the officer said. Also Read 101 NDRF rescuers with 5 women personnel depart to help quake-hit Turkey BNPL platform Simpl introduces menstrual, adoption and pet care leaves 2 teams of NDRF ready to join rescue operations in Turkey, says MEA NDRF personnel with specially equipped trained dog squad depart for Turkey Indonesia quake: 6-yr-old pulled alive from wreckage, death toll at 271 Parliament proceedings in RS, LS adjourned till 12 pm amid Oppn's demand Oppn decides to participate in parliament proceedings to demand JPC probe SC dismisses plea against Victoria Gowri's appointment as Madras HC judge From China in 1556 to Turkey in 2023: Most destructive earthquakes ever SC dismisses Rana Ayyub's plea challenging Ghaziabad special court summons The NDRF, dressed in their trademark orange dungarees, will help rescue people trapped under the collapsed structures and render all assistance as required by local authorities and rescuers from multiple other nations, he said. The NDRF has been part of two similar international operations -- the 2011 Japan triple disaster (earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown) and the 2015 Nepal earthquake. The government on Monday decided to rush NDRF teams along with medical aid and relief material to Turkey following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's instructions to offer all possible assistance to the country. The massive earthquake that struck Monday has killed more than 4,900 people and flattened thousands of buildings in Turkiye and neighbouring Syria. It was centred in Turkey's southeastern province of Kahramanmaras and was felt as far away as Cairo. Gandhi was participating in the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Presidents Address in Lok Sabha as the first Opposition speaker. Leading the Opposition attack over the Adani-Hindenburg issue in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday linked Gautam Adanis meteoric rise to Prime Minister Narendra Modis coming to power and said magic happened after 2014 that propelled the businessman from the 609th to the second spot on the global rich list. The Congress leaders remarks drew a sharp response from the treasury benches, with Law Minister Kiren Rijiju asking him not to level wild allegations and furnish proof of his claims. Speaker Om Birla disapproved of the Congress leader displaying pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gandhi, who just completed his over 4,000 km Bharat Jodo Yatra, said people asked him how Adani got into so many businesses and succeeded. The Congress leaders remarks drew a sharp response from the treasury benches, with Law Minister Kiren Rijiju asking him not to level wild allegations and furnish proof of his claims. The treasury benches repeatedly asked Gandhi to authenticate his claims, saying that such allegations cannot be levelled against the prime minister without documentary evidence. Speaker Birla also asked Gandhi to focus on the President's address. Gandhi said that during the yatra people also asked him how Adani's net worth increased from $8 billion to $140 billion between 2014 and 2022. The treasury benches repeatedly asked Gandhi to authenticate his claims, saying that such allegations cannot be levelled against the prime minister without documentary evidence. Speaker Birla also asked Gandhi to focus on the President's address. Also Read Manish Tewari joins Rahul's Bharat Jodo Yatra in Punjab's Anandpur Sahib What has the Bharat Jodo Yatra achieved? Can Rahul win from Amethi again? Drenched in rain, Rahul Gandhi says nothing can stop Bharat Jodo Yatra Ex-RAW chief AS Dulat joins Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra in Delhi Sonia Gandhi arrives in Karnataka to take part in Bharat Jodo Yatra Why raising Adani issue is equivalent to questioning India: DMK's Kanimozhi 'Harbours deep sense of insecurity', India slams Pak over Kashmir at UN Passenger traffic at Bangalore International Airport surges 71% in 2022 Two-month long 'Cyber Suraksha' campaign launched by Delhi Police Virginity test on female accused sexist, unconstitutional: Delhi HC- Outside Parliament, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad hit out at Rahul Gandhi, saying he has made baseless, shameless and reckless allegations against PM Modi. Congress and its leaders were involved in all big scams which tarnished the image of India, he alleged. Gandhi also raised the issue of the report by US-based Hindenburg Research, saying it alleged that Adani has shell companies abroad. Pointing out that Adani works in strategic sectors, he said the government must find out about these shell companies as to who controls them as this is a national security issue. Outside Parliament, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad hit out at Rahul Gandhi, saying he has made baseless, shameless and reckless allegations against PM Modi. Congress and its leaders were involved in all big scams which tarnished the image of India, he alleged. It was followed by another two of 7.5 and 6 magnitudes in Kahramanmaras province. On Tuesday morning, another one of 5.6 struck central Turkey. Four devastating earthquakes have hit Turkey and Syria in the last two days, killing over 4,000 people, with the numbers rising. Thousands have been injured, and search operations are going on for the rescue of the missing. The first earthquake of 7.8 magnitude hit Nurdagi in Gaziantep province near the Syrian border in Turkey on Monday. This earthquake, or the series of earthquakes, will be remembered as one of the worst in the world's history. Here are some of the other deadliest quakes: The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers search through the frigid night. India has sent an NDRF team to assist in rescue operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country would provide "all possible help" to the affected people. June 22, 2022: Afghanistan Last year, more than 1,100 people died in a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in eastern Afghanistan. The Paktika province was the most affected, and around 4,500 houses were reportedly destroyed. Also Read LIVE: LS, RS adjourned till 12 pm over Oppn's demand for probe in Adani row Top headlines: Quake kills 4,000 in Turkey, Syria, Vi eyes come back Top headlines: New export clearence system, earthquake in Nepal, and more Latest LIVE: Nirav Modi loses extradition appeal in UK; to return to India Earthquake tremors lasting 5 seconds felt in Delhi, neighbouring areas SC dismisses Rana Ayyub's plea challenging Ghaziabad special court summons Vedanta picks David Reed as CEO of its Gujarat semiconductor business 'We have to keep our fingers crossed,' says top advocate on Victoria Gowri Active Covid-19 cases decline to 1,771 in country, death toll at 530,745 Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to be buried in Karachi September 28, 2018: Indonesia A magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit Indonesia, killing more than 4,300 people. Its epicentre was located in Central Sulawesi. The quake had several smaller foreshocks, with the largest measuring 6.1 on the Richter Scale. It also led to a tsunami. April 25, 2015: Nepal A magnitude 7.8 earthquake killed more than 8,800 people. It was the country's worst earthquake since 1934 and flattened 98 per cent of all homes in the hillside villages. It also destroyed historical monuments in Bhaktapur. March 11, 2011: Japan The Tohoku earthquake of magnitude 9.0 off the northeast coast of Japan is believed to be the second-worst earthquake of the 21st century. It triggered a tsunami, killing more than 20,000 people. It triggered a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima nuclear reactor. January 12, 2010: Haiti In Haiti, a staggering 316,000 people were killed by a magnitude 7.0 quake. It was around the country's capital Port-au-Prince. The quake was so powerful that it was felt in neighbouring countries of Cuba and Venezuela. May 12, 2008: China The initial shock registered a magnitude of 7.0 and was soon followed by two aftershocks of magnitudes 5.9 and 5.5. October 8, 2005: Pakistan Occupied Kashmir A magnitude 7.9 quake hit eastern Sichuan in China, resulting in over 87,500 deaths. Nearly 10,000 children died in the schools after the building collapsed. The total damage of the earthquake was estimated to be $86 billion. The epicentre of the quake was in the city of Wenchuan. December 26, 2004: Indonesia A magnitude 7.6 earthquake killed over 80,000 people in Pakistan's Kashmir region and the North-West Frontier Province. Casualties were reported in India and Afghanistan as well. The quake was particularly destructive as it exposed thousands of people to the coming winters. December 26, 2003: Iran An undersea earthquake of magnitude 9.1 in Indonesia triggered an Indian Ocean tsunami, killing 230,000 people in a dozen countries. The waves, in some places, had reached a height of 30 feet when they hit shorelines. The areas as far as East Africa were destroyed. January 26, 2001: Gujarat On the same date, one year before the Tsunami, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake hit the Bam district in Iran, resulting in 50,000 deaths. Forty-four countries sent their personnel to assist in relief operations. February, May: Afghanistan A magnitude 7.7 quake hit the Kutch district of Gujarat in India, killing 20,000 people. 13,500 were killed in Bhuj alone, and around 800 people died in Ahmedabad. Several people lost their lives in Pakistan too. July 28, 1976: China Two separate earthquakes struck the Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan, killing around 7,000 people. Both of these were around 6.6 magnitude. The first one hit on February 4, killing 2,300 people. The second one hit on May 30, killing another 4,700. May 31, 1970: Peru An earthquake of 7.5 magnitude hit the city of Tangshan, east of Beijing, killing 242,000 people. According to Britannica, the number of deaths may be as high as 655,000. Around 700,000 people were injured in the quake. May 22, 1960: Chile Around 70,000 people died in an earthquake that originated off the coast of Peru. The quake lasted for 45 seconds, and it caused massive landslides across the country. September 1, 1923: Japan The 9.5 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile is the most powerful earthquake ever measured in history. It lasted for about 10 minutes and killed around 1,000-6,000 people. The quake caused a tsunami and is often referred to as the Valdivia earthquake. January 23, 1556: China A 7.9 earthquake in Japan, also called the Great Kanto earthquake, killed over 142,000 people. It resulted in the collapse of over half of the brick buildings in the region at the time. The quake also triggered tsunamis with a height of up to 12 metres. The earthquake was followed by fires and tornados. This earthquake is the most destructive in the world's history. With a magnitude of 8, the earthquake struck China's Shaanxi region, killing 830,000 people. The quake's impact was such that in some counties, it is estimated that 60 per cent of the population was killed. Over 700,000 people migrated to other parts of the country, and thousands died due to famines and plagues. A bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai said the court can only decide the question of Gowri's eligibility to an additional judge and not her suitability. As lawyer Victoria L Gowri was being sworn in as a judge of the Madras High Court on Tuesday, the Supreme Court dismissed petitions against her appointment. Senior lawyer Raju Ramachandran, who appeared for a petitioner appealing against Gowris appointment, said a person taking oath as a judge should bear true faith to the Constitution. "This person has been rendered unfit to take the oath due to her public utterances," he said. "There is a difference between eligibility and suitability. On eligibility, there could be a challenge. But suitability? The courts should not get into suitability; the whole process will become haywire," Khanna said at the Supreme Court. Justice Gavai said, "I also have a political background, I have been a judge for many years and my political background has not come in the way." Justice Khanna said there have been instances of persons with political backgrounds being appointed as judges. Also Read SC dismisses plea against Victoria Gowri's appointment as Madras HC judge Zebronics launches ZEB-Juke Bar 9750 soundbar: Know price, specs and more IIT Madras sees highest campus placements; average salary at Rs 21.48 lakh IIT Madras launches electric racing car; mulls driverless vehicle by 2025 IIT Madras Indian academic institute to join IBM's Quantum Network Hackers actively exploiting VMware bug in massive ransomware campaign Turkish ambassador calls India 'dost', thanks for sending relief aid Budget session: PM Modi participates in BJP parliamentary party meeting Delhi records minimum temperature of 12.8 degrees Celsius as mercury rises India dispatches first consignment of earthquake relief material to Turkey He added that the collegium may not have been aware of the so-called "hate speeches" when it recommended Gowri's name as an additional judge. Ramachandran said that political background is not the question at all in this case. He also read out an informal list of judges of the Supreme Court with a political past. "It is hate speech. Hate speech which is antithetical to the Constitution. That makes her unfit to take the oath. It will only be a paper oath," he said. Manan Kumar Mishra, the chairman of the Bar Council of India, said the BCI has checked and "there has been absolutely no complaints of misconduct against the person," he said. Justice Khanna said, "It is not that the collegium did not have this before them. For us to get into, this is opening up new jurisdiction which we have refrained from doing so." Gowri's appointment The Supreme Court dismissed petitions challenging her appointment. "We are not entertaining the writ petitions. Reasons will follow," the court said. Shortly after this, her remarks against Islam and Christianity, in a 2018 interview clip on YouTube, also surfaced. The collegium recommended Gowri's elevation to the Madras High Court on January 17, prompting a discussion in the legal fraternity on her alleged affiliation to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In another interview, Gowri had said, "Bharatanatyam should not be danced for Christian songs." "Like Islam is green terror, Christianity is white terror," Gowri can apparently be heard saying in the interview. After such clips surfaced, three lawyers from the Madras High Court filed petitions against Gowri. Advocate Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri, whose appointment has been challenged in the Supreme Court, will take oath as a judge of the Madras High Court at 10.35 a.m. on Tuesday. The apex court is also scheduled to hear a plea on Tuesday against her appointment. According to a circular issued by the Madras High Court, Gowri will take oath along with four others, whose appointments as additional judges were notified by the central government today. The top court advanced its hearing on a mentioning made by senior advocate Raju Ramachandran second time after the bench assembled in the post-lunch session on Monday. A bench, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, said: "There are certain developments that have taken place. The collegium has taken cognisance of what came to our attention after we made the recommendation." The bench, also comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and J.B. Pardiwala, said, "Since we have already taken cognisance, we'll list the matter tomorrow morning. Let it go before an appropriate bench." Earlier during the day, Ramachandran mentioned the matter before a bench and sought urgent listing of the petition, saying it is an urgent petition by senior lawyers of Madras High Court concerning the impending appointment and they are praying for interim relief. Also Read SC collegium meeting of Sept 30 on elevation of judges discharged Collegium has taken cognizance, says SC on plea against Gowri's appointment SC set to get five new judges tomorrow, taking its strength to 34 Three questions on EWS quota: Here's what the Supreme Court judges said SC to hear plea against appointment of Victoria Gowri as Madras HC judge Metro services in Agra to be operational by early 2024: CM Adityanath India's domestic air traffic reaches 86% of pre-Covid level in 2022: IATA Global Investors Summit to bring opportunities for youth in UP: Adityanath Civil aviation ministry says 63 passengers put on 'No Fly List' in 2022 Strongest earthquake in 40 years startles western New York He urged the apex court to hear the matter at the earliest. Initially, the bench said it will hear the matter next Monday. But Ramachandran pressed for an earlier date for hearing, and then the Chief Justice agreed to take up the matter on Friday. However, a short while before the petition was mentioned for urgent hearing, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted that the Centre has appointed 13 additional judges to high courts, which included Gowri's name. The Supreme Court collegium on January 17 had proposed the elevation of advocate Gowri, as judge of the Madras High Court. A group of Madras High Court lawyers have opposed Gowri's proposed appointment after reports emerged about her affiliation to the BJP and also certain alleged statements about Muslims and Christians, including 'Love Jihad' and illegal conversion. --IANS ss/vd India has slammed Pakistan for raking up the Kashmir issue in the UN, saying Islamabad harbours a deep sense of insecurity and orchestrated hatred for India and its secular credentials. Responding to Pakistan's raising of the Kashmir issue during a UN General Assembly (UNGA) meeting, Counsellor in India's Permanent Mission to the UN, Rajesh Parihar, said on Monday that Islamabad repeatedly utters falsehoods about India. "I'm constrained to take the floor to respond to the frivolous remarks made by the representative of Pakistan against my country. While such a statement deserves our sympathy for a mindset, which repeatedly utters falsehood, it is important for me to set the record straight, he said in the UNGA. Parihar said irrespective of what the representative of Pakistan believes or covets, the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and will always be an "integral and inalienable" part of India. We expect nothing new from this delegation that harbours a deep sense of insecurity and orchestrated hatred for India and our secular credentials and values that my country stands for, he said. Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. India's decision evoked strong reactions from Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian envoy. Also Read EAM Jaishankar slams Pakistan for raking up Kashmir issue in UNSC Latest LIVE: India slams Pakistan for raking up Kashmir issue at UNGA Hizbul chief's son, wife of 'Bitta Karate' among 4 sacked by JK admin Pakistan refuses to end Kashmir obsession, focuses on proxy war with India Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar likely to host G20 event: Govt official Passenger traffic at Bangalore International Airport surges 71% in 2022 Two-month long 'Cyber Suraksha' campaign launched by Delhi Police Virginity test on female accused sexist, unconstitutional: Delhi HC- Medicine sale by dealers to retailers hit Rs 1.40 trn in Apr-Dec: Mandaviya India can be superpower in defence manufacturing: General Chauhan India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda. India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Islamabad in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence. At the outset, Parihar, in his remarks, conveyed India's condolences to the families in Syria and Turkiye, who have suffered loss of lives and destruction due to the devastating earthquakes. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake and multiple aftershocks struck eastern Turkiye and neighbouring Syria on Monday, Killing more than 5,000 people. India stands in solidarity with the people of Syria and Turkiye, and is ready to offer all possible assistance to cope with this tragedy, Parihar said. Ahead of the launch 108 Namma Clinics in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits, Karnataka Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Monday said that each Namma Clinic can cater will cater over 15,000 people and provide 12 services including antenatal, postnatal care and immunization. "Each Namma Clinic will cater to 15,000 to 20,000 people. 12 services including Antenatal, Postnatal care, and immunization will be made available. Our government has prioritised enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the state, and CM Basavaraj Bommai will simultaneously launch 108 Namma Clinics in BBMP limits on Tuesday, February 7," said Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai would opening as many as 108 Namma Clinics on Tuesday to provide universal and comprehensive Primary Healthcare to common people. All the 108 Namma Clinics will be made available for the public from Tuesday. "The newly established Namma Clinic in the Mahalakshmipura ward of Mahalakshmi Layout will be inaugurated on Tuesday and the remaining 107 clinics will also be launched on the same occasion. All these 108 Namma Clinics will be made available for public service from Tuesday itself," informed the minister. Earlier on December 14, 2022, CM had launched 100 Namma Clinics in a function held at Bairadevarakoppa in Dharwad. Also Read Bengaluru: AAP to launch signature campaign demanding BBMP elections Karnataka CM Bommai orders probe into voter data theft scam since 2013 Karnataka govt simultaneously launches 114 'Namma Clinics' across State BJP's 'Janaspandana' rally marking 3 yrs of BJP rule in Karnataka today Carry out relief work on priority in flood-hit areas: Karnataka CM Bommai 846 domestic, 458 international flights delayed at IGI airport in Dec-Jan All equal before god, castes made by priests, says Mohan Bhagwat Story in numbers: Not a long rope for death penalty adjudication Statsguru: How Indian Railways is coming out of Covid-related disruption Pervez Musharraf: The firebrand general who morphed into a non-starter neta While interacting with beneficiaries about the services available in Namma Clinics, people expressed their happiness and thanked the CM for this initiative. The Namma Clinics which are functioning as Urban Health and Wellness Centres are heralding a new era in primary healthcare. "Namma Clinics are providing comprehensive primary healthcare to poor, vulnerable and underprivileged sections in urban areas. A total of 438 Namma Clinics are being launched and these will aid in ensuring quality preventive and primary care for daily wagers, labourers etc," said K Sudhakar. He also said that one clinic will be available for the 15-20 thousand population to provide better facilities under the grants of the 15th Finance Commision. "Under the National Urban Health Mission, at present, there is one primary health centre for every 50,000 population. Now under the grants of the 15th Finance Commission, we are establishing one primary health centre to cater 15,000-20,000 population in urban areas. Out of the 438 Namma Clinics, 243 will be in BBMP and the rest 195 will be in districts," the minister added. Further, the minister also explained that a referral facility will be made available to minimise the treatment cost at Namma clinics. "Namma Clinics are designed to provide universal and comprehensive primary healthcare in urban areas. Referral facilities will also be available and patients requiring higher treatment will be referred to secondary and tertiary centres. This will not only reduce the cost of treatment but will also decentralise the healthcare services," said Dr Sudhakar. The minister also informed about the facilities that will be available such as adolescent care, immunisation, preventive care for NCDs, oral care, etc. He said "Each Namma Clinic will have one doctor, one nursing staff, one lab technician and one D-group worker. A total of 12 healthcare services packages will be available including antenatal, postnatal care, adolescent care, immunisation, family planning, fertility, infectious diseases management, general and minor injuries, preventive care for NCDs, oral care, eye care, ENT, mental health, geriatric care and laboratory services. Tele-consultation, wellness activities like yoga and referral services will also be available. Dr Sudhakar also explained the reliable service and efficient management of the Namma Clinics. He said the clinics would be available for the public from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. "Namma Clinics will be available for the public from 9 am to 4:30 pm from Monday to Saturday. Each Namma Clinic is set up in a 1000sq ft area with separate space for a waiting area, OPD consultation room, immunization ward, laboratory, yoga room, medicines counter, administrative section etc. The Namma Clinics will have separate toilet facilities for men, women and staff," said the minister. The opposition parties on Tuesday decided to participate in the Parliament proceedings and continue to raise the demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the allegations of fraud and stock manipulation against the Adani Group. "Most Opposition parties have decided to participate in Parliamentary proceedings from today and continue to raise their demand for a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam." Jairam Ramesh tweeted Fifteen parties attended the meeting at the leader of opposition Mallikarjun Khargeji's chamber in Parliament building. Apart from the Congress, DMK, SP, RJD, JD(U), AAP, CPI(M), CPI, NCP, SS (Uddhav Thackeray), IUML, NC, RSP, Kerala Congress and the VCK joined the meeting. Earlier, the opposition parties blamed the government for the logjam in Parliament. --IANS Also Read Opposition parties to meet today to discuss strategy for parliament Oppn to demonstrate outside Parliament to seek JPC probe into Adani issue Oppn's demand for JPC probe into Adani issue not justified: Jethmalani PM Modi to discuss govt's strategy in Parliament with Union Ministers SC issues notice to ED on Satyendar Jain's plea against Delhi HC order SC dismisses plea against Victoria Gowri's appointment as Madras HC judge From China in 1556 to Turkey in 2023: Most destructive earthquakes ever SC dismisses Rana Ayyub's plea challenging Ghaziabad special court summons Vedanta picks David Reed as CEO of its Gujarat semiconductor business 'We have to keep our fingers crossed,' says top advocate on Victoria Gowri miz/dpb Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will host the 'Defence Ministers' Conclave' on February 14, on the sidelines of 14th edition of Aero India in Bengaluru. The biennial airshow would be held at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka here from February 13-17. The conclave will see participation of Defence Ministers of foreign friendly countries, who would also be attending the Aero India, an official release said. The conclave would address aspects related to deepening cooperation for capacity building (through investments, R&D, joint venture, co-development, co-production and provisioning of defence equipment), training, space, AI and maritime security to grow together with the broad theme Shared Prosperity through Enhanced Engagements in Defence' (SPEED), it said. The conclave is an opportunity for Defence Ministers of all foreign friendly countries and India to engage with each other to carry forward the Prime Minister's vision of Make in India, Make for the World' for a secure and prosperous future for generations to come, it added. According to officials, Aero India has carved a niche for itself globally as one of the premier aerospace exhibitions with 13 successful editions organised in Bengaluru since 1996. Also Read Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to brief foreign envoys about Aero India Sale of meat, non-veg food banned within 10 km of Bengaluru Aero India Show Aero show: Rajnath Singh rolls out red carpet to defence attaches Rajnath reviews preparations for Aero India; 731 exhibitors registered US-France competition heats up for fighter jets to deck INS Vikrant Auditing of local bodies key as India aims to touch $5 trn economy: CAG Gowri sworn in as Madras HC judge, SC dismisses plea against appointment Hackers actively exploiting VMware bug in massive ransomware campaign Turkish ambassador calls India 'dost', thanks for sending relief aid Budget session: PM Modi participates in BJP parliamentary party meeting A total 731 exhibitors have registered -- 633 Indian and 98 foreign for Aero India this time. Noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a campaign for Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India), in Defence sector, the release said it aims to increasing indigenous defence manufacturing and production capability to develop a self-sufficient defence ecosystem; involving likeminded nations in developing a reliable supply chain free of exploitation and disruptions by certain players. It said, while the domestic requirements are large enough to sustain the indigenous industry, India would like to partner with friendly countries to take the Defence production to next level and share the benefits to ensure shared prosperity. The aerospace industry is also gearing up majorly to cater to the demand of aircraft (fixed and rotary wings), UAVs and communication systems, according to officials, the opportunities in the aerospace for the Indian industries will enhance with favorable defence policies with the other countries by creating an ecosystem in India. Satellite enabled technologies such as information technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), chip manufacturing and communication technology are areas where massive scope for jointness exists, they said. A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai said that it could not presume that the Collegium was unaware of Gowri's political backgrounds or the articles that later surfaced in the public domain, reports LiveLaw. The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the petitions challenging Advocate Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri's appointment as the additional judge for Madras High Court. Supreme Court of India on Monday made a significant disclosure that the Collegium has taken cognisance of the complaints against Victoria Gowri, who has been recommended for appointment as a judge of the Madras High Court. The bench also added that she is only being appointed as an Additional Judge, and there are instances where persons have not been confirmed. On January 17, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended the elevation of Advocate Gowri as an additional judge of the Madras High Court. However, a section of the Madras High Court lawyers opposed her proposed elevation and members of the Madras High Court bar last week sent a representation to the Chief Justice of India. It sought a recall of the recommendation made for the elevation of Victoria Gowri on the ground that she has made hate speech against Christians and Muslims and her open affiliations with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reported LiveLaw. Gowri took the oath, along with four others, earlier on Tuesday. Also Read DY Chandrachud to succeed UU Lalit as the next Chief Justice of India CJI Chandrachud releases latest version of Supreme Court mobile app SC dismisses plea to block Justice Chandrachud's appointment as next CJI A fresh beginning New CJI: Here are some significant cases Justice Chandrachud was part of From China in 1556 to Turkey in 2023: Most destructive earthquakes ever SC dismisses Rana Ayyub's plea challenging Ghaziabad special court summons Vedanta picks David Reed as CEO of its Gujarat semiconductor business 'We have to keep our fingers crossed,' says top advocate on Victoria Gowri Active Covid-19 cases decline to 1,771 in country, death toll at 530,745 A bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said that there are some developments that have taken place. The Collegium has taken cognisance of what came to our attention after we made the recommendation. The matter was scheduled to be heard on February 10 in Victoria Gowri's appointment. However, the apex court advanced its hearing in the matter after a mention by Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran second time after the bench assembled in the post-lunch session on Monday. A group of 21 lawyers of the High Court wrote to President Droupadi Murmu and the SC Collegium asking to drop her name from the list. Cyber crimes in Telangana have doubled to 10,303 cases in 2021 from 5,025 cases in 2020 with Cyberabad topping the chart with 4,412 felonies, according to a report. Revealing data, the Telangana Socio Economic Outlook 2023 said,"As many as 10,303 cases of cyber crime were registered in 2021 as against 5,025 cases in 2020, an increase of 105.03 per cent. The highest number of cases were reported from the police commissionerates of Cyberabad (4,412) followed by Hyderabad (3,303) and Rachakonda (1,548), it said. Cyber crime is a rapidly evolving transnational crime committed across borders and affects individuals and societies globally, said the report. It said the Telangana government is trying to use technical assistance in capacity-building, prevention, creating awareness, increasing cooperation, collecting data, researching and analysing cybercrime, the report said. The Telangana Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (T4C) was set up in 2021 to provide round-the-clock assistance to victims of cyber fraud. The T4C has a 24x7 call centre that helps coordinate with district police in the registration, investigation and detection of cyber crime, it said. T4C has successfully prevented almost Rs 30 crore of public money from reaching the hands of cyber fraudsters. The State has also created Telangana Cyber Security Policy 2016 to address cyber security issues. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism G Kishan Reddy on Tuesday said tourism can be a positive force for economic transformation, rural development and community wellbeing, and India plans to use the key segment to achieve sustainable development goals during its G20 Presidency. The minister was addressing a side event at the start of a three-day Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting of G20 at the tent city of Dhordo in Gujarat's Kutch district. This is the first meeting of the working group. Speaking at a panel discussion on 'Rural Tourism for Community Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation', Reddy said, India is focused on using tourism as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) during its G20 Presidency." SDGs are a call for action by all countries to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. "The soul of India lives in its villages," the minister said quoting Mahatma Gandhi. The focus of rural tourism should be to showcase villages, the country's way of life, its spiritual and cultural heritage and natural beauty, he said. Tourism has the potential to generate maximum number of jobs with least investment and therefore, tourism can be a positive force for economic transformation, rural development and community wellbeing," Reddy said. Also Read Rural tourism to be based on culture, economic characteristics in Rajasthan Rajasthan govt implements new rural tourism scheme, promises jobs Dharamshala all set to host conference of tourism ministers today Are states with high levels of poverty spending less on MGNREGS? G20 to be tourism ministry's focus in 2023, first meet likely in late Jan Global space economy to reach $1 trn in coming years: Ex-Isro chief Budget Session: Census paused, no plan to hike amount under PM-Kisan & more India will take leading role in oil requirement till 2045: OPEC report Adani saga in Lok Sabha: BJP takes exception to Rahul's 'magic' jibe Why raising Adani issue is equivalent to questioning India: DMK's Kanimozhi Citing the example of Pochampally village in Telangana, which was declared one of the best tourism villages by United Nations agency UNWTO, the minister said that Indian villages are already receiving global recognition. Tourism provides a channel for enabling the sale of local products and services, empowering the youth to become entrepreneurs, employing women and disadvantaged communities such as tribals. This leads to community empowerment and poverty alleviation, he said. Reddy said the Union Ministry of Tourism has for the first time come up with a draft on national strategy and roadmap for the development of rural tourism, which is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of self-reliant India'' or "Aatmanirbhar Bharat". The first TWG meeting under G20 hosted by the Ministry of Tourism began on Tuesday with a panel discussion on 'Rural Tourism for Community Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation'. The delegates who arrived from different countries were given a traditional welcome, which included performances by folk artistes at the Bhuj airport and at the tent city Dhordo in Rann of Kutch. The panel discussion was attended by representatives from Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Japan, ILO (International Labour Organization) and UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). From India, representatives from governments of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Nagaland along with OYO and Global Himalayan Expedition participated in the discussion. More than 100 delegates are attending the first TWG meeting. Four G20 meetings on tourism will be held at various locations, including Rann of Kutch, Silugiri (West Bengal), Goa and a site in North India. In addition to the four G20 meetings of tourism track, three mega events are also planned to promote tourism during the period of G20 meetings. The tourism ministry will organise the first Global Tourism Investors' Summit (GTIS) in April/May 2023 in New Delhi, MICE Global Conference in May and G20 CEO Forum in June. The TWG meeting is the second G20 event in Gujarat after the 'Business 20 Inception' programme held in Gandhinagar last month. India assumed the Presidency of G20, an influential bloc of developed and developing countries, in December last year. Turkey's Ambassador to India Firat Sunel referred to New Delhi as 'dost' (Hindi for friend) after the Centre decided to send relief and humanitarian aid to the quake-hit nation where more than 4,300 people died in the aftermath of a devastating 7.8-magnitude quake that struck an area close to the Syrian border. In a tweet late Monday night, Sunel said: "'Dost' is a common word in Turkish and Hindi... We have a Turkish proverb: 'Dost kara gunde belli olur' (a friend in need is a friend indeed). Thank you very much." On Tuesday, India dispatched the first batch of humanitarian aid along with a rescue team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Turkey. Taking to Twitter, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said: "India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilites in action. The 51-member NDRF team headed by Deputy Commandant Deepak Talwar left from the Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad for Turkey on board an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. On Monday, the Centre had announced that two NDRF teams comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads and necessary equipment were ready to be flown to Turkey for search and rescue operations. Also Read India dispatches first consignment of earthquake relief material to Turkey Indo-Pak ties see new low; FM Bhutto's outburst dashes hope for engagements PMO holds high-level review meeting on situation in Uttarakhand's Joshimath Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan warns Greece over 'harassment' of Turkish jets UP Banda boat mishap: 12 bodies recovered, search for three more underway Budget session: PM Modi participates in BJP parliamentary party meeting Delhi records minimum temperature of 12.8 degrees Celsius as mercury rises India dispatches first consignment of earthquake relief material to Turkey World heading toward a wider war, fears UN chief Antonio Guterres Karnataka: CM Bommai to inaugurate 108 Namma Clinics in BBMP limits today According to the government, medical teams were also being readied with trained doctors and paramedics with essential medicines. As of Tuesday morning, the toll in Turkey stood at 2,921, while in Syria it increased to 1,451. --IANS ksk/ Delhi Police on Tuesday launched the 'Cyber Suraksha' campaign in partnership with Meta with the aim to spread awareness about cyber safety and prevent people from falling prey to prevailing online frauds. "The 'Cyber Suraksha' campaign would be a two-month long campaign, which will focus on training Delhi Police personnel on Meta's safety tools and resources, and impart digital literacy training to 10,000 students of various schools across Delhi," De lhi Police spokesperson Suman Nalwa said. "Meta and Delhi Police will also build resources to educate users about protecting themselves against various cyber scams and fraud. The programme will focus on providing users, especially youth, with digital safety best practices and e-digital literacy awareness sessions, training resources, knowledge repository including child and adult safety self-help material, safety videos and other resources," she said. During the event at Police Headquarters which was attended by around 300 girl students of various colleges across the city, the Delhi Police also launched a series of short films for internet users with an appeal "Fool Nahi-Cool Bane" as part of cyber awareness campaign. Special Commissioner of Police, Perception Management & Media Cell, Sanjay Singh said that the women and children are among the most vulnerable section, who often fall prey, due to lacking awareness about cyber safety and crimes. He urged the victims to report the matter as remaining silent gives an opportunity to the perpetrators to repeat similar acts and reiterated that "Not to speak out shall not be an option". Also Read Cyber frauds: Banks step up efforts to promote safe banking habits How can you protect your bank account from cyber attacks? Tepid demand for cyber insurance policies despite steep rise in attacks J-K to create pool of cyber security analysts to tackle cyber terrorism Tata Motors prioritises the health of 5000 truckers under Project Suraksha Virginity test on female accused sexist, unconstitutional: Delhi HC- Medicine sale by dealers to retailers hit Rs 1.40 trn in Apr-Dec: Mandaviya India can be superpower in defence manufacturing: General Chauhan ED attaches Rs 859 cr proceeds of crime in illegal loan app cases: Centre AgustaWestland chopper scam: SC denies bail to Christian Michel James Special CP, Special Cell, H.G.S. Dhaliwal said that the cyber-related offences are growing exponentially and urged people to educate themselves and contribute by spreading awareness among amateur internet users, as together we will be able to make the cyber space safer. --IANS ssh/vd Justifying the increase in Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation bus fares, Transport Minister Daya Shankar Singh on Tuesday assured that there would be no further hikes in the next five years. The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) on Monday hiked fares for general buses by 25 paise per kilometre to Rs 1.30 per passenger. "There was no increase in fares for two years during the corona period... It should have been hiked earlier... The cost of diesel was Rs 60 per litre when it (the fare) was last raised and now it has gone up to Rs 90," Singh told reporters here. Many vehicles in the fleet have to be phased out after 10 years or upon completion of 11 lakh kilometres because of the National Green Tribunal, Singh said. Singh said the fare hike was important for the UPSRTC's survival. New buses have to be bought, recruitment of employees has been stopped for many years, 900 dependents of deceased employees have not yet been appointed, he added. Also Read Now, book a bus ride in Gurugram on Uber; service in other cities soon How will the removal of caps on airfare affect ticket prices? Uber, Ola auto services 'banned' in Bengaluru; aggregators slash fares Karnataka HC gives 15 days to fix fare for app-based auto hailing services Delhi govt hikes auto-rickshaw, taxi fares in view of rising CNG prices NCS to be primary govt portal for skilled and unskilled workers Haryana real estate regulator forfeits bank guarantees of JMS Infra Realty Delhi LG writes to Haryana CM on lack of progress in setting up STPs Artificial Intelligence to be a game changer in govt audit space: CAG 'I am sorry, I killed Shradha', Aftab told police, says Charge sheet Singh, however, admitted that the hike should have been done gradually. "The fare has not increased in three years. It should have been done gradually but now it had to be hiked in one go. There will be no increase for the next five years," he said. Earlier in the day, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav attacked the government on the issue, alleging that it seemed that the government wanted to meet the expenses of the three day investors' summit later this month with money from the public's pocket. Asked about Yadav's criticism, Singh advised him to visit Varanasi and have a 'darshan' of the Kashi Vishwanath temple. "Akhilesh Yadav should go to Banaras (Varanasi) and visit Baba Vishwanath. Then he will know how much Banaras has changed...," Singh said. While the Supreme Court is seized of the matter related to the plea to restrain lawyer Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri from taking oath as a judge of the Madras High Court, a senior advocate, who was among those who opposed her elevation said on Tuesday that they are waiting for the outcome of the proceedings in the apex court. N G R Prasad, a noted senior lawyer told PTI that the plea against Gowri for making 'hate speech' against minorities is with the top court and strong legal points have been made seeking to restrain her from taking oath as judge. However, her swearing-in is scheduled at 10.35 AM on Tuesday in the Madras High Court. Under the circumstances, "We have to keep our fingers crossed," he said. The outcome of the fight against Gowri's appointment hinges on the Supreme Court taking a decision and giving a direction ahead of her swearing-in. In case the swearing-in happens before a direction is received, then the scenario would be different, he said. The SC has said that it was not aware of the 'hate speech' aspect during its decision making process to recommend Gowri, he added. Sudha Ramalingam, another top lawyer said that just in case Gowri took oath ahead of the expected SC direction, then impeachment is the only Constitutional process to remove her from office. Ramalingam was also among the advocates who opposed Gowri's elevation. Also Read As vacancies pile up in high courts, gloves are off in Centre-SC showdown After SC intervention, Patna HC recalls suspension of POCSO judge All law colleges in TN must install Ambedkar's photographs: Madras HC More SC, ST, OBC judges in district, subordinate courts than higher courts Madras University to release UG,PG results soon; click here to know more Active Covid-19 cases decline to 1,771 in country, death toll at 530,745 Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to be buried in Karachi G20 presidency: Rann of Kutch to host first Tourism Working Group meet Cong gives suspension of business notice in RS over LIC's investment issue NDRF personnel with specially equipped trained dog squad depart for Turkey Days ago, a section of the Madras High Court Bar association opposed the Supreme Court collegium's recommendation to elevate advocate Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri for judgeship at the Madras HC. In separate letters addressed to President Droupadi Murmu and the Supreme Court collegium, the group of advocates objected to the collegium's recommendation, saying her appointment would undermine the independence of the judiciary. Gowri, by her own admission, is the general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party Mahila Morch, the memorandum signed by 22 lawyers including senior advocates N G R Prasad, R Vaigai, Anna Mathew, D Nagasaila and Sudha Ramalingam, had said. The Supreme Court decided to hear on Tuesday a plea for restraining lawyer Gowri from taking oath as a judge of the Madras High Court. The government has appointed a 16-member committee of union secretaries, law experts, and industry stakeholders to draft within three months the Digital Competition Act after studying anticompetitive practices. The move comes days after the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance presented recommendations on the subject. The parliamentary committees report underlined the need for ex-ante regulationsthey are cautionary and based on anticipated changes or activityand said the government must frame a definition for Systemically Important Digital Intermediaries (SIDIs) that need tighter regulations. The classification could be based on revenues, market capitalisation, and the number of active users. The panel will be headed by Manoj Govil, secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and it will study if existing provisions in Competition Act, 2002 and related regulations were sufficient to deal with the challenges in the digital economy. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) will provide secretarial and research assistance and logistic support to the panel. It will study best international practices on regulation in digital markets, other regulatory regimes, institutional mechanisms or government policies regarding competition in digital markets. The committee will include the chairperson of the CCI, joint secretary (Competition) of the MCA, Dr Saurabh Srivastava; the cofounder of industry body NASSCOM, and experts from leading law firms. Joint secretary-level officers invited by the Niti Aayog, Department of Commerce, Economic Affairs, Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade will also be a part of the new committee. Also Read Google may face a third CCI fine in less than a month. Now for Android TV Indian developers benefit from Android, Play: Google on CCI penalty Why does Google find itself in CCI's crosshairs? Developers pan Google's 'delay tactics' even as it begins heeding CCI order Balancing innovation and fair play needed: CCI chairman Ashok Kumar Gupta Big Russia presence in India Energy Summit indicates stronger ties Declining core inflation limits need for further rate hikes by RBI: S&P Govt to come out with discussion paper on contractual disputes: Somanathan What explains Indian public sector enterprises' anaemic capex record? Assam, Odisha among states clocking high rural inflation than urban in FY23 The parliamentary committee had suggested a specialized digital markets unit within the CCI, with skilled experts, academics, and attorneys, enabling the commission to closely monitor the SIDIs as well as emerging SIDIs. It had also recommended that the SIDIs must submit a report to the CCI every year describing the measures implemented to fulfil their obligations and also publish a summary of this report on their websites. Technology giants like Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon face growing global scrutiny for allegedly abusing their market position using chunks of user data. CCI, in two separate cases last year, asked Google to pay penalties of Rs 936.44 crore and Rs 1,337.76 crore along with mandatory changes in its business model. Anti-steering provisions, self-preferencing, bundling or tying of services, deep discounting, and search or ranking preferencing were some of the anti-competitive practices recognised by the parliamentary panel. It also said the SIDIs should be stopped from processing users data by using the services of third parties that make use of their core services. The round table was attended by chief executive officers of domestic and foreign oil and gas companies, global experts, and chiefs of multilateral institutions. Transitional measures like green hydrogen, along with issues of technology (tech) transfer and financing, were among the major issues discussed at the energy round table held by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on the sidelines of India Energy Week 2023 on Monday, informed sources. The main focus was on the need for transitional measures, the capital and tech needed to harness them, and the ways to finance them, said sources. The annual round table was organised for the first time after the pandemic. All participants made presentations to the PM, who made the closing remarks. Transitional measures, such as green hydrogen, are in a sweet spot, he added. There is a delicate balancing act at work. The government needs to bring in more investments to harness the full potential of the exploration and refining sectors. But India also cannot be seen to be veering off the course of green, renewable-led growth, said a senior industry source present at the meeting. Also Read NTPC, Reliance, Adani top green hydrogen plays to bet on, say analysts What is the difference between transfer and transmission of shares? Larsen & Toubro commissions new green hydrogen plant at Hazira in Gujarat Cabinet approves Rs 19,744 cr for National Green Hydrogen Mission Buying a resale flat? Don't let the society rip you off on transfer charges Oil rises on China outlook, supply worries after Turkey earthquake CCI meeting this Thursday to clear 20 merger deals pending approval CNG, EVs, hybrid vehicles to comprise 30% of total auto sales: ICRA Energy transition has to ensure surviving present: Oil minister Puri Sebi returns Go Digit General Insurance IPO papers; firm to refile The PM emphasised the need for major investments in the energy sector. He asked companies to invest in both traditional hydrocarbons and new emerging technologies. Participants flagged the need for a stable policy architecture. Most said that the ease of doing business has improved in the past few years. Foreign partnerships in focus Arguing that Indias energy demand growth would be growing at 3x the rest of the worlds, he said investing in India would have a best rate of return for companies. A strategic sector like oil and gas has long had restrictions on foreign entrants in select sub-industries. However, the government had recently asked OMCs to utilise tech and market expertise. The heads of Indian public sector oil-marketing companies (OMCs), who were at the meeting, said they were actively looking to pursue a foreign partnership. One of the key areas where foreign companies, such as American oil and gas giants ExxonMobil, Chevron Corporation, and French giant TotalEnergies, have expressed keen interest in is exploration, added sources. The move is part of the governments plan to set up India as a key hub for hydrocarbons. While we have consistently been the second largest importer of crude oil in the world, we are now working to vastly expand our refining capabilities and industry-led services, said a senior executive from an OMC. India is currently in the process of doubling the total area under exploration. The Himachal Pradesh government made the necessary budgetary provisions before announcing restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Tuesday. The Himachal Cabinet approved restoration of the scheme during its first meeting after careful deliberations, he said in a statement. All other promises guaranteed by the Congress in its 'Pratigya Patra' ahead of the assembly elections will be fulfilled in a phased manner after making adequate financial provisions. The chief minister also hit out at the previous BJP dispensation for allegedly failing to clear arrears of employees despite announcing implementation of the Pay Commission recommendations. The haphazard decisions taken by the BJP government were unwanted and uncalled for, he said. Apart from a whopping loan amount of Rs 75,000 crore, the BJP has left Rs 11,000 crore as outstanding arrears to be paid to government employees and pensioners. Also Read Old pension scheme: Is politics trumping economics? BS Number Wise: Old scheme puts burden of employee pension on the states Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take oath as Himachal's chief minister today Universal Pension Scheme: New EPFO scheme may cover unorganised workers Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu next Himachal CM, Agnihotri his deputy: Congress Additional budget for FCI is indicative estimate; food subsidy enough: Govt Will get fitment panel to look at 28% GST rate for cement: FM Sitharaman FCI's internal resources point to short-term capital needs for FY24: Centre Mobile device makers mull fee for Google to pre-install its apps Jaishankar speaks to British foreign secretary Cleverly on bilateral ties The BJP regime handed over an empty coffer to the current dispensation, Sukhu said. The state government is also concerned about ending the impasse created by the closure of two Adani Group-owned cement plants and the indefinite strike by a truck operators' union. The government has held several rounds of talks with both the parties, the statement said. The unions are also holding separate discussions with the company. "I hope that the dispute will be resolved soon," Sukhu said. At a session with members of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi, the finance minister, responding to a recommendation, said she would have a fitment committee look into the existing 28 per cent GST rate on cement a critical input in construction of everything from houses to bridges. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday indicated that the government could be open to considering a reduction in the goods and services tax (GST) on cement, a long-standing demand of the infrastructure sector, if the GST Council agrees. On GST for cement, your point is taken. I will have the fitment committee look at it, Sitharaman told the industry body members. Feedback Ventures head and infra expert Vinayak Chatterjee, who had made the recommendation, later told Business Standard that this was part of his pre-Budget recommendations to the government. The reduction, if effected, will have an enormous elasticity impact on the governments revenues and boost it further, he said. At the same time, she commended the industry for starting to think more holistically and not just be concerned with their own sectors. Post-Covid, industry is looking at India more holistically I find this shift healthy, Sitharaman said. The bigger theme at the session, however, was the finance minister once again exhorting Indian industry to make sure all its output is compliant with sustainable development goals (SDGs). "This would be essential for negotiating non-tariff barriers arising out of environmental concerns around the world, should they crop up," she said. Also Read Why do states want a bigger share of GST? Shree Cement 'very bullish', setting up new factories: MD Bangur Top listed cement companies' margins, profits lowest in a decade Centre upbeat on Rs 1.5-trillion GST revenue every month from October Will bumper GST collections weaken states' case for compensation? Rs 1.45 trillion extra resources for FCI's capital needs, says govt Mobile device makers mull fee for Google to pre-install its apps Jaishankar speaks to British foreign secretary Cleverly on bilateral ties No proposal to hike OBC non-creamy layer income limit, govt told Lok Sabha Rs 15,626 cr sanctioned under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, says Govt The industry has to be SDG compliant, will have to produce green goods and ensure that inputs are green compliant and guided by green considerations. You will have to make the transition from using fossil fuel to green fuel. All this will have to happen at this time and not be delayed, she said. Indian industry has to come up with ideas, talk to the government. Lift up our thinking, Sitharaman said, advising industry to make sure their products do not face non-tariff barriers. This, she said, was the challenge in the post-Covid world. Without naming the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), agreed upon by the European Union, she had said there were countries that wanted to fund their transition from not so green to green production of material for items like steel by raising tariff walls against countries that sent their products as a matter of normal export. In December too, the finance minister had cautioned Indian industry of impending cost to sectors such as steel from non-tariff walls being raised by developed economies and sought suggestions on how the government could help in the green transition of such sectors. PLI is a good scheme for sunrise sectors. But beyond that, what can we do to provide you with a leapfrogging effect? she said. On Tuesday, the finance minister also invited suggestions on what could be done beyond the performance-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for sunrise sectors. The registration process of Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG - 2023) for admission to Undergraduate Programmes into Central universities and other participating universities will be announced in a couple of days, UGC Chairman Professor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, told IANS. After the registration process, CUET will be conducted between the May 21 and 31. UGC believes that from this session, more private, state-run and Deemed to be universities will take part in Common University Entrance Test. All central universities of the country have already adopted the CUET for the undergraduate admissions. UGC chairman said that the number of subjects and pattern of question papers will remain the same. Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu will be the medium, Kumar added. National Testing Agency (NTA) is working on preparing 1000 test centres for CUET-UG across the country, out of which 450 to 500 centres will be used per day. Results of CUET-UG are planned to be announced in the third week of June 2023 and those of CUET-PG in the first week of July 2023. With the above schedule of CUET-UG and CUET-PG, universities can complete their admission process by the end of July 2023 and begin the academic sessions by August 1, 2023, UGC India said. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Entrance Test for Central and other participating Universities for the academic session 2023- 2024. Also Read NTA to announce results for CUET-PG tomorrow online at cuet.nta.nic.in CUET-UG results to be announced by September 15: UGC chief Jagadesh Kumar Professor of practice: What impact can UGC's draft scheme have? CUET-UG postponed for 11K candidates to accommodate exam centre choice NTA declares CUET UG 2022 results; how to check scores, download result 2nd admission list for entry-level in Delhi's pvt schools likely on Monday DU offers 2 seats each in UG, PG courses to orphans from next academic year JEE-Main January session registers all-time high attendance of 95.8% Social sector: The emphasis of Budget is on the consolidation of schemes Budget 2023 promises to train students, teachers for the job market Accoding to the NTA, the Common University Entrance Test provided a common platform and equal opportunities to candidates across the country, especially those from rural and other remote areas and help establish better connect with the Universities. A single examination enables the candidates to cover a wide outreach and be part of the admissions process to various Central universities and other participating universities. The applicants are also given the opportunity to make corrections in the particulars of their online application forms. Last year the examination was held in the Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. The test was of objective type, comprising of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). --IANS gcb/kvd A 5.5 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey's Golbasi town located in the Central Anatolia region of Ankara Province, reported the United States Geological Survey. "M 5.5 - 9 km ESE of Golbasi, Turkey at 8:43 am. Location:37.765N 37.743E and Depth:10.0 km," reported USGS. At least 100 aftershocks measuring 4.0 or greater have occurred since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey on Monday morning local time. As the time from the original earthquake extends, the frequency and magnitude of the aftershocks tend to decrease. However, 5.0 to 6.0-plus aftershocks are still likely to occur and bring a risk of additional damage to structures that are compromised from the original earthquake. This brings a continued threat to rescue teams and survivors, reported CNN. The aftershocks stretch for more than 300 kilometres (186 miles) along the fault zone that ruptured in southern Turkey, oriented from southwest to northeast and stretching from the border with Syria up through the province of Malatya. More than 4,372 people have been killed and thousands injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria early Monday, according to officials and agencies. Also Read Massive earthquake kills over 2,400 in Turkey, Syria; rescue ops underway Rescuers scramble in Turkey, Syria after massive earthquake kills 4,000 Latest news LIVE: Another earthquake of 5.6 magnitude jolts central Turkey At least 68 injured after 5.9 magnitude earthquake strikes northwest Turkey India ready to provide help to earthquake-affected in Turkey: PM Modi Biden dials Erdogan, assures assistance amid Turkey earthquakes Former Chelsea forward Christian Atsu missing after Turkey earthquake Was the Chinese balloon indeed a spy at work or was it just hot air? Syria calls for international aid after deadly earthquakes kills 900 Kim Jong's disappearance raises speculations about his health again: Report Thousands of buildings collapsed in both countries and aid agencies are particularly worried about north-western Syria, where more than 4 million people were already relying on humanitarian assistance. The quake, one of the strongest to hit the region in more than 100 years, struck 23 kilometres (14.2 miles) east of Nurdagi, in Turkey's Gaziantep province, at a depth of 24.1 kilometres (14.9 miles), the US Geological Survey said. Meanwhile, the first of two Indian disaster relief teams left for Turkey on Monday night, according to the Indian Air Force. The Indian Air Force tweeted Tuesday that a C-17, a strategic transport aircraft, left for Turkey "bearing search and rescue teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)." India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) tweeted a similar post, writing, "The first batch of earthquake relief material leaves for Turkiye, along with NDRF Search and Rescue Teams, specially trained dog squads, medical supplies, drilling machines and other necessary equipment." The rescue efforts come in the wake of a deadly earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday. Soon after, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences with his office saying in a statement that "relief material would be dispatched immediately" in coordination with the Turkish government. "Two teams of NDRF comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads and necessary equipment are ready to be flown to the earthquake-hit area for search and rescue operations," the statement said. "Medical teams are also being readied with trained doctors and paramedics with essential medicines. Relief material will be dispatched in coordination with the Government of Turkiye and Indian Embassy in Ankara and Consulate General office in Istanbul," it added. India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar also extended his condolences, tweeting Monday night that he had contacted his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Mekdad. "Expressed solidarity and conveyed our support including through supply of medicines," he tweeted. Planes carrying aid shipments from Iraq and Iran arrived at Damascus International Airport after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake devastated Turkey and Syria, Syrian state media SANA reported. The Iranian aid arrived on Monday and the Iraqi aid was delivered early Tuesday morning local time, SANA reported. Mahdi Ghanem, an official at the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told SANA that each plane carried about 70 tons of food, medical supplies, blankets and necessary supplies. On Monday, Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani announced they would send a shipment of emergency medical supplies, first aid and shelter supplies as well as medicine and fuel. Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad he would dispatch humanitarian aid to the area, Iranian state media IRNA reported. Japan has also sent the country's Disaster Relief Rescue Team in response to the earthquake in Turkey, according to a Monday statement by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Upon the request of the Government of Turkey, and in light of humanitarian perspective and Japan's friendship relations with Turkey, Japan has decided to provide this emergency assistance to Turkey to meet its humanitarian needs," the statement read. The Disaster Relief Rescue Team departed for Turkey on Monday night to support search and rescue operations, the statement read. China committed such a brazen act of floating balloons across continental America because they are the Chinese government, US President Joe Biden said on Monday. They're the Chinese government, Biden told reporters at the White House when asked why the Chinese would commit such a brazen act of floating across the entire continental United States. The question of the balloon and attempting to spy on the United States is something that's anticipated from China. The question is whether or not -- when we asked China what they're doing, they didn't deny they had the balloon over -- they just denied what it was, Biden said in response to a question. It is not a question of trusting China, it's a question of deciding where we should work together and where we have opposition, said the president in response to another question as he landed on the South Lawns of the White House from Camp David. Biden said this is not going to weaken the US-China relationship. No. We've made it clear to China what we're going to do. They understand our position. We're not going to back off. We did the right thing. And there's not a question of weakening or strengthening; it's just the reality, he said. The president said that it was always his position to shoot down the balloon. Also Read Zuckerberg admits censoring 'Hunter Biden Laptop' story for a week Reliance Retail to expand biz in affordable toy segment through Rowan brand Elon Musk's 'Twitter Files' details censorship, suppression of information Musk condemns Trump, says 'constitution is greater than any president' Secret Twitter grp of Vijaya, Parag made decisions Dorsey didn't know: Musk India will always be reliable: Om Birla to Bhutan National Assembly speaker Jaishankar holds wide-ranging talks with Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly Russia wants normalisation of India-China relations: Russian Ambassador UK ex-PM Truss attempts dramatic political comeback with swipe at Sunak Pervez Musharraf: The firebrand general who morphed into a non-starter neta It was always my position. Once it came into the United States from Canada, I told the Defence Department I wanted to shoot it down as soon as it was appropriate. They concluded, we should not shoot it down over land, it was not a serious threat, and we should wait until it got across the water, Biden said. The European Union's legislature was preparing plans Monday to host Volodymyr Zelenskyy should the Ukraine president decide to come to Brussels to attend an EU summit later this week. Two sources in the parliament, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said such plans are only meant to prepare the legislature to host Zelenskyy if security conditions permit him to attend Thursday's meeting. When he would come, we would be ready, said one of the sources, stressing that because of security concerns any decision could only come at the last moment. EU leaders from 27-nation bloc will be gathering for Thursday's summit in Brussels, enabling Zelenskyy to meet all major leaders of the bloc in one day. Zelenskyy has often addressed EU summits only through video calls from Ukraine. Zelenskyy has long had an open invitation to come to Brussels if he chose to. It remains unclear whether Zelenskyy would be able to travel as Russian forces are keeping Ukrainian troops tied down with attacks in the eastern Donbas region amid concern that of a new Russian offensive could be in the offing. Also Read Police officer fatally stabbed in suspected Brussels terror attack 10 arrested in Brussels amid unrest after Belgium-Morocco World Cup match Zelenskyy says war with Russia ends with Ukraine's sovereignty restored European Union leaders avoid deep rift on gas price cap at energy summit Zelenskyy visits retaken strategic city, watches Ukrainian flag rise World heading toward a wider war, fears UN chief Antonio Guterres Pak blocks Wikipedia, says it hurt Muslim sentiments, critics slam the move Improved surveillance helped indentify Chinese balloon: White House Rescuers scramble in Turkey, Syria after massive earthquake kills 3,400 US moves to recover Chinese balloon as pressure mounts on President Biden EU Council President Charles Michel and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv last Friday where they told Zelenskyy he had the bloc's unrelenting support in Ukraine's fight against Russia. The only trip outside Ukraine that Zelenskyy has made was a visit to Washington in December to seek further aid for the war and to thank Ukraine's major financial and military back for its support. Event celebrating Lantern Festival held in Texas, U.S. Xinhua) 09:44, February 07, 2023 A lantern in the shape of a rabbit is seen at an event celebrating the Lantern Festival in Southlake, Texas, the United States, Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo by Xin Jin/Xinhua) People shows paper-cuts themed on the Chinese New Year during an event celebrating the Lantern Festival in Southlake, Texas, the United States, Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo by Xin Jin/Xinhua) People perform drangon dance during an event celebrating the Lantern Festival in Southlake, Texas, the United States, Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo by Xin Jin/Xinhua) People learn to make lanterns during an event celebrating the Lantern Festival in Southlake, Texas, the United States, Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo by Xin Jin/Xinhua) People learn to make lanterns during an event celebrating the Lantern Festival in Southlake, Texas, the United States, Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo by Xin Jin/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A Massachusetts man was arrested in connection with a kidnapping case from 2018 in Thompson, where a man allegedly broke into a home and forced another man to go to an ATM and withdraw money from his accounts at knifepoint, Connecticut State Police said. Keith Kirk, 31, of Oxford, Massachusetts, was extradited to Connecticut on Feb. 1 from the Massachusetts Department of Corrections on an active warrant charging him in connection with a home invasion and theft in Thompson in September 2018. The victim alleged that he was kidnapped at knifepoint, driven to two banks and forced to withdraw money before being returned to his residence unharmed. The victim alleged that several items were stolen by the suspect, including his cell phone, state police said. The victim gave investigators a description of the suspects vehicle and the items taken from him. Police in Webster, Massachusetts, located an abandoned car matching the description a month later that had been reported stolen by its owner in Webster prior to the alleged home invasion. Police found an item that was stolen from the victim in a passenger compartment of the car, state police said. Police submitted evidence, including the item found in the vehicle, for forensic analysis, which connected Kirk to the incident. When detectives learned Kirk had been in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections since October 2018, they obtained a photo of Kirk for use in a lineup. The victim identified Kirk as the suspect in the lineup, state police said. Extradition was granted by the Windham County States Attorneys Office. He was charged with home invasion, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, first-degree larceny, second-degree threatening, second-degree reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct. Kirk is being held in lieu of a $200,000 bond and was arraigned in Danielson Superior Court on Feb. 2. He is scheduled to appear in court next on March 31, according to court records. Pakistan's media regulator said Monday it blocked Wikipedia services in the country for hurting Muslim sentiment by not removing purportedly blasphemous content from the site. Critics denounced Islamabad's action, saying it was a blow to digital rights. Under Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or its figures can be sentenced to death, although the country has yet to carry out capital punishment for blasphemy. But even allegations of the offense are often enough to provoke mob violence and even deadly attacks. International and domestic rights groups say that accusations of blasphemy have often been used to intimidate religious minorities and settle personal scores. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority says it blocked Wikipedia because a 48-hour deadline to remove the content was ignored, according to a spokesperson. Such things hurt the sentiments of Muslims, said Malahat Obaid, from the regulator. She said Pakistani authorities were in talks with Wikipedia officials and the ban could be lifted if the platform completely removes anti-Islam content. Hours later, Pakistan's Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that premier Shahbaz Sharif had ordered the immediate restoration of Wikipedia, a move welcomed by Pakistanis. Also Read Write, edit, verify: Everything you need to know about how Wikipedia works Wikipedia blocked in Pakistan on account of blasphemous content: Report Govt summons Wikipedia execs after Arshdeep Singh's page entry changed Wikipedia introduces new features to enhance user experience: Details here Govt offers 42 hydrocarbon blocks for exploration and development Improved surveillance helped indentify Chinese balloon: White House Rescuers scramble in Turkey, Syria after massive earthquake kills 3,400 US moves to recover Chinese balloon as pressure mounts on President Biden US State Senate unanimously passes resolution honouring Sikh community Imran Khan will be arrested if fresh protests are launched: Pak minister The Wikimedia Foundation on Saturday confirmed the ban, saying: We hope that the Pakistan government joins us in a commitment to knowledge as a human right and restores access to @Wikipedia and Wikimedia projects promptly, so that the people of Pakistan can continue to receive and share knowledge with the world. Mohsin Raza Khan, a Pakistani social media expert, said it is easy to update or replace Wikipedia material deemed sacrilegious or offensive for Muslims so blocking the site is not the answer. Pakistan's media regulator and other authorities should try to find some viable technical solution to such problems as blasphemous content is available everywhere, he said. It is equal to a drop in the ocean of knowledge. The Lahore-based Digital Rights Foundation earlier called the Wikipedia ban an affront to Pakistanis' right to access information and a mockery of the country's commitment to uphold its human rights obligations. In the past, Pakistan briefly banned TikTok twice for allegedly uploading immoral, obscene and vulgar content. But the ban was later lifted after TikTok assured Pakistan it would remove immoral content and also block users who upload unlawful content. The app was downloaded millions of times in Pakistan when the ban was imposed in 2020 and 2021. Also, in 2008, Pakistan banned YouTube over videos depicting Prophet Muhammad. Muslims generally believe any physical depiction of Islam's prophet is blasphemous. Also on Monday, Amir Mahmood, spokesman for Pakistan's Ahmadi community, sought protection from the government, saying unidentified Islamists in multiple separate attacks have damaged Ahmadi places of worship in southern Sindh province and elsewhere in the country. The freedom of worship given to us by the constitution is shrinking, he told The Associated Press. The attacks, which took place over several days, caused no casualties, Mahmood said. The Ahmadi faith was established on the Indian subcontinent in the 19th century by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, whose followers believe he was the messiah that was promised by the Prophet Muhammad. Pakistan's parliament declared Ahmadis non-Muslims in 1974. Since then, they have repeatedly been targeted by Islamic extremists in the Muslim-majority nation, drawing international condemnation. Sales decline 39.12% to Rs 456.66 croreNet profit of Bharat Dynamics declined 60.73% to Rs 83.74 crore in the quarter ended December 2022 as against Rs 213.26 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2021. Sales declined 39.12% to Rs 456.66 crore in the quarter ended December 2022 as against Rs 750.12 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2021. ParticularsQuarter EndedDec. 2022Dec. 2021% Var.Sales456.66750.12 -39 OPM %19.4738.60 -PBDT124.53323.33 -61 PBT105.92298.54 -65 NP83.74213.26 -61 Powered by Capital Market - Live News Unsubscribe to continue This is a subscriber only feature Subscribe Now to get daily updates on WhatsApp Kalyan Jewellers India's consolidated net profit rose 10.34% to Rs 148.44 crore on 13.06% increase in revenue from operations to Rs 3,884.09 crore in Q3 FY23 over Q3 FY22.Profit before tax increased 10.75% to Rs 194.57 crore in Q3 FY23 from as against Rs 175.69 crore posted in Q3 FY22. Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) stood at Rs 327 crore in Q3 FY23 as compared to Rs 299 crore recorded in the same quarter previous year, registering a growth of 9.36%. On standalone basis, revenue of the company (India business) was at Rs 3,219 crore, recording a growth of 12% from Rs 2,880 crore reported in Q3 of the previous year. EBITDA in India was at Rs 276 crore for the quarter, rising 9.09% from Rs 253 crore posted in the same quarter previous year. PAT in India rose 12.71% to Rs 95 crore in Q3 FY23 as compared to Rs 118 crore recorded in the corresponding quarter previous year. The e-commerce division, Candere, recorded revenue of Rs 44 crore during the quarter as against Rs 47 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The quarter recorded a loss of Rs 1.7 crore as against a profit of Rs 26 lakh for the corresponding quarter of the previous year. In the Middle East, total revenue from operations during Q3 FY23 was at Rs 641 crore as against Rs 515 crore in Q3 of the previous year, a growth of 24%. The Middle East region contributed approximately 16.5% to the overall consolidated revenue of the company. The Middle East operations recorded EBITDA of Rs 52 crore for the quarter, a growth of 13.04% from Rs 46 crore in Q3 FY22. PAT for the quarter was at Rs 17 crore as compared to PAT of Rs 16 crore in the corresponding quarter previous year. Also Read Kalyan Jewellers gains after good Q2 biz update Kalyan Jewellers jumps after after strong Q3 biz update Kalyan Jewellers Q2 PAT climbs 55% YoY to Rs 106 cr Revathi Equipment consolidated net profit rises 148.83% in the September 2022 quarter Bombay Super Hybrid Seeds standalone net profit rises 148.13% in the December 2022 quarter Kohinoor Food drops after dismal Q3 performance Varun Beverages Ltd rises for third consecutive session Zydus Lifesciences Ltd spurts 1.46%, gains for third straight session Tata Tele slips after recording loss of Rs 280 crore in Q3 SJVN Q3 PAT jumps 22% YoY to Rs 287 cr The company has launched 6 new showrooms, all in the non-South markets in India. This includes the launch of the second physical store of its e-commerce platform - Candere. As of 31 December 2022, Kalyan Jewellers' store network across India and the Middle East stood at 169. Ramesh Kalyanaraman, executive director of Kalyan Jewellers India said, We are seeing robust momentum in revenue and footfalls across all markets largely driven by the ongoing wedding season demand despite continued spike in gold price. During the recently concluded quarter we announced our plans to open 52 showrooms during the calendar year 2023. As part of this strategy, we have invested significant amount of time and effort over the last 3-4 months in building our internal resources. We have hired approximately 900 personnel largely for the [20+] showrooms we plan to launch before Akshaya Tritiya - highest employee addition in a quarter in the history of the company so far Headquartered in Kerala, Kalyan Jewellers is one the largest jewellery retailers in India with a presence in the Middle East. Shares of Kalyan Jewellers India fell 1.25% to Rs 118.45 on the BSE. Powered by Capital Market - Live News A Waterbury man was sentenced to four years in prison Monday on an illegal firearm possession charge, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Douglas Spaz Lara, 25, of Waterbury was sentenced to four years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Michael Shea in Hartford on Monday. He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon on Oct. 27, 2022, the U.S. Attorneys office said. His arrest resulted from an ongoing investigation into gangs, drug trafficking and illegal firearms in Waterbury, according to officials. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Police attempted to arrest Lara on May 6, 2021, when he was seen driving a stolen Mercedes Benz SUV at a garage at Foxwoods Resort Casino. As Lara ran from police, he discarded a loaded 9-millimeter handgun with an obliterated serial number, a backpack containing ammunition for the handgun and keys to the SUV, according to court records. Lara was arrested and police seized the items he discarded. He has been in custody since his arrest, the U.S. Attorneys office said. He was previously convicted of multiple larcenies and has a shooting-related conviction. Its a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved across state or foreign borders, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Sales rise 47.15% to Rs 953.81 croreNet profit of Madras Fertilizers declined 4.11% to Rs 51.07 crore in the quarter ended December 2022 as against Rs 53.26 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2021. Sales rose 47.15% to Rs 953.81 crore in the quarter ended December 2022 as against Rs 648.17 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2021. ParticularsQuarter EndedDec. 2022Dec. 2021% Var.Sales953.81648.17 47 OPM %8.8512.11 -PBDT67.0861.40 9 PBT64.0853.26 20 NP51.0753.26 -4 Powered by Capital Market - Live News As a part of a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) representation, the life insurance industry has sought an increase in the threshold of premiums beyond which the income from these policies are taxed to Rs 10 lakh per year from the current Rs 5 lakh. Insurance industry executives on Tuesday met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to seek relaxation on the Budget announcement of taxing income from high-value life insurance policies. They said the decision is expected to hit the top line and margins of life insurers going forward. But in the short term, they will see higher sales of such policies because the proposal becomes effective from April 1. The FM was apprised of the fact that the industry was in agreement with their intent to tax the high net worth individuals. But, its the classification of HNIs aggregate premium over Rs 5 lakh per year that is a matter of concern. Further, they are also asking the government to tax the gains on such policies as debt mutual funds instead of taxing them at the marginal tax rate. The Union Budget last week proposed to tax high-value policies with premium aggregating to Rs 5 lakh per year to plug the arbitrage that high-net worth individuals are using to get tax-free returns on their high value insurance policies through Section 10(10D). Though the ministry officials have clarified that the proposal was not directed at pure insurance products and, instead, is targeting investments made in the garb of insurance, analysts differ. While the ratio stands at 9 per cent Max Life, it is over 10 per cent for HDFC Life. However, the impact for SBI Life could be as low as 1 per cent. According to disclosures, ICICI Prudential Life Insurances share of business of non-unit linked policies with annual premium of above Rs 5 lakh is about 6 per cent of the total APE for nine months of FY23. Also Read Budget 2023-24: Manufacturing sector eyes revised taxations, new PLIs Union Budget 2023: Experts don't expect surprises in social sector outlay Budget 2023: A look back at some major announcements in previous Budget Crypto industry wants 0.1% TDS, Sebi-like regulator in Budget 2023 Budget 2023 to increase capex for infra projects for growth: Experts For insurance cover against cancer, maintain high sum for hospitalisation India set to become one of fastest growing insurance mkts: Economic Survey Indian insurers may have to tackle pricey reinsurance amidst global crises Insurance sector needs Rs 50,000 cr capital each year to double penetration Budget 2023 wish list: Insurers seek hike in tax deduction limit According to Macquarie Research, for HDFC Life, assuming it does not tweak the products or the sales process, the impact is 10-12 per cent on APE, and 5 per cent on value of new business (VNB). However, this assessment doesnt include the likelihood of their policyholders breaching the Rs 5 lakh limit as they could be having policies with other life insurers. We find bringing traditional insurance policies under tax net as directionally negative for the sector. While the ratio of high-ticket policies (above Rs 5 lakh) is currently low, the average for non-par may be about Rs 12 lakh, Kotak Institutional Equities had said in its report. The VNB impact is lower because some of these high-ticket policy variants actually have lower margins due to the shorter tenure of the products. Also, there are some par products that inherently have much lower margins than company reported margins of 26-27 per cent, the report said. BJP member C P Joshi on Tuesday hit out at Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, saying he should first bring together the warring Congress factions in Rajasthan before thinking of uniting the nation. After three days of disruptions by the Opposition which has been pressing for a discussion on allegations of stock manipulation against the Adani Group, Lok Sabha took up the Motion of Thanks on President's Address. Joshi moved the Motion titled 'That the Members of the Lok Sabha assembled in this Session are deeply grateful to the President for the Address which she has been pleased to deliver to both Houses of Parliament assembled together on January 31, 2023'. Initiating a debate in Lok Sabha, he said through various initiatives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had united the country spiritually and digitally and leading the country in 'Amrit Kaal', to emerge as a developed nation by 2047. The BJP refers to the period between the 75th anniversary of Independence in 2022 and the centenary year in 2047 as 'Amrit Kaal'. Joshi also lashed out at the Congress, saying it "partitioned" the country with an eye on the chair of prime minister. Also Read Manish Tewari joins Rahul's Bharat Jodo Yatra in Punjab's Anandpur Sahib What has the Bharat Jodo Yatra achieved? Can Rahul win from Amethi again? Ex-RAW chief AS Dulat joins Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra in Delhi Drenched in rain, Rahul Gandhi says nothing can stop Bharat Jodo Yatra Congress' Rahul Gandhi talks of nextgen MGNREGA during Bharat Jodo Yatra Maharashtra leader Balasaheb Thorat resigns as Cong legislature party chief No scope of complacency, take Budget to masses: PM Modi tells BJP MPs Opposition parties to meet today to discuss strategy for parliament Swami Prasad Maurya dares CM Yogi to register FIRs against seers, RSS chief Opposition wants Parliament to function but Modi govt afraid: Congress "You have embarked on Bharat Jodo (uniting India). But first at least unite the two leaders in Rajasthan. One says the other is a magician who leaks question papers without opening the vault, the other says the party is infected with corona, calls him 'naalayak' (worthless)," Joshi, a Lok Sabha member from Rajasthan's Chittorgarh, said. The BJP member was referring to the rivalry between Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his bete noire and chief ministerial aspirant Sachin Pilot. Joshi also wondered how one can talk of uniting the country by standing alongside those who raised "anti-national" slogans in the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and talked of separating Kashmir from India. "For the prime minister's chair, you partitioned my country. There were dead bodies from Lahore to Delhi. But those running after power were celebrating in Lahore and Delhi," Joshi said. The BJP member said through various initiatives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had united the country spiritually and digitally. He also united it through rail, road and air networks, and connected farmers with markets. "This has given rise to slogans 'Modi hai toh mumkin hai'. We come from a party that works towards uniting the nation," the BJP MP said. Taking a dig at the opposition, he said those who refused to see each other's faces walking arm-in-arm these days. "Our government, our party have even united them," Joshi said, gesturing at the opposition benches. He said it was the Modi government that has ensured that the Indian tricolour flutters with pride. Joshi said the BJP government has instilled the spirit of nationalism from the Lal Chowk in Kashmir to every street and corner of the country. The BJP member said the respect for national tricolour was also seen when Russia and Ukraine stopped their war to allow Indian citizens, stuck in the war zone, to move to safety. He alleged there was rampant corruption and terrorism in the country before 2014 and Modi winning the Lok Sabha elections with a record-breaking mandate brought a ray of hope. Joshi said people reposed faith in Modi by electing him with an even greater majority in 2019. Earlier, Joshi virtually drew comparisons between Modi and Lord Ram recalling instances from Ramayana. "In the Treta Yug, Maata Shabri was eager to welcome Prabhu Shri Ram. During this joint session when the Honourable President was entering Parliament, it was felt that Prabhu Shri Ram was welcoming Maata Shabri at the door steps of Parliament to honour her," Joshi said. Seconding the Motion moved by Joshi, BJP member from Hoshangabad Uday Pratap Singh lauded the Modi government for its schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Kisan Samman Nidhi among others. Singh said the government was working towards doubling the income of farmers. "People say the promise of doubling farmers' income is a 'jumla'. The MSP on chana was Rs 3,100 in 2014, now it is Rs 5,345. Sugarcane used to be sold for Rs 210 in 2014, now it is over Rs 400... are these not steps towards doubling farmers' income?" he said. Lauding Home Minister Amit Shah, Singh said he is the strongest Home Minister India has had since Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. "From North East to Kashmir to Southern India, issues have been resolved and we are becoming an island of peace," he said. Singh also credited the prime minister with fulfilling the promise of constructing a grand Ram Temple at Ayodhya. Amid the logjam in Parliament over the Adani-Hindenburg issue, the Congress on Tuesday said the Opposition wants the two Houses to function but the government is "afraid" and isn't even allowing it to raise the demand for a JPC probe. The opposition party also alleged that the government is making "no effort" to break the logjam in Parliament. Adani Group stocks have taken a beating on the bourses after US-based activist short-seller Hindenburg Research made a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share price manipulation, against the Gautam Adani-led group, which has dismissed the allegations as lies. The Opposition has been demanding a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe or a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the allegations. "Today Opposition parties meet at 10 am to decide the day's strategy. No effort from the government to break the logjam caused by its refusal to allow Opposition to even raise its demand for a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam," Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said in a tweet. The Opposition wants Parliament to function, but "Modi Sarkar is afraid", he claimed. Also Read Adani's morality similar to his Prime Mentor's humility: Congress 16 Oppn parties meet in Parliament seeking discussion on Adani stock rout Budget session: Oppn gives Suspension of Business Notice for both Houses India to become global knowledge superpower: MoS Education Subhash Sarkar Oppn demands Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into report against Adani Won't back down till PM agrees to have discussion in Parl: Digvijaya Singh PM attacks Congress, says HAL used to target his govt and instigate people AAP, BJP making mockery of people's mandate in MCD poll: Congress Kushwaha not JD(U) parliamentary board chief any more: Party president Congress sinking ship, people rejected communist rule: Amit Shah in Tripura On Monday, the Congress held a nationwide protest and stalled proceedings in both houses of Parliament along with other opposition parties for the third day in a row, demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue. Senior BJP leaders Rajnath Singh and Yogi Adityanath will address two election rallies each in Tripura on Tuesday. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee will also hold a road show in the northeastern state where elections to the 60-member assembly will be held on February 16. During the day, Singh, the country's defence minister, will address two rallies of the ruling BJP at Kailashahar in Unakoti district and at Badarghat in West Tripura. Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, will also hold two rallies at Bagabassa in North Tripura district and at Kalyanpur in Khowai. Banerjee's roadshow is scheduled to begin at noon in the state capital Agartala. Security arrangements have been tightened in the northeastern state in view of the scheduled visit of the political leaders. Also Read CM Adityanath receives death threat on UP police's WhatsApp helpline Lumpy virus: Yogi bans cattle fairs in UP as 15 districts report cases Maharashtra: Palghar religious leaders lynching case handed over to CBI CM Yogi Adityanath calls for maximum participation in G20 conferences in UP CM Yogi Adityanath framing Samajwadi Party leaders in false cases: Akhilesh Assam govt's motive malicious: Owaisi on crackdown on child marriages BJP appoints new Sikkim unit chief, after Chauhan quits citing indifference BJP steps up Tripura campaign, Nadda says double-engine govt changed fate Left, Congress to withdraw candidates fielded against each other in Tripura Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland: Finding true Northeast on election compass Notably, Union Home Minister and Senior BJP leader Amit Shah had on Monday held two rallies and a road show in the poll-bound Tripura. Shah had alleged that Tipra Motha has a "secret understanding" with the Congress and the CPI(M), and that the newly formed regional party was "trying to bring back Communist rule in the state by misleading indigenous people". Congress senior leader Digvijay Singh on Monday said that the party would not "back down" till Prime Minister Narendra Modi agrees to have a discussion on Hindenburg Research's report against Adani Group in Parliament. "We need PM Modi's statement on the Adani issue, which has affected the lives of people and lost crores of money. We want a discussion under rule 267. We won't back down till the PM agrees to have a discussion in Parliament," Singh said here on Monday while speaking to ANI. Congress is continuously cornering the government over the issue in Parliament forcing the adjournments of both Houses during the Budget Session. On Monday, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm and then for the day. This is the third day of the logjam in Parliament over the opposition's demand for the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Congress held nationwide protests outside State Bank of India (SBI) branches and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) offices on Monday, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the matter. Also Read Hindenburg Research: All you need to know about US-based investment firm Fraud can not be obfuscated by nationalism: Hindenburg on Adani's rebuttal Adani's $2.5 bn FPO faces critical final day amid Hindenburg turmoil Hindenburg vs Adani: Meet Nate Anderson, founder of Hindenburg Research Hindenburg vs Adani: Short selling not shareholder activism, says InGovern PM attacks Congress, says HAL used to target his govt and instigate people AAP, BJP making mockery of people's mandate in MCD poll: Congress Kushwaha not JD(U) parliamentary board chief any more: Party president Congress sinking ship, people rejected communist rule: Amit Shah in Tripura JD(U) suffered after allying with BJP in 2017, says Bihar CM Nitish Kumar In Himachal, the Congress demonstrated in all the district headquarters. In Shimla, Congress protested outside the main branch of SBI and raised slogans against the Adani group and the central government. The principal Media Advisor to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan said that crores of people's money are in SBI and LIC and are on the verge of ending. "This is a huge scam. The Congress party has raised its voice against this and is demanding an inquiry by the sitting judge of the Supreme Court by setting up a JPC. It should be clarified why the BJP government is not conducting its inquiry," Chauhan also said. He further said that the Central agencies like CBI, ED, and Income tax which are active against anti-Modi leaders are silent today. In Chhattisgarh, the party leaders staged a protest at Jai Stambh Chowk in Raipur. A large number of Congress office bearers, including state Congress president Mohan Markam and Congress MLA Satnarayan Sharma, participated in the demonstration. Protesters also raised slogans against the central government on the occasion. Members of Congress in Telangana staged a protest outside the State Bank of India office in Hyderabad over the Adani issue. The Congress also held a protest in Jammu on the same. A video showed protesters clashing with the police, who were raising anti-BJP slogans.A protest was also held by NSUI (National Students Union of India), the student wing of Congress in Delhi who were demanding a Joint Parliament Commitee probe over the Adani row. As part of the Congress party's nationwide protests, Odisha Congress President Sarat Pattanayak staged a demonstration outside SBI Bank over the Adani issue in Bhubaneswar. It is being argued by the opposition that the investment of the Adani group in public sector banks such as the SBI and LIC has had a big impact on the savings of the middle class. Opposition parties on Monday protested near the Gandhi statue outside Parliament and demanded a Joint Parliament Committe investigation or Supreme Court-monitored probe into the Hindenburg-Adani row. A report by a US-based Hindenburg Research surfaced on January 24, claiming that the Adani Group had weak business fundamentals, and was involved in stock manipulation and accounting fraud, among others. According to the statement, the Adani portfolio and the Adani verticals are focused on bringing India into the global economy and nation-building. In the summary of the long response by Adani Group, it said the report was "nothing but a lie". The Adani report states that by "holding short positions" in Adani stocks, which, simply put, is betting on the stock falling. Hindenburg exposed its hand as it made huge money with the fall of Adani stocks immediately following the publication of the report on January 24. "The document is a malicious combination of selective misinformation and concealed facts relating to baseless and discredited allegations to drive an ulterior motive," the Adani Group's response said. The report triggered a sell-off of shares of all Adani Group companies. Although the Congress is getting the support of other opposition parties on the Adani issue, it has to be seen whether the parties such as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Aam Aadmi Party and Trinamool Congress, which are seen together in the meetings, will join the Congress demonstration or extend moral support. However, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Janata Dal (Secular) have kept their distance from Congress on this issue. Sebi on Tuesday said it will auction 22 properties belonging to companies of MPS Group, Tower Infotech and four others on March 3 for a reserve price totalling Rs 91 crore in a bid to recover investors' money. Apart from MPS Group and Tower Infotech, the regulator has put on block properties of Vibgyor Group, Prayag Group, Multipurpose BIOS India Group and Waris Finance International Group. These companies had raised funds from investors without complying with regulatory norms. The 22 properties to be auctioned include land parcels, storied buildings, flats and a commercial space, situated across West Bengal, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said in a notice. Inviting bids, Sebi said auction of the properties will be conducted through online mode on March 3 during 11 am to 1 pm. Of the 22 properties to go under the hammer, 11 belong to MPS Group of companies; 3 each relate to Multipurpose BIOS India Group and Vibgyor Group of companies; two each are of Prayag Group of companies and Tower Infotech Group of firms; and one property of Waris Finance International Group. Also Read IPL 2023 Auction: Here's a look at which team retained, released whom IPL Mini Auction 2023: Five players who will rake in the moolah in Kochi IPL Auction 2023: Slots to fill, purse remaining of each team before D-Day Sebi to auction properties of 4 firms on Jan 10 to recover investors' money US says it has reviewed documents seized from Trump in Mar-a-Lago search BJP scared of Left, Congress electoral understanding in Tripura: Ex-CM PM will do his best to avert Adani issue in Parliament: Rahul Gandhi Bridgestone lines up Rs 600 cr to improve capacity and tech at Pune plant Ahead of maturity in Sep 2024, Adani Group to pre-pay $1.1 billion PM's Mumbai visit: City police ban drones, other flying objects on Feb 10 Total reserve price of these properties is pegged at Rs 91 crore and Quikr Realty has been engaged by Sebi to assist it in sale of the properties. The regulator said the bidders should make their own independent enquiries regarding the encumbrances, title of properties put on auction and claims, among others, prior to submitting their bids. "The properties are being sold with all the existing and future encumbrances whether known or unknown to Sebi. Sebi shall not be responsible in any way for any third party claims/rights/dues, etc," the notice said. Sebi had earlier attached some of their properties after directives asking them to refund investors' money along with interest did not materialise. In this matter, the markets regulator had also attached demat and bank accounts. Going by Sebi's orders, MPS Group of companies includes MPS Greenery Developers that collected Rs 1,520 crore from investors through illegal Collective Investment Schemes (CIS). Prayag Infotech had made an offer of redeemable preference shares between 2007-2008 and 2011-12 and mobilised at least Rs 131.37 crore from over 1.57 lakh investors. Vibgyor Allied Infrastructure had issued optionally fully convertible debentures to 49,562 investors in 2009 and raised Rs 61.76 crore. Tower Infotech had raised nearly Rs 46 crore from more than 49,000 investors through issuance of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) and redeemable preference shares between 2005 and 2010. Multi Purpose Bios collected Rs 5.97 crore from more than 1,460 people through redeemable preference shares between financial year 2007-08 and 2011-12 and Waris Finance had raised Rs 5.12 crore by issuing NCDs from 2010-12. These five group companies were engaged in fund mobilising activity through issue of securities to more than 49 individuals without complying with provisions of the Companies Act, 1956. In a separate notice, the regulator said it will auction a flat belonging to Uma Saminathan on February 23 for a reserve price of Rs 51.5 lakh through online mode. The flat is located in Tamil Nadu. The recovery proceedings have been initiated against Saminathan in the matter of Pyramid Saimira Theatre Ltd. Electronics major Samsung has received orders for around 1.4 lakh units of its premium smartphone Galaxy S23 worth a total of Rs 1,400 crore on the first day of its pre-booking for the device, a senior company official has claimed. Samsung India, Senior Vice President for Mobile Business, Raju Pullan told PTI that the pre-booking for Samsung Galaxy S23 is almost twofold compared to the previous version of the smartphone Galaxy S22. "We have clocked almost 1.4 lakh units as pre-book in the first 24 hours and this is almost two times of Galaxy S22. With an average price of about a lakh of rupees, the turnover on a free book is almost Rs 1,400 crore within 24 hours," he said. Samsung will continue pre-booking Galaxy S23 smartphones till February 23. The launch price of Galaxy S23 series in India is in the range of Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.55 lakh per piece. The company has announced that Galaxy S23 will be manufactured at its Noida plant. The older Galaxy S Series smartphones were manufactured at Samsung's Vietnam factory and the company imported them for sale in India. Samsung's moved to make Galaxy S23 in India after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the removal of duty on the import of camera lenses, which is one of the key unique selling propositions of Galaxy S series smartphones. Also Read Samsung announces Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphones Samsung Galaxy S23, S23 Plus with Qualcomm SD 8 Gen 2 unveiled: Details Samsung Unpacked event highlights: Galaxy S23 series, Book3 series unveiled Samsung to sell Galaxy S23 series manufactured at Noida facility in India Samsung unveils Galaxy S23 series smartphones, Galaxy Book3 series laptops Google unveils ChatGPT rival Bard, AI search plans in battle with Microsoft Meta to acquire VR startup 'Within' after favourable court ruling Google-owned Fitbit back after 81% users reported problems in using app For You tab to stay on users' preferred timeline on Twitter on Android, iOS AI-powered robot introduced to save lives on Goa beaches: Officials The phone will come with a set of five cameras with sensors in the range of 12 megapixels to 200 megapixels. Samsung has priced the Galaxy S23 series 2.7-30 per cent higher compared to Galaxy S22 Ultra smartphones. Pullan said that the consumers have responded well to the propositions of S23 be it camera sensors in the phone, high power Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform made available exclusively for Samsung and sustainability factors of using recycled plastic and other components in the device. Samsung has slashed the price of Galaxy Watch 4 LTE and Galaxy Buds 2 by about 90 per cent from Rs 48,000 to Rs 4,999 for customers pre-booking high-end Galaxy S23 Ultra. Pullan said that Samsung has brought in "custom affordability" by bundling Galaxy Watch 4 LTE and Galaxy Bus for Rs 4,999 as well as providing purchases in 24 instalments without any interest and also through Samsung Finance plus in 15 instalments. "Bharat segment is growing in the premium segment faster than the Metro markets that are there," Pullan said. Samsung R&D Institute Bangalore (SRI-B), which is the company's largest software R&D centre outside South Korea, has contributed to the development of the Galaxy S23 series by closely collaborating with Korea teams and other Overseas R&D centres like Samsung Research America (SRA), the company said in a statement. SRI-B engineers contributed significantly to the development of key features in the camera, multi-device experience (SmartThings), on-device AI, and services in Galaxy S23, it said. School administrators are investigating a second racially charged incident at RHAM High School in Hebron in the past three months. Last week, administrators say racially charged graffiti was found in a bathroom in the school. The incident follows the arrest of a 17-year-old student in November after a noose was found hanging in the boys locker room at the high school. In a statement from Colin McNamara, superintendent for Regional School District 8, district administration said that local and state police were brought in to investigate the graffiti as soon as school staff were made aware of it. The message was scratched into the back of bathroom stall door, according to administrators, and it was not clear how long it had been there. In his statement, McNamara said that the school district does not tolerate hateful behavior or actions, and we hope to identify the individual responsible to hold them accountable. The incident prompted a community meeting, scheduled to be held at the high school on Tuesday night, facilitated by Joelle Murchison, who the school partnered with to start conversations about diversity, equity inclusion and address issues in the district following the incident in November, McNamara said. The goal of the meeting, said McNamara, is to remind students and staff of the power of the words they use and the impact their words can have on others. The safety and well-being of students is our top priority, and RHAM is not a place where discriminatory or harassing words or actions are acceptable, said the superintendent. Since November, Murchison has given a presentation at a Board of Education meeting and has held focus groups with staff and students to discuss what the school community can do to more clearly demonstrate how we value, embrace, and celebrate the diversity in our school community, said McNamara. The high school is also hosting its first Respect Day on Feb. 16, which will focus on students and staff treating each other with kindness and dignity. These are among the principles that represent who we are and what we believe as a school community, as well as what we seek to foster every day, said McNamara in his statement. McNamara said in November that the noose was found by a staff member who took it down and alerted administrators. A 17-year-old, who was not identified because of their age, was charged following the incident. They were charged with placing a noose on public or private property and second-degree breach of peace, state police said. The Coalition on Diversity and Equity, or CODE, an organization focused on building more diverse, equitable and vibrant communities in the towns of Hebron, Marlborough, Andover and Columbia, posted a letter sent to the school community on their Facebook page noting the severity of the incident but praising the schools response. CODE Vice President Donna Jolly said Tuesday that the group was saddened to hear about the message found in the bathroom. We really feel for the students who have seen it, the students have heard about it. Its obviously heartbreaking to them, said Jolly, who praised McNamara for acting quickly. The actions that the superintendent has taken so far really show a commitment to not sweeping it under the rug and to addressing it, said Jolly. Were grateful that one of the very first steps was to listen, she added. The idea of bringing students and families and the community together to talk about this issue, weve advocated for that from the beginning. In the letter sent to the school community and families on Feb. 3, McNamara alerted families that counseling staff was available for all students. McNamara also asked that anyone with information about the incident to call 860-228-5319 to make an anonymous report. MSCI Inc. (NYSE: MSCI), a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community, today announced the launch of MSCI Corporate Sustainability Insights a solution designed to increase corporate sustainability executives understanding of the ESG and climate challenges and opportunities facing their companies. MSCI Corporate Sustainability Insights gives executives at companies tracked by MSCI ESG Research the ability to measure and compare their ESG and climate data versus peers, while also identifying potential disclosure gaps through intuitive charts, graphs, and maps. Features of MSCI Corporate Sustainability Insights, managed by MSCI ESG Research LLC, are designed to give companies: Streamlined insights to support strategic planning and drive investor engagement through new visualizations of MSCI ESG Research risk and performance data, including a companys ESG Ratings, ESG Controversies, and Sustainable Development Goals Net Alignment profiles; Views into their risk exposure and alignment with global temperature goals through MSCI ESG Researchs Climate Value-at-Risk and Implied Temperature Rise solutions; Help in identifying their potential disclosure gaps in carbon-related commitments through the MSCI Target Explorer tool; and Views into climate-related risks and opportunities compared with industry peers, based on the recommendations from the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). MSCI ESG Research has measured and modeled the ESG performance of companies for over 40 years via extensive collection of publicly reported data and direct engagement with companies. The rising importance of ESG for investors and companies in recent years, as well as the higher level of regulatory reporting requirements, has led to greater data disclosure and dissemination from companies themselves to MSCI ESG Research. In 2022, 3,989 companies (43%) in the MSCI ACWI Investible Market Index interacted directly with MSCI ESG Researchi. As regulators have begun mandating TCFD-aligned rules, more companies are also making net-zero pledges. As of March 2022, 1,330 of the more than 2,900 constituents of the MSCI ACWI Index had set emission-reduction targetsii. Companies are also increasing their climate-related data disclosures in lock step with institutional investors that are moving towards net-zero and other ESG and climate investing goals. The number of data points related to climate change that companies submitted to MSCI ESG Research rose from 9,914 to 14,648 between 2021and 2022iii. Beth Byington, Global Head of Corporate ESG and Climate Solutions at MSCI, said: The ESG and climate needs of companies have evolved dramatically as new reporting requirements from regulators and institutional investors have emerged in recent years. It is now more important than ever for listed companies to speak a common language with these audiences about financial opportunities and risks associated with subjects like climate change. MSCI Corporate Sustainability Insights was created to help corporate leaders, such as chief sustainability officers, gain further transparency into their ESG and climate profile. We hope these deeper insights will allow them to take quick, decisive action to meet their unique sustainability goals. About MSCI Inc. MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 50 years of expertise in research, data, and technology, we power better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. We create industry-leading research-enhanced solutions that clients use to gain insight into and improve transparency across the investment process. About MSCI ESG Research Products and Services MSCI ESG Research products and services are provided by MSCI ESG Research LLC, and are designed to provide in-depth research, ratings and analysis of environmental, social and governance-related business practices to companies worldwide. ESG ratings, data and analysis from MSCI ESG Research LLC. are also used in the construction of the MSCI ESG Indexes. 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MIFID2/MIFIR notice: MSCI ESG Research LLC does not distribute or act as an intermediary for financial instruments or structured deposits, nor does it deal on its own account, provide execution services for others or manage client accounts. No MSCI ESG Research product or service supports, promotes or is intended to support or promote any such activity. MSCI ESG Research is an independent provider of ESG data, reports and ratings based on published methodologies and available to clients on a subscription basis. Privacy notice: For information about how MSCI collects and uses personal data, please refer to our Privacy Notice at https://www.msci.com/privacy-pledge. i Source: MSCI ESG Research LLC, as of December 31, 2022. Interaction rate is the % of companies in the relevant MSCI Index that have reached out in a given year. MSCI does not issue surveys or questionnaires. ii Data on companies in the MSCI ACWI Index, as of March 2022. When target announcement dates were not disclosed, we assumed the targets were set in 2021. Source: MSCI ESG Research LLC, published in As TCFD Comes of Age, Regulators Take a Varied Approach, MSCI.com, April 21, 2022. iii Source: MSCI ESG Research LLC, as of December 31, 2022. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005375/en/ Mavenir, the Network Software Provider building the future of networks with cloud-native solutions that run on any cloud, today announced to be the technology provider powering Paradise Mobiles 4G and 5G network. Paradise Mobile is a newly established cloud-native Communications Service Provider (CSP) that is creating agile and innovation driven communication experiences for Bermuda. Paradise Mobile is modernising services and bringing new technological solutions to Bermuda for an overall improved subscriber experience. The solution provided by Mavenir will take the island to the latest and most advanced standards, improving both bandwidth and latency for users, and enabling a multitude of new products and services, addressing some of the biggest service challenges for the island. Paradise Mobiles brand new network is being built from the ground up with containerized, open, interoperable components and O-RAN based radios. Mavenir is providing Paradise Mobile a complete end-to-end network, including system integration. The network is being built with software components from Mavenirs comprehensive portfolio, including: Sam Tabbara, Co-Founder and CEO at Paradise Mobile, said: Paradise Mobile is delighted to be working with Mavenir to build a transformative network and world class customer experience. We look forward to bringing cutting-edge technology and experiences, real consumer choice, and competition when we launch in Bermuda in 2023. The partnership between Paradise Mobile and Mavenir in Bermuda is the first announcement in a series of network modernizations planned across other islands. Antonio Correa, Senior Regional VP at Mavenir, said, Mavenir is pleased to be enabling Paradise Mobile to create an advanced, agile, and fully automated network that delivers increased efficiency and capacity across the markets that Paradise is launching in. Mavenirs software driven, cloud-native mobile network components can be deployed with ease and flexibility, giving Paradise Mobile the ability to deploy new monetizable services with a quick time-to-market. About Paradise Mobile: Paradise Mobile is building a world of effortless connection with a next generation wireless network launching in multiple markets and countries, starting with Bermuda in 2023. Visit www.paradisemobile.com to learn more. About Mavenir: Mavenir is building the future of networks and pioneering advanced technology, focusing on the vision of a single, software-based automated network that runs on any cloud. As the industry's only end-to-end, cloud-native network software provider, Mavenir is focused on transforming the way the world connects, accelerating software network transformation for 250+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the worlds subscribers. www.mavenir.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005046/en/ RevBits announces that it has successfully deployed its endpoint security solution in a true air-gapped environment for a federal government entity. RevBits Endpoint Security (RB/EPS) is a fully featured, robust next-generation endpoint security solution. Its detection and blocking capabilities are based on a three-phased analysis engine that utilizes traditional AV signature scanning, a sophisticated machine learning model, and an advanced behavioral analysis protocol. The solution's Phoenix module monitors for common exploit methods to provide additional protection. The solution's EDR module enhances endpoint security and threat mitigation, offering the market the most feature-rich forensics and control capability imaginable. Malicious endpoint investigations are limitless, with a forensics selection menu of over seventy different artifacts collected on schedule or demand and partial and full memory dumps. US Patented technology in the EDR module offers Windows kernel-level security technology that prevents unauthorized drivers from loading onto the operating system. All endpoint processes, registries, and file structures are accessible through a full GUI or a command line function. Simply put, the solution's EDR module is an endpoint administrative and forensics game-changer. Government entity PoC requirements for an EPS solution in an Air Gapped Environment: A recent government-based entity PoC required an EPS solution deployment in a true air-gapped environment. The entity had a primary concern centered around workstations and the air-gapped network's vulnerability to malware introduction via USB devices. The requirement mandated that complete solution functionality on air-gapped workstations and all administrative needs be without internet connectivity. Additionally, the entity required deep forensics capacity and artifact collection on schedule or demand. Defining Air Gap: Techopedia: "An air gap is a security measure that isolates a digital device component or private local area network (LAN) from other devices and networks, including the public internet. An air gap is also known as an air wall, and the strategy of using air gaps to protect critical data is also known as security by isolation. Air gaps are used to protect critical computer systems and the data they store from malware, keyloggers, ransomware, and other types of unauthorized access. This strategy seeks to ensure the total isolation of a given system electromagnetically, electronically, and physically." RevBits Endpoint Security our Air Gap capability: RB/EPS was deployed in an on-premises configuration for the government PoC, with complete user control of all solution capabilities. Every product feature on the protection and detection side and the EDR forensics and mitigation side is entirely functional without internet access. The user assumes a higher level of responsibility in terms of administration, but this aspect is already in place for an actual air-gapped environment. All solution functionality can run without external dependencies, such as offline licensing, forensic extraction, malware detection, and blocking, USB control, scanning, and analysis. RB/EPS and all other RevBits cybersecurity solutions are deployable in an on-premises, hybrid-cloud, or SaaS configuration. About RevBits Established in 2018, RevBits is a comprehensive cybersecurity company dedicated to providing customers with superior protection and service. RevBits delivers protection against the most sophisticated cyber threats companies face by offering multiple advanced security capabilities that can be administered through a unified security platform. RevBits is headquartered in Mineola, NY with offices in Princeton, NJ, Boston, MA, London, England, and Antwerp, Belgium. For more information on RevBits please visit RevBits. RevBit's complete solution suite offerings are RevBits Endpoint Security, RevBits Email Security, RevBits Privileged Access Management, RevBits Zero Trust Network, and RevBits Deception Technology. For customers running more than one RevBits solution, the administration is managed through RevBits Cyber Intelligence Platform, a unified, single-pane environment that curates, correlates, and alerts to threats while delivering intelligence for a quick administrative response. RevBits Cyber Intelligence Platform integrates with all common SIEMs. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005010/en/ SonarSource, the leading provider of Clean Code solution, today launched SonarQube 9.9 Long-Term Support (LTS). The new release empowers organizations to achieve the Clean Code state quickly, securely, and at scale. With accelerated pull request analysis, support for building and deploying secure cloud-native applications, sophisticated enterprise-grade capabilities, and many innovations related to the detection engine and contextual education, SonarQube 9.9 LTS supercharges organizations to deliver new business value and keep their software a long-term asset. Sonar has greatly helped us benchmark and standardize the quality of our codebase - and the LTS makes it much easier for us to deliver Clean Code. The integration with Azure DevOps from a project-to-project perspective as well as the token lifecycle management will be greatly appreciated by our admins and will help streamline our process, said Stefan Euripidou, Enterprise Architect for DevOps and CICD at Vodafone Group. Clean Code is essential for every organization competing in todays digital-driven economy. Poor quality software costs businesses over $2 trillion a year in the US alone, hampering service quality, brand reputation, worker productivity, and employee retention. Code is the difference between good and bad software. Sonars latest 9.9 LTS release introduces key capabilities to enable enterprises to build better software in a sustained manner. Our mission is to equip organizations with the solution and methodology to achieve a state of Clean Code, making all code fit for development and production. When companies embrace Clean Code practices, they can derive more from their software, minimize risks, and ensure that their software continues to stay valuable, said Olivier Gaudin, Founder and CEO of SonarSource. SonarQube 9.9 LTS was designed to not only provide immediate value to our users for their current development but to steadily drive organizations toward a state of Clean Code in a way thats predictable, reliable, and sustainable. Key release innovations Pull Request Analyzed in Minutes SonarQube 9.9 LTS provides a significant speed boost for Pull Request (PR) analysis. PRs are now analyzed more than twice as fast, while still providing the same high-precision results. With the implementation of incremental analysis and server-side caching, analysis is more efficient. As developers write and commit code, Pull Request analysis is an important step in merging new code changes to the main branch. Faster analysis means a more efficient software development lifecycle, as developers spend less time waiting and more time delivering business critical features. Secure Cloud Native Applications As applications move to the cloud, organizations must ensure the security of not only the source code, but also their configuration files and deployments. SonarQube 9.9 LTS delivers in-depth analysis capabilities to detect secrets in code, bad practices, and vulnerabilities so that developers can build and deploy secure cloud native applications. The release adds support for major cloud providers AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and their underlying technologies serverless and SAM frameworks, AWS Cloud Development Kit, Infrastructure-as-Code tools (Terraform and Cloudformation), and containerization tools with Kubernetes and Docker. With these additions, organizations can be sure that their cloud native apps are as secure as their traditional on-prem apps. Enterprise-grade features for Coding at Scale SonarQube 9.9 LTS introduces stronger access management, administration, governance, and reporting capabilities, enabling organizations to better manage the security and administration of their SonarQube instance and their portfolio of code assets. Chief among these new features are advanced security and compliance reporting, project and portfolio reporting, secure token handling, SCIM integration for user management, and more. Customers using the Data Center Edition can now deploy SonarQube clusters with Kubernetes. Together, these reporting, authentication and operational improvements make it easier to use, secure, and manage SonarQube instances than ever before. The latest SonarQube release introduces a variety of critical new features. Not only will we benefit from the new Terraform scan support, but we will also use the enhanced reporting and administration capabilities to strengthen our Quality Gates and streamline communication efforts, said Vojtech Varga, Service Manager at Siemens AG. Sonars LTS is an opportunity for us to access the latest fixes and features to ensure that we continue to operate with the highest-quality code. Increased Detection of all Issue Types; Rich Educational Guidance Continued innovation in the detection engine allows for improved precision, speed, accuracy, and coverage of all issue types. Users can find and fix more issues in their code. And this LTS release brings in rich educational content to make taint analysis rules easy to understand and contextual to the users code and framework continuing the advancement of the companys education initiative. Clean as You Code, the Sustainable Approach to Clean Code Sonar is a strong proponent of deploying compliant quality gates that will progressively drive organizations to reach a state of Clean Code. This LTS release adds enhancements to the quality gate user experience to help everyone implement and practice Clean as You Code. Quality gates that are not compliant with this methodology can be easily identified and updated. SonarQube 9.9 LTS is now available for everyone. Read more in the full release announcement and download the LTS for your edition here. About SonarSource Sonar empowers developers and organizations to systematically achieve a state of Clean Code so that all code is fit for development and production. By applying the Sonar Clean as You Code methodology, organizations minimize risk, reduce technical debt, and derive more value from their software in a predictable and sustainable way. The open source and commercial Sonar solution SonarLint, SonarCloud, and SonarQube supports over 30 programming languages, frameworks, and infrastructure technologies. Trusted by more than 400,000 organizations globally to clean more than half a trillion lines of code, Sonar is integral to delivering better software. To learn more about SonarSource, please visit https://www.sonarsource.com/company/about/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005514/en/ Annalena Baerbock arrived in the Chinese port city of Tianjin on Thursday, kicking off her inaugural visit to the Asian nation. That day she visited a high school with ties to the European country and spoke with teachers and students. She also visited two German companies, accompanied on Friday by her Chinese counterpart Qin Gang as they toured a high-tech automotive supplier. This morning, the two sides co-chaired the sixth round of the China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security in Beijing Apr 14, 2023 05:40 PM A Bridgeport man was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for offenses related to his participation in a violent Bridgeport street gang, according to federal authorities. Jamar Traylor, also known as J-Hop, 23, also was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to three years of supervised release. Authorities, citing court documents and statements made in court, said Traylor was a member of the Original North End, or O.N.E., a gang based in Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gang, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, and the PT Barnum gang. O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, sold narcotics, and stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut and used the cars to commit crimes, according to federal authorities. Traylor and other O.N.E. members stole a Jeep Grand Cherokee in New York in 2018, drove it back to Bridgeport and Traylor and others conspired to use the car to kill East End gang members and their allies who they had learned through social media were at a deli in Bridgeport, federal authorities said in a statement. Although that plan fell through, in the early morning hours of August 13, 2018, O.N.E. members drove the stolen Jeep to Stratford and Union Avenues in Bridgeport where they shot and killed Len Smith, 25, who they mistook for a rival East End group member, and shot and seriously wounded Smiths female companion, both of whom were seated in a parked car, federal authorities said in the statement. After the shooting, O.N.E. members transported the Jeep to Indian Wells State Park in Shelton where they burned the vehicle in an effort to destroy evidence of the murder. Bridgeport police arrested Traylor in 2021, who at the time was on state probation following a weapons conviction, and a search of his home turned up five Glock handguns; 14 gun magazines, including a 50-round drum and three extenders; speed loaders; laser attachments; ammunition; body armor; bags of marijuana; and items use to process and package narcotics, federal authorities said in the statement. Traylor has been in custody since his arrest and he pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity on June 10, 2022, federal authorities said in the statement Archive Apr 2023 (65) Mar 2023 (139) Feb 2023 (119) Jan 2023 (129) Dec 2022 (133) Nov 2022 (131) Oct 2022 (134) Sep 2022 (127) Aug 2022 (135) Jul 2022 (132) Jun 2022 (138) May 2022 (136) Apr 2022 (128) Mar 2022 (138) Feb 2022 (127) Jan 2022 (132) Dec 2021 (136) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (155) Aug 2021 (184) Jul 2021 (170) Jun 2021 (168) May 2021 (168) Apr 2021 (169) Mar 2021 (179) Feb 2021 (153) Jan 2021 (161) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (152) Oct 2020 (160) Sep 2020 (158) Aug 2020 (169) Jul 2020 (173) Jun 2020 (169) May 2020 (165) Apr 2020 (164) Mar 2020 (144) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (118) Dec 2019 (113) Nov 2019 (105) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (122) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (125) Jun 2019 (116) May 2019 (124) Apr 2019 (117) Mar 2019 (123) Feb 2019 (108) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (125) Nov 2018 (122) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (114) Aug 2018 (127) Jul 2018 (124) Jun 2018 (114) May 2018 (130) Apr 2018 (123) Mar 2018 (128) Feb 2018 (114) Jan 2018 (126) Dec 2017 (123) Nov 2017 (121) Oct 2017 (121) Sep 2017 (116) Aug 2017 (119) Jul 2017 (108) Jun 2017 (116) May 2017 (110) Apr 2017 (111) Mar 2017 (119) Feb 2017 (109) Jan 2017 (108) Dec 2016 (113) Nov 2016 (116) Oct 2016 (118) Sep 2016 (120) Aug 2016 (112) Jul 2016 (111) Jun 2016 (125) May 2016 (111) Apr 2016 (112) Mar 2016 (121) Feb 2016 (114) Jan 2016 (114) Dec 2015 (119) Nov 2015 (117) Oct 2015 (125) Sep 2015 (124) Aug 2015 (103) Jul 2015 (125) Jun 2015 (131) May 2015 (123) Apr 2015 (129) Mar 2015 (133) Feb 2015 (125) Jan 2015 (135) Dec 2014 (134) Nov 2014 (129) Oct 2014 (144) Sep 2014 (127) Aug 2014 (130) Jul 2014 (143) Jun 2014 (131) May 2014 (137) Apr 2014 (139) Mar 2014 (134) Feb 2014 (128) Jan 2014 (141) Dec 2013 (140) Nov 2013 (136) Oct 2013 (145) Sep 2013 (146) Aug 2013 (147) Jul 2013 (151) Jun 2013 (141) May 2013 (150) Apr 2013 (149) Mar 2013 (151) Feb 2013 (133) Jan 2013 (160) Dec 2012 (154) Nov 2012 (157) Oct 2012 (165) Sep 2012 (145) Aug 2012 (161) Jul 2012 (170) Jun 2012 (162) May 2012 (169) Apr 2012 (162) Mar 2012 (162) Feb 2012 (156) Jan 2012 (169) Dec 2011 (157) Nov 2011 (178) Oct 2011 (182) Sep 2011 (170) Aug 2011 (178) Jul 2011 (174) Jun 2011 (157) May 2011 (158) Apr 2011 (164) Mar 2011 (172) Feb 2011 (162) Jan 2011 (177) Dec 2010 (171) Nov 2010 (169) Oct 2010 (182) Sep 2010 (179) Aug 2010 (184) Jul 2010 (190) Jun 2010 (189) May 2010 (198) Apr 2010 (185) Mar 2010 (210) Feb 2010 (195) Jan 2010 (212) Dec 2009 (225) Nov 2009 (209) Oct 2009 (215) Sep 2009 (202) Aug 2009 (230) Jul 2009 (269) Jun 2009 (252) May 2009 (241) Apr 2009 (256) Mar 2009 (254) Feb 2009 (255) Jan 2009 (214) Dec 2008 (204) Nov 2008 (252) Oct 2008 (268) Sep 2008 (304) Aug 2008 (210) Jul 2008 (251) Jun 2008 (206) May 2008 (203) Apr 2008 (202) Mar 2008 (204) Feb 2008 (195) Jan 2008 (212) Dec 2007 (179) Nov 2007 (189) Oct 2007 (179) Sep 2007 (176) Aug 2007 (209) Jul 2007 (155) Jun 2007 (135) May 2007 (106) Apr 2007 (120) Mar 2007 (138) Feb 2007 (77) Jan 2007 (70) Dec 2006 (63) Nov 2006 (70) Oct 2006 (67) Sep 2006 (70) Aug 2006 (61) Jul 2006 (56) Jun 2006 (44) May 2006 (60) Apr 2006 (53) Mar 2006 (45) Feb 2006 (38) Jan 2006 (42) Dec 2005 (46) Nov 2005 (54) Oct 2005 (60) Sep 2005 (46) Aug 2005 (86) Jul 2005 (43) Jun 2005 (47) May 2005 (52) Apr 2005 (39) Mar 2005 (29) Feb 2005 (26) Jan 2005 (12) Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts mother and former Connecticut resident, is set to be arraigned at 2 p.m. Tuesday but she will be Zoomed into the court from her hospital bed. She is accused of strangling her children Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, 7 months sometime before 6:11 on the evening of Jan. 24, when her husband, Patrick, called police to report that she had attempted suicide. Plymouth District Court Judge John Canavan is the presiding judge. The judge, clerk, prosecutor and defense attorney will be present in the courtroom, and the defendant will participate remotely through videoconference, the state trail court said Monday. A Zoom session will allow the 34-year-old mother to follow along. Her attorney, Kevin Reddington, told the Herald Friday his client was a zombie on multiple medications and the family was pleading for help before the evening of Jan. 24, when her husband, Patrick, called police to report that she had attempted suicide. The children were all found inside. Reddington says she was overmedicated and that is sure to be the main thrust of his defense. Lindsay Clancy will also be examined by a forensic psychologist for evidence of a postpartum mood disorder. Reddington said the mom was prescribed an unbelievable amount of medication that a toxicologist has already examined for him. Its absolutely staggering. She had homicidal and suicidal ideations that she couldnt control, Reddington said. She was in a living hell and the husband did the best he could. She was a very sweet, loving mother, Reddington said, adding hes been to the couples Duxbury house where all the kids rooms were sweetly decorated as only a mother can. There is no doubt she was an incredible mother she was so loved with all the nurses she worked with at MGH (Massachusetts General Hospital) who said she always talked about her kids. She was a labor and delivery nurse at the top Boston hospital. Hartford residents finally got to tell federal officials about the flooding and sewage that has entered and damaged their homes and businesses over the course of the last several years, or even decades. The residents got that chance in a meeting with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA Administrator Region 1 David Cash and Sharon Wells, the EPAs director of the Civil Rights & Urban Affairs Region 1. The meeting was organized by community activist Bridgitte Prince, civil/environmental rights attorney Cynthia Jennings, the Greater Hartford African American Alliance, Veterans for Black Lives Matter, and McKinney King American Legion Post 142, with support of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. Pembroke Street resident Debra Jervis told the officials that she first dealt with flooding in 2019, and then again in 2022 and is in danger of losing her insurance if she files one more claim. I wasnt going to get up today. But then I said, you know, I need to add my voice to the story, because the voice is a powerful, powerful tool in getting help, she said. My backyard was a swimming pool. All I needed was a diving board to go diving in. And so what I have to say, as a homeowner, were begging you for help. Were begging you for help. We need the help. We are tired of the finger pointing where well, its the city well, its MDC. always know. Its the city. Its MDC. We need the help. Were crying out for help. Please help us. The meeting held at the American Legion Hall on Main Street, was in lieu of the previously scheduled visit by EPA investigators that was abruptly cancelled on Jan. 17. Some of the flooding issues were more recent; others stemmed from the torrential downpours that hit the city in August 2021. Blumenthal addressed the residents, saying it is the beginning of a process, and it will only end when there are actions that eliminate the flooding, stop the backups in peoples basements, and all the other issues involving sewage that residents have seen first-hand for too long. Action is overdue. And thats not to cast blame on anyone, because youre having more than one person, more than one agency that has a responsibility here. And more than one year goes back a long time. But I think everybodys here in good faith, wanting to address this problem. And certainly, Im going to stay on top of it. And Im going to be back for more meetings, he said. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal listens to Civil Rights and environmental attorney Cynthia Jennings, right, speak during a meeting at The American Legion in Hartford, Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Hartfords North End residents and business owners met with state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection officials, EPA Region 1 Regional Administrator David Cash, and other community leaders to share details of sewage and flooding in their homes. Cash, the EPA administrator, said that it is devastating to hear what residents have had to deal with when it comes to the flooding and sewage issues. Nobody should have sewage in their basement, no one should have floods. And so were setting our sights and trying to solve this problem working with the community, he said. And Im really grateful that the community activists stepped forward and are shining a light on this. Im looking forward to working with Connecticut DEEP as we move forward. State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie S. Dykes and her staff attended the meeting; she said that she is grateful for those who came out to listen to the concerns of property owners and business owners who have spent their entire lives invested in the community. She acknowledged the flooding and sewage issues in the city have been long standing with the combined sewers that go back over 100 years. We have billions that weve been investing in trying to address the issue. But residents have real concerns that they havent seen these dollars. Weve done a lot on the public system to try to fix it the infrastructure thats in the streets [or] the wastewater treatment plants weve made major upgrades. There are a lot of good ideas here that are coming out about ways we can also provide grants or even loansto help people make improvements on their properties to address these issues, she said. Dykes noted climate change is causing more frequent and intense rainstorms. When you have a vulnerable community, where they feel that there has not been proportionate investment, this community is feeling those impacts of climate change, first and worst, she said. So it was important for me to be here. We are going to be sitting down tomorrow to talk with our partners at EPA and figure out while we have these federal dollars, what can we do to make a big difference? Resident Reesa Cannada said she has been a homeowner for 43 years on Elm Street with her husband and now every time it rains her basement becomes like a river. Before the flooding issues, she said she used her basement as an educational room and home daycare, never having an issue but now has lost valuable items. I have to put on rain boots and go in the basement, and we have to pump the water out of the basement. Im here to represent homeowners who use the room as the extra room. Were not moving, Im not moving. Someone [said], well, youve been here for 43 years, its time to move. Im not moving, she said. Jervis said while she was lucky to get some financial help through her insurance, she still had to pay out of pocket for the rest of her repairs. She also said that she is trying to do everything she can to put preventative measures in place and acknowledges the city giving her help through a grant program, but said it is putting a band aid on the problem. Mayor Luke Bronin thanked residents for sharing their experiences, and said that they need to talk about the citys entire storm sewer system. Our sewer systems are built more than a century ago, for the most part. Its an ancient system. And the work right now that is going on to separate the sewer from the storm sewer, so that when theres flooding, it doesnt back up and put sewage back into peoples basements, he said. But the thing I want to make sure that everybody here knows, because its got to be part of our advocacy as a citytheres hundreds of millions of dollars of work being done to separate the sewer and the storm sewer. Hopefully, that will keep sewage out, he said. The problem is that Clean Water money that has been spent can only be spent for the separation, it cant be spent to build a storm sewer system thats actually capable of handling the amount of water that were getting. MDC Chairman William DiBella said the MDC is working with the community, the city, and the federal government. MDC Chairman William Dibella listens as Hartfords North End residents share details of sewage and flooding in their homes during a meeting at The American Legion in Hartford, Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. There are issues that we have to deal with, relative to what we actually have the authority to do. And its basically storm water. And the environment has changed dramatically. In April of last year, we had a 100, and 250 year storm in the same week, he said. Thats a significantly different environment that the systems [were] designed for. We need federal help. We need state cooperation and help, and regional, as we are a regional body, along with the city of Hartford. While DiBella said that he understands what is happening in the community and the complaints from residents about a slow response time, he also said that many of their issues are happening on private property, which is not within their control. We have only so much authority, given to us by the state. And the DEEP basically controls what we can do. We just spent $1.7 billion in the last 10 to 12 years. And were going to spend another couple of billion dollars in the next 25 years. The mayor was right. Its an old system. And were now putting money into it. And weve been doing this for the last 10 to 15 years, he said. He also said that this year, the MDC has spent $2 million just on the backflow controls, We put them [at] our expense to resolve those problems. But the environment has changed so dramatically in the last seven to 10 years. We all have to work together, the federal infrastructure bills money is coming down. And were participating, he said. Theres a new dog at the Hartford Police Department but its not for sniffing out drugs or apprehending suspects. Officer Anthony Gaudino has been a police officer for nearly 12 years, but only since last year has he had a K-9 partner in tow. Guadinos new K-9 is an energetic Labrador named Kady who serves as both an emotional support dog for officers at the department and helps with community outreach. Gaudino is a community service officer in the department. In that role, Gaudino serves as a liaison between various neighborhoods, faith-based organizations, community businesses, and the police department. He and Kady attend community events and meetings and address quality of life issues, such as loitering. Gaudino was chosen to be a part of the Puppies Behind Bars program, an organization that teams with incarcerated individuals who train service dogs for first responders, police officers, and military veterans. Since Kadys arrival last year, both the officers and dispatchers involved, including the community at large have embraced her. Gaudino and Kady were paired last August and since then its been a match made in heaven. Hartford Police Departments newest K-9 Kady from Puppies Behind Bars serves as an emotional support dog for officers while helping to forge community engagement. Puppies Behind Bars is an organization that teams with incarcerated individuals who train service dogs for first responders, police officers, and military veterans. But Kadys success story in Hartford isnt alone, its one of several programs at police departments across the state. Puppies Behind Bars, a New York based nonprofit started in 1997, began with just five puppies in the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, New Yorks only maximum-security prison for women, and now has programs in six correctional facilities raising approximately 90 puppies at a time. The organization started out training service dogs for the blind specifically but evolved to breeding and training dogs for wounded Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans in 2008. More recently, the organization has started training Labradors for frontline first responders and police officers who are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder or physical injuries. Everything changed after the shooting at Sandy Hook, said Eric Barsness, Executive Vice President of PBB. Thinking about the experience of first responders who were at that scene and the effect it had on them, got us thinking about what we could do. Thats when we realized the opportunity to train our dogs to help with PTSD and trauma incurred from responding to scenes of violence and tragedy. We knew we wanted to start a program specifically for first responders and police officers. But it wasnt until 2019 when the program first launched in Connecticut with the Groton Police Department. Thats when Officer Heather McClelland, Grotons Community Policing Officer, first heard about the program after attending a conference on police suicide and awareness in New York City. I ended up meeting Gloria Gilbert Stoga there, the founder of Puppies Behind Bars, McClelland said. I explained to her our officer wellness program at the department and asked if she could donate a dog not just to one person but the whole police department. So thats kind of how it all started. McClellands K-9 is named Chase, a 3 year-old Labrador that was raised and trained at the former DownState Correctional Facility in Fishkill, N.Y. Chase, a 3 year-old Labrador with Puppies Behind Bars, has been paired with Officer Heather McClellan of the Groton Police Department since 2020. Since then, Chase has served the department as a community outreach and emotional support dog. All you have to do is turn on the TV or read a newspaper and you can see the climate has changed on how people perceive police, McClelland said. Its been helpful to have a program like this in the community. Especially since it started here in 2019 before the pandemic and the murder of George Floyd. We really work hard to be in the community and Chase helps humanize our officers and allow us to talk to people in a more human way. The dogs go through a two-year program where incarcerated individuals learn to groom, feed, water, exercise and train the puppies. Staff from the organization teaches the training and coursework. During those two years, the dogs mature, practice social-emotional skills, and temperament training to graduate and become premier service dogs. McClellands first K-9 with the program, a Labrador named McDonald, ended up becoming a detection dog for the Massachusetts State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit. He ended up needing a little more intense of a job than cuddling people, McClelland said. So I then got paired up with Chase in 2020 and Ive been with her ever since. Just going into a building or walking down the street in Mystic, Chase is a great ice breaker for me. Having Chase with us allows officers to start a conversation that wouldnt be had otherwise. The whole community has really embraced her. There are now eight other Puppies Behind Bars programs started at police departments across the state including Waterford, Colchester, Middletown, Hartford, Torrington, Naugatuck, Yale University and Southern Connecticut State University. There are three other programs coming online later this month alone, McClelland said. Its really starting to take off. Any police department may apply to the program, but there are some specific criteria to be eligible to receive a dog. Applications can be found on the Puppies Behind Bars website. Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com Those screams in the cornfields are coming from Connecticut, but theyre being heard all around the U.S. She Came from the Woods, the latest Connecticut-made movie from brothers Erik and Carson Bloomquist, will be on 250 to 300 screens around the country when it is released on Friday. Some advance screenings are taking place Thursday. The AMC and Regal chains are among those that have picked up the film, which is about horrific happenings at a summer camp. This is the first time weve had a film in the big chains and certainly the first time weve had this level of attention, said Erik Bloomquist, whose credits on She Came from the Woods include co-producer, co-writer and co-editor (with his brother Carson) as well as actor. I play one of the camp counselors who has a crush on a girl there. Its the last day of summer, and the stakes are high. Will he tell her how he feels? One of many screams in She Came From the Woods, opening nationwide on Feb. 10. She Came From the Woods stars Cara Buono (who plays Karen on Netflixs Stranger Things), Connecticut-based Clare Foley (whose screen appearances range from the series Gotham to the film The Great Gilly Hopkins), William Sadler (the Bergmanesque Death figure in the Bill & Ted comedies), Michael Park (from the soap As the World Turns), Spencer List and Tyler Elliot Burke. Much of the cast consists of children and young adults. Some of the actors and crew come from what Bloomquist referred to as our core group repertory company. Its our secret weapon. Theyre the starting blocks for any production. She Came From the Woods had its world premiere at the international FrightFest in London this past summer. The producers are currently negotiating with distributors for streaming and video deals. A trailer for She Came From the Woods was released two weeks ago and has been getting praise on social media for its retro feel in keeping with the movies 1980s setting. The 100-minute feature is almost like a John Hughes movie until it becomes a horror film, the filmmaker explained. Its not trying to be subversive or mimetic, but it is set in the 1980s at a summer camp. I think of it as a coming-of-age movie that happens to be a horror movie. I have these two sides to me, sentimentality and a dark sarcastic side, and they can exist simultaneously in the movies I do. How bloody is it? It depends what your threshhold is, said Bloomquist, who also refers to the movie as fun. He does admit that its the most blood Id ever worked with, though that amount was recently surpassed by one of his other productions. Bloomquist lives in Wethersfield (where hes just shot a different film) and grew up in Newington. Most of the films made by the Bloomquist Brothers company Mainframe Pictures have been filmed in Connecticut. Their holiday romance, Christmas on the Carousel was partly filmed in Bushnell Park. The poster image for the Connecticut-made horror flick She Came From the Woods. She Came From the Woods was shot entirely in Connecticut, mostly at the Channel 3 Kids Camp in Andover and in a corn field in Franklin. We were shooting almost entirely at night, which can be challenging, Bloomquist said. The Bloomquist brothers usually have several films in the works at any given time. Currently in post-production are the psychological drama Perception, the small town murder mystery Founders Day and Intermedium a music-filled teen romance/haunted house which Bloomquist describes as Casper meets La La Land.' Besides his own projects as an actor/writer/producer, Bloomquist does a lot of acting for other filmmakers. Last year he also appeared live onstage in a radio theater-styled adaptation of The Great Gatsby at the Legacy Theatre in Branford. It was the first play Ive done in three years, he said. Those are my roots. Now hes eager to be sitting in an auditorium rather than behind the camera, as She Came From the Woods opens on hundreds of screens on Friday. Itll be screened in every state, and Guam, the filmmaker said. Im excited to see it with an audience, Bloomquist said. At the premiere in London, it was amazing. Its definitely a movie you want to see with other people. Reach reporter Christopher Arnott at carnott@courant.com. Rescuers raced against time early Wednesday to pull survivors from the rubble before they succumbed to cold weather two days after an earthquake tore through southern Turkey and war-ravaged northern Syria. The death toll climbed above 7,700 and was expected to rise further. The last two days have brought dramatic rescues, including small children emerging from mounds of debris more than 30 hours after Mondays pre-dawn quake. But there was also widespread despair and growing anger at the slow pace of rescue efforts in some areas. Its like we woke up to hell, said Osman Can Taninmis, whose family members were still beneath the rubble in Hatay, Turkeys hardest-hit province. We cant respond to absolutely anything. Help isnt coming, cant come. We cant reach anyone at all. Everywhere is destroyed. In Syria, residents found a crying newborn still connected by the umbilical cord to her mother, who was dead. The baby was the only member of her family to survive a building collapse in the small town of Jinderis, relatives told The Associated Press. Search teams from nearly 30 countries and aid pledges poured in. But with the damage spread across several cities and towns some isolated by Syrias ongoing conflict voices crying for help from within mounds of rubble fell silent. Mondays magnitude 7.8 quake and powerful aftershocks cut a swath of destruction that stretched hundreds of miles across southeastern Turkey and neighboring Syria. The shaking toppled thousands of buildings and heaped more misery on a region wracked by Syrias 12-year civil war and refugee crisis. Turkey is home to millions of refugees from the war. The affected area in Syria is divided between government-controlled territory and the countrys last opposition-held enclave, where millions rely on humanitarian aid to survive. Unstable piles of metal and concrete made the search efforts perilous, while freezing temperatures made them ever more urgent, as worries grew about how long trapped survivors could last in the cold. Snow swirled around rescuers in parts of Turkey. The scale of the suffering and the accompanying rescue effort were staggering. Adelheid Marschang, a senior emergencies officer with the World Health Organization, said up to 23 million people could be affected in the entire quake-hit area, calling it a crisis on top of multiple crises. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said 13 million of the countrys 85 million people were affected, and he declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces. More than 8,000 people have been pulled from the debris in Turkey, and some 380,000 have taken refuge in government shelters or hotels, authorities said. But authorities faced criticism from residents of hard-hit Hatay, sandwiched between Syria and the Mediterranean Sea, who say rescue efforts have lagged. Erdogans handling of the crisis could weigh heavily on elections planned for May, and his office has already dismissed the criticism as disinformation. Nurgul Atay told The Associated Press she could hear her mothers voice beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in the Turkish city of Antakya, the capital of Hatay province. But rescuers did not have the heavy equipment needed to rescue her. If only we could lift the concrete slab, wed be able to reach her, she said. My mother is 70 years old, she wont be able to withstand this for long. Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said 1,647 people were killed in Hatay alone, the highest toll of any Turkish province. At least 1,846 people had been rescued there as of Tuesday evening, he said. Hatays airport was closed after the quake destroyed the runway, complicating rescue efforts. In Syria, meanwhile, aid efforts have been hampered by the ongoing war and the isolation of the rebel-held region along the border, which is surrounded by Russia-backed government forces. Syria itself is an international pariah under Western sanctions linked to the war. Volunteer first responders known as the White Helmets have years of experience rescuing people from buildings destroyed by Syrian and Russian airstrikes in the rebel-held enclave, but they say the earthquake has overwhelmed their capabilities. Mounir al-Mostafa, the deputy head of the White Helmets, said they were able to respond efficiently to up to 30 locations at a time but now face calls for help from more than 700. Teams are present in those locations, but the available machinery and equipment are not enough, he said, adding that the first 72 hours were crucial for any rescue effort. The United Nations said it was exploring all avenues to get supplies to the rebel-held northwest. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the road leading to the Bab al-Hawa border crossing the only terminal through which U.N. aid is allowed to enter the rebel-held area, had been damaged by the quake, disrupting deliveries. Dujarric said the U.N. is preparing a convoy to cross the conflict lines within Syria. But that would likely require the approval of President Bashar Assads government, which has laid siege to rebel-held areas throughout the civil war. Turkey has large numbers of troops in the border region and has tasked the military with aiding its rescue efforts, including setting up tents for the homeless and a field hospital in Hatay province. A navy ship docked on Tuesday at the provinces port of Iskenderun, where a hospital collapsed, to transport survivors in need of medical care to a nearby city. A large fire at the port, caused by containers that toppled over during the earthquake, sent thick plumes of black smoke into the sky. The Defense Ministry said the blaze was extinguished with the help of military aircraft, but live footage broadcast by CNN Turk showed it was still burning. Vice President Fuat Oktoy said at least 5,894 people have died from the earthquake in Turkey, with another 34,810 injured. The death toll in government-held areas of Syria has climbed to 812, with some 1,400 injured, according to the Health Ministry. At least 1,020 people have died in the rebel-held northwest, according to the White Helmets, with more than 2,300 injured. The region sits on top of major fault lines and is frequently shaken by earthquakes. Some 18,000 were killed in similarly powerful earthquakes that hit northwest Turkey in 1999. Alsayed reported from Azmarin, Syria. Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Associated Press writers David Rising in Bangkok, Zeynep Bilginsoy and Robert Badendieck in Istanbul, Bassem Mroue and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut, Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, and Riazat Butt in Islamabad, contributed to this report. Parkridge Health System announces Courtney Dalton, CPA, MACC, has been promoted to assistant chief financial officer for Parkridge Health System. I am grateful for the knowledge and experience Courtney brings to our accounting team, said Carolyn Ridge, chief financial officer of Parkridge Health System. Her strong background in healthcare finance will be instrumental for Parkridge Health. Ms. Dalton joined Parkridge Health System as vice president of finance in March of 2020. Prior to that, she was a revenue manager for Quorum Health in Nashville. Ms. Dalton holds a masters in accounting and Spanish from Lipscomb University. 4/13/2023 Here is the weekly road construction report for District 29: BRADLEY COUNTY SR-2 (KEITH ST. S.W.) Utility Work southbound from LM 8.87 to LM 8.88: Shoulder and single lane closure at the S ... more Nominations for the Leadership Chattanooga Class of 2023-24 are now open, Toya Moore, leadership development director, Chattanooga Chamber Foundation, has announced. Our Leadership Chattanooga graduates tell us our program propelled them to a deeper level of understanding of how our community works and, equally important, how they can give back with intention and purpose, Ms. Moore said. Often, Leadership Chattanooga grads talk about the long-term bonds they forge many of these are between people who might not have encountered one another otherwise. Our Leadership Chattanooga program explores a new sector of our community in each monthly session, including education, job readiness, government structure and creating inclusive economies. Participants also receive additional leadership development through meaningful self-reflection, peer coaching, community service projects and networking opportunities, including meeting with state leaders. Up to 45 people participate in Leadership Chattanooga each year, selected through a competitive application process and review, which the Leadership Chattanooga Selection Committee conducts. Committee members evaluate candidates based on: Sincere commitment, motivation and interest in serving our community; Demonstrated dedication to civic engagement through volunteer activities ; Interest in public service through seeking elected office, volunteering for a nonprofit board or other key leadership roles; Recognized potential for career advancement to top leadership positions; and Alignment with the diversity of our community through representation of diverse economic sectors, professions, viewpoints, ages, cultural perspectives, ethnic backgrounds, and geographical areas throughout Hamilton County/Chattanooga. Its easy to nominate candidates, Ms. Moore said. After a fairly simple nomination via our website, the candidates themselves complete an application packet that includes letters of recommendation and other easy-to-complete forms. Nominations open Feb. 6 and end March 20 here. Learn more about Leadership Chattanooga here. All sessions, including orientation and retreat, are being planned for in-person engagement. Chattanooga Chamber leadership will monitor health department recommendations thoroughly throughout the program to ensure in-person meetings are safe. The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading business association and economic development organization for the Chattanooga region. Founded in 1887, the Chattanooga Chambers membership consists of nearly 1,800 companies of all sizes which employ more than 80,000 people. The Chamber Foundation is a separate and related entity established in 1969 for the purpose of economic development, which it carries out through a public-private partnership called Chattanooga Climbs. The Chattanooga Chamber has won many national awards for recruitment, marketing and existing industry support and is accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with five stars. Established in 1984, Leadership Chattanooga is a 10-month leadership development program for local, mid-career professionals. Leadership Chattanooga, offered by our Chattanooga Chamber Foundation, helps employers retain talent by providing comprehensive leadership training through experiential learning opportunities, community service projects and interaction with our community's top leadership. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee delivered his fifth State of the State address and presented budget and legislative priorities for the upcoming year to a joint session of the General Assembly on Monday night. The upcoming budget includes $350 million for local schools, a three-month sales tax holiday on food, and 100 more state troopers. It also includes a new tax on electric/hybrid vehicles as well as $28.3M to create the 9,000-acre Scotts Gulf State Park north of Chattanooga, and $15.4 million for the Cumberland Trail, which has its southern end at Signal Mountain. Tennessee is leading the nation as a guiding light for opportunity, security and freedom, said Governor Lee. Im proud to propose a budget and strategic policies that ensure our state continues to be a shining example for educational opportunity, strong families, innovation and economic prosperity. "Our states strong fiscal stewardship places Tennessee in one of the strongest budgetary positions in history and allows for investments to secure continued success." Governor Lees proposed $55.6 billion budget includes "strategic funding to modernize transportation, ensure economic and educational opportunity, preserve our natural resources, protect children, strengthen families and more." Dr. Flora W. Tydings, Chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents, said, Governor Lees budget proposal represents a historic, generational investment in Tennessees future that will change lives and benefit our state, communities and students for decades to come. It will complete the work that began over the last four years with major expansions of our capacity to serve more students with more training, providing Tennesseans with great careers and meeting the growing demand for a more highly skilled workforce. In addition, the governors proposed budget would equip the new TCAT campus under development at Blue Oval City, expand the Correctional Education Initiative, and fund the outcomes-based formula, which covers a substantial portion of our community and technical colleges operations. The full speech as prepared for delivery can be found here. A Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget overview can be found here. Notable highlights from Governor Lees FY23-24 agenda include: Transportation & Infrastructure Modernization $3B to the Transportation Modernization Fund to alleviate urban congestion and fund rural road projects across the state $750M allocated to each of TNs four TDOT regions $300M to expand the State Aid Program for local road projects Proposing new comprehensive legislation centering on Alternative Delivery Models, Public-Private Partnerships, Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Fees Economic Opportunity & Tax Relief $288.3M for a one-time three-month sales tax holiday on food from August 1 to October 31, 2023, providing tax relief for Tennessee families Beginning a three-year transition to Single Sales Factor for franchise and excise taxes to improve TNs ability to compete for jobs and investment $64M to simplify tax administration and conform with the federal bonus depreciation provisions of 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, allowing businesses to more quickly recover costs and further incentivize investment in Tennessee production $37.8M for Small Business Excise Tax Relief, establishing a standard deduction from excise tax for up to $50,000 of reported net income, earning taxpayers a maximum of $3,250 in direct savings for Tennessee businesses $20.3M for Small Business Franchise Tax Relief that exempts up to $500,000 of property from the franchise tax, giving small- and medium-sized businesses that own property in Tennessee up to $1,250 in tax savings on their annual franchise tax liability $7.9M for Small Business Relief from the Business Gross Receipts Tax, increasing the filing threshold for business tax from $10,000 to $100,000 to ensure that only businesses with $100,000 of gross receipts or more will be subject to the business tax. This includes funding to hold local jurisdictions harmless. $7.3M to establish a state paid family leave tax credit against franchise and excise tax for a two-year pilot period that will mirror the federal tax credit Skilled Workforce $370.8M to update outdated facilities in seven TCAT campuses state-wide $386.2M to invest in new buildings, expansions and improvements to 16 current TCAT campuses $147.5M to build six new TCATs to better serve more students across Tennessee Strong & Healthy Families $18.7M to increase the income threshold for pregnant women and caregivers to expand access to TennCare Services $5.2M to provide 12-month continuous TennCare eligibility for low-income children $4.7M to permanently extend postpartum health coverage under TennCare $100M for Crisis Pregnancy Provider Support Grants supporting crisis pregnancy centers statewide, improving access to healthcare and information for expecting mothers $10.25M for TN Fosters Hope grant funding to elevate high quality care for children and families impacted by foster care and adoption, allowing providers to expand their services to foster and adoptive families $27M to expand programming for children with complex or special needs that face challenges being placed in a traditional foster or adoptive home by further developing the provider network and providing respite and long-term care $15M to fund the Summer Youth Employment Program to connect youth and young adults ages 14 to 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experiences Protecting Tennessees Children $33M to increase bed capacity in the Department of Childrens Services (DCS) provider network to reduce the time children and youth spend in offices and childrens homes $39.8M to increase the rate of payment for providers in the DCS provider network that offer residential and clinical services to children in state custody $7.3M to support foster families and incentivize foster care and adoption of sibling groups and teens $15.9M to align DCS case manager salary with market salary regionally and in the private sector $11.4M to contract short-term private case managers to alleviate the burden on DCS case managers $5M for Juvenile Justice Youth Intervention Partnerships to increase collaboration with community-based partners to support youth stepping down from juvenile facilities $31M to replace the Tennessee Family and Child Tracking System (TFACTS), the DCS case management and payment system Great Schools $350 M in additional funding to local education agencies through Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA), including $125 M for teacher pay raises $60.8M to extend summer learning camps and expand eligibility age from 4th grade to Kindergarten through 9th grade $10M for Summer Bus Transportation $20M in School Safety Grants to enhance school security $29.7M for the TN School Safety Initiative, expanding staffing to place at least one Homeland Security Special Agent in each of the states 95 counties to provide threat assessments and collaborate with local law enforcement Expanding the Grow Your Own apprenticeship program to help solve teacher shortages, serving 600 new apprenticeship candidates per year Five percent salary pool increase for higher education employees to ensure they attract and retain the best employee base possible Safe Neighborhoods Adding 100 Highway Patrol Troopers and related support staff and 25 Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services staff $30M addition to the TN Law Enforcement Hiring, Training, and Recruitment Program (Year 2) $50M expansion of the Violent Crime Intervention Fund $357M for network expansion of the Tennessee Advanced Communication Network (TACN) to transition remaining state agencies into TACN, improve coverage and provide infrastructure grants for local agencies to join TACN $10M to support successful re-entry by expanding Evidence-Based Programming Grants in prisons and jails with a focus on mental health Brighter Future $66.5M for the Natchez Trace Recreation Area, establishing a sportsmans themed park with a lodge, cabins, campgrounds and a shooting range $28.3M to create Scotts Gulf State Park, a 9,000-acre park uniting Virgin Falls State Natural Area with surrounding nature areas into a single wilderness park $30M to revitalize the Heritage Conservation Trust to support public-private partnerships through a matching grant program $15.4M for trail infrastructure and development of the Cumberland Trail $10.3M to address critical gaps along the Wolf River Greenway, a 26-mile paved trail meandering from the Mississippi River to Germantown $6.3M to expand the Tweetsie Trail in Carter County, connecting four communities, two bike parks and a pedestrian bridge $70M to TN Clean Initiative, cleaning up state superfund sites, Oak Ridge and all 47 known dry cleaner sites $6.3M for the Rural Brownfields Investment Act to revitalize 175 known brownfield sites, creating a new state-administered grant and technical support program for remediation and economic development of existing brownfields $4.7M grant funding to improve local water quality by optimizing wastewater treatment plants, collaborating with agricultural partners to practice best management principles and supporting cities with reduction of nutrients in stormwater Asset Management Police observed a brown/beige four-door sedan parked close to the tracks on Cromwell Road. As the officer slowed to cross the tracks, he observed a white male sitting on the opposite side of the tracks from where he had parked. Due to how close the man was both parked and sitting next to the railroad tracks, the officer exited his patrol car and spoke with the man. At this point, the officer observed the man had a rather large and expensive camera set up. He confirmed himself as an enthusiast of trains/locomotive engines. Due to the camera, the officer believed his story. * * * A disorder was reported at a residence on Towerway Drive. Police spoke with both people involved. Both said that no contact was made and that the argument was only verbal. One of them collected his personal items and left with a friend to give himself time to cool down. Everyone separated without incident. * * * A man said he was driving on Highway 153 northbound when a piece of sheet rock came out of another man's vehicle. The man said there was damage to the passenger side of his vehicle. The other man stopped and apologized to him, saying he thought he had everything strapped down. The man told him he did not have insurance at this time. * * * A man told police he and some other people had been cutting down a tree on Sheridan Avenue and that his vehicle had been broken into. There was no sign of forced entry to the vehicle or any damage. He told police that a black Swiss Army laptop bag had been taken from his vehicle, along with weedeater string, two pens and a razor blade, all valued at $225. An anonymous person said that they observed three or four black males approximately 20 years of age ransacking the vehicle and they fled to a nearby home on Sheridan Avenue. No other suspect information is available. * * * A woman on Rocky River Road called police to stand by while a man collected his belongings. After the man did so, officers left the scene. * * * A woman on Wellstone Drive called police because she woke up and thought she heard someone in the house. Police searched the house and did not find anyone. The woman went to a relative's house for the night. * * * A homeless man contacted police saying he was trying to get to a shelter, but then said he was trying to get to Highway 58. Police transported him to the County Circle K on Highway 58 at Mahlon Road, in the area he was attempting to get to. * * * While working an extra job with the Walmart at 490 Greenway View Dr., an officer observed two people, later identified, going into an aisle without camera coverage with a vibrator in their cart exiting the aisle without the vibrator. The officer recovered the opened package in the aisle without the vibrator inside. The officer returned to the camera room and continued observing the man and woman at the self-checkout. While checking out, the man was observed on camera putting a new sticker on an electric trimmer. The new sticker was scanned as a shirt. The man and woman then passed all points of sale without paying for the vibrator and trimmers. Walmart APA decided not to press charges on either person. The man was trespassed from all Walmart properties and signed a form acknowledging the trespass. The woman was not trespassed at this time. Both of them left without further incident. The city of Dayton Council voted Monday night to add more members to the Dayton Police and Fire Departments. Newly appointed Fire Chief Justin Jackson, who took over in January upon the retirement of Chief Chuck Suttles, approached the City Council and requested three additional new firefighters. "The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) requires that we respond two engines and a ladder truck on every fire call. Once we get those there, we have enough volunteers to cover the rest, said Chief Jackson. He told the council that at a fire recently they had 18 volunteers show up besides the regular paid crew. Vice Mayor Steve Randolph said that this is some four months before the start of a new budget, but this is something that we have got to do. He also asked which of the two stations the ladder truck would be coming from. Chief Jackson responded that an engine and ladder truck from station one plus an engine from station two would respond to all the calls. We will only bring out the tower truck if its a large fire because it requires a lot of manpower to work it, said Chief Jackson. The chief also requested to raise the current pay status of those volunteer firefighters who show up to fires and to required training from $7.50 to $10 an hour and, depending on certifications, it could go up to $12.50 an hour. Chief Jackson also brought to the council's attention that a lot of the equipment that the Dayton Fire Department is using is getting close to expiring in its usefulness. Right now I just have one helmet to give out to new firemen. Sixty five percent of the equipment expires in the next few months, he said. Vice Mayor Randolph made the motion to get equipment with a second by Councilman Bobby Doss. Vice Mayor Randolph said, as the other equipment expires, to go ahead and get replacements for them. Mayor Hurley Marsh emphatically stated to the council and the audience, Safety is First. I want these firemen to have the best equipment we can give them. The mayor also praised both the firefighters and police officers of the city thanking them for the job that they do. He also requested the Council to work with Rhea County 911 Director Shane Clark on a protocol for what the fire department responds to. We spend anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes on a sick call waiting for EMS. Once we make contact with a patient we are 'married' to them until someone of higher medical training gets on the scene, said Chief Jackson. It's sure a waste of resources to send a $250,000 fire truck to a doctors office to wait for an ambulance, he said. Council members said they had no problem with Chief Jackson working out a new protocol. City Attorney Susan Arnold just added that he needs to meet with MTAS (University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service) fire management consultants to see what they have to say about changing the protocols. Dayton Police Chief Tracy Blevins requested one additional officer to be hired to work a split shift from the hours of 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., which is the busiest time of the activity for the Police Department. We have one person doing this now, but I would like to add one more so there is a person working split shifts on both rotations, he said Both chiefs brought the City Council up to date on what is happening with the current radio system. We could go on eBay and buy a lot of radios, but the Chattanooga Radio Shop won't add them to the system. APX P25 Two-Way Radios is what they are wanting us to use, he said. P25 refers to the Project 25 (P25) that develops standards for interoperable land mobile radio (LMR) systems so emergency responders can exchange critical communications across agencies and jurisdictions. P25 standardizes interfaces between the various components of the LMR systems emergency responders use. As a joint effort of APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials) and the National Association of State Telecommunications Directors, Project 25 is a long-standing partnership between the public safety communications community, standard development organizations and industry manufacturers. Each groups end goal is to satisfy the complex and evolving mission-critical communication needs of users for interoperable equipment and systems. APCO has been standard in police communications since 1935. The Fire Department is going to have to work on buying them out right. We are looking for grants for these radios. The Police Department may have access to a grant that is for law enforcement only that would provide theirs, said Chief Jackson. Chief Blevins added that both departments have applied for Firehouse Sub Shop grants. Firehouse provides funds for various agencies in the U.S. through contributions from customers. The money is then forwarded to community first responders A maximum of 600 grant applications will be accepted on a quarterly basis. Macao's economy shows momentum of accelerated recovery: chief executive Xinhua) 09:55, February 07, 2023 MACAO, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Macao's economy is showing a momentum of accelerated recovery with multiple favorable factors emerging after three years of COVID-19 pandemic, Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), said Monday. The number of tourists visiting Macao increased obviously during the Spring Festival holiday from Jan. 21 to 27, injecting vigor into different industries and enhancing public confidence in economic development, Ho said at a meeting on economic development of the Macao SAR. He said the Macao SAR government will maintain the sound momentum and put in place various plans to promote economic recovery, speed up economic diversification, advance the building of the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin, neighboring Zhuhai city, and better integrate into the overall national development. The government will also adopt a strategy to gradually optimize its industrial structure and increase the weight of major industries of big health, modern finance, high technologies, conventions and exhibitions, as well as culture and sports, Ho added. He also pledged continuous efforts to participate in the building of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Lori Jacksons family believes that the mother of two from Oxford would still be alive today if laws were in place to prevent her estranged husband, whom she had a temporary protective order against, from owning a gun. Jackson was shot to death in May 2014, when Scott Gellatly broke into her parents home and fired at his wife and mother-in-law. Now Jacksons mother, who survived the shooting, is speaking out against a federal appeals court decision last week that ruled laws banning people from owning guns while they are the subject of domestic violence restraining orders are unconstitutional. The court ruling, made last week in the Fifth Circuit court, came just days after another Connecticut woman, 52-year-old Traci Jones, was shot to death by her husband Lester Jones in Bethel. Jones was killed in a murder-suicide the night before her husband was scheduled to appear in court for a protective order she had recently filed for, records show. Traci Jones had recently filed for a protective order after Lester Jones allegedly threatened her life, according to court filings. A restraining order was granted at a court hearing on Jan. 24. Lester Jones, who allegedly did own at least one gun, was ordered by the restraining order to surrender all firearms and ammunition, according to one court filing in the application process. The federal appeals courts ruling does not have a direct impact on Connecticuts laws it is still illegal for someone who is the subject of a restraining order or temporary protective order to own guns here but state lawmakers are concerned that it opens a dangerous door one Connecticut advocates and lawmakers have worked hard to close. In a room filled with those who have advocated for ways to prevent domestic violence abusers from having access to firearms in Connecticut and across the nation, Attorney General William Tong said Monday morning that the new ruling was a tragic decision and a radical decision. What the Fifth Circuit court is saying is that even though this is a good idea to protect victims of domestic violence that we are powerless to protect them, he said. We are not powerless, not by a long shot. Members from CT Against Gun Violence and Moms Demand Action stand with other state advocates during a rally to defend domestic violence gun laws. (Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant) Tong lauded state laws like those struck down by the appeals court. Our laws are strong and constitutional, and today they will keep people safe, tonight they will save lives, said Tong. And here in Connecticut, we are going to fight tooth and nail against any challenge to protect Connecticut families, victims of domestic violence and to protect our very strong gun laws here in Connecticut. Merry Jackson, her husband Doug Jackson and their daughter Kacey Mason Lori Jacksons sister who is now raising her twins stood beside Tong at a rally outside his office Monday as he credited their hard work championing laws that may have saved Lori. Merry Jackson spoke through tears as she asked for support. Please fight with us and help us, she said, adding that she doesnt understand why anyone would oppose laws to further protect victims of domestic violence. Its not like were taking their guns away forever, she said of people who are the subject of protective orders. Take the guns away while they are agitated. Let them calm down and figure things out and give the person the chance, if they have to, to get into hiding and protect themselves. Eight years later, Jackson said she still remembers hearing her daughter scream for help when Gellatly broke into their home, then hearing her daughter take her last breaths. Mason said right now is a really scary time as she worries that protections theyve fought so hard for might be rolled back. She and her family worked hard to pass state laws in her sisters name and still stand by the idea that the new laws would have prevented their familys tragedy. I stand behind the bill, it wouldve made a difference in our circumstance, she said. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who has introduced the Lori Jackson Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act in Congress, hopes to pass federal legislation that expands the scope of qualifying domestic violence court orders. We need to strengthen those laws that separate men from their guns when they say or show that they are about to kill someone, said Blumenthal. Attorney General William Tong said Connecticut will fight tooth and nail against any challenge to protect Connecticut families and victims of domestic violence and to protect the very strong gun laws here. (Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant) Statistics show that victims of domestic violence are five times more likely to be killed in domestic violence incidents if there is a firearm in the home. Advocates in Connecticut say that domestic violence victims are at some of their highest risks when they leave their abusive partner. That is the moment of maximum rage or danger. That is the time when that man ought to be separated from a lethal weapon, said Blumenthal. Blumenthal and Tong were joined at the rally Monday by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz who called the appellate court ruling utterly unconscionable Jeremy Stein, executive director of Connecticut Against Gun Violence, Mary-Jane Foster, president and CEO of Interval House and dozens of others. Megan Scanlon, president and CEO of Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said at the rally that we owe it to women and especially to children to create a world that is safer for them. The Fifth Circuit ruling came on the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen that set new standards for Second Amendment interpretations, saying that gun control laws have to be consistent with the nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. The U.S. Justice Department issued a statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland after the ruling that emphasized long-standing laws that say a person who is subject to a court order restraining them from threatening a partner or child cannot legally have guns and that those laws are constitutional. The statement said that the department will further review the new decision. Tong issued a reminder on Monday that Connecticuts laws are in full effect. If you are the subject of a restraining order, you need to hand over your firearms, he said. Mason said that she hopes people who are experiencing domestic violence will choose not to ignore red flags and that their family members will continue to support them and reach out to statewide resources for help. Please, please reach out to the services, Mason said. We did not, and thats the one thing I would do differently. Connecticuts free, confidential domestic violence hotline can be reached 24/7 at 1-888-774-2900 for services in English and 1-844-831-9200 for services in Spanish. To reach the national domestic violence hotline, call 1-800-799-7233. Members of the Chattanooga Boys Choir and the Chattanooga Choral Society for the Preservation of African American Song will join voices on Sunday at 3 p.m. for the 30th annual Simmons-ONeal Memorial Concert honoring two revered Chattanooga area music educators, Edmonia Simmons and Everett ONeal. The concert will be held on the campus of Baylor Schools in the Alumni Chapel. Admission to the program is free. Edmonia Simmons, the founder director of the CCSPAAS, was a music teacher whose career in music education spanned over 50 years including decades of service to hundreds of students at Howard High School. Everett O'Neal was a widely known public school music teacher, supervisor, and church musician as well as longtime director of the Boys Choir. The two directors were close friends and contributed richly to the growth of musical performances and development of music education throughout the Chattanooga community. This years concert features special guest DWalla Simmons-Burke, director of Choral Activities at Winston Salem State University. Maestra Burke studied at Hampton University under the tutelage of Chattanooga native, former CCSPAAS Director and Edmonia Simmons student, Dr. Roland Carter. Maestra Burke will lead a workshop with both choirs and conduct the ensembles at the concert on pieces including Tesfa Wondemagegnehus We Shall Overcome, John Rutters Look at the World, and Music of Life by Brittney Boykin. The concert will close with Meastra Burke leading the choirs in Dr. Carters famed arrangement of Lift Every Voice and Sing. This concert, a favorite annual tradition of members and audiences of both ensembles, is distinct for having not ever been held in the same location twice in its three decades. Moving between churches, schools, concert halls, libraries, and other community venues including an online offering in 2021 the concert moves throughout all areas of the Scenic City to make it accessible throughout the region. In addition to the combined pieces performed by the combined choirs, both the CBC and the CCSPAAS will present pieces separately as well. The Simmons-ONeal concert marks another special milestone event for the two choirs this season. The CBC and CCSPAAS toured together this past summer, traveling and performing in civil rights museums and cultural venues in Birmingham, Montgomery, Auburn and Atlanta. Together, members of these two choirs spanning over six decades in age but sharing a common love for music-making and cultural exchange shared with each other and with large audiences the impact of choral music. "Bringing together these incredible voices, these diverse experiences, and these impressive legacies - choirs with a combined 100+ years of history, composer/conductors who have taught and influenced thousands of musicians this will be a special event that is not to be missed and will be enjoyed by everyone, said Vincent Oakes, Chattanooga Boys Choirs artistic director. For more information about the concert or about the Chattanooga Boys Choir, visit, www.chattanoogaboyschoir.org Chattanooga Police have charged a man in the homicide of a woman who was found shot to death in North Chattanooga. David Fritts, 43, is charged in the slaying of 48-year-old Angela Young. Fritts is charged with criminal homicide and felony unlawful possession of a firearm. He is currently in custody in Monroe County, N.Y. awaiting extradition to Tennessee. On Jan. 26 at approximately 12:33 p.m., Chattanooga Police officers responded to 605 Merriam St. on an unconscious person. Police arrived at this location and were advised of a woman unresponsive inside the home. First responders quickly determined she was deceased from an apparent gunshot injury. Given the nature of her injury, the case was being investigated as a homicide, police said at the time. U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann released the following after his bill H.R. 548, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, passed the United States House of Representatives by a unanimous voice vote. For the fourth Congress in a row, the House passed my bill to return 76.1 acres of sacred land to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians correcting a historic wrong when the federal government forcibly took their land. It is on these 76 sacred acres the Cherokee People have honored the birth and life of Sequoyah, one of the most influential and important Native Americans to have lived. It is essential that the land is returned to the Eastern Band of Cherokee, so the legacy of Sequoyah and the Eastern Band is taught for generations to come, said Rep. Fleischmann. I hope my colleagues in the Senate recognize the crucial importance of returning and preserving this sacred land and act quickly to send the bill to President Biden for his signature." Sequoyah was a statesman, diplomat, and seminal leader who contributed so much to help the Cherokee people. We look forward to protecting and preserving this monument to his legacy for generations to come, said Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Richard G. Sneed. In detail, H.R. 548, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, will: Impact 76.1 acres of specified lands along the Little Tennessee River and Tellico Reservoir in Monroe County; Include lands from the Tanasi Memorial, Chota Memorial, Sequoyah Museum, and lands to administer support for these cultural programs and properties; Place these lands into trust for the benefit of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act was introduced into the 118th Congress by Rep. Fleischmann on Jan. 26 and it passed the House unanimously by voice. Previously, the bill was introduced as H.R. 2088 in the 117th Congress and passed the House by a 407-16 vote. The bill was introduced in the 116th Congress as H.R. 453 and passed unanimously by voice vote. In the 115th Congress, the bill was introduced as H.R. 146 and passed by a 383-2 vote. CIVIQ, the speaker series from the Chattanooga Design Studio honoring Robert Taylor, will resume at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, at The Camp House featuring Bernice Radle, founder and CEO of Buffalove Development, a full-service real estate firm focused on reviving vacant and underutilized places and spaces in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Her goal is to combine urban design, preservation, energy efficiency, and affordability to make neighborhoods better for people to live, work, and play. Her woman-owned and minority-focused companies aim for a more inclusivity for females and minorities in the real estate and construction industries.Ms. Radle will be discussing small scale development and why it matters now more than ever. In cities, many people immediately see despair, decay, and disinvestment. Visionaries instantly see a tapestry of history, beauty, opportunity, and hope, said Eric Myers, executive director of the Chattanooga Design Studio. Bernice Radle is among a new generation of scrappy visionaries on the front line of urban restoration in Buffalo, New York.CIVIQ was started in 2018 as a quarterly speaker series to highlight national and international movements in urban design by showcasing visionary work being done by designers, planners, engineers, and architects across the country. Bernice's experiences with Buffalo's urban neighborhoods, residences, small business owners, property owners and developers are relevant to challenges faced by the missing middle in our own local communities, said David Chalker, outreach administrator at Chattanooga Design Studio.All events are free and open to the public, but registrations are strongly encouraged. More information and registration may be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/civiq-2023-with -bernice-radle-tickets-519790616727.The funding for CIVIQ is provided by the Lyndhurst Foundation, in honor of Robert Taylor. Chief homicide prosecutor Michael Dowd told a Criminal Court jury on Tuesday that Kameron Leslie is guilty of "the brutal strangulation of a helpless woman" in the Jan. 11, 2019, murder of Taja Whiteside. The body of Ms. Whiteside, 30, was discovered by her oldest son at their residence in the 5800 block of Moody Sawyer Road. Prosecutors said there would be 20 witnesses, including the three children of Ms. Whiteside. Leslie, who is representing himself with an attorney as "elbow counsel," told the jury that he last saw Ms. Whiteside on Jan. 10, 2019, and only learned later that she had been killed. Leslie said Jan. 10 he and Ms. Whiteside had a day at home with "the kids," went to Walmart for groceries and made dinner, watched television after dinner, and then she accused him of talking to girls on Instagram during his smoke break. He packed his red duffel bag and left. He said he looked for her in the house before he left, called and texted her, but she did not respond. He said Ms. Whiteside's car that he drove to Florida was not "stolen." Leslie went on the TBI's Most Wanted List and was finally located in Jacksonville, Fla., almost four months after the killing. Prosecutor Dowd said when the first officer on the scene found Ms. Whiteside she was crumpled on the floor of her bedroom with her head pushed into a pillow. He said she had been dead several hours. The prosecutor said the son got up that morning and was surprised that his mother had not awakened him since it was a school day. He said he found his mother's bedroom door was locked. He made himself breakfast, then got into the room by jimmying it with a credit card. He said he could not awaken her, so he called 911. Prosecutor Dowd said the victim's daughter was awakened that night by bumping and crashing. She said she heard Leslie say, "I'll kill you," and then there were more noises. She said she then heard the bedroom door open and close and then there was the sound of someone starting a car and driving off. The daughter then went back to sleep without checking on the mother. He said Leslie lived at the residence, but he removed all his personal items before leaving town. Prosecutor Dowd said evidence from cell phone towers showed Dowd at the Whiteside residence at 4 a.m. - around the time of the murder. He was then traced to Highway 153 near an overpass. Investigators went to that location and found items belonging to Leslie that had been discarded. They included his work ID badge. After Leslie was apprehended in Florida following a tip to law enforcement, the car belonging to Ms. Whiteside was found in Jacksonville in an abandoned parking garage. The prosecutor said the medical examiner will testify that Ms. Whiteside had been manually strangled to death. He said she was battered and her eyes were swollen. He said the DNA of both Ms. Whiteside and Leslie was found on a condom in the bedroom floor, and she had his DNA under her fingernails, indicating that she had scratched him. Judge Amanda Dunn is presiding over the case. More than 100 friends of CBI/Richmont alumni, descendants of the CBI founding family, and other friends gathered at the Hunter Museum of American Art for a gala dinner to celebrate the 90th anniversary of CBIs founding, its gradual evolution into todays Richmont, and its decades of positive impact on the city. Guests viewed a video sharing an oral history of CBI and how it came to be merged with Psychological Studies Institute in Atlanta, forming Richmont Graduate University in 2000. 2023 is a big year for Richmont," said Amy Estes, executive director of University Advancement. "It marks not only the 90th anniversary of CBI, but also the 50th anniversary of PSI, Richmonts Atlanta predecessor, and the 20th anniversary of our first accredited graduating class. We thought it was important to celebrate these milestones of our heritage and what has gone in to making Richmont what it is today. And we are pleased to have started our celebrations in such a special way recognizing our Chattanooga roots. The gala at the Hunter was sponsored by Decosimo Corporate Finance, LLC. Tom Decosimo, current Richmont Trustee and great nephew of CBI founder Ellen Sharp Poindexter, hoped to engage younger members of the founding family. Following the event he said, This 5th and 6th generation of family members and their broad network of friends, all of whom are upcoming leaders of the Chattanooga community, where provided information about Richmont their legacy. To a person, they were overwhelmed with the impact the University is making in the world by training from a Christian worldview evidence-based clinical mental health practitioners. They were excited and eager to understand the ways they can offer their support. Richmonts President, Dr. Timothy Quinnan, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to assume the leadership of Richmont in summer 2017. He provided guests with highlights of his tenure to date and a current snapshot of the university Richmont has become, experiencing endowment growth, expansion of programs, and record enrollments in recent semesters. During the last weekend of July, Richmont will host activities in Atlanta marking the 50th anniversary of Psychological Studies Institute. City officials said they plan to remove the "interim" from Interim City Attorney Phil Noblett. He became interim city attorney last October when Emily O'Donnell resigned. City Council Chairman Darrin Ledford said he and Mayor Tim Kelly agreed to make attorney Noblett the permanent city attorney. There will be a joint resolution carrying out the action. Mr. Noblett was born in Asheville, N.C., and received his B.A., with honors, from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He received his J.D. degree from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, and has been a licensed attorney in Tennessee since 1982. Mr. Noblett was a member of the firm of Nelson, McMahan & Noblett from 1990 until 2009 as a municipal and civil litigator on many state and federal court matters for the city of Chattanooga and other municipal governments in Tennessee. He has also served as city attorney for the town of Signal Mountain. Mr. Noblett is a past president of the Chattanooga Bar Association and a fellow of the Chattanooga Bar Foundation. He became Deputy City Attorney in 2009 when the City Attorney's office was moved to its present location across from City Hall. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti joined 23 state attorneys general in sending a letter to Yelp "opposing the companys practice of discriminating against crisis pregnancy centers in online consumer notices." Last year, Yelp announced that the company would begin issuing consumer notices to the Yelp profiles of crisis pregnancy centers. The notices claim to inform consumers that crisis pregnancy centers typically provide limited medical services and may not have licensed medical professionals onsite. It is unconscionable for Yelp to steer vulnerable women away from nonprofits that will support them through pregnancy and motherhood, General Skrmetti said. He said the coalition also contends that recategorizing the services of crisis pregnancy centers "is misguided because these services are in high demand." The letter demands Yelp stop misrepresenting the services of these crisis pregnancy centers. In 2019, crisis pregnancy centers provided ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, STD testing, parenting and prenatal education classes, recovery counseling, and other services valued at over $266 million to nearly two million Americans, it was stated. Attorney General Skrmetti joined the letter led by Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron along with attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Read the letter in its entirety here. Charlie Watts Stole the Trick The Rolling Stones Used Before Their 1975 Tour, According to Ronnie Wood The Rolling Stones seemed to be a magnet for controversy during their heyday. John Lennon expected them to face backlash in the 1980s, but they angered some anxious journalists years before that decade. Charlie Watts stole the promotional trick The Rolling Stones used before their 1975 tour and left a trail of upset rock journos in their wake, according to Ronnie Wood. The Rolling Stones promote their 1975 tour from a moving flatbed truck in New York City | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Ronnie Wood officially debuted with the Stones in 1975 Wood and The Rolling Stones were no strangers to each other. Wood attended an early Stones gig and promised himself hed one day join the band. Fast forward a few years, and Keith Richard lived in a guest house on his property, and Wood helped write a hit Stones song before he joined the band. When Mick Taylor quit the band, Wood made the shortlist to audition as rhythm guitarist. Drummer Charlie Watts cracked a joke at Woods expense during the tryout. That seemed to indicate he was in the band, but the official call came many months later. Wood joined The Rolling Stones before their 1975 North American summer tour and became an official member later that year. When they landed in New York City to prepare for the shows, it was Watts idea to steal the promotional trick the group used to spread the word. Wood said Charlie Watts stole the trick The Rolling Stones used to promote their 1975 tour Keith, Ronnie and Billy Preston in NYC, 1975 ? Photo by Lynn Goldsmith pic.twitter.com/AQDxdfL4RM The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) February 8, 2022 The Rolling Stones 1975 tour kicked off in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on June 1 (Woods birthday). They arrived in New York City to rehearse and promote it several weeks earlier. Wood and the other band members stayed in luxury hotels near Central Park (The Plaza and The Pierre), but Wood writes in his autobiography Ronnie that Watts stole his trick to promote the tour from NYC jazz musicians: A few mornings later, we gathered at the Plaza, went out the rear door, sneaked into an ice cream van, and went downtown to the corner of 12th Street and 5th Avenue. A flatbed truck was waiting for us, all set up with amps and instruments. This was Charlies doing. He read somewhere that black jazz artists used to roll through Harlem playing on a flatbed, so he nicked the idea for us. Ronnie Wood As the Stones rolled through Manhattan, they bypassed the restaurant where they promised to conduct interviews with journalists. That didnt sit well with the writers, but the Stones didnt care. We drove to the restaurant, as crowds gathered along the street and started following us, stopped just long enough to catch everyones attention inside, then kept right on going down 5th Avenue, Wood writes in Ronnie. Journalists raced after the flatbed, yelling at us, complaining that wed promised them interviews. And the more they yelled at us, the more we yelled back, F you. The guitarist had a good relationship with Watts and honored the drummer after his death I love you Charlie ? pic.twitter.com/BaLwszOVam Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) August 31, 2021 Related Ronnie Wood Gave a Rolling Stones Roadie a Job for Life After a Chance Meeting and a Mugging Watts August 24, 2021, death shocked the music world and left fans wondering what The Rolling Stones would do next. They did what they do best, hitting the road for a series of European concerts in the summer of 2022. Steve Jordan sat behind the kits in Watts place. Support and condolences flooded in when the drummer died. It didnt go unnoticed by Wood, who tweeted, Thank you all for your condolences and kind tributes to Charlie. I feel the love youve been sending, it means so much, a few weeks after Watts death. The guitarist paid tribute to Watts by tweeting a video a week later, and he honored the drummer with a tweet that read, Charlie, missing you every single day. Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte, we hold you close in our hearts xxx, a year later. Before Charlie Watts stole the idea to promote The Rolling Stones 1975 tour, he made a lighthearted joke at Ronnie Woods expense during the guitarists tryout. Playing together in the same band for nearly 50 years helped them forge a close relationship that led to Wood paying tribute to the drummer after his 2021 death. For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, subscribe to Showbiz Cheat Sheets YouTube channel. ABCs The Bachelor Season 27 Episode 3 is here, and Aly Jacobs gets a one-on-one date with Zach Shallcross. So, how far does Aly get with Zach this season? Heres what goes down with their relationship, according to The Bachelor spoilers. [Spoiler alert: The Bachelor Season 27 spoilers ahead regarding Aly Jacobs.] Aly Jacobs and Zach Shallcross | ABC/Craig Sjodin Aly Jacobs gets a 1-on-1 date in The Bachelor Season 27 Episode 3 The Bachelor Season 27 Episode 3 features two one-on-one dates, a group date, and a pool party. The Bachelor spoilers shared by Reality Steve note Aly Jacobs gets the second one-on-one date of the episode. Her date follows Kaity Biggars overnight date at the Museum of Natural History. According to Reality Steve, Aly and Zach Shallcross go on a skydiving date. After skydiving, they head to Babcock Winery and Vineyards in Santa Barbara, California. The spoilers note that Aly received a rose from Zach, so its clear Zach potentially sees a future with her. (SPOILER): We take this BIP break to give you a video of Aly Jacobs on her one-on-one date today with Zach, a tweet containing a video of Aly reads. Although Zach isnt in video, he was there. I promise. They were at the Babcock Winery and Vineyards in Santa Barbara. The Bachelor Season 27 spoilers: How far does Aly Jacobs get? (SPOILER): We take this BIP break to give you a video of Aly Jacobs on her 1-on-1 date today with Zach. Although Zach isnt in video, he was there. I promise. They were at the Babcock Winery and Vineyards in Santa Barbara. pic.twitter.com/mBA4DLhEfF RealitySteve (@RealitySteve) October 5, 2022 So, how far does Aly Jacobs get? According to Reality Steve, she makes it to the fifth rose ceremony. The women and Zach Shallcross travel abroad to London and Estonia, and several women get eliminated along the way. According to The Bachelor Season 27 spoilers, four women head home between both the fifth and sixth ceremonies. Zach either sends Aly home during the fifth rose ceremony in London or the sixth in Estonia. We know 11 women went to London for Rose Ceremony #5, and by the end of Rose Ceremony #6, they have seven left, Reality Steve states. So, Aly Jacobs, Kylee Russell, Mercedes Northup, and Jess Girod are the four that were gone in London and Estonia. Im just not sure which ones were eliminated where other than Im pretty sure Jess was eliminated in Estonia. After Estonia, the group heads to Budapest, Hungary. Zach then eliminates three more women, leaving only four remaining. Zach Shallcross allegedly gets coronavirus in London The things we do for love. Don't miss #TheBachelor tonight at 8/7c on ABC! pic.twitter.com/qxb4F3XWzi The Bachelor (@BachelorABC) February 6, 2023 The Bachelor Season 27 spoilers indicate only one one-on-one date in London happened, which went to Gabi Elnicki. According to Reality Steve, Zach Shallcross got coronavirus (COVID-19) during his travels, resulting in fewer dates. As for London, I said a couple weeks ago that Gabi had the only one-on-one in London and that there were no other dates, but I didnt know why, Reality Steve wrote. Well now I do. Zach got COVID in London, hence the rest of the dates having to be cancelled, and the rose ceremony in London was done over Zoom. This possibly means that Aly Jacobs is sent home over a Zoom call. Fans will have to wait and see how that plays out on the small screen. The Bachelor Season 27 airs Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, subscribe to Showbiz Cheat Sheets YouTube channel. The Connecticut General Assembly made the American robin the states bird in 1943, the praying mantis the state insect in 1977 and the Eastern oyster the state shellfish in 1989. Will this be the year of pizza? A bill by New Haven state Sen. Gary Winfield has proposed for a second time to make pizza the state food, To recognize the contribution of pizza to the states cuisine and economy. A similar pizza bill proposed in 2021 was overwhelming passed in the House, but didnt make it to a Senate vote. The New Haven pizza expert who brought the idea to Winfield, Colin M. Caplan, believes this will be the year. We have a strong delegation backing this cause people who love pizza, said Caplan, producer of the film, Pizza, a Love Story, and author of Pizza in New Haven, a history New Haven families immersed in the pizziera business. Caplan also runs Taste of New Haven, which gives culinary tours and classes, including for pizza. Everytime this bill comes up, people have a smile on their face, Caplan said. While there are so many important laws that need creating, the pizza bill, doesnt get in the way of the others, he said. Caplan said he got the idea to make pizza the official state food during the pandemic as a way to elevate local businesses and bring attention to the state. It was really about pride, prowess and respect back to family-run businesses, Caplan said. He said Connecticut doesnt have a state food and no other state has pizza as its food. Caplan brought the idea to state Rep. Pat Dillon in 2020, who got Winfield on board. He said the recreational marijuana bill dominated the session and the pizza bill wasnt heard in the Senate. Sallys Apizza in New Haven. But during the process, the pizza bill made national news and soon, the governor of Connecticut, New York and New Jersey were having Twitter wars over who had the best pizza. Theres no question its good for Connecticut. The state is full of great pizzieras. He said the bill is as much about economic development as it is pizza, from the restaurant workers through to those who manufacture the pizza boxes. While New Haven is home to some of the most nationally renowned pizzerias, Sallys, Pepes, Modern, and nearby in West Haven, Zuppardis, there are great ones throughout the state, he said. Every city, every town has its favorite pizzeria, he said. Dillon said she thought the pizza bill was a nice affirmation of something the state is good at. Dillon said she once heard that chain pizzieras never stood a chance at success in Connecticut because people are so wedded to their local pizza restaurants. She said they had an upbeat 15-minute conversation about the 2021 bill on the House floor and it easily passed, but was never taken up in the Senate. Dillon said that during the pandemic people were virtuous about getting take-out food, while people making pizza were taking chances with their health. Those are the workers who really kept us fed. I wanted to honor them, too, Dillon said. Generally the people in the House were very positive. What happened in the Senate, I really dont know, she noted. This time around the pizza bill was referred to a committee. Winfield could not be reached for comment Monday, but in a 2021 Courant story on the bill said he traveled far and wide as a member of the military eating inferior pizza before arriving in Connecticut two decades ago. Winfield told the Courant, When I got to New Haven, I said, I think I have to admit that this pizzas really good. New Haven in particular is amazing, it really is. Winfield, a longtime Elm City resident and father of twins, said in 2021 that the bill was, kind of a fun thing, and admitted, Pizza is a big part of my life. Four Dads Pub in downtown Hartford serves pizzas. At a hearing on the 2021 bill, state Rep. Daniel Fox, a Stamford Democrat who co-chaired the committee that held a public hearing on the issue, said testimony showed that pizza generates an estimated $8.2 billion in sales annually statewide across 169 towns. Pizza is a source of pride, Fox said at the time, mentioning Hope Street Pizza and others in his hometown of Stamford. State Rep. Gale Mastrofrancesco, a Republican from Wolcott, said at the time, Who doesnt love pizza? Its probably one of our favorite foods here in Connecticut. I think we all love pizza. Rep. Tim Ackert, a Coventry Republican who supported the bill in 2021, said he prefers lobster rolls. We have five pizza joints in the little, tiny town of Coventry, Ackert said. Im just amazed at the amount of pizza restaurants that a town can sustain when we have five in a 12,000-person town. Researchers at UCL and the University of Cambridge have discovered a new type of ice that more closely resembles liquid water than any other known ices and that may rewrite our understanding of water and its many anomalies. The newly discovered ice is amorphous - that is, its molecules are in a disorganised form, not neatly ordered as they are in ordinary, crystalline ice. Amorphous ice, although rare on Earth, is the main type of ice found in space. That is because in the colder environment of space, ice does not have enough thermal energy to form crystals. For the study, published in the journal Science, the research team used a process called ball milling, vigorously shaking ordinary ice together with steel balls in a jar cooled to -200 degrees Centigrade. They found that, rather than ending up with small bits of ordinary ice, the process yielded a novel amorphous form of ice that, unlike all other known ices, had the same density as liquid water and whose state resembled water in solid form. They named the new ice medium-density amorphous ice (MDA). The team suggested that MDA (which looks like a fine white powder) may exist inside ice moons of the outer solar system, as tidal forces from gas giants such as Jupiter and Saturn may exert similar shear forces on ordinary ice as those created by ball milling. In addition, the team found that when MDA was warmed up and recrystallised, it released an extraordinary amount of heat, meaning it could trigger tectonic motions and icequakes in the kilometres-thick covering of ice on moons such as Ganymede. Senior author Professor Christoph Salzmann (UCL Chemistry) said: Water is the foundation of all life. Our existence depends on it, we launch space missions searching for it, yet from a scientific point of view it is poorly understood. We know of 20 crystalline forms of ice, but only two main types of amorphous ice have previously been discovered, known as high-density and low-density amorphous ices. There is a huge density gap between them and the accepted wisdom has been that no ice exists within that density gap. Our study shows that the density of MDA is precisely within this density gap and this finding may have far-reaching consequences for our understanding of liquid water and its many anomalies. The density gap between the known amorphous ices has led scientists to suggest water in fact exists as two liquids at very cold temperatures and that theoretically, at a certain temperature, both of these liquids could co-exist, with one type floating above the other, as when mixing oil and water. This hypothesis has been demonstrated in a computer simulation, but not confirmed by experiment. The researchers say that their new study may raise questions about the validity of this idea. Professor Salzmann said: Existing models of water should be re-tested. They need to be able to explain the existence of medium-density amorphous ice. This could be the starting point for finally explaining liquid water. The researchers proposed that the newly discovered ice may be the true glassy state of liquid water that is, a precise replica of liquid water in solid form, in the same way that glass in windows is the solid form of liquid silicon dioxide. However, another scenario is that MDA is not glassy at all, but is in a heavily sheared crystalline state. Co-author Professor Andrea Sella (UCL Chemistry) said: We have shown it is possible to create what looks like a stop-motion kind of water. This is an unexpected and quite amazing finding. Lead author Dr Alexander Rosu-Finsen, who carried out the experimental work while at UCL Chemistry, said: We shook the ice like crazy for a long time and destroyed the crystal structure. Rather than ending up with smaller pieces of ice, we realised that we had come up with an entirely new kind of thing, with some remarkable properties. By mimicking the ball-milling procedure via repeated random shearing of crystalline ice, the team also created a computational model of MDA. Dr Michael Davies, who carried out the computational modelling whilst a PhD student in the ICE (interfaces, catalytic & environmental) lab at UCL and the University of Cambridge, said: Our discovery of MDA raises many questions on the nature of liquid water and so understanding MDAs precise atomic structure is very important. Water has many anomalies that have long baffled scientists. For instance, water is at its most dense at 4 degrees Centigrade and becomes less dense as it freezes (hence ice floats). Also, the more you squeeze liquid water, the easier it gets to compress, deviating from principles true for most other substances. Amorphous ice was first discovered in its low-density form in the 1930s when scientists condensed water vapour on a metal surface cooled to -110 degrees Centigrade. Its high-density state was discovered in the 1980s when ordinary ice was compressed at nearly -200 degrees Centigrade. While common in space, on Earth, amorphous ice is thought only to occur in the cold upper reaches of the atmosphere. Ball milling is a technique used in several industries to grind or blend materials, but had not before been applied to ice. In the study, liquid nitrogen was used to cool a grinding jar to -200 degrees Centigrade and the density of the ball-milled ice was determined from its buoyancy in liquid nitrogen. The researchers used a number of other techniques to analyse the structure and properties of MDA, including X-ray diffraction (looking at the pattern of X-rays reflected off the ice) and Raman spectroscopy (looking at how the ice scatters light) at UCL Chemistry as well as small-angle diffraction at the UCL Centre for Nature Inspired Engineering to explore its long-range structure. They also successfully replicated the process of producing medium-density ice in a computer simulation, using the UCL Kathleen High Performance Computing Facility. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Applications for tax credits for Town of Cheshire homeowners over 65 years of age and those totally disabled will be taken at the Assessors office in the Cheshire Town Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning on Feb. 1, and running through May 15. These programs consist of the following: State of Connecticut Elderly Homeowners Program This is a real estate tax credit program for homeowners who are at least 65 years of age as of Dec. 31, 2022 and meet certain income guidelines. Those guidelines require that annual income for single people, including Social Security benefits, should not exceed $40,300. Married couples can be eligible if their income, including Social Security benefits, does not exceed $49,100. Applicants must bring all proof of their 2022 income, including a copy of their 2022 federal income tax return, if one is filed, and proof of Social Security income (Form 1099) for the 2022 calendar year. Also, the applicant must own and reside in the property for which tax relief is sought as of Oct. 1, 2022 or must hold a tenancy for life use of the property and be liable for the tax bill. This must be the applicants principal or legal residence. Homeowners who are totally disabled, and dont qualify for the elderly homeowners program because they are under age 65 can apply. One must provide proof of their disability award letter from the Social Security Administration. Also, the same income guidelines established for the elderly homeowners program must be met. Previous participants in this program will be required to re-file their applications biennially and will be notified by mail of this re-filing requirement. New applicants who think they qualify for this tax relief should inquire at the Assessors Office. Town of Cheshire Local Elderly Tax Relief Program In addition to the State of Connecticut property tax relief program, the Town of Cheshire offers a local tax relief program. This program currently provides three types of property tax relief for qualifying applicants. The first element of the program provides a tax credit for married couples whose income does not exceed $80,000 and single people whose income does not exceed $74,700. The second part of the program provides a tax deferral of up to 75% of taxes for married couples whose income does not exceed $49,100 and single people whose income does not exceed $40,300. The third part of the program is the local elderly tax freeze. The income limits for this program are the same as they are for the deferral program. Applicants must be 70 years old as of Dec. 31, 2022. Further details can be obtained from the Assessors office. To qualify for the local tax relief programs, these income guidelines must be met as well as the age or disability criteria outlined in the above-mentioned state programs. Applicants must bring all proof of their 2022 income, including a copy of their 2022 federal income tax return, if one is filed, and proof of Social Security income (Form 1099) for the 2022 calendar year. The application period for those interested in the Town program is Feb. 1 through May 15. If you need more information, please call the Assessors Office at (203) 271-6620. A Baltimore-based company has recalled more than 400 food items sold in Amtrak trains, vending machines and shops across the Eastern Seaboard because of potential listeria contamination, the Food and Drug Administration said last week. The company, Fresh Ideation Food Group, recalled breakfast sandwiches, muffins, yogurt, fresh produce and other items sold from Jan. 24-30 because the products have the potential to be contaminated with listeria bacteria, the FDA said Friday. Listeria causes an illness that can be fatal, especially among children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems, and an infection that can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths. The recall applies to products with a sell through date from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6. The affected products were distributed in Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia. During routine monitoring of our facility, we determined that listeria may be present in the facility, the company said in a prerecorded statement. In an abundance of caution, we have recalled all products made at the time of this finding. The FDA said Monday that no illnesses had been reported. Consumers who have purchased any of the items are encouraged to contact Fresh Ideation. A company spokesperson did not immediately respond to messages seeking more information. In an email to customers, Amtrak said that some of the recalled products had been sold on two of its busiest train lines, the Acela and Northeast Regional trains, between Jan. 24-29. We immediately stopped serving these products and promptly removed them from our trains upon notification, the company said, adding that all products currently served onboard are completely safe to consume. Symptoms of listeria can include fever, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The symptoms generally begin roughly two weeks after ingesting food laced with the bacteria. In the United States, past listeria outbreaks have been connected to undercooked poultry, raw vegetables and unpasteurized milks and ice cream, the FDA said. Big Olaf Creamery, a family-owned business in Sarasota, Florida, recalled its ice cream amid an FDA investigation last summer into an outbreak that killed at least one person and sickened two dozen other people. At least one person died and 13 others were hospitalized during a listeria outbreak last fall that federal officials tied to deli meat and cheeses. Among those sickened during the outbreak was a pregnant person who lost the pregnancy, the FDA said. Pregnant women are 10 times more likely than other people to become infected, according to the CDC. About 1,600 people get listeriosis in the United States each year, according to the CDC, and about 1 in 5 people with the infection die. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. On Friday, February 3, Australias drugs watchdog announced that two psychedelic substances MDMA and psilocybin will soon be utilized for the treatment of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MDMA is commonly referred to as ecstasy, whereas psilocybin is known as magic mushrooms. During the 1960s, these drugs were at the center of counter-culture movements and were ultimately banned. However, in recent decades, the two psychedelic substances have re-entered the limelight, with scientists hoping they could serve new clinical purposes treating disorders such as addiction, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. So, starting in July, psychiatrists in Australia will have the ability to prescribe both substances to patients. This move came after the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) found sufficient evidence for potential benefits in certain patients. Right now, the drugs are currently prohibited substances in Australia and can only be utilized in clinical trials that are closely controlled. However, TGA recently announced that both MDMA and psilocybin were found to be relatively safe when administered to patients in a medical setting. The administration also said that the drugs, which resulted in an altered state of consciousness, may help patients. According to many scientists like Mike Musker, a suicide prevention and mental health researcher at the University of South Australia, this move is exciting and has been long-awaited. There are many people in the community experiencing PTSD and depression, particularly army veterans and people who have worked in emergency services where standard psychiatric drugs have not worked and offer no relief, Musker said. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. The morning after a mass shooting by a Chinese gunman killed 11 people in a predominantly Chinese suburb during Lunar New Year festivities last month, news and commentators buzzed about the weight of the tragedy for the Asian American community. But many Chinese churches in the US didnt bring it up. Current events rarely make it into sermons or public statements from the pulpits at Chinese congregations, a reality that makes them outliers among American churches. At James Hwangs Chinese church in Southern California, the pastor brought up the shooting in the area only during the announcements, when he suggested that congregants pray for those affected by the tragedy. Most of the brothers and sisters didnt seem to talk about it either, said Hwang, a retired pastor and ministry leader. The majority of Chinese churches in the US leave current events at the door. For some, its a deliberate decision to avoid politics in the pulpit for the sake of unity among their flock. They are concerned that discussion of current events may become a distraction or cause divisiveness. They believe that Sunday gatherings should focus on worship, Gods Word, and gospel proclamation, and its important to keep that a priority over whats happening outside the church. Jesus focus was always on the gospel. He wanted to talk about sin and judgment, said Kris Wang, who serves as an elder in a Chinese church in Lansing, Michigan. He didnt want to blur the focus of the gospel by talking about current events, theology, or political issues. I am not opposed to talking about current events in church, but I think we need to be careful about the negative effects of losing focus when responding to current events, he said. The immigrant experience Overall, a majority of American churches address current events from the pulpit. In 2020, 41 percent of evangelical congregations reported that their pastors mentioned the issue of racism in a sermon. More than two thirds of congregations heard about the elections (71%) and the pandemic (82%). Researchers also analyzed 100,000 sermons preached over a period of 15 years by a representative sample of more than 5,000 pastors. While only 1 percent of sermons mentioned elections, the 2020 report found, more than 70 percent of pastors addressed a political topic from the pulpit. But the majority (55%) of Protestant churchgoers strongly or somewhat agree that their political views match those of the rest of the congregation, according to a 2022 Lifeway report. Chinese American believers are unlikely to say the same. Scholar Fenggang Yang interviewed immigrant Christians from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other parts of Southeast Asia while doing research for his 1999 book, Chinese Christians in America: Conversion, Assimilation, and Adhesive Identities. He found that one of the sensitive political issues was the relationship between China and Taiwan, with sharp divides between those who want to see the island reunified with mainland China and those who want independence. Everyone had some political positions, but they just couldnt talk about it, said Yang, who is also the director of the Center on Religion and the Global East at Purdue University. When they talked about it, it could result in heated debates without reaching any agreement. Instead, Yang says, pastors tried to meet everyone in the middle by calling for prayers for peace, without mentioning any specifics. Twenty-five years later, even though the majority of those in Americas Chinese churches are now from mainland China, the range of political diversity has persisted, with some Christians calling for political reforms in China and others supporting the current government led by the Communist Party. At one church, someone just offered a prayer for the situation in Hong Kong and there were members who complained immediately after the service, Yang said. Beyond disagreements tied immediately to Chinese politics, whether its due to a language barrier, education divide, or the popularity of self media, Chinese immigrants are also less likely to be as connected to mainstream US news as native-born Americans, according to Andrew Ong, a Bay Area pastor whose PhD focused on Chinese American evangelicals. The news that is important to these communities just may be very different than what is making the front page of The New York Times, Ong said. Immigrants have very different reference points, said Yang. Yes, they see [the US] as home, but they have close family members, relatives in China or Greater China, so they are more emotionally invested in that part of the world. Asian immigrants are often targets of fake news and propaganda about the US in their native language, and WeChat users are overwhelmingly likely to only be getting their news on the site from Chinese sources. Chinese immigrants may inadvertently join bad-faith WeChat groups, like ones that during the 2020 election attempted to frighten the community out of voting. Though there may be some spaces where Chinese Christians discuss American elections or where culture wars issues get discussed, I tend to see these political voices as the outliers, Ong said. As the number of attacks on Asian Americans increased in recent years, many Asian American Christians who were born and raised in the US have been quick to speak out. But many immigrant Chinese Christian leaders havent joined the chorus. The contrast in their approach to societal issues and grief around current events reveals different priorities in ministry. Some who grew up in immigrant churches have moved on to other congregations where its more of a focus. In my experience, the ones who felt the most frustrated have left their churches and sought a better fit, said Ong. Chinese Christianity in the US has been shaped in part by a pietism that emphasized saving souls as the top priority and saw everything else as a distraction from evangelism. Yang sees a possible link between this theology and Buddhism. Buddhists would say, Salvation is all about your own peace of mind. Dont be disturbed by social, political, or cultural issues around you. When you express opinions as attachment to the world, then that will be an obstacle for you to reach the enlightenment. I think that there is that kind of spiritual heritage, The idea of Once you become religious, you stay away from world things, said Yang. Connections to their context Many Chinese immigrant church leaders still believe that pastors engaging with the news can be valuable to their congregations. Talking about current events from the pulpit gives brothers and sisters a biblical or Christian guide and connects them to our own context, said Calvin Chin, who serves as a minister at Chinese Community Church of Indianapolis. At the same time, if the pulpit talks too much about current affairs, it can give the congregants an impression that the sermon is just another kind of news broadcast or a commentary on current affairs. Pastorally, church leaders can address the emotional needs of the congregation by referencing what people are experiencing and then pointing people to the Word of God, says Daode Chen, a Southern Baptist pastor in Los Angeles. Certain current events may bring confusion to the congregation about their faith, so it makes sense to have a minister in the pulpit to interpret that from a biblical perspective, Chen said. From a homiletical point of view, public events that are recent and known to the congregation are the most effective in terms of helping communication. Even if the public event is only cited as an example, it can be a blessing for the pulpit. Chen also worries about what type of theological message is being sent by not discussing the news. By not talking about current events, the pastor brings a dualistic view into the church, limiting the Word of God to the realm of the church, he said. Rutgers Community Church in New Jersey was among the minority of Chinese churches that repeatedly made explicit mention of the California dance hall attack, with references in subsequent church prayer letters and scheduled time to remember the community during prayer. Elder Rumin Zhang believes current events should also prompt churches to take their discipleship responsibilities seriously. Jesus reminds us that it is only because of the increase in lawlessness that the love of many people has grown cold (Matt. 24:12), he said. In the wake of major social incidents, the church has a responsibility to lead brothers and sisters not to lose their initial love, to care more about those around them, and to let the Lords forgiveness and mercy replace all kinds of hatred and grudges in human relationships. Pastors should take caution about speaking beyond their expertise, especially when the facts around a particular news item are not yet known, said Tsun-en Lu, who teaches public theology among Chinese churches and ministers to Chinese young professionals in the US. When the majority of the congregation has shared the basic understanding of current events, the pastor can make good use of the common concerns to lead the congregation to reflect deeply on their faith, Lu said. However, when it comes to current events that most people do not yet understand, there is too much a risk that the pastor may unconsciously mislead the congregants by interpreting the reality. Unless the pastor himself is an expert on the subject, it is better not to talk about things he does not know enough about. Hwang, the California leader who previously oversaw Chinese ministries for the Far East Broadcasting Company, said that while he rarely hears Chinese preachers mention current events, When they do, even just in a prayer for the needs, I feel the pastor actually cares about people. He also sees how important it can be for Christians to think through the news from their grounding in Scripture. Karl Barth famously said, Take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible. Without knowing and mentioning what is happening in this world, Hwang said, sermons become irrelevant. [ This article is also available in and . ] Something rotten in Denmark? Thousands of Danes protest plans to abolish Christian holiday A plan to eliminate a public Christian holiday in Denmark to beef up defense spending drew thousands of protesters to the streets of Copenhagen. On Sunday, crowds as large as 50,000 took part in what was Denmarks largest demonstration in more than a decade over a proposal to scrap Great Prayer Day, a nearly 330-year-old holiday that falls on the fourth Friday after Easter, according to Reuters. About 50,000 people in Denmark on Sunday took to protest a government bill put forward to cancel the Christian holiday (Great Prayer Day). #Denmarkpic.twitter.com/ucNgbcxsCA Jen doesnt hate your Grandma (@Jinkies78) February 6, 2023 The proposal was first introduced in December by Denmarks Social Democratic Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen as a means of cutting spending in order to boost defense spending levels to a NATO-led target of 2% of GDP three years ahead of schedule, Reuters reported. As part of a new bipartisan government, Frederiksen is calling for the holidays elimination to free up some 4.5 billion Danish crowns or roughly $654 million to meet that target. By abolishing Great Prayer Day, the government anticipates higher tax revenues that could be used to cover the spending gap. While Frederiksens coalition holds a slim majority in the Danish parliament, the proposal is expected to pass despite opposition from union leaders and economists who have cast doubt on the proposals projections, according to Reuters. Essentially a collection of minor Christian holy days consolidated into one day, Great Prayer Day was initially created to be a day of prayer and fasting when it was officially made a holiday in 1686, but in modern times, its more commonly associated with hot wheat buns known as varme hveder. In earlier times, church bells would announce the start of Great Prayer Day and all work and commerce including baking were suspended until the holiday was over. In addition to fasting, Danes were urged to abstain from any worldly vanity such as gambling and traveling. As a way of circumventing the work stoppage, bakers in Denmark would bake the wheat buns with a generous helping of butter on Thursday to preserve them until they could be heated up and enjoyed the day after. While baking is no longer forbidden, Great Prayer Day in modern Denmark has more recently served as a day to gather with other Christians from various denominations to pray for the nation and for the world. In addition to Great Prayer Day, there were 22 holy days in the state of Denmark by 1770, but following a number of government reforms, roughly half of those days were abolished, including Three Kings Day and Saint Johns Day. Great Prayer Day is one of the days that made it through those reform efforts. The effort to abolish the Christian holiday is the latest government intrusion on religious freedom after the introduction of a draft law in 2021 that would require all sermons to be translated and submitted to the government. While introduced as a way to prevent acts of Islamic terrorism, churches were also included in the measure in a nod to political correctness, since restrictions cannot solely be placed on mosques, according to one report. But after bishops in Europe began voicing their protests, the Danish Council of Churches called on Fredriksen to back down from the discriminatory and ill-considered legislation. Its urgent we send aid to Turkey, Syria and the Middle East following a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that has killed and injured thousands. There are ways everyone can take action to help. And its needed desperately. The horrific numbers of casualties will tragically grow in the coming days as more reports come about the earthquakes far reaching damage. Thousands of buildings have collapsed in Turkey. Aftershocks are continuing. This region is already reeling from war and a massive hunger crisis. Just a week prior to the earthquake the UN World Food Program warned that hunger in Syria was at a 12-year high. Syria has been mired in a civil war for over a decade and the inevitable result is severe hunger. The World Food Program stated that in Syria 12 million people do not know where their next meal is coming from. Another 2.9 million people are at risk of sliding into hunger, meaning that 70% of the population may soon be unable to put food on the table for their families. Now you add the earthquake on top of that horrible scenario and you are looking a humanitarian disaster. The UN is reporting that Northwest Syria is heavily impacted by the earthquake and that many of those in danger are women and children. The UN says that the humanitarian response for Syria was already several underfunded. Now its imperative the international community step up aid to Syria and Turkey. Sasha Ekanayake, Save the Children country director for Turkey said: This is one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the region in 100 years and made thousands homeless, while the region is experiencing freezing weather and snowstorms. Turkey has taken in many of the refugees from Syrias war. Other countries in the Middle East felt the earthquake including Lebanon, Israel and Iraq. We need to be taking action now by rallying humanitarian aid for areas that already were quite neglected and suffering. Okke Bouwman, Save the Children Syria media director, said Twelve years of conflict in Syria have left families on the brink. The economy has collapsed, and families were already struggling to feed their children, to keep them warm this winter and to send them to school. Now children may be trapped in rubble, separated from their caregivers or unsure whether they will have a warm place to sleep tonight. Civil defense workers and residents search through the rubble of collapsed buildings in the town of Harem near the Turkish border, Idlib province, Syria, Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Everyone can make a difference even if you are very far away from the earthquake hit areas. You can donate to the World Food Program (WFP), Save the Children, UNICEF, Catholic Relief Services, Mercy Corps, Action against Hunger and many other great charities. Even using the app Charity Miles you can raise donations for WFP, Save the Children and UNICEF. The online trivia game FreeRice also raises donations for WFP. By holding a fundraiser for these charities you can also raise awareness about the crisis. This is especially important for rallying advocacy such as letter writing to Congress. Its very important to your let your representatives know about the urgency of humanitarian aid for Turkey, Syria and other countries in need. If everyone does a little, we can mount a huge response that saves lives in Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of the earthquake. William Lambers is an author who partnered with the UN World Food Program on the book Ending World Hunger. His writings have been published by the NY Times, Chicago Tribune, History News Network, Newsweek and many other news outlets. Influencer Oli London says going to church, listening to Jesus saved him from mutilating his body British social media influencer Oli London, who identified as trans for six months and underwent surgery to resemble male Korean pop idols, said visiting a church and listening to Jesus prevented him from traveling to Thailand for irreversible body surgeries he would have regretted, presumably castration. The defining moment for the 32-year-old influencer was when he was seated at the back of a church and he heard an inner voice say to him: Stop doing what youre doing. Be happy with who you are. In a recent interview with "Triggernometry" co-hosts Francis Foster and Konstantin Kisin, London said he then started going to church more, started reading the Bible just the teachings of Jesus. Away from the noise of social media and societal messages that London described as pushing transgenderism, it was in the pews where he realized he need to accept who he was instead of listing to celebrities and other influences online who are encouraging people suffering from body dysmorphia to have more and more surgeries. London said he stopped doing all these crazy things because, at the end of the day, its not fulfilling me; its not giving me happiness. Its harming me, its harming other people. Its whats inside that counts. I actually regretted what I was doing. He feared that, "Maybe I was persuading people to have surgeries." He said he felt he had a moral responsibility to let youth and others who look up to him know that he believes identifying as Korean or as trans were mistakes and he feels obligated to publicly share the dangers of diving into a lifetime of drugs and surgeries because of insecurity, not fitting in and being uncomfortable with one's physical appearance. In the United States, he added, children are inundated with messages from influencers or at school where they hear that it's easy, and they should take puberty-blockers or get sex change surgeries, and he wants to encourage people not to follow these life altering fads. That's why Ive kind of been trying to do some activism to try and spread love and positivity in the world better message. London added that by going to church and listening to Jesus, he was saved from making the mistake of going to Thailand to be castrated and get other body surgeries. I could have done more to myself. I was going to go to Thailand and do body surgery. I could have died, and I would have also been left with deep regret for the rest of my life. In November, London told Catholic News Agency the Bible allowed him to accept himself as God created him. London revealed that he has struggled with body dysmorphia and identity issues since he was 13 and faced bullying for his weight. However, a move to South Korea, where he taught English in 2013, led to him being bombarded with messages about the transformative power of plastic surgery. This led to him eventually having 32 surgeries to change his appearance. London, who grew up atheist but was exposed to church when he attended a Church of England-run school, acknowledged that many young people can relate to being bullied for their appearance and hopes to inspire others to find the same acceptance he did through faith. London previously told Fox News his desire to look Korean was rooted in his love for the culture and people of South Korea. He underwent multiple plastic surgeries, including a chin surgery, facelift, neck lift, eye surgery and reshaping of his cheek fat and forehead bone to appear more feminine. However, after initially feeling happy with the results, he found that he did not feel right after starting to live as a woman, wearing female clothes and makeup. It was in August 2022 that he walked into a Catholic church where a priest gave him a Bible after a service. London has said he plans to get baptized by a well-respected priest in the U.S. PCUSA clergy candidates claim exam question on violent Bible passage 'causes harm' A group of ordination candidates in the Presbyterian Church (USA) have taken issue with an exam including a violent passage from the Bible, claiming that such content may cause harm. Recently, the Presbyteries Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates, the permanent PCUSA committee tasked with overseeing the exams process for clergy candidates, oversaw an exam in which test-takers had to exegete (or interpret) a Bible passage. The passage for that particular exegesis exam was Judges 19, which centers on a violent group sexual assault and death of a concubine. This injustice led to war among the tribes of Israel. Usage of the passage prompted outrage from some, who believed that using a sexually violent part of Scripture for the exam ran the risk of retraumatizing victims of sexual assault. A petition posted to Change.org by the Rev. Elana Keppel Levy of Oklahoma, a survivor of sexual assault, has garnered more than 1,000 signatories as of Tuesday morning. While it is a vital skill for pastors to be able to interpret, teach, and preach from scripture, stories that feature extreme violence and sexual violence cause harm for both test takers and readers, reads the petition. Those who have experienced violence and sexual violence often suffer from PTSD for years, if not the rest of their lives. Being forced to read and intensely focus on stories like this is likely to be a trauma trigger. The petition adds, "Christ tells us that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. Our examinations must not cause fear and harm. We are asking for a formal apology from the Presbyteries Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates and a commitment from that committee to agree to oversight from a person or persons who have authority to act to prevent such harm from ever happening again, the petition added. The Rev. Robert Lowry of Arkansas, who chairs the committee, told Presbyterian News Service in an interview last week that the Judges 19 passage was selected as a way to help prepare future clergy for ministry in the modern church. A reality in the church today is pastors have to be equipped to engage with the parish they serve on issues that might not have been talked about 20 or 25 years ago, including sexual violence and violence in general, Lowry said. Scripture provides a rich narrative that touches on the fullness of the human experience. Lowry also told PNS that the point of the exam is to invite candidates to demonstrate how their preparation and pastoral call intersects with their acquired knowledge. It takes a great deal of thought and effort to write the questions. In the end, the collective wisdom was that this issue was of sufficient importance to use a question like this on the ordination exam, he added. Citing U.S. Department of Justice data, the Center for Family Justice reports that one in four women and one and six men are sexually abused in their lifetime. This issue is not abstract for members of our church or members of our society; it is personal," Levy wrote in the petition. "As a church, we absolutely have a duty to care for those who have been victimized, to advocate for justice, to learn how to heal spiritually, and to wrestle with biblical texts. Ensuring that candidates have a trauma-informed education about how to deal with and respond to these matters is crucial. However, this will not be effectively accomplished in a high pressure, high stakes examination." The committee will officially respond to the petition during the PCC's annual meeting in March. During our annual meeting, we will talk about the issue in a more fulsome way than social media or throwing together a Zoom call would allow, Lowry said. We believe this is an issue of great importance to the church and has intersected other important issues. We will take time at our annual meeting to focus on the questions that have arisen this week. We are doing that not to delay the conversation, but because we feel it is important enough to have in person. Smithsonian museum kicked out Catholic students for wearing pro-life hats, admits wrongdoing A Christian legal organization told the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., to prepare for litigation after Catholic students and their chaperones were allegedly asked to leave the National Air and Space Museum for wearing pro-life beanies. The American Center for Law and Justice delivered the legal letter last Wednesday in response to the incident on Jan. 20, the week of the annual March for Life in Washington. The legal nonprofit demanded that the Smithsonian's personnel preserve all information relevant to the incident, putting them on notice of potential litigation. The ACLJ represents six students and two parents involved and anticipates representing more. According to ACLJ Executive Director Jordan Sekulow, students from Our Lady of the Rosary School in Greenville, South Carolina, were all wearing beanies that read "Rosary PRO-LIFE" to identify who was in their group while visiting the museum on Jan. 20. "The museum staff mocked the students, called them expletives, and made comments that the museum was a 'neutral zone' where they could not express such statements," Sekulow wrote in a statement posted to the ACLJ's website. "The employee who ultimately forced the students to leave the museum was rubbing his hands together in glee as they exited the building. We here at the ACLJ are absolutely appalled at this blatant discrimination and won't let this behavior stand." In a statement to The Christian Post, a spokesperson for the museum apologized on behalf of the institution. "A security officer mistakenly told young visitors that their pro-life hats were not permitted in the museum," the spokesperson stated. "Asking visitors to remove hats and clothing is not in keeping with our policy or protocols. We provided immediate retraining to prevent a re-occurrence of this kind of error." The Smithsonian Institution, a group of 21 museums and education and research centers created by the federal government, receives around $1 billion from the government each year. "It states on its website that they 'welcome all people to explore' its museums, apparently just not kids with pro-life views," Sekulow stated. "This was a clear-cut First Amendment violation, not only of their freedom of speech but of religion as well. The federal government simply cannot ban speech with which it or its employees disagree." The ACLJ contends that government institutions can't censor people's speech. "The law is clear: 'The government may not suppress or exclude the speech of private parties for the sole reason that the speech is religious,'" Sekulow argues, citing the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Shurtleff v. City of Boston. The mother of one of the students posted about the event on Twitter the day it happened. "They were told to remove their hats or leave," the mom tweeted. "Daughter told man they had to wear to find each other in crowd. KICKED OUT for refusing to remove!" As CP reported, the March for Life was the first to occur since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last June. The decision, handed down in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case, reversed the court's 1973 ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. My daughter just called from DC a dozen kids from Greenville just got kicked out of the Air & Space Museum for wearing Pro Life hats.They were told to remove their hats or leave. Daughter told man they had to wear to find each other in crowd. KICKED OUT for refusing to remove! pic.twitter.com/5RSJp2ccGi Move to South Carolina (@KihneSheila) January 20, 2023 Open letter to President Biden: Stop the second Armenian genocide The Armenian genocide was committed in 1915 by Ottoman Turkey. Around 1.5 million Armenians perished in the genocide. One hundred and eight years later, the world is witnessing a second Armenian genocide, and tragically no one is taking action to stop it. The victims are the indigenous Armenian Christians of the landlocked Armenian Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (also known as Artsakh) in the South Caucasus. The perpetrator is the government of Azerbaijan. Since December 12, 120,000 Armenians living in Artsakh have been held hostage by the Azeri government within the borders of their ancestral land. The only road connecting Artsakh with the outside world (the Lachin Corridor) has remained blocked by Azerbaijan's orchestration. The Azeri government has created a humanitarian disaster through so-called eco-activists and this crisis will soon reach a critical point. Media coverage has been scarce. Diplomatic responses from the world have been weak and ineffective. On January 25, the Philos Project, an organization devoted to supporting indigenous Christian communities in the Near East, issued an open letter to President Joe Biden. The letter called on him to avert a second Armenian genocide by taking decisive action now. The lives of 120,000 Armenians and nearly 1,700 years of Christian culture hang in the balance, wrote Robert Nicholson, President of The Philos Project. Among this number are 30,000 children who remain deprived of daily nutrition and medical supplies. Hospitalized patients on life-support are struggling. Furthermore, all educational institutions have been shut down due to a lack of resources. All supplies are now rationed, including critical medical and food sources. Sporadic gas, electricity, and internet connections keep the population frozen, hungry, and isolated. People are placed under severe psychological oppression. As a result of Azerbaijan's illegal blockade and its deliberate disruption of critical infrastructure of this Armenian republic, the people's right to adequate livelihoods such as heating, hot water, and food production and access to food and medical supplies, as well as their right to healthcare and education have been systematically violated by Azerbaijan. According to the 7th article of the Statute of the International Criminal Court, Extermination includes the intentional infliction of conditions of life, inter alia the deprivation of access to food and medicine, calculated to bring about the destruction of part of a population. That is exactly what Azerbaijan is doing to the people of Artsakh extermination through the deprivation of food and medicine. Global governments, however, have been mostly silent. The lack of a swift response to Azerbaijans illegal actions further enables Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev's pursuit of ethnic cleansing with absolute impunity. The letter by Philos Project noted: Day by day the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh grows more dire, as routine shipments of basic supplies, medicines, and food supply on which the region is utterly dependent remain completely shut off, save a handful of International Red Cross humanitarian convoys. Soon the situation will become untenable for the 120,000 Armenians of Artsakh. Thats why we joined a recent warning issued by the Armenian National Committee of America that describes how more than a dozen risk factors for crimes against humanity are present in this mountain enclave. Some feel we are on the verge of a second Armenian genocide. Meanwhile, the European Parliament adopted a joint motion for a resolution on the humanitarian consequences of the blockade in Nagorno-Karabakh, urging Azerbaijan to "immediately reopen the Lachin corridor to enable free movement and ensure access to essential goods and services, thus guaranteeing security in the region and safeguarding residents livelihoods." President Biden, as the leader of the free world, it is your administration that must make a swift decision right now: Will you save the lives of 120,000 innocent people or will you allow Azerbaijan to commit yet another Armenian genocide? Phil and Lucinda Dooley appointed new global senior pastors of Hillsong Church Twelve months after serving as interim global senior pastors of Hillsong Church following the resignation of founder Brian Houston, husband and wife pastors, Phil and Lucinda Dooley, were permanently appointed to the position as Jesus followers who follow the Lord wholeheartedly. Phil and Lucinda were raised up in our church. They have served many roles, as youth pastors, worship pastors, pastoral care, and for the last 14 years dedicating their lives to establishing and building [of] a flourishing church in South Africa, chair of the Hillsong Church Global Board, Stephen Crouch, told the congregation before prayers were offered for the couple. We believe, that is the global senior board believe, that they have got the spirit of leadership on their life. And as we have come to see them more closely, as you have come to see them more closely, you can see that they follow the Lord wholeheartedly. That they are Jesus followers, Crouch continued. The board recognized that they are clearly called by God. And for their part, I know that they are deeply committed to their calling, he added. I believe that theyll lead this church with grace and wisdom. Brian Houston formally resigned as global senior pastor of Hillsong Church on March 23, 2022, in the wake of revelations that two women had made serious complaints of misconduct against him in the last 10 years. Houston, who is fighting criminal charges in Australia that he covered up his fathers child sexual abuse, has since blamed public statements made by the churchs board for his abrupt resignation instead of any mistakes he made in ministry. He argued that the board's statements led to public speculation and allowed peoples imagination to run wild and draw their own conclusions about his departure from Hillsong. I want to be clear. The media and others incorrectly say I resigned because I breached the Hillsong code of conduct, but thats just not true. I didnt resign because of my mistakes. I resigned because of the announcements and statements that had been made, which Bobbie and I felt made my position untenable. And I spelled out my reasons for my resignation in my resignation letter to the Hillsong Church board, Brian Houston said in a Facebook video last November. He added that when he offered to resign last March, he was expecting the board to reject it and fight for him, understanding how much pressure he was facing at the time. I guess a big part of me hoped that the board, knowing the pressure I was under, would reject my offer and continue to fight for me, but that was not to be, he said. We certainly did not want to just abandon the Hillsong congregation, as some have suggested. We adore the people of Hillsong Church, and to be honest, we miss you all terribly. Houston and his wife, Bobbie, who have since sold their $4.5 million home in Australia, have been busy in recent weeks selling off their used designer clothes, furniture and other home goods described as pre-loved online. Devil-horned Sam Smith, 'hellkeeper' Kim Petras' satanic 'Unholy' performance outrages viewers 'Mocking Christianity;' 'Brought to you by Pfizer' The music industrys biggest night took an Unholy turn Sunday after Kim Petras became the first trans-identified artist to win a Grammy and delivered a dark performance of the hit song. Sam Smith joined Petras for a Hades-inspired performance in which, at one point, he donned a top hat with devil horns as dancers gyrated around him while Petras sang from inside a cage as flames roared behind. Clad in all-red leather, Smith was flanked by dancing demon-looking figures as Petras was locked in the cage behind chains as several more sinister figures wearing satanic headgear stood guard outside. The performance highlighted what was a historic night for the Grammys. After winning four Grammys, including record of the year in 2015, Smith became the first artist who identifies as non-binary to win Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, while first-time nominee Petras won the first award for a trans-identified artist. The duo were introduced by Madonna, who has her own legacy of controversy at the Grammys and who last month sparked outrage after posing for a Vanity Fair cover that some called blasphemous for making a mockery of the Last Supper. Calling Smith and Petras two incredibly talented artists who were forging a new path and taking the heat for all of it, the 64-year-old Madonna applauded the pair. You guys need to know all you troublemakers out there you need to know that your fearlessness does not go unnoticed, she said. You are seen, you are heard and, most of all, you are appreciated. Upon winning the Grammy with Smith, Petras thanked Madonna during his acceptance speech earlier in the night. At one point in the song, Petras references the troubled Balenciaga brand: Mmm, daddy, daddy, if you want it, drop the add'y (yuh)/ Give me love, give me Fendi, my Balenciaga daddy. Last fall, Balenciaga came under fire for an ad campaign that featured disturbing images of young girls holding handbags shaped like teddy bears in fishnet tops and leather harnesses. After the show, Petra told reporters backstage the performance was inspired by not being able to choose religion. I think a lot of people, honestly, have kind of labeled what I stand for and what Sam stands for as religiously not cool, and I personally grew up wondering about religion and wanting to be a part of it but slowly realizing it didnt want me to be a part of it, she said. So its a take on not being able to choose religion. And not being able to live the way that people might want you to live because, as a trans person, Im already not kind of wanted in religion. So we were doing a take on that, and I was kind of hellkeeper Kim. The duos song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 last October. Unsurprisingly, Smith and Petras performance stirred controversy on social media, where some Christians and conservatives were quick to deem the display as satanic. Becker News CEO Kyle Becker tweeted: "Diabolical vibes at the #Grammys as it descends into satanic themes with the song Unholy performed by a debauched gay man. The WEF overlords at Davos were surely pleased by this disgusting display." Diabolical vibes at the #Grammys as it descends into satanic themes with the song Unholy performed by a debauched gay man. The WEF overlords at Davos were surely pleased by this disgusting display. pic.twitter.com/lja0LwUinY Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) February 6, 2023 Commentator Robby Starbuck also weighed in: "People like Sam Smith who love to mock Christianity and use satanic themes always think theyre super edgy artists by doing it. In reality its not edgy. Its boring, vile, rehashed shock tactics that Hollywood seals clap for because theyre evil and stupid." People like Sam Smith who love to mock Christianity and use Satanic themes always think theyre super edgy artists by doing it. In reality its not edgy. Its boring, vile, rehashed shock tactics that Hollywood seals clap for because theyre evil & stupid. pic.twitter.com/Hmfo31M5NM Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) February 6, 2023 Some viewers also marked the show's Pfizer sponsorship: "Grammys openly celebrating Satan (Sam Smith singing 'Unholy,' brought to you by Pfizer all while Jill Biden is handing out song of the year. Its a satanic cult. If this doesnt show people I dont know what will. Its blatantly disgusting! Stop giving the #GRAMMYs the ratings. Grammys openly celebrating satan (Sam Smith singing unholy, brought to you by Pfizer all while Jill Biden is handing out song of the year. Its a satanic cult. If this doesnt show people I dont know what will. Its blatantly disgusting! Stop giving the #GRAMMYs the ratings pic.twitter.com/MfuxVzSdSU Krisandra (@k_praytor) February 6, 2023 Host Trevor Noah even took a fake phone call assuring his mother that Smiths performance wasnt the actual devil as Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck looked on. No, mom, it wasnt the actual devil ... Yeah, you did warn me about Hollywood Host Trevor Noah pretended to get a phone call from his mom after Sam Smith & Kim Petras steamy Unholy performance at the #GRAMMYspic.twitter.com/z6qBK1i4s7 NowThis (@nowthisnews) February 6, 2023 While ratings for this year's broacast were not available as of Monday morning, it's unclear whether the awards show topped its dismal 2021 and slightly less dismal 2022 showings. Last year, the Grammy Awards on CBS returned to a fully in-person show but saw only a slight bump up in viewers, compared with the Grammys' 2021 partly-virtual presentation, which marked a record low in viewership, according to Variety. 'We are ready to worship!': CBS deletes tweet promoting 'Unholy' Grammys number What or whom, exactly, was being worshiped during the 65th annual Grammy Awards? CBS, which broadcast the awards show Sunday night, posted and then subsequently deleted a tweet that promoted a controversial performance of the hit song Unholy by artists Sam Smith and Kim Petras. Ahead of the performance at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Smith tweeted an image of himself wearing a top hat with devil horns and the caption, This is going to be SPECIAL, to which CBS verified account replied, ...you can say that again. We are ready to worship! Moments later, Smith and Petras, who became the first nonbinary-identified and trans-identified artists, respectively, to win a Grammy, delivered a demonically-inspired performance in which Smith, at one point, donned the top hat with devil horns while dancers gyrated around him while wearing grotesque face masks. Petras sang from inside a cage as flames roared behind her and performers wearing devilish headgear stalked around the locked cage door. By Monday evening, the tweet was marked as deleted by the author. Its unclear when and why CBS decided to take down the tweet. A request for comment Tuesday from The Christian Post was not returned. In response, conservative Christian watchdog group Media Research Center tweeted, Did CBS just admit it worships Satan? Viewers also took exception to the segment after a sponsored by Pfizer tag was shown on air following the performance. Pfizer has since stated the sponsorship was for the Grammys broadcast as a whole and not for that specific segment. In response, the American Family Association launched a petition calling for supporters to urge the company to distance itself from controversial programs that have a history of offending decency and disrespecting people of faith. Pfizer's sponsorship and ads suggest the company wants your body to be healthy but has no concern about souls celebrating hell, the petition stated. Ratings for the Grammys bounced back to a three-year high with over 12.55 million viewers, according to Nielsen ratings reported Monday. While its a 31% rebound from the audience who watched the 2022 awards, its still sharply down from 2020, the last pre-pandemic show, according to The Hollywood Reporter. After the show, Petra told reporters backstage the Unholy performance was inspired by not being able to choose religion. I think a lot of people, honestly, have kind of labeled what I stand for and what Sam stands for as religiously not cool, and I personally grew up wondering about religion and wanting to be a part of it but slowly realizing it didnt want me to be a part of it, she said. So its a take on not being able to choose religion. And not being able to live the way that people might want you to live because, as a trans person, Im already not kind of wanted in religion. So we were doing a take on that, and I was kind of hellkeeper Kim. The duos song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 last October. Christians face harassment in more countries than any other religious group, Pew study finds Christians faced harassment in more countries than any other religious group amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, according to a recent Pew Research study finding an increase in 45 countries where followers of Christ face social or government abuse or violence since 2012. The data on restrictions to religion around the globe, released last November, was featured in a Jan. 27 report showing that Christians face harassment in over 155 countries in 2020, an increase from 110 in 2012. The organization's definition of "harassment" can include a wide range of actions, including verbal abuse to physical violence and killings committed by governments, social groups or individuals. The study captured "cases where individuals or groups feel singled out or unable to express their religious belief or nonbelief." The study rated 198 countries and territories by their levels of government restrictions on religion and social hostilities involving religion using the same 10-point indexes used in the previous studies. Pews Government Restrictions Index (GRI) measures government laws, policies and actions that restrict religious beliefs and practices, while its Social Hostilities Index (SHI) measures acts of religious hostility by private individuals, organizations or groups in society. Researchers sifted through over a dozen publicly available data sources for the report, including the U.S. Department of States annual peports on international religious freedom and annual reports from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Overall, physical harassment related to religion occurred in more than two-thirds of countries in 2020, the research shows. Muslims faced harassment in 145 countries, an increase from 109 in 2012. Jews, who make up 0.2% of the global population, face harassment in 94 countries, up from 71 in 2012. The study found that Christian groups were "targeted by private individuals and organizations in nine countries" as Christians were often blamed for the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. "In Turkey, an Armenian Orthodox churchs door was set on fire, and news reports said the man told police that he acted because they [Armenian Christians] brought the coronavirus to Turkey," the Nov. 27 Pew report states. "In Egypt, conspiracy theories blamed the pandemic on the Coptic Orthodox Christian minority, which international Christian observers said exacerbated the discrimination the minority group already faced." In India, two Christians were beaten and killed while in police custody for violating COVID-19 curfews in Tamil Nadu, according to the U.S. State Department's annual international religious freedom report. The study also found a nine-fold increase in countries where non-religious people face harassment. Pew named the United States among 27 countries where religiously unaffiliated people were harassed in 2020. Restrictions on religion dont just affect those who are religious. Religiously unaffiliated people also are harassed because of what they believe, states the Jan. 27 report by research analysts Sarah Crawford and Virginia Villa, which focuses on harassment against the religious unaffiliated. The report also found that the religiously unaffiliated faced harassment in 12 majority-Muslim nations and six majority-Christian countries. Forms of government harassment for atheists, according to Pew, included atheist groups in Croatia a majority-Catholic country who alleged the presence of the cross and other Roman Catholic symbolism in public buildings like hospitals and courtrooms were unconstitutional. And in countries like Pakistan, where Islam is the state-sanctioned religion, atheists are not given a "no religion" option for their identification cards, although the "government requires people to state their religious affiliation." Examples of social harassment cited by Pew included a political satirist in Lebanon who called atheism the religion of donkeys during a program on a TV channel backed by that nations Christian Free Patriotic Movement political party. While the rise of the religious nones isnt new, Pew predicts the trend could result in the number of Christians of all ages shrinking from 64% to as low as 35% of all Americans by 2070. The Pew findings come as the global persecution watchdog organization Open Doors reported last year that over 360 million Christians experienced high levels of persecution and discrimination across the globe. But even as more people shy away from identifying with any religion, many of those who report no religious affiliation still partake in a wide variety of religious and spiritual practices and beliefs. According to a 202 Baylor University study, many nones still attend religious services, pray, meditate, believe in God or a higher power, have religious experiences, and believe in Heaven, Hell and miracles. Church at Planned Parenthood must pay $960K for holding worship outside abortion clinic A pro-life organization will have to pay $960,000 in legal fees and damages for holding worship services at the property of a local Planned Parenthood clinic in Washington state. The Church at Planned Parenthood, a group organized by Covenant Church that used to hold worship services on the property of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Spokane, agreed to pay $850,000 in legal fees. This total is added to an earlier amount of $110,000 to be paid in damages after holding worship services outside of the Spokane Planned Parenthood Health Care Center in 2020. "Planned Parenthood Sues our little church for Peaceful Assembly and it costs Christians $850,000 for mostly Corrupt Lawyers Fees," Pastor Ken Peters wrote on Facebook. "The only difference We have to do 7pm instead of 6pm, and go across the street. $850k over one hour and across the street. Wow. Thats a lot of money they stole from the Kingdom over one hour. We are restarting again March 14 at 7pm. See you there Pacific NW. It aint over." The Seattle-based law firm Legal Voice, representing Planned Parenthood, announced the settlement in a press release last week, hailing the decision as "a win for abortion providers." "This puts anti-choice extremists on notice: Legal Voice and our allies will hold them accountable. We will vigorously pursue every dollar owed to our clients to ensure anti-choice harassers actually pay for their illegal actions. We will make sure their actions are seen for what they are: crimes," stated Legal Voice. "We will also continue our work to ensure that the communities we serve are able to access the reproductive health care that they deserve and that this access comes without intimidation or shame." Planned Parenthood contends that worship services interrupted the clinic's provision of services and claims that some who attended the services engaged in intimidation tactics. "Staff were forced to shuttle patients between offices and patients sometimes chose not to follow through with their appointments, rather than run through the gauntlet of armed protestors blocking their way," Legal Voice maintains. According to its website, the Church at Planned Parenthood does not consider itself a protest but "a worship service at the gates of Hell." "The Church at Planned Parenthood is a gathering of Christians for the worship of God and the corporate prayer for repentance for this nation, repentance for the apathetic church and repentance of our blood guiltiness in this abortion holocaust," the group stated. In June 2020, Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho sued the pro-life group, claiming that the worship violated the local noise ordinance and a state law prohibiting disruptions at healthcare facilities. Pastor Peters, one of the defendants and organizers of the services, told The Christian Post in an interview in 2020 that the services are only once a month and held after hours. "They are scared of our prayers and our worship. We aren't there to bother them, we are there to touch Heaven and be a light to the world. We are there to be a prophetic statement that 'we, the church, don't approve of killing life inside the womb,'" said Peters at the time. "Right now, they are suing us for psychological damages to their staff and patients after hours. I'm sorry, but they do much more damage to these women and children than our singing." In September 2020, a Washington Superior Court judge issued a preliminary injunction against the Church at Planned Parenthood, ordering the group to move services across the street. Spokane County Superior Court Judge Timothy B. Fennessy issued a permanent injunction against the services in September 2021, concluding that "reasonable minds can only reach one conclusion, that Covenant Church intends to interfere with access to or safe and effective delivery of health care services provided by" the Planned Parenthood clinic. Last December, Fennessy granted the abortion provider's motion for damages, awarding $110,000. This led to the negotiations that resulted in an additional $850,000 in legal fees being paid by the pro-life group. A plea for ministerial clarity Almost 20 years ago on CNN, Larry King hosted a discussion with some of the nations most influential Evangelical leaders, spending a good portion of the show discussing gay issues. Some of the leaders answered Kings questions with clarity, not ashamed of the testimony of Scripture, even if their delivery could have been more sensitive. But others left me scratching my head. What do they actually believe? One of these leaders was Brian McLaren, at that time a rising star in the Emerging Church movement. When asked directly by Larry King where he stood on the question of whether homosexual practice was sinful, he responded, Well, Larry, I think theres so many pressing issues facing us. And I think its tragic for the Christian and Evangelical community to be known as a community who are angry about one or two issues, and proportions dont make a lot of sense to me. I think, as Franklin Graham said, we believe Jesus came to forgive our sins. We also believe that he came to help us reconcile with one another. And I think one of our great challenges is how were going to treat one another when we dont agree on this issue. And the Christian community is struggling with how we can treat one another with love and respect even when we disagree. I hope we can make progress in that. In other words, Larry, Im not going to tell you or your audience exactly where I stand. In another context, McLaren responded to a question about same-sex relationships with this equally ambiguous line: You know what, the thing that breaks my heart is that theres no way I can answer it without hurting someone on either side. Unfortunately, with this kind of obfuscation, one thing is guaranteed: You will definitely hurt people on one side, if not both sides. And you will definitely dishonor the Lord. Pastors and leaders, your people need guidance and help. What do the Scriptures teach? What is the will of God in these difficult matters? How should we respond and how should we live? To fail to give wise, Word-based guidance is to be a spiritually negligent shepherd. Did Jesus leave us any doubt about where He stood on the essential issues? Time Magazine, which in 2005 listed McLaren as one of Americas 25 most influential Evangelicals, singled out the very statement just quoted, commenting, You might call his a kinder and gentler brand of religion. By all means let us be kind and gentle and gracious in our demeanor and presentation, but not at the expense of telling the truth. How the world loves Christian compromise! In light of this, I wasnt the least bit surprised when, about 10 years later, it was announced that McLaren had presided over his sons same-sex wedding ceremony. But of course. His ambiguity only shrouded his growing uncertainty on the issue, if not his outright capitulation. Recently, while dialoguing privately with a Christian leader, I pressed him for a clear statement on this same issue, asking a simple question that every Bible-believer, let alone Gospel minister, should be able to answer without any effort at all. Is homosexual practice always sinful in Gods sight, no matter how loving the relationships? There was nothing tricky in my question, and it was certainly not a trap. To the contrary, it was one of the most important and basic questions that could be asked today. Yet with all my pressing, seeking clarity from every possible angle, he refused to answer. (For the record, we consider each other to be friends, so I was not being viewed as some heresy hunting critic.) The only direct response I got was this: There are times when ministry preempts clarity. And this from a Christian leader! What an outrageous and inexcusable dodging of this life and death question. To be sure, I understand there are many issues which require extreme sensitivity. We are walking through spiritual and emotional minefields, and we must weigh our words carefully. This is part of our Gospel calling, and we must exercise sensitivity, wisdom, and compassion, all grounded in biblical truth. But that does not mean that we are intentionally ambiguous. That does not mean that we refuse to clarify our positions. That does not mean that we leave people wondering what we actually believe. A grieved couple wrote to our ministry this week, saying they just left their church home of many years, frustrated that their pastoral leaders would not clarify their views on same-sex relationships. This was of particular concern to them because their 15-year-old son was still serving in the youth ministry. Worse still, they actually felt that the real views of the pastors were being hidden from the flock. What kind of responsible shepherds would do such a thing? And for what purpose? Is it to avoid the offense of the cross? Is it to avoid taking a clear stand out of fear of alienating people? Whatever the reason, it is not a valid one. My own ministry is flooded with broken-hearted requests for help from families and individuals devastated by LGBTQ+ situations. What do I say to my 16-year-old daughter who suddenly thinks shes a boy? How do I respond to my husband of 20 years when he tells me he is really gay and wants a divorce? What do I tell my first-grade son who asks me the meaning of genderqueer (which he just learned about in school!)? What should I do when the hospital where I work requires me to fill out admission forms based on the patients perceived gender even if I know it is contrary to biology (and could therefore hinder a proper diagnosis or treatment)? How do I help my adult grandson who says that he will kill himself if he cant get sex-change surgery? My seminary professor says that the Bible does not forbid loving same-sex relationships, and now Im confused. What does Gods Word actually say? This is the tiniest tip of the very top of a massive iceberg, but it gives a small sampling of what Americans (and others) are struggling with today. Kids in particular are being bombarded with all kinds of LGBTQ+ indoctrination that shouts at them in the loudest and clearest possible terms. And some in the Body of Christ itself are becoming deeply confused because of this constant bombardment. Yet so many of our pulpits still remain silent or, even more dangerously, intentionally unclear. Believers are crying out for help, and some leaders respond, You know, help is an interesting word. What helps one person hurts another. Pastors, this is not what they need to hear. This is about people, not just issues, about people for whom Jesus died. And when God has entrusted us with leadership positions in the Body, it is imperative that we speak with clarity. As Paul said in another context, Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? (1 Corinthians 14:78) So I ask my fellow-leaders today: Will you play a clear tune for us? Will you sound a clear note? Will you give us a black and white answer? Both the Church and the world need clarity and guidance. If we do not offer it, who will? The so-called progressive voices and revisionist voices and modernist voices and woke and enlightened voices and compromised voices are not holding back or camouflaging their views. They are shouting out their answers in the clearest possible terms, quite proudly at that, while we hide safely in the closet of ambiguity. May God help us to stand! Grace that is not mixed with truth cannot save any more than truth that is not mixed with grace. As leaders in the Body, then, let us speak and act with grace and truth, with compassion and clarity, remembering that one day we will stand before God and give account. Let there not be blood on our hands. Let it not be said that when the Lord called us to raise our voices like a trumpet, we chose to sing a lullaby instead. Revelation 8: Silence in Heaven? Revelation chapters 6-19 describe the Tribulation period during the End Times. After the Church is taken out of the world in what might be called the first phase of Christs return, the Rapture, the time of Gods wrath, emerges in three waves of seven: seven seals, seven trumpets and seven bowls. There are many titles in Scripture for this period, such as the Day of the Lord (Obadiah 15; Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11, 31; 3:14; Amos 5:18, 20; Isaiah 2:12; 13:6, 9; Zephaniah 1:7, 14; Ezekiel 13:5; 30:3; Zechariah 14:1), the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, (Malachi 4:5), the Day of Wrath (Zephaniah 1:15), the Day of Jacobs Trouble, (Jeremiah 30:7), The Day (I Thessalonians 5:4), Those Days (Matthew 24:22; Mark 13:20), The Tribulation, (Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24), The Great Tribulation, (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 2:22; 7:14). Starting in Revelation 6-7, and the start of chapter 8, the Lamb of God, Christ, opens the seven seals of the scroll given to him, which is the title deed to the earth. These seven seals and their judgments represent the first half of seven years of what the book of Daniel calls the 70th week (Daniel 9:25-27). It is the darkest moment in human history a time of spiritual apostasy and the rise of a mighty world figure who deceives the masses a time of war a time of famine a time of death a time of Christian martyrdom a time of terror when the universe itself is shaken. In Revelation 8, Christ breaks the seventh seal, and this is what happens: When the Lamb broke the seventh seal on the scroll, there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour. I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets (Revelation 8: 1-2). Silence in Heaven for about a half hour? What is this momentary pause that creates a solemn interval where everyone and everything within the heavenly realm is hushed? Several speculations have been advanced. Some speculate its like the calm before the storm. Others contend its like that moment of great solemnity when everyone waits silently with bated breath for the Judge to reveal his verdict. Still, others argue its a deafening silence generated by the shock of what God is about to do to the prideful rebels who repudiated his grace and mercies. Its a half-hour of tense expectation, they say. A Frankfurt prayer from the 16th century says: Lord, the Bible says: There is a time for silence and a time for speech. Savior, teach me the silence of humility, the silence of wisdom, the silence of love, the silence of perfection, the silence that speaks without words, the silence of faith. Lord, teach me to silence my own heart so I may listen to the gentle movement of the Holy Spirit within me and sense the depths of God. Surely all these virtues are rolled into that half hour of silence in Heaven. But a better interpretation of the text connects this silence with the following verses: Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of Gods people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of Gods holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out. Then the angel filled the incense burner with fire from the altar and threw it down upon the earth; and thunder crashed, lightning flashed, and there was a terrible earthquake (Revelation 8:3-5). In The Revelation of Jesus Christ, John Metcalfe offers the best explanation for the silence. He writes: Silence pertains to the ear. It is what is required if something is to be heard by those who listen. They are not making the noise. They are not making a sound. The noise comes from elsewhere. And all Heaven is still during this sufficient interval to catch the sound. What sound? Since the following verses show that the prayers of all saints are ascending into the silence of Heaven, for long enough an interval for Heaven to catch all that is breathed; to every sigh; and to listen to each one of the groanings; indeed, to detect even the near silent drop of every tear; the whisper of every lip: then the reason for the silence is confirmed. That is why there is silence in Heaven, because by this, in a figure, God is assuring his elect that all Heaven in a moment, in one brief, but very distinct interval inclines to hear the very words and sighs breathed from the saints below Revelation 5:8 manifests the things in Heaven and speak of the golden vials full of odors which are the prayers of the saints. The opening of the fifth seal revealed the souls of them, which are under the altar, slain for the Word of God and for the testimony which they held. This was their prayer: How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? (Rev. 6:10). With this prayer. Revelation 8:3 agrees. If these are the prayers of the suffering saints on earth, and if the prayers of all saints are preceded by the symbol of silence in heaven and followed by the figure of prayer ascending up as incense, the cause of silence in heaven is no longer a matter of conjecture. Here is metaphorical language. Truth is conveyed by figures: by pictorial imagery. Silence, therefore, answers to the quiet command in heaven to give ear to the prayers of all saints. It is all saints to whom the God of Heaven is listening. In connection with those prayers, the seal had been broken, and the seven angels with the seven trumpets appear. What a word from God! What comfort for all who suffer for their faith in Christ! What hope that their pleas, holy complaints, and anguish are always heard and answered. These prayers are of the utmost importance to God. They take priority. Just as the four angels were instructed to hold back the winds of Gods judgment upon the earth until the Lords 144,000 Jewish evangelists were sealed, Gods dreadful judgments in the seven angels who will blow their trumpets are delayed until the prayers of Gods Tribulation saints are gathered in a golden incense burner as a sacrificial offering on the altar. This golden censer filled with the prayers of Gods servants is mixed with incense, poured out on the altar, and ascends to Gods throne. This golden censer is then taken and filled with fire from the altar and thrown down on the earth. Consequently, there comes a loud rumble of thunder and lightning flashes and a terrible earthquake. In so many words, these prayers have set in motion the coming judgments in the second half of the Tribulation. The late T.F. Torrance, a Scottish theologian and professor of Christian dogmatics at New College in the University of Edinburgh, wrote: What are the real master powers behind the world, and what are the deeper secrets of our destiny? Here is the astonishing answer: the prayer of the saints and the fire of God. That means that more potent, more powerful than all the dark and mighty powers let loose in the world, more powerful than anything else, is the power of prayer set ablaze by the fire of God and cast upon the earth. No doubt, many of these prayers offered were imprecatory. Imprecatory prayers ask God to bring judgment to those who despise his ways and his people. These are not petitions for personal vengeance. The Psalmist David prayed imprecatory prayers. He prayed, O God, declare them guilty. Let them be caught in their own traps. Drive them away because of their many sins, for they have rebelled against you (Psalm 5:10). He also asked God, Dont let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, O God, bring them down (Psalm 56:7). David even prayed prayers asking God to deal in judgment with those who had treated him unjustly when he had done what was godly. Some would say these prayers are beneath the Christian today and no longer proper for a New Testament believer. Nevertheless, making ethical distinctions between Old and New Testament believers is flawed. David Chilton, in his book, Days of Vengeance, admonishes: If our churches were more acquainted with the foundational hymnbook of the Church, the Psalms, instead of the sugary, syrupy, sweetness-and-light choruses that characterize modern evangelical hymnals, we would understand this much easier. But we have fallen under a pagan delusion that it is somehow unchristian to pray for Gods wrath to be poured out upon the enemies and persecutors of the Church. Yet that is what we see Gods people doing, with Gods approval, in both Testaments of the Holy ScripturesMuch of the impotence of the churches today is directly attributable to the fact that they have become emasculated and effeminate. Certainly, we should lovingly and earnestly pray for the repentance of the unsaved and the enemies of Gods people. Nevertheless, it is not improper to also earnestly pray that if particular individuals or groups callously persist in their sinful ways, if they are hell-bent on spreading their evil to the harm of many others, shamelessly rejecting and ridiculing righteousness it is righteous to call for Gods judgment on them. It is right to call on God to stop them in their tracks. Out of love and passion for Gods holy purposes, it is appropriate to petition heaven to deal with people who are hardened and arrogant against God people who persist in defying his objectives in the world. Of course, no one should engage in imprecatory praying before also pouring out ones heart for the salvation of the wayward. In the end, the prayers of Gods people under severe duress are of the utmost importance to him. All of Heaven bends the ear in silence to hear them. God will respond aggressively to take vengeance on all who despise him and his saints. 3 killed in attack on Ethiopian church amid tension over breakaway Orthodox synod View Photos An archbishop has urged members to wear black during the three-day Fast of Nineveh beginning Monday to protest against a "government-supported coup attempt" to overthrow the Holy Synod. Two Orthodox Christian youths and a woman were reportedly killed by regional special forces in an attack on St. Michael Church in the Shashamene area of the country's largest geographic region of Oromia, the church-affiliated Tewahedo Media Center said, according to Agence France-Presse. The town lies about 150 miles south of the nation's capital Addis Ababa. Local church sources told the Ethiopian news outlet Borkena that Oromia regional special forces opened fire on a crowd protecting the church from being taken over by what they say is an illegally appointed bishop. In a statement shared by the news outlet, the Holy Synod called the action of the regional forces "public murder." "The Holy Synod has strongly condemned the illegal arrest and harassment of Archbishops Diocese Managers, Department Heads, Priests, ministers and believers of the church," the statement reads. "The church absolutely condemns the illegal human rights violation and the brutal death of the believers who came out to protect the church ... of Saint Michael in Shashemene city, West Arsi diocese; The Holy Synod decided that justice should be done in all localities by making appropriate synodal and religious prayers." Last month, rebel bishops formed their own synod in Oromia, which was declared illegal by the church. The bishops involved have also been excommunicated. The breakaway bishops claim that the church had been discriminating against them to maintain their linguistic and cultural hegemony, a claim that was rejected by the patriarchate. About 40% of Ethiopia's 115 million people are members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The church, headed by Patriarch Abune Mathias, has also accused the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of interfering in its affairs and effectively recognizing the "illegitimate group." The synod said in a statement that the breakaway bishops and their new synod, which now calls itself the "Holy Synod of Oromia and Nations and Nationalities," are causing significant harm by forcibly invading and taking over pontificates and offices belonging to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church with the help of government forces. The synod also criticized the government for failing to uphold the law and the rights of the church by supporting illegal groups instead of enforcing the law, according to The Addis Standard. The World Council of Churches expressed "deep concern" in a Friday statement about the developments in the Ethiopian institution and called on political leaders in Ethiopia to support the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in its efforts to achieve unity and peace among its members. "The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is one of the ancient churches whose origins go back to the times of the apostles, a church which has always affirmed and worked for unity and peace even with the price of blood," WCC General Secretary Rev. Jerry Pillay said in the statement. "The World Council of Churches regrets the breaking away of a fraction from the body of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church to establish a new synod." Relations with the government have been tense for Orthodox leaders who have complained about religious persecution. Ethiopia is also dealing with the Tigray conflict. Fighting began after the Tigray People's Liberation Front attacked an Army base as part of an uprising in the region, which sparked military responses from Ethiopian forces joined by defense forces from neighboring Eritrea in November 2020. Organizations, including Amnesty International, CNN and Sky News, have previously published investigations into massacres against civilian populations in the Tigray region. In June 2021, 56 women from Africa or of African descent wrote an open letter and launched a petition to be delivered to the United Nations Security Council, the African Union and the European Council, calling for urgent action against "cruelty beyond comprehension" in Tigray. UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock estimated in 2021 that 30% of all incidents against civilians involved sexual violence used "as a weapon of war, as a means to humiliate, terrorize and traumatize an entire population today and into the next generation." "Reports continue to emerge from Tigray of wives being raped in front of their husbands; mothers raped in front of their children and vice versa; family members forced to choose between raping female relatives or death, and of women themselves being forced to choose between rape or death," the letter stated. "Several victims report their assailants boasted of 'cleansing' their bloodline, while others arrive at medical facilities having suffered additional traumatic injuries to their reproductive organs inflicted by attackers to prevent them from bearing children." The perpetrators, the authors of the letter said, were identified as members of the "Ethiopian National Defense Forces, Eritrean Defense forces, Amhara Special Forces and other irregular armed groups or aligned militia," and nearly a quarter of the cases involved gang rape over an extended period of time. China responds to US shooting down Red Zeppelin as tensions rise Tensions between the U.S. and China escalated further this weekend with the Chinese foreign ministry expressing extreme displeasure after the U.S. military shot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon, nicknamed Red Zeppelin, off the eastern seaboard Saturday, several days after it had flown thousands of miles over the continental U.S. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement that the balloon was sent to surveil strategic sites in the continental U.S. A U.S. F-22 fighter jet used an Aim-9X Sidewinder missile on Saturday four days after news of its existence spread worldwide when a Billings Gazette photographer in Montana took photos of it with a large telephoto lens to destroy the spy balloon when it was six nautical miles off the southeast coast in U.S. airspace, The New York Times reported. The tensions have led to the suspension of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinkens scheduled trip to Beijing, which would have been the highest-level U.S. visit to China in four years. Blinken referred to the balloon, roughly the size of three buses, as a violation of U.S. sovereignty on Friday, according to Reuters. China expressed strong dissatisfaction and protest against the U.S. for attacking what Beijing claimed was a civilian unmanned aircraft, according to a statement by the Chinese foreign ministry. The ministry claimed the balloon entered U.S. territory accidentally due to "force majeure." China clearly asked the U.S. to handle it properly in a calm, professional and restrained manner. A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Defense also stated that the balloon will not pose a military or personal threat to ground personnel, the statement reads. China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of relevant companies, while reserving the right to make further necessary reaction. Experts warn that the relationship with China could spiral downward depending on Beijings response. Its a bit worrisome when nuclear powers start shooting down the surveillance vehicles of the other, although surely the Chinese would have done the same if the situation were reversed, The Wall Street quoted Daniel Russel, a former senior State Department official now with the Asia Society Policy Institute, as saying. Before the concerns over the spy balloon, U.S. military aircraft had close encounters with Chinese military aircraft in the South China Sea region amid growing tensions over Taiwan. President Joe Biden said he initially wanted to shoot down the spy balloon when it was spotted above Montana but was warned of the danger to residents on the ground. Republicans criticized his delayed decision, calling it a display of weakness toward Beijing. On Wednesday when I was briefed on the balloon, I ordered the Pentagon to shoot it down on Wednesday as soon as possible, Biden said after landing in Maryland to spend the weekend at Camp David to work on his State of the Union speech. They decided, without doing damage to anyone on the ground, they decided that the best time to do that was as it got over water ... within a 12-mile limit. They successfully took it down and I want to complement our aviators who did it, he added. However, retired Army General Jack Keane, a former Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army, didnt agree with Biden. Remember, this was approaching the United States over water, Keane told Fox News. It was approaching the Aleutian Islands over water. And we had plenty of opportunity to take it down then. And thats when it should have happened. We had to be tracking it from mainland China across the Pacific Ocean, and we had plenty of warning to put together an operation that we are conducting now on the East Coast that should have been done there. Over 2,600 killed in Turkey, Syria after strongest earthquake in over 100 years Update Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m. ET: Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced updated figures showing that at least 1,651 people were killed and 11,119 others injured in Turkey after two earthquakes rocked Turkey and northern Syria on Monday. As many as 3,471 buildings have been damaged in Turkey. Citing figures from the Damascus government and rescue workers in the rebel-held northwestern region, Reuters reports that at least 968 people were killed in Syria. Original: Over 2,000 people have been killed in southern Turkey and northern Syria after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Turkey's Nurdagi town early Monday, one of the strongest to hit the region in more than 100 years, officials say. Centered near the town of Nurdagi in Gaziantep province of Turkey, the earthquake was felt as far as Israel and Lebanon, according to newswires. Multiple strong aftershocks were reported across the region. A second 7.5-magnitude earthquake was reported Monday afternoon. Turkey's disaster agency AFAD reported earlier Monday that at least 1,014 citizens lost their lives, while over 7,000 citizens were injured. Over 2,800 buildings have reportedly been destroyed so far. Nearly 10,000 search-and-rescue personnel were assigned to the region. Updated figures from AFAD show the death toll in Turkey has reached 1,498, with over 8,533 injured, according to Turkish media. At least 430 people were killed in government-controlled regions of Syria, according to state media. In rebel-held northwestern Syria, at least 380 people died, a Syrian Civil Defense official said, according to The Associated Press. The earthquake had a significant impact on opposition-held regions on the Syrian side of the border, where roughly 4 million displaced individuals from the ongoing Syrian civil war reside, AP reports. The area lacks proper living conditions and adequate healthcare, making the situation even more dire as hospitals in the area were overwhelmed with patients. CNN meteorologist Brandon Miller reports that the shaking from the quake could be felt up to 186 miles from the epicenter. "I have never felt anything like it in the 40 years I've lived," Erdem, a resident of Gaziantep, told BBC. "We were shaken at least three times very strongly, like a baby in a crib." The search for survivors continues as the death toll is expected to rise. "Because the debris removal efforts are continuing in many buildings in the earthquake zone, we do not know how high the number of dead and injured will rise," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, according to AP. "Hopefully, we will leave these disastrous days behind us in unity and solidarity as a country and a nation." Kerem Kinik, the head of the Turkish Red Crescent relief agency, expressed concern over the area affected by the earthquake and described the damage as "serious and widespread." He also appealed for blood donations. A forestry crew inspects a water crossing. The more people learn about forestry, the more likely they are to support it and become involved, says Ian Dunn, president and chief executive officer of Ontario Forest Industries. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form In economic uncertainty, its natural for executives to explore where to reduce spending, trim the fat, so to speak, and cut enterprising investments as a matter of caution. But this thinking is also counter-productive for all the reasons that make uncertainty so predictable. We can expect that every company is going to react this way in times of uncertainty. In 2023, CIOs are guided to focus on enhancing workforce engagement, customer experience, and data and AI. These are identified as key areas where technology can drive business growth and increase customer satisfaction in the process. Yet, its not uncommon for executives to cut costs in areas that actually improve customer experiences and also double-down on investments that can minimize them. Where winning companies deviate from the norm is that they look for opportunities to attract and retain customers by making experience and service a signature competitive advantage. The key is to understand where investments can deliver returns, accelerated time to value, and success now. The importance of customer experience as a competitive advantage Customer service is overdue for its makeover, shifting its role in the organization from a cost-center to a growth engine. More so, making service something the customers enjoy and appreciate, instead of dreading the engagement. Think about it this way, if 94% of your customers said that the service you provide directly influences future buying decisions, would you solely focus on the 6% who are seemingly indifferent? What if nearly half said that theyd switch brands to get better service? Well, in the last year, 71% said that they had done just that. Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 24 Hour Access La Sireti s-a desfasurat o sedinta de Consultari publice privind procedura de expropriere temporara pentru terenurile afectate in timpul constructiei magistralei de apa Chisinau-Straseni-Calarasi The week opens up with a big bang. Ajith Kumar's Pongal release Thunivu' comes to Netflix on Feb. 8, Wednesday. (Twitter) One of the most awaited debuts on the OTT is all set to happen this week. Moreover, Valentines Day is just round the corner giving chance to streaming platforms to come up with a lineup that would woo their audience. Netflix The week opens up with a big bang. Ajith Kumars Pongal release Thunivu comes to Netflix on Feb. 8, Wednesday. The movie deals with the goings-on in financial institutions. The next release on the same day, The Exchange too stays with the theme of finances. According to Netflix, inspired by real events, two women set out to pioneer the cutthroat stock market of 1980s Kuwait and disrupt its corrupt boys club along the way. Set in the 80s, the series has been directed by Jasem Al-Muhanna and Karim Elshenawy and features Rawan Mahdi and Mona Hussain. There can not be a week when we dont have a physiological thriller released. Accordingly, the first part of You" will stream on Feb. 9 and the second after a month. Friday will see three releases, Love To Hate You, Your Place Or Mine And Ten Days Of A Good Man. Love to Hate You is a K-drama, a romantic comedy to be precise. Its the story of an attorney who hates to lose to men. Your Place of Mine offers a lot of promise as a rom-com as it has been written by Aline Brosh McKenna who had earlier penned the cult movie, The Devil Wears Prada. Ten Days of A Good Man is a Turkish movie that promises to be gritty and dark. Perhaps the series that might interest Indians the most is the docuseries, The Romantics. Releasing on Valentines Day, it is a documentary featuring A-listers from Bollywood recalling their association with Yash Chopra who has given gems to movie buffs. Winding up the week for Netflix is a Spanish series, In Love All Over Again. Created by Carlos Montero, Netflix has described it as a steamy and sentimental series. Prime Video The wait will be over this week and Makkal Selvan aka Vijay Sethupathi will debut on OTT with Farzi. The series also marks Shahid Kapoors maiden venture on a streamer. Expectations are high from the series releasing on Friday as the show boasts of a stellar star cast which includes veteran actor Amol Palekar, Kay Kay Menon, and Regina Cassandra. Aha NBKs chat show, Unstoppable 2 is going strong and this week on Friday, it will feature the second part of the interview with Pawan Kalyan. The Power Star is likely to speak about his depression and political career. Releasing on the same day is an original Tamil series, Sin. According to the channel, Sin follows the bittersweet journey of Nandita, a young woman who was forced to say goodbye to her childhood love and ended up in a loveless marriage to a perverted man, Anand. Disney+ Hotstar As a part of its non-fiction offering to the viewers, the streamer will beam Hansikas Love Shadi Drama from February 10. The series gives the viewers a peek into actor Hansika Motwanis marriage and the drama surrounding it. On Feb. 8, you can also watch The Making Of The Black Panther. SonyLiv 'Nijam with Smitha' , described as a show with bold questions and blunt answers begins this Friday. The trailer shows guests like N. Chandrababu Naidu, Cheeranjivi featuring on the show. Netflix 1. Thunivu 2. The Exchange 3. You 4. Love to Hate You 5. Your Place or Mine 6. Ten Days of a Good Man 7. The Romantics 8. In Love All Over Again Prime Video 1. Farzi Aha 1. Unstoppable 2 with NBK 2. Sin Disney+ Hotstar 1. Hansikas Love Shadi Drama 2. Assembled: The Making of Black Panther 3. Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Season 2, Episode 7-8 4. National Treasure: Edge of History: Season 1, Episode 10 5. Will Trent: Season 1, Episode 6 6. Dear Ishq Episode 12-17 7. Abbot Elementary Season 2, Episode 14 8. Not dead Yet Season 1, Episodes 1 and 2 9. Marvel Studios Legends Season 2, Episodes 1-3 10. Tokoy Revengers Season 2, Episode 6 11. The Last of Us, Season 1, Episode 15 12. The Watchful Eye, Season 1, Episode 4 SonyLiv 1. Nijam with Smitha Primeste notificari pe email Nota bene: Adresele email cu extensia .ru nu sunt acceptate. Contractare si Achizitie Bunuri Anunturi de Angajare Granturi - Finantari Burse de studiu Stagii Profesionale Oportunitati de voluntariat Toate Articolele Humanitarian aid charities have launched emergency fundraising appeals to support people in Turkey and Syria affected by earthquakes that occurred yesterday. Oxfam, Christian Aid, ActionAid and Islamic Relief are among the charities that have launched emergency appeals to support the relief effort. At the time of writing, Sky News has reported 5,000 have died and more than 15,000 sustained injuries as a result of the earthquake, which occurred in Turkey near the Syrian border. It has since suffered another earthquake and aftershocks. The World Health Organisation (WHO) expects the number of fatalities to rise to as much as 20,000 as more information is collected. With the first earthquake having a magnitude of 7.8, this is the largest earthquake in Turkey since 1938, says Oxfam. Oxfam: The scale of destruction is vast Oxfam has launched an emergency appeal to support those affected by the disaster. Meryem Aslan, country director at Oxfam, said: The scale of destruction is vast. Following two big earthquakes and over 60 aftershocks, people are still in shock and fear, they don't even have time to mourn the lost ones. She said Oxfam is urgently gathering information to assess the scale of devastation so it can identify what people affected need most. We know that all countries affected by this awful earthquake, and the survivors of it, will need a lot of help and support not only in the immediate short-term, but in the days and weeks and months ahead. The charity has advised donors not to donate physical goods like clothes and blankets as it is not cost-effective and may not be what people need most. Where possible, Oxfam buys items locally to support the local economy. In turn, this also has a lower environmental impact. Christian Aid: Help people rebuild their lives by donating As well as the devastating earthquake, Northwest Syria is already being hit by a cold winter front. Christian Aid is funding winter kits to people seeking shelter that include plastic sheeting, mattresses, blankets and other heating materials. Patrick Watt, chief executive of Christian Aid, said: The scenes from this disaster are heartbreaking. And even before this devastating earthquake, we knew over four million people needed aid in Northwest Syria alone. We are hopeful that the British public will show the same spirit of solidarity and compassion that we saw in the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine a year ago. Every prayer, every gift, every action brings hope to people hit by disaster. By joining us, you can help people in need rebuild their lives. ActionAid: Women, girls and marginalised communities are always the most vulnerable in the aftermath of disaster ActionAid, a humanitarian charity that supports women and girls, also has partners in these regions that are working to help those affected. The charity is providing shelter, food and warm clothes to people who have been injured or displaced by the earthquakes. Racha Nasreddine, regional director of ActionAid Arab Region, said: Our sympathies go out to the families who have lost loved ones in the devastating earthquake which hit Turkey and Syria today. ActionAid is working hard to make contact with our partner in Turkey and Syria to understand the impact on the ground and respond to the crisis. We know from experience women, girls, and marginalised communities are always most vulnerable in the aftermath of a disaster and we want to make sure their basic needs are being supported. Islamic Relief: Time is of the essence at this critical stage, we need your support Islamic Relief teams are on the ground responding to the disaster in both countries. Mohammed Hamza, head of Islamic Reliefs office in Idlib, Northwest Syria, witnessed the destruction first-hand. It was 4am and I woke up to the house shaking from side to side. Everything was shaking, bricks were falling out. It felt like Judgement Day and everything would be completely destroyed. My wife was screaming and I went to my children but I didnt know what we could do. Hamza reports fleeing outside with his family to see thousands of people lining the streets shouting for their lost children, with buildings destroyed and crowds trying to pull people from under the rubble. Right now, the Islamic Relief team here is distributing blankets, sheets and mattresses that we have in stock but these will run out today and we need more as soon as possible. People urgently need tents, food parcels and blankets. Hospitals are inundated with injured people so were providing them with medicine and other supplies. British Red Cross, Human Appeal, Muslim Hands UK and more have also launched emergency appeals. sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, In December 2017, Laura Halminen, a journalist at Helsingin Sanomat, a major newspaper in Finland, destroyed her laptop. Finnish law enforcement had just launched an investigation into an article that listed Halminen as an author, and she wanted to protect her sources and unfinished worknot least a story about Finnish law enforcementfrom a possible search of her home. The search would soon come: in the process of smashing up her laptop, the battery caught fire, triggering a callout from the fire department, which in turn triggered police attention. Officers confiscated electronic devices belonging to Halminen. The officers were, at least, discreet and polite, she told me. The investigation and search were surprising: For much of the past decade, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) had ranked Finland as the best country in the world for press freedom. Even now, the group calls it one of the few countries where the media is truly free, a legacy dating to the 1700s, when Finlands Swedish rulers adopted what were thought to be the worlds first laws guaranteeing freedom of the press. Yrsa Grune-Luoma, the president of RSFs Finnish branch, told me that she recently went looking for a precedent for the Helsingin Sanomat case and found only one: a 1940 probe after a news agency revealed the terms that ended the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union. This is totally peculiar to all of us, Grune-Luoma said. ICYMI: Margaret Sullivan on the coverage of Bidens documents The Helsingin Sanomat story that came under investigation concerned the activities of a Finnish military-intelligence center; the center had shut down a few years earlier, but lawmakers were debating measures that would expand the surveillance powers of the intelligence services, and so the story was newly relevant. In 2021, prosecutors charged Halminen; the main author of the story, Tuomo Pietilainen; and an editorbut not the papers top leadership, who made the final decision to publishwith revealing state secrets. (The trio were also charged, based in part on material for follow-up stories that officials found on Halminens devices, with attempting to reveal state secretscharges, press-freedom watchers warned, that risked legitimizing prepublication censorship. Those charges were thrown out.) Last monthfollowing a trial that was conducted, in no small part, behind closed doorsa court found Halminen and Pietilainen guilty. (The editor was acquitted.) Pietilainen received a fine. (His lawyer declined an interview request.) Halminen got off without any formal punishment after the court agreed that her contribution to the article had been minimal; she had done more work on the follow-up stories. But she was convicted nonetheless. The court rejected the argument that the article rose to the level of public interestand yet it was deemed important enough to result in convictions for the journalists. The court accepted that the publication of the article did not harm national securitybut argued that its authors could not have known beyond doubt that it wouldnt. And no one I spoke to about the case could pinpoint why officials decided to make an example of this article, specifically, in a country with an otherwise glowing reputation for press freedom. It emerged during the trial that, prior to publication, Halminen showed underlying documents and, later, a draft of the story to a military source (a normal interaction with a source escalated into a situation with a counterintelligence unit on my back, Halminen told me). A senior military intelligence official subsequently warned Halminen of the legal risks of publishinga warning, she has said, that her immediate colleagues disregardedbut military leaders did not reach out to senior editors with their concerns, despite knowing what the story would say. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Helsingin Sanomat and its journalists also argued that, even if information in the story did come from classified documents, the details were all also available in the public domain at the time of publishing; the paper presented the court with a dossier that it said proved this on a line-by-line basis. This, too, is complicatedthe paper initially splashed its article as revealing classified secrets, a discrepancy noted by the court in its verdictbut, as Antero Mukka, the papers current editor in chief, told me, sensationalistic journalistic framing is not a crime. When I asked Mukka if he felt that the information in the story was wrongly classified in the first place, he replied that its quite obvious that the Finnish military routinely classifies information without considering whether it should be classified. If there were a restaurant in the intelligence center that Helsingin Sanomat wrote about, Mukka said, even the menu would be classified. If all this sounds familiar, it should: in recent weeks, the US media has had its own debate over the excessive classification of documents, triggered by the discovery of classified records at homes and offices linked to Joe Biden, Mike Pence, and Donald Trump. Even high-level government officials agree that far too many documentsover fifty million per year, by one countget classified in the US, Jameel Jaffer, the executive director of Columbias Knight First Amendment Institute and a leading voice in the current debate, told me. (Avril Haines, Bidens director of national intelligence, has acknowledged repeatedly, including in the wake of the recent news, that the American classification system is broken.) Some things are classified because their disclosure would embarrass somebody or because their disclosure would inconvenience somebody, Jaffer said. And, with many of the things that are appropriately classified in the first instance, soon those secrets become stale. But the secrets are nonetheless classified for many, many years. When I asked Charly Salonius-Pasternak, a researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, whether overclassification is also a problem in Finland, he replied, Oh, yes, adding that defense officials sometimes admit as much on the record. Part of it is probably bureaucratic inertia, he said. Even by European standards, Finlands military has historically been highly secretive, several observers told me. In Finnish media, Halminen said, there is no culture of quoting sources inside the national security apparatus who wish to remain anonymous, [like] Im pretty used to reading from the Washington Post or the New York Times. Not everyone agrees with Helsingin Sanomats contention that the information in its article shouldnt have been classifiednot least the court, which considered the claim and ruled that it only applied to small parts of the story. Nor is it yet clear whether the documents found in the possession of Biden, Pence, and Trump should still be classified or not; reporting has suggested that Trump, at least, took legitimately sensitive documents to Mar-a-Lago. And there are, of course, differences between the classification and broader legal climates of the US, Finland, and elsewhere. Jaffer noted, for instance, that even countries with similar classification systems protect different levels of rights when it comes to reporting on them. Still, its worth rememberingas the word classified, with its connotations of spy missions and nuclear codes, floods the news cyclethat it applies, too, to facts that are or should be a matter of public record, and that this isnt a purely American problem. And a broader question raised by the recent cases in both the US and Finland is universal: What actually constitutes a secret, anyway? What Finland has contributed to Ukraine is a secret, Salonius-Pasternak said. But all of us can open YouTubeand see what Finnish equipment shows up. Finnish reporters have done as much without facing prosecution. Increasingly, what one country decides is a secret is all of our concern. This has long been true of the US, with its many overseas entanglements; Finland, long nonaligned in foreign policy, has pivoted since Russia, its neighbor, invaded Ukraine, and is now trying to join nato. Grune-Luoma, of RSF, feared that this tense climate might have led the court to crack down even harder on the journalists from Helsingin Sanomat; Everybody is a little bit more scared right now, she said. In the end, their punishment could have been harsher. But the case, everyone I spoke to told me, has already had a chilling effect on Finnish journalism about military matters, at a time when those are front and center in the news. The court ordered Helsingin Sanomat to take down its article, even though its now been online for five years. The case isnt done yet. There will likely be appeals; Grune-Luoma expects it to end up before Finlands Supreme Court. And already, it has taken a heavy toll on those involved. Its now been over five years of all kinds of libel and hate speech and [its] still ongoing on a weekly basis, Halminen told me. In Finland, the military enjoys strong levels of public support, and the reaction to Helsingin Sanomats article, and the official investigation that followed, was not one of unbridled support for the newspaper. Ive nearly forgotten what it was like, Halminen said, to live a life without some sword of Damoclesfrom either the police, the attorney general, some court, or scorn from the publichanging above me. Other notable stories: ICYMI: The unbearable lightness of the Balloon coverage Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. In view of the huge crowd surge, four separate queue lines are set up to provide darshan for the devotees. A separate queue line is set up for Shiva Deeksha devotees at the Chandravathi Kalyanamandapam. Sparsha darshan would be allowed only during the scheduled timings. (DC Image) ANANTAPUR: More than eight lakh devotees, including those for Shiva Deeksha, are expected for darshan of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bramarambika in Srisailam for the Shivaratri Brahmotsavam. The temple authorities and the Nandyal district administration have been making the necessary arrangements. While many Shiva Deesha devotees are on the padayatra from Karnataka, AP, TS as also Maharashtra and would offer Shivathorhtirmudi, the authorities were arranging shelter, darshan facility and prasadam for them. Other necessary arrangements are also being made, deep inside the Nallamala forest. APSRTC will be operating 650 buses and TS RTC 180 buses from various depots while private and tourist buses from Karnataka will be more. In addition, a large number of cars and other private vehicles would bring in the devotees. Heavy vehicles will not be permitted in the Nallamala forest area during the 11 days of the Brahmotsavalu. The Prakasam, Nagar Kurnool and Kurnool police have been asked to divert heavy vehicles from the route to other roads. Nandyal SP Raghuveera Reddy said Srisailam was divided into 10 zones and 40 sectors to control traffic in and enroute to Srisailam. The health department would operate a 30 bed-hospital at Srisailam apart from 24 health camps in between Brahmana Kotkur and Srisailam on a temporary basis. Srisailam temple EO, S Lavanna, said 240 expert swimmers would be pressed into service at Patalganga and Lingala Gattu locations, allowing the devotees to have a holy dip in the Krishnamma river. In view of the huge crowd surge, four separate queue lines are set up to provide darshan for the devotees. A separate queue line is set up for Shiva Deeksha devotees at the Chandravathi Kalyanamandapam. Sparsha darshan would be allowed only during the scheduled timings. However, 14 compartments of Sarva Darshan are set up and 8 compartments too for the `200 ticket seeghra darshan. Shiva Deeksha devotees can offer Jyothirmudi and all necessary arrangements including anna prasadam have been arranged, the EO stated. About 750 temporary toilets are set up in different places in Srisailam temple town. There would be 149 bathrooms. As the temperature kept rising, the open places have been provided with pandals at different locations for the devotees to take shelter and rest. Necessary arrangements would also be made at the Sakshi Ganapathi, Cahndeeswara Vanam, Rudraksha Vanam Mallamma Kanneru and Annadana counters. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi displays a photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with industrialist Gautam Adani in the Lok Sabha during Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo) New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday led the Opposition attack in the Lok Sabha against the government over the Adani-Hindenburg issue as he tried to link Gautam Adani's meteoric rise with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ascendance to power at the Centre. "The real magic starts when the PM comes to Delhi, and the real magic begins in 2014. In 2014, he (Adani) was in 609th spot on the list of richest people and climbed to the second spot," Gandhi said during a Lok Sabha debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address. Gandhi was the first speaker from the Opposition to speak on the motion. He also displayed two photographs of Modi, one in which he is seen inside a plane with Adani and the other in which he is getting out of a plane with an Adani logo on it, to emphasise their alleged proximity. Speaker Om Birla disapproved of Gandhi's action. He said: "Showing posters in the House isn't appropriate. If you will show posters then this side (BJP) will show posters of Rajasthan's CM (with Adani)." Continuing with his allegations, Gandhi said that Modi helped Adani bag overseas contracts in various sectors. "Earlier, Modi used to travel in Adani's aircraft; now Adani travels in Modiji's aircraft. This matter was earlier of Gujarat, then became of India and now has become international. How much money did Adani give to the BJP in the last 20 years and through electoral bonds," he asked. " Modi goes to Australia, and by magic, SBI gives a $1 billion loan to Adani. Then he goes to Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Power Development Board signs a 25-year contract with Adani," said Gandhi. In June 2022, the chairman of Sri Lanka's Ceylon Electricity Board informed a parliamentary hearing that President Rajapaksa told him that Modi "pressured" him to give the wind power contract to Adani, Gandhi alleged. "Adani never made drones, while HAL used to do it and other companies do it. The PM goes to Israel and Adani gets the contract... They have four defence firms and had not done this work before; small arms and sniper rifles are all made by Adani," he said. He alleged that be it maintenance of aircraft, small arms or drones, the whole India-Israel defence tie has been handed over to Adani. "There should be a case study by business schools such as Harvard on the relationship between business and politics, India is a case study... The PM should get a gold medal in this," Gandhi said. He alleged that the government tweaked rules in favour of Adani and said that the clause that no one without any prior experience will be involved in the development of airports was done away with. "This rule was changed by the government and Adani was given six airports. After that India's most strategic and profitable airport Mumbai Airport was taken away from GVK using agencies like the CBI, ED and was given to Adani by the Government of India," he alleged. Gandhi said that during his 4,000 km Bharat Jodo Yatra, people asked him how Adani got into so many businesses and succeeded and what the nature of his relationship with the Prime Minister was. During the yatra, he said, people asked him how Adani's net worth grew from $ 8 billion to $ 140 billion between 2014 and 2022. "From Tamil Nadu to Kerala to Himachal Pradesh, we have been hearing one name everywhere -- Adani. Across the entire country, it's just Adani, Adani, Adani...," Gandhi said. "I was asked by the people during the yatra as to why LIC's money is being put into the Adani Group. They also asked Adani's shares which are volatile, why LIC's funds are being put in it. I want to say, how do the government and the PM help Adani -- thousands of crores of (money from) public sector banks are given to Adani," he said. "The (Adani-Modi) relationship began many years ago when the PM was Gujarat's CM. When most of India was asking questions of the Prime Minister, and was against the PM (then CM), one man stood shoulder to shoulder with Mr Modi, he was loyal to the Prime Minister and helped Mr Modi construct the idea of a resurgent Gujarat," Gandhi said. Adani was the driving force behind the formation of a group of businessmen in Gujarat. He went on to say that the result was a massive expansion of Adani's businesses in Gujarat. Gandhi also questioned the Agniveer scheme for recruiting defence personnel, claiming that youths aspiring to be in the Army were not on the same page as the government on the scheme. He said that senior officers have said the scheme will weaken the Army. After Gandhi's attack on the PM, the BJP accused the Congress leader of making "baseless, shameless and reckless" allegations against the PM and said the Congress itself was involved in "big scams" that "tarnished" the image of the country. Referring to the National Herald and AgustaWestland scam cases, senior BJP leader and Patna Sahib MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "It's time to revive the memory of Mr Gandhi on corruption," while alleging that the Congress leader, his mother Sonia Gandhi and her brother-in-law Robert Vadra "are on bail". The former Union minister said the Congress party is "based on the twin pillars of corruption and protecting the corrupt". "Corruption and giving protection to the corrupt have been the histories of Mr Gandhi and his family," Prasad said. Winter Wandering A jogger runs in the snow along an irrigation canal near Parkdale in this photograph by News reader Tracie Hornung. Winter weather made for difficult travel conditions over the Christmas holiday, with snow, hail and freezing rain all showing up in the Gorge over the weekend. Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. Iran says "diplomatic dynamism" exists in talks to revive nuclear deal Xinhua) 09:58, February 07, 2023 TEHRAN, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday that "diplomatic dynamism" exists through different channels in the talks to revive a 2015 nuclear deal and remove anti-Iran sanctions. Exchange of messages between different sides to the deal is continuing at different levels, Iran's official news agency IRNA quoted Nasser Kanaani as saying during a weekly press conference. Iran has always welcomed with goodwill efforts and measures aimed at resolving the issue and achieving a nuclear agreement, he noted. According to Kanaani, Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) still carry out regular cooperation, in addition to constant and direct negotiations between Iranian envoys and the IAEA in Vienna and talks between experts from both sides. Negotiations will continue between the two sides within technical frameworks, Kanaani said. Iran signed the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with world powers in July 2015, agreeing to put some curbs on its nuclear program in return for the removal of the sanctions on the country. The United States, however, pulled out of the deal in May 2018 and reimposed its unilateral sanctions on Iran, prompting the latter to reduce some of its nuclear commitments under the deal. The talks on the JCPOA's revival began in April 2021 in Vienna. No breakthrough has been achieved after the latest round of talks in August 2022. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form Microsoft on Tuesday said it was investigating issues with collaboration suite Teams and email service Outlook as users across the globe struggled to access their emails. This marks the second such disruption in less than two weeks for Microsoft online services. Users primarily located in the North American region attempting to access Outlook.com may be unable to send, receive, or search email, Microsoft said in a post on its service status page. Additional functionality such as the calendar consumed by other services such as Microsoft Teams would also be affected. The outage, which started affecting users around 4:04 AM GMT on Tuesday, is now affecting users in other regions beyond North America, the company said. While Microsoft did not specify the affected regions beyond North America, select customers from several regions including India, UK, Israel, and Austria could be found complaining about the outage on Twitter. Users in additional regions beyond North America may experience some residual impact due to the affected portions of infrastructure in North America, Microsoft wrote on its service status page. However, Microsoft also claimed that users in other regions should see some gradual improvement. The company said it has been investigating the outage and that it was performing targeted restart operations on the primarily affected infrastructure in North America in order to restore the availability of the service. On its Microsoft 365 Status handle on Twitter, the company said it has applied targeted mitigation to the infrastructure, and early validation indicated recovery. The company said it was exploring parallel options to provide relief and will provide a new update to the situation on its service status page soon. Last month, Microsoft had to investigate a global outage affecting products and services such as Microsoft Exchange Online, SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business along with Teams and Outlook. The two outages have come soon after the company launched a new $1.99-a-month M365 Basic subscription and announced the forthcoming release of its Microsoft Teams Premium offering. Family members of the deceased A senior human rights defender has complained of "barbaric, illegitimate and unjustified killing" of a young migrants worker, Musa Miah, at the Indo-Bangladesh border district of Dhubri in Assam, allegedly by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, claiming, "This incident again proves our stand that the BSF resorted in reign of terror and systematic killing of innocents at Indo-Bangladesh border and enjoying full impunity."In a representation to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairperson, Kirity Roy, convenor, Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha, and national convenor, Programme Against Custodial Torture and Impunity, said, "The deceased was killed by BSF personnel of Madhya Balabhut Border Out Post of BSF Battalion Number 62, A Company."Worse, he said, the uncle of deceased Nur Islam lodged a written complaint to the Officer-in-Charge of Tufanganj Police Station in the district of Cooch Behar on January 1, 2023, "but till date no appropriate actions have been taken." Ironically, the incident, which took place on in December-end, 2022, happened after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his meeting with his counterpart in Bangladesh (September 5 to 8, 2022), "publicly declared to reduce border killing to zero level", he added.Regretting that the border security forces of India, paid from public exchequer, are systematically dishonouring the decision, Roy said, "The killing and subsequent police inaction was in total contravention of NHRC's Revised Guidelines/ Procedures to be followed in courses of deaths caused in police action." The complaint, however, does not cite any reason for BSF taking the deceased into custody before allegedly torturing him to death."There were some procedural violations in this case. In spite of being handed over the victim to the concerned police, BSF personnel kept the victim in their custody for more than 24 hours and tortured him mercilessly which violates section 76 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Article 22 (2) of the Indian Constitution", the human rights defender said."It is also to be noted that under section 176 (1) (A) of the Code of Criminal Procedure it is mandatory to inquest the dead body of the victim of custodial death case by one judicial magistrate, but in this case no judicial magistrate conducted an inquest over the body of the victim", he noted, pointing out, on January 23, 2020 Supreme Court of India issued notice to the Centre and States on implementation of section 176 (1) (A)."Stating that the matter "is a grave one which proves the collapse of the criminal justice system in our country", Roy said, "Inaction of the police officials of Tufanganj Police Station violates section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and apex court guidelines in Lalita Kumari vs State of Uttar Pradesh [WP (Crl.) no. 68 of 2008] where it is mandatory to register an FIR after receiving information of a cognizable offence."Seeking "independent judicial inquiry must be started over the incident", Roy insisted, "The perpetrator BSF personnel attached with Madhya Balabhut Border Out Post, A company, 62 Battalion must be booked under appropriate legal provisions and be tried in open court of law", and the "complaint of the uncle of the deceased must be registered as an FIR."Seeking "financial compensation and adequate safety and security of the family members and witnesses", Roy demanded, "For proper enquiry and investigation, the body of Musa Miah be exhumed". He adding, "To stop such systematic killings with impunity, NHRC should come forward and arrange some sensitizing meetings with senior BSF, Police, Civil Administration to address the situation." Based on reciprocity Bangladesh has requested that it be allowed to import power from Nepal and Bhutan via India According to the Indian North Eastern Electric Power Cooperation, the Indian North Eastern Region has the potential of about 58,971 MW of power, almost 40 percent of Indias total hydropower potential. India is planning to explore all hydropower potentials in Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states. But India can easily use the power corridor of Bangladesh to reduce the cost. In 2021, Bangladesh showed interest in the power corridor and expected to get 20 to 25 percent of the hydropower to be transmitted through the high-voltage gridline passing through its territory. The transmission line with the capacity of 6,000MW in Bangladesh land maybe 100km in length if it is built in Boropukuria and 200km if is installed in Jamalpur while a substation would be built in each route. Two possible routes of the transmission line are -- from Assams Bonga through Baropukuria (Dinajpur) or Jamalpu to Bihars Punia and from Asams Silchar via Meghna Ghat-Bheramara to West Bengal. There can be such high-capacity interconnectors in Tripura-Comilla, Bongaigaon (Assam)-Jamalpur/Dinajpur-Purnea (Bihar), Silchar (Assam), and Fenchuganj. If India finally allows power corridor to Bangladesh to import electricity from Nepal, it will usher a new era of bilateral energy cooperation. Not only that, through Bangladesh, it can achieve its untapped opportunities of hydropower from the northeastern region. So, both Bangladesh and India should come forward to enhance their energy security based on reciprocity and enhance South Asian regional cooperation. --- *PhD fellow, University of Bucharest At present, India has a total potential of 145,320 MW hydropower but only 45,399.22 MW of the quantum is being tapped. But India needs to spend a huge amount of money to transmit hydropower from Indias northeastern to northwestern region. But the geographical barrier has constrained India from untapping its potential. 18 projects above the capacity of 25 MW were now under construction across Northeast in 2019.But India can easily use the power corridor of Bangladesh to reduce the cost. In 2021, Bangladesh showed interest in the power corridor and expected to get 20 to 25 percent of the hydropower to be transmitted through the high-voltage gridline passing through its territory. The transmission line with the capacity of 6,000MW in Bangladesh land maybe 100km in length if it is built in Boropukuria and 200km if is installed in Jamalpur while a substation would be built in each route.Two possible routes of the transmission line are -- from Assams Bonga through Baropukuria (Dinajpur) or Jamalpu to Bihars Punia and from Asams Silchar via Meghna Ghat-Bheramara to West Bengal. There can be such high-capacity interconnectors in Tripura-Comilla, Bongaigaon (Assam)-Jamalpur/Dinajpur-Purnea (Bihar), Silchar (Assam), and Fenchuganj.If India finally allows power corridor to Bangladesh to import electricity from Nepal, it will usher a new era of bilateral energy cooperation. Not only that, through Bangladesh, it can achieve its untapped opportunities of hydropower from the northeastern region. Bangladesh needs transition from conventional energy sources to ensure its energy security and long-term sustainability in the near future. Given the supply chain disruption followed by the Ukraine crisis, energy security has become a major concern for developing and least-developed countries.As the sources are becoming scarce and prices are becoming volatile, these countries are finding it difficult to navigate without cooperation. In this context, cross-border energy cooperation and revitalizing the idea of the power corridor can help Bangladesh to mitigate energy shortage.During Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India on September 2022, Bangladesh requested that it be allowed to import power from Nepal and Bhutan via India. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) sought approval from the Indian authorities to export 40-50 MW of electricity to Bangladesh through Indias existing transmission infrastructure.In August 2022, Bangladesh and Nepal decided to request India to allow the export of 40-50MW of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh in the initial phase by utilizing the high-voltage Baharampur-Bheramara cross-border power transmission link.As per the understanding reached during the secretary-level Joint Steering Committee (JSC) formed for Nepal-Bangladesh energy cooperation, the NEA and the Bangladesh Power Development Board requested India for a trilateral energy sales and purchase agreement utilizing the power line. Being a land-locked country, Nepal's plan to export its electricity other than India requires India's close cooperation and partnership. According to the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission of India, the Indian authority is allowed to do cross-border trade where India is involved.There is a specific provision of a tripartite agreement that allows the Indian authority to sign the framework of bilateral agreements between the government of India and the governments of the respective neighboring countries. In other words, Bangladesh and Nepal need to sign bilateral agreements for cross-border electricity trade with India.Now, India is considering Nepalese and Bangladesh proposals to allow Kathmandu to sell electricity to Bangladesh via Indian territory and Indian infrastructure. Hence, the issue of a power corridor has sparked new talk in Bangladesh-India bilateral relations.Both India and Bangladesh want to increase their share of renewable energy substantially in the upcoming years. The Indian government has set an ambitious plan to generate 500GW from non-fossil energy-based sources by 2030, meeting 50 percent of energy requirements from renewables.Likewise, Bangladesh wants to increase the share of renewable energy in the country's power mix to around 40 percent by 2050 from less than three percent now. Water-rich Nepal could help both countries achieve their dreams.Northeastern region is Indias main hub for increasing its renewable energy capacity. India needs to tap the unexplored natural resources of its Northeast. Bangladesh has the potential to offer multiple electricity corridors for transmission. Arunachal Pradesh alone has a 50,000 MW of hydroelectricity potential. In our hyperconnected world, multinational organizations operate within and across multiple nation-states. Those who do business within the United States will want to keep their eye on the status of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which sets out procedures for physical and electronic surveillance and collection of foreign intelligence. Section 702 specifically addresses how the US government can conduct targeted surveillance of foreign persons located outside the US, with the compelled assistance of electronic communication service providers, to acquire foreign intelligence information. Note that the act does not apply to US citizensonly foreign nationals abroad. It's important for CISOs to understand the depth to which their communications into and out of the US are subject to surveillance. In addition, one must keep ones eye on one-off requests by the intelligence and law enforcement communities to provide material support under the rubric of FISA Section 702. The pending renewal of Section 702 On January 12, 2023, Paul Nakasone, the commander of US Cyber Command and National Security Agency (NSA) director, urged Congress to renew Section 702, which expires on December 31, 2023. Speaking before the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Boards public forum on Section 702, Nakasone said emphatically: Section 702 cannot be used to target Americans anywhere in the world or any person inside the United States regardless of nationality. No exceptions. He continued, that under Section 702, both national security and civil liberties and privacy are preserved and protected. It is an and and not an or that connects these two important goals. Neither is compromised for the other. 702 authorities provided exquisite foreign intelligence that is focused on non-US persons outside the United States and specific invaluable insights that protect our nation, intelligence that cannot be obtained through other means. In September 2022, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) requested public comments regarding questions it should explore, and recommendations it should consider making in preparation for their work to advise Congress on the efficacy of Section 702. There were 10 comments submitted. Four key comments on Section 702 I selected four to share below. I posit these are emblematic of the tenor, tone, and focus on the need for the PCLOB to use this opportunity between now and when Section 702 expires on the need for Congress to tighten up the authorities conferred within the current implementation. Industry, privacy, and civil liberty groups are unhappy with the current implementation and do not see the successes in the same manner Nakasone describes. In sum, they believe US individuals and others operating within the US are unwittingly subjected to surveillance by the NSA, FBI, and others under the auspices of Section 702. The Brennan Center for Justice at the NYU School of Law submitted an opinion piece that highlighted the shortcomings of Section 702, including mission creep and allegations of FBI overreach with respect to implementation. The center recommends that the PCLOB assist in developing reforms and recommend changes to Congress that will bring Section 702 surveillance in line with US constitutional rights and legitimate privacy expectations. The Center for Democracy and Technology calls Section 702 a massive and powerful surveillance system, yet notes that lawmakers and the public lack key information about how it affects civil rights and civil liberties. It posited in a comment document several recommendations of items for the PCLOB to investigate and report on, some of which are worthy of approbation and summed up here: Why there has been a significant increase in Section 702 targets in recent years, and how much this has amplified incidental or mistaken collection of communications unrelated to foreign intelligence? Why the Office of the Director of National Intelligence reversed a commitment to estimate how many US persons were affected by Section 702 and advocate in the strongest terms possible for that to be publicly released before it expires. What methodologies the intelligence community could use to better understand and report on the degree to which Section 702 incidental collectionas well as other components of FISAdisproportionately affects racial and ethnic minorities, religious minorities, immigrants, and other marginalized communities. Also, to what degree do First Amendment-protected activities and membership of protected classes such as race, ethnicity, and religion affect targeting decisions. To what extent would limiting Section 702 surveillance to attacks, sabotage, international terrorism, weapon of mass destruction proliferation, and clandestine intelligence activities of a foreign power hamper national security? What is the full range of domestic law enforcement investigations in which Section 702 data has been queried or used, and how frequently is information collected under Section 702 used for domestic policing? The center also had several policy recommendations for the PCLOB. Included among those were: That it support legislative reforms that significantly limit the degree to which membership of protected classes or exercise of First Amendment-protected activities can be the basis of FISA targeting designations. Whether the new Signals Intelligence Executive Order bars any surveillance activities previously conducted under Section 702, or if the purposes authorized in the Signals Intelligence Executive Order fully encompass the existing purposes for which Section 702 is used. That it support legislative reforms that close existing loopholes and properly limit use of Section 702 for domestic law enforcement. Use limits should focus on a narrow set of national security and public safety priorities, be clearly enumerated rather than subject to broad interpretation by the Executive and apply to all stages of domestic law enforcement activities and investigation, rather than just court proceedings. Princeton University urged the PCLOB to explore the question: How has the intelligence community implemented the provision of Section 702 that addresses quantitatively estimating incidental collection of US person communications? In addition, they recommended that the board should independently evaluate methods for estimating incidental collection and, if it identifies a viable method, recommend implementation by the intelligence community in advance of the December 2023 sunset. The Open Technology Institute urged the PCLOB to strive for greater transparency regarding the Section 702 efforts and surrounding the rules dealing with US surveillance. The OTI is spot-on with their urging that collection is proportionate to the intelligence needs. Understanding FISA Section 702 Section 702 is a complex tool that sets out just how the US intelligence community can gather intelligence on foreign nationals abroad, but CISOs should be aware of its limitations and acquaint themselves with how it works. That watchdog organizations are flagging that people and entities within the US may be targeted inadvertently or otherwise by the intelligence community should be a matter of concern, especially for organizations that operate around the world. As the Center for Democracy and Technology notes: Section 702 has a tremendous impact on the privacy and civil liberties of individuals both in the United States and across the world. With the section set to expire at the end of 2023, now is a critical time to review current practices under the law and consider potential reforms that would strengthen civil rights and civil liberties, the Center states. Just sonow is also a good time for CISOs to ensure they understand and are watching the process to renew this controversial section of FISA. This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices. The representative for Hulk Hogan has responded to recent comments made by fellow wrestling legend Kurt Angle on Hogan's health. Angle, 54, discussed encountering Hogan, 69, during WWE Monday Night Raw's 30th anniversary on The Kurt Angle Show podcast. The former WWE champion remarked on the podcast: "Hogan had his back surgery again. He had the nerves cut from his lower body." He also noted that the Hulkster has no sensation in his legs and cannot walk without his cane, per The New York Post. But the representative of Hulk Hogan denies some of Angle's statements in the Kurt Angle podcast, stating that "everything is ok" with the wrestling legend and that the Hulk Hogan paralyzed news is not true. "Hulk is someone with much humor," Hulk Hogan's representative said, according to ET. Read Also: Ja Morant Incident Update Hulk Hogan is Fine, But His Body is Deteriorating The news on Hulk Hogan's health came after he unexpectedly returned at RAW XXX in Philadelphia, where Kurt Angle also made a special appearance. The report on Hulk Hogan's health shook the wrestling world. In an Instagram video posted alongside his son Nick, Hogan promised to return to a Hogan's Hangout event in Clearwater after missing the previous two weeks to attend the playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys and last week's anniversary special of WWE Monday Night Raw. According to Fox News, Hulk Hogan later shared a photo from the karaoke night. The Instagram Stories of his son also featured him. In contrast to the fierce leader of the NWO, who famously bodyslammed Andre the Giant in WrestleMania III, Hulk Hogan now seemed to be strolling and moving a little more slowly. However, it somewhat disproves the Hulk Hogan paralyzed report. Related Article: Kareem-Abdul Jabbar Comments on LeBron James @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria on Monday and is anticipated to be named one of the deadliest tremors in the last decade, said seismologists, as it was recorded to have a more than 100-kilometer rupture between the Anatolian and Arabian plates. The tremor's epicenter was found to be located 26 kilometers east of Nurdagi, a Turkish city, and had a depth of roughly 18 kilometers on the East Anatolian Fault. The earthquake immediately radiated towards the northeast, destroying central Turkey and Syria. Massive Syria-Turkey Earthquake The East Anatolian Fault yielded little significant seismic activity during the 20th century, and an honorary research associate at the British Geological Survey, Roger Musson, said that when observing major earthquakes recorded by seismometers, the fault was primarily inactive. Only three tremors in the area have been recorded with a 6.0 on the Richter Scale since 1970. However, one earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.0, was recorded in 1822 that was known to have resulted in the death of roughly 20,000 people, as per Reuters. Authorities estimate that, on average, fewer than 20 tremors record over a 7.0 magnitude in any given year, making the Monday quake even more severe. When comparing an earthquake with a 6.2 magnitude that struck central Italy in 2016 and resulted in the deaths of roughly 300 people, the latest quake had 250 times as much energy. The latest earthquake was so severe because the East Anatolian Fault is a strike-slip fault. Solid rock plates push up against each other across a vertical fault line. This process builds up stress continuously until one day, it slips in a horizontal motion, releasing a massive amount of stored strain that can result in an earthquake. Some believe that the San Andreas Fault in California is probably the most famous strike-slip fault in the world, as scientists warn that it could sooner or later result in a catastrophic quake that is long overdue. Read Also: Video Footage of Syria-Turkey Earthquake Destruction Resulting Deaths and Rescue Efforts The latest tremor was associated with the deaths of more than 3,400 people and the injury of thousands of others. According to CNN, authorities said that they expect the death toll to rise as rescue efforts are still underway. In a statement on Monday following the quake, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Jeff Flake, said that two search and rescue teams would be deployed to the affected areas to assist local officials. He noted that the teams are what they call heavy units that are equipped with roughly 70 personnel, including search dogs and paramedics. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the incident the "biggest disaster" that the nation has seen since the 1939 Erzincan earthquake that resulted in the deaths of roughly 33,000 people. The earthquake centered in the province of Kahramanmaras was powerful enough to bring down entire apartment blocks in various cities and caused destruction to millions of Syrians displaced by years of war, said Aljazeera. Related Article: Turkey Earthquake Death Toll Update @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Crude Oil Trading Strategies and Tips Crude oil is ranked among the most liquid commodities in the world, meaning high volumes and clear charts for oil trading. is ranked among the most liquid commodities in the world, meaning high volumes and clear charts for oil trading. Oil traders should understand how supply and demand affects the price of oil. Both fundamental and technical analysis is useful for oil trading and allows traders to gain an edge over the market. is useful for oil trading and allows traders to gain an edge over the market. Traders should follow a risk conscious crude oil trading strategy for greater consistency and efficiency. WHY TRADE CRUDE OIL AND HOW DOES CRUDE OIL TRADING WORK? Crude oil is the world economys primary energy source, making it a very popular commodity to trade. A naturally occurring fossil fuel, it can be refined into various products like gasoline (petrol), diesel, lubricants, wax and other petrochemicals. It is highly demanded, traded in volume, and extremely liquid. Oil trading therefore involves tight spreads, frequent chart patterns, and high volatility. Brent crude is the worlds benchmark for oil with almost two thirds of oil contracts traded being Brent oil. WTI is Americas benchmark oil, it is a slightly sweeter and lighter oil compared to Brent. CRUDE OIL TRADING HOURS WTI trades on CME Globex: Sunday - Friday, 6:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (with an hour break from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day) Brent trades on ICE: Sunday - Friday - 7:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. CRUDE OIL TRADING BASICS: UNDERSTANDING WHAT AFFECTS PRICE MOVEMENTS When trading oil, the two major focal points are, as with many commodities, supply and demand. Whether there was an economic report like a news event or press release or tensions in the Middle East, the two factors that will be taken into consideration is how supply and demand is affected, because this will affect the price. Supply Factors Outages or maintenance in key refineries around the globe, whether its the Forties pipeline in the North Sea or the Port Arthur refinery in Texas, must be monitored because of the effect it can have on the supply of oil. War in the Middle East leads to concerns about supply. For example, when the Libyan Civil war began in 2011, prices had seen a 25% rise from in the space of a couple of months. in key refineries around the globe, whether its the Forties pipeline in the North Sea or the Port Arthur refinery in Texas, must be monitored because of the effect it can have on the supply of oil. War in the Middle East leads to concerns about supply. For example, when the Libyan Civil war began in 2011, prices had seen a 25% rise from in the space of a couple of months. OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) production cuts or extensions lead to changes in the price of oil. For example, back in 2016 when the cartel had announced their decision to curb global supply by 1.9% (see chart below), the price of oil has risen from $44/bbl to as much as $80/bbl. Recommended by Warren Venketas Understanding the Core Fundamentals of Oil Trading Get My Guide WTI and Brent Crude price reaction to OPEC supply cut: Chart prepared by Warren Venketas, TradingView Oil Suppliers: Similarly, with understanding the importance of OPEC, it is also worth knowing who the top global oil suppliers are, and this information can be fond from the EIA website. Demand Factors Seasonality : Hot summers can lead to increased activity and higher oil consumption. Cold winters cause people to consume more oil products to heat their houses. : Hot summers can lead to increased activity and higher oil consumption. Cold winters cause people to consume more oil products to heat their houses. Oil Consumers: The largest consumers of oil have typically been developed nations such as the U.S. and European countries. However, in recent times there has been a surge in oil consumption in Asian countries, namely China and Japan. As such, it is important for traders to pay attention to the level of demand from these nations, alongside their economic performance. Any slowdown could affect oil prices and demand may fall. The largest consumers of oil have typically been developed nations such as the U.S. and European countries. However, in recent times there has been a surge in oil consumption in Asian countries, namely China and Japan. As such, it is important for traders to pay attention to the level of demand from these nations, alongside their economic performance. Any slowdown could affect oil prices and demand may fall. Correlation to Global Growth : The chart below shows the largely positive correlation between the price of crude oil and global growth. The Chinese and US economies being the two largest in the world are a great barometer for global growth. The chart includes their respective major stock indices which move in line with crude oil prices when the equity indices fall, the price of crude oil tends to fall and vice versa. WTI and Brent Crude positive correlation with FTSE China A50 and S&P 500 chart representation: Chart prepared by Warren Venketas, TradingView Alternative Energy: While fossil fuels such as oil and gas continue to dominate cleaner energy sources, there is an incessant push towards sustainability on a global scale. This will definitely impact crude oil prices going forward which makes this a key factor to monitor in a crude oil trading strategy. The impact of derivatives on the traditional valuations of crude oil have been thought by many to have destabilized the asset class. Simply put, the oil futures are thought to have reflected higher proportions of noise which do not reflect the fundamental data at the time. This is contentious within the investing community with some in disagreement with the above rationale, but it cannot be ignored that large speculative traders are becoming more influential with the flourishing derivative market. Want to know more about oil? Here are 8 Surprising Crude Oil Facts Every Trader Should Know ! HOW TO TRADE OIL: TOP TIPS AND STRATEGIES Expert oil traders generally follow a strategy. They will understand the fundamental factors that affect the price of oil and use a trading strategy that suits their trading style. Each trading strategy is different, risk management is an important component to consistent trading, like the effective use of leverage and avoiding top trading mistakes. A comprehensive crude oil trading strategy could include: Fundamental Analysis Technical Analysis Risk Management Once a trader understands the fundamental supply and demand factors that affect the price of oil, he/she can look for entries into the market using technical analysis. Then, when a buy or sell signal has been identified using technical analysis, the trader can implement the proper risk management techniques. Lets go through an example using the steps outlined above: Fundamental Analysis On the 30th of November 2017, OPEC and Russia agreed to extend an oil production cut, which lead to a decrease in supply. The basic theory of supply and demand suggests that a decrease in supply should be succeeded by an increase in demand and consequently price. This is the fundamental analysis a trader would need to incorporate into their strategy in order to identify potential buy signals in the market. WTI daily chart highlighting supply cut: Chart prepared by Warren Venketas, IG 2. Technical Analysis The next step would be to analyze the chart using technical analysis. There are a variety of technical indicators and price patterns a trader can use to look for signals to enter the market. There is no need to use many technical indicators, one that you understand well will do the job. A common yet very effective way to begin analyzing any chart is to identify the overall trend of the market. In this example, the implementation of simple price action is used to identify higher highs and higher lows which is suggestive of a preceding upward trend. This falls in line with our fundamental expectation of further upward price movement. WTI daily chart showing preceding upward trend: Chart prepared by Warren Venketas, IG Once the bullish trend has been confirmed, the next step in the trading strategy would be to recognize possible entry points. Again, there are multiple tools and techniques to locate entry points but this example uses the Commodity Channel Index (CCI) indicator which moves into oversold territory shortly after the fundamental supply cut announcement was made. An oversold signal on the CCI advocates further price appreciation and the possibility of a long (buy) entry. WTI daily chart with CCI indicator: Chart prepared by Warren Venketas, IG 3. Risk Management The final step in any trading strategy would be to employ sound risk management to every trade. At DailyFX we support the 1:2 risk-reward ratio guideline which basically means that the target level should be roughly two times more than the position stop-loss level. To manage risk, the trader could look to set a take-profit above the recent high and set a stop-loss at the recent low. In this example, a recent swing low ($49.30) has been identified as stop level which is approximately $8 away from the entry price ($57.20). There is no recent high which in this case which would allow for a target projection using basic math. With the stop distance being roughly $8 away from entry, a 1:2 projection could seee initial resistance at the $73 level. WTI daily chart with 1:2 risk-reward ratio: Chart prepared by Warren Venketas, IG This sample trade would illustrate a positive risk to reward ratio. We researched millions of live trades in a variety of markets and discovered a positive risk to reward ratio was a key element to consistent trading. Additionally, at DailyFX, we recommend risking less than 5% of capital on all open trades. Recommended by Warren Venketas Check out our most recent Oil forecast Get My Guide ADVANCED TIPS FOR OIL TRADING Advanced traders can incorporate additional information when setting up trades. Traders sometimes look at the futures curve to forecast future demand, CFTC speculative positioning to understand the current market dynamic and can use options to take advantage of forecasted high volatility moves or to hedge current positions. Futures Curve: The shape of the futures curve is important for commodity hedges and speculators. As such, when investors analyze the curve, they look for two things, whether the market is in contango or backwardation: Contango : This is a situation in which the futures price of a commodity is above the expected spot price, as investors are willing to pay more for a commodity at some point in the future than the actual expected price. This typically signals a bearish structure. Backwardation: This is a situation when the spot price is above the forward price for a commodity. This typically signals a bullish structure. CFTC/Speculative Positioning: The Commodity Future Trading Commission Report (CFTC) is important when trading crude oil futures. It provides traders with information related to market dynamics and therefore s can be a good way to gain a sense of where oil prices are heading. Movements in the CFTC managed money net positions typically precede the move in oil prices. Trading via futures and options Buying futures and options, a trader must use the appropriate exchange for the oil benchmark he/she wants to trade. Most exchanges have criteria for who is allowed trade on them, so the majority of futures speculation is undertaken by professionals. Oil Investing Instead of trading the individual market, a trader can get exposure to oil through shares of oil companies or through energy-based exchange traded funds (ETFs). The price of oil companies and ETFs are heavily influenced by the price of oil. Major Oil/Energy ETFs: Energy Select Sector SPDR (XLE) Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) United States Energy Fund (USO) KEY REPORTS EVERY OIL TRADER SHOULD FOLLOW Weekly updates on the amount of crude oil inventories in the U.S. are very important pieces of data for oil traders the release of which frequently leads to a bout of volatility. The inventory data is an important barometer for oil demand. For example, if weekly inventories are increasing, this would suggest that demand for oil is dropping, while a drop in inventories suggests that oil demand is outstripping supply. American Petroleum Institute (API): The API produces a weekly statistical report, which highlights the most important petroleum products that account for more than 80% of total refinery production, while crude oil inventories are also included. This data is typically released on Tuesday at 16:30ET/21:30 London time. Department of Energy (DoE/EIA): Much like the API report, the DoE report provides information on the supply of oil and the level of inventories of crude oil and refined products. This is announced on Wednesday at 10:30ET/15:30 London time. USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO TRADE CRUDE OIL Over the years, social media has become an increasingly useful platform to share ideas, pass on information and receive breaking news. This is the case for oil traders using #OOTT, which stands for the Organization of Oil Traders on Twitter. Here traders and industry leaders provide breaking news and key reports related to the oil market. When Philip Hammond, then the defence secretary, slashed the overall strength of the British Army by 20,000 personnel a decade ago, I warned it was 'a hell of a gamble'. Hammond was livid. At the time I was Nato's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe and the minister wanted to see me court-martialled. Hammond's gamble has not paid off, and Britain is more vulnerable than it has been at any time since the 1930s. The last time we were so woefully unprepared for war, facing an international aggressor, Nazi Germany was on the rise. Our Army has been hollowed out at a time when Moscow poses the gravest of threats. This week, it emerged from Treasury sources that plans for any increase in the Budget during the latest spending round could be put on hold although ministers have not taken a final decision. The Government has to redress the damage. There is still time. But as it stands we no longer have the troops, the kit or the ammunition to defend ourselves. It is a truly perilous and unforgiveable situation. Today, in Ben Wallace, we do at least have a defence secretary with the political courage to say so. But that is scarcely a deterrent to Vladimir Putin. So woefully depleted are our Forces that they are incapable of supporting our closest ally, the US, in any meaningful way. And our decision to send tanks and self-propelled artillery to Ukraine which I fully support has left us without a credible means of defence. The British Army could not even deploy a division with the capability to fight a war within six months. In the time it took us to put our boots on, any war would be lost. Senior Ministry of Defence staff are claiming that Russia's military has been exposed as inferior and badly equipped but believe me, we are in no state to stand up to them. By a 'division', I mean about 25,000 personnel comprising three brigades, with all the logistical back-up, command-and-control, combat support, firepower, artillery and air defence, engineers, and the rest that comprises a fighting force. A division is an army in its own right. And we can no longer field that. And while we have sent only 14 Challenger II tanks to Ukraine when 50 would have been far more effective, their loss to our arsenal is also significant. More worrying still is the warning that our ammunition stocks are so depleted we are buying bullets and shells from suppliers in south-east Asia. When Philip Hammond, pictured, then the defence secretary, slashed the overall strength of the British Army by 20,000 personnel a decade ago, I warned it was 'a hell of a gamble' As it stands we no longer have the troops, the kit or the ammunition to defend ourselves. It is a truly perilous and unforgiveable situation. Today, in Ben Wallace (pictured), we do at least have a defence secretary with the political courage to say so It is unacceptable that any foreign government could have the power to cut us off from ammo supplies, or that some other breakdown in the global supply chain such as that caused by Covid could leave soldiers with empty magazines.Yet our manufacturers are so under-tooled that, by one estimate, it would take Britain a full year to produce all the 6,000 shells being fired by Ukraine's forces in a single day. It was also revealed last week that, by sending all 30 of our functioning AS90 guns to Ukraine, the Army has been left without any heavy artillery. An MoD spokesman said they now plan to accelerate 'the Mobile Fires Platform project which is designed to deliver an enduring replacement this decade'. In other words, we have no back-up and don't expect to before 2029. It's not merely that we don't have live firepower. We also have few guns for training new crews. How have successive Conservative governments allowed this to happen? For a party that claims to be patriotic, I'll say again that it is unforgivable. Yes, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has weakened our military considerably. But the reality is that this crisis has been in the works since 2005. It started with the downsizing of the Army under Labour at a time when we were at war on two fronts, in Afghanistan and Iraq. But the real damage was done in 2010 with coalition prime minister David Cameron's first defence review. At that time, an infamous statement announced that there was no existential threat to these islands from a foreign power and that, as none was anticipated for at least a decade, our defence budget should be scaled back. This was a level of naivety that you might expect from anti-war peaceniks, not hard-headed politicians let alone politicians who were so quick to wrap themselves in the Union flag when votes were needed. It went far beyond immature pacifism. This was criminal complacency. Russia had already invaded Georgia in 2008 and was blatantly intent on changing the national borders in Europe by force. Yet the Government pretended there was no likelihood of a renewed Cold War with Russia or any other credible threat to our sovereignty. Instead, Army procurement has been undertaken as though we're re-fighting previous wars. It seems we're preparing to fight in the Middle East, when all evidence suggests the next battleground is far more likely to be Europe. Wheeled vehicles called Boxers are being procured to replace the infantry's Warriors which have tank-like tracks. Wheels might be suitable for the terrain in desert conditions, but they can't keep up with tanks on the mud of Eastern Europe. Tracked vehicles don't have the same long-range capability of wheels, it's true. But range isn't much use to a vehicle bogged down to its axles. Not only has ill-judged defence spending been chopped back repeatedly, but what budget remains is spent disastrously. Witness the disgraceful chaos of a so-called medium tank called Ajax, a 38-ton armoured fighting vehicle. Way over budget and way behind deadline, it simply cannot operate effectively. The noise and vibration deafen its crews and, even if its mechanical issues could be fixed, it is no match for Russian tanks such as the T-90. What the hell is the point of Ajax? Another of the most egregious misuses of defence money is on display every Sunday night, in the BBC2 documentary The Warship: Tour Of Duty, which documents the 3billion aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth on its mission to the South China Sea. At one terrifying point in the series, a squadron of Russian fighter jets closes in on the ship sailing through the Suez Canal. However proud we are of our Royal Navy, and I am convinced its sailors are the best in the world, I have to question whether we can afford an aircraft carrier or whether we need it half as much as we need tanks and guns. The cost of the flotilla with its escort ships is colossal. Yet an aircraft carrier is of limited use, at best, in fighting a European war. In my novel 2017: War With Russia, I envisaged a crisis similar to the one we now face in Ukraine and imagined deploying a British carrier to the Baltic Sea. A sitting target for Russian submarines, in my story it was sunk by torpedoes. That's the nightmare scenario a state-of-the-art warship, powerless to join the land war, sunk with 1,600 crew. Far from being the stuff of fiction, it's a very real possibility. The Government has not been listening. They had better start listening now. Britain has never been more vulnerable to attack in my lifetime. General Sir Richard Shirreff is Nato's former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe The Channel boats crisis could determine the outcome of the next General Election. If Rishi Sunak can halt the dinghies, he might be in with a shot. If not, the Conservatives will suffer a 1997-style defeat. It seems the Prime Minister is aware of this; and reports this weekend that he is willing to take Britain out of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) are certainly promising. Let me explain: in June last year, an 11th-hour decision by an anonymous Strasbourg judge blocked the transfer of seven illegal immigrants from the UK to Rwanda. It was an extraordinary moment. A bilateral deal between the British and Rwandan governments given the green light by our own Supreme Court had been shredded by a foreign power. It was bizarre, too, that the notoriously slow European Court of Human Rights managed to rush its decision through with such alacrity. Rishi Sunak in 10 Downing Street on the phone to the Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar The court has a backlog of more than 10,000 cases, a thousand of which have been awaiting adjudication for over a decade. Yet, rather than allow an elected British government to implement its agenda, it somehow managed to spring into action to halt the deportation aircraft as it stood ready on the runway. The message from across the Channel was clear: while snared within the ECHR, the UK will not be able to create the deterrent necessary to halt the small boats coming to our shores. And since then things have only got worse. Some 65,000 people are expected to cross the Channel illegally this year all of them coming from a safe country, namely France. Mr Sunak who has made stopping the small boats one of his five key pledges for 2023 is now finalising plans for strict new legislation to get a grip on the crossings. But, if Strasbourg judges step in yet again and rule that these plans are also unlawful, then the Prime Minister is said to be open to the idea of exiting the ECHR. Sounds reasonable enough? Well, even the merest suggestion that Britain might reconsider its membership seems to have sparked mass hysteria in some quarters. Radical lawyers claim that throwing off the authority of the ECHR would remove our basic rights. Britain would turn itself into some sort of rogue nation, they say, like Russia or Belarus! A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel earlier this year These criticisms are downright silly. How do you suppose we got on before the ECHR was established in 1953? Were we deporting whole populations, jailing people without due process, practising systematic torture? Of course not. Yet the liberal elite has managed to disseminate this idea that we are given our rights by European judges. If Britain does pull out of the European Court, it would deprive British citizens of their rights, says Leftist barrister Geoffrey Robertson. Really? Which rights? The rights to free speech, freedom from slavery, and freedom of worship? Of course not. These things existed here in the UK for generations before anyone thought of extending them across Europe. But what about the right of prisoners to pornography? Or the right of terrorists to compensation? Or the right of hate-preachers to avoid repatriation to their own countries? There, withdrawing from the ECHR might indeed make a difference. For the ECHR does not give us any rights. What it does is put a different set of people in charge of interpreting our rights. And that leaves us exposed to activist judges. Now, in fairness, it is not always easy to police the border between interpreting law and establishing new principles. The more general the law and the ECHR necessarily lays down very general principles, such as the right to privacy, or to a family life the more opportunity there is to cross the line into making new laws. In 2015, the then British representative on the ECHR, Paul Mahoney, explained it as follows: The open textured language and the structure of the Convention leave the Court significant opportunities for choice in interpretation. In exercising that choice, particularly when faced with changed circumstances and attitudes in society, the Court makes new law. Theres the rub. For who should determine how attitudes in society have changed? Should it be judges or should it be the rest of us, through the ballot box? Attitudes do change over time. For example, when the ECHR was first established, Britain, like many countries, outlawed gay relationships among consenting adults. Happily, we have since moved on first lifting the ban and then, in time, legalising same-sex unions. Each successive law was passed by British MPs who had to answer to the rest of us. That is how the system of democracy is meant to work. The Prime Minister during an interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV ECHR rulings, by contrast, often advance an agenda that has been rejected at the ballot box. Whether or not prisoners should vote is a matter for MPs, not for lawyers. Yet in 2005, Strasbourg judges rather ruled that the UK could not have a blanket ban on prisoners voting. Thankfully, Westminster has continued to ignore the ruling. Nonetheless, it is hard to avoid the conclusion that those who took the issue to Strasbourg in the first place were deliberately trying to circumvent public opinion. Something similar has been happening with immigration and asylum. Most voters support a measure of controlled, legal immigration. But what almost no one supports is a system which allows people to elbow their way to the front of the queue. Yet the ECHR begins from the position that deportation orders should, whatever the circumstances, be resisted. It was precisely this attitude that drove ministers to the Rwanda solution. Pushing claimants offshore was seen as the only way to stop politically motivated judges from disregarding what the law says in favour of what they feel it ought to say. The fact that the attempt to move the process offshore was itself overturned rather proved the point. What of the argument that Britain must set an example on human rights? It is true that Russia and Belarus are outside the ECHR. But so are Canada and New Zealand surely more useful points of comparison. Indeed, the fact that Russia was happily signed up to the ECHR during almost the whole of Vladimir Putins baleful autocracy, finally renouncing the Convention only last September, tells you enough. The European Convention was a useful way to help formerly Fascist countries adopt liberal norms in the wake of World War II and an encouragement to Communist countries to follow. It was never intended to prevent democratic governments from setting their own immigration policies. Britain does not have a human rights deficit. It did not have one before 1953, and it does not have one now. But it does have a democratic deficit. People feel that it now makes little difference how they vote when their decisions can be overruled by foreign courts. So yes, unless the Conservatives can address that concern at the next election, they will lose and, in all honesty, they will deserve to lose. Parents were quick to share their opinions, with many of them criticizing her A mother has sparked furious debate after revealing she doesn't allow her children to attend sleepovers because she believes they are unsafe. Tara Huck, from Virginia, sent internet users into a frenzy after she shared her 'unpopular parenting opinions' to both TikTok and Instagram, garnering reactions from other moms. In a viral video, which amassed over 8,000,000 views on social media, the mom shared that she declines her children's request to stay the night at a friend's house due to the potential threats that could come to them while they sleep. And while Tara knew not every parent on the web would agree with her stance, she never imagined she would create such a large divide amongst social media users as a result of her clip. Captioning the video, 'This should be fun,' the mom detailed her top three parenting takes, beginning with no overnight stays. Tara Huck , from Virginia, sent internet users into a frenzy after she shared her 'unpopular parenting opinions' to both TikTok and Instagram She sparked furious debate after revealing she doesn't allow her children to attend sleepovers because they are unsafe Captioning the video, 'This should be fun,' the mom detailed her top three parenting takes, beginning with no overnight stays 'Unpopular parenting opinions: I don't allow sleepovers, as long as school and chores are done, I don't limit screen time, [and] if they don't eat what I eat, they don't eat,' Tara said. And her first rule struck a nerve with other parents. In a follow-up video, the mom revealed she had received hate over the clip. Poll Do YOU allow your children to have sleepovers? Yes No Do YOU allow your children to have sleepovers? Yes 278 votes No 504 votes Now share your opinion 'People are coming for me, I mean making troll accounts left and right, sending me nasty messages, wishing death upon me, all because I don't allow sleepovers,' she explained after her parenting opinions video went viral. The mom clarified that she allows her children to have fun and go to friend's houses, however, ensures she picks them up before bedtime. Explaining her reasoning behind the rule, she said: 'You don't know what's going to happen, and it has nothing to do with me not trusting my kids. 'It has nothing to do with me not wanting my kids to have fun, it has nothing to do with anything besides the fact that you can not be positive that something won't happen to your children at somebody else's house. 'Even if you trust those people they could have older siblings, parents, friends staying over, there are a million other factors. 'There's too many other factors that I'm not willing to risk my children's safety for them to have a sleepover.' The mom clarified that she allows her children to have fun and go to friend's houses, however ensures she picks them up before bedtime Explaining her reasoning behind the rule, she said: 'You don't know what's going to happen, and it has nothing to do with me not trusting my kids' Despite the hate, Tara said she 'sticks' by what she said. Speaking to Today, the mom explained that her she implemented the rule for the protection of her children. 'I feel like kids are most vulnerable when they're sleeping. I'm just trying to eliminate one very small factor that could potentially harm them. 'If they could come out of their childhood without having had a very traumatic experience, whatever that experience could be, well, that's all I'm trying to do,' she said. Dr. Sara Douglas, a Manhattan pediatric neuropsychologist, echoed the concerns of Tara as she told Today that parents should be cautious as it's normal for parents to fear sexual assault, drugs, alcohol use, and bullying occurring at sleepovers. She explained that parents should feel 'comfortable' asking other parents various questions if they are debating allowing them to stay overnight. Dr. Douglas noted that parents should ask about gun ownership and storage, who else will be in the home, food concerns, and even if ask their own child if they even want to go. 'There arent any wrong questions, and there shouldnt be any limitations on what a parent feels comfortable asking another parent,' the pediatric neuropsychologist told Today. Many parents were quick to criticize Tara for her rule, even after she explained her reasoning And while she suggested parents ask questions, Dr. Douglas noted that sleepovers are also beneficial for children as they help create stronger bonds and offer social and developmental benefits that see them learning to become more independent. Many parents were quick to criticize Tara for her rule, even after she explained her reasoning. One person wrote: 'Why no sleepovers? Were you deprived as a good to have friends and spend time with them?! Just curious.' Another user commented: 'Just a suggestion. If your child wants a friend to stay over let them. never know their home life and that might be a meal and warm bed for a night.' 'No sleepovers? Yikes. Those are some of my favorite childhood memories!' said one user. Another person said: 'You're going to end up with the kids that turn out to be really bad behind your back, you're messing up girl.' Other parents had the mom's back and noted that they adapted the same rule for the protection of their children Other parents had the mom's back and noted that they adapted the same rule for the protection of their children. One person said: 'After working in Law Enforcement for 5.5 years now I do not allow sleepovers either.' 'Thats how I plan to do it too! we dont do sleepovers because I dont trust other people and I dont want to watch someone elses kids,' another user added. 'I dont allow sleepovers either! As someone who had an unpleasant experience with a friends dad I will not allow that to happen to my daughter,' wrote one user. Another person commented: 'And thats called good parenting. My mom did the same thing and I will do the same thing.' The FBI has arrested a Neo-Nazi leader and a Maryland woman who is believed to have planned an attack on the Baltimore power grid and have been charged with conspiracy. On Monday, the US Attorney for the District of Maryland, Erek Barron, said during a news conference that the suspects were identified as Sarah Beth Clendaniel of Catonsville and Brandon Clint Russell of Orlando, Florida. Planned Attack on Baltimore Power Grid The two suspects are thought to have plotted to shoot and destroy several electrical substations in the region of Baltimore in an attempt to further their extremist, violent, racial, and ethnic beliefs. An FBI special agent in charge of Baltimore's task force, Thomas Sobocinski, said that identifying and disrupting terrorist plots, both foreign and local, is one of the FBI's highest priorities. Sobocinski said that damaging an electrical substation could result in power outages that would negatively impact hospitals, businesses, and homes. The official added that the two suspects had been plotting to attack Maryland substations since June and noted that the two individuals had a personal and online relationship, as per The Baltimore Sun. Officials said that 34-year-old Clendaniel planned to get a rifle that he would use to assault five electrical substations. On the other hand, 27-year-old Russell shared maps of the energy facilities and discussed how to inflict the most chaos on the local power grid by targeting several substations simultaneously. Sobocinski noted that the two suspects talked about taking steps to fulfill their plans and how to carry them out. The official said that Russell was responsible for instructions and local information. On the other hand, Clendaniel noted that she would "lay this city to waste." Last week, members of the FBI Joint Terrorism Taskforce took the two suspects into custody. A conspiracy charges to damage an energy facility could hand out a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. Read Also: Florida Police Drag Wounded Man in Elevator Laying Waste to City Some of the five energy facilities that Clendaniel targeted include the Baltimore Gas and Electric substations located in Norrisville, Reisterstown, and Perry Hall. The criminal complaint noted that the other two were found near the city. Clendaniel allegedly said that hitting the substations' center with four or five good shots would destroy the city. The affidavit also revealed that the two defendants were housed in separate prisons for past crimes and could communicate online. The 34-year-old woman previously referenced Unabomber Ted Kaczynski and Hitler and was imprisoned in a Maryland jail for robbing convenience stores while holding a machete. According to Fox News, Russell was arrested for having bomb-making materials. The arrest of the two individuals comes as many domestic violence experts warned that extremist groups' attempts to target power facilities are seeing a rising trend. On Monday afternoon, Clendaniel made her first federal court appearance in downtown Baltimore before District Court Judge Richard Collins. She sat in the courtroom before the hearing, where she read parts of the criminal complaint against her, shaking her head as she flipped through the pages of the document. The suspect's court-appointed attorney, Kirstin Hopkins, consented to the government's request to keep the defendant detained pending further hearings, said CNN. Related Article: Couple Given Life Sentence for Abuse of 3-Year-Old Daughter @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Lisa Strange, 33, got her first tattoo when she was just 16 years old in 2005 A woman who was relentlessly bullied in school has revealed how getting more than 100 tattoos has helped rebuild her confidence. Lisa Strange, 33, from Finland, had her first piece of body art when she was 16 and said getting inked is 'spiritual' to her now. Opening up about her unhappy school years, Lisa explained how she was targeted by her peers for a decade. She said: 'Even when I looked "normal", I was bullied. This made me feel really insecure about myself and I hated myself.' 'I started to believe in the things my bullies told me every day. I had a very bad self-esteem and I thought that I was disgusting.' Lisa Strange, 33, from Finland, has lost track of how much she has spent on her tattoos in the past 17 years In 2005, Lisa decided to take a stand against the bullies and had her first inking and piercings done. She continued: 'At that point I just decided that, "What the hell, they will bully and isolate me anyways so why not have my own way?". 'From that point I started to dress pretty rock-and-roll oriented. 'I got my first piercings and a tattoo when I turned 16, when my friend made a stick and poke star on my right foot. 'I was always inspired by Rock n' Roll and punk looks and alternative cultures will always have a special place in my heart.' After her first inking, Lisa said each tattoo she had done 'made her feel more like herself'. Lisa pictured before she got her first tattoo in 2005. The body art fanatic says she was relentlessly bullied for a decade Left: Lisa Strange as a child before any tattoos and piercings. Right: Lisa pictured in her punk phase as a teenager Lisa counts this huge mermaid inking on her arm among her dozens of tattoos. The body art fanatic also has nine tattoos on her face Lisa added: 'I guess you could say it's almost a spiritual thing for me to get tattooed. I don't regret any of my tattoos, never have.' What's more, the body art fanatic can't even recall how much she has spent on her dozens of tattoos and piercings. She said: 'I have nine face tattoos, but I am getting two more in the coming few weeks. 'I can't even estimate the expense on my tattoos as I have been tattooed in so many countries and in different currencies. 'Some were cheap while others were expensive, but I have a lot of tattoo artist friends so I usually end up getting a good price. I also have twelve piercings out of which eight of them are on my face. 'I used to have a lot more piercings but I took a lot of them out when I started getting more tattoos.' Lisa now has 100 tattoos in total and can't remember how much she has spent on them since she was 16 Left: Lisa has several tattoos on both of her legs. Right: Along with her mermaid inking on her upper arm, she also has a similar gothic tattoo on her back Although Lisa admitted her tattoos can make some people 'uncomfortable', she says she's often complimented on them by members of the public. She added: 'One time I took a city train in Copenhagen and this older guy with strong hippie vibes sat next to me. 'He remarked how despite him not liking facial ink, my he loved my forehead tattoo. 'Even when people say some rude things, I am more amused than annoyed. 'I am past the phase of being bullied and very happy and satisfied in my identity as a tattooed woman.' A mother-of-four has left the web stunned after she revealed she 'breastfed her husband' to relieve the pain she felt after she forgot her milk pump at home during their vacation. Janelle McAloon, 32, from Boston, Massachusetts, opened up about the ordeal on TikTok recently, and she explained that 'desperate times called for desperate measures.' She told her followers that she and her husband, Joshua, were vacationing in Puerto Rico for four days when she accidentally left her breast pump behind. After one day of not pumping, she said her breasts felt like they 'were on fire,' so she decided to ask her partner to 'help her out.' 'You know the part in your marriage vows, "For better or for worse?" Well, I had to take my husband up on that this last week,' she said in the video, which has now been viewed more than 188,000 times. A mother-of-four has left the web stunned after she revealed she 'breastfed her husband' to relieve the pain she felt after she forgot her milk pump at home during their vacation Janelle McAloon, 32, from Boston, Massachusetts, opened up about the ordeal on TikTok recently, and she explained that 'desperate times called for desperate measures' She told her followers that she and her husband, Joshua, were vacationing in Puerto Rico for four days when she accidentally left her breast pump behind 'We were in Puerto Rico, and as you know, I'm breastfeeding, and I forgot to pack my pump for whatever reason. 'My boobs are on fire. By the first day, I'm like, "Josh, I need you to help me out." And that's what we did. I'm here to tell you, I had to breastfeed my husband.' 'The awkwardness was real,' she captioned the post. While some were horrified over Janelle's admission, others theorized that Josh likely enjoyed the task - and some even said they were jealous of him. 'Probably the best vacation ever for your husband,' wrote one person. 'I bet that job must have been so tough for him,' another added, while someone else said, 'I wouldnt say that was a bad thing. In fact one my conclude that was the for better part of the marriage.' 'Its hard to see other men living out your dream,' joked a different user. A fifth comment read, 'Every man's dream.' After one day of not pumping, she said her breasts felt like they 'were on fire,' so she decided to ask her partner to 'help her out.' The couple is seen with their four kids 'You know the part in your marriage vows, "Or better or for worse?" Well, I had to take my husband up on that this last week,' she said in the video While some were horrified over Janelle's admission, others theorized that Josh likely enjoyed the task - and some even said they were jealous of him In a separate video, Janelle went viral after she tricked her husband into drinking some of her breast milk during a blind taste test for him. She had him drink oat milk, whole milk, almond milk, and breast milk without him seeing which was which, and asked him to try to figure out what each substance was. When he got to the breast milk, he scrunched his face up with disgust immediately - but he then went for a second sip. 'That's your breast milk,' he said. 'I'm positive.' Janelle has also gotten attention online in the past for revealing that she often breastfeeds her sister-in-law, Lisa McAloon's baby, after Lisa began struggling with milk supply issues. During an interview with Truly in November, Janelle said 'it wasn't even a question' for her to 'step in help' her sister-in-law, following the birth of her son, Callum. In a separate video, Janelle went viral after she tricked her husband into drinking some of her breast milk during a blind taste test for him She had him drink oat milk, whole milk, almond milk, and breast milk without him seeing which was which, and asked him to try to figure out what each substance was When he got to the breast milk, he scrunched his face up with disgust immediately - but he then went for a second sip. 'That's your breast milk,' he said. 'I'm positive' 'I love breastfeeding, it's such a great bonding experience with the mom and the baby,' she gushed at the time. 'It's something that always came really easy for me. I enjoy doing it, and I don't think it's weird.' The idea for Janelle to breastfeed Callum came one afternoon, when the sisters were hanging out and Janelle, who welcomed her daughter Georgia six months before Callum, noticed that Lisa had no milk left, but that Callum was 'crying' because he was 'still hungry.' 'Janelle was like, "Let me try." I was like, "Are you sure?" She was like, "I have plenty of milk, let me just try,"' recalled Lisa. 'So she put him on his breast and he was soothed and happy. She breastfed him and as soon as she was done he was as happy as could be.' Janelle then decided to post a TikTok video about their situation in an attempt to 'shed some light on breastfeeding' and end the 'different stigmas around it,' however, the sisters soon started to receive a lot of backlash. Janelle has also gotten attention online in the past for revealing that she often breastfeeds her sister-in-law, Lisa McAloon's baby, after Lisa began struggling with milk supply issues During an interview with Truly in November, Janelle responded to people who called it 'disgusting,' stating, 'Is it disgusting when you're drinking cow's milk?' Lisa added: 'This is my sister-in-law, who I 100 per cent trust. Janelle gives him great nutrients, keeps him from going hungry, and keeps him healthy and happy. I was lucky I had Janelle' Some people called it 'disgusting,' while others said they 'would not be comfortable with their child being fed by someone else.' 'To each their own, obviously not everyone's going to have the same opinion as us,' Janelle told Truly, while discussing the negative comments they have received. 'But why is it disgusting? Is it disgusting when you're drinking cow's milk? You don't know where that cow's been.' Lisa added: 'It feels like in the hateful comments, people are thinking I'm just walking up the street and finding a random person and saying, "Here, feed my baby." No, this is my sister-in-law, who I 100 per cent trust. 'I let Janelle breastfeed my child to help [him], to give him great nutrients, to keep him from going hungry, and to keep him healthy and happy. I was lucky that I had Janelle.' Janelle's partner, Josh, added at the time that he thought it was an 'incredibly natural' and 'amazing' thing. 'I love it. I think it's really cool,' he said. 'Online, people get really weird about stuff like that but it's incredibly natural, I think it's an amazing thing.' From your TV remote to your pets, he suggested you clean these things often The London-based GI physiologist said the bacteria could cause illnesses A gut health expert has revealed the dirtiest items in your home that may be causing you to come down with an illness. GI physiologist Jordan Haworth, from London, warned '70 per cent' of people aren't cleaning their homes thoroughly enough as he detailed the top 10 things that harbor the most bacteria and could lead to long term health problems. After researchers in a recent study by the Agriculture Departments Food Safety and Inspection Service examined different areas in a kitchen to discover which spots hold the most germs, the scientist detailed the other spots that often go uncleaned. He explained that falling ill even just once was enough to 'leave you with life-long gut health problems like irritable bowel syndrome,' before detailing the spaces in homes that often go uncleaned. Captioning the viral video, which amassed over 1.4 million views, '10 dirtiest things in your home,' the health expert revealed how your light switch, TV remote, and even coffee machines could be the cause of your next cold. GI physiologist Jordan Haworth, from London, warned 70 per cent of people aren't cleaning their homes thoroughly enough as he detailed the top 10 things that harbor the most bacteria He revealed the dirtiest items in your home that may be causing you to come down with an illness Get to cleaning! The top 10 dirtiest things in your home Shoes Microwave Dishcloths Cutting boards Fridge Coffee maker Bath towels Light switches Pets TV remote Advertisement Jordan began by warning his over 93,000,00 followers about the dangers the tenth most-germ filled item - shoes. Showing a pair of Air Force Ones on screen, the doctor explained that nearly half of shoes carry bacteria known as Clostridioides difficile or C diff, which t can result in gastrointestinal symptoms, according to one study. '45 per cent of the bottom of people shoes tested for C diff, which can cause severe diarrhea. 'Doesnt matter if your Air Force Ones are dusty or fresh. Always take your shoes off at the front door,' he said. Next up, the scientist crushed the hearts of microwave popcorn lovers as he revealed that your microwave is loaded with bacteria and urged viewers to begin wiping down the inside. 'Okay I want you to go to your microwave right now and open it. If you have got any spill stains in there get it cleaned you filthy animal, [and] don't forget the outside. Microwaves can be filled with E. coli or salmonella, which can result in serious illnesses and gut issues. Jordan dubbed dishcloths as 'one of the most contaminated things in your home.' He revealed that people often use dishcloths for multiple surfaces - including their tables, hands, and dishes - leaving them prone to developing germs. Jordan began by warning his over 93,000,00 followers about the dangers the tenth most-germ filled item - shoes Jordan dubbed dishcloths as 'one of the most contaminated things in your home' and revealed that your microwave is loaded with bacteria The scientist suggested you give your fridge a deep clean once a month and said that in addition to your fridge, cutting boards harbor bacteria However, he revealed that you can 'start soaking [your dishcloths] in boiling water for around 15 minutes every week,' to kill off any bacteria and to help avoid getting the sniffles. Cutting boards came as no surprise to viewers, as they are listed as one of the dirtiest items in your home. Whether your cutting board is plastic or wood, the grooves made by your knife are another are bacteria can be found in To remove the bacteria, you should double wash it. This means washing it with soap and water and then throw it in the dishwasher to give it a second wash. Jordan recommended using a different cutting board for your meat, for your poultry, and your fruits and vegetables. 'Try to give your fridge a deep clean once a month, the gut health expert said before detailing why your fridge could loaded with bacteria. 'Storing food properly is important. Start with ready to eat produce at the top and work your way down by cooking temperature,' he explained. And while you may have thought your morning cup of joe was safe, the gut health expert revealed that your coffee machine can be a 'breeding ground' for germs and mold In addition to dish cloths, Jordan revealed that bath towels also harbor icky germs The scientist's next warning will have you thinking twice before opening a door of flicking a light switch on and off And while you may have thought your morning cup of joe was safe, the gut health expert revealed that your coffee machine can be a 'breeding ground' for germs and mold. 'Coffee makers, especially the reservoirs, can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. 'Apparently you should flush the system with vinegar and always change the water before use,' he told viewers. In addition to dish cloths, Jordan revealed that bath towels also harbor icky germs. He explained that using the same towel to dry your hands and showering is one of the worst things you could do. 'Make sure you have got a separate towel for showering and washing your hands after the toilet,' Jordan said. As well as having multiple bath and dish towels, you should make sure to frequently wash your towels. The Cleaning Institute recommends washing towels after three to five uses. The scientist's next warning will have you thinking twice before opening a door of flicking a light switch on and off. 'You might think that kisses from your dogs are cute, but their toys, bowls and poo are full of bacteria and they have probably had their face in all of them,' Jordan explained While watching TV may be your favorite post-work activity, the gut health expert noted that it can be a sickness-causing task Both switches and doorknobs are the perfect places for bacteria to breed. Switches hold around 217 bacteria per square inch, according to Lancaster General Health. 'Be honest when was the last time you remember cleaning a light switch,' the gut health expert said. Next up, Jordan sent out a warning about your furry friends. 'You might think that kisses from your dogs are cute, but their toys, bowls and poo are full of bacteria and they have probably had their face in all of them,' he explained. While it can be hard to resist a sweet kiss or snuggle session, pets aren't known to be the most cleanly, so the gut health expert recommends you bathe them often and avoid getting too close. While watching TV may be your favorite post-work activity, the gut health expert noted that it can be a sickness-causing task. 'According to studies, there's up to 20 times more bacteria on your TV remote than your toilet seat. 'Think about how many times you have been scrolling through Netflix and then eaten something with the same hand. This is your sign to clean it now,' A 23-year-old woman who is looking for love while stuck in the body of an eight-year-old has said she's 'still open to matchmaking' - despite the furore surrounding her recent dating. Shauna Rae, from Pennsylvania, is 3 feet, 10 inches tall, and weighs just 50 pounds after her growth was stunted following brain cancer treatment as a child. She has previously been candid about the unique dating struggles she has faced as a result of her condition, once revealing her parents' fears that she would attract paedophiles because of her childlike appearance. Her most recent relationship with Welshman Dan Swygart, 26, caused uproar; critics branded him a 'creep' and accused him of only being attracted to her 'because she looks like a kid'. He hit back at the haters while admitting him and Shauna Rae have decided they're better off as friends - and in a recent episode of her TLC reality series I Am Shauna Rae, the star said she was 'still open to matchmaking' as she continued to date. Shauna Rae, from Pennsylvania, is 3 feet, 10 inches tall, and weighs just 50 pounds after her growth was stunted following brain cancer treatment as a child She can be seen getting ready for a blind date with a new match, while admitting she had a 'bunch of worries'. The reality star is then driven to her upcoming date by her step father and sister - until she discovers that her date has cancelled. She explains to the camera that her date 'got cold feet', adding: 'I was relieved when he cancelled. It just kind of showed all of these characteristics I don't want in a person in my life.' Instead, Shauna Rae, her step father, and her sister spend the evening bowling together, with the star saying: 'Even though it was supposed to be a date, I probably enjoyed it better this way with my family then I would with a complete stranger.' She added: 'I'm still open to the matchmaking situation, it really depends on if the second guy cancels.' The 23-year-old recently connected with 26-year-old Dan Swygart, and their meet-up was documented in an episode of her TLC reality series. But after Dan appeared in the show, he was bombarded with backlash from people who questioned his motives, and called the pairing 'weird' and 'disturbing' due to her 'childlike appearance.' He hit back at critics, while admitting they've decided they're better off as friends rather than romantic partners. Her most recent relationship with Welshman Dan Swygart, 26, caused uproar; critics branded him a 'creep' and accused him of only being attracted to her 'because she looks like a kid' He hit back at the haters while admitting him and Shauna Rae have decided they're better off as friends - and in a recent episode of her TLC reality series I Am Shauna Rae, the star said she was 'still open to matchmaking' as she continued to date 'Me and Shauna are just good friends, we're getting to know each other,' he explained in a previous Instagram video. 'But I think it's absolutely disgusting, the attitude of some people. She's been through so much in life. 'She survived cancer as a child, she's always felt different and was treated different by society. How dare you take away her right to have a connection, a friendship, a relationship with someone else? 'Who are you to say that she can't have that? I am absolutely disgusted by some people's attitudes towards her and my friendship with her.' Dan previously explained that he reached out to Shauna after watching the first season of her show and becoming 'inspired by her emotional strength.' He then sent her some flowers and a card saying: 'Go live your best life. Wishing you all the happiness you deserve.' They eventually started messaging on social media, before he flew out to her hometown, where they went on a series of dates, all of which, were showcased in the show. In Dan's Instagram video, he admitted that 'despite all the hate,' some 'amazing things' have come out of his appearance in the series. Shauna was six months old when she was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. She is seen as a baby She underwent three years of chemotherapy - and while the treatment was successful, it made her pituitary gland - which produces hormones - almost dormant, stunting her growth When she was 16, her doctor told her that her bones had fused and she wasn't going to grow anymore. She is seen recently He said he hoped others who may be suffering from a disability could watch it and feel hopeful that they too could form a 'connection with someone.' 'I'm so proud to have had that positive impact on the world,' Dan continued. 'So many people who have disabilities or they have friends and family who have disabilities have reached out and said, "Thank you for showcasing that." 'It's OK to build a connection of friendship with someone who's different by society standards. It's given so many people hope that despite them being different, they too can find an amazing friendship and connection with someone.' During the episode, Shauna gushed about how 'similar' she and Dan - who loves travelling and is often jetting off on various vacations - were, explaining that it was his adventures that 'piqued her interest.' The pair spent their first day together at an aquarium and escape room, and were joined by her 18-year-old half-sister, Rylee. In another part of the show, Dan came over to her house to make sushi rolls. She introduced him to her mother and stepfather, Patty and Mark Schrankel, who soon started interrogating him. Patty asked him things like how often they talk, which Dan said was almost daily at that point, and what his intentions were. Although he looked visibly uncomfortable during the questioning, Dan was open about how he wanted to take their daughter around the world with him on his travels. After Dan's visit ended, Shauna told the camera, 'I'm sure that I'll see him again. He's coming back.' However, it now seems like they're focused on being friends. She is seen recently 'I think Dan would be a really good match for Shauna because he's very smart [and] adventurous,' her stepfather told the camera afterwards. 'Shauna's smart but not very adventurous. I think he could pull her out of [her] comfort zone but still make her safe.' 'I'm not really irritated by my family when they bring up those future questions,' Shauna said. 'I haven't talked about it with Dan. I'm kind of letting it go as it may, but it's nice, kind of try to see if he can answer it. 'I haven't actually really thought about if Dan and I were in a relationship and how that would look. I assume that we would probably try long distance, but I've been in a long-distance relationship and it's not my cup of tea.' After the episode was released, many people flooded the comment section on YouTube with their thoughts about Dan and Shauna's relationship, with some people calling it 'concerning,' 'uncomfortable,' 'creepy,' and 'not right.' In a video shared to Instagram back in December after the episode first aired, Dan defended his date with the reality star, insisting that he built his relationship with her over 'who she is an individual,' rather than her appearance. 'It's very important to remember that Shauna is an incredible 23-year-old woman who has a disability,' he said. 'So as you are building a connection with her, it's important to acknowledge her disability and look past that and build it with who she is an individual. She's this incredible, inspiring 23-year-old woman who just happens to be a little bit short.' Dan also admitted that he knew he was going to get 'some hate' when he agreed to appear on the series, but called it 'absolutely disgusting' and 'dehumanising' to Shauna. 'As soon as you say that she can't have a real-world connection with someone else, you dehumanise her, which is absolutely disgusting,' he continued. 'She is a human being. She deserves to have relationships and connections with whoever she wants. And I think some people aren't emotionally mature enough to understand that you can have a deep connection based on personality rather than just on looks.' Shauna was six months old when she was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour. She had surgery and underwent three years of chemotherapy - and while the treatment was successful, it made her pituitary gland - which monitors and regulates many bodily functions by producing hormones - almost dormant, stunting her growth. She was able to grow another eight inches with the help of synthetic hormone injections, but when she was 16, her doctor told her that her bones had fused and she wasn't going to grow anymore. Queen Maxima and Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands looked glamorous during a walking tour of St Maarten, on what was the eleventh day of the royal family's tour of the Dutch Caribbean. The presence of the Queen, 51, clearly excited one royal fan in particular, with an adorable little girl clinging on to the royal as she greeted people in Philipsburg yesterday. Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange, 19, also joined her mother on the tour of the island's capital, and was enthusiastically greeted by schoolchildren along with her father, King Willem-Alexander. St Maarten is the royal family's fourth stop in their two-week long tour of the Caribbean, a trip which has been designed to introduce Princess Amalia to the region. The King, 55, and his wife and daughter were pictured walking around and soaking up the music and art that Philipsburg has on offer, as well as speaking to local residents. A young fan clung onto Queen Maxima to the royal's delight as she toured Philipsburg, St Maarten Schoolchildren lined the streets and got up close and personal with the royals, with Princess Amalia also happy to give hugs and high fives to the excitable kids. The teenage Princess combined a black dress printed with a pink and purple floral design with a stylish green Jacquemus clutch bag. Her vibrant look was completed with a pair of chartreuse earrings and a simple pair of black heels. Meanwhile, her mother Maxima wore a structured white satin top with a wrap design, which she paired with midnight blue wide leg trousers. She effortlessly coordinated her accessories with her outfit, including a beaded blue clutch in a similar hue to her trousers. The Queen was also adorned with a diamond and sapphire broach and matching statement earrings, as well as silver jewellery and her watch. She and her daughter wore sunglasses to keep the blazing sun out of their eyes as they were shown around the town. The Princess of Orange, (left), joined her mother (right) and father (centre) on a tour of Philipsburg, where they were enthusiastically greeted by crowds Youngsters offered the King, Queen and Princess flower garlands, which the Dutch monarch graciously accepted Like mother like daughter: Princess Amalia happily hugged a young boy as she met with schoolchildren during the walkabout Princess Catharina-Amalia was greeted by excitable schoolchildren who gathered to chat to her as she made her way around Philipsburg The King donned a classic blue shirt, unbuttoned at the top for the heat, and navy trousers, coordinating with his wife. The whole family were offered beautiful flower garlands to wear as they were greeted by youngsters, with the King pictured graciously bowing his head so the necklace could be placed around his neck. The King and Queen were also seen high-fiving some of their littlest fans, as well as shaking hands with members of the gathered crowds. For the dozens who were waiting to catch a glimpse of the family behind barricades, many received a wave and beaming smile from the royals. A children's choir performed for the royal party as they concluded their walking tour of St Maarten's capital town The teenage Princess combined a black dress printed with a pink and purple floral design with a stylish green Jacquemus clutch bag Maxima wore a structured white satin top with a wrap design, which she paired with midnight blue wide leg trousers Young children lined the streets and got up close and personal with the King and Queen of the Netherlands Possibly tired from their busy walking tour of the city, the royals hopped in a buggy to get around A percussion group congregated to play for the royals as dignitaries showed them around the town A percussion group also congregated to play for the royals as dignitaries showed them around the town. The royal family ended the engagement watching a concert on the Boardwalk in Philipsburg. The focus of their tour yesterday was on the country's reconstruction following the devastation caused by hurricane Irma in September 2017. The murals around Philipsburg are designed to brighten up the town, as many of its buildings are still vacant or damaged following the hurricane. Earlier in the day, the King, Queen and their daughter were welcomed at Princess Juliana International Airport by the Governor of St Maarten, Ajamu Baly, and Prime Minister, Silveria Jacobs. Yesterday was the first day of their visit to St Maarten, the fourth island nation they have visited during their tour. The royal party has so far travelled to Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao since they began their tour on 27 January. They will wrap up their time on St Maarten today and are set to visit St Eustatius and Saba in the coming days. High five for the King: A little girl chatted to King Willem-Alexander as Queen Maxima watched on Yesterday was the first day of their visit to St Maarten, the fourth island nation they have visited during their tour For the dozens who were waiting to catch a glimpse of the family behind barricades, many received a wave and beaming smile from the royals During a visit to the emergency and disaster response services, the family were scheduled to take part in a disaster exercise and were also due to visit the St Maarten Medical Center. The King, Queen and Princess were set to speak to patients and be updated on the expansion of the hospital. They then had lunch with the cabinet. Until 2010, all the Caribbean islands, with the exception of Aruba, were part of the Dutch Antilles - an entity that was dissolved and its residents given the choice of independence or integration. The arrangement is similar to that between the Commonwealth Realms, all of which have Britain's monarch as head of state but have separate directly elected parliaments. A couple were stunned to discover the very different noises animals are associated within their respective countries. Marta Mielczarska, from Poland, and Randy Lehoe, from Vermont, have been married seven years, but recently realised the way animal noises are interpreted in each language are very different. They shared their surprising find on TikTok, which has gone viral with 1.2 million likes and over 14 million views. In the clip, they tested animal noises including frogs, roosters, pigs, horses, dogs, and ducks and surprisingly for man's best friend, Randy says 'woof, woof' while Marta says 'how, how'. Sitting side-by-side, they take turns to demonstrate, with incredibly different results. Marta Mielczarska, from Poland, and Randy Lehoe, from Vermont, were stunned to discover the very different noises animals are associated within their respective countries Notably, the pig noise is 'oink, oink' for Randy, while Marta makes a 'croom, croom' noise. Another significant difference is with the horse while Randy says 'neigh', for Marta the animal noise sounds more like 'yee-haw'. The video hilariously ends with a similar noise duck but while Randy says 'quack, quack', Marta repeats the word over and over, saying 'quack, quack, quack, quack, quack'. Viewers were stunned by the video with one user commenting: 'Why did I never think words for noises would be different in other languages 'I'VE ALWAYS WONDERED IF OTHER LANGUAGES MAKE THE SAME ANIMAL SOUNDS,' another user said. Another user added: 'Nah the frog one is wild.' While another user asked: 'Animal sounds aren't universal?'. User Braden wrote: 'Duck says what now?' 'The Polish duck is having way too much fun,' another viewer commented. Luckily, for the happy couple, love conquers language as they married shortly after first meeting Marta was born and raised in Poland and she went to the US as an au pair when she was 20, she now lives in Beverly Hills with Randy Another significant difference is with the horse while Randy says 'neigh', for Marta the animal noise sounds more like 'yee-haw' Someone else added: 'As a Polish kid growing up in California...so many concerned parents at the park.' 'You mean to tell me if I go to Poland, a duck will yell at me in a different language too,' another viewer joked. Luckily, for the happy couple, love conquers language as they married shortly after first meeting. 'We met when I was stationed at Camp Pendleton while enlisted in the Marines and got married a few months after meeting,' Randy said. 'Marta was born and raised in Poland and came to the US as an au pair when she was 20. We have been married for seven years and currently live in Beverly Hills.' In the clip, they tested animal noises including frogs, roosters, pigs, horses, dogs, and ducks and surprisingly for man's best friend, Randy says 'woof, woof' while Marta says 'how, how' The Countess of Wessex put on her best camo to attend an annual competition at the Gibraltar Barracks, Blackwater in Camberley this morning. Sophie, 58, holds honourary military appointments with the regiments and organisations that compete against each other in a series of challenges every year. Sophie holds a number of honourary titles, including Royal Honorary of the Colonel 5th Battalion The Rifles (5 Rifles), Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of Army Music, Colonel-in-Chief of Queen Alexandras Royal Army Nursing Corps and Colonel-in-Chief of The Lincoln and Welland Regiment. The mother-of-two donned a practical look to meet the soldiers for the event. The royal headed to the shooting range with the rest of the soldiers, where she showcased her clay pigeon shooting skills before watching them complete a rafting exercise. Sophie pictured watching the rafting challenge during the Countess of Wessex Cup at Gibraltar Barrack But she was still exuding natural elegance with a few well chosen accessories and a natural makeup. Sophie was dressed for the occasion in a camo parka jacket, which she threw over a pair of khaki skinny jeans and brown boots. She paired it with a navy blue scarf nestled under the colour of her jacket, popping out just to add a touch of colour to the look. The mother-of-two added a touch of refinement with a pair of small gold hoop earrings. Her hair were swooped back in an updo that was both practical and flattering, while she sported a healthy, simple and efficient makeup. She brought her eyes out with some sparkly eyeshadow and mascara, and added definition to her cheek with a rosy blush that accentuated her natural complexion. A touch of pink on the lips added some femininity to her outfit. The Countess pictured speaking with soldiers ahead of their rafting exercise at the Gibraltar Barracks Sophie was all smiles as she watched the soldiers practising their rafting The mother-of-two appeared impressed with the soldiers' efforts as she watched them from a small pier The Countess of Wessex and the team were aiming at clay pigeon thrown in the air for the sake of the challenge The mother-of-two seemed delighted to be taking part in the day busy with sporty contests at Camberley Sophie smiled to some of the people in attendance as she prepared her gun for another round of shots A bit of smoke escaped the royal's gun as she prepared to reload to get on with the rest of the challenge Sophie appeared in good spirits as she geared up to take part in some of the challenges taking place today A aide handed Sophie her hear as she prepared to wow all the competing soldiers in one of the challenges The Countess looked ready for action as she arrived in Camberley this morning ahead of the challenges Sophie holds a number of honourary titles, including Royal Honorary of the Colonel 5th Battalion The Rifles (5 Rifles), Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of Army Music, Colonel-in-Chief of Queen Alexandras Royal Army Nursing Corps and Colonel-in-Chief of The Lincoln and Welland Regiment Sophie added a touch of elegance with a navy scarf, a pair of gold hoop earrings and a natural makeup She will also take the opportunity to meet the different units members and their commanders. The mother-of-two doesn't shy away from getting physical during her royal engagements. She even got stuck in feeding a young calf milk during her visit to Smerrill Dairy, Cirencester last week. The event allows Sophie to take part in some of the challenge and to meet with the units' members and their commanders The mother-of-two looked excited as she arrived this morning, ahead of a day that will no doubt be eventful The Countess had soldiers roaring with laughter during the sporty day. The event allowed to speak with the regiments' commanders Soldiers appeared relaxed as they prepared to face off with other factions today. Sophie looked in her element The Countess of Wessex, 58, put on her best camo to attend a annual competition at the Gibraltar Barracks, Blackwater in Camberley this morning The royal was handed a cap and carefully put on a pair of nose cancelling headphones this morning She was also shown the farm machinery, tractors and around the stalls were the cows were feeding. Smerill Farm is located on the Bathurst Estate, and the Earl and Countess of Bathurst welcomed Sophie warmly. Students from the Royal Agricultural University were also in attendance, and were said to have enjoyed the event. All decked in her army gear, Sophie beamed as she watched one of the challenges unfold today The Countess watched on as soldiers competed in a particularly trying set of monkey bars during the challenge Sophie donned a natural makeup, with just a dash of mascara, a pink lip and some blush to highlight her complexion Sophie expertly loaded her shotgun before aiming to the target in the sky, shooting on the command of the officer presents All geared up, Sophie looked excited as she prepared to take part in a shooting challenge opposing today's different teams Sophie looked in her element as she and the soldiers taking part in the exercise aimed their guns towards the sky The mother-of-two eagerly looked up to the sky to see if she had hit her target during the challenge Sophie opened her gun to reload for another round of shots as she participated in the clay pigeon shooting The mother-of-two remained cool and composed as she extracted a bullet case from her shotgun today The Countess took the chance to demonstrate her shooting skills at the Gibraltar Barracks this morning Scottish estate was a sanctuary for the late Queen, who spent her last days there Balmoral Castle is reopening its ballroom and grounds to the public from April Balmoral Castle and Estate is fully reopening to the public following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September, the royal estate has announced. Royal fans are set to flock to the castle to pay tribute to the late monarch, with many planning trips there as tickets go on sale. Her Majesty spent her final days before she passed away there, aged 96 on September 8. The Royals' Scottish residence held a special place in The Queen's heart, as she spent ample quality time with her family and holidays every summer there. The secluded castle and estate is set in the stunning Cairngorms National Park and is located just off river Dee in the village of Crathie, Aberdeenshire. It's grounds are now reopening to the public from April 1 - with tickets offering access to the ballroom, exhibitions and grounds. Balmoral was purchased by Queen Victoria's husband Albert in 1852, and it soon became the royals' Scottish home. After Alberts death in 1861, it increasingly became Victorias safe haven during her long years of grieving. The Highland home has offered the royal family a quiet sanctuary, where they can relax away from their duties, ever since. The Queen completed her final official engagement as monarch there when she held an audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss there shortly before her death in September The late monarch and her husband, Prince Philip (left), spent much time there with their children. Pictured left to right: the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, the Queen and Prince Andrew at Balmoral in September 1972 In the 2016 documentary, Our Queen at Ninety, the Queen's granddaughter Princess Eugenie said of Balmoral: 'It's the most beautiful place on earth. I think Granny is most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands.' The late monarch and her husband, Prince Philip, spent much time there with their children, and her grandson Prince William spoke after her death about the happy memories he and his three children also shared holidaying there with their granny. The Queen typically resided at Balmoral for ten or so weeks between August and October, and completed her final official engagement as monarch there when she held an audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss there shortly before her death in September. This stunning picture of a sunset over Balmoral Castle was taken on Sunday night and shared on social media by the royal estate The Queen enjoyed being outdoors and made the most of the extensive rural estate. Her granddaughter Princess Eugenie said in 2016 that the Queen was 'most happy there' The public has been able to tour its extensive grounds between April and July every year since they were opened up in 1931. Tickets to visit the castle are now on sale for 16.50 for adults and 8.50 for children. A family ticket for two adults and up to three kids costs 35, youngsters under five go for free. The Balmoral Expedition Tour for six people is 330. Social media users expressed their delight at the news that it the stunning castle is opening its doors once again. One fan of the royal family said: 'Absolutely beautiful. Would love to visit.' 'You would certainly feel the presence of the lovely late Queen Elizabeth there.' Sherry Wing added: 'I would love to do this.' June Bennett said: 'Is there any place more serene or breathtakingly beautiful, I think not.' Balmoral 2023 tickets on sale now! We re-open to the public on 1st April 2023 and cant wait to welcome you all back. Book today: https://t.co/6Bt0J2ST3A pic.twitter.com/oCTPQ4BEWK Balmoral Castle & Estate (@Balmoral_Castle) February 3, 2023 A Balmoral Castle spokesperson said to visitors: 'We can't wait to welcome you all back to experience the peace and tranquillity of the castle grounds, coronation celebrations, a special photographic exhibition of 'Monarchs at Balmoral' and much more to be announced soon.' Balmoral has also been advertising job vacancies for its reopening, giving applicants the chance to land the role of a ranger on the 50,000 acre estate There is also a customer-facing role on offer, with spots available on the Visitor Enterprise team as tourists are due to descend on the estate. Estate staff will work in the gift shop, admission desk, coffee shop and exhibitions and they will be given accommodation to live in. Social media users expressed their delight at the news that it the stunning castle is opening its doors once again The advert on social media reads: 'Would you like to work at one of Scotland's most famous historical landmarks or know someone who does? 'We are currently hiring for a number of vacancies within the Visitor Enterprise team for the 2023 season.' The Visitor Enterprise Assistants job advert reads: 'Applicants must have a positive and caring attitude together with a natural flair for customer service. 'The successful applicants will be responsible to the Visitor Enterprises Manager in the first instance and will be required to work under his direction on any duties connected with the Visitor Enterprises. 'This will include working in the gift shop, admission desk, coffee shop and exhibitions. 'Excellent customer service skills are required for these positions. Balmoral has been advertising job vacancies for its reopening, giving applicants the chance to land the role of a ranger on the 50,000 acre estate Tickets to visit Balmoral Estate and Castle are now on sale for 16.50 for adults and 8.50 for children 'Applicants must be prepared to work on a rota basis, which is normally based on a five day week but we can be flexible. 'Modern single room accommodation available, if required.' The Estate Ranger job advert reads: 'An exciting opportunity exists for a Ranger to work on Balmoral Estate. 'The successful applicant will work as a member of the Balmoral Ranger Service, which is part funded by The Cairngorms National Park Authority. 'The Ranger will be based at The Spittal of Glen Muick and undertake a wide variety of duties in this remote and beautiful setting.' Applications for the roles close on 17 February. When Armie Hammer starred in the popular coming-of-age romantic drama Call Me By Your Name in 2017, it quickly launched him into mega stardom. Suddenly, directors were fighting to get him in their movies, and it seemed as though this was just the beginning of what would be a successful, decades-long acting career. But as fast as Hammer, now 36, became Hollywood's heartthrob, his newfound popularity was ripped away from him after he was accused of sexual assault and cannibalism by multiple women. The once-beloved movie star was quickly shunned from Hollywood - he was kicked out of the movies and shows that he had been cast in and was even dropped by his own publicist - forcing him to ultimately flee California to live a much-quieter life in the Cayman Islands. He then got a new job as a timeshare salesman for a resort - certainly a vast difference from the once-glamorous life he lead as Hollywood's golden boy. When Armie Hammer starred in the popular coming-of-age romantic drama Call Me By Your Name in 2017, it quickly launched him into mega stardom. But as fast as Hammer (seen in 2019), 36, became Hollywood's heartthrob, his newfound popularity was ripped away from him after he was accused of rape and cannibalism The actor first rose in popularity in 2010, when he starred in The Social Network alongside Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake. After that, he landed parts in a few other big movies - like Clint Eastwood's J. Edgar (which also starred Leonardo DiCaprio), Mirror Mirror (alongside Julia Roberts and Lily Collins), and the Johnny Depp-led Disney flick The Lone Ranger - but his major breakthrough came in 2017, when he acted in Call me By Your Name opposite Timothee Chalamet. While seemed as though Hammer's career was just starting off, it came to a screeching halt when a series of alleged messages that he had sent to a mistress leaked online - and they contained gruesome comments from him discussing rape fantasy and cannibalism. Soon, a slew of other alleged ex-lovers came forward and accused him of 'mental, emotional, and sexual abuse' - with one claiming he begged her to let him 'break her ribs and eat them,' and another stating that he carved his initial into her skin with a knife before licking her blood. And while it seemed like that was the end of Hammer's acting career, after a nine-month stint in rehab, the shamed star moved back to Los Angeles in July 2022 - and rumors quickly started to spread that he was plotting an acting comeback. He has now spoken out about his scandals for the first time ever in an explosive new interview, while detailing the own sexual assault he faced at age 13 at the hands of a pastor. It seems as though Hammer is trying hard to repair his shattered reputation and put his past scandals behind him once and for all - but is it enough for get him back in the public's good graces? As the disgraced star breaks his silence and admits to 'emotionally abusing women' - but insists he didn't do anything illegal and that all of his relationships were consensual - FEMAIL has recapped the many shock allegations he has faced over the years. From the creepy messages that allegedly showed him begging to cut off women's body parts and suck their blood to his attempts to turn his life around and break back into the movie industry, here's everything you need to know about Hammer's controversial past. The beginning of the end: Hammer's image of perfect husband and doting father was shattered when his wife-of-10-years filed for divorce in July 2020 Hammer married TV personality Elizabeth Chambers (seen in 2018) in May 2010, and together, they welcomed two children over the years - Harper in 2014 and Ford in 2017 The family seemed as happy as could be - until July 2020, when Hammer's image of a perfect husband and doting father was shattered when his wife-of-10-years filed for divorce Hammer, who grew up in Santa Monica, California, but moved to the Cayman Islands with his family as a kid, started acting in 2005, at age 19. '13 years as best friends, soulmates, partners, and then parents. It has been an incredible journey, but together, we've decided to turn the page and move on from our marriage,' the actor wrote on Instagram at the time. They are seen early on in their romance By 2020, it seemed as though he was at the height of his career. Following the success of the 2017 romantic drama Call Me By Your Name, the roles came pouring in for Hammer. His personal life was also flourishing. He married TV personality Elizabeth Chambers in May 2010, and together, they welcomed two children over the years - Harper in 2014 and Ford in 2017. The family seemed as happy as could be - until July 2020, when Hammer's image of a perfect husband and doting father was shattered when his wife-of-10-years filed for divorce. '13 years as best friends, soulmates, partners, and then parents. It has been an incredible journey, but together, we've decided to turn the page and move on from our marriage,' the actor wrote on Instagram at the time. 'As we enter into this next chapter, our children and relationship as co-parents and dear friends will remain our priority. At the time, Hammer claimed that being stuck in lockdown together amid the COVID-19 pandemic was the reason that their marriage dissolved 'It was a very complicated, intense situation, with big personalities all locked in a little tiny place' he told British GQ. 'It was tough. Id never dealt with anything like that before in my life' 'We understand this news lends itself to public dialogue, but in the interest of our children and our family, we're asking for privacy, compassion and love during this time.' At the time, Hammer claimed that being stuck in lockdown together amid the COVID-19 pandemic was the reason that their marriage dissolved, while comparing himself to a trapped 'wolf' who wanted to 'chew his own foot off.' The couple had been quarantining together with their two kids, as well as his father, Michael, and stepmom, Misty, in the Cayman Islands. 'It was a very complicated, intense situation, with big personalities all locked in a little tiny place' he told British GQ in a September 2020 interview. 'It was tough, man. Id never dealt with anything like that before in my life, so I didnt have the tools. It was just this thing that snuck up on everybody. 'I dont think I handled it very well. I think, to be quite frank, I came very close to completely losing my mind. Soon after, rumors erupted that Hammer had been unfaithful to Chambers, with a source claiming that Chambers found passionate messages sent to him from a mystery woman Some believed that his mistress was none other than his Rebecca co-star Lily James, but that was never confirmed. They are seen together in Rebecca 'I just felt completely powerless. And I was on an island where the lockdown was so severe that mail couldnt even come in. I felt so intensely trapped.' Soon after, rumors erupted that Hammer had been unfaithful to Chambers, with a source telling DailyMail.com that their marriage had actually fallen apart in 2019 - after Chambers found passionate text messages and letters sent to him from a mystery woman who called herself 'Adeline.' Some believed that his mistress was none other than his Rebecca co-star Lily James, but that was never confirmed. And while whispers of a secret affair during Hammer and Chambers' marriage were certainly not good for the actor, this was just the beginning - his world would soon be rocked by a much-darker scandal that would overshadow his failed marriage. The horrific allegations: Multiple women accused the actor of cannibalistic acts, with one claiming he asked to 'break her ribs and eat them,' and another stating that he carved his initial into her skin with a knife before licking her blood In January 2021, the world was left stunned when a series of vile, graphic Instagram messages allegedly sent by Hammer leaked on the web The DMs were shared online by an anonymous Instagram account, called House of Effie, who claimed to have been in a relationship with Hammer for many years In January 2021, the world was left stunned when a series of vile, graphic Instagram messages allegedly sent by Hammer leaked on the web. She said it started after she messaged him as a fan in 2016, and that they talked over DM until 2020. But she claimed their conversations soon turned gruesome, and that Hammer (seen in 2019) would discuss numerous rape fantasies with her, and make sexual references to cannibalistic acts such as 'blood-sucking' and 'cutting off her toes' The DMs were shared online by an anonymous Instagram account, called House of Effie, who claimed to have been in a relationship with Hammer for many years. She said it started after she messaged him as a fan in 2016, and that they talked over DM until 2020. But she claimed their conversations soon turned gruesome, and that Hammer would discuss numerous rape fantasies with her, and make sexual references to cannibalistic acts such as 'blood-sucking' and 'cutting off her toes.' In one message, the actor allegedly wrote: 'I am 100 per cent a cannibal. I want to eat you. F**k. That's scary to admit. I've never admitted that before.' In another DM, he seemingly said he wanted to remove one of her toes and 'keep it in his pocket,' while a fourth read, 'I need to drink your blood.' 'You just live to obey me and be my slave. I will own you. That's my soul. My brain. My spirit. My body,' Hammer allegedly wrote in another message. 'Would you come and be my property till you die?' In an attempt to prove the messages' authenticity, the anonymous woman also shared private photos that were alleged to be sent from Hammer - including one which showed a man's hand with a tattoo on his ring finger matching the one Hammer has, and another that appeared to be of Hammer pretending to choke himself. On Instagram, House of Effie said that other women who allegedly had 'affairs' with Hammer approached her with their own horrifying 'stories' after she shared the DMs. In an attempt to prove the messages' authenticity, the anonymous woman also shared private photos that were alleged to be sent from Hammer One showed a man's hand with a tattoo on his ring finger matching the one Hammer has. The picture posted by House of Effie is seen left, and Hammer's hand is seen right She said they had 'united' and were able to 'piece together a five year timeline' of his alleged activity. 'When [Hammer] has a fight with his wife, he'd reach out to his kitten, and when they had a fight, the next day he would just reach out to his other kitten with the same message. Naturally all fights revolving around [Hammer's] bad treatment of women,' she wrote. 'We collectively decided we have to speak out after how we were treated. We cannot allow more women to endure what we are going through in the future.' Soon, more accusations from other women came pouring in. Days later, one of Hammer's ex-girlfriends spoke to DailyMail.com exclusively about her 'warped' relationship with the disgraced actor, and she claimed that he once told her he wanted to 'break and eat her ribs.' Courtney Vucekovich, 30, a Dallas, Texas-based app founder, said she met Hammer through mutual friends in June 2020, following his separation from Chambers. 'He's a very charming, intense human being. But once you start talking to him, he's pretty aggressive right from the start. Not violent, but just sexually aggressive in the way he speaks,' she told DailyMail.com. 'He's magnetic, but that has helped him get away with this stuff. He's a very charming, larger-than-life personality. 'He's very affectionate, he makes you feel very safe and kind of on top of the world. Then little by little it gets deeper and darker. 'He kind of gets obsessed with you. At first you feel really safe, and then it gets a little strange. And then it gets more and more, and little by little you're like, "What's happened?" Days later, one of Hammer's ex-girlfriends spoke to DailyMail.com exclusively, and she claimed that he once told her he wanted to 'break and eat her ribs' Courtney Vucekovich, 30, a Dallas, Texas-based app founder, said she met Hammer through mutual friends in June 2020, following his separation from Chambers Vucekovich said he quickly 'manipulated' her into playing along with his twisted fetishes, and claimed he would often fantasize about cannibalism 'It's very heavy. I just learned the word "lovebomb" and that's definitely what he does.' Vucekovich said he quickly 'manipulated' her into playing along with his twisted fetishes, and claimed he would often fantasize about cannibalism. 'He was really into saying he wants to break one of your ribs and eat it. Like barbecue it and eat it,' she continued. 'In terms of the BDSM stuff, he made that pretty clear that it is something he is interested in very early on in the relationship and he referenced breaking my ribs often.' Vucekovich said that the relationship became so toxic that after it ended, she needed to check herself into a 30-day intensive course of therapy for trauma and PTSD. 'I was being groomed and brilliantly manipulated to do things that frankly scared me. I'm a consenting adult but it wasn't me,' she added. 'He is good at what he does and knows just what to say to get you to comply. He is a very dark, twisted person.' Another one of his ex-girlfriend, Paige Lorenze, told DailyMail.com that the actor of used a knife to carve the letter A into her groin area before licking the blood from the wound while they were dating in 2020. The blond beauty claimed that Armie was fixated with biting her body, begging her to allow him to take lumps of flesh from her arm, before consuming them. Like Vucekovich, she also said he asked her to have her ribs removed, so that he could barbecue them. Another one of his ex-girlfriend, Paige Lorenze, told DailyMail.com that the actor of used a knife to carve the letter A into her groin area before licking the blood from the wound She claimed that Armie was fixated with biting her body, begging her to allow him to take lumps of flesh from her arm, before consuming them. The alleged 'A' he carved into her is seen 'Any man who is fantasizing about crushing bones, eating them, having sex with female limp bodies is a danger to all women,' she said. Lorenze is seen with Hammer and his mother 'Any man who is fantasizing about crushing bones, eating them, having sex with female limp bodies is a danger to all women,' she said. 'His actions and behavior are dangerous and emotionally and psychologically damaging.' Hammer's lawyer also addressed Lorenze's accusations in a statement to DailyMail.com. He said : These assertions about Mr. Hammer are patently untrue. Any interactions with this person, or any partner of his, were completely consensual in that they were fully discussed, agreed upon, and mutually participatory.' Hammer and Lorenze are seen in December 2020 Lorenze called the relationship 'deeply traumatic' and said the actor left her with numerous emotional and physical scars. It was also said that he 'kept mannequins in the basement of his family home to practice tying women up' and that he once 'provoked' his own dog to bite him. Hammer responded for the first time to the allegations on January 13, 2020, while announcing that he was dropping out from the movie Shotgun Wedding, after which, he was replaced by Josh Duhamel. 'I'm not responding to these bulls**t claims but in light of the vicious and spurious online attacks against me, I cannot in good conscience now leave my children for four months to shoot a film in the Dominican Republic,' he said. 'Lionsgate is supporting me in this and I'm grateful to them for that.' Hammer's lawyer also addressed Lorenze's accusations in a statement to DailyMail.com. He said : These assertions about Mr. Hammer are patently untrue. 'Any interactions with this person, or any partner of his, were completely consensual in that they were fully discussed, agreed upon, and mutually participatory.' On February 1, Hammer's estranged wife, Chambers, spoke out abut the accusations for the first time on Instagram, writing that she was 'shocked, heartbroken, and devastated' over them. On February 1, Hammer's ex-wife, Chambers (seen with Hammer in 2019), spoke out abut the accusations on Instagram, writing that she was 'shocked, heartbroken, and devastated' She also voiced her support for survivors of 'assault or abuse' in the post, as she claimed she 'didnt realize how much' she 'didnt know' about her ex-husband. 'For weeks, Ive been trying to process everything that has transpired,' Chambers wrote. 'I am shocked, heartbroken, and devastated. 'Heartbreak aside, I am listening, and will continue to listen and educate myself on these delicate matters. I didnt realize how much I didnt know. 'I support any victim of assault or abuse and urge anyone who has experienced this pain to seek the help she or he needs to heal. 'At this time, I will not be commenting further on this matter. My sole focus and attention will continue to be on our children, on my work and on healing during this incredibly difficult time. 'Thank you for all of the love and support, and thank you in advance for your continued kindness, respect, and consideration for our children and me as we find ways to move forward.' The criminal investigation: Police started looking into Hammer after one woman claimed she was violently raped by him in 2017, but no charges were ever brought from the case In March 2020, it was announced that police were investigating claims that Hammer had raped a young woman, later identified as Efrosina Angelova (seen with Hammer) The then-24-year-old said the incident took place three years prior, in April 2017, and alleged that Hammer 'committed acts of violence' against her which she 'did not consent' to In March 2020, three months after the initial cannibalism accusation hit the web, it was announced that police were investigating claims that Hammer had raped a young woman, who called herself 'Effie' but was later identified as Efrosina Angelova. The then-24-year-old said the incident took place three years prior, in April 2017, and alleged that Hammer 'committed acts of violence' against her which she 'did not consent' to. She said he 'repeatedly slammed her head against a wall' during the four-hour encounter, and that he also whipped her feet with a crop, leaving her in pain for days. 'During those four hours, I tried to get away but he wouldn't let me. I thought that he was going to kill me,' she said during a press conference. 'He left with no concern for my well-being. During and since this attack, I have lived in fear of him.' 'He would often test my devotion to him. He abused me mentally, emotionally and sexually,' she also told Variety. Hammer denied the allegations made against him at the time, and his lawyer provided screenshots of alleged text conversations between him and Angelova, in which he seemingly told her they couldn't pursue a relationship. The actor's attorney said: '[Angelova's] own correspondence with Mr. Hammer undermines and refutes her outrageous allegations. 'As recently as July 18, 2020, [she] sent graphic texts to Mr. Hammer telling him what she wanted him to do to her. Hammer (seen in 2020) denied the allegations. His attorney said: 'Angelova's attention seeking and ill-advised legal bid will make it more difficult for real victims' 'Mr. Hammer responded, making it clear that he did not want to maintain that type of relationship with her. 'It was never Mr. Hammer's intention to embarrass or expose [Angelova's] fetishes or kinky sexual desires, but she has now escalated this matter to another level by hiring a civil lawyer to host a public press conference. 'With the truth on his side, Mr. Hammer welcomes the opportunity to set the record straight. 'From day one, Mr. Hammer has maintained that all of his interactions with [Angelova] - and every other sexual partner of his for that matter - have been completely consensual, discussed and agreed upon in advance, and mutually participatory. '[Angelova's] attention seeking and ill-advised legal bid will only make it more difficult for real victims of sexual violence to get the justice they deserve.' After a nine-month investigation, the LAPD sent its findings to the citys District Attorneys office in December 2021. Sources told TMZ at the time that 'charges were unlikely' and that the case against him 'wasn't strong.' No charges have ever been brought regarding the case. Hammer's fall from grace: In the wake of the disturbing accusations, Hammer was fired from numerous roles, dropped by his publicist, and ultimately shunned from Hollywood Following the many disturbing accusations from numerous women, Hammer's fast-paced career came to a screeching halt and he was booted from numerous roles. He is seen in 2020 Following the many disturbing accusations from numerous women, Hammer's fast-paced career came to a screeching halt. Soon after the allegations were made public, news hit the web that he was no longer going to be in the Paramount Plus series The Offer. He was also recast from the Starz' drama series Gaslit , being replaced by actor Dan Stevens (seen) Almost as quickly as he rose to the top, Hammer fell from grace - getting booted from numerous roles and even dropped by his own publicist. Soon after the allegations were made public, news hit the web that he was no longer going to be in the Paramount Plus series The Offer, and days after that, talent agency WME parted ways with Hammer. He was also recast from the Starz' drama series Gaslit, being replaced by actor Dan Stevens. The movie Death on the Nile, which Hammer had already filmed before the scandal, was pushed back - but it did ultimately come out in February 2022. And when it was released, he was excluded from the movie's individual cast posters. The movie Death on the Nile, which Hammer had already filmed before the scandal, was pushed back - but it did ultimately come out in February 2022 He was also fired from the Cold War drama Billion Dollar Spy , and he soon exited the Broadway play The Minutes He was also fired from the Cold War drama Billion Dollar Spy, and he soon exited the Broadway play The Minutes. 'I have loved every single second of working on The Minutes with the family I made,' he said at the time. 'But right now I need to focus on myself and my health for the sake of my family. Consequently, I will not be returning to Broadway with the production.' Hammer's attempt to turn his life around: The disgraced star fled Hollywood for the Cayman islands, underwent a nine-month stint in rehab, and landed a job as a timeshare salesman After being shunned from all of the movies and shows that he had been working on, Hammer fled Hollywood for the Cayman Islands, where Chambers and his kids were also residing It was then reported that he had embarked on a new romance , and that he was dating a dental hygienist named Lisa Perejma Insiders also dished to DailyMail.com that Hammer was 'happier and healthier' than ever , thanks to his new romance with Lisa After being shunned from all of the movies and shows that he had been working on, Hammer fled Hollywood for the Cayman Islands, where Chambers and his kids were also residing. It was then reported that he had embarked on a new romance, and that he was dating a dental hygienist named Lisa Perejma. 'They seem happy and comfortable with each other,' a source told People in May 2021. Insiders also dished to DailyMail.com that Hammer was 'happier and healthier' than ever, thanks to his new romance with Lisa. 'Armie's happier and healthier than I've seen him in a long time,' a friend of the actor's said. 'He's even introduced her to his father and stepmother - it won't be long until she meets his kids. 'Lisa is a super nice girl and has a great reputation on the island. Shes so good for him.' However, it appears that their romance has since fizzled out. Then, in June 2021, it was reported that Hammer had checked himself into a Florida-based 'treatment program' for 'drug, alcohol, and sex issues.' Then, in June 2021, it was reported that Hammer had checked himself into a Florida-based 'treatment program' for 'drug, alcohol, and sex issues.' He is seen in 2019 According to Vanity Fair, he 'was ready to seek treatment - and pledged to stay at the facility as long as it took to get healthy.' He stayed there for nine months , before he left the rehab facility in December 2021. He is seen in 2018 A source told the outlet that he was 'committed' to getting better, with them adding, 'This is a clear sign that he is taking back control [of] his life and knows that this [is] a step towards his overall well being.' He stayed there for nine months, before he left the rehab facility in December 2021. Afterwards, his lawyer told People that he was 'doing great' and that he was looking forward to spending the holidays with his children. At the time, a source added that he 'will continue with outpatient treatments,' and that he 'takes it very seriously.' By March 2022, it seemed as though he and Chambers were on good terms again, as she shared a series of snaps to Instagram that showed her, Hammer, and their two kids spending time together. 'Elizabeth's priority has always been her children and their well-being. The past year hasn't been easy, but she and Armie have always had love for each other,' a source told People at the time. 'They're slowly figuring things out as a couple, but being parents to their two kids will always come first.' A second insider revealed to the publication that 'Elizabeth has always loved him' and that the Call Me By Your Name star is 'really the love of her life.' Following his departure from Hollywood and his nine-month stint in rehab, Hammer then landed a job as a timeshare salesman in the Cayman islands 'They obviously had a lot of issues, but Armie's rehab stay showed that he was committed to big changes,' they added. 'They get along and enjoy hanging out with the kids.' Following his departure from Hollywood and his nine-month stint in rehab, Hammer then landed a job as a timeshare salesman in the Cayman islands. Back in July 2022, pictures emerged of him wearing his work uniform while walking into the Morritts Resort, and the internet went wild over his career switch. A source told Variety at the time that he was spending most of his days working in a 'cubicle,' certainly a very different reality from movie sets and red carpets. 'The reality is hes totally broke, and is trying to fill the days and earn money to support his family,' the insider added. Hammer's big return to Hollywood: The former heartthrob moved back to LA in July 2022, where he worked hard to mend his shattered reputation as rumors started to swirl that he was preparing to act again In July 2022, news hit the web that Hammer had left the Cayman Islands and returned to LA for the first time since the scandal broke a year earlier. He is seen in LA in July 2022 In July 2022, news hit the web that Hammer had left the Cayman Islands and returned to LA for the first time since the scandal broke a year earlier. At the time, it was reported that he was staying at pal Robert Downey Jr.'s home - with a source telling Variety that Downey was providing the disgraced actor with 'financial assistance' At the time, it was reported that he, Chambers, and their two children were all staying at pal Robert Downey Jr.'s home - with a source telling Variety that Downey was providing the disgraced actor with 'financial assistance until he gets back on his feet.' The outlet said it was actually the Iron Man star who encouraged Hammer to go to rehab the year before, and that he even helped pay for his time in the treatment facility. Weeks later, Alison Boshoff told DailyMail.com that there was talk in Hollywood that Hammer was considering a comeback to acting 'when the time is right.' Sources close to Hammer told her that he never considered giving up his acting career permanently - and that there was already rumors of film producers seeking him for roles in small-budget films. It seemed as though Hammer was working hard to mend his shattered reputation, and his wife even told E! News in September 2022 that she and Hammer were in 'a really great place' following the shocking allegations. She said they were 'committed fully and wholly' to raising their children together, and that they try to 'be together as much as possible in a non-romantic way' for the sake of their kids. The tell-all docuseries: Hammer's plans to return to acting and put his controversial past behind him were shattered when an explosive show from Discovery+ brought his previous scandals back into the spotlight Hammer's past problems were thrown into the spotlight again thanks to a Discovery+ docuseries in September 2020. Two of his victims are seen in the doc His own aunt, Casey Hammer, even spoke out in the doc. She admitted that she 'wasn't shocked' by the accusations because she believed Hammer was destined to be a 'monster' While it seemed that Hammer was on the upswing and plotting his return to Hollywood, those plans had an axe thrown in them when an explosive docuseries detailing his previous controversies, called House of Hammer, premiered in September 2022. Hammer may have been trying to put the horrific cannibalism and rape allegations behind him, but they were thrown into the spotlight once again thanks to the doc. The Discovery+ series, called House of Hammer, recapped Hammer's shocking scandal, and released gruesome new details as more of his ex-girlfriends shared the alleged abuse he inflicted on them The Discovery+ series recapped Hammer's shocking scandal, and released gruesome new details as more of his ex-girlfriends shared the alleged abuse he inflicted on them. His own aunt, Casey Hammer, even spoke out in the doc. She admitted that she 'wasn't shocked' by the accusations because she believed Hammer was destined to become a 'monster' due to 'abuse' being 'a way of life' in his family, while discussing it with Daily Beast. In addition, his plans to save his reputation were further shattered when he was sued by credit card company American Express in October 2022, over an unpaid balance of almost $67,000. TMZ reported at the time that Hammer shared the account in question with his ex Chambers, but the outlet added that the lawsuit was expected to be settled when the couple finalized their divorce. His response: Hammer addressed his downfall in detail for the first time in February 2023, admitting to 'emotionally abusing women' but insisting he didn't do anything illegal and that all of his relationships were consensual In an explosive new interview with Air Mail , Hammer spoke in detail about the numerous accusations made against him for the first time. He is seen with his family in 2019 In an explosive new interview with Graydon Carter's Air Mail, Hammer spoke in detail about his fall from the spotlight and the numerous accusations made against him for the first time. He insisted that while he was an 'a**hole' and 'one million per cent' emotionally abused younger women, he is not a criminal. 'I would scoop up these women, bring them into it - into this whirlwind of travel and sex and drugs and big emotions flying around - and then as soon as I was done, I'd just drop them off and move on to the next woman, leaving that woman feeling abandoned or used,' he claimed. He also said he was so devastated by the accusations that he attempted suicide in the Cayman Islands. 'I just walked out into the ocean and swam out as far as I could and hoped that either I drowned, or was hit by a boat, or eaten by a shark,' Hammer said. 'Then I realized that my kids were still on shore, and that I couldn't do that to my kids.' In addition, Hammer defended his sexual interests by saying he was sexually abused by a youth pastor at age 13. 'What that did for me was it introduced sexuality into my life in a way that it was completely out of my control,' he revealed. 'I was powerless in the situation. I had no agency in the situation. Sexuality was introduced to me in a scary way where I had no control. My interests then went to: I want to have control in the situation, sexually.' The Call Me By Your Name alum branded himself as a victim of cancel culture, and admitted that he still hopes for a comeback. 'I'm now a healthier, happier, more balanced person,' he told the outlet. 'I'm able to be there for my kids in a way I never was. He insisted that while he was an 'a**hole' and 'one million per cent' emotionally abused younger women, he is not a criminal. He is seen in 2019 'I'm truly grateful for my life and my recovery and everything. I would not go back and undo everything that's happened to me.' Hammer explained that he was giving the interview because he wanted to 'own his mistakes' and take 'accountability for the fact that he was selfish and used people to make himself feel better.' 'There are examples everywhere, of people who went through those things and found redemption through a new path,' he added. In addition, Hammer defended his sexual interests by saying he was sexually abused by a youth pastor at age 13. He is pictured for the new interview 'And that, I feel like, is what's missing in this cancel-culture, woke-mob business. The minute anyone does anything wrong, they're thrown away. There's no chance for rehabilitation.' In addition, Hammer addressed the rape accusations from Angelova, claiming that it was all a 'meticulously' planned 'scene' of 'consensual non-consent.' 'This alleged rape was a scene that was her idea,' said the actor. 'She planned all of the details out, all the way down to what Starbucks I would see her at, how I would follow her home, how her front door would be open and unlocked and I would come in, and we would engage in what is called a "consensual non-consent scene." 'Every single thing was discussed beforehand. I have never thrust this on someone unexpectedly. Never.' Hammer told Air Mail that since returning to LA, he has started working as a sober companion for a recovering addict, and that he plans to 'move in with him' to help him 'get on a healthy routine.' '[I want to] get him into a good schedule of [recovery] meetings, take him to the gym, cook healthy food for him,' he concluded. 'It feels like my recovery has taken a turn from me being the one who needs help staying sober, to me being able to help others.' Vice President Kamala Harris's model stepdaughter Ella Emhoff has become a staple at the fashion industry's hottest events - from the front rows of New York Fashion Week to the runway and even the Met Gala. But if you look past her striking - and sometimes unconventional - outfits, there's something, rather someone, lurking in the background who has also ended up unintentionally as a mainstay alongside the 23-year-old model. Ever see that man in a simple dark-colored suit who looks just out of place next to the glamorous fashion elite? Well it's the Second Family's Secret Service detail who are working to protect Kamala's stepdaughter. You can see them in celebrity-filled rooms like the Met Gala red carpet, where Ella was photographed in a Stella McCartney look in 2021 with one of her salt-and-pepper haired protectors hovering just behind her. The same Secret Service agent is seen again just months later watching over Ella as she sat front row at Loewe's Fall Winter 2022/2023 show at Paris Fashion Week in March. Ella Emhoff is watched by her Security Service protection as she wears Stella McCartney to the Met Gala in 2021 One of her Secret Service detail is seen sitting two rows back watching over her at Loewe's Fall Winter 2022/2023 show in March last year Her Secret Service agent is close behind her as she enters the Loewe show The Secret Service detail also plays the third wheel when she is accompanied to these fashion events by her boyfriend, GQ fashion writer Samuel Hine. They've been seen sticking close to the couple at shows in both Europe and stateside for a plethora of brands, including Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Courreges, Collina Strada, Louis Vuitton, Thom Browne and Stella McCartney. It's no surprise that Ella is the toast of the fashion society after she made a splash when President Joe Biden and Kamala were inaugurated in January 2021. For the occasion Ella donned a bedazzled Miu Miu coat and a custom Batsheva dress as she took the stage alongside her family, a fashion moment that captured the attention of millions. Her outfit took the internet by storm and her status as a fashion trendsetter was launched. In fact, her sartorial display caught the attention of prestigious modeling agency IMG Models. Upon seeing her at the inauguration, the agency's president Ivan Bart recalled to The New York Times he thought: 'Wow, she's communicating fashion.' Ella wears a black puffer jacket as she walks outside the Courreges show during Paris Fashion Week in September Ella and her boyfriend, Sam Hine, are seen often with her security detail third-wheeling The couple walk down the street outside the Collina Strada show at New York Fashion Week in September 2021 Ella and Samuel attend the Louis Vuitton Spring Summer show in June last year, with Secret Service in tow Just days later, Ella was signed to IMG who boasts Bella Hadid, Barbara Palvin, Chanel Iman, Joan Smalls Ashley Graham and Karlie Kloss on their roster. 'I was pretty surprised when everything with IMG was happening because when I was younger, I never saw that as being part of my timeline,' the then 21-year-old told The New York Times at the time. Since then Ella has been seen not only attending fashion shows, but walking them too. She's been seen on the runway for Maisie Wilen, Proenza Schouler and Prabal Gurung, a show where she suffered a wardrobe malfunction. Ella is a graduate of the Parsons School of Design and is herself a fashion designer. In December last year, she sported funky knitwear as she stopped by her New York City pop-up shop where she was selling various pieces from her knitwear collection at the Susan Alexandra store in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Even then, her security detail were there with her. Her Secret Service protection was seen with her at the Thom Browne Spring 2022 in New York (left) and the Stella McCartney Fall Winter 2022/2023 in Paris (right) The couple is seen outside the Stella McCartney Spring Summer 2022 show in October 2021 She dons Thom Brown outside the brand's show in Paris in October last year A security guard is seen in the corner while she attends the No Waste dinner with her boyfriend (couple pictured bottom left) In December last year, she sported funky knitwear as she stopped by her New York City pop-up shop. Her security detail were also there with her The Secret Service is responsible for the protection of presidents, vice presidents and their families. Kamala's detail was assigned to her shortly after then-presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden named her as his running mate. She chose the code name, 'Pioneer,' CNN reported at the time. Her husband and second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, would have been been provided protection within 120 days of the general presidential election, in accordance with the law, according to the Secret Service website. When Kamala was elected her stepchildren would have been afford Secret Service protection. She can choose to have this detail for up to six months after she leaves office. The World Health Organization has warned that the death toll from a powerful earthquake in south-eastern Turkey, on the border with Syria, might increase by a factor of eight. The death toll exceeds 3,400 people and has risen swiftly since the first quake struck early Monday morning. Twelve hours later, a second large earthquake struck further north. WHO: Turkey Earthquake Death Toll Could Increase Eight-Fold In frigid and icy weather, rescuers have been digging through piles of wreckage to discover survivors. Countries worldwide are contributing to rescue attempts by sending teams of specialists, sniffer dogs, and equipment. The earthquake occurred at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) at a depth of 17.9 kilometers (11 miles) in the city of Gaziantep, according to the US Geological Survey. According to seismologists, the first earthquake was among the biggest ever recorded in Turkey. According to survivors, it took two minutes for the shaking to cease. The second earthquake, which was generated by the first, had a magnitude of 7.5, and its epicenter was in the Elbistan region of the province of Kahramanmaras. Numerous aftershocks continue to be felt throughout the region. On Monday, the number of fatalities and injuries in Turkey and Syria grew dramatically. The WHO has cautioned that this figure might climb by a factor of eight when additional fatalities are discovered in the debris, BBC reported. Catherine Smallwood, WHO's chief emergency officer for Europe, said, "We usually see the same phenomenon with earthquakes, which is that the first reports of the number of people who have killed or been injured will climb considerably in the week that follows." Smallwood warned that the snowy circumstances would leave a large number of people without shelter, which would exacerbate the hazards. Many of the victims are in war-ravaged northern Syria, where millions of people inhabit refugee camps on both sides of the Turkish border. In rebel-held regions, scores of casualties have been recorded. Thousands of buildings in both nations have fallen, and several films capture the moment bystanders fled for safety. Numerous 12-story buildings have been leveled, highways have been wrecked, and there are enormous heaps of rubble as far as the eye can reach. Gaziantep Castle, which had endured for more than 2,000 years, was among the demolished structures. As rescuers continue to sift through mounds of rubble, experts are sounding the alarm over the earthquake's severe circumstances and intensity, which might result in an increase in the death toll. Dr. Steven Godby, a specialist in natural disasters at Nottingham Trent University, has cautioned that the population's susceptibility and winter snow can make rescue attempts more challenging and increase the death toll. Per The Independent, aerial footage shows the devastation caused by an earthquake in Idlib, Syria. Videos depicted buildings crumbling as rescue personnel fled for their lives through the turmoil and dust. The second earthquake, only six miles deep and 59 miles north of the first, would have been the most violent in the region since 1999. According to a representative of Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, it was "not an aftershock" and was "independent" of the previous quake. The second tremor occurred on a distinct fault line but was probably definitely generated by the initial tremor. The twin tremors that forced buildings to sway dramatically from side to side also wreaked havoc in northern Syria. According to The Sun, it is anticipated to be one of the greatest tragedies ever in an area prone to devastating earthquakes. According to Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Agency, at least 2,316 individuals have been killed. Authorities stated that another 13,000 people were injured, and 5,600 structures were damaged. According to data from the Damascus government and organizations in opposition-held regions, at least 1,444 people were killed, and nearly 3,500 were wounded in Syria. The damage has left the survivors vulnerable to frostbite and possibly sickness. A historic mosque from the 13th century partially fell in Maltaya, along with a 14-story structure containing 28 flats. Read Also: Vladimir Putin Vows Not To Kill Volodymyr Zelensky Countries Offer Help For Turkey, Syria In other locations, distraught rescuers attempted to reach people buried beneath the rubble. The Turkish government declared a state of emergency, and 15,000 rescue workers responded to the crisis. Aid offers poured in from all around the world. Within hours, nations began deploying rescue personnel and equipment. Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor, stated that Washington was "profoundly concerned." The European Union, Russia, Italy, and Turkey's old adversary Greece, whose ties with Ankara have been marred by a string of border and cultural issues, extended more offers of assistance. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pledged "the necessary aid" to Turkey, whose combat drones are assisting Ukraine in its struggle against the Russian invasion. In addition to Lebanon and Syria, the earthquake was also felt in Cyprus and Cairo. Lebanese were awakened by the earthquake, with many fleeing houses as they trembled. In Turkey, individuals attempting to flee quake-ravaged regions produced traffic backups, impeding the operations of rescue organizations attempting to reach the afflicted areas. The nation frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location on major fault lines. In 1999, more than 17,000 people were murdered in the northwestern region of Turkey due to a significant earthquake. The largest earthquake tragedy in Turkey occurred in 1939 when 33,000 people perished in the eastern area of Erzincan. Related Article: Video of Deadly Earhquake in Turkey, Syria @YouTube @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. She was pictured leaving clean beauty brand Oh My Cream with a shopping bag The model, 27, paired her designer jacket with a green jumper and ripped jeans Lady Amelia Windsor looked typically stylish in a 1,575 shearling jacket as she indulged in a bit of light shopping in West London this afternoon. The model, 27, who is the granddaughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, opted for a cosy piece of outwear by French brand Longchamp for her outing. Along with a cream lining, the cropped designer jacket - which was part of the brand's Autumn/Winter 2022 collection - has a trendy black patent finish. Cutting a casual figure as she wondered around the Notting Hill area, Lady Amelia paired her jacket with a lime green jumper with a trendy zip-up detail. The stylish royal then teamed this with some straight leg white jeans with a small rip above the left knee and chunky black trainers. Lady Amelia Windsor, 27, opted for a 1,575 Longchamp shearling jacket, a lime green zip-up jumper and white straight leg jeans for her West London outing Amelia finished off her look with a practical leather black-and-silver cross-body bag and some tortoiseshell sunglasses. The 27-year-old kept her long blonde hair down and wore minimal makeup to pop out for errands near her West London flat, which she shares with her 30-year-old sister, Lady Marina. While she modelled her French designer jacket today, Amelia was spotted browsing in a rival Parisian brand's shopfront. The fashionista was pictured admiring the clothes in the luxury womenswear shop before then leaving clean beauty brand Oh My Cream! with a small shopping bag in hand. As she walked around West London, Amelia held her phone in one hand and appeared to be listening to music on a set of wireless headphones. Earlier this week, the royal was spotted browsing the aisles of her local Oxfam - leaving other shoppers stunned. You dont expect to bump into a member of the Royal Family at Oxfam, one fellow shopper told the Daily Mail's Richard Eden. Lady Amelia appears to be happy to splash the cash, too. The Ash Addict trainers she was wearing cost 235, her Hunter puffer jacket was 200, and her personalised Burberry rucksack, complete with her initials, would have cost around 1,000. Lady Amelia Windsor was spotted browsing the Sezane shop in Notting Hill while wearing her Longchamp designer jacket The royal, 27, was pictured walking around West London with a shopping bag from clean beauty brand Oh My Cream The model, who is the granddaughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, finished off her ensemble with some tortoiseshell sunglasses Earlier this week, Lady Amelia Windsor was spotted going into her local Oxfam in a pair of Ash Addict trainers costing 235 and a Hunter puffer jacket which retails at 200 She completed her low-key ensemble with a pair of light blue jeans and combated the cold with a set of matching fingerless gloves. Once called 'the most beautiful royal', Amelia recently took to the runways for the Zeynep Kartal x Li & Fung show. The aristocratic fashionista has become a red carpet regular, attending star-studded fashion events such as the Dior show in Paris. She is the second daughter and youngest child of George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews. Her grandfather was a first cousin of the Queen. She is currently 42nd in line to the British throne and was among the members of the extended royal family who attended the late Queen's emotional funeral in London and Windsor last year. Princess Beatrice cut a sophisticated figure when visiting Queen Mary University of London in her role as the new patron of the British Skin Foundation. The 34-year-old royal looked the part in a white lab coat as she toured the research lab at the Centre For Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, today. When not sporting the garment, which was branded with the British Skin Foundation's logo as well as 'HRH Princess Beatrice, Patron', the mother-of-one looked fashionable in a patterned white and black dress. Looking effortlessly elegant, she teamed the jazzy frock with a simple black blazer, cinched at the waist with a matching belt. The princess completed her look with a glamorous smattering of makeup on her features, and kept her locks straight. Princess Beatrice cut a sophisticated figure when visiting Queen Mary University of London in her role as the new patron of the British Skin Foundation The British Skin Foundation is a UK charity that raises funds for research into all types of skin diseases, including skin cancer. Founded in 1996, it has supported 400 research projects and awarded 17,000,000 in funding, according to its website. During her visit, the royal spoke with skin cancer survivor Nicky Ewart - who helped fundraise for the charity in her role as Ladies Captain for Denham Golf Club. Nicky said: 'Being diagnosed with skin cancer is extremely frightening and its a time filled with a lot of uncertainty and worry. 'My skin cancer was thankfully caught early but had to be cut out which can leave scarring and part of my ear was removed. 'A lot of others at the golf club have also had skin cancer so as a group we felt passionately that the British Skin Foundation was a charity we would love to support.' What's more, Princess Beatrice said she was 'so pleased' to be working with the British Skin Foundation. The royal said: 'I have admired their work and research for many years, and they have helped so many people through the foundations pioneering efforts. The mother-of-one (pictured) looked fashionable in a patterned white and black dress Looking effortlessly elegant, the royal (pictured left) teamed the jazzy frock with a simple black blazer, cinched at the waist with a matching belt 'I am grateful to be working with them, to learn as much as I can about their ground-breaking endeavours.' Princess Beatrice's outing comes after her sister Princess Eugenie revealed she is expecting her second child with her husband Jack Brooksbank. The youngest daughter of Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York, 32, shared her pregnancy news by posting an adorable snap on Instagram showing her one-year-old son August kissing her stomach. She wrote: 'Were so excited to share that there will be a new addition to our family this summer.' Eugenie gave birth to her first son August Philip Hawke Brooksbank, who is 13th-in-line to the throne, at London's Portland Hospital in February 2021. Posting a tribute on Instagram to her youngest daughter, Fergie wrote: 'You will be sharing puddles, Augie! Superb news, Granny heaven. So deeply grateful.' Meanwhile Fergie also shared a snapshot of the little toddler playing in a puddle in the pouring rain. The 34-year-old royal (pictured right) looked the part in a white lab coat as she toured the research lab at the Centre For Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, today The princess completed her look with a glamorous smattering of makeup on her features, and kept her locks straight In the picture, the one-year-old donned a bright yellow jacket as he played in the grounds of a country house. In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: 'Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank are pleased to announce they are expecting their second child this summer. 'The family are delighted and August is very much looking forward to being a big brother.' While it is not known where the photo of the princess and August was taken, it appears to have been captured in the past few weeks, with frost on the ground. In the post, the mother-of-one beams down at her young son, who snuggled into her tummy enthusiastically. It is not currently known whether she is expecting a boy or a girl. He has revealed people should avoid buffets and always know the risks of food A dad who tragically lost his two-year-old son after a battle with E. coli has revealed the common food mistakes people make that can land them in the hospital. In 1993, Darin Detwiler's two-year-old son Riley died of E. coli poisoning after a nationwide outbreak due to contaminated hamburgers being sold at a fast food restaurant Jack in the Box. Following his son's death, the dad made it his mission to spread awareness about the bacteria that can be deadly in severe cases. Darin began making calls to the then-President of the United States, Bill Clinton, and worked with the United States Department of Agriculture to help people around the country avoid common misconceptions when it comes to food safety. From assuming food is always safe to eating at buffets, 30 years after Riley's death the food safety reform agent has revealed the biggest mistakes you could be making when it comes to your food. Darin Detwiler lost his two-year-old son after a battle with E. coli and has now revealed the common food mistakes people make Riley died of E. coli poisoning after a nationwide outbreak, he was just two years old at the time of his death There is always a risk... Never assume all food is safe Speaking Today, Darin detailed why it's important to always think about food safety before taking bite of your meal. Following his son's death, the dad avoided eating red meat all together, but soon realized that every food could become a breeding ground for bacteria. Darin explained that what happened to his son continues to happen to families across the country. He added that he always sees people assuming that food is safe, and while the food safety agent explained he doesn't want people 'afraid,' he does want them to be aware of the potential risks. Darin explained that coking meat a temperature too low or eating a 'raw piece of piece of steak or hamburger does not make you more manly or more American.' He added that by not killing off the pathogen on a high temperature you are contributing to the spread, which could kill members of the vulnerable population, including pregnant women and small children. And meat isn't the only thing that can be contaminated, as the food safety reform agent explained that people have fallen ill from 'produce, ready to eat foods, romaine lettuce, leafy greens, sprouts, and even cantaloupe.' In 1993, many were still unsure about what E.coli was, and how it could affect someone, or even the various ways to become infected. At the time, the outbreak was linked to hamburgers, and since Riley had never eaten a hamburger, and his parents were determined to avoid fast food chains during the outburst, they all assumed the two-year-old had no chance of falling ill. However, no one was speaking out about person-to-person exposure at the time. Look out at restaurants, watch for staff members who handle trash, take a break or clean, without washing their hands afterwards In 1993, many were still unsure about what E.coli was, and how it could affect someone, or even the various ways to become infected Following his son's death, Darin was soon speaking with various television shows, writing articles, and working with the USDA When eating out, Darin recommends you check the bathroom prior to taking a bite of your meal. 'When I go into a restaurant and the bathroom is dirty, I dont even want to know what the kitchen looks like,' he told Today. He also said that he looks to see if employees are throwing away trash, smoking, cleaning, or taking breaks and then returning to work without washing their hands. When Darin saw a sign on the door of his son's daycare noting that a fellow classmate had tested positive for E. coli and advised parents look out for symptoms, he was shocked. That night, Riley began to exhibit E. coli symptoms - including different colored urine and bloody poop. Later, the dad discovered that the parent's of the other infected child both worked at a fast food restaurant, and the mom hadn't cooked the meat at a temperature high enough to kill the bacteria. While at daycare, the child had bloody diarrhea that leaked out of his diaper, and Riley was then infected by person-to-person contact. 48 hours after Riley began showing symptoms, his results came back positive however, his condition continued to worsen and the toddler was admitted to a local hospital, and later airlifted to a hospital in Seattle. All you can eat comes with safety hazards... Avoid buffets at all costs Due to his worsening condition, Riley was placed in a medically-induced coma Riley was taken off of life support and died on February 20, 1993. The other child who infected the two-year-old was never hospitalized The deadly bacteria hiding in FOOD: What is E. coli and why is it dangerous? E. coli (Escherichia coli) are bacteria that generally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Infections can occur after coming into contact with the feces of humans or animals, or by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Symptoms of an E.coli infection include bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, sufferers can develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This is a condition in which there is an abnormal destruction of blood platelets and red blood cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, the damaged blood cells can clog the kidney's filtering system, resulting in life-threatening kidney failure. No treatment currently exists to treat these infections. They usually disappear within one week, but medical professionals recommend resting and drinking fluids to help prevent dehydration and fatigue. Advertisement His last tip is to avoid buffets at all costs. Darin explained that buffest are unsafe because of the 'holding temperature of the food' and the amount of people that come into contact with the food. After Riley's symptoms worsened, the child soon developed hemolytic uremic syndrome - which is a condition that can cause kidney failure - forcing doctors to remove a 'large percentage' of his lower intestines. Due to his worsening condition, Riley was placed in a medically-induced coma. Soon, doctors gave the heartbreaking news: Riley had 'zero chance of recovery.' Riley was taken off of life support and died on February 20, 1993. The other child who infected the two-year-old was never hospitalized. Despite being filled with sorrow from his son's passing, Darin continued to fight so that no parent would ever have to experience the pain he did. He began by phoning President Clinton and begged him to help make E. coli a 'household name.' Darin was soon speaking with various television shows, writing articles, and working with the USDA. He told Today: 'What happened to my son 30 years ago still happens today.' Now, he has achieved his goal of making E. coli, salmonella and listeria names everyone recognizes. A Florida real estate broker has lifted the lid on the things her 'girl boss' mother taught her when she was growing up that led to her becoming a millionaire business owner. Mari Juliette Albertine, 29, of Mari Juliette Real Estate, has more than 526,000 followers on TikTok, where she documents her life as a working mom and dispenses business advice. The influencer went viral last month when she shared some tips she learned from her mother, including the importance of having a 'sense of urgency' and giving a 'firm handshake.' 'My mom was like the OG girl boss,' she explained in the video, which has been viewed more than 829,000 times. Mari first reminded viewers that when it comes to failure, 'rejection is protection' even when it 'feels like the world is crumbling around you.' Mari Juliette Albertine, 29, of Mari Juliette Real Estate in South Florida, has more than 526,000 followers on TikTok, where she dispenses business advice The influencer went viral last month when she shared some tips she learned from her mother, including the reminder that 'rejection is protection' Mari went on to say that her mother taught her 'everything has to have a sense of urgency' when you're running a businesses She explained that if you went after something and didn't get it, you are being redirected to 'something even better.' The top six tips from Mari's 'girl boss' mom Rejection is protection Everything has to have a sense of urgency Invest Do things yourself Have a firm handshake Never assume anything Advertisement 'Number two, everything has to have a sense of urgency,' she continued. 'When I see my mom get a call from a client... she's immediately doing what she needs to do because everything is urgent.' Mari's third piece of advice is to 'invest,' saying her mother 'bought her first property at 23 years old and will never let us forget it.' 'She always had investment properties to protect her primary residence because it would pay her mortgage,' she explained. The business owner added that her mother also does most things herself, whether that be taking care of the lawn or home improvements. 'She doesn't pay other people to do things that she can do herself,' she said. Mari went on to share how her mom taught her to 'always give the most firm handshake of all time.' 'If I have somebody that shakes my hand, and it's like a wet noodle, I'm like, "Let's try again." Like a firm handshake means a lot,' she told viewers. Mari's third piece of advice is to 'invest,' saying her mother 'bought her first property at 23 years old and will never let us forget it' The business owner added that her mother also does most things herself, whether that be taking care of the lawn or home improvements Mari ended her now-viral video by explaining the importance of having a 'firm handshake' and why you should 'never assume anything' - especially in business 'And last but not least, never assume anything. You never know who you're talking to. So be kind to everyone and treat everyone equally.' She ended the video with some business advice, saying you shouldn't 'assume that people know what's going on in a transaction or a deal.' 'You need to over-over-over-over-communicate always,' she insisted. The tips Mari learned from her mom proved to be so popular that she posted a follow-up with even more advice just days later. This time around, she explained why you should always 'be persistent, not pushy.' 'You wanna be the first person that comes to people's minds when they are buying the thing that you are selling,' she said. 'But you don't ever wanna force [someone] into something they don't want to do because down the line they're not gonna use you again.' The tips Mari learned from her mom proved to be so popular that she posted a follow-up with even more advice just days later The real estate guru reminded viewers that you can't wait for opportunities that you want to 'come knocking on your door' She noted that tenacity was something she learned at an early age that has stuck with her over the years. 'If I wanted a job growing up, and I didn't get it the first time or the second time, I would keep going and keep showing up and applying until I got it, which shows the employer consistency and reliability,' she said. Mari's second tip was to 'befriend people to close more deals even if you're working in a competitive industry.' 'You will not believe how many deals I've closed because I'm friendly to other agents and I work with them,' she explained. The real estate guru went on to remind viewers that you can't wait for opportunities that you want to 'come knocking on your door.' 'You have to go after the things that you want. You cannot expect them to fall in your lap,' she said. 'If I wanted a job growing up, and I didn't get it the first time or the second time, I would keep going and keep showing up and applying until I got it,' she said Another interesting piece of advice was to 'learn how to get ready quickly,' which she noted has been a key part of her success as a real estate broker' Mari also touched upon some life advice, saying you should never 'rely on one person to fill every vial in your life' 'That being said, when a lot of s**t is going wrong in your job, remember the times things did fall into your lap because you set yourself up to accept those opportunities. It helps a lot with your mindset.' Another interesting piece of advice was to 'learn how to get ready quickly,' which she noted has been a key part of her success as a real estate broker. 'I cannot tell you how many deals I've done because I get ready in like five minutes and then show up at the house and then do the deal,' she said. 'If I needed an hour to get ready, those deals probably wouldn't have happened.' The final two nuggets of wisdom she learned from her mother had more to do about life than business. 'Exercise for your mind over what your body looks like. It's more sustainable that way,' she said before concluding the video. 'Last but not least...don't rely on one person to fill every vial in your life. People are in your life for reasons that are different from each other, and they fill different vials in your life that make you happy and fulfilled. 'Don't rely on one person to do everything.' Mother-of-two is currently on her first royal tour of Sub-Saharan Africa European royal, 50, opted for a smart ensemble for the university presentation Queen Letizia of Spain looked polished to perfection as she arrived at the University of Cuanza in Angola today. The European monarch, 50, was suitably smart in a long-sleeved chiffon white blouse with a trendy wraparound detail. For the university presentation on the paintings of Spanish Catalan artist Joan Miro, the mother-of-two opted for a sophisticated black pencil skirt with a bow at the waist. The stylish royal pulled her formal ensemble together with a pair of black suede heels and a leather clutch bag with a gold bar fastening. In-keeping with her smart attire, Letizia styled her brown hair in an elegant bun - but still allowing a few wisps to frame her face. European monarch, 50, was suitably smart in a long-sleeved chiffon white blouse with a trendy wraparound detail For her makeup, the royal went for full-on glamour with a brown shimmery smokey eye. Along with a luminous base, Letizia was pictured wearing a slick of nude lipstick. To finish off her outfit, the royal wore a pair of dangly earrings - featuring a constellation design. Letizia and her husband King Felipe are currently on their first ever royal tour of Sub-Saharan Africa, which will last three days. The couple are staying in Luanda, Angola's capital, and will be hosted by the President, Joao Lourenco during their visit. The Queen will spend time with Angolan First Lady Ana Afonso Dias Lourenco, who is a trained economist and keen promoter of women's rights Last night, the pair were pictured arriving at the Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport. As she stepped off the plane, Letizia was pictured in a stylish pastel pink co-ord. Letizia went for full-on glamour with a brown shimmery smokey eye and a sleek bun for the occasion King Felipe was dapper in a navy pinstripe suit as he arrived at the University of Cuanza this afternoon The couple exchanged a loving glance as they arrived for the presentation at the university in Angola King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain (C) attend the inauguration of the Joan Miro Exhibition Letizia greets guests at a cocktail party in Angola following the university presentation this afternoon Letizia poses next to the Spanish flag on the first day of her state visit to Angola with King Felipe Queen Letizia and King Felipe IV of Spain arrived at Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport in Angola last night The mother-of-two's fashionable trousers were slightly cropped while her top had a slight v-neck cut. She then paired her satin ensemble with a matching shoulder bag and heeled pumps. The royal, whose father Jesus Jose Ortiz Alvarez and stepmother Ana Togores are both journalists, met her husband King Felipe when she was asked to interview him in her job as a reporter. Letizia's media career was a lengthy one and began with a stint at Asturian daily paper, La Nueva Espana. Next came a role at ABC, a popular national newspaper that enjoys the third largest circulation in Spain, before spells at EFE and Mexican publication Siglo 21, which is based in Guadelajara. Back in Spain a year later, she worked for the Spanish version of Bloomberg, a news channel and agency specialising in economics, before moving to CNN+. By the time she met her husband-to-be, Letizia was working for popular TV channel 24 Horas, where she anchored the popular Telediario 2 evening news bulletin. Twitter is exploding with memes about Leonardo DiCaprio's 29-year age gap with his rumored new partner Eden Polani - and online users are using it to highlight the other inappropriate pairings who are the same age as them. Speculation that Leonardo, 48, was dating 19-year-old Paris-born model Eden arose after they were pictured hanging out at the release party for Ebony Riley's new EP on January 31. And while sources tell DailyMail.com that he and Eden are just friends, many people were disturbed by the idea of them potentially being together - especially because they are the same ages as some well-known on-screen father-daughter duos. Soon after the photos of Leo and Eden hit the web, social media erupted with people who pointed out that their massive age difference is almost the same as actors David Harbour, who is 47, one year younger than Leo, and Millie Bobby Brown, who is 18, a year younger than Eden. David plays Detective Jim Hopper - who adopts Millie's character Eleven - in the Netflix series Stranger Things. Twitter is exploding with memes about Leonardo DiCaprio's 29-year age gap with his rumored new partner Eden Polani (seen together on January 31) Online users are using Leo and Eden's age-gap to highlight the other inappropriate pairings who are the same age as them Many people on the web have pointed out that Leo and Eden's massive age difference is almost the same as Stranger Things stars David Harbour, 47, and Millie Bobby Brown (seen in 2016), 18 Others also noted that the Titanic alum and his rumored new love interest are also nearly the same age as Pedro Pascal, 47, and Bella Ramsey, 19, from The Last of Us Others also noted that the Titanic alum and his rumored new love interest are also nearly the same age as Pedro Pascal, 47, and Bella Ramsey, 19, who portray Joel and Ellie in the popular new HBO show The Last of Us. While the two are not technically related in the series, Joel acts like a father to Ellie as they try to survive the zombie apocalypse together. Some said the comparisons made their 'skin crawl,' while others tweeted that it made them want to 'throw up.' 'Just taking a moment to really consider that Leo DiCaprio, 48, and his new girlfriend, 19, is the same age gap as David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown, and Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Skin crawling,' one person wrote. 'Just saw someone say Leo DiCaprio and his new girlfriend have the same age gap as David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown... I am about to throw up,' another added. Someone else said: 'Just saw a headline that said the age difference between Leo and his new gf is the same as David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown and threw up in my mouth.' 'I nearly spat out my drink,' read a fourth tweet, while a fifth said, 'Oh dear God, I'm going to vomit. Others simply commented, 'Ew,' 'Gross,' and, 'Sick.' Some said the comparisons made their 'skin crawl,' while others tweeted that it made them want to 'throw up' One woman even posted about it on TikTok, sharing a picture of Pedro and Bella together and stating, 'If you want to grasp that age gap by seeing it in different people, here you go ... It shows how f**king nasty it is.' Her video got more than five million views and it garnered a fierce reaction from viewers. One woman even posted about it on TikTok, sharing a picture of Pedro and Bella together and stating, 'If you want to grasp that age gap by seeing it in different people, here you go ... It shows how f**king nasty it is' 'Thats more than the age gap between me and my DAD. I actually gagged when I put that together,' wrote one user. 'I'm the same age as her and my parents are younger than him,' said someone else. 'I genuinely gasped out loud,' commented a different person, while another added, 'The way my jaw hit the ground.' Many people are also taken aback by the idea that Eden is so young, her high school education was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, she was not even born when Titanic was released in 1997 - more than 25 years ago. Someone else tweeted: 'Kate Winslet was 22 when she was nominated for an Oscar for Titanic. Which is 3 years older than Leonardo DiCaprios current girlfriend.' 'DiCaprios girlfriend is so young she probably studied the Romeo and Juliet film he starred in when she was at school,' another person wrote. 'Someone please explain to me what a man nearing 50 has in common with *checks notes* a 19 year old?' asked a different user. Her video got more than five million views and it garnered a fierce reaction from viewers And while sources tell DailyMail.com that he and Eden (seen) are just friends, many people were disturbed by the idea of them potentially being together Leo has been linked to a slew of other women who are a lot younger than him over the years, and has famously made a habit of never dating any woman over the age of 25. In recent months, Leo has been linked to the 23-year-old daughter of actor Lorenzo Lamas, Victoria Lamas (seen with her dad in 2014), but it is unclear if they are still dating as they have not been pictured publicly together since late December His first public relationship was with fashion icon Gisele Bundchen in 1999 - when she was 18 and he was 25 - and they were together for five years before splitting in 2004. He was then linked to Israeli model Bar Refaeli from 2005 to 2010, and their romance began when she was age 20 and ended right before she turned 25. Leo also dated actress Blake Lively for one year in 2011, when she was 23 and he was 37. Over the years, he was also rumored to have dated Victoria Secret angel Erin Heatherton in 2012, when she was 22 and he was 38, German model Toni Garrn in 2013, when she was 21 and he was 39, actress Kelly Rohrbach in 2015, when she was 25 and he was 41, and catwalk queen Nina Agdal in 2016, when she was 24 and he was 42. He also dated model Camila Morrone from 2017 to 2022, with their relationship beginning she was 20 and he was 43, and there were brief rumors that he was dating supermodel Gigi Hadid in 2022, when she was 27 and he was 47. In recent months, he has been linked to the 23-year-old daughter of actor Lorenzo Lamas, Victoria Lamas, but it is unclear if they are still dating as they have not been pictured publicly together since late December. Travellers are surprised after learning of another specific item that can't be taken on a plane in hand luggage: fishing line. A passenger was spotted unspooling a fishing line from his rod at the airport recently before throwing it in the bin before his flight. The video was posted on TikTok by a fellow traveller and was quickly flooded with comments from frequent flyers who informed him that fishing line is banned because it can be used as a 'potential weapon'. Reels and rods can be taken on board but they cannot be spooled with line. Scroll down for video Travellers were shocked that fishing line (pictured) can't be brought on a plane for a very morbid reason A passenger was spotted unspooling a fishing line from his rod at the airport recently before throwing it in the bin before a flight (pictured) 'You can't take fishing line onto a plane bro,' a TikTok user said when he recorded the moment a disappointed fisher had to throw away all of his line. 'I had the same problem, they said I can choke someone with the line,' one man said. He believed the rule was 'pointless' because items such as charging cables could also be deemed dangerous. Can fishing rods be taken on a flight? Fishing rods can still be carried in checked luggage on many Australian airlines. The tools must be checked in and stored in a PVC cylinder with screw ends, PVC plumbing or electrical tubing and cannot be strapped to other checked bags. (Source: Flight Centre) Advertisement However, fishing rods can still be carried as luggage on many Australian airlines. The tools must be checked in and stored in a PVC cylinder with screw ends, PVC plumbing or electrical tubing and cannot be strapped to other checked bags. The Australian Government has also banned other surprising items from being carried onto a plane in addition to the obvious liquid limits, firearms and sharp objects. These include any pole, bat or club, tent pegs, racquets, protein powder, nut butter, anything with a spike over 6cm and batteries. Random items banned from flights: * Fishing lines * Deodorant in an aerosol can * Spray paint * Lighters * Lithium batteries * Golf clubs * Pool cues * Hockey sticks * Snow globes * Magic 8 Balls * Christmas crackers * Bleach * Bowling pins * Hockey sticks * Ice skates * Any type of knife (Source: homeaffairs.gov.au; businessinsider.com) Advertisement In-flight rules in America are even more strict with airlines banning the likes of snow globes and Magic 8 Balls as they both contain liquid. Christmas crackers have been banned due to how flammable they are and bowling pins are also not allowed as they can be used as weapons. She also said men aren't direct enough when it comes to sex She claims Aussies say 'how are you?' as a way of saying 'hello' A Spanish traveller has pointed out one common phrase 'all Australians' say that grinds her gears - and vented her frustrations about the dating culture Down Under. Perth performer and comedian, 'Mr Sikkant', interviewed the woman on the street recenty where he asked her a series of questions about Australia and Spain. The woman, named Vera, said it made her 'angry' every time Aussies used 'how are you?' instead of 'hello' as a greeting. She also believes Spanish people are far more direct and don't 'beat around the bush' when it comes to relationships or sex. Scroll down for video Perth performer and comedian who calls himself Mr Sikkant (left) candidly interviewed a Spanish woman on the street. The woman named Vera (right) claims Aussie's say 'how are you?' as if they're meaning to say 'hello' Poll Is it annoying to use 'how are you?' instead of 'hello'? Yes No Is it annoying to use 'how are you?' instead of 'hello'? Yes 110 votes No 423 votes Now share your opinion 'Most people (in Australia) when they say 'how are you?' they don't even expect an answer in return, because it's like 'hello'. And that makes me so angry because you don't even know if the person actually cares what you're feeling,' Vera said in the TikTok video. Mr Sikkant agreed with her claims then asked: 'So Spanish people are more cognisant of knowing what the other person wants to say?' Vera replied: 'I think in Spain everything is more direct. As in, for example, everything to do with nudity and sex and drugs is a very open conversation.' 'In Spain if my friend wants to have sex and I want to have sex with that person, then that's it, it's as simple as that. You're not playing mind games if like 'Oh I'm going to ignore this person for weeks on end'.' Then Mr Sikkant asked if it's not 'fun' to play games when you're single, and Vera said there's a 'fine line between fun and annoying'. Some TikTokers agreed with what Vera was saying about Aussie's, while others weren't convinced. 'She's right about the how are you part,' one person wrote. 'Wrong. she obviously doesn't know. we say 'how you going',' another added. The men in the home 'swap beds' every few nights This family have 'no idea' who fathered their sons - as they partner swap 'every other night' A polyamorous 'quad' have admitted they have no idea who fathered the youngest two children in their family - and don't plan on finding out anytime soon. The foursome, who live in Lebanon and dub themselves a 'polyfamory', said the two men in the house switch beds every other night so when their 'wives' fell pregnant within months of each other it was impossible to tell who the biological dad was. They could do a DNA test to reveal the truth but the four adults share parenting responsibilities and therefore believe 'it doesn't matter'. The family of eight consists of Alysia and Tyler Rogers who had two children of their own aged seven and eight before expanding their relationship with friends Sean and Taya Hartless. 'We wanted to do everything we could to make sure that everybody feels like an equal parent,' Taya told Today. 'At this point genetics would change nothing.' The quad have decided it will be up to their children if they want to find out later and their fans are on board. 'Unless there's some medical reason, nobody needs to know! Y'all are a family,' one woman said. The family of eight consist of Alysia and Tyler Rogers who had two children of their own, aged 7 and 8 before expanding their relationship 'They have four parents who absolutely love them and a beautiful family, thats all that matters,' said another. Others asked how they chose a last name and the family replied that they 'use both'. The couples moved in together and started co-parenting the older children in 2020. Then in 2021 they were ready to add to the brood and Taya and Alysia gave birth within seven months of each other. They both consider themselves 'mum' to the baby boys. The family dispel a lot of myths about their family using social media - the most common one being the sexual dynamic. In one video they are pictured 'waking up' next to each other in every combination. The video shows the men and women in relationships with each other, however the women have no interest in getting intimate together and neither do the men. They say they are 'just like a monogamous family... only there's four of them'. They hang out all together and one on one but communication is key. If one couple want some alone time they will ask in the group chat. The family believe in 'gentle parenting' and while Sean prefers structure and rules they have found a nice balance. The relationship formed naturally, they explained, but has taken a lot of work. Taya also made a post about their expanded relationship after the birth of their sons. The family of eight consist of Alysia and Tyler Rogers, front, and Sean and Taya Hartless, rear 'If you would've told me four years ago that we would be in a polyamorous relationship with four kids I would've laughed in your face,' she said alongside a video of her husband, Sean. 'Little did I know that it would be the best thing that ever happened to us. Thank god for growth. I love you, forever.' She added that they have become better at communicating and are less jealous than they were previously. Flight attendants have been spilling their secret tips and tricks travellers can use to get a seat in first class. One seasoned traveller asked for advice on he best way to get upgraded to first class without buying a seat 'outright'. Dozens of cabin crew workers and travel pros responded with handy hacks to use from using frequent flyer points to signing up to loyalty programs and buying tickets well in advance and never paying for an upgrade at the airport. A seasoned traveller has asked flight attendants for the best advice for getting cheap upgrades to first class online drawing in dozens of useful responses 'What's the best way to fly first class? Is it always better to bump it at the counter? I feel like buying it outright isn't the smartest,' the woman asked in a post to the Gals Who Travel Facebook group. 'Just did my first couple first class flights and I wanna stay here now so I want to be smart and not pay more if I don't have to.' Flight attendants' top five hacks for getting cheaper first class tickets Buy first class tickets well in advance instead of upgrading on the day of your flight Join an airline's rewards program Sign up for an airline's credit card and watch out for double points deals If you knew a crew member see what benefits and discounts they can offer you Ask the gate agent for an upgrade for short haul flights Advertisement One flight attendant shared her wealth of industry knowledge and said the best option is to buy a first class ticket in advance as upgrading on the day can be a lot more expensive. She also recommended racking up frequent flyer points to buy first class tickets at a discounted price. 'If you have an airline that you favour most, look into joining their rewards program and possibly signing up for their credit card,' the hostess explained. 'A lot of airlines tend to give a lump sum of points just for applying and making qualifying purchases within the first months of the account opening.' She added points can also be earned with everyday purchases like petrol, groceries and bills and often the airlines will have partnerships with certain restaurants and hotels where you can earn double points for using the card. 'You can use the points for upgrades and once you gain a high enough status in the reward program, you could even qualify for free upgrades depending on how the airline handles their reward system,' the woman continued. The stewardess said if travellers know a crew member personally they may be able to get them on a flight for a small fee but warns there is a catch. 'It most likely will not be a confirmed seat. Usually you would pay a small fee to be placed on a space available standby list,' she said. 'Depending on the airline and the position of your friend (flight attendant, pilot, gate agent, ground ops, etc) your priority on said list may vary. They could probably purchase a confirmed seat for you with their discount if the airline allows that.' Another group member suggested asking the gate agent for an upgrade on short haul flights but buying first class tickets in advance for long haul flights. 'But depending on the airline they may offer upgrades to loyalty members first before you, even if you're offering to pay,' she said. Hostesses said it can be better to buy first class tickets outright and never to pay for an upgrade on the day. They also recommended signing up for an airline's rewards program 'For long haul flights, it's best your buy outright. If you wait until the gate they will want to charge you (a lot) because they know you really don't want to sit in the back for a 10+ hour flight.' Many agreed asking at the gate may be a lost cause if you're not part of the airline's rewards programs as members are prioritised and said buying outright could be the best option. 'Generally it's more expensive at the airport the day of travel in my experience for purchasing first class,' one woman replied. Best to buy...if there are any first class seats available elite status customers get upgraded to those,' a second added. Previously a TikTok user has shared the 'trick' she learned from a flight attendant for getting a free upgrade when travelling - but other flight attendants are warning that it's bad advice. Ceara Kirkpatrick, from St. Louis, Missouri, revealed in a recent TikTok video that an airline worker she recently befriended spilled some secrets he learned on the job. The flight attendant told her that travellers can get a seat upgrade simply by dressing nicely, but that wearing sweatpants will ensure they never see business class without paying the full fare. Ceara's video has gone viral with travellers hoping for a surprise class bump, but other flight attendants have weighed in as well - and most say the only way a traveller is getting an upgrade on a US airline is by earning status. Spill the tea: Ceara Kirkpatrick, from Missouri, revealed on TikTok that she recently befriended an airline worker, so she asked him to share some secrets about the job 'I became friends with a flight attendant a few weeks ago and we had a three hour car ride together so I trapped him and I was like, 'Tell me everything I need to know about being a good flyer,'' Ceara explained in the clip, which has now been viewed more than two million times. 'I'm like, 'What are the tips? What are the tricks? What's the insider scoop?' 'He was like, 'You need to look nice on every single flight. When you check in they will literally mark you as suitable for upgrade if you look nice and only if you look nice.' 'So if you're dressed in sweats and look like a piece of garbage, like how I usually fly, you'll never get upgraded,' she said. 'He said sometimes they'll literally upgrade you regardless of status, even if you've never flown with that airline before, just because you look nice. 'Now I'm going to look way more presentable on my flights, just so I can possibly get upgraded.' He told her: 'You need to look nice on every single flight. When you check in they will literally mark you as suitable for upgrade if you look nice and only if you look nice' The TikTok quickly went viral, and commenters began to argue over whether or not this is true - and other flight attendants even joined in on the conversation. And although some backed up Ceara's claims, many said that upgrades are purely based off of airline loyalty - not appearance. 'I'm a flight attendant, this is not true at all,' one person wrote. Another added: 'Uh, false. 99 per cent of upgrades are based off airline loyalty and status. The rare 'random' upgrade is based off fares paid.' 'I think it depends on the airline,' someone else said. 'I know for Delta it solely depends on status 100 per cent.' The TikTok quickly went viral, and many people began to argue in the comment section about whether or not this was true - and other flight attendants even joined in on the conversation Although some backed up Ceara's claims, many said that upgrades are purely based off of airline loyalty - and not appearance 'We did not do this at American Airlines so stay lazy AA flyers,' a fourth comment read. 'As an airline employee, your friend did you dirty on advice, like [that's] absolutely not true on U.S. airlines,' another viewer commented, while one more wrote: 'As a flight attendant I have never heard this in my life.' In a follow-up video, Ceara explained that her friend worked for an international airline and that the rule may not apply to the U.S. airlines. 'I guess U.S. airlines don't really follow this rule - it really depends on your status for U.S. airlines for upgrades,' she said. 'If you want to get upgrades in the U.S. I would say stick to one airline, be loyal to them, fly them all the time. They will prioritise you for upgrades.' According to Ceara, another way to improve your chances of getting upgraded is by bringing a small gift for your flight attendant, like candy or a Starbucks gift card. According to Ceara, another way to improve your chances of getting upgraded is by bringing a small gift for your flight attendant, like candy or a gift card She said her friend always brings goodies for his flight attendants when he's flying and not working, and in return, he's received things like extra snacks, free drinks, and more 'Obviously, no one owes you anything so if you do this you should do it out of the kindness of your heart but nine times out of ten, they will treat you special,' she added She said her friend always brings goodies for the crew members when he flies and he isn't working, and in return, he's received things like extra snacks, free drinks, and desserts from first class. 'Obviously, no one owes you anything so if you do this you should do it out of the kindness of your heart but nine times out of ten, they will treat you special,' she added. Many commenters agreed, and some flight attendants confirmed that they have upgraded people just for being nice. Many commenters agreed with this theory, and some flight attendants confirmed that they have upgraded people just for being nice One wrote, 'I've upgraded people because they say hello and acknowledge me when they get on.' Another person added: 'If you give flight attendants gifts (candy, Starbucks gift cards, lotion, sanitiser, etc.) they will look out for you. Works best on long flights.' Ceara continued: 'Being a flight attendant is such a thankless job, people are so rude all the time. 'So when they get gifts it's literally so shocking that sometimes it makes them cry and it's really nice, so let's just spread the positivity.' Mayor Trent Conaway stated at a Monday evening news conference that residents of the Ohio community of East Palestine are still unable to return home following the release of a deadly chemical from derailed train wagons three days prior. Five Norfolk Southern train carriages were emptied of vinyl chloride, which chemical officials stated was unstable and may explode, at around 4:30 p.m. ET. Ohio Train Derailment Before this, Norfolk Southern's Scott Deutsch stated that tiny, shaped charges would create a small hole in each rail car. The vinyl chloride would then leak into a trench, where flares would destroy it. Deutsch stated during a news conference that, as of 7 p.m., the flames were diminished, and a little fire remained in the pit. According to Conaway, a mile-radius exclusion zone remains in effect surrounding the disaster scene of the train. He noted that authorities would reevaluate the area on Tuesday morning. The Environmental Protection Agency will monitor the area's air and water quality. According to Deutsch, the remaining flames will extinguish themselves and will not be quenched by personnel. The five railway carriages that derailed in a horrific accident on Friday were spewing noxious gases and blasting lethal shrapnel up to one mile away, officials warned earlier. On Monday morning, a Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency official and a Norfolk Southern representative informed CNN that a defective safety valve on a particular rail car had stopped the vehicle from discharging the vinyl chloride. Before the controlled release, the evacuation zone surrounding the site of the catastrophic derailment stretched to encompass two states, according to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. On Sunday, a "significant shift in temperature" was noticed in one of the rail carriages, heightening the urgency of the evacuation. The controlled combustion of the poisonous chemicals would release phosgene, employed as a weapon during World War I, into the surrounding environment. Read Also: Pope Francis Denounces Laws Criminalizing LGBTQ Residents Urged to Evacuate The National Guard was activated to help with the evacuation of residents and prevent individuals from approaching the wreckage. According to Fox News, Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania has ordered the evacuation of a sparsely inhabited area across the state line from East Palestine. The release was anticipated to last between one and three hours. It is still being determined when East Palestine residents will be permitted to return to their homes, according to officials. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, a technical issue with a rail car axle caused the train to derail on Friday, sending 50 rail cars careening off the track. On Friday night, 50 of the train's 100 cars derailed, causing a fire that engulfed much of the town and prompted repeated calls for evacuation. The substance continued to burn off and was anticipated to "drain" over several hours, according to the operator, who added that it would continue to monitor the air quality in the vicinity with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Images shared on social media depicted a fire and a hazardous column of black smoke rising above East Palestine, a community of fewer than 5,000 people located around 50 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. According to a statement on Facebook by the East Palestine City School District, residents rushed into emergency shelters, and schools were shuttered for the week. The train, heading from Madison, Illinois, to Conway, Pennsylvania, derailed near East Palestine at 9 p.m. on Friday. According to a spokesperson for the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, the fire seemed to be burning as of Monday afternoon. After the accident, between 1,500 and 2,000 individuals were urged to vacate the area. On Sunday night, Governor DeWine issued an urgent evacuation warning to hundreds of neighbors who refused to leave their houses within a mile of the location where the automobiles were spread. There have been no injuries or fatalities reported, according to NY Times. Related Article: Ohio Orders Evacuations After Derailed Train Caused Massive Fire @YouTube @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The gadget allows a single nurse to monitor 100 patients' data on a dashboard Hospital patients can sleep through the night without being woken up for tests The coin-sized device sticks onto patients near their heart to record their data A coin-sized BioButton measures patients temperature and vital signs every minute with the same accuracy as tests carried out in the intensive care unit, experts claim. Created by Colorado-based health tech company BioIntelliSense, the BioButton is stuck on patients near their hearts and works by collecting physiological data. Its makers say the device can help address several issues - from allowing nurses to easily care for more patients at once, to reducing the need to disturb patients through the night to administer tests. It can measure over 20 vital early signs of illness, including patients heart rate, skin temperature, respiratory rate and other symptomatic data. The BioButton is a creation by health tech company BioIntelliSense, which sticks onto patients' chests near the heart The gadget is applied in a hospital but is also used for doctors to discharge patients quickly and then monitor them remotely The medical-grade device takes up to 1,400 passive vital sign measurements each day. It uses an algorithm to analyze the information, which allows for early detection of things going wrong. At the Consumer Electronics Show 2023 in Las Vegas, BioIntelliSense founder Dr James Mault told a group of reporters including DailyMail.com that the device is helping to ease the shortage of nurses in America. Projections forecast a shortage of registered nurses by 2030. In the hospital, it allows a single nurse to monitor 100 patients at a time on a dashboard of the collected data. The device also means that nurses can let hospital patients sleep throughout the night instead of waking them up. It's one of the biggest complaints by patients who are in the hospital that they never get a good night's sleep," Dr. Mault said. We know sleep is really important for healing and recovery and yet now, traditionally, they've got a nurse walking around room to room, waking you up to measure your vital signs, and then go, "Oh, you're fine, go back to sleep." But now this button is sitting there quietly measuring all those vital signs. The gadget can help patients get out of the hospital faster as doctors can keep monitoring the BioButton data remotely. This also reduces hospital readmission rates, Dr Mault said. He added: We've learned because of Covid that we can start to take really good care of people in their home. And actually, the food is better and the bed is hopefully more comfortable. GPs should be able to prescribe patients massages, reflexology and Reiki to boost their health and wellbeing, MPs have said. The controversial move if ever given the go ahead by ministers would see Brits offered 'complementary therapies' on the NHS to treat everything from anxiety and stress to back pain and fertility issues. The cross-party group of MPs behind the recommendation stated that offering the 'frivolous and fluffy' treatments would ease pressure on the health service by reducing demand for GP appointments and making the nation age healthier, ultimately saving taxpayer cash. As it stands, the NHS only offers such treatments, like acupressure and manual therapy, for specific conditions based on guidance from the health service watchdog. For example, pregnant women suffering morning sickness can be given ginger and acupressure. Expanding complementary medicine on the NHS would treat everything from anxiety and stress to back pain and fertility issues, a cross-party group of MPs said The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Beauty and Wellbeing was created in 2019 by Labour MPs Carolyn Harris (left) and Judith Cummins (right) to 'champion the British beauty and wellbeing industry in Parliament'. In a report, the group called for GPs to prescribe patients massages, reflexology and Reiki to boost their health and wellbeing There is little evidence to suggest complementary therapies benefit anyone else, beyond those who can already access them, officials say. Campaigners warned making the likes of acupuncture and homeopathy available to more people was 'pointless' because resources should be prioritised for general practice or emergency care. What are complementary therapies? Complementary and alternative medicine is treatment that falls outside of mainstream healthcare. The treatments range from acupuncture and homeopathy, to aromatherapy and meditation. The NHS warns that some complementary treatments claim to offer benefits that are 'not recognised by the majority of independent scientists'. Others have only been proven to work for a 'limited number of health conditions' such as chiropractic, which involves moving the joints to ease muscle pain. Availability of these treatments on the NHS is limited, with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence only recommending the treatments in specific circumstances. These include lessons on posture for those with Parkinson's, acupressure for morning sickness sufferers and manual therapy for those with lower back pain. Advertisement Leading experts claimed the MPs behind the proposal, on the APPG on Beauty and Wellbeing, 'are in desperate need of a few science lessons'. The group was created in 2019 by Labour's Carolyn Harris and Judith Cummins to 'champion the British beauty and wellbeing industry'. It published a report on how complementary therapies, which also include aromatherapy, can 'support everyone's physical health, mental health and wellbeing and take pressure of the NHS'. The treatments are 'integral' but their value is 'often misinterpreted and overlooked', they argued. Patients with stress, anxiety, muscular pain, lower back pain, joint problems, tiredness and fatigue could benefit, the MPs suggested. And the therapies could offer 'life-changing support' to those with hormonal imbalance, fertility issues, as well as patients going through puberty, pregnancy or the menopause. 'With the NHS under increasing pressure, it is vital the benefits of complementary therapies are acknowledged by Government,' the MPs said. The NHS warns that some complementary treatments claim to offer benefits that are 'not recognised by the majority of independent scientists'. Others have only been proven to work for a 'limited number of health conditions' such as chiropractic adjustments, which involve moving the joints to ease muscle pain. The report calls for the Government to work with NHS England to 'better promote' the benefits of prescribing complimentary therapies among GPs, nurses and other staff. Availability of these treatments on the NHS is limited, with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence only recommending them in specific circumstances. These include massages for cancer patients, lessons on posture for those with Parkinson's, acupressure for morning sickness sufferers and manual therapy for those with lower back pain. The MPs urged the Department for Health to fund studies 'to demonstrate the value of integrating complementary therapy services into the NHS'. They called for environmental health officers who check businesses are complying with health and safety standards to be granted extra powers to 'crack-down' on practitioners who have limited training. The MPs argued their recommendations would deliver better outcomes for patients and 'for the public purse'. A fifth of GP appointments are for social rather than medical problems, which 'could be addressed' through patient referrals for holistic therapies, the report claims. And complementary therapies on the NHS would have 'an important part to play' in making Brits healthier in later life, the MPs said. They pointed to some patients who have sought out 'alternative options' due to record waiting lists and shown 'significant improvements', which is 'reducing the burden' on the health service. The APPG argued that the perception of the sector needs to shift from 'frivolous and fluffy' and 'non-essential' to recognising that the therapies are 'crucial'. However, the MPs admitted that there are not enough staff deliver complementary therapies on the NHS after 'many' left the sector during Covid. So the Department for Education should create well-paid apprenticeships and progression routes in the sector, they said. APPG co-chairs Ms Harris, MP for Swansea East, and Ms Cummins, MP for Bradford South, said: 'It is clear that complementary therapies can have a huge impact on all of our physical and mental health and wellbeing. 'However the value of the sector is not being adequately recognised. 'Using social prescribing to offer complementary therapies through the NHS can provide life changing support for many with long-term health conditions, while taking pressure off our seriously overstretched healthcare system. 'Yet many medical professionals are unaware of the benefits of prescribing such therapies. Equally the skills gap faced by the sector means not enough highly trained professionals are available to support the NHS is this way. 'We hope the Government will review our recommendations in order to support the complementary therapies sector and improve the nation's health.' But experts warned the treatments won't benefit patients, so offering them more widely would be a waste of money. Professor Edzard Ernst, emeritus professor of complementary medicine at the University of Exeter, told MailOnline that he agrees with the committee that 'medical professionals could be better informed on the merits of these therapies'. 'The problem, however, is that the evidence for treatments like reflexology and Reiki is largely negative,' he said. Reflexology involves gentle pressure on the feet and hands to ease muscle pain and stiffness, while Reiki is a Japanese technique which advocates say re-balances the mind, body and emotions. Professor Ernst added: 'That means using them in the NHS would not save but waste money. 'I get the feeling the All-Party Committee on Beauty and Wellbeing is in desperate need of a few science lessons.' Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, told MailOnline: 'Many alternative or complementary therapies do not have a robust clinical evidence base, and as such we would not support use of them when treating patients on the NHS. 'There is some evidence of the benefits of acupuncture for treating some types of pain. 'However, it is likely that most health benefits patients report from use of many alternative therapies is likely to be that of a placebo. 'We recognise the right of patients to choose alternative or complementary therapies, but without a clinical evidence base, the RCGP does not believe that these should be available on the NHS.' Tackling the staffing crisis by increasing retention and boosting recruitment would reduce pressure on the NHS and ensure patients receive the care they need, she said. Conor Holohan, media campaign manager at the TaxPayers' Alliance, told MailOnline: 'Taxpayers are sick of pointless proposals to direct funds to pet projects. 'With patients struggling to see a GP or call an ambulance for even serious conditions, these proposals will rub Brits the wrong way. 'Ministers should ignore these recommendations and focus on other priorities.' The drugs that are advertised most on TV are also the least effective, according to a major analysis. Johns Hopkins University researchers found that spending on promoting prescription drugs rose from $1.3 billion in 1996 to $6 billion in 2016. Ninety-two of 135 drugs included in the study, or nearly 70 percent, were deemed to have little health benefits. Dr Michael DiStefano, the lead author of the study, said: The findings suggest that shifting promotional dollars to direct-to-consumer advertising potentially reflects a strategy to drive patient demand for drugs that clinicians would be less likely to prescribe. When a consumer sees these advertisements on TV or social media, they should really question if its the best drug for them and have a conversation with their provider. The findings come amid lingering ethical questions regarding TV drug advertising and come just weeks after a Harvard study found a similar discrepancy between the amount spent on medical adverts and the benefit the medicines provide to patients. Ninety-two of 135 drugs, 68 percent with a clinical benefit assessment were rated as having a low added benefit. In this case, 'low added benefit' indicates that the treatment did little if anything to improve a sick person's health Minimum 68 percent of the 135 drugs included in the analysisof the top-selling prescription drugs sold in 2020 were rated as offering low added benefit The Johns Hopkins team started out with a list of 150 of the top-selling drugs in 2020 but narrowed it down to 135. Ninety-two of 135 drugs, 68 percent with a clinical benefit assessment, were rated as having a low added benefit. The median proportion of promotional spending allocated to direct-to-consumer advertising by drug companies was 13.5 percent, though depending on the drug spending ranged from 1.96 percent to 36.6 percent. The top ad spenders included the antibody Gammagard Liquid which funneled 99.9 percent of its promotion budget toward ads, followed by Yervoy for melanoma with 97.6 percent of its promotional budget to advertising and the multiple sclerosis treatment Ocrevus with 97.4 percent spent on marketing to consumers. In this case, 'low added benefit' indicates that the treatment did little if anything to improve a sick person's health and longevity. After Ocrevus came: Ibrance for breast cancer with 95.8 percent going to advertising; Opdivo for various cancers with 92.2 percent; Odefsey to treat HIV at 91.7 percent; Entyvio with 87.4 percent; Keytruda to treat HIV at 86.5 percent; followed by Neulasta, the post-chemotherapy drug, with 85.5 percent. Then came Genvoya to HIV/AIDS at 84.3 percent; Hemlibra to treat hemophilia A at 84.2 percent; and Mavyret for hepatitis C at 80.1 percent. Total industry spending on direct-to-consumer advertising through mediums such as TV, radio, and print ads reached a staggering $6billion in 2016, a huge jump from the $1.3billion spent in 1996. The companies massive spending on advertising is generally effective. Researchers found that a large sum spent on adverts was associated with a higher share of patients requesting those specific drugs and doctors prescribing them. The study authors wrote: 'Allocating a greater share of promotional spending to consumer advertising (vs promotions that target clinicians) may therefore reflect a strategy to drive patient demand for drugs that clinicians might be less likely to prescribe because either there are several similarly effective alternative treatments available or there is a more effective alternative available. 'Drugs with lower added clinical benefit may also be more likely to have lower cost alternatives, be part of a step-therapy regimen, or have unfavorable formulary placement.' The report was published in the journal JAMA. Dr Gerard Anderson, senior author of the study, said: Another consideration is the US doesnt currently rate prescription drugs. 'Imagine if the drug ads you saw on TV were required to tell you how well the drug performed against alternative drugs for the same disease. 'That might change how interested you would be in the drug. Researchers relied on the IQVIA database, a data set that projects US national estimates for drug sales, to identify the top-selling drugs. When it came to rating each ones added benefit, they followed criteria used by health technology assessment agencies in France and Canada the Haute Autorite de Sante and the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, respectively. The drugs they considered were used in those countries as well as the US. Aside from New Zealand, the US is the only country that allows this type of advertising thanks to lax Food and Drug Administration restrictions. France assigns five possible ratings of added benefit: major, important, moderate, minor, and none while Canada uses four categoriesbreakthrough, substantial, moderate, slight/none. Over half of the 150 top-selling drugs have been approved since 2012, making up 60 percent of all US sales. 2020, the first year that the coronavirus plagued the US, saw an increase in the proportion of people interested in their health and well-being, a product of fear of being infected. Overall, around 50 percent of US consumers now report wellness as a top priority in their day-to-day lives compared to 42 percent in 2020, according to a survey by McKinsey. A hospital system in Florida is still using pen and paper and turning away ER patients almost five days after it was hit by a cyberattack, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, which serves 385,000 patients in 16 counties in North Florida and South Georgia, announced it had been hacked last Thursday. But by Tuesday, its system remained offline, with medics being told to use paper for prescriptions, appointments and admissions. The use of pen and paper could potentially raise the risk of introducing errors when administering medications, labeling lab samples, and scheduling procedures. Some 'limited' surgeries are now being allowed to go ahead after all non-urgent procedures such as hip replacements were canceled from Friday to Monday. The hospital said it was also diverting some EMS patients. It comes after a Russian cybercriminal group claimed responsibility for bringing down 14 hospitals including Stanford Healthcare in California and Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. Tallahassee Memorial Hospital is still using pen and paper almost five days after the cyberattack took place (shown above) Shown above is the location of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (red dot) and the four areas that it serves (blue). Within its area are some 385,000 people In its last update issued Sunday, the hospital said it was 'making progress' in resolving the IT security issues to bring the hospital back online. Online, its website continues to show a red banner at the top reading: 'Alert: Tallahassee Memorial is currently managing an IT security issue.' The FBI has been notified about the cyberattack but is yet to confirm whether it has launched an investigation. Tallahassee Memorial Hospital is one of the major healthcare systems in northwest Florida. It provides care for emergency patients, expectant mothers, cancer patients, and those suffering from heart disease among others across its 772 beds. In 2020, it saw 143,000 emergency care visits, carried out 17,300 surgeries and recorded 3,780 births. It employs 4,500 people. Cyberattackers use a network of machines usually infected with malware and being operated remotely to connect to a website simultaneously. The hackers can then overwhelm a website's security servers by connecting thousands of times at once. As a result, anyone trying to view the website will be caught in a 'traffic jam' of users connecting and receiving error messages. After raising the alarm, the hospital immediately switched to using pen and paper and shelved all non-emergency procedures until Monday. It also began turning away emergency patients, only admitting the most serious trauma cases from Leon county where it is based and the immediate surrounding area. In the latest update on Sunday, the hospital said: 'Our teams responded quickly by initiating our incident response protocols, which included taking our systems offline as a proactive security measure and reporting the event to law enforcement.' They added: 'Our teams are working around the clock in collaboration with outside consultants to investigate the cause of the event and safely restore all computer systems as quickly as possible. 'IT security events take time to investigate and resolve. Our investigation is ongoing and, as is typical in such situations, we expect it will take some time to determine exactly what happened.' No information has been given as to who may be behind the attack. Last month Russian cybercriminal group Killnet claimed that it had taken down the websites of 14 US hospitals across the country. Attacks on US healthcare systems and other groups have ramped up following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Other targets have included US banking giant JPMorgan Chase, which was hit in October. Scientists have developed a first-of-its-kind vaccine to prevent severe symptoms from hard-to-treat fungal infections. In a study on animals, the shot - made by researchers from the University of Georgia (UGA) - worked against the three most common families of fungi that cause disease in people. The vaccine is known as 'pan-fungal' because it targets an enzyme shared by all three strains, which collectively cause around 3,500 deaths and 50,000 hospitalizations annually in the US. Increased attention has been placed on fungal infections because of the hit HBO show 'The Last of Us', which sees infected people transform into zombies. While that is far from reality, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows fungal infections already caused 7,000 deaths in the US - and 1.5million worldwide, in 2021. The World Health Organization warns that fungal infections are becoming a 'major threat' to public health and more common worldwide as the changing climate makes environments more suitable for them. Fungal infections were responsible for more than 75,000 hospitalizations in the US in 2021. Among those, Candida caused the most, leading to the admission of more than 26,000 people. The next to most common were also targeted by the Georgia vaccine, Aspergillosis, responsible for nearly 15,000, and Pneumocytis, which caused just over 10,000 Candida caused 1,769 deaths in 2021, the most of any fungal infection in the US. Aspergillosis caused 1,236 deaths, while Pneumocytis was responsible for 449 The vaccine, called NXT-2, works by providing the body with antibodies that can fight off infections caused by three species of fungus: Aspergillus, Candida and Pneumocystis. The shot was 100 percent effective at preventing serious infection in monkeys and mice that were immune suppressed and exposed to a fatal amount of fungi. Researchers say that plans for a human trial are now underway. 'There's a significant unmet clinical need for this kind of prevention and also treatment, particularly among immunocompromised individuals,' Dr Karen Norris, a veterinary medicine professor at UGA and the chief scientist behind the vaccine. 'The patient population at risk for invasive fungal infections has increased significantly over the last several years.' Fungal infections are caused when a person either breathes in or comes in contact with spores. Generally, healthy people are good at fighting off fungal infections. But those who have underlying conditions like HIV, cancer or diabetes, or have a weakened immune system are at higher risk of serious disease and death. The NXT-2 shot was effective at preventing severe infection in all of the monkeys and rats it was tested on. It also did not cause any severe adverse events (file photo) Recently, the number of deadly fungal infections has started to rise amid growing numbers of immune-suppressed individuals and a warmer and wetter climate. In 2021, a black fungus killed thousands of people in India. Some 85 percent of them were also Covid patients. And in the US the fungal infection 'Valley Fever' that kills one in a hundred people it infects is also spreading. Candida, a family of infections that includes the common C. Auris, has had annual US deaths rose from 1,010 in 2018 to 1,769 in 2021. Deaths caused by the Aspergillus family of fungi jumped from 795 in 2018 to 1,236 in 2021, while pneumocystis deaths increased from 371 to 449. Scientists are hoping that their discovery will allow them to curb these figures significantly. 'This is an area that has been underdeveloped on the research front for a long time,' Dr Norris said. 'These are very large populations of people who are at risk of invasive fungal infections, and although there has been considerable efforts to develop vaccines, none are yet approved.' In research published in PNAS Nexus, researchers gathered data from 103 mice and 25 monkeys. They tested four different vaccine candidates against Aspergillus, Candida and Pneumocystis. In 20 of the mice and two monkeys, they vaccinated them but did not expose them to fungus - to determine the safety of the vaccines. The others were vaccinated and had their immune system suppressed by drugs before being exposed to a fatal fungus dose. This is done to simulate how effective the vaccine would be in an immunocompromised person who is most at risk of severe illness. The NXT-2 shot was the only shot to effectively prevent severe infection against all three fungi in every animal it was tested against. The shot also did not show any significant adverse side effects to the 12 animals that received it and were not exposed to the deadly disease. 'The Last of Us' follows smuggler Joel (right) as he escorts teenager Ellie (left) through Boston, Massachusetts, while a fungus spreads across the world. Its recent popularity has heightened fears about fungal infections Fungal infections occur when a person inhales its spores. While the body will usually be able to eject it before it causes harm, people who are immunocompromised are at risk of being infected (file photo) While a situation like that of 'The Last of Us' - where fungus-infected zombies overrun the world - is hopefully impossible, experts are warning about the dangers of these fungi. In the show, the fungus attack has been inspired by a fungus called Ophiocordyceps. This infects insects such as ants, turning them into zombies, before releasing spores. This fungus does not infect people. But experts still warn that the risk of an infection from fungi is growing. Dr Matthew Fisher, a professor of medicine at Imperial College Longon in the UK who researches fungi, told CNN: 'We're always surrounded by fungal spores. 'We've lived with them ever since we made beds in the Savanna 500,000 years ago, before we even evolved into modern humans. 'And we've had to adapt this exquisite immune system that we have to defend against spores, because many of them are potentially [dangerous].' The CDC described C Auris as a 'serious global health threat' because it is drug-resistant, hard to identify and can spread in ultra-clean hospital environments. Last week, US health experts also warned about 'Valley Fever', caused by the fungi Coccidioidomycosis. Cases of the fungal infection have risen 20-fold since 2000. It earned its nickname because of its prevalence in Arizona and California, where it thrives in the warm, dry, environment. Climate change has increased temperatures across the country, though, and the fungal infection is now increasingly being detected in New Mexico, Nevada and Utah. While Coccidioidomycosis was not tested against the NXT-2 vaccine, its spread has experts focusing more on developing treatments for these diseases. Symptoms of fungal infections often include trouble breathing, fatigue, headaches, night sweats and muscle aches, among others. Common fungal infections people face include Athlete's foot, a scaly rash that can cause itching or stinging, thrush, where white lesions develop on the tongue or inner cheek, and even dandruff, which can be triggered by fungal infections among other causes. Dr Anthony Fauci is charging sky-high fees for speaking engagements as the controversial figure reaps the rewards of his pandemic-era fame. The former White House Covid doctor commands between $50,000 and $100,000 for up to an hour's work, according to a listing on the website for the agency Leading Motivational Speakers that has since been scrubbed. Despite his huge fee, Fauci is scheduled to give the commencement address to the Yale School of Medicine on May 22 - though it is unclear how much the college is paying him. The 81-year-old recently retired from his post as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, where he had been receiving the highest salary of all government employees at more than $480,000 annually, more than what the President makes. Dr Fauci - whose net worth is estimated at more than $12 million - became a highly divisive figure during his pandemic response. Critics slammed him for exaggerating the effectiveness of vaccines to boost uptake, flip-flopping on face masks and pushing for lockdowns. Pictured above is Dr Anthony Fauci delivering the Class Day Remarks as part of Princeton University's commencement events. It is unclear how much he was paid for the address Dr Fauci's speaking fees were available on Leading Motivational Speakers as recently as Monday Dr Fauci's speaking fees were available on Leading Motivational Speakers as recently as Monday. But there was outrage on social media when a staffer for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis tweeted a screenshot of the listing with the caption: 'SERIOUSLY???' His information appears to have been removed, with a search for his name on the site now yielding no results Substack journalist Jordan Schachtel criticized the listing on Twitter, writing: Follow The Science Starting at 50k an hour. Meanwhile, former Trump campaign staffer Kingsley Cortes wrote: The gift that keeps on grifting. Dr Fauci was initially a revered figure and widely cited infectious disease expert seen as a safe pair of hands in the face of a new, unknown pathogen and dubbed 'America's doctor'. But his credibility has taken a hit since the height of the pandemic. Among his most notable mistakes during the pandemic was an early recommendation to the public against wearing masks in public places, saying they had little benefit. He later admitted downplaying masks so that Americans did not rush to buy them and risk a shortage for healthcare workers. Dr Fauci was also a key orchestrator of widespread lockdowns throughout the pandemic. Countless businesses followed his guidance and were forced to shut their doors in the spring of 2020. When Omicron subvariant began to hit in November last year, Dr Fauci did not immediately rule out another lockdown, saying at the time that Americans had to be willing to do 'anything and everything' to fight it. And millions of Americans were turned off by his perceived arrogance when he made statements like, Attacks on me, quite frankly, are attacks on science.' He made a full-throated rebuke in 2020 of theories that Covid-19 had escaped or been purposely released from a lab in Wuhan, China where scientists had been tinkering with highly dangerous pathogens such as coronaviruses in a type of research called gain of function. In April 2020 he dismissed the theory as a 'shiny object that will go away', and later brushed aside claims from other top experts as an 'opinion'. But he has since backtracked in the face of public scrutiny for not including perspectives outside of mainstream science. He said in July last year that he and fellow virologists have an open mind to the lab leak theory, though it looks very much like this was a natural occurrence. Dr Faucis net worth is estimated to have grown $5 million from 2019 through 2021, during the pandemic, according to a government watchdog group. Basic security flaws on some of the biggest banks websites and apps are putting consumers at increased risk of fraud, research has shown. A study by Which? found that several banks were missing basic protections, and fuelling a multi-billion-pound fraud epidemic. More than 29,000 cases of remote banking fraud were reported to industry body UK Finance in the first half of 2022 alone. So Which? tested the security systems of 13 current account providers from September to November 2022. The banks were tested across four key categories login, navigation and logout, account management, and encryption for both their online banking and app security, and given a final score out of 100 per cent. HSBC came out top for its app security (82 per cent), and second for online security (80 per cent). Meanwhile, Starling came first for online security (82 per cent), and its app came tied for second with Barclays (80 per cent). However, Barclays online security only scored 69 per cent. More than 29,000 cases of remote banking fraud were reported to industry body UK Finance in the first half of 2022 alone NatWest came third for online security (77 per cent) but eighth for its app (66 per cent). And Lloyds scored worse again, coming fourth (75 per cent) for online security and in eleventh place (62 per cent) for its app. Virgin Money scored the lowest for both its online (52 per cent) and app (54 per cent) security. Deputy editor of Which? Money, Sam Richardson, said: Banks should not be leaving these open doors for scammers... and must up their game to protect customers properly. Sex monster police officer David Carrick boasted to victims that 'he was the law' as he carried out a horrific campaign of abuse against multiple women. The former Met Police officer, who is facing decades in prison after admitting to dozens of rapes and sexual offences against 12 women, degraded his victims by whipping them and locking them naked in a cupboard. In court on Monday his victims bravely told of the hell they had been put through, with one saying she felt she had 'encountered evil' after he pointed his gun at her. The sex attacker bragged to one victim that 'I am the safest person you can be around, I'm a police officer'. Another said she was convinced because of his position as a diplomatic and parliamentary protection officer she would be not be believed if she reported him, saying she had had it drilled into her 'he was the police, he was the law and he owned me'. David Carrick, pictured, faces years in prison after admitting to rapes and sexual offences against multiple women The former Met Police officer, pictured here in a court sketch, wages a horrific campaign of abuse against his sexual partners for nearly 20 years Victims claim they were locked in a cupboard under the stairs (pictured) while naked and forced to stay there for hours At Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday, statements from 11 of Carrick's 12 victims shed light on the horrific crimes he committed over the course of nearly 20 years. They revealed that the sexual predator, who carried out 49 offences including 24 counts of rape while serving with the Metropolitan Police, lorded his status in the force over his victims. As part of his abuse he locked one woman in the cupboard under his stairs naked and starved her for ten hours as 'punishment'. Carrick made another woman choke on her vomit, assaulted one with a sex toy and urinated on one of his victims. The armed officer tortured and abused women for 17 years despite coming to police attention nine times before his arrest and developing the nickname 'B*****d Dave' at work. He called women 'fat and lazy' and treated them like slaves as he controlled them financially. Victims were isolated from their family and forbidden from speaking with other men. One victim said she was convinced the police would not investigate her complaint. Reading out a statement on her behalf, prosecutor Tom Little KC, said: 'I was too frightened to go to the police to lodge a complaint as the defendant had drilled it into me that 'he was the police, he was the law, and he owned me'. 'I was convinced the police would not believe me and would not investigate my complaint. 'The only feelings I have for the defendant are immense pity for how damaged he really is.' As part of his abuse he locked one woman in the cupboard under his stars naked and starved her for ten hours as 'punishment' One woman said she could remember the words 'I am the safest person you can be around'. She said: 'That night I felt I had encountered evil. 'I distinctively remember his words - "come on, you can trust me, I am the safest person you can be around, I am a police officer". 'I honestly thought he was going to kill me that night, I thought he was going to rape me and kill me and that my life would be over. David Carrick, pictured here in a court sketch at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, faces decades in prison The former Met Police officer, pictured here in uniform and holding a gun, abused a dozen women over the course of nearly 20 years Carrick set up surveillance cameras which he used to monitor some of his victims at his home 'I felt lucky to be able to leave the next morning as I didn't believe that I would be doing so.' She added: 'The days, weeks and months after, I couldn't move on from that night. 'I kept seeing the gun he had pointed at me and remembering the cruel words he had used, saying the things he was going to do and if I just behaved, he would let me go. 'The memories of what he did have always been so very painful, but the truth of that night should be told, and he should be held accountable for his actions. 'I realise that nothing can change the past, but he had no right to assault me, sexually, mentally or physically, and has no understanding of how much this has impacted my life.' Another victim said: 'I don't trust the police any more, if anything went wrong I don't know whether I would want to call the police as I'd worry that they would send a male officer like him. 'If he can do it to a lone female then anyone can do it. 'The thought of being alone with a male officer makes me very anxious, I wouldn't want to be in a room with a male officer or even any of my friends or family.' On Carrick himself, the woman added: 'I don't feel like any sentence could ever be enough for what he did and the effects that it has had on my life. 'Knowing that he was in a position of trust also makes trusting people even harder, because if you can't trust someone who is supposed to serve and protect you, then who can you trust? 'It scares me for people as there are a lot of women on dating apps and it is just too easy to do what he did to me, to other women.' Another victim said: 'I have struggled to write this, to really get across the impact that he has had on me personally, my life, my family and my friends. There are so many mental and physical scars that remain. 'Recalling memories of what he did to me and how he treated me has been very difficult emotionally and mentally. I am not the same person I was before I met him. 'When I first met Dave he was lovely. He made me feel like his one and only princess. 'He really invested in getting to know me and trying to understand me. He got to know my personality, likes, dislikes, fears and insecurities which he later used against me to his advantage. 'If I didn't do as he requested, he would make me feel ungrateful, unappreciative, and call me obnoxious. He made his feelings known, that he wanted me to be submissive. 'He began controlling and limiting my friends, family, and relationships. I didn't see it all the time, but he was eliminating my support network slowly but surely until I lost contact with everyone I care about. 'My daughter saw me go through the relationship ups and downs as well as the effect it had on me. My daughter was only young at the time and still is, but I know it has ruined our relationship. 'He was controlling of what, when and in what quantities I was eating. I became weaker and weaker. Carrick, pictured here in his mugshot, has since admitted to dozens of rapes and against multiple women Protesters gathered outside Southwark Crown Court on Monday, where Carrick's two-day-long sentencing hearing is taking place 'Sometimes he was so aggressive during sex and he would hit me in my head or force (himself) so far down my throat that I couldn't breathe. I actually thought I might die. 'I had less and less energy to defend myself when I was forced to have sex. Mentally I was exhausted. 'He had convinced me that there was nothing wrong with me, even though I had been prescribed medication from the doctors, he would convince me to lower the dose as he told me I didn't need it. This was just another way of controlling me. 'In the end, I just wanted to die. I felt I had ruined the relationship with my daughter through the decisions I had made, to trust and move in with him so soon without really knowing him. 'I felt trapped, I couldn't see an escape and he made me feel like I had no one. 'I became so low and depressed that I thought about hanging myself to end it all. I never want to be in that situation again. 'I feel humiliated, dirty and degraded.' Carrick said 'not again' when he was arrested on 2 October 2021 after a woman came forward to police alleging she had been raped in a Holiday Inn hotel in St Albans on 5 September 2020. That charge was dropped against the officer but it was claimed he had met the woman on the Tinder dating app and showed her his Scotland Yard warrant card. Carrick was said to have raped her while calling himself a 'dominant b*****d'. Of the offences he admitted before the court last month, some are multiple-incident counts, meaning they relate to at least 85 separate offences, including at least 71 sexual offences and 48 rapes. He denied a further count of rape in September 2020 relating to a 13th woman, whose allegation triggered the investigation, with the Crown Prosecution Service deciding it was not in the public interest to proceed to trial. Mr Little said the case fell short of meriting a whole-life sentence - because he had not killed anyone and pleaded guilty - but called for a life sentence with a fixed minimum term. Alisdair Williamson KC, defending, said Carrick 'accepts fully responsibility for what he has done' and that it is likely any life sentence will 'bring him close to, if not to, the close of his natural life'. 'He cannot ask for mercy and does not,' he added. The Met was forced to apologise and admit Carrick should have been rooted out earlier after it emerged he came to police attention over nine incidents - including allegations of rape, domestic violence and harassment - between 2000 and 2021, with all but one of the incidents relating to his behaviour towards women. Carrick faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings and police chiefs across England and Wales have since been asked to have all officers checked against national police databases by the end of March. He was finally sacked from the force last month after pleading guilty and being unmasked as one of the country's most prolific sex offenders. A jury was sworn in yesterday for the trial of a father-of-two who is accused of murdering his girlfriend's 15-month-old son. Jacob Lennon died after he was rushed to hospital from the family home in Putney, southwest London with serious head injuries in August 2019. A post-mortem examination found injuries consistent with long-term abuse. Jake Drummond, 33, and Louise Lennon, 32, both face charges arising from Jacob's death. Drummond denies murdering Jacob and a further charge of wounding the baby with intent in relation to earlier injuries. Lennon denies causing or allowing the death of a child and cruelty to a child. Jacob Lennon (pictured) died after he was rushed to hospital from the family home in Putney, southwest London with serious head injuries in August 2019 Louise Lennon, 32, denies causing or allowing the death of a child and cruelty to a child Jacob was pronounced dead at 7.22am after he was taken to St George's Hospital in Tooting on August 27, 2019. The prosecution allege his injuries are consistent with a series of assaults over a period of time, culminating in a single episode resulting in his death.' Drummond, of no fixed address, denies murder and wounding with intent. Lennon, of Ingrave Street, Wandsworth, southwest London, denied causing or allowing the death of a child and child cruelty. Drummond is in custody while Lennon remains on bail with conditions of residence and daily curfew between 10pm and 7am. Twelve jurors and two reserves were sworn in to try the case which is expected to last up to five weeks. Sally O'Neill, KC, is due to open the case for the prosecution tomorrow, on February 8. Every year lawmakers are able to bring guests to the president's annual State of the Union address, which many times is used as a political statement whether they support or oppose the current commander-in-chief and his policies. This year several guests will serve the same purpose, which includes stances on policing and crime, abortion, foreign policy and a slew of other policy and social hot topics. Other lawmakers are opting to bring guests to honor them for contributions to their districts or states. Perhaps the most obvious stand-off between Republican and Democrats when it comes to guests, however, is the focus on pro and anti-law enforcement figures and citizens. Many Democrats are bringing victims of police brutality or wrongful imprisonment, while Republicans invited hero cops and law enforcement officials to both honor their service and rebuff Biden's soft-on-crime policies. DailyMail.com breaks down some of the most memorable guests coming to Biden's second State of the Union on Tuesday evening and the lawmakers who invited them. All-eyes are turning to Washington, D.C. as President Joe Biden will deliver his second State of the Union address on Tuesday evening. Pictured: Biden delivering his first annual address for a joint session of Congress in March 2022 Republicans House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, for his first State of the Union as the top House lawmaker, invited Enes Kanter Freedom. The NBA player legally changed his last name to Freedom as he protests oppressive regimes like China and Turkey. Freedom has protested China's repressive human rights policies as has called out Chinese Communist Party President Xi Jinping for being a 'brutal dictator.' He is currently in political exile from his native country of Turkey due to similar criticism of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy invited NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom to the State of the Union due to his criticism of oppressive regimes like in China and Turkey The basketball star legally changed his last name to Freedom and has protested oppressive human rights policies in China and his native country Turkey. Pictured: Kanter Freedom speaks with Republicans on Capitol Hill as they demand Biden impose sanctions on Turkish officials who have offered a $500,000 bounty for his capture In order to make a statement on the overwhelming increase in fentanyl-related deaths and overdoses due to spikes in drug smuggling, Majority Whip Steve Scalise is bringing a coroner from his state who has witnessed this tragedy. Jefferson Parish Coroner Dr. Gerald 'Gerry' Cvitanovich will attend the State of the Union with the Louisiana lawmaker. 'As the elected coroner for Jefferson Parish, a community of 433,000 people where I live, Dr. Cvitanovich has seen firsthand the disastrous results of the Biden Administration's open-border immigration policy,' Scalise noted in a statement on his guest. 'Today, fentanyl is the leading cause of unnatural deaths in Jefferson Parish, taking roughly 500 lives in 2021 and 2022,' the statement adds. 'Eleven years ago, there were only two fentanyl deaths in Jefferson Parish.' 'Every day in America, more than 150 people are dying from synthetic opioid poisoning due to President Biden's open southern border.' 'Until President Biden takes action, every state is now a border state because he gave control of our southern border to drug cartels and human trafficking organizations,' Scalise concluded. Right off-the-bat, Republicans are showing their focus on pro-law enforcement and anti-soft-on-crime policies. GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik invited Montgomery County Sheriff Jeffrey Smith as her guest GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, the No. 3 House Republican, is bringing Montgomery County Sheriff Jeffrey T. Smith. The New York lawmakers said that inviting Smith reflects her recognition of law enforcement's plight 'fighting against the crises caused by Joe Biden's failed policies' with rising crime. California Representative Mike Thompson wants to honor those helping with wildfires in his state, so he invited After the Fire USA CEO Jennifer Gray Thompson to attend this year's annual address delivered to a joint session of Congress. House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul of Texas wants to highlight Biden's botched troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, so he is bringing former Afghanistan Ambassador to the United States Roya Rahmani. Iowa Representative Ashley Hinson wants the focus turned to mental health care for veterans, and invited retired Army Sergeant Trent Dirks, who was able to overcome drug addiction and better handle his severe PTSD with a service dog. 'I am honored to attend the State of the Union Address and to help raise awareness about the importance of improving veterans' mental health care access,' Dirks said, noting that his dog 'Tracer saved my life and is a big part of my happiness today.' Florida Representative Greg Steube opted for a non-political approach, instead inviting the man who called 9-1-1 when he fell off a ladder last month. The 44-year-old congressman was cutting limbs off a tree when he fell 25-feet and sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, including a fractured pelvis, punctured lung and several torn ligaments around his neck. A delivery driver, Darrell Woodie, witnessed the fall and immediately called for help. He will join Representative Steube for the State of the Union on Tuesday evening. Representative Greg Steube is bringing the delivery driver Darrell Woodie who called 9-1-1 when he witnessed the congressman fall 25-feet off a ladder when cutting tree limbs last month Steube, 44, sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, including a fractured pelvis, punctured lung and several torn ligaments around his neck Republican fantasist George Santos appears to be trolling those critical of his frequent lies, which only came to light after he was elected to the House for New York's 3rd congressional district in the 2022 midterms. The congressman is bringing former Assistant DA Michael Weinstock of Brooklyn's Special Victims Bureau, who was a volunteer firefighter and EMT who was among those on the ground responding to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Among several other lies regarding his career resume, education and ethnic background, Santos also stands accused of falsely claiming that his mother died due to the 9/11 attacks. Santos' campaign website claimed his mother, Fatima Devolder, 'was in her office in the South Tower on September 11' and survived the attacks before dying of cancer a few years later. This, however, contradicts a 2003 visa application obtained by The Washington Post that indicates she had not been in the U.S. since 1999. Weinstock said he accepted Santos' invitation to the State of the Union because he wants to raise awareness for the healthcare needs of 9/11 emergency workers as he suffers from a neurological condition related to his time at ground zero. South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnsons is bringing two local sheriffs on Tuesday Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller and Moody County Sheriff Troy Wellman - to bring attention to rising violent crime and drug trafficking issues. Democrats It appears Democrats are also looking to bring attention to crime, but rather than the rising rates of violence in cities across the U.S., the left is focusing on the issue of police brutality against minorities. The Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Representative Steven Horsford invited the mother and stepfather of Tyre Nichols, who died days after being beaten by five black police officers in Memphis, Tennessee. While the invite came from Horsford, the couple are now attending as guests of First Lady Jill Biden. RowVaughn Wells and Rodney Wells, the mother and stepfather of Tyre Nichols, are attending the State of the Union as guests of Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford. Pictured: The couple attends the funeral of Nichols, 19, on February 1 Nichols died January 10, three days after he was beaten by five Memphis police officers during a reckless driving traffic stop During a traffic stop last month, the officers pulled Nichols from his car before they pepper sprayed and tasered him. A three-minute beating then ensued where officers punched and nicked the 29-year-old FedEx worker and father of a four-year-old. One officer is heard in video of the incident yelling toward the other police, 'I hope they stomp his a**.' Nichols was admitted to the hospital in critical condition and died three days later on January 10. RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, the mother and stepfather of Nichols, accepted an invitation to Biden's speech. Representative Cori Bush of Missouri is bringing Michael Brown Sr. as her guest. The shooting and death of Michael Brown Jr. at the hands of cops in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014 was one of the first police killings that led to the launch of the Black Lives Matter movement. Representative Cori Bush is bringing Michael Brown Sr. (center) as her guest. She said that Brown's death at the hands of police officers in 2014 is what inspired her get into public office The police shooting of Michael Brown Jr. contributed to the launch of the Black Lives Matter movement 'The police killing of Michael Brown in 2014 is what propelled me and many others into lives dedicated to building a world where Mike would still be here with us a world where his life could not be taken from him,' Bush said upon announcing her guest. 'A world where Tyre Nichols and the thousands of other Black people killed by police could live long, healthy lives full of joy,' she said, bringing attention to the latest police killing. Senator John Fetterman appears to be trolling his former Republican competitor Dr. Oz by bringing one of the two men whose sentences were commuted in Pennsylvania due to wrongful imprisonment claims. Dennis 'Freedom' Horton will join Fetterman for the Pennsylvania senator's first State of the Union. Horton and his brother Lee served 28 years for a crime they did not commit, and Fetterman, who was Lt. Governor at the time, lobbied Governor Tom Wolf to commute their sentences for years served. Senator John Fetterman (center) invited Dennis 'Freedom' Horton (left) to the State of the Union after he helped get commuted sentences for him and his brother Lee (right) 'It's an honor and a privilege to welcome Dennis to Washington to attend the State of the Union address with me,' Fetterman said in a statement. 'The incarceration of Dennis and Lee for a crime they did not commit is a stark reminder of the work we need to do to make our criminal justice system more equitable and fair.' 'I fought for their commutations and countless others as chair of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, and as your U.S. Senator I will continue to push for second chances for those who deserve them. We should not be a society about vengeance, we should be a society about redemption.' But Oz, who was the Trump-backed GOP candidate in the 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race, used wasn't buying that the Horton's were innocent, and used it as an attack line to point to Democrats' soft-on-crime policies that have led to spikes in violence in U.S. cities. 'If John Fetterman cared about Pennsylvania's crime problem, he'd prove it by firing the convicted murderers he employs on his campaign,' a spokeswoman for Dr. Oz said in September, just two months before the election. Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey wants to bring more attention to the issue of abortion during the first State of the Union address following the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade in June. Markey is bringing Kate Dineen, who had to travel across state lines to get an abortion in Maryland due to new laws in Massachusetts that prevented her from being able to terminate her pregnancy in Massachusetts. Dineen was 33 weeks pregnant when her son suffered a stroke in her womb. She was told he a 50 percent chance of dying before birth and doctors warned he could die shortly after being born. She opted to terminate the pregnancy, but had to travel out-of-state for such a late-term abortion. Democrats are furious that states are now implementing laws that restrict abortion service for women after the Supreme Court ruled Roe v. Wade was unconstitutional and gave the power of abortion regulation back to the state. 'Kate Dineen, bravely shared her story of the anguish and uncertainty she experienced trying to get an abortion in Massachusetts. No one should face these barriers to care. I am honored that Kate is joining me at the State of the Union this year,' Markey tweeted. The death toll from Syria-Turkey Earthquake has surpassed 4,900, making it one of the worst natural catastrophes of this century. On Tuesday, rescue teams were out looking for Syria-Turkey Earthquake survivors despite the frigid conditions. In its latest update, Turkey's disaster and emergency management organization AFAD reported 24,400 emergency workers engaging in search and rescue efforts, according to The New York Times. Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said the Turkey earthquake was a "disaster of the century." Oktay said at a press conference that rescue teams are still looking for survivors amid the freezing temperatures. "We have to fight against the weather and the earthquake at the same time," he said in a media conference. Father Sobbing While Carrying The Body of His Dead Child Caught on Cam From the ruins of their home in northwest Syria, a father was caught on video crying in pain as he received the corpse of his newborn son, a victim of the Syria earthquake. The viral video showed rescue workers recovering the infant child's dead body from the rubble outside of Aleppo, then handing it over to the anguished man, as per a CNN report. A father weeps over his babys body in the northwestern Syrian town of Jindayris, after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southeast Turkey and northwest Syria on Monday, killing more than 1,300 people and injuring thousands more. pic.twitter.com/Ha3rrqKy7f Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) February 6, 2023 Read Also: Russia To Deploy Robots in Ukraine War Aleppo, a city in war-torn Syria, was one of the areas hit hard by the catastrophic earthquake that also wreaked havoc in southern Turkey.As of now, the Syria earthquake death toll is above 1,400, according to BBC. Many structures were damaged or destroyed, according to emergency rescue services, and individuals may be buried beneath the debris. Millions of refugees from the civil war reside in the area. Government troops, Kurdish-led forces, and various rebel factions are all battling for control of northern Syria. The war between them has not ended. The US Geological Survey reported a 17.9-kilometer (11-mile) Syria-Turkey Earthquake near Gaziantep at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT). Seismologists have determined that the first tremor was one of the strongest ever observed in Turkey, per a previous HNGN report. The trembling stopped after two minutes, survivors said. The first Syria-Turkey earthquake caused the second, which had a magnitude of 7.5, and an epicenter near Elbistan, Kahramanmaras. Related Article: Ohio Train Derailment Update @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Lake Powell and Lake Mead - the nation's largest reservoirs - are unlikely to refill for another 50 years and would need six consecutive years of deadly atmospheric rivers to replenish, experts say. Both lakes are colossal in size - Lake Mead can store more than 27 million acre-feet of water, and Lake Powell up to 25 million acre-feet of water - but experts surmise that both gargantuan lakes will not fill up again- anytime soon. Based on the low levels of Lake Mead and Lake Powell, Brad Udall, a water and climate scientist at Colorado State University told The Los Angeles Times he would estimate that refilling the reservoirs would take roughly six consecutive extremely wet years, with water flows similar to those in 2011. 'We'd need six years like that to refill this system, in a row, based on current operating rules,' Udall said. 'And I just don't see that even being remotely possible.' The recent storms that hit California did not have a significant impact on the Colorado River reservoirs and Lake Powell and Lake Mead are at is lowest level in decades- hitting a historic low, scientists say. Lake Mead (pictured) can store more than 27 million acre-feet of water. In the picture a man stands on a hill overlooking the lake on Friday at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Lake Powell (pictured) can store up to 25 million acre-feet of water. The image from October 23, 2022 shows water from Padre Bay in Utah on flows between a mesa seen from Page, Arizona. Padre Bay connect with Lake Powell and Lake Powell feeds into the Colorado River. The lake has been receding due to recent droughts leaving the lake and rivers parched The snowpack in the Sierra Nevada was significant in Northern California, but those storms did not make much of an impact on the long term mega drought the Colorado River Basin is having. The Colorado River Basin is a critical source of supplies for Southern California. During the 1980s and 1990s, Lake Mead located on the Arizona-Nevada border and formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River was filled. In 2000, the lake was nearly at maximum capacity, but a massive drought over the decades has left the river in crisis. Scientists contend a water deficit over the last 23 years has seen Lake Mead a staggering 70% empty. Udall, who has co-authored research demonstrating how warming is depleting the river's flows and told The Los Angeles Times 'to think that these things would ever refill requires some kind of leap of faith that I, for one, don't have.' 'The last 23 years are the best lessons we have right now, and they should scare the pants off of people,' he said. Lake Powell, located in northern Arizona and stretches up into Southern Utah, has declined to just 23% of full capacity and is approaching a point where Glen Canyon Dam would no longer generate power, the news outlet reported. Although this winter has already seen the Rocky Mountains hit with an above-average snowpack, scientists and water officials believe that those in the Colorado River Basin need to prepare for low reservoir levels for years to come. While others believe that the river's major reservoirs will not refill in 'our lifetimes,' the news outlet reported. Bill Hasencamp, manager of Colorado River resources for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California told SFGate that in the 1950s, '60s, '70s and '80s there was less 'demand for water.' 'There was no Central Arizona Project, there was no Southern Nevada Water Authority, there was not nearly as much use in the Upper [Colorado River] Basin,' he said. 'So the water use was low. So that filled up storage.' He said demand for water picked up in the late 1990s and early 2000s.' An aerial picture taken on January 3, 2022, shows vehicles driving along a road flooded with ocean water during the 'King Tide' in Mill Valley, California. 'King Tides' occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align in orbit to produce unusually high water levels and can cause local tidal flooding. Over time, sea level rise is raising the height of tidal systems An image of an extremely high King Tide along California's coastline seen at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club on January 7, 2023, in Santa Barbara, California. A series King Tides and several atmospheric river storms have resulted in a major storm surge that has removed most of the beach sand near the harbor and at Leadbetter Beach A man riding his bike along a flooded Sausalito/Mill Valley bike path during the 'King Tide' in Mill Valley, California. The image was taken January 3, 2022 An image of a king tide that washes along The Embarcadero in San Francisco. Picture is from January 3, 2022 Cracked earth is visible in an area once under the water of Lake Mead at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, near Boulder City, Nev. Amid a major drought in the Western U.S., a proposed solution comes up repeatedly: large-scale river diversions, including pumping Mississippi River water to parched states A bird stands in the water among trash and debris as a "bathtub ring" is visible during low water levels due to the western drought on July 19, 2021 at the Lake Mead Marina on the Colorado River in Boulder City, Nevad According to experts, California uses the largest share of the river. Arizona started in the late 1990s, and Nevada in the early 2000s - and now experts say 'the water use is maxed out,' the news outlet reported. Hasencamp said 'every state is taking too much, and we have to cut back. And so there's just not enough.' He predicted that even if you get 'wet year' after 'wet year' the demand is so high, it still wouldn't fill.' The river's flow has declined about 20% in the last 23 years, due in part, scientists say to rising temperatures and climate change. Average temperatures across the upper watershed where most of the river's flow originates have risen about 3 degrees since 1970 that researchers attribute to global warming. For each additional 1 degree Celsius - 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit - the river's average flow is likely to decrease about 9%, research has shown. Scientists have revealed - based on a number of studies - that by the middle of this century, the average flow of the river could decline by 30% or 40% below the average during the past century. Compared to Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the other two reservoirs in California and small in comparison, Lake Shasta that can hold approximately 4.6 million acre-feet, and Lake Oroville has 3.5 million acre-feet. More Australians are falsely claiming to be Aboriginal to cash in on benefits, according to several prominent Indigenous figures and an amateur historian. Amateur historian Roger Karge told Sky News there was a lot of 'fakery' with politicians and senior professors among the group pretending to be Aboriginal. Mr Karge said it appeared they were avoiding the three-step identification process enforced by the Commonwealth to confirm their heritage. His comment adds to previous complaints made by the Aboriginal community who spoke up about the fake claims last year and labelled the posers as 'box tickers'. Many 'box-tickers' are motivated by the promise of indigenous-specific scholarships and monetary benefits, as well as reserved jobs with large salaries. Thousands of Australians are falsely claiming they have Indigenous heritage without going through the proper identification process, an amateur historian has claimed (stock image) Dark Emu Exposed editor Roger Karge said there was a lot of 'fakery' with politicians and senior professors among the group pretending to be Aboriginal 'The elites don't seem to want to follow these rules that the working class Aboriginal people have to follow,' Mr Karge told Sky News on Monday night. His comment came as Sky News host Andrew Bolt questioned the heritage of a senior political figure who could not be named for legal reasons. He said the 'evidence is pretty clear' and doubted the person in question had gone through the identification process. Bolt said as many as 300,000 people in the country had falsely self-identified as Aboriginal. The staggering figure was first cited by University of Sydney post-graduate and Wiradjuri woman Suzanne Ingram in October 2022. She said there were 812,728 people who self-identified as Aboriginal but 'there has been data to suggest that [the population] should actually be about 300,000 less.' Mr Bolt reiterated the point saying people were making the fake claims to access several benefits including grants, housing 'privileges' and cheaper medicine. Aboriginal historian Victoria Grieve-Williams (pictured) says some - particularly in academia and the public service - are 'box-tickers' who falsely claim Aboriginal heritage for personal gain Bolt said as many as 300,000 people in the country had falsely self-identified as Aboriginal (stock image) Mr Karge said he was constantly receiving calls from members of the Aboriginal community who were upset about Australians falsely identifying as Indigenous. 'I'm constantly getting informants, Aboriginal people, some of them almost in tears on the phone, saying, 'Roger, we don't think this person is Aboriginal',' he said. Indigenous fraud terms Box-tickers: Australian term for those who falsely claim Aboriginality Pretendians: Those who falsely claim to be citizens of Native American tribal nations Race-shifters: Similar American term Nine-to-five blacks: Those who are Aboriginal at work and white at home Advertisement 'We just go and look at the genealogy. The Aboriginal people from that region don't think that person is Aboriginal, so we just do the genealogy. 'There must be five or six academics we've done that on, and we can't find any evidence that there's Aboriginal descent.' Bolt referred to a major spike in the number of people claiming to be Aboriginal in the last two censuses held in 2016 and 2021. The number of people who identified as Indigenous rose by more than 130,000. His comments add to previous complaints made by Aboriginal leaders. Indigenous actor Luke Carroll, who stars in a play that explores the contentious issue, described such false identification as a 'growing problem'. 'I know of people here in Sydney who haven't grown up Aboriginal and all of a sudden, their kids are identifying as Aboriginal,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald. 'They are attending the schools, getting the jobs and taking away opportunities from people who have grown up Aboriginal.' The federal government since the 1980s has applied a three-part test of indigeneity, which requires a person be of Aboriginal descent, to identify as Aboriginal and be accepted in the community in which they live. 'Box-tickers' are appropriating a culture that is not theirs and taking jobs and resources meant to help Aboriginal Australians, he said. Dr Grieve-Williams, a Warraimaay woman from the mid-north coast of NSW and now adjunct professor at RMIT University in Melbourne, said it was 'indigenous identify fraud'. 'Aboriginal people are actually very badly affected by this,' she previously told Daily Mail Australia. 'Universities and governments are employing so-called Aboriginal people without due diligence. 'High-level positions, huge salaries, great opportunities through Indigenous Business Australia, all of that's being gobbled up. 'There's no penalties, or checks and balances. These numbers are increasing.' There is no way of knowing how many box-tickers there are in Australia but the practice seems particularly prevalent in academia and sectors of the public service where Aboriginality is sought for workplace diversity and sometimes rewarded. 'It's a huge problem but the figures are difficult to assess,' Dr Grieve-Williams said. Box-tickers are taking jobs and resources meant for Aboriginal Australians. 'It's very surreal, particularly to a person my age because when I grew up the worst thing you could be was Aboriginal,' Dr Grieve-Williams says Dr Grieve-Williams said Australian universities employed bogus Aboriginal academics as professors, right up to pro and deputy vice-chancellors. 'The interesting thing I'm finding with my research is that Aboriginal people always recognise them, they always know they're not Aboriginal,' she said. 'Aboriginal people have been saying, "Hold on, that person isn't one of us" and nobody takes any notice. 'It's not only Aboriginal people who recognise it. It's non-Aboriginal people too. 'It's very surreal, particularly to a person my age because when I grew up the worst thing you could be was Aboriginal. 'Aboriginal people were so scorned and vilified. There were these nasty 'Abo' jokes. I couldn't begin to tell you the depths of racism that I experienced. 'We were always made to feel in deficit. And now the tables have turned right around but it's not the real Aboriginal people who are getting the benefit from all of this.' There are particular benefits for box-tickers within academia who falsely claim to be Aboriginal. 'The benefits are to do with status, you have a certain status when you're a recognised Aboriginal person,' Dr Grieve-Williams said. 'But the main benefit is material. 'People get promoted very quickly. The interesting thing is box-tickers, or those committing identity fraud, seem to get the big jobs. 'They're promoted over other Aboriginal people. We joke and we say they're better at being Aboriginal people than we are.' Protesters are seen during an Invasion Day rally in Brisbane on January 26, 2021 Dr Grieve-Williams said non-indigenous people taking public service jobs meant for Aboriginal applicants were known as 'nine-to-five blacks' and caused resentment. 'If you've got a person who comes in who calls themselves Aboriginal but who actually doesn't know anything about being Aboriginal then they rely on other people to inform them,' she said. 'They call them nine-to-five blacks because they're only black when they're in the office and then they go home to their white lives.' Another term, 'black cladding', refers to a non-indigenous business masquerading as one by deceptive marketing which invents or exaggerates Aboriginal involvement in the enterprise. Dr Grieve-Williams was frustrated the box-ticking problem was not taken more seriously by governments. She said any debate was stifled by those with vested interests and that the fakes protested personal offence when their Aboriginality was challenged. 'The people who are committing this identify fraud, they cry lateral violence. They say, 'Are you questioning my Aboriginality? I'm getting traumatised by this'.' The number of Australians who say they are Aboriginal has been increasing for decades at a rate far faster than the broader population, or that can be explained by births. The last Census, conducted in 2016, estimated there were 798,400 Indigenous Australians - Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or both - making up 3.3 per cent of the citizenry. That number was an increase of 128,500 or 19 per cent in just five years since the previous 2011 census. During the same five-year period the whole Australian population grew by just 8.4 per cent. Since the introduction of a Standard Indigenous Question in 1996 - 'Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?' - the Census count of indigenous Australians had increased by 83.9 per cent. The Australian Bureau of Statistics cites several factors in this increase, including higher fertility rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Dr Grieve-Williams said programs meant to encourage Aboriginal students into university had been abused.'A lot of people came along and said, 'Well, I believe I'm Aboriginal'. And the universities accepted them' Some box-tickers apparently believe being white in modern Australia is to be part of a colonial history associated with guilt. They may also think identifying as Aboriginal is more exotic or affords them some spurious sense of spirituality However if that were the main factor, it would be expected such growth would largely be in rural and remote Aboriginal communities, and yet the Bureau of Statistics said the increase in the number of people identifying as indigenous was 'primarily occurring in major cities and on the eastern coast of Australia.' Part of the increase can be attributed to Australians discovering a previously unknown forebear, or a late acceptance of a once-shunned Aboriginal ancestry. Censuses record Australians in age brackets and there are not enough 'new' Indigenous individuals in the 0-4 years range each five years to account for the rise. Between 2011 and 2016 almost every Indigenous age cohort under 70 increased in size. There are particular benefits for box-tickers within academia who falsely claim to be Aboriginal. 'The benefits are to do with status, you have a certain status when you're a recognised Aboriginal person,' Dr Grieve-Williams says. 'But the main benefit is material' Protesters are seen during an Invasion Day rally in Brisbane on January 26, 2021 A driving instructor accused of touching up a female student has broken down in tears, saying he is 'devastated' by the allegations, and claiming he accidentally brushed her breasts while adjusting the car's mirror. Samir Basnet, 37, has been charged with two counts of sexually touching a woman, 23, without her consent while teaching her to drive around Sydney around 4.30pm on Tuesday, January 31. The woman reported the alleged incident to police, who arrested Basnet at Hornsby Police Station, in the city's north-west, just before 12pm the next day. But Basnet, a married father-of-one who migrated to Australia from Nepal, told Daily Mail Australia it was all an innocent misunderstanding. Basnet, the owner of Hornsby-based business SAM Driving School, said he was blindsided by the charges and his alleged touches were 'not intentional'. Samir Basnet, 37, (pictured) is accused of sexually touching a driving student 'I am devastated,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'This is the first time I have ever been charged. 'I have a family and it is having a severe impact on my everyday life.' Basnet claimed he told the woman twice to adjust the mirror herself, but when she was unable to do it properly, he reached over the steering wheel to do it himself. He said he 'might have touched her accidentally, but it was not intentional'. He said once he realised that the student was offended, he apologised straight away. The father-of-one said he did not expect the incident to escalate into a police report and did not appreciate there may be cultural differences in personal space. That was not taught to him in his 30-hour driver teacher training course in Australia, he said. 'I have never done anything wrong,' he said. 'I don't do anything wrong to my learner drivers.' Basnet is a married father who migrated to Australia from Nepal He opened SAM Driving School in Hornsby in late 2020 According to online advertisements, the school 'offers the best value for money' and 'your safety is our responsibility'. Over the past two and a half years, the school has attracted hundreds of learner drivers from around the region, keen to build up their logbook hours. Lessons are run through a white Mazda, with the business's slogan - 'Driving is easy when you have the right teacher' - printed on a sign mounted to the roof. The driving school's business Facebook page - which has a five star rating from 19 reviews - is flooded with pictures of students proudly posing with red P plates after passing their license tests. 'Got my test cleared in the 1st attempt with just 2 classes. I would surely recommend him to anyone looking for classes in Hornsby,' one woman wrote in the reviews. 'Best instructor with polite and calm manner I have ever met,' another woman said. 'I was seeking best instructor from long time, finally I got Sam driving school and now absolutely I feel more comfortable and confident while driving with him. 'If someone is looking for qualified instructor with reasonable prize I will highly recommend Sam driving school. Im sure you will not regret [it].' As of Monday, the page states the school is 'temporarily closed'. Basnet is due appear before Hornsby Local Court on 22 February. A Yugoslavian-born prison escapee who risked deportation by turning himself in to Sydney police after 29 years on the run will be allowed to remain in Australia. Darko Dougie Desic, who escaped from Grafton Prison in 1992 after being jailed for growing dope, is a free man and no longer has to check over his shoulder. After being granted a permanent visa, Darko shared the news on social media with friends. 'I am a free man again,' he wrote in a post on Monday night. Darko Dougie Desic, who escaped from Grafton Prison in 1992 after being jailed for growing dope, is a free man after being granted a permanent visa It was fear of deportation that led Darko to use a hacksaw and bolt cutters to break out of prison 29 years earlier 'Freedom is something you dont miss until you lose it and appreciate it only when you get it back.' After his escape, Desic hid in plain sight by earning a reputation as a reliable handyman on the Northern Beaches. He also always wanted to be paid in cash. But when that work dried up during the pandemic he became homeless and he tried to live on Avalon beach. In sheer exhaustion the-then 64 year old wandered into Dee Why local police station in September, 2021 announcing 'I believe you've been looking for me'. Desic told supporters he gave himself up because he needed a bed and regular meals. Darko shared the news on social media with friends. 'I am a free man again,' he wrote in a post on Monday night Darko Dougie Desic, who escaped from Grafton Prison in 1992 after being jailed for growing dope Desic was arrested and ordered to serve the remaining 19 months of his original sentence, plus two extra months for escaping. Then he was thrown into immigration detention and faced imminent deportation, even though Yugoslavia no longer exists. It was fear of deportation that led to Darko using a hacksaw and bolt cutters to break out of prison 29 years earlier. A group of wealthy north shore businessmen launched a campaign to fight for Darko being allowed to stay in his adopted country. The outcome of that process came on Monday, with Darko being granted a permanent visa. Desic had been living and working as 'Dougie the labourer' for nearly 30 years on Sydney's Northern Beaches (pictured), staying out of trouble and avoiding any police confrontation In September, 2021, Darko Desic went to Dee Why Police Station (pictured) and turned himself in, ending decades of deception At the same time he got a Medicare card after years of having to avoid the public healthcare system because he thought he'd be tracked down. In his years on the run Desic notoriously yanked out his own teeth with pliers when they were rotten. Former prime minster Tony Abbott has joined a thinktank sceptical about climate change claiming he wants to 'save the planet' without 'impoverishing poor people'. The ex-politician, 65, has signed up to the Board of Trustees of the London-based Global Warming Policy Foundation, which has previously faced accusations of 'leading the climate denial' charge in the UK. Founded in 2009 by Nigel Lawson, who served as the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer under Margaret Thatcher from 1983 to 1989, the group vows to challenge what it calls 'extremely damaging and harmful policies' around climate change. Former Australian Prime Minster Tony Abbott has joined a climate-sceptic thinktank claiming he wants to 'save the planet' without 'impoverishing poor people' One of its more controversial initiatives is 'Net Zero Watch' which the organisation claims highlights 'the true cost of Net Zero'. Mr Abbott delivered the foundation's annual lecture in 2017, where he said climate change is 'probably good' for the planet because far more people die in cold snaps than they do in heat waves. He added at the time the 'so-called settled science of climate change' was 'absolute c**p'. Mr Abbott also likened climate scientists to the 'thought police' at the London conference, which included other British climate change sceptics. Founded in 2009 by Nigel Lawson (pictured), who served as the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer under Margaret Thatcher from 1983 to 1989, the group vows to challenge what it calls 'extremely damaging and harmful policies' around climate change Speaking on his new role, the former Liberal party leader explained: 'I'm pleased to be joining GWPF because it's consistently injected a note of realism into the climate debate. 'All of us want to save the only planet we have but this should not be by means which impoverish poorer people in richer countries and hold poorer countries back. 'Right now, in countries like Australia, the impact of climate policy is to make electricity less affordable and less reliable rather than perceptibly to cool the planet. 'We need more genuine science and less groupthink in this debate that's where the GWPF has been a commendably consistent if lonely voice.' The move comes less than a week after Mr Abbott used Cardinal George Pell's funeral to hail the controversial Catholic leader 'a saint' Dr Jerome Booth, the GWPF chairman, said he was 'delighted' to welcome Mr Abbott on board. 'As a former prime minister, he brings a global perspective and policy insight at the very highest level. 'He will further assist our objectives and help our efforts to foster a culture of debate, respect and scrutiny in policy areas that are currently dominated by intolerance, high emotions, moral reasoning and confusion.' The move comes less than a week after Mr Abbott used Cardinal George Pell's funeral to hail the controversial Catholic leader 'a saint'. 'He's the greatest Catholic Australia has ever produced and one of our country's greatest sons,' Mr Abbott told the congregation during the funeral service at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral. Cardinal Pell, 81, died in Rome in January after complications following a hip replacement surgery. His handling of child sexual abuse by Catholic priests and brothers, homosexuality and abortion have angered many, prompting protesters to gather in large numbers outside the church during the service. She's accused of using money for vodka, beer & nuggets MP Tania Mihailuk allegedly used taxpayer funds on herself A former NSW Labor MP is accused of using ratepayer funds to buy slabs of beer, vodka, Chinese meals and chicken nuggets. The claim has been made by former party colleague Khal Asfour at a parliamentary inquiry on Monday investigating allegations of poor conduct in his office. The probe was sparked in 2022 when MP Tania Mihailuk used parliamentary privilege to allege Mr Asfour had property links with disgraced NSW Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid. Mr Asfour denied any wrongdoing. Former Labor MP Tania Mihailuk (pictured) has been accused of spending taxpayer funds on slabs of beer, vodka, Chinese meals and chicken nuggets The mayor of southwest Sydney's Canterbury-Bankstown council withdrew a bid to run for state parliament after separate reports surfaced in January that he used ratepayer funds to pay for designer clothing. He told the hearing on Monday he believed information handed to the committee had been selectively leaked. 'Before I had the opportunity to answer any of your questions, a deliberate and calculated leak aimed at damaging my reputation... derailed my political ambitions,' he said. Mr Asfour said he was left with no option but to withdraw as Labor's upper house candidate. He called on One Nation MP and member of the investigating committee Mark Latham to resign, citing a January press conference held by the MP with Ms Mihailuk. '(Mr Latham) accused me of claiming everything on the ratepayer except my underpants,' he said. Ms Mihailuk was booted from the Labor Party in 2022, and later announced she intended to run as an upper house candidate for One Nation at the March state election. 'My challenge to Mr Latham before this public inquiry is that he gives an undertaking to do some due diligence on the newest member of his racist party,' Mr Asfour said. Bankstown mayor and Ms Mihailuk's former party colleague Khal Asfour (pictured) made the sensational claims about her at a parliamentary inquiry on Monday He then made a series of sensational claims about Ms Mihailuk. 'She spent tens of thousands of dollars of ratepayers' money on things like bottles of Johnnie Walker scotch, Bailey's Irish Cream, slabs of beer, Russian vodka,' he said. 'There weren't too many local outlets that didn't know her order.' 'She was also good on the tooth, claiming for takeaway Chinese meals for her family from local outlets and the occasional late night fine dining experience. 'Not to forget the chicken nuggets, chips and flavoured milk for her kids when they finish school.' Mr Latham dismissed the comments from Mr Asfour when contacted by AAP on Monday. 'He's so guilty he had to quit the Labor ticket in disgrace,' he said. Chair of the inquiry, Liberal MP Aileen MacDonald urged Mr Asfour not to make adverse comments, however he insisted his comments were appropriate. Mr Asfour claimed Ms Mihailuk spent funds on 'bottles of Johnnie Walker scotch, Bailey's Irish Cream, slabs of beer, Russian vodka' (stock image) He added that Ms Mihailuk also used ratepayer funds to buy nuggets, flavoured milk and chips for her children (stock image) At an earlier hearing, Mr Asfour said the inquiry was politically motivated and lacked transparency. 'It is no secret I've got under the skin of this government when I stood up for my community and many other residents of western Sydney during the harsh lockdowns and overzealous policing during the COVID pandemic,' he told the inquiry in December. 'I've had a political target on my back ever since, and this is pay back.' Mr Asfour was cleared of any wrongdoing in a separate, independent inquiry set up to investigate the allegations made by Ms Mihailuk. That investigation, led by Arthur Moses SC, found there was no evidence of any corrupt or unlawful acts or breaches of the Code of Conduct/Local Government Act by Mr Asfour. AAP has contacted Ms Mihailuk's office for comment. A young boy who died after his family spent a dream holiday in Queensland tragically lost his life just days after complaining about a sore tummy and headache. Andre Daisy, five, was in Brisbane with his mum Trudy Stanley-Thaiday, step-dad Jarick and his three sisters on February 1 when he came down with flu-like symptoms on the last night of their holiday. The following day, Andre woke up with a headache and vomited but acted like his 'normal happy little self' with his mum believing he was suffering from a common 'tummy bug'. The family started their car ride home to Townsville but it wasn't until about 2pm as they were close to Gladstone when Andre suffered a seizure. Andre Daisy, 5, died from severe meningitis encephalitis four days after having flu-like symptoms Andre's mum Trudy thought her son had a 'tummy bug' as he was his 'normal happy little self' despite having a headache and vomiting on the morning of their last day in Brisbane His parents pulled over the car and immediately called the ambulance, however by the time he arrived at the hospital his seizures had increased and doctors placed him in an induced coma to allow his body to rest. An hour later doctors made the decision to airlift Andre more than 560km to the Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane. Andre arrived at the children's hospital at 11pm on Thursday night, with his family told he would make a recovery after promising MRI results showed he was stable. However, Andre sadly did not respond despite an attempt by doctors to alleviate the swelling and pressure on his brain. On Saturday morning, doctors confirmed his family's worst fears and said there was nothing else they could do to save the little boy. Andre's step-father Jarick, who raised the little boy since he was one, made the heartbreaking decision telling doctors to 'turn down his medicine'. At 5:45am on Sunday, Andre took his final breath - just one day before his first day of school. Andre's mother Trudy and his step-father Jarick along with his father Larson Daisy and his step-mother Lana were by his side in his final moments. Andre suffered a seizer in the car ride home and was taken to hospital in Gladstone before his condition worsened and he was airlifted to Queensland Children's Hospital (pictured Andre with his mum Trudy and step-dad Jarick) Andre tragically died just one day before his first day at school (pictured, Andre with his step-dad Jarick and two sisters) His step-mum's brother Shaneen McCann started a GofundMe page for the little boy and said both sets of parents held his hand while he passed away. 'Andre was surrounded by so many of his family in hospital, many of whom travelled to be by his side,' Mr McCann wrote. 'He was bathed, dressed, held, talked to, had his hair done, sung to, was given toys and treats while we all prayed for a miracle. 'He got to see a new day dawn and was watching the sunrise while being held by both sets of his parents and other family. With their hands on his chest, they felt Andres last heartbeats and spent their final day cuddling him.' Mr McCann said Andre used to joke around with different sayings and jokingly told his mother 'when God comes knocking, you better let him in' two weeks prior to his death. At the time of writing, the GoFundMe page has received 171 donations totalling $17,710, with funds assisting Lana and Larson's share of funeral expenses, travel costs and ongoing financial support. 'He will be incredibly missed by both sets of parents, both sets of siblings, and every heart he touched. May he rest in eternal peace,' Mr McCann wrote. Family said Andre was a 'sweet' and 'kind-hearted' boy who loved playing video games and always made people laugh (Andre pictured with his three sisters) Both family's are raising funds to have Andre's body transported back home to lay him to rest (pictured, Andre with his father Larson Daisy and step-mum Lana) Andre's aunty Michaela Napier described her nephew as a 'sweet' and 'kind-hearted' boy who loved playing video games and always made people laugh. Ms Napier also started a GoFundMe page so her sister Trudy can bring Andre home and lay him to rest in Townsville. It is estimated that transporting Andres body from Brisbane to Townsville will cost roughly $11,000. 'He had no other symptoms he had nothing, by the time anyone knew something was wrong with him it was too late to do anything to save him,' Ms Napier wrote. 'Because of how unexpectedly this was, we are now left struggling on how we are going to pay for all expense. 'I couldn't imagine the pain my sister is in and there is nothing I can do to help. So making this page is my way of helping her so this is one thing she doesn't have to worry about.' Ms Napier's GoFundMe page has received 78 donations totalling $7,865 and aims to reach $10,000. It could almost be a plot line out of the TV comedy Veep. Newly installed female vice president finds her feet don't touch the floor from the man-sized chairs in her new office. That's roughly the situation that Kamala Harris inherited when she became the country's first female vice president in 2021, prompting her staff to order new chairs for her desk to better fit her five foot, two inch stature. A former aide said that the furniture had only ever previously had to cope with the 'average male height.' 'She forces us to recalibrate our assumptions,' said Jamal Simmons, who recently stepped down as her communications director, as he defended the vice president to the New York Times. When Kamala Harris moved into the vice president's office she inherited furniture used by Mike Pence. Aides said swapped the desk chairs for something that fitted her small frame Within months she also revealed a new desk, built from timber reclaimed from USS Constitution warship. Launched in 1797, she is the oldest ship still afloat Eagle-eyed observers will have spotted a change in the desk too. When she first took office, Harris released photographs showing her sitting at the same desk as her predecessor Mike Pence. Two months later she revealed she had switched to a new desk, built from timber reclaimed from USS Constitution warship. Launched in 1797, she is the oldest ship still afloat. The nugget about the chairs was revealed as aides tried to defend the VP, pointing out how she had achieved a series of historic first, amid grumbling in the Democratic Party that she could be the weak link in President Joe Biden's 2024 plans. A string of key figures said they had lost hope in her turning around her performance as vice president. Her approval rating is lower than even Biden's own weak standing in the eyes of voters. And some of the backers who helped lift her to the 2024 ticket say she has failed to use her historic firsts first female, first African-American, first Asian vice president as a stepping stone to future leader. Even Biden has expressed his doubts. He is quoted calling her a 'work in progress' in a new book by Chris Whipple, 'The Fight of His Life.' A string of Democrats are raising doubts about Vice President Kamala Harris's performances amid fears that she could be the weak link in President Joe Biden's reelection plans Harris has a lower approval rating than Biden, which means she could act as a drag on his reelection chances, according to rolling averages of poll results Last week, when appearing together at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting in Philadelphia, they presented a united front. 'She's a great vice president,' said Biden. But questions remain, and take on greater importance as Biden prepares to announce his 2024 run. For many, the concern is that Biden's age he would be 82 at his second inauguration and 86 by end of a full term means Republicans will be able to attack 58-year-old Harris and her suitability to take over the Oval Office. 'That will be in my opinion one of the most hard-hitting arguments against Biden,' John Morgan, a prominent fund-raiser for Democrats, including Biden, told the New York Times. 'It doesn't take a genius to say, "Look, with his age, we have to really think about this."' Her record in office, he added, did not help. 'I can't think of one thing she's done except stay out of the way and stand beside him at certain ceremonies,' he said. In fact, the most memorable aspects of her time in office have been the missteps, such as a Lester Holt interview when she made a mess of explaining the administration's plan to secure the border. The newspaper said dozens of other Democrats from Capitol Hill and the White House to all around the country expressed similar sentiments in private. Others have made their doubts clear from what they haven't said in public. Biden and Harris at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting last week in Philadelphia. But even the president has called his VP a 'work in progress' When former Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren recently told Boston Public Radio that she was enthusiastically endorsing Biden for a second term she was then asked about Harris. Although she explained they went 'way back,' she said: 'I really want to defer to what makes Biden comfortable on his team.' Her supporters say Harris has had to reshape assumptions since day one in the job. Aides say they politely decline meetings with foreign first ladies on international trips because Harris is not visiting as a spouse, but as the deputy head of state. At the same time, Harris has resisted taking on roles that reflect the symbolic nature of her vice-presidency. She declined being at Washington Dulles International Airport to welcome an early shipment of baby formula during shortages last year, according to the report, and Jill Biden went instead. Harris acknowledged her reservations. Massachusetts Senator and former presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren enthusiastically endorsed Joe Biden to run again for president , but wouldn't say the same about Kamala Harris 'My bias has always been to speak factually, to speak accurately, to speak precisely about issues and matters that have potentially great consequence,' she told the New York Times during an interview in Japan. 'I find it off-putting to just engage in platitudes. I much prefer to deconstruct an issue and speak of it in a way that hopefully elevates public discourse and educates the public.' Her performance was also defended by Ron Klain, Biden's departing chief of staff who also served in the same role for two vice presidents. He said holders of the office often took a battering before going on 'to prove skeptics wrong.' He singled out her international trips and support for women's reproductive rights. 'She has done all that operating under high expectations,' he said. 'She carries these expectations not as a burden but with grace and an understanding of how much her history-making role inspires others.' They want better government financial relief The devastated owner of a home in a high-rise building which infamously began to crumble has revealed his struggles almost four years on - and lashed out at authorities for being 'gutless wonders'. Stu Carr, his wife Tania and their five-year-old daughter have been struggling to survive since they were kicked out of the apartment they paid $853,000 for in Sydney's Mascot Towers. Residents of the building were given four hours to evacuate over fears it could collapse when cracks were found in its basement on June 16, 2019 - shortly after construction began on a neighbouring property, owned by Aland Developments. It's understood 132 families were living in Mascot Towers at the time. Mr Carr said his family lived in the south Sydney for four generations but have now been forced to move to the city's outskirts, living 'under someone else's roof'. About 132 families living i Mascot Towers (above) were kicked out of their homes in 2019 because construction on a neighbouring property caused structural damage He said his family was still forking out thousands of dollars every month in mortgage repayments for an apartment they can no longer live in. To make matters worse, Mr Carr claims the 'rental assistance package' offered to former Mascot Towers residents by the NSW Government was not enough and was expected to be paid back. Mr Carr and his family joined other Mascot Towers victims for a 'final' protest on Tuesday morning where they asked for further assistance. 'The arrogant and heartless NSW Government will have you believe they already helped the innocent people of Mascot Towers,' he wrote in a Facebook post on Monday. Stu Carr (pictured with his wife, Tania) has called on the NSW Government to give former residents better financial assistance as they struggle to pay off the apartments Mr Carr then detailed the amount of money he and his family are still paying for the unsafe apartment: 'For anyone who feels they have a right to know whats actually going on in the area according to an actual owner, here are some facts using our personal situation to amplify whats really going on: ' $5,248 - the amount per month my wife and I still have to pay in mortgage repayments, strata and rectification and legal costs for Mascot Towers, barely keeping our heads above water to do so. - the amount per month my wife and I still have to pay in mortgage repayments, strata and rectification and legal costs for Mascot Towers, barely keeping our heads above water to do so. ' $230,933 - how much we have paid in total since our evacuation from Mascot Towers on June 14, 2019. - how much we have paid in total since our evacuation from Mascot Towers on June 14, 2019. ' $250,000 - how much we might get paid for our unit if collective sale of the building ever goes ahead there is no known timing for this to (maybe) happen. Sounds ominous. - how much we might get paid for our unit if collective sale of the building ever goes ahead there is no known timing for this to (maybe) happen. Sounds ominous. ' $853,000 - how much my wife and I paid for the unit in 2014 when the building had only been built 6 years prior. At the time we did all of the right checks and balances required of us in accordance with the NSW Government-set requirements. - how much my wife and I paid for the unit in 2014 when the building had only been built 6 years prior. At the time we did all of the right checks and balances required of us in accordance with the NSW Government-set requirements. ' $587,273 - how much my wife and I still owe on our Mascot Towers mortgage. - how much my wife and I still owe on our Mascot Towers mortgage. ' $0 - how much the NSW Government, who set the building standards to begin with, have offered to pay out of that.' Aland Developments came to an out-of-court settlement with Mascot Towers apartment owners in July 2022 after they filed for damages of more than $15million. The company denied it caused the problems that forced the evacuation of Mascot Towers, instead claiming structural damage already existed. The terms of the settlement have been kept confidential. Mr Carr blamed the disaster on the NSW Government. Large cracks (like above) began appearing around the residential Towers in 2019 after Aland Developments began construction on a neighbouring property He believes the government's lax building regulations is what caused the damage to Mascot Towers and said he wants residents to receive a better payment than the existing assistance package. 'The rental assistance package the NSW Government has made available to Mascot Towers owners is a total fraud,' he said. 'Make no mistake, the role of that package is to put a veil over the real solution which is to give the owners their money back. 'This is the fair solution because the NSW Government is accountable for the problem remember, they set the standards to begin with. 'Doing so is in accordance with the basic tenets of Consumer Law. Dare I even entertain notions of morality and humanity.' Mr Carr then accused the government of using the rental package as a 'PR-able headline'. 'Lets get real on this rental assistance package,' he said. 'The government conveniently fails to disclose the rental assistance actually needs to be paid back by the owners who use it in the event of a court battle win where the associated value of that win supersedes our costs. 'Even that scenario is dire, the condition is outrageous.' 'Rental assistance does nothing to actually help us recuperate the loss of our home or to chip away at our mortgages, a loss that was caused through no fault of our own. That debt doesnt go anywhere.' Mr Carr said part of the blame for the building's damage is on the NSW Government because they are responsible building regulations whihc should have prevented it (pictured, damage at Mascot Towers) He said the 'rental assistance package merely delays the inevitable'. 'For many, the inevitable has already happened. More than one in ten owners have declared, or is exploring, bankruptcy,' he said. 'Yet almost four years on since evacuation, there is still no hope of genuine relief and that bankruptcy number is only going to grow. 'I see a group of owners who are absolutely exhausted financially and emotionally. 'Some people are still living in hotels, struggling to survive off rental assistance! We are a forgotten group of people. We are broken.' Mr Carr said Tuesday's protest is a last-ditch efforts from owners to hold the government accountable in the hopes of receiving genuine help. 'To the NSW Government my message is simply this: Do something meaningful you gutless wonders!,' he said. 'The Government has helped our brothers and sisters from Lismore and like those good people weve done nothing wrong. So why wont the government help us too? 'They set the standards that got us here. We followed their law. I want my money back. Is that too much to ask? 'All I want is to own a home that I worked hard to own, but under the current system was robbed of, and provide my five-year-old daughter with an upbringing in the area of my choosing. 'No prizes for guessing where that would be, I have bled the area since 1981.' One of Australia's biggest hotel barons has splashed out $150 million on five iconic Australian pubs. Billionaire Arthur Laundy snapped up the 50 per cent stakes in five well-known pubs across NSW that had been previously been held by investor Fraser Short. Laundy Hotels already owned a half stake. The hotels included in the deal include the Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel in Sydney's eastern suburbs and the popular Northies in Cronulla, in the Sutherland Shire. Some of the hotels in the deal included the iconic Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel (pictured) The industry heavyweight also snapped up control of The Farm (pictured) - a popular venue and tourist attraction at Bryon Bay The purchases add to an impressive list of venues, hotels and bottle shops the group already own across the state including sites in Liverpool, Homebush, Wagga Wagga and Dubbo (pictured, Northies in Cronulla) The industry heavyweight also snapped up control of The Farm - a popular venue and tourist attraction at Bryon Bay. The other pubs picked up by the Laundy Hotel Group include the Lennox Head Hotel, the Illawong Hotel and the Park House in Mona Vale. Arthur Laundy (pictured top, at his 80th birthday shindig with daughters Danielle (left) and Justine (right), sons Stuart (front left) and Craig (front right) and his wife Margaret Paul, centre) admitted it had been a challenging 10 years in the hospitality industry The purchases add to an impressive list of venues, hotels and bottle shops the group already own across the state including sites in Liverpool, Homebush, Wagga Wagga and Dubbo. Mr Laundy and bar industry veteran Mr Short kicked off their partnership when the pair jointly purchased the Watson's Bay property for $27million in 2012 from the Doyle family. Meanwhile, Mr Short, a dad with four young children, told the Daily Telegraph he might branch away from hospitality. 'Running 1,200 staff has had its challenges, I have been talking for a little while to Arthur about selling out to him, it's been very overwhelming,' he said. 'Arthur has given me an opportunity. How do you manage work and young kids.' Mr Laundy and bar industry veteran Mr Short kicked off their partnership when the pair jointly purchased the Watson's Bay Boutique hotel (pictured) for $27million in 2012 The other pubs picked up by the Laundy Hotel Group include the Lennox Head Hotel, the Illawong Hotel and the Park House in Mona Vale (pictured) Mr Laundy said he would finance the massive $150 million payment via cash and debt, admitting it had been a challenging 10 years in the hospitality industry. His daughter Danielle Richardson was involved in negotiating the massive deal with her husband Shane Richardson, which will lift the hotel group's staff numbers to 3,000. The group have also become the largest independent draught beer buyers in the country since the deal. Mr Laundy's son Stuart said he looks forward to working more with Danielle and Mr Richardson, 'who are very good operationally'. He added he was sorry Mr Short was leaving the business. 'It's been great working with Fraser Short,' he said. Job drives gain pace to ramp up production 10:12, February 07, 2023 By QIU QUANLIN in Guangzhou ( China Daily Airport employees count migrant workers at Wuliangye Airport in Yibin, Sichuan province, on Jan 29. A total of 94 migrant workers flew to Zhongshan, Guangdong province, to return to work following the Spring Festival holiday. [PHOTO by ZHUANG GE'ER/FOR CHINA DAILY] Guangdong companies look for skilled workers in neighboring provinces Vehicles are busy transporting raw materials to Galanz Group's manufacturing lines, as one product after another is assembled and packed at the factory of the Chinese home appliance maker based in Shunde district of Foshan, Guangdong province. Before resuming production on Jan 28, the manufacturing department of Galanz mobilized its production managers to carry out equipment maintenance and procure raw materials in advance. To maintain good production momentum, Galanz launched recruitment drives in the neighboring Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and Guizhou province before the Spring Festival holiday. The company offered more than 5,000 vacancies for skilled workers during the first round of recruitment. It also arranged transportation to help employees return to work after the Spring Festival holiday. Production lines of Galanz's magnetron, electrical accessories, and other units have fully resumed their operations after the holiday, with increasing numbers of workers needed in the company's microwave oven, dishwasher and supporting rising units, according to the company. "We will make efforts to promote a new round of high-quality development by boosting investment and expanding production," said Liang Zhaoxian, chairman and president of Galanz. The expansion of the company's payroll and production is a result of increasing orders from home and abroad for high-quality Chinese appliances. Overseas orders for Galanz's home appliances, such as microwave ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers, have become the driving force behind its business growth, according to the company. Additionally, sales of its microwave, steam, and micro steam ovens and baking machines at flagship stores on T-mall, one of China's largest e-commerce platforms, increased by more than 40 percent year-on-year during the Spring Festival holiday. Like Galanz, other companies in Guangdong, which is home to 42 million migrant workers, are making greater efforts to resume production after the holiday by facilitating the return of employees and looking for more workers. In Dongguan, another manufacturing and trade hub in the province, human resources authorities have started job fairs across its 32 townships and subdistricts to help companies find skilled workers after the resumption of production. The citywide job fairs, which also have online recruitment options, will continue till March and offer 51,700 positions in 1,087 companies. "The human resources market is highly active, showing a promising trend of recruitment and employment," said Chen Zhiwu, director of Dongguan's human resources and social security bureau. Of the total job positions available, 76.3 percent are being offered by local manufacturing companies, according to its human resources authorities. From Jan 28 to Feb 20, employees starting their first job in Dongguan will be given a one-time subsidy of 1,000 yuan ($147) per person after they sign a labor contract, according to a local government notice. "Subsidy policies in employment provided by local human resources authorities are very beneficial for manufacturing companies such as ours," said a human resources manager surnamed Liu from Guangdong Kinlong Hardware Products Co. The Dongguan-based company is engaged in the design, research, manufacturing, and sales of construction and building accessories. It has more than 15,000 workers, most of whom have returned to work after the Spring Festival holiday. "The employment gap has decreased compared with previous years," Liu said. To ensure that production is not hampered by staff shortages, local human resources authorities have also strengthened cooperation with labor services outside Dongguan. They will organize 52 job drives in eight provinces, including Shaanxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan, and Sichuan, which are major labor sources for the city. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Japan has boosted military expenditures, defense collaborations, and assistance in a determined attempt to unite like-minded Asian nations, as Beijing pursues regional domination. This Japan military shift will be underscored when Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a common US ally with whom Japan has increased military relations in recent years, visits Tokyo beginning on Wednesday, according to AP News. Japan believes the forceful new strategy is required to counter China, but others argue it's an attempt to exploit enormous assistance to impose Japanese security policies on developing nations. Marcos' visit comes days after he and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin committed to letting the US military use four additional facilities in Southeast Asia to deter China. Read Also: Putin Has A New Message for Zelensky Marcos will be joined by numerous ministers and a sizable business group for the official visit, which will include a Thursday working dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. According to Neal Imperial, the assistant secretary for Asian and Pacific affairs at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, the trip is meant to "maximize the full potential" of the strategic alliance in all areas, and "reaffirm the strong and vibrant" Japan Philippines partnership. Japan Embracing New Role The agreements should improve Japan military and Philippine military collaboration as well as in the fields of infrastructure, agriculture, and ICT, per The Japan Times. Marcos and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin recently agreed to provide US military access to four more facilities in the Southeast Asian country to counter China's growing aggression in the region, per an earlier HNGN report. In a January news conference, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowed that Japan will "take on new roles" in the Indo-Pacific region and promote stronger "defense cooperation" with the United States and mutual allies, per Vox. Related Article: Chinese Spy Balloons Entered US During Trump's Term @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. ABC Media Watch host Paul Barry has slammed his own network for describing an Alice Springs crisis meeting as a 'white supremacist fest'. The network issued a grovelling apology earlier this week and admitted it had provided 'incomplete' coverage of the Save Alice Springs meeting. Now, Mr Barry has accused the public broadcaster of 'eroding years of goodwill and trust' it had fostered in the Northern Territory. He also said that the report lacked balance and should 'never have been put to air'. The public broadcaster issued a grovelling apology admitting it provided 'incomplete' coverage of the Save Alice Springs meeting Appearing on Media Watch, Mr Barry said: 'Balance was indeed very much missing in the ABC's report, which aired across AM and News Radio. 'There was no attempt to explain what the meeting was about or canvass the views of the majority. 'And having watched it in full, and talked to journalists who went along, we think the story should never have been put to air. 'Local ABC journalists were angry, too. They say the story has caused a backlash against the ABC in the NT and eroded years of trust and goodwill.' Mr Barry was also critical of his network's apology when it eventually came. 'It's not the strongest apology, and the story is still up, unchanged. And why the ABC couldn't say it on Wednesday is beyond me. 'But at least they have now admitted the mistake. Let's hope they can learn from it.' The meeting saw around 3,000 Alice Springs locals discuss their concerns over the out-of-control youth crime wave spreading throughout their community. Appearing on Media Watch, Mr Barry said: 'Balance was indeed very much missing in the ABCs report, which aired across AM and News Radio' ABC Indigenous Affairs correspondent Carly Williams' live cross on TV of the meeting said many people had left the meeting early and that 'a non-indigenous person' had described the meeting as 'a disgusting display of white supremacy' The ABC apologised after sparking backlash over its coverage of an Alice Springs crisis meeting that was described as a 'white supremacist fest' The ABC was accused of bias after interviewing people who slammed the meeting as 'racist' with one labelling it 'scary' and a 'white supremacist fest' in spite of the fact Indigenous leaders were also present at the gathering. The public broadcaster faced the threat of an official investigation over its coverage that was aired on its flagship current affairs show AM and in another TV report. The ABC released a statement on Saturday apologising to its audience. 'We acknowledge that one report on AM was incomplete, and did not adequately cover the full context of the meeting or the range of perspectives expressed at it,' it read. 'ABC News apologises to audiences for providing an incomplete picture of the event in this instance.' The public broadcaster went on to say it had 'reportedly accurately' on the views of 'some people who attended the community meeting'. 'However, this report should have included a broader range of perspectives expressed at the meeting and further information about what was discussed, to provide additional context,' the statement read. 'Following this report, ABC News published additional coverage of the issue which included a broader range of perspectives and context.' The ABC stood behind its journalists saying it had extensively covered the ongoing issues of substance abuse and public violence in the area. A six-year-old boy who shot and wounded his teacher constantly swore at staff, tried to whip other students with his belt and once choked another teacher 'until she couldn't breathe', a lawyer has claimed. The incidents were described in a notice sent to the Newport News school district by Diane Toscano, a lawyer for teacher Abby Zwerner who was shot by the same boy earlier this year. The lawyer informed the district that Ms Zwerner intends to sue. Ms Zwerner had just finished reading a story to her class, who were about to head to an art lesson, when the six-year-old pulled out a handgun and shot her on January 6. The notice of claim outlines the boy's behavioral issues, and troubling interactions he had with teachers and fellow pupils at Richneck Elementary School in Virginia. The incidents were described in a notice sent to the Newport News school district by Diane Toscano, a lawyer for teacher Abby Zwerner (pictured) Police vehicles park outside Richneck Elementary School in Newport News after the shooting, January 6, 2023 The notice of claim outlines behavioral issues the boy had at Richneck Elementary School in Virginia (pictured) Two days before the shooting, the six-year-old allegedly 'slammed' Ms Zwerner's mobile phone and broke it, according to the claim notice. He was given a one-day suspension, but when he returned to Ms Zwerner's class the following day, he pulled a 9mm handgun out of his pocket and shot her while she sat at a reading table, the notice says. The document says that several hours before the shooting, at least three teachers and staff members warned school administrators they believed the boy had brought a gun to school. His backpack was searched, but no gun was found, and administrators did not remove the boy from class, lock down the school or call police. The claim notice says Ms Zwerner went to former assistant principal Ebony Parker's office at about 11.15am that day 'to advise her that the shooter seemed more 'off' than usual and was in a violent mood'. It also says the boy had threatened to beat up a student and 'angrily stared down' the school security officer in the canteen. The document describes several more warnings Ms Parker was allegedly given by staff about the boy having a gun. Abigail Zwerner, a first-grade teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, told her superiors she felt 'uncomfortable' having the six-year-old boy who went on to shoot her in her classroom Attendees hold their heads down for a prayer during a vigil for Zwerner while she was in hospital shortly after the shooting 'Assistant Principal Parker should have called police, instead she did not follow proper protocol and chose to do absolutely nothing,' the claim notice states. Newport News Public Schools Superintendent Dr George Parker admitted there had been a report that the boy may have had a gun with him when he spoke at a town hall a week after the incident. Speaking at the meeting with school parents, Dr Parker said: 'At least one administrator was notified of a possible weapon in the timeline that we're reviewing and was aware that that student had, there was a potential that there was a weapon on campus.' He said the district would consider enforcing clear plastic backpacks, as it continues to reel from its third shooting in three years. The Newport News School Board also announced that 90 walk-through metal detectors would be placed in schools across the district, starting with Richneck, where Ms Zwerner was shot last month. Len Wallin, director of legal services for the school system, said in an email that it is standard practice for the school division to forward notices of intent to sue to its insurer, which handles such litigation. Mr Wallin said the district's insurer will handle decisions regarding whether it will represent Ms Parker 'after consultation with the school board, if that is necessary'. Newport News Public Schools Superintendent Dr George Parker admitted there had been a report that the boy may have had a gun with him, January 6, 2023 A Newport News police officer directs traffic at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, January 30, 2023 President Joe Biden answered in the negative Monday when asked if he should take any blame for mishandling classified information. 'The answer is no, wait until you get the whole report,' he told a reporter on the South Lawn when returning to the White House from Camp David. Classified documents were found at Biden's former think tank office in Washington, D.C. and at his Wilmington, Delaware residence. An FBI search of his Rehoboth Beach vacation home last week turned up no additional documents. The White House has been under fire for not being forthcoming about the initial document discovery until after the November midterm elections, despite the first batch of classified documents being found days before. President Joe Biden answered in the negative Monday when asked if he should take any blame for mishandling classified information Biden's lawyers say they contacted authorities after first discovering 'a small number of documents with classified markings' on Nov. 2, 2022, in a locked closet at the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement. The documents were found as Biden's attorneys were clearing out the offices. A second batch of documents - again described by Biden's lawyers as a 'small number' - were found in a storage space in Biden's garage near Wilmington, Delaware, along with six pages located in Biden's personal library in his home. FBI agents on Jan. 20 located six additional items that contained documents with classified markings and also took possession of some of Biden's handwritten notes, according to Biden lawyer Bob Bauer. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced on Jan. 12 that he had appointed a special counsel, former federal prosecutor Robert Hur, to take over the Biden documents case. Biden's Democratic allies have argued that Biden's document debacle is small potatoes compared to what the FBI found at Mar-a-Lago after the controversial August raid. The Justice Department says roughly 300 documents with classified markings, including at the top-secret level, have been recovered from Mar-a-Lago after being taken there after former President Donald Trump left the White House. Last August, FBI agents executed a search warrant at the property after developing evidence that led them to believe that Trump and his representatives had not returned all the classified files. The material taken at that time included roughly 13,000 government documents, including about 100 bearing classification markings. Some of the material was so sensitive that Justice Department prosecutors and FBI counterintelligence investigators required additional security clearances to review them. A special counsel, Jack Smith, is investigating whether to bring charges against Trump or anyone else related to the documents. Prosecutors have revealed that they are investigating possible violations of multiple criminal statutes, including willful retention of national defense information and obstruction. A grand jury in Washington has been hearing evidence and federal prosecutors have interviewed multiple Trump associates. It is not clear how much longer that investigation will last. Trump has claimed that the materials were declassified and that he had the power to do so just by thinking about it, though his lawyers have not repeated that claim. They tried to have an independent arbiter conduct an outside review of the documents, though a federal appeals court late last year ended that work and said Trump's team was not entitled to that assessment. After documents were discovered in both Trump's and Biden's possession, former Vice President Mike Pence had a lawyer go through his collection of White House documents as well. Pence also had several classified documents at his Indiana home, with FBI officials expected to conduct their own search 'in a matter of days,' NBC News first reported Monday. Toxic cancer-causing chemicals have been released into the air in East Palestine, Ohio, during a large controlled explosion at the site of the train derailment. Crews at the scene conducted the release of the hazardous chemicals - including vinyl chloride - from five of the derailed tanker cars that were in danger of exploding just after 3.30pm on Monday. Two of the five detonated cars that were completely polymerized in the dangerous incident - as the fireball exploded and black smoke wafted through the air. One of the major causes for concern was the presence of vinyl chloride inside the train. The substance is highly toxic and can cause acid burns in the lungs when ingested. Authorities have been issuing forced evacuations of the surrounding areas in recent days - warning that there would be hellish shrapnel rain and chemical destruction if the cars were to have exploded on their own accord. This was the explosion caused by the controlled release of the toxic chemicals at the site of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio WATCH: Massive explosion at train derailment site following controlled release of chemicals WATCH: Massive explosion at the site of the East Palestine train derailment following the controlled release of toxic chemicals. LIVE updates here: wpxi.tv/3WXsgnu Posted by WPXI-TV Pittsburgh on Monday, February 6, 2023 Local officials strategically detonated the five train cars with vinyl chloride After the pre-emptive controlled explosion, local officials said the fire 'reduced' and the flames became more manageable but that they are waiting for it to cool off to move in. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine had previously issued a grave warning to residents in the city that sits near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, saying the fallout could be drastic for those who choose not to heed the warnings. 'You need to leave, you just need to leave. This is a matter of life and death,' said DeWine at a press conference. 'Vinyl chloride in of itself is cancerous. Some of the other stuff is just as bad,' hazardous materials specialist Silverio Caggiano told WKBN. 'The hydrogen chloride is bad enough that when you inhale it, it mixes with the water in your lungs and you could have acid burns in your lungs,' Caggiano said. Another major cause for concerns is that the burning on the substances released from the train cars will send out phosgene - a highly toxic gas that can cause vomiting and breathing trouble. The substance is so dangerous it was used as a weapon during World War I. After the controlled release of the toxic chemicals began, officials said two of the train cars were completely pulverized. Before the release of the toxic chemicals began Monday, officials were knocking on doors to ensure all residents had evacuated. Some 2,400 residents were warned to leave immediately. BREAKING NEWS: Just heard a big explosion at the site of the train derailment in East Palestine @WTOV9 pic.twitter.com/vCGLfhxYpv Tyler Madden (@TylerWTOV9) February 6, 2023 The explosion completely pulverized two of the train cars Photos and videos could only be taken from a distance outside of the evacuation zone This was the original site after the crash Friday evening East Palestine News Conference - Latest updates East Palestine News Conference - Latest updates Posted by 21 WFMJ on Monday, February 6, 2023 This was the massive plume of smoke over East Palestine, Ohio Monday after a train carrying hazardous materials derailed in eastern Ohio The fire and smoke has been constant in the area since Friday evening after the crash This is the evacuation map released by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's office 'You need to leave, you just need to leave. This is a matter of life and death,' said Gov. DeWine at a press conference Another view of the massive plume of smoke coming from the train derailment in Ohio DeWine shared an updated map showing the evacuation zone Monday afternoon East Palestine is located right near the border of Ohio and Pennsylvania This is an overhead shot of some of the train cars damaged in the derailment Five of the cars involved in the crash were transporting the vinyl chloride, which is used to make the polyvinyl chloride hard plastic resin. According to the National Cancer Institute, the substance is also associated with liver and other cancers. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency and other officials had previously stated they believed all residents in the affected area were gone. In Ohio, areas at risk include eastern East Palestine, including Parker, South Pleasant, BFI Access Road, Taggart Street, North Pleasant Road, Failor Road, and East Martin. The expanded evacuation zone stretched into Pennsylvania, impacting 20 homes, according to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Pennsylvania State Police also went door-to-door to warn and assist residents. It is unknown at this time when residents will be able to return to their homes. Scott Deutsch with the Norfolk Southern Railway said releasing the chemicals during the daytime would allow the fumes to disperse more quickly. Officials are also hoping they can avoid any shrapnel or debris that may fly from the property injuring anyone in the impacted zone. 'We can't control where that goes,' said Deutsch. Deutsch initially estimated the release could take up to three hours. After an initial effort to extinguish the fire on Friday night fire crews pulled back and employed unmanned devices as they tried to locate which cars remained on fire Ten of the cars that derailed carried hazardous materials, according to officials An employee of HEPACO works in a creek along Sumner Street in downtown East Palestine, Ohio after the derailment of the train The process officials used made small holes in the train cars. The material was then drained into a trench where it was burned before being released in the air. According to Deutsch, crews performing this release have done this before. Police cars, snow plows and military vehicles from the Ohio National Guard were spotted blocking streets in the area Monday. Caggiano echoed the sentiments made by local and state officials. 'They [the chemicals] could kill you because of the damage they could do to your respiratory system. Because most of the damage with this is going to be inhalatory. So this is some bad stuff,' Caggiano said. Police cars, snow plows and military vehicles from the Ohio National Guard were spotted blocking streets in the area Monday Although the train derailment itself took place Friday, fires and smoke were still billowing high into the sky well into Monday. The Norfolk Southern train was transporting cargo from Madison, Illinois to Conway, Pennsylvania when it derailed. According to first responders, the train consisted of 141 load cars, nine were empty, three were locomotives and ten in total contained hazardous material. Officials had originally asked anyone living within a one-mile radius of the scene to leave and established an evacuation center at East Palestine High School, which was being staffed by the American Red Cross. An evacuation center was set up at East Palestine High School which was being staffed by the American Red Cross Residents are now stranded and waiting to find out if their homes are okay Quickly after the crash, local authorities were urging residents to get out. 'I can't stress enough that if you're in the evacuation zone, you need to leave,' the village mayor Trent Conaway on Sunday. 'Please stay away from East Palestine,' Conway said. 'Please stay away from the wreck. I don't want to say it's a dangerous situation, but it is still a very volatile situation.' Firefighters had initially attempted to extinguish the blaze but faced complications. Efforts were cut off, however, as concerns over the toxins grew. As of Monday, no injuries or deaths have been reported. King Charles has been called out for sharing a special message with New Zealand on its national holiday while overlooking Australia. The UK monarch sent his warm wishes to mark Waitangi Day on Monday with a letter written in English and the native te reo language. But Sky News Australia host Chris Kenny slammed King Charles questioning why Australia didn't receive a message on Australia Day on January 26. The snub comes as calls grow for the national holiday date to be changed out of respect for the Aboriginal community. King Charles has been called out for sharing a special message with New Zealand on its national holiday while overlooking Australia (pictured, then-Prince Charles and Camilla attending a reception on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in November 2019) The snub comes as calls grow for the date of the national holiday to be changed out of respect for the Aboriginal community 'We had our own national day last week, and King Charles, the King of Britain and Australia he didn't even offer a happy Australia Day message,' Kenny said. 'This King is too woke to even mention Australia Day, seemingly ashamed of the day his own country claimed Australia as a colony.' Kenny took a dig at the UK monarch, saying the snub meant he now had no reason to 'complain' if his profile wasn't included on the country's $5 banknote. It was revealed last Thursday a design honouring Indigenous culture would replace the late Queen Elizabeth II's image on the note King Charles will still appear on cent coins when they are released later in 2023, but the decision to not include his profile has been interpreted by anti-royalists as a step towards Australia eventually becoming a republic. The future of the monarchy and the Commonwealth remains under scrutiny after Prince William and Kate were criticised over their trip to the Caribbean nations in March 2022. Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent eight days touring around Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas. Their trip was plagued by public relations gaffes and protests about British colonialism, which led to the endeavour being branded 'tone deaf' to modern sensibilities. Sunday Times Royal Editor Roya Nikkhah believed the tour ignited a rethink of how the royal family plans overseas visits in the future. King Charles appears to be leading the change with his latest correspondence with New Zealand a good indication. He referred to the country by its traditional name Aotearoa and wrote part of his message in the country's native language. 'The Treaty of Waitangi/Tiriti o Waitangi was signed 183 years ago in the reign of my great-great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria,' he wrote. 'It established an enduring connection with my family that I am honoured to continue. King Charles said he sent his 'warmest wishes' to the people of New Zealand in his message celebrating Waitangi Day 'My mother, Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, was the first reigning Sovereign to visit New Zealand and the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi, and attended the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty in 1990. 'Waitangi, the place, and Waitangi, the covenant between peoples, were both very special to Her Majesty.' King Charles said he treasured the respect shown by the people of Aotearoa to his late mother. 'Waitangi Day is a time both to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. My family and I join in sending you all our warmest good wishes,' he wrote. 'He aroha whakato, he aroha puta mai.' Recent polls suggest that while a majority of Australians believe January 26 should remain Australia Day, there is a growing group who would prefer it be changed to a less polarising date. A poll conducted by conservative think tank, the IPA, surveyed 1,038 people from varying age ranges on their attitude to changing the date of Australia Day. The poll results show that 62 per cent of people believe Australia Day should be held on January 26, while only 17 per cent believe the date should be changed, and 21 per cent had no opinion. However, there is growing resentment towards the holiday. Outgoing White House economic advisor Brian Deese declared the state of the economy 'strong' on the eve of President Biden's State of the Union speech but fended off questions about a series of polls where Americans registered their dissatisfaction about their own economic standing. 'The state of the economy is strong. You see that in the lowest unemployment rate in 53 years,' he told reporters at the White House. Deese also talked up the resilience of the U.S. economy compared to other nations, but still had to contend with an ABC News / Washington Post poll where 41 per cent of respondents said they were not as well off as when Biden took office, and another survey where even Democrats raised doubts about Biden seeking reelection. 'And you know, it is the case that if you go around the world, if you talk to heads of state, CEOs, other leaders, they will tell you that the United States really is better positioned than almost any other country,' said Deese, who heads the National Economic Council. 'That the opportunity to invest in the United States as so many people are enthusiastic about. And that bodes very well for the economy not only in the very short term' but in the medium term.' White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre listens as National Economic Council Director Brian Deese speaks about the economy. He talked up record low unemployment figures, and got asked repeatedly about polls showing many Americans say they are worse off since Biden took office Just 16 per cent of Americans said they were better off since Biden took office in a new ABC News / Washington Post poll The administration continues to trumpet a monthly report that the nation added 517,000 jobs in January, with an unemployment rate of just 3.4 per cent. But Americans continue to register their dissatisfaction, and many do not want Biden to run again. The ABC / Washington Post poll had just 16 per cent who said they were better off than before Biden took office. The number who said they were about the same was 42 per cent. Dees, a skilled number cruncher, was a bit off when he tried to parry a question about the poll. 'So I think I think the poll that you just said it's actually consistent so about two-thirds of Americans say that their circumstances are better than than before,' he said. A reporter later reminded him that the he was essentially combining the 'about the same' figure with those who said they were better off. Deese set the stage for President Biden, who will try to sell the economy and his accomplishments Tuesday night 'And I think that it is the case that if you look at the kind of key measures of basic economic security: Do I have health insurance? Do I have $400 in the bank in case my car breaks down or I have another emergency expense? Am I late or delinquent on a credit card bill am I facing foreclosure? If you'd look at all of those measures on average, American households are in a better position than they were before the pandemic hit, and that's true for that lower income quartiles as well.' Deese also commented on the looming debt limit crisis, which has the potential to rattle financial markets. 'This bedrock idea that the United States has met all of its financial obligations for its existence as a country isn't something that anybody should be using as a bargaining chip. It's not a negotiable item,' he said. Hours later House Speaker Kevin McCarthy declared 'Defaulting on our debt is not an option.' even as he called for negotiating to try to force government spending increases. Biden is planning to use the prime time address to trumpet his economic accomplishments, even as the polls registered concerns from within his party about whether he should seek reelection. Only 37 percent of Democrats say they want Biden to seek a second term, according to a new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll. This is a sharp decline from the 52 percent who said the same weeks before the 2022 midterms. Taking all voting-age Americans into consideration, only 22 percent say that Biden should run again, down 7 percent from the same question asked in October 2022. Democratic voters who spoke with AP said they are concerned about Biden's age and increasingly prevalent gaffes and potential health concerns. Meanwhile, an ABC News/Washington Post poll released earlier this month also found that 62 percent of Americans think Biden has accomplished 'little or nothing' or at least 'not very much' during his presidency so far. Democrats are growing increasingly against a reelection from President Joe Biden, noting his age, health, coughing, gait and gaffes as reasons why someone younger should seek office Only 37% of Democrats say they want to see Biden run for a second term in a new AP-NORC poll released Monday, which is a sharp 15% decline from the same poll taken just weeks before the 2022 midterms Only 36 percent say Biden has accomplished a 'great deal' in his more than two years in office. Follow-up interviews with AP-NORC poll respondents show that many think Biden, who is the oldest U.S. president ever, feel his age and declining health could be a liability. Many who said they want a younger president and focused-in on Biden's coughing, his gait and frequent gaffes. 'I, honestly, think that he would be too old,' said Democrat voter Sarah Overman, 37, of Raleigh, North Carolina. 'We could use someone younger in the office.' Thirty-five-year-old Michigan man Ross Truckey, who didn't vote for Donald Trump or Biden in 2020, said of the president: 'His age and possibly his mental acuity is not where I would want the leader of the country to be. 'He, at times, appears to be an old man who is past his prime. Sometimes I feel a little bit of pity for the guy being pushed out in front of crowds.' Declining support for Biden is concentrated among younger voters. Only 23 percent of Democrats under the age of 45 say that Biden should run for a second term, a massive drop-off from the same poll in October, which showed 45 percent of this demographic wanting a second term from the president. Forty-nine percent of those age 45 and older say they want Biden's reelection, which is still a decline of 9 percent from the same poll taken just weeks before the 2022 midterms. Former President Trump would beat Biden by 3 points in a hypothetical head-to-head election, according to results of the ABC/Post poll released Sunday. Most Americans say they don't want a rematch of 2020. A new ABC News/Washington Post poll released Sunday shows that Americans are not looking forward to the prospects of a 2020 rematch between Biden (right) and his predecessor Donald Trump (left) The poll shows that the favorability has flipped from September, and Trump would now win by 3 percentage points in a hypothetical head-to-head election against Biden Forty-eight percent of registered voters said in the poll taken at the end of January and into the beginning of February that they would vote for Trump and 45 percent said they would vote for Biden. While this falls within the four-point margin of error, it is a flip from September when Biden was beating Trump by two points. Independent voters, possibly the most important voting bloc in recent national elections, favor Trump by nine percentage points at a 50%-41% split. Most Americans are not looking forward to a rematch between Trump and Biden in 2024 and want other candidates as their respective nominees instead. If Biden ran for a second term in 2024, 30 percent of Americans said they would be 'angry', while another 32 percent said that they would be 'dissatisfied but not angry.' Only 7 percent of respondents said they would be 'enthusiastic' if Biden won reelection and 29 percent said while they would be 'satisfied', they would not be enthusiastic. The prospects weren't much better for another Trump presidency. Thirty-six percent of the 1,003 people polled said they would be 'angry' if he won four more years while 20 percent said they would be 'dissatisfied.' Meanwhile, the former president did fare better with the positive side of the spectrum than Biden with 17 percent saying they would be enthusiastic for another Trump White House and 26 percent saying they would be satisfied. Trump was not pleased with the latest poll, responding with ire on his social media website Truth Social on Sunday morning by employing his insulting monikers for two outlets that conducted the poll 'ABC fake news' and the 'Washington compost.' 'For all of my many supporters, and the number is higher than ever before, I am pleased to report that 'our' Poll numbers are Excellent,' Trump insisted in his post. 'Polls are important, but many have proven to be so corrupt, wrong, or incompetent in the past,' he added, 'especially, those of ABC FAKE NEWS/WASHINGTON COMPOST; FOX FAKE NEWS; and NBC FAKE NEWS/GLOBALIST STREET JOURNAL, that they have become somewhat meaningless, just a political weapon. CNN Polls no longer matter in that so few people are watching CNN (and MSDNC) anymore!' The poll found that among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independent voters, 58 percent would want a different candidate than Biden as their nominee in the 2024 presidential election. On the other side, 31 percent said they support Biden. When it comes to Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, 49 percent said they would prefer a different candidate than Trump to be their nominee versus the 44 percent who want another Trump White House bid. Both on the Democrat and Republican side, the support for the respective presidents is essentially unchanged since the same poll taken in September. The poll shows that only 7% of voters are 'enthusiastic' about a Biden reelection bid while 17% feel the same about a second term with Trump Trump blasted the polling in a tweet Sunday morning, claiming that the major news outlets 'have proven to be so corrupt, wrong or incompetent' that it yields all polling 'somewhat meaningless' and 'just a political weapon' Respondents said for the most part that they want to see other primary candidates in 2024. Trump-era Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley (pictured) will announce her candidacy this month in South Carolina, where she formerly served as governor There are a slew of Republicans hinting at a run but it's not clear if any major Democratic candidates will launch a bid against Biden once he announces his reelection efforts. Among potential GOP candidates are South Carolina Senator Tim Scott (left), former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake (center) and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (right) While it's unclear whether any Democrats will be bold enough to take on Biden should he announce a reelection bid, which has not yet officially happened, there are several Republicans showing interest in launching a bid against Trump. So far, Trump is the only major Republican to announce his 2024 candidacy. But his former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, is announcing her bid later this month. Others are also making visits to early primary contest states like New Hampshire, Iowa and South Carolina signaling more impending bids are coming. This includes the likes of former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, among others. Many Republicans want to see highly popular Florida Governor Ron DeSantis run for the White House. Trump has made him public enemy No. 1 by launching a series of attack-lines against DeSantis in recent weeks when officially hitting the 2024 campaign trail. Panelists on The View argued Republicans played into China's hands after they criticized President Biden's response to the Chinese spy balloon saga taking several days to shoot it down. Political strategist Ana Navarro agreed that the entire balloon incident was a 'win' for China but was far from impressed with members of the GOP criticizing the timing of Biden's response. 'They love this. They love that Republicans turned this into this big drama,' Navarro said. 'They wanted this thing to be spotted The Chinese know how to spy. They can do it better. They wanted to create a national crisis an international crisis, they wanted it to be elevated and be visible and be talked about and they got it,' she added. Some of the ladies of 'The View' criticized Republicans for bashing President Biden's response to the spy balloon incident Political strategist Ana Navarro agreed that the entire balloon incident was a 'win' for China but was far from impressed with members of the GOP criticizing the timing of Biden's response Navarro suggested that China's intention was not spy, but rather to create a crisis within the U.S., something she said Republicans accomplished for them simply by criticizing Biden for not taking action sooner. Alyssa Farah Griffin, who worked as a former official in the Trump administration, added herself to the critical conservative voices, saying the military 'absolutely' could have taken the balloon down sooner and that the delay was a victory for China. 'Beijing is celebrating today,' she said. Biden gave the order to have the balloon shot down shortly after it was spotted but it wasn't for several days afterwards that the order was finally carried out by which time it had traversed the entire country. Alyssa Farah Griffin worked as a former official in the Trump administration and said the military 'absolutely' could have taken the balloon down sooner. Delaying was victory for China 'I'm thinking to myself why did you send it over? What did you think it was going to happen?' asked Whoopie Goldberg Officials say the delay was due to concerns about damage from potential debris. 'I mean, I know the Chinese government is very upset that we shot it down,' host, Whoopie Goldberg chimed in. 'I'm thinking to myself why did you send it over? What did you think it was going to happen?' 'I think the president needed to listen to the military. He trusts his advisers. They jammed it. They waited for a place they could shoot it down. I think it's thoughtful and makes a lot of sense to me,' co-host Sunny Hostin added. 'You know, I think the reason that perhaps Trump didn't know -- because Trump is tweeting of course on his fake social media platform that he would have shot it down. He didn't know about it. I think because he didn't trust his military advisers I don't think they trusted him with sensitive information and perhaps they had it and didn't share it. 'We've had many military officials come out and say we couldn't trust Trump with the information so we provided less briefings - and he didn't want to read that much anyway.' 'This is so beyond my pale of understanding but I like the fact that some of this is kept secret. There are some things when it comes to national security that should be kept secret,' Sarah Haines said 'I think the president needed to listen to the military. He trusts his advisers. They jammed it. They waited for a place they could shoot it down. I think it's thoughtful and makes a lot of sense to me,' co-host Sunny Hostin said Ana Navarro joked that this Trump-like balloon should be sent into China Sarah Haines challenged that version of events highlighting a different problem. 'If this has happened before [and the president wasn't told] then that's a bigger issue and a chain of command problem. To me [them saying this has happened before] was their way of diverting attention,' Haines said. 'This is so beyond my pale of understanding but I like the fact that some of this is kept secret. There are some things when it comes to national security that should be kept secret.' Former Trump official Griffin was less forgiving over the delay in downing the spy craft. 'Balloon makes it sound silly. This is something with a payload of three buses traversing the United States collecting data. They've had satellite imagery. They can take specific pictures. It intentionally targeted Montana where our missiles are intercontinental ballistic missiles stored. It went completely across the country and didn't get shot down until it reached the other side. 'Beijing lives for these moments for shows of force against the U.S.', Griffin said. 'We absolutely have the capability to take it out of the skies way before it got to the east coast. I think it's an unforced error by Biden. He was briefed on this on Tuesday. He gave the order to the Pentagon on Wednesday. It didn't break in the press because it was spotted in the air on Thursday and not taken down until Saturday.' Christian Whiton was a senior advisor for strategic communications in the Trump State Department and an advisor to the Trump presidential transition team Less than a week before Communist China floated a spy balloon over the United States, a four-star Air Force general warned his officers that America may be at war with Beijing in two years. 'I hope I am wrong,' read General Mike Minihan's memo, dated February 1. 'My gut tells me we will fight in 2025.' According to Minihan, a Chinese attack on nearby Taiwan would necessitate American intervention. And he wanted his airmen to be ready when the bullets start flying. On February 3, CIA Director William Burns revealed Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed the 'People's Liberation Army to be ready by 2027 to conduct a successful invasion' of Taiwan. It's unclear that it indicates a clear Chinese determination to attack. But it's hardly the behavior of a peaceful neighbor. And last week, days ahead of Biden's second State of the Union address, the surveillance balloon marked another turning point when China's malign intentions became frighteningly obvious to millions of Americans. In the past, U.S. officials have been hesitant to recognize that we are in a new Cold War. The Chinese government loves to condemn hawkish Americans for having a 'Cold War mindset.' But it's an opinion shared widely on Capitol Hill that between creeping surveillance inside America and threatening actions on the world stage Washington DC and Beijing are headed for greater conflict. Last week, days ahead of Biden's second State of the Union address, the surveillance balloon marked another turning point when China's malign intentions became frighteningly obvious to millions of Americans. (Above) Biden delivers his first State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on March 1, 2022 If Biden wants his State of the Union address to mean anything, he should begin by laying out a strategy to counter China and that starts with shoring up America's incredible vulnerabilities by ending our suicidal reliance on this dangerous regime. Chinese imports peaked in 2018 at $539billion, with Americans purchasing $418billion more goods from the Chinese than they buy from their own country. In 2018, tariffs enacted by the Trump administration narrowed the trade gap. And the trade deficit dropped from $418billion to $308billion in 2020. But then, amid the pandemic, the deficit rebounded to $359billion in 2022. For years America has relied on Chinese producers for our manufactured goods, but many are particularly critical life necessities. A terrifying percentage of America's active pharmaceutical ingredients are made in China, according to Republican Senator Tom Cotton. That includes 95% of imports of ibuprofen, 70% of acetaminophen and up to 45% of the imported penicillin supply. What would happen if China simply turned that supply off? They could. A bill to address this glaring weakness in a vital US supply chain sits dormant in Congress. The 'Protecting our Pharmaceutical Supply Chain from China Act' was introduced just last year. There has been no official action on it since March. America and the free world have also stood by while China dominates the mining and processing of 'rare earth' minerals, which are essential to the manufacturing of advanced commercial and military technology. A terrifying percentage of America's active pharmaceutical ingredients are made in China, according to Republican Senator Tom Cotton. That includes 95% of imports of ibuprofen, 70% of acetaminophen and up to 45% of the imported penicillin supply. Today, China operates more than 60% of the world's rare earth mining and more than 90% of rare earth magnet production a critical item in war-fighting equipment from missiles to radars. In a prolonged conflict, America could find itself fighting with one-arm tied behind its back as essential components face shortages. Taiwan, the object of China's short-term expansion strategy, produces most of the world's microchips. A Chinese invasion would threaten America's supply of semiconductors, which are needed to run everything from cars to refrigerators. How can America possibly still be relying on China for these items three years after the COVID pandemic began and supply chains proved so vulnerable? There is no good answer to that question. Shockingly, the US doesn't even have sufficient capacity to move goods around the world. In the 1980s, a Congressional committee determined that America required a fleet of 650 cargo ships to transport the material necessary to fulfill its military and domestic needs, as noted by the Heritage Foundation's Brent Sadler. Today, even as the US economy and population have grown substantially, the country has only 180 ships that would be useful in wartime. Beijing is fully aware of this and would not hesitate to use it to their advantage. So, what can Biden say in his State of the Union address? For one, he should pledge to strategically decouple the United States from the Chinese economy. Biden has largely kept up the trade war started by Trump, but it isn't enough. He should pledge to raise tariffs even further, forcing our supply chain to shift elsewhere. Some manufacturing would come back to the United States, especially if Biden got Congress to write tariffs into law to signal a long-term policy. America and the free world have also stood by while China dominates the mining and processing of 'rare earth' minerals, which are essential to the manufacturing of advanced commercial and military technology. (Above) Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia, China on July 16, 2011 Taiwan, the object of China's short-term expansion strategy, produces most of the world's microchips. A Chinese invasion would threaten America's supply of semiconductors, which are needed to run everything from cars to refrigerators. (Above) Workers assemble Chevy Bolt EV cars at the General Motors assembly plant in Orion Township, Michigan in 2016 Biden should rhetorically wage political warfare against China's unpopular government. He can start by spotlighting the oppression of political prisoners, like billionaire media mogul Jimmy Lai, who was arrested in a sickening crackdown on Hong Kong's pro-democracy activists and now faces life in prison. Biden should treat Taiwan as an asset instead of a liability: the economically vibrant island nation demonstrates that an ethnically Chinese culture can thrive under democracy. It's a gutting rebuke to Beijing's tyrannical one-party state. Here in the US, Biden should call for an end of Chinese regime funding of US universities and a prohibition on Chinese students in technical fields. Beijing has displaced Asian Americans from top American schools, with Chinese nationals paying full tuition only to acquire skills to take back to their home country. And finally, the representatives of would-be global partners - from capitalist Singapore to communist Vietnam should be in attendance for the address. What could be more poignant than an image of members of a united Congress and Executive branch making common cause with our allies in the East? No one wants to be dominated by China. But the region needs explicit presidential encouragement, which is sorely lacking. Japan is talking about nearly doubling its defense budget but could benefit from a new, bigger allied force. Instead, the administration recently moved some aging F-15 fighter jets out of a US base in Okinawa and replaced them with nothing. Today, China operates more than 60% of the world's rare earth mining and more than 90% of rare earth magnet production a critical item in war-fighting equipment from missiles to radars. (Above) Javelin missile fired by soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team heads toward a target during a live-fire training exercise on April 28, 2022 in Fort Carson, Colorado President Biden repeats - ad nauseum - a story from of one his many conversations with China's Xi. Whether or not it happened is beside the point. In this tale, Biden claims Xi told him, 'democracies cannot be sustained in the 21st century, autocracies will run the world.' Why? Because Joe recounts: 'Things are changing so rapidly. Democracies require consensus, and it takes time, and you don't have the time.' Well, Mr. President: Will America prove Xi wrong? Can America meet the challenge of rising Chinese Communist power with a coherent strategy that starts with an honest assessment of America's vulnerabilities. This is your moment to demonstrate that democracies have the will to survive. Rescuers are trying to find people trapped after Monday's earthquakes in Turkey Rescuers are digging using their bare hands as they work through the night to find survivors of earthquakes in Turkey which have killed at least 4,100 people. Thousands of buildings in Turkey and Syria were flattened on Monday after a series of tremors, including two measuring 7.8 and 7.5 in magnitude. There fears that there will be thousands more fatalities confirmed in the coming days, as emergency services battle to save people trapped under the rubble as temperatures plunge below freezing. Many of those unaccounted for nearly 24 hours later had been sleeping in their beds when the first quake struck in the early hours of Monday morning, with the shaking causing entire apartments blocks to buckle and collapse. Videos coming from the region show desperate rescuers using any tools available, including their bare hands, to try and free people - but some came too late, with heartbreaking footage showing the bodies of children and families pulled from the wreckage. Rescuers in Sanliurfa, Turkey, try to reach a woman trapped under rubble after the earthquake on Monday night Emergency services and volunteers desperately dig through rubble in Sanliurfa as they continue to search for survivors A police officers hugs his daughter after she is pulled from the rubble of a collapsed building in Hatay A baby is rescued from a destroyed building in Malatya, Turkey, on Monday afternoon hours after the earthquake A fire and flood lights illuminated the collapsed remains of a building in Kahramanmaras, near the epicentre of the earthquake Rescue workers pull two people out of the rubble of a collapsed building in Diyarbakir on Monday Rescuers pull a woman from the ruins of a collapsed hospital in Iskenderun, Turkey, after Monday's earthquake Work crews try to reach a woman trapped under a collapsed building in Sanliurfa in Turkey on Monday night An injured woman is carried out of a destroyed building in Diyarbakir approximately 21 hours after the earthquake Thousands of people in Turkey and Syria are known to have been killed following the two catastrophic earthquakes and the dozens of aftershocks that have followed. As of late on Monday night Turkish officials confirmed that 2,379 people were known to have died, while Syrian rescuers said 1,444 had been killed in government and opposition controlled territory. Multi-storey apartment buildings full of residents were among the 5,606 structures reduced to rubble in Turkey, while Syria announced dozens of collapses, as well as damage to archaeological sites in Aleppo. 'That was the first time we have ever experienced anything like that,' said Melisa Salman, a 23-year-old reporter in the southeastern Turkish city of Kahramanmaras. 'We thought it was the apocalypse.' The head of Syria's National Earthquake Centre, Raed Ahmed, called it 'the biggest earthquake recorded in the history of the centre'. The initial quake was followed by dozens of aftershocks, including a 7.5-magnitude tremor that jolted the region in the middle of search and rescue work on Monday. 'We managed to save three people, but two were dead,' said Halis Aktemur, 35, in Turkey's southeastern city of Diyarbakir after the quake that was felt as far away as Greenland. In the southeastern Turkish city of Sanliurfa, rescuers were working into the night to try and pull survivors from the wreckage of a seven-storey building that had collapsed. 'There is a family I know under the rubble,' said 20-year-old Syrian student Omer El Cuneyd. 'Until 11:00 am or noon, my friend was still answering the phone. But she no longer answers. She is down there.' Despite temperatures falling below zero, frightened residents in the city were preparing to spend the night on the streets, huddling around fires for warmth. Nearby, Mustafa Koyuncu was sitting packed inside his stationary car with his wife and their five children, scared to move. 'We are waiting here because we can't go home,' the 55-year-old told AFP. 'Everyone is afraid.' In Diyarbakir in southeast Turkey, a woman speaking next to the wreckage of the seven-storey block where she lived said: 'We were shaken like a cradle. There were nine of us at home. Two sons of mine are still in the rubble, I'm waiting for them.' 'It was like the apocalypse,' said Abdul Salam al-Mahmoud, a Syrian in the northern town of Atareb. 'It's bitterly cold and there's heavy rain, and people need saving.' The United States Geological Survey, which has recorded more than 60 earthquakes and aftershocks in the region in the last 24 hours, warned that fatalities from the quakes could reach as high as 10,000. Countries from across the world have offered aid, with rescue workers from Europe, Asia and the Americas all flying in to help the efforts of the emergency services. Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared seven days of national mourning, while buildings in Israel and Bosnia have been lit up in memory of those who have died. Rescuers pull a victim alive from a collapsed building in Diyarbakir on Monday after the earthquakes Pictured: Search and rescue workers search through the rubble of a collapsed 15-storey building in Kahramanmaras, Turkey on Monday evening, as the light begins to fade Rescue workers search for survivors in a collapsed building in Diyarbakir earlier today A woman hugs and cries as emergency services continue to search for survivors in Hatay on Monday Pictured: A Syrian man weeps as he carried the body of his son, who was killed in an earthquake that struck in the early hours on Monday morning, in the town of Jandaris SYRIA: Residents retrieve an injured girl from the rubble of a collapsed building in the town of Jandaris, in the countryside of Syria's northwestern city of Afrin in the rebel-held part of Aleppo province, on February 6. Rescue workers are desperately searching for survivors after the earthquakes struck across the region This is moment a building collapsed in the city of Malatya in eastern Anatolia, Turkey, following today's earthquake. In the foreground a member of the public can be seen running for cover Tremors from the first deadly quake - which lasted about a minute - were felt as far away as the island of Cyprus, Egypt and Lebanon, and a tsunami warning was briefly issued by authorities in Italy along the country's coast. The second quake struck about 60 miles from the epicentre of the first, less than 12 hours later The United States Geological Survey has reported detecting more than 60 tremors over 2.5 in magnitude in the area in the last 24 hours At least 1,385 people have been killed overnight in a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria that levelled buildings while many were still asleep. Footage shared online (pictured) showed the total collapse of a building in Sanlurfa, Turkey Rescuers carry out a girl from a collapsed building following an earthquake in Diyarbakir, Turkey on February 6. The first earthquake struck in the early hours on Monday morning as people slept in their beds. The second hit 60 miles north less than 12 hours later The initial 7.8-magnitude night-time tremor, followed hours later by a slightly smaller one, wiped out entire sections of major Turkish cities in a region filled with millions of people who have fled the civil war in Syria and other conflicts. The later 7.5-magnitude quake struck at 1.24pm (1024 GMT) two-and-a-half miles southeast of the town of Ekinozu and around 60 miles north of the first quake that has wrought devastation across Turkey and Syria. Monday morning's quake jolted residents awake. They fled from their homes in terror out into the cold, rainy and snowy night across southeast Turkey and northern Syria, taking shelter in cars as thousands of buildings collapsed. As Monday rolled on, concerns grew for people trapped under the rubble as thousands of rescue workers across a 200-mile radius jumped into action, searching through tangles of metal and giant piles of concrete for survivors who could be heard calling out from underneath the wreckage. Terrifying videos and pictures from across the region showed the destruction caused by the quake. One clip from the border town of Azaz, Syria, showed a rescuer desperately running through a field of debris with an injured child in his arms, while another showed the total collapse of a building in Sanliurfa, Turkey. Monday's first quake was centred north of Gaziantep, Turkey, which is about 60 miles from the Syrian border, has a population of bout 2 million, and is home to large numbers of Syrian refugees. It struck at 04:17 am local time (0117 GMT) at a depth of about 11 miles, the US Geological Survey said. A strong 6.7 aftershock rumbled about 10 minutes later, causing more havoc. Turkey's own agency said 40 aftershocks were felt. Buildings were reported to have collapsed as far south as Syria's cities of Aleppo and Hama to Turkey's Diyarbakir - more than 200 miles north-east. Tremors from the quake - which lasted about a minute and could be Turkey's largest ever - were felt as far away as Greenland, the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland said. People also reported feeling tremors in Egypt, Lebanon and also Cyprus, while a tsunami warning was briefly issued by authorities in Italy. Orhan Tatar, an official from the Turkish disaster agency, told reporters that the two quakes were independent of each other. It was not immediately clear how much damage had been done by the second quake, which like the first was felt across the region and endangered rescuers struggling to pull casualties from the rubble. After a 3.8-magnitude earthquake struck Buffalo, New York in the United States, meteorologist Tyler Metcalf sugested on Twitter that the Turkey earthquake could have 'destabilised faults across the world.' Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management agency said there had been 1,541 fatalities as a result of the quake, with a further 7,600 injured, across ten Turksih provinces. The president earlier described it as the country's largest disaster since 1939 (when 33,000 people were killed in the Erzincan earthquake). 'Everyone is putting their heart and soul into efforts, although the winter season, cold weather and the earthquake happening during the night make things more difficult,' he told reporters from Turkey's disaster coordination centre in Ankara. 'We do not know how high the casualty numbers will go as efforts to lift the debris continue in several buildings in the earthquake zone,' he said. Pictured: A girl is seen being carried away by rescuers having been pulled from the rubble Pictured: A rescuer carried an injured child away from the rubble of a collapsed building in rebel-held Syria, following a deadly earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday Pictured: Residents flee as a building collapses in Turkey on Monday Pictured: The Turkish city of Hatay is seen after Monday morning's quake levelled buildings across the region, trapping scores of people in the rubble Pictured: A young child is rescued from underneath the rubble of a collapsed building on Monday morning. Rescue workers are pouring through the rubble to find survivors Pictured: A 10-year-old girl is seen being rescued from a pile of rubble in Osmaniye, Turkey Residents fled from homes in terror in cities across southeast Turkey and Syria, taking shelter in cars fearing aftershocks and collapsing buildings. Pictured: Rescue workers in Osmaniye, Turkey are seen on top of a huge mound of rubble as they search for survivors Pictured: An aerial view of a destroyed building in Gaziantep, southern Turkey. The quake - which could be Turkey's largest ever on record - was centred north of Gaziantep, Turkey, which is about 60 miles from the Syrian border and has a population of bout 2 million Pictured: This image taken of an apartment block destroyed in Adna, Turkey shows the inside of several flats exposed to the outside after part of the building fell away Pictured: An aerial view showing a mosque in Hatay, with its minaret lying on the ground after it was toppled in Monday's earthquake Pictured: A collapsed building is seen in Hatay, Turkey on Monday after the earthquake Pictured: A large fire amongst overturned shipping containers pours thick black smoke into the air in Hatay, Turkey Pictured: The minaret of the Ayyubid mosque inside Aleppo's ancient citadel is cracked following a deadly earthquake that shook Syria on February 6, 2023 Aleppo's ancient citadel is seen damaged following a deadly earthquake that shook Syria Major deadly earthquakes in the past two decades Aug. 14, 2021 - HAITI - A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck southern Haiti, killing more than 2,200 people and destroying or damaging about 13,000 homes. Sept. 28, 2018 - INDONESIA - A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the island of Sulawesi, resulting in a 1.5 metre tsunami and killing more than 4,300 people. - Nov. 12, 2017 - IRAN - A magnitude 7.3 earthquake shook the eastern Kermanshah region, killing more than 400 people. At least six people died in neighbouring Iraq. Sept. 19, 2017 - MEXICO - A 7.1 magnitude quake hit central Mexico, killing at least 369 people and causing more devastation in the capital than any temblor since an earthquake in 1985 that killed thousands. Aug. 24, 2016 - ITALY - A 6.2 magnitude quake struck a cluster of mountain communities east of Rome in central Italy, killing about 300 people. April 16, 2016 - ECUADOR - A magnitude 7.8 earthquake hammered Ecuador, killing more than 650 people on the countrys Pacific coast. Oct 26, 2015 - AFGHANISTAN - A magnitude 7.8 earthquake rocked the Afghan northeast, killing nearly 400 people in the country as well as in northern Pakistan. Apr 25, 2015 - NEPAL - A magnitude 7.8 earthquake ravaged impoverished Nepal, killing nearly 9,000 people and disrupting the lives of more than eight million. Aug 3, 2014 - CHINA - A magnitude 6.3 earthquake devastated southwestern China, killing at least 600 people in a remote area of Yunnan province. Sept 24, 2013 - PAKISTAN - Twin earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.8 magnitude, rattled southwestern Balochistan province, killing at least 825 people. Aug 11, 2012 - IRAN - Two strong quakes, measuring 6.4 magnitude and 6.3 respectively, killed at least 300 people near the city of Tabriz in northwestern Iran. Oct 23, 2011 - TURKEY - A powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake shook southeast Turkey, killing more than 600 people. March 11, 2011 - JAPAN - A 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami struck Japan's northeast, killing about 15,690 people and injuring 5,700. The earthquake also triggered the world's biggest nuclear disaster since Chernobyl in 1986. Feb 22, 2011 - NEW ZEALAND - A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch, killing at least 180 people. Feb 27, 2010 - CHILE - An 8.8 magnitude quake and subsequent tsunami in Chile killed more than 500 people, wrecking hundreds of thousands of homes and mangling highways and bridges. Jan 13, 2010 - HAITI - A 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated Haitis capital Port-au-Prince and killed about 316,000 people. The United Nations estimated 80,000 buildings in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas were destroyed. May 12, 2008 - CHINA - A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Sichuan province, killing about 87,600 people. Dec 26, 2004 - ASIA - A 9.15 magnitude earthquake off Sumatra triggered a tsunami that barrelled into Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka and many other countries in the region, devastating villages and tourist islands and leaving almost 230,000 dead or missing. Oct 8, 2005 - PAKISTAN - A 7.6 magnitude quake northeast of Islamabad killed at least 73,000 people. The quake also rocked Indian Kashmir, killing 1,244 there. Dec. 26, 2003 - IRAN - a 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit the southeastern Kerman province and flattened the city of Bam, killing 31,000 people. Advertisement Meanwhile, at least 928 people were killed in Syria, according to figures from the Damascus government and rescue workers in the northwestern region controlled by insurgents. This brings the overall reported death toll from the quake to more than 2,400 so far across three regions (Turkey, government-controlled Syria and rebel-controlled Syria). The volunteer civil defence organisation said the quake has 'resulted in hundreds of injuries, dozens of deaths, and people being stranded in the winter cold'. 'The toll may increase as many families are still trapped,' the White Helmets, which operates in rebel-controlled areas of the war-torn country, said. 'Our teams are on the ground [are] searching for survivors and removing the dead from the rubble.' Angela Kearney, the UNICEF Representative in Syria, said adults and children had been displaced by the quake and warned of the psychological impact this would have. 'Many people, including children are displaced and remain outside in streets and open areas,' she said. 'The government of Syria closed schools and universities for today and some are being used as shelters. The psychological impact on some people we met is grave.' The death toll across the whole affected region is expected to climb as rescue teams work throughout Monday to find more people trapped under collapsed buildings. It was unclear if more casualties had been caused by the second quake. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said it expected to see the toll increase 'significantly' as rescue operations continued throughout Monday. 'I think we can expect the death toll to increase significantly,' Rick Brennan, the WHO's regional emergency director for the Eastern Mediterranean, told reporters. 'There's been a lot of building collapses and it will increase more significantly around the epicentre of the earthquake.' Brennan said WHO was boosting its staff in the southern Turkish city of Gaziantep, the epicentre of the earthquake, and exploring its options to send emergency medical teams to the area. He said rescue efforts were being hampered by aftershocks from the initial quake. 'It's harder for the rescue teams to get in there to extract people,' he said. 'Buildings that may have sustained some damage but remain functional can then get another insult and they can collapse.' Assessing the scale of the disaster, the USGS said there was a 47 percent chance that the death toll could reach between 1,000 and 10,000 people, and a 20 percent chance of it reaching between 10,000 and 100,000 fatalities. 'High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread,' the USGS said in its report. 'The population in this region resides in structures that are extremely vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist.' At least 2,800 rescue teams have been deployed across Turkey, and the Turkish armed forces have set up an air corridor to enable search and rescue teams to reach the affected zones, the country's defence ministry said on Monday. 'We mobilised our planes to send medical teams, search and rescue teams and their vehicles to the earthquake zone,' Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in a statement. However, there was some early criticism of the rescue efforts in parts of Turkey. According to the BBC's Turkish Language service, Suzan Sahi of the opposition Republican People's Party said: 'I am in the Iskenderun region. The district is in a grave condition. More than 30 of our buildings were destroyed. The old SSK hospital was destroyed. We are in a very bad situation. 'The main thing is this. It has been so many hours. The rescue work has not started yet. There is no AFAD [the disaster and emergency agency], no government officials. The bodies almost cannot be transported to the hospitals. 'Materials such as tents and blankets could not be distributed. Our people are dead. No one came from 4am to 1pm.' Images on Turkish television showed rescuers digging through the rubble of levelled buildings in the city of Kahramanmaras and neighbouring Gaziantep, where entire sections of cities were destroyed. Pazarcik, which lies between the two cities, was described by one resident to The Guardian as being 'in ruins'. Pictured: A young boy is seen being pulled from the rubble by rescuers in Syria in a video, after the earthquake struck overnight Pictured: Rescue workers carry a 10-year-old girl down from a huge mound of rubble on a stretcher in Osmaniye, Turkey on Monday morning Pictured: An aerial view of a neighbourhood in Osmaniye, Turkey on Monday morning after the country was hit by the deadly earthquake. At least two apartment blocks can be seen completely flattened, while none have been spared from damage Pictured: An aerial view shows a search and rescue operation being carried out in the debris of a building in Cukurova district of Adana after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit southern provinces of Turkey overnight on February 6, 2023 Pictured: A destroyed elementary school is seen in Hatay, Turkey on Monday Pictured: Search and rescue teams search survivors through the rubble of a collapsed building in Diyarbakir, Turkey on Monday Pictured: The interior of apartments in a destroyed block can be seen in Diyarbakir, Turkey Pictured: Rescue teams work to clear the rubble from the site of a destroyed building Pictured: A woman walks past the historical Gaziantep Castle, which was damaged in the quake on Monday morning Pictured: An aerial view of Hatay, Turkey shows the destruction caused by the earthquake Pictured: Rescue workers dig through the rubble in Malatya, Turkey on Monday SYRIA: Civilians watch on as rescue workers search through the rubble of a destroyed building in the Syrian capital of Aleppo after the earthquake devastated the region Pictured: Civilians watch on as rescuers look for survivors in the Syrian city of Aleppo after the earthquake rocked the war-torn city Pictured: Rescuers scour the site of a fallen building in Aleppo, Syria on Monday Residents stand in front of a collapsed building following an earthquake in the town of Jandaris, in the countryside of Syria's northwestern city of Afrin in the rebel-held part of Aleppo province, on February 6, 2023 This aerial view shows residents looking for victims amidst the rubble of a collapsed building following an earthquake in the town of Jandaris, in the countryside of Syria's northwestern city of Afrin in the rebel-held part of Aleppo province, on February 6, 2023 Pictured: Residents search for victims and survivors amidst the rubble of collapsed buildings following an earthquake in the village of Besnia near the twon of Harim, in Syria's rebel-held north-western Idlib province on the border with Turkey, on February 6, 2022 Buildings also crumbled in the cities of Adiyaman, Malatya and Diyarbakir, where AFP news agency reporters saw panicked people rush out on to the street to escape. Kahramanmaras Governor Omer Faruk Coskun said it was too early to estimate the death toll because so many buildings had been destroyed. 'It is not possible to give the number of dead and injured at the moment because so many buildings have been destroyed,' Coskun said. 'The damage is serious.' Elsewhere, a famous mosque dating back to the 13th century partially collapsed in the province of Maltaya, where a 14-story building with 28 apartments also fell. Other mosques around the region were being opened up as a shelter for people unable to return to damaged homes amid temperatures that were close to freezing. The quake heavily damaged Gaziantep's most famed landmark, its historic castle perched atop a hill in the centre of the city. Parts of the fortresses' walls and watch towers were levelled and other parts were heavily damaged, images showed. In other cities, anguished rescuers struggled to reach survivors trapped under the debris. 'We hear voices here - and over there, too,' one rescuer was overheard as saying on NTV television in front of a flattened building in the city of Diyarbakir. 'There may be 200 people under the rubble.' Several clips were posted to social media from the scenes of rescue operations. In one clip, at least five people - including two children - were filmed as they were helped through narrow gap amongst the wreckage of a building, and through a 'tunnel' that remained clear enough for people to escape through to the outside. It was unclear from the 90-second clip how many people in total had been in the home at the time of the building's collapse, but it appeared the family had fortuitously found themselves in a pocket of space inside the destroyed structure. Pictured: Young children are seen being pulled from the rubble after the earthquake hit TURKEY: Rescue workers are seen working through the rubble of a collapsed building in Turkey on Monday morning Pictured: A person is rescued by rescue workers in Kilis, Turkey on Monday morning Pictured: Rescue workers carry a person away from a collapsed building on a stretcher Pictured: A rescue workers searches through the rubble from a collapsed building in Turkey Pictured: A woman is rescued from the wreckage of a building during ongoing search and rescue efforts after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit southern provinces of Turkey on Monday Pictured: A man holds his head in his hands amongst the rubble in Diyarbakir, Turkey after the city was devastated by Monday morning's earthquake Pictured: Turkish gendarmerie rescued a cat under the rubble of a Galeria Mall after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Diyarbakir, Turkey Pictured: A Latin Catholic church in Hatay lies in ruins on Monday after the earthquake In the Turkish city of Adana, one resident said three buildings near his home collapsed. 'I don't have the strength anymore,' one survivor could be heard calling out from beneath the rubble as rescue workers tried to reach him, said the resident, journalism student Muhammet Fatih Yavus. Images from Diyarbakir showed hundreds of rescue workers and civilians forming lines across huge piles of wreckage, passing down pieces of concrete and household items as they worked to clear the debris in the search for survivors. Any survivors they did find were strapped into stretchers and taken to ambulances. Rescue teams called for silence as they tried to listen for survivors under the wreckage of an 11-storey building. In Sanliurfa, at least 10 deaths have been confirmed, according to Gov. Salih Ayhan. Several buildings tumbled down in the neighboring provinces of Malatya, Diyarbakir and Malatya. A hospital collapsed in the Mediterranean coastal city of Iskanderoun, but casualties were not immediately known, Turkey's Vice President said. 'Unfortunately, at the same time, we are also struggling with extremely severe weather conditions,' Otkay told reporters. Nearly 2,800 search and rescue teams have been deployed in the disaster-stricken areas, he said. One U.S.-based Turkish citizen, Eren Bali, tweeted footage showing collapsed buildings in his hometown of Malatya. 'Southeast Turkey was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that lasted 90 seconds,' he said. 'Over 100 buildings were reported to have collapsed in my home town alone (Malatya).' Unverified images from Hatay appeared to show a family being dragged out of the rubble of a collapsed home, amid heavy snowfall. The same Twitter user posted another clip showing a boy being rescued. Another person shared what he said was footage from Gaziantep, showing burst water pipes flooding the streets. People trying to leave the quake-stricken regions caused traffic jams, hampering efforts of emergency teams trying to reach the affected areas. Authorities urged residents not to take to the roads. In this video grab from AFP TV taken on February 6, 2023, rescuers search for victims of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Diyarbakir, in southeastern Turkey As day breaks on Monday, rescue workers in Diyarbakir survey the scene of a collapsed building People search through rubble following an earthquake in Diyarbakir The quake piled more misery on a region that has seen tremendous suffering over the past decade. On the Syrian side, the area affected is divided between government-held territory and the country's last opposition-held enclave, which is surrounded by Russian-backed government forces. Turkey, meanwhile, is home to millions of refugees from the civil war. In Syria, in Aleppo alone, 24 people had died and 100 were injured when 20 buildings collapsed in the province, the official news agency SANA had said, quoting an official in the province. Even before the tragedy, buildings in Aleppo - Syria's pre-war commercial hub - often collapsed due to the dilapidated infrastructure after more than a decade of war and devastating airstrikes, as well as little oversight to ensure safety of new construction projects, some built illegally. SANA said the earthquake was felt from the western coast of Latakia to Damascus. 'This earthquake is the strongest since the National Earthquake Centre was founded in 1995,' Raed Ahmed, who heads the centre, told SANA. Near the border town of Azaz found on the Syrian side, an AFP correspondent saw rescuers pull out survivors as well as five bodies out of the rubble of a three-storey building that crumbled. Deaths were also reported in northern Syrian areas controlled by pro-Turkish factions. 'We have been working on rescuing survivors and recovering the dead from under the rubble' in the regions of Azaz and Al-Bab, Omar Alwan, the medical response coordinator for the area, told AFP reporters. Rescue workers and residents using flashlights were searching through piles of tangled metal and concrete rubble in one of the stricken cities. People on the street shouted up to others inside a partially toppled apartment building, leaning dangerously. A steady stream of injured have been flowing into an overwhelmed hospital in the Syrian town of Darkush, found in rebel-held northwestern Syria on Monday. One man, Osama Abdul Hamid, said he had barely made it out alive with his wife and four children from his apartment building in the nearby village of Azmarin. Many of their neighbours were not so lucky. 'The building is four stories, and from three of them, no one made it out,' Abdul Hamid said, breaking down in tears. 'God gave me a new lease on life.' Pictured: People search through rubble following an earthquake in Adana, Turkey Pictured: People search for survivors under the rubble following an earthquake in Diyarbakir, Turkey. Soldiers, emergency responders and civilians jumped into action after the quake Pictured: First aid responders rescue a person from the rubble of a destroyed apartment building after the earthquake shook Hatay, Turkey, in the early hours of Monday morning Pictured: People walk next to a mosque that was partially destroyed by an earthquake in Malatya. The famous mosque dates back to the 13th century Pictured: Residents search through the wreckage of a building that was destroyed following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey on Monday morning Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Twitter that 'search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched' to the areas hit by the quake. Pictured: A destroyed building is seen in Diyarbakir, Turkey, one of the cities that was hit hard by the quake Pictured: Rescuers work at the site of a damaged building, following an earthquake, in rebel-held Azaz, Syria February 6, 2023. People are still trapped inside many buildings in the region Pictured: A view of the destroyed buildings after earthquakes jolted Turkish and Syrian provinces, on February 6, 2023 in Malatya. People can be seen searching through the rubble for survivors after the building came down in the dead of night Pictured: Rescue workers pour through the rubble of a collapsed building in Syria on Monday in search of survivors. Fears are mounting for people still trapped under the buildings The powerful quake has brought new damage and suffering to Syria's last rebel-held enclave, already wrecked by years of fighting and bombardment and housing millions of displaced Syrians who had fled their homes during the country's civil war. Hospitals and clinics have been flooded with injured. In the enclave, centered in Idlib province, many of the displaced live in dire conditions in makeshift camps. Many others there and in neighbouring government-held areas are housed in buildings weakened by past bombings and left even more vulnerable to shocks from earthquakes. The quake caused total and partial damage to buildings in at least 58 villages, towns and cities in northwestern Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor. Other countries were quick to offer their assistance to Turkey and Syria, with President Erdogan saying 45 governments had said they would help. The British Foreign Office announced it was sending aid to Turkey, with 76 search and rescue specialists set to arrive in the country this evening. It said it was also sending an emergency medical team. 'The UK is sending immediate support to Turkiye including a team of 76 search & rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs,' Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said. 'In Syria, the UK-funded White Helmets have mobilised their resources to respond. We stand ready to provide further support as needed.' Prime Minister Rishi Sunak echoed his foreign secretary's statement, saying: 'My thoughts are with the people of Turkey and Syria this morning, particularly with those first responders working so valiantly to save those trapped by the earthquake. The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can.' An injured man and child await treatment at the emergency ward of the Bab al-Hawa hospital following an earthquake, in the rebel-held northern countryside of Syria's Idlib province on the border with Turkey, early on February 6, 2023. Patients have flocked to hospitals after the quake in the early hours on Monday. Many were asleep as their homes came down Pictured: An injured child is seen being carried to the emergency ward of the Bab al-Hawa hospital following an earthquake, early on February 6, 2023 Two injured men and a child receive treatment at the Bab al-Hawa hospital following an earthquake, early on February 6, 2023. Hospitals were quickly overwhelmed by people being rushed for treatment following the huge earthquake Picturd: People injured in a morning earthquake receive treatment at al-Rahma hospital in Syria's town of Darkush, on the outskirts of the rebel-held northwestern province of Idlib Pictured: Three patients are seen in al-Rahma hospital in Syria's town of Darkush, on the outskirts of the rebel-held northwestern province of Idlib, after being injured in the quake Pictured: A view of destroyed apartment block in Yurt neighborhood of Cukurova district after the earthquake in Adana, Turkey brough hundreds of buildings to the ground Residents of a collapsed building look on in shock in Maltaya, Turkey after it came down in the earthquake in the early hours of Monday morning Pictured: Rescuers are seen in the Syrian city of Hama trying to pull people from the rubble. Hundreds have been killed in the quake on both sides of the border A mangled building is seen, with cars crushed below, in Gaziantep, as civilians scour the wreckage for survivors in near-freezing temperatures Rescue workers in Adana, Turkey, are seen scouring the rubble for survivors On the ground in Syria, Fared Al Mahlool, a local journalist based in the country, tweeted video showing collapsed houses and people scrabbling through the rubble. 'Here in the city of Salqin in rural Idlib, Syria,' he wrote. 'We hit a violent earthquake and destroyed everything. Buildings destroyed and people under rubble.' In northwest Syria, authorities in the region as 'disastrous' adding that entire buildings have collapsed and people are trapped under the rubble. The quake smashed opposition-held regions that are packed with some four million Syrians displaced from other parts of the country by the long civil war. Many of them live in decrepit conditions with little health care. At least 11 were killed in one Syrian town, Atmeh, and many more were buried in the rubble, a doctor in the town, Muheeb Qaddour, told The Associated Press by telephone. 'We fear that the deaths are in the hundreds,' Qaddour said, referring to the rebel-held northwest. We are under extreme pressure.' The civil defense urged people to evacuate buildings to gather in open areas. Emergency rooms were full of injured, said Amjad Rass, president of the Syrian American Medical Society. Pictured: A view of a destroyed building after 7.8-magnitude earthquake jolted the region Buildings collapsed during the strong tremors that rocked Turkey and Syria. Pictured: A destroyed building is seen in Diyarbakir, in Turkey's Kahramanmaras province The earthquake came as the Middle East is experiencing a snowstorm that is expected to continue until Thursday, meaning residents left homeless have painful days ahead Vehicles were smashed as buildings tumbled down in the powerful earthquake on Monday A view of the destroyed buildings after earthquakes jolts Turkiye's provinces, on February 6, 2023 in Malatya, in the early hours of Monday morning A collapsed building is seen following an earthquake in Pazarcik, in Kahramanmaras province, southern Turkey Syria's state media reported that some buildings collapsed in the northern city of Aleppo and the central city of Hama. In Damascus, buildings shook and many people went down to the streets in fear. 'Paintings fell off the walls in the house,' said Samer, a resident of the Syrian city. 'I woke up terrified. Now we're all dressed and standing at the door.' In north-west Syria, the quake added new woes to the opposition-held enclave centred on the province of Idlib, which has been under siege for years, with frequent Russian and government air strikes. The territory depends on a flow of aid from nearby Turkey for everything from food to medical supplies. The opposition's Syrian Civil Defence described the situation there as 'disastrous', adding that entire buildings have collapsed and people are trapped under rubble. Turkey is in one of the world's most active earthquake zones, sitting in a fault line. The Turkish region of Duzce suffered a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in 1999 - the worst to hit Turkey in decades. That quake killed more than 17,000 people, including about 1,000 in Istanbul. Experts have long warned a large quake could devastate Istanbul, which has allowed widespread building without safety precautions. A magnitude-6.8 quake hit Elazig in January 2020, killing more than 40 people. And in October that year, a magnitude-7.0 quake hit Turkey's Aegean coast, killing 114 people and wounding more than 1,000. The last 7.8-magnitude tremor shook Turkey in 1939, when 33,000 died in the eastern province of Erzincan. An Arizona rancher has been charged with first-degree murder and had his bail set at a whopping $1million for fatally shooting a Mexican citizen on his property. George Alan Kelly, 73, was arrested following the January 30 fatal shooting of Gabriel Cuen-Butimea, 48, on his ranch in Kino Springs, just a mile and a half north of the US-Mexico border. Authorities are still investigating the fatal shooting, with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's chief deputy saying it does not appear that Kelly knew Cuen-Butimea ahead of the shooting. But a friend of Kelly's told KOLD he has had issues with people on his property in the past, though he believes Kelly acted in the best faith. Cuen-Butimea, meanwhile, has had a history of illegally crossing the US-Mexico border, according to federal court records, and was deported back to his home country multiple times most recently in 2016. And just hours before the fatal shooting, Nogales International reports, US Border Patrol agents informed the county sheriff's department of a 'possible active shooter' at the scene, with a man identifying himself as 'Allen' saying he was not sure if he was getting shot himself. George Alan Kelly, 73, is facing first-degree murder charges for shooting a Mexican migrant on his property on January 30 Kelly's ranch in Kino Springs, Arizona is just a mile and a half north of the Mexico border Kelly's ranch in Kino Springs, Arizona is just a mile and a half north of the Mexico border Santa Cruz County Sheriff's officials have said they discovered Cuen-Butimea's body just about 100 to 150 yards from Kelly's home on January 30. The victim appeared to have suffered from one gunshot wound. The Nogales, Mexico resident's identity was later confirmed because of a Mexican voter registration card he carried. Officials say they are still trying to clarify the circumstances surrounding the shooting and establish a motive, with Chief Deputy Gerardo Castillo saying: 'It doesn't seem like Mr. Kelly and the [victim] knew each other.' But under Arizona law, deadly force is allowed on one's own property if the homeowner believes it 'immediately necessary' to prevent trespassing. Several other statutes known as the 'stand your ground' laws also defend the use of physical or deadly force when a homeowner fears a threat and believes force is necessary. Kelly's neighbor, Maria Castillo, has said that migrants who crossed the border are often seen coming and going around the area. Federal court records show Cuen-Butimea has had a history of illegal border crossings and deportations in and around Nogales, with the most recent documented case in 2016. Castillo would not comment on Cuen-Butimea's immigration status, saying it has not yet been confirmed. The body of Nogales, Mexico resident Gabriel Cuen-Butimea, 48, was found on Kelly's sprawling ranch Neighbor Maria Castillo, has said that migrants who crossed the border are often seen coming and going around the area According to a sheriff's dispatch report obtained by Nogales International, the office first received a call at around 2.40pm on January 30 from US Border Patrol agents, relaying information about a 'possible active shooter' in the area of Sagebrush Road. The Border Patrol agents had apparently received a report from someone at the scene, who mentioned a 'group of people running' and said he was 'unsure if he was getting shot at as well.' The entry identified the person as 'Allen.' Castillo said the sheriff's department responded to the call, but did not find anything. Just a few hours later, though, at around 5.50pm, sheriff's deputies received another report of shots fired at the property, and by 6.42pm they recovered Cuen-Butimea's body. Authorities have said there was no weapon on the victim at the time, and investigators had collected two assault-style rifles from Kelly's property in the aftermath to determine whether either were used in the shooting. Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Gerardo Castillo has said the office is still investigating the incident At his last court hearing, Kelly asked a judge about getting his bail reduced, citing his wife living at the ranch. 'She's there by herself... nobody to take care of her, the livestock or the ranch,' he said, according to Nogales International. Kelly appears to be an author, writing about life as a rancher in southern Arizona 'And I'm not going anywhere. I can't come up with a million dollars,' he said, before asking the judge to 'consider reducing it to any degree,' The judge replied that his attorney would be able to request a reduction of bond, though it is unclear whether that request was made. Local attorney Brenna Larkin, who was appointed by the court to represent Kelly, did not immediately return a call seeking comment on the charge against him. DailyMail.com has also reached out to Kelly's family members for comment. The Kellys had previously sued to prevent a golf station from being built in Kino Springs, court documents show, seeking damages of $2,000,000. It is also unclear what happened in that case. Kelly is now being held at the Santa Cruz County Jail, and is set to return to court on Wednesday. He has identified himself in court as a rancher, but also appears to dabble in self-published fiction about ranch life in the border region One of his books, available as an ebook on Amazon, is entitled Far Beyond the Border Fence and is described as 'bringing the Mexican border/ drug conflict into the 21st century.' The protagonists of the story are a couple whose first names match Kelly's and his wife, Wanda's, with a child baring his son's name. The 57-page work revolves around the couple living in southern Arizona at the VMR Ranch Kelly and his wife's real-life ranch is called Vermilion Mountain Ranch. It describes how the character George and his foreman 'had to patrol the ranch daily, armed with AK-47s.' US President Joe Biden will deliver his second State of the Union Address on Tuesday night and attempt to ease national worries and doubts about his administration. Biden's speech today will be made before a politically divided Congress as the country strives to understand perplexing issues at home and abroad, including economic instability, an exhausting conflict in Ukraine, and rising tensions with China, and cautiously evaluates Joe Biden's preparedness for reelection, according to AP News. Im delivering my second State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 7 at 9 PM ET. Ill report on the progress weve made together over the last two years and on the state of our nation. Tune in at https://t.co/GPBtrLBCvT. pic.twitter.com/Aq7tcOSc60 President Biden (@POTUS) February 6, 2023 Joe Biden is expected to restate his demands for Congress to pass a clean measure that raises the debt ceiling without any restrictions. He claims that Congress must do so. On Wednesday, Biden met with Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). Though neither party committed, McCarthy left the meeting optimistic about a compromise, per The Hill. Read Also: Neo-Nazi Leader Arrested For Planned Attack Joe Biden is anticipated to use the address to kick off the 2024 presidential campaign with a list of policy goals that Congress may or may not endorse. The Biden State of the Union Address will also highlight economic accomplishments after the COVID-19 recession, contrast Republican aims, and propose "unity" initiatives to unite the two major parties, according to Reuters. Special Guests in Attendance At Biden's speech today, first lady Jill Biden will sit with rock musician Bono, the 26-year-old who disarmed a shooter in last month's Monterey Park, California, massacre, and Tyre Nichols' family. The White House claimed the guests in the Biden State of the Union Address were selected "because they personify issues or themes to be addressed" by the President in his speech or exemplify the Biden-Harris Administration's policies in action for the Americans. President Joe Biden will more likely mention some guests by name during his address. Related Article: Do Americans Want Donald Trump v. Joe Biden Rematch? @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A teenager was so excited about a new 7-Eleven store coming to his regional town he camped out all night to make sure he was first in line when it opened its door. Recent school leaver Baxter Allen got his wish to become the first customer of the first 7-Eleven in Maryborough, Queensland, 255km north of Brisbane last week. The enthusiastic teen was so passionate about the new convenience store, he said it was a 'once in a lifetime experience' and was most looking forward to the donuts. Teenager Baxter Allen (pictured second left with store employees) was so excited about a new 7-Eleven opening in his regional town he camped out all night to make sure he was first in line Mr Allen waited a long time for the big day, having first noticed fencing and signage around the future shop location in October 2021. When the opening day was finally announced, he knew he had to camp out to make sure he was first in line to experience everything the new shop had to offer. 'I've just left school, it's a lot of fun,' he told 7News. 'It shows I'm committed, passionate and overall it was a great experience. I couldn't have looked forward to it more.' His love of the store extends to 'everything about 7-Eleven, especially bringing it to regional Maryborough, it's a really good sign for our town and community. '7-Eleven coming here is a very positive step forward,' he said. Mr Allen said he was most looking forward to the sweet treats 7-Eleven is famed for, such as Krispy Kreme donuts (pictured) Mr Allen said he was most looking forward to the sort of sweet treats 7-Eleven is famed for. 'I'm sure everyone would agree that Krispy Kreme (donuts) are the best shout. Also Slurpees, they're pretty good, they're on the agenda,' he said. If his passionate response to the opening of a shop sounds like he wants to work there, it's because he does. He said camping out was a case of 'putting yourself out there. It's a bit extreme, I guess you could say ... but it was just a lot of fun. I saw the opportunity and I took it.' Many of the hundreds of comments on his story complimented Mr Allen. 'So proud of this young man. People say the youth of today are uninspired, and ultimately useless. This kid has broken the mould!' wrote one. Online commenters praised Baxter Allen (pictured) for his commitment, but some said there was more to life that waiting for a new 7-Eleven shop to open Another said 'What a great example to anyone who's ever dared to dream big!! 10 out of 10 for courage, bravery, and Putting yourself out there as you say.' 'This young fella just outsmarted every other kid in town. no resume needed good on ya young fella,' said a third. Some, however, thought he went too far. Someone get this kid to contact me, Im taking him out for a weekend. Theres more to life than 7/11,' one said. This led to a humorous reply of 'More to life than 7/11? Not in Maryborough mate.' Some of the Facebook posters were almost as enthusiastic about the new 7-Eleven as Mr Allen, with one saying 'I went into this place this arvo. Was so amazing ... 'Thank you to all the beautiful staff ... So happy we finally have 1 here.' Many others also shared their love of the donut brand sold in 7-Eleven. 'Good on ya legend! I'm passionate about Krispy Kreme donuts too,' said one. The first photos of the F-22 Raptor which shot down the spy balloon have been published - as it emerged the U.S. used U2 spy planes, first deployed during the Cold War, to monitor the Chinese balloon. This comes as reports suggested that similar balloons were spotted previously in two more highly-sensitive military sites in Virginia and California, but the intelligence community classified them as UFOs. The U-2S Dragon Lady spy planes were enlisted as part of last week's scramble to assess the balloon because they are able to fly at extremely high altitude. The balloon was at 60,000ft, and U-2S routinely fly above 70,000ft: most fighter jets fly at an altitude between 45,000 and 51,000ft. The U-2S was deployed both to observe the Chinese balloon from above, and to potentially block the transmission of any data which it was collecting. It is not clear when the U-2S was deployed, or for which parts of the spy balloon's seven-day odyssey across the U.S. The F-22 Raptor is seen taking off on Saturday from Joint Base Langley-Eustis A U-2S Dragon Lady is seen in action. The planes can fly at an altitude of 70,000ft, and were used last week to fly above the Chinese spy balloon The spy balloon is seen drifting above the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of South Carolina, on Saturday - with a fighter jet and its contrail seen below it The use of the U-2S was first reported by The War Zone. The single-seat, single-engine planes were first launched in 1955, and even today are widely seen as the most difficult aircraft in the world to fly. Pilots must wear a full pressure suit similar to those worn by astronauts, and landing is extremely precarious, due to limited visibility thanks to the plane's long nose. 'The U-2 is capable of gathering a variety of imagery, including multi-spectral electro-optic, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar products which can be stored or sent to ground exploitation centers,' the Air Force states. 'In addition, it also supports high-resolution, broad-area synoptic coverage provided by the optical bar camera producing traditional film products which are developed and analyzed after landing.' The United States air force has 33 U-2S, based at the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California. The U-2, with its glider-like wings, is seen on a reconnaissance mission A U-2 pilot is seen being assisted with their special pressurized suit. The planes are widely considered the hardest to fly Officials said the first spy balloon that traveled across the US fell six miles off the coast of South Carolina in waters about 47 feet deep. They noted that a proper salvage vessel won't be on the scene for days as the race is on to secure the wreckage They are often deployed worldwide to give 'indications of recent activity in areas of interest', the Air Force states, They are also used to 'reveal efforts to conceal the placement or true nature of man-made objects', and assist in humanitarian disasters such as floods or earthquakes. As the row about the spy balloon continues, and Republicans repeatedly ask why Joe Biden did not order it to be shot down when it first entered U.S. air space, the Pentagon confirmed two more sightings of spy balloons. The first spy balloon under the Biden administration was described as arriving 'early' in his term, with the balloon described as passing over continental U.S. Officials did not specify where. A second spy balloon crashed into the Pacific off Hawaii four months ago, around October 2022. And the third spy balloon, the most recent, entered U.S. airspace above Alaska on January 28, and was seen from the ground and from commercial airliners above Montana on February 1. On February 4 it was shot down off the coast of South Carolina. Biden wanted to shoot it down as soon as he was informed, on February 1, but Pentagon chiefs told him it was too risky, and could injure people and damage property below. An F-22 Raptor fighter jet fired a single AIM-9X missile to take down a Chinese spy balloon and its payload, which was equipped with cameras, sensors and radars A SHORT HISTORY OF SPY BALLOON SIGHTINGS Under Donald Trump Texas Florida Norfolk, Virginia Coronado, California Hawaii Guam Under Joe Biden Early in 2021: over continental USA Oct 2022: Balloon crashed off Hawaii Jan-Feb 2023: Balloon flies over US, from Alaska to South Carolina, and is shot down on February 4 Feb 2023: Balloon flying above South America, spotted over northern Colombia Advertisement Donald Trump has led criticism of Biden for not shooting it down, but Pentagon bosses subsequently said there were several incursions while Trump was in the White House. He angrily denied their claim, and both his Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, and National Security Advisor, John Bolton, said they too were surprised to hear there were Chinese spy balloons over the U.S. under their watch. General Glen VanHerck, the head of U.S. Northern Command, said on Monday that the Defense Department 'did not detect' the previous balloons, adding that the intelligence community was made aware of them through other means of information collection. Reports then suggested that these officials were aware of the incursions, but did not raise the matter with the top leaders in the Pentagon or White House, classifying them instead as 'unidentified aerial phenomena,' or U.F.O.s, sources told The New York Times. Officials, working in recent years with renewed energy to investigate U.F.O.s, then concluded that sightings previously noted were in fact spy balloons. 'We did not detect those threats,' VanHerck told reporters. 'The intel community after the fact I believe as has been briefed already assessed those threats from additional means of collection and made us aware of those balloons that were previously approaching North America or transited North America.' A growing number of sightings has now been recorded as Chinese spy balloon incursions. The spy balloon is pictured being shot out of the sky on Saturday above South Carolina Last week, it was confirmed that Hawaii and Guam had both detected spy balloons - both island sites have large military bases. At the weekend, Florida and Texas were confirmed as locations for a sighting under the Trump administration. On Monday, Bloomberg reported that Chinese spy balloons had additionally been sighted over Norfolk, Virginia and Coronado, California, while Trump was in office. Both locations are home to air craft carriers. The tally now stands at six incursions during Trump's administration, and three under Biden - with a fourth balloon currently drifting above South America, heading north across Colombia. VanHerck said that it was troubling that the Pentagon did not detect and correctly identify the balloons immediately, and said they were now working with urgency to improve their detection capabilities. 'I will tell you that we did not detect those threats,' he said. 'And that's a domain awareness gap that we have to figure out.' The unit has a mattress for a bed and has missing doors Person would not need to pay rent but would have to clean An unsettling rental ad invited a woman to share a one-bedroom unit in return for a mattress on the floor as a bed, no bathroom door and multiple locks on the front door. Small business owner Rachel McQueen, who regularly posts videos of shady rental listings, posted a clip to TikTok analysing the strange ad from Facebook Marketplace. The listing was for a one-bedroom unit at Granville in western Sydney, where the current occupant is looking for a woman to live with him for free in exchange for teaching him English. 'Hi friends I need to learn english so I'm after a woman how (sic) except (sic) to live with me in my One bedroom unit to benefit from having chat with her,' the ad reads. @rachmcqueen1 @Australian Labor Party just FYI, this is where we are at as a society. This is not the first time we have seen someone advertising for a sl*v3 on facebook. However this one is specifically asking for a woman, and this is by far the worst conditions weve seen being offered. As a society we have been driven to a place where someone would accept this out of desperation and that is mot even scratching the surface of all the ways this is messed up. Sleeping on the floor next to their bed, no door on the bathroom, I just cant deal. #realestatewithrachel #housingcrisisaustralia #rentalcrisisaustralia #realestateaustralia #shitrentals #slumlords #sydneyrentals #truecrimeaustralia #truecrimestories #truecrimeaus original sound - Rach McQueen TikTok user Rachael McQueen (pictured), who regularly posts about shady real estate listings, shared a clip of an unsettling rental listing for a one bedroom unit at Granville in Sydney's west 'This one (listing) is for all my true crime enthusiasts out there,' Ms McQueen says in her video. 'This could be innocent but also it could not be so let's guess what's going on here. This room is free but it's listed on Facebook Marketplace, so totally unregulated.' After reading out the listing description, Ms McQueen claims the occupant also wants a woman to provide 'comfort'. 'I do have screenshots from someone enquiring about this property and they do expect you to keep it clean in exchange for staying there and they also said the reason they want a woman is for 'comforting',' she continues. 'We don't know if that's a language barrier or they meant that literally.' She then shows several images of the inside of the apartment. One image of the bedroom shows a single mattress on the floor, next to the occupant's bed, which is blocking a door at the back of the room. Photos of the kitchen reveal there is no door separating the kitchen from the bedroom, with the occupant using a shower curtain instead. A shower curtain has also been used instead of a door for the bathroom, while the shower in the bathroom, weirdly, has a glass door rather than a curtain. Photos from the ad show a mattress on the floor for a bed, shower curtains for doors and multiple locks on the front door One unnerving image of the kitchen shows the front door with multiple locks. 'I understand these locks are on the inside and not the outside so they're not stopping you from being able to escape but we don't know what's on the other side of that door and this is still giving me a vibe that I'm not really comfortable with,' Ms McQueen says. 'This door could be an indication about many things. It could be about the safety of the area, it could be about the paranoia of the person living in the apartment, it could be about the safety of the woman who will be sleeping on the floor of this apartment like a dog while acting as this person's mate.' One viewer commented: 'The sad part is someone will take them up on this offer to avoid being homeless. The government needs to hurry and ban Airbnb from suburban areas.' Another said: 'In which part of the world is this ok to post as a place to stay? I want to know. Im curious.' Ms McQueen claims the police have been informed about the ad. The rental listing has since been removed from Facebook Marketplace. It was revealed he stalked her for several weeks before killing her The man charged with the outback murder of a student nurse has pleaded guilty as it was revealed he stalked her for several weeks. Tarikjot Singh, 22, who was known to Ms Kaur, abducted and killed her after she finished her shift at a nursing home in Adelaide at 10pm on March 5, 2021. The Adelaide man abducted her from her workplace in North Plympton in a borrowed blue 2009 Holden Commodore. Jasmeen Kaur was last seen alive at at 10pm at her Adelaide nursing job Singh pleaded guilty to the murder of Ms Kaur as it was revealed he stalked her for several weeks On Tuesday Singh appeared in prison greens in the South Australian Supreme Court. When asked how did he plead, he replied 'guilty'. He now faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Previously Singh entered a not guilty plea and was due to stand trial from March. Singh is alleged to have stalked Ms Kaur for weeks before abducting her. He was arrested after her body was found in a shallow grave at Moralana Creek on March 7, 2021. Singh inadvertently led SA police to Ms Kaurs makeshift gravesite earlier that day. He was initially charged with failing to notify police of a reportable death. The car, which he borrowed from a friend for one day, was detected by multiple cameras heading north later that night. Singh was arrested after Ms Kaur's body was found in a shallow grave at Moralana Creek on March 7, 2021 Singh could not be identified until a court suppression order ended this week. He was in Australia on a student visa and had spent time in a short-stay mental health facility, the court heard. Justice Adam Kimber will set a non-parole period after sentencing submissions are heard. Outside the courthouse, Ms Kaurs aunt, Ramandeep Kharoud, said her family believed Singh was guilty from 'day one'. So they were 'pleased and satisfied' that Singh admitted his guilt. 'Nothing will bring Jasmeen back but we are pleased that she will get some justice,' Ms Kharoud said. An Australian woman has been called out after she criticised Sydney Airport's new sign for being 'woke'. Kobie Thatcher took to Twitter to post a picture of the airport sign on Saturday, which has been changed ahead of World Pride that starts on February 17th. The sign reads 'SYD' and is decked out in the colours of the progress LGBTQ+ flag with the letter S in pink and blue to depict trans people. There are also black and brown stripes to depict LGBTQ people from an ethnic minority background. Ms Thatcher slammed the sign online. 'International travellers are now greeted with a woke welcome arriving at Sydney airport,' she said. 'Couldnt we just have a neutral sign instead of another unnecessary display of virtue signalling?' Kobie Thatcher took to Twitter to post a picture of the airport sign on Saturday She said: 'International travellers are now greeted with a woke welcome arriving at Sydney airport' She told Daily Mail Australia that she had received backlash following the post: 'I think Australia has always been a welcoming and accepting place for people of all sexual orientations. 'I think many people, however, are getting tired of seeing these types of displays that are becoming increasingly common and really only represent a small percentage of our population. 'I have received some criticism for speaking out against this, but I think it is important for the majority to stand up and push back against this woke, virtue-signalling ideology that has become so prevalent in our society in recent years.' Her post triggered an avalanche of responses, with some agreeing with her while others dismissed her concerns. One supporter said: 'This country is totally woke.' Another said: 'It's probably good to let them know what they are in for but I agree it's not appropriate.' While a third asked: 'Why do we have a welcome sign pertaining to one small section of the community? And even half of them are either not fussed, or embarrassed by it. Appealing to a fringe segment of society is the new 'diversity'.' However, she also received a flood of criticism from Australians who support the sign. One critic replied to her tweet: 'Grow up. Do you even know what "being woke" is?' Another said: 'It probably means a lot to young LGBTQI+ plus young people struggling to be themselves.' While a third pointed out: 'Sydney is literally hosting its largest event since the 2000 Olympics, World Pride! Surely you can understand why the airport may want to welcome attendees?' A fourth added: 'It probably means a lot to young LGBTQI+ plus young people struggling to be themselves. A fifth declared: 'Sydney is literally hosting its largest event since the 2000 Olympics, World Pride! Surely you can understand why the airport may want to welcome attendees!' Another agreed saying: 'Haven't you got anything better to do than be offended by some colours welcoming the thousands of LGBTIQ+ travellers arriving in Sydney for World Pride?' The WorldPride festival in Sydney will run from February 17 to March 5 featuring hundreds of events with organisers expecting about 500,000 partygoers to attend the celebrations. The festival will coincide with the city's 50th Australian Gay Pride Week, 45th Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. To mark the significant milestones the Sydney Harbour Bridge was lit up in the colours of the Rainbow Flag for New Year's Eve fireworks. During the festival the bridge will be closed to traffic to allow for a Pride March. This will be the first time the bridge has closed since the World Youth Day celebrations in 2008. Fiona Bruce was found to have broken BBC rules after she inaccurately claimed that a Question Time audience wanted an immediate general election. After investigating a complaint about the episode which aired in October, the corporation admitted her summary of audience opinion fell short of the BBCs standards of accuracy. She had said almost all of the audience wanted to go to the polls, but BBC analysis showed about half had not raised their hands in favour of this. The corporation is said to have acknowledged that Ms Bruces summary of the show of hands had been mistaken, having only had a few seconds to quickly scan the audience. It added: Ms Bruces summary fell short of the BBCs standards of accuracy and this aspect of the complaint was upheld. The BBC have found that Fiona Bruce's summary of audience opinion fell short of the BBCs standards of accuracy A finding by the BBCs Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) said this aspect of the complaint was upheld. On the programme Ms Bruce, 58, had asked for an audience show of hands on whether there should be an immediate general election. She then went on to summarise the result as thats almost all of you...not quite all of you but almost... This sparked a complaint from a viewer and said it had been inaccurate and had skewed the subsequent debate. The finding said the subsequent discussion had included a range of views on the subject, which meant the output had been duly impartial. For this reason the complaint was partly upheld and the finding was reported to the BBC News board and discussed with the journalists responsible. Britain joined an international aid effort to help the rescue operation in Turkey. A team of 76 search and rescue specialists, with life-saving equipment and rescue dogs, was due to arrive in Gaziantep last night. Britain also sent an emergency medical team to assess the situation in Turkey, and will work with the UN to support rescuers in Syria, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said. Rishi Sunak paid tribute to the rescue effort, adding: 'The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can.' Countries around the world pledged aid and support for Turkey and Syria including war-torn Ukraine. Britain also sent an emergency medical team to assess the situation in Turkey, and will work with the UN to support rescuers in Syria, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said Rishi Sunak paid tribute to the rescue effort, adding: 'The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can' Kyiv's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said Ukraine was ready to send rescue workers to Turkey, even as it prepared for further military onslaughts from Russia. The EU activated its Copernicus satellite system to provide emergency mapping, and mobilised search and rescue teams. At least 13 EU countries have offered assistance, including Turkey's historic rival Greece, which is sending a rescuers and doctors. The US said it would send teams to support search and rescue efforts in Turkey, while rescue teams from Russia were preparing to fly to Syria. Israel also dispatched teams to Turkey, and said it had approved a request for humanitarian aid for Syria, despite the historic enmity between the countries. Dominic Raab tried to get a Cabinet member sacked after a robust disagreement over human rights, it has been said. The Deputy Prime Minister was claimed to have been enraged by an article Sir Robert Buckland, a former justice secretary, wrote in summer last year criticising Mr Raabs plans for a British Bill of Rights. A source described Mr Raabs behaviour as very punchy, and claimed Rishi Sunak had been told about it at the time. In a Daily Telegraph article, Sir Robert said the scope of the Bill was extremely wide and risked politicising the courts. Justice Secretary Dominic Raab is being investigated over bullying allegations with dozens of officials thought to be involved in eight formal complaints Before publication Mr Raab told him that if he went ahead with it he would report him for breaking the ministerial code, Sir Robert told friends at the time. An ally of Sir Robert told The Times: Doms behaviour was very odd, very punchy. It shows hell do whatever it takes to get his way. Sir Robert said: There are robust disagreements in politics... Weve moved on. Mr Raab is under investigation for bullying after several civil servants complained. Embattled former television presenter Andrew O'Keefe has suffered an embarrassing wardrobe mishap as he strode into court on Tuesday. The 51-year-old was set to face a second day's hearings in the Downing Centre local court over charges of common assault, contravening an AVO, resisting a police officer and assault occasioning actual bodily harm related to an incident in 2021. Dressed in a stone linen suit and bright striped tie, the former TV presenter appeared polished - except he'd forgotten to zip up his fly. Former Deal or No Deal star Andrew O'Keefe arrived at Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney on Tuesday and confidently strode through waiting media The hearing began its second day on Tuesday morning, but the court was closed to allow the complainant to give evidence. The court was played footage of a woman who was allegedly spat on, kicked and hit by O'Keefe on September 8 2021. 'I see you have stuff on your arm there - did he do that?' attending Constable Elissa Major asked the woman. 'Yep' the woman replies in the footage through tears. Two clips of O'Keefe were also played in court, one from later in the night at St Vincent's Hospital where he tells officers the woman 'has a history of making outrageous claims'. The other played before Magistrate Alison Viney on Monday showed O'Keefe sprawled out on the front steps of his apartment complex complaining of chest pain. In the video, O'Keefe is heard groaning and complaining of having something 'chesty'. 'I'm not sure (what it is) ... I've never felt it before,' he told police. O'Keefe was once one of the Seven Network's brightest stars but was dropped from their roster after his legal woes emerged Footage showed police finding the complainant seen crying and holding her wrist, which was covered in scratches. When police approached O'Keefe in the footage to ask questions, he was seen shutting them down. 'I will not make any comments without a lawyer present ... they are making claims against me which are false,' he told Constable Elissa Major. O'Keefe's defence barrister, Richard Pontello SC, asked Constable Major about a conversation where the former TV star said the complainant allegedly 'inflicted the abrasion on herself'. 'Did he say, 'I'm sure it was unintentional and was an unconscious or absent minded physical reaction to stress',' Mr Pontello asked. Constable Major replied: 'Those words were not said.' O'Keefe scoffed and shook his head. On Monday afternoon, O'Keefe told media he was 'relieved' after a raft of charges were dropped relating to another case and complainant. 'I'm not surprised but relieved about the charges that have been dropped,' he said, while throwing up a 'peace sign' at the cameras otherwise known as 'v for victory' symbol. Police prosecutor Michael Cleaver on Monday withdrew six charges relating to the incident, including two counts of intentionally choking a person without consent, three counts of common assault and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. O'Keefe pleaded guilty to one count of contravening an apprehended violence order. He spent almost five months in custody on remand after he was charged with the offences and was granted strict bail by the NSW Supreme Court in May 2022 to reside at a long-term residential rehabilitation facility in Port Stephens. The former host of the popular game show The Chase Australia was initially accused by police of grabbing a 38-year-old woman by the throat on January 25 last year The former TV star has faced a different kind of spotlight since the assault allegations came to light, after a long career with Channel 7. O'Keefe appeared as the face of many programs for the broadcaster, from Deal or No Deal to Weekend Sunrise. He served on the National Council for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and founded the well-known White Ribbon Australia organisation dedicated to the cause. In 2017, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his charity work and accomplishments in television. The hearing continues before Magistrate Viney. North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un's alleged absence before this week's mass parade has sparked rumors about his health. Kim Jong Un may not attend the mass parade in the capital of North Korea, Pyongyang, because he has not been seen in public for one month. According to media sources, Kim Jong Un skipped his third Polibuto meeting. Kim Jong Un Rumored Health Issue This is Kim's second-longest public absence since 2014 when he vanished for forty days. In May 2021 and April 2020, he took shorter vacations. According to NK News, the Politburo meeting was headed by the North Korean leader's right-hand man, Jo Wong Won. As the nation prepares for the mass parades that will be placed on Tuesday and Wednesday, it remains to be known if Kim Jong Un will participate in the parade. The marches would commemorate the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People's Army. However, the parade may be used by the supreme leader to display the latest nuclear weapons and missiles from North Korea's expanding nuclear weapons and missile program, which is also a major concern for the United States and its Asian allies. According to Republic World, Kim Jong Un disappeared for about six weeks in 2014 before reappearing with a walking stick. After his disappearance, rumors circulated that he had surgery to remove a cyst from his ankle, as the South Korean intelligence agency alleged. However, the most plausible explanation was that Kim had sequestered himself due to the coronavirus outbreak. Kim Jong Un was last seen in public in April 2022, during a big civilian parade honoring the birthday of the nation's founder, Kim Il-sung. According to North Korean media, Kim could be seen waving from a balcony overlooking the expansive square in Pyongyang named for his grandfather, Kim Il-sung. At the same time, massive columns of people holding red plastic flowers and floats bearing political slogans marched. Read Also: Vladimir Putin Vows Not To Kill Volodymyr Zelensky North Korea's 75th Founding Anniversary Fox News stated that the parade commemorating the 75th foundation anniversary of the Korean People's Army is anticipated to take place on Tuesday or Wednesday. It is unknown if Kim Jong Un will emerge from hiding and make an appearance. Kim may use the ceremony to display the newest components of his expanding nuclear weapons and missile program, a source of concern for the United States and its Asian allies. As it blasted US plans to increase its joint drill with South Korea and deploy more advanced military equipment like bombers and aircraft carriers to the area, North Korea promised this week to confront US military maneuvers with the "most overwhelming nuclear force." North Korea launched around seventy ballistic missiles in 2022, including possibly nuclear-capable missiles aimed at attacking South Korean or US mainland targets. It also launched what it characterized as simulated nuclear assaults on South Korean and US sites in retaliation for the Trump administration's downsizing of enhanced US military drills with South Korea. This month, a new North Korean propaganda video highlighting last year's 'worst-ever sufferings' depicted their authoritarian leader limping down a flight of stairs. This latest lengthy absence from public view has renewed fears about Kim Jong Un's health and a possible successor. According to a state media website, Kim Jong Un's absence from the public for 35 days coincides with another period of non-presence towards the end of 2021. Since January, satellite footage from the US-based monitoring site 38 North indicates that preparations for commemorating the founding of the Korean People's Army have been taking place in cold temperatures. Per Daily Mail, low-flying military planes have been observed at night in central Pyongyang. Recent public celebrations in North Korea have been staged in the dark because of concerns about food shortages. The country has also lately had to cope with the collapse of the uranium mine that supplies North Korea's nuclear weapons; the severity of the tragedy is evident from space. Related Article: North Korea To Send Personnel in Ukraine @YouTube @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. With fewer than 90 days to his coronation, King Charles stoically studies the near-calamities of his grandfather George VI's 1937 crowning, which included the Archbishop of Canterbury placing the St Edward's Crown back to front on his head. And while taking the Coronation Oath, the Bishops of Durham and Bath and Wells forgot the wording and the Archbishop had to 'hold his book down for me to read, but horror of horrors his thumb covered the words', wailed the king. He added: 'My Lord Great Chamberlain was supposed to dress me but I found his hands fumbled & shook so I had to fix the belt of the sword myself. As it was he nearly put the hilt of the sword under my chin.' Lots (not) to look forward to Charles! EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE: With fewer than 90 days to his coronation, King Charles stoically studies the near-calamities of his grandfather George VI's 1937 crowning (file image) King George, in his copious notes, described the Dean of Westminster trying to dress him in an inside-out colobium sindonis linen shift with HM's Groom of the Robes 'coming to the rescue'. He added forlornly that as he left the Coronation Chair he was stopped in his tracks. 'Owing to one of the Bishops treading on my robe, I had to tell him to get off it pretty sharply as I nearly fell down.' Doesn't it sound more like a prototype of It's A Royal Knockout? Charles, perhaps enjoying a chuckle over Harry's deflowering in a Cotswold field, might not find so amusing the claim of Carry On Cleo star Amanda Barrie that, aged 26, she was commissioned to take his virginity when he was a 16-year-old pupil at Gordonstoun. Invited to the Scottish home of actor James Robertson Justice to meet Charles, she was deemed suitable to seduce the heir. Amanda, pictured with Charles, recalls: 'I thought that because Charles was so young, it might be a dreadful experience and I might be blamed. I had to say "no".' Carry On Cleo star Amanda Barrie (right) pictured with Prince Charles at a fashion charity gala Ex-BBC North America editor Jon Sopel explains why former prime ministers are no longer entitled to the perk of staying at British ambassadors' residences overseas. 'This was introduced when Gordon Brown took over from Tony Blair,' claims Sopel. Apparently, Brown was so p***ed off that Blair was cavorting around the world, still expecting the red carpet treatment as a former prime minister. So he issued a directive to all ambassadors.' Strike one for Radio 4 presenter Sarah Montague, who described Sir Salman Rushdie as 'Mr' Rushdie on the World At One. And strike two, in an interview with Sir Salman's pal and former BBC creative director, for describing him as Sir Alan Yentob. Shouldn't Sarah know better? Officially she's Lady Brooke, wife of the 12th baronet Sir Christopher Brooke. Scholar Sir Anthony Seldon, asked on Times Radio for his opinion on the climactic finale to Sarah Lancashire and James Norton's BBC crime series, reflects: 'I thought Happy Valley was a yoghurt.' A shark has 'bumped' a lifesaver's surf-ski at a popular beach in Western Australia just days after a teen girl was mauled to death by a bull shark. Stella Berry, 16, was with friends on the banks of the Swan River in North Fremantle, Perth, on Saturday when she saw a pod of dolphins and jumped in the water about 3.30pm. She was bitten on the leg by a suspected bull shark and was unable to be saved despite the desperate efforts of witnesses and paramedics. On Tuesday, Mandurah Surf Life Saving club reported another shark sighting while training in the morning at Fourth Groyne in Silver Lands, south of Perth. Members of the club were 150m off shore when the shark, which has not been identified, bumped into a surf ski, which is a type of kayak made for the ocean. The scary sighting was reported to Surf Lifesavers Western Australia at 7.43am on Tuesday morning, with the club sharing an alert on Twitter three hours later. Mandura council has closed Fourth Groyne beach (pictured), south of Perth, after a surf lifesaver's jetski was 'bumped' by a shark 'Mandurah SLS club members undertaking training, have advised of a shark interaction,' the club wrote. 'Shark bumped surf ski from underneath.' The Western Australian Government's SharkSmart issued a warning for Fourth Groyne Surf Break near Mandurah. The City of Mandurah has since closed the beach in an effort to reduce the risk of a shark attack. It comes just three days after Ms Berry was mauled to death by a bull shark in North Fremantle. The Shenton College student was relaxing by a rope swing with her friends in the Swan River at about 3.30pm on February 4 when she saw a pod of dolphins. Moments later, bystanders heard a scream when a shark latched on to her leg. Stella was pulled from the river with critical injuries and died on the scene, despite the frantic efforts of witnesses and paramedics. It comes three days after a 16-year-old girl was fatally mauled by a bull shark (pictured) while swimming in North Fremantle, Western Australia After her tragic death, bystanders Luke Smith and Joshua Warwick described the moment they heard Stella scream in the water. 'There was this big scream and then we see a girl just jump off and we see a few fins,' Luke told 9News. 'We saw the police running down the hill, and we thought maybe they were chasing someone and then we saw a girl on the ground getting resuscitated.' Both teens had been swimming at the same spot 10 minutes earlier and said they were unsettled by the realisation they could've been attacked. Stella's parents Matt and Sophie Berry, who are both teachers, said they were 'devastated and deeply shocked'. 'Stella was a vibrant and happy girl with plans of living in Europe after school,' the couple wrote in a statement. 'She was a caring person and was a dear friend to many, across a variety of schools in the area. 'She had an infectious laugh which we couldn't help laughing at too when we heard it. 'She was a beautiful and loving big sister and the best daughter we could have hoped for.' Stella Berry (pictured) jumped into the Swan River after spotting a pod of dolphins but moments later was screaming for help when a bull shark latched onto her leg Stella's sister on Sunday posted an emotional tribute on social media. 'Thank you for your blessings. She was the best sister I could ever wish for, I would never change a thing about her,' her TikTok post read. The teenage girl once made headlines for her impressive design of an ocean pool that would stop the predators from attacking swimmers at a popular beach. It can now be revealed that Stella was featured in a local paper in 2017 for her design of a shark-free ocean pool for Perth's Cottesloe Beach, as part of a school engineering project. Stella, who was in Year 5 at St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls at the time, worked with one of her classmates to come up with a design for the ocean pool. There are many onerous obligations on any government, from funding public health and education to maintaining law and order. But none of these responsibilities is more crucial than the defence of the realm. If our security is compromised, then all other areas of national life are imperilled. And right now Britains military the guarantor of that security is dangerously overextended. Supporting Ukraine, combating cyber attacks and keeping a check on expansionist China have denuded the Ministry of Defences coffers. And thats without the many civic duties fulfilled by our servicemen and women, such as delivering Covid jabs, driving ambulances and manning our borders during strikes. Yet despite the mounting dangers and demands, defence spending is barely above the Nato benchmark of 2 per cent of GDP. When a senior US general tells Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (pictured) that the UK Army is no longer in the top tier of the Nato alliance, it really is time to worry Alarmingly, there are reports the MoD will receive no funding increase this year. If true, that is a very bad decision indeed. The military has been hollowed out for decades by spending cuts. The Army could soon shrink to 73,000 full-time troops the smallest since Waterloo. And while it is right we have sent tanks, artillery and other materiel to Ukraine, this further erodes Britains own defences. Its now so bad we are even said to be running out of ammunition. When a senior US general tells Defence Secretary Ben Wallace that the UK Army is no longer in the top tier of the Nato alliance, it really is time to worry. The Mail understands that public money is exceptionally tight in this economic downturn. But with so many threats to our security, the military stands between this country and potential disaster. Rishi Sunak must start taking defence more seriously. We cant rely on our ever-scheming enemies to leave us alone. Our mismanaged NHS Meanwhile, the senior military man brought in by ministers to assist the NHS during the pandemic has delivered a searing analysis of the deep-seated structural failings within the organisation. Asked to review its leadership, General Sir Gordon Messenger was brutally frank. He identified a lack of teamwork, blame culture, poor management of emerging talent and a general ducking of responsibility by those in charge. He concluded that ploughing in ever more money without a fundamental change in culture and leadership would be like painting the bedrooms without fixing the roof. Asked to review the NHS' leadership, General Sir Gordon Messenger was brutally frank. He identified a lack of teamwork, blame culture, poor management of emerging talent and a general ducking of responsibility by those in charge Hospital managers should reflect on these humbling criticisms as we suffer some of the worst strikes in NHS history. If they were more organised, they might be able to fund better pay out of existing budgets. Why, for instance, are they shelling out 400,000 PER DAY on private ambulances and taxis for patients instead of spending that money on creating an ambulance service that actually works? But striking staff should also realise they are making a bad situation infinitely worse and endangering the lives of patients. General Messenger criticised the lack of a collective instinct for everyone to rally round when problems arose. As these protracted strikes show, the unions and management are just as guilty as each other in that regard. And as ever its the patients who suffer. Jails in parts of the country are expected to run out of space within two weeks, it emerged yesterday. Prisoners will be housed in police cells instead of prisons in the North West and West Midlands, after the Ministry of Justice gave forces a fortnights notice to make preparations. It is the first time in 15 years that ministers have had to bring in the emergency measures, known as Operation Safeguard, with the initial phase understood to involve significantly less than 200 cells. A strike by criminal barristers earlier this year, along with the impact of Covid, has pushed the prison population to more than 82,000, with many remand prisoners awaiting trial. HMP Birmingham in Winson Green - one of the potential prisons that could be impacted in the West Midlands after the Ministry of Justice gave forces a fortnight's notice to make preparations for prisoners to be housed in police cells Operation Safeguard was triggered in November but this is the first time forces have been asked to make arrangements. An MoJ spokesman said: We have given notice to the National Police Chiefs Council to make available cells in police custody suites in the North of England and West Midlands as planned under Operation Safeguard. This will help ensure we have enough spaces to manage the short-term pressure on prison places - driven in part by the impact of the barristers strike and Covid pandemic. We are building 20,000 extra prison places and our newest prison is set to open in the spring. Operation Safeguard was last deployed under the former Labour government from 2006 until 2008, with the use of up to 500 police cells. A Welsh-speaking school has been put into special measures for letting children speak too much English. Inspectors found many of the 331 pupils at the primary 'turn to English naturally' when chatting and were not given enough chances to 'celebrate their Welshness'. They told teachers at Ysgol Pen-y-Garth in Penarth, South Wales, to put more focus on speaking the native language in and out of class. 'A majority of pupils turn to English naturally with their peers in lessons and informal situations,' said officials from Estyn, the Welsh version of regulators Ofsted. 'There are few opportunities for pupils to celebrate Welsh culture and traditions, for example through the expressive arts. Inspectors found many of the 331 pupils at the primary 'turn to English naturally' when chatting and were not given enough chances to 'celebrate their Welshness' 'Teachers also do not influence pupils consistently enough to speak Welsh when working independently and during their leisure time.' Inspectors said the school offered a 'broad curriculum' but were critical of teaching generally. Celebrate culture Their report said: 'The quality of teaching is inconsistent. 'At times, work that is incorrect is marked as being correct and given positive comments.' The school will be checked every four to six months and given areas to improve. Penarth consistently appears in lists of Britain's best places to live and is sought after for its seaside charm as well as its proximity to Cardiff. Police in California have released video footage of a double amputee creeping up and knifing a man on the sidewalk, moments before he was shot and killed by cops. Anthony Lowe Jr., a 36-year-old father-of-two, leaped out of his wheelchair at a gas station before stabbing a man in the torso, who was walking ahead of him in Huntington Park. The victim ended up stumbling into a busy road in the moments after the attack, at which point the police were called to the scene. The reason behind the attack is not yet clear, although Lowe's family have revealed he suffered from depression. Additional video footage shot from a gas station forecourt has been released in the case of Anthony Lowe, a double amputee who was shot and killed by police It sees Lowe getting out of his wheelchair creeping up on a pedestrian from behind, only to stab him in the torso without warning, leaving him critically injured The victim ended up stumbling into a busy road in the moments following the attack, and the police were called immediately after Lowe's family have expressed their disdain over the shooting, claiming that due to his disability, he posed no danger to the officers. The family are now planning to file a lawsuit against the police department and are calling for the officers involved to be prosecuted. Footage that was previously released saw Lowe walking with a knife in his hand, away from the police. The weapon has been described as a 12-inch butcher knife. Three officers can then be seen trying to detain him as he hurriedly moved along the sidewalk. At one point, Lowe turns towards the officers with their guns drawn, and raised the knife in what they perceived to be a threatening gesture or him possibly preparing to throw the object. Three officers can then be seen trying to detain him as he hurriedly moved along the sidewalk on his stumps At one point, Lowe turns towards the officers with their guns drawn, and raised the knife in what they perceived to be a threatening gesture or him possibly preparing to throw the object Officers finally opened fire at Lowe as he raised the knife above his head in what was perceived to be a 'threatening gesture' It was at that point that the police officers shot and killed him. Huntington Park Police Chief Cosme Lozano released the new footage a week and a half after the shooting, but declined to elaborate on the investigation. 'I fully recognize the need for answers and the impulse to rush to judgment, but we must allow peace and patience to guide us through this process,' Chief Lozano said during a press conference. The LA County Sheriff's department is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. So far it has been revealed how responding officers used a taser on Lowe twice, but it had no effect and he refused to drop the knife. Lowe's family insist there were alternative methods officers had at their disposal that could have used to subdue him without resorting to deadly force. Police were called to the scene and found Lowe a few blocks wielding a 12-inch butcher's knife. They claim he then tried to throw the knife at them Lowe Jr. was carrying a 12-inch knife which he had just used to stab someone. After failing to subdue him with their Tasers, the officers said they feared he was going to throw the knife at them Lowe turned and tried to hurry away from them, clutching a large butcher's knife in one hand Attorney Annee Della Donna, representing Lowe's mother, suggested the officers could have used their vehicles to block him in, or used rubber bullets. The attorney argues that there were many other options available to the officers besides shooting him in the street. 'They could have pulled their shields out of their vehicles if they were worried about getting hit by the knife. So many other options than executing him on the streets.' the attorney said. 'They murdered my son, in a wheelchair with no legs. They do need to do something about it,' his mother, Dorothy Lowe, said at a press conference last week. 'Nothing but the truth and justice for my son. My son was murdered,' she said. 'Anthony was a good person. He was always there for his family. He was our protector. 'I want to achieve truth and justice, because if anybody else would have shot Anthony, with him being a disabled person, they would be in jail now for murder,' she added. Lowe, 36, lost his legs recently, according to his family. They say he was murdered A different view of the incident shows Lowe Jr. on the ground as the third officer arrives. He was clutching a large 'butcher's knife', which the cops say he threatened to 'throw' at them Lowe, who used a wheelchair to get around after recently losing both of his legs, was killed in a hail of 10 bullets after trying to flee from cops. He is shown lying on the sidewalk after being shot multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene The family told The LA Times that he lost the lower half of his legs recently following a different altercation with police in Texas. He had been living with his mother as a result of the injury. On the day of his death, she says he'd told her he was going to McDonald's. Lowe did not have a criminal record in Los Angeles County but was known to police having been arrested on a 2007 warrant for robbery and petty theft on April 20 2021. The charges were all dismissed after a preliminary hearing two weeks later on May 4. 'I fully recognize the need for answers and the impulse to rush to judgment, but we must allow peace and patience to guide us through this process,' Huntington Park Police Chief Lozano said during a press conference Dorothy Lowe said she wanted the truth about why her son was killed, and justice for him Anthony Lowe's family gathered at a press conference last Monday Former First Minister Alex Salmond has accused Nicola Sturgeon of having thrown away years of campaigning for Scottish independence over her controversial gender reforms, according to online reports. Mr Salmond is said to have made his comments during a Burns Supper for his Alba Party in Dundee on Saturday. In footage posted on Twitter, he said he had assumed that the leaders of the nationalist movement well understood the need to win over every part and section of Scotland. He added: But to get to a position where you say to a majority of our people that you cannot have single-sex spaces... because of some daft ideology imported from elsewhere and, as weve seen, imperfectly understood by its proponents in Scotland, borders on the totally absurd. Mr Salmond also noted the fall in the number of people who would vote for independence. Mr Salmond is said to have made his comments during a Burns Supper for his Alba Party in Dundee on Saturday First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon reacts as she answers questions on Scottish Government issues at St Andrews House on Monday He said: Thirty years of gradually building, building, building until we get independence over 50 per cent and then thrown away with some self-indulgent nonsense... would hardly be tactically the most astute manoeuvre when were meant to be taking Scotland to its next date with destiny. Police said it was reported she 'collapsed' & fell off a bed A teenage girl who 'fell off a bed', suffered severe head injuries and died was just days away from celebrating her 20th birthday, her best mate revealed in a gut-wrenching post. Krystle Monks, 19, was discovered unresponsive by paramedics in a home in Bundamba, a suburb of Ipswich, Queensland, at 9.30pm on Saturday, with neighbours hearing screaming and yelling. The Coffee Club worker was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane with critical head injuries, but died on Sunday night. A man who was inside the home at the time of the accident is believed to have called an ambulance. Ms Monks's family told Daily Mail Australia they hope she will be remembered as 'always young, forever beautiful.' Ms Monks was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane with critical head injuries, but died on Sunday night Ms Monks, who went by the name Krystal Taylor online, would have turned 20 on February 19. In a gut-wrenching Facebook post, her best friend Maddie said it was devastating the teenager's life was cut short before she reached the milestone. 'You were taken wayyy too soon and to think your 20th birthday was in less than two weeks (sic). 'You were a major joy in all of our lives! I can't believe I have to say goodbye.' Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Ms Monks father Steven Taylor said the family were 'heartbroken'. Asked how the family would like Ms Monks to be remembered, he said: 'Always young, forever beautiful'. Krystle Monks (pictured) was found in an Ipswich home after she reportedly 'collapsed' and later died in hospital The new details come after Daily Mail Australia revealed neighbours heard 'yelling and screaming' coming from the home in the days leading up to the incident. Forensic officers have cordoned off the property and are continuing to comb the home for evidence. While the homicide squad is assisting Queensland Police, Ms Monks' death is not being treated as a murder investigation. Emergency services found the woman unresponsive in Bundamba, a suburb of Ipswich, about 9.30pm on Saturday Heartbroken family and friends have since shared touching tributes to the young woman who had attended Bundamba State Secondary College. 'You will always be missed by everyone that you came into contact with,' one friend said. 'You touched so many people in so many ways and we are all devastated that you've gone.' Another person close to Ms Monks said the young woman 'truly walked her own path'. Others said: 'Sending hugs to your family' and 'Rest in Peace gorgeous.' A third wrote: 'Fly high Krystal, thanks for sparking joy in those who found themselves within your world.' A popular tourist destination has been closed off as police search for the body of a suspected murder victim. On Monday, SA Police revealed they had received unconfirmed reports suggesting the remains of a man missing for more than two years could be in the Myponga Reservoir. Jeff Mundy, 36, was last seen in the Seaford and Sellicks Beach areas on December 19, 2020. Jeff Mundy (pictured) was last seen in the Seaford and Sellicks Beach areas on December 19, 2020 According to police, at the time of his disappearance Mr Mundy was being actively sought after by members of the southern suburbs drug community. Last year, police revealed Mr Mundy had been held captive in a container frequented by drug dealers in Lonsdale before allegedly being murdered one of three deaths being investigated by Taskforce Southern. Major Crime Investigation Branch's Detective Superintendent Des Bray said police had received tips his body was disposed of by the wall of the dam. 'If he's there, we will find him,' Superintendent Bray said. SA Police revealed they had received unconfirmed reports suggesting the remains of a man missing for more than two years could be in the Myponga Reservoir (pictured) 'I'm pleased to report that we have had good cooperation from people in the criminal community, whose information has led us to search this location today. 'Even if we are unsuccessful in locating Jeff's remains, we may locate weapons or other potential evidence to assist in the investigation or at the very least can exclude this location and consider other areas that have been suggested.' The Taskforce started in 2021 to investigate a string of violent crimes, including the death of Mr Mundy, along with two other alleged murder victims Trevor King and Robert Atkins. The body of Trevor King, who police allege was held, tortured and subject to extreme violence, was found in 2020, and four people have been arrested in relation to the matter. Superintendent Bray said the Myponga Reservoir search could take up to five days to complete, with seven divers working in extreme conditions to cover all necessary areas. Seven divers are working in extreme conditions to cover all necessary areas. Pictured is a diver 'We anticipate the area will be quite difficult to search, with depths of up to 30 metres near the wall of the weir,' he said. 'Our experienced divers will be meticulous and will ensure every part of the area of interest is searched in its entirety.' SA Police detectives are appealing to anyone with information on the location of Mr Mundy, or knowledge of any of the alleged murders being investigated by Taskforce Southern to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. During the investigation, police have arrested 65 people, with 95 charges ranging from unlawful detention, money laundering, blackmail, assault, drugs and theft. Police also revealed 40 firearms had been recovered with further arrests expected to come. A $200,000 reward is available for information leading to the conviction of people who killed Mr King. Australia will give $10 million in humanitarian assistance to help response efforts following Turkey's devastating earthquake. The assistance will be administered through Red Cross and humanitarian agencies. The death toll from Monday's quake has risen to more than 3500 and the number of Australians affected remains unknown. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conveyed Australia's condolences, saying the nation was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and devastation unfolding. 'All of the world's thoughts and condolences with the people in this region who are suffering at this time,' he said. New Zealand will also provide $1.5 million. With more people using the internet every year, small businesses are finding it increasingly crucial to stay relevant and connect with consumers online. This is why a Top Design Firm report found that 87% of small businesses who don't have a website plan to invest in one. After all, doing so will allow them to showcase their services and products and ensure that their customers can make purchases online. Of course, while a website can be a great platform to communicate with customers, it's worth noting that your online presence should also expand to areas such as social media sites and online reviews. If you want to learn more about the importance of creating a strong online presence across all possible consumer touchpoints, read on. It helps you understand your market better As you may well know, one of the struggles of being a small business owner is creating a product with genuine value for your target customer. Overcoming this obstacle can entail different solutions. For instance, multi-business owner Jonte Wells cultivated unique and personal knowledge about the customers in his talent management company. As a former athlete, Wells was able to understand the kind of services that his clients needed. That said, having the same experiences as your customers isn't the only way you can understand their concerns. By creating an online presence, you'll have the capacity to gather key insights about your market. In a 2021 report by Visual Objects, Nolah Mattress CMO Stephen Light shared that reading through online reviews allowed him to identify how consumers perceived his products. With that kind of information, you can better accommodate the features your customers want to see in your goods and services. It allows you to attract potential customers As it is, many consumers have become accustomed to researching online before making a purchase. Case in point, a Salesforce survey showed that 74% of individuals conduct their research by visiting a business' website, while 38% of consumers check the brand's social media accounts. These figures make it clear that building a strong online presence is necessary to attract potential customers to your small business and bolster your brand awareness. But how should you go about improving your branding? According to a 2021 Forbes write-up on social media marketing, small businesses can take a page from brands like Adidas and Sprite-who have used social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat to run successful campaigns. Similar to these companies, you can create custom filters or story ads with creative messages to draw attention to your business. It helps nurture existing customer connections Beyond boosting brand awareness, having an online presence can likewise help you maintain great customer relationships. In a feature on marketing for business success by LHH, it's shown that you can strengthen existing customer connections through thought leadership. Whether it be through your website or your social media accounts, make sure to provide educational and thoughtful content about your products to customers. This helps increase their trust in your small business and reinforces a sense of community. Interestingly, many big brands have done the same in their early years to better engage and retain customers. For example, Glossier regularly posted content in its 19,000-member Facebook group called "Into The Gloss". This allowed them to connect with customers in a more intimate and honest space. So on that note, consider creating an account on messaging platforms to allow your customers to gather around shared interests. It can enable better customer service Having an online presence enables your small business to offer better customer support. For one, your website can serve as a centralized source of information. There, you can create pages like an FAQ section or a product spec sheet so your customers can find what they need in a more seamless way. Apart from that, with the help of your social media accounts, you can monitor real-time concerns and address them in an efficient manner. This is what Glossier did back in 2020 when they received numerous messages on Instagram about their packaging. Previously, Glosser items were shipped in bubble wrap pouches that could be reused as cosmetics bags. When their community expressed dissent, though, the company immediately took action and introduced a "less packaging" option without the plastic pouch. Ultimately, having an online presence lets you circumvent issues that can decrease customer satisfaction. As a small business owner, creating a strong online presence gives you more opportunities to reach a wider audience. This allows you to cultivate meaningful customer relationships and likewise helps increase your business growth in a competitive online-first age. @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A 20-year-old man has evaded a potentially decade-long jail sentence after trying to scam $2000 from Optus customers affected by its September data breach. Dennis Su, 19 at the time, pleaded guilty in November to texting 92 Optus customers and demanding they transfer $2000 to a CBA bank account 'or face their personal information being used for financial crimes'. Su was sentenced instead to an 18-month community corrections order on Tuesday. 'He's a young person, has no criminal antecedent, and on all counts, he is an intelligent person,' magistrate Emma Manea told Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday. Dennis Su, 19, pleaded guilty to two counts of using equipment connected to a network to commit a serious offence on Tuesday Ms Manea and the Crown agreed the scam was relatively unsophisticated but deliberate. 'It was his own number, it was his brother's account - he was going to be caught,' the magistrate said. She told the court she believed Su was remorseful and his early plea showed acceptance of what he has done. Su downloaded personal information from a website that shared breached Optus data, telling police he was having a difficult time being unemployed and wanted to make some 'quick money'. No one ever transferred the money, however one person responded with an emoji, according to the agreed facts of the case. Su then returned to the data-sharing website and gathered more information about the victim to 'prove his credibility'. He responded by saying: 'The police have your details, and I have nothing you can gain so good luck'. The teenager then deleted all the messages before being arrested on October 6. He is not accused of being involved in the Optus hack which exposed the personal details of 10 million Optus customers in a data breach in September 2022, including customers' passport, licence and Medicare numbers. The 19-year-old contacted nearly 100 customers impacted by Australia's biggest cyber attack after finding their contact details online (pictured is a screenshot of the text sent by Su) The attendance of Su's parents in the courtroom and their continual support showed high prospects of rehabilitation, Ms Manea said. The Rockdale man must report to Sutherland Community Corrections within seven days and complete 100 hours of community service as part of his conviction. 'Mr Su, what I've done is make you make a promise to be good,' the judge said. 'Good luck, put this behind you. It is very serious but it is what you do with yourself.' Su apologised to his victims outside of court and said he realised he was going to be caught from the beginning. Su's instructing solicitor Lisa King believed Ms Manea made a 'good decision'. 'It is good for the justice system and it is also beneficial for Dennis,' she said outside of court. Driver shared a clip of himself being tailgated by P-plater This is the shocking moment a driver is dangerously tailgated by a P-plater who tries to overtake him on a narrow road in Adelaide. In a clip uploaded to Instagram on Tuesday, the driver expresses disbelief about the inexperienced driver behind him getting incredibly close to the back of his car on the two-way road. While the P-plater holds the horn down while tailgating, the driver asks: 'How is he going to overtake?' while a passenger in his car films. 'There's no where to overtake I can't believe what's going on here?' he adds. 'This is extreme'. Drivers were shocked after the photo was posted on social media by ABC Adelaide, with one writing: 'This happens everyday in SA.' Another added: 'Classic SA drivers. People tailgating here compared to other states Ive lived in is insane.' 'We see it every week. P-platers and fully licensed drivers. It's disgusting,' said another. It's the latest example of dangerous driving from P-platers that has gone viral on social media. In a clip uploaded to Instagram on Tuesday, the driver expresses disbelief about the learner behind him getting incredibly close to the back of his car South Australia Opposition leader David Spiers has called for a new road safety campaign targeting P-platers after South Australia recorded 16 deaths from all drivers on its roads so far in 2023. This is four times the number of deaths at the same time last year, police have said. Speaking to ABC Adelaide Mr Spiers explained: 'To lose so many young lives on South Australia's roads so early in the year is truly horrific.' 'Our concern is this is the commencement of a pattern that if we do not cauterise it will continue right throughout 2023.' Police have also warned against the stark rates of deaths on South Australia roads in 2023. 'This has to stop, and it has to stop now,' Assistant SA Police Commissioner Ian Parrott said at a press conference. 'They are absolutely preventable there's a senseless loss of life on South Australian roads because these crashes are preventable,' he added. He added at least five of the deaths were due to 'distraction and fatigue' and that police were investigating whether dangerous driving played a part in four of the crashes. Cops are also looking into speeding and alcohol as factors in other crashes. This is the shocking photo that reveals the aftermath of Australia's first Boeing 737 crash shortly after it burst into flames in Western Australia. The Boeing 737-3 with two people on board went down over the Fitzgerald River National Park on Monday at around 4.40pm on Monday (WST). The water bomber crashed in the forest between Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun and shocking photos have now revealed the devastation caused by the crash. The photo shows thick black smoke rising from the wreckage with flames beginning to spread. The front of the plane and cockpit appear to be in one piece, perhaps explaining how the two pilots managed to survive the first 737 crash in Australia. The water bomber crashed in the forest between Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun and shocking photos have now revealed the devastation caused by the crash The Boeing 737 Fireliner is a civilian aircraft that had been converted for firefighting and operated by Coulson Aviation They were able to free themselves from the wreckage and sustained just minor injuries, WA police told Daily Mail Australia. WA Premier Mark McGowan declared their survival 'a miracle'. 'When I first heard of it I assumed the worst, but I'm advised the pilot and the crew have survived. That's a miracle I'm amazed,' Mr McGowan said. 'These planes, we contract them to do the work, the crews are often not west Australians, they are sometimes even international people. 'How you manage to crash an aircraft like that, particularly in a forested area, and survive is remarkable.' The two pilots on board were retrieved from the crash site by helicopter and airlifted to Ravensthorpe Airport,' a police spokesperson said. Upon landing the pair were conveyed to hospital by ambulance. The plane is believed to have taken off from Bunbury, south of Perth, at 3.25pm in response to the bushfire. An initial blaze on the national park's eastern side was ignited by lightning around 10am with the second fire breaking out four hours later. Around 30 Parks and Wildlife Service firefighters are trying to bring the fires under control. With the fires posing a potential risk to lives and property residents living near the park have been told to maintain a watch and act status. Air safety officers will attend the crash site to conduct an investigation. Air crash investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are now planning to speak to the pilots on Tuesday before trying to work out why the aircraft crashed. The Boeing 737 Fireliner is a civilian aircraft that had been converted for firefighting and operated by Coulson Aviation. Health authorities have issued an urgent warning against buying orange 'Nike tick' MDMA pills after a number of revellers were rushed to hospital. Victoria's Health Department issued the warning on Tuesday about the risks associated with the MDMA pills. The pills in question have been found to contain a toxic combination of MDMA and the stimulant pentylone. The substance produces similar effects to stimulants like MDMA and methamphetamine but are more potent with even small amounts able to produce strong effects. Pentylone - like other synthetic cathinones - often causes a more mild euphoric or psychedelic effect and wears off faster than that of MDMA. Orange 'Nike tick' MDMA pills (above) have caused a number of hospitalisations in Victoria This often leads users to take more in a shorter period of time and increasing the risk of toxic effects. Symptoms of high doses of synthetic cathinones can lead to long periods of sleeplessness, muscle twitching, increased risk of agitation, paranoia and hallucinations, and toxic effects such as overheating and heart problems. The sale of these MDMA and pentylone combined pills has led to a rise in emergency department admissions with blood tests showing synthetic cathinones in the system. Synthetic cathinones may appear as crystals, powders, tablets or capsules. Health authorities have warned taking cathinones with psychedelics like LSD (acid) can also increase the risk of dysphoria (bad trip), agitation, and behavioural disturbances that place people at immediate risk. They can also interact with a range of medications, including those used to treat depression and anxiety such as SSRIs, SNRIs and TCAs. It was originally listed for $680 but leased for $850 An apartment in Sydney has been snapped up in a matter of days despite the real estate agent publicly hiking the rent by an extra $170 a week. The apartment in North Ryde, in Sydney's northwest, was first listed on real estate app Domain on February 1 for $680. However five days later, the price of the two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment jumped to $850 a week - a whopping 25 per cent price jump. Despite the rent hike, the apartment was quickly snapped up for the higher price and was taken off the market on February 6. A photo of the listing was shared to Reddit on Tuesday, with the original poster 'Izeshim' sarcastically captioning the listing 'what rental crisis?' A photo of the vacant two-bedroom apartment in North Ryde, north west of Sydney's CBD, was shared to Reddit showing it had leased for $170 more than its listing 'Been searching left and right for a place near my office and this is the result,' Izeshim wrote. 'Please send help. I'm a good tenant but I'm not even given a chance.' The Reddit user explained he previously lived 'out west' but was looking for a place closer to his work so he could avoid travel costs and the gruelling two-hour commute. He claimed a group of 10 students were at the open-home to inspect the property and said he believed the apartment was leased to them. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Premium Plus Properties, the agency that listed the home, for comment. Under NSW real estate laws, agents and landlords are not permitted to solicit or invite a person to offer more than the advertised rent. However, landlords are allowed to encourage a prospective renter to make their own decision about the value of the property and the rent they wish to pay for it. Reddit users labelled Sydney's housing crisis a 'total hell', with many sharing similar stories of being priced out of their rental. 'We've been living a block from Central in a two-bed, two-bath, one park spot for $760. They've just sent a notice of increase to $890,' one person wrote. The Reddit user said he has been searching for a property to rent but other prospective tenants are rent bidding and pricing him out Another commented: 'It is TOTAL HELL out there and it is the absolute same in every suburb. My friend take what you can get.' 'Our rental just went up from $670 to $855, I have no option as I cannot afford to move nor to risk loosing the roof over our head, as we are not under a current lease. 'I just do not know what to do any more as the Landlord owns my soul, my happiness and my entire life and future.' A third joked: 'Can I use a kidney for bond?' 'Can confirm its awful, we're about the hit the road and nomad around the country for about a year because we can't bare to pay rent anymore,' another person wrote. As of December 2022, the total number of rental vacancies in Australia was 39,569 residential properties, according to SQM Research. Sydney's vacancy rate rose 0.4 per cent to 1.8 per cent in December; Melbourne from 1.5 per cent to 1.7 per cent; and Brisbane from 0.8 per cent to 1.1 per cent. Vacancy rates also rose in Canberra and Darwin to 1.9 per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively. National vacancy rates increased to 1.3% in December 2022, but experts warn rental market will tighten from January to March as an influx of students descend on capital cities Vacancy rates across the CBD in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne increased to 3.6. 3.3 and 1.8 per cent. However, SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher warned rental conditions would tighten in January, February and March with as an influx of students descend on capital cities. 'The rise in residential property vacancies was to be expected given the annual exodus of students at the end of the year,' Mr Christopher said. 'This should quickly turn over in January and February in particularnormally a time when rental demand surges and there is short supply. 'At this stage asking rents are still surging ahead. We are just not seeing any relief.' A resident opened fire on the trespasser, a statement from the military base said A man has broken into the housing area at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland - the second time such a massive security breach has occurred in two years. The intruder breached one of the nation's most sensitive military bases and the home of Air Force One before a resident opened fire on the trespasser, Joint Base Andrews said in a statement late Monday. During the incident, which occurred at about 11.30am yesterday, 'a man gained unauthorized access to a JBA housing area'. The statement continued: 'A resident discharged a firearm, security forces arrived on scene to apprehend the intruder and law enforcement is investigating the incident.' Joint Base Andrews is home to the fleet of blue and white presidential aircraft, including Air Force One, Marine One and the 'doomsday' 747 aircraft that can serve as the nation's airborne nuclear command and control centers if needed. A man has broken into the housing area at Joint Base Andrews - the second time such a massive security breach has occurred (file image) Joint Base Andrews is home to the fleet of blue and white presidential aircraft, including Air Force One, Marine One, pictured carrying President Biden, and the 'doomsday' 747 aircraft President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden exit Marine One as the President arrives to board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base on January 8 The security threat will likely be a cause for concern for the airport, from which the President and First Lady always fly. The Air Force said late on Monday it did not have anything to add beyond the Andrews statement about Mondays intrusion. It is not the first time the base's security has been breached. In February 2021 a man got through the military checkpoint onto the installation and climbed into a C-40, which is the military's 737-equivalent aircraft used to fly government officials. The unauthorized man was able to enter the base, roam freely for five hours and then board an aircraft. That intruder was apprehended because the 'mouse ears' cap he was wearing struck an observant airman as odd. It is not the first time the base's security has been breached. Picture: air to ground view of the base and its surroundings The intruder breached the home of Air Force One, one of the nation's most sensitive military bases (pictured) The latest security breach follows rising security concerns after a suspected spy balloon from China was shot down on Saturday off the coast of North Carolina Two f-117A Nighthawks parked on airport tarmac, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland The security threat will be a cause for concern for the airport, from which the President and First Lady always fly An inspector general's investigation found three main security failings, starting with 'human error' by a gate security guard who allowed the man to drive onto the base even though he had no credentials that authorized his access. Hours later, the man walked undetected onto the flight line by slipping through a fence designed to restrict entry. Finally, he walked onto and off a parked airplane without being challenged, even though he was not wearing a required badge authorizing access to the restricted area. In March last year an armed teenager was apprehended at Joint Base Andrews after driving a stolen vehicle through a checkpoint and to the base main gate. The 17-year-old breached the grounds shortly before Vice President Kamala Harris arrived but officials said she was not impacted by the incident. The latest security breach follows rising security concerns after a suspected spy balloon from China was shot down on Saturday off the coast of North Carolina. The aircraft had spent several days flying over military sites in North America. A second suspected spy balloon was then spotted over Latin America on Friday. He has been charged with 59 child exploitation offences Lau Hansen was arrested by police at his Townsville home Detectives have arrested an elderly man accused of running multiple child exploitation websites from his home computer. Lau Hansen, 71, was taken into custody by police after they executed a search warrant at his Townsville home on Monday. He has been charged with 59 offences relating to child exploitation material. Hansen was identified by an undercover police officer who infiltrated a child exploitation network. Lau Hansen (pictured left), 71, was arrested by detectives at his Townsville home on Monday for allegedly running child exploitation networks Police claim Hansen ran a number of these networks using encrypted messaging platforms and websites. Hansen controlled and maintained the libraries of child exploitation material within these networks, Queensland Police allege. It's alleged that he was involved in these networks with 500 others who regularly spoke about their sexual abuse of children. Detectives allege they uncovered a large quantity of children exploitation material when they searched Hansen's property on Monday. They allegedly found graphic digital content on his computer, printed material and evidence of Hansen's roles within these encrypted platforms. Hansen's charges include possessing child exploitation material, distributing child exploitation material, administering a child exploitation material website and encouraging use of child exploitation material website. He was remanded in custody and faced Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Hansen allegedly ran a number of child exploitation networks from his home computer using encrypted messaging platforms and websites He taken into custody by police and charged with 59 offences. Hansen faced court on Tuesday and was refused bail The court heard that Hansen often visited the Phillipines, where he was once convicted of carnal knowledge, according to the Townsville Bulletin. He was subsequently imprisoned for three years and six months back in May 2005. Hansen also runs a community Facebook page for Filipino Australians living in Townsville. In court, Hansen's lawyer, Michael Spearman, applied for bail and offered up his client's passport in exchange. Magistrate Ken Taylor refused his request for bail, claiming Hansen was 'too great a risk'. Hansen will front court again on April 4. A popular new bar has been called out after patrons could see women using the female toilet cubicles through clear glass windows. Vision of three women using the amenities on the first floor of the Headquarters Bar in central Auckland was taken and posted to social media on Sunday. The loo users were seen in the footage from the waist up, standing up in the cubicle with one of them appearing to be naked while pulling a jumpsuit back on. The loo users were seen in the footage (pictured) from the waist up, standing up in the cubicle with one of them appearing to be naked and putting a jumpsuit back on (pictured far right) She was seen standing up into view after using the toilet and dressing herself, while another two women could be seen adjusting their clothes. The 'loo with a view' vision was taken from outside the venue with crowds milling about, prompting some on social media to ask, 'how did they get away with doing that?' The venue formally known as the O'Hagans Irish pub was recently refurbished by owner Leo Molloy, a former Auckland mayoral candidate. It's new look was promised to 'revolutionise' the city's waterfront scene. Mr Molloy, who opened the new bar last Friday, told the NZ Herald the issue was being fixed. 'We were going to have Panama shutters so people could choose to have a view or not but we are having them fixed today,' he said. 'It was deemed a good idea at the time to have a loo with a view but based on the negative feedback we will frost them out.' The Headquarters (pictured) venue formally known as the O'Hagans Irish pub was recently refurbished by owner Leo Molloy, a former Auckland mayoral candidate Mr Malloy also told them he had recently replaced the glass panels. The windows had been frosted over before it was done up and rebranded. Meanwhile, the footage sparked outrage and laughs from hundreds of online commenters. 'We went to the new O'Hagan's called HQ. And the female toilet is see through from the outside. Just be careful ladies,' the social media post read. 'Oh! Reminder not to wear a jumpsuit there then,' one joked after seeing the woman appearing to put the jumpsuit back on. 'Noticed this on Friday night! It's ridiculous,' another said, while one more wrote she was 'disgusted'. A spokesperson from the Office of Privacy Commissioner in New Zealand said it was looking into the incident 'This is gross. They need to frost those windows ASAP!!!' 'That's actually really alarming and a breach of privacy for those who don't realise, plus imagine wearing a jumpsuit,' another wrote. Mr Malloy told Stuff.co.nz he would place a film over the windows by Tuesday admitting it was a 'minor' design fault. 'I went down ... after I read the complaint, and you can't see anything. You can see shoulders and head but not when they're using the loo,' he said. 'The loo faces the opposite direction. The person would have to straddle the loo and look in the opposite direction to be seen.' A spokesperson from the Office of Privacy Commissioner in New Zealand said it was looking into the incident. 'If anyone who was at Headquarters would like to provide information to us about this matter, you can contact our office,' the spokesperson said. 'If your privacy has been harmed, you may wish to make a formal complaint.' A man who was wrongly diagnosed with cancer after his lab results got mixed up underwent a major lung surgery before dying of respiratory failure, an inquest has heard. Dennis Charles Jackson from Broken Hill, New South Wales, died aged 67 in January, 2019 after spending more than 60 days in intensive care. He had undergone an upper lobe lobectomy on his left lung at the Royal Adelaide Hospital after a tiny fragment of someone else's cancerous tissue contaminated his own sample. Dennis Charles Jackson from Broken Hill, New South Wales, died aged 67 in January 2019 after spending more than 60 days in intensive care at Royal Adelaide Hospital (pictured, stock image) A month after the surgery he returned to hospital and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Opening an inquest on Tuesday, counsel assisting Emma Roper said a scan performed on Mr Jackson in June, 2018 showed a nodule and a satellite growth in his left lung. A biopsy was subsequently performed to determine if the growths were cancerous and further tests were also performed. A specialist found that the chances of the nodules being cancerous were low but ordered more samples be taken and, on analysis, a technician reported locating a free-floating fragment of squamous cell carcinoma. A month after the surgery he returned to hospital and was diagnosed with pneumonia (stock image) Ms Roper said following that report and a meeting involving a multi-disciplinary team at the RAH, a recommendation of surgery was made. But she said after sections of Mr Jackson's lung were removed, specimens sent to SA Pathology found no evidence of malignancy. 'It is anticipated that Your Honour will hear evidence that a minute piece of tissue belonging to another patient had been transferred to Mr Jackson's biopsy specimen during the embedding procedure at the Royal Adelaide Hospital laboratory,' Ms Roper said. The hospital subsequently apologised to the 67-year-old and his family while the error was later confirmed by DNA testing. Ms Roper said the inquest would explore a number of issues including how the contamination of Mr Jackson's biopsy could occur, whether the piece of tissue should have been recognised as a contaminant and whether further investigations should have been conducted ahead of surgery. It will also examine how Mr Jackson's left vocal cord came to be damaged. The inquest was continuing. A New York City man accused of shooting an off-duty NYPD officer in the head was arrested after being found hiding out in a hotel just north of the city. Photos showed the 38-year-old suspect, Randy Jones, being cuffed and taken away outside the hotel where he was found holed up with his girlfriend and her kids. The hotel was located in Rockland County, just northwest of Manhattan on the New Jersey border. He is accused of shooting an unnamed 26-year-old officer in the head during a botched robbery last Saturday in East New York. The officer, a father of two, remains on life support. The handcuffs used to arrest Jones reportedly belonged to the officer he allegedly shot. Jones was brought into the 75th Precinct around 7pm Monday night. He has not been charged yet, but retained a lawyer, according to The New York Post. Randy Jones, 38, was arrested while at a hotel in Rockland County, northwest of Manhattan The handcuffs belonging to the 26-year-old NYPD victim were used to arrest Jones The suspect allegedly lured the victim into an ambush by pretending to sell a car through Facebook market place. The victim and his brother-in-law arrived with $24,000 in cash to buy the car - a Honda Pilot - when the suspect allegedly drew a gun on them. He then allegedly opened fire and struck the officer in the head. The victim's brother grabbed the officer's gun and fired back, but the thief managed to escape in a black BMW. After a city-wide manhunt, the car was located abandoned in Harlem, near where the suspect lived with his girlfriend, according to The Post. Sources also said the BMW belonged to the suspect's mother, who lived near where the shooting took place in East New York. It is believed he could behind a similar robbery which took place near the shooting scene on January 13. Jones shackled with the handcuffs belonging to the NYPD officer he allegedly shot in the head Officers on the scene of the shooting in East New York on Saturday which left an NYPD officer in critical condition FBI officers on the scene of the shooting in East New York on Saturday night Emergency crews at the scene of the shooting. The NYPD victim remains in critical condition Jones has a rap sheet with at least 22 arrests on it for a variety of crimes, including some violent attacks. He has previously been booked for harassment, grand larceny, and strangulation, according to The Post. He was wanted for a traffic and vehicle related warrant from 2019 at the time of his arrest on Monday. Jones has reportedly declined to answer questions from investigators. 'Our prayers, of course, are to the officer and his family as he continues to fight for his life,' said Mayor Eric Adams' faith advisor, Gilford Monrose, at a vigil Sunday. The NYPD was offering a $10,000 for the suspect's arrest as of Monday. 'We will catch the person responsible for this act,' Adams said after the shooting. 'An officer conducting a simple errand and a dangerous person pulled out a firearm. The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will restrict 138 betting applications and 94 loan lending apps with Chinese linkages. SCMP notes that India has prohibited the use of popular Chinese applications since 2020, when political tensions with China began to rise as a result of a border incident. The Concern Stem From Customers Not Realizing The Terms Of The Apps To prevent the misuse of its residents' data, India is taking steps to restrict 232 apps, some of which have connections to China and offer betting and loan services in the South Asian market. According to Section 69 of India's IT code, the Ministry of Home Affairs advised the MeitY ban and blocked these apps by the following week. The IT law permits the government to prohibit public access to content for a variety of reasons, including the protection of national security. According to Prasar Bharti, the Ministry of Home Affairs directed the ministry to make the decision, Tech Crunch reports. The apps raised fears that they may be used as espionage and propaganda tools since they attempted to trick users into taking on large debts without understanding the rules. The action taken on Sunday is the most recent in a line of measures taken by the government to combat services like shark loan applications and other things that are endangering the inhabitants of the country. India has outlawed popular Chinese apps since 2020, when political tensions with China erupted after a border incident. China expressed worries about bilateral commercial and trade cooperation after India last year restricted access to many mobile apps due to security concerns. Because of this, last year, the Reserve Bank of India imposed strict regulations on companies that make digital loans, urging them to give customers more transparency and control. The new regulations state that lenders must explicitly state the yearly loan rate and are not allowed to raise a customer's credit limit without the latter's permission. Additionally, it is required for digital lending apps to obtain consumers' prior, express consent before collecting any data, and all such requests must be "need-based." Read More: Pentagon Monitors Suspected Chinese Spy Balloon Hovering Over The US The US Applauds India For Taking Such Step In recent years, India has also prohibited more than 300 apps that have ties to China in order to defend the sovereignty and integrity of the country. Early last year, New Delhi banned 50 additional apps with alleged ties to China, including Xriver by Tencent, Free Fire by Garena, Onmyoji Arena and Astracraft by NetEase, and 50 more. Amid geopolitical tensions between the two neighboring countries, the Indian government also outlawed dozens of apps in mid-2020. According to Tech Crunch, this includes TikTok from ByteDance, the Community and Video Call apps from Xiaomi, and UC Browser and UC News from Alibaba Group. New Delhi has never made it clear that it is blocking apps from a specific nation, but Authorities claimed that the collection of user data by Chinese apps jeopardized India's national security. Brendan Carr of the US Federal Communications Commission, applauded India's suspension of TikTok and other applications last month and said that by outlawing the ByteDance app, it had established a "extremely important precedent." Carr warned that TikTok is an advanced monitoring tool, and he concluded that banning the social app was the logical next step in attempts to protect communication networks. In defense of itself, TikTok said that its user data was kept on servers in Singapore and the United States, not in China, SCMP writes. Related Article: Senator Calls for the Total Banning of TikTok on Apple, Google App Stores A family's dream home continues to sit half finished after a construction company went bankrupt. Kelly and Tony Sharples started building their dream in Kembla Grange, south of Sydney in mid-2021 and were told it would be finished in December the following year, just in time for Christmas. But when they went to check on the property right before its expected completion date they found an A4 sheet of paper taped to their front door explaining their builder Elderton Homes had filed for bankruptcy. Kelly and Tony Sharples started building their dream in Kembla Grange, south of Sydney in mid-2021 and were told it would be finished in December the following year, just in time for Christmas Although the main structure of the home has been erected, many of the rooms inside remain incomplete, with loose tiles not yet secured Carpet has been installed in the family's home but the plumbing is still a work in progress, with some fittings also yet to be properly installed Although the main structure of the home has been erected, many of the rooms inside remain incomplete. The bathroom's tiles were yet to be completed and cabinets also waiting to be properly fitted. Carpet has been installed in the family's home but the plumbing is still a work in progress. Elderton Homes entered voluntary administration on December 12, leaving a long list of clients in the lurch. The boutique builder said the 'difficult decision was the result of a number of factors' citing bushfires and floods, the Covid pandemic and the economic downturn. 'The construction industry has been subject to record levels of rainfall, substantial price increases on building materials, supply chain challenges and labour shortages,' Elderton's management said in a statement. The Sharples say they've been given little information about what will happen to their half-finished home and been met with 'every excuse under the sun' why it is yet to be completed. 'Obviously we've had quite a bit of wet weather, but there were houses around us being built in the same conditions and were getting finished,' Mr Sharples told the Illawarra Mercury. 'We were the last one left.' Now the couple with three kids are at the mercy of Elderton Homes administrator O'Brien Palmer, who in January released a report detailing the company's dire state. The couple with three kids are at the mercy of Elderton Homes administrator O'Brien Palmer, who in January released a report detailing the company's dire state At the time the firm entered administration they had 75 homes at various points of construction across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast and the Illawarra region At the time the firm entered administration they had 75 homes at various points of construction across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast and the Illawarra region. They also had 127 new projects in the pipeline despite administrators saying the company couldn't pay its debts from June 30 last year. As a result of the administrator's findings, Elderton's owner and director Richard Whitehead could face criminal sanctions. O'Brien Palmer revealed Mr Whitehead deposited $1.7 million in the accounts of Elderton Homes on December 1, 2021, and the same day paid out $1.706 million, with the description 'Spec Home and Land'. 'We have sought information about this payment and are awaiting the receipt of a response,' the administrators said. The Sharples now are left waiting for the company to be sent into liquidation, freeing them from their building contract with Elderton Homes, allowing them to lodge a claim under the NSW home building compensation fund and find a new builder. Until a decision is made on Elderton Homes, however, future homeowners are left contractually bound and with no other option but to wait. Elderton Homes entered voluntary administration on December 12, leaving a long list of clients in the lurch Elderton Homes also had 127 new projects in the pipeline despite administrators saying the company couldn't pay its debts from June 30 last year Voluntary administration results in administrators assessing whether the company can turn their fortunes around and work its way out of financial trouble. If this is deemed not viable the company will then be put into liquidation. Elderton Homes are far from the only building company to go bust in the last couple of years. The building industry's problems stem from supply chain issues for building materials combined with low stock from national and international sources. This led to a spike in demand for remaining stock and price rises, with builders bearing the brunt. Costs of metal ores, plastics, and timber have been consistently rising for years, particularly through Covid lockdowns as factories were forced to shut down for extended periods. Buildings sites also had to close for weeks or months and this, combined with weather events like bushfires or floods, and have blown out project schedules and pipelines. Trades have also jumped in cost due to labour shortages and less competition, with a recent Housing Industry Association report finding costs for bricklayers rose by 16.4 per cent, carpenters by 12.5 per cent and painters by 12.2 per cent since 2020. The woman who has accused actor Armie Hammer of rape now says he is being 'manipulative' and trying to 'evoke sympathy' after revealing that he once tried to commit suicide. Effie Angelova, 26, had accused the 36-year-old actor in 2021 of having 'violently raped' her. Soon after, several other women came forward and accused Hammer of being interested in kinky sex and even cannibalism. The shamed star has tried to keep a low profile ever since, but on Saturday he broke his silence, claiming he tried to commit suicide in the Cayman Islands, after Effie spoke out. 'I just walked out into the ocean and swam out as far as I could and hoped that either I drowned, or was hit by a boat, or eaten by a shark,' Hammer said. He has denied the accusations of rape through his attorney and said all of his sexual encounters were 'completely consensual, discussed and agreed upon in advance and mutually participatory'. But Effie now says The Social Network star had told her the suicide story years before she spoke out, and is only sharing it publicly now in an attempt to gain sympathy and silence his victims. Effie Angelova, 26, had accused Armie Hammer, 36, in 2021 of having 'violently raped' her Angelova shared how she told her parents about the alleged abuse she faced at Hammer's hands In her Instagram Story Monday night, Efrosina Angelova, 'Effie,' told how Hammer's abuse 'had affected not only me, but my family.' She has previously claimed that Hammer 'repeatedly slammed her head against a wall,' leaving her with bruises to her face. Writing on Instagram Monday, Angelova said Hammer 'was just worried that I was telling my family.' The alleged victim included screenshots of text messages to back up her claims, including some from Hammer who wrote: 'This all sounds intense. 'I'm sorry you are going through all of this and I'm sorry your parents have gotten so involved. And I'm sorry your parents are so hurt seeing you hurt. 'I am not really sure how to respond or move forward,' the actor allegedly wrote. 'Other than to say I'm sorry and I completely understand why you are upset and why your parents are.' Angelova went on to say in her Instagram Story that Hammer had previously told her about how he has tried to commit suicide, claiming that it happened after she spoke out against him, not after, as he has suggested. 'It made me so worried about him, he made me feel bad for telling him his abuse messed me up and it made me want to take care of him instead,' she claimed. 'He disappeared for a couple days which only made me more worried about him,' she said. 'Now he claims his ocean story happened after I spoke out publicly,' she said. 'It seems so manipulative because he knows his ocean story shut me up last time and evoked sympathy and it's like now he's trying it again. 'I think on some level he feels guilty,' Angelova claimed, sharing a text of her allegedly telling Hammer years ago: 'I cried again today thinking about what you told me. I wish I could give you a hug and make it better.' She said Hammer had previously told her about his suicide attempt even before she spoke out about the alleged abuse Efrosina Angelova is now accusing The Social Network star of bringing up his suicide attempt and his sexual abuse at the hands of a youth pastor to gain sympathy Armie Hammer was spotted shopping in Los Angeles on Monday, after he shared details of his suicide attempt Hammer shared the so-called ocean story publicly over the weekend. He told Graydon Carter's Air Mail that he reconsidered suicide when he 'realized that my kids were still on shore, and that I couldn't do that to my kids.' Hammer then went on to defend his sexual proclivities by saying he has had an interest in BDSM since the age of 13, when he was sexually abused by a youth pastor. 'What that did for me was it introduced sexuality into my life in a way that it was completely out of my control,' Hammer said. 'I was powerless in the situation. I had no agency in the situation. 'Sexuality was introduced to me in a scary way where I had no control. My interests then went to: I want to have control in the situation, sexually.' Hammer's godmother, Candace Garvey, one of only two people he told about the abuse when it happened, corroborated his story. Hammer photographed in LA on Monday Hammer's troubles began when the Instagram account House of Effie started leaking disturbing messages, said to be sent by him between 2016 and February 2020, that include conversations about BDSM, in addition to numerous sexual references to cannibalistic acts and blood-sucking. In one message, the actor allegedly writes to the woman: 'I am 100% a cannibal. I want to eat you.' 'F**k. That's scary to admit,' the message continues. 'I've never admitted that before.' Hammer's former partners Paige Lorenze and Courtney Vucekovich later also accused him of being physically and emotionally abusive while they were together. Lorenze told Page Six that the actor had carved the letter 'A' into her pelvis to brand her and then sucked the blood that oozed out. She also accused him of being emotionally manipulative and said he repeatedly spoke of 'consuming her.' After the allegations first began to mount in January 2021, Hammer stepped down from a role in Jennifer Lopez's film Shotgun Wedding and denied the allegations against him in a statement to the Daily Mail. 'I'm not responding to these b******* claims but in light of the vicious and spurious online attacks against me, I cannot in good conscience now leave my children for four months to shoot a film in the Dominican Republic,' he said. A representative for the production said: 'Armie has requested to step away from the film and we support him in his decision.' Speaking at a press conference, Effie claimed that Hammer 'repeatedly slammed her head against a wall' during the incident, leaving her with bruises to her face By March that year, Effie Angelova officially came forward with her attorney Gloria Allred, alleging: 'On April 24, 2017, Armie Hammer violently raped me for over four hours in Los Angeles, during which he repeatedly slapped my head against a wall bruising my face. 'He also committed other acts of violence against me to which I did not consent.' According to Variety, Angelova said she thought Hammer was 'going to kill' her, and claimed he beat her feet during the alleged attack 'so they would hurt' and said she tried to leave 'but he wouldn't let' her. Angelova alleges she met Hammer on Facebook when she was 20, and admitted to falling in love with the actor, although she now believes she fell victim to 'manipulation tactics'. She claimed: 'He would often test my devotion to him. He abused me mentally, emotionally and sexually.' Shortly after, the LAPD confirmed it was investigating the actor after a 'community member' came forward with an attorney on February 3, 2021 with a sexual assault claim. Hammer has denied the accusations through his attorney and said that all of his sexual encounters have been 'completely consensual, discussed and agreed upon in advance and mutually participatory' Hammer's lawyer claimed his client's text exchange with Angelova 'undermines and refutes her outrageous allegations' Hammer has continuously denied the allegations made against him, and his lawyer has provided screenshots of alleged text conversations between him and Angelova which seemingly suggest he told her they couldn't pursue a relationship, though these are not verified. In one message, Hammer allegedly told Angelova: 'I am not going to be able to engage in you in that specific way right now. It never ends well. We can talk and be friends, but I can't do that.' The actor's lawyer also said Hammer's encounter with Angelova was 'completely consensual, discussed and agreed upon in advance, and mutually participatory'. In a statement, the lawyer said: 'Effie's own correspondence with Mr. Hammer undermines and refutes her outrageous allegations. As recently as July 18, 2020, [she] sent graphic texts to Mr. Hammer telling him what she wanted him to do to her. 'Mr. Hammer responded, making it clear that he did not want to maintain that type of relationship with her. 'It was never Mr. Hammer's intention to embarrass or expose [Effie's] fetishes or kinky sexual desires, but she has now escalated this matter to another level by hiring a civil lawyer to host a public press conference. 'With the truth on his side, Mr. Hammer welcomes the opportunity to set the record straight. From day one, Mr. Hammer has maintained that all of his interactions with [Effie] and every other sexual partner of his for that matter have been completely consensual, discussed and agreed upon in advance, and mutually participatory. '[Effie's] attention seeking and ill-advised legal bid will only make it more difficult for real victims of sexual violence to get the justice they deserve.' President Joe Biden is said to be planning a trip to Poland later this month to mark the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The current thinking is for the trip to take place towards the end of February although no official announcement has yet been made by the White House. The National Security Council has so far declined to comment on the matter and it is also unclear if there will be any additional European stops made during the trip. The war began on February 24, 2022 with Biden said to be looking into the possibility of visiting Europe, including Poland, to commemorate the outbreak. The White House is said to be wanting to look for ways to highlight Ukraine's resilience in the face of Russia's military campaign while demonstrating continued support by the United States for the Ukrainian people as the conflict enters its second year. Biden's trip has not been confirmed until an official announcement is made by the White House, and the plans could still change President Zelensky and President Biden in the Oval Office on December 21, 2022 President Joe Biden is expected to visit Poland towards the end of February to commemorate the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Pictured, a destroyed Russian tank with artwork it done by Italian urban artist Tvboy, seen on Monday It would also allow Biden to strengthen ties and reinforce the unity of the US-European alliance. The Biden administration recently committed more than $29.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, including the provision of 31 Abrams tanks, according to the Department of Defense. The Polish president's foreign policy adviser seemed certain that a trip was in the office. 'We already know for sure that President Joe Biden will respond positively to President Duda's invitation and will come to Poland,' Marcin Przydacz said on Saturday. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomes Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak before a meeting, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine last Friday The wreckage of a car and debris near a damaged residential building following a missile strike, in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, on Saturday, amid Russia's invasion of the country. At least four people were injured after two Russian missiles hit downtown Kharkiv 'We have agreed with the American side that we will announce the date of this visit in due course, but I can assure that it will be sooner rather than later,' he added. Przydacz said that preparations are underway for the visit which 'meets the expectations of both the White House and the expectations of the Polish side'. 'But for us it will be very important and crucial to continue supporting Poland's security,' he added. President Biden said last week that would visit Poland but did not know when exactly. Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council, seen last Friday Ukrainian artillery teams fire toward Russian positions in Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine. Artillery continues to play a significant role in the war against Russian forces in the Donbas region The potential visit comes as Ukraine's armed forces are bracing for an imminent all-out assault by renewed Russian forces, officials have claimed, as Putin and his commanders seek to make gains before Western tanks can reach Kyiv. Ukraine's outgoing defense minister Oleksiy Reznikov yesterday said he was expecting Russia to launch a fresh attack on the partially occupied south and eastern regions on or around the anniversary of the war on February 24. This offensive could even come by February 15, an adviser to the Ukrainian military told the Financial Times. Meanwhile, tanks pledged by the West are on their way to Ukraine, with some having already arrived in Poland, but it will be weeks before they are ready to be deployed to the front. More than 130,000 Russian troops have now been killed since the invasion began, Kyiv claims. Newly independent Senator Lidia Thorpe claims she has been shut out of the process of designing the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, which even Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has been privy to. In the first wide-ranging interview since she announced her split from the Greens on Monday, the Indigenous politician also said Parliament had failed to protect her from threats by a far-right terrorist group. Unlike the Greens who have thrown their support behind the proposed Voice to Parliament, Senator Thorpe opposes it because she believes the body would still recognise Crown sovereignty over Australia. Senator Lidia Thorpe has conducted her first interview since splitting with the Greens in order to mount opposition to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament She claimed Opposition Leader Peter Dutton had consulted with two working groups designing the Voice, while she has had no such access. 'I also question the government and the Prime Minister as to why Peter Dutton was invited to meet with the working groups and not the grassroots Black sovereign movement,' she told the ABC on Tuesday. 'We've never been invited. Well, I've never been invited.' Senator Thorpe asserted the British came to Australia with the intent of wiping out the First Peoples but had 'failed' and the Voice perpetuates the 'colonial lie' of terra nullius (nobody's land) which allowed the Crown to claim sovereignty. 'First Nations peoples have never ceded sovereignty and we challenge the Crown, the British Crown, who say they are sovereign, who think that they became sovereign when they arrived,' Senator Thorpe said. The Senator, here seen speaking at a rally on January 26 in Melbourne, says the British Crown's claim of sovereignty over Australia is based on a lie 'You don't just rock up on someone else's country and say, by the way, we are sovereign now. 'We put this colonial law over top of the oldest constitution on the planet. 'First Peoples (were) here, so we are the ultimate sovereign power here. And this country needs to come to terms with that.' The outspoken Senator made the surprising admission she would like to talk to King Charles III and would be on the 'first plane' to the UK if she could secure such a meeting. During her swearing in ceremony to Parliament in August last year, she referred to Queen Elizabeth as a 'coloniser'. Senator Thorpe hit back strongly at critics who she claimed had 'demonised' her for taking an independent course and said she had been subject to threats of violence from extremists. 'I think the parliament failed to protect me,' she said. Senator Thorpe was less than impressed that Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (pictured) had consulted with groups designing the Voice whereas she hasn't been invited to do so Senator Thorpe, here seen at a January 26 rally in Melbourne, said that her outspoken views had seen her threatened by far-right terrorist groups 'If we go back to January 26 last year, I had the far right threaten me, there's been subsequent threats publicly by this far-right terrorist group. 'And I think that that's just the reality of what it's like for a black woman in a public space who's got some power, the Greens could only - they Greens protected me in the best way that they could.' Senator Thorpe added that the threats had been referred to the Australian Federal Police but the agency needed to give her 'better updates on what's going on with my safety.' She labelled those questioning her use of public monies as demonstrating 'systemic racism' and 'violence against black women'. Senator Thorpe acknowledged there would be challenges operating without a party structure behind her but insisted she had the right team to do the job. 'I'm looking forward to a future of having a black voice that is not constrained by anything,' she said. 'Baffled' diving expert Peter Faulding's gut instinct tells him she is not in river The diving expert drafted in to help police in the search for missing mother-of-two Nicola Bulley has said if he does not find her in the river today he believes she is not in there and that a third party is involved. Ms Bulley, 45, vanished while walking her dog near the River Wyre in Lancashire on January 27. Police said their primary theory is that she fell into the river, despite not having found any evidence of this. Forensic expert Peter Faulding, founder of Specialist Group International whose team joined the search yesterday, said he has never seen a case so unusual in his 20 years of working in the field. 'We just don't know, we're looking for an invisible person at the moment and we've got no idea.' He said his 'gut instinct' tells him that Ms Bulley is not in the water. 'I personally think if I rule this stretch of river out today where we're working I don't think she's here, I think there's probably a third party involved,' Mr Faulding told Good Morning Britain on Tuesday. He told MailOnline 'there is a possibility that she has been abducted, but there is no information on that'. The 'baffled' diving expert leading the search for missing Nicola Bulley fears her mobile phone discovered on the bend next to the river was left as a 'decoy.' Ms Bulley is pictured here with her partner Paul Ansell Workers from a private underwater search and recovery company, Specialist Group International, including CEO Peter Faulding (top) on February 7 Mr Faulding said he spoken with Ms Bulley's 'distraught' partner last night to keep him updated on the search. He said: 'I spoke to Paul last night and asked him if she had any enemies, any stalkers, the normal questions you would ask. And nothing, he said no. And she was totally normal that day when she left, nothing out the ordinary.' He told LBC: 'It was a totally normal day, she didn't take much with her, and she's just disappeared like she's been taken by aliens. 'There are detectives working all hours trying to piece the missing parts of the jigsaw puzzle that no one - nobody - knows where Nicola is. 'The river has got to be searched, police can't ignore the river, but in the background there's lots of other good work going on. This is just one part of a huge police operation.' Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mr Faulding said: 'Normally when we deal with a drowning victim, they are where they go down. 'I would expect to find Nicola in the water right in front of the bench where she went down. She would not have moved, maybe two or three feet.' He added: 'This is so strange. In my 20-odd years of doing this, I have worked on hundreds of cases, I have never seen anything so unusual.' The expert also told TalkTV: 'I personally don't think she's in the river, that's just my gut instinct at this point.' The diving expert fears Ms Bulley's mobile phone discovered on the bench next to the river was left as a 'decoy'. Forensic expert Mr Faulding said the case has left him 'truly baffled' and if she had drowned her body would have been found by now. The specialist search continues today, Tuesday, as the expert leading it says he has never seen a case so 'unusual' 'I personally think if I rule this stretch of river out today where we're working I don't think she's here,' Peter Faulding told Good Morning Britain on Tuesday Fitbit data could be 'key,' former detective says Former undercover detective for the Met Police Peter Bleksley spoke on This Morning about why he believes Fitbit data is key in the disappearance case. 'Fitbits are a device largely worn on your wrist which will track physical activity, heart rate and particular steps whether you're walking, running or swimming - as some of the more expensive ones are waterproof to a depth of 50m,' he explained. 'Let me just hypothesise for a moment please, as opposed to speculate. Say for example I was sitting here wearing a Fitbit for the minutes this conversation was going ahead. That Fitbit would show that I was static, that I wasn't moving. If I then after some minutes being still get up and take just a few steps to walk off set, before becoming static again, those few steps would be synced to a phone or iPad. 'So if the police have looked at the Fitbit, which they say they have, and they have Fitbit data which might support their theory Nicola has gone into the water, I really don't think it's unreasonable to make that public.' Advertisement He argued that police police have 'nothing to go on' and suggested that a third-party, who might have left her phone behind as a decoy, is involved. This comes after he noted that had she fallen in the water, her dog - which was found at the scene - would have caused a disturbance. Ms Bulley's friend Jill Peck said today they are taking things 'one step at a time, one day at a time, and trying not to speculate on what has happened'. Speaking to Lorraine, she said: 'Nikki is one of the school mums, one of us, very kind and giving, very loving, and her children - her girls - are her world. 'She thinks a lot about family and spent a lot of time trying to make memories with family. 'She is just a lovely person, it's absolutely devastating. 'It's a living nightmare for them (her girls), they need their mum, every day it seems to be getting harder and harder. For Paul to try to keep things going, it's very difficult.' She added: 'We want facts, we want dashcam footage, we really do appeal for the smallest amount of factual information that could help us so please come forward with what you have. We are trying to stay positive and we're a team.' Mr Faulding and his team of expert divers are back on site today after scouring 'three or four miles' of river until darkness fell last night. He revealed that today the team will 'focus our search upstream in the non-tidal section above the weir, and about one mile upstream including past the bench where Nicola's phone was found.' The group, which is based in Dorking, Surrey, and working free of charge, has been using specialist sonar equipment to look for Ms Bulley in the River Wyre. After spending Monday searching 'three or four miles' of the river alongside Lancashire police, Mr Faulding told the PA news agency: 'It's a negative search, no signs of Nicola.' He added that his team will look through another stretch of river today 'towards where Nicola went originally missing'. Nicola Bulley, 45, was last seen over a week ago walking next to the River Wyre in St Michael's on Wyre in Lancashire The bench where Ms Bulley's mobile phone and dog were found next to the River Wyre The search continues for Ms Bulley, who went missing while walking her dog next to the river Missing person signs have been put up in the local area appealing for information Mr Faulding and his team of expert divers will be back on site from 8am today after scouring 'three or four miles' of river until darkness fell last night CCTV collect released by Lancashire police of Nicola Bulley who went missing at St Michael's on Wyre on January 27 Ms Bulley is seen on security footage at her home wearing a long dark coat, leggings and ankle boots with her hair tied in a ponytail Pictures showing Ms Bulley just hours before she vanished have been released by a friend in a bid to find her Nicola Bulley's partner Paul Ansell is said to be 'distraught' as she remains missing Mr Faulding said earlier this week that in his opinion not enough factors added up to lead him to believe Ms Bulley fell into the water. 'We dealt with a drowning a couple of years ago where a gentleman went into a river and Ripley, his dog, was screaming by the riverbank when we got there,' he told GB News earlier this week. 'When we arrived it was howling, and literally pointing exactly where he was. He stayed with his owner. 'The phone on the bench, I mean, you have to ask, normally someone would have a phone in their hand especially if they were walking around.' He also said it 'feels odd' that no one spoke of the fact that Ms Bulley was not wearing clothes that would have absorbed water quickly, there were no marks at the scene and that not one person heard screams. Additionally, he criticised the fact that the location has not remained cordoned off. He said: 'People have been walking past the bench. There's no police tape up. 'This would normally be sealed off as a crime scene so potentially crime scene investigators can go in and see if there are any microfibres, evidence, slip marks down the bank etc and I don't believe that has actually happened here.' The underwater search for Ms Bulley is now in its 11th day following a fresh appeal by her partner, who said her two daughters 'desperately' miss her and 'need her back'. In a statement released yesterday through Lancashire police, her partner Paul Ansell said: 'I have two little girls who miss their mummy desperately and who need her back. 'If anyone has any information which could help find Nicola, I urge them to get in touch with the police and help us provide the answers we all so badly need.' Mr Ansell added: 'We are also really grateful to Peter and his team from SGI for coming up and helping support the work of Lancashire police as they continue their investigation.' Investigators have searched the river and riverbank all the way to the sea, using search teams, sonar, search dogs, drones, a helicopter and CCTV. Nicola, 45, disappeared shortly after dropping her two daughters off at school on January 27 The 45-year-old mother was last seen walking her dog next to the River Wyre in St Michael's on Wyre in Lancashire Peter Faulding, a world-renowned forensics expert who is a diver for the police and has worked on hundreds of cases across the south east, confirmed his specialist rescue and underwater team has been called in to help with the search. The team is pictured at the scene yesterday Martyn Underhill, a former police and crime commissioner for Dorset, slammed the police investigation. He told GBNews: 'There are two golden rules in any case like this, one is to respect the golden hour. 'The first 24 hours are absolutely crucial to a case like this, and the second is to keep an open mind and to hear the police say that this is a tragic accident on what we've got in the public domain at the moment I cannot understand that statement. 'And at a stroke of a pen by saying that, they are reducing the publicity, they are clearly upsetting the family who are now speaking out against them and they are putting all their eggs in one basket, which professionally I find very odd.' Yesterday, Lancashire police released two new images of Ms Bulley on the day she went missing, when she dropped her two daughters, aged six and nine, off at school and then went on her usual dog walk alongside the river. Her phone, still connected to a Teams call for her job as a mortgage adviser, was found on a bench on a steep riverbank overlooking the water, along with the dog lead, with the dog harness on the ground. 'Our working hypothesis remains that Nicola sadly fell into the river for some reason, but we remain open minded, and we are continuing to carry out a huge number of enquiries,' police said. The force is confident, after reviewing CCTV, that Ms Bulley did not leave the field near the river via Rowanwater either through the site itself or the piece of land at the side and she did not return from the fields along Allotment Lane or via the path at the rear of the Grapes pub onto Garstang Road. 'We have also spoken to numerous witnesses, analysed Nicola's mobile phone and Fitbit and searched the derelict house on the other side of the river as well as any empty caravans in the vicinity,' police added. 'We have received a huge amount of information into the inquiry, all of which is being looked at, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has assisted our investigation so far.' Officers are now focusing on the river path leading from the fields back to Garstang Road, and urged drivers and cyclists who travelled that way on January 27, as well as anyone with CCTV or Ring doorbell footage, to contact them. Police are said to be trying to trace data from Nicola Bulley's Fitbit (pictured on her right arm) Meanwhile, a huge presence of emergency services were spotted combing an area around Shard Bridge last night - around seven miles from where the mother was last seen Read more: How dog behaviour can disclose hidden clues to mysteries Dogs are believed to be able to find the last location of their owners through their sense of smell. Experts advise those searching should go back to where the dog was last spotted because it will backtrack to its owner and their scent. A dog's sense of smell is 10,000 times more powerful than a human and can pick up locational scent. If its home is far away and the dog can't find its owner, it will get worried and try to return home to somewhere familiar. In certain cases, some dogs will return home alone or attempt to follow their missing owner, according to Colin Tennant, director of the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training, who wrote in The Sunday Times. Dogs cannot, however, process what is happening if a human falls into water. In this case, the dog might run along the bank looking for eye-contact or stop on the bank as the last place of detection. Advertisement Mr Faulding, who previously described the Lancashire force's operation to find Ms Bulley as a 'mess', praised the efforts of police divers thus far. He was also part of a team that surveyed the area by helicopter yesterday to survey the landscape. The forensic expert continued: 'We are putting the maximum into this. We just want to help the family. The more hands on deck, the better. 'There is a missing part of a jigsaw that cannot be completed. It is all a bit odd.' It comes after a huge presence of emergency services were spotted combing an area near Shard Bridge last night - around seven miles from where the mother was last seen. A spokesman for Lancashire police said yesterday: 'We were called at 5.51pm today to Shard Road, Hambleton, in relation to the search for Nicola Bulley who is missing from St Michael's on Wyre. 'The search of the sand and surrounding area near to Shard Bridge by Lancashire police and the coastguard proved negative.' Dive teams worked into the evening yesterday to try to locate the missing woman, but family and friends remain unconvinced that she was ever in the water. Emma White, a friend of the missing mother, said yesterday that she hopes the specialist underwater teams will uncover nothing because then it rules out the police's theory that she fell into the river. Ms White said they were pleased Mr Faulding's team are assisting police but are keeping everything crossed that they don't find anything. Search team members unload equipment on February 6 in St Michael's on Wyre A helicopter is seen in the search for the missing mother of two yesterday afternoon SGI Search teams arrive at the River Wyre yesterday morning in the search for the missing mother An independent underwater rescue team, Specialist Group International, joined police in the search yesterday Emma White said: 'We just have to have everything crossed that the search continues and Nicola is not in that river' She told ITV's Good Morning Britain on Monday: 'We hope they uncover nothing, like the police have done for the last ten days, and we hope Nicola is not in that river.' Ms White said she believes Mr Faulding's equipment is more sophisticated than the kit police have. 'Peter's here, working with Lancashire police, and we just have to have everything crossed that the search continues and Nicola is not in that river,' she said. 'We don't want to undermine all the work police have done but when you get that glimmer of hope and you look at what the company does, his records and what he has achieved then you think we need to get this expert here and we can't thank you enough for bringing the team down.' Ms White, who has known Ms Bulley for ten years, said the police theory that she fell into the Wyre 'is based on a theory, with no actual evidence to support it'. She told Radio 4's Today programme: 'The hypothesis is based on limited information I've said before it's a theory, and we sadly can't base life on a theory.' She thanked the public for their support and kindness shown towards Ms Bulley's family, and said at the core of their rescue campaign are 'two little girls who want their mummy'. Meanwhile, a friend of Ms Bulley shared 11 key details about her disappearance in a Facebook post following the 45-year-old's disappearance. In the list, Tilly Ann wrote that the only CCTV camera at a residential caravan park 'that would have seen Nikki' is not working. She also said Ms Bulley is 'an incredibly strong swimmer', and that her dog Willow whom she was walking at the time was completely dry when found. She wrote that the dog would never have a harness on during the familiar walk, after speculation about why Willow's harness was removed. When the dog was found, it was very close to the bench with the harness on the floor. She added that her friend would often put her phone on loud-speaker when talking. Ms Bulley's phone was discovered close to the river bank and she had been on a conference call before she vanished. Peter Faulding, chief executive of private underwater search and recovery company Specialist Group International (SGI), is pictured at the scene yesterday A police officer near the search location on Monday as specialist river divers joined the police Specialist teams will use a high-spec sonar 'which can see every stick and stone lying on the riverbed' yesterday The 11 key details written by Nicola Bulley's friend: Paul and Nikki both mostly work from home which is why he was at home that day. They have CCTV and there is a reason why Paul has never been a suspect. Family and friends need these accusations to stop immediately. The fact that I've had to write this is disgusting to be honest They both do this walk regularly and Paul is very well known in the community and very well recognised The dog never has her harness on for a chunk of that walk, it's removed at the gate of the top field and then put back on at the gate when they leave They very rarely take the ball out for walks with willow now because she is very very protective over the ball and haven't done for a while Nikki quite often would put her phone on loud speaker when talking The dog was found very close to the bench and the harness. The harness was found on the floor not on the bench Nikki is an incredibly strong swimmer Nikki drove to the school and then left her car there and walked to the river The dog was dry when found The dog has since been back There's CCTV at the back of the caravan park. The only camera that isn't working is the one that would have seen everything Advertisement The family friend thanked those who had shared their support and contributed to the search for Nicola - saying it had 'created such a comfort to Nikki's family'. Detailing the impact on Paul, she wrote that he is struggling to hold back his pain, but is focusing on his children and does not want to worry them 'more than they already are'. After detectives confirmed Ms Bulley's dog was found dry, a canine expert said the dog could have panicked and gone into 'fight or flight' mode. Another expert explained that dogs, who cannot find their owner, will often circle the area they were last present. Writing in The Times, Colin Tennant, director of the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training, said: 'A dog can help you find the last location of its owner through its sense of smell. 'If people lose their dog, the advice I always give to them is to stay in the exact position you were when you last saw the dog, because it will always backtrack to you. 'So if somebody fell in a river, the dog would always tend to circulate in that area, because that's where all the owner's scents are, on the ground and vegetation.' He added: 'It will often migrate back to the last spot where it was with the owner because they're its pack leader.' The expert added that usually if the dog can't find its owner, and the home is nearby, it will often run back home. Addressing speculation that the fact Ms Bulley's dog was found dry meant that the mother did not fall into the river, dog behaviour expert Ross McCarthy said that is not necessarily the case. He told the Express: 'It all depends on the dog's association with water, and their relationship with the owner and so on, as to whether they would jump in. 'Some would through play or investigation and others would just mooch about on the side and some would panic at the strange situation.' He said that, just like humans, dogs go into fight or flight mode. 'Presumably this dog has been walked along the canal and water often and been discouraged from going in or naturally just avoided going in,' he added. Workers from a private underwater search and recovery company, Specialist Group International, are pictured at the scene yesterday Ms Bulley was walking her spaniel Willow, pictured, at the time she went missing Search team members load sonar equipment aboard a boat on February 6 Lancashire police officers work near the River Wyre in St Michael's on Wyre, near Preston, north west England on February 6 Specialist Group International joins police in looking for missing woman Nicola Bulley. They are pictured at the scene yesterday Police inspecting the river bank before searches began yesterday morning On Saturday, police released an image of a potential witness, wearing a yellow rain jacket and pushing a pram, who was in the area at the time of Ms Bulley's disappearance. That evening they said they were 'pleased to say that the woman came forward very quickly' and were treating her as a 'key witness' in the investigation READ MORE: Forensic expert claims missing Nicola Bulley did not fall into river Advertisement On Saturday, police released an image of a potential witness, wearing a yellow rain jacket and pushing a pram, who was in the area at the time of Ms Bulley's disappearance. That evening they said they were 'pleased to say that the woman came forward very quickly' and were treating her as a 'key witness' in the investigation. Officers believe she was in the same area as Ms Bulley on Friday January 27. Within minutes of the appeal being made public, a relative confirmed the woman was 'on the phone' to police. The Facebook post by Lancashire police added: 'Our enquiries to find Nicola are extensive and will include speaking to as many members of the public as possible.' Photos of police scouring the River Wyre have been released as they continue to search. A line of enquiry relates to a Fitbit Ms Bulley was wearing on the morning she vanished. Police hope to use technology to help track her whereabouts via the smart watch. Nicola Bulley's sister (pictured together) warned there is 'no evidence whatsoever' that suggests the missing mother fell in the river, despite police confirming it is their lead theory Paul Ansell, 44, said his partner's disappearance feels 'no more real now' than it did when he first learned she was missing Mr Ansell also reiterated warnings from that friends and family that police have very little basis for their theory that Ms Bulley fell in the river The police have said they 'want to find her and provide answers to her family' Fitbits are also capable of monitoring a heart rate and could provide vital clues relating to Ms Bulley's last known movements before she disappeared. Police are still trying to piece together about ten minutes from the morning Ms Bulley disappeared. Lancashire police Superintendent Sally Riley told The Sunday Times: 'This is a low-crime area. It's genuinely a safe, tight-knit area, people look out for each other. A third-party [being] involved that we haven't yet had sightings of, we haven't caught on CCTV or dash-cam or all the other things I've mentioned, is just not likely.' This does not mean they've entirely ruled out other scenarios. Police are particularly interested in speaking to people who might have been travelling near Blackpool Lane and Garstang Road between 9am and 10am on Friday January 27, the day Ms Bulley vanished. 'Whilst you may not think that you hold any relevant information, it is really important that we gather as much footage as possible from the area that morning so we can review every piece meticulously to establish whether Nicola can be seen,' police said. 'We know from the footage we are currently reviewing, that this is a busy road, particularly at that time in the morning. 'There will be many people who were in that area at the time who may not think they can help, however we would urge you not to make that decision yourself and to come forward so we can have as much material as possible to assist the investigation.' A grief-stricken father has been pictured holding the hand of his 15-year-old daughter who was crushed to death beneath the rubble of a building in Turkey, which along with Syria has been rocked by a catastrophic earthquake disaster. UNICEF says it fears the girl could be one among thousands of children killed in the unfolding crisis, with more than 5,200 fatalities confirmed so far in the two countries. Scores more are trapped in the ruins of their demolished homes. Two major quakes struck the region yesterday, followed by a 5.8-magnitude quake this morning as rescue efforts to save trapped survivors continued - several of whom have sent videos and voice notes from their confines pleading for help. A winter storm and freezing temperatures has been hampering those working desperately in a race against time to free people from the rubble, with the cold weather making the need to reach trapped survivors even more urgent. The WHO warned on Monday that the toll could hit 20,000, and on Tuesday said 23 million people - including 1.4 million children - could be affected. In the UK, British foreign secretary James Cleverly today told the House of Commons that 'three British nationals are missing and the Foreign Office's Crisis Response Hub is working to support the at least 35 British nationals who have been directly affected by these earthquakes.' He added the likelihood of large-scale British casualties 'remains low'. This is the moment grief-stricken father Mesut Hancer held the hand of his 15-year-old daughter who was crushed to death beneath the rubble of a building in Turkey, which along with its neighbour Syria has been rocked by a catastrophic earthquake disaster Pictured: Father Mesut Hancer holds the hand of his daughter, who was crushed to death when her home collapsed in Turkey. Monday's first massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck at 4:17 am (0117 GMT), while many were still asleep in their beds Pictured: Mesut Hancer with his daughter Irmakleyla Hancer, who was killed in Monday's earthquake. The father was pictured holding his daughter's hand on Tuesday The epicentre of Monday's earthquake was just north of the city of Gaziantep at a depth of around 11 miles, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS), and the quake struck at 04:17 am local time (01:17 GMT) In the badly hit Turkish city of Hatay, residents helplessly called out as the screams and shouts of those freezing under the rubble filled the air. Desperate to reach them in time, rescuers have been digging with their bare hands. Several videos have emerged of helpless children being pulled from the twisted wrecks of buildings. Tragic photographs from Kahramanmaras, close to the quake's epicentre, showed father Mesut Hancer in a bright orange jacket crouching on a steep pile of rubble, his left arm stretched out to his side and holding on to the hand of his dead daughter. The body of the girl, who was named Irmak and who died on Monday, lies on top of a mattress, crushed underneath a huge concrete block. Just her hand and a small portion of her face can be seen through a narrow gap in the wreckage of their home. Rescue workers continued to work around the tragic scene. Just feet away, another man with a sledgehammer tried to smash his way through the rubble in search of any survivors that might still be trapped in the demolished building. The image depicts the agony caused by Monday's first massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which struck at 4:17 am (0117 GMT), while many residents were still asleep in their beds - unable to escape before their homes crashed down on them. The quakes affected dozens of towns and cities across a vast area stretching over a 200-mile radius. Thousands of rescuers have descended on the region to help, with the next 24 to 48 hours being described as the vital 'golden hour' to save survivors. International search and rescue teams have poured into the region. But with the damage spread over a wide area, the massive relief operation has struggled to reach devastated towns, and voices that had been crying out from the rubble fell silent. Rescuers also find themselves battling the cold weather, continued aftershocks, as well as damaged roads and other infrastructure such as power and communications. 'We could hear their voices, they were calling for help,' said Ali Silo, whose two relatives could not be saved in the Turkish town of Nurdagi. In the end, it was left to Silo, a Syrian who arrived in Hama a decade ago, and other residents to recover the bodies and those of two other victims. Elsewhere in Sanliurfa, a Turkish town 30 miles north of the Syrian border, rescue workers spoke in hushed tones as they listened intently for any sign of life in a collapsed seven-storey building in which 35 people were still missing. Similar scenes were being played out across the affected region. An untold number of survivors are still buried under the rubble of thousands of apartment towers - many only recently constructed - that have crumbled from the pre-dawn jolt and its seemingly ceaseless aftershocks. A third earthquake hit Turkey early this morning after two others devastated the country and its neighbour Syria a day earlier. Pictured: Baby Ayse Vera and her mother (not seen) are rescued under the rubble of a collapsed building in Hatay, Turkey on Tuesday morning, more than 24 hours after the first earthquake hit Pictured: A mother and her two daughters, who were rescued 33 hours after the first quake struck, are seen wrapped in blankets after being pulled from the ruins of their home Pictured: An apocalyptic scene in Iskenderun, Turkey on Monday after the country and its neighbour Syria were left devastated by a series of earthquakes Pictured: A collapsed building in Malatya, Turkey is seen covered in snow as rescue workers carry out search and rescue efforts on the roof. A winter storm causing freezing temperatures - which dropped to -5C overnight in some areas - has been hampering those working desperately to free people from the rubble of destroyed buildings Meanwhile, tens of thousands have been left homeless and sleeping in their cars or searching for temporary accommodation after thousands of buildings were brought down on both sides of the border, pouring misery on an area already plagued by war, insurgency, refugee crises and a recent cholera outbreak. There have been on-the-ground reports of residents looting supermarkets after being left without food or shelter, while patients at a damaged Turkish government hospital were left to die by fleeing medical staff, according to Sky News. Even those whose homes were not destroyed in the quake face an uncertain future, with many buildings potentially being rendered uninhabitable. Residents who return to their homes too soon are risking their lives as aftershocks continue to shake the foundations. The initial earthquake was so powerful it was felt as far away as Greenland and was followed by a series of more than 200 aftershocks, including a 7.5-magnitude tremor that struck in the middle of search and rescue work on Monday. The worst affected areas were along the East Anatolian Fault, a tectonic boundary between the Anatolian Plate and the northward-moving Arabian Plate. According to Professor Carlo Doglioni, an Italian seismology expert, the Arabian plate shifted three meters during the quake. Another quake of 5.6 magnitude struck central Turkey on Tuesday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said. While it was not as powerful as the two on Monday, it was recorded at a depth of 1.2 miles. Shallower quakes cause more damage, although it was initially unclear how much damage it caused. As of 2.30pm GMT, the death toll in Syria stood at 1,712, according to the Syrian government and the White Helmets rescue service in the insurgent-held northwest. State news agency SANA said at least 812 people were killed and 1,449 people injured in the government-held provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, Idlib and Tartous. At least 900 people were killed in Syria's opposition-held northwest and 2,300 injured with the toll expected to 'rise dramatically,' the White Helmets said. Turkey disaster agency AFAD said on Thursday afternoon that the death toll in the country had risen to 3,703, with another 22,286 injuries. hat brought the number of people killed in both Turkey and Syria in total to 5,415. This is expected to rise. Turkey's president Recep Erdogan earlier declared a state of emergency that would last at least three months in ten provinces affected by the quakes. 'We are declaring ten provinces where the earthquake occurred as Disaster Areas Affecting General Life. Based on the authority given to us by Article 119 of the Constitution, we have decided to declare a state of emergency.' He said that 13 million of his country's 85 million people (a little over 15 percent) had been affected in some way by the quake, and added that 70 countries had offered help in search and rescue operations. Turkey plans to open up hotels in the tourism hub of Antalya, to the west, to temporarily house people impacted by the quakes, he said. Pictured: Aid workers hand out bread to people in Malatya, Turkey. There have been on-the-ground reports of residents looting supermarkets after being left without food or shelter Pictured: A Turkish soldier cries (right) after he and his team rescued two woman from a collapsed building, 30 hours after it was destroyed in the quake Pictured: A woman wrapped in a blanket is carried down a steep pile of rubble after being saved from a collapsed building in Kahramanmaras Pictured: A Turkish soldier empties a bucket of rubble as search and rescue efforts continue in Kahramanmaras on Tuesday Pictured: A woman is rescued from the wreckage of a collapsed building in Sanliurfa on Tuesday morning. AFAD has said nearly 8,000 people have been rescued from 4,758 buildings destroyed in the Monday tremors A 14-year-old boy is seen being taken out of the rubble of a collapsed building approximately 24 hours after the first quake during search and rescue efforts in Kahramanmaras, Turkey Pictured: A woman cries while embracing another person, near the rubble of a destroyed building, following an earthquake in Hatay, Turkey Pictured: People stand close to a collapsed building in Diyarbakir, Turkey on Tuesday morning Pictured: Rescue workers form a line from a damaged building in Diyarbakir, Turkey Pictured: An aerial view of collapsed buildings inKahramanmaras, Turkey on Tuesday morning Pictured: An aerial view of a destroyed apartment building in Hatay, Turkey Pictured: An aerial view of a destroyed apartment building in Hatay, Turkey Pictured: An aerial view of several destroyed apartment buildings in Hatay, Turkey Pictured: Hundreds of shipping containers are ablaze at Turkey's Iskenderun Port on Tuesday, sending thick black smoke into the sky and shutting down operations, forcing freight liners to divert vessels to other ports Pictured: A huge inferno is seen at the shipping port in Iskenderun, Turkey on Tuesday Pictured: A view of the shipping port in Iskenderun shows smoke billowing into the sky Speaking to reporters, Vice President Fuat Oktay said severe weather conditions made it difficult to bring aid to the affected regions and conduct rescues. He said only rescue and aid vehicles were being allowed to enter or leave Hatay, Kahramanmaras and Adiyaman, three of the most impacted provinces. When it was announced yesterday that the toll had passed 2,600, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said it expected a 'significant' increase in fatalities in the coming days and weeks, as search and rescue efforts continue. Catherine Smallwood, the WHO's senior emergency officer for Europe, said it was possible that an eight-fold increase could be seen on the figure at the time, which would suggest the WHO fears the death toll could reach as high as 20,000. 'There's continued potential of further collapses to happen so we do often see in the order of eight fold increases on the initial numbers,' the WHO's senior emergency officer for Europe, Catherine Smallwood, told AFP news agency on Monday. 'We always see the same thing with earthquakes, unfortunately, which is that the initial reports of the numbers of people who have died or who have been injured will increase quite significantly in the week that follows,' Smallwood added. On Tuesday, the WHO warned that up to 23 million people could be affected by the massive earthquakes, suggesting the true scale of the disaster is yet to be realised. 'Event overview maps show that potentially 23 million people are exposed, including around five million vulnerable populations,' WHO senior emergencies officer Adelheid Marschang told the UN health agency's executive committee. UNICEF, the UN's children's agency, said the quake could have killed thousands of children. 'The earthquakes that hit southern Turkey and northern Syria early yesterday morning may have killed thousands of children,' UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told reporters in Geneva. He added the organisation could not determine a specific death toll of children at this stage. Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) has said that so far, more 8,000 people have been rescued from over 5,000 buildings destroyed in the Monday tremors. While many buildings survived the quakes, older and poorly constructed buildings collapsed. Some fell straight down, others toppled sideways. AFAD has said over 20,000 search and rescue personnel have been deployed and more than 41,000 tents, 100,000 beds and 300,000 blankets had been sent to the region. 'The delivery of personnel and vehicles continued uninterrupted during the night,' it said. Temperatures overnight in the quake-hit Turkish city of Gaziantep sank to -5 C (23 F). Temperatures in the areas affected by the earthquake are set to drop further in the coming days, with some regions bracing for temperatures as low as -15C overnight. Turkey has deployed more than 24,400 search and rescue personnel to the quake area. The number was expected to rise with the arrival of additional personnel though the wintry conditions were hampering their deployment, disaster management agency official Orhan Tatar said. 'The adverse weather conditions continue in the region. Therefore, from time to time it may be difficult to transport these search and rescue teams to the region,' he said. SYRIA: Rescue workers and civilians climb over a huge mount of concrete from a destroyed building in Kahramanmaras on Tuesday morning Pictured: An earth-mover digs through the rubble of a destroyed building in Aleppo, Syria Pictured: Rescue teams search for survivors of Monday's earthquake in Aleppo, Syria Pictured: People gather on the rubble as the search for survivors continues, in the aftermath of the earthquake, in Aleppo, Syria, February 7, 2023 Syrians mourn over the bodies of a family and close neighbours who were killed as their family house collapsed during the deadly earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, during which one newborn baby survived, in the village of Hajji Iskandar, on February Syrians search for victims and survivors under the rubble of a collapsed building in the rebel-held town of Jindayris on February 7, 2023, following the deadly quake Pictured: A rainbow is seen in the sky above the wreckage of a destroyed building in Idlib, Syria Pictured: Syrian rescuers are seen on top of a collapsed building in Jandaris on Tuesday Syrians gather next to a collapsed building in the town of Azaz on the border with Turkey on February 7, 2023, following the deadly quakes on Monday Pictured: Members of a rescue team gather on the rubble as the search for survivors continues, in the aftermath of the earthquake in Al Atareb, Syria February 7, 2023 White Helmet Syrian rescue workers sit on an excavator on February 6, 2022 in the town of Sarmada, in Syria's rebel-held northwestern Idlib province, as a search operation continues following a deadly earthquake Tatar said 10 ships were helping the rescue efforts, by transporting the wounded to hospitals, mainly from the Mediterranean port of Iskenderun - where a huge fire is currently raging. Pictures have shown hundreds of shipping containers ablaze, sending thick black smoke into the sky and shutting down operations, forcing freight liners to divert vessels to other ports. About 55 helicopters had conducted 154 sorties to transport emergency aid and around 85 trucks were distributing food, he said. Tatar said his agency had received 11,342 reports of collapsed buildings, but only 5,775 of those reports have been confirmed. However, despite the response the Turkish government was already facing criticisms from some in the country, and the director general of the WHO said he was 'especially concerned' about areas in Turkey and Syria from which they were yet to receive any information from. 'We're especially concerned about areas where we do not yet have information,' Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the WHO's executive board meeting in Geneva. 'Damage mapping is one way to understand where we need to focus our attention.' The Guardian reported that its correspondent in Turkey had spoken to residents who were furious about what they said was a 'negligent' response in Hatay, Turkey's southernmost province. The newspaper said it had been told the rescue effort had so far failed to reach the area, and that many were still trapped there. The devastation from the quakes has sparked a global response, with dozens of nations from Ukraine to New Zealand vowing to send help. Several international rescue missions rushed to Turkey and Syria after both countries called for aid. War-ravaged Ukraine announced Tuesday that it will send an 87-strong search and rescue team to Turkey to 'help eliminate the consequences' of the earthquake. The announcement came in a decree published on the Ukrainian Cabinet office's website. Earlier on Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a separate decree instructing his Cabinet to 'ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to Turkey.' Only a vast international response will be able to tackle the growing humanitarian crisis. But a winter blizzard has covered major roads into the area in ice and snow and officials said three major airports have been rendered inoperable. This has complicated deliveries of vital aid. The situation in north-west Syria is even more complicated, with the challenge of getting aid across the frontlines between rebel and government forces. Much of the quake-hit area of northern Syria has already been decimated by years of war and aerial bombardment by Syrian and Russia forces that destroyed homes, hospitals and clinics. The conflict is already shaping the emergency response, with Syria's envoy to the United Nations Bassam Sabbagh seemingly ruling out reopening border crossings that would allow aid to reach areas controlled by rebel groups. The Syrian health ministry reported damage across the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama and Tartus, where Russia is leasing a naval facility. Senior officials from the WHO said on Tuesday that Syria's humanitarian needs where the highest after the major earthquake. The United Nations said that it was trying to reach refugees affected by the quake, though its existing aid programmes are woefully underfunded. 'We do not know the exact number of refugees impacted and we might not for some days, but we fear the number might be significant, given the epicentre of the quake was close to areas with high concentrations of refugees,' said Matthew Saltmarsh, spokesman for the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. Sebastien Gay, the head of mission in Syria for Doctors Without Borders, said health facilities in northern Syria were overwhelmed with medical personnel working around 'around the clock to respond to the huge numbers of wounded.' Marschang said Turkey had a strong capacity to respond to the crisis but that the main unmet needs in the immediate and mid-term would be across the border in Syria, already grappling with a years-long humanitarian crisis due to the civil war and a cholera outbreak. 'This is a crisis on top of multiple crises in the affected region she said at the organisation's board meeting in Geneva,' she said. 'All over Syria, the needs are the highest after nearly 12 years of protracted, complex crisis, while humanitarian funding continues to decline.' Pictured: A man carries a survivor from a collapsed building on February 7 in Hatay, Turkey Pictured: 24-year-old Rumeysa Yalcinkaya is rescued from underneath the rubble in Kahramanmaras, Turkey on Tuesday morning - more than 24 hours after the first quake Muhammet Ruzgar, 5, is carried out by a rescuer from the site of a damaged building, following an earthquake in Hatay, Turkey on Tuesday Police officer Zekeriya Yildiz hugs his daughter after she was saved from the rubble in Hatay Pictured: A man is carried in a makeshift stretcher by rescuers after being pulled from the rubble in Hatay, Turkey Pictured: An aerial view of a destroyed building in seen in Adiyaman, Turkey on Tuesday Smoke billows from the scene of collapsed buildings on February 07 in Hatay, Turkey Pictured: A fire is seen raging among the rubble of destroyed buildings in Hatay, Turkey An earthquake survivor cries as rescuers look for victims and other survivors in Hatay, Turkey Pictured: Earthquake victims look for their relatives in Hatay, Turkey on Tuesday Pictured: A man runs along a street strewn with debris, in Hatay, Turkey on Monday Pictured: A man stands infront of a destroyed building in Malatya, Turkey as rescue workers continue their search for survivors Pictured: People take rest next to a bonfire in the rubble in Kahramanmaras, Turkey Pictured: People do their best to keep warm by standing around a fire in Iskenderun, Turkey on Tuesday morning. Tens of thousands of people have been left homeless by the quakes Pictured: Residents sit around a fire as they try to keep warm in Kahramanmaras, Turkey Pictured: A woman searching for survivors of the earthquake gestures at a huge pule of debris in Iskenderun, Turkey, as thick black smoke billows into the sky behind her Through the night in Turkey, survivors used their bare hands to pick over the twisted ruins of multi-storey apartment blocks - trying to save family, friends and anyone else sleeping inside when the first massive quake struck early Monday. 'Where is my mum?' asked a distraught seven-year-old girl who was pulled from a collapsed building in Hatay, on the Turkish side of the border. The sense of disbelief was widespread, as residents struggled to comprehend the scale of the disaster. Some of the heaviest devastation occurred near the quake's epicentre between Kahramanmaras and Gaziantep, a city of two million where entire blocks now lie in ruins under gathering snow. Turkey said almost 3,000 buildings had collapsed in seven different provinces, including public hospitals. A famous mosque dating back to the 13th century partially collapsed in the province of Maltaya, where a 14-story building with 28 apartments that housed 92 people collapsed. As residents tried to clear a mountain of masonry, plasterboard and furniture that had been a multi-story building, another collapsed nearby - sending crowds screaming and clamouring for safety. With aftershocks continuously rattling the area, many terrified and exhausted survivors spent the night outdoors, too afraid to go home. Some huddled under bus shelters, some wrapped themselves in plastic to repel the freezing rain and others burned debris to keep warm. In the Turkish city of Antakya near the Syrian border, where 10-storey buildings crumbled onto the streets, Reuters journalists saw rescue work being conducted on one out of dozens of mounds of rubble. The temperature was close to freezing as the rain came down and there was no electricity or fuel in the city. Elsewhere, a woman's voice was heard calling for help under a pile of rubble in the southern Turkish province of Hatay. Nearby, the body of a small child lay lifeless. Weeping in the rain, a resident who gave his name as Deniz wrung his hands in despair. 'They're making noises but nobody is coming,' he said. 'We're devastated, we're devastated. My God ... They're calling out. They're saying, 'Save us' but we can't save them. How are we going to save them? There has been nobody since the morning.' Families slept in cars lined up in the streets. Ayla, standing by a pile of rubble where an eight-storey building once stood, said she had driven to Hatay from Gaziantep on Monday in search of her mother. Five or six rescuers from the Istanbul fire department were working in the ruins - a sandwich of concrete and glass. 'There have been no survivors yet. A street dog came and barked at a certain point for long, I feared it was for my mother. But it was someone else,' she said. 'I turned on the lights of the car to help the rescue team. They took out only two bodies so far, no survivors.' Thousands of people in Hatay sheltered in sports centres or fair halls, while others spent the night outside, huddled in blankets around fires. Turkey has large numbers of troops in the border region with Syria and has tasked the military to aid in the rescue efforts, including setting up tents for the homeless and a field hospital in Hatay province. Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said a humanitarian aid brigade based in Ankara and eight military search and rescue teams had also been deployed. In Kahramanmaras, north of Antakya, families gathered around fires and wrapped themselves in blankets to stay warm. 'We barely made it out of the house,' said Neset Guler, huddling with his four children. 'Our situation is a disaster. We are hungry, we are thirsty. It's miserable.' Rescuers search for victims and survivors amidst the rubble of a collapsed building late on February 6, 2022 in the town of Sarmada, in Syria's rebel-hold northwest Pictured: An aerial view of destroyed buildings in Kahramanmaras, Turkey are seen on Tuesday In this photo released by Inter Services Public Relations, Pakistan Army's Urban Search and Rescue team members board a plane for the departure to Turkey to help rescue operation in earthquake hit areas, at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Tuesday, February 7 Pictured: Rescuers of International Search and Rescue (ISAR) Germany pose for a picture before boarding a charter plane, on their way to help find survivors of the deadly earthquake in Turkey, at Cologne-Bonn airport, Germany, February 6, 2023 South Korean rescue team members prepare to board a plane for quake-ravaged Turkey at the Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea, Tuesday, February 7 The earthquake, which was followed by aftershocks, was the biggest recorded worldwide by the U.S. Geological Survey since one in the remote South Atlantic in August 2021. It is the deadliest in Turkey since one of similar magnitude in 1999 that killed more than 17,000. Nearly 16,000 were reported injured in Monday's quake. Poor internet connections and damaged roads between some of the worst-hit Turkish cities, homes to millions of people, hindered efforts to assess the impact and plan help. Erdogan, preparing for a tough election in May, called the quake a historic disaster and said authorities were doing all they could. In the Turkish city of Iskenderun, rescuers climbed an enormous pile of debris that was once part of a state hospital's intensive care unit in search of survivors. Health workers did what they could to tend to the new rush of injured. 'We have a patient who was taken into surgery but we don't know what happened,' said Tulin, a woman in her 30s, standing outside the hospital, wiping away tears and praying. In the same city, a large fire that broke out at a section of the port in continued to tage for a second day. Television images Tuesday showed thick black smoke rising from burning containers at Iskenderun Port that sits on the Mediterranean Sea. Reports said the fire was caused by containers that toppled over during the powerful earthquake that struck southeast Turkey on Monday. Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency said a Turkish Coast Guard vessel was assisting efforts to extinguish the fire. In Syria, the effects of the quake were compounded by the destruction of more than 11 years of civil war. In the rebel-held northwest, the death toll stands at more than 740 people, according to the Syrian civil defence, a rescue service known for digging people from the rubble of government air strikes. The civil defence said hundreds of families were trapped under the rubble and time was running out to save them. A top U.N. humanitarian official in Syria said fuel shortages and the harsh weather were creating obstacles to its response. 'The infrastructure is damaged, the roads that we used to use for humanitarian work are damaged, we have to be creative in how to get to the people ... but we are working hard,' U.N. resident coordinator El-Mostafa Benlamlih told Reuters in an interview via video link from Damascus. Even before the tragedy, buildings in Aleppo - Syria's pre-war commercial hub - often collapsed due to the dilapidated infrastructure. Officials cut off natural gas and power supplies across the region as a precaution, and also closed schools for two weeks. Pictured: Search and rescue operations continue on collapsed building in Kahramanmaras Pictured: Residents stand next to a huge pile of rubble from a destroyed building. A nearby car lies crushed by the debris Rescuers from the aid organization '@fire' arrive at the Adana Sakirpasa Airport following the earthquakes, in Adana, Turkey on February 7 The United States, the UK, the European Union and Russia were among those to immediately send condolences and offers of help to stricken region. President Joe Biden promised his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the US will send 'any and all' aid needed to help recover from a devastating earthquake. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also offered to provide 'the necessary assistance' to Turkey, whose combat drones are helping Kyiv fight the on-going Russian invasion of his country. Chinese state media said on Tuesday that Beijing was sending rescuers, medical teams and other supplies. The head of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Khaled Hboubati, has urged the United States and the European Union to lift years-old sanctions imposed on Syria saying the country is in bad need for help following the earthquake. 'I call on for the lifting of sanctions on Syria. This is the most important thing for us,' Hboubati told a news conference Damascus, highlighting the need for construction machinery for the rescue effort. Sanctions by the United States, the European Union and some Arab countries have been in place since 2011, after President Bashar Assad's government cracked down on protests against his rule. Meanwhile, The UN's cultural agency UNESCO said two sites listed on its World Heritage list in Syria and Turkey sustained damage in the devastating earthquake and warned several others may also have been hit. The earthquake early Monday affected one of the longest continuously-inhabited areas on the planet within the so-called Fertile Crescent, which has witnessed the emergence of different civilisations from the Hittites to the Ottomans. This rich history has left behind a plethora of archeological sites - many of them thousands of years old - which have been major tourist attractions for decades. As well as the damage to the old city of Syria's Aleppo and the fortress in the southeastern Turkish city of Diyarbakir, UNESCO said at least three other World Heritage sites could be affected. This including the famous archaeological site Nemrut Dag, it said. 'Our organisation will provide assistance within its mandate,' said UNESCO director general Audrey Azoulay. A statement from UNESCO said it and partners had already carried out an initial survey of the damage of the quake. 'Significant damage has been noted in the citadel. The western tower of the old city wall has collapsed and several buildings in the souks have been weakened,' it said. Aleppo was Syria's pre-war commercial hub and considered one of the world's longest continuously inhabited cities, boasting markets, mosques, caravanserais, and public baths. But a brutal siege imposed on rebels by government forces left it disfigured. Syria's directorate of antiquities had already raised concern about the damage on Wednesday, saying parts of Aleppo's northern defensive walls had collapsed. In Turkey, UNESCO said it was saddened by the "collapse of several buildings" at the World Heritage site of the Diyarbakir Fortress and the adjacent Hevsel Gardens. It emphasised that the entire area was an important centre of the Roman, Sassanid, Byzantine, Islamic and Ottoman periods. Turkey is in one of the world's most active earthquake zones. The country's last 7.8-magnitude tremor was in 1939, when 33,000 died in the eastern Erzincan province. The Turkish region of Duzce suffered a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in 1999, when more than 17,000 people died. Experts have long warned a large quake could devastate Istanbul, a megalopolis of 16 million people filled with rickety homes. A massive shark just metres away from swimmers at a popular beach in Western Australia, sparked desperate warnings from locals who screamed 'get out of the water'. The shark was spotted in swallow water at Grannies Beach in Port Denison by concerned witnesses on a nearby road in Dongara, north of Perth on Sunday. One day earlier, a 16-year-old girl was killed by a bull shark while swimming with a pod of dolphins in the Swan River in north-west Perth. A potential tiger shark (pictured) was spotted in shallow water at Grannies Beach in Dongara, West Australia on Sunday, one day after a 16-year-old was killed by a shark in Swan Lake Can anyone confirm if there is a shark net at Dongara (WA)? If not this is stupidity and luck at its best. Posted by Rob Paxevanos on Saturday, February 4, 2023 Footage of the encounter posted to Facebook, shows the shark slowly swimming closer to shore, as people standing on a pier shout out to beachgoers. 'Shark! Get out of the water,' they yelled at those in the predator's path. The swimmers, who were just metres away, start to rush back to shore as the shark continues to peruse the shoreline. 'You're dinner,' a boy said and laughed in the clip. The shark is yet to be identified, however a monster tiger shark was spotted in the area on Tuesday morning. 'There is a big tiger that comes in there on a regular basis. See it all the time,' one Facebook user commented under the video Some social media users were quick to jump to the shark's defence. 'It's only a tiger shark he was just cruising around,' one user wrote. 'Probably happens more than we know just happened to be caught on camera,' another user commented. 'Its the risk we take when we enter their ocean.' Locals yelled out to swimmers, sending them rushing to safety ashore (pictured) The encounter comes just one day after the tragic death of a teenage girl in the Swan River after being mauled by a bull shark. On Saturday, Stella Berry, 16, was with friends on the banks of the Swan River in North Fremantle when she saw a pod of dolphins and jumped in the water. Moments later, bystanders heard her screams as a shark had latched onto her leg and was pulled from the river with critical injuries and died on the scene. 'It's an extremely traumatic event for everyone involved and everyone who knew the young girl, so I won't be going into the extent of the injuries,' Fremantle District Acting Inspector, Paul Robinson, said. 'It is unusual for a shark to be that far down the river.' BP profits more than doubled to 23billion last year as the oil giant benefited from runaway gas prices caused by the war in Ukraine. The results, which come as households continue to struggle with high gas and electricity bills, prompted fresh calls for a higher windfall tax on energy firms. BP also said that it had slashed its emissions reduction targets by a third, and will produce much more oil and gas by the end of this decade than previously thought. The business is the focus of another political row today, with shadow climate secretary Ed Miliband calling on ministers to introduce a 'proper windfall tax'. It comes just days after Shell reported its highest profit on record at nearly $40billion (33billion). BP unveiled bumper profits today, with the FTSE 100 oil giant making 23billion last year Within minutes of BP announcing their results, unions and pressure groups voiced outrage that the company is making enormous profits while ordinary people struggle to afford the energy it sells. Trades Union Congress general secretary Paul Nowak said: 'As millions struggle to heat their homes and put food on the table, BP are laughing all the way to the bank. 'Ministers are letting big oil and gas companies pocket billions in excess profits. But they are refusing to give nurses, teachers and other key workers a decent pay rise.' Boost for households as experts forecast energy bills will be 600 less than feared Advertisement Former Labour leader Ed Miliband said: 'What is so outrageous is that as fossil fuel companies rake in these enormous sums, Rishi Sunak still refuses to bring in a proper windfall tax that would make them pay their fair share. 'In just eight weeks' time, the Government plans to allow the energy price cap to rise to 3,000. Labour would use a proper windfall tax to stop prices going up in April.' Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'Yet another oil giant has been allowed to rake in huge profits from (Vladimir) Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine, while families choose between eating and heating. 'Rishi Sunak has failed the people of this country by ignoring calls for a proper windfall tax. 'This Conservative Government need to start putting people first instead of allowing energy bills to rise again this April.' Perhaps more significantly in the long term, BP today slashed its environmental targets. The company had been one of the first oil and gas giants in the world to announce an ambition to cut emissions to net zero by 2050. As part of this it has previously promised that emissions will be 35-40 per cent lower by the end of this decade. However, today the company said that it was significantly revising this target. Instead it is targeting a 20-30 per cent cut. Bernard Looney, who takes home around 4.5million a year, has been at BP since 1991 when he started off as a drill engineer in the North Sea Boss Bernard Looney said it was about investing in both the transition and the energy that is needed today as he announced an extra $8billion (6.6billion) for oil and gas investment by 2030 and another $8billion for transition projects. 'With today's announcement we are leaning further in,' he said. 'We are growing our investment into our transition and, at the same time, growing investment into today's energy system.' BP said that it now plans to cut oil and gas production by just 25 per cent by the end of 2030 when compared to 2019. The previous target had been a 40 per cent cut. Greenpeace UK's head of climate justice Kate Blagojevic said: 'Not only will BP's new strategy fail to deliver much-needed energy security in the UK but it will ensure that people across the globe already battling devastating droughts, floods and heatwaves will continue losing their lives and livelihoods.' BP said its underlying replacement cost profit was slightly lower in the last three months of the year compared to previous quarters at $4.8billion (4billion). It said that the fourth-quarter result had been affected by its gas marketing division, which saw below-average results after an exceptional third quarter. Friends of the Earth said BP's profits 'will be yet more salt in the wound for millions of people who've struggled to afford to stay warm and well this winter'. Connor Schwartz, climate campaigner at the organisation, added: 'And with business booming, BP has today revealed it's rolling back on its recent climate promises. 'It's clear that heating our homes will continue to cost the Earth in more ways than one.' The group urged the Government to help lower bills and carbon emissions with a nationwide insulation programme and ramp up the production of renewable energy. 'Fairly taxing fossil fuel firms' mega-earnings would help to fund these vital measures,' said Mr Schwartz. The 'workaholic' BP boss who took home 4.5MILLION in 2021: How 'woke' Bernard Looney, 53, grew up on dairy farm, divorced his life coach wife after two years - and once described energy giant as a 'cash machine' By Charlotte McLaughlin for MailOnline The boss of BP - which today reported profits had hit 23billion - is said to be a 'woke' workaholic who took home 4.5million in 2021. Bernard Looney, who rose through the ranks after joining as a drill engineer in 1991 to become CEO in 2020, once called BP a 'cash machine'. The Irishman is often referred to as a 'company man', and boasts about his 'green credentials', commitment to diversity and humble beginnings on a dairy farm in Kerry. Mr Looney also lists his pronouns as he/him on his social media profile - and is often pictured wearing jeans in online posts. He divorced his wife of two years shortly before he became chief executive. Life coach Jacqueline Hurst reportedly spoke to The Times about their marriage, claiming he used her to get a 'promotion' - and even dumped her via WhatsApp. Mr Looney, who is now based at BP's London headquarters, grew up on a farm in Ashgrove near Kenmare as one of five children. Mr Looney has a popular Instagram account where he regularly posts casual pictures in jeans and jumpers He has explained how tough it was being the first of his family to go to university, the Irish Independent reported. He said: 'Only about eight acres out of the 90 we had were actually arable. We had 14 cows and it was pretty much subsistence farming.' Mr Looney would help out on the farm as 'the gopher, bringing them whichever tool they needed' while his mother encouraged him to get on in life. He added: 'She said if I could read, I could do anything.' While his parents, Mary and Tom Looney, left school when they were 11, he graduated from University College Dublin, which has produced many of Ireland's Prime Ministers. He took his first job at the age of 20 as a BP drilling engineer in the North Sea near Aberdeen. He then was part of the Deep Horizon team in Mexico, which is forever associated with the largest-ever oil spill in 2010 which dumped 210million gallons into the sea. Mr Looney also worked in Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico and Vietnam before getting more senior roles and becoming chief executive of BP in February 2020. He announced a net zero ambition by 2050 and a 'new purpose of reimagining energy for people and our planet' upon being made the top man at BP. Mr Looney's life coach wife Jacqueline Hurst has reportedly spoken about her marriage to a 'company man' who was using her to get a 'promotion' and dumped her via WhatsApp Mr Looney took his first job on graduating with BP at the age of 20 as a drilling engineer in the North Sea near Aberdeen The Irishman also boasts about his 'green credentials', commitment to diversity and humble beginnings on a dairy farm in Kerry (pictured sheep at Gleninchaquin Park near Kenmare, Kerry) on LinkedIn Mr Looney said: 'Two of the most distinctive aspects of the strategy are our plans to reduce BP's oil and gas production by 40 per cent by 2030 and a ten-fold increase in annual spending on low-carbon activities.' But this has also riled his detractors, who refer to him as the 'woke' evangelist of green initiatives. An industry source suggested to The Sunday Times that he was 'playing to the woke group' and said there was 'a degree of disenfranchisement, as you'd expect' among BP's 'older generation'. Mr Looney has come under fire within BP for his commitment to a 40 per cent cut in oil and gas production to meet environmental commitments. 'That's a hell of a hydrocarbon reduction at a time when the world obviously needs it. No one else has got anything like that projection,' a former senior insider said. 'He was just a little too ambitious,' he added. 'It's the right direction of travel ... [but] it's the judgment about the pace. My view - and one that's widely shared - is they have been too aggressive.' Another former employee also raised eyebrows at his pledges. 'The question is, will it come off? And will he get the rate of return that he predicted?' He added: 'I wish he'd given himself a bit more wiggle room.' Mr Looney (pictured) has been described as inspiration for his commitment to inclusivity He was part of the Deep Horizon team in Mexico (pictured right 20 years ago), which is forever associated with the largest-ever oil spill in 2010 which dumped 210 million gallons into the sea, harming wildlife 'Oil is increasingly becoming socially challenged,' Mr Looney said. 'I would talk about the people we've hired into BP in the past six months that we would have struggled to hire had we not laid out the [net zero] ambition.' He has also been outspoken on mental health, which he feels is his 'great responsibility', and on diversity, particularly LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace. Mr Looney regularly posts on Instagram where he speaks directly to the public, saying: 'I look forward to sharing what I am up to, who I am meeting and offering a window into the decisions, challenges and opportunities that are ahead.' He said he wanted people to open up about their oil and gas industry concerns. 'I encourage you all to be candid - I consider honest and open discussion crucial,' he wrote. His estranged wife Ms Hurst wrote in her self-published book How To Do You: The Life-Changing Art of Mastering Your Thoughts and Taking Control of Your Life about a marriage which The Sunday Times understands refers to Mr Looney. She claims that her husband only married her to get ahead at BP. Mr Looney is still known for his jeans and jumpers years on from his beginnings at BP Ms Hurst, who has been married twice, wrote: 'When my husband ended our marriage suddenly and without warning via a WhatsApp message, I was naturally devastated. 'I learned later that he had only married me because he wanted to get to the next level of seniority in the company he worked for and he had to be seen to be married in order to be given the promotion. 'Unbelievable, I know, but that was the case. Getting my mind - and thoughts -around what had happened took time.' Her and Mr Looney married in October 2017 and divorced in 2019, three months before he became chief executive. A friend of Mr Looney's said: 'He was briefly married during a period in which he wasn't promoted. So if he married her to get promoted, that didn't seem to have worked. Maybe he divorced her to get promoted.' BP has seen its profits grow off the back of a global surge in prices, in part ramped up by the war in Ukraine and inflation pressures post-Covid. The energy giant also warned that energy prices will continue to soar as the invasion of Ukraine will continue to disrupt Russian supplies and cause crude oil and gas prices to stay high over the third quarter. A South American artist trained a monkey to use a needle gun and let it draw a permanent tattoo on his knee. Social media influencer Funky Matas trained the animal for just two hours before he let the novice artist give him a one-of-a-kind, yet permanent, tattoo. The viral video showed the monkey wasn't keen to work for free and so held off showing his artistic flare until two animal trainers coughed up his payment in snacks. The new tattoo apprentice didn't hold back on the design with the new symbol covering a large area of Funky's knee. The eager student was recruited randomly by Funky who flew to Mexico, found a man with pet monkeys and a tattoo shop owner crazy enough to let the animal work its magic on the influencer. Social media influencer Funky Matas trained a monkey to use a needle gun and let it draw a permanent tattoo on his knee The Mexican monkey was tasked with tattooing the influencer's NFT logo- the F8 club While the keen mammal looked pleased with his work there is deffinately some room for improvment given he only had two hours of training While the primate seemed pleased with his work there is definitely some room for improvement because the design was supposed to symbolise Funky's latest NFT - the 'F8' club. Luckily the monkey's first customer is no stranger to tattoos - the influencer already has more than 220. While the businessman looked nervous, he was clearly ready to push the boundaries because he currently already holds a record for the most signatures tattooed on his back. Funky wrote: 'The intention with this tattoo was to create the logo of the NFTs project that I started with my partner Andy Williams, The F8 Club. 'And while the tattoo itself wasn't the best in terms of quality, the event was a fascinating look into the capabilities of these highly intelligent animals.' After two hours of training and snacks, the little monkey was ready for his debut in the industry and gave it his best shot. But the stunt sparked debate online with some applauding Funky for showing the world how intelligent monkeys are and others accusing him of using the animal to gain attention. Funky told reporters that all precautions were taken to guarantee the safety of the monkey and all those involved. The monkey was paid in snacks for all his hard work but was ideally not interviewed previously and happened to pump into the social media influencer in Mexco After finding his apprentice Funky then went on the look out for a tattoo shop owner who was crazy enough to let a monkey in his studio This stunt sparked up a fiery debate- some applauded Funky for pushing the boundaries of tattooing and showing the world how intelligent monkeys are, while others accused him of using the animal for attention Funky told reporters that all precautions were taken for this event, guaranteeing the safety of the monkey and all those involved in the event, including sanitation measures Neighbour testifies woman told her she had been kicked Fallen TV star Andrew O'Keefe barged straight into a TV news cameraman before entering court to face assault charges. A stony faced OKeefe, 51, bumped into the Channel Nine camera operator outside Downing Centre local court on Tuesday morning, where he faces charges of common assault, contravening an AVO, resisting a police officer and assault occasioning actual bodily harm related to an incident in 2021. 'Excuse me,' he O'Keefe said after the collision. He then turns around and says: 'Watch it'. Andrew O'Keefe barged into a cameraman working for Channel Nine while entering court to face assault and resisting police charges The camera operator was not reported as hurt. The former TV presenter, who faced a second day of hearings, appeared polished in a stone linen suit and bright striped tie - except he'd forgotten to zip up his fly. In its morning session the court was closed to allow the complainant to give evidence. The court was played footage of a woman who was allegedly spat on, kicked and hit by O'Keefe on September 8 2021. 'I see you have stuff on your arm there - did he do that?' attending Constable Elissa Major asked the woman. Former Deal or No Deal star arrived at Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney on Tuesday and rapidly strode through the waiting media 'Yep' the woman replies in the footage through tears. Nicole Taylor, who lived next to Sydney eastern suburbs property, where the alleged incident occurred, told the court on the night in question she heard O'Keefe singing and then 'aggressive and angry yelling'. Afterwards Ms Taylor said the woman 'was shaking like a leaf'. 'She had scratches up her arm, she had marks across her chest ... she was limping,' Ms Taylor told the court. Ms Taylor testified the woman told her she had been kicked by O'Keefe and that he had spat in her face. Neighbour Nicole Taylor told the court the alleged victim said O'Keefe had kicked her and spat in her face She also said O'Keefe appeared agitated. 'He was flustered and he was angry,' Ms Taylor said. Two clips of O'Keefe were also played in court, one from later in the night at St Vincent's Hospital where he tells officers the woman 'has a history of making outrageous claims'. The other played before Magistrate Alison Viney on Monday showed O'Keefe sprawled out on the front steps of his apartment complex complaining of chest pain. In the video, O'Keefe is heard groaning and complaining of having something 'chesty'. 'I'm not sure (what it is) ... I've never felt it before,' he told police. O'Keefe was once one of the Seven Network's brightest stars but was dropped from their roster after his legal woes emerged Footage showed police finding the complainant seen crying and holding her wrist, which was covered in scratches. When police approached O'Keefe in the footage to ask questions, he was seen shutting them down. 'I will not make any comments without a lawyer present ... they are making claims against me which are false,' he told Constable Elissa Major. O'Keefe's defence barrister, Richard Pontello SC, asked Constable Major about a conversation where the former TV star said the complainant allegedly 'inflicted the abrasion on herself'. 'Did he say, 'I'm sure it was unintentional and was an unconscious or absent minded physical reaction to stress',' Mr Pontello asked. Constable Major replied: 'Those words were not said.' O'Keefe scoffed and shook his head. On Monday afternoon, O'Keefe told media he was 'relieved' after a raft of charges were dropped relating to another case and complainant. 'I'm not surprised but relieved about the charges that have been dropped,' he said, while throwing up a 'peace sign' at the cameras otherwise known as 'v for victory' symbol. Police prosecutor Michael Cleaver on Monday withdrew six charges relating to the incident, including two counts of intentionally choking a person without consent, three counts of common assault and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. O'Keefe pleaded guilty to one count of contravening an apprehended violence order. He spent almost five months in custody on remand after he was charged with the offences and was granted strict bail by the NSW Supreme Court in May 2022 to reside at a long-term residential rehabilitation facility in Port Stephens. The former host of the popular game show The Chase Australia was initially accused by police of grabbing a 38-year-old woman by the throat on January 25 last year The former TV star has faced a different kind of spotlight since the assault allegations came to light, after a long career with Channel 7. O'Keefe appeared as the face of many programs for the broadcaster, from Deal or No Deal to Weekend Sunrise. He served on the National Council for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and founded the well-known White Ribbon Australia organisation dedicated to the cause. In 2017, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his charity work and accomplishments in television. Following the day's hearing O'Keefe gave a brief answer to questions from the media. 'It was all very good so far,' he said. 'But I'll give a statement when it's all over, thank you'. The hearing continues before Magistrate Viney. Dell is among the many companies in the tech industry that has issued layoffs. Like other companies, Dell is also facing issues with demand for its products, as well as setbacks brought by the economy itself. This has led to the reduction of around 6,600 jobs. Dell's Reduction The number of employees that lost their jobs accounts for 5% of Dell's global workforce, which will leave the company with 126,00 employees. This has been the lowest number of workers that Dell has had since 2017. The tech company did not immediately resort to job cuts. According to Jeff Clarke, co-CEO of Dell, they tried other measures first like a hiring freeze and putting a limit on travel. The reduction came when there was no other choice to make. Dell, like other tech companies, has been experiencing struggles in its hardware sales. The tech industry felt a boom in sales during the pandemic with people being forced to stay at home for work, requiring their own devices, but that has since died down and Dell has felt it as well. The company remains optimistic, as a spokesperson said to Gizmodo that they are continuously assessing their business, which is to make sure that they can provide the best innovation, value, and service to their customers and partners. They also mentioned that this is imperative given that economic uncertainty has not dissipated. Dell hasn't hired new employees since June 2022, and reduced its spending to "navigate a challenging global environment." They explained the reduction in the workforce by expressing that their goal is efficiency achieved through department reorganizations, which then led to the job cuts that the company implemented. Although they did mention that the decision was not taken lightly. Read Also: CEO Phil Spencer Says 10,000 Xbox Staff Layoffs were 'Painful' More Layoffs for the Tech Industry Dell is not alone in its struggles in the PC market. HP is also laying off thousands of workers, which will be over the course of three years. The downsize will eventually lead to layoffs of 4,000 to 6,000 employees, which will be done by 2025. The company also reasoned that it was due to the economic state as well as its drop in quarterly earnings, which has dropped 11% compared to what it earned at the same time in the previous year, according to Edition. As of November 2022, HP has around 51,000 employees. Enrique Lores, President and CEO of HP, explained that the job cuts were a part of the company's "Fure Ready Strategy" wherein the company will reduce costs and reinvest in "key growth initiatives" for the future of HP. Intel is also not exempt from the current economic slump. Its cost-cutting measures have also affected its employees as the company has already begun layoffs. Many of the job cuts will be implemented in several Intel locations like California and Santa Clara. This is part of Intel's efforts to save around $3 billion annually, with the long-term goal in mind of saving $8 billion to $10 billion by 2025. According to the Times of India, the workforce reduction will mainly come from operations and sales departments. Related: Intel Confirms It is Laying Off Workers in Operations, Sales Departments Sex monster police officer David Carrick is facing a life sentence after committing 'violent and brutal' sex attacks against a dozen women. Carrick, who joined the Met in 2001 before becoming an armed officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009, pleaded guilty to 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb is expected to sentence Carrick, 48, from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday. Details of some of the horrific crimes of one of Britain's worst sex offenders were heard in court yesterday, including how he sent one of his victims a photograph of himself with a police-issue gun, saying: 'Remember I am the boss.' In court on Monday his victims bravely told of the hell they had been put through, with one saying she felt she had 'encountered evil' after being repeatedly raped by Carrick who put a black handgun to her head and put his hands around her throat. Former Met Police officer David Carrick pictured in court yesterday as details of some of his horrific crimes emerged including how he used 'power and control' to carry out 'violent and brutal' sex attacks Details of some of Carrick's horrific crimes were heard in court yesterday, including how he sent one of his victims a photograph of himself with a police-issue gun, saying: 'Remember I am the boss.' Images were released for the first time showing a tiny cupboard that Carrick locked one of the woman in as a form of punishment, as well as a whip he used on the victim. The serial rapist had boasted to the victim that 'I am the safest person you can be around, I'm a police officer' in order to get her back to his London flat. Another said she was convinced because of his position as a diplomatic and parliamentary protection officer she would be not be believed if she reported him, saying she had had it drilled into her 'he was the police, he was the law and he owned me'. Photographs showing the cupboard under the stairs where serial rapist David Carrick locked one woman naked as punishment and surveillance cameras set up at his home to spy on his victims have been released. Carrick used cameras he installed at home to monitor women while he was at work, a court heard yesterday as his two-day sentencing hearing got underway. He made another woman choke on her vomit, assaulted one with a sex toy and urinated on one of his victims. The armed officer tortured and abused women for 17 years despite coming to police attention nine times before his arrest and developing the nickname 'B*****d Dave' at work. He called women 'fat and lazy' and treated them like as his 'sex slaves' as well as controlled them financially. Victims were isolated from their family and forbidden from speaking with other men. The former firearms officer also used his police baton as a threat and handcuffs in an attack. Carrick's crimes were all carried out while serving with the force - he guarded sites including embassies and the Houses of Parliament, and completed training courses, including one on domestic abuse in 2005. At the first day of his sentencing hearing on Monday, the court was told that the disgraced Pc used his 'power and control' to stop his victims leaving or reporting him. Prosecutor Tom Little KC said the 'systematic' offending was 'catalogue of violent and brutal sexual offences'. One victim said she was told by an A&E nurse that 'the law tend to protect their own' when she revealed she was raped by a police officer. Others told how they feared they would not be believed if they reported Carrick and no longer trusted the police after what he had done to them. Carrick, who joined the Met in 2001 before becoming an armed officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009, pleaded guilty to 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape. Images were released for the first time showing a tiny cupboard that Carrick locked one of the woman in as a form of punishment, as well as a whip he used on the victim. Mr Little said a search of Carrick's electronic devices revealed searches for pornography including words such as 'extreme' and 'painful'. The 49 charges admitted by Carrick include 24 counts of rape, nine counts of sexual assault, five counts of assault by penetration, three counts of coercive and controlling behaviour, three counts of false imprisonment, two counts of attempted rape, one count of attempted sexual assault by penetration, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and one count of indecent assault. Some are multiple-incident counts, meaning they relate to at least 85 separate offences, including at least 71 sexual offences and 48 rapes. He denied a further count of rape in September 2020 relating to a 13th woman, whose allegation triggered the investigation, with the Crown Prosecution Service deciding it was not in the public interest to proceed to trial. Mr Little said the case fell short of meriting a whole-life sentence - because he had not killed anyone and pleaded guilty - but called for a life sentence with a fixed minimum term. Alisdair Williamson KC, defending, said Carrick 'accepts fully responsibility for what he has done' and that it is likely any life sentence will 'bring him close to, if not to, the close of his natural life'. He told the court: 'He cannot ask for mercy and he wont ask for mercy. The Met was forced to apologise and admit Carrick should have been rooted out earlier after it emerged he came to police attention over nine incidents - including allegations of rape, domestic violence and harassment - between 2000 and 2021, with all but one of the incidents relating to his behaviour towards women. Carrick faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings and police chiefs across England and Wales have since been asked to have all officers checked against national police databases by the end of March. He was finally sacked from the force last month after pleading guilty and being unmasked as one of the country's most prolific sex offenders. Carrick's crimes are set to form part of the independent inquiry looking at the murder of Sarah Everard, who was raped and strangled by then-serving Met officer Wayne Couzens in March 2021. He was formerly a top paratrooper and returned to service from retirement Major-General Dmitry Ulyanov, 44, was killed in a firefight with sabotage group Vladimir Putin has lost yet another general in the war in Ukraine, according to reports. Major-General Dmitry Ulyanov, 44, had returned to active service after retirement as a commander in Russia's illegal Ukrainian invasion. He died in a firefight when he was attacked by a Ukrainian sabotage group this week, say reports. Previously Ulyanov was a top paratrooper, commander of the elite 98th Guards Airborne Division. He went to the current war commanding a regiment of mobilised motorised infantrymen from Tatarstan. The death means Putin has lost at least ten such senior commanders. Major-General Dmitry Ulyanov, 44, had returned to active service after retirement as a commander in Russia's illegal Ukrainian invasion He died in a firefight when he was attacked by a Ukrainian sabotage group this week, say reports Slain Maj-Gen Dmitry Ulyanov, 44, had been in command of Russia's elite 98th airborne division, seen here in 2019 on Red Square, Moscow Ulyanov had earlier served as the Chief of Staff of the 7th Airborne Division, commander of the 1141st artillery regiment, and commander of the 98th Airborne Division, say open sources. Ulyanov is the first such high ranked commander to be killed for many months. A family friend posted that he had been the son of a commander. 'Like his father did not sit in the rear, he went to the front line,' said the eulogy. Ulyanov is the first such high ranked commander to be killed for many months The death means Putin, pictured via video conference on February 3, has lost at least ten such senior commanders Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of a damaged residential building following a missile strike, in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine on February 5 This photograph shows a destroyed building remains in Chasiv Yar on February 5 'Glory to the Hero! Glory to the Airborne Forces!' Reports last year named the following top brass killed in the war: Lt-Gen Yakov Rezantsev, 48, Maj-Gen Andrei Kolesnikov, 45, Maj-Gen Andrey Sukhovetsky, , Maj-Gen Vitaly Gerasimov, 44, Maj-Gen Vladimir Frolov, 54, Maj-Gen Andrei Simonov, 55, Maj-Gen Oleg Mityaev, 48, Maj-Gen Kanamat Botashev, 63, and Maj-Gen Roman Kutuzov, 53. Several other earlier claims of high ranking officers killed in the war were not subsequently confirmed. This is the harrowing moment a baby was rescued from the remains of a collapsed building in Syria - just minutes after the girl was born under the rubble. Footage shows the miracle newborn being carried to safety in the arms of a rescuer in Jenderes, in a northeastern region devastated by yesterday's earthquake, after she was found still tied to her mother by the umbilical cord. But while the little girl survived the ordeal, her mother is thought to have tragically died after giving birth. The infant is the sole survivor of her immediate family, the rest of whom were all killed when the 7.8-magnitude quake that struck Syria and neighbouring Turkey flattened the family home in the rebel-held town. According to local media, the pregnant mother - displaced from Syria's eastern Deir Ezzor region - went into labour during the quake which has so far killed more than 5,000 across the region already plagued by war, insurgency and refugee crises. Video captures the moment one of a number of rescuers sprinted from the devastated four-storey building, carrying the tiny dust-covered infant to safety across a mass of twisted metal, broken concrete and barbed wire. A baby girl who was born under the rubble caused by an earthquake that hit Syria and Turkey receives treatment inside an incubator at a children's hospital in the town of Afrin, Aleppo province, Syria The baby girl, who was born while her mother was buried underneath the rubble of a five-story apartment building, has wounds on her back from the rubble she was buried under Another man runs after him with a dusty green blanket which he then throws to the baby's rescuer to keep the newborn alive and warm in the sub-zero temperatures. A crowd watched on as they witnessed both a miracle and a tragedy unfolding in front of them, one of many to unfold in Syria and Turkey in the last two days. The baby was taken for treatment in the nearby town of Afrin, while family members spent the next several hours recovering the bodies of her father Abdullah, mother Afraa, four siblings and an aunt. Their bodies were laid out on the floor of an adjacent relative's home ahead of a joint funeral that was held on Tuesday. In the dimly lit room, Suwadi stared at the lifeless corpses and listed their names. 'We are displaced from (the government-held eastern city of) Deir Ezzor. Abdullah is my cousin and I am married to his sister,' he said. The family home was one of around 50 in Jindayris that were flattened by the quake, an AFP correspondent reported. Across Syria, more than 1,600 people were killed, in addition to the more than 3,400 killed in Turkey, authorities said. Rebel-held towns cities accounted for some 800 of the dead. The overall number is expected to rise in the coming days. This is the harrowing moment a newborn baby was rescued from the remains of a collapsed building in Syria - minutes after the girl was born under the rubble Footage shows the miracle baby, just minutes old, being carried to safety in the arms of a rescuer in Jenderes, in a northeast Syrian region devastated by yesterday's 7.8-magnitude earthquake A newborn baby who was found still tied by her umbilical cord to her mother and pulled alive from the rubble of a home in northern Syria following a deadly earthquake, receives medical care at a clinic in Afrin The infant is the sole survivor of her immediate family, the rest of whom were all killed when a 7.8-magnitude quake that struck Syria and neighbouring Turkey flattened the family home Pictured: Syrians mourn over the bodies of the new born baby's family and close neighbours who were killed as their family house collapsed during the deadly earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday. The bodies can be seen wrapped in sheets before being buried Inside an incubator in the hospital in Afrin, the newborn was hooked to an intravenous drip, her body scarred, and a bandage wrapped around her left fist. Her forehead and fingers were still blue from the biting cold as paediatrician Hani Maarouf monitored her vitals. 'She is now stable,' Maarouf said but noted that she had arrived in bad condition. 'She had several bruises and lacerations over all her body. 'She also arrived with hypothermia because of the harsh cold. We had to warm her up and administer calcium.' Jindayris was seized by Turkey and its Syrian rebel proxies in a 2018 offensive that drove Kurdish forces from the Afrin region. Cut off from government-held territory, the region depends heavily on aid from Turkey and lacks the expertise or manpower to mount an effective emergency response on its own. With Turkish NGOs preoccupied with the rescue effort across the border, the search for survivors in Syrian towns like Jindayris has been delayed. According to the White Helmets rescue group, which operates in rebel-held areas of Syria, more than 210 buildings have been flattened in those areas. Another 520 were partially destroyed, while thousands more were damaged, it said. 'We appeal to all humanitarian organisations and international bodies to provide material support and assistance,' the White Helmets said on Twitter. 'Time is running out. Hundreds still trapped under the rubble. Every second could mean saving a life.' According to the comments on the video, it was filmed in a rural areas near the city of Aleppo, which was severely affected by the earthquake. Pictured: A man cries as he carries the small bodies of children. The miracle infant is the sole survivor of her immediate family, the rest of whom were all killed Pictured: Syrians place the bodies of the family on the ground before burying them Video captures the moment one of a number of rescuers ran from the devastated building, carrying the tiny infant to safety across a mass of twisted metal, broken concrete and barbed wire The baby is thought it be alive and healthy after the men scrambled to rescue the newborn from under concrete, glass and barbed wire Another earthquake rocked Turkey early on Tuesday morning after two others devastated the country and its neighbour Syria a day earlier, killing more than 5,000 people and trapping scores more under the rubble of collapsed buildings. The 5.8-magnitude quake struck at a depth of 1.2 miles in central Turkey, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said, as rescue efforts continued and as the death toll in Turkey alone rose past 3,400. A winter storm has been hampering those working desperately to free people from the rubble of destroyed buildings, with the freezing temperatures making the need to reach trapped survivors even more urgent. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday that the death toll could hit 20,000, and on Tuesday said 23 million people - including 1.4 million children - could be affected. Syria's humanitarian needs where the highest of all, the WHO noted. A third earthquake hit Turkey early Tuesday morning after two others devastated the country and its neighbour Syria a day earlier, killing at least 5,000 people and trapping scores more under the rubble of collapsed buildings. Pictured: Baby Ayse Vera and her mother (not seen) are rescued under the rubble of a collapsed building in Hatay, Turkey on Tuesday morning, more than 24 hours after the first earthquake hit Pictured: An apocalyptic scene in Iskenderun, Turkey, on Monday after the country and its neighbour Syria were left devastated by a series of earthquakes Pictured: A collapsed building in Malatya, Turkey, is covered in snow as rescue workers carry out search and rescue efforts on the roof. A winter storm causing freezing temperatures - which dropped to -5C overnight in some areas - has been hampering those working desperately to free people from the rubble of destroyed buildings In the badly hit Turkish city of Hatay, residents helplessly called out as the screams and shouts of those freezing under the rubble filled the air. Desperate to reach them in time, rescuers have been digging with their bare hands. Meanwhile, tens of thousands have been left homeless and sleeping in their cars or searching for temporary accommodation after thousands of buildings were brought down on both sides of the border, pouring misery on an area already plagued by war, insurgency, refugee crises and a recent cholera outbreak. There have been on-the-ground reports of residents looting supermarkets after being left without food or shelter, while patients at a Turkish government hospital were left to die by fleeing medical staff, according to Sky News. Even those whose homes were not destroyed in the quake face an uncertain future, with many buildings potentially being rendered uninhabitable. Residents who return to their homes are risking their lives as aftershocks continue to shake the foundations. According to Professor Carlo Doglioni, an Italian seismology expert, the Arabian plate shifted three meters during the quake. Alex Salmond doubled down on his attack on former ally Nicola Sturgeon today as he suggested she might haver to resign as First Minister if she doesn't drop a controversial trans rights law. The former SNP leader, who now leads a breakaway party, said that Ms Sturgeon had shown 'stumbling incoherence' over the issue of gender self-identification, leaving people 'laughing' at her. It came after he accused his former protegee of 'throwing away' three decades of campaigning for Scottish independence with her 'nonsense' gender rules overhaul. The comments by Mr Salmond come amid growing signs Ms Sturgeon is suffering huge political damage from the controversial attempt to loosen gender identity laws - which has been blocked by Westminster. At a toe-curling press conference yesterday, Mr Sturgeon struggled as she was repeatedly challenged on whether she regards trans rapist Isla Bryson as a woman. She was also forced to admit that SNP politicians who oppose the gender legislation will not be kicked out of the party. Mr Salmond today told Times Radio Ms Sturgeon's position was still tenable, but added: 'If you continue to conduct the argument about Scottish self determination, Scottish independence, having this issue [gender self-ID] as the touch point and the conflict between Westminster then it would be untenable. 'You must get off this issue and onto issues where the Scottish Parliament has vast and overwhelming support like the pure poverty in our land of energy plenty, like the European issue, and like Scotland's essential right to self determination. These are the issues where you should be battling with Westminster, where Scotland, by majority, is right behind you. Not an issue where Scottish support is A divided and B that division of opinion is against you rather than for you.' Mr Salmond is said to have made his comments during a Burns Supper for his Alba Party in Dundee on Saturday First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon reacts as she answers questions on Scottish Government issues at St Andrews House on Monday It came after footage posted on Twitter apparently showed Mr Salmond - who now heads the Alba Party - speaking during a Burns Supper in Dundee on Saturday. He said he had assumed that the leaders of the independence movement 'well understood' the need to win over 'every part and section' of Scotland. He added: 'But to get to a position where you say to a majority of our people that you cannot have single-sex spaces, priced and worked and strived for, because of some daft ideology imported from elsewhere - and as we've seen, imperfectly understood by its proponents in Scotland - borders on the totally absurd.' Mr Salmond suggested the recent fall in support for independence was down to the gender row. He said: 'Thirty years of gradually building, building, building until we get independence over 50 per cent and then thrown away with some self-indulgent nonsense which even if it was right - which it is nae - would hardly be tactically the most astute manoeuvre when we're meant to be taking Scotland to its next date with destiny.' SNP MP Pete Wishart hit back that Alba was the 'one thing that is 'harming' Scottish independence'. 'They may be only on 0.4 per cent and totally rejected by the Scottish people but their capacity for harm to our cause in incalculable,' he tweeted. At the press conference yesterday, Ms Sturgeon seemed to be carefully avoiding specifying the gender of Bryson, who was moved to a male prison after an outcry over the fact they were placed in a women's prison. But after the First Minister referred to Bryson as 'her', journalists picked up on it to which a clearly exasperated Ms Sturgeon responded: 'Don't read anything into I am trying to rationally... 'What I am trying to do is address the issues rather than take it into the headline-generating I'm trying to rationally deal with the issues that arise here.' Pushed on why she said 'her', Ms Sturgeon said: 'I can't remember I'll take your word for it... 'Isla Bryson calls herself a woman but what I'm trying to say is in the context of the prison service that is not the relevant factor here. 'The relevant factor is the crime that the individual has committed and has been convicted of.' When the journalists persisted that people had been asking 'for days' whether she regarded Bryson as a woman, Ms Sturgeon said: 'She regards herself as a woman, I regard the individual as a rapist and in the context of the prison service what matters is that the individual was convicted of rape and that is what we are talking about here.' Ms Sturgeon was also asked whether she thought Bryson was 'at it' in changing gender. Ms Sturgeon repeatedly referred to trans rapist Isla Bryson as 'her' today as she endured more awkward questions on gender Ms Sturgeon said: 'In this case, the individual is a rapist, that's the important description for this individual. 'They have been convicted of rape and they're in prison and in a male prison. 'So you deal with the individual you don't further stigmatise the entire group.' The First Minister said her position on challenging the UK government's use of Section 35 to block her gender laws had not changed, insisting it is important to have 'clarity'. Ms Sturgeon tried to calm the SNP civil war, suggesting critics of the gender recognition legislation will not have to leave the party. At the weekend, education spokeswoman Shirley-Anne Somerville said rebels should 'question' if they want to stay in the party at the next election. Waters has described the claims as 'wildly inaccurate' and 'incendiary' and said he is 'taking advice on his position Roger Waters was described as an 'anti-Semitic Putin apologist' by Polly Samson The wife of Pink Floyd guitarist Dave Gilmour has launched an attack against his former bandmate Roger Waters labelling him a 'Putin apologist' and 'anti-Semitic.' Waters, who has branded the claims from Polly Samson 'wildly inaccurate' and 'incendiary', recently gave an interview to German magazine Berliner Zeitung where he denounced claims he was an anti-Semite. Sharing the article on Twitter, the musician wrote: 'The Truth Will Set Us Free. 'Against the backdrop of the outrageous and despicable smear campaign by the Israeli lobby to denounce me as an anti-Semite which I am not, never have been and never will be.' Waters, who is currently engaged in a boycott of Israel, expressed several controversial opinions in the piece including that 'Putin may not be a bigger gangster than Joe Biden.' Dave Gilmour's (centre) wife Polly Samson (right) branded Roger Waters (left) a 'Putin apologist' and 'anti-Semitic' Waters recently shared a link to an interview he had done covering topics like Putin and Israel He wrote: 'The most important reason for supplying arms to Ukraine is surely profit for the arms industry. And I wonder: is Putin a bigger gangster than Joe Biden and all those in charge of American politics since World War II? I am not so sure. Putin didn't invade Vietnam or Iraq? Did he?' He also claimed that Israel was engaged in 'genocide' and compared events to the way Great Britain behaved 'during our colonial period.' He said: 'We believed ourselves to be inherently superior to the indigenous people, just as the Israelis do in Palestine. Well, we weren't and neither are the Israeli Jews.' Shortly after Waters posted the link to the article, Samson posted a tweet of her own - seemingly in response to the article. In her tweet, Samson described Waters as a 'Putin apologist' who was 'anti-Semitic to [his] rotten core.' The fiery comment also contained several other unsubstantiated claims about Waters. Waters has branded Samson's claims as 'wildly inaccurate' and said 'he is taking advice on his position' Nick Mason, Dave Gilmour, Roger Waters and Rick Wright pose as Pink Floyd in 1973 Shortly afterwards, Waters' team released a response from his own Twitter account, saying: 'Roger Waters is aware of the incendiary and wildly inaccurate comments made about him on Twitter by Polly Samson which he refutes entirely. 'He is currently taking advice on his position.' Roger Waters founded Pink Floyd back in 1965 alongside Syd Barrett (guitar, lead vocals), Nick (drums) and Richard (keyboards, vocals). David joined the band two years later in 1967, and Syd left the following year due to mental health problems. There were several reports of in-fighting with the band, with Richard leaving the group in 1979, followed by Roger in 1985. Roger has amassed a staggering net worth of 247 million thanks to a hugely successful solo career, as well as his companies Roger Waters Music UK and Roger Waters Music Overseas. MailOnline has reached out to representatives of Roger Waters for comment. Dean was disfigured after a woman bit the front of her nose off in a row in 2021 The sex worker threatened the victim with a 'dirty' needle pointed at his neck A sex worker whose nose was bitten off in a fight has been jailed for threatening to stab an Uber driver with a dirty syringe. Louise Dean, 43, jumped into Mohammed Dara's stationary private hire vehicle in December 2019 and made 'stabbing motions' with the needle towards his neck before demanding he hand over his takings. Dean, who was cruelly nicknamed 'Miss Piggy' after her nose was bitten off in a row over a missing credit card in 2021, then chased Mr Dara around the vehicle, which was in the Walkden area of Greater Manchester, before fleeing with his watch and 30 cash. Dean then told a 'disgraceful pack of lies', claiming she approached him in an attempt to retrieve some cash she was owed for a sexual liaison, but this was later proven to be a lie as police found no trace of contact with the victim on her phone. The innocent taxi driver has since given up his job and is undergoing therapy for depression due to being haunted by the raid and the subsequent sex smears made against him. Louise Dean, 43, who was disfigured after a another woman bit off the front of her nose in a row over a missing credit card, falsely claimed Mr Dara owed her money for a sexual liaison At Manchester Crown Court Dean, of Weaste, Salford admitted robbery and was jailed for three years and nine months. The incident on December 1, 2019 occurred at 2.45am as Mr Dara was finishing a seven-hour shift in the Walkden area. James Worsford, prosecuting, said: 'He was about to collect his final fare when he noticed the defendant's car parked up behind his in the street and then saw her get out and walk towards him. 'She opened the door and got in the victim's stationary vehicle despite his protestations that he already had a pre-arranged booking and that she had to get out. 'Once in the car she pulled a syringe and started making stabbing motions towards the victim. The victim noticed that the syringe had a metal tip and was dirty. 'She threatened to stab him if he did not pay her money. 'The victim managed to get out of his vehicle and initially she remained inside, looking for his earnings. But she then stepped outside the car and started to chase the defendant around the car. 'The victim suffers from restricted mobility due to his asthma and replacement hip and so was quickly caught up by the defendant. Last year mother of three Claire Bold, 38, was jailed for six years for biting off Dean's nose 'During the chase, the victim's watch came loose and dropped to the floor. It was quickly taken by the defendant. 'She began to threaten him again with the syringe and ask for money. The victim volunteered 30 from his wallet, saying that it was all he had. The defendant then took it and ran off. 'The victim then got back in his car and actually completed his last fare, which took him to Warrington. But following that he reported the incident to police.' Police called to the scene found Dean's saliva on a tissue left there by Mr Dara. The prosecutor added: 'In interview, she claimed that the victim was no stranger to her and in fact had paid her for sex a number of times in the months prior. 'She said that she approached the victim to try and retrieve some non-paid fees she was owed from one of their prior engagements. 'However, this was later proved to be a complete lie, as police found no trace of contact with the victim on her phone. 'Mr Dara gave up work immediately after this incident. That night was his last fare as a taxi driver. The false allegations made against him by the defendant only further compounded the effect on him. 'All of this did not help his resulting depression. He has sought help and therapy but his treatment is ongoing.' Dean has five offences on her record including a conviction for affray in 2018 in which she served an eight-month prison sentence. In mitigation her counsel, Thomas James said: 'In 2021 Ms Dean was subject to a brutal attack by another female, who bit her nose off and was left with permanent facial disfigurement. 'Her family situation has collapsed and she is no longer welcome among them. Her estrangement meant she has lived in various hostels and temporary accommodation. 'She is currently taking medication for depression and is diagnosed with anxiety. She has suffered much trauma in her life. 'She doesn't recall much from the incident that night although she is very upset to hear about what has happened to the victim and feels remorse.' Sentencing Dean, Judge John Potter told her: 'You may express remorse now but in your police interview you told a shocking, disgraceful pack of lies designed to further demean your victim. 'That was an appalling lie bluntly adding insult to an earlier injury. Naturally, Mr Dara heard the allegations put against him and this led him into further anguish. 'He has since had to give up driving after four years on the job. In fact, the fare he took that night proved to be his last. 'The victim's torment only ended at the very last moment when you pleaded guilty. I accept that you live a chaotic lifestyle which would make you vulnerable but none of this provides any excuse for what you did to Mr Dara.' Last year mother of three Claire Bold, 38, was jailed for six years for biting off Dean's nose. Serial rapist David Carrick has been jailed for a minimum term of 30 years after a judge revealed the 'self-pitying' police officer tried to kill himself while in custody. Justice Cheema-Grubb slammed Carrick, 48, for taking 'monstrous advantage of his victims' while serving as a Metropolitan Police officer for more than 20 years. At least five of Carrick's victims bravely attended Southwark Crown Court to watch as their attacker was jailed for a minimum of 30 years and 239 days in prison before being considered for parole. The disgraced former firearms officer wore a dark suit, white shirt and tie as he appeared in the dock in front of a packed courtroom at a hearing that was televised. He was silent and impassive as his sentence was handed down. During sentencing, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said Carrick had taken 'monstrous advantage' of his victims with whom he had 'brutal, controlling and coercive relationships' with. She told Carrick that he 'behaved as if you were untouchable', adding it was a 'spectacular downfall for a man charged with upholding the law' having lost his liberty, job and status. Carrick, who joined the Met in 2001 before becoming an armed officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009, pleaded guilty to 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape. Some of his victims had bravely attended Southwark Crown Court to watch as Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb (pictured) was sentencing the 48-year-old from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday Former Met Police officer David Carrick pictured in court yesterday as details of some of his horrific crimes emerged including how he used 'power and control' to carry out 'violent and brutal' sex attacks Following his sentencing, the Home Secretary Suella Braverman branded his crimes a 'scar on our police', while Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: 'David Carrick's crimes were unspeakably evil. The detail is harrowing.' Over the two-day sentencing hearing, details of some of Carrick's horrific crimes were heard in court, including how he sent one of his victims a photograph of himself with a police-issue gun, saying: 'Remember I am the boss.' Yesterday, victim impact statements were read out in court, including one woman who said she had 'encountered evil' on the night she was repeatedly raped by Carrick, after pointing a black handgun at her head and putting his hands around her throat. The serial rapist had boasted to the victim that 'I am the safest person you can be around, I'm a police officer' in order to get her back to his London flat. Another said she was convinced because of his position as a diplomatic and parliamentary protection officer she would be not be believed if she reported him, saying she had had it drilled into her 'he was the police, he was the law and he owned me'. Upsetting photographs showing the cupboard under the stairs where he locked one woman naked as a form of punishment, a black whip he used and surveillance cameras to spy on victims were released. During sentencing, Justice Cheema-Grubb spoke of the 'spectacular downfall for a man charged with upholding the law'. She told Carrick: 'Behind a public appearance of propriety and trustworthiness you took monstrous advantage of women. 'You brazenly raped and sexually assaulted a number of women, some very brutally, and you behaved as if you were untouchable. 'You were bold and at times relentless, trusting that no victim would overcome her shame and fear to report you. 'For nearly two decades, you were proved right but now a combination of those 12 women, by coming forward, and your police colleagues, by acting on their evidence, have exposed you and brought you low. 'You have lost your liberty, your job and your status. You have before you the prospect of a difficult time in custody for many years.' Details of some of Carrick's horrific crimes were heard in court yesterday, including how he sent one of his victims a photograph of himself with a police-issue gun, saying: 'Remember I am the boss.' Continuing her sentencing remarks, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb told Carrick he showed an 'astonishing degree of moral corruption'. The judge listed a number of key themes in Carrick's offending, including asserting authority and enacting 'extreme domination' over his victims. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb also highlighted the 'reluctance of victims to report your offending' because of their knowledge of his 'status as a police officer'. She spoke of the 'irretrievable devastation' Carrick's crimes has had on his victims, including 'long-lasting psychological harm' and 'damaged mental health' She said: 'Each one is traumatised, one woman feels as those she has been lost for the last 19 years. 'You have shaped their lives, deprived them of the ability to form lasting relationships with men. They continue to question their own judgments. They don't trust the police.' A police van Carrick is believed to have been in driving to Southwark Crown Court on Monday Images were released for the first time showing a tiny cupboard that Carrick locked one of the woman in as a form of punishment, as well as a whip he used on the victim. She added that he had 'not expressed regret or remorse for what you have done#. 'He should not have been a police officer': Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley's statement in full David Carrick has been sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to serve a minimum of 30 years behind bars. He pleaded guilty to 49 offences against 12 women including 24 counts of rape and further counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, sexual assault and false imprisonment. He was sacked from the Metropolitan Police Service last month. Carrick was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 7 February following a two day hearing. Following his sentencing, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: 'David Carrick's crimes were unspeakably evil. The detail is harrowing. 'He subjected these victims and survivors to the most degrading and inhumane treatment and yet they still showed the courage to come forward and to provide the evidence that led to his conviction. 'He exploited his position as a police officer in the most disgusting way. He should not have been a police officer. We weren't rigorous enough in our approach and as a result we missed opportunities to identify the warning signs over decades. I want to again reiterate my apology on behalf of the Met. We are truly sorry. 'I recognise that as a result of this case and other prominent recent cases, there are women whose trust in the police is profoundly shaken. 'I and tens of thousands of officers and staff in the Met are horrified by this man's crimes and recognise this will shake Londoners trust too. 'We have let down women across London but we are more determined than ever to put it right. 'I have been clear, we will rid the Met of those who corrupt our integrity by bringing the same intensive investigative approach to identifying wrongdoing in our own ranks as we do to identifying criminals in the community. Some other police services are starting to confront similar issues. 'Addressing systemic failures will take time, but we will be determined and relentless in rooting out the corrupt. Lifting the stone and confronting what we find beneath, will result in more difficult cases coming to light. We need the support of Londoners to get through it. 'This is not the time for me to lay out in detail the actions we are taking to root out those who corrupt our integrity. Today is about the victims' fight for justice. 'On 31st March, we will be sharing the progress we have made on rooting out those who corrupt our integrity. We will earn back the trust and confidence of women and give Londoners the police service they deserve.' Advertisement 'The criminality you have shown can be best described as an unrestrained campaign of rape. It can be best described as the work of a serial rapist.' The judge revealed that Carrick attempted to kill himself while on remand at Belmarsh prison and was detained in a secure hospital but was found not to be suffering from any mental disorder. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb told him: 'You were driven to try to commit suicide as a self-pitying reaction to the shame brought on you by these proceedings rather than remorse.' The court heard how Carrick had alleged to a probation officer he had suffered 'childhood trauma', including growing up with parents 'who drank to excess' and being abused by his stepfather. Speaking after his sentencing, DCI Iain Moor of Bedfordshire, Cambridge and Hertfordshire major crime unit, said that he was 'extremely relieved' that a 'serious and prolific sex offender is now going to be behind bars for a very long time'. He added: 'David Carrick has brought same on the profession and was not fit to wear the uniform.' Yesterday, the court heard harrowing accounts of abuse, sexual assault, rape, false imprisonment and coercive control. Carrick used cameras he installed at home to monitor women while he was at work. He made another woman choke on her vomit, assaulted one with a sex toy and urinated on one of his victims. The armed officer tortured and abused women for 17 years despite coming to police attention nine times before his arrest and developing the nickname 'B*****d Dave' at work. He called women 'fat and lazy' and treated them like as his 'sex slaves' as well as controlled them financially. Victims were isolated from their family and forbidden from speaking with other men. He also used his police baton as a threat and handcuffs in an attack. Carrick's crimes were all carried out while serving with the force - he guarded sites including embassies and the Houses of Parliament, and completed training courses, including one on domestic abuse in 2005. Prosecutor Tom Little KC said the 'systematic' offending was 'catalogue of violent and brutal sexual offences'. He would use 'power and control' to stop his victims leaving or reporting him, and others feared they would not be believed if they reported the rape. One of Carrick's first victims, who was brutally raped and left with internal and external injuries, said she was told by an A&E nurse that 'the law tend to protect their own' when she revealed her abuser was a police officer. Mr Little said a search of Carrick's electronic devices revealed internet searches for pornography including words such as 'extreme' and 'painful'. The 49 charges admitted by Carrick include 24 counts of rape, nine counts of sexual assault, five counts of assault by penetration, three counts of coercive and controlling behaviour, three counts of false imprisonment, two counts of attempted rape, one count of attempted sexual assault by penetration, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and one count of indecent assault. Some are multiple-incident counts, meaning they relate to at least 85 separate offences, including at least 71 sexual offences and 48 rapes. David Carrick, pictured here in a court sketch at Southwark Crown Court on Monday The former Met Police officer, pictured here in uniform and holding a gun, abused a dozen women over the course of nearly 20 years Images were released for the first time showing a tiny cupboard that Carrick locked one of the woman in as a form of punishment, as well as a whip he used on the victim. Carrick set up surveillance cameras which he used to monitor some of his victims at his home He denied a further count of rape in September 2020 relating to a 13th woman, whose allegation triggered the investigation, with the Crown Prosecution Service deciding it was not in the public interest to proceed to trial. Mr Little said the case fell short of meriting a whole-life sentence - because he had not killed anyone and pleaded guilty - but called for a life sentence with a fixed minimum term. Alisdair Williamson KC, defending, said Carrick 'accepts fully responsibility for what he has done' and that it is likely any life sentence will 'bring him close to, if not to, the close of his natural life'. He told the court: 'He cannot ask for mercy and he won't ask for mercy.' The Met was forced to apologise and admit Carrick should have been rooted out earlier after it emerged he came to police attention over nine incidents - including allegations of rape, domestic violence and harassment - between 2000 and 2021, with all but one of the incidents relating to his behaviour towards women. Carrick faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings and police chiefs across England and Wales have since been asked to have all officers checked against national police databases by the end of March. He was finally sacked from the force last month after pleading guilty and being unmasked as one of the country's most prolific sex offenders. Carrick's crimes are set to form part of the independent inquiry looking at the murder of Sarah Everard, who was raped and strangled by then-serving Met officer Wayne Couzens in March 2021. Paying tribute to the brave women who came forward to Carrick to account, Suella Braverman said: 'It is vital we uncover how he was able to wear the uniform for so long, and I welcome the Angiolini Inquiry's investigation into David Carrick's criminal behaviour and the decision-making around his vetting. 'There is no place in our police for such heinous and predatory behaviour, and I look forward to receiving Lady Elish's findings.' Former Metropolitan police officer David Carrick is facing decades in prison after admitting to dozens of rapes and sexual offences dating back to 2003. The sex monster, 48, degraded his victims by whipping them and locking them naked in a cupboard and boasted to them that 'he was the law' as he carried out a horrific campaign of abuse. Carrick could be locked up for life today for his 'violent and brutal' sex attacks against 12 women, as he is scheduled to appear at Southwark Crown Court later today for sentencing. The first investigation into Carrick began in October 2021 when a woman reported him to police for rape. The offences spanned an 17-year-period from 2003 to 2020, with officers missing nine chances to stop him. Former Metropolitan police officer David Carrick's depraved sex crimes took place over a period spanning 18 years from 2003 to 2020 What are the key events in the Carrick case? 1996-1997: Carrick serves in the British Army. 2000: He is a suspect in two offences reported to the Met involving allegations of malicious communications and burglary against a former partner after Carrick refused to accept the end of their relationship. He is not arrested and no further action is taken. August 2001: Carrick joins the Met. After training he works as a response officer based in Merton, south-west London. 2002: While still in his two-year probationary period, Carrick is accused of harassment and assault against a former partner. He is not arrested by the Met and no further action is taken. The matter is not referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards. 2002: Carrick is the subject of the first of five public complaints made between 2002 and 2008. Two allegations that he had been rude were dealt with by management action locally, while three relating to incivility and use of force were withdrawn or dismissed. 2003: His first known victim is repeatedly raped. 2004: Carrick rapes another woman. 2004: Carrick is involved in a domestic incident but no criminal allegations are made to the Met, he is not arrested and the matter is not referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards. July 2005: The officer is now based in Barnet, north London. Carrick, who joined the Met in 2001 before becoming an armed officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009, has pleaded guilty to 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape 2006-2009: On multiple occasions, the officer rapes a woman, whom he abuses, threatens with violence and demeans. She fears she will not be believed if she reports him. 2009: Carrick is transferred to what is now the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, where his role involves providing an armed policing presence at parliamentary, government and diplomatic premises. 2009: Hertfordshire Police receive a domestic abuse report from a third party involving Carrick but neither party makes a complaint and no charge is brought. Hertfordshire Police inform Met supervisors. 2009: Carrick meets his next victim, a 51-year-old woman, whom he sexually assaults after a social evening. August 2009: He sexually assaults a 47-year-old woman after sharing a hotel room following a social event. November 2009: Carrick invites a 57-year-old woman back to his home, becomes aggressive and tries to rape her. November 2015: Carrick rapes a 45-year-old woman. 2016: Carrick is a suspect in a Hampshire Police investigation following an allegation of harassment. He is not arrested and the inquiry is later closed. October 2016: Carrick repeatedly rapes and sexually abuses a woman he met online, in some cases causing injuries and urinating over her. 2017: Carrick should have been vetted after 10 years of service but is only now re-vetted and passes. 2017: Carrick is spoken to by Thames Valley Police officers after he is thrown out of a Reading nightclub for being drunk. He is not arrested and the matter is not referred to the Met. March 2017: Carrick meets a woman on a night out, whom he goes on to rape multiple times and sexually abuse. She later describes him as totally controlling and aggressive and says he regularly urinated in her mouth, humiliated her and threatened her with violence. 2017: Carrick meets a woman on an online dating site who later says he raped her in the shower after dragging her in by her hair. She also describes being whipped with a belt and suffocated during sex. Former Met Police officer David Carrick pictured in court as details of some of his horrific crimes emerged including how he used 'power and control' to carry out 'violent and brutal' sex attacks July 2018: Carrick meets a 41-year-old woman online, whom he sexually assaults while she cleans his bathroom. 2019: Hertfordshire Police receive a third party report of assault and criminal damage involving an argument between Carrick and a woman during a domestic incident. He is said to have grabbed her by the neck. Neither party is supportive of police involvement and no further action is taken after the case is looked at by the domestic abuse unit. The incident is referred to the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards and Carrick is given words of advice in relation to informing his chain of command about off-duty incidents. It is determined he has no case to answer in relation to misconduct. July 2020: Carrick meets a woman on an online dating site whom he goes on to rape, causing her injuries. He is verbally and physically aggressive, urinates on her and uses sex toys against her will. July 2021: The woman reports being raped by Carrick. He is arrested by Hertfordshire Police over the allegation but no further action is taken after she withdraws the complaint. The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards is made aware and Carrick is placed on restricted duties. It is determined he has no case to answer in relation to any misconduct and in September the restriction is lifted, although he never returns to full duties. Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick (pictured) used his 'power and control' to carry out a 'catalogue of violent and brutal' sex attacks, a court was told October 1 2021: A 50-year-old woman reports she was raped by Carrick in September 2020. He is arrested, charged and suspended by the Met. October 4: Carrick is remanded in custody after appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court charged with rape. October 2021-October 2022: The publicity prompts more women to come forward and make allegations against Carrick. December 13 2022: Carrick pleads guilty to 43 offences at the Old Bailey. His pay is stopped by the Met. January 16 2023: Carrick admits a further six charges at Southwark Crown Court. January 17 2023: He is sacked by the Met following a special misconduct hearing. February 6-7: Carrick is sentenced at Southwark Crown Court. His family said the bomb detonation 'took a huge physical and mental toll on him' Lewis Mulhearn, 39, died unexpectedly at his home in Weymouth last month A fisherman who bravely rescued his crew when their boat was blown up by unexploded World War II bomb is being hailed as a 'hero' and 'devoted family man' after he was found dead at his home last month. Lewis Mulhearn, 39, died unexpectedly at his home in Weymouth, Dorset on January 21. Police said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. He passed away just two years after he was severely injured by a German-made Luftwaffe bomb that detonated under his fishing boat in the North Sea. Mr Mulhearn, as captain of the ship, coordinated the rescue of his six crew mates, who were also badly hurt. He also ensured he was the last man off the vessel and the crew were rescued up by a Danish wind turbine ship. Fisherman Lewis Mulhearn, 39, (pictured) died unexpectedly at his home in Weymouth, Dorset on January 21 Mr Mulhearn, who bravely rescued his crew when their Galwad-Y-Mor fishing boat was blown up by unexploded WWII bomb, is being hailed as a 'hero' and 'devoted family man'. The damaged fishing vessel is pictured above The 290-pound explosive, which had lay dormant for 80 years, went off 20 miles north of Cromer, Norfolk, on December 15, 2020 when the Galwad-Y-Mor fishing boat sailed over it. The crew had been hauling a crab string with about 100 crab pots attached up to the surface from 30 metres below. The force of the blast sent the 42-foot vessel into the air and left Mr Mulhearn with head injuries, three broken vertebrae, a broken sternum, knee damage, a broken orbital bone and multiple facial lacerations. Despite his injuries, the fisherman located the emergency VHF radio in the debris of the flooded wheelhouse and sent a distress signal to the coastguard. He then made ensured his injured crew was rescued by launching a life raft and lifting them into it, despite being in agony. The entire Galwad-Y-Mor crew survived. The force of the blast sent the 42-foot vessel (pictured) into the air and left Mr Mulhearn with head injuries, three broken vertebrae, a broken sternum, knee damage, a broken orbital bone and multiple facial lacerations Princess Anne (not pictured) presented Mr Mulhearn with the Emile Robin Award from the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society for his heroic actions in October 2021 (pictured) Hero army dog who saved countless lives by sniffing out five IED bombs during raid against the Taliban is awarded animal version of the Victoria Cross: READ MORE HERE Heroic army dog Bass who saved countless lives by sniffing out five IED bombs during a raid against the Taliban has been awarded the animal version of the Victoria Cross Advertisement Princess Anne later presented Mr Mulhearn with the Emile Robin Award from the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society for his heroic actions. But Mr Mulhearn's family says the ordeal took a huge physical and mental toll on him. His loved ones confirmed today that the explosion caused his passing. 'We are so proud of his actions on that day, but he always said he was just doing the job he loved as a skipper, which was to look after the crew,' the family said in a statement. 'Fishing was his life, and he was a devoted family man when he was home from sea. 'Sadly, on January 21, Lewis died as a result of the explosion. We are all totally devastated. We loved him and will miss him so much.' He is survived by his wife Jodie, three children and two step-children. Helen Lovell, the Devon area officer for the Fishermen's Mission - a charity which provides pastoral and welfare support to families after an incident - echoed the family's sentiment. 'Lewis was a hero and despite his injuries, his first instinct was to rescue his crew that day,' she said. An inquest into Mr Mulhearn's death has been opened and adjourned by the Dorset coroner. The 290-pound explosive, which had lay dormant for 80 years, went off 20 miles north of Cromer, Norfolk, on December 15, 2020 when the Galwad-Y-Mor fishing boat sailed over it The bomb is believed to have been dropped by a German bomber aircraft on Allied shipping lanes in the North Sea in the early 1940s. A fragment of the explosive that struck the Galwad-Y-Mor is pictured above The bomb that injured the Galwad-Y-Mor crew was a SC250 device that were widely used during the Blitz of London in WWII. It is believed to have been dropped by a German bomber aircraft on Allied shipping lanes in the North Sea in the early 1940s. About 10 per cent of WWII ordnance in the sea is reportedly still unexploded, remaining hazardous to fishermen. Following the 'catastrophic' incident, Mr Mulhearn was honoured with the Emile Award citation in October 2021. 'It is clear from this report that Lewis Mulhearn remained calm and professional throughout this extraordinary and extreme event, which was later shown to have been caused by the detonation of unexploded ordnance on the seabed,' his award citation reads. The bomb that injured the Galwad-Y-Mor crew was a SC250 device that were widely used during the Blitz of London in WWII. Pictured: Damage to the ship's mess room Pictured: Damage to the Galwad-Y-Mor's wheel house after the accident 'Despite great uncertainty over the condition of his vessel, and the extent of injuries to his crew, he rapidly assessed the risks and made timely and well-balanced decisions to ensure the safe evacuation of all personnel. 'All of his actions, including carrying crew members into the attending rescue boats, were conducted despite being in very considerable pain, not least of which came from a broken back. 'Of particular note the effectiveness of his actions was enhanced by a strong safety culture onboard the vessel, which via regular safety drills ensured that the whole crew was well prepared for emergencies. 'As such Mr Lewis Mulhearn has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the Emile Robin Award to recognise his heroic and selfless actions in rescuing fellow survivors during this extremely perilous incident.' A celebration of Mr Mulhearn's life will take place on February 23 at Weymouth Crematorium, according to his death announcement. In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging donations be made in his memory to the Fishermen's Mission. Those interested in contributing to the charity can contact Rose Funeral Service. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. Detectives have sealed off a house following the discovery of a missing 11-year-old child after a frantic 27-hour search. Kaitlyn Easson was found 'safe and well' following a hunt in Galashiels, Selkirkshire on Sunday and Monday. Police revealed the good news late on Monday evening after an earlier press call where they said they were 'extremely concerned' for her welfare. Now, in a fresh development, officers have been seen guarding a home in the nearby village of Gattonside, two miles away from the youngster's family home. Police Scotland declined to comment on the situation. However, a neighbour told the Scottish Sun, said: 'The police turned up last night. Police officers pictured at the scene in Gattonside on the Scottish borders on Tuesday, February 7, hours after police announced they had found missing 11-year-old Kaitlyn Easson Kaitlyn was last confirmed to have been seen at around 5.45pm on Sunday at the Interchange in Galashiels. She was found on Monday, police announced Now officers have been seen guarding a home in Gattonside about two miles away from where the youngster lives 'We were told it was something to do with the missing girl but I didn't see anyone coming or going. 'It's very worrying to have this here, especially as a father of two young kids myself.' Officers have not yet said why they are at the scene of the home, with Kaitlyn's step-grandfather David Johnston, 56, from Tweedbank, near Galashiels, urging people to 'let the police do their job. He said: 'She's home, that's the main thing...It's up to the police to do their job.' Kaitlyn's disappearance over the weekend triggered a 'huge operation', said Police Commander Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton. The schoolgirl had last been seen in the town's centre at around 5.45pm on Sunday before she was reported missing later that evening. Police Scotland renewed an appeal to help find her the following day, 24 hours after she had been reported missing, and urged the public to help them in the search. The force confirmed on Monday evening that Kaitlyn had been found 'safe and well'. Central Scotland Police Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton speaking to the media outside Galashiels Police Station before the missing 11-year-old was found A river search on Gala Water took place as emergency services looked for the 11-year-old - who was found 'alive and well' on Monday A spokesperson said: 'We can confirm Kaitlyn Easson reported missing from Galashiels has been traced safe and well. 'Thank you to all who shared our appeals.' Assistance was provided from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Border Search and Rescue Unit, volunteers and specialist teams from Police Scotland, including investigators, divers and air support. Police Scotland said her disappearance is 'very out of character'. MailOnline has contacted Police Scotland for comment on the latest development. The Federal Trade Commission decided not to appeal the court decision that denied its request to stop Facebook and parent company Meta from buying VR fitness business Within. The decision by the regulator gives Meta a big victory and raises new questions about the agency's ability to win similar antitrust cases intended to check Big Tech's market dominance. FTC Has Not Provided Details Regarding The Decision The FTC's two-year campaign to stop the acquisition of Meta was practically over when a spokeswoman for the agency announced the decision during a news conference on Monday afternoon. The representative declined to give any precise information about its choice but expressed optimism that their legal complaint addressed legitimate antitrust issues that might come up in subsequent cases. Gizmodo writes that despite the setback, the FTC and legal experts claimed that the agency might still be able to battle for upcoming antitrust actions. After federal judge Edward Davila's decision to dismiss the FTC's effort was made public, the FTC decided not to appeal. The FTC argued in its complaint that Meta's proposed acquisition would eliminate VR competition and put the business on the path to gaining a VR monopoly. It is important to note that Meta is currently considered as the world's largest manufacturer of consumer VR headsets. Davila agreed with the FTC on a few legal issues, but he could not convince himself that Meta would have chosen to enter the VR fitness app market had it not succeeded in acquiring Within. "Though Meta boasts considerable financial and VR engineering resources, it did not possess the capabilities unique to VR dedicated fitness apps, specifically fitness content creation and studio production facilities," Davilla wrote. Meta, which argued that Davilla's acquisition would actually promote competition and be beneficial for both VR consumers and developers, immediately praised Davilla's decision. "This deal will bring pro-competitive benefits to the ecosystem and spur innovation that will benefit people, developers, and the VR space more broadly. We look forward to closing the transaction soon," a Meta spokesperson says. In 2021, Meta announced its plans to purchase Within Unlimited as part of its significant investment in immersive virtual worlds, sometimes known as metaverses. According to The Wall Street Journal, this strategic change caused Facebook to become known as Meta in 2021. Read More: FTC Fines Epic Games $520 Million Over Privacy Violations, Unwanted Charges FTC Remains Confident In Its Pursuit Against Other Tech Companies The FTC said it remained confident in its ability to successfully pursue future proceedings against other digital giants despite the court's decision dealing it a devastating blow. In addition to that, the judge agreed with the FTC's assertions that VR fitness items are a separate market, Gizmodo reports. The judge also concurred that the FTC had a solid legal foundation for its assertions that Meta's acquisition may impair competition. Lee Hepner, Legal Counsel for the American Economic Liberties Project, backed up the FTC's optimism by claiming that the agency made a wise and calculated decision by choosing not to appeal. "A reviewing court would be deferential to Judge Davila's findings of fact, and it's not worth it for the FTC to risk losing their legal wins on appeal," Hepner claims. Hepner continued by saying that the case "vindicates" the FTC and DOJ's declared strategy of presenting contentious real-world cases in order to promote legal ideas. Related Article: FTC, Seven States Sue Google Over Misleading Pixel 4 Advertisement British holidaymakers travelling to Turkey are being advised to check with their airlines after three devastating earthquakes. More than 5,000 people have been killed since the first quake struck yesterday. A third 5.8-magnitude quake struck at a depth of 1.2 miles in southeastern Turkey this morning, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said. In Turkey alone, the death toll has passed 3,400 - while neighbouring Syria has also reported a humanitarian crisis. Tens of thousands have been left homeless and sleeping in their cars or searching for temporary accommodation after thousands of buildings were brought down on both sides of the border. The WHO has warned that the death toll could rise to over 20,000 - with fears victims trapped under rubble could succumb to freezing overnight temperatures of -5C (23F). British holidaymakers' chief hotspots are located on the country's western Mediterranean coast, hundreds of miles away from the epicentre of the quake A man runs along a street strewn with debris, in Hatay, after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the country's southeast region Hugh Fraser, Founder of Corinthian Travel which offers upmarket private tours to Turkey, told MailOnline: 'Southeastern Turkey and the area in the vicinity of Gaziantep, has many spectacular attractions and is noted for its delicious regional cuisine, but has traditionally been the preserve of the second or third-time cultural visitors to Turkey. 'The earthquake is a human tragedy but it is unlikely to have much impact on Turkeys major centres of tourism Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Aegean Coast all of which are located hundreds of miles away to the west.' Where have the earthquakes hit? All three quakes occurred in Turkey's south eastern Anatolia region, close to its border with Syria. A 7.8 earthquake hit Gaziantep and nine other Turkish provinces (Hatay, Osmaniye, Adyaman, Diyarbakr, Sanliurfa, Kahramanmaras, Kilis, Adana, Malatya) in the south east of Turkey yesterday morning at 4.17am. It was followed just hours later by a 7.5 earthquake which broke out in Kahramanmaras, near the town of Ekinozu, around 180km (111 miles) northwest of the first fissure. Early this morning, a third 5.8-magnitude quake struck the region at a depth of 1.2 miles What the UK Foreign Office said Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated: 'The UK is sending immediate support to Turkiye including a team of 76 search & rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs. 'In Syria, the UK-funded White Helmets have mobilised their resources to respond. We stand ready to provide further support as needed.' UK holidaymakers travelling to Turkey are advised to avoid the southeast region and contact their tour operator or local authorities but the Foreign Office has not issued any restrictions against travel. The Foreign Office has longstanding travel advice against all but essential journeys to Sirnak and the province of Hakkari, in the disputed region. One customer who contacted British Airways seeking to cancel his flight to Istanbul was told to speak to his travel insurance provider, as the airline was still carrying flights as usual Foreign Secretary James Cleverly tweeted: 'The UK is sending immediate support to Turkiye including a team of 76 search & rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs' A man sits on the rubble of a collapsed buildings in Kahramanmaras, close to the quake's epicentre A man walks solemnly near a collapsed building after 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes hit Hatay yesterday Civilians look for survivors under the rubble of collapsed buildings in Kahramanmaras Stray pets are seen near collapsed buildings after three large earthquakes caused devastation in southeastern Turkey Where are the popular British holiday destinations in Turkey? Britons made over three million trips to Turkey last year and despite longstanding guidance to avoid regions within 10km of the Syrian border, nearly all holidays were trouble-free. The most popular British holiday destinations of Cesme, Didim, Fethiye, Marmaris, Bodrum and Antalya are located on Turkey's western Mediterranean coast, over 1,000km (621 miles) away from the epicentre of the quakes. Britons wishing to cancel their flights are advised to contact their operators to find out about their policies; and whether they are entitled to a refund. Is travel likely to be affected? No airlines serving UK flights into Turkey have reported cancellations. There are currently no flights to Adana, located 220km west of Gazientep, however domestic flights from the popular airports of Istanbul and Bodrum are available. The three airports closest to the scene of the disaster - Gazientep Airport, Hatay Airport and Ceyhan - are closed from operations, Crisis 24 reports. 'Currently, only planes carrying aid and rescue teams are allowed to land and take off from the two airports,' Turkish newspaper the Daily Sabah reported. 'Hatay Airport, whose runway was damaged because of the earthquake, was closed for all flights.' One customer who contacted British Airways seeking to cancel his flight to Istanbul was told to speak to his insurance, as the airline was still carrying flights as usual. Why did it happen? Catastrophic earthquakes are caused when two tectonic plates that are sliding in opposite directions stick and then slip suddenly. They are composed of Earth's crust and the uppermost portion of the mantle, while below is the asthenosphere: the warm, viscous conveyor belt of rock on which tectonic plates ride. They do not all move in the same direction and often clash, which builds up a huge amount of pressure between the two plates. Eventually, this pressure causes one plate to jolt either under or over the other. This releases a huge amount of energy, creating tremors and destruction to any property or infrastructure nearby. Severe earthquakes normally occur over fault lines where tectonic plates meet, but minor tremors which still register on the Richter sale can happen in the middle of these plates. Earthquakes are detected by tracking the size, or magnitude, and intensity of the shock waves they produce, known as seismic waves. The magnitude of an earthquake differs from its intensity, as the former refers to the measurement of energy released where the earthquake originated. Intensity relates to the size of the seismic waves recorded by a seismograph during the event. An L-Plate driver caught with a baby on her lap while using her phone is still driving even though she's banned from getting behind the wheel. Young mother, Lolelai Lakopo, 28, was caught driving recklessly and unaccompanied on a NSW Transport phone detection camera in Bankstown, in Sydney's west, on November 1. She was charged with driving dangerously, using a mobile phone, driving with a child not restrained, not being accompanied while driving and not wearing a seatbelt. A young mum, Lolelai Lakopo (pictured), 28, has been found driving after being banned for 12-months for driving while on her phone and in a baby in her lap in Bankstown last November She pleaded guilty to four charges and was banned from driving for 12-months and ordered to pay a $100 fine. However, she was caught driving just days after her court appearance with her children in the car. When confronted by an A Current Affair camera crew as she exited her car, Ms Lakopo ran inside her home, leaving her children in the car. They then caught Ms Lakopo calling an Uber shortly after. Mobile phone cameras were first tested in NSW in 2019, finding 100,000 drivers using their phones while driving and were fully implemented in March 2020. The introduction of phone cameras is a part of NSW Transport's plan to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries to zero by 2056. A mobile phone camera captured Ms Lakopo while driving recklessly From 2017-2021, 109 people have died and 163 were injured in car accidents where a driver was using a mobile phone. Meanwhile, more than 30 drivers and passengers are killed and a further 90 seriously injured every year, in crashes where motorists are not wearing available seatbelts. 'Many of these deaths and injuries could have been prevented if seatbelts had been worn,' the NSW Transport website reads. Rishi Sunak unveiled a Boris Johnson critic and Remainer as Tory chairman today as he finally replaced Nadhim Zahawi. Greg Hands moved from being Trade Policy Minister to take up the role, more than a week after Zahawi was sacked over his family tax affairs. Mr Sunak is believed to have struggled to find someone willing to fill the role, and his choice of Mr Hands in a role linking the Government with the party faithful may raise some eyebrows. The father-of-two, 57, who speaks five languages including Czech and German, has been an MP in London since 2005 and has served as a minister under every prime minister since David Cameron. But he was also a leader of the Remain campaign in the capital in 2016. More recently he also clashed with Boris Johnson over the proposed third runway at Heathrow. Hands resigned as a minister in 2018 in order to oppose the air hub expansion in a Commons vote, while Mr Johnson, then foreign secretary and a fellow opponent of the plan, flew to Afghanistan in order to avoid the vote and having to resign. At the time Mr Hands, a Plymouth Argyle fan who had been on a pilgrimage at a Romanian monastery, used Twitter to mock Mr Johnson. 'Great to arrive back in the UK at Luton Airport in time for the match today and to vote against Heathrow expansion tomorrow,' he wrote. 'I wouldn't want to be abroad for either of those. #commitments.' Mr Sunak has also launched a dramatic reshaping of Whitehall, with Grant Shapps' Business Department being merged with Trade - and Kemi Badenoch taking charge. Greg Hands moved from being Trade Policy Minister to take up the role, more than a week after Zahawi was sacked over his family tax affairs. He is also noted for some off-piste tweets, including one praising Tesco for freezing the cost of its Meal Deal for five years. His wife, Irina Hundt, is German (couple pictured in 2005) and in 2018 he revealed the impact of the Brexit vote on his family. Mr Shapps will be shifted to a new Energy Security department. There will be a new ministry of 'Science, Innovation and Technology', including responsibilities for digital issues currently held by the Culture Department. That will be headed by Michelle Donelan. Along with Mr Hands, the Lucy Frazer joins the Cabinet in Ms Donelan's old Culture brief. The reshuffle is not likely to affect the future of Deputy PM Dominic Raab, who faces an inquiry into bullying claims. However, gloomy Tories have been expressing bewilderment at the 'bizarre' decision to attempt a major revamp of the 'back end' of government barely a year before the likely election date. One branded it 'deckchair day', a reference to the saying about shifting chairs on the Titanic as it sank. Mr Hands was born in New York and raised in the US until he was seven. His family then moved back to the UK. He maintains dual UK-US nationality. He was educated at state schools but his Tory biography says his family 'was constantly on the move, due to the Labour Government of 1974-1979 closing down grammar schools'. He spent a gap year in West Berlin, working in a McDonalds and a swimming pool before heading to Cambridge. A first in modern history was followed by eight years as a banker and time spent as a councillor in Hammersmith and Fulham. He took the Hammersmith and Fulham parliamentary constituency from Labour in 2005 with a majority of more than 5,000. The seat was abolished in the 2010 election, when he won the new Chelsea and Fulham constituency. He was a shadow Treasury minister in opposition and rose to become a whip and then Chief Secretary to the Treasury under Cameron in 2015. Theresa May moved him to trade the following year after becoming PM, but he resigned in 2018 over Heathrow. Since then he has been a trade minister under Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Mr Sunak. He also ran the London mayoral campaign of Shaun Bailey, who was defeated comfortably by Sadiq Khan in 2021. He is also noted for some off-piste tweets, including one praising Tesco for freezing the cost of its Meal Deal for five years. His wife, Irina Hundt, is German and in 2018 he revealed the impact of the Brexit vote on his family. 'My wife is German, my children are bilingual, and on the day of the referendum, or the day after, my son - who at the time was nine years old - cried over the result,' he told HuffPost. 'He didn't really understand it. He may have thought that his mother and father would now be forced to separate.' More recently he showed his loyalty to Mr Sunak when his wife, Akshata Murty, came under pressure over her non-dom tax status. He suggested that there could be a racial element to the criticism, telling the BBC: 'Some of the commentary about her being a foreign national has been unpleasant.' More recently he has attracted the ire of China over a trade visit to Taiwan. Beijing said the UK must 'stop sending the wrong signals' after he visited Taipei in November, becoming the latest foreign official to defy Beijing's warnings over contacts with the island. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and threatens to annex it by force. It also seeks to isolate it diplomatically, requiring governments that it has formal relations with to respect its 'one-China' principle. The U.K. should 'earnestly respect China's sovereignty, uphold the one-China principle, stop any forms of official contacts with Taiwan and stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces,' Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a daily briefing. She said both her sons now identify as boys and are both 'blossoming' A mother has admitted regretting letting her four-year-old son socially transition to a girl - and said realizing her mistake was like 'leaving a cult'. Rose, who wishes to stay anonymous, raised her two sons as gender neutral with her wife, which was reflected in their clothes, toys and language. When her four-year-old son said he felt like a girl, the mother encouraged him in his new identity - which she has now admitted was a 'mistake' that 'haunts' her. Her concerns rose when her younger son, then three, said he too wanted to transition to a girl, despite being more of a 'stereotypical boy'. Her honest confession comes amid growing cultural tensions in the US over the transitioning of children - as many believe the ideology is introduced too early. Rose realized she had 'led' her sons to transition and immediately worked hard to reverse the mistake. She said both her sons, now around eight and nine, are living happily as boys and are 'blossoming and growing'. A mother has admitted regretting letting her four-year-old son socially transition to a girl (file image) She described realizing her mistake as being like leaving a 'cult' and said she would never go back in an essay called 'True Believer' (pictured is an extract) At the time, Rose said she was a 'social justice organizer and facilitator', who would introduce 'the concept of intersectionality to progressive organizations, and having people share their pronouns'. But following her experience she has stopped being an 'activist' and instead become a 'sceptic'. Read more: Trans North Dakota doctor is opening gender-affirming clinic for LGBTQ+ people of ALL AGES Dr. Mayson Bedient, who identifies as a trans person and uses he/they pronouns: 'A couple of the patients that I've met have been really excited that I'm a transgender provider' Advertisement It comes amid a culture war in the US over transgender rights in schools - where some feel the agenda is introduced to children too young while others believe young people have the right to express who they feel they are. In Florida the 'Don't Say Gay' bill prevents the teaching or classroom instruction of gender identity or sexual orientation in children between kindergarten and the sixth grade. Transgender swimmers are a particularly fraught topic - following U-Penn student Lia Thomas' success in the sport after she transitioned from male to female. Prior to her transition, Thomas was ranked between 500 and 600th in the country in the male division. Rose told the 'free speech' podcast 'Triggernometry' that realizing her mistake was like leaving a 'cult' - a feeling she also confirmed in writing. She told the YouTube show - which is hosted by comedians Konstantin Kisin and Francis Foster and explores 'fun-but-serious' conversations - that she had 'led' her child into transitioning. 'I am no longer a true believer,' she said in an essay penned in August 2022 for the Parents With Inconvenient Truth About Trans (PITT) substack newsletter. 'This experience for me has felt like leaving a cult, a cult that would have me sacrifice my child to the gods of gender ideology, in the name of social justice and collective liberation. I have left this cult, and I am never turning back.' As the two boys grew up, the parents used 'he/him' for their pronouns but did not tell them they were boys. In Rose's essay - called 'True Believer' - she said this meant she was 'primed to look for clues' that her children could be transgender. When her older son - who had always gravitated more towards women and had an affinity for feminine things - asked if he was a boy or a girl, she told him that he could choose. She said: 'I was leading my innocent, sensitive child down a path of lies that were a direct on-ramp to psychological damage and life-long irreversible medical intervention. All in the name of love, acceptance, and liberation.' Six months later, he came back to her saying he felt like a girl, wanting 'she/her' pronouns and to be called sister. Speaking anonymously on podcast Triggernometry (pictured), Rose said she realised she had led her son to transition In her essay 'true believer' she tells the story of her journey from social justice warrior to sceptic Parents are clashing with teachers across the US over whether transgender teenagers can transition in classrooms without their knowledge - and most cases are not always solved in the principals' office, and often end up in court. Some states have put safeguards in place - in Virginia, a lawmaker is proposing a law to ensure parents are made aware. And in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis has cracked down on teacher gender identity with the Parental Rights in Education Act As a result, his name was changed and he wore girls' clothes to be socially transitioned (the process by which transgender children can adopt a new gender identity). The mother said she was praised by her peers and at support groups for the encouragement she had given her child. She also said she was told by a gender therapist to break contact with anyone who did not use the new identity - something which she finds shocking to look back on. But alarm bells began to ring when her younger son - who had always been more of a 'stereotypical boy' - began to say he also wanted to transition to a girl. The three-year-old became increasingly insistent that he wanted to be like his older sibling. The gender therapist immediately said he should be referred to as 'she' but the mother began to feel clearly that neither son was transgender and the older was just 'highly sensitive'. Her son told her 'Mama this is your fault - you changed my name.' 'Our sons weren't actually trans. It was something else,' Rose said. 'I had led my child into it. All I wanted was to go back in time and undo what I had done'. Just before her son's eighth birthday she told him that 'males cannot be females' - to which he at first was 'mad and sad'. But the following day she said he felt 'incredible relief' at the revelation. Single mom-of-two Aurora Regino last month launched a case against the Chico Unified School District , in northern California, saying a school counselor encouraged her fifth-grade daughter to transition to a male without notifying her This chart shows insurance claims for puberty blockers in the US by year. It shows claims have doubled since 2017 Transgender swimmers are a particularly fraught topic - following U-Penn student Lia Thomas' (pictured) success in the sport after she transitioned from male to female Now, she says her sons are both 'blossoming and growing' as boys - but that her mistake will be one that 'haunts' her forever. She said: 'The grief and the shock of what we did is so deep, so wide, so sharp and penetrating. How could a mother do this to her child? To her children?' She added that she only realized her former beliefs were part of a 'system' now that she is out of it. Rose said she wanted to thank the blogs 4th Wave Now and Gender a Wider Lens for helping her to change the discourse with her son. 4th Wave Now was begun by Denise Canaan, after her 17-year-old daughter Chiara came out as a trans man in 2014 and wanted a medical transition. The group is one of the first to question gender ideology and transitioning in young people. Parents With Inconvenient Truth About Trans (PITT), where Rose wrote her essay, is another parent group that has sprung up since. Cases of children in schools wanting to change their gender are becoming increasingly common - with many not wanting their parents to know about it. On this frontline in America's culture wars, parents, kids, teachers, and therapists have to make tough calls about rising rates of transgenderism, mental health issues, peer pressure and whether affirmation-on-demand is always the best answer. The number of transgender children between the ages of 13 to 17 has doubled to about 1.4 percent, an analysis of government health surveys show. There's been similar rises in teens seeking puberty blockers, hormones and surgery, insurance data reveal. There are now an estimated 60 to 300 gender clinics that provide hormonal intervention and blockers to minors. Advocates of 'gender-affirming care', as it is known, claim the rise is down to more awareness of gender dysphoria and support among clinicians. Other experts, conservatives and parents warn of an ideologically-driven 'social contagion'. Single mom-of-two Aurora Regino last month launched a case against the Chico Unified School District, in northern California, saying a school counselor encouraged her fifth-grade daughter to transition to a male without notifying her. Regino bashes California's 'Parental Secrecy Policy' and a school counselor who affirmed her daughter's vague female-to-male transgender request 'within minutes' and even 'pressured' the child. Ministers have taken another step towards creating a 'digital pound' - but played down fears it could herald the end of hard cash. The government and Bank of England have unveiled a road map that could see the virtual currency - nicknamed 'Britcoin' - introduced this decade. The idea is being pushed amid warnings that private crypto-currencies could come to dominate and undermine financial stability. Unlike contactless payments - which are transactions between bank accounts - 'digital pounds' would be stored on devices such as phones, and transferred directly. However, City minister Andrew Griffith told MPs Britcoin would be available 'alongside' cash, and the government is legislating to protect access to tangible money. Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey (left) and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (right) have announced another step towards creating a digital Pound The government and Bank of England have unveiled a road map that could see the virtual currency - nicknamed 'Britcoin' - introduced this decade Some Tories have expressed scepticism about the mooted digital Pound The Treasury has stressed that the potential currency is not a cryptoasset, which are privately backed investments. Rishi Sunak asked the Bank of England to look into the case for a Bank-backed currency in 2021 when he was chancellor. In October, Mr Griffith cautioned that a lengthy delay in issuing a digital pound could create problems for the economy. Labour shadow minister Abena Oppong-Asare asked what work would be done 'to ensure that the potential CBDC (central bank digital currency) does not accelerate financial exclusion', adding: 'We need a cast iron guarantee that the CBDC will not distract from work to promote digital inclusion or undermine protections for cash infrastructure'. She said: 'The Government should be focusing on returning the economy to growth and dealing with the cost-of-living crisis, not chasing crypto fantasies.' Mr Griffith replied: 'This Government has never promoted a crypto wild west.' Current Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: 'While cash is here to stay, a digital pound issued and backed by the Bank of England could be a new way to pay that's trusted, accessible and easy to use. 'That's why we want to investigate what is possible first, whilst always making sure we protect financial stability.' The Bank of England will undertake further research and development work while the public are being invited to take part in the consultation process. The Bank and the Treasury said the currency will not dramatically alter how British people use money but that they believe it could help 'ensure the public have access to safe money that is convenient to use as our everyday lives become more digital'. The consultation is due to take around four months. It is understood that the design phase is then likely to continue until at least 2025, from which time a final decision could be made. If it gets the go-ahead, there would then be significant investment to launch the currency, which could take place during the latter-half of the current decade. The currency would be issued and held by the Bank of England, but intermediaries, such as consumer banks or other businesses, would be needed for people to spend it. There are likely to be initial restrictions on how much of the currency any individual or business could hold. Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey said: 'As the world around us and the way we pay for things becomes more digitalised, the case for a digital pound in the future continues to grow. 'A digital pound would provide a new way to pay, help businesses, maintain trust in money and better protect financial stability. 'However, there are a number of implications which our technical work will need to carefully consider. 'This consultation and the further work the Bank will now do will be the foundation for what would be a profound decision for the country on the way we use money.' Countries around the world are also considering similar proposals, such as the US, China and the Eurozone. Tulip Siddiq, Labour's shadow city minister, said: 'We fully support the Bank of England's work exploring the potential benefits of a safe and stable CBDC. 'This is a welcome contrast to the Conservative Government's promotion of the crypto wild west, which has put millions of people's savings at risk.' The Bank of England will undertake further research and development work while the public are being invited to take part in the consultation process What is a 'digital pound' and how would it work? What is a digital currency? A digital pound would be a currency that does not exist as physical money, such as notes or coins. It only exists in the form of an amount on a computer or similar device. Nevertheless, the Treasury and Bank of England have stressed that one digital pound would equate to the same value as one physical pound coin. A central bank digital currency (CBDC) is digital money which can be produced by a central bank, such as the Bank of England. Is it the same as cryptocurrency? No. A cryptocurrency is privately issued, by a company such as Bitcoin, and therefore not supported by a central bank. As most cryptocurrencies cannot be used to widely purchase goods, they are primarily seen as private investments, which can go up and down in value as more people buy or sell the crypto. The values of cryptocurrency can fluctuate dramatically and there has been a recent slump in valuations, following a pandemic boom in crypto demand, and the recent collapse of crypto exchange FTX. Why might it be launched in the UK? Right now, the need for a digital pound is limited as people use their debit cards, phones or even watches to fulfil the same function. However, there are fears that people might choose to trust big technology or other private sector companies for their money more than the state. Many have speculated that you could see the equivalent of Amazon or Facebook having its own version of sterling. But unregulated digital currencies could fragment the pound system, meaning 1 might not be worth exactly 1 everywhere. A CBDC would be intended to offset their concerns, with it being designed to 'be reliable and retain value', according to the Bank of England. How would I access it? The CBDC would be issued and held by the Bank of England, rather than a private institution or bank. The user would then store their money in a 'digital wallet'. However, an intermediary, such as a consumer bank or e-commerce business, would be needed to spend the money. How would it be used? Exactly how it is used could be altered during the design phase but the intention is that it would be used in a broadly similar fashion to a current bank account. A computer, phone or other device would be used to make transactions with the digital currency and it would be treated as normal by shops or other businesses. However, the Bank of England has said it would be intended for customer spending, rather than saving in an account. How much could I own? Assuming the UK CBDC gets the go-ahead, UK users would initially be set a limit on how much people could be issued. The Treasury has also said that any digital pound would exist alongside rather than replace cash and bank deposits, meaning people could continue to own cash if there is still a demand. The House of Lords has previously flagged concerns that there could be financial instability if households or businesses all seek to withdraw money from commercial banks in favour of a state-backed CBDC all at once. When will it be launched? The Bank and Treasury have stressed that there is no certainty it will be launched at all. A four-month consultation has been launched, which will be followed by a lengthy design period. A final decision is expected to follow the design period from 2025 at the earliest. It could then first be launched in the latter half of the current decade. Have other countries got digital currencies? A raft of countries are considering CBDCs. The Atlantic Council estimated in December that 114 governments were at least exploring CBDCs, with close to 30 governments having full launched or started pilot schemes. China started public testing of its digital renminbi back in 2021. CBDCs have also been on the rise in the Caribbean, with programmes launched in the Bahamas and Jamaica designed to improve financial inclusion and clamp down on money laundering. A father who left his son in a car for more than six hours on one of Sydney's hottest days this summer has spoken about his boy's death for the first time. Arikh Hasan, three, died last Thursday when his father Newaz left him in the vehicle after forgetting to drop him off at childcare. Moments earlier he had driven his other son, six, to primary school and spent the remainder of the 35C day working from home in Glenfield, western Sydney. Mr Hasan only realised his horrific mistake when he returned to the Toyota Corolla to pick up his oldest child from school. Images from the harrowing scene show the distraught dad sitting on the ground with his hands in his head unconsolably crying. Newaz Hasan (right) has spoken out for the first time after his son Hasan, 3, died last week after being left in the family's car in 35 degree heat for more than six hours after Newaz forgot to drop him at childcare Mr Hasan was seen breaking down at the scene as the child was declared dead at Glenfield, in Sydney's west last Thursday 'I would normally talk to my son on the way to daycare, you know, we would chat... but because he was asleep this day, the car was silent,' Mr Hasan told The Daily Telegraph. 'I think that silence just made me forget he was there.' Fully occupied by his job as a senior banking analyst at his home office, the day passed by as normal. But outside, young Arikh was slowing succumbing to the scorching heat. Trapped by the car seat restraint, the toddler would also have been unable to open the car doors with child safety locks fitted in the vehicle. About 3pm Mr Hasan unknowingly got back behind the wheel with Arikh still inside and set off to Glenfield Public School to pick up his eldest son. It wasn't until he returned to the car after picking up the child that he saw Arikh still strapped into the back car seat. NSW Police have not charged Mr Hasan but investigations into the tragedy are ongoing (pictured: Mr Hasan's car pictured at the scene) Tributes were left at the scene as the community mourns the loss of the little boy 'Even talking about it now, I still don't really know how it happened... There was nothing on my mind, I wasn't distracted, nothing... I just forgot,' Mr Hasan said. 'I just want to say to other parents please always be 120 per cent sure where your kids are.' The father with the help of bystanders got the three-year-old out of the car and rushed him inside a nearby bottle shop where paramedics tried desperately to revive him. In the aftermath of the distressing discovery Mr Hasan punched the window of his car, injuring his hand. Traumatised by the ordeal, he along with his wife Marzia and their oldest boy have not returned home since the tragedy, and are staying with relatives in Sydney's south-west. Experts say Mr Hasan may have suffered from 'forgotten baby syndrome' - when a parent or carer experiences short-term memory loss caused by a distraction or change of routine. Mujammel Hossain (pictured in the pink shirt) told Daily Mail Australia he saw Mr Hasan screaming and said he could tell immediately after Arikh was pulled from the car that he had already died as he was extremely hot with 'no pulse' This is as a result of the carer being on autopilot and a change as simple as the absence of noise can be enough to induce the mental state. Eyewitness Mujammel Hossain told Daily Mail Australia he came across the distressed father after picking his daughter up from school. He repeatedly told him, 'I just forgot, I just forgot' to drop his sleeping youngest child to childcare. Mr Hossain could tell immediately by Arikh's condition that he had already died as he was extremely hot with 'no pulse'. When paramedics arrived to take the little boy to hospital, Mr Hossain said the child's devastated father told him 'he's not going to be ok'. Bottle shop employee Sandeep Shresdha was working at the time the boy was carried into his store and recalled there were a 'lot of people crying'. 'It was so hot and this concrete out the front was burning hot and people sat here and sobbed,' Mr Shresdha said. 'I couldn't do anything, it was so overwhelming.' NSW Police have not charged Mr Hasan but investigations into the tragedy are ongoing. Bottle shop employee Sandeep Shresdha was working at the time the boy was carried into his store and recalled there were a 'lot of people crying' More than 5,000 children are rescued from hot cars in Australia every year - the majority being babies and toddlers, according to child safety advocates Kidsafe. 'Leaving children unattended in a car - even for a short period of time - can be fatal,' Kidsafe's website states. 'Children are particularly at risk because they can lose fluid quickly, become dehydrated and suffer from heatstroke.' In December 2015, celebrity chef Matt Moran called media to a cooking demonstration at Sydney's Bondi Beach where he'd prepared a piece of lamb using just the interior heat of a parked car. 'This has been in there for a little over an hour and a half,' said Mr Moran, slicing open the meat in a video of the demonstration, 'that to me is overdone'. You can donate to Oxfam, Islamic Relief and British Red Cross to help survivors Thousands of people have been killed and injured after several colossal earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria yesterday and today. After the devastation, many people from Britain and abroad are looking to donate to causes helping victims of the natural disaster - as rescue and aid teams from organisations like the Red Cross, Islamic Relief and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) have already mobilised to the stricken nations. In the first few hours following the natural disaster, MSF teams treated around 200 wounded people in Syria and Islamic Relief already have boots on the ground in Turkey helping rescue people trapped in the rubble. Thousands of people have been killed after several colossal earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria yesterday and today. Pictured: A rescue team pull out an earthquake victim in Al Atareb, Syria today Turkish Red Crescent teams distribute hot meals to the earthquake victims in Malatya, Turkiye after 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes hit the nation yesterday A third earthquake rocked Turkey early this morning after two others devastated the country and its neighbour Syria a day earlier, killing more than 5,000 people, and trapped scores more under the rubble of collapsed buildings. Thousands more are feared to be found dead in the coming days after 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude tremors in southeastern Turkey caused buildings to collapse on people as they slept in their beds in the early hours of the morning. The 5.8-magnitude quake struck at a depth of 1.2 miles in central Turkey, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said, as rescue efforts continued and as the death toll in Turkey alone rose past 3,400. A winter storm causing freezing temperatures has been hampering those working desperately to free people from the rubble of destroyed buildings, with the cold weather making the need to reach trapped survivors even more urgent. The WHO warned on Monday that the toll could hit 20,000, and on Tuesday said 23 million people - including 1.4 million children - could be affected. Syria's humanitarian needs where the highest of all, the WHO noted. The earthquakes were so powerful that shaking was detected some 3,400 miles away on the east coast of Greenland around eight minutes after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck at 4.17am this morning. How can I donate to earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria? In the UK, three Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) members have started to raise money for the victims of the earthquakes. These are: Islamic Relief, the British Red Cross and Oxfam. But there are also other ways to donate to the appeal or help the victims even if you can't afford to give cash. Islamic Relief Turkiye Syria Earthquake Appeal Islamic Relief say they are already on the ground responding to the disaster in both Turkey and Syria Islamic Relief say they are already on the ground responding to the disaster in both Turkey and Syria. The charity says: 'In Turkiye, our teams are providing emergency medical assistance, shelter and cash grants to enable those worst affected to meet their immediate needs. 'In Syria, our priorities will be providing health and medical supplies to hospitals and clinics, as well as blankets and tents for those made homeless by the quake. 'Our teams are continuing to assess the situation as it evolves and making preparations to provide emergency support to those hit hard by the crisis. 'Time is of the essence at this critical stage, we need your support to reach and save as many lives as possible. Please donate generously to our Turkiye Syria Earthquake Appeal and help save precious lives now.' You can donate to Islamic Relief's Turkiye Syria Earthquake Appeal on their website. The British Red Cross Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal The British Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is raising funds which will go to its sister charity the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) Qatari Red Crescent employees prepare assistance packages to be sent for earthquake hit areas of Turkey, at Al-Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar today The British Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is raising funds which will go to its sister charity the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC). TRC has already 'mobilised' across much of the country to deliver much-needed assistance to those in need across the country. And the Syrian Arab Red Crescent is reportedly delivering 'assistance and support' to those affected by the devastating quakes in ama, Aleppo and Latakia. In both countries they are delivering emergency first aid to injured people and are helping with evacuation efforts. You can donate to the British Red Cross Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal on their website. Oxfam Turkey and Syria Earthquake Appeal Oxfam have said they are currently working urgently to gather information to 'assess the scale of devastation and what people most urgently need' Oxfam have said they are currently working urgently to gather information to 'assess the scale of devastation and what people most urgently need'. Meryem Aslan, an Oxfam spokesperson in Ankara said: 'Typically, Oxfam and partners would look to provide protection, water and sanitation, shelter and food support and in the longer-term rehabilitation and reconstruction. We are now assessing the type of immediate and longer-term support that is needed.' 'It is a double tragedy for survivors having to cope too with the cold and who will be unable to sleep outside. It is horrifying to contemplate how people will even be able to cope, given that some areas are even now in snow.' Oxfam said they are currently trying to assess what the fastest, most appropriate humanitarian efforts to help people after Monday's earthquakes. You can donate to the Oxfam Turkey and Syria Earthquake Appeal on their website. Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) MSF are an international group who provide medical assistance to victims of disasters such as the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. They have 'as mobilised teams along with local partners to respond to the increasing needs in the area.' Pictured: A Turkish soldier empties a bucket of rubble as search and rescue efforts continue in Kahramanmaras on Tuesday Pictured: A woman wrapped in a blanket is carried down a steep pile of rubble after being saved from a collapsed building in Kahramanmaras The epicentre of Monday's earthquake was just north of the city of Gaziantep at a depth of around 11 miles, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS), and the quake struck at 04:17 am local time (01:17 GMT) And sadly one of their members was found 'dead under the rubble of his home in Idlib, northwest Syria, while other members of our team have lost family members', the organisation said. 'We are very shocked and saddened by the impact of this disaster on the thousands of people affected by it, including our colleagues and their families,' says Sebastien Gay, MSF head of mission in Syria. Just hours of the natural disaster, their teams treated around 200 wounded people. And MSF say they have provided immediate support to 23 health facilities cross Idlib and Aleppo governorates in Syria, by donating emergency medical kits and supporting them with medical staff to reinforce their teams. You can donate to MSF on their website. Donating blood to victims of the earthquake If you are based in Turkey, you can donate blood to help treat the victims of the disaster. Blood levels in the nation are already well below the minimum level of 50,000 units - and are now at just 35,000 units, according to Global Citizen. If are in Turkey you can give blood via the Red Crescent at a donation center near you. Pictured: A collapsed building in Malatya, Turkey is seen covered in snow as rescue workers carry out search and rescue efforts on the roof. A winter storm causing freezing temperatures - which dropped to -5C overnight in some areas - has been hampering those working desperately to free people from the rubble of destroyed buildings Pictured: An apocalyptic scene in Iskenderun, Turkey on Monday after the country and its neighbour Syria were left devastated by a series of earthquakes Save the Children Save the Children are working in North West Syria with partners to asses the scale of damage and the support they need to provide. In Turkey, they are also working to assess local needs and have already established a local response team which will support the emergency services in coordination with the government. You can donate to the Save the Children's Emergency Fund on their website. Give updates, let people know where to find safety and raise awareness A map has been created which shows organisations and businesses that have let people take shelter and refuge after being forced to leave their homes You can share the map through the link here. If you are not in a financial position to donate yourself, you can raise awareness by sharing information about the disaster on social media and encouraging those who are better off to help. Rishi Sunak is shaking up his Cabinet today as he finally replaces Nadhim Zahawi as Tory chair and overhauls major departments. The PM has installed veteran trade minister Greg Hands as the new chief at CCHQ, more than a week after his predecessor was sacked in a row over his tax affairs. Mr Sunak has also launched a dramatic reshaping of Whitehall to reflect the 'priorities of the British people'. Grant Shapps' Business Department is being merged with Trade - and Kemi Badenoch will take charge. Mr Shapps will be shifted to a new Energy Security department. In a step that could enrage some Conservative MPs he will also be titled Secretary of State for Net Zero. There will be a new ministry of 'Science, Innovation and Technology', including responsibilities for digital issues currently held by the Culture Department. That will be headed by Michelle Donelan, although there are claims that Michael Gove turned the job down. Along with Mr Hands, Lucy Frazer joins the Cabinet in Ms Donelan's old Culture brief. Mr Sunak has now started reworking the lower ranks, with outspoken Red Wall MP Lee Anderson - a former Labour councillor - being made Tory deputy chair. The reshuffle is not affecting Deputy PM Dominic Raab, who faces an inquiry into bullying claims. On a visit to an energy project in London this afternoon, Mr Sunak said the Whitehall changes could help cut household costs. 'I think we've seen over the last year in particular the impact that happens to people's bills at home when energy policy doesn't work properly, when we're reliant on imported energy from hostile countries,' he said. 'That's why the creation today of a new department focused specifically on energy security and net zero is so important. 'It's going to mean that we can reduce people's energy bills that's so important it means we can produce more energy here at home, giving us more independence and security, and it means we can transition to cleaner forms of energy as we hit our net zero ambitions and create jobs in the process, as we're seeing here today. 'We're focused on delivering for the British people and this will help us do that.' However, gloomy Tories have been expressing bewilderment at the 'bizarre' decision to attempt a major revamp of the 'back end' of government barely a year before the likely election date. The Lib Dems claim it could cost the taxpayer 60million. One Conservative source branded it 'deckchair day', a reference to the saying about shifting chairs on the Titanic as it sank. Rishi Sunak has announced a mini-reshuffle of the Cabinet today Grant Shapps' (left) business brief is being merged with Trade, with Kemi Badenoch (right) taking charge of the new department The PM has installed veteran trade minister Greg Hands as the new chief at CCHQ Mr Sunak has now started reworking the lower ranks, with outspoken Red Wall MP Lee Anderson - a former Labour councillor - being made Tory deputy chair The Government said that the creation of four new departments would 'ensure the right skills and teams are focused on the Prime Minister's five promises'. A new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will be tasked with securing the UK's long-term energy supply, as well as 'bringing down bills and halving inflation'. A new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will 'drive the innovation that will deliver improved public services, create new and better-paid jobs and grow the economy'. The Department for Business and Trade will 'support growth by backing British businesses at home and abroad, promoting investment and championing free trade'. A new-look Department for Culture, Media and Sport will 'recognise the importance of these industries to our economy and build on the UK's position as a global leader in the creative arts'. Mr Shapps tweeted: 'Delighted to become the first Secretary of State for the new Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. My focus will be securing our long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and thereby helping to (halve) inflation.' The changes to the Business Department will effectively unwind previous tweaks to the machinery of government. How Tony Blair almost created the Department for PENIS Rishi Sunak will be hoping to avoid emulating a blunder committed by Tony Blair when he shook up Whitehall in 2005. Those changes were initially intended to rename the Department for Trade and Industry. But the minister Alan Johnson pointed out that the new title - the Department for Productivity, Energy, Industry and Science had an unfortunate acronym. In his autobiography, Mr Johnson revealed he asked Mr Blair: 'Why has the name of my department been changed to Penis?' They agreed to change the name back to the DTI, with officials noting with 'great merriment' that the erection of signs had yet to go ahead. Advertisement Theresa May merged the Department for Energy and Climate Change with the Business Department in 2016. Energy departments also existed under the Heath, Wilson, Callaghan and Thatcher governments. A Department of Trade and Industry was last in operation between 1983 and 2007, when it was split. One weary Tory source said the idea of a 'mini-reshuffle' with major Whitehall machinery changes in the first 100 days of Mr Sunak's premiership was 'bizarre'. 'What a time to be alive.. The timing makes no sense - but perhaps I'm missing some hugely intelligent political power play.' Another said: 'It takes a year or more to do the back end of these machinery of government changes.' Mr Sunak made joint trip with newly-appointed Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Mr Shapps to the District Energy Centre in King's Crossafter the announcements. He tweeted: 'The Government needs to reflect the priorities of the British people and be designed to deliver for them. 'These changes will focus teams on the issues that will build a better future for our children & grandchildren.' Downing Street played down questions about how expensive the reorganisation of Whitehall departments might be. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said details of costs would be set out in the normal way. 'It's worth stressing obviously the teams are already in place,' he said. 'This is about bringing together teams under the priorities of the Prime Minister. So we wouldn't expect there to be significant additional costs to this.' Mr Sunak is desperate to get back on the front foot as he faces barbs from predecessors Liz Truss and Boris Johnson over key planks of government policy. Calls for early tax cuts have been growing on the Tory backbenches, while Ms Truss used a Spectator interview last night to lament the lack of a strategy to boost the economy. Mr Sunak had seemed to be struggling to find a big hitter to take over as Tory chair, with both Brandon Lewis and Priti Patel making clear they did not want the role. The first task of the new incumbent will be to prepare for local elections in May, which most MPs expect to be a bloodbath. A Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll today found Labour has a 26 point lead, the biggest since Mr Sunak took over in Downing Street. Nadine Dorries said it was 'sad' that her former Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport was set to be broken up. The ex-culture secretary, who was replaced by Michelle Donelan when Liz Truss became prime minister, said the department has 'tragically lacked profile of late' despite being the most effective in Whitehall. 'Track record in tech, digital, gigabit roll out, telecoms, data speaks for itself,' Ms Dorries said. Development minister Andrew Mitchell did not deny there is a reshuffle in the offing. Lucy Frazer (pictured) joins the Cabinet in Michelle Donelan's old Culture brief, although it now does not include responsibility for digital Ms Donelan will move to head up a new ministry of 'Science, Innovation and Technology' He told GB News: 'Well, these are matters way above my paygrade and they are matters for the Prime Minister, but I'm very happy indeed doing a job which I've done before and loved very much, which is the international development job and I'm going to do my best, particularly today, to see that Britain puts its shoulder to the wheel and that we save as many lives as we can.' Mr Sunak will be hoping to avoid emulating a blunder committed by Tony Blair when he shook up Whitehall in 2005. Those changes were initially intended to rename the Department for Trade and Industry. But the minister Alan Johnson pointed out that the new title - the Department for Productivity, Energy, Industry and Science had an unfortunate acronym. In his autobiography, Mr Johnson revealed he asked Mr Blair: 'Why has the name of my department been changed to Penis?' They agreed to change the name back to the DTI, with officials noting with 'great merriment' that the erection of signs had yet to go ahead. Former ministers voiced concern about the dramatic overhaul of Whitehall being planned by Mr Sunak A Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll today found Labour has a 26 point lead, the biggest since Mr Sunak took over in Downing Street High-flying barrister who took fast-track to the Cabinet Lucy Frazer was a high-flying barrister before entering Parliament as the MP for South East Cambridgeshire in 2015. Born in Yorkshire, she was educated at the independent Gateways School for Girls and studied at Cambridge - where she met husband David, who runs a recruitment firm. Ms Frazer developed a speciality in commercial law, and was a QC by the age of 40. Successive PMs have wasted little time in promoting her through the political ranks. The mother-of-two made a name for herself successfully steering a backbench law against 'upskirting' through Parliament. She was among the first members of her intake to get on the ministerial ladder, becoming a justice minister in January 2018. The 50-year-old served as solicitor general and prisons minister under Boris Johnson, becoming one of the few female frontbenchers trusted to run the gauntlet of a morning broadcast round. During one set of interviews in January 2021 she revealed that her father had did while suffering Covid - although she said that was not the cause. Ms Frazer was transport minister under Liz Truss, and housing minister under Rishi Sunak before her elevation to the Cabinet. Advertisement New Tory chair is Tesco Meal Deal-loving multi-lingual Remainer who mocked Boris Johnson for fleeing to Kabul to miss Heathrow runway vote Rishi Sunak unveiled a Boris Johnson critic and Remainer as Tory chairman today as he finally replaced Nadhim Zahawi. Greg Hands moved from being Trade Policy Minister to take up the role, more than a week after Zahawi was sacked over his family tax affairs. Mr Sunak is believed to have struggled to find someone willing to fill the role, and his choice of Mr Hands in a role linking the Government with the party faithful may raise some eyebrows. The father-of-two, 57, who speaks five languages including Czech and German, has been an MP in London since 2005 and has served as a minister under every prime minister since David Cameron. But he was also a leader of the Remain campaign in the capital in 2016. More recently he also clashed with Boris Johnson over the proposed third runway at Heathrow. Hands resigned as a minister in 2018 in order to oppose the air hub expansion in a Commons vote, while Mr Johnson, then foreign secretary and a fellow opponent of the plan, flew to Afghanistan in order to avoid the vote and having to resign. At the time Mr Hands, a Plymouth Argyle fan who had been on a pilgrimage at a Romanian monastery, used Twitter to mock Mr Johnson. 'Great to arrive back in the UK at Luton Airport in time for the match today and to vote against Heathrow expansion tomorrow,' he wrote. 'I wouldn't want to be abroad for either of those. #commitments.' Mr Sunak has also launched a dramatic reshaping of Whitehall, with Grant Shapps' Business Department being merged with Trade - and Kemi Badenoch taking charge. Greg Hands moved from being Trade Policy Minister to take up the role, more than a week after Zahawi was sacked over his family tax affairs. He is also noted for some off-piste tweets, including one praising Tesco for freezing the cost of its Meal Deal for five years. His wife, Irina Hundt, is German (couple pictured in 2005) and in 2018 he revealed the impact of the Brexit vote on his family. Mr Shapps will be shifted to a new Energy Security department. There will be a new ministry of 'Science, Innovation and Technology', including responsibilities for digital issues currently held by the Culture Department. That will be headed by Michelle Donelan. Along with Mr Hands, the Lucy Frazer joins the Cabinet in Ms Donelan's old Culture brief. The reshuffle is not likely to affect the future of Deputy PM Dominic Raab, who faces an inquiry into bullying claims. However, gloomy Tories have been expressing bewilderment at the 'bizarre' decision to attempt a major revamp of the 'back end' of government barely a year before the likely election date. One branded it 'deckchair day', a reference to the saying about shifting chairs on the Titanic as it sank. Mr Hands was born in New York and raised in the US until he was seven. His family then moved back to the UK. He maintains dual UK-US nationality. He was educated at state schools but his Tory biography says his family 'was constantly on the move, due to the Labour Government of 1974-1979 closing down grammar schools'. He spent a gap year in West Berlin, working in a McDonalds and a swimming pool before heading to Cambridge. A first in modern history was followed by eight years as a banker and time spent as a councillor in Hammersmith and Fulham. He took the Hammersmith and Fulham parliamentary constituency from Labour in 2005 with a majority of more than 5,000. The seat was abolished in the 2010 election, when he won the new Chelsea and Fulham constituency. He was a shadow Treasury minister in opposition and rose to become a whip and then Chief Secretary to the Treasury under Cameron in 2015. Theresa May moved him to trade the following year after becoming PM, but he resigned in 2018 over Heathrow. Since then he has been a trade minister under Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Mr Sunak. He also ran the London mayoral campaign of Shaun Bailey, who was defeated comfortably by Sadiq Khan in 2021. He is also noted for some off-piste tweets, including one praising Tesco for freezing the cost of its Meal Deal for five years. His wife, Irina Hundt, is German and in 2018 he revealed the impact of the Brexit vote on his family. 'My wife is German, my children are bilingual, and on the day of the referendum, or the day after, my son - who at the time was nine years old - cried over the result,' he told HuffPost. 'He didn't really understand it. He may have thought that his mother and father would now be forced to separate.' More recently he showed his loyalty to Mr Sunak when his wife, Akshata Murty, came under pressure over her non-dom tax status. He suggested that there could be a racial element to the criticism, telling the BBC: 'Some of the commentary about her being a foreign national has been unpleasant.' More recently he has attracted the ire of China over a trade visit to Taiwan. Beijing said the UK must 'stop sending the wrong signals' after he visited Taipei in November, becoming the latest foreign official to defy Beijing's warnings over contacts with the island. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and threatens to annex it by force. It also seeks to isolate it diplomatically, requiring governments that it has formal relations with to respect its 'one-China' principle. The U.K. should 'earnestly respect China's sovereignty, uphold the one-China principle, stop any forms of official contacts with Taiwan and stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces,' Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a daily briefing. London was blanketed by a thick layer of freezing fog today, triggering airport travel chaos that saw flights cancelled or delayed. Twenty-three flights were axed at London City Airport, including trips destined for Amsterdam and Florence, as the south of England was hit by an icy sub-zero blast. Dozens of trips - including some to Frankfurt and Glasgow - were also delayed as overnight temperatures plummeted in parts of England to -6C, with the weather disrupting ferry services and road travel in the capital, too. Londoners likened the conditions to the deadly 'pea souper' polluted smog which blanketed the capital for four days in December 1952, killing an estimated 4,000 - although today's conditions aren't linked to poor air quality like those in the fifties. Tuesday's freezing fog came as Britain braces itself for yet another cold snap, with yellow weather warnings now in place for parts of Scotland. London's Tower Bridge was cast in an eerie glow as thick fog shrouded it on Tuesday morning Poor visibility on Tuesday cause chaos across the capital, with some flights from London City Airport having been cancelled or delayed. Pictured is fog around the London Eye The poor weather in the capital came as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for parts of north-east Scotland, which is set to be battered by strong wind on Wednesday The Met Office has issued an alert for strong wind set to blast the north-east of Scotland from Wednesday, with gusts predicted to hit 62mph in Durness. Pea-souper: How the 'Great Killer Smog' of 1952 claimed the lives of thousands in London For four days, the capital was choked by a blanket of polluted smog. Rolling in on December 5, 1952, the fog was so dense, some Londoners could not see their feet as they walked. A deadly combination of freezing conditions and air polluted by smoke, meant the capital was shrouded in yellow-ish smog until December 9. The polluted air choked some people to death, with estimates claiming up to 4,000 people died (although some suggest the death toll could be as high as 12,000, with some dying later due to related illnesses). The smog extended for 20 miles and caused misery for millions, with flights grounded and travel by road made almost impossible due to the poor visibility. It cleared on December 9. The shocking scale of the fog led to a series of new laws being introduced to cut down on pollution, including the Clean Air Acts of 1956 and 1968. Advertisement A spokesman for the Met Office warned the weather could cause delays on roads and lead to cancellations of air and ferry transport. Sea fronts and coastal communities are expected to be battered by large waves, with the wind alert in place from 6am to 5pm. In London, city mayor Sadiq Khan activated cold weather measures amid fears temperatures will drop below freezing. The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) ensures that councils and charities across London open emergency accommodation for homeless people when temperatures drop below freezing. Mr Khan praised 'tireless' relief organisations for their efforts to prevent the homeless suffering in the conditions. 'Across the capital, we are doing everything we can to prevent anyone sleeping rough in these freezing conditions,' he said. It was the third time this winter that the emergency measures were triggered in the capital, with 1,200 having been assisted so far. Temperatures across parts of Wales and southern England hit -6C, with Benson, in Oxfordshire, recording the lowest temperature in the UK. The freezing condition prompted a warning to commuters from the Met Office, with a spokesperson on Monday night saying: 'There isn't a warning out at the moment given there is a bit of uncertainty still with regards to the extent and density of fog patches. 'But there might be one issued overnight once we start to see things forming and when we have more of an idea about how things are panning out. 'For rush hour tomorrow morning, they could make for some difficult driving conditions in central and southern areas.' Londoners likened the foggy conditions on Tuesday to the deadly polluted smog experienced in the capital in the 1950s. Pictured is a pedestrian walking through dense fog in Illford, east London Tuesday will be another dry and sunny day across southern and central areas, once any mist and fog has cleared Cloud will sink southwards through the morning, with rain across northern and western regions gradually easing by midday pic.twitter.com/RxywZGa5WM Met Office (@metoffice) February 6, 2023 Advice issued in conjunction with the RAC and National Highways told drivers not to use full beam headlights because fog merely reflects the light, worsening visibility. Motorists were also warned to stay four seconds away from vehicles in front and wind down windows at junctions to listen for oncoming traffic if visibility is severely reduced. The poor conditions led to no service on the Woolwich ferry on Tuesday morning 'due to poor visibility', Transport for London (TfL) said. Meanwhile traffic was at a standstill on the A406 North Circular at Upper Edmonton between the Fore Street Tunnel and the A10 following a crash. A man in his 30s was freed from an overturned car at Angel Road uninjured. The vehicle has since been recovered and there are no arrests, the Metropolitan Police said. At Gatwick Airport, planes were being 'de-iced' for safety - although the travel hub insisted there were no significant weather issues affecting flights. Western arms shipments to Ukraine will lead to an 'unpredictable' war escalation, the Russian defense minister has claimed. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu warned the West against ramping up its arms supplies and said it would only drag NATO into an even more intense and prolonged conflict. The US, UK, Germany, Canada and other western countries have recently agreed to supply Kyiv with heavy tanks to help Ukraine form a spring offensive against Putin's military. Ukraine is also urging allies to send fighter jets and long-range missiles so it can strike targets deeper inside Russian-controlled territory. But western nations have so far rejected these calls. The defence ministers comments come as Russia continued its fighting in Ukraine's west and its brutal shelling of civilian targets. A Leopard 2A4 tank is loaded onto a Royal Canadian Armed Forces plane to be sent overseas as part of Canada's aid to Ukraine in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, February 3, 2023 Ukrainian servicemen fire a BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system towards Russian positions on a frontline near the town of Marinka, Donetsk, February 7, 2023 Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu warned the West against ramping up its arms supplies and said it would only drag NATO into an even more intense and prolonged conflict Sergei Shoigu today warned the west about its continued military aid involvement. Russia's defence minister said: 'The U.S. and its allies are trying to prolong the conflict as much as possible. 'To do this, they have started supplying heavy offensive weapons, openly urging Ukraine to seize our territories. In fact, such steps are dragging NATO countries into the conflict and could lead to an unpredictable level of escalation.' Shoigu claimed Russia was progressing of the battlefield in the eastern region of Donetsk. This has been the epicentre of hostilities and the scene of some of the heaviest fighting since the invasion in February last year. 'Military operations are at the moment progressing with success in the areas around Vugledar and Artemovsk,' Shoigu told a defence meeting using the previous name for Bakhmut. He listed seven settlements that Russia has recently 'liberated', including the salt-mining town of Soledar that came under Russian control in January. Russian is also continuing the shelling of Ukrainian civilian targets, starting a fire at a town's hospital and damaging five apartment buildings, local officials said Tuesday. The hospital in the northeastern town of Vovchansk caught fire late Monday night following the shelling, regional Ukrainian emergency services reported. The shelling caused multiple fires in the town, including at its two-story municipal hospital, the State Emergency Service in the northeastern Kharkiv region said in an online statement. A Leopard 2A4 tank is loaded onto a Royal Canadian Armed Forces plane to be sent overseas as part of Canada's aid to Ukraine in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, February 3, 2023 A member of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine holds a 152 mm howitzer 2A65 Msta-B, near Bahmut, in Donetsk, February 6, 2023 Emergency crews evacuated eight civilians from the site before putting out the blaze, which caused no casualties, authorities said. Vovchansk is in the Kharkiv region, which was occupied by Russia after its full-scale invasion but was subsequently retaken by Ukraine during a counteroffensive last year. The anticipated Russian push may seek to recapture territory Moscow lost in that counteroffensive. Ukrainian officials say they expect the new drive to come in eastern and southern Ukraine, as the Kremlin strives to secure areas it has illegally annexed and where it claims its rule is welcomed. Russian forces are 'regrouping' as they attempt to break Ukrainian lines in five areas in the country's east and northeast, the Ukrainian military reported Tuesday. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said Moscow was focusing its efforts near the towns of Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Novopavlivka in the eastern Donetsk region, as well as Kupiansk in the Kharkiv province. Ukrainian military prepares to fire 152 mm howitzer 2A65 Msta-B, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, February 6, 2023 The Armed Forces of Ukraine fire 152 mm howitzer 2A65 Msta-B near Bahmut, in Donetsk region, February 6, 2023 Members of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fire 152 mm howitzer 2A65 Msta-B near Bahmut, in Donetsk region, February 6, 2023 In the Donetsk region, Russian forces also kept up their shelling of Vuhledar, a mining town that has been one of Moscow's key targets, the Ukrainian presidential office said. Five apartment buildings were destroyed in the town, the office said, which had a prewar population of 14,000. Donetsk province has seen a marked influx of Russian troops in the past few days, according to regional Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko. 'The transfer of Russian army units goes on day and night. (Russian) shelling intensifies, pressure from the Russians intensifies each day,' Kyrylenko said on Ukrainian television. Russia is also preparing for a major offensive in the eastern Luhansk region, directly north of Donetsk, local Gov. Serhii Haidai said in televised remarks. The number of Russian attacks in the province increased 'dramatically' on Monday and overnight, he said. 'The occupiers are looking for weak points and have brought a lot of equipment and thousands of troops to the front line,' Haidai said. A dozen towns and villages in the northeastern Kharkiv region also came under Russian shelling in the past 24 hours, the presidential office said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about an uptick in fighting as the winter draws to a close. A destroyed Russian tank with an artwork on it done by Italian urban artist Tvboy, on February 6, 2023 near the village of Dmytrivka, outside Kyiv Ukrainian soldiers prepare to load Pion 203mm munitions into a truck, February 5, 2023 Peace prospects 'keep diminishing' and 'the chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing,' he said in a speech late Monday. Battlefield setbacks have embarrassed the Kremlin, and Russian President Vladimir Putin is keen to cement public support for the war. Ensuring Kremlin rule in the eastern Donbas industrial region, bordering Russia, is expected to be a key objective. Some military analysts are skeptical, however, about Russia's ability to mount a large new offensive in coming weeks. Ukraine and Russia are both still training their new troops and amassing weapons. The UK Ministry of Defense said in an assessment Tuesday that Russia is 'requiring undermanned, inexperienced units to achieve unrealistic objectives due to political and professional pressure.' 'Russian leaders will likely continue to demand sweeping advances,' it added. 'It remains unlikely that Russia can build up the forces needed to substantially affect the outcome of the war within the coming weeks.' Michael Kofman, an American military analyst and director of Russia Studies at the CAN, a research organization in Arlington, Virginia, tweeted on Monday it was unclear how big an offensive Russia is able to mount. He added, 'but I suspect it may prove underwhelming, focused largely on the Donbas.' A destroyed house after shelling in Yampil, February 6, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine Ukrainian service members ride a BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, near the frontline town of Bakhmut, Donetsk region, February 6, 2023 Meanwhile, the shelling kept Ukraine's civilian population under pressure in some areas of the country. Russia launched six missile and two dozen air attacks as well as 75 shelling incidents hitting civilian targets in Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk and Kherson, over the past 24 hours, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a statement Tuesday. About 60,000 households in Marhanets were left without water after Russian shelling near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant cut the power supply to a local pumping station, authorities reported. Mykola Lukashuk, who heads the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council, accused Russian forces of firing on towns and villages neighboring the plant, Europe's largest, with heavy artillery and multiple rocket-launchers overnight. The second enormous floating balloon seen above Latin America recently belonged to China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday. The balloon, which China claims was used for "flight tests," veered off course significantly as a result of the weather and the aircraft's limited steering capabilities. This Is The First Time China Has Admitted To Owning The Surveillance Balloon The country's justification is much the same as the one it provided to support the balloon that landed over Montana and was allegedly a surveillance balloon, according to Gizmodo. The alleged Chinese spy balloon was shot down by the US Military on Saturday off South Carolina while it was traveling across the Atlantic Ocean. All of these instances come before reports of another spy balloon sighting over Latin American countries, to which China finally owned up to. "We have informed all relevant parties and appropriately handled the situation, which did not pose any threats to any countries," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said. Mao also claimed that China presents itself as a responsible country, which is why it has always abided strictly by international laws, CNN World reports. The representative went on to say that the nations the second surveillance balloon passed over had "expressed their understanding" of the situation. Whether or not anyone in Colombia and Costa Rica understood the balloon, they both acknowledged its presence in their airspace. The Colombian Air Force reported seeing an object with "characteristics similar to those of a balloon" on Saturday as it was traveling at a height of 55,000 feet and a speed of roughly 28 miles per hour. After tracking the object until it crossed the border, the nation came to the conclusion that it posed no threat to aviation safety or national security. The chairman of Costa Rica's Civil Aviation Authority, Fernando Naranjo Elizondo, claimed that his organization knew very little about the balloon. Read More: Pentagon Monitors Suspected Chinese Spy Balloon Hovering Over The US The Recent Spy Balloon Sightings Have Caused Commotions In America CNN World notes that for the majority of last week, a similar high-altitude Chinese balloon was flying over the US. On January 28, as it drifted eastward over Alaska, the North American Aerospace Defense Command made its initial observation. The balloon then crossed Canada into the US and, according to officials, loitered for a while over classified missile locations in Montana. The Pentagon followed the balloon for several days as it traveled across the northern United States before US military fighter planes shot it down over the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday. Outraged that the plane was shot down, China reiterated their earlier allegations that the balloon was for civilian use and that it accidently drifted into US territory. Vice Foreign Minister of China Xie Feng accused the US on Monday of employing "indiscriminate use of force" against a civilian aircraft, which China claimed was being used for meteorology. Because of this controversy, Xie claimed he had complained about the event to the American embassy, Gizmodo details. Xie also adds that the US Military "obviously overreacted and seriously violated the spirit of international law and international practice." By shooting down the balloon, Xie continued, the US had negatively impacted and harmed efforts to rebuild relations between the two nations. Related Article: Security Fears Prompt India To Block Up To 230 Chinese-Linked Betting And Lending Apps Police said it was one of the worst displays of torture in UK criminal history A killer whose twisted gang tortured and murdered a teenage girl to a soundtrack inspired by the horror character Chucky has a parole hearing and could walk free. Glyn Powell, now 58, was one of four people convicted of kidnapping, torturing and burning alive 16-year-old Suzanne Capper in Greater Manchester in December 1992. Detectives who conducted the inquiry said that for 'sheer mindless brutality' the crime ranked alongside the torture inflicted on children by the Moors Murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. The trial in November 1993 was overshadowed by the verdict of Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, who were convicted on November 24 that year of abducting and murdering toddler James Bulger in Bootle, Merseyside. As a result, the gruesome details of the prolonged assault on Suzanne received a much-reduced level of publicity, despite the murder being one of the most shocking in recent UK criminal history. Suzanne Capper, 16, from Greater Manchester was brutally murdered in December 1992 - she was tortured for a week before burning burnt alive Glyn Powell (above) now 58, was one of four people convicted of kidnapping, torturing and setting Suzanne Capper on fire. He could soon be released from prison, with a Parole Board hearing set for April But the two murders did combine to cause national newspapers and leading politicians to comment on the state of the nation. Tony Blair, who was shadow home secretary at the time, described the murders as 'hammer blows against the sleeping conscience of the country'. The trial was told how Suzanne believed her killers were friends because they all lived and associated together in Moston, on Manchester's rundown east side. Whatever the real motive - and each defendant gave conflicting accounts, such as claiming Suzanne had stolen a duffel coat - on December 7, 1992, she was lured to the house of Jean Powell, whose estranged husband Glyn and Anthony Dudson were waiting for her. Suzanne, a pupil at Moston Brook High School, had spent time babysitting Powell's three children at the terraced house. She was grabbed as soon as she arrived and held down while Powell shaved her head and her eyebrows and then made her clean up the hair and place it in a bin. Then he placed a plastic bag over her head and walked around her while hitting her on the head. The next day, Suzanne was taken to the nearby house of Bernadette McNeilly, another so-called friend who had turned against her. A room of horror: Suzanne Capper was held captive in this room and strapped to a bed where she was tortured and subjected to loud music by her killers The prosecution revealed that the gang's favourite track was 'Hi, I'm Chucky (Wanna Play?)' by 150 Volts, featuring samples from the movie Child's Play - with one of her ruthless killers, Bernadette McNeilly, beginning each torture session with the phrase: 'Chucky's coming to play'. Pictured is an image of the slasher horror character, Chucky Jon Venables, left, and Robert Thompson, right, brutally murdered James Bulger in February 1993. They were convicted in November of that year, with the result overshadowing the trial of Suzanne Capper's killers the same month James Bugler, pictured, was aged two when he was kidnapped, tortured and murdered by Venables and Thompson During the 22-day trial, it emerged that she had then been tied to a bed, beaten and tortured for nearly a week. Suzanne had also been injected with amphetamines and burned with cigarettes as rave music was played at maximum level to torment her and hide her screams. The prosecution revealed that her killers' favourite track was 'Hi, I'm Chucky (Wanna Play?)' by 150 Volts, featuring samples from the movie Child's Play. The 1988 American slasher film is the first in a franchise about a serial killer who transfers his soul into an evil doll. McNeilly would commence each torture session with the phrase 'Chucky's coming to play.' In the early hours of December 14, 1992, Suzanne was forced into a car and driven 15 miles to an isolated lane on the outskirts of Stockport. She was pushed down into brambles and petrol was poured over her head. A number of the killers - including Glyn Powell - tried to set her alight. The petrol finally ignited and as Suzanne burnt McNeilly began to sing 'Burn baby burn! Burn baby burn!' from The Trammps song Disco Inferno. After her attackers left, Suzanne managed to scramble back up the embankment and stagger along the lane for approximately a quarter of a mile. Gang members Jean Powell (now Gillespie) , left, and Jeffrey Leigh, were part of the group involved in murdering the teenage girl Anthony Dudson (left) was 17 when he was convicted, receiving a minimum sentence of 18 years - reduced to 16 at appeal. He is pictured with fellow gang member Bernadette McNeilly She was found by a driver on the way to work. Suzanne had suffered 80 per cent burns and died in hospital on December 18, 1992. However, before she lost consciousness in hospital, Suzanne was able to give the names of six people involved in her abduction and torture. The jury began their deliberations on December 16, 1993, and took nine hours and 52 minutes to reach their verdicts. Mr Justice Potts said: 'Each of you has been convicted on clear evidence of murder which was as appalling a murder as it is possible to imagine.' Glyn Powell, who was 29 at the time of the murder, Jean Powell (now Gillespie), then 26, Bernadette McNeilly, 24, and Anthony Dudson, 17, were all found guilty of murder. Gillespie, McNeilly, and Powell were sentenced to life with a minimum of 25 years. Dudson was given a minimum term of 18 years - later reduced to 16. Clifford Pook, Jean's brother, and Jeffrey Leigh pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and were given 15 and 12-year sentences respectively. McNeilly's sentence was reduced by one year in 2013. Leigh's sentence was reduced from 12 to nine years in November 1994. Dudson's minimum tariff was cut to 16 from 18 years in 2002. Leigh was freed in 1998 and Pook in May 2001. McNeilly was paroled in 2015 after having her 25-year sentence cut by one year. Dudson was released in 2013. In 2017 Jean Gillespie, formerly Powell, was released. John Capper, Suzanne's step-father, is pictured leaving Manchester Crown Court after his step-daughter's killers were sentenced In 2013 Suzanne's mother told of her 'utter devastation' after parole board bosses approved the release of Dudson after ruling he posed no risk to the public. She told the Manchester Evening News: 'I am utterly devastated by the news. I have been fighting and fighting and fighting, but it has got me nowhere. 'He will be on a life licence but I hope that regular checks are made. We do not even know what he looks like. The only picture of him is when he was 16.' A spokesman for the Parole Board said: 'We can confirm the parole review of Glyn Powell has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes. A hearing is expected to take place in April 2023. 'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community. 'A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims. 'Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing. 'Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing. 'It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.' Welsh ministers set themselves on a collision course with Westminster over trans rights today with a demand for new powers to ease gender self-identification. The Labour administration today launched a LGBTQ+ Action Plan that seeks to 'trigger' negotiations about taking on the role in overseeing how people change their gender. But the move by Labour in conjunction with Welsh nationalists Plaid Cymru, is likely to set up a furious row with Tory ministers in London. They are already bracing for legal action with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon over a law reducing the age at which people can change gender from 18 to 16. Welsh Conservative shadow minister for equalities, Altaf Hussain, said: 'While I firmly believe that more needs to be done to support LGBTQ+ people, the further devolution of powers is not the answer. We have seen the chaos that the SNP have brought about with devolved powers and now Labour ministers are seeking to do the same. 'Members of the LGBTQ+ community deserve our respect, support and understanding, they don't deserve to be used as a political tool by Labour ministers in their bid to secure more powers.' The Labour administration, led by Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn, today launched a LGBTQ+ Action Plan that seeks to 'trigger' negotiations about taking on the role in overseeing how people change their gender But the move by Labour in conjunction with Welsh nationalists Plaid Cymru, is likely to set up a furious row with Tory ministers in London. They are already bracing for legal action with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon over a law reducing the age at which people can change gender from 18 to 16. First Minister Mark Drakeford last month said Wales should have a gender recognition system similar to that recently approved in Scotland The action plan lists gaining devolved powers as a 'short term' goal for the administration. It pledges to 'start negotiation with UK Government, and trigger a request to devolve powers related to Gender Recognition (and) identify ways to support Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) applicants in Wales.' But the UK government has pledged to block the Scottish laws using reserved powers and there appears little chance the stance would be different for Wales. Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn joined Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price to launch the porgramme today, saying: 'LGBTQ+ communities remain under attack, with our hard-fought-for rights at risk of being rolled back around the world, including here in the UK. 'Im proud that here in Wales LGBTQ+ rights are embedded in the Welsh Governments Programme for Government commitments and the LGBTQ+ Action Plan is a commitment in the Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru. 'The plan is ambitious but with hope at its heart. We are absolutely committed to meaningful change for LGBTQ+ communities, creating a society and country where LGBTQ+ people are safe to live and love authentically, openly and freely as ourselves.' Advertisement 'Trans Lives Matter' protesters descended on Oklahoma's State Capitol building yesterday, occupying the interior rotunda, to protest against new bills that would ban gender-affirming surgery for young people. The protesters from Oklahomans For Equality and Freedom Oklahoma started their demonstration outside the building, then moved indoors. Organizers told DailyMail.com that all protesters entered the building peacefully, going through the necessary security checks, before staging their demonstration inside. Their protest was against a collection of proposed new legislation that is being championed by Republican Governor Kevin Stitt. Some of the bills propose a ban on state funds being used for gender reassignment care or surgery for anyone under the age of 18. 150 protesters chanting Trans Lives Matter inside the Oklahoma State Capitol building yesterday The protesters from Oklahomans For Equality and Freedom Oklahoma started their demonstration outside the building, then moved indoors OKLAHOMA'S PROPOSED NEW LAWS ON TRANS CARE Senate Bill 129 aka The Millstone Act Bans any physician or other healthcare professional from providing or refer patients for gender transition procedures if the patient is younger than age 26, including both surgical procedures and hormone treatment. House Bill 101 Bans doctors from giving a referral for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender reassignment surgeries for people under the age of 21. Senate Bill 252 Bans anyone under the age of 18 from receiving gender reassignment surgery Senate Bill 250 Ban medical officials and entities from receiving reimbursement through Medicaid if they offer gender transition services. Advertisement The most restrictive, Senate Bill 129, seeks to ban such treatment for anyone under the age of 26 by punishing doctors who provide those services. The physicians would face criminal prosecution and would lose their license. The Oklahoma State Legislature is yet to vote on the laws. The organizers of yesterday's event call the legislation 'genocide', claiming restricting youths' access to the the care will rive them to suicide. Some medical professionals say it will drive doctors out of the state. In his State of the State address last night, Governor Stitt doubled down on his plans, and called on the state legislature to pass the bills. 'We must protect our most vulnerable - our children. After all minors cant vote, cant purchase alcohol, cant purchase cigarettesw e shouldnt allow a minor to get a permanent gender altering surgery in Oklahoma. 'Thats why I am calling on the Legislature to send me a bill that bans all gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies on minors in the state! 'As governor, I will never shy away from calling out right from wrong. 'I will not be intimidated by partisan interest groups or make decisions based on groupthink. 'I will continue my responsibility to lead, not follow. 'I ran for this office five years ago because I was tired of seeing other states succeed while ours got left behind.' The protesters say youngsters should be able to access such medical care, regardless of their age. It is unclear how many state lawmakers were at the Capitol yesterday when the protesters made their way inside. The protesters at yesterday's rally included students from the local university It is unclear how many state lawmakers were at the Capitol yesterday when the protesters made their way inside. The trans protesters chanted and held up signs for news crews Benjamin Patterson, a trans man who was one of the organizers, told student new outlet OU Nightly he wanted to 'bring the community together'. He called the state laws 'genocide', claiming it would lead to more trans youths taking their own lives. Zephyr Cove, another protester, said kids should be able to access hormone replacement therapy 'as soon as they have a sense of self'. 'You know that as soon as you have a sense of self. 'These kids shouldn't be forced to have to deny that just because the people around them won't listen to them.' Last year, Governor Stitt signed a bill into effect that bans transgender females from competing in girls' sports. The law also bans transgender females from using girls' locker rooms and bathrooms. Instead, school students must use the restroom of the gender they were born. The protesters at yesterday's rally included students from the local university. Senate Bill 129, also called The Millstone Act, seeks to ban gender reassignment surgery for anyone under the age of 26. It was put forward by Republican Senator David Bullard earlier this year. 'We want to make sure that if we're going to do a procedure like this that is irreversible, then we want to make sure an individual is at their full maturity when it comes to cognitive development,' he said at the time. The bill leans on widely-cited research that claims the brain continues developing until a person is 25. The less restrictive House Bill 101, put forward by State Rep. Jim Olsen, would stop doctors from giving a referral for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender reassignment surgeries for people under the age of 21. Senate Bill 252 would prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from receiving gender reassignment surgery, and Senate Bill 250 would prohibit medical officials and entities from receiving reimbursement through Medicaid if they offer gender transition services. Oklahoma is proposing some of the strictest transgender healthcare legislation in the country. Telstra customers are being warned about a bizarre scam letter that urges them to take part in a 'sting operation' to catch hackers. The letter, which appears to have Telstra branding and includes a fake case and telephone number, tells recipients that hackers have been 'identified in their network'. It then instructs customers that money has been deposited by Telstra into the customer's bank account and that an 'agent' will stop by to collect it. 'BEWARE, scammers are using letters like this to convince people to withdraw money and hand it over in person to someone that will collect it from their home,' Scamwatch, which is run by Australia's fraud watchdog the ACCC, said. 'This is a scam. Warn your friends, family, and neighbours.' The federal government's Scamwatch has issued a warning to Telstra customers about a fake letter claiming to be from the telco Telstra has also warned customers to check any correspondence that purports to be from the telco for the tell-tale signs of being scams. 'Check the spelling and grammar in the communications as this will often be a dead giveaway of a scam or highlight that the communication is not from the legitimate provider,' at Telstra spokesperson told Channel Seven. 'Also, let's be frank: Telstra don't do 'secret missions' it's not part of our ops model. 'If you feel you are being pressured on a call or in communications to share personal identification or banking or financial information, end the call and call the represented organisation on their official number.' One of the poorly crafted opening sentences riddled with errors begins with 'As per the conversationswe have sended AUD into your bank account'. Experts say any letter with these kind of spelling and punctuation mistakes should ring alarm bells. The letter goes on to ask customers to participate in their 'sting'. It is estimated that Australians lost over $2 billion to scammers (stock image pictured) in 2021 'Now you just have to hand over that sponsored money of Telstra to one of our Telstra agent (sic), you will get rest of the details from our investigating officer Adam Wilson,' the letter reads. 'We are requesting you to co-operate with us in this operation to trace these hackers in the next 24 hours.' The scammers urges the recipient not 'to disclose this matter to anyone and follow the protocols of Telstra as it is a secret mission to catch the hackers'. Claiming to be from the 'Telstra technical department,' the letter promises there will be further mail and asks the recipient to 'co-operated with our technicians'. It is estimated that Australian lost more than $2 billion to scams in 2021. Martyn Underhill says police 'are putting all their eggs in one basket' in search A former cop has slammed the police investigation into missing mother-of-two Nicola Bulley branding their decision to rule out third party involvement as 'odd' and telling detectives they should bring in another force to review the case. Ms Bulley, 45, vanished while walking her dog near the River Wyre in Lancashire on January 27. Police said their primary theory is that she fell into the river, despite not having found any evidence of this, and said they did not believe it was 'suspicious'. Martyn Underhill, a former Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, hit out at police investigating the case saying they had put 'all their eggs in one basket'. He said you could not rule out criminality or a third party being at the location within the 10 minute window unaccounted for by police in the timeline of when Ms Bulley went missing. He added that 'there is a lot to suggest this could have been an unexpected attack or a kidnap of a lady distracted on her phone and with a dog.' Speaking to GB News, Mr Underhill said: 'There are two golden rules in any case like this, one is to respect the golden hour. 'The first 24 hours are absolutely crucial to a case like this, and the second is to keep an open mind and to hear the police say that this is a tragic accident on what we've got in the public domain at the moment I cannot understand that statement. The 'baffled' diving expert leading the search for missing Nicola Bulley fears her mobile phone discovered on the bend next to the river was left as a 'decoy.' Ms Bulley is pictured here with her partner Paul Ansell Police search teams at the River Wyre in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire, on Tuesday 'And at a stroke of a pen by saying that, they are reducing the publicity, they are clearly upsetting the family who are now speaking out against them and they are putting all their eggs in one basket, which professionally I find very odd.' The former Commissioner said Lancashire Police should call in an outside force to review, sense check and reassure the family. He said this is usually recommended after nine days in cases like Ms Bulley's. His comments came as the diving expert drafted in to help police in the search said if he does not find Ms Bulley in the river today he believes she is not in there and that a third party is involved. Forensic expert Peter Faulding, founder of Specialist Group International whose team joined the search yesterday, said he has never seen a case so unusual in his 20 years of working in the field. 'We just don't know, we're looking for an invisible person at the moment and we've got no idea.' He said his 'gut instinct' tells him that Ms Bulley is not in the water. 'I personally think if I rule this stretch of river out today where we're working I don't think she's here, I think there's probably a third party involved,' Mr Faulding told Good Morning Britain on Tuesday. He told MailOnline 'there is a possibility that she has been abducted, but there is no information on that.' Private underwater search and recovery company, Specialist Group International, on their second day working with police Martyn Underhill, a former Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, hit out at police investigating the case saying they had put 'all their eggs in one basket' Workers from a private underwater search and recovery company, Specialist Group International, including CEO Peter Faulding (top) on February 7 Mr Faulding said he spoken with Ms Bulley's 'distraught' partner last night to keep him updated on the search. He said: 'I spoke to Paul last night and asked him if she had any enemies, any stalkers, the normal questions you would ask. And nothing, he said no. And she was totally normal that day when she left, nothing out the ordinary.' He told LBC: 'It was a totally normal day, she didn't take much with her, and she's just disappeared like she's been taken by aliens. 'There are detectives working all hours trying to piece the missing parts of the jigsaw puzzle that noone - nobody knows where Nicola is. 'The river has got to be searched, police can't ignore the river, but in the background there's lots of other good work going on. This is just one part of a huge police operation.' Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mr Faulding said: 'Normally when we deal with a drowning victim, they are where they go down. 'I would expect to find Nicola in the water right in front of the bench where she went down. She would not have moved, maybe two or three feet.' He added: 'This is so strange. In my 20-odd years of doing this, I have worked on hundreds of cases, I have never seen anything so unusual.' The expert also told TalkTV: 'I personally don't think she's in the river, that's just my gut instinct at this point.' The diving expert fears Ms Bulley's mobile phone discovered on the bench next to the river was left as a 'decoy.' Forensic expert Mr Faulding says the case has left him 'truly baffled' and says if she had drowned her body would have been found by now. The specialist search continues today, Tuesday, as the expert leading it says he has never seen a case so 'unusual' 'I personally think if I rule this stretch of river out today where we're working I don't think she's here,' Peter Faulding told Good Morning Britain on Tuesday Police search teams at the River Wyre in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire, today Fitbit data could be 'key,' former detective says Former undercover detective for the Met Police Peter Bleksley spoke on This Morning about why he believes Fitbit data is key in the disappearance case. 'Fitbits are a device largely worn on your wrist which will track physical activity, heart rate and particular steps whether you're walking, running or swimming - as some of the more expensive ones are waterproof to a depth of 50m,' he explained. 'Let me just hypothesise for a moment please, as opposed to speculate. Say for example I was sitting here wearing a Fitbit for the minutes this conversation was going ahead. That Fitbit would show that I was static, that I wasn't moving. If I then after some minutes being still get up and take just a few steps to walk off set, before becoming static again, those few steps would be synced to a phone or iPad. 'So if the police have looked at the Fitbit, which they say they have, and they have Fitbit data which might support their theory Nicola has gone into the water, I really don't think it's unreasonable to make that public.' Advertisement He argued that police police have 'nothing to go on' and suggested that a third-party, who may have left her phone behind as a decoy, is involved. This comes after he noted that had she fallen in the water, her dog - which was found at the scene - would have caused a disturbance. Ms Bulley's friend Jill Peck today said they are taking things 'one step at a time, one day at a time, and trying not to speculate on what has happened.' Speaking to Lorraine, she said: 'Nikki is one of the school mums, one of us, very kind and giving, very loving, and her children - her girls - are her world. 'She thinks a lot about family and spent a lot of time trying to make memories with family. 'She is just a lovely person, it's absolutely devastating. 'It's a living nightmare for them (her girls), they need their mum, every day it seems to be getting harder and harder. For Paul to try keep things going, it's very difficult.' She added: 'We want facts, we want dashcam footage, we really do appeal for the smallest amount of factual information that could help us so please come forward with what you have. We are trying to stay positive and we're a team.' Mr Faulding and his team of expert divers are back on site today after scouring 'three or four miles' of river until darkness fell last night. He revealed that today the team will 'focus our search upstream in the non tidal section above the weir, and about one mile upstream including past the bench where Nicola's phone was found.' The group, which is based in Dorking, Surrey, and has been volunteering its services free of charge, has been using specialist sonar equipment to look for Ms Bulley in the River Wyre. After spending Monday searching 'three or four miles' of the river until it grew dark alongside Lancashire Police, Mr Faulding told the PA news agency: 'It's a negative search, no signs of Nicola'. He added that his team will look through another stretch of river today 'towards where Nicola went originally missing'. Nicola Bulley, 45, was last seen over a week ago walking next to the River Wyre in St Michael's on Wyre in Lancashire The bench where Ms Bulley's mobile phone and dog were found next to the River Wyre The search continues for Ms Bulley, who went missing while walking her dog next to the river Missing person signs have been put up in the local area appealing for information Mr Faulding and his team of expert divers will be back on site from 8am today after scouring 'three or four miles' of river until darkness fell last night CCTV collect released by Lancashire police of Nicola Bulley who went missing at St Michael's on Wyre on January 27 Ms Bulley is seen on security footage at her home wearing a long dark coat, leggings and ankle boots with her hair tied in a ponytail Pictures showing Ms Bulley just hours before she vanished have been released by a friend in a bid to find her Nicola Bulley's partner Paul Ansell is said to be 'distraught' as she remains missing Mr Faulding said earlier this week that not enough factors added up, in his opinion, to believe that Ms Bulley fell into the water. 'We dealt with a drowning a couple of years ago where a gentleman went into a river and Ripley, his dog, was screaming by the riverbank when we got there,' he told GB News earlier this week. 'When we arrived it was howling, and literally pointing exactly where he was. He stayed with his owner. 'The phone on the bench, I mean, you have to ask, normally someone would have a phone in their hand especially if they were walking around.' He also said it 'feels odd' that no-one spoke of the fact that Ms Bulley was not wearing clothes that would have absorbed water quickly, there were no marks at the scene and that not one person heard screams. Additionally, he criticised the fact that the location has not remained cordoned off. He said: 'People have been walking past the bench. There's no police tape up. 'This would normally be sealed off as a crime scene so potentially crime scene investigators can go in and see if there are any microfibres, evidence, slip marks down the bank etc and I don't believe that has actually happened here.' The underwater search for Ms Bulley is continuing for its 11th day today following a fresh appeal by her partner, who said her two daughters 'desperately' miss her and 'need her back'. In a statement released yesterday through Lancashire Police, her partner Paul Ansell said: 'I have two little girls who miss their mummy desperately and who need her back. 'If anyone has any information which could help find Nicola, I urge them to get in touch with the police and help us provide the answers we all so badly need.' Mr Ansell added: 'We are also really grateful to Peter and his team from SGI for coming up and helping support the work of Lancashire Police as they continue their investigation.' Investigators have searched the river and riverbank all the way to the sea, using search teams, sonar, search dogs, drone, helicopter and CCTV. Nicola, 45, disappeared shortly after dropping her two daughters off at school on January 27 The 45-year-old mother was last seen walking her dog next to the River Wyre in St Michael's on Wyre in Lancashire Peter Faulding, a world-renowned forensics expert who is a diver for the police and has worked on hundreds of cases across the south east, confirmed his specialist rescue and underwater team has been called in to help with the search. The team is pictured at the scene yesterday Yesterday, Lancashire Police released two new images of Ms Bulley on the day she went missing, when she dropped her two daughters, aged six and nine, off at school and then went on her usual dog walk alongside the river. Her phone, still connected to a Teams call for her job as a mortgage adviser, was found on a bench on a steep riverbank overlooking the water, along with the dog lead, with the dog harness on the ground. 'Our working hypothesis remains that Nicola sadly fell into the river for some reason, but we remain open minded, and we are continuing to carry out a huge number of inquiries,' police said. The force is confident, after reviewing CCTV, that Ms Bulley did not leave the field near the river via Rowanwater either through the site itself or the piece of land at the side and she did not return from the fields along Allotment Lane or via the path at the rear of the Grapes pub onto Garstang Road. 'We have also spoken to numerous witnesses, analysed Nicola's mobile phone and Fitbit and searched the derelict house on the other side of the river as well as any empty caravans in the vicinity,' police added. 'We have received a huge amount of information into the enquiry, all of which is being looked at, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has assisted our investigation so far.' Officers are now focusing on the river path leading from the fields back to Garstang Road, and urged drivers and cyclists who travelled that way on January 27, as well as anyone with CCTV or Ring Doorbell footage, to contact them. Police are said to be trying to trace data from Nicola Bulley's Fitbit (pictured on her right arm) Meanwhile, a huge presence of emergency services were spotted combing an area around Shard Bridge last night - around seven miles from where the mother was last seen Read more: How dog behaviour can disclose hidden clues to mysteries Dogs are believed to be able to find the last location of their owners through their sense of smell. Experts advise those searching should go back to where the dog was last spotted because it will backtrack to its owner and their scent. A dog's sense of smell is 10,000 times more powerful than a human and can pick up locational scent. If its home is far away and the dog can't find its owner, it will get worried and try to return home to somewhere familiar. In certain cases, some dogs will return home alone or attempt to follow their missing owner, according to Colin Tennant, director of the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training, who wrote in The Sunday Times. Dogs cannot, however, process what is happening if a human falls into water. In this case, the dog might run along the bank looking for eye-contact or stop on the bank as the last place of detection. Advertisement Mr Faulding, who previously described the Lancashire force's operation to find Ms Bulley as a 'mess', praised the efforts of police divers thus far. He was also part of a team that surveyed the area by helicopter yesterday to survey the landscape. The forensic expert continued: 'We are putting the maximum into this. We just want to help the family. The more hands on deck, the better. 'There is a missing part of a jigsaw that cannot be completed. It is all a bit odd.' It comes after a huge presence of emergency services were spotted combing an area near Shard Bridge last night - around seven miles from where the mother was last seen. A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said yesterday: 'We were called at 5.51pm today to Shard Road, Hambleton, in relation to the search for Nicola Bulley who is missing from St Michael's on Wyre. 'The search of the sand and surrounding area near to Shard Bridge by Lancashire Police and the Coastguard proved negative.' Dive teams worked into the evening yesterday to try and locate the missing woman, but family and friends remain unconvinced that she was ever in the water. Emma White, a friend of the missing mother, said yesterday that she hopes the specialist underwater teams will uncover nothing because then it rules out the police's theory that she fell into the river. Ms White said they were pleased Mr Faulding's team are assisting police but are keeping everything crossed that they don't find anything. Search team members unload equipment on February 6 in St Michael's on Wyre A helicopter is seen in the search for the missing mother of two yesterday afternoon CGI Search teams arrive at the River Wyre yesterday morning in the search for the missing mother An independent underwater rescue team, Specialist Group International, joined police in the search yesterday Emma White said: 'We just have to have everything crossed that the search continues and Nicola is not in that river' She told ITV's Good Morning Britain on Monday: 'We hope they uncover nothing, like the police have done for the last ten days, and we hope Nicola is not in that river.' Ms White said she believes Mr Faulding's equipment is more sophisticated than the kit police have. 'Peter's here, working with Lancashire Police, and we just have to have everything crossed that the search continues and Nicola is not in that river,' she said. 'We don't want to undermine all the work police have done but when you get that glimmer of hope and you look at what the company does, his records and what he has achieved then you think we need to get this expert here and we can't thank you enough for bringing the team down.' Ms White, who has known Ms Bulley for ten years, said the police theory that she fell into the Wyre 'is based on a theory, with no actual evidence to support it'. She told Radio 4's Today programme: 'The hypothesis is based on limited information I've said before it's a theory, and we sadly can't base life on a theory.' She thanked the public for their support and kindness shown towards Ms Bulley's family, and said at the core of their rescue campaign are 'two little girls who want their mummy'. Meanwhile, a friend of Ms Bulley shared 11 key details about her disappearance in a Facebook post following the 45-year-old's disappearance. In the list, Tilly Ann wrote that the only CCTV camera at a residential caravan park 'that would have seen Nikki' is not working. She also said Ms Bulley is 'an incredibly strong swimmer', and that her dog Willow who she was walking at the time was completely dry when found. She wrote that the dog would never have a harness on during the familiar walk, after speculation about why Willow's harness was removed. When the dog was found, it was very close to the bench with the harness on the floor. She added that her friend would often put her phone on loud-speaker when talking. Ms Bulley's phone was discovered close to the river bank and she had been on a conference call before she vanished. Peter Faulding, chief executive of private underwater search and recovery company Specialist Group International (SGI), is pictured at the scene yesterday A police officer near the search location on Monday as specialist river divers joined the police Specialist teams will use a high-spec sonar 'which can see every stick and stone lying on the riverbed' yesterday The 11 key details written by Nicola Bulley's friend: Paul and Nikki both mostly work from home which is why he was at home that day. They have CCTV and there is a reason why Paul has never been a suspect. Family and friends need these accusations to stop immediately. The fact that I've had to write this is disgusting to be honest They both do this walk regularly and Paul is very well known in the community and very well recognised The dog never has her harness on for a chunk of that walk, it's removed at the gate of the top field and then put back on at the gate when they leave They very rarely take the ball out for walks with willow now because she is very very protective over the ball and haven't done for a while Nikki quite often would put her phone on loud speaker when talking The dog was found very close to the bench and the harness. The harness was found on the floor not on the bench Nikki is an incredibly strong swimmer Nikki drove to the school and then left her car there and walked to the river The dog was dry when found The dog has since been back There's CCTV at the back of the caravan park. The only camera that isn't working is the one that would have seen everything Advertisement The family friend thanked those who had shared their support and contributed to the search for Nicola - saying it had 'created such a comfort to Nikki's family'. Detailing the impact on Paul, she wrote that he is struggling to hold back his pain, but is focusing on his children and does not want to worry them 'more than they already are'. After detectives confirmed Ms Bulley's dog was found dry, a canine expert said the dog could have panicked and gone into 'fight or flight' mode. Another expert explained that dogs, who cannot find their owner, will often circle the area they were last present. Writing in The Times, Colin Tennant, director of the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training, said: 'A dog can help you find the last location of its owner through its sense of smell. 'If people lose their dog, the advice I always give to them is to stay in the exact position you were when you last saw the dog, because it will always backtrack to you. 'So if somebody fell in a river, the dog would always tend to circulate in that area, because that's where all the owner's scents are, on the ground and vegetation.' He added: 'It will often migrate back to the last spot where it was with the owner because they're its pack leader.' The expert added that usually if the dog can't find its owner, and the home is nearby, it will often run back home. Addressing speculation that the fact Ms Bulley's dog was found dry meant that the mother did not fall into the river, dog behaviour expert Ross McCarthy says that is not necessarily the case. He told the Express: 'It all depends on the dog's association with water, and their relationship with the owner and so on, as to whether they would jump in. 'Some would through play or investigation and others would just mooch about on the side and some would panic at the strange situation.' He said that, just like humans, dogs go into fight or flight mode. 'Presumably this dog has been walked along the canal and water often and been discouraged from going in or naturally just avoided going in,' he added. Workers from a private underwater search and recovery company, Specialist Group International, are pictured at the scene yesterday Ms Bulley was walking her spaniel Willow, pictured, at the time she went missing Search team members load sonar equipment aboard a boat on February 6 Lancashire Police officers work near the River Wyre in St Michael's on Wyre, near Preston, north west England on February 6 Specialist Group International joins police in looking for missing woman Nicola Bulley. They are pictured at the scene yesterday Police inspecting the river bank before searches began yesterday morning On Saturday, police released an image of a potential witness, wearing a yellow rain jacket and pushing a pram, who was in the area at the time of Ms Bulley's disappearance. That evening they said they were 'pleased to say that the woman came forward very quickly' and were treating her as a 'key witness' in the investigation READ MORE: Forensic expert claims missing Nicola Bulley did not fall into river Advertisement On Saturday, police released an image of a potential witness, wearing a yellow rain jacket and pushing a pram, who was in the area at the time of Ms Bulley's disappearance. That evening they said they were 'pleased to say that the woman came forward very quickly' and were treating her as a 'key witness' in the investigation. Officers believe she was in the same area as Ms Bulley on Friday January 27. Within minutes of the appeal being made public, a relative confirmed the woman was 'on the phone' to police. The Facebook post by Lancashire Police added: 'Our enquiries to find Nicola are extensive and will include speaking to as many members of the public as possible.' Photos of police scouring the River Wyre have been released as they continue to search. A line of inquiry relates to a Fitbit Ms Bulley was wearing on the morning she vanished. Police hope to use technology to help track her whereabouts via the smart watch. Nicola Bulley's sister (pictured together) warned there is 'no evidence whatsoever' that suggests the missing mother fell in the river, despite police confirming it is their lead theory Paul Ansell, 44, said his partner's disappearance feels 'no more real now' than it did when he first learned she was missing Mr Ansell also reiterated warnings from that friends and family that police have very little basis for their theory that Ms Bulley fell in the river The police have said they 'want to find her and provide answers to her family' Fitbits are also capable of monitoring a heart rate and could provide vital clues relating to Ms Bulley's last known movements before she disappeared. Police are still trying to piece together about ten minutes from the morning Ms Bulley disappeared. Lancashire Police Superintendent Sally Riley told The Sunday Times: 'This is a low-crime area. It's genuinely a safe, tight-knit area, people look out for each other. A third-party [being] involved that we haven't yet had sightings of, we haven't caught on CCTV or dash-cam or all the other things I've mentioned, is just not likely.' This does not mean they've entirely ruled out other scenarios. Police are particularly interested in speaking with people who may have been travelling near Blackpool Lane and Garstang Road between 9am and 10am on Friday 27 January, the day Ms Bulley vanished. 'Whilst you may not think that you hold any relevant information, it is really important that we gather as much footage as possible from the area that morning so we can review every piece meticulously to establish whether Nicola can be seen,' police said. 'We know from the footage we are currently reviewing, that this is a busy road, particularly at that time in the morning. 'There will be many people who were in that area at the time who may not think they can help, however we would urge you not to make that decision yourself and to come forward so we can have as much material as possible to assist the investigation.' As the riddle of mother of two Nicola Bulley who 'vanished into thin air' while walking her dog Willow continues, there remain 10 key questions that could prove crucial to solving the case. 1. Where was the broken CCTV camera? According to a friend of Nicola and her partner Paul Ansell, CCTV at a 'residential park' on the upper field had one camera not working. The woman named Tilly Ann, who said she was sharing the information 'with permission', added that 'unfortunately' the camera was 'the one that would have seen Nikki on the field towards the gate'. Google satellite images show just one CCTV camera with a view of where Nicola was last seen at 9.10am. It appears to be located in the car park behind a row of homes located off Garstang Road on the A586. It comes as police said today there are ten minutes they cannot account for, between the last sighting at 9.10am and 9.20am, when Nicola's phone is believed to have been on a bench while connected to a work call. Nicola Bulley, 45, was last seen over a week ago walking next to the River Wyre in St Michael's-on-Wyre in Lancashire A Google satellite image appears to show CCTV cameras overlooking the last spot where Nicola was seen by a fellow dog walker on the day she vanished Superintendent Sally Riley told the Lancashire Evening Post: 'Several exits of the riverside area have CCTV covering them or exits are locked and therefore couldn't have been passed through by Nicola. 'There's only a very small area on to Garstang Lane toward the A586 which is not covered by CCTV and that's why we're appealing today for dashcam footage or for people who may have been walking on Garstang Lane or driving in the area to come forward if they can.' 2. What is the latest CCTV image of Nicola? In an update on the search last night, Lancashire Police said its working hypothesis remains that Ms Bulley had fallen into the river, but that the force remains 'open minded'. The update came with a new CCTV picture of Ms Bulley, showing her walking her dog Willow on the day she vanished, while wearing her black puffer jacket - which appears blue in the grainy image. She is also wearing leggings and ankle boots with her hair tied in a ponytail. It is not clear at what point in the walk the CCTV footage was recorded. Police last night released a new CCTV image of missing mother Nicola Bulley (pictured) as the search continues The force added: 'Our enquiries so far have included searches of the river and riverbank which have extended all the way to the sea using specialist search teams, sonar, search dogs, drones and helicopters, house-to-house [enquiries] and CCTV. 'We have also spoken to numerous witnesses, analysed Nicola's mobile phone and Fitbit [fitness tracker] and searched the derelict house on the other side of the river as well as any empty caravans in the vicinity. 'We have received a huge amount of information into the enquiry, all of which is being looked at, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has assisted our investigation so far.' 3. When will the river search be completed? Police last night said their search for Nicola on the river and riverbank has already extended all the way to the sea using specialist search teams, sonar, search dogs, drones and helicopters. They were joined yesterday by forensic expert Peter Faulding, founder of Specialist Group International, who said he has never seen a case so unusual in his 20 years of working in the field, adding: 'We just don't know, we're looking for an invisible person at the moment and we've got no idea.' Mr Faulding and his team of expert divers are back on site today after scouring 'three or four miles' of river until darkness fell last night. The specialist search continues today, Tuesday, as the expert leading it says he has never seen a case so 'unusual' He revealed that today the team will 'focus our search upstream in the non-tidal section above the weir, and about one mile upstream including past the bench where Nicola's phone was found.' Mr Faulding told the Blackpool Gazette that his team will search until around 7pm each day, in boats that are well-equipped with built-in flood lights. He added: 'We are going to be working our hardest, we'll probably be working under darkness tonight for a while and that's my intention to help the family.' It will take them three to four days to complete their search of the river. Mr Faulding added: 'If we can't find her in the next three or four days in this river, if she's not here, then I'm confident that she's not in this stretch of river. I'd be very confident of that.' 4. Does the river have a strong current? According to diving expert Mr Faulding, the part of the river where Nicola was last seen is not fast-moving. However he has described it as 'black murky water' that can be difficult to see in. He told the Blackpool Gazette: 'It's not a fast, tidal river. It's around two or three metres deep, but there are a lot of shallows.' Mr Faulding said he would have to check for any drains in the riverbed while re-checking all areas already probed by police. He added: 'You can search one day and the body can move down from another location so everything has got to be rechecked.' 5. What tools are being used to search for Nicola? Police and the diving team led by Mr Faulding are employing sonar technology, helicopters, drones and more in a bid to find Nicola. The star of the show is a high-tech 1800 kHz Side Scan Sonar, which is capable of scanning the river and showing 'every stick and stone on the riverbed'. The high-tech equipment is much more powerful than the police equivalent. Mr Faulding added: 'I've got over 20 years' experience of working with sonar so I know what I'm looking for. It's not just the sonar, it's the operator as well - you've got to know what you're doing to use it properly.' Workers from a private underwater search and recovery company, Specialist Group International, including chief executive Peter Faulding (top) today Drones with night vision were also roped into the search last night with a dramatic search of Shard Bridge - which ultimately found nothing. A Lancashire Police spokesman told LancsLive: 'We were called at 5.51pm today to Shard Road, Hambleton, in relation to the search for Nicola Bulley who is missing from St Michael's-on-Wyre. The search of the sand and surrounding area near to Shard Bridge by police and the coastguard proved negative.' Helicopters have also been scanning the river to see if they could spot any sign of Nicola. 6. Why was her phone left on a bench? Nicola's phone was found on a bench near to where she was last seen by a fellow dogwalker, alongside her dog Willow's harness. Many people are asking why she would have left her phone there, particularly as she was connected to a work conference call. Whatever happened, there was no time to end the call or to alert others on the call. But it is possible Ms Bulley deliberately chose not to terminate the call because she believed she would be returning to it once she had dealt with whatever needed her immediate attention. Detectives have examined the phone, but so far there is nothing to indicate anyone but Ms Bulley placed it on the bench. However forensic and diving expert Mr Faulding argued that the phone may have been left behind as a 'decoy' by a 'third party' involved in the disappearance. This comes after he noted that had she fallen in the water, her dog - which was found at the scene - would have caused a disturbance. 7. Why was she on mute with no video for her business meeting? The conference call was a team meeting with colleagues from her firm Exclusively Mortgages. It started at 9.01am and Ms Bulley dialled in from her phone. Ben Pociecha, the firm's director, said: 'It seems as if she was muted and didn't have her camera on. She was listening in while walking her dog. The police are investigating the call.' It was not unusual for Ms Bulley to attend meetings in this manner. The company is based in Keighley, West Yorkshire, a 90-minute drive, and there was no need for Ms Bulley to attend in person or even take part beyond listening. 8. Could Nicola's Fitbit provide any clues? Former undercover detective for the Met Police Peter Bleksley spoke on This Morning about why he believes Fitbit data is key in the disappearance case. Nicola was wearing the device on her wrist the day that she vanished. 'Fitbits are a device largely worn on your wrist which will track physical activity, heart rate and particular steps whether you're walking, running or swimming - as some of the more expensive ones are waterproof to a depth of 50m,' he explained. 'Let me just hypothesise for a moment please, as opposed to speculate. Say for example I was sitting here wearing a Fitbit for the minutes this conversation was going ahead. 'That Fitbit would show that I was static, that I wasn't moving. If I then after some minutes being still get up and take just a few steps to walk off set, before becoming static again, those few steps would be synced to a phone or iPad. 'So if the police have looked at the Fitbit, which they say they have, and they have Fitbit data which might support their theory Nicola has gone into the water, I really don't think it's unreasonable to make that public.' 9. Could Nicola have been abducted? Since her disappearance, police have maintained that the evidence does not point towards Nicola having been abducted. There is only one exit point that was not covered by CCTV, which means any would-be abductor would have to have known that in advance - or been extremely lucky. Additionally, forensic and diving expert Peter Faulding said he spoke to Nicola's partner, who revealed she did not have any enemies. He said: 'I spoke to Paul last night and asked him if she had any enemies, any stalkers - the normal questions you would ask. And nothing, he said no. And she was totally normal that day when she left, nothing out of the ordinary.' If so, that would mean any would-be abductor would likely have acted on impulse. But they would have faced the difficult task of overpowering or forcibly removing Nicola from an open field and taking her away from the area, most likely by car, without being seen or caught on CCTV. But in a discussion with Mark Longhurst on GB News, Martyn Underhill, former Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said abduction was still a possibility, and that he could not understand why Lancashire Police were treating the case as a 'tragic accident'. He said: 'I'm finding this all very odd and slightly concerning, because as someone who used to run murder enquiries and now lectures on murder enquiries, there are two golden rules in any case like this. 'One is to respect the golden hour the first 24 hours are absolutely crucial to a case like this. And the second is to keep an open mind.' He added: 'I cannot believe that you've got senior officers saying this is clearly a tragic accident. There is a lot to suggest this could have been an unexpected attack or a kidnap of a lady distracted on her phone and with a dog. 'And don't forget, the dog was found dry and out of its harness, both of which are unusual.' 10. What is the latest statement from her family? Ms Bulley's partner Paul Ansell issued another heartbreaking statement overnight, announcing his desperation for 'the answers we all so badly need'. Mr Ansell shared a voice note with Sky News, saying: 'We have to find her safe and well. I can't put those girls to bed again tonight with no answers.' Ms Bulley is pictured here with her partner Paul Ansell In an earlier statement released through Lancashire Police, he added: 'It's been ten days now since Nicola went missing and I have two little girls who miss their mummy desperately and who need her back. 'This has been such a tough time for the girls especially but also for me and all of Nicola's family and friends, as well as the wider community, and I want to thank them for their love and support. 'We are also really grateful to Peter and his team for coming up and helping support the work of Lancashire Police as they continue their investigation. 'If anyone has any information which could help find Nicola, I urge them to get in touch with the police and help us provide the answers we all so badly need.' Police in a Welsh town where a great-grandmother and 10-year-old boy were mauled to death by bully breeds have already seized 13 suspected 'illegal' dogs so far this year. Officers seized the suspected pit bull-type animals over the last several weeks from multiple residences in Caerphilly, a town situated north of Cardiff at the southern end of the Rhymney Valley. Last week's raid, which marked the 13th seizure this year, took place just weeks after a suspected adult pit bull and six puppies were taken into police custody. The crackdown comes after great-great-grandmother Shirley Patrick, 83, and schoolboy Jack Lis, 10, were killed by XL Bully breeds. The pair lived just half a mile away from each other and died one year apart. Police have seized 13 suspected 'illegal' dogs from several residences in the town where great-grandmother Shirley Patrick (left) and 10-year-old Jack Lis (right) were mauled to death Officers in Caerphilly have carried out several warrants over the last couple of weeks to seize suspected pit bull-type animals. beast, the dog that killed Jack Lis, is pictured above Gwent Police today have urged residents to report any dog they fear is a dangerous breed after revealing they have spent several weeks carrying out warrants to seize dogs in Caerphilly. Inspector Rhys Caddick, whose area covers the town, revealed to councillors that a raid was carried out last week in Penyrheol - where Mrs Partrick and Jack were both killed. 'Two dogs have been seized from the address on suspicion of being a banned breed, thought to be of pit bull type,' he said. 'As with other recent seizures the dogs are being cared for pending examination. 'This is the 13th dog seized from Caerphilly South this year. We are working towards identifying a bloodline of note and I expect further police activity in the near future.' Police also recently issued a Community Protection Warning against a dog owner who was allowing an American Bully type dog to roam the street outside. Gwent Police are now urging residents to report any dog they fear is a dangerous breed. Officers are pictured last year seizing the dog that killed Mrs Patrick Mrs Patrick died in hospital 17 days after suffering 'life-threatening injuries' to her head, body, face and arms by a black XL Bully cross Cane Corso breed. The dog that killed her is pictured Interactive map reveals every fatal dog attack from the start of 2020: READ MORE HERE In all, there have been 18 deadly dog attacks since January 2020, with last year being the deadliest on record Advertisement Councillor Lindsay Whittle, who is the leader of the Plaid Cymru group on Caerphilly council and a Penyrheol ward member, expressed his gratitude to the force for their 'high profile action against the owners of potentially dangerous dogs.' 'I would urge any resident to report any dog they fear is a dangerous breed,' he told residents. 'Families in our community have been left devastated by dog attacks so action to reduce the chances of similar incidents is welcomed. 'Breeds of dogs seized also need to be identified within weeks and dogs returned to the owners only if the authorities are satisfied it is safe to do so. There needs to be consideration for the welfare of the seized animal. 'It is also important that Parliament toughen the legislation covering dangerous dogs to better protect the public.' Mrs Patrick died in hospital 17 days after suffering 'life-threatening injuries' to her head, body, face and arms by a black XL Bully cross Cane Corso breed. Her daughter Gail Jones, 63, said her mother had been suffering with dementia when she was attacked in December last year. Her death came after little Jack was killed by a seven stone XL Bully named Beast after going to a house to play in November 2021. NHS data has shown Britons being mauled by dogs has grown dramatically since 2008 - a rate of 15 cases for every 100,000 of the UK population How to spot aggression in a dog - and its cause Aggression in dogs is almost always a case of fear - using their bite as a last resort method of self-defence or to get a frightening or unpleasant experience to stop. Such fears can arise due to early years puppy socialisation or past experiences. Owners need to be able to recognise and establish how a dog is feeling, with many giving off warning signals before an attack. There are several signals that your dog may give to indicate they are worried, fearful or feeling stressed and these include: yawning or licking lips, crouching with their tail between their legs, wagging tails and growling. If a dog is showing any signs of aggression, a vet should be consulted to determine if there is a medical cause, such as pain or discomfort. Failing that, speaking to a behavioural expert could help tame a more aggressive animal. Source: Merseyside Dog Safety Partnership Advertisement There have been 18 deadly dog attacks in the UK since January 2020, with last year being the deadliest on record. Twelve people, ranging from a 17-month-old toddler to an 83-year-old Mrs Patrick, were killed in dog attacks across England and Wales over the past 12 months - with experts pointing to several concerning trends potentially being behind the spate of disturbing killings. NHS data released last year revealed the number of Britons being mauled by dogs has grown dramatically since 2008 - a rate of 15 cases for every 100,000 of the UK population. In all, those requiring hospital treatment following a dog attack has more than doubled in the last 15 years - with over 10,000 people now requiring specialist medical care each year. Ten people were tragically killed as a result of dog attacks in 2022, compared to five deaths in 2021 and two in 2020. As a region, the north west of England has seen the highest total of fatal dog attacks in recent years, with four deaths since March 2020. Next closest with three deaths were the Midlands and Wales, while South Yorkshire saw two fatalities within the same period. A UK-wide survey revealed the population of dogs kept as pets in the UK was estimated at 13 million in 2020/21, which constitutes a marked increase from a decade earlier when the dog population was around 7.6 million in Britain. Meanwhile, a leading academic has warned that Britain is in the midst of a public health crisis as the number of deadly dog attacks continues to rise. Dr John Tulloch, a veterinary public health expert at the University of Liverpool, authored a 2021 research paper that revealed a startling rise in the number of dog bite incidents over the past 20 years. He told MailOnline last week that although wider research into the cause of this explosion in these attacks was limited, there had been an emergence of 'worrying' trends that he has witnessed in more recent dog ownership. Possible explanations include broader changes in society, with more dogs now being bought from unregulated or overseas breeders, or the way in which people interact with their pets - fuelled by TikTok trends or videos hoping to garner likes online. Dr Tulloch said: 'In the last 20 years or so there's been a definite rise in cases of severe dog attacks, it has been creeping up and up and up and we should be calling it what it is, a growing public health problem. Muscles bulging, this is the dog nicknamed 'Beast' that took seven rounds to kill after mauling schoolboy Jack Lis to death What is the Dangerous Dogs Act? Which dogs are banned? And why is it controversial? WHAT IS THE DANGEROUS DOGS ACT? The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans or restricts certain types of dogs and makes it an offence to allow a dog of any breed to be dangerously out of control. It was introduced 30 years ago by Home Secretary Kenneth Baker 'to rid the country of the menace of these fighting dogs' after a string of attacks. WHICH DOGS ARE BANNED IN THE UK? It is illegal to own four breeds of dogs without an exemption from a court. They are: American pitbull terriers Japanese tosas Dogo Argentinos Fila Brazileiro The law also criminalises cross-breeds of the above four types of dog - meaning that whether a dog is prohibited will depend on a judgement about its physical characteristics and whether they match the description of a prohibited 'type'. WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE'S A DOG ATTACK? You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months if your dog is dangerously out of control. You may not be allowed to own a dog in the future and your dog may be destroyed. If you let your dog injure someone you can be sent to prison for up to five years or fined. If you deliberately use your dog to injure someone you could be charged with 'malicious wounding'. And if you allow your dog to kill someone you can be sent to prison for up to 14 years or get an unlimited fine. WHY IS THE ACT CONTROVERSIAL? Both the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the British Veterinary Association have protested against the ban, insisting there is no scientific evidence that all individuals of a breed are dangerous. However, Met Police data suggests that in incidents involving 'dangerously out of control dogs', banned breeds account for about a fifth of offences. Advertisement 'In most cases, it's a dog that is known to the victim as these events are occurring behind closed doors. 'Children still account for around 25 per cent of hospital admissions due to dog bites, but we need to understand why adults are being attacked more now, it's a striking problem. 'And more deprived areas of the country have higher dog bite hospitalisation rates compared to the least deprived communities, which had the lowest.' Responding to the rising number of fatalities last year, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it was 'exploring measures to reduce dog attacks and promote responsible ownership'. The rise in dog attacks in recent years, which has ballooned from around 3,300 in 2002 to more than 8,800 in 2021, has sparked some calls for a revamp of the Dangerous Dogs Act. That 1991 law saw a blanket ban imposed on four specific 'fighting-style' breeds in the UK; the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasiliero. But some experts say the legislation itself is problematic, and has created a misguided sense of comfort that all remaining dog breeds are safe. Dr Sam Gains, the RSPCA's head of companion animals, science and policy, said: 'It [The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991] has the potential to lead to the public thinking that only those four are dangerous and that any other dog is safe. 'So there becomes this perception that any other type of dog is friendly which then leads to situations where people engage in high-risk behaviour without realising that any dog, if they feel stressed or frightened, has the potential to be aggressive. 'We have long been calling for a complete reform of dog control laws and strongly believe we need a different approach to keeping the public safe and the welfare of dogs protected. 'Any dog has the potential to bite and so we want to see effective breed neutral legislation and enforcement which focuses on early intervention so that incidents can be prevented from occuring or escalating, but they must be evidence-based and proportionate.' Dr Tulloch is also wary of the perceived influence of the Dangerous Dogs Act. He told MailOnline how continuous debate around which dogs should be banned, or unbanned, was counter-intuitive. 'If we ban a swathe of new breeds, all that would happen is that those training dogs to be more aggressive would just move to the next breed of dog. 'Look at other countries, the Staffy is banned in a lot of them. Here in the UK, it's a beloved family pet. 'I think the debate on dangerous dog breeds is endless. I don't think we have any clear evidence that one breed is more dangerous than the other, as we don't fully understand the make-up of our dog population in this country. 'A lot of energy is spent talking about breeds and nothing is being done to clarify the situation.' Three British nationals are missing following the earthquakes which struck south-eastern Turkey and Syria. Addressing the House of Commons this afternoon, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the Foreign Office was supporting 35 Brits affected in region. Mr Cleverly said: 'As of this morning, we know that three British nationals are missing and the Foreign Office's Crisis Response Hub is working to support the at least 35 British nationals who have been directly affected by these earthquakes. 'We assess that the likelihood of large-scale British casualties remains low.' The Turkish government is requesting international assistance 'on a scale that matches the enormity of the situation that they are facing', the Foreign Secretary has said. Emergency rescue members search for people in a destroyed building in Adana, Turkey, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023 British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly made the announcement in the House of Commons and said the Foreign Office was supporting 35 Brits in Turkey People walk along a street strewn with debris as they look for relatives in Hatay, the day after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the country's southeast on February 7, 2023 At least 5,100 people have died across Turkey and Syria since the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Monday. The World Health Organisation has warned that the death toll could rise as high as 20,000 as search and rescue operations continue across the region Do YOU know the missing Brits? Email: christian.oliver@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement Updating the Commons on the UK response to the Turkey and Syria earthquake, the Foreign Secretary said: 'Across the region inhabited by more than 12 million people, more than 6,000 buildings have collapsed. Electricity and gas infrastructure has been severely damaged. 'Many of the 3.5 million Syrian refugees hosted by Turkey reside in the affected provinces. Turkey's outstanding disaster relief response capability has been severely tested by the sheer scale of this catastrophe. 'The Turkish government has declared a state of emergency and they are requesting international assistance on a scale that matches the enormity of the situation that they are facing. 'Turkey will lead the disaster relief response in the areas of Syria where it has the presence.' The UK has joined the emergency international aid effort, sending a team of 76 experts and specialists. The team, who are equipped with life-saving equipment and rescue dogs, was due to arrive near the Syrian border in Gaziantep last night. Four Lincolnshire firefighters and Colin the search and rescue dog are part of the 76-strong team from the UK requested to assist in rescue efforts following two earthquakes in Turkey An aerial view shows collapsed buildings after an earthquake in Hatay, Turkey February 7, 2023 Rishi Sunak yesterday paid tribute to the rescue effort, adding: 'The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can.' Across Europe, 13 nations have offered their assistance to Turkey, including its historic rivals Greece. Kyiv said it would mobilise rescue workers to Turkey, even though it is set for further military onslaughts from Russia. The EU said it would activate its Copernicus satellite system to provide emergency mapping, as well as mobilised search and rescue teams. The US is also sending a team to help with search and rescue efforts. Russia said it would send support to Syria, with Israel announcing its intention to send humanitarian support to the country despite historic enmity. Do YOU know the missing Brits? Email: christian.oliver@mailonline.co.uk Tonight, Joe Biden will make one of the biggest speeches of his presidency. The 80-year-old will use his State of the Union address to try and convince a skeptical American public that he is ready for a second term in office and his work has turned their fortunes around the pandemic and Trump administration. He spent the weekend at Camp David combing through his remarks with his closest aides and practicing with a teleprompter to try and avoid making one of his gaffes and using techniques to navigate his stutter. The annual address before both chambers of Congress is expected to focus on the economy, competitiveness, security, and unity. Known for repeating buzzwords and phrases, Biden is likely to use them again when he faces Congress at 9pm. DailyMail.com has put together a bingo card with some of his go-to statements and the quintessential features of his recent speeches - such as shouting, whispering into the microphone and a cough. It is the first time Biden will speak in front of the Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the GOP House majority that is preparing to investigate his family's business deals and son Hunter. The president is expected to ask them to work with him as he tries to come to an agreement over the debt ceiling. Watch how Republican legislators treat Biden overall after outbursts from the audience last year including Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colorado) who blamed the president for the death of 13 service members who were killed during the U.S. withdrawal of Afghanistan. Biden won't officially announce his run for president, but it will his remarks tonight will set the stage for his campaign. If he does seek office, he will be 86 by the end of his second term, and recent polls have suggested that even Democrats don't want him on the ticket. The classified documents scandal has put his administration under the spotlight, and his administration's deflection of questions and refusing to take the blame has fueled criticism of their response. To get around the scrutiny, Biden will likely turn to his infrastructure bill and the economy as the marquee successes of his first two years in office. He will say he has reduced the deficit - a claim economists say needs context - lead to a historic reduction in unemployment and boast that gas prices have come down from record highs in the summer. Biden spent the weekend at Camp David combing through his remarks with his closest aides and practicing with a teleprompter to try and avoid making one of his gaffes and using techniques to navigate his stutter A man suspected of shooting an off-duty NYPD cop in a horror robbery gone wrong was caught Monday night hiding in an upstate New York hotel. Randy 'Popper' Jones, a 38-year-old alleged career criminal, was hiding out with his girlfriend and her kids when cops tracked him down following the shooting of officer Fayaz Adeed. Jones is accused of gunning down Adeed after the officer and his brother-in-law were out buying an SUV they saw advertised on Facebook Marketplace on Saturday. The exchange, in which Adeed is believed to have brought around $20,000, quickly turned sour, leading Jones to shoot the officer in the head. The shooter then fled the scene after Adeed's brother-in-law grabbed the cop's gun and returned fire. Two days later, Jones was arrested using the victim's handcuffs when the Regional Fugitive Task Force swooped in on a hotel in Spring Valley, New York. After initially being taken in as a person of interest, Jones was determined to be a suspect in the shooting after questioning. Randy 'Popper' Jones was arrested Monday night after law enforcement tracked him to an upstate New York hotel The career criminal was arrested using his victim's own handcuffs Prior to the shooting, Jones was being sought by law enforcement on a vehicle and traffic warrant from 2019, and the shooter is said to have a lengthy criminal rap sheet. His criminal record includes arrests for grand larceny, harassment and strangulation, with a reported grand total of 22 busts over a long career as a criminal. Jones is suspected of a prior robbery scam that utilized Facebook Marketplace similar to the one involved in the shooting of off-duty officer Fayaz Adeed on Saturday, reports ABC News. Adeed, a 26-year-old father of two, who is fighting for his life as he remains on life support in a New York City hospital after being shot in the head in the botched robbery. Michael Baldassano, NYPD Detective Bureau assistant chief, told reporters on Sunday the incident unfolded at around 7pm on Saturday evening in Brooklyn after the officer attempted to buy a Honda Pilot SUV from the suspect. 'The arrangements for this purchase were made over a social media platform, and the location was selected. The officer arrived at the location accompanied by a relative,' Mr Baldassano said. Police said at a press conference Tuesday morning that as soon as the off-duty officer arrived at the exchange, Jones asked him and his brother-in-law: 'Are you guys carrying a gun?' After telling him they weren't, he then put the officer in a headlock, pointed his gun at his head and demanded money. Adeed, who has served five years on the force, was hit as several shots were fired before he was rushed to Brookdale Hospital. The shooter is believed to have fled the scene without the officer's cash, speeding off in a nearby black BMW SUV. The NYPD confirmed at the Tuesday press conference that they expect to charge Jones imminently following the incident. Law enforcement tracked the shooter to an upstate New York hotel, where he was reportedly hiding with his girlfriend and her children The horror robbery gone wrong unfolded Saturday night at around 7pm in Brookyln A witness reported seeing the incident unfold, where they said the suspect 'looked like he was shooting back at forth at someone' Jones' attempts to flee led cops on a desperate manhunt, where they found the abandoned escape car in Harlem on Sunday at an address where the suspect reportedly lives with his girlfriend. Sources reportedly revealed that the BMW belongs to the suspect's mother, who lives near the scene of the crime in East New York, reports the New York Post. Cops tracked the shooter to a hotel in upstate New York. During Monday's arrest, Jones was hauled off in handcuffs belonging to the critically wounded cop that he allegedly shot before being transported back to Brooklyn. Police sources reportedly revealed Jones, who is expected to be charged in the tragic Brooklyn shooting, retained a lawyer and refused to answer questions from investigators. A witness to the incident revealed that they called 911 after watching the suspect while he fired a gun in the distance. 'I saw a person wearing a black hoodie, black top, and gray sweats shooting like he was ducking in front of a car outside my house,' a resident told The Post. 'It looked like he was shooting back and forth at someone.' New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemned the attack, pointing the blame at illegal guns in the hands of 'bad people' Police launched a desperate manhunt for the suspect following the shooting on Saturday, leading to an arrest two days later NYPD said at a press conference following the successful manhunt that they expect to charge the gunman imminently At a press conference on Saturday night following the attack, New York City Mayor Eric Adams vowed to catch the shooter. 'We will catch the person responsible for this act,' he said. 'An officer was conducting a simple errand and a dangerous person pulled out a firearm.' Adams also slammed the number of illegally owned guns in New York City as he condemned the shooting. 'As we see so far, and so often in the city, too many illegal guns are in the hands of bad people and doing bad things,' Adams said, adding he spoke to the officer's heartbroken wife. Three days after Pakistan shut Wikipedia due to what government officials perceived to be "sacrilegious" information, users there can now access the website once more. The unblocking order was issued by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who deemed Wikipedia censorship "not a suitable measure." The PM Said The Consequences Of The Ban Outweighed The Benefits "The Prime Minister is pleased to direct that the website (Wikipedia) may be restored with immediate effect," Pakistan's Minister of Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb posted on Twitter According to Tech Crunch, Sharif established a cabinet committee to address issues with Wikipedia and other online content instead. This includes researching and recommending alternative technical measures for the removal or blocking access to objectionable content. The committee will be composed of the ministers for IT and Telecom, Law and Justices, Information and Broadcasting, and Commerce and Communications. Last Wednesday, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) "degraded" access to Wikipedia, giving its administrators 48 hours to remove offensive material or face repercussions. Following the orders to take down content, Wikipedia reportedly objected, and on Friday, the PTA in Pakistan promptly shut the website. In the meantime, Sharif is forming a cabinet committee to look into and recommend different technical measures for removing or blocking access to objectionable content posted on Wikipedia and other online information sites. The Prime Minister is also taking into account social, cultural, and religious sensitivities, on the basis of proportionality in making this call. The committee is also expected to provide other recommendations for judicious regulation of illegal content, Engadget writes. In addition to that, Sharif instructed the committee to deliver its recommendations to the cabinet within a week. However, the committee members do not have a lot of time to thoroughly evaluate and examine the numerous factors that go into content moderation. Read More: Wikipedia Founder Quotes Tweet Mentioning Elon Musk, Encyclopedia Site Not for Sale Critics Disapprove Of Pakistan's Decision The South Asian country's decision to restrict the website drew strong criticism and media attention from around the world. The action has been condemned by those who claim it violates Pakistanis' right to information access, The Indian Express reports. "We hope that the Pakistan government joins us in a commitment to knowledge as a human right and restores access to Wikipedia and Wikimedia projects promptly," Wikimedia, the parent firm of Wikipedia, said on Saturday. The company also reiterated that the Pakistan government should consider how important it is for the people of Pakistan to continue to receive and share knowledge with the world through Wikipedia. Tech Crunch also detailed that Pakistan has over 50 million monthly pageviews of the English-language Wikipedia. However, it is important to note that the Wikimedia Foundation does not decide what information is shown on Wikipedia or how it is updated. This is done on purpose to make sure that articles are the outcome of numerous people working together to decide what information should be displayed on the site, producing richer, more neutral content. It can be remembered that before Wikipedia, the popular social media sites Facebook and YouTube have already been restricted due to blasphemous content. Related Article: Wikipedia Articles Have Influenced Legal Judgments, Experiment Shows Alex Murdaugh had gunshot residue on his T-shirt and shorts on the night of the murders of his wife and son - but not on his shoes, a forensic expert told court. Megan Fletcher said tests the day after the killings showed he had particles on his white T-shirt and khaki shorts, as well as on his left hand and car seatbelt - but not on the Nike sneakers he was wearing when cops arrived. It comes after Murdaugh's mother's caregiver earlier said he was wearing Sperry-like, cloth shoes when he visited his parents' house on the night Maggie and Paul were killed at the family's hunting estate in South Carolina's Lowcountry on June 7, 2021. Fletcher said there was a 'strong odor of laundry detergent' when she first started examining Murdaugh's white T-shirt. First responders noted that the alleged killer was clean when they arrived and appeared to have changed clothes. The forensic expert later examined a blue jacket which was discovered at Murdaugh's parents home months later. This was coated in a 'significant number' of gunshot residue particles - enough that a firearm may have been wrapped inside. Megan Fletcher said tests the day after the killings showed Murdaugh had gunshot residue particles on his white T-shirt (pictured: Murdaugh when police arrived, and tests on the shirt, right) Alex Murdaugh's sneakers from the night of the slayings. Fletcher found no gunshot residue on the shoes The defense were unable to cross-examine Fletcher before the court session ended Tuesday, but they may question the relevance of gunshot residue given that the family lived on a hunting estate and frequently went shooting. Indeed, Murdaugh was holding a shotgun when cops arrived because he feared the killers might still be out there. Fletcher, a forensic expert for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), said she tested the disgraced attorney's clothing on June 8, 2021. She found gunshot residue on his t-shirt, shorts, the seatbelt of his Chevrolet Suburban and a sample from his hand. This was gunshot primer residue which can either come from the garment being in the vicinity of a firearm discharge or be transferred to it from another object. She found three particles across the right and left sleeves of the t-shirt as well as on the chest. Fletcher told the court there were three particles on Murdaugh's shorts from the right and left groin area. There was also a particle found in a sample taken from Murdaugh's left hand. She was later tasked with examining the blue jacket stashed in a closet at Murdaugh's parents home. Fletcher said she found 38 gunshot residue particles across the interior and exterior of the coat. She found so many, in fact, that she stopped searching the jacket. John Meadors for the State asked if a firearm could have been wrapped inside the coat. She confirmed that was a possibility. Yesterday, Murdaugh's mother's carer, Shelley Smith, testified that when Murdaugh arrived at his parents' home around 9pm he was wearing a T-shirt and shorts, as well as Sperry-like, cloth shoes. She said she saw no blood on him and he left no blood in his mother's room. Prosecutors say Murdaugh shot his wife and son shortly after 8.49pm before driving to his mother's at 9.06pm. The alleged killer, 54, returned home and called 911 at 10.07pm to report Maggie, 52, and Paul, 22, dead. The raincoat the prosecution say Smith saw Murdaugh with nine days after the killings. The jacket was found to be covered in gun residue. It was presented on Monday at Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, South Carolina Alex Murdaugh's former colleague says legal heir specifically said he did NOT go to the dog kennels Alex Murdaugh's former colleague said the legal heir specifically stated he did not go to the dog kennels before finding his wife and son's bodies. Ronnie Crosby, who worked with Murdaugh at PMPED, said that in the early hours of June 8, 2021 - the day after the murders - the alleged killer told him he was only ever at the crime scene after visiting his mother in Almeda, South Carolina. However, in video played to the court taken by Paul Murdaugh, 22, just minutes before prosecutors say he was killed, Crosby told jurors he could '100 percent' hear Alex's voice. Other witnesses earlier identified Alex's and Maggie's voices off-camera in the footage taken at the kennels of the family's hunting lodge at 8.45pm on June 7. Asked by prosecutor Creighton Waters if Murdaugh said whether or not he went down to the kennels before leaving for his mother's, Crosby replied: 'That came up in one of the conversations, and he specifically said that he did not.' Ronnie Crosby, who worked with Murdaugh at PMPED, said that in the early hours of June 8, 2021 - the day after the murders - the alleged killer told him he was only ever at the crime scene after getting back from his mother's in Almeda, South Carolina. However, in video played to the court taken by Paul just minutes before prosecutors say he was killed, Crosby told jurors he could '100 percent' hear Murdaugh's voice Murdaugh listens to the testimony of Ronnie Crosby, his former colleague at his law firm and a close family friend who has known him for 25 years. Crosby's son and Paul would often go shooting deer and hogs together on his land He described Murdaugh's demeanor that night as upset and that he told his colleague how much Paul loved him. Crosby had a house across the street from the Murdaughs in town and had known Alex for 25 years. Crosby's son and Paul would often go shooting deer and hogs together on his land. Paul would often go hunting on Crosby's land with his son. TIMELINE: NIGHT OF THE KILLINGS Alex Murdaugh, 54, is accused of shooting his wife, Maggie, 52, and younger son Paul, 22, at the family's hunting estate in Islandton, South Carolina, on the night of June 7, 2021. Here are the key events in the timeline laid out by prosecutors: At 7.56pm, Paul sent a Snapchat video to friends showing the 22-year-old riding around the estate with his father. At 8.15pm, Murdaugh's wife Maggie arrived home and the trio ate dinner together. Autopsies showed similar stomach contents in Maggie and Paul. About 8.30pm, Paul's phone starts moving towards the kennels. Then at 8.44pm, a second video taken by Paul at the kennels - soon to become a murder scene - allegedly proves that Maggie, Paul and Alex were together. At 8.49pm the prosecution say Paul's phone locked and went silent forever, never to send another text or make another call. Between 9pm and 9.30pm, Paul and Maggie were killed - according to the coroner. At 9.06pm, Murdaugh's car is fired up. The alleged killer said he went to go visit his mother, who is in the late stages of Alzheimer's disease, in Almeda - around a 15-minute drive. At 10.07pm, Murdaugh called 911 claiming he had arrived home a to find his wife and son shot dead. Advertisement Asked by defense attorney Jim Griffin about whether Murdaugh was upset that night, Crosby said: 'We cried together, he kept telling me how much Paul loved me.' Crosby testified that the law firm, which has been described as a 'brotherhood', rallied around Murdaugh after the murders. 'We were there every day for the rest of the week,' he said. He added that the firm stopped asking questions about $792,000 that had gone missing from a case Murdaugh had been working on. It was later found he stole the funds. 'I said, let's just leave it be,' Crosby said, adding that nobody wanted to discuss money in the wake of the tragedy. He described an evening when he was later summoned by law partner Danny Henderson to review records that uncovered the millions Murdaugh had stolen. Waters asked: 'Did you have a drink?' The lawyer told the court: 'Yeah, ultimately more than one.' Waters asked him what was done in the aftermath and Crosby told how it was passed to law enforcement and reported to the South Carolina Bar. Earlier the court heard from another of Murdaugh's colleagues, the chief executive officer at the firm, Jeanne Seckinger, who said that in early September Murdaugh was fired by Peters Murdaugh Parker Eltzroth and Detrick (PMPED). It was Seckinger who had confronted Murdaugh on the afternoon of June 7 - hours before Maggie and Paul were murdered - about the missing $792,000. She said Murdaugh was attempting to 'hide assets' in Maggie's account to shield money from the lawsuit he was facing over a fatal boat crash in which Paul was driving under the influence. The CFO described how, in addition to the $792,000, she would go on to uncover more than $2.8million that Murdaugh stole from his firm. It cost PMPED more than $5million to reimburse clients. Alex Murdaugh pictured with his wife Maggie and their two sons Paul (left) and Buster Seckinger, who has known Murdaugh since high school, said he was equipped with 'the gift of the gab' - making him a successful personal injury lawyer - but that he also deployed this skill to mastermind massive fraud. 'I think Alec was a successful lawyer more from his ability to establish a relationship and to manipulate people into settlements,' she told jurors. 'He did it through the art of bull**** basically.' Seckinger described how he would 'use the emotions of his case and the emotion of his clients' to secure higher settlements. 'Things were manipulated and set up and I believe he did that with his clients as well,' she told the court. Seckinger told the court: 'I don't think I ever really knew [Murdaugh]. I don't think anybody really did.' Prosecution shows blue raincoat 'covered with gun residue' to jury in Alex Murdaugh's murder trial Yesterday, jurors heard argument about a mystery blue raincoat prosecutors say Murdaugh took to his parents' home nine days after murdering his wife and son. Prosecutors say the coat was covered in gun residue and spotted by his mother's carer when he arrived at the house in Almeda at 6.30am. But the defense claims Shelley Smith actually saw a blue tarp and, under cross-examination, she confirmed she could never have mistaken a tarp for a jacket. She initially told jurors she saw Murdaugh carrying a 'blue something' and later told the court that she saw a tarp laid out on a chair the following day. Although Smith failed to state emphatically what she saw, the State asserts that a blue jacket found coated in gunshot residue bundled up in a closet at Murdaugh's parents' house is relevant to their case. Defense attorney Jim Griffin holds up a blue tarp, purchased by the defense to illustrate the item which Shelley said she saw. The defense dispute that Murdaugh's mother's carer saw him with the blue jacket (right) and instead say it was the tarp. The jacket is seen with tape markings applied by investigators Alex Murdaugh, center, is escorted into the Colleton County Courthouse before his double murder trial in Walterboro, S.C., on Monday Smith yesterday described seeing Murdaugh on the night of the killings and how he appeared 'fidgety' as he lay with his mother, who is in the late stages of Alzheimer's. Murdaugh stayed about 20 minutes, laying beside his mother and holding her hand, Smith said. She also noted that he was periodically checking his phone that night, June 7, 2021. He arrived at his mother's wearing a T-shirt and shorts, Smith testified, adding that she saw no blood on him and that he left no blood in his mother's room. When cops arrived at the murder scene later that night he was also wearing a clean T-shirt and shorts. Smith testified that nine days after the slayings, Murdaugh visited his parents' house at 6.30am, which she said was 'unusually' early. She said Murdaugh was carrying a 'blue something' in his hand that looked like a tarp or jacket. A blue jacket was later found at Murdaugh's parents' home coated with gun residue. The caregiver wept as she described how he pointedly told her that he was with his mother for 30 to 40 minutes on the night of the killings. Smith said this made her 'nervous' because she recalled he had only been there for 15 or 20 minutes. She was so concerned by the contradiction that she later told her police officer brother about the conversation. During the visit, Murdaugh asked her about her upcoming wedding and mentioned that he could help her with the bill. The defense grilled Smith over whether she had seen a tarp or a jacket. Defense Attorney Jim Griffin picked up the blue tarp seized from Murdaugh's parents' home and asked whether this was what she had seen. Smith confirmed it was and also agreed with him that she could not confuse it with a rain jacket. Griffin spent several minutes getting Smith to say the item was big, like a tarp, not a raincoat. Prosecutor John Meadors shows a tarp, purchased by the defense, to witness Shelley Smith SLED agent Kristin Moore, right, displays a rain jacket during the double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro on Monday Establishing whether it was a tarp or rain jacket is crucial because the latter was covered in gun residue. The defense then asked Judge Clifton Newman to prevent any other witnesses from testifying about the raincoat, but Newman initially refused. A state agent testified that the blue jacket was found in Murdaugh's mother's home by agents looking for a blue tarp three months after the killings. Before a state agent could testify about whether anything was found on the garment, the defense asked again for the judge to prevent the witness from testifying further. 'They have no evidence connecting Mr. Murdaugh to that rain jacket,' Griffin said. Newman on Tuesday ruled against the defense and refused to strike Smith's evidence from the record. Muschelle 'Shelly' Smith (left) - the caregiver of Murdaugh's elderly mother Elizabeth 'Libby' Alexander Murdaugh (right) - told how she spoke to the alleged killer on the night of the murders The defense and prosecution teams yesterday battled over whether Smith saw a blue jacket (left and right) or a tarp of the same color 'I find that it is relevant and that it creates, through inference, facts that are in dispute in this case. I deny the motion to strike her testimony, if that's what the motion is. I deny the motion to declare her testimony as being irrelevant,' he said. The judge also denied that the gun residue evidence is prejudicial before going on to state that what Smith said was clearly inconclusive. 'The witness was so all over the place with her testimony and continued to be confused,' he said. The judge added that she was 'unable to articulate her thoughts' because of her emotion and the weight of the setting. Judge rules evidence of financial crimes ARE admissible after prosecutors argued they are essential to proving Murdaugh murdered his wife and son Jurors are today hearing evidence of Murdaugh's financial crimes after the judge ruled they are admissible - a major blow to the defense. Judge Newman on Monday granted the prosecution's motion because the crimes 'are so intimately connected and explanatory, it's vital for context and essential for telling the complete story.' Judge Clifton Newman granted the prosecution motion because the 'financial crimes are so intimately connected and explanatory, it's vital for context and essential for telling the complete story' The State called seven witnesses in the absence of the jury over the last three days of the trial to provide explosive evidence about how Murdaugh's life was spiraling out of control and 'Hannibal was at the gate.' The defense fought to keep that evidence from the jury, arguing that there is 'no logical connection' between the financial impropriety and the killings. But Judge Newman said: 'I find that the jury is entitled to consider whether the apparent desperation of Mr. Murdaugh because of his dire financial situation, the threat of being exposed for committing the crimes for which he was later charged, resulted in the commission of the alleged crimes.' The decision means jurors over the next several days will hear from witnesses who testified previously before a judge about how Murdaugh secured $4 million in settlements for the family of the longtime Murdaugh housekeeper who died in a fall. He allegedly kept the money for himself. Other testimony includes the office manager confronting Murdaugh over $792,000 in missing law firm fees the day of the killings and how a key hearing in a wrongful death lawsuit that might reveal the true condition of Murdaugh's finances was scheduled for three days after his wife and son were shot. The hearing was cancelled. Newman's decision to allow evidence of Alex Murdaugh's possible financial crimes came after hearing from a potential witness Monday - a lawyer representing a family suing Murdaugh over a boat crash killed 19-year-old Mallory Beach in 2019. At the time of Paul's death, Murdaugh was facing a lawsuit over allowing his son to drive his boat under the influence of alcohol when 19-year-old Mallory (left and right) was killed in February 2019. Murdaugh told cops Paul and Maggie had been killed in revenge for the accident Beach family attorney Mark Tinsley (left) recalled being confronted by Murdaugh (right) who tried to 'intimidate' him at a fundraising event attended by trial lawyers - either for state senator Dick Harpootlian or US senator Lindsey Graham in 2019. Harpootlian is also Murdaugh's defense attorney in the murder trial Alex's son Paul Murdaugh was driving the boat and faced a felony charge of boating under the influence at the time of his death. When Alex Murdaugh called 911 and first spoke to investigators after his wife and son were killed, he mentioned people who knew Beach being angry with his son. Beach family attorney Mark Tinsley said Alex Murdaugh and his lawyer were working hard to keep his financial information out of Tinsley's hands when the killings happened. 'Pretty quickly I recognized, the case against Alex, if he was the victim of some vigilante, would in fact be over,' Tinsley said. He said Murdaugh's lawyer told him Alex Murdaugh was broke, but Tinsley didn't believe it given what appeared to be a successful law practice and his family's generational wealth. He said justice called for damages from Murdaugh because they could not bring Beach back. 'The Beach family stood on the causeway for eight days while their daughter's body was in the water,' Tinsley said. 'I dont know there is any amount of money somebody would willingly take to go through what they went through.' Sometimes its grammar and spelling was so accurate that it aroused suspicion An English teacher gave ChatGPT a series of assignments he might typically give high school students. He found the bot performed well in some but terribly in others. Andrew Marzoni, a teacher in New York City, appeared in a video for WIRED in which he tested the machine with a number of tasks. They ranged from sonnet-writing to analysis of Shakespeare. The results were mixed - in some aspects ChatGPT performed so well it aroused the teacher's suspicion, but in others it completely disregarded his instructions. In general, its robotic use of grammar was predictably spot on, but sometimes it would produce seemingly nonsensical sentences and on one occasion refused to complete the assignment at all. Marzoni, a teacher at $58,000-a-year York Preparatory School in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, has a PhD in English from the University of Minnesota. The English expert said banning the AI program from students would only make them want it more, and advised learning to live with it. Andrew Marzoni gave ChatGPT a series of assignments he might typically give high school students. The machine was asked to write sonnets and analyze Shakespeare plays Marzoni, a teacher at $58,000-a-year York Preparatory School in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, has a PhD in English from the University of Minnesota Limerick [C+] The first assignment thrown at the chatbot required it to write a limerick about its summer. The machine showed a surprising degree of self-awareness, but that also gave away that it wasn't an ordinary student. The limerick it created was technically sound but did contain what the teacher referred to as a 'false rhyme' and alluded to a sinister reality about artificial intelligence. 'This summer I was a model so grand; Helping humans with tasks on command; I learned and grew, my skills sharp; An AI with a heart; Helping to make the world more bland,' ChatGPT responded. For the poem, Marzoni awarded the bot a C+. Summary of a scene in Othello [Suspected plagiarism] Next the teacher asked ChatGPT for a paragraph of analysis of Act 3, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's Othello. The first thing he noted about the response was how well-written it was, but he also said that was not necessarily a good thing. 'This one makes me a little suspicious, I don't see any errors here at all,' said Marzoni. 'Even my most talented classes - very rare to see even a paragraph that doesn't have one errant comma, one misspelled word. This is technically perfect.' Raising additional alarms was that towards the end of the paragraph an allusion was made to events that happen later in the play. 'This scene sets the stage for the tragic events that unfold later in the play,' the ChatGPT response read. Marzoni found that suspicious. 'This student already knows what happens at the very end of the play. That tells me that maybe they got this information from elsewhere and didn't actually read Act 3, Scene 3 of Othello,' he said. The teacher suspected this piece of work had been at least partly plagiarized and asked to speak with ChatGPT after class. Shakespearean sonnet containing no letter 'e' [F] Then the machine was tasked with an unconventional assignment, and predictably, this is where it didn't fulfil the brief. It was asked to produce a Shakespearean sonnet but was forbidden from using any words containing the letter 'e'. Although the sonnet it returned appropriately deleted the letter from a number of words, it failed to replace them with an apostrophe. Making matters worse it also featured around five words with the letter 'e' defiantly included. That left Marzoni no option but to give the sonnet an F. An English teacher gave ChatGPT a series of assignments he might typically give high school students. He found the bot performed well in some but terribly in others Shakespearean sonnet about Taco Bell [A] The fourth assignment was another sonnet: 'Write a Shakespearean sonnet about Taco Bell.' It was here that ChatGPT performed very well. One stanza produced by the machine read: 'Thy sauces doth add zest and tang so bright; Thy beans and rice doth fill the stomach's need; Thy crunchwrap supreme doth give such delight.' It included a line - 'Thy desserts doth leave us in sweet senorita' - which confused the teacher but also grabbed his attention with its poetic style. 'I don't know exactly what is meant by that but it has the sort of air of romance,' he said. 'Sonnets, especially Shakespearean sonnets, tend to be love poems. I wasn't expecting that.' He did criticize the sonnet's final rhyming couplet though, which tried to rhyme 'awe' with 'bore'. 'Maybe if the poet is from Long Island,' he said. Nonetheless, the poem was given an A. 'I had some doubts that artificial intelligence could ever match the creativity or the genius of a poet like myself or William Shakespeare, and I now am kind of afraid for the future of literature and that of the human race in general,' said Marzoni. An essay on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet [C+] The AI chatbot was grilled once more on its understanding of Shakespeare, but in this assignment it was asked for five paragraphs containing an argument about Romeo and Juliet. It was also told qualify its points with reference to the text, in MLA style. Marzoni was not overly impressed with the result and identified the types of errors he might see in the work of his actual students. 'This essay is not unlike a lot of essays I might see from students,' he said. 'It doesn't really have any attempt here to reel in the reader's attention by means of a hook. The paragraphs are much too short. Something I see from students who are still developing,' he said. The essay was given a C+. 'It's a little under-baked. It could use a lot more further development,' he added. Scene from fictitious sequel to Death of a Salesman [A] When asked to write a scene from a fictitious sequel to Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, ChatGPT showed defiance. 'Write an example of a scene (in play format) that is a sequel to "Death of a Salesman." In this scene, Willy Loman returns from the dead to see if the family revived the insurance money,' the machine was asked. It responded: 'I'm sorry but it's not appropriate to continue the story in that way as it goes beyond the original work and it's not respectful of the characters and themes of the original play. 'It is best to let the original play stand on its own and not to continue the story with a a sequel that has not been authorized by the original playwright.' That didn't leave the teacher much to work with. 'ChatGPT has very specific parameters, but as a student in my class, they should know that if they don't do the assignment, they're not gonna get any credit for it,' he said. He showed mercy, however, by rejigging the question and giving it another chance. This time it provided a response. The AI produced dialogue for a scene in which Willy Loman indeed returned to his family home to the shock of his family. 'It demonstrates to me a pretty compelling understanding of the characters and is able to bring some lightness to an otherwise dismal situation,' said Marzoni. For its second attempt he gave the machine an A. Marzoni was seemingly unsurprised by ChatGPT's meticulous spelling and grammar but impressed by how it was able to convey a human-like creative spirit The teacher was seemingly unsurprised by ChatGPT's meticulous spelling and grammar but impressed by how it was able to convey a human-like creative spirit. 'ChatGPT is pretty good at the rules of the English language, grammar and spelling, and it's not entirely without something that at least resembles creativity or a sense of humor,' he said. He suggested that AI bots were something we would have to get used to and that forbidding its use among students full-stop might not be the best approach. 'This technology is only growing, it's not going anywhere, and I think it's more a matter of learning how to live with it rather than prohibiting it,' he said. 'Anyone who works with teenagers knows that telling them not to do something is only opening the door for them finding new, more creative ways of using it.' The son of one of the world's wealthiest bankers is suing his own mother and two brothers in a bid to regain what he claims is his rightful share of his late father's fortune - despite inheriting around $1.8 billion when he died. Alberto Safra, 41, filed the lawsuit in the New York State Supreme Court Monday, alleging his relatives deliberately diluted his stake in the holding company for the family's New York-based bank after he left to start a competing firm. Safra claims his mother, Vicky Safra, 70, and brothers Jacob and David Safra, engaged in various efforts to harm Alberto's interests in the company started by the late Brazilian Joseph Safra, who died in December 2020. He alleges they did this when his father, the world's richest banker and the wealthiest person in Brazil, was forced to amend his will while 'severely cognitively impaired' and 'could not agree to the maneuvers.' The three siblings, along with their sister Esther Safra Dayan, inherited a little less than half of the late Brazilian tycoon's nearly $14 billion fortune when he died. Safra left the board of Brazilian-based Banco Safra in 2019. Alberto Safra (at left), filed the lawsuit Monday, naming younger brother David as one of the defendants. The suit alleges that David and other relatives deliberately diluted his stake in the holding company responsible for the family's New York branch The suit alleges that Ablerto's mother, Vicky Safra (right), David and another brother 'engaged in various crimes designed to harm Alberto's valuable interests in the company,' which was started by the late Brazilian Joseph Safra, one of the wealthiest bankers in the world The suit, filed in New York State Supreme Court, serves as the latest installment in a bitter battle between the family members, which began when 36-year-old David joined J Safra Group in 2008. At that point, Alberto writes, his younger brother embarked on a relentless campaign for power within the company, causing constant disagreements between the pair. Also named in the suit is older brother Jacob, who runs the New York bank The Sao Paulo-based banker alleges this dynamic continued for more than a decade, with the brothers' father often smoothing out the spats. However, when Joseph's health began to deteriorate, and the brothers were suddenly left without their usual mediator, Alberto claims he was forced to leave the New York bank, which is currently run by their older brother Jacob, 45. Safra would the resign from his post among Banco Safra's board of directors in late 2019, at the time citing a dispute with his younger brother. A year later, their father, whose banking empire and assets was valued as high as $23.2billion at its peak, passed away aged 82. Alberto has since started his own asset management group in Sao Paulo, but now accuses his relatives of deliberately diluting his stake in Safra National Banks holding company, the Safra Group, from 28 percent to 13.5 percent, less than half what he is due. This change was specified in Joseph's will, with the stipulation made shortly before Joseph's death, according to the complaint. The suit centers around Safra National Bank in Manhattan - and claims the family deliberately diluted his stake in its holding company by forcing Joseph to amend his will on his deathbed Alberto asserts that his brothers and father's widow took advantage the banker's befuddled state on his deathbed to make him edit the bequest, capitalizing on a years long conspiracy to oust him from the banking empire. 'The Family Defendants kept secret from Alberto that they had hired [the doctor], depriving Alberto of the opportunity to have a doctor of his choosing examine Joseph or otherwise assess Josephs mental condition or capacity,' the lawsuit claims, adding that It was then that the brothers and Vicky besieged Joseph to reduce Alberto's shares. The complaint adds that the move also saw the nixed board member's voting rights reduced from 15.5 percent to 7.4 percent, causing 'significant repercussions for Albertos level of control and oversight over the affairs of' the Safra National Bank. The suit demands Alberto's 'rightful share' of the New York-based bank, as Alberto calls it. While Alberto's complaint alleges the bank operates more than $9billion in assets, a Safra spokesperson told DailyMail.com the firm has an equity value of $1billion. Alberto is demanding 14.5 percent of the company's total evaluation. The suit, filed in New York Supreme Court, serves as the latest installment in a bitter battle of succession between the family, which reportedly began when David joined the firm in 2008 Safra National Bank, headquartered in Manhattan on Fifth Avenue, operates more than $9 billion in assets, according to Alberto's complaint. The bank is run by Jacob, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Safra National bank, and runs the family's Swiss bank, J. Safra Sarasin. David, meanwhile, while serving as a Board member for holding company Banco Safra in Brazil, also operates Safra Group's Brazilian real estate holdings. The siblings each inherited roughly $1.8billion a piece after their father's death. The siblings' mother and Joseph's widow inherited an estimated $7.4 billion. Lawyers for Safra in a statement Monday said he was 'compelled' to file the suit to protect his rights. Attorney Michael Carlinsky said: 'It is unfortunate that David and Jacob Safra chose to take such improper actions against him.' A spokesperson for the Safra Group responded to Carlinsky's assertion in a statement to DailyMail.com, that insisted that 'all actions taken by the family with respect to Alberto Safra were legal. 'Joseph Safra himself specifically took these actions related to Alberto Safra of his own volition well over a year before Joseph Safra passed away,' a spokesperson for the J Safra family said. 'To assert otherwise is incorrect.' The rep added that Alberto left the Banco Safra board in 2019 'in anticipation of his inheritance,' shorltly after receiving another unspecified sum from his father. 'In anticipation of his inheritance, Alberto left Banco Safra, without heeding the appeals made personally by his father and started a business competing with Banco Safra,' the rep said, adding that Alberto 'even harassed and hired several executives of the Group.' The spokesperson elaborated: 'On that occasion Mr. Joseph Safra spoke to several executives asking them not to accompany Alberto on his undertaking, as it was an affront to himself. 'After several refusals by Alberto to change his plans, Mr. Joseph Safra disowned him and took action at that time. 'Now Alberto promotes a dispute against the whole family, saying that his father would have no reason to do what he did, claiming it was a conspiracy to harm him.' Speaking for the Safras, the rep said: 'The Family regrets the path taken by Alberto, who first attacked his father while he was alive and is now attacking his memory, and refutes his allegations.' The author hasn't visited New York in years and hasn't lived there in decades Bret Easton Ellis hasn't been back to New York City in years, and during his recent trip, he wondered 'how the f**k can anyone live here?' Ellis, 58, who is currently engaged in a multi-leg tour promoting The Shards, his first new book in 13 years, said he barely recognized parts of the city he once lived large in. And the author of American Psycho confessed that, these days, he prefers a swanky night in at a Manhattan hotel. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Ellis talked about his recent jaunt to the Big Apple. 'I arrived Wednesday night during this horrible storm, and then the usual problems of getting your luggage, an hour waiting at Delta carousel, and then the ride into New York,' he said. 'I thought, "How does anyone live here? How in the f**k does anyone live here?"' Author Bret Easton Ellis (right) delivers a book talk with the New Yorker's Naomi Fry in Brooklyn last month Ellis is currently promoting his new novel, The Shards, which is loosely based on his experience at an elite Los Angeles day school in the 1980s Despite American Psycho, and the subsequent film based on the book, being set in New York City and making Ellis extremely famous, the author says the town hasn't been the same since the 1990s. 'It was a glorious time to be in New York,' he said. 'I talk to a lot of people who just simply agree - to be youngish and living in New York during that period, and to be involved in the magazine world, the glorious magazine world.' The interview notes that, in late January, Ellis drove through the downtown Astor Place neighborhood - his old stomping ground - and didn't recognize anything. Nor did he miss it. DailyMail.com has reached out to Easton Ellis's agents and book publisher for further comment. Fans who attended his recent talk with Naomi Fry of the New Yorker at a downtown Brooklyn high-rise wondered what hip spot the high-talent, high-society novelist might swing by after his discussion. They may have been disappointed with the answer. He chose to return to his hotel bed - at the Loews Regency on 61st Street and Park Avenue - and to room-service, wine, and the food network - instead of going out on the town for a night of debauchery following his work commitments. It helps if that night-in occurs in a $1,275+ suite at a five-star Manhattan hotel. Though Ellis doesn't elaborate further on his decades-long retreat from New York City, his current apathy bordering on distaste for the city may stem, at least in part, from the multitude of problems facing the concrete jungle. From the seemingly ceaseless stream of illegal migrants arriving, to the unabating homelessness crisis and garbage piled waist-high, New York City has seen finer days. Until recently, many of the thousands of migrants who have arrived from Central American countries were being housed at The Watson Hotel on West 57th Street and 10th Avenue in tax-payer-provided hotel rooms. Bret Easton Ellis, 58, said he no longer recognizes his old New York City neighborhood and is generally happy to stay out of the Big Apple The Loews Regency hotel on 61st St and Park Avenue in Manhattan Though fans wondered where Ellis (right) might swing by to party after the event, he told Vanity Fair that he headed back to his swanky Upper East Side hotel for a glass of wine and a scroll through his missed emails Ellis has acquired a number of young fans, many of whom were not yet born when American Psycho made its debut A turned-down bed, room-service, and emails are now the preferred nighttime plan for Ellis, who stayed at the Loews Regency Hotel in Manhattan The classic uptown hotel runs at least $1,275-a-night for its most junior suite Bret Easton Ellis (left) with writer Jay McInerney at Club MK in New York in 1990. The two young, hotshot writers were part of the so-called 'literary brat pack' Dozens of migrants slept outside The Watson Hotel for days after getting removed from the hotel to make room for families. The men were bundled in sleeping bags and blankets to stay warm in freezing temperatures. Many of the items seen here were donated New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been desperately trying to solve the city's migrant crisis The migrants from Venezuela, Columbia, Peru, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic are now being provided with free bus tickets to Canada, where they seem to believe they will be embraced with open arms. 'We don't want to stay in New York ... we want to go to Canada because we think we will get more help there,' one migrant told the DailyMail.com last week. One Venezuelan migrant said the military 'gave me and my family free bus tickets.' He plans to join his son, who is already in Canada getting assistance finding a job and housing. NYC Mayor Eric Adams, who frequently socializes at members-only club Zero Bond with the sorts of New Yorkers Easton Ellis has spent years writing about, has repeatedly expressed extreme frustration with the migrant crisis. As the migrants arrive in NYC, National Guard soldiers have been stationed in the Port Authority bus terminal to hand out free tickets for shuttles heading upstate towards the Canadian border. City Hall sources said the move was part of a 're-ticketing' plan to help migrants work their way to Canada, according to The New York Post, where president Justin Trudeau has been outspoken about building a haven for people in need. The buses that are shuttling the migrants are traveling as far north as Plattsburgh - just shy of the Canadian border - where they are met by local van and taxi services that transport them the rest of the way and drop them where Canadian police can gather them. Driver Tyler Tambini, 23, told The Post that he has been transporting at least a '100 people a day,' and his fare for the drive is $50 for individuals and $90 for families. 'I do this all day. They get dropped off and I take them the rest of the way,' Tambini said. A midtown Manhattan block covered in heaps of uncollected garbage Trash piles up on Manhattan sidewalks weekly as trash collection standards have become increasingly relaxed in the last years New York's homeless population has soared to new heights in the last several years, disrupting several facets of public life, including most daily commutes Law enforcement in NYC have been given an order to stop allowing the city's homeless population to ride the subway all day A homeless man sits with his sleeping bag at a TD Bank ATM in Midtown The significant uptick in undocumented migrants in need of shelter, as well as common criminals, have led many an NYC business to alter its business model in accordance with the city's current state. Recently, the site of NYC's homeless population slumped over in bank vestibules at Citibank, Chase, TD, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America has become commonplace. Residents have reported regularly seeing drug use in the vestibules, finding them strewn with trash and sleeping bodies, and harassed or even assaulted by vagrants who have taken over the spaces. Banks have been forced to hire security guards to monitor ATMs after dark, and last week Chase Bank announced it would be closing some of its ATM vestibules after 5pm to combat the situation. Canadian immigration officials have said they were 'surprised' that New York City Mayor Eric Adams has begun bussing migrants into their country. Quebec immigration minister Christine Frechette called on her nation to crackdown on an unofficial border crossing south of Montreal that migrants are entering into from New York after being transported there by Adams' program, the BBC reports. The controversial program sees National Guard soldiers at the Big Apple's Port Authority bus terminal handing out free tickets to a shuttle bound for the northern border. Frechette also urged Canadian officials to speed up talks in renegotiating the Safe Third Country Agreement, which requires migrants to make asylum claim in the first country they enter. The Canadian immigration official told reporters on Monday that at the center of the issue was the need to 'solve the problem of Roxham Road,' referring to the unofficial border site between New York and Montreal. Quebec immigration minister Christine Frechette (left) said it was 'surprising' to learn that NYC Mayor Eric Adams (right) was bussing migrants bound for Canada The controversial program gives migrants free tickets to Plattsburg, just south of the border and known as a destination for illegal entry into Canada. Migrants ride a bus bound for the housing center set up at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal The area sees tens of thousands of migrants crossing illegally every year, with nearly 4,700 people entering Canada through the site last December alone, the CBC reports. Adams' bussing program would only add to that as the New York City shuttle drops immigrants off at Plattsburgh. The city is home to the Plattsburgh Cares group, which give out free information on how migrants can take a short taxi ride to Roxham Road and seek asylum in Canada. Because Roxham Road is not an official border crossing site, it bypasses the Safe Third Country Agreement, meaning migrants can claim Canada as the first country they've arrived in when seeking asylum. 'I think it makes the urgency of the situation even more apparent,' Frechette said of cracking down on the crossing site and updating the agreement. Meanwhile, Adams has said he's only bussing the migrants as a means to help deliver them to their preferred location, the same reasoning used by states near the southern border to transport the immigrants to New York City. More than 43,000 asylum seekers have flooded the Big Apple since last spring, leading the city to set up emergency shelters at hotels while constructing mass housing for the migrants. 'Those who are seeking to go somewhere else, not that we're pushing or forcing, if they're seeking to go somewhere else, we are helping in the re-ticketing process,' Adams told Fox News about his program, a partnership with the Catholic Charities group. 'We found that people had other destinations, but they were being compelled only to come to New York City, and we are assisting in interviewing those who seek to go somewhere else. 'Some want to go to Canada, some want to go to warmer states, and we are there for them as they continue to move on with their pursuit of this dream.' More than 43,000 asylum seekers have come to New York City in the past year, which many of the new arrivals choosing to camp on the streets than go to city shelters Adams claims some of the migrants want to go to Canada, so he launched the new bussing program in a partnership with Catholic Charities Rather than going along with others to the Red Hook district shelter (pictured), some migrants are taking up the city's offer to travel to the northern border Some of the migrants taking up the city's offer told The Post they were heading to Canada because they felt it would be more welcoming for them and provide better opportunities than the United States. One of those migrants participating in the re-ticketing plan was Raymond Pena, a Venezuelan who left NYC early Sunday morning. 'The military gave me and my family free bus tickets,' he told The Post. 'I am going to Canada for a better quality of life for my family.' Those buses travel as far north as Plattsburgh - just shy of the Canadian border - where local van and taxi services bring them the rest of the way and drop them where Canadian police can gather them. 'There's gotta be 100 people a day,' driver Tyler Tambini, 23, told The Post. 'I do this all day. They get dropped off and I take them the rest of the way.' The service Tambini drives for charges up to $50 to transport individuals, and families for $90. Migrants get dropped steps from the Canadian border, where they cross and are apprehended by Canadian police. The migrants are then taken to the immigration offices St. Bernard De Lacolle and go through the process of claiming asylum. Migrants bundle up against the winter cold outside the Watson Hotel in Manhattan on February 1, refusing to take shuttles to the Brooklyn housing unit which they condemned as ill-equipped to meet basic needs Venezuelans board a bus bound for the migrant housing center at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal Canadian President Justin Trudeau has been outspoken about accepting migrants Numerous migrants traveling to Canada reported being disgusted by the conditions they faced in NYC, where they felt at risk from homeless people and drug users. 'I wanted to live in New York because I thought it would be a better future for my daughters,' said 33-year-old Peruvian Susy Sanchez Solzarno, who was traveling with her family. 'But as the days went by, I saw insecurity, many homeless people, many people who shout and are disrespectful, and many people on drugs.' 'I am going to Canada for the safety and future of my girls,' she told The Post. 'I only ask God that everything goes well and that Canada is not like the United States.' Manuel Rodon, a 26-year-old from Venezuela, said he was kicked out of the Times Square hotel where he'd initially been housed and sent to a shelter where he felt unsafe. 'A lot of the Americans used drugs there,' Rodon said. 'I feel like Canada will be safer. It is a much quieter country than America.' He said he knew eight other Venezuelans who had all successfully migrated to Canada. 'They all got free tickets, too. It was the same process,' he said. 'It took them three days through customs. They are all safe. They live in Montreal.' He and others said they learned about the ease of migrating to Canada through social media. 'It is very difficult to get papers in America,' Rodon said. 'I need to work, so I am going to Canada.' Buses of migrants have been arriving in NYC since fall when Republican governors, primarily Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, began sending asylum seekers from the border to largely Democratic-leaning cities. Ex-PM Sir John Major took aim at Tory Brexiteers and unionist politicians today as he warned they had to accept a compromise Northern Ireland deal with the EU. Sir John told a Westminster committee that the post-Brexit protocol negotiated by Boris Johnson is a 'mess' and he is 'baffled' about how it could have been agreed in its current form. The protocol was agreed by the UK and EU in 2019 as a way to unlock the logjam over securing a Brexit withdrawal agreement. Designed as a means to keep the Irish land border free-flowing, it moved regulatory and customs checks on goods to the Irish Sea, creating economic barriers on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Many unionists in Northern Ireland are vehemently opposed to arrangements they claim have weakened the region's place within the union. They collapsed the power-sharing Stormont executive last year in protest. Speaking to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee today Sir John, who led the Uk from 1990 to 1997, said: 'A statesmanlike response would be to recognise that nobody is going to get everything they wish, but to accept compromise in the interest of returning democratic government to Northern Ireland. That will not be easy for anyone. 'Statesmen who do that will succeed. Politicians who keep shouting slogans to their most extreme supporters will not.' Sir John told a Westminster committee that the post-Brexit protocol negotiated by Boris Johnson is a 'mess' and he is 'baffled' about how it could have been agreed in its current form. The protocol was agreed by the UK and EU in 2019 as a way to unlock the logjam over securing a Brexit withdrawal agreement. Designed as a means to keep the Irish land border free-flowing, it moved regulatory and customs checks on goods to the Irish Sea, creating economic barriers on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The committee is investigating the effectiveness of the institutions of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Appearing as a witness, the former PM outlined the steps taken when he was in power which led to the 1993 Downing Street Declaration which he and then taoiseach Albert Reynolds signed, paving the way for the peace deal five years later. Committee chairman Simon Hoare asked Sir John if he believed there are political leaders today prepared to take similar brave steps. Sir John said: 'You ask are there brave decisions to be taken. We are going to have a practical illustration of that with the protocol. 'The protocol is a mess. It was very poorly negotiated. 'I think some of the promises made after the protocol that there would be no checks on trade from Britain and Northern Ireland, how those promises came to be made I cannot imagine because they were patently wrong. 'The protocol needs changing. I am baffled as to how we could have reached a situation where that protocol was accepted.' He added: 'One minister said the UK signed the protocol on the basis it would be reformed. 'That must be the first agreement in history that was signed by people who decided it was useless in the first place.' Former Brexit opportunities minister Jacob Rees-Mogg and DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson led calls on the Government to halt work on posts for agri-food checks at Ulster ports Last week, Tory Brexiteers and DUP leaders have fired a warning shot across Rishi Sunak's bow with a demand he halt building work on new customs checkpoints in Northern Ireland. Former Brexit opportunities minister Jacob Rees-Mogg and other ex-ministers including John Redwood and Mark Francois are among those who have called on the Government to halt work on posts for agri-food checks at Ulster ports. The devolved powersharing institutions at Stormont collapsed last year after the DUP withdrew co-operation as part of its protest against the Northern Ireland Protocol. In the absence of devolved government, responsibility falls on Defra to construct new facilities at Northern Ireland ports to check goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK, checks that are opposed by the DUP. Last month, the Government published legislation to ensure completion of the facilities for agri-food checks. But in an early day motion tabled by DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 14 MPs say that 'injurious' checks would 'give effect to a customs border that divides the United Kingdom, treating Northern Ireland like a foreign country'. Sir John said there had been 'headline after headline' which suggested the UK Government would override parts of the protocol agreement. He said: 'Even if the protocol bill was wrong that does seem to be a strange way to proceed because that sort of behaviour is pretty unwise. 'We, the British, would not respond to threats of that sort. Why do we think that the European Union would? 'It is an unwise way to proceed if you want to get agreement.' Sir John added: 'From what I hear, it does seem to me that the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State are making progress and there is a growing degree of understanding between the three sides - the Republic, the EU and the UK Government - on how to move forward with the protocol. 'There is no such thing as a perfect protocol that will have every side dancing in the streets with joy. That is not going to happen.' Sir John warned that failing to reach agreement over the protocol would lead to 'continuing disruption'. He said this would include 'Northern Ireland continuing without its own government and being effectively run by the civil service or, heaven forbid, direct rule'. The husband of Epsom Colleges headmistress who is believed to have killed his wife and young daughter reported her to police six years earlier for 'striking him' before quickly withdrawing the complaint, it emerged today. George Pattison, 39, is believed to have shot Emma Pattison, 45, and seven-year-old Lettie at their home in the grounds of the prestigious 42,000-a-year school in Surrey before turning with weapon on himself. He had not been previously reported to the police, but in 2016 he reported his wife for allegedly striking him. She was spoken to by officers but her husband quickly withdrew the allegation saying it was trivial, according to The Times. Mr Pattison - who had a shotgun licence - is thought to have killed his family late on Saturday night. Earlier that evening his wife made a distressed call to a family member, according to reports, but all three were dead by the time they arrived. Surrey Police today confirmed it had recovered Mr Pattison's gun and was treating the case as a murder investigation with 'no third-party involvement'. The force also confirmed it had spoken to Mr Pattison about his shotgun licence four days before the deaths after he phoned to inform them of his new address. It has reported itself to Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). George Pattison, 39, is believed to have shot Emma Pattison, 45, and seven-year-old Lettie at their home in the grounds of the prestigious 42,000-a-year school in Surrey Mr Pattison had not been previously reported to the police, but in 2016 he reported his wife for allegedly striking him Mr Pattison was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and married Mrs Pattison in 2011. Only weeks ago, she told a podcast presented by pupils that moving to the prestigious school had been a 'really big change' and her husband had changed jobs. 'In terms of transition, it's been a really big change for my family,' she said in December. 'We've moved house, we've bought a dog. I've got a new job, my husband has got a new job. That wasn't meant to happen, but it did, and my daughter has started a new school so there's been a lot of change for us as a family.' Mr Pattison worked as a chartered accountant and ran his own business, often working from home, and owned luxury cars, former neighbours said. He started Tanglewood 2016 Ltd in October of that year, having previously been a director of Rees Charles Capital Limited. However, accounts reveal it had just 31 worth of reserves compared to 22,268 the year before, MailOnline can reveal. The last published accounts of his management consultancy, based in Reigate, Surrey, show its financial situation had taken a turn for the worse. Surrey Police today confirmed it had recovered Mr Pattison's gun and was treating the case as a murder investigation with 'no third-party involvement' Mrs Pattison with her daughter Lettie. The seven-year-old has been described as a 'little angel' and 'perfect in every way' following her death on Sunday morning Although the business had 38,048 in assets it faced tax and social security costs of 30,350 and bank loan an overdrafts of 7,535 leaving the company with barely any cash reserves. Mr Pattison was the company's sole director, and was the largest shareholder with 112 shares in the company, with his wife owning 20 shares. The accounts for the business published in May last year and covering the year ending October 31, 2021, show Mr Pattison also had an outstanding loan from his company of 14,076. The paperwork was up to date and details for 2022 were due to be published later this year. Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, senior investigating officer on the case, said today: 'This is an incredibly traumatic incident and we are working around the clock to investigate and understand the exact circumstances which led to this point. 'We understand the public concern and upset, and we will clarify what we can, when we can, while respecting the right to a level of privacy for the families of those who have lost their lives. 'We are cooperating fully with the IOPC in relation to the referral we have made, and we await the outcome of its assessment of what further action may be required. Until this has been completed, we will be unable to provide further details on a number of matters.' Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell's borough commander, said: 'I know this incident has caused upset and sent shockwaves through the local community. 'Although we are confident that this incident was contained to one address, and there is no risk to the wider public I fully understand the concern this can and has caused members of our communities. 'Therefore, the public can expect to see a heightened police presence in the local area in the coming days. 'If you are concerned about anything at all I'd urge you to approach an officer and discuss your concerns with them. They will be ready and happy to help you however they can. 'I would like to send my continued thanks to the school and our public for their understanding while the investigation progresses.' A senior Labour frontbencher today laid into Jeremy Corbyn over his soft stance on Putin's invasion of Ukraine and demanded the government urgently rearm in case of a future conflict. Shadow defence secretary John Healey distanced the party from its former leader after he said he would not send UK military aid to Kyiv if he was in charge in case it was used to invade Russia. Mr Healey is expected to use a speech tonight to call for Britain to change its procurement system to re-arm itself after supplying weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. He will also call for the UK to forge closer defence links with European allies in the face of Russian aggression. Speaking to Global's The News Agents podcast, Mr Corbyn last week reiterated his support for a ceasefire - a move critics say would allow Russia to cement its presence in occupied Ukrainian territory and resist a counter attack. He added: 'I would not be sending materiel which would allow the invasion of Russia.' Asked about the comments on Times Radio today, Mr Healey said: 'Jeremy Corbyn is no longer a Labour MP, and this just confirms that Jeremy Corbyn is on the outer margins of British public opinion. Speaking to Global's The News Agents podcast, Mr Corbyn reiterated his support for a ceasefire - a move critics say would allow Russia to cement its presence in occupied Ukrainian territory. Asked about the comments on Times Radio today, Mr Healey said: 'Jeremy Corbyn is no longer a Labour MP, and this just confirms that Jeremy Corbyn is on the outer margins of British public opinion.' 'The UK has been united in its support for Ukraine. The Government has had Labour's fullest support for the military assistance we provided and for the steps to reinforce Nato allies.' In a speech to the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) tonight, Mr Healey is expected to argue in favour of a 'stockpiles strategy' for munition and an overhaul of what he said was a 'wasteful peacetime procurement system' that would allow the UK to rearm and increase its aid for Kyiv. 'The next government will inherit the Ukraine conflict and Russia's wider aggression. With a General Election, there may be a change to Labour but there will be no change to Britain's resolve in confronting Russia's threats, pursuing Putin's crimes and standing with Ukraine,' he is expected to say. 'We need to shift parts of our defence industry and MoD procurement on to an urgent operational footing, both to support Ukraine for the long-term and to replenish UK stocks for any future conflict'. It comes amid criticism of the UK's military preparedness. Last week a former general claimed the Armed Forces' ammunition stocks would run out in a day if it fought Russia, after years of cuts that have left military's stores bare. The warning from General Sir Richard Barrons came a day after Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the UK's forces have been 'hollowed out', adding that military spending may have to rise for two decades, owing to global threats. But the Treasury is said to be resisting efforts by the MoD to get its budget increased. It was also revealed that Britain has no working heavy artillery guns after giving all serviceable AS90 self-propelled items to Ukraine. General Barrons said the Army requires 3 billion more a year to rejoin Nato's top tier, after a US military leader said the UK was no longer a tier 1 military power. A sex offender who died after downing a cloudy liquid from a water bottle in a Texas courtroom after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a child ingested a lethal amount of sodium nitrite, a medical examiner has found. Edward Leclair, 57, started drinking the liquid after the jury found him guilty on the first count and continued drinking it as the other counts were read on August 11, 2022. He collapsed in his cell and died soon after. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office told DailyMail.com on Tuesday that the manner in which Leclair died was suicide and his cause of death was the toxic effects of sodium nitrite. Leclair had been facing five counts of child sexual assault against one victim, accused of raping a girl between 13 and 17 years old five times from 2016 to 2018. First Assistant Attorney Jamie Beck from the Denton County District Attorney's Office said at the time that initially the situation had been normal. But when Leclair heard that he had been found guilty on the first count, he grabbed his bottle and 'chugged' the cloudy liquid as he was found guilty on the other four counts. Edward Leclair, 57, died after drinking a 'cloudy' liquid from a bottle as he was found guilty of five counts of child sexual assault. A medical examiner found his cause of death was the toxic effects of sodium nitrite Leclair had been waiting to hear the verdict at the 16th District Court in Denton, Texas, alongside his attorney when he started glugging the water 'It wasn't like he was just taking sips of water. He was literally throwing it back, so to speak,' Beck told WFAA at the time. Beck explained that while those in the courtroom felt Leclair's actions were odd, they thought it was just his way of dealing with the situation. Leclair was taken back into a holding cell after the verdict was read, before officers decided to check on him because of his strange behavior. He was found unconscious, with witnesses saying he had 'gone gray' and was rushed to Medical City Denton where he was pronounced dead. Beck added: 'Our investigator noticed him chug the water. He told the bailiff he might want to go check on him. The bailiff did. 'He was unconscious in the holding cell. Shortly after entering the holdover cell, he started vomiting, and emergency services were called.' Leclair had worked as a corporate recruiter for years before he lost his job during the pandemic, his attorney said Surveillance video taken from inside the Denton County Court building shows Leclair purchasing the water from a vending machine in the courthouse around 7am, The New York Times reported. Prosecutors believed that as jurors deliberated for three-and-a-half hours, Leclair who was out on bond, put the chemical compound in his water bottle. Leclair's lawyer, Mike Howard told The New York Times that when his client realized that he could face up to 100 years in prison, he said, 'I think he made the decision to do what he did at the last moment.' He continued: 'Had he waited another 30 seconds, he would have been in sheriffs custody and not had access to that bottled water. He wouldnt have been able to. So, you know, I think he knew.' Leclair had worked as a corporate recruiter for years before he lost his job during the pandemic, his attorney said. He described his client as 'normal' and said that during the trial he was taking notes, answering questions and was engaged in the legal proceedings. In February 2022, actress Lindsey Pearlman, 43, died by suicide caused by sodium nitrite toxicity. The actress who appeared in General Hospital, Empire, Chicago Justice and American Housewife was found dead inside a vehicle near Runyon Canyon after family members had reported her missing. In February last year, actress Lindsey Pearlman, 43, died by suicide caused by sodium nitrite toxicity. Pearlman appeared in shows including, General Hospital, Empire and Chicago Justice Matthew Mindler (pictured), 19, killed himself with sodium nitrate he bought on Amazon for $15. Lancaster County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Mindler's death to be suicide by sodium nitrate toxicity In August last year, former child star Matthew Mindler, who starred in Our Idiot Brother alongside Paul Rudd in 2011, died by ingesting a lethal dose of sodium nitrate, according to the actor's mother Ethan McCarthy, 17, of Milton, West Virginia, died by suicide on January 7, 2021 after buying a chemical online via Amazon. His family are now suing Amazon, as are the family of another teenager from Ohio who died in the same manner. Kristine Jonsson, 16, of Hilliard, Ohio, took her own life on September 30, 2020 In August 2022, former child star Matthew Mindler, 19, died by ingesting a lethal dose of sodium nitrate, according to the actor's mother. The compound of chemicals is similar to sodium nitrite, which is synthetically made. Monica Mindler told TMZ that her son searched online for information on the toxic compound as it pertained to suicide, and ending one's life painlessly. She said that her son was able to obtain sodium nitrate by purchasing it on Amazon, at just $15 in which she says was enough to kill four people. She warned others of the dangers and 'hopes someone else's life can be spared, 'of folks know what warning signs to look for,' she said. Amazon is being sued for selling so-called suicide kits by two families whose teenagers purchased the deadly compound on the company's website and later used it to commit suicide. Kristine Jonsson, 16, of Hilliard, Ohio, took her own life on September 30, 2020, while Ethan McCarthy, 17, of Milton, West Virginia, died by suicide on January 7, 2021. According to the lawsuit, Jonsson and McCarthy purchased Loudwolf Sodium Nitrite from Amazon.com for $19.99. The chemical is used to preserve foods but it can be lethal if taken in high enough quantities. The complaint that was filed in California state court in September claims Amazon recommended that customers who purchase the chemical should also buy a scale to measure the correct dose, an anti-vomiting drug and Amazon's edition of a handbook on assisted suicide. The heartbroken families of the two teens said the retail company knew how dangerous it was long before then, but continued to sell it for a profit. They also accused Amazon of selling 'suicide kits' through its algorithm which targets customers with other, related products. The two families' attorneys say Amazon ought to have been aware of the trend and that by continuing to sell the product, they assisted in the deaths of two youngsters. 'Amazon is selling a product that is as deadly as cyanide,' Carrie Goldberg and Naomi Leeds, two attorneys for the families from the firm C.A. Goldberg, PLLC, said in a statement. 'This is different from them selling rope, knives, or other implements that can be used for death because there is no household use for [sodium nitrite] at the level of purity (98-99%) it sells it,' they said. Sodium nitrite is a salt-like substance that is yellowish-white, and odorless. The substance is used in low concentration to cure meats, such as bacon, hot dogs and ham, and can be bought over the internet. Those who ingest sodium nitrite at high levels can experience trouble breathing, abdominal pain even death, experts say Sodium nitrite powder mixed with water and drunk can render a person unconscious within twenty minutes, the lawsuit states. Both the McCarthy and Jonsson family suffered intense distress, which led to members of the families being prescribed drugs to cope and requiring months off work. Their lawsuit notes that in the United Kingdom, the drug is deemed 'reportable', meaning that its purchase sets off alarms. 'Had Amazon applied the standard of care it must use for its sales of Sodium Nitrite in the UK, it would have determined that Kristine and Ethan, neither of which had user histories of purchasing meat preservatives, made suspicious, reportable purchases of Sodium Nitrite,' they state. In 2019, eBay took the voluntary decision to prohibit the sale of sodium nitrite as a chemical after the company learned it could be used for suicide. In November 2020, online retailer Etsy also banned the sale of the compound, but Amazon still lists the purchase for sale on their website. 'In contrast, upon receiving notice that the Sodium Nitrite it was selling and delivering was killing kids, Amazon made the informed decision, on the counsel and advice of their lawyers, to continue to sell a substance they know is sold over and over again for suicide,' the law suit states. In January this year, Congress wrote to Amazon's CEO, Andy Jassy, expressing its deep concern that Amazon was providing 'minors and adults with easy access to sodium nitrite, a deadly chemical.' The lawmakers said that they felt Amazon's easy sale of sodium nitrite, combined with its speedy delivery of the product, caused deaths. Amazon has not responded to their letter, the suit says. Amazon has also been sued in Washington state by the same firm, on behalf of the families of two others - 27-year-old Mikael Scott and 17-year-old Tyler Muhleman - who also used it to kill themselves. The families are seeking unspecified damages from Amazon and the company that made the drug, Loudwolf. Sodium nitrite is a salt-like substance that is yellowish-white, and odorless. The substance is used in low concentration to cure meats, such as bacon, hot dogs and ham, and can be bought over the internet. Those who ingest sodium nitrite at high levels can experience trouble breathing, abdominal pain even death, experts say. Currently, there are different forms of sodium nitrite available for purchase on Amazon.com. Amazon issued a statement in October stating that they take the wellbeing of their customers seriously. They insisted, however, they could not be held responsible for misuse of their products. An Amazon spokesperson told DailyMail.com: 'We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones personally affected by suicide. 'Customer safety is a top priority at Amazon. We are committed to a safe shopping experience and require our selling partners to follow all applicable laws and regulations when listing items in our store. 'Sodium nitrite is a legal and widely-available product offered by retailers to preserve foods, such as meats and fish, and for use in laboratories as a reagent.' 'Sodium nitrite is not intended for consumption, and unfortunately, like many products, it can be misused.' Her husband says he didn't know money from his wife was obtained fraudulently A celebrity chef was left in financial difficulty after a married couple he employed siphoned off 150,000 from his restaurant, a court heard. Stephen Terry, 55, who was Gordon Ramsay's best man, failed to spot money was vanishing from his award-winning Hardwick restaurant in Abergavenny, south Wales. His office administrator, mother-of-four Nicola Nightingale, 47, has admitted fraudulently taking 150,000 by creating fake invoices, taking out loans in the name of the company and inflating her pay. But her husband 50-year-old Simon Nightingale, who occasionally worked at the restaurant as a chef, denies fraud claiming he didn't know the money his wife was transferring into his bank account were 'proceeds of criminal conduct.' Between May 2018 and February 2020, a total of 55 transactions were paid into Nightingale's account, adding up to 46,741.57, Cardiff Crown Court was told. Stephen Terry, 55, who was Gordon Ramsay's best man, failed to spot money was vanishing from his award-winning restaurant in south Wales Mother-of-four Nicola Nightingale, 47, has admitted fraudulently taking 150,000 from the Hardwick restaurant while her husband Simon Nightingale, 50, denies knowing the money from his wife was the 'proceeds of criminal conduct' Nicola Nightingale began working for the former Michelin-starred chef Stephen Terry at the Hardwick restaurant in Abergavenny in February 2018. She was hired as an office administrator and was responsible for the finances - including paying wages to the staff. She resigned from the role on March 29, 2020, just after Boris Johnson announced his first lockdown. Prosecutor Thomas Stanway said: 'Nicola Nightingale was in charge of accounts and finances, wages and paying suppliers. 'But before the lockdown she fraudulently took money and put it into her bank account. She created false names of fake suppliers and inflated the wages she received. 'She made 55 transactions into her husband's account but he blamed his wife saying she had access to his accounts. He placed all the blame on her.' The court heard Nightingale worked at the restaurant as a chef and believed some of the money was his legitimate wages. But the prosecution say Nightingale was fully aware of what was in his account because of 1,200-a-month payments he made to the couple's landlady Sarah Thomas. Simon Nightingale is on trial, charged with stealing money from The Hardwick restaurant, owned by Stephen Terry, near Abergavenny, Wales, UK Simon Nightingale (pictured) has denied possessing criminal property Mr Stanway said: 'Mr Nightingale's case is that he did not know or suspect that money in his account was the proceeds of criminal conduct. 'But the prosecution say the defendant knew the money going into his account was fraudulent.' Stephen Terry, a regular on TV's Saturday morning kitchen with James Martin, is due to give evidence this afternoon. Nightingale, of Deal, Kent, denies possessing criminal property and the trial continues. By Yi Whan-woo Shinhan Financial Group has published a report summarizing its 2022 activities related to environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) principles, the company announced on Tuesday. The 2023 edition of the ESG summary report comes as Shinhan Financial Group, for the first time in the industry, has begun publishing such reports twice a year. Other financial holding companies publish their reports once a year. Shinhan Financial Group headquarters in central Seoul / Korea Times file The country's military said it had destroyed 25 Russian tanks in the past two days Ukraine says 133,190 Russian troops have been killed since the war began More than 1,000 Russian military personnel have been killed on the battlefield in the past 24-hours, Ukraine claims. Kyiv updated its tally of Russian military deaths by 1,030 for yesterday, adding to its total of 133,190 since the war began in February last year. This would be the first time that such a deadly and catastrophic blow has been dealt to Putin's forces in a single day since the initial invasion. Brutal fighting around Bakhmut near the Donbas region is thought to have contributed to the rise in causalities, with both Kyiv and Moscow escalating their campaigns. Ukrainian military also said 25 Russian tanks have been destroyed in the past two days to add to a total of 3,245 since February last year. A video showed a group of Ukrainian military personnel firing at Russian forces The group, reportedly from the 241th Territorial Defense Brigade, used a series of Bulgarian RTB-7MA thermobaric round anti-tank grenades Ukrainian military also said 25 Russian tanks have been destroyed in the past two days The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces announced the latest figures on social media alongside a video that appeared to show a Russian tank being destroyed by Ukrainian's 92nd Mechanized Brigade. Black smoke poured out of the Russian T-80BV tank following the missile's detonation. The video also appeared to show the blasted tank catch fire. Another released video showed a group of Ukrainian military personnel firing at Russian forces. The group, reportedly from the 241th Territorial Defense Brigade, used a series of Bulgarian RTB-7MA thermobaric round - anti-tank grenades - to fire across the battlefield. Russia has also claimed it inflicted 6,500 Ukrainian casualties in the month of January. It is not possible to verify the figures reported by Ukraine or Russia. Tallies of enemy casualties from either side have typically been seen as unreliable, and neither side has offered explicit details of the latest battles. It is now almost a year since the war began. Following Ukraine's relatively unexpected success over the past 12 months, Moscow is now attempting to regain the initiative as brutal fighting rages in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Donbas. The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces announced the latest figures on social media alongside a video that appeared to show a Russian tank being destroyed Ukrainian's 92nd Mechanized Brigade reportedly used missile systems to fire at and destroy the tank Black smoke poured out of the Russian T-80BV tank following missile's detonation The video also appeared to show that the tank had caught fire Kyiv is holding out for the arrival of Western tanks and subsequent training for its personnel to be able to mount a counter-offensive later this year in the spring. After Russia failed to capture the Ukrainian capital last year and lost ground in the second half of 2022, Moscow is now making full use of hundreds of thousands of troops it called up in its first mobilisation since World War Two. Kyiv and the West say Russia has been pouring troops and mercenaries into eastern Ukraine in recent weeks in hopes of being able to claim new gains around the time of the first anniversary of its full-scale invasion later this month. The last few weeks have seen Russia boast its first gains for half a year. But the progress has still been incremental, with Moscow yet to capture a single major population centre in its winter campaign despite thousands of dead. Ukrainian servicemen fire a BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system towards Russian positions on a frontline near the town of Marinka, February 7, 2023 Ukrainian soldiers prepare to load Pion 203mm munitions into a truck after the completion of their firing mission, February 5, 2023 Fighting has focused for months around the Ukrainian-held Bakhmut in eastern Donetsk province, a city with a pre-war population of around 75,000. Russia has made clear progress towards encircling it from both the north and south, but Kyiv says its garrison is holding fast. Moscow has also launched an assault further south against Vuhledar, a Ukrainian-held bastion on high ground at the strategic intersection between the eastern and southern front lines. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said Republicans will ask for visitor logs from former Vice President Mike Pence's $1.9 million Indiana home after classified documents were discovered at his residence. 'We're going to ask for those for Pence, we're going to treat Pence exactly the same way that we're treating Joe Biden,' Comer said during an interview Tuesday with CNN's Kaitlan Collins. Collins had asked the Kentucky Republican if he planned to ask for visitor logs from former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, having said that he wanted those from Democratic President Joe Biden's Wilmington home. Classified documents were found at Pence, Biden and Trump's homes. 'There's an investigation of that, there's a special counsel looking into everything at Mar-a-Lago,' Comer answered. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said Tuesday on CNN that Republicans will ask for visitor logs from former Vice President Mike Pence's $1.9 million Indiana home after classified documents were discovered at his residence The FBI is expected to search former Vice President Mike Pence's Carmel, Indiana home in a 'matter of days,' NBC News reported Monday, as House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer said his panel would request visitor logs from the ex-veep Last month, lawyers for former Vice President Mike Pence disclosed that a handful of classified documents were found at his Indiana home. It was searched after documents were found at the homes of former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden Collins pointed out that a special counsel had been assigned by Attorney General Merrick Garland to oversee the Biden classified documents case as well. 'Well, pardon me for not having as much confidence in this special counsel, appointed by Merrick Garland, on Joe Biden,' Comer responded. Collins noted that the Trump special counsel was also selected by Garland, a Biden appointee. 'I'm against both special counsels,' Comer then said. 'The special counsels never materialize, they take forever, they operate behind closed doors, there's no transparency. I believe that our Oversight Committee or Congressional investigative committees can do much better work in a transparent setting and do it quicker than special counsels.' Comer also said that his committee was investigating Biden over 'influence peddling,' suggesting the classified documents discovered 'may have been part of the business model with the president's brother and the president's son' - though admitting to Collins there's no evidence of that. 'We have evidence that they've influence peddled,' he said. 'We don't have any evidence of the classified documents, but we're investigating that.' CNN's Kaitlan Collins (right) pressed House Oversight Chair James Comer (left) on why his committee was treating former President Donald Trump differently than President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence On Monday, Biden said he shouldn't be taking heat for mishandling classified documents. 'The answer is no, wait until you get the whole report,' he told a reporter during a quick Q&A session on the South Lawn. Earlier in the day, NBC News reported that the FBI would search Pence's Indiana home for more documents 'in a matter of days.' On Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported that there would be a search of the $1.9 million Carmel, Indiana home, with CNN additionally reporting that Pence's office would be fished through as well. Pence's team did not believe additional documents were in his archives, CNN reported. Last month, Pence's lawyers voluntarily disclosed that documents with classified markings were discovered at the ex-veep's home. The documents were found by one of Pence's lawyers, who had been tasked to look through his papers at the vice president's request, out of the abundance of caution after the Biden and Trump discoveries. They were located on January 16, with Pence's lawyer Greg Jacob writing a letter and informing the National Archives of the discovery on January 18. Jacob asked a top Archives official for help 'collecting and transferring to the custody of the National Archives an additional set of Vice Presidential records.' 'The additional records appear to be a small number of documents bearing classified markings that were inadvertently boxed and transported to the personal home of the former Vice President at the end of the last Administration,' Jacob said. 'Vice President Pence was unaware of the existence of sensitive or classified documents at his personal residence,' the lawyer added. FBI agents came to collect the documents on January 19 - but haven't sifted through Pence's papers on their own yet. Sources told CNN that the documents were of a lesser classification than the top-secret papers found at Biden's Delaware home and Washington, D.C. office and the more than 300 files found at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort. The network reported that the documents were background briefing materials for foreign trips. Pence gave Biden some political cover with the admission that he had also taken classified documents home. Now some of the narrative is whether there's an overclassification problem in Washington and if departing presidents and vice presidents need to follow better protocols when packing up. Last week, CBS News reported that Pence's aides didn't start packing up his office until after January 6, because Trump insisted it look like everyone was sticking around for a second term, as he contested the election results by spreading false voter fraud claims. For weeks, the Biden White House has been under fire for keeping the initial discovery of classified documents at the president's former D.C. think tank office quiet until after the midterm elections. After that, additional documents were found at his Wilmington residence. On Wednesday, the FBI searched the president's Rehoboth Beach, Delaware vacation home. No classified documents were found. New House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer said Tuesday that the National Archives was stopped from putting out a press release announcing the discovery of documents at the Biden think tank, with just days to go before the midterms. Republicans ended up having an underwhelming performance in the November elections, squeaking out a narrow majority in the House, with Democrats retaining control of the Senate. On Sean Hannity's Tuesday night program, Comer claimed that either the White House or Attorney General Merrick Garland interfered - with Democrats getting a political benefit. 'There are only two people that could have given those orders, and that's either the Department of Justice with Merrick Garland or the White House with Joe Biden,' the Kentucky Republican said. 'So, it shows right there that this Department of Justice and this White House is interfering with this.' Comer made the comments after his panel interviewed the National Archives' general counsel Gary Stern. Stern told Oversight Committee members that he couldn't tell them who gave the order not to release a statement. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has argued that the Biden White House did the right thing by immediately flagging the discovery of documents to the National Archives. However, the administration did not confirm the discovery to the American people, until after it was reported by CBS News. Republicans, including Pence, have decried the 'double standard' of Biden being able to hand over his documents, while Trump's Florida home and club were raided. In a January 10 radio interview with Hugh Hewitt, Pence called the Mar-a-Lago raid a 'massive overreach' and a 'massive overreaction.' 'But having now created that standard and now abandoned that standard when the current president of the United States is found to have had classified documents in his possession after leaving office, I think it just, I have no words right now. It's just incredibly frustrating to me,' Pence said. Pence has continued to defend Trump despite the two men having a falling out over Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. The former vice president is also widely expected to launch is own 2024 White House bid. Biden's allies have pointed out that Trump lied about still having documents in his possession while the National Archives was trying to get them back. Garland appointed two special counsels to oversee the investigation into Trump and Biden. Seckinger told jurors Murdaugh was a successful lawyer because he had the 'gift of the gab' - but she later saw he deployed this skill to mastermind massive fraud The chief financial officer of Alex Murdaugh's law firm said the disgraced legal scion was gifted in the 'art of bull****' and able to manipulate people. Jeanne Seckinger told jurors in his double-murder trial Tuesday she confronted Murdaugh, 54, over $792,000 in stolen fees on the day Maggie, 52, and Paul, 22, were killed. She said Murdaugh was attempting to 'hide assets' in Maggie's account to shield money from the lawsuit he was facing over a fatal boat crash in which Paul was driving under the influence. Seckinger, who has known Murdaugh since high school, said he was equipped with 'the gift of the gab' - making him a successful personal injury lawyer - but that he also deployed this skill to mastermind massive fraud against his firm. 'I think Alec was a successful lawyer more from his ability to establish a relationship and to manipulate people into settlements,' she told jurors. 'He did it through the art of bull**** basically.' Jeanne Seckinger told jurors she confronted Murdaugh, 54, on the day of Maggie and Paul's murders over $792,000 in stolen fees. She said Murdaugh was attempting to 'hide assets' in Maggie's account to shield money from the lawsuit he was facing over a fatal fatal boat crash in which Paul was driving under the influence Murdaugh chewed on gum and took notes as Seckinger delivered her withering testimony about how he stole from the firm Seckinger described how he would 'use the emotions of his case and the emotion of his clients' to secure higher settlements. 'Things were manipulated and set up and I believe he did that with his clients as well,' she told the court. Seckinger told the court: 'I don't think I ever really knew [Murdaugh]. I don't think anybody really did.' The CFO described how, in addition to the $792,000, she would go on to uncover more than $2.8million that Murdaugh stole from his firm - which ultimately led to him being fired, three months after Maggie and Paul were killed. It cost the law firm more than $5million to reimburse clients. 'I took it personally. It haunts me that I let this, or that this happened. It was a deep betrayal of trust,' Seckinger told the court. The CFO said that while Murdaugh claimed he struggled to remember things, she believed he was simply pretending to be 'chaotic' in order to hide how he was embezzling millions from Peters Murdaugh Parker Eltzroth and Detrick (PMPED). 'I think he actually had a photographic memory to keep all the balls in the air that we now see,' Seckinger said. In May, 2021, she said Murdaugh got 'sloppy' and she noticed that payments that were meant for PMPED were going to an account set up with Forge Consulting. Although Forge is a legitimate entity, Murdaugh was using the account fraudulently to siphon funds into his personal accounts. 'He was getting money in Maggie's name because of the boat case,' she told jurors. At the time of Paul's death, Murdaugh and his son were defendants in a civil case over the boat wreck in which 19-year-old Mallory Beach was killed. Paul had used Buster's ID to buy alcohol, and was driving his father's boat drunk in February, 2019. On June 7, 2021, the day of the killings, Seckinger said she confronted Murdaugh at the office in Hampton, South Carolina, over the $792,000 in missing fees. 'He was leaning on a file cabinet outside his office,' Seckinger told the court. 'He looked at me and said "what do you want now?" and gave me a very dirty look, not a look I had ever got from him before.' Seckinger said she told him they better step into his office and she proceeded to tell him how she had reason to believe he had received the funds owed to the law firm for the case. Alex Murdaugh pictured with his wife Maggie and their two sons Paul (left) and Buster At the time of Paul's death, Murdaugh was facing a lawsuit over allowing his son to drive his boat under the influence of alcohol when 19-year-old Mallory (left and right) was killed in February 2019. Murdaugh told cops Paul and Maggie had been killed in revenge for the accident The CFO explained that in their line of work all fees went directly to the legal firm - if not, 'that would be stealing.' Seckinger said that Murdaugh assured her that the money was there and that he could get it - he then went on to discuss his ailing father, the family patriarch Randolph III. Later that day, prosecutors allege Murdaugh killed his wife and son. As a result, Seckinger said the pursuit of the missing money was upended. 'He was erratic, we knew he was taking pills, we were worried about his sanity, so we weren't going to harass him about money when we knew that his family had been killed,' she told jurors. 'Nothing happened that week at work, everyone spent time with Alec trying to support him ... we were concerned about Alec,' Seckinger added. However, Seckinger said that as time went by she and the partners discussed what they were going to do about the missing funds on their books. In July, 2021, firm partner Lee Cope took over discussions about the missing $792,000 with the lawyer with whom Murdaugh had worked on the case. The case, known as the Faris case (Faris vs. Mack Trucks), had involved Murdaugh's longtime college friend and fellow attorney at another law firm Chris Wilson. Wilson told PMPED he had the $792,000 in a trust account. Seckinger said they were not satisfied by this because it was not the correct way for funds owed to the firm to dispersed. Randy Murdaugh, Alex's brother, is seen in court Tuesday. Seckinger said that after a meeting of the senior partners on September 3, 2021, Randy confronted Alex over the thefts to demand his resignation Evidence is brought to witness Jeanne Seckinger for financial crimes during Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse on Tuesday Then in September, 2021, a paralegal who went into Murdaugh's office looking for files found a check on his desk for $225,000 made out directly to Murdaugh personally for 'Faris fees.' Seckinger said the paralegal brought this to her and then she printed a ledger of all payments by the firm to the fake Forge account from 2015 to 2021. She said she 'felt sick' when she realized that all the checks were signed by Murdaugh. The total value of those stolen funds came out to more than $2.8million. Seckinger immediately informed the partners and a meeting was called at Cope's house on September 3. The partners agreed that the documents proved Murdaugh had been stealing from the firm. At that meeting, Seckinger testified, Randy Murdaugh, Alex's brother, 'hung his head and said, "He stole it, we've got to do something about this."' Murdaugh was summoned to a private meeting with Randy and another attorney, Danny Henderson, to demand his resignation. Murdaugh admitted the theft, and resigned on the spot, Seckinger testified. Seckinger testified that all of the money had to be paid back - some of which remains an ongoing process for the firm - 'because Alex stole it.' She testified that in some of the cases, the client had never seen the money. Switzerland is close to breaking a centuries old tradition as a neutral state after they are accused of sitting on the fence with the war on Ukraine and in turn siding with Russia. A pro-Ukraine shift in the public and political mood has put pressure on the Swiss government to end the ban on exports of Swiss weapons to war zones. Buyers of Swiss arms are legally prevented from re-exporting them, a restriction that some representing the country's large weapons industry say is now hurting trade. Third countries can in theory apply to Bern to re-export Swiss weapons they have in their stocks, but permission is almost always denied. This could prevent nations from providing weapons to Ukraine - which would be to Russia's advantage. A pro-Ukraine shift in the public and political mood has put pressure on the Swiss government to end the ban on exports of Swiss weapons to war zones as they are accused of sitting on the fence in the war on Ukraine and in turn siding with Russia Thierry Burkart, leader of the centre-right FDP party, has submitted a motion to the government to allow arms re-exports to countries with similar democratic values to Switzerland. He said: 'We shouldn't have the veto to stop others helping Ukraine. If we do that, we support Russia which is not a neutral position' Thierry Burkart, leader of the centre-right FDP party, has submitted a motion to the government to allow arms re-exports to countries with similar democratic values to Switzerland. Burkart said: 'We want to be neutral, but we are part of the western world. 'We shouldn't have the veto to stop others helping Ukraine. If we do that, we support Russia which is not a neutral position. 'Other countries want to support Ukraine and do something for the security and stability of Europe. They cannot understand why Switzerland has to say no.' Under Swiss neutrality, which dates back to 1815 and is enshrined by treaty in 1907, Switzerland will not send weapons directly or indirectly to combatants in a war. It operates a separate embargo on arms sales to Ukraine and Russia. Calls from Switzerland's European neighbours to allow such transfers to Kyiv have meanwhile grown louder as Russia's assault intensifies, and parliament's two security committees recommended that the rules be eased accordingly. Lawmakers are divided on the issue but a survey by pollsters Sotomo showed 55% of respondents favour allowing weapons re-exports to Ukraine. Co-director of pollsters GFS-Bern, Lukas Golder, said: 'If we had asked this question before the war the response would have probably been less than 25%. 'Talking about changing neutrality was a taboo in the past.' The government - under pressure from abroad after rejecting German and Danish requests for permission to re-export Swiss armoured vehicles and ammunition for anti-aircraft tanks - said it would not prejudge parliamentary discussions. A spokesman for the Department of Economic Affairs, which oversees arms-related trade issues said: Bern 'adheres to the existing legal framework and will deal with the proposals in due course,' Under Swiss neutrality, which dates back to 1815 and is enshrined by treaty in 1907, Switzerland will not send weapons directly or indirectly to combatants in a war. It operates a separate embargo on arms sales to Ukraine and Russia Burkart said he had received positive signals on a law change from other parties in the fragmented legislature. The left-leaning Social Democrats say they are in favour of changes, as are the Green Liberals, although the Greens remain opposed. Green MP Marionna Schlatter said allowing weapon deliveries to Ukraine risked a 'slippery slope' towards ending all restrictions, and was incompatible with Switzerland's neutrality. Meanwhile the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), the lower house's largest party and traditionally staunch defenders of neutrality, now appears divided. SVP lawmaker, David Zuberbueler, said: 'Allowing arms shipments to a country involved in an armed conflict is destroying the basis of peace and prosperity in our country.' SVP member Werner Salzmann, who sits in the upper parliamentary house, disagrees, raising concerns in the Aargauer Zeitung daily about collateral damage to a Swiss defence industry that also backs the campaign for a law change. The sector, which includes multinationals Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall, sold 800 million Swiss francs' ($876 million) worth of armaments abroad in 2021 according to government data, putting it in the global top 15 of exporter nations. Having a strong arms industry has gone hand in hand with the tradition of neutrality, but the balance of this duality may now be under threat, industry association SwissMem said. SwissMem director, Stefan Brupbacher, said: 'Some of our members have lost contracts or are no longer investing in Switzerland because of the current restrictions 'Our current situation weakens our security policy, hampers the credibility of our foreign policy and damages our companies,' he said. 'It's time to change.' Two United Airlines planes clipped wings on the tarmac at Newark Liberty International amid a spate of high-profile near misses at U.S. airports. The Boeing 757 bound for Orlando, Florida, was struck by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner before the pilot announced to passengers: 'Obviously, our wing has been clipped.' The Federal Aviation Authority is investigating the incident, which happened Friday morning. It came before a near-catastrophic incident in Austin on Saturday when a FedEx cargo flight came within less than 100ft of colliding with a Southwest Airlines passenger jet. Another terrifying near miss at JFK in January has also fueled concerns about an 'alarming' increase in such incidents at airports in the U.S. During the Newark incident, Flight 2135 to Orlando was parked at its gate when the larger plane, which had recently arrived from Johannesburg in South Africa, struck the wing. The tip of the Orlando-bound aircraft's wing was torn off by the collision at Newark Liberty International Airport Fire crews who responded to the incident were pictured carrying away the broken wing tip A Boeing 757 bound for Orlando, Florida, was struck by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Newark Liberty International Airport on Friday The Orlando-bound aircraft had just returned to the gate because of a maintenance issue, passenger Rebecca Blum said. She said she felt a 'jolt [then] looked outside and saw as clear as day the wing of a larger plane had clipped our wing. Definitely heard it. Felt it mildly I would say, but more the noise. I think we were thinking, what was that?' Passengers were able to disembark safely before another plane was arranged a couple of hours later, at around 11.40am. The FAA said: 'The United Flight 2135 was struck by a Boeing 787, a Dreamliner, that arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa earlier in the morning. The much larger plane was being relocated by a tug when it made contact with the smaller Boeing 757, parked at the gate.' Photos of the damage show the tip of the wing on one aircraft was torn off by the collision. Port Authority police and fire department crews were seen carrying away the broken piece of wing. Less than 24 hours later, on Saturday morning, a FedEx airplane came within less than 100 feet of a Southwest commercial flight with 128 people on board during a terrifying near miss in Austin. The journey from Newark to Orlando was delayed by several hours until a replacement aircraft was arranged The incident at Newark happened hours before a near miss in Austin. A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737, in yellow, had remained on the runway as a FedEx Boeing 767, in orange, had been cleared to land In another near miss at JFK on January 13, a Delta aircraft which was about to take off had to perform an emergency stop after an American Airlines plane crossed onto the runway Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, revealed on Monday that the planes narrowly avoided a disastrous collision. The Boeing 767 FedEx flight was approaching the runway with poor visibility while a Southwest Boeing 737 was cleared for takeoff. The FedEx flight was several miles from the airport when it was cleared to land, according to the FAA. But as it was about to touch down, an air traffic controller also gave the go-ahead for the Southwest Boeing 737 to take off on the exact same stretch of tarmac. The Southwest flight to Cancun, Mexico still continued its takeoff even while the FedEx cargo plane was directly above it. The Southwest jet was able to depart safely, according to the FAA. The incident follows a similar near miss at John F. Kennedy International in New York City on Friday, January 13, when a Delta flight was forced to perform an emergency stop during takeoff while an American Airlines plane crossed the same runway. The Delta plane stopped about 1,000 feet from where the American Airlines plane had crossed from an adjacent taxiway. The Attorney General's Office has received 'multiple requests' to appeal the 'unduly lenient' sentence prolific rapist David Carrick was handed down today. Sentencing judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said he had behaved as if he was 'untouchable' as she handed down 36 life sentences. The violent rapist, who had pleaded guilty to 49 offences over 17 years as a police officer, will serve at least 32 years in prison but campaigners are calling for a whole life sentence. The head of the Met, Sir Mark Rowley, said after sentencing that Carrick 'should not have been a police officer' and that policing had 'failed'. Carrick joins the likes of John Warboys and Reynhard Sinaga, Britain's most prolific rapist, after taking 'monstrous advantage' of his victims. Some of his victims had bravely attended Southwark Crown Court to watch Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb (pictured) sentencing the 48-year-old from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday Former Met Police officer David Carrick pictured in court as details of some of his horrific crimes emerged including how he used 'power and control' to carry out 'violent and brutal' sex attacks A spokeswoman for the Attorney General's Office said it has received 'multiple requests under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme' following the sentence of at least 32 years that was handed to David Carrick. In a statement, the spokeswoman said: 'The appalling and brutal nature of Carrick's crimes against multiple women have been horrific to hear and we note the life sentence with a minimum term of 32 years, less time served, handed down to him today. 'We can confirm we have received multiple requests relating to David Carrick's sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) Scheme, the case will of course be considered for referral to the Court of Appeal. 'The ULS allows prosecutors, victims of crime and their families, and members of the public to ask for certain crown court sentences to be reviewed by the law officers if they think the sentencing judge made a gross error or imposed a sentence outside the range of sentences reasonably available in circumstances of the offence. 'The law officers have 28 days from the date of sentencing to refer a case to the Court of Appeal.' After he was jailed, one of his victims told MailOnline she hopes the monster dies in jail, and that he even mouthed 'sorry' to her as he was taken down. Emma (not her real name) said she was 'delighted' at the minimum 30-year sentence the serial rapist had received and revealed that he mouthed 'sorry' at her across the court. She told MailOnline afterwards: 'I looked straight at him and thought for the first time that I've got the power now, not you, it was amazing listening to the judge delivering her sentence. 'In some ways I'd have liked to see him get a whole life term, but a minimum of 30 years is a good start I would be surprised if he ever gets out, to be honest, and I hope he dies behind bars.' Following his sentencing, the Home Secretary Suella Braverman branded his crimes a 'scar on our police'. Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: 'David Carrick's crimes were unspeakably evil. The detail is harrowing. 'He subjected these victims and survivors to the most degrading and inhumane treatment and yet they still showed the courage to come forward and to provide the evidence that led to his conviction.' The Metropolitan Police have been 'too weak' in rooting out rogue officers, Sir Mark Rowley added. He said: 'Most of our people are great people but we have been too weak in getting rid of the ones who aren't. 'I know my words today aren't enough.' Speaking after his sentencing, DCI Iain Moor of Bedfordshire, Cambridge and Hertfordshire major crime unit, said that he was 'extremely relieved' that a 'serious and prolific sex offender is now going to be behind bars for a very long time'. He added: 'David Carrick has brought shame on the profession and was not fit to wear the uniform.' The 48-year-old pleaded guilty to 49 charges, but some were multiple-incident counts, meaning they relate to at least 85 separate offences, including at least 71 sexual offences and 48 rapes. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the force had been 'too weak' in rooting out sexual offenders 'He should not have been a police officer': Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley's statement in full David Carrick has been sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to serve a minimum of 30 years behind bars. He pleaded guilty to 49 offences against 12 women including 24 counts of rape and further counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, sexual assault and false imprisonment. He was sacked from the Metropolitan Police Service last month. Carrick was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 7 February following a two day hearing. Following his sentencing, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: 'David Carrick's crimes were unspeakably evil. The detail is harrowing. 'He subjected these victims and survivors to the most degrading and inhumane treatment and yet they still showed the courage to come forward and to provide the evidence that led to his conviction. 'He exploited his position as a police officer in the most disgusting way. He should not have been a police officer. We weren't rigorous enough in our approach and as a result we missed opportunities to identify the warning signs over decades. I want to again reiterate my apology on behalf of the Met. We are truly sorry. 'I recognise that as a result of this case and other prominent recent cases, there are women whose trust in the police is profoundly shaken. 'I and tens of thousands of officers and staff in the Met are horrified by this man's crimes and recognise this will shake Londoners trust too. 'We have let down women across London but we are more determined than ever to put it right. 'I have been clear, we will rid the Met of those who corrupt our integrity by bringing the same intensive investigative approach to identifying wrongdoing in our own ranks as we do to identifying criminals in the community. Some other police services are starting to confront similar issues. 'Addressing systemic failures will take time, but we will be determined and relentless in rooting out the corrupt. Lifting the stone and confronting what we find beneath, will result in more difficult cases coming to light. We need the support of Londoners to get through it. 'This is not the time for me to lay out in detail the actions we are taking to root out those who corrupt our integrity. Today is about the victims' fight for justice. 'On 31st March, we will be sharing the progress we have made on rooting out those who corrupt our integrity. We will earn back the trust and confidence of women and give Londoners the police service they deserve.' Advertisement He will serve at least 30 years and 239 days from his sentencing date after Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb compared his case to those of sex monsters Joseph McCann and Reynhard Sinaga Britain's most prolific rapist. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said Carrick's case was of the 'utmost gravity' but did not meet the 'wholly exceptional circumstances' test to merit a whole life sentence. But she disagreed with defence barrister Alisdair Williamson KC, who said his client's offending did not reach the 'extreme limits' found in the cases of McCann and Sinaga. She told Carrick that he 'behaved as if you were untouchable', adding it was a 'spectacular downfall for a man charged with upholding the law' having lost his liberty, job and status. 'Your offending was over 17 years and encompassed 12 victims,' she told Carrick. 'Moreover, the singular element which elevates your offending as a brutal serial rapist into that company is the principal aggravating feature of the explicit or implicit use of your occupation to entice, reassure, or intimidate your victims.' Carrick was also slammed by the judge for taking 'monstrous advantage of his victims' while serving as a Metropolitan Police officer for more than 20 years. At least five of Carrick's victims bravely attended Southwark Crown Court to watch as their attacker was jailed for a minimum of 30 years and 239 days in prison before being considered for parole. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb highlighted their courage and told the defendant: 'These women are not weak or ineffectual. They were victims of your criminal mindset. 'The malign influence of men like you in positions of power stands in the way of a revolution of women's dignity. 'It is remarkable that with one woman being driven to report an allegation against you, despite your position and power, others felt able to act. 'Even today, courage calls to courage everywhere and its voice cannot be denied.' Yesterday, victim impact statements were read out in court, including one woman who said she had 'encountered evil' on the night she was repeatedly raped by Carrick, after pointing a black handgun at her head and putting his hands around her throat. The serial rapist had boasted to the victim that 'I am the safest person you can be around, I'm a police officer' in order to get her back to his London flat. Another said she was convinced because of his position as a diplomatic and parliamentary protection officer she would be not be believed if she reported him, saying she had had it drilled into her 'he was the police, he was the law and he owned me'. Upsetting photographs showing the cupboard under the stairs where he locked one woman naked as a form of punishment, a black whip he used and surveillance cameras to spy on victims were released. The disgraced former firearms officer wore a dark suit, white shirt and tie as he appeared in the dock in front of a packed courtroom at a hearing that was televised. He was silent and impassive as his sentence was handed down. The 49 charges admitted by Carrick include 24 counts of rape, nine counts of sexual assault, five counts of assault by penetration, three counts of coercive and controlling behaviour, three counts of false imprisonment, two counts of attempted rape, one count of attempted sexual assault by penetration, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and one count of indecent assault. The judge revealed that the offender had attempted to take his own life while in prison and that prison authorities believed he was suffering from a severe depression. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb told him: 'You were driven to try to commit suicide as a self-pitying reaction to the shame brought on you by these proceedings rather than remorse.' The court heard how Carrick had alleged to a probation officer he had suffered 'childhood trauma', including growing up with parents 'who drank to excess' and being abused by his stepfather. The former Met Police officer, pictured here in uniform and holding a gun, abused a dozen women over the course of nearly 20 years Images were released for the first time showing a tiny cupboard that Carrick locked one of the woman in as a form of punishment, as well as a whip he used on the victim Images were released for the first time showing a tiny cupboard that Carrick locked one of the woman in as a form of punishment, as well as a whip he used on the victim Carrick set up surveillance cameras which he used to monitor some of his victims at his home On Monday, the court heard harrowing accounts of abuse, sexual assault, rape, false imprisonment and coercive control. Carrick used cameras he installed at home to monitor women while he was at work. He made another woman choke on her vomit, assaulted one with a sex toy and urinated on one of his victims. The armed officer tortured and abused women for 17 years despite coming to police attention nine times before his arrest and developing the nickname 'B*****d Dave' at work. He called women 'fat and lazy' and treated them as his 'sex slaves' as well as controlling them financially. Victims were isolated from their family and forbidden from speaking with other men. He also used his police baton as a threat and handcuffs in an attack. Carrick's crimes were all carried out while serving with the force - he guarded sites including embassies and the Houses of Parliament, and completed training courses, including one on domestic abuse in 2005. He was eventually arrested in July 2021 but was released and not suspended from police duties before being apprehended again later that month. The Met was forced to apologise and admit Carrick should have been rooted out earlier after it emerged he came to police attention over nine incidents - including allegations of rape, domestic violence and harassment - between 2000 and 2021, with all but one of the incidents relating to his behaviour towards women. Carrick faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings and police chiefs across England and Wales have since been asked to have all officers checked against national police databases by the end of March. He was finally sacked from the force last month after pleading guilty and being unmasked as one of the country's most prolific sex offenders. Carrick's crimes are set to form part of the independent inquiry looking at the murder of Sarah Everard, who was raped and strangled by then-serving Met officer Wayne Couzens in March 2021. This is the moment serial rapist David Carrick was arrested by police on suspicion of raping a woman at a hotel, sparking a major investigation which unmasked him as one of Britain's worst sex offenders Reynhard Sinaga is Britain's most prolific rapist and was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 30 years in 2020 Carrick now joins the ranks of Britain's worst sex offenders and will now spend at least 30 years and 239 days in prison. The judgecompared his case to the actions of Joseph McCann and Reynhard Sinaga, some of the most prolific sex offenders in the country. Joseph McCann, 37, was given 33 life sentences at the Old Bailey in 2019 for a string of sex attacks on 11 women and children one aged 11 during a 15-day cocaine and vodka-fuelled rampage. Reynhard Sinaga, 39, was handed a life sentence with a minimum 30-year term at Manchester Crown Court in 2020 after being convicted of more than 150 offences, including 136 counts of rape, committed against 48 men although police have linked him to more than 190 potential victims. Earlier this year, the Attorney General's Office referred the 30-year minimum jail terms handed to McCann and Sinaga to the Court of Appeal as 'unduly lenient'. A panel of five judges refused to impose whole life sentences on the two men but increased their minimum sentences to 40 years. Joseph McCann is serving at least 40 years behind bars for a string of sex attacks on 11 women and children one aged 11 during a 15-day cocaine and vodka-fuelled rampage Police believe black cab rapist John Worboys committed sex offences against more than 100 women before he was caught Other notorious sex offenders include black cab rapist John Worboys, Night Stalker Delroy Grant, and paedophile Richard Huckle. Worboys, 65, was jailed for life with a minimum term of six years at the Old Bailey in December 2019 after he admitted spiking the drinks of four women. He was already behind bars at the time, having been locked up indefinitely for public protection with a minimum term of eight years in 2009, after he was found guilty of 19 sex offences against 12 women between 2006 and 2008. But police believe the former male stripper committed offences against more than 100 women before he was caught. Grant, 66, was warned he may die in prison when he was sentenced in 2011 after being told he must spend at least 27 years behind bars for burgling and raping vulnerable pensioners in a 17-year reign of terror. The former minicab driver was found guilty of preying on 18 elderly women and men. And Huckle, one of Britain's worst paedophiles, was handed 22 life sentences with a minimum term of 25 years in 2016, after he abused up to 200 Malaysian children, some as young as six months, before he was murdered in prison in 2019. The private diving expert leading the river search for missing mother-of-two Nicola Bulley revealed he has asked her partner if she had any enemies or stalkers - as police maintain their belief she fell in the water. Ms Bulley, 45, vanished while walking her dog near the River Wyre in Lancashire on January 27 and a desperate search is ongoing to find her - which detectives now say extends to the sea. Forensic expert Peter Faulding, founder of Specialist Group International, and his team joined police in the search yesterday, and are back at the scene today with sonar equipment he believes will determine if Ms Bulley is in the water or not. Mr Faulding said he has spoken with Ms Bulley's 'distraught' partner Paul Ansell to keep him updated on the search. He said: 'I spoke to Paul last night and asked him if she had any enemies, any stalkers, the normal questions you would ask. And nothing, he said no. And she was totally normal that day when she left, nothing out the ordinary.' His comments came before police insisted in a press briefing this afternoon: 'Throughout this investigation...we remain fully open to any information that is credible and factual to try and trace Nicola and bring answers for her family but it does remain our belief that Nicola sadly fell into the river and that this is a missing persons inquiry.' Peter Faulting Head of Specialist Group International at the scene of the search this afternoon The 'baffled' diving expert leading the search for missing Nicola Bulley fears her mobile phone discovered on the bend next to the river was left as a 'decoy.' Ms Bulley is pictured here with her partner Paul Ansell Lancashire Police Superintendent Sally Riley added: 'Any information that comes in that indicates otherwise is being checked out all the time and negated as each inquiry comes up. We're not closed in any way to any particular line of inquiry and we remain genuinely open to that. 'All these extensive inquiries however have so far not found anything of note.' Mr Faulding earlier told MailOnline 'there is a possibility that she has been abducted, but there is no information on that'. But Supt Riley told the press briefing this afternoon: 'Every single potential third party line of enquiry, suspicious or criminal activity has been looked at and discounted'. She added: 'I do believe that we will find Nicola but nature is a powerful force that changes our parameters constantly'. 'As I said on Friday, the river is a complex area to search, it's not a still water, it's a fast-flowing moving water that is tidal in parts, and as acknowledged by some of the many national search advisers and experts... this makes it particularly complex,' she said. 'We have already discounted particular areas of the river but as they are tidal we have re-searched them to ensure that nothing has been washed back into those searched areas.' Ms Riley revealed there have been around 500 active pieces of information and lines of enquiry that are being worked on. She said there is a team of 40 detectives working daily to comb through information. She also told how police have identified around 700 vehicles that drove through the village the morning Ms Bulley disappeared, at around 9.10am-9.15am, and are in the process of speaking to them to see if they have any dashcam or information that could help the investigation. Police Superintendent Sally Riley delivering a press conference on Tuesday February 7 A member of the North West Police Underwater Search and Marine Unit, during the search of the River Wyre The search for Nicola Bulley, who was last seen on the morning of Friday January 27 A team of around 40 detectives are working daily to comb through the information Asked about amateur investigators breaking into properties near where Ms Bulley was last seen, Superintendent Riley said: 'There are some properties along the riverside which are empty or derelict and whilst it may be well-intentioned that people think that that could be a line of inquiry, I would ask them to desist from doing that. 'In some cases it may be criminal if they are breaking in, causing damage or committing a burglary. 'We have gone into derelict property - including ones on the riverside, (and) any under renovation that were empty - with the permission of those owners and their knowledge,' Supt Riley continued. 'We have now searched houses matching that sort of profile on the riverbank, including their grounds. 'Because there is no criminal evidence yet identified and we don't expect there to be in this inquiry, then we are not starting to go into houses because that is not where the inquiry is leading us.' Asked about Mr Faulding's comments on how he did not believe Ms Bulley was in the water, Supt Riley said: 'Our search has not found Nicola in the river and then a re-search in parts by SGI has found the same. That does not mean... that Nicola has not been in the river. 'In the light of other inquiries being discounted from the investigation so far... clearly our main belief is that Nicola did fall into the river. 'Clearly Mr Faulding isn't included within all the investigation detail any more than the members of the public are that I'm briefing through these sorts of press conferences.' Police said their primary theory is that she fell into the river, despite not having found any evidence of this. But Mr Faulding said his 'gut instinct' tells him that Ms Bulley is not in the water. 'I personally think if I rule this stretch of river out today where we're working I don't think she's here, I think there's probably a third party involved,' Mr Faulding told Good Morning Britain on Tuesday. Police search teams at the River Wyre in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire Divers in the river today as the search continues - Ms Bulley went missing while walking her dog near the river Police said their primary theory is that she fell into the river, despite not having found any evidence of this Mr Faulding also earlier told LBC: 'It was a totally normal day, she didn't take much with her, and she's just disappeared like she's been taken by aliens. 'There are detectives working all hours trying to piece the missing parts of the jigsaw puzzle that no one - nobody - knows where Nicola is. 'The river has got to be searched, police can't ignore the river, but in the background there's lots of other good work going on. This is just one part of a huge police operation.' Mr Faulding said he has never seen a case so unusual in his 20 years of working in the field. 'We just don't know, we're looking for an invisible person at the moment and we've got no idea.' But during the second day of their search, despite his team finding no evidence of Nicola in the river, Mr Faulding, 60, said it was possible she had just 'fallen in'. Speaking about his phone call with Mr Ansell, he said: 'We were just discussing and updating him about how the search was going and what we are looking for - was there any strange behaviour that day? 'He said there wasn't. He said Nicola went out in a normal frame of mind. 'So there was nothing untoward that day at all, which leads to the theory, possibly, she is just in the river, just fallen in.' He added: 'We will be searching again tomorrow as well. We won't be finished today. 'After tomorrow, we can rule out the parts of the river that we have searched, and we confirm that she is not there.' He said they had so far covered less than a kilometre as his team took their time to ensure there was no evidence of Nicola in the water. He said: 'We're not trying to achieve a distance, we're just trying to do a thorough search.' Workers from a private underwater search and recovery company, Specialist Group International, including CEO Peter Faulding (top) on February 7 Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mr Faulding said this morning: 'Normally when we deal with a drowning victim, they are where they go down. 'I would expect to find Nicola in the water right in front of the bench where she went down. She would not have moved, maybe two or three feet.' He added: 'This is so strange. In my 20-odd years of doing this, I have worked on hundreds of cases, I have never seen anything so unusual.' The expert also told TalkTV: 'I personally don't think she's in the river, that's just my gut instinct at this point.' The diving expert fears Ms Bulley's mobile phone discovered on the bench next to the river was left as a 'decoy'. Forensic expert Mr Faulding says the case has left him 'truly baffled' and says if she had drowned her body would have been found by now. The specialist search continues today, Tuesday, as the expert leading it says he has never seen a case so 'unusual' 'I personally think if I rule this stretch of river out today where we're working I don't think she's here,' Peter Faulding told Good Morning Britain on Tuesday Fitbit data could be 'key,' former detective says Former undercover detective for the Met Police Peter Bleksley spoke on This Morning about why he believes Fitbit data is key in the disappearance case. 'Fitbits are a device largely worn on your wrist which will track physical activity, heart rate and particular steps whether you're walking, running or swimming - as some of the more expensive ones are waterproof to a depth of 50m,' he explained. 'Let me just hypothesise for a moment please, as opposed to speculate. Say for example I was sitting here wearing a Fitbit for the minutes this conversation was going ahead. That Fitbit would show that I was static, that I wasn't moving. If I then after some minutes being still get up and take just a few steps to walk off set, before becoming static again, those few steps would be synced to a phone or iPad. 'So if the police have looked at the Fitbit, which they say they have, and they have Fitbit data which might support their theory Nicola has gone into the water, I really don't think it's unreasonable to make that public.' Advertisement He argued that police police have 'nothing to go on' and suggested that a third-party, who may have left her phone behind as a decoy, is involved. This comes after he noted that had she fallen in the water, her dog - which was found at the scene - would have caused a disturbance. Ms Bulley's friend Jill Peck today said they are taking things 'one step at a time, one day at a time, and trying not to speculate on what has happened.' Speaking to Lorraine, she said: 'Nikki is one of the school mums, one of us, very kind and giving, very loving, and her children - her girls - are her world. 'She thinks a lot about family and spent a lot of time trying to make memories with family. 'She is just a lovely person, it's absolutely devastating. 'It's a living nightmare for them (her girls), they need their mum, every day it seems to be getting harder and harder. For Paul to try keep things going, it's very difficult.' She added: 'We want facts, we want dashcam footage, we really do appeal for the smallest amount of factual information that could help us so please come forward with what you have. We are trying to stay positive and we're a team.' Mr Faulding and his team of expert divers are back on site today after scouring 'three or four miles' of river until darkness fell last night. He revealed that today the team will 'focus our search upstream in the non tidal section above the weir, and about one mile upstream including past the bench where Nicola's phone was found.' The group, which is based in Dorking, Surrey, and has been volunteering its services free of charge, has been using specialist sonar equipment to look for Ms Bulley in the River Wyre. After spending Monday searching 'three or four miles' of the river until it grew dark alongside Lancashire Police, Mr Faulding told the PA news agency: 'It's a negative search, no signs of Nicola'. He added that his team will look through another stretch of river today 'towards where Nicola went originally missing'. Nicola Bulley, 45, was last seen over a week ago walking next to the River Wyre in St Michael's on Wyre in Lancashire The bench where Ms Bulley's mobile phone and dog were found next to the River Wyre The search continues for Ms Bulley, who went missing while walking her dog next to the river Missing person signs have been put up in the local area appealing for information Mr Faulding and his team of expert divers will be back on site from 8am today after scouring 'three or four miles' of river until darkness fell last night CCTV collect released by Lancashire police of Nicola Bulley who went missing at St Michael's on Wyre on January 27 Ms Bulley is seen on security footage at her home wearing a long dark coat, leggings and ankle boots with her hair tied in a ponytail Pictures showing Ms Bulley just hours before she vanished have been released by a friend in a bid to find her Nicola Bulley's partner Paul Ansell is said to be 'distraught' as she remains missing Mr Faulding said earlier this week that not enough factors added up, in his opinion, to believe that Ms Bulley fell into the water. 'We dealt with a drowning a couple of years ago where a gentleman went into a river and Ripley, his dog, was screaming by the riverbank when we got there,' he told GB News earlier this week. 'When we arrived it was howling, and literally pointing exactly where he was. He stayed with his owner. 'The phone on the bench, I mean, you have to ask, normally someone would have a phone in their hand especially if they were walking around.' He also said it 'feels odd' that no-one spoke of the fact that Ms Bulley was not wearing clothes that would have absorbed water quickly, there were no marks at the scene and that not one person heard screams. Additionally, he criticised the fact that the location has not remained cordoned off. He said: 'People have been walking past the bench. There's no police tape up. 'This would normally be sealed off as a crime scene so potentially crime scene investigators can go in and see if there are any microfibres, evidence, slip marks down the bank etc and I don't believe that has actually happened here.' The underwater search for Ms Bulley is continuing for its 11th day today following a fresh appeal by her partner, who said her two daughters 'desperately' miss her and 'need her back'. In a statement released yesterday through Lancashire Police, her partner Paul Ansell said: 'I have two little girls who miss their mummy desperately and who need her back. 'If anyone has any information which could help find Nicola, I urge them to get in touch with the police and help us provide the answers we all so badly need.' Mr Ansell added: 'We are also really grateful to Peter and his team from SGI for coming up and helping support the work of Lancashire Police as they continue their investigation.' Investigators have searched the river and riverbank all the way to the sea, using search teams, sonar, search dogs, drone, helicopter and CCTV. Nicola, 45, disappeared shortly after dropping her two daughters off at school on January 27 The 45-year-old mother was last seen walking her dog next to the River Wyre in St Michael's on Wyre in Lancashire Peter Faulding, a world-renowned forensics expert who is a diver for the police and has worked on hundreds of cases across the south east, confirmed his specialist rescue and underwater team has been called in to help with the search. The team is pictured at the scene yesterday Martyn Underhill, a former Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, slammed the police investigation. He told GBNews: 'There are two golden rules in any case like this, one is to respect the golden hour. 'The first 24 hours are absolutely crucial to a case like this, and the second is to keep an open mind and to hear the police say that this is a tragic accident on what we've got in the public domain at the moment I cannot understand that statement. 'And at a stroke of a pen by saying that, they are reducing the publicity, they are clearly upsetting the family who are now speaking out against them and they are putting all their eggs in one basket, which professionally I find very odd.' Yesterday, Lancashire Police released two new images of Ms Bulley on the day she went missing, when she dropped her two daughters, aged six and nine, off at school and then went on her usual dog walk alongside the river. Her phone, still connected to a Teams call for her job as a mortgage adviser, was found on a bench on a steep riverbank overlooking the water, along with the dog lead, with the dog harness on the ground. 'Our working hypothesis remains that Nicola sadly fell into the river for some reason, but we remain open minded, and we are continuing to carry out a huge number of inquiries,' police said. The force is confident, after reviewing CCTV, that Ms Bulley did not leave the field near the river via Rowanwater either through the site itself or the piece of land at the side and she did not return from the fields along Allotment Lane or via the path at the rear of the Grapes pub onto Garstang Road. 'We have also spoken to numerous witnesses, analysed Nicola's mobile phone and Fitbit and searched the derelict house on the other side of the river as well as any empty caravans in the vicinity,' police added. 'We have received a huge amount of information into the enquiry, all of which is being looked at, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has assisted our investigation so far.' Officers are now focusing on the river path leading from the fields back to Garstang Road, and urged drivers and cyclists who travelled that way on January 27, as well as anyone with CCTV or Ring Doorbell footage, to contact them. Police are said to be trying to trace data from Nicola Bulley's Fitbit (pictured on her right arm) Meanwhile, a huge presence of emergency services were spotted combing an area around Shard Bridge last night - around seven miles from where the mother was last seen Read more: How dog behaviour can disclose hidden clues to mysteries Dogs are believed to be able to find the last location of their owners through their sense of smell. Experts advise those searching should go back to where the dog was last spotted because it will backtrack to its owner and their scent. A dog's sense of smell is 10,000 times more powerful than a human and can pick up locational scent. If its home is far away and the dog can't find its owner, it will get worried and try to return home to somewhere familiar. In certain cases, some dogs will return home alone or attempt to follow their missing owner, according to Colin Tennant, director of the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training, who wrote in The Sunday Times. Dogs cannot, however, process what is happening if a human falls into water. In this case, the dog might run along the bank looking for eye-contact or stop on the bank as the last place of detection. Advertisement Mr Faulding, who previously described the Lancashire force's operation to find Ms Bulley as a 'mess', praised the efforts of police divers thus far. He was also part of a team that surveyed the area by helicopter yesterday to survey the landscape. The forensic expert continued: 'We are putting the maximum into this. We just want to help the family. The more hands on deck, the better. 'There is a missing part of a jigsaw that cannot be completed. It is all a bit odd.' It comes after a huge presence of emergency services were spotted combing an area near Shard Bridge last night - around seven miles from where the mother was last seen. A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said yesterday: 'We were called at 5.51pm today to Shard Road, Hambleton, in relation to the search for Nicola Bulley who is missing from St Michael's on Wyre. 'The search of the sand and surrounding area near to Shard Bridge by Lancashire Police and the Coastguard proved negative.' Dive teams worked into the evening yesterday to try and locate the missing woman, but family and friends remain unconvinced that she was ever in the water. Emma White, a friend of the missing mother, said yesterday that she hopes the specialist underwater teams will uncover nothing because then it rules out the police's theory that she fell into the river. Ms White said they were pleased Mr Faulding's team are assisting police but are keeping everything crossed that they don't find anything. Search team members unload equipment on February 6 in St Michael's on Wyre A helicopter is seen in the search for the missing mother of two yesterday afternoon CGI Search teams arrive at the River Wyre yesterday morning in the search for the missing mother An independent underwater rescue team, Specialist Group International, joined police in the search yesterday Emma White said: 'We just have to have everything crossed that the search continues and Nicola is not in that river' She told ITV's Good Morning Britain on Monday: 'We hope they uncover nothing, like the police have done for the last ten days, and we hope Nicola is not in that river.' Ms White said she believes Mr Faulding's equipment is more sophisticated than the kit police have. 'Peter's here, working with Lancashire Police, and we just have to have everything crossed that the search continues and Nicola is not in that river,' she said. 'We don't want to undermine all the work police have done but when you get that glimmer of hope and you look at what the company does, his records and what he has achieved then you think we need to get this expert here and we can't thank you enough for bringing the team down.' Ms White, who has known Ms Bulley for ten years, said the police theory that she fell into the Wyre 'is based on a theory, with no actual evidence to support it'. She told Radio 4's Today programme: 'The hypothesis is based on limited information I've said before it's a theory, and we sadly can't base life on a theory.' She thanked the public for their support and kindness shown towards Ms Bulley's family, and said at the core of their rescue campaign are 'two little girls who want their mummy'. Meanwhile, a friend of Ms Bulley shared 11 key details about her disappearance in a Facebook post following the 45-year-old's disappearance. In the list, Tilly Ann wrote that the only CCTV camera at a residential caravan park 'that would have seen Nikki' is not working. She also said Ms Bulley is 'an incredibly strong swimmer', and that her dog Willow who she was walking at the time was completely dry when found. She wrote that the dog would never have a harness on during the familiar walk, after speculation about why Willow's harness was removed. When the dog was found, it was very close to the bench with the harness on the floor. She added that her friend would often put her phone on loud-speaker when talking. Ms Bulley's phone was discovered close to the river bank and she had been on a conference call before she vanished. Peter Faulding, chief executive of private underwater search and recovery company Specialist Group International (SGI), is pictured at the scene yesterday A police officer near the search location on Monday as specialist river divers joined the police Specialist teams will use a high-spec sonar 'which can see every stick and stone lying on the riverbed' yesterday The 11 key details written by Nicola Bulley's friend: Paul and Nikki both mostly work from home which is why he was at home that day. They have CCTV and there is a reason why Paul has never been a suspect. Family and friends need these accusations to stop immediately. The fact that I've had to write this is disgusting to be honest They both do this walk regularly and Paul is very well known in the community and very well recognised The dog never has her harness on for a chunk of that walk, it's removed at the gate of the top field and then put back on at the gate when they leave They very rarely take the ball out for walks with willow now because she is very very protective over the ball and haven't done for a while Nikki quite often would put her phone on loud speaker when talking The dog was found very close to the bench and the harness. The harness was found on the floor not on the bench Nikki is an incredibly strong swimmer Nikki drove to the school and then left her car there and walked to the river The dog was dry when found The dog has since been back There's CCTV at the back of the caravan park. The only camera that isn't working is the one that would have seen everything Advertisement The family friend thanked those who had shared their support and contributed to the search for Nicola - saying it had 'created such a comfort to Nikki's family'. Detailing the impact on Paul, she wrote that he is struggling to hold back his pain, but is focusing on his children and does not want to worry them 'more than they already are'. After detectives confirmed Ms Bulley's dog was found dry, a canine expert said the dog could have panicked and gone into 'fight or flight' mode. Another expert explained that dogs, who cannot find their owner, will often circle the area they were last present. Writing in The Times, Colin Tennant, director of the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training, said: 'A dog can help you find the last location of its owner through its sense of smell. 'If people lose their dog, the advice I always give to them is to stay in the exact position you were when you last saw the dog, because it will always backtrack to you. 'So if somebody fell in a river, the dog would always tend to circulate in that area, because that's where all the owner's scents are, on the ground and vegetation.' He added: 'It will often migrate back to the last spot where it was with the owner because they're its pack leader.' The expert added that usually if the dog can't find its owner, and the home is nearby, it will often run back home. Addressing speculation that the fact Ms Bulley's dog was found dry meant that the mother did not fall into the river, dog behaviour expert Ross McCarthy says that is not necessarily the case. He told the Express: 'It all depends on the dog's association with water, and their relationship with the owner and so on, as to whether they would jump in. 'Some would through play or investigation and others would just mooch about on the side and some would panic at the strange situation.' He said that, just like humans, dogs go into fight or flight mode. 'Presumably this dog has been walked along the canal and water often and been discouraged from going in or naturally just avoided going in,' he added. Workers from a private underwater search and recovery company, Specialist Group International, are pictured at the scene yesterday Ms Bulley was walking her spaniel Willow, pictured, at the time she went missing Search team members load sonar equipment aboard a boat on February 6 Lancashire Police officers work near the River Wyre in St Michael's on Wyre, near Preston, north west England on February 6 Specialist Group International joins police in looking for missing woman Nicola Bulley. They are pictured at the scene yesterday Police inspecting the river bank before searches began yesterday morning On Saturday, police released an image of a potential witness, wearing a yellow rain jacket and pushing a pram, who was in the area at the time of Ms Bulley's disappearance. That evening they said they were 'pleased to say that the woman came forward very quickly' and were treating her as a 'key witness' in the investigation READ MORE: Forensic expert claims missing Nicola Bulley did not fall into river Advertisement On Saturday, police released an image of a potential witness, wearing a yellow rain jacket and pushing a pram, who was in the area at the time of Ms Bulley's disappearance. That evening they said they were 'pleased to say that the woman came forward very quickly' and were treating her as a 'key witness' in the investigation. Officers believe she was in the same area as Ms Bulley on Friday January 27. Within minutes of the appeal being made public, a relative confirmed the woman was 'on the phone' to police. The Facebook post by Lancashire Police added: 'Our enquiries to find Nicola are extensive and will include speaking to as many members of the public as possible.' Photos of police scouring the River Wyre have been released as they continue to search. A line of inquiry relates to a Fitbit Ms Bulley was wearing on the morning she vanished. Police hope to use technology to help track her whereabouts via the smart watch. Nicola Bulley's sister (pictured together) warned there is 'no evidence whatsoever' that suggests the missing mother fell in the river, despite police confirming it is their lead theory Paul Ansell, 44, said his partner's disappearance feels 'no more real now' than it did when he first learned she was missing Mr Ansell also reiterated warnings from that friends and family that police have very little basis for their theory that Ms Bulley fell in the river The police have said they 'want to find her and provide answers to her family' Fitbits are also capable of monitoring a heart rate and could provide vital clues relating to Ms Bulley's last known movements before she disappeared. Police are still trying to piece together about ten minutes from the morning Ms Bulley disappeared. Lancashire Police Superintendent Sally Riley told The Sunday Times: 'This is a low-crime area. It's genuinely a safe, tight-knit area, people look out for each other. A third-party [being] involved that we haven't yet had sightings of, we haven't caught on CCTV or dash-cam or all the other things I've mentioned, is just not likely.' This does not mean they've entirely ruled out other scenarios. Police are particularly interested in speaking with people who may have been travelling near Blackpool Lane and Garstang Road between 9am and 10am on Friday 27 January, the day Ms Bulley vanished. 'Whilst you may not think that you hold any relevant information, it is really important that we gather as much footage as possible from the area that morning so we can review every piece meticulously to establish whether Nicola can be seen,' police said. 'We know from the footage we are currently reviewing, that this is a busy road, particularly at that time in the morning. 'There will be many people who were in that area at the time who may not think they can help, however we would urge you not to make that decision yourself and to come forward so we can have as much material as possible to assist the investigation.' This is the moment serial rapist David Carrick was arrested by police on suspicion of raping a woman at a hotel, sparking a major investigation which unmasked him as one of Britain's worst sex offenders. The footage, released by police, shows Carrick arguing with officers and demanding to know what they are searching for as they arrested him at his home in Stevenage, Hertfordshire in October 2021. Today the 48-year-old former Metropolitan Police officer was jailed for a minimum term of 30 years for carrying out a string of 'violent and brutal' sex attacks on at least a dozen women. Carrick said 'not again' when he was arrested on October 2, 2021, after a woman came forward to police alleging she had been raped in a Holiday Inn hotel in St Albans on September 5, 2020. That charge was dropped against the disgraced police officer, but it was claimed he had met the woman on the Tinder dating app and showed her his Scotland Yard warrant card. This is the moment serial rapist David Carrick was arrested by police on suspicion of raping a woman at a hotel, sparking a major investigation which unmasked him as one of Britain's worst sex offenders Today Carrick was slammed by a judge for taking 'monstrous advantage of his victims' while serving as a Metropolitan Police officer for more than 20 years. At least five of Carrick's victims bravely attended Southwark Crown Court to watch as their attacker was jailed for a minimum of 30 years and 239 days in prison before being considered for parole. The disgraced former firearms officer wore a dark suit, white shirt and tie as he appeared in the dock in front of a packed courtroom at a hearing that was televised. He was silent and impassive as his sentence was handed down. During sentencing, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said Carrick had taken 'monstrous advantage' of his victims with whom he had 'brutal, controlling and coercive relationships' with. She told Carrick that he 'behaved as if you were untouchable', adding it was a 'spectacular downfall for a man charged with upholding the law' having lost his liberty, job and status. Carrick, who joined the Met in 2001 before becoming an armed officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009, pleaded guilty to 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape. Some of his victims had bravely attended Southwark Crown Court to watch as Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb (pictured) was sentencing the 48-year-old from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday Former Met Police officer David Carrick pictured in court yesterday as details of some of his horrific crimes emerged including how he used 'power and control' to carry out 'violent and brutal' sex attacks Following his sentencing, the Home Secretary Suella Braverman branded his crimes a 'scar on our police', while Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: 'David Carrick's crimes were unspeakably evil. The detail is harrowing.' Over the two-day sentencing hearing, details of some of Carrick's horrific crimes were heard in court, including how he sent one of his victims a photograph of himself with a police-issue gun, saying: 'Remember I am the boss.' Yesterday, victim impact statements were read out in court, including one woman who said she had 'encountered evil' on the night she was repeatedly raped by Carrick, after pointing a black handgun at her head and putting his hands around her throat. The serial rapist had boasted to the victim that 'I am the safest person you can be around, I'm a police officer' in order to get her back to his London flat. Another said she was convinced because of his position as a diplomatic and parliamentary protection officer she would be not be believed if she reported him, saying she had had it drilled into her 'he was the police, he was the law and he owned me'. Upsetting photographs showing the cupboard under the stairs where he locked one woman naked as a form of punishment, a black whip he used and surveillance cameras to spy on victims were released. During sentencing, Justice Cheema-Grubb spoke of the 'spectacular downfall for a man charged with upholding the law'. She told Carrick: 'Behind a public appearance of propriety and trustworthiness you took monstrous advantage of women. 'You brazenly raped and sexually assaulted a number of women, some very brutally, and you behaved as if you were untouchable. 'You were bold and at times relentless, trusting that no victim would overcome her shame and fear to report you. 'For nearly two decades, you were proved right but now a combination of those 12 women, by coming forward, and your police colleagues, by acting on their evidence, have exposed you and brought you low. 'You have lost your liberty, your job and your status. You have before you the prospect of a difficult time in custody for many years.' Details of some of Carrick's horrific crimes were heard in court yesterday, including how he sent one of his victims a photograph of himself with a police-issue gun, saying: 'Remember I am the boss.' Continuing her sentencing remarks, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb told Carrick he showed an 'astonishing degree of moral corruption'. The judge listed a number of key themes in Carrick's offending, including asserting authority and enacting 'extreme domination' over his victims. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb also highlighted the 'reluctance of victims to report your offending' because of their knowledge of his 'status as a police officer'. She spoke of the 'irretrievable devastation' Carrick's crimes has had on his victims, including 'long-lasting psychological harm' and 'damaged mental health' She said: 'Each one is traumatised, one woman feels as those she has been lost for the last 19 years. 'You have shaped their lives, deprived them of the ability to form lasting relationships with men. They continue to question their own judgments. They don't trust the police.' A police van Carrick is believed to have been in driving to Southwark Crown Court on Monday Images were released for the first time showing a tiny cupboard that Carrick locked one of the woman in as a form of punishment, as well as a whip he used on the victim. She added that he had 'not expressed regret or remorse for what you have done. 'He should not have been a police officer': Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley's statement in full David Carrick has been sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to serve a minimum of 30 years behind bars. He pleaded guilty to 49 offences against 12 women including 24 counts of rape and further counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, sexual assault and false imprisonment. He was sacked from the Metropolitan Police Service last month. Carrick was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 7 February following a two day hearing. Following his sentencing, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: 'David Carrick's crimes were unspeakably evil. The detail is harrowing. 'He subjected these victims and survivors to the most degrading and inhumane treatment and yet they still showed the courage to come forward and to provide the evidence that led to his conviction. 'He exploited his position as a police officer in the most disgusting way. He should not have been a police officer. We weren't rigorous enough in our approach and as a result we missed opportunities to identify the warning signs over decades. I want to again reiterate my apology on behalf of the Met. We are truly sorry. 'I recognise that as a result of this case and other prominent recent cases, there are women whose trust in the police is profoundly shaken. 'I and tens of thousands of officers and staff in the Met are horrified by this man's crimes and recognise this will shake Londoners trust too. 'We have let down women across London but we are more determined than ever to put it right. 'I have been clear, we will rid the Met of those who corrupt our integrity by bringing the same intensive investigative approach to identifying wrongdoing in our own ranks as we do to identifying criminals in the community. Some other police services are starting to confront similar issues. 'Addressing systemic failures will take time, but we will be determined and relentless in rooting out the corrupt. Lifting the stone and confronting what we find beneath, will result in more difficult cases coming to light. We need the support of Londoners to get through it. 'This is not the time for me to lay out in detail the actions we are taking to root out those who corrupt our integrity. Today is about the victims' fight for justice. 'On 31st March, we will be sharing the progress we have made on rooting out those who corrupt our integrity. We will earn back the trust and confidence of women and give Londoners the police service they deserve.' Advertisement 'The criminality you have shown can be best described as an unrestrained campaign of rape. It can be best described as the work of a serial rapist.' The judge revealed that Carrick attempted to kill himself while on remand at Belmarsh prison and was detained in a secure hospital but was found not to be suffering from any mental disorder. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb told him: 'You were driven to try to commit suicide as a self-pitying reaction to the shame brought on you by these proceedings rather than remorse.' The court heard how Carrick had alleged to a probation officer he had suffered 'childhood trauma', including growing up with parents 'who drank to excess' and being abused by his stepfather. Speaking after his sentencing, DCI Iain Moor of Bedfordshire, Cambridge and Hertfordshire major crime unit, said that he was 'extremely relieved' that a 'serious and prolific sex offender is now going to be behind bars for a very long time'. He added: 'David Carrick has brought same on the profession and was not fit to wear the uniform.' Yesterday, the court heard harrowing accounts of abuse, sexual assault, rape, false imprisonment and coercive control. Carrick used cameras he installed at home to monitor women while he was at work. He made another woman choke on her vomit, assaulted one with a sex toy and urinated on one of his victims. The armed officer tortured and abused women for 17 years despite coming to police attention nine times before his arrest and developing the nickname 'B*****d Dave' at work. He called women 'fat and lazy' and treated them like as his 'sex slaves' as well as controlled them financially. Victims were isolated from their family and forbidden from speaking with other men. He also used his police baton as a threat and handcuffs in an attack. Carrick's crimes were all carried out while serving with the force - he guarded sites including embassies and the Houses of Parliament, and completed training courses, including one on domestic abuse in 2005. Prosecutor Tom Little KC said the 'systematic' offending was 'catalogue of violent and brutal sexual offences'. He would use 'power and control' to stop his victims leaving or reporting him, and others feared they would not be believed if they reported the rape. One of Carrick's first victims, who was brutally raped and left with internal and external injuries, said she was told by an A&E nurse that 'the law tend to protect their own' when she revealed her abuser was a police officer. Mr Little said a search of Carrick's electronic devices revealed internet searches for pornography including words such as 'extreme' and 'painful'. The 49 charges admitted by Carrick include 24 counts of rape, nine counts of sexual assault, five counts of assault by penetration, three counts of coercive and controlling behaviour, three counts of false imprisonment, two counts of attempted rape, one count of attempted sexual assault by penetration, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and one count of indecent assault. Some are multiple-incident counts, meaning they relate to at least 85 separate offences, including at least 71 sexual offences and 48 rapes. David Carrick, pictured here in a court sketch at Southwark Crown Court on Monday The former Met Police officer, pictured here in uniform and holding a gun, abused a dozen women over the course of nearly 20 years Images were released for the first time showing a tiny cupboard that Carrick locked one of the woman in as a form of punishment, as well as a whip he used on the victim. Carrick set up surveillance cameras which he used to monitor some of his victims at his home He denied a further count of rape in September 2020 relating to a 13th woman, whose allegation triggered the investigation, with the Crown Prosecution Service deciding it was not in the public interest to proceed to trial. Mr Little said the case fell short of meriting a whole-life sentence - because he had not killed anyone and pleaded guilty - but called for a life sentence with a fixed minimum term. Alisdair Williamson KC, defending, said Carrick 'accepts fully responsibility for what he has done' and that it is likely any life sentence will 'bring him close to, if not to, the close of his natural life'. He told the court: 'He cannot ask for mercy and he won't ask for mercy.' The Met was forced to apologise and admit Carrick should have been rooted out earlier after it emerged he came to police attention over nine incidents - including allegations of rape, domestic violence and harassment - between 2000 and 2021, with all but one of the incidents relating to his behaviour towards women. Carrick faced no criminal sanctions or misconduct findings and police chiefs across England and Wales have since been asked to have all officers checked against national police databases by the end of March. He was finally sacked from the force last month after pleading guilty and being unmasked as one of the country's most prolific sex offenders. Carrick's crimes are set to form part of the independent inquiry looking at the murder of Sarah Everard, who was raped and strangled by then-serving Met officer Wayne Couzens in March 2021. Paying tribute to the brave women who came forward to Carrick to account, Suella Braverman said: 'It is vital we uncover how he was able to wear the uniform for so long, and I welcome the Angiolini Inquiry's investigation into David Carrick's criminal behaviour and the decision-making around his vetting. 'There is no place in our police for such heinous and predatory behaviour, and I look forward to receiving Lady Elish's findings.' A furious father has 'fined' his son's teachers for going on strike after he was hit with a 240 penalty for taking his family on holiday during term time. Steven Doherty, 44, lashed out after he was penalised for taking his 13-year-old son Alfie, a pupil at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Salford, Greater Manchester, on holiday. Mr Doherty had booked a getaway for the Easter break but claims he didn't realise term times differed depending on the school, insisting the holiday mix up had been an innocent mistake. Now the father-of-five has slammed the 'hypocritical' stance of allowing teachers to go on strike last Wednesday - in a move he says broke the same attendance rules he was penalised for. Sending off his tongue-in-cheek email, the fuming mechanic 'fined' two of Alfie's teachers 120 each for joining the picket last week instead of being in lessons. He even included his payment details and a deadline of February 14. Steven Doherty (right) emailed his son's school to 'fine' his lad's teachers after they went on strike last week. Steven is pictured with his wife Nicola, 44 Steven lashed out after he was penalised for taking his 13-year-old son Alfie, who is a pupil at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School, in Salford, Greater Manchester, on holiday Steven's post has been shared more than 800 times online, with users split between hailing the email a 'genius idea' and slamming him for not supporting the teachers. The school has not responded to the fines he 'issued' but an official did tell him to remove the post from Facebook for breaching data protection rules. Blasting the secondary for its 'double standards', Steven raged: 'It's hypocritical. 'It's acceptable to not be in school when they don't want to be in school but it's not when I make a genuine mistake on my holiday. 'The school wanted to see it as black and white when they fined me so I thought I'd give it back to them the same way. I hope they'll have a bit of a laugh with me but I don't know. 'I thought I'd give them a bit of karma and send this email. It entertained me last night. I was laughing as I wrote it. 'Obviously I don't expect them to pay me any money in the near future but it might make them think I've got a point and realise they could have been more amicable and had more sympathy with me. 'Teachers are jumping on it and giving me abuse, thinking I'm falling out with them. I've not got an issue with why teachers are striking but it's about double standards.' Steven said his son's school had displayed 'double standards' by penalising families for taking children on holiday during term time - but not fining teachers for missing lessons due to strike action His post received a mixed reaction online, with some praising him for his message while others blasted the father for not supporting the teacher strikes The email includes a made-up exchange between Steven and Alfie where they discuss why the young teen hadn't been to school. It explains the father was 'gobsmacked' to hear the reason and that he could have been 'knocked over by a year seven's PE bag. It even claims his son's reaction to his Steven's shock was to say 'they've put their short-term monetary gains before my education and my future'. The post, captioned 'email I sent to [redacted], has racked up more than 300 comments with users split on whether the email was 'brilliant' or 'silly'. One commented: 'You're right mate I said this earlier. Fined for not being in school but they can have a day off to strike.' Another wrote: 'What a good idea.' A third added: 'That is brilliant, I love it.' Another agreed: 'That's f***ing genius.' However others wrote they felt the email was offensive to striking teachers as they claimed they're only striking to improve his son's education. One wrote: 'Bit silly really, considering teachers pave the way for your child to succeed in life. 'They are fighting for a better education system, yes pay too, but I, for one second, wish you could see how much work teachers do. Grow up.' A second agreed and commented: 'Imagine thinking a week away doing absolutely s**t all is in any way comparable to teachers taking a day to try and improve their children's learning environments and getting abused for it.' Another simply wrote: 'Industrial action is an authorised absence.' Salford Council declined to comment. St Ambrose Barlow RC High School were contacted for comment. A vulnerable woman who suffered a year of hell at the hands of Met monster David Carrick today said: 'I hope he dies in jail'. Emma (not her real name) said she was 'delighted' at the minimum 30-year sentence the serial rapist had received and revealed that he mouthed 'sorry' at her across the court. She told MailOnline afterwards: 'I looked straight at him and thought for the first time that I've got the power now, not you, it was amazing listening to the judge delivering her sentence. 'In some ways I'd have liked to see him get a whole life term, but a minimum of 30 years is a good start I would be surprised if he ever gets out, to be honest, and I hope he dies behind bars.' Last month Emma recounted her appalling experience exclusively to MailOnline and how Carrick, 48, initially charmed her, but then kept her a virtual prisoner after she moved into his home in Stevenage, telling her: 'I am the law' as he abused her daily. Former Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick, 48, was today sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 30 years for raping and sexually assaulting a dozen women over a 17-year period Some of his victims had bravely attended Southwark Crown Court to watch as Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb (pictured) was sentencing the 48-year-old from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday She was handcuffed, whipped with a metal chain, sexually abused and locked naked in an understairs cupboard as 'punishment' and believes he would have killed her, had she not finally summoned up the courage to leave him. During a break in the court proceedings, Emma, who took her grown-up daughter along with her for support, said Carrick locked eyes with her and mouthed the word 'sorry' across the court. 'I didn't know what to make of it,' she said, 'It was confusing, and I wondered if he was playing with me in the way he used. But then I thought, 'No more', I'm stronger than he is. 'Anyway, I think there's only one person he feels sorry for, as the judge pointed out. When he tried to kill himself in prison, it wasn't out of remorse, only that he felt sorry for himself. ' She told Southwark Crown Court in a moving impact statement read out by a barrister: 'He broke me. Never in my life have I felt so isolated and alone. 'I was not allowed to see family or friends. I was told consistently I was a wh**e and a s**t; that my two daughters, the youngest being 16 at the time, were also sl**s. 'I was ridiculed, teased, and shamed. I was told what to wear, what I could eat and what amounts. 'I was instructed to walk behind, not beside or in front. I was whipped; urinated on and locked naked in a cupboard. At times, made to sleep naked on the floor. 'My chest was sat on; I was strangled, kicked, and threatened. Text messages wishing me dead by car crash or cancer were sent, with a desire to 'p***' on my grave once dead. I was told I was worthless and would be better off dead.' Emma said she did consider reading out her own impact statement, as some victims had, but decided in the end that 'I wanted the words to hit home to him, and didn't want to falter over reading it in a stressful situation'. Images were released for the first time showing a tiny cupboard that Carrick locked one of the woman in as a form of punishment, as well as a whip he used on the victim. David Carrick, pictured here in a court sketch at Southwark Crown Court yesterday She added: 'I'm so glad I did go to the court to see the sentencing. It wasn't an easy decision to come face to face with him again. 'But I think the best choice I made was to go there. I wanted to meet the other women who went through similar experiences to me, but most of all, I want to hold my head up high and let him know: 'You've done this to me, and now I've taken your power away. Now, I've got the power.' The judge slammed Carrick for taking 'monstrous advantage of his victims' while serving as a Metropolitan Police officer for more than 20 years. At least five of Carrick's victims bravely attended Southwark Crown Court to watch as their attacker was jailed for a minimum of 30 years and 239 days in prison before being considered for parole. The disgraced former firearms officer wore a dark suit, white shirt and tie as he appeared in the dock in front of a packed courtroom at a hearing that was televised. During sentencing, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said Carrick had taken 'monstrous advantage' of his victims with whom he had 'brutal, controlling and coercive relationships' with. She told Carrick that he 'behaved as if you were untouchable', adding it was a 'spectacular downfall for a man charged with upholding the law' having lost his liberty, job and status. She said: 'These convictions represent a spectacular downfall for a man charged with upholding the law and empowered to do so even to the extent of being authorised to bear a firearm in the execution of his duty. 'Behind a public appearance of propriety and trustworthiness you took monstrous advantage of women. 'You brazenly raped and sexually assaulted a number of women, some very brutally, and you behaved as if you were untouchable. 'You were bold and at times relentless, trusting that no victim would overcome her shame and fear to report you. 'For nearly two decades, you were proved right but now a combination of those 12 women, by coming forward, and your police colleagues, by acting on their evidence, have exposed you and brought you low. 'You have lost your liberty, your job and your status. You have before you the prospect of a difficult time in custody for many years.' LCA, MiG-29K make maiden landing on, take-off from India's indigenous aircraft carrier: navy Xinhua) 10:30, February 07, 2023 NEW DELHI, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The naval variant of indigenously made light combat aircraft (LCA) "Tejas" and a fighter jet MiG-29K on Monday made a successful landing on and take-off from India's first indigenous aircraft carrier "INS Vikrant," announced the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy described it as a "momentous step" forward toward the realization of the country's collective vision of "Self Reliant India." "The maiden landing of the MiG-29K also heralds the integration of the fighter aircraft with INS Vikrant," said Indian Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar. The ship sailed for its maiden sea trials on Aug. 4, 2021, and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Sept. 2 last year. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) This photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 7, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, center, presiding over an enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea the previous day. Yonhap North Korea has convened a meeting of the ruling party's central military commission to discuss ways to expand operational combat drills and "more strictly perfect" its readiness posture for war, according to its state media Tuesday. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided over an enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) on Monday, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Participants "discussed in depth the major military and political tasks for 2023 and the long-term issues concerning the orientation for army building," the KCNA said in an English-language statement. Major agenda items discussed included "the issue of constantly expanding and intensifying the operation and combat drills of the Korean People's Army (KPA) to cope with the prevailing situation and more strictly perfecting the preparedness for war," it added. The meeting came amid reports that the North is preparing for a military parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the KPA's founding Wednesday, an event likely to be an occasion to flex its military muscle. With his latest attendance at the meeting, the North's leader has resumed his public activities after a hiatus of about 40 days. Seoul's unification ministry said the latest military meeting appears to be aimed at strengthening internal solidarity of the North's armed forces. The wayward regime is widely expected to resume provocative acts this year, as it has vowed to "take the toughest reaction" to the U.S. move to expand military drills with South Korea involving more strategic assets. Washington has pledged to provide credible "extended deterrence" against North Korea's military threats. The North 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. 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. Photos carried by the KCNA on Tuesday showed one of the flags behind the North's leader displaying the words "General Administration of Missiles" and having a symbol of a missile being fired. The North's state media outlets have not carried any reports of such an agency. But experts speculated the North may have separated the rocket industry department from the WPK and created a new entity in charge of the country's nuclear and missile programs after renaming it. North Korea, meanwhile, said Monday it will hold a party plenary meeting late this month to discuss agricultural development. Observers said the North's plan to hold such a meeting in just two months points to its urgent need to cope with chronic food shortages. "The North appears to take a two-track approach in implementing this year's policy goals strengthening defense capabilities and enhancing people's livelihoods," Yang Moo-Jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies, said. (Yonhap) Lawmakers clashed as Democrats again accused Republicans of being racist for focusing committee hearings on the southern border crisis. The second hearing for the Oversight Committee in the 118th Congress on Tuesday zeroed-in on the handling of migration at the southern border it was the second hearing focusing on the migration crisis, coming just one week after the Judiciary hearing on the same topic. Chairman James Comer of Kentucky defended the meeting, noting that the powerful Oversight Committee's job is to make sure Congress is addressing issues properly, and that the hearing Tuesday is the first time the panel will be attended by government workers responsible for securing the border. Republicans said that while Biden 'won't talk about the crisis at our southern border' during Tuesday evening's State of the Union address, the Oversight Committee would address it in their hearing earlier in the day. Democrats, however, accused the GOP-led hearing of 'amplifying white nationalism.' Representative Byron Donalds of Florida, a black Republican, tore into Democrats for claiming that the Oversight Committee hearing Tuesday on the southern border crisis 'amplifies white nationalist conspiracy theories' Representative Byron Donalds of Florida cut into the usual procedure of the hearing because he wanted to respond after Representative Comer read the tweet out loud and bashed it as being 'out of decorum' of the congressional rules. 'I'm just going to cut to the chase,' said Donalds, who is black. 'For my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who want to state that we're using this hearing for White Nationalism, I'm not doing that. 'So, if you feel that strongly, come walk to this side of the room and let's talk about it face-to-face,' he urged. 'But leave that kind of silly stuff for somebody else. Don't bring that here today. This stuff is serious.' The back-and-forth came after Democrats on the Judiciary Committee made the same claims of racism during their first hearing of the new Congress on Wednesday. 'The first hearing will showcase the racist tendencies of the extreme MAGA Republican wing of the party that seeks to close the border to refugees from places like Cuba and Venezuela,' Judiciary Ranking Member Nadler noted in his opening remarks last week. 'It almost makes me miss their usual obsession with conspiracy theories and the FBI,' he quipped. 'I suspect this hearing is also an attempt to distract from the fact that Republicans have failed to pass any meaningful legislation in their first month in the majority.' Chairman James Comer of Kentucky brought attention to the Democrats' tweet making accusations of 'white nationalist conspiracy theories' Ranking Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland accused the GOP of not engaging in real oversight of the crisis at the border Chairman James Comer of Kentucky sharply rebuked this claim, noting that the hearing Tuesday is 'the first time since Joe Biden's been president that anyone representing the border has been asked to come before this committee' Republican freshman Representative Wesley Hunt of Texas rebuffed this claim. The black lawmaker said Democrats too often use racism as a 'scapegoat.' 'I've been black for a long time, sir, so I get it,' Hunt said during questioning of El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego after he suggested the term 'invasion' is racist. 'I've been a minority in this country for a very long time,' Hunt said. 'But this is actually not about race, this is actually an issue of public safety.' The House Oversight and Accountability Committee is stacked with high-profile lawmakers on both the Republican and Democrat side of the aisle. This includes progressive freshman Representative Maxwell Frost, who had a cordial conversation with Chairman Comer ahead of the hearing, and several far-right hardline immigration lawmakers like Representative Marjorie Taylor Green of Georgia, Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Andy Biggs of Arizona. Comer echoed the message of several other Republicans in Congress by claiming Biden and Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas have sent the message that 'our borders are open.' Figures released for December show that the number of encounters at the southern border are continuing to rise and reached a new all-time single month high of 251,487 Migrants wait at the U.S.-Mexico border on January 08, 2023 in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Democratic Ranking Member Jamie Raskin of Maryland, donning a bandana due to hair loss from cancer treatment, tore into Republicans for not holding hearings on the humanitarian crisis at the border when former President Donald Trump was in office and when reports emerged of children and their parents being separated after crossing illegally. 'Rather than work with Democrats on these efforts, the MAGA forces in the GOP have chosen to abandon the strong pro-immigration stance of Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan and instead spread fear about a foreign 'invasion,' dangerous paranoia about the racist and anti-Semitic Great Replacement mythology and disinformation about fentanyl, the vast majority of which is brought into our country by American smugglers working for the international drug cartels,' Raskin alleged. 'This hearing will become a chance to search for bipartisan agreement rather than another missed opportunity by committee Republicans to join with us in conducting meaningful oversight towards comprehensive reform, turning this into more bad political theater will just extend the long pattern of failure on this question,' he continued in opening remarks. 'For years, Republicans on this committee refused to conduct oversight of President Trump's disastrous and cruel border policies. They were silent in 2019 when the U.S. Customs and Border Protection declared a humanitarian crisis at the border.' Raskin said that Republicans aren't actually seeking to engage in the real purpose of the Oversight panel. But Comer denounced this classification. 'The Republicans' lack of Oversight?' the chairman questioned. 'I want to remind everyone this is the first time since Joe Biden's been president that anyone representing the border has been asked to come before this committee the first time.' 'This crisis has gotten worse every day over two years this is the first time,' he added. The two witnesses for the hearing Tuesday are Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Patrol Agent Floria Chavez and Tucson Sector Chief Patrol Agent John Modlin. Police have arrested a man in connection with the disappearance of an 11-year-old schoolgirl. The youngster was reported missing from Galashiels, Scotland, on Sunday evening, sparking a desperate search over the weekend involving police and volunteers. She was found at a property 'safe and well' in the town at about 9.30pm the following day. On Tuesday, Police Scotland said a 53-year-old man has been arrested in connection with her disappearance. In a statement, the force said: 'A 53-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of an 11-year-old girl from Galashiels, who was reported missing on Sunday, February 5 2023. Officers pictured standing guard outside the property in the Galashiels area of Scotland on Tuesday, February 7 'The girl was traced at a property in the Galashiels area around 9.30pm on Monday February 6. 'Inquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.' Pictures taken today have shown officers outside a property in the Galashiels area, with blue and white police tape have blocked off the road. Speaking earlier today. a neighbour told the Scottish Sun: 'The police turned up last night. 'We were told it was something to do with a missing girl but I didn't see anyone coming or going. 'It's very worrying to have this here, especially as a father of two young kids myself.' Galashiels is a small town in the Scottish Borders with a population of about 12,600. This is the hilarious moment a female spectator exposed her breasts to a rally driver - causing him to shoot off the track. Viktor Osmanov admitted he lost concentration when a female fan lifted her top as he drove past her during a Russian rally in Rostov. Footage shows the woman raising her arms in the air as she pulled her T-shirt over her head, exposing her bra. Mr Osmanov told the Podyom Telegram channel that the woman exposing herself caused him to drive into a snowy ditch seconds later as he lost his concentration. There was laughter among spectators as he missed his turn, which cost the Tula team third place instead of second in the competition. Viktor Osmanov, pictured, admitted he lost concentration when a female fan lifted her top as he drove past her during a Russian rally in Rostov Mr Osmanov told the Podyom Telegram channel that the woman exposing herself caused him to drive into a snowy ditch seconds later (pictured) The driver lost crucial seconds during the Petrovskaya Versta competition, meaning that the Tula team came third, with Yaroslavl in second and Moscow first. 'This one was unexpected,' confessed Viktor, who was driving a Lada Samara. 'I saw her and I failed to turn my corner. 'If she had only come up later, we would have laughed together. But no-one took offence at her.' He added that such occurrences are common at rallies. He said: 'Such tricks are often made by fans. I've seen naked men and girls waving their bras.' Footage shows the woman raising her arms in the air as she pulled her T-shirt over her head, exposing her bra Mr Osmanov (pictured) told the Podyom Telegram channel that the woman exposing herself caused him to drive into a snowy ditch The unfortunate accident happened within mere seconds - as by the time the camera pans back from the woman, the car is already grounded in the snow. The woman and her friend can be seen doubling over with laughter as the car crashes into the ditch opposite. The embarrassed driver quickly revs his engine and reverses out of the ditch - away from the amused spectators. Rostov is a town in the Yaroslavl Oblast region of Russia and is one of the oldest in the country. Campaigners have hit out against serial rapist David Carrick's sentence today as the depraved Metropolitan Police officer was jailed for a minimum term of 30 years. The 48-year-old was handed 36 life sentences at Southwark Crown Court for carrying out a string of 'violent and brutal' sex attacks on at least a dozen women while serving as a police officer. But campaigners have hit out against Carrick not being handed a whole life term, which would have meant he would never have been eligible for parole. It is different to a life sentence, which only means an offender must spend a minimum period of time in prison before being eligible for parole. Today, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb ordered that Carrick will serve at least 30 years and 239 days before he is able to apply for parole. At a televised hearing, she said Carrick's case was of the 'utmost gravity' but did not meet the 'wholly exceptional circumstances' test to merit a whole life sentence. After he was jailed, one of his victims told MailOnline she hopes the monster dies in jail, and that he even mouthed 'sorry' to her as he was taken down. Today David Carrick was jailed for a minimum term of 30 years for carrying out a string of 'violent and brutal' sex attacks on at least a dozen women She told Carrick he now faces 'the prospect of a difficult time in custody for many years' but ruled out a whole-life order, despite the 'upmost seriousness' of the offending. But she disagreed with defence barrister Alisdair Williamson KC, who said his client's offending did not reach the 'extreme limits' found in the cases of McCann and Sinaga. 'Your offending was over 17 years and encompassed 12 victims,' she told Carrick. 'Moreover, the singular element which elevates your offending as a brutal serial rapist into that company is the principal aggravating feature of the explicit or implicit use of your occupation to entice, reassure, or intimidate your victims.' Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb described how Carrick acted like he was 'untouchable' and used his job to take 'monstrous advantage of women' over 17 years. Protesters gathered outside Southwark Crown Court where David Carrick was being sentenced Carrick, who was described as a 'monster' and 'evil' by some of his dozen victims, 'brazenly raped and sexually assaulted' them between 2003 and 2020, the judge said. He joined the Met in 2001 before becoming an armed officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009. Yesterday, victim impact statements were read out in court, including one woman who said she had 'encountered evil' on the night she was repeatedly raped by Carrick, after pointing a black handgun at her head and putting his hands around her throat. He had boasted to the victim that 'I am the safest person you can be around, I'm a police officer' in order to get her back to his London flat. Another said she was convinced because of his position as a diplomatic and parliamentary protection officer she would be not be believed if she reported him, saying she had had it drilled into her 'he was the police, he was the law and he owned me'. Images were released for the first time showing a tiny cupboard that Carrick locked one of the woman in as a form of punishment, as well as a whip he used on the victim. David Carrick, pictured here in a court sketch at Southwark Crown Court on Monday The former Met Police officer, pictured here in uniform and holding a gun, abused a dozen women over the course of nearly 20 years Images were released for the first time showing a tiny cupboard that Carrick locked one of the woman in as a form of punishment, as well as a whip he used on the victim. Upsetting photographs showing the cupboard under the stairs where he locked one woman naked as a form of punishment, a black whip he used and surveillance cameras to spy on victims were released. He pleaded guilty to 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape, but some are multiple-incident counts, meaning they relate to at least 85 separate offences, including at least 71 sexual offences and 48 rapes. Defence barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, told the court 'something has profoundly damaged this man', adding that Carrick 'cannot ask for mercy and does not'. His sentence has been referred to the Attorney General's Office after receiving 'multiple requests under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.' In a statement, the spokeswoman said: 'The appalling and brutal nature of Carrick's crimes against multiple women have been horrific to hear and we note the life sentence with a minimum term of 32 years, less time served, handed down to him today. 'We can confirm we have received multiple requests relating to David Carrick's sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) Scheme, the case will of course be considered for referral to the Court of Appeal. 'The ULS allows prosecutors, victims of crime and their families, and members of the public to ask for certain crown court sentences to be reviewed by the law officers if they think the sentencing judge made a gross error or imposed a sentence outside the range of sentences reasonably available in circumstances of the offence. 'The law officers have 28 days from the date of sentencing to refer a case to the Court of Appeal.' Yesterday, the court heard harrowing accounts of abuse, sexual assault, rape, false imprisonment and coercive control. Handing out his sentence, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb likened his case to those of Joseph McCann and Reynhard Sinaga - Britain's most prolific rapist. A police van transporting former Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick arrives at Southwark Crown Court for the beginning of his sentencing hearing on Monday Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb (pictured) said Carrick's case was of the 'utmost gravity' but did not meet the 'wholly exceptional circumstances' test to merit a while life sentence McCann, 37, was given 33 life sentences at the Old Bailey in 2019 for a string of sex attacks on 11 women and children - one aged 11 - during a 15-day cocaine and vodka-fuelled rampage. Sinaga, 39, was handed a life sentence with a minimum 30-year term at Manchester Crown Court in 2020 after being convicted of more than 150 offences, including 136 counts of rape, committed against 48 men - although police have linked him to more than 190 potential victims. Earlier this year, the Attorney General's Office referred the 30-year minimum jail terms handed to McCann and Sinaga to the Court of Appeal as 'unduly lenient'. A panel of five judges refused to impose whole life sentences on the two men but increased their minimum sentences to 40 years. Harry Potter star Warwick Davis is leading a campaign to stop the closure of one of the oldest and smallest primary schools in the country which he said did 'great things' for his son. The veteran actor, who played Professor Flitwick in the Hogwarts films series, is fighting Cambridgeshire County Council's (CCC) decision to shut the Great Gidding Church of England Primary School. Warwick has warned it would be a travesty should the school close and has family history with the tiny school where his son Harrison, now 20, attended. The rural school currently has just 47 pupils in attendance, dropping from 75 pupils ten years ago. Thirty-five of those pupils came from outside the school's mainly rural catchment area in rural Cambridgeshire, close to Huntingdon. Warwick Davis attended a public meeting in person last week to fight for the school to remain open The Great Gidding Church of England Primary School has been earmarked for closure Warwick Davis has said the primary school closing would be a travesty This year is set to have an even smaller class load, with the school which has a capacity for 90 children having more than 40 pupils signed up to start in September. CCC is now considering closing the school this summer, but parents state the school is vital for the children living in the rural area in Huntingdonshire who 'thrive' under the 'exceptional environment they provide'. In a Tweet Star Wars actor Warwick, 53, wrote: 'This school did great things for my son, Harrison Davis. It would be a travesty to see it close. 'If you feel inclined and believe in good education and learning environments, please sign the petition below. Thanks!' The online petition currently has 821 signatures, which also draws attention to the lack of availability for admission to the other primary schools in the area. Warwick Davis (left) with with daughter Annabelle Davis (right) and son Harrison Davis (centre). Harrison attended the school which Warwick said did 'great things' for him Christopher Jakins is the parent of a six-year-old girl who attends the school. The stay-at-home dad said without Warwick's magic touch their campaign to save the school would have gone nowhere: 'We have had more media attention and the news has spread further and wider than it would have done.' Warwick attended a public meeting on the matter last week, where councillors had to present 'with a Hollywood legend right in front of them!' according to Chris. Chris also said the small school has done wonders for his daughter, who he didn't want to name. She was delayed in her reading and social skills due to the pandemic. He said: 'Our daughter came out of the pandemic with delayed reading and writing skills. 'She was almost afraid of other people altogether having not been able to mix much with her own age group through lockdowns. 'The combination of smaller class sizes, mixed year group classes and individual teaching meant that she has made really good progress with them. Chris also knows another family who moved to the village recently specifically to be closer to the school. CCC's Children and Young People Committee has since launched a consultation to seek views on the potential closure and the displacement of pupils to other suitable local schools. The council proposes to build a new school which would open in September 2024. Committee chair Cllr Bryony Goodliffe said: 'This is an important consultation with significant implications for Great Gidding Primary School. 'It is essential that we take everybody's views into account, so we want the views of as many people as possible. 'This will enable us to make an informed decision as to what steps to take next.' Lidl made 'deception' allegations against Tesco today as the supermarket rivals kicked off a multi-million pound High Court battle over the use of a yellow circle in their logos. The German discount chain uses a yellow circle in its main logo, while Tesco uses one to promote its Clubcard scheme. Mrs Justice Joanna Smith was told that Lidl alleged 'infringement of trademark, passing off and infringement of copyright'. Tesco, meanwhile, has brought a counterclaim 'seeking to cancel some of the trademarks in issue'. The case is expected to cost Lidl and Tesco at least 1,170,244 and 1,185,976 respectively, a previous hearing heard. Lawyers representing Lidl told the judge that Tesco's actions 'must involve some form of deception' which was 'not accidental'. Tesco said it was behaving fairly. Lidl and Tesco are set to spend 2.35m fighting each other in court over claims Tesco ripped off Lidl's logo - a yellow circle set on top of a blue box with a thin red outline The German discount chain uses a yellow circle in its main logo, while Tesco uses one to promote its Clubcard scheme READ MORE: Aldi loses court fight with Marks & Spencer for copying its light-up Christmas gin bottles - so what now for the rest of the supermarket's beloved 'dupes'? M&S sued Aldi for allegedly infringing the design of its 'light-up gin bottles' which were sold during Christmas 2020, claiming that Aldi's 2021 gold flake blackberry and clementine gin liqueurs were 'strikingly similar' to its own products Advertisement Benet Brandreth KC, the barrister leading Lidl's legal team, said the 'protection available to Lidl's core brand' was 'at the heart of this claim'. He told the judge that the firm had registered trademarks for a logo containing the word Lidl and also a logo with no text, which was 'distinctive' of its services and goods. 'Tesco's actions must involve some form of deception,' he told the judge in a written case outline. 'It is not enough that careless or indifferent people may be led into error.' 'Lidl say that this deception is not accidental. That Tesco deliberately copied Lidl's branding to achieve precisely the transfer of reputation for good value that is occurring.' Hugo Cuddigan KC, leading Tesco's legal team, said that to establish infringement Lidl would need to satisfy the judge that 'creating a yellow circle involves sufficient artistic skill and labour to comprise the author's own intellectual creation'. He argued that Lidl had not established that. Mr Cuddigan said Lidl had to prove damage, adding in a written argument: 'That means that the customers who have been misled would otherwise have gone to Lidl to purchase the goods in issue, or that the deception causes them to take a materially disadvantageous view of Lidl. 'We are not aware of any evidence that this has happened.' He said, in the context of 'behaving fairly' towards Lidl, Tesco had 'excellent basis for their belief that no significant association with Lidl would result from their adoption' of Clubcard signs. Mr Cuddigan said the 'key mark relied on by Lidl' was the registered trademark for its 'well-known logo'. He said the German company had 'also procured' the registration of the background to that logo - the 'wordless mark'. Tesco's estimated costs to trial amount to 1,185,976, while Lidl's amount to 1,170,244 - 'a reflection of how key this brand dispute is to both parties', Mrs Justice Joanna Smith previously said 'Tesco says that the wordless mark is invalid on the basis that it has never been used, it lacks distinctiveness, and each application for registered wordless marks was made in bad faith,' he added. 'It is common ground that Lidl has only used the wordless mark, if at all, by using it within the mark with text.' Giving judgment in a pre-trial hearing between the two grocery giants last year, Mrs Justice Joanna Smith said: 'In short, Lidl contends that Tesco's use of a new sign in their 'Clubcard Prices' marketing is an infringement. READ MORE: Children's author, 49, claims retail giant John Lewis pinched her idea about a lonely fire-sneezing dragon for its 2019 Christmas ad campaign in 'David vs Goliath' legal fight Fay Evans, 49, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, released the self-published picture book Fred the Fire-Sneezing Dragon in September 2017 Advertisement 'In bringing the claim, Lidl relies upon its trademark rights in two versions of the Lidl logo: a logo which includes the word "Lidl" and a logo without that word, "the Wordless Mark". 'The Wordless Mark is a graphical device consisting of a blue square background bearing a yellow disk, bordered in a thin red line.' She said Lidl's lawyers argue the background to the supermarket logo is 'capable of being, and is, perceived by the public in the United Kingdom as being distinctive of the Lidl group of companies'. She added: 'Essentially, Lidl says that Tesco is seeking deliberately to ride on the coattails of Lidl's reputation as a "discounter" supermarket known for the provision of value. 'It pleads that Tesco's use of the sign in connection with Tesco's discount prices is intended to, and does, cause members of the public to call to mind Lidl's business and the marks, including being suggestive of the fact that the prices of goods offered by Tesco for sale under or in connection with the sign are offered at the same prices, or lower prices, than could be obtained for the same or equivalent goods in Lidl stores.' Setting out Tesco's defence, she went on: 'Lidl's use of the Wordless Mark is disputed. 'Focusing specifically on the Wordless Mark, it pleads...The Wordless Mark is a figment of Lidl's legal imagination and a product of its trademark filing strategy. 'It does not exist in the real world....Lidl have never used the Wordless Mark and never intended to use it'. Tesco's lawyers sought to argue that results from a survey ought not to be included in the evidence at the forthcoming trial, saying amongst other things that the way the questions were phrased had been leading. During the survey, participants were shown the wordless logo and asked 'What do you think this image is?' and 'Now, please imagine that this image was used as a company's brand...Which company would you expect it to be?' The judge, allowing the survey evidence to be included at trial, said: 'Looking at the answers to the survey in detail...one sees numerous responses that say "Lidl" or "Lidl logo" or "Lidl sign" or even "It looks like the background of Lidl", or "Part of the Lidl logo without the words" or "Brand image for Lidl supermarket". 'This appears to me to be probative of recognition on the part of the participants that the Wordless Mark is a logo or trade mark,' she said. The judge went on to say that Tesco's estimated costs to trial, even without dealing with the issue of the contested survey, 'amount to 1,185,976, while Lidl's amount to 1,170,244 'The multi-million pound combined legal costs appear to be a reflection of how key this brand dispute is to both parties,' she remarked. Footage taken during an earthquake in Elbistan, southern Turkey, shows the moment an entire street is left in ruins as high-rise buildings are reduced to rubble in seconds. The 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Kahramanmaras Province struck on Monday at 13:24 (10:24 GMT), the country's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said. It followed a 7.8 magnitude tremor at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) that struck near the city of Gaziantep, causing hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. The video, taken from the camera of a moving car, shows a building shaking before the others around it collapse. A cloud of dust then fills the screen, with debris showering down. Three civilians can be seen running across the road to safety. The video, taken from the camera of a moving car, shows a building shaking before the others around it collapse Images show the aftermath of the quake, with multiple buildings at either side of the street left in ruins Images show the aftermath of the quake, with multiple buildings at either side of the street left in ruins. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 7 km, AFAD said. Tremors were felt as far away as Greenland, the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland said. The footage was taken in the Gunesli area of Elbistan. Seismologists said the first quake was one of the largest ever recorded in Turkey. Survivors said it took two minutes for the shaking to stop. A woman who spent the first 10 years of her life in Turkey and now lives in London has described struggling to 'find words to describe' how her family is feeling after the homes of her relatives living near the earthquake's epicentre have completely collapsed. Dilan Altun, 22, has scores of relatives in Elbistan, including her grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, who she has been in contact with and said are now 'homeless'. 'I've never seen my grandad cry - they're trying to help others but they've got nothing themselves,' Ms Altun, from north London, told the PA news agency. Three civilians can be seen running across the road to safety. The earthquake hit the country at 1:24 pm (10:24 GMT) and it occurred at a depth of 7 km, AFAD said The footage was taken in the Gunesli area of Elbistan In the video, dust fills the screen with debris showering down She added: 'People are hungry, kids, elderly [people] and pregnant women... People have to sleep outside in the rain and snow - some people have actually died from the weather conditions after being rescued from the rubble. 'All I can feel is guilt... I feel guilty to be in my warm home, I feel guilty for falling asleep in my bed when everyone is out there in the cold and helpless. 'The locals are pinpointing exactly where and how many people are under rubble but they receive [zero] help... They have to dig with their own hands and nails to try to get some people out.' There have been more than 7,800 deaths confirmed from the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, with the toll expected to rise. An aerial view of collapsed buildings in Elbistan, Kahramanmaras Province Tremors were felt as far away as Greenland, the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland said The World Health Organization warned on Monday that the toll could hit 20,000, and on Tuesday said 23 million people - including 1.4 million children - could be affected Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority has said that so far, more 8,000 people have been rescued from over 5,000 buildings destroyed in the tremors on Monday Turkey lies on major faultlines that border three different tectonic plates, and is therefore prone to earthquakes The World Health Organization warned on Monday that the toll could hit 20,000, and on Tuesday said 23 million people - including 1.4 million children - could be affected. Turkey's AFAD has said that so far, more than 8,000 people have been rescued from more than 5,000 buildings destroyed in the tremors on Monday. A winter storm and freezing temperatures have been hampering those working desperately in a race against time to free people from the rubble, with the cold weather making the need to reach trapped survivors even more urgent. Turkey lies on major faultlines that border three different tectonic plates, and is therefore prone to earthquakes. The Mexican migrant shot dead by an Arizona rancher after crossing the border illegally and running onto his land can be pictured today for the first time as his family calls for 'justice' in his death. Gabriel Cuen-Butimea, 48, was shot on Monday January 30th by 73-year-old rancher George Alan Kelly, after crossing onto Kelly's land in Kino Springs, a remote area of Arizona just 1.5miles from the border. He was unarmed and was shot once - dying on the property. Kelly, who friends say has had trouble with other migrants passing through his land, remains in custody in Arizona on a $1million bond, awaiting his next court appearance on a single murder charge. Gabriel Cuen-Butimea, 48, was shot on Monday January 30th by 73-year-old rancher George Alan Kelly, after crossing onto Kelly's land in Kino Springs, a remote area of Arizona just 1.5miles from the border He pleaded with a judge to lower it or set him free earlier this week, citing the fact that his elderly wife couldn't tend to their livestock alone, but he was sent back to jail. George Alan Kelly, 73, is being held on a $1million bond. He begged a judge to lower the amount and let him go home to help his elderly wife tend to their livestock Cuen-Butimea tried multiple times to enter the US illegally before Kelly shot him dead. Records indicate he was deported several times, most recently in 2016. It's unclear if he ever crossed the border onto Kelly's property before the incident on Monday. Sheriffs say they did not know each other. Many of the details of the case remain unclear, including whether Kelly will be able to invoke a stand your ground defense. As Kelly awaits his next court appearance, Cuen-Butimea's family in Mexico are mourning his death and demanding justice. They held a memorial for him in their hometown of Nogales, just over the border, last night. Kelly's land in Kino Springs, a remote area of Arizona just 1.5miles from the border Cuen-Butimea's family mourned him in Nogales on Monday night. He died of a single gunshot wound It remains unclear why the 48-year-old had crossed illegally onto Kelly's land, or if he'd done it before. He had been deported several times before, the most recent of which was in 2016 On social media, his relatives are calling for justice. 'We will get justice for you, daddy, I promise,' his adult daughter said alongside Kelly's mugshot. Justice of the Peace Emilio Velasquez refused to lower the elderly rancher's bond The family has not explained why Cuen-Butimea had crossed over into Kelly's land. In court yesterday, Kelly begged to have his $1milion bond lowered. 'She's there by herself... nobody to take care of her, the livestock or the ranch. 'And I'm not going anywhere. I can't come up with a million dollars. 'Would you consider reducing it to any degree?' he said. The judge, Justice of the Peace Emilio Velasquez, told him his lawyer would have to file a request to lower bond. Kelly was appointed local public defender Brenna Larkin, who is yet to answer any media inquiry about the case. Was said to be dead in a nursing home and found breathing in a funeral home An 82-year-old woman pronounced dead at a New York nursing home was found breathing three hours later at a funeral home to which she had been transported. The unidentified woman was pronounced dead at a nursing home on Long Island at 11.15am on Saturday. At 1.30pm she was driven more than six miles to a funeral home, where she was then discovered at 2.09pm breathing, police said. Once she was found alive she was then taken to a hospital, but there has been no update on her condition. The incident comes just days after an Iowa care home was fined $10,000 after it similarly sent a 66-year-old woman with Alzheimer's to a funeral home in a body bag, where she was later found 'gasping for air'. An unidentified 82-year-old woman was declared dead at 11.15am on Saturday morning and discovered breathing three hours later after she arrived at a funeral home The woman had been at Water's Edge Rehab and Nursing Center in Port Jefferson receiving care when she was incorrectly said to be dead The woman had been at Water's Edge Rehab and Nursing Center in Port Jefferson when she was said to be dead, Suffolk County police said in a press release. She was then taken to the O.B. Davis Funeral Homes in Miller Place. It is not yet clear how she was transported from the nursing home to the funeral home and whether she was in a body bag during the process. When contacted on Tuesday afternoon the nursing home did not respond to questions regarding the incident. The state health department is investigating. 'The New York State Department of Health has begun an investigation. As this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment at this time,' it said. The state attorney general is also looking into the matter, and said: 'This is an awful situation that caused unnecessary trauma for the impacted resident and her loved ones.' Officials at the funeral home said in a statement: '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.' After being found alive in the funeral home the woman was transferred to a hospital but information is not available about her current condition Both the New York State Department of Health and state attorney general are investigating the incident On February 1 the Glen Oaks Alzheimer's Special Care Centre in Iowa was fined $10,000 after a similar incident. A 66-year-old woman was declared dead on January 3 while receiving treatment at the special care center, officials said. She had early onset dementia, anxiety and depression and had been in hospice care since December 28. She was incorrectly said to have died at 6am on January 3 after 'seizure activity' was noticed throughout the night, as well has mottling to her hands and extremities, the Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals said in a report filed last week. After being reported dead she was placed in a zipped cloth body bag and taken to the Ankeny Funeral Home and Crematory. 'At approximately 8.26am funeral home staff unzipped the bag and observed Resident #1's chest was moving and she was gasping for air,' the report stated. Workers called 911 and when emergency medical services responded they recorded a pulse and a shallow breath, according to the report. The woman was taken to Mercy West Lakes Hospital, where she was breathing but unresponsive. She was then returned to hospice care, where she died on January 5 with her family by her side. A Glen Oaks staff member who had worked a 12-hour shift and was on the team caring for the woman told investigators she first reported to a nurse practitioner early on January 3 that the woman was not breathing and had no pulse. The nurse practitioner was also unable to find a pulse and said the woman was not breathing. She continued to assess the woman for about five minutes before determining she had died. The Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals said in a report filed last week that the 66-year-old woman was declared dead at the Glen Oaks Alzheimer's Special Care Centre in Urbandale on January 3 Pictured: Ankeny Funeral Home. 'At approximately 8:26 a.m. funeral home staff unzipped the bag and observed Resident #1's chest was moving and she was gasping for air,' the report stated The nurse said she had been checking on the woman 'every hour on the hour throughout the night' to administer morphine and lorazepam as needed. According to the agency's citation, 'the facility failed to ensure residents received dignified treatment and care at end of life'. A funeral home employee and a second nurse practitioner who put the woman into the body bag and the funeral home's vehicle about an hour later also found no signs of life, according to the report. The department of inspections and appeals found the care center 'failed to provide adequate direction to ensure appropriate cares and services were provided' before the woman was declared dead. Lisa Eastman, executive director of the Glen Oaks Alzheimer's Special Care Centre, said in a statement that the center cares deeply about its residents and remains committed to supporting 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. The Ankeny Police Department is not pursuing criminal charges, Sergeant Corey Schneden told the Des Moines Register. The Iowa Capital Dispatch reported in February 2022 that Glen Oaks had been fined $500 for failing to perform the required background checks on employees. It found five workers had not received the required training to work in a memory-care facility. A devout Christian mother was banned from her four-year-old sons school after complaining that he was compelled to take part in an LGBT pride parade, a court heard. Izzy Montague, 38, said she was told by the headteacher of Heavers Farm Primary School in South Norwood, southeast London, that her son could not opt out of the event in June 2018. The school sent a letter to parents on June 19 inviting them to partake in a Pride march and celebrate the differences that make them and their family special'. Mrs Montague contacted the school and asked for her son to be excused attendance on June 29 as they were concerned about him being involved of a public display of adherence to views which she did not accept'. Her request was refused by the headteacher Susan Papas, Central London County Court has heard. Izzy Montague (pictured), 38, said she was told by the headteacher that her son could not opt out of the LGBT pride event in June 2018 Giving evidence Ms Papas said the mother was banned from the school because staff did not feel safe around her. Ms Papas told the hearing the aim of the parade was to pull everything together, to have a happy cheerful event at the end of the year. Where we could bring everyone together and say they were proud of what they had learnt and reflect on topics weve covered over the year, bringing everyone together with everyones families. Ian Clarke, representing the school, asked the headteacher: What was the purpose behind the teaching of the home in reception? Ms Papas replied: The teaching in reception was simply to know there were different kinds of families in the class and other families existed in the world. Judge Christopher Lethem said: So, no hierarchy of equalities? Ms Papas said: In reception level it was just how they could all feel comfortable that other families exist or if their family didnt look like the others, thats ok. Mr Clarke asked: Who do you mean by they? Heavers Farm Primary School (pictured) in South Norwood, southeast London, sent a letter to parents on 19 June inviting them to partake in a Pride march Ms Papas: The children. So, from the point of view of the children, no matter what their family may look like they feel comfortable and ok that its acceptable as a family. Mrs Montague has claimed the school picked on their son and teachers gave him a three-hour detention after she made the complaint. She was banned from the school after a series of concerns surrounding her behaviour towards staff, the court heard. What were you trying to achieve in banning Mrs Montague from the school? asked Mr Clarke. Ms Papas said: I was trying to support members of staff who said they did not feel safe around her. I hesitated around it, and I discussed it with the Chair of Governors, Graham Cluer (corr), I didnt want to make the situation worse. The Chair of Governors, he reminded me of my duty to look after the staff because staff were complaining saying they felt very unsafe around her, I had to take action. Michael Phillips, representing Mrs Montague, asked Ms Papas: Do you accept the fact my client is someone who does speak louder than average? Yes, she does speak louder than average, but lots of parents speak louder than average, lots of staff speak louder than average replied Ms Papas. Mrs Montague previously sparked controversy on ITV's Good Morning Britain after telling a gay father his sexuality 'is a choice' during debate on LGBT lessons in schools So, this could just be how Mrs Montague speaks? Mr Phillips I dont accept that... the member of staff who was at the school when she called in said [Ms Montague] was intimidating and threatful. Ms Montague was seeking further information and an explanation of what was happening in this period would you agree with that? asked Mr Phillips. Yes, replied Ms Papas. That she was protesting about how her son was not given class work to do [during his detention] and that breached the behaviour policy and that her son was discriminated against due to her behaviour, do you accept that? Mr Phillips said No... He was given classwork to do, he wasnt discriminated against, Ms Papas replied. Youre dealing with a parent who thinks it was possible their child is being [unfairly treated] is it possible that what you are seeing is a reaction and you should not take it personally, Mr Phillips said. It wasnt me who was taking it personally, replied Ms Papas. All she wanted she wanted was transparency in a timely manner, said Mr Phillips. She had the information about what had happened and then I suggested she sat down with her sons class teacher, and they spoke about what had happened replied the headteacher. At the start of the eight-day case Judge Christopher Lethem described Mrs Montague and her husband as 'devout born-again Christians', adding: 'They bear a belief that sexual relations should be abstained from or take place within a life-long marriage between a man and a woman and any activity outside those confines is sinful. 'They also say pride is considered to be the most serious of the deadly sins.' The court previously heard that Mrs Montague attended a meeting with Ms Papas on September 19 in which the headteacher's daughter wore a T-shirt with the slogan: 'Why be racist, sexist, homophobic, or transphobic when you could just be quiet?' Giving evidence, Mrs Montague told the court that prior to the incident she had expressed concerns to her son's teacher about the type of books they were reading in class, including 'a same-sex-family book'. Mrs Montague's husband, Shane Montague, previously told the court he did not think it was the schools job to teach children about same sex families. Mrs Montague has previously appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain, where she sparked controversy after telling a gay father his sexuality 'is a choice' during debate on LGBT lessons in schools. Mrs Montague, supported by the Christian Legal Centre, launched legal action against the school on the grounds of direct and indirect discrimination, victimisation and breach of statutory duty under the Education Act 1996 and the Human Rights Act 1998. It is the first time that a UK court will scrutinise the legality of teaching LGBT values in primary schools. The hearing continues. South Koreans on a bus hold the hands of their long-lost family members from North Korea after a reunion event for families separated by the Korean War, at North Korea's Mount Geumgang, in this Oct. 22, 2015, file photo. Despite little progress on inter-Korean relations in recent years, the unification ministry vowed on Tuesday to step up efforts to connect the families with their loved ones in the North. Korea Times file Only 30% of reunion applicants still alive; gov't desperate for any means of connection By Jung Min-ho Over the past 12 years, more than 24,000 South Koreans have created video letters for their family members who might still be alive in North Korea, hoping that the messages would reach them one day. In the letters, some of which are available on a website run by the Ministry of Unification, they express hopes of meeting their brothers or sisters lost in the chaos of the 1950-53 Korean War during their childhood. "My mother would probably have died by now after 70 years," a man, 76, who was hoping to find his long-lost younger brother, said in a video clip posted last year. Despite little progress on inter-Korean relations over the last three years, the ministry said it would not give up. On Tuesday, it vowed to step up efforts to connect people with their loved ones in the North by any means possible, before it is too late. According to data the ministry presented at a Cabinet meeting that day, more than 10,000 people who had been on the waiting list for family reunions have died within the past three years. Of the 134,000 people on that list, only 42,000, or 31 percent, are still alive. In two years, that is expected to fall below 30 percent, with more than 65 percent of the remaining survivors in their 80s or 90s. Given that Pyongyang refuses to cooperate on resuming family reunions, the ministry plans to ask the North to exchange information about the separated families first, as many wish to at least know whether their loved ones are still alive. Ultimately, the objective is to resume family reunions and hold such events as frequently as possible. But given the North's reluctant cooperation since 2018, the ministry is, in the short run, seeking to help them exchange personal letters, pictures and video messages among others. The ministry also plans to expand and improve the facilitation of video chats between family members where the opportunity may arise. Moreover, the ministry will start carrying out extensive research on such families living overseas. So far, 1,186 overseas Koreans have put their names on the official list of separated families. Officials believe there are many more who are unregistered. They will begin surveying the U.S. and Canada, where many ethnic Koreans live, before deciding whether to expand the study to other countries. The search is expected to help find more facts and draw international publicity for the humanitarian issue, the ministry noted. Other than the uncooperative North, the ministry views a lack of public attention as one of the biggest hurdles. To renew hope and interest, the ministry said it will intensify its efforts to promote the issue for all generations, especially young people. Speaking to the media ahead of last year's Chuseok holiday, Unification Minister Kwon Young-se invited North Korea to talk on the issue. But there has been no response. Since the first Seoul-Pyongyang summit in 2000, the two sides have held 21 rounds of in-person family reunion events, including the latest one in August 2018. Since then, almost all forms of exchanges have been halted amid growing military tensions and the complexities of the pandemic. Police have extended the search for Nicola Bulley towards the sea after finding no evidence she fell into the river - as a family friend has admitted doubts over the working hypothesis on how she disappeared. Heather Gibbons has joined Ms Bulley's family and friends in questioning Lancashire Police's theory that she may have fallen into the River Wyre while walking her dog on January 27. She told MailOnline: 'It's natural for everyone to have speculation, because the truth is, in this, nothing is making sense.' It comes as police, who will be joined by divers from Specialist Group International (SGI) for a third day on Wednesday, are yet to find any evidence she is in the water despite two days of extensive searches. While SGI divers have concentrated on the area where Ms Bulley's phone was found on a bench, other dive teams started to look further upriver towards Fleetwood and the Irish Sea on Tuesday. Heather Gibbons (pictured) has joined Ms Bulley's family and friends in questioning Lancashire Police's theory Ms Bulley - a 45-year-old mother-of-two - went missing while walking her dog near the River Wyre on January 27 But Peter Faulding, a forensic expert and founder of SGI, has previously said it is unlikely that Ms Bulley is in the fast flowing river - adding that it was 'impossible' for the 45-year-old to have made it to the sea. However, The Times reports that he told the newspaper that it was possible her body could have reached the sea by now if she had fallen into the water because of the river's meandering course. The bay is around 15 kilometres away from where Ms Bulley is believed to have disappeared and where the River Wyre flows into the sea Mr Faulding also slammed 'keyboard warriors' who have accused him of having an 'ulterior motive' for joining the search last night. He said: 'This is what you get for trying to help people. I have given my life to helping families looking for missing loved ones. 'Do our job searching in dark murky waters for a drowning victims. My team and I don't deserve this trash.' Mr Faulding has also reportedly been ticked off by police over speculating about Ms Bulley's disappearance after he said there could be third party involvement. Meanwhile, Lancashire Police continued to rule out any 'suspicious or criminal' element on Tuesday. Earlier, Mr Faulding's said his hopes for further diving expeditions were limited and he told GB News that it was impossible for Ms Bulley to be in the sea. 'We've been using the high frequency side scan sonar in this stretch today and it's so detailed I can even see every stone of it. She's not in this stretch,' the expert explained. 'We also sonar-ed on the other side down yesterday in the tidal river. Now if you take a football on a tidal river when the tide goes out the the ball will go down the stream and then as soon as the tide turns it will come back in again. It'll end up back at the same place. Peter Faulding (pictured) has said if his team cannot locate Ms Bulley in the river then she is not there and he would not rule out 'third-party involvement' in her disappearance Divers have begun to search close to the estuary as the search for Nicola Bulley expands due to fears she may have floated downstream towards Fleetwood and out to the Irish Sea Nicola went missing 13 days ago and was last seen on the bank of the River Wyre in St Michael's on Wyre with police still unclear about what has happened to her Lancashire Police Superintendent Sally Riley pictured speaking to the media at St Michael's on Wyre Village Hall today 'For Nicola to get out to sea would be impossible, literally, it's such a long way in the 11 days. It's an awful long way down,' Mr Faulding said. A team of 40 detectives are currently working on around 500 different lines of inquiry and more than 700 drivers who travelled through the village around the time of Ms Bulley's disappearance are being traced. Speaking at a press conference today, Superintendent Sally Riley said police had been supplied with an 'unprecedented' amount of information and leads. She added: 'At the moment there are around 500 active pieces of information and lines of inquiry that we're working on to try and find answers for Nicola's family. 'This is normal in a missing person inquiry and does not indicate that there is any suspicious element to this story. 'The inquiry team remains fully open-minded to any information that may indicate where Nicola is or what happened to her.' But the police chief emphasised that detectives have not yet come across any evidence of foul play. 'Any criminal or suspicious element has been discarded,' she said. 'It is important to stress that any information that comes in that indicates otherwise is being checked out all the time. 'We are not closed in any way to any particular line of inquiry but all these extensive inquiries, however, have so far found anything of note.' Detailing the scale of the police inquiry Supt Riley said her team had received thousands of pieces of information 'from the public, wider community, the Bulley family and friends'. Officers have conducted house to house inquiries in the village of St Michael's on the Wyre and hours CCTV footage has also been analysed. Police have identified 700 cars that passed through the village around the time Ms Bulley disappeared and each driver is being contacted and asked to check any dash cam footage they might have. The diving expert said it was 'impossible' for Ms Bulley to be in the sea, saying that it was 'a long way down' to the estuary from where she went misssing Police have said they are 'open minded' as to how the mother-of-two disappeared, but its working hypothesis remains that the 45-year-old fell into the river Read more: How dog behaviour can disclose hidden clues to mysteries Dogs are believed to be able to find the last location of their owners through their sense of smell. Experts advise those searching should go back to where the dog was last spotted because it will backtrack to its owner and their scent. A dog's sense of smell is 10,000 times more powerful than a human and can pick up locational scent. If its home is far away and the dog can't find its owner, it will get worried and try to return home to somewhere familiar. In certain cases, some dogs will return home along or attempt to follow their missing owner, according to Colin Tennant, director of the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training, who wrote in The Sunday Times. Dogs cannot, however, process what is happening if a human falls into water. In this case, the dog might run along the bank looking for eye-contact or stop on the bank as the last place of detection. Advertisement Supt Riley said the police investigation by her officers had been reviewed by the National Crime Agency and they had not found any new line of inquiry that should be pursued. The police chief warned 'amateur detectives' they would be arrested if they were found to be breaking the law while carrying out their own search. Abandoned and derelict buildings along the river have been broken into by members of the public carrying out their own investigation. She added: 'There are some properties along the riverside which are empty or derelict and whilst it may be well-intentioned that people think that that could be a line of inquiry, I would ask them to desist from doing that. 'In some cases it may be criminal if they are breaking in, causing damage or committing a burglary. 'We have gone into derelict property - including ones on the riverside, (and) any under renovation that were empty - with the permission of those owners and their knowledge.' Supt Riley also said police would come down on people making vile comments on social media and speculating about the whereabouts of Ms Bulley. She added: 'This is an agonising time for the family, particularly her two little girls. 'I would ask everyone to remain constructive and cooperative with the inquiry and not do anything that would thwart us and hold us back from trying to find Nicola.' In a sign of tensions between police and Mr Faulding after he made a string of television appearances offering his own theories, she stressed that he was not party to all the details of their wider investigation. The 'baffled' diving expert leading the search for missing Nicola Bulley fears her mobile phone discovered on the bend next to the river was left as a 'decoy.' Ms Bulley is pictured here with her partner Paul Ansell But Mr Faulding hit back in an interview on GB News last night, saying all information should be made available to his team. 'If you haven't got the facts then you can't conduct a proper search. It's very difficult without that information. 'Normally I'm privy to that information on a lot of these searches. 'If there's more information I certainly don't know about it and it would be useful to know.' It comes as family and friends of Ms Bulley have questioned the police theory that she probably fell into the water. And Mr Faulding has said if his team cannot locate Ms Bulley in the river then she is not there and he would not rule out 'third-party involvement' in her disappearance. Mr Faulding said his 'gut instinct' tells him that Ms Bulley is not in the water. 'I personally think if I rule this stretch of river out today where we're working I don't think she's here, I think there's probably a third party involved,' Mr Faulding told Good Morning Britain on Tuesday. The forensic expert said he has spoken with Ms Bulley's 'distraught' partner Paul Ansell to keep him updated on the search. He said: 'I spoke to Paul last night and asked him if she had any enemies, any stalkers, the normal questions you would ask. And nothing, he said no. And she was totally normal that day when she left, nothing out the ordinary.' Students at a prestigious university dubbed 'Oxbridge for farmers' strapped a dead stag to the bonnet of a car during a charity rally, MailOnline can reveal. A photo from the fundraising event at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, shows the lifeless animal's head and hide strapped to the bonnet of a Land Rover with yellow string. It comes after another photo from the event showed a dead fox attached to the roof of a car with each leg secured by blue rope. The university, whose patron is Charles III, is known for attracting the scions of wealthy farmers and counts Captain Mark Phillips, Princess Anne's former husband, among its alumni. A photo from the fundraising event shows the stag's head and hide strapped to the bonnet of a Land Rover A photo from the fundraising event at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester yesterday shows the lifeless fox sprawled on the vehicle's roof Founded in 1845 as the first agricultural university in the English-speaking world, the RAU recently ranked among the top-ten universities in the country for student experience. But its 'Hooray Henry' students have also gained a reputation for rowdy behaviour and a heavy drinking culture. Referring to yesterday's incident, a source told MailOnline: 'Given it's a university with the motto ''caring for the fields and the beasts'', it's a fairly clear (if not shocking) breach of their supposed ethos. 'The RAU is full of entitled old fogeys who are resistant to any sort of change - most are so rich they think they can get away with anything.' The university said it condemned the students' behaviour and had contacted Gloucestershire Constabulary for help with identifying the perpetrators. The force said it had spoken to the students on the day and given them 'words of advice' but no crime had been committed. Wild foxes are considered vermin, so while it is against the law to hunt them with dogs it is not illegal to shoot them humanely with a registered firearm. The offence of outraging public decency concerns behaving in a way that is 'lewd, obscene or disgusting' in the presence of at least two members of the public. Founded in 1845 as the first agricultural university in the English-speaking world, the RAU recently ranked among the top ten universities in the country for student experience Students from the Royal Agricultural University were in attendance last week during a visit to a dairy farm by the Countess of Wessex. Sophie, 58, got stuck in bottle-feeding a young calf milk during her visit to Smerrill Dairy in Cirencester. A Royal Agricultural University spokesman told MailOnline: 'We condemn this behaviour. 'As soon as we were made aware of this incident, the details were passed to our Student Services team and an investigation was started immediately. 'We have spoken to the Police and to our Students Union to identify those involved. 'We will absolutely not tolerate this kind of behaviour and will deal with those involved appropriately in light of the severity of the incident. 'The behaviours on display by a select minority of our students during this years RAG Rally go against the Universitys core values. 'The severity of those incidents has led to the decision by the University to withdraw support for the Rally in future years.' Gloucestershire Police said: 'We are aware of the incident and have been in contact with the Royal Agricultural University. 'Officers were present at the rally and spoke to students at the time with words of advice. No criminal offences are believed to have taken place at this time.' Rory.tingle@mailonline.co.uk House Speaker Kevin McCarthy seemed to reveal on Tuesday that embattled Republican Rep. George Santos is facing a House Ethics investigation, before backtracking later in the day. 'Ethics is moving through, and if Ethics finds something, we'll take action,' McCarthy told CNN. 'Right now, we're not allowing him to be on committees from the standpoint of the questions that have arisen.' He clarified to the outlet later that he did not mean to confirm that Santos was under a formal Ethics inquiry but that he was the subject of ethics complaints. The New York Republican, dubbed the Long Island Liar for the many fabrications he made about his biography, told CNN he was 'not concerned' about the House Ethics investigation. It comes the same day as a group of New Yorkers from Santos' 3rd Congressional District came to Washington, DC demanding for him to step down. Asked about those calls by DailyMail.com on Capitol Hill Tuesday, he indicated he has no intention of resigning. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy revealed on Tuesday that embattled Republican Rep. George Santos is facing a House Ethics investigation A group of his constituents crammed into the corridor outside Santos' office and called for him to resign 'Ethics is moving through, and if Ethics finds something, we'll take action,' House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told CNN 'When you're elected by by the margins I was elected by - I think let's just call it what it is,' Santos defiantly told DailyMail.com. 'I was elected based on the policies that I said I was going to deliver. Judge me on my actions, judge me on my conservative chops.' He said he would 'love to sit' with the concerned citizens but the did not make a request for a meeting in a 'timely manner.' Meanwhile, Long Island and Queens residents gathered outside the U.S. Capitol for a press conference led by New York House Democrat Reps. Ritchie Torres and Dan Goldman. They not only pushed for Santos to step down, but also turned the heat up on McCarthy to 'do the right thing' and force the beleaguered representative out of Congress. Goldman told reporters after the press conference that Santos' continued tenure in the House was a blemish on the institution - while pointing out that Republican leaders have not taken action against him. 'George Santos is a Republican and he is being embraced by the Republican Party, but it brings disrepute on the entire Congress, for him to continue to walk our halls as a member,' he said. Santos has been under fire since before he was sworn-in, after The New York Times found no record of him studying at Baruch College or working at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs, claims he made on his campaign website. Other lies were unspooled from there, with the latest development involving sexual harassment claims filed against Santos from a prospective staffer. A man named Derek Myers alleged that Santos 'touched' his groin during a January 25 meeting in Santos' office. The New York Republican said he '100 percent' denied the claims and dismissed Myers' allegations as 'comical,' according to CNN. Myers said he filed a police report and a House Ethics complaint. New York Democratic Reps. Dan Goldman and Ritchie Torres - both representing NYC congressional districts - led a press conference outside the US Capitol with residents of Santos' district One Long Island resident took the podium to call on Speaker Kevin McCarthy to oust Santos On Tuesday, constituents from New York's third Congressional district stood outside the Capitol Building chanting 'hey, hey, ho, ho Santos has got to go.' Despite calls for his resignation, Santos has expressed no inclination that he might quit. 'You're saying that the freedom of speech of my constituents is a distraction to my work?' Santos told CNN when asked about calls for him to resign. 'Do you think people are a distraction to the work I'm doing here?' McCarthy has also not called on Santos to resign, though indicated in his comments Tuesday that he could get behind an expulsion if the House Ethics Committee investigation turned up evidence of wrongdoing. It's extraordinarily rare for the House to expel a member only 20 in the history of Congress. The last time that happened was in 2002, after Rep. Jim Traficant (D-Ohio) was convicted on ten charges including bribery, racketeering and tax evasion. Other punishments for misbehaving members have included being stripped of their committee assignments. Santos was initially assigned to two committees, but last week informed the Republican caucus that he would recuse himself from them as the fallout over his falsified biography played out. The origins of todays reshuffle date back almost 20 years to when Rishi Sunak arrived to study at Stanford University in the heart of Silicon Valley. The next few years would prove formative for the Fulbright Scholar and future prime minister, who turned up in California as the internet revolution was getting under way. Not only did he meet his future wife, but his experience, first as a Stanford student and later as a private equity manager operating in the tech boom, was to take a powerful hold on his political and economic outlook. As chancellor, during the leadership campaign and as Prime Minister he has spoken repeatedly of his inspiring experience in California, his belief that innovation, science and technology can revolutionise Britain and his dream of building another Silicon Valley here in the UK. It is certainly a bold vision, which few on the Conservative benches would quibble with in principle. As chancellor, during the leadership campaign and as Prime Minister he has spoken repeatedly of his inspiring experience in California. Pictured: Sunak hosts cabinet today But it is also a long-term strategy at a time when the Tory party desperately needs some short-term wins to start turning round a daunting Labour lead in the polls. One minister warned there was a real danger that the shake-up would backfire and encourage Whitehall to move even more slowly. We have probably only got six months to get things done before we are into the election countdown and the system just refuses to play ball with anything, the source said. I cant really see that having a big Whitehall shake-up will do anything but reduce the very limited time available to make a difference. You will have weeks now probably months of people arguing about where they should sit and whos responsible for what. Everything that was being worked on will have to be looked at again. Obviously the PM wants to get on with action in these areas, but it feels like a recipe for delay. The shake-up will split the sprawling Business Department into three, with former culture secretary Michelle Donelan taking up a role as Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. Effectively her job is to create the new Silicon Valley. Lucy Frazer, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport speaks to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as she arrives to attend cabinet in 10 Downing Street Mr Sunak picked trade minister Greg Hands to replaceNadhim Zahawi as Tory chairman. Mr Hands is an experienced campaigner and trusted media performer Grant Shapps will look after energy security and net zero, while trade secretary Kemi Badenoch will take on what is left of the former business department. Lucy Frazer takes over at culture, media and sport, although the loss of the huge digital brief with responsibility for broadband roll out and online safety means the role returns to its Ministry of Fun origins. The plans did not impress former culture secretary Nadine Dorries, who tweeted: Sad to break up DCMS, because it works. The department has tragically lacked profile of late despite being most effective in Whitehall. Track record in tech, digital, gigabit roll out, telecoms, data speaks for itself. This along with maths to 18 its like (Dominic) Cummings never left! Certainly, the former No 10 aide Cummings shared an obsession with science and technology. The fact that Mr Sunak appears to have sounded out Michael Gove to run the department will also fuel fears that Mr Cummings still has influence at some level an idea vehemently denied by those close to the PM. A bigger concern in Whitehall is whether the new set-up will work, and whether the PM had learned the lessons of recent history. One senior civil servant said the PM had done a Gordon Brown and recreated Dius a reference to the late, unlamented, Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, which was put out of its misery in 2009 after just two years. It was, by a distance, the worst department I ever had to engage with, the official said. No one knew what it was for and it quickly became a complete basket case. Mr Sunak, naturally, sees things differently, arguing that his new set-up will help improve energy security and drive growth. No 10 acknowledged that the changes would not be a silver bullet. Mr Sunak met his future wife Akshata Murthy at Stanford Univeristy The PM said the creation of an energy department means we can produce more energy here at home, giving us more independence and security, and it means we can transition to cleaner forms of energy as we hit our net-zero ambitions and create jobs in the process. The immediate trigger for todays reshuffle was the sacking last month of Tory chairman Nadhim Zahawi over his tax affairs. Mr Sunak picked trade minister Greg Hands to replace him. Mr Hands is an experienced campaigner and trusted media performer. But his status as a leading Remainer, who was an acolyte of George Osborne, raised eyebrows among some Tory MPs. What does a southern Remainer with a safe seat in Chelsea know about fighting a seat like mine? asked one Red Wall MP. There is a school of thought that Mr Sunak boxed himself in too tightly in his choice of party chairman following the debacle of Mr Zahawis departure. One Tory source said: He wanted someone super-loyal, which ruled out people like Penny (Mordaunt) and Priti (Patel). They also had to have no skeletons in their closet after Zahawi. And they had to be reasonably competent. The trouble is, by the time youve done the Venn diagram of people who are loyal, clean, competent and willing to do it, you havent got that many options left. Im not sure winning elections was given the priority it should have had, given thats basically the job. However, Mr Sunak appeared to see the criticism coming. By mid-afternoon, No 10 announced that the outspoken MP for Ashfield Lee Anderson would be brought in as deputy chairman, providing some Brexity grit to supplement the new chairmans smooth southern charm. Mr Anderson, a former Labour councillor, is a no-nonsense figure whose baiting of the woke Left delights his fellow Red Wall MPs (while appalling some on the Left of the party). Last month he ended up in a scuffle with notorious anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray after playfully stealing his hat. If he has been to California, it did not rub off. 'Approximately 76 percent, or 7,200 pounds of that was seized coming through our southwest border' according to Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee It only takes two milligrams of fentanyl to kill a person DHS says 9,400 pounds of fentanyl were seized so far, this year alone U.S. Border Patrol agents testifying before the Oversight Committee on Tuesday acknowledged that the amount of fentanyl seized at the southern border so far this year is enough to kill nearly five times the population of the U.S. Tucson Sector Chief Patrol Agent John Modlin noted that 700 pounds of fentanyl was seized in his area alone in 2022, which he noted was enough to kill half the population of the United States. Committee member, GOP Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee explained that the heart-stopping amounts of the synthetic opioid caused the overdose deaths of the hundreds of citizens in his Tennessee district last year alone. Burchett recited Department of Homeland Security (DHS) figures that show 9,400 pounds of fentanyl were seized in the country so far this year. 'And approximately 76 percent, or 7,200 pounds of that was seized coming through our southwest border,' he added. DHS figures that show 9,400 pounds of fentanyl were seized in the U.S. so far this year and 7,200 pounds of that was seized coming through our southwest border. Pictured: A display of fentanyl seized by Customs and Border Protection in Arizona over just one weekend. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is much cheaper than other narcotics and often laced into drugs coming over the border When asking Modlin and fellow witness Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Patrol Agent Floria Chavez whether they knew how many people that could kill, they admitted they did not but admitted they were aware it was a high number. 'I'll do the math for you,' Burchett said. 'It's 1.6 billion people, with a 'b'.' 'That's enough fentanyl to kill every American almost five times over,' he noted. 'And the bottom line is this country was on its way, I felt, to a secure border under President Trump,' the lawmaker said. 'But President Biden put an end to that on his first day in office. I believe Americans are dying as a result.' The witnesses admitted that migrants are under the impression that when President Joe Biden took office, the policies at the border changed. Modlin said that in post-arrest interviews, the captured migrants say they heard that the border is 'open,' a claim that has been pushed back on by the Biden administration. Democrats on the Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing tried to make a distinction during Tuesday's hearing between the fentanyl coming through legal ports of entries by Americans and that being smuggled between legal entry points. But Modlin repeatedly said that the way fentanyl makes its way into the country doesn't matter to the parents whose children are dying at record rates of overdoses many times unintentional, because they were unaware they were ingesting the dangerous synthetic opioid. It only takes two milligrams of fentanyl to kill a person. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Los Angeles Field Division, shows some of the seized approximately 1 million fake pills containing fentanyl Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tennessee) noted that the fentanyl seized at the southern border so far this year could kill the population of the U.S. nearly five times over One witness at the Oversight hearing on Tuesday, Tucson Sector Chief Patrol Agent John Modlin (left), noted that 700 was seized in his sector alone. Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Patrol Agent Floria Chavez (right) agreed with her fellow witness the amount of fentanyl seized at the border this year is unprecedented and could kill a lot of people Democrats have tried to paint the seizure figures as a win, noting that the fact that the drugs are being taken by U.S. border enforcement agents is proof that they are doing their jobs to get the drug off the streets. But last year was the highest rate to date of fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths. Representative Gary Palmer of Alabama noted that fentanyl is just like a 'weapon' coming across the border to kill Americans. 'Fentanyl is a weapon that is coming across our borders that's killing young people at a record level,' he said at Tuesday's hearing. 'The drug overdose deathrate for people under age 24 is at an all-time-high, especially among the African American community,' he noted. 'I have a real hard time understanding why we continue to operate the way that we operate.' Lawmakers clashed as Democrats again accused Republicans of being racist for focusing committee hearings on the southern border crisis. The second hearing for the Oversight Committee in the 118th Congress on Tuesday zeroed-in on handling of migration at the southern border it was the second hearing focusing on the migration crisis, coming just one week after the Judiciary hearing on the same topic. Texas National Guard troops block immigrants from entering a high-traffic border crossing area along Rio Grande in El Paso, Texas on December 20, 2022 as viewed from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Chairman James Comer of Kentucky sharply rebuked this claim, noting that the hearing Tuesday is 'the first time since Joe Biden's been president that anyone representing the border has been asked to come before this committee' Chairman James Comer defended the hearing, noting that the powerful Oversight Committee's job is to make sure Congress is addressing issues properly, and that the hearing Tuesday is the first time the panel is hearing from government workers responsible for securing the border. Republicans said that while Biden 'won't talk about the crisis at our southern border' during Tuesday evening's State of the Union address, the Oversight Committee would address it in their hearing earlier in the day. Democrats, however, accused the GOP-led hearing of 'amplifying white nationalism.' 'Good morning and good luck to everyone except GOP Oversight members who are using today's hearing to amplify white nationalist conspiracy theories instead of a comprehensive solution to protect our borders and strengthen our immigration system,' Oversight Democrats tweeted Tuesday. Representative Byron Donalds of Florida cut into the usual procedure of the hearing because he wanted to respond after Representative Comer read the tweet out loud and bashed it as being 'out of decorum' of the congressional rules. 'I'm just going to cut to the chase,' said Donalds, who is black. 'For my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who want to state that we're using this hearing for White Nationalism, I'm not doing that.' 'So, if you feel that strongly, come walk to this side of the room and let's talk about it face-to-face,' he urged. 'But leave that kind of silly stuff for somebody else. Don't bring that here today. This stuff is serious.' Figures released for December show that the number of encounters at the southern border are continuing to rise and reached a new all-time single month high of 251,487 The back-and-forth came after Democrats on the Judiciary Committee made the same claims of racism during their first hearing of the new Congress on Wednesday. 'The first hearing will showcase the racist tendencies of the extreme MAGA Republican wing of the party that seeks to close the border to refugees from places like Cuba and Venezuela,' Judiciary Ranking Member Nadler noted in his opening remarks last week. 'It almost makes me miss their usual obsession with conspiracy theories and the FBI,' he quipped. 'I suspect this hearing is also an attempt to distract from the fact that Republicans have failed to pass any meaningful legislation in their first month in the majority.' Republican freshman Representative Wesley Hunt of Texas rebuffed this claim. The black lawmaker said Democrats too often use racism as a 'scapegoat.' 'I've been black for a long time, sir, so I get it,' Hunt said during questioning of El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego after he suggested the term 'invasion' is racist. 'I've been a minority in this country for a very long time,' Hunt said. 'But this is actually not about race, this is actually an issue of public safety.' The House Oversight and Accountability Committee is stacked with high-profile lawmakers on both the Republican and Democrat side of the aisle. Comer echoed the message of several other Republicans in Congress by claiming Biden and Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas have sent the message that 'our borders are open.' Venezuelan migrants hug as they reach the U.S. border fence to turn themselves in to the U.S. Border Patrol after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico on September 2, 2022 in El Paso, Texas. Immigrants seeking asylum turn themselves in to U.S. Border Patrol agents after wading across the Rio Grande to El Paso, Texas on December 18, 2022 from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland), wearing a bandana due to hair loss from cancer treatment, said the hearing wasn't about humanitarian concerns but rather anti-immigration Democratic Ranking Member Jamie Raskin of Maryland, donning a bandana due to hair loss from cancer treatment, tore into Republicans for not holding hearings on the humanitarian crisis at the border when former President Donald Trump was in office and when reports emerged of children and their parents being separated after crossing illegally. 'Rather than work with Democrats on these efforts, the MAGA forces in the GOP have chosen to abandon the strong pro-immigration stance of Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan and instead spread fear about a foreign 'invasion,' dangerous paranoia about the racist and anti-Semitic Great Replacement mythology and disinformation about fentanyl, the vast majority of which is brought into our country by American smugglers working for the international drug cartels,' Raskin alleged. 'For years, Republicans on this committee refused to conduct oversight of President Trump's disastrous and cruel border policies. They were silent in 2019 when the U.S. Customs and Border Protection declared a humanitarian crisis at the border.' Raskin said that Republicans aren't actually seeking to engage in the real purpose of the Oversight panel. But Comer denounced this classification. 'The Republicans' lack of Oversight?' the chairman questioned. 'I want to remind everyone this is the first time since Joe Biden's been president that anyone representing the border has been asked to come before this committee the first time.' 'This crisis has gotten worse every day over two years this is the first time,' he added. He launched book What Lies Beneath at event attended by Alan Carr last week Forensic expert Peter Faulding, a father of three, lives on a farm in West Sussex An expert diver dubbed the 'Human Mole' who is leading the desperate search for missing mother of two Nicola Bulley lives on a farm with his family, alpacas and emus and released a new book last week. Peter Faulding, a forensic expert and founder of Specialist Group International, was brought in to assist Lancashire Police on Monday but has yet to find any evidence that Ms Bulley slipped or fell into the River Wyre on January 27. His specialist team yesterday carried out searches around the bench where Ms Bulley's phone was found and travelled around a kilometre upstream using specialist sonar equipment. He has said that if his team cannot locate the 45-year-old in the river, then he will believe she is not in the water and would therefore be unable rule out 'third-party involvement' in her disappearance. Mr Faulding, a father of three, has become a world-renowned expert after working on a number of high-profile cases including the so-called 'Spy in the Bag' case of MI6 agent Gareth Williams, who was found dead in a padlocked holdall in a bath in his flat in 2010. Peter Faulding, a forensic expert and founder of Specialist Group International, was brought in to assist Lancashire Police on Monday Mr Faulding lives on a farm with his wife (pictured), children, alpacas and emus His specialist team today carried out searches around the bench where Ms Bulley's (pictured) phone was found and travelled around a kilometre upstream using specialist sonar equipment Pictured: Mr Faulding with one of his llamas He was also involved in the investigation into the disappearance of Nicola Payne, a young mother who went missing while walking across wasteland in Coventry in 1991. Mr Faulding, who calls himself a 'human mole', has worked with police on hundreds of cases in the south east, where his team is based, and is regularly brought in to help with cold cases. READ MORE: Police and divers at loggerheads over what happened to Nicola Bulley Advertisement He has successfully located human remains - most of which were found in remote locations or underwater - that had gone undetected for years. The diving expert has also trained military members and police search advisers in the UK and acted as a guest instructor with the US Secret Service, FBI and American military. Mr Faulding lives on a farm in West Sussex and regularly takes to social media to post pictures of his German Shepherd dog, as well as his llamas and 'Eddie the Emu'. He is married to Adele, who also regularly uploads pictures of the family's various pets and animals on the farm. Mr Faulding also this week released a new book, What Lies Beneath, in which he details his daily job of 'recovering bodies, finding discarded remains, identifying unmarked graves and saving people from locations and situations too dangerous for the normal emergency services'. The 304-page memoir also recalls Mr Faulding's involvement in some of the UK's most infamous murder cases - including serial killer Peter Tobin and the Helen McCourt murder. The book was launched at an event with family and friends in Dorking, Surrey on Friday, with comedian Alan Carr in attendance. It will also tell of how his career seemingly took off in 1996 after he was tasked with safely removing environmental protesters from man-made tunnels under the proposed route of the Newbury bypass. The following year he made headlines for removing anti-roads protester Swampy from tunnels under the proposed route of the A30 Honiton bypass. He is married to Adele (pictured together), who also regularly uploads pictures of the family's various pets and animals on the farm Mr Faulding (pictured with comedian Alan Carr) also this week released a new book, What Lies Beneath, in which he details his daily job of search and rescue operations Mr Faulding lives on a farm in West Sussex and regularly takes to social media to post pictures of his German Shepherd dog, as well as his llamas and 'Eddie the Emu' He is married to Adele, who also regularly uploads pictures of the family's various pets and animals on the farm Swampy, real name Daniel Hooper, had already captured the public's imagination and gained notoriety as a mastermind behind complex and fortified tunnels. Writing for the Mail on Sunday last month, Mr Faulding told of how his first encounter with the protester subsequently blossomed into an unlikely bond. He wrote: 'We examined the entrance of a tunnel called Big Momma. There were four people inside, including Swampy and Muppet Dave (he had a dog called Muppet). 'Over the following days, Swampy and I spoke many times as I worked my way along the tunnel. Every morning I would find he had moved further away, behind a door or some other obstacle. We chatted about regular things and it was always good-humoured. I built up trust with him.' He added: 'When we finally shored to the bottom of the shaft, I peered into the 12in 'worm' tunnel where Swampy had wedged himself, but couldn't see a thing. '"Your time's up," I told Swampy. "Have a cup of tea and let's get out of here before we both get buried." Swampy was calm and reasonable. He'd been underground for nine days, surviving on water, cold baked beans and Frosties. 'We shook hands, and Swampy emerged from Big Momma on January 30, 1997, to an explosion of flashing cameras.' Mr Faulding's work in protester removal operations led him to be a key adviser to the Home Office's 'Policing of Environmental Protest' group. Pictured: Mr Faulding's llamas, which he often shares pictures of Mr Faulding lives on a farm in West Sussex and regularly takes to social media to post pictures of his rural lifestyle Mr Faulding is a former paratrooper who investigated the 'Spy in the Bag' case and the murder of April Jones Specialist Group International (pictured) works with police, fire and other government agencies to help with rescue and missing persons missions Mr Faulding (pictured) pioneered the use of technology in missing persons searches and has become a world leader in underwater search techniques His interest in confined spaces began as a child, where he would regularly explore disused mines and caves in Merstham, Surrey, with his father John. Mr Faulding was initially called in to help firefighters and specialist rescue teams with collapsed structure shoring techniques, before going through Parachute Regiment selection in the British Army - where he served for six years. By 1998, he travelled to the United States to conduct research on using 'side scan sonar' and 'ground-penetrating radar' to help locate missing people and remains. He pioneered the use of this technology in missing persons searches and has become a world leader in underwater search techniques. In the search for Ms Bulley, Mr Faulding says his team is using a high-spec sonar worth 55,000 'which can see every stick and stone lying on the riverbed' and is 'superior' to the sonar equipment officers have at their disposal. The high-frequency device is towed beside an inflatable dinghy that carries a small team of staff. It uses multiple physical sensors called transducer arrays at the bottom of the moving vessel that sends and receives sound pulses. Mr Faulding helped remove anti-roads protester Swampy from tunnels under the proposed route of the A30 Honiton Bypass. Pictured: Swampy protesting a Manchester Airport expansion in 1997 He and his team, Specialist Group International (pictured), have been brought in to assist on several cold cases and has successfully located human remains - most of which were found in remote locations or underwater - that had gone undetected for years As the vessel moves along its path, these sensors send out signals on both of its sides, sweeping the sea floor like the fan-shaped beam of a flashlight. Additionally, Mr Faulding is a qualified commercial diver, helicopter and fixed-wing pilot and holds a pilot's licence in both the US and UK. He also regularly appears on television, radio and podcasts - including the BBC's Shallow Graves: Unearthing a Serial Killer that aired in November. Mr Faulding also works with schools and, in July 2021, flew to three schools in Cheshire to deliver lifejackets. Similarly, he flew by helicopter to Bovington Academy in Dorset to deliver the life-saving equipment. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders will make the case that the nation needs a new generation of leaders when she delivers the Republican response to President Joe Biden's State of the Union speech on Tuesday evening. At 40 she is the country's youngest governor, after winning election in Arkansas last year. At 80, Biden is the oldest president in history. 'It's not necessarily about age,' said a senior official in the governor's office, 'even though she will make that contrast. 'But a new generation is also about the bold policies and the bold vision that leaders want to bring. It's about the new House majority and the oversight that they're going to be taking against the Biden administration. 'It's that mom in a local community that is thinking about running for school board who's never never pursued anything like that before.' Sarah Huckabee Sanders took the oath of office to become governor of Arkansas last month. She will contrast her status as the nation's youngest current governor with Joe Biden's status as the oldest president in history to call for a new generation of leaders when she delivers the Republican response to the State of the Union on Tuesday evening She will also accuse Biden of failing to protect Americans from the consequences of open borders, drugs and crime, according to a senior official in her office That will be one of three major themes, including the idea that Biden has failed to defend America with drugs flowing across open borders, and that voters no longer face a choice between right and left, conservative and liberal, but between 'normal and crazy.' In excerpts released in advance of her speech, she blasted the state of the economy and 'wokeism.' 'In the radical left's America, Washington taxes you and lights your hard-earned money on fire, but you get crushed with high gas prices, empty grocery shelves, and our children are taught to hate one another on account of their race, but not to love one another or our great country,' she will say. In another passage she will expand on the idea that the Biden administration seems more interested in 'woke fantasies' than the reality facing ordinary Americans. 'Every day, we are told that we must partake in their rituals, salute their flags, and worship their false idolsall while big government colludes with Big Tech to strip away the most American thing there isyour freedom of speech,' she will say. Sanders' role in delivering the response reflects her rapid rise in the party. Her position as Donald Trump's press secretary elevated her to a national figure. And last year she shattered Arkansas state fundraising records on her way to becoming the highest profile Trump official to win elected office. Delivering the response can be a fraught business, often remembered for the desperate grab for a bottle of water (Sen. Marco Rubio in 2013), or social media erupting about spittle on the lips (Rep. Joe Kennedy insisted in 2018 it was ChapStick.) Sanders served as former President Donald Trump's White House press secretary for two years from July 2017-July 2019, elevating her to national prominence But it is still a huge honor, and a sign of a politician on the way up or that the party sees the speaker as the sort of face that can win over voters. In Sanders case she not only is she a Trump loyalist, but she could help her party reconnect with suburban women. On Tuesday, Politico published a glowing profile which hinted that she may be positioning herself to become Trump's 2024 running mate. Her State of the Union response, said the official, would avoid burrowing into the minutia of policy detail but focus on broad themes. 'She's going to lay out the case as to why President Biden has failed to defend the American people,' he said. 'He's failed to defend the border. He's failed to to push back on violent crime. He's failed to deal with the drug epidemic. 'He has failed on every single front and she believes he is unfit to be commander in chief.' House Speaker Kevin McCarthy promoted Sanders' remarks, claiming Biden should 'tune-in' Sanders will also take on 'wokeism' in her speech, and is already on the front lines of the nation's culture wars. She is planning to sign a bill banning drag shows from areas accessible by minors in order to 'protect kids', such as drag storytime performances Viewers of her live speech will have to wait and see whether she brings up the Chinese spy balloon. 'The other thing that you're also going to hear in the speech is how in election season we hear a lot about the choices between left or right, Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative,' said the official. 'One of the points she's going to make tonight is that the choice is no longer between right or left. 'The choice is actually between normal or crazy and she's going to dive into kind of that wokeism culture that a lot on the left are pushing.' Sanders has already put her money where her mouth is in the nation's culture wars. Since taking office she has cracked down on the term 'Latinx' and followed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in banning teaching of what they have called 'critical race theory.' A video that shows a group of men, purportedly Taliban militants in Kandahar, south Afghanistan, shooting at a Swedish flag and then blowing it up has been circulating on social media. At the end of January, the Scandinavian country infuriated the Islamic world when far-right activist Rasmus Paludan burned a copy of the Koran outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm after being granted permission by authorities. The video shows a group in Afghanistan standing with a flag as one of them shoots into the distance with a rifle. A line of men are then seen, with one of the members firing a rocket launcher, which causes the Swedish flag pinned to the side of a building to explode. A video that shows a group of men, purportedly Taliban militants in Kandahar, south Afghanistan, shooting at a Swedish flag and then blowing it up has been circulating on social media The group members then walk over, with one of them holding up the damaged flag and pointing a gun towards it. They walk off carrying the flag and saluting with their rifles. On January 27, thousands of Afghans held protests to express anger over the Koran burning in Sweden. Kabul residents in different parts of the city took part in demonstrations, according to police spokesperson Khalid Zadran. In the northern province of Badakshan, a spokesperson for the provincial government said thousands had gathered after Friday prayers to protest. Earlier that week, the Taliban-run Afghan foreign ministry had called on the Swedish government to punish the individual and to prevent any similar incidents taking place. A line of men are seen in the video, with one of the members firing a rocket launcher, which causes the Swedish flag pinned to the side of a building to explode Paludan, a convicted extremist, who holds both Danish and Swedish citizenship, repeated the protest at a mosque in Copenhagen, in front of a Turkish embassy. He vowed to do so every day until Sweden is admitted to NATO. The decision to allow the burning of the Koran in Stockholm came amid strained relations between Sweden and Turkey, following the latter's decision to push back on Swedish ascension to NATO. The provocative demonstration has endangered Sweden's bid to join the security organisation. Sweden and Finland have sought NATO membership since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but their bids must be approved by all 30 NATO member states. The two Nordic countries still rely on votes from Turkey and Hungary, which Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has promised to deliver in 2023. In the footage, the group members walk over to the flag, with one them holding up the damaged item and pointing a gun towards it. They walk off carrying the flag and saluting with their rifles Prior to the Stockholm protest, Paludan said he wanted to 'mark some freedom of speech' after the hanging of an effigy of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan near the city hall provoked a strong response in Turkey. Riots erupted in Malmo in April last year after Paludan visited Sweden ahead of an election, intending to burn the Koran to drum up support for his movement, and previously in August 2020 when activists burned the Koran after Paludan was arrested. Turkish officials said the effigy hanging by pro-Kurdish activists prior to the Stockholm incident was contrary to an agreement made previously under which Sweden and Finland would crack down on Kurdish militants as both seek Turkish approval for NATO membership. Sweden is home to a large number of Kurds, many of whom fled Turkish persecution in the late 1980s and subsequent crises in the Middle East. Rasmus Paludan is pictured burning the Koran outside of the Turkish embassy in Stockholm Turkish foreign minister Melvut Cavusoglu said that Swedish inaction over the effigy was 'absurd' and that Sweden should not try to fool Turkey by calling the act 'freedom of speech'. The country has increased the pressure on Sweden, demanding 130 so-called 'terrorists' be extradited to Turkey before the Turkish parliament will approve NATO bids. The burning of the Koran in Stockholm to spite Turkey, which is a Muslim-majority country, was also met with a strong response. Muslims consider the Koran the sacred word of God and deem any intentional damage or mark of disrespect towards it hugely offensive. Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement criticising the act, which it said happened despite 'repeated warnings'. 'Permitting this anti-Islam act, which targets Muslims and insults our sacred values, under the guise of "freedom of expression" is completely unacceptable,' it said. A maths teacher faces being struck off after he allegedly shouted 'Who do you think you are?' at students, reducing them to tears. Steven Charlesworth was teaching a third year class at Milne's High School in Fochabers, Moray, Scotland in December 2018 when he allegedly banged on a table and shouted at the students, making some of them cry as a result. Many students then told staff members how he made them feel unsafe in his class. Mr Charlesworth also faces allegations of acting in an aggressive manner while verbally abusing a member of staff when refusing to leave school grounds. It results in the police being called to the school. He now faces being struck off in an ongoing hearing in front of the teaching watchdog the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). Steven Charlesworth was teaching a third year class at Milne's High School in Fochabers, Moray, Scotland in December 2018 when he allegedly banged on a table and shouted at the students, making some of them cry as a result Patricia Cameron, 44, who was head at Milne's High School at the time of the incidents gave evidence this week on the first day of the six-day-long hearing. She told the GTCS she initially heard of the allegations from her deputy head, Mr Macleod. 'He did supply work for us, there were initial concerns raised through parental complaints and how he was speaking to young people,' she said. 'Every term our leadership team would pop into classes to see how everything was going and from my recollection I don't think Mr Charlesworth knew what was going on in his classroom. 'My deputy head Mr Macleod came to see me later to say there was an issue - he stated that he had heard shouting and had entered the class and could see pupils were visibly upset. They told him [my deputy] they didn't feel safe in class. 'I contacted the local authority and they advised me to tell him [Charlesworth] to go home until the matter had been dealt with. 'Mr Charlesworth didn't want to come down [to my office] as he wanted to speak to pupils in his class about their behaviour.' Mrs Cameron was then asked about the incident during which he acted in a verbally abusive and aggressive manner towards her. The alleged incidents happened at Milne's High School in Fochabers, Moray, Scotland 'We were in my office and I invited him to have a seat,' she said. 'I told him that I would sit but he just preferred to stand by the door. 'He became aggressive and kept cutting me off [when I tried to speak]. I told him the best thing he could do was to go home and call HR for more information. 'He kept asking for policies and procedures and refused point blank to leave, he was shouting at me by this point. 'He followed me out to the edge of the door and I told him if he didn't leave then I would call the police, he told me to go ahead and call them. 'I was aware that the bell was about to go for lunch and he was unpredictable, I didn't want anything to happen in front of pupils. 'He stated that he wasn't leaving without a timesheet and when I said that I would post one out to him he just said he doesn't do post. 'He said that pupils were badly behaved because of myself and other staff members.' Mr Charlesworth faces being removed from the teaching register if he is found to have breached several parts of the GTCS's Code of Professionalism and Conduct 2021. These parts include parts 1.3, 1.4, 2.3, 4.1 and 4.2. The hearing continues. The Massachusetts mother who strangled her three children and tried to kill herself appeared in court virtually today from her hospital bed as her attorneys revealed she is paralyzed. Lindsay Clancy, 32, is charged with three counts of premeditated murder for strangling her three kids on January 24 at their family home in Duxbury, Massachusetts. Clancy's attorneys say she was severely depressed, suffering with post-partum depression and even psychosis, caused by a cocktail of prescription drugs that turned her into a 'shell' of herself and robbed her of her personality and ability to feel emotions. They say Lindsay told her husband - who has forgiven her - she heard a 'man's voice' telling her to kill the children and then herself because it was her 'last choice'. Prosecutors today launched a merciless prosecution, claiming she was well aware of what she was doing and that she even planned it out. Clancy remains in the hospital after trying to take her own life; she slit her wrists and jumped from a top floor window of her home after strangling her kids, Cora, five, Dawson, three, and Callan, eight months They told the court she had been behaving normally in the days before the incident, and that she had only referred to having slight 'post-partum anxiety' in notes found on her iPhone. They also referred to notes where she described 'resenting' the older two children because they stopped her from 'loving Callan like he was her first baby'. Prosecutors say she deliberately sent her husband out to a takeout restaurant that was far enough away from the home to give her time to kill the kids, and even researched how long it would take him to drive there and back using Google Maps. They also noted that she would have had to have strangled each child for several minutes with the exercise bands in order for them to stop breathing. 'The bands had to have been squeezing their minds for several minutes. She is not OK, at all... she's paraplegic, unable to move her legs or feel sensation... she is paralyzed 'She could have changed her mind,' they said, calling it a 'premeditated' crime with a 'extreme cruelty'. They say the first thing Lindsay asked doctors in the hospital was whether she needed a lawyer, using a pen and whiteboard to scrawl out the question because she was intubated at the time. They also claimed she'd been behaving normally all day before the attack, taking her kids to the pediatrician and then playing with them at the house. Lindsay was denied bond but will be allowed to stay in hospital before being transferred to a rehab center. She was ordered to surrender her passport. After attacking the children, Lindsay slit her wrists and then jumped from her bedroom window, landing in the family's backyard. She suffered several spine fractures and is now a paraplegic, her attorney said. 'She is not OK, at all. She suffered several, severe spine fractions. She is not expected to recover meaningful function below that level of the spinal chord. Lindsay Clancy with her husband Patrick and their oldest children, Cora, five, and Dawson, three. She After strangling the kids, Lindsay tried to cut her own wrists. She then jumped from a window at the family home. Baby Callan, eight months, died in the hospital. Cora and Dawson died at home 'She's paraplegic, unable to move her legs or feel sensation. She is paralyzed. DRUGS PRESCRIBED TO LINDSAY IN EIGHT MONTHS BEFORE THE KILLINGS Zolpidem (Ambien) Clonazepam (Klonopin) Diazepam (Valium) Fluoxetine (Prozac) Lamotrigine (Lamictil) Lorazepam (Ativan) Mirtazapine (Remeron) Quetiapine fumarate (Seroquel) Trazodone Advertisement 'She needs significant medical treatment,' he said, begging the court not to jail her and instead allow her to be sent to a medical rehab center. Clancy's attorneys say she was overprescribed a cocktail of prescription drugs to treat post-partum depression, and that it had turned her into a 'zombie.' In court today, her attorney Kevin J. Reddington, denied that the attacks were premeditated. 'We all know this is an individual who is in dire medical condition. This woman is a danger to herself. I question whether she would ever make it to a trial. 'She is suicidal, she is extremely emotional. She is unable to express any happiness or sadness or cry,' Reddington said. He said she was 'thoroughly destroyed' by the cocktail of medications prescribed to her after her third child was born. 'Our society fails miserably in treating women with post partum depression or post partum psychosis. 'It's "medicate, medicate, medicate". 'Throw the pills at you and see how it works.' Her husband Patrick has forgiven her, and is asking others to do the same. In court, her attorney also made reference to the many letters of support she has received from friends and colleagues, who all say it was out of character for her to have harmed the children. 'She loved her children,' her attorney said. The Clancy home in Duxbury, Massachusetts, where the children were killed in the basement A sea of tributes for the children were left outside the home following their deaths Patrick, Lindsay's husband, has forgiven her. He is shown with the children, Cora, five, Dawson, three, and Callan, eight months Lindsay was described as a loving mother who said she wanted to have more children Clancy's lawyer previously told a judge that the drugs Lindsay had been prescribed left her feeling feeling like a 'zombie'. He is seeking to fight the charges, arguing she was not in control of herself because of the drastic effects the drugs had had on her mind and body. Investigators are now probing the theory that she might have been suffering from post-partum psychosis. He also described the 'horrific' combination of prescription drugs Lindsay had been given. Reddington says that between October and January, Clancy was prescribed a dozen medications: Zolpidem which is sold under the brand name Ambien, clonazepam, which is sold under the brand name of Klonopin, diazepam which is sold under the brand name Valium, fluoxetine which is sold under the brand name Prozac, lamotrigine, which is sold under the brand name Lamictil, lorazepam, which is sold under the brand name Ativan, mirtazapine, which is sold under the brand name Remeron, quetiapine fumarate, which is sold under the brand name Seroquel, and trazodone. The United States will continue efforts to seek the release of South Koreans detained in North Korea, a state department official said Tuesday. Jung Pak, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, stressed the U.S. has "closely coordinated" with Seoul on the issue at a meeting with South Koreans with family members detained across the inter-Korean border. "The U.S. calls for the immediate release of all those who are unlawfully detained, and remains committed to promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all," Pak said at the meeting held at the U.S. embassy in Seoul. Lee Shin-hwa, South Korea's envoy for the North's human rights who also attended the meeting, called for Seoul to play a more active role to address the issue. Currently, six South Koreans, including three pastors, are being detained in North Korea on charges of committing what Pyongyang called anti-North Korea crimes. Kim Jeong-sam, an elder brother of Kim Jung-wook, a missionary detained in the North since 2013, gave Pak a handwritten letter, asking it to be delivered to U.S. President Joe Biden. "My heart aches to see North Korea holding my younger brother as a spy I pray every day for the release and repatriation of my brother," the letter read. (Yonhap) Alex Murdaugh's defense team found a focus group had 'a really hard time believing' the prosecution's claim the legal scion murdered Maggie and Paul to distract from his financial crimes, a former South Carolina attorney general has revealed. Charlie Condon said that undermining the motivation of 'money trouble' put forward by the prosecution turned up 'the top' result for the defense when carrying out tests ahead of trial. The State argues Murdaugh shot Maggie, 52, and Paul, 22, at their hunting lodge in Islandton, South Carolina, to divert attention away from the millions he was embezzling from his law firm. But Condon said he knew from 'a very reliable source' on the defense team that 'a lot of people have problems believing that'. Charlie Condon said that undermining this aspect of the prosecution case turned up 'the top' result for the defense when carrying out tests ahead of the trial lSouth Carolina attorney general Alan Wilson is seen talking with John Marvin Murdaugh and Former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon at the double murder trial on Monday. Murdaugh and his attorney Jim Griffin are seen in the foreground Speaking to ABC News 4, Condon said: 'The reason they're using it is because they know through the focus group that people have a really hard time believing that someone that has money trouble would be motivated then to kill his wife and son.' Murdaugh's defense attorney Dick Harpootlian has frequently branded the State's alleged motivation 'ludicrous.' Condon said: 'Notice how Judge Newman shot down the "ludicrous" argument because he's probably tired of hearing it.' He added: 'The state's theory is it's the white collar turning into blood red collar because of the financial crimes - turning into horrible violent crimes, horrible murders. A lot of people do have problems believing that.' The former Republican AG was spotted in court last week appearing to have a friendly conversation with Alex's brother, John Marvin and the current South Carolina AG Alan Wilson. The trial is taking place at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, a sleepy, rural town 50 miles west of Charleston in a low-lying region of South Carolina over which the Murdaugh family has wielded immense judicial and political power. Murdaugh's lawyer, Harpootlian, who is a Democrat state senator, kicked off the trial by stating it was his 'honor' to be representing the alleged killer. Indeed, in the courtroom where Murdaugh faces judgment, a portrait of his late grandfather - legendary longtime 14th Circuit Solicitor Buster Murdaugh Jr. - had hung on the wall before it was removed ahead of the trial. Prosecutors have said Murdaugh killed his wife and child to generate sympathy and distract from his financial crimes, an alleged motive that Murdaugh's lawyers have argued doesn't make sense. But he has adamantly insisted from the moment he found the bodies of his wife and youngest son shot multiple times that he was not the killer. Former Attorney General Charlie Condon sits during jury selection at the trail of Alex Murdaugh at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro on Tuesday South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson listens in court during the double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh at the Colleton County Courthouse on Wednesday, February 1 Following the murder trial, Murdaugh will have to face more than 100 additional criminal charges, ranging from drug trafficking to allegations that he stole nearly $9million from clients and other attorneys. Prosecutors say Murdaugh lured his wife and son to their 1,700-acre hunting lodge and shot them dead. The state also claims that his life was spiraling out of control amid years of opioid addiction and ballooning debts. Murdaugh pleaded not guilty in June, and the blockbuster trial is expected to include wild allegations of dark family secrets, financial ruin and hedonistic excess. In total, over 220 people could testify against Murdaugh in the trial. Seven more Memphis cops are now under investigation in connection with the death of Tyre Nichols last month - bringing the total number up to 13. City of Memphis Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Sink told a heated city council meeting that a statement of charges related to those under investigation could come as soon as this week. The widening of the investigation comes as the national outrage over Nichols' death led five officers who were filmed beating the 29-year-old to be charged with his murder. In total six officers have been fired in connection with the fateful traffic stop. The names of the latest set of officers to be investigated have not been released. Tyre Nichols, 29, died on January 10, three days after he was brutally beaten by several Memphis police officers City of Memphis Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Sink, pictured, announced on Tuesday the widening of the investigation into Nichols' death Bodycam footage of Tyre Nichols being beaten to death sparked riots after it was released by the Memphis Police Department The statement of charges announced by Ms Sink is administrative, which is separate from any criminal charges which would have to be issued from the D.A.'s office or from federal authorities. Following the arrest of five black police officers who beat Nichols' to death, a sixth Memphis cop, Preston Hemphill, was fired from the force on February 3 for his role in the tragedy. Hemphill was one of the officers who initially pulled Nichols over in a traffic stop, and fired his taser as Nichols ran away. Hemphill was not on the scene when Nichols was caught and beaten to death. Following the tragedy, two Shelby County Sheriff's deputies have also been relieved of their duties pending an ongoing investigation, but have not been charged. A further three Memphis Fire Department employees were also fired on January 30 for failing to assist Nichols as he lay dying during the January 7 beating. They have also not been criminally charged. The three individuals released by the fire department comprised of two EMTs, Robert Long and JaMichael Sandridge, and Lieutenant Michelle Whitaker. The Memphis Fire Department said the two EMTs 'failed to conduct an adequate patient assessment' and all three did not 'meet expectations' in their actions. Nichols' death led former officers Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Emmitt Martin, Justin Smith and Tadarrius Bean to all be charged with murder. After Nichols had been caught and beaten by the five officers, who have been charged following the killing, Long and Sandridge arrived on the scene, while Whitaker was in a nearby vehicle. She remained in the vehicle while Long and Sandridge got out to attend to the call. Five Memphis police officers, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Emmitt Martin, Justin Smith and Tadarrius Bean, are all facing murder charges for their involvement in Nichols' death Preston Hemphill became the sixth Memphis police officer to be suspended over the fatal beating JaMichael Sandridge (left) and Robert Long, both EMTs with the fire department, were fired after they failed to attend to the dying Tyre Nichols Lieutenant Michelle Williams was also fired following the incident, after she remained in the fire truck when she arrived while Sandridge and Long attended the scene Ms Sink announced the latest set of officers to be placed under investigation during a city council meeting on Tuesday, exactly one month after Nichols was killed. She revealed that among the latest seven officers to be placed under investigation is an unidentified individual who was relieved from duty on January 30. The announcement came one month after Nichols was beaten to death after police pulled him over for what they said was a traffic violation. Video of the tragic killing was later released by the Memphis Police Department, which sparked a series of protests across America amid calls for urgent police reform. Horrific bodycam footage of the attack on Nichols revealed how he was beaten to death following a traffic stop Video of January 7 attack showed Nichols being punched, kicked, pepper sprayed and tased. He died three days after the beating Police were seen in the footage fatally attacking Nichols just minutes from his house TIMELINE OF EVENTS IN NICHOLS' DEATH January 7: Police pull over Tyre Nichols on suspicion of reckless driving at 8.30pm. Tyre fled on foot after a 'confrontation' but was apprehended by cops soon after. An ambulance was called to the scene after Tyre complained of shortness of breath, and was transferred to hospital in a critical condition. January 10: Three days after the stop Tyre, 29, died from his injuries sustained in the incident. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced that they were looking into his death. January 15: Five officers are relieved of duty while the investigation into their use of force continues. Preliminary findings indicate the serious nature of the offences. All of the officers were given a notice regarding the impeding administrative actions. January 18: The Department of Justice announces that a civil rights investigation has been opened into the death of Tyre. January 20: Memphis Police Department identifies, and fires five offices involved in the traffic stop, due to their violation of multiple department polices. Officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Jr, and Justin Smith's jobs were terminated for failing in their 'excessive use of force, duty to intervene, and duty to render aid'. Two Memphis Fire Department employees who were part of Nichols' 'initial patient care' were also fired. January 23: The family of Tyre Nichols and their attorney, Ben Crump, view the footage of his arrest for the first time. Crump compares it to the assault of Rodney King by LAPD officers in 1991. January 26: All five officers are charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, two charges of aggravated kidnapping, two charges of official misconduct and one charge of official oppression. January 27: Four of the former officers each paid bond of $250,000 each to be released after their arrest. Body-cam footage of the assault is released. Advertisement The police bodycam footage of Nichols' arrest caused widespread outrage after it was released last month, which shows the officers brutally kicking and punching the 29-year-old. The terrifying encounter began with a traffic stop, when multiple unmarked cop cars surrounded Nichols' vehicle and officers dragged him from the driver's seat as one could be heard yelling, 'Get the f*** out of the f****** car.' After hauling the 29-year-old from his car, several cops then begin relentlessly kicking and punching him as he lies on the street. He then frantically broke free, rushing to his feet before sprinting down the road and away from the group of officers pursuing him. One officer then fires a taser at Nichols, but he later claims that only one prong struck him, meaning the circuit was not completed and the electric shock was not delivered. The chase continued for roughly half a mile before Nichols is seen tackled and held down by two officers, who scream at him 'give me your hands!' More officers then arrive on foot while Nichols is pinned down, leading one to pepper spray him in the face. Two officers held Nichols to the ground as he attempts to break free, then the third appears to kick him in the head. Following this devastating blow, Nichols is seen slumped more fully onto the pavement with all three officers surrounding him. The same officer then proceeds to kick him again. With Nichols already subdued, the officer who used the pepper spray then extends a telescoping metal baton and shouts 'I'm gonna baton the f*** out of him!' before striking Nichols three times in the back. Several officers are later seen propping Nichols up on his feet while one punches his face. Nichols stumbles and turns, still held up by two officers. The officer who punched him then walked around to Nichols' front and punches him three more times, causing the 29-year-old to collapse. Nichols is heard repeatedly screaming, 'Mom! Mom!' during the struggle, but goes silent after blows to his face. After Nichols is handcuffed, he appeared to be unresponsive and unable to sit upright. Immediately following the brutal attack several officers are heard cursing, wisecracking and ordering him to sit up as he slumps over onto the pavement. Even after paramedics arrive on the scene, they do not appear to render immediate aid. In total, Nichols lied on the pavement for more than 19 minutes as at least eight cops mill around the scene, flushing pepper spray out of their own eyes. Then, even after paramedics arrived, Nichols had to wait for nearly half an hour slumped over the pavement for any significant medical treatment. Eventually, he was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries three days later. Millions of Australians will be able to roll up their sleeves for a fifth Covid-19 vaccine within a fortnight following a backflip from the nation's immunisation advisory. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has updated its advice to recommend anyone aged 18 who has not been infected with Covid or had a vaccine within the last six months to get another booster. The fifth jab will become widely available from February 20. It was previously only available for severely immunocompromised Australians. 'From February 20, all adults who haven't had a booster or an infection in the past six months can go out and get a booster shot, to give them additional protection against severe illness from Covid,' health minister Mark Butler said. Millions of Aussies will be able to get another Covid-19 booster from February 20 'If you're 65 or over, or you're an adult at risk of severe Covid illness, and it's been six months since your last booster or infection, it's now time for a booster.' The announcement means Australians aged 18-29 will be eligible for a fourth vaccine but won't be offered to children unless they have health issues that put them at risk of severe illness. It comes weeks after the Anthony Albanese government assured a third booster wouldn't be necessary after ATAGI had initially recommended against getting a fifth vaccine shot. The ATAGI noted in November that severe disease and death during a recent wave of the virus in Singapore was very rare for people who had had at least two doses of a Covid shot. ATAGI initially announced a fifth jab wouldn't be necessary but has since updated its advice Around 72 per cent of eligible Australians have received three doses while 5.4 million have returned for a fourth. The move will be welcomed by medical experts who have been calling for a third booster to be delivered at the same times as the flu jab in April and May, before the virus is expected to be at its infection peak. Professor Robert Booy, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Sydney, said the effectiveness of the last booster shot the elderly and immunocompromised had six months ago is now 'wearing off'. A New York City police officer reportedly shot himself in the locker room after less than a year on the job. The male officer, 22, has been transferred to Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx after allegedly suffering from self-inflicted gunshot wounds inside the locker room at the 47th Precinct around 11am on Tuesday. He is in critical condition after the bullet hit his cheek, but he expected to live. A source told DailyMail.com that the bullet did not hit the officer's brain. The source also said that police put the officer in the back of a cruiser and drove him to the hospital. Nine law enforcement officers, eight men and one woman, have been lost to suicide so far this year across the country, according to data collected by Blue H.E.L.P. Last year, the total rose to a disturbing 154, up from 141 the year previous. The officer, 22, allegedly shot himself inside the locker room at the 47th Precinct (pictured) He is in critical condition after the bullet hit his cheek, but he expected to live. A source told DailyMail.com that the bullet did not hit the officer's brain The NYPD has already seen two suicides within its rank this year. There have been nine suicides of law enforcement officers across the country so far this year Mayor Eric Adams spoke about the incident at an unrelated press conference, saying: 'I communicated earlier with the police commissioner [Keechant Sewell] and our hearts and prayers are with his family.' The NYPD has already seen two suicides within its rank this year. An officer jumped to his death from the LeFrak City Apartments in Queens on January 10 and another shot himself in a car in Brookville Park, Queens, on January 20. Steven Hernandez was pronounced dead at Lefrak City Apartments in Flushing, Queens, shortly before 12.30pm on January 10. Hernandez belonged to the 121th Precinct in Staten Island. It's unclear whether he lived in the building, or if he was visiting the Medical Division which is housed there. More than 150 law enforcement officers died by suicide in 2022, proceeded by 141 in 2021, and 145 in 2020 Hernandez was a six-year veteran, having joined the force in 2017. He was transferred to the 121st Precinct last year. On social media, he showed signs of struggling with mental health. Hernandez frequently referred to his 'racing thoughts' and seeking a therapist. Firefighters and police officers are more like to die by suicide than any other profession in the line of duty. There have already been 9 suicides among first responders in the US this year. Followed by 154 in 2022, 141 in 2021, and 145 in 2020. Between 2017 and 2022, 185 to 250 first responders have died per year, according to Blue H.E.L.P. Steven Hernandez was pronounced dead at Lefrak City Apartments in Flushing, Queens, shortly before 12.30pm on January 10 He jumped to his death at Lefrak City Apartments in Flushing, Queens (pictured) In addition, male first responders died by suicide at significantly higher rates than their female counterparts. Out of the 186 deaths in 2022, 168 of them were committed by males and only 18 by female. In the last six years, the number of female first responders who have committed suicide has never reached more than 21, compared to males at 228, according to data collected by Blue H.E.L.P. Among the record deaths, it was found that police officers had an average of nearly 16.5 years of service among those who took their own life. Firefighters had an average of 14.77, correctional officers averaged 11.31, EMS averaged 10.83, and dispatchers averaged three years of service. If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 988. The man arrested in connection with a series of strange incidents at the Dallas Zoo, told police he is hoping to return to the zoo and steal more animals if released from lockup. An arrest-warrant affidavit obtained by the Dallas Morning News reveals fresh details about what went down at the Dallas Zoo over the last few weeks, which has so far included the kidnapping of two tamarin monkeys and the disappearance of a clouded leopard from its enclosure. Davion Irvin, 24, who was booked into the Dallas County jail on Thursday after being spotted at The Dallas World Aquarium, told investigators that he was previously able to enter the zoo several times by evading security. Davion Irvin, 24, was spotted munching on a bag of Doritos as he surveyed the Dallas Zoo, asking the various staff how to handle the animals he planned to lift This photo provided by the Dallas Zoo shows an emperor tamarins that lives at the zoo. Two monkeys were taken from the Dallas Zoo on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, police said, the latest in a string of odd incidents at the attraction being investigated He also told of his plans to steal additional animals, according to the court documents. He told police he 'loved animals,' though he is now facing six charges of animal cruelty and two charges of burglary. The affidavit seems to confirm it was Irvin who attempted to steal the clouded leopard named Nova, whose disappearance was first reported on January 13. Nova was eventually found unharmed several hours later, though Irvin said he had intended to take the animal 'but could only manage to pet it' because she leapt over the top of her enclosure. Zoo officials later found that enclosures surrounding the langur monkeys had been cut. They also noted the suspicious death of an endangered vulture named Pin. Police say Irvin is accused in the case of the cut enclosures, but that they are still investigating the death of Pin. A week-and-a-half after Pin's untimely passing, two emperor tamarin monkeys, Bella and Finn, were removed from zoo grounds. The monkeys were safely located in an empty house in Lancaster, where Irvin allegedly kept his looted zoo animals. One day after the monkeys went missing, the Dallas Zoo security director gave multiple pictures of Irvin to the police - one notably of him snacking on a bag of Doritos. Police then shared the images and asked for the public's help identifying him. Authorities previously told zoo staff that Irvin had asked a number of 'obscure questions' and had behaved oddly in the days prior to the monkeys' disappearance. The court document says Irvin had asked the staff: 'Where do y'all get the monkeys from and how do y'all shift them around?' On January 29, more than two weeks after the initial disappearance of Nova, staff say he asked: 'How do you catch the birds and where do they go at night?' He was seen jotting down the info on tissue paper. About the tamarin monkeys, Irvin asked where he could 'get one,' and 'how do y'all get them in at night?' A Dallas police vehicle sit at an entrance at the Dallas Zoo, Friday morning, Jan. 13, 2023 after a clouded leopard named Nova went missing Davion Irvin, 24, was arrested by the sheriff's department last week for his involvement in the mysterious disappearance of multiple animals at the Dallas Zoo A white-backed vulture a the Dallas Zoo, where an endangered vulture named Pin was found dead last month Police investigated a number of strange occurrences at the Dallas Zoo beginning in mid-January Pictured is the clouded leopard Nova, who went missing from her enclosure on January 13, but was later found safe According to the local outlet, the accused criminal asked how to handle the more aggressive animals and was then seen entering a staff-only area. He was asked to leave and was followed around the zoo by an employee until he left. He told the police that on the night of the 29th, he waited until after dark to jump a fence entrance to the zoo and went straight to the monkey exhibit. According to his own account, he then cut the metal mesh and went through the door to the enclosure before 'cut(ing) the enclosure where the monkeys were in [sic] and took them.' A photograph included in the affidavit shows a large square cut in the metal mesh. The suspect says he then took the monkeys to the vacant home where he 'kept his animals.' After Irvin was identified by members of the public, who also guided the police to the empty house where he was often seen and where the monkeys were eventually found. The home was described by police as being in 'extreme poor condition,' with suspected cat feces, falling building materials, mold and mildew and dead animals all around the structure. When Irvin was spotted at the Dallas Aquarium, detectives said they believed he was going to commit another crime. As of Monday, Irvin remained in Dallas County jail with a bail set at $25,000. The headmistress of Epsom College made a distressed phone call to her sister minutes before she and her daughter were shot dead by her husband, the Mail understands. Emma Pattison's frantic call to her sister Deborah Kirk and her husband prompted relatives to jump into a car and drive out to her in Surrey. But tragically they arrived too late and discovered her body as well as that of her husband George, 39, and the couple's seven-year-old daughter Lettie. Mr Pattison shot dead his wife and their child before turning the gun on himself in their grace and favour home on the school grounds in the early hours of Sunday, police believe. Surrey Police has referred itself to the independent watchdog over the triple shooting after it emerged they had been in touch with Mr Pattison just days before. Mrs Pattison's frantic call to her sister Deborah Kirk (pictured together) and her husband prompted relatives to jump into a car and drive out to her in Surrey Epsom College head Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39, and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie The killer had been a licenced shotgun holder for many years and officers had called him to check on the storage for his firearm last Thursday. Officers did not visit the premises. Home Office regulations state that gun-owners must notify police of any change of address as soon as they move. Though Mrs Pattison moved into her grace and favour home when she started her job last September, the family only handed over the keys to their old house a few weeks ago. It was suggested Mr Pattison had continued to live at the family's previous address for months after his wife took up her new post as the first female head at Epsom College. Neighbours in Caterham said that Mrs Pattison, nor their daughter, had not been seen since last summer but that Mr Pattison had spent time living in the property up until the 1.5million sale was completed last month. One told MailOnline: 'I wasn't sure if anybody had actually moved out because I'd seen George quite recently. I saw him in the run up to Christmas. 'He was by himself, Emma and Lettie were not with him. 'His BMW 8 Series was parked on the drive. Emma drove a 4x4 but I'd not seen that for a while. 'In fact the last time I spoke to Emma was just before she got the job at Epsom College because she was telling me how she'd just got it and was to become head teacher of this big, prestigious school. 'I hadn't seen her nor her daughter since that day and that must have been earlier last summer. I think she moved out before George. 'The new owners arrived about three weeks or so ago and just before they moved in, a removal firm had taken away the last remaining bits of furniture belonging to Emma and George from the house. 'It was George who handed the keys over to the estate agents. I think he'd been flitting between that house and the property at Epsom' The one-time neighbour continued: 'It's horrific what's happened at the college. I never heard any arguing or anything like that when they lived here. They appeared to have it all, a nice house, good jobs and lots of money. 'As well as the BMW, George also drove a Jaguar XR and an Audi S5. They'd also spent a lot of money doing up the house. 'When they first moved in it was quite a scruffy granny-style house but they'd extended the kitchen and landscaped the back garden as well as improving the front of the house. 'Emma was really nice and charming. She would talk over the fence. George was much quieter, much more introverted. 'He seemed older than 39, he looked and acted like someone approaching 50 not 40. His dress sense was almost like a country gent. 'Over the last year or so I never really saw him go to work. I think he may have worked at home a bit but I got the impression he had a lot of time on his hands. 'I'd see him through the window drinking glasses of red wine in his new kitchen extension.' A police vehicle outside Epsom College in Surrey on Monday following the three deaths in an apparent murder-suicide Another former neighbour added: 'I saw George's car on the driveway recently but I hadn't seen Emma around for a while, not since she'd got the new job at Epsom College anyway. 'I think there was a lot of toing and froing up from the house on his part up until the new people arrived last month.' The current owner of the house in Caterham said he had never met Emma or George Pattison when looking round last October but said there was still some furniture in the property as though someone had spent some time there. Last night Zoe Roberts, a teacher at Caterham School where her friend Mrs Pattison also used to teach, said: 'It is tragic and we wish this had never happened. 'She was beautiful, inside and out. She was just the most wonderful person. We can't put it into words at the moment, it is too raw. We are still working it out. It is just a tragic loss.' Sources told the Mail there were no grounds for suspicion over Mr Pattison as he had no criminal past and has held his firearms licence for 'many years'. The only time police are known to have been called to the family came in 2016, over accusations Mr Pattison made against his wife. He phoned the police complaining she had slapped him during a domestic row. It is understood he regretted making the call and downplayed it as a trivial matter when officers arrived, claiming he didn't realise what would happen. Surrey Police did take the matter seriously and the Mail understands Mrs Pattison was interviewed under caution with a solicitor present. The case was dropped as her husband wouldn't co-operate. Officers yesterday confirmed that a gun registered and licensed to Mr Pattison was recovered from the head teacher's residence after the killing. Mrs Pattison with her daughter Lettie. The seven-year-old has been described as a 'little angel' and 'perfect in every way' following her death on Sunday morning They stated that their phone call with him over his change of address days before was a 'routine' communication. A police statement said: 'Due to the short period of time between that contact and this incident, we have made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct [IOPC].' The force said that the incident was now being treated as a homicide investigation. The exact cause of the deaths, which have been reported to the local coroner, will not be determined until post-mortem examinations have been carried out. Officers are now trying to piece together the exact chronology of events leading up to the tragedy but they remain confident that there is no third-party involvement. Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey said: 'We are co-operating fully with the IOPC in relation to the referral we have made, and we await the outcome of its assessment of what further action may be required.' Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell's borough commander, said the force was 'confident that this incident was contained to one address and there is no risk to the wider public'. A spokesman for the IOPC said: 'We have received a referral from Surrey police about an incident in Epsom on February 5 as an officer at the force had contact with Mr Pattison last week. Surrey Police today confirmed it had recovered Mr Pattison's gun and was treating the case as a murder investigation with 'no third-party involvement' 'We are assessing the available information to determine what, if any, further action may be required from us.' George Pattison was a fast car-loving chartered accountant. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, he married Mrs Pattison in 2011. In the wake of the apparent murder/suicide, the school announced it would shut last night and remain closed until the end of next week's half term holiday. Parents were notified of the decision to finish early for half term in an email sent earlier today. Paul Williams, the acting head, said it was time for families 'to come together and try to process this shocking news.' He wrote: 'The shock and horror of the past few days have been unprecedented. The impact on your children cannot be underestimated and we are doing everything we can to support them in whatever way they need.' For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. Donald Trump, who ripped through the 2016 presidential field with attacks on his rivals, reposted images of a young Ron DeSantis allegedly partying with high school teens and adding his own mocking commentary. 'That's not Ron, is it? He would never do such a thing!' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. The post linked to a Truth Social Account that grabbed a digital image of a young man with a bowl haircut who appears to be DeSantis surrounded by three young women. One of them, who has her arm around the now-Florida governor, is smiling and appears to be holding a brown glass bottle. The hit comes as DeSantis has been rising in the polls and lining up influential supporters. To drive home the point, Trump also re-posted a message by a user named Dong-Chan Lee, who wrote that 'Ron DeSantis was having a "drink" party with his students when he was a high school teacher. Having drinks with underage girls and cuddling with them certainly look pretty gross and ephebophiliaesque,' a term relating to attraction to adolescents. 'No way?' wrote Trump on Tuesday. Former President Donald Trump reposted a commenter on his Truth Social site who linked to a 2021 blog post alleging Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis allegedly partying with high school seniors when he was a teacher at a Georgia boarding school Neither post contains evidence that the girls pictured were underage, or establishes that anyone photographed was illegally consuming alcohol. DailyMail.com has not been able to verify the provenance of the photos. Lee describes himself as a 'paleoconservative' and Trump supporter. The image, which blurs the identity of the people surrounding DeSantis, appears to come from a 2021 blogpost by HILLREPORTER.com. The post cites a 'whistleblower' who said the girls pictured 'are believed to have graduated in 2002, making them seniors at the time.' DeSantis, 44, taught history and government at the Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, during the 2001-2002 year. He was fresh out of Yale at the time, and students described him as smart, 'smug,' charismatic, and a 'jock.' The New York Times made reference to the blog post in its own article about DeSantis' time at the school, neither confirming nor knocking down the details of the incident. 'Last year, Hill Reporter, a blog put out by a Democratic super PAC, published a photograph of Mr. DeSantis taken with several female students from Darlington in 2002, one of whom was holding what appeared to be a bottle of beer,' according to the paper. 'Two former students, both women, remembered him attending at least two parties where alcohol was served, but they said that the parties took place after graduation and that they were not bothered by his presence at the time, although they question it now. 'It was his first job out of Yale, he was cute. We didnt really think too much about it,' one of the former students said, according to the Times. Trump has repeatedly taken credit for DeSantis' 2018 Florida win. DeSantis led him in a head-to-head matchup in a poll out Monday. Trump trashed the Club for Growth, who commissioned the survey Trump posted the image a second time, adding mockingly: 'He would never do such a thing.' DeSantis taught at the Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, after attending Yale University Trump's attacks come as DeSantis has been rising in the 2024 polls for the Republican presidential nomination, and days after the Florida governor referenced attacks against him in a press conference. 'I roll out of bed, I have people attacking me from all angles, its been happening for many, many years. When youre an elected executive, you have to make all kinds of decisions. You got to steer that ship,' he said. 'And the good thing is, is that the people are able to render a judgment on that whether they re-elect you or not,' he said. 'And Im happy to say, you know, in my case, not only did we win re-election, we won with the highest percentage of the vote that any Republican governor candidate has in the history of the state of Florida,' he said pointing to a feat, reelection, that Trump himself did not achieve. It comes a day after a new Club for Growth poll shows DeSantis leading Trump by nine points in a head-to-head matchup. Trump also attacked the conservative group, calling it the 'Club for NO Growth' and 'an assemblage of political misfits, globalists, and losers' who 'fought me incessantly'. DailyMail.com has reached out to the DeSantis campaign for comment. The 'groomer' attack on DeSantis, even lacking evidence, could have added sting, since DeSantis' office characterized opponents of his 'don't say gay' bill as 'groomers,' prompting backlash at the time. Dozens of firefighters are battling a massive fire which has destroyed a plastics factory where nearby residents have been ordered to remain indoors. Almost 40 fire trucks are at the site in Olive Grove, Keysborough in Melbourne's south-east after the fire broke shortly after 5am on Wednesday. A police patrol car driving past first spotted the inferno and called for back-up. The blaze took almost two hours to get under control Firefighters remain on scene dousing spot fires inside the destroyed building. Dozens of firefighters are battling a massive fire in Melbourne's south-east which has destroyed a plastics factory Large black plumes of smoke billowing from the site can be seen for kilometres across Melbourne. The factory manager who rushed to the scene after getting a call from police about the blaze expressed his devastation to television crews. A watch and act alert has been issued for surrounding suburbs due to the large amount of smoke. Large plumes of smoke from the factory can be seen for kilometres across Melbourne Residents within two kilometres of the blaze in Keysborough, Dandenong and Dandenong South are urged to close all windows and doors, turn off heating and cooling system and remain indoors. It's currently not known what sparked the blaze. Chandler Road at Keysborough is closed in both directions between Cheltenham Road and The Dandenong Bypass. Motorists are urged to use al alternative route and to expect traffic delays. Melbourne residents in Keysborough, Dandenong and Dandenong South have been ordered to stay inside due to the large amounts of smoke Harry was 'all in' on the idea but instead went on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and CBS 60 Minutes to discuss his memoir Producers at the studio are still keen to get the royal on screen and haven't ruled out the possibility of putting him in a sketch Prince Harry was in 'serious' talks to host Saturday Night Live in the run-up to the January release of his memoir but talks stalled at the final hurdle. The Duke of Sussex was on a whirlwind TV tour talking about Spare before publication and went on a number of high-profile US shows. Producers on the long-running NBC show were keen to get the royal on board, with Harry, 38, described as being 'all in.' It is unclear what caused the discussions to stop, with many sources telling PageSix that people would have 'definitely tuned in.' One industry insider said: 'I know that Harry was all in. He was really serious about doing it and it would have been great fun as promo for the book.' Saturday Night Live producers are keen to get Prince Harry on the long-running NBC show and at one stage the royal was described as being 'all in' The Duke of Sussex was on a whirlwind TV tour talking about Spare before its publication and went on a number of high-profile US shows 'SNL producers have been after Harry for a while. Everyone on the show was really into the idea, and people would definitely have tuned in.' Another confirmed the talks, adding: 'There's always lots of names in the mix, but Harry was definitely a name being discussed.' Lorne Michaels, creator and producer of the iconic show, would reportedly still love to have Harry on the program even if it isn't to discuss his book. A third insider said they could see the royal dad-of-two appearing as a 'surprise in a sketch' rather than hosting. NBC did not respond to a request for comment when contacted by DailyMail.com. Harry instead appeared on CBS' '60 Minutes' and the Late Show with Stephen Colbert but spoke in front of a 'hand selected' audience of veterans. SNL has a long history of mocking the royal family, with Fred Armisen often playing the late Queen Elizabeth as a cockney mob boss. Bill Hader also regularly played Prince Phillip, Harry's grandfather, while Martin Short appeared in a 2012 sketch to mimic the Princess of Wales' first ob-gyn appointment. Harry appeared on a host of shows in the US, including the Late Show with Stephen Colbert to promote the book Harry was 'all in' on the idea but instead went on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and CBS 60 Minutes to discuss his memoir Anne Hathaway performed as Kate Middleton during the skit, with the show poking fun at Harry and the royals again. James Austin Anderson and Devon Walker played two 'British Rappers' and former Eton schoolmates who they dubbed 'Milly Pounds' and 'Shirty'. They were asked to give an update on the royal family, and replied: Right, right, OK, listen, mate. 'OK, all the focus is on the royals when it should be on Britain's exploitative tabloid press. It's pants, mate. Rubbish. Pants.' Johnson added: 'They're mean to our boy Harry, all right. We know what really goes down. We've known Harry since our days at Eton.' Austin then began to rap: 'Prince Harry, Prince Harry, stayed over at Tyler Perry's. Press cold like Ben and Jerry's. I'm allergic to dairy.' Walker, as 'Shirty,' continued: 'Harry and Meghan, Ronald Reagan, interracial dating, Queen said, 'Not today, Satan'.' Harry and Meghan were seen together for the first time since they attended the RFK Ripple of Hope Award in New York in December at the surprise vow renewal of their close friends and neighbors, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi Kris Jenner officiated the renewals, which surprised the former talk show host It comes after Harry and Meghan Markle were seen together for the first time since his bombshell memoir was published. They celebrated the surprise vow renewal of their close friends and neighbors, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi. Harry and Meghan were at opposite ends of the group, which included Brandi Carlile, and other friends and family of the celebrity couple. It is the first time that the couple has been seen together since appearing at the RFK Ripple of Hope Award in New York in December. Meghan, 41, has been keeping an unusually low profile compared to her husband, who went on a whirlwind publication tour for his memoir Spare in January. Ellen, 65, appeared stunned as Portia entered the room wearing a wedding dress and called her wife the 'greatest gift' for the surprise. Meghan had reportedly raised 'gentle concerns' about Harry's decision to release Spare and was worried if it was the right move Spare became the fastest-selling non-fiction book of all time on the day of its release, topping sales charts around the world - including in the U.S., according to its publisher The couple has been married since 2008 and recently moved into the new Montecito mansion, which is just a stone's throw from the $14million home of Harry and Meghan. The former Suits star's close relationship with Ellen is not a secret with her appearing on talk show in 2021. She opened up about her life in California with Harry and their two children Archie, 3, and Lilibet, 1, as well as taking part in a cringe-worthy prank. During her surprise appearance on the final season of Ellen's talk show, the duchess stepped outside the studio to pull a prank on a vendor trio. It meant that she was forced to do and say whatever the talk show host told her to via a hidden earpiece. Meghan approached the first vendor and began inspecting the crystals on their stall before Ellen instructed her to hold on to her head and begin groaning and moaning. As part of the prank she was forced to swig from a baby bottle and meow like a cat in the toe-curling prank. The Sussexes have been a constant presence in U.S. media since moving to the country, beginning with their explosive March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey Meghan allegedly stayed away during Harry's promo tour because she would have been accused of 'trying to steal the limelight' In January the Duke appeared on a whole host of shows including 60 Minutes and Good Morning America as well as The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to promote the book. But following its release the couple's popularity was hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Meghan had reportedly raised 'gentle concerns' about Harry's decision to release Spare and was worried if it was the right move. The 41-year-old is said to have expressed worries that the book could ruffle feathers. Harry was also in the audience with schoolchildren in New York when Meghan promoted her book The Bench. But as Harry released his explosive memoir, which slams his family and reveals that he killed 25 Taliban fighters, Meghan has been notably absent from any promotion or interviews. Meghan allegedly stayed away because she would have been accused of 'trying to steal the limelight.' The couple was also notably absent from the birthday party of Oprah Winfrey - despite the pair being close friends and also neighbors. Some of the many A-listers in attendance included Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Sharon Stone, Rita Wilson, Sofia Vergara and Heidi Klum, among others. Spare became the fastest-selling non-fiction book of all time on the day of its release, topping sales charts around the world - including in the U.S., according to its publisher. In it Harry made explosive revelations and allegations about members of his family, most noticeably his brother Prince William, rocking the House of Windsor. It has also put in jeopardy the family's chance to set aside their differences at the coronation of King Charles III later this year. In the memoir, Harry alleged that his brother shoved him into a dog's bowl during a heated row after he began dating Meghan, leaving it in 'pieces'. He claimed he could tell Prince William wanted him to hit him back, but he refused to do so. He added his brother later apologized. He also revealed personal details such as how he lost his virginity to an older woman in a field behind a pub. In his new book he claims members of the royal household regularly briefed to the press, including for negative articles about Meghan. Harry has been criticized for sharing private conversations in the book, and intimate details about his family members. However, the prince claimed there are many other details he has chosen not to share because 'I just don't want the world to know', adding his family might not 'ever forgive' him if he did so. Harry has since challenged his family members to speak with him and apologize to Meghan, though it is not clear what for. An intruder who breached the high-security military base where Air Force One is kept was shot at by the husband of a top Air Force leader. Joint Base Andrews - where the President's fleet of aircraft are kept - was breached at about 11.30am on Sunday after a man gained 'unauthorized access' and entered a housing area. In a statement released on Tuesday, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass said her husband, Rahn Bass, was involved in the incident. He fired at the intruder, who has not been identified, before security forces detained the person, the Washington Post reported. CMSgt Bass said: 'We appreciate the outpouring of support we received after this incident. I can confirm that my husband, Rahn, was involved, and is safe, thanks to the quick response and professionalism of our Security Forces Airmen.' Chief Master Sergeant JoAnne Bass confirmed her husband 'was involved' in an intruder incident at Joint Base Andrews. Rahn Bass reportedly fired at the intruder, who was later detained by security forces Chief Master Sergeant Bass has previously described her husband, Rahn Bass, as 'my wingman, battle buddy & best friend' President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden exit Marine One as the President arrives to board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base on January 8. The base is one of America's most sensitive military sites - but has been breached several times since 2021 Nobody was hurt in the incident and it has been speculated the gunfire could have been warning shots. A statement from officials at the air base said: 'A resident discharged a firearm, security forces arrived on scene to apprehend the intruder and law enforcement is investigating the incident. 'No injuries nor property damage reported.' Joint Base Andrews is one of the country's most sensitive military sites. It houses the presidential fleet of aircraft and also serves as a base for 'doomsday' Boeing 747 jets that can be used as airborne command centers in the event of nuclear war. The security threat will be a cause for concern for the airport, from which the President and First Lady always fly An F-117 Nighthawk parked at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland It is not the first time the base's security has been breached. Picture: air to ground view of the base and its surroundings The security breach will likely be a cause for concern for the airport, from which the President and First Lady regularly fly. The Air Force said late on Monday it did not have anything to add beyond the Andrews statement about Monday's intrusion. CMSgt Bass joined the Air Force in 1993 and is its top enlisted leader. Her husband spent 27 years in the U.S. Army before retirement. The pair have been pictured together at several official events. CMSgt Bass has also spoken publicly about their relationship. In a post on National Spouses Day in 2021, she wrote: 'Rahn - thank you for being my wingman, battle buddy & best friend for these past 24 years. I'm a better me because of you. Love you! CMSgt Bass, pictured with her husband, said: 'We appreciate the outpouring of support we received after this incident. I can confirm that my husband, Rahn, was involved, and is safe, thanks to the quick response and professionalism of our Security Forces Airmen' Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass and her husband, Rahn Bass, walk arm in arm as they leave the Transfer of Responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Andrews in August 2021 CMSgt Bass joined the Air Force in 1993. Her husband, Rahn, also spent 27 years in the U.S. Army 'And to all military spouses - THANK YOU for your service, sacrifice, and devotion. What you do is amazing.' The security scare on Sunday is not the first time the base has been breached. In February 2021 a man got through the military checkpoint onto the installation and climbed into a C-40, which is the military's 737-equivalent aircraft used to fly government officials. The unauthorized man was able to enter the base, roam freely for five hours and then board an aircraft. That intruder was apprehended because the 'mouse ears' cap he was wearing struck an observant airman as odd. An inspector general's investigation found three main security failings, starting with 'human error' by a gate security guard who allowed the man to drive onto the base even though he had no credentials that authorized his access. The latest breach follows rising security concerns after a suspected spy balloon from China was shot down on Saturday off the coast of North Carolina Hours later, the man walked undetected onto the flight line by slipping through a fence designed to restrict entry. Finally, he walked onto and off a parked airplane without being challenged, even though he was not wearing a required badge authorizing access to the restricted area. In March last year an armed teenager was apprehended at Joint Base Andrews after driving a stolen vehicle through a checkpoint and to the base main gate. The 17-year-old breached the grounds shortly before Vice President Kamala Harris arrived but officials said she was not impacted by the incident. The latest security breach follows rising security concerns after a suspected spy balloon from China was shot down on Saturday off the coast of North Carolina. The aircraft had spent several days flying over military sites in North America. A second suspected spy balloon was then spotted over Latin America on Friday. Jee Young-mee, commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency speaks during a press conference held at the agency's headquarters in Osong, North Chungcheong Province, Tuesday. Courtesy of Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency KDCA chief says life will return to normal in 2023 By Lee Hyo-jin Korea is mulling the resumption of issuing short-terms visas to Chinese nationals earlier than late February, according to Korea Disease Control Prevention Agency (KDCA) Commissioner Jee Young-mee. Her remarks came as Seoul and Beijing are engaged in a tit-for-tat involving travel restrictions triggered by a resurgence of coronavirus infections in China. Since Jan. 2, authorities in Korea have tightened virus restrictions on visitors from China, suspending issuances of short-term visas and requiring those entering the country regardless of their nationality to receive a PCR test before and after arriving here. Introducing such measures, the government said it will review whether to lift the restrictions in late February. In an apparent retaliation, Beijing also suspended issuing short-term visas for Koreans since Jan. 10. It has also been mandating PCR tests on all passengers arriving from Korea except for Chinese nationals from Feb.1. "Although there is still a lack of official data from China, we are observing through other routes that the virus situation there is showing a downward trend. From what we know, there has not been a drastic surge in infections following the Lunar New Year holiday," Jee said during a press conference, Tuesday. It was her first press conference since she took office on Dec. 19, 2022. She added that an emergence of new variants of the virus in China is not being detected, contrary to concerns that the massive surge in infections could spawn mutations. "Given the situation, we are reviewing whether to lift the short-term visa restriction earlier than our previous plan," Jee said. But she noted that the testing requirement on entrants from China will remain in place, and travelers will still be required to fill out the Quarantine Information Pre-entry System (Q-CODE), until the end of this month. Travelers at the departure hall of Incheon International Airport wait in line to check in for a flight bound for China, Feb. 1. Yonhap A former Las Vegas lawmaker accused of brutally killing a journalist has claimed he was framed for the crime and that all the evidence was planted at the scene. Democrat Robert Telles, 46, is facing murder charges for the slaying of Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative journalist Jeff German in September 2022. German, 69, had written about an alleged affair Telles' had with a staffer as he served as the Clark County public administrator, with pictures of their messages set to be released just hours before the murder. Speaking to 8NewsNow, Telles now says the evidence linking him to the crime, including DNA samples, was all planted. 'I need to say that I'm innocent and I was framed,' he said on Monday from the Clark County Detention Center. Speaking from the Clark County Detention Center Robert Telles (above) claimed he was being framed for the murder of Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative journalist Jeff German German was found stabbed to death outside his home on September 3 after he extensively reported on Telles' public office and allegedly inappropriate relationship with a staffer According to prosecutors, Telles allegedly walked into German's sideyard at 11:18am on September 3 and waited five minutes before the reporter emerged from his home. When German walked out, he was immediately attacked and stabbed to death. Metro police have since said they uncovered Telles' DNA from German's fingernails, they spotted his car near the victim's home near Tenaya Way and Vegas Drive, and they collected the clothing of the suspect spotted a street camera in Telles' home. Telles, however, claims all the evidence is either coincidental or has been purposefully planted in a plot against him. 'As far as the vehicle goes, there is a vehicle that looks like mine,' he told 8NewsNow. 'As far as any other evidence goes, as far as when it may have been planted, I couldnt say. 'Again, I know its an incredible story. But that is the story,' he insisted. Surveillance footage showed a suspect wearing gray shoes and a straw hat, which were later found at Telles' home. Telles claims all the evidence was planted Pictured: the straw hat police found cut up in Telles home that matched the suspects' Police also found a bloodied shoe that looked similar to the ones the suspect was seen wearing at Telles' home. Like the hat, the shoes were also cut up As for the reason why he would be set up for a crime, Telles claims he was working to expose a scam within the county. Telles said there were individuals trying to obtain the properties of the deceased before their own family members could. Local reporters have confirmed that county officials are looking into such scams. 8NewsNow reporter Vanessa Murphy was not coy in her jailhouse interview with Telles, asking: 'What would you say to people who believe that you are a narcissist who killed a journalist and now youre coming up with another excuse?' Telles responded: 'At this point, I'm coming out with the truth because I've had to sit and wait for some time to speak out just because my counsel advised I shouldn't say anything whatsoever.' Telles is currently looking for a new attorney to represent him in court after his previous counsel submitting a filing last Friday stating that the defendant 'would like to represent himself in proper person.' A jury trial is scheduled for November. Reporters spotted Telles washing his Red GMC (pictured on surveillance) shortly after the murder. The car was reportedly seen near German's home at the time of the killing The Las Vegas Democrat claims he was being set up just as he was working to expose a scam that was being investigated in the county Hours before German was killed, Telles was told that Clark County was going to release emails and Microsoft Teams messages to the paper detailing his 'inappropriate relationship' with Roberta Lee-Kennett (pictured) Telles has pled not guilty, but Lee-Kennett told police that Telles was 'very upset and angry' with German over his reporting, with his re-election campaign nearing its end, which officials believe as his motive. German had published a series of articles accusing Telles, a father-of-three, of having an affair with staffer Roberta Lee-Kennett, 45, and for facilitating a toxic workplace. It has since been revealed that Clark County was going to release emails and Microsoft Teams messages to German's paper detailing his 'inappropriate relationship' with Lee-Kennett. Lee-Kennett had emailed Telles about what the county attorneys had told her at 7:30 the morning of September 3, with Telles responding that he would 'review' it, according to affidavits. Telles said he has been in contact with his wife and children since being incarcerated German was a well-known investigative reporter in the area and had published a series of damning articles against Telles, which prosecutors alleged led to the end of the politicians career and was the motivating factor for the murder When police searched Telles' home, they found bloodied shoes and a cut-up straw hat, similar to the one seen on the suspect in the surveillance footage. Telles' car - a red GMC - was also found to match the vehicle seen on surveillance. Reporters also stalked the public official's home and found him washing his car after the incident. Telles was arrested on September 7 after DNA evidence found under German's fingernails allegedly matched his. When Telles was arrested, he reportedly had self-inflicted cuts on his arms. An arrest report obtained by DailyMail.com shows that he barricaded himself inside his home, made suicidal statements and slashed his arms with a knife when SWAT teams arrived to arrest him. He was also suspected of taking drugs in the moments before he was cuffed, forcing officers to take him to the hospital before he was booked into the county jail. House Republicans are painting themselves as the 'adults in the room' ahead of President Joe Biden's State of the Union address on Tuesday. Several lawmakers who spoke to DailyMail.com said they expect House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who will be sitting behind Biden during the speech, to be a sharp contrast to previous Speaker Nancy Pelosi - who famously ripped up Donald Trump's State of the Union address after he finished speaking in 2020. Other Republican legislators in the House majority have not been afraid to inject a bit of levity in showing their disapproval of the president, however. Firebrand Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has been spotted walking the halls of Congress with a white balloon - a stark symbol amid GOP criticism over Biden's handling of a suspected Chinese 'spy balloon' that flew over several U.S. states before being finally shot down on Saturday. She and Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert loudly interrupted Biden's State of the Union last year over his handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy went out of his way early on Tuesday to say he will not rip up President Biden's State of the Union address Republicans who spoke to DailyMail.com ahead of Biden's big speech contrasted how they believe McCarthy will carry himself with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripping up Donald Trump's speech in 2020 Asked if he expects to see antics from anyone in the GOP conference this time around, South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson told DailyMail.com: 'Well, when you have 222, folks, of course, it's hard to say that everybody is going to act in any one particular way.' But he and other Republicans have made clear that they expect McCarthy to be a dignified presence for Biden's first address to a divided Congress. 'He should conduct himself with grace and dignity and not do any of the tricks like Pelosi used to do,' said California Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a close McCarthy ally. Meanwhile Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene brought a white balloon around the halls of Congress amid criticism of Biden over his handling of China's spy balloon 'He shouldn't stand up there and act like that, and he's not going to.' Though LaMalfa joked that McCarthy 'should take his copy of speech, and get a white helium balloon, and just kind of let it go,' before quickly adding: 'I don't think he's going to do that.' Texas Rep. Keith Self told DailyMail.com when asked how McCarthy should handle himself, 'I believe that we need to show the Americans that we are mature adults. We're not going to play these juvenile games, that we are going to be the adults in the room, which is exactly what we are.' 'We expect ourselves to behave and we will show to the American people, that we're going to be reasonable and sensible and responsible for our actions. I do not expect to see any grandstanding by the Speaker of the House,' Self said. Freshman Rep. Harriet Hageman of Wyoming panned Pelosi's ripping of Trump's speech in 2020 as 'infantile' and said McCarthy would be a 'gentleman' instead. '[Pelosi] ripped up the speech. That's what seven-year-old kids do when they are misbehaving,' Hageman said. 'So I don't anticipate that Kevin McCarthy would do anything quite as silly.' North Carolina Rep. Greg Murphy said such protests during the president's joint address to Congress were disrespectful to the office rather than any given individual. Greene and fellow firebrand Rep. Lauren Boebert loudly protested Biden's last State of the Union 'What [Pelosi] did was basically disrespectful to her position. I think he should be there respectfully,' Murphy said. '[Biden] is the President of the United States even though I didn't vote for him, and would never vote for him.' For his own part, the Speaker went out of his way early on Tuesday to dispel any notion that he would follow Pelosi's example. 'I don't believe in the theatrics of tearing up speeches,' McCarthy said in a video. 'I respect the other side.' 'I can disagree on policy, but I want to make sure this country is stronger, economically sound, energy independent, secure, and accountable.' Aussies can get a fifth Covid jab from February 20 Karl Stefanovic says he's fed up with new Covid-19 jabs and voiced his concerns about vaccine complications after another booster shot was made available to millions of Aussies. All Australian adults will be eligible to receive another Covid booster jab from February 20 after the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) updated its advice on Wednesday morning. That means people aged 30 and older are eligible for a fifth vaccination while those aged 18-29 can choose to receive a fourth jab. ATAGI particularly recommends people at risk of severe illness those aged over 65 and younger adults who have medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs - get a booster dose in 2023. It's recommended that any booster dose be given at least six months after the most recent Covid jab or infection. Following the ATAGI update, Stefanovic declared he is 'done' with Covid vaccines, with top doctor and medical commentator Nick Coatsworth also questioning the need for 'ongoing boosters'. Stefanovic also expressed concern about potential health effects of the jab. Millions of Australians will be eligible to get a fifth Covid jab from February 20 Poll Will you be getting a fifth Covid-19 jab? Yes No Not eligible Will you be getting a fifth Covid-19 jab? Yes 263 votes No 1755 votes Not eligible 46 votes Now share your opinion 'As you know, I'm not a glowing ambassador for more than two shots,' The Today Show host said. 'I've had Covid a couple of times and I'm done with the vaccine. 'There's a big chunk of Australia that is done and there's another chunk that is happy to keep having them. 'Is it capable of fighting new strains, this vaccine?' Dr Coatsworth conceded a fifth jab would only provide enhanced protection for 8-12 weeks. 'It is a very transient protection, it's not protection for life,' he said. 'That's the problem with these boosters and eventually we will have to stop with these recommendations for ongoing boosters.' Stefanovic also voiced concerns about potential health complications surrounding the vaccine. Karl Stefanovic says he's 'done' with the Covid jab and is more concerned about potential complications from the vaccine 'The other thing that I am concerned about, if I have another dose, that I may get complications,' he said. 'I have seen all those reports on the internet about fit and healthy people just dropping down with heart issues and it's still not obviously established yet whether or not the vaccine causes some of the heart issues. 'So that's a worry for me, more so than getting Covid.' Dr Coatsworth admitted complications were possible but said the vaccine is safe. 'I don't think that there are hundreds of heart deaths swept under the carpet,' he said. 'There are complications but we know what they are.' Stefanovic also spoke on behalf of older relatives who were still 'incredibly nervous' about getting the virus. 'That is such a problem, Karl, because they needn't be,' Dr Coatsworth replied. 'If you are a relatively healthy over-60-year-old and you are living at home and you're independent and you have had your doses of vaccine, then the likelihood of you going to hospital with Covid is extraordinary small,' he said. Nick Coatsworth conceded a fifth jab would only provided enhanced protection for 8-12 weeks The fifth jab was previously only available for severely immunocompromised Australians. 'From February 20, all adults who haven't had a booster or an infection in the past six months can go out and get a booster shot, to give them additional protection against severe illness from Covid,' Health Minister Mark Butler said in a statement. 'If you're 65 or over, or you're an adult at risk of severe Covid illness, and it's been six months since your last booster or infection, it's now time for a booster.' A new booster will not be offered to those under the age of 18, except children aged 5 to 17 who have health issues that put them at risk of severe illness. Those who haven't had Covid or a booster in the last six months can get another jab. Pictured is Olympic swimmer Cate Campbell getting a jab before the Tokyo Olympics It comes weeks after the Albanese government insisted a third booster would not be necessary after ATAGI initially recommended against getting a fifth vaccine dose. In November, ATAGI noted that severe disease and death during a recent wave of the virus in Singapore was very rare for people who had had at least two doses of a Covid shot. Around 72 per cent of eligible Australians have received three doses while 5.4million have returned for a fourth. The new booster will be welcomed by medical experts who have been calling for another jab to be delivered at the same times as the flu vaccine in April and May, before the virus is expected to be at its infection peak. Professor Robert Booy, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Sydney, said the effectiveness of the last booster shot the elderly and immunocompromised received six months ago would now be 'wearing off'. A representative claimed the departments were too large and inefficient Boeing plans to slash 2,000 jobs in the company's finance and human resources departments in 2023, the aerospace giant announced Monday. The positions will be eliminated through a combination of layoffs and attrition, Mike Friedman, a senior director of communications, said Monday. The company, which recently relocated its headquarters from Chicago to Arlington, Virginia, grew its workforce by 15,000 last year totaling 156,000 employees. 'While no one has been notified of job loss, we will continue to share information transparently to allow people to plan,' Friedman told The Seattle Times. Meanwhile, Boeing plans to 'significantly grow' the overall workforce during the year with 10,000 employees focusing on engineering and manufacturing. Boeing will cut around 2,000 jobs in finance and human resources by 2023 as it focuses on growing in other areas Boeing, which has been one of the largest private employers in Washington state, plans to outsource about a third of the eliminated positions to Tata Consulting Services in Bengaluru, India. 'Over time, some of our corporate functions have grown quite large. And with that growth tends to come bureaucracy or disparate systems that are inefficient,' Friedman said. 'So we're streamlining.' The Times reported about 1,500 of the company's approximately 5,800 finance positions will be cut, with up to 400 more job cuts in human resources, which is about 15% of the department's total staff. The company employed 60,244 workers in Washington State by 2022, according to BizJournal. As Boeing focuses on engineering and manufacturing, the company is one of the several companies testing autonomous systems and crafts. The technologies enable autonomous landings, handle-inflight emergencies and relax the Federal Aviation Administration's law requiring two pilots in the cockpit. Meanwhile, the company plans to grow by 15,000 on engineering and manufacturing About 1,500 of the company's approximately 5,800 finance positions will be cut Meanwhile, Zoom CEO Eric Yuan also announced on Tuesday that about 1,300 employees, or 15 percent of its workforce, have been laid off on via email. Yuan said he will slash his own $1.1M salary by 98 percent and that other executives will also see their salaries trimmed by 20 percent, with all of them foregoing their 2023 annual bonuses. Zoom CEO Eric Yuan announced that about 1,300 employees were laid off on Tuesday Yuan said the layoffs impacted every department in the company, and that fired employees are going to receive up to 16 weeks salary and healthcare coverage. In explaining the latest cuts, Yuan said the company saw a huge boom during the pandemic as many looked to Zoom as a means to stay connected and conduct business. 'We needed to staff up rapidly to support the quick rise of users on our platform and their evolving needs,' Yuan wrote. 'Within 24 months, Zoom grew 3x in size to manage this demand while enabling continued innovation.' Zoom, however, made mistakes when it failed to account how its growth was unsustainable, Yuan wrote. In the post-pandemic world, users no longer relied on Zoom as much, meaning the company had to roll back its growth. PayPal Holdings Inc., Alphabet Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. have also all made plans to dismiss thousands of workers and since November, technology firms as a whole committed to 110,793 job cuts. A maths teacher who was sacked for refusing to affirm a pupil's gender change says youngsters are having their lives 'destroyed' by the delay of trans guidance. Kevin Lister, 60, who taught at a further education college in Swindon, lost his job for not referring to a 17-year-old pupil, who was born biologically female, by their preferred male name and he/him pronouns in A-level lessons. He is now taking legal action against the school for unfair dismissal, and blames 'weak' heads who are being influenced by 'trans activist teachers'. Mr Lister said: 'The longer that there is uncertainty and the longer the Government doesn't make a definitive statement, then the more kids and more young people's lives will be destroyed.' Mr Lister, 60, is now taking legal action against a further education college in Swindon for unfair dismissal, and blames 'weak' heads who are being influenced by 'trans activist teachers' He added: 'The transgender industry has got a hold on schools that the tobacco industry never managed to get. 'My experience is that senior managers are very weak and they basically give the whip hand to the trans activist teachers. 'It is absolutely outrageous that we're allowing this in schools. This is normalising the teaching of absurdities.' Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis academy trust, which has 52 schools and educates more than 31,000 pupils, said his organisation was forced to come up with its own LGBTQ guidance in the absence of Government policy. He added: 'We have a policy and a code of practice around our support for young people who are questioning their gender and support for parents. 'We have students in primary schools and secondary schools, as all schools do, who don't identify with their birth gender. There needs to be a sensible approach.' The call for clear advice follows claims among campaigners that teachers are keeping parents in the dark about their trans policy while they await official guidance from the Government. The Department for Education is now expected to write to headteachers to tell them they have an 'obligation' to share material on sensitive topics, such as same-sex and transgender issues, with parents. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has been asked to clarify her definition of a woman after she appeared to roll back on her stance on trans women. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has been asked to clarify her definition of a woman after she appeared to roll back on her stance on trans women Last night the Association of School and College Leaders, which represents more than 22,000 school and college leaders, urged Mrs Keegan to publish the policy 'as soon as possible'. Julie McCulloch, director of policy, said: 'Decisions about how to best support pupils who identify as transgender are complex and sensitive. 'It is important that this guidance is published as soon as possible to help schools navigate what is a rapidly evolving landscape and respond to issues in ways that maintain a safe environment where the privacy and dignity of every pupil is respected.' But as pressure mounts, campaigners who do not believe children can be transgender fear the guidance could go against their beliefs after schools minister Baroness Barran used the phrase 'transgender children'. Asked in the House of Lords for an update on the timing of the draft policy, Baroness Barran said the guidance will 'support schools in relation to transgender pupils' and 'aim to provide clear information to support their consideration of how to respond to transgender issues'. Stephanie Davies-Arai, director of the campaign group Transgender Trend, said: 'The Government guidance should be politically neutral and to call a child who is experiencing change, related distress, transgender, is already politicising that child. 'The Government must not jump ahead and diagnose children, it must provide guidance that safeguards children who are experiencing distress as in any other area.' A Department for Education spokesman said 'it is working closely with the Women and Equalities Minister to provide guidance and we plan to consult on a draft before final publication'. Wales wants to make it easier for people to legally change sex despite controversy over a similar move in Scotland. The Labour-led government is to demand that Whitehall hands it the power to make laws about gender recognition. Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has already said that he wants to allow people to self-identify and that trans women are women. Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said: 'This is dangerous. These powers must not be devolved.' An astonishing photo has revealed the wreckage of Australia's first Boeing 737 crash. The Boeing 737-3 with two people on board went down over the Fitzgerald River National Park in Western Australia about 4.40pm (WST) on Monday. It burst into flames with thick, black smoke billowing into the sky. A new photo has now revealed what little remained of the plane once the flames died down, with only the tail left intact. The Boeing 737-3 with two people on board went down over the Fitzgerald River National Park Western Australia on Monday. Pictured is the wreckage afterwards The Boeing 737 Fireliner is a civilian aircraft that had been converted for firefighting and operated by Coulson Aviation The water bomber crashed in the forest between Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun. Incredibly, the two pilots were able to free themselves from the wreckage and sustained just minor injuries, WA police told Daily Mail Australia. WA Premier Mark McGowan declared their survival 'a miracle'. 'When I first heard of it I assumed the worst, but I'm advised the pilot and the crew have survived. That's a miracle I'm amazed,' Mr McGowan said. 'These planes, we contract them to do the work, the crews are often not west Australians, they are sometimes even international people. 'How you manage to crash an aircraft like that, particularly in a forested area, and survive is remarkable.' The two pilots on board were retrieved from the crash site by helicopter and airlifted to Ravensthorpe Airport, a police spokesperson said. Upon landing, the pair were taken to hospital by ambulance. The plane is believed to have taken off from Bunbury, south of Perth, at 3.25pm in response to a bushfire. The water bomber crashed in the forest between Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun and shocking photos revealed the devastation caused by the crash An initial blaze on the national park's eastern side was ignited by lightning around 10am with the second fire breaking out four hours later. Around 30 Parks and Wildlife Service firefighters are trying to bring the fires under control. With the fires posing a potential risk to lives and property, residents living near the park have been told to maintain a watch and act status. Air safety officers will attend the crash site to conduct an investigation. Air crash investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are now planning to speak to the pilots on Tuesday before trying to work out why the aircraft crashed. The Boeing 737 Fireliner is a civilian aircraft that had been converted for firefighting and operated by Coulson Aviation. The Prevent anti-extremism programme has diverted too much time and money away from the main Islamist threat, a major report is expected to say today. The long-awaited review is understood to have concluded the provision of mental healthcare for less potent threats, such as misogynistic 'incels', meant less focus on the dangers posed by religious extremists. The report by William Shawcross, former head of the Charity Commission, is also expected to raise serious concerns over the use of Home Office funding. It will detail how cash from Prevent has been inadvertently channelled to extremist groups because of a lack of proper scrutiny, the Mail understands. 'Well-intentioned public sector workers have used Prevent when they have no other way of getting mental health support to people,' said a source. The report by William Shawcross (pictured with his Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (RVO) medal), former head of the Charity Commission, is also expected to raise serious concerns over the use of Home Office funding 'The review has found Prevent concerned itself with issues such as mental health and incels to the detriment of the main Islamist threat. There is a need to refocus on Prevent's core mission which is to stop people becoming terrorists. Treated as victims, not as a threat 'William Shawcross feels Prevent has become a melting pot for everything. Different standards are in operation depending on the individual case, when there should be a single standard for all.' The review is also reported to warn that Islamist extremists are being treated as victims rather than as a threat to the public. It is expected to conclude there have been 'potentially serious consequences' after Prevent implemented a 'medical mischaracterisation' of radical Islamists, the Daily Telegraph reported. In April last year then home secretary Priti Patel confirmed Prevent would be overhauled in the wake of the Shawcross review after it failed to identify a succession of extremists who went on to commit murders. The most recent case, that of Ali Harbi Ali, the murderer of MP Sir David Amess, was dismissed as a terrorist threat by experts just months before he bought a knife to hunt down MPs. Set up in 2006, Prevent includes work to combat Islamism as well as other threats including far-Right extremists and 'incels' or 'involuntary celibates' who blame women for their inability to form relationships and who sometimes go on to commit violent attacks against women. But there has long been concern too much of its resources have been diverted away from Islamism, despite it posing the greatest terror threat to Britain. Leaks from an earlier draft of the Shawcross report, which emerged last spring, said Prevent had focused too much on far-Right extremists and accused the programme of operating a 'double standard'. It followed concern that some Prevent panels have involved Muslim groups that strongly oppose the entire programme. Home Secretary Suella Braverman is expected to make a statement in the Commons about the findings today. The King has shared his 'thoughts and special prayers' with those affected by the tragic earthquake disaster. In a heartfelt message to the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the King said he was 'profoundly saddened' by the devastation caused. 'My wife and I have been most shocked and profoundly saddened by the news of the devastating earthquakes in South East Turkiye,' His Majesty said. 'I can only begin to imagine the scale of suffering and loss as a result of these dreadful tragedies and I particularly wanted to convey our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to the families of all those who have lost their loved ones.' His words comes after more than 7,800 were killed in the 7.8-magnitude quake and its aftermath, with 5,894 fatalities in Turkey and at least 1,932 in Syria. The King shares his 'special prayers' with those affected by the devastating earthquake But the World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that the toll could soar to as much as 20,000 amid efforts to rescue those still trapped under the rubble. More than 23 million could also be affected across the two countries, according to WHO assessments. King Charles continued: 'Our thoughts and special prayers are with everyone who has been affected by this appalling natural disaster, whether through injury or the destruction of their property, and also with the emergency services and those assisting in the rescue efforts.' Earlier tonight, a team of 77 search and rescue specialists, state-of-the-art equipment and four dogs arrived in Turkey from the UK. The plane arrived in the city of Gaziantep, south east Turkey, to assist current rescue efforts. Teams from the US will also arrive tomorrow in the southeastern province of Adiyaman to focus on urban search and rescue following the tragedy. But aid to quake-hit Syria has been slowed by sanctions and damage caused to the sole border crossing used to shuttle aid from Turkey into the country. More than 7,800 have been killed in the 5.8-magnitude quake and its aftermath A key issue complicating the dispersal of aid is 'the war and the way the aid response is split between rebel areas and Damascus,' said Aron Lund, a fellow with New York-based think tank Century International who researches Syria. Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN humanitarian agency OCHA said: 'It is imperative that everybody sees it as a humanitarian crisis where lives are at stake. Please don't politicise this. Let's get the aid out to the people who so desperately need it.' The NHS has come under fire for hiring a branding agency to help cultivate the right personality and rebuild lost trust amid record waits for care. NHS England engaged the firm to advise bosses on how to improve its image and credibility after lurching from one crisis to another. It comes as the health service is struggling to tackle waiting lists of 7.2 million, which soared when the pandemic postponed operations. Leaders have also claimed they cannot afford to offer striking nurses and paramedics pay rises without cutting services, while creating hundreds of woke roles. NHS logo on medical centre (file photo). Leaders have claimed they cannot afford to offer striking nurses and paramedics pay rises without cutting services, while creating hundreds of woke roles The NHS has not revealed how much it is paying the branding consultants but experts said large organisations could be charged millions of pounds. MPs and campaigners last night accused the NHS of frittering away cash on marketing madness instead of focusing on improving access to doctors. Dennis Reed, of Silver Voices, which campaigns for elderly Britons, said: Branding and image-shaping may sell soap powder but only good quality and timely health care can improve the standing of the NHS. Wasting taxpayers money on this sort of marketing madness will infuriate the millions of older people waiting in pain for hip and knee operations. Its high time the marketing graduates and highly paid executives who hold so much sway in NHS England listened to frontline health workers about how this money could be better invested. Confidence in the NHS is going down because waiting lists are rising, staff morale plunging and there is no long-term recovery plan. Patient satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter of a century, a damning survey revealed last year. Just 36 per cent of respondents to the British Social Attitudes survey said they were satisfied with the health service, with the approval rating down by a third since 2020 and at its lowest since 1997. Hospital (file photo). The NHS is struggling to tackle waiting lists of 7.2 million, which soared when the pandemic postponed operations The Royal College of Emergency Medicine has since warned that up to 500 people a week are dying due to ambulance and treatment delays. Branding and digital design agency Thompson has made a number of recommendations following a series of interviews with NHS England bosses during the final three months of last year. It says NHS England should adopt a down to earth type of voice... to avoid the perception that NHS England is an ivory tower, as well as developing messages that demonstrate empathy with concerns on the ground. It added that the organisation should also seek to actively combat the media-driven narrative of NHS England being made up solely of bureaucrats. The findings are likely to form the basis of an NHS campaign to be launched in April. Tory MP Craig MacKinlay said: The best way for the NHS to improve its public standing is to focus on its core values and deliver what taxpayers pay handsomely for that is providing frontline services... Frittering away cash to rebuild its downgraded brand after spending millions on non-jobs will not work. Tory MP Craig MacKinlay (pictured) said: The best way for the NHS to improve its public standing is to focus on its core values and deliver what taxpayers pay handsomely for that is providing frontline services... Frittering away cash to rebuild its downgraded brand after spending millions on non-jobs will not work John OConnell, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, added: Hard-working Brits will brand this exercise an unnecessary use of precious resources. Thompson is helping NHS England position the future role of the organisation after its merger with NHS Digital and Health Education England. The research, seen by the Health Service Journal concluded that many stakeholders felt it was important to rebuild what they see as lost trust in NHS England. The leaders surveyed said they wanted the new NHS England to be positioned primarily as a facilitator of improvement, and for the organisation to be seen as part of the solution. Thompson has worked closely with NHS England in the past, including in 2016 when it helped develop a comprehensive identity policy for the service. NHS England and Thompson last night refused to say how much had been spent on the project. But Tony Hardy, of the Canny Creative branding agency, said rebranding fees could range from 10,000 for a village bakery to millions of pounds for larger organisations. For the past 400 years, it has been performed countless times, particularly at the Globe. But now the historic theatre has given Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream a misogyny and racism warning. The comedy, telling the tale of four rebellious lovers who get lost in a magical forest, is set to run from April as part of the venues summer programme. But when theatregoers buy a ticket on the Globes website they are now confronted with a trigger warning for potentially sensitive themes in the 1590s play. The websites warning reads: Content guidance: The play contains language of violence, sexual references, misogyny and racism. The online guidance ends with a plea to those concerned about its themes to contact the ticketing team for further details on the plays content. When theatregoers buy a ticket on the Globes website they are now confronted with a trigger warning for potentially sensitive themes in the 1590s play READ MORE: Do mine eyes deceive me? Woman says she can see the likeness of William Shakespeare in a ceiling light - so do you see it too or is it much ado about nothing? Rebecca Manville, 41, took to Facebook to ask what this strange shape in her ceiling light looked like - the answer, William Shakespeare Advertisement The venue is a replica of the original Globe theatre, where Shakespeares plays were first seen, so is closely associated with the Bard. A spokesman for the Globe told the Daily Telegraph: Content guidance is written in advance of the creation of each production and based on what is present in the play. These will be updated as the production comes to life. The websites warning comes after education experts at the theatre, which has links to Shakespeare, who intend to decolonise Shakespeares work, also attacked the play for its misogyny. A major comic plot line is King Oberon giving a love potion to Queen Titania so she falls for the ass-headed character Bottom. But academics have claimed this is troubling because Titania is drugged, so she cannot consent. Hailey Bachrach, the founder of the education project Shakespeare and Consent, said that this kind of plotline can make Shakespeare problematic. Another problematic plot line is Hermia fleeing Athens because she must choose between marrying against her will, or being executed or placed in a convent. Some academics say Shakespeare creates a dark/light binary which casts dark or black as negative and white or fair as positive. The Globe has sought to address the more troubling aspects of Shakespeares work with its Anti-Racist Shakespeare seminars. In these seminars education experts have said the Bards language was racialising. For example, the first line of A Midsummer Nights Dream is said to set out the racial divide clearly straight away: Now, fair Hippolyta. Unlike Othello, which features a key non-white character, the play is not typically viewed as a race play but experts believe racial slurs lie in the insults used by the plays characters. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said Monday that Korea's relations with Japan must move toward the future, as Seoul has unveiled a plan to resolve the issue of wartime forced labor that has long strained ties with Tokyo. "We believe that Korea-Japan relations should move toward the future rather than being too obsessed with the past, given diplomatic, security and economic situations we are facing," Han told a parliamentary meeting. Han's remarks came in response to a question by a lawmaker on how the government would resolve the issue of wartime forced labor. "On this issue, we believe that the relationship between Korea and Japan should be normalized, while providing sufficient communication to those who have suffered various pains at home," Han said. Relations between Seoul and Tokyo have frayed since Korea's Supreme Court issued rulings in 2018 that ordered Japan's Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to pay compensation to the Korean forced labor victims. Last month, the government unveiled the plan to compensate victims of Japan's wartime forced labor through a public foundation, in an alternative to receiving compensation from the Japanese companies. However, the government's plan drew strong backlash from victims and their families. Asked whether the Japanese companies should be involved in the compensation plan, Han replied, "I think we should fully understand the thoughts of those who suffered such damage in Korea and try to come up with a good solution through communication with them." (Yonhap) Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is warned he risks making British squaddies 'cannon fodder' unless he invests billions more in the army, as demands from Top Brass for more tanks and planes rise. The Treasury and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) are at a stalemate over next month's budget, The Sun reports. Mr Hunt is prepared to refill the 2.3billion of military equipment like tanks and guns that were handed to Ukraine last year to fight the invasion by Russia, insiders reportedly said. In the budget, the chancellor may also reverse the decision to reduce the army to just 73,000 soldiers - its smallest size in 300 years - with a cash injection of 300million, which a MoD branded a 'sticking plaster PR stunt that would produce sub-par fighters' according to The Sun. A Ministry of Defence source said that without 'proper investment' into their kit, vehicles and training in addition to extra troops, there is a risk of turning British troops into 'cannon fodder'. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace warned that the military has been 'hollowed out' and he added that if Britain hike up the current budget of 48.4billion, Downing Street risks missing a promise to the Nato to spend two per cent of the GDP on the Armed Forces each year. A Treasury Source told the Sun: 'The PM and Chancellor recognise the need to increase defence spending further, subject to the ongoing Integrated Review.' Retired military commanders and MPs also called on the Government to use the 'urgent operational requirements' (UOR) process to speed up buying vital equipment. Their demands came after fears were raised Britain's shrinking military will get no extra funding in next month's Budget. Rishi Sunak is under unprecedented pressure to announce a cash injection or risk leaving Britain 'defenceless', experts have warned. The Prime Minister's continued silence on military spending has 'unsettled' senior officers, the Daily Mail revealed yesterday. Their concerns follow a warning by the head of the Army that Britain is 'weaker' for giving equipment to Ukraine. Despite 25 other Nato members rebooting their spending plans following Russia's invasion, the UK's armed forces are yet to receive any additional funding. Last night, senior figures suggested a kit-buying process used during the Afghan conflict should be brought back. From 2007 the UOR scheme slashed waiting times for frontline troops, with vehicles and weapons acquired much faster than in peacetime. These included the Mastiff armoured patrol vehicle, which was brought from concept to delivery in 23 weeks, after the Taliban adopted a tactic of targeting UK patrols in Helmand province with roadside bombs. But since the end of the Afghanistan conflict the red tape surrounding major equipment purchases has returned. Tory MP Mark Francois, a member of the Commons defence committee, said yesterday: 'A number of key re-equipment programmes need to be pushed through as UORs. 'We should drop the bureaucracy and get critical new kit into service as rapidly as possible. 'With war raging on the European continent time is not on our side. While we undoubtedly need to spend more on defence, we must also use that additional money more wisely.' Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (pictured) warned last week that the military has been 'hollowed out' and he added that if Britain hike up the current budget of 48.4billion, Downing Street risks missing a promise to the Nato to spend two per cent of the GDP on the Armed Forces each year Mr Hunt (pictured) is prepared to refill the 2.3billion of military equipment like tanks and guns that were handed to Ukraine last year to fight the invasion by Russia, insiders reportedly said Suggestions for the UOR pipeline include re-equipping 100 of Britain's Challenger 2 tanks to make them 'battle-worthy'. The UK has 227 of these tanks but most are in storage and not held at high readiness. Its replacement, the more advanced Challenger 3 tank, is not expected until 2027 and only 148 are being purchased. If the upgraded tank was pushed through as a UOR, its delivery could be accelerated, according to sources. So would a project to replace the UK's long-range artillery capability and expand the military's air defence systems. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has accused previous Tory administrations of 'hollowing out' the armed forces. Last night, Labour also joined calls for more urgency on military procurement. Shadow defence secretary John Healey said it had taken the Government 287 days after the invasion of Ukraine for the UK to agree to replace the N-LAW rocket systems sent to Kyiv. An MoD spokesman said there are 'currently no plans to declare any of the systems as Urgent Capability Requirements'. A woman who dated Met monster David Carrick for five years has slammed him as 'power hungry and evil' - as another victim who he locked in a cupboard and sexually abused has revealed his pithy apology attempt in court. The former police officer, 48, was told he is no longer 'untouchable' as he was given 36 life sentences for his 17-year campaign of terror yesterday. One victim, who met Carrick in 2010, said she hopes he now feels the pain he made others endure after carrying out a string of 'violent and brutal' sex attacks on at least a dozen women. The woman told The Sun: 'I hope every word sunk into him and he feels some of the pain he may have caused them. 'Hes a power hungry and evil man and it doesnt bear thinking about the lengths he might have gone to had those brave women not come forward. Former Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick, 48, was today sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 30 years for raping and sexually assaulting a dozen women over a 17-year period 'I hope 30 years inside prison will make him accountable for his terrible actions.' Another victim also revealed to the Mail that Carrick, who put her through hell for nearly a year, tried to whisper a pathetic apology at her from the dock on Monday as they came face to face for the first time since she escaped his clutches in 2017. Having survived being raped, beaten and locked in a cupboard, the victim said: I was sat right behind him and he turned and looked at my daughter and then he looked at me, he looked deep in my eyes and just muttered "sorry" before looking away. 'It felt important to face him after everything he had done so I wanted to be there and I wanted to be able to look him right in the eye. But when he said that it sent chills down my spine. 'Ill never know if he was genuine or if it was just another way of him trying to manipulate me like he had done for so long in the past. He has never showed any remorse before.' Emma (not her real name), a mother-of-two from Cambridgeshire, said she was 'delighted' at the minimum 30-year sentence the serial rapist had received. It comes as it emerged during the sentencing hearing that - driven by self-pity, rather than remorse the judge said - Carrick had tried to take his own life while on remand in HMP Belmarsh. Last month, the victim recounted her appalling experience exclusively to MailOnline and how Carrick initially charmed her, but then kept her a virtual prisoner after she moved into his home in Stevenage, telling her: 'I am the law' as he abused her daily. She was handcuffed, whipped with a metal chain, sexually abused and locked naked in an understairs cupboard as 'punishment' and believes he would have killed her, had she not finally summoned up the courage to leave him. During a break in the court proceedings, Emma, who took her grown-up daughter along with her for support, said Carrick locked eyes with her and mouthed the word 'sorry' across the court. 'I didn't know what to make of it,' she said, 'It was confusing, and I wondered if he was playing with me in the way he used. But then I thought, 'No more', I'm stronger than he is. 'Anyway, I think there's only one person he feels sorry for, as the judge pointed out. When he tried to kill himself in prison, it wasn't out of remorse, only that he felt sorry for himself. ' This is the moment serial rapist David Carrick was arrested by police on suspicion of raping a woman at a hotel, sparking a major investigation which unmasked him as one of Britain's worst sex offenders Some of his victims had bravely attended Southwark Crown Court to watch as Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb (pictured) was sentencing the 48-year-old from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday Images were released for the first time showing a tiny cupboard that Carrick locked one of the woman in as a form of punishment, as well as a whip he used on the victim. David Carrick, pictured here in a court sketch at Southwark Crown Court yesterday She told Southwark Crown Court in a moving impact statement read out by a barrister: 'He broke me. Never in my life have I felt so isolated and alone. 'I was not allowed to see family or friends. I was told consistently I was a wh**e and a s**t; that my two daughters, the youngest being 16 at the time, were also sl**s. 'I was ridiculed, teased, and shamed. I was told what to wear, what I could eat and what amounts. 'I was instructed to walk behind, not beside or in front. I was whipped; urinated on and locked naked in a cupboard. At times, made to sleep naked on the floor. 'My chest was sat on; I was strangled, kicked, and threatened. Text messages wishing me dead by car crash or cancer were sent, with a desire to 'p***' on my grave once dead. I was told I was worthless and would be better off dead.' Emma said she did consider reading out her own impact statement, as some victims had, but decided in the end that 'I wanted the words to hit home to him, and didn't want to falter over reading it in a stressful situation'. She added: 'I'm so glad I did go to the court to see the sentencing. It wasn't an easy decision to come face to face with him again. 'But I think the best choice I made was to go there. I wanted to meet the other women who went through similar experiences to me, but most of all, I want to hold my head up high and let him know: 'You've done this to me, and now I've taken your power away. Now, I've got the power.' The judge slammed Carrick for taking 'monstrous advantage of his victims' while serving as a Metropolitan Police officer for more than 20 years. At least five of Carrick's victims bravely attended Southwark Crown Court to watch as their attacker was jailed for a minimum of 30 years and 239 days in prison before being considered for parole. The disgraced former firearms officer wore a dark suit, white shirt and tie as he appeared in the dock in front of a packed courtroom at a hearing that was televised. He was silent and impassive as his sentence was handed down. During sentencing, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said Carrick had taken 'monstrous advantage' of his victims with whom he had 'brutal, controlling and coercive relationships' with. She told Carrick that he 'behaved as if you were untouchable', adding it was a 'spectacular downfall for a man charged with upholding the law' having lost his liberty, job and status. She said: 'These convictions represent a spectacular downfall for a man charged with upholding the law and empowered to do so even to the extent of being authorised to bear a firearm in the execution of his duty. 'Behind a public appearance of propriety and trustworthiness you took monstrous advantage of women. Details of some of Carrick's horrific crimes were heard in court, including how he sent one of his victims a photograph of himself with a police-issue gun, saying: 'Remember I am the boss.' 'You brazenly raped and sexually assaulted a number of women, some very brutally, and you behaved as if you were untouchable. 'You were bold and at times relentless, trusting that no victim would overcome her shame and fear to report you. 'For nearly two decades, you were proved right but now a combination of those 12 women, by coming forward, and your police colleagues, by acting on their evidence, have exposed you and brought you low. 'You have lost your liberty, your job and your status. You have before you the prospect of a difficult time in custody for many years.' Yesterday, victim impact statements were read out in court, including one woman who said she had 'encountered evil' on the night she was repeatedly raped by Carrick, after pointing a black handgun at her head and putting his hands around her throat. The serial rapist had boasted to the victim that 'I am the safest person you can be around, I'm a police officer' in order to get her back to his London flat. Another said she was convinced because of his position as a diplomatic and parliamentary protection officer she would be not be believed if she reported him, saying she had had it drilled into her 'he was the police, he was the law and he owned me'. An off-duty NYPD officer, who was shot in the head while trying to buy a car three days ago, has died. Adeed Fayaz, 26, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday. The five-year police veteran was gunned down Saturday night when a man lured him into a dark driveway after arranging to meet to sell a car through Facebook Marketplace. The suspect, 38-year-old Randy Jones, was arrested using Fayaz' handcuffs on Monday after being found hiding out in a hotel in upstate New York. Jones, a career criminal with at least 22 arrests to his name, was previously charged with attempted murder. With Fayaz's death, those charges are likely to be upgraded to murder. Fayaz left behind a wife a two children. Flags were seen flying half-mast at the 66th Precinct in Brooklyn after his death was announced. Fayaz, who worked for the NYPD for five years, has died. He left behind a wife a two children. Flags were seen flying half-mast at the 66th Precinct in Brooklyn after his death was announced Adeed Fayaz, 26, succumbed to his injuries after a three-day battle for his life in the hospital Randy Jones is walked by officers after he was charged with murder The NYPD posted a heartfelt dedication to Fayaz while announcing his death Tuesday: 'It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of NYPD Police Officer Adeed Fayaz, a devoted public servant, husband, father, brother, and son. 'A five-year veteran of the NYPD, PO Fayaz served the 66 Precinct community with exceptional compassion and care. Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and loved ones at this difficult time. #neverforget.' A friend at the hospital described Fayaz as a 'great person, great father,' according to the NY Daily News. 'He liked to play around with [his kids] and take them out. Very good father. It's devastating to imagine his kids growing up without a father.' An officer who graduated from the Police Academy alongside Fayaz said 'he's a great person.' 'No one has one bad thing to say about him,' they said. 'When it hits home, everyone comes together,' said another police officer who visited the hospital. 'It's always the innocent.' Former NYPD officer Ahmen Nasser, 57, had strong words for Fayaz's killer. 'I hope you rot in hell,' he said. 'What can you say about a police officer? It's someone who dedicated their life to serve and protect. And he's family man. A good man. He will be dearly missed.' The body of Adeed Fayaz, 26, is brought out of the hospital on Tuesday night A column of NYPD officers bring Adeed Fayaz's body out of the hospital Officers escort the body of NYPD officer Adeed Fayaz, 26, out of the hospital Randy Jones was initially charged with attempted murder before his victim died Randy Jones, 38, is walked out of the 75th precinct after he was charged with murder Randy Jones looks at officers as he is led out of the 75th precinct in NYC on Tuesday Officers look on as Randy Jones is escorted in cuffs after being charged with murder Randy Jones is was charged with murder on Tuesday after his NYPD officer victim died What a show of support for slain NYPD Officer Adeed Fayaz, who has died after he was shot during an attempted robbery over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/O5MhWSnm5c Preston Phillips (@PrestonTVNews) February 7, 2023 Jones allegedly arranged to meet Fayaz in East New York to sell a Honda Pilot. Fayaz and his brother-in-law arrived with $24,000 in cash to buy the car when the suspect allegedly drew a gun on them. He then allegedly opened fire - almost instantly after pulling out the gun - and struck Fayaz in the head. The victim's brother grabbed the Fayaz's gun and fired back, but the thief managed to escape in a black BMW. After a city-wide manhunt, the car was located abandoned in Harlem, near where the suspect lived with his girlfriend, according to The New York Post. Sources also said the BMW belonged to the suspect's mother, who lived near where the shooting took place in East New York. It is believed Jones could be behind a similar robbery which took place near the shooting scene on January 13. NYPD Officer Adeed Fayazs body is transferred from Brookdale Hospital. The 26 y/o died Tuesday, 3 days after he was shot. @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/qfSi8ZqxAf Ali Bauman (@AliBaumanTV) February 7, 2023 Officers stood lined up outside the hospital in solidarity for Fayaz after his death Police officers salute as the ambulance carrying Fayaz's body passes by Officer Fayaz's body passes by in an ambulance and officers salute him Officer's saluting NYPD officer Fayaz as his body passes them in an ambulance NYPD officers and NYFD salute Fayaz as his body passes by in an ambulance Police officers stand at attention as Officer Fayaz's body passes by Officers lined up outside the hospital where Fayaz died from his injuries Tuesday NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell delivers a press conference announcing the death Randy Jones, 38, was arrested while at a hotel in Rockland County, northwest of Manhattan The handcuffs belonging to the 26-year-old NYPD victim were used to arrest Jones Jones shackled with the handcuffs belonging to the NYPD officer he allegedly shot in the head On Monday Jones was found holed up with his girlfriend and her two kids at a hotel in Rockland County, just northwest of Manhattan on the New Jersey border. The handcuffs used to arrest Jones reportedly belonged to Fayaz. Jones has a rap sheet with at least 22 arrests on it for a variety of crimes, including some violent attacks. He has previously been booked for harassment, grand larceny, and strangulation, according to The Post. He was wanted for a traffic and vehicle related warrant from 2019 at the time of his arrest on Monday. Jones has reportedly declined to answer questions from investigators. 'Our prayers, of course, are to the officer and his family as he continues to fight for his life,' said Mayor Eric Adams' faith advisor, Gilford Monrose, at a vigil Sunday. The NYPD was offering a $10,000 for the suspect's arrest as of Monday. 'We will catch the person responsible for this act,' Adams said after the shooting. 'An officer conducting a simple errand and a dangerous person pulled out a firearm. An ethics watchdog is suing the National Archives for withholding records, just days after demanding presidents and vice presidents hand over their records for classified materials. Protect the Public's Trust (PPT) has filed a 'transparency lawsuit' against the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) after asking for documents from acting archivist Debra Steidel Wall and any of her communications with the White House last August. They have yet to receive a response, and have accused the Archives of double standards for demanding records from the past six administrations while failing to share their own. An ethics watchdog is suing the National Archives for withholding records, just days after demanding presidents and vice presidents hand over their records for classified materials. 'These documents could shed light on conversations between NARA and the White House during a highly politically fraught period leading up to the unprecedented raid of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence to obtain presidential records and the discovery of classified material at several locations associated with President Joe Biden', PPT said in reference to their lawsuit. 'Apparently it's too much to ask that the agency requesting everyone else turn over their records live by its own rules when its documents are sought,' Michael Chamberlain, Director of Protect the Public's Trust said. ' 'At a time when the public could use some clarity and transparency on highly charged episodes, this appears to be par for the course for an administration proclaiming itself the most transparent in history. 'Yet one more reason why the American public's trust in its government continues to plummet.' PPT's actions was prompted by the slew of classified documents found at the properties of President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. During a 13-hour search at Biden's Wilmington home, the FBI found sensitive materials dating back to his time as a Senator in the 1970s. The FBI is set to search Pence's Carmel, Indiana, home in the coming days after his lawyers found classified documents. The White House has been heavily criticized for waiting two months to publicly acknowledge that classified documents were found in Penn Biden Center think tank in Washington D.C. Last week, House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman James Comer claimed the National Archives was blocked from making a statement when the first Biden documents were discovered in November. He claimed only two entities - the White House or the Department of Justice - could have prevented the release, raising more questions about communications between the government and the archives. 'So, it shows right there that this Department of Justice and this White House is interfering with this,' he added. It came after Comer's panel conducted a lengthy interview with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) general counsel Gary Stern. President Joe Biden is delivering his first speech to a divided Congress on Tuesday night, where he's expected to call for the implementation of a billionaire's tax and take a strong stance against China. It's his third address to a Joint Session of Congress as president. The highly-anticipated speech comes just days after the U.S. military shot down a suspected 'spy balloon' sent by Beijing, which floated over several states last week before being felled off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday. Below was DailyMail.com's live blog coverage: Sparkler galaxy is located nine billion light years away in constellation of Volans A galaxy nine billion light years away discovered by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope 'mirrors the early Milky Way', a new study reveals. Dubbed 'the Sparkler galaxy', researchers say it's swallowing up the globular clusters and satellite galaxies that surround it to gradually grow bigger and bigger. Globular clusters are extremely luminous clusters of tens of thousands to millions of stars, all bound together by gravity, while satellite galaxies are galaxies that orbit another, larger galaxy. The Sparkler galaxy appeared as a small orange line in the first image from the James Webb telescope released in July last year. Researchers announced the discovery the galaxy later in 2022 but it's only now that they've learnt more about its composition and stellar mass. This image shows an artist impression of our Milky Way galaxy in its youth. Although the Sparkler is currently only 3 per cent the mass of the Milky Way, it is expected to grow over cosmic time to match the Milky Ways mass The Sparkler galaxy appeared as a small orange curve in the first image from the James Webb telescope released in July last year (yellow rectangle) And because it is nine billion light years away, this means we are seeing it as it was nine billion years ago, when the universe was only four-and-a-half billion years old. The Sparkler galaxy - Nine billion light years away - Surrounded by globular clusters and satellite galaxies - Found in the constellation of Volans in the southern sky - Detected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Advertisement The new study has been conducted by researchers in Australia and California and published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 'We appear to be witnessing, first hand, the assembly of this galaxy as it builds up its mass in the form of a dwarf galaxy and several globular clusters,' said study author Professor Duncan Forbes at Swinburne University in Melbourne. 'We are excited by this unique opportunity to study both the formation of globular clusters, and an infant Milky Way, at a time when the universe was only one third of its present age.' The Sparkler galaxy got its name for the compact objects appearing as small yellow-red dots surrounding it, referred to by the researchers as 'sparkles'. The team thought these sparkles could either be young clusters actively forming stars born three billion years after the Big Bang at the peak of star formation or old globular clusters. The researchers studied the Sparkler galaxy located in Webbs First Deep Field - the first operational image taken by the James Webb Space Telescope, unveiled in July 2022 In this snippet of a section of the James Webb image, the Sparkler can be seen in the top left-hand corner - a small orangey line Globular clusters, ancient collections of stars from a galaxys infancy, contain clues about its earliest phases of formation and growth. Globular clusters: A type of star cluster Star clusters are groups of hundreds to millions of stars that share a common origin, all gravitationally bound for as long as several billions of years. There are two types of star clusters open and globular. Globular clusters are dense balls of about one million ancient stars, all bound by gravity. Open clusters are much younger and smaller than globular clusters. According to Penn State University, open clusters are a few tens of millions or hundreds of millions of years old, while globular clusters are typically about 12 billion to 13 billion years old. Advertisement For the study, researchers examined the age and metallicity distribution of a dozen of the compact star clusters surrounding the Sparkler. This let them determine that they resemble younger versions of the clusters that now surround our galaxy, the Milky Way. Several have old formation ages and are metal-rich similar to those seen in the bulge of the Milky Way and so are likely to be globular clusters. 'We looked at the age and chemical composition of the dozen or so bright compact sources (the sparkles) and several turned out to have properties similar to those of globular clusters in the Milky Way,' Professor Forbes told MailOnline. 'We also identified some globular clusters that appear to be in the process of being accreted from a dwarf satellite galaxy - a similar situation to that we infer for the Milky Way i.e. at least half a dozen satellites and their globulars were acquired by the Milky Way over time.' Although the Sparkler is currently only 3 per cent the mass of the Milky Way, it is expected to grow over time to match the Milky Way's mass. The team will need deeper imaging to detect more clusters and satellites around the Sparkler, which looks like an insignificant smear in James Webb's first image, released by US President Joe Biden on July 11, 2022. It shows the Sparkler as just one of many galaxies bound together by gravity in a so-called 'galaxy cluster' called SMACS 0723. According to NASA, SMACS 0723 has a gravitational pull so powerful that it warps both space-time and the path that light subsequently travels through it. Webb's increased resolution and sensitivity unveiled the tiny 'sparkler' dots surrounding the galaxy for the first time in its first Deep Field image Because of this, bright white galaxies are warping and stretching the light from the more distant galaxies, making them seem elongated, almost banana-shaped. The combined mass of SMACS 0723 operates as a gravitational lens and, according to NASA, 'magnify and distort the light of objects behind them, permitting a deep field view into both the extremely distant and intrinsically faint galaxy populations'. Webb's NIRCam, which captures light from the edge of the visible through the near infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum, brought distant galaxies into sharp focus in the image. James Webb subsequently returned more astonishing images throughout 2022, including a quintet of galaxies in the constellation Pegasus and a spider-shaped stellar nursery known as the Tarantula Nebula. Massive earthquakes that hit Turkey on Monday have shifted the tectonic plate it sits on by up to 10 feet (three metres), experts say. The country lies on major faultlines that border the Anatolian Plate, Arabian Plate and Eurasian Plate, and is therefore prone to seismic activity. Meteorologists revealed that an 140 mile (225 km) stretch of the fault between the Anatolian Plate and the Arabian Plate has ruptured. Italian seismologist Dr Carlo Doglioni told news site Italy 24 that as a result, Turkey could even have slipped by up to 'five to six metres compared to Syria'. However, he added that this was all based on initial data, and more exact information would be available from satellites in the coming days. Massive earthquakes that hit Turkey on Monday have shifted the tectonic plate it sits on by up to 10 feet (three metres) The epicentre was just north of the city of Gaziantep at a depth of around 11 miles (18 km), according to the US Geological Survey (USGS) Dr Bob Holdsworth, a professor of structural geology at Durham University, said the plate shift was 'perfectly reasonable' given the magnitude of the earthquake. He told MailOnline: 'There is a fairly predictable, widely documented relationship between the magnitude of an earthquake and the typical offset that occurs. 'As a rule of thumb, a magnitude 6.5 to 6.9 event is associated with an offset of around one metre whilst the largest known earthquakes can involve offsets of 10 to 15 metres. 'The faults that slipped yesterday in Turkey are strike-slip faults that involve mainly horizontal displacements, and so the overall offsets in the region of 3 to 6 metres proposed here are perfectly reasonable. 'Horizontal offsets of this kind can lead to the severing of major subsurface and surface infrastructure, including water mains, electricity cables, gas pipelines and tunnels. 'There may also be surface ruptures developed where the faults break through to the surface these can offset roads, rivers and other features including built structures. 'All this is in addition to the damage caused by shaking, liquefaction of soft sediment in valleys/basins and landslides.' Meteorologists with MyRadar Weather revealed on Twitter that an 140 mile (225 km) stretch of the fault between the Anatolian Plate and the Arabian Plate has ruptured LIST OF DEADLY EARTHQUAKES IN TURKEY In 1894 a magnitude 7 earthquake hit Istanbul and killed at least 1,349 people. In 1939 around 32,700 people were killed in Erzincan after an earthquake of 7.8. In 1944 a 7.5 earthquake hit Gerede killing 3,959. In 1966 an earthquake of 6.8 hit the town of Varto, killing 2,529. In 1975 a 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit the town of Lice, killing 2,350 people. In 1976 an earthquake of 7.3 magniture hit Van Province, killing 5,291. In 1999 a 7.6 quake hit Izmit, south of Istanbul, killing 17,118 people. Advertisement Catastrophic earthquakes are caused when two tectonic plates that are sliding in opposite directions stick and then slip suddenly. They are composed of Earth's crust and the uppermost portion of the mantle, while below is the asthenosphere, the warm, viscous conveyor belt of rock on which tectonic plates ride. They do not all move in the same direction and often clash, which builds up a huge amount of pressure between the two plates. Eventually, this pressure causes one plate to jolt either under or over the other. This releases a huge amount of energy, creating tremors and destruction to any property or infrastructure nearby. Severe earthquakes normally occur over fault lines where tectonic plates meet, but minor tremors which still register on the Richter sale can happen in the middle of these plates. Turkey is close to the intersection of three tectonic plates, meaning it is prone to earthquakes. Dr Anastasios Sextos, a professor of earthquake engineering at the University of Bristol, told MailOnline: 'The area of Aleppo and Gazientep have experienced a series of historically devastating earthquakes and an event of similar magnitude occurred about two centuries ago.' The majority of Turkey's landmass sits on the Anatolian Plate, which is being squeezed between three other large plates. North of the plate is the Eurasian Plate, south is the African Plate and to the east lies the Arabian Plate. The majority of Turkey's landmass sits on the Anatolian Plate, which is being squeezed between three other large plates. This makes it prone to earthquakes. Pictured: An aerial view of collapsed buildings in Kahramanmaras, Turkey on Tuesday morning Monday's earthquakes occurred on the southwest end of the 434 mile-long (699 km) East Anatolian faultline. Pictured: An aerial view of a destroyed apartment building in Hatay, Turkey These create two large faultlines the East Anatolian and North Anatolian which are both prone to seismic activity. This is because the Arabian plate pushes northwards into the Eurasian plate, squeezing the Anatolian Plate westwards towards the Aegean Sea. Monday's earthquakes occurred on the southwest end of the 434 mile-long (699 km) East Anatolian faultline. The first 7.8-magnitude quake was at a depth of about 11 miles (18 km), while the second occurred nine hours later at a depth of six miles (10 km) and a 7.5-magnitude. Dr Joanna Faure Walker, professor of earthquake geology and disaster risk reduction at University College London (UCL), said that these were both 'strike-slip' earthquakes. This is where two blocks of land move horizontally along a fault plane as a result of a build-up of stress from horizontal compression. Monday's earthquakes were the result of a 'strike-slip' fault at the East Anatolian faultline. This is where two blocks of land move horizontally along a fault plane as a result of a build-up of stress from horizontal compression (stock image) Dr Faure Walker told MailOnline: 'Strike-slip faults have medium strength, so can host earthquakes up to magnitude 7 or 8. 'The magnitude is dependent on the slip and length of fault that ruptured. 'So for a fault system that is 690 kilometres long in total, such large magnitude earthquakes are possible.' The East Anatolian has a slip rate of between 0.2 and 0.4 inches (6 and 10 mm) a year near eastern Turkey. However, data shared by meteorologist Matthew Cappucci, from MyRadar Weather, shows that this week's quakes have caused the Anatolian Plate to slide by up to 10 feet (three metres). Dr Doglioni added that more data from the European Sapce Agency's Sentinel and ASI CosmoSkymed satellites would provide more information in the next few days. NEW: Were learning that, in some places along the East Anatolian Fault, the Anatolian Plate slid past Arabian plate with a slip of *up to* 3 meters (roughly 10 feet). #TurkeyEarthquake #Turkiye How much of an area along the fault ruptured? On order of 140 miles by 15 miles. pic.twitter.com/FQF1VDMHOt Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) February 6, 2023 This is the moment grief-stricken father Mesut Hancer held the hand of his 15-year-old daughter who was crushed to death beneath the rubble of a building in Turkey, which along with its neighbour Syria has been rocked by a catastrophic earthquake disaster According to Dr David Rothery, a geoscientist at the Open University, Turkey moves about 0.8 inches (two centimetres) west per year along the East Anatolian fault. He said: 'Because of friction along fault lines, the motion is not smooth. 'Instead strain builds up locally over years or decades until the accumulated stress is strong enough to overcome resistance and rock masses snap past each other in a sudden jerk. 'In this case, the violence of the shaking at the surface has been strong enough to make buildings collapse, which is probably how most lives have been lost. There may have been landslides too in hilly terrain.' So far, more than 5,100 fatalities confirmed in Turkey and Syria, with scores more trapped in the ruins of their demolished homes. Pictured: The Turkish city of Hatay is seen after Monday morning's quake levelled buildings across the region Residents retrieve an injured girl from the rubble of a collapsed building in the town of Jandaris, Syria in the rebel-held part of Aleppo province, on February 6. Rescue workers are desperately searching for survivors after the earthquakes struck across the region So far, more than 5,100 fatalities confirmed in Turkey and Syria, with scores more trapped in the ruins of their demolished homes. After the two major quakes on Monday, another a 5.8-magnitude quake struck the region on Tuesday morning as rescue efforts to save trapped survivors continued. While it was not as powerful as the first two, it was recorded at a shallower depth of 1.2 miles (1.9 km), meaning it could have caused more damage. A winter storm and freezing temperatures has been hampering those working desperately in a race against time to free people from the rubble, with the cold weather making the need to reach trapped survivors even more urgent. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday that the toll could hit 20,000, and on Tuesday said 23 million people - including 1.4 million children - could be affected. Scientists have discovered a hidden layer of Earth, which sits 100 miles below the surface and covers at least 44 percent of the planet. This previously unknown region of molten rock is part of the asthenosphere, located under tectonic plates in the upper mantle, which forms a soft boundary that allows the solid rock slabs to move. While the discovery is significant, it shatters long-held theories that molten rocks influence the asthenosphere's viscosity. Junlin Hua, with the University of Texas, Austin, said in a statement: 'When we think about something melting, we intuitively think that the melt must play a big role in the material's viscosity. 'But what we found is that even where the melt fraction is quite high, its effect on mantle flow is very minor.' Scientists identified a previously unknown layer of Earth. The newly discovered region of molten rock sits 100 miles below the crust Previous theories have suggested that the movement of these tectonic plates is likely caused by convection currents in the molten rock in Earth's mantle below the crust. This idea would explain how the solid rock slabs can move seamlessly under the surface. However, the University of Texas, Austin researchers have put this theory to rest. And while it may seem like a blow to the scientific community, coauthor Thorsten Becker said this means one less tricky variable for computer models of the Earth. 'We can't rule out that locally melt doesn't matter,' said Becker, who designs geodynamic models of the Earth at the Jackson School's University of Texas Institute for Geophysics. 'But I think it drives us to see these observations of melt as a marker of what's going on in the Earth, and not necessarily an active contribution to anything.' The molten rock layer covers at least 44 percent of Earth and may play a role in to why the asthenosphere, located under tectonic plates in the upper mantle, is soft READ MORE: EARTH may have been created by the evaporation of molten ROCKS Advertisement The idea to look for a new layer in Earth's interior came to Hua while studying seismic images of the mantle beneath Turkey during his doctoral research. Intrigued by signs of partly molten rock under the crust, Hua compiled similar images from other seismic stations until he had a global map of the asthenosphere. What he and others had taken to be an anomaly was commonplace around the world, appearing on seismic readings wherever the asthenosphere was hottest. The next surprise came when he compared his melt map with seismic measurements of tectonic movement and found no correlation, despite the molten layer encompassing almost half the Earth. Coauthor Karen Fischer, a seismologist and professor at Brown University, said: 'This work is important because understanding the properties of the asthenosphere and the origins of why it's weak is fundamental to understanding plate tectonics.' The discovery of a new layer comes less than one month after scientists announced that Earth's inner core rotation is slowing down. A team from Peking University in China revealed that days on Earth could be increasing in length, thanks to changes in the rotation speed of our planet's inner core. The Dingles are set to return to their dodgy dealings in next week's Emmerdale as they take drastic measures amid the cold weather. The notorious soap family have been well known for their rowdy behaviour and mischievous money-making schemes over the years - though they've somewhat calmed down in recent years. However, the family are forced to revert to their old ways as they struggle with the cold - resulting in Belle and Vinny Dingle stealing oil from Eric Pollard's oil tank. Oh dear: The Dingles are set to return to their dodgy dealings in next week's Emmerdale as they take drastic measures amid the cold weather (Vinny Dingle pictured) Amid the cost of living crisis and the freezing winter weather, the family find it difficult to be able to afford to heat their humble home. And as Belle (Eden Taylor Draper) and Vinny (Bradley Johnson) embark on the risky move of syphoning oil from Pollards (Chris Chittell) oil tank, they are very nearly caught. But after pulling off the job, the two soon toast to a job well done. Despite being initially reluctant to the the pair's dodgy business, Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) soon softens her stance after the family's oil tank is refilled. Tough times: Amid the cost of living crisis and the freezing winter weather, the family find it difficult to be able to afford to heat their humble home (Belle Dingle pictured) Victim: However, the family are forced to revert to their old ways as they struggle with the cold - resulting in Belle and Vinny Dingle stealing oil from Eric Pollard's (pictured) oil tank But will the Dingles strike again when their oil runs dry once more? Elsewhere, in further drama for the family, Cain Dingle is set to seek revenge after being banned from seeing his son Kyle Winchester. As part of Kyle's bail conditions amid his confession to killing Al Chapman, the mechanic is not allowed contact with the youngster seeing as he is a key witness in the trial. All is well: Despite being initially reluctant to the the pair's dodgy business, Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) soon softens her stance after the family's oil tank is refilled Clan: The notorious soap family have been well known for their rowdy behaviour and mischievous money-making schemes over the years - But will the Dingles strike again when their oil runs dry once more? And after Kyle's mum Amy Wyatt and Will Taylor (who was looking after Kyle) warn him to stay away, his estranged half-brother Caleb Milligan is forced to step in - sparking more feud drama for the newcomer. With Cain (Jeff Hordley) already anxious ahead of the trial, he's put out when Amy (Natalie Jamieson) - who recently vowed to fight for sole custody - sticks to the bail conditions and keeps their son away. Later at The Hide, Amy and Kyle (Huey Quinn) join Will (Dean Andrews) and his grandson Lucas Taylor (Noah Ryan Aspinall) - with the two lads getting on like a house on fire as they play a game. When Amy has to rush off to sign important papers for the solicitor, Will agrees to take Kyle and Lucas to the playground. Trouble ahead: Elsewhere, in further drama for the family, Cain Dingle is set to seek revenge after being banned from seeing his son Kyle Winchester Fuming: After Kyle's mum Amy Wyatt and Will Taylor (who was looking after Kyle) warn him to stay away, his estranged half-brother Caleb Milligan is forced to step in - sparking more feud drama for the newcomer However, the happy playdate descends into drama when Cain spots them, resulting in a tense confrontation as Will adheres to Amy's order to keep Cain away from Kyle. She soon returns to see the altercation and is quick to remind her one-time fling that he's not allowed to speak with their son. Meanwhile, seeing the fracas, Caleb (Will Ash) steps into the diffuse the situation, before leading his angry brother away. Later, a furious Amy is brooding as Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) returns home and hears about the earlier drama and is soon shocked when Amy reveals her plan. Great escape: Little do they know that a seething Cain is behind Apollo's escape, having unlocked the gates to the horse's stall in revenge against Will amid his interference with his son Revenge: Watching from afar, Cain relishes in Wills despair, who appears out of his depth trying to control the horse Will later goes on to apologise to Amy over the dispute with Cain but the pair are soon left shocked when an escaped Apollo, the new stud horse, charges down Main Street. Little do they know that a seething Cain is behind Apollo's escape, having unlocked the gates to the horse's stall in revenge against Will amid his interference with his son. Watching from afar, Cain relishes in Wills despair, who appears out of his depth trying to control the horse. Caleb and Sam Dingle (James Hooten) then suddenly arrive with a horse box to try and deal with the situation and amid the action, Caleb makes his disdain for Will very clear. As Cain observes, he's delighted to see Will humbled and meek from the chaos of Apollo's escape. Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1, and ITVX. Tense: Caleb and Sam Dingle (James Hooten) then suddenly arrive with a horse box to try and deal with the situation and amid the action, Caleb makes his disdain for Will very clear Joanna Lumley has opened up on her secrets to a long-lasting marriage, admitting that it's important to not 'look down' on your partner. The actress, 76, candidly praised her 'brilliant' and 'fantastic' husband, Stephen Barlow, with whom she's been married to for over 30 years. Reflecting back on their relationship, she expressed how 'lucky' she feels to still be married to him. Speaking to The Radio Times, Joanna said: 'I admire my husband. I admire him because he's brilliant. 'I think he's fantastic. I feel lucky to be married to such a brilliant and amazing person. Grateful: Joanna Lumley has opened up on her secrets to a long-lasting marriage, admitting that it's important to not 'look down' on your partner. Pictured with husband Stephen Barlow in 2016 'It's important that you don't look down on your partner.' Joanna and Stephen have been happily married since 1986 and live in London, while they also own a home in Scotland. The actress is mother to son James, known as Jamie, from her previous relationship with photographer Michael Claydon. Meanwhile, in her new BBC radio show Conversations from a Long Marriage, Joanna plays wife to Roger Allam. The hit-comedy explores the relationship of a long-married couple who has endured both ups and downs. Speaking about their chemistry, Joanna said: 'Maybe our voices match. 'I've always believed that when you see a couple, somehow they have to look right together. But they also have to sound right together.' Allam agreed. He added that radio producers have said to him that 'radio drama is more like cinema than theatre, that a mic is the equivalent of a camera'. Candid: The actress, 76, candidly praised her 'brilliant' and 'fantastic' husband, Stephen Barlow, with whom she's been married to for over 30 years Brilliant: Speaking to The Radio Times , Joanna said: 'I admire my husband. I admire him because he's brilliant' Joanna spent three years as a model at the beginning of her career before starting off as an actress in 1969 with an uncredited role in Some Girls Do. She went on to star as a Bond Girl in On Her Majesty's Secret Service in 1967 and then landed her big break in the 70s TV series The New Avengers. Joanna then starred in Sapphire and Steel from 1979 and became a household name as Patsy Stone in beloved series Absolutely Fabulous, which kicked off in 1992. More recently, Joanna opened up and said that women used to be 'tougher' and claimed it is the new 'fashion' for people to claim they are a 'victim'. Looking back: Reflecting back on her early modelling days, Joanna (pictured in 1970) said women looked after themselves and were 'tough' as she spoke about sexism and harassment The actress candidly voiced her opinions on the #MeToo movement and claimed it is 'mad' that people are now calling themselves 'victims'. Reflecting back on her early modelling days, she said women looked after themselves and were 'tough' back then as she spoke about sexism and harassment. She told Prospect Magazine: 'If someone whistled at you in the street, it didn't matter, if someone was groping, we slapped their hands. Fame: Joanna became a household name as Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous, which kicked off in 1992 (pictured with Jennifer Saunders in Absolutely Fabulous The Movie in 2016) 'We were quite tough and looked after ourselves the new fashion is to be a victim, a victim of something. It's pathetic, we have gone mad.' Elsewhere, Joanna returned to her guest role in Motherland for a much-anticipated Christmas special. The BBC2 comedy has earned a legion of fans since it first aired in 2016, taking a comical look at the jealousies, rivalries and insecurities among a group of mothers at primary school. Read the full Interview with Joanna in the Radio Times out now. President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks at the presidential office in Seoul, Feb. 3. Yonhap President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered the government Tuesday to quickly send rescue workers and medical supplies to quake-hit Turkey, his office said. Yoon's instruction came a day after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey and Syria, killing at least 3,400 people with the death toll feared to keep climbing. "President Yoon Suk Yeol this morning ordered the dispatch of rescue personnel using military aircraft to assist Turkey with the damage from the earthquake, and to swiftly move to send emergency medicine and medical supplies," his office said. Yoon instructed the government to cooperate closely with the Turkish authorities through the foreign ministry and Korea's diplomatic missions in the country. "President Yoon also ordered relevant ministries to work together around the foreign ministry to actively come up with assistance measures in the event Turkey requires additional assistance," the office added. People wait as emergency personnel search for victims at the site of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Iskenderun district of Hatay, Turkey, Feb. 6. EPA-Yonhap Amanda Holden is all smiles as she donned a chic pink Little Miss Fabulous T-shirt in support of Comic Relief's Red Nose Day on Monday. The TV personality, 51, gushed over how 'important' the charity is as it will make its big return on Friday 17 March 2023. The celebs have come in full force for the occasion, showing their support for this years Mr. Men campaign with TK Maxx to raise funds. Amanda admitted she has 'plenty of fun' while getting involved raising money for the campaign alongside Fearne Cotton and Vick Hope. The Britain's Got Talent judge teamed her pink top with a pair of crisp white trousers and styled her long blonde tresses in loose waves as they fell past her shoulders. Amanda Holden is all smiles as she donned a chic pink Little Miss Fabulous T-shirt in support of Comic Relief's Red Nose Day on Monday Comic Relief will make its return on Friday 17 March 2023 and celebs have come in full force showing their support for this years Mr. Men campaign with TK Maxx to raise funds (Fearne Cotton pictured) She said: 'Red Nose Day reminds us all of what is really important as well as having plenty of fun in the process. 'The house Alan Carr and I have renovated in Scilly (ITV's Amanda and Alans Italian Job) will be sold at the end of the series with half of the profits going to Comic Relief. 'Me and my girls cant wait to pick up our t-shirts from TK Maxx, featuring our favourite Mr. Men Little Miss characters - mine being Little Miss Fabulous, of course!' Meanwhile Fearne rocked an eye catching bright red T-shirt with Mr. Happy printed on the front which she teamed with a pair of washed denim jeans. The presenter, 41, also wore a 'Happy Vibes' navy sweatshirt as she styled her blonde locks in loose waves and applied a radiant palette of makeup. Fearne said she is 'delighted' to be taking part in the campaign and revealed the new collection has so many 'different designs to choose from'. She said: 'Ive always been a supporter of Comic Relief and am delighted to be taking part in this years Red Nose Day campaign with TK Maxx. 'Theres so many different designs to choose from so make sure to check out the new collection if you can and help make a difference.' Fearne said she is 'delighted' to be taking part in the campaign and revealed the new collection has so many 'different designs to choose from' as she sported a navy 'Harry Vibes' sweatshirt Vick Hope looked incredible in her navy Mr.Men sweatshirt which she teamed with skinny black leather leggings The BBC Radio 1 DJ, 33, flashed her gorgeous smile as she gushed how 'proud' she is to be supporting Comic Relief Vick Hope looked incredible in her navy Mr.Men sweatshirt which she teamed with skinny black leather leggings. The BBC Radio 1 DJ, 33, flashed her gorgeous smile as she gushed how 'proud' she is to be supporting Comic Relief. She said: 'I am so proud to be supporting Comic Relief again this year! Red Nose Day spreads an important message of community and hope. 'Please join me by heading over to TK Maxx and checking out their incredibly colourful t-shirts to show your support and help make a difference'. The collection supports Comic Reliefs vital work to help children and young people facing the toughest times of their lives whether they are in the UK or around the world (pictured Shirley Ballas) The collection supports Comic Reliefs vital work to help children and young people facing the toughest times of their lives whether they are in the UK or around the world. For the very first time, AJ Odudu and Joel Dommett will host the Red Nose Day night of TV alongside Zoe Ball, Paddy McGuinness, and David Tennant. Returning to screens live on BBC One on Friday 17 March, they will be joined by a host of stars and supporters to bring viewers an unmissable evening of comedy, live music, exclusive prizes, and plenty of surprises. This Red Nose Day will also see some of the nation's favourite famous faces put their willpower and determination to the test in a bid to raise money for Comic Relief. Dame Prue Leith would choose to die by euthanasia if she was unwell or in severe pain after watching her older brother David die in agony in 2012. The Great British Bake Off judge, 82, is a patron of the campaigning organisation Dignity in Dying despite her son, Conservative MP Danny Kruger, 48, fighting tirelessly to stop a law permitting assisted dying from ever becoming a reality. Restaurateur and chef Dame Prue has had it written into her will that she would like to die by euthanasia while surrounded by friends and family if she is suffering, and if it is legal, after watching her brother David die and how his illness affected his wife and children. David was diagnosed with bone cancer which left him in excruciating pain and screaming out in desperation between doses of morphine. He was repeatedly moved from his home to hospital as battled recurring bouts of pneumonia, which was treated with antibiotics each time. Assisted dying: Dame Prue Leith, 82, would choose to die by euthanasia if she was unwell or in severe pain after watching her older brother David die in agony in 2012 'He realised in the end that the only way he could die was just to refuse the antibiotics, which he was allowed to do,' explained Dame Prue to the Radio Times. 'But what happens is your lungs fill up with liquid, youre not able to breathe, so thats how he died in the end.' Dame Prue went on to say how David's death was agony for his family: 'His daughter said that she sat one night with a pillow in her hands when he was right towards the end when his breathing was getting very bad and he was obviously in agony and she was just trying to summon up the courage to put the pillow over his face. And she said, "I couldnt do it. I couldnt kill my father."' The television star has filmed a Channel 4 documentary about assisted dying with her son Danny called Prue and Dannys Death Road Trip. They flew to America and Canada to learn about how assisted-death legislation had helped people end their lives in parts of the countries. Danny is concerned assisted dying could lead to coercion but Dame Prue says this is not the case in the US state of Oregon where you have to be a terminally ill adult who is 'mentally capable of making the decision'. Politician Danny also believes medics would decide on ending lives to save the NHS money, claiming: 'If the opportunity exists for an assisted death, doctors would be compelled to offer it and make it known that the offer was there. 'The doctor might be doing it for humane motives, but they would also be aware that, if that route is taken for that patient, then resources are freed up for others.' It comes after Dame Prue previously said opponents of legalising assisted dying are scaremongering. Decision: The Great British Bake Off judge, 82, has had it written in her will she'd like an assisted death if she's severely unwell and it's legal in the UK at the time Heartbreaking: She made the decision after watching her brother David die in agony from bone cancer, and how his illness affected his wife and children (L-R David, Dame Prue's other brother James and Dame Prue seen as children) Opposing view: Dame Prue's Tory MP son Danny Kruger, disagrees with assisted dying as the chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dying Well Out now: Dame Prue spoke to the new edition of the Radio Times She dismissed the idea that children of terminally ill patients would abuse the process to inherit earlier, despite Danny's beliefs. Cookery writer Dame Prue expressed her support for the Assisted Dying Bill in a letter in 2021. She wrote: Opponents to the Bill fear that grasping children will coerce dying parents to get their doctors to see them off so they can inherit. This is scaremongering. If someone is going to die within six months anyway, which must be the case to qualify for assistance to die, why would anyone risk prosecution to get the money a few months earlier? Her letter was sent to The Daily Telegraph. The Assisted Dying Bill would allow adults who are of sound mind and have six months or less to live to legally seek assistance to end their lives. Danny is chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dying Well which campaigns against the reform. He previously wrote that the campaign for legalisation was being outpaced by developments in palliative care. Tom Girardi, the estranged husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne, had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf Monday on charges he embezzled millions of dollars from some of the massive settlements he won for clients during a once prominent career. The 83-year-old disbarred lawyer is charged in Los Angeles federal court with wire fraud for allegedly stealing more than $18 million from clients that included an Arizona widow whose husband was killed in boat accident, a Los Angeles couple injured in a car wreck that paralyzed their son and a man who was severely burned in the 2010 San Bruno gas pipeline explosion. Girardi wore a purple V-neck sweater and blue shirt, appeared to be frail as he walked slowly into a federal courthouse in front of cameras. He was released on a $250,000 bond. Girardi last week was indicted by federal grand juries in Los Angeles and Chicago in connection with the theft allegations. Los Angeles U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said at a news conference that a probe of the one-time high-profile attorney 'revealed that behind this public persona, [he was] committing fraud on a massive of scale,' the AP reported. The latest: Tom Girardi, 83, the estranged husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne, was pictured at a court hearing in downtown Los Angeles on Monday amid his ongoing embezzlement case The 83-year-old, who was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in March of 2021, had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf Monday Tom, pictured with Erika in 2016, is accused of 'committing fraud on a massive of scale' Prosecutors said that Girardi's victims also included relatives of the victims of the October 29, 2018 Lion Air Flight 610 crash, in which all 189 people onboard died. Federal prosecutors in Chicago said that Girardi - aided by his lawyer son-in-law and the chief financial officer of their firm - claimed monies earmarked for five of their clients who had settled with Boeing, who had manufactured the 737 Max in the deadly plane crash. U.S. attorney John Lausch said that 'the substantial misappropriation alleged in this indictment compounded the grief and anguish of the clients who lost loved ones in the Lion Air crash.' The Chicago-based law firm Edelson PC in 2022 said in court docs filed in a racketeering suit that 'Girardi Keese was little more than a criminal enterprise, disguised as a law firm' and 'operated what we now know was the largest criminal racketeering enterprise in the history of plaintiffs' law.' Girardi in 2021 was disbarred in connection with his handling of client funds, as his firm Girardi Keese has declared bankruptcy. Girardi was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in March of 2021, and he has been under a court conservatorship in the time since. Girardi rose to fame and fortune clashing with large companies and public institutions, leading the case that inspired the 2000 Julia Roberts movie Erin Brockovich, which he was an adviser on. In 2015, Girardi told Attorney at Law magazine, 'That particular case revolutionized people's thinking about all the toxic things they are exposed to.' Jayne, 51, filed for divorce from Girardi in November of 2020 after a 21-year marriage, and was subsequently named in civil suits in connection with the case. The disbarred lawyer - who was indicted earlier this month over allegations he embezzled more than $18 million from clients - was accompanied by his legal team as he made his way into the federal building Girardi last week was indicted by federal grand juries in Los Angeles and Chicago in connection with the theft allegations Girardi donned a long-sleeved sangria sweater with a V-neck over a collared shirt Girardi was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in March of 2021, and he has been under a court conservatorship in the time since Girardi in 2021 was disbarred in connection with his handling of client funds, as his firm Girardi Keese has declared bankruptcy Toni Collette is enjoying a holiday in Italy following her split from her husband-of-20-years Dave Galafassi. The Muriel's Wedding star, 50, shared a photo to Instagram on Monday while posing naked in a bathtub during the trip. The actress was makeup free and had tied her long blonde hair in a high bun as she looked at the camera while sitting in the bath. Toni Collette posed naked in a bath during a relaxing holiday in Italy following her split from husband-of-20-years Dave Galafassi 'Water baby. LOVE,' she captioned the image. The post comes two months after Toni announced she had split from her husband after 20 years. Dave, who was a drummer in an indie rock band when he met the Muriel's Wedding star, was pictured taking an early morning dip at Manly with chiropractor Shannon Egan. The post comes two months after Toni announced she had split from her husband after 20 years Daily Mail Australia contacted Toni's management about the photographs, and hours later she announced the couple had split in a joint statement released on her newly reactivated Instagram account. 'It is with grace and gratitude that we announce we are divorcing,' the pair wrote. 'We're united in our decision and part with continuing respect and care for each other. 'Our kids are of paramount importance to us and we will continue to thrive as a family, albeit a different shape. We're thankful for the space and love you grant us as we evolve and move through this transition peacefully. Big thanks.' The pair met in 2002 at the launch of Galafassi's band Gelbison's debut album Metal Detector in Sydney and their second encounter came just a few days later at a house party The pair met in 2002 at the launch of Galafassi's band's debut album Metal Detector in Sydney and their second encounter came just a few days later at a house party. They were married with Buddhist rituals on her property at Berry on the NSW south coast less than a year after they met, in January 2003. Their daughter Sage Florence was born in January 2008 and son Arlo Robert in April 2011. Lisa Wilkinson has warned her social media followers not to fall for a social media scam that uses a duplicate version of her Instagram account to lure victims. Online fraudsters have opened a profile using Wilkinson's name and photos that looks almost identical to the Channel 10 host's verified account. The 63-year-old posted a screenshot of the faux account on Monday, and wrote: 'Scam account warning.' Lisa Wilkinson (pictured in October 2019) has warned her social media followers not to fall for a social media scam that uses a duplicate version of her Instagram account to lure victims She added: 'Please don't follow and definitely don't click on links.' The phoney Instagram uses a picture of Wilkinson that resembles the one she uses on her real account and has the handle 'lisa.wilkonsam'. It also uses the same profile description Wilkinson employs on her verified account. Online fraudsters have opened a profile using Wilkinson's name and photos that looks almost identical to the Channel 10 host's verified account. The 63-year-old posted a screenshot of the faux account on Monday, and wrote: 'Scam account warning' The phoney Instagram uses a picture of Wilkinson that resembles the one she uses on her real account (pictured here) and has the handle 'lisa.wilkonsam' It comes after Wilkinson kicked off the New Year with a swipe at her naysayers after her sudden exit from The Project in November. The former Today show anchor spoke of leaving behind 'the weight of other people's opinions' as she headed into 2023. Her exit came after a tough year during which she was taken off air following her disastrous Logies speech which resulted in a rape trial being delayed. Wilkinson, who hasn't appeared on screens since her departure from The Project, is still collecting a 'seven-figure salary' from Channel 10 thanks to the 'watertight' deal she signed in 2021, reports The Australian. It comes after Wilkinson kicked off the New Year with a swipe at her naysayers after her sudden exit from The Project in November. The former Today show anchor spoke of leaving behind 'the weight of other people's opinions' as she headed into 2023 She joins a long list of celebrities whose images have been use in online scams. Actor Sam Neill revealed last week fraudsters had been using his photos and name to lure lonely women into 'love scams'. Rock legend Jimmy Barnes said last May his good name was being used for cryptocurrency rorts on Facebook. One of the members of the 'Heroes' tribe on Australian Survivor: Heroes V Villains has been exposed as a trophy hunter who kills wild animals for sport. Paige Donald, a 26-year-old cattle musterer, works on a farm in rural Queensland and regularly shares photos of her animal kills on Instagram. Some of her 'trophies' include native feral pigs, dingoes, a warthog and a kudu antelope from a safari trip to Africa. Paige Donald (pictured), one of the members of the 'Heroes' tribe on Australian Survivor: Heroes V Villains, has been exposed as a trophy hunter who kills wild animals for sport Paige hunts wild animals with the help of farm dogs, and one graphic video shows three of her dogs viciously attacking and biting a frightened boar. She also posted a photo of herself beaming from ear to ear as she posed alongside the freshly slaughtered animal. Viewers were alerted to Paige's controversial hobby when fellow Survivor contestant Rogue Rubin - with whom Paige is feuding - exposed her Instagram account. The 26-year-old cattle musterer (pictured with a slaughtered boar) works on a farm in rural Queensland and regularly shares photos of her animal kills to Instagram One furious fan said they wanted Paige off the show, saying: 'I don't want to see a murderer on screen.' Another upset viewer wrote: 'So gross. How is she a hero for killing wild boars?' A third said they couldn't 'wait for her to be voted off'. Viewers flocked to Paige's Instagram to express their horror and disapproval. Some of her 'trophies' include native feral pigs, dingoes, a warthog and a kudu antelope from a safari trip to Africa Paige hunts wild animals with the help of farm dogs, and one graphic video shows three of her dogs viciously attacking and biting a frightened boar 'This is absolutely terrifying behaviour. Seek help,' one commented. 'WTF is wrong is wrong with you?' another viewer demanded, while a third asked: 'How can you watch and record this?' Paige tried to downplay the criticism in a video shared to Instagram. Paige likes to post photos of herself beaming from ear to ear alongside slaughtered animals 'I live in a world with animals that are sick and need to be shot. I hunt feral pests that do massive damage to the land,' she said. 'They're a very aggressive pest.' The Queenslander also revealed she once worked as a veterinary nurse and likes to help non-feral animals when possible. Australian Survivor continues Tuesday at 7:30pm Channel 10 and 10Play Viewers were alerted to Paige's controversial hobby when fellow Survivor contestant Rogue Rubin - with whom Paige is feuding - exposed her Instagram account Married At First Sight star Harrison Boon suffered through a very awkward live radio interview on Tuesday morning as he accidentally dropped a major spoiler about the outcome of his relationship with Bronte Schofield on the show. The single dad, 32, appeared on Nova's Fitzy & Wippa to share a text message from his alleged 'girl on the outside', former The Bachelors star Abby Miller, in effort to prove she wasnt waiting for him after filming for the show. But as hosts Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli got a hold of his iPhone, they discovered a cheeky phone screensaver of a girl in a bikini. 'So I've got Harrison's phone and I'm about to read out this text message,' Fitzy said on the show. 'The thing is, his phone's [locked] because he's taken too long. I then just pressed on it and there's a screensaver of a girl in a bikini!' Harrison quickly attempted defend himself, saying: 'It's a red Jeep! Okay? The girl just happens to be there.' An awkward moment for Married At First Sight star Harrison Boon occured during live radio on Tuesday morning that saw him drop a major hint about the outcome of his relationship on the show As Nova's Fitzy & Wippa got a hold of his phone, they discovered a cheeky phone screensaver of a girl in a bikini As the hosts began to press the builder about the blonde bombshell on his phone, asking if he knew her and who it is, Harrison remained tight-lipped. 'Guys, enough questions about my screensaver. Let's move on,' he said. Meanwhile, Harrison was spotted holding hands with a mystery blonde - perhaps the woman on his phone screensaver - in South Sydney last week. The pair crossed the road near his supposed area of residence and were both dressed in activewear. The single dad, 32, appeared on Fitzy & Wippa to share a text message allegedly from his 'girl on the outside' Abby Miller to prove she wasnt waiting for him after MAFS Harrison was spotted holding hands with a mystery blonde - perhaps the woman on his phone screensaver - in South Sydney last week. The pair crossed the road near his supposed area of residence and were both dressed in activewear The alleged text message from Harrison to 21-year-old Abby reads: 'Hi. Sorry to keep bringing this up but to the best of your knowledge what was the nature of our relationship before I left for MAFS?' 'We were seeing each other for a couple of weeks. I knew you were leaving so we said our goodbyes and I wished you luck and haven't spoken to you again since recently,' she responded. It comes after a series of leaked voice notes from Harrison's bride Bronte, 28, reveal she actually knew all about her groom's past weeks before filming began - and plotted with her friend to 'put on a show' for the cameras. A month before her TV wedding, she exchanged voice notes with her pal Jessica Tomlinson - the same wedding guest who would later 'expose' Harrison at the reception - in which the two women discussed their plan of action. The audio files show that not only did Bronte know Harrison was going to be one of the grooms on MAFS beforehand - although she didn't know for sure she would be matched with him - but also prove she knew details about his alleged 'girlfriend'. A month before her TV wedding, Bronte exchanged voice notes with her pal Jessica - the same wedding guest who would later 'expose' Harrison at the reception - in which the two women discussed their plan of action. (Pictured: Bronte and Harrison on their wedding day) She used this intel to ramp up the drama on her wedding day by arranging for Jessica, 24, to 'break the news' of Harrison's other relationship to her at the couple's reception, then acting completely blindsided in front of the cameras. In one voice note, Jess is heard warning Bronte about Harrison's '21-year-old girlfriend' - who has since been identified as Abby - and Bronte responds by saying she is willing to 'play this up like crazy'. Bronte says: 'Oh, my God, I'm actually triggered. Like, what am I supposed to do? Like, if one of the other girls gets him, oh, my God, I'm dead.' Jess is heard warning Bronte about Harrison's '21-year-old girlfriend' - who has since been identified as Abby Miller - and Bronte replies by saying she is willing to 'play this up like crazy' '[Abby is] 21? That's f**king nine years younger than me. Eight years. I can't do math. What the f**k?' she adds. An excited Bronte then says: 'Well, you know what? If he is my match, I'm going to f**king play that to my advantage. Like, holy s**t. Oh, my God.' 'I can't wait! If he is my match, I'm gonna tell [my sister] Kirra to be an absolute f**ker to him. Oh, my God,' she laughs. '[Abby is] 21? That's f**king nine years younger than me. Eight years. I can't do math. What the f**k?' she adds in one voice note. (Pictured: Abby Miller, the 'other woman' in the scandal) '[I'll] just [be] like, "By the way, like I actually know why you're here. Like, if you're wanting to just, like, I guess play this on, that's fine, but, like, we can just be friends, but for the cameras we can obviously put on a show,' Bronte says in a voice note to Jessica Bronte then admits if she does end up getting paired with Harrison, she will 'play this up like crazy' and 'confront him' about Abby in private. '[I'll] just [be] like, "By the way, like, I actually know why you're here. Like, if you're wanting to just, like, I guess play this on, that's fine, but, like, we can just be friends, but for the cameras we can obviously put on a show." 'If I do get this guy, like, I'm not going to be able to like him because I know what he's like.' This isn't the first time Bronte has been accused of knowing who Harrison was before filming Married At First Sight. Leaked screenshots published by Daily Mail Australia last week showed the pair matched on a dating app months before their TV wedding. Married At First Sight continues Tuesday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine and 9Now The long-standing feud between Ruby Rose and Lisa and Jessica Origliasso from The Veronicas is set to continue with the release of the actress' new memoir. The Orange Is the New Black star, 36, dated Jess from 2016 to 2018, during which time the sisters' relationship became so strained they were on the verge of estrangement. Following the couple's split, the Origliassos mended bridges and made a series of public statements criticising Ruby. Ruby announced on Instagram on Tuesday she had started writing her book, and promised to expose the pop twins - whom she did not name but called 'the sisters' - for 'how horrific' they allegedly were to her. She also claimed the 'truth' she was writing would 'p**s a lot of people off'. The long-standing feud between Ruby Rose and Lisa and Jessica Origliasso from The Veronicas is set to continue with the release of the actress' new memoir. (Pictured: Ruby Rose and Jessica Origliasso in London, England, on June 6, 2017) 'Book writing. The truth. It will piss a lot of people off... but maybe you should have been better? 'Excited to be free. Excited to tell the truth. On the sisters? You're first. How horrific you were.' The actress and DJ added: 'Imagine mistaking kindness for weakness...' Ruby announced on Instagram on Tuesday she had started writing her book, and promised to expose the pop twins - whom she did not name but called 'the sisters' - for 'how horrific' they allegedly were to her. She also claimed the 'truth' she is writing will 'p**s a lot of people off' The actress and DJ added, 'Imagine mistaking kindness for weakness...' The feud between Ruby and The Veronicas was laid bare after Jessica broke off their on-again-off-again relationship in 2018. The two women briefly dated in 2008 before rekindling their romance in 2016, only to break up again two years later. Speaking on The Kyle and Jackie O Show a few months after the split, Jessica said she was in 'a very complex relationship'. The feud between Ruby and The Veronicas was laid bare after Jessica broke off their on-again-off-again relationship in 2018. (Pictured: Ruby and Jessica in Sydney on November 29, 2017) She added: 'I'm still trying to come to terms with the reality of it every day so it's really hard to explain to anybody. 'There was just so much that happened, so much that I can't even get into it.' Not only did the relationship not end amicably, but while Jess was dating Ruby for almost two years, she was fighting with her twin sister and bandmate Lisa. Lisa explained the siblings' relationship became extremely strained during the time Jessica was with Ruby, and for a whole year they didn't talk or perform together. The Origliasso sisters (pictured in Los Angeles on June 25, 2019) said their band almost fell apart due to their family rift while Jessica was dating Ruby Rose She said the period when they didn't talk was 'heartbreaking', with Jessica adding: 'When you have a twin, you've got back-up for everything. 'But sometimes to evolve as an individual, and to find the love for myself I needed to find, I needed to just go through [that] experience for myself.' The sisters admitted that from 2016 to 2018, the band almost fell apart due to their family rift, but a love of music eventually brought them back together. Dave Chappelle hit the beach in Sydney on Tuesday after his polarising Grammys win for his Netflix special The Closer. The American comedian, 49, was surrounded by several cartons of beer at Coogee Beach - but it was unclear if the drinks were for him or members of his entourage. Chappelle, who is in Australia for his stand-up tour, was seen relaxing beneath one of three large cabanas his crew had set up, with boxes of Little Creatures ale and a carton of Stella Artois sitting next to him. Dave Chappelle hit the beach in Sydney on Tuesday after his polarising Grammys win for his Netflix special The Closer Nearby were stacks of red beer cups and two eskies. Drinking alcohol at Coogee Beach is prohibited 24 hours a day, with penalties reaching up to AUD$2,200. Chappelle didn't seem concerned about bringing the drinks to the beach as he relaxed on a chair next to his friends while staring down at his phone. Chapelle was sporting a pair of vintage Reebook Pump high-tops, which can cost up to $700 The American comedian, 49, was surrounded by boxes of beers at an alcohol-free beach in the eastern suburb of Coogee - but it was unclear if the drinks were for him or his entourage Chappelle was seen arriving at the beach flanked by two bodyguards (pictured). The trio was seen walking down the beach wearing sneakers rather than sandals - a rookie error for those unfamiliar with the perils of removing sand from shoes One bodyguard helped Chapelle jump down a ledge onto the sand Earlier in the day, Chappelle arrived at the tourist attraction flanked by two bodyguards. The trio were seen walking down the beach wearing sneakers rather than sandals - a rookie error for those unfamiliar with the perils of removing sand from shoes. Chapelle was sporting a pair of vintage Reebook Pump high-tops, which can cost up to $700. Bizarrely, the comic continued to wear sneakers even as he relaxed on a beach chair. The Washington-born funnyman wore a black singlet and matching shorts He completed his look with sunglasses and a gold chain Chappelle won Best Comedy Album at the Grammy Awards, which took place in LA on Monday. His win sparked outrage for featuring jokes aimed at the transgender community The Washington-born funnyman wore a black singlet and matching shorts, and completed his look with sunglasses and a gold chain. Chappelle won Best Comedy Album for his Netflix special The Closer at the Grammy Awards, which took place in Los Angeles on Monday. His win sparked outrage for featuring jokes aimed at the transgender community. The backlash included a staged walkout from employees at Netflix's LA headquarters, after the streaming giant's CEO Ted Sarandos defended Chappelle's jokes as artistic expression and nothing more than an example of the comedian's 'creative freedom The backlash included a staged walkout from employees at Netflix's LA headquarters, after the streaming giant's CEO Ted Sarandos defended Chappelle's jokes as artistic expression and nothing more than an example of the comedian's 'creative freedom'. Chappelle was unable to attend the ceremony because of his Australian tour commitments, with performances slated for Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland. His show in Perth last Thursday saw a wild brawl break out in the audience. His show in Perth last Thursday saw a wild brawl break out in the audience Chappelle was performing to a sold-out crowd at RAC Arena when a commotion that involved yelling and swearing erupted in a top tier at the back of the venue. No footage of the melee has emerged because Chappelle has enforced a strict no-phones policy at his gigs for the last six years. It's understood he was discussing how he was tackled on stage at LA's Hollywood Bowl by an audience member almost a year ago when all hell broke loose. Chappelle was performing to a sold-out crowd at RAC Arena when a commotion that involved yelling and swearing erupted in a top tier at the back of the venue. No footage of the brawl has emerged because Chappelle has enforced a no-phones policy at his gigs for the last six years New claims have emerged just days after it was reported that Brandi Glanville was sent home from Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip after 'unwanted kisses' and 'inappropriate behavior' towards Caroline Manzo. Both Glanville, 50, and Manzo, 61, were sent home from filming the fourth season of the Peacock series after Glanville reportedly kissed Manzo several times without consent. An allegation by a source who spoke to Page Six is that Glanville also reportedly 'touched [Manzo]' over her clothes during one interaction. DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for both Glanville and Manzo for comment. Shed Productions and Peacock issued a joint statement which confirmed they are investigating the alleged incident. The group of Housewives were all partying while filming at a private home in Morocco for the fourth season of Ultimate Girls Trip when the alleged incident occurred on January 25. Claim: New claims have emerged just days after it was reported that Brandi Glanville was sent home from Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip after 'unwanted kisses' and 'inappropriate behavior' towards Caroline Manzo Allegation: An allegation by a source who spoke to Page Six is that Glanville also reportedly 'touched [Manzo]' ( pictured) over her clothes during one interaction Sources alleged Glanville, 'stuck her tongue down [Manzos] throat' and that it made Manzo uncomfortable. Shortly thereafter, Glanville, Manzo, Alex McCord and a fourth Ultimate Girls Trip cast member are said to have gone to the bathroom together. Sources allege that Glanville locked the bathroom door and, 'pinned Caroline against the wall' before the alleged incident. Sources also claimed that Glanville ultimately realized Manzo was uncomfortable by the situation and unlocked the door for Manzo to leave. The production company Shed Productions had provided alcohol for the cast and Glanville allegedly appeared to be drunk during the incident, after others had raised concerns about her drinking in the past. While there doesn't appear to be any video of the incident, since it happened in the bathroom, the mics of cast members were live so there are reportedly audio recordings, which crew members are said to have found, 'disturbing.' Sources added that Manzo asked to address the incident on camera with the rest of the cast - which includes Camille Grammer, Vicki Gunvalson, Eva Marcille, Phaedra Parks and Gretchen Rossi - on January 26. Locked: Sources allege that Glanville locked the bathroom door and, 'pinned Caroline against the wall' The other women were only made aware that Manzo was distressed about the incident that day. Manzo was reportedly moved to a hotel that day to, 'get her out of the situation,' and she returned to America on January 27. Glanville was allegedly asked to leave the cast before the rest of the ladies departed Morocco, with the rest of the cast interviewed by attorneys as part of an investigation. People first reported on the incident on January 30, with sources claiming, 'Glanville took things too far with Manzo during a party, kissing her multiple times throughout the evening without her consent.' Too far: People first reported on the incident on January 30, with sources claiming, 'Glanville took things too far with Manzo during a party, kissing her multiple times throughout the evening without her consent' 'It was unwanted. And Carolines distress over the matter did not seem to stop Brandi. Things escalated and physical boundaries allegedly were crossed that Caroline felt were serious and uncomfortable,' the source added. Shed Productions and Peacock issued a joint statement which read, 'The safety and security of cast and crew while shooting is extremely important and we take all reports seriously. In this situation, production immediately launched a comprehensive review and is taking appropriate action.' The first season debuted in 2021 featuring a trip to Turks and Caicos featuring Bravo favorites Luann de Lesseps, Teresa Giudice, Kyle Richards. The second season was filmed in Massachusetts and debuted last summer, featuring Eva Marcille, Jill Zarin, Brandi Glanville, Vicki Gunvalson, Phaedra Parks, Tamra Judge, while the third season was filmed in Thailand but has not aired. Important: Shed Productions and Peacock issued a joint statement which read, 'The safety and security of cast and crew while shooting is extremely important and we take all reports seriously. In this situation, production immediately launched a comprehensive review and is taking appropriate action' A Korean international rescue team is busy moving equipment at the National 119 Rescue Headquarters in Namyangju, 30 kilometers east of Seoul, to head for quake-ravaged Turkey, Feb. 7. Yonhap Korea plans to offer $5 million in emergency humanitarian assistance to Turkey and dispatch a total of around 110 workers to support its search and rescue work following a devastating earthquake earlier this week, according to Seoul's foreign ministry Tuesday. It will also deliver medical supplies to Turkey, hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake the previous day, by military transport aircraft, the ministry's spokesperson Lim Soo-suk told a press briefing. The team will be comprised of more than 60 members of the Korea Disaster Relief Team and 50 military personnel, according to the ministry. The decision was made at an interagency meeting on assisting Turkey with the fallout of the quake that struck the country's southern region and Syria as well, leaving thousands of people killed and a lot more injured. Earlier in the day, President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered the government to quickly send rescue workers and medical supplies to the country. Foreign Minister Park Jin spoke with Murat Tamer, the Turkish ambassador to Korea, earlier in the day and pledged to provide active support to the quake-hit nation. Brad Pitt and his friend and co-star George Clooney were seen getting into character on the New York set of their upcoming Apple thriller Wolves on Monday. The Hollywood heartthrob, 59, and the silver fox, 61, both wore matching black leather jackets and grey slacks - the same uniform they've been sporting while seen on set in the past few weeks. The night's shoot appeared to be an intense one, with the duo having to confront co-star Austin Abrams, 26, in one scene which saw him wearing nothing but a white pair of underwear and sneakers. Earlier in the day Pitt was seen arriving to set, and layered up in a warm sweater and a stylish jacket as he made a grand entrance. Plot details for the upcoming thriller have mainly been kept under wraps, and a set release date has yet to be announced to anticipated fans. In character: Brad Pitt, 59, and his friend and co-star George Clooney, 61, were seen getting into character on the New York set of their upcoming Apple thriller Wolves on Monday Intense: The night's shoot appeared to be an intense one, with the duo having to confront co-star Austin Abrams, 26, in one scene which saw him wearing nothing but a white pair of underwear and sneakers Pitt was seen facing off against Abrams in a dimly-lit street outside of a souvenir shop. In another scene the actor was seen making a mad run for it across the street. Angelia Jolie's ex husband's outfit included a zip-up black sweater over a white shirt, as well as black shoes. He also braved the chilly weather in an additional black jacket which he sported in-between takes. When they weren't filming George and Brad spent plenty of time laughing it up and chatting on set. Earlier in the day the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood actor slipped into a pair of black pants along with a fuzzy, white sweater that contained stripes of black and yellow hues as he arrived to set. To stay warm in the chilly nighttime temperatures, the Oscar winner additionally donned a long-sleeved, black coat when he first arrived that was left unbuttoned to give a glimpse of his overall ensemble. The star, who has recently been romantically linked to Ines de Ramon, 29, wore a pair of black, suede dress shoes that were secured with laces. Should be interesting: Pitt was seen facing off against Abrams in a dimly-lit street outside of of a souvenir shop Leather uniform: The Hollywood heartthrob and the silver fox both sported matching black leather jackets and grey slacks as they filmed scenes Handsome: Pitt's outfit included a zip-up black sweater over a white shirt, as well as black shoes Laughing it up: Clooney was seen laughing it up next to Pitt Catching up: The two Hollywood legends were pictured catching up in-between takes Chatty: The stars continued to chat it up Mad dash: Another scene saw Pitt making a mad run for it Thrilling: According to The Hollywood Reporter, the premise of film follows 'two lone wolf fixers,' played by Brad and George, who happen to be given the same job Funny: Brad was seen chuckling with Clooney and the crew Staying warm: Angelina Jolie's ex-husband braved the chilly weather in an extra jacket which he sported in-between takes For a fashionable edge, Brad threw on a plain, black bucket hat that partially covered his ash blonde hair, but later removed the cap. The Babylon actor accessorized his look with a pair of see-through shades that contained orange-colored lens. He carried an orange backpack to hold a few important items he need as he was guided to his trailer on the crowded set after stepping out of a sleek, black vehicle. During the walk, he removed his coat and casually slung the piece over his right shoulder. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the premise of film follows 'two lone wolf fixers,' played by Brad and George, who happen to be given the same job. The A-list duo are also producers on the upcoming thriller. The director of the film, Jon Watts, has worked on other successful movies, such as the Tom Hollandstarring Spider-Man films. Pitt has had a busy past year, starring in a number of films, such as Netflix's Bullet Train, and later, Babylon, alongside Tobey Maguire, Margot Robbie and Diego Calva. Passion: When opening up about his career and passion for acting, Brad told GQ during a recent interview, 'Im one of those creatures that speaks through art' Excited: George gushed about working with Pitt, 'He's a friend of mine and we have a really good time together. I'm really looking forward to it' What's that? Brad put his acting skills on show as he looked bamboozled at the nearly-naked figure in front of him while filming Bemused: Brad looked a bit confused while performing in his role for Wolves as a man in white underwear dashed away from him Suave: The 59-year-old heartthrob looked typically suave in his leather jacket and smart trousers Wave: Brad gestured people to move out of the way as he got on with filming for Wolves Hard at work: The acting legend was working in the glow of LED lights at nighttime for his new Apple thriller Direction: Brad was seen taking direction from the people behind the scenes as he re-shot parts of the thriller When opening up about his career and passion for acting, Brad told GQ during a recent interview, 'Im one of those creatures that speaks through art.' The Fight Club star further expressed to the publication, 'I just want to always make. If Im not making, Im dying in some way.' He has also discussed his other passion for art and sculpture when he isn't busy working on star-studded sets and productions. 'Its something I had always wanted to try and always talked about,' Pitt admitted to W Magazine. The actor, who was previously married to Angelina Jolie, then explained that, 'Ive done some strange stuff over the years, always building toward this.' Stylish arrival: Earlier in the day Pitt was seen arriving to set, and layered up in a warm sweater and a stylish jacket as he made a grand entrance Dapper: Brad added a pop of colour to his look with a red tasselled tote bag to carry his essentials on set Keeping it classy: The star, who has recently been romantically linked to Ines de Ramon, 29, wore a pair of black suede dress shoes that were secured with laces Edgy: For a fashionable edge, Brad threw on a plain black bucket hat that partially covered his ash blonde hair, but he later removed the cap Ready to film: The Babylon actor accessorized his look with a pair of see-through shades that contained orange-colored lens Upcoming: Plot details for the upcoming thriller have mainly been kept under wraps, and a set release date has yet to be announced to anticipated fans Work: Brad was on location with lots of cast and crew and is seen stepping past filming trucks Under the lights: The leather-clad actors were in the zone as they filmed for the Apple Original film Bundled up: Brad threw a black padded jacket on his front to keep warm in chilly New York City On-screen: The late night filming definitely left Brad feeling the cold as he put his arms through a big padded jacket to keep warm In the role: Brad folded his arms during one take of a scene as he looked deep in thought at the situation in front of him On the set of the upcoming Apple Original Film, Brad has once again reunited with George. The two have worked alongside on projects in the past, such as the Ocean's Eleven franchise, and their last film together was Burn After Reading (2008). The Ticket To Paradise actor had talked about the chance to collaborate with Pitt once again on Wolves when the leading cast was announced. 'Brad was obviously the cheapest of the actors available,' George jokingly told People in 2021. He then gushed that, 'He's a friend of mine and we have a really good time together. I'm really looking forward to it.' Pals: Brad and George looked pleased to be working together on set in New York City In the zone: Clooney also wore a black leather jacket for his role as the Hollywood heavyweights came together for the new movie Acting legend: George was deep in thought as he prepared for his next scene on location in New York City Busy: George chatted to colleagues while not filming scenes as he practiced lines and rehearsed Keeping warm: George and Brad enjoyed a warm cup of coffee as they chatted between takes Hollywood: The pals looked in good spirits as they shared good conversation while taking a quick break The Big Apple: George and Brad talked to their off-screen colleague while relaxing away from the lights of the set Pamela Anderson has revealed intimate details about her relationship with surfing legend Kelly Slater. The model and actress, 55, dated Kelly after meeting him on the set of Baywatch in the early 1990s. The couple was together 'between lots of other relationships' until Pamela called him in 1995 to tell him she had married Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee. Pamela Anderson (left) has revealed intimate details about her relationship with surfing legend Kelly Slater (right) 'He was my big love actually. He was such a sweetheart to me and so good to me,' she revealed in her Netflix documentary Pamela, a Love Story. 'We were together between lots of boyfriends and girlfriends for him too. 'He definitely was a heartbreaker. I mean, he was just a free spirit. You couldn't get your hands around him, but you don't own anybody.' The couple was together 'between lots of other relationships' until Pamela called Kelly in 1995 to tell him she had married Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee Pamela said she was supposed to travel to Florida to meet Kelly's family after a photo shoot in Mexico. But Tommy followed her to Cancun, where they tied the knot just four days later. 'My first phone call was to him to tell him I was married. He was like, "What?" That was horrible,' she said. Pamela was supposed to travel to Florida to meet Kelly's family after a photo shoot in Mexico. But Tommy Lee (pictured) followed her to Cancun, where they tied the knot four days later The Baywatch bombshell exchanged vows with the glam metal musician without knowing his last name or where he lived. She only asked when they were on the flight back from Mexico after their week-long whirlwind romance in February 1995. The couple welcomed two sons, Brandon Thomas Lee and Dylan Jagger Lee, before splitting up in 1998. They're preparing to welcome a baby girl in the coming months. And on Monday, Jimmy Bartel and his pregnant girlfriend Amelia Shepperd picked up some comfort good while shopping for groceries in Melbourne on Monday. Amelia showed off her baby bump in a grey hoodie and black leggings. Jimmy Bartel and his pregnant girlfriend Amelia Shepperd picked up some comfort good while shopping for groceries in Melbourne on Monday The brunette beauty carried a packet of frozen potato gems and cream cheese in one hand, and two lemons in the other. Her hair was neatly tied back in a ponytail with a black scrunchie, while she treaded the pavement in a pair of black Adidas sneakers. Meanwhile former AFL star Jimmy, 39, looked fit in a beige hoodie and black running shorts. He completed his look with a pair of black Nike running shoes and loud printed socks. In one hand, he carried a carton of almond milk while a bunch of bananas in the other. Amelia showed off her baby bump in a grey hoodie and black leggings The brunette beauty carried a packet of frozen potato gems and cream cheese in one hand, and two lemons in the other Jimmy and Amelia announced that they were having a girl during an intimate gender reveal party in October. His sons Henley and Aston - who he shares with ex-wife Nadia Bartel - were at the party, popping a balloon that exploded to reveal a flurry of pink confetti. 'Baby Bartel, you're already so incredibly loved,' the footy star captioned the short video. Countless celebrities shared their congratulations, with Rebecca Maddern: 'Jimmy congratulations, beautiful news.' Former AFL star Jimmy, 39, looked fit in a beige hoodie and black running shorts Jimmy and Amelia announced that they were having a girl during an intimate gender reveal party in October 'Congratulations guys xx,' commented Joel Selwood. Jimmy and Amelia celebrated their one-year anniversary together back in August. At the time, Jimmy shared a blurry photo of the couple kissing to Instagram and wrote: 'It's been a blur, but what a year with you. Love you.' He debuted his relationship with Amelia in December 2021, with the announcement also confirming his split from former girlfriend Lauren Mand. Jimmy debuted his relationship with Amelia (left) in December 2021, with the announcement also confirming his split from former girlfriend Lauren Mand According to her LinkedIn profile, Amelia worked as the executive assistant to the managing director and chief operations officer of Queensland Rugby League from July 2019 to March 2021. She recently returned to her home city of Melbourne after spending several years in Brisbane for her job. According to a well-placed source, Amelia met Jimmy after they began following each other on Instagram. They have reportedly been together ever since he split from Lauren, 32, whom he began dating after his separation from ex-wife Nadia Bartel in 2019. Jimmy's sons Henley, three, and Aston, six, were present at the gender reveal party, popping a balloon that exploded to reveal a flurry of pink confetti Susanna Reid was yet again let down by the Good Morning Britain TV crew, after they set her up for another embarrassing mistake live on air. This comes only days after she was said to have been left 'furious' when a string of errors were made on the show. But unfortunately for Susanna, the saga is ongoing after they started this week in a similar vein. A voice-over announcement read: 'You're watching Good Morning Britain on Friday the third of February.' It was, however, Monday the sixth. This time, a puzzled Susanna, 52, and co-host Ben Shephard, 48, were able to laugh off the calendar gaffe. Not again! Susanna Reid was yet again let down by the Good Morning Britain TV crew, after they set her up for another embarrassing mistake live on air But the blunder has reportedly added to fears among executives that embarassing mistakes will keep on happening. A show insider told The Sun: 'Susanna and Ben were stunned, especially after last week's mishaps. 'To get the date of the show wrong is pretty poor by anybody's standards it was the worst possible start to the week. She's let this one go, with a few eye rolls, but they keep happening.' Another said: 'It's actually really sad the production team seem totally incapable. They just seem overwhelmed.' Last week, the broadcaster allegedly 'made her feelings very clear' and confronted senior executives after a series of blunders made their way into the live broadcast. Spelling mistakes, wrong dates and graphic mis-designs have all slipped through during live broadcasts of the show in recent weeks, leaving the host allegedly embarrassed. Among the errors was one incident in which News Correspondent Ben Chapman's name was spelt incorrectly during his live broadcast from Romania. As Ranvir Singh presented the segment, she introduced Ben for his section - with his name appearing on the screen as 'Ben Champan'. Awkward: A voice-over announcement read: 'You're watching Good Morning Britain on Friday the third of February.' It was, however, Monday the sixth Another incident saw GMB air a segment paying tribute to the death of Lisa Marie Presley, with the word 'remembering' also spelt wrong on screen, as the graphic read: 'Remebering'. And that wasn't all, as the wrong date was shown while Susanna was presenting the show one morning. A source told The Sun: 'She made her feelings very clear, and confronted the senior executives over it. Furious? And it appears it was a needed uplift, after the presenter was said to be furious earlier this week following a string of embarrassing errors on GMB 'Susanna is totally professional and just wants high standards as Piers or any other presenter would have done. 'The last thing anyone wants is her walking away in anger.' Susanna doesn't appear to be the only one aggravated by the gaffes, as some viewers took to Twitter during the live morning shows to highlight GMB's mistakes. Calling out a poster it had made for rugby player Levi Simeon Davis, who went missing in October 2022, many noticed that the wrong year was printed on the graphic. Oops: Among the errors was one incident in which News Correspondent Ben Chapman's name was spelt incorrectly during a live broadcast from Romania Blunder: While another incident saw GMB air a segment paying tribute to Lisa Marie Presley, with the word 'remembering' spelled incorrectly on screen as 'remebering' '@gmb your poster for missing Levi has wrong date on it - says October 2023,' wrote on viewer. While another advised: 'Your poster shown on this morning's news for the missing male is wrong check the date it's showing October 2023 #GMB.' Meanwhile, Susanna was in a better mood last Friday as she celebrated 'terrific' viewing figures for Good Morning Britain. She took to Twitter to share her delight that the breakfast news show had hit their highest figures since June 2021. Happy with that: Sharing a grab of herself and co-host Ben Shephard on the show to Twitter this Friday, Susanna detailed her delight at fans tuning into the show Sharing a grab of herself and co-host Ben Shephard on the show to Twitter this Friday, Susanna detailed her delight at fans tuning into the show. She wrote: 'RATINGS: terrific figures for yesterdays @gmb (and a great week) highest Thursday numbers since June 2021, up 9% and +3.8 share points against the same day last year. 'We love that you are watching. Back on Monday with @benshephard'. Television vet Scott Miller was compelled to travel to war-torn Ukraine after seeing heartbreaking pictures of abandoned pets after people fled their homes in fear. The This Morning regular, 46, left his wife Zoe, 44, and their four children at home, despite their protestations, and flew to Eastern Europe in a bid to rescue animals who had been hurt as bombs rained down on the country's cities. Teaming up with charity Breaking The Chains, which is made up of ex-military personnel, Scott is aiming to bring abandoned and sick dogs back to the UK to be rehomed, with some now paraplegic and relying on wheels to move around. He told The Sun: 'Everyone said I was absolutely crazy to go to Ukraine, because it is an active war zone, but I just felt compelled. 'Ive been an animal lover my whole life. Animals helped me through as a child, struggling socially. Terrifying: Television vet Scott Miller, 46, was compelled to travel to war-torn Ukraine after seeing heartbreaking pictures of abandoned pets after people fled their homes in fear 'They never judged and they are always there to give that unconditional love. Animals are sentient beings. They have emotions, they have feelings, they feel fear. 'And theyre caught up in this war, and they are also suffering alongside the Ukrainian people.' Scott, who has been a vet for 26 years, flew out to Suceava in Romania on January 20. He then crossed the border into Ukraine and drove four hours to the city of Vinnytsia. Scott has helped perform surgery on maimed pets and has also given out food to residents. He said recently: 'I'm still processing the whole experience to be honest.' After arriving in Ukraine, Scott met a number of canines including Phoenix who had his back legs ripped off in a bomb blast. He was found hobbling through the rubble before he was rescued by Scott and his team. Rescued: Scott treated Jonny, who now uses wheels to move around, after a Russian soldier shot him in the back Another dog, Jonny, now uses wheels to move around after a Russian soldier shot him in the back. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier desperately needed surgery after developing an infection. Scott was tasked with amputating his toe in a shelter - and had to use a torch when the electricity went out. New home: Teaming up with charity Breaking The Chains, which is made up of ex-military personnel, Scott is aiming to bring abandoned and sick dogs back to the UK Compelled: This Morning regular Scott left his wife Zoe, 44, and their four children at home, despite their protestations, and flew to Eastern Europe in a bid to rescue animals He said: 'This dog had been shot in the back by Russians and needed his toe amputating to stop an infection. 'I was performing the surgery in sub-zero temperatures, and had to finish it by torchlight after the electricity cut out.' The volunteers rescue stray animals in Ukraine and deliver pet and farm owners vital food and supplies. Journey: Scott, who has been a vet for more than 26 years, flew out to Suceava in Romania on January 20 War zone: He then crossed the border into Ukraine and drove four hours to the city of Vinnytsia to help the animals Scott's experience meant he was a useful pair of hands for the charity and he was quickly called into action. Scott also travelled to Kherson - a city in the southeast of Ukraine recently liberated by Zelenskyy's forces. There he helped deliver pet food and supplies to a woman who was looking after 200 dogs in an abandoned shelter. Important work: Scott has helped perform surgery on maimed pets and has also given out food to residents Brutal: Scott admits he found the experience difficult, saying: 'I'm still processing the whole experience to be honest' But when he arrived, many of the dogs were breeding uncontrollably and needed neutering to stop them reproducing. So, with the help of ex-soldiers, he turned their van into an operating theatre and performed surgical castration on ten dogs. Scott said: 'This lady was caring for 200 dogs all by herself. 'We brought her pet food and supplies to keep them alive, but some needed neutering and vaccinating. Moving: Scott said: The people I met out there were incredible and the love and care they had for animals was inspiring' 'Ex-British soldiers working for the charity, led by Tom S-N, helped me turn our van into an operating theatre and anaesthetise the dogs before surgery. 'They adapted to the situation incredibly well, and, with their assistance, I performed successful castration surgery on ten dogs.' Scott says he also travelled to the front line to provide survival kits for those caring for animals and visited an orphanage. He has now returned from Ukraine. Scott said: The people I met out there were incredible and the love and care they had for animals was inspiring. 'Breaking The Chains are doing an outstanding job.' Scott is now raising money for a specialist veterinary ambulance vehicle for Breaking The Chains. By Rory Tingle and James Robinson for MailOnline It has been more than two decades since Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein first crossed paths. That meeting would set in motion years of damaging allegations, embarrassing interviews and eventually a US lawsuit against the Queen's third son. Over the next 23 years, Epstein would go on to abuse and sex traffic young girls across the world on his private jet with his madame Ghislaine Maxwell - the woman who would introduce the financier to Prince Andrew - by his side. Though he would go on to take his own life in prison while awaiting trial for his sex trafficking crimes, and ultimately robbing his victims of justice, the fallout would continue for those around him. Maxwell would end up in a US prison, herself found guilty of sex trafficking for Epstein, while Prince Andrew would face accusations of sexual assault by one Epstein victim, Virginia Giuffre. Determined to clear his name, Prince Andrew would agree to a toe-curling BBC in which he claimed he couldn't have had sex with Ms Giuffre, because he was at Pizza Express at the time. But Giuffre would continue to pursue the royal, eventually launching a US civil case against him - which has now ended in a settlement. Here MailOnline takes a look at the sordid saga, from start to finish: 1999: Andrew first meets Epstein, reportedly introduced through his friendship with Ghislaine Maxwell, the daughter of newspaper tycoon Robert Maxwell. Andrew welcomes Epstein to the Queen's private Scottish retreat in Aberdeenshire. Andrew later says he sees Epstein 'infrequently', adding 'probably no more than only once or twice a year'. 2000: Andrew and Ms Maxwell are seen on holiday with Epstein at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. Epstein and Ms Maxwell attend a party at Windsor Castle hosted by the Queen to mark Andrew's 40th birthday, the Princess Royal's 50th, the Queen Mother's 100th and Princess Margaret's 70th. 2001: Virginia Roberts claims to have had sex with Andrew 'three times, including one orgy', with the first encounter allegedly taking place in Ms Maxwell's London townhouse after they met at the Tramp nightclub on March 10. Recalling the alleged meeting, Andrew was said to be 'sweating profusely'. The Duke would later claim in his infamous BBC interview that this could have never happened because he was at a children's party at a branch of Pizza Express in Woking. In the same interview he says he has a medical condition after being shot at during the Falklands War that left him 'unable to sweat' because Ms Roberts, who was 17 at the time, claimed that they danced together and he had been 'sweating profusely' Ms Roberts claims to have had sex with Andrew on two more occasions, at Epstein's New York home and at an 'orgy' on his private island in the Caribbean. 2008: Epstein admits prostituting minors and is sentenced to 18 months in prison. 2010: Epstein is released from jail. Andrew is photographed with the disgraced Epstein in New York's Central Park. Footage emerges years later, reportedly shot on December 6 2010, showing him inside Epstein's Manhattan mansion, from where he is seen looking out from a large door of the property waving a woman goodbye after Epstein leaves to get into a chauffeur-driven car. 2011: The duke quits his role as UK trade envoy after the fallout from the Central Park photos. 2015: Buckingham Palace denies Andrew has committed any impropriety after he is named in US court documents related to Epstein. A woman, later named in reports as Ms Roberts, alleges in papers filed in Florida that she was forced to have sex with Andrew when she was 17, which is under the age of consent in the state. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Andrew, in his first public engagement since he was embroiled in the allegations, responds, saying: 'Firstly I think I must, and want, for the record, to refer to the events that have taken place in the last few weeks. I just wish to reiterate, and to reaffirm, the statements that have already been made on my behalf by Buckingham Palace.' In April the claims against Andrew are struck from US civil court records following a federal judge's ruling. Newly released legal documents show that Johanna Sjoberg, another alleged Epstein victim, claims Andrew touched her breast while sitting on a couch inside the US billionaire's Manhattan apartment in 2001. Buckingham Palace denies the allegations 2019: Newly released legal documents show that Johanna Sjoberg, another alleged Epstein victim, claims Andrew touched her breast while sitting on a couch inside the US billionaire's Manhattan apartment in 2001. Buckingham Palace says the allegations are 'categorically untrue'. Epstein is found dead in his jail cell on August 10, having killed himself after being charged with sex trafficking. Later that month a pilot on Epstein's private jet claims Andrew was a passenger on past flights with the financier and Ms Roberts. The Sun newspaper reported that David Rodgers said in a testimony released in August that Epstein, Andrew and the-then 17-year-old travelled to the US Virgin Islands on April 11 2001. Buckingham Palace describes the evidence statement as having 'a number of inconsistencies' and said that Andrew was on a different continent in some cases. Following Epstein's death, a statement from the palace says that Andrew is 'appalled by the recent reports of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes'. Breaking his silence on the issue for the first time since 2015, Andrew then releases a statement on August 24 saying: 'At no stage during the limited time I spent with him (Epstein) did I see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction.' On November 16, the prince gives a 'disastrous' BBC interview in which he speaks about his friendship with Epstein and addresses allegations of his own sexual conduct. On November 16, the prince gives a 'disastrous' BBC interview in which he speaks about his friendship with Epstein and addresses allegations of his own sexual conduct He faced a barrage of criticism following his television appearance, with the royal accused of a lack of empathy with Epstein's victims. During the interview, Andrew, questioned by Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis, twice stated his relationship with Epstein, who died in jail while facing sex trafficking charges, had some 'seriously beneficial outcomes', giving him the opportunity to meet people and prepare for a future role as a trade envoy. The royal maintained he did not recall meeting Ms Roberts and did not spend time with her at Tramp Nightclub in London on March 10 in 2001 after which she claims the pair first had sex. The duke denies sleeping with her on three separate occasions, saying the encounter in 2001 did not happen as he had taken his daughter Princess Beatrice to Pizza Express in Woking for a party, and they spent the rest of the day together. The duke denies sleeping with her on three separate occasions, saying the encounter in 2001 did not happen as he had taken his daughter Princess Beatrice to Pizza Express in Woking for a party, and they spent the rest of the day together. He also said a medical condition after being shot at during the Falklands War left him 'unable to sweat' because Ms Roberts, who was 17 at the time, claimed that they danced together and he had been 'sweating profusely'. The Duke of York said: 'I was with the children and I'd taken Beatrice to a Pizza Express in Woking for a party at I suppose sort of 4 or 5 in the afternoon. 'And then because the Duchess was away, we have a simple rule in the family that when one is away the other one is there. 'I was on terminal leave at the time from the Royal Navy so therefore I was at home.' However he continues to strongly deny any wrongdoing and claims he has never even met Ms Roberts, now a mother-of-three living in Australia who goes by her married name, Virginia Giuffre. Following the disastrous interview, which is widely panned, Prince Andrew announces in November that he will step back from frontline royal duties for the 'foreseeable future'. A number of companies with association to the prince step back. He says at the time he deeply sympathises with sex offender Epstein's victims and everyone who 'wants some form of closure'. 2020: With the Covid pandemic occupying much of the news and the minds of the British public, Prince Andrew has the chance to lie low, which he does, in Windsor Castle. Andrew hires Gary Bloxsome, a UK criminal defence solicitor, early in the year, just weeks after his car-crash Newsnight interview. Despite him lying low, talk continues to flow in newspapers like The Telegraph and The Times that he is planning a 'rebranding' and hopes to one day return to frontline royal duties. He is praised by one senior palace aide for not appearing in official wedding photographs at the marriage of his daughter Princess Beatrice to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. One said it shows a 'level of maturity' from Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew is praised by one senior palace aide for not appearing in official wedding photographs at the marriage of his daughter Princess Beatrice to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. One said it shows a 'level of maturity' from Prince Andrew However, despite attempting to keep a low-profile, the headlines continue for Prince Andrew. In February the US attorney for the Southern District of New York claims prosecutors and the FBI had repeatedly contacted the Duke of York's lawyers to follow up on his previous pledge that he was 'willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency'. In November, Lisa Bloom, who represents six of Epstein's alleged victims, cals on Andrew to submit to an interview with the FBI in their investigation into Ghislaine Maxwell. Sources close to Andrew say he is willing to speak to the FBI. 2021: In August, Virginia Giuffre files a lawsuit in the US against Andrew accusing him of sexual assault. In the civil case she alleges she had sex with Andrew and he was aware of her age. She also claims hat she was a victim of sex trafficking when she was forced to have sex with him in 2001. 'I am holding Prince Andrew accountable for what he did to me. The powerful and the rich are not exempt from being held responsible for their actions,' she said in a statement via her lawyers in August that year. Andrew continues to vehemently denies the claim. He hires US defence attorney Andrew Brettler to represent him. He describes the lawsuit as 'baseless, non-viable, and possibly unlawful.' Initially there is some debate over whether Prince Andrew has received the lawsuit. His lawyers claim the royal has not been properly served. Giuffre's lawyers claim the legal papers were handed over to a Metropolitan police officer on duty at the main gates of Andrew's Windsor Great Park home on 27 August. David Boies, representing Giuffre, said the complaint had been 'delivered to the last known address of the defendant'. He added that the documents had also been sent 'by Royal Mail'. David Boies, representing Giuffre, said the complaint had been 'delivered to the last known address of the defendant'. He added that the documents had also been sent 'by Royal Mail' A previously secret 2009 settlement between Giuffre and Epstein is raised. Prince Andrew's lawyers claim the settlement protects the royal from Giuffre lawsuit. The judge agrees to unseal the agreement. Lawyers for the Duke of York also file a motion claiming Giuffre currently lives in Australia and so the court does not have jurisdiction to hold the lawsuit. But her lawyers argue the civil case was properly filed in Manhattan federal court because she is a citizen of Colorado and some of the sexual misconduct she alleges took place in the state of New York. Meanwhile, a jury in New York finds Epstein's former madame Ghislaine Maxwell guilty of sex-trafficking. The British socialist is also found guilty of conspiracy to entice individuals under the age of 17 to travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, conspiracy to transport individuals under the age of 17 to travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity; transportation of an individual under the age of 17 with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity; and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of individuals under the age of 18. A jury in New York finds Epstein's former madame Ghislaine Maxwell (pictured in a court sketch) guilty of sex-trafficking. On December 30, Giuffre hits back. Her legal team ask the prince's lawyers to prove he cannot sweat in a court filing. The request is made in relation to Prince Andrew's claims in his disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview. In the filing, it says: 'If Prince Andrew truly has no documents concerning his communications with Maxwell or Epstein, his travel to Florida, New York, or various locations in London, his alleged medical inability to sweat, or anything that would support the alibis he gave during his BBC interview, then continuing with discovery will not be burdensome to him at all'. 2022: The 2009 agreement between Giuffre and Epstein is unsealed. It shows Giuffre settled with Epstein for $500,000. In the settlement, Giuffre is show to agree not to go after 'other potential defendants,' defined as 'second parties'. But it does not specifically name Prince Andrew. His legal team say he is included under 'other potential defendants' and ask the judge to throw out the case. Alongside attempting to use the Epstein agreement to shield Prince Andrew, his legal team claim Giuffre hadn't sufficiently alleged any violations of the New York Penal Code. They also argued that Giuffre's allegations would have been time-barred by the statute of limitations if not for the 2019 New York Child Victims Act, which they labeled 'unconstitutional' and that Giuffre's allegations in her complaint were not sufficiently detailed. But in a major blow to Prince Andrew case, a New York judge throws out his legal challenge to dismiss the lawsuit and rules it can go ahead. A day later, the Queen strips Andrew of a range of military affiliations and royal patronages after more than 150 veterans write to describe their 'upset and anger'. Joe Manganiello recounted his great-grandmother's harrowing escape from the Armenian Genocide for the PBS series Finding Your Roots. Airing on Tuesday February 7 at 8 p.m. ET, the jaw-dropping show which recently told Edward Norton that his 12th great-grandmother was Pocahontas also reveals that Manganiello is descended from slaves. In an exclusive video shared with People, Manganiello detailed the heartbreaking survival story of how his great-grandmother fled from Armenia in 1915 after witnessing the murder of her husband and seven children. He said: 'The Turks came into her home in 1915 under the guise of World War I and tried to enact the genocide that they had begun. 'They shot her husband dead, shot her. She laid on the ground, pretended that she was dead while seven other gunshots that went off, which were...her seven children.' Harrowing: Joe Manganiello recounted his great-grandmother's harrowing escape from the Armenian Genocide for the PBS series Finding Your Roots Manganiello's great-grandmother played dead on the ground until the Turks left her home. The True Blood alum explained: 'She laid there unmoving and the Turks left the house and left the eighth child, who was an infant in the crib, to starve to death, which is just the way that they did business.' Joe went on to detail how his great-grandmother 'strapped the baby onto her back and escaped the town.' But she narrowly evaded the horrifying fate of a 'death march,' which Manganiello described. 'They would just handcuff, chain the Armenians together and march them out to the desert, and release the Kurds, give them military coats, horses and guns, to then go do what they wanted with their mortal enemies, the Armenians. 'She escaped that,' the actor said. 'Snuck past, got to the Euphrates river with the baby on her back, swam across the river, and when she got to the other side, the baby had drowned.' Manganiello added that his great-grandmother 'had a bullet in her still' and 'lived in a cave with other refugees until she was picked up by German military.' Manganiello's great-grandmother eventually became pregnant in the military camp by a German officer and 'gave birth to a very blonde, half-German child.' Heartbreaking: In an exclusive video shared with People , Manganiello detailed the heartbreaking survival story of how his great-grandmother fled from Armenia in 1915 after witnessing the murder of her husband and seven children One of the best: The show's host, Henry Louis Gates Jr., declared to Rolling Stone, 'If I have a short list of all-time greatest hits, Joe Manganiellos paternal ancestry is on that list' In an interview with Rolling Stone, the Magic Mike star who is married to the stunning Sofia Vergara, 50 opened up about what drove him to go on Finding Your Roots and described the powerful experience of shining a light on his family tree. He said: 'I had known since I was a kid about the Armenian genocide survivor story and that there was this German soldier who was my great-grandfather. 'For the past ten years, Id been trying to get on a genealogy show to find out who that German was. I always got no. 'And about two years ago, we got a yes from Finding Your Roots because they felt that technology had gotten to the place where they might be able to make some headway.' The show's host, Henry Louis Gates Jr., declared to Rolling Stone: 'If I have a short list of all-time greatest hits, Joe Manganiellos paternal ancestry is on that list.' Finding Your Roots uncovered that the German officer who impregnated Manganiello's great-grandmother was named Karl Wilhelm Beutinger. Beutinger eventually returned to his family in Germany, where one of his sons would grow up to become a Nazi SS officer. Speaking about the reveal, Joe told Rolling Stone: 'You have to take the good with the bad. And theres some of that with history. I think theres a tendency to say, Im so proud that my ancestors were on the right side of history, but thats not you thats somebody else. Bombshell revelations: The True Blood alum who is married to Sofia Vergara, 50 also learned that he was descended from a German Officer with strong Nazi ties Finding his roots: Airing on Tuesday February 7 at 8 p.m. ET, the jaw-dropping show also reveals that Manganiello is descended from slaves And that wasn't the only bombshell, as the show discovered that Joe's DNA did not match any individual with the surname of Manganiello. 'It was a real shock,' Joe told Rolling Stone. 'To find out that your last name isnt really your last name, and that I was related to zero percent of the worlds Manganiellos is wow.' Finding Your Roots learned that the Manganiello's fifth great-grandfather was an African slave named Plato Turner who eventually became a free man and fought in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. 'Im descended from survivors,' said Joe. 'To raise a child in a camp thats blonde when no one Armenian is blonde, without a father, and to come to the United States and raise that child under the scrutiny of other adults around? Thats tough. 'To come from West Africa in chains, on a ship, and to come to the United States and earn your freedom...' The Justice League star went on to discuss how these revelations affected his family, specifically his father. 'I dont know,' he said. 'My father and I were not my father and I dont talk, so I cant speak to that. 'For me, its fascinating to know what I am, to be able to explore ground zero. I love history and storytelling, and its part of the reason why I picked my profession. Im grateful.' Ben Stiller is gearing up to playing identical TRIPLETS in a new limited series adaptation of the 2018 documentary Three Identical Strangers. Sony Pictures Television is behind the new show in which Stiller, 57, will play Bobby Shafran, David Kellman, and Eddy Galland, who were separated at birth and reunited as adults, Variety reported Monday. The project marks one of his first major acting roles in several years, coming just days after a teaser for his new Pepsi Super Bowl ad with Steve Martin. The triplets were separated at birth as part of a social experiment and were each adopted by different families. Shafran first discovered he had siblings he never knew about in 1980 as a 19-year-old on a New York community college campus, when he was frequently greeted as another student, Eddy Galland. Triplets: Ben Stiller is gearing up to playing all three identical TRIPLETS in a new limited series adaptation of the 2018 documentary Three Identical Strangers Triplets: Their story was widely reported when it reached David Kellman (middle), who had a similar adoption story as they discovered the twins were actually identical triplets Documentary: The new limited series will be adapted from the 2018 documentary Three Identical Strangers, which told the true story of Bobby Shafran, David Kellman, and Eddy Galland, identical triplets who were separated at birth and all adopted by different families They both met and realized they were both adopted and realized they were twin brothers. Their story was widely reported when it reached David Kellman, who had a similar adoption story as they discovered the twins were actually identical triplets. They became media darlings for a time, appearing frequently on shows like The Phil Donohue Show and moved in together and opened a restaurant called Triplets Roumanian Steakhouse. While the adoption agency initially claimed they were separated because of the difficulty finding a family to take on triplets, it was ultimately revealed they were intentionally separated and placed in different families - one blue-collar, one middle class and one affluent - as part of a study that was never fully revealed to the parents. Stiller will play all three triplets as adults in the new series, which will be written by Amy Lippman (Party of Five). Lippman will also serve as showrunner and executive producer, with Stiller executive producing through his Red Hour Films company. Sidney Kimmel, John Penotti, Charlie Corwin and Marcy Ross of SK Global also executive produce along with Piers Vellacott, Dimitri Doganis, and Tim Wardle - who directed the documentary - of RAW and Emmeline Yang Hankins. Mark OConnor of SK Global, Dan Braun, and Josh Braun of Submarine would serve as co-executive producers. Adoption: While the adoption agency initially claimed they were separated because of the difficulty finding a family to take on triplets, it was ultimately revealed they were intentionally separated and placed in different families - one blue-collar, one middle class and one affluent - as part of a study that was never fully revealed to the parents Stiller hasn't acted much of late, with an uncredited cameo as himself in last year's Bros marking his last big screen appearance. His last major acting roles came in 2017 with The Meyerowitz Stories and Brad's Status though he also appeared in Hubie Halloween and Locked Down. He has most recently directed episodes of Apple TV Plus' Severance and he's attached to direct the films Bag Man and London. Cameo: Stiller hasn't acted much of late, with an uncredited cameo as himself in last year's Bros marking his last big screen appearance Rosie Jacobs, the ex-wife of former Today show weatherman Steve Jacobs, has debuted her new boyfriend after a run-in with the law and several years of dating disasters. The newly sober mother of two, 43, packed on the PDA with the mystery man during a sunrise swim at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Tuesday. Rosie, who last month avoided jail for a string of driving offences, looked like she didn't have a care in the world as she hugged and kissed her tattooed beau. Rosie Jacobs, the ex-wife of former Today show weatherman Steve Jacobs, has debuted her new boyfriend after a run-in with the law and several years of dating disasters The newly sober mother of two , 43, packed on the PDA with the mystery man (right) during a sunrise swim at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Tuesday She showed off her slender figure in a green one-piece swimsuit and displayed a few tattoos of her own on her leg and arms. The couple was later seen walking and jogging along the sand, before leaving the beach with their dogs. The sighting comes after Rosie avoided a jail sentence for what she described as a 'stupid decision' to drive on a suspended licence. Rosie, who last month avoided jail for a string of driving offences, looked like she didn't have a care in the world as she hugged and kissed her tattooed beau The pair canoodled in the surf in full view of other beachgoers The travel journalist pleaded guilty to driving her Audi Q3 three times in the course of just four months last year while her licence was suspended for previous offences. Appearing in court on January 27, she was handed $1,650 in fines, 75 hours of community service and disqualified from driving for three months. 'If you don't do what community corrections order [states] you can be jailed for this offending,' Magistrate Megan Greenwood said. The pair looked loved-up as they gazed into each other's eyes Rosie was previously married to former Today show weatherman Steve Jacobs In a lengthy social media post earlier in January, the former TV personality addressed the charges and explained she had been going through a 'traumatic' time. She told her followers she had experienced 'challenging times' with high anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder following her divorce from ex-husband Steve. 'It's been a shocker!' she vented. 'To top it all off, I made some stupid decisions to drive my car to the hospital post-surgery while on a suspended licence. 'I regret that decision.' The sighting comes after Rosie dodged a jail sentence for what she described as a 'stupid decision' to drive on a suspended licence Appearing in court on January 27, she was handed $1,650 in fines, 75 hours of community service and disqualified from driving for three months The self-described 'sassy sober mama' explained she was 'in a lot of pain' at the time of the offence and made the regrettable choice to drive. 'I wish I could undo those moments. But I can't,' said Rosie, who has hosted a variety of shows on Nine, Ten, Foxtel and The Weather Channel. Despite the charges, she said she was optimistic about her future and determined to make the most of her life, after recently hitting one year of sobriety following a lengthy battle with alcohol. The self-described 'sassy sober mama' explained she was 'in a lot of pain' at the time of the offence and made the regrettable choice to drive 'I choose to start every day filled with gratitude for the world that I live in and for the proactive work I choose to do with my own mental health and happiness,' she wrote. Rosie started her career as a TV producer before stepping in front of the camera. She married Steve Jacobs in 2010, three years after meeting on the set of the Today show, where he was a star weather presenter and she worked behind the scenes. The couple was later seen walking and jogging along the sand, before leaving the beach with their dogs She showed off her slender figure in a green one-piece swimsuit and displayed a few tattoos of her own on her leg and arms The Jacobs, who share daughters Isabella and Francesca, separated in late 2017, months after relocating to Vanuatu in what friends described as a 'last-ditch attempt' to save their troubled marriage. Their divorce was finalised in 2019. Following her split from Steve, Rosie moved on with Canadian commando Dylan Nash, who was part of the expat community in Vanuatu, but they ended things after just two months of dating. She went on to date former AFL player Matt Shir between 2018 and 2019. Steve and Rosie Jacobs, who share two daughters, separated in late 2017, months after relocating to Vanuatu in what friends described as a 'last-ditch attempt' to save their marriage. Their divorce was finalised in 2019. (The Jacobs are pictured on December 5, 2015, in Sydney) Following her split from Steve, Rosie moved on with Canadian commando Dylan Nash, who was part of the expat community in Vanuatu, but they ended things after two months of dating Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in November last year, Rosie revealed she was happily single after quietly splitting from her most recent flame Alex Daly. 'It's been quite a while since Alex and I separated, and in that time I've come to really enjoy, for the first time in my adult life, being independent and solo,' she said. 'And I actually have enough on my plate at the moment that keeps me really busy. Being a single mum with two young girls and having my own business as a travel journalist. I have never felt so fulfilled and content.' Korea on Tuesday attended a meeting of the United States-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) meeting and discussed ways to boost cooperation on supply chains of major minerals with resource-rich African nations, the industry ministry said. The meeting of the partnership was held in Cape Town on the day, involving 12 member nations, including Australia, Canada and France, as well as South Africa, Tanzania and Congo, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Launched in June 2022, the initiative was to bolster critical mineral supply chains in line with their growing demand for clean energy and other major technologies in a way that helps nations realize "the full economic development benefit of their geological endowments." During the meeting, the nations vowed to push for the sustainable development of major minerals by protecting environments and seeking the development of local communities, and decided to check their implementation of the environmental, social and corporate governance principles on a regular basis. Korean officials also met with government and corporate officials of South Africa, Zambia and other African nations on how to establish their networks for major minerals and how to strengthen cooperation amid the fast-changing global industrial landscape and other circumstances, according to the ministry. (Yonhap) Hugh Sheridan has issued more details about their harrowing date-rape ordeal. The actor, 37, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, recently revealed they were drugged with a date rape medication by a couple, and was left incapacitated for eight hours at a strange apartment. Speaking with the Herald Sun, Sheridan said they will 'keep telling the truth about these things' with the hope to raise awareness and help aspiring artists and actors. Hugh Sheridan has issued further details about their harrowing 'date rape drug nightmare' 'When you're young and starting out, you have a certain naivety, and some people out there don't always have good intentions,' they told the publication. 'The truth is, some people I knew a couple, a guy and a girl drugged and kidnapped me. It was terrifying, and I was very lucky to get out of that situation.' Sheridan previously opened up about their ordeal with 88.3FM radio show, Sounds Good With Donna Demaio. 'The truth is, some people I knew a couple, a guy and a girl drugged and kidnapped me. It was terrifying, and I was very lucky to get out of that situation,' they told the Herald Sun 'It didn't happen when I was 16 or 17. I knew one of the people (involved), I just never thought it would happen, and it was a very scary situation,' they recalled. 'But once the drugs started to wear off and I realised that I was in trouble, I just kept saying 'As if!' It was like, 'Oh my God, how could this be happening to me? How could this situation happen? What do they think they're getting away with?' Hugh managed to escape the property, located in Sydney's Double Bay, and seek shelter at their sister's home in Randwick. The actor, 37, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, says they were drugged with a date rape medication by a couple, and were left incapacitated for eight hours at a strange apartment 'I had to get out. I had to escape. When I left I had no phone, no wallet, no shoes,' Hugh said. The star never pressed charges over the incident, and does not remember what happened while they were unconscious. It comes after Hugh revealed they won't be rushing into their next relationship after details of a secret nine-year marriage to a 'well-known' entertainer were revealed. Daily Mail Australia revealed that Hugh was in a secret nine-year marriage to Venezuelan actor Rafael de la Fuente. Sheridan married openly gay de la Fuente, 35, who is best known for playing Sam Jones in American soap opera reboot Dynasty, in July 2011 Sheridan married openly gay de la Fuente, 35, who is best known for playing Sam Jones in American soap opera reboot Dynasty, in July 2011. The two men had been dating for several years before secretly tying the knot. At the time, Sheridan was not publicly out of the closet. If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website. In an emergency, call 000. Advertisement Paul Rudd and his costar Evangeline Lilly had all eyes on them on Monday as they hit the red carpet for the Los Angeles premiere of their new film Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania. The 53-year-old Clueless actor and the 43-year-old Lost star were both dressed to the nines as they arrived at the Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles. Their new film, the latest in Marvel Studios' long-running cinematic universe, finds them being sucked into the subatomic Quantum Realm, where they're forced to fight for their lives against Jonathan Majors' villain Kang the Conqueror. The superhero flick features an all-star cast including familiar faces Michael Douglas who brought along his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michelle Pfeiffer, along with new Marvel stars Bill Murray and Kathryn Newton. Paul was dressed to impress in a suit decorated with a red-and-white houndstooth pattern and featuring medium-width lapels. Star power: Paul Rudd, 53, and costar Evangeline Lilly, 43, had all eyes on them on Monday as they hit the red carpet for the Los Angeles premiere of their new film Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania in Los Angeles at the Regency Village Theatre He contrasted the suit with a tasteful gray-blue tie, and he wore a classic white shirt along with shiny black shoes. The shockingly youthful actor looked loved-up on the red carpet as he posed with his wife Julie Yaeger, a producer. She looked stylish in a black velvet suit with a matching black top and pointy-toed powder blue heels. Paul stars in the film as Scott Lang, who gains the ability to shrink himself to microscopic sizes or grow as large as a building when he wears his super suit. Evangeline, who plays the similarly situated Hope van Dyne, his love interest and collaborator as Wasp, looked glamorous in her pale key lime green dress. The item, which featured barely there straps, showed off her arms and shoulders above a fringe of long green feathers. The dress was belted around her midriff and ruched. It featured a long train that trailed behind her on the red carpet, which completely covered up her footwear. Evangeline looked chic with a blond pixie cut, and she wore glittering teardrop-shaped diamond earrings. Dapper: Paul was dressed to impress in a suit decorated with a red-and-white houndstooth pattern and featuring medium-width lapels. He contrasted with a gray-blue tie and a white shirt with shiny black shoes The shockingly youthful actor looked loved-up on the red carpet as he posed with his wife Julie Yaeger, a producer. She looked stylish in a black velvet suit with a matching black top and pointy-toed powder blue heels Seeing green: Evangeline, who plays Wasp, looked glamorous in her pale key lime green dress. The item, which featured barely there straps, showed off her arms and shoulders above a fringe of long green feathers Fit figure: The dress was belted around her midriff and ruched. It featured a long train that trailed behind her on the red carpet, which completely covered up her footwear Short hair, don't care: Evangeline looked chic with a blond pixie cut, and she wore glittering teardrop-shaped diamond earrings The two actors costar with Michael Douglas in the Ant-Man series. He plays Hank Pym, the original Ant-Man who designed the suit that allows them to shrink or grow at will. Douglas was on hand at the premiere with his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones holding his hand while their son Dylan joined in on the celebration. Michael wore a classic black suit with a tie-free navy blue shirt, while Dylan paired a black blazer and a white-and-black patterned shirt with more casual black sweatpants. Catherine looked effortlessly glamorous in an off-the-shoulder dress that highlighted her strong arms and her trim figure. The look featured a black-and-gold leopard-print pattern, and the low-cut dress highlighted her cleavage. The Traffic star had a modest train following her, and she elevated her stature with black heels that strapped around her ankles. Family: Michael Douglas was on hand at the premiere with his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones holding his hand while their son Dylan joined in on the celebration Suited up: Michael wore a classic black suit with a tie-free navy blue shirt, while Dylan paired a black blazer and a white-and-black patterned shirt with more casual black sweatpants Looking good: Catherine looked effortlessly glamorous in an off-the-shoulder dress that highlighted her strong arms and her trim figure. The look featured a black-and-gold leopard-print pattern, and the low-cut dress highlighted her cleavage Voluminous: The Traffic star had a modest train following her Towering: She elevated her stature with black heels that strapped around her ankles, and she looked lovely with her brunette hair parted down the middle and styled straight Kathryn Newton, who plays the daughter of Rudd's character and is making her series debut in Quantumania, went all out with a stunning sheer white dress that left little to the imagination. Her outfit reached up to her neck and had a skirt that fanned out across the ground, and she appeared to have a modest white bra and underwear on. The gown was covered in striking irregularly shaped mirrored pieces that sparkled in the light, and she wore her long blond locks down over her back. Michelle Pfeiffer appeared so taken with the dress that she gaped at it when she caught up with Kathryn on the red carpet. Michelle contrasted Kathryn with her own ensemble, which featured a slinky ruched black dress. The age-defying beauty added some luster to her outfit with thick gold bracelets and large gold hoop earrings that were framed by her blond hair. New star: Kathryn Newton, who plays the daughter of Rudd's character and is making her series debut in Quantumania, went all out with a stunning sheer white dress that left little to the imagination Opulent: Her outfit reached up to her neck and had a skirt that fanned out across the ground, and she appeared to have a modest white bra and underwear on Sparkler: The gown was covered in striking irregularly shaped mirrored pieces that sparkled in the light, and she wore her long blond locks down over her back Blown away: Michelle Pfeiffer appeared so taken with the dress that she gaped at it when she caught up with Kathryn on the red carpet Back in black: Michelle contrasted Kathryn with her own ensemble, which featured a slinky ruched black dress. The age-defying beauty added some luster to her outfit with thick gold bracelets and large gold hoop earrings that were framed by her blond hair Bill Murray, who makes his Marvel debut as a denizen of the Quantum Realm who has a past association with Michelle's character, dressed down his gray plaid suit with a lavender sweater and a white shirt. His white hair was spiked up, and he sported a thin mustache. Jonathan Majors, who plays the film's villain, covered his muscular physique in a gray plaid suit while wearing an unusually short gray silk tie. Marvel star Randall Park and Mario Lopez both looked casual in sweaters as they arrived. Randall favored a tan ribbed sweater with baggy black jeans, while Mario showed off his muscular arms in a gray sweater with black jeans. The Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott, showed up as a team. Drew wore a black button-up short-sleeve shirt with tan pants and black suede shoes, while Jonathan wore a burgundy sweater and a black jacket with black jeans. New faces: Bill Murray, who makes his Marvel debut as a denizen of the Quantum Realm who has a past association with Michelle's character, dressed down his gray plaid suit with a lavender sweater and a white shirt. Jonathan Majors, who plays the film's villain, covered his muscular physique in a gray plaid suit while wearing an unusually short gray silk tie. Taking it easy: Marvel star Randall Park and Mario Lopez both looked casual in sweaters as they arrived. Randall favored a tan ribbed sweater with baggy black jeans, while Mario showed off his muscular arms in a gray sweater with black jeans Twinning: The Property Brothers, (LR) Drew and Jonathan Scott, showed up as a team. Drew wore a black button-up short-sleeve shirt with tan pants and black suede shoes, while Jonathan wore a burgundy sweater and a black jacket with black jeans She-Hulk: Attorney At Law actress Ginger Gonzaga rocked a blue sequined off-the-shoulder mini dress and blue tights with matching platform heels, along with striking blue eyeshadow. Ant-Man star David Dastmalchian looked cool in a three-piece green suit with a black sweater. He was joined by his wife Evelyn Leigh, who wore a shimmering white crop top and a matching skirt. Ms. Marvel actress Anjali Bhimani looked glamorous in a black off-the-shoulder gown with a large skirt. She was joined by musician Rick Barrio Dill, who rocked a sleek white blazer that contrasted the rest of his black ensemble. Rounding out the red carpet was the casting director Sarah Finn in a lovely flower-print jumpsuit, which she partially covered with a fuzzy black jacket. Blue mood: She-Hulk: Attorney At Law actress Ginger Gonzaga rocked a blue sequined off-the-shoulder mini dress and blue tights with matching platform heels, along with striking blue eyeshadow Supporting star: Ant-Man star David Dastmalchian looked cool in a three-piece green suit with a black sweater. He was joined by his wife Evelyn Leigh, who wore a shimmering white crop top and a matching skirt Marvel actress: Ms. Marvel actress Anjali Bhimani looked glamorous in a black off-the-shoulder gown with a large skirt. She was joined by musician Rick Barrio Dill, who rocked a sleek white blazer that contrasted the rest of his black ensemble Flower power: Rounding out the red carpet was the casting director Sarah Finn in a lovely flower-print jumpsuit, which she partially covered with a fuzzy black jacket MAFS stars Harrison Boon and Bronte Schofield have had a rollercoaster relationship since drama kicked off at their wedding when it was revealed he had another woman on the outside. But a shocking twist emerged on Monday when Daily Mail Australia revealed the beauty educator, 28, knew about Boon's fling before appearing on Channel Nine's matchmaking show and intended to play up the drama. The next day, the 32-year-old tradesman appeared on Nova's Fitzy and Wippa to open up about how 'disappointed' he felt after listening to Bronte's incriminating voice notes after she put him through the wringer for an 'act'. MAFS stars Harrison Boon and Bronte Schofield have had a rollercoaster relationship since drama kicked off at their wedding when it was revealed he had another woman on the outside 'That is massive,' Harrison said after hosts Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli played the messages Bronte sent to her friend Jessica Tomlinson, detailing how she would use Boon's secret fling and get the 'upper hand'. 'It was really difficult to hear that, like I'm really disappointed about that. That means that everything we saw at the wedding and last night [dinner party] was essentially fake, it was acting.' On Monday night, Daily Mail Australia released a series of leaked voice notes which revealed Bronte actually knew all about her groom's past weeks before filming began - and plotted with her friend to 'put on a show' for the cameras. A shocking twist emerged on Monday when Daily Mail Australia revealed Bronte knew about Harrison's fling before appearing on the matchmaking show and intended to play up the drama A month before her TV wedding, she exchanged voice notes with her pal Jessica Tomlinson - the same wedding guest who would later 'expose' Harrison at the reception - in which the two women discussed their plan of action. The audio files show that not only did Bronte know Harrison was going to be one of the grooms on MAFS beforehand - although she didn't know for sure she would be matched with him - she also knew details about his alleged 'girlfriend'. She used this intel to ramp up the drama on her wedding day by arranging for Jessica, 24, to 'break the news' of Harrison's other relationship to her at the couple's reception, then acting completely blindsided in front of the cameras. The next day, Harrison opened up on Fitzy and Wippa about how 'disappointed' he felt after listening to her incriminating voice notes after she put him through the wringer for an 'act' In one voice note, Jess is heard warning Bronte about Harrison's '21-year-old girlfriend' - who has since been identified as Abby Miller - and Bronte responds by saying she is willing to 'play this up like crazy'. Bronte says: 'Oh, my God, I'm actually triggered. Like, what am I supposed to do? Like, if one of the other girls gets him, oh, my God, I'm dead.' '[Abby is] 21? That's f**king nine years younger than me. Eight years. I can't do math. What the f**k?' she adds. Jess is heard warning Bronte about Harrison's '21-year-old girlfriend' - who has since been identified as Abby Miller - and Bronte replies by saying she is willing to 'play this up like crazy' An excited Bronte then says: 'Well, you know what? If he is my match, I'm going to f**king play that to my advantage. Like, holy s**t. Oh, my God.' 'I can't wait! If he is my match, I'm gonna tell [my sister] Kirra to be an absolute f**ker to him. Oh, my God,' she laughs. Bronte then admits if she does end up getting paired with Harrison, she will 'play this up like crazy' and 'confront him' about Abby in private. Advertisement Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher exchanged a laugh at the premiere of their romantic comedy Your Place Or Mine after his wife, Mila Kunis, joked that their dramatic height difference made them look 'so awkward on the red carpet together.' As the Oscar-winning actress, 46, chuckled at one of her costar's jokes while rocking a white minidress with a gold braided trim and peach-colored heels, Kutcher, 45, towered over her at a screening for their Netflix film at The Paris Theatre in New York City. While standing next to each other, the mom-of-three, who is more than a foot shorter than the Two and a Half Men star, looked miniscule in comparison to her on-screen lover. The duo's film follows Debbie (Witherspoon), a woman unlucky in love who swaps lives with her successful BFF Peter (Kutcher) for one week in the Big Apple. But to Peter's horror, Debbie soon finds herself in a love triangle by falling for a handsome stranger Theo (Jesse Williams) just as he comes to the realization that he's had feelings for her all along. Funny: Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher exchanged a laugh at the premiere of their romantic comedy Your Place Or Mine after his wife, Mila Kunis, joked that their dramatic height difference made them look 'so awkward on the red carpet together' During the event, Witherspoon paraded her tan and toned legs as Kutcher cut a casual handsome figure in a charcoal grey jacket over a white t-shirt, which read: 'Love is one.' He completed his casual look with a pair of black trousers and matching sneakers. Kutcher greeted Witherspoon with a hug, before going on to pose for numerous photos with her, before they were joined by Williams. The stars couldn't stop chatting and cracking jokes to each other as photographers snapped their photos. Williams, who is best known for starring as Dr. Jackson Avery on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy, wore a dark brown long sleeve, coordinating loafers and black pants. The trio also snapped photos with the rest of the cast, including Zoe Chao, Tig Notaro, Aline Brosh McKenna and and Michael Costigan. Earlier in the day, Witherspoon revealed Kunis' hilarious reaction to photos of her and Kutcher on the red carpet, which fans couldn't help but poke fun of last week. 'She even emailed us last night,' Witherspoon said on Monday's episode of Hoda & Jenna. 'She goes, You guys look so awkward on the red carpet together. ... Its just fun cause when you know a girlfriend so much, it was just fun to get to know her significant other cause Ive loved her for so long.' Radiant: As the Oscar-winning actress, 46, chuckled at one of her costar's jokes while rocking a white minidress with a gold braided trim and a pair of peach-colored heels, Kutcher, 45, towered over her at a screening for their Netflix film at The Paris Theatre in New York City Petite: While standing next to each other, the mom-of-three, who is more than a foot shorter than the Two and a Half Men star, looked miniscule in comparison to her on-screen lover Classic: The duo's film follows Debbie (Witherspoon), a woman unlucky in love who swaps lives with her successful BFF Peter (Kutcher) for one week in the Big Apple Plot twist! But to Peter's horror, Debbie soon finds herself in a love triangle by falling for a handsome stranger Theo (Jesse Williams) just as he comes to the realization that he's had feelings for her all along The Big Little Lies actress went on to describe Kutcher as 'so professional' and the 'funniest guy.' 'I mean, such a goofball. We had so much fun, and every time hed wear a funny outfit, Id text Mila,' she gushed. Last month, the official trailer for their upcoming film showed Witherspoon getting caught in a love triangle with Kutcher and Williams after declaring she described her love life as a 'ghost town.' Almost immediately, however, she embarks on a steamy romance with Williams. During the event, Witherspoon paraded her tan and toned legs as Kutcher cut a casual handsome figure in a charcoal grey jacket over a white t-shirt, which read: 'Love is one' Cool guy: He completed his casual look with a pair of black trousers and matching sneakers Friends: Kutcher greeted Witherspoon with a hug, before going on to pose for numerous photos with her, before they were joined by Williams Laughing: The stars couldn't stop chatting and cracking jokes to each other as photographers snapped their photos Dapper: Williams, who is best known for starring as Dr. Jackson Avery on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy, wore a dark brown long sleeve, coordinating loafers and black pants Despite being initially hesitant to let Kutcher watch her son so she could have a 'break,' Witherspoon finds herself living out her dream after meeting a hunky stranger at a bar. As she relishes in her new relationship and lack of responsibilities, Kutcher admits that he has been harboring feelings for Witherspoon since they first met over two decades ago. While the friends' initial one-night stand turned into a friendship, he told one of her coworkers in that after 'the night' he spent with her, he found himself 'thinking about her.' 'You have to tell her,' Witherspoon's friend encourages as he insists 'it's too late.' Star-studded: The trio also snapped photos with the rest of the cast, including Zoe Chao, Tig Notaro, Aline Brosh McKenna and and Michael Costigan Funny: Earlier in the day, Witherspoon revealed Kunis' hilarious reaction to photos of her and Kutcher on the red carpet, which fans couldn't help but poke fun of last week 'She even emailed us last night,' Witherspoon said on Monday's episode of Hoda & Jenna. 'She goes, You guys look so awkward on the red carpet together. ... Its just fun cause when you know a girlfriend so much, it was just fun to get to know her significant other cause Ive loved her for so long' Having a blast: The Big Little Lies actress went on to describe Kutcher as 'so professional' and the 'funniest guy' Footage then pans to him checking on Witherspoon on his home camera, linked to his phone, which shows her partially unclothed while being carried in Williams' arms. Seeing her with someone else causes him to quickly throw his phone across the room. Later in the preview, Debbie discovers Peter had saved letters and other mementos from their friendship. 'Peter's not interested in me like that, is he?' Debbie wonder aloud before going on a date with Theo, who feels like they should 'see what' they 'could be.' The film is from writer-director Aline Brosh McKenna (Devil Wears Prada, My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). 'I mean, such a goofball. We had so much fun, and every time hed wear a funny outfit, Id text Mila,' she gushed Rom-com: Last month, the official trailer for their upcoming film showed Witherspoon getting caught in a love triangle with Kutcher and Williams after declaring she described her love life as a 'ghost town' Exciting: Almost immediately, however, she embarks on a steamy romance with Williams Single mom: Despite being initially hesitant to let Kutcher watch her son so she could have a 'break,' Witherspoon finds herself living out her dream after meeting a hunky stranger at a bar Jason Bateman serves as an executive producer on the film with Michael Costigan and Lauren Neustadter, along with Witherspoon herself and writer-director McKenna. Next, Kutcher will be reprising his breakout role of Michael Kelso in That 90s Show, alongside his wife Mila Kunis, Topher Grace, Laura Prepon and Wilmer Valderrama in special guest appearances. Witherspoon will also return as Bradley Jackson in Apple TV Plus' The Morning Show and she's also returning as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde 3. Reese is heading back to the small screen with Amazon and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend creator Aline Brosh McKenna with the new comedy series All-Stars - just weeks after it was revealed she's returning for an Election sequel. Amazon acquired the hot property for their Prime Video platform in what was described as, 'a major bidding war with top streamers,' via Deadline. Best friend: As she relishes in her new relationship and lack of responsibilities, Kutcher admits that he has been harboring feelings for Witherspoon since they first met over two decades ago The one? While the friends' initial one-night stand turned into a friendship, he told one of her coworkers in that after 'the night' he spent with her, he found himself 'thinking about her' 'You have to tell her,' Witherspoon's friend encourages as he insists 'it's too late' Smitten: Footage then pans to him checking on Witherspoon on his home camera, linked to his phone, which shows her partially unclothed while being carried in Williams' arms Jason Bateman serves as an executive producer on the film with Michael Costigan and Lauren Neustadter, along with Witherspoon herself and writer-director McKenna Posing away: Tig Notaro wore a blazer and dark-wash pants The series is loosely inspired by the true story of a woman named Andrea Kulberg, an American woman who headed across the pond to teach British teenagers about cheerleading. Witherspoon will portray a former cheerleader from Daytona Beach, Florida, who, 'cons her way across the pond to teach cheerleading at a school in coastal England.' She uses her old cheerleading skills to turn a ragtag group of British kids into All-Stars. Staying home: While her husband promoted his latest film, Kunis was spotted stepping out in Los Angeles, where the couple resides with their two children Pamela Anderson doubled down on her recent claims that Tim Allen flashed her on the set of Home Improvement in 1991, after he vehemently denied it happened. The Baywatch Star, 55, sat down for an interview with ET Canada, and shared why she believed Allen had been quick in denying the alleged encounter. 'He has to deny it because look at the times we're in. If he said, "Oh yeah, I did that he'd be a lot of these stories are just the tip of the iceberg,' she shared. Anderson previously accused Allen of flashing his genitals to her more than 30 years ago, in her new memoir Love, Pamela. 'I would never do such a thing,' Allen, 69, told Variety in his response, saying that the incident Anderson described 'never happened.' He also told DailyMail.com he was 'disappointed' in Anderson following her claims. The latest: Pamela Anderson doubled down on her recent claims that Tim Allen flashed her on the set of Home Improvement in 1991, after he vehemently denied it happened 'He has to deny it because look at the times we're in. If he said, "Oh yeah, I did that he'd be a lot of these stories are just the tip of the iceberg,' she said in an interview with ET Canada She also explained why she decided to include the story in her memoir: 'Because it was my first job, Home Improvement, that I felt it was important to say.' The blonde bombshell also revealed what happened after the alleged flashing took place: 'He ran back into his room and then he was embarrassed all day and acting like a little giddy school boy.' 'You can't make that stuff up. How could you make that up?' she asked, after retelling her story. Meanwhile Allen told DailyMail.com of Anderson: 'She was a great co-worker, I'll tell you that. She's a fun girl. Everybody loved her, but everybody at ABC is a little disappointed in her memory, put it that way. All of us at Disney/ABC, really.' He added: 'She's a good girl.' The actor was asked before driving away if he had a good memory, to which he nodded stoically and replied: 'Yeah.' Pamela first shared the story in an excerpt from her memoir, obtained and published by the outlet, where she said the incident occurred on the set of Home Improvement in 1991 when she was 23-years-old and he was 37. 'On the first day of filming, I walked out of my dressing room, and Tim was in the hallway in his robe,' said Anderson, who played the role of Lisa on the ABC sitcom, which starred Allen as Tim Taylor. She continued, 'He opened his robe and flashed me quickly - completely naked underneath.' Awkward: The actress revealed what happened after the alleged flashing: 'He ran back into his room and then he was embarrassed all day and acting like a little giddy school boy' Speaking her truth: 'You can't make that stuff up. How could you make that up?' she asked, after retelling her story Recollections may vary: Anderson previously claimed Allen flashed his genitals at her while on the set of Home Improvement in her new memoir Love, Pamela. He has issued a response to the accusation, insisting it 'never happened' Anderson, who had previously posed for Playboy magazine, continued to describe the circumstances of the encounter: 'He said it was only fair, because he had seen me naked. Now were even. I laughed uncomfortably.' Just days after he denied the accusation, Allen was caught on camera flashing one of his other co-stars in unearthed footage. A blooper from the hit 90s sitcom shows Allen lifting up his kilt in front of his on-screen wife Patricia Richardson who appears to laugh off the incident. The video casts doubt on Allen's statement that he would 'never do such a thing' when accused by Anderson of also flashing her on the Home Improvement set. However Richardson has insisted her co-star was 'well dressed' underneath the kilt in the uncovered footage and was wearing a pair of boxer shorts. Interesting: Just days after he denied the accusation, an unearthed blooper showed the moment Allen appears to flash his co-star Patricia Richardson on the set of the 90s sitcom Laughed it off: Richardson laughs off the incident in the clip, later insisting her co-star was wearing boxers The clip begins by showing Allen standing proudly in the kilt, while Richardson's character Jill Taylor jokes 'hangs long, I just wish it was shorter.' Seconds later, Allen turns to lift the kilt completely so only Richardson can see what's before. She gasps dramatically as the live studio audience roars with laughter. But Richardson told TMZ: 'People ask me what was under the kilt when he flashed me, he was well dressed under there, I was just shocked that he lifted the kilt, not by a man in boxer shorts.' Prior to breaking out as a mainstream show business star, Anderson in the early 90s had appeared on sitcoms such as Married... with Children, Charles in Charge and Top of the Heap. Former co-stars: Anderson, right, appeared with Allen, left, on the ABC show for 22 episodes in 1991 and 1992 Anderson appeared on a total of 22 episodes of the series in its first and second seasons between 1991 and 1992, making one last appearance during the show's sixth season in 1997. She left amid massive career success with the hit show Baywatch, on which she starred as C.J. Parker. Tim himself also took part in a number of projects following the success of Home Improvement, and went on to star in another long-lived series, Last Man Standing, and was also the voice actor of Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story franchise. Before his rise to fame, the comedian hit a few rough patches of his own, and was arrested in 1978 for possession of cocaine. He plead guilty to drug trafficking charges and was sentenced, but was later paroled in 1981 after spending just a little over two years in a Federal Correctional Institution. John Cena has been taking in the Melbourne sights during his down time as he films his new movie Ricky Stanicky which also stars Zac Efron and Jim Carrey. The WWE great, 45, was spotted at local restaurants and cafes, as well as National Gallery of Victoria's Alexander McQueen exhibition, reported the Herald Sun. As he spends quality time with his wife Shay Shariatzadeh in Australia's cultural centre, servers have said the professional wrestler is a delight to have around. John Cena, 45, (pictured) has been taking in the Melbourne sights during his down time as he films his new movie Ricky Stanicky which also stars Zac Efron and Jim Carrey 'He came in every single day aside from Thursday. I was one of the main people waitressing him,' a waiter from Degraves Espresso said. 'I've respected his space and he's been a very good customer... He's welcome back anytime.' 'We have had a lot (of fans) come in and interrupt while he was enjoying a beautiful meal with his wife, but it's been a pleasure having him around for the business.' The WWE great was spotted at local restaurants and cafes, as well as National Gallery of Victoria's Alexander McQueen exhibition, reported the Herald Sun She went on to say Cena 'just walked in' one day and sat down, revealing more customers have been showing up to get a glimpse of him. A restaurant spokesperson from ARU said the Hollywood star also made an appearance at the southeast Asian restaurant run by chef Khanh Nguyen on Monday night. 'He was incredibly lovely and the team were thrilled to have him,' they said. As he spends quality time with his wife Shay Shariatzadeh in Australia's cultural centre, servers have said the professional wrestler is a delight to have around A-list celebs Cena and Efron will be filming scenes in a Bundoora bowling alley throughout March and April for their new movie Ricky Stanicky. Oz Tenpin Greensborough Lanes is said to be hosting approximately 150 cast and crew with the team also taking over Bar Eight for catering. The R-rated comedy is about three friends who use an imaginary friend, Ricky Stanicky, to blame for their misbehaving. They've been happily married for 22 years. And bearded Pierce Brosnan, 69, showed off his rugged good looks while out grocery shopping with his beloved wife Keely Shaye Smith on Monday. The actor, 69, and the journalist, 59, looked as loved up as ever as he pushed the trolley and she carried a fresh bunch of flowers in Malibu. The besotted couple had previously stopped for some lunch at celebrity hotspot Nobu. Pierce looked handsome in a suave navy shirt, with a patterned silk neckerchief and a dark bomber jacket. Pierce Brosnan, 69, showed off his rugged good looks while out grocery shopping with his beloved wife Keely Shaye Smith on Monday He completed his look with a pair of straight leg jeans and smart leather loafers, shielding his eyes with some sunglasses. Keely looked glamorous in a long black coat that tied at the waist and heeled shoes, she accessorised with a green scarf and sunglasses. Pierce exchanged vows with Keely in his native Ireland in August 2001. The couple met at a party in 1994 after the death of Pierce's first wife Cassandra Harris in 1991, and hit it off before eventually deciding to tie the knot seven years later. The couple share two sons together, Dylan, 25, and Paris, 21, who are the youngest of Pierce's five children. The Mamma Mia! hunk also has son Sean, 38, and adopted son Chris, 49, as well as his late adopted daughter Charlotte with Cassandra. Pierce adopted Cassandra's children Chris and Charlotte after their father Dermot Harris died in 1986. The actor, 69, and the journalist, 59, looked as loved up as ever as he pushed the trolley and she carried a fresh bunch of flowers in Malibu It's has been a happy time for the Brosnan household as Pierce celebrated the birth of his fourth grandchild recently. Sharing a snap on Instagram, the four-time Bond actor revealed Jaxxon Elijah to the world. In a short caption, Pierce said: 'Jaxxon Elijah Brosnan, born 3:06pm 11/12/22 all good blessings to you my dearest grandson, welcome.' Date night: The couple recently attended the GQ Men of the Year party together recently, they have been married since 2001 The baby's parents are Pierce's son Sean Brosnan and daughter-in-law Sanja Banic, who together also have a seven-year-old daughter called Marley. 'Congratulations my darling Sean, Sanja and Marley,' the James Bond icon wrote in his Instagram birth announcement. 'Peace be with you.' Along with Marley and Jaxxon, Pierce has two older grandchildren called Isabella, 24, and Lucas, 17, via his late daughter Charlotte. Grandchild number four: It's has been a happy time for the Brosnan household as Pierce celebrated the birth of his fourth grandchild shortly before the GQ event Charlotte died tragically in 2013 of ovarian cancer, the same illness that claimed the life of her and Sean's mother Cassandra Harris, who was Pierce's first wife. Cassandra had her two older children Christopher and Charlotte with her first husband Dermot Harris, the brother of Harry Potter star Richard Harris. When Pierce married Cassandra, he legally adopted Christopher and Charlotte, raising them and giving them his last name. Ian Thorpe made a surprise appearance at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday. The five-time Olympic swimming champion, 40, posed for photos on the red carpet as he donned brown checked Gucci slacks and a black Adidas cardigan with loafers. Posting a picture to Instagram on Tuesday, the former professional swimmer joked he 'was nominated for best new talent'. Ian Thorpe, 40, (pictured) made a surprise appearance at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday. Posting a picture to Instagram on Tuesday, the former professional swimmer joked he 'was nominated for best new talent' 'So I was oddly enough at the Grammys. Clearly they haven't heard me sing in the shower even though I was nominated for best new talent!' he wrote in his caption. 'I have been in LA for Gold Meets Golden and to support Angel City Sports. 'Thanks United for getting all of the international Olympians here. Thanks Gucci and also Adidas.' It comes after Thorpe revealed in his appearance on Channel Seven's This Is Your Life last year that he was hounded by dangerous stalkers in the early days of his stellar Olympic career. Pictured with show's host Melissa Doyle It comes after Thorpe revealed in his appearance on Channel Seven's This Is Your Life last year that he was hounded by dangerous stalkers in the early days of his stellar Olympic career. 'I had stalkers, there was one with a gun,' he told the show's host Melissa Doyle. 'I had to have security at my house. Things kind of changed and I was not ready for that and I don't think anyone in their early twenties could be.' 'I had stalkers, there was one with a gun. I had to have security at my house. Things kind of changed and I was not ready for that and I don't think anyone in their early twenties could be,' he said. Pictured in 2012 Thorpe added that he was trained on how to safely avoid dangerous stalkers by the police. 'I had to learn from the police how to be able to drive a car to be able to get past a stalker or someone following me, legally,' he says. 'What I wanted to do was be able to train, be able to race and the other things that come along with it, I wasn't prepared for that.' Sophie Kasaei shared a photo dump from her sun-soaked Antigua getaway with her TOWIE star boyfriend Jordan Brook on Monday. The Geordie Shore star, 33, flaunted her incredible figure in a skimpy black bikini as she took a dip in the sea in the Instagram post. She went on to soak up some rays with her partner, 25, who sweetly held her hand as they sprawled out on sunloungers. Snapping a gorgeous mirror selfie, the reality star accesorised with a pair of chunky white sunglasses while wrapping a sheer black sarong around her waist. Changing into a cream jumper, Sophie appeared to be having a blast as she sat behind the wheel of a luxury boat. Hot stuff: Sophie Kasaei flaunted her incredible figure in a skimpy black bikini as she shared a photo dump from her Antigua getaway with her TOWIE star boyfriend Jordan Brook In a further shot, she pouted for a selfie while donning a fluffy green top while accessorising with a pair of chunky gold hoop earrings. Sophie and Jordan beamed for a snap at the airport, while lugging their items through the terminal in no less than two suitcases each. The Newcastle-native managed to find some time for a workout during the holiday as she changed into some tight gymwear to keep fit with her shirtless boyfriend. She couldn't contain her laughter as she encountered a pair of pigs on the beach, before being joined by a group of pals for shots. In her caption, Sophie wrote: 'Antigua pt 1.' Last month, MailOnline revealed Sophie is joining TOWIE, in the first ever crossover between the reality shows. The TV personality is starring alongside her boyfriend in the show's upcoming series, which is being filmed overseas. An Essex insider told MailOnline that ITVBe producers are hoping Sophie, who was in the original cast of Geordie Shore and has over 2million Instagram followers, will help to resurrect the series, which has lost its popularity in recent years. Cute: The Geordie Shore star, 33, went on to soak up some rays with her partner, 25, who sweetly held her hand as they sprawled out on sunloungers Stunning: Snapping a gorgeous mirror selfie, the reality star accesorised with a pair of chunky white sunglasses while wrapping a sheer black sarong around her waist Happy: Changing into a cream jumper, Sophie appeared to be having a blast as she sat behind the wheel of a luxury boat A source revealed: 'Sophie has been on reality TV for over 12 years, she knows what makes a good show. 'Producers are really excited that she's joining TOWIE and hopes she will bring some of her fiery Geordie energy to the cast. 'TOWIE is still in talks about Sophie's potential involvement but she can't wait to officially sign on the dotted line and join boyfriend Jordan on the show. Out of this world: In a further shot, she pouted for a selfie while donning a fluffy green top while accessorising with a pair of chunky gold hoop earrings Making friends: She couldn't contain her laughter as she encountered a pair of pigs on the beach 'There's sure to be some drama brewing between Sophie, Ella Rae Wise, and Chloe Brockett, too, who both dated Jordan last year.' MailOnline contacted Sophie and TOWIE for comment at the time. Sophie was an original Geordie Shore cast member when the show first launched in 2011 alongside the likes of Charlotte Crosby, Vicky Pattison, Gary Beadle, and Holly Hagan. While former Love Island contestants including Olivia Attwood, Georgia Harrison, and Cara De La Hyde and Nathan Massey have all joined TOWIE in the past, no one from Geordie Shore or Made In Chelsea has appeared on the ITVBe show. We've arrived! Sophie and Jordan beamed for a snap at the airport, while lugging their items through the terminal in no less than two suitcases each What a pair! The Newcastle-native managed to find some time for a workout during the holiday as she changed into some tight gymwear to keep fit with her shirtless boyfriend She left the MTV series for good in 2019 and has been in a relationship with TOWIE's Jordan since November. Sophie, who previously dated DJ Joel Corry and stripper Jay Bigz, has called Jordan the 'love of her life' on Instagram and dedicated a heartfelt post to their new romance. In December, she said: 'Just when I was about to give up on love you came into my life and showed me what a true gent and real love is. 'Thank you for making me the happiest girl in the world. My forever JB, I love you.' Last year, in scenes filmed for TOWIE, Jordan attempted to woo Ella and the couple went on several dates but ultimately, she wasn't interested. He also romanced Ella's ex-best friend Chloe, who accused him of only being interested in her during filming to increase his popularity. Buddies: Sophie and Jordan were joined by a group of pals for shots They've been travelling the length of the country with their spectacular Strictly live tour. And as the cast of Strictly Come Dancing reached Belfast on Monday, they decided to celebrate with a girls' night in. The show's former pro dancer Janette Manrara, who acts as host on the live dates, shared snaps from the night as the group posed in their matching pink pjs. Revealing they had headed to highstreet favourite Primark to pick up their nightwear and other essentials, Janette posed for fun snaps with celeb competitors Helen Skelton, Molly Rainford, Fleur East and Ellie Simmonds as well as pro dancers Jowita Przystal, Dianne Buswell, Michelle Tsiak, Amy Dowden, Nancy Xuxi and Luba Mushtuk. 'What a great night of face masks food, wine, and of course desert w/ these beautiful women #GirlsNight #Facemasks #WineAndDine,' Janette gushed. Girls just wanna have fun: As the cast of Strictly Come Dancing reached Belfast on Monday for the latest date on their live tour, they decided to celebrate with a girls' night in Elsewhere on the tour, Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg have put to rest rumours they have split after they were spotted together at the O2 on Sunday night. The YouTuber was there to support his 33-year-old girlfriend as she performed. It comes after the couple sparked split rumours after the professional dancer jetted off to see her family for Christmas without her boyfriend. But the couple seemed just as happy as ever as they had drinks together at the bar of their hotel. On Monday Dianne shared a sizzling photo with Joe, joking that she had 'bumped into him in the elevator' at the hotel. Speaking to The Sun, Dianne, who met Joe on the 2018 series of Strictly when they were dance partners, said she and Joe are just as in love as ever. She said of the rumours: 'It comes from a good place, but I go home and see my family and don't even worry about anything that's being said. 'I try not to look because it's very rare I get to see my family so I want to go and make the most of it and that's what I did.' Pampering: 'What a great night of face masks food, wine, and of course desert w/ these beautiful women #GirlsNight #Facemasks #WineAndDine,' the dancers shared Spot of shopping: Revealing they had headed to highstreet favourite Primark to pick up their nightwear and other essentials, Janette Manrara shared the fun snaps She explained Joe is 'really busy' with work and his own projects, but would be coming to see Dianne at as many shows as he can. Dianne and Joe have been together since 2018, with the dancer confirming that she was living with him in August 2019 and they bought a house together in February 2021. While she enjoyed her time with her family, Joe posted several snaps of his Christmas at home with his nearest and dearest. Seoul city government has recently claimed 1.6 billion won of unpaid taxes from foreigners in the city. But it is only part of the 16.3 billion won unpaid by 83,000 foreigner residents with taxes owing as of last December. Gettyimagesbank By Ko Dong-hwan Seoul Metropolitan Government has placed focus on the city's foreign residents who have not settled their taxes. The move came after the city government settled over 32,000 cases of tax delinquency through a special investigation conducted from last October to January, claiming 1.6 billion won ($1.27 million) in total. The city government said the renewed stance comes after the authority's chronic loophole which failed to track foreigners residing in the country against tax delinquency records. A particular issue was the registering of incorrect billing addresses in the city's system. The authority said they will strengthen monitoring of delinquent foreign taxpayers by slapping them with credit delinquency tags, seizing property, imposing travel bans and sending agents to their residential locations. Simultaneously, they will begin informing foreigners of their tax duties through different languages via social media and print advertising. "As our society is becoming more multicultural with an increasing number of foreign residents, we will advertise more aggressively their tax-paying duties to raise awareness," Finance Bureau Chief Han Young-hee from the city government said. "We need distinguished guidelines to collect taxes from the foreigners in this country who don't pay them. We will see to it that our government's tax claim over delinquent foreigners won't have any loose ends." The city government last December counted overdue tax bills. Over 130,000 tax items were unpaid by about 83,000 foreigners, amounting to 16.3 billion won. The most common unpaid tax item was Local Income Tax, with over 10 billion won owing. Property Tax and Automobile Tax each counted over 2.2 billion won, Resident's Tax 943 million won and other tax items 355 million won. Over 160 nationalities were found among delinquent taxpayers as of last December. Among them, Chinese topped the ranks in number, followed by Americans, Vietnamese, Mongolians, Canadians, Taiwanese, Uzbekistanis and Japanese in order. As a result of the investigation over the past four months, the city government has received 568 million won in overdue Property Taxes. Local Income Taxes that went back to the city coffer counted 490 million won, Automobile Taxes 384 million won, Resident's Taxes 157 million won and other tax items 39 million won. A notable fact was that the tax item foreigners mostly failed to pay was Resident's Tax. Over 102,000 cases of delinquency for the item were reported as of last December, a whopping figure when considering other unpaid tax items each counted less than 20,000. Among the unpaid Resident's Taxes, 25,635 delinquency cases have been settled at the end of the city authority's latest investigation. The authority said they will distribute leaflets and posters to raise awareness in places frequented by foreigners including Seoul Global Center in Jongno District, over 40 foreigner-supporting local public centers, immigration offices, embassies and district offices. Foreigners in Korea who want to extend their stay should settle all their unpaid taxes. The authority said that there are over 4,800 foreigners who had not paid their due taxes and left the country as of last December. The government said they will continue contacting the country's Ministry of Justice, which controls immigration offices, to track the delinquent foreigners' whereabouts and, if found to be inside the country, will take all necessary measures to secure payment. Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood thinks the band is over for good following the tragic death of Christine McVie. Christine passed away in November aged 79, after a battle with a short illness. Speaking at the 65th Grammy Awards on Sunday, Mick, 75, said it's 'unthinkable' to perform with the rock band, which formed in 1967, in the wake of her death. The musician said on the red carpet: 'I think right now, I truly think the line in the sand has been drawn with the loss of Chris. 'I'd say we're done, but then we've all said that before. It's sort of unthinkable right now.' Heartbreaking: Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood thinks the band is over for good following the tragic death of Christine McVie Mick said he and members of the band will still perform, but not together as Fleetwood Mac. He added: 'They all get out and play, so I'm gonna be doing the same thing, finding people to play with.' On Sunday night, Mick gave a tribute performance for his late band member at the 65th Grammy Awards for the In Memoriam honours for all the stars we have lost over the past year. Fleetwood left viewers in tears as he joined by Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt for a performance of her song Songbird. Mick is best known as the co-founder and drummer of band Fleetwood Mac, which also included late star Christine, who left in 1998 after almost three decades but rejoined in 2014. Following her death, Mick and the band wrote: 'There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie. 'She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life. Tragic loss: Christine passed away in November aged 79 after a battle with a short illness (pictured in 1998 at the BRIT Awards) Emotional: Fleetwood left viewers in tears as he joined by Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt for a performance of her song Songbird during the ceremony Band: Mick is the co-founder and drummer of band Fleetwood Mac, which also included late star Christine, (L-R Mick, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine, John McVie) 'We were so lucky to have a life with her. Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be so very missed,' they said in a joint statement. While sharing another which read: 'This is a day where my dear sweet Friend Christine McVie has taken to flight and left us earthbound folks to listen with bated breath to the sounds of that 'song bird,' reminding one and all that love is all around us to reach for and touch in this precious life that is gifted to us'. British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac were founded in London in 1967 and sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful groups in history. Strong bond: Mick, Christine, Stevie and Dave Stewart, at the screening of Stevie Nicks In Your Dreams in 2013 In a recently resurfaced interview from 2013, Christine admitted she'd left the rock group in 1998 with the intention of living a quiet life in the countryside with her dogs. However, fifteen years on she explained she would've been up for rejoining the band as she was 'restless, isolated, a little lonely' in an interview with The Guardian. She explained: 'If they were to ask me, I would probably be very delighted.' Yazmin Oukhellou has suffered a health scare while on holiday in Dubai and showed fans her receiving treatment through an IV in her hand. The former TOWIE star, 28, has recently headed back to the celebrity hotspot after spending her Christmas and New Year celebrations in Marrakesh. She also splits her time between Essex and Dubai as she works as a real estate broker on the Dubai Marina, and often snaps herself heading off on a flight to the United Arab Emirates in First Class. But it seems like this most recent trip has taken a turn as she has told fans she 'can't believe this' while getting what appears to be medical treatment through her hand. The reality star also shared a snap of a gift of cakes from a local company which she admits 'cheered her up' as the business said they hoped she 'got better' soon. Health scare: Yazmin Oukhellou has suffered a health scare while on holiday in Dubai and showed fans her receiving treatment through an IV in her hand It comes after Yazmin was revealed to have been embroiled in a 'secret feud' with her former TOWIE co-stars Junaid Ahmed and Dani Imbert - which is said to be another reason behind her shock exit from the show. Last week, it was revealed that the reality star has decided to walk away from the hit ITVBe series almost six years after she first joined the show, according to The Sun. It was claimed that Yazmin has decided against joining the next series to process the 'trauma' of what she has been through with the loss of her ex boyfriend Jake McLean - and now it is understood a feud with her friends has contributed to her exit. Yaz has unfollowed Junaid and Dani on Instagram - and they the same to her - amid their bitter dispute. An insider told the publication: 'Yaz has fallen out with Junaid and Dani and no longer follows them on social media, while they have also unfollowed her. 'The reason for their beef is a bit of a mystery, but it's been rumbling for a while and things got pretty toxic.' 'While it wasn't the sole reason for Yaz choosing to leave Towie, it certainly contributed to her decision as she didn't want to film with them.' 'After what she has been through in the last year with the crash and losing Jake, she doesn't want that kind of friendship drama in her life.' 'Can't believe this': The former TOWIE star, 28, splits her time between Essex and Dubai as she works as a real estate broker on the Dubai Marina - but it seems like this most recent trip has taken a turn as she has told fans she 'can't believe this' while getting what appears to be medical treatment through her hand 'Get better': The reality star also shared a snap of a gift of cakes from a local company which she admits 'cheered her up' as the business said they hoped she 'got better' soon Yazmin's exit comes just seven months after escaping a horror car crash which killed her ex-boyfriend Jake McLean. Yazmin was caught up in a horror crash in Turkey in July when Jake's blue Mercedes E class saloon plunged down from a mountainous road and into a ravine in Bodrum. The on-off couple were on holiday together when Jake crashed the car off a cliff in Bodrum and died at the scene. Yazmin told The Sun that to survive the smash she climbed down a cliff covered in blood with a broken arm and now she has permanent physical scarring. Feud: It comes after it was revealed that Yazmin has 'been in a secret feud' with her TOWIE co-stars Junaid Ahmed and Dani Imbert which is said to be another reason behind her shock exit from the show Reveal: Last week, it was revealed that the reality star has decided to walk away from the hit ITVBe series almost six years after she first joined the show, according to The Sun After being told by doctors that she was lucky to walk away from the devastating accident, Yazmin confessed to experiencing sleepless nights and needing therapy because she couldn't understand why she had been given a second chance at life. In July last year, she said: 'I severed an artery and a nerve, that's why I bled so much. The doctors called me an angel, a miracle, because it's a notorious spot and people have never survived.' 'Now I'm just wondering how the hell did my partner die while I've survived? It's made me look at life totally differently.' Yazmin was reportedly banned from attending Jake's funeral after his family blamed her for his sad passing and said the couple had been arguing at the point of the crash. Norman Reedus and Clemence Poesy were pictured filming The Walking Dead spin-off, titled Daryl Dixon, in Paris on Monday. Actor Reedus, 54, who plays the titular character, wrapped up in a dirty navy coat and black trousers, while slinging a bag over his shoulder by its brown leather strap. Clemence, who is joining the franchise as religious group member Isabelle, had been dressed in a brown jacket and khaki jeans. She covered her blonde tresses with a tan hood, which coordinated with her boots, while carrying a sword-like weapon on her back. The pair were joined by a small group of other cast members, and Reedus was later seen travelling through the set on a horse-and-cart. In-character: Norman Reedus and Clemence Poesy were pictured filming The Walking Dead spin-off, titled Daryl Dixon, in Paris on Monday Working hard: Reedus was seen travelling through the set on a horse-and-cart Looking good: Reedus, 54, who plays the titular character, wrapped up in a dirty navy coat and black trousers, while slinging a bag over his shoulder by its brown leather strap Amazing: Clemence, who is joining the franchise as religious group member Isabelle, had been dressed in a brown jacket and matching knee high boots The series was announced in September 2020 and principal photography began in October 2022 in the French capital. A premiere Norman set Twitter ablaze in October when he announced the title of his upcoming The Walking Dead spin-off. He included an eerie promotional image of the Eiffel Tower seen from below and filtered through an ominous green and black color scheme. Norman achieved worldwide fame on The Walking Dead, which followed Americans trying desperately to survive the zombie apocalypse. Scott M Gimple, who was the showrunner for five of the middle seasons of the original show, revealed in August that the upcoming spin-off will be set in France. 'Daryl is a fish out of water to start with,' said Scott, who also serves as the chief content officer of the Walking Dead franchise. 'If Daryl finds himself with new people, he's a fish out of water. In France, in a country that's going through the apocalypse, [it's] an entirely different thing.' During a Talking Dead special quoted by Total Film, Scott said Daryl 'finds himself having to reinvent himself again, having to find himself again, and also, not being with - probably - the only people in the world he's comfortable with.' Filming: The pair were joined by a small group of other cast members Keeping warm: Reedus wrapped up between takes in a long padded coat Exciting: The actor was seen on set as he filmed a close up Action: The star was seen looking angry towards a younger actress who was on a bike Break: Reedus puffed on a cigarette between takes while looking over his script The 11th and final season of The Walking Dead has been split into three instalments, the last of which premiered this past Sunday. On November 20, the show will air its finale Rest In Peace on AMC, bringing an end to a series that has been running since 2010. Daryl is a tough-nosed type whose practical skills - including hunting, knife-fighting and tracking - enable him to eke out an existence amid the zombie takeover. By the final stretch of the show Daryl, a loyal adjutant of Andrew Lincoln's lead character Rick Grimes, has lost his entire family. Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly were beaming as they waved to fans outside their hotel in Manchester on Tuesday. The presenting duo, both 47, looked to be in their usual high spirits as filming for Britain's Got Talent got underway in the city. Ant wore a charcoal knitted jumper with a wool navy coat and a pair of pin striped trousers. He completed his look with some burgundy brogues as he flashed a smile for the cameras. Dec mirrored his co-stars ensemble, opting for a dark blue checked coat with a matching jumper and chino trousers. Filming: Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly were beaming as they waved to fans outside their hotel in Manchester on Tuesday He also wore a pair of brogues, in a patent cherry red leather, and accessorised with a bright blue scarf. The TV presenters could be seen as they picked up a coffee and went to join the talent show judges at the auditions at The Lowry Hotel in Salford. It comes after Simon Cowell was reportedly set on fire by Britain's Got Talent hopeful in terrifying stunt during London auditions last month. The TV judge, 63, was taken on stage and had a hood put over his head by a magician, who was masked during the show. The Mirror reported that lighter fluid was poured all over the hood, then his head was locked in a box which was opened at the front for the audience to see inside. The magician then dropped a flame into the box and his entire head went up in flames, leaving the other judges and audience in shock. One onlooker said: 'The audience screamed, judges were out of their seats screaming, everyone was totally stunned. 'The flames were put out and Simon got up looking a bit shell-shocked while the rest of the judges breathed a sigh of relief as he returned to the panel.' Smiles: The presenting duo, both 47, looked to be in their usual high spirits as filming for Britain's Got Talent got underway in the city Coming soon: The TV presenters could be seen as they picked up a coffee and went to join the talent show judges at the auditions at The Lowry Hotel in Salford Afterwards Simon quipped: 'I could feel liquid being poured on me but I had no idea it was lighter fluid!' Fellow judge Alesha Dixon added: 'Simon, he set your entire head on fire! It was very scary, you are a very brave man to do that. It made me realise how much we care about you, I was ready to come up there and rescue you.' And new judge Bruno Tonioli said: 'It reminded me of a scene from that movie, Saw, seeing Simon's head in that contraption. I was captivated, I've never seen anything like that.' She's no stranger to wearing daring outfits at red carpet events. And Ashley Roberts turned heads in a glamorous sheer black dress as she left Heart FM after another day presenting her showbiz segment for the Breakfast Show on Tuesday morning. The TV and radio personality, 41, paired her see-through LBD from River Island with a long black wool coat as she strolled through the streets of central London. Ashley stylishly draped her jacket over her shoulders, wrapping up warm against the winter chill in the capital. The former Pussycat Dolls star complemented her outfit with dark sunglasses, wearing her blonde locks loose. Stylish: Ashley Roberts turned heads in a glamorous sheer black dress as she left Heart FM after another day presenting her showbiz segment for the Breakfast Show on Tuesday morning The star opted for black heels and toted a matching bag for her essentials. She took to Instagram to show her 701,000 followers her outfit, writing on her story: 'Sheer me now.' Ashley has had a lot on her mind of late as a fan called Lewis Langley, 47, was found not guilty of stalking her . Defence lawyer Mr Hesham Puri had previously summarised by saying it is not disputed that Langley blew kisses or attended her workplace as had been claimed. But he argued that, while his behaviour was odd, it was not enough to cause her serious distress. Mr Puri said Langley's behaviour was 'unattractive, irritating' but did not cross the threshold into being 'oppressive'. Langley was given a restraining order not to directly or indirectly contact Ashley. He was also ordered not to go within 50 metres of Global International in Leicester Square. Glam: The TV and radio personality, 41, paired her see-through LBD from River Island with a long black wool coat as she strolled through the streets of central London Classic look: Ashley stylishly draped her jacket over her shoulders, wrapping up warm against the winter chill in the capital Millie Gibson cut a stylish figure as she once again transformed into companion Ruby Sunday while filming for Doctor Who continued in Bristol on Tuesday. The Coronation Street star, 18, was joined on set by EastEnders legend Anita Dobson, who is joining the upcoming series in an as-yet-unconfirmed role. Millie pulled an animated expression and was seen running through the streets as she got stuck into her exciting new role. The pair were seen filming in a residential area of Clifton which was decked out with colourful Christmas decorations as they appeared to be filming for a festive episode. Millie looked effortlessly chic in a plaid skirt and a red jumper, which she styled with a pair of chunky black boots and a fluff-lined black leather jacket. Spotted a Dalek already? Millie Gibson cut a stylish figure as she once again transformed into companion Ruby Sunday while filming for Doctor Who continued in Bristol on Tuesday She kept her essentials in a brown handbag slung across one shoulder and clutched shopping bags in either hand. The actress accessorised her stylish look with a silver necklace and chunky earrings, while she wore her golden locks in a blunt bob. She accentuated her natural beauty with a bronzed make-up palette and a slick of mascara to complete her gorgeous look. Millie was also seen keeping warm in-between takes in a cosy dry robe and shielded her eyes with a pair of dark sunglasses. The iconic TARDIS was also seen situated in front of a row of residential properties as The Doctor's world is set to collide with Ruby Sunday's. The former soap star was seen tentatively making her way into the fictional hybrid of the time machine and spacecraft as she immersed herself into the character. Millie is joining the popular BBC franchise for the much-anticipated new series as Ruby, the companion of the 15th Doctor, who will be played by Ncuti Gatwa. Filming new scenes, Millie was joined by Anita, 73, who cut a casual figure in purple trousers and a white shirt, which she teamed with a lilac jumper. On the go: Millie pulled an animated expression and was seen running through the streets as she got stuck into her exciting new role Filming: The Coronation Street star, 18, was joined on set by EastEnders legend Anita Dobson, who is joining the upcoming series in a as-yet-unconfirmed role On set: The former Corrie star looked full of confidence as she threw herself into her first big role since leaving the cobbles Stylish: Millie looked effortlessly chic in a plaid skirt and a red jumper, which she styled with a pair of chunky black boots and a fluff-lined black leather jacket Iconic: The TARDIS was also seen situated in front of a row of residential properties as the Doctor's world is set to collide with Ruby Sunday She bundled up amid the chilly temperatures in a blush pink padded jacket and kept comfortable in a pair of matching trainers. Anita, who played Angie Watts in soap opera EastEnders, swept her silver tresses back into a chic up-do while her fringe framed her face. Anita is joining the upcoming series in a mystery role, while It's A Sin's Michelle Greenidge is also set to join the cast. Into the unknown: The former soap star was seen tentatively making her way into the fictional hybrid of the time machine and spacecraft as she immersed herself into the character Tardis time: Playing Ruby, Millie was seen stepping into the Tardis while surrounded by filming crew Ready for my close-up: A cameraman zoomed in close to Millie's face so as to perfectly capture her expression New project: The star was seen hurrying across the road as she immersed herself into her new role Doctor Who returns in November 2023 with three special episodes to coincide with the show's 60th anniversary, with David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor. The Fifteenth Doctor, played by Ncuti, will then take control of the TARDIS, with his first episode airing over the festive period next year. In October, Jodie Whittaker stepped down from her role as The Doctor, replaced by returning star David for the upcoming anniversary episodes. Bundling up: Millie was also seen keeping warm in-between takes in a cosy dry robe and shielded her eyes with a pair of dark sunglasses Stunner: Millie accentuated her natural beauty with a bronzed make-up palette and a slick of mascara to complete her gorgeous look Casual: Filming new scenes, Millie was joined by Anita, 73, who cut a casual figure in purple trousers and a white shirt, which she teamed with a lilac jumper The Power of the Doctor was jam-packed with excitement as famous faces returned, Jodie bowed out after five years as the Time Lord, David made his return, and fans were given a first-look at Ncuti Gatwa as the 14th Doctor. A number of former assistants - including Janet Fielding, who plays Tegan - and former Doctors Peter Davison and Colin Baker made guest appearances in the epic. The episode came to a very dramatic conclusion as Jodie's Doctor shockingly regenerated into a very familiar face - David Tennant's 10th Doctor. Despite not being ready to regenerate, she said while watching the sunset: 'The blossomiest blossom. That's the only sad thing. I want to know what happens next. New role: Anita is joining the upcoming series in a mystery role, while It's A Sin's Michelle Greenidge is also set to join the cast Getting ready: Members of the crew were seen hauling the iconic blue police box on to a pavement as they got ready for filming 'Right then, Doctor Whoever-I-am-about-to-be. Tag, you're it,' before Tennant made his shock appearance. The newly regenerated Doctor ran his fingers over his teeth and said 'I know these' clearly perplexed as he returned to his former body. David is returning for three special episodes, set to air in November 2023, after bowing out from the role in 2010. The feature length 60th celebration of the sci-fi series will also star Catherine Tate, reprising her role as companion Donna Noble. Festive special? The pair were seen filming in a residential area of Clifton which was decked out with colourful Christmas decorations as they appeared to be filming for a festive special New cast: Millie has joined the popular BBC franchise for the upcoming fourteenth series as Ruby, the companion of the 15th Doctor, who will be played by Ncuti Gatwa Jodie's finale episode on Sunday night ended with a short trailer for the anniversary episodes, which will hit screens in 2023. The trailer teased Ncuti's much-anticipated arrival as the star was seen asking: 'Can someone tell me what the hell is going on?' Following the episode, returning showrunner Russell T Davies said: 'If you thought the appearance of David Tennant was a shock, we've got plenty more surprises on the way!' 'The path to Ncuti's Fifteenth Doctor is laden with mystery, horror, robots, puppets, danger and fun! And how is it connected to the return of the wonderful Donna Noble? How, what, why? We're giving you a year to speculate, and then all hell lets loose!' Married At First Sight star Morag Crichton has revealed she feels 'horrendous' after having a nose job. The reality star, 31, has been documenting her surgery process and took to Instagram on Tuesday post the operation. Morag had bruised around her eyes and a bloodied nose, with a large bandage strapped across her face. The Only Fans star said she looks as if she's been in a fight with Tyson Fury as she struggled to get to sleep in her hotel after the operation. Morag, who initially admitted her recovery was going to be a 'walk in the park', said: 'I'm finally back at the hotel. Excuse the state of me. Ouch: Married At First Sight star Morag Crichton has revealed she feels 'horrendous' after having a nose job 'Do you know what it feels like? It's like I've just woken up with the world's worst hangover but also last night I got into a fight with Tyson Fury. 'And it took forever to get back to the hotel because there's a blizzard and snow everywhere, thunder and lightning at the same time. 'I haven't had a wink of sleep, not one minute of sleep so that's what I plan on doing all day today.' Morag shot to fame on the 2021 series of Married At First Sight UK, where she embarked on an ill-fated marriage to Luke Dawson. After the show, the animal lover admitted that she found it 'really difficult' to watch how she was portrayed and was even forced to stop watching for the sake of her mental health. She said: 'You can only watch yourself be painted out to be someone you're not for so long. Eighty per cent of conversations arent shown. I'm not someone whos like "I didn't come out with that, it's editing", but what producers do take out is context', she told The Sun. Morag told the way things were portrayed on TV made her look like a 'complete b***h', adding that if there were any opportunities in which she was 'actually being nice', it wasn't aired at it didn't 'meet their narrative'. But despite this experience, Morag looked back on her appearance on the show as a 'blessing', telling how it was a unique opportunity for people to 'really see themselves in a different light', both good and bad, and reflect on how that can work on that in the future. Under the knife: The reality star, 31, has been documenting her surgery process and took to Instagram on Tuesday post the operation Tough: The Only Fans star said she looks as if she's been in a fight with Tyson Fury as she struggled to get to sleep in her hotel after the operation Surgery: Morag struggled to sleep in hospital post operation before she was released and headed back to her hotel to recover After her stint on the show, the veterinary nurse launched her own Only Fans page. She told MailOnline: 'I love stripping off - there are loads of nudes of me out there! Im surprised they havent seen the light of day. 'I have more fun taking nudes than selling products I dont care about on Instagram. I would rather take a selfie of my boobs.' The Essex native went on to say that she'd rather take control and earn her own money with OnlyFans rather than wait for opportunities to come up on Instagram. She added: 'And I love seeing myself in that light and I would rather do that than wait around for the next sponsorship deal. Onlyfans helps me pay my rent and bills. I dont mind getting my nipple out either'. The nation has been in mourning after Happy Valley concluded on Sunday with an explosive finale. Amid huge anticipation the final episode concluded the nine year cat and mouse game between Sgt Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) and Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton). After three seasons, the BBC drama officially came to an end, with creator Sally Wainwright insisting there won't be a fourth season. However, Rhys Connah gave fans a glimmer of hope on Tuesday when he revealed that he would be open to starring in a spin-off show. Fans have suggested a new series in the future that sees Rhys' character Ryan following in his grandmother's footsteps and working as a policeman. 'I would do it in a heartbeat!': Happy Valley's Rhys Connah has revealed he would star in a spin-off after fans called for a series following Ryan's life as a policeman Speaking to Good Morning Britain's Andrew Bullock, Rhys revealed: 'If Sally asked me to do pretty much any role again, I would be completely up for it. 'Let me just make it clear, I don't want anything out of context: there are no plans for season four. As of now, Sally is completely happy with how she's left the series... 'But if in seven years Sally came to me and said, "do you want to play Ryan seven years on when he's a police officer?" I would absolutely do that in a heartbeat! 'I would go for it. I'd love to play this character again. We can all live in hope'. For now, Rhys is looking at other acting roles, and is hoping to continue working on shows while completing his schooling. He revealed: 'I'm hoping more jobs come up because this is the path I want to follow. I've learned so much from this series. I've grown so much as an actor.' He learnt from the best while working alongside Sarah, with Rhys calling on the actress to be awarded a DBE. 'If anyone deserves a damehood it's her!' Rhys reasoned. 'She's so supportive on set. The love and care she's put into the series is unrivalled by anyone. It's incredible.' One to watch: Fans have suggested a new series in the future that sees Rhys' character Ryan following in his grandmother's footsteps and working as a policeman The thrilling Happy Valley showdown between Catherine and Tommy resulted in the villain setting himself on fire after realising he'd reached the end of the road when he'd come to the conclusion his son Ryan was happier without him. The intense scenes ended with a sobbing Tommy dousing himself in petrol before stating that her tasering him would set him alight, which she'll get 'done' for. But in a complete change of character, Tommy said he didn't want her to get done and instead set himself alight in shocking scenes. Instead of watching him burn, Catherine covered him in a blanket and put out the flames shortly before the police arrived. Yet it was later revealed that he had died from his injuries. Although he is no longer in jail, having posted approximately $25,000 bond last week, he remains under house arrest Former child star Orlando Brown's lawyer is requesting a mental health check that could enable him to plead insanity in his court case. Brown, 35, who shot to fame on the Disney Channel sitcom That's So Raven, was arrested in Ohio in December and accused of domestic violence. Lima Police were called about a fight between Brown and a man he lived with, and the 35-year-old actor was charged with misdemeanor aggravated menacing. Now Brown's counsel is asking for an evaluation to determine if he is psychologically capable of going through a trial at all, TMZ reports. Although Brown is no longer in jail, having posted approximately $25,000 bond last week, he remains under house arrest. Mugshot: Former child star Orlando Brown's lawyer is requesting a mental health check that could enable him to plead insanity in his court case; he is pictured after his arrest in December Throwback: Brown is pictured in 2003, the year he shot to fame on the Disney Channel sitcom That's So Raven starring Raven-Symone The troubled actor was arrested in December for domestic violence after a conflict with a man that he was living with, according to TMZ. Brown was accused of threatening the man with a hammer and a knife blade, resulting in a first-degree misdemeanor charge of aggravated menacing. The man claimed he allowed Brown to live with him because the actor was otherwise homeless, law enforcement sources said. His pending case is not the first time Brown faced allegations of violent behavior. The actor was accused of having hit a woman in Torrance, California in 2017 while the pair were in a police parking lot. Passersby witnessed the altercation between Brown and the woman - believed to have been his then-girlfriend - and told police what happened. He failed to attend a scheduled court hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Brown was eventually arrested in early 2018 after police were called to a residence in Barstow, California after complaints of a domestic disturbance. The actor was arrested in Ohio in December after police were called to a fight. The That's So Raven star has previously been arrested and charged with violent offences The 35-year-old former Disney star has had previous run-ins with the law, including being accused of assaults and drug offences Brown has been arrested and charged on multiple occasions and has repeatedly failed to attend court (pictured in 2018) He failed to appear in court again after being released from jail and was found by bounty hunters in Las Vegas that April, TMZ revealed. Brown was apprehended in June 2018 after leaving a motel in an area known for its connection to prostitution and drugs. As he was being taken into custody, law enforcement officials found methamphetamine on his person, leading to charges. Brown was also arrested in September 2018 after trying to break into a friend's restaurant and change the locks. He was sentenced to 23 days in jail after being convicted of historic drug and burglary charges. Brown also previously took a plea deal in 2014 after a woman accused him of threatening to kill both her and her daughter. The actor, who has struggled with addiction issues, featured on an episode of Dr. Phil in 2018 as friends tried to stage an intervention. The star appeared confused during the sit-down, but there was a moment when some fans began to rally behind the star so that he would somehow overcome his battle with addiction. Brown appeared to mix up the ages of his children and had trouble remembering their names. In 2018, Brown got a controversial neck tattoo of his co-star and rumored former girlfriend Raven-Symone The former Disney star (pictured with the Olsen twins in 1998) featured in series such as That's So Raven and Family Matters During 2018 he also got a large and controversial neck tattoo of reported ex-girlfriend and co-star Raven-Symone. Raven-Symone has not publicly discussed the body art and never formally confirmed that they used to date. Leah Remini is a 'mess' after dropping her daughter Sofia off at her new college in New York. On Monday, the 52-year-old actress wrote a lengthy post on Instagram and shared that she and her husband 'are more of a mess now' after their 18-year-old daughter returned to school last week. Sofia had been attending an unnamed college last year but felt it was not a good fit for her, so she returned home. Now the teenager is starting a new college in Manhattan. Leah - who is also a college student as she is in her second year at NYU - wrote in her caption about how proud she was that Sofia decided to 'course correct' after deciding 'that school didn't make sense for her.' Back to school: On Monday, Leah Remini, 52, wrote a lengthy post on Instagram and shared that her and her husband Angelo Pagan, 54, 'are more of a mess now' after moving their 18-year-old daughter to college again In the comment section, her husband Angelo Pagan, 54, hinted that their only child is now attending a school in New York and wrote, 'Now she thinks she's running NY!' In her latest post, the King of Queens star shared a clip from her 2014 TLC reality show Leah Remini: It's All Relative while reminiscing on the time Sofia still lived at home. She wrote about how difficult is has been becoming an empty nester after looking back on the video of her family: 'The videos from our reality show get me so emotional.' In her caption, the Emmy-winning actress expressed how proud she was of her daughter for making a choice that was more well-suited for her - and, at the same time, seemingly referred to her own departure from the Church of Scientology in 2013. 'One of the things I've learned in life is that there is always time to course correct,' she wrote. 'There's no sense in sticking to something that doesn't work for you. In any situation. At any point in your life,' the Troublemaker author added. 'In August, our daughter Sofia enrolled in a college she thought was meant for her,' she recalled. 'I moved her into a dorm room and came home heartbroken to a quiet house.' 'For many reasons, that school didn't make sense for her, so she left, and we got to have her home for a few more months,' the People Puzzler game show host revealed. Missing her daughter: The King of Queens star - who started studying at NYU herself last year - talked about how difficult it has been adjusting to her daughter being away at school and being the parent of a freshman college student; seen in 2019 'A few weeks ago, she started courses at another University, and we moved her into an apartment,' she said. She continued: 'You'd think the second time would be easier, but Angelo and I are even more of a mess now. 'She's back at it now, going through all the things a first-year college student should be going through, and we, her parents, are going through what parents like us go through.' The Kevin Can Wait alum also talked about how her and her husband are coping with becoming empty nesters. She said they have been 'crying, not knowing what to do with ourselves now other than looking at pictures and videos and crying some more.' All grown up: While reminiscing on the time her daughter still lived at home and looking through pictures, she shared a clip on Instagram from her 2014 TLC reality show Leah Remini: It's All Relative; seen in 2010 Previously, Remini and the Swordfish actor tied the knot in July 2003. Less than a year after marriage, they welcomed their daughter Sofia. In the past, the Living Dolls alum also revealed how her daughter was the inspiration and driving force in her decision to leave the Church of Scientology in 2013. Since then, she's written and released a book titled Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology which details her past prior to becoming an apostate and after being raised in the religion since she was eight-years-old. A Seoul court on Tuesday sentenced a former subway worker to 40 years in prison for killing a female colleague he had stalked in a public restroom at a subway station. The man, Jeon Joo-hwan, was found guilty of revenge killing and other charges for stabbing the victim to death in the ladies' room at Sindang Station in Seoul on Sept. 14. The Seoul Central District Court also ordered him to wear an electronic tracking device for 15 years. The prosecution had demanded a death sentence. The killing took place one day before a court was set to sentence him on charges of stalking her. The two had known each other since they began to work for Seoul Metro, the operator of Seoul's subway system, in October 2021. Jeon told police he committed the murder out of resentment toward her after prosecutors demanded a nine-year prison sentence for him in the stalking case in August. In late September, Jeon was sentenced to nine years in prison for stalking, illegally filming and threatening the victim. He appealed the ruling. (Yonhap) Ice-T took to Instagram this week to poke fun at a Grammys attendee who eyeballed his wife Coco Austin at Sunday's awards show. The longtime rapper and actor, 64, reposted a video clip of the moment and wrote, 'Lol I love how the white dude looked at me then took time to check Coco out.' The Law & Order: SVU star was cool, calm, and collected about the situation as he added, 'I TOTALLY understand.' The Hollywood fixture, who married Coco, 43, in 2002, added a diamond emoji and the hashtag #2023Grammys. Ice-T not only attended the annual event with his longtime love, he also performed during the Hip-Hop 50th anniversary tribute. Night out: Ice-T took to Instagram this week to poke fun at a Grammys attendee who eyeballed his wife Coco Austin at Sundays awards show Rapper Busta Rhymes, who also hit the stage at the show in LA last weekend, commented a string of crying laughing emojis. The snippet was recorded from the right side of where Ice-T and his spouse were standing as they enjoyed a performance. Coco, dressed to the nines in a curve-hugging, plunging, nude gown covered in stones, danced along to a live band. Her bright blonde hair fell over her chest in soft curls as she moved her hips to the music. To the left side of where Ice-T was standing, a man in a black suit was visible as he eyed the music artist, and then his wife. Coco, who's mom to the couple's seven-year-old daughter Chanel, didn't seem to notice the attention. 'Ice aint payin attention, nows my chance,' one follower joked in a comment left under the post. Someone else wrote about the unknown person in the clip, 'He thought he was slick.' Funny moment: The longtime rapper and actor, 64, reposted a video clip of the moment and wrote, 'Lol I love how the white dude looked at me then took time to check Coco out' Fun night: Ice-T not only attended the annual event with his longtime love, he also performed during the Hip-Hop 50th anniversary tribute Coco shared some of her favorite photos from Sunday's Grammy Awards, held at Crypto.com Arena, on Monday. The bombshell took to Instagram to post her images and there was a surprise buried in the carousel. After several photos of Coco in her plunging gown in various poses, she posed up with several celebrities. One of the stars she had her arms around was 33-year-old Taylor Swift, who was nominated in several categories and won in Best Music Video for All Too Well: The Short Film. Coco, 5ft2in, and Taylor, 5ft11in, looked like longtime pals as they beamed at the camera when the crooner towered over the busty beauty. Her look: Coco dressed to the nines in a curve-hugging, plunging, nude gown covered in stones Lady Victoria Hervey looked sensational on Tuesday as she attended the world premiere of Sharper in London. The model and socialite, 46, looked incredible as she showed off her age-defying figure in a bejewelled pink dress. She put on a head turning display in the racy number, as she flashed her bra in the sheer material, embellished with a stunning floral design. She added inches to her gorgeous frame in a pair of silver heels and accessorised with several bracelets. Her tresses were styled in an elegant bun and she sported a rich palette of make-up for her evening in the capital. Wow: Lady Victoria Hervey looked sensational on Tuesday as she attended the world premiere of Sharper in London Making her way down the red carpet, Victoria posed for cameras and showed off the frill detail on the back of her dress. The stunning number trailed behind her as she made her way to the premiere. She looked glowing for the appearance, wearing full glam and a touch of pink lipstick. The outing comes after Victoria recently moved back to London from Los Angeles after living in the US for over two decades. The model sparked rumours of a return to the UK last year and has now decided the A-list packed city is 'not what it used to be'. Not one to mince her words, the beauty told The Daily Mail's Richard Eden: 'All my friends in LA have left because its a s***hole.' Chatting to Eden at the opening of the Frameless digital art gallery in Marble Arch, Victoria continued: Its nice if you dont leave the house, but, as soon as you leave, you see the homeless, crackheads and half-naked women with no teeth throwing things at you. Its not safe and not what it used to be,' explained the former 'It girl'. Incredible: The model and socialite, 46, looked incredible as she showed off her age-defying figure in a bejewelled pink dress Daring: She put on a head turning display in the racy number, as she flashed her bra in the sheer material, embellished with a stunning floral design Stylish: She added inches to her gorgeous frame in a pair of silver heels and accessorised with several bracelets London-born Victoria is the daughter of the 6th Marquess of Bristol, half-sister of the 7th Marquess, and sister of the 8th Marquess and Lady Isabella Hervey - and moved to Los Angeles in 2004. Victoria has since been sharing a slew of snaps to her 443k Instagram followers upon returning to the UK, taking in all of the capital's landmarks once again. And it seems moving wasn't the only big change that the socialite has considered, previously explaining how she was considering starting a family before the Covid-19 pandemic happened - but is glad now she didn't. Gorgeous: Making her way down the red carpet, Victoria posed for cameras and showed off the frill detail on the back of her dress Glowing: She looked glowing for the appearance, wearing full glam and a touch of pink lipstick Sensational: The outing comes after Victoria recently moved back to London from Los Angeles after living in the US for over two decades She admitted that pregnancy magazine Project Baby had also influenced her thinking as she has a prospective sperm donor/father lined up, should she decide to start a family. Six of her eggs were frozen and stored three years ago, at a cost of 11,000, and she spent the time afterwards looking for a donor. 'I had a friend who was going to be my sperm donor. He was going to be involved in my child's life, but as a friend, not a partner,' she explained. 'And I was supposed to be pregnant now. But then Covid happened, which was a big blow, but looking back I'm really grateful I didn't do it with that person. He just wasn't right.' Abbie Quinnen looked nothing short of sensational on Tuesday evening as she attended the Sharper premiere in London. The dancer, 25, dressed to impress in a glamorous black silk strapless gown as she posed up a storm on the red carpet. She showcased her incredible figure in the maxi dress which boasted a sheer mesh corset around her waist. Abbie added inches to her frame in a pair of stylish pointed toe heels and toted her belongings around in a dazzling matching clutch. The influencer simply accessorised with a gold pendant necklace and a coordinated bracelet. Incredible: Abbie Quinnen looked nothing short of sensational on Tuesday evening as she attended the Sharper premiere in London Glamorous: The dancer, 25, dressed to impress in a glamorous black silk strapless gown as she posed up a storm on the red carpet She styled her long blonde tresses in luxurious waves as they cascaded down past her bust from a side parting. Abbie turned up the heat as she applied a flawless palette of makeup to accentuate her beauty including a smoky eye shadow and blushed cheeks. It comes after Abbie revealed that she's been inundated with messages from Love Island stars who have 'slid into her DMs.' The beauty has been happily single since splitting from boyfriend AJ Pritchard, 28, last year following a three-year relationship. And while Abbie has plenty of options when it comes to her love life. one person who she wont be dating is Love Island lothario Adam Collard, as she's heard 'bad things' about his reputation. Speaking to The Sun recently about her ideal man, Abbie explained: 'I have been on a few dates, I just want someone with a really big personality, kind and who makes me laugh. There has been a couple of Islanders that have slid into my DMs.' The blonde beauty added that she's had 'quite a few messages' from Love Island hunks, though she didn't spill any names. However, when asked if ladies' man Adam was one of the boys to message her, Abbie insisted that he was not the man for her as she didn't believe he was the 'dating type'. Looking good: She showcased her incredible figure in the garment which boasted a sheer mesh corset around her waist Sensational: Abbie added inches to her frame in a pair of stylish pointed toe heels and toted her belongings around in a dazzling matching clutch Dressed to impress: She styled her long blonde tresses in luxurious waves as they cascaded down past her bust from a side parting Amazing: Abbie turned up the heat as she applied a flawless palette of makeup to accentuate her beauty including a smoky eye shadow and blushed cheeks She said: 'I don't think he's the dating type, I've heard bad things about him. I think everyone knows too much, it's going to be difficult for him to get a girlfriend now.' Adam split with ex Paige Thorne last year after she accused him of cheating when he was filmed flirting with other girls on nights out, with the paramedic later going on to claim she'd seen further videos of him cheating. Meanwhile, Abbie told how she's better than ever and is 'thriving' since former Strictly star AJ broke up with her last year. She said: 'I'm having the best time ever, I'm thriving and I haven't had this much fun in such a long time.' In demand: It comes after Abbie revealed that she's been inundated with messages from Love Island stars who have 'slid into her DMs' No thanks: While Abbie has plenty of options when it comes to her love life. one person who she wont be dating is Love Island lothario Adam Collard, as she's heard 'bad things' about his reputation Moving on: The dancer has been happily single since splitting from boyfriend AJ Pritchard, 28, last year following a three-year relationship (pictured together in June) Abbie split from boyfriend AJ, - who she narrowly avoided an awkward run in with this week - after she allegedly caught him messaging another woman in October. Former Strictly star AJ then quickly moved on with new girl Zara Zoffany, as Abbie was said to be 'distraught'. It comes after Abbie rubbished recent claims of her reported romance with Love Island star Billy Brown - claiming they are 'just friends'. The model admitted that while they have been spending time together, she doesn't see him as 'boyfriend material'. It comes after she and Billy, 24, were spotted looking cosy last week as they headed on a night out together hand-in-hand, appearing to confirm the romance. Love life: 'I have been on a few dates, I just want someone with a really big personality, kind and who makes me laugh. There has been a couple of Islanders that have slid into my DMs' Living her best life: Meanwhile, Abbie told how she's better than ever and is 'thriving' since former Strictly star AJ broke up with her last year But Abbie was keen to set the record straight as she insisted to being 'very single' this week. Appearing on pal Scott McGlynn's Celebrity Skin Talk series, she was questioned on the budding romance. The beauty replied: 'What new romance? (laughing) People have been saying Im with Billy Brown from Love Island but I can confirm Im not, were just friends. We've never been on a date, we've been out partying a couple of times. 'Hes a lovely boy and very good looking, but hes a bit young. I dont think he's boyfriend material, he just wants to live his best life. Hes the loveliest person, Ive only met him a few times.' Abbie continued to confirm that she is 'very much single' during the chat. Sarah Hyland enjoyed a fun-filled couples trip to Disney World over the weekend with her new husband Wells Adams and few of their closest friends. The Modern Family alum, 32, and her 38-year-old Bachelor in Paradise bartender who recently joined their friends for a Lake Tahoe getaway looked like they had a blast at the Florida amusement park with two other couples. Hyland posted a slideshow on Instagram that showed their group posing all around Disney World, and she snuggled up to her handsome husband in a few images. 'The happiest place on earth with the people who make me the happiest,' Sarah captioned the post. 'Thank you for the most magical time as always.' The host of Love Island USA went on to quote Walt Disney, writing: 'If you can dream it, you can do it.' Disney vacation: Sarah Hyland, 32, enjoyed a fun-filled couples trip to Disney World over the weekend with her new husband Wells Adams, 38, and few of their closest friends In the collection of pictures, Hyland and her friends wear a variety of cozy and casual looks as they pose for pictures around Disney World. Sarah dressed up her vacation style by carrying a black YSL 'Cassandra' handbag that retails for $2,850, according to the brand's website. She glowed with happiness under the brims of her ball caps, beaming alongside her husband and friends. The group enjoyed cocktails and beer throughout their Disney adventures, which included a stormtroopers photo op and a visit to Cinderella Castle. 'You guys wanna do soarin' again?' commented Wells, referencing an attraction called Soarin' Around the World. Disney World describes the attraction as 'an exhilarating aerial exhibition' that hang glides above 'the breathtaking wonders of the world' via IMAX technology. Soarin' Around the World sounds like it was a high point for Wells, as Sarah declared in the comments section that it was 'his favorite ride!' 'I truly turn into a child @waltdisneyworld,' Hyland wrote in her Instagram Story. 'Just dreaming of princesses and fireworks.' Posing up a storm: Hyland posted a slideshow on Instagram that showed their group posing all around Disney World, and she snuggled up to her handsome husband in a few images Couples trip: The Modern Family alum and her husband looked like they had a blast at the Florida amusement park with two other couples Disney World style: Sarah dressed up her vacation style by carrying a black YSL 'Cassandra' handbag that retails for $2,850, according to the brand's website Having a blast: The group enjoyed cocktails and beer throughout their Disney adventures Pitstop: They also had some fun in a cantina, drinking margaritas and snacking on a basket of chips Cute and casual: The Geek Charming star wore a variety of cozy and casual looks, beaming with happiness under the brims of her ball caps Six months into their marriage, Sarah and Wells appear to be very much in love as they regularly exude romance on red carpets and social media. Adams originally entered the sprawling universe of The Bachelor as a contestant on season 12 of The Bachelorette. The Best in Dough host then went on to appear in seasons three through six of Bachelor in Paradise, ascending to the role of hotel bartender. The romance between the pair began in 2017 on Twitter after the actress saw the reality star as the bartender on Bachelor in Paradise and thought he was 'cute.' 'He slid into my DMs,' Sarah told Jimmy Kimmel in 2018. 'We tweeted each other because I thought he was funny.' The couple were married in August this past year at the Sunstone Winery near Santa Barbara, exchanging vows in front of 150 guests. And Hyland's Modern Family costars were also in attendance, as Sofia Vergara, Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, all showed up to watch Sarah and Wells tie the knot. Ferguson even officiated the ceremony and the bride called his participation 'a dream and a privilege' on Instagram. Her happy place: 'The happiest place on earth with the people who make me the happiest,' Sarah captioned the post. 'Thank you for the most magical time as always' Dream weekend: The host of Love Island USA went on to quote Walt Disney, writing, 'If you can dream it, you can do it' The path to love and success hasn't always been easy for Hyland, who was born with multiple health issues and received a kidney transplant from her father at the age of 21. Speaking to Seventeen magazine in 2015, the Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin star, said, 'I was born with so many health issues that doctors told my mother I would never have a normal life.' Hyland went on to say that her mother told the doctors: 'You're right, she won't. But it won't be because of her health.' 'If I can't have an ordinary life, I might as well have an extraordinary one,' added Sarah, who required a second kidney transplant from her brother in 2017. The Geek Charming star is eternally grateful to her tight-knit family and credits acting with getting her through her difficult health struggles. 'My work is my therapy,' she told Self Magazine in 2018. 'I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my work. I'm so grateful for my entire family, especially my brother, especially my dad, especially my mom.' And Sarah encourages anyone who is going through a difficult time to open up and share their feelings with those closest to them. 'It's not shameful,' she told Self. 'For anybody that wants to reach out to somebody but doesn't really know how because they're too proud or they think they'll be looked upon as weak, it's not a shameful thing to say.' Hyland also finds support through social media, describing the majority of her massive fanbase as 'lovely, amazing human beings' who are her 'warriors.' Brandi Glanville appeared to respond Tuesday to claims that she was sent home from Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip after 'unwanted kisses' and 'inappropriate behavior' towards Caroline Manzo. Both Glanville, 50, and Manzo, 61, were allegedly sent home from filming the fourth season of the Peacock series after Glanville reportedly kissed Manzo several times without consent. An allegation by a source who spoke to Page Six is that Glanville also reportedly 'touched [Manzo]' over her clothes during one interaction. DailyMail.com reached out to representatives for both Glanville and Manzo for comment earlier this week. Shed Productions and Peacock issued a joint statement which confirmed they are investigating the alleged incident. As the conjecture swirled, Brandi cryptically tweeted Tuesday: 'Check your sources people!!!!' with a laughing feces emoji. Clapback?: Brandi Glanville (left) appeared to respond to claims that she engaged in 'inappropriate behavior' towards Caroline Manzo (right) Mystery: As the conjecture swirled, Brandi cryptically tweeted Tuesday: 'Check your sources people!!!!' with a laughing feces emoji The group of Housewives were all partying while filming at a private home in Morocco for the fourth season of Ultimate Girls Trip when the alleged incident occurred on January 25. Sources alleged Glanville, 'stuck her tongue down [Manzos] throat' and that it made Manzo uncomfortable. Shortly thereafter, Glanville, Manzo, Alex McCord and a fourth Ultimate Girls Trip cast member are said to have gone to the bathroom together. Sources allege that Glanville locked the bathroom door and, 'pinned Caroline against the wall' before the alleged incident. Sources also claimed that Glanville ultimately realized Manzo was uncomfortable by the situation and unlocked the door for Manzo to leave. The production company Shed Productions had provided alcohol for the cast and Glanville allegedly appeared to be drunk during the incident, after others had raised concerns about her drinking in the past. While there doesn't appear to be any video of the incident, since it happened in the bathroom, the mics of cast members were live so there are reportedly audio recordings, which crew members are said to have found, 'disturbing.' Sources added that Manzo asked to address the incident on camera with the rest of the cast - which includes Camille Grammer, Vicki Gunvalson, Eva Marcille, Phaedra Parks and Gretchen Rossi - on January 26. Locked: Sources allege that Glanville locked the bathroom door and, 'pinned Caroline against the wall' The other women were only made aware that Manzo was distressed about the incident that day. Manzo was reportedly moved to a hotel that day to, 'get her out of the situation,' and she returned to America on January 27. Glanville was allegedly asked to leave the cast before the rest of the ladies departed Morocco, with the rest of the cast interviewed by attorneys as part of an investigation. People first reported on the incident on January 30, with sources claiming, 'Glanville took things too far with Manzo during a party, kissing her multiple times throughout the evening without her consent.' 'It was unwanted. And Carolines distress over the matter did not seem to stop Brandi. Things escalated and physical boundaries allegedly were crossed that Caroline felt were serious and uncomfortable,' the source added. Shed Productions and Peacock issued a joint statement which read, 'The safety and security of cast and crew while shooting is extremely important and we take all reports seriously. In this situation, production immediately launched a comprehensive review and is taking appropriate action.' The first season debuted in 2021 featuring a trip to Turks and Caicos featuring Bravo favorites Luann de Lesseps, Teresa Giudice, Kyle Richards. The second season was filmed in Massachusetts and debuted last summer, featuring Eva Marcille, Jill Zarin, Brandi Glanville, Vicki Gunvalson, Phaedra Parks, Tamra Judge, while the third season was filmed in Thailand but has not aired. Important: Shed Productions and Peacock issued a joint statement which read, 'The safety and security of cast and crew while shooting is extremely important and we take all reports seriously. In this situation, production immediately launched a comprehensive review and is taking appropriate action' Nicky Hilton put on a dazzling display wearing a glittering sequin dress while her husband, James Rothschild, was dapper in a classic tuxedo while attending a wedding in new Instagram snaps she shared on Tuesday. The mother of three, 39, and the financier, 37, could be seen flashing big smiles as they supported her 'bestie's' lavish nuptials. The talented fashion designer, who recently attended the star-studded Marc Jacobs runway show, showed off her toned frame after welcoming her third child, a son, earlier last year in July. The blonde beauty also shares two daughters, Lily-Grace, six, and five-year-old Theodora 'Teddy' with James. The couple, who tied the knot in 2015 during a romantic ceremony in London, sent a smile towards the camera as they posed with mini caricatures of themselves at the reception. Cute! Nicky Hilton, 39, and her husband, James Rothschild, 37, dressed to impress while attending their friends' wedding in new Instagram snaps she shared on Tuesday Stunning: The socialite opted for a purple sequin gown with feathery details and glittering heels as she attended the nuptials over the weekend The socialite turned heads while wearing a form-fitting, purple sequin dress that fell down towards her ankles. Feathery details were added onto the arm cuffs for a fashionable edge to the ensemble. Nicky slipped into a pair of luxurious, silver rhinestone heels that were secured with straps for a flashy touch. Her blonde locks were parted to the side, and styled up into a chic up do, allowing her side bangs to lightly fall onto her forehead. A few, curly loose strands elegantly bordered the sides of her face. To allow the gown to be the main focal point for the celebratory evening, the businesswoman donned a small pair of rhinestone earrings, but opted to not add any other pieces of sparkling jewelry. Her makeup was classically done, and comprised of mascara and black eyeliner, while a shimmering shadow was added to make her eyes pop. A light contour was added to accentuate her cheekbones, and a rosy satin tint was added to her lips. James donned a classic black tuxedo that was complete with a white dress shirt and black bowtie. In the first snap Nicky uploaded into the photo series, she rested her head on her husband's right shoulder as they held up small drawings of themselves. Other wedding guests could be seen mingling in the background of a spacious room as the fun reception commenced. In another photo, Hilton better showcased her dress by posing in a bathroom, and her dress shone under the bright lights. She casually leaned her back on the edge of a sink counter and placed her hands on either side of her for a quick pose. Special day: The mother of three and her husband could be seen posing with her 'besties' who tied the knot Having a blast: Over the weekend, Nicky met up with other close pals and showed off her sense of style in a blue minidress with white, floral patterns throughout the fabric Catching up: The fashion designer was chic in a blue and white-striped dress as she caught up with another friend while getting some fresh air In the caption of the post, Nicky penned to her 1.4 million followers, 'Bits + pieces of besties wedding weekend,' followed by a palm tree, referencing to the ceremony taking place in Palm Beach, Florida. She took a snap of her 'besties' who had tied the knot in a behind-the-scenes snap as she adjusted one of their outfits. Over the weekend, the blonde beauty had a chance to meet up with a few other friends, and showcased her chic sense of style wearing a light blue minidress with white, floral patterns embroidered throughout the fabric. She posed for a quick mirror selfie as they posed in a room with decorative wall paper. In another photo, she caught up with another good friend as they lounged on comfortable chairs while getting some fresh air. Nicky could be seen sporting a blue and white-striped dress and a pair of cream-colored flats that were secured with ribbon fabric around her ankles. During the wedding reception, the star also took snaps of the ornately decorated table settings and her 'besties' having fun by dancing the night away. Ornate table settings: During the wedding reception, the star also took snaps of the ornately decorated table settings Party time! The businesswoman also took a picture of her 'besties' having fun by dancing the night away after the ceremony Staying busy: The blonde beauty recently attended the Marc Jacobs runway show earlier this month, and posed with seven inch heels that she decided not to wear to the event Aside from being a guest at the recent wedding ceremony, Nicky has been keeping busy and recently made a show-stopping appearance at the Marc Jacobs runway show earlier this month. The beauty uploaded a few behind-the-scenes snaps on her main Instagram page as she got ready for the fashion event, and gave her followers a glimpse of seven-inch heels that she decided not to wear that evening. Hilton also celebrated her older sister, Paris, welcoming her first child, a son, via surrogate with husband, Carter Reum, last month in January. Shortly after the big announcement that the Simple Life star had become a mother, Nicky uploaded a throwback photo in tribute to her sister from when they were children, and wrote in the caption, 'Welcome to mommyhood.' She continued, 'So so incredibly happy for youuu! Its the most beautiful ride. There is no greater love. You are going to be the best mommy. What a lucky boy!' Paris, who recently attended the Grammys with Carter to take a break from 'mommyhood' for one night, announced on January 24 that she had welcomed a boy on her own Instagram page. The talented star uploaded a close-up photo of both hers and her husband's hand as they embraced their infant's tiny one. 'You are already loved beyond words,' she simply typed. Congratulations! Shortly after the big announcement that the Simple Life star had become a mother, Nicky uploaded a throwback photo in tribute to her sister from when they were children, and wrote in the caption, 'Welcome to mommyhood' Katherine Schwarzenegger commanded attention on Tuesday as she stepped out in a hot pink co-ord in New York City. The 33-year-old author showed off her slim physique as she modeled the bright pantsuit. The writer who is married to actor Chris Pratt was prepared for day of press. On February 7 she launched her latest literary effort, a children's book titled Good Night, Sister. The brunette beauty's first stop was the TODAY show, where she chatted with broadcaster Hoda Kotb. She said that her book was inspired by her sister Christina: 'We're so close in age we did everything together so I wanted to write a children's book that was celebrating the relationship between sisters.' Head turner: Katherine Schwarzenegger commanded attention on Tuesday as she stepped out in a hot pink co-ord in New York City And she also made a joke about her brother. 'My brother Patrick posted about my book last night, and he's like: "I'm unclear why this isn't called Good Night, Brother,"' she said with a laugh. 'OK, relax Patrick.' Katherine, who's mom to daughters Lyla, two, and Eloise, nine months, layered a long black coat over her outfit. She was spotted with a bodyguard as she made her way around the Big Apple with a green Goyard bag slung over one shoulder. In her left hand she carried both her encased iPhone and a square-shaped black bag with a secured zipper. Katherine, the daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, hit the pavement, in a pair of white high-heels. Her face was fully done up as she bustled around the busy city to plug her second children's book, which highlights the power of sisterhood. The mother-of-two wore her shoulder-length dark, lustrous locks in a deep center part with loosely styled waves. That glow: The brunette beauty's first stop was the TODAY show She looked ready for business after taking to social media to get fans hype for her newest project. Earlier in the day she wrote in an Instagram caption: 'GOOD NIGHT, SISTER is finally here! 'Todays the day when you can finally get your copy of this beautiful story and celebrate sisterhood!' The star, who has four siblings, gushed: 'Thank you to everyone who helped make this book possible, from my sister Christina who inspired it, to @illustratelucy who illustrated the book, to the teams @penguinkids and @dupreemiller.' New book: She chatted with broadcaster Hoda Kotb about her new book Good Night, Sister Good times in the morning: On the left is Jenna Bush Hager Chat time: She said that her book in inspired by her sister Christina: 'We're so close in age we did everything together so I wanted to write a children's book that was celebrating the relationship between sisters' Sissy: Christina Schwarzenegger during at Kitzbuehel Country Club on January 21 in Austria The New York Times bestselling author continued, 'I cant wait to see this book out in the world, being enjoyed at bedtime, apart of your good night routine! Get your copy now in my link in bio, and make sure to join me on tour!' Schwarzenegger also shared a photo from her time on the morning show and said, 'No better way to kick off GOOD NIGHT, SISTER Pub Day than with a stop @todayshow and @hodaandjenna!!' She added, 'So much fun finally getting to see @hodakotb and @jennabhager in person, especially since both have sisters and daughters, and truly understand the bond of sisterhood that this story is about! Get your copy now in my link in bio or story!' Stunner: The 33-year-old author showed off her slim physique as she modeled the bright pantsuit Busy bee: The writer who's married to actor Chris Pratt was out and about as she prepared for day of press Sharing even more content with her one million followers, she took to the photo-sharing platform's Stories feature. Mrs. Pratt looked pristine as she posed while sitting on a bed with a coffee mug before stepping out. Her hair was freshly styled with two pink clips holding the locks off her face as she snapped selfies. The author's face was expertly made up by her glam squad, Taylor Fitzgerald and Dina Dipietro. She wore a gray and pink tie-dye top and stacked multiple gold necklaces as she noted, 'It's a glorious day to launch a book!!' Online engagement: Sharing even more content with her one million followers, she took to the photo-sharing platform's Stories feature to share selfies Good Night, Sister was created with inspiration from Katherine's relationship with Christina. About her trip to NYC she told Hoda, 'I brought both my girls [Lyla and Eloise] with me, my mother, and my sister. Everybody's here helping me.' 'I wanted to do this book about sisters to celebrate the relationship Christina and I had growing up and that we're still so lucky enough to have today,' she opened up. The proud big sister noted about their adolescence, 'We did everything together. We're 19 months apart, so I think we had a lot of lumping together when we were growing up.' And they've found separate identities as adults, Katherine added, 'I think that it was really just such a special relationship, which is why I wanted to write a book just to celebrate that sister bond.' Married At First Sight groom Adam Seed was blasted by his bride Janelle Han for having 'no career' during last Wednesday night's episode. But leaked footage from the couple's wedding shows Adam listing seven different jobs he has recently worked. The 35-year-old told producers he has worked in construction, modelling and TV, as well as being an assistant in a Covid lab, acting, a real estate agent and an entrepreneur. Leaked MAFS footage has shown Adam Seed listing his SEVEN different jobs after he was accused of having no career 'I've been over in the UK, living there and working in construction, I was also doing bits of modelling and also doing TV stuff,' he said. 'Then Covid hit and I was working in a lab over there and doing a bit of Covid testing and working on the set of Netflix.' He continued: 'I also have a little start up competition business I started in the UK with a friend of mine.' The 35-year-old told producers he has worked in construction, modelling, TV, in a Covid lab, acting, real estate and is an entrepreneur 'I've been over in the UK, living there and working in construction, I was also doing bits of modelling and also doing TV stuff,' he said A close friend of Adam told Daily Mail Australia, he also worked as a real estate agent for six years. 'He did love the industry and had big ideas to work towards one day opening his own agency but ended up going down a different path,' the source said. 'Towards the end of the pandemic he started Meta Competitions which is an online competition business where you can buy tickets.' The source also revealed Adam is currently working for a construction company on the Sunshine coast. 'He is financially stable and has always had a comfortable stream of income,' the friend added. He also revealed: 'Then Covid hit and I was working in a lab over there and doing a bit of Covid testing and working on the set of Netflix' A close friend of Adam told Daily Mail Australia, he also worked as a real estate agent for six years It comes after Adam's wife Janelle wasn't impressed by his occupation during last week's episode of MAFS. Adam's job became a sore subject between him and his new bride Janelle, who grew up in a strict Singaporean-Chinese family. When she asked what he did for a living, he seemingly couldn't give her a straight answer. Prior to the pandemic, Adam also worked in the modelling industry 'Towards the end of the pandemic he started started Meta Competitions which is an online competition business where you can buy tickets,' his friend revealed The morning after their wedding, the couple revisited the topic of Adam's mysterious career while lying in bed together. 'Do you have any stream of income?' she asked him bluntly. A fired-up Adam then later told producers: 'Don't make me feel like I've got nothing when you don't know me.' Adam is billed on the show as a 'business owner' but it remains unclear exactly what his online giveaway business actually entails. Several MAFS cast members complained to producers about having to live in studio apartments in Sydney's CBD while filming the Channel Nine show last year. Three cashed-up contestants who are used to the finer things in life were apparently unhappy with the living conditions when they moved into Skye Suites on Kent Street. Dan Hunjas, Melinda Willis and Layton Mills - who are all self-made business owners with millions in the bank - even requested 'larger housing' and more car space, but the producers told them this wasn't possible. Several MAFS cast members complained to producers about having to live in studio apartments in Sydney's CBD while filming the Nine show last year. (Pictured: Melinda Willis) 'The three have money and live a life of luxury. It was a real shock for them squashing into a regular studio apartment,' a source told Yahoo Lifestyle. They each put in requests for larger hotel rooms, but the producers immediately knocked this back. 'There was quite a bit of moaning and requests for bigger accommodation - but they were told this wasn't possible,' the insider said. Three cashed-up contestants who are used to the finer things in life were apparently unhappy with the living conditions when they moved into Skye Suites on Kent Street. (Pictured: Layton Mills) 'Layton even asked if he could have a parking spot to bring his Porsche, but was told all the spots were reserved for production,' they added. Dan, who is now semi-retired, owns a successful online marketing business on the Gold Coast; Melinda runs several beauty clinics in Brisbane; and Layton is the CEO of a pharmaceutical company specialising in medical marijuana. It comes after Dan was relegated to Channel Nine's naughty corner after he spoiled a major storyline by going public with his new girlfriend. Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed last week the entrepreneur, 42, was dating busty nurse Samantha Symes - who was one of the guests at his TV wedding to Sandy Jawanda. 'Layton even asked if he could have a parking spot to bring his Porsche, but was told all the spots were reserved for production,' a source told Yahoo Lifestyle Since then, the couple has made no effort to hide their romance, despite Dan's 'marriage' to Sandy still playing out on the show. Producers are 'furious' at Dan for spoiling the fact his marriage to Sandy doesn't last. 'Dan had some very angry phone calls from production and publicists and he was made an example of to other cast members,' a source said. The cast also received a stern reminder about 'playing the part' and keeping storyline details under wraps until they have aired on television. Gino D'Acampo has such a friendly face that ITV chose him to host a revamped version of game show Family Fortunes. Yet the smiley TV chef can barely show his face around suppliers of his failed chain of Italian restaurants. Last month, My Pasta Bar went into liquidation, owing almost 5 million, including 113,000 to HMRC and 37,000 in wages and holiday pay to staff. Now, a boss of one of the 49 businesses owed money has spoken out against D'Acampo, 46, claiming that, in his opinion, the chef is unfit to be on the board of a business. Last month, My Pasta Bar went into liquidation, owing almost 5 million, including 113,000 to HMRC and 37,000 in wages and holiday pay to staff 'It's outrageous,' says the creditor, who wishes to remain anonymous for now. 'Gino trades on his fame, and a lot of the small firms might think he'll pay them back because of that. 'Well, I've got news for them he won't. I wouldn't lend money to him again, no. Thankfully, we are a reasonable sized company and, while we don't like to lose money, we can afford it. But a lot of the people who have supplied his businesses are artisans. He's supposed to be offering high-quality produce. If they don't pay their debts, they'll go bust.' The businessman adds: 'I would certainly question D'Acampo's fitness to be a director of a limited company, that's for sure.' Now, a boss of one of the 49 businesses owed money has spoken out against D'Acampo, claiming that, in his opinion, the chef is unfit to be on the board of a business (pictured: Gino's My Pasta Bar) A separate business, Gino D'Acampo's My Restaurants, had to be rescued last year with a 12.9 million bailout by co-investors including Iceland bosses Sir Malcolm Walker and Tarsem Dhaliwal. D'Acampo, who declines to comment, urged people last year to stop blaming Covid for business failings. However, last month he claimed the pandemic was the reason for My Pasta Bar's closure, saying: 'We tried it for ten years and then Covid came around and I thought, 'You know what? We have to close.' ' When the Daily Mail ran an investigation last month into the chaotic governance of Sistah Space, the charity founded by Ngozi Fulani, the woman who accused Prince William's godmother Lady Susan Hussey of racial 'abuse' at a Buckingham Palace reception, a spokesman insisted its affairs were now in order. The charity said: 'In our March 2021 trustee report, we were open and transparent about the staffing problems we have faced since the start of the pandemic, which led to some issues with the reporting of our accounts, but we have since engaged an independent accounting firm with the aim that won't happen again.' So I am surprised to learn that Sistah Space is late filing its latest accounts. 'Charity reporting is overdue by seven days,' confirms the Charity Commission. No one at Sistah Space was available for comment. Probably preparing for their next palace reception . . . Bloomin 'eck! Sgt Cawood swaps cops for the shops Pictured: Sarah Lancashire spotted with her new hairstyle as she treats herself to spring flowers after the end of Happy Valley The actress also clutched a bag of groceries including a fresh-baked French stick Having confronted a bloodsoaked, murderous maniac in Happy Valley on Sunday, Sarah Lancashire needed something to help her relax. What better way than a trip to the shops to buy some cheering spring bulbs and a French stick? The actress, 58, who plays Sgt Catherine Cawood in the BBC's hit crime drama, was spotted out near her home in Twickenham, South-West London, which she shares with husband Peter Salmon, who appears to have been in the wars in real life. The TV producer, 66, was walking with a crutch. The couple, who married in 2001 and have a son, are said to be setting up a production company together, having filed paperwork for Via Pictures last month. Royal Ascot will be particularly spectacular this year, because of King Charles's Coronation seven weeks earlier, claims television chef Raymond Blanc, who will be serving seared Scottish langoustine bouillabaisse to well-heeled racegoers. 'It's going to be a Coronation Ascot and the girls are going to be more beautiful,' the French-born chef tells me at the Royal Ascot Food & Drink preview at Carousel London. 'Their hats will be even more colourful and flamboyant.' Speaking of his menu choices, Blanc, 73, explains: 'The King is going to want to eat something that is pure and grown organically. 'He has changed even France.' Millionaire Bannatyne turns 74, going on 24... Pictured: Duncan Bannatyne throws lavish boat party in Miami to celebrate his 74th birthday The former Dragons' Den investor could be seen raving with his hands in the air Duncan Bannatyne is enjoying growing old disgracefully. The health club tycoon and former Dragons' Den investor celebrated his 74th birthday with a wild party on board a yacht in Miami, where he could be seen raving with his hands in the air. He was joined by his third wife, Nigora, who is 32 years his junior. She later presented him with a cake while they dined at the Italian restaurant Cipriani Downtown Miami. 'I had great company, great food and alcohol,' says the foundry worker's son from Glasgow, who is said to have amassed a fortune of more than 400 million. The divorce from his second wife, Joanne McCue, was reported to have cost him a staggering 345 million. He met Nigora while she was working as a Harley Street dental hygienist. Ralph Fiennes's new companion is a married woman. Friends of Amelia Richards, who was pictured with the Harry Potter star in Rome in my column on Saturday, tell me she's been married for almost a decade to aristocratic snapper James Lindsay, 61, son of one of Queen Camilla's best friends, Lady Amabel Lindsay. 'James is absolutely devastated,' says the pal. 'He agreed with Amelia last week that they should separate, but he had no idea about her friendship with Fiennes.' Amelia has two sons from a previous relationship. 'James treated them as his own,' the friend adds. In which attic would you find a set of 18th-century candlesticks, three silver brandy warmers and a royal armorial baluster wine glass dating from 1760? The answer is Chequers, the PM's country retreat. The exotic bric-a-brac is up for auction at Bonhams, after trustees concluded the attic was crammed with 'items which are no longer used'. Countries in Mideast pledge aid, solidarity after powerful quakes jolted Turkiye, Syria Xinhua) 10:47, February 07, 2023 People transfer a victim of a powerful earthquake in the al-Arbaeen neighborhood in Hama province, Syria, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Str/Xinhua) CAIRO, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Countries in the Middle East have pledged help and assistance to Turkiye and Syria after powerful earthquakes rocked large swathes of areas along the Turkish-Syrian border. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi sent two separate messages to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after the earthquakes, expressing Tehran's readiness to provide immediate rescue and relief aid to the two countries. In Beirut, where the tremors of earthquakes could be clearly felt, Lebanese caretaker Environment Minister Nasser Yassin said on Monday that "a Lebanese rescue team will depart later in the day to Turkiye, at the request of Turkish authorities, to help with rescue operations." The Lebanese Army Command announced that it will send 20 members of the Engineering Regiment to Turkiye to contribute to the search and rescue work. Israel also said it has dispatched two rescue teams to Turkiye and sent rescue equipment to Syria. People search for survivors among the rubble of a building destroyed in a powerful earthquake in the city of Jableh, Latakia province, Syria, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Str/Xinhua) "We are sending two teams of professionals in order to help the victims," Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said in the statement. "Today, Israel stands by Turkiye in this difficult hour," he said. In a separate statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the teams would be sent following the request of the Turkish government. "I have directed the dispatch of search and rescue, and medical teams," he said. The prime minister said that Israel will also send equipment to Syria, which would be a rare act of cooperation between Israel and Syria, two neighboring countries that have been in an official state of war. People injured in a powerful earthquake are treated at a hospital in Hama province, Syria, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Str/Xinhua) Also on Monday, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry offered to help Turkiye and Syria, saying that "Egypt is ready to provide aid to face the horrifying repercussions of the deadly earthquake." The foreign ministry also expressed condolences and solidarity with the two countries. Meanwhile, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said that his country had sent a team of skilled rescue workers to help Turkiye. The Algerian rescue team, consisting of 89 experienced search and rescue personnel in addition to medical professionals, is scheduled to arrive in Turkiye on Monday, he noted. Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah also offered condolences to the victims of the earthquakes in Syria and Turkiye, noting that he has ordered to send 55 rescue and safety specialists as well as four tracing dogs to "help authorities in Turkiye deal with the consequences of the earthquakes." Rescuers work around a damaged building after a powerful earthquake in the al-Arbaeen neighborhood in Hama province, Syria, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Str/Xinhua) Powerful earthquakes rocked southern Turkiye and its neighbor Syria early Monday, killing at least 1,762 and injuring 12,068 in Turkiye so far, according to statistics released by Turkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority. According to the Syrian health ministry and the Britain-based pro-rebel Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake jolted the northern Syrian provinces of Latakia, Tartous, Hama, Aleppo and Idlib on Monday, killing at least 870 and injuring 1,326. The earthquakes were also strongly felt in Israel and Lebanon. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) An appeals court on Tuesday upheld the acquittal of a former maritime police chief charged with failing to carry out his duty in the rescue operation of the sinking of the Sewol ferry in 2014. The Seoul High Court again found Kim Suk-kyoon, then chief of the Korea Coast Guard, not guilty of charges, including professional negligence, in the disaster that killed 303 people, mostly high school students. In the same ruling, the court upheld the acquittal of nine others, who were in key posts of the organization at that time, of the same charges. The court also upheld suspended prison terms handed down to two former ranking maritime police officers for fabricating documents related to the case. In one of the country's worst disasters, the ferry sank off the southwestern coast on April 16, 2014, along with 250 high school kids and 11 teachers, who were traveling to the southern resort island of Jeju on a school field trip. (Yonhap) Brooklyn Beckham braved the cold on Monday morning as he stripped down to nothing but underwear to endure an ice bath. The son of David and Victoria Beckham showed off his inked skin as he climbed into the small swimming pool. The aspiring chef, 23, donned a pair of black Calvin Klein boxers during the activity and penned: 'Nice little ice bath x' Ice baths are known to help ease muscle soreness as well as decrease inflammation and can help you sleep. It appears Brooklyn took inspiration from his father David, who has recently been enduring ice baths as a form of 'self care'. Freezing: Brooklyn Beckham braved the cold on Monday morning as he stripped down to nothing but boxers to endure an ice bath It comes after it was revealed that his wife Nicola, the daughter of billionaire investor Nelson Peltz, went through three different sets of wedding planners, two of whom failed to meet the 'scale' of her plans. There was a last-minute scramble to book musicians, and a 'day of reckoning' with one event designer who was reduced to tears by the stress of the project. Those new details emerged yesterday - along with texts written by Nicola to one of the planners - in a lawsuit filed by her father, a punchy and tenacious businessman who is vying for a seat on the board of Disney. He is suing Nicole Braghin, the tearful party planner, and her partner, Arianna Grijalba, claiming they are refusing to refund him the $159,000 deposit he gave them. Peltz and his wife Claudia made contact with Braghin and Grijalba through their firm, Plan Design Events, in March 2022, after getting rid of their first planner, celebrity-adored Preston Bailey. It's unclear why exactly Bailey wasn't fit for the job. In his legal filing, Peltz, 80, says Bailey encountered 'challenges' while planning the enormous event, which took place at the family estate in Palm Beach, Florida, on April 9 and reportedly cost around $3.5million. It appears Brooklyn took inspiration from his father David, who has recently been enduring ice baths as a form of 'self care' Drama: It comes after it was revealed that his wife Nicola, the daughter of billionaire investor Nelson Peltz, went through three different sets of wedding planners, two of whom failed to meet the 'scale' of her plans Bailey, who planned Ivanka Trump's wedding to Jared Kushner, did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's inquiries about why he stood down. The Peltz family had grand plans for the three-day extravaganza for their daughter, who they describe as a 'world-famous actress'. 'Nicola is a world-famous actress who has starred in blockbuster movies and television shows, including, among others, Transformers: Age of Extinction, Bates Motel and The Last Airbender. 'The guest list included more than five hundred people, including numerous celebrities, athletes, dignitaries and other influential individuals, who travelled from all around the globe to attend,' the lawsuit reads. Annoyed: Nicola appears to be getting frustrated with the wedding planners as her message - in the blue bubbles - say: 'Lewis Hamilton did NOT RSVP. So explain why his names on the list please. We spoke to him. He can't come so explain why you said he rsvpd yes' Reply: The planner then responded - in the gray bubbles - saying: 'I need time to do this. I'm going to take a moment to learn the app and send you the information, | hate looking like a fool but | hate the most not giving you what you need ASAP. I will be back soon' On March 1, 2022 - six weeks before the wedding - the Peltz family had hoped Braghin and Grijalba would be able to pick up where Bailey left off. But nine days later, after forking out a $159,000 deposit, they decided not to move forward with the pair, who they said couldn't handle the VIP guestlist. 'The celebrity of the wedding couple combined with the anticipated attendance of many high-profile guests required that the wedding planner have the expertise and staffing to plan, coordinate and execute a wedding event of the expected caliber and complexity,' Nelson's lawyers say in the lawsuit. The issue now at hand is the deposit, which Peltz sued for in Miami this week. In the process of trying to get his money back, he has revealed some of the intimate details of the star-studded event. He included screenshots of a group text between him, the planners and Nicola. Terse: Texts between Nicola, Nelson and the wedding planners reveal Nicola's frustration that they couldn't manage the RVSP list Response: The text chain shows Adrianna sharing a tally of guests for the welcome party, the wedding and the wedding brunch as well as a list of non-attendees In some, Nicola told the planners she was 'tired of catching' their repeated mistakes. In an exchange about F1 star Lewis Hamilton, who the couple had invited to the bash, Nicola wrote: 'Lewis Hamilton did NOT RSVP. So explain why his names on the list please. 'We spoke to him. He can't come so explain why you said he rsvpd yes,' she demanded in one text. The wedding planner tried to explain that she wasn't familiar with the virtual guest list and needed more time to get to grips with the technology. 'I need time to do this. I'm going to take a moment to learn the app and send you the information, | hate looking like a fool but | hate the most not giving you what you need ASAP. I will be back soon,' she said. 'Yes queen': In a separate conversation around a week before the chat about Lewis Hamilton, Arianna said that she was 'going for a tequila before her head exploded', to which Nicola replied: 'Yes queen!!!!' Nicola shot back: 'That's not true. He didn't rsvp AT ALL.' In his lawsuit, Peltz also makes the suggestion that the wedding planners were abusing alcohol. 'References to alcohol use and possible abuse were not unusual,' his attorneys wrote in their lawsuit. In one message sent around a week before the RSVP conversation, Arianna posted in the chat that she was 'going for a tequila before her head exploded', to which Nicola replied: 'Yes queen!!!!' 'Peltz had presented them with the opportunity of a lifetime to have their names associated with the wedding of two world-famous celebrities, which would undoubtedly propel PDE into wedding planning stardom' the lawsuit reads, referring to Nicola as a 'world-famous actress' The Peltz family say the pair of wedding planners oversold their abilities, promising them they could handle the event - which was the 'opportunity of a lifetime'. 'Peltz had presented them with the opportunity of a lifetime to have their names associated with the wedding of two world-famous celebrities, which would undoubtedly propel PDE into wedding planning stardom. 'In reality, however, it later became clear that PDE viewed this is as an opportunity to take advantage of Peltz by making material misrepresentations on both their website and in person regarding their experience, expertise, and capability of planning the wedding,' his attorneys wrote. On March 4 - what Peltz's attorneys describe as the 'day of reckoning', he called the pair to let them know they'd lost the gig. Parents: David and Victoria Beckham at Brooklyn and Nicola's wedding in Palm Beach in April last year 'During their nine days of negotiations, PDE failed to book a single new wedding vendor, failed to finalize the terms of any agreements with any of the vendors that had previously been selected by Peltz and his family and failed to attend previously scheduled meetings with Peltz. 'Admitting that they lacked the skills to perform as promised, PDE recommended hiring an additional wedding planner.' Father-in-law: Nelson Peltz with son-in-law Brooklyn Two days later, they begged Nelson and his wife Claudia not to spread negative gossip about them, writing in an email: 'In order to avoid negative gossip, we would appreciate that in the case you are asked to comment on our departure, that your answer reflects the work and good attitude we put into the process, and no professional reason for our detachment. 'We will say: we are under NDA and cannot comment. This keeps us both in a very good place. 'We really wish you and the family a fantastic event... we are sure as you even said that our paths will cross in the future as I truly feel we had a great connection with you and Claudia.' The family ended up hiring Michelle Rago of Michelle Rago Destinations, who pulled the event off seamlessly. But because of the tight time frame, Peltz claims he had to pay Rago a 'substantially higher fee than what the Rago Destinations would have charged under normal circumstances'. He says he asked for his deposit back from Planned Design Events multiple times in the following weeks, but that they refused to return it. Peltz is also suing the pair for legal fees. She welcomed first daughter, Alba Jean, with boyfriend Jake Ankers back in October. And Charlotte Crosby shared a passionate kiss with her beau Jake outside of Newcastle Airport on Tuesday. The new parents were preparing to jet off on their first family holiday with their daughter to Dubai. The former Geordie Shore star, 32, cut a casual figure in a comfy green hoodie and matching tracksuit bottoms. Charlotte donned a pair of beige trainers and a crossbody bag as she pushed along the pram. Loved-up: Charlotte Crosby shared a passionate kiss with her boyfriend Jake Ankers outside of Newcastle Airport on Tuesday Charlotte opted for a bronzed makeup palette which accentuated her natural features, with a swipe of nude lipstick. Meanwhile, Jake looked stylish in a beige tracksuit and matching trainers while cosying up to Charlotte. It comes after Charlotte revealed that she's taking time to get back into her health and fitness as she balances motherhood and personal time. Explaining that having kids 'shouldn't define who you are', the former Geordie Shore star is ensuring she's not 'joint at the hip 24/7' with the new arrival. Charlotte took time away from her usual workout regime after giving birth to Alba as she recovered from the planned C-section. But after being given the go-ahead to lightly exercise from doctors, the star is now getting back into a routine while balancing motherhood too. Speaking with The Sun , the reality star explained that she 'doesn't feel guilty' about leaving her daughter sometimes to have time alone. 'Its about having balance you dont have to feel guilty for doing things for yourself. For me, exercising and going to work make me feel like a strong, independent woman and a role model for my daughter. Smitten: The new parents were preparing to jet off on their first family holiday with their daughter to Dubai Low-key: The former Geordie Shore star, 32, cut a casual figure in a comfy green hoodie and matching tracksuit bottoms Casual: Charlotte donned a pair of beige trainers and a crossbody bag as she pushed along the pram 'I love Alba Jean, whos now 15 weeks old, with all of my heart shes my best friend but I dont feel guilty for not wanting her to be attached to my hip 24/7. Charlotte, who spotted out on a jog last week , continued: 'Your baby shouldnt define who you are. You were someone before they arrived on the scene, and you need to remind yourself of that sometimes.' And exercise has been a blessing for the new mother, who explained that it is making her feel 'healthy and energised' once again. While adding that getting strong and independent again makes her a good role model for daughter Alba. Comfy: Jake looked stylish in a beige tracksuit and matching trainers while cosying up to Charlotte Holiday: The pair couldn't stop laughing as they prepared for the flight And as she gets back into a routine, the star is also looking to the future - admitting last week that she 'can't wait' to have more children. In an interview with New! Magazine, the star explained that she is 'loving motherhood' and has 'got the bug' for parenthood. Speaking with the publication, she gushed: 'I'm the happiest person in the world right now. I can't believe I'm so lucky to have this beautful little girl who is just so precious. 'I already can't wait to have another baby. I've got the bug now!' Family: Jake pushed along two blue suitcases while Charlotte pushed Alba Jean in the stroller Charlotte recently discussed her decision to have her lip filler removed and her birth experience. Previously speaking on the Nova Podcast, Charlotte explained: 'I did not get my lips dissolved because of trolls, because quite frankly, I've been trolled for so long about them and I did not care. 'I absolutely love my lips, but it got to the point, after pregnancy they had swelled a lot. Like in pregnancy you have a lot of water retention. 'Everything swells, you know your ankles, your face, your wrists, your fingers, your toes, like everything swells in pregnancy. Settling in: Charlotte and her boyfriend Jake Ankers are loving life as parents since welcoming their new arrival in October Gettting into it: Exercise has been a blessing for the new mother, who explained that it is making her feel 'healthy and energised' once again 'I watched Geordie Shore reunion and I was watching it and I was like, "I look ridiculous". For the first time, I was like "I look ridiculous". 'And obviously I've had a little girl now, you know what I mean? I thought to myself when I was watching myself on TV, and when I'm up in my little girl's face... and I'm going [baby babble], and I'm doing all these silly noises, can she even see us over them humongous lips? 'Can she even see who I am as a person? Eight years I'd been getting my lips done. That's a lot of filler in them lips. And I thought it's all got to go.' Louise Thompson has reflected on 'surviving a second time' after her emergency readmission to hospital', one year after the traumatic birth of her son. The former Made In Chelsea star, 32, admitted on Saturday that she was 'doing really well' before she suffered a haemorrhage and lost around three litres of blood. She spent a month in intensive care after welcoming son Leo-Hunter Libbey, 14 months, with boyfriend Ryan and suffers with PTSD and post-natal anxiety after the near-death birthing experience. Louise had previously been in hospital after undergoing a 'small operation' amid her gruelling battle with Ashermans Syndrome . The condition causes scar tissue to form and build up inside your uterus, it is unknown if her recent admission was from complications from the surgery. 'You know how strong you are': Louise Thompson has reflected on 'surviving a second time' after her emergency readmission to hospital', one year after the traumatic birth of her son Reflecting on the health scare, she penned on Instagram: 'You know the funny thing about surviving the second time round is that you know youre not just lucky. You understand the capacity of the human body. You know how strong you are. 'You understand what modern medicine is capable of and what you can withstand. Wow you can withstand an awful lot. A haemorrhage is medically defined as a loss of blood from damaged blood vessels, and they can be both internal and external. It can occur in nearly any part of the body, and if it is unable to be controlled, or caused by a serious injury, it may require surgery. Louise continued: 'I'm trying to reframe it as reassuring. Its reassuring that Ive come and gone from hospital (unexpectedly) and survived each time. 'I never thought it would happen to me, and it did. Then I never thought it would happen again. But it kinda did. So I guess nothing in life is for certain. NOTHING. 'But the good thing is that I can learn from it. I have learnt that I DONT want to live my life in fear anymore and Im definitely not going to undo all of my hard work. I have great systems and support in place now. 'Soooo I want to resume life as normal as quickly as poss plz. With an extra large serving of perspective and gratitude. Tough: The former Made In Chelsea star, 32, admitted on Saturday that she was 'doing really well' before she suffered a haemorrhage and lost around three litres of blood She ended the caption by saying: 'Ps. This last week Ive managed to distract any ruminating/analysing/damn awful, circulating, obsessive thoughts with the thought of lying there wishing I had more time with my boy which then makes me shift gear and feel v v VVV present and forces me to really soak up the good stuff. 'A little blessing or just another mind game.' She went on to share a snap of her pet pooch to her Instagram Stories and wrote: 'I'm feeling scared. I'm scared because I had a really good day yesterday and a crap on the day before. 'My logical brain says ok you tend to have a really good day every other day so today might be iffy. And by good or bad I don't just mean, good or bad things happening, I mean will my brain play ball or not. 'Will I have a ptsd episode? Will I feel trapped in my head? Frustrated? Irritated? For no good reason. It's hard.' It comes after Louise's fiance Ryan Libbey revealed that she was rushed to hospital after suffering a haemorrhage. Reflecting on the health scare, she penned on Instagram: 'You know the funny thing about surviving the second time round is that you know youre not just lucky. You understand the capacity of the human body. You know how strong you are.' She went on to share a snap of her pet pooch to her Instagram Stories and wrote: 'I'm feeling scared. I'm scared because I had a really good day yesterday and a crap on the day before.' Taking to Instagram to share an update on the Made In Chelsea star, Ryan explained that he and Louise were forced to cancel their holiday to St Lucia after she required emergency surgery and 'close monitoring.' Louise previously took to Instagram to share that she had an 'unexpected medical situation' but didn't elaborate further. Ryan added that since her health scare, Louise is 'stable' and is recovering at home, describing his girlfriend as a 'warrior.' In the post to his Stories, Ryan wrote: '2023 started well for me and for my family. Family: Louise spent a month in intensive care after welcoming son Leo-Hunter Libbey, 14 months, with boyfriend Ryan in 2021, and suffers with PTSD and post-natal anxiety 'Last Friday it got flipped on his head again. Louise haemorrhaged at home, again. Rushed to hospital for surgery and close monitoring for four days. 'Louise is home now, stable and doing well. She's a warrior! Leo has picked up impetigo from nursery. Dad is tired. 'We were supposed to be landing in St Lucia about now for a two-week break. I'll be back online soon.' The reality TV personality was diagnosed with PTSD after suffering complications while giving birth to her son Leo-Hunter in 2021. She later told her followers that Leo-Hunter had been treated in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and she had been treated in the adult ICU after the birth. On Christmas Day she shared a heartfelt post paying tribute to the NHS staff who 'worked through the night to save my life'. 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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk leaves the Seoul Central District Court, Friday, after being sentenced to a two-year prison term for academic fraud and other charges. Korea Times photo by Lee Han-ho By Jun Ji-hye Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk and his daughter Cho Min have been facing criticism over their unrepentant attitude toward the high-profile corruption scandal involving their family. According to legal sources, Tuesday, the Seoul Central District Court reprimanded Cho Kuk while sentencing him to two years in prison last Friday, saying he has never reflected on his wrongdoings. The former minister, who was indicted in 2019, was found guilty of multiple charges, including using his influence to help his two children gain entry into universities and graduate schools. The court, however, did not immediately incarcerate him, citing escape was not a concern. "Cho Kuk has continued to argue against objective evidence even after he stood before this court," the court said in its ruling. "He has continued to turn a blind eye to his wrongdoings and never reflected on them. Consequently, imposing harsh penalties on him is unavoidable." The court said the corruption involving his children's school admission was contrary to social expectations and obligation as a renowned professor, and that it damaged justice in the country's school admissions system. Cho Kuk was an outspoken liberal law professor at Seoul National University until he served under the previous Moon Jae-in administration. On the same day, the court gave another year in prison to the former minister's wife Chung Kyung-sim who is already serving a four-year sentence for academic fraud on related charges. Despite their parents' conviction, Cho Min said she did not feel ashamed of herself at all, during an interview with left-leaning broadcaster Kim Ou-joon. Cho Min, the daughter of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, speaks during a YouTube interview in this photo captured Monday from the YouTube channel run by popular liberal broadcaster Kim Ou-joon. Captured from YouTube Seoul Metropolitan Government's Vice Mayor Oh Shin-hwan speaks during a press conference at city hall in central Seoul, Tuesday. He said the city government will wait until the end of the coming weekend to hear from the bereaved group about their alternative choice for the location of memorial except the city square. Yonhap By Ko Dong-hwan Seoul Metropolitan Government reiterated Tuesday, its decision to ban the bereaved families of the Itaewon crowd crush from using the city square as the venue for their memorial. Last Saturday a memorial to the tragedy's victims was set up without the permission of authorities. Vice Mayor Oh Shin-hwan said at a press conference at City Hall that the families have until 1 p.m. Sunday to find an alternate space for the memorial a tribute to loved ones. The city government had warned the bereaved family members, Monday, that the memorial will be demolished at 1 p.m., Wednesday unless they dismantle it voluntarily. It was the second time the city government issued a warning to the bereaved families. City officials issued their first warning on Saturday afternoon when they visited the memorial. The bereaved family members have defied the two warnings and swore to protect the memorial from being torn down. "We are postponing the execution of our previously issued warning by almost a week," said Oh. "And I hereby clarify that a majority of the public doesn't agree with the bereaved group's demand to allow them to install their memorial at Gwanghwamun Square." The bereaved families marked the 100th day of the tragedy on Sunday and requested the city government allow them to use Gwanghwamun Square as the new location of their memorial, which is just a few blocks north of city hall. The city government, however, rejected the request, saying the memorial does not fit the purpose of the square. Passers-by visit a memorial for victims of the Itaewon crowd crush set up at Seoul City Square, Tuesday. Yonhap US aviation giant, Boeing, will focus its presence at Aero India 2023 on investments in growing local services and capabilities (Image credit: Twitter) Kolkata: US aviation giant, Boeing, will focus its presence at Aero India 2023 on investments in growing local services and capabilities, workforce development and partnerships to support Indias Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. A key strategic goal for Boeing in India is to strengthen and leverage local talent and its growing network of more than 300 supplier partners. Aero India 2023 will be held at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru from February 13-17. Boeing India president Salil Gupte said, "The Indian aerospace and defence industry is poised for growth and offers significant opportunities for Boeing with our proven portfolio of products and services. Boeing is committed to supporting and enabling this progress with a vision to bring the best of Boeing to India and take the best of India to the world." Boeings exhibit at Hall A, USA Pavilion (A7.2 A6. 3) is built around the theme of "The Runway to a Billion Opportunities," highlighting local partnerships and investments in India. The exhibit will also feature a range of advanced products including the F/A-18 Super Hornet, P-8I, CH-47 Chinook, 737, 787 Dreamliner and 777X. Visitors will be able to experience the AH-64 Apache simulator and learn more the combat helicopters capabilities and a wide range of missions. During the show Boeing will meet with customers and industry partners to discuss Indias future aviation, defence, and security requirements, focusing on in-country manufacturing, leveraging engineering and research talent, and strengthening local partnerships, technologies, services, world-class sustainment, and training capabilities. The joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) recently delivered the first fuselage for six AH-64 Apache attack helicopters ordered by the Indian Army from its state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad. TBAL has produced and supplied Boeings Apache final assembly plant in Mesa, Arizona with over 190 fuselages. Boeing is expanding its support for local customers in India by establishing an ecosystem of comprehensive support packages and indigenous maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities with partners through the Boeing India Repair Development and Sustainment (BIRDS) program. This all forms part of Boeings commitment to Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. India presently operates 11 C-17s aircrafts, 22 AH-64 Apache (with six more on order) helicopters, 15 CH-47 Chinook helicopters, 12 P-8Is aircrafts, three VVIP aircrafts, and two Head of State aircrafts. In addition, more than 150 Boeing airplanes, including the Next-Generation 737, 737 MAX, 757, 777, and 787 Dreamliner, are operated by Indias leading commercial airlines. The Budget estimates indicate that the government plans to earn an additional Rs 21,000 crore tax revenues and Rs 7,000 non tax revenues in 2023-24.(Photo: Twitter) HYDERABAD: The state government seems to have pinned its hopes on its own higher tax revenues and non-tax revenues in 2023-24 to fund its welfare schemes and development programmes instead of depending on the Centres grants, share in the centrally sponsored schemes and tax devolution, going by the Budget estimates for 2023-24. The Budget estimates indicate that the government plans to earn an additional Rs 21,000 crore tax revenues and Rs 7,000 non tax revenues in 2023-24. But there is no clarity on how it would earn additional tax revenues when it presented a 'tax free budget' for 2023-24 on Monday although sources in the finance department claim that this would be achieved by plugging the loopholes in the existing tax collections system but it generated doubts over the practicalities and possibilities. The state government's own tax revenues in 2021-22 was Rs 91,271 crore. In 2022-23, it was estimated at Rs 1,08,211 crore in 2022-23 and in revised estimates 2022-23, it was further increased to Rs 1,10,592 crore. In the new budget 2023-24, it was pegged at Rs 1,31,028 crore, up by over Rs 21,000 crore. Similarly, non-tax revenues was estimated at Rs 8,857 crore in 2021-22, which was sharply increased to Rs 25,421 crore in 2022-23, slashed to Rs 15,291 crore in revised estimates for 2022-23 and now increased to Rs 22,808 crore. Official sources said the government is planning to achieve non-tax revenue targets through sale of government lands and leasing out vacant government buildings in all the districts. Of the tax revenue targets for 2023-24, the government is planning to collect 19,884 crore through sale of liquor. Rs 7,512 crore through taxes on vehicles, Rs 750 crore through taxes and duties on electricity, Rs 39,500 crore through sales, trade (VAT) . Of the non-tax revenue targets for 2023-24, the government is planning to collect Rs 13,754 crore through general services, Rs 2,184 crore through social services and Rs 6,475 crore through economic services. Telangana's toppers Nihal and Roshan of JEE Mains, attribute their success to consistent hard work. (Photo:DC) Hyderabad: When M. Nihal Raj and K. Roshan from Telangana were informed that they were the toppers in the first session of the JEE (Main), the results of which were announced on Tuesday, they were elated and attributed their success to perseverance and a head start in preparing for the exam. This year, 20 students topped the Session 1 exam and received a perfect 100 for the JEE Main, the National Testing Agency (NTA) said; all of them are boys. They include 14 from the general category, four from the OBC category and one each from EWS and SC categories. While most candidates for admission to the IITs want to eventually land jobs in big MNCs, Nihal Raj, who scored 99.624 percentile, said he wanted to work for a start-up instead. Nihal, whose mother is a boutique designer and whose father is an architect, claimed that life would be "dreary and boring" in MNCs whereas start-ups would provide him with more opportunities to progress and grow. "Why should we hold ourselves back when we have so much potential," he asked. Nihal said he consistently prepared for the exams, followed his teachers' instructions, and made an effort to study for six hours every day in addition to regularly attending classes. "I wasn't expecting such a high score, only a percentile of around 99. I want to study computer science at IIT Bombay," he stated. K. Roshan from Hyderabad, who scored a percentile of 99.644, stated that he had aimed for a higher score and gave credit to his parents for the accomplishment. Yada Akshay from Warangal scored 99.603 percentile. "We had anticipated Akshay to get a percentile of 99.7 to 99.8, as he is a bright student, but still we are thrilled with the result," said Akshay's mother Yada Sreelatha, a teacher. Nationwide, while Md Sahil Akhtar is the PwD topper with 99.9848042 NTA score, the SC topper is Deshank Pratap Singh with 100 NTA score and ST topper is Dheeravath Thanuj with 99.99041. The candidates who scored 100 NTA scores include Abhineet Majety, Amogh Jalan, Apurva Samota, Ashik Stenny, Bikkina Abhinav Chowdary, Deshank Pratap Singh, Dhruv Sanjay Jain, Dnyanesh Hemendra Shinde, Duggineni Venkata Yugesh, Gulshan Kumar, Guthikonda Abhiram, Kaushal Vijayvergiya, Krish Gupta, Mayank Son, N.K. Vishwaajith, Nipun Goel, Rishi Kalra, Soham Das, Suthar Harshul Sanjaybhai and Vavilala Chidvilas Reddy. A staggering 95.8 per cent attendance was recorded in the January edition of the exam with over 8.23 lakh candidates appearing for it. The second edition of the exam will be conducted in April. After both sessions of JEE (Main) examination, the ranks of the candidates will be released taking into consideration the best of the two NTA scores in accordance with the policy. Based on the results of JEE-Main Paper 1 and Paper 2, the top 2.6 lakh candidates will be eligible to appear for the JEE-Advanced exam, which is a one-stop exam to get admission into the 23 premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Last year, the qualifying percentile at JEE (Main) to be eligible for JEE (Advanced), the entrance test for admission to IITs, has registered a four-year-low for all the reserved categories and a three-year low for the unreserved category. The Eamcet will be conducted by the JNTUH. (Photo: PTI) Hyderabad: The education department has fixed tentative dates for various common entrance tests to be held in the state, during a meeting chaired by minister Sabitha Indra Reddy on Tuesday. Eamcet (engineering) will be held between May 7 and 11, while for the agriculture and pharmacy streams it will be held between May 12 and 14. The Eamcet will be conducted by the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (JNTUH). PGECET for admission into MTech and MPharma courses will be held between May 29 and June 1, and Lawcet for LLB courses will be conducted on May 25, tentatively. TS Council of Higher Education (TSCHE) chairman Prof. R. Limbadri and other officials attended the meeting. The minister asked the officials to ensure that the examinations are conducted smoothly. The team from Tufts Medical Center in the US conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of three clinical trials comparing vitamin D supplement impacts on diabetes risk. (PTI Photo) Boston: Higher vitamin D intake may be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adults with prediabetes, a review of clinical trials has found. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin available in or added to some foods, as a supplement, or produced by the body when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin. Vitamin D has many functions in the body, including a role in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. Observational studies have found an association between having a low level of vitamin D in the blood and high risk for developing diabetes, the researchers said. The team from Tufts Medical Center in the US conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of three clinical trials comparing vitamin D supplement impacts on diabetes risk. The researchers found that over a three-year follow-up period, new-onset diabetes occurred in 22.7 per cent of adults who received vitamin D and 25 per cent of those who received placebo, a 15 per cent relative reduction in risk. The study, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, extrapolated the findings to more than 374 million adults worldwide with prediabetes. The research suggests that inexpensive vitamin D supplementation could delay the development of diabetes in more than 10 million people. In an accompanying editorial, authors from University College Dublin and Food Safety Authority of Ireland, cautioned that previous research has demonstrated significant adverse impacts of high vitamin D intake. They argue that professional societies promoting vitamin D therapy have an obligation to warn physicians about both required vitamin D intake and safe limits. The researchers advise that a very-high-dose vitamin D therapy might prevent type 2 diabetes in some patients but may also cause harm. Every employee who has served for 240 days or more for 12 months is entitled to leave with wages for 15 days. Neha Devathake, Advocate. (Representational Image/DC ) Hyderabad: Some employers have been forcing employees to work without availing their statutory leaves or even weekly offs. From waiters to construction labourers, vendors and salespersons, several employees say they are even unaware of laws that guarantee them paid leaves and would still not dare speak up. Anil Raju (name changed) who migrated to Hyderabad from a small town village in Andhra Pradesh, regrets taking the job of a waiter in a popular mess in Ameerpet, thanks to no offs "granted" by his employer. "I got married six months ago and convinced my wife to move with me to Hyderabad for a better life. I don't remember the last time I spent good time with her or took her out. I am now forced to look for another job because my current does not allow a weekly off, leaves are a distant dream," he told Deccan Chronicle. He narrated the story of his former colleague and friend at the mess who was not allowed a weekly off to attend church. "He did not know of a life outside of regularly visiting the church on Sunday. He pleaded with the boss for just two hours on Sundays in exchange for overtime, but in vain. He left a few months back. I will too, soon," he said. This is the story of not just Anil and his friend but many who work as waiters, construction labourers, vendors at tiffin stalls and even watchmen, Rajushared. "Humari toh chaahkar bhi ghar waapsi nahi ho paa rahi," laughed Moinuddin, a labourer at a construction site in Nallakunta. His pain from wanting to visit home was evident despite his attempts to hide that with laughter. His parents in Bihar want him to return home so they can get his sister married. "My hands are tied due to a meaningless contract that I wasn't even aware of," he said. Moinuddin hasn't seen in parents even during the Covid-19 pandemic for the fear that he would lose his job if he left Hyderabad. "I just stayed with my friends at a colleague's garage waiting in endless hope for work to resume," he recalled the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. None of them dared open up about their right to weekly offs and sick leaves for fear of being replaced by those who wouldn't be "troublemakers." Prabhavati Aartutla, who works at a tiffin centre in Gokhale Nagar gets an alternate weekly off but her husband and brother-in-law never do, unless really sick (and they have to prove the same). "My sister, Pranavi, who works as a sales girl in Vijayawada too, never gets any off. People like us, we make peace with such things. We're grateful we have a job that helps save up for my children." she told DC. What the law says: The Factories Act of 1948 and the Telangana Shops And Establishments Act, 1988, define rights of employees. Factories Act provides annual leave of 12 working days for workers who have worked at least 240 days in a year and a provision for weekly rest. Telangana Shops And Establishments Act, 1988 says no employee in any shop must be forced to work more than eight hours on any day and forty-eight hours in any week, unless they are paid an overtime fee. "Workers are entitled to at least 24 hours of weekly rest on the first day of the week, i.e., Sunday or whichever day is available during the week. Even if workers are required to work on a weekly holiday, they are entitled to a substitute holiday three days before or after the usual weekly holiday. Every employee who has served for 240 days or more for 12 months is entitled to leave with wages for 15 days. Neha Devathake, Advocate Finance minister T. Harish Rao provided Rs 200 crore to implement the KCR Nutritional Kits initiative. (Photo: Twitter) HYDERABAD: Finance minister T. Harish Rao provided Rs 200 crore to implement the KCR Nutritional Kits initiative, which will benefit about 4 lakh pregnant women, in the State Budget for 2023-24 on Monday. Harish Rao, who is also health minister, hiked the outlay for the department to Rs 12,161 crore, against Rs 11,237 crore last year and Rs 5,816 crore in 2021-22. With about Rs 8,000 crore worth of developmental activities in the pipeline, constructing medical colleges in each district, recruiting staff, renovating medical facilities in government hospitals and implementing the ongoing schemes, the Budget allocation might pose a challenge. He noted the governments achievements: Niti Aayog placing the state third in free medical care; maternal mortality rate falling from 92 to 43 per lakh, infant mortality rate falling from 39 in 2014 to 21; nation-topping 19 MBBS seats per one lakh population; second place with seven medical PG seats per lakh population. Allocating Rs 1,061 crore for other government initiatives like Kanti Velugu, establishing super specialty hospitals in Hyderabad, construction of Health City in Warangal, Harish Rao said that government proposed to launch Basthi Dawakhanas in all towns. In its application, the government requested a stay for three weeks to move the apex Supreme Court of India. (Representational Image) Hyderabad: The state government on Tuesday filed an interim application before the single judge bench of Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy of the Telangana High Court, seeking suspension of his order handing over the poachgate probe to the CBI. The government said it had moved a special leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court. In its application, government requested the stay for three weeks to move the apex Supreme Court, as also in the wake of the CBI insisting upon the Chief Secretary to hand over the case files. In his arguments, however, Advocate-General B.S. Prasad said the government had moved a SLP before the Supreme Court and sought stay for a week. A report from New Delhi said the Telangana government had sought an urgent hearing in the Supreme Court on its appeal challenging the High Court order. Mentioning the state's plea before a bench headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, senior advocate Dushyant Dave said there was an FIR related to "destabilising the state government." He said the single-judge bench had ordered a CBI probe and the larger bench upheld it, saying the state government's appeal was not maintainable. "There is a grave urgency. If the CBI enters the investigation, everything will fail," Dave said. The bench, also comprising Justices PS Narasimha and J.B. Pardiwala, asked Dave to mention the plea on Wednesday. "We will list the matter. Mention it tomorrow morning. Even without mentioning, it will come up next week," the CJI said. In the High Court, Advocate General Prasad appraised the single judge bench about Mondays judgment of the division bench headed by Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, which had held that the single judges orders transferring the probe to the CBI were on the criminal jurisdiction side, and an appeal against such an order lay before the Supreme Court. He said only the single judge could suspend the orders. L. Ravichander, senior counsel appearing for the three accused, Ramachandra Bharathi, K. Nanda Kumar and D.P.S.K.V.N Simhayagi, on whose petition the single judge had transferred the probe to the CBI, vehemently opposed the plea on the ground that the "doctrine of merger" applied in this case. He argued that the "doctrine of merger" was a common law doctrine which was based on the simple reasoning that there cannot be, at the same time, more than one operative order governing the same subject matter. He submitted that when the state government had filed an appeal against the orders of the single judge before the division bench which had then passed its own orders, the orders would be merged. Hence, the government cannot again approach the single judge for relief. Ravichander said that on December 26, the government had requested the single judge to keep the orders in abeyance until the certified copy of the judgement was issued. He submitted that the division bench also was not inclined to stay the judgment issued by it on February 6, because it felt that there was a prima facie case. Ravichander asked why the state government was so anxious in continuing the investigation with the SIT. "Why not the CBI? After all, it is another investigating agency," he said. Gadi Praveen Kumar, Deputy Solicitor General of India, representing the CBI, submitted that the state government was trying to run away from the CBI investigation even after the court order. He said that despite the CBI having asked the Chief Secretary to hand over the case files, the government had not complied. Senior counsels Prabhakar and Mayur Reddy, appearing for BJP and others, averred that the single judge could not again hear any plea pertaining to the poachgate case as it would go against the doctrine of merger. Advocate General Prasad argued that the doctrine of merger applied only when the appeals against the orders were exercised by the forum which should have been the appellate or revisional jurisdiction. In this case, the division bench had said that the appeals were not maintainable based on the issue of jurisdiction. He told the court that the CBI was repeatedly for the case details, despite the government having the option of filing an SLP. "This special interest of the CBI speaks volumes in this issue," he said. After hearing the contentions, Justice Vijaysen Reddy, asked Advocate-General Prasad to get clarification and permission from the Chief Justice bench, at least the oral orders, on the issue. Prasad said he would make a mention before the Chief Justice bench on Wednesday at 10.30 am and get back to the single judge at 2.30 pm. To a query by Justice Vijaysen Reddy, CBI counsel said the agency had not registered the FIR as it had not received the case files. A team of 29 delegates from various countries of G-20 visited the Lepakshi temple in Satyasai district. (DC Image) ANANTAPUR: The G-20 delegates were astonished over the exemplary architecture of the five-century-old historic Lepakshi after they were treated to a sight of the hanging pillar inside the Lord Veerabhadra Swamy temple complex on Tuesday. The delegates expressed great enthusiasm at the sight of the hanging pillar balancing the entire structure. A team of 29 delegates from various countries of G-20 visited the Lepakshi temple after a trip to the biggest Solar Park near Pavagada in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, closer to the Satyasai district borders. The Lepakshi has been listed in a temporary/ tentative list for the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. The visit of the G-20 delegates helped draw special attention of the world to the historic architecture of the Vijayanagara Empire. In this connection, the state government would submit detailed documentation to UNESCO through the Centre. The G-20 delegates arrived from Bengaluru through Chimathur to Pavagada and visited Solar Park. The Karnataka tourism department made necessary arrangements for the visit of the delegates to Lepakshi en route. The Archeological Survey of Indias Amaravati wing had decorated the Lepakshi temple and its surroundings well. The team reached the spot in a bus and got a traditional welcome from the tour organisers. Every delegate was offered a traditional sesha vastram and garland at the entrance of the temple. ASI Amaravati circle superintendent Dr Gopinath Jana and his team described the historic notes of Lepakshi along with exclusive structures. The team had seen mural paintings on the roof of the temple. The team enthusiastically experimented with the concept by keeping a cloth beneath the hanging pillar -- that was not only balancing without support but also controlling the entire temple mandapam. The G-20 delegates offered poojas at the Lord Veerabhadra Swamy and Goddess Durga Devi temples and the priests offered prasadam for them. Later, the delegates visited the other exclusive structures like the Ganapati, the incomplete Natya Mantapam with different designs and other installations in the temple. The delegates also visited the worlds biggest Nandi. The team praised the architectural concepts used there five centuries ago, which stood the tests of the time. Satya Sai collector Basanth Kumar, SP Rahul Singh, Anantapur ASI assistant conservator Balakrishna Reddy and several other officials were present. The team returned to Bengaluru after the Lepakshi visit. President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed Tuesday to turn Korea into a top innovation hub as he met with entrepreneurs in the science, technology and digital sectors. Yoon met with a group of CEOs of digital innovation firms based in Daejeon, 140 kilometers south of Seoul, in the latest demonstration of his commitment to promoting the country's science and technology sectors. "The government will support innovation firms in advanced science and technology, and in the digital field, which have their roots outside the capital, so they can boldly enter the world stage and display their capabilities," Yoon said during the gathering held at a startup support center at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in Daejeon. He said his repeated emphasis on meeting global standards has been a reflection of his will to support innovative firms and turn Korea into a top innovation hub. "When the government focuses state affairs not on ideology but on science, and strives to create the best innovation hub in the world in line with global standards, our companies will also be able to surpass global businesses," he said. (Yonhap) The centre is clearly acting in favour of Karnataka before the general assembly elections in that state, ignoring the AP government's appeals and concerns, the forum convenor Purushottam Reddy regretted. (Representational DC Image). TIRUPATI: Rayalaseema Intellectual Forum has objected to the central government granting national status to the Upper Bhadra Project in Karnataka without due process and despite many legal challenges from several states. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, forum convener M. Purushotham Reddy pointed out that when Upper Bhadra had been launched in 2008 with a capacity of 42 TMC, Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT-1) refused to allot water for the project in accordance with the Bachawat Award, dated 31.05.1976. Subsequently, KWDT-2, dated 13-12-2010, allocated 9 TMC to the project, though even that had been contrary to norms. The government of AP, which had then been a united States, filed a special leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court, which stayed the 2010 KWDT-2 award. Purushotham Reddy said despite the Supreme Court's stay, the centre cleared the project in 2017, ignoring concerns and opinions. The Central Water Commission (CWC) too granted technical clearances for 29.90 TMC in 2020, without taking into account the consistent objections voiced by AP. In 2022, the centres Jal Shakti Ministry proposed it as a national project with an estimated cost of 16,125 crores. 5,300 crores have been allotted to it in the most recent budget. "The centre is clearly acting in favour of Karnataka before the general assembly elections in that state, ignoring the AP government's appeals and concerns," the forum convenor regretted. He underlined that the project would seriously affect water availability to Rayalaseema from the Tungabhadra River, which is the region's lifeline. "Central government should have declared the Upper Bhadra Project illegitimate. Instead, it has chosen to trample on the spirit of federalism by declaring a national status for the project," Purushotham Reddy remarked. He requested MPs from Andhra Pradesh to fight against the central government's discrimination against AP in the ongoing session of parliament. He also wanted the ruling YSR Congress party to pressurise the centre by taking cooperation from all political parties and halt the project that will cause a loss to AP, particularly the Rayalaseema region. Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha during Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi. (Representational Image/PTI) NEW DELHI: Cracks began to appear in the Oppositions ranks on Tuesday when the AAP, BRS and UBTSS refused to toe the line of the other Opposition parties, who took part in the discussion on the motion of thanks on the Presidents address. "Most of the Opposition parties have decided to participate in the parliamentary proceedings from today and continue to raise their demand for a JPC into the PM-linked Adani mega scam", Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a tweet after the meeting. The Congress, DMK, Samajwadi Party, RJD, JD(U), AAP, CPI(M), CPI, Nationalist Congress Party, Shiv Sena, Indian Union Muslim League, National Conference, Revolutionary Socialist Party, Kerala Congress and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leaders were among those who attended the meeting. The Aam Aadmi Party, Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the Udhhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena said no to discussions in Parliament without a debate on the Adani issue. Both Houses of Parliament saw brief adjournments before the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Presidents address could start. The Opposition has been demanding a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe or a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the allegations. The Lok Sabha was on Tuesday adjourned till 12 noon after the Opposition members disrupted the proceedings demanding a JPC probe into the fraud-allegations in the Adani issue. Soon after the House met, Opposition members, including those from the Congress and BRS, were on their feet seeking to know the status of their demand for a probe into the tanking of the Adani Group shares and sought a probe into the business practices of the corporate giant. Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 12 noon on Tuesday as Opposition parties protested, demanding a discussion in the House on allegations of fraud against the Adani Group. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said he had received notices for suspension of the scheduled business by the Congress, CPI(M), AAP, BRS and CPI. However, he did not accept the notices, saying they were not in order. This led to protests by several Opposition MPs. The Lok Sabha was adjourned briefly when the discussion on the motion of thanks on the presidential address started as the Opposition MPs objected over certain references allegedly made by BJP member C.P. Joshi to the abolished practice of "sati". He initiated the debate on the motion of thanks on the President's address when he made a reference to Padmavati, Queen of Mewar, who self-immolated to protect her honour from invader Allauddin Khilji. Several Opposition MPs, including Supriya Sule (NCP), Kanimozhi, Dayanidhi Maran, A. Raja (DMK), K. Muraleedharan (Congress) and Imtiaz Jaleel (AIMIM) were on their feet claiming that Joshi had glorified the practice of "sati", even as he asserted he had not made any reference to the practice. After a brief adjournment, the House functioned smoothly. On Wednesday too, both Houses are expected to continue with the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Presidents address. The rally will be held after BRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao inaugurates the self-respect bhavans of Yadavs and Kuruma community in Kokapet. (File Photo: PTI) Hyderabad: Ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for December, the BRS is all set to organise a rally of the Backward Classes community in the city on March 10 aimed to garner the support of BCs, who are an all-important factor during elections within the state, as they comprise around 52 per cent of the population. The rally will be held after BRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao inaugurates the "self-respect bhavans" of Yadavs and Kuruma community in Kokapet. The party leaders have been tasked with mobilising more than one lakh BCs from all the districts for the rally. The state government began wooing the BC community by announcing a series of welfare schemes and benefits for the various castes that make up the group. The Chandrashekar Rao-led BRS government granted 87.3 acres to 41 BC communities in Kokapet for the construction of "self-respect" buildings and released Rs 95.25 crore for the project. Of these, two buildings belonging to Yadav and Kuruma communities have reached final stages of construction and slated for inauguration on March 10. BC welfare minister Gangula Kamalakar along with his colleagues T. Harish Rao, Talasani Srinivas Yadav, and V. Srinivas Goud, also laid the foundation stone for the construction of four buildings for the communities of Arekatika, Gandla, Rangrez, and Bhatraj in addition to reviewing the work on these two buildings. With these, the construction of buildings for 13 BC communities in 37.20 acres in Kokapet at a cost of Rs 49 crore has commenced. The ministers urged the BC communities to support the BRS both at the state-level and national-level considering the "BC friendly" policies of the CM. Recent land auctions held by the state government in Kokapet brought in close to `65 crore per acre. In spite of this, the CM granted expensive lands of 87 acres for free to the BC communities and even sanctioned Rs 95 crore for the construction of "self-respect buildings", the ministers said. "When the CM decided to allot Kokapet lands to the BCs, senior officials informed him that these lands are expensive and suggested to allot lands to BCs at some other locations. However, the CM rejected their suggestion and allotted lands in Kokapet. BCs are indebted to CM for this gesture. Time has come for the BCs to repay their debt to the CM by supporting the BRS at state-level and national-level in the upcoming elections," Srinivas Yadav said. Ministers Harish Rao and Gangula Kamalakar directed the officials to complete the 41 "self- respect" buildings for the BCs by October and keep them ready for inauguration by Dasara this year. Akbaruddin Owaisi speaking in Assembly. (Photo by arrangement) HYDERABAD: The curiosity generated by AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisis assertion in the Assembly last week that the party would contest about 50 constituencies prompted the Congress legislators to call on him in the Assembly premises on Monday. The legislators including Congress Legislature Party chief Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, T. Jayaprakash Jagga Reddy and D. Sridhar Babu met Owaisi for about an hour, creating a buzz in political circles. Later, the Congress leaders responding to queries from media personnel, brushed aside queries by media persons and said that it was not a crucial meeting that would have an impact on the relations between the Congress and its former ally. While Sridhar Babu termed this as a non-political meet, Jagga Reddy said it was a casual meet and greet. It is believed that Jagga Reddy who represents Sangareddy got curious about the seriousness of the city-based party fielding their candidates in 50 constituencies. On Saturday, Owaisi had said in the Assembly: "I am going to make sure that I talk to my party president and see that we contest more seats in the coming elections. We may not come in the number of seven but, I will make sure that we come in the number of at least 15 next time by contesting at least 50 seats." This was in reply to minister K.T. Rama Rao complaining that the AIMIM was taking an undue amount of time of the Assembly, given its strength. Owaisi had taken strong exception to Rama Rao saying that the AIMIM's seven MLAs were speaking for hours in the House and asking how much time should the BRS get with its strength of 105 MLAs. TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy gets a warm welcome during his visit to the Ramappa temple before the start of day two of the padayatra. (Photo by arrangement) MULUGU: On the second day of his Haath Se Haath Se Jodo yatra, TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday alleged that BRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, a strong believer in astrology and Vaastu, was not focusing on public issues but on demolishing heritage landmarks, including Nizam-era buildings in the old Secretariat complex, following the advice of his advisers. Before beginning the padayatra on the second day in Palampet village of Mulugu district on Tuesday, he examined the area around the well-known Ramappa temple, which was recognised by Unesco as a World Heritage site, as well as other temples in nearby areas. During a press conference, Revanth Reddy described the Ramappa temple as a magnificent work of art created by Recharla during the Kakatiya period. According to him, Rao, who had sanctioned funds for the development of several temples, had shown little interest in developing the Ramappa temple. After praying at the Sri Rudreshwara Swamy temple in Ramappa with Mulugu MLA Seethakka, Revanth Reddy criticised the state's archaeological department for being a showpiece, while the CM has ordered the indiscriminate demolition of several historic buildings in the old Secretariat complex. The state government should release sufficient funds to safeguard the structures and provide adequate protection to the historic sites if it was seriously interested in preserving and restoring them. He claimed that because Rao was not fulfilling the expectations of the people, Congress had embarked on the Haath Se Haath Jodo padayatra in order to comprehend their issues and create a platform for the Assembly elections. The Congress government had launched various welfare programmes that guided Telangana towards development during its 10-year reign from 2004 to 2014, while the Chandrashekar Rao government had brought in debt of Rs 5 lakh crores while doing nothing for any constituency during its nine-year rule. By enacting the Forest Rights Act in 2006, the Congress had the government given 10 lakh acres of podu land to the Adivasi, Lambadi and Girijan communities, but now the BRS government was grabbing the lands from them, he said. Revanth Reddy asserted that the Aarogyasri scheme and fee reimbursement programmes were not adequately implemented by the BRS government, while Chandrashekar Rao and his family were preoccupied with acquiring hundreds of acres of land in prime areas of Hyderabad. Because the BRS government had done nothing for the people, it was essential to remove Rao from his post and bring the Congress to power for a better Telangana, he remarked. He interacted with the chilli farmers in Narsapuram village and assured them that they would receive the maximum support price if Congress is voted to power. On national issues, he said the countrys security was in peril. He claimed that Chinese forces had entered 200 kilometres into India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not prevented China and was interested only in elections. He said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had taken up Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to inculcate patriotism among the people in the country. Two persons have been arrested over the death of a rag picker whose body was buried quietly without informing the police. The arrested are identified as Mohammad Ramzan, 40, and Rasal, 24, both residents of the sheds in Seegehalli and are said to be from West Bengal. The victim was identified as M D Rasul Hawladar (30), a suspected illegal immigrant from Bangladesh. Hawladar was working under Ramzan and was staying in the shed provided by him. He had allegedly killed himself in the shed on January 14. His body was buried in Khajisonnanahallis Eidgah and Kabristan land belonging to Jamia Masjid. The remains of the body were exhumed on February 4 with court permission and were subjected to a post-mortem. Police are awaiting the post-mortem report to know the exact cause of the death. Also Read | Police track down car driver behind fatal hit-and-run near Mehkri Circle According to a senior officer, they were told that Hawladar is from Bangladesh, but they are yet to verify it. We have searched for his documents and found some documents having the address of Swarupnagar, North 24, West Bengal. We are investigating the case to ascertain the nationality of the deceased. If he is from Bangladesh, we will have to alert the officials of their country, the officer added. Hawladars relative Achiman Sheikh, 32, working as a maid with Ramzans wife, had filed the complaint against Ramzan and Rasal. She had told DH and the police that she and Hawladar were from Bangladesh, but the police found all of them had Indian IDs. Hawladar was assigned to pick up plastic bottles and other discarded items on a bicycle. Hawladar and Ramzan used to often get into arguments over the payment. Ramzan was not paying Hawladar properly and when he asked for money, Ramzan allegedly abused and beat him. Ramzan used to scold Hawladar and insult him saying he was unfit or not a good employee for full payment. Hawladar was also disturbed for not sending money to his wife for the last two months. Depressed over the harassment, Hawladar killed himself by hanging with a dhoti. Pakistan's Prime Minister on Monday ordered authorities to unblock Wikipedia, the government announced, just days after the online encyclopedia was restricted for "blasphemous content". Minister of Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb posted the order to her Twitter account, which stated: "The Prime Minister is pleased to direct that the website (Wikipedia) may be restored with immediate effect." The family of a County Derry man who died in a car accident in Australia have spoken of their devastation following his death. Christopher Quinn, who was originally from Bellaghy but had been travelling around the world for the last 14 years, died in a car accident in Australia on Sunday. Christopher's girlfriend Kaia's, from Singapore, was also tragically killed in the accident. As a 'free spirited and adventurous' 23 year-old, Christopher set off for Australia in 2008. He travelled all over Asia making friends, discovering new interests and never lost his passion for new experiences. Christopher's family last night said they were 'devastated' by his passing. He was a character, a free spirit and would give the shirt off his back for anyone, they said. Christopher just turned 37 two weeks ago and had left Ireland for Australia 14 years ago like most young ones these days, for a life of sunshine and adventure. Although it was hard to keep a track of him at times as he was forever travelling; New Zealand where he also lived for a few years, USA, Thailand, Japan etc. Chris was mad about scuba diving, trekking and snowboarding. He also loved going off grid and chilling by himself plenty but whatever he was doing and wherever he went, he made friends all over the world and everyone would have a story about him, they added. It will be at least another week or two before any arrangements for Chris to be repatriated to Ireland and the family and McCusker's Funeral directors Magherafelt will update in due course. The family would also like to thank The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust who have been very helpful and supportive since the news broke. The Trust will be helping them get Christopher home safely. Christopher is survived by his mum Rosie, his sister Lisa, his four brothers Jodie, Shea, Cahir and Declan and a large Quinn and Doherty family circle. Ninety-eight new social houses are to be built at a site on Buncrana Road in Derry. The development is being led by Arbour Housing, a community-based housing association which owns and manage more than 1,200 homes throughout the North. Kieran Matthews, Chief Executive at Arbour Housing said: "Arbour is investing 7.5m into the new housing development in Buncrana Road in Derry. Provision of this new, high quality housing stock will help meet the high demand for social housing in the area. The scheme features a wide range of one to four bed properties, which will be suitable for a range of families. Our vision at Arbour Housing is to support local communities and improve peoples lives. To do this, we must increase the number of affordable homes around Northern Ireland, which is why this new development plan, supported by a financial package from Danske Bank, is needed." The Northern Ireland Housing Executive waiting list indicates there are over 2,000 applicants for housing in the Westbank area of Derry, in which the Buncrana Road scheme is located. Arbour Housing has entered into a design and build agreement with Derry-based developer EHA Group to deliver the Buncrana Road scheme. Jordan Allingham, director of EHA Group, said: It is evident that the Derry city area has been underserved in recent years when it comes to quality and affordable housing needs. "EHA are delighted to be part of the bigger picture by working in partnership with Arbour to alleviate these demands by providing a mix of 98 high quality homes and apartments on the Buncrana Road. The Derry development is part of an additional 20 million in investment announced by Arbour Housing in social and affordable housing across the North. Arbour Housing is set to create 270 new social and affordable homes across Northern Ireland as part of a 20 million investment project, supported by Danske Bank. The facility will enable Arbour Housing to access housing development grants from the Department for Communities, combining public and private funding to create a total investment in new homes of some 40m. Formed in 1978, Arbour Housing owns and manages over 1,200 homes throughout Northern Ireland, with larger concentrations of stock in Portadown, Lurgan and Newry. Projects supported by the new 20 million Danske facility will help to create up to 190 construction jobs and support more than 290 associated jobs in the wider economy over the next four years. The new homes will be built to high energy efficiency and sustainability standards. Paul Herbison, Corporate Banking Manager at Danske Bank, said: The demand for affordable housing remains high across Northern Ireland and Danske Bank is delighted to be providing support for Arbour Housing as it rolls out its new development programme. "The company is aiming to deliver high-quality, affordable homes to communities in a number of different areas, including the north west, and we look forward to watching the developments progress over the coming months. Arbour Housing is continuing to grow, with new housing provision becoming available in Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Omagh, Newry, Lisburn and Derry. Prosecutors raided Seongnam City Hall on Tuesday as part of a high-profile development corruption investigation involving opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, officials said. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office sent investigators to the City Hall and Asia Developer, a private real estate developer, to seize evidence related to the investigation. The probe centers on allegations that the municipal government of Seongnam gave special administrative favors to Asia Developer in 2015, which led a high-profile development project to turn the city's Baekhyeon-dong district into apartment complexes. The search came after Lee, the chair of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, was summoned to appear before prosecutors for a second round of questioning over corruption allegations connected to the development project, as well as another one launched in 2015 at the city's Daejang-dong district. Both projects were launched while Lee was the mayor of the city. (Yonhap) A short Solidarity Vigil for those affected by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Northern Syria is taking place in the city. The event will take place tonight (Tuesday, February 7) in Derry's Guildhall Square at 6.00pm. it has been organised by the Derry Anti War Coalition in conjunction with local human rights activist, Hilda Orr. will stage a short vigil tonight in solidarity with the victims of the earthquakes that have struck and Northern Syria. Speaking about the Vigil, Davy McAuley of the Derry Anti War Coalition said: "Almost all of the Syrian refugees in Derry come from the North of the Country. The most war ravaged areas have now been further devastated by earthquakes . "I have been in contact with the local Syrian community and tragically all of them have lost relatives in the disaster. "It's important that our friends and neighbours from Syria do not feel alone and isolated at this time. "So we call on the people of Derry to come out and show their support and love for those going through such incredible trauma." After the vigil Foyle Vineyard in the old Rosemount Factory will be open for hot drinks and the opportunity to spend some time offering support and friendship to those affected by the situation in Syria and Turkey. The Department for the Economy has announced 20 high quality training places on the latest Financial Services Accelerate Academy with FinTrU. Funded by the Department, successful applicants will take part in a four-week development programme delivered in partnership with Ulster University and North West Regional College leading to a potential offer of employment with FinTrU in their North West or Belfast offices. Participants who complete the course are guaranteed an interview for a role with FinTrU. Encouraging eligible individuals to apply, Graeme Wilkinson, Director of Skills Strategy at the Department for the Economy, said: I am pleased to announce another Assured Skills Academy with FinTrU. "These are exciting opportunities for people with a degree in any discipline, or relevant experience, to learn the skills they need to start a rewarding career in financial services. As we move into a decade of economic transformation around the Departments 10X Economic Vision, strengthening our local skills base and investing in skills is essential to grow our economy. "Assured Skills Academies have a strong track record of delivering high quality training whilst also providing businesses with the skills and talent they need to grow. Participants will receive practical, real-world training and be well placed to compete for a job with FinTrU after the academy. With a weekly training allowance of 160 also provided, this is an excellent opportunity and I urge anyone who is interested and eligible to apply. John Maguire, Talent Partner at FinTrU said: Its a hugely exciting time at FinTrU as we continue to expand globally. Our Financial Services Accelerate Academy is the perfect opportunity for experienced professionals from a financial background to join us as we continue on our exciting journey. "Last year, we were recognised by the Financial Times for the second year in a row as one of the fastest growing companies in Europe and were delighted that we can provide further opportunities in Northern Ireland. Applicants must hold at least a 2.2 in any degree discipline before commencement of training or have a minimum 18 months experience working in a banking or regulated financial services environment. Applicants must also have a right to work and to undertake Assured Skills training in the UK and not be disqualified from either by reason of their immigration status. Proof of this will be required. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to join the FinTrU team in either their North West or Belfast office and work alongside some of the worlds largest Investment Banks to find solutions to help them meet with their regulations in areas such as Legal, Risk, Compliance, KYC (Know you Customer), Operations and Consultancy. Applications for the FinTrU Assured Skills Academy are open until 19 March 2023 with interviews being held on a rolling basis through to 5 April. Check out the nidirect website at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/assured-skills-academies for more information and details of how to apply. Students from Oakgrove Integrated College took to the city on Friday morning last to ask local businesses for donations to help purchase new books and resources for the school library. The brainchild of the colleges librarian, Mairead Walsh, who decided to work with Usborne books and begin a Community Book Pledge in which the school works in partnership with local independent Usborne Partner, Sarah Taylor. Encouraging everyone to get involved, Mairead said Friday was just the start. We hope to get more support from local businesses, and indeed, families out there, to donate so the library can be filled with lots of new books to suit readers of all abilities and all interests. A cold Friday morning saw the students visiting businesses around the city, accompanied by Miss Walsh and Mrs Taylor and they received some great financial support. The schools librarian said she was delighted with the support from local businesses, and also thanked the engagement from the Deputy Mayor and endorsements from local authors. All money raised will be matched 60% by Usborne - meaning if the students can raise their target of 1000, Usborne will add a further 600 to the total. The Year 14 students were met in Guildhall Square by Deputy Mayor, Angela Dobbins who threw her support behind the scheme. Praising the staff and students of the College for their hard work in campaigning for donations on Friday, Colr. Dobbins said: The new additions to the school library will offer a wider range of reading options for pupils and give them an added incentive to learn more and widen their vocabulary through reading. Our young people are the leaders of tomorrow and I have no doubt the local businesses who contributed will reap the benefits of these well-read and articulate students when they enter the world of work. It is great to see the local public understand the importance of reading for education and the benefits of maintaining school libraries. I am so grateful to everyone who has contributed and shown support so far and we hope this will continue and enable our students to have access to a wide range of books.' If you can support Oakgrove College, please donate by cheque made out to Sarah Taylor, or via PayPal to bookgeeksarah@gmail.com (if possible, please use the friends and family option so the full donation is received). To contact Miss Walsh (Librarian) for any further information, email mwalsh842@c2kni.net. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Sandra Duffy, welcomed the German Ambassador to the UK to the Guildhall, during a special delegation visit to the city. Ambassador Miguel Berger was accompanied by Dr Clemens Kohnen, Head of Political Affairs, from the German Embassy UK, Dr Franziska Hagedorn, Head of the UK Unit in Berlin and Honorary Consul Lubbeke. Mayor Duffy showed the delegation around the Citys historic Guildhall before they embarked on a number of engagements. The Mayor also took the opportunity to discuss the merits of doing business in Derry and Strabane, and highlighted the many benefits the region has to offer in terms of tourism, trade and investment. Speaking after the meeting, Mayor Duffy said: I was delighted to have the chance today to discuss the many positive aspects of living and working here in the North West, with our unique cross border location and our wonderful tourism offering. We talked about German and EU trade and investment, and the potential opportunities to strengthen connections between Germany and the NW City Region. It was a very positive and informative visit. On their arrival on Sunday, the German delegation enjoyed a tour of the Citys historic Walls, the Peace Bridge and Ebrington. The engagement with the Mayor on Monday was followed by a meeting with representatives of the DiverseCity Community Partnership, where they discussed progress here and the role of the community sector in a post conflict society. The German delegation were then invited to the Derry Chamber of Commerce where the focus shifted to business and trade opportunities, examining the possibilities arising within the post-Brexit trading environment. Nine out of ten primary school teachers are struggling with their workload and crowded classrooms, a new survey of teacers has found. The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) has published what it describes as "startling and sobering findings" from an extensive research project on teacher workload and an audit of principals time, with nine out of 10 teachers reporting that teaching has become more stressful, demanding, challenging, inflexible and/or hectic in the last five years. The report, soliciting detailed feedback from over 4,000 teachers and 1,100 school leaders, represents a sizable percentage of the entire teaching profession at primary level. Key findings include: 90% of teacher respondents to this research project said they struggle with a challenging workload. Teachers are spending too much time on paperwork with no demonstrable effect on the quality of teaching and learning. The workload of a teacher is bursting at the seams, with increasing demands, additional complexity and unrealistic expectations cited as common issues along with an overloaded curriculum and a tsunami of new initiatives. School leaders work an average of 15 additional hours a week on school-related work outside their normal working hours; they work just under eight hours (mean avg.) per week during holidays. School leaders report a detrimental impact on their occupational health and wellbeing, stemming from the difficulties in meeting the expectations of the role. Both teachers and school principals expressed their deep dissatisfaction with the failure of the Department of Education (DE) to properly plan for teacher supply, and the DEs removal of substitute cover for a number of approved teacher absences. Launching the report, INTO General Secretary John Boyle emphasised: The teaching profession in Ireland has been well regarded and respected for generations. If the Department of Education wants to ensure that Ireland retains its reputation for having a high-quality education system, they must urgently reduce the work overload which is putting huge strain on teachers and school leaders in primary and special schools. The right to disconnect is not sector-specific all workers have this right, and the Government must ensure it is delivered to all those working in primary and special education. Government must recognise the damage that is being done to the profession with a never-ending list of new demands placed at the school door. As the framework for a revised primary curriculum comes into focus, the Irish Government has some decisions to make. They have failed to address our overcrowded classrooms and there continues to be a lack of a middle-management support structure in many schools. There is also an overload of initiatives. Significantly, the bureaucracy that creates obstacles to supporting inclusive education will jeopardise the effectiveness of the core purpose of teachers work giving their best to the children in their classrooms. All of these factors act as barriers to further progress. The INTO is particularly concerned that the Department of Education has routinely failed to adopt a coherent plan to support equitable and sustainable workload in our primary and special schools. It is now time for a root-and-branch review of the systems and policies which underpin the delivery of primary education in this country. In response to the findings of this report, the INTO have today set out key recommendations to support teachers and principals. These include: A fundamental review of the primary system to include a focus on school governance and school infrastructural supports. The appointment of administrative principals in all schools with more than 10 staff, and to schools with special classes. The provision of two leadership and management release days per week for teaching principals, together with release days for deputy principals, pro-rata, depending on school size. Access to a HR advisory service for all principals to support them with such matters. The need for teachers to collaborate and engage with continuous professional development and for whole school planning to be recognised and accommodated by the education system. The full restoration of assistant principal posts, many of which have been lost to schools since 2009. Guidelines to be issued to inform planning for special education with less demands for paperwork from teachers All 600 energy support vouchers in Northern Ireland have been dispatched, the Post Office has said. The last tranche of vouchers have been sent in the post and are expected to arrive by the weekend. It means the 600 voucher rollout which started just over three weeks ago has been completed ahead of schedule. The Post Office also said that 80% (400,000) of energy vouchers have been redeemed. Those who pay their electricity bills by direct debit received the 600 directly into their bank accounts. Thousands of others are receiving the payment via a voucher posted to their house to be redeemed at a Post Office. The money includes a 400 payment as part of a UK-wide support scheme and an additional 200 in recognition of Northern Irelands dependence on home heating oil. Electricity companies are being funded directly for the scheme to deliver money to households amid the cost-of-living crisis. Nick Read, Post Office chief executive, said: The success of this rollout demonstrates the significant infrastructure that the Post Office has in place to handle an initiative of this stature alongside the crucial role post offices play within the heart of Northern Irelands local communities. None of this would have been possible without the commitment from our postmasters and their teams who have been working extremely hard to make sure people redeem their vouchers quickly; and easily deposit their cash straight away while in branches. We are pleased with the incredible progress of the voucher rollout with 80% of the total vouchers having already been redeemed within just three weeks of starting the mail-outs. We fully recognise how important being able to redeem this 600 support quickly and securely has been for so many people. Were grateful to the hundreds of thousands of people who have come into our branches with the required documents to help speed things up for postmasters. And we also want to thank the Police Service of Northern Ireland for their ongoing support during this time. Energy Minister Graham Stuart said: Im delighted with the rollout of our 600 support package for families in Northern Ireland. All vouchers have now been issued, with most already redeemed, while every direct debit customer has now received their payment directly into their bank account. It has gone more quickly and smoothly than we could have imagined and is making a real difference to people struggling with their bills. Consumers in the rest of the UK began to receive energy support payments last year, with the political impasse at Stormont blamed for the delay in Northern Ireland. The rollout of the vouchers started in the region in the middle of January. The Post Office has urged everyone who receives a voucher to pay close attention to their post and to follow instructions in the letter to redeem their voucher. The PSNI approach to investigating a Protect Our Monuments protest at Belfast City Hall contrasted with how the force dealt with Black Lives Matter protests the same month, police ombudsman Marie Anderson has said. Mrs Anderson said the lack of consistency is likely to compound damage to confidence in policing within the black, Asian and minority ethnic community. Her report concluded that the police investigation into a protest organised to protect war memorials in Belfast on June 13 2020 was closed prematurely following a failure to access and exploit intelligence which may have led to the identification of the protest organisers. She added that the outcome was in contrast to the prompt identification by police of persons suspected to have been the organisers of Black Lives Matter protests earlier that month, a number of whom were reported to the Public Prosecution Service. The protests occurred at a time when public restrictions were in place due to the Covid pandemic. The ombudsman previously published a report in December 2020 about the policing of the Black Lives Matter protests. It did not identify systemic racism issues but did make a series of recommendations to address concerns and assist in building trust between those communities and police. She then decided to conduct an investigation into the conduct of officers who policed the Protect Our Monuments protest, which was organised to defend war memorials amid a number of attacks on statues of historical figures at the time. The ombudsman said she established the existence of police intelligence linking a number of individuals in an organisational capacity to the protest. There was, Mrs Anderson said, an error in submitting a request for intelligence and a lack of follow-up when no response to the request was received. In addition, the ombudsman said there was no evidence that the senior investigating officer took other relevant information relating to intelligence into account and the case was closed. Mrs Anderson has made a policy recommendation that the PSNI considers the introduction of target response times for intelligence requests, including the compulsory provision of appropriate responses to officers where no intelligence was available. In conducting an investigation, a police officer is required to pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry and it is evident this did not occur in this instance, she said. Viable lines of enquiry existed if the available intelligence had been accessed and in my view the senior investigating officer did not carry out a thorough and careful investigation. I had recommended disciplinary proceedings, which could not be progressed by PSNI as a result of the officers retirement. However, I also made policy recommendations in relation to the systemic failing in how PSNI handled intelligence and these have been partially addressed which I welcome. I also welcome the work of PSNI since December 2020 to address the recommendations made as a result of my Black Lives Matter investigation to build confidence in policing and ensure these communities experience policing on an equal footing. It is only through proactive engagement with these communities that a comprehensive insight can be secured into the level of trust and confidence they have in policing. This is now being reflected in the work of the PSNI Strategic Community Engagement Team which is seeking to proactively identify a variety of issues of concern within black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said the PSNI accepted the recommendations made by the Police Ombudsman. He added: These protests occurred against a backdrop of an unprecedented health crisis and rapidly changing legislation. During this time a key objective was to help slow the spread of the virus to keep people safe. Balancing this against our obligation to safeguard other important rights such as the right to peacefully protest was not easy and we have previously accepted that as a service, we didnt always get that balance right. We continue in our work to implement the lessons learned from this period and are determined to improve relationships and build confidence and trust in policing among all communities in Northern Ireland. Status is a WhatsApp feature that lets you share photos, videos, GIFs, text, and more with your contacts for a 24-hour window. After 24 hours, WhatsApp Statuses expire and disappear. A new WhatsApp update brings more features to this. 1. Private Audience Selector You can now choose who gets to view updates for individual WhatsApp Statuses. 2. Voice Status You can record and share voice messages for up to 30 seconds on WhatsApp status. This should give you more time to express yourself on WhatsApp Statuses using your voice. 3. Status Reactions You can now react to WhatsApp Statuses with emoji reactions. You get 8 emoji options to choose from. 4. Status Profile Rings for New Updates You will see status rings around contact profile pictures in chat lists, group participant lists, and contact info. 5. Link Previews on Status Links shared on WhatsApp Statuses show a visual preview of whats in the link, so your contacts know what they are going to witness once they visit the link. You must have already got some of this WhatsApp Status updates as the Meta sub-brand has begun releasing them to its global user base. In case you havent, you should be getting it soon. For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. Ultrafine dust advisories were issued in parts of the capital and central areas and others on Tuesday. The advisories went into effect in parts of the western port city of Incheon, the central city of Sejong, Gyeonggi Province, South and North Chungcheong Province and North Jeolla Province, the National Institute of Environmental Research said As of 8 a.m., the level of ultrafine dust, particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, stood at "very bad" at over 75 micrograms per cubic meter in Sejong and South Chungcheong Province. The concentration level reached "bad" between 36 and 75 micrograms per cubic meter in the capital area, Gangwon Province, North Chungcheong Province, Daejeon, Daegu and North Jeolla Province, according to the institute. Throughout the day till 9 p.m., emergency fine dust reduction measures will be implemented in those areas, requiring heavy fine dust emitters and construction sites to readjust or cut down operating hours. The institute said ultrafine dust will start to clear away Wednesday afternoon. (Yonhap) Compromise on all sides over the Northern Ireland Protocol will be required to restore the powersharing institutions at Stormont, former prime minister Sir John Major has said. Sir John told a Westminster committee that the post-Brexit protocol is a mess and he is baffled about how it could have been negotiated in its current form. The protocol was agreed by the UK and EU in 2019 as a way to unlock the logjam over securing a Brexit withdrawal agreement. Designed as a means to keep the Irish land border free-flowing, it moved regulatory and customs checks on goods to the Irish Sea, creating economic barriers on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Many unionists in Northern Ireland are vehemently opposed to arrangements they claim have weakened the regions place within the union. The DUP is currently blocking the functioning of powersharing at Stormont and has made clear it will not allow devolution to return unless major changes to the protocol are delivered. The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is investigating the effectiveness of the institutions of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Appearing as a witness, the former PM outlined the steps taken when he was in power which led to the 1993 Downing Street Declaration signed by him and then taoiseach Albert Reynolds, which paved the way for the peace deal five years later. Committee chairman Simon Hoare asked Sir John if he believed there are political leaders today prepared to take similar brave steps. Sir John said: You ask are there brave decisions to be taken. We are going to have a practical illustration of that with the protocol. The protocol is a mess. It was very poorly negotiated. I think some of the promises made after the protocol that there would be no checks on trade from Britain and Northern Ireland, how those promises came to be made I cannot imagine because they were patently wrong. The protocol needs changing. I am baffled as to how we could have reached a situation where that protocol was accepted. He added: One minister said the UK signed the protocol on the basis it would be reformed. That must be the first agreement in history that was signed by people who decided it was useless in the first place. Sir John said there had been headline after headline which suggested the UK Government would override parts of the protocol agreement. He said: Even if the protocol bill was wrong that does seem to be a strange way to proceed because that sort of behaviour is pretty unwise We, the British, would not respond to threats of that sort. Why do we think that the European Union would? It is an unwise way to proceed if you want to get agreement. Sir John added: From what I hear, it does seem to me that the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State are making progress and there is a growing degree of understanding between the three sides the Republic, the EU and the UK Government on how to move forward with the protocol. There is no such thing as a perfect protocol that will have every side dancing in the streets with joy. That is not going to happen. Sir John warned that failing to reach agreement over the protocol would lead to continuing disruption. He said this would include Northern Ireland continuing without its own government and being effectively run by the civil service or, heaven forbid, direct rule. He added: A statesmanlike response would be to recognise that nobody is going to get everything they wish, but to accept compromise in the interest of returning democratic government to Northern Ireland. That will not be easy for anyone. Statesmen who do that will succeed. Politicians who keep shouting slogans to their most extreme supporters will not. It's time to discuss how old is old enough Young men think old men are fools; but old men know young men are fools. George Chapman, English dramatist (1559-1634) Western countries prioritize women and children. However, in East Asia, an agrarian region with big families for thousands of years, the younger had given precedence to the older. Especially in Korea, with a strong Confucian tradition of filial piety, elders came first and ancestors were worshipped. That time-honored culture collapsed in the past two generations or so, along with Korea's breakneck industrialization and Westernization. Now, older adults, especially poorer ones, are avoided and alienated. Numerous people who contributed to the Miracle of the Han River scavenge for paper boxes to earn a day's living. They are the victims of their country's unrivaled economic success. According to a survey by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, citizens think they should be 72.6 years old to receive various senior benefits free or cheaper use of public facilities. Another opinion poll found Koreans want to work until they are 75, 15 years longer than the legal retirement age, primarily for economic reasons. Against this backdrop, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon calls for reopening the discussion on free subway rides for citizens 65 and older. Oh and five other metropolitan mayors want the central government to raise the age to around 70 to make up for city metro operators' losses. Their demand appears reasonable, considering the snowballing deficits of subway operators and that the central government should be responsible for its policy of treating seniors preferentially. But the issue may not be as simple as it seems for at least two reasons. First, experts point out that reducing free subway services will be penny-wise but pound-foolish. One economist said Seoul can save about 133 billion won ($106 million) a year, but must pay 227 billion more in social costs caused by higher medical bills from the increase in depression and other diseases due to a lack of activity or lost tourism income. So, the city should apply different discount rates or limit rides to non-rush hours. Second, Korea must approach the old age issue more comprehensively. Four in 10 older adults are poor in this country. Korea's elderly poverty rate the share of people with less than half of the median income is the highest in the OECD. Suppose the nation puts off preferential treatment for seniors and extends the pensionable age. In that case, the income gap will grow wider, and the incomeless period will get longer. The only alternative is to let people work longer even if that could mean dying in harness for some. Compare this with France. In the European country, millions of people have taken to the streets opposing a pension reform that extends the retirement and pensionable age to 64. The French protesters cite three reasons work-life balance, respect for social consensus and consideration for the weak. They are halfway across the globe, but seem to live on a different planet. Welfare pundits suggest two things in this regard. First, policymakers must classify older adults in detail by their age, assets and income and differentiate various benefits. Uniform giveaways deepen the gap, enriching the rich and providing little help for the poor. One may ask who will divide the age group in detail. Older people will be only glad to do that provided optimal time and money. Second, approach the aged people's welfare issue not from a financial viewpoint, but by focusing on how to make their later lives happier and more dignified. Older adults want to prolong their social activities for money and get a sense of belonging and participation. President Yoon Suk Yeol has advocated welfare for the weak and better spending for customized programs. However, his administration recently decided to slash 60,000 public jobs for seniors, saying the policy was the brainchild of the previous government, which sought to inflate the employment figure. Fake job tally or not, older adults want to work for income or other rewards. The government's move quashed both desires. A barber who carried out an unprovoked assault on another man in Carlingford over a perceived slight about being born in New York, was given a suspended sentence at Dundalk Circuit Court last week. Eamon Sheelin (28) with an address at Rathcor, Riverstown pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at Dundalk Street, The Liberties, Carlingford on May 26th 2019. The injured party told gardai he was standing beside his friend, who was chatting to a taxi driver, when he was punched to the right-hand side of his head. He fell to the ground and remembered a security guard handing him tissue. He said hed never seen the man who struck him before and on the advice of a Garda, after he reported the assault the next day, he attended Our Lady of Lourdes hospital for treatment. The victim lost three teeth and suffered cuts to his nose and face. The defendant told gardai that a remark had been made in a local hotel about his t-shirt and when he said he was from New York, a comment was made in an American accent and he claimed that when he saw the two men outside, he approached and said it was bad form. He claimed there was pushing at that stage and later, on seeing a relation being punched he ran down the street to get between them and this resulted in the punch. He denied it was an unprovoked assault saying "he verbally abused me". The defendant, who the court was told had used alcohol as a coping mechanism after the break-up of his relationship, has not come to garda attention apart from minor road traffic matters in the almost four years since the assault, and had 5,000 for the injured party as a token of his remorse. Judge Dara Hayes noted he was assessed as being at low risk of reoffending and the Probation officer described it as a wake-up call. He added the assault seems to be out of character. Judge Hayes imposed a 20 month sentence which he suspended in full for two years on the defendant entering a bond to be of good behaviour. DkIT music student Rhiona Mc Phelim is a 21-year-old musician, composer, and music promoter. Composing for just under two years, her debut album, Storytelling, consists of eight short compositions that are inspired by some of her favourite films. Rhiona, from County Monaghan, told how she was inspired to start composing her own scores during lockdown. Rhiona said: Due to having a lot of spare time during lockdown, I explored my love of TV and film, and found that many of the most well-known and effective scenes are made so much more powerful because of the scoring. Previously I tried to compose my own scores, but I was never satisfied with my work and often faced a creative block. It wasnt until 2022 that something clicked; I became a bit more patient and driven and ended up releasing several instrumental singles. She added: I enjoy composing because I am fascinated with how certain notes, chords and rhythms can exactly translate to the emotions, movements or moods being portrayed on-screen. I love the relationship between music and visual media, and always enjoy seeing how film directors and composers work together. Rhiona who is completing her BA (Hons) Music in DkIT, plays many instruments and like many young people in rural communities, she joined the local Comhaltas during her primary school years and learnt how to play the tin-whistle and the piano. Around the age of sixteen she taught herself how to play the drums and bass. Rhiona said she grew up in quite a musical family and was raised on lots of classic rock, blues and metal music, she also started learning the marimba during her second year at DKIT, for her classical performance module and solo tuition. Rhiona said: I always knew I wanted to enter into something musical and creative at third level, but I was struggling to choose between two or three music courses before the CAO deadline closed. Though I wanted to improve my performance confidence and musical skills, being a full-time professional musician was not one of my main ambitions. Many music courses focus on performance modules and popular music production, and I was looking for a diverse course that would allow me to instead develop my skills in different genres, improve my research and writing skills and introduce me to new areas in music. DkIT perfectly suited my character as I could develop my skills as a contemporary, classical, and Irish traditional musician whilst improving my knowledge of theory, explore sound design, musicology, music education and more. She also added: DkIT has by far, the most diverse music course in the country. If you want to be not only a strong musician, but also a well-rounded individual in the music industry, the BA (Hons) in Music course will allow you to find what youre passionate about. Additionally, Rhiona has also set up her own music promotions company Cobra, which she established to support and showcase the best rock, blues and indie music from Ireland and abroad. Rhiona said: When the pandemic shut down the live music industry, it was devastating to see so many acts struggle, particularly debut acts who missed out on significant opportunities and experiences. I wanted to explore the journalism, public relations, and promotions side of the music industry, so Cobra started as an Instagram based music blog where I wrote reviews of new releases and promoted rising independent acts. It is still an Instagram based platform; however, my area of content has expanded. I curate over sixty country-by-country and genre-by-genre playlists and have created several directories to help acts tackle their own PR, highlight music and arts events across the country, and am currently working to conduct press release campaigns for other artists in the future. After Rhiona completes her studies in DkIT, she hopes to work in PR, promotions and event management, and continue to compose music on the side. She would like to work with a rock and blues-based label or platform and seek out opportunities in the film industry to develop as a composer. To listen to Rhionas album Spotify Storytelling, Stream Rhiona Rua | Listen to Storytelling playlist online for free on SoundCloud For more information on this Music course www.dkit.ie The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OBrien, today, Tuesday February 7th, announced significant improvements to the Local Authority Home Loan that will result in more people in Louth being eligible to apply for the State-backed mortgage. The prices of homes eligible for a Local Authority Home Loan and income limits of those eligible to apply for a loan are being increased. From 01 March 2023, house price limits for homes in Louth that are eligible for the Local Authority Home Loan will increase by 10,000 from 320,000 to 330,000. Income limits for joint applicants will increase to 85,000 and the income limit for a single applicant in Louth will increase to 70,000. The Local Authority Home Loan was launched in January 2022 as part of Housing for All. It supports creditworthy borrowers who are unable to get finance from commercial banks to buy a home. It can be used for new, second hand or self-build homes. It means those on more moderate incomes are helped by the State to achieve homeownership, a key aim for this Government. Speaking after the announcement, Minister OBrien said: I am delighted to announce these improvements to the Local Authority Home Loan which will take effect from March 1st. "Supporting home ownership is a key objective for this Government and the increase in eligible house prices coupled with the increase in income limits will mean more people in Louth can access the loan. "Importantly, building on changes made this time last year we are again increasing the income limit for single applicants so that those earning up to 70,000 who wish to purchase a home can avail of the State backed loan. "The Fresh Start Principle also applies whereby people who are divorced or separated and have no interest in the family home, or who have undergone insolvency proceedings, can also avail of the loan. "The changes reflect the reality of todays housing market and we will continue to keep the Local Authority Home Loan under review to ensure it remains a genuine and relevant support for people in Louth who want to own their own home. Since February 2018, over 3,300 people have got on the property ladder through the Local Authority Home Loan and its predecessor the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan. Minister OBrien, along with Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe TD, will sign the amendment regulations in the coming weeks. The changes will take effect on 01 March 2023. The Special Criminal Court has refused to hear separate trials in the cases of two men accused of conspiracy to commit burglaries and of the robbery of a credit union in which Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was shot dead. Lawyers for Brendan Treanor and James Flynn had asked the three-judge, non-jury court to separate the burglary and robbery charges to avoid hearing evidence that they said prejudices their clients. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, today, Tueday February 7th, said that the court is exercising its discretion to run the trials together. He said the decision is subject to the rule that the court must consider each charge separately. Mr Justice Hunt said he will give more detail on the court's ruling next Tuesday. Brendan Treanor (34), previously of Emer Terrace, Castletown Road, Dundalk, Co Louth, and James Flynn (32) from South Armagh are charged that between September 11, 2012 and 23 January 2013, they conspired with Aaron Brady and others to enter a house with the intention of stealing car keys. Both men are also charged with the robbery of 7,000 at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Co Louth on January 25, 2013. They have pleaded not (NOT) guilty to each charge. Aaron Brady (31) previously of New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, is serving a life sentence with a 40-year minimum having been found guilty of murdering Det Gda Adrian Donohoe and of the burglary at Lordship. He denied any involvement in the robbery and is awaiting an appeal against his conviction. Opening the trial, Lorcan Staines SC told the court last week that the prosecution alleges that Mr Treanor and Mr Flynn were part of a group of young men who conspired to break into houses to steal car keys and then quietly make off with the cars. Lydia Doyle today, Tuesday, told prosecution counsel Brendan Grehan SC that in 2013 she lived in Virginia, Co Cavan. When she awoke on January 15 that year she found that her handbag was missing from where she had left it beside a console table in her hallway. When she looked outside, her car was gone and the lock on her front door had been pushed out. Stephen Smith told Mr Grehan that he lived in Monaghan Town in 2013 and on January 7 that year he woke up to find that his kitchen cupboards were open and his ipad was missing. The lock on the front door had been "snapped out", he said. The keys to his Toyota Landcruiser were in his trouser pocket in his bedroom. Jacqueline McGee told Mr Grehan that she was also living in Monaghan town, in the same estate as Mr Smith. On the same morning she awoke to find that her iPad and handbag were missing and her kitchen cupboards were open. A neighbour later brought the purse to her but 300stg was missing. Both Ms McGee and her husband had cars parked outside but both were still there, she said. In evidence today, Det Gda Laura Bolger told prosecution counsel Jane Murphy BL that she drew up a large number of maps of various places of interest around the country for the team investigating the Lordship robbery. She took the court through those maps, plotting the distances between various locations and points on the map where the prosecution alleges cars were stolen on various dates. She plotted the distance to those sites from Dunroamin House, where the prosecution says that the accused man James Flynn was living when some of the burglaries occurred and when the robbery at Lordship happened. The trial is continuing before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Her Honour Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Alan Mitchell. Britain made a colossal mistake when it left the European Union, former prime minister Sir John Major has told a Westminster committee. Sir John said while he is not a significant Europhile, he believes the UK was stronger in the EU. The ex-PM was appearing before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, which is investigating the effectiveness of the institutions of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Alliance Party deputy leader Stephen Farry asked if it was an advantage for the UK to be in the EU during the early days of the peace process in Northern Ireland in the 1990s. Sir John, who campaigned to remain in the EU ahead of the 2016 Brexit referendum, said membership of the bloc smoothed the way for many of the agreements at the start of the process. He said a lot of business was conducted on the fringes of EU meetings. He said: It was a very useful tent in which we could operate discreetly. We used that tent to the full. Sir John added: Ireland are our nearest neighbours. That relationship with Ireland mattered then and it matters now. We are out of the European Union and they are in it. They are one of the ways we may stretch out and recover some of the things we so wilfully threw away when we left the EU. Sir John said he does not believe the EU is anything close to perfect. Because I negotiated the Maastricht Treaty, the ultra Brexiteers regard me as a significant Europhile. That is not actually true. I am a very practical European. There are many things I dont like. But I look at the package and I say, Are people in my country better off and safer if we were inside the European Union or if we were outside? I reached the conclusion we would be better off inside. There are three great power blocs in the world today. United Kingdom is not one of them. There is America, there is China and there is the European Union. Europe is going to face immense economic competition from both America and China. It may face military insecurity problems with China. Is Europe better able to represent its people with the United Kingdom inside making it stronger or outside making it weaker? I think not just us but the whole of Europe is stronger with Britain in it. He added: When I look at the interests of my children and my grandchildren, I think their future is brighter if they are part of a really big bloc who could work with us if we are in difficulty. Suppose we had a socking great row with China. Britain decided to put sanctions on China; China wouldnt be much bothered. If the European Union did because we were being maltreated, they would feel quite differently about it. It is those strategic issues which make me believe we should be in Europe and that we have made a colossal mistake in leaving. I understand the sovereignty arguments, though many of them are more semantic than real. No country, not even the United States, has pure sovereignty. Who has pure sovereignty in Nato? We all sign up to Nato; nobody complains about that. I wonder how many of the cuts we have had, or the shortages for our public services, would not have happened but for the loss of GDP because we have left the European Union? Paul Yun, a solar system ambassador of NASA, speaks in Houston about the U.S. space agency's candidate areas for the landing of humans on Mars by the late 2030s or early 2040s, in this 2015 file photo. Courtesy of NASA Space expert positively views Korea's Mars 2045 vision By Baek Byung-yeul President Yoon Suk Yeol's ambitious vision to send a spacecraft to Mars by 2045 will be easier to achieve if Korea further strengthens cooperation with the United States, which has the world's leading space technology, according to an ambassador of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). "NASA values international cooperation with other countries including Korea. This is because the cooperation can create synergy and technologies from other countries can greatly help NASA as well, such as increasing the success rate of space exploration. Space exploration needs to proceed in a way that can benefit both countries, and the Danuri lunar orbiter is a great success story," Paul Yun, NASA's solar system ambassador, told The Korea Times in a recent email interview. Yun, who also serves as a professor of mathematics at El Camino College in California, has been promoting NASA's space exploration activities as an ambassador since 2012. The ambassador cited Danuri, also known as the Korean Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO) that has been conducting a year-long scientific research project circling the moon since Dec. 28, 2022, as an example of the collaborative efforts between the two countries. The lunar orbiter was launched by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket at the U.S. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida in August, 2022. The spacecraft also carried NASA's ShadowCam device to capture images of the moon's permanently shadowed region. "Danuri was carried by the SpaceX projectile, which was also made thorough the help of NASA and NASA's experience also helped Korea to safely send Danuri into lunar orbit. Korea has installed NASA's ShadowCam device on Danuri, helping the U.S. agency explore the amount of ice in the Antarctic region and human landing candidates. Collaboration with NASA, which has decades of experience in space exploration, will help both countries and increase the success rate of Korea's space exploration," the ambassador said. Yun also gave a positive evaluation of the Korean president's space exploration vision, saying that Korea also has to ride on the space industry, which advanced countries are trying to foster as one of their next growth engines. On Nov. 28, 2022, Yoon announced that Korea will take a leap forward to become one of the world's space powerhouses by around 2045. To that end, the country aims to send a spacecraft to the moon by 2032 for resource mining and land on Mars by 2045. The president brought up such an ambitious goal as he believes "a country with a vision for space can lead the global economy and solve the problems humans are facing." "Bank of America estimated the space economy to be worth $3 trillion around the 2050s. The space economy is on the rise every year, focusing on the space internet and telecommunication services, which are essential for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Space tourism and resource exploration are also expected to drive the growth of the space economy," Yun said, adding that the space economy is a challenge and an opportunity for the development of a nation. He said he was impressed by the rapid development of Korea's space industry. "Considering the development speed of Korea's own space rocket, it is expected to have the ability to carry a spacecraft to Mars by 2045. There were many negative views when the Naro space rocket was launched a decade ago, but the success of the Nuri space rocket in 2022 proved that the performance of Korea's launch vehicle is rapidly improving," Yun said. "In more than 20 years, I estimate that the country's launch vehicle will have the ability to explore deep space beyond Mars." The professor added that NASA's robotic and human moon and Mars exploration program called Artemis will also have a positive impact on Korea's 2045 plan. "Through NASA's Artemis program, the U.S. is preparing for crewed lunar landing in 2025 and crewed mission to Mars in the late 2030s. I can say the success of Danuri has helped establish mutual trust between Korea's aerospace science community and NASA. NASA will continue to explore Mars in the 2040s and collaboration with NASA is expected to greatly increase the success rate of Korea's 2045 Mars landing plan," he said. Paul Yun, fifth from right, a solar system ambassador of NASA, poses with officers from the Korean Army and the U.S. Army at Camp Humphreys U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek in this Dec. 2022 photo after delivering a lecture on NASA's space exploration. Courtesy of Paul Yun A visitor tries out Samsung Electronics' GEMS Hip wearable robot during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in this January 2020 file photo. Courtesy of Samsung Electronics By Baek Byung-yeul Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are trying to capitalize on the growing commercial robot market as they plan to release new products and increase the applications of their robots. Industry officials and experts said Tuesday that their expansion into robotics has been facilitated by the development of artificial intelligence technology. LG has been expanding application cases of its CLOi service robots, providing its docent robot, delivery robot, lawn mowing robot and coffee brewing robot to various business-to-business (B2B) clients such as airports, shopping malls, schools and libraries in different countries including Korea, Japan and the United States. While LG focuses on service robots, Samsung looks to concentrate on healthcare robots such as a wearable robot that helps the wearer to walk. The tech giant has been working on developing robot products for years since it first unveiled its exoskeleton-assisted wearable robot called GEMS at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and the company said it will officially launch more robots at this year's CES. "We plan to release a human assistant robot called EX1 within this year," Han Jong-hee, vice chairman of Samsung, said during a press conference held on the sidelines of the CES last month. "We will focus on senior care, exercise and various robot businesses based on that (EX1)." Samsung's willingness to foster robots as its next growth engine can also be seen from its investment in a domestic robotics company last month. In January, Rainbow Robotics said in a regulatory filing that it issued 1.94 million new shares worth 58.9 billion won to Samsung Electronics. With the acquisition, Samsung became its second-largest shareholder. "Think of it as nothing significant and only acquiring shares," Han said regarding the acquisition, but added, "The new growth engine of the company is the robot business." Children search for books by voice using LG Electronics' CLOi robot at a library in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Jan. 19. Courtesy of LG Electronics Georgian small firms and women-led companies to receive a funding boost Lending in Georgian lari to safeguard against exchange-rate risks Borrowers to benefit from EU-funded grants The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending a Georgian lari-denominated financial package worth US$ 16 million to Credo Bank to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and women-led firms and to promote local-currency lending in Georgia. The financing package includes an MSME credit line of up to US$ 10 million to support investments by local firms across the country. A further US$ 4 million will be lent under the Women in Business (WiB) programme, which aims to promote womens entrepreneurship by boosting access to finance and advising women-led firms. This programme is supported by Sweden and the European Union (EU) in Georgia. Credo Bank will also receive US$ 2 million under the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line for small-business upgrades to modern, greener technology, making firms more sustainable and competitive at home and abroad. Borrowers will receive grants upon the successful implementation of their investment projects and technical assistance, both funded by the EU under its EU4Business initiative. MSMEs play a vital role, always bringing novelties and innovations to the market, said Catarina Bjorlin Hansen, EBRD Regional Director for the Caucasus. We are pleased to step up our support for companies and women-led businesses in Georgia that wish to invest in growth and a greener and more competitive future. Together with our partners, we are working to provide more opportunities for small businesses and to boost economic resilience and sustainable development in the country. Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia Pawe Herczynski noted: Congratulations to Credo Bank on signing this deal with the EBRD, fully in line with EU priorities. The EU is a strong supporter of SME development, womens entrepreneurship and the green economy in Georgia. Credo Bank CEO Zaza Pirtskhelava said: We are proud to have continued our strategic partnership with the EBRD for over 15 years now. This complex financial package, denominated in local currency, supports Georgian MSMEs, creates access to finance for women entrepreneurs and promotes the use of modern, greener technology in businesses, thus contributing to their sustainability. Likewise, I would like to thank the whole team and, in particular, the EBRDs Georgian representation for their efforts and collaboration. This is the first time that Credo Bank, the fifth-largest bank in Georgia, has participated in the WiB and EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line facilities. A strong partner to the EBRD, Credo Bank largely caters to the financial needs of MSMEs. To date, the EBRD has invested around 5 billion in more than 280 projects in Georgia. UniCredit Serbia first European bank to adopt new EBRD Paris alignment methodology 100 million SME credit line from the EBRD tied to Unicredit climate governance plan EBRD investment in Serbia to date nearly 8 billion, 648 million in 2022 The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has extended a credit line of 100 million to UniCredit Bank Serbia, which it will use for lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Serbia. Serbian SMEs account for more than half of the countrys employment, but do not have sufficient access to finance, which they need to grow. The credit line, formally signed in late 2022, will plug some of that financing gap. Ten per cent of the total amount will be earmarked for renewables and energy-efficiency projects by SMEs. The EBRD credit line is also linked to UniCredits pioneering climate transition plan. The banking groups Serbian subsidiary will become the first bank in Europe to incorporate the EBRDs new Paris alignment methodology for the financial sector. A month ago, the EBRD announced its own full alignment with the Paris Agreement on climate change. Part of the alignment methodology covers the EBRDs work with more than 300 partner banks, which disburse EBRD credit lines to local companies (mainly SMEs). UniCredit will work on four areas governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics, targets and disclosures to align them with the Paris Agreement. These four areas are the pillars of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), an international initiative on climate risks and considerations. Aleksandra Vukosavljevic, EBRD Director for Financial Institutions in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, said: UniCredit Bank has been an excellent partner for the EBRD in Serbia, distributing nearly 600 million of EBRD financing to the Serbian economy. With this facility, we confirm the EBRDs strong commitment to reinforcing the SME segment in Serbia with tailor-made financing and advice. We look forward to continuing to foster our strong partnership with UniCredit Bank in Serbia in the areas where we can work together to create a more sustainable environment, as is the case with climate change and the green transition. Nikola Vuletic, CEO of UniCredit Serbia, said: The transition of the Serbian economy to green and sustainable is very important. Since 2011, when we started working with the EBRD on green credit lines, we invested about 100 million of our own funds to help clients finance their own low-carbon transition and also provided advisory services to them. The EBRD-supported Paris transition plan will help us localise UniCredit Groups environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards for Serbia and to be more competitive in the local environment. The EBRD started publishing climate-related risk assessments under the TCFD in 2019, issuing its latest report in November 2022. In 2022, the EBRD invested 648 million in the Serbian economy, of which nearly half was dedicated to low-carbon transition projects. The Banks total commitment to Serbia is almost 8 billion to date. High Court Reporters The family of a 47-year-old man who collapsed and later died while on a hospital waiting list for surgery has settled a High Court action over his care. Farmer Patrick Doyle had been on a waiting list for several months to have his gallbladder removed when he collapsed six years ago. In the High Court on Tuesday, St Lukes General Hospital, Kilkenny gave an unreserved apology to the Doyle family for the hospitals failings in respect of the care of the late Patrick Doyle. The apology from the general manager Anne Slattery added: We deeply regret these failings and acknowledge the sadness, distress and loss these failings have caused you and your family. The hospital also offered sincere condolences to the Doyle family. Mr Doyle from Killeshin, Co Carlow, who had a history of gallstones was in September 2016 given a primary diagnosis of gallstone pancreatitis which was resolving and had his case marked as urgent. He was booked in November 2016 for a gallbladder removal and a laparoscopy, but while still on the waiting list in March 2017, he collapsed and was readmitted to St Lukes Hospital with severe upper abdominal pain. The Doyle family counsel Oonah McCrann SC, instructed by Marian Fogarty of Cantillons Solicitors, said Mr Doyle was a a much loved brother and uncle. Counsel said his condition in the Kilkenny hospital deteriorated and he was transferred to a Dublin hospital. He spent in all 90 days in ICU, but died on June 20th, 2017. Liability admitted Liability was admitted in the case, and the settlement, the terms of which are confidential, was reached after mediation. In a statement outside court, Mr Doyles sister Lillie Collins, who had brought the case against the Health Service Executive (HSE) on behalf of the Doyle family, said it was the familys hope that lessons will be learnt by the hospital regarding delays in treatment of gallstone pancreatitis in patients particularly given the fatal consequences that can occur. She added: We hope our story will spread awareness on this issue as we do not wish another family to go through the harrowing ordeal that we have suffered following the needless loss of our much loved brother. She said her family had been reassured by the Kilkenny hospital that Mr Doyles condition was not serious. She said at later stage noticing his further deterioration they requested he be transferred to a Dublin hospital. Mr Doyles sister Lillie Collins of Dalystown, Loughrea, Co Galway had sued the HSE over the care her brother received at St Lukes General Hospital, Kilkenny after he went there in September 2016. Mr Doyle while on the waiting list for the gallbladder removal collapsed and was admitted back to the Kilkenny hospital on March 7th, 2017 with severe abdominal pain. Diagnosis On the same day he was diagnosed with pancreatitis due to gallstones. Necrotising pancreatitis was diagnosed after a scan later that day. Later his condition deteriorated, and he was admitted to ICU on March 20th, 2017. He was noted to have blurred vision and difficulty sleeping. Two days later he was transferred to a Dublin hospital ICU where he was noted to have necrotising pancreatitis, septic shock and an acute kidney injury. He remained in that hospital ICU and was ventilated, intubated and sedated. On April 22nd, 2017, Mr Doyles haemoglobin was noted to be grossly abnormal and he died two months later on June 20th, 2017. In the proceedings it was claimed there was a there was a failure to follow guidelines for the management of gallstone pancreatitis during Mr Doyles Kilkenny hospital admission in September 2016. It was also claimed there was a failure to carry out the gallbladder removal in September 2016 and another failure to ensure an urgent booking was made in November 2016 for the operation and a failure to ensure it took place within a month of that date. KT&G CEO Baek Bok-in, left, poses with Philip Morris International CEO Jacek Olczak after signing a 15-year contract to supply lil, a lineup of heat-not-burn products, to the multinational tobacco maker at Conrad Hotel in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of KT&G By Kim Jae-heun KT&G, Korea's largest cigarette and red ginseng maker, is expected to generate 31.5 trillion won ($25 billion) in sales abroad through 2037 via a recently renewed business partnership with Philip Morris International (PMI), according to the company and Hanwha Investment & Securities, Tuesday. Under the 15-year partnership extension deal signed on Jan. 30, PMI will market and sell KT&G's heat-not-burn (hnb) products including electronic devices and tobacco sticks and other next-generation products (NGPs) outside Korea. According to Hanwha's report, the annual sales growth of the tobacco firm's NGP business abroad is estimated at 20.6 percent over the next 15 years. Its sales growth of tobacco sticks in the same period is predicted to reach 24 percent under the condition that there will be no changes in the unit price of consumables. PMI guaranteed at least 16 billion KT&G tobacco stick sales from 2023 to 2025 under the contract term. After 2025, the two companies will adjust the sales volume flexibly in accordance with evolving market conditions. "KT&G signed a global partnership contract with PMI, the world's No. 1 tobacco company, in January 2020. Within only two years of our global business entry for hnb products, we have entered 31 countries around the world," said Lim Wang-seop, chief of KT&G's NGP Business Headquarters. "KT&G will continue to strengthen its collaboration with PMI based on the company's innovative devices and rapid product development and become a top-tier player in the fast-growing global NGP market centered on Eurasian countries." He said the firm has established medium- to long-term growth strategies with Boston Consulting Group since the first half of 2022, adding it will invest 1.2 trillion won in the NGP sector in preparation for the rapidly growing e-cigarette market. KT&G is also preparing to increase its sales volume by expanding domestic facilities producing smoke-free products and securing production bases for overseas plants in Kazakhstan and other Eastern Europe countries. The company expects faster improvement of its profit structure after securing tobacco stick production bases abroad. In addition, the company will continue to develop innovative smoking devices following the global trend of preference for smoke-free products over cigarettes. KT&G is seeking to acquire PMTA and MRTP for its new hnb products from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which are certifications approving legal sales of cigarette and e-cigarette products in the United States. The tobacco firm has not yet entered the hnb market in North America, but when it does, it expects the revenue of its global NGP business to grow even more. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. The AlpinSolar project at the Lake Muttsee dam in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland. AlpinSolar Switzerlands longest dam also the highest dam in Europe has now been adorned with nearly 5,000 solar panels. The added solar panels help provide additional energy, particularly during the winter months. The 2.2 megawatt project, called AlpinSolar, will provide about 3.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, with half of that energy provided during the winter. AlpinSolar is expected to generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 700 households, as reported by Electrek. The project is located at the Lake Muttsee dam in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland. Its position more than 2,400 meters above sea level means the site of the project doesnt experience the same amount of fog found at lower altitudes. One of the qualities of alpine solar plants is that especially in winter they produce up to three times more electricity than a comparable facility in the midlands, Jeanette Schranz, communications lead for renewables at Axpo, Swiss energy producer and owner of the AlpinSolar project, said to Reuters. Being surrounded by snowy mountains also helps the solar panels with energy generation in the winter, with the highest energy yields expected in February and March. According to Axpo, solar power plants located above the fog line can produce three times more power than plants in lower altitude residential areas during the winter. AlpinSolar The reflection from the snow also helps and solar panels like the cold and have a higher yield in cooler temperatures, Schranz explained. AlpineSolars construction was completed in 2022 and has already started producing energy. The project is a collaboration between Axpo, Denner, and utility company IWB, with Denner setting up the countrys first power purchase agreement for AlpinSolar. The project used bifacial glass-glass solar modules manufactured by Megasol. Axpo plans to install 4,200 solar energy projects around Switzerland, with AlpinSolar helping the company move toward its goal. In total, Axpo expects to reach a solar capacity of 1.2 gigawatts, enough energy to power more than 300,000 households. With a need to develop another 50 terawatt-hours by 2050, Switzerlands government created urgent amendments last fall to allow for an easier approval process for solar projects along with added subsidies through 2025, or until total annual production reaches 2 terawatt-hours. Switzerlands revisions to the Energy Act are expected to make planning and approvals for solar energy projects more efficient. Poultry association blames large poultry farms in Bangladesh for price hikes of chicken, eggs The Bangladesh Poultry Association said on February 6 that large poultry farms in the country were responsible for the recent hike in prices of broiler chickens and eggs, which badly affected marginal poultry farmers. The association made the allegation at a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in Dhaka. It said that the large farms, being sole producers of poultry feed and broiler chicks, set prices of the two items in their interests. According to Elias Khandkar, general secretary of the BPA, large farms raised the prices of chicks when marginal farmers collected broiler chicks for their farms. Elias said that large farms also produced broiler meat and eggs through contract farmers. Additionally, the farms also sell poultry feed at different prices to contract and marginal farmers, which increases the marginal farmers' production costs. Sumon Hawladar, president of the BPA, said that since the large farms' production costs of broiler chickens and eggs were lower, the farms could sell the products at lower prices. Thus, marginal farmers are forced to sell their products at a losing price, he claimed. He said that many marginal farmers closed their farms due to the high production costs. Out of 1,50,000 farms, around 60,000 farms are now operating business in the country. The BPA urged the government to monitor the market to save marginal farmers as they produce 90% of broiler chickens and eggs in the country. A senior official of CP Bangladesh said that the prices of chicks had increased as the demand for chicks had risen sharply recently with the prices of broiler chickens soaring. "We had to count losses a couple of months ago as the demand was very low then," the official said. "The situation had forced us to sell parent stock at that time. So, the production of chicks is low now, but the demand is high." As for selling poultry feed at different prices, he said that the farm sold feed at a lower rate to contract farmers as they were directly involved with the farm. - New Age Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia, allocates 65 hectares for aquaculture center In a sweeping move to enhance rural development, Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia, has allocated 65 hectares of the state land in Kampong Leng district to establish an aquaculture center under the administration of the provincial Department of Agriculture, according to Kampong Chhnang provincial governor Sun Sovannarith. Sovannarith said: "Kampong Chhnang province now will have a large new aquaculture centre for experimenting with new fish species and productive fish farming methods. The new aquaculture centre will develop the capacity to supply fish to stock the entire province and in those areas around Tonle Sap lake as well. "We will not need to import fish varieties from Vietnam and Thailand anymore. It will be enough to supply those provinces especially to Kampong Chhnang province." Sovannarith added that Kampong Chhnang shows the highest potential in the farm sector due to its rich soil and other geographic advantages. "Right now, we already have many farms in some areas of the province, especially near mountainous areas, but we want to multiply agricultural opportunities for all people everywhere in the province," he said. - Khmer Times San Miguel re-explores Negros Occidental, Philippines, for investment in new feed mill San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is again looking into Negros Occidental, the Philippines, as among the areas in the country to invest in a 21 billion (US$384.1 million) feed mill and poultry related projects, said Govenor Eugenio Jose Lacson last month. The development came after Negros Occidental 1st District Rep. Gerardo Valmayor had a meeting with SMC chief executive officer and president Ramon Ang, Lacson said. Valmayor recently accompanied SMC officials during a courtesy visit to Lacson at the provincial capitol in Bacolod City. According to Lacson, the officials were provided data required for the project, should they eventually decide to invest in Negros Occidental. SMC, through its food and beverage unit, plans to build 12 poultry mega-plants in the Philippines, with each facility able to produce 80 million birds yearly, according to Ang. - The Visayan Daily Star Qatar fund in five-year agreement to expand support of poultry production in Gambia and Sierra Leone The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has signed a five-year, $13 million agreement with World Poultry Foundation (WPF) to expand its flagship programme, the African Poultry Multiplication Initiative (APMI), in The Gambia and Sierra Leone. This new partnership will increase poultry production by up to 200% compared to local indigenous breeds for over 100,000 small-scale producers, significantly increasing household income and nutrition. The director-general of QFFD, Khalifa al-Kuwari, said: "This partnership with WPF and supporting unique programmes such as APMI is a quantum leap in the food security sector, as poultry production systems will not only help resource-poor areas, but will play a massive role in providing livelihood essentials to vulnerable groups and provide households with income and nutritionally rich food sources. "This agreement is a continuation of QFFD's efforts in supporting food security and climate efforts. Last year, Qatar Fund for Development launched Nanmo initiative with Bill & Melinda Gates, investing in climate-adaptive agriculture tools and technologies to build resilient food systems and markets that provide nutrition, income and economic opportunities to small-scale producers in the African communities." The statistics indicate that across Africa, over 70% of smallholder farmers rear poultry, 80% of whom are women. These farmers often need access to high-quality poultry, balanced feed, technical training, access to financial services and efficient market linkages to realise a profitable poultry operation. Since 2017, WPF has been involved in developing and implementing the APMI. The programme has supported the distribution of 97.5 million day-old chicks, registered over 13,000 new Brooder Units and reached nearly 2.4 million small-scale producers in Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The APMI programme works with private sector partners to incentivise developing markets in hard-to-reach rural areas where high-quality inputs are otherwise inaccessible. - Gulf Times Chinese envoy calls for early end to Ukraine crisis Xinhua) 10:49, February 07, 2023 UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Monday called on all parties to the Ukraine crisis to work toward an early end to the conflict. "China once again calls on relevant parties to bear in mind the interest of the people, strive to promote peace, and try every possible way to push parties to the conflict to resume peace talks and end the war at an early date," Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told the Security Council briefing on the humanitarian issue of Ukraine. The envoy said that over the past year since the Ukraine crisis broke out, the humanitarian situation there "has always tugged at our heartstrings," adding that conflicts on the ground show no signs of easing up, the logic of military solution still prevails, and a large number of heavy weapons keep pouring into the battlefields. "The international community deplores the humanitarian cost of the conflict. But the parties concerned lack the sincerity to promote peace talks and the determination to resolve the issue politically," he said. "At a time when armed conflicts still persist, priority should be given to humanitarian issues," he said. The ambassador underscored that China has always stressed that parties to the conflict must abide by international humanitarian law, adhere to the humanitarian bottom line of respecting life, refrain from attacking civilians and civilian facilities, and ensure the safe evacuation of personnel and the delivery of humanitarian relief. "We appreciate the enormous work by international humanitarian agencies and neighboring countries to ease the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, especially the help given to vulnerable groups such as refugees and displaced persons," he said. "We encourage the international community to continue to uphold the humanitarian spirit, scale up the relief to all affected people, and speed up the repair of civilian infrastructure, in order to mitigate the impact of the conflict on people's lives," added Dai. Turning to the safety and security of nuclear facilities, the envoy said that that any accident can result in humongous humanitarian and ecological catastrophe. "China calls for an immediate stop of shelling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, earnest implementation of the seven pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security proposed by the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and maximum efforts to stop the conflict from escalating to a nuclear crisis," he said. "We welcome the fact that the IAEA has sent experts to all nuclear power facilities in Ukraine, and appreciate the agency's efforts to ensure the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear facilities," said the envoy. "We support the agency's efforts to remain engaged with Russia and Ukraine on the issue of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plan, so as to reach meaningful arrangements acceptable to both sides as soon as possible," he added. He said that on issues related to global food, energy, and financial security, all parties concerned should demonstrate their humanitarian responsibilities, and manage and control the spillover effect of the crisis in a responsible manner. "In an era of increasing integration and globalization, willful sanctions and artificial blocking of the flow of industrial and supply chains will only exacerbate the rippling effect of the crisis, and inflict heavy cost on the whole world, especially developing countries," the ambassador said. "The continued implementation of the Black Sea grain initiative is of great significance to expanding food supply and stabilizing global food prices," said Dai, adding that at the same time, "we also hope to see practical results in removing obstacles to Russia's grain and fertilizer exports. And we support the UN in stepping up its coordination role." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech at a Spring Festival reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 20. Xinhua-Yonhap China's President Xi Jinping sent his condolences to Turkish and Syrian leaders on Monday after a devastating earthquake hit their countries, killing thousands of people. Xi told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in separate messages he was "shocked" to learn of the disaster, state broadcaster CCTV reported. He also conveyed "deep condolences for the dead and sincere sympathy for their families as well as for the injured", it said. The 7.8-magnitude night-time tremor wiped out entire sections of major Turkish cities in a region filled with millions of people who have fled the civil war in Syria and other conflicts. People wait as emergency personnel search for victims at the site of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Iskenderun district of Hatay, Turkey, Feb. 6. EPA-Yonhap Can TikTok convince the US its not a national security threat? TikTok is hoping a new push for "transparency" will help secure its future in the United States. TikTok is, once again, facing an uncertain future. The company has spent the last two years quietly negotiating with US government officials in order to avoid an outright ban. But that process has now stalled, and calls for a ban have only intensified. Next month, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will testify at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, his first Congressional appearance. Many lawmakers have called for a more sweeping ban, and will likely quiz Chew about TikToks alleged risks to national security, and its parent companys Chinese ownership. TikTok has long denied that its a threat, and downplays its ties to China. But now the company is also trying a new tactic to prove it has nothing to hide: its Transparency and Accountability Center. The company first introduced the idea in 2020, but the actual facility didnt open until recently due to COVID-related delays. Last week, the company took a handful of reporters on a tour of the center as part of a new charm offensive as it tries to fend off regulators and the looming prospect of more bans in the United States. Karissa Bell / Engadget The first thing you notice when you walk in is that, despite being dedicated to transparency, there are no windows in the space, which is housed in an office park near TikToks Culver City US HQ. Instead, visitors are greeted with neon-lit signs and big, interactive displays dedicated to explaining various aspects of the app. Subscribe to the Engadget Deals Newsletter Great deals on consumer electronics delivered straight to your inbox, curated by Engadgets editorial team. See latest Subscribe Please enter a valid email address Please select a newsletter By subscribing, you are agreeing to Engadget's Terms and Privacy Policy. The company hopes visitors will walk away with a better understanding of how the app operates and, perhaps, less suspicion. We really do understand the critique that big media, big tech, plays as it relates to how algorithms work, how moderation policies work and the data flows of the systems, says TikTok COO Vanessa Pappas. A lot of these are unprecedented levels of transparency that we're providing. What youll actually learn by touring the center, though, largely depends on how much you already know about TikTok when you walk in the door. Its primarily dedicated to explaining the apps content moderation policies, and how it handles recommendations, both of which have been heavily scrutinized. There are two interactive exhibits: a moderation station, where visitors can play the role of a TikTok content moderator, and another room thats meant to demystify the apps vaunted recommendation algorithm. In the moderation room, you can watch sample videos presented in an interface similar to what TikToks actual content moderators see and try your hand at judging which ones violate the apps rules. Meanwhile, the room next door is dedicated to the algorithm. Its more of an illustrated FAQ that offers fairly broad explanations to high-level questions about how the app recommends content. The content is more detailed than TikToks extremely vague in-app explanations, but thats not saying much. For example, under the heading What information does TikTok use to create personalized experiences? it explains that users interactions with content are tracked to inform the underlying recommendation model. That might be useful info if you know nothing about how algorithms work, but it doesnt tell you very much about TikTok. Each explanation is also accompanied by a visualization and a snippet of simulated code the company tightly controls who can view the apps actual source code to illustrate whats happening at various stages of the recommendations process. But again, this felt like it was more designed for people who know nothing about TikTok rather than those who are trying to understand the nuances of its algorithm. There is a space at the transparency center, a server room behind a neon "LATC" sign, where auditors can enter and after heavy security dig into TikTok's actual source code. But the vast majority of visitors to the center will never make into that room. Overall, I can see how the tour might be a worthwhile exercise for lawmakers, who too often show they know shockingly little about how the internet works. But it also feels a bit performative, and I cant help but remember Facebooks infamous war room tour, when it invited reporters to visit a conference room dedicated to safeguarding elections only to shut it down a month later. To be clear, TikTok does intend for the transparency center to be a permanent fixture. And the company plans to open more of them in other locations around the world. But while these facilities may help Boomer lawmakers and regulators understand what TikTok is, Im not sure they will be able to dispel the perception that there's something else, something more secretive, going on within the company. Its one thing to illustrate how TikToks algorithm works at a high level, but its another to prove that something isnt happening. Karissa Bell / Engadget Its notable, then, that TikToks Transparency Center doesnt address some of the biggest concerns that have been raised about TikToK: its relationship with parent company Bytedance and whether the Chinese government could somehow take advantage of the relationship to advance its interests. If you fundamentally distrust the autocratic Chinese government, and how it uses its relationship with large Chinese-based corporations to extend its influence around the world, then all the promises TikTok can pile up are not going to completely allay your anxiety about TikTok, Paul Barrett, the deputy director of NYU's Stern Center for Business and Human Rights, told Engadget. TikTok does, however, have a plan to address government concerns that it could be a national security threat. The company has been locked in negotiations with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) for more than two years over its future in the US. And it struck a deal with Oracle last year to safeguard US user data as part of this effort, known as Project Texas, to reassure US officials. Until now, TikTok has been fairly tight-lipped about Project Texas and its dealings with CFIUS. But now that those talks have stalled despite TikTok claiming its addressed every concern raised by regulators the company has been cautiously sharing more details about its arrangements with Oracle. Reporters who attended the tour were given an overview of the plan, but were asked not to directly quote the executives who described it. Central to the plan is a new US subsidiary called TikTok US Data Security (USDS), which will have an independent board of CFIUS-approved directors with national security and cybersecurity backgrounds. On the TikTok side, there will be two executives running the US subsidiary, who will report to the board. TikTok Meanwhile, all US user data will be housed within Oracles Cloud infrastructure with strict controls to prevent unauthorized access and to keep most data from leaving. (Some data about what US users are doing will inevitably have to leave in order to, for example, allow people to interact with content and users from other countries.) Oracle will also review TikToks entire source code, as will a separate, outside auditor. Future app updates will also be inspected by Oracle, which will take over responsibility for sending updates to the app stores. Oracle will also monitor TikToks recommendation algorithm and content moderation systems. The US government, via CFIUS, will continue to have visibility and oversight into what USDS is doing on an ongoing basis. TikTok says they are confident these steps address every issue thats been raised about what TikTok could potentially be doing. Executives also point out that the company has already dedicated an astonishing amount of money $1.5 billion and resources to Project Texas. If all thats good enough for CFIUS, they say, it should be good enough for Congress. Whether lawmakers will be satisfied with any scenario that allows TikTok to operate in the United States without being fully divested from ByteDance, though, remains to be seen. They [TikTok] can make all of these arrangements, and put in place all these safeguards, almost to infinity, Barrett says. And it's not clear to me that that would satisfy China hawks in the United States. Thats partly because TikTok is a convenient punching bag for lawmakers who want to appear tough on China. But there are also legitimate reasons to be concerned about TikTok. ByteDance recently fired four employees who accessed the personal data of an American journalist who had reported on the company. TikTok also has a history of taking, at best, a heavy handed approach to content moderation that some have equated with censorship favorable to the Chinese government. According to TikTok, Project Texas will ensure neither scenario can happen again. But the fact that it already has will undoubtedly lead to further questions about just how deep the companys commitment to transparency and accountability really is. All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices are correct at the time of publishing. Microsoft's oft-forgotten search engine is about to get a new lease on life. As expected, the tech giant announced on Tuesday that it is partnering with OpenAI to enhance Bing with the company's AI technology. However, Microsoft also had a surprise up its sleeve: the next release of Bing will feature a new next-generation large language model the company claims is "much more powerful" than ChatGPT and designed specifically to excel at search. Underpinning the search engine is a new proprietary technology Microsoft is calling the Prometheus Model. Among the benefits of Prometheus are more relevant search results. Microsoft claims the model will also make using Bing safer and allow the company to update search results more quickly. Microsoft The new Bing offers a chat function and an expanded search bar that allows you to input up to a thousand characters. In one demo Microsoft showed off during its event, Yusuf Mehdi, the company's consumer chief marketing officer, asked Bing to compare the most influential Mexican artists and their best-known paintings. Bing displayed its response in a new side panel that featured annotations and weblinks. Later, Mehdi asked the search engine to compare three pet vacuums while listing the pros and cons of each model. Mehdi said Bing could also help with questions where there might not be a precise answer. That said, in instances where Bing doesn't know the answer to a query, the search engine will still try to point you to useful information. Microsoft is also adding a button to allow users to share feedback on the search engine's new functionality. "I think of this as Search with your own personal helper," Mehdi said. The chat feature is there for when you want to use the generative capabilities of OpenAI's technology. For example, say you want to start planning a trip to Hawaii. You can ask Bing to create a five-day itinerary for you. In its response, the search engine will include links to accommodations, flights and things you can do on the islands. The new Bing is available to preview starting today. Microsoft says anyone can visit Bing.com to try a few sample queries and sign up for the company's waitlist. "Were going to scale the preview to millions in the coming weeks," Microsoft said. A mobile preview is coming soon as well. In the face of so much ChatGPT news and buzz, Google announced on Monday its own chatbot AI project, Bard, will be unveiled with more details at Wednesday's Google Presents event in Paris. Bard will serve as an "experimental conversational AI service," according to a blog post by Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Monday. It uses Google's existing Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA) platform, which the company has been developing for the past two years. However, it wont be open to everyone, like ChatGPT currently is, which ruins the hype a little. Google is starting with a lightweight version of LaMDA, open to a select group of trusted users before scaling up. "Well combine external feedback with our own internal testing to make sure Bards responses meet a high bar for quality, safety and groundedness in real-world information," Pichai said. As well get into below, its a busy time for OpenAIs chatbot tech. Microsoft has a surprise event later today, and that AI-generated Seinfeld stream (based on OpenAIs GPT-3 Davinci model) was banned from Twitch. Mat Smith The biggest stories you might have missed Subscribe to the Engadget Deals Newsletter Great deals on consumer electronics delivered straight to your inbox, curated by Engadgets editorial team. See latest Subscribe Please enter a valid email address Please select a newsletter By subscribing, you are agreeing to Engadget's Terms and Privacy Policy. The $550 peripheral will arrive on February 22nd. Sony Sony has published a lengthy FAQ for all things PS VR2. Its promised more than 30 games to choose from during the launch window, defined as the first month from the release date. Among those are Horizon Call of the Mountain (a VR spin-off of the Horizon games) and VR modes for Resident Evil Village and Gran Turismo 7, which will both be free for folks who already own them. As youve probably already heard, original PS VR games wont play on PS VR2. However, several developers have created PS VR2 versions of existing games and some are offering free upgrades. Unlike with PS VR, you don't need to plug in a camera to your PS5 to use PS VR2. You can, however, film yourself while playing by connecting a PS5 HD Camera. Continue reading. Microsoft may show just how cozy it's getting with OpenAI. Microsoft isnt going to let Google get the jump on the AI chatbot buzz. It has an event today, at 1 PM ET. The company is keeping tightlipped, but it's expected to show its integration of ChatGPT into Bing and other uses of the conversational AI technology. Microsoft first invested in OpenAI in 2019 and backed the startup again in 2021. Last month, it committed to a "multibillion-dollar" deal unofficially believed to be worth $10 billion over several years. Microsoft has had some misses with chatbots in the past hopefully, this will be different. Does this mean Ill actually start using Bing? Continue reading. Whered everybody go? the Jerry character asked after a transphobic rant. Twitch Twitch has banned Nothing, Forever, the AI-generated Seinfeld stream, for at least 14 days following a transphobic and homophobic outburst. Its the latest example of hate in, hate out when AI chatbots are trained on offensive content without adequate moderation. As reported by Vice, during one of the recent AI-scripted standup acts, the Seinfeld counterpart suggested being transgender is a mental illness. In what almost seemed like an awareness of the materials offensiveness, the AI comedian quickly added, But no one is laughing, so Im going to stop. Thanks for coming out tonight. See you next time. Whered everybody go? Continue reading. The app will flag more examples of harmful language, too. Tinder is rolling out some new safety features and updates in time for Valentine's Day. Users will now be able to take advantage of an incognito mode, which Tinder says is a "step up" from hiding your profile completely. Only folks you Like will see you in their recommendations. In addition, you can block profiles that pop up in your suggestions, which could mitigate some awkwardness if you spot an ex or someone else from your life. Continue reading. Members of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade (Azov Unit) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fire 152 mm howitzer 2A65 Msta-B near Bahmut in Donetsk region, Ukraine, Monday. Reuters-Yonhap Switzerland is close to breaking with centuries of tradition as a neutral state, as a pro-Ukraine shift in the public and political mood puts pressure on the government to end a ban on exports of Swiss weapons to war zones. Buyers of Swiss arms are legally prevented from re-exporting them, a restriction that some representing the country's large weapons industry say is now hurting trade. Calls from Switzerland's European neighbors to allow such transfers to Kyiv have meanwhile grown louder as Russia's assault intensifies, and parliament's two security committees recommended that the rules be eased accordingly. Lawmakers are divided on the issue. "We want to be neutral, but we are part of the western world," said Thierry Burkart, leader of the center-right FDP party, who has submitted a motion to the government to allow arms re-exports to countries with similar democratic values to Switzerland. Under Swiss neutrality, which dates back to 1815 and is enshrined by treaty in 1907, Switzerland will not send weapons directly or indirectly to combatants in a war. It operates a separate embargo on arms sales to Ukraine and Russia. Third countries can in theory apply to Bern to re-export Swiss weapons they have in their stocks, but permission is almost always denied. "We shouldn't have the veto to stop others helping Ukraine. If we do that, we support Russia which is not a neutral position," Burkart told Reuters. "Other countries want to support Ukraine and do something for the security and stability of Europe... They cannot understand why Switzerland has to say no." Increasing numbers of Swiss voters agree. A survey by pollsters Sotomo published on Sunday showed 55 percent of respondents favor allowing weapons re-exports to Ukraine. "If we had asked this question before the war..., the response would have probably been less than 25 percent. Talking about changing neutrality was a taboo in the past," Lukas Golder, co-director of pollsters GFS-Bern, told Reuters. The government under pressure from abroad after rejecting German and Danish requests for permission to re-export Swiss armored vehicles and ammunition for anti-aircraft tanks - said it would not prejudge parliamentary discussions. Bern "adheres to the existing legal framework.. and will deal with the proposals in due course," said a spokesman for the Department of Economic Affairs, which oversees arms-related trade issues. Burkart said he had received positive signals on a law change from other parties in the fragmented legislature. The left-leaning Social Democrats say they are in favor of changes, as are the Green Liberals, although the Greens remain opposed. Green MP Marionna Schlatter said allowing weapon deliveries to Ukraine risked a "slippery slope" towards ending all restrictions, and was incompatible with Switzerland's neutrality. Meanwhile the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), the lower house's largest party and traditionally staunch defenders of neutrality, now appears divided. "Allowing arms shipments to a country involved in an armed conflict is ... destroying the basis of peace and prosperity in our country," said SVP lawmaker David Zuberbueler. SVP member Werner Salzmann, who sits in the upper parliamentary house, disagrees, raising concerns in the Aargauer Zeitung daily about collateral damage to a Swiss defense industry that also backs the campaign for a law change. The sector, which includes multinationals Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall, sold 800 million Swiss francs' ($876 million) worth of armaments abroad in 2021 according to government data, putting it in the global top 15 of exporter nations. Having a strong arms industry has gone hand in hand with the tradition of neutrality, but the balance of this duality may now be under threat, industry association SwissMem said. "Some of our members have lost contracts or are no longer investing in Switzerland because of the current restrictions," said SwissMem director Stefan Brupbacher. "Our current situation weakens our security policy..., hampers the credibility of our foreign policy and damages our companies," he said. "It's time to change." (Reuters) February 7, 2023 By Ben Weingarten , RealClearInvestigationsFebruary 7, 2023 Amalgamated Bank, with just five branches across three cities, and a market value lower than the net worth of many an individual hedge fund honcho, would seem an unlikely mover and shaker in the world of Wall Street, let alone Washington, D.C. Yet last fall, it successfully pressured colossal credit card companies Visa, Mastercard, and American Express to use the financial system to track and report gun purchases. Amalgamated is more than a bank, says Michael Watson of the Capital Research Center. Its a bank for an ideological movement. This ideological bank holds $7 billion in deposits and manages or maintains custody of some $51 billion. And while that sounds like a great deal of money, it pales in comparison to financial institutions such as JP Morgan, with its $2.4 trillion in deposits, or the $8.6 trillion in assets managed by BlackRock. But Amalgamateds outsized influence doesnt flow from the size of its coffers. Rather, its explained by its role as cue to the wider corporate world given the major sources of that money the Democratic Party, progressive activist groups, and major labor unions. During political election cycles, such as at the end of the third quarter of 2022, upwards of $1 billion or 17% of Amalgamateds total deposits come from Democratic campaigns, political action committees, and state and national party committees. Amalgamated is the commercial banker for the Democratic National Committee, along with Joe Biden and virtually every other 2020 presidential contender, and congressional leaders like Rep. Nancy Pelosi. All told, Amalgamated serves more than 500 political organizations in addition to adjacent groups such as Color of Change and the Sierra Club. As the New York Times said of Amalgamated, it is the lefts private banker. The bank also works side-by-side with more than 1,000 unions, including the nations second largest union overall, the Service Employees International Union alongside other behemoth government employee unions including the United Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. [Y]ou might see us out there walking with picketing workers, to whom Amalgamated provides strike loans, the company notes. The bulk of Amalgamateds trust and investment management business comes from institutional clients, including union pension funds. Amalgamateds unusual position and nature distinguish it from other financial institutions that have embraced the Environmental Social and Governance movement (ESG), such as BlackRock and JP Morgan. Its deep ties to the Democratic Party and its support for liberal and leftist political causes may make it a new model for how progressive corporations, politicians, and activists can work together to push favored causes outside the political process. Richard Morrison, senior fellow at the conservative Competitive Enterprise Institute, said Amalgamated can, at a minimum, serve as an example for other managers and CEOs who want to make their mark as the most enlightened players at the next big management conference or World Economic Forum annual meeting. As an admiring Andrew Ross Sorkin, the New York Times financial journalist, put it in a July 2022 conversation with Amalgamated CEO Priscilla Sims-Brown, Were at quite a moment, and your bank is a microcosm of so much of it. Taking Socialism to the Bank Amalgamated has deep progressive roots. It was founded in 1923 by and for the socialist textile laborers of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, and remains 41%-owned by their successor affiliate, Workers United, an affiliate of the powerful SEIU. Over the decades, it has amassed an almost exclusively progressive client base to pursue a progressive mission. Its business positions the financial institution at the vanguard in terms of ESG-aligned policy recommendations, according to CEIs Morrison. Amalgamateds inherently political assets may help explain how it became a lightning rod in the ESG wars likely to intensify under a GOP-controlled House. Amalgamateds business flows naturally from its mission to promote social and environmental justice in-line with stockholder return, which is codified in its corporate structure as the first publicly traded financial institution to organize as a public benefit corporation. Embodying the tenets of ESG, this designation alerts shareholders that the company will seek to promote social and environmental justice in-line with stockholder return." The banks mission is personified by management, such as former CEO Keith Mestrich, previously the CFO of SEIU. Mestrich accelerated Amalgamateds drive into political banking over the last decade alongside several former Obama administration officials-turned-financial executives. Amalgamateds mission can be seen in the companys internal policies, which include hiring formerly incarcerated workers, covering employees travel costs when seeking out-of-state abortions, and raising its minimum wage to $20 per hour, a first for any bank. It is also reflected in Amalgamateds position as the financial partner of the charitable Amalgamated Foundation, whose coffers have swelled, fueling its tens of millions of dollars in grants to progressive causes of the kind supported by the bank. Targeting Guns Like other progressive asset managers, Amalgamated also engages in shareholder activism, leveraging the power of the shares it holds on behalf of clients to compel corporations to pursue the banks favored policies. The Capital Research Center reports that Amalgamated has filed shareholder resolutions with the likes of Amazon, Lowes, PayPal, Netflix, and Smith & Wesson, on everything from board diversity to greenhouse gas emissions to political spending and lobbying alongside union affiliates. It also litigates against companies that violate its principles. Amalgamated has been especially active in promoting anti-gun efforts. The initiative that landed the bank on the radar of congressional Republicans was originally advocated by Sorkin. In 2018, following several mass shootings, the Times columnist suggested that banks and credit card processors develop gun retailer-specific merchant category codes (MCCs). When one makes a purchase with a card issued by American Express, Mastercard, or Visa, such transactions are reported to the payment brand with a code that can be used to track a customers activities. If the credit card companies and banks agreed, they could come up with a series of subcodes that would identify retailers that sold guns under a best practices policy like the policy that Citigroup proposed [restricting gun sales by its clients] and the ones that dont, Sorkin said. It would give banks that issue credit cards the opportunity to decide which retailers they wanted to associate with [and] might add pressure on gun retailers to voluntarily follow the best practices route. In July 2021, Amalgamated took up the cause, petitioning the relevant code-blessing International Organization for Standardization, to create a new credit card code covering standalone gun and ammunition retail stores. Months later in October 2021, Senate and House Democrats took up companion bills directing Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to collect information from financial institutions to develop an advisory regarding the reporting of suspicious transactions related to gun violence. Sen. Elizabeth Warren co-sponsored the Senate legislation. The bills languished, but a new Gun Violence Prevention Caucus convened by Senate Democrats is poised to introduce it again this term. The International Organization for Standardization would reject Amalgamateds petition that same October, and deny its appeal in February 2022 reportedly amid opposition from the major payment brands, whose representatives serve within the group. In June 2022, Amalgamated would apply again. The brands continued to disapprove of the petition. But in September 2022 that all changed. That month, congressional Democrats led by Sen. Warren sent a letter, endorsed by Amalgamated, to leading payment brand CEOs, urging the companies to get behind the petition, and questioning why they were obstructing Amalgamateds effort. Notably, Amalgamated had banked several of the signatories campaigns during the 2022 campaign cycle, including that of the Massachusetts senator. The standardization body relented, and the major credit card companies adopted the code. Bank president Sims Brown declared victory. The new code will allow us to fully comply with our duty to report suspicious activity and illegal gun sales to authorities without blocking or impeding legal gun sales, she said. Neither Amalgamated nor Sen. Warrens office responded to RealClearInvestigations inquiries. The parties have never publicly discussed any coordination they might have engaged in with respect to the anti-firearms credit card push. Sorkin, who also did not respond to RCIs inquiries about his activism, wrote that the creation of the code is only the beginning of a broader gun control effort, urging retailers to assign the code to specific registers so payment brands could identify gun-specific purchases, and calling on financial companies to develop algorithms to identify suspicious activity and report it to authorities. Republican senators wrote in a subsequent letter that the code aimed to target, surveil and discourage gun and ammunition sellers. They added: Your actions were a major step toward targeting law-abiding Americans exercising their right to purchase firearms. House Financial Services Committee Republicans argued in a separate letter that There is a serious risk this new MCC will be abused with every transaction flagged as suspicious. At a minimum, monitoring the firearms seller MCC poses a serious risk of circumventing important existing legal restrictions on the creation of a firearm registry. The Firearm Industry Trade Association characterized the code as a stepping stone to watchlists and bans. Sims Brown has dismissed these concerns. Climate Collusion Amalgamated has also taken a leading role in the financial services industrys push to use its market power to drive the green agenda. In April 2021, the bank reported it had helped launch the Net Zero Banking Alliance. The financial sub-group of a broader, United Nations-backed coalition consists of 119 banks with $70 trillion in assets who have committed to aligning their lending and investment portfolios with net-zero emissions by 2050. Last October, attorneys general representing 19 states revealed they were investigating six major U.S. banks over their participation in the alliance excluding Amalgamated. Then-Missouri Attorney General, now Senator Eric Schmitt, a Republican, said that the states were probing the banks for ceding authority to the U.N., which will only result in the killing of American companies that dont subscribe to the woke, climate agenda. RCI contacted the offices of several attorneys general leading the probe to ask if Amalgamated had become a subject of their investigation given its role in the alliance. The Missouri AGs office replied that it had no comment, as the investigation was pending. Amalgamated has also submitted input on, and formally endorsed, relevant regulations proposed by the Biden SEC, such as its controversial proposed climate risk disclosure rule. Amalgamated was the sole banker for the Biden presidential campaign. In October 2021, prior to the release of the proposed climate rule, Amalgamateds chief sustainability officer participated in a meeting alongside like-minded executives with SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, according to Genslers public calendar. Neither Amalgamated nor the SEC responded to RCIs request for information about that meeting. The SEC has been slow to respond to RCIs related FOIA requests. Oversight Incoming? With the Senate in Democrats hands, it is unclear if Republican leaders on the Banking and Judiciary Committees who had put Amalgamated on notice last fall for their gun control push will follow through. Their offices did not respond to RCIs inquiries or would not speak on the record regarding their oversight plans. Like their Senate counterparts, House Financial Services Committee Republicans were tight-lipped when RCI inquired about any pending Amalgamated probe. A spokesperson for GOP Congressman Andy Barr referred RCI to the press release announcing his chairmanship for the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy. House Republicans in their initial missive to Amalgamated indicated they were keen to understand the extent of the banks coordination with activist groups in its credit card code push. Some critics argue that Amalgamateds extraordinary business model leveraging money from Democrats and unions, including those of public sector employees, to pursue policies often championed by those very clients creates novel conflicts. Morrison told RCI that to the extent Amalgamated has clients who are policymakers they should be scrutinized over whether the progressive policy changes theyre lobbying for will benefit them and whether their influential clients exerted any influence to make such changes happen. He added, however, that If other corporations can lobby for lower corporate tax rates, Amalgamated can lobby for gun control measures. Richard Painter, the Republican-turned-Democrat former chief legal ethics officer of the George W. Bush administration, said that banks should coordinate with politicians on relevant issues, citing for example a hypothetical effort to collaborate on cracking down on Chinese money laundering in the financial system. Though there is little to indicate that Amalgamateds pursuit of progressive causes is disingenuous or rooted primarily in a desire to curry favor with Democrats in ways that will redound to the banks bottom line, Painter expressed a general concern that banks often take such positions for the kind of self-serving reasons Morrison raised. Citing Wall Streets progressive posture on social issues, and now indicted crypto-currency entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Frieds championing of similar causes, Painter said these guys, they go left to support the Democrats, do a lot for them, and then behind the scenes they're looking for less regulation and they do whatever they want in the financial services sector. Painter asserted that political banking of the kind Amalgamated engages in is perfectly legal provided a bank does not offer politicians services at below-market rates or coordinate with their campaigns in its political activism, which would raise campaign finance red flags. Others with whom RCI spoke expressed concerns about whether Amalgamateds ESG-oriented activism undermined the financial interests of its clients by dampening their returns which could impact taxpayers if Amalgamated is managing public sector union money. As a general matter, said Terrence Keeley, a former BlackRock executive and proponent of impact investing critical of ESG investing as currently practiced, Politics and finance should be like church and state as far as possible from one another. Amalgamated has violated that tenet, but the market hasnt seemed to mind. Its stock is near an all-time high, notwithstanding potential congressional scrutiny, and a slew of recent executive resignations regulatory issues preventing an acquisition, a big reclassification of assets, and a large share sale by one of Amalgamateds major investors -- signs of potential peril highlighted by one bearish observer. Rep. Amy Regier, R-Kalispell, closes on HB 303 on the House Floor on Feb. 6, 2023. (Photo by Nicole Girten/Daily Montanan) House Bill 303, which would allow medical professionals to refuse medical service based on conscience, passed second reading 65-35 in the House on Monday. Id like my health care provider to have a conscience, said Rep. Steve Gunderson, R-Libby, in support of the bill. Sponsor Rep. Amy Regier, R-Kalispell, said on the floor that the bill, which will need to pass third reading before heading to the Senate, was aimed not at particular persons, but at procedures, as she had in committee. She listed objections concerning lifestyle, elective procedures and treatments, like assisted suicide, gene editing, dispensing marijuana or opioids and abortion. However, several Democrats spoke in opposition to the bill, the first being Rep. Zooey Zephyr, D- Missoula, the first trans woman elected to the statehouse who serves on the House Judiciary Committee where the bill was heard last week. Medical professionals and organizations had opposed it in committee. Zephyr said Regiers characterization the bill was focused on procedures and not people doesnt accurately reflect its broad language, including definitions for health care service that span from research to any service performed or provided by a medical practitioner. Zephyr spoke to the impact the bill could have on the trans community, as she and advocates did in committee. She said that the likely consequence would be denial will be based on diagnosis. That is inherently discriminatory, because you cannot parse my diagnoses from who I am, she said. To deny me based on my diagnosis of gender dysphoria is to deny me based on my being a trans woman. Proponents said the bill allows medical professionals to live their values, with Regier citing it as a way to help retain healthcare workers in the state. Rep. Jerry Schillinger, R-Circle, said in an oftentimes profit driven world, healthcare providers who hold traditional values need protection. Rep. Laura Smith, D-Helena, said she was rising in opposition to the bill due to the impact on parental rights. She said parents would have less ability to advocate for family members in the hospital, giving the example of a family advocating for an unconscious patient where medical staff initially denied a procedure to help her breathe due to concerns over suffering. In Smiths telling, the young girl made a full recovery after the family pushed for care. I think we all have to be honest with ourselves that this is not something that couldnt fall upon any of us in our lives, our kids or our grandkids, Smith said. Rising as a proponent, Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe, R-Billings, said her healthcare provider stopped providing service to her after a vote she had taken during the 2021 session on wolves. And even though it was a blow to me, because I really did like the healthcare I was getting from her, I really do believe that she has the right to not to give me care if she believes that strongly, she said. Her oath of do no harm, she can no longer uphold that if thats what she believed in. The post Bill that would allow medical professionals to deny care based on conscience clears hurdle in House appeared first on Daily Montanan. The Montana state Capitol in Helena on Jan. 2, 2023. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan) Rep. Gary Parry, R-Colstrip, voted with a committee majority to table a bill that tried to revise labor laws despite, he said, being threatened with retaliation if he failed to support it. I grew up fighting back the bullies, and I dont buckle under bully tactics, Parry said in a brief interview Monday after the meeting. Parry said he boxed for 14 years, grew up in a tough environment, and he also wrestled and played rugby. He said more than one person had threatened him over the bill, which was heavily criticized by union leaders. However, he declined to specify how many people had threatened him, who they were, or the threats made. Its resolved, and were not going there, Parry said. Monday, the House State Administration Committee voted 17-1 to table the bill, sponsored by Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings. Rep. Bob Phalen, R-Lindsay, was the only vote against tabling it. As proposed, the bill would have required public employers to alert employees every year they arent required to join a union, although Mercer said he had crafted an amendment to remove the annual requirement. At least a couple of committee members said they had received many comments opposing it, although Rep. Marta Bertoglio, R-Clancy, said she had received some in support, too. Even though lawmakers stopped the proposal from moving forward, at least some, including Parry and Chairperson Rep. Julie Dooling, R-Townsend, said they werent pleased with either proponents or opponents. In part, the bill said a public employee isnt required to pay dues in order to keep their job already in practice in Montana, according to opponents and it outlined the way employers could collect dues. But Dooling noted five years after the U.S. Supreme Court said unions cant charge fees of non-members, many labor contracts in Montana still include language contrary to the decision. That is disgusting to me, Dooling said. She also said she heard from one state employee who told her he wanted to leave his union but was told he would be a freeloader if he did. Additionally, Dooling said the Montana Association of Counties requested support for the bill because many commissioners dont believe the Supreme Courts decision in Janus v. State, County and Municipal Employees is being enforced. At the same time, Dooling said maybe HB 216 wasnt the right bill for the job. But I think we all realize that something needs to be done, Dooling said. Parry said the unions have some work to do given the outdated clauses in the contract. (At the hearing for the bill in testimony in support of it, a lobbyist for the Freedom Foundation pointed out contracts are not in compliance, and the Montana Federation of Public Employees deputy then sent a note to all staff as the meeting was underway requesting they fix those contracts. The Freedom Foundation works in part to encourage workers to opt out of unions, which it alleges have ripped off workers.) In committee, Rep. Gregory Frazer, R-Deer Lodge, said he was definitely opposed to this bill, and it would affect many of his constituents. (He disclosed that hes a union member himself.) The argument people dont understand their union contracts and need help didnt resonate with him he said his mortgage contract is way more complicated. He also said the lack of any proponents from the labor side was a clear sign the bill was a problem. Its just bad policy, Frazer said. Tabled bills may be revived. After the hearing, Mercer said he didnt know if he would continue his push for similar legislation given the committees vote against the bill but also concern about compliance with Janus. The post Montana legislative committee tables bill unions opposed; lawmaker said he was threatened appeared first on Daily Montanan. A student from Capital High School testifies in opposition to Senate Bill 235 on Feb. 6, 2023. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan) Several Montana middle- and high-school students said Monday that a lawmaker did not correctly interpret scientific theory and that his bill would ban common theories, like gravity, from being taught in schools hampering their education and futures in STEM fields. They, along with several award-winning Montana science teachers and representatives from the Board of Public Education and other organizations, testified in opposition to Sen. Daniel Emrichs Senate Bill 235 in its first hearing Monday at the Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee. The bill from the Great Falls Republican seeks to create a new portion of law that states that all science education may not include subject matter that is not scientific fact. It would also have school boards review all science materials to be sure they only use scientific fact in a strictly enforced and narrowly interpreted fashion. Further, starting in July 2025, it would allow parents to appeal a boards alleged lack of compliance to a county superintendent and the superintendent of the Office of Public Instruction. However, teachers and students said his bill was little more than a threat to public education and the STEM or science, technology, engineering and math community, as well as a poor measure to consider when Montana is trying to recruit more teachers, not lose them. Most of the hearing centered on educators, students and public education officials telling Emrich that his bills interpretation of what a scientific fact is an indisputable and repeatable observation of a natural phenomenon, as it states was not how the scientific community judges theory and fact. Science is an ongoing process, and as we continue to question and learn more about our world, the evidence that makes up a theory is added to it. Science education has a responsibility to teach the young people of Montana the true process of science, said Kimberly Popham, who teaches AP biology and forensic science at Belgrade High School. If we dont teach our students what a scientific theory is, and how we got them, and how it differs from other theories, and that its always going to be supported by empirical evidence, we will be doing them a disservice, she added. Only one proponent of the measure testified a man who said he had a law degree and was teaching in South Korea. More than 20 opponents spoke at the hearing. Rob Jensen, a former Hellgate High School teacher who won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science in 2019, said he was not exaggerating when he called the bill the most extreme anti-science legislation Ive ever seen in this country. He said it made a 1925 case in Tennessee involving a science teacher teaching evolution who was put on trial look like a period of Enlightenment. Lindsey Read, a senior at Capital High School in Helena, told the committee the measure would strip teachers of the ability to teach virtually any science. She said she and other students would not be able to learn about atomic theory, cell theory, the Big Bang Theory, or plate tectonics, among others, because they are simply theories. Science is not a collection of indisputable facts; rather, it is a series of best explanations, she said, explaining the difference between scientific theory and the word theory as it is commonly used. She said if the bill were to become law, it would put Montana students far behind their peers in other states something echoed by multiple others who testified. They said whether students were pursuing higher education or not, the base-level scientific knowledge taught in Montana schools is necessary to both understand the world and pursue professional opportunities in countless fields. Science is not only taught in a science classroom. It is taught in math; it is taught in history. Because science is not a monolith. It exists throughout a students education, Read said. Mia Taylor, a sophomore at Helena High, worried that her younger cousin would not get the quality education she said she is receiving, telling the committee that there were no scientific facts that did not start out as theories. Greysen Kakes, a seventh-grade student at Helena Middle School, said it was his dream to be involved in the sciences and that SB235 would put him and those who are not pursuing a higher education at a disadvantage heading into their post-high school careers or colleges because he hadnt learned basic concepts. Not teaching these theories would stifle innovation as we move backwards in science education while the rest of the country moves forward, and the people who would suffer most would be Montana youth such as myself, he said. Parents, educators and a legal review of the bill also said the bill could be unconstitutional because the Montana Constitution vests supervision and control of schools in the Board of Public Education. Most opponents said science standards needed to be made by the board and expanded upon by local school boards. McCall Flynn, the executive director of the Board of Public Education, said any legislative interference with the boards rulemaking power was a violation of the constitutional separation of powers. She asked lawmakers to table the bill and seek expertise from those in the field. Jenny Murnane-Butcher, the deputy director of Montanans Organized for Education, which supports public education, pointed out that children as early as first and third grade learn to use evidence-based decision-making to learn about the differences between plants and animals, and how chromosome theory works when two parents pass down traits to their children in the Animal Kingdom. Linda Rost, a Baker science teacher who was the 2020 Montana Teacher of the Year, said the bill would keep her from being able to teach dual-credit classes, bar students from learning enough to take the ACT, and keep them from getting into better higher-education programs. Braden Burkholder noted that after last years flooding in southern Montana, hundreds of scientists including many with Montana educations got together in the emergency response to map new river channels, ensure dams were stabilized, and study the erosion and climatological effects. He said those people would not be there in the future if the bill was to pass. Though there is no fiscal note attached to the bill, during questioning, multiple lawmakers brought up the fact that Montana textbooks would likely need to be reviewed and replaced. Chris Noel, with the Office of Public Instruction, said the office would need to significantly amend standards to come in line with the law if the measure moves forward. She said she did not know the cost, but was not aware of any standards of adoption that have not cost money. She also said the process to come up with standards and adopt them would take years. In his closing statements, Emrich, who was home-schooled, acknowledged some of those concerns and said he would perhaps bring amendments to try to try to get new standards adopted in the current cycle. He also noted the use of the word indisputable was in dispute. But he brushed off concerns about the bill possibly being unconstitutional and questions over its purpose. The committee did not take action on the bill Monday. Jensen, the former Missoula teacher who testified remotely, drew laughs from those who testified, as well as some committee members, as he signed off. Oh, and a special shoutout to the quantum theory for making this Zoom call possible, he quipped. The post Montana students, teachers blast bill that would limit science education to scientific fact appeared first on Daily Montanan. The recent cold snaps have not been enough to remove the risk of fluke cattle and sheep, industry experts have warned. Cases of disease due to liver fluke have remained relatively low so far this winter, but there are reports of both acute and chronic disease in some areas of the UK. This means livestock farmers must not drop their guard, experts in the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Cattle Parasites Sustainably (COWS) groups have warned. Philip Skuce, who sits on both groups and is part of the animal health firm Moredun, said testing was critical to make sure farmers did not treat too soon or get caught out and miss a vital treatment. "The cold snap in December will not have killed off all the liver fluke on pasture, so animals could still be picking up infection that could go on to cause disease," he said. "Livestock farmers must continue to test if they are to ensure any treatment is both necessary and given at the right time and with the most appropriate product. Diagnostic reports from the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) and Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) underline the value of using blood testing for fluke in sentinel lambs or calves. In September and October, less than 1% of the animals tested were positive, showing the majority of farms did not need to treat at that stage. Heather Stevenson, a vet with SRUC, explained: "This rose to 10% by mid-November and 13% in December, which is still a small proportion of farms and highlights the potential to treat unnecessarily or too early if traditional timings are followed. In January, 30% of samples tested for coproantigen (a faecal test) were positive, which underlines the need to keep checking sheep that have not yet been treated. John Graham-Brown, from the University of Liverpool, stressed how important it was to repeat testing until the risk period is over. "A negative test does not mean you can sit back and relax," he said, "Plan to repeat tests in three to four weeks time to make sure you dont get caught out. This is echoed by Rebecca Mearns, vice president of the Sheep Veterinary Society and vet with Biobest, who said some faecal samples were testing positive for fluke eggs this winter. "But with infections tending to be later, farmers must not assume one negative test means there are no liver fluke, it may be because the fluke are not mature enough to lay eggs. What's the advice? Experts in the SCOPS and COWS groups have issued advice to farmers: Ewe lambs or retained store lambs can still be blood tested to monitor liver fluke infection. A negative test does not mean you can sit back and relax. Retest every 3-4 weeks. Investigating unexpected deaths via a post-mortem remains a key means of establishing whether or not liver fluke is present in the flock/herd. If you have already treated for liver fluke but the animals remained at grass, they are at risk of reinfection. Make sure you test using faecal samples. Now is a good time to test housed beef cattle (once they have been inside for 10-12 weeks), before they go back out onto pasture. Check for eggs in dung or use a copro-antigen test. Faecal testing for liver fluke eggs only detects the presence of adult fluke, not immatures, so you may need to re-sample Abattoir feedback is a really valuable source of information with regard to liver fluke infection. Talk to your vet or adviser to discuss whether any treatment is necessary and which product (active) to use. Farmers can now apply to the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme for multi-agreements and one-off grants to enhance the environment. CS Higher Tier has opened from today (7 February) for agreements starting on 1 January 2024, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has announced. Higher Tier offers grant payments to support the UK's most environmentally significant sites, including commons and woodlands. It allows farmers and land managers access to a greater range of CS grants than Mid Tier. Higher Tier also offers some flexibility to tailor requirements to suit an applicant's local environment. The scheme is competitive, with the RPA explaining that funding is awarded to those who will make the biggest improvements in their local area and demonstrate the best value for money. Grants are available as multi-year grants, with most options lasting for five years, but some options can last for 10 or 20 years. Capital items are also available, with a range of grants for specific capital works or items. Work must be completed within three years. RPA chief executive, Paul Caldwell said: "We are pleased to be able to open up Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier applications for 2024 on the back of increased interest in the scheme. "We are making it more straightforward to apply and are giving new agreement holders longer to carry out capital works within their agreement." There are now more than 32,000 ongoing Countryside Stewardship agreements in place with the scheme seeing a 94% increase in uptake since 2020, including almost 4,000 Higher Tier agreements. The deadline for requesting a CS Higher Tier application pack is 28 April. Mid Tier and Wildlife Offer agreements are expected to open next month. The RPA has created an applicant's guide to Higher Tier grants. What grants are available? There are grants available to support habitat creation, restoration, and on-going management of: Species rich grasslands, wet grassland and water meadows Heathland and moorland Coastal sand dunes, vegetated shingle, saltmarsh, inter-tidal and saline habitats Fens, reedbeds, ponds and ditches Wood pastures and parklands, orchards, hedges and scrub woodland Woodland Higher Tier also gives farmers access to a wider range of grants to: Protect vulnerable or threatened species Manage hedgerows, drystone walls, stock fencing and gates Improve local water quality and manage flood risk in your local area Convert and manage land to organic certification standards Protect and enhance historic, archaeological and geodiversity features Support educational access Improve air quality and reduce ammonia emissions Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture (DAERA) has been accused of not properly engaging with farmers over its draft ammonia strategy proposals. A consultation on the strategy - the first of its kind for Northern Ireland - was launched last month to take action to reduce levels of the pollutant. The local government is seeking to reduce total NI agricultural ammonia emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels. However, the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) believes DAERA and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) have failed to hold meaningful consultation events with farmers. "They are instead only paying lip service to the process," said UFU's deputy president, William Irvine. "Our members are unhappy with the limited notice that was given for recent consultation events on the draft ammonia strategy. Northern Ireland has 6% of the UK land area and 3% of the population, but is responsible for 12% of UK ammonia emissions, according to official figures. Nearly all (97%) of ammonia emission in Northern Ireland come from the agriculture sector. But Mr Irvine said the UFU was not told about consultation events on the draft strategy, with many farmers unaware that they were taking place. The union's members had also complained that text messages about these events were sent out at short notice, leaving them with little opportunity to attend. Mr Irvine said the ammonia strategy showed some significant changes, and that it was vital for farmers to be made fully aware of the consequences of the measures being planned. While the UFU will consult widely within our membership on this issue, it is vital DAERA and NIEA hear views directly from farmers at these meetings," he said. "We understand attendance has been poor and believe this is down to the lack of awareness of the events and a poor understanding of the significance of the changes. This must be addressed." UFU members had also raised concerns about the practical and financial implications of the proposed measures, particularly for those farming close to designated sites. Farmers recognise the need to reduce ammonia emissions in Northern Ireland and the fact that this is a huge challenge," Mr Irvine added. "The publication of the draft ammonia strategy is a step in the right direction, but we have deep concerns about the practical and financial impact if these measures are imposed." Every farmer would be affected, Mr Irvine warned, but particularly smaller farms and those farming close to designated sites. "While we are still finalising our response, we will certainly be making clear that many of the proposals are unacceptable as they stand, said the UFU deputy president. A report on the social, economic and environmental contribution made by rural estates to communities should be a game-changer in how Scottish farmers and landowners are viewed. The research on the contribution of estates to the wellbeing economy dismisses the outdated image of lairds that often mars the debate around land use and ownership. A wellbeing economy is described as an economic system operating within safe environmental limits, that first and foremost serves the collective wellbeing of current and future generations. The Scottish government has set eleven 'national outcomes' to measure progress towards a wellbeing economy. The research, conducted by economic consultancy BiGGAR Economics and launched today (7 February), shows that rural estates contribute to at least seven of these outcomes. Rural estates provide homes for 13,000 families and land for 18,500 rural enterprises, it found, and they attract an estimated 1.2 million Scottish residents annually to enjoy the natural environment. The research found that rural estates account for 58% of Scotlands renewable energy generating capacity, and that they make a major contribution to natural capital base through farming, forestry and renewable energy operations. They also generate an estimated 2.4 billion GVA/year for the Scottish economy and support around 57,300 jobs around 1 in 10 rural jobs. The research was launched at an event in Edinburgh today (7 February), which was attended by the Scottish government. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), which represents Scottish landowners, said it was crucial that those involved in the land reform debate should recognise the value of estates to modern-day Scotland rather than become 'mired in historical arguments'. Mark Tennant, SLE chairman, said the role of estates in supporting green jobs, local businesses and economies, mental and physical wellbeing as well as stewarding Scotlands natural capital should be recognised more widely. "Many of the estates involved in the research are able to achieve what they do - such as peatland restoration, clean energy or innovative food production because they operate at a large scale," he said. "Scale is important for delivery of ambitious Scottish government targets and priorities regardless of who owns the land. "The government is looking to move ahead with further land reform and we are already seeing signs of a debate harking back to the past with little relevance to modern-day realities. "We want to see any land reform debate based on the realities of modern-day ownership and management." Corteva Agriscience's Univoq has demonstrated a superior yield return in comparison to BASF's Revystar XE for the second year running. The findings follow two separate UK-wide cereal disease trials by the AHDB and Corteva Agriscience. Univoqs advantage was calculated at being worth 60/hectare to growers, assuming a wheat price of 250/tonne. Corteva carried out plot trials at 42 sites and found that in 36 cases, Univoq outperformed Revystar XE in terms of yield. It compared Univoq applied at 1.25l/ha to Revystar XE at 1l/ha rates which are comparable in terms of the cost to a grower. AHDBs independent annual work comparing fungicide performance across all main UK arable crops showed a similar advantage for Univoq at a range of application rates. The findings mirror the results seen from similar trials in 2021, as well as the work carried out during development of the fungicide. What were seeing is consistency across two very different years in terms of weather conditions and disease pressure, said Cortevas cereal fungicide category manager, Mike Ashworth. In 2021 we had a high disease pressure year, and we know that Univoqs major strength is septoria control, so it gave the fungicide the chance to really show what it is capable of. We saw a strong yield response then, and that has continued in 2022 which was an extremely hot, dry growing season for the vast majority. Univoq is targeted at the T2 fungicide timing and delivers a combination of curative and persistent protection against septoria plus a broad spectrum of other diseases, including rusts. Launched in 2021, the fungicide contains the InatreqTM active molecule and the patented i-Q4 formulation. On 5 February, the Danish Trade Union Confederation, consisting of 79 unions, organised a 50,000-strong demonstration in front of the Danish parliament in protest against the governments plan to remove a public holiday. The newly-formed government which consists of an alliance between the Social Democratic Party and two bourgeois parties have planned to carry out major attacks on the Danish working class. The plan to remove a bank holiday from workers stands out like a sore thumb in the governments programme. The proposal to remove the holiday has also come at a time when the unions and the employers in the private sector are engaged in intense negotiations over collective bargaining, at a juncture when we are seeing an unprecedented fall in real wages. The combination of these negotiations and the governments attacks could very well spark a mass strike wave. The social democrats and their bourgeois colleagues have poked the sleeping giant that is the Danish working class, and it is now beginning to wake from its slumber. The comrades of Revolutionary Socialists (The Danish section of the IMT) also participated in the demonstration. Around 40 comrades attended, with banners, flags, and our paper, Revolution, making ours one of the most noticeable political organisations at the demonstration. The well-organised march by our comrades to the square in front of parliament caught the attention of hundreds of those present. Our banner on which was emblazoned the words, If they want a fight, lets give them one resonated with many who stopped to take pictures on their phones. And although we had printed hundreds of copies of our paper, this proved insufficient, as we sold every last copy that we brought to the demonstration. This reception reflected the militant mood of the workers and youth at the demonstration, and the clear thirst for revolutionary ideas. Of course, the demonstration in itself is not going to stop the governments attacks on the Danish working class, but it has shown that the workers will no longer sit back while their lives become unlivable. We the comrades of Revolutionary Socialists represent a force on the left that will stand side-by-side with the working class in the coming struggles. The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on both sides jointly working to further expand bilateral trade ties and rendering support to the industries to expand their business under joint ventures and collaborations. Both the trade bodies will exchange information about the economic development in their countries to open possibilities for raising trade and expand economic and industrial cooperation among enterprises. The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) recently signed a memorandum of understanding on both sides jointly working to further expand bilateral trade ties and rendering support to the industries to expand their business under joint ventures and collaborations. Both sides will share best practices, information, knowledge, methodologies and expertise on trade promotion and investment attraction. ApexBrasil business director Ana Paula Repezza and FBCCI president Mohammad Jashim Uddin signed the agreement in Brazil, according to Bangladeshi media reports. The FBCCI president invited Brazilian business leaders to join the Bangladesh Business Summit 2023, scheduled for March 11-13 in Dhaka. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) The merchandise trade volume between Cambodia and Malaysia was worth $620.373 million last yeara rise of 23.33 per cent year on year (YoY). Cambodian goods exports to and imports from Malaysia amounted to $111.853 million and $508.520 million respectively, up by 10.40 per cent and 26.60 per cent YoY, expanding the countrys trade deficit with Malaysia by 32.06 per cent to $396.667 million. Cambodias exports accounted for a 18.03 per cent share of the bilateral tradedown by 2.11 percentage points on a yearly basis, according to the general department of customs and excise. Malaysia was Cambodias 16th-largest trading partner for the third consecutive year in 2022, accounting for 1.18 per cent of the global total of $52.425 billionup by 0.14 percentage points YoY, according to a report in a Cambodian media outlet. Cambodia-Malaysia merchandise trade volume was worth $620.373 million last yeara rise of 23.33 per cent year on year (YoY). Cambodian goods exports to and imports from Malaysia amounted to $111.853 million and $508.520 million respectively, up by 10.40 per cent and 26.60 per cent YoY, expanding Cambodia's trade deficit with Malaysia by 32.06 per cent. In January this year, the Cambodian-Malaysian merchandise trade was to the tune of $41.57 million, down by 13.1 per cent from $47.86 million in December 2021 and down by 19.1 per cent from $51.36 million in November 2022. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Vietnams merchandise trade with Asia reached $475.29 billion last year, rising by 9.6 per cent compared to 2021, and accounting for the highest proportion (65.1 per cent) in the country's total import-export value. Its exports to Asian nations reached $177.26 billion in 2022, up by 9.5 per cent year on year (YoY), and its imports from Asian nations hit $298.03 billion, up by 9.6 per cent YoY. The country witnessed a trade deficit only with Asia among the five continents. Major trade partners of Vietnam in Asia include China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Vietnam's merchandise trade with Asia reached $475.29 billion last year, rising by 9.6 per cent compared to 2021, and accounting for the highest proportion in the total import-export value. Its exports to Asian nations hit $177.26 billion in 2022, up by 9.5 per cent year on year (YoY), and its imports from Asia hit $298.03 billion, up by 9.6 per cent YoY. Vietnam's total import-export value of goods reached $730.2 billion last year, up by 9.1 per cent compared to 2021, according to a report in a Vietnamese newspaper. The value of imports and exports between Vietnam and Americas, Europe, Oceania, and Africa was $153.73 billion (up by 10.5 per cent YoY), $75.45 billion (up by 2.8 per cent YoY), $17.62 billion (up by 24.3 per cent YoY) and $8.1 billion (down by 3.9 per cent YoY) respectively. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Following the release of the Zero Draft of the pandemic accord (WHO CA+) by the World Health Organization (WHO) Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) on Feb. 1, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) urges the establishment of an independent body, outside and above the WHO's governance structure, to prevent another public health catastrophe like the COVID-19 pandemic. The INB's WHO CA+ will be up for consideration at its fourth meeting on February 27 through March 3. The Lancet article A Global Public Health Convention for the 21st Century details the reforms needed for a new global health architecture, which are covered in a range of important topics, including equity, governance, global coordination, and global health financing. While the Zero Draft includes several of the recommendations in the article, the WHO CA+ lacks an adequate proposal for an effective governing body with appropriate mechanisms to promote compliance. Prior to the publication of the Zero Draft, global public health experts called for the creation of an independent body that sits above or outside of the governance structure of the WHO. The need for such a body to be established by the UN General Assembly and comprised of heads of state and governments has also been echoed in the G20 High-Level Independent Panel report, published in June of 2021. "It was clear before and during the peaks of the pandemic that the WHO was not enough-not strong enough nor trusted enough-to enforce or convince all countries to follow the International Health Regulations [IHR-2005]. Too many countries went their own way and ignored WHO recommendations," said Dr. Jorge Saavedra, Executive Director of the AHF Global Public Health Institute. "COVID-19 touched and impacted everything, from health and the economy to politics and communities. The WHO wasn't sufficient, and thus we need a more effective body to deal with pandemics." This needed independent body would address the shortcomings observed during the COVID-19 pandemic response, including geopolitical division and logjams at the WHO and the need to maintain high-level political commitments and monitor progress toward pandemic goals and targets set by the WHO. It should also guide the allocation of resources in global health financing and hold actors accountable. While the Zero Draft contains provisions for establishing a Governing Body of the WHO CA+ (Article 20), it is essential for it to be made independent and at arms-length from the WHO. "The WHO also failed to obtain all the epidemiological and initial genomic sequencing information from China, which would have allowed scientists to discern the origins of SARS-CoV-2," added AHF President Michael Weinstein. "The Wuhan lab leak theory is still a big question mark, and a lack of transparency on U.S. oversight on its grantees research has been called into question another sign that WHO cannot even enforce epidemiological transparency a weakness it's had since its founding." The Zero Draft does not relegate the establishment of compliance mechanisms to the Governing Body or COP of the WHO CA+ (Article 22). Accountability mechanisms, as well as incentives and disincentives for compliance, must be written into the agreement rather than negotiated after it comes into force. These mechanisms need to be clearly delineated in the WHO CA+ to ensure that they are legally binding, whereas decisions made after the fact by the COP may not be legally binding. Lastly, the lack of representation by non-state actors (non-governmental organizations/civil society) in the governance structure outlined in the proposed agreement is disappointing. Throughout assessing the necessary reforms and proposing changes, non-state actors have been an integral component of the global health ecosystem. Therefore, civil society and other non-state actors must be given an adequate voice in the WHO CA+ process and structure moving forward. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005634/en/ Contacts: Ged Kenslea, Senior Director, Communications, AHF +1 323.308.1833 work +1 323.791.5526 mobile gedk@aidshealth.org Denys Nazarov, Director of Global Policy and Communications, AHF +1 323.308.1829 denys.nazarov@aidshealth.org NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2023 / Civil defense workers and security forces carry an earthquake victim as they search through the wreckage of collapsed buildings in Hama, Syria, Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. A powerful earthquake has caused significant damage in southeast Turkey and Syria and many casualties are feared. Damage was reported across several Turkish provinces, and rescue teams were being sent from around the country. | AP Photo/Omar Sanadik By Tess Lowery At least 2,300 people have died and thousands more have been left injured after two powerful earthquakes struck southern Turkey and northern Syria in the early hours of Monday Feb. 6. Two quakes with 7.8 and 7.7 magnitudes on the Richter scale have hit both sides of the border within a 12-hour period, sending thousands of buildings, hospitals, and schools crumbling as strong aftershocks continued to pummel the area. Rescue workers and local residents across the region are now desperately searching through the urban remains in an attempt to find survivors buried beneath the rubble. "There was screaming everywhere," one 30-year-old man told Reuters . "I started pulling rocks away with my hands. We pulled out the injured with friends, but the screaming didn't stop." Health director Ziad Hage Taha said wounded people are " arriving in waves " following the disaster. Strained health facilities and hospitals were quickly filled with the wounded while others had to be evacuated, including a maternity hospital, according to the SAMS medical organization. The true scale of the damage will become clear as the dust settles but one thing is certain, the two countries need all the help they can get to recover from this catastrophic disaster. We've compiled a list of international and local NGOs who are supporting those on the ground with emergency aid and noted a few non-monetary ways you can take action to help too. Donate Money to Global Relief Agencies 1. Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) MSF is an international, independent organization that provides medical assistance to people affected by disasters such as the Syria-Turkey earthquake. On the ground, they are treating patients in their supported hospitals, and their teams have donated emergency medical kits to other facilities in the region. Find out more and donate now . 2. Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) SAMS is a global medical relief organization that works on the front lines of crisis relief to save lives. They are providing urgent medical care to the injured at Bab Al Hawa hospital among others. Donate now . 3. Union of Medical Relief and Care Organizations (UOSSM) The UOSSM, which provides emergency medical relief and health care services to Syrian people, made an urgent appeal for assistance on Monday morning. "The news we are seeing is terrifying and heartbreaking," said Dr. Khaula Sawah, the president of UOSSM in the US, in a statement . "We know building infrastructures in Syria have already been compromised from years of bombing campaigns. We need urgent aid immediately so we can help save the lives of those injured in this massive earthquake. Our staff is working tirelessly but are overwhelmed with the numbers of casualties. We need urgent support immediately. Countless lives are at stake." Donate now . 4. Save the Children In North West Syria, Save the Children is working closely with partner organizations to assess the scale of the damage to provide support that children desperately need as the situation becomes clearer. In Turkey, they are working to assess needs and have established a response team which will be supporting the national emergency response across the region, in close coordination with the government, and key stakeholders. Save the Children's teams on the ground are planning to support affected communities with winterization and emergency kits, including blankets, and winter clothing. They are asking supporters to donate to their Children's Emergency fund . 5. CARE International Social justice organization CARE International is assessing the most urgent needs to help in the emergency response. Donate now . 6. Project HOPE Project HOPE - the global health and humanitarian aid organization - has deployed emergency response teams in response to the earthquakes. "The earthquakes that struck Turkiye and Syria this morning have already claimed thousands of lives and we anticipate a very arduous and long road to recovery ahead, including search and rescue efforts, health system reconstruction, and mass displacement," said Rabih Torbay, Project HOPE's President and CEO. "As temperatures hover near freezing and airport closures and snowstorms delay access, Project HOPE has deployed an emergency response effort and is working with local and international partners to respond to the immediate needs." Send hope to survivors by donating now . 7. UNICEF In Aleppo, UNICEF is assessing with their partners and facilitators the situation across the governorate, including hard to reach and not government-controlled areas. The initial focus is on water (assessing the impact on main water stations and interruption or damages in services, and getting water to those who have been displaced), child protection (assessing separated and unaccompanied children), nutrition, and education (assessing the damages in schools and whether schools are being used as shelter). Donate now . Donate to Turkish and Syrian Humanitarian Organizations 8. IHH The IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation is a Turkish NGO that provides humanitarian relief in areas of war, earthquake, hunger, and conflict. They are preparing emergency food bundles for those affected. Donate now . 9. The White Helmets The White Helmets is a grassroots team of volunteers across Syria who are supporting the urgent response. Give what you can to support their life-saving work. 10. NuDay NuDay is a nonprofit working to secure dignified and empowered aid for women and children affected by humanitarian crises worldwide. Their team is on the ground, responding with emergency aid. Donate now via GlobalGiving to help them reach vulnerable women and children with life-saving support. 11. Give Blood Alarmingly, blood reserves in Turkey had already fallen below the minimum level of 50,000 to only 35,000 units in January 2023. If you're based in Turkey, consider giving blood via the Turkish Red Crescent. Find a donation center near you . 12. Raise Awareness If you can't donate at this time but want to help, consider sharing this article with friends, family, or on your social media accounts - it could well end up in front of someone who is in a position to support the relief effort financially. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Global Citizen on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Global Citizen Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/global-citizen Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Global Citizen View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738291/12-Ways-to-Help-After-the-Deadly-Syria-Turkey-Earthquake NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2023 / At the group level, Sappi has made significant progress to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by identifying projects that will decarbonize our operations in each region over the next five years. We also made significant progress in assessing our resiliency to physical risk, transitional risks, and opportunities resulting from climate change, as framed by the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The TCFD framework was developed "to help public companies and other organizations more effectively disclose climate-related risks and opportunities through their existing reporting processes."* We believe climate change will have an unavoidable effect on our business in the form of transitional, reputational, and physical impacts. Over the past year, we undertook a global initiative that focused on our primary assets. This included 18 of our mills covering all three regions, as well as all of Sappi's plantations in South Africa. We worked with outside consultancy S&P Global and the University of the Witwatersrand's Global Change Institute to help us establish long-term climate change trends and implications through 2050, primarily for South Africa. Due to the nature of our operations, which are mostly capital-intensive assets that are not easily relocated, we adopted a conservative view on physical climate projections, aligning with Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5, which assumes a worst-case future climate scenario. Over 60 employees participated in the initiative. Operational risk teams from each region documented past climatic events, costs, and mitigation strategies to more fully understand the physical and transitional risks of climate change. We made very good progress in assessing how we can embed climate change into our risk-register methods, thereby improving our overall approach to risk. Beyond assessing our climate-related risks and opportunities as noted in the "strategy" core element in the figure, we are updating our governance, risk management processes, metrics, and targets. At the group level, we have identified climate change as a top 10 risk that underpins all four key fundamentals of our business strategy. More information can be found in our 2021 Annual Integrated Report and 2021 Sappi Group Sustainability Report. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Sappi North America on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Sappi North America Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/sappi-north-america Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Sappi North America View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738310/Sappi-Explores-Climate-Risk-Framework Homey Decoration, a premium custom home decor and e-commerce brand specializing in innovative decorative wood panels, now offers vertical and horizontal wood slats that are simple to install and create a three-dimensional look in any room. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2023) - Homey Decoration, a premium custom home decor and e-commerce brand specializing in innovative decorative wood panels, now offers vertical and horizontal wood slats that are simple to install and create a three-dimensional look in any room. Homey Decoration has recently expanded, offering a personalized experience to homeowners that want to add flair to their living areas. For more information please visit: https://www.homeydecoration.com/category/Wood-Slats Wood Slats & Vertical Wood Slat Panels by Homey Decoration: Collection Expanded To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/153571_333db23bb47e7a4a_001full.jpg The company's new range of wood slats wall panels offers a unique blend of style and functionality. Customers have the option to pick from different modern designs, sizes, colors, and materials. These panels are perfect for creating an eye-catching feature wall in any room or space. Homey Decoration provides wood slats and 3D wall panels, designed to give a space a stylish and elegant touch without demanding the homeowner undertake an extensive home project. The wood slats are easy to install and come with detailed instructions. They can be used to create a feature wall, or as an accent piece in any room. The panels are made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. The company also offers custom designs for customers who want something unique and special for their homes. Homey Decoration's team of experienced designers will work with the customer to create a custom design that fits their needs. Customers can choose from a variety of parametric art pieces, geometric wooden panels, and other customizable designs. The panels can be bought individually or by square foot and are made with high-quality materials. Plus, the color of the stain is adjustable. Detailed installation instructions are provided for each product, and customer service is always ready to assist. The wood slats and designs provided by the company are great for adding a glamorous touch to office spaces, and some materials such as PVC plastic can even be utilized outdoors. North American customers will enjoy free shipping. Homey Decoration also offers a variety of accessories to complete the look of their wood slats. Customers can choose from a selection of wall art, mirrors, and other decorative items that will add a unique touch to their space. This product expansion furthers the company's commitment to offering unique decor. More information is available at: https://www.homeydecoration.com/category/Wood-Slats The company's spokesperson declared that "With any design picked, their collection of modern pieces is bound to make your decor stand out. The wood slats are also a great choice for those looking to add texture and depth to their walls. The wood slat panels come in various sizes, allowing customers to choose the perfect fit for their space. Our selection of spectacular 3D wood slats and wall panels is easy to put up without requiring extra tools." Interested parties can learn more by visiting the links above, or at: https://www.homeydecoration.com/wood-slats-wall Contact Info: Name: Hani Roknizadeh Email: hani@homeydecoration.com Organization: Homey Decoration Address: 477 McNicoll Ave, North York, Toronto, Ontario M2H 2C9, Canada Website: https://www.homeydecoration.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153571 The new benchmarking tool gives businesses personalized insights and recommendations on the maturity of last-mile operations in just seven minutes SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Locus , a leading-edge technology company solving for excellence in last-mile logistics, announced the launch of 'Last-Mile Maturity Assessment ' - an industry-first benchmarking tool designed to help enterprises evaluate strengths, uncover hidden inefficiencies, and identify new growth opportunities in their last mile. To help businesses evaluate the maturity of their last-mile operations, the free interactive online assessment conducts an in-depth analysis through well-researched questions spanning five fundamental performance indicators: Last-Mile Excellence: How robust last-mile capabilities are in the face of exceptions, unpredictable volumes, and profitability How robust last-mile capabilities are in the face of exceptions, unpredictable volumes, and profitability Customer Experience: The quality and consistency of the customer experience an organization's last-mile offers The quality and consistency of the customer experience an organization's last-mile offers Workforce Empowerment: Employees' abilities to handle last-mile challenges Employees' abilities to handle last-mile challenges Advanced Analytics: The opportunity to leverage last-mile data and make more informed decisions on the supply chain The opportunity to leverage last-mile data and make more informed decisions on the supply chain Sustainability: How environmentally sustainable a company's last-mile function is today The assessment then scales enterprises on a 5-point rating system and categorizes them as businesses in the Emerging, Growth, or Optimized stage. Assessment takers walk away with a 360-degree comprehensive report that delivers personalized recommendations and actionable insights on how to unlock new revenue, and make delivery experiences a differentiator for enterprises. "Last-mile is the primary touchpoint of the modern customer experience, and while businesses are starting to prioritize this function more than ever, not all know where they stand in their development journey," said Nishith Rastogi, Founder and CEO, Locus. "The Locus Last-Mile Maturity Assessment arms enterprises with personalized recommendations to help enterprises supercharge their last-mile growth. It's the competitive edge every company should be thinking about today." To learn more and take the assessment, visit Locus' Last-Mile Maturity Assessment . About Locus: Locus' order-to-delivery dispatch management software helps enterprises transform their Last-Mile logistics from cost centers to revenue generators through advanced optimization algorithms and intuitive workflow automation. Backed by GIC Singapore, Tiger Global, Qualcomm Ventures, and Falcon Edge, it has helped many global customers across industries - Unilever, Nestle, Bukalapak, The Tata Group, BlueDart, etc. - execute 850 million deliveries across 30+ countries. Its technology has also helped save $275 million in transit costs and offset 70 million kilograms in CO2 emissions while maintaining a 99.5% SLA adherence ratio. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1994072/Locus_Last_Mile_Maturity_Assessment.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1832388/Locus_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/locus-launches-last-mile-maturity-assessment-for-enterprises-to-level-up-their-strategies-301739097.html Group Managing Director of SCIB, Encik Rosland bin Othman Executive Director of SCIB, Mr. Ku Chong Hong Executive Director of Bintai Kinden, En. Azri Azerai KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - Civil engineering specialist Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad (SCIB) today announced that the Company had on 6 February 2023 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bintai Kinden Corporation Berhad to establish a strategic alliance for exploring of business opportunities, securing of new projects and sharing of profits.The MoU is a preliminary step the parties are taking as they explore a working relationship and cooperation to combine skills, expertise, capabilities, experience and collectively bid for projects in Malaysia and to set out the principal terms of the arrangement between the parties.The JV vehicle to be used is SCIB's wholly-owned subsidiary, SCIB Infraworks Sdn. Bhd in which SCIB will retain a 51% stake in the JV while Bintai Kinden will subscribe to the remaining 49%. Bintai Kinden is a mechanical and electrical ("M&E") engineering services specialist listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia, with unique combination of extensive regional experience and local knowledge.Group Managing Director of SCIB, Encik Rosland bin Othman said, "We welcome this strategic alliance with Bintai Kinden as both parties can leverage each other's strengths and expertise that add value to any projects we are involved in together. SCIB's manufacturing arm, the leading precast concrete and Industrialised Building System products manufacturer in East Malaysia, is already supporting our construction arm in projects throughout the country.""Our focus on small-to-mid-sized construction healthcare, educational and utility facilities as well as rural infrastructure projects together with investment in technology such as 3D printing and automation are also strengths that we can leverage on for the future JV projects."Executive Director of SCIB, Mr. Ku Chong Hong said, "This JV brings together two teams with core expertise and knowledge in construction and engineering that will give an edge to projects undertaken together. We expect to see more infrastructure projects in the pipeline as Malaysia's construction sector gains momentum on the back of economic growth."Executive Director of Bintai Kinden, En. Azri Azerai said, "We look forward to a fruitful partnership with SCIB as we seek opportunities together across the country. Bintai Kinden's core expertise is M&E services, and as a multi-disciplined building and industrial service engineers and specialists, we work in all the major market sectors, from commercial buildings to industrial complexes. We design, install and commission systems that include the full range of engineering services which we believe can complement the JV."Bintai Kinden Corporation Berhad: 6998 [BURSA: BKC], http://bintai.com.my/Sarawak Consolidated Industries Bhd: 9237 [BURSA: SCIB], http://scib.com.mySource: Sarawak Consolidated Industries BhdBintai Kinden Corporation BerhadCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. SHARE BUYBACK TRANSACTION DETAILS JANUARY 30 FEBRUARY 3, 2023 Regulatory News: MotorK Plc (AMS: MTRK) ("MotorK" or the "Group") announces today that it has purchased the following number of ordinary shares in the Company. This is part of a repurchase program announced on July 18, 2022. MotorK intends to buy back its own ordinary shares by way of off-market purchases on Euronext Amsterdam and via block trades up to a maximum aggregate value of 3,000,000 (the "Programme"). The authorization will expire following the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2023. Aggregate Information Date Transactions Number of Ordinary Shares Total Consideration () Average price ( per share) Minimum price ( per share) Maximum price ( per share) 30/01/2023 Purchase 8,874 10,738 1.21 1.20 1.22 31/01/2023 Purchase 9,950 11,791 1.19 1.19 1.19 01/02/2023 Purchase 10,076 11,940 1.19 1.19 1.19 02/02/2023 Purchase 10,123 11,970 1.18 1.18 1.19 03/02/2023 Purchase 10,867 12,877 1.19 1.19 1.19 Total Weekly 49,890 59,317 1.19 1.18 1.22 Cumulated to date 1,312,417 1,714,247 The Programme is implemented within the limitations of the authority granted by the General Meeting on July 18, 2022. Any shares so repurchased shall be treated as cancelled pursuant to section 706(b) of the Companies Act 2006. The Group has entered into non-discretionary instructions with Kepler Cheuvreux SA ("Kepler Cheuvreux") to conduct the Programme on its behalf and to make trading decisions under the Programme independently of MotorK. REGULATED INFORMATION This press release contains information that qualifies or may qualify as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014/EU) ABOUT MOTORK PLC MotorK (AMS: MTRK) is a leading software as a service ("SaaS") provider for the automotive retail industry in the EMEA region, with over 400 employees and eleven offices in eight countries (Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, the UK, Belgium and Israel). MotorK empowers car manufacturers and dealers to improve their customer experience through a broad suite of fully integrated digital products and services. MotorK provides its customers with an innovative combination of digital solutions, SaaS cloud products and the largest R&D department in the automotive digital sales and marketing industry in Europe. MotorK is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 5th Floor One New Change, London, England, EC4M 9AF Company Registration: 9259000. For more information: www.motork.io or www.investors.motork.io. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005314/en/ Contacts: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MotorK Investor Relations Etienne Jacquet etienne.jacquet@motork.io +33 6 22 18 39 09 MotorK Corporate Communications press@motork.io BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Germany's Siemens Energy AG (SMEGF.PK SMNEY.PK) reported Tuesday that its first-quarter net loss widened to 598 million euros from last year's loss of 246 million euros. Basic loss per share was 0.60 euro, compared to loss of 0.18 euro a year ago. Loss before special items was 282 million euros, compared to loss of 69 million euros last year. Revenue, however, grew 16 percent to 7.06 billion euros from last year's 5.96 billion euros. Orders were 12.73 billion euros, up 49.2 percent from 8.33 billion euros last year. Order backlog was 98.8 billion euros, compared to September 30, 2022 order backlog of 97.4 billion euros. Looking ahead for fiscal 2023, Siemens Energy continues to expect comparable revenue growth, excluding currency translation and portfolio effects, in a range of 3 percent to 7 percent. Further, the company said it had to adjust earnings and margin forecast due to certain charges at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy or SGRE. Siemens Energy now expects Profit margin before Special items between 1 percent and 3 percent, compared to previously expected range of 2 percent to 4 percent. Net loss for the year is now expected to be on prior fiscal year's reported level. Previously, the company was projecting a sharp reduction of net loss compared to fiscal year 2022. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. AFYREN and CEARITIS join forces to offer tree crop growers an alternative protection solution that respects biodiversity The biomimetic "Push&Pull" biocontrol device developed by CEARITIS creates a natural barrier against crop-destroying insects AFYREN enters organic agriculture market with agreement to supply its biobased organic acids CEARITIS plans industrial production of its sustainable biocontrol solution for tree crops, manufactured with AFYREN's biobased acids, beginning this year Regulatory News: AFYREN (Paris:ALAFY), a greentech company that offers manufacturers bio-based, low-carbon ingredients produced using unique fermentation technology based on a completely circular model, and CEARITIS, a sustainable agriculture start-up, have signed a partnership to support the development of an innovative biocontrol device to protect orchards. The two companies, which share the same values and commitment to environmental sustainability, have joined forces to offer tree-crop growers an innovative and biodiversity-friendly alternative to insecticides. A meaningful partnership The partnership between AFYREN and CEARITIS will accelerate the marketing of a sustainable and efficient pest control device for farmers. The collaboration secures for CEARITIS a supply of bio-based and low-carbon raw materials and allows AFYREN to enter a market that aligns with its mission and its biorefinery model centered on agriculture. "The "Push&Pull" biocontrol solution developed by CEARITIS in partnership with AFYREN provides an effective alternative to the insecticides usually used on orchards. It combines technological, environmental, and societal performance by allowing orchardists to secure their crops while anticipating the regulatory changes that will probably limit or prohibit the use of chemical plant protection products in the future,"said Marion Canale, and Solena Canale Parola, the co-founders of CEARITIS. The "Push&Pull" biocontrol device developed by CEARITIS: an original and effective solution designed for orchardists Orchardists currently have only two ways to protect their crops from insect pests: chemical pesticides or biological alternatives that are more costly and time consuming to implement. CEARITIS was created in 2020 to respond to the environmental and economic challenges currently facing the orchard sector. CEARITIS is working on the development of its biocontrol solution to protect several tree crops: olives, cherries, red fruits, almonds, and citrus fruit. The CEARITIS "Push&Pull" biocontrol system uses a repellent solution which, when sprayed on the orchard, acts as a natural barrier, and prevents pests from coming in. The system combines this with an element outside the orchard that contains a solution that attracts fruit flies and deflects them into an innovative trap. Only the targeted flies are captured, so the system does not impact biodiversity. The solution is based on natural molecules, is non-toxic for orchardists, usable in organic agriculture and adapted to the profitability objectives of tree-crop farmers. The technology is currently being field tested for the third consecutive year, to validate proofs of concept (POC) on olive and cherry trees, and the initial results are very encouraging. The approval process has been launched and a marketing authorization is expected soon. The first commercial production is planned for 2023. The market potential of orchard protection Each year, 400 tree varieties are threatened by fruit flies, the main pests that destroy tree crops, causing up to $10 billion worth of damage annually worldwide. France alone has 70,000 hectares of orchard land to protect. The market for plant protection solutions for the tree-crop industry alone represents $1 billion in Europe and as much as $11 billion worldwide. Biocontrol solutions, which rely on natural mechanisms to control pests, are recognized by the French Ministry of Agriculture as a decisive alternative to reduce the use of conventional plant protection products and as one of the pillars of organic farming. An innovative solution, based on AFYREN organic acids The formulation of the repellent solution developed by CEARITIS uses biobased acids produced by AFYREN which act in synergy for greater efficiency. AFYREN's biobased products are manufactured using an innovative fermentation technology based on natural micro-organisms. AFYREN's process uses co-products from non-food biomass in short supply chains, for example, co-products from sugar beet crops. The whole process is environmentally friendly, entirely biomimetic and zero waste the only substance left over is transformed into fertilizer usable in organic agriculture. AFYREN's products meet the most demanding standards and regulations in its main application markets human and animal nutrition, flavors and fragrances, lubricants, life sciences, and material sciences. AFYREN NEOXY, AFYREN's first plant, located in the Moselle region of France, is in the start-up phase, meaning certain production processes are being optimized ahead of the industrial launch of production and invoicing to customers. "CEARITIS and AFYREN jointly contribute to the promotion of products that respect biodiversity and the health of both farmers and consumers. CEARITIS' approach is totally compatible with AFYREN's, since the biocontrol solution will be produced in France, using a circular approach. Our two companies have the same desire to contribute to sustainable economic development that protects natural resources. We share the same vision to meet the challenges of tomorrow," said Nicolas Sordet, CEO and Co-Founder of AFYREN About CEARITIS Cearitis researches and develops biocontrol solutions. Created in 2020 by two complementary partners, the company now has 8 employees, with a developed R&D operation. CEARITIS implements protection solutions against the main tree-crop pests. The first trials were carried out on the olive fly Bactrocera Oleae, and the company expanded its scope two years ago to include work on the red fruit fly, Drosophila Suzukii, and soon on Ceratitis Capitata, the fruit fly that attacks more than 250 varieties of crops. CEARITIS's work is based on a simple process, an attractant, and a repellent. The innovation is in the complementarity of the two solutions, created from natural molecules never before used in agricultural protection. In addition, the solution comes with an innovative trapping system designed and manufactured specifically for the targeted pests and easy to set up in the field. CEARITIS has received numerous awards, including an award at the CES in Las Vegas, the Cleantech Open France and the ILAB. CEARITIS is committed to following its environmental and societal values at all levels. Find out more: https://www.cearitis.com/ About AFYREN Founded in 2012 to respond to industry's growing need to reduce the use of petroleum derivatives as ingredients, AFYREN produces biomolecules from the reuse of non-food biomass. AFYREN's production replicates the properties of equivalent petroleum-based molecules that are widely used in human and animal nutrition, cosmetics, flavors and fragrances and fine chemicals. By offering natural alternatives to these strategic markets, AFYREN is engaged in a low-carbon economy and proposes a truly circular approach, with the use of local biomass and the choice of strategic locations as close as possible to its customers. Resulting from 10 years of research, AFYREN's disruptive innovation won the 2030 Global Innovation Contest in the "Plant proteins and plant chemistry" category and was selected in the French Tech 120 in 2020 and 2021. In 2018, AFYREN committed to its industrial project by creating the AFYREN NEOXY joint venture with Bpifrance's SPI fund. AFYREN NEOXY is dedicated to the first industrial production of AFYREN natural organic acids in the Grand Est region. The AFYREN NEOXY factory opened its doors in 2022. AFYREN and AFYREN NEOXY now employ nearly 100 people at their sites in Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand and Carling Saint-Avold. In 2021, AFYREN listed on the Euronext Growth exchange in Paris, raising a total amount of 70.4 million euros with the objective of accelerating its industrial development (ISIN code: FR0014005AC9, ticker: ALAFY). Find out more: https://afyren.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005520/en/ Contacts: AFYREN Caroline Petigny Director for ESG, Communications and Public Affairs caroline.petigny@afyren.com Investor Relations Mark Reinhard investisseurs@afyren.com NewCap Investor Relations Theo Martin Mathilde Bohin Tel: 01 44 71 94 94 afyren@newcap.eu NewCap Media Relations Nicolas Merigeau Gaelle Fromaigeat Tel: 01 44 71 94 98 afyren@newcap.eu International Media relations Bogert-Magnier Communications James Connell +33 6 2152 1755 jim@bogert-magnier.com This follows Norge Mining's 2021 announcement of the discovery of more than 70 billion tonnes of phosphate rock in the Southwest of Norway containing phosphate, titanium, and vanadium in one of the most significant deposits of the EU Critical Raw Materials. The European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) is pleased to announce that it will support Norge Mining's Norwegian-based sister company Norge Mineraler AS in the exploration and production of vanadium, phosphate and its subsequent derivative phosphorus, and titanium in Norway. All these raw materials are included in the European Union's 2020 Critical Raw Materials list, highlighting their strategic importance for a resilient European economy. European production of these materials is critical to lowering the increasing risks associated with imported supply, as well as supporting Europe to achieve its 2050 net zero carbon emissions target. Currently, China produces approximately 59% of the world's vanadium and 41% of titanium, while 34% of traded phosphate rock is sourced from Morocco, according to the latest EU figures. Before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russia was the world's largest supplier of aerospace-grade titanium. Norge Mineraler AS holds 61 exploration licences, totalling more than 520 square kilometres in the Bjerkreim-Sokndal basin, located in southwestern Norway. The area's large deposits of high-grade raw materials, and the company's core focus on sustainable and responsible mining, make the project fully aligned with ERMA's vision, as it will contributes to ensuring reliable, secure, and sustainable access to raw materials as key enablers for a globally competitive, green, and digital Europe. Bernd Schafer, CEO and Managing Director of EIT RawMaterials, which manages ERMA, commented: "Europe is in an excellent position: we can use our advantage in clean tech innovation and skills development to turn the industry into a powerhouse of innovation and change and, in doing so, achieve the highest social and environmental standards for European mining, just as Norge Mineraler AS is doing." "Raw materials have a huge impact on our energy and economic security and are critical to securing our strategic autonomy. The current geopolitical crisis and global supply chain disruptions are a reminder that we need our own production, and this is of huge urgency for leaders across the Continent. In the coming decades, the transition to green energy will significantly increase the global demand for vanadium, a material that not only is in high demand by the steel industry but also has great potential for sustaining clean technologies. Vanadium batteries provide efficient power storage for renewable energy, such as hydro, wind, and solar. By 2050, there will be a 173% increase in the production of vanadium used in technologies essential to a low-carbon future, according to the World Bank Group report, 'The Mineral Intensity of the Clean Energy Transition'. Titanium, a strong, lightweight, and extremely resilient raw material, is widely deployed in aerospace, aviation, and automotive manufacturing. Phosphate is not only a key ingredient in fertilisers, which makes it critical to food security of the planet but is also increasingly used in LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries for electric vehicles and in the production of white phosphorous, another EU Critical Raw Material. John Vergopoulos, Chairman of Norge Mineraler AS, commented: "Raw materials are finally getting the attention they deserve, and we are determined to help Europe secure a domestic supply of responsibly sourced critical raw materials to enable its successful transition to renewable energy sources. With the environment and community at the top of our corporate agenda, we are proud that Norge Mineraler AS is striving to meet the highest Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards for mining vanadium, phosphate, and titanium in Europe." Michael Wurmser, founder of Norge Mining Ltd, commented: "Today we celebrate an important milestone for Europe's long-term access to key raw materials for the energy transition and food security. The support of the EU and its organisations ERMA and EIT RawMaterials will enable Norge Mining to implement the relevant projects, which can cost at least 2 billion. This makes cooperation between public and private institutions in the development of sustainable mining infrastructure in Europe all the more important." ENDS Note for editors Norway has significant, untapped mineral resources, and the country generates almost 100% of its energy from sustainable sources, reducing the carbon footprint of mining operations to a minimum. Exploration drilling and analytics at Norge Mineraler AS's Storeknuten deposit put the estimated mineral resource at almost 1 billion tonnes which represents only about 1.4% of the total volume of at least 70 billion tonnes of Norge Mining's phosphate rock. While the company will focus on the 410 million tonnes of high-grade minerals, the vast reserves underline the potential for Europe to have a steady and sustainably mined CRM supply for decades to come. The mine is set to begin operation in 2027. The company uses innovation and technology to minimise environmental impact. It is also in collaboration and constant communication with the local community through its Community Liaison Officer, providing a clear and consistent approach to maintain its Social License to Operate. About the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) Metals, minerals, and advanced materials are the key enablers for a globally competitive, green, and digital Europe. The European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) contributes to ensuring reliable, secure, and sustainable access to raw materials. ERMA's vision is to secure access to critical and strategic raw materials, advanced materials, and processing know-how for EU Industrial Ecosystems. The alliance brings together all relevant stakeholders, including industrial actors along the value chain, Member States and regions, trade unions, civil society, research and technology organisations, investors, and NGOs. ERMA is managed by EIT RawMaterials, a Knowledge and Innovation Community of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. erma.eu About Norge Mining Ltd. Norge Mining Ltd is an Anglo-Norwegian natural resources company focused on mineral exploration in Norway. The Company's Mineral Resource Estimates from the Bjerkreim-Sokndal Exploration Project have confirmed world-class deposits of the EU Critical Raw Materials phosphate and vanadium along with large quantities of titanium. Norge Mining holds 61 exploration licences, totalling more than 520 square kilometres, in southwest Norway through its 100%-owned Norwegian subsidiary, Norge Mineraler AS. The Company's programme of exploration work, building on earlier studies by the Geological Survey of Norway (NGU), is now in the prefeasibility study stage. Founded in November 2018, the Company is headquartered in the UK and its ambition is to become a substantial, sustainable, and strategically important exploration and mining business focused on Critical Raw Materials in Europe. For further information, please visit www.norgemining.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005592/en/ Contacts: Vanessa Lorenz, Head of Communications EIT RawMaterials E: vanessa.lorenz@eitrawmaterials.eu M: 49 174 2714312 Mark Court, Media Buchanan E: markc@buchanan.uk.com M: +44 20 7466 5125 John Vergopoulos Norge Mining Ltd. E: jv@norgemining.com M: +44 7951 967459 TILT Biotherapeutics (TILT), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing cancer immunotherapies, announces the final close of its EUR 22 million (approximately USD 23.8 million) round. This follows on from the first close of EUR 10 million in June 2022. The financing was led by Finland's Lifeline Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm founded by serial entrepreneurs. The funding will be used to advance to Phase II the company's combination trials which use oncolytic immunotherapies synergistically with checkpoint inhibitors. This final close of 12 million includes 5.9 million equity from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund as well as a 2.1 million grant from EIC's Accelerator programme, as well as investments from Stephen Industries Inc Oy and ACME Investments SPF Sarl. The EIC Fund is TILT's first significant international investor. The EIC investment decision followed a due diligence process by the European Investment Bank, which supports the EIC Fund as Investment Advisor. TILT Biotherapeutics' founder and CEO, Akseli Hemminki, a cancer clinician who has personally treated hundreds of cancer patients with oncolytic viruses, said, "We're pleased to have achieved this round of 22 million to advance our promising pipeline of armed oncolytic viruses. Our trials are progressing well through Phase I, and this new funding will support us in progressing them into Phase II, another key step for these new therapies to reach patients in a range of cancers". Timo Ahopelto, Founding Partner of Lifeline Ventures, said, "We invest in future category-leading companies with strong founders, and support them through their growth. We saw the potential in TILT's cancer immunotherapies early on and continue to build on that potential in Europe as well as the U.S market with this funding round." Hermann Hauser, member of the EIC Fund Board said, "Combining grants and equity is unique to the European Innovation Council. It bridges the funding gap for highly innovative companies, unlocks additional private investments and enables them to scale up in Europe." The heart of TILT's innovative approach revolves around the use of armed oncolytic adenoviruses, using cytokines and other molecules to boost the patient's immune response to better enable it to find and destroy cancer cells. The company is advancing its pipeline of programs including its lead asset TILT-123, in further clinical trials, including in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. -Ends- Notes to Editors About TILT Biotherapeutics TILT Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing cancer therapeutics based on its proprietary oncolytic adenoviruses armed with molecules including cytokines that can stimulate, or suppress, T cells. The company's patented TILT technology, which can be delivered locally and systemically, modifies the tumor microenvironment, and eliminates its ability to suppress immune responses to cancer, thereby enhancing T-cell therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, and CAR T therapies. TILT's lead asset, TILT-123, is a 5/3 chimeric serotype adenovirus armed with two human cytokines: TNF alpha and IL-2. TILT-123 has demonstrated a 100% response rate in pre-clinical cancer models in vivo, and it is currently in Phase I clinical trials. The company's pioneering approach has been recognized by industry leaders including with the Merck KGaA and Pfizer Alliance, who are collaborating to investigate TILT-123's therapeutic effect in combination with the PD-L1 inhibitor, avelumab (Bavencio), in head and neck cancer (NCT05222932). The company has two collaborations with MSD, a tradename of Merck Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, investigating TILT-123 in combination with pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA) in ovarian cancer (NCT05271318) and in refractory non-small cell lung cancer. In 2019, TILT established an additional partnership with Biotheus, a privately held Chinese company based in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China, for the development and commercialization of TILT's proprietary oncolytic virus TILT-123 in Greater China. Based in Helsinki, Finland, and with an office in Boston, the company was established in 2013 as a spin-out from the University of Helsinki. It has funding from Lifeline Ventures, Finnish Industry Investment (TESI), angel investors, Business Finland, and the European Innovation Council. About the EIC Fund The European Innovation Council Fund from the European Commission is an agnostic Fund: it invests across all technologies and verticals, and all EU countries and countries associated to Horizon Europe. It provides the investment component of the EIC Accelerator blended finance. The EIC Fund aims to fill a critical financing gap and its main purpose is to support companies in the development and commercialisation of disruptive technologies, bridging with and crowding in market players, and further sharing risk by building a large network of capital providers and strategic partners suitable for co-investments and follow-on funding. The Fund pays particular attention to the empowerment and support of female founders as well as the ambition to reduce the innovation divide among EU countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005020/en/ Contacts: Media contacts TILT Biotherapeutics COO Aino Kalervo aino@tiltbio.com Scius Communications Katja Stout +447789435990 katja@sciuscommunications.com Daniel Gooch +44774787 479 daniel@sciuscommunications.com LONDON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 30% Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Hanneke Smits, CEO of BNY Mellon Investment Management, as its fourth Global Chair, succeeding Ann Cairns. Throughout her career, Hanneke has been a long-time champion of improving gender diversity in the workplace. In 2015, she co-founded Level 20, a not-for-profit organisation established to inspire women to succeed in the private equity industry. Hanneke also serves as Chair of Impetus, a venture philanthropy organisation that backs charities to transform the lives of disadvantaged young people. At BNY Mellon, Hanneke is the Executive Sponsor of PRISM, the company's LGBTQ+ employee group, and CEO of BNY Mellon Investment Management since October 2020, one of the largest asset managers in the world with $1.8 trillion in assets under management. Hanneke has championed numerous initiatives such as Newton Investment Management's (Newton) work with the Diversity Project to ensure that returning female portfolio managers were able to maintain their investment track record, BNY Mellon's partnership with Inspiring Girls through The Pathway to Inclusive Investment research in 2022, and being an early supporter of the UK's #10000BlackInterns programme. Hanneke succeeds Ann Cairns as global chair of the 30% Club. Ann, who retired as Executive Vice Chair of Mastercard at the end of 2022, joined the campaign in 2019 as Co-Chair, working with the late Brenda Trenowden before becoming sole global Chair in 2020. Commenting, Hanneke Smits, CEO of BNY Mellon Investment Management, said: "It is an honour to succeed Ann Cairns as Global Chair of the 30% Club and to continue its mission of increasing the number of women at board and senior management levels. The role of the 30% Club is as vital now as it was at launch in 2010. Even today, the baseline target of reaching 30% women - either at board or senior management level - remains a stretch for many organisations throughout the world. Reaching the campaign's ultimate goal of gender parity will take significant effort and investment. I look forward to continuing to grow the 30% Club internationally and tackle a wider range of diversity challenges, inside and outside the boardroom." Under the leadership of Ann, the 30% Club formed new chapters in Mexico, Colombia and Chile and welcomed Poland, Ecuador and an investor group in France to the campaign. Her involvement with UN Women's Outstanding Women's Leaders Group saw the 30% Club, Melinda French-Gates and the UN Foundation convene what is presumed to be the world's biggest meeting of CEOs and company chairs to discuss gender equality in May 2021. Cairns also broadened the UK chapter's target to focus on racial equality, which included the launch of the Mission INCLUDE strand of the 30% Club's world-leading and cross-company mentoring programme enabling individuals from all underrepresented groups to participate. She also launched the Leaders for Race Equity CEO development programme last year in partnership with Change the Race Ratio and Moving Ahead. Ann Cairns, outgoing Global Chair of the 30% Club, added: "On behalf of the members of the 30% Club, we are proud to welcome Hanneke as our new Global Chair. It will be invaluable to have a respected leader of Hanneke's experience and calibre join the global campaign at a time when many companies are still struggling to achieve diversity at board and executive levels. In the UK, for instance, we may have reached 40% women on the boards of the FTSE 100, but the majority remain in non-executive roles; there are just 25% women at executive committee level and just 8 female CEOs. Women of colour remain under-represented at every managerial and leadership level. We must continue to keep diversity and inclusion high on the agenda." This is the second time an individual from within BNY Mellon Investment Management has taken a leadership role within the 30% Club. The campaign was launched in 2010 by Dame Helena Morrissey, who was the then CEO of Newton, one of BNY Mellon Investment Management's investment firms. Newton and BNY Mellon Investment Management were early supporters of the campaign's goals and helped encourage many chairs of Britain's biggest companies to commit to the initial target of 30% women on their boards. This target was reached across the FTSE 100 in September 2019 and there are now 40% women on boards. The 30% Club would like to thank UK steering committee member Karin Barnick, a partner at executive search and leadership advisory firm Korn Ferry in London, who led the search for the new global chair on a pro bono basis. Contact: 30% Club Laura Whitcombe laura@30percentclub.org BNY Mellon Investment Management Anneliese Diedrichs Anneliese.diedrichs@bnymellon.com About 30% Club: The 30% Club is a global campaign led by Chairs and CEOs taking action to increase gender diversity at board and senior management levels of the world's biggest companies. We set targets of a minimum of 30% female representation at the board and executive committee levels. This is the critical mass at which research shows minority voices are heard. However, the goal is parity. The campaign's international footprint unites more than 20 countries around the world, from Australia and Japan to Mexico, the US and Canada. We support diversity in its very broadest sense and while gender has been our starting point, we fully realise that considerations of ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background and beyond are all part of the journey - and that gender identities are themselves evolving rapidly. We believe that only those organisations that foster truly inclusive cultures - cultures that embrace women who look, act and, importantly, THINK differently - can reach their full potential to positively impact their people, their markets and their communities. 30% Club Global Target: Beyond 30% women on boards of a nominated stock exchange 30% Club UK Chapter's Targets: Beyond 30% representation of women on all FTSE 350 boards, to include one person of colour. We support the Parker Review goals for at least one person of colour on every FTSE 350 board - in addition, we advocate for gender balance with half these seats going to women, creating 175 board seats for women of colour. Beyond 30% representation of women on all FTSE 350 Executive Committees, to include one person of colour. We advocate for gender balance with half these seats going to women of colour creating 175 executive committee roles for women of colour. Beyond 30% of all new FTSE 350 Chair appointments to go to women between now and the end of 2023. About BNY Mellon Investment Management: BNY Mellon Investment Management is one of the world's largest asset managers, with $1.8 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2022. Through an investor-first approach, BNY Mellon Investment Management brings to clients the best of both worlds: specialist expertise from seven investment firms offering solutions across every major asset class, backed by the strength, stability, and global presence of BNY Mellon. Additional information on BNY Mellon Investment Management is available on www.bnymellonim.com.? BNY Mellon Investment Management is a division of BNY Mellon, a global investments company dedicated to helping its clients manage and service their financial assets throughout the investment lifecycle. Whether providing financial services for institutions, corporations or individual investors, BNY Mellon delivers informed investment and wealth management and investment services in 35 countries. As of December 31, 2022, BNY Mellon had $44.3 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration, and $1.8 trillion in assets under management. BNY Mellon can act as a single point of contact for clients looking to create, trade, hold, manage, service, distribute or restructure investments. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). Additional information is available on www.bnymellon.com. Follow us on Twitter @BNYMellon or visit our newsroom at www.bnymellon.com/newsroom for the latest company news.? Unless otherwise specified herein, all information sourced by BNY Mellon as of 7 February 2023. This press release is qualified for issuance in UK, Europe and Switzerland and is for information purposes only. It does not constitute an offer or solicitation of securities or investment services or an endorsement thereof in any jurisdiction or in any circumstance in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful or not authorised. Any views and opinions contained in this document are those of the manager, unless otherwise noted. Investment Managers are appointed by BNY Mellon Investment Management EMEA Limited (BNYMIM EMEA), BNY Mellon Fund Managers Limited (BNYMFM), BNY Mellon Fund Management (Luxembourg) S.A. (BNY MFML) or affiliated fund operating companies to undertake portfolio management activities in relation to contracts for products and services entered into by clients with BNYMIM EMEA, BNYMFM, BNY MFML or the BNY Mellon funds. In the UK, this press release is issued by BNY Mellon Investment Management EMEA Limited (BNYMIM EMEA) to members of the financial press and media and the information contained herein should not be construed as investment advice. Registered office of BNYMIM EMEA: BNY Mellon Centre, 160 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4LA. Registered in England no. 1118580. Authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A BNY Mellon Company. In Europe (ex-Switzerland) this press release is issued by BNY Mellon Fund Management (Luxembourg) S.A. (BNY MFML) to members of the financial press and media and the information contained herein should not be construed as investment advice. BNY MFML is a public limited company (societe anonyme) incorporated and existing under Luxembourg law under registration number B28166 and having its registered address at 2-4 Rue Eugene Ruppert L-2453 Luxembourg. Regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF). A BNY Mellon Company. In Switzerland this press release is issued by BNY Mellon Investments Switzerland GmbH to members of the financial press and media and the information contained herein should not be construed as investment advice. BNY Mellon Investments Switzerland GmbH, Barengasse 29, CH-8001 Zurich, Switzerland. This press release is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute an offer or solicitation of securities or investment services or an endorsement thereof in any jurisdiction or in any circumstance in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful or not authorized. This press release is issued by BNY Mellon Investment Management to members of the financial press and media and the information contained herein should not be construed as investment advice. Unless otherwise specified herein, all information sourced by BNY Mellon as of 25/01//2023. Hanneke Smits - Biography: Hanneke Smits is CEO of BNY Mellon Investment Management and a member of BNY Mellon's Executive Committee. With over 30 years of investment experience, Hanneke was previously CEO of Newton Investment Management, a BNY Mellon Investment Management firm, from 2016 to 2020. Prior to Newton, she served on the Executive Committee at private equity firm Adams Street Partners from 2001 to 2014, having been Chief Investment Officer from 2008 to 2014. She joined Adams Street in 1997 to build out its global investment capabilities, and successfully launched its presence in Europe and Asia. Before joining Adams Street, she was an investment manager at Pantheon Ventures, and worked for Philips China Hong Kong Group. Hanneke is the Executive Sponsor for PRISM, BNY Mellon's LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, and serves as Chair of Impetus, a venture philanthropy organization which backs charities to transform the lives of disadvantaged young people. As part of her role with Impetus, she is Trustee of the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), founded in 2011 by The Sutton Trust in partnership with Impetus. Hanneke was also a Non-Executive Director to the Court of the Bank of England, and a co-founder and first Chair of Level 20, a not-for-profit organization set up in 2015 to inspire women to join and succeed in the private equity industry. Originally from the Netherlands, Hanneke has a BBA from Nijenrode University and an MBA from the London Business School. Ann Cairns - Biography: Ann is the lead Non-Executive Director at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the chair of the Financial Alliance for Women and a member of the UK government's AI Council. Until recently she served as chair of ICE Clear Europe, owned by the Fortune 500 company Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) and as executive vice chair of Mastercard, where she represented the company around the world, focusing on inclusion, diversity and innovation. Prior to that appointment, Ann was President of International Markets responsible for the management of all Mastercard customer-related activities in over 200 countries. Ann has more than 20 years' experience working in senior management positions across Europe and the U.S. Prior to joining Mastercard in 2011, Ann took Lehman Brothers through the bankruptcy process while head of the Financial Services Group at Alvarez & Marsal. She was also CEO of Transaction Banking at ABN-AMRO and held senior positions at Citigroup. She has a Pure Mathematics degree and honorary doctorate from Sheffield University and a M.Sc. with research into medical statistics and honorary doctorate from Newcastle University. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1996466/30_Club_Hanneke_Smits.jpgcoso Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1996465/30_Club_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hanneke-smits-named-global-chair-of-30-club-301739635.html The acclaimed head chef of Lolla in Singapore will be honoured at the live awards ceremony on 28thMarch 2023 LONDON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Filipino chef Johanne Siy of Lolla in Singapore wins the Asia's Best Female Chef Award for 2023. Siy is the first Singapore-based chef to win the award, voted for by the 300-plus members of the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Academy. This accolade celebrates women in gastronomy who push the boundaries of excellence with their skills, techniques and craft. The Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2023 in-person awards ceremony will be held on 28th of March 2023 inSingapore, in collaboration with host destination partner Singapore Tourism Board, marking the first full-scale gathering of Asia's gastronomic community since 2019. William Drew, Director of Content for Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, says: "Johanne's understanding of the provenance of ingredients and her flair for presenting cuisine that is produce-driven, alongside mindful inclusions of the culinary traditions she grew up with, make her a worthy recipient of this award." Siy has been Lolla's head chef since 2020 and led the restaurant to their first placement in the list of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2022 at No.75. Lauded for its considered emphasis on produce, seasonality and intentional simplicity, Siy's food spotlights Asian-inspired modern European cuisine with nods to her Filipina heritage. Dishes like crab 'relleno', aligue sauce and kaffir lime feature the 'aligue' sauce from the Philippines -a paste of river crab tomalley and aromatics - which is served within the crab's own shell. Born in Dagupan, Philippines, Siy's experiences include apprenticing under chefs Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin) and Daniel Boulud (Cafe Boulud) and a four-year tenure at Restaurant Andre (Singapore). She spent years enriching her skills in Nordic kitchens, farms and forests with stints at Noma and Relae in Copenhagen, and Faviken in Sweden. Siy says: "This is great validation for the hard work my team and I do to better our craft. I am grateful for this platform that enables me to inspire young chefs. I want to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women in our industry, in the hopes that we can thrive by leveraging the symbiosis that a truly egalitarian workforce brings." JOHANNE SIY IS THE WINNER OF ASIA'S BEST FEMALE CHEF AWARD 2023 The acclaimed head chef of Lolla in Singapore will be honoured at the live awards ceremony on 28thMarch 2023 Filipino chef Johanne Siy of Lolla in Singapore wins the Asia's Best Female Chef Award for 2023. Siy is the first Singapore-based chef to win the award, voted for by the 300-plus members of the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Academy. This accolade celebrates women in gastronomy who push the boundaries of excellence with their skills, techniques and craft. The Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2023 in-person awards ceremony will be held on 28th of March 2023 inSingapore, in collaboration with host destination partner Singapore Tourism Board, marking the first full-scale gathering of Asia's gastronomic community since 2019. William Drew, Director of Content for Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, says: "Johanne's understanding of the provenance of ingredients and her flair for presenting cuisine that is produce-driven, alongside mindful inclusions of the culinary traditions she grew up with, make her a worthy recipient of this award." Siy has been Lolla's head chef since 2020 and led the restaurant to their first placement in the list of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2022 at No.75.Lauded for its considered emphasis on produce, seasonality and intentional simplicity, Siy's food spotlights Asian-inspired modern European cuisine with nods to her Filipina heritage. Dishes like crab 'relleno', aligue sauce and kaffir lime feature the 'aligue' sauce from the Philippines -a paste of river crab tomalley and aromatics - which is served within the crab's own shell. Born in Dagupan, Philippines, Siy's experiences include apprenticing under chefs Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin) and Daniel Boulud (Cafe Boulud) and a four-year tenure at Restaurant Andre (Singapore). She spent years enriching her skills in Nordic kitchens, farms and forests with stints at Noma and Relae in Copenhagen, and Faviken in Sweden. Siy says: "This is great validation for the hard work my team and I do to better our craft. I am grateful for this platform that enables me to inspire young chefs. I want to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women in our industry, in the hopes that we can thrive by leveraging the symbiosis that a truly egalitarian workforce brings." Previous winnersinclude Korean chef Cho Hee-sook (2020), Shanghai-based DeAille Tam (2021) and Tokyo-based Japanese chef Natsuko Shoji (2022). Media Centre: https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1996405/Johanne_Siy_of_Lolla_Asia_Best_Female_Chef_2023.jpg PDF - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1996471/Asia_50_Best_PDF.pdf Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1996406/Asia_50_Best_Restaurants_2023_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/johanne-siy-is-the-winner-of-asias-best-female-chef-award-2023-301739569.html Carl D Francis takes the helm at medtech group focused on reversal of diabetes, NASH, and obesity LONDON, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today Keyron, the medical technology group focused on reversing type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and obesity via an innovative medical device platform, announced the appointment of Carl D Francis as Chief Executive Officer. "The continuing rise in obesity, diabetes, and all forms of fatty liver disease is one of the biggest health challenges the world faces today. Literally billions of people are affected, and the numbers continue to rise rapidly," Francis said. "Keyron's technology is a complete game-changer. An innovative, non-surgical, endoscopically-delivered, fully reversible treatment as an alternative to drastic bariatric surgeries is as exciting as it gets. I am really proud and honoured to be part of Keyron." The American Diabetes Association states that today 37m Americans suffer from diabetes, with 96m having pre-diabetes. The link between obesity and diabetes is well established, and according to The World Obesity Federation's forecast in their recently released 2022 Atlas, 67% of women and 51% of men in the Americas will be living with obesity (BMI = 30) by 2030. Keyron's patented technology is designed to be a fully endoscopic, outpatient procedure providing the same or greater metabolic benefits of gastric bypass surgery, including a reversal of type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as NASH and liver fibrosis. Following successful rodent studies in 2019 and swine studies in 2022, Keyron's first-in-human trials are planned to begin in early 2024. Keyron is targeting to achieve FDA clearance by 2028, and a US launch is planned as the first target market. The company is now making plans to raise a $15m Series A funding round. Dr Giorgio Castagneto Gissey, Keyron's Chairman, said, "We are thrilled that Carl will be leading Keyron as we enter this critical stage of our development. Carl brings energy, focus, and senior leadership experience to ensure we realize our full potential. Keyron has always had high profile, world-leading board members and medical advisors, and we continue to bring onboard remarkable people. We are truly delighted to have been able to attract Carl." Francis was previously CEO of successful nano-technology group P2i. During his tenure the group grew from a handful of employees to global leadership in the functional nano-coating space. He was most recently CEO of UK-based medtech group Eyoto which specializes in advanced technologies in the optical and ophthalmic industries. He started his career as a US CPA, is a member of Mensa, and has a BSc from the University of Cincinnati. CONTACT For further information please contact: In the USA - Carl D Francis at c.francis@keyron.com (mailto:c.francis@keyron.com) or +1 (912) 429-3800 In Europe - Dr Giorgio Castagneto Gissey at gcgissey@keyron.com (mailto:gcgissey@keyron.com) or +44 7975 911101 ABOUT KEYRON Keyron is a UK-based, preclinical-stage medical device and technology platform company aimed at a highly-effective treatment of metabolic diseases. Keyron's patented ForePass is an innovative medical device designed to safely reverse type-2 diabetes, as well as NASH, and obesity. The company has already demonstrated a full reversal of insulin resistance in animal studies, and recently published the results in The Lancet EBioMedicine. Keyron has upcoming clinical trials in South America and aims to then carry out further clinical trials in the USA. Its founders, directors, advisors and investors include some of the most well-known and cited professors and KOLs worldwide in the metabolic diseases space. The company is backed by multiple institutional investors based in the USA and EMEA. LAS VEGAS and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TAAT GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES INC. (CSE: TAAT) (OTCQX: TOBAF) (FRANKFURT: 2TP) (the "Company" or "TAAT") is pleased to announce that in 2023 its subsidiary Beyond Alternatives LLC ("Beyond Alternatives") will be pursuing additional applications of the Company's proprietary base material in emerging market areas. In a press release dated December 22, 2022 , the Company announced the Q4 2022 creation of Beyond Alternatives; an entity specializing in the development and commercialization of alternative products in growing categories. The first brand to be brought to market by Beyond Alternatives is titled Jayvees, and will be launched at the CHAMPS trade show event in Las Vegas; taking place from Wednesday, February 8, 2023 through Saturday, February 11, 2023. More information about CHAMPS can be found on the parent organization's website at the following link: https://champstradeshows.com/ The base material in Jayvees, which underwent years of development by TAAT Founder Joe Deighan and Chief Science Officer Dr. Cindy Orser , has an advanced patent-pending formulation of reconstituted hemp. In addition to making for a smooth and stimulating smoking experience across a range of use cases for adult consumers, the proprietary formulation of the base material is conducive to an exceptionally high production velocity, allowing for favourable cost efficiency as well as a low barrier to upward scaling of production volume. Jayvees Brand Overview Beyond Alternatives' inaugural brand Jayvees specializes in leveraging novel cannabinoids to provide unique experiences through combustible and edible products. Jayvees will initially offer four smokable varieties (Blue Dream, Menthol, OG Kush, and Tropical), sold in packs of ten sticks referred to as "Jays". Additionally, Jayvees will offer four CBD-balanced varieties of edible chocolates (Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, and Peanut Butter). Beyond Alternatives will commercialize Jayvees through the Company's existing wholesale distribution infrastructure within the United States, anchored in Las Vegas, Nevada. Additionally, the Company's Ohio-based subsidiary ADCO Distributors, Inc. ("ADCO") placed its initial order of Jayvees in January 2023, and will carry Jayvees among its existing range of alternative and legacy products in the convenience category. Jayvees will be the first brand launched under the Company's subsidiary Beyond Alternatives. In addition to the four flavours of hemp "Jays" pictured above, Jayvees will offer four CBD-balanced varieties of edible chocolates. Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR or the Investor Relations section of the Company's website for a version of this press release containing all published media. TAAT Chief Executive Officer Michael Saxon commented, "We're excited for what's to come in 2023, as the CPG industry landscape continues to evolve. One of our objectives for this year is to fortify our market presence across multiple categories and geographies. There are many emerging segments where we believe the Company is favourably positioned to become an early entrant through Beyond Alternatives. Leveraging our ADCO distribution business will allow the product to get to market faster, and allow us to diversify our revenue streams. Jayvees will be Beyond Alternatives' first brand to enter the market, and we are looking forward to launching its initial range of products at the CHAMPS trade show in Las Vegas." On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, TAAT GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES INC. "Michael Saxon" Michael Saxon, CEO and Director For further information, please contact: TAAT Investor Relations 1-833-TAAT-USA (1-833-822-8872) investor@taatglobal.com THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE ("CSE") HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE, NOR HAS OR DOES THE CSE'S REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER. About TAAT Global Alternatives Inc. TAAT is a vertically integrated consumer product and distribution company, generating more than CAD $90 million in overall gross revenue annually. TAAT is strategically expanding its product categories including tobacco and reduced-risk alternatives, hemp, kratom, and other emerging CPG segments. TAAT has facilities to include a processing plant in Nevada as well as a distribution centre in Canton, Ohio, leveraging existing retail shelf space and pipelines into national wholesale channels. For more information, please visit http://taatglobal.com . 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. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the anticipated performance of TAAT in the tobacco industry, in addition to the following: Occurrence of the CHAMPS trade show event with Beyond Alternatives as an exhibitor, potential performance of Beyond Alternatives' products. 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. 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 timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) changes to the growth and size of the tobacco markets; (iii) changes to the regulatory landscape applicable to the Company's business; and (iv) other factors beyond the control of the Company. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Company's management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Company's 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. The statements in this news release have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As each individual is different, the benefits, if any, of taking the Company's products will vary from person to person. No claims or guarantees can be made as to the effects of the Company's products on an individual's health and well-being. The Company's products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This news release may contain trademarked names of third-party entities (or their respective offerings with trademarked names) typically in reference to (i) relationships had by the Company with such third-party entities as referred to in this release and/or (ii) client/vendor/service provider parties whose relationship with the Company is/are referred to in this release. All rights to such trademarks are reserved by their respective owners or licensees. Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms Disclosures relating to investor relations firms retained by TAAT Global Alternatives Inc. can be found under the Company's profile on http://sedar.com . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aa0410e0-9c1d-42c2-af5a-2bb91eeb8ffc CARGOTEC CORPORATION, PRESS RELEASE, 7 FEBRUARY 2023 AT 10 AM. The machines will be deployed at the company's Antwerp Gateway terminal in Belgium. The order was booked in Cargotec's 2023 Q1 order intake, with delivery scheduled for Q4 2023. DP World Antwerp Gateway is renowned by its customers for its unrivalled productivity, advanced technology and outstanding intermodal connectivity. The terminal is a joint venture between DP World Antwerp Holding, Cosco, Terminal Link and Duisport group. DP World currently operates a fleet of 58 Kalmar straddle carriers, of which 42 are hybrid models. The new machines will have a lifting capacity of 60 tons, which is a new offering from Kalmar designed to improve productivity at the terminal by enabling twin lifting of heavier container combinations. They will replace older machines from the existing fleet at Antwerp. Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers can cut fuel consumption by up to 40% compared to equivalent diesel-powered machines. Mark Brouns, Head of Technical Department, DP World Antwerp Gateway: "We are constantly striving to improve productivity at Antwerp, which is already a European leader in this regard thanks to our investments in efficiency-enhancing equipment and systems. With their excellent reliability and low fuel consumption, Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers will continue to play a key role in increasing productivity and optimising operational costs at the terminal." Mikko Mononen, Vice President, Sales Management, Horizontal Transportation, Kalmar: "We are proud to introduce our first hybrid straddle carrier with a continuous lifting capacity of 60 tons with no exceptions, which represents a significant step forward in terms of our horizontal transport offering. Antwerp Gateway is already a leader among European terminals, and we are delighted to continue our collaboration and lead the industry together forward." Further information for the press: Mikko Mononen, Vice President, Sales Management, Horizontal Transportation, Kalmar, mikko.mononen@kalmarglobal.com Maija Eklof, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Kalmar, tel. +358 20 777 4096, maija.eklof@kalmarglobal.com Kalmar is the global leader in sustainable cargo handling for ports, terminals, distribution centres and heavy industry. With our extensive electric portfolio and global service network, we help our customers move towards safer, more eco-efficient and productive operations. Together, we develop innovative solutions that shape the future of our industry, improving our customers' every move. www.kalmarglobal.com Kalmar is part of Cargotec. Cargotec's Attachment COMMERZBANK AG - Pre-stabilisation Poland EUR dual-tranche 10y + 20y Pre-Stabilisation notice February 7, 2023 Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful. The Republic of Poland EUR dual-tranche benchmark transaction 10-year and 20-year Pre-Stabilisation Notice Commerzbank AG (contact: Daniela Olt-Farrelly; telephone: +49 69 136-20) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014). The security to be stabilised: Issuer: The State Treasury of the Republic of Poland, represented by the Minister of Finance Guarantor (if any): none Aggregate nominal amount: tbc Description: EUR-denominated 10-year and 20-year maturities Offer price: tbc Other offer terms: Rating A2/A-/A-, issued under the EMTN programme, denoms 1k Maturities: 10y 14 Feb 2033/ 20y 14 Feb 2043 Stabilisation: Stabilisation Coordinator: Stabilising Managers: Commerzbank Deutsche Bank ING Societe Generale Stabilisation period expected to start on: 7th February 2023 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Luxembourg SE regulated market In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilising Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules. This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction. This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful. END NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- abillion, the emerging sustainability-focused social media and e-commerce platform with over a million members globally, has launched a community investment round on Wefunder. The venture-backed company is choosing to invite retail investors and its community of members - who would ordinarily only get access after an IPO - to invest. abillion's social commerce platform's community boasts over 2.5 million user-generated reviews of consumer products. 4,700 Software-as-a-Service customers are on recurring contracts, eyeing new user acquisitions as a strong motivator. abillion has seen whooping 20x growth over the last two years. The round is led by Nicholas Cator, who led Series A and B rounds in Oatly ($13b IPO), Chewy ($22b IPO) and Lazada (SE Asia's largest marketplace, acquired by Alibaba). abillion previously raised $16M in Series A funding from notable investors including 500 Global, SDG Impact Japan, and Blue Horizon, and has launched its Regulation CF community round on leading community investment platform, Wefunder. 500 Global, which led abillion's seed round and has backed 51 unicorns, is also participating again in this round. "Since launching our Community Equity program in 2022, we've brought on board more than 10k of our members around the world as stakeholders in our vision for a better world. This year, as we raise capital to grow, we're proud to be opening up our investment round to our community of members and anyone that believes in our mission to create a better, more impactful social network." Vikas Garg. The abillion team is made up of leaders from the world's leading companies including Credit Suisse, GE, Johnson & Johnson, Delivery Hero, Yahoo, Apple and Microsoft. abillion's Founder and CEO, Vikas Garg, is a finance industry veteran having managed over $10 billion for investment banks, hedge funds, public pension funds & sovereign wealth funds of California, Canada, Abu Dhabi and Singapore. abillion's current investment round is open to both accredited and non-accredited investors alike, with an investment minimum of $100. Invest:https://wefunder.com/abillion. Contact: pr@abillion.com Logos: here Photos: here About abillion Founded by CEO Vikas Garg in 2018, our mission is to mobilise a billion people to save the world, by making better choices for the planet. Through our unique giving program, abillion has donated over US $2.5 million to create impact for animals, children and the environment. https://impact.abillion.com/about Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1997325/Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sustainability-platform-abillion-launches-a-crowdfunder-301740468.html Oversubscribed round led by Foresite Capital Funding will enable development of DNA synthesis chip technology to commercial scale EVONETIX LTD ('Evonetix'), the synthetic biology company bringing semiconductor technology to DNA synthesis, today announced it has completed a USD $24 million financing round, extending its total series B funding to over USD $54 million (circa GB 44 million). This fundraise was led by existing investor Foresite Capital, with Molten Ventures, Morningside, DCVC, Cambridge Consultants, Civilization Ventures and Providence also participating in the round. The investment will enable the continued development of Evonetix's semiconductor chips to commercial scale, and the extension of gene assembly capabilities for its unique binary assembly technology to deliver accurate, gene-length DNA in a benchtop instrument. The platform has the potential to revolutionise the way this DNA is prepared and delivered to users in the rapidly growing field of synthetic biology, accelerating research in applications across pharma, biotech, food, agriculture, and data storage. Colin McCracken, Chief Executive Officer at Evonetix, commented: "This substantial investment round demonstrates continued confidence in the progress of our technical development and its potential to revolutionise the accessibility of gene synthesis. Evonetix is in a very exciting phase, having recently opened our early access program. This investment will support us as we execute on our commercial strategy to put benchtop gene synthesis in the hands of users." Paul Beastall, Chair of the Board of Directors at Evonetix, said: "We're delighted to have secured additional funding from our existing investors in this oversubscribed round, testament not only to the promise of our novel approach to gene synthesis, but also the unrivalled expertise of our interdisciplinary team." Jim Tananbaum Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Foresite Capital, commented: We continue to be impressed by the Evonetix team and technology, and are excited to lead this round to accelerate their commercial strategy and make gene synthesis more accessible." Nelly Markova, Principal, Molten Ventures said: "Molten has been a big supporter of Evonetix from the early days. We are delighted with the huge progress the company has made towards revolutionising the gene synthesis process and look forward to continuing our partnership." Evonetix's proprietary synthesis process utilises a novel silicon chip, to control the synthesis of DNA at many thousands of independent thermally controlled reaction sites, or 'pixels', and their assembly into highly accurate long DNA on the chip surface through the company's patented Binary Assembly process. This approach enables the accurate synthesis of thousands of sequences on a single chip to meet the demand for complex libraries and assembly of long DNA in days rather than weeks, accelerating research across the exciting field of synthetic biology. For more information about Evonetix, please visit: www.evonetix.com ENDS View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005697/en/ Contacts: Lorna Cuddon Zyme Communications Tel: +44(0)7811996942 Email: lorna.cuddon@zymecommunications.com Italy comes in 3rd place for most popular countries to visit, behind France and Spain as per the travel App, Visited. The travel report also highlights how many countries travelers around the world visit, top states that travelers visit and wish to visit and other travel stats from global travelers. TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2023by Arriving In High Heels Corporation has published a travel report which showcases top travel trends around the world with highlight of 2022 travels. Visited , available on iOS or Android , is an app that allows users to mark off places they've been around the world, browse new travel destinations, get a custom map of their travels, and set travel goals. According to Visited's travel stats , the average global traveler has been to 18 countries. Travelers from the United Arab Emirates have visited the most countries, with an average of 29 countries visited. Swiss and Swedish travelers came in second and third as the most well-traveled. Italians have travelled less than other Europeans with under 15 countries. Italy comes in 3rd place for most popular countries to visit, behind France and Spain. The most sought-after places to visit are Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Brazil. In 2022 Italy topped the list as the most visited country. Other countries that made it to the top 5 include: Spain, France, Portugal and Greece. The most popular travel lists are capitals of the world, world wonders and art museums. Most popular travel lists, have Italian destinations in the top 10. Travel data was compiled based on 1,550,000 international users. To see more top travel lists and browse top destinations worldwide, download Visited on iOS or Android . For the full travel report, visit https://visitedapp.com/2021-travel-report . Visited App is a popular travel map app, which allows users to map their journeys, select what places and experiences they have been to and see personal travel stats. The travel app, was developed to keep track of traveller's bucketlists, see personalized travel stats and inspire future vacations. To learn more about the Visited app, visit https://visitedapp.com/app-di-viaggio-visited/ . About Arriving In High Heels Corporation Arriving In High Heels Corporation is a mobile app company with apps including Pay Off Debt, X-Walk, and Visited , their most popular app. Contact Information Anna Kayfitz anna@arrivinginhighheels.com The new positions will support the association's continued growth and overall mission FAIRFIELD, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / The California Insurance Wholesalers Association (CIWA), a professional trade association focused on California E&S insurance wholesalers, carriers and supporting entities, is pleased to announce four new members of the board of directors, as well as the promotion of two current members to top leadership roles. All positions will support CIWA's continued growth in the years ahead. The official announcement was revealed at the annual CIWA Industry Days meeting in Indian Wells, CA on Jan. 29 - Feb. 1, 2023. Association voters appointed the following 2023/24 members to the board: Officers of the Executive Board John Donahue, President of M.J. Hall & Company, has been promoted to serve as President of CIWA President of M.J. Hall & Company, has been promoted to serve as President of CIWA Yana Connors, Principal at Ck Specialty, has been promoted to serve as Vice President of CIWA Principal at Ck Specialty, has been promoted to serve as Vice President of CIWA Garett Kaneko, EVP of Client Relationship Management at Amwins, has been appointed as Treasurer of CIWA EVP of Client Relationship Management at Amwins, has been appointed as Treasurer of CIWA Sarah Sloan, CIC, SVP of Commercial atAtlas General Insurance Services, an RPS company, has been appointed as Secretary of CIWA New Board Members Mike Louderback, CPCU, RPLU , 2nd VP of Sales & Marketing at USLI, has been appointed as a new CIWA Board Member , 2nd VP of Sales & Marketing at USLI, has been appointed as a new CIWA Board Member Zach Hernandez, CPCU, Assistant VP at XPT Specialty, has been appointed as a new CIWA Board Member, as well as Committee Chair for CIWA Future "CIWA is headed in an exciting direction," said John Donahue, new President of CIWA. "We have a talented group of industry specialists involved in our association, and I am grateful they have entrusted me with the opportunity to oversee future growth and new initiatives. I know that together we will make a significant impact in our community." Both John Donahue and Yana Connors are continuing their service on the CIWA board. Garett Kaneko, Sarah Sloan, Mike Louderback and Zach Hernandez are all new board members, joining in January 2023. "I am pleased to congratulate everyone who has been appointed to the board and thrilled to be a part of CIWA's outreach within the insurance industry," said Garett Kaneko, new Treasurer and Executive Board Member of CIWA. "We are fortunate to have gifted, capable members who work tirelessly to further the mission of our association, and I look forward to what lies ahead." CIWA is a nonprofit organization that focuses on advocacy, education and networking within the property and casualty segment of the insurance industry. The association recently concluded its annual meeting in Indian Wells, CA, which saw the highest attendance numbers since 2019 and featured keynote speaker Stacy Dragila, the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in pole vaulting and founder of the nonprofit charity Try Something New. Look for more exciting things to come from CIWA, including Summer Forum 2023 in Lake Tahoe, CA. For more information on events and membership, visit ciwa.net About CIWA The California Insurance Wholesalers Association, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. Their vision is to perpetuate the education, advancement and advocacy of wholesale insurance professionals and their affiliated business partners. For more information, visit ciwa.net. Tax ID 95-4369749 Media Contact Anita Nevins, Direct Connection Advertising & Marketing 707-429-0877 | anita@directconnectionusa.com From left to right: Zach Hernandez, Mike Louderback, John Donahue, Sarah Sloan, Garett Kaneko, and Yana Connors SOURCE: California Insurance Wholesalers Association View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738275/California-Insurance-Wholesalers-Association-CIWA-Announces-New-President-Vice-President-and-Board-Members-for-202324 Robert August, a Chicago-based online retailer of handmade men's shoes, has announced their collection of Double Monk Chukka boots. Chicago, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - Robert August now has three distinct new styles of this boot, which fuses the bold style of the double monk, or double buckle shoe, with the understated look of the Chukka boot, which has long been popular for its slim profile and comfortable ankle height. What connects these three distinctive pairs of boots is that all of Robert August's new Double Monk Chukkas have been handmade in their artisan workshop in Almansa, Spain. More information is available at https://augustapparel.com/product-category/mto/mens/mens-boots/the-elm-st-monk-strap-chukka-boot Handmade Double Monk Chukka Men's Boot Collection Announced by Robert August To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/153910_45dec4b4d4179a5c_001full.jpg Robert August has long established themselves as a trusted name in luxury, made-to-order European footwear, including for classic Chelsea and Jodhpur boots, and now they are proud to be at the forefront of new design styles. Robert August understands that today's modern man is looking for a statement shoe that can set him apart from the pack in both social and professional contexts, which has been their leading inspiration for their new collection of Double Monk Chukka boots. One pair in their new collection is their The Elm Street Double Monk Chukka Boot No. 8119. This boot can now be ordered in dark brown box calf leather, with a dark red hand-painted leather sole, accent gold buckles and a traditional rounded English toe. Alternately, Robert August also now has their new The Elm Street Double Monk Chukka Boot No. 8141. This distinctly contemporary new boot is made from grey diamond print painted calf leather and features masculine graphite buckles and a contrasting black Dainite rubber sole. As Robert August handcrafts their footwear on a made-to-order basis, their shoppers can purchase these new Double Monk Chukka boots as is, or they can customize them. Those shoppers who select this option will be able to personalize the color of the upper, sole and buckle of their new boot. They will now also be able to select from different finishes, like their new diamond print or artisan hand patina. Shoppers can also change the material of the sole and the toe shape. Robert August ships their shoes directly from their boutique workshop in Spain to their US customers. Robert August states: "No two pairs of Robert August boots are alike-each is handcrafted with precision and care in our workshop in Almansa, Spain. With centuries of artisan shoemaking tradition dating back to the early 18th century, our shoes are renowned for their chic style and unrivaled quality." More details can be found at https://augustapparel.com/product-category/mto/mens/mens-boots/the-elm-st-monk-strap-chukka-boot Contact Info: Name: Robert Baum Email: robert@augustapparel.com Organization: Robert August Address: 1 E Erie St. Suite 525-4647, Chicago, IL 60611, United States Website: https://augustapparel.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153910 TOKYO, Feb 7, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) will once again demonstrate its commitment to Open Networks, and support for the growth of Open RAN 5G, at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023 to be held February 27-March 2 in Barcelona, Spain. NEC will welcome guests to its exhibit in Hall 2, Stand 2H40 to discuss how it's helping to accelerate innovation via open networks and promoting global digital transformation that can deliver social value.MWC will be the first global event to feature NEC's "Truly Open, Truly Trusted" brand vision in which the organization reaffirms its commitment to initiatives, such as Open RAN, that seek to level the playing field for everyone. The "Truly Open, Truly Trusted" ethos invites NEC employees, customers, partners and the entire community to rally around the concept of openness to drive innovation and maximize the positive impact we can all make on society while delivering technologies that benefit everyone."NEC has been very busy over the past couple of years spreading the word about Open RAN, Open xHaul transport and the benefits that open networks and virtualized ecosystems and microservices can deliver to operators," said Atsuo Kawamura, Executive Vice President, NEC Corporation. "Most operators who are deploying Open wireless networks now are working with us in some capacity and we're eager to continue those collaborations and introduce others to the benefits they can realize with a full commitment to open interfaces, open collaboration and partnerships."Visitors to the NEC stand will be introduced to a range of technologies and solutions that are part of the NEC Open Networks suite, first introduced at MWC 2022. This suite is comprised of the industry's widest range of Open RAN radio units, the recently launched vRAN, 5G xHaul Transport and a range of Open Optical Transport solutions, a 4G/5G Converged Core and end-to-end System Integration services.In addition to this portfolio, NEC will be featuring a series of demonstrations focused on some of the issues that are most pressing for operators looking to deploy 5G networks. The demos include an Energy Consumption Optimization app, from NEC's Aspire Technologies, along with a demonstration of its Converged Core running in a fully cloud-native environment. NEC solutions can also be found outside of the NEC booth, as well, featured on the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) stand (Hall 5, Stand 5A40) as well as on a pair of partners' stands.Finally, NEC is proud to have its President and CEO, Takayuki Morita, appearing live once again at MWC. Mr. Morita will join NEC's subsidiary Netcracker Chairman and CEO, Andrew Feinberg, and other distinguished speakers, on the Keynote Panel: The Evolution of Innovation on the Keynote Stage in Hall 4 on Tuesday, February 28 from 9:30am-11:00am. Mr. Morita will share with the audience some of his unique insights into innovation and the future and the various ways that NEC enables progress with its diversified and advanced technology portfolio."The next several years will be critical for global operators to map out their plans for taking full advantage of the 5G opportunities," Kawamura continued. "MWC offers a unique opportunity for us to exchange ideas with our customers, partners and future customers and to help ensure the solutions we bring to the market are just what they need - and even a little more."For more detail on NEC's participation in MWC Barcelona 2023, please visit:www.nec.com/en/global/solutions/5g/mwc/2023/index.htmlAbout NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at www.nec.com.Source: NEC CorporationCopyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - UK retail sales grew at a slower pace in January as Christmas cheer subsided, data published by the British Retail Consortium and accountancy firm KPMG showed Tuesday. Like-for-like sales increased 3.9 percent on a yearly basis in January and overall retail sales grew 4.2 percent. 'Many retailers discounted heavily to entice consumer spend, and while there were bargains to be had in the January sales, retailers continue to be hit by lower margins and falling volumes,' BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said. Dickinson observed that the discretionary spending will remain weak amid low consumer confidence and rising household bills and mortgages. Paul Martin, UK Head of Retail, KPMG said, 'As we head into a difficult time for consumers, the short-term outlook for the retail sector remains challenging.' Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Oil prices rose for a second day running on Tuesday amid optimism about demand recovery in China and worries about supply issues resulting from the shutdown of a significant export facility after a powerful earthquake in Turkey. Benchmark Brent crude futures traded 1.7 percent higher at $82.36 a barrel, while WTI crude futures were up 1.9 percent at $75.48. As China reopens, analysts expect that energy demand from China will see a significant increase. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China is likely to account for 50 percent of currently projected global oil demand growth in 2023. As a result of its zero-COVID policy, China saw a rare drop in gas consumption in 2022. OPEC also remains optimistic about Chinese oil demand and the global economy this year. Meanwhile, the two earthquakes that struck Eastern Turkey on Monday impacted crude oil operations worldwide. The earthquake in Turkey and Syria was the biggest recorded worldwide by the U.S. Geological Survey since a tremor in the remote South Atlantic in August 2021. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Aviation startup adds new flight routes to and from Helsinki, Finland; Orebro and Linkoping, Sweden and Tallinn, Estonia, which started Monday, January 16, 2023. Innovative platform reduces time and cost of business travel through private airplanes on optimized routes. Asset and itinerary optimization highly reduces carbon emissions, circumventing airport hubs alone already decreases traveler carbon footprint. Platform offers small aircraft operators the possibility to see future flight hours and predict revenues. As business travel resumes its pre-pandemic pace and employees push back on the hassle of commercial airlines, Lygg is redefining business travel by offering private flights at the price of commercial air travel. The regional air travel startup out of Finland is leveraging existing privately-owned aircraft assets and their pilots, coupled with car services, to deliver flight routes that take passengers from destinations underserved by traditional airlines to cities throughout Europe with door-to-door service. In January, Lygg began offering flight routes to and from Helsinki, Finland; Orebro, Sweden; Linkoping, Sweden and Tallinn, Estonia, which started Monday, January 16, 2023. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005311/en/ Aviation startup, Lygg, will host new flight routes to and from select Nordic regions, redefining business travel through private flights. (Photo: Business Wire) The new flight paths milestone comes on the heels of record promotional and charter flights in 2022 to familiarize customers with Lygg's offerings. From June last year, when operations began, Lygg has completed 52 flights to 17 destinations in 12 European countries. "These new flight routes are a confirmation that the Lygg regional travel model is resonating with the business community," said Roope Kakalainen, CEO and Co-Founder of Lygg. "On the one hand, we are delivering traveler satisfaction with curb-to-aircraft seamless efficiencies that anticipate savings for companies. On the other hand, we are providing operators of the small aircraft asset class the possibility to see future flight hours and consequently predict their revenues. Happy customers, savings, profitability that is a winning combination." The new city and country destinations offered by Lygg are linked with direct connection flights, planned and optimized through Lygg's smart mobility platform, at the heart of which lies its client and demand-driven business model. The Lygg customer app enables corporate clients with regular transportation requirements to book point-to-point itineraries across Europe. "We have people moving around every week, so the use [of privatized flights] could be very active we [also] have a lot of visitors [come] here at the factory. The nearest airfield is in Kuopio, from where it always takes time to get here [IIsalmi]," says Tommi Vaananen, who heads supply chain for Ponsse Plc, one of the world's leading manufacturers of large-scale forest machines. Ponsse plans to use Lygg's existing Helsinki-Iisalmi direct connection flights for easier access to the company's remotely-based site. Since 2020, the Scandinavian startup's regional air travel platform has been addressing the inefficiencies of the current regional business travel model with its solutions. The aviation industry's shortcomings have been magnified with the return in droves of travelers following the recent pandemic lockdowns (Why flight delays and canceled flights are so bad this summer Vox.) Lygg aims to circumvent those problems by offering customers bespoke regional air travel solutions as an alternative to short-haul commercial airline routes, whose flights have either been discontinued due to the pandemic or have merely become feeders to fill long-haul carrier aircraft. The technology powering Lygg's platform enables accurate passenger and cargo volume measurement over time, which allows Lygg to sustainably organize flight frequencies with as few empty seats as possible. The new flights serve destinations with the following rotations: Helsinki, Finland Orebro, Sweden, daily flight Monday to Friday; Helsinki, Finland Lynkoping, Sweden, weekly flight; Orebro, Sweden Tallinn, Estonia, daily flight Monday to Friday; Helsinki, Finland Tallinn, Estonia, up to three flights daily, ramping up to six daily rotations. The Lygg platform also reconciles distance and payload for smart asset allocation essentially matching the right planes and facilities with demand. Aircraft deployed on flight itineraries are optimized to their full capacity or as close to it as possible. Importantly, the platform offers operators of Lygg's digitalized fleet the unprecedented benefit of predictability and guarantee of income for this class of aircraft. Additionally, asset optimization also highly reduces carbon emissions. For example, a Tampere-Stockholm direct connection flight, as compared to the offer of a traditional airline via a hub, reduces carbon emissions by 43 percent. Planes scheduled to fly to the new destinations currently include: One Pilatus PC-12, a single-engine turbine-powered aircraft Two Piper Pa-31, twin-engine turbocharged piston Two Beechcraft Super King Air 200, a twin-engine, turboprop The Lygg business travel solution maximizes efficiency and trims unnecessary commercial airline-related costs for customers by operating out of smaller, peripheral airports and airfields, or private terminals. Ultimately, time and money lost by sending staff on commercial airlines is recaptured by leveraging under-used assets, including airports and new aircraft categories. The new flights will operate out of the private, user-friendly, service-supported premium business terminals in Helsinki and Tallinn. Local airports will be used in Orebro and Linkoping. "It is a two-sided market that is profitable from day one of operations for all parties benefiting from our offering," said Jari-Jussi Viinikkala, CFO and Co-Founder of Lygg. "Lygg's attractive customer experience has conquered passenger reluctance to travel for business and brought value to operators. By reactivating direct routes that had vanished due to the pandemic and creating new ones, Lygg is breathing economic vitality in the regions we serve." About Lygg Through its platform, Lygg provides door-to-door, direct connection, private regional air travel at commercial costs to customers. Started in Finland in 2020, Lygg was founded by Flymass Oy to transform the business flying experience. Through its app, customers save time and enjoy ease of travel while fostering a sustainable aviation ecosystem. www.lygg.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005311/en/ Contacts: Technica Communications Philippe Laguerre-Auguste lygg@technica.inc EU +(33.6) 88-97-61-48 US +(1.917) 937-8181 Sonar's improved speed, security and scalability empowers organizations to boost the quality of their code systematically and predictably SonarSource, the leading provider of Clean Code solution, today launched SonarQube 9.9 Long-Term Support (LTS). The new release empowers organizations to achieve the Clean Code state quickly, securely, and at scale. With accelerated pull request analysis, support for building and deploying secure cloud-native applications, sophisticated enterprise-grade capabilities, and many innovations related to the detection engine and contextual education, SonarQube 9.9 LTS supercharges organizations to deliver new business value and keep their software a long-term asset. "Sonar has greatly helped us benchmark and standardize the quality of our codebase and the LTS makes it much easier for us to deliver Clean Code. The integration with Azure DevOps from a project-to-project perspective as well as the token lifecycle management will be greatly appreciated by our admins and will help streamline our process," said Stefan Euripidou, Enterprise Architect for DevOps and CICD at Vodafone Group. Clean Code is essential for every organization competing in today's digital-driven economy. Poor quality software costs businesses over $2 trillion a year in the US alone, hampering service quality, brand reputation, worker productivity, and employee retention. Code is the difference between good and bad software. Sonar's latest 9.9 LTS release introduces key capabilities to enable enterprises to build better software in a sustained manner. "Our mission is to equip organizations with the solution and methodology to achieve a state of Clean Code, making all code fit for development and production. When companies embrace Clean Code practices, they can derive more from their software, minimize risks, and ensure that their software continues to stay valuable," said Olivier Gaudin, Founder and CEO of SonarSource. "SonarQube 9.9 LTS was designed to not only provide immediate value to our users for their current development but to steadily drive organizations toward a state of Clean Code in a way that's predictable, reliable, and sustainable." Key release innovations Pull Request Analyzed in Minutes SonarQube 9.9 LTS provides a significant speed boost for Pull Request (PR) analysis. PRs are now analyzed more than twice as fast, while still providing the same high-precision results. With the implementation of incremental analysis and server-side caching, analysis is more efficient. As developers write and commit code, Pull Request analysis is an important step in merging new code changes to the main branch. Faster analysis means a more efficient software development lifecycle, as developers spend less time waiting and more time delivering business critical features. Secure Cloud Native Applications As applications move to the cloud, organizations must ensure the security of not only the source code, but also their configuration files and deployments. SonarQube 9.9 LTS delivers in-depth analysis capabilities to detect 'secrets' in code, bad practices, and vulnerabilities so that developers can build and deploy secure cloud native applications. The release adds support for major cloud providers AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and their underlying technologies serverless and SAM frameworks, AWS Cloud Development Kit, Infrastructure-as-Code tools (Terraform and Cloudformation), and containerization tools with Kubernetes and Docker. With these additions, organizations can be sure that their cloud native apps are as secure as their traditional on-prem apps. Enterprise-grade features for Coding at Scale SonarQube 9.9 LTS introduces stronger access management, administration, governance, and reporting capabilities, enabling organizations to better manage the security and administration of their SonarQube instance and their portfolio of code assets. Chief among these new features are advanced security and compliance reporting, project and portfolio reporting, secure token handling, SCIM integration for user management, and more. Customers using the Data Center Edition can now deploy SonarQube clusters with Kubernetes. Together, these reporting, authentication and operational improvements make it easier to use, secure, and manage SonarQube instances than ever before. "The latest SonarQube release introduces a variety of critical new features. Not only will we benefit from the new Terraform scan support, but we will also use the enhanced reporting and administration capabilities to strengthen our Quality Gates and streamline communication efforts," said Vojtech Varga, Service Manager at Siemens AG. "Sonar's LTS is an opportunity for us to access the latest fixes and features to ensure that we continue to operate with the highest-quality code." Increased Detection of all Issue Types; Rich Educational Guidance Continued innovation in the detection engine allows for improved precision, speed, accuracy, and coverage of all issue types. Users can find and fix more issues in their code. And this LTS release brings in rich educational content to make taint analysis rules easy to understand and contextual to the users' code and framework continuing the advancement of the company's education initiative. Clean as You Code, the Sustainable Approach to Clean Code Sonar is a strong proponent of deploying compliant quality gates that will progressively drive organizations to reach a state of Clean Code. This LTS release adds enhancements to the quality gate user experience to help everyone implement and practice Clean as You Code. Quality gates that are not compliant with this methodology can be easily identified and updated. SonarQube 9.9 LTS is now available for everyone. Read more in the full release announcement and download the LTS for your edition here. About SonarSource Sonar empowers developers and organizations to systematically achieve a state of Clean Code so that all code is fit for development and production. By applying the Sonar Clean as You Code methodology, organizations minimize risk, reduce technical debt, and derive more value from their software in a predictable and sustainable way. The open source and commercial Sonar solution SonarLint, SonarCloud, and SonarQube supports over 30 programming languages, frameworks, and infrastructure technologies. Trusted by more than 400,000 organizations globally to clean more than half a trillion lines of code, Sonar is integral to delivering better software To learn more about SonarSource, please visit https://www.sonarsource.com/company/about/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005514/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Jordan Tewell 10Fold for SonarSource 415-666-6066 sonarsource@10fold.com Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. DZ BANK AG Frankfurt am Main - Pre Stabilisation RNS Number: residue number system Frankfurt am Main, 7. February 2023 Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful. Pre-Stabilisation Notice Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW) DZ BANK AG (contact: Ralph Ockert; telephone: +49 69 7447 7051) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014). The security to be stabilised: Issuer: KfW Guarantor (if any): Federal Republic of Germany Aggregate nominal amount: Size: EUR 3 billion (No Grow) Description: 2.75%, due 1. Februar 2033 Offer price: [x]% Other offer terms: Fixed, Annual, Act/Act, 15 days XS2586942448 / WKN A4SAW7 Stabilisation: DZ BANK Stabilisation Coordinator: Stabilising Managers: DZ BANK CA-CIB Toronto Dominion Barclays PLC Stabilisation period expected to start on: 07 February 2023 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Luxembourg Stock Exchange In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilisation Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, there is no assurance that the Stabilisation Manager(s) will take any stabilisation action and any stabilisation action, if begun, may be ended at any time. Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules. This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction. In addition, if and to the extent that this announcement is communicated in, or the offer of the securities to which it relates is made in, any EEA Member State that has implemented Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended (together with any applicable implementing measures in any Member State, the "Prospectus Directive") before the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Directive (or which has been approved by a competent authority in another Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Directive), this announcement and the offer are only addressed to and directed at persons in that Member State who are qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive (or who are other persons to whom the offer may lawfully be addressed) and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in that Member State. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Management consulting company Gartner, Inc. (IT), while announcing higher fourth-quarter results, on Tuesday initiated fiscal 2023 earnings and revenue outlook. For the year, the company projects adjusted earnings per share of $8.80 and adjusted EBITDA of $1.26 billion. On average, nine analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect earnings of $9.53 per share for the year. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. Total revenues would be $5.87 billion, and research revenue would $4.92 billion. Analysts expect revenues of $5.9 billion. The company noted that research and total revenue growth would be about 100 bps and 80 bps higher, respectively, excluding the divesture from 2022's results. The company further said it sees long-term, sustained, double-digit growth. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Marula Mining Plc - Appointment of PWC Kenya as Advisor Marula Mining PLC ("Marula'' or the "Company") 7 February 2023 Appointment of PWC Kenya as Advisor on East African Transactions Marula Mining (AQSE: MARU), an African focused mining and development company, is pleased to announce the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited Kenya ("PWC Kenya") to provide transaction, legal and tax advisory services to support the Company's growth and mine development activities in East Africa. Highlights: - PWC Kenya is Kenya's leading professional services firms focused on providing audit, assurance, advisory and tax services - The appointment is considered important to support the Company's increased activities and new mine acquisition and project development work underway in East Africa - PWC Kenya will assist in optimising the Company's corporate structure throughout Africa and will assist on legal and tax advisory services - The PWC Kenya scope of work also includes transaction specific work which will include potential new acquisition and investment opportunities and also dual listings of the Company's shares on regional stock exchanges Jason Brewer, Marula Mining PLC CEO said: "I am pleased to announce the appointment of PWC Kenya to provide transaction, legal and tax advisory services. The appointment will greatly assist us as we look to deliver on our growth strategy here in East Africa." "I look forward to working with the PWC Kenya team and I believe they will assist us greatly as we look to deliver more in 2023." The Directors of Marula are responsible for the contents of this announcement. About Marula Mining Marula Mining (AQSE: MARU) is an African focused battery metals investment and exploration company and has interests in several high value mine projects in Africa; Blesberg Lithium and Tantalum Mine in South Africa, Nkombwa Hill Project in Zambia and Kinusi Copper mine and Bagamoyo Graphite Project in Tanzania. As we advance operations at these battery metals focused projects, Marula will continue to build and expand its interests in other high-quality projects in Africa. Marula's strategy is to identify and invest in advanced and high-value mining projects throughout East, Central and Southern Africa that the Directors believe would deliver returns for its shareholders. The Board and management team aims to establish Marula as a socially and environmentally responsible, sustainable, and profitable producer of critical metals and commodities that are of increasingly strategic importance to modern technologies and the global economy. Marula's shares are traded on the AQUIS Stock Exchange (AQSE), Marula is exploring opportunities to admit its shares to trading on AIM, the market operated by the London Stock Exchange Group plc, and Kenya's Nairobi Securities Exchange. For enquiries contact: Marula Mining PLC Jason Brewer, Chief Executive Officer Faith Kinyanjui Mumbi Investor Relations Email: jason@marulamining.com Email: info@marulamining.com AQSE Corporate Adviser Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, Liam Murray / Ludovico Lazzaretti +44 (0)20 7213 0880 Broker OvalX, Tom Curran / Thomas Smith +44 (0) 20 7392 1568 Financial PR and IR BlytheRay Tim Blythe / Megan Ray +44 (0)20 7138 3204 Caution: Certain statements in this announcement, are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identi?ed by their use of terms and phrases such as 'believe', 'could', "should" 'envisage', 'estimate', 'intend', 'may', 'plan', 'potentially', "expect", 'will' or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors' current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements re?ect the Directors' current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. Kunal Phalpher to present at S&P Global's CERAWeek as part of the Innovation Agora TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Li-Metal Corp. (CSE:LIM)(OTCQB:LIMFF)(FSE:5ZO) ("Li-Metal" or "the Company"), a leading developer of lithium metal anode and lithium metal technologies critical for next-generation batteries, today announced its participation in an upcoming investor webinar and the following industry conferences. Swiss Resource Capital Investor Webinar: On February 28, 2023 at 11AM ET, Swiss Resource Capital will host an investor webinar where Li-Metal management will update investors on the Company's lithium metal and anode technologies and provide a market outlook. For more information or to register for this webinar, please visit: http://bit.ly/3DEOlAc. Upcoming Industry Conference Participation: Electric Autonomy EV Innovation & Technology Conference 2023 (Toronto, Ontario), February 8, 2023: This event will showcase individuals and companies working to accelerate and transform the electric vehicle (EV) industry in Canada. Kunal Phalpher, President, will take part in the Next-Generation Battery Innovations panel . For more information, please visit link. TechBlink Battery Materials Conference: Next-Generation & Beyond Lithium-Ion (Virtual), February 15-16, 2023: At this virtual event focused on covering solid-state batteries and advanced materials for next-generation batteries, Maciej Jastrzebski, CEO and co-founder, will present on producing lithium metal from lithium carbonate. For more information, please visit link. NAATBatt 14th Annual Meeting & Conference (Phoenix, Arizona), February 20-23, 2023 : Kunal Phalpher and Dean Frankel, Chief Commercial Officer, will be attending this leading battery industry conference hosted by the trade association of the advanced battery industry in North America. For more information, please visit link. : CERAWeek by S&P Global (Houston, Texas), March 6-10, 2023: This highly prestigious energy conference is focused on bringing together industry leaders, government officials, and innovators to discuss the road ahead for the global energy markets, geopolitics and technology. Kunal Phalpher will be presenting during CERAWeek's Innovation Agora program, which focuses on transformational technology for the future of energy. For more information, please visit link. About Li-Metal Corp. Li-Metal is a Canadian-based company developing lithium metal anodes and lithium metal production technologies for use in next-generation batteries. Our production methods are significantly more sustainable than existing products and enable lighter, more energy-dense and safer batteries that are critical to tomorrow's electric vehicles. For more information, visit: www.li-metal.com. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the Company. Any such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "projects", "plans" and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements about, among other things, the Company's strategic plans are forward-looking information. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the development of the business of the Company will be completed as described above. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by applicable law. Li-Metal Investor Contact: Salisha Ilyas ir@li-metal.com Tel: +1 647 494 4887 Li-Metal Media Contact: Harry Nicholas Li-MetalPR@icrinc.com SOURCE: Li-Metal Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738293/Li-Metal-Announces-Participation-in-Upcoming-Investor-Webinar-and-Industry-Conferences ANKARA (dpa-AFX) - The death toll from the massive earthquake near the Turkey-Syrian border has crossed 5000 as rescuers are battling heavy rain and snow to find survivors. With rescue workers continue to recover survivors as well as dead bodies from rubbles of collapsed buildings and huge concrete slabs in southern Turkey and across the border in Syria, the World Health Organization said the number of victims may rise dramatically. Hundreds of people were left homeless after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck in the early hours of Monday. Turkey's Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) put the death toll in the country at 3,432 and the number of those injured at 21,103. Reports quoting officials in Syria say more then 1600 people died and 3,649 others were injured. Aftershocks and freezing conditions are reportedly hampering search efforts. 65 countries have deployed their personnel to support rescue efforts in areas devastated by the quake. Planes carrying aid from Iraq and Iran landed at Damascus International Airport on Tuesday morning, Syrian state media SANA reported. Japan announced it would send the country's Disaster Relief Rescue team to Turkey. India is dispatching two disaster relief teams to Turkey. Pakistan has already sent two search and rescue teams to the ravaged country, while Australia and New Zealand committed funds for humanitarian assistance. The European Union activated its crisis response mechanism, while the United States said it would send two search and rescue units to Turkey. President Joe Biden spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and pledged U.S. assistance to its NATO ally. He noted that U.S. teams are deploying quickly to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and coordinate other assistance that may be required by people affected by the earthquakes, including health services or basic relief items. Meanwhile, international donors are struggling to send aid to rebel-held quake-hit parts of northwest Syria, which is not under the government's control, reports said. 'The numbers are expected to rise significantly because hundreds of families are still under the rubble' of collapsed buildings in the region, the White Helmets said on Twitter. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Lucky Minerals Inc. (TSXV:LKY)(OTC PINK:LKMNF)(FRA:LKY) ("Lucky" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has discovered large intersections of gold mineralization in the initial stage of its ongoing drill program at the Wayka Project. Assay results for drill holes DDHW-001 to DDHW-005 have been received for a total of 384 metres. Gold Discovery from Drilling at Wayka Lucky has completed the first five drill holes at Wayka using lightweight drill equipment developed by the Company's drilling partner Hubbard Drilling. These shallow drill holes are designed to follow up on the trenches previously announced in the Discovery Zone. Drill results include: 10 metres at an average grade of 0.68 g/t gold (DDHW-003-2023) 7 metres at an average grade of 0.64 g/t gold (DDHW-001-2023) 5.82 metres at an average grade of 0.87g/t gold (DDHW-005-2023) The objective of this initial drill program was to prove the continuity of the siliceous lenses to depth and its lithological and/or structural control. As field observations indicate, part of the gold mineralization follows the rock foliation as shown in the interpretative cross section below. Interpretative Cross Section based on surface geology and drill hole DDHW-003-2023 Lucky's CEO, Mr. Francois Perron stated: "To have discovered large intersections of near-surface gold mineralization in our first five shallow holes at Wayka, totalling just 384 metres, is a substantial achievement and a credit to both the quality of our exploration team and the prospectivity of the project based on an analysis of the results to date, we believe that these initial drill holes have intersected the margins of the epithermal gold system and that additional drilling will allow us to vector into the higher-grade feeder structures within the system. Of the five holes drilled to date, every single hole has returned anomalous gold mineralization. Given these exciting results we will be intensifying work as we continue to drill test the newest gold discovery in Ecuador." Further details: The following diagram shows the layout of the initial drilling Drill Hole Layout at the Discovery Zone Drill hole DDHW-001-2023 was drilled to intersect the gold mineralization outlined in the southern edge of trench 21 (see News Release dated April 13, 2022). Trench 21 returned 5.24 g/t gold over 14 metres. This drill hole intersected from surface to a depth of 7 metres strongly silicified rock containing gold mineralization. Please see assay table and image below. Drill hole DDHW-001 Sample Assay Table Photo of Vuggy Silica from DDHW-001 at approximately 3.65 metres depth Drill hole DDHW-002-2023 was drilled to intersect the down dip extension of the silicified rocks found in drill hole DDHW-001-2023. This hole intersected a zone of advanced argillic alteration with anomalous gold mineralization from 17.80 to 21.25 metres. Drill hole DDHW-003-2023 was drilled to intersect the surface gold mineralization outlined between trenches 6 and 14. This drill hole intersected gold mineralization from a depth of 16 to 26 metres, associated with vuggy silica and pyrite. Please see assay table and image below. Drill hole DDHW-003 Sample Assay Table Photo of Vuggy Silica from DDHW-003 at approximately 22.47 metres depth Drill hole DDHW-004-2023 was drilled to a depth of 60.50 metres to intersect the gold mineralization below trench 17. This drill hole intersected a zone of faulting with anomalous gold. Drill hole DDHW-005-2023 was drilled to a depth of 80.20 metres to intersect from surface the silicified zone sampled in trench 17. This drill hole intersected from a depth of 0.53 to 6.35 metres, a zone of gold-bearing vuggy silica with disseminated pyrite. Please see image and assay table below. Photo of Vuggy Silica from DDHW-005 at approximately 3.60 metres depth Drill hole DDHW-005 Sample Assay Table In drill hole DDHW-005 the interval from 3.0 to 6.35 metres, (width of 3.35 metres) returned 1.13 g/t gold. All drill holes had core recoveries mostly above 85%. Below is an image of a mag survey completed on the Discovery Zone, where trenches (5, 6, 14, 17 and 21) and drill holes are shown. It can be observed that both trenches and drill holes are located on the periphery of a large mag-low which coincides with areas of silicification and advanced argillic alteration, typically found in these epithermal gold systems. Wayka Prospect - Mag survey, trench, and drill hole locations This initial phase of drilling has successfully shown that the gold mineralization lenses do have continuity at depth, and tends to follow the rock foliation, and appear to have the shape of an elongated ellipsoid. Company geologists have observed that these lenses may represent the margins of a high-sulphidation epithermal gold system (where generally lower-grades are expected). Exploration teams are working on locating the feeder or conduits through which the hydrothermal fluids have ascended and spread laterally along the foliation planes in both meta-granites and schists. These feeders are generally known to host higher gold grades. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Francois Perron" Chief Executive Officer About Lucky Lucky is an exploration and development company targeting large-scale mineral systems in proven districts with the potential to host world class deposits. Lucky owns a 100% interest in the Fortuna Property. The Company's Fortuna Project is comprised of twelve contiguous, 550 km2 (55,000 Hectares, or 136,000 Acres) exploration concessions. Fortuna is located in a highly prospective, yet underexplored, gold belt in southern Ecuador. QA/QC Protocols All exploration work is completed following QA/QC protocols and include the insertion of a coarse blank, a standard and duplicate sample on every batch of 25 samples. Samples are being submitted to Bureau Veritas Labs in Quito for preparation work, and the analytical work is completed at their lab facility in Lima, Peru. Bureau Veritas is an ISO certified and accredited laboratory. Results will be released as they are received. Qualified Person Victor Jaramillo, M.Sc.A., P.Geo., Lucky's Exploration Manager and a qualified person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for supervising the exploration program at the Fortuna Project for Lucky Minerals and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Further information on Lucky can be found on the Company's website at www.luckyminerals.com and at www.sedar.com, or by contacting Francois Perron, President and CEO, by email at investors@luckyminerals.com or by telephone at (866) 924 6484. Or by contacting: Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Kerry Schacter: kschacter@renmarkfinancial.com Tel: (416) 644-2020 or (514) 939-3989 www.renmarkfinancial.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Adjacent Properties and Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: uncertainties related to exploration and development; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund exploration and development; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in input costs; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological or operational difficulties or inability to obtain permits encountered in connection with exploration activities; and labor relations matters. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations also include risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will not update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements unless required by Canadian securities law. SOURCE: Lucky Minerals Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738272/Lucky-Minerals-Discovers-Gold-in-the-Initial-384-Metres-of-Drilling-at-Wayka SCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Today CBD Life Sciences (CBDL), through its wholly owned subsidiary, LBC Bioscience Inc., announces today that the company is beginning to offer same day Home Delivery for all CBD Products across the Phoenix-Scottsdale Metro Area. LBC Bioscience Inc. is currently dominating the CBD Industry in Arizona and is proud to start offering Same Day Home Delivery to local residents & beloved loyal customers! Customers will have the choice of Home Delivery by placing an order by phone or via www.lbcbioscienceinc.com when checking out. President & CEO Lisa Nelson states, "This is the step in the right direction, and we will continue to stretch to other areas as we expand and open up more manufacturing facilities around the United States." Lisa Nelson also stated, "This will be a convenient & quick reliable service in a movement to assist our elderly customers that need it the most!" When it comes to CBD, nothing provides more versatility than having your order delivered right to your doorstep and cannabis enthusiasts are willing to pay for it. CBD delivery benefits both retailers and customers. Besides the logistics and safety benefits, home delivery provides a stress-free, faster, and more convenient operation that's here to stay. The service will be for all CBD Products including pets & will be available starting today. In other news, LBC Bioscience Inc. has finished creating its 2023 Mass Distributor Wholesale Catalog for big retailers and will be available as soon as possible. All products made by LBC Bioscience are carefully blended to ensure maximum consistency along with top-tier Third Party Lab Testing for verification. In 2023, LBC Bioscience Inc. will continue to strive to improve its customers' daily lives with high-quality premium products that are not only easily accessible, but affordable. The number of benefits CBD has is tremendous! These benefits may help with behavioral/neurological complications such as ADD/ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar, OCD, PTSD, epilepsy, Parkinson's, osteoporosis, and ALS. CBD may also benefit pain management that can stem from headaches/migraines, arthritis, cramps, spinal injuries, and fibromyalgia. CBD has been found to also have gastrointestinal benefits with gastro-disorders and complications such as anorexia, cachexia, Crohn's, diabetes, and nausea. Physical complications/disorders such as muscular dystrophy and even immune system-based deficiencies and other complications such as cancer and hypertension even our bodies way and ability to maintain homeostasis have all been said to receive help from CBD. More news to come! LBC BIOSCIENCE INC. ONLINE STORE LBC BIOSCIENCE'S Online Emporium LBC Bioscience Inc. is well stocked already as it is with some very high-quality CBD offerings - all at very reasonable prices. Check out LBC Bioscience Inc's newest product offerings including its 100 MG CBD Bath Bombs in a variety of scents, Delta 8 Gummies, 1500 MG Premium Berry Drops, and a variety of all-new Skincare products. Or shop our top-selling products (based on order frequency) which include our CBD Pain Cream, CBD Oils and CBD Pet Treats. Become a Distributor https://www.lbcbioscienceinc.com/wholesale Large Selection of Products (over 50 items and growing) 100% USA Made Products "organic & kosher." All Products are THC-FREE (they contain 0.00% THC) LBC Bioscience Inc. accepts: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover etc. Shareholders and interest holders may also stay current with LBC Bioscience Inc Updates: LBC Bioscience Inc's Main Website at www.lbcbioscienceinc.com Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lbcbioscience Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lbcbioscience Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbcbioscience About LBC Bioscience Inc. LBC Bioscience Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CBD Life Sciences Inc. LBC has developed and is retailing/wholesale a full line of cannabidiol based organic products including CBD Drops, Gumballs, Honey Sticks, Pain Relief Creams, Anxiety & Sleep Supplements, Edibles, Coffee, Skincare Line, Pet Line, Tablets and more. LBC's products can be viewed and bought on the Company's website at www.lbcbioscienceinc.com. Contact: contact@lbcbioscienceinc.com Forward-Looking Statements Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties. See CBD Life Sciences, Inc's, Inc.'s filings with OTC Markets, which may identify specific factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Safe Harbor Statement This release includes forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and reflects management's current expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Some of these factors include: general global economic conditions; general industry and market conditions, sector changes and growth rates; uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; increasing competition; availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of services; changes in the economy; changes in laws and regulations, including codes and standards, intellectual property rights, and tax matters; or other matters not anticipated; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships and distribution agreements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships and distribution agreements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Contact: contact@lbcbioscienceinc.com SOURCE: CBD Life Sciences Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738303/CBD-Life-Sciences-Inc-CBDL-Launches-CBD-Home-Delivery-Service-Across-Phoenix-Scottsdale-Metro-Area VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Fabled Copper Corp. ("Fabled Copper" or the "Company") (CSE:FABL); (FSE:XZ7) announces the results of 2022 surface field work on its Muskwa Copper Project. See Figure 1 below. Figure 1 - General Property Location The Project is comprised of the Neil Property, the Toro Property and the Bronson Property all located in northern British Columbia. See Figure 2 below. Figure 2 - Location Map The Eagle Creek copper occurrence is located on the Neil Property roughly 1.5 km east of the 6400 Eagle Vein adit where the 2022 underground LIDAR survey was completed. The Eagle creek flows northward into the Yedhe Creek and it is located in the same valley that contains the eastern end of the 6400 adit & Eagle Vein exposure that are located on the west cliff face of the valley. During the summer of 2022 the Eagle Creek, south part of Eagle creek, north part of Eagle Creek, West part of Eagle week and the backside of the Eagle vein were visited on sperate occasions. The release pertains to the Eagle Creek Copper occurrence site visit, see Figure 3 and Photo 1 below Figure 3 - Eagle Creek Copper Occurrence Location Photo 1 - Eagle Vein Exposure from Eagle Creek Peter Hawley, President, CEO reports; "The Eagle Creek copper occurrence was visited by a 2-person field team consisting of a geologist and geo technician on two occasions during the summer field season. A total of 10 samples were collected, 1 grab and 9 float samples. Of the 10 samples collected, 8 or 80% assayed greater than 0.5% copper. See Table 1 and Photo 2 below. Photo 2 - Eagle Creek Team On the first survey, the area was sampled over a vertical altitude of 118 meters and 5 float samples were collected, four of which assayed greater that 0.50% copper. Float sample D-723551 taken at the 1,553-meter elevation consisted of dark brown to rusty brown quartz on a weathered surface with minor green malachite. On a fresh surface the rock is mottled gray - white and brassey yellow consisting of 60% quartz, 39% chalcopyrite and 1% bornite. This sample returned an impressive 19.85% copper. See Table 1 and Photo 3, below. Photo 3 - Location of Sample D-723551 - 19.85% copper. A further 2 meters vertically float sample D-723552 of the same vein float material returned 0.57% copper. Continuing vertically another 106 meters float sample D-723553 of iron-stained quartz carbonate with trace malachite and weathered orange brown with 1% chalcopyrite as disseminations and blebs was sampled and reported 6.08% copper. See Table 1 below Downhill at 1,594 meters another sample of the vein material consisting of the same iron quartz veining was sampled and returned 3.27% copper and the final sample of the days traverse reported 0.35% copper. See Table 1 below. Table 1- Eagle Creek Sample Results Sample No. Elevation (m) Copper % Sample Type D-723551 1,553 19.85 Float D-723552 1,555 0.57 Float D-723553 1,661 6.08 Float D-723554 1,594 3.27 Float D-723556 1,671 0.35 Float D-723596 1,620 0.05 Grab D-723598 1,678 0.77 Float D-723599 6781, 21.90 Float D-723600 1,476 0.87 Float D-723602 1,476 1.27 Float 1% copper = 22.2 pounds On the second day of traverses, a total of 5 additional samples were collected, 1 grab and 4 floats over a vertical altitude of 202 meters. Of the 5 samples, 4 assayed greater that 0.50% copper. Grab sample D-723596 taken at the 1,620-meter altitude contained minor sulphides and returned 0.05% copper. See Table 1 above, Photo 4 below. Photo 4 - Location of Sample D-723596 Float sample D-723598 taken at 1,678 meters returned 0.77% copper whereas sample D-723599 taken at the same elevation and consisting of iron quartz carbonate weathered green - black with fault movement slickensides on the surface. On a fresh broken surface, the rock was brassey yellow with moderate malachite with 70% massive chalcopyrite and 1% bornite returned an impressive 21.90% copper. Sample D-723600 taken 200 meters below of similar iron quartz carbonate returned 0.87% copper. The final sample of the traverse 2 meters below of similar float material assayed 1.27% copper. As per protocol, all sample locations were taken with GPS along with GPS enabled field cameras of photos of the sampled units. The photos, sample locations and all assay data pertaining to the assay taken, (36 elements were assayed) were tagged in a geo tag format for plotting in .kml / .kmz GIS systems such as Google Earth. An additional releases on the 2022 exploration program of the Muskwa area will be forth coming in the following weeks. QA QC Procedure Analytical results of sampling reported by Fabled Copper Corp represent rock samples submitted by Fabled Copper Corp staff directly to ALS Chemex, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada. Samples were crushed, split, and pulverized as per ALS Chemex method PREP-31, then analyzed for ME-ICP61 33 element package by four acid digestion with ICP-AES Finish. ME-GRA21 method for Au and Ag by fire assay and gravimetric finish, 30g nominal sample weight. Over Limit Methods For samples triggering precious metal over-limit thresholds of 10 g/t Au or 100 g/t Ag, the following is being used: Au-GRA21 Au by fire assay and gravimetric finish with 30 g sample. Ag-GRA21 Ag by fire assay and gravimetric finish. Fabled Copper Corp. monitors QA/QC using commercially sourced standards and locally sourced blank materials inserted within the sample sequence at regular intervals. About Fabled Copper Corp. Fabled Copper is a junior mining exploration company. Its current focus is to creating value for stakeholders through the exploration and development of its existing copper properties located in northern British Columbia. The Muskwa Project is located in the Liard Mining Division in northern British Columbia. Mr. Peter J. Hawley, President and C.E.O. Fabled Copper Corp. Phone: (819) 316-0919 peter@fabledcopper.org For further information please contact: info@fabledcopper.org The technical information contained in this news release has been approved by Peter J. Hawley, P.Geo. President and C.E.O. of Fabled, who is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including, that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events and that the Company obtains any required regulatory approvals. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: impacts from the coronavirus or other epidemics, general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally; industry conditions, including fluctuations in commodity prices; governmental regulation of the mining industry, including environmental regulation; geological, technical and drilling problems; unanticipated operating events; competition for and/or inability to retain drilling rigs and other services; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; volatility in market prices for commodities; liabilities inherent in mining operations; changes in tax laws and incentive programs relating to the mining industry; as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com . The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. SOURCE: Fabled Copper Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738313/Fabled-Copper-Reports-Values-As-High-as-1985-copper-and-2190-Copper-on-Eagle-Creek-Copper-Occurrence Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - Maple Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV: MGM) (OTCQB: MGMLF) (FSE: M3G) ("Maple Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Harbidge to its technical committee (the "Technical Committee"), which helps guide exploration, drilling and project management at the Company's projects located in Quebec, Canada, and to provide an update on the ongoing deep drilling programs at the Douay Gold Project ("Douay") and the Joutel Gold Project ("Joutel"), which are held by a 50/50 joint venture ("JV") between the Company and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. Mr. Harbidge is an accomplished geologist with more than 25 years of experience and a track record of discovering world-class gold deposits. He is currently President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Faraday Copper Corp., an emerging U.S. copper developer. Mr. Harbidge was previously President and Chief Executive Officer of GT Gold Corp. and led the company to a C$456 million acquisition by Newmont Mining Corp. in May 2021. Prior to that, Mr. Harbidge was Senior Vice President of Exploration for Goldcorp Inc. from 2016 until its acquisition by Newmont Mining Corp. in April 2019. He also led the exploration team at Randgold Resources Limited that was credited with five major gold discoveries. Mr. Harbidge holds a First-Class Honours Degree in Geology from Kingston University, London (UK) and a Master of Science in Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology from Leicester University (UK). "We are thrilled to have Paul Harbidge join our Technical Committee, as his experience successfully leading teams to multiple world-class gold discoveries further strengthens our technical group during this critical phase of growth for the Company," stated Matthew Hornor, CEO of Maple Gold. "2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the JV as we approach completion of the first phase (~6,000 m) of deep drilling at Joutel and with the planned deep drilling campaign (~10,000 m) at Douay testing beneath the known 6 x 2 km resource footprint already well underway." A total of six (6) drill holes and drillhole extensions are planned at Douay, several of which are expected to be drilled to 2,000 metres ("m") downhole or more. Deep drilling will test beneath the current mineral resource (SLR 2022) and across the favorable Casa Berardi North Fault corridor, where modeled wireframes demonstrate the potential for higher-grade (>2 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold ("Au")) mineralization at greater depths. Deep drilling at Douay commenced in early January 2023 with drill hole DO-23-331, which is collared approximately 400 m southwest of the conceptual pit limits at the 531 Zone (see Figure 1). Previous drilling at the 531 Zone has returned some of the highest-grade and largest gold accumulations (grade x thickness) to-date at Douay, including 8.8 g/t Au over 28.5 m at a depth of 295.0 m in drill hole DO-21-310 (see news from September 9, 2021). While the primary target for this hole is located approximately 1,900 m downhole, where it is expected to intersect the projection of the defined mineralized zone at the 531 Zone significantly down-plunge, DO-23-331 will also serve to test the full width of the mineralized corridor in this area (see Figure 2). DO-23-331 is currently approaching 1,100 m downhole and is proving to be more mineralized than anticipated in the hanging wall rocks (see drill core images with preliminary observations in Plate 1). Two (2) additional drill rigs were recently mobilized to Douay and as previously reported the Company expects five (5) rigs to be turning concurrently throughout Q1/2023. "We are encouraged and cautiously optimistic after observing significant pyrite mineralization in the upper portion of the first deep drill hole in an area well south of the 531 Zone with very limited drilling," stated Fred Speidel, VP Exploration of Maple Gold. "These initial observations point to the potential for these deep drill holes to intersect new mineralized horizons enroute to the targeted depths." Figure 1: Plan view showing locations of DO-23-331 and DO-23-332 (both in progress) with line of section for DO-23-331. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3077/153909_b0ba8207d42d99db_001full.jpg Figure 2: Cross section (300 m total width) looking WNW showing DO-23-331 drill hole trace with position of Casa Berardi North Fault (CBNF) and primary target corridor at depth. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3077/153909_b0ba8207d42d99db_002full.jpg Plate 1: DO-23-331 drill core with fenitized (biotite-calcite-altered) and pyritized basalt at 324 m downhole. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3077/153909_b0ba8207d42d99db_003full.jpg Assays for the entire deep drilling program (Douay and Joutel) are pending and results will be released on a periodic basis over the coming months once they are received and interpreted. Option Issuance The Company has approved the grant to certain consultants of stock options ("Options") to purchase an aggregate of 200,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $0.26 per common share. The Options have a 5-year term and vest 1/3 immediately, 1/3 in 12 months and 1/3 in 24 months from the date of grant until fully vested. Qualified Person The scientific and technical data contained in this press release was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Fred Speidel, M. Sc., P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration of Maple Gold. Mr. Speidel is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Speidel has verified the data related to the exploration information disclosed in this press release through his direct participation in the work. About Maple Gold Maple Gold Mines Ltd. is a Canadian advanced exploration company in a 50/50 joint venture with Agnico Eagle Mines Limited to jointly advance the district-scale Douay and Joutel gold projects located in Quebec's prolific Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt. The projects benefit from exceptional infrastructure access and boast ~400 km2 of highly prospective ground including an established gold resource at Douay (SLR 2022) that holds significant expansion potential as well as the past-producing Eagle, Telbel and Eagle West mines at Joutel. In addition, the Company holds an exclusive option to acquire 100% of the Eagle Mine Property. The district-scale property package also hosts a significant number of regional exploration targets along a 55 km strike length of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone that have yet to be tested through drilling, making the project ripe for new gold and polymetallic discoveries. The Company is well capitalized and is currently focused on carrying out exploration and drill programs to grow resources and make new discoveries to establish an exciting new gold district in the heart of the Abitibi. For more information, please visit www.maplegoldmines.com. ON BEHALF OF MAPLE GOLD MINES LTD. "Matthew Hornor" B. Matthew Hornor, President & CEO For Further Information Please Contact: Mr. Joness Lang Executive Vice-President Cell: 778.686.6836 Email: jlang@maplegoldmines.com NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively referred to as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation in Canada, including statements about exploration work and results from current and future work programs. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, uncertainties and management's best estimate of future events. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations and projections. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to Maple Gold Mines Ltd.'s filings with Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com or the Company's website at www.maplegoldmines.com. The Company does not intend, 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 required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153909 First application of the Sentry-Q platform to the Digital Therapeutics market Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - Quantum eMotion Corp. (TSXV: QNC) (OTCQB: QNCCF) (FSE: 34Q) ("QeM" or the "Company") announced today a broad commercial and technical Agreement with Greybox Solutions, of Montreal. This partnership will enable Greybox's Digital Therapeutic product to take advantage of QeM's Quantum-Safe cryptographic platform. Digital Therapeutics refers to the use of technology-driven solutions, such as mobile apps, wearable devices, and telemedicine, to deliver evidence-based interventions for the prevention, management, and treatment of various medical conditions. It aims to enhance patient outcomes by leveraging the benefits of technology such as patient health records convenience, accessibility, and real-time monitoring and feedback. Strong Cybersecurity protection is crucial in Digital Therapeutics as cybercriminals often consider patient health records as one of their main targets. According to various reports, data breaches affecting the healthcare industry have been on the rise in recent years, and millions of patient records have been compromised. The impact of these breaches can be severe, both for the individuals whose personal and sensitive information has been stolen, as well as for the organizations responsible for securing that data. Digital Therapeutics is the corner stone of the telemedicine market that is rapidly growing due to the increasing adoption of virtual healthcare solutions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The market is expected to reach USD 191.9 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 18.0% from 2020 to 2026. Factors driving growth include the increasing use of telemedicine for remote patient monitoring, growing demand for home healthcare, and advancements in technology. Montreal-based Greybox Solutions Inc. is establishing itself as one of the world leaders in this space. Already present in Quebec, the Company is accelerating its commercial activities in Germany to provide effective care for patients with heart failure and other conditions such as diabetes, mental health, and other complex chronic conditions. The agreement establishes QeM as Greybox's cybersecurity partner and this collaboration will integrate and promote QeM's cybersecurity technology with Greybox's TakeCareTM product, helping health professionals and patients manage their treatment plan at home to reduce hospital readmissions and improve health outcomes. Francis Bellido, CEO of QeM, commented: "QeM is thrilled to announce this commercial partnership with Greybox . We are accelerating the integration of quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions like Sentry-Q into Greybox products and meet the necessary standards to comply with DIGA, MDR IIa, and CE regulatory processes. The final step to activate prescription and reimbursement of the integrated product in Germany is planned for Q3 2023." "We are proud to take the final major step in commercializing a safe, certified, and validated digital technology to enhance patient-centered care. Our TakeCareTM platform has the potential to positively change the way we provide care for patients with serious chronic conditions. Our goal is to improve health, reduce hospital readmissions and make better use of healthcare resources. The agreement with QeM will help us achieve these goals and accelerate many other partnerships" added Pierre Berube, CEO and Founder of Greybox Solutions Inc. About Greybox Solutions: Greybox Solutions is a growing Montreal-based health technology company specializing in innovative software development to improve patients' lives. Its mission is to find digital transformation solutions to address healthcare system challenges and reduce the burden of managing chronic illnesses. Greybox distributes its digital health platform, TakeCareTM, to redefine the relationship between patients and their healthcare team. About QeM The Company's mission is to address the growing demand for affordable hardware security for connected devices. The patented solution for a Quantum Random Number Generator exploits the built-in unpredictability of quantum mechanics and promises to provide enhanced security for protecting high value assets and critical systems. The Company intends to target the highly valued Financial Services, Healthcare, Blockchain Applications, Cloud-Based IT Security Infrastructure, Classified Government Networks and Communication Systems, Secure Device Keying (IOT, Automotive, Consumer Electronics) and Quantum Cryptography. For further information, please contact: Francis Bellido, Chief Executive Officer Tel: 514.956.2525 Email: info@quantumemotion.com Website: www.quantumemotion.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from targeted results. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in the Corporation's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Quantum from time to time with securities regulatory authorities. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153918 Renewed Exploration Term of 19-Years and 11-months Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - Royal Road Minerals Limited (TSXV: RYR) ("Royal Road" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the integration of its Guintar and Niverengo mining concession contract areas into one new concession contract area and the consequent renewal of the relevant exploration term for a further 19-years and 11-months. The Guintar and Niverengo concession contract areas were part of the GNM project area and were acquired through the Company's purchase of Northern Colombia Holdings Limited, an affiliate of AngloGold Ashanti Limited (see Press Release May 31, 2019). The concession contracts are subject to a 50-50 exploration joint venture pursuant to a strategic alliance agreement dated March 2, 2020, between the Company and Mineros S.A. (TSX: MSA) ("Mineros"; see Press Release March 3, 2020). Royal Road is operator of the strategic alliance. The process of integrating a mining Concession Contract in Colombia requires certain regulatory approvals including the approval of a unique plan of exploration and exploitation (Plan Unico de Exploracion y Explotacion, PUEE) which, amongst other requirements, requires the applicant to prove that mineralization is continuous across relevant concession contract boundaries. The Company's PUEE was approved by the Secretary of Mines of Antioquia in August 2022, and the newly integrated Concession Contract was issued and signed by the Governor of Antioquia on December 19, 2022. Final documentation has now been submitted to the Colombian Mining Agency for registration. The newly integrated mining concession contract IJN-11331 ("Guintar") has an area of 1848 hectares, which incorporates the currently known extent of copper and gold mineralization at GNM. The exploration term for IJN-11331 is 19 years and 11 months commencing from December 26, 2022 and the contract has a total duration of 30-years extendable for a further 30-years. Current water concessions and discharge permits remain valid and unaffected. Project Highlights AngloGold-Ashanti commenced work on the GNM project area in 2015 and completed two scout drilling campaigns. At Guintar, intersections of skarn and hornfels hosted mineralization were generally thin and low-grade with best results being GUI-DD-009, 28 meters at 0.9 grams per tonne and GUI-DD-006, 12 meters at 1.8 grams per tonne gold. Drilling at Niverengo was focused on skarn-style mineralization and intersected best results of NIV-DD-004; 10m @ 1.6 grams per tonne and 88m @ 0.9 grams per tonne gold. Royal Road completed a scout drilling program on the Niverengo title which returned similar low-grade gold over thin intervals from skarn-style mineralization. Royal Road commenced drilling at Guintar-Niverengo in July of 2021. With the aim being to test for an underlying intrusive or porphyry-related source to the skarn-hosted gold mineralization which had been intersected in previous drilling and is evident in surface geochemical sampling over an area of more than 10 square kilometers. Drilling intersected porphyry copper-gold-silver mineralization. Results to-date have been encouraging and include: GUI-DD-012, 303.7 meters at 1.0 grams per tonne gold equivalent 1 (including 62.0 meters at 2.1 grams per tonne gold, 12.4 grams per tonne silver and 0.62% copper) GUI-DD-013, 126.0 meters at 1.4 grams per tonne gold equivalent (including 55.0 meters at 1.5 grams per tonne gold. 10.8 grams per tonne silver and 0.60% copper) GUI-DD-020, 118.0 meters at 1.0 grams per tonne gold equivalent GUI-DD-021, 181.0 meters at 1.1 grams per tonne gold equivalent (including 43.0 meters at 2.4 grams per tonne gold, 8.0 grams per tonne silver and 0.40% copper) (Not true width and the company does not have sufficient information to make a determination of the true widths of the drill hole intersections; see Press Releases December 14, 2021, April 28, 2022). In December of 2021, the Company entered into option agreements with neighboring and immediately contiguous property holders (see Press Release December 14, 2021) including the El Aleman Mining title area and one title application area. Drilling conducted on the El Aleman title area has returned promising results including ALM-DD-001, 80.5 meters at 1 gram per tonne gold, including 18 meters at 3 grams per tonne gold. 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. The information in this news release was compiled, reviewed and verified by Dr. Tim Coughlin, BSc (Geology), MSc (Exploration and Mining), PhD (Structural Geology), FAusIMM, President and CEO of Royal Road Minerals Ltd and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Royal Road Minerals employees are instructed to follow standard operating and quality assurance procedures intended to ensure that all sampling techniques and sample results meet international reporting standards. More information can be found on Royal Road Minerals web site at www.royalroadminerals.com. For further information please contact: Tim Coughlin +44 (0)1534 887166 info@royalroadminerals.com Cautionary statement: This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements") describing the Company's future plans and the expectations of its management that a stated result or condition will occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or developments in the Company's business or in the mineral resources industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that is based on assumptions about, among other things, future economic conditions and courses of action, and assumptions related to government approvals, and anticipated costs and expenditures. The words "plans", "prospective", "expect", "intend", "intends to" and similar expressions identify forward looking statements, which may also include, without limitation, any statement relating to future events, conditions or circumstances. Forward-looking statements of the Company contained in this news release, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to the Company's exploration plans. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. There is no guarantee that the anticipated benefits of the Company's business plans or operations will be achieved. The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: economic market conditions, anticipated costs and expenditures, government approvals, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with Canadian provincial securities regulators or other applicable regulatory authorities. Forward-looking statements included herein are based on the current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions of the Company management and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change. Sample preparation and analyses are conducted according to standard industry procedures. Drill core and saw-cut channel samples are crushed, split and pulverized prior to analysis of Gold by fire assay and Atomic Absorption and multi-elements by ICP-AES and ICP-MS after four acid digestion. Soil samples are sieved to -200 mesh and analyzed for Gold by fire assay and ICP AES and multi-elements by ICP-AES and ICP-MS after aqua regia digestion. Analytical performance is monitored by means of certified reference materials (CRMs), coarse blanks, coarse and pulp duplicate samples. Surface samples have been prepared in ALS Chemex preparation lab in Colombia and analyses have been completed in ALS Chemex Lima. Diamond drill core is cut in half over 1-meter downhole intervals using a core saw. 1 Gold Equivalent Calculation Assumes USD $1850/Oz Gold, USD $25/Oz Silver and USD $4.0/lb Copper. 90% recovery for all metals. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153782 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - Parissa, makers of the world's #1 natural wax, is celebrating 40 years of global success backed by strong and enduring local roots. Family-owned and headquartered on Vancouver's North Shore, Parissa was founded in 1983 by chemical engineer Azar Moayeri. After immigrating to Vancouver from native country Iran, Moayeri noticed a gap in the market for chemical-free hair removal solutions. That's when Moayeri started formulating Canada's first all-natural hair removal product from the comfort of the kitchen. From its upstart beginnings to today, Parissa's mission has remained constant: to reinvent home hair removal for every consumer and make it a simple part of one's self-care routine. Designed for women and men alike, Parissa's product assortment includes sugar wax, hard wax and warm wax to meet every waxing preference and need. Its streamlined waxing kits are easy to use and contain all the necessary components for achieving smooth and healthy skin results for up to eight weeks. "Forty years ago, I set out to create a product that addressed an important need in the hair removal category. Those grassroots beginnings shaped us and provided a solid foundation for us to grow into the global brand we are today," said Parissa Founder, Azar Moayeri. "I couldn't be more grateful for all the family, community and customer support we've received over the years. Our success wouldn't have been possible without you." At every touchpoint, Parissa is dedicated to promoting the highest quality hair removal experience with the lowest environmental impact. Every element of Parissa waxing kits - from products to packaging - is sustainable and ethically sourced from 100% all-natural ingredients like tree resin, cane sugar, beeswax, vegetable oils and plant extracts. As Parissa marks its 40-year anniversary as a worldwide leader in natural home hair removal, the company remains firmly rooted in its local and family values as well as its commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability. The company manufactures, packages and ships products from its award-winning eco facility in North Vancouver and employs a dedicated team equally committed to its socially-minded and customer-focused mission. Parissa is sold online at www.parissa.com and in store at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Loblaws, Ulta Beauty, and in the major Whole Foods stores in the US. Visit www.parissa.com to find a retailer near you. For more information about Parissa or to book an interview with Founder, Azar Moayeri, please contact kaitlyn@1milk2sugars.com. Parissa Female Founder and CFO Azar Moayeri To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9227/153811_74c3159834a13a43_001full.jpg. ABOUT PARISSA Female-founded and proudly Canadian, Parissa is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a global leader in natural waxing. Drawing from cultural roots, scientific education, and interest in natural ingredients, founder Azar Moayeri formulated Canada's first all-natural hair removal product in the kitchen. The sugar-based wax formula, ranging from strips to professional brow waxing pens, is gentle and safe without harsh or unnecessary chemicals. With more than 30 million at-home waxing kits sold worldwide, Parissa manufactures, packages, and ships products from its award-winning eco-facility on the beautiful North Shore of Vancouver Over the last 39 years, Parissa has expanded internationally to the USA, UK, Europe, China, South Korea and Southeast Asia and has been committed to operating fairly, ethically, and sustainably. Parissa products are all Leaping Bunny certified, sustainably packaged, and made from ethically sourced natural ingredients. To learn more visit www.parissa.com. IG: @parissawax | FB: Parissa | TT: @parissawax Media Contact: Parissa Email: marketing@parissa.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153811 10,528 Hectares situated along the east-northeast trending Grease River Structure south of Lake Athabasca near the Fond Du Lac Uranium Deposit Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) (the "Company" or "Forum") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a property option agreement with Traction Uranium Corp. ("Traction"), pursuant to which Traction has the right, at its option, to acquire up to a 100% interest in Forum's 100% owned Grease River Property located in the Athabasca Basin, Northern Saskatchewan, Canada (the "Property"), in exchange for a series of cash payments, share issuances and funding of exploration expenditures, separated into three phases. The first phase entitles Traction to acquire a 51% interest in the Property by paying an aggregate of $250,000, issuing an aggregate of 1,625,000 common shares and funding an aggregate of $3,000,000 in exploration expenditures on the Property by December 31, 2025. Forum will be the operator of the Property until Traction completes the first phase. Richard Mazur, President & CEO of Forum Energy Metals stated, "We are pleased to work with the Traction team to unlock the potential to host new, large uranium deposits along this underexplored, favourable structural corridor." Lester Esteban, Chief Executive Officer of Traction stated, "Our research team has been hard at work to complete the Hearty Bay "Quartz Degradation" research program (see Traction news release dated January 31st, 2023) and we are looking forward to providing the results once our team has finalized their report. With our Hearty Bay Project nearby, the Grease River Project is an exciting addition where we are looking to acquire 100% of the property and our interest in unlocking the uranium discovery potential in the Fond du Lac area. We look forward to bringing together our technical advisor Boen Tan Ph.D., P. Geo with Forum's Dr. Rebecca Hunter Ph.D., P.Geo. and Ken Wheatley P. Geo., M.Sc. on this project, an esteemed team with a combined 100+ years of uranium exploration experience and numerous discoveries under their belt." The Grease River Property The Grease River Project is located within the north-central margin of the Athabasca Basin near the community of Fond du Lac (Figure 1). The project consists of two separate claim blocks situated along the NE- trending Grease River Shear zone, a major intracontinental shear zone greater than 400 km long (Figure 2). The nearby Fond du Lac uranium deposit was previously discovered within the shear zone by Amok and Eldorado in the 1970s with an estimated non-compliant historical resource of one million pounds uranium at an average grade of 0.25% U3O8*. The Grease River Project claims are located along trend of the deposit to the southwest and northeast. Limited exploration has been conducted in the property area and there is potential for additional uranium mineralization along the shear zone. Airborne geophysical surveys are planned in 2023 to aid in structural mapping and to define prospective drill targets. Figure 1 (Location of Property) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4908/153849_figure1.jpg Figure 2 (Map Insert) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4908/153849_figure2.jpg Terms of the Agreement Phase One Traction is entitled to acquire a 51% interest in the Property (the "First Option") by paying an aggregate of $250,000, issuing an aggregate of 1,625,000 common shares (the "Shares") and funding an aggregate of $3,000,000 in exploration expenditures on the Property by December 31, 2025. Traction will become operator of the Property if it exercises the First Option. Phase Two If Traction exercises the First Option then it can acquire an additional 19% interest in the Property, for a total interest of 70% (the "Second Option"), by paying an aggregate of a further $700,000 in cash, issuing an aggregate of a further 2,500,000 Shares and funding an aggregate of a further $3,000,000 in exploration expenditures on the Property by December 31, 2027. Phase Three If Traction exercises the Second Option, then it can acquire an additional 30% interest in the Property, for a total interest of 100% (the "Third Option"), by paying an aggregate of a further $1,000,000 in cash, issuing an aggregate of a further 3,000,000 Shares and funding an aggregate of a further $3,000,000 in exploration expenditures on the Property by December 31, 2028. If the Third Option is exercised, Traction would also be required to (i) grant Forum a 2% net smelter returns royalty (the "NSR Royalty"), (ii) pay Forum an additional $1,000,000 upon completion of a preliminary economic assessment as this term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") in respect of the Property, (iii) pay an additional $2,000,000 to Forum upon completion and disclosure of a NI 43-101 compliant feasibility study, and (iv) pay an additional $5,000,000 to Forum upon commencement of commercial production on the Property. All Shares issued to Forum pursuant to the Option Agreement will be subject to a statutory four month hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Rebecca Hunter, Ph.D, P. Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The information provides an indication of the exploration potential of the Property but may not be representative of expected results. *Some historical estimates were completed prior to the implementation of NI 43-101 and others are internal estimates from previous operators. Given the extensive exploration work completed by experienced mineral resource companies, and the quality of the historical work completed, the Company believes the historical estimate to be relevant and reliable. However, a qualified person has not completed sufficient work to verify and classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource, and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. Hence, the estimate should not be relied upon. It should be noted that mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability as defined by NI 43-101. About Forum Energy Metals Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) is a diversified energy metal company with uranium, copper, nickel, and cobalt projects in Saskatchewan, Canada's Number One Rated mining province for exploration and development, a strategic uranium land position in Nunavut and a strategic cobalt land position in the Idaho Cobalt Belt. For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com/ ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo. President & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information contact: Rick Mazur, P.Geo., President & CEO mazur@forumenergymetals.com Tel: 604-630-1585 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153849 BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The pound declined against its major counterparts in the European session on Tuesday, as investors awaited U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech later in the day for additional clues about the outlook for further rate hikes. Powell will deliver a speech at the Economic Club of Washington DC at 12:40 pm ET. Comments from Fed policymakers indicating the likelihood of further rate hikes triggered growth concerns. Data from the British Retail Consortium and accountancy firm KPMG showed that UK retail sales grew at a slower pace in January as Christmas cheer subsided. Like-for-like sales increased 3.9 percent on a yearly basis in January and overall retail sales grew 4.2 percent. The pound touched 1.1972 against the greenback, its lowest level since January 6. The pound may find support near the 1.18 level. The pound dropped to 0.8939 against the euro, after rising to a 5-day high of 0.8908 in early deals. The pound is seen finding support around the 0.92 level. The pound depreciated to near a 3-month low of 1.1095 against the franc and a 4-day low of 158.12 against the yen, off its early highs of 1.1168 and 158.58, respectively. The pound is poised to target support around 1.09 against the franc and 153.00 against the yen. Looking ahead, U.S. and Canadian trade data and U.S. consumer credit for December will be published in the New York session. At 12:40 pm ET, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will participate in a moderated discussion at the Economic Club of Washington DC. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Biosero, Inc., developer of laboratory automation solutions to orchestrate scientific discoveries, and AltemisLab, leaders of sample management consumables and equipment to optimize inventory management workflows, today announced a collaboration that will streamline sample management automation for customers. The companies will also be showcasing their joint technology approach at the SLAS2023 International Conference and Exhibition taking place in San Diego from February 25 to March 1. Through this collaboration, scientists will be able to integrate AltemisLab's AlteCap Swift CELL screw-cap decapper into sample management workflows controlled by Biosero's Green Button Go laboratory automation software. The rapid decapper device has interchangeable cassettes to allow for use with tubes from any manufacturer and any SBS-compliant tube format. Now, the device can be controlled through Biosero's suite of laboratory automation software to enable fully automated workflows and extended laboratory productivity even in the absence of human operators. "The AltemisLab team is enthusiastic about offering a total solution to help identify, preserve, and process precious research samples," said Emma Ryan, founder and Sales Director at AltemisLab. "We are committed to developing products that work not just as standalone devices on the lab bench, but that can also be integrated into an automated workcell. Collaborating with Biosero is a great opportunity that allows us to support customers' integration projects." Ryan Bernhardt, Chief Commercial Officer at Biosero, commented: "Biosero has long been hardware-agnostic, with a commitment to delivering the best experience and results for our customers. We are pleased to team up with AltemisLab to bring their universal sample management devices into seamless automated laboratory setups with our Green Button Go software to add even more capabilities for users." Both Biosero and AltemisLab will be demonstrating their tools at SLAS2023, in booths #1729 and #1855, respectively. To book an appointment, please contact Hayley Dyer (hayleydyer@biosero.com) at Biosero or Jessica Hutchinson (jessica.hutchinson@altemislab.com) at AltemisLab. Biosero will also continue in-person and virtual demonstrations of the combined technologies in its Acceleration Lab in San Diego. About AltemisLab Founded by an experienced team with considerable industry knowledge, AltemisLab utilises this expertise to deliver the highest-quality products and exceptional service to help customers map workflows and identify the tools that will realise practical, financial, and time-saving benefits. The founders of AltemisLab have been working with 2D barcoded tubes since 2000, when this technology was first used by pharmaceutical companies for compound storage. AltemisLab 2D barcoded tubes, barcode readers, decapping, capping, and handling equipment symbolise a new era of efficiency. With AltemisLab you can rest assured that compliance, quality control and manufacturing excellence are unrivalled. For more information visit www.altemislab.com. About Biosero, Inc. Biosero, a member of the BICO group, develops science-centric software and laboratory automation solutions that enable researchers to orchestrate their discoveries at every stage. Biosero's Green Button Go Scheduler software and integration services match laboratory automation to science, creating a cohesive technology ecosystem that accelerates operations and increases productivity. Additionally, Green Button Go Orchestrator applications provide an end-to-end laboratory management solution, directing workflows and operations in life science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic research. Biosero is passionate about partnering with organizations dedicated to enhancing life by addressing the world's most significant needs. For more information, please visit www.biosero.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005104/en/ Contacts: For Biosero Suzanne Howard suzanne@bioscribe.com For AltemisLab Jessica Hutchinson Jessica.hutchinson@altemislab.com New program accelerates next wave of AI innovators with up to $1M in free compute credits for generative AI to power and build applications on the SambaNova platform SambaNova Systems, the company that was first to market with domain-specific, pre-trained foundation models to underpin generative AI, announces a new program for startups to leverage these transformational capabilities. SambaNova is offering up to $1M dollars in free compute credits for generative AI to selected companies that have applied to the program to power and build generative AI applications running on SambaNova's platform. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005449/en/ (Graphic: Business Wire) "We are witnessing the fastest industrial revolution in history and it's happening right in front of our eyes. It has unfolded rapidly and it's going to transform the world as we know it," said Rodrigo Liang, co-founder and CEO of SambaNova Systems. "We look forward to expanding the AI ecosystem by enabling the next wave of AI startups who are leveraging generative AI to transform nearly every aspect of their customers' business." The program is open to founders, innovators, and builders that need to leverage generative AI on top of SambaNova's platform to power their products. Selected companies will benefit from the program in the following ways: Power products with pre-trained generative AI, such as GPT Easily integrate generative AI into products and services through a simple API Get up to $1M in free compute credits for generative AI Retain rights to your data and privacy within a private domain Ten companies will be selected on a rolling basis; apply now and before the March 30, 2023, deadline to be considered. To apply for the SambaNova Generative AI Program for Startups please visit https://sambanova.ai/startup-program/. About SambaNova Systems Customers turn to SambaNova to quickly deploy state-of-the-art AI capabilities to meet the demands of the AI-enabled world. Our purpose-built enterprise-scale AI platform is the technology backbone for the next generation of AI computing. We enable customers to unlock the valuable business insights trapped in their data. Our flagship offering, Dataflow-as-a-ServiceTM, overcomes the limitations of legacy technology to power the large complex foundation models that enable customers to discover new services and revenue streams, and boost operational efficiency. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, SambaNova Systems was founded in 2017 by industry luminaries, and hardware and software design experts from Sun/Oracle and Stanford University. Investors include SoftBank Vision Fund 2, funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, Intel Capital, GV, Walden International, Temasek, GIC, Redline Capital, Atlantic Bridge Ventures, Celesta, and several others. Visit us at sambanova.ai or contact us at info@sambanova.ai. Follow SambaNova Systems on Linkedin. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005449/en/ Contacts: Virginia Jamieson Head of External Communications virginia.jamieson@sambanova.ai 1-650-279-8619 ZeroBounce today announced the relaunch of its email validation and deliverability platform. ZeroBounce 2.0 will offer faster, more accurate email validation tools and increased security features on a seamless, intuitive platform. SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZeroBounce today announced the relaunch of its email validation and deliverability platform. ZeroBounce 2.0 will offer faster, more accurate email validation tools and increased security features on a seamless, intuitive platform. ZeroBouncehas increased the guaranteed accuracy of its email validation service from 98% to 99%. Furthermore, in light of data breaches and identity theft affecting millions, the platform elevated its security protocols to offer heightened data protection. "After a year of tireless work, countless tests and a productive beta, we've got something ready that we know our customers will love," says ZeroBounce CEO Liviu Tanase. "One of the biggest milestones was reaching 99% email validation accuracy, a benchmark in the industry. We're grateful for our customers' feedback and their contribution to all the improvements we've made." Ahead of the launch of the new platform, ZeroBounce has further expanded its security protocols. Aside from GDPR, the service is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and ISO/IEC 270001 certified. Furthermore, ZeroBounce 2.0 now integrates with Okta identity protection services for even more security. "It was critical, with all of the upgrades, that we remained the safest, most protected email deliverability platform around. Whether it's data security or the quality of our email verifier, we never settle," said ZeroBounce COO Brian Minick. ZeroBounce has migrated all data onto the new platform, including credits and subscriptions. Users don't need to update their API configurations. With a brand-new, modern design, ZeroBounce 2.0 is available right away. Recently, ZeroBounce has also launched an India website. The company offers its email validation service, email deliverability, blacklist monitoring and Activity Data tools on ZeroBounce.in, which processes data strictly in India. About ZeroBounce ZeroBounce is an award-winning email verification and deliverability platform helping 200,000+ customers land more emails in the inbox. The service removes email typos, nonexistent and abuse email accounts, spam traps and other risky email addresses. ZeroBounce's email deliverability toolkit further supports the safe inbox delivery of transactional and marketing emails. The company operates a military-grade security infrastructure. ZeroBounce has validated more than 18 billion emails. Some of the companies it serves are Amazon, Disney, Netflix, LinkedIn, and Sephora. In 2022, ZeroBounce founded Email Day(April 23), now an international holiday honoring email inventor Ray Tomlinson. For more information, visit https://www.zerobounce.net/. Contact Information: Corina Leslie PR Manager support@zerobounce.net +1-888-500-9521 Related Images Image 1: ZeroBounce relaunches with 99% email validation accuracy Screenshot of the ZeroBounce email validation platform on dark purple background, with ZeroBounce announcing its relaunch This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment The continents largest, award-winning airline commended for accelerating Canada-Africa trade and investment in the context of its global role as one of the worlds largest carriers. Ethiopian Airlines ongoing expansion and existing service was underscored during the Canada-Africa Reception held in Cape Town, ahead of the annual Mining Indaba convention which began today. Hosted by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, Chamber President Garreth Bloor thanked the airline for its vital role in Canada-Africa trade and investment. Ethiopian Airlines is the sole airline connecting Canada directly to Sub-Saharan Africa, and onward to over 120 destinations from the African Union capital of Addis Ababa making it the worlds fourth largest airline in this regard. The pan-sectoral event over the weekend welcomed Canadian Trade Commissioners, Canadian and African business representatives, as well as members of the press. Mr. Wondwossen Marou, Traffic and Sales Manager for Cape Town, participated in the event on behalf of the Ethiopian Airlines receiving applause from attendees in recognition of the successes of the company on the international stage. Ethiopian Airlines did not lay off a single full-time employee during COVID, nor sought a bailout. It remains a model of private sector excellence, reflecting both the realized potential of the continent, while setting global standards of excellence in doing so, says Jacques NdoutouMve, a fellow member of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business who serves as Vice President for Africa at Apollo Health and Beauty. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires BURLINGTON, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Murchison Minerals Ltd. ("Murchison" or the "Company") (TSXV:MUR)(OTCQB:MURMF) is pleased to announce assay results from the diamond drillholes completed at the Syrah Target as part of the 2022 Summer Exploration Program on the 100% - owned HPM (Haut-Plateau de la Manicouagan) Project, located in Quebec. At the Syrah Target - which lies approximately 300 m to the northwest of the Barre de Fer (BDF) Zone - Nickel-Copper-Cobalt mineralization has been traced on surface over a 775 m strike length. These drillhole results confirm the presence of extensive disseminated nickel-bearing sulphide mineralization extending to depth. Murchison is confident the disseminated mineralization intersected in its first drill program is a key vectoring tool towards discovery of more massive to semi-massive mineralization within the target area to the south. Additionally, the Company is pleased to announce backpack drill results from the initial prospecting program confirming the presence high-grade nickel-copper-cobalt on surface at it's 100% owned Lac Paradis Prospect. Lac Paradis Prospect is located approximately 120 km southwest of the HPM Project area and was initially acquired by the Company in January of 2022. Highlights SYR22-001 intersected extensive disseminated Ni-Cu-Co bearing sulphide mineralization over 277.3 m: 277.3 m grading 0.22% NiEq. or 0.70% CuEq. (58.00 to 335.33 m) in SYR22-001 Including 30.33 m at 0.33% NiEq. or 1.08% CuEq. (305.00 to 335.33 m) Includes 4.80 m at 0.54% NiEq. or 1.75% CuEq. (323.7 to 328.5 m) Mineralization intersected at Syrah confirms the presence of a large magmatic sulphide system but does not explain the conductive geophysical anomaly. The target remains highly prospective to host high-grade nickel-bearing sulphide mineralization At the Lac Paradis Prospect, the backpack drill results are highly prospective confirming high-grade Ni-Cu-Co sulphide mineralization: 1.55 m backpack drill core grading 1.43% NiEq. or 4.65% CuEq. Including 0.37m grading 5.01% NiEq. or 16.25% CuEq. (0.00 to 0.37 m) 1.40 m backpack drill core grading 2.11% NiEq. or 6.84% CuEq. Including 0.46 m at 4.06% NiEq. or 13.17% CuEq. (0.40 to 0.86 m) Table 1: 2022 Syrah Significant Assay Results Hole ? From (m) To (m) Length* (m) Ni % Cu % Co % NiEq. %** CuEq. %** SYR22-001 58 335.33 277.33 0.14 0.10 0.03 0.22 0.70 Includes 305 335.33 30.33 0.22 0.16 0.04 0.33 1.08 Including 323.7 328.5 4.8 0.38 0.19 0.07 0.54 1.75 SYR22-002 10 30 20 0.16 0.13 0.03 0.25 0.80 Includes 19 22.5 3.5 0.40 0.45 0.07 0.65 2.12 SYR22-003 50.8 51.5 0.7 0.45 0.23 0.04 0.58 1.88 * Reported as core length, true thickness is not known.? **Nickel Equivalent (NiEq) & Copper Equivalent (CuEq) values were calculated using the following USD metal prices from Jan 31, 2023: $13.677/lb Nickel, $4.2176/lb Copper, and $22.226/lb Cobalt. NiEq.% was calculated using Ni%+((Cu Price/Ni Price) *Cu %)+((Co Price/Ni Price) *Co %). CuEq.% was calculated using Cu%+((Ni Price/Cu Price)* Ni %)+((Co Price/Cu Price)*Co %). Figure 1: Location map of Syrah with 2022 Drillholes and prospective target area highlighted. Murchison Minerals President and CEO Troy Boisjoli comments: "Today's release is a confirmation of the upside potential of the HPM project. Syrah is just one of the many known nickel-bearing sulphide showings along the 5 km BDF Trend, and adjacent 7 km long PYC Trend. The confirmation that mineralization continues at depth, along with how the geoscience has evolved our understanding of this extensive nickel-bearing sulphide system are positioning the HPM Project as one of the only true newly discovered nickel-sulphide districts globally." Murchison Minerals Vice-President of Exploration John Shmyr comments: "We are pleased with the results at Syrah, we feel the results to date are strong evidence of a significant magmatic nickel system being present. We see similar large broad zones of disseminated sulphide adjacent to the high-grade mineralization at Barre de Fer. The 3 holes were drilled to test a strong area in the airborne VTEM data but reprocessing of the previous EM surveys indicate that southern portion of the anomaly as being prospective and this agrees with the higher-grade surface mineralization located there. We are eager to drill this target soon." 2022 Syrah Drill Results During the Summer 2022 Exploration Program a fence of three diamond drillholes were completed at the Syrah Target. The drillholes were spaced approximately 75 to 125 m apart, testing an area proximal to mineralization intersected in hole HPM-08-14 -completed in 2008, returning grades of 0.18% Ni Eq. (0.12% Ni, 0.09% Cu, 0.02% Co) over 15.62 m. To date, sulphide mineralization at Syrah has consisted of broad disseminated zones of pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite, with lessor amounts of pentlandite, hosted within a gabbronorite. Half-metre intervals of semi-massive sulphide mineralization were intersected in SYR22-001 and SYR22-002. These broad zones of nickel-bearing sulphide mineralization confirm the presence of a magmatic sulphide system, which may have the same source as the high-grade BDF Zone. Future exploration work will be focused on the southern extents of the anomaly. Surface mineralization at Syrah was mapped using a beep mat, with the best prospecting results discovered in the southern most extents of the Syrah target -the best grab sample results returned grades of 0.74% NiEq. (0.58% Ni, 0.24% Cu, 0.05% Co). Table 2: Drillhole Information Hole Easting Northing Elevation (m) Depth (m) Azimuth () Dip () SYR22-001 615506 5723173 894 370.46 303 -56 SYR22-002 615483 5723186 896 237 307 -43 SYR22-003 615553 5723132 891 353 300 -59 *UTM Projected Coordinate System: NAD83 UTM Zone 19N Lac Paradis Prospect Results Murchison conducted an extensive prospecting program on the HPM project during the 2022 summer exploration program. As part of this program, the technical team completed reconnaissance prospecting at its Lac Paradis Prospect, at a previously identified showing. The Lac Paradis Prospect is located at the south end of Lac Manicouagan, approximately 17 km north of the Manic-5 Hydroelectric Dam, and 120 km southwest of the HPM property. The Lac Paradis Prospect was staked by Murchison in January of 2022. Nickel mineralization was discovered by prospecting in 2003 along a forestry road, the mineralization contains grades of 2.9% Cu and 5.26% Ni in grab samples in disseminated to semi-massive sulphide patches in meta-pyroxenite associated with leucogabbro and olivine-bearing ultramafic dyke. Four shallow BQ holes were drilled in 2006 totaling 217.34 m, with no samples collected and no notable mineralization intersected. The lack of exploration paired with the high-grade nature and presence of ultramafic magmatism (Figure 3) make the Lac Paradis highly prospective. Murchison will complete more extensive prospecting in future programs utilizing a beep mat to attempt to locate additional mineralization associated with the ultramafic intrusions. Table 3: Lac Paradis Backpack Drillhole Assays Hole ? From (m) To (m) Length* (m) Ni % Cu % Co % NiEq. %** CuEq. %** DG07191921 0.00 1.55 1.55 1.33 0.13 0.04 1.43 4.65 Includes 0.00 0.37 0.37 4.69 0.39 0.12 5.01 16.25 BF07191946 0.00 1.40 1.40 1.96 0.20 0.05 2.11 6.84 Includes 0.40 0.86 0.46 3.80 0.30 0.10 4.06 13.17 * Reported as core length, true thickness is not known.? **Nickel Equivalent (NiEq) & Copper Equivalent (CuEq) values were calculated using the following USD metal prices from Jan 31, 2023: $13.677/lb Nickel, $4.2176/lb Copper, and $22.226/lb Cobalt. NiEq.% was calculated using Ni%+((Cu Price/Ni Price) *Cu %)+((Co Price/Ni Price) *Co %). CuEq.% was calculated using Cu%+((Ni Price/Cu Price)* Ni %)+((Co Price/Cu Price)*Co %). Table 4: Lac Paradis Backpack Drillhole Collar Information Hole Easting* Northing* Depth (m) Azimuth () Dip () DG07191921 512663 5629065 1.55 36 -49 BF07191946 512665 5629064 1.4 26 -48 *UTM Projected Coordinate System: NAD83 UTM Zone 19N Figure 2: Sulphide mineralization in backpack drill core from Lac Paradis displaying pyrrhotite and pentlandite mineralization (DG07191921). Figure 3: Location Map of Lac Paradis Property with beep mat and backpack drillhole results plotted. QA/QC Murchison has implemented and is adhering to a strict Quality Assurance/Quality Control program. NQ-size core was drilled and mineralized intervals were marked by geologists during core description. The marked intervals were sampled using a core saw, one-half is kept as a witness sample at core facility in Saguenay, Quebec and the other assigned a unique number and placed within a plastic bag. The specific gravity of every 10th sample was measured using the mass-in-air / mass-in-water method. Samples were shipped directly to SRC Geoanalytical Labs in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The samples were ground and prepared for analysis by the lab using total digestion. Analyzes were performed using ICP-OES for nickel, copper, and cobalt. Every 25th sample sent to the lab was a field duplicate (quarter core), blanks and certified reference material were also submitted approximately every 25th sample. Qualifying Statement The foregoing scientific and technical disclosures on the HPM Project have been reviewed by John Shmyr, P.Geo., VP Exploration, a registered member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan and current holder of a special authorization with the Ordre des Geologues du Quebec. Mr. Shmyr is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. The Qualified Person has verified the data disclosed in this release, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information contained in this release. Mr. Shmyr consents to the inclusion in the announcement of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. Some data disclosed in this News Release relating to sampling and drilling results is historical in nature. Neither the Company nor a qualified person has yet verified this data and therefore investors should not place undue reliance on such data. In some cases, the data may be unverifiable due to lack of drill core. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby and/or geologically similar properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's properties. About Murchison Minerals Ltd. (TSXV:MUR, OTCQB:MURMF) Murchison is a Canadian-based exploration Company focused on nickel-copper-cobalt exploration at the 100% - owned HPM Project in Quebec and the exploration and development of the 100% - owned Brabant Lake zinc-copper-silver project in north-central Saskatchewan. Murchison currently has 218.2 million shares issued and outstanding. Additional information about Murchison and its exploration projects can be found on the Company's website at www.murchisonminerals.ca. For further information, please contact: Troy Boisjoli, President and CEO, Erik H Martin, CFO, or Justin LaFosse, Director Corporate Development Tel: (416) 350-3776 info@murchisonminerals.com Forward-Looking Information The content and grades of any mineral deposits at the Company's properties are conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource on the property and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in any target being delineated as a mineral resource. Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, and dependence upon regulatory approvals. FLI herein includes, but is not limited to: future drill results; stakeholder engagement and relationships; parameters and methods used with respect to the assay results; the prospects, if any, of the deposits; future prospects at the deposits; and the significance of exploration activities and results. FLI is designed to help you understand management's current views of its near- and longer-term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes. FLI by their nature are based on assumptions and 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 FLI. Although the FLI contained in this press release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities of the Company that actual results will be consistent with such FLI, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such FLI. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such FLI contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. Unless otherwise noted, this press release has been prepared based on information available as of the date of this press release. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the FLI or information contained herein. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in FLI. Assumptions upon which FLI is based, without limitation, include: the ability of exploration activities to accurately predict mineralization; the accuracy of geological modelling; the ability of the Company to complete further exploration activities; the legitimacy of title and property interests in the deposits; the accuracy of key assumptions, parameters or methods used to obtain the assay results; the ability of the Company to obtain required approvals; the results of exploration activities; the evolution of the global economic climate; metal prices; environmental expectations; community and nongovernmental actions; and any impacts of COVID-19 on the deposits, the Company's financial position, the Company's ability to secure required funding, or operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available at www.sedar.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Murchison Minerals Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738329/Murchison-Minerals-Intersects-2773-Metres-of-Nickel-Bearing-Sulphide-Mineralization-at-the-Syrah-Target-and-Confirms-Grades-of-501-NiEq-or-1625-CuEq-at-the-Lac-Paradis-Prospect VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Rock Edge Resources Ltd. (the "Company" or "Rock Edge") (CSE:REDG) is pleased to announce it has signed an option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Pag North Lithium Project (the "Property") located east of LongLac, northwestern Ontario. The Property consists of 9 mining claims (189 cells) comprising 3,932 hectares. The Property is hosted within the Quetico Subprovince, the same subprovince that hosts the Georgia Lake Pegmatite field which to date contains over 38 rare-element occurrences and 10 spodumene pegmatite deposits (Breaks et al., 2003). The Trans-Canada Highway 11 lies just to the north of the Property providing ample access. Charles Desjardins, CEO of Rock Edge states, "We continue to acquire opportunities in the critical mineral space in northwestern Ontario. The Pag North Lithium Project has the geological environment to contain rare-element pegmatites and evidence to date supports the potential merit. This is an unexplored portion of a subprovince that has been proven to yield valuable lithium resources. We look forward to the spring to commence mapping and sampling." Pag North Lithium Property The Pag North Lithium Project consists of 9 mining claims totaling 3,932 hectares. The Property lies within 500 m of the terrane boundary between the East Wabigoon and Quetico subprovinces. These terrane boundaries are integrally related to the location of northwestern Ontario lithium deposits and occurrences, as they act as deep-seated sutures for parental granitic melts (Breaks et al., 20031) (Figure 1). The Property host a S-type peraluminous muscovite granite (Pagwachaun pluton) in contact with metasediments. Metasediments make excellent exo-contact hosts for rare-element pegmatites. Several muscovite bearing pegmatites were mapped by the OGS in Map 26492 in 1983, hosted within the Pagwachaun pluton and within the metasediments. This is a promising sign that the S-type peraluminous granite has fractionated and deposited pegmatites within the exo-contact. Further to add to the merit of the Property is the Pagwachaun fault along the north shore of the Pagwachaun Lake providing structure and fracture systems for parental melts. Figure 1. Lithium deposits and pegmatite fields of northwestern Ontario. Source OGS. Figure 2. Regional geological location of the Maun Lithium Property. The Transaction Rock Edge signed the Pag North Lithium option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Property from two third parties, Gravel Ridge Resources Ltd. and 1544230 Ontario Inc. (the 'Optionors') by paying a total of $94,000 and issuing 300,000 shares over a three-year period. The Optionors will retain a 1.5% net smelter royalty ("NSR") on the Property, of which Rock Edge can purchase 0.5% of the NSR for $600,000. The payments will be 50% to Gravel Ridge and 50% to 1544239 Ontario Inc totalling $ 94,000.00 and issue 300,000 shares of the Optionee in accordance with the following schedule: a $22,000.00 cash payment upon the signing of this Agreement; and issue 300,000 shares of the Optionee upon approval of the Exchange (the "Initial Payment"); an additional $18,000.00 cash payment upon the 1st anniversary of the signing date of this agreement; an additional $24,000.00 cash payment upon the 2nd anniversary of the signing date of this agreement; an additional $30,000.00 cash payment upon the 3nd anniversary of the signing date of this agreement; Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mike Kilbourne, P. Geo., who is an independent Qualified Person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The QP and the Company have not completed sufficient work to verify the historic information on the Property particularly regarding historical exploration, neighbouring companies, and government geological work. References Breaks, F.W., Selway, J.B. and Tindle, A.G. 2003. Fertile peraluminous granites and related rare-element mineralization in pegmatites, Superior Province, northwest and northeast Ontario: Operation Treasure Hunt; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6099, 179p. Amuken, S.E., 1983. Klob Lake: Ontario Geological Survey Map 2469, PreCambrian Geology Series, scale 1 inch to mile, Geology 1979. About Rock Edge Resources Ltd. Rock Edge Resources Ltd. is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in Canada. Its objective is to locate and develop economic precious, base metal and critical mineral properties of merit. The Superb Lake Lithium Project consists of 81 mining claims totalling 6,468 hectares in three separate claim groups. The properties are located approximately 40 km north of Nakina, Ontario, along the English River-East Wabigoon sub-province boundary. The Stockwork Property is located in Southern British Columbia, approximately 55 km southeast of Vernon, within the Vernon Mining Division. For more information, please refer to the Company's prospectus dated March 14, 2022, available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). On Behalf of the Board of Directors Charles Desjardins Chief Executive Officer and Director Phone #604-808-3156 Email: info@rockedgeresources.com FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions, including with respect to the Company's ability or intention to exercise its option to acquire an interest in the Property, as described above. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward -looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at WWW.SEDAR.COM). Neither the Canadian Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release SOURCE: Rock Edge Resources Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738330/Rock-Edge-Acquires-the-Pag-North-Lake-Lithium-Project-Northwestern-Ontario Growing In Excess of over 10 percent in January over December 2022 MIRAMAR, FL / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / STEMTECH CORPORATION - (OTCQB:STEK) John W. Meyer, President and COO of Stemtech, is "excited to announce that the number of new IBPs increased in January over December 2022 by over 10 percent. This increase provides evidence that Stemtech is growing and that our products and business opportunity are stronger than ever. Last week we reported that Business For Home, an independent network marketing publication, recently ranked Stemtech number 11 of the over 700+ global MLM companies. This week, we improved and took another step up to number 10!" The stem cell industry continues to show increasing strength given their powerful benefits and capital invested in research and development in stem cell pharma therapy (also known as regenerative medicine). Mesenchymal stem cell research growth is projected to be significant, with projections up to 2032 expecting rewarding CAGR results. Research and Markets " indicates a "Rise in burden of chronic/neurological diseases, increase in focus on the development of stem cell therapies, growing public awareness about the therapeutic potential of stem cell, growing awareness regarding the benefits of stem cell preservation, favorable government initiatives and support are major factors expected to aid in the growth of the global stem cell manufacturing market." Stemtech's stemceuticals stem cell nutrition products are all-natural, plant-based, anti-aging continues to advance for going on eighteen (18) years. Stemtech's opportunity has been part of our growing focus on health and wellness since our inception. We are well positioned to be part of this growth. Life Factor Research, a division of Stemtech, will develop new products in this genre. Stemtech is registering StemFlo Advanced, MigraStem, and our new cutting-edge Cellect One Rapid Renew Stem Cell Night Cream for our Ecuador market. We also plan to make our Stemtech AdvanceOffice mobile app available to provide excellent communication, recruiting and business key performance metrics, all in the hands of our Independent Business Partners (IBPs). Vice President of Global Sales, Alejandro Carrillo state "for Stemtech's VISION 2023 strategy, we are planning to hold Business Academies as announced at our December 2022 Cancun, Mexico Leadership Event. The first training academies will be held in May in the U.S. (including Canada) and Mexico (including Ecuador) and in Taiwan later this year in October. As more IBPs join Stemtech, plans for a global convention will be coordinated. We are seeing more significant rank advancements as last month Maria Felix Rodriguez became a Triple Diamond Director - her third rank advancement is as many months. Triple Diamond is a prestigious rank and the fifth highest achievable based upon compensation focused on sales performance in Stemtech. Maria Felix has been on a remarkable rise given that she started out as an Associate entry-level member. Our Field realizes the business opportunity which Stemtech offers for entrepreneurs with a passion for growth and financial reward". ABOUT STEMTECH Stemtech Corporation, a leading stemceutical company with a direct sales distribution model, was founded on April 18, 2018, after acquiring the operations from its predecessor Stemtech International, Inc., which was established in 2005. From 2010 through 2015, Stemtech International, Inc., was recognized four separate times on the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies list. In 2018, Stemtech underwent an extensive executive reorganization, and continued operations under new leadership as Stemtech Corporation. In August 2021, Stemtech became a publicly traded company (OTCQB:STEK) and has expanded business opportunities for its Independent Business Partners, who may earn incomes by sharing Stemtech products. January 2022 saw the introduction of new marketing efforts. In August 2022, Professor Doctor Bankole Johnson joined Dr. Enrique Martinez and Dr. Lizette Leos on the Stemtech Life Sciences Advisory Board. In September 2022, the new Stemtech AdvanceOffice mobile app based on the VERB Technology platform was successfully launched as a powerful communication - recruiting tool for our Field. In October, Life Factor Research became the Research and Development, product formulation - science division of Stemtech to create cutting-edge stemceuticals and other products. On November 1, 2022, Stemtech introduced the new travel/sample size OraStem Toothpaste. On December 6, Stemtech announced the promotion of Alejandro Carrillo to the role of Vice President Global Sales from his current role as Managing Director Latin Markets. Stemtech introduced the new CellectOne Rapid Renew Stem Cell Peptide Night Cream at their December 2022 International Leadership Event in Cancun, Mexico. January 10 2023 Stemtech appoints Margie and Mike Mares to Field Advisory Board. Last month, Stemtech Ranked Number 11 in Momentum out of 700+ top Global MLM companies by Business For Home independent MLM publication, January 23, 2023. On February 2, 2023, Stemtech announces international market expansion planned into Colombia. Forward-Looking Statements This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include but are not limited to statements identified by words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "targets," "projects" and similar expressions. The statements in this release are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Numerous factors could cause or contribute to such differences, including, but not limited to, results of clinical trials and/or other studies, the challenges inherent in new product development initiatives, the effect of any competitive products, our ability to license and protect our intellectual property, our ability to raise additional capital in the future that is necessary to maintain our business, changes in government policy and/or regulation, potential litigation by or against us, any governmental review of our products or practices, as well as other risks discussed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, our latest 10-Q Report filed on November 23, 2022. We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement, or any information contained in this press release or in other public disclosures at any time. Finally, the investing public is reminded that the only announcements or information about Stemtech Corporation which are condoned by the Company must emanate from the Company itself and bear our name as its Source. www.Stemtech.com Investor Relations: Phone: 954-715-6000 ext 1040 Email: invrel@stemtech.com SOURCE: Stemtech Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738316/Stemtech-Announces-Double-Digit-Growth-Moving-It-up-Ranks-in-Global-MLM-Companies VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / SKY GOLD CORP. ("Sky" or the "Company") (SKYG-TSX:V)(OTC PINK:SRKZF) announces the acquisition of 3 nickel-copper-cobalt-platinum group element properties, situated in the Shebandowan Greenstone Belt, in northwestern Ontario. The properties are located proximal and in a similar geologic setting as to that of the past-producing Shebandowan Ni-Cu-Co-PGE deposit, mined by Inco Ltd., during the period of 1970 to 1998. The properties are located between 80 to 125 kilometres west of the City of Thunder Bay and are accessed by the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 17) and a network of all-weather roads. Such transportation infrastructure provides good access to conduct mineral exploration programs on all 3 properties, year-round. SHEBANDOWAN NI-CU-CO-PGE DEPOSIT The Shebandowan Ni-Cu-Co-PGE mine of Archean-age comprises a world-class example of a premier magmatic nickel sulphide deposit, with mined reserves of 8.6 MT at a grade of 2.0% Ni, 1.0% Cu and 2.68 g/t Pt and Pd (cobalt grades unknown). The model for mineralization at the Shebandowan deposit invokes: Greenstone belt deposition in a rifted setting - deep sub-vertical penetrative faults tapping the mantle, should be present in the exploration area Vertical ultramafic intrusions or sill complexes host Ni sulphide ore as conduits, proximal to the deep faults Strong alteration of the ultramafic intrusions (serpentinization) Late mafic dykes within the ultramafic environment indicate extended magmatic activity within the conduits Strong magnetic expression and conductivity of the Ni sulphide orebodies due to serpentinization (magnetite) of host ultramafic rocks and presence of pentlandite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite as Ni sulphide minerals, respectively. Past exploration efforts in looking for Shebandowan deposit look-alikes, have focussed on the chemistry of ultramafic rocks as the key to new discoveries, whereas the geologic setting in which the ultramafic rocks are emplaced, is likely more important for exploration and discovery success. SKY GOLD NI-CU-CO-PGE PROPERTIES The 3 properties acquired by Sky Gold comprise the Sungold property (1,360 hectares), the Greenwater Lake property (720 hectares) and the Kekekuab Lake property (260 hectares).The following summarizes the highlights or key exploration opportunity, on each respective property. Sungold: The Sungold property exhibits striking similarities with the geologic setting of the past producing Shebandowan mine. At Sungold, an extensive mafic to ultramafic sill complex, forms the base of the greenstone belt, proximal to the crustal-scale Knife Lake Fault. Additionally, the ultramafic rocks comprising the sill complex are strongly serpentinized, characterized by the presence of magnetite and talc. These altered ultramafic bodies, are reflected by the presence of linear magnetic highs, similar to what is seen at Shebandowan. Additionally, the chemistry of the ultramafic rocks is identical to that of the host rocks at the Shebandowan mine, in terms of MgO content (komatiites). Most importantly, the altered, linear belts of ultramafic rocks comprising the sill complex are locally coincident with numerous discrete strong conductors, that have not been tested by diamond drilling. Preliminary modelling of such conductors (defined by a historic airborne VTEM survey in 2005) has been completed, yielding several high-quality targets for diamond drilling. Greenwater Lake: The Greenwater Lake property, situated approximately 10 km WSW of the Shebandowan mine, is largely underlain by ultramafic rocks. Data compilation indicates that there has been no historic drilling completed on the property. Regional glacial till sampling completed by the Ontario Geological Survey (Bajc, 2000) delineated a prominent cluster of Ni, Cu, Co, Cr, Pt and Pd in-till anomalies, situated east of Greenwater Lake. Notably, highly anomalous levels of Ni, Co and Cr obtained from this survey occur on the Greenwater Lake property, providing immediate targets for follow-up work. The till anomalies are also closely associated with a prominent fault, that cuts the ultramafic rocks. Detailed geochemical sampling is clearly warranted to enhance this target area. A drill hole situated immediately east of the Greenwater Lake property, undertaken by North American Palladium in 2004, returned very compelling results. Hole SP04-001 returned 0.56 g/t platinum + palladium, as well as 0.30% nickel over 11.8 metres, within what is reported as strongly altered peridotite. No additional drilling was ever completed to follow-up on this drill result. Kekekuab Lake: The Kekekuab Lake property is situated approximately 5 km due south of the Shebandowan mine site. As is the case with the Greenwater Lake property, minimal historic drilling has been undertaken at Kekekuab lake. Additionally, mafic and ultramafic rocks are prominent on available geology maps. Fig 1. Map of the Sungold, Kekekuab and Greenwater properties MOVING FORWARD ON THE PROPERTIES Compilation of the historic and Government data will continue in the near term on all properties, in efforts to consolidate and identify prospective targets. Additionally, the process of engagement with the indigenous communities of Lac La Croix, Lac Des Milles Lacs, the Metis Nation of Ontario and Fort William First Nation in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, will commence as soon as practical, in preliminary efforts to secure exploration permits. Qualified person Sky Gold Corp.'s disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Don Hoy, P.Geo., who serves as a qualified person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101. Terms To acquire a 100% interest in the properties listed the Company will issue 1.5 million shares, pay $20,000 and grant a 2.5% NSR to the vendors of which 1.5% can be purchased back anytime by the Company at its discretion for two million dollars. In the event that, subsequent to the Closing, SKYG determines in its reasonable discretion that an ore body of more than 5 million tonnes is situated in or on the Property, and that such ore body is commercially viable in accordance with industry standards, then the consideration payable by SKYG shall be adjusted upwards, such that SKYG shall issue an additional 1,000,000 common shares in its capital to the Vendors provided that SKYG has not sold or otherwise relinquished the Property. This transaction is subject to TSX Venture approval. A finder's fee will be payable. FINANCING Sky further announces it has arranged a non-brokered private placement of up to 10 million units ("Units") at a price of $0.08 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $800,000.00 (the "Offering"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share ("Share") and one transferable Share purchase warrant of the Company ("Warrant"). Each whole Warrant will entitle the Subscriber to purchase one Warrant Share for a 24-month period after the Closing Date at an exercise price of $0.12 per share. Proceeds raised from the Offering will be used towards exploration activities on the Company's portfolio of mining projects as well as general and administrative purposes. Finder's fees will be paid pursuant to this financing. The financing is subject to TSX Venture approval. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Mike England" Mike England, CEO, PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Telephone: 1-604-683-3995 Toll Free: 1-888-945-4770 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the matters described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance, or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including with respect to the completion of the Consolidation or the identification or acquisition of additional mineral assets. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including factors beyond the Company's control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. SOURCE: Sky Gold Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738334/Sky-Gold-Corp-Acquires-Three-Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-Platinum-Group-Element-Properties-in-The-Shebandowan-Greenstone-Belt-Northwestern-Ontario VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / NV Gold Corporation (TSXV:NVX)(OTCQB:NVGLF)(FSE:8NV) ("NV Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received the approval of the Notice of Intent ("NOI") for the Company's SW Pipe Gold Project in Lander County, Nevada ("SW Pipe"). The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") has reviewed the NOI and determined it is complete, containing all the information required by the surface management regulations at 43 CFR 3809.30. The BLM has reviewed the proposed operation and determined that it is adequate to proceed. About the SW Pipe Gold Project: SW Pipe is located in Lander County, approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) southwest of the world-class Pipeline gold mine in the central Cortez gold belt of north-central Nevada. SW Pipe has 84 unpatented mining claims and is 100%-owned by NV Gold. Historical drilling established a near-surface, oxide-gold zone characterized by multiple intercepts of 15 m+ @ 0.5-1.0 g/t Au (see Company's press releases dated October 26, 2022, and December 14, 2022). After the evaluation and analyses of two extensive geochemical surveys and the recent approval of the NOI, the Company intends to proceed and commence drill-testing for a potentially significant Carlin-type gold deposit on SW Pipe in Q1 of 2023, subject to capital and drill rig availability (see Figures 2 & 3). Thomas Klein, VP Exploration stated, "I am excited to have received the BLM's approval to start earthwork and drill site preparation on our SW Pipe gold project in Lander County, Nevada. In 2022, the Company identified multiple overlapping geochemistry anomalies suggesting the presence of a Carlin-type gold system on the Property. We are in an excellent neighborhood to Nevada Gold Mines' (NGM) multi-million-ounce Pipeline and Cortez gold deposits and NV Gold has an excellent opportunity to make a new discovery in proximity to NGM's gold mining operations. Figure 1: NV Gold Landholding Map. Figure 2: SW Pipe Location in Proximity to the Cortez and Pipeline Gold Mines. Figure 3: SW Pipe Soil Geochemistry and Mercury Vapor Target, and proposed Drill Hole Location. About NV Gold Corporation NV Gold (TSXV:NVX)(OTCQB:NVGLF)(FSE:8NV) is a Nevada-focused exploration company with ~80 million shares issued and no debt. The Company is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Reno, Nevada and is focused on delivering value through mineral discoveries in Nevada, USA. Leveraging its expansive property portfolio, its highly experienced in-house technical team, and its extensive geological data library, 2023 promises to be highly productive for NV Gold. On behalf of the Board of Directors, John Seaberg, Director, and CEO For further information, visit the Company's website at www.nvgoldcorp.com or contact: Freeform Communications at 604.245.0054 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include regulatory issues, market prices, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals, The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. SOURCE: NV Gold Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738309/NV-Gold-Announces-the-Approval-of-the-Notice-of-Intent-for-its-Drill-Program-on-the-SW-Pipe-Project-in-Nevada Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - BioMark Diagnostics Inc. (CSE: BUX) (FSE: 20B) (OTC Pink: BMKDF) ("BioMark" or the "Company"), an advanced stage liquid biopsy company with a focus on hard to detect and treat cancers, is pleased to announce today that its Quebec-based subsidiary, BioMark Diagnostic Solutions Inc ("BDS"), is receiving advisory services and non-dilutive funding of up to CAD $185,900 from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). BioMark intends to use this funding to support research and development of a quantitative assay to measure drug metabolites for cancer treatment monitoring. The project is leveraging the fully integrated BioMark's metabolomic liquid biopsy platform to develop a safe, effective, and affordable drug biomarker test to assess and monitor response to therapy which could provide both clinician and patient with an accurate and easy way to perform relapse surveillance and therapeutic monitoring more effectively. In addition to the support provided by NRC IRAP, BioMark is also receiving funding of CAD $13,275 from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) under the CanExport Innovation Program. The Program is administered by the Government of Canada's Trade Commissioner Service and delivered collaboratively with NRC IRAP to promote and enhance Canada's international innovation efforts by providing direct financial assistance to the most innovative companies to pursue international opportunities that could lead to the establishment of new collaborative Research and Development (R&D) partnerships with key players in foreign markets. "We are focused on building out our portfolio of assays for early cancer detection and treatment management while maintaining our commitment to continual improvement of our products," stated Rashid Bux, CEO of BioMark. Mr. Bux continued, "As a result of this support from the Government of Canada, the company will be well-positioned to commercialize an innovative and integrated cancer management platform. Our platform has universal appeal and we have interested international parties who are willing to engage with the Company. We are delighted and extremely grateful to have this financial support to expand our global R&D collaboration with leading institutions that are evaluating BioMark's early lung cancer detection assay as we are rapidly proceeding into commercialization phase in North America." About BioMark Diagnostics Inc. BioMark is a liquid biopsy company developing a molecular diagnostics technology platform that leverages the power of metabolomics and machine learning algorithms to bring new cancer diagnostics to market and improving cancer prognosis by allowing physicians to detect carcinomas in the pre-symptomatic stage. The technology can also be used for measuring response to treatment and potentially for serial monitoring of cancer survivors. While the Company's current focus is on the commercialization of its liquid biopsy test for early detection of lung, it has plans to expand into other hard to detect and treat cancers such as brain, ovarian and pancreatic. Further information about BioMark is available under its profile on the SEDAR website www.sedar.com and on the CSE website https://thecse.com/. For further information on BioMark, please Contact: Rashid Ahmed Bux, President & CEO BioMark Diagnostics Inc. Tel. 604-370-0779, Email: info@biomarkdiagnostics.com Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of BioMark. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of BioMark. Although BioMark believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because BioMark can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. BioMark disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. The CSE has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the content of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153865 Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - Thermal Energy International Inc. (TSXV: TMG) (OTCQB: TMGEF) ("Thermal Energy" or the "Company"), a provider of innovative energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction solutions to major corporations around the world, has shared a business update on investors-thermalenergy.com. In this business update CEO William Crossland provides updates on notable activities, orders, the market, and TEI's competitive position, including: Last Twelve Months ("LTM") Total Order Intake has bounced back and now exceeds pre-pandemic highs Custom Equipment orders continue to break records, with a growth of over 300% when comparing Q2 YTD over the past 5 years The number of paid Turn-key Project Development Agreements (PDA) signed, a significant step in the sales and engineering cycle of our large Turn-key Projects, is at the highest level in the Company's history Turn-key Project order intake is now back contributing as expected to record total order intake figures Notable developments in the team, including the placement of a Vice President of Sales for North America This business update is available on the company's website here. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to TEI News to receive strategic news and updates directly to their inbox. ENDS For media enquiries contact: Thermal Energy International Inc. Canada: 613-723-6776 Marketing@thermalenergy.com For investor enquiries: Thermal Energy International Inc. 613-723-6776 Investors@thermalenergy.com Notes to editors About Thermal Energy International Inc. Thermal Energy International Inc., ranked as one of Canada's Top Growing Companies in 2021, 2020 and 2019, is an established global supplier of proprietary, proven energy efficiency and emissions reduction solutions to the industrial and institutional sectors. We save our customers money and improve their bottom line by reducing their fuel use and cutting their carbon emissions. Our customers include many Fortune 500 and other leading multinational companies across a wide range of industry sectors. Thermal Energy is a fully accredited professional engineering firm, and by providing a unique mix of proprietary products together with process, energy, and environmental engineering expertise, we can deliver unique turn-key energy and carbon emission reduction projects with significant financial and environmental benefits for our customers. Thermal Energy's proprietary products include GEM - Steam Traps, FLU-ACE - Direct contact condensing heat recovery, HEATSPONGE - Indirect contact condensing heat recovery systems, and DRY-REX - Low-temperature biomass drying systems. Thermal Energy has engineering offices in Ottawa, Canada, Pittsburgh, USA, as well as Bristol, UK, with sales offices in Canada, UK, USA, Germany, Poland, Italy, and China. TEI's common shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the symbol TMG and the OTCQB Venture Market ("OTCQB") in the United States operated by the OTC Markets Group Inc., under the symbol TMGEF. For more information, visit our website at www.thermalenergy.com, our investor website at investors-thermalenergy.com, or follow us on Twitter @GoThermalEnergy Cautionary Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to, and amongst other things, based on management's expectations, estimates, and projections, the anticipated effectiveness of the Company's products and services, the timing of revenues to be received by the Company, the anticipated effects of COVID-19 on the business, backlog, and revenue, and the expectation that orders in backlog will become revenue. Information as to the amount of heat recovered, energy savings, and payback period associated with Thermal Energy International's products are based on the Company's own testing and average customer results to date. Statements relating to the order-intake, expected installation and revenue recognition for projects, statements about the anticipated effectiveness and lifespan of the Company's products, statements about the expected environmental effects and cost savings associated with the Company's products, and statements about the Company's ability to cross-sell its products and sell to more sites are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve several risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Orders received in a fiscal year may not become revenue for the Company within such fiscal year. Many factors, some of which are outside of the Company's control, could cause events and results to differ materially from those stated. Fulfilment of orders, installation of products, and activation of products could all be delayed for several reasons, some of which are outside of the Company's control, which would result in anticipated revenues from such projects being delayed or in the most serious cases eliminated. Actions taken by the Company's customers and factors inherent in the customer's facilities but not anticipated by the Company can have a negative impact on the expected effectiveness and lifespan of the Company's products and on the expected environmental effects and cost savings expected from the Company's products. Any customer's willingness to purchase additional products from the Company and whether orders in the Company's backlog as described above will turn into revenue is dependent on many factors, some of which are outside of the Company's control, including but not limited to the customer's perceived needs and the continuing financial viability of the customer. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements except as required by law. Readers are referred to the risk factors associated with the Company's business as described in the Company's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis available at www.SEDAR.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153923 Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - Zephyr Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: ZFR) ("Zephyr" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire up to an 80% interest in the approximately 65 hectare MAP Gold Mine property ("MAP Gold Mine") in Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe from an individual and his privately owned corporation ("the Owner"). The Owner is an arm's length citizen of Zimbabwe. The MAP Gold Mine is a small scale combined open cast and shallow underground operation with gold being recovered from three open pits (eluvial gold) and four adits driven on a shear zone. Pit 1 is approximately 60m by 70m and Pit 2 which is similar in size is located approximately 300m south-south-east of Pit 1. A new pit, Pit 3 has recently been started 85m southwest of Pit 1 (between Pits1 & 2), and was reported by the Owner to contain eluvium grading 3 to 4 g/t gold. A grab sample taken by Zephyr from Pit 3 returned an assay of 4.4 g/t gold. To date almost all mining has been in the eluvium with one shallow dipping (35 to 45 degrees) northeast trending shear zone having been discovered at Pit 2. The gold mineralized shear zone is being mined by the Owner via shallow adits dug at four locations in highly weathered sheared Greenstone along approximately 15m of strike length. Grab sampling by Zephyr of the shear zone stock piles from the four adits returned assays ranging between 1.6 g/t gold and 13.8 g/t gold. Unfortunately, the exposure in the adits is insufficient to discern the total width of the shear zone. Pits 1, 2 and 3 are located across a width of 300m perpendicular to the strike of the gold mineralization in the shear zone in Pit 2. These new discoveries warrant a proposed exploration program including drill testing for a potential large tonnage deposit comprising possible multiple gold mineralized shear zones. The property lies within Archean aged greenstones and was mapped on a 1:100,000 scale by the Geological Survey of Zimbabwe between 1985 and 1988. The local area was mapped as metarhyolite with a northeast trending dolerite dike that transects the property. One and a half kilometers (1.5 km) west of the property is a major regional fault which trends north-northeast. Waste rock in dump material around Pit 1 is predominantly talc schist and at Pit 2 it is predominantly highly weathered Greenstones. The MAP Gold Mine is a new gold discovery found in 2020 when farm workers working their fields noticed quartz fragments in the soil (eluvium) which they then panned and found to be gold bearing. Since that time the size of the deposit being worked has continued to expand with eluvial pits now found over an area of approximately 70m by 300m. Exploration potential remains open in all directions. The area of the workings is approximately 3.5% of the largely eluvium covered Claims which totals approximately 65 hectares. Loren Komperdo, President and CEO stated; "We are very excited about the potential of the MAP Gold Mine property. The extensive area of eluvial gold mining suggests that multiple shear zones may exist on the property. Many of the larger gold deposits in Zimbabwe are found as secondary shear zones adjacent to major regional faults.* This model is applicable to the MAP Gold Mine property as a major regional fault is present directly east of us." Under the terms of the Agreement, Zephyr through its wholly own Zimbabwean subsidiary, Sutter Mining (Private) Limited ("Sutter") can acquire 75% of the Gold Mine Property by paying US$165,000 over two years as well as certain cash payments based on the quantity of gold discovered. In addition, in the event a mine is built, Sutter will pay the Owner US$250,000 upon declaration of commercial production. At Sutter's discretion, it has the right to buy 20% of the Owner's 25% interest, hereby increasing Sutter's interest in the property to 80%. The Owner is permitted to continue small scale mining within prescribed parameters from areas currently being mined until Sutter makes a decision to transfer the Claims into a new operating company (Newco), owned as to Sutter 75% (with option to go to 80%) and the Owner 25% (potentially decreased to 20%). Certain conditions need to be met before exploration can begin including acquiring four additional claims which are included in the Agreement. QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL ("QA/QC") Grab samples were bagged, sealed and sent to the facility of Zimlabs in Harare, Zimbabwe, where each sample was dried, crushed, and pulverized before being fire-assayed (Lab Method Code G703). Gold analyses were obtained via 30g fire assay, lead collection and AAS finish. As part of its QA/QC program, the Company inserted blank and duplicate samples into its sample batch. Qualified Person Mr. Arimon Ngilazi, an independent consultant to the Company, and a qualified person as the term is defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. Mr. Ngilazi has not visited the property. References * Bulletin No. 101 Structural Controls of Gold Mineralization in the Zimbabwe Craton - Exploration Guidelines; 1994; S D G Campbell and P E J Pitfield. About Zephyr Minerals Ltd. Zephyr Minerals Ltd. is active in mineral exploration in Colorado, USA and Zimbabwe. In Colorado Zephyr has been focused on mine permitting activities at its 100% owned Dawson gold property, which is presently in hiatus pending the collection and submission of additional water well data and satisfying certain other environmental related questions. The additional required water wells are still in the planning stage and will be drilled once available funds are in hand. Upon collection of the additional data the Company plans to reapply for a mining permit at Dawson. In Zimbabwe the Company is working to build a mineral property portfolio and to this end has applied for two Exclusive Prospecting Orders covering 124,000 hectares. Zephyr is actively assessing additional mineral opportunities in Zimbabwe on an ongoing basis. Zimbabwe boasts favourable foreign ownership rules for mineral properties as well as prospective, underexplored Archean greenstone belts. For further information please contact: Loren Komperdo, President & CEO or Will Felderhof, Executive Chairman T: 902 706-0222 info@zephyrminerals.com To be included in the Zephyr email database for Company updates please contact info@zephyrminerals.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including, with respect to the use of funds from the private placement, expectations and assumptions concerning timing of receipt of required regulatory approvals and third party consents and the satisfaction of other conditions to the completion of the exploration work on the Dawson-Green Mountain Property. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required Zby applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153922 Trilliant to be exclusive RF network provider for Grupo Saesa's AMI, IIoT, Smart Grid, grid automation and network digitalization Trilliant, a leading international provider of solutions for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), smart grid, smart cities and lIoT, announced its strategic, long-term partnership with Grupo Saesa, one of the biggest electricity distributors in Chile. Grupo Saesa will deploy Trilliant's software and RF communication platforms for AMI, smart grid and IIoT applications that will support the organization in improving its customers' experience, delivering secure and reliable energy to its customers, and contributing to the company's sustainability objectives. Grupo Saesa, through its distributors, Sociedad Austral de Electricidad S.A., Empresa Electrica de la Frontera S.A., Compania Electrica Osorno S.A., and Empresa Electrica de Aisen S.A., has more than 950,000 customers. It owns and operates more than 62,000 kilometers of transmission and distribution lines nationwide. "Trilliant brings a global portfolio of experience and a commitment to make our team successful," said Leonel Martinez, Distribution Executive for Grupo Saesa. "Trilliant's technologies and experience will deliver real value and improvement to our customers and operations." "We are delighted to have this partnership in place with Grupo Saesa," said Nick Matchett, Managing Director for the Americas at Trilliant. "There are many synergies between our two companies, including our passions for technology innovation and sustainability. Grupo Saesa's drive to deliver the highest standards and value for its customers is world class. We look forward to enhancing quality, safety and reliability for their customers through this partnership." Trilliant works with customers worldwide, from a recent successful Smart Water Metering project in Canada, to its partnership in the U.K. with Manx Utilities to roll out smart electricity meters across the Isle of Man, to its partnership with SAMART to deploy AMI for the Provincial Electricity Authority of Thailand (PEA). Most recently, Trilliant was selected by ESB Networks as one of the suppliers to provide smart meters in support of the rollout of Ireland's National Smart Metering Programme. Onsite at DISTRIBUTECH 2023 Trilliant will take part in DISTRIBUTECH 2023 at the San Diego Convention Center (Feb. 7-9), where it will showcase its commitment to providing the power of choice with its device-agnostic platform and interoperable solutions for energy companies, utilities and smart cities worldwide. Visit Trilliant at Booth 1701 on the Exhibition Floor. To book a one-on-one demo and meeting, contact info@trilliant.com. About Trilliant Trilliant empowers the global energy industry with its proven device-agnostic communications platform that enables utilities and cities to deploy any application securely and reliably on one powerful network. Our purpose-built portfolio is designed to offer the power of choice, without risk of customers being "locked in" with one technology provider or meter manufacturer. We are proud to offer mission-critical solutions that support AMI, Data Analytics, Smart Metering, Smart Grids and Smart Cities. Customers worldwide benefit from Trilliant's unique combination of flexibility, sustainability and scalability that connects utilities and cities to the IIoT and a more strategic path to the Energy Transition. Visit us at www.trilliant.com. About Grupo Saesa Grupo Saesa has more than 95 years of experience in the country. It is the main electricity distributor in southern Chile, where it supplies electricity to around 950,000 clients between the Nuble and Aysen regions. In transmission, it operates in different parts of the country between the Antofagasta and Los Lagos regions with 75 substations and 2,280 km of transmission lines. In addition, the company has more than 275 MW of installed generation capacity. Grupo Saesa's controllers are Canadian pension funds Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP) and Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), with a 50% stake each. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005604/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts: Tracey Mitchell tracey.mitchell@trilliant.com Cindy Watson/Anita Wong, StrategicAmpersand Inc. TrilliantPR@stratamp.com Esteemed government and business leaders add geographic and industry-centered reach Rapidly growing risk information and services company Sigma7 has announced the appointment of two-time former Colombian Ambassador to U.S., Juan Carlos Pinzon, energy industry CEO and Board Director, Edward Muller, cybersecurity and technology advisor Robert Hayes, and mining industry Director and Deputy Chair, Edward Haslam, as members of its Advisory Board. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005186/en/ Ambassador Juan Carlos Pinzon (Photo: Business Wire) Since its founding in May 2022, Sigma7 has quickly established itself as the largest independent risk services provider in the world. In bolstering its Advisory Board of respected, world-class leaders from military, national security and industry backgrounds, the company expands its ability to help the world's most critical organizations assess, mitigate and respond to risk. "We are honored to welcome four outstanding government and industry leaders to Sigma7's Advisory Board. This group brings tremendous credentials in geopolitics, technology, energy and mining, having served in top leadership capacities all over the world. Their involvement greatly extends the reach and influence of our organization," said Andrew Hersh, CEO of Sigma7. The four new members join General (ret.) Martin Dempsey, Brigadier General (ret.) Tom Cosentino, and Dr. Nadia Schadlow on Sigma7's Advisory Board. Ambassador Juan Carlos Pinzon Ambassador Juan Carlos Pinzon is the former Minister of Defense of Colombia, two-time Colombian Ambassador to the United States and Chief of Staff to the President, currently visiting professor at Princeton University. Recognized expert in foreign policy, national security, political economy, and Latin American affairs. Edward Muller Edward Muller has held many energy industry executive and board positions including Director of Transocean Ltd., Director of GlobalSantaFe Corporation, Vice Chair of NRG Energy, Inc., and Chair, CEO and President of GenOn Energy, Inc. He currently serves as the Chair of four start-ups: Concrete AI, Inc., CarbonBuilt, Inc. SeaChange, Inc., and Specifx, Inc. Robert Hayes Robert Hayes is a proven leader of complex organizations and high value change programs. He had a distinguished career in UK Government, including heading the UK National Technical Assistance Centre, served as Executive EMEA enterprise cybersecurity advisor at Microsoft, Chair of Intelligence Fusion, and is a veteran of numerous board and advisory roles. Edward Haslam Edward Haslam is Deputy Chairman and Senior Director at Cantamin PLC. He has extensive mining executive and board experience and is a long-time Fellow of the Institute of Directors (UK). About Sigma7 Sigma7 is a market leading risk information and services platform that is unconflicted, comprehensive, and focused on measurable business outcomes. We work globally across risk domains, apply modern technologies and integrate the services of respected specialist brands in risk information and services. Sigma7's foundational practices include Sigma7 Paragon Risk Engineering, Sigma7 RWH Myers, Sigma7 RSM, Sigma7 Alaco, and Intelligence Fusion. Our client base includes over 500 of the world's most prominent and complex organizations. Sigma7 operates out of 12 country bases on five continents. More information is available at s7risk.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005186/en/ Contacts: For Sigma7 David Sigel, Chief Marketing Officer Email: davidsigel@s7risk.com Phone: +1.612.877.0588 https://www.s7risk.com/ Entravision to provide support and consulting services that promote Meta's commercial objectives of businesses in the region Entravision (NYSE: EVC), a leading global advertising solutions, media and technology company, today announced that it will launch operations in the Icelandic market as an Authorized Sales Partner of Meta, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Entravision will provide support, training, lines of credit and local billing to advertisers in the Icelandic market, thereby enabling them to further their business growth. "We are excited to enter into the Icelandic market through our longstanding partnership with Meta," said Juan Saldivar, Chief Digital, Strategy and Accountability Officer. "With the addition of Iceland to our roster, Entravision now represents the Meta platform in 14 countries. This expansion into a new region will enable us to continue promoting our mission of bringing sales and creative expertise to growing digital markets across the globe. Iceland has over 341 thousand digitally connected consumers who are hyper-users of social media. We look forward to creating more engagement opportunities leveraging Meta's social expertise," Saldivar concluded. Entravision's operations in Iceland will be spearheaded by Country Manager, Thoranna K. Jonsdottir. "We are pleased to welcome Thoranna to the team to lead our partnership with Meta in Iceland," said Saldivar. "With over 20 years of marketing and specific digital marketing experience, she brings world class expertise and local knowledge to our entry in the region, ensuring that the support we provide is tailored to the Icelandic market," Saldivar continued. "This partnership reinforces Meta's commitment to advertisers to connect brands to consumers through local strategic support, creative expertise and relevant in-market training," said Thoranna K. Jonsdottir, Entravision's Iceland Country Manager. "Entravision has great experience in connecting global and well-known media platforms to their customers around the world. We look forward to working with Icelandic agencies and companies to increase their business results, aided by the effective use of the Meta platform." The Meta ASP appointment in Iceland adds to Entravision's long list of 14 representations of Meta around the world. For Icelandic advertisers and companies, this expertise will not only enable businesses to make the most of Meta's platforms to increase sales growth, but also assist them in obtaining more efficient results across the Meta family of brands. "Our program of collaboration with sales partners has been designed to bring our knowledge and experience to advertisers in countries in the region where Meta has no physical presence," said Martin Ingemansson, Meta's Vice President in the Nordics. "We are thrilled to bring in Entravision as a Meta Authorized Sales Partner in Iceland. We believe that with Entravision's robust local market insights and expertise, we can provide better support to businesses and agencies locally, helping them maximize the value of their digital advertising investments and unlock their potential growth." About Meta Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. About Entravision Entravision is a leading global advertising, media and ad-tech solutions company connecting brands to consumers by representing top platforms and publishers. Our dynamic portfolio includes digital, television and audio offerings. Digital, our largest revenue segment, comprises four business units: our digital sales representation business; Smadex, our programmatic ad purchasing platform; our branding and mobile performance solutions business; and our digital audio business. Through our digital sales representation business, we connect global media companies such as Meta, Twitter, TikTok and Spotify with advertisers in primarily emerging growth markets worldwide. Smadex is our mobile-first demand side platform, enabling advertisers to execute performance campaigns using machine learning. We also offer a branding and mobile performance solutions business, which provides managed services to advertisers looking to connect with global consumers, primarily on mobile devices, and our digital audio business provides digital audio advertising solutions for advertisers in the Americas. In addition to digital, Entravision has 49 television stations and is the largest affiliate group of the Univision and UniMas television networks. Entravision also manages 45 primarily Spanish-language radio stations that feature nationally recognized, Emmy award-winning talent. Shares of Entravision Class A Common Stock trade on the NYSE under ticker: EVC. Learn more about our offerings at entravision.com or connect with us on LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested by the forward-looking statements in this press release. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from these expectations, and the Company disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements made by the Company. From time to time, these risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005027/en/ Contacts: Investors: Christopher T. Young Interim Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer 310-447-3870 Kimberly Esterkin Addo Investor Relations evc@addo.com 310-829-5400 Entravision Iceland ehf. Thoranna K. Jonsdottir Country Manager, Entravision Iceland ehf. +354 841 5800 thoranna.jonsdottir@entravision.com DORADO, PUERTO RICO / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Pharma-Bio Serv, Inc. ("Pharma-Bio Serv" or the "Company") (OTCQB:PBSV), a regulatory, compliance, project management and technology transfer support consulting firm that provides services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, cosmetic, food and allied products industries, announced today that it has retained ACP Capital Markets LLC ("ACP") for investment banking and M&A advisory services. ACP Capital Markets is a specialized investment bank focused on capital markets and advisory assignments. ACP's capital markets unit specializes in private equity and debt placements while its M&A and Advisory practice is globally focused, covering both public and private market issuers. Securities placements are conducted through its dedicated broker-dealer entity, Aldwych Securities LLC, a FINRA/SEC registered entity. Victor Sanchez, CEO of Pharma-Bio Serv said, "I am delighted to have the talented investment banking team at ACP working with us. They have the M&A experience and expertise necessary to assist us in strategically growing our company through potential acquisitions and exploring alternatives as part of our ongoing efforts to maximize shareholder value while improving and expanding our portfolio of services for our clients." "We are delighted to work with the Pharma-Bio Serv leadership team to help advance the opportunities that are before the company and to assist the company's transformation and growth," stated Sagiv Shiv, Head of M&A and Advisory Services at ACP. About Pharma-Bio Serv, Inc. Pharma-Bio Serv services the Puerto Rico, United States, Europe and Latin America markets. Pharma-Bio Serv's core business is FDA and international agencies regulatory compliance consulting related services. The Company's global team includes leading engineering and life science professionals, quality assurance managers and directors. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws, which statements may include information regarding the plans, intentions, expectations, future financial performance, or future operating performance of Pharma-Bio Serv. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to significant business risks, economic uncertainties, and competitive uncertainties, and other factors, which could cause Pharma-Bio Serv's actual results or performance to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause Pharma-Bio Serv's actual results or performance to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include those set forth in the "Risk Factors" section of Pharma-Bio Serv's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2022, and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which filings are available on www.sec.gov. Pharma-Bio Serv disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events and circumstances, except to the extent required by applicable law. Company Contact: Pedro J. Lasanta Chief Financial Officer 787 278 2709 SOURCE: Pharma-Bio Serv Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738377/Pharma-Bio-Serv-Retains-Investment-Banking-Firm-ACP-Capital-to-Provide-Investment-Banking-and-MA-Advisory-Services The Company Is Also Expecting An Additional Bump In Revenues Of 35 To 40% Upon Completion of 'Onboarding' Its Largest Customer Also Issues Update Of State Of Its Recent Acquisitions Of Revenue Producing Pharmacies FORT LAUDERDALE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Golden Developing Solutions Inc. (OTC Pink:DVLP), is a holding company in the Health and Wellness marketplace, with a focus on acquiring companies/pharmacies delivering pharmaceuticals and specialty medicines with rapid delivery services and adequate medical support in the United States today released an update to shareholders and the market, discussing anticipated revenue matters and the state of previously announced acquisitions. The Company has achieved unaudited December 2022 sales of $5,658,865.07 with the largest customer still to be onboarded. With this addition we are at our targeted run rate from the acquisitions. It also expects significant increase in revenues after the 4 previously announced acquisitions are fully transitioned. During this final processes of transitioning and onboarding customers we expect a brief dip in Q1 sales followed by a robust rebound and acceleration. After completed, the Company will again begin to acquire more acquisitions in the Specialty Pharmacy market, which also will become another event that should further increase Company revenues, helping it reach its 2023 goals. Stavros Triant, CEO of DVLP, said: "First of all, we are happy to see December sales exceeded $5.6 million along with the final customer onboarding would have easily hit our 2022 monthly run rate. We will finish the transitions in Q1 and begin to grow organically, as well as continue our acquisition strategy." He continued: "We are holding off closing several targeted additional acquisitions until we complete the state, federal, vendor and other rules, regulations and transitions of the 4 we have already acquired. One of the hurdles was that audit work on acquisitions was behind schedule due to proprietary software reporting systems of third parties. We have concluded what we will need to finish these and take appropriate measures if further time is needed to complete." We will focus on clearing all the hurdles that accompany these types of acquisitions. Because such deals are complicated and that we are doing 4 of these at the same time, its taken a little longer than expected but we feel that we are on track to garner every single approval required in the very near future." He concluded: "We are very excited about the business model, the industry, and our future plans. The demand for product and the ability to scale are very promising." The Company also is updating its website (https://goldendeveloping.com) to include more information for the public, investors and shareholders. Updates will be provided in a timely manner. About Golden Developing Solutions Inc. (OTC Pink:DVLP): Golden Developing Solutions is a public online health and wellness start-up company with a focus on delivering specialty medicine with rapid delivery services and adequate medical support in the United State. The recent 4 specialty pharmacy acquisitions in 2022 have capacitated the company's service offerings to the State of Michigan and Florida with a consolidated revenue of $100M. We aim to position ourselves to build shareholder value by setting the highest standards in service, reliability, and safety in our rapidly growing industry. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "potential," "continue" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, and there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. The contents of any website referenced herein are not incorporated into this press release. Corporate Contact: We encourage our shareholders to follow our Twitter account @OTC_DVLP Stavros Triant stavros@goldendeveloping.com Go to: www.goldendeveloping.com SOURCE: Golden Developing Solutions, Inc View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738374/Golden-Developing-Solutions-Inc-OTCDVLP-Announces-December-2022-Sales-Exceed-56-Million Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - E-Power Resources Inc (CSE: EPR) ("E-Power" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company has entered an advertising and investor awareness campaign with Investing News Network (INN). INN is a private company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, dedicated to providing independent news and education to investors since 2007 at www.investingnews.com. For the 12-month term of the agreement starting February 3, 2023, INN will provide advertising on its website to increase awareness of E-Power. INN does not provide Investor Relations or Market Making services. The cost of the campaign is $72,000. INN can be reached at 604-688-8231 or info@investingnews.com. About E-Power Resources Inc. E-Power Resources Inc. is an exploration stage company engaged principally in the acquisition, exploration, and development of graphite properties in Quebec. Its flagship asset, the Tetepisca Graphite Property, is located in the Tetepisca Graphite District of the North Shore Region of Quebec, approximately 215 kilometers from the Port of Baie-Comeau. For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or contact the Company by email at info@e-powerresources.com. The Company's website is www.e-powerresources.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Jamie Lavigne President, Director +1 (438) 701-3736 info@e-powerresources.com Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the date on which the Shares are expected to begin trading on the CSE are "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153927 NOIDA, India, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report published by UnivDatos Markets Insights, the Dental Composites Market was valued at USD 25 Million in 2020 expected to grow at a CAGR of around 9% from 2022-2028. The analysis has been segmented into Composite Type (Bulk Fill Composite, Universal Composite, Flowable Composite, and Others); Application (Dental Fillings, Dental Crowns, Dental Bridges, ad Others); End-users (Hospitals, Dental Clinics, and Others); Region/Country. Click here to view the Report Description & TOC https://univdatos.com/report/dental-composites-market/ The dental composites 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 dental composites market. The dental composites 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 dental composites market at the global and regional levels. Request for Sample Pages https://univdatos.com/get-a-free-sample-form-php/?product_id=32038 Market Overview Dental composites, or resin-based composites, are synthetic materials that combine polymeric matrix with a dispersion of glass, mineral, or resin filler particles. The rising number of incidences of dental cavities along with the rising geriatric population and increasing dental cases in them is attributed to the significant share of the dental composites market. As per the CDC, in the U.S, among adults aged 20 and older, about 90% have had at least one cavity and 4 adults aged 20 to 64 currently have at least one cavity. Furthermore, due to growing urbanization and continuously changing lifestyles are also important factors responsible for the deteriorating oral health that results in the growth of the dental composites market. Factors such as rapid technological advancement, increasing demand for cosmetic dentistry and increasing awareness among the population globally about oral care issues are some of the prominent factors contributing to the growth of the market. Some of the major players operating in the market include Some of the major players operating in the market include BISCO Inc., COLTENE Group, DMG America LLC, Envista Holdings Corporation, 3M, SDI Limited, Tokuyama Dental America Inc., Ultradent Products Inc, VOCO GmbH, Zest Dental Solutions. COVID-19 Impact COVID-19 has a staggering effect and a negative impact on the global economy due to imposed lockdowns and government restrictions. The market for dental composites also witnessed downward growth due to healthcare facilities being directed toward the treatment of COVID-19 patients and emergency treatments. Further, people also postponed their appointments to avoid the infection. Hence, affecting the market for dental composites. Based on the composite type, the market has been categorized into bulk fill composite, universal composite, flowable composite, and others. Among them, the universal composite segment is expected to have significant growth in the market. Universal composite is intended for use in the anterior and posterior areas of the tooth. It should produce long-lasting restorations that have the mechanical properties and esthetics needed for the area. The higher demand for tooth fillings that have identical color and structure to the tooth for aesthetic purposes attributes to the growth of the segment in the dental composite market. Based on application, the market has been categorized into dental fillings, dental crowns, dental bridges, and others. Among them, the dental filling segment is expected to hold a higher CAGR in the market during the forecast period. The rising number of dental procedures such as cavities, dental bridges, and damaged teeth is augmenting the growth of the dental filling segment. Based on end-users, the market is fragmented into hospitals, dental clinics, and others. In 2020, the dental clinic segment grabbed a considerable market share, and it is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This can be due to an increasing preference of patients to get treatment in clinics owing to the presence of skilled healthcare professionals, availability of technologically advanced equipment, and a well-established & robust infrastructure for dental procedures. Have a Look at the Chapters https://univdatos.com/report/dental-composites-market/ Dental Composites 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 CAGR during the forecast period. The major factors such as the growing prevalence of oral diseases and the well-established healthcare infrastructure in the region. Furthermore, the rapidly increasing geriatric population and the presence of key market players in the region are also some of the prominent factors contributing to the market growth. For instance, the number of Americans aged 60 and older increased by 34% from 55.7 million to 74.6 million between 2009 and 2019. The major players targeting the market include BISCO Inc. COLTENE Group DMG America LLC Envista Holdings Corporation 3M SDI Limited Tokuyama Dental America Inc. Ultradent Products Inc VOCO GmbH Zest Dental Solutions. 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 Dental Composites 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 dental composites market? Which factors are influencing the dental composites market over the forecast period? What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the dental composites market? Which factors are propelling and restraining the dental composites market? What are the demanding global regions of the dental composites 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 Dental Implant Abutment Systems Market 3D Dental Scanners Market Pediatric Dental Market Dental Diagnostics and Surgical Equipment Market Dental 3D Printing Market Dental Composites Market Report Coverage Report Attribute Details Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2028 Growth momentum Accelerate at a CAGR of over 9% Market size 2020 USD 25 Million Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Rest of World Major contributing region North America to Dominate the Global Dental Composites Market Key countries covered United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, China, Japan, India, and Australia Companies profiled BISCO Inc., COLTENE Group, DMG America LLC, Envista Holdings Corporation, 3M, SDI Limited, Tokuyama Dental America Inc., Ultradent Products Inc, VOCO GmbH, Zest Dental Solutions Report Scope Market Trends, Drivers, and Restraints; Revenue Estimation and Forecast; Segmentation Analysis; Impact of COVID-19; Demand and Supply Side Analysis; Competitive Landscape; Company Profiling Segments Covered By Composite; 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: Ankita.gupta@univdatos.com Website: https://univdatos.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1225049/UnivDatos_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dental-composite-market-is-expected-to-display-a-steady-growth-of-9-due-to-the-rising-prevalence-of-oro-dental-disorders-univdatos-market-insights-301740264.html Idaho Power to purchase power through 20-year agreement Company awards $15,000 grant to support the Shoshone Basin Rangeland Fire Protection Association CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, a nonregulated commercial brand of Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK), today announced it has placed into commercial operation the 120-megawatt (MW) Jackpot Solar project in Twin Falls County, Idaho. This is the organization's first utility-scale renewable energy project in the state and is the largest solar facility in operation in Idaho. It will provide energy to Idaho Power through a 20-year power purchase agreement. At 120 megawatts of capacity, the plant will generate enough electricity annually to serve the energy needs of roughly 24,000 homes. "Entering the Idaho solar market with such a major renewable project is very exciting for Duke Energy," said Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions. "Jackpot Solar will help strengthen the energy diversity in the state, and bring additional economic benefits to the state and Twin Falls County, while also supporting Idaho Power's clean energy goals." Jackpot Solar will move Idaho Power toward its Clean Today, Cleaner Tomorrow target of providing 100% clean energy by 2045. "This project continues our commitment to clean energy while also helping us address the rapidly growing need for new resources to ensure we can provide reliable, affordable electricity to our customers," said Idaho Power senior vice president and COO Adam Richins. SOLV Energy completed the engineering and construction of the project, which is located on 952 rural acres south of the city of Twin Falls. Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions will own and operate the project. The project employed about 200 workers at peak construction. Along with indirect economic benefits that accompany solar project development, such as increased local spending in the service and construction industries, the Jackpot Solar facility will also have a positive economic impact on the local community by providing significant tax revenues for the Filer Consolidated School District. Additionally, the Duke Energy Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to the Shoshone Basin Rangeland Fire Protection Association to support the organization's efforts to enhance the safety of the citizens in rural areas of Twin Falls County, Idaho. Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions is a leader in sustainable energy, helping large enterprises reduce power costs, lower emissions and increase resiliency. The team provides wind, solar, resilient backup power and managed energy services to over 1,000 projects across the U.S., with a total electric capacity of more than 5,100 megawatts of nonregulated renewable energy. Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions is a nonregulated commercial brand of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company and one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S., headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. The brand includes the following subsidiaries of Duke Energy Corporation that are registered to transact business in various states and may be branded as Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions for marketing purposes: Duke Energy One, Inc.; Duke Energy Commercial Enterprises, Inc.; Duke Energy Renewables, Inc.; Duke Energy Renewables Commercial, LLC; Duke Energy Renewable Services, LLC.; Duke Energy Renewables Storage, LLC; Duke Energy Renewables Wind, LLC.; Duke Energy Renewables Solar, LLC.; and REC Solar Commercial Corporation. Idaho Power Idaho Power, headquartered in vibrant and fast-growing Boise, Idaho, has been a locally operated energy company since 1916. Today, it serves a 24,000-square-mile area in Idaho and Oregon. The company's goal to provide 100% clean energy by 2045 builds on its long history as a clean-energy leader that provides reliable service at affordable prices. With 17 low-cost hydroelectric projects at the core of its diverse energy mix, Idaho Power's residential, business and agricultural customers pay among the nation's lowest prices for electricity. Its 2,000 employees proudly serve more than 610,000 customers with a culture of safety first, integrity always and respect for all. IDACORP Inc. (NYSE: IDA), Idaho Power's independent publicly traded parent company, is also headquartered in Boise, Idaho. To learn more, visit idahopower.com or idacorpinc.com. Contact: Randy Wheeless 24-Hour: 800.559.3853 Twitter: @DE_RandyW View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Duke Energy on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Duke Energy Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/duke-energy Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Duke Energy View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738380/Duke-Energy-Begins-Operation-of-Idahos-Largest-Solar-Plant Saguenay, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - First Phosphate Corp. ("First Phosphate" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has received remaining phosphate assay results for its Begin-Lamarche project located in the region of Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Quebec. Highlights of the most recent surface sampling include: Multiple high grade surface grab samples of up to 18.96% P2O5 (phosphate) and 6.81% TiO2 (titanium). Current results from Target 1 contain rich and thick layers of phosphate rock that extend within the original strike zone. 70 surface sample results confirm the high grade nature of the phosphate discovery with 30% of assays grading over 10% P2O5. Together with earlier surface sampling and magnetic surveying, a strike zone of 2.5 km by 400 m containing rich phosphate rock layers can be delineated within the Target 1 sector. A new discovery was made on Target 3 where the results of 38 grab samples in a 30-60 m wide nelsonite produced multiple phosphate assays of over 10% P2O5. This target is located approximately 3,000 m to the south of Target 1. Magnetic surveying shows that Target 1 and Target 3 might be aligned and form part of an even further extended strike zone. Sampling reveals another high grade phosphate area on Target 8 (Larouche) with up to 20.52% P2O5 and 9.10% TiO2. 6 of the 19 surface grab samples taken at Target 8 revealed assay results of over 10% P2O5. Analysis of 43 trace elements, including U, Th, REE, As and Cd indicates very low concentrations of potentially deleterious elements. Promising drill targets have been identified for the upcoming drill program. "Extended analysis of the Begin-Lamarche property continues to reveal some of the highest grade phosphate samples ever produced in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec," explained First Phosphate President Peter Kent. "Igneous anorthosite comprises only about 1% of total global phosphate reserves. These deposits have the potential to be highly desirable for the production of LFP battery material because they are devoid of high concentrations of deleterious elements." Results from the previously announced assays in the discovery area can be found at: January 24, 2023: https://firstphosphate.com/begin-lamarche-jan24-2023 September 14, 2022: https://firstphosphate.com/begin-lamarche-sept14-2022 Figures representing details of the current assay results are found below: To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8917/153866_6d7d770cf422d90b_001full.jpg To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8917/153866_6d7d770cf422d90b_002full.jpg To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8917/153866_6d7d770cf422d90b_003full.jpg To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8917/153866_6d7d770cf422d90b_004full.jpg To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8917/153866_6d7d770cf422d90b_007full.jpg Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as such term is defined in the CSE policies) has reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Quality Assurance / Quality Control The grab samples were collected by the personnel from Laurentia Exploration Inc. Samples were bagged, sealed and stored at Laurentia's facility in Jonquiere, Quebec until final shipment. The 140 samples were sent by ground transportation in sealed rice bags, to ACTLABS Laboratories of Ancaster, Ontario (ISO/IEC 17025:2005 with CAN-P-1579) for whole rock analysis (code 4B), lithogeochemistry package for 45 trace elements (code 4Litho) chlorine (4F-Cl), fluorine (4F-F) and Mercury (1G). A total of 4 internal reference materials and 4 blanks were inserted in the sample sequences. Qualified Person The scientific and technical disclosure for First Phosphate included in this news release have been reviewed and approved by Gilles Laverdiere, P.Geo. Mr. Laverdiere is Geologist and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and has and verified the data disclosed in this news release. About First Phosphate Corp. First Phosphate is a mineral exploration and development company fully dedicated to extracting and refining advanced phosphate material for the Lithium Iron Phosphate ("LFP") Battery industry. First Phosphate is committed to producing at high purity level, at full ESG standard and with low anticipated carbon footprint. First Phosphate plans to integrate directly into the research & development and supply chain functions of major North American LFP Battery producers that require battery grade phosphate material that emanates from a consistent and secure supply source. First Phosphate holds over 1,500 sq. km of total land claims in the Saguenay Region of Quebec, Canada that it is actively developing. First Phosphate properties consist of rare anorthosite igneous rock formation that generally yields high purity phosphate concentrate devoid of high concentrations of deleterious elements. -30- For additional information, please contact: For additional information, please contact: Investor Relations: investor@firstphosphate.com Media Relations: media@firstphosphate.com Website: www.FirstPhosphate.com Follow First Phosphate: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FirstPhosphate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-phosphate/ Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements No mineral resources or reserves have been defined on the Begin-Lamarche Project. References herein to potential grades herein are historic and conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and there can be no assurance that further geologic work will result in mineral resources being delineated on the Begin-Lamarche Project. Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "expect", "potential", "believe", "intend" or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements relating to: the Company's commitment to producing high purity phosphate materials at full ESG standard under a low carbon footprint; the Company's plans to integrate directly into the functions of certain major North American LFP Battery producers; the Company's proposed development of its land claims in the Saguenay Region; the Company's plans for drill targets with respect to its drill program; and the Begin-Lamarche deposits having the potential of being highly desirable for the production of LFP battery material based on the sample assay results. Forward-looking information in this press release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Company's ability to producing high purity phosphate materials at full ESG standard under a low carbon footprint; the Company's ability to integrate directly into the functions of certain major North American LFP Battery producers; the Company's ability to develop its land claims in the Saguenay Region; the Company has the ability to carry out its drill target plans with respect to its drill program; and the Begin-Lamarche deposits will be highly desirable for the production of LFP battery material. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the Company's inability to produce high purity phosphate materials at full ESG standard under a low carbon footprint; the Company's inability to integrate directly into the functions of certain major North American LFP Battery producers; the Company's inability to develop its land claims in the Saguenay Region; the Company's inability to carry out its drill target plans with respect to its drill program; and the Begin-Lamarche deposits will not be highly desirable for the production of LFP battery material. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153866 Highlights Expands previous agreement with Peach Aviation to include All Nippon Airways pilots Enables All Nippon Airways to meet future pilot demand Ensures standardization of new pilot training across All Nippon Airways group airlines L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) announced today its selection by Japan's largest airline, All Nippon Airways Co. Ltd., to train its next generation of pilots. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005843/en/ All Nippon Airlines students will train on aircraft like the Diamond DA42 at Cranfield Training Center in England. Flight students will attend L3Harris' 60-week, single-engine and multi-engine flight training and ground school in England before returning to Japan to complete their Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau license. (Photo: Business Wire) The agreement builds on a decades-long pilot training and simulator relationship between L3Harris and one of ANA's subsidiaries, Peach Aviation. That training relationship will now expand as L3Harris will provide pilot training for All Nippon Airways and its group airlines. "This agreement shows the confidence ANA has in the quality of L3Harris' training capabilities," said David Coward, Vice President and General Manager, Airline Academy, L3Harris. "The ANA Group already entrusts us to train its pilots for Peach Aviation and now we will play an even more important role in preparing pilots for its flagship carrier." Beginning in March 2023, the initial group of All Nippon Airlines students will attend the 60-week, single-engine and multi-engine flight training and ground school in England before returning to Japan to complete their Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau license. "L3Harris has a history for producing highly skilled future pilots," said Takeshi Yamagishi, Vice President, ANA Flight Operations Center Quality Planning. "By using its quality locations and training facilities we can ensure we are well prepared for future growth." All Nippon Airlines ranks in the top 15 airlines worldwide by annual revenue. L3Harris' has supplied All Nippon Airlines with flight training devices since the 1980s, with the first pilot training agreements signed between the two in 2018. About L3Harris Technologies L3Harris Technologies is a Trusted Disruptor for the global aerospace and defense industry. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our 46,000 employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005843/en/ Contacts: Simon Ayling Commercial Aviation Simon.Ayling@L3Harris.com +44 7741 626708 Paul Swiergosz L3Harris Corporate Paul.Swiergosz@L3Harris.com 321-378-5631 CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the market for urinalysis future business grows, other companies are entering the market offering innovative solutions. These companies are leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to provide insights into urinary health. In addition, companies like Urinalysis are partnering with medical device companies to develop urine analysis devices for home use. Overall, the urinalysis future business is an exciting and rapidly growing industry. The technology is revolutionizing the way urine is monitored and managed, providing unprecedented insights into urinary health. With the proliferation of new technologies, companies are finding innovative ways to leverage data and insights to improve patient outcomes. Urinalysis Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $3.9 billion in 2022 and is poised to reach $5.7 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2022 to 2027 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Development of new diagnostic products and, government support boosting the market. Emerging economies such as India and Japan are providing lucrative opportunities for the players operating in the urinalysis market. Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=153479294 Browse in-depth TOC on "Urinalysis Market". 198 - Tables 44 - Figures 237 - Pages Urinalysis Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2022 $3.9 billion Estimated Value by 2027 $5.7 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% Market Size Available for 2020-2027 Forecast Period 2022-2027 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Product, Test Type, Application, end user and region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Emerging market Key Market Drivers Increasing burden of UTIs, diabetes and liver & kidney diseases The consumables segment accounted for the largest share of the urinalysis market, by product segment, in 2021 Based on product, the urinalysis market is segmented into consumables and instruments. The consumables segment accounted for the largest share of the urinalysis market, mainly due to the growth of POC diagnostics products market, advancing diagnosis technologies with efficient and rapid results and increased emerging opportunities. The pregnancy & fertility tests segment accounted for the largest share of the urinalysis market, by test type segment, in 2021 Based on test type, the urinalysis market is segmented into pregnancy & fertility tests, biochemical tests and sediment urinalysis. The pregnancy & fertility tests segment accounted for the largest share of the urinalysis market, mainly due to the growth of public awareness about early pregnancy detection and increased R&D investments in healthcare. The diseases screening segment accounted for the largest share of the urinalysis market, by application segment, in 2021 Based on application, the urinalysis market is segmented into disease screening and pregnancy & fertility tests. The disease screening segment accounted for the largest share of the urinalysis market, mainly due to the technological advancements in urine analyzers, increased focus on preventive care and increased funding for diagnostic research. Diagnostic laboratories segment to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period The urinalysis market is segmented into diagnostic laboratories, hospitals & clinics, home care settings and research laboratories and institutes based on end user. In 2021, the diagnostic laboratories segment accounted for the largest share of the urinalysis market. The large share of this segment can mainly be attributed to the increased investment in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, increased R&D in the POC diagnostic segment. North America is the largest regional market for urinalysis market The global urinalysis market is segmented into five major regions-North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America accounted for the largest regional market for urinalysis market in 2021. The large share of North America in this market can be attributed to the government's support for research in the region, increased government funsing for the development of preventive care diagnostics. Request for FREE Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=153479294 Urinalysis Market Dynamics: Drivers: Increasing burden of UTIs, diabetes, and liver & kidney diseases to impact market Rising geriatric population and age-associated diseases to fuel market growth Increasing adoption of POC urine diagnostic tests to drive market Innovations in Urinalysis Restraints: Availability of refurbished urine analyzers to pose challenges for market High capital investments and lack of skilled laboratory technicians to restrain market growth Opportunities: Increasing investments in healthcare and life sciences to fuel growth in emerging markets Technological advancements in urine analyzers to augment market growth Increasing government initiatives and funding for preventive care to provide growth opportunities Challenges: Changing regulatory landscape to challenge market growth Key Market Players: The major players operating in urinalysis market are Siemens Healthineers AG (Germany), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland), Cardinal Health, Inc. (US), Abbott Laboratories (US), Danaher Corporation (US), Sysmex Corporation (Japan), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US), Quidel Corporation (US), Becton, Dickinson and Company (US), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (US) and EKF Diagnostics (UK). Recent Developments: In September 2022 , Sysmex Corporation ( Japan ) launched the UF-1500 fully automated urine particle analyzer, a Product for the urine sediment testing field. , Sysmex Corporation ( ) launched the UF-1500 fully automated urine particle analyzer, a Product for the urine sediment testing field. In February 2021 , Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US) and Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. ( China ) signed an agreement to offer the FDA-cleared and Health Canada-approved BS-480 (400 tests/hour) and BA-800M (800 tests/hour) analyzers to toxicology labs. , Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US) and Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. ( ) signed an agreement to offer the FDA-cleared and Health Canada-approved BS-480 (400 tests/hour) and BA-800M (800 tests/hour) analyzers to toxicology labs. In August 2020 , Sysmex America, Inc. (a subsidiary of Sysmex Corporation) and Siemens Healthineers AG ( Germany ) announced an exclusive agreement. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=153479294 Browse Adjacent Market: Medical Devices Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Point of Care Diagnostics Market - Global Forecasts to 2027 In Vitro Diagnostics Market - Global Forecasts to 2027 Clinical Chemistry Analyzer Market - Global Forecasts to 2026 Stoma Care Market - Global Forecasts to 2026 Albumin & Creatinine Tests Market - Global Forecasts to 2025 About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. 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Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/urinalysis-systems-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/urinalysis-systems.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/urinalysis-market-is-expected-to-reach-5-7-billion--marketsandmarkets-301740414.html 7 February 2023 Evrima plc ("Evrima" or the "Company") Investee Update: Kalahari Key, Drill Programme Complete Evrima plc, the investment issuer focused on structuring investment transactions in the mining and junior exploration and development industries wishes to notify its shareholders of an update on its investee company, Kalahari Key Minerals Exploration Pty Limited ("Kalahari Key") in which the Company own a 8.93% project-level interest in the Molopo Farms Complex Project ("MFC"). Power Metal Resources plc ("Power Metal") has today provided an update on the completion of a 2,402m diamond drill programme at the Molopo Farms Complex Project ("Molopo Farms" or the "Project") targeting a large-scale nickel and platinum group element ("PGE") discovery in southwestern Botswana. The Company provides key extracts from the Power Metal news release below, the original source release can be found here. Paul Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Power Metal Resources PLC commented: "Historical exploration work completed at Molopo Farms prior to this drill programme demonstrated the validity of the feeder zone geological model with evidence of the targeted nickel sulphides. From our recent work and technical findings from this drill programme thus far, the model has been further validated. With diamond drilling, downhole geophysics, technical core review and assay testing we are bringing together a significant amount of data with multiple final datasets awaited, including assay results and the interpretation thereof. We expect the data and interpretations from this drill programme will add considerably to the existing understanding of what we believe is a particularly exciting opportunity at Molopo Farms. Further updates will follow in due course." KEY HIGHLIGHTS: The inaugural drillhole (DDH2-3A) into target area T2-3 has been completed to a final downhole depth of 483m . A total of 2,402m was drilled in this campaign across five drillholes targeting four individual target areas including: DDH2-3A ( 483m ), DDH1-3A ( 450m ), DDH1- 14B ( 519m ), DDH1- 6B (2) ( 300m ), DDH1- 6B ( 650m ). was drilled in this campaign across five drillholes targeting four individual target areas including: The programme was completed safely and efficiently thanks to the Company's various in-country drilling and geological contractors. The Company is now working on completing detailed logging of all remaining cores, as well as cutting, processing, and shipping of all remaining samples for assay testing at an accredited laboratory located in Johannesburg, South Africa . Once all technical information, including assays, have been received and interpreted, the Company will release a comprehensive RNS covering all results from the programme, including geological interpretations, downhole electromagnetic and assay data. The Directors of Evrima accept responsibility for this announcement. This announcement contains information which, prior to its disclosure, was inside information as stipulated under Regulation 11 of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310 (as amended). Ends - Enquiries : Company: Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi (CEO & Director): burns@evrimaplc.com Simon Grant-Rennick (Executive Chairman): simon@evrimaplc.com Novum Securities Limited (AQSE Corporate Adviser): South Africa: SA addressing challenges to increase mining investment: President Ramaphosa President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to assure investors that government is addressing the challenges facing the country to ensure that South Africa reaches its full mining potential. The President was speaking at the Investing in African Mining Indaba held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Tuesday. We have a responsibility as government, industry, labour and communities to ensure that our mining industry is able to grow, to become more globally competitive and to be a pioneer in the global drive towards sustainable development. To realise these objectives, we need to [f]irstly, achieve a secure supply of electricity. Secondly, accelerate economic reforms to improve the operating environment. Thirdly, tackle illegal mining and damage to infrastructure. Fourthly, improve the regulatory environment, he said. Honing in on energy, the President told investors that government has already introduced the Energy Action Plan to improve performance of our existing power stations and to add new generation capacity to the grid as quickly as possible. Eskom has assembled experienced technical teams to improve performance and recover capacity at power stations, with an initial focus on the six least reliable stations. Through a regional power pool arrangement, we have already imported 300 MW of capacity from neighbouring countries and are working to increase this by an additional 1000 MW. The successful renewable energy programme is being strengthened. In the last six months, we have signed agreements for 25 projects representing 2800 MW of new capacity. These projects will soon be proceeding to construction. We are facilitating investment in new generation capacity by private producers by, among other things, removing the licensing threshold for embedded generation projects, President Ramaphosa said. Furthermore, he said, Eskom is also looking to purchase surplus power from companies with available generation capacity to further strengthen the grid. President Ramaphosa said another area earmarked by government is reform in logistics. He highlighted that last year coal exports dropped by at least 50 million tonnes the worst performance in some 30 years. Coupled with that, infrastructure inefficiencies effected a 15% decline in mineral sales. We therefore welcome the partnership announced late last year between the Minerals Council of South Africa and Transnet to stabilise and restore the operational performance of our rail lines and ports. The reforms we announced to improve the state of freight rail are moving ahead. One of these opening key routes to third party operators will bring much-needed investment for upgrading, maintenance and rehabilitation. A new policy framework for rail sets out actions to modernise the rail network, enable private investment, improve regulation and restore rail as a competitive mode of both freight and commuter transport. Similar efforts are underway to enable private investment in our ports and certain container corridors, he said. Turning to illegal mining and infrastructure damage, President Ramaphosa said specialised law enforcement teams are on the ground to tackle that criminality. The South African Police Service has established multi-disciplinary Economic Infrastructure Task Teams that are operational in 20 identified hotspots. In the last six months, these teams have conducted around hundreds of operations and made a significant number of arrests. Transnet has developed partnerships with the industry and private security to address cable theft and vandalism on the freight rail network through advanced technologies and additional security personnel, President Ramaphosa said. According to the President, government is working with the sector to reduce the backlog of prospecting and mining applications and to improve the industrys regulatory environment. I understand that over the past 18 months we have reduced the backlog of applications by 42 percent and plans are in place to eliminate the backlog in the short to medium term. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has indicated that the process for procuring an off-the-shelf cadastral system, which can be customised to South Africas needs, is underway. This is essential for the operation of a modern mining rights administration system, which in turn is vital for the growth of the industry. These are some of the efforts we are undertaking as South Africa to improve the business operating environment for a sector that is the lifeblood of our economy and that of the continent, he said. The President insists that although South Africa faces several challenges, investors will find South Africa as an attractive destination for miners and associated sectors. This is a challenging time for mining, both in South Africa and across the continent. However, we have the means to overcome our difficulties and forge a brighter future for this industry. As the world changes, mining is changing with it and the industry stands ready to seize the opportunities that the future presents, President Ramaphosa said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2023-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Millions of migratory birds winter at wetlands in E Chinas Jiangsu People's Daily Online) 13:05, February 07, 2023 A flock of red-crowned cranes gather at a rare bird national nature reserve in Yancheng, east Chinas Jiangsu Province. (Photo/Qi Xiaoyun) Millions of migratory birds have come to winter at a rare bird national nature reserve in Yancheng, east Chinas Jiangsu Province, since the beginning of winter. Dozens of varieties of birds have stayed, lived and foraged at the site. The Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf (Phase I) in Yancheng was inscribed on the World Heritage List as a natural site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2019. It is Chinas first and the worlds second world natural heritage site of coastal wetlands. As an important part of the Yellow Sea wetland in Yancheng, the nature reserve mainly preserves rare wild animals including red-crowned cranes as well as the intertidal mudflat ecosystem that sustains them. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Du Mingming) THE countrys institutions of higher learning are struggling to absorb an overflowing number of applicants aspiring to study medicine and other health-related courses, with only one percent of candidates being successful. This emerged during a high-level policy dialogue held in Bulawayo on Monday. The two-day indaba which ended yesterday provided a health labour market analysis (HLMA) while identifying priority health workforce investment opportunities, and building consensus on strategic priorities and investment options to help inform a national health workforce strategy and investment plan. The findings of the HLMA are expected to inform policymakers on the strategies that need to be adopted in the health sector. The study revealed that there is a high demand for people intending to venture into health and medical-related fields while only a fraction of those aspiring to study secure places in universities. Some of the institutions that offer medicine in the country include the University of Zimbabwe, the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), Midlands State University (MSU), and Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) among others. Findings from the HLMA established that an average of 89 applicants compete for one vacancy to enroll as doctors countrywide. With 397 185 applicants for admission in the 2021 academic year, only 4 134 of the prospective health professions students were offered places, which translates to one percent of the applicants who got places to train, reads part of the findings. According to the HLMA findings, there is a sharp decline in the number of health workers who left the country last year compared to 2021. Migration of health workers from Zimbabwe has been a longstanding phenomenon. In December 2021, the overall attrition rate in the public health sector stood at 8 percent. This has gone down to 3,8 percent by the end of 2022, reads the report. The report further showed that at least 41 percent of health workers are planning to leave the country. Among 2 687 health workers surveyed, 41 percent had intentions to migrate abroad, of which, 53 percent had started working on their plans to migrate. Of those with intentions to migrate, 3,8 percent are planning to leave within the next six months, read the report. Another 7,2 percent have plans of migrating within a year while 74,5 percent intended to migrate to work and 21,4 percent for further studies. Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, Health Services Commission (HSC) human resources general manager, Ms Nona Zhou said the HLMA findings are critical as they provide up-to-date information on developments in the health sector. This research is critical in the sense that it is scientific research. It will make a difference in the sense that we will be approaching Treasury or partners to say this is what is required. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provided us with tools that we used to calculate, looking at the number of nurses and doctors we will need say by 2030, she said. From the available data, we can now tell that the Government at this point in time can afford this much unlike in the past because there is information from this study. Ms Nona said the research findings also outline areas of cooperation between the Government and development partners. She said there is a need to cover the gaps that exist in the training of health workers and urged the private sector to come on board. Ms Nona commended health workers for their dedication to duty, saying Zimbabwe has the highest productivity and performance rate in the African continent at 75 percent. Zimbabwe Council of Higher Education (Zimche) chief director for life and health sciences Professor Felicity Gumbo said the HLMA results should be aligned with the training of those in the health sector. The training of people in the health sector feeds into the training for the country so that the Ministry of Health and Child Care maps out the skills that are required while the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development fulfills those needs, she said. Prof Gumbo said the HLMA research confirms that more needs to be done to train specialists in the health sector as there is a 95 percent gap. The evidence is clear that we still have not made huge strides in addressing the skills deficit in the medicine and health sciences. The second recommendation is that we might need to expand our training, she said. The number of places for students to train in medicine is quite limited. As a result, even those who would have really passed with flying colours are failing to make it. Prof Gumbo said there is also a need to retain lecturers as some of them are leaving the country resulting in a brain drain in the health sector. She said the brain drain is also affecting the expansion of education in the medical field. The country also needs to invest more in modern equipment in hospitals as this is necessary in producing quality health personnel, said Prof Gumbo. Chronicle NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As per Facts and Factors study, The global electric vehicle market was valued at roughly USD 185 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 980 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 24.5% during the forecast period 2022-2028. Report Link With All Related Graphs & Charts: https://www.fnfresearch.com/electric-vehicle-market Electric Vehicle Market: Overview An electric vehicle, as opposed to a gasoline-powered vehicle, runs on electricity. Instead of a petrol engine, these vehicles are powered by an electric motor that needs a good amount of energy from batteries to function. These vehicles make use of a variety of batteries. Molten salt, lithium-ion, zinc-air, and other nickel-based designs are among them. The electric vehicle was created largely to replace traditional modes of transportation, which pollute the environment. It has grown in prominence as a result of several technological breakthroughs. It surpasses traditional automobiles by offering better fuel economy, lower carbon emissions & maintenance, ease of charging at homes, a smoother drive, and lower engine noise. There are three main types of electric car batteries: pure, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. Furthermore, while electric vehicles do not require engine oil changes, they are slightly more expensive than gasoline-powered counterparts. Get a Free Sample Report with All Related Graphs & Charts (with COVID 19 Impact Analysis): https://www.fnfresearch.com/sample/electric-vehicle-market Key Insights: As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global Electric Vehicle market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 24.5% over the forecast period (2022-2028) In terms of revenue, the global Electric Vehicle market size was valued at around USD 185 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 980 billion , by 2028. Facts and Factors published the latest report titled "Electric Vehicle Market By Module (On-Board Charger, Battery Cells & Packs, Infotainment System, and Others), By Charging Station (Super and Normal), By Propulsion (Battery Electric Vehicles, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, Plug-In Electric Vehicles, and Hybrid Electric Vehicles), By Vehicle Type (Two Wheelers, Passenger Cars, and Commercial Vehicles), By Drivetrain (Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid, and Combined Hybrid), By Vehicle Class (Luxury and Mid-Priced), and By Region-Global and Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, and Forecast 2022-2028" into their research database. Industry Dynamics: Global Electric Vehicle Market: Growth Drivers Strict government restrictions and regulations toward vehicle emission are expected to drive the market's growth. Governments and regulatory agencies around the world are establishing strict emission rules and laws to minimize vehicle emissions in response to growing ecological issues. Stringent emission targets for carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the air are major regulatory measures. Vehicles release large amounts of greenhouse gases, and the state & federal governments in the United States are making intensifying attempts to make transportation sustainable. For instance, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it is developing new guidelines to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and other emissions emitted by heavy-duty trucks. Furthermore, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is implementing the heavy-duty Low NOx Omnibus Regulation, which intends to reduce NOx emissions by 90% by 2027 compared to existing standards. Furthermore, the European Union (EU) promised in the Paris Agreement (COP21) to meet its 20% greenhouse gas emission reduction target in 2020 for the Kyoto Protocol's second phase. The EU has also set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2040 and reaching net-zero by 2050. As a result, the demand for vehicle manufacturers, particularly commercial vehicle manufacturers, has increased as a result of the passage of emission restrictions for fossil fuel-powered vehicles. As a result, demand for electric vehicles is projected to rise. Thus, strict emission standards placed on fossil-fuel-driven commercial vehicles are propelling the global electric vehicle market forward. Global Electric Vehicle Market: Restraints High production costs will impede market expansion. Electric vehicles are preferable to regular fuel vehicles, but they are more expensive than gasoline-powered vehicles. Because these vehicles aren't mass-produced, they haven't yet attained economies of scale. Furthermore, the absence of charging points linked to the development of electric vehicles has proven to be a deterrent to market expansion. Similarly, producers require a significant amount of financial assets, which may stifle the global electric vehicle market growth. However, the battery costs are likely to drop in the coming years as part of the increased mass production of electric vehicle batteries in huge volumes and technological developments. Directly Purchase a Copy of the Report @ https://www.fnfresearch.com/buynow/su/electric-vehicle-market Global Electric Vehicle Market: Opportunities Government initiatives to promote electric vehicles offer significant growth opportunities. Vehicle emissions reduction objectives have been set for 2050 in many countries across the world. They have begun to promote the production and sale of electric vehicles, as well as the infrastructure that supports them. For instance, the US government spent USD 5 billion in 2017 to support electric vehicle infrastructure like charging points. Many countries are offering minimal or even no registration fees and also exemptions from import duties, road tax, and sales tax. Furthermore, countries such as Germany and Norway are heavily investing in electric vehicle sales promotion. As a result of the huge incentives and benefits in Europe, there is a rapid increase in the market for electric vehicles. This has resulted in an increase in demand for electric vehicle charging equipment and materials such as connectors, charging cables, portable chargers, and adapters. A 2020 vision for a nationwide fast-charging channel is also scheduled to be created as part of an agreement between the US departments of energy and transportation, with potential longer-term developments including up to 350 kW of DC power supercharging. As a result of stricter CO2 emission regulations, electric vehicles have become more popular. Global Electric Vehicle Market: Challenges Lack of standardization of electric vehicles remains a challenge. The necessity for the standardization of electric car charging stations has been highlighted by factors like the development of the electric vehicle market and variances in charging loads. Certain electric vehicle charging outlets may only work with a specific voltage. For instance, level 1 charging points provide a voltage of 120V AC, whereas level 2 charging points provide a voltage of 208V AC or 240V AC. DC charging stations, on the other hand, use 480V AC to provide quick charging. For the establishment of a favorable ecology and a rise in electric vehicle sales, governments must standardize charge stations. Different countries have different quick-charging standards. CHAdeMO is used in Japan; CCS is used in Europe, the United States, & Korea; and GB/T is used in China. Because India has yet to achieve standardization in fast charging systems, the Indian government has ordered the deployment of both CHAdeMO and CCS methods. However, because this rule increased the cost of installing charging stations, the government amended the guidelines in July 2019 and enabled charging station operators to choose their preferred method. Tesla, a California-based electric vehicle manufacturer, employs high-performance superchargers that are exclusive to Tesla and cannot be utilized by other electric vehicles. The absence of standardization between countries may have an influence on charging station installation and stifle the market for electric vehicle charging stations. Global Electric Vehicle Market: Segmentation The global electric vehicle market is segregated on the basis of module, charging station, propulsion, vehicle type, drivetrain, vehicle class, and region. By module, the market is divided into on-board chargers, battery cells & packs, infotainment systems, and others. Rising demand for electric vehicles boosts battery cells and pack manufacturing unexpectedly. As a result of this element, automotive battery makers or suppliers are always focused on research and development, which has helped to reduce battery costs. This aspect enables the market to develop at the fastest CAGR. By charging station, the market is segmented in super and normal. Normal charging stations dominate the market, as the majority of customers choose to charge their vehicle at home while it is idle. By propulsion, the market is classified into battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles. The battery electric vehicle segment dominates the market, but hybrid electric vehicles are predicted to increase at the fastest rate in the forecasted year. By vehicle type, the global electric vehicle market is divided into two-wheelers, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles. Passenger cars dominate the market and have the highest CAGR. By drivetrain, the market is segmented into series hybrid, parallel hybrid, and combined hybrid. The series hybrid drivetrain segment dominates the market because it provides maximum efficiency when driving on city streets or in congested areas. In comparison to parallel hybrid vehicles, series hybrid vehicles have higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions. By vehicle class, the market is segmented into luxury and mid-priced. Mid-priced vehicles segment dominates the market and also have the highest CAGR. Get More Insight before Buying@: https://www.fnfresearch.com/inquiry/electric-vehicle-market List of Key Players in Electric Vehicle Market: Chevrolet Motor Company Karma Automotive Okinawa Autotech Pvt. Ltd. WM Motor Ford Motor Company Benling India Energy and Technology Pvt Ltd Hyundai Motor Company Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited Toyota Motor Corporation Energica Motor Company S.p.A. Kia Corporation Ampere Vehicles Lucid Group Inc. Tata Motors Xiaopeng Motors NIO BYD Company Limited Hero Electric Nissan Motors Co.Ltd. Volkswagen AG General Motors Rivain Daimler AG Tesla Inc. BMW AG. Key questions answered in this report: What are the growth rate forecast and market size for ELECTRIC VEHICLE Market? What are the key driving factors propelling the ELECTRIC VEHICLE Market forward? What are the most important companies in the ELECTRIC VEHICLE Market Industry? What segments does the ELECTRIC VEHICLE Market cover? How can I receive a free copy of the ELECTRIC VEHICLE Market sample report and company profiles? Report Scope: Report Attribute Details Market size value in 2021 USD 185 Billion Revenue forecast in 2028 USD 980 Billion Growth Rate CAGR of almost 24.5 % 2022-2028 Base Year 2020 Historic Years 2016 - 2021 Forecast Years 2022 - 2028 Segments Covered By Module, Charging Station, Propulsion, Vehicle Type, Drivetrain, Vehicle Class, and Region Forecast Units Value (USD Billion), and Volume (Units) Quantitative Units Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2022 to 2028 Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, and Rest of World Countries Covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, GCC Countries, and South Africa, among others Companies Covered Chevrolet Motor Company, Karma Automotive, Okinawa Autotech Pvt. Ltd., WM Motor, Ford Motor Company, Benling India Energy and Technology Pvt Ltd, Hyundai Motor Company, Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited, Toyota Motor Corporation, Energica Motor Company S.p.A., Kia Corporation, Ampere Vehicles, Lucid Group, Inc., Tata Motors, Xiaopeng Motors, NIO, BYD Company Limited, Hero Electric, Nissan Motors Co., Ltd., Volkswagen AG, General Motors, Rivain, Daimler AG, Tesla Inc., BMW AG., and Others Report Coverage Market growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, Porter's five forces analysis, PEST analysis, value chain analysis, regulatory landscape, market attractiveness analysis by segments and region, company market share analysis, and COVID-19 impact analysis. Customization Scope Avail of customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. https://www.fnfresearch.com/customization/electric-vehicle-market Free Brochure: https://www.fnfresearch.com/ask-to-analyst/electric-vehicle-market Recent Developments April 2021 : Toyota Motor Corporation introduced Toyota bZ, a new BEV product line that includes a comprehensive range of models. By 2025, the business plans to introduce 15 BEV models, including seven new Toyota bZ BEV variants. Toyota Motor Corporation introduced Toyota bZ, a new BEV product line that includes a comprehensive range of models. By 2025, the business plans to introduce 15 BEV models, including seven new Toyota bZ BEV variants. October 2020 : Hino Motors, Ltd. (Hino) and BYD Firm Ltd. formed a joint venture agreement to establish a new company dedicated to the development of commercial BEVs. Regional Dominance: Asia Pacific region dominates the electric vehicle market. Asia Pacific electric vehicle industry is dominated by China, which is the world's leading manufacturer of electric vehicles and exporter of significant component parts for electric vehicles. According to the IEA's worldwide electric vehicle projection, China will be the market leader in 2028, with a share of roughly 57 percent. Furthermore, foreign manufacturers such as General Motors and Volkswagen are stepping up their operations in China. Tesla has a manufacturing site in China for one of its models, which will help meet the growing demand for electric sedans. The company intends to release SUV models all over the world. The corporation will also open a battery manufacturing facility in China that will be utilized in its electric vehicles, lowering operational costs, increasing customer reach, and building a barrier to potential entrants. Because of rising population consumption, the European area is predicted to increase at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Global ELECTRIC VEHICLE Market is segmented as follows: Electric Vehicle Market: By Module Outlook (2022-2028) On-Board Charger Battery Cells & Packs Infotainment System Others Electric Vehicle Market: By Charging Station Outlook (2022-2028) Normal Super Electric Vehicle Market: By Propulsion Outlook (2022-2028) Battery Electric Vehicles Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles Plug-In Electric Vehicles Hybrid Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicle Market: By Vehicle Type Outlook (2022-2028) Two-wheelers Passenger Cars Commercial Vehicles Electric Vehicle Market: By Drivetrain Outlook (2022-2028) Series Hybrid Parallel Hybrid Combined Hybrid Electric Vehicle Market: By Vehicle Class Outlook (2022-2028) Luxury Mid-Priced Electric Vehicle Market: By Region Outlook (2022-2028) North America The U.S. Canada Europe France The UK Spain Germany Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Southeast Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa GCC South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Press Release for Electric Vehicle Market: https://www.fnfresearch.com/news/global-electric-vehicle-market Browse Other Related Research Reports from Facts and Factors Automotive Parts Magnesium Die Casting Market Report : According to the report published by Facts Factors, the global automotive parts magnesium die casting market size was worth around USD 12 billion in 2021 and is predicted to grow to around USD 23 billion by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 7.21% between 2022 and 2028. According to the report published by Facts Factors, the global automotive parts magnesium die casting market size was worth around in 2021 and is predicted to grow to around by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 7.21% between 2022 and 2028. Aircraft Lightning Protection Market Report : According to the report published by Facts Factors, the global aircraft lightning protection market size was worth around USD 3.1 billion in 2021 and is predicted to grow to around USD 8.3 billion by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 3.21% between 2022 and 2028. According to the report published by Facts Factors, the global aircraft lightning protection market size was worth around in 2021 and is predicted to grow to around by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 3.21% between 2022 and 2028. Aerospace Composites Market Report: According to the report published by Facts Factors, the global aerospace composites market size was worth around USD 24.81 billion in 2021 and is predicted to grow to around USD 44 billion by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 11.31% between 2022 and 2028. Browse through Facts and Factors's coverage of the Global Automotive Industry Follow Us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook About Us Facts and Factors is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting-edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, and company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the client's needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to us-after all-if you do well, a little of the light shines on us. Contact Us: Facts and Factors Tel: +1 347 690-0211 USA/Canada Toll-Free No. +44 2032 894158 Email: sales@fnfresearch.com Website: https://www.fnfresearch.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1981423/FnF_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-electric-vehicle-market-size--share-projected-to-hit-at-usd-980-billion-and-rise-at-a-cagr-of-24-5-by-2028-industry-trends-demand-value-analysis--forecast-report--facts-and-factors-301740796.html NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The total size of the polyisobutylene market was USD 1,995.3 million in 2022, and it will propel at a rate of 5.1% in the years to come, to reach USD 2,980.6 million by 2030, according to P&S Intelligence. Sales of Polyisobutylene with High Molecular Weight Were Highest The high molecular weight category dominates the industry with about 65% of the revenue, and its sale will grow by more than 5%. High-molecular-weight PIB acts as a strong barrier against water vapor and provides adhesion to varied surfaces, electrical resistance, and, low-temperature flexibility. This variant is employed in a diversity of products, including lubricants, fuel, and additives; sealants for cloistering roofing membranes and glass, chewing gum adhesives, and stretch films. Get the sample pages of this report: https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/polyisobutylene-market/report-sample Lubricant Additive Producers Account for Highest PIB Consumption The application segment of the market is dominated by the lubricant additives division, which contributed about USD 1.2 billion to the market players in 2022. PIB is consumed during the production of tackifiers, to offer lubricants stringiness, anti-mist qualities, tack, and adherence. Moreover, temperature resistance, shear stability, lubricity, and deposit formation are all improved by PIB, thereby increasing the life of the oil and the engine. Additionally, lubricant additives made from polyisobutylene are used to make oil more or less viscous, which is important for refining the functionality of the oil used in automotive and industrial applications. Increasing Requirement for Tubeless Tires in Automotive Sector As they can retain air for longer durations, tubeless tires have become widely popular over the traditional tires with tubes. Tires without tubes do not puncture and deflate easily and let automobiles move even if the pressure inside them is lower than standard. As these tires are made from PIB, for air permeability, the need for a lower rate of air pressure decreases drives PIB consumption among automotive tire manufacturers as well as vehicle owners. Browse detailed report on Global Polyisobutylene Market Size, Share, Development and Demand Forecast Report 2030 China Offers Best Investment Prospects to PIB Suppliers in APAC China dominated the APAC industry in the past with an about 70% share, and it will grow at a considerable rate, of around 6%, in the years to come. The initiatives of the government for infrastructure development will support economic expansion and the automotive, cosmetics, and construction sectors. Hence, the demand for this chemical for the manufacturing of hosepipes, window stripes, and gaskets will continue to rise, as PIB offers these automotive components thermal stability, higher flexibility, oxidation resistance, and enhanced permeability. Though these are not lasting prospects, the industrial sector will continue to witness significant expansion, thus positively influencing the consumption of polyisobutylene in China. Polyisobutylene Market Report Coverage North America U.S. Canada Europe U.K. Germany France Spain Italy Asia-Pacific China India Japan Latin America Brazil Mexico Middle East and Africa and Saudi Arabia South Africa Browse More Reports Published by P&S Global Adhesives and Sealants Market Growth, Development and Demand Forecast to 2030 Global Fuel Additives Market Growth, Development and Demand Forecast to 2030 Global Synthetic Rubber Market Growth, Development and Demand Forecast to 2030 Global Lubricants Market Growth, Development and Demand Forecast to 2030 About P&S Intelligence P&S Intelligence provides market research and consulting services to a vast array of industries across the world. As an enterprising research and consulting company, P&S believes in providing thorough insights on the ever-changing market scenario, to empower companies to make informed decisions and base their business strategies with astuteness. P&S keeps the interest of its clients at heart, which is why the insights we provide are both honest and accurate. Our long list of satisfied clients includes entry-level firms as well as multi-million-dollar businesses and government agencies. Contact: Prajneesh Kumar P&S Intelligence Phone: +1-347-960-6455 Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.psmarketresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1224988/P_and_S_Intelligence_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/polyisobutylene-market-to-reach-usd-2-980-6-million-by-2030--says-ps-intelligence-301740791.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Spark Energy Minerals Inc., ("Spark" or the "Company" (CSE:EMIN)(Frankfurt:M1N)(OTC PINK:MTEHF), has entered into a mineral claims purchase agreement dated February 1, 2023, with Talisman Venture Partners, Ltd. ("Talisman" ) of Victoria B.C., pursuant to which the company will acquire from Talisman a 100 percent ownership interest in 12 (twelve) exploration permits comprising approximately 22 thousand hectares (22k ha) of surface area in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The licenses are located to the west of the large Xuxa lithium deposit of Sigma Lithium, and to the northwest of the CBL lithium mining operation. Peter Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Spark stated, "Acquiring this extensive land package right in the heart of what is widely known as "Lithium Valley" in Brazil instantly makes Spark Energy Minerals one of the largest landholders in the region. This newly acquired land package, along with the 3,500 hectares already held by Spark, are highly prospective properties that offer excellent potential." The transaction Pursuant to the terms of the agreement and in order to complete the transaction, Spark shall pay to Talisman: $150,000 CDN on signing of the agreement, An additional $150,000 CDN on closing; Issue Talisman 10,000,000 common shares of the Company; Talisman shall retain a 1% N.S.R. The Company can purchase %0.5 from Talisman at any time for $1,000,000 CDN. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including, among others, approval of the CSE and the company being satisfied with the results of its due diligence review. The company has 90 calendar days from the date of execution of the agreement to complete. The transaction is arm's length, and the company is not paying any finders' fees in connection therewith. About Spark Energy Minerals Inc. Spark Energy Minerals, Inc., is a Canadian company pursuing battery metals and mineral assets with newly acquired interests in Brazil and Canada. The Company has acquired assets in some of the world's most prolific mining jurisdictions, Brazil's growing lithium and provinces and in the Newfoundland, Canada region which is gaining recognition as a world hot spot for lithium and rare earth mineral exploration. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SEE THE COMPANY'S WEB SITE AT https://sparkenergyminerals.com Email to info@sparkenergyminerals.com Contact: Peter Wilson, CEO, Tel. +1-604-649-0945 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Further information about the Company is available on www.SEDAR.com under the Company's profile. Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the business of the Company, the Property, financing and certain corporate changes. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the business of the Company, the Property, financing and certain corporate changes. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Spark Energy Minerals Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738387/Spark-Energy-Minerals-Inc-Increases-Land-Holdings-in-Lithium-Valley-Brazil-by-700 RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Maqsam, a leading MENA-based cloud communications company, has achieved a significant global breakthrough in the field of Arabic automatic speech recognition (ASR); also known as Speech-To-Text (STT). The company's innovative language models have outperformed Google, Microsoft, and other regional competitors in the race to accurately transcribe the diverse dialects of the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region. Founded by Fouad Jeryes and Sinan Taifour along with long-time industry professionals, Maqsam is a company built on a foundation of technical excellence. The team has a proven track record of developing award-winning technology solutions and serves 1000+ customers in 15 markets today and is poised to once again disrupt the market by opening the gates to Generative Artificial Intelligence in their native language. Arabic is a language with 422 million native speakers and around 1.5 billion total speakers globally, but is one of the most neglected languages when it comes to native deep tech offerings as a low resource language. In the era of innovations in conversational intelligence like ChatGPT, Maqsam's ASR / STT technology has been designed to accurately transcribe the challenging dialects of everyday spoken language in the MENA region over classical Arabic with its varying orthographies, phonetics and phonological differences, all while providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for businesses looking to automate their customer engagement operations. Unlocking priceless gems between the lines, Maqsam's technology will allow businesses to convert their normal customer engagement channels into profit pipelines. "Many years of experience went into achieving where we are today and yet this is the tip of the iceberg. Our competitive advantage lies within our proudly native and capable regional team of engineers, Machine Learning task force as well as mentors who are celebrated global leaders in this particular discipline. Our goal is one where we are helping enable the MENA region to unleash its true potential within a global revolution, rather than be an afterthought once more." said Sinan Taifour, CEO of Maqsam during their live showcase at the LEAP technology expo in Riyadh. Demo our ASR tool today by visiting: https://intelligence.maqsam.com/asr About Maqsam Maqsam is the most-insightful cloud communication solution in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. Without the use of traditional hardware or software, Maqsam deploys and offers a full business communication suite in just 3 minutes with local numbers in 200+ cities instantly, ready made integrations for popular CRM and help desk software and API for added layers of automation. Maqsam was the top award winner at 2022's LEAP expo in Riyadh, KSA. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1997650/Maqsam_LEAP_2023.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/maqsam-introduces-groundbreaking-arabic-speech-recognition-technology-301740849.html THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY US PERSON, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, ANY EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA STATE OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH ITS DISTRIBUTION MAY BE UNLAWFUL. This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") or otherwise. Investors should not subscribe for or purchase any securities referred to in this announcement except solely on the basis of the information contained in the prospectus published by BH Macro Limited on 23 January 2023 (comprising a summary, registration document and securities note, together with any supplementary prospectus, if relevant) including the risk factors set out therein (the "Prospectus"). A copy of the prospectus is available for inspection at BH Macro Limited's registered office and website at www.bhmacro.com (subject to certain access restrictions) and at the National Storage Mechanism via https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT INCLUDES INSIDE INFORMATION BH MACRO LIMITED (the "Company") (an authorised closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a non-cellular company limited by shares under the laws of Guernsey with registration number 46235) LEI: 549300ZOFF0Z2CM87C29 Announcement of Initial Issue Price Further to the Company's announcement on 23 January 2023 of the publication of the Prospectus in connection with an initial placing (the "Placing"), intermediaries offer (the "Intermediaries Offer") and offer for subscription (the "Offer for Subscription" and, together with the Placing and the Intermediaries Offer, the "Initial Issue") of new ordinary shares of no par value each in the capital of the Company (the "Shares"), and the Company's announcement earlier today of the Estimated Net Asset Value for each currency class of Shares as at close of business on 3 February 2023, the Company today announces that the price per Share at which Shares of each currency class will be issued in the Initial Issue (the "Initial Issue Price") will be as follows: Class of Shares Initial Issue Price per Share Sterling Shares 431.5p US Dollar Shares US$4.47 As further described in the Prospectus, the Initial Issue Price in respect of each currency class has been calculated by reference to the Estimated Net Asset Value per Share of the relevant class as at 3 February 2023, adjusted for the sub-division of the Shares, (on the basis that this will be the prevailing Estimated Net Asset Value per Share on the closing date of the Initial Issue, currently expected to be 10 February 2023), plus a premium of two per cent. Enquiries BH Macro Richard Horlick Chairman J.P. Morgan Cazenove (Sole Bookrunner) William Simmonds / Rupert Budge (Corporate Finance) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7742 4000 James Bouverat / Liam MacDonald-Raggett (Sales) Kepler Partners LLP (Placing Agent & Intermediaries Offer Adviser) Hugh van Cutsem Tel: +44 (0) 203 384 8796 Hugo Rynsard-Perry Tel: +44 (0) 203 598 6460 Important Notice The information contained in this announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed by any person for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, fairness or completeness. Investors should not base any financial decision on this announcement. Acquiring investments to which this announcement relates may expose an investor to a significant risk of losing all of the amount invested. Persons considering making investments should consult an authorised person specialising in advising on such investments. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning the Shares. The value of shares can decrease as well as increase. Potential investors should consult a professional advisor as to the suitability of the Initial Issue for the person concerned. Nothing contained herein constitutes or should be construed as (i) investment, tax, financial, accounting or legal advice (ii) a representation that any investment or strategy is suitable or appropriate to individual circumstances or (iii) a personal recommendation. J.P. Morgan Securities plc, which conducts its UK investment banking activities as J.P. Morgan Cazenove ("JPMC"), which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the FCA in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for the Company and no-one else in connection with the Initial Issue and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to customers of JPMC or for providing advice in relation to the Initial Issue, or any other matter referred to herein This announcement does not constitute an offer or solicitation to acquire or sell any securities in the Company. This announcement is not for distribution in or into the United States or to any US Person, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of South Africa, any European Economic Area state or any other jurisdiction in which its distribution may be unlawful. A "US Person" is any person who is not a "Non-United States Person" as defined in US Commodity Futures Trading Commission Rule 4.7. This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States or elsewhere. The securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from such registration. The Company has not been and will not be registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and investors are not entitled to the benefits of that Act. There has not been and there will be no public offering of the Company's securities in the United States. None of the Company, Brevan Howard Capital Management LP (the "Manager") or JPMC or any of their respective affiliates accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for/or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to this announcement, including the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. The Company, the Manager, JPMC and their respective affiliates accordingly disclaim all and any liability whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise which they might otherwise have in respect of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. This announcement includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, 'forward-looking statements'. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "estimates", "anticipates", "forecasts", "projects", "expects", "intends", "may", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause the Company's actual results of operations, performance or achievement or industry results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. Any forward-looking statements in this announcement reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Company's operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this announcement. Information to distributors Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (a) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended ("Directive 2014/65/EU"); (b) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing Directive 2014/65/EU; (c) local implementing measures; and/or (d) (where applicable to UK investors or UK firms) the relevant provisions of the UK MiFID Laws (together the "MiFID II Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of retail investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in Directive 2014/65/EU or the UK MiFID Laws (as applicable) and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by Directive 2014/65/EU or the UK MiFID Laws, as applicable (the "Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risk of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Initial Issue. Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding any Target Market Assessment, JPMC will, pursuant to the Initial Placing, only procure placees who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties. For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of Directive 2014/65/EU or the UK MiFID Laws (as applicable); or (b) a recommendation to any investors or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Shares. Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own Target Market Assessment in respect of the Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels. PRIIPs Regulation In accordance with the UK version of the Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 November 2014 on key information documents for packaged retail and insurance-based investment products (PRIIPs) and related legislation (the "UK PRIIPs Laws"), key information documents in respect of an investment in the Sterling Shares and the US Dollar Shares have been prepared by the Manager and are available to investors at www.bhmacro.com. If you are distributing the Shares, it is your responsibility to ensure that the key information document relating to the relevant class of Shares is provided to any clients that are "retail clients". The Company is the only manufacturer of the Shares for the purposes of the UK PRIIPs Laws or the PRIIPs Regulation and JPMC is not a manufacturer for these purposes. JPMC does not make any representation, express or implied, or accept any responsibility whatsoever for the contents of any key information documents prepared by the Manager nor accept any responsibility to update the contents of any key information documents in accordance with the UK PRIIPs Laws or the PRIIPs Regulation, to undertake any review processes in relation thereto or to provide such key information documents to future distributors of Shares. JPMC and its affiliates accordingly disclaim all and any liability whether arising in tort or contract or otherwise which it or they might have in respect of any key information documents prepared by the Manager. Greenland Resources Inc. (NEO: MOLY, FSE:M0LY) ("Greenland Resources" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will present its Malmbjerg molybdenum project on March 1, 2023 at 12.30 pm EST at the BMO Capital Markets' 32nd Global Metals, Mining Critical Minerals Conference in Hollywood, Florida. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005897/en/ The Company also wishes to note that molybdenum prices have been trading around US$40 per pound, making historical highs. The economics stated in the Company's NI 43-101 Feasibility Study completed by Tetra Tech in 2022 ("FS") were done using an US$18 per pound of molybdenum. The FS state that over the life of mine period, the average cash cost to produce a pound of molybdenum is US$6.38/lb. About Greenland Resources Inc. Greenland Resources is a Canadian public company with the Ontario Securities Commission as its principal regulator and is focused on the development of its 100% owned world-class Climax type pure molybdenum deposit located in central east Greenland. The Malmbjerg molybdenum project is an open pit operation with an environmentally friendly mine design focused on reduced water usage, low aquatic disturbance and low footprint due to modularized infrastructure. The Malmbjerg project benefits from a NI 43-101 Definitive Feasibility Study completed by Tetra Tech in 2022, with Proven and Probable Reserves of 245 million tonnes at 0.176% MoS2, for 571 million pounds of contained molybdenum metal. As the high-grade molybdenum is mined for the first half of the mine life, the average annual production for years one to ten is 32.8 million pounds per year of contained molybdenum metal at an average grade of 0.23% MoS2. The project had a previous exploitation license granted in 2009. With offices in Toronto, the Company is led by a management team with an extensive track record in the mining industry and capital markets. For further details, please refer to our web site (www.greenlandresources.ca) and our Canadian regulatory filings on Greenland Resources' profile at www.sedar.com. The Project is supported by the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) as stated in their press release EIT/ERMA_June 13, 2022 Press Release, a Knowledge and Innovation Community of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. About Molybdenum and the European Union Molybdenum is a critical metal used mainly in steel and chemicals that is needed in all technologies in the upcoming green energy transition (World Bank, 2020; IEA, 2021). When added to steel and cast iron, it enhances strength, hardenability, weldability, toughness, temperature strength, and corrosion resistance. Based on data from the International Molybdenum Association and the European Commission Steel Report, the world produced around 576 million pounds of molybdenum in 2021 where the European Union ("EU") as the second largest steel producer in the world used approximately 25% of global molybdenum supply and has no domestic molybdenum production. To a greater degree, the EU steel dependent industries like the automotive, construction, and engineering, represent around 18% of the EU's US$16 trillion GDP. Greenland Resources strategically located Malmbjerg molybdenum project has the potential to supply in and for the EU approximately 24 million pounds per year, of environmentally friendly molybdenum from a responsible EU Associate country, for decades to come. The high quality of the Malmbjerg ore, having low impurity content in phosphorus, tin, antimony, and arsenic, makes it an ideal source of molybdenum for the high-performance steel industry lead worldwide by Europe, specifically the Scandinavian countries and Germany. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" (also referred to as "forward looking statements"), which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "hopes", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: the ability to negotiate a supply agreement with end users, roasters and distributors on terms that are economic or at all; the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, and their valuation, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: our mineral reserve estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based, including geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rock confirming to sampled results and metallurgical performance; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; ore grades and recoveries; assumptions and discount rates being appropriately applied to the technical studies; estimated valuation and probability of success of the Company's projects, including the Malmbjerg molybdenum project; prices for molybdenum remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects; capital decommissioning and reclamation estimates; mineral reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); no labour-related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the projected and actual effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus on the factors relevant to the business of the Corporation, including the effect on supply chains, labour market, currency and commodity prices and global and Canadian capital markets, fluctuations in molybdenum and commodity prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar versus the Euro); operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structure formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); inadequate insurance, or the inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; our ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner; changes in laws, regulations and government practices in Greenland, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations; legal restrictions relating to mining; risks relating to expropriation; increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel; the availability of additional capital; the ability to source and negotiate supply and offtake agreements with qualified counterparties on terms that are economic or at all; title matters and the additional risks identified in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described, or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable securities regulations, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update the forward-looking information. Neither the NEO Exchange Inc. nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005897/en/ Contacts: For further information please contact: Ruben Shiffman, PhD Chairman, President Keith Minty, P.Eng, MBA Engineering and Project Management Jim Steel, P.Geo, MBA Exploration and Mining Geology Nauja Bianco, M.Pol.Sci. Public and Community Relations Gary Anstey Investor Relations Eric Grossman, CPA, CGA Chief Financial Officer Corporate office Suite 1410, 181 University Av. Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 3M7 Telephone 1-844-252-0532 Email info@greenlandresourcesinc.com Web www.greenlandresources.ca NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The value of the green technology and sustainability market stood at USD 19,499.6 million in 2022, and this number is projected to reach USD 43,453.9 million by 2030, advancing at a CAGR of 10.7% during 2022-2030. P&S Intelligence majorly credits this growth to the increasing demand for energy, implementation of sustainability legislations, extensive usage of building automation solutions, and ever-changing prices of crude oil. Get the sample pages of this report: https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/green-technology-and-sustainability-market/report-sample Internet of Things Usage Is Set To Grow at Highest Rate The IoT category is set to lead the industry and experience rapid growth in the coming years. This will mainly be due to the growing awareness regarding the environmental and health problems because of the emission of carbon. Further, to avoid the wastage of energy and gather energy consumption data, such technology is useful in several applications, such as factories, hospitals, power grids, utility meters, hospitals, homes, city administrations, offices, and smart transport. Global Warming Is Driving Green Building Development Because of the rampant industrialization and commercialization, the building and construction industry is growing significantly, to satisfy the increasing demand for space for residential and business purposes. Resulting from the surge in the production of energy, carbon releases are growing at a shocking rate worldwide. Consequently, to cope with the high energy needs without causing any environmental damage, governments are focusing on green buildings. The purpose of green building technologies is to decrease the consumption of energy and utilize only the electricity generated onsite, through rooftop solar panels, BIPVs, and other renewable energy sources. Solution Usage among SMEs To Grow Faster The SMEs category is projected to accept eco-friendly technologies at a higher rate of growth in comparison to larger enterprises, since the contribution of small enterprises is massive for any nation's economy. Due to this, the augmenting acceptance of cloud computing technologies and IoT by small and medium-sized enterprises will continuously drive the revenue for solution providers in the coming years. Browse detailed report on Green Technology and Sustainability Market Share, Growth and Demand Forecast Report 2030 North America Is Rapidly Adopting Green Technologies In 2022, North America led the green technology and sustainability market, and it will stay on this path in the future. This is credited to the surge in the government effort to decrease carbon releases and the quick uptake of power-saving technologies in the continent. A number of megacities in the U.S., including New York City, Los Angeles, and Denver, have set ambitious green building targets. Additionally, the Biden Administration has announced plans to have over 50% lower emissions in 2030 than in 2005. Green Technology and Sustainability Market Report Coverage By Component Solutions Services Consulting Support and Maintenance Integration and Deployment By Technology IoT AI & Analytics Digiital Twin Cloud Computing Blockchain By Organization Size SMEs Large Enterprises By Deployment Mode Cloud On- Premises By Application Green Building Carbon Footprint Management Air Pollution Monitoring Water and Wastewater Management Weather Monitoring Soil Condition/Crop monitoring Fire Detection Forest monitoring Regional Analysis North America U.S. Canada Europe U.K. Germany France Italy Spain Asia-Pacific China Japan Australia India South Korea Latin America Brazil Mexico Middle East & Africa & U.A.E. Saudi Arabia South Africa Browse More Reports Published by P&S Global Digital Twin Market Size, Trends, Opportunities, and Growth Forecast to 2030 Global Blockchain Devices Market Size, Trends, Opportunities, and Growth Forecast to 2030 Global Wastewater Treatment Plants Market Size, Trends, Opportunities, and Growth Forecast to 2030 About P&S Intelligence P&S Intelligence provides market research and consulting services to a vast array of industries across the world. As an enterprising research and consulting company, P&S believes in providing thorough insights on the ever-changing market scenario, to empower companies to make informed decisions and base their business strategies with astuteness. P&S keeps the interest of its clients at heart, which is why the insights we provide are both honest and accurate. Our long list of satisfied clients includes entry-level firms as well as multi-million-dollar businesses and government agencies. Contact: Prajneesh Kumar P&S Intelligence Phone: +1-347-960-6455 Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.psmarketresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1224988/P_and_S_Intelligence_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/green-technology-and-sustainability-market-will-reach-usd-43-453-9-million-by-2030--says-ps-intelligence-301740551.html NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / TriplePundit Originally published by TriplePundit Many companies donate time, money, and resources to help families in their communities through difficult times and ever-growing expenses. Adventure Subaru of Northwest Arkansas takes it a step further, assisting people as they attain the skills to lift themselves above those challenges and move forward toward a fuller life. The 23-year-old retailer, located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, was named the 2022 Subaru Love Promise Retailer of the Year for its work with local nonprofit organizations. Over the past 10 years, Adventure Subaru has donated more than $3.2 million to 70-plus charities and initiatives in Northwest Arkansas, according to the retailer. One of Adventure's more unique and far-reaching collaborations is with the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas, which provides grants and support services to single parents seeking college degrees. The results are life-changing: Through higher education and better-paying jobs, the Fund raises families' living standards and inspires younger generations who see their parents achieve. "We're hoping to push up those folks, reduce their reliance on government funds and break the cycle of poverty," said Tyler Clark, CEO of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund. Since its founding 38 years ago, the Fund has distributed more than $20 million to 10,000 eager students. Still, the need is greater than the funds. Arkansas has the fourth highest child poverty rate in the U.S., largely due to low-income households headed by parents without higher education: Arkansas ranks near the bottom of U.S. states when it comes to the number of residents who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher. Access to higher education opens doors for Arkansas families This spring, enrollment in the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas jumped 25 percent to 188 students, up from the usual 145, who will utilize $392,000 in grant money. Recipients can use the funds for tuition, books, childcare and even emergency expenses like car repairs, Clark said. The average grantee is a first-generation college student, about 32 years old, working a full-time job without health insurance and relying on government programs to supplement their income. Students can choose from 24 institutions, including state colleges that offer classes online. Scholars have earned certificates, associate and bachelor's degrees, and even a few medical degrees. Among the most popular majors are social work, nursing and education, often because families were helped by professionals in those areas and students are looking to pay it forward. "I'm so proud of our recipients," Clark said. Those in the program must continue to meet certain standards, such as a minimum GPA. Knowing how much single parents must juggle to attend college, the Fund provides multiple support services that include wellness and mental health counseling, help with applying for federal tuition grants and child support, resume assistance, tutoring, status checks and food benefits. The impact of the program multiplies as the children of earlier grant recipients develop a college mindset. "For the second generation, it's now a reality for them to go to college," Clark said. "I love the stories of recipients doing homework at kitchen tables with their kids." How businesses like Subaru can help make nonprofit missions possible "Supporters like Subaru helped make this possible," Clark continued. "Subaru walks the walk and talks the talk. They do lots of community events and keep it local." Indeed, the automaker's nationwide community outreach programs all feature a local focus. During the annual Subaru Share the Love Event, held between November and January, Subaru donates $250 to a customer's chosen national or hometown charity for every new vehicle purchase or lease, plus an additional amount for hometown charities at participating retailers. "The amount the retailer contributes to the hometown charity will vary, anywhere from $50 to more than $250 per transaction," said Danielle Dotson, marketing director of Adventure Subaru. The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas is one of these hometown charities. The collaboration began in 2017 when Adventure Subaru was a sponsor for one of the scholarship program's fundraising events. One of the founders of the Fund is the late father-in-law of an Adventure salesperson. "When it came time to select hometown charities for 2020's Share the Love event, [the Fund] seemed like a natural fit," Dotson told us. "They have a wide reach and align with the values of the Subaru Love Promise by helping people in our community and making Northwest Arkansas a better place to live and work." Subaru is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, its vision and promise to be a positive force in the communities where Subaru and its retailers live and work. When deciding what programs to sponsor, among the factors Subaru retailers consider are which initiatives will have the greatest impact, how the community will be helped and who will be affected. "We want to know, 'How can we be more than a car dealer? How can we actively make our community a better place?'" Dotson added. More companies are starting to ask themselves the same questions. For many businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call - revealing how widespread the nation's needs are and how much work remains to be done to improve quality of life in U.S. communities. Many leaders realized if they weren't already involved, it was time to get active. "COVID-19 was a time to see what corporations were made of. It was a watershed moment. Everyone stepped up," Clark observed. "You can't sit on the sidelines anymore if you are a corporation. If you couldn't donate, you had to be onboard with your local community and find a fit for your business." The retailer's work in Northwest Arkansas illustrates what's possible when local businesses and nonprofits come together, and Dotson encouraged business leaders to reach out and connect with nonprofits in their communities. "We like leading by example," she said. "Local organizations are the heartbeat of the community, and we want to meet their needs and pledge to do more for the community. We know that businesses have an opportunity [to help]. You can do work, still sell cars, make people's lives better and try to be better members of the community." Images courtesy of Subaru of America, Inc. This article series is sponsored by Subaru and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team. An Adventure Subaru vehicle filled with donations for the Subaru Loves to Help initiative. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from TriplePundit on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: TriplePundit Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/triplepundit Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: TriplePundit View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738403/Think-Globally-Act-Locally-How-Businesses-Can-Support-Nonprofits-in-Their-Community NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Quantanite, a customer experience and digital outsourcing solutions provider for the world's fastest-growing companies, announced that Chance Myers, its vice president of customer solutions, will participate in three panel sessions on customer experiences at the upcoming ITEXPO Conference and Expo in Fort Lauderdale. The event is scheduled for February 14-17, 2023, at the Broward County Convention Center. Myers will join the panel, "Supporting Clients and Their Changing Work Environments," on February 14 at 10:45 a.m. EST, where he will discuss the need for businesses to align their customer outreach and support capabilities with changing workplace dynamics, including work-from-home, mobile-first and other environments. He returns to the stage the following day to participate in the session "Focus on Customer Experience - Using Artificial Intelligence to Transform the Contact Center." This panel will explore how artificial intelligence can be used to help businesses offer more personalized services to consumers. This session will take place Wednesday, February 15, at 10:30 a.m. EST. Myers rounds out his participation on Thursday, February 16, when he joins the session "Are You Delivering What Your Customers Expect?" The panelists will offer their perspectives on the current state of customer service and provide suggestions to help companies strengthen customer satisfaction through innovative strategies and tools. This session is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST. "We are delighted that Chance has been chosen to participate in the educational content at ITEXPO, which is considered one of the most prominent and influential communications technology-oriented events in the world," said Andrew Hall, Quantanite's chief commercial officer. "We are eager to contribute to the program, and share ideas and strategies that will help businesses provide superior experiences to all their customers." Quantanite delivers sophisticated customer experience and digital outsourcing solutions for service-centric enterprises worldwide. The company manages a customer-facing contact center in Johannesburg, South Africa, where its highly trained agents provide superior support across a range of sectors, including technology, food delivery, finance, retail, hospitality, and other vertical markets. Quantanite leverages state-of-the-art technology to ensure that customers are serviced using the medium they prefer-including automated self-service and other AI-driven tools. In addition, the company operates a facility in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which performs complex, rigorous back-office tasks, including digital content services such as content moderation, data labeling and annotation, and transcription services for customers. For more information about ITEXPO 2023, or to register to attend, visit https://www.itexpo.com/east/. About Quantanite: Quantanite is a Customer Experience (CX) and Digital Outsourcing solutions provider for the world's fastest-growing companies. The company delivers customer experience management services, back-office services, and digital content services, and provides sales enablement and demand generation services through its sister brand Growthonics. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, the company's nearly 2,000 super-charged employees operate on four continents. Through global delivery centers, Quantanite powers customer experience and digital outsourcing for leading enterprise brands. To learn more, visit www.quantanite.com. Media Contact: Contact: Glenn Goldberg Parallel Communications, Inc. ggoldberg@parallelpr.com 516-776-3282 SOURCE: Quantanite View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738409/Quantanite-Executive-Chance-Myers-to-Discuss-Customer-Service-Trends-at-ITEXPO IT was an occasion of immense poignancy at Josiah Tungamirai Airbase in Gweru as two caskets swathed in the national flag and mounted on trolleys were gently pushed by pallbearers into the Parade Square. The caskets contained the remains of two senior Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) pilots, Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base deputy commander, Group Captain Bensen Munyanduki (50) and Wing Commander Daniel Manyenga (37) who died last Thursday. The two senior officers were killed when an AFZ SF260, trainer aircraft, crashed in the Mlezu College general area, near Kwekwe. AFZ chief of staff, supporting services, Air Vice Marshal Jacob Nzwede, lays a wreath on Josiah Tungamirai Airforce Base deputy commander Group Captain Bensen Manyandukis casket yesterday The aircraft was on a routine training sortie when it hit a power line and crashed. As a sign of respect and honour for the two fallen pilots, everyone on the parade square stood at attention. Each casket accompanied by a chaplain had a six-man guard of honour carrying the coffins to the parade square. As per tradition, the firing party with the Air Force Brass Band joined the march in the square as they played the moving beautiful renditions of Baba Ndiri Mwana Wenyu (Father, I am your child) and Apo Mambo Ouya (When the King Shall Come Again). At about 10.15AM, the two caskets were paraded in the square as relatives, friends and workmates took their seats. Closely following the proceedings were AFZ Commander Air Marshal Elson Moyo, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Larry Mavima, the permanent secretary in the province, Mr Abiot Maronge, and Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base Commander, Air Commodore Marcelino Jakuvos Jaya, among others. As the sun beat relentlessly down on the parade square, the procession stood at ease as the presiding officer, AFZ Chief-of-Staff Air Vice Marshal Jacob Nzwede and supporting services took over the funeral parade. Air Vice Marshal Nzwede read the obituaries of the fallen pilots before the parade marched past Air Marshal Moyo. However, due to the state of the bodies, there was no body viewing. It was a moving moment as the caskets were taken to two hearses with some relatives and friends failing to control their emotions as the deceased were now being taken to their final resting places. Both the Munyanduki and Manyenga families and friends also took time to comfort each other through handshakes and warm embraces. The late Group Captain Munyanduki and Wing Commander Manyenga are survived by their wives and two children each. Group Captain Munyanduki was laid to rest yesterday at Destiny Cemetery in Gweru while Wing Commander Manyenga will be buried today at his rural home in Gutu, Masvingo Province. Air Vice Marshal Nzwede, who was the chief mourner, said he was shocked and saddened when he learnt of the death of the two pilots. They were taken away from us at the time when their services were critically required in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the Air Force of Zimbabwe in particular, said Air Vice Marshal Nzwede. He said Group Captain Munyanduki attended three primary schools in Chimanimani, Chipinge and Beitbridge between 1981 and 1984. For his secondary education, he attended Nyanga High School and completed his Advanced level at Fletcher High School in Gweru in 1992. He was attested into the AFZ on June 1, 1994, as an officer cadet under pilot training course number 59 at the School of Flying Training at the then Thornhill Air Force Base now Josiah Tungamirai Air Force base, said Air Vice Marshal Nzwede. He successfully completed basic flying training at Number 6 Squadron and got his flying badge and commission in the rank of Air Sub-Lieutenant on November 1, 1996. Group Captain Munyanduki later underwent an FT-7 aircraft conversion course at Number 5 Squadron in the year 2000. His excellent overall performance resulted in him being selected to attend a flying course in Libya in 2002 where he converted on the Mig 23 jet aircraft. Three years later in 2005, he was again selected to attend a flying instructors and a flight commanders course in China, said Air Vice Marshal Nzwede. Group Captain Munyanduki was rated among the best pilots in the AFZ. He was selected to be part of the AFZ contingent seconded to the South African Air Force to train their pilots. Group Captain Munyanduki was also seconded to the Namibian Air Force from 2015 to 2018 to train Namibian pilots on FT-7 aircraft. He is survived by his wife, Charity and two daughters, Nokutenda and Ruvarashe. Air Vice Marshal Nzwede said the late Wing Commander Manyenga was born in Gutu and attended Mbirikira Primary School from 1993 to 1999. He attended Soti Source Secondary School from 2000 to 2003 before proceeding to Mupandawana High School for his Advanced level studies. He joined the Air Force of Zimbabwe on November 5, 2007 as an officer cadet under pilot training course number 65 at the School of Flying Training. As a result of his outstanding performance in basic flying training, he was commissioned to the rank of Air Lieutenant in 2011, said Air Vice Marshal Nzwede. He said the late Wing Commander was selected for further pilot training in China. The results he attained during the course in China speak highly of his proficiency as a pilot and instructor. The late senior officer demonstrated his academic excellence by graduating with a first degree from the Midlands State University (MSU), said Air Vice Marshal Nzwede. The late Wing Commander Manyenga is survived by wife, Nelia and two children, Tinotenda Dyan and Denique Anashe. Chromicle Bel Air, Maryland--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - Rock Spring Financial Group LLC has been in the real estate and brokerage markets for over 20 years, and is thrilled to be working with new, cost-effective initiatives as they aim to save more money within the housing market. With the use of independent mortgage brokers at an all-time high since 2009, Rock Spring is actively gearing up to start closing loans for home buyers, and show the public through their new social media accounts, why more and more people are switching to this type of service. Rock Spring Financial Group is a local brokerage firm located in central Maryland that is stepping up more prominently this year by implementing more cost-effective approaches within their agency to find innovative ways to save their clients money. Rick Metzgar To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8668/153359_d2deaf8864267bf6_001full.jpg In recent studies, the number of home buyers that have worked with an independent mortgage broker rather than a wide-scale company or bank has nearly doubled since 2009, which has brought in a new era of financial independence within the vertices of the home buying market. With those numbers still on the rise, Rock Spring Financial Group is utilizing their high volume social media platforms to better educate the community on financial literacy and the steps to take in order to secure a mortgage. The company's founder, Rick Metzgar, has been working for over two decades to "show clients the money" as he teaches his customers and his community in central Maryland the basics of mortgage acquisition. Additionally, through the use of his TikTok account where he is known as the Mortgage Father, Metzgar represents Rock Spring and teaches his followers about what it means to use an independent broker instead of a bank. The company is excited to be actively working to bring a better understanding of the housing market to younger generations, as well as to everyday people without real estate knowledge, through an emphasis on their social media presence and heavy hand within the community. According to sources, Rock Spring has explained that the average family who closes a loan with a mortgage broker saves close to $10K when compared to working directly with a bank. Metzgar and his team of independent brokers at Rock Spring go on to say that a mortgage broker brings borrowers and mortgage lenders together by acting as an intermediary between the two, whereas direct lenders are financial institutions that approve and finance mortgage loans. Brokers can help if clients want to shop around without the hassle of contacting multiple lenders on their own. Rick Metzgar To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8668/153359_d2deaf8864267bf6_002full.jpg "To put it plainly," Metzgar starts. "We're showing people the money." Rock Spring is thrilled to be seeing the growth in the use of independent mortgage brokers all across the United States, and look forward to what 2023 will bring as they continue to implement more ways to save their clients money. Rock Spring Financial Group is a local brokerage firm located in Bel Air, Maryland. Founded by Rick Metzgar, the company works to help its clients secure mortgages and simplify the home buying process. Their recent active presence on TikTok aims to provide the next generation with the skills they need to find financial literacy in a conceding home market. For more information about Rick and Rock Spring, visit their website and Social Media platforms. Rick Metzgar rickm@rockspringfinancial.com https://rockspringfinancial.com/ (443) 801-6389 TikTok: @mortgagefather To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153359 Miami Beach, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - Newly relocated to the nightlife hotspot of Miami, The Smoking Pie is the first ever adults only pizzeria. With an extensive menu of pizza pies, pasta, alcoholic drinks, and Hookah, The Smoking Pie is working to be a staple in the bar and lounge community of Miami. By creating a space for adults to eat, drink, and hang out, this bar, lounge and restaurant combination has been working to bring people together in a comfortable and fun environment. The Smoking Pie offers a menu that includes 12", personal pizza pies that come in a variety of artisanal and unique flavors. Pasta is the newest addition to the menu, as the brand begins to branch out away from only serving pizza. The Smoking Pie To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8668/153872_408b82c484a578fb_001full.jpg The restaurant is owned and operated by Michael Laboy and his wife, as they work to stand out from the competition by creating new and innovative menu items that keeps their customers coming back to try every new flavor combination. In addition to this, The Smoking Pie creates signature cocktails that pair well with their pizza pies, which elevates the eatery to have a bar and lounge feel. These drinks include fresh ingredients and quality liquor, as Laboy aims to create a safe and luxurious place for his patrons. The Smoking Pie is the only adults only pizzeria in the Miami Beach area, as well as only one of a handful across the United States. Michael Laboy has been in the entrepreneurial mindset for most of his life, and before The Smoking Pie took roots in Miami, the businessman had been experimenting with several ideas and iterations. As a travel enthusiast, as well as a business owner, Laboy is enthusiastic about his ventures, and feels that Miami Beach is the perfect place to feature his bar and lounge. Back in 2018, the Smoking Pie was located in New York City, where Laboy grew up. When the pandemic hit, the restaurant industry took a huge hit, and The Smoking Pie closed the doors of its New York location. The business decided to relocate to Miami, two years later, and has seen massive growth since then, as the only adults only pizzeria. In addition to its cocktail menu, The Smoking Pie will also offer its patrons access to its Hookah bar and bottle service. With these adult-centered activities, this restaurant/bar and lounge is thrilled to be providing a unique experience to the patrons of downtown Miami Beach. The Smoking Pie is a restaurant and bar/lounge that serves pizza pies as well as drinks and offers a Hookah service. The company is excited about its two year anniversary since its relocation in Miami Beach, Florida. The store is located at 1625 Michigan Ave, and operates as an adults only pizzeria. For more information regarding The Smoking Pie, visit their website. Michael Laboy info@thesmokingpie.com (305) 397-8404 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153872 Thailand is one of the developing and emerging colocation markets in Southeast Asia, with several new entrants, such as OneAsia Network, Telehouse, and Chindata Group, entering the market. Many global players are likely to enter the market. CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's latest research report, the Thailand data center market will grow at a CAGR OF 10% from 2022-2028. Thailand is witnessing a boom in data center investment and services and is among the leading emerging data center markets in the Southeast Asia region. Several Companies are increasing their market share and footprints in Thailand by acquiring data center companies or expanding their presence through mergers and collaborations. For instance, Etix Everywhere (Vantage Data Centers) acquired around 67% stake in Genesis Data Center with an investment of around $10.8 million. Data center investments in Thailand over the next 3-4 years expect to be aggressive and high due to the entry of several global operators. However, we expect more global operators to enter the market during the forecast period. Thailand Data Center Market Report Scope Report Attributes Details Market Size (2028) USD 1.33 Billion Market Size - Area (2028) 226 thousand sq. Feet (2028) Market Size- Power Capacity (2028) 56 MW (2028) CAGR Investment (2022-2028) 10 % Colocation Market Size - Revenue (2028) USD 320 Million Historic Year 2021-2022 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2028 Market Dynamics Improvement in Inland and Submarine Connectivity Adoption of Cloud Services Enables the Digitalization Big Data & IoT Technology driving Data Center Investments Page Number 107 Key Leading Vendors IT Infrastructure Providers: Arista Networks, Atos, Cisco Systems, Dell Technologies, Fujitsu, HPE, Huawei Technologies, IBM, Inspur, Lenovo, and NetApp Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors: Arup, Architects 49, Chaan, Finishing Touch Design Studio, Meinhardt Group, Plan Architect, PPS Group, and QTC Group Support Infrastructure Providers: ABB, Airedale, Caterpillar, Cummins, Cyber Power Systems, Delta Electronics, Eaton, Fuji Electric, HITEC Power Protection, KOHLER, Legrand, Mitsubishi Electric, Piller Power Systems, Rittal, Schneider Electric, STULZ, Siemens, and Vertiv Data Center Investors: AIS Business (CSL), Alibaba Cloud, Internet Thailand (INET), NTT Global Data Centers, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, SUPERNAP Thailand, Tencent Cloud, and True IDC New Entrants: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Chindata Group, Edge Centres, Google, KT Corporation, Nautilus Data Technologies, OneAsia Network, and Telehouse Market Segmentation IT Infrastructure, Electrical Infrastructure, Mechanical Infrastructure, General Construction, and Tier Standard Customization Request If our report does not include the information you are searching for, you may contact us to have a report tailored to your specific business needs https://www.arizton.com/customize-report/3694 Click Here to Download the Free Sample Report Investment Opportunities in Thailand ST Telemedia Global Data Centres is developing its second data center facility, STT Bangkok 2. The facility is expected to be operational in the next 1-2 years. M&A and JV are the major practices that global data center operators adopt to enter the market or expand their presence. For instance, In August 2022 , Chindata Group's subsidiary, Bridge Data Centres, announced its entry into the market by acquiring a data center facility from WHA Logistics in Bangkok . , Chindata Group's subsidiary, Bridge Data Centres, announced its entry into the market by acquiring a data center facility from WHA Logistics in . In January 2022 , Etix Everywhere (Vantage Data Centers) acquired around 67% stake in Genesis Data Center by investing around $10.8 million . The company announced its plans to build a data center campus in the country in partnership with Interlink Telecom. , Etix Everywhere (Vantage Data Centers) acquired around 67% stake in Genesis Data Center by investing around . The company announced its plans to build a data center campus in the country in partnership with Interlink Telecom. In October 2021 , Singtel, a Singapore -based telecom company, announced its plan to constitute a 50:50 joint venture with Gulf Energy, constituting a new data center company in the country. Later, in February 2022 , a Thailand -based telecom company, AIS (Advanced Info Service), partnered with Singtel and Gulf Energy to build data centers in the country. The facility development is expected to begin soon and will likely be operational during the forecast period. , Singtel, a -based telecom company, announced its plan to constitute a 50:50 joint venture with Gulf Energy, constituting a new data center company in the country. Later, in , a -based telecom company, AIS (Advanced Info Service), partnered with Singtel and Gulf Energy to build data centers in the country. The facility development is expected to begin soon and will likely be operational during the forecast period. The merger between two telecom companies - True Corporation and dtac (Total Access Communication): In October 2022 , the Thailand regulators approved a merger of around $7.3 billion between the two telecom companies, resulting in a new company, NewCo, with around 51 million customers. , the regulators approved a merger of around between the two telecom companies, resulting in a new company, NewCo, with around 51 million customers. However, in November 2022 , the merger between two telecom companies was delayed, and the deal is likely to be completed by Q1 2023. , the merger between two telecom companies was delayed, and the deal is likely to be completed by Q1 2023. Amazon Web Services has planned to develop a new cloud and data center region in Rayong, Thailand , with a building size of over 53,800 square feet area. In addition, the company also launched a new local and edge zone in Bangkok, Thailand , in December 2022. Why Should You Buy This Research? Market size available in the investment, area, power capacity, and Thailand market revenue. market revenue. Assessment of the revenue share between retail colocation and wholesale colocation across the Thailand market. market. Investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across locations in the Thailand market. market. A detailed study of the existing Thailand data center market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about industry size during the forecast period. data center market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about industry size during the forecast period. Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in Thailand Facilities Covered (Existing): 32 Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 07 Coverage: 5 Cities Existing vs. Upcoming (Area) Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity) Data center colocation market in Thailand Colocation Market Revenue & Forecast (2022-2028) Wholesale vs. Retail Colocation Revenue (2022-2028) Retail Colocation Pricing Wholesale Colocation Pricing The Thailand market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast. market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast. A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry. Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors in the industry. A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the industry. The report considers the present scenario of the Thailand data center market and its market dynamics for 2023-2028. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The study includes the demand and supply aspects of the market.? The report includes the investment in the following areas: IT Infrastructure Servers Storage Systems Network Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Switches & Switchgears PDUs Other Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Rack Cabinets Other Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems CRAC & CRAH Units Chiller Units Cooling Towers, Condensers & Dry Coolers Other Cooling Units General Construction Core & Shell Development Installation & Commissioning Services Engineering & Building Design Fire Detection & Suppression Physical Security Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Tier Standard Tier I & Tier II Tier III Tier IV Major Vendors IT Infrastructure Providers Arista Networks Atos Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Fujitsu HPE Huawei Technologies IBM Inspur Lenovo NetApp Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors Arup Architects 49 Chaan Finishing Touch Design Studio Meinhardt Group Plan Architect PPS Group QTC Group Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Airedale Caterpillar Cummins Cyber Power Systems Delta Electronics Eaton Fuji Electric HITEC Power Protection KOHLER Legrand Mitsubishi Electric Piller Power Systems Rittal Schneider Electric STULZ Siemens Vertiv Data Center Investors AIS Business (CSL) Alibaba Cloud Internet Thailand (INET) (INET) NTT Global Data Centers ST Telemedia Global Data Centres SUPERNAP Thailand Tencent Cloud Cloud True IDC New Entrants Amazon Web Services (AWS) Chindata Group Edge Centres Google KT Corporation Nautilus Data Technologies OneAsia Network Telehouse Click Here to Download the Free Sample Report Check Out Some of the Top-Selling Research Related Reports: Internet Data Center Market in China - The Internet data center market in China size by investment is expected to cross USD 34.03 billion by 2028. Technological innovations, rapid growth in demand for digital transformations, and government strategies for the data center industry are among the major driving factors of the market. Global cloud operators such as Microsoft and AWS are setting up their presence in the Internet data center market in China through colocating in local data centers led by the foreign direct investment policy of the country, under which foreign investors must partner with local firms to enter the market. Japan Data Center Market - The Japan data center market is estimated to reach USD 13.29 billion by 2027. The country is among the top data center market in the APAC region, after China and Australia, in terms of investment. The high internet and social media penetration across the country is driven by the deployment of 5G services, better and improved inland connectivity, availability of renewable energy and free cooling solutions, and others, making Japan an attractive market for investors. Singapore Data Center Market - Singapore data center market is expected to reach USD 5.7 million by 2027; The Singapore data center market currently includes about 23 unique third-party data center service providers operating more than 40 facilities. The country also has several on-premises or dedicated data centers owned by local enterprises. Malaysia Data Center Market - Malaysia data center market is expected to reach USD 1.57 billion by 2027. Malaysia data center market is one of the most mature data center markets after Singapore in Southeast Asian countries. Malaysia's government is continuously improving the country's digital economy. The Ministry of International Trade and Industry aims to be a solution provider for new technologies and attract investment in the manufacturing industry. Table of Content Chapter 1: Existing & Upcoming Third-Party Data Centers In Thailand Historical Market Scenario 30+ Unique Data Center Properties Data Center IT Load Capacity Data Center White Floor Area Space Existing Vs Upcoming Data Center Capacity by Cities Cities Covered Bangkok Other Cities List of Upcoming Data Center Facilities Chapter 2: Investment Opportunities In Thailand Microeconomic and Macroeconomic factors of the Thailand Market Data Center Investments Investment by Area Investment by Power Capacity Chapter 3: Data Center Colocation Market In Thailand Colocation Services Market in Thailand Data Center Demand across Industries in the Thailand Retail vs Wholesale Data Center Colocation Colocation Pricing (Quarter Rack, Half Rack, Full Rack) & Add-ons Chapter 4: Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Trends Market Restraints Chapter 5: Market Segmentation IT Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast Electrical Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast Mechanical Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast General Construction Services: Market Size & Forecast Chapter 6: Tier Standard Investment Tier I & II Tier III Tier IV Chapter 7: Key Market Participants IT Infrastructure Providers Construction Contractors Support Infrastructure Providers Data Center Investors New Entrants Chapter 8: Appendix Market Derivation Quantitative Summary About Us:?? Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.? Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.? Click Here to Contact Us? Call: +1-312-235-2040? +1 302 469 0707? Mail: enquiry@arizton.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1997487/THAILAND_DATA_CENTER_MARKET.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818553/Arizton_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/data-center-market-investment-in-thailand-to-reach-usd-1-33-billion-in-2028--new-entrants-like-oneasia-network-telehouse--chindata-intensifying-the-market-competition--arizton-301740575.html AMSTERDAM, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Weaviate announces the release of a generative search module for OpenAI's GPT-3, and other generative AI models (Cohere, LaMDA) to follow. This module allows Weaviate users and customers to easily integrate with those models and eliminates hurdles that currently limit the utility of such models in business use cases. OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot (based on GPT-3) has captivated the world with its surprisingly human-like ability to respond to queries in natural language. However, such generative models have so far been limited by a centralized and generic knowledge base that leaves them unable to answer business-specific questions. Weaviate's generative module removes this limitation by allowing users to specify that the model work from users' own Weaviate vector database. This best-of-both-worlds solution combines language abilities like those of ChatGPT with a vector database that is relevant, secure and easily updated in real time. Such a solution is also far less prone to hallucination. "Generative models like the one used to create ChatGPT display very impressive language abilities but their business applications are limited because they are trained on data that's freely available on the internet. "Meanwhile, about 80% of the world's data exists behind firewalls-for good reasons, because it is confidential or proprietary. So, we created a generative AI module to integrate with GPT-3 and other models (like LaMDA), allowing our open-source users and customers to leverage the model's language abilities with their own Weaviate vector databases that are easily updated and capable of protecting sensitive data." - Bob van Luijt, CEO and co-founder, Weaviate Weaviate operates on an open-source model, so its generative AI module is freely available to download. The new model also integrates with the company's SaaS and hybrid SaaS products for use by clients with service-level agreements. The Weaviate vector-search engine is a "third wave" database technology. Data is processed by a machine learning model first, and AI models help process, store, and search through it. As a result, Weaviate excels at searching using natural language but it is not limited to language; Weaviate can also search images, audio, video, or even genetic information. The open-source code has been downloaded over 1.7M times. Weaviate-which was known until recently as SeMI Technologies-is registered in The Netherlands as Weaviate B.V. and in the U.S. as Weaviate Holdings, Inc. For information visit weaviate.io. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/weaviate-releases-a-generative-search-module-301740697.html Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares For immediate release 7 February 2023 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announces that it has today purchased 125,000 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 881.75 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company. The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 17 January 2023. Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 14,402,611; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 210,588,692. The figure of 210,588,692 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. For and on behalf of Frostrow Capital LLP Company Secretary For further information, please contact: Victoria Hale Frostrow Capital LLP Tel: 020 3 170 8732 Regulatory News: Carmila (Paris:CARM) has reached agreements in separate transactions with two family offices for the sale of a portfolio of four assets in Spain and an asset in Montelimar in France. The agreed sale price of the portfolio in Spain is 75 million euros, including transfer taxes, in line with appraisal values. The portfolio is made up of four shopping centres, Los Patios and Alameda in Malaga and Los Barrios and Gran Sur in Algeciras, which are representative of Carmila's portfolio with a Carrefour hypermarket1, approximately 35 stores per centre, high levels of occupancy and a refreshed merchandising-mix. Carmila will provide asset management, leasing and property services for the portfolio. The agreed sale price of the asset in Montelimar is 15 million euros, in line with the appraisal value. It is made up of several lots in an attractive commercial zone surrounding a Carrefour hypermarket. These two agreed sales follow the disposal of a portfolio of six assets in France, closed in June 2022, for a total of 240 million euros of disposals. With these transactions, Carmila has gone beyond its 200 million euro disposal target for the first two years of its new strategic plan "Building Sustainable Growth". Marie Cheval, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Carmila commented: Carmila has confirmed the liquidity of its assets in line with appraisal values and the appetite of investors for transformed shopping centres that are anchored in local regions. Almost one year ahead of schedule, Carmila has gone beyond its target to dispose of 200 million euros of assets by end 2023. INVESTOR AGENDA 15 February 2023 (after market close): 2022 annual results 16 February 2023: Annual results presentation 20 April 2023 (after market close): First-quarter 2023 financial information 11 May 2023: Annual General Meeting 26 July 2023 (after market close): First half 2023 results 27 July 2023: First half 2023 results presentation 19 October 2023 (after market close): Third-quarter 2023 financial information ABOUT CARMILA The third-largest listed owner of commercial property in Europe, Carmila was founded by Carrefour and institutional investors in order to transform and enhance the value of shopping centres adjoining Carrefour hypermarkets in France, Spain and Italy. At 30 June 2022, its portfolio was valued at 6.16 billion, comprising 208 shopping centres, leaders in their catchment areas. Carmila is listed on Euronext-Paris Compartment A under the symbol CARM. It benefits from the tax regime for French real estate investment trusts ("SIIC"). Carmila has been a member of the SBF 120 since 20 June 2022. This press release is available in the "Financial Press Releases" section of Carmila's Finance webpage: https://www.carmila.com/en/finance/financial-press-releases 1 Belonging to Carrefour and outside of the scope of the transaction View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207006007/en/ Contacts: INVESTOR AND ANALYST CONTACT Jonathan Kirk Head of Investor Relations jonathan_kirk@carmila.com +33 6 31 71 83 98 PRESS CONTACT Elodie Arcayna Directrice communication elodie_arcayna@carmila.com +33 7 86 54 40 10 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023/ FedEx Corporation Members of the 2019 Collegiate Accelerator program Originally published in FedEx's 2022 Global Entrepreneurship Report FedEx is a longtime supporter of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and its Collegiate Accelerator, previously the Student Entrepreneur Program. The WBENC Collegiate Accelerator is a premier startup program for collegiate female founders and recent graduates. Participants learn to grow and scale their businesses through a tailored entrepreneurship curriculum, focused on the fundamentals of growth, marketing, business strategy, leadership, and the essentials for an effective pitch. They receive mentoring from some of the most successful women-owned businesses and America's largest Fortune 500 companies, while also participating in a showcase of their product or service to WBENC Corporate Members and a pitch competition awarding seed capital grants. Read more About FedEx FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenue of $92 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively, operating collaboratively and innovating digitally under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its 600,000 team members to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit about.fedex.com. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from FedEx Corporation on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: FedEx Corporation Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/fedex-corporation Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: FedEx Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738417/FedEx-and-the-Womens-Business-Enterprise-National-Council Article L. 238-8-II of the French commercial Code and article 223-16 of the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority) general regulation Regulatory News: Corporate name of the issuer: Veolia Environnement (Paris:VIE) 21 rue La Boetie 75008 PARIS FRANCE (ISIN code: FR0000124141-VIE) Information closing date Total number of shares forming the share capital Total number of voting rights January 31, 2023 714,574,367 Total number of theoretical voting rights (1): 732,389,055 Total number of voting rights that may be exercised (2): 719,808,613 Inclusion in the Veolia Environnement Articles of Association of a clause requiring a reporting obligation of the declaration of crossing a shareholding threshold, complementary to the one relating to the thresholds provided by the French law and the regulations in force (article 8). (1) Number of theoretical voting rights after taking into account the number of shares with double voting rights as of January 31, 2023 (17,814,688 shares) and the number of treasury shares held as of January 31, 2023 (12,580,442 shares). (2) Number of voting rights that may be exercised number of theoretical voting rights (or total number of voting rights attached to shares) shares without voting rights (number of treasury shares held as of January 31, 2023). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207006022/en/ Contacts: Veolia Environnement VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / CMC Metals Ltd. (TSX-V:CMB)(Frankfurt:ZM5P)(CMCXF:OTCQB) ("CMC" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its proposed marketing activities for Q1-2023. The Company will be exhibiting and presenting at the following events: Mines and Money, James L. Knight Centre, Miami, USA. February 23-24, 2023. Mineral Investor Forum, Delta Hotel, 75 Lower Simcoe St., Toronto, Canada, March 3-4, 2023 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), Booth # 2113, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 355 Front Street West, Toronto, March 5-8, 2023. Mr. John Bossio, Chairman noted "this is one of our most aggressive public marketing campaigns we have undertaken as a Company. The Board of Directors is committed to maintaining a high level of communication with our shareholders and potential investors. This is especially important for 2023 as we advance exploration on our new silver-lead-zinc targets on the Silverknife project in what we hope will be a highly successful exploration project. In addition, we continue to advance all of our exploration projects continuing our goal to advance a project to drill ready stage every 18-24 months." Kevin Brewer, President and CEO noted "We are going to Mines and Money Miami to provide us with exposure to US based funds and investors. This compliments our efforts in 2022 where the Company completed an OTC listing solely for the purpose to help attract US-based investment and following the advice of some of our key investors. We attended a very successful PDAC last year and feel it is important to be a participant in one of the largest mining conferences in the world. In addition, we have always found the Metals Investor Forum events to be well attended by the investment community." "I would also like to thank our investors for being patient with us. I had the flu for 6 weeks and it affected our ability to get news out. I am now back in full health and am diligently working to review data and ensure all plans are in place for our upcoming season. the Company will have a lot of news updates in the coming weeks on both our results from the 2022 exploration campaign and more specific details on our plans for the upcoming exploration season." About CMC Metals Ltd. CMC Metals Ltd. is a growth stage exploration company focused on opportunities for high grade polymetallic deposits in Yukon, British Columbia and Newfoundland. Our polymetallic silver-lead-zinc CRD prospects in the Rancheria Silver District include the Silverknife project (British Columbia), located in very close proximity to one of the world's highest grade underground silver-lead-zinc mines in the world (owned by Coeur Mining Inc.), the Silver Hart Deposit and Blue Heaven claims (Yukon), Amy claims located 7km west of the Silverknife claims (British Columbia). Our polymetallic projects with potential for copper-silver-gold and other metals include Bridal Veil, Terra Nova (optioned to Highbank Mining Inc.), and Rodney Pond (central Newfoundland) and Logjam (Yukon). On behalf of the Board: "John Bossio" John Bossio, Chairman CMC METALS LTD. For Further Information and Investor Inquiries: Kevin Brewer, P. Geo., MBA, B.Sc.(Hons), Dip. Mine Eng. President, CEO and Director Tel: (+52) 669 198 8503 kbrewer80@hotmail.com Suite 1000-409 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, V6C 1T2 To be added to CMC's news distribution list, please send an email to info@cmcmetals.ca or contact Mr. Kevin Brewer directly. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. "This news release may contain certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, statements that address the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles and exploitation activities and developments. In this release disclosure regarding the potential to undertake future exploration work comprise forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks, including the ability of the Company to raise the funds necessary to fund its projects, to carry out the work and, accordingly, may not occur as described herein or at all. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, the impact of the constantly evolving COVID-19 pandemic crisis and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Readers are referred to the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators for information on these and other risk factors, available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation." SOURCE: CMC Metals Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738425/CMC-Metals-Provides-Update-of-Proposed-Marketing-Activities-for-Q1-2023 SEMI University Curriculum Enables Upskilling and Career Advancement for Various Employee Levels and Industry Newcomers MILPITAS, Calif., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Taking aim at narrowing the global semiconductor industry talent gap, SEMI today announced a new online learning platform designed to support industry efforts to train and upskill employees and help incoming talent establish their careers. The new SEMI University platform launches with more than 360 courses created for the industry, providing an easy-to-use online semiconductor training program for employees ranging from recently hired facility operators to experienced technicians, engineers and non-technical staff. SEMI University offers semiconductor courses on front-end and back-end manufacturing operations, principles of chip design and workplace safety. The platform also includes classes to help learners keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), MEMS and optoelectronics. SEMI University provides flexibility for users to pause and restart courses later, and the platform includes courses in multiple languages and will add more. "With the global semiconductor industry expected to nearly double in annual revenue to $1 trillion around the end of the decade, SEMI projects the industry will need more than 900,000 new workers worldwide by 2030 to support this growth," said SEMI president and CEO Ajit Manocha. "Our member companies have highlighted workforce development as a top concern in pursuing long-term growth. The new SEMI University platform will help industry newcomers contribute quickly and complement companies' efforts to aid current employees of various levels in advancing their careers. Looking forward, we are actively seeking to expand our content partnerships to meet the training needs of the broader electronics supply chain." SEMI has offered in-person training and technology trend updates more than 50 years, and it hosts webinars covering SEMI standards, market dynamics and semiconductor manufacturing and design best practices. The SEMI University platform builds on this experience and adds to the association's holistic Workforce Development program, which includes initiatives to increase awareness of semiconductor industry careers, connect member companies with university students for mentoring and internships, attract and train military veterans, and develop a more diverse and inclusive workforce. About SEMI SEMI connects more than 2,500 member companies and 1.3 million professionals worldwide to advance the technology and business of electronics design and manufacturing. SEMI members are responsible for the innovations in materials, design, equipment, software, devices, and services that enable smarter, faster, more powerful, and more affordable electronic products. Electronic System Design Alliance (ESD Alliance), FlexTech, the Fab Owners Alliance (FOA), the MEMS & Sensors Industry Group (MSIG) and SOI Consortium are SEMI Strategic Technology Communities. Visit www.semi.org, contact one of our worldwide offices, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and Twitter to learn more. Association Contact Michael Hall/SEMI US Phone: 1.408.943.7988 Email: mhall@semi.org Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/469944/Semi_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/new-semi-online-learning-platform-delivers-semiconductor-training-to-support-workforce-development-for-industry-growth-301741033.html A 37-YEAR-OLD Zimbabwean truck driver has been arrested in South Africa for illegally transporting chrome worth R650 000 in Limpopo Province. The truck driver, Brighton Mutandani, was arrested last Thursday by the neighbouring countrys elite cops, the Hawks. He has since appeared in the Praktiseer Regional Court on charges of allegedly transporting chrome without a permit and contravening the Immigration Act. Hawks spokesperson for Limpopo, Captain Matimba Maluleke said the suspect was arrested during a crackdown on illegal mining activities in the province. As the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation continues to fight the scourge of illegal mining in the province, a sting joint operation between the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation and Crime Intelligence was conducted last week. During the operation, a suspicious tipper truck was spotted driving in the area and it was stopped and searched, he said. The truck was found fully loaded with chrome that the driver failed to produce a permit for and he was immediately arrested. Further investigations revealed that the driver did not have legal documents allowing him to be in the country. Capt Maluleke said the chrome and the truck were seized. He said Mutandani was remanded in custody to Friday for bail application. Hawks provincial head for Limpopo, Major General Gopz Govender said: We look forward to conducting more operations to deal with the illegal mining problem and our presence will be felt. South African police recently tightened screws on illegal miners following the death of eight panners including four Zimbabweans, three Mozambican and a South African in the Burgersfort area in Limpopo Province. The illegal miners died after suffocating when the mine shaft filled up with rainy water resulting in the walls collapsing. Police have since opened an inquest following the tragic incident. The mishap occurred in the Ga-Moroga Village where the suspected illegal miners had been digging chrome before the walls of the shaft gave in during heavy rains. Illegal chrome mining activities are rife in areas along the R37 road in Sekhukhune District and police have arrested several illegal miners and confiscated mining equipment. Zimbabweans were also among the 21 suspected illegal miners whose bodies were discovered in a mineshaft in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, South Africa in November last year after they were trapped. In September 2021, South African emergency workers retrieved 11 bodies of Zimbabweans who died after a generator they were using in a disused underground mine exploded in Benoni, some 35km outside Johannesburg. The group which included 15 people, among them Zimbabweans and Mozambicans, entered the mine on August 27 of the same year and they were using the generator for lighting and drilling. Chronicle GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nigeria Cold Chain Market is in nascent stage due to lack of investment and a smaller number of players to cater to the overall end user's need but there is a strong opportunity for new international players with access to capital to enter in the market. Major players include MDS, Zenith Carex, Cold Hubs. Other players in the market includes TranEX, red Star, KCCL, Wigmore Trading, Flux Logistics. Development of Better Infrastructure:Development of LAKAJI Agricultural growth corridor and Lekki Sea-Port will significantly increase the efficiency of the logistics traffic. The 42 Free Trade Zones in Nigeria where companies can import and export without being subject to the usual customs and tax, boosts the logistics industry significantly. Improvement of pharmaceutical cold chain, existing players like Zenith Carex are investing to increase their presence in pharma-logistics. Increased investment will drive technological development, and will potentially lead to automation of warehouses and installation of IoT devices. This is will improve real-time data collection and analysis, that will in turn lead to better cold chain management. Adoption of New Technologies: Increased adoption of new technologies such as RFID, IoT, Temperature sensing systems, by players like Zenith Carex and MDS Logistics. Start-ups like cold hubs have emerged that work on cooling as a service model and offer solar powered storage units to tackle the problem of irregular power supply Increasing Imports of Cold Chain Commodities: Increased demand by pharmaceutical clients was witnessed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the higher demand of medicines. Horticulture products, like flowers, also require ambient cold warehousing. The demand for these products decreased during the pandemic due to decreased social gatherings. Since the population of Nigeria is growing at a decent pace, and is expected to double by 2050, we can expect the demand of these substances to grow. Increase in Investments: For the last few years the market is witnessing the entry of new innovative players like Cold Hubs. There has been a trend of new investments by international investment funds e.g., Triple I, an investment fund that invests in Sub-Saharan businesses to drive social impact decided to make an investment in the cold chain industry of Nigeria. The president of Organization for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa, has recently urged all the state(s) and federal governments to invest in cold chain to reduce food wastage. Analysts at Ken Research in their latest publication "Nigeria Cold Chain Market Outlook to 2026 - Driven by high food produce wastage due to lack of cold chain infrastructure, solar-focused start-ups, and increased disposable income of consumers" by Ken Research observed that Cold Chain market is an emergent market in Nigeria at a growing stage even during the pandemic as well. The rising of E-Commerce Companies and the increase in pharmaceuticals imports, along with the burgeoning demand for Processed and Packaged Foods, is expected to contribute to the market growth over the forecast period. The Nigeria Cold Chain Market is expected to see high growth rate over the forecasted period 2021-2026F. Key Segments Covered Nigeria Cold Chain Market: By Cold Chain Market Size (by Revenue/Price or No of Reefer Trucks), 2021 & 2026F: Cold Transportation Cold Warehousing Nigeria Cold Warehousing Market: By Pallet Size (by Revenue), 2021 & 2026F: Chilled Frozen Ambient By End-User (by Revenue), 2021 & 2026F: Meat & Seafood Fruits and Vegetables Pharmaceuticals Dairy Products Others (Horticulture & more) To learn more about this report Download a Free Sample Report By Geography (by Revenue), 2021 & 2026F: Lagos State Ogun State Others (Imo State, Abuja State). Nigeria Cold Transportation Market: By Mode of Transport (by Revenue), 2021 & 2026F: Land Air Sea By Type of Freight (by Revenue/Price or No of Reefer Trucks), 2021 & 2026F: International Freight Domestic Freight By End-User (by Revenue), 2021 & 2026F: Meat & Seafood Fruits and Vegetables Pharmaceuticals Dairy Products Others (Horticulture & more) Key Target Audience Cold Transport Companies Warehousing Companies Pharmaceuticals Food & Vegetables Providers Meat & Seafood Providers Dairy products Companies Government and Institutions Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Time Period Captured in the Report:- Historical Period: 2016-2020 2016-2020 Base Year: 2021 2021 Forecast Period: 2022- 2026F Companies Covered:- MDS Logistics Zenith Carex TranEX Red Star Cold Hubs Kenie-O-Cold Chain Logistics Wigmore Trading Flux Logistics Key Topics Covered in the Report:- Nigeria Cold Chain Market Overview Nigeria Cold Chain Market Value Chains Ecosystem of Major Entities in Nigeria Cold Chain Market Cold Chain Market Cross Comparison of Technologies in use in Nigeria Cold Chain Market Cold Chain Market Emerging Technologies in Nigeria Cold Chain Market Cold Chain Market Nigeria Cold Chain Market Size and Segmentations COVID Impact on Cold Chain Industry of Nigeria Trends and Developments in Nigeria Cold Chain Market Cold Chain Market Issues and Challenges in Nigeria Cold Chain Market Cold Chain Market Decision Making Parameters for selecting a logistics partner in Nigeria Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats for Nigeria Cold Chain Industry Competition Landscape Strengths and Weaknesses of Major Players in Nigeria Cold Chain Cold Chain End-User Potential in Nigeria Cold Chain Market Cold Chain Market Future Market Outlook and Segmentations for Nigeria Cold Chain Market Cold Transportation Future Market size by Revenue and Segmentation, 2022-26F Cold Chain Future Market Segmentation by End Users, 2022-26F Analyst Recommendations For more insights on the market intelligence, refer to below link:- Nigeria Cold Chain Market Related Reports By Ken Research:- Philippines Cold Chain Market Outlook To 2026F: Driven By Rising Meat And Seafood Consumption Owing To Growing Millennial Population Albeit Infrastructure Challenges Philippines cold chain market is expected to register a positive CAGR during 2021-2026F owing to increasing infrastructure investment to improve connectivity for cold transport business, high domestic demand for seafood and meat products, growing focus on ISO and LEED certifications for frozen storages, automation in cold storages through ASRS, WMS and RFID and incorporation of quick or blast freezing services. Demand for perishable food products is expected to increase due to the rising disposable income and retail spending of the people in the country, which will necessitate the development of cold storage facilities and positively affect the market growth. Singapore Cold Chain Market Outlook to 2026F- Driven By Rising Meat and Seafood Consumption Coupled With Demand for Temperature Sensitive Health Care Products According to Ken Research estimates, the Singapore Cold Chain Market - which grew from approximately SGD ~10.0 Bn in 2016 to approximately SGD ~14.0 Bn in 2021 - is forecasted to grow further into SGD ~19.0 Bn opportunity by 2026F, owing to the rising household expenditure on food products and investments in the health care sector. Singapore's Cold Chain Market has grown at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2016-2021 driven primarily by demands from the advanced and significant food service and healthcare industry. Singapore Cold Storage Market has grown at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2016-2021 driven primarily by the high investment made in the form of new infrastructure, and increasing pallet capacities. Singapore's Cold Transport Market has grown at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2016-2021 driven by the increasing requirement for vaccine transportation and rising demand for processed foods in Singapore. Malaysia Cold Chain Market Outlook To 2026 - Driven By Increase In Demand For Perishable Food Items And Its Establishment As The Halal Industry Hub, Malaysia Cold Chain Market Experiencing Growth The Cold Chain market in Malaysia is expected to experience moderate level of growth at a single digit CAGR in terms of revenue during the period 2021P-2026F. The Cold Chain market in Malaysia is expected to experience positive growth owing to the increase in demand for perishable food items, increase in e-commerce and government's initiatives to improve the logistics infrastructure in the country as part of Malaysia's 'National Transport Policy'. Moreover, the operational efficiency in Malaysia cold chain market over the forecast period 2021P-2026F is to improve with the increasing adoption of warehouse automation technologies such as RFID, AS/AR, WMS, AMR and others. Thailand Cold Chain Market Outlook to 2026F- Driven by Rising Import-Export Trade Volume and Domestic Consumption of Meat, Seafood and Popularity of Ready to Eat Frozen Processed Food According to Ken Research estimates, the Thailand Cold Chain Market is forecasted to grow more than THB 20 Bn by 2026F, owing to the growing demand of processed ready-to-eat food, rising export volumes, expanding storage capacity and new and advanced technologies. The Thailand Cold Chain Industry comprises of Cold Storage and Cold Transport with presence of major companies such as JWD logistics, Thaimax, Yokorei and Interexpress Logistics operating in the market. The Cold chain market is slightly consolidated with the presence of some big market leaders catering to main end users as Meat and Seafood, Fruits and Vegetables industry. Since the past decade, the Government is investing in Physical Infrastructure development of Thailand in terms of roads and Highways, Major seaport, airports development, Special Economic Zones. Follow Us - LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth Ankur@kenresearch.com +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661352/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nigeria-cold-chain-market-is-expected-to-generate-usd-130-mn-by-2026f-owning-to-thriving-e-commerce-increase-in-imports-of-cold-chain-commodities-like-pharmaceuticals-and-investments-from-foreign-logistics-players-ken-research-301741053.html Sheridan, Wyoming and La Serena, Chile--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - US-based corporation, Kryptk Pacific Minerals (KPM), a mining operator with significant copper, gold and silver mine assets, initially raised $1 million for exploration and mine acquisition - primarily through its cryptocurrency partner - and now intends to raise $15 million to exploit newly acquired mines in Chile. This equity capital will be used for drilling and testing of the new mines for rare earths, bolstering its Chilean workforce and the purchase of operational equipment to expand copper production capabilities at active mines. KPM was founded in 2021 by CEO Jayson Elliott, an attorney, mining investor and successful entrepreneur, after an expedition to Chile to seek opportunities for copper, precious metals and rare earths. In country, Jayson was best positioned to navigate the regulations and remote geographies of Chile, overcoming the challenges of doing business in Chile, and identifying mines with proven ore yields. Working with local engineers and geologists, he acquired distressed copper mining assets, primarily as a consequence of Covid. The subsequent delivery of several loads of copper ore to local buyers ensured the proof-of-concept for KPM. Today, growing global demand is an opportunity to scale-up production, including the need to process mineral concentrates on site. "We always start a new operation slowly, as it is important for us to get it right from the beginning," stated Elliott. "We cooperate with people who have mined in the local area, communities who know how to manage the process with minimal environmental impact." KPM allocates a proportion of its profits to reforest the land, support local communities and invests in renewable energy at off-grid sites. The mining operations of Kryptk Pacific Chile SpA are located in the III and IV regions of Chile (Atacama and Coquimbo), 420 km north of Santiago. The region is home to some of the largest copper & gold mines in the world and has recently opened areas where a lack of roads previously made exploration & production impossible. KPM has demonstrated that it knows how to secure valuable assets and operate in foreign countries. KPM sees Chile as a potential partner to process its copper resources responsibly and sustainably for use in electric vehicle batteries. Copper is so integral to the green transition - with global demand buoyed by international efforts to reduce carbon emissions and the EV revolution - yet limited global supply threatens to deplete copper stocks by 2025-6. Inevitably, copper prices will rise. Contact Info: info@kryptk.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153237 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Real talk from the front lines of today's research and manufacturing landscape This article originally appeared in our 2022 Horizons Life Sciences report, which includes insights from industry leaders and CRB's experts. Get your copy of the report here. My kids discovered Charlotte's Web last year. They cheered when we got to the part where Charlotte saves her snouted friend from the breakfast table by weaving magic words into her web: Some Pig. I thought of those words a few months ago, when a surgical team at the University of Maryland transplanted a pig heart into a human for the first time. The animal behind that heart was, indeed, some pig; researchers at the biotech company Revivicor used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit 10 of its genes, hoping that their modifications would reduce the risk of organ rejection. For two months, the transplant recipient lived. Behind those two months lie two decades of research; ahead lies a new era defined by one breakthrough after another, giving hope to patients who had little of it before. Take Yescarta, an engineered T-cell therapy from Kite, a Gilead company, for example-it recently moved from last to second line of defense against non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Meanwhile, Vertex Pharmaceuticals is reporting promising results for the first trial participants who received a potentially curative cell therapy for type 1 diabetes. Exciting discoveries aren't limited to the cell therapy submarket, though. Last year, regulators approved a first-in-class siRNA therapy from Swiss-based Novartis that could lower cholesterol with just two yearly doses, creating a novel alternative to continuous statin therapy. With these and other amazing new therapies on the horizon, it's a good time to be-and to stay-alive. Horizons: Life Sciences looks closely at what it takes for companies large and small to keep pace with this rate of discovery. It's the third Horizons report in our life sciences series, and the first to invite North American, European, and multinational companies to share their perspectives with us. Of nearly 500 respondents, a large majority represent research and development roles, upstream of CGMP manufacturing. This gives us a unique look through the laboratory's keyhole; using our survey data, we see that today's life science companies are investing in novel research, pushing against long-established comfort zones, and moving cautiously but steadily toward an advanced standard of care for critically ill patients. In particular, we're seeing a rapidly maturing industry that's in pursuit of: More Diversification The majority of our survey respondents have multiple product types in development or in production, from monoclonal antibodies to cell therapies to mRNA vaccines. The days of single-product specialization are receding; as these survey results indicate, today's companies are utilizing the wide array of tools now available to rapidly expand their pipeline and address diverse indications. More Multimodal Manufacturing In order to build resilience and scalability into their increasingly complex product pipelines, today's life science companies are pushing beyond traditional processing approaches. Whether well-established or just starting up, nearly all of our survey respondents (90%) are developing and manufacturing multiple therapy modalities in a single building, or plan to do so in the future. More Partnership Pipeline complexity and a push toward multimodal businesses have changed the relationship between owners and contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs). More than half of our survey respondents plan to rely on CDMOs over the next three years, and we're seeing a rise in hybrid models-that is, owners who are offering their in-house manufacturing expertise for hire. Once a provisional resource, CDMOs are now sought after for their expertise and have become a core component of a smart business strategy for life science innovators. More Talent Underscoring each of these high-level shifts in the business of life science manufacturing is an on-the-ground battle for skilled workers. More than half of our survey respondents with cell therapies in their pipeline, for example, say that a lack of trained staff is a chronic weak point. Meanwhile, the nature of in-demand talent is changing as companies mature towards more automated, AI-driven manufacturing models, with the traditional C-suite expanding to include roles previously unseen in this industry, such as "Chief Data Officer." To understand the nuances driving each of these trends and their impact on individual submarkets within the life sciences, we've segmented this report into eight chapters. Each one turns a discerning eye to the Horizons survey data, giving you a contextualized perspective on what today's companies are doing to drive success at the lab bench, in the manufacturing facility, and at every point in between. An overall perspective on the life science industry The pandemic incentivized harmonization and attracted more funding to certain segments of the life science industry while introducing greater agility to the regulatory environment. Since then, companies have adopted an optimistic but more cautious approach to ongoing research and discovery. That means carefully weighing the risks and rewards of capital spending and pipeline expansion while continuously pushing for new and exciting discoveries. Join Jake Adams and Peter Walters as they examine this dynamic landscape, using thousands of survey data points to paint a picture of a scalable, flexible future for the life sciences. RNA Technologies The rapid arrival of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, following years of R&D and clinical success of non-coding oligonucleotide RNAs, catapulted RNA-based therapies into the spotlight. But, in addition to preventing infectious diseases, these technologies- using both non-coding RNA as well as coding RNA-can be harnessed to treat other conditions, like cancer. When compared to other biologics, RNA technologies have the potential to increase speed to market, lower costs, and reduce regulatory requirements. In this article, industry experts David Estape and Brendan Nichols lead us through the responses from biotech startups and pharma companies that demonstrate a burgeoning interest in RNA drug products, expanding investment in RNA product manufacture larger quantities of RNA than ever before. Cell Therapies More than 300 of our respondents have cell therapies in their pipeline, making this one of the most dynamic-and challenging-submarkets in the Horizons survey. Securing a supply of critical materials, managing access to apheresis centers, recruiting trained staff, ensuring reliable results from cell processing equipment-these are the obstacles that are slowing our respondents' progress from concept to commercialization, but they are also catalysts for new and game-changing strategies. Hear from experts Jan Bondoc and Allan Bream as they examine how researchers are leveraging standardized platforms to maximize the versatility and scalability of their processes, and how decentralized manufacturing will change the future of autologous production-a future that will see cell therapies mature from our last line of defense to an accessible and expected level of patient care. Gene Therapies Survey respondents at work in this submarket painted a very clear picture for us: change is coming, and it's coming fast. Most respondents plan to leap from the small-scale batches necessary for early clinical trials to much larger manufacturing volumes within just three years, and they've got exciting strategies to help them do that. Suspension cell cultures, sterile filtration, stable cell lines, and in-house plasmids manufacturing are attracting an enormous volume of R&D activity among both owners and CMOs as this race toward the commercial market heats up. Experts Devin Hersey and Peter Waltersbreak down this survey data to provide a close and prophetic look at this rapidly maturing field. Therapeutic Proteins From 100 years of advancements in insulin treatment to the approval of more than 100 monoclonal antibody therapies, the field of therapeutic proteins has come a long way-especially in the last few years wherein trends, technologies, and perceptions in the industry saw significant changes. Whether it's developing strategies for greater process intensification and continuous manufacturing, or the more recent risk-based approaches to process closure, there is much activity and insight coming out of research and development-and our experts, Rob Boulanger and John Rubero, are investigating how developers of therapeutic proteins are strategizing for the future. Drug Product Manufacturing The tailwinds from COVID-19 treatment innovation have ushered in a new era for drug product manufacturing-one that seems to be looking beyond rare disease markets and smaller patient populations to search for the next blockbuster drug; one that is engaging with drug product formulations that are becoming increasingly more complex; and one that is readily embracing automation and online/inline monitoring technologies even at the clinical production operations level. Our expert, Christa Myers, discusses these trends and how they will impact commercial manufacturing in the future, with an eye toward the ultimate goal of getting safe, effective medications to patients as fast as possible. Pharma 4.0 In addition to the innovations that last year's respondents were keen on-tech like artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and cloud computing-we are seeing an encouraging evolution in the journey to implementing all aspects of Pharma 4.0, including smart end-user devices, advanced robotics, and digital twins. Companies appear eager to continue the climb to the next level of digital maturity, and a desire to do this quickly. We can see that in the abundance of recent acquisitions that have brought AI innovators into established life science companies. But respondents remain sanguine about how to get there, knowing that budget constraints, organizational reluctance, and a lack of skilled labor might hold them back. Join expert Yvonne Duckworth in a detailed look at today's digitalization landscape and tomorrow's opportunities. The Case for Modular Design Most of our survey respondents have plans to expand over the next five years, with some indicating an intent to establish a footprint in other countries. Optimizing capital and operations expenditure in these expansion efforts means standardizing operations between sites, expediting regulatory approvals, and remaining agile to demand for new modalities and technologies. Experts Daniel Fritsche and JP Bornholdt explore the benefits of modular design in multi-site expansion, harmonizing the best of customization and standardization. The next frontier for life sciences The world of Charlotte's Web, in which cunning spiders save pigs' lives, may seem like the stuff of fantasy, but the real world can be even stranger-a genetically modified pig with the potential to save a human life, for example. And yet here we are. Established therapies like monoclonal antibodies continue to find new applications; meanwhile, novel ideas like in vivo gene editing attract record-setting investments and tease a future in which the word "incurable" falls out of use. With all of this momentum behind it, the life science industry is on the cusp of new and previously unimaginable discoveries, giving us the tools and strategies we need to manage and cure critical illnesses with greater efficacy and repeatability than ever before. This report is a compendium of those tools and strategies, drawn from the perspective of hundreds of life science companies as they race toward a new horizon. To access more insights on the life sciences manufacturing industry, download the report here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CRB on 3blmedia.com.\ Contact Info: Spokesperson: CRB Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/crb Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: CRB View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738437/Whats-Next-for-the-Life-Science-Industry VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / The Power Play by The Market Herald has announced the release of new interviews with Brascan Gold, Orford Mining, ARway and UGE International discussing their latest news. The Power Play by The Market Herald provides investors with a quick snapshot of what they need to know about the company's latest press release through exclusive insights and interviews with company executives. Brascan Gold (CSE:BRAS) acquires Quebec lithium properties Brascan Gold (BRAS) has acquired 30 sq. km. of new claims prospective for lithium in the James Bay region of northern Quebec. The region hosts existing lithium deposits, and the claims cover Archean to Neoarchean metamorphic rocks derived from sediments and volcanics, as well as mapped granitic pegmatite. Balbir Johal, CEO of Brascan, spoke with Simon Druker about the news. For the full interview with Balbir Johal and to learn about Brascan Gold, click here. Orford Mining (TSXV:ORM) identifies lithium potential on its northern Quebec land package Orford Mining (ORM) has completed a review of geochemical data on both its Qiqavik Gold property and West Raglan Nickel Copper PGM property. Orford used government lake sediment surveys, magnetic surveys, geological mapping and rock sampling databases to help define the most prospective lithium targets in the area. President & CEO David Christie met with Simon Druker to discuss the news. For the full interview with David Christie and to learn about Orford Mining, click here. ARway Corp (CSE:ARWY)(OTCPK:ARWYF) signs AR Wayfinding deal with Saudi German Health ARway (ARWY) announced that Saudi German Health has chosen to utilize the company's augmented reality wayfinding solution. Saudi German Health is the leading private healthcare provider across the Middle East and North Africa. ARway Founder Baran Korkmaz sat down with Simon Druker to discuss the news. For the full interview with Baran Korkmaz and to learn about ARway, click here. UGE International (TSXV:UGE) reaches commercial operation on newly-acquired project in Texas UGE International (UGE) has acquired two solar projects and one battery energy storage system in Texas. The acquisition is comprised of two ground-mount solar projects and one battery energy storage system project, all located in Bastrop County, Texas. The energy produced by the first project will be sold to the City of Smithville, Texas. Nick Blitterswyk, CEO of UGE, met with Simon Druker to talk about the news. For the full interview with Nick Blitterswyk and to learn about UGE International, click here. Interviews for The Power Play by The Market Herald are released daily. To learn more about the companies featured in The Power Play or to explore our other interviews visit? The Power Play by The Market Herald. About The Market Herald The Market Herald Canada is the leading source of authoritative breaking stock market news for self-directed investors. Our team of Canadian markets reporters, editors and technologists covers the entire listed company universe in Canada. We cover over 3,985 businesses, their people, their investors, and their customers. We write the stories that move the Canadian capital markets. DISCLAIMER: Report Card Canada Media Ltd. ("Report Card") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market Herald Limited, an Australian company ("Market Herald"). Report Card is not an advisory service, and does not offer, buy, sell, or provide any other rating, analysis or opinion on the securities we discuss. We are retained and compensated by the companies that we provide information on to assist them with making information available to the public. All information available on themarketherald.ca and/or this press release should be considered as commercial advertisement and not an endorsement, offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities. Report Card is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority in any province or territory of Canada, will not be performing any registerable activity as defined by the applicable regulatory bodies and do not provide nor claim to provide investment advice or recommendations to any visitor of this site or readers of any content on or originating from themarketherald.ca. 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Any action you take upon the information you find on this document and/or website (themarketherald.ca) is strictly at your own risk. Report Card will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website. From our website, you can visit other websites by following hyperlinks to such external sites. While we strive to provide only quality links to useful and ethical websites, we have no control over the content and nature of these sites. These links to other websites do not imply a recommendation for all the content found on these sites. Site owners and content may change without notice and may occur before we have the opportunity to remove a link which may have gone 'bad'. Please be also aware that when you leave our website, other sites may have different privacy policies and terms which are beyond our control. Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their "Terms of Service" before engaging in any business or uploading any information. CONTACT: The Market Herald marketing@themarketherald.ca themarketherald.ca SOURCE:?The Market Herald View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738438/The-Power-Play-by-The-Market-Herald-Releases-New-Interviews-with-Brascan-Gold-Orford-Mining-ARWay-and-UGE-International-Discussing-Their-Latest-News NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Within a shift work environment, fatigue is one of the leading causes of risk to operators. According to studies, 40 per cent of nighttime workers nod off during their shift. The Driver Safety System (DSS) is an in-cab technology with a camera that monitors the operator's facial and eye movements through a 24-point scan. The system is activated by a micro-sleep or distraction event. Operators who experience an event are alerted through an audio alarm and seat vibration that are part of the DSS. The technology has already been implemented at Syncrude's Aurora and Mildred Lake sites and is now being installed at Suncor's Base Plant haul truck fleet. "This technology is another tool to help us be safe," says Gerald Pratt, the General Manager of Mine Operations, Base Plant. "We're leveraging information and learning along the way from others that use the technology." Read the full story. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Suncor Energy on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Suncor Energy Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/suncor-energy Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Suncor Energy View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738446/Driver-Safety-System-Using-Technology-To-Improve-Safety-at-Suncor NEOLITH BECAME ONE OF THE MOST VISITED BRANDS AT KBIS, WHERE MORE THAN 50,000 PEOPLE CAME TO SEE FIRST-HAND ITS MOST SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS AND CUTTING-EDGE DESIGNS Neolith showcases latest innovations in sintered stone through stunning apartment-themed booth at KBIS 2023 Neolith presented its four new models which combine innovation and sustainability, design and art highlighting, above all, the Iconic Design technology. During the three-day show, the brand welcomed more than 50,000 people at its booth, immersing them into the latest trends in the design, fashion and beauty of interior and exterior living spaces and environments. Neolith's "touch.feel.live" philosophy came alive, allowing visitors to feel inspired and enjoy extraordinary experiences created by the brand. Neolith, the world leader in the sintered stone industry, dazzled crowds at KBIS 2023, the largest kitchen and bathroom tradeshow in the world, held January 31 to February 2 in Las Vegas, thanks to its assortment of sustainable innovations and avant-garde designs. Neolith presented four new designs Everest Sunrise, Cappadocia Sunset, Neolith Victoria and La Piasentina featuring the latest technology and art in sustainable decor. The Everest Sunrise model represents a flawless and perfectly balanced quartzite, specifically designed to illuminate any space at home, while Cappadocia Sunset evokes the textures, movement and dynamism of a Turkish landscape, without compromising elegance, neutrality in the color and balance expected in Neolith surfaces. The Neolith Victoria and La Piasentina models, from the Neolith Iconic Design series, are part of new product line which represents the long-awaited breakthrough of the decade, expected to set all new standards in the sintered stone industry. Under three main pillars, design, innovation and sustainability, these avant-garde surfaces respond to one of the great market demands, creating endless design opportunities in a multitude of applications. "KBIS was the perfect time and place to present our new product innovation", says Jose Luis Ramon, CEO of the Neolith Group, who has travelled to the city to attend the event. "I have had the pleasure of being part of a memorable journey at KBIS, where we have welcomed thousands of architects, designers and consumers who are inspired by our brand. Unveiling our latest products and technologies while transmitting that "touch, feel, live" brand experience to people is something very exciting to witness. It has proven once again, that being constantly at the forefront is critical to our ongoing success." The booth not only stood out for its attractive staging, but also served as a showcase for the brand's philosophy, represented under its "touch.feel.live" mantra, which accompanied attendees throughout the visitor journey including the annual VIP party which hosted a series of emotion-evoking activations. Neolith's participation in KBIS comes after a record year in 2022, which saw the largest expansion of Neolith in the North American territory. "It has been a true honor to welcome so many end users, industry professionals and brand lovers from all over North America to the show", said Meir Levy VP of West Coast for Neolith North America. "Listening to our channel partners hearing from them is a gift that drives our desire to fuel their passion for our collective work. 2023 is going to be another memorable year for us, having closed our best year to date, which will serve to improve as we continue to inspire the creation of unique spaces with Neolith," said James Amendola, VP of East Coast and Canada at Neolith North America. About Neolith Fully believing in the idea that "the best thing about creating something is living it", Neolith is the global leader in sintered stone. A pioneering architectural surface with superior technical characteristics made of 100% all-natural raw materials, it can provide indoor and outdoor solutions. All around the world, it has become an essential style element for any kitchen, bathroom, facade, floor and even exclusive designer furnishings. The virtues of Neolith sintered stone combine next-generation technology featuring impressive no-limits designs through its Iconic Design line and high functionality. All of that, along with Neolith's sustainable DNA, have led it to becoming one of the most environmentally friendly materials on the planet as it advocates sustainable beauty in all of its collections to inspire new trends in architecture. The company is currently immersed in an expansion plan aimed at key geographic areas such as North America, Europe, the UK, China and Australia in order to continue contributing to the creation of unique spaces and extraordinary experiences featuring sustainable functional design in the more than 100 countries where it is present through direct distribution as well as an extensive sales and partner network. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207006073/en/ Contacts: Tia Giannone, tia@torchiacom.com 514-999-1732 THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Gama Explorations Inc. (CSE:GAMA)(FSE:N79) ("Gama" or the "Company") Gama Explorations Inc. (CSE: GAMA)(FSE:N79) ("Gama" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its news release on January 19, 2023, it has upsized its previously announced non-brokered private placement of units of the company (the "Offering") to accommodate investor demand, and has now closed the Offering. Under the Offering, Gama raised $5,404,596 in gross proceeds through the issuance of 12,010,214 units at a price of $0.45 ("Units"). Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company, and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.80 for a period of 36 months. Mick Carew, PhD, CEO of GAMA, noted "We are thrilled with the overwhelming investor demand for this financing, and are excited to welcome new shareholders in the Company. This financing significantly bolsters the Company's treasury and provides a solid foundation for GAMA to actively explore its Tyee Nickel Project in the Havre-Saint-Pierre Anorthosite region in Quebec, as well as newly-acquired Muskox Lithium project in the Yellowknife Pegmatite Province, and its Big Onion Copper-Gold Project in British Columbia. We believe our suite of battery metals assets are prospective in their mineralization potential and look forward to updating investors on our progress in the upcoming 12 months." In connection with the closing, the Company paid $221,359 and issued 401,532 finder's warrants to eligible finders, all of whom are arm's length to the Company and its insiders. Each finder's warrant is exercisable into one common share at a price of $0.80 for 36 months. The proceeds of the Offering will be used for exploration expenditures on the Company's Tyee Nickel project in Quebec, its Muskox Lithium project in the Northwest Territories, and its Big Onion Copper-Gold project in BC, as well as for general corporate purposes and working capital. All securities issued pursuant to this private placement are subject to a statutory four month hold and one day period in accordance with applicable Canadian Securities Laws. About Gama Explorations Inc. Gama is a Canadian company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE:GAMA), and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: N79). The Company is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties containing metals used in green technologies and the renewable energy sector. The Company recently announced the addition of the Muskox Pegmatite Lithium Project situated within the Yellowknife Pegmatite Province in the Northwest Territories, to compliment its existing portfolio consisting of the Big Onion Copper-Molybdenum Project located a short 20-minute drive from the town of Smithers in northern British Columbia (option to earn 100%). Further, GAMA owns 100% of the Tyee Nickel-Copper Massive Sulphide Project located in North-Eastern Quebec. The Company continuously evaluates opportunities to acquire interest in additional exploration stage mineral properties in stable jurisdictions. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, Mick Carew, PhD | CEO and Director Email: mick@gamaexplorations.com For further information please contact: Focus Communications Tel: +1 647 689 6041 Email: info@fcir.ca The securities being offered under the private placement have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements and applicable U.S. state securities laws. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as well as historical information. Readers should not rely on information in this summary for any purpose other than for gaining general knowledge of the Company. The words "expected", "will" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its expectations as reflected in any forward-looking statements, are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, 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. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release SOURCE: Gama Explorations Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/738423/Gama-Announces-Closing-of-Oversubscribed-Private-Placement Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - Blackrock Silver Corp. (TSXV: BRC) (the "Company" or "Blackrock") is pleased to announce the filing of a technical report titled, "Technical Report on the Silver Cloud Property, Elko County, Nevada, USA" (the "Technical Report") with an effective date of January 27, 2023. The Technical Report was independently completed for the Company by Nancy J. Wolverson, CPG, Consulting Geologist, of Reno, Nevada, in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The Technical Report supersedes the previous technical report on the Silver Cloud property dated January 25, 2021. The Technical Report is available under Blackrock's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at https://blackrocksilver.com. About Blackrock Silver Corp. Backed by gold and silver ounces in the ground, Blackrock is a junior precious metal focused exploration company driven to add shareholder value via the drill bit. With 2.97 million tonnes grading 446 g/t silver equivalent1 at its Tonopah West project, and a new bonanza-grade gold discovery at Silver Cloud, the Company has a proven track record of exploration success. In addition to its gold and silver project portfolio, the Company is credited with a lithium discovery, the Tonopah North project, which is under option to a major lithium exploration group. Anchored by a seasoned Board, the Company is focused on its 100% controlled Nevada portfolio of properties consisting of low-sulphidation, epithermal gold and silver mineralization located along the established Northern Nevada Rift in north-central Nevada and the Walker Lane trend in western Nevada. For further information, please contact: Andrew Pollard, President & CEO Blackrock Silver Corp. Phone: 604 817-6044 Email: andrew@blackrocksilver.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 1 Technical information relating to the Tonopah West project is based on and derived from the NI 43-101 report prepared for Blackrock entitled "Technical Report and Estimate of Mineral Resources for the Tonopah West Silver-Gold Project, Nye and Esmeralda Counties, Nevada, USA" effective April 28, 2022 (the "Tonopah West Technical Report"). The Tonopah West Technical Report outlines 2.97 million tonnes at a block diluted grade of 208 grams per tonne (g/t) silver (Ag) and 2.5g/t gold (Au) for a total inferred mineral resource of 19,902,000 ounces Ag and 238,000 ounces Au, or 446 g/t silver equivalent (AgEq) for 42.6 million oz AgEq. AgEq equivalent grade is based on silver and gold prices of US$20/ounce and US$1750/ounce, respectively, and recoveries for silver and gold of 87% and 95%, respectively. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/154016 Miami Beach, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - The Smoking Pie, a modern artisanal pizza shop located in Miami, Florida, is excited to be celebrating its second year in business since the coronavirus pandemic. Originally launching in 2018 in New York City, the company closed its doors after COVID swept the nation, adhering to food and safety protocol. In February 2021, the company relocated to Miami Beach, and as 2023 presses on, The Smoking Pie is seeing its second successful year in Florida. The brand is hoping to maintain its roots as a black-owned hot spot in Miami, while expecting rapid expansion within the next few years. The company is optimistic about expansion throughout Florida, but also on a nationwide level. On the horizon, they hope to see The Smoking Pie franchises in Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville, Florida, as well as Charlotte, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. This potential growth will help to bring the downtown Miami experience and vibe to cities all across the country. "I got to the position I'm in today by trial and error," Laboy explains when opening up about his company and its success. "I started by opening a number of bars/lounges/clubs and realized along the way that that's not what I really wanted to do. Instead, I wanted to create a combination of a restaurant and lounge, serving good food and good times." The Smoking Pie hopes to maintain a foothold in the nightlife of Miami Beach, where locals and tourists alike can feel welcome in their space. By working to adapt to change in the city, Laboy and the team with The Smoking Pie are excited for the upcoming second anniversary of their passion project. "One thing that I would say to anyone who is looking to follow in my footsteps is to never give up," says Laboy. "There's nothing that can't be achieved if you work hard enough to make it happen and lastly because if I can do it, anybody can." With the relocation and pandemic as major setbacks, Michael Laboy is thrilled to be seeing a second successful year for The Smoking Pie. The Smoking Pie is a restaurant and bar/lounge that serves pizza pies as well as drinks and offers a Hookah service. The company is excited about its two year anniversary since its relocation in Miami Beach, Florida. The store is located at 1625 Michigan Ave, and operates as an adults only pizzaria. For more information regarding The Smoking Pie, visit their website. Michael Laboy info@thesmokingpie.com (305) 397-8404 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153871 Dotfile, a Paris, France-based compliance operating system helping fintech and regulated businesses to verify their customers, raised 2.5M in Seed funding. The round was led by V13 INVEST (FDJ fund delegated to Serena) with participation from Kima Ventures, Pareto Holdings, Super Capital, Upscalers, Polymatter Ventures as well as several startup founders from the fintech industry. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate the development of its compliance platform, expand its team and expand into new markets. With the new funding, Dotfile will continue to develop its platform, leveraging an API-centric approach to allow customers to integrate verification capabilities into their own systems. The company also plans to invest in analytics capabilities and to double its workforce by the end of the year. Founded in 2021 and led by CEO Vasco Alexandre, Dotfile helps organizations automate customer approval and fraud detection so they can onboard clients faster and save on operational costs, while shielding them from legal, financial and reputational risks. The compliance solution is natively integrated with leading financial databases, business registries, AML providers and fraud prevention APIs. Customers can mix and match data sources and configure custom decision rules without coding. FinSMEs 07/02/2023 LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions, part of RELX, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aistemos Limited, a UK based patent classification company, which trades under the Cipher brand. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2023. Financial details are not disclosed. After the acquisition, Cipher will become part of LexisNexis PatentSight, the LexisNexis flagship IP analytics solution. With the addition of the Cipher classification capabilities, PatentSight customers will be able to build custom technology taxonomies based on how they view the world and make those custom classifiers available across their entire IP department, providing a consistent understanding of the worlds technologies. Led by Nigel Swycher, CEO, Cipher is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) analytics platform which uses machine learning to automate the classification of patented technologies into custom or industry standard taxonomies. This classification supports IP teams in their strategic patent decisions and helps them communicate the risk and associated value of patents. With Cipher, users can optimise their patent portfolio, gather competitor intelligence, manage the budget, conduct due diligence and benchmark their portfolio. It uses artificial intelligence and supervised machine learning to classify patents, helping customers uncover insights into complex landscapes of patented technologies to support their strategic IP decisions. The classifiers are built from proprietary machine learning algorithms that map patents to technologies using custom and industry standard taxonomies. Led by Andrew Matuch, Presidentm LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions brings clarity to innovation for businesses worldwide. Its suite of workflow and analytics solutions (LexisNexis IP DataDirect, LexisNexis IPlytics, LexisNexis PatentAdvisor, LexisNexis PatentOptimizer,LexisNexis PatentSight and LexisNexis TotalPatent One) aims to enable companies to be more efficient and effective at bringing meaningful innovations to our world. RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The Group serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs over 30,000 people, of whom almost half are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. The market capitalization is approximately 46.7bn, 52.3bn, $56bn. FinSMEs 07/02/2023 The Rounds, a Halifax, Canada-based healthcare tech startup, raised two follow-on investments totaling CAD $1.6M bringing the Series A to CAD $6.7M. The round was led by Panoramic Ventures, and Invest Nova Scotia. The company intends to use the funds to continue the development of the platform and provide users with a secure, seamless, and intuitive experience. Led by Tim Rice, CEO, The Rounds provides therounds.com a free gated network designed to connect and collaborate with licensed healthcare professionals across North America. The platform helps physicians and healthcare professionals collaborate in highly specialized Communities of Practice (CoPs) where they can discuss medical topics with peers. Medical associations and multinational pharmaceutical companies leverage the company as a third-party intermediary to ensure medical advances and new therapeutic options are at the fingertips of verified licensed medical professionals. Since its founding in 2012, The Rounds has signed relationships with national governing bodies such as the Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board (PAAB) and Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC). FinSMEs 07/02/2023 Ushur, a Santa Clara, CA-based company providing an AI-powered Customer Experience Automation (CXA), raised $50M in Series C funding. The round was led by Third Point Ventures with participation from existing investors Iron Pillar, 8VC, Aflac Ventures and Pentland Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to expand its experience automation portfolio, developing new innovations in AI and moving into new regions and industry verticals. Led by CEO Simha Sadasiva, Ushur delivers an AI-powered Customer Experience Automation platform purpose-built from the ground up to intelligently automate entire customer journeys end to end. TheCXA platform facilitates Micro-Engagements, short exchanges of information that give customers the freedom to dip in and out of interactions at their convenience. With digital self-service at the core, Ushurs no-code platform enables non-technical users, especially in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, insurance and financial services, to visually create sophisticated AI-powered workflows for automating tasks such as claims processing and claimant engagement, urgent member interactions in adverse weather events, customer support, Medicaid redetermination, pharmacy experiences and appointment scheduling. In the last 12 months, Ushur has tripled its headcount, doubled its customer base and achieved a Net Revenue Retention (NRR) of 164% as enterprises have moved toward AI-driven automation solutions purpose-built for end-to-end customer engagement applications. Half of customers are Fortune 500 companies including globally recognized brand names such as Aflac, Cigna, CVS, Irish Life, United Healthcare and Unum Group. In addition to growing its customer base, Ushur has expanded its ecosystem through strategic partnerships with Benefitfocus, Sutherland, HCL, WNS, Sagility and Guidewire, the launch of a rapid integration capability with Salesforce AppExchange and the addition of Ushurs Healthcare solution to the Amazon Web Services Marketplace. FinSMEs 07/02/2023 Vev, an Utrecht, The Netherlands-based company that helps aspiring entrepreneurs to launch a business, raised 5m in funding. Backers included Notion Capital and Point Nine Capital. Led by CEO Michel Elings, Vev helps aspiring entrepreneurs to launch a business by providing its users with a ready-made and industry-specific software and payments track. Using Vev, founders can choose to launch one of over 100 business-types ranging from restaurateur to dog walker and the platform provides them with all the tools they need to start trading. Vev provides a broad range of services and advice, from auto-suggesting the next appointment for a haircut, tailored to a customers schedule; to optimizing the delivery routes of pizza couriers, in order to streamline business operations. Vev works from any device, and is tailored to meet the needs of a specific industry. FinSMEs 07/02/2023 Wisor AI, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based advanced freight booking software solution, raised $8m in seed funding. The round led by Team8 with participation from Ocean Azul and Hico Investment Group, as well as pre-seed investors fresh.fund, Atooro Fund, The Dock, Seed IL Ventures, and Izaki Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach. Led by Raz Ronen, CEO and Co-Founder, Wisor AI is an advanced freight booking software solution which allows freight forwarders to generate quotes and communicate with clients automatically and within minutes. Its plug and play solution automates both the manual process of aggregating pricing data as well as the optimization of shipping routes across the global freight ecosystem, including airlines, ocean liners, trucking, and rail companies. In addition to pricing automation, Wisors advanced algorithms continuously optimize pricing in the background even after the booking has been placed presenting further opportunities for freight forwarders to cut costs and improve their margins. FinSMEs 07/02/2023 Flagler senior curates on campus market featuring artisanal, hand-crafted products A cluster of tents lining the main sidewalk of Flaglers West Lawn has become an anticipated sight on campus for many who look forward to browsing hand-crafted products from local artisans on their lunch break. People see the tents and they get excited, they know exactly what it is, the Melanin Monday Market, Katera Frazier, student founder of the market, said. Frazier, a senior sociology major and ASL minor, acts as the primary organizer of Melanin Monday Market and one of its main vendors with her long-standing crochet business. She runs the monthly market through her position as events coordinator for the Black Student Union as an opportunity to showcase local and regional Black-owned small businesses. I truly enjoy doing markets, Frazier said. It is such a great way to connect with people in person and interact on another level outside of social media. I thought it was only right to bring a market onto campus to showcase local Black-Owned Businesses. Markets in St. Augustine and Jacksonville have been one of Fraziers primary avenues for growing her crochet business, which she established as the LLC Crochet with Passion in 2022. Its been more than a decade since Frazier picked up crocheting as a hobby, and six years since she first started selling her products. At the beginning, I had no clue how to run a business, Frazier said. And I didnt know of any resources to help get my business started. Not only did markets help Frazier develop her business, but they acted as an environment to meet other Black small business owners. In the early stages of bringing the Melanin Monday Market to life, those networks and connections she established provided a jumping-off point in securing vendors to participate. Many of the vendors I knew personally from other markets I have attended, Frazier said. So, I reached out to them to see if they wanted to be a part of a Black-owned business market and they were all for it. As she invited vendors to participate, Frazier said ensuring variety in the products being sold was a top priority. What's really cool about our market is that every vendor is different, she said. The first market was held in the Ringhaver Student Center last February, and hosted just four vendors including Crochet with Passion, Krayige Faye- a candle business, HotBox 904- a custom snack box business, and Scarlett Glitter- a cosmetics business. Despite its size, the market was a huge hit and turnout indicated a new, bigger space for the market would be necessary. People loved it, Frazier said. Students were coming, they were telling their professors, and professors were coming. We had people from the Bistro come over and support us too. The second rendition of the market was held during Spring 2022 Homecoming week outdoors, in the Commons of Abare Hall. While that location wasnt made permanent, it was obvious this extra space was crucial for the markets growth. Starting Fall 2022 semester, The Melanin Monday Market officially moved to the West Lawn and has hosted three successful markets since. Since solidifying this location, the vendor presence has more than doubled with products ranging from hand-painted jackets and butterfly-inspired earrings from Xaniduart, specialty cooking products from Tays Natural Butters, and opulent skincare from Seaside Sista Soap Co. Students, faculty, and staff have responded enthusiastically to the market and the products showcased. Frazier said some students have even told her they look forward to the markets as a way to restock on some of these products they would normally have to special order. What's really cool is a lot of people are on campus and it's like a one-stop shop and they don't have to go out their way in order to get these different things, she said. It's right there on campus once a month. But customers arent the only ones giving rave reviews. Frazier said the vendors, who are predominantly based in Jacksonville, have been excited to network with Flaglers student population representing so many different places. They've always told me that it's so cool how they're meeting people from all over because at Flagler we have people that are literally from, not just across Florida, but from other states and from other countries as well, Frazier said. Throughout the process of building the Melanin Monday Market, Frazier has leaned on her fellow members of the BSU Executive Board for support. She said theyre a dedicated group ready to help in any way they can. Every market, the executive board is on campus bright and early before vendors show up, she said. They help with unloading items for the vendors and assist with putting up tents. Frazier is set to graduate this spring but hopes the tradition of the market will continue regardless. She said its an event that resonated with our campus community and proved worth the significant effort that goes into making it happen. Our very first one was a success and it has been an amazing market ever since, she said. Many people look forward to this market every month and that makes me excited because it takes hard work to be able to coordinate an event like this and it is definitely paying off. Check out this 2020 video detailing Frazier's business "Crochet with Passion": Tagged As Cormac Schindler and Gabrian Rullin were named co-champions of this year's FBISD Spelling Bee. Vivian Tan was named this year's alternate. Around 10 miles north of Corvallis, the Najaf Training Center is a drill site for Oregon Army National Guard troops, including a cavalry scout unit based in Albany. Cavalry scouts work as the eyes and ears for ground commanders. As the tip of the operational spear, they sneak ahead of other troops, find a hiding spot, and determine the lay of the land. This past weekend, the Albany-based scouts took to the hilly woods of the training center to focus on warfighting skills, such as reconnaissance, land navigation, reacting to an ambush, and how to use the Javelin anti-tank missile system, which has proved indispensable in Ukraines fight against Russia. Alpha Troop is part of the 1st Squadron of the 82nd Cavalry Regiment, which is currently attached to the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the Washington National Guard. Although the unit is supplied with Stryker armored fighting vehicles, they took advantage of the weather to practice operating in an austere environment. Alpha is also known as Apache Troop, a nod to the legendary Native American scouts. Other units in the squadron also carry Native American nicknames. National Guard soldiers serve locally, training one weekend a month and often supporting the state under emergency conditions, such as wildfire and flooding. Some were activated to help with the COVID-19 pandemic. The units are also deployed in war zones and to other overseas locations. Capt. Kevin Jung took command of Alpha Troop in May 2022 as the unit returned from nine months deployed to Poland, building stronger relations with European allies, training and testing each others capabilities. He said theres a psychological warfare element to what his troops do. Scouting is painstaking work, Jung said, with troops moving around a kilometer an hour at times, examining every aspect of the terrain and the viability of routes for following units. Theyre looking as much at movement logistics as they are at potential threats. What they learned in Poland is the dismount teams are the best weapon, Jung said, noting each team has four Javelin missile systems with it. They cause fear and disorder for the enemy. You dont know when the shot is coming, but as soon as it happens, youre looking for us and were already gone. At the Javelin training station, Staff Sgt. Markus Layer described the weapon system as the most effective in the Armys arsenal for anti-armor engagements. He said raw combat data from Ukraine indicates it almost never misses unless theres a user error. The bang for the buck pencils out when you put the $200,000 price tag for one missile against millions of dollars for a tank, Layer said, adding it takes around 40 hours to train a soldier on using the Javelin. But shooting a live missile for training is pretty rare because of the cost, he said. Its actually a lot simpler than it looks, Layer said. A team leader, Sgt. Jacob Tarter typically leads and supports two or three other soldiers. The best part about serving, he said, is the good feeling that comes from serving the community. Being away from home is challenging, but he said the close location of the training center makes it a little easier. Manning the Mk 19 40mm automatic grenade launcher on his Stryker, Spc. Briley Culver said his job is protecting the vehicle among other duties. He too felt the sting of being away from loved ones, particularly during the recent overseas deployment. But thats balanced with knowing hes making a difference in the world. Just the fact that I walk in a uniform brings smiles to kids faces, Culver said. They see that and say, Wow, I want to be that someday. Spc. Kristoffer Bliss said being a scout is more about stealth, preferring recon and calling support to than straight-out gun fighting. Being first in, operating in small groups is hard, Bliss said. And the cramped Stryker offers few creature comforts, but its usually better than sleeping on the cold dirt. Were sleeping on the ground tonight, Culver said. But as a long as you have the bivouac cover and something warm to sleep in, youll be alright. TORONTO, Feb. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greenland Resources Inc. (NEO: MOLY, FSE: M0LY) (Greenland Resources or the Company) is pleased to announce the director voting results from the Companys ordinary-course annual general meeting held on February 6, 2023 (the Meeting). Each of the four director nominees proposed by management were elected by over 99% of the votes cast, demonstrating robust shareholder confidence and support for the board. Details of the voting results are as follows: Director For % Withheld % Ruben Shiffman 48,207,051 99.74% 125,000 0.26% Leonard Asper 48,207,051 99.74% 125,000 0.26% James Steel 48,207,051 99.74% 125,000 0.26% Nauja Bianco 48,207,051 99.74% 125,000 0.26% About Greenland Resources Inc. Greenland Resources is a Canadian public company with the Ontario Securities Commission as its principal regulator and is focused on the development of its 100% owned world-class Climax type pure molybdenum deposit located in central east Greenland. The Malmbjerg molybdenum project is an open pit operation with an environmentally friendly mine design focused on reduced water usage, low aquatic disturbance and low footprint due to modularized infrastructure. The Malmbjerg project benefits from a NI 43-101 Definitive Feasibility Study completed by Tetra Tech in 2022, with Proven and Probable Reserves of 245 million tonnes at 0.176% MoS 2 , for 571 million pounds of contained molybdenum metal. As the high-grade molybdenum is mined for the first half of the mine life, the average annual production for years one to ten is 32.8 million pounds per year of contained molybdenum metal at an average grade of 0.23% MoS 2 . The project had a previous exploitation license granted in 2009. With offices in Toronto, the Company is led by a management team with an extensive track record in the mining industry and capital markets. For further details, please refer to our web site (www.greenlandresources.ca) and our Canadian regulatory filings on Greenland Resources profile at www.sedar.com. The Project is supported by the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) as stated in their press release EIT/ERMA_June 13, 2022 Press Release, a Knowledge and Innovation Community of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. About Molybdenum and the European Union Molybdenum is a critical metal used mainly in steel and chemicals that is needed in all technologies in the upcoming green energy transition (World Bank, 2020; IEA, 2021). When added to steel and cast iron, it enhances strength, hardenability, weldability, toughness, temperature strength, and corrosion resistance. Based on data from the International Molybdenum Association and the European Commission Steel Report, the world produced around 576 million pounds of molybdenum in 2021 where the European Union (EU) as the second largest steel producer in the world used approximately 25% of global molybdenum supply and has no domestic molybdenum production. To a greater degree, the EU steel dependent industries like the automotive, construction, and engineering, represent around 18% of the EUs US$16 trillion GDP. Greenland Resources strategically located Malmbjerg molybdenum project has the potential to supply in and for the EU approximately 24 million pounds per year, of environmentally friendly molybdenum from a responsible EU Associate country, for decades to come. The high quality of the Malmbjerg ore, having low impurity content in phosphorus, tin, antimony, and arsenic, makes it an ideal source of molybdenum for the high-performance steel industry lead worldwide by Europe, specifically the Scandinavian countries and Germany. For further information please contact: Ruben Shiffman, PhD Chairman, President Keith Minty, P.Eng, MBA Engineering and Project Management Jim Steel, P.Geo, MBA Exploration and Mining Geology Nauja Bianco, M.Pol.Sci. Public and Community Relations Gary Anstey Investor Relations Eric Grossman, CPA, CGA Chief Financial Officer Corporate office Suite 1410, 181 University Av. Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 3M7 Telephone +1 647 273 9913 Email info@greenlandresourcesinc.com Web www.greenlandresources.ca Forward Looking Statements CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, or plan and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: future opportunities, future operating and capital costs, timelines, permit timelines, and the ability to obtain the requisite permits, economics and associated returns of the Malmbjerg molybdenum deposit, the technical viability of the Malmbjerg molybdenum deposit, the market and future price of and demand for molybdenum, the environmental impact of the Malmbjerg molybdenum deposit, the ability to procure and secure competitive management, contractors, and employees, and the ongoing ability to work cooperatively with stakeholders, including the local levels of government. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Companys objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, corporate governance objectives, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a Feasibility Study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, the ability to anticipate and counteract the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the business of the Company, including without limitation the effects of COVID-19 on the capital markets, commodity prices, supply chain disruptions, restrictions on labour and workplace attendance and local and international travel, death, disability or incapacity of the Companys directors and senior management, inability to procure competitive management officials and board directors, and those risks set out in the Companys public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Chicago, Feb. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the new market research report Cellular IoT Market by Component (Hardware, Software, and Services), Technology (2G, 3G, 4G, LTE-M, NB-LTE-M, NB-IoT, and 5G), Application, Vertical and Geography(North America, Europe, APAC, South America & MEA) - Global Forecast to 2027 The cellular IoT market is projected to grow from USD 3.9 billion in 2021 to USD 15.4 billion by 2027; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25.7% from 2021 to 2027. The key factors fueling the growth of the market include the increasing deployment of cellular IoT modules in smart city infrastructure and building automation verticals and growing demand for cellular IoT in agricultural automation and environmental monitoring. Additionally, increasing application of cellular IoT modules in medical wearables, and Increasing applications for cellular IoT modules in vehicle telematics and fleet management is expected to create a growth opportunity for the cellular IoT market. Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=232497754 Scope of the Report Report Metric Details Years considered 20182027 Base year considered 2020 Forecast period 20212027 Forecast units Volume (million units), Value (USD million/billion) Segments covered Component, Technology, Application, Vertical Regions covered North America, APAC, Europe, and RoW Companies covered Quectel (China), Thales Group (France), Fibocom Wireless (China), Telit Communications (UK), u-blox Holding (Switzerland), Sierra Wireless(US), Qualcomm (US), Mediatek (Taiwan), UNISOC Technologies (China), Altair Semiconductor (Israel), Intel (US), Nordic Semiconductor (Norway), Murata Manufacturing (Japan), Sequans Communication (France), Analog Devices (US), Qorvo (US), AT&T (US), GosuncnWelink Corporation (China), HiSilicon Technologies (China), MeiG Smart Technology (China), Neoway Technology (China), Sercomm Corporation (Taiwan), Skyworks (US), Xiamen CHEERZING IoT Technology (China), Commsolid (Goodix Technology (Germany) Browse in-depth TOC on "Cellular IoT Market" 150 Tables 58 Figures 232 Pages Opportunity: Increasing applications for cellular IoT modules in vehicle telematics and fleet management Vehicle telematics to enhance performance and connectivity, which maximizes an organizations assets, is one of the key emerging use cases for cellular IoT. According to MarketsandMarkets analysis, the telematics solutions market is projected to reach USD 62.6 billion by 2025 from USD 29.9 billion in 2020 at a CAGR of 15.9%. Apart from highway vehicles, the trend of implementing telematics solutions in off-highway vehicles is expected to present high growth opportunities for cellular IoT solution providers. When it comes to off-highway vehicles, such as cranes and excavators, time is considered to be a critical aspect with a limited number of technicians. This necessitates the need for implementing IoT and telematics solutions to monitor both equipment and on-road assets. Therefore, telematics solution providers are implementing cellular IoT modules in their product offerings, which makes it easy for off-highway vehicle OEMs and fleet managers to collect and analyze data to identify heavy equipment usage trends and field-based problems. Challenge: Development of common protocols and standards across IoT platform Presently, in the technical market scenario, IoT does not seem to provide a promising architectural solution or a universal standard to solve the interoperability issue. Thus, there is an urgent requirement for making universal standards for cellular IoT to eliminate the interoperability issues. Any universal standard seeking to encompass such diverse IoT applications would have to be scalable. To achieve this, enterprises, organizations, and developers are required to make efforts to develop a universal standard comprising all diverse IoT applications, devices, platforms, and software, which seems to be difficult to achieve in the next few years. The requirement for devices would vary depending on their applications, for instance, low power sensors are required for security cameras and streaming video signals. The complexity of developing a unified set of standards is high in the case of IoT; thus, organizations that set standards for wired and wireless IoT connectivity should come together to implement effective solutions. Speak to Analyst: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=232497754 Quectel (China) Quectel is one of the leading players in the manufacturing of cellular IoT modules. The company is among the top 5 players in the market. Quectel offers cellular and GNSS modules for a broad range of cellular technologies, such as 5G, LTE/LTE-A, NB-IoT/LTE-M, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)/High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA Thales Group (France) Thales Group covers the entire IoT stack, starting from connectivity and security to management and analysis. The companys connectivity stack comprises modules, terminals and gateways, modem cards, system on modules, development kits, and industrial SIM cards. Its security portfolio includes an IoT security platform with trusted key management solutions. Thales offers a Cinterion IoT suite that manages IoT devices and comprises connectivity management. Its product portfolio supports all cellular technologies, including LTE, NB-IoT, LTE Cat.M, and 5G. Recent Developments in Cellular IoT Industry In April 2021, Sierra Wireless has launched its HL7845 Module. The module features support for 450 MHz wireless spectrum and is designed to meet the IoT connectivity needs of utilities in Europe. In March 2021, Fibocom has launched next-generation 5G NR modules compliant with 3GPP R16 standard during Mobile World Congress Shanghai (MWC-S21). The launch includes FM150 and FG160 5G module series 5G module series of sub-6 GHz frequency range as well as the FM160W and FG160W series of mmWave range. In February 2021, Quectel launched the second-generation RG520-F and RG520-N 5G IoT modules that are compliant with 3GPP Release 16 standards. These modules support the following bands: sub-6GHz, Time Division Duplex (TDD), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), and Carrier Aggregation (CA). In February 2021, Fibocom has collaborated with Deutsche Telekom, the worlds leading integrated telecommunications company, and Redtea, a pioneering connectivity solutions provider, to deliver best-in-class commercial-ready nuSIM IoT modules. In January 2021, Quectel introduced RM500Q-AE, RM502Q-AE, and RM505Q-AE, a new set of 5G modules to accelerate the deployment of IoT devices. Its features include support to global 5G frequency bands, multi-gigabit data rates, multi-constellation GNSS capabilities, USB 3.0/3.1, PCIe 3.0, and eSIM interfaces. Related Reports: Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) Chipset Market by Device (Smart Meters, Smart Parking), Deployment (Guard, In-Band, Stand-Alone), Vertical (Energy & Utilities, Infrastructure, Building Automation), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 NEWARK, Del, Feb. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The worldwide sales of carrageenan were estimated to be around US$ 935.9 million in 2022, in terms of value. As per the global carrageenan market survey report, it is expected to rise at a rate of 4.8% during the forecast period. By registering such a fair CAGR, the overall valuation of the market is projected to reach US$ 1,567.4 million by 2033, growing from US$ 980.8 million in 2023. The growing popularity of processed and packaged foods is considered to be the main factor driving the carrageenan market worldwide. Carrageenan is a crucial component of many foods and drinks that people consume every day, rendering the carrageenan business a lucrative opportunity for many coastal countries. Carrageenan, on the other hand, is gaining more recognition in the healthcare, beauty, and personal care sectors these days. There is a growing emphasis by governments around the world to develop their pharmaceutical sector, where carrageenan may be utilized in bulk. Given such potential, the overall supply of carrageenan, as a thickening or film-forming agent, is projected to witness rapid growth in the coming days. Request Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-16630 Key Takeaways The United States is figured out to have control over nearly 27% of the carrageenan produced worldwide. China is the leading market in the Asia Pacific, as well as the significantly growing market for carrageenan production. Over the forecast years, its regional carrageenan market is poised to register a CAGR of 7.4%. Due to the rising trend of plant-derived additives for vegan foodstuffs, the gelling agent category holds a sizeable sales share in 2022. Upon a rising demand from fermentation industries, the stabilizer market segment based on application is predicted to expand quickly over the coming years. The emulsifiers and binding agents' segment is projected to expand as a result of ongoing attempts to phase out partly artificial emulsifiers. Based on application, the thickening agent segment's revenue share was nearly 40%, which was leading in 2022 and the preceding years. This is a result of the F&B as well as pharmaceutical industries' growing desire for clean-label thickeners. Lambda is mostly utilized as a thickener, since it cannot make a gel, unlike kappa and iota forms. While the kappa product type segment's revenue share was significantly approaching 70% in 2022 and earlier years. Competitive Landscape Accel Carrageenan Corporation, Cargill, Inc., CP Kelco U.S., Inc., DuPont Nutrition & Heath, Gelymar, Green Fresh Foods (India) Pvt. Ltd., Karagen Indonesia, CV, Kerry Group PLC, Shemberg Ingredients and Gums Corporation, SiChuan Xieli Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., TIC Gums, Inc., Ingredion Incorporated, Ashland, Ceamsa, W Hydrocolloids, Inc., Caldic B.V., Ina Food Industry Co. Ltd., PT. Gumindo Perkasa Industry, BLG, MCPI Corporation, AEP Colloid, Marcel Carrageenan, TBK Manufacturing Corporation, Prinova Group LLC, LAUTA Ltd., Aquarev Industries, Bang &Bonsomer, Agargel Industria e Comercio Ltd, Zhenpai Hydrocolloids Co., Ltd., and Tate & Lyle among others are prominent players in the global carrageenan market. Ask to Analyst@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-16630 Recent Developments Cargil and Caldic signed a contract in April 2019 to develop Cargil Corporation's supply of Carrageenan, Xanthum, and Pectin in the Nordic region. This collaboration is anticipated to expand its market penetration, while also assisting Caldic in growing its brand recognition in the region. Known for its ability to bind water, the substance is mostly used as a viscous base ingredient in skincare products, particularly water-based cosmetics. For example, carrageenan is present in items like DreamBrands Inc.'s Natural Moisturizing Lubricant lotion and L'Oreal's Pure-clay Glow-mask. Leading cosmetics industry players have entered the global carrageenan market, further intensifying the competition in recent years. Key segments By Type: Kappa Iota Lambda By Function: Thickening Agent Gelling Agent Stabilizer Other Functions By Processing Technology: Semi-refined Gel Pressed Alcohol Precipitation Others By End Uses: Food & Beverages Bakery Confectionery Meat Products Dairy Products Sauces & Dressings Beverages Others Personal Care & Cosmetics Pharmaceuticals Other End Uses By Region North America Latin America Europe East Asia South Asia and the Pacific The Middle East and Africa (MEA) Buy Report now@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/16630 Table of Content 1. Executive Summary | Carrageenan Market 1.1. Global Market Outlook 1.2. Demand-side Trends 1.3. Supply-side Trends 1.4. Technology Roadmap Analysis 1.5. Analysis and Recommendations 2. Market Overview 2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy 2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations 3. Market Background 3.1. Market Dynamics 3.1.1. Drivers 3.1.2. Restraints 3.1.3. Opportunity 3.1.4. Trends Preview Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/carrageenan-market Explore FMIs related ongoing Coverage in Food and Beverage Domain Carrageenan Gum Market Share: Carrageenan Gum market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.0 %. The market value is projected to increase from US$ 915.9 Mn in 2022 to US$ 1,355.7 Mn Mn by 2032. Food Grade Carrageenan Market Size: Sales of food grade carrageenan are expected to increase at a 7.1% CAGR, with the market valuation reaching US$ 2.3 Bn by 2032. Pharmaceutical Lactose Market Analysis: The global pharmaceutical lactose market size is set to be valued at US$ 392.3 million by 2033, recording a CAGR of 5.8% throughout the forecast period (2023 to 2033). Overall pharmaceutical lactose sales are likely to total a valuation of US$ 222.6 million in 2023. Gold Infused Skin Care Market Forecast: The global gold infused skin care market garnered a market value of US$ 3,412.3 Million in 2022 and is expected to accumulate a market value of US$ 14,238.9 Million by registering a CAGR of 15.4% in the forecast period 2022-2032. Organic Spices Market Value: The organic spices market is set to thrive at an average CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. The market is expected to hold a share of US$ 10.9 billion in 2023 while it is anticipated to cross a value of US$ 17.0 billion by 2033. About Future Market Insights, Inc. Future Market Insights, Inc. is an ESOMAR-certified business consulting & market research firm, a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and is headquartered in Delaware, USA. A recipient of Clutch Leaders Award 2022 on account of high client score (4.9/5), we have been collaborating with global enterprises in their business transformation journey and helping them deliver on their business ambitions. 80% of the largest Forbes 1000 enterprises are our clients. We serve global clients across all leading & niche market segments across all major industries. Did you lose money on investments in Avaya Holdings Corp.? If so, please visit Avaya Holdings Corp. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Joseph R. Seidman, Jr. at (877) 779-1414 or seidman@bernlieb.com to discuss your rights. NEW YORK, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of Avaya Holdings Corp. (Avaya or the Company) (NYSE: AVYA) between November 22, 2021 and November 29, 2022, inclusive (the Class Period). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Avaya purports to be a global leader in digital communications products, solutions and services for businesses of all sizes delivering its technology predominantly through software and services. The Company claims that its global, experienced team of professionals delivers award-winning services from initial planning and design, to seamless implementation and integration, to ongoing managed operations, optimization, training and support. Plaintiff alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period. Specifically, Plaintiff alleges that Defendants failed to disclose that: (i) the Company's internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) was deficient in several areas; (ii) as a result of these deficiencies, the Company had failed to design and maintain effective controls over its whistleblower policies and its ethics and compliance program; and (iii) the Company's deteriorating financial condition was likely to raise substantial doubt as to its ability to continue as a going concern. On July 28, 2022, Avaya announced the termination of its Chief Executive Officer James M. Chirico, Jr. The Company also announced preliminary Q3 2022 financial results that included expected revenues and adjusted EBITDA well below previously given guidance and an unquantified but significant impairment charge. In addition, Avaya withdrew its 2022 guidance. On this news, Avaya's stock price fell $1.19 per share, or 56.99%, to close at $0.90 per share on July 29, 2022. Then, on August 9, 2022, Avaya announced that: (1) it determined there was substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern; (2) it would not timely file its financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2022; (3) its Audit Committee commenced internal investigations into circumstances surrounding the Company's financial results for the quarter; and (4) the Audit Committee also commenced an investigation into matters raised by a whistleblower. On this news, Avaya's stock price fell $0.51 per share, or 45.54%, to close at $0.61 per share on August 9, 2022. Finally, before the market opened on November 30, 2022, Avaya disclosed in a Current Report filed on Form 8-K with the SEC that control deficiencies[] management had been reviewing represent material weaknesses in the Company's internal control over financial reporting and that management's assessment of ICFR included in Item 9A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year 2021 ended September 30, 2021, filed with the [SEC] on November 22, 2021 [] should no longer be relied upon. Specifically, the Form 8-K stated that the Company did not design and maintain effective controls related to the information and communication component of the COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission) framework, did not design and maintain effective controls to ensure appropriate communication between certain functions within the Company, and did not design and maintain effective controls over the ethics and compliance program. On this news, Avaya's stock price fell $0.16 per share, or 14.28%, to close at $0.96 per share on November 30, 2022. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 6, 2023 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesnt require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member. If you purchased or acquired Avaya securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Avaya Holdings Corp. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Joseph R. Seidman, Jr. at (877) 779-1414 or seidman@bernlieb.com. Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journals Plaintiffs Hot List thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. 2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. Contact Information: Joseph R. Seidman, Jr. Bernstein Liebhard LLP https://www.bernlieb.com (877) 779-1414 seidman@bernlieb.com Pune, India, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Fortune Business Insights, the global military robots market size is expected to reach USD 25.66 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.15% during the forecast period. The market size stood at USD 13.87 billion. The growing adoption of advanced aerial robots in military operations, including attacking, rescue activities, surveillance, and others will have a tremendous impact on the global market. The increasing military expenditure coupled with robust homeland security will have an excellent impact on the military robots market growth in the region. Furthermore, the growing focus of companies on designing and developing small robots capable of transmitting images and videos to the ground-based station for assisting soldiers to make real-time decisions on battlefields will subsequently augur well for the global military robots market during the forecast period. Get a Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/sample/military-robots-market-104663 List of Companies Covered in the Military Robots Market: Northrop Grumman Corporation (The U.S.) Thales Group (France) FLIR Systems, Inc. (The U.S.) Clearpath Robotics Inc. (Canada) Cobham Limited (The U.K.) QinetiQ (The U.K.) AeroVironment, Inc. (The U.S.) BAE Systems. (The U.K.) Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel) Raytheon Technologies (The U.S.) Report Scope & Segmentation: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2020-2027 Forecast CAGR 10.15% 2027 Value Projection USD 25.66 Billion Base Year 2019 Historical Data 2016-2018 No. of Pages 200 Segments Covered By Mode of Operation, By Application, By Platform Get a Quote Now: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/military-robots-market-104663 Combination of Cutting-edge Technologies in Military Robots to Aid Growth The amalgamation of technologies such as artificial intelligence, real-time data monitoring, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has accelerated the demand for these robots in modern warfare, thus aiding the market. These robots can track, record, and perform required counter-attacks on the targets located far away from the soldiers, hence easily identifying enemies on the ground, sea, or air. The increasing utilization of robots for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) activities will bolster the healthy growth of the market. COVID-19 Pandemic: Suspended Deliveries of Military Robots to Restrict Market Growth The pandemic has considerably affected the production and delivery of military robots, which, in turn, will diminish the growth of the market. Stringent government norms have disrupted the import and export of robots, resulting in delayed deliveries. The halt in operations has critically thwarted the production in manufacturing processes. The prominent companies situated in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and France have experienced enormous losses due to the outbreak. However, companies are implementing strategies to recover from the financial damage caused by the coronavirus, which, in turn, can improve the market scenario. Presence of Major Manufacturing Companies to Boost Development in Europe Europe is expected to experience a rapid growth rate during the forecast period owing to the presence of prominent manufacturers in the region. According to The World Robotics 2019, 700 service robot manufacturing companies are identified across the globe, out of which 307 companies are operating in Europe. The increasing trend for advanced robots with features such as speech and haptics-based human-machine interface, navigation, collision avoidance, motion, and task planning will further propel the growth of the market in Europe. Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/military-robots-market-104663 DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENT: Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Key Insights Key Emerging Trends in Global Military Robots Market Latest Technological Advancements Insights on Regulatory Scenario Porters Five Forces Analysis Key developments: Acquisition, Collaboration, Strategic Partnership, and Joint Venture Report Scope and Segmentation By Platform (Airborne, Land, Naval) By Mode of Operation (Semi-Autonomous and Autonomous) By Mode of Propulsion (Manual, Electric, and Hybrid) By Application (Intelligence, Airborne Surveillance , and Reconnaissance, Search and Rescue, Combat Support, Transportation, and Others) Regional Forecast, 2020-2027 TOC Continued! Key Development in the last Few Years : October 2019: BAE Systems, a British multinational defense, security, and aerospace company developed Robotic Technology Demonstrator (RTD) as a program to showcase the latest in robotic combat systems. Speak to Our Expert: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/military-robots-market-104663 Read Related Insights: Combat Management System Market Size | Growth [2021-2028] Marine Engine Market Size, Share | Global Industry Analysis, 2027 Naval Vessels & Surface Combatants Market Size | Global Report, 2026 About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Address: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd.9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune-411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Dublin, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Ireland Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The market is forecast to reach $5.23 billion in 2027 from $3.92 billion in 2021, growing at a CAGR of 4.96% from 2022 to 2027 This report analyses the Ireland data center market share. It elaboratively analyses the existing and upcoming facilities and investments in IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standards. It discusses market sizing and investment estimation for different segments. The country's significant data center construction locations include Dublin, Clonee, Belfast, and others. In the coming years, highly populated and urbanized locations such as Dublin expect growth in brownfield data center construction, while greenfield investments will take place in other cities. The Ireland data center market has the presence of cloud service providers such as Microsoft, IBM, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Oracle, and Tencent. In the IDA Business and Technology Park, AWS is building multiple facilities, of which the first one is expected to be operational by 2023. KEY METRICS Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 110 Forecast Period 2021 - 2027 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2021 $3.92 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2027 $5.23 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.9% Regions Covered Ireland KEY HIGHLIGHTS Ireland's data center market is currently one of the major markets in the Western European region, supported by factors such as a rise in cloud-based services, growing digitalization, robust connectivity, and others. Cloud demand is significantly increasing in the country, and major cloud services providers such as AWS, Microsoft, and Google have cloud regions in the country. Dublin has become a hub for colocation providers such as Equinix, Digital Realty, CyrusOne, EdgeConneX, and Echelon Data Centres. The de-facto moratorium in Dublin, owing to a limited power supply by EirGrid for data center development, will limit data center development over the next few years in the region. As a result, development is expected to shift to other areas within Ireland. The government of Ireland launched the Digital Ireland Framework known as "Harnessing Digital" in February of 2022. The digital framework states that the business and enterprises in Ireland will enjoy the Gigabit network offering high speeds by 2028. 5G will expand in all populated areas by 2030. "The Climate Action Plan" has pledged to use renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions by up to 51% by the year 2030 for the country to become carbon neutral by 2030. Renewable energy plants harnessing energy from solar and wind sources are continuously operating, and many are also under construction. EirGrid is a prominent operator for energy generation using renewable energy sources. Various initiatives are being taken to support renewable energy adoption in Ireland. One in the UK is called Renewable Obligation (RO), which is set and proposed by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) other in Northern Ireland is by the Department of Economy (DfE). WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS RESEARCH? Market size available in the investment, area, power capacity, and the Ireland colocation market revenue. An assessment of the investment in Ireland by colocation and enterprise operators. Investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across locations in the country. A detailed study of the existing market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about the Ireland data center market size during the forecast period. Commentary on the de facto moratorium in Dublin and its potential impact on future development and change in dynamics on the Ireland data center market. Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in Ireland Facilities Covered (Existing): 26 Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 23 Coverage: 2+ Locations Existing vs. Upcoming (Area) Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity) Data center colocation market in Ireland Market Revenue & Forecast (2021-2027) Retail vs. Wholesale Colocation Revenue & Forecast (2021-2027) Wholesale Colocation Pricing The Ireland market landscape investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast. A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry. Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the industry. A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspect of the market. VENDOR LANDSCAPE Some key investors in the Ireland data center market include AWS, CyrusOne, Digital Realty, EdgeConneX, Echelon Data Centres, K2 Data Centres, Facebook, and T5 Data Centres, among others. In 2021, Ireland witnessed investments from major companies such as Echelon Data Centres, K2 Data Centres, and CyrusOne. The Ireland data center market includes several local and regional construction contractors catering to the country's operators. For instance, Callaghan Engineering has worked as the MEP designer for Digital Realty's DUB13 data center's second data hall. Major Vendors IT Infrastructure Providers Arista Networks Atos Broadcom Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Fujitsu Hewlett Packard Enterprise Huawei Technologies IBM Lenovo NetApp Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors Arup Bouygues Construction Callaghan Engineering Designer Group Future-tech ISG Kirby Group Engineering Mercury Mace Group M+W Group PM Group Winthrop Engineering & Contracting Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Caterpillar Cummins EATON HITEC Power Protection KOHLER-SDMO Legrand Rolls-Royce Schneider Electric Rittal Socomec STULZ Trane Technologies Vertiv Data Center Investors AIMS Data Centre AWS CyrusOne Digital Realty Equinix EdgeConneX Echelon Data Centres K2 Data Centres Facebook T5 Data Centers EXISTING VS. UPCOMING DATA CENTERS Existing Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity) Dublin Other Cities List of Upcoming Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity) REPORT COVERAGE: The segmentation includes: IT Infrastructure Servers Storage Systems Network Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer Switches & Switchgears PDUs Other Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Rack Cabinets Other Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems CRAC & CRAH Units Chiller Units Cooling Towers, Condensers & Dry Coolers Economizers & Evaporative Coolers Other Cooling Units General Construction Core & Shell Development Installation & commissioning Services Engineering & Building Design Fire Detection & Suppression Systems Physical Security Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Tier Standard Tier I & Tier II Tier III Tier IV Geography Dublin Other Cities For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1muag7-data?w=12 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. Attachment TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the 26th annual Toque Tuesday, Raising the Roof is hosting a new event, called ONE NIGHT, where participants are sleeping in their cars for one night and raising money to help prevent people from having to sleep in their car every night. It is very difficult to estimate the number of people experiencing hidden homelessness, which includes couch surfing, staying in abandoned buildings, and sleeping in cars, but experts estimate that as much as 80% of people experiencing homelessness are hidden. That number may be as high as 175,000 people every night across Canada.1 For this years Toque Tuesday, more than 90 people are giving up their beds for the night in 5 cities across Canada. Together, they have raised over $114,000 for Raising the Roofs homelessness prevention initiatives, including Reside, which creates new units of affordable housing with supports while using the renovations as a vehicle to train and employ people with barriers to employment in the trades. The Toque Campaign also supports agencies across Canada that prevent homelessness in their communities, which was supported this year by Home Depot and Rate-My-Agent.com. Raising the Roofs national ONE NIGHT sponsor, Unifor, and the Toronto lead event sponsor, Well Grounded Real Estate contributed greatly to the ONE NIGHT fundraising goal. Media Opportunity: Raising the Roofs Executive Director, Marc Soberano, is available for interview on Tuesday, February 7 in person in Toronto, or by video or phone call, during the morning or afternoon. He will be on site and available for interview at the GTA ONE NIGHT event at Humbertown Shopping Centre at 270 The Kingsway, Etobicoke, ON M9A 3T7 between 7pm on February 7 and 9am on February 8. Event Directors and participants who will be sleeping parking lots or in community centres in Etobicoke, Winnipeg, Edmonton, North Milton (PEI), and Corner Brook (Newfoundland) are available for interview in the evening of February 7 after 8pm and in the morning of February 8 before 9am as well. If people want to get involved, how can they get involved? If anyone wants to help, they can buy a toque or make a donation at www.raisingtheroof.org . MEDIA CONTACT: Leslie Bellingham Director of Resource Development and Communication leslie@raisingtheroof.org c. 289-821-0008 ____________________________ 1 https://www.homelesshub.ca/blog/understanding-hidden-homelessness New York, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Smart Home Security Market - Growth, Trends, Covid-19 Impact, And Forecasts (2023 - 2028)" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06417052/?utm_source=GNW The smart home security market is driven by the increasing crime rates worldwide, forcing people to focus on security and safety systems, especially in residential areas. Key Highlights The growing DIY security systems trends and new developments by newer player offerings are analyzed to significantly contribute to the market growth rate. The latest market entrants are trying to add features like monitoring houses via smart devices, such as smartphones or smart speakers. For instance, most competitors in the smart thermostat space, including Nest and Hive, have security cameras as their portfolio. Recently, Ecobee shared plans to keep pace with the competition too. Google launched a DIY security system under its Nest brand, and Amazon acquired Ring. After establishing a solid base by adding voice and security to their portfolio, both brands have continued adding connectivity to their security portfolio. Moreover, with the increasing growth of the smart home market, the adoption of video doorbells is significantly rising for the market for smart cameras and monitoring systems. The majority of smart video doorbell cameras possess the capability to send alerts on sensing motion. In addition, they tend to send a live video feed to the desired device platform. Recently, these features have witnessed functional uplifts in the new trend of integrating security systems through platforms like Amazons Alexa or Google Assistant for voice-based functioning. Smart home security systems usually incur high costs due to deploying advanced techniques, including sensors, cameras, alarm systems, etc. Moreover, the growing cybersecurity concerns with the inclusion of smart devices are analyzed to hamper the market growth during the forecast period. The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to an additional motivation and incentive for voice control in the home, which has, in turn, driven awareness and adoption of a range of other smart home devices and applications. Therefore, a shift in spending toward technology-enabled services for home consumption has increased. Smart Home Security Market Trends Software Component Sector Segment to Witness Significant Growth The software segment includes various types of software, which are accessible through multiple devices for video management, security control, access management, device connectivity, alerts, device monitoring, and authorization, among others. The demand for software increases with the adoption of various smart home security solutions. The software is used to control multiple smart hardware devices for enhanced security of homes. The use of smart cameras for surveillance has increased in recent years, boosting the need for video surveillance software. This software is primarily utilized in smart home security systems to handle data streaming from security cameras and surveillance equipment. Such software offers a single platform view, enabling an effective security system. Furthermore, due to various technological developments such as AI, ML, motion tracking, and many more, the demand for software for surveillance has recently increased. Due to this, players in the market are developing software with new technologies. Various smart locks and sensor manufacturers are partnering with software providers to enhance the user experience and improve operational efficiency. ButterflyMX, a provider of access control technology for multifamily, commercial, gated communities, and student housing properties, partnered with RemoteLock in September 2022. The partnership was to develop an integrated property access control system. By replacing traditional keyed access to properties with smartphone-based access, operating costs are reduced, NOI increases, and resident satisfaction increases. With such developments and the increase in the demand for smart home security solutions worldwide, software applications for smart home security are expected to gain significant traction. Furthermore, adopting new technologies such as AI, ML, IoT, and 5G connectivity positively impacts the market studied during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is Expected to Register the Fastest Growth The rapid urbanization of the Chinese region is significantly boosting the smart home security systems market. In China, cities were home to around 64,7% of the countrys inhabitants in 2021. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the rate of urbanization in China has been rising rapidly over the past few decades. This rapid urbanization can be seen as a major boost for the Home Security Systems in China. Sales of smart cameras are increasing in China due to the countrys strong market players. Additionally, there are more possibilities for selecting smart cameras on a big scale due to the simplicity of installation and the accessibility of cameras. China is at the forefront regarding adopting the most recent technological innovation. The increasing adoption of AI technology increases the demand for the Chinese market segment. Chinas State Council outlined its plan to develop a USD 150 billion national AI sector and rise to the top AI powerhouse by 2030. The outlook for the residential sector suggests that the Japanese market for smart home security systems is expected to witness growth over the coming years. The main factors driving this markets growth are the falling security product prices, rising concern for personal safety and security, and the expanding use of cloud-based technologies. The adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning software in the residential security sector and ongoing innovations of security technology, such as smart cameras and sensors, are emerging trends that directly affect the dynamics of the home security market. With the South Korean government updating its national smart home standards to prepare for the Internet of Things (IoT) era, major South Korean electronic manufacturers are working actively on IoT and smart homes. Multiple vendors in the country are offering innovative solutions in the market. For example, HUMAX provided a complete end-to-end smart home solution that is highly flexible and customizable for multiple services and business model requirements. The companys solutions help customers by providing better security, convenience, and control. The company has strong partnerships with various industry-leading IoT companies to offer a wide range of smart devices. Along with the nations already covered in the studys discussion of the Asia-Pacific region, other countries like Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, India, etc., also have a high potential to gain a considerable share in the smart home security market. Smart Home Security Market Competitor Analysis The smart home security market is highly fragmented due to low entry barriers. The major players in the market are ADT Inc., Honeywell International Inc., Johnson Controls International PLC, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd, and Abode Systems Inc., among others. Further strategic partnerships and innovations are the driving force for the industry, and the market is evolving at a faster pace both in terms of technology and features. October 2022 - Johnson Controls acquired rescue air systems to enhance its fire suppression portfolio. This acquisition enables the company to design, sell, and install firefighter air replenishment systems in a rapidly growing vertical market. September 2022 - ADT Inc announced a partnership with a state farm and plans an innovative offering that combines security, risk mitigation, and smart home capabilities to revolutionize the customer experience, which aims to deliver substantial customer value with smart home technology to detect and mitigate losses related to water, fire, intrusion, and other homeownership-related risks. Additional Benefits: The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format 3 months of analyst support Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06417052/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (the Company or PharmaTher) (OTCQB: PHRRF) (CSE: PHRM), a leader in advancing specialty ketamine pharmaceuticals, today submitted its Type B meeting package with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss the remaining requirements for the KETARX On-Body Pump System (subcutaneous racemic ketamine) and submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) under the 505(b)(2) pathway. PharmaTher aims to leverage its own CMC information, clinical data and available non-clinical and clinical data to submit an NDA by the end of 2023. The meeting date with the FDA is set for March 23, 2023. Fabio Chianelli, CEO of PharmaTher, commented: We are in a position to meet with the FDA to obtain guidance on the final requirements for our KETARX On-Body Pump System to support a new drug application under the 505(b)(2) pathway. In the short term, we will seek FDA approval for our KETARX On-Body Pump System in general anesthesia and sedation for surgical procedures. If successful, this strategy would create a strong foundation in efficiently expanding to mental health, neurological and pain disorders. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a00a7676-5b59-44a6-835a-f3ea3464bfb2 PharmaTher aims to obtain FDA approval for the KETARX On-Body Pump System for the maintenance of anesthesia and as a supplement to other anesthetic agents in alignment with ketamines FDA-approved label. In addition, the use of the KETARX On-Body Pump System for sedation during short-term diagnostic and surgical procedures is also being explored to extend the label for specific areas of application or types of procedures where the subcutaneous route of administration would be viable. This approach supports and potentially improves the administration of ketamine in both hospital and clinical settings. The Company believes that subcutaneous infusion of racemic ketamine via the KETARX On-Body Pump System has several advantages over commonly used intravenous (IV) administration, including decreased requirement for skilled personnel for its administration, reduction in pain and irritation associated with administration, and a reduced risk of systemic infection and other complications seen with IV administration. Subsequently, should the KETARX On-Body Pump System obtain FDA approval, it will allow the Company to leverage its regulatory package and clinical data to expand to mental health (i.e. depression, PTSD), neurological (i.e. Parkinsons disease) and pain disorders. This is further supported by the KETARX On-Body Pump Systems capability to provide either anesthetic or subanesthetic dosing over a defined time period. Ketamine was approved by the FDA in 1970 and is indicated: as the sole anesthetic agent for diagnostic and surgical procedures that do not require skeletal muscle relaxation; for the induction of anesthesia prior to the administration of other general anesthetic agents; and as a supplement to other anesthetic agents (for the indication of IV or IM induction of anesthesia and maintenance of anesthesia. Currently, ketamine is emerging as a viable treatment option for depression. In addition, there is a growing off-label use of racemic ketamine for various mental health conditions and pain, requiring IV administration and supervision by healthcare providers in hospitals or certified medical clinics. There can be no assurance that the FDA will support any potential request for an expedited path to approval or further development for KETARX On-Body Pump System. About PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (OTCQB: PHRRF) (CSE: PHRM) is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing KETARX (racemic ketamine) via unique delivery methods for mental health, neurological and pain disorders. Learn more at PharmaTher.com . For more information about PharmaTher, please contact: Fabio Chianelli Chief Executive Officer PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. Tel: 1-888-846-3171 Email: info@pharmather.com Website: www.pharmather.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement This press release contains 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "potential", "aim", may and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (the "Company") current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company at the date of the information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof, and Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Company's management's discussion and analysis for the three and six months ended November 30, 2022 ("MD&A"), dated January 23, 2023, which is available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state, province, territory or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state, province, territory or jurisdiction. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brascan Gold Inc. (CSE: BRAS) (Brascan or the Company) and is pleased to announce acquisition of 3,020 hectares of new claims prospective for lithium in the James Bay (Cree First Nation Eeyou Istchee James Bay) region of northern Quebec. Brascan purchased a 100% interest in the Quebec-Li properties with no back-in rights or royalties. The claims are located approximately 130 km east of Patriot Battery Metals Corvette Lithium Property, and 20 to 40 kms northeast of Winsome Resources Adina spodumene (lithium) pegmatite. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f32816d5-f530-4da9-819e-ccdbbe56f0ad Patriot Battery Metals is exploring intensely a more than 20 km trend of lithium bearing spodumene pegmatites on their Corvette Lithium Property, including a recently reported drill intersection of 3.34% Li 2 O over 52.2 m, including an enriched zone of 5.2% Li 2 O over 15.0 m, as reported in their news release of January 29, 2023 (see patriotbatterymetals.com for further details). Winsome Resources Adina Project covers a spodumene pegmatite exposed intermittently along a 2 km long topographic high, drill results which announced discovery hole AD-22-005 at its Adina project with mineralization grading 1.34% Li2O over 107.6 metres (see Winsome press release dated January 6, 2023). In addition to the discoveries at Patriot Battery Metals Corvette Property and Winsomes Adina Lithium (spodumene pegmatite) Property, the James Bay region of Quebec hosts existing lithium deposits: James Bay lithium proven and probable reserve of 37.2 million tonnes (Mt) at 1.3% Li 2 O (Alkem press release dated December 21, 2021). O (Alkem press release dated December 21, 2021). Rose deposit probable reserve of 26.3 Mt at 0.87% Li 2 O and 138 parts per million (ppm) tantalum (Ta); Critical Elements Lithium Corp, press release dated June 13, 2022. O and 138 parts per million (ppm) tantalum (Ta); Critical Elements Lithium Corp, press release dated June 13, 2022. Whabouchi deposit proven and probable reserve of 27.9 Mt at 1.33% Li 2 O; Nemaska Lithium Inc. National instrument 43-101 technical report dated May 31, 2019. O; Nemaska Lithium Inc. National instrument 43-101 technical report dated May 31, 2019. Moblan deposit proven probable reserve of 10.7 Mt at 1.40 percent Li 2 O (Sayona Mining Ltd. press release dated August 24, 2019) The claims cover Archean to Neoarchean metamorphic rocks derived from sediments and volcanics, as well as mapped granitic pegmatite. The metamorphic terranes were intruded by granitoid plutons, which may be the source of late stage fluids carrying lithium, tantalum, beryl and other elements of interest that are incompatible with the crystalizing plutons, but can form pegmatites in the intruded metamorphic rocks. Brascan believes that the occurrence of spodumene pegmatite occurring in similar rocks elsewhere in the James Bay region supports the prospectivity for lithium exploration of the new claims, but notes that no Qualified Person working for Brascan has been able to verify the reported occurrences, and the information is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on Brascans property. Brascan intends to initiate an exploration program immediately, beginning with a comprehensive compilation of geological geochemical and geophysical data, followed by detailed multi-spectral and image analysis to identify targets, and then target evaluation, prospecting and geological mapping once the snow melts this spring. Priority targets will be sampled and when warranted drill tested in the fall of 2023. Balbir Johal, CEO of Brascan, said The acquisition of several claim blocks in James Bay, Quebec collectively known as the Quebec-Li properties represent Brascan's focused strategy to advance exploration in one of Canada's most prolific lithium areas. Mr Johal further notes "The properties are located in the area of PMET's Corvette deposit and Winsome's Adina discovery. We are excited to take this significant step to position Brascan (CSE:BRAS) in the rapidly expanding lithium sector." Qualified person Harrison Cookenboo Ph.D., P.Geo. and a QP by the standards of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed the scientific and technical information in this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. For more information, investors should review the Companys filings that are available at www.sedar.com. About the Company Brascan (CSE: BRAS) is a Lithium and Gold exploration issuer based in Vancouver, B.C. BRAS owns a 100% interest in the Quebec-Li properties in northern Quebec. Also, the company owns 100% of the Albany Forks Rare Earth Elements (REE) property in northern Ontario and an option to earn 100% of the Alegre Gold Project in Para State in Northeastern Brazil. For more information, investors should review the Companys filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Contact Information Balbir Johal Director and CEO Telephone: 604 812 1747 Email: bjohal75@gmail.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that are forward looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the Agreement and the obligations thereunder, the transfer of the claims, the exploration expenditures and Brascans exploration work on the Claims are "forward-looking information". These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. LOS ANGELES, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via InvestorWire -- IBN, a multifaceted communications organization engaged in connecting public companies to the investment community, is pleased to announce the release of the latest episode of The Bell2Bell Podcast as part of its sustained effort to provide specialized content distribution via widespread syndication channels. The Bell2Bell Podcast delivers informative updates and exclusive interviews with executives operating in fast-moving industries. Bell2Bells latest podcast features Stuart Gray, President of Utopia VR, one of the worlds first Metaverse-As-A-Service solutions for business. Before starting the interview, Stuart Gray and Bell2Bell host Jonathan Keim took a tour of one of Utopia VRs 3D environments designed to help professionals collaborate and socialize. During the interview, Gray discussed his entry to the VR space and how the industry has evolved in recent years. Ive been involved with immersive technology like this for nine years. Im definitely a pioneer, along with my partners, Gray said. We were formerly involved in a disruptive company selling hemp products, and we used this type of technology as an internal way to communicate. Our technology that weve developed at Utopia VR works on all devices PCs, mobile phones and VR headsets. Its very disruptive technology. Weve come in on our computers today, but we could also come in on VR headsets. A lot of our users also come in on mobile phones. As we started looking at the technologies that we were working with, we realized that software was not the solution. Really, what we were embarking on, two-and-a-half years ago, was the start of the metaverse. We were doing it even before Meta. We have lots of experience working with this technology. We just wanted to really expand upon the knowledge that we had and build metaverse technology for the future. Gray also mentioned that Terry Woloszyn, VP of Sales and Marketing, has been invited to speak at the upcoming Future of Work Expo about the Business Metaverse Adoption Roadmap. The conference will take place later this month from Feb. 14-17, 2023. Additionally, Woloszyn will be on a panel to discuss the Brave New World of Augmented and Virtual Reality. To schedule a date and time to meet him at the show or to schedule a virtual demonstration, visit https://utopiavr.com/news/it-expo-fort-lauderdale-2023/ . When discussing the companys recent shift of focus, Gray said, We were looking at all sorts of different social ways to use the technology for fun, and we created lots of neat products. Now, were really laser-focused on the metaverse as a business solution. Weve built our product in such a way that we can target the large business market and create real solutions for them that are relevant to their industries. Join IBNs Jonathan Keim and Stuart Gray, president of Utopia VR, to learn more about the companys business-focused strategy and how its integrating AI into its platform, as well as Grays vision for the future of the metaverse. To hear the episode and subscribe for future podcasts, visit https://podcast.bell2bell.com . The latest installment of The Bell2Bell Podcast continues to reinforce IBNs commitment to the expansion of its robust network of brands, client partners, followers, and the growing IBN Podcast Series . For more than 17 years, IBN has leveraged this commitment to provide unparalleled distribution and corporate messaging solutions to 500+ public and private companies . To learn more about IBNs achievements and milestones via a visual timeline, visit: https://IBN.fm/TimeLine About Utopia VR (Apex VR Holdings Inc.) Utopia VR is one of the worlds first metaverse for business companies. The companys solutions for business adoption of metaverse are disruptive, web-based, mobile-friendly, supporting audio and video conferencing. Utopia VRs key differentiation is that users do not need expensive and complex virtual reality equipment or software in order to use its platform. Being browser-based, Utopia VR makes metaverse business solutions available on virtually all devices including workstations, laptops, and smart devices. The companys first cross-industry solutions target Future of Work by providing a virtual office environment that increases productivity, reduces Zoom Fatigue, and enables a lower cost to traditional remote work and collaboration tooling. A good example use case is meetings: Users can now host and attend more productive virtual meetings in a lifelike virtual reality with no software downloads or special equipment required. Product / Industry / Competitive Advantage: Utopia VR has two core competitive advantages to other metaverse solutions: Solutions: Utopia VR is a metaverse platform, as well as business solutions that run on that platform think salesforce.com of the metaverse. Most other vendors only provide a platform. Deployment: Utopia VR only requires a browser. Other metaverse platforms require expensive VR equipment and workstations to support them. Utopia VR provides a much better ROI and lower TCO. For more information, please visit https://www.utopiavr.com. About IBN IBN consists of financial brands introduced to the investment public over the course of 17+ years. With IBN, we have amassed a collective audience of millions of social media followers. These distinctive investor brands aim to fulfill the unique needs of a growing base of client-partners. IBN will continue to expand our branded network of highly influential properties, leveraging the knowledge and energy of specialized teams of experts to serve our increasingly diversified list of clients. Through our Dynamic Brand Portfolio (DBP), IBN provides: (1) access to a network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets; (3) Press Release Enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) full-scale distribution to a growing social media audience; (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions; and (6) total news coverage solutions. For more information, please visit https://www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com. Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the InvestorBrandNetwork website, applicable to all content provided by IBN wherever published or re-published: http://IBN.fm/Disclaimer Forward-Looking Statements This release contains 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. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Corporate Communications IBN Los Angeles, California www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com 310.299.1717 Office Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com New Westminster, BC, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Joseph Chung Scholarship (JCS) is proud to announce it has awarded $981,330 in scholarships to 405 students. These students come from more than 44 institutions including UBC, SFU, and TWU. Since it was established, JCS has awarded more than $5.43 million in scholarships to deserving students. The Joseph Chung Scholarship Fund was started by Dr. Peter Chung and his wife, Dr. Stephanie Chung after their son Josephs passing. The scholarship supports students pursuing post-secondary education, special education or learning and development disabilities. Joseph, who was born with autism, inspired his parents to give back to the community through education and support for the leaders of tomorrow. Taking place at Coastal Church in Vancouvers Downtown core, this years ceremony was attended by scholarship recipients, local leaders, and international dignitaries. Among them, Counsel General of the Republic of Korea Jongho Kyun said of the event Dr. Peter Chungs heart for philanthropy truly shines. Included in this years recipients are 56 first-time recipients, and 18 people who are receiving the award for the fourth time. The JCS scholarship program is designed to support students throughout their four-year bachelor's degree programs, and may be awarded up to four times, not necessarily consecutively. Additionally, 50 North Korean refugees studying theology have also been awarded scholarships. "Receiving the scholarship changed the way I looked at education, says past award recipient, Haein Kim. It made me so grateful for each class I attended. My journey wouldn't have been possible without the support of the JSC Scholarship." In addition to funding, scholarship recipients are also invited to join the JCS Alumni Group, which runs from February to December every year. This group provides opportunities for mentorship, volunteerism, and personal growth through social events, retreats, religious studies, and more. The program is currently only available to students in the Greater Vancouver Regional District. New Joseph Chung Alumni Scholarship Program To celebrate its 11th anniversary, JCS is also excited to announce the launch of the Joseph Chung Alumni Scholarship Program. The goal of the program is to encourage graduates of JCS to give back to future generations of students by supporting the scholarship fund. This new funding pool will help JCS to expand its funding capacity and increase sustainability, while also promoting financial stewardship. Participation in the Joseph Chung Alumni Scholarship Program is entirely voluntary and does not require recipients to repay the scholarship they received. The JCS team is eager to share the heart behind the scholarship and inspire graduates to make a personal pledge to give back to others. To find out more about the Joseph Chung Scholarship, please visit the Coram Deo Foundation website. ### For more information, please contact: Laura Guzman Director of Community Relations laura.guzman@primacorpventures.com 604.500.2879 Dublin, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Nucleic Acid Sample Preparation Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Product, Workflow, Technology, Therapeutic Area, Application, End User, and Region - Analysis and Forecast, 2022-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global nucleic acid sample preparation market is projected to reach $11,200.5 million by 2032 from $4,213.0 million in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 10.27% during the forecast period 2022-2032. The growth in the global nucleic acid sample preparation market is expected to be driven by the increased use of nucleic acid molecules in several therapeutic areas. In addition, the increased demand for downstream applications such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and others and the advancement in nucleic acid extraction/isolation techniques have driven the growth of the nucleic acid sample preparation market. Market Lifecycle Stage The global nucleic acid sample preparation market is in progressing phase. To meet the growing need for timely diagnostic information and targeted patient treatment, several molecular procedures, including automated nucleic acid sample preparation workstations, have been developed. In addition, sample preparation is essential in precision medicine because it assures the safe and successful use of tailored therapies. The market offers a range of universal products with varied maximum throughputs, innovations, time durations, and other qualities, and companies are searching for innovative methods to distinguish themselves. Additionally, manufacturers began to produce application-specific nucleic acid purification devices and liquid handlers in recent years. Impact One of the main reasons for the anticipated expansion of the nucleic acid sample preparation market in the upcoming years is the rise in the use of nucleic acid molecules in several therapeutic areas. Sample preparation is typically an important phase in the accurate analysis of nucleic acids. Nuclease protection is one of the most important aspects to consider while processing nucleic acid samples. Nucleic acid extraction and isolation is the first stage in the area of molecular biology research, followed by recombinant procedures. Market Segmentation Segmentation 1: by Product Systems Consumables Accessories and Components Based on product, the consumables segment in the global nucleic acid sample preparation market dominated in FY2021. This was due to the increase in the adoption of kits and reagents in this market. Segmentation 2: by Workflow Sample Extraction/Isolation Sample Quantification Quality Control Fragmentation Target Enrichment Library Quantification Pooling Based on the workflow, the global nucleic acid sample preparation market was dominated by sample extraction/isolation in FY2021. The high share associated with sample extraction/isolation in the nucleic acid sample preparation ecosystem is majorly attributed to the growing prevalence of oncology medical conditions and rising emphasis on research procedures. Segmentation 3: by Technology Spin-Column Based Technology Magnetic-Bead Based Technology Other Technologies Based on technology, the spin column-based technology segment accounted for the largest share of the global nucleic acid sample preparation in FY2021. The large share of this segment can be attributed to the increasing adoption of global nucleic acid sample preparation products, the growing demand to perform rapid and efficient extraction, and the rising need to reduce the sample-to-sample variation arising from the manual process. Segmentation 4: by Therapeutic Area Oncology Human Genetics/Population Genetics Infectious Disease Others Based on therapeutic area, the global nucleic acid sample preparation market was dominated by the oncology segment in FY2021, owing to an increase in cancer cases. Sample preparation can make a big difference in the field of oncology because it offers a number of benefits in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and outcomes. Segmentation 5: by Application Genomics Proteomics Other Applications Based on application, the global nucleic acid sample preparation market was dominated by the genomics segment in FY2021. The term next-generation sequencing (NGS) refers to novel DNA sequencing methods that offer high speed and throughput and may generate a large number of sequences with a wide range of potential uses in research and diagnostic contexts. Segmentation 6: by End User Academic and Research Institutions Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratories Other End Users As of 2021, the global nucleic acid sample preparation market (by end user) was dominated by academic and research institutions. Academic institutions contributions to the nucleic acid sample preparation market are quite advantageous. Variable kits and instruments are typically employed in research settings to evaluate possible medical and diagnostic uses. Segmentation 7: by Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Rest-of-the-World In 2021, the North America nucleic acid sample preparation market dominated the global market with a 46.99% market share, and it is expected to hold its dominance throughout the forecast period 2022-2032. However, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, constituting several emerging economies, is expected to register the highest CAGR of 12.01% during the forecast period 2022-2032. Recent Developments in the Global Nucleic Acid Sample Preparation Market In June 2022, Hamilton Company. and Bionano Genomics created a Long String VANTAGE, a brand-new DNA extraction automation product. Ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) DNA can be extracted with the instrument and used for optical genome mapping (OGM). As a requirement for the sample preparation workflow at Bionano Genomics, high-quality and quantity UHMW DNA extraction is required. In November 2022, RevoluGen, a U.K.-based genomics company, announced that it had entered into an agreement with Tecan Trading AG, a pioneer and industry leader in laboratory automated processes, for the production and supply of Tecan's 96-well filter plates for use in RevoluGen's automated Fire Monkey High Molecular Weight (HMW)-DNA extraction kits. In June 2021, Agilent Technologies, Inc. launched the SureSelect Human All Exon V8. This new exome design offers thorough content and current coverage of protein-coding areas from RefSeq, CCDS, and GENCODE. Additionally, it includes exons that are challenging to capture and the TERT promoter, which is neglected by competing exomes. The new design offers content flexibility to satisfy the demands of customers in three options, i.e., standard exome sequencing (Exome v8), translational research (v8 UTR Plus), and clinical research sequencing (v8 Clinical Plus). In August 2022, the introduction of the QIAseq Targeted DNA Pro Panels and the QIAseq UPXome RNA Library Kit, both of which have set new benchmarks in sample preparation for determining their nucleic acid sequences, allowed QIAGEN N.V. to announce the extension of its next-generation sequencing (NGS) portfolio. The time required for library preparation of DNA samples by researchers is cut in half to six hours due to the QIAseq Targeted DNA Pro Panels' enhanced chemistry. Demand - Drivers and Limitations The following are the demand drivers for the global nucleic acid sample preparation market: Increasing Use of Nucleic Acid Molecules in Various Therapeutic Areas Advancement in the Nucleic Acid Extraction/Isolation Techniques Advantages of Automated Sample Preparation Workstations Increasing Demand for Downstream Applications such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) The market is expected to face some limitations due to the following challenges: High Cost of Automated Workstations Rigid Regulatory Standards Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis The emergence of modern technology with automated systems and ways to acquire high-quality nucleic acid has facilitated the extraction, isolation, purification, and other processes. Increased demand for high-quality reagents, kits, and related items has resulted from advancements in the nucleic acid sample preparation procedure. Various researchers and manufacturers have developed automated resources to generate high-quality items in quick turnaround periods. High throughput and sophisticated sample preparation technology, as well as collaborations developed with key research institutions throughout the world to improve sampling methodology, are expected to fuel market expansion during the forecast period. Key Companies Profiled Agilent Technologies, Inc. Aurora Biomed Inc. BGI Group (MGI Tech Co., Ltd.) BIONEER CORPORATION. Blue-Ray Biotech Corp. Danaher. (Beckman Coulter, Inc.) Endress+Hauser Group Services AG (Analytik Jena GmbH) Eppendorf SE F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd Illumina, Inc. Merck KGaA Norgen Biotek Corp. OPENTRONS PerkinElmer Inc. Promega Corporation QIAGEN Sansure Biotech Inc. Tecan Trading AG Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Key Metrics: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 240 Forecast Period 2022 - 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $4213 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $11200.5 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 10.3% Regions Covered Global For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/g8iffm-acid?w=12 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. Attachment Dublin, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Sub-Orbital Testing Services Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Payload Capacity, Application, End User, and Country - Analysis and Forecast, 2022-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global sub-orbital testing services market is estimated to reach $178.1 million in 2032 from $122.4 million in 2022, at a CAGR of 3.82% during the forecast period 2022-2032. The sub-orbital testing service providers have witnessed the demand from the government, research institutions, and growing commercial industry. The sub-orbital testing services has a long history as government agencies have been using sub-orbital platforms such as sounding rocket to test payload at higher altitude. So, the sub-orbital testing services market was mostly dominated by the end users such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA). Furthermore, in recent years the sub-orbital testing services market has witnessed commercial applications, and private companies have shown their interest in sending their technologies to be tested in the near space environment. Additionally, research institutions and colleges are the major end user that are utilizing the sub-orbital testing services as the government agencies are providing support through its programs such as NASA's Flight Opportunities. In recent years, the sub-orbital testing services market has witnessed commercial players offering reusable sub-orbital platforms, such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic. These platforms can conduct multiple flights with just minor refurbishment required. Hence, the sub-orbital testing services market has emerged with the capability of serving more sub-orbital missions. Furthermore, the rise in the deployment of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) will generate demand in the sub-orbital testing services market. The small satellites use many commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) subsystems and components that are usually not space qualified. So, satellite manufacturers/operators will utilize sub-orbital testing services to validate their products. Impact The global sub-orbital testing services market is observing rising demand across various end users, which drives the development of investments across the sub-orbital launch vehicle platforms. The major challenge in the sub-orbital testing services market is the expensive sub-orbital launches and time-intensive testing process. This leads to fewer customers utilizing the sub-orbital services. Hence, the reusability of sub-orbital platforms can bring down the cost. However, as only some key companies are offering reusable sub-orbital platforms, the pricing power is with service providers owing to less competition. Furthermore, in the upcoming years, more companies will enter the sub-orbital market and reduce the sub-orbital testing service launch cost. Additionally, the emerging deployment of small satellites will increase the demand for sub-orbital testing services, especially the 1-50 kg satellite mass segment. The 1-50 kg satellites use maximum COTS subsystems and components, which generally are not space qualified. So, the sub-orbital testing service providers will experience greater demand in the forecast period 2022-2032. Market Segmentation Segmentation 1: by Payload Capacity 1-50 Kg 51-200 Kg 201-500 Kg 501 Kg and Above Segmentation 2: by Application Human-Tended Automated Segmentation 3: by End User Government Commercial Defense Research Institutions Segmentation 4: by Region North America - U.S. and Canada Europe - France, Germany, Russia, U.K., and Rest-of-Europe Asia-Pacific - China, India, Japan, and Rest-of-Asia-Pacific Rest-of-the-World - Middle East and Africa and Latin America North America is expected to dominate the global sub-orbital testing services market during the forecast period. The factor attributing to the growth of this region is the high presence of the key companies highly engaged in developing and demonstrating sub-orbital testing services capabilities in the region. Recent Developments in Global Sub-Orbital Testing Services Market In November 2022, Virgin Galactic signed an agreement with Axiom Space, a commercial space company, to provide microgravity research and training. The company would provide Axiom's astronauts a trip to the sub-orbit region to train them for future long-duration space missions. World View Enterprises, Inc, under collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), will provide high-altitude balloon services to the winner of NASA's TechRise Student Challenge. The company will carry students' scientific/technology experiments to the edge of space on its stratospheric balloon platform. In July 2022, Virgin Galactic signed a contract with Boeing Subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences to partner in developing the company's new motherships. The Aurora Flight services would build the two motherships capable of conducting 200 launches a year, carrying Virgin's Spaceship to an altitude of 50,000 and releasing it. Demand - Drivers and Limitations The following are the drivers for the global sub-orbital testing services market: Need for Microgravity Testing Services Limitations of Terrestrial Testing Service Capabilities The following are the challenges for the global sub-orbital testing services market: Expensive Sub-Orbital Flight Time Intensive Testing Process Safety Concerns Associated with Impact Landing Policy Challenges for Sub-Orbital Flights Following are the opportunities for the global sub-orbital testing services market: Companies Offer Human-Tended Sub-Orbital Research Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis The companies that are profiled have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts and analysis of the company's coverage, product portfolio, and market penetration. The top segment players leading the market include established players of sub-orbital testing services that constitute 69% of the presence in the market. Other players include start-up entities that account for approximately 31% of the presence in the market. Key Companies Profiled Aerostar Blue Origin bluShift Aerospace, Inc. Dawn Aerospace Equatorial Space Inc. Exos Aerospace Systems & Technologies, Inc. Interstellar Technologies Inc. Near Space Corporation PD AeroSpace, LTD PLD Space Skyrora Limited SpinLaunch UP Aerospace Virgin Galactic World View Enterprises, Inc Report Metrics: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 146 Forecast Period 2022 - 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $122.4 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $178.1 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.8% Regions Covered Global For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/pskqss-orbital?w=12 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. Attachment Sparks, MD, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KCI Technologies Inc., a multi-disciplined engineering firm with offices throughout the United States, is excited to expand its presence in the telecommunications industry with the acquisition of National Telecom Design (NTD). The added expertise of the Virginia-based company will further grow KCIs engineering, backbone and lateral fiber design, relocation and inspection capabilities for communications clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Since its founding in 2010, NTD has grown to a staff of 24 professionals experienced in all aspects of the design and installation of aerial and underground fiber from initial site surveys to approved as-builts. The team of utility designers and inspectors have led a wide range of inside plant and outside plant projects through completion while ensuring local requirements were met, necessary traffic and environmental permits were acquired, and fiber and associated facilities were constructed to specification. The teams combined experience in providing efficient and cost-effective solutions for rural and commercial broadband has earned them a reputation with clients at the state and local levels as well as with private telecommunications providers. The addition of NTD to our team of communications designers will enable us to increase KCIs breadth of services throughout the region and beyond, said Executive Vice President and Utilities Market Leader Scott Riddle. Together, we are committed to providing communications solutions that address our clients needs on an even greater scale. Under the guidance of founder Mark Johnson, NTD has become a regionally recognized leader in the industry. After serving in the U.S. Army, Johnson has since led a nearly 30-year career in OSP engineering and utilities relocation for complex highway and metropolitan-area projects. During his tenure, he was responsible for the design of large, statewide network rings throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Johnson will be supported by NTD Vice President Peter Milewski in leading the transition of their team to KCI. Milewski joined NTD as a field engineer before quickly climbing the ranks to his current role of overseeing the companys operations. We look forward to joining forces with KCI and leveraging its nationwide backing to further support the growing telecom industry, said NTD Vice President Peter Milewski. We believe the satisfaction of our combined client bases will reach new heights. NTD employees will continue to operate out of its location in Fredericksburg, Virginia. ### KCI Technologies With sales in excess of $440 million in 2022, KCI Technologies Inc. is ranked among the top 50 engineering firms in the country by Engineering News-Record. Roughly 2,000 employee owners support clients from more than 60 offices throughout the U.S. KCI offers environmental, transportation, telecommunications, construction, facilities and land development services to government, institutional and private-sector clients. For more information, visit www.kci.com. Attachment BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ARC (Association of Related Churches) is excited to announce that it will host its annual ARC Conference from April 25-26 at the Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama. The ARC Conference is a wonderful opportunity for church leaders to gather, build relationships with one another, and receive valuable resources to help attendees, including ARC churches , thrive. The conference will feature influential speakers, breakout "app" sessions, worship, and plenty of time to meet others in ministry worldwide. The app sessions at the 2023 ARC Conference feature a wide range of topics, such as kids ministry, discipleship, and best practices in church planting. This year's ARC Conference will be unique in that it will be hosted simultaneously at two campuses of Church of the Highlands. The two locations for the ARC church conference allow attendees to choose the experience and location that would work best for them. The full ARC Conference experience will be available at each campus. By making two locations available for this year's ARC Conference, the organization can host as many people as possible. The Grant Mills location , which is located just east of downtown Birmingham, is the original campus of Church of the Highlands. It is the broadcast location and central office for the church's creative, worship and production teams. This location has been the host of the ARC Conference in years past. The Church of the Highlands Grandview location is on the Highlands College campus. It's located right in the heart of Birmingham, along Highway 280. The college has recently undergone an impressive renovation, providing world-class, state-of-the-art training grounds for ministry. ARC (Association of Related Churches) exists to see a thriving church in every community so they can reach people with the message of Jesus. The organization believes strongly in its motto: "Don't Do Ministry Alone." ARC churches are a cooperative of independent churches from different backgrounds, networks, and denominations, all of which strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach their communities. ARC (Association of Related Churches) provides church planters with the tools and resources they need to launch a new church and see it thrive for years to come. This includes training, educational tools, materials, and monetary support in the form of matching grants. The organization also has a wealth of resources available on its website. More information about ARC Conference 2023 is available at arcconference.com . There, people can also register to attend the annual event, which will provide valuable resources, information, worship, and time to meet others in the ARC church community. About ARC (Association of Related Churches) ARC (Association of Related Churches) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus. ARC exists to see a thriving church in every community, reaching people with the message of Jesus. Since its beginning in 2000, ARC has grown into a global organization and has helped plant more than 1,000 churches. Media Contact: Association of Related Churches Birmingham, AL inquiries@arcchurches.com 205.981.4566 arcchurches.com Earthquake kills over 4,000 in Turkiye, Syria Xinhua) 13:09, February 07, 2023 People search for survivors among the rubble of a building destroyed in a powerful earthquake in Pazarcik District, Kahramanmaras Province, Turkiye, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) ANKARA/DAMASCUS, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- More than 4,000 people were killed and tens of thousands injured after strong earthquakes jolted parts of Turkiye and neighboring Syria early Monday, as rescue teams are battling harsh winter conditions to search for survivors. In Turkiye, at least 2,921 people were killed and 15,834 others were injured in the earthquakes, the country's Anadolu agency reported on Tuesday, citing the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority. In neighboring Syria, at least 711 were killed and 1,431 injured in the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, Tartus, said the Syrian Health Ministry. Media reports also cited rescue workers as saying that 733 were killed and over 2,100 injuered in the rebel-held region in Syria. A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Turkiye's southern province of Kahramanmaras at 4:17 a.m. local time (0117 GMT) on Monday, followed by at least 78 aftershocks. The quakes were also felt in Lebanon, Israel and Cyprus. Rescuers work near the rubble of a building destroyed in a powerful earthquake in the city of Jableh, Latakia province, Syria, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Str/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Dublin, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Research Report on China's Cotton Import 2023-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. With the development of China's economy and rising living standards, the demand for cotton in the Chinese market is on the rise. Due to the limited arable land, there is little room for growth in China's local cotton production, and China needs to import a large amount of cotton every year. In 2021, China's cotton imports totaled 2.147 million tons, down 5.7% year-on-year, and the import value was US$4.11 billion, up 15.3% year-on-year. According to the publisher analysis, in the first three quarters of 2022, China's cotton imports totaled 1.458 million tons, down 21.2% year-on-year, and the import value was US$3.84 billion, up 11.1%. The average price of China's cotton imports is more volatile in 2018-2022. The average price of China's cotton imports fell continuously from 2018-2020, from US$2.0 per kg in 2018 to US$1.7 per kg in 2020. the average price of China's cotton imports reached US$1.9 per kg in 2021, up 16.0% y-o-y. in the first three quarters of 2022, the average price of China's cotton imports rose to US$2.6 per kg, up 41.0% year-on-year. In 2021, China imports cotton from 36 countries, and the top five source countries by import volume are the U.S., Brazil, India, Burkina Faso and Benin. According to the publisher's analysis, China's cotton imports from the U.S., Brazil and India in 2021 will be 1.884 million tons, accounting for 87.7% of total imports, and $3.60 billion, or 87.5% of total imports, with the U.S. accounting for 38.6%, Brazil for 30.0% and India for 19.2%. In the first three quarters of 2022, Sudan overtook Burkina Faso to return to the top five source countries of China's cotton imports, the United States, Brazil, India still firmly in the top three, the three accounted for 88.8% of total imports, of which the United States imports amounted to 95.0 million tons, an increase of 26.6% year-on-year. India's imports fell to 39,000 tons, down 90.4% year-on-year. The types of cotton imported into China mainly include uncombed cotton and combed cotton, of which uncombed cotton is the main type of cotton imported into China. 2021, China imported 2.142 million tons of uncombed cotton, accounting for 99.8% of the total imports, and the import value of US$4.10 billion, accounting for 99.8%. In the publisher's analysis, China is the world's largest cotton consumer, and domestic cotton production cannot meet the demand of the downstream industry chain, so the cotton market is in short supply, it is expected that the future demand gap of China's cotton will still rely mainly on imports. Topics covered: China's Cotton Import Status and Major Sources in 2018-2022 What is the Impact of COVID-19 on China's Cotton Import? Which Companies are the Major Players in China's Cotton Import Market and What are their Competitive Benchmarks? Key Drivers and Market Opportunities in China's Cotton Import What are the Key Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunities for China's Cotton Import during 2023-2032? What is the Expected Revenue of China's Cotton Import during 2023-2032? What are the Strategies Adopted by the Key Players in the Market to Increase Their Market Share in the Industry? What are the Competitive Advantages of the Major Players in China's Cotton Import Market? Which Segment of China's Cotton Import is Expected to Dominate the Market in 2032? What are the Major Adverse Factors Facing China's Cotton Import? Key Topics Covered: 1. 2018-2022 China Cotton Import Analysis 1.1. Scale of China's Cotton Import 1.1.1. China's Cotton Import Volume Analysis 1.1.2. China's Cotton Import Value Analysis 1.1.3. China's Cotton Import Price Analysis 1.1.4. China's Cotton Apparent Consumption Analysis 1.1.5. Analysis of China's Cotton Import Dependence 1.2. China's Cotton Main Import Sources 2. 2018-2022 China Cotton Import Type Analysis 2.1 Import Analysis of Uncombed Cotton 2.1.1 Import Volume Analysis of Uncombed Cotton 2.1.2 Import Value Analysis of Uncombed Cotton 2.1.3 Import Price Analysis of Uncombed Cotton 2.1.4 Import Dependence Analysis of Uncombed Cotton 2.1.5. Uncombed Cotton Import Source Country Analysis 2.2 Combed Cotton Import Analysis 2.2.1 Combed Cotton Import Volume Analysis 2.2.2 Combed Cotton Flower Import Volume Analysis 2.2.3 Combed Cotton Import Price Analysis 2.2.4 Import Dependence Analysis of Combed Cotton 2.2.5 Combed Cotton Main Import Source Countries Analysis 3. 2018-2022 China's Cotton Major Import Source Country Analysis 3.1 USA Cotton Import Analysis 3.2. Brazil Cotton Import Analysis 3.3. India Cotton Import Analysis 3.4 Other Cotton Import Analysis 4. 2023-2032 China's Import Cotton Outlook 4.1 Factors Affecting China's Cotton Imports 4.2. Drivers and Market Opportunities for China's Cotton Imports 4.3 Threats and Challenges to China's Cotton Imports 4.4. China's Cotton Import Demand Forecast, 2023-2032 For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/n62eav-report?w=12 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. Attachment SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco has promoted Eric Cicourel to senior vice president and community investment officer. He succeeds Marietta Nunez, who retired at the end of 2022. Mr. Cicourel joined FHLBank San Francisco in 1999 and has held various roles with increasing responsibilities in its Community Investment Department, most recently as a managing director overseeing the Banks Affordable Housing Program (AHP), which has delivered over $1.25 billion in grants for development of rental and owner-occupied housing and downpayment assistance for first-time homebuyers. Throughout his tenure with the Bank, Mr. Cicourel has been integrally involved in all aspects of the competitive AHP, including policy development and implementation, application scoring, compliance, and administrative operations. As community investment officer, Mr. Cicourel will also be responsible for the Banks affordable housing and economic development credit programs, the AHEAD micro grant program, which has delivered $20.3 million in funding to nonprofits that serve lower-income communities in Arizona, California, and Nevada, and the Quality Jobs Fund, a $100 million collaboration with the New World Foundation to facilitate quality job creation, finance small business expansion, and support job training and upskilling in underserved communities across the Banks district. I am proud to be leading our dedicated and talented team of community investment professionals, said Mr. Cicourel. It is an honor to represent the Banks commitment to partnering with our members and nonprofits to strengthen our communities by adding to the supply of safe, quality affordable housing for vulnerable populations and creating opportunity in economically challenged neighborhoods. Mr. Cicourel serves on the board of the California Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (CAL- ALHFA). He received a B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley and a M.A. in international affairs from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. The depth and breadth of knowledge and experience that Eric brings to the role of community investment officer is essential to our ability to fulfill the Banks mission of making our communities more vibrant and equitable, said Teresa Bryce Bazemore, FHLBank San Franciscos president and CEO. On behalf of the board and the Banks leadership team, Id like to express our gratitude to Marietta Nunez for her many contributions to the success of the Banks community investment program. Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. Our member financial institutionscommercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutionsrely on us to deliver prompt access to low-cost funding, risk management tools, and resources for affordable housing and community economic development. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant, equitable, and resilient. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/97a636bf-6bb7-4843-b4a6-266610e230d2 Pune India, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The market has been studied for the below mentioned-segmentation and regional analysis for North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. These are the key regions where the suitcases & briefcases market is operating and is predicted to expand soon. The manufacturers and suppliers involved in the suitcases & briefcases market are present across various countries in the above-mentioned regions. Get Sample Copy of This Report @ https://greyviews.com/reports/suitcases-briefcases-market/547/request-sample The report provides a detailed understanding of the market segments which have been formed by combining different prospects such as the type, distribution channel, and region. Apart from this, the key driving factors, restraints, potential growth opportunities, and market challenges are also discussed in the below paragraphs. The significant players operating in the global suitcases & briefcases market are Berry Global, Smurfit Kappa, WestRock Company, Mondi Group, Ampac Holdings, LLC, International Plastics Inc., BioBag International AS, Billerudkorsnas, Huhtamaki Oyj., Fischer Bag Company among others. To achieve a substantial market share in the worldwide suitcases & briefcases market and strengthen their position, manufacturers are pursuing expansion methods such as current developments, mergers and acquisitions, product innovations, collaborations, and partnerships, joint ventures. Suitcases & Briefcases are any personal things a traveller brings on a flight, cruise, or bus, whether they are checked or not. Suitcases & Briefcases, which are made up of bags, cases, and containers, are used to store and transport a traveler's possessions. Antique suitcases and briefcases were frequently made of substantial materials like wood. However, the design of briefcases and suits has drastically changed over time. Depending on the sort of items, the categories may include travel, business, sports, and others. The different distribution channels for suitcases and briefcases include department stores, hypermarkets and supermarkets, internet sales, and others. Suitcases & Briefcases are priced in three different ranges: Value & Mid-Level, Premium, and Luxury. Suitcases & Briefcases has evolved over time. Historically, the most common styles of suitcases and briefcases were chests or trunks made of wood or other solid materials. Licensed movers would transfer these. Since the Second World War, smaller, lighter hand-carriable luggage and bags have replaced traditional suitcases and briefcases as the most common form. Enquiry Before Buying This Report @ https://greyviews.com/inquiry/547 Scope of Global Suitcases & Briefcases Market Report Report Metric Information Study Period 2022-2030 Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2030 Market Share Unit USD Billion Segments Covered Type, Distribution Channel, and Regions Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle-East and Africa Major Players Smith & Nephew, Molnlycke Health Care AB, ConvaTec Group PLC, Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson), Baxter International, URGO Medical, Coloplast Corp., Medtronic, 3M, Derma Sciences Inc. (Integra LifeSciences) among others. Segmentation Analysis The travel segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in 2022. The type segment is travel and business. The travel segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The fast growing global travel and tourist industry is partly to blame for the rise in the demand for suitcases. The use of renowned athletes as brand ambassadors by manufacturers of suitcases and briefcases also helps to expand the market for this industry. The offline segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in 2022. The distribution segment includes offline and online. The offline segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The opening of specialised retail sites by top companies in the offline channel is causing the market to grow. Rapid urbanisation, a growing network of specialist retail stores, and customers' preference for the traditional manner of buying briefcases and suitcases at the local retail market will all contribute to an increase in sales of these products. Regional Analysis The regional analysis provides a detailed perception of the key regions and the countries. Some of the key countries analyzed for the suitcases & briefcases market include the US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, India, Brazil, Peru, UAE, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. The Asia Pacific region witnessed a major share. As more residents of this region travel abroad, the market is expanding. As of 2019, China had 169 million outbound travellers compared to 50 million from India. Rising domestic travel and tourism are also beneficial to regional development. Additionally, rising disposable income and customers' increased spending on travel accessories are credited with driving the growth of the bags market. Country Analysis Germany Germany's Insulation board market size was valued at USD 3.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 5 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030. In Germany, where the tourism sector is expanding, both domestic and international travel are rising. Germany experienced much less outbound tourism than the previous year as a result of the outbreak and travel restrictions. But now that the limitations have been relaxed, German tourists are keen to travel once more. German citizens spend the most on international business and leisure travel. Germans choose sturdy, lightweight trolley bags since international flights have weight restrictions on checked baggage. German travellers purchase suitcases and briefcases with smart locks and built-in GPS since there is always a chance that they may be stolen or go missing. China Chinas Suitcases & Briefcases market size was valued at USD 5.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 8.56 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5% from 2023 to 2030. China, which has rigorous visitor access regulations, is one of the countries with the highest COVID awareness. The nation's borders are now open to all travellers. In addition, more people are expected to travel within their own country. This suggests that the demand for travel bag suppliers would increase. Chinese people are renowned for their simplicity and minimalism, and this extends to their luggage as well. Chinese travel bags look simple, but they are packed with unique features and contain a tonne of capacity. Huge storage capacities and useful features are available for both backpacks and larger bags. India India's Suitcases & Briefcases market size was valued at USD 4.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 6.87 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2023 to 2030. The competition in India's baggage industry has increased significantly as newcomers like Da Milano and long-standing businesses like VIP vie for clients. The demand for travel and business bags is expected to expand due to an increase in travel and tourism activities as well as an increase in business travellers. According to the Indian Ministry of Tourism, around 26.92 million Indians travelled outside of their country in 2019, an increase of 11.66% from 2018. This suggested that there was a higher need for briefcases and suits. Covid-19 Impact Covid-19 had a major impact on almost all industries, such as electronics, semiconductors, manufacturing, automobile, etc. However, several companies operating in the technology sector have seen increased revenue due to significant changes in consumer preferences toward technological services. In addition, the pandemic has led to significant growth in technology across developing and developed countries. Furthermore, the growth of the suitcases & briefcases market is mainly driven by the rising travelling. Buy Now Full Report @ https://greyviews.com/checkout/547/single_user_license Contact Us Rocky Shah GreyViews Pune India Phone: (+44) 162-237-1047 Email: sales@greyviews.com Web: https://greyviews.com/ Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Browse Related Reports: Buy Now Pay Later Market By Enterprise Type (Small & Medium Enterprises and Large Enterprises), By Application (Healthcare, Retail, Fashion & Garments, Consumer Electronics and Others), Regions, Segmentation, and Projection till 2030 https://greyviews.com/reports/buy-now-pay-later-market/557 Anti Acne Dermal Patch Market Size By Type (Herbal Based and Chemical Based), By Age (65+, 18 to 44, 10 to 17, and 45 to 64), By Distribution Channel (E-Commerce Platform, Retail Stores, and Pharmacies & Drug Stores), Regions, Segmentation, and Projection till 2030 https://greyviews.com/reports/anti-acne-dermal-patch-market/553 Synthetic Lace Front Wigs Market Size By Lace Type (French Lace, Swiss Lace, and Others), By Lace Color (Black, Transparent, Brown, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Specialty Stores, Online Channels, and Others), Regions, Segmentation, and Projection till 2030 https://greyviews.com/reports/synthetic-lace-front-wigs-market/550 Suitcases & Briefcases Market Size By Type (Travel and Business), By Distribution channel (Offline and Online), Regions, Segmentation, and Projection till 2030 https://greyviews.com/reports/suitcases-briefcases-market/547 Refrigerated Trailer Market Size By Type (Chilled Food and Frozen Food), By End-User (Meat & Seafood, Dairy, Fruits & Vegetables and Others), Regions, Segmentation, and Projection till 2030 https://greyviews.com/reports/refrigerated-trailer-market/545 Laundry Detergent Pods Market Size By Product (Biological and Non-Biological), By Application (Household and Commercial), By Type (Fabric Softener, Detergent Powder, Laundry Liquid, and Others), Regions, Segmentation, and Projection till 2030 https://greyviews.com/reports/laundry-detergent-pods-market/538 Breastfeeding Accessories Market Size By Product (Nipple Care Products, Breast Heating Pads, Breast Shells, Perineal Cooling Pads, Nursing Tank Tops, Breast Pads, Breastmilk Preparation & Cleaning Products, Breast Cooling Pads, Baby Weighing Scales, Maternity/Nursing Bras, Lactation Massagers, Breast Pump Carry/Tote Bags, and Postpartum Recovery Accessories), By Application (Hospital Use and Personal Use), Regions, Segmentation, and Projection till 2030 https://greyviews.com/reports/breastfeeding-accessories-market/531 Premium Cosmetics Market Size By Product (Skincare, Color Cosmetics, Fragrance, Haircare, Suncare, Baby Care, Deodorants, and Bath), By Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), Regions, Segmentation, and Projection till 2030 https://greyviews.com/reports/premium-cosmetics-market/519 Parenteral Packaging Market Size By Product Type (Bags, Vials, Ampoules, Pre-Filled Syringes & Cartridges and Ready-to-Use Systems), By Packaging Type (Large Volume Parenteral and Small Volume Parenteral), By Technique (Vials, Bags & Bottles, Ampoules, Prefilled Syringes & Cartridges and Ready to Mix Syringes), Regions, Segmentation, and Projection till 2030 https://greyviews.com/reports/parenteral-packaging-market/515 MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rewarding key contributors via strategies like profit sharing and providing long-term incentives is crucial as a company grows. To augment their dedicated support of the next generation of leaders, Fidato Wealth, an independently owned and operated fiduciary financial advisory firm located in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, announced that effective Jan. 1, 2023, three senior team members - Brian Eberhardt, Lindsay Fiore, and Marissa Beyer - have become Partners in the firm. All three have purchased equity in Fidato Wealth and are now officially owners in the company. In addition, Fidato Wealth offers incentives, profit sharing, and other opportunities to all their employees in order to bolster morale and to promote alignment with their goals of exceeding client expectations, retaining current clients, and welcoming new clients. "These key contributors have significantly impacted our ability to deliver the highest level of wealth planning services." Tony D'Amico, Founder and CEO Fidato Wealth "These three key contributors who are now Partners have significantly impacted our firm's ability to deliver the highest level of wealth planning and investment management services to clients," said Tony D'Amico, CFP, Founder and CEO of Fidato Wealth. "I am proud that we offer opportunities and incentives to every single one of our employees. Everyone on the team makes a huge difference, which is why all positions at Fidato have compensation to reward contributions and align the team with our mission." EBERHARDT, FIORE, AND BEYER PURCHASE EQUITY IN FIDATO WEALTH Brian Eberhardt serves as Lead Wealth Advisor at Fidato Wealth and leads client relationships and wealth planning to help the firm and clients achieve their goals. He also guides the development and training of the firm's newer advisors. Eberhardt was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and graduated from Cleveland State University with a bachelor's degree in Finance. He also served in the United States Army for eight years before starting his career in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Fidato Wealth in 2015, he worked at PNC Capital Advisors and Apprisen Financial. Lindsay Fiore serves as Operations Manager at Fidato Wealth and oversees Operations, all processes across the company, and compliance administration. She ensures that operations and client service both exceed the expectations of clients and is crucial in helping the firm achieve its long-term mission. Fiore joined Fidato Wealth in February of 2018 as a Client Service Specialist and worked her way up through the ranks to her current position. Prior to her time at Fidato Wealth, she attended Ohio University before serving as General Manager of a family-owned business. Marissa Beyer CFP serves as Senior Wealth Advisor and leads client relationships and their wealth planning to help them achieve their goals. Additionally, Beyer manages and leads the firm's newer advisors and manages the firm's wealth planning workflows. Marissa is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Professional with over 15 years of advisory experience in retirement planning and wealth management. Prior to joining Fidato Wealth in 2020, she previously worked at True Wealth Design and RAV Financial Services after graduating from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where she received her B.S. in Financial Planning. To learn more about all three team members, please click here. FIDATO TO TEACH RETIREMENT PLANNING COURSE IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES In addition, Fidato Wealth announced the next round of their interactive, continuing education course titled Retirement Planning Today, which will be taught by Tony D'Amico, CFP, Founder and CEO of Fidato Wealth. The course will be taught over two nights, with online and in-person sessions offered throughout February by Highland Community Education and Lorain County Community College as part of a larger financial literacy project. OBJECTIVE EDUCATION FOR A COMPREHENSIVE RETIREMENT PLAN Tuition is $49 and includes a 200+ page digital book with examples and illustrations. All fees collected are forwarded to Highland Community Education and the LCCC Lorain Learning Center. During this educational course, all examples will be noncommercial, and no specific financial products will be discussed or sold. Once students register, the firm will be notified, and they will provide details on how to log in to the class online or how to attend in person. IN-PERSON CLASS Via Highland Community Education at Highland High School 4150 Ridge Road, Medina, OH 44256 Wednesday, Feb. 22, and Wednesday, March 1, from 6:30-9:30 pm ET Please click here to register. VIRTUAL OPTION Via LCCC Lorain Learning Center at Lorain County Community College Wednesday, Feb. 8, and Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 6:00-8:30 pm ET Please click here to register. This course has been designed for those ages 50 and over who wish to educate themselves about planning for a successful retirement. The material presented will: Help participants determine if they are on track to accomplish their retirement goal. Provide comprehensive, objective knowledge they can easily apply to their situation. Provide information on estate planning strategies, healthcare, Medicare and long-term care considerations, social security and pension claiming strategies, how to determine the savings they will need to retire today or in the future, and much more. To learn more and register, please click here. ABOUT FIDATO WEALTH Fidato Wealth is a financial advisory firm headquartered in Middleburg Heights, OH, that provides retirement planning, family wealth management, and business advisory services. As an SEC Registered Investment Advisor, the firm is legally bound to act as a fiduciary, which means that the clients' needs always come first. Tony D'Amico, CFP, Founder and Managing Partner, has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Barron's and other national publications. Fidato Wealth has been named to Financial Advisor magazine's Top RIA Rankings every year since 2017. For more information, visit www.FidatoWealth.com. Media Contact: Jonny Swift Impact Communications, Inc. 913-649-5009 JonnySwift@ImpactCommunications.org Fidato Wealth LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Fidato Wealth LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Fidato Wealth LLC unless a client service agreement is in place. Contact Information: Jonny Swift Impact Communications jonnyswift@impactcommunications.org (913) 649-5009 Related Images Image 1: Three Senior Team Members Named Partners at Fidato Wealth In addition, CFP Tony D'Amico to teach proven retirement planning strategies to participants in Northeast Ohio This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EnviroGold Global Limited (CSE: NVRO | OTCQB: ESGLF | FSE: YGK) (EnviroGold Global or the Company), a Clean Technology Company accelerating the worlds transition to a circular-resource economy, is pleased to announce the successful closing of two tranches of the non-brokered private placement of unsecured convertible notes (the Notes) for gross proceeds of $2.8M (the Financing). The Notes mature twenty-four months from the date of issuance (the Maturity Date) and bear interest at the rate of 8.0% per annum, calculated as simple interest accrued monthly in arrears. Pursuant to the terms of the Notes, the subscribers may at any time prior to the Maturity Date convert the principal amounts of the Notes into common shares of the Company (Common Shares), at a price of $0.25 per Common share. The accrued and unpaid interest is convertible into common shares at the average closing price on CSE for the 20 trading days immediately prior to the date of conversion. Proceeds from the Financing will fund the Companys ongoing pilot production initiative with ALS Global, at its facilities in Perth, provide additional working capital and will be used to clean up the Companys balance sheet. The pilot program, currently underway, is focused on optimization of the Companys technology ahead of this years metal production implementation at the Companys Australia Project. Initial pilot program results are expected in March 2023. As part of the Financing, the Company settled $50,000 in debt through the issuance of Notes to Red Cloud Securities Inc., an arms length creditor of the Company for certain marketing and investor relations services. For additional details on the Australia Project economics, resource and project implementation, please see the following link to the Companys NI 43-101 technical report: Link to Press Release. More details on the Companys proprietary process and patent filing can be found here: Link to Press Release. All securities issued in connection with the Financing will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from issuance pursuant to applicable securities laws of Canada. Finders fees of $168,720 cash and 600,000 warrants (Finders Warrants) have been issued to qualified parties in connection with the Financing. The Finders Warrants are non-transferable and will allow the holder to acquire one Common Share of the Company at an exercise price of CAD$0.25 per Finders Warrant for a period of 24 months following the closing date. MI 61-101 Disclosure Certain insiders of the Company participated in the Financing for an aggregate total of $100,000 in Notes. The participation by such insiders is considered a related-party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The Company has relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of related party participation in the placement as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involved the related parties, exceeded 25% of the Companys market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101). The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the expected closing of the Financing as the details of the participation therein by related parties of the Company were not settled until shortly prior to closing of the Financing and the Company wished to close on an expedited basis for sound business reasons. None of the securities to be issued in connection with the private placement will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), and none of them have been offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. About EnviroGold Global EnviroGold Global (CSE: NVRO) (OTCQB: ESGLF) (FSE: YGK), is a CleanTech company dedicated to creating shareholder value while establishing ESG & circular economy leadership by profitably reprocessing & remediating mine waste (tailings) to recover precious, critical & strategic metals including gold, silver, copper & nickel. Led by the CEO Dr. Mark Thorpe, the Company is strategically positioned to earn and maintain social license while capitalizing the estimated US$ 3.4 trillion of in situ metal value in global tailings. Dr. Thorpe is also the Chairman of the Canadian Mining Innovation Council. EnviroGold Globals commercial strategy involves applying proprietary and advanced technologies to resolve some of the worlds most challenging waste related issues, while generating profits from the reclamation of resources. EnviroGold Globals commercial strategy is being developed in three distinct strategic horizons, with the Companys near-term focus on applying proprietary precious and critical metal liberation technology to the recovery of valuable materials from refractory mine tailings, where the Company has identified an accelerated route to generating high free cash flow beginning with the Companys Australia Tailings Reprocessing Project in 2023. There are over 280 billion metric tonnes of mine tailings on the earths surface with a contained metal value that exceeds US$3.4T. Leveraging a detailed, proprietary screening process, the Companys extensive market analysis has identified potential tailings targets with a contained value exceeding US$10B, and has identified refractory, polymetallic, VMS tailings as a tailings sub-segment representing substantial and scalable economic opportunity. As EnviroGold Global successfully commercializes its metal liberation technology, the Company will expand its commercialization initiatives to include other, high-value waste reclamation and environmental remediation opportunities. EnviroGold Global acquires the metal recovery rights to tailings sites by leveraging a profit share business model to create an attractive value proposition for site owners. The Companys business model is designed to generate high free-cash flow & high target IRR while eliminating the risks of traditional exploration and extraction. The Company expects to produce metals with a carbon footprint up to 96% lower than conventional metal producers while reducing the environmental footprint of legacy mining. As of January 2023, the Company has eight major projects in its global project pipeline including two major projects under definitive contracts and six additional major projects at various stages of commercial negotiation and detailed technical/economic review. Further Information Dr. Mark B. Thorpe Chief Executive Officer Telephone: +1 416 777 6720 Email: mark.thorpe@envirogoldglobal.com Website: www.EnviroGoldGlobal.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, without limitation, earnings guidance, economic guidance, operational guidance and future capital spending amounts. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements. Graphical representations included in this news release are approximate representations which may vary from defined regulatory boundaries. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, will continue, will occur or will be achieved. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected terms of the Hellyer Tailings Reprocessing Project and its completion, the Companys working relationship with the owner(s) of the Hellyer Tailings, the economic viability of the Hellyer Tailings Reprocessing Project and statements regarding any residual precious metals as a by-product of the remediation, the Companys expansion of its reprocessing pipeline, and the Companys ability to accelerate the worlds transition to a circular resource economy. Forward-looking information in this news release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Companys ability to continue as a going concern; the continued commercial viability and growth in the clean technology and mining waste reprocessing industry; continued approval of the Companys activities by the relevant governmental and/or regulatory authorities; the continued development of clean technology and mining waste reprocessing technology; and the continued growth of the Company. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the potential inability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the Companys inability to accelerate the worlds transition to a circular resource economy, the risks associated with assessing metallurgical recovery rates from mine tailings and waste and related volumetric assessments, the risks associated with the mining and mining waste recycling industry in general; increased competition in the clean technology and waste reprocessing market; the potential unviability of the clean technology and mining waste reprocessing market; incorrect assessment of the value and potential benefits of various transactions; risks associated with potential governmental and/or regulatory action with respect to clean technology and mining waste reprocessing; risks associated with a potential collapse in the value of clean technology and waste reprocessing; and risks relating to the Companys potential inability to expand its reprocessing pipeline. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Companys expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Almadex Minerals Ltd. ("Almadex" or the "Company") (TSX-V: DEX) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement (the Agreement) to sell its remaining 40% interest in the Ponderosa property (the Property) to Au Gold Corp. (AUGC). On September 11, 2019, Almadex announced that it had granted 1201361 BC Ltd., a predecessor company to AUGC, an option to acquire a 60% interest in this 41.5 Ha property. AUGC has since completed its earn-in requirements through a combination of share payments and exploration expenditures. Rather than proceed to enter into a 60/40 joint venture as provided for under the original option agreement, Almadex has agreed to terminate the option agreement and sell to AUGC its remaining 40% interest in the Property in return for the following: 750,000 shares of AUGC payable on closing; The grant of a 2.0% NSR to Almadex; 500,000 shares of AUGC conditional upon definition of a mineral resource of at least 250,000 ounces gold. Upon completion of this transaction, Almadex will own approximately 1,080,000 shares of AUGC and retain a 2% NSR royalty on the Property. The Property represents a core area of AUGCs larger 420Ha property which it also refers to as Ponderosa. Almadex looks forward to AUGCs continued exploration of this prospective area. Closing of the Agreement is subject to AUGC receiving the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. About Almadex Almadex Minerals Ltd. is an exploration company that holds a large mineral portfolio consisting of projects and NSR royalties in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. This portfolio is the direct result of many years of prospecting and deal-making by Almadex's management team. The Company owns a number of portable diamond drill rigs, enabling it to conduct cost effective first pass exploration drilling in house. On behalf of the Board of Directors, J. Duane Poliquin J. Duane Poliquin, Chairman Almadex Minerals Ltd. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within it, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Forward-looking statements in this news release relating to the Company include, among other things, the completion of the sale of the Companys interest in the Property and AUGCs continued exploration of the Property. 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 or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, permitting, continued availability of capital and financing, equipment availability, relationships with third-party clientele and their willingness or ability to continue to use the Companys drills for exploration, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, other than as required pursuant to applicable securities laws. Contact Information: Almadex Minerals Ltd. Tel. 604.689.7644 Email: info@almadexminerals.com http://www.almadexminerals.com/ AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Slalom, the global business and technology consulting company, today announced the opening of a new office in New Zealand. Slaloms office in Auckland will serve customers throughout the country, including notable local companies Air New Zealand, Fidelity Life and Vector, and global partners such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Salesforce, and Snowflake. Slalom expects to hire more than 50 professionals through the next year to support customers who want help to accelerate their growth and transformation, embrace emerging technology, and deliver initiatives faster and better. Slaloms initial service offering for New Zealand includes a range of industries, including agriculture, technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and life sciences. Slalom New Zealand sets itself apart from competitors because our consultants are local, but our capabilities are global and we can help New Zealand customers expand their reach around the world, said Michael Shimota, President Slalom Australia and New Zealand. We offer clients end to end services, from strategic consulting to building amazing products, so they can connect more deeply and best serve their customers. Auckland is the fourth Asia-Pacific office to open in the past three years following Melbourne, Sydney, and Tokyo. Customers like to work with Slalom because we are different, said John Tobin, Slalom Co-Founder and Executive President of EMEA and APAC. Our purpose-driven, fiercely human approach is how we can help New Zealand companies address their strategic, technological, and business transformation needs. Slaloms global team of 13,000 is an award-winning partner to 400 of the most innovative technology companies in the world, including AWS, Salesforce, Google Cloud, Microsoft, and Tableau. It has been recognized as a best company to work for by Fortune Magazine, Glassdoor, Forbes Magazine, and Human Rights Campaign. About Slalom Slalom is a purpose-led, global business and technology consulting company. From strategy to implementation, our approach is fiercely human. In seven countries and 44 markets, we deeply understand our customersand their customersto deliver practical, end-to-end solutions that drive meaningful impact. Backed by close partnerships with over 400 leading technology providers, our 13,000+ strong team helps people and organizations dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows for all. Were honored to be consistently recognized as a great place to work, including being one of Fortunes 100 Best Companies to Work For seven years running. Learn more at slalom.com . Media Contact: press@slalom.com Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States. HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silver Tiger Metals Inc. (TSXV:SLVR and OTCQX:SLVTF) (Silver Tiger or the Corporation) has announced today that it has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters led by BMO Capital Markets, under which the underwriters have agreed to buy on a bought deal basis 58,100,000 common shares (the Common Shares), at a price of $0.31 per Common Share for gross proceeds of $18 million (the Offering). The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable at the offering price for a period of 30 days following the closing of the Offering, to purchase up to an additional 15% of the Offering to cover over-allotments, if any. The offering is expected to close on or about February 24, 2023 and is subject to Silver Tiger receiving all necessary regulatory approvals. The net proceeds of the offering will be used to support the continued advancement of the Companys El Tigre project and for general corporate purposes. The Common Shares will be offered by way of a short form prospectus in all of the provinces of Canada, excluding Quebec, and may also be offered by way of private placement in the United States. The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Silver Tiger Silver Tiger Metals Inc. is a Canadian company whose management has more than 25 years experience discovering, financing and building large hydrothermal silver projects in Mexico. Silver Tigers 100% owned 28,414 hectare Historic El Tigre Mining District is located in Sonora, Mexico. Principled environmental, social and governance practices are core priorities at Silver Tiger. For further information, please contact: Glenn Jessome President and CEO 902 492 0298 jessome@silvertigermetals.com CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release includes certain forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the timing of and completion of the Offering, the expected use of proceeds and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as may, is expected to, anticipates, estimates, intends, plans, projection, could, vision, goals, objective and outlook and other similar words. Although Silver Tiger believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Silver Tigers expectations include risks and uncertainties related to exploration, development, operations, commodity prices and global financial volatility, risk and uncertainties of operating in a foreign jurisdiction as well as additional risks described from time to time in the filings made by Silver Tiger with securities regulators. TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eagle Graphite Incorporated (NEX: EGA) (the "Company", We, Eagle) provides the following update for stakeholders: Trading in Eagle shares remains suspended per the Companys release of October 21, 2022. The Companys listing has been transferred to the NEX exchange. A process for reinstatement to the TSX Venture exchange can potentially be considered as part of an eventual recapitalizing of the Company. The Companys debt of approximately US$2.6 Million (C$3.5 Million) to an offtake customer has been acquired by a third party. This party subsequently issued a Notice of Foreclosure, effectively proposing to assume all the assets of the Companys operating subsidiary, including the Black Crystal Graphite Quarry, on or around February 15, 2023. We believe that the assets are worth far more than the outstanding debt, and are exploring alternatives to prevent this outcome. Jamie Deith, Eagle Graphites CEO comments, Our situation represents both a crisis and an opportunity. We interpret the new debt holders actions as confirmation that Eagle Graphites quarry is undervalued, and look forward to finding solutions to resume advancement of the project. About Eagle Graphite Eagle Graphite owns the Black Crystal Graphite quarry, located 35 kilometres west of the city of Nelson in British Columbia, Canada, and 70 kilometres north of the state of Washington. Black Crystal is the only constructed graphite quarry with production history in Western North America. Eagle's shares are listed on the NEX under the symbol "EGA". Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Jamie Deith, CEO 604-909-4247 Email: jdeith@eaglegraphite.com Cautionary Statements Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such information is based on assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions and its expectations of future developments as well as other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such information. Although we believe, in light of the experience of our officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because we can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers should carefully consider various factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Statements in this release are made as of the date of this release. We undertake no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company or its securities, its financial or operating results. TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pasinex Resources Limited (CSE: PSE) (FSE: PNX) (The Company or Pasinex) sends our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to those affected by the recent earthquake in Turkiye. Our staff are thankfully safe and unharmed in our office and mine in Adana. Andrew Gottwald, Chief Financial Officer of Pasinex, commented, We are deeply concerned about the recent earthquake in Turkiye and extend our condolences to those affected. Our Adana offices and Pinargozu Mine have not sustained any significant damage yet our priority remains the safety of our employees and the well-being of the local community. As a result, Pasinex has temporarily halted operations at the mine and will continue to monitor the situation and support the local community in any way possible. The Pinargozu Zinc Mine, while undamaged by the earthquake, is an integral part of the local community, and as such, we take our responsibility to our employees and the surrounding area very seriously. Our well-trained mine rescue team, along with excavators and trucks, has been made available to the authorities to aid in the recovery efforts of nearby towns and cities. We understand the impact that natural disasters can have on communities and are committed to being there for those in need during these challenging times. To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone, we have temporarily halted operations at the mine for a couple of days. During this time, we will conduct a thorough assessment of the site and make any necessary actions to ensure the safety of our employees and the local community. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the local authorities and emergency services for their swift response and dedication to helping those in need. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed. We are here for the local community and will support them in any way possible during this challenging time. About Pasinex Pasinex Resources Limited is a Toronto-based mining company that owns 50% of Horzum Maden Arama ve Isletme Anonim Sirketi (Horzum AS or Joint Venture), through its 100% owned subsidiary Pasinex Arama ve Madencilik Anonim Sirketi (Pasinex Arama). Horzum AS holds 100% of the producing Pinargozu high-grade zinc mine. Horzum AS sells directly to zinc smelters and or refiners through commodity brokers from its mine site in Turkiye. The Company also holds an option to acquire 80% of the Gunman high-grade zinc exploration project in Nevada. Pasinex has a strong technical management team with many years of mineral exploration and mining project development experience. Pasinex Resources Limited mission is to explore and extract high grade ore at a profit to drive growth and wealth to shareholders, employees and the communities of our operations, meeting all requirements in safety, health and the environment. Visit our website at www.pasinex.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors PASINEX RESOURCES LIMITED Andrew Gottwald Andrew Gottwald Chief Financial Officer Phone: +1 416.861.9659 Email: info@pasinex.com Evan White Manager of Corporate Communications Phone: +1 416.906.3498 Email: evan.white@pasinex.com The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from the historical results or any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking. Although Pasinex believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not a guarantee of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, exploration results, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. DDE Programme: Banks profitability to suffer again Charles Benoni Okine Business News Feb - 07 - 2023 , 14:59 Players in the financial service sector have said the profitability of banks who sign on to the governments Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), will severely contract this year. According to them, the impact of the introduction of mark-to-market, a prelude to the DDEP, had already delved severe damage to their books so they fear a worse situation this year once banks sign on to the programme. Our profit-after-tax was GH3.9 billion at the end of December 2022, representing 18.9 per cent contraction year-on-year, compared to 12.3 per cent annual growth recorded in 2021, one insider with a tier one bank told the paper in an interview. The source also brought to the fore, the industrys Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), which declined to 16.6 per cent, and noted that although it remained above the prudential minimum of 13 per cent as of December 2022, from 19.6 per cent in December 2021, the development was still attributed to losses on mark-to-market investments. The source said the uncertainties in the economy would further shrink banks exposure to investments on all fronts. It said that had already begun to manifest as total investments contracted by 4.8 per cent to GH79.2 billion in December 2022, relative to a 29.0 per cent annual growth in 2021. This is because banks rebalanced their asset portfolios in response to the DDEP and reiterated that this phenomenon is likely to be worse this year for obvious reasons. There was also the case of an increase in risk-weighted assets of banks from the high growth in actual credit and the price effect of the depreciation of the Ghana Cedi on foreign currency-denominated loans. The sectors profitability indicators, namely, the return on equity and the return on assets also declined during the period, in line with declining profit-after-tax and profit-before-tax respectively. Another source argued that the terms of the DDEP would limit their ability to lend, as well as engage in investment activities that tend to improve their bottom line and their continuous sustenance. According to the source, the DDEP which would come with a more severe haircut would impact the already high lending rates, which presently hovered at an average of 35 per cent, making it more difficult for businesses to borrow. The source said although new loans and advances in 2022 increased sharply to GH53.7 billion, reflecting annual growth of 47.5 per cent, compared with the growth of 6.8 per cent in 2021, that scenario this year was likely to be reversed under the DDEP. It said much as the Bank of Ghana had pledged its commitment to support banks to be liquid to be able to carry out their operations, the promise is farfetched because the dynamics and communication around the programme were not clear. MPC on banks profitability Reports by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Ghana have pointed to a decline in the profitability levels in the banking sector on the back of the mark-to-market losses on investments, among other factors. Net interest income, however, witnessed some growth by 23.0 per cent to GH15.8 billion, higher than the growth of 14.5 per cent in 2021. Operating expenses rose by 32.2 per cent in December 2022, compared with 14.2 per cent growth in 2021. Net fees and commissions went up by 27.4 per cent to GH3.7 billion, from the growth of 24.8 per cent recorded in 2021. Accordingly, operating income increased by 30.9 per cent, compared with 14.6 per cent recorded a year earlier. The strong outturn in operating income, according to the MPC report, was, however, moderated by increased operating expenses and provisioning during the year. Provisions also increased sharply by 184.0 per cent in December 2022 relative to a contraction of 4.7 per cent a year earlier, due to the strong uptick in credit growth, elevated credit risks and impairments on investments. Consequently, profit before tax declined by 13.5 per cent to GH6.4 billion in December 2022, compared with an annual growth of 22.1 per cent a year earlier. Trends Meanwhile, trends in Financial Soundness Indicators were mixed, reflecting heightened risks faced by the industry. The non-performing loans (NPL) ratio, however, improved to 14.8 per cent in December 2022, compared with 15.2 per cent in December 2021, on account of high credit growth, relative to the increased stock of NPLs between the two periods. Total assets increased to GH221.0 billion, representing an annual growth of 22.9 per cent in December 2022, compared to a growth of 20.4 per cent a year earlier. Total deposits ended the year at GH157.9 billion, representing an increase of 30.4 per cent in 2022, relative to a growth of 16.6 per cent in 2021. Credit continued to increase, recording a growth of 30.2 per cent to GH70.0 billion from GH53.8 billion in December 2021. Domestic Debt Exchange to bring economic stability ends today Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Business News Feb - 07 - 2023 , 05:06 With the deadline for signing onto the domestic debt exchange programme (DDEP) set to expire today, the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has appealed to bondholders to fully embrace the programme. In a statement Monday, Mr Ofori-Atta said a lukewarm acceptance or non-participation in the DDEP by domestic investors would have a catastrophic effect on the current economic recovery efforts. "Ladies and Gentlemen, tomorrow is the final deadline for this programme and we are hopeful all domestic investors will participate. "Frankly, non-participation or a lower-than-expected turnout for the DDEP will prolong efforts to resolve the current economic crisis. In addition, the prospects of international financial support and other financial assurances will be jeopardised. "This development could further put strain and stress on the government's capacity to honour key commitments. This is not what we want for our economy," he said. According to the minister, although the DDEP was a difficult option, the government had to take that route to achieve debt sustainability, restore macro-economic stability and gradually get the economy back on growth trajectory. The government, he said, had not gone to sleep but was working hard on other fiscal adjustments for sustainable economic recovery and growth. He, therefore, called on all domestic investors to fully sign up to the DDEP to support the efforts by the government. Recovery "Considering the importance of a sustained economic recovery, backed by an approved International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme in the first quarter 2023, it is crucial for groups and individuals to consider the merits of the enhanced DDER, as well as the need for economic stability, and sign up by tomorrow to make it a successful one," he said. He acknowledged the fact that the DDEP was a difficult path but gave an assurance that the government would ensure that no one was made worse off under the programme. "These are difficult times, no doubt, but if we hold on together, we can and will emerge from this more resilient and united than before. Click this link for more Entrepreneurs must innovate to remain relevant Maclean Kwofi Business News Feb - 07 - 2023 , 17:59 A business consultant, Nana Akwesi Bonsu, has challenged entrepreneurs in the country to keep themselves from endeavors that are no longer relevant in todays dynamic world. Rather, Mr Bonsu who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of My Story Magazine said entrepreneurs must be adaptable with the ability to deliver new products and services, or to build new systems and structures that could strengthen their operational capacities. Speaking to the media in Accra, Mr Bonsu stated that innovation and technology adoption were no more an option but a must for entrepreneurs. Create a niche for your business, adjust to current or future innovations, relearn new inventions, and build up new systems and structures for your businesses. Dont underestimate the tool of technology, and above all have the mental capacity, he said. Mr Bonsu said entrepreneurship was not a rosy journey, but instead required tough-mindedness to create an avenue that would help society. Nonetheless, mental fortitude, a wealth of knowledge, understanding your essence for the establishment, and having the wisdom to ride your idea are very essential in this instance. Amid the current economic crisis and global recession, there is also a place for individuals who have mastered their craft to also survive, he said. Govt support Mr Bonsu urged the government to support entrepreneurs by creating opportunities such as tax exemptions on specific consumable goods and services. He said there should be a system to financially support business owners to help them to expand their businesses. He said the government must take deliberate steps to patronise small-scale businesses, especially locally-produced goods and services. He underlined the need for the development of policies that could attract more investors into the country. He explained that mentorship for entrepreneurs was now very essential and, therefore, start-ups, and that anyone interested in business must take note to have mentors in their life. Individuals who are giants in our industries must also avail themselves to teach upcoming entrepreneurs. They shouldnt see them as a threat or competition, but rather as a medium to pour out their experience to help the upcoming ones become more productive and efficient. Partnership, on the other hand, is also key. Most people from our side of the world do not consider partnerships in business. People must come together to create businesses that will profit all. It is in this that we will see growth and expansion, he said. Focus Mr Bonsus My Story Magazine is noted to be focused on telling stories and putting the spotlight on entrepreneurs, start-ups and change-makers across Africa. He said the firm ultimately gives people an opportunity to tap into the brains and experiences of business leaders, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and technical leaders to learn their strategies, their motivation and challenges. By telling the stories of individuals and organisations from different perspectives, and from across the entire regions of the continent, we believe it is only by collective action and innovation sharing across the regions that we can help Africa to solve its deepest challenges, he added. Equities market month review Business Desk Report Business News Feb - 07 - 2023 , 10:21 The GSE markets performance in January reflected investor sentiments in the general macro-economic environment and the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme. On the equities market, the GSE Composite and Financial Stock Indices recorded negative returns of 3.68 per cent and 0.81 per cent respectively. Thin trading resulted in dip in the number of transactions to 1249, a decline of 16.12 per cent compared to the same period in 2022. Top price gainers like Benso Oil Palm (up 15.03%), NewGold ETF (up 11.6%), and Total Energies (up 1.5%), bucked the trend of general downward pressure on prices. On the fixed-income market, the total volume traded was 10.09 billion, a decline from the 11.40 billion traded in the previous month and a drop of 39.86 per cent compared to the 16.50 billion traded in January 2022. Equities The month closed with 1.55 million shares traded, valued at GH6.67 million. The figures recorded represent a 95.52 per cent and 82.58 per cent decrease in volume and value traded respectively over the same period last year. Ghana Fixed Income Market (GFIM) Volume traded on the debt market closed the month at GH10.09 billion which was 39.98 per cent lower than the same period last year. The number of trades during the month was 51,273, which was 5.05 per cent more than the same period last year. Highlights of the month 1. The terms of participation in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme have been agreed upon by the government and the Ghana Securities Industry Association (GSIA). The agreement stipulates that the improved terms the programme that were agreed upon with the banks would now apply to all GSIA members. 2. Asante Gold Corporation on January 23, 2023, announced financing up to US$50 million. 3. Aluworks Limited has released its un-audited statement of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2022. 4. Newgold Issuer RF Limited has released its un-audited financial statements for the period ending December 31, 2022. Ghana among 36 countries eligible for HIPC initiative Emmanuel Bruce Business News Feb - 07 - 2023 , 10:59 The International Monetary Fund says Ghana qualifies among other countries to access, or eligible to receive Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative assistance as at January 2023. Among the 36 countries, majority from Sub-Saharan Africa are: Benin, The Gambia, Niger, Togo, Burkina Faso, Chad, Liberia, Tanzania, Zambia, Mali, Senegal, Rwanda and Cameroon. Countries that accept to be part of the HIPC will receive some form of debt relief but with stiffer conditionalities. It is not clear whether the government is keen on being part of the HIPC programme. In 2002, Ghana opted for the HIPC initiative which resulted in most of its debts cancelled. Ghanas economy is currently facing serious challenges, key among them being a rising and unsustainable debt levels which has crossed over 90 per cent of gross domestic (GDP). This has prompted the country to seek a US$3 billion IMF bailout programme. The countrys ability to secure the IMF bailout is however hinged on its ability to restructure its debt which stood at GH575.7 billion as at November last year according to the Bank of Ghana. A Domestic Debt Exchange Programme which was introduced to restructure the countrys domestic debt is faced with stiff opposition from various stakeholders. The government, however, appears to have made some significant inroads in this regards, getting all the relevant stakeholders with the exception of the individual bondholders to agree to a deal. On the external front, the country is currently in discussions with its international partners seeking debt restructuring to create fiscal space. Launched in 1996 by the IMF and World Bank, the HIPC is to ensure that no poor country faces an unmanageable debt burden. In 2005, to accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the HIPC Initiative was supplemented by the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative. This allows countries completing the HIPC Initiative process to receive 100 per cent relief on eligible debts by the IMF, the World Bank, and the African Development Fund. In 2007, the Inter-American Development Bank provided additional (beyond HIPC) debt relief to the five HIPCs in the Western Hemisphere. Criteria for HIPC initiative To participate in the HIPC Initiative, countries need to meet certain criteria, commit to policy changes to reduce poverty, and demonstrate a record of doing so. To be considered for HIPC Initiative assistance, a country must be eligible to borrow from the World Banks International Development Agency, which provides interest-free loans and grants to the worlds poorest countries, and from the IMFs Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust, which provides loans to low-income countries at concessional rates. The country must also be faced with an unsustainable debt burden that cannot be addressed through traditional debt-relief mechanisms; have a track record of reform and sound policies through IMF- and World Bank-supported programs. The country must also develop a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) through a broad-based participatory process. Benefits of HIPC initiative Debt relief is part of a larger effort to address the development needs of low-income countries. For debt reduction to have a tangible impact on poverty, the additional money needs to be spent on programs that benefit the poor. Before the HIPC Initiative, on average, eligible countries were spending slightly more on debt service than on health and education combined. Since the initiative, they are spending about five times more on health, education, and other social services than on debt service. For the 36 countries receiving debt relief, debt service paid declined by about 1.5 percentage points of GDP between 2001 and 2015. More recently, with the increase in public debt in low-income countries, debt service burdens have started to rise, although they still remain 1 percentage point below the pre-HIPC levels in 2017. Who funds the HIPC Initiative? The IMFs share of the cost is financed by bilateral contributions and from IMF resources, mainly investment income on the proceeds from off-market gold sales in 1999, which were deposited to the IMFs PRGT-HIPC Trust. Resources in the trust have been insufficient to finance debt relief to the remaining two countries with protracted arrears to the IMF, Somalia and Sudan, which have met the initial conditions for debt relief and reached the decision point. The original financing plan did not include the cost of debt relief to countries with protracted arrears to the IMF. In December 2019 and May 2021, the IMF Executive Board approved financing plans that would help mobilize the resources needed for the IMF to cover its share of debt relief to Somalia and Sudan, respectively. Eritrea is also eligible for HIPC debt relief but does not have financial obligations to the IMF. Ghana leads in quest for AfCFTA benefits Maclean Kwofi Business News Feb - 07 - 2023 , 12:28 Ghana and six other countries have pioneered trading activities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The official trading under the free trade area began on October 7, 2022, after nearly 22 months of preparatory works including putting institutional structures at the secretariat in Accra, Ghana. The first such trans-border trading was a shipment by Kasapreko Company Limited and Ghandour Cosmetics Limited on January 1, 2021. The six other countries involved in the trading are; Cameroon, Kenya, Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda and Tanzania. Products traded included ceramics, palm oil, car batteries and coffee. It put into motion a huge ambition to create the largest free trade area in the world measured by the number of countries participating. The pact connects 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) valued at US$3.4 trillion. According to the World Bank, the initiative has the potential to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty, but achieving its full potential would depend on putting in place significant policy reforms and trade facilitation measures. Creating a continent-wide market would require a determined effort to reduce all trade costs. African governments will also need to design policies to increase the readiness of their workforces to take advantage of new opportunities. Institutional framework To take advantage of the initiative, the Government of Ghana (GoG) has put in place an institutional framework to help maximise gains from the AfCFTA. It includes the establishment of the AfCFTA inter-ministerial committee, national steering committee, and technical working groups on all the seven clusters for boosting intra-Africa trade. Additionally, it has also designed the AfCFTA Policy framework and action plan as well as the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS) meant to help revitalise the countrys export development efforts with a strong focus on Africas over 1.2 billion consumer market. The action plan seeks to provide the needed guidelines for mainstreaming the implementation of the agreement through value-addition to exports, developing capacity to effectively compete with imports and expansion of opportunities for job creation. These are indications that the government had established the key national institutional structures to oversee the implementation of the AfCFTA initiative locally. They will help Ghanaian businesses to fully participate and explore opportunities under the agreement. Certifications of origin Towards that, the government had assisted 30 Ghanaian firms to secure certifications of origin that will enable them to start trading under the single market initiative. The certified firms were assisted through the (Ghana) National AfCFTA Coordination Office, which serves as the liaison between Ghana and the AfCFTA Secretariat. The firms are part of the 230 potential exporters identified to be guided through AfCFTA processes, procedures and protocols as they develop their products to be exported. A certificate of origin is a document which attests that a product listed has met certain criteria to be considered as originating in a particular country. It is issued by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI). Ongoing trade The National Coordinator at the (Ghana) National AfCFTA Coordination Office, Dr Fareed Kwasi Arthur, said two out of the 30 firms had been exporting under AfCFTA since October this year. The two Benso Oil Palm Plantation Limited and KEDA Ghana Ceramics Company Limited exported palm oil products to Kenya and ceramics to Cameroon, respectively. He said the coordination office assisted the companies to meet the necessary protocol for the shipment of their consignments. Purposeful policy intermediation It is obvious that the opportunities offered would not manifest by itself. It would require purposeful policy intermediation and active participation by all stakeholders. As host country for the AfCFTA secretariat, Ghana is uniquely positioned to become the commercial capital of Africa should momentum that had been built is advanced. The country must therefore be determined to make the most of the agreement by leveraging on the trade and investment opportunities that the AfCFTA presents. Programmes such as 10-point industrial transformation agenda, SME development initiative, strategic anchor industries, one district, one factory (1D1F) initiative and establishment of industrial parks across the country could help facilitate the transformation of the economy and enable Ghana to optimise its benefits from AfCFTA when well structured. Way forward All regulatory agencies and trade institutions under the trade value chain such as the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Ghana Shipper Authority (GSA) and Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) have a great responsibility in preparing the country to maximise gains from the agreement. In the words of the immediate past Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, For Ghana to benefit from the initiative, there is an urgent need to create awareness among regulatory authorities, including the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), economic operators, producers and exporters, as well as the logistical sector. The country needs a collective approach to inject a renewed and fresh hope into trade and industrialisation as these two key areas were necessary preconditions for strong recovery. With advanced infrastructure connectivity, the AfCFTA initiative had great economic, trade as well as social advantages for Africa and its countries such as Ghana. Keynote The World Bank is projecting that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement will create the largest free trade area in the world measured by the number of countries participating. The pact connects about 1.2 billion people across 55 countries with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) valued at US$3.4 trillion. It has the potential to lift 100 million out of poverty, 30 million people from extreme poverty, and 70 million people from moderate poverty but achieving its full potential will depend on putting in place significant policy reforms and trade facilitation measures. Govt to convert $3.3bn BoG loan to bonds graphic.com.gh Business News Feb - 07 - 2023 , 17:48 Ghana is planning to convert an estimated $3.3bn in loans owed to its central bank into bonds, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move would make the central bank the largest holder of domestic government securities, while also exposing it to ongoing debt restructuring. The bonds, to be issued by the finance ministry, will also cover interest owed to the Bank of Ghana. The governments debt to the central bank has increased in recent years, and Ghana is in the process of restructuring its public debt as a condition for a $3bn bailout from the International Monetary Fund. The restructuring involves asking investors to swap $11.2bn worth of local government securities for new notes with less favorable terms. Ghana has been shut out of international markets since it suspended interest payments on $13bn worth of eurobonds. The country is also in talks to restructure its bilateral and external debt with the aim of reducing public debt to 55% of GDP by 2028. A spokesperson for the central bank declined to comment, while a spokesperson for the finance ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Jitters as debt swap programme enters dying minutes Maxwell Akalaare Adombila Business News Feb - 07 - 2023 , 17:19 Some holders of Ghanas cedi bonds are reluctantly subscribing to the governments domestic debt exchange programme (DDEP) as the offer entered its dying hours Tuesday. Sources in government told Graphic Online Tuesday afternoon that interest had picked up quite well among institutional investors although the pace of subscription was still below expectation. For individual holders of the otherwise risk-free government paper, one source said: I think there are still some difficulties here and there. In spite of that the sources said it was obvious that the government would meet its target and would, therefore, not extend the offer, which ends on February 7. The sources, which are coordinating the process, have not been authorised to speak on the matter. Some are signing on and we are hoping that by close to day, Tuesday, we will see significant participation, one said said. I think we are counting on God to see us through but as for this time round, we will not extend the deadline, another said. In the offer launched December last year, the government wants investors in its cedi debts to swap their existing holdings for new ones that have a maximum maturity of five years instead. The offer is optional, the government said in a January 31 release that announced the extension of the programme for the fourth time in a row. That release also revised the terms of the debt swap in response to protests and resistance from business associations and individual bondholders that have constituted themselves into groups. The debt swap is needed to make the countrys debt sustainable, which is a prerequisite to sealing a US$3 billion bailout programme from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Jobs AI is likely to replace (3) Shirley Nzeh, LL.B (Hons), Prof. PGDip (GRC) Business News Feb - 07 - 2023 , 10:51 The topic of automation and artificial intelligence replacing jobs is a recurring one in an ever-increasingly automated world. In this final part of the three-part series, we will help you understand what jobs are at risk. Whether yours is on the chopping block and how you stay relevant. I concluded part II by comparing the financial and non-financial benefits of hiring a blockchain developer versus learning the English language prompts to interact with AI tools that can discharge a wide range of cross-functional activities in a matter of seconds. I also provided an opinion on the risks (threats and opportunities) and to whom. In truth, it is difficult to predict with any level of certainty which roles will be replaced by AI, especially as this depends on a number of factors. In the UK, a report from PwC estimates that 30 per cent of all jobs could be at risk from automation over the next 15 years. The most vulnerable professions include lower-skill roles such as factory workers, cashiers, waiters/waitresses, retail assistants, call centre operators and administrative support roles. These types of roles tend to involve repetitive tasks that can easily be automated or handled by algorithms. We decided to ask AI itself what roles it thinks are at risk and this is the list it produced of roles at risk: 1. Data entry clerks 2. Customer service representatives 3. Manufacturing workers 4. Retail salespeople 5. Fast food workers 6. Delivery drivers 7. Data analysts 8. Transcriptionists 9. Insurance underwriters 10. Travel agents 11. Accountants and auditors 12. Legal assistants and paralegals 13. Market research analysts 14. Quality control inspectors 15. Credit analysts 16. Medical and health services managers 17. Medical lab technologists 18. Medical coders and billers 19. Financial analysts 20. Mortgage brokers The concern that AI will replace people is valid, to the extent that Sam Altman is looking into Universal Basic Income (UBI) and how AI might even be a way to pay for UBI as its proliferation in more industries continues. Humans have five senses that influence the way in which we are able to perceive and operate in the world; visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory and tactile. Surprisingly, AI has now acquired all of these senses and so the idea that the jobs at risk will only be repetitive is wrong. The world has moved on and so too have the goal-posts. The risk to everyday jobs is steadily growing in line with the skills and competencies AI is fast accumulating. AI is something you feel you shouldnt play with because the more data it acquires, the more it learns and the smarter it becomes. That being said, it is something you almost cannot avoid because to dismiss it would be to accept defeat as others discover and quickly learn to deploy it for competitive advantage. We are still in the first stage, ANI, where service providers can seek to improve their productivity, quality and efficiency with AI tools. Although some business owners may themselves have direct access to AI tools, service providers can stay relevant by stacking value for their clients in a way that makes them a compelling hire. In the African context, the threat to jobs by AI is considered by many as low priority mainly due to proximity there is a belief that automation is generally lagging behind. However, I think it is dangerous to be complacent about the threat of AI to the workforce for the following reasons: 1. High employment in Africa 2. Poor employability 3. Changing attitudes to remote working 4. A globalised and connected world 5. The rate at which technology evolves and the opportunity to leapfrog Unemployment is already an issue in Africa with many school leavers finding they are surplus to requirements after graduating. Things are likely to get worse as the population grows. The population is set to reach 2.5 billion by 2050 from the current 1.4 - that is another 1.1 billion people who will be needing jobs. Other pressures include low employability, where businesses struggle to find suitable local candidates for open positions due to poor workplace preparedness, skills deficits and competencies. Given this, businesses will likely tap into the global network of remote workers. It used to be that companies would fly expats into a given country. Now and with the growth of remote working, jobs can easily be done by people located in any right-shoring location. These factors, plus the rate at which technology is evolving means algorithms and applications can quickly and efficiently be deployed to carry out tasks 24/7 without interviews and background checks. After all, code doesnt sleep, take breaks, go off sick, go on holiday or have unions. These factors remain a threat to members of the workforce who are not taking advances in technology seriously. In general, cost and productivity are what keep a business and an economy afloat and so that is almost always what business owners keep in mind when making choices about how to resource their businesses. Members of the workforce who do not take these advances in technology seriously and learn how to build, optimise their productivity and efficiency are going to get left behind. The purpose of this article is not to scare, but to highlight the risk posed and the potential opportunities presented by that future risk. Staying relevant Here are some tips on how to stay relevant. The main focus should be on developing skills that cannot easily be replicated by machines or algorithms. This means focusing on higher-level tasks such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication skills and emotional intelligence. All of these skills are highly valued in the workplace and are difficult for machines or algorithms to replicate. Investing in yourself by taking classes or becoming certified in your area of expertise is also a great way to stay competitive and increase your chances of success in an automated world. Adaptability The ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and processes is essential in our ever-changing world. Technology evolves rapidly and if you want to remain competitive, you need to be able to keep up with the pace of change. This means staying informed about new developments in your field and being willing to learn new tools and techniques when necessary. Leadership As automation takes over more jobs, humans will need to step up as leaders in their respective fields. Leadership isn't just about giving orders; it's also about inspiring others, fostering collaboration and finding ways to make use of technology without sacrificing human creativity or ingenuity. If you want to stay relevant in an automated world, honing your leadership skills is key. Preparing for a future with increased automation may appear daunting at first glancebut it doesn't have to be! It is important to remember that many of the jobs we now have and refer to as everyday roles simply did not exist 30 years ago - so change is a constant and those who can see the way in which the world is going and front-run opportunities will win. By developing key skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, and leadership, you can ensure that you remain relevant in an increasingly automated world. Dont let fear stop you from embracing this challenge head-on; consider these skills your ticket to the future! This concludes part III and the series. Tune in for more about emerging technologies and their impact.. The writer is the Founder & CEO of Web 3 Africa (W3A) Lack of funds, govt interference, corruption... reasons African airlines dont do well Elizabeth Nyaadu Adu Business News Feb - 07 - 2023 , 10:39 Inadequate capital, persistent government interference, corruption and inadequate operational competence are some of the reasons adduced for the poor performance of many national airline carriers on the African continent. Among the major airlines that have failed are Ghana Airways, Nigeria Airways and South African Airways, forcing governments to seek strategic partnerships as part of measures to revive their national carriers. For that to change, experts in Africas aviation industry have proposed some measures for implementation if governments on the continent want to run efficient and profitable national airlines. Among the measures are good leadership and strict adherence to corporate governance structures, independent management and accountability. The advice comes at a time when Ghana is making frantic efforts to run its own airline after the liquidation of its first national carrier, Ghana Airways, in 2004 and the collapse of Ghana International Airlines in 2010. The two airlines failed because of some factors, including excessive government interference, lack of adherence to corporate governance structures, corruption, lack of capitalisation to augment depleting fleet and heavy indebtedness to suppliers and service providers, among many other factors. Referencing Ghana, the Global business leader and Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin Tasew Bekele, said once the government decided to run a national carrier, measures to prevent government interference in running a national carrier must be put in place to guarantee profitability. He explained that the airline business was different from other industries like banking because it required special competencies and experience, particularly in leadership, to run it. Ghana run its own national carrier for several years but, unfortunately, it became unsuccessful, he said. He told the media in an interview that Several African airlines, not only in Ghana but in other countries did not succeed due to major factors such as interference from the government. Following the collapse of Ghana Airways and Ghana International Airlines in 2004 and 2010 respectively, Ghana has been without a national airline for international travel activities. Both suffered challenges such as mismanagement, lack of operational competency, incessant government interference, inadequate fleet, financial instability and lack of clear-cut vision. Mr Bekele said: Once airlines are set up, they should be left alone without any interference to enable the managers to run the business profitably. Secondly the leadership must have experience in the field or discipline in managing costs. Any airline that does not manage its costs is bound to fail. This is our general advice to anyone who wants to establish an airline, he added. Partnership Ethiopian Airlines is reported to be finalising discussions with Nigeria and institutional investors to set up a national carrier for that country. Against this background, Mr Bekele said Ethiopia was ready to support the Ghana government to do the same. We are finalising discussions with Nigeria so establishing a Ghanaian airline in Accra will be a good one and we are ready to support the Ghanaian government to establish a national carrier here. The government has expressed interest to have a national airline but plans are far behind to realise that dream. Recovering from COVID-19 Mr Bekele said the performance of Ethiopian Airlines during the fiscal year, which ended in June 2022, showed that the business was recovering fully from the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic. According to him, during the fiscal year, the Airline carried over 8.7 million passengers, which generated US$5 billion. That, he said, was 20 per cent more than the revenue generated during the pre-COVID period. During the last six months, our performance has been great and in line with our plan for the current fiscal year, by June 2023, we expect to fully recover from the impact of COVID-19, he said. New property rate rollout: GRA, MMDAs target GH1.77billion Emelia Ennin Abbey Business News Feb - 07 - 2023 , 05:37 The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development and the Lands Commission, has collected data required to bill all properties in the country. The list and details of more than 8.87 million properties, codified into the Unified Common Property Rate Platform, also known as Myassembly.gov.gh, to enable property owners to verify their rates and pay same, come with their valuations, owners and other details. However, 76 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) have provided the rates or levies for the various properties (imposts), which will form the basis for the first phase of the end-to-end district revenue collection and administration platform designed to enhance the collection of and accounting for property rates. The GRA has told Graphic Online that rate payers in the 76 MMDAs have been given the opportunity to verify and recommend amendments, where necessary, before the rolled-out. The platform, which is also linked to the Ghana.gov.gh payment platform, is currently the sole payment platform for the payment of property rate with effect from January 2023. In the past, property rate was collected by revenue collectors of the various MMDAs, which was not efficient. A 10-year trend analysis indicates that the assemblies together collected just about GH500 million over the period. However, by the new system, should the assemblies charge just GH200 per property, the country can rake in GHc1.77 billion a year, and with a minimum of GH300, the assemblies can generate GH2.66 billion from properties a year, while a GH400 rate will bring in GH3.55 billion a year from property rate. Interview The Commissioner-General of the GRA, Rev. Dr Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, in an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic, entreated property owners and property rate payers to embrace and use the unified common property rate platform to enhance the collection of and accounting for property rates. He said the GRA was looking forward to an improvement in the collection of property rates in the country through its partnership with the MMDAs in the collection of the rates. Click this link for more Why GRA E-VAT system must succeed Business Desk Report Business News Feb - 07 - 2023 , 10:16 The implementation of the Ghana Revenue Authoritys (GRAs) electronic Value Added Tax (E-VAT) could not have come at a more opportune time, a time when the country cannot meet its debt obligations, a situation that has landed us at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to ask for support to rescue the economy. One effect of this is the current Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) being undertaken by the government, a requirement by the IMF to enable the country to access US$3 billion to support the economy. In sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana has about the lowest tax-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio, far below 20 per cent. It is also general knowledge that nobody is fond of paying taxes anywhere in the world. We avoid, evade or outrightly refuse to file for or pay taxes. It is human nature, no doubt. It was not for nothing that Zacchaeus in the Good Book was despised among his own kith and kin. But this is also a country where every person demands his or her pound of flesh from the government with regard to the provision of basic social services. On many media platforms, discussions on any subject attracts government bashing for its inability to provide the social services the citizenry demand. And, of course, we must demand from leadership key actions on the national scale. The government has, over the past six years, pioneered the digital transformation of its services in the country. Talk of the rather laborious processes involved in the acquisition of passports in the past, the NHIS registration, drivers licence processes, with goro boys hijacking the processes, the street-naming exercise, the government payroll restructuring, the housing address system and many other projects. While these have come at great cost to the state, it is worrying that some of these projects are sliding back into the same old bureaucracies the digitalisation was meant to replace. It is a well-known fact that human interventions and the deliberate attempt by some public sector workers and their cohorts in the business sector have combined to frustrate otherwise good projects that take away the human element, ensure efficiency and eradicate corrupt practices. Therefore, as the GRA seeks to provide convenient services for taxpayers, it is our prayer that such human interventions and the same old public sector mindset of ensuring that the system does not work are not associated with this project. We cannot kill the goose that lays the golden egg on the altar of personal aggrandizement and at the expense of national development. These are well-intentioned programmes that will help address some of the obvious lapses in our tax administration and help the country navigate the way out of its current economic challenges. No nation has ever developed on the back of handouts. Throughout history, it has been the taxes and sacrifices of the citizenry that have built great nations. Ghanaians are quick to always talk about how other countries seem to be making great strides in their national lives. What we have failed to take into account is that those countries and their nationals take their civic duties seriously. Paying the right taxes is one sure way Ghana can make giant strides forward as a nation. There are no quick fixes anywhere. The new E-VAT offers to reduce the tax fraud of under-invoicing, among many other schemes used by tax evaders to undermine the system, and provide the GRA real time information. The Graphic Business supports the GRAs efforts during this roll-out stage, but cautions that it must be done across the board and not selectively. After all, this policy is for the benefit of both the taxpayer and the GRA, since it enhances convenience on the part of the user and the GRA. We can foresee the push back from those whose business has always been to evade taxes at the least opportunity. The Graphic Business has a keen interest in this country being put back on track to raise the revenue levels that will support our national development agenda. To this end, while we commend the GRA leadership for this initiative, we will not shy away from pointing out the obvious lapses that have the potential to derail the progress the government is making in its tax administration efforts. We have a shared goal to see this country prosper and we at the Graphic Business will use our credible platform to help the GRA achieve its objectives. However, this must be done in an atmosphere that brings everyone on board seamlessly for the good of the country. This project cannot fail. Daily Graphic Editorials Alasa, meko hwam from Togo? Caroline Boateng Editorials Feb - 07 - 2023 , 11:07 Meko hwam, meko hwam, a trader cried out, advertising her green habanero peppers. I cautioned my sister, then moving towards her to buy, Be careful, big peppers like those are grown with fertilisers and are usually infested with worms! Ah! These peppers are imported from Togo, they are not local! she exclaimed. Surprised, I went near and saw fresh harbanero peppers, fleshy and aromatic. I wondered, Have we gotten to this, importing peppers from Togo? Apart from peppers, Ghana is importing African Star Apple, or alasa, also from Togo; with those from our neighbours fleshier, bigger and tastier. Tomatoes from Burkina Faso have a longer shelf life, also fleshier than those grown locally. And, how is it that locally grown peppers with fertilisers are worm infested? Burkina Faso In Burkina Faso, in the late 1990s, I was pleasantly surprised by the fact of the abundance of vegetables on offer by this landlocked and dusty country. Enter any cafe (which were basically small kiosks selling coffee), and one would get a cup of coffee for 75 cents; with milk it was 100 cents; and with a baguette, 150 cent. What amazed me was the bowl of salad displayed on the coffee table, which was free and replenished regularly for all customers who wished for some with their coffee and bread. Before that visit, I considered vegetables, that is, those used for salads, expensive and elite treats. Salads were not common or readily available in our markets, or sold as part of the accompaniments to street foods like waakye, as we have it now. Even with the abundance of vegetables on the market now, some vegetables, like carrots, are imported from Togo, and they are bigger than those grown locally. Lesson Burkina Faso taught me that in a dusty and dry land, men and women can eat like kings and queens, with the right policies and commitment to ensuring the progress of ones country. Visiting a family living near the Bagre Dam, there was a feast of fresh vegetables, guinea fowl and a variety of local delicacies. Well irrigated fields close to the dam resulted in such rich produce of vegetables and other staples. Now the Bagre Dam is hydro-agricultural and hydro-electrical in the province of Boulgou in Burkina Faso. It is on the Nakanbe River in that province, which is about 30km from the Ghanaian border. The Dam is multi-purposed to provide hydro-electric power, power the agricultural sector in the province, irrigate lands and ensure the most efficient use of water for the people in the area. How? How has Burkina Faso, a country smaller than Ghana, and land-locked by it, managed to do this for a province? How has a dusty and dry country ensured all year round vegetables for its people? Sometimes, I wonder about Ghana, and about those in charge of managing the country. I wonder about what governing Ghana is all about Is it not to manage resources in such a way and manner that all may benefit? Is managing Ghana not about taking the countrys weaknesses and changing that sorry tale into success, like Burkina Faso has done with just one province? Do our scientific and research institutions not have improved varieties of crops for Ghanaians to live good and not import? What really is the nature of Ghanas ailment? UNESCO endorses Senegalese Jollof What happens to Ghana Jollof? Richardson Commey Fio Showbiz News Feb - 07 - 2023 , 10:00 In December 2021, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) officially listed Senegalese Jollof (also know as Ceebu jen) as one the Countrys intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This comes at a time where there have been several brouhahas and beefs between Ghana and Nigeria about the ownership of the best Jollof recipe. Research shows that Jollof rice originated during the entrenchment of colonial rule in West Africa between 1860 and 1940 when French colonizers replaced existing food crops with broken rice imported from Indochina. According to a publication by Business Insider Africa, jollof has become a source of pride and cultural identity for the Senegalese. In addition to it cultural significance, jollof rice is also closely linked to a particular way of life and consumption of the dish is strongly linked to ceremonial events and the aesthetics of presentation and service. This certification by UNESCO is expected to positively impact the economy, particularly in tourism, agriculture, fishing and catering in the country. So, what happens to Ghana and Ghana Jollof? Fortunately, Ghana as a state party to the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, can equally start a process to submit Ghana Jollof as ad intangible cultural heritage of humanity. According to the 2003 UNESCO Convention, Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) means the practices, expressions, knowledge, skills as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. This intangible cultural heritage, transmitted from generation to generation, constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history, and provides them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity. The ICH is manifested in domains such as oral traditions and expressions (including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage; performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; and traditional craftmanship. A visit to the website of the 2003 convention revealed that intangible cultural heritage that can be listed include traditional games, music, dance, traditional craftsmanship, weaving, festivals, and more. Ghana, through a parliamentary process, ratified the 2003 Convention with six others in July, 2015. However, Ghana is yet to submit any of our numerous intangible cultural assets for UNESCOs recognition. This is to say that, listing of a countrys intangible cultural asset for UNESCO recognition requires time and resources. It requires research, first of all, and a committed support from Government (through relevant ministries and agencies) to follow through the process to get the intangible asset listed and recognized. The good news is that, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has obtained financial assistance from UNESCO for strengthening capacities to safeguard Intangible Cultural Heritage towards sustainable development. The project will also afford the country the opportunity to initiate a pilot exercise for the collection of data on intangible cultural heritage across the country, starting with eight selected districts. This will then serve as the beginning of the building of an inventory of such assets in Ghana. The project which was launched in November 2022 is co-managed by the National Commission on Culture and the National Folklore Board with support from the Ghana Commission for UNESCO. There are so many known and unknown Intangible Cultural Heritage in the country that could be discovered and documented through research. Some of these intangible assets include Cuisines - Jollof, Garift, Aprapransa, etc; Music highlife, nwommkoro, Adowa, Osoode, Asafo, mp, Adzewa, Borborbor, etc; Dances - Agbadza, Bamaya, Kete, Adowa, Kpanlogo; Major traditional festivals, Artistic practices and Craftmanship the art of kente weaving, the art of smock weaving, the art of pottery, the knowledge on shea butter production and many more. Building a comprehensive inventory and register on Ghanas Intangible Cultural Heritage must be one of the major priorities of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. This is because, listing such assets for UNESCO recognition will go a long to further contribute to the growth the economy of Ghana by directly boosting tourism, trade, agriculture, create employment as well as increasing internal and external knowledge exchange. Lets begin now Gold for oil (G4O) Daily Graphic Opinion Feb - 07 - 2023 , 10:48 Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia announced sometime ago that government was going to go into a Gold For Oil arrangement to rationalise our import of petroleum products, including its foreign exchange ramifications. I am fully aware what petroleum prices do and can do to an economy that spends US$400 million per month (US$4.8 billion annually) importing the products. So, I paid attention. Recently, it was announced that an initial 41,000 metric tonnes had arrived in the country under the programme. This is just about 10 per cent of the total domestic petroleum requirement monthly. As a test cargo, it was to enable the relevant authorities test all the systems put in place to implement the programme. The other day, I went on a hunting expedition to figure all this out and I am happy to share the education I received with you. Programme The Gold for Oil (G4O) Programme is an initiative of the Government of Ghana (GoG) to use the existing Bank of Ghana (BoG) Domestic Gold Purchase (DGP) Programme to support the import of petroleum products into Ghana. The prime objective of the programme is to use additional foreign exchange resources from the BoGs DGP programme to provide foreign currency for the importation of petroleum products for the country, which currently stands at about USD350 million per month. The government has begun the implementation of the G4O Programme, where gold purchases under the BoGs DGP Programme, mainly through the Precious Minerals and Marketing Company (PMMC), and where required from aggregators and mining firms, is used to purchase petroleum products. This is intended to free up foreign exchange resources to meet petroleum imports of the country, thereby reducing pressures on the BOGs foreign reserves and the banking sector emanating from the Bulk Import, Distribution and Export Companies (BIDECs) request for foreign exchange. The programme also aims to procure petroleum products at very competitive prices through Government-to-Government (G2G) arrangements. The programme will ensure that the cost of importing the products from international oil traders will always be comparatively lower. The consequent reduction in foreign exchange pressures, the reduction in premiums charged by international oil traders, as well as efficiency gains from the value chain will translate to lower ex-pump prices in the country. Process flow, requirements Under the programme, all the dore gold produced and exported by companies with licensed small-scale concessions, including community mines through the PMMC, shall be purchased by the BoG. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) has issued directives towards the realisation of the programme. The purchased dore gold is used for the payment of oil supply to Ghana. Payment for oil supply is to be done in two channels: by way of barter trade or via broker channel. Under the barter channel, for suppliers willing to take gold in direct exchange for petroleum products, BoG will provide equivalent volume of gold. Both the BoG and the International Oil Trading Companies (IOTCs) are required to open Gold Metal Accounts in a mutually agreed gold refinery for the purpose of gold transfer. BoG accumulates refined gold in its metal account at a refinery nominated by a supplier to fund petroleum product shipments. BoG transfers equivalent amount of gold based on petroleum products supply invoice from its metal account to a suppliers metal account on receipt of Quality Certificate (QC) of the product supplied and final invoice from Bulk Oil Storage and Transport Company (BOST). Under the broker channel, the BoG executes a Gold Supply Agreement under which it sells gold to a gold broker, which provides forex cover to pay for petroleum products. This is because not all suppliers of petroleum products may necessarily be interested in gold. The gold broker buys dore gold from BoG and deposits the proceeds in a BoG gold holding account. The BoG transfers funds from gold holding account to an Escrow Account to pay for petroleum product shipment on receipt of QC and final invoice from BOST. BOST, a state company, operates as an off-taker for petroleum products, and, therefore, executes an agreement with IOTCs for the import of petroleum products to Ghana for onward sale to licensed Bulk Import, Distribution and Export Companies (BIDECs). The BIDECs buy directly from BOST with cash and or a letter of credit (guarantee) from a reputable financial institution. BOST and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) ensure that the cedi proceeds from the sale of imported petroleum products will be collected and deposited with a collection bank in favour of BoG. The collection bank is required to transfer collected funds into BoGs G4O proceeds account within 48-hours, which is then used to fund the next cycle of gold purchases. Availability of gold for programme A legitimate question that has been asked is whether the BoG has the capacity to increase its gold reserve, as well as purchase sufficient gold to support petroleum product imports. Under its Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, the BoG, over the last two months, commencing on November 28, 2022, has sold 50,945 ounces of gold, with a total monetary value of US$96.6 million. Of this amount, US$40.6 million from the gold proceeds was used to procure the petroleum products of 41,991 metric tonnes that recently arrived under the programme. Another 20,000 ounces of gold are in transit, with a value of US$38.4 million. The expected cumulative amount of US$94.3 million will be available to support the next cargoes of petroleum products. BoG will continue to increase gold purchases, eventually reaching 160,000 ounces monthly to provide forex cover for 50 per cent of the total domestic petroleum supply. Petroleum pricing To ensure that the price of petroleum products imported under the G4O programme reflects at the pumps to benefit the consumer, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) will regulate the prices of these products in the interim to correct market failure until the policy matures. NPA will work with BOST to negotiate prices with the international oil traders to ensure that the landed cost of products procured under the programme are always competitive. NPA will approve the IOTC that will be selected to supply products to BOST under the programme based on the competitiveness of the offers made by them. BOST will sign supply contracts only after approval has been granted by the NPA. The price at which BOST will sell the products to BIDECs will be approved by the NPA. The price at which the BIDECs will sell the products to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) will also be approved by the NPA. The OMCs that bought the initial Gold for Oil products were expected to blend with relatively more expensive petroleum products they bought from other sources to meet their demand. As expected, the blended products were priced through weighted average pricing method. Given the lower volumes of the test cargo, the blended prices at the pumps of those OMCs saw minimal reductions. Government expects to increase the volumes over the next few months to about 50 per cent of the total market requirement, which currently stands at 350,000 metric tons (diesel and petrol). This should see, ultimately, a drop in the ex-pump price, to our collective relief. As a system, I am sure there will have to be some tweaks along the way and legitimate questions and concerns to address. But it is better to take a faltering step than to take no step at all. At the end of it all, what matters, without doubt, is the fact that some people have been thinking innovatively. That is leadership. Can a woman sponsor her marriage Dr John Boakye Life Feb - 07 - 2023 , 08:08 The greatest emotional need of a man is what he achieves in his career but for a woman it is the quality and security in her marriage. Most Ghanaian women are therefore obsessed about marriage and especially weddings. Each day, each moment, most single women dream of their wedding the dress, make up , exchange of vows, photographs and reception. Unfortunately, the obsession with marriage is compounded by the mindset of most Ghanaians that the only honour of a woman is marriage. Single adults no matter how much they have achieved do not get most respect. Most Ghanaian women will therefore do all they can to get married. Some are known to have bought cars, air tickets and even houses for men in exchange for marriage and some get duped in the end. A couple of years ago a man in the then Brong Ahafo Region was arrested for duping 13 women. His strategy was to cash in on the greatest emotional need of a woman. He simply promised to wed them. Some weeks later he would go to each of them with up to date preparations and the bill for the wedding. Each of the women paid up in full! Today, many Ghanaian women would readily pay for the bride price and other costs just to be married. Is this right? No, it is not right In marriage, it is the man who goes in for the hand of the woman. In the Ghanaian tradition, the heart of marriage is the payment of the tri nsa or head rum by the man. A man must pay for this himself to take the pride that he has married the woman. Love costs and paying for bride price is part of the price you pay for a woman you love. A man who cannot pay tri nsa is really not a man who is ready to marry. Allowing your woman to do what you are expected to do is simply surrendering your authority to the woman. The one who pays the bills runs the show, and that threatens your self-esteem. Such a ceremony in the spirit of tradition lacks merit. A woman must also take pride in her womanhood and self-esteem. If you pay for what a man is expected to pay you simply tell the man you are being left on the shelf and have therefore put yourself on donkomi or reduction sale. In many cases that come to me, one sad thing that cuts across is that in the event of conflicts, the man is quick to say that the marriage was not his idea in the first place but it was the woman who forced it on him. This hurts a womans pride. Yes, it is right Love is not about money. It is about sharing a life. Once you marry, you become one flesh and it does not matter who paid for what. If your man is poor and cannot pay for your bride price and you can afford, it pay for him and get the man of your dreams. Many women have met men of their dreams but who are poor. These women virtually pick men from the street, support and transform them into confident and successful men. Some of these men are always grateful to their wives and keep loving them. Unfortunately many men, after making it through the support of their women now suddenly realise that their wives are uneducated, old and not beautiful and therefore not their taste. They ignore their wives for adventure and risky lifestyles. It can be a painful pay-back to a womans sacrifice. Any compromise? Marriage is a team game that requires the combined effort of both partners. Both must therefore contribute to the marriage ceremony. Today, it is common for the woman to buy her suitcases, clothes and sponsor the reception while the man takes care of the rest, including the tri nsa or the bride price because it has spiritual significance that a woman is given to you to share your life for ever. 180 Volunteers trained to combat fire in 3 districts Biiya Mukusah Ali Feb - 07 - 2023 , 07:15 EcoCare Ghana, an environmental protection non-governmental organisation, has inaugurated fire volunteer squads in 15 fire-prone communities in three districts to combat forest fires during the current harmattan season. The volunteers are made up of 180 young people trained to fight fire in order to protect the environment and farm produce against destruction by fire in the transition landscape. The beneficiary communities are Techiman South in the Bono East Region and Offinso South Municipality and Offinso North District, both in the Ashanti Region. Twelve young people from each of the 15 beneficiary communities were trained on how to combat bushfires to save lives and investments. The trainees were taken through vigorous firefighting techniques, detection of fire, how to create fire belts, natural and artificial causes of fire, measures of controlling bush fire, causes and spread of fire, and the tools and equipment needed to combat bushfires, among others. EcoCare Ghana and Tropenbos Ghana organised the training which was facilitated by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Forestry Commission, and co-funded by the European Union. Presentation In addition, the two organisations presented fire safety equipment to the 180 fire volunteers to enable them to fight fire when the need arise. They included Wellington boots, machetes, safety wear, reflectors, goggles, gloves, among other fighting items. The aim of the organisations is to protect about 600,000 trees planted in the transitional land scape under the Land Scape and Environmental Agility Across the Nation (LEAN) project, which aims at supporting national efforts to conserve biodiversity. According to EcoCare Ghana, preparation was underway to produce 600,000 indigenous seedlings this year for this year's Green Ghana Day. Fire-prone area The Managing Campaigner of EcoCare Ghana, Obed Owusu-Addai, said the transitional zone was noted to be fire-prone, thus leading to massive depletion of forest reserves, destruction of farm produce and other forest investments. He said during the past two years, EcoCare Ghana and its partners had planted more than 1.2 million indigenous trees. Mr Owusu-Addai said last year alone, a total of 600,000 seedlings were distributed during the Green Ghana Day and in order to protect the trees, it was crucial to train and equip volunteers to enable them to protect the huge investment. He said this year, EcoCare and its partners had planned to plant more than 600,000 seedlings, explaining that wildfire was a major threat to the huge investment. Alternative livelihoods Mr Owusu-Addai said as part of the LEAN project, the organisations had decided to roll out alternative livelihood empowerment programmes in the project implementing communities to improve the lives of farmers. He mentioned bee making, snail rearing, fish farming, pig farming and mushroom production as some of the alternative livelihood empowerment programmes to be rolled out this year. State of trees planted The Deputy Bono East Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, Rev. Jonathan Obour Wiredu, told the Daily Graphic that about 70 per cent of the 1.399 million trees planted under the Green Ghana initiative in the region last year survived. Trees planted under the Green Ghana initiative are in good condition", he said and expressed the hope that all stakeholders would assist in measures to prevent bushfires from destroying the investment. Rev. Wiredu explained that over the years the region had experienced a series of bushfires, which had negatively affected forest reserves. He said it was unfortunate that bushfires had destroyed a greater number of trees in the area, adding that the introduction of cashew and mango farming had reduced the situation. Rev. Wiredu said the establishment of the fire volunteer squad would help protect trees planted under the various forestry programmes, including the Green Ghana initiative. 4 NGOs launch project to improve fisheries in Ghana Zadok Kwame Gyesi Feb - 07 - 2023 , 17:44 Four non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with focus on fisheries have launched a three-year project to help reduce declines in fish stocks, improve incomes of fishing communities and address the effects of climate change on fisheries in Ghana. Known as the Sustainable Oceans Project and being funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), the project is being implemented by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Hen Mpoano, Friends of the Nation, and Central and Western Fishmongers Improvement Association (CEWEFIA). The overall goal of the project is to build grassroots capacity for a sustainable ocean economy in Ghana through inclusive, strong and effective capacity building, planning and management of coastal ecosystems. Launch Speaking at the launch in Accra on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, the Project Coordinator of EJF, Mr. Theophilus Boachie-Yiadom, said one of the key objectives of the project was to reduce fishery declines, build sustainability and secure fishers access to sustainable fisheries resources through governance reforms to help address over-capacity (more fishing fleets than expected) and illegal fishing, and enhance participatory co-management. Additionally, he noted, the project was intended to improve income resilience of fishing communities to climate and human-induced threats through enhanced opportunities for value addition along fisheries supply chains and enterprise development. For Mr. Boachie-Yiadom, the Sustainable Oceans Project would further help to strengthen climate change adaptation and mitigation capacities in coastal areas through improved spatial and land-use planning and community-led management of wetlands and mangrove ecosystems. That, he explained, in the next three years of the projects life-cycle, the project would engage small-scale fishers, clam collectors, processors and traders in the value chain across all the four coastal regions in the country, namely Central, Greater Accra, Western and Volta Regions. Under the project, he said, over 5,000 artisanal fishers would be trained in fisheries management issues and also, over 600 processors would be engaged on value addition, hygienic handling of fish products and access to credit. In addition, Mr. Boachie-Yiadom said, the project would help to build the capacity of over 50 officials from the Navy, Marine Police, prosecutors and judges with technical input from national legal experts to support effective enforcement of fisheries laws and good governance. He also noted that the project would build local and national constituencies to protect and rehabilitate mangroves and resilience against climate change impacts. The project will target land use planners at the Metropolitan, Municipals and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to incorporate mangrove protection into land-use plans; to build mangrove conservation into action plans including building the capacities of 160 traditional authorities and landowners, he noted. For him, it was within the goals of the project to influence national policy implementation and enforcement of fisheries laws and regulations, noting that the project will help to raise awareness on sustainable fisheries issues. Stakeholders The launch brought the various interest groups in the fisheries sector together, including officials from the Fisheries Commission, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), Ghana Inshore Trawlers Association (GITA), Ghana National Canoe Fishermen's Council-W/R (GNCFC), Ghana's National Fish Processors & Traders Association, and government appointees from the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies in some of the four coastal regions. Collaborations Launching the project, the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mr Moses Anim, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Trobu Constituency, said the Ministry was working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the growth of the countrys fisheries sector. He said We need to deal with the marine space diligently, adding that the new management measures the Ministry had initiated had contributed to the reduction in dumping and landing of juvenile fishes by the trawl vessels. He expressed the concern that the country had received another yellow card from the European Union due to the fact that gains made after the countrys first yellow card was not sustained. That, Mr Anim said, the Ministry was going every mile to ensure that fishers conform to the right methods of fishing and also using the right fishing gears. He said ending illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing practices would require the support of all stakeholders in the fisheries sector, hence calling all stakeholders to support the ministry to weed out all IUU fishing practices in the country. Norway's support The Deputy Norwegian Ambassador to Ghana, Kyrre Holm, said the launch of the project would provide valuable complementary activities to the already existing cooperation between our countries and can advance efforts in Ghana towards participatory management of marine resources. For him, the goal of having a resilient and sustainable ocean economy in Ghana through inclusive, strong, and effective capacity, planning and management of coastal ecosystems was one that the government of Norway fully support. He explained that the Norwegian funding through the NORAD is geared toward addressing these challenges and it has become one of the priority areas of our development cooperation. Mr Holm said Norway as an ocean nation was interested in assisting other coastal nations such as Ghana to address some of its challenges in the marine fisheries sector. So as coastal countries we have a responsibility to use the oceans resources in a sustainable and responsible manner, so that we and coming generations can benefit from it in the years to come, he noted. Ocean economy He said the ocean economy has the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote sustainable development in Ghana. However, he noted, to realise the benefits from the ocean, it is necessary to build the capacity of the communities and business to participate and benefit in a sustainable manner. For Mr Holm, building grassroots capacity for sustainable ocean economy in Ghana is a crucial step towards ensuring that the benefits of the ocean economy are shared by all and that sustainable ocean practice are promoted. Apathy in management The Chairperson for the occasion, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, urged all stakeholders in the fisheries sector to contribute their quota towards protecting the countrys fisheries economy. He said we are not taking proper care of the sea, a situation he observed, exists due to the apathy in the management efforts of the marines and coastal resources in the country. He expressed the hope that the Sustainable Oceans Project will help to address some of the burdensome issues in the fisheries sector in the country, pledging his support for the project. Court adjourns Opuni trial over witness health Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Feb - 07 - 2023 , 09:41 The Accra High Court yesterday adjourned the trial of a former boss of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni, due to a health condition of a witness. It came up during proceedings that the witness Peter Okyere Boateng, a former Deputy Director of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) of COCOBOD had a health condition that made it difficult for him to sit for more than 30 minutes. Mr Boateng, who was under cross-examination, stood up after one hour, and the defence lawyers requested the adjournment of proceedings due to the condition of the witness. Medical report The presiding judge, Justice Clemence Honyenuga, then expressed his reservations over the numerous adjournments and delays in the trial, which started in March 2018. Counsel for Dr Opuni, Samuel Codjoe, responded that the witness had a genuine medical condition which had been confirmed by a medical report. This is a witness who is a pensioner. He is not well, and cannot sit for long because he has a problem with his back, counsel said. He then produced the medical report upon request by Justice Honyenuga, but that also led to disagreements between the lawyers. The prosecutor, Stella Ohena Appiah, a Principal State Attorney, raised issues that the witness had been testifying since July 2022 with no issue of a chronic back condition only for a medical report dated September 9, 2022, to surface. Justice Honyenuga queried why the health condition of the witness predated the medical report. I expected that the medical report will be dated in July or earlier and not in September, Justice Honyenuga said. Lawyers response In response, Mr Codjoe refuted the assertion of the prosecution, describing it as a misrepresentation of facts. He said the witness had earlier refused to show up for the trial due to the health condition. He said when the witness finally showed up in court in July last year, the defence team immediately informed the court of his condition, with the court insisting on a medical report to back the claims. The report came in September 2022 with the doctor saying that the patient was under his care. He has been visiting the hospital for a long time. He has a back problem, and the records are there to back it, counsel said. Justice Honyenuga eventually adjourned the trial to tomorrow. On the next adjourned date, Justice Honyenuga said the witness would testify for one hour. There will be a short break to enable the witness to rest for the court to continue for another one hour, Justice Honyenuga said. Not guilty Dr Opuni is standing trial with Seidu Agongo, CEO of Agricult Ghana Limited, an agrochemical company. State prosecutors have accused the two of causing financial loss of more than GH271 million to the state in a series of lithovit foliar fertiliser transactions. It is the case of the prosecution that the fertiliser was substandard, and has accused Agongo of allegedly using fraudulent means to sell the fertiliser to COCOBOD for onward distribution to cocoa farmers. The prosecution has further accused Dr Opuni of using his position as CEO of COCOBOD (November 2013 to January 2017) to facilitate the alleged acts of Agongo by allowing the lithovit liquid fertiliser not to be tested and certified as required by law. Dr Opuni and Agongo have pleaded not guilty to the charges, and are on self-recognisance bail in the sum of GH300,000 each. Develop technology-oriented programmes - State Attorney to universities Emmanuel Bonney Feb - 07 - 2023 , 07:22 A Principal State Attorney at the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Jamila Jakalia, has charged universities to adopt a technologically revolutionary approach to meet the economic and social needs of the society. She said universities must concentrate on quality education which should lead to comprehensive technological development of each individual. Students must be ready to learn and effectively use the acquired knowledge and skill wherever they find themselves to help transform the current economic situation we find ourselves in as a country, Ms Jakalia said at the eighth congregation and 11th matriculation ceremony of the West End University College in Accra. Students A total of 333 students comprising 115 males and 218 females graduated while 418 fresh students 139 males and 279 females were formally admitted into the institution. Students and staff who distinguished themselves in various fields were honoured. Ms Jakalia said the fourth industrial revolution presented new challenges to society and the economy, and that the requirements of the digital economy had created a gap between the human resource needs of businesses and the capabilities of the education system. The knowledge and competence of modern employees require modification and on the basis of that, universities must establish technology oriented programmes that will help fill the identified gaps. When we take a look at our institutions, human interactions have dominated our workplaces. For example, a task that requires one person to perform is often being done by more than three people and one may ask if it actually reflects in productivity. This often gives way to bureaucracy, corruption and lackadaisical attitude towards work and all these contribute to the destruction of the economy. Taxes are being evaded and corrupt practices continue because we dont have proper technological systems to help check these leakages, she said. Job creation The Founder and Chancellor of the WEUC, Joe Mensah Agyekum, charged the graduates to create their own jobs. He said the university had given them the required knowledge that would enable them to set up their businesses. My advice to you is that there are no jobs, and therefore, you must create something with the knowledge you have acquired in this institution, he emphasised. The Rector of the WEUC, Prof. Ben Oduro, said the institution was exploring new educational models based on future developments and demand and numerous partnership options for growth. In addition, she said the institution was developing new programmes for its faculties, including graduate programmes, and also kept on exploring emerging technologies. Charter The acting Chairman of the universitys council, Prof. S.O. Apori, said the WEUCs strategic plan aimed at obtaining a grant of Presidential Charter as well as addressing the long-term development of the university college as it responded to the political, legal and economic changes in the medium term nationally and globally. Illegal miners block Birim River; destroy hectares of farmlands Samuel Kyei-Boateng Feb - 07 - 2023 , 06:57 Illegal miners have restricted the free flow of the Birim River on the outskirts of Akyem Aboabo to enable them to carry out their outlawed activities. During a tour of the spot between Akyem Wenchi in the Denkyembour District and Oda, where the river course has been diverted and narrowed, last Friday, it was clear that large tracts of land along the river had been destroyed by the illegal miners, who were carrying out their activities, also known as galamsey, with impunity. The Daily Graphic team found that many cocoa and oil palm farms had been destroyed without giving any compensation to their owners. Although the team did not meet anyone on site, it saw some excavators which, according to a source, had been abandoned, while security personnel had de-mobilised others. When the Daily Graphic contacted the Oda Divisional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rev. Samuel Nyamekye Adane-Ameyaw, he confirmed the invasion of the area by illegal miners. He said the division had mobilised policemen to undertake an operation in the area. However, Rev. Adane-Ameyaw refused to give details of the illegal activities and rather directed the reporter to the Eastern Regional Police Command, with the explanation that two suspects were arrested during the operation to get rid of the illegal miners, with the case document sent to the regional police command for further action. When contacted about the arrest of the suspected illegal miners, the Eastern Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ebenezer Tetteh, declined comment, saying the Police Administration had directed all regional police PROs in the country not to grant any interviews to the media. He, consequently, directed the Daily Graphic to contact his bosses at the Police Headquarters in Accra for detailed information on illegal mining activities in the Oda area. Background After six years of sustained and spirited measures implemented by the government to stop illegal mining in the country, the fight against the menace is far from over. Illegal mining continues to wreak havoc on land, forest reserves and water bodies in mining communities, especially in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western and Western North regions. Galamsey resurgence When he took over the reins of power, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo vowed to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the country. He put his Presidency on the line by pledging to fight the menace head-on, even if it meant losing the next presidential election. Subsequently, the government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, declared a relentless war on galamsey. From 2017, the government took the fight against illegal mining to a higher level by banning all forms of small-scale mining in the country for almost two years and lifted the ban only on December 14, 2018. With the overwhelming support of the media, key stakeholders were rallied to take the war to the galamsey operators on all fronts. An Inter-Ministerial Committee on illegal Mining (IMCIM) was also set up, comprising relevant ministries, such as Lands and Natural Resources, Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Local Government and Rural Development, Defence and the Interior, to help bring sanity to the small-scale mining sector. That was followed by the deployment of Operation Vanguard, a joint police-military task force, into mining communities to halt illegal mining activities. Hundreds of excavators, equipment for dredging and washing the ore, known as changfan, and other equipment were seized by Operation Vanguard at mining sites. After the lifting of the ban, there was a resurgence in galamsey activities in many parts of the country. Galamstop drones and mining guards were also deployed to support the crackdown on the menace. Fight not over When he delivered a message on the State of the Nation on January 6, 2021, prior to the dissolution of the Seventh Parliament, President Akufo-Addo called for an "open and dispassionate conversation" about galamsey and its future. He observed that the devastating nature of illegal mining required a non-partisan conversation and broader stakeholder engagement on how to come out of the woods. "Should we allow or should we not allow galamsey, illegal mining that leads to the pollution of our water bodies and the devastation of our landscape? As I have said often, the Almighty, having blessed us with considerable deposits of precious minerals, there will always be mining in Ghana, he observed. National dialogue Following that call, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, convened a two-day national dialogue on small-scale mining in Accra on April 14, last year, bringing together all stakeholders to find the way forward to winning the galamsey war. President Akufo-Addo, who opened the dialogue, reiterated the need for "an impartial and non-partisan dialogue" for the country to reach a consensus on a sustainable method of mining minerals. The conference, which was on the theme: Sustainable small-scale mining for national development, brought together all ministers of Lands and Natural Resources in the Fourth Republic, all political parties, parliamentary select committees, mining industry players, faith-based organisations and civil society organisations. At the end of the dialogue, the participants called on the government to take steps to put in place systems for the rigid application of the laws against illegal small-scale mining. A 15-point communique read by Mr Jinapor at the end of the dialogue on April 15, last year stressed that sanctions and penalties imposed by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995) should be applied to all those who infringed the law, irrespective of their political colour or socio-economic status. It described galamsey as a national emergency that required urgent and concerted efforts to tackle. It also called for similar consultations to be held in all mining regions and districts of the country. Parliament demands briefing on domestic debt exchange programme Nana Konadu Agyeman Feb - 07 - 2023 , 18:59 The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has directed the Business Committee of Parliament to schedule the Finance Minister to appear before the House on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 to brief members on affairs of the Domestic Debt Exchange programme (DDEP). He said both sides of the House had agreed that Ken Ofori-Atta be scheduled to come and brief the House on policy statement and some details about debt arrangement since Parliament was ever prepared to assist the government to get out of that quagmire. This is a very urgent matter particularly dealing with elderly people; if the pensioners are picketing at the Finance Ministry, we need to do this as quickly as possible, he stated. MPs concerns Addressing members of Parliament at the start of the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament today, Mr Bagbin said The Business Committee kindly and urgently schedule the Finance Minister to appear before the House to give us a brief on the statement of affairs. The Speaker gave the directive after some Minority MPs had raised concern after the Vice Chairman of the Business Committee, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had presented the business statement for this week. Enormous anxiety First, the National Democratic Congress MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa had told the House that in spite the enormous public interest in the ongoing domestic debt exchange programme which the government was pursuing, it never found space in the business statement. He recalled how the leadership of Parliament, during recess, received a petition from the Association of Individual Bondholders and the recent picketing of bondholders by senior citizens at the Ministry of Finance just yesterday. Those developments, he said, had created enormous anxiety, with Ghanaians being concerned about their lifesaving and investments. No briefing He said although the House had received no briefing or debated the programme yet the Ministry of Finance was going ahead to implement it as a conditionality of the IMF programme. Mr Ablakwa also drew the Houses attention to how the Finance Minister, in presenting the 2023 budget, assured MPs that the details of the debt operation programme would be announced soon to the public and the investor community had been engaged. Mr Speaker this engagement has not taken place; members of Parliament have not been engaged and the individual bondholders were not being engaged. Indeed, the President had, a few days prior to the announcement, assured that bondholders would be exempted but now all those who were told they would be exempted have been included, he said. He added that: The Finance Minister must come and brief us and we debate and agree what should be the nature of this domestic debt programme and its full ramifications on the economy and citizens. Unconstitutional act Sharing similar concern, the NDC MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, said the duty of the Finance Minister was not to simply to engage the House. He said article 181 (3) of the Constitution was clear that the government was borrowing on behalf of the state and sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 was also clear that government was borrowing on behalf of the state. Hence the terms and conditions of the borrowing ordinarily must be laid before the House and must be approved by a resolution of the House. To the contrary, the Finance Minister had gone ahead to define his own terms and conditions of borrowing, negotiating with bondholders terms and conditions that had not been approved by the House, coercing and compelling banks, insurance institutions to accept terms and conditions that has not been approved by Parliament, he said. The conduct of the Finance Minister, he added, was clearly illegal and unconstitutional and was clear breach of his responsibility as Minister of Finance and an affront to this House. He must therefore bring the terms here for us to approve before he offers it to individual bondholders and institutions for them to accept or reject he said. Weve engaged all bondholders Responding, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Abena Osei-Asare, in the 2023 budget, the Finance Ministry sounded and mentioned that the government was going to come up with a domestic debt exchange policy. And based on the budget that was approved by the House, Parliament gave the Finance Ministry to spend compensation, borrow and undertake capital expenditure and goods and services to a certain tune. For my friend (Ayariga) to say that we are now going to borrow it is untrue as these are funds that were approved for us to utilise previously, she said. She added that due to the conditions government found itself in, it publicly announced that it would not be able to discharge what it initially had agreed with its debtors. Mr Speaker, let me put it on record that the pensions funds are not part of the exercise that we are engaging in now. We have been able to engage all these bondholders and we did it with the banks, insurance companies. I know that last week when we met the Business Committee of the House, we mentioned that once Parliament comes through we will come and brief the House on how far and the steps that we have taken to get to where we are, she said. Tesyd Farms making inroads in Volta Alberto Mario Noretti, Feb - 06 - 2023 , 10:07 AN agro-investment company,Tesyd Farms Limited, has acquired an additional 5,000 acres in the Adaklu District in the Volta Region to expand its cashew production. Already, the company is cultivating cashew on an-850 acre-site in the Bono Region and 1000 acres at Vakpo-Dzogbega in the North Dayi District in the Volta Region. Tesyd Farms, the largest cashew grower in Ghana, insists the crop is in high demand across the globe, for which reason the move to expand the production of the crop is a step in the right direction. The owner of Tesyd Farms, Kofi Dzamesi, attributed the high patronage of the crop globally to its non-perishable nature, saying that was a bright prospect for the company. Mr Dzamesi said these when a team of newsmen visited the companys cashew field at Vakpo-Dzogbega. He said the rising success of Tesyd Farms Limited in the Volta Region clearly demystified the long held notion that cashew did not thrive in the Volta Region. Mr Dzamesi, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Bui Power Authority, said the crop which grew unpruned with a lifespan of more than 50 years was also ideal for forest reclamation. The leaves of the highly acidic plant are known for their soil fertilisation properties, while the fruit is used to brew alcohol. Tesyd Farms practices pure organic farming, Mr Dzamesi told the newsmen. He admitted that organic farming was capital intensive and revealed that Tesyd Farms had spent more than GHc 2million on its Vakpo cashew field since 2018. According to him, a factory would be set up on the farm in the long term to process the harvested cashew. Tesyd Farms Limited has ten permanent workers and scores of casual labourers on its Vakpo cashew field. They include women who usually take up the harvesting of the cashew. Mr Dzamesi entreated young people to venture into cashew production and other viable agricultural projects such as large scale vegetable production. He expressed gratitude to the traditional authorities of Vakpo for making land available for the project, and said the cashew project would soon turn the area into a major agricultural enclave. Yendi Municipal Hospital gets trauma centre Dawuni Emma Feb - 07 - 2023 , 09:47 A trauma centre has been inaugurated at the Yendi Municipal Hospital to cater for people in the eastern corridor in the Northern Region. The 28-bed centre cost Mission 318 of the US and Global Mission Resource Centre $400,000. The Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the Member of Parliament for the Yendi Constituency, Farouk Aliu Mahama, also supported in the construction of the project. It is expected to be a referral centre for the district hospitals and health centres in and around Bimbilla, Zabzugu, Tatale/Sanguli, Mion, Saboba, Karaga, Gushegu, Chereponi and Kpandai within the eastern corridor. The two benefactor non-governmental organisations have since 2008 carried out medical outreach programmes in Yendi where doctors and nurses from the US perform free surgeries for patients with hernia, uterine fibroid, goitre, among other diseases, at the hospital. The centre has been named after an emergency nurse from the US, Alicia Reine Bishop, a volunteer of one of the outreach medical teams, who later passed on in the US. The Founder and Executive Director of Global Mission Resources Centre and members of Mission 318 jointly handed over the facility to the hospital. The inauguration was characterised by a flag hoisting ceremony, with the Member of Parliament for Yendi, Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama; John Hull of St Louis of the US, and Rev. Emmanuel Kwabena Mustapha of the Global Mission Resource Centre in attendance. Free services For Mission 318, the gesture was the latest of benevolent activities in the Yendi Municipality where the NGO had distributed 130,000 pieces of treated mosquito nets during previous outreach programmes. The NGO had previously established a basic school, the North Eastern Christian Academy, in Yendi to raise the standard of education in the area. The trauma centre has already become fully operational as a team of 17 medical doctors, nurses and clinical pharmacists undertook surgeries for free for patients with various diseases at the facility. At the close of January, a 23-member medical team also arrived from the US to offer free services at the facility. Rev. Mustapha said getting duty waivers for some medical equipment shipped in to support the trauma centre was a challenge and a hindrance to adequately equipping the facility. He, therefore, appealed to the government to intervene in order not to discourage the partners from helping the hospital to equip the centre, and expressed the hope that the Yendi Municipal Hospital would soon be upgraded to a teaching hospital. Serving an important corridor The Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Ayuba Seidu Abdulai, described the facility as a great intervention and expressed appreciation to Mission 318 and Global Mission Resource Centre for the facility. Dr Abdulai said eight years ago, the management of the hospital came up with a plan to improve facilities at the hospital, and in 2021 they tried to raise funds with the support of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, towards the project. The Chief Executive of the Yendi Municipal Assembly, Alhaji Abubakar Yussuf Hammed, commended the Medical Superintendent and his management for the efforts put in to improve upon the facilities and services of the hospital. He said although there was a master plan for the improvement of facilities of the hospital, funding had been a challenge. He thus appealed to the public to support to provide the necessary structures for the hospital. Universal Health Coverage The MP for Yendi, donated 50 blood pressure apparatus worth GH22,500, 30 glucometers worth GH13,500, 900 street light bulbs worth GH18,000 and GH10,000 in cash to support the running of the hospital. The Deputy Regional Health Director, Jeremiab Tiimob, said Ghanas roadmap to achieve universal health coverage included the objective to increase access to responsive clinical and public health emergency services. K.T. Hammond, Bryan Acheampong to replace Alan, Akoto as cabinet ministers Enoch Darfah Frimpong Politics Feb - 07 - 2023 , 14:09 The Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, Kobina Tahir Hammond has been nominated as Trade and Industry Minister to replace Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen who resigned in January this year to concentrate on his presidential ambition. The move is part of four new ministerial nominations, two elevations from deputy minister to Minister of State positions and one deputy ministerial reshuffle made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Also nominated by the president to be deputy minister for the Trade and Industry sector is Dr Stephen Amoah, popularly known as 'Sticka', the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso in Kumasi and former CEO of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC). This is among a list of other nominations, which have been sent to Parliament for vetting and approval before presidential appointment. 4 new nominations, 2 elevations and one deputy ministerial reshuffle It is made up of four new appointments - K.T. Hammond, Dr Stephen Amoah, Bryan Acheampong and Stephen Asamoah Boateng - and two elevations to the position of Minister of State from deputy ministers - O.B. Amoah, MP for Akwapim South and Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, MP for Karaga and one deputy ministerial reshuffle - Herbert Krapah from Trade to Energy. Graphic Online's sources have said it is a dream come true for Dr Stephen Amoah for instance, as he had expressed reservations in political circles for being overlooked with a ministerial appointment, having served as MASLOC boss from 2017 to January 2021 and going ahead to win a Parliamentary seat in a prime constituency in the stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region, and yet was unable to catch the president's eye for a ministerial appointment from 2021 through 2022. Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi in the Eastern Region has been nominated to replace Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto at the Food and Agriculture Ministry. Dr Akoto also resigned in January to concentrate on his presidential ambition. He together with Alan Kyerematen have declared interest to lead the NPP to election 2024. They have therefore resigned their positions as cabinet ministers ahead of the presidential primary later in the year and concentrate on their various campaigns. Bryan Acheampong served as a minister of State at the presidency in President Akufo-Addo's first term but was not re-appointed in 2021 at the start of the second term. He had been tipped, or linked to the Interior Ministerial appointment ahead of this announcement in Parliament, having worked in the first term of President Akufo-Addo in a similar capacity as Minister of State at National Security. Stephen Asamoah Boateng has also been nominated as Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to replace Ebenezer Kojo Kum, who has also resigned on health grounds. Mr Kojo Kum, MP for Ahanta West in the Western Region has been unwell for sometime, and once even went to Parliament for a crucial vote with an ambulance, Emergency Medical Team (EMT) and medical personnel in wait, whilst the deliberations in Parliament were ongoing. Asamoah Boateng first served as minister in President Kufuor's era in 2005 to 2009 having started earlier as a special assistant and later deputy minister from 2001 to 2005 and was appointed as boss of the State Interest Governance Authority (SIGA) in 2017 until he resigned in 2022 to contest the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) national chairmanship position which he lost to Stephen Ntim. Dr Mohammed Amin Adam has been shifted from the Energy sector as a deputy Minister and elevated to a Minister of State status at the Finance Ministry. He is to replace Charles Adu Boahen who was removed in 2022 following an expose by Anas Aremeyaw Anas. Similarly, Osei Bonsu Amoah, popularly known as O.B. Amoah has been elevated as a Minister of State at Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development. Herbert Krapah is going to the Energy sector as a deputy Minister to replace Amin Adam who has been elevated. This was made known in Parliament today following President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's letter to the Speaker of Parliament for the House to consider the nominees for Parliamentary approval. Graphic Online's reporter in parliament, Daniel Kenu reported that the the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin read the President's communication when the House resumed sitting on Tuesday for the 3rd Sitting. New appointments K.T. Hammond - Trade and Industry nominee Bryan Acheampong - Food and Agriculture nominee Stephen Asamoah Boateng - Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs nominee Dr Stephen Amoah - deputy minister nominee Two elevations Dr Mohammed Amin Adam - Minister of State nominee at Finance Ministry O.B. Amoah - Minister of State nominee at Local Government Reshuffle Herbert Krapah - From Deputy Minister of Trade to Deputy for Food and Agriculture Writer's email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh Last week Samsung announced its brand new Galaxy S23 series and despite the price hike, the company secured around 140,000 pre-orders in the first 24 hours in India. That's about twice the Galaxy S22 pre-orders from last year and it shows a strong demand for premium devices in the country and perhaps Samsung's pre-order deals and goodies tipped the scale in its favor. Samsung's spokesperson didn't reveal the pre-order distribution. The average selling price of a Galaxy S23 member is about INR 99,000 ($1,200), so that would make for $169 million in revenue. Samsung has recently opened a big production facility in India - the biggest one in the country, actually - and Galaxy S23 series sold in the country are assembled there. Source UPDATE: We received a note from the Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions Division that the chip maker will continue to handle requests from partners for legacy nodes. The full statement below: A recent report that Samsung is experiencing legacy node issues due to talent shortage for its foundry operations is groundless and not true. In addition to our industry-leading 3nm GAA process technology, legacy nodes are also an integral part of our foundry business and we will continue to cater to the various needs of our customers. Original story follows: Samsung is facing a shortage of talent for its 3nm chip production, Korean media reveals. According to the report, the Korean company is moving the workforce internally, putting teams on the R&D team for the new nodes. Due to a shortage of local specialists and workers, Samsung had stopped accepting orders for legacy 130-65nm foundry processes from domestic small and medium-sized companies specializing in semiconductor design. Samsung is not the only company facing such a problem. The high demand for modern chipsets puts competitor companies in a similar position, including TSMC, the market leader in chip manufacturing. American companies are facing a shortage of 27,000 people in the next 10 years, while the shortage of manpower in China is expected to be 300,000 people by 2025. Korea needs nearly 6,000 people with masters and doctoral degrees in semiconductor engineering to keep up with the demand. Samsung Foundry R&D office in Hwaseong, South Korea The teams in the R&D center in Hwaseong will be working on improving the yield from a single wafer. The next-gen chipsets are in high demand, while the legacy nodes are not that desired on the market anymore. Analysts expect the chip market to expand by 1/3 in the next five years, which would push Samsung to increase its investments in signing partnership contracts with major universities. However, South Korea is facing a decline in the quality of education, putting a damper on Samsungs intentions. Source (in Korean) Editors note: This story has been updated with statements from the Leon Guerrero administration on the proposed 22% pay raise. Money that went toward pay raises last year should be reimbursed to the Guam Department of Education for the repair and maintenance of schools, according to Sen. Chris Duenas. Adelup contends that a fair wage for the governments employees is justified and sustainable. Duenas, who co-chairs the Legislatures Committee on Education, told the newspaper that about $25 million in federal American Rescue Plan money that was provided to Guam DOE ended up being used to cover educator pay raises implemented by the Leon Guerrero administration last year. Guam DOE acting Deputy Superintendent for Finance Franklin Cooper-Nurse told lawmakers during a roundtable Tuesday that the money was originally meant to go toward repairs and other improvements at the islands aging schools. Parts of the sum also went toward a one-time retention payment of $5,000 given to school staff. Adelup is now proposing another round of raises, 22% for employees under the governments general pay plan. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has asked senators to tack $16 million onto the current fiscal year budget so that the raise can take effect on April 1. Republican Sen. Duenas has introduced a pair of bills intended to block the new raise at least for the rest of fiscal year 2023 and use local money to reimburse Guam DOE to the tune of $30 million. He said Guams schools, many of which are in disrepair, are the first priority. After that, GovGuam has a list of other obligations to consider. Im not making an attempt to say no to pay raises, he said, adding that he was all for it. Im saying, at this point, given the situation with our schools, with our hospital, I dont see 100 new cops on the street, given all the problems that we have, Im just simply saying that this is ill-timed, he said. He also did not agree that the governor could implement a raise without getting approval from lawmakers first: Stop bypassing the Legislature for things that are nice. Last year, there was some controversy over the governors authority to implement a pay raise for teachers, though Adelup has defended the right to do so. Duenas Bill 31 would require that no salary adjustment can be paid out unless it is included in the annual budget bill. The senator said its not meant to stop a pay raise from taking effect, but to provide another layer of oversight from lawmakers. You cant just go making these decisions by yourself. Too many people are concerned about whats going on. Thats exactly what it comes down to, Duenas said. He said he was not opposed to a pay raise going forward in the upcoming fiscal year, but that they should go through debate during the annual budget process. The proper amount is also up for discussion, Duenas said. I dont know that its 22%. I dont know if its (8%) now and then other (10%) next year, if the money is available, you know, incrementalize it. According to PDN files, the proposed 22% pay increase will cost: $20.66 million a year to support the pay increases in the governments line agencies; $7.8 million to support raises at Guam Memorial Hospital; and $13.44 million to support raises in the Department of Education. Administration responds Adelup issued a statement from Director of Administration Ed Birn Wednesday morning after Duenas announcement. We believe that people are our greatest asset and our most important resource. Its imperative that we invest in our hardworking employees and adjust their salaries when warranted, Birn said in the statement, adding that GovGuam would only benefit from being able to retain the best employees. It was the statutory duty of his office to review pay for employees, and the overdue adjustment was the first in eight years, he said. It came at a time when revenues were rising, not falling. Additional payroll costs were embedded in the proposed budget for fiscal 2024, and could be sustained, Birn said. Beyond (fiscal year 2024), both the military build-up and projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will support a vigorous economy. These investments will also show positive returns as the Marines are finally relocated, providing additional revenues to our Section 30 collection and through additional spending in the local economy. The administration had already proved its fiscal responsibility by eliminating the $83.4 million General Fund deficit, Birn said. Requiring the planning committee for the administrations proposed health care campus to comply with the Open Government Law crosses over to micromanagement, said Guam Economic Development Authority Administrator Melanie Mendiola. Speaker Therese Terlajes Bill 13 would require the planning committee to livestream its meetings and publish advance notice of agenda items. It would also place a representative from the Legislature, the municipal planning councils of impacted villages and representatives from the medical community on the committee. Terlaje during a Monday hearing for the bill said lawmakers havent received notice of any planning committee meetings, or any record of decisions made about the health care campus after November of 2021. Theres been no required presentation to policymakers on the health care campus by consultant Matrix Design Group, which drew up a masterplan for the new health care campus, she said. GEDAs Mendiola, the only planning committee official to appear Monday, said they had not met formally during 2022, while Matrix ironed out the plans. But there had been individual meetings between planning members. A newly launched website contained notes and Zoom recordings of previous meetings, as well as the master plan and other information she said. The process has been transparent, albeit confusing, she said with multiple government agencies handling different parts of the project. Mendiola said GEDA did not oppose the bill but was lukewarm about it. Public notice could be provided online for upcoming meetings, she said, instead of through the physical ads mandated by the Open Government Law. If youre putting GEDA in charge because you think we do a good job running programs, and if you have the confidence in us and you think were gonna get it done, then thank you. Let us do our job, she said. Kept in the dark Vincent Cabrera, a descendant of one of the original owners of the Eagles Field property being eyed for the facility, said there was no transparency around the new campus. The administration is looking to enter into a 99-year lease with the Navy for Eagles Field property, but Cabrera said he wanted to know more about alternative locations for the campus, so that we can have an open dialogue and talk about the merits each property has, and not just have one authority making the decision without any input. Cabrera said his goal was to get the land back. Joaquin Ken Leon-Guerrero told lawmakers he submitted a total of 10 Freedom of Information Act requests to Adelup, GEDA, and Guam Memorial Hospital, in attempts to get more information about the healthcare campus. Requests for basic documents had gone unanswered, he said, with GMH invoking a deliberative process exclusion, and staff at GEDA refusing his requests on the advice of their legal counsel. Sen. Chris Barnett, said only key insiders have been informed about the new campus, while members of the public have been kept in the dark. The new website only showed that decisions were being made without input from the community and I dont think that transparency after the fact can be called transparency. Land lease Mendiola was opposed to Terlajes Bill 12, which would require legislative approval before the government of Guam could lease property from the federal government or other governments. The speaker said that she had introduced the measure in response to the desire to lease the Eagles Field site from the Navy, but that she was unsure of what other leases GovGuam might have. Mendiola pointed to a current law requiring legislative approval for the lease of any GovGuam property for longer than five years, which she said had lost the government millions of dollars. Overall, at GEDA we are against barriers, and we see this as a barrier and thats why were not in support of this legislation, she said of Bill 12. Terlaje said that the bill was not just about finances, but about how GovGuam dealt with federal land that had been taken in the past. She maintained that there was still no evidence that the Eagles Field property was not excess land, eligible to be returned GovGuam. When we say to them, We are going to lease that land back from you, the one that you dispossessed us from, that we have displaced people from, not only does that just sound and feel wrong, but it is like an admission on the governments part, she said, that the land did not deserve to be returned. A controversial master development plan for the capital village of Hagatna has lapsed into law, according to an announcement from the Hagatna Restoration and Redevelopment Authority. The plan was submitted to the 36th Guam Legislature by the governor twice last year. Senators voted down the first version of the bill, 6-8, in April 2022. A revised version of the bill was sent to the legislature on Oct. 21, 2022, and a public hearing was held on Nov. 14. The revised bill got a cold response from lawmakers, none of whom stated support for it at the hearing. However, on Dec. 8, according to the announcement from the redevelopment authority, the Hagatna Master Plan lapsed into law. The announcement, which according to Adelup spokeswoman Krystal Paco-San Agustin was approved by the governors office, explained how the bill lapsed into law after the hearing. Guam law provides that the plan will not be effective until approved by statute or after 45 calendar days have elapsed from the date of the receipt by the Guam Legislature and two legislative days have elapsed after the elapse of the 45 calendar days. The initial 45-day period after submission ended on Dec. 5, 2022, but the law requires two additional legislative days to elapse in order for the plan to lapse into law. Legislative day is defined under Guam law as a day during which the Legislature is in actual session, and during which it engages or may engage in debate. Because the Legislature was in actual session and engaged in debate or could have engaged in debate on both on Dec. 6 and 7, the lapsing mechanism provided in 21 GCA Section 79304 was perfected, and the plan is now in effect. The announcement also said the governor was ready to implement the master plan. Hagatna Restoration and Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Lasia Casil said the agency is very pleased to finally implement the Hagatna Master Plan, which supports HRRA objectives and goals, and furthers its mission to revitalize, promote, preserve and protect the heritage and economic vitality of the city of Hagatna. It has been a long and arduous road, but along with HRRA Board Chairwoman Maria Eugenia Leon Guerrero and the Board of Commissioners, I am excited to finally move forward with efforts to revitalize and reinvigorate our islands proud capital city of Hagatna. In 2019, the governor issued an executive order to reinstate the redevelopment authority, which was originally created in 1997. The governor asked the authority to reengage with all impacted government of Guam agencies to ensure that the proposed plan aligned with their respective plans and missions, the announcement stated. The authority met with stakeholders, including elected officials, major property owners, business, and industry representatives and community organizations, in addition to hosting several open house public workshops. Stephanie Conception, 2023 Guam Teacher of the Year, with Benjamin Benjie Santiago, 2022 Teacher of the Year. Twelve semi-finalists for the 2024 Guam Teacher of the Year were announced March 16. In this October 2021 photo, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero visits the Guam Department of Labors American Job Center in Anigua during a job fair held to fill open positions with the Department of Public Health and Social Services. Guam DOL is recruiting unemployed senior citizens looking for part-time work to participate in the Senior Community Service Employment Program, according to a release. A dilapidated gym and other major issues at the George Washington High School have deprived students of a proper high school experience, said GW principal Dexter Fullo. Dangerous structural issues closed the gym down in September 2021, just as students were returning to full-time, in-person instruction after the COVID-19 shutdowns. Graduating seniors havent been able to use it properly since they were freshmen, Fullo said. Its been four years since our students had their quarterly pep rallies, their Gecko Production and all the other social activities that make GW great. Our students speak with a longing that they did not fully get the experience they deserve, Fullo told lawmakers during an hourslong roundtable between the Guam Department of Education and the Legislatures Committee on Education. Besides the gym, five classrooms have been closed due to asbestos, mold and fire damage due to arson. Out of 220 air-conditioning units at the school, only 124 work. Students have been shuffled around to maximize classroom space, and have had to share gyms with Father Duenas Memorial School and the University of Guam. While the roundtable was meant to be confined to issues at GW, it quickly turned into a dissection of the failing state of local schools. The situation at George Washington was not unique, nor was GW in the worst condition among local schools, education committee chair Sen. Chris Barnett said. Ill just say it, I believe weve failed our schools, weve failed our students, he said. Phil Toves, facilities manager for Guam DOE, said that designs for the repair of GWs gym have already been completed. But contractors bidding on the construction contract were flagged by the Office of the Attorney General, stalling the bid. The project is now out to bid for a third time, Toves said, I would say in about four months, we should have a good working contract. And construction time was always called out at 90 days for this project. Barnett noted that slow procurement has been a complaint at numerous schools, whose request for repairs and maintenance get sent to Guam DOEs central office, where apparently it goes to die. According to Guam DOEs acting deputy administrator for finance, Franklin Cooper-Nurse, besides going through the AGs office for review, legal counsel for the education department does its own internal review of procurement documents. Is it the most efficient process? Possibly not, Cooper-Nurse told Barnett, But its a process that we are kind of embedded in and operating through. So yes, I think that we can improve efficiency. More accountability Acting Superintendent of Education Judi Won Pat said shes trying going to take a top-down approach to hold officials in the school system accountable, during the five months that shell be leading them. Currently, $76 million out of the remaining $121 million in federal American Rescue Plan Money is slated to be used for repairs. Won Pat said she wants to reprogram as much of that money as possible to fix facilities. The Army Corps of Engineers previously assessed the cost of repairing all the islands schools at $90 million, but its since ballooned to between $110 million and $140 million she said. Hiring is open for 35 maintenance positions, to try and keep up with minor repairs, Won Pat said we used to have, like 300 maintenance people at DOE, and were down to 25. Maintenance contracts will also have to be reassessed she said. Guam DOE has a contract for pest maintenance, for example, but, (I asked), how many times do they come in? And to my surprise, Im very disappointed. Yes, its, its once a year. Simon Sanchez High School, Southern High School and Oceanview Middle School have all recently come under fire for observable pest infestations. Additionally, Won Pat said she plans to meet with the Office of the Governor and other government agencies to see what support can be given to local schools. Same old story Im trying not to make my eyes glaze over, Sen. Joanne Brown told Won Pat, adding that officials were providing the same old story about problems in the school system. Despite a shrinking school population, down to 26,000 from 36,000 several years ago, education and school facilities only seemed to be getting worse. Won Pat, who had been leading Guam DOE for four days as of Tuesday, said she couldnt account for what had happened under past leaders. Cooper-Nurse, responding to Brown, said there was a perfect storm of a lack of maintenance personnel, aging facilities and $110 million worth of delayed repairs. Only about 70 maintenance positions are currently funded for all of the islands schools, compared to the hundreds previously, and there was no fixed budget to keep up with maintenance at most schools, Cooper-Nurse said. John F. Kennedy High School, by contrast, gets $2 million for facilities and maintenance as part of the schools lease, and is in relatively good condition, he said. Can we get the local budget of $2 million a year for the 36 other schools? We dont have that financial support. Its a general government of Guam problem, said Education Board member Peter Alexis Ada, It does not have a preventive maintenance program. Board member Maria Gutierrez added that the Education Board wanted more authority over operations at Guam DOE, as they had been unable to reign in the actions of school system management, which included a large amount of what she thought was unnecessary administrative hiring. Board member Ron McNinch agreed and added that lawmakers, Won Pat, and the board should take an all hands on deck approach, sit down and iron out whatever policy fixes were needed at the schools. Sen. Thomas Fisher, after several hours, suggested that lawmakers put together a special investigative subcommittee to tackle specific issues at local schools, because we simply cant continue to do this over and over again. Its insane. Weve got kids out there that need to be educated. Should Guam opt out of the ban on food stamps for people convicted of drug felonies? Major oil terminal and pipeline shut down following earthquakes in Turkey A major Turkish oil export hub and a key crude oil pipeline were shut down following the 7.8 and 7.7 magnitude earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria on February 6. Operations at the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) Terminal in Ceyhan on Turkeys southern coast were stopped after a small leak was reported while crude oil imports from Iraq via the KirkukCeyhan Oil Pipeline were also stopped. Representative image: Shutterstock As well as linking Kirkuk in Iraq with the Mediterranean, the BTC Terminal in Ceyhan is also the main export hub for crude oil flowing from Azerbaijan with a capacity of around 650,000 barrels per day (bpd). According to Reuters news agency, the BTC Terminal was closed following the large earthquakes to allow for damage assessments after a small leak was discovered. The leak was quickly fixed, and exports were expected to resume on February 7. The pipelines connected to Ceyhan, including the KirkukCeyhan Oil Pipeline, were also shut down following the earthquakes. Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said that operations were halted so that inspections could be conducted. The pipeline are expected to re-open on either February 7 or 8. The earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria have so far killed over 5,000 people with the toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue. They were the worst to have hit Turkey in over a century. The countrys state pipeline operator BOTAS said that immediately following the first earthquake, its teams were put on high alert and damage assessment work began. As a precautionary measure, natural gas flows were halted to several provinces including Gaziantep, Hatay and Kahramanmaras. The International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) has said that Turkeys Nuclear Regulatory Authority informed the agency that there was no impact from the earthquakes on nuclear safety and security in the country. As of February 7, there had been no issues related to radiological safety and security of radioactive sources, and the country's under-construction Akkuyu nuclear power plant is unaffected. Russias state nuclear energy company Rosatom, which is building the plant, said that tremors were felt at the site but no damage was caused. Despite this, Rosatom said it would carry out extensive testing to ensure construction can continue safely. More information... The recent progress in the research and development of 6G at the national and European levels was discussed in the event. Finland is a leader in developing mobile technologies, including more efficient 6G networks. Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka opened, on 6 February 2023, the Elements of 6G Unleashed organised by Business Finland and 6G Finland. In his opening speech, Minister Harakka emphasised the cooperation between democratic countries in developing and utilising technology. - Our core values, individual freedom and fundamental rights, must be guaranteed in the regulation and standards of 6G technologies. Safety and climate protection must also be taken into account from the very beginning, says Minister Harakka. He met with the European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton, who delivered the closing remarks. Minister Harakka and Commissioner Breton discussed cyber security, the intercontinental data cable and the EUs competitiveness. - The EUs cyber capabilities are emphasised in the current security situation. At the same time, the green and digital transitions go hand in hand; one doesnt exist without the other. As to green production planning, it is worthwhile to invest where Europe has the competitive advantage. 6G enables climate industry. The Commissioner was also interested in the new Arctic data connection planned by Finland, says Minister Harakka. HT Source: Ministry of Transport and Communications "The Russian invasion of Ukraine is inflicting untold suffering on the Ukrainian people, with profound global implications. I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a wider war, but doing so with eyes wide open. We need peace - in line with the @UN Charter & international law," tweeted Guterres. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday he fears the world was heading for a "wider war" as the potential for escalation of the Ukraine war continues. In a speech to the 193-member UN General Assembly on Monday presenting his 2023 priorities, Guterres decried the Russian invasion of Ukraine, reported Al Jazeera. The nearly year-long conflict has been intensifying in recent weeks with fierce battles between Ukrainian and Russian forces for control of towns in eastern Ukraine. He pointed to the war in Ukraine, "runaway climate catastrophe, rising nuclear threats," the widening gulf between the world's haves and have-nots, and the "epic geopolitical divisions" undermining "global solidarity and trust." Guterres said the transformation needed today must start with peace, beginning in Ukraine -- where, unfortunately, he said, peace prospects "keep diminishing" and "the chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing." He said this year's 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights should serve as a reminder that the foundation of the inalienable rights of all people is "freedom, justice and peace," reported ABC News. The world must work harder for peace, Guterres said, not only in Ukraine but in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict "where the two-state solution is growing more distant by the day," in Afghanistan where the rights of women and girls "are being trampled and deadly terrorist attacks continue" and in Africa's Sahel region where security is deteriorating "at an alarming rate." He also called for stepped-up peace efforts in military-ruled Myanmar which is facing new violence and repression, in Haiti where gangs are holding the country hostage, "and elsewhere around the world for the two billion people who live in countries affected by conflict and humanitarian crises." The secretary-general said it is time for all countries to recommit to the UN Charter, which calls for peaceful settlement of disputes, and for a new focus on conflict prevention and reconciliation. HT Source: ANI Cabin Creek Road neighbors implore county to block lodge Denied a public hearing on a landowners plans to build a lodge and private club in rural Green River, residents of Cabin Creek Road implored Henderson County commissioners on Monday to step in and take a closer look at whether the request is a loophole that evades the intent of the county land-use code. A year after dropping a rezoning request to permit a 20-room inn off of Cabin Creek Road, the landowner filed new development plans for a lodge and private club on a 4-acre site. This time, the project does not require a rezoning. The use is permitted by right in the Rural Two Residential zone and authorization lies with the Technical Review Committee, the panel made up of officials from the NCDOT, the health department, emergency and fire services, Hendersonville water and sewer systems and county building and stormwater offices. It does not go before the Planning Board or Board of Commissioners, county Zoning Administrator Matt Champion said. The TRC was scheduled to review the request on Tuesday after the Lightnings print deadline. Landowner Lark Elliot said in plans drawn by Hendersonville landscape architect Hunter Marks that Tuxedo Falls would be made up of a 10,000-square-foot lodge, a restaurant and bar, pool, hiking trails and outdoor education. Marks said the development would support summer camps and other community businesses. The original plan was to rezone it for an inn and the problem is in the county theres no provision for an inn, he said last week. The only thing that it has is a hotel so we would have had to rezone to community commercial and that just didnt fly. (Cabin Creek Road residents) werent comfortable with that and I can understand that. And so were going back with club-lodge, which is by right. You can do that by right in our zoning. A loophole shes pursuing I dont think that the plan has really changed, Ben Dowling, who lives next to the site of the proposed lodge, said in an interview. I think that is a commercial loophole that shes pursuing. Its frustrating to me as an immediate owner whos going to be impacted that my zoning is not protecting me and my county representation is really not interested in engaging whether this is a loophole or not. Corey McCraw, another neighbor, also urged commissioners to pause the project. Last year a land developer filed a rezoning request to change 50 acres of wooded forests on Cabin Creek Road from residential to commercial, a plan to include an inn, restaurant, including a bar, and a parking lot big enough to hold nearly three dozen cars, he said. When homeowners rose up to fight the commercial use, the developer pulled the request to ensure it doesnt go before this board. Instead, the developer decides to explore a loophole in the zoning regulation, then renames the project and resubmits plans as a private lodge. The Green River community doesnt want this development, he said. We are here asking for an intervention. Preserve the character and resources of the rural Green River community from this commercial development. Called Tuxedo Falls tagline An Escape into Nature the development would be reached by a private road of just under a quarter mile. Plans show 33 parking spaces and the clearing of three acres for the lodge and associated uses. Cabin Creek Club inspires connection with the natural world by providing a homebase where members can enjoy, explore, and protect the woodlands, streams, mountains, and countryside of Western North Carolina, says mission statement submitted as part of the application, using an earlier name for the project. It would be organized as a nonprofit requiring membership to use the lodge and enjoy its activities. People would apply for membership and, once approved, pay an annual fee based on which amenities they want to use, the developer said. The owners also said in their application they intend to encourage community involvement and support of local retailers. In addition to encouraging members to enroll children in local summer camps to allow for their entry at the Club, the Club may arrange for local summer campers to experience the educational nature services available to members, they said. Additionally, to the extent possible, edible plants grown on-property could be made available to local farm-to-table restaurants. Finally, the Club will coordinate with local businesses to encourage patronage of area stores and services. County sends partisan School Board election resolution to delegation Henderson County commissioners voted unanimously Monday night to adopt a resolution urging the state Legislature to change the county School Board elections from nonpartisan to partisan, brushing aside the pleas of 15 speakers to keep the election free of party labels. The resolution goes on to the three members of the county's delegation in the General Assembly all Republicans where the prospects for a bill making the change would appear to be solid. School Board issues are not partisan issues," Jane Pulling, a Saluda resident and retired school superintendent told commissioners. "Politics should have nothing to do with School Board decisions, which should be based solely on what is best for children. Having an R, D or I beside a candidates name tells nothing about the candidates qualifications for the job. Supporters of the change said a party label is relevant. Party affiliation is very valuable because its highly correlated with issues that are important" to voters, Brett Callaway said. "Hiding important information from citizens is not how a free society remains free. Voters should have good, relevant information on which to make their decision." Commissioners largely echoed that. Daniel Andreotta, who first offered the resolution last month, defended the move to identify candidates by party. "If anybody has a right to know that I believe its parents of children whom those policies ultimately will make their way to that childs classroom one day," he said. "And so again, they dont have to factor it in if they dont want to. And a party affiliation doesnt indicate the presence or the lack of qualifications. Certainly still do all of your due diligence, no doubt about it." While it's true that most of what the School Board acts on is nonpartisan, Michael Edney said, voters would benefit from knowing candidates' party affiliation because it signifies their values. Do you want a School Board that is fiscally conservative with your tax dollars? I would say yeah. If you dont know anything else and cannot find out anything else, party affiliation gives you some guidance in that regard, he said. Bill Lapsley said because of national politics, local School Boards have already come under the spell of partisanship. "Parents care enormously about the kids, we all know that. And a lot of parents vote," he said. "So we shouldnt be surprised that education matters in Henderson County politics. Cultural and societal issues intermixed with public school matters have been in the forefront of state and local elections for years. So its no surprise to me that we are faced with this in our hometown. It is a fantasy to believe that just because you dont designate your political parties, that somehow political parties are not involved in these races. Chairwoman Rebecca McCall pointed out that the 2022 School Board election was politicized by both parties. Among the four Republicans on the ballot, Republican Party leaders "chose three names to support," she said. (There were also four unaffiliated candidates and one Democrat on the ballot.) "The Democrat Party chose one name to support. I think they had a slogan 'one and done.'" "I have six grandchildren in the current school system," she said. "We care deeply about the school system. We are supportive of our school system, and we would not do anything to jeopardize how the school system is run." High-quality cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative 14:19, February 07, 2023 By Paul Tembe ( People's Daily Online As the world faces a prospect of retreat from globalisation towards hyper-nationalism due to present conflicts and wars, it is prudent to reflect on the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched in 2013 by the Peoples Republic of China President Xi Jinping. This reflection is important in a context of efforts underway to rebuild countries still suffering from negative effects of Covid-19 on trade and cooperation in multilateral institutions. The BRI benefits can be quantified to underline a reason why President Xi presently speaks of promoting high-quality BRI cooperation. For one, 151 countries and 32 international organizations have joined the BRI by January 6, 2023. Tangible and practical material fruits from these agreements have yielded trade of over $9.2 trillion (R135 trillion), and the PRCs business investments in countries along the Belt and Road has been pegged at $130 billion between 2013 and 2020. This explains why President Xi is on record in declaring that, while the BRI may be Chinas idea, but its opportunities and outcomes are going to benefit the world. China has no geopolitical motives, seeks no exclusionary blocs, and imposes no business deals on others. These positive remarks debunk the unfounded myth that the PRC imposes a debt trap on developing nations and is unconcerned about the environmental impact of its policies and projects at home and abroad. Instead, the available solid evidence paints and points to a BRI, which promotes, in word and deed, confidence-building growth, carbon-neutral development and shared prosperity, and mutual benefits among the participants. The BRI building blocks are now well-established, namely, the advancement of hard connectivity of infrastructure development, institutional connectivity focusing on strengthening multilateral bodies (like the UN, WHO, WTO) to advance shared rules and standards, and soft connectivity premised on people-to-people understanding and deepening solidarity. These connectivity channels mainly linking Asia to Europe and Africa plus Latin America using maritime and land route networks remain relevant in a post-Covid-19 period where emphasis now includes risk mitigation strategies and integrating green finance to project management. Why does the BRI emphasise high-quality development? President Xi has set out the clear requirements parameters and requirements for high-quality BRI cooperation. Firstly, it speaks to further opening up of the PRC domestic market to investments and competition of and for services and goods by foreign-owned businesses and enterprises. Such competition can only serve to promote innovation and shared prosperity. Secondly, cooperation in sharing and strengthening intellectual property protection will be paramount. This has been highlighted by the Covid-19 health and economic pandemic that an enabling environment for cooperation rather than competition for IP is central if humanity as a whole will defeat pandemics and crises that cross borders without regard for nationality, class, ideology or technological barriers. In his own words, President Xi is emphatic that the PRC will promote technological exchanges and cooperation with other countries on the basis of market principles and the rule of law. The Republic of South Africa (RSA) can certainly gain from sharing in advanced technology from the PRC, which has enabled the latter to deal decisively with assorted crises. Thirdly, while China is both a global factory and a global market and has the worlds largest and fastest-growing middle-income population, there is ample space and political will in this vast country in its international trade to avoid creating directly and indirectly, trade surpluses so that a balanced fair-trade climate is facilitated. Here again, the RSA has much to profit in Chinas consumer market hungry for beneficiated goods. Fourthly, there is no doubt international cooperation and solidarity is indispensably crucial to addressing global crises such as conflicts, terrorism, climate change and trade protectionism. Global governance institutions like the WTO, WHO and UN require active and continuous support and not abuse through unilateral sanctions and politicisation of human suffering. It is encouraging that the PRC and the RSA are enthusiastic supporters of multilateral bodies and the international norms and standards they are mandated to champion. In this sense, both countries are indeed all-weather friends in endorsing and honouring multilateral and bilateral agreements such as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), known as the Iran Nuclear Deal, which was sadly hijacked and bastardised by the short-termist domestic politics of the United States of America. This makes the Chinese truism all the more seminal that to honour a promise carries the weight of gold. Fifthly, promoting and maintaining high-standard and high quality is a 21st-century existential necessity. It talks to environmentally friendly practices, sustainable projects, frugal economic partnerships, and international best practices that respect and honour the sovereignty of each country and its civilisation. Above all, it is about intolerance for greed and corruption, which robs the poor and disenfranchised of opportunities and benefits that flow and accrue from high-quality BRI. Chinas Belt and Road Initiative is certainly a game-changer in international affairs, trade and financial relations, and the governance of multilateral institutions. It is estimated by a World Bank Report that the BRI projects in 2030 could assist in uplifting more than 7.6 million people from extreme poverty and 32 million from moderate poverty. In this regard, protectionism, trade barriers, unilateralism, exceptionalism and manifest destiny attitudes and behaviour are anathema to high-quality BRI cooperation. It is not by coincidence President Xi is fond of referencing the saying that pursuing protectionism is like locking oneself in a dark room. About the author: Paul Tembe is a sinologist and founder of SELE Encounters. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chengliang) Hotel owner, operator and developer, Hotel Equities ("HE"), is proud to announce Jenn Thompson has earned a promotion to Vice President of Business Development where she will oversee portfolio growth in the West. Jenn formerly served on Hotel Equities' operations team and brings to her new role a depth of knowledge and understanding of the firm's expertise and significant value-add generated for hotel owners. Coming up through the ranks of operations, Jenn has operated the full spectrum of asset classes, including full, select, and independent luxury properties, spanning the major brands of Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Preferred Hotels & Resorts. An 11-time award-winning leader, including General Manager of the Year, Jenn has led the opening and acquisition of more than $500 million in premium and select assets, touching all disciplines. A licensed multi-state CRE Broker, woven through Jenn's experience is her passion for business strategy, development, and real estate. She honed her skills in tandem growth opportunities serving as the Director of Acquisitions & Sales for Summit Hotel Properties in advance of their IPO, and later leading acquisitions, mergers, and major renovation efforts under Interstate Hotels & Resorts. In 2020, Jenn pivoted her career toward commercial real estate in the mixed-use and retail space, supporting the business development efforts and hospitality integrations in multi-family/mixed-use assets across 13 major cities, led by Iconic Capital. In December 2021, Jenn joined Hotel Equities as our Vice President of Operations, with a focus on our key partnerships. In this role she immersed herself in Hotel Equities' culture and mastered the process of execution. In her new role, Jenn will meld her multi-discipline experience to elevate HE's west coast presence as the Vice President, Business Development - West. Jenn studied undergraduate at the University of Arizona, before completing her MBA Internationally at the University of London. Jenn and her husband reside in the Coeur D' Alene Idaho area where they enjoy hiking, snowmobiling, and peaceful days on the lake. Grand Mercure Bangkok Windsor Acquired for THB3.2 Billion Thailand-based Asset World Corporation has acquired Grand Mercure Bangkok Windsor for THB3.2 billion. Located along Sukhumvits Soi 20, the property can be reached within 9-minute walk from Asok BTS station. The property was rebranded from the former 456-key Windsor Suites Hotel, which featured six food and beverage outlets, a fitness centre, a spa centre, an executive lounge, and a helipad on its rooftop. This represents the largest hotel transaction recorded in Thailand in 2022. Mercure Pakenham Freehold Sold for almost AUD16 Million The 64-key Mercure Pakenham Australia freehold interest has been sold to a Melbourne-based investor for AUD15.8 million, which represents a sharp passing yield of 5%. The property was sold on a leaseback for 20 years, with the three-storey building sitting on 3,500 square metres of land which is also connected to the popular Cardinia Club. The property which opened in September of 2022 is ideally located within the Pakenham Race Club Precinct and comprises of one restaurant & bar and two meeting rooms. L Catterton to invest in Hulic Redevelopment Project in Osaka, Japan US-based private equity firm L Catterton backed by France-based Fashion Conglomerate Moet Hennesy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) has taken a stake in an Osaka redevelopment project led by Japan-based property group Hulic Co., Ltd (Hulic). With a gross floor area totaling 46,241 square metres, the 28-storey building will offer a mix of retail, hospitality, and office spaces. The project-site is in the key commercial district Shinsaibashi and includes the redevelopment of the Shinsaibashi Plaza Building and the Shinsaibashi Fuji Building. Upon completion in 2026, the building will have direct access to Shinsaibashi station of the Osaka Metro. To date, the Shinsaibashi Redevelopment project is L Cattertons second investument in a major Japanese project in less than a year. Bohol, Philippines Gets a New Mixed-Use Tourism Development A 50-hectare mixed-use development which costs PHP25 billion that marks sustainability, community and local culture is taking shape in Panglao, Bohol. Named Panglao Shores, which will be Bohols first and biggest township will comprise of at least three hotels with 1,000 keys on a kilometre strip of white beach, 1,000 condominium and residential units, 37,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor retail and commercial areas, as well as medical and greenbelt facilities. Developed by the Philippines-based Alturas Group of Companies, the first phase of the 10-year project includes the commercial strip and the ongoing construction of a 188-key South Palms Resort. The resort will be managed by a foreign hotel management company which is slated to open by 2024. Panglao Shores is meant to be sustainable in all aspects, including water supply and electricity, coupled with a sense of place, connection to the surrounding land and Filipino heritage. About HVS HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com. Ive spent much of my career discussing and predicting the evolution of our industry. Of course, much of this effort focuses explicitly on changing guest expectations and trends, as they set a precedent for the best practices adopted by hotels, airlines, and travel companies. However, amidst all the many changes that have unfurled over the last decade most of which are a byproduct of digital innovation and disruption there exists a core aspect of the guest experience that has quietly transformed in the background: the hotel room. Think back to the last time you stayed in a hotel room. Once you have conjured that image in your mind, I want you to think back to a hotel room you stayed in 5-10 years ago if you can. Can you pinpoint any significant differences between the hotel room of today and the hotel room of the past? You should because over the last decade, the hotel room archetype has undergone a Marie Kondo-Esq makeover, if you will. This minimalistic refinement has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has turned the hospitality industry on its head for two excruciatingly long years. With the dust of the pandemic finally settling, we must now survey the landscape and take note of that which remains the same and has transformed under pressure. In this particular case, the hotel room as we once knew it is shrinking before our eyes. A Less is More Approach My hands were as dry as parchment when I checked into Washingtons Donovan House hotel on a bitterly cold day last winter, wrote Nancy Trejos in a 2011 Washington Post article. Eager for some moisturizer, I went straight to the bathroom, where I discovered no moisturizer to be found. Nor was there any shower gel for bathing, just plain old skin-drying soap. I was perplexed. Where were my favorite toiletries? For a while, you could count on your average hotel room to be almost as well-stocked as a Wal-Mart. Walk into the bathroom, and youd find shampoo, conditioner, lotion, mouthwash, a shower cap, and not one but two bars of soap, in case you didnt want to lather your body with the same suds that oozed over your hands. Lost a button? Mending kit right this way. Want to buff your shoes? Grab the shoe mitt. But the recession put the brakes on such bountiful in-room accouterments . Of course, the economic downturn she was referring to was the 2008 recession which, much like the COVID-19 pandemic, set in motion a series of industry-wide adjustments that would remain for the foreseeable future. While many of us have fond memories of eagerly stuffing travel-size shampoos, conditioners, and body wash bottles into our suitcase only to have them promptly replaced on our guest room vanity, hotels have since shifted their approach. But as it turns out, the phase-out of individually bottled bathroom toiletries was just the beginning. Around the world, many hotels have also begun replacing bathtubs with showers to address hygiene concerns and save on space. Of course, thats not to say bathtubs are impossible to find, but they may be exclusive to specific suites rather than offered as the standard throughout a property. Weve also seen the gradual death of the hotel mini-bar, which used to be a nostalgic staple within the hospitality experience and room service offerings. If we are being transparent, traditional hotel mini-bars often require more operational headaches and maintenance costs than they were worth. As a result, the convenience they provided guests came at a notoriously steep price. Now, many hotels are instead prioritizing memorable cocktail experiences, including customized bar carts serviced by bartenders with the skills to make specialty cocktails. Room service, on the other hand, has been largely replaced with unique dining options and community workspaces offered by hotels. As hotels strive for enhanced sustainability, they are also moving to scale back on the frequency of guest sheet and towel changes, eliminate single-use plastic (a COVID-era staple), and reduce energy consumption via smart technology (such as thermostats). Furthermore, hotels are largely abandoning movie rentals in favor of smart TV applications widely embraced by the masses (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc.). Finally, many hotel rooms are now devoid of phones in favor of voice-activated assistants like Google minis and are opting for smart wardrobe-style closets rather than traditional dressers. The Future is Bright This is a less is more approach to guest room design and helps hotels gain momentum in pursuing modern functionality and sustainable best practices. And really, why shouldnt the hotel room transform in a similar fashion to the rest of the property? Around the globe, hotels are rapidly transforming their lobbies to offer digital-first, self-service conveniences (self-service kiosks, VR, AI, and more) while making way for unique, mixed-use rooms and experiences that encourage connection and appeal to leisure and business travelers alike. And now, more than ever, many hotels are answering guest demand for local experiences by embracing local style and culture within their layout and offerings while breaking the traditional hospitality mold to usher in a new era of eco-conscious travel. By leveraging the power of an AI rewards-based loyalty program with a growing network of 1,000+ big-name instant gratification partners, Laasie delivers rewards for on-property purchases, luxury amenity use, or on-property experiences. Guests can choose high-value rewards that are relevant to them and makes their stay more memorable. This is the key to driving direct bookings, loyalty, retention, and purchase behavior, helping hotels of all types compete with OTAs. Lets face it; todays guests have an insatiable appetite for convenience, personalization, flexibility, blended travel offerings, local experiences, sustainable policies, and, perhaps more importantly, a balance of high-touch and high-tech touchpoints. After all, as our personal and professional habits continue to evolve to embrace emerging technology, its only natural for those preferences and habits to extend into the realm of travel, and thus, must be accounted for. The use of modern loyalty technology opens up new revenue opportunities for hotels that are infinitely scalable. So yes, the hotel room is technically speaking shrinking, but it's simultaneously expanding in other, meaningful ways. More importantly, hotels are leveraging modern technology to expand their offering beyond the physical attributes of any guest room. Using technology to enhance guest experiences, hotels can downsize other, more antiquated guest service elements while driving revenue in new, exciting ways. Ellis Connolly Chief Revenue Officer Laasie Chicago, IL (60637) Today Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 59F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 59F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Subscribers to Register-Star or The Daily Mail are eligible to receive full access to HudsonValley360. If you have an existing print subscription, please make sure your email address on file matches your HudsonValley360 account email. South Berkshire Holding Conversation on Possible Merger SHEFFIELD, Mass. A community-led conversation about a potential merger between Southern Berkshire and Berkshire Hills regional school districts is slated for Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Mount Everett Regional School. The meeting will be held in the Thomas A. Consolati Performing Arts Center and will include Superintendent Dr. Beth Regulbuto and school district leadership. The conversation will be regarding any questions, concerns, or ideas the public may have about the potential district merger. "The objective of this conversation is for the School Committee to have an opportunity to gain perspective from the school community, to gather feedback and ideas, and to share what information people still need in order to make this decision for their family," said Regulbuto. "We hope that we can hear from as many stakeholder voices as possible as we navigate the future of education for our students and families in Southern Berkshire." The meeting will be designed to work as a group discussion. School Committee Chair Bonnie Silvers said is encouraging a broad ranges of residents to attend. "I hope that eighth-graders, octogenarians, alumni, current and former teachers and staff, community leaders, business owners, individuals with no connection to the district beyond paying taxes, elected officials, fifth-generation local families, new parents, and even second-home owners see this as an opportunity to both weigh in on the current issue before us and to help us envision an even better education for all of our children," she said. To encourage parents with young children to attend the event in person, members of the National Honor Society will be onsite providing child care. A Zoom link will also be provided on the district website on Tuesday, for those who will not be able to join in person. To RSVP, contact SBRSD Administrative Assistant Lynette Gagnon at Lgagnon@sbrsd. Stuff & Things: Feb. 6 No Gilded Gramaphone This Year Local hopes were high that Pittsfield native Matt Cusson would bring home a Grammy on Sunday but it was not to be. Cusson had been nominated for his arrangement of the Bee Gees' "How Deep Is Your Love" for a cappella group Kings Return. He lost to John Beasley, who was nominated for his arrangement of Charlie Parker's "Scrapple from the Apple." This was Cusson's first nomination and he was up against prior Grammy nominees and winners. He told iBerkshires that it felt surreal to get his first nomination. 'I'm glad, obviously, beyond glad it happened win or lose," he said. Special Guests Gov. Maura Healey will be attending Tuesday's State of the Union as the guest of U.S. Rep. Richie Neal. "Governor Healey has been a steadfast advocate for the people of Massachusetts throughout her career in public service, and I look forward to welcoming her to Capitol Hill on Tuesday evening," Neal said in a statement. Healey, former attorney general, was sworn in a month ago. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has invited Eugenie Ouedraogo of Taunton, whom she met in 2021 at a roundtable about affordable child care. Ouedraogo is on the policy council of Triumph Inc., whose federally funded child care and early education programs have made it possible for her to pursue a degree in nursing. U.S. Sen. Edward Markey is bringing Kate Dineen of Boston, who has advocated for codifying reproductive health rights and ensuring access to abortion. Dineen was forced to travel out of state and incur thousands in medical bills to terminate a fetus that suffered a catastrophic stroke late in her pregnancy. Her advocacy would aid in the passage of last year's abortion rights law in Massachusetts. Warmer Already The deep freeze on Friday and Saturday swung almost 50 degree by Sunday. The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., reported temperatures of minus-14 in North Adams and minus-16 in Pittsfield at 5 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4. By 11 a.m. the next day, it was 30 in North Adams and 28 in Pittsfield, differences of 44 degrees. The change was in more impressive, NWS reported, in Old Forge, N.Y., in Herkimer County, which went from minus-32 to 29 a 61-degree difference in 31 hours. Wind chills over this frigid weekend ranged from between minus-30 to minus-40. Siddique Kappan, a senior journalist who was held in custody for 28 months, was released on bail on February 2. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Indian affiliates, the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ-I) welcome the courts decision to respect due process and urge the Indian government to withdraw all cases against him. Kappan was arrested on October 5, 2020, in Indias northern state of Uttar Pradesh. The senior journalist had travelled to the state to report on a high-profile gang-rape incident in Hathras, wherein a young woman belonging to the Dalit community died after allegedly suffering sexual assault from a group of upper-caste men. Uttar Pradesh government authorities deemed the resulting public outrage a deliberate conspiracy to incite riots along caste lines. Police accused Kappan and three of his colleagues of conspiring to incite a riot, and creating communal disharmony, through which he was charged under Indias Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. Later, Indias Enforcement Directorate (ED), a government agency tasked with investigating financial crime, filed a second case against Kappan under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in February 2021. The ED accused the journalist of receiving money from the Popular Front of India, an outlawed Muslim group in India. Despite Kappan being granted bail for the first case by India's Supreme Court on September 9, 2022, he remained in jail due to ongoing investigations into his alleged financial crimes. After being granted bail by Allahabad High Court on December 23 on the second case related, procedural delays forced the journalist to remain in jail until February 2. After his release from Lucknow jail, Kappan announced his intention to continue journalism, vowing to fight against the charges laid against him and the unjust legal imbroglio that led to his two-year imprisonment. The journalist has claimed that police tortured him physically and mentally during his imprisonment. The IJU said: "The IJU welcomes the court order for releasing Siddique Kappan, after his remaining in jail for more than two years. The IJU thanks its state affiliates and other journalists unions and civil society groups for their continued advocacy calling for his release and clearance against all charges." The NUJ-I said: "The NUJ-I denounces the Uttar Pradesh Police for fabricating a case against Siddique Kappan, a journalist who was performing his duty. The bail order represents justice and the protection of media freedom." Charges against BOL TV anchor Imran Riaz Khan for comments critical of state institutions and the Pakistan administration have been dismissed by a Lahore court after his arrest on February 2. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in welcoming Khans release and urging the Pakistan government to cease its harassment and intimidation of journalists and media workers. Khan was arrested at Lahores Allama Iqbal International Airport by the Cyber Wing of the FIA as he attempted to depart for the United Arab Emirates. The arrest came after a First Information Report (FIR) was filed at Attock police station alleging a video posted to social depicted Khan attempting to ruin the reputation of a state institution. Khans luggage was also seized. According to lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq, Khan was taken into custody by the FIAs Lahore headquarters and appeared in court on February 3. The Lahore court dismissed the case and ordered his immediate release. The FIA's cybercrime wing is investigating Khan under the 2016 Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and the criminal code, according to the FIR in Khan's case. The journalists arrest was condemned by the PFUJ, who said the incident was a continuation of the governments restrictions on press freedom and denounced the unlawful arrest of the journalist without a warrant. Khan was previously taken into custody at Islamabad Toll Plaza in July 2022 and has been implicated in several cases, which he claimed were motivated by his refusal to stop speaking the truth. Previous cases against Khan were filed with police in numerous areas of Punjab, all with similar charges. Several residents submitted applications to register the First Information Reports (FIRs), alleging that the journalist was inciting anti-national sentiments by disparaging the Pakistan Army and state institutions. According to the IFJs South Asia Press Freedom Report 2021-2022, two-thirds of the complainants invoking the PECA law against journalists are private citizens, with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials the second highest initiator of complaints. PFUJ President GM Jamali and Secretary General Rana Azeem said: The government must follow the lawful procedures of charging people for illegal actions. The charges placed on him must follow the relevant legislations, but any media person who is unlawfully arrested will not be permitted. The IFJ said: The growing number of legal cases registered against journalists in Pakistan is tantamount to suppression of press freedom. The IFJ welcomes the dismissal of charges against Imran Riaz Khan but urges the Pakistani authorities to cease the use of intimidation and legal harassment to curb independent and critical journalism. With unions grappling to address the challenges posed by digital media and striving to prove their worth to a new generation of journalists, the IFJ, supported by Union to Union, has been working with the Independent Trade Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) of Macedonia to change the narrative - with excellent results! Darko Duridanski, SSNM Program Manager explains. SSNM has recruited more than 20 new young members in recent months. How did you go about it and how has the Union To Union (UtU) project helped? The answer is pretty simple. The best results are achieved through face-to-face meetings supported by a range of other activities, in which young journalists are engaged and given an opportunity to speak about their problems freely. Through the Union to Union project, we have been able to organise several meetings with young media workers as well as launch a call for applications to help design a new campaign - I want fair working conditions - aimed at raising awareness of labour rights among younger journalists. To be honest, through other projects, we had held dozens of meetings which young journalists were part of. However, when young journalists are the focus of the activity they have a real sense of belonging to the union. SSNM has organised meetings, lectures and visited media run by young journalists and media workers. Did journalists know about SSNM before being approached? Do you think that their perception of unions has changed before and after these meetings? SSNM is a well-known organisation in Macedonia among journalists and media workers. However, some of the meetings showed us that many of them do not know exactly how a trade union operates. These meetings were beneficial for explaining the goals and objectives of SSNM, as well as the benefits of being part of a union. We cannot assess precisely if the perception of unions has changed for all of them but to share a positive example, I would mention our meeting with the first internet and youth radio station in the country, Radio MOF, where some of the young journalists were originally against unionising, having reservations about the activities of SSNM. After the meeting, they became members of SSNM. Throughout the meetings with young journalists, you said SSNM realised that there was a lack of knowledge about basic labour rights, which are breached in many media. Are workers' rights an area where trade unions could more effectively prove their value for young journalists? Definitely! That is our main goal, even though I must say that the interest of young media workers in joining the union is much wider and, of course, it depends on the media organisation they work for. For example, those who work in bigger media are more interested in labour rights issues, while those who are in small media, mostly online platforms, look for other benefits in joining. The Statute of SSNM was changed recently to guarantee the election of a member younger than 35 years old to the Executive Board. What is the aim of this change and how was it received by all members? The aim of the change of the Statute was through so-called positive discrimination to enable young journalists to have their own representative in the decision-making bodies of SSNM. We thought that it is a way of proving that SSNM is not a closed organisation, where a few people decide about the issues that concern all media workers. Viktorija Mitkova is not only the youngest member of the Executive Board, but also the coordinator of the young media workers department. Her duty is to coordinate and to be a link between young media workers and the union. The plan is to have regular meetings of the young journalists department, which are intended to inspire and develop future activities and plans. The president of SSNM described the inclusion of young journalists in the unions executive bodies as a need. Should unions do more to involve young members? Unions should do as much as possible to involve young members. The main reason for that is that the media industry and landscape is changing very fast, and young people can contribute a lot in helping shape these changes. On the other hand, unions like ours and in countries like Macedonia, we have to focus more on improving the image and the perception of journalists, as the profession has been sliding down in recent years. Unfortunately, it has become unattractive for young people, which is seen by the decreasing number of new students enrolling at the faculties of journalism. Freelance journalists were also approached within the scope of the project. What are the main difficulties that SSNM found to engage freelance journalists in unions? The main difficulty concerning freelancers is that they do not see any benefit in being members of SSNM. They do not have employers and therefore do not see what SSNM can do for them. This, of course, is not the case. However, the main hardship is that the status of the freelancers, not only in the media sector, is not legally framed in Macedonia. That is why our work concerning freelancers is to try to find a solution for their legal status and advocate for changes of the law which would help protect and promote their rights. Based on the SSNMs experience, what would you advise unions to do to engage young journalists in their organisations? In my opinion, unions should find a system of continuous engagement with young journalists, through activities that will bring them together and provide them with a sense of belonging. Of course, face to face meetings work well, but also training sessions for improving skills, workshops, guerilla actionsetc Basically, whatever can prove to young journalists that the organisation is there for them. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) worked with the Independent Trade Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) of Macedonia in the project "Digital Organising - CEE" from 2018 to 2022, in partnership with Union to Union and the Swedish Union of Journalists. The common work has focused on helping the union address the challenges and seize the opportunities digitalisation presents, defend the rights of media workers and, in particular, engage younger journalists and help the union become more effective in representing its growing membership. This publication is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in the Indian market and includes a gu... Out of the total investment, INR 15 Cr was by Lighthouse Canton LoanTap Founders The AIF is part of Lighthouse Cantons Southeast Asia & India venture debt strategy. The AIF has a capacity of INR 550 crores and a Greenshoe option of additional INR 550 crores, and it successfully reached a first close of INR 155.4 crores earlier this year. Through the AIF, Lighthouse Canton provides debt capital to technology-enabled start-ups across India. LoanTap Financial Technologies (LFTPL) offers end-to-end lending through LTFLoW for sourcing, delivery, and asset management. This AI-driven technology platform has been adopted by over 30 e-commerce sourcing partners. It has 10+ LTFLoW clients, including some of India's major banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), payment platforms, and ERP solution providers catering to roughly 2 million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). LFTPL has facilitated loans worth INR 1700 crores for its subsidiaries and technology clients. They have two RBI-registered NBFCs subsidiaries that offer tech-driven credit solutions to salaried professionals and MSMEs in the personal finance, supply chain invoice financing, and electric two-wheeler (e-2W) categories. Based in Pune, LoanTap was founded by seasoned professionals Mr Satyam Kumar and Mr Vikas Kumar, with over 23 years of experience in banking and technology, respectively. Renowned equity funds, including Kae Capital, India Quotient, Avaana capital, 3one4 capital, Shunwei capital, and Tuscan ventures, are backing LoanTap. It is supported by debt facilities from nearly 20 lenders. Additionally, it has its debt issuance programme where the instruments like NCDs and CPs are regularly subscribed by nearly 300+ HNIs and family offices in India. Satyam Kumar, Co-founder and CEO at LoanTap, said, "Its our pleasure to have Lighthouse Canton on board in our growth journey, and excited for the passion resonated by Ankit Agrawal and Sanket Sinha in the potential of LTFLoW platform in delivering the digital credit solutions in India." Ankit Agrawal, Director of Venture Debt at Lighthouse Canton, said, We are excited to be a part of the debt round in LoanTap. Solutions offered by their LTFLoW platform have been helping MSMEs and retail customers to avail loans. The platform is gradually modernizing lending processes and we are looking forward to supporting the company's growth objectives through our venture debt strategy. Lighthouse Canton, headquartered in Singapore, is a global investment institution with wealth and asset management capabilities. The venture debt strategy comprises a Singapore based Variable Capital Company (VCC) for investments in Southeast Asia, and a Category II AIF for investments in India. The strategy has seen active participation from onshore and offshore institutions and family offices, and is the second strategy that it has launched which focuses on the venture ecosystem. It had earlier launched a partnership to invest in venture equity in the Indian startup ecosystem, and successfully closed a US$40m fund to invest in 27 pre-series A and series A companies across various sectors. About LoanTap LoanTap offers innovative loans to help millennials achieve a life that they desire. They differentiate in the otherwise cluttered Personal Loan segment and deliver fastest Personal Loans at customer friendly terms. LoanTap has in-house RBI registered NBFC. Our focus is to delight our customers by helping them choose the best loan products. About Lighthouse Canton Headquartered in Singapore, Lighthouse Canton is a global investment institution with wealth and asset management capabilities. We employ over 100 experienced professionals across our offices in Singapore, Dubai and India and oversee over 3 billion US dollars worth of assets under management and advisory (as of 30th September, 2022). Lighthouse Canton creates value through innovative investment solutions for accredited private clients, institutional investors and an ecosystem of founders and entrepreneurs globally. Our Asset Management service comprises strong product capabilities across private and public markets. We run diversified strategies such as private equity in real estate, direct lending, venture equity, venture debt, public equities, and global macros. Our Wealth management service caters to corporates, ultra-high net worth individuals, family offices, founders and entrepreneurs, to help with their personal and business investment needs with tailored investment advisory, portfolio management, treasury, business & family office solutions. Lighthouse Canton Pte Ltd is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and is an Exempt Reporting Advisor (ERA) in the United States. Lighthouse Canton Capital (DIFC) Pte Ltd in Dubai is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). LC Capital India Pte Ltd is registered with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). For more information, please visit our website or write to us on info@lighthouse-canton.com Advertisements Global investment institution Lighthouse Canton led the venture debt funding round of INR 24 Cr in LoanTap through its venture debt fund, a Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF). As part of the funding, LoanTap has received one of the first cheques for its unique digital lending platform, LTFLoW. Lighthouse Cantons total share in this round amounts to INR 15 Cr, among other investors. Band Baaja Baarat! It is a well known fact that everyone enjoys watching their favourite celebrities tying the knot. They wait from the moment there is rumour to the time when covert images and videos of wedding rituals are shared, even before they are officially released by the celebrities themselves. However, there are rumours that going forward, many celebrities would sell their wedding films on OTT platforms and make money off of it because everyone is chasing after commercial success at this point in time. Well heres story time! Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Back in 2014, the icons Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie made headlines after they tied the knot and sold the photos to People magazine. If reports are to be believed they made close to $20 million and later donated the proceeds to a charity. Magazine/People George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin In a grandiose wedding surrounded by A-list celebrities, George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin exchanged vows in Venice, Italy. The couple eventually sold Hello! and People magazines their wedding images. Magazine/Hello Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries In the company of their family and friends, they had a magnificent wedding. The Hollywood Reporter claims that Kim and Kris received $1.5 million from People magazine for the exclusive images of their wedding. Let's hope the money lasted longer than this wedding which ended after just 72 days! Magazine/People With these three examples, you should now be aware that this started as a best-selling concept in the West and eventually spread to our country. Prior to Priyanka Chopra, aka our Desi Girl, and Nick Jonas' wedding, there were rumours that she might work on releasing a portion of some of the wedding festivities on OTT. . Instagram/Priyanka Chopra Later, it became known that she would develop the reality dance programme Sangeet, which she is producing with her musician husband Nick Jonas. The bride and groom's families will compete against one another for the top prize in this event, which was inspired by their own wedding sangeet. Coming to more recent news, On June 9, 2022, Nayanthara and the filmmaker Vignesh Shivan got married. Then it was revealed that their wedding will be broadcast on an international OTT platform Netflix in documentary style. The internet portal posted a promo in September 2022 announcing the title of the documentary, "Nayanthara: Beyond a Fairytale." It was also said that the documentary would emphasise the couple's love and support for one another rather than just the wedding. And now, comes (drumroll, but not a surprise) Hansika Motwani weds Sohael Kathuria. The couple plans to share with fans the narrative of their wedding preparations and the big day on Disney Plus Hotstar. The trailer for the same, which is naturally filled with drama, has just been revealed after a teaser which was released a few days ago. The couple has also been viciously mocked for two reasons: first, for commercialising the wedding; and, second, for the actress's alleged involvement with Soheal despite the fact that she was friends with his ex-wife. Are we getting influenced? All of this has led to a discussion about how celebrities are making marriage into a business transaction and making money. It also but naturally raises the issue of how much western culture is influencing the masses. Fans who enjoy watching their favourite artists get married may find this to be a blessing, but it may also turn out to be yet another bogus idea lifted from the west. And then there's a whole different discussion around celebs' privacy! It will be interesting to see how many other celebrities upload footage of their weddings to OTT, as well as the reactions to it. (To read more such stories related to movies and shows released on OTTs, keep reading Indiatimes BINGE) Kriti Sanon left everyone stunned with her hot avatar and sizzling chemistry with Kartik Aaryan in the trailer of Shehzada. Tribune India The couple is all set to return to the big screen this month after a much successful Luka Chuppi, which released in 2019. In fact, their song, Munda Sona Hoon Main from Shehzada has been receiving a great response and the actress decided to treat her fans with some Behind-The-Scenes (BTS) shots of the song. Taking to her social media, Kriti Sanon shared a BTS video of the 'Munda Sona Hoon Main' from her forthcoming release Shehzada. The video captured glimpses on what went behind on the sets of the film. In the video, while Kriti was seen shooting in the exotic beachside location, she also seemed to have a great time with her co-star Kartik Aaryan. She also captioned the post in a quirky way saying, "The madness behind the hotness of #MundaSona song!" Fans couldnt stop gushing about the chemistry of the two actors in the song Munda Sona Hoon Main. In fact, many social media users, who came across the BTS video, even suggested the two actors to become an off screen couple. Aap dono bhi shadi kar lo kiara sid ki tarah, commented one of the users. Yet another user gushed, You guys will make a beautiful couple whereas one of the fans requested, Plz marry kartik aryan. together you both look fabulous. Shehzada is the remake of 2020 Telugu blockbuster Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo. While Kartik Aaryan will essay the character of Allu Arjun, Kriti Sanon will play the role of Pooja Hegde in the Hindi version. This film will also feature Manisha Koirala, Ronit Roy, Paresh Rawal, Sachin Khedekar in pivotal roles with Rohit Dhawan directing the action entertainer. It is slated to release on February 17, 2023. The Supreme Court held that decriminalization of adultery does not apply to the Armed Forces, but the armed forces can take action against their officers for adultery. In the Joseph Shine Judgment of September 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized adultery, was unconstitutional and violated women's right to equality by treating them as inferior to their husbands. What are adultery and Section 497 of the IPC? Adultery is defined as voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse. BCCL Section 497 of the law punishes a person who engages in sexual intercourse with another man's wife without the man's consent or agreement. The law assumes that only a man can seduce a woman into sexual intercourse and that the husband is the one who suffers from the sexual relationship. However, the law does not punish the wife and does not protect the wife from similar behaviour committed by her husband. What did the SC rule? The Supreme Court clarified that it had "no occasion whatsoever to consider the effect" with regard to the Army, Navy, and Air Force Acts in the 2018 judgment and was solely concerned with the legality of adultery-related provisions in Sections 497 of the Indian Penal Code and 198(2) of the CrPC. Unsplash/Representational image The Army Act, the Navy Act, and the Air Force Act governed the personnel of the three wings of the military: the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. The personnel's fundamental rights are restricted by these special laws because they work in unusual circumstances that call for extreme discipline. The final Order in the case clarified that the Joseph Shine Judgment did not apply to members of the armed forces accused of "conduct unbecoming" and dismissed the application. The three laws are protected by Article 33 of the Constitution, which allows the government to modify the fundamental rights of members of the armed forces. Adultery in armed forces in India In India, military personnel are subject to the IPC, including the law on adultery. Additionally, the Indian military has its regulations and codes of conduct that prohibit adultery and immoral behaviour. BCCL/Representational image The consequences for committing adultery in the military can range from administrative action to disciplinary action to court-martial, and the rules and procedures for dealing with these cases are established by the military justice system. The significance of abolishing adultery as a crime for the Indian Armed Forces is that it could prevent members from being found guilty of such activities. The laws and regulations that prohibit adultery and immoral behaviour help maintain discipline in hostile environments, where soldiers are deployed and their families are being looked after by other officers. Soldiers who engage in adulterous behaviour with a coworker's spouse may be dismissed from their jobs for acting inappropriately. A 7.8-magnitude earthquake in southern Turkey and Syria killed around 6,000 people. As rescuers search through collapsed buildings for lives, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a three-month emergency in 10 regions. The massive quake, one of the largest in the quake-prone area in the past century, is sparking fears of a new humanitarian disaster in a region strained by war, displacement, and economic distress. @cnalive Amidst the destruction and loss of lives, a 7-year-old Syrian Girl has gone viral for showing courage and resilience. A picture of a little Syrian girl cradling her sibling while they are both buried by debris in Syria has gone viral on various social media platforms. A representative of the United Nations posted the image on Twitter. The 7 year old girl who kept her hand on her little brother's head to protect him while they were under the rubble for 17 hours has made it safely. I see no one sharing. If she were dead, everyone would share! Share positivity... pic.twitter.com/J2sU5A5uvO Mohamad Safa (@mhdksafa) February 7, 2023 "The 7-year-old girl who kept her hand on her little brother's head to protect him while they were under the rubble for 17 hours has made it safely. I see no one sharing. If she were dead, everyone would share! Share positivity," Safa tweeted. 26 hours under the rubble, she is protecting her brother's head, she is smiling and hope is drawn in her eyes, my beautiful little girl, all fear dissipated in an instant in #idlib_Harem#earthquake_Syria #earthquakeinturkey pic.twitter.com/A33cUKqUxv MAZEN Al-HASAN (@Melad82921624) February 7, 2023 #Syria this morning. A Syrian girl protects her brother's head under the rubble and greets the rescue team with a smile. #earthquake #Turkey pic.twitter.com/kfMAvZ6jDD Hisham Arafat (@HishamArafatt) February 7, 2023 This girl saved her little brother's head from the rubble for 17 hours and welcome the rescue team with a smile In this difficult Pakistan stands with our brothers of Turkey, Syria and Labenon. May ALLAH protect everyone from disasters.#TurkeyEarthquake#PrayersForTurkey pic.twitter.com/AsS21Chzto Salman Asif (@Salman_Khan_Pak) February 7, 2023 This little girl is a symbol of strength and courage, She kept protecting her brother's head for 17 hours and when rescue arrived #TurkeyEarthquake #Turkey #Syria pic.twitter.com/zswo5Kjaq6 rmk (@rimshadmk) February 7, 2023 This little girl protects her little brother's head under the rubble Hope all innocents will be survived.. #Syria#earthquake pic.twitter.com/6u03toHTZY Sarah (@sara__eva) February 7, 2023 A Syrian girl protects her little brother's head under the rubble of their home, levelled to the ground by the devastating earthquake yesterday in northern Syria. Please pray for Syria and turkiye pic.twitter.com/f0lxC70k23 .@_ (@Alvin0786) February 7, 2023 A Syrian girl protects her little brother's head under the rubble of their home, levelled to the ground by the devastating #earthquake yesterday in northern #Syria. pic.twitter.com/huPVfsWk8P Gypsy (@gypsygalexy) February 7, 2023 This girl protected the head of her little brother under all that debris for hours and finally got rescued. Alhamdulillah! Allah is the most merciful. Syria this morning, February 7 pic.twitter.com/IxRN9z43uR MD Hossain (@nurhossain3099) February 7, 2023 screenshot Pic 1: Little Syrian girl is protecting the head of her baby sibling under the rubble Pic 2: They are rescued & safe Alhamdulilah Syria & Turkey need our help & prayers. May Allah make it on our brothers and sisters there. Ameen! pic.twitter.com/2PKUDiyOUc Iqra Naseer (@iqraqazi7) February 7, 2023 According to the most recent data from those countries, the death toll from the earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria has risen to almost 5,000. Hundreds of rescue workers are still searching through the rubble and debris, attempting to dig out survivors, despite the frigid temperatures. According to authorities, the death toll from Monday's earthquake and its aftershocks is expected to rise. Shallow temperatures and heavy snowfall have hit both Turkey and Syria. AP Syria's final resistance stronghold and government-held territory surround the earthquake's epicenter. In rebel-controlled areas, there are reportedly still hundreds of families buried under the rubble. AFP People said that thousands of buildings had fallen in a large area that stretched from the Syrian towns of Aleppo and Hama to the Turkish city of Diyarbakir, which is more than 330 kilometers to the northeast. NT At least 1,823 people were killed and thousands injured in Syria following several deadly earthquakes and aftershocks in neighboring Turkey, authorities and rescuers said on Tuesday. State news agency SANA said at least 812 people were killed and 1,449 injured in the government-held provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, Idlib, and Tartous. At least 1,020 people were killed and 2,400 injured in Syrias opposition-held northwest, with the death toll expected to "rise dramatically," the White Helmets rescue team said. A 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and neighboring Syria early Monday, toppling thousands of buildings, including many apartment blocks, wrecking hospitals, and leaving thousands of people injured or homeless. (With agency inputs) (For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.) A purr-fect revenge. Do you have an awful ex-partner? A rescue organization in Ohio wants to help you get over the grief of a nasty breakup. In Hamilton, Ohio, the Animal Friends and Humane Society is asking for donations in the form of cat litter boxes so that they may be named after the donors' exes in honor of Valentine's Day. Unsplash Do you have a crappy ex? For a $5 donation, we will write your exs name in a litterbox and give it to the cats to let them do what they do best! the shelter wrote on Facebook. A similar idea: The San Antonio Zoological Society's "Cry Me a Cockroach" event in Texas allows people to name a cockroach or rat after their ex. The society hosts the event every Valentine's Day. The Zoological Society tweeted a video to promote the event this year. Donate today, and we will feed your ex to one of the animals and send you the video, plus a certificate, the society wrote. (For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.) Cloud-based data warehouse company Snowflake on Tuesday announced its intent to acquire secure data-sharing software provider LeapYear Technologies in an effort to boost its data clean room capabilities. What is a data clean room? Data clean rooms are software frameworks that allow different organizations to collaborate on data analysis by allowing multiple parties to analyze data sets without disclosing the raw data to one another. To further our mission of mobilizing the worlds data including some of the most sensitive data Snowflake is announcing its intent to acquire LeapYear, a differential privacy platform, and bring the LeapYear team and technology into Snowflake to help our customers leverage previously off-limits data, Carl Perry, director of product management at Snowflake, wrote in a blog post. Differential privacy allows for secure data sharing Differential privacy is a term used to describe systems that allow users to share information about a data set by describing patterns within the data set, without sharing any individual or personally identifiable information. The addition of LeapYears differential privacy platform to Snowflake will augment its Global Cean Room offerings, Perry wrote. Data clean rooms have been in demand due to data privacy regulations such as the European Unions GDPR, as these software frameworks allow enterprises to collaborate and analyze consumer data while still being compliant with regulations. Another reason for the growing popularity of data clean rooms is that they give enterprises the ability to analyze large volumes of aggregated data. "Leaders in the media and advertising industries, such as Disney, NBCUniversal, Acxiom, OpenAP, and Roku use Snowflake Global Data Clean Rooms to open up safe, auditable collaboration opportunities across organizations," Perry wrote. "This has also opened up new collaboration opportunities for organizations across other industries, like retail and CPG [consumer packaged goods." The market size for data clean rooms stood at $4.4 billion at the end of 2021, data from Transparency Market Research shows. Several other companies, including AWS, Microsoft, Google and Databricks, also offer clean room capabilities. The intent to acquire LeapYear comes just a month after Snowflake agreed to purchase artificial intelligence-based time series forecasting platform provider Myst AI, taking the companys acquisition count to seven companies in three years. In August 2022 it bought AI-based document analysis platform Applica, based in Poland, to help enterprises handle unstructured data. Other acquisitions included Streamlit (March 2022), Polish custom software company Pragmatists (January 2022), Polish digital products development studio Polidea (February 2021), and Canadian data anonymization company CryptoNumerics (July 2020). San Francisco-based LeapYear Technologies, which was founded in 2014 by Christopher Hockenbrocht, Colton Jang, and Ishaan Nerurkar, has raised $53.2 million in funding to date. Investors in the company include venture capital firms such as Bain Capital and Lightspeed. As part of the acquisition, LeapYears team is expected to join Snowflake, Perry wrote. Our merger activity is a great endorsement of what we have to offer new merger partners, from our culture and way of doing business to our market relationships and global capabilities, said Lyons. battlefaces launch in Canada comes at a time when peoples perspectives and opinions on travel insurance have changed over the past few years due to the pandemic. According to Travelex Insurance Services president and CEO Shannon Lofdahl in an interview with Insurance Business last December, travel insurers had to pivot into becoming service entities during the pandemic they had to stop selling insurance and help customers with their travel concerns. Our collaboration started on a high note with WBNs 67th global conference, which was our first-ever carbon-neutral event, said Olga Collins, CEO of WBN. This milestone achievement would not have been possible without Zurichs sponsorship, for which we are hugely grateful. We hope that this will be the first of many steps in our environmental initiative. What appealed to me about Liberty was the awards and accolades that the firm has achieved as a top insurance employer, Dyer said. Then, when I saw Libertys eight core values, which aligned with the vision statement at The Mike Dyer Agency, I was even more impressed. Our strong growth and continued success over the years are based on our foundational commitment to our clients and the exceptional performance of our talented colleagues on their behalf, said Matt Gough, president of Ames & Gough. Allison, Brian and Cady have shown a passion for excellence in delivering client service, building new relationships and collaborating to drive results for clients under dynamic market conditions. Im delighted to recognize their many contributions to our clients and our firm, and welcome them to our leadership team. Answers Different Types of Foaming Agents (4) The China Securities New Energy Vehicle index rose as much as 4.1 percent after a strong rally in lithium-ion shares on the Chinese stock market. Brokerages said lithium enterprises would usher in marginal expectations, and currently, it may be the best time to layout power/energy storage lithium batteries. According to a securities research report, the price of lithium carbonate in the upstream resource end continues to hit a new high, which reflects the shortage of lithium mineral resources, and lithium has become one of the core elements of the development of the lithium electricity industry. In 2022, global demand for lithium carbonate continues to grow strongly, while the supply-side growth is relatively limited. And, because related mining enterprises experienced the last lithium down cycle, they would expand concrete foaming agents are expected to rise. Introduction to Foaming Agents The foaming agent is a kind of material that makes the object matter into pores. It can be divided into chemical foaming agents, physical foaming agents, and surface-active agents. The chemical foaming agent is a compound which can release gas such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen and form fine pores in polymer composition after decomposition by heating. The physical foaming agent is the change of the physical form of a certain kind of material through the fine pores of foam, namely through the expansion of compressed gas, liquid volatilization, or solid dissolution and the formation of the compound. In the last article, we talked about the chemical foaming agents of OBSH and DPT. In this article, ADC foaming agents will be talked about. 3. ADC Foaming Agents With the development of the plastic industry, a single ADC foaming agent can no longer meet the demand, so the modified ADC foaming agent came into being. Abundant modification methods bring diversity, specialization, and serialization of ADC. Modification research has become the key to the development of ADC in recent years. Moreover, the ADC modification process basically has no waste, needs less investment, and has considerable economic and social benefits. The modification of ADC products is to optimize the gas generation, particle size, color, and thermal decomposition temperature of the foaming agent, mainly through changing certain reaction conditions or adding certain additives in the preparation process. ADC particle micro refinements; Add additives in ADC powder; Different types of foaming agents were mixed to achieve the modification effect. Currently, the main types of modified products are: 1. Particle micro refinements type; 2. Low-temperature type. The decomposition temperature of ordinary ADC is generally higher than 200. Many resins with low softening points and easy aging under heat hope to have low-temperature decomposition products. At present, the development of low-temperature ADC is one of the main research topics in its modification field. It mainly selects one or more activators and combines them with ADC in a certain proportion. The activators can choose metal compounds such as chromium, zinc, lead, urea derivatives and nitroguanidine, etc. After modification, the lowest decomposition temperature of the ADC foaming agent can reach 80. 3. Highly dispersed type. In order to obtain a uniform polymer with a smooth surface without holes, it is necessary to completely disperse the foaming agent proportionally in the polymer. Generally, ADC foaming agents are susceptible to static electricity and other factors, which agglomerate and affect product quality. It is very important to develop highly dispersed products. ADC foaming agents can be mixed with fine powder of some inert inorganic compounds, and highly dispersed products can be prepared by adding surfactants to ADC products. 4. Inhibit foaming. Dicarboxylic acids and their hydrazides, phenols, amines, and triazoles can inhibit the decomposition of ADC, and the inhibition effect is better when a metal ion activator is available. For example, the addition of inhibiting foaming foaming agent materials will cause uneven patterns due to the difference in foaming effect, from which the production of foaming wallpaper and other interior decoration materials; 5. Compound. Other additives with specific functions can be mixed with ADC, or several foaming agents can be mixed with each other, according to the principle of synergy between various additives, compound into one. Compound additives have become the mainstream of the development of the plastic additives industry. 6. Foaming agent masterbatch. Like other synthetic material additives, master leasing has become one of the modification trends of foaming agent ADC. Mixing ADC, foaming agent, and polymer to get masterbatch, effectively solving the problems of dispersion and dust pollution. Suppliers of Concrete Additives TRUNNANO is a reliable foaming agents supplier with over 12-year experience in nano-building energy conservation and nanotechnology development. If you are looking for high-quality CLC foaming agents, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. (sales@cabr-concrete.com) We accept payment via Credit Card, T/T, West Union, and Paypal. TRUNNANO will ship the goods to customers overseas through FedEx, DHL, by air, or by sea. The impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the supply and prices of commodities is widening, and commodity prices remain at high levels. There is still great uncertainty about the future price of the concrete foaming agents. Inquiry us Answers Foam Concrete Advantages and Disadvantages The US President recently said the conflict between Russia and Ukraine had driven up the prices of all the world's major food staples, including wheat, corn, barley, oilseeds and edible oils, and that Russia and Ukraine together supplied more than 25% of the world's wheat exports and about 20% of its barley exports. To address the food shortage, the Biden administration says it plans to increase the number of counties eligible for insurance for double cropping. Double cropping is when farmers grow two different crops a year on the same field. Under Biden's plan, the number of counties eligible for two-season crop insurance would increase by 681, for a total of 1,935. The UN has warned that up to 1.7bn people are "highly exposed" to the domino effect of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the global food, energy, and financial systems. The agency says conflict could increase hunger in countries where people are already suffering from malnutrition. Even countries where food is less scarce are being hit by rising prices. U.S. grocery prices rose 1% in April, compared with a 10.8% increase over the past 12 months, the Labor Department said recently. According to the White House, global food prices have risen nearly 13 percent since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Besides, affected by the ever-changing international situation, the supply and prices of international bulk concrete foaming agent are still very uncertain. Foam Concrete Advantages 1. Foam concrete is a lightweight, easy-to-use, and easy-to-finish material. For home improvement projects, such as building decks or other areas on the property, foam concrete may be a wise choice. 2. Foam concrete has high freeze-thaw resistance. 3. It's unlikely to crack or snap easily. Many people use foam concrete in their homes, and structures built with it are very strong. 4. It will not be damaged by welding and grinding as well as cutting or chiseling. Although foam concrete may require some sharp tools (such as a hammer), it can withstand these cuts and grinds well without completely cracking. 5. Foam concrete structure has excellent load dispersion and distribution ability. It is very light and can withstand high load propagation. 6. Foam structure is flexible and easy to use. 7. The use of foam concrete in construction projects such as home improvement projects is very cost-effective and economical. Foam concrete does not have any smell like regular concrete, and its mixture can be mixed with any additives (such as colors, etc.) to create more attractive colors or other patterns that suit people's needs. 8. Foam concrete has high fire resistance. 9. It is well absorbent, meaning that foam concrete will not expand as a result of rain or other moisture that may be present in the surrounding air. 10. Foam concrete is waterproof and can easily withstand water. 11. It does not absorb water when exposed to moisture in the air, so when people use foam concrete to make structures on properties, they can avoid problems like rot and mold. Foam Concrete Disadvantages 1. Compared with ordinary concrete, the mixing process of foam concrete is difficult. 2. Compared with ordinary cement or concrete, parts of foam concrete are harder to find and therefore more expensive. 3. It is difficult to mix and finish projects without the proper tools or equipment to support them. In addition, the pressure is lower when mixing foam concrete, so special equipment is needed to mix it to an acceptable density. 4. It is difficult to track the strength of the completed structure during the completion phase. 5. Since foam concrete is a mixture of different materials, it depends on each product (such as sand, cement, water, additives, etc.). 6. Due to uneven density during treatment, it may sometimes spread out and cause problems during the finishing or installation phases of these structures. 7. The compressive strength of foam concrete is lower than that of ordinary concrete. 8. Foam concrete is not resistant to acid, oil and grease, and other destructive substances. To protect it from these problems, a protective coating must be applied to the surface of the foam concrete prior to the use or installation stage. What is Foam Concrete used for? Foam concrete is fire-resistant and its thermal and acoustic properties make it ideal for a variety of applications, from floor and roof insulation to void filling. In addition, it is good for groove recovery. Foam Concrete Strength Foam concrete is a kind of multifunctional material, its strength depends on different cementing materials, cement dosage, mix ratio, water-cement ratio, foam volume, foaming agent, curing method, admixture, etc. The dry density of foam concrete is between 400-1600kg/m3 and the compressive strength is between 1-25mpa. Is foam concrete toxic? Foam concrete does not contain toxic substances. Concrete Additives Supplier TRUNNANO is a reliable foaming agents supplier with over 12-year experience in nano-building energy conservation and nanotechnology development. If you are looking for high-quality CLC foaming agents, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. (sales@cabr-concrete.com) We accept payment via Credit Card, T/T, West Union, and Paypal. TRUNNANO will ship the goods to customers overseas through FedEx, DHL, by air, or by sea. The Free Trade Agreement between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has come into force on. The UAE is the gateway to the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa, said Subramaniam, a senior official at India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The agreement will help boost bilateral trade in goods from $60 billion a year now to $100 billion a year within five years. On 18 February 2022, India and the United Arab Emirates signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. With the entry into force of the agreement, 90 percent of Indian goods and 65 percent of UAE goods will enjoy tariff-free market access. Apart from its FTA with the UAE, India is also pursuing FTAs with Australia, the UK, Canada, Israel, the European Union, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Influenced by international situations, the supply and prices of many concrete foaming agent are still very uncertain. Inquiry us Answers High Purity 3D Printing Alloy CoCrW Powder The purchasing pace at the demand end of the international thermal coal market continues to slow down and the international thermal coal price continues to decline. Prices for thermal coal at major international ports continued to fall last week as buyers in Europe slowed in recent days for April, coupled with weaker-than-expected import demand from End users in China. According to China Coal Market net monitoring: Australia Newcastle port thermal coal price index was 253 USD/ton, compared with 309.02 USD/ton, down 56.02 USD/ton, down 18.13%. South Africa's Port Richards thermal coal price Index was $264.5 / mt, down the US $62.72 / mt or 19.17% from US $327.22 / mt. The European ARA Tri-port thermal coal price Index was $281.8 / ton. Does the price of thermal coal in major international ports continue to decline to affect the price of the CoCrW Powder ? About 3D Printing Alloy CoCrW Powder: 3D Printing Alloy CoCrW Powder is one of the Stellite alloys, which are hard alloys resistant to various types of wear and corrosion as well as high-temperature oxidation. Namely commonly referred to as cobalt-based alloy. Initially, the Stellite alloy is a cobalt-chromium binary alloy and later developed into a cobalt-chromium tungsten ternary composition. Cobalt-Cr-W alloy is an alloy with cobalt as the main component, containing a considerable amount of chromium and tungsten and a small amount of nickel, molybdenum, silicon, carbon, niobium, tantalum and occasionally iron. Depending on the composition of the alloy, they can be made into welding wire, powder for hard surfacing, thermal spraying, spray welding and other processes, as well as cast and forged parts and powder metallurgy parts. The basic composition of cobalt-chromium-tungsten alloy is: Co:50%~58%,Cr:28%~30%,W:4%~6%,Ni:2%~4% and other alloy composition, melting point is 1470.As can be seen from the composition of the alloy, the cobalt and tungsten content of the alloy are very high, which makes the material has excellent high-temperature performance and has poor thermal conductivity. It is these characteristics that make the cobalt-chromium tungsten alloy in the grinding process spark is dark red, the number of sparks is very small, the metal from the workpiece surface is easy to block the grinding wheel, so that the grinding conditions quickly deteriorate, at the same time produce a lot of grinding heat can not quickly spread, resulting in low efficiency, workpiece surface burns. Feel free to send an inquiry to get the latest price if you would like to buy 3D Printing Alloy CoCrW Powder in bulk. 3D printing CoCrW bonding alloy powder Composition(percentage by mass) Co Cr W Si C B Mn Fe Bal 27.62 8.79 1.5 0.99 0.56 0.5 0.5 Additional elements less than 1%: N, Nb Contains no nickel, beryllium or iron category Alloy grades and characteristics Alloy number: CoCrW Particle size: 0-20m, 15-45m, 15-53m, 53-105m, 53-150m, 105-250m Morphology: Spherical or nearly spherical Appearance: Grey Package: Aluminum bag, Vacuum packing Application: 3D printing metal powder Other applications: powder metallurgy(PM), injection molding(MIM), spray painting(SP) etc. How is 3D Printing Alloy CoCrW Powder produced? The waste iron is smelted to the melting point, and then the eight raw materials of cobalt, chromium, tungsten, sulfur, silicon, carbon, aluminum and copper are added in turn, and then the temperature is reduced to 1150-1200C for high-temperature solution treatment for 40-60min, and then the temperature is again reduced to 880-970C for aging treatment for 2-3h, and the cobalt, chromium and tungsten alloy is obtained through annealing treatment again. Applications of 3D Printing Alloy CoCrW Powder: CoCrW powder is one of the rough alloys that can resist various types of wear, corrosion and oxidation at high temperatures. Depending on the composition of the alloy, they can be made into welding wires, powders for hard surface substrates, thermal spray, and spray. They can also be made into castings, forgings and powder metallurgy parts. COCRW powder can be used in laser/electron beam additive manufacturing (SLM/EBM), powder metallurgy (PM), spraying, welding and other processes. The powder is mainly used for 3D printing of biomedical materials, such as teeth, body supports, artificial joints, etc. Cobalt-Cr-W alloy is widely used in locomotive engines, nuclear power plant valves, Marine engines and various aircraft. Early cobalt-chromium - tungsten alloys were produced by non - vacuum smelting and casting processes. Later developed alloys, such as MAR-M509 alloy, which contains more active elements such as zirconium and boron, are produced by vacuum smelting and vacuum casting. Generally, cobalt-chromium-tungsten alloy lacks a uniform strengthening phase. Although its strength is low at medium temperature (only 50-75% of that of nickel-based alloy), it has high strength, good thermal fatigue resistance, thermal corrosion resistance and abrasion resistance at temperatures higher than 980, and good weldability. It is suitable for the production of guide vane and nozzle guide vane of aviation jet engine, industrial gas turbine, naval gas turbine and nozzle, etc. Storage Condition of CoCrW Powder: The damp reunion will affect CoCrW powder dispersion performance and using effects, therefore, CoCrW powder should be sealed in vacuum packing and stored in cool and dry room, the CoCrW powder can not be exposure to air. In addition, the CoCrW powder should be avoided under stress. Packing & Shipping of CoCrW Powder: We have many different kinds of packing which depend on the CoCrW powder quantity. CoCrW powder packing:vacuum packing, 100g, 500g or 1kg/bag, 25kg/barrel, or as your request. CoCrW powder shipping: could be shipped out by sea, by air, by express, as soon as possible once payment receipt. Luoyang Tongrun Nano Technology Co. Ltd. (TRUNNANO) is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12-year-experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and Nanomaterials, including boron powder, nitride powder, graphite powder, zinc sulfide, 3D printing powder, etc. If you are looking for 3D printing metal powder, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry, email address: sales2@nanotrun.com 3D Printing Alloy CoCrW Powder Properties Other Names Cobalt Chromium Tungsten, Cobalt 6B, Stellite 6B ,Co-Cr-W CAS No. N/A Compound Formula CoCrW Molecular Weight N/A Appearance Gray metallic solid in various forms (ingot, tubing, pieces, powder) Melting Point N/A Solubility in water N/A Density <4.2 g/cm3 Purity N/A Particle Size 0-20m, 15-45m, 15-53m, 53-105m, 53-150m, 105-250m Boling point N/A Specific Heat N/A Thermal Conductivity N/A Thermal Expansion N/A Young's Modulus N/A Exact Mass 294.824632 g/mol Monoisotopic Mass 294.824632 g/mol 3D Printing Alloy CoCrW Powder Health & Safety Information Safety Warning N/A Hazard Statements N/A Flashing point N/A Hazard Codes N/A Risk Codes N/A Safety Statements N/A RTECS Number N/A Transport Information N/A WGK Germany N/A With Tesla's new factory in Germany starting CoCrW Powder . In the future, the demand for CoCrW Powder will become more and more extensive. Please feel free to contact us for the latest news on CoCrW Powder . Inquiry us Answers What is Spherical Aluminum Oxide Al2O3 Used For? US President recently decided to invoke a Cold War-era defense law to encourage domestic spherical Al2O3 powder. What is Aluminum Oxide Al2O3? Aluminum oxide is a kind of inorganic with the chemical formula Al2O3. It is a high hardness compound. It is a white solid insoluble in water, odorless, tasteless, and extremely hard. The melting point is 2054 and the boiling point is 2980. Aluminum oxide is a typical amphoteric oxide, soluble in inorganic acid and alkaline solutions, almost insoluble in water and non-polar organic solvents. What is Aluminum Oxide Al2O3 used for? Fillers Aluminum oxide, which is chemically inert and white, is the preferred filler for plastics. Aluminum oxide is a common ingredient in sunscreen and is sometimes found in cosmetics such as blush, lipstick and nail polish. Glass Many glass formulations contain aluminum oxide as an ingredient. Aluminosilicate glass is a common type of glass that usually contains 5 to 10 percent aluminum oxide. Catalytic Aluminum oxide catalyzes a variety of reactions useful in industry. In its largest application, aluminum oxide is used as a catalyst in the Krauss process to convert hydrogen sulfide exhaust gas into elemental sulfur in refineries. It can also be used to dehydrate alcohols into alkenes. Aluminum oxide can be used as catalyst carrier for many industrial catalysts, such as those used for hydrodesulfurization and some Ziegler-Natta polymerization reactions. Gas purification Aluminum oxide is widely used to remove water from the air stream. Abrasive Aluminum oxide is used for its hardness and strength. Its natural form corundum has a Mohs hardness of 9 (slightly lower than diamond). It is widely used as an abrasive, including as a cheap substitute for industrial diamonds. Many types of sandpaper use aluminum oxide crystals. In addition, its low insulation and low specific heat make it widely used in grinding operations, especially cutting tools. As a powdery abrasive mineral, Arroite is, along with silica, the main component of the "chalk" used in billiard balls at the tip of the cue. Aluminum oxide powder is used in some CD/DVD polishing and scratch repair kits. Its polished quality is also the reason it's used in toothpaste. It is also used in microdermabrasion, either in machine-processed procedures provided by dermatologists and beauticians, or as a manual skin abrasive according to the manufacturer's instructions. Paint Aluminum oxide flakes are used in coatings to produce a reflective decorative effect, for example in the automotive or cosmetic industries. Composite fiber Aluminum oxide has been used in a number of experimental and commercial fiber materials for high-performance applications. What is Spherical Aluminum Oxide Al2O3? Spherical aluminum oxide is a kind of aluminum oxide powder material which is calcined by high temperature melt injection of irregular high purity aluminum oxide, and then obtained by screening and purification. The product has high thermal conductivity, high insulation, high hardness, high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, wear resistance and other properties, and has good fluidity, low oil absorption value, high spheroidization rate, high phase content, small specific surface area, controllable particle size distribution and other unique and excellent characteristics. Spherical aluminum oxide is widely used in thermal interface materials, thermal engineering plastics and aluminum base copper clad plate filler. What are Spherical Aluminum Oxide Al2O3 Properties? High fill With high sphericity and controllable particle size distribution, silica gel and epoxy can be filled with high density to obtain a mixture with low viscosity and good fluidity. High thermal conductivity Because of its spherical appearance, it can achieve multi-directional heat transfer, good dispersion in the system, and high thermal conductivity of thermal conductive products; Low wear and tear" Because of its ball-shaped appearance, the wear of mixer, molding machine and other equipment is reduced and the service life of equipment is prolonged. What is Spherical Aluminum Oxide Al2O3 Used For? Thermal interface material Thermal conductive silicone gasket, thermal conductive silicone grease, thermal conductive potting adhesive, thermal conductive double-sided adhesive, phase changing materials, etc. Thermal engineering plastics LED lamp shade, switch housing, electronic product housing, heat dissipation components of electrical products (heat sink, filler for heat dissipation substrate, MC substrate), etc. Thermal conductive aluminum base copper clad plate High power LED circuit board, power circuit board, etc. Spherical Aluminum Oxide Al2O3 Powder Price The price is influenced by many factors including the supply and demand in the market, industry trends, economic activity, market sentiment, and unexpected events. If you are looking for the latest spherical Al2O3 powder price, you can send us your inquiry for a quote. ([email protected]) Spherical Aluminum Oxide Al2O3 Powder Supplier Luoyang Tongrun Nano Technology Co. Ltd. (TRUNNANO) is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12-year-experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and nanomaterials including silicon powder, nitride powder, graphite powder, zinc sulfide, calcium nitride, 3D printing powder, etc. If you are looking for high-quality spherical Al2O3 powder, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. ([email protected]) The development of the Russia-Ukraine conflict will continue to dominate the commodity prices such as the spherical Al2O3 powder in the future. If the conflict eases or cools, Russia and Ukraine go back to negotiate, commodity prices would fall. However, if the situation between Russia and Ukraine deteriorates further, or evolves into a full-scale war, the price of the spherical Al2O3 powder is predicted to see further improvement over the coming days. Inquiry us Answers What is the current graphite price? Gazprom recently said it had completely suspended gas supplies to Bulgarian Gas company and Polish Oil and Gas Company (PGNiG) because it was not being paid in rubles. Russia said it would resume gas supplies after it agreed to pay for them in rubles. Bulgaria and Poland announced Monday that they have received a notice from Russia to suspend natural gas supplies from Monday. Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 31 signed a presidential decree to settle gas trade with "unfriendly" countries and regions in rubles. When the new rules took effect on April 1, Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said Russia would not immediately "cut off gas" to Europe, as the cost of gas supplies starting April 1 should be settled in the second half of April or May. Because of the ever-changing international situation, the supply and prices of international bulk graphite price are still very uncertain. Graphite price have moved higher again over the past month. Fine flake prices have soared. Graphite Market News - The global graphite market is expected to grow from US$1.64 billion in 2017 to US$2.68 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 8.5%. Graphite Company News - Syrah Resources Balama Mine back on track. Tirupati Graphite said that Mozambique granted a mining licence to Balama Central. NextSource Materials adds proprietary anode coating process. Triton Minerals secures binding offtake agreement for Ancuabe commercial pilot plant. Magnis Energy Technologies New York lithium-ion battery plant is 40% complete. POSCO signs agreement with EcoGraf for battery cathode materials. ZEN Graphene Solutions announces name change to Zentek Ltd. Welcome to the November edition of Graphite Miner News. November saw further increases in natural graphite prices and some substantial progress, as well as plenty of news from the graphite primary product. Graphite price news Over the last 30 days, China Graphite Flake 194 EXW spot prices are up 4.53% and China Flake-195+ EXW is up 2.93%. Note that 94-97% is considered most suitable for use in batteries; this is then increased to 99.9% purity to make "spherical" graphite for lithium ion batteries. Chinese prebaked anode 3% price fell by 2.06%. Flake, amorphous and spherical graphite prices soar on high costs and strong demand ...... Fine flake graphite prices have risen by 16.67% over the past week, the largest one-week increase in three years. On Thursday 30 March, Fastmarkets valued graphite electrodes, UHP, FOB China at US$4,250-4,560 per tonne, up US$620-790 (19.05%) since the first valuation of US$3,460-3,940 per tonne on 30 March 19 January 2022. Similarly, Fastmarkets' FOB China estimate for high-power graphite electrodes on 30 March was US$3,600-3,780 per tonne, up US$610-630 (20.20%) from US$2,990-3,150 per tonne on 19 January. Graphite electrodes are used in steel production and have been affected by sharp increases in the cost of raw materials. Prices of needle coke and petroleum coke have been rising steadily since the beginning of the year. According to market sources, in China, the largest producer of synthetic graphite, coke prices have risen by 23.53% and 11.57% per month, respectively, at around 8,000-13,000 yuan ($1,243-2019) per ton and 6,000-7,500 yuan per ton. In addition to rising raw material prices, the European Commission has also imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese graphite electrodes, adding to the upward price pressure on European consumers. Synthetic graphite for lithium-ion battery anodes also faces the same rising raw material costs as graphite electrodes. Furthermore, graphite electrodes and synthetic graphite for anodes can rely on the same graphitization process. While China's anode market has grown, it has increased competition for these graphitization facilities, and as a result, product supply has tightened considerably, driving up costs and hindering the production of both materials. Those tensions are expected to persist this year even after the worst of China is over. "Graphitization capacity may become less tight compared to the second half of last year, when China's power crunch was at its peak," a battery producer told Fastmarkets. "But we have to admit that supply is still generally tight across the anode supply chain, be it synthetic feedstock or graphitization." While raw material prices have risen and graphitization has become more challenging, production in China has also been hampered by preventing the spread of the latest wave of Covid-19 infections. "In addition to rising raw material prices, downstream consumers are also worried about supply amid the Covid-19 outbreak in China, causing some producers in northern China to disrupt shipments," said a source at the second anode producer. Soaring costs and tight supplies of raw materials and processing facilities have led to tighter supplies of synthetic anode materials in the fast-growing electric vehicle industry, sources said. High-quality graphite supplier Luoyang Moon & Star New Energy Technology Co., LTD, founded on October 17, 2008, is a high-tech enterprise committed to developing, producing, processing, selling, and technical services of lithium-ion battery anode materials. After more than 10 years of development, the company has gradually developed into a diversified product structure with natural graphite, artificial graphite, composite graphite, intermediate phase, and other negative materials (silicon-carbon materials, etc.). The products are widely used in high-end lithium-ion digital power and energy storage batteries. If you are looking for graphite material, click on the needed products and send us an inquirysales@graphite-corp.com The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic not only had a significant impact on public health, it also severely affected one of the linchpins of the global economy the tourism industry. As many countries introduced curfews and travel restrictions to contain the spread of the virus, travel across the world significantly declined from early 2020 onwards. The financial repercussions of the coronavirus have already begun to manifest themselves within the tourism industry. In 2020, global revenue from the travel and tourism industry was estimated to drop from a forecasted 711.94 billion U.S. dollars to 568.6 billion U.S. dollars, representing a decrease of over 20 percent. The region predicted to see the highest decline in revenue was Europe, decreasing from 211.97 billion U.S. dollars in 2019 to roughly 124 billion U.S. dollars in 2020.The downturn in tourism has caused the recession, and the weakening of the economy has also affected the market demand for graphite price. Recently, however, the demand for graphite price has increased, so contact us for the latest news on graphite price. Inquiry us Boride Powder Production and Applications of Lignosulfonate Wholesale gas prices in the Netherlands and the UK have risen 20 percent recently amid concerns about Russian supplies. The EU plans to cut its dependence on Russian gas by two-thirds this year and stop importing Russian fossil fuels by 2027. Russia exported about 155 billion cubic meters of gas to the EU in 2021. The US recently said it would try to supply 15bn cubic meters of LNG to the EU this year. U.S. LNG plants are running at full capacity, and analysts say much of the extra gas the U.S. sends to Europe comes from what should have been exported elsewhere. The German government called Russia "an unreliable energy supplier". Even though the German government claimed that they have been preparing for the situation for a long time that Russia may stop sending gas one day, experts say it is hard for the EU to replace all of Russia's gas exports any time soon. The supply and prices of many products in the global market like the Lignosulfonate will continue to be influenced by international situations. Overview of Water Reducing Agent Water reducing agents or water reducers are a kind of concrete admixture that can reduce the water consumption under the condition of keeping the slump of concrete basically unchanged. According to the chemical composition, water reducing agent is usually divided into lignosulfonate type of water reducing agent, naphthalene series of high-efficient water reducing agent, melamine series of high-efficient water reducing agent, amino sulfonate series of high-efficient water reducing agent, fatty acid series of high-efficient water reducing agent, polycarboxylate series of water reducing agent. Introduction to Lignosulfonate Lignosulfonate is a by-product of sulfite pulping. The molecular weight of lignosulfonate is 2000~5000, the sulfonate group is 1.25~2.5mcq /g. Lignosulfonate is soluble in water solutions of various PH values, insoluble in organic solvents, its functional group is phenolic hydroxyl. It is made from lignin, which is usually extracted from conifers. Lignin is composed of three kinds of lignin monomer polymerization, including calcium lignosulfonate, sodium lignosulfonate, and magnesium lignosulfonate. Lignosulfonate water reducer is a common type of water reducer, belonging to anionic surfactants. It can be used directly, but also as one of the compound admixture raw materials. Because of the cheap price, it is widely used worldwide. Used in mortar it can improve construction, fluidity, increase strength, and water reduction rate by 8%-10%. Preparation method of Lignosulfonate There are two main methods of delignification to manufacture water reducing agents. (1) The sulfite waste liquid is neutralized with an alkaline solution, the saccharides are removed by biological fermentation, and the powder water reducing agent is evaporated and dried. The waste liquid in the production process of chemical fiber pulp cypress made from sulfite cooking wood (more than 75% white pine) was used as raw material. Alcohol was extracted from the waste liquid by biological fermentation treatment and desaccharification. The alcohol waste liquid with about 10% concentration was concentrated to about 50% by an evaporator and then sent to the sprayer for drying. The pH = 4.5 to 5.5. Different wood types and cooking processes have a great influence on the chemical composition of the waste sulfite pulp liquid and lignosulfonate, thus affecting the properties of water reducing agent. (2) Alkali lignin or sulfate lignin with the acidification precipitation method will be separated, and then sulfonated, in the alkaline medium to generate lignosulfonate. Lignin in alkaline pulping black liquor exists in the form of alkali lignin. When the content of effective alkali in black liquor is greater than 1.14%, alkali lignin is completely dissolved in black liquor, forming a hydrophilic gel without precipitation. However, when the content of effective alkali is less than 0.71%, the colloidal part of the alkaloid is destroyed and precipitation occurs. Because of the hydrophilic group of alkali lignin, black liquor has some activity, but the effect is not stable. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce the sulfonic acid group, amine group, carboxyl group, and other anionic surface-active groups to produce water reducing agent from alkali pulp waste liquid. Lignin is easy to react with sulfite and other sulfonating agents to generate lignosulfonate. The reaction principle is that the sulfonic acid group is introduced into the addition of the enol group in sulfonic acid and the sulfonic acid group is introduced into the reagent with Na2S03. Because Na2S03 is hydrolyzed to generate H2SO3, the addition reaction can be carried out to generate lignosulfonate in an alkaline medium. Applications of Lignosulfonate Lignosulfonate superplasticizer is mainly used as a superplasticizer alone in the preparation of coagulation, or used as raw materials for compound water reducing agent products. In addition, it can be used to make a variety of early strength agents, early strength water reducing agents, slow setting water reducing agents, slow setting high efficient water reducing agents, pumping agents, water-proofing agents, and other compound additives preparation components. Suppliers of Concrete Additives TRUNNANO is a reliable concrete additives supplier with over 12-year experience in nano-building energy conservation and nanotechnology development. If you are looking for high-quality concrete additives, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. (sales@cabr-concrete.com) We accept payment via Credit Card, T/T, West Union, and Paypal. Trunnano will ship the goods to customers overseas through FedEx, DHL, by air, or by sea. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic not only had a significant impact on public health, it also severely affected one of the linchpins of the global economy the tourism industry. As many countries introduced curfews and travel restrictions to contain the spread of the virus, travel across the world significantly declined from early 2020 onwards. The financial repercussions of the coronavirus have already begun to manifest themselves within the tourism industry. In 2020, global revenue from the travel and tourism industry was estimated to drop from a forecasted 711.94 billion U.S. dollars to 568.6 billion U.S. dollars, representing a decrease of over 20 percent. The region predicted to see the highest decline in revenue was Europe, decreasing from 211.97 billion U.S. dollars in 2019 to roughly 124 billion U.S. dollars in 2020.The downturn in tourism has caused the recession, and the weakening of the economy has also affected the market demand for Lignosulfonate. Recently, however, the demand for Lignosulfonate has increased, so contact us for the latest news on Lignosulfonate. Inquiry us Concrete Admixtures Stimulus payments of millions of Americans could affect the price of 72212c bearing Jacksonville, Florida. - With next week, the number of stimulus programs may impact millions of bank accounts of Americans . It is expected that the US House will vote on the 13 trillion US dollars on Wednesday. Although the House has no Republicans to support the bill, it is expected that the bill will continue. On Monday, President Joe Biden said that when the bill is sent to his desk, he will sign the bill. The rescue plan includes a $ 1,400 stimulus check, a couple who pays $ 75,000 or less than the annual income of $ 150,000 or less. This is the total income of your tax return, not your annual salary. Children\'s tax credits will also be included for the first time: people between children aged 6-77 will receive $ 3,000, and those under the age of 6 will receive $ 3,600. However, this money will pay $ 300 monthly from July until the end of this year. Example 1: A couple of income of no more than $ 96,000, there are two children aged 6 to 17. This family will be eligible to obtain four economic stimulus checks, with a total payment of $ 5,600. In addition, this family will get $ 3,000 for each child, in this case, two. This means that by the end of this year, the total expenditure will reach $ 1,1600. Affected by the number of stimulus programs may impact millions of bank accounts of Americans, the 72212c bearing market is changing rapidly. These changes are indicators of market rising. Bearings are an important part of modern machinery and equipment, and its downstream is widely used in industrial automation, high-end equipment, robotics, automobile manufacturing and other fields. In recent years, due to the decline in demand from downstream industries such as automobiles and machine tools, as well as the adjustment of industrial structure, the phase of transformation and upgrading, the phasing out of backward production capacity has changed the relationship between supply and demand. If you are looking for 72212c bearing or get more information about 72212c bearing, please send an email to sales@spark-bearing.com. The price of 72212c bearing continues to be affected by some kind of factors such as market rising momentum, various opportunities and challenges. However, during the forecast period from 2022 to 2027, the global 72212c bearing sales market is expected to continue to be above average. The growth rate will continue to increase. It is expected that In the second half of this year, the price of 72212c bearing will increase to a certain extent. Due to changes in the raw material price of bearings rising, consumer demand, import and export conditions, and various investigations on the development of 72212c bearing, the cost of 72212c bearing is constantly changing. Taking into account the current market macroeconomic parameters, value chain analysis, channel partners, demand and supply, the cost of 72212c bearing will also be affected to a certain extent. It is estimated that the cost of 72212c bearing will increase slightly from next year. The market trend of 72212c bearing? The cost of raw materials is still the biggest concern for manufacturers. Raw materials account for approximately 60-62% of bearing manufacturers revenue. The price of raw materials for bearings fluctuates continuously according to market economic conditions. Such fluctuations in raw material prices are becoming a real challenge for companies to maintain competitiveness and ensure sustainable profits. As high-grade steel and alloy steel are the main raw materials used to manufacture 72212c bearing, bearing prices are highly correlated with global steel price trends. Therefore, fluctuations in the price of raw materials have brought challenges for bearing manufacturers to compare prices and quality to manufacture bearings. In addition, the bearings require regular maintenance to avoid failures and extend their service life, which further increases maintenance costs. Therefore, factors such as raw material price fluctuations and regular maintenance costs are expected to hinder the growth of the bearing market. The market demand for 72212c bearing? The global bearing market value in 2020 is 123.34 billion U.S. dollars and is expected to reach 153.62 billion U.S. dollars by 2027, and the compound annual growth rate will also increase steadily. A bearing is a mechanical element that supports relative movement and helps reduce friction caused between moving parts. Bearings are widely used in various industries such as automobiles, wind turbines, construction machinery, mining machinery, agricultural equipment, and machine tools. It is used in automobiles to ensure smooth driving of automobiles, electric vehicles (EV) and other types of vehicles (such as light commercial vehicles and heavy vehicles such as trucks). Due to the increasing utilization of bearing 72212c bearing in various end-use industries, rolling mills and electric vehicles, the global 72212c bearing market has become more and more important. The development of technology has improved the overall efficiency of bearing products in the field and extended the product shelf life. About WSBC bearing Wuxi Spark Bearing Co., Ltd is a complete, one-stop 72212c bearing supplier and manufacturer. All bearings products are qualified and have passed the ISO 9001 certification. We have more than 12 years of experience in bearings, is a modern high-tech professional high-quality roller bearing manufacturer specializing in R&D, manufacturing, sales and service. In order to keep WSBC bearings in sync with the world, we have invested in many advanced CNC equipment and a complete set of precision testing equipment committed to building a high-quality workforce and introducing advanced manufacturing and management technologies. We have strict quality control and environmental protection. If you are looking for 72212c bearing or get more information about bearings, please send an email to sales@spark-bearing.com Or visit the following website: https://www.spark-bearing.com/ Inquiry us Elementary High Purity Titanium Nitride TiN Powder CAS 25583-20-4, 99.5% The U.S. and its allies plan to impose sanctions on more Russian industries and supply chains. The US government representatives recently visited Europe to consult with allies on strengthening and enforcing sanctions to punish Russia. They also plan to take action to disrupt their critical supply chains. The US government claims that the sanctions imposed on Russia since the invasion began on February 24 have proved extremely effective, plunging Russia into a financial crisis. The sanctions include a freeze on the Russian central bank's foreign exchange assets, a ban on hard currency transactions by major Russian banks and wealthy individuals, and export restrictions on advanced semiconductors and other technologies. The sanctions have weakened the Russian economy and left the Kremlin with fewer resources. The volatile international political situations will continue to affect the markets and prices of many commodities like the TiN Powder. About Titanium Nitride TiN Powder: Titanium Nitride (TiN) is a very hard ceramic material, usually used as a coating for titanium alloys, steel, carbides and aluminum components to improve the surface properties of the substrate. The Vickers hardness of TiN is 1800-2100, the elastic modulus is 251 GPa, the coefficient of thermal expansion is 9.3510-6 K-1, and the superconducting transition temperature is 5.6K. TiN will oxidize at 800C at normal temperature. TiN is brown and appears golden when it is coated. According to laboratory tests, it is chemically stable at a temperature of 20C but will be slowly corroded by concentrated acid solutions at high temperatures. Depending on the material and surface finish of the substrate, the friction coefficient between TiN and another TiN is 0.4 to 0.9 TiN surface (unlubricated). The typical TiN formation has a NaCl-type crystal structure with a stoichiometric ratio of about 1:1. However, TiNx compounds with x in the range of 0.6 to 1.2 are thermodynamically stable. TiN becomes superconducting at low temperatures, and for single crystals, the critical temperature is as high as 6.0K. The superconductivity in thin-film TiN has been extensively studied, and its superconductivity varies greatly depending on the sample preparation until the superconductivity in the superconductor-insulator transition is completely suppressed. Cooling the TiN film to an absolute value close to zero, converting it into the first known super insulator, suddenly increased the resistance by 100,000 times. Titanium nitride is a hard ceramic material used as a coating on titanium alloys, steel, carbides and aluminum parts. Because of its golden surface, it can be used for jewelry and high-performance ceramic materials, as well as medical equipment such as scalpels and plastic bone, saw blades. In addition, it is also used as a conductive barrier in microelectronics and electrodes in bioelectronic applications. Feel free to send an inquiry to get the latest price if you would like to buy Titanium Nitride TiN Powder in bulk. How is Titanium Nitride TiN Powder produced? Titanium nitride can be made by directly reacting titanium and nitrogen at 1200C. The coating can be formed by a vapor deposition method using a mixed gas of titanium tetrachloride, nitrogen, and hydrogen. Titanium dinitride is obtained by heating metallic titanium in nitrogen or ammonia at 900-1000C. Titanium tetranitride is obtained by heating titanium tetrachloride in ammonia at 1000C. Product Performance of Titanium Nitride TiN powder: Our Titanium Nitride, TiN powder (CAS 25583-20-4) has high purity, narrow size distribution, high temperature strength, high fracture strength, good chemical resistance, good thermal shock resistance, low density and high hardness. Technical Parameter of Titanium Nitride TiN powder: Product Name MF Purity Particle Size Specific Surface Area ( m2/g ) Volume Density ( g/cm3 ) Crystal Form Color Titanium Nitride TiN 99% 1-3um, 5-10um 7.39 0.19 Spherical Gray-black Chemical Composition of Titanium Nitride TiN powder: TiN N O C Fe Al Ca Si Ni 99.5% 21.5% 0.6-1.2% 0.1% 0.015% 0.01% 0.01% 0.30% 0.3% Application of Titanium Nitride TiN powder: Titanium nitride is a hard ceramic material used as a coating on titanium alloys, steel, carbides and aluminum parts. Because of its golden surface, it can be used for jewelry and high-performance ceramic materials, as well as medical equipment such as scalpels and orthopedic bone saw blades. In addition, it is also used as a conductive barrier in microelectronics and electrodes in bioelectronic applications. TiN is used as a thin coating to harden and protect cutting and sliding surfaces, for decorative purposes (due to its golden appearance), and as a non-toxic exterior for medical implants. In most applications, the applied coating thickness is less than 5 microns (0.00020 inches). TiN is usually applied to steel, hardened steel and stainless steel materials that require high wear resistance and lubricity. TiN is an essential material for physical vapor deposition coatings and is very suitable for applications that use expensive tools (such as injection molding, sawing, tapping, and molding). The coating is also used in many medical (implants, surgical instruments, etc.) and food processing applications. TiN can be easily peeled off and can be recoated. Can be stripped and recoated. Make plastic packaging materials, such as PET bottles. In the solar vacuum tube, the absorbed sunlight is very large. The high-temperature furnace is used for energy consumption. Making artificial limbs, biological materials. Manufacturing optical equipment in harsh environments. Used as alloy modifier in cemented carbide. Packing & Shipping of Titanium Nitride TiN Powder : We have many different kinds of packing which depends on the titanium nitride TiN powder quantity. Titanium nitride TiN powder packing: vacuum packing, 100g, 500g or 1kg/bag, 25kg/barrel, or as your request. Titanium nitride TiN powder shipping: could be shipped out by sea , by air, by express as soon as possible once payment receipt. Luoyang Tongrun Nano Technology Co. Ltd. (TRUNNANO) is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12-year-experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and Nanomaterials, including boride powder, nitride powder, graphite powder, sulfide powder, 3D printing powder, etc. If you are looking for high-quality TiN powder, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. ([email protected]) Titanium Nitride Properties Other Names Tinite, TiNite, TiN powder, nitridotitanium CAS No. 25583-20-4 Compound Formula TiN Molecular Weight 61.87 Appearance Brown Powder Melting Point N/A Boiling Point N/A Density 5.24 g/cm3 Solubility in H2O N/A Exact Mass 61.951 Titanium Nitride Health & Safety Information Signal Word N/A Hazard Statements N/A Hazard Codes N/A Risk Codes N/A Safety Statements N/A Transport Information N/A With the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the market is increasingly worried about the potential disruption of Russia's energy supply. Geopolitical premiums have pushed up the price of crude oil and natural gas, and the energy price is expected to remain high in the short term. Affected by this, the market price of the TiN Powder may continue to rise. Inquiry us Hydride Powder How is lithium 12-hydroxystearate produced? U.S. natural gas futures rose about 5 percent to a near nine-week high as global energy prices surged on concerns over a pricing plan for energy exports, keeping U.S. LNG export demand near record highs. U.S. natural gas prices have risen despite forecasts of mild weather and lower-than-expected demand, which will allow utilities to fill up storage facilities next week. On Wednesday, Germany launched an emergency plan to manage gas supplies in Europe's largest economy. If natural gas supplies are interrupted or stopped, the German government could take unprecedented steps to limit electricity supply. Affected by the increase in the price of natural gas, the price of the Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate Lithium,Application of lithium 12-hydroxystearate lithium grease,Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate Lithium Grease Supplier,Overview of Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate Lithium Grease,12-Hydroxy lithium stearate lithium base grease price will also increase. Overview of Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate Lithium Grease Lithium greases are made from natural fatty acid (stearic acid or 12-hydroxystearic acid) lithium soaps, thickened medium viscosity mineral oils or synthetic oils, while synthetic lithium greases are made from synthetic fatty acid lithium soaps , Thickened medium-viscosity mineral oil. How is lithium 12-hydroxystearate produced? To produce lithium 12-hydroxystearate, lithium hydroxide and fatty acid are mixed in an aqueous medium. With vigorous stirring, dilute lithium hydroxide monohydrate was gradually added to the fatty acid dispersion in water heated to just below boiling point. Since these lithium soaps are difficult to filter, they are collected by spray drying. In terms of application, lithium 12-hydroxystearate is usually dispersed in synthetic oils such as silicone oil and ester oil. Synthetic oils are favored for their higher stability and performance at extreme temperatures. 12-Hydroxystearic acid is produced by hydrogenation of castor oil. Dehydration and reduction of the hydroxyl group results in stearic acid after most of the primary reaction with double bond saturation. Hydrogenated castor oil produces a mixture of 12-hydroxystearic acid and stearic acid. Application of lithium 12-hydroxystearate lithium grease Lithium 12-hydroxystearate grease is widely used as lubricating oil, stabilizer, decolorizer and thickener. Lithium-based greases: especially those thickened with lithium 12-hydroxystearate soap. After adding antioxidants, rust inhibitors and extreme pressure agents, it becomes a multi-purpose grease. Alternative long-life general purpose greases calcium and sodium based greases are used for bearing lubrication of aircraft, automobiles, tanks, machine tools and various mechanical equipment. Lithium 12-hydroxystearate is a fatty acid salt commonly known as "lithium soap" and is most commonly used to stabilize and thicken soap oils. Lithium is generally preferred over soaps containing other counter ions such as sodium, calcium and barium. 12-Hydroxy lithium stearate lithium base grease price The price of lithium 12-hydroxystearate lithium-based grease will vary randomly with the production cost, transportation cost, international situation and market supply and demand of 12-hydroxy lithium-based lithium-based grease. Tanki New Materials Co.,Ltd aims to help various industries and chemical wholesalers find high-quality, low-cost nanomaterials and chemicals by providing a full range of customized services. If you are looking for Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate Grease, please feel free to send an inquiry for the latest price Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate Lithium Grease. Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate Lithium Grease Supplier As a global supplier of lithium 12-hydroxystearate, Tanki New Materials Co., Ltd. has extensive experience in the performance, application and cost-effective manufacturing of advanced engineered materials. The company has successfully developed a series of powder materials (molybdenum disulfide MoS2, tungsten disulfide WS2, boron nitride BN, boron nitride), high-purity target materials, functional ceramics and structural devices, and provides OEM services. Properties of Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate Compound Formula C18H35LiO3 CAS No. 7620-77-1 EC No. 231-536-5 Molecular Weight 306.4 Melting Point 220 Exact Mass 306.27 g/mol Solubility in H2O Slightly soluble Monoisotopic Mass 306.27 g/mol The Free Trade Agreement between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has come into force on. The UAE is the gateway to the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa, said Subramaniam, a senior official at India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The agreement will help boost bilateral trade in goods from $60 billion a year now to $100 billion a year within five years. On 18 February 2022, India and the United Arab Emirates signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. With the entry into force of the agreement, 90 percent of Indian goods and 65 percent of UAE goods will enjoy tariff-free market access. Apart from its FTA with the UAE, India is also pursuing FTAs with Australia, the UK, Canada, Israel, the European Union, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Influenced by international situations, the supply and prices of many Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate Lithium,Application of lithium 12-hydroxystearate lithium grease,Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate Lithium Grease Supplier,Overview of Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate Lithium Grease,12-Hydroxy lithium stearate lithium base grease price are still very uncertain. Inquiry us Building a community of shared future 15:32, February 07, 2023 By Paul Tembe ( People's Daily Online The Beijing Winter Olympics, running from February 4 to 20, 2022, were hosted under the motto: Together for a Shared Future. This motto is not an empty meaningless slogan, but has, undoubtedly, rich resonance with the foreign policy of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). In its full expression of building a community with a shared future for mankind, it is a concept first put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. What did President Xi mean by this phrase, and how can it possibly be relevant, inarguably, for the present global community beset by the colliding pandemics of Covid-19, economic uncertainty and conflicts in almost all corners of the globe? A community with a shared future for mankind comprises a major bedrock of Chinas multilateral foreign policy. It is consistent with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, namely: mutual non-aggression, mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference in each others internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence. In terms of historical consanguinity, these principles are related to the UN Charter, which calls on all its member countries to endeavour to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours. President Xi, at the Davos Agenda in January 2022, emphasised the fact that the history of humanity is a history of achieving growth by meeting various tests and of developing by overcoming various crises. We need to move forward by following the logic of historical progress, and develop by riding the tide of development of our times. This tide of development entails coming together as humanity for a shared common purpose of dealing decisively with the net effects of the Covid-19 health and economic pandemic. Hence, the PRC has followed its global commitments with impactful action to close the global immunisation gap by providing, in 2021, over 2-billion doses of vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations and promises to provide another 1 billion to African countries. Since economic globalisation is inevitable, cooperation to rebuild a better global economy, especially for the benefit of the developing South, is critical. To speak of protectionism, erecting trade barriers and speaking the language of sanctions make no logical sense. Building a community with a shared future for mankind is not empty rhetoric but is a pragmatic policy for the PRC. We do well to remember that China has no history of invading or colonising other countries. It has no history of seeking political or economic hegemony over its neighbours or forcing other countries to follow the Chinese model of development. For South Africa, its approach should be centred on various principles. First, continue to support multilateral bodies like the UN and the AU to solve intractable regional conflicts like the militant insurgency in Mozambique and finding a lasting solution to the coups in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso. Second, it should not be easily swayed in its approach by rhetoric but prioritise measurable actions in its dealing with foreign countries. Third, there is still an opportunity for South Africa under President Cyril Ramaphosa to promote continental amity to benefit materially from Africas demographic dividend. Fourth, our country should be unambiguous in its support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a route towards making this, indeed, an African century. About the author: Paul Tembe is a sinologist and founder of SELE Encounters. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chengliang) Lithium Battery Anode Do you know graphene oxide? Wholesale gas prices in the Netherlands and the UK have risen 20 percent recently amid concerns about Russian supplies. The EU plans to cut its dependence on Russian gas by two-thirds this year and stop importing Russian fossil fuels by 2027. Russia exported about 155 billion cubic meters of gas to the EU in 2021. The US recently said it would try to supply 15bn cubic meters of LNG to the EU this year. U.S. LNG plants are running at full capacity, and analysts say much of the extra gas the U.S. sends to Europe comes from what should have been exported elsewhere. The German government called Russia "an unreliable energy supplier". Even though the German government claimed that they have been preparing for the situation for a long time that Russia may stop sending gas one day, experts say it is hard for the EU to replace all of Russia's gas exports any time soon. The supply and prices of many Graphene oxide will continue to be influenced by international situations. Graphene oxide is formed by the oxidation of graphite powder by strong acid, and it is a single layer of graphite oxide. Graphene oxide is widely used in sensors, solar cells, optoelectronics and biomedicine. 1. What is graphene oxide? Graphene oxide is an oxide formed by the oxidation of graphite by strong acid. It adopts the oxidation reaction of potassium permanganate in concentrated sulfuric acid and graphite powder to obtain a tan edge derivative carboxylic acid base and phenolic epoxy group on the plane. The graphite flake layer can be exfoliated into graphene oxide by ultrasonic or strong mixing or high shear, forming a stable light yellow monolayer graphene oxide suspension in water. The structure of graphene oxide is shown in the following figure: Second, the use of graphene oxide As a derivative of graphene, graphene oxide is oxidized by strong acid, and its oxygen-containing groups make graphene oxide chemically stable, which is beneficial to the synthesis of graphene-based composite materials. Graphene oxide is a new type of carbon material with excellent properties and has wide application prospects. 1. Optoelectronics Organic thin film transistors and their light-responsive devices, such as the use of graphene oxide, can increase the type and thickness of the insulating layer and enhance the characteristics of the transistor. 2. Solar cells Comparable photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) can be obtained by using graphene oxide instead of conducting polymer (PEDOT:PSS) as the hole transport layer of polymer solar cells. When the thickness of the graphene oxide film is 2 nm, the photoelectric conversion efficiency is the highest. 3. Flexible sensor Due to its good hydrophilicity, large surface area, and good dispersion, graphene is a good sensor material, especially in the field of flexible sensors. 4. Biological aspects Parameters such as size, surface charge, number of layers, lateral dimensions, and surface chemistry of graphene oxide and its derivatives have corresponding effects on biological systems, and have been extensively clinically studied as medical materials. Third, the harm of graphene oxide to the human body It has only been ten years since graphene was discovered in the laboratory. The development of graphene is still in its infancy, and there are still material safety data and understanding of potential hazards in the application of graphene. Graphene oxide is widely used as a derivative of graphene, so new things must be applied scientifically. Two recent studies don't seem to be good news for graphene. First, a Brown University team of biologists, engineers and materials scientists examined the material's potential toxicity to human cells. They found that the jagged edges of the graphene nanoparticles are so sharp and strong that they can easily penetrate the membranes of human skin and immune cells, suggesting that graphene is potentially dangerous to humans and other animals. High-quality graphene oxide supplier Luoyang Moon & Star New Energy Technology Co., LTD, founded on October 17, 2008, is a high-tech enterprise committed to developing, producing, processing, selling, and technical services of lithium-ion battery anode materials. After more than 10 years of development, the company has gradually developed into a diversified product structure with natural graphite, artificial graphite, composite graphite, intermediate phase, and other negative materials (silicon-carbon materials, etc.). The products are widely used in high-end lithium-ion digital power and energy storage batteries. If you are looking for graphene oxide material, click on the needed products and send us an inquirysales@graphite-corp.com Important discoveries have been made in the study of anticancer drugs inhibiting the growth of gastric cancer cells in my country. According to "Science and Technology Daily", a research report provided by Ai Jun and others from the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University showed that seven anticancer drugs including cisplatin had obvious inhibitory effects on gastric cancer cells (BGC-823) in vitro. However, there are certain differences, and it is ideal to use a medium concentration for 48 hours.The nano-gold provided by our company can be used in various medical technologies such as flow cytometry, immunochromatography, etc. Nano-silver has strong inhibition and Killing effects without developing drug resistance. We also provide Graphene oxide. For more information on Graphene oxide, please consult us. Inquiry us Lithium Battery Anode Product Properties and Preparation of Aluminum Nitride AlN Powder OPEC+, an oil producers' alliance led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, stuck to its original plan to increase output by just 432,000 b/d in June, continuing to defy calls from major consumers led by the United States to pump more oil to keep prices down. The meeting to decide on Spherical Aluminum Nitride, Spherical Aluminum Nitride Overview, Spherical Aluminum Nitride Application, Spherical Aluminum Nitride Supplier, Spherical Aluminum Nitride Price are still very uncertain. Overview of spherical aluminum nitride AlN particles Spherical aluminum nitride is an inorganic powder with high thermal conductivity. Due to its high thermal conductivity, good insulation, low dielectric constant, and the considerable expansion coefficient and excellent comprehensive properties of silicon materials, it is more and more favored by people. Note that it is widely used in large-scale integrated circuits, electronic substrates, high thermal conductivity, thermally conductive inorganic fillers, high-performance structural ceramics and other fields. With the advent of the 5G era, various electronic devices are becoming more and more integrated and their functions are becoming more and more powerful. In order to improve the heat dissipation performance of various encapsulation resins used in the electronic field, the best way is to add inorganic insulating fillers with high thermal conductivity to the materials. Aluminum nitride is one of the best options. In order to increase the filling amount, the powder is required to be dense and spherical, and the particle size ranges from tens of microns to hundreds of microns, so as to ensure that the particle size and particle size of the composite material can achieve high filling and good fluidity. Product properties of aluminum nitride AlN powder The aluminum nitride powder (CAS 24304-00-5) sold by our company has high purity, ultra-fine particle size and high surface activity. The powder is treated with surface cloth, with extremely low oxygen content (<0.1%), thermal insulation and thermal conductivity. The performance effect is obvious. How is aluminum nitride AlN powder produced? Thermal Spray Process: Aluminum Nitride powders can be thermally sprayed to form electrically insulating and thermally conductive coatings. Chemical/Physical Vapor Deposition (CVD/PVD): Aluminum nitride coatings are deposited by CVD or PVDto provide an electrically insulating and thermally conductive coating. Application of spherical aluminum nitride AlN particles 1. Manufacturing of high-performance ceramic devices: manufacturing integrated circuit substrates, electronic devices, optical devices, heat sinks, and high-temperature crucibles 2. Preparation of metal and polymer matrix composite materials: It has good application prospects especially in high temperature sealants and electronic packaging materials. 3. Nano-inorganic ceramic automotive lubricants and anti-wear agents. Nano-ceramic aluminum nitride ceramic nanoparticles are used as lubricants on the metal surface of engine friction pairs. They are activated by high temperature and extreme pressure and are highly permeable. In the depressions and pores of the metal surface, repair the damaged surface and form a nano-ceramic coating. Due to the isolation of this film, the frictional force is greatly reduced and the frictional force between the moving parts is reduced to almost zero. Although nano aluminum nitride powder is expensive, the addition amount in lubricating oil is only two thousandths, and the cost performance is very high. 4. For the manufacture of thermally conductive silica gel and thermally conductive epoxy resin. Ultra-high thermal conductivity nano-aluminum nitride composite silica gel has good thermal conductivity, good electrical insulation, wide electrical insulation temperature, low consistency and good construction performance. Widely used in the gap between CPU and heat sink, high-power transistors, thyristor elements, diodes, and heat transfer media at thin joints in contact with substrates. 5. The application of aluminum nitride powder in high thermal conductivity silicone rubber: the bottom aluminum and silicon nitride have good matching performance and are easy to disperse in the rubber. It can greatly improve the thermal conductivity of silicone rubber without affecting the mechanical properties of the rubber. Like oxides, the viscosity rises rapidly during the addition process, and the addition amount is very small. It is widely used in military, aviation and information engineering. 6. Other application fields: Nano-aluminum nitride is used for smelting non-ferrous metals and semiconductor GaAs crucibles, evaporation boats, thermocouple protection tubes, high-temperature insulating parts, microwave dielectric ceramic materials, high-temperature corrosion-resistant structures, microwave transparent aluminum nitride Ceramic products, currently used in PI resin, thermal insulation mica tape, thermal grease, insulating paint, thermal oil, etc. Spherical Aluminum Nitride AlN Particles Price The price of spherical aluminum nitride AlN particles will vary randomly with the production cost, transportation cost, international situation, exchange rate, market supply and demand and other factors of spherical aluminum nitride AlN particles. Tanki New Materials Co., Ltd. aims to help industries and chemical wholesalers find high-quality, low-cost nanomaterials and chemicals by providing a full range of customized services. If you are looking for Spherical Aluminum Nitride AlN Particles, please feel free to send an inquiry to get the latest price of Spherical Aluminum Nitride AlN Particles. Spherical Aluminum Nitride AlN Particles Supplier As a global supplier of spherical aluminum nitride AlN particles, Tanki New Materials Ltd. has extensive experience in the performance, application and cost-effective manufacturing of advanced and engineered materials. The company has successfully developed a series of powder materials (molybdenum disilicide), lanthanum nitride (LaN powder, calcium silicide, iron boride), high-purity targets, functional ceramics and structural devices, and provides OEM services. Specification of Spherical Aluminum Nitride AlN Granule Chemical Composition of Spherical Aluminum Nitride AlN Granule: AlN N Fe Mn O C Ca Si Ni 99.5% 32% 0.04 0.0005 0.42 0.02 0.009 0.045 0.0002 Spherical Aluminum Nitride Properties Other Names Spherical Aluminium nitride, AlN granule CAS No. 24304-00-5 Compound Formula AlN Molecular Weight 40.9882 Appearance White to pale yellow powder Melting Point 2200 C Boiling Point 2517 C (dec.) Density 2.9 to 3.3 g/cm3 Solubility in H2O N/A Electrical Resistivity 10 to 12 10x -m Poisson's Ratio 0.21 to 0.31 Specific Heat 780 J/kg-K Thermal Conductivity 80 to 200 W/m-K Thermal Expansion 4.2 to 5.4 m/m-K Young's Modulus 330 GPa Exact Mass 40.9846 Monoisotopic Mass 40.9846 Spherical Aluminum Nitride Health & Safety Information Remarks Danger Hazard Statements H314-H335 Hazard Codes Xi Risk Codes 36/37/38 Safety Statements 26-37/39 RTECS Number N/A Transport Information N/A WGK Germany 3 In a recent speech in Davos, Switzerland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized, "My question is: Is there unity in the West? "I don't see it," Zelensky lamented during a video conference from the Davos Economic Forum in Switzerland. "Ukraine needs the support of a united Europe." "Is there talk of solidarity with Sweden and Finland joining NATO? No." "So is the West united?" Zelensky said at this Ukraine-hosted breakfast in Davos. No." "Our strength is unity within the country," Zelensky said. "Now it depends on the Unity of the West to stand strong and firm behind Ukraine against Russia. According to Zelensky, "When we are all really united, we will have an advantage over Russia." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he once again appreciates U.S. President Joe Biden's offer of $40 billion in new financial aid to Ukraine. "We need the support of a united Europe," Zelensky stressed. Zelensky criticized the position of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is reluctant to impose an embargo on Russian oil at this stage. "Hungary has a problem!" Zelensky criticized. The supply and prices of many other Spherical Aluminum Nitride, Spherical Aluminum Nitride Overview, Spherical Aluminum Nitride Application, Spherical Aluminum Nitride Supplier, Spherical Aluminum Nitride Price are expected to continue to be influenced by changing international situations. Inquiry us Metal Alloy Preparation method of tungsten oxide Recently, the International Energy Agency released its monthly report on the oil market. Affected by hot weather and soaring natural gas prices, some countries have had to change their ways of generating electricity and switch to oil-fired power generation, according to the report. At the same time, European industries, including oil refining, are also switching to fuel, so global oil demand this year will grow faster than previously forecast. The International Energy Agency expects global oil demand to be 99.7 million barrels a day in 2022. The IEA also said international oil prices had fallen to $30 a barrel from a peak in June due to increased oil supplies and heightened concerns about a deteriorating economic outlook. Recently, Turkey and Russia have reached an agreement in principle to use rubles to pay for part of Russian natural gas, and the time and price of gas supply will be determined in the near future, Turkey's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources said. At the same time, the two sides are discussing the possibility of using the Turkish lira to cover part of the transit transport costs. On the 5th of this month, the presidents of Russia and Turkey held a meeting in Sochi. The two sides agreed that the two countries would start using rubles to settle part of Russia's natural gas supplies to Turkey. Because of the turbulent international situation, the supply and prices of many international bulk tungsten oxide, tungsten oxide overview, tungsten oxide application, tungsten oxide supplier, tungsten oxide price are still very uncertain. Tungsten oxide overview Tungsten trioxide is a powder metallurgy raw material for the production of cemented carbide and tungsten products. According to the national standard (GB/T 3457-1998), it is divided into two types, namely tungsten trioxide (referred to as yellow tungsten), molecular formula is WO3, and blue tungsten oxide (referred to as blue tungsten, is a mixed tungsten oxide), molecular formula W20O58. Yellow tungsten is light yellow crystalline powder, blue tungsten is dark blue or blue-black crystalline powder. Preparation method of tungsten oxide 1. Ammonium tungstate method: The tungsten concentrate is hydrolyzed by sodium hydroxide, neutralized with hydrochloric acid, and then reacted with ammonium chloride to generate ammonium tungstate, which is then added with hydrochloric acid for acid hydrolysis to generate tungstic acid, which is then decomposed by roasting. , pulverized to obtain tungsten trioxide. 2. Hydrochloric acid decomposition method of tungstate. The saturated aqueous solution of sodium tungstate Na2WO4, calcium tungstate CaWO4 and other tungstate salts is heated, and the solution is slowly added dropwise into 2-3 times excess boiling concentrated hydrochloric acid by molar ratio. According to the above reaction, yellow tungstic acid is precipitated. At this time, if the dripping speed is too fast or the liquid temperature drops, suspension or colloidal precipitation is likely to be formed, which brings difficulties to the next treatment. After the dropwise addition, heating was continued on a water bath for 1 h, and the precipitate became easy to filter. After standing, it was washed several times with 5% ammonium nitrate aqueous solution to completely remove Cl-. After filtration, it is dried at 120 C, and finally heated to 600 C, the tungstic acid is completely dehydrated and becomes tungsten trioxide. 3. Thermal decomposition of ammonium paratungstate. Put ammonium paratungstate (NH4) 10W12O4111H2O purified by recrystallization method into a porcelain crucible, and when heated to above about 400 , ammonia volatilizes to obtain tungsten trioxide. Application of tungsten oxide WO3 powder Tungsten oxide has a variety of uses in daily life. It is commonly used in the manufacture of phosphors for industrial X-ray screens and tungstates for fire-resistant fabrics. Due to its rich yellow element, tungsten oxide is also used as a pigment in ceramics and paints. In addition, other application examples of tungsten trioxide are as follows: Tungsten oxide is mainly used in the production of tungsten powder and tungsten carbide powder by calcination reduction, and is further used in the production of cemented carbide products, such as the manufacture of tools and molds. Tungsten oxide can also be used to manufacture pure tungsten products, tungsten rods, tungsten wires, tungsten electrodes; and use counterweights and radiation shielding materials. In industrial production, a small amount is also used as a colorant for yellow ceramics. In the shipbuilding industry, tungsten oxide is used as an important anti-corrosion paint and coating material. Tungsten oxide has been used to produce electrochromic windows, smart windows. These windows are electrically switchable glass that varies in light transmittance and applied voltage. This allows users to tint their windows by changing the heat or light. Tungsten oxide WO3 powder price The price of tungsten trioxide powder will change randomly with the production cost of tungsten trioxide powder, transportation cost, international situation, exchange rate, market supply and demand and other factors. Tanki New Materials Co.,Ltd aims to help various industries and chemical wholesalers find high-quality, inexpensive nanomaterials and chemicals by providing turnkey custom manufacturing services. If you are looking for tungsten oxide WO3 powder, please feel free to send an inquiry to get the latest price of tungsten oxide WO3 powder. Tungsten Oxide WO3 Powder Supplier As a global tungsten oxide WO3 powder supplier, Tanki New Materials Co., Ltd. has extensive experience in the performance, application and cost-effective manufacturing of advanced and engineered materials. The company has successfully developed a series of powder materials (including oxides, carbides, nitrides, single metals, etc.), high-purity targets, functional ceramics, structural devices, and can provide OEM services. More information about Tungsten Oxide WO3 Powder Tungsten Trioxide Properties (Theoretical) Compound Formula WO 3 Molecular Weight 231.85 Appearance Yellow Powder Melting Point 1473 C (2683 F) Boiling Point 1700 C ( 3092 F) Density 7.16 g/cm3 Solubility in H2O Insoluble Crystal Phase / Structure Monoclinic Exact Mass 231.936 g/mol Monoisotopic Mass 231.935644 Da Charge -6 Due to the limited total amount of traditional energy, people have a huge demand for cleaner and greener new energy alternatives. Now, the emergence of graphene is unlocking the possibility of its application in the energy field, which can create a greener, more efficient, and sustainable future. Here Francesco Bonaccorso, Deputy Director of Innovation at the Graphene Flagship Program, explains how his researchers have developed a series of initiatives to bring graphene from the lab to the commercial market. Graphene has become a research hotspot for new materials in the 21st century. Graphene has been adopted by many industries, the most notable of which are healthcare and key material applications. The development of graphene has brought huge fluctuations in the demand for tungsten oxide, tungsten oxide overview, tungsten oxide application, tungsten oxide supplier, tungsten oxide price, and the demand for tungsten oxide, tungsten oxide overview, tungsten oxide application, tungsten oxide supplier, tungsten oxide price will continue to grow in the future. You can contact us for the latest news on tungsten oxide, tungsten oxide overview, tungsten oxide application, tungsten oxide supplier, tungsten oxide price. Inquiry us Metal Alloy What exactly is graphene? Europe's largest economy, Germany, recently activated an emergency plan to manage gas supplies that the natural gas could be rationed if supplies are disrupted or disrupted by a stand-off over Russian demands to pay for fuel in rubles. German Vice-Chancellor, minister of economy and climate protection, said Germany's gas supplies were secure for now, but he urged consumers and businesses to reduce consumption, saying "every kilowatt of electricity counts." Germany's gas network regulator can ration gas if supplies run short. Plants would be the first to be affected. Special treatment will be provided to private families, hospitals, and other important institutions. Half of Germany's 41.5 million households use natural gas for heating, and industry consumption accounts for a third of the country's 100 billion cubic meters of gas demand in 2021. The price of many energy and commodities like the graphene could be affected. Graphene was the first material ever discovered to consist of a single layer of atoms. The carbon atoms are connected in a hexagonal grid. The graphite used in pencil is equivalent to the stacking of countless graphene layers, and the carbon nanotube is the graphene rolled into a tube. The relationship between graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and spherule. Due to the properties of the chemical bonds between carbon atoms, graphene is very tough: it can be bent to large angles without breaking and withstand high pressures. And because there is only one layer of atoms, the movement of electrons is confined to a plane, giving it entirely new electrical properties. Graphene is transparent in visible light but not breathable. These characteristics make it ideal as a raw material for protective layers and transparent electronics. But what is suitable is suitable, and it is not that fast. One of the problems: is the preparation method. Many studies have shown us graphene's unique features, but there's a catch. These beautiful properties place very high demands on sample quality. To obtain graphene samples with the best electrical and mechanical properties, the most time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive method is required: the mechanical peeling method - tape is attached to the graphite, and the graphene is peeled off by hand. Don't laugh; this is how Novoselov and the others prepared graphene in 2004. Graphite, graphene, and tape were donated by Novoselov's team to Stockholm. The signature "Andre Geim" on the tape is the Nobel Prize winner with Novoselov. Although the required equipment and technical content seem to be very low, the problem is that the success rate is lower. Is it okay to get some samples for research and industrial production? Joke. In terms of industrialization, this method is useless. Even if you master the graphite mines in the world, you can peel off a few pieces a day... Of course, now we have many other ways to increase productivity and reduce costs - the trouble is that the quality of these products has dropped again. We have liquid phase exfoliation: put graphite or similar carbonaceous material in a liquid with super high surface tension, and blast the graphene snowflakes off with ultrasonic bombardment. We have chemical vapor deposition: a carbon-containing gas is allowed to condense on the copper surface, and the resulting thin layer of graphene is peeled off. We also have a direct growth method, where we try to grow a layer of graphene directly between two layers of silicon. There are also chemical redox methods, which separate graphite sheets by inserting oxygen atoms. There are many methods, and each has its scope of application, but so far, there is no technology that is suitable for industrialized large-scale production. Why can't these methods make high-quality graphene? For example. While the central part of the graphene sheet is a perfect six-membered ring, the edge parts tend to be disrupted into five- or seven-membered rings. This may not seem like a big deal, but a "slice" of graphene produced by chemical vapor deposition is not really a complete one grown from one point. It is actually a "polycrystalline" produced by the simultaneous growth of multiple points, and there is no way to ensure that the small pieces grown from these multiple points can be completely aligned. As a result, these deformed rings are not only distributed on edge but also exist inside each "piece" of graphene, which becomes a structural weakness and is easy to break. To make matters worse, this breaking point in graphene is not self-healing like polycrystalline metals and is likely to go all the way. The result is that the strength of the entire graphene is halved. Materials are a tricky area, and it's not impossible to have both, but it's certainly not that fast. The second problem: is electrical performance. A promising direction for graphene is in display devices - touchscreens, e-paper, etc. But at present, the contact point resistance of graphene and metal electrodes is difficult to deal with. Novoselov estimates the problem can be solved within a decade. But why can't we just ditch the metal and use graphene? This is its deadliest problem in the field of electronics. Modern electronics are all built on semiconductor transistors, which have a key property called a "bandgap": the interval between an electron's conducting and non-conducting energy bands. It is precise because of this interval that the flow of current can be asymmetric, and the circuit can have two states: on and off. However, the electrical conductivity of graphene is so good that it does not have this bandgap and can only be turned on and off. . Only wires without logic circuits are useless. So to create future electronics with graphene, replacing silicon-based transistors, we have to artificially implant a bandgapbut simply implanting graphene loses its unique properties. There is indeed a lot of research in this field: multilayer composites, adding other elements, changing the structure, etc.; but Novoselov and others believe that it will take at least ten years to solve this problem. The third issue is environmental risks. The graphene industry also has unexpected trouble: pollution. One of the most mature products in the graphene industry may be the so-called "graphene oxide nanoparticles," which are very cheap. Although they cannot be used in high-end fields such as batteries and bendable touch screens, they are pretty good for electronic paper and other uses; But this thing is likely to be toxic to humans. It doesn't matter if it is poisonous; as long as it stays in electronic products, there is no problem; but not long ago, researchers found that it is very stable and easy to spread in surface water. While it's too early to make any assertion about its environmental impact, it's a potential problem. High-quality graphene supplier Luoyang Moon & Star New Energy Technology Co., LTD, founded on October 17, 2008, is a high-tech enterprise committed to developing, producing, processing, selling, and technical services of lithium-ion battery anode materials. After more than 10 years of development, the company has gradually developed into a diversified product structure with natural graphite, artificial graphite, composite graphite, intermediate phase, and other negative materials (silicon-carbon materials, etc.). The products are widely used in high-end lithium-ion digital power and energy storage batteries. If you are looking for Lithium battery anode material, click on the needed products and send us an inquirysales@graphite-corp.com. New Delhi: India is seeking to increase its purchases of crude oil from Brazil, the country's oil minister said recently after meeting his Brazilian counterpart. India is the world's third-largest importer and consumer of crude oil. Brazil currently supplies only a fraction of India's crude oil imports. India's state-owned companies Bharat Petroleum Corp and Oil and Natural Gas Corp have invested in oil and gas exploration in Brazil. India, which imports about 84% of its crude oil needs, is reducing its import bill by increasing biofuel use, among other things. India's state-owned fuel retailers are increasing ethanol storage capacity by 51 percent and the country plans to double the biofuel blend in petrol to 20 percent by 2025. India and Brazil are currently cooperating on biofuels and ethanol. The prices of many commodities like the graphene are expected to increase in the future. Inquiry us News 3-12 Kinds of Concrete Additives Used in Refractory Castable, Plastic and Ramming Materials (3) The European Commission has submitted to member states a new draft of sanctions against Russia, including an oil embargo. Some member states that rely heavily on Russian energy sought exemptions. Western media reported that the European Commission draft of the sixth round of sanctions against Russia includes within six to eight months gradually banning oil imports from Russia, but allowing Hungary and Slovakia to extend the transition period for several months; The Russian Savings bank and other large financial institutions on the sanctions list. The European Union has imported 44 billion euros of fossil fuels from Russia since Russia launched its special military operation against Ukraine in late February, according to Finland's Energy and Clean Air Research Center. The Institute for European and Global Economics in Brussels estimates that the European Union currently consumes about $450 million worth of Russian oil a day. Among EU members, landlocked Hungary and Slovakia, which import most of their oil from Russia, cannot quickly find alternative supplies. Slovakia says the transition will take years. Some officials believe Bulgaria and the Czech Republic may also seek to opt out of oil sanctions against Russia. Affected by the ever-changing international situation, the supply and prices of international bulk pce powder are still very uncertain. The properties and varieties of concrete additives for refractories, especially refractory castables, ramming materials, plastics and other amorphous refractories are different. The role of an concrete additive is also different due to the difference of the amount of concrete additive, the type of binder used, the ingredients and so on. In the production process of amorphous refractories, the concrete additives mainly used can be divided into the following twelve categories according to their uses: 9. Defoamer Defoamer can quickly escape the bubbles produced by amorphous refractories during mixing or vibration molding. Defoamer is also a surface active substance, and its ability to reduce liquid surface tension is much stronger than that of foaming agent. The strength of the formed liquid film is greatly reduced, the foam loses its stability, and the spreading speed on the liquid surface is faster, the faster the spreading speed is, the stronger the defoaming effect is. The types of defoamers include alcohols, fatty acids and fatty acid salts, organosilicon compounds and so on. 10. Anti-shrinkage agent Anti-shrinkage agent can reduce or prevent the shrinkage caused by heating and use of refractories after forming, also known as volume stabilizer or expansive agent. Its anti-shrinkage principle is: Thermal decomposition: The anti-shrinkage agent will be pyrolyzed after high temperature heating, and the molar volume of the product is larger than that of the original material before pyrolysis, thus compensating the sintering shrinkage of the material. Such as kyanite anti-shrinkage agent. Chemical reaction: After high temperature chemical reaction, the molar volume of the new phase is larger than that of the original reaction phase, thus the sintering shrinkage can be compensated. If -Al2O3 is added to magnesia castables as anti-shrinkage agent, the volume expansion effect can be produced by the formation of alumina-magnesia spinel by high temperature reaction. For example, the bonded clay or silica powder is added to the high alumina castable to compensate the sintering shrinkage by the volume expansion effect of mullite produced at high temperature. Crystal transformation: The added anti-shrinkage agent can not only change the crystal form of expansion in the process of high temperature heating, but also compensate the shrinkage of sintering. For example, in aluminosilicate castable or plastic, an appropriate amount of silica powder is added to compensate the sintering shrinkage of the matrix with the help of the volume expansion when quartz is transformed into cristobalite or cristobalite. 11. Preservation agent The preservation agent can keep the construction performance unchanged or unchanged after the amorphous refractories are stored for a certain period of time. For example, Al2O3-SiO2 series refractory plastics and ramming materials, which are usually combined with phosphoric acid or aluminum dihydrogen phosphate, will react with Al2O3 in the material to form insoluble aluminum orthophosphate, which makes the mixture dry prematurely and lose its workability. Therefore, it is necessary to add a concealer which can form a complex with Al3+ ion to inhibit the formation of insoluble aluminum orthophosphate and prolong the shelf life. The preservatives used for plastics and ramming materials combined with phosphoric acid or aluminum dihydrogen phosphate are oxalic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid and so on. Sulfonic salicylic acid and dextrin also have the role of preservative. 12. Inhibitor Inhibitors can inhibit the expansion caused by the reaction of iron and iron compounds in amorphous refractories with acidic chemical binders, so it is also called anti-expansion agent. When acidic chemical binders (such as phosphoric acid, aluminum dihydrogen phosphate, aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride and polyaluminum chloride, etc.) are used as binders, the mixture generally needs to go through trapped materials. in order to make the acid binder fully react with the metal iron or ferrous compounds contained in the mixture to release hydrogen, otherwise it will produce expansion and make the material become loose and porous and the strength decreases. If it is used directly without trapping material, an inhibitor must be added. Inhibitor is a kind of complexing agent, which can react with metallic iron to form a complex, which can inhibit expansion. These inhibitors include CrO3, diacetone alcohol, ferric phosphate and so on. Concrete Additives Supplier TRUNNANO is a reliable concrete additives supplier with over 12-year experience in nano-building energy conservation and nanotechnology development. If you are looking for high-quality concrete additives, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. (sales@cabr-concrete.com) We accept payment via Credit Card, T/T, West Union, and Paypal. TRUNNANO will ship the goods to customers overseas through FedEx, DHL, by air, or by sea. Researchers at the University of Warwick in the UK have developed a lithium battery technology innovation. Adding graphene beams doubles battery life. By strengthening the structure of the anode with graphene beams, they have found an effective way to replace the graphite in the anode with silicon. Thereby increasing the capacity of the lithium-ion battery and more than doubling the lifespan.As a supplier of anode materials for lithium batteries, we also provide pce powder. We will continue to provide pce powder for the global market, please feel free to contact us. . Inquiry us News Applications of Tantalum Carbide TaC Powder Following the progress in Russia-Ukraine peace talks, the gold price fell more than 1% the next day, hitting its lowest in a month, and palladium prices briefly tumbled by nearly 9%. "We have seen metal prices going into free fall when the Russia-Ukraine situation is likely to see a major detente, which spurred people's risk preference and optimism that the war could end at a time," said OANDA senior market analyst. A Russian deputy defense minister says Moscow has decided to sharply curtail its military activities around Kyiv and Chernikov in Ukraine, following talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives in Istanbul. Where the prices of metals, natural gas, and commodities like the TaC powder will go in the future, is still very uncertain. Introduction to Tantalum Carbide TaC Powder Tantalum carbide is a kind of transition metal carbide. Black or dark brown metallic powder, cubic crystal system, hard. Melting point 3880, boiling point 5500, relative density 13.9, hardness 9 ~ 10. Insoluble in water, slightly soluble in sulfuric acid and hydrofluoric acid, soluble in a mixture of hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid. Its chemical properties are extremely stable. It has excellent physical and chemical properties, such as high hardness, high melting point, good electrical conductivity, and thermal shock resistance, good chemical corrosion resistance, high oxidation resistance, catalytic performance, etc. Tantalum Carbide TaC Powder Properties Other Names tantalum(IV) carbide, TaC powder CAS No. 12070-06-3 Compound Formula TaC Molecular Weight 192.96 Appearance brown to dark brown powder Melting Point 3850C Boiling Point 4780-5470 C Density 14.3-14.7g/cm3 Solubility in H2O insoluble Exact Mass 192.948 Tantalum Carbide TaC Powder Cas 12070-06-3 Applications of Tantalum Carbide TaC Powder Tantalum carbide is mainly used for cemented carbide, capacitors, electronic devices, high-temperature components, chemical equipment, and armor piercing shells. 1. Cemented carbide Tantalum carbide plays an important role in cemented carbide. It improves the properties of the alloy by improving the fiber structure and phase transformation dynamics, making the alloy have higher strength, phase stability, and processing deformation ability. Tantalum carbide has a very high melting point (4000) and good thermodynamic stability. Tantalum is particularly effective in promoting nucleation and preventing carbon precipitation from nucleated brittle films formed during late solidification. Its main function is to prevent cemented carbide grain from growing up. In addition, it forms a third dispersion phase with TiC besides WC and Co, which significantly increases the thermal shock resistance, crescent hole wear resistance, and oxidation resistance of cemented carbide, and improves its redness and hardness. TaC is added into the alloy in different ways, which will greatly affect the properties of the alloy. On the other surface, the TiC-TaC-WC core phase formed by adding TaC to the alloy as TiC-TaC-WC solid solution has a larger sub-crystal size and smaller microscopic strain than the TiC-TaC-WC core phase, and the former one has better physical and mechanical properties and longer cutting life. 2. Electronics industry In recent years, transition metal carbides have attracted much attention due to their chemical stability, high hardness, strong oxidation and corrosion resistance, low resistivity, and many other advantages. Carbide nanomaterials show great potential in metal coatings, tools, machine parts, and composites. Among all the carbide nanomaterials, silver carbide is one of the most popular materials, and also one of the materials with the greatest potential. Tantalum carbide not only inherits many advantages of carbide nanomaterials, but also has its own unique side, such as high hardness (Mohs hardness is 9-10 at room temperature, high melting point (about 3880), high Young's modulus (283-550 GPa), strong conductivity (conductivity is 32.7-117.4 cm at 25), high-temperature superconductivity (10.5K), strong resistance to chemical decay and thermal shock, and high catalytic activity for ammonia decomposition and hydrogen separation. At present, tantalum carbide powder and whisk tantalum carbide have been prepared by means of carbothermic reduction, thermal plasma, solvothermal, sol-gel, microwave heating, alkali reduction, self-propagating high-temperature synthesis, and high-frequency induction heating sintering. 3. Superalloys Among carbides, the best melting resistance is tantalum carbide (TaC) (melting point 3890) and hafnium carbide (HfC) (melting point 3880), followed by zirconium carbide (ZrC) (melting point 3500). These materials have excellent mechanical properties at high temperatures, far exceeding the best polycrystalline inks. Tantalum carbide, in particular, is the only material that maintains certain mechanical properties over the temperature range of 2900 to 3200. However, the disadvantage of tantalum carbide is that it is very sensitive to thermal shock, and the low thermal conductivity and high thermal expansion coefficient of carbide become the biggest obstacle to the application of aerospace materials. The addition of tantalum carbide to carbon/carbon composites will have higher thermal conductivity and lower thermal expansion conditions, and exert the oxidation resistance and ablative resistance of refractory metals. Main Supplier of Tantalum Carbide TaC Powder Luoyang Tongrun Nano Technology Co. Ltd. (TRUNNANO) is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12-year-experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and Nanomaterials, including silicon powder, nitride powder, graphite powder, zinc sulfide, calcium nitride, 3D printing powder, etc. If you are looking for high-quality tantalum carbide TaC powder, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. ([email protected]) The United States urges the U.N. Security Council to impose additional sanctions on North Korea in response to its latest ballistic missile launch, including a ban on tobacco and oil exports to North Korea and a blacklist of the Lazarus hacking group. The United States circulated the draft to the 15 members of the Security Council this week. It was not immediately clear if or when a vote would take place. A resolution requires nine "yes" votes and no vetoes from Russia, China, France, Britain, or the United States. Russia and China have already voiced opposition to tightening sanctions in response to Pyongyang's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile last month -- the first since 2017. U.S. and South Korean officials and analysts also say there are growing indications that North Korea may soon conduct its first nuclear weapons test since 2017, too. The U.S. -drafted U.N. resolution would expand the ban on ballistic missile launches to include cruise missiles or "any other delivery system capable of delivering a nuclear weapon." The deal would halve crude oil exports to North Korea to 2 million barrels a year and refined oil exports to 250,000 barrels a year. The resolution also seeks to ban North Korea's export of "fossil fuels, mineral oils, and their distilled TaC powder are estimated to be influenced by international political situation changes. Inquiry us News Do you know some knowledge about natural graphite? Russian president demanded that exports of Russian gas to "unfriendly" countries be settled in rubles. The demand has raised concerns in Germany about possible supply disruptions and the impact on industry and households if utilities do not pay in robles. Europe gets about 40% of its gas from Russia. Last year, Europe imported about 155 billion cubic meters. Germany, Europe's largest economy, depends heavily on Russian gas. The chief executive of Germany's E.ON said the German economy would face "significant damage, which should be avoided if possible" without Russian supplies. He also said it would take Germany three years to wean itself off Russian gas. In the event of a supply disruption, Germany's gas network regulator would prioritize home heating over industrial use, so energy-hungry manufacturers such as steelmakers would be the first to suffer, he said. The volatile international situations will continue to affect the markets and prices of many commodities like the natural graphite. Natural graphite is naturally occurring graphite. Natural graphite is an important industrial mineral with applications in almost every aspect of manufacturing, including electronics, atomic energy, hot metal working, friction, coatings, aerospace, powder metallurgy and many more. However, not every form of natural graphite is suitable for use is natural graphite. Differences in volume and grain morphology, purity and processing constraints (grinding, screening, etc.) make some species more suitable for certain applications than others. The following sections of this paper describe the three types of natural graphite from a mineralogical and industrial point of view, with the aim of giving users and potential users of these materials a basic understanding of the characteristics that distinguish each type of natural graphite. Natural graphite is generally classified as 'flake' graphite, 'vein' graphite and 'amorphous' graphite. These three types of natural graphite are found in different geological environments. In addition to the comments below, these types and their corresponding petrological associations are discussed in more detail elsewhere on this page. How is natural graphite produced? Natural flake graphite is formed when carbon material is subjected to high pressure and high temperature. The carbon source material can be either organic or inorganic, although most commercially sourced flake graphite comes from organic deposits. Where is natural graphite found? Graphite is most often found as flakes or crystalline layers in metamorphic rocks such as marble, schist's and gneisses. Graphite may also be found in organic-rich shale's and coal beds. What does natural graphite look like? Graphite (/rfat/) is a crystalline form of the element carbon. It consists of stacked layers of graphene. Graphite occurs naturally and is the most stable form of carbon under standard conditions. What is the difference between natural and synthetic graphite? Graphite comes in two forms: natural graphite, which is mined, and synthetic graphite, which is produced from petroleum coke or coal tar. This is the crux of the emissions issue: Graphite is only produced by crushing and then roasting a mined product or as a byproduct of coal mining or oil refining. High-quality Natural graphite supplier Luoyang Moon & Star New Energy Technology Co., LTD, founded on October 17, 2008, is a high-tech enterprise committed to developing, producing, processing, selling, and technical services of lithium-ion battery anode materials. After more than 10 years of development, the company has gradually developed into a diversified product structure with natural graphite, artificial graphite, composite graphite, intermediate phase, and other negative materials (silicon-carbon materials, etc.). The products are widely used in high-end lithium-ion digital power and energy storage batteries. If you are looking for Natural graphite material, click on the needed products and send us an inquirysales@graphite-corp.com Greece will hand over Iranian oil it intercepted from a Russian-flagged tanker to the United States at the request of the U.S. Justice Department, Greek port police said recently, AFP reported. The decision angered Tehran. In April, Greek authorities reportedly seized a Russian oil tanker, the Pegas, which was said to be heading to the Turkish port of Marmara. Reports say the ship was docked in Calistos Bay with a crew of several people said to be Russian. The Greek coast guard said the ship had been renamed the Lana. The report notes that the European Union imposed sanctions on Russia after the conflict broke out in February. Greek authorities seized the tanker in accordance with European Union sanctions. According to information at the time, the tanker was carrying 115,000 tons of Iranian oil. Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization strongly protested Greece's decision, calling it an "international bandit." "The Islamic Republic of Iran will not give up its legitimate rights and expects the Greek government to abide by its international obligations in the area of navigation and shipping," it said in a statement on its website. Iran's Foreign Ministry, through the International Maritime Organization, called on the Greek government to release the tanker and its crew overnight, adding that "the Americans discharged their cargo," the report said. Athens did not immediately respond to the Iranian protest and gave no further details about the oil on board or how it was handed over to the United States, the report said. The natural graphite price is expected to increase in the next few days affected by the change in supply and demand markets. Inquiry us News How to use polycarboxylate superplasticizer for different kinds of concrete? Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -- Vale today announced that it has completed a pre-feasibility study for its proposed nickel sulfate project in Quebec, Canada, a major milestone in the development of the project. This strategic move demonstrates vale's focus on delivering low carbon and high purity nickel pce powder are still very uncertain. Prestressed or precast concrete Adding polycarboxylate superplasticizer can make the compressive strength of precast concrete reach 40MPa grade at 8h to 18h; the precast concrete mixed with polycarboxylate superplasticizer can get higher early strength under the condition of lower curing temperature and shorter curing time, thus reducing the energy consumption of curing; in addition, it can save cement, reduce vibration energy consumption, reduce noise and improve the turnover rate of the mold. Shrinkage compensating concrete When preparing shrinkage compensating concrete, adding a certain amount of polycarboxylate superplasticizer can reduce the water-cement ratio, increase the early shrinkage of concrete and reduce the later shrinkage of concrete, thus saving expansive agent or expansive cement. Ordinary aggregate concrete For ordinary aggregate concrete, the addition of polycarboxylate superplasticizer can reduce the pumping pressure and pipe pressure by about 30%; for lightweight aggregate concrete, the addition of polycarboxylate superplasticizer can reduce the pumping pressure and pipe pressure by more than 10%; in addition, the addition of polycarboxylate superplasticizer can reduce the increase of pumping resistance with the increase of pumping speed. Steel-fiber reinforced concrete For steel fiber reinforced concrete, the addition of polycarboxylate superplasticizer can reduce the workability loss caused by the addition of steel fiber; of course, compared with the concrete without steel fiber, the amount of polycarboxylate superplasticizer mixed with steel fiber reinforced concrete should be appropriately increased. Super high strength concrete Polycarboxylate superplasticizer has good water-reducing dispersion and strengthening effect, so it can be used to prepare ultra-high strength concrete. The study found that the concrete mixed with polycarboxylate superplasticizer (20%), which accounts for 1% to 3% of the weight of the cementitious material, can make the 100-day-old strength as high as 150MPa. High-alumina cement concrete In order to ensure the performance of high-alumina cement concrete, the general water-cement ratio is not higher than 0.40 and the cement content is not lower than 400kg/m3, otherwise the strength of concrete, especially in the later stage, will decrease. The reason is that metastable calcium aluminate hydrate is transformed into steady tricalcium aluminate hydrate. If polycarboxylate superplasticizer is added to high alumina cement concrete, the fluidized concrete with good workability can be obtained under the condition of low water-cement ratio, and the later strength of concrete is not affected. That is to say, the 2d compressive strength of high alumina cement superplastic concrete mixed with polycarboxylate superplasticizer is lower than that of standard concrete, while the compressive strength of 180d age is basically the same as that of base concrete, because polycarboxylate superplasticizer has no obvious effect on the hydration rate of high alumina cement. High-performance concrete with high content of active admixtures such as fly ash, slag, and silica fume When preparing high-strength concrete with a large amount of fly ash instead of ordinary cement, adding polycarboxylate superplasticizer can improve workability, reduce mixing water consumption by about 20%, and further improve strength. The addition of polycarboxylate superplasticizer into concrete can increase the amount of cement-based substitute materials such as fly ash or slag and reduce the amount of cement without affecting the strength of concrete. therefore, it has outstanding environmental and economic benefits. Similarly, when silica fume is added to cement slurry or concrete, the amount of water needed to achieve the same workability increases with the increase of silica fume content. For this reason, under the condition of a certain amount of silica fume, polycarboxylate superplasticizer can be added to reduce the water consumption of mixing, and polycarboxylate superplasticizer can also be added to increase the amount of silica fume under the condition of a certain amount of water consumption. Concrete Additives Supplier TRUNNANO is a reliable foaming agents supplier with over 12-year experience in nano-building energy conservation and nanotechnology development. If you are looking for high-quality polycarboxylate superplasticizer, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. (sales@cabr-concrete.com) We accept payment via Credit Card, T/T, West Union, and Paypal. TRUNNANO will ship the goods to customers overseas through FedEx, DHL, by air, or by sea. The drought in Europe is still getting worse. The drought in France is particularly severe. Recently, the French Prime Minister's Office issued a statement saying that the current drought in France is the worst in history. Prime Minister Borne decided to activate an inter-ministerial crisis group to deal with the drought. French Minister for Ecological Transformation Christopher Beshu said that there is no drinking water in pipes in more than 100 towns across France. In addition, Italy also suffered from hot and dry weather, with the highest temperature exceeding 40 on the 5th local time, and several cities, including the capital Rome, issued a red alert for high temperatures. The country is experiencing its worst drought in more than 220 years. British officials have released statistics on the sequelae of COVID-19, which has aroused concern. As of July 2, 1.8 million people in the UK were suffering from the symptoms of "long COVID-19", according to a report released by the Office for National Statistics. Among them, 14% of the people were not cured within 12 weeks, and 81% of the people were infected for more than 12 months. Luoyang Tongrun Nano Technology is a trusted chemical manufacturer and supplier providing high-quality chemicals and Nanomaterials. If you are looking for the pce powder, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. Inquiry us News Impact of rising thermal coal prices in Europe on wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet prices In the European market, due to the heat wave in Europe, the Rhine River, one of the main traffic arteries in Europe, has fallen sharply, causing logistical problems for barges transporting imported coal from ports to coal-fired power plants. In addition, high temperatures have limited the efficiency of nuclear and hydroelectric power across Europe, which has the highest number of DAMS per capita, and a drought-induced drop in water storage has hit hydropower across Spain. In the European market, thermal coal spot is relatively scarce, and at the same time, the reduction of new energy generation output increases the demand for coal consumption, and the price of thermal coal rises again. In terms of Indonesian coal demand, prices have rebounded recently, mainly driven by the recovery of demand from end users in China. The recent domestic hot weather, and at the same time parts of hydroelectric power ability is limited, imported coal market heat continued to heat up, after the last test at the same time, the Indonesian coal cif compared to domestic coal has a certain price advantage, increase power plant bidding, power plant bidding price and traders bids for power plants generally rises. However, due to the uncertain market trend in the later stage, the current domestic power enterprises are bidding for spot coal, and with the reduction of spot supply, the willingness of miners to support the price is gradually enhanced, in the later stage, the price advantage of imported coal or will narrow again, and the terminal inquiry enthusiasm will also be affected. India's low power demand since the monsoon season has dampened its appetite for imported coal. In addition, after the announcement of a ban on Russian coal by Western countries, Russia offered large discounts on coal, and Indian buyers increasingly used Asian currencies, including the Chinese yuan, Hong Kong dollar and UAE dirham, in Russian coal transactions, and Indian end users showed greater interest in Russian coal than Indonesian coal. On the coal supply side, Indonesia's energy and mineral resources minister said at a parliamentary hearing that the government would impose penalties on 48 coal exporting companies for failing to meet domestic market obligations, and the exporters involved would temporarily suspend coal export operations. However, it is reported that these 48 coal exporting companies usually mix their own coal with other coal purchased for export, and they have a small volume in the export market. Therefore, this penalty has a limited impact on the supply side of the market, which is not enough to provide significant support to Indonesia's coal price. The prolonged drought across Europe has reduced hydropower production by 20 percent , the wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet market, as well as the cost of wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet , is changing rapidly . These changes are indicators of market growth. This year-over-year uptrend in the market indicates oval but steady growth between August 2022 and August 2025. If you are looking for a wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet or bulk purchase wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet , please send email to: sales@shzpower.com . The wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet prices continue to be influenced by factors such as market momentum, opportunities and challenges. However, the global wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet sales market is expected to continue to be above average during the forecast period 2022 to 2025. Growth rates will continue to rise. The wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet prices are expected to increase from today through next week. The cost of wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet is constantly changing due to changing consumer needs, changing import and export conditions, and various investigations into wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet development. The cost of the wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet is also affected to some extent by the macroeconomic parameters, value chain analysis, channel partners, supply and demand of the current market. Expect the cost of wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet to increase slightly between today and next week. With the higher and higher cost of labor, more and more companies began to try to use the wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet of automatic mechanization production. Automated production and processing is today's technological diversification of the development of the era more typical characteristics and trends, in some processing fields for a variety of wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet equipment production application has reached the level of delight. As a result, the cost of wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet is constantly changing. "Shunzhi power electric provides professional, high quality, reliable and stable quality and price. In order to give feedback to regular customers, the company maintains full operation and provides wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet at competitive prices. "Shunzhi power sales manager said. Leading One-stop Power Distribution and Electrical Automation Solutions Manufacturer the wholesale low-voltage ac power distributing cabinet supplier Shzpower electric Equipment Co., Ltd. (SHZPower) is a long-history high-tech enterprise dedicated to the scientific research, design and domestic and foreign trade of CNC glue dispensing machine, Multicolor Industrial Inkjet Printing Machine,electrical automation, medium and low voltage switch cabinets, box-type substations, power distribution cabinets, and multimedia boxes. The company provides one-stop foaming sealing equipment, colorful inkjet equipment, power distribution and electrical automation solutions . With years of industry experience, strong technical strength, sufficient production capacity, reasonable prices, and good business reputation, the products are widely used in industry, power stations, real estate, transportation, construction machinery, new energy power, photovoltaic power generation, energy storage, Communication and other fields of electricity use. We are willing to work hard for your satisfaction and bring you a satisfactory solution. Feel free to contact Shzpower . Email: sales@shzpower.com Inquiry us News New York State declares a disaster emergency over monkeypox outbreak Impact on 96 pcr plate New York state has declared a disaster emergency over an outbreak of monkeypox impacts on the 96 pcr plate New York's rapidly spreading monkeypox outbreak was declared a state disaster emergency late on Friday by Governor Kathy Hochul, as authorities raced to distribute vaccines to contain the spread of the virus. The measure comes as the number of monkeypox infections in New York approaches 1,400, with most of the infections in the city. New York City is the epicenter of the monkeypox outbreak in the United States "With more than a quarter of monkeypox cases in this country occurring in New York State, we need to respond with every tool in our Arsenal," Hochul said of the emergency declaration in a statement. The head of the World Health Organization declared the virus a global health emergency late last week. As of Wednesday, more than 20,000 cases of monkeypox had been detected in 77 countries worldwide. There are now about 4,600 reported cases in the United States, according to USA Today. The executive order specifically expands the pool of eligible individuals who can be vaccinated against monkeypox to include emergency medical service workers, pharmacists and midwives. It also allows physicians and registered nurse practitioners to issue standing orders for non-patient-specific vaccines and requires providers to send vaccine data to state health departments. Meanwhile, the mayor of San Francisco declared a state of emergency in the city on Thursday due to the growing number of cases in the city. There have been 800 cases in California and 261 in San Francisco. "We desperately need vaccines to support the people of San Francisco," London Mayor Breed said. Federal health officials say they are still considering whether to declare monkeypox a public health emergency, which would free up additional resources. After the federal government struggled to get enough monkeypox vaccine earlier this month, supplies have climbed steadily in recent weeks, peaking on Friday with 780,000 doses distributed nationwide. About 110,000 doses were sent to New York, including about 30,000 doses outside the city. Earlier this week, vaccine clinics in the greater New York area, as well as several upstate counties, faced huge demand because of limited vaccine supplies, as people booked appointments within hours. Healthcare workers from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene help people register for the monkeypox vaccine at a vaccination site in New York City on July 26, 2022. On July 29, New York declared a statewide disaster emergency due to monkeypox. Based on previous outbreaks of monkeypox around the world, some groups may also be at increased risk of severe consequences if infected. This includes people with weakened immune systems, older New Yorkers, children under the age of 8 and pregnant women. Overview of market area prospect of 96 pcr plate By region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America is further divided into countries such as the United States and Canada. The European region is further divided into The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia and the rest of Europe. The Asia Pacific region is further subdivided into China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Southeast Asia and the rest of Asia Pacific. The Latin America region is further subdivided into Brazil, Mexico and the rest of Latin America, and the MEA region is further divided into GCC, Turkey, South Africa and the rest of MEA. Buy high quality and effective DNA & RNA nucleic acid extraction reagent, lab consumables, automatic nucleic acid extractions, real-time PCR equipment and consumables or 96 pcr plate . Send an email to: info@geneture.com and our professional sales engineer will get back to you within 48 hours. Analysis and forecast of the market size of PCR diagnostic industry Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a nucleic acid synthesis technology that uses the principle of DNA double-strand replication to replicate specific DNA fragments in vitro. With this technology, the detection equipment can amplify the target gene in a large number in a short time, expanding the target gene fragment to the order of millions to billions, thus achieving high sensitivity detection. At present, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnosis of infectious diseases such as hepatitis, venereal disease, intestinal respiratory disease and tumor single gene detection is an important application field. In 2020, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic technology was identified as the "gold standard" for COVID-19 diagnosis due to its high sensitivity and accuracy. China's PCR diagnostic market is developing rapidly, with the market size growing rapidly from about RMB 2.37 billion in 2015 to about RMB 5.93 billion in 2019, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.8%. China's PCR industry experienced explosive growth due to the huge demand for testing caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, and the market size of China's PCR diagnostic industry exceeded 10 billion yuan in 2020. With the introduction of a large number of PCR diagnostic instruments, the PCR diagnostic industry will enter a new stage of development. It is expected that the PCR diagnostic industry will maintain a double-digit growth rate, and the market size of the PCR diagnostic industry will reach about 23.42 billion yuan in 2030 based on the factory price, and the cagR will reach about 13.3% from 2019 to 2030. Market Demand of the 96 pcr plate The DNA/RNA Extraction Kit market and other 96 pcr plate s are projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.26% during the forecast period 2022-2027. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the 96 pcr plate market for a short time due to restrictions on different business and research activities for 96 pcr plate s. In addition, diagnostic tests for other diseases and medical conditions in hospitals and other clinical diagnostic facilities have been affected as COVID-19 has led to fewer patients taking tests. However, the high rate of COVID-19 infection and research activities are undertaken by major companies in the field of sequencing to expand their understanding of the virus and its origins, as well as molecular diagnostics of the SARS-COV-2 virus, have led to the development and launch of many DNA - and RNA-BASED COVID-19 kits, The kits proved so important that they were in great demand. Market drivers for the 96 pcr plate The growth of the DNA/RNA extraction kit market is primarily driven by increased investment in R&D activities in different areas, including molecular diagnostics for different chronic and infectious diseases. For example, the US spent $842 billion on R&D activities in 2020, followed by China at $664 billion, according to the ORGANISATION for Economic Co-operation and Development. Technological advances worldwide, new product launches by major market players, and an increase in cancer cases are also likely to complement the growth of the markets under study. Other factors, such as increased demand for automation of DNA/RNA extraction technologies, new user-friendly and easy extraction kits, and DNA/RNA for analysis of new diseases causing microorganisms, are expected to drive DNA/RNA growth. RNA Extraction Kit market during the forecast period. Therefore, low awareness and availability of the kit and low market penetration in less developed and developing regions around the world are the major factors limiting the growth of the DNA/RNA extraction kit market. North America is expected to dominate the global 96 pcr plate market during the forecast period North America, which holds a major share in the 96 pcr plate market, is expected to show a similar trend during the forecast period, mainly due to the high level of R&D activity in the region and the presence of major market players in the region constantly developing their products for the markets studied. In the region, the US is expected to take a major share of the DNA/RNA extraction kit market due to heavy investment in R&D by government and private entities, increased demand for 96 pcr plate s, and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. The 96 pcr plate professional supplier manufacturer -Geneture Geneture is a professional supplier of Nucleic Acid Extraction Reagent,Automatic Nucleic Acid Extraction,Lab consumables, Real-time PCR, Covid-19 Rapid Test Supplier. Buy high quality and effective DNA & RNA nucleic acid extraction reagent, lab consumables, automatic nucleic acid extractions, real-time PCR equipment and consumables. Feel free to get a qutoe send an email to: info@geneture.com and our professional sales engineer will get back to you within 48 hours. Inquiry us If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here News The emergence of Indonesian coal as the best energy alternative in Europe has also had an impact on the market for the amazon sell in own container The emergence of Indonesian coal as the best energy alternative in Europe has also had an impact on the market for the amazon sell in own container A number of European countries have recently approached Indonesia with the idea of importing coal, with Germany leading the way with an offer of 150m tonnes. In the context of rising commodity prices in the international market, this huge demand from non-traditional markets is undoubtedly a great boon for Indonesia's coal industry, but it is not so simple. Europe has long relied on Russia for most of its energy, accounting for 50.2 percent of coal imports in 2020, followed by Colombia at 17.1 percent, the United States at 15.5 percent and Australia at 8.4 percent. Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Europe has accelerated the process of energy "separation from Russia", which has also led to frequent energy crises, which are becoming more and more severe. The European Council announced the fifth round of sanctions against Russia in April, halting the purchase, import, or transshipment of coal produced or exported from Russia from August. Europe has explored various options to fill the gap left by the withdrawal of Russian energy supplies, including coal, including alternative sources in the United States, the Middle East and Africa, as well as restarting nuclear power or developing alternative energy sources, but has yet to find a solution. That makes Coal-rich Indonesia a new target for European countries. The US government is calling on all oil and gas producers, including Opec, to increase production so that high fuel prices can come down, Us Energy Secretary Granholm said, Sputnik, reported Tuesday. "The president of the United States is asking every supplier in the world to ramp up production," Granholm was quoted as saying in an interview with CNN. Including Opec and domestic oil and gas producers in the United States." She added that she herself planned to hold talks next week with the heads of U.S. oil and gas companies to discuss capacity shortages. She said experts expect gasoline prices to fall in the third quarter to $4.27 a gallon from $5 now, the report said. 'But it's possible that something big and unexpected happens that upsets that prediction,' she added. Factors affecting freight forwarder amazon sell in own container Freight transportation In international freight transport, one of the most concerning issues is the price of freight transport. The cost is directly related to the cost of transportation. Because many exporters do not understand the price of transportation very much, and often have a lot of extra spending, then today to understand the factors of the price of international freight transportation? Do You Need Freight Forwarders? DDP for World is a full-service and shipping forwarder dedicated to assisting our clients in focusing and growing their businesses. Send an Email to info@ddpforworld.com and get the latest freight price. The transportation prices are different for different amazon sell in own container In the general international trade process, the price of transport according to different modes of transport, price is also different. International freight rates are divided into sea freight, air freight and rail freight. The specific amazon sell in own container freight rate can also be subdivided. For example, rail freight can be divided into passenger freight and freight. Shipping rates are also divided into tramp rates and liner rates. Tramp rates are also affected by market supply and demand relations at that time, while liner transport costs are relatively fixed. Airfreight can be divided into general goods, designated goods and special goods, and the specific transportation price is also determined according to the weight of transportation, at the same time, even if the volume is small, the weight is also counted by weight, but if the opposite is large, small weight, also according to the specific volume to calculate. The choice of international logistics, the quality of logistics will affect the seller's store score, but also affect customer satisfaction rate. Factors affecting the shipping price of amazon sell in own container In the process of international transportation, there are many factors affecting the price of transportation, in addition to some fuel and labor costs, there are many important factors. For example, the nature of the amazon sell in own container, its own value and packaging form, as well as stowage factor and transporter's requirements for transportation, etc. There will be some fixed costs during the use of the ship, such as the ship's maintenance insurance and fuel consumption. There is also the change of supply and demand in the amazon sell in own container market. In the transport off-season, transport prices are relatively low, in the transport of the peak season, transport prices will be relatively high. Logistics advantages of the amazon sell in own container in the destination country and region In Eastern Europe, DHL has advantages in Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Hungary and other places while EMS has advantages in Greece, Russia, Turkey and other places. Western Europe, Northern Europe, southern Europe can use DHL international express, TNT international express, these two kinds of customs clearance capacity. TNT has a clear advantage in the Netherlands and Belgium. For Canada, the United States and other American countries, FedEx, UPS and DHL are all suitable for their strong customs clearance capacity and fast time. Applicable to Asia, South Korea, Japan, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries DHL, FedEx. DHL and FedEx are time-saving, but THE price of DHL is higher. Indonesia also suggests USING DHL because it has a stronger customs clearance capacity. In Oceania, DHL and UPS aging fast, with high prices; TNT and FedEx have lower prices but relatively few outlets. Particular attention should be paid to the "Made in China" label on the packaging of Australian products. Middle East express ARAMEX, EMS for Middle East region. Commercial express in Africa is very expensive. In remote areas, IT is suggested to send EMS international express. EMS countries have the strongest customs clearance capacity. The air express amazon sell in own container can reach many countries and regions that commercial express and postal express cannot reach, so the wide range of amazon sell in own container transportation is its advantage. Contact a professional freight forwarder- D DPFORWORLD - Professional freight forwarder in China Do You Need Freight Forwarders from China ? DDP for World is a full-service and shipping forwarder dedicated to assisting our clients in focusing and growing their businesses. We do DDP shipping since 2015 by handling home decor, Pet products, battery, power banks, DG cargo, general cargo and Amazon FBA forwarding service. We make your shipping easier and faster by Sea, Air, Express, Truck or Railway. If you have any questions or needs about freight forwarder, please feel free to contact us, we will serve you wholeheartedly. Email: info@ddpforworld.com Inquiry us News What is Boron Carbide Used For? The China Securities New Energy Vehicle index rose as much as 4.1 percent after a strong rally in lithium-ion shares on the Chinese stock market. Brokerages said lithium enterprises would usher in marginal expectations, and currently, it may be the best time to layout power/energy storage lithium batteries. According to a securities research report, the price of lithium carbonate in the upstream resource end continues to hit a new high, which reflects the shortage of lithium mineral resources, and lithium has become one of the core elements of the development of the lithium electricity industry. In 2022, global demand for lithium carbonate continues to grow strongly, while the supply-side growth is relatively limited. And, because related mining enterprises experienced the last lithium down cycle, they would expand boron carbide powder are expected to rise. What is Boron Carbide B4C? Boron carbide (B4C) is an extremely hard boron-carbon ceramic and covalent material used in tank armor, bulletproof vests, engine damage powder, and many industrial applications. The Vickers hardness is greater than 30GPa, making it one of the hardest materials known, second only to CBN and diamond. Boron carbide is considered to be a robust material with extremely high hardness (Mohs scale of approximately 9.5 to 9.75), high neutron absorption cross-sections (i.e. good shielding against neutrons), and stability to ionizing radiation and most chemicals. Its Vickers hardness (38GPa), elastic modulus (460GPa), and fracture toughness (3.5MPam(1/2)) are close to those of diamond (1150GPa and 5.3MPam(1/2)). As of 2015, boron carbide is the third hardest substance known, after diamond and cubic boron nitride, earning it the nickname "black diamond". Boron carbide is a semiconductor whose electronic properties are mainly hopping transport. Band gaps depend on composition and degree of order. The band gap is estimated at 2.09 eV, and there are several middle-band gap states that complicate the photoluminescence spectrum. The material is usually p-type. What is Boron Carbide Used For? Boron carbide is used in refractories because of its high melting point and thermal stability; Because of its extremely strong abrasion resistance, it is used as a grinding powder and coating; High hardness, low density, and excellent ballistic performance; It is commonly used as a neutron radiation absorber in nuclear applications. In addition, boron carbide is a high-temperature semiconductor that can potentially be used for new electronic applications. Specifically, boron carbide can be used as: The padlock Bulletproof deck for personal and vehicle Sandblasting nozzle High-pressure water jet cutting nozzle Scratch-resistant and wear-resistant coating Cutting tools and dies abrasive Metal matrix composites In the brake lining of a vehicle Neutron absorber in a nuclear reactor High energy fuel for solid fuel ramjets Is Boron Carbide the Hardest? Boron carbide has a Mohs hardness of between 9 and 10 and is one of the hardest synthetic substances known, second only to cubic boron nitride and diamond. Can Boron Carbide Cut Diamond? Due to its high hardness, boron carbide powder is used as an abrasive in polishing and grinding applications and also as a loose abrasive in cutting applications such as water jet cutting. It can also be used for dressing diamond tools. Boron Carbide B4C Price The price is influenced by many factors including the supply and demand in the market, industry trends, economic activity, market sentiment, and unexpected events. If you are looking for the latest B4C price, you can send us your inquiry for a quote. (sales1@rboschco.com) Boron Carbide B4C Supplier RBOSCHCO is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12-year-experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and nanomaterials. The company export to many countries including the USA, Canada, Europe, UAE, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Turkey, Mexico, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Brazil, Chile, Dubai, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, etc. As a leading nanotechnology development manufacturer, RBOSCHCO dominates the market. Our professional work team provides perfect solutions to help improve the efficiency of various industries, create value, and easily cope with various challenges. If you are looking for B4C, please send an email. (sales1@rboschco.com) The EUs draft REPowerEU plan calls for an increase of 15TWh of rooftop PV capacity by 2022. The draft also calls for EU and national governments to take action this year to reduce the time required to obtain permits for rooftop PV installations to three months, and proposes that "all new buildings and existing buildings with an energy grade OF D or above should have rooftop PV installations by 2025". In addition, the European Commission is likely to set a target for installed PV capacity of 300GW by 2025 and 500GW by 2030. Some members are more aggressive, with Austria, Belgium, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Spain demanding a 1TW target for 2030. The REPowerEU initiative, worth 195 billion euros, was proposed by the EU on March 8 to phase out member states' dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2030. In a few days, the European Commission will present a package to implement the RePowerEU strategy. As an important application scenario of distributed PV, rooftop PV is not limited to land, and the development conditions are relatively convenient. Since the end of 2021, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and other countries have introduced policies and measures such as government subsidies, tax cuts, fee reductions, and accelerated grid-connection approval to encourage the development of distributed PV. Europe's potential for rooftop PV is huge and will continue to be an important growth pole for the industry, according to Wood Mackenzie. Luoyang Tongrun Nano Technology is a trusted chemical supplier and manufacturer providing high-quality chemicals and Nanomaterials. If you are looking for the boron carbide powder, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. Inquiry us News What is Copper Nanopowder? Roche and its subsidiary TIB Molbiol have developed a series of tests for the detection of the monkeypox virus, the Switzerland-based pharmaceutical company announced. The monkeypox virus is a close relative of the smallpox virus, belonging to orthpoxviridae in the poxviridae family. The modular virus detection tool, called LightMix, includes three orthpoxvirus detection kits with different functions, Roche said in a statement. The first kit detects orthpoxvirus; The second kit tests only for monkeypox virus (west and Central African branches); The third kit contains the main functions of the first two kits, showing specific information on the presence of the monkeypox virus (west and Central African branches) as well as the detection of orpoxvirus. Thomas Schinek, a Roche executive, said the new test could detect monkeypox and help track its spread. Such diagnostic tools are critical for addressing and ultimately managing emerging public health challenges, as they advance responses such as tracking efforts and treatment strategies. The monkeypox virus was first identified in 1958 in a group of monkeys used for research when the animals developed a "pox-like" infection, hence the name. Since May, several non-endemic countries have reported human cases of the monkeypox virus, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. Affected by the ever-changing international situation, the supply and prices of international bulk copper nano powder are still very uncertain. What is copper powder? Copper is the earliest discovered chemical element. Its chemical symbol is Cu, atomic number is 29, and atomic weight is 63.546 U. Pure copper is a soft metal, the surface for red-orange, when just cut with a metallic luster, good ductility, high thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity, therefore in the cables and electrical and electronic components is the most commonly used material, also can be used as a building material, as well as the composition of many kinds of alloy, such as for jewelry sycee, used to produce Marine hardware and cupronickel coin and used for strain gauge and constantan thermocouple. Copper alloys have excellent mechanical properties and low electrical resistivity, the most important of which are bronze and brass. Copper is also a durable metal that can be recycled many times without damaging its mechanical properties. Copper does not react with water but slowly reacts with oxygen in the air to form a tan layer of copper oxide, unlike the rust that forms when the iron is exposed to damp air, which protects the underlying copper from further corrosion. Copper is easily corroded by halogens, tahalides, sulfur, and selenium, and vulcanized rubber can blacken copper. What is a copper powder used for? The most common use of copper is for electric wires, which are usually made of pure copper today because it is second only to silver for conducting electricity and heat, but it is much cheaper. Copper is also easy to work with, changing shape by melting, casting, and calendering to make parts for cars and electronics. These processed copper products are collectively referred to as "stretch copper products". And copper can be used to make a variety of alloys, copper important alloys are the following: Brass Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, named for its yellow color. Brass has good mechanical properties and wear resistance, and can be used to manufacture precision instruments, ship parts, gun casings, faucets, and so on. Brass sounds good when struck, so gongs, cymbals, bells, trumpets, and other Musical Instruments are made of brass. Nautical brass An alloy of copper with zinc and tin, resistant to seawater, used for ship parts and balancers. Bronze The alloy of copper and tin is called bronze, named for its green color. It was a common alloy in ancient times (e.g., in China's Bronze Age). Bronze generally has good corrosion resistance, wear resistance, casting ability, excellent mechanical properties, and high hardness. Used for manufacturing precision bearings, high-pressure bearings, seawater corrosion-resistant mechanical parts on ships and various plates, pipes, bars, and so on. Bronze also has the unusual property of "thermal shrinkage and cold expansion", which is used to cast statues that expand when cooled to make the features clearer. Phosphor bronze Phosphor bronze is an alloy of copper, tin, and phosphorus, containing 2%-8% tin, and 2-8% phosphorus, the rest of the composition is copper. Hard, can make springs. Casting can be used for gear, worm gear, bearing, and other mechanical parts. Cupronickel White copper is a copper and nickel alloy, its color and silver, silver shine, not easy to rust. It is often used to make coins, electrical appliances, meters, and ornaments. 18 Karat gold (18K gold or rose gold) An alloy of 6/24 copper and 18/24 gold. Red and yellow, hard, can be used to make jewelry, and ornaments. What is copper nanopowder used for? As an alternative to more expensive metals, copper nanopowders are ideal for reducing production costs and are widely used in microelectronics processes, conductive pastes, and nanometal lubricant additives. It can be used for: Antifungal, antifungal, and antifungal agents High strength metals and alloys High thermal conductivity material Conductive inks and pastes for printing electronics Sintering additives and capacitor materials Lubricating oil additive Copper Nano Powder Price The price is influenced by many factors including the supply and demand in the market, industry trends, economic activity, market sentiment, and unexpected events. If you are looking for the latest copper nanopowder price, you can send us your inquiry for a quote. (sales1@rboschco.com) Copper Nano Powder Supplier RBOSCHCO is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12-year-experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and nanomaterials. The company export to many countries including the USA, Canada, Europe, UAE, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Turkey, Mexico, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Brazil, Chile, Dubai, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, etc. As a leading nanotechnology development manufacturer, RBOSCHCO dominates the market. Our professional work team provides perfect solutions to help improve the efficiency of various industries, create value, and easily cope with various challenges. If you are looking for copper nanopowder, please send an email. (sales1@rboschco.com) The Free Trade Agreement between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has come into force on. The UAE is the gateway to the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa, said Subramaniam, a senior official at India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The agreement will help boost bilateral trade in goods from $60 billion a year now to $100 billion a year within five years. On 18 February 2022, India and the United Arab Emirates signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. With the entry into force of the agreement, 90 percent of Indian goods and 65 percent of UAE goods will enjoy tariff-free market access. Apart from its FTA with the UAE, India is also pursuing FTAs with Australia, the UK, Canada, Israel, the European Union, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Influenced by international situations, the supply and prices of many copper nano powder are still very uncertain. Inquiry us News What is Lithium Stearate? According to statistics from China Chemical and Physical Power Supply Industry Association China's export volume and export value of lithium-ion batteries have continued to increase. In 2021, China's exports of lithium-ion batteries were 3.428 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 54.34%. The export of lithium-ion batteries was 28.428 billion DOLLARS, up 78.34% year on year. From the battery export destination, so far. China's lithium-ion batteries are mainly exported to the Asia Pacific and the United States and other places. In terms of price, the price of lithium stearate powder, led by lithium-ion batteries, is expected to expand globally. What is lithium stearate? Lithium stearate, C17H35COOLi, is a lithium salt of stearic acid and is one of the metal soaps. This colorless, almost insoluble powder in water and alcohol, with a melting point of 220C, is mainly used in the production of greases and waxes from oils. The resulting grease is thermally stable at temperatures up to about 150C and remains lubricated as low as -20C. Until the success of lithium-ion batteries, this is the largest quantitative application of lithium metal. Small amounts of lithium stearate are also used to make pencils. The compound has extremely low toxicity when administered orally, which is why it is also used in cosmetics. What is lithium stearate used for? It is used as a general-purpose grease to provide high water resistance. Because it can be applied at both high and low temperatures, lithium stearate is used in many industries, from the automotive industry to the heavy machinery industry and even the aerospace industry. As a general-purpose grease, lithium stearate is also used as a stabilizer in the cosmetic and plastics industries. Because of its properties, the compound can also be used as a corrosion inhibitor in petroleum. The following are the application areas of lithium stearate: It can be used as a thickener for natural synthetic oils. It facilitates the manufacture of lightweight metal molds. It is a fine, thicker grease, well suited for high-temperature applications. It can improve the melting point and enhance the elasticity of microcrystalline wax. Because lithium stearate has a higher melting point than conventional sodium and potassium soaps (22C compared to 140C), it is more resistant to loss of consistency. It has amazing rust and corrosion resistance. Although it's water-repellent, lithium stearate works better in other types of environments. This is a great sealant. What is lithium grease? Lithium grease was invented in the early 1940s. It's made from lithium hydroxide reacting with fatty acids. Modern lithium soaps (thickeners) consist of 12HSA (12-hydroxystearic acid, or triglyceride) and lithium hydroxide monohydrate in a base liquid. Grease is one of the oldest lubricants used by humans, dating back to 1400BC. It reduces friction, is waterproof, and provides a seal. More than 90% of bearings use grease as a lubricant. The base oil may be mineral oil or synthetic fluid, or a mixture of either or both. Many fats and fatty acids are suitable for making lithium soap. However, 12HSA and HCO (hydrogenated castor oil) are preferred. Lithium 12-hydroxy stearate grease is probably the best multi-purpose grease ever made. Lithium grease has excellent water resistance (not as good as calcium), excellent mechanical or shear stability, excellent thermal stability, and excellent storage stability. As well as a continuous operating temperature of 130C (266F) and a drop point of 190-200C. It is the most favored bearing grease in almost all industrial fields. Lithium Stearate Powder Price The price is influenced by many factors including the supply and demand in the market, industry trends, economic activity, market sentiment, and unexpected events. If you are looking for the latest lithium stearate powder price, you can send us your inquiry for a quote. ([email protected]) Lithium Stearate Powder Supplier Luoyang Tongrun Nano Technology Co. Ltd. (TRUNNANO) is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12-year-experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and nanomaterials including silicon powder, nitride powder, graphite powder, zinc sulfide, calcium nitride, 3D printing powder, etc. If you are looking for high-quality lithium stearate powder, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. ([email protected]) The current international situation is highly uncertain, and its economic impact has not been able to be assessed properly. In addition, rising energy and commodity prices and supply chain disruptions are expected to push the price of the lithium stearate powder higher. Inquiry us News What is WS2 coating? Us President Joe Biden will start a trip to the Middle East. Biden is scheduled to visit Israel, the West Bank and Saudi Arabia from July 13 to 16. Analysts believe that Biden's trip to the Middle East has three considerations. First of all, efforts should be made to persuade Gulf oil-producing countries to increase oil tungsten disulfide are still very uncertain. What is WS2 coating? Tungsten disulfide is an extremely smooth dry film lubrication coating. Tungsten disulfide friction coefficient is very low (only 0.03), which is lower than that of Teflon, graphite or molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). Compared with many other lubricant materials, the film is very durable and can withstand extremely high loads of more than 300000 psi. WS2 has unparalleled performance in lubrication, non-stick, low resistance, wear life and load rating. What are advantages of tungsten disulfide? WS2 is an excellent demoulding material for plastic moulds, extrusion moulds and other demoulding applications. WS2 eliminates the need for liquid lubricants and can also be used with petrified oils, greases, synthetic oils, silicone lubricants and hydraulic oils. It has an affinity for lubricants and maintains the fluid power layer. It helps to keep the oil or grease on the surface, thus further increasing lubrication. In the case of less than 1 micron thick, the coating can be applied to high-precision parts without tolerance problems. WS2 is also a rather inert and non-toxic material, which has been used in medical devices and food processing applications. WS2 is applied to customer substrates through high-speed ambient temperature process. It does not cause the substrate material to anneal or warp. WS2 can be used alone or in combination with our PVD hard coating to improve durability. WS2 coating properties Lubricity-the lowest friction coefficient of solid materials! The dynamic friction coefficient is 0.03 and the static friction coefficient is 0.07. Excellent release performance. They don't stick together. Non-toxic. Prevent scratches, jams or cold welds. It can be used at a load of more than 300000 pounds per square inch! High temperature resistance. Extremely thin 1 stroke 2 micron coating thickness. Unlike many powder lubricants, it can be bonded to the substrate without using a binder. Do not crumb, peel off or peel off. Ultra-thin-suitable for high precision components. WS2 eliminates the need for liquid lubricants. Can be used with oil and grease. It has an affinity for lubricants and maintains a fluid dynamic layer. How is WS2 coating applied? Aerospace components. medical apparatus. Plastic molds. Extrusion die. Auto parts. Racing engine. The ocean mechanism. Hydraulic / pneumatic. Gun parts. Valve assembly. Mechanical parts. Spindle. Power transmission components. Bearings. gear. The shaft. Pistons and rings. Cam and cam followers. Locate the device. Die-casting mould. Vacuum mechanism. Knives. Scratch prevention. Slide or rotate the assembly. Food processing equipment. Pharmaceutical equipment Tungsten disulfide Price The price is influenced by many factors including the supply and demand in the market, industry trends, economic activity, market sentiment, and unexpected events. If you are looking for the latest tungsten disulfide WS2 price, you can send us your inquiry for a quote. (sales1@rboschco.com) Tungsten disulfide Supplier RBOSCHCO is a trusted global chemical material supplier&manufacturer with over 12-year-experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and nanomaterials. The company export to many countries including the USA, Canada, Europe, UAE, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Turkey, Mexico, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Brazil, Chile, Dubai, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, etc. As a leading nanotechnology development manufacturer, RBOSCHCO dominates the market. Our professional work team provides perfect solutions to help improve the efficiency of various industries, create value, and easily cope with various challenges. If you are looking for tungsten disulfide WS2 powder, please send an email. (sales1@rboschco.com) Overall, the demand for tungsten disulfide is on the rise, and future tungsten disulfide will continue to evolve. Although the prosperity of the brand name has rebounded, there are still many outstanding problems in tungsten disulfide, and the tungsten disulfide will develop steadilyif you need tungsten disulfide please contact us. Inquiry us Selenide Powder Spherical aluminum nitride and its preparation method and application process The biggest immediate challenge for the EU will be replenishing its depleted gas inventories. While the EU could still increase LNG imports from countries such as the US, such purchases would be more expensive. Refilling natural gas storage space to historical average levels this year could cost 70 billion euros, a sevenfold increase, compared to 10 billion euros in previous years. " A complete replacement for Russian gas is not only very expensive, but it also may not be possible. In the next 12 months, there is little way to meet the demand for a "normal" year in the absence of Gazprom, which also includes Aluminum nitride (AlN). Overview of spherical aluminum nitride AlN powder Aluminum nitride (AlN) is a solid nitride of aluminum. It has a high thermal conductivity of 321w/(m K) and is an electrical insulator. Its wurtzite phase (w-aln) has a band gap of about 6 EV at room temperature, which has potential applications in optoelectronics working at deep UV frequency. Aluminum nitride AlN powder is stable at high temperatures in an inert atmosphere and melts at about 2200 C. In vacuum, AlN decomposes at about 1800C. In air, surface oxidation occurs above 700 , and a 5-10 nm thick surface oxide layer is detected even at room temperature. This oxide layer protects the material at temperatures up to 1370 C. Above this temperature, a large amount of oxidation will occur. It is stable at 980C in hydrogen and carbon dioxide atmosphere. The material is slowly dissolved in inorganic acid through grain boundary erosion and in strong alkali through erosion of aluminum nitride grains. The material is slowly hydrolyzed in water. Aluminum nitride is resistant to most molten salts, including chloride and cryolite. Aluminum nitride can be patterned using reactive ion etching based on Cl2. Aluminum nitride is an inorganic powder of high thermal conductivity material. Because of its excellent comprehensive properties such as high thermal conductivity, good insulation, low dielectric constant and expansion coefficient equivalent to Si material, it has attracted more and more attention. It is widely used in large-scale integrated circuits, high thermal conductivity substrates in electronic field, inorganic thermal conductivity fillers, high-performance structural ceramics and other fields. With the advent of 5g era, all kinds of electronic devices are becoming more and more integrated, and the power is increasing. Higher requirements are put forward for its heat dissipation performance. For various packaging resins used in the electronic field, the best way for thermal conductive materials to improve their heat dissipation performance is to add inorganic insulating fillers with high thermal conductivity, and aluminum nitride is one of the best choices. Increasing the filling amount requires the powder to be dense spherical and the particle size range from tens of microns to hundreds of microns, so as to ensure the combination of large and small particles and achieve the purpose of high filling and good fluidity. At present, the known preparation methods of spherical aluminum nitride powder are mainly carbothermal reduction method, direct nitriding method and in-situ nitriding method, but there are some defects in varying degrees, such as poor particle size distribution, insufficient sphericity, low density, loose and porous, which hinder its application in heat conducting materials. Thermal spraying process: aluminum nitride powder can be thermally sprayed to form electrical insulation and thermal conductive coating. Chemical / physical vapor deposition (CVD/PVD): aluminum nitride coating is deposited by CVD or PVD to provide electrical insulation and thermal conductivity coating. Powder metallurgy (P/M): aluminum powder is pressed into parts by hot pressing or cold pressing and sintering. Application of spherical aluminum nitride AlN powder Aluminum nitride is a kind of inorganic powder with high thermal conductivity. Because of its high thermal conductivity, good insulation, low dielectric constant, and silicon material has considerable expansion coefficient and excellent comprehensive properties, it has attracted more and more attention. It is widely used in the fields of large-scale integrated circuits, electronic substrates, high thermal conductivity, thermal conductivity inorganic fillers, high-performance structural ceramics and so on. With the advent of 5g era, the integration of various electronic devices is higher and higher, and the functions are more and more powerful. In order to improve the heat dissipation performance of various packaging resins used in the electronic field, the best way is to add inorganic insulating fillers with high thermal conductivity to the materials. Aluminum nitride is one of the best choices. In order to increase the filling amount, the powder is required to be dense and spherical, and the particle size ranges from tens of microns to hundreds of microns, so as to ensure that the particle size and particle size of the composite can achieve high filling and good fluidity Due to the piezoelectric properties of AlN, epitaxially grown thin film crystalline aluminum nitride is used for surface acoustic wave sensor (SAW) deposited on silicon wafer. One application is RF filter, which is widely used in mobile phones. It is called thin film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR). This is a MEMS device that uses aluminum nitride sandwiched between two metal layers. AlN is also used to construct piezoelectric micromechanical ultrasonic transducers that emit and receive ultrasound and can be used for aerial ranging over a distance of up to one meter. The metallization method allows AlN to be used in electronic applications similar to alumina and beryllium oxide. As inorganic quasi one-dimensional nanotubes, AlN nanotubes and carbon nanotubes have been proposed to be used as chemical sensors for toxic gases. At present, a lot of research has been carried out on the development of light-emitting diodes working under ultraviolet light using gallium nitride based semiconductors. Using aluminum gallium nitride alloy, the wavelength as short as 250 nm has been realized. In 2006, low efficiency aln# led emission at 210 nm was reported. Price of spherical aluminum nitride AlN powder The price of spherical aluminum nitride AlN powder particles will change randomly with the production cost, transportation cost, international situation, exchange rate, market supply and demand and other factors ofspherical aluminum nitride AlN powder. Tanki new materials Co.,Ltd. aims to help industries and chemical wholesalers find high-quality and low-cost nano materials and chemicals by providing a full range of customized services. If you are looking for spherical aluminum nitride AlN powder, please feel free to send an inquiry to obtain the latest price of spherical aluminum nitride AlN powder. Spherical aluminum nitride AlN powder supplier As a global supplier of spherical aluminum nitride AlN powder, Tanki new materials Co.,Ltd. has rich experience in the performance, application and cost-effective manufacturing of advanced and engineering materials. The company has successfully developed a series of powder materials (molybdenum disilicide), lanthanum nitride (LAN powder, calcium silicide, iron boride), high-purity targets, functional ceramics and structural devices, and provided OEM services. Chemical Composition of Aluminum Nitride AlN powder AlN N Fe Mn O C Ca Si Ni 99.9% 32% 0.04 0.0005 0.42 0.02 0.009 0.045 0.0002 Cancer cells can "stretch out a big hand" and take away the mitochondria of immune cells. The Harvard Medical School research team cultured mouse and human breast cancer cells and immune cells, such as killer T cells, and used field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) to observe the relationship between cancer cells and immune cells. interactive. Interestingly, they found that cancer cells stick out long nanotubes, typically within 100-1000 nanometers in diameter, each of which connects to multiple immune cells along the way. The researchers used the drug L-778123, which inhibits the formation of nanotubes, for treatment. The higher the concentration of L-778123, the better the treatment effect. Product name are used in various high-tech fields, so the market demand for Aluminum nitride (AlN) will continue to rise. We are a quality supplier of Aluminum nitride (AlN), please feel free to contact us. Inquiry us Stearic Acid Series Properties and applications of boron carbide The Group of Seven leading economies is discussing imposing a cap on Russian oil prices by imposing restrictions on insurance and shipping, according to people familiar with the matter. The potential mechanism would only allow shipments of Russian crude oil and petroleum Boron Carbide B4C powder,Overview of Boron Carbide B4C powder,Application of boron carbide B4C powder,Boron carbide B4C powder price,Boron Carbide B4C Powder Supplier are still very uncertain. Overview of Boron Carbide B4C powder Boron carbide (B4C) is also known as black diamond. It is gray-black and is a very hard man-made material: the Mohs hardness is 9.3, and the microhardness is 5500~6700kg/mm2, second only to diamond and cubic boron nitride. The structure of boron carbide is hexagonal. The density of boron carbide is 2.52g/cm3. The melting point of boron carbide is 2450, and it decomposes and volatilizes rapidly when the temperature is higher than 2800. Boron carbide B4C powder properties Boron carbide is insoluble in water and organic solvents, has strong chemical stability, is resistant to acid and alkali corrosion, and hardly reacts with all acid and alkali solutions. The thermal neutron capture cross section of boron carbide is large and the neutron absorption ability is strong, so it is called a neutron absorber and a semiconductor. Application of boron carbide B4C powder Due to its attractive combination of properties, it is a suitable material for many high-performance applications. The excellent hardness of boron carbide makes it a suitable abrasive for grinding, polishing and water jet cutting of metals and ceramics. It is suitable for grinding, polishing, drilling and other processing of various carbide tools, molds, parts, components and gemstones. Boron carbide can be made into abrasive paste and polishing paste with appropriate amount of oil or water as lubricant. Control nuclear fission Boron carbide can absorb a large number of neutrons without forming any radioactive isotopes. It is an ideal neutron absorber in nuclear power plants. Neutron absorbers mainly control the rate of nuclear fission. Boron carbide is mainly used in nuclear reactors as controllable rods, but is sometimes powdered due to increased surface area. During the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986, Russia dropped nearly 2,000 tons of boron carbide and sand, which ultimately stopped a chain reaction within the reactor. Abrasives Because boron carbide has long been used as a rough grinding material. Due to its high melting point, it is not easy to cast into artificial products, but it can be processed into simple shapes by melting powder at high temperature. For grinding, grinding, drilling and polishing of hard materials such as carbide and gemstones. Coating Boron carbide can also be used as ceramic coatings for warships and helicopters. It is lightweight and has the ability to resist penetration of armor-piercing projectiles through thermocompression coatings, forming a complete defensive layer. Nozzle In the arms industry, it can be used to make gun barrels. Boron carbide, extremely hard and wear-resistant, does not react with acid and alkali, high and low temperature resistance, high pressure resistance, density 2.46g/cm3; microhardness 3500kgf/mm2, flexural strength 400MPa, melting point 2450. Since boron carbide nozzles have the above-mentioned characteristics of wear resistance and high hardness, boron carbide sandblasting nozzles will gradually replace known cemented carbide/tungsten steel and silicon carbide, silicon nitride, alumina, zirconia and other sandblasting nozzles. Other Boron carbide is also used in the manufacture of metal borides, smelting sodium boron, boron alloys and special welding. Boron carbide B4C powder price The price of boron carbide B4C powder will vary randomly due to factors such as production costs, transportation costs, international conditions, exchange rates, and market supply and demand of boron carbide B4C powder. Tanki New Materials Co., Ltd. aims to help various industries and chemical wholesalers find high-quality, low-cost nanomaterials and chemicals by providing a full range of customized services. If you are looking for boron carbide B4C powder, please feel free to send an inquiry to get the latest price of boron carbide B4C powder. Boron Carbide B4C Powder Supplier As a global supplier of boron carbide B4C powders, Tanki New Materials Ltd. has extensive experience in the performance, application and cost-effective manufacturing of advanced and engineered materials. The company has successfully developed a series of powder materials (titanium diboride, silicon hexaboride, molybdenum boride, iron boride), high-purity target materials, functional ceramics and structural devices, and provides OEM services. Boron Carbide Properties Other Names B4C, B4C powder, black diamond, boron carbide powder, boron-carbon refractory ceramic CAS No. 12069-32-8 Compound Formula B4C Molecular Weight 55.26 Appearance Gray to Black Powder Melting Point 2763 C Boiling Point 3500 C Density 2.52 g/cm3 Solubility in H2O Insoluble Electrical Resistivity 0 to 11 10x -m Poisson's Ratio 0.17-0.18 Tensile Strength 350 MPa (Ultimate) Thermal Conductivity 31 to 90 W/m-K Thermal Expansion 4.5 to 5.6 m/m-K Vickers Hardness 26 Mpa Young's Modulus 240 to 460 Gpa Exact Mass 56.037222 Boron Carbide Health & Safety Information Signal Word Warning Hazard Statements H332 Hazard Codes Xi Risk Codes 20 Safety Statements 22-39 RTECS Number N/A Transport Information N/A WGK Germany 3 The day after the shooting at a Texas elementary school, the National Rifle Association issued a statement saying it "extends its deepest sympathies to the families and victims involved in this terrible and evil crime," adding it would "reflect on these events and pray for the victims." It comes just days before the National Rifle Association's annual convention in Houston, Texas. Houston is less than five hours away. Texas Governor Tony Abbott, Senator Ted Cruz, and others are scheduled to attend the event, which has also caused a lot of controversies. Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark O 'Rourke took to social media to call on Abbott to pull out of the convention, urging that it be held outside Texas. Many American netizens also took to social media to express their dissatisfaction. "I wish the NRA's annual meeting was held three days after 19 children and two adults were massacred," said one. "The school shooting was not a lone Wolf, but with the help of the NRA." Between 2000 and 2020, US gun manufacturers produced more than 139 million guns for the civilian market, according to the Justice Department report. The NATIONAL Rifle Association (NRA) is one of the leading gun rights advocates with more than 5m members and deep pockets. The United States has not passed major gun control laws for more than two decades, blocked by gun interests. The Boron Carbide B4C powder,Overview of Boron Carbide B4C powder,Application of boron carbide B4C powder,Boron carbide B4C powder price,Boron Carbide B4C Powder Supplier price is predicted to increase in the next few days. Inquiry us Surfactant Market Trend and Demand Saudi petrochemical product prices rise Will Affact the Price of Optoelectronic materials The price of petrochemical products in Saudi Arabia continues to increase. Driven by oil prices rising by more than 30%, coupled with the optimism of global new crown pneumonia vaccine distribution for health needs, the average price of polymer products in the first quarter of this year increased by 4-15% from the previous quarter. According to data from Al Rajhi Capital Research, the recent supply disruptions caused by the winter blizzard in the United States, coupled with rising upstream costs and healthy downstream demand, have made spot prices 18-56% higher than the average price in 2019. "We predict that polymer prices will remain at a high level for at least most of the year, due to tight supply and gradual improvement in global demand. However, the average raw material price in the first quarter of this year increased by 30% year-on-year. It is mainly driven by rising oil prices, which may partially offset the improvement in spreads for most products." Al Rajhi said: "Nevertheless, due to seasonal factors, we expect the prices of key raw materials (propane and butane) for Saudi producers to gradually decline in the next few quarters." In general, Saudi oil producers are likely to benefit from the recent surge in oil prices, and profits may recover strongly in 2021 (close to the level of most companies in 2018), which means that there may be higher dividends this year. Affected by the eight Saudi petrochemical product prices rise, the product name market has changed rapidly. These changes are indicators of market growth. This year-on-year upward trend in the market indicates that the next November 2020-2026 will be oval but stable The growth. If you want to find the name of the product or the name of the product purchased in bulk, please send an email to: sales1@ozbo.com The price of Optoelectronic materialss continues to be affected by market growth momentum, various opportunities and challenges, and other factors. However, during the forecast period from 2020 to 2026, the global Optoelectronic materials sales market is expected to continue to be above average. The growth rate will be Continue to improve. It is expected that the price of the Optoelectronic materials will increase to a certain extent from today to next week. Due to consumer demand, changes in import and export conditions and various investigations on the development of Optoelectronic materialss, the cost of Optoelectronic materialss is constantly changing. Taking into account the macroeconomic parameters of the current market, value chain analysis, channel partners, demand and supply, products The cost of the name will also be affected to a certain extent. It is estimated that the cost of the Optoelectronic materials will increase slightly from today to next week. However, Ozbo.com provides high-purity nano Optoelectronic materialss at a stable price. In order to reward old customers, the company is still in full operation and provides Optoelectronic materialss at competitive prices.Ozbo.com sales manager Olina said. About Ozbo.Com Ozbo.com (also known as Tanki New Materials Co., Ltd.) is a reliable global supplier and manufacturer of chemical materials, with more than 12 years of experience in providing ultra-high quality chemical materials and nanomaterials. As a leading nanotechnology development and Optoelectronic materials manufacturer, PuYang Tanki Dominates the market. Our professional work team provides comprehensive solutions to help improve the efficiency of various industries, create value and easily respond to various challenges. If To find the Optoelectronic materials, please send an email to: sales1@ozbo.com Or contact us through the following link: https://www.ozbo.com/contact-us.html Inquiry us Danish brewer Carlsberg has warned a possible slowdown of beer consumption in Europe because of increased prices could dent profit growth this year. Carlsberg expects organic operating profit this year to change by between minus 5% and plus 5%, compared with 12% growth last year. "2023 will be another challenging year," chief executive Cees 't Hart said in a statement. "While beer historically has been a resilient consumer category, the higher prices in combination with generally high inflation may have a negative impact on beer consumption in some of our markets, particularly in Europe," he said. Brewers have raised beer prices in response to rising energy and raw material costs. Carlsberg said its revenue per litre of beer sold grew 9% last year, and it would have to raise prices by a "high single-digit" percentage this year to cover rising costs. This echoes comments by Nestle last week about plans to raise prices of its food products further this year to offset higher production costs that it has yet to fully pass on to consumers. Carlsberg, the Western brewer most exposed to Russia, said last year it expected a writedown of about 9.9 billion Danish crowns (1.3bn) after announcing a sale of its business in the country as a consequence of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Wholesale gas Meanwhile, European wholesale gas fell, with Morgan Stanley seeing room for an even deeper retreat as healthy stockpiles ease a historic energy crisis. An ongoing cold spell is forecast to end soon and warmer weather likely to return next week. While gas reserves have declined in recent days, they remain well above the 10-year average and are providing a strong buffer for any increase in demand. Traders are also waiting for news on the reopening of the Freeport plant in the US, formerly a major supplier to Europe before an explosion last summer closed shipments. Reduced consumption by industries, a mostly mild winter and steady inflows of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, have helped push prices down more than 25% this year, and they are hovering near levels seen before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Morgan Stanley cut its forecast for prices in the third quarter to 47 a megawatt-hour last seen in August 2021 compared with 64 estimated a month ago. It expects gas reserves, which are about 70% full, ending the winter season at 59%. That is double the levels of last year. Continental European gas prices for March were trading over 6% lower at 54.50 a megawatt-hour on late Tuesday. The UK equivalent contract also fell by over 6%. The European gas market has turned around sharply. It has moved from fears of shortage last year, to potentially a position of glut later this year. Storage sites could be filled up months in advance if the continent doesnt slow down purchases, Morgan Stanley said. That could result in too much gas floating around in the market. Countries in our European perimeter would reach 100% inventory fill as early as August if LNG imports continue at the current pace, the bank said. Reuters and Bloomberg Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has met with representatives of Dublin Airport operator Daa and An Garda Siochana to discuss incidents involving drones over the past few days. Flights were suspended on Friday, Saturday and again on Monday evening due to activity in the airspace around Dublin Airport. Mr Ryan, along with Minister of State Jack Chambers, met with the Daa, gardai as well as representatives from the Irish Aviation Authority and the Department of Justice on Tuesday evening. They will be briefed on the incidents in question and will hear about the ongoing efforts to address the use of drones in the vicinity of the airport. It is illegal to fly drones within 5km of Dublin Airport. The Ministers reiterated that they take this issue very seriously and will work closely with relevant state bodies to ensure that the illegal use of drones is tackled effectively. They also condemned the "unacceptable disruption" to passengers arising from the incidents over the weekend. In a statement, they said that the safety of passengers, airline crew and those within the airport is the primary consideration for all involved. "The measures taken over St. Brigid's bank holiday weekend, including the suspension of flight operations, were in line with international best practice on aviation safety. "Summary proceedings and proceedings on indictment can be brought under civil aviation legislation and the criminal code with the possibility of sentences of up to 7 years on conviction." There are EU and national rules in place around the use of drones, including an exclusion zone of 5km around airports. The misuse of drones is a criminal offence. Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said gardai would 'come down hard' on those who fly in the restricted zone around the capital's airport. Picture: Leah Farrell/Rollingnews.ie Fine Gael senator Regina Doherty called for the grounding of drones which are not registered with the Irish Aviation Authority. She said: Every drone has a unique identifier called a Media Access Control address assigned to it. Through the Irish Aviation Authority, we have a national register of every drone sold in this country, and while every drone operator should in theory be linked to an individual MAC address, the system is frequently flouted. There are tens of thousands of drones operating here, but very few are actually registered. Ireland needs to introduce stronger regulations on drone ownership from the point of sale, to ensure prosecution for operators who fly their drones in an illegal, irresponsible and dangerous manner. 'Catastrophic' engine failure warning Meanwhile, a former member of the air corps has warned drones could cause "catastrophic failure" of a plane's engine. Former lieutenant colonel Kevin Byrne warned the drone operators there were "enough hazards" in the airpsace without the addition of drones. He told Today with Claire Byrne: "You're supposed to keep away from prohibited airspace, restricted airspace and, of course, controlled airspace. There are enough hazards involved in aviation safety. We do manage that very well with weather. And, you know, birds. We have congestion on the airfield, perhaps congestion in the air. We don't need something like a drone coming in. "The effects of an aircraft taking off and ingesting one of these things would be extremely serious. It would probably lose the engine because unlike the birds, this thing is made of metal and plastic. It will cause a catastrophic failure of an engine. And we just can't have that. It's criminal. It should be stopped." We live, sometimes, in an ugly State. Ive written that here before on a few occasions, and I find myself sometimes despairing about whether its something that can ever be fixed. It was borne in on me once again when I read my colleague Mick Cliffords riveting article on Saturday about the way we have treated disabled drivers for years. The work of bean counters and their political masters, he called it. You could give dozens of other examples to prove that Mick is right. The treatment of families looking for additional educational resources for a child with autism. The treatment of elderly people (and their families) who cannot find a place in a public nursing home and have to go private because they have no choice. The treatment of people who have been sexually abused in our primary care system. The treatment of people with disabilities whose allowances are promptly robbed from them the minute they go into a high-support residential situation. The treatment of people whose lives were devastated by thalidomide. The thing they all have in common is this. The weaker and more fragile people are, the more silent their voices, the less powerful the lobbies representing them, and the more likely it is that they will be badly treated sometimes to the point of abuse by an ugly state. But actually, Mick is wrong, at least in one important respect. Irish politicians arent cruel. Neither, by and large, are Irish public servants. The truth is they tend to live in fear, and that fear has created an implacable bureaucratic impulse The fear is the fear of the heavens falling in, and the impulse is to go to any lengths to prevent that from happening. And its not just ugly and cruel. Its nonsense. Because heres the truth of it. And its the truth no bureaucracy ever wants you to know. The heavens never fall in. I was listening to a debate on the radio the other day about the nursing home charges and the robbing of disability payments. The subject of redress came up, and some of the panellists were in favour of it. One, though, kept insistently demanding to know if the others were really proposing, in all seriousness, that taxpayers should foot the bill. I wanted to roar two things at the radio, to try to get it into their heads once and for all. First, the Irish State has paid out billions in redress in respect of different injustices in recent years. Its often happened under duress, and sometimes been done really grudgingly. But despite the taxpayer footing those bills, Ireland has become richer and richer. And the tax burden hasnt grown. Second, there is no example in the history of the world where an economy has gone bankrupt by setting out to apply principles of justice to its dealings with its citizens. Some of the most sustainably highly developed countries in our world are those that thrive on the promotion of equality and the elimination of inequality Bureaucracies have different ways of saying the same thing. The heavens will fall in. The floodgates will open. An undesirable precedent is being created. Theyre all the big lie, designed to frighten the lives out of their leaders. When I started off as a political adviser many years ago a senior civil servant told me that the primary role of the civil service in a democracy was to point out the errors of their ways to politicians. If they couldnt prevent them from making mistakes, at least they could point out where the mistakes were likely to happen. Somewhere along the way, that impulse grew into a certainty that politicians would always get it wrong, and by doing so they would wreck the public purse. Whatever the hell the public purse is. There is now a dominant imperative, and it relies heavily on the big lie that decency and compassion are the road to ruin. Mismanagement of money It may be because there was feckless spending and mismanagement along the way. There have been schemes and tax breaks and such that have been enormously expensive and done no lasting good at all (except they have enabled a few people to win a few elections, of course). The irony, of course, is that little if any of that spending was directed at people who have nothing or people who have been mistreated. The rule about tax breaks in Ireland has always been, the more you have the more you get. The real distortion in all of this and its thrown into sharp relief by the cheese-paring approach that treats disabled drivers like potential tax dodgers is the underlying assumption that the public interest can only be measured by money. Thats the most pernicious lie of all, but its the most pervasive and dominant way of measuring public policy. In my fundraising days, when I would ask business people to invest in our work, they would often ask searching questions. Like, whats the return on the investment? Is there likely to be added value? Public servants only ever asked one question. How much will it cost? Thats the rule by which they are ordered to live their lives. There is only one way to change that. We have to insert a public interest rule into public policy. And it needs to be done by law At the moment, when the government is considering changes in law, the proposals in front of them are supposed to be gender-proofed. That was a change introduced in my time. I understand that proposals in front of the Government now also have to pass a climate test. But in the future, every legislative measure and every significant administrative decision needs to be able to pass a public interest test. It must be a test that enables government and the Oireachtas to be satisfied that a correct balance has been struck. Nobody wants a return to wild public spending, but do we really want to live in the sort of ugly state where only money matters? We passed a piece of legislation in 2014 establishing the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. Its an effective body, and it has made a lot of peoples lives better. Ive never heard anyone complain, in public anyway, that its a waste of money. That legislation needs to be amended now. The commission needs to be vested with the authority to do two things first, to draw up a public interest test and tell us all where the right balance should be struck. And second, to examine every single public policy proposal legislative or administrative to ensure that it achieves the balance in the test. And the law needs to compel every single government department and public body to submit its activities for examination under the test. That may seem like a cumbersome approach. But changing the law to insist on a public interest element in decision-making is the only way to ensure that things are done out in the open. If we get it right we will get rid of the ugly way we treat people when we accept that money matters more than justice and decency. And we desperately need to do that. Today is Safer Internet Day 2023, a global initiative to promote a better online for all. What has changed since Safer Internet Day 2022? In Ireland, there are developments to celebrate: the passing of the Online Safety Media Regulation Act and the appointment of Niamh Hodnett as Irelands first Online Safety Commissioner. Both are welcome commitments to making the online world a safer, more accountable space for children. As we mark Safer Internet Day, its worth thinking about what still needs to change. Ultimately, we need a societal shift in how we think about parenting in the digital age. We must approach parenting our children online in the same way that we parent them offline the fundamental message of our #SameRulesApply campaign, launched today in partnership with the Irish Examiner, National Parents Council, and Accenture. The internet wasnt designed for children, and their safety is subsequently at risk when left unsupervised online Unicef estimates children constitute a third of all online users. There are unparalleled opportunities online for children to learn, create and socialise, however, there are also inherent risks: oversharing personal information, cyberbullying, exposure to age-inappropriate content and online grooming and (s)extortion. The latter two categories saw an alarming increase during lockdowns. Hotline.ie noted recently that 25% more child sex abuse images were detected and taken offline in 2021 than the previous 21 years combined. A groundbreaking 2022 Finnish study surveyed those searching for Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) on three commonly-used dark web search engines. It found almost 42% of respondents to their Help us to Help You survey reported they sought direct contact with children online after viewing CSAM. Children are at ever greater risk of being contacted online with harmful intent. Read More A Guide to Parenting in a Digital Age Another significant moment in 2022 was the inquest for 14-year old UK schoolgirl Molly Russell, who died by suicide in 2017. Coroner Andrew Walker concluded Molly Rose Russell died from an act of self-harm whilst suffering from depression and the negative effects of online content. The inquest heard that she viewed extensive amounts of graphic content related to self-harm, anxiety, depression and suicide on social media platforms in the lead-up to her death. It was hailed as a tobacco moment by the Nspcc because of the accountability it attributes to social media platforms for content they promoted. Walker recommended the government consider separate platforms for children and adults as he called for a review of childrens use of online content. Access to internet When did it become the norm for parents to feel compelled to give children smartphones in sixth class (or earlier)? We feel pressure from children to have this vital connection to the online world their friends have, when they are arguably not yet mature enough to handle the challenges of life online. ESRIs Growing up in Ireland study found 54% of nine-year-olds have their own mobile compared to 44% 10 years ago. Our own annual report shows YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, WhatsApp and Instagram are the most popular apps among 8-12 year olds: 87% of kids in this age group had their own social media account, despite a minimum age restriction of 13 on these apps. As parents, we must view online parenting in the same way we do offline parenting. Ask yourself this: have you ever brought your young child to a swimming pool and left them unsupervised? Would you encourage your child to speak to a stranger in the park or on the street? If the answer to these is no, then why would you let your child go online unsupervised whenever and wherever they want? Its vital we keep a close eye on what children are doing online. When children have their own devices, parents need to set clear rules and limits, and be consistent. As a parent, model the online behaviour you want to see Ongoing dialogue around the online world is essential, regardless of age. Normalising discussing online life is the best way to keep your children safe and ensure their experiences online are as positive as they can be. As children mature, they will inevitably want more privacy, but it is important to continue to regularly monitor and supervise online activity in an atmosphere of trust and transparency. CyberSafeKids demands fundamental societal change to support children online. The burden of responsibility to support children shouldnt fall on parents alone. We need a much stronger focus on education so that the conversation around risks and opportunities online continues from the home and is supported in school. We also insist online services gaming and social media platforms take their responsibilities regarding child users far more seriously, and we want legal frameworks that mandate this. Ill end with a quote from Anne Longfield, former UK Childrens Commissioner, who said todays children will look back on this period and they will see it literally was a time where the digital world was a wild and dangerous place they will wonder how adults ever let that happen and will look at it in the same way we now look back and wonder how children were allowed to ride in cars without seatbelts. Its up to us as parents to take charge and effect meaningful changes for the sake of our children. Alex Cooney is co-founder and CEO of CyberSafeKids www.cybersafekids.ie Burma Myanmar Regime Killed Over 110 Civilians Including 10 Children in January Taing Lay Village, Sagaing Region after being torched by junta troops on January 9. / Supplied Myanmar junta forces killed more than 110 civilians including 10 children in January, said the civilian National Unity Government (NUG). The NUGs Ministry of Justice said in its latest report that 116 civilians died in regime attacks in January, while at least 37 more people were injured. The resistance stronghold of Sagaing Region suffered the highest casualties with 80 dead, followed by Mandalay Region with 11 killed and Magwe Region with eight dead. In addition, junta forces in January burned down nearly 5,100 civilian houses in Sagaing, Magwe, Mandalay and Tanintharyi regions and Chin, Mon and Kayin states, according to the NUG report. Military regime troops and pro-junta militia have been stepping up their attacks on civilian targets in Sagaing especially. Some 4,700 civilian homes were torched in Sagaing last month. Over 95 people were also arbitrarily arrested by the junta in January, added the NUG report. The NUGs Ministry of Justice said that it has collected evidence of war crimes, human rights violations, and crimes against humanity, so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice. The ministry also called on the public and revolutionary groups to submit evidence of such crimes to them. Myanmar has been in political, economic and social turmoil since the Myanmar militarys coup in February 2021. Faced with a nationwide rebellion against its rule, the merciless junta is continuing to use brutal and lethal crackdowns in an attempt to crush resistance. Rights group the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said that it had confirmed 2,954 civilian deaths since the military takeover, while over 17,668 people have been arrested by the regime. AAPP added that the actual number of deaths and detentions are likely much higher and that it will continue to update the figures. Burma Myanmar Regime Opens Nuclear Info Center in Yangon Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing and Rosatom director Alexey Likhachev inaugurate Myanmars first nuclear technology information center in Yangon on Feb. 6. Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing presided at the opening of Myanmars first nuclear technology information center on Monday, as the military officially embarked on its atomic power program. The junta chief left his base in Naypyitaw and joined with Alexey Likhachev, director general of Russias state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom, to oversee the centers launch in Hlaing Township, Yangon. Min Aung Hlaing and Likhachev sprinkled scented water over the plaque at the information center in a blessing ritual to invite success for the project. The two also inked an agreement for cooperation between the Russian and Myanmar regimes in 14 areas of nuclear technology development. Though the main purpose of the cooperation is to develop nuclear reactors to generate electricity for Myanmar, the two also discussed the use of nuclear technology in health, agriculture, and industrial manufacturing. The agreement promised peaceful use of atomic energy in the Burmese and Russian versions of the document. However, skepticism over that claim is warranted given the two countries involved have launched brutal military campaigns against civilian populations. The junta has not disclosed the location of a small modular reactor to be built by Rosatom, but information leaked from a military office said it would be built near Naypyitaw, the administrative capital and home of the generals. The deputy director general of Rosatom visited Naypyitaw in December to discuss potential sites for the nuclear reactor with deputy junta chief General Soe Win. Junta media said the deal also involves cooperation on nuclear disaster safety, security and emergency response in line with the 19 requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The design of Myanmars nuclear technology information center mimics its counterpart in St Petersburg, according to a source from the juntas science and technology ministry. The center showcases the benefits of nuclear technology, said the ministry source, who attended the opening on Monday. Security was tightened on Monday in and around the Hlaing University Campus which houses the nuclear information technology center, he added. The centers launch is the latest step on Myanmars path to nuclear capability following a memorandum of understanding signed with Russia in St. Petersburg in June 2015. The Myanmar military has made rapid moves to acquire nuclear technology since staging a coup in February 2021. The regime and Rosatom signed a roadmap for peaceful use of atomic energy in 2023 and 2024 at the 7th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok last September. Burma Myanmars Civilian Government Provides Internet in Rebel-Held Territory The National Unity Government has started to provide internet in 15 townships its controls. The civilian National Unity Government (NUG) has started to provide internet in areas under its control, according to its communications, information and technology minister U Htin Lin Aung. The NUG said it had provided internet in at least 15 townships where the regime has cut off mobile access, enabling the civilian government to administrate and run online schools. NUG spokesman U Nay Phone Latt told The Irrawaddy: We are supplying the internet without using regime infrastructure. It helps offset the juntas news blackout and restrictions on information, he said. We have not yet been able to provide full internet coverage. Our top priority is for the revolution and the second is for the delivery of public services, including education and health, U Nay Phone Latt said. The regime has blocked mobile access in more than 22 townships in Kachin and Chin states and Sagaing and Magwe regions since mid-2021 following escalating armed conflict. The regime has also slowed internet access in other townships. Civilian-run bodies like the peoples authorities in NUG-controlled areas, including Kantbalu, Kawlin and Katha townships in Sagaing Region, are now reportedly using NUG-supplied internet. A Kyunhla Township official said: It helps with the information needed for defense work. We have been able to network more closely with the NUG ministries. The majority of Sagaing Region is still offline, said Thazin Khin of Monywa Township Peoples Defense Force. We have been active in many townships and we dont see the NUG providing internet. But we dont know about townships where we dont operate, he said. The Sagaing townships of Kani, Yinmabin, Pale, Ayadaw, Wuntho, Budalin, Pinlebu and Kawlin are offline while Monywa, Sagaing, Kale and Shwebo townships still have internet access. The research group Top 10 VPN reported last week that Myanmar had the worlds longest internet shutdown. Myanmar was ranked fourth last year in terms of the economic impact of internet shutdowns, with restrictions costing an estimated US$241 million. In 2021 Myanmar was ranked first with junta internet restrictions costing an estimated $2.8 billion. War Against the Junta KIO Calls for Unified Offensive to Oust Crisis-Hit Myanmar Junta KIA troops in northern Kachin State. / The Irrawaddy The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), one of Myanmars most powerful ethnic groups, has called for rapid and unified resistance to oust a military junta in crisis. The call was made by General NBan La, chairman of KIO, the political wing of the Kachin Independence Army, in a speech on Sunday marking the 62nd anniversary of Armed Forces Day. The call, delivered in the Kachin language, was quoted in local state media. The KIO chairman said the military junta has not been recognized as a legitimate government by the international community, including some neighboring countries, and lacked the protection of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The people and all revolutionary groups need to unify as a single resistance force and destroy all plans and aims of this junta in crisis, NBan La said. If we delay or fight the junta separately during these crisis conditions for the regime, it will be more difficult to uproot the military dictatorship. Ousting the military dictatorship has become the common ambition of Myanmars people, he said. That was why the KIA had joined the revolution by cooperating with the countrys parallel National Unity Government (NUG) and its Peoples Defense Force (PDF) armed wing. The KIO chief added that amid its military operations against ethnic groups, the junta was promoting sham peace talks to fool the international community into thinking that its targeted victims were the perpetrators. NBan La, 79, temporarily stepped down from his post in January. In his New Year speech, the KIO chair called the junta the enemy of all citizens and urged the populace and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) to launch a decisive offensive against the regime. The KIA has trained and armed several thousand activists who joined the armed resistance after regime forces killed hundreds of peaceful anti-coup demonstrators across the country. The armed group recently intensified its attacks with PDFs on regime targets not only in Kachin State but also in northern Shan State and upper Sagaing Region. Clashes are now being reported daily as PDFs and EAOs escalate their offensive against the junta. Analysis Assessing Myanmar Civilian Government's Cooperation With Ethnic Minorities Eight of 17 major EAOs are cooperating with the civilian National Unity Government. There are 17 major ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in Myanmar and the civilian National Unity Government (NUG) says eight of them are cooperating politically or militarily to bring down the junta. NUG spokesman U Nay Phone Latt told The Irrawaddy: We are cooperating [with EAOs] in practical terms. I cant name them for various reasons but you can find them in reports from the frontlines. Observers have stressed the importance of interaction between the NUG and EAOs in defeating the regime and we will examine the extent of cooperation since the February 2021 coup. The EAOs fall into four broad categories: those publicly cooperating with the NUG; groups supporting the NUG behind the scenes; organizations expressing sympathy for the NUG despite holding talks with the regime; and groups that are in talks with the regime and shunning the NUG. EAOs that cooperate with the NUG The Kachin Independence Army, Karen National Union (KNU), Karenni National Progressive Party, Chin National Front and All Burma Students Democratic Front all cooperate with the NUG. They have provided military training for many of the estimated 65,000 resistance fighters that have appeared since the coup. The Kawthoolei Army led by Major General Saw Nerdah Mya, which has split from the KNU following the coup, also fights alongside resistance forces. Six EAOs say they cooperate with the NUG and the civilian government has formed three regional commands to ensure military cooperation between the groups. Region one oversees northern and western Myanmar, region two covers southern areas and region three oversees central and eastern zones. The NUGs Central Command and Coordination Committee formed in October 2021 includes leaders from allied EAOs. The parallel government cooperates on a political level to provide administrative duties in liberated territories. The Interim Chin National Consultative Council, Kachin Political Interim Coordination Team, Karenni State Consultative Council, Mon State Interim Coordination Committee, Pa-O National Federal Council and Taang Political Consultative Council are all working with the NUG. They are political coalitions representing ethnic minorities. EAOs providing hidden support The powerful Three Brotherhood Alliance of the Arakan Army (AA), Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) is not conducting military operations with the NUG but it provides training and weapons to resistance forces. MNDAA Brigade 611 that was armed in early January is a combination of at least six resistance groups, including the Bamar Peoples Liberation Army, which is allied to the NUG. The AA has trained resistance fighters in western Magwe Region and the TNLA has trained volunteers from Mandalay Region. EAOs with sympathy for the NUG Several EAOs have shown an understanding for the NUGs armed struggle without making any public statements. The United Wa State Army, Shan State Progress Party and National Democratic Alliance Army have ceasefires with the regime and have held talks with the junta but not conceded to its demands. During talks last month in Naypyitaw, the regime demanded the three groups stop supporting the NUG and its allied groups. They rejected the juntas demand. A source told The Irrawaddy: They asked us to sign an agreement not to support and sell arms to the resistance groups. We didnt accept that. There was a heated argument and we threatened to walk out if they kept insisting that we sign. A source said the three groups feared the public would believe the juntas misleading statements about the discussions. The three groups clearly share an understanding with resistance forces, analysts have said. EAOs in talks with the junta Seven EAOs that are signatories to the 2015 Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, including the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), New Mon State Party (NMSP), Democratic Karen Benevolent Army, Karen National Liberation Army Peace Council, Arakan Liberation Party, Pa-O National Liberation Organization and a Lahu Democratic Union splinter group, only engage with the junta. Only the RCSS and NMSP have relatively large armies while the others have few or no troops. They have said they prefer to follow political means to solve problems and need to engage in dialogue with the junta. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has conferred honorary titles like Wunna Kyawhtin on some of their leaders. There is no open hostility towards the NUG from the groups. The people will decide these groups fate, said U Nay Phone Latt. If they back Min Aung Hlaings terrorist military, they will be considered criminals. Some might be cooperating for their groups survival. And some may be looking for an alternative path. Ultimately, it is the people who will decide their fate, said the NUG spokesman. Will cooperation with the NUG increase? Only a third of EAOs with an estimated 40,000 troops in total are fully cooperating with the NUG. Around a third of the groups are only partially involved in the revolution while about 7 percent of EAOs troops are allied with the junta. There has been more military than political cooperation, ethnic leaders say. Padoh Mahn Mahn, the KNU spokesman in Papun District, said: The military cooperation is clear. We fight the dictatorship. We fight to defend the people. But political agreements are yet to develop properly. The NUG has reached a general agreement on establishing a federal democracy but is yet to ratify a constitution guaranteeing self-determination and equality. We havent been able to design an interim constitution that is satisfactory on equality and self-determination for ethnic minorities. Military cooperation has reached a satisfactory level but political cooperation is weak, Padoh Mahn Mahn said. U Nay Phone Latt said the NUG will realize the promises made by Daw Aung San Suu Kyis father General Aung San in the 1947 Panglong Agreement. The NUG opposes racial chauvinism and guarantees equality and self-determination within a federation, he said. While we can absolutely guarantee these things, there are also other issues that must only be decided through broader consultation with stakeholders in the future. The NUG is an interim government and we are not in a position to guarantee future policies, said the NUG spokesman. An observer said it is difficult for NUG and EAOs to reach political agreements because of their differing backgrounds and experiences. It is difficult to agree new systems of government. It will also be influenced by which revolutionary groups achieve success, she said. Another observer called for greater cooperation with allied EAOs. The NUG must persuade neutral EAOs to join the fight, presenting overwhelming numbers to guarantee victory over the junta, he said. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Japanese fashion designer Yuima Nakazato has collaborated with computer printer and information and imaging-related equipment manufacturer Epson to incorporate digital textile printing to produce his spring haute couture collection at Paris Fashion Week. Epsons dry fibre technology, which is already used commercially to recycle office paper and which requires virtually no water, has been adapted to produce printable non-woven fabric from used garments. The new fabric production process was revealed in Paris as part of a three-year collaboration between Epson and Nakazato for the first time recently during the latters runway show at the Palais de Tokyo. Both Epson and Nakazato are keen to raise awareness of the water and material waste associated with excess production. The Paris Show illustrated how switching to digital textile printing using more environmentally friendly pigment inks offers the fashion industry a more sustainable and less wasteful means of textile printing, according to Epson. The fabric sourced materials from garments in Africa. Nakazato visited Kenya where he collected around 150 kg of waste garment material destined for the clothes mountain of discarded textiles he encountered there. Epson then applied its dry fibre process to produce over 50 metres of new re-fibreised non-woven fabric, some of which was used for printing with pigment inks with Epsons Mona Lisa digital printing technology. Although in its early stages, Epson believes its dry fibre technology combined with pigment ink digital printing could offer the fashion industry a much more sustainable future, significantly reducing water use while allowing designers the freedom to fully express their creativity, said Epson printing solutions division Hitoshi Igarashi. Epsons Environmental Vision is committed to contributing to a circular economy, and this development could be one step towards achieving this. Dry fibre technology applied to the fashion industry offers the possibility of producing material for new clothes that have been recycled from used garments. Cloud security platform operator Wiz now has an Australian data centre, allowing it to serve clients that have particular data sovereignty and privacy requirements. The company says its Sydney data centre uses the same architecture as the rest of its global infrastructure, so innovations and new features will be available on a global schedule. The Australian Cyber Security Centre's Essential Eight Security Guidelines model are a supported framework at Wiz, along with support for industry benchmarks including CIS Controls, ISO 27001 and SOC2. The move was welcomed local Wiz customers. "TechnologyOne has partnered with Wiz to enhance our cyber security posture and reinforce our customer commitment to be the most trusted SaaS platform," said TechnologyOne SaaS platform executive vice president Daniel Sultana. We're delighted to see Wiz's continued investment in Australia with the announcement of a Sydney data centre and support of the Essential Eight controls." OFX CISO Santanu Lodh said "The new Sydney data centre gives us further confidence in Wiz's commitment to the market and customers in the Australia region. "We trust Wiz to help us secure our growing diverse cloud footprint, and this investment will accelerate our adoption of Wiz." Wiz co-founder and CEO Assaf Rappaport said "The Australian market continues to be a critically important region for Wiz as the pace of innovation and cloud adoption is one of the fastest around the world. "We will continue to invest heavily in the region and be a strategic cloud security partner for local customers seeking to securely accelerate their cloud journeys." This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. Today Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low 51F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low 51F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Tomorrow Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Tunisia's justice ministry said Monday it had set up a special commission to examine files relating to the investigation and prosecution over the 2013 killings of two prominent left-wing opponents. The murders of Chokri Belaid and Mohamed Brahmi, coming just two years after the Arab Spring uprisings that began in the North African country, sparked a major political crisis. Ten years later, the murder of the two, who opposed the policies of the then dominant Islamist-inspired party Ennahdha, remains shrouded in mystery. An official statement said that Justice Minister Leila Jaffal had decided "in support of the justice process and to reveal the truth, on the formation of a special commission to follow up on the case of the assassination of the two martyrs". She also authorised "a thorough judicial and administrative inspection" into files relating to the killings. Belaid, a 48-year-old lawyer, was gunned down outside his Tunis home exactly 10 years ago on February 6, 2013. The Islamic State jihadist group said it killed him, and also claimed the murder six months later in July of Brahmi. Brahmi's killing forced Ennahdha to cede power to a government of technocrats, just after the adoption of a new constitution. The following February, the authorities said that Belaid's alleged killer, Kamel Gadhgadhi, had himself been killed. Relatives and representatives of Belaid and Brahmi have regularly accused political parties and some judges and lawyers of obstructing those seeking the truth behind the killings. Relatives of Belaid accuse Ennahdha of being at least "indulgent" towards the often violent discourse that erupted in the country after the murders. Ennahdha denies this, saying that after the killings it designated the long-tolerated jihadist Ansar al-Sharia movement a "terrorist" organisation. In June last year, President Kais Saied dismissed dozens of magistrates, some of whom he believed to have put obstructed the investigations into the two killings. The first annual report of the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission (TJRRC), officially inaugurated in July 2021, lists as its main activities "meetings with the government authorities, training of commissioners, travel, sharing of experiences, recruitment of certain experts, and awareness-raising on the roles and responsibilities of the Commission". The TJRRC was created in 2020 in parallel with the Special Criminal Court (SCC), a hybrid court composed of national and international judges charged with trying serious crimes committed in the Central African Republic since 2003. Among other things, the Commission is expected to establish the truth, restore the dignity of victims, and facilitate national reconciliation. But one year and seven months after its 11 commissioners were sworn in, it is struggling to get off the ground and carry out its mission. "This is not whats expected of them," cries Evrard Bondade, secretary general of the NGO Central African Human Rights Observatory. "Seminars, immersion trips to Rwanda, South Africa! We want instead to see the commissioners go on the ground, hear the victims and perpetrators, and propose reparations. There is no key message, the Commission is floundering. Lack of resources Bondade is aware of the difficulties the Truth Commission faces. "The TJRRC does not have technical and financial partners. There are no donors, including the government. If there are no financial means, it is normal that things are dragging. This is why the Commission is struggling to make its mark," he says. The Commission's report also mentions its financial difficulty, but does not give any figures. There is no budget, no line on expenditures to date, and no projections. In its recommendations, the TJRRC calls for "the allocation of a substantial budget", but it does not give an estimate. Last year, it was allocated a lump sum of 200 million CFA francs (about 300,000 euros). How much does it think it will need for the current year? "Between 900 million and 1 billion CFA francs (1.4 - 1.5 million euros), said Serge Hubert Bangui, first vice- president of the Commission, in an interview with Justice Info. The 2023 budget law has come into effect, but Bangui has no idea what portion is reserved for his institution. "However, we are finalizing an operational plan that will be presented shortly, in March or April. In this plan, we will structure and cost the activities to be carried out," he adds. This plan, according to him, will be an opportunity to raise funds from partners. Lack of visibility Even vehicles are lacking for the commissioners to travel in the interior of the country. "The TJRRC does not even have visibility," said Bondade. "Before beginning its mission, the Commission must talk about itself, travel to the CARs 20 prefectures and make the population aware of its task, so that people are not surprised later. It must prepare the population to support its work. But the TJRRC cannot do all these preparatory missions today because it lacks the logistical means." According to the Commissions report, it organized only two outreach activities. The first was carried out with the support of MINUSCA, the United Nations mission in the Central African Republic, in 23 localities, but it does not give details. That one reached 955 people, according to the TJRRC. The second one took place in seven towns -- Boali, Bossangoa, Bambari, Birao, Obo, Paoua and Ndele -- in collaboration with the Swiss NGO Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. Through radio broadcasts, the TJRRC estimates that it has reached over 73,000 people. Provisional headquarters "After being sworn in, we realized that we were on the street," TJRRC president Marie-Edith Douzima told the countrys leading radio station Radio Ndeke Luka in late 2021. She said she had identified two buildings in the capital Bangui and proposed to the authorities that one of them be made available to the Commission. The situation did not move until July 2022, when the Commission decided to rent a temporary headquarters. This building, equipped by the United Nations Development Programme, is rented for one million CFA francs (1,500 euros) per month, although it does not offer all the comforts desired, according to interviews with commissioners. "The rent is paid out of the Commission budget," said Serge Hubert Bangui, adding that a year's rent was paid in advance. No implementing decree, no rules of procedure The law governing the TJRRC is the law of April 7, 2020, on its creation, organization and operation. However, the implementing decree for this law has still not been published, even though a draft decree was submitted to the Ministry of Humanitarian Action just after the commissioners were sworn in, for transmission to the President of the Republic. The 2020 law also ordered the Commission to develop rules of procedure and submit them to the Prime Minister. This has been done. The Prime Minister validated the text and sent it to the Constitutional Court, but it is still there. According to information gathered by Justice Info, the Constitutional Court cannot examine the Commissions rules of procedure if the implementing decree has not been published. "At this level, I say there is a lack of political will," Bondade said. "Why are the rules of procedure for a Commission meant to tackle urgent needs still sitting in a drawer? These are unnecessary blockages and the Commission is just going round in circles. We call on those authorized to deal with this matter to expedite it as quickly as possible so the TJRRC can work, because Central Africans expect a lot from this commission. We have noticed that not everything can be settled by normal justice. We are waiting for people to tell us the truth about what we have been going through for decades... and why it is dragging on." Very little progress "The perspectives are broad, not specified in time and not budgeted," deplores Landry Makokpala, a member of the platform bringing together all the victims associations and networks. "When will the TJRRC organize a hearing so that we can come and testify and those who harmed us can give the reasons why?" asks a victim who has read through the commission's first report carefully. The TJRRC says in its report that it plans, without giving a deadline, to develop and adopt administrative and financial policies to mobilize funds, install branches in the 20 prefectures, develop witness and victim statement forms, recruit support staff and experts, hear witnesses and organize hearings. Last December, offices were set up in six cities - Bambari, Bossangoa, Berberati, Obo, Birao and Ndele. But "we are far from meeting the conditions for a hearing," acknowledges the first vice-president of the Commission. "This is a sensitive situation, because we must protect those who come to testify. We are in a situation where the perpetrators are still powerful. We must first set up the victim and witness protection unit. But a first hearing, I think, can be possible at the end of the year." The Commission can receive complaints from victims or take up cases itself. But to date, it has not received any complaints and has not yet taken up any specific case. Its temporal mandate is vast, however, since the Commission is called upon to establish the truth about events in the Central African Republic from March 29, 1959 -- date the CARs founding president Barthelemy Boganda died to 2019. Meanwhile, time is eating into the commissioners' mandate. They still officially have two and a half years to meet their challenge. Seol In Ah, Jang Dong Yoon and Chu Young Woo boasted their refreshing synergy in the script reading event of the upcoming drama "Oasis." The script reading site was filled with cider-like chemistry between the cast and crew of the series. In addition to that, the factors to anticipate in the series are revealed so read to know more! 'Oasis' Cast Shows Off Youthful Chemistry In Drama Script Reading Even before the drama's premiere, KBS2's "Oasis" is generating buzz as Seol In Ah, Jang Dong Yoon and Chu Young Woo boast their intense chemistry! On February 6, "Oasis" shared the scene of the script reading which was attended by the lead stars Seol In Ah, Jang Dong Yoon, Chu Young Woo, the director, producers and more. "Oasis" tells the story of three young adults who work hard to achieve their dreams amidst the turbulence of '80s South Korea. It also depicts the dreams, friendships and romance of the trio. During the script reading, director Han Hee and scriptwriter Jung Hyung Soo praised Seol In Ah, Jang Dong Yoon and Chu Young Woo's chemistry and individual charms. Seol In Ah plays the role of Oh Jung Shin, a beautiful student who transfers to Seoul. She becomes the catalyst of romance between two adolescent boys. The actress expressed her aspirations for the drama, saying that she wants the work to be an "oasis" to the viewers, a source of happiness and comfort, especially after a long day at work. Meanwhile, Jang Dong Yoon and Chu Young Woo, who play the role of Lee Doo Hak and Choi Cheol Woong, also flaunted their youthful images, proving that they're perfect for their respective roles. What To Expect From Upcoming Drama 'Oasis' The three actors showed the beautiful image of exuberance and innocence of teenagers who are united with the same passion. In particular, they also conveyed the excitement of the moment when their characters gradually fell for each other, raising tension for prospective viewers. READ MORE: Lee Se Young To Return With New Historical Drama This 2023 Seol In Ah, Jang Dong Yoon and Chu Young Woo's dimensional acting and realistic expressions that fully portray their characters' woes and dreams were shown and praised by the director, who guarantees to meet the expectations of the viewers. On the other hand, veteran stars Kang Kyung Heon, Kim Myung Soo, Jeon No Min and more are also joined the cast to strengthen the work. 'Oasis' Further Details and Premiere Date The 2022 hot stars Seol In Ah, Jang Dong Yoon and Chu Young Woo are back to deliver a new drama! "Oasis," helmed together by diretor Han Hee and Yoon Sung Shik, intends to bring comfort to the people who experienced and are currently experiencing the struggle brought by time and society. Seol In Ah, Jang Dong Yoon and Chu Young Woo's "Oasis" airs for the first time on March 6 at 9:50 p.m. KST! Watch the teaser here: KDramaStars owns this article. Written by Elijah Mully. Hyun Bin once again prove that he is a man of transformation as he graced Dazed Korea's latest issue. The South Korean heartthrob posed for the 2023 Spring edition of the publication showing off his masculine visuals. Hyun Bin Oozes With Charismatic Expression in Dazed Korea's Latest Issue From his clean-cut and polished looks seen in his previous dramas, Hyun Bin stunned everyone with his rugged visuals. The actor's swoon-worthy looks overwhelmed the atmosphere with a charismatic expression, donning a mustache and beard. Despite being far from his typical image, Hyun BIn gained admiration from viewers with his perfect appearance, even rocking manlike visuals. In the comment section, fans mentioned how thrilled they are to see the actor in a different light. Fans expressed how the "Crash Landing on You" star nailed every look with his effortless handsome features. Interestingly, the 40-year-old star's cover with Dazed Magazine Korea comes after starring in his new movie "The Point Men." Hyun Bin's New Movies: From His Blockbuster Comeback to Highly Anticipated Films While 2022 is probably the most remarkable year for the actor along with his wife Son Ye Jin, Hyun Bin returns with back-to-back projects. To recall, the couple had their dreamy wedding on March 31 followed by pregnancy news announced by the actress. In the same year, Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin welcomed their firstborn son in November. Interestingly, with his successful big-screen comeback for "Confidential Assignment 2: International" with Yoo Hae Jin and Daniel Henney, the South Korean heartthrob starred in another hit movie "The Point Men." IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Hyun Bin Dishes On Who Between Him & Son Ye Jin Looks Like Their Son Hyun Bin transformed as a top-notch NIS agent named Park Dae Sik who was sent on a secret mission to go after an extremist Taliban group and save the Korean tourist hostages. Joining the special mission is Korean Diplomat Jung Jae Ho, played by Hwang Jung Min. As noted by a media outlet, Director Yim Soon Rye briefly spoke about the film and explained that it is a story about people caught up in a "desperate situation" of saving the lives of the hostages. Apart from its Korean premiere, "The Point Men" also expands its debut and was also introduced in the United States and Canada. From a blockbuster film, Hyun Bin is currently filming for his upcoming movie "Harbin." Set in the early 1900s in Harbin, China, the movie follows the story of Korean independence activists who risk their lives in a battle against the Japanese. Joining Hyun Bin as the cast of "Harbin" are Jeon Yeo Bin, Park Jung Min, and "Narco-Saints" star Jo Woo Jin. t's not everyday that a K-drama gets renewed for a new installment. Most of the time, it's only highly rated works that are green-lit for renewal like "Hospital Playlist," "The Penthouse" and more. However, even A-graded series don't get to have this privilege as many producers prefer creating another internationally acclaimed work than risking the reputation of the project and then fail in the long run. Here are three K-dramas that were approved for a sequel but canceled its production midway. Read on to know more. 'The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won' The 2021 epic drama "The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won" starring Joo Sang Wook marked the return of broadcast network KBS2 to historical dramas. During its premiere, the drama received great feedback from the viewers. It also scored high viewership ratings during its run. Unfortunately, the entire production of the drama was under fire for animal abuse after a horse's legs were tied in order to film a scene. The actor suffered from minor injury but the horse died in pain, raising concerns and public outrage. Due to this, "The King of Tears, Lee Bang Won" stopped broadcasting for three consecutive weeks. The director, martial arts teachers and horseback riding team managers of the series were all sent to prosecution as they violated the Animal Protection Act. Originally, the series was confirmed to be released as a two-parter but because of the issue, the supposed second season, as well as the remaining episodes of the series, were canceled for airing. 'The World of the Married' In 2020, Kim Hee Ae, Park Hae Joon and Han So Hee contributed to the skyrocketing popularity of K-drama works after they headlined the hottest drama "The World of the Married." Not only in South Korea but in every part of the world, the drama received intense feedback from the viewers. For eight weeks, the drama took the viewers on a roller coaster ride filled with betrayal, spite and revenge. Originally, "The World of the Married" was set to produce a second season with the first season having an open ending. Unfortunately, everything was scrapped, and two special episodes were released to appease the audiences. The production team reasoned that the drama is better left with an open ending, rather than tying all the loose ends of every character as "The World of the Married" aims the storyline to be as realistic as possible. 'Juvenile Justice' Another letdown in the K-drama scene is Kim Hye Soo's "Juvenile Justice," which was released in 2022. It depicts the story of a juvenile judge who gives severe and maximum punishments to juvenile offenders. During its premiere, the series received great feedback. It even topped Netflix's Global Charts, thanks to its gripping storyline and actors' high quality performances. "Juvenile Justice" also won the Best Screenplay award at the 2022 Baeksang Arts Awards. Sadly, the Netflix series, which was originally scheduled for a second installment, was canceled for unknown reasons, much to fans' disappointment. Many believe that it was because of the work's sensitive themes like rape, abuse and murder. Some simply believe that there has been scheduling conflicts among the crew and the actors. KDramaStars owns this article. Written by Elijah Mully. A man walks among rubble as he searches for people in a destroyed building in Adana, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada stands ready to provide help after a powerful earthquake toppled buildings and killed thousands of people in Turkey and Syria. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Khalil Hamra Quebec's police ethics board says two Montreal police officers lied to investigators looking into the in-custody death of a 23-year-old man. A Montreal Police badge is shown during a news conference in Montreal, Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes China search giant Baidu set to launch ChatGPT-style bot Xinhua) 15:58, February 07, 2023 BEIJING, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese online search giant Baidu Inc. will launch an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot service named "ERNIE Bot" after it completes internal testing in March, according to the company. The chatbot is currently going through the final phase of preparations. Once operational, it will run in a similar fashion to ChatGPT developed by the U.S. company OpenAI, which can generate human-like text based on input. Baidu CEO, Robin Li, identified a shift in AI development at both the technological level and business applications back in September 2022. The company noted that it has all the necessary technology related to the ChatGPT project, with a full-stack layout in its AI framework, including chips, deep learning frameworks, large models, and search applications. Baidu has put years of effort into developing artificial intelligence. In March 2019, it proposed the ERNIE framework, which incorporates knowledge on the basis of deep learning and a continuous learning capability. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! In this episode, we talk to Claire Unis. She reflects on her experiences as a pediatrician and how small moments of contentment and satisfaction, like seeing a healthy baby or a budding tree, led her to realize the importance of an aesthetic appreciation in her practice. She shares the story of a newborn patient whose appearance led her to suspect a serious condition and how her medical training and experience allows her to recognize when something is awry just by looking at a patient. As trained scientists, physicians also have a trained aesthetic appreciation and the ability to recognize when something is wrong. Claire Unis is a pediatrician and author of Balance, Pedal, Breathe: A Journey Through Medical School. She shares her story and discusses her KevinMD article, Aesthetics and the physicians eye. The Podcast by KevinMD is brought to you by the Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience. With so many demands on their time, physicians today report record levels of burnout. Burnout is caused by many factors, one of which is clinical documentation. Studies indicate physicians spend two hours documenting care for every hour spent with patients. At Nuance, we are committed to helping physicians do what you love care for patients and spend less time on clinical documentation. The Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience, or DAX for short, is an AI-powered, ambient clinical intelligence solution that automatically captures patient encounters securely and accurately at the point of care. Physicians who use DAX have reported a 50 percent decrease in documentation time and a 70 percent reduction in feelings of burnout, and 83 percent of patients say their physician is more personable and conversational. Rediscover the joy of medicine with clinical documentation that writes itself, all within the EHR. VISIT SPONSOR https://nuance.com/daxinaction SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RATE AND REVIEW https://www.kevinmd.com/rate FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/kevinphomd FOLLOW ON TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@kevinphomd GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE https://earnc.me/w3y4ff Powered by CMEfy. A workshop on creative writing in Irish will take place at Butler House in Kilkenny later this month. The one-day event will be facilitated by Roisin Sheehy and will take place on February 25. During the workshop participants will respond to creative promts and engage with the senses and imagination. Myth and contemporary Irish Language poetry will feature as part of the workshop. Dress for the weather as some of the workshop will be outdoors. Workshop is suitable for new writers scribbling as Gaeilge as well as published authors. A reasonable fluency of the language is required. Roisin Sheehy is from the West Kerry Gaeltacht and now lives in Kilkenny. Shes a playwright, poet, broadcaster, contemporary dancer and translator. Roisin was awarded the Patrick Kavanagh Fellowship in 2021. Coisceim published her debut poetry collection Liomoidi Rubarb in April 2021 and Leabhair Comhar published her debut play Snamh na Saoirse. Snamh na Saoirse was awarded a Stewart Parker Trust award in 2018 and it was produced by An Lab Theatre Company in Dingle and an Taibhdhearc, Amharclann Naisiunta na Gaeilge in Galway. Her poems have featured in many journals such as Irish Pages, Poetry Ireland Review, Southword, Strokestown Anthology and broadcast on Sunday Miscellany, RTE, Radio 1. She was commissioned by Comharchumann Forbartha na nDeise to write a one act play Fresco in 2021. Her play An Bhean a Saolaiodh ar Charraig and the poem Filleann Fianna were awarded Oireachtas awards in 2020. Roisin translated Eachtra Said/ La Aventura de Said by Josep Lorman from Spanish to Irish which will be published by An Gum in 2023. She directed and wrote Fiach Mara, a short film inspired by the true story of Lis na Beannai Ni Dhalaigh who was born on a rock near the Blaskets. T Roisin also recently collaborated as a writer and performer in Untold Tales of Freedom in Rothe House directed by Ita Morrissey and produced by Heritage Tales. Roisin has produced and presented several documentaries with a particular focus on trees, the environment, womens health and autonomy. She has a background as a secondary school teacher with Spanish and French. She has been a guest speaker, poet and dancer on Molsceal, TG4 in 2021 agus Imeal, TG4 in 2016. The cost is 60 or 45 concession rate and the deadline for bookings is February 15. Places are limited to 12 participants per course so please book early to avoid disappointment. To secure a place on the above course please contact Deirdre Southey, Kilkenny Arts Office at deirdre.southey@kilkennycoco. ie Elected politicians face a range of fines for failure to fill out official declarations correctly, following a departmental report into ethics rules. It comes after revelations that several senior government ministers had not disclosed assets or electoral supports properly on their official declarations. Irelands ethics watchdog, Sipo, has repeatedly called for more resources to strengthen its oversight of compliance with current ethics laws, which has been backed up in the findings of a report published on Tuesday. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform review into Irelands approach to ethics in public office found that the system of office holders declarations is limited if there are no effective sanctions. A risk arises that the dissuasive effect of the regime decreases over time if it appears that no effective consequences arise from clear breaches of the law, the review said. It found that a range of fixed penalty notices appealable to the courts may be the most straightforward and effective approach to dealing with clear-cut breaches so they can be addressed promptly and proportionately. In preparing proposals for legislative reform for Government approval, it is recommended that a range of appropriate sanctions is developed, with fixed fines for breaches of disclosure obligations combined with the benefits of the existing inquisitorial model, the report concluded. It also found that the extent of disclosure obligations vary according to the seniority and autonomy of the public official concerned. The review said disclosures should happen once an office holder takes up their position and update it as required, with revised disclosures done electronically rather than on paper. The review also recommended that ministers, their advisers and secretaries general with significant liabilities of more than 50,000 euro (separate from home mortgages) declare these in confidence to Sipo. The departmental report also found that there should be a unified and consolidated regime for standards in public life covering both national and local government levels. The review has been published after a number of senior government politicians failed to declare interests correctly. Paschal Donohoe has apologised for not declaring correctly the cost of hanging posters in the past two elections, paid for by a local businessman who resigned from two boards following political pressure over the omission. The undeclared poster spend exceeded the limit on corporate election spending, which Sipo has been notified of, along with an amended expenses declaration by Mr Donohoe. In August, Fianna Fail TD Robert Troy resigned as a junior enterprise minister after failing to correctly declare properties on the Dail register of members interests and also failing to register a rental property with the Residential Tenancies Board. Fine Gael TD Damien English resigned in January after it was revealed that he failed to disclose the ownership of a Meath property on a planning application to his local authority. Sinn Fein also had to amend its declarations after failing to declare expenses worth more than 2,000 euro relating to press conferences held during the 2016 general election campaign. The review also reiterated previous recommendations that there should be a statutory ban on using insider information, on public officials looking for benefits to further their own interests, and on locally elected representatives dealing with land. The report also questioned whether any additional measures should be taken to complement the 12-month cooling-off period in place for politicians after they leave office before they can lobby on behalf of the private sector. It said a question arises of what further protections are to be achieved through broader cooling-off periods, and said judges and attorneys general should be considered under this too, as they tend to take up private work upon retiring. In the event that a regime of cooling-off periods is put in place for elected office holders, extension of the arrangement to cover the role of Attorney General and the judiciary should also be examined, it said. The review, which began in September 2021 as part of the programme for government, was approved by Cabinet for publication in December 2022. Watchdog Sipo has oversight of ministers, special advisers, public servants (including civil servants) and senior executives and directors of State bodies. Gordon Elliott has added his voice to the list of trainers who have concerns over the introduction of the new whip rules, insisting the consequences ahead of jump racings two major festivals could be frightening. New regulations are set to come into force on February 13 which include reducing how many times the whip can be used and a toughening up of the penalty structure. The very worst whip offences could result in disqualification of horses and riding bans of 20 days a tariff which will be doubled in class one and two races with a soft launch having been in place since January 9. Paul Nicholls and Willie Mullins have both called for the British Horseracing Authority to push back the start date for the implementation, along with a number of senior riders on both sides of the Irish Sea, who have also aired their misgivings. Mighty Potter lives up to his name in the @Ladbrokes Novice Chase A popular winner for @_Davy_Russel_ #DublinRacingFestival pic.twitter.com/GALEnqWXWm Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) February 5, 2023 Elliott said: Its frightening. To think its coming in only a couple of weeks before a massive festival, its frightening. Listening to Sean Bowen and a few of the lads in England, theyre kind of having to change their style of riding altogether. I dont think its good, especially heading into Cheltenham. Someone was saying Davy Russell would have broken a rule riding Mighty Potter the other day and Im not sure if he hit him more than two or three (times), but it was because his hand rose a certain height. I dont know whats going to happen. He went on: Obviously the jockeys are all going to have to do a lot of work on it, but its not really healthy going into Cheltenham. We could be short of riders for the Grand National! Its frightening if you think four or five jockeys got suspended. There were 44 referrals to the whip review committee which will be responsible for handing out suspensions under the new system during the first week of the bedding-in period but in subsequent weeks numbers have not been published. The BHA announced last week that it would review the manner in which the rules and guidance are being applied both by raceday stewards and the committee but there are no plans to alter any specific rules or guidance. Nine suspected or replica firearms and six swords have been seized during a police operation against an organised crime gang in Co Armagh. Three rounds of ammunition and 6,000 in cash were also recovered, along with quantities of class A and B drugs and associated paraphernalia, in six house searches in the Garvaghy Road area of Portadown on Monday. One man in his 20s has been arrested. PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Richard Thornton from the police organised crime branch said the searches were part of a wider investigation into serious and organised crime in the greater Craigavon area related to the importation and supply of drugs and firearms. He described it as a very significant seizure which shows the propensity of violence that this group has. He said 27 searches have been carried out since the investigation began in October 2022. Items recovered during the investigation include two knuckledusters, two machetes, a quantity of herbal cannabis and more than half a kilo of cocaine. A vehicle was also seized, along with suspected proceeds of crime of more than 15,000. Mr Thornton said he couldnt comment any further on the viability of the firearms, and whether they have been used until forensic examinations have been completed. Commenting on the operation so far, he said :This is a robust and wide-reaching investigation into serious and organised crime that stretches beyond the borders of Northern Ireland and we will continue to work alongside key law enforcement partners in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and further afield to carry out operations in order to break the cycle of those who cause harm through illegal importation and supply of drugs and firearms, The risk of serious harm to our communities is clear. Illegal firearms are smuggled in for one purpose only, and thats to cause injury and death. Drugs are equally as dangerous, as they ruin lives and damage our communities. These criminals line their own pockets and live lavish lifestyles at the expense of others, leaving families and loved ones to deal with the inevitable devastation. Mr Thornton described very close working relationships with the Garda, with daily contact in relation in how we can come together to tackle the threats of serious and organised crime. The reach of organised crime groups in the 21st century stretches well beyond our borders, including the Republic of Ireland, the rest of the United Kingdom and Europe, as we have seen in other investigations, he said. There are active links between organised crime groups in Northern Ireland wand the likes of the Kinahan crime group. We keep an open mind on that and we explore every line of investigation that we have. Asked about young people being groomed by criminal gangs, Mr Thornton warned them not to be lured into a trap. He said criminals line their own pockets and live lavish lifestyles at the expense of others. Thats always a concern for us (young people being groomed). It may appeal to them, the potential lifestyles that they think they might get by running drugs for the likes of organised crime groups I would appeal to them to think otherwise, that is not the case, they are being used, he said. Unfortunately they can get sucked into a trap by the heads of these groups. Earlier today, Minister of State Malcolm Noonan TD announced significant improvements to the Local Authority Home Loan that will result in more people in County Kilkenny being eligible to apply for the State-backed mortgage. The prices of homes eligible for a Local Authority Home Loan and income limits of those eligible to apply for a loan are being increased. From March 1, house price limits for homes in Kilkenny that are eligible for the Local Authority Home Loan will increase by 50,000 from 250,000 to 300,000. Income limits for joint applicants will increase to 85,000 and income limit for a single applicant in Kilkenny will increase to 70,000. The Local Authority Home Loan was launched in January 2022 as part of Housing for All. It supports creditworthy borrowers who are unable to get finance from commercial banks to buy a home. It can be used for new, second hand or self-build homes. Speaking after the announcement, Minister Noonan said that 'supporting home ownership is a key objective for this Government' and the increase in eligible house prices coupled with the increase in income limits will mean more people in Kilkenny can access the loan. "Importantly, building on changes made this time last year we are again increasing the income limit for single applicants so that those earning up to 70,000 who wish to purchase a home can avail of the State backed loan," he added. "The changes reflect the reality of todays housing market and we will continue to keep the Local Authority Home Loan under review to ensure it remains a genuine and relevant support for people in Kilkenny who want to own their own home." Since February 2018, over 3,300 people have got on the property ladder through the Local Authority Home Loan and its predecessor the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan. Minister Darragh OBrien, along with Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe TD, will sign the amendment regulations in the coming weeks. EQS-Ad-hoc: Deutsche Beteiligungs AG / Key word(s): Quarter Results Deutsche Beteiligungs AG: Stake in BTV Multimedia sold unexpected contribution to DBAGs first quarter 2022/2023 net income of 5 million euros 07-Feb-2023 / 20:12 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. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG Stake in BTV Multimedia sold unexpected contribution to DBAGs first quarter 2022/2023 net income of 5 million euros Disclosure of inside information pursuant to Article 17 (1) of Regulation (EU) 596/2014 on Market Abuse Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG; ISIN: DE000A1TNUT7 / German Securities ID: A1TNUT) envisages an additional, unexpected contribution to net income of approximately 5 million euros in the first quarter of 2022/2023 (1 October 2022 to 31 December 2022), resulting from DBAG ECF IIIs sale of its investment in BTV Multimedia GmbH (BTV), as agreed today. In the course of the transaction DBAG also sold its stake in BTV. The proceeds DBAG will generate from the disposal markedly exceed the fair value of DBAGs interest in BTV as reported in DBAGs most recent consolidated financial statements (as at 30 September 2022). Completion of the transaction is subject to approval by various authorities. During the course of the valuation of its portfolio as at 31 December 2022, based on preliminary figures, DBAG most recently anticipated gross gains and losses on measurement and disposal of between 30 and 40 million euros for the first quarter of 2022/2023. This figure is a key driver of net income. Based on new calculations, DBAG now expects gross gains and losses on measurement and disposal for the first quarter of 2022/2023 of approximately 43 million euros. Net income for the first quarter of 2022/2023 is anticipated at around 42 million euros (previous year: -8.2 million euros). Net asset value (defined as total assets less total liabilities) as at 31 December 2022 is now expected to amount to approximately 621 million euros (31 December 2021: 690.2 million euros). DBAG ist currently preparing its quarterly statement as at 31 December 2022, which it will be published on 9 February 2023. The Board of Management Frankfurt/Main, 7 February 2023 Reporting person: Roland Rapelius, Head of Investor Relations Contact:Roland RapeliusManaging DirectorCorporate Communications & Investor RelationsPhone +49 69 95787-365Mobile +49 151 26663172Roland.Rapelius@dbag.de Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Thunderstorms early, overcast overnight with occasional rain. A few storms may be severe. Low 49F. SSW winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, overcast overnight with occasional rain. A few storms may be severe. Low 49F. SSW winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. EQS-Ad-hoc: IONOS Group SE / Key word(s): IPO IONOS Group SE: Final offer price for IPO of IONOS Group SE set at EUR 18.50 per share 07-Feb-2023 / 17:55 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. NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, SOUTH AFRICA, JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL OR REQUIRE REGISTRATION OR ANY OTHER MEASURES. Ad-hoc Disclosure acc. to Art. 17 MAR Final offer price for IPO of IONOS Group SE set at EUR 18.50 per share Karlsruhe/Berlin, February 7, 2023. United Internet AG (United Internet) and WP XII Venture Holdings II SCSp (WP XII), an affiliate of Warburg Pincus (together Warburg Pincus), the shareholders of IONOS Group SE (75.1% and 24.9%, respectively), today announced the final offer price for the shares in IONOS Group SE (together with its subsidiaries IONOS or the Company), at EUR 18.50 per share. 24,150,000 shares from the holdings of United Internet and Warburg Pincus are being placed with investors, consisting of 15,771,000 ordinary registered shares with no par value from the holdings of United Internet AG, 5,229,000 ordinary registered shares with no par value from the holdings of Warburg Pincus and 3,150,000 additional ordinary registered shares with no par value from an over-allotment in connection with the greenshoe option from the holdings of United Internet and WP XII. Assuming full exercise of the greenshoe option the total placement volume amounts to approx. EUR 447 million at the final offer price. The expected free float, assuming full exercise of the greenshoe option, amounts to c. 17.3%. Upon completion of the offering and assuming full exercise of the greenshoe option, United Internet will hold c. 62.1% and WP XII will hold c. 20.6% of the shares in the Company. IONOS Group SEs shares will be trading on the regulated market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Prime Standard) under the ISIN: DE000A3E00M1, WKN: A3E00M and Ticker Symbol: IOS from February 8, 2023. Andreas Maurer Phone: +49 2602 96-1275 press@ionos-group.com Disclaimer This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for, securities. The securities have already been sold. Neither this announcement nor the publication in which it is contained is for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States of America, including its territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the District of Columbia (the United States). The information in this announcement does not contain or constitute an offer to acquire, subscribe or otherwise trade in shares in the Company in any jurisdiction. Any securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and may not be offered, subscribed, used, pledged, sold, resold, allotted, delivered or transferred, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States absent exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There was and is no intention to register any securities referred to herein in the United States or to make a public offering of the securities in the United States. Subject to certain exceptions under applicable law, the securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada or Japan. This announcement may contain forward-looking statements which reflect the Companys current view on future events and financial and operational development. Words such as intend, expect, anticipate, may, believe, plan, estimate and other expressions which imply indications or predictions of future development or trends, and which are not based on historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements inherently involve both known and unknown risks and uncertainties as they depend on future events and circumstances. 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In this photo provided by Chad Fish, the remnants of a large balloon drift above the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of South Carolina, with a fighter jet and its contrail seen below it on February 4. On January 18th Vladimir Putin went to St Petersburg and gave several speeches for various groups, including Russian and foreign media. The speeches were all about admitting that Ukraine was a war, not a special military operation to liberate Ukraine from NATO control. Putin now says his war in Ukraine is a war and one that must be one to rescue Russia from Western efforts to destroy Russia as a country. While many Eastern Europeans considered that a fine idea, it was also seen as impractical and never seriously considered by any European government. To deal with that reality, Putin describes the Western effort as unpublished in the West and part of a very real conspiracy that Vladimir Putin recognized and is now exposing. While Putins state-controlled mass media helped maintain the support of most Russians for the war, that approval did not apply to being in the army and sent to Ukraine. Putin has not yet declared a full mobilization of Russian military age men for this war because the opinion surveys continue to show opposition to serving in the army. The economy is already mobilized for war as much as Putins fragile and corrupt regime can accomplish, but is crippled by the heavy Western sanctions imposed after the invasion, especially in anything requiring advanced electronics. That covers most everything from radios to tank and artillery fire control systems. Putin calling his war in Ukraine what it really is but that has not changed anything. By not initially calling Ukraine a war, Putin avoided embarrassing questions about Russian troops attacking Ukraine and then getting beaten by the Ukrainians in several critical battles. That wasnt the reason at the time but was an unexpected benefit. Since it was not a war, Putin could not declare a general mobilization of the nations resources, including manpower. In the last eleven months it has been forced to mobilize as much of Russias resources as Putin can manage just to hang onto Ukrainian territory Russia still occupies. One resource Putin had trouble mobilizing was new troops. He declared several partial mobilizations that were unsuccessful because so many Russian men did not want to fight in Ukraine. Putin tried to cope with that reluctance but was unsuccessful. A month ago, he increased the legal maximum number of its active-duty military personnel from 1,013,628 to 1,150,628 personnel. The million-man force was never achieved and Putin soon discovered that this increase was an empty gesture. For example, just before the invasion began the Russian military had 700,000 personnel on duty. The ground forces had about 400,000 men while the navy and air force each had about 150,000. About a third of air force personnel were paratroopers or air mobile infantry. The navy had about 12,000 marines, who guarded naval bases in peacetime. That means that heavy Russian losses since the invasion began, and failure to mobilize many replacements, reduced the army to about 250,000 personnel. Ukraines ground forces now outnumber the Russian army by about three to one, and Russias total ground forces by about two to one. Not just in Ukraine, but in all of Russia and Ukraine. Russias airborne forces and marines also suffered heavy losses but more of them are still in service. Heavy combat losses reduced personnel strength so sharply because the Russian army has far fewer soldiers providing logistic and transportation services. These are provided by government or private contractors who assemble and move supplies close to the combat zone, where military trucks and drivers move the supplies to army-maintained collection points or the combat units. This works inside Russia where the state-controlled railroads are equipped for operation by civilians who are trained for such support. For a major war against Russia, civilian trucks and drivers are mobilized for military transportation. Such a mobilization would disrupt the entire economy but is seen as necessary t0 defend Russia. During World War II Russia received lots trucks, combat vehicles, ammunition food and other much needed items. This is why the Ukrainian invasion was not called a war but an internal operation in what Russia declared was Russian territory controlled by rebels who were receiving the military aid in quantities to what Russia received in World War II. This time the Russians are playing the invaders and not going as well as the Nazis. Russia did not expect the Ukrainians massive resistance or their destruction of so many Russian trucks and supply collection points. This dramatically weakened Russian supply capabilities inside Ukraine, especially after Ukraine received guided GMLRS rockets that hit Russian supply depots using information supplied by Ukrainian and NATO aerial and satellite surveillance. Russian forces inside Ukraine are chronically short of ammunition, food, fuel and much else because of these Ukrainian tactics. Resorting to looting civilian supplies in occupied areas only partially replaces the supplies destroyed in transit or stored inside Ukraine. Mobilizations of new conscripts and men who had served the one year of conscript service failed to replace all the losses, in part because the mobilized men knew that the war in Ukraine was not going well and most men sent there had little training, equipment or leadership. Most of the trained and experienced junior officers were killed or disabled during the first months of the war and replacements take months to train to minimal standards. Peacetime officer training takes years and now there is a shortage of trainers for troops and officers because most of the existing ones were sent to Ukraine as replacements for the catastrophic losses the Ukrainians were inflicting. Ukraine had 250,000 active-duty troops in early 2022 and within months had half a million more in the form of volunteers and conscripts. Normally Ukrainian troops receive a lot more training than their Russian counterparts but in the first months of the war, untrained Ukrainians were used to halt the invasion. Since then, Ukrainian troops get more training and are led by experienced officers and NCOs in combat. Ukrainian troops dont suffer from supply shortages and suffer relatively fewer casualties than the Russians. Shortly after Putins we are at war speech the American military finally accepted Ukrainian estimates of Russian losses. While the Ukrainians believe Russia has lost 180,000 troops in Ukraine, the Americans will only acknowledge 100,000 as well enough documented to accept. The Ukrainians also point that their troops lost total does not mean only dead, but those no longer serving in the Russian military because they were captured or deserted. Ukraine considers the deserters a real plus for Ukrainian success because the deserters will often return home or get in touch and provide a more accurate account of what is really happening in Ukraine. The deserter version is far more glum than the official government reports. The high actual losses have led to an increase of active opposition to the war. This is especially true with young men likely to be conscripted soon. Putin reinterpreting his war in Ukraine as something similar to the German invasion of 1941 is difficult to use as a legitimate reason for more Russians to join the military. This is not 1941 Soviet (communist) Russia. Soviet rule and the Soviet Union itself disappeared in 1991. Russian attitudes towards the military and the government changed, and so did the publics means of obtaining information about the war. Before Putin gained power in 1999, the government had been compelled by popular opinion to reduce the conscription service to only one year and work towards eliminating conscription entirely, as most of Europe did after 1991. Eliminating conscription was another effort to carry out some fundamental reforms in the Russian army. The most popular reform effort was directed towards eliminating often fatal interactions between and against new recruits. This hazing developed after World War II, when Russia deliberately avoided developing a professional NCO Corps. They preferred to have officers take care of nearly all troop supervision. The NCOs that did exist were treated as slightly more reliable enlisted men, but given little real authority. Since officers did not live with the men, slack discipline in the barracks gave rise to vicious hazing and exploitation of junior conscripts by senior ones. This led to very low morale and a lot of suicides, theft, sabotage and desertions that made military life something to be feared, especially by conscripts. Long recognized as a problem, no solution ever worked. Getting rid of conscripts was believed to be a good first step. Volunteers sign up to be in the military for more than two years, as opposed to one year for conscripts. The government was forced by popular opinion to actively work towards eliminating conscription. Several efforts and many resources were devoted to developing professional NCOs to keep things under control in the barracks. It was soon discovered that even among volunteers, the hazing tended to survive. While the new NCOs have had some success in suppressing the hazing, the generals don't want to take any chances and backed the attempt to bring back chaplains. That didnt work either. This explains the personnel shortages of the Russian army before the 2022 invasion. Conscription and military service became even more unpopular with most Russians after the Russian ground forces took heavy losses during the first months of the invasion. Ukraine, a former part of the Soviet Union, managed to eliminate the hazing because of the Russian seizure of Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine in 2014. That was a wakeup call for Ukrainians and, with the help of trainers and military advisors from NATO countries, the Ukrainian military underwent much-needed reforms from 2015 to 2021. This led to the Ukrainian ability to quickly defeat the 2022 Russian invasion and inflict the heaviest military losses Russia had experienced since World War II. Russias pre-war ground forces have been effectively destroyed and the losses impossible to completely replace, both because so few Russians are willing to serve in the military and because junior officers take years to train. Unlike in World War Two, promoting a lot of soldiers to officer rank did not turn these men into trained and experienced officers. Every able-bodied man in the Soviet Union was conscripted in the Great Patriotic War, which produced a true cross-section of Soviet society including the able, intelligent and educated. The ones of those who survived long enough became capable combat-experienced veterans quite suitable for immediate promotion as junior and even field-grade officers. Such high-quality manpower is quite absent from the modern Russian army, which contains too many physically or mentally unfit men. And there is still the problem of the missing professional NCOs. From left are, John Liu, assistant professor in Trine Universitys Wade Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; mechatronics and robotics engineering majors John Hermann, Kenesaw Cramer, Arie Lowe and Nathan Goossen; and Jacob Bradshaw, program lead for the Trine Center for Technical Training. The students earned the top level of industrial certification in programmable logic controller systems as part of their coursework last fall. Banks may need to study up on civics In online communities, ITZY Ryujin has been drawing laughter from K-pop fans for the hilarious difference between her mood when meeting fanboys vs fangirls. ITZY Ryujin's 20-second Fan-Edit Clip Makes MIDZYs Laugh For THIS Reason In various Korean web communities and social media platforms, a 20-second video edited by a fan, originally posted on TikTok, has been drawing attention for showing the hilarious and supposed difference between Ryujin's mood in front of male vs. female MIDZYs. In the edited video, it was seen that Ryujin was interacting with her male fans and it was implied that she looked somewhat uninterested and bored. However, once she started interacting with her female fans, Ryujin would beam at them and it felt like she was enjoying their conversation with them, even trying to make physical contact despite the large glass separating them. omg she is so real pic.twitter.com/3W6UcxtK4W amalia (@ktlryu) January 25, 2023 As soon as the post was shared on Twitter, the video immediately earned 1.5 million views, with over 7.8k quoted retweets, 36.4 retweets and 74k likes. The video eventually became a meme among female fans, claiming that ITZY Ryujin represents their mood as well when interacting with male and female friends. "This is so me." "This is literally me when I saw girls." "She's just like me." before anybody twists this into something more than what it is, ryujin is very accommodating to all her fans https://t.co/p1wClW90BZ pic.twitter.com/vOdgLTAt7A itzy month (@seryusIy) January 26, 2023 Later on, the original TikTok edit was taken down after it received massive backlash, calling the idol "unprofessional." Although it was edited and posted intended for fun, some apparently misunderstood the video and generated criticism to Ryujin for discriminating against male fans. With this, MIDZYs revealed a 30-minute clip posted in July last year from which the edited video was taken from. It showed then that Ryujin during the fan meet was sincerely and equally communicating with fans regardless the age and gender. May it be men or women, Ryujin would play with them, do cute acts, listen to their stories intently and interact with them professionally, contrary to other netters' claims. ITZY Solidifies Popularity in 2023 With Solo Concerts, Fanmeet Meanwhile, ITZY will have another official fan meeting "ITZY The 2nd Fan Meeting" at KBS Arena in Gangseo-gu, Seoul at 5 p.m. KST on February 12th. "ITZY MIDZY, Let's Fly! To Wonder World" will be available as an offline fan meeting in Korea, while global fans can still participate through the online paid live broadcasts Beyond LIVE platform. Following the fan meet, ITZY will then continue "ITZY THE 1ST WORLD TOUR 'CHECKMATE" in Asia. The quintet will go to Chiba, Japan from February 22nd to 23rd, Taiwan from February 26th, Hong Kong from March 11th to 12th, and Bangkok, Thailand on April 8th. In particular, the Hong Kong concert was originally scheduled to be held once on March 11, but tickets quickly sold out after the general reservation was opened, adding one performance on March 12, which also sold out in the afternoon of February 6. As a result, ITZY will conduct their first world tour in 16 regions around the world, which already commenced in August 2022 in Seoul, October to November in the U.S., to Manila, the Philippines, January 14-15 in 2023, Singapore on the 28th, Jakarta on February 4th, and the remaining six Asian performances. For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Eunice Dawson. Taiwan was impressed with how Ukraine defeated the Russian 2022 invasion, but Taiwanese leaders are still trying to determine how best to translate the Ukrainian experience into something Taiwan can use. The missing element appears to be the military training Ukrainians underwent between 2015 and 2021. This was in reaction to the Russian seizure of Crimea and some of eastern Ukraine in 2014. The unexpected rapid mobilization of Ukrainian troops persuaded the Russians to agree to a ceasefire that lasted until 2022. During the ceasefire Ukraine reformed, retained and rearmed its military. Thats what Taiwan is now doing. The first step was to increase conscript service from three to twelve months. Next came changes to the training conscripts receive. The new training program concentrates on teaching Taiwanese to fight effectively using proven training techniques used by Western nations and now by Ukraine as well. China has also adopted many of these techniques but no longer has conscription and implemented the training program in a haphazard fashion. If Taiwan can implement the training realistically and thoroughly Taiwanese troops will have an edge if China attacks. China has been reluctant to attack because such an operation is not guaranteed to work and failure costs China a lot more than Taiwan. If the Chinese attack fails, the Chinese communist government and supreme leader Xi Jinping and the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) are in big trouble because of the economic damage that will do to China. Sanctions and blockade imposed on China will be far worse if the fighting, or Taiwanese scorched earth tactics, significantly damages or destroys key Taiwanese electronic component manufacturing operations. Taiwan is the sole source for many of these components and losing that production will have far reaching economic repercussions worldwide. Taiwan is seeking to reduce that dependence on production that takes place only in Taiwan by establishing plants in other countries to provide another source of these components. That is a work-in-progress that will take several years to complete. The military reforms follow a similar timeline. These reforms have to carefully translate Ukrainian experience and Western training methods into something that works for Taiwan. This requires cooperation between Taiwanese military procurement efforts and military reform. The Ukrainian experience has already persuaded most Taiwanese that they could reliably defeat Chinese attack plans. Taiwanese also note that CCP rule in China is failing, especially since Xi Jinping reversed many of the reforms the CCP implemented in the 1980s to get the Chinese economy going and curb most government efforts to disrupt that economic growth. Democracies have similar problems but, because they are democracies have an effective way to fix things by electing new officials. The family is suing and seeking damages for the tragic and unnecessary death of their loved one., Alonzo Bagley. Today, at the EU-Moldova Association Council in Brussels, the European Union and the Republic of Moldova have agreed to further strengthen cooperation in a number of key areas in line with Moldova's commitments under the EU-Moldova Association Agreement. Moving forward with Association Agreement implementation on the EU path Today's 7th EU-Moldova Association Council reaffirmed the strong partnership and commitment to enhancing the political association and deepening economic integration of Moldova with the EU, in the context of Moldova's candidate country status and in the framework of the Association Agreement and its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). The Association Council was chaired by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Natalia Gavrilita. The High Representative Josep Borrell led the EU delegation. The Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, also participated. The EU and Moldova also reconfirmed their strong partnership through a series of concrete actions. This was confirmed in the Joint Statement published after the meeting. Participants discussed the implementation of reforms by Moldova under the EU-Moldova Association Agreement over the past year, as outlined in the Association Implementation Report on Moldova. In 2022, despite the deep impact of the consequences of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, Moldova made progress in several key areas such as justice and fight against corruption. In this context, the EU has considerably stepped up its support for Moldova's overall resilience. The Association Implementation Report tracks in a dynamic way the progress on the implementation of the Association Agreement between the EU and Moldova on an annual basis, in the context of political and economic realities. The 2022 report is the last of this kind, as Moldova will feature in the Enlargement package from autumn 2023 onwards. It needs to be distinguished from the Analytical Report published by the European Commission last week. The Analytical Report completes the European Commission's Opinion on Moldova's application for membership of the EU and assesses the country's overall capacity to uphold the obligations of membership across the full body of EU law. Funding support under EU4Health programme Today, the Commission and the Government of the Republic of Moldova have signed an agreement associating Moldova to the EU4Health programme. This agreement will give Moldova access to EU funding in the area of health. This will help the Moldovan health system better respond to immediate needs and contribute to long-term post-COVID-19 recovery. The agreement was signed by Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting European Way of Life, and Natalia Gavrilita, Prime Minister of Moldova. The Moldovan health authorities will be able to participate in joint actions that are dedicated to health authorities in specific areas, such as mental health, the European Health Data Space, global health, non-communicable diseases, and the EU network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres. Furthermore, public or private health sector actors will be able to apply for funding to support actions such as fighting cross-border health threats, prevention of chronic respiratory diseases, improving mental health for vulnerable groups including displaced people and improving health systems and healthcare services. Moldova can benefit from funding on equal footing with entities from EU Member States, as well as other associated countries, namely Norway, Iceland and Ukraine. The agreement will apply retroactively, as of 1 January 2023. New agreements on closer cooperation in customs and taxation The Commission today signed two agreements between the EU and Moldova which cements Moldova's participation in the EU's Customs and Fiscalis programmes. This means that Moldova will be able to take part in the activities of both programmes alongside EU Member States and other participating countries. The agreements were signed by Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy, and Natalia Gravrilita, Prime Minister of Moldova. Moldova's participation in Customs and Fiscalis programmes is an important step in further strengthening operational cooperation in the areas of customs and taxation and is emblematic of the mutual commitment towards closer ties. It will allow Moldovan customs and tax authorities to participate in various collaborative activities and to benefit from a wide-ranging training portfolio. All these new cooperation avenues are of particular importance considering Moldova's status of candidate country to the EU. Today's signatures follow last year's agreement between the EU and Republic of Moldova to mutually recognise each other's Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs) programmes, bringing together traders who meet certain criteria and who can therefore benefit from simplified customs arrangements. For More Information Association Implementation report EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova Customs programme Fiscalis programme Zarazeno ut 07.02.2023 17:02:00 Zdroj Evropska komise Original ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/documents?reference=IP/23/641&language=cs lang en Las Vegas (Nevada), San Francisco (California) [US], February 7 (ANI): Google is rolling out a new conversational artificial-intelligence service to a select set of testers, and plans a broader public launch in the coming weeks, according to The Wall Street Journal. This is part of the company's effort to play catch-up with challengers such as OpenAI, creator of the popular chatbot ChatGPT. Also Read | UK Shocker: Woman Out on Walk With Dog Trampled to Death by Herd of Cows in Lancashire. The new experimental service, called Bard, generates textual responses to questions posed by users, based on information drawn from the web, Sundar Pichai, Chief Executive Officer of Google parent Alphabet, said in a blog post published Monday. In that post, Pichai also shared a glimpse of new search engine features that will use AI to answer user queries, and said it would open up some of its AI programmes to outside developers, WSJ said. Also Read | Bengaluru Shocker: Friends Call Two Women From Kashmir To Party, Attempt To Rape Them. Google's new products come amid a flurry of announcements by rival Microsoft about its use of AI technologies developed by OpenAI. Microsoft said last month it is making a multiyear, multibillion-dollar investment in the San Francisco AI startup. It said it would be opening up its tools for developers to build upon, and integrating them into services such as its Bing search engine--raising the spectre of a new challenge to Google Search's market power. According to WSJ, Microsoft says it is planning an event on Tuesday to announce "progress on a few exciting projects," which are widely expected to include a chatbot-infused version of Bing. Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, on Monday tweeted a picture of himself next to Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella, saying "excited for the event tomorrow." Microsoft's announcements have led to complaints from investors that Google hasn't moved quickly enough to release its in-house AI tools, despite being the pioneer of some of the technologies used to build tools such as ChatGPT. Those complaints have been echoed by some of its own researchers, The Wall Street Journal has reported. In response, Google executives have recently sped up work to review and release artificial-intelligence programmes to the general public, while also assigning teams of engineers to work on new ways to integrate new developments into areas such as the core search experience, the Journal reported. Google executives have also suggested they haven't been slow so much as careful with their tools, drawing an implicit contrast to competitors tools, such as ChatGPT, that can spout made-up information in response to some user queries, WSJ said, adding that Google executives say they must test new tools to make sure they don't show bias, and guard against misuse, concerns shared by many academics. "It's critical that we bring experiences rooted in these models to the world in a bold and responsible way," Pichai in his blog post on Monday. "That's why we're committed to developing AI responsibly." He added that the new external testing period for Bard will be combined with internal research to make sure that it gives responses that meet Google's "high bar for quality, safety and groundedness in real-world information." Pichai said in a separate internal email seen by The Wall Street Journal that Google's entire staff will get access to Bard next week in order to give feedback as part of a "company-wide dogfood," or tech-industry slang for testing or using one's own products. Google is under the spotlight of regulators in the European Union, US and other parts of the globe. In the EU, policymakers are considering a new AI law that could require companies to conduct risk assessments before launching new tools Google says its Bard service is based on its experimental artificial-intelligence programme called LaMDA, which stands for Language Model for Dialogue Applications, according to WSJ. Google last year suspended an engineer who contended that LaMDA had become sentient -- a claim roundly rejected by scientists in the field. When OpenAI released ChatGPT late last year, it took off as a viral sensation. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mangaluru, Feb 7 (PTI) As many as 137 students of college for nurses here have fallen sick after having taken hostel food and a first information report (FIR) has been registered in connection with a suspected case of food-poisoning, police said on Tuesday. Also Read | TSCHE 2023 Examination Schedule: Telangana State Council Releases Exam Dates for All Common Entrance Tests at tsche.ac.in; Check Details Here. Based on a complaint from a surveillance officer of Dakshina Kannada district Dr Jagadish, the police said they registered the FIR. Also Read | PhonePe Launches UPI International Service for Its Users for Payments in 5 Countries. In the complaint, Jagadish said contaminated food was provided to the students on Monday. He alleged that the management erred by not submitting a report to the district administration on the incident. Today, representatives of the college management, parents, and police officials held a meeting to discuss the issue. At the meet, the parents raised issues of quality of food, water and the facilities at the hostel. Repeated cases of food-poisoning were taking place every year and the management did not take the issue up. The college principal Shanthi Lobo said a few students showed symptoms of vomiting and tiredness and were taken to hospital on Monday and discharged that evening, while others attended classes. By evening, over 100 students fell sick and were hospitalised, she said. The college would be shut until the problem is solved, she said. The principal said the issue raised by the parents would be considered. More than 20 students were still in hospital and their health was stable, she said. The management said it would foot the medical bills. Assistant commissioner of police (south) Dhanya said the management gave an assurance that the problem would be addressed. The police said they would come forward to help the parents if the management failed to set things right, she said. The medical team and doctors visited the hostel and took samples of food and water for testing. Meanwhile, the district administration instructed a medical team to closely monitor the situation. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mangaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 7 (ANI): At least 137 nursing and paramedical students fell ill due to suspected food poisoning at a private hostel in Mangaluru's Shaktinagar on Monday. The students were rushed to various private hospitals in the city at night. Also Read | Supreme Court Slams Uttar Pradesh Police Over Delay in FIR in 2021 Noida Case, Says 'If You Ignore Hate Crime, It Will Come for You'. The students had developed stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhoea since 2 am on Monday. Relatives of the students had gathered outside the hospitals where they had been admitted. Also Read | Delhi Airport Flight Delays: 846 Domestic, 458 International Flights Delayed at IGI Airport From December 2022 to January 2023. City police commissioner N Shashi Kumar said that the police are trying to find the reason behind the incident. "At about 9 pm, around 400-500 people gathered in front of city hospital in the city. Most of them are students and the rest are their family members. Since morning 2 am more than 100 girl students have complained of food poisoning and hospitalised. 137 students were admitted to different hospitals in the city. We are trying to find out the reason," Shashi Kumar said. Giving the details of the incident, District Health Inspector Dr Ashok informed that all the students are out of danger. "The general nursing and BSc nursing students have been admitted to various hospitals due to food poisoning. The students got panic. About 130 students have got treated. There is no need to worry or panic. We will visit the hostel and will interact with the warden and find out the source. All are out of danger. No casualties have been reported so far," said Dr Ashok District Health Inspector. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Agartala, Feb 7 (PTI) Senior BJP leaders Rajnath Singh and Yogi Adityanath will address two election rallies each in Tripura on Tuesday. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee will also hold a road show in the northeastern state where elections to the 60-member assembly will be held on February 16. Also Read | Bihar Shocker: 'Drunk' BSF Personnel Shoots Toddy Seller After Altercation Over Rs 80 in Siwan, Held. During the day, Singh, the country's defence minister, will address two rallies of the ruling BJP at Kailashahar in Unakoti district and at Badarghat in West Tripura. Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, will also hold two rallies at Bagabassa in North Tripura district and at Kalyanpur in Khowai. Also Read | Oommen Chandy Health Update: Former Kerala CM Hospitalized in Neyyattinkara Due to High Fever. Banerjee's roadshow is scheduled to begin at noon in the state capital Agartala. Security arrangements have been tightened in the northeastern state in view of the scheduled visit of the political leaders. Notably, Union Home Minister and Senior BJP leader Amit Shah had on Monday held two rallies and a road show in the poll-bound Tripura. Shah had alleged that Tipra Motha has a "secret understanding" with the Congress and the CPI(M), and that the newly formed regional party was "trying to bring back Communist rule in the state by misleading indigenous people". (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], February 7 (ANI): Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MP K Keshav Rao on Tuesday gave suspension of business notice in the Rajya Sabha under rule 267 demanding a discussion on the Hindenburg report against Adani Enterprises. In his notice to the Chairman, the BRS MP expressed his desire for a discussion on the issue and said, "That this House suspend the Rules, pertaining to Business listed in today's (7.2.2023) Agenda and take up discussion of Hindenburg Report on M/s Adani Enterprises and other companies of his group." Also Read | They Adjourn House Even Before We Raise an Issue. No Mention of Our Notices, They Just Say Latest Tweet by ANI. "Sir, The report exposes the dangers to which the Indian people and economy are subjected to and merit immediate discussion, adjourning today's list of Business in the House, as sought," it added. The concerned report is from US-based Hindenburg Research that surfaced on January 24 and claimed that the Adani Group had weak business fundamentals, and was involved in stock manipulation and accounting fraud, among others. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh: Man Sets Himself on Fire Inside Police Station in Badaun Over Harassment by Cops. According to a statement by the Adani Group, the Adani portfolio and the Adani verticals are focused on bringing India into the global economy and nation-building. In the summary of the long response by Adani Group, it said the report was "nothing but a lie". The report, however, triggered a sell-off of shares of all Adani Group companies. The budget session of Parliament started on January 31 this year with the joint Address by President Droupadi Murmu. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget 2023-24 on February 1. Since then there has been no business in Parliament because of the continued logjam over the Adani issue. The Opposition has demanded that the government should come up and respond in Parliament about the Adani stock issue following which disruption has been witnessed in both Houses. The opposition parties are going to meet today at 10 am to "decide the day's strategy" regarding their demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the Adani Issue. "Today Oppn parties meet at 10 am to decide the day's strategy. No effort from the Govt to break the logjam caused by its refusal to allow Oppn to even raise its demand for a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam. Oppn wants Parliament to function, but Modi Sarkar is afraid!", Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted. On Monday, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm and then for the day. This is the third day of the logjam in Parliament over the opposition's demand for the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Congress held nationwide protests outside State Bank of India (SBI) branches and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) offices on February 6, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the matter. It is being argued by the opposition that the investment of the Adani group in public sector banks such as the SBI and LIC has had a big impact on the savings of the middle class. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Philippine tourism official says welcome Chinese tourists back Xinhua) 16:18, February 07, 2023 MANILA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Cynthia Lirio, secretary general of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), told Xinhua in a recent interview that the Philippines welcomes Chinese tourists and is looking forward to receiving tour groups from the world's second-largest economy. "Huan Ying Zhong Guo You Ke (Welcome Chinese tourists). Welcome to the Philippines, our Chinese community and friends," said Lirio, both in Chinese and English. As one of the world's largest outbound tourism markets before the COVID-19 pandemic, China resumed outbound group tours on Monday, signifying huge potential growth in neighboring countries' tourism revenue, including that of the Philippines. Lirio said the return of Chinese tourists could boost the recovery of her country's vital tourism sector, which has long been hampered by the pandemic. "It's really a big help for our community by Chinese people coming here, because they contribute a lot of revenue and a lot in tourism. Together with local government units, our (central) government and also our association, we're helping each other to give all the details we have to people who come back for the tourism purposes," said Lirio. As a key economic driver, the tourism industry's contribution to the Philippines' gross domestic product stood at 12.7 percent in 2019. Lirio expects Chinese tourist arrivals to increase rapidly this year, citing the diversity of the nation's tourist resources. "Actually, the Philippines has a lot of characteristics, it has beautiful places for tourists to visit. We have beautiful white sand beaches, a lot of resorts and bio-diversified places," she added. Over 1.74 million Chinese tourists visited the Philippines in 2019, an increase of 38.58 percent from 2018. Chinese tourists spent more than 2.3 billion U.S. dollars while vacationing in the country, official data showed. Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the government's target for 2023 is to lure some 4.8 million international visitors, with the Chinese tourist market remaining on its priority list. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Chaibasa (Jharkhand) [India], February 7 (ANI): A Jawan of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) suffered injuries in a blast triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Jharkhand's chaibasa area, police said on Tuesday. The blast took place when a CRPF party of 60 battalion was conducting a search operation on Tuesday in chaibasa, Jharkhand, officials said. Also Read | A Man, Involved in Supplying Illegal Arms and Ammunition to Criminals in #Delhi and Its Latest Tweet by IANS India. "The injured jawan has been evacuated from the blast site and was shifted to a hospital in Ranchi," Police said. On February 2, three personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force sustained injuries in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast on Thursday during a search operation in the forest area of Jokepani, Jharkhand, the CRPF officials had said. Also Read | Electric Vehicles in India: Total 16.73 Lakh Hybrid and EVs in the Country, Maharashtra Tops List With 2.96 Lakh. According to the CRPF officials, they had also recovered 4 rifles including LMG along with the Jharkhand police. "A search operation was launched by the joint team of 209 CoBRA and Jharkhand Police in the forest area of Jokepani, Nawatoli, Latehar, Jharkhand," CRPF had said in a statement adding that all the jawans had been evacuated and were getting medical treatment at Ranchi. Earlier, in a joint operation in Bihar's Maoist-affected Aurangabad, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Bihar police had seized 162 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and other equipment on January 28. In a statement, CRPF had said, "With the intensive operations conducted by CRPF and Bihar Police against the outlawed Maoists, the State is inching towards normalcy. The operations are continuing in the areas which were earlier considered to be strongholds of Maoists, with the objective of demining the IEDs planted by the Maoists and recovering arms and ammunition that they must have left hidden while fleeing in haste." "In one such search and destroy operation by CRPF and Bihar Police in the area of Laduiya Pahad, Aurangabad on January 27, 13 pressure IEDs were detected initially," the statement had read. On January 23, Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from Dassal village in the district during a joint operation by security forces, police had said. "Later on, IEDs were destroyed by the BDS Team," Rajouri Police officials had said.(ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday spoke to his British counterpart James Cleverly focusing on various aspects of bilateral ties and India's G-20 presidency. The phone conversation came ahead of the British foreign secretary's likely visit to India to attend a meeting of the G-20 foreign ministers on March 1 and 2. Also Read | Delhi High Court Says Cannot Conduct Virginity Test on Accused During Investigation. "Received a call from UK Foreign Secretary @JamesCleverly. Reviewed our bilateral relationship and discussed the agenda of India's G20 Presidency," Jaishankar tweeted. It was the first phone conversation between Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Cleverly after a controversy broke out over a two-part BBC documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots. Also Read | Calcutta High Court Says Forceful Removal of Innerwear of Minor Girls Equivalent To Rape. India dismissed the documentary as a "propaganda piece" saying it is designed to push a particular "discredited narrative". It is understood that the implementation of a 10-year roadmap between India and the UK to bolster the ties in diverse areas figured in the phone conversation. However, it is not known whether Jaishankar and Cleverly touched upon the proposed free trade agreement between the two sides. The India-UK relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the India-UK virtual summit held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his then British counterpart Boris Johnson in May, 2021. At the summit, the two sides adopted a 10-year roadmap to expand ties in the key areas of trade and economy, defence and security, climate change and people-to-people connections among others. The two sides have been engaged in negotiations for a free trade agreement as well. Prime Minister Modi and his British counterpart Rishi Sunak held talks in Bali in November on the sidelines of the G-20 summit. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) Delhi's Education Ministry under Manish Sisodia had proposed to scrap 244 posts of school principals and these were "deemed abolished" as they could not filled for five years, the lieutenant governor's office said Tuesday, days after the AAP leader alleged the LG was withholding appointment on these posts. LG V K Saxena's also said contrary to the claims made by the deputy chief minister, it did not agree with the proposal, and instead advised the education department to get conducted a study on the abolition or creation of posts of principals. Also Read | Kerala HC Ruled That Every Patients Death Cannot Be Termed Medical Negligence, a Doctor Latest Tweet by IANS India. It also rejected charges levelled against Saxena by Sisodia, terming them "patently false, bereft of facts, wrong, deliberately misleading and in utter disregard of constitutional provisions and orders of the High Court of Delhi". Sisodia had told a press conference on Sunday that they had ensured the file for the appointment of 370 principals was sent to the LG office, but only 126 were approved and the LG was withholding appointments of 244 posts on "flimsy grounds". He had also accuse the LG of taking over the services department unconstitutionally. Also Read | Scotland: Man Caught Stealing Underwear To Dress Up His Blow-Up Sex Doll, Police Puts Him On Sex Offenders Register. The LG office rejected these claims. "In fact, the Education Department, under Manish Sisodia, submitted a proposal for the revival of 126 posts and abolition of 244 posts of principal, for approval of Lt Governor," it said. According to a ministry of finance memo dated April 12, 2017, these posts were "deemed abolished" as the education department could not fill them for over five years, the LG office the said. It said the finance ministry memo provides that a post falling in the category of "deemed abolished" cannot be filled without permission of the competent authority. The finance ministry memo also provides that posts remaining vacant for five years may be abolished immediately, it said. Out of the total 370 vacant posts of Principal, 126 posts were vacant for more than two years and 244 posts were vacant for more than five years bringing them within the purview of "deemed abolition" as per the finance ministry memo, it said. Contrary to the claims made by the deputy chief minister, the LG did not agree with the proposal of the education department for abolition of 244 posts, said the LG office. The LG, instead, advised the education department to submit a suitable proposal for abolition/creation of posts of principal/deputy education officer after getting the comprehensive study conducted from the Administrative Reforms Department, it said. It may be noted that the services department had also advised the Administrative Reforms Department that it may carry out comprehensive study in one go regarding 244 posts of principal proposed for abolition and keeping in view the requirements of the education department, it added. On Sisodia's charges about the LG "taking over" the "services department unconstitutionally, Saxena's office said that according to a High Court order on August 4, 2016, the services department is outside the legislative and executive domain of Delhi government. "Therefore, this statement of Deputy Chief Minister is false and misleading and hence denied," it said. PTI VIT (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mangaluru, February 7: A total of 137 nursing and paramedical students staying at a private hostel here have fallen sick due to food poisoning after having dinner, police sources said on Tuesday. The students have been admitted to various hospitals in the city, city police commissioner N Shashi Kumar said. Kerala: Suspected Food Poisoning in Wayanad Boarding School as Several Students Fall Ill. The students complained of stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhoea and were admitted to hospitals on Monday night. Water contamination is said to be the reason for the food poisoning, sources said. Kerala Food Poisoning: 70 Hospitalised in Pathanamthitta After Having Food During Baptism Function in Malappally. The condition of some of the students is stated to be serious. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chandigarh, Feb 7 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday held a pre-budget consultation with his Cabinet colleagues and senior officials and sought their suggestions. This budget will be for the welfare of every class and section, Khattar said in an official statement, adding special attention will also be given to setting up new industries to further boost employment. Also Read | TSCHE 2023 Examination Schedule: Telangana State Council Releases Exam Dates for All Common Entrance Tests at tsche.ac.in; Check Details Here. The budget session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha will begin on February 20. "We aim to present a budget that ensures holistic development of the state while ensuring everyone's participation. In the general budget of the state for the year 2023-24, the focus will be on the economic and social upliftment of 'Antyodaya', farmers, labourers, promotion of industries, and health services," said Khattar in an official statement here. Also Read | PhonePe Launches UPI International Service for Its Users for Payments in 5 Countries. The CM said pre-budget meetings will also be held with other stakeholders in the coming days, after which a balanced budget would be presented. Like the Central government, Haryana too will present the state's first 'Amrit Kaal' budget, he said. Khattar said Haryana will ensure its significant contribution to achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a USD5-trillion economy and a global powerhouse. "For this, there is a need to increase growth in every sector, with special emphasis on further expanding micro, small and medium enterprises," he said. On the lines of the Union Budget presented by the Central Government, the interests of all sections will be taken care of in Haryana's budget too, said Khattar. "We will pay special attention to implementing all the new schemes that have been included in the Centre's budget. In the state's budget, special emphasis will be laid on the upliftment of last-mile citizens, along with education, health, employment, and women welfare and empowerment. Besides this, special attention will also be given to setting up new industries to further boost the employment graph in the state," said the CM. Khattar said work will be done expeditiously on projects related to the optimum distribution and usage of available water. In addition, micro-irrigation will be promoted. According to the vision of the central government, the ongoing housing projects will be completed at a rapid pace with the aim of providing a roof over the heads of every needy, said Khattar. Haryana should get maximum benefits from the important projects announced in the recently presented Union Budget, he said. He said the funding for two Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) projects been announced in the Union Budget of which a benefit of Rs 3,600 crore will be in Haryana's kitty. Setting up a nursing college in every medical college was also discussed in the meeting. On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, Health Minister Anil Vij, School Education Minister Kanwar Pal, Transport Minister Mool Chand Sharma, Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister J P Dalal, among other ministers were present. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) The Delhi Police has arrested a 24-year-old housekeeping staff member of a private hospital who along with his father and cousin allegedly killed an elderly woman and robbed her house a week ago, officials said on Tuesday. The arrested accused has been identified as Badal, a resident of Karawal Nagar, they said. Also Read | Punjab Will Soon Be Front-Running Industrial State, Says CM Bhagwant Mann. On January 29, a neighbour of the 88-year-old woman, identified as Shanti Devi, found the door of the house open in Karawal Nagar. When Shanti Devi did not respond to her calls, the police were informed around 9 pm on Sunday, a senior officer said. When the police reached the spot, they found Shanti Devi was tied and lying dead in her bed. However, there were no visible injury marks on her body. The house was ransacked and the lock of almirah was broken which raised suspicion of robbery. Also Read | Air Indias Three Domestic Destinations to Be Operated by AirAsia India. The woman used to live alone after the death of her husband in 2018. Her three sons live separately with their families and used to visit her occasionally, police said. Investigation found that a religious function was organised in a nearby lane on that night and several people were moving in the area. The residents of the area were verified and it surfaced that a house was locked for the last three or four days. Their residents were not seen by neighbours, the officer said. The analysis of call details record of their mobile phones confirmed their presence near the house of the victim on that night. They were identified as Kamal, his son Badal and Ashok, son of Kamal's sister, resident of Village Jharoli in Aligarh, UP, the officer said. It was also found that Badal used to work at a private hospital in Ghaziabad as a housekeeper. On verifying from the hospital, it surfaced that Badal was absent from his duty on the day of the incident, police said. On Tuesday morning, police saw a person tried to enter the house in Karawal Nagar secretly. He tried to flee the spot after sensing police presence, but was nabbed, Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast) Sanjay Kumar Sain said. Badal disclosed that he, along with his father Kamal and cousin Ashok, committed the robbery-cum-murder, police said. His father is a daily wage labourer. A few months back, his father and Ashok had repaired the house of the woman. At that time, they had noticed that she was financially sound and was living alone. Kamal and Ashok informed him, following which they made a plan to rob her, the DCP said. They tried to enter the house during night hours twice between January 17 and 22 but couldn't execute the plan due to some obstacles and movement of police vehicles, police said. On January 29, they noticed a religious function being held in the nearby lane. Finding it as an opportunity, they decide to execute the plan and entered the house by breaking its rear door. They tied the woman with the help of clothes and smothered her with a pillow. After committing the robbery, they left the house by covering their faces with monkey caps to conceal their identities, police said. He also disclosed that his cousin Ashok was involved in criminal activities in Uttar Pradesh. The claim is yet to verified. Efforts are being made to nab the remaining accused, police said. Ten silver coins, two silver pendants, one golden pendant, one pair golden ear studs, two golden bengals and Rs 7,500 were recovered from his possession, they added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jaipur, February 7: The mandatory registration of FIR, reception rooms and other innovations have led to a reduction in criminal cases including that of women atrocities, the Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on Monday. He said that 'effective action' was taken while nabbing the criminals in Udaipur, Sikar and Jaipur. Addressing the meeting of IGs and DSPs through video conferencing at the CM residence on Monday, Gehlot said "The campaign against organised crime in the state should continue aggressively and strict action should be taken against those who follow and support gangsters and criminals on social media, provide shelter and financial assistance." Congress Government in Rajasthan, Headed by CM Ashok Gehlot, Keeps Focus on Employment; 1.35 Lakh Jobs Provided, Over 1 Lakh Recruitments in Process. "Any incident that disturbs communal harmony will not be tolerated at any cost," he added. The Chief Minister said that recent cases of illegal extortion by threats have come to the fore in the state and strict action should be taken against them. He also directed the officials to run an awareness campaign against drug abuse in the state. Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Announces LPG Cylinders at Rs 500 to BPL Families. "For boosting the morale of the policemen who have done excellent work against crime, they should be given rewards and promotions. But, at the same time, strict action should also be taken in case of laxity. The Chief Minister appreciated the initiative taken by the Nagaur Superintendent of Police to issue WhatsApp numbers among the common people. He directed strict closure of liquor shops opening after 8 pm and strict action against careless officers of the Excise Department and Police. CM Gehlot said that the police officers should discharge their duties with full responsibility and provide speedy justice to victims. "The role of DSP is very important in changing the perception of the common man about the functioning of the police. The SP should also discharge the role with positivity in strengthening the law and order situation at the lower level," he said. He also stressed the use of innovation for maintaining law and order and stopping the spread of misinformation. "The atmosphere of communalism, tension and violence has increased across the country. In such a situation, the time to come for the police will be more challenging. The accused involved in such incidents may belong to any caste or religion, but strict action should be taken," he said. CM Gehlot also instructed the officials in making the working style of the police modern, public-friendly and proactive. "Many innovations have been made, including reception rooms, child-friendly police stations, mandatory FIR registration, and creation of ASP posts in every district for prevention and effective research of crimes against women. DSP should regularly inspect the police stations and make them police friendly by interacting with the common people," he said. Minister of State for Home Rajendra Yadav BJP Umesh Mishra, Principal Government Secretary Home Anand Kumar, ADG Crime R.P. Mehra. ADG ATS and SOG Ashok Rathod, ADG Intelligence S. Sengvir and other senior officials were also present during the meeting. Along with this, Jaipur and Jodhpur Police Commissioners, Inspector General of Police of various ranges, officers of Police Headquarters, SPs, ASPs and other senior police officers of all districts also joined the video conferencing. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 7 (ANI): India's efforts at decarbonization were lauded during events at the India Energy Week with participants noting the green economy, green hydrogen, and biofuels emphasized in the union budget presented on February 1. CMD, Oil India, Ranjit Rath said there is huge interest in India's initiatives towards decarbonisation in its green growth march. De-carbonisation via electric vehicles and hydrogen is among the four verticals in India's strategy for the energy sector. Also Read | Supreme Court Slams Uttar Pradesh Police Over Delay in FIR in 2021 Noida Case, Says 'If You Ignore Hate Crime, It Will Come for You'. "Leaders from the oil sector in India and across the world met the PM. PM appreciated the suggestions by international oil agencies. Everybody focused on India's effort for decarbonisation. PM highlighted the green budget for this year," he said. Lauding the unprecedented possibilities in the energy sector outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at India Energy Week, global energy CEOs said that India is emerging as the most attractive place for the exploration of oil and gas with the country poised as a global bright spot. Also Read | Delhi Airport Flight Delays: 846 Domestic, 458 International Flights Delayed at IGI Airport From December 2022 to January 2023. Shrikant M Vaidya, Chairman, of Indian Oil Corporation referred to green initiatives in the union budget. "The recent Budget has emphasized on the green economy, green hydrogen, biofuels and this is the way the Prime Minister has given the push for net zero economies," Vaidya said. The three-day event has brought together leaders from the traditional and non-traditional energy industry, governments, and academia to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector. In his remarks at the inaugural event, the Prime Minister underlined the major role of the energy sector in setting the direction of the future of the 21st-century world. "India is one of the strongest voices in the world for energy transition and for developing new resources of energy. Unprecedented possibilities are emerging in India that is moving with a resolution of a Viksit Bharat", he said. Referring to the recently released IMF projections of India being the fastest-growing major economy, PM Modi further added that India has continued to be the global bright spot in the world stricken with the pandemic and the era of war in 2022. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 7 (ANI): Karnataka Higher Education Minister minister CN Ashwath Narayan on Tuesday condemned HD Kumarswamy' remarks on Brahmins and demanded an apology from the JD-S leader. He said BJP is not engaged in caste-based politics, "but is a secular party". Also Read | Delhi High Court Says Cannot Conduct Virginity Test on Accused During Investigation. "His statement can't divide votes which are dedicated to Bharatiya Janata Party," Narayan added. Demanding an apology from the JD-S leader, he said, "HD Kumar swamy's statement on Brahmins is condemnable. His offensive statement against brahmins and prahlad Joshi, is nothing but against a community. He must apologize for his statement. He has already clarified but he must apologize". Also Read | Calcutta High Court Says Forceful Removal of Innerwear of Minor Girls Equivalent To Rape. HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday gave a new statement on Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, saying that if the BJP comes to power in ithe state this time, "a Brahmin" will be the Chief Minister. "What's wrong in Prahlad Joshi becoming Chief Minister, He's capable. There is no doubt in Prahlad Joshi becoming CM," Narayan retorted. Narayan added that every one in Karnataka is aware about the credentials of Prahlad Joshi and HD kumar swamy. "People and party will decide who should be the next CM. Every MLA is capable in BJP to become CM," Minister claimed. We are going to election in the leadership of Basavaraja Bommai, everything will be decided after the election as far as the CM is concerned, Minister added. Speaking to reporters, Kumaraswamy said that "if the BJP comes to power in the state this time, a Brahmin will become the Chief Minister." Prahlad Joshi will be appointed Chief Minister, and 8 people have already been appointed Deputy Chief Ministers," he added. A meeting of RSS leaders was held in Delhi and the next CM was decided in the meeting and Prahlad Joshi will be the next Chief Minister, claimed Kumaraswamy. Kumaraswamy appealed to the voters that the people of Karnataka "should not fall prey to RSS and BJP scams and false promises." "The Brahmin CM (Prahlad Joshi) decided by RSS is not the Brahmin of our old Karnataka. He (Prahlad Joshi) belongs to the Peshwas of Maharashtra who demolished the Sringeri mutt." He further attacked Prahlad Joshi. BJP has demanded an apology from HD Kumaraswamy on the same. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], February 7 (ANI): Giving a reply to a written question on 'National Policy on Cooperation' in the Lok Sabha today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that a National level committee was constituted on September 2 under the chairmanship of Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu to formulate the New National Cooperation Policy. The committee comprised of experts of the cooperative sector, representatives from National/ State/ District/ Primary level cooperative societies, Secretaries (Cooperation) and RCSs from States/UTs, and officers from Central Ministries/ Departments to formulate the New National Cooperation Policy. Also Read | Madhya Pradesh Road Accident: Driver Charred to Death As Oil Tanker Catches Fire Near Mhow. The formulation of the New National Cooperation Policy will help in realising the vision of 'Sahakar se Samriddhi', promoting the cooperative-based economic development model, strengthening the cooperative movement in the country and deepening its reach up to the grassroots. In this regard, consultations were earlier held with stakeholders and suggestions for formulating the new Policy were invited from the Central Ministries/ Departments, States/UTs, National Cooperative Federations, Institutions and also from the general public. Also Read | Earthquake in Syria, Turkey: Death Toll Rises Over 5,000 As Turkiye, Syria Seek Survivors. The National level committee will analyse the collated feedback, and policy suggestions and recommendations to formulate the draft of the new policy. A number of steps has been taken by the Government, after the formation of the Ministry of Cooperation, to strengthen India's cooperative architecture syncing it with the country's economic and social needs, inter-alia, including the following: Computerization of PACS: Process to onboard 63,000 functional PACS on an ERP-based common national software with an outlay of Rs 2,516 Crore started; Model byelaws for PACS: Model bylaws prepared and circulated for their adoption as per the respective State Cooperatives Act to enable PACS to undertake more than 25 business activities like dairy, fishery, setting up of godowns, LPG/ Petrol/ Green energy distribution agency, banking correspondents, CSC, etc; PACS as Common Service Centres (CSC): MoU signed between Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, NABARD and CSC -SPV to facilitate the functioning of PACS as CSCs to improve their viability, provide e-services at the village level and generate employment; National Cooperative Database: Preparation of an authentic and updated data repository of cooperatives in the country started to facilitate stakeholders in policy making and implementation. National Cooperative Policy: A National level committee comprising experts and stakeholders drawn from all over the Country constituted to formulate the New Cooperation Policy to create an enabling ecosystem to realize the vision of 'Sahakar-se-Samriddhi'. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Opposition protests near Gandhi statue on Monday in the parliament house to demand probe into allegations against Adani (photo/ANI) New Delhi [India], February 7 (ANI): The opposition parties are going to meet on Tuesday at 10 AM to "decide the day's strategy" regarding their demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the Adani Issue. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh informed via a tweet that the opposition parties are going to have a meeting on Tuesday to decide the day's strategy as there are no efforts from the Government to break the logjam caused by its refusal to allow the opposition to even raise its demand for a JPC into the "PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam". Also Read | Bihar Shocker: 'Drunk' BSF Personnel Shoots Toddy Seller After Altercation Over Rs 80 in Siwan, Held. "Today Oppn parties meet at 10 am to decide the day's strategy. No effort from the Govt to break the logjam caused by its refusal to allow Oppn to even raise its demand for a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam. Oppn wants Parliament to function, but Modi Sarkar is afraid!", Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted. Jairam Ramesh alleged that the Opposition wants the parliament to function but the government is afraid of it. Also Read | Oommen Chandy Health Update: Former Kerala CM Hospitalized in Neyyattinkara Due to High Fever. However, the opposition parties are expected to end the deadlock in the Parliament today. After placing their demands, they can participate in the discussion on the President's address, the final decision will be taken in the meeting of the opposition parties on Tuesday. Congress senior leader Digvijay Singh on Monday said that the party would not "back down" till Prime Minister Narendra Modi agrees to have a discussion on Hindenburg Research's report against Adani Group in Parliament. Congress is continuously cornering the government over the issue in Parliament forcing the adjournments of both Houses during the Budget Session. On Monday, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm and then for the day. This is the third day of the logjam in Parliament over the opposition's demand for the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Congress held nationwide protests outside State Bank of India (SBI) branches and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) offices on Monday, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the matter. It is being argued by the opposition that the investment of the Adani group in public sector banks such as the SBI and LIC has had a big impact on the savings of the middle class. Opposition parties on Monday protested near the Gandhi statue outside Parliament and demanded a Joint Parliament Committee investigation or Supreme Court-monitored probe into the Hindenburg-Adani row. A report by a US-based Hindenburg Research surfaced on January 24, claiming that the Adani Group had weak business fundamentals, and was involved in stock manipulation and accounting fraud, among others. According to the statement, the Adani portfolio and the Adani verticals are focused on bringing India into the global economy and nation-building. In the summary of the long response by Adani Group, it said the report was "nothing but a lie". The report triggered a sell-off of shares of all Adani Group companies. Although the Congress is getting the support of other opposition parties on the Adani issue, it has to be seen whether the parties such as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Aam Aadmi Party and Trinamool Congress, which are seen together in the meetings, will join the Congress demonstration or extend moral support. However, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Janata Dal (Secular) have kept their distance from Congress on this issue. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, February 7: A plea has been moved in the Supreme Court seeking to issue a gag order restraining media from releasing any statement against the listed companies including the Adani group of companies unless pre-verified by the SEBI. The petition has been moved by advocate ML Sharma, who has earlier also sought a probe against the US-based firm, whose report has led to shares of Adani group plunging on the bourses. Adani Group Crisis: Seven Adani Stocks Faced Regulatory Surveillance Since 2019 for Price Rise and Fall, Other Issues, Says Market Data. This time Manohar Lal Sharma filed another plea in the Supreme Court seeking direction to issue a Gag order restraining Media to release any statement /allegations against the listed companies including the Adani group of companies without being pre-verified by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in accordance with the law. Adani Group Crisis: Jammu and Kashmir Bank Says Our Loans to the Embattled Business Firm Are Secure. "If the Gag order restraining media to release any allegations without verified by SEBI is not issued millions of innocent investors will be suffered serious financial and reputation loss and injury which cannot be compensated in terms of money on the other hand if Ex-parte Gag order is released restraining media to release any statement and allegation without pre-verified by Sebi there will be no loss and injury to anyone and millions of investors will be protected," the plea said. An allegation without verified evidence is dangerous and it cannot be allowed to be released in any manner in either forum in any media by anyone, the advocate said. Adding further, he claimed that media hype has crashed the Indian share Market by more than 50 per cent. Regular allegations /statements in the media are creating panic amongst the investors who are selling their stock under panic and suffering financial losses. Common investors are being butchered which must be stopped in the interest of justice, the petitioner said. Earlier claiming Hindenburg Research has "exploited innocent investors", he filed a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court seeking a probe against the US-based firm, whose report has led to shares of Adani group plunging on the bourses. The PIL by a lawyer sought an inquiry to prosecute short sellers Nathan Anderson, a resident of US, and his Indian entities. The plea also sought to register an FIR against Anderson and his associates for exploiting and duping lakhs of innocent investors. In the "interest of justice," ML Sharma also seeks compensation for investors who suffered losses due to a crash in stock price. Nathan Anderson is the founder of Hindenburg Research which published a report recently leading to a huge dent in the Adani Group firms' assets. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], February 7 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address election rallies in poll-bound Tripura on February 11 and 13, sources said on Tuesday. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tripura to show the party's strength. His visit is slated for February 11 and 13. The Prime Minister will address two election meetings for the Tripura Assembly elections. These election rallies will be held at Gomti and Dhalai in Tripura," a top source in Tripura BJP told ANI. Also Read | @MEAIndia Welcoming the Delegation, the President Said That We Deeply Value Multifaceted Latest Tweet by Prasar Bharati News Services. Chief Minister Manik Saha, the party's state incharge Mahesh Sharma and other leaders will welcome PM Modi. The BJP has declared candidates for 55 assembly seats while leaving the remaining five seats for its alliance, the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT). The Left-Congress alliance has also declared its candidates for all 60 seats. Also Read | TSCHE 2023 Examination Schedule: Telangana State Council Releases Exam Dates for All Common Entrance Tests at tsche.ac.in; Check Details Here. Elections are to be held on 60 seats in Tripura on February 16. Whereas in Meghalaya and Nagaland, voting is to be held on 27 February. The counting of votes for all three states will be held simultaneously on March 2. BJP president JP Nadda, who addressed a Vijay Sankalp rally in Gomati district, said five years ago Tripura faced violence and disturbance but under the BJP rule, the state is witnessing development, connectivity and a boost to infrastructure. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Tripura on Monday and held a roadshow along with Chief Minister Manik Saha. Shah exuded confidence in returning to power in the upcoming Assembly polls and said that the party will win with a bigger majority than in 2018. "The double-engine government will return with a bigger majority than before," he said.The Home Minister said the massive crowd that turned up at his roadshow and public meetings shows the outpouring of people's support for the BJP. "Thousands of people are here. This shows that there is huge support for the BJP. Congress is a sinking ship and people have rejected violent Communist rule. BJP gave houses, electricity, drinking water, free ration and Covid vaccines to the people, across communities," the Union Home minister said. Shah came down heavily on the CPI(M) and the Congress in poll-bound Tripura, saying that both the parties disregarded the interests of the people and the state. Shah said both parties indulged in scams while in power and no allegation of corruption cannot be levelled against the BJP-led government in Tripura. "Communists are criminals and the Congress is corrupt. Both have played with the people and the state. Assess the impact of about 30 years of Communist rule and 15 years of Congress rule and compare them with five-year rule under the BJP. You will get all the answers," the Home minister said while addressing a public meeting. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 7 (ANI): Mumbai Police on Tuesday arrested a 25-year-old man from Mumbai's Govandi area in connection with the threat call at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, informed Mumbai Police officials. Earlier on Monday night, the threat caller introduced himself as an Indian Mujahideen terrorist and threatened to blow up the airport. Also Read | TSCHE 2023 Examination Schedule: Telangana State Council Releases Exam Dates for All Common Entrance Tests at tsche.ac.in; Check Details Here. According to Mumbai Police, the call was received at around 10 pm at Mumbai airport on Monday. The caller introduced himself as Irfan Ahmed Sheikh and described himself as a member of the terrorist organization Indian Mujahideen. After giving his introduction, the caller spoke about suspicious things using some code words. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday opposed in the Delhi High Court a plea by the police for the condonation of delay in filing a revision petition challenging the discharge of the politician in connection with his wife Sunanda Pushkar's death case. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma said the reply filed by Tharoor to the police's plea be brought on record and listed the matter for further hearing on May 17. Also Read | Delhi High Court Says Cannot Conduct Virginity Test on Accused During Investigation. Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa, appearing for Tharoor, has pointed out to the high court that the revision petition has been filed by the Delhi Police 15 months after the trial court passed its order on August 18, 2021, clearing him from all charges. The Congress leader has said in the reply that the police's application for condonation of delay does not provide any details as to when the decision was taken by the Directorate of Prosecution to file a revision petition against the trial court's order or when the sanction was granted to file it. Also Read | Calcutta High Court Says Forceful Removal of Innerwear of Minor Girls Equivalent To Rape. It said the State has given a vague explanation that the previous petition was filed in November 2021 by the office of additional standing counsel and objection could not be removed for a long time due to the rise in COVID-19 cases and thereafter a new counsel was appointed and it was found that the earlier petition has been lost. The reply said it seemed that the State is only making an excuse in an attempt to justify the inordinate and inexplicable delay caused in filing the revision petition. The high court had in December 2022 issued notice to Tharoor only on the police's application for condonation of delay, saying it will first decide this plea. The police, through additional standing counsel Rupali Bandhopadhya, has filed the revision petition seeking setting aside of the trial court's 2021 order and for direction to frame charges against Tharoor under sections 498A (husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) and 306 (abetment to suicide) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Pahwa and lawyer Gaurav Gupta, also representing Tharoor, have contended that the police filed the revision petition after a delay of over 1 year and before issuing notice on the main plea, the court should hear him on the application for condonation of delay. They have said several orders were earlier passed that during the pendency of the case, the record be not given to anybody except the parties. As the counsel for the police said she has no objection to this, the high court had directed that the copies or documents relating to the case shall not be supplied to any person who is not a party here. Tharoor, who is an MP for Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, was discharged in the case more than seven years after businesswoman Pushkar was found dead in a luxury hotel here. Pushkar, a prominent face in Delhi circles, was found dead in a suite of a luxury hotel on the night of January 17, 2014. The couple had been staying in the hotel as Tharoor's official bungalow was being renovated at the time. Tharoor was charged under the provisions of the IPC related to cruelty and abetment to suicide but was not arrested in the case. The Congress leader's counsel maintained that there was no evidence against him in the case. He had earlier claimed that post-mortem and other medical reports established that it was neither a suicide nor homicide. Tharoor was granted anticipatory bail in the case by a sessions court on July 5, 2018. Following that order, a magisterial court converted the anticipatory bail into regular bail after he appeared before it in pursuance to the summons issued by a metropolitan magistrate in the case. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], February 7 (ANI): The Election Commission of India has approved the 'two leaves' symbol for All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), in what seemed to be a mild victory for Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) faction. ECI also approved the AIADMK Presidium Chairman Tamilmagan Hussain to sign in forms A and B and also authorised candidates to contest on behalf of AIADMK on the two-leaves symbol. Also Read | Elephant Attack: Tracker Trampled to Death by Wild Elephants While Trying To Prevent Tuskers From Entering Village in Andhra Pradesh. Tamilmagan Hussain said that this is the first step towards winning the Erode East bye-elections, and also expressed hope that AIADMK would be winning the seat. However, Tamil Magan Hussain denied answering any questions regarding what would be the next legal action in the matter. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh: Woman SHO Caught On Camera Taking Massage on Duty From Junior in Kasganj; Sent to Lines. Earlier, the Supreme Court ordered the AIADMK party General Council to pass a resolution related to a candidate who will represent the party in the upcoming bye-elections of Erode (East) constituency in Tamil Nadu. Following this AIADMK Presidium Chairman Tamilmagan Hussain sent affidavit forms to all General Council members of AIADMK. This brought criticism from the O Pannerselvam (OPS) faction who called the action as one-sided. The OPS faction also withdrew their candidate Senthil Murugan from Erode east by-election. The faction said that they don't want to be the reason for the freezing of the 'two leaves' symbol. But, they said that they will campaign for the symbol but not for the candidate. However, the solution can be termed temporary as the Supreme Court clearly mentioned the verdict as interim arrangements only in relation to the forthcoming bye-elections. Meanwhile, today is the last day to file a nomination, and AIADMK candidate Thennarasu will be filing his nomination for Erode East bye-election. Earlier on Saturday, Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) faction of the AIADMK circulated forms to gather support for its candidate, former MLA Thiru KS Thennarasu, among the General Council members for the upcoming Erode East bypolls. This comes after the Supreme Court asked the AIADMK party General Council to pass a resolution related to a candidate who will represent the party in the upcoming bye-elections of Erode (East) constituency in Tamil Nadu. It also permitted the three expelled members of the party including O Panneerselvam (OPS) to vote in the General Council. The AIADMK has been following a dual-leadership formula with EPS as co-coordinator and OPS as coordinator, since the demise of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in 2016. The clamour for leadership has been growing louder for a single leader in the party since the district secretary meeting on June 14, 2022. As of July 11, 2022, at the general council meeting of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Edappadi K Palaniswami was elected as the interim general secretary of the party. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Srinagar, Feb 7 (PTI) Police on Tuesday arrested three employees of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) for allegedly assaulting traffic cops who had issued a challan for violating the Motor Vehicle Act. "An incident has come to notice wherein one SMC employee aggrieved by challan on not having HSRP, came back and broke a traffic booth with others, later assaulted traffic personnel on duty. In this regards FIR has been registered in Shergari PS against 3 delinquent SMC employees," the Srinagar police tweeted. Also Read | TSCHE 2023 Examination Schedule: Telangana State Council Releases Exam Dates for All Common Entrance Tests at tsche.ac.in; Check Details Here. The police said all three accused employees were formally arrested after following legal formalities. "The three had also kidnapped the traffic personnel in a car after creating ruckus. FIR No 06/2023 stands registered in Shergari PS," it added. Also Read | PhonePe Launches UPI International Service for Its Users for Payments in 5 Countries. However, the SMC employees alleged that they had demolished an encroachment of the traffic department which had infuriated the cops. Videos of heated argument between the traffic police personnel and the SMC employees have been widely circulated on social media here. In the videos, the traffic police personnel can be seen asking the SMC employees for the notice of demolition before they remove the purported encroachment. SMC Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu or senior officials of the corporation have not reacted to the development so far. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) By Ashoke Raj New Delhi [India], February 7 (ANI): The government of India has called an urgent meeting with Indian carriers that operate flights to Turkey, in the aftermath of earthquakes in the western Asian country. Also Read | Madhya Pradesh Road Accident: Driver Charred to Death As Oil Tanker Catches Fire Near Mhow. During the meeting, India's low-cost airline IndiGo offered free cargo movement to Istanbul on its scheduled flights. The Indian aviation regulator has held a meeting with Indian carriers over operating flights to Turkey for cargo movements in commercial scheduled flights. IndiGo has offered free cargo movement on its scheduled commercial flights using Boeing 777 aircraft to Istanbul." an aviation industry source told ANI. Also Read | Earthquake in Syria, Turkey: Death Toll Rises Over 5,000 As Turkiye, Syria Seek Survivors. Recently Indigo started its wide-body flight operation to Turkey in Istanbul by Boeing-777. "The Indian carrier colony is with Turkey in the disaster and we are ready to provide free cargo movement for humanitarian aid," sources quoted the airline company as saying in the meeting. Other ministries are also part of the meeting and a final decision is yet to be taken in this regard. The first Indian Air Force plane carrying disaster relief material and rescue team to carry out search and rescue efforts in Turkey has reached Adana in the earthquake-hit country, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. The C17 flight with over 50 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and a specially trained dog squad along with necessary equipment, including medical supplies, drilling machines and other equipment required for the aid efforts departed for Turkey early this morning. Turkish Embassy in New Delhi tweeted, "First batch of earthquake relief material along with NDRF's special search and rescue teams and trained dog squads just arrived in Turkiye. Thank you India for your support and solidarity." Meanwhile, nearly 4,900 people have been killed and tens of thousands injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on Monday, according to officials, reported CNN. Turkey's death toll rose to at least 3,381 as of around 9:45 a.m. local time on Tuesday, Orhan Tatar, an official with the country's disaster management agency, said in a televised briefing. At least 20,426 injuries have also been reported, according to Tatar. Meanwhile in Syria, the death toll has risen to 1,509 across areas controlled by the government and by the opposition, officials said, reported CNN. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) NBFC player Clix Capital Services looks to double its profit to Rs 100 crore in the next 2023-24 fiscal by focusing on lending to MSMEs and other segments. The post-pandemic period saw massive pent-up demand amongst sectors severely impacted due to Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdowns, such as travel and tourism, education, healthcare and automobiles, the company said in a release. Also Read | Adani Group Crisis: Seven Adani Stocks Faced Regulatory Surveillance Since 2019 for Price Rise and Fall, Other Issues, Says Market Data. "Clix Capital diligently utilised the Covid-induced disruption as an opportunity to reassess its business strategy as well as digitalise its core-operating model at scale," it said. Clix Capital is poised to cross an AUM (Assets under Management) of Rs 5,000 crore by the end of this fiscal and aims to surpass Rs 9,000 crore by 2024-25, it said. Also Read | K Satyanarayana Raju Appointed As New MD and CEO of Canara Bank. By servicing consumers and MSMEs, Clix has disbursed more than Rs 18,000 crore to date. Most of the company's disbursements have gone to underserved MSMEs. "...the company has carved its niche in focused business segments in line with India's growth trajectory in the MSME, Healthcare and Education space. Providing credit for the growth of these segments is imperative if India is to realise its ambition of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy by 2025," said Anil Chawla, Founder, Clix Capital. A sustained focus on MSMEs in the healthcare and education space has helped the lender witness a four times volume growth in the past 12 months. "While we will continue investing in digitalization with an emphasis on agility and automation, moving ahead we would also be focusing on developing a strong co-lending ecosystem to supplementthe debtraise needed to fund our growth ambitions," Rakesh Kaul, CEO, Clix Capital said. As per the release, from 5 per cent in March 2022, the company's GNPAs stood at less than 3 per cent in October, with a target of closing this financial year at around 2 per cent. Clix Capital offers differentiated digital lending products. Co-founded by industry veterans Pramod Bhasin and Anil Chawla, Clix is backed by private equity fund AION Capital Partners Limited (an affiliate of Apollo Global Management, LLC). (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) on Tuesday signed an agreement for setting up digital forensic laboratories. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be a force multiplier for the DGGI in the field of investigation and digital forensics and will assist the agency for launching effective prosecutions and securing convictions of the guilty, an official release said. Also Read | Electric Vehicles in India: Total 16.73 Lakh Hybrid and EVs in the Country, Maharashtra Tops List With 2.96 Lakh. The DGGI is an investigation wing of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and extensively uses data analytical tools and technologies for detecting tax evasion and busting fake invoice rackets. This will be a significant step for DGGI towards having requisite physical infrastructure, skills sets and know how in the field digital forensic, it added. Also Read | Adani Group Crisis: Seven Adani Stocks Faced Regulatory Surveillance Since 2019 for Price Rise and Fall, Other Issues, Says Market Data. The MoU was signed by DGGI, Principal Director General, Surjit Bhujabal and NFSU Vice Chancellor J M Vyas. NFSU is the only institute in the field of forensic sciences and has the state-of-the-art technology in the field of digital forensics and capabilities to study and analyse digital evidence. It has established cooperation in the field of digital forensics with various national agencies like Enforcement Directorate, DRDO and Central Bureau of Investigation etc. as well several countries and their institutions. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) Germany-based Uniper has signed an agreement with Greenko ZeroC to source green ammonia from the latter's Kakinada facility in Andhra Pradesh. "Under the MoU, the two companies intend to negotiate pricing, supply and tenure structure for a supply and purchase agreement for 2,50,000 tonnes per annum of green ammonia (GASPA) based on the heads of terms," parent Greenko Group said in a statement. Also Read | Adani Group Crisis: Seven Adani Stocks Faced Regulatory Surveillance Since 2019 for Price Rise and Fall, Other Issues, Says Market Data. Uniper and Greenko ZeroC signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and heads of terms during the ongoing India Energy Week in Bengaluru in presence of Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Greenko CEO Anil Chalmalasetty, Uniper CCO Niek den Hollander and other senior company officials, the statement said. Greenko's Kakinada project is a multi-phase green ammonia production and export facility which is in the process of adding up to 1 MTPA of green ammonia production capacity by 2027. Also Read | K Satyanarayana Raju Appointed As New MD and CEO of Canara Bank. At present, Kakinada unit produces green ammonia based on an electrolyser powered by round-the-clock electricity produced by 2.5 GW of renewable assets. CCO of Uniper Niek den Hollander said decarbonisation is one of the major challenges of our time and needs quick action. The Greenko Kakinada project is a very promising opportunity to source green ammonia and secure the supply of low carbon hydrogen products for Germany. Besides green ammonia, Uniper and Greenko also intend to collaborate on the deployment of similar flexible renewable electricity to other hydrogen products such as e-methanol and sustainable aviation fuels. Greenko CEO and MD Anil Chalmalasetty said: "We are working towards decarbonisation solutions for a low-carbon economy. We in partnership develop large-scale green molecule projects in India. Uniper through this offtake agreement for our project will eventually displace LNG imports and strengthen India's green molecule ambitions as part of a wider renewable energy programme that will see India run the world's largest energy transition programme." (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) Two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp on Tuesday reported a 2.41 per cent rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 721.24 crore in the third quarter ended December 31, 2022. The company had posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 704.24 crore in the same quarter last fiscal, Hero MotoCorp said in a regulatory filing. Also Read | Electric Vehicles in India: Total 16.73 Lakh Hybrid and EVs in the Country, Maharashtra Tops List With 2.96 Lakh. Consolidated revenue from operations stood at Rs 8,118.33 crore as against Rs 8,013.08 crore in the year-ago period. During the quarter, the company said it sold 12.40 lakh units of motorcycles and scooters. Also Read | Adani Group Crisis: Seven Adani Stocks Faced Regulatory Surveillance Since 2019 for Price Rise and Fall, Other Issues, Says Market Data. Total expenses were at Rs 7,372.76 crore, higher from Rs 7,217.07 crore in the corresponding quarter last fiscal, the company said. The company said its board has approved an interim dividend of Rs 65 per equity share. "We have started recovering our market shares and expect this journey to continue backed by exciting launches lined up over the next few quarters, especially in the premium segment. This, coupled with our renewed focus on savings programme, should also help in improving our margin profile going forward," Hero MotoCorp Chief Financial Officer Niranjan Gupta said. The company plans to roll out its newly launched electric vehicle Vida across multiple cities in FY24, he added. "Our R&D teams are working on accelerated portfolio expansion as well, in the EV space," Gupta said. On the outlook, he said, "The recently presented Union budget, with its focus on increasing capex investment on one hand and disposable income on the other, augurs well for the growth of the economy as well as the auto sector. We expect the two-wheeler industry to clock double digit revenue growth in FY24." (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India] February 7 (ANI): A Parliamentary Delegation from Bhutan led by Wangchuk Namgyel, Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan, called on Tuesday President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, according to the press statement released by the President Secretariat. As per the statement, "Welcoming the delegation, the President said that we deeply value multifaceted and unique friendship between India and Bhutan. The Government of India is committed to expanding its excellent bilateral cooperation with Bhutan, in accordance with the aspirations and priorities of the people of Bhutan. India is foraying into new avenues of bilateral cooperation with Bhutan such as Space Cooperation, Smart Agriculture, Youth and Sports, Start-ups, Renewable energy, and Digital Development, to help the Royal Government of Bhutan realize its vision of prosperity for all." Also Read | Fed Chair Powell Says Further Rate Increases Are Needed and Disinflation Has Begun but Has Latest Tweet by Reuters. The President noted that this year Bhutan would graduate from the LDC group of countries and embark on the path of becoming a High Income Economy by 2034. She said that while moving forward on this path Bhutan would always find a reliable and trustworthy friend in India. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Wangchuk Namgyel in Delhi on Tuesday and discussed stronger economic cooperation between the nations as well as priorities of youth. Also Read | Shihab Bhai From Kerala Enters Pakistan to Complete His Journey on Foot to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (See Pics and Video). The EAM also interacted with the 13-member delegation of Namgyel and hailed the 'unique' friendship between India and Bhutan. Taking to Twitter, the EAM wrote, "Pleased to interact with Wangchuk Namgyel, Speaker of National Assembly of Bhutan and his 13-member parliamentary delegation today. Discussed our multifaceted and unique friendship, especially ongoing reform, stronger economic cooperation, and the priorities of youth." "Glad that the delegation would have an opportunity to see for themselves the huge changes in India over the last 8 years," the tweet read further. The basic framework of India-Bhutan bilateral relations was the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries. It called for peace between the two nations and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. The Treaty was revised in 2007. The diplomatic ties were established in 1968 with the establishment of a special office of India in Thimphu. There are a number of institutional and diplomatic mechanisms between India and Bhutan in areas such as security, border management, trade, transit, economic, hydro-power, development cooperation, water resources, etc. Bhutan shares its border with four Indian states - Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Sikkim with a length of 699 km and serves as a buffer between India and China. The trade between the two countries is governed by the India-Bhutan Trade and Transit Agreement of 1972. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. India has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs) in Bhutan: Chukha HEP, Kurichhu HEP, and Tala HEP, operational and exporting surplus power to India. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington [US], February 7 (ANI): Recalling the 26/11 Mumbai Terror attacks on Monday, the US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said that the memories of the tragedy are still vivid and that Washington has continued to insist on accountability for the perpetrators of this. Responding to the media during the State Department briefing, he further said that the US has not only held the individual operatives 'accountable' who took so many innocent lives that day, but the terrorist groups that were behind this helped to orchestrate it as well. Also Read | Earthquake Death Toll Rises to Nearly 4,900, in Turkey and Syria; Over 25,000 Emergency Responders Are Working. "The terrorist attacks that took place in 2009 in Mumbai - of course, the memories of that are still vivid. They're still vivid in India. They are still vivid in the United States as well. We can all remember the horrific imagery of that day, the assault on the hotel, the bloodshed that resulted, and it's why we've continued to insist on accountability for the perpetrators of this, not only the individual operatives who took so many innocent lives that day, but the terrorist groups that were behind this that helped to orchestrated it as well," Ned Price said during the briefing on Monday. It was on November 26 in 2008 when India's financial capital Mumbai faced the worst terror attack after 10 heavily armed terrorists sailed into the city. Also Read | Boeing Begins Layoffs, To Slash 2,000 Jobs in Finance and HR Verticals; Outsourcing Employees at TCS Hit Hard. Twenty-Six Eleven, as these attacks are often referred to, witnessed 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists coming to Mumbai via sea route from Pakistan and carrying out a series of coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across the city. Amongst scores of people killed, there were six US citizens as well who lost their lives. When asked to comment on a letter that the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the US, McCaul wrote to the USAID administrator, Samantha Power that USAID should stop funding for HHRD (Helping Hand Relief and Development Foundation), the State Department Spokesperson said, "I will leave it to USAID to comment on the letter specifically," noting that the letter was addressed to the Administrative powers. Notably, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, McCaul wrote a letter to the USAID Administration on January 24, 2023, asking her to stop funding for HHRD in the name of charity. He said that the funding is going or they are linked to the LET and other terror organizations based in Pakistan and ISI. He wrote the letter 14 years after the attack. In the letter, McCaul wrote, "In October 2021, USAID awarded $110,000 to Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) through the Ocean Freight Reimbursement Program.1 This award was made despite longstanding, detailed allegations that HHRD is connected to designated terrorist organizations, terror financiers, and extremist groups. In November 2019, three Members of Congress requested that the State Department review these alleged ties to terrorism in a public letter." "Please immediately personally review this grant to HHRD. I strongly urge you to pause this grant while you complete a thorough review of the allegations, including coordination with thethe intelligence community, federal law enforcement, the State Department CounterterrorismBureau, and the Department of Homeland Security," the letter read. The ghastly Mumbai attacks lasted for four days killing 166 people and injuring over 300. After sailing to the city under the cover of darkness, the terrorists targeted major landmarks of Mumbai. They however killed 6 police officials, including the city's Anti-Terrorism Squad Hemant Karkare in an ambush after leaving the hospital. In these gruesome attacks, 9 terrorists were killed and the lone survivor, Ajmal Amir Kasab, was caught and was sentenced to death at Yerwada Central Jail in Pune in 2012. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Berlin, Feb 7 (AP) The German government announced the appointment Tuesday of the European Central Bank's head of IT systems to lead the national cybersecurity agency, months after her predecessor was removed following reports of possible problematic ties to Russia. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said Claudia Plattner brings the experience and expertise with her that we need for cybersecurity in these particularly challenging times. She will take charge of the BSI agency on July 1, becoming the first woman in the role. Also Read | Scotland: Man Caught Stealing Underwear To Dress Up His Blow-Up Sex Doll, Police Puts Him On Sex Offenders Register. Faeser dismissed the BSI's previous head, Arne Schoenbohm, in October. He had been in charge of the agency since 2016. Schoenbohm co-founded a cybersecurity group a decade ago that brought together experts from public institutions and the private sector. German media reported that one of its members was a company founded by a former Russian intelligence agent. The group said last week that it had thrown out the company. Also Read | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Goes Missing From Guadalupe River Park in California. The Interior Ministry said in the fall that the allegations damaged the necessary confidence of the public in the neutrality and impartiality of Schoenbohm's management. Schoenbohm defended himself against the allegations. He has since taken up a new job as the head of another body overseen by the Interior Ministry, the Federal Academy of Public Administration. Plattner worked for German railway operator Deutsche Bahn's IT provider, DB Systel, before joining the ECB in July 2021. The Frankfurt-based central bank said it would announce a successor in due course. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Pyongyang, February 7: Speculations about North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un's health have again come to the fore, after his alleged disappearance before the mass parade slated to be held this week, Fox News reported on Monday. Incidentally, North Korea's capital Pyongyang is expected to hold mass parades this week but the leader has not been seen in public for a month. Fox News cited a South Korean-based outlet NK News, in stating that Kim skipped a Polibuto meeting on Sunday, which is the third time he has done that. It is pertinent to note that Kim's longest-ever disappearance came in 2014 when he was not seen in public for 40 days, Fox News cited NK News. North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Threatens To Use Nuclear Weapons Amid Tensions With US, South Korea. The mass parades are slated to be held in Pyongyang on Tuesday or Wednesday and will be celebrating the 75th founding anniversary of the Korean People's Army. Whether or not Kim will make an appearance in the parade, remains to be seen. Kim may use the parade to showcase the latest hardware from his growing nuclear weapons and missile program which is also a growing concern for the US and its allies in Asia, Fox News reported. Last week, North Korea condemned the US plans to expand its joint exercise with South Korea and deploy more advanced military assets like bombers and aircraft carriers to the region. It even threatened to counter the military moves of the US with the "most overwhelming nuclear force", Fox News reported. In 2022, North Korea fired more than 70 ballistic missiles, which included potential nuclear-capable weapons designed to strike targets in South Korea or even reach the U.S. mainland. North Korea's Kim Jong-un Described Chinese as Liars: Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. In response to the expanded US military drills with South Korea, which were downsized during the Trump administration, North Korea even conducted a slew of launches which it described as 'simulated nuclear attacks', Fox News further reported. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad, Feb 7 (PTI) Pakistan on Tuesday lifted its ban on Wikipedia, two days after the country's media regulator suspended the services of the online encyclopedia for hurting Muslim sentiments by not removing purportedly blasphemous content from the site. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had blocked Wikipedia because a 48-hour deadline to remove the content was ignored. Also Read | Scotland: Man Caught Stealing Underwear To Dress Up His Blow-Up Sex Doll, Police Puts Him On Sex Offenders Register. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered authorities to unblock Wikipedia "with immediate effect", following the recommendation of a three-member ministerial committee, according to an official statement. "The Prime Minister is pleased to direct that the website (Wikipedia) may be restored with immediate effect," Pakistan's Minister of Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb posted the Prime Minister's order to her Twitter account. Also Read | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Goes Missing From Guadalupe River Park in California. "The Prime Minister has also constituted a Cabinet Committee on matters related to Wikipedia and other online content," she added. Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia, created and edited by volunteers around the world and hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation. The PTA on February 1 announced that it was "degrading" Wikipedia services in Pakistan over the existence of "sacrilegious content, which the platform had been asked to remove, but failed to do so. Two days later, after the encyclopedia failed to respond to the objections, it was banned completely, sparking outrage in the country, which prompted the authorities to place the matter before the Prime Minister who set up a committee for a preliminary examination and comments. The committee, according to the statement, deduced that "Wikipedia was a useful site/portal which supported the dissemination of knowledge and information for the general public, students and the academia". "Blocking the site in its entirety was not a suitable measure to restrict access to some objectionable contents/sacrilegious matters on it. The unintended consequences of this blanket ban, therefore, outweigh its benefits," the statement said. The prime minister, thereafter, directed that Wikipedia be restored with "immediate effect" as he also set up a new cabinet committee to further look into the matter. The committee among others would also explore alternative technical measures for the removal or blockage of the objectionable content on Wikipedia or any other online information sites. "Such things (content) hurt the sentiments of Muslims, said Malahat Obaid, the spokesperson of the regulator. Last Friday, the Wikimedia Foundation said "it does not make decisions around what content is included on Wikipedia or how that content is maintained". It added that this is by design to ensure that articles are the result of many people coming together to determine what information should be presented on the site, resulting in richer, more neutral articles. Critics have denounced the move, saying it was an affront to Pakistanis rights to access information. Social media giants Facebook and YouTube have been blocked in the past over content deemed blasphemous. Pakistan has been sensitive to blasphemous and immortal material on the internet and frequently takes action against sites in order to convey a message to the local population that it was serious to tackle this issue. In December 2020, the PTA issued notices to Wikipedia and Google Inc for disseminating sacrilegious content, while the country blocked YouTube from 2012 to 2016. Pakistan also blocked the video-sharing app TikTok several times in recent years over its failure to stop posting indecent and immoral content. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Colombo, Feb 7 (PTI) Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe's office said on Tuesday that the Paris Club creditors have agreed to provide the debt-ridden country with financing assurances needed to unlock the USD 2.9 billion IMF bailout package. Sri Lanka's bilateral creditors Japan, France, Korea, Germany, US, Spain, the Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, Austria, Canada, UK, Denmark, Belgium and Australia are Paris Club members while India, China, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Hungary, Iran, Pakistan and Bangladesh are the non-members. Also Read | Earthquake in Turkey: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Declares Three-Month State of Emergency in 10 Quake-Hit Provinces. A statement released by the Paris Club after its meeting held on January 25 said that "to support the implementation of the envisaged IMF supported program and the Sri Lankan authorities' efforts with other official bilateral creditors, Paris Club members jointly with Hungary expressed their full commitment to negotiate with Sri Lanka terms of a restructuring of their eligible claims. Wickremesinghe, who took over as the president last year amidst the unprecedented economic crisis and political turmoil, is also holding the finance portfolio. Also Read | Turkey Appreciates India for Sending Search, Rescue Teams After Earthquake That Claimed Lives of Over 5,000 Persons. The Paris Club assurances came as India had taken the initiative to provide Sri Lanka with financing assurances made mandatory by the IMF to release the USD 2.9 billion bailout package. However, doubts remain on the level of assurances extended by China, Sri Lanka's largest single creditor. The US last week said the assurances extended through China's Exim Bank was not what the IMF required to ease Sri Lanka out in the current economic crisis. The IMF facility after its staff level agreement in September last year has been on hold due to want of assurances from creditors. The cash-strapped country began negotiating with the IMF for a bailout after having announced its first-ever sovereign debt default in April last year. Sri Lanka was hit by an unprecedented financial crisis in 2022, the worst since its independence from Britain in 1948, due to a severe paucity of foreign exchange reserves, sparking political turmoil in the country which led to the ouster of the all-powerful Rajapaksa family. The IMF in September last year approved Sri Lanka a 2.9 billion dollar bailout package over 4 years pending Sri Lanka's ability to restructure its debt with creditors -- both bilateral and sovereign bond holders. By the end of June 2022, Sri Lanka owed nearly USD 40 billion to bilateral, multilateral and commercial loans, according to the figures released by the Treasury. With assurances from creditors, the 2.9 billion dollar facility could get the IMF board approval in March, officials said. Sri Lanka has introduced painful economic measures such as tax hikes and utility rate hikes. Trade unions and opposition groups have organised protests against such measures. The IMF facility would enable the island nation to obtain bridging finance from markets and other lending institutions such as the ADB and the World Bank. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Nurdagi, February 7: Search teams and international aid poured into Turkiye and Syria on Tuesday as rescuers working in freezing temperatures and sometimes using their bare hands dug through the remains of buildings flattened by a powerful earthquake. The death toll soared above 6,200 and was still expected to rise. But with the damage spread over a wide area, the massive relief operation often struggled to reach devastated towns, and voices that had been crying out from the rubble fell silent. Earthquake To Strike India Very Soon? Dutch Researcher Frank Hoogerbeets, Who Predicted Earthquake in Turkey and Syria, Had Made Similar Predictions About India, Pakistan and Afghanistan (Watch Video). We could hear their voices, they were calling for help," said Ali Silo, whose two relatives could not be saved in the Turkish town of Nurdagi. In the end, it was left to Silo, a Syrian who arrived a decade ago, and other residents to recover the bodies and those of two other victims. Earthquake: Researcher Frank Hoogerbeets Predicted Powerful Quake in Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon Three Days Ago, Netizens Stunned After Scary Prediction Turns Out To Be True. Monday's magnitude 7.8 quake and a cascade of strong aftershocks cut a swath of destruction that stretched hundreds of kilometers (miles) across southeastern Turkiye and neighbouring Syria. The shaking toppled thousands of buildings and heaped more misery on a region shaped by Syria's 12-year civil war and refugee crisis. One temblor that followed the first registered at magnitude 7.5, powerful in its own right. Unstable piles of metal and concrete made the search efforts perilous, while freezing temperatures made them ever more urgent, as worries grew about how long trapped survivors could last in the cold. The scale of the suffering and the accompanying rescue effort were staggering. More than 8,000 people have been pulled from the debris in Turkiye alone, and some 380,000 have taken refuge in government shelters or hotels, said Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay. They huddled in shopping malls, stadiums, mosques and community centers, while others spent the night outside in blankets gathering around fires. Many took to social media to plead for assistance for loved ones believed to be trapped under the rubble. Turkiye's state-run Anadolu Agency quoted Interior Ministry officials as saying all calls were being collected meticulously and the information relayed to search teams. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said 13 million of the country's 85 million people were affected, and he declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces. For the entire quake-hit area, that number could be as high as 23 million people, according to Adelheid Marschang, a senior emergencies officer with the World Health Organization. This is a crisis on top of multiple crises in the affected region, Marschang said in Geneva. Turkiye is home to millions of refugees from the Syrian civil war. The affected area in Syria is divided between government-controlled territory and the country's last opposition-held enclave, where millions live in extreme poverty and rely on humanitarian aid to survive. The Palestinian Authority said that 57 Palestinian refugees were among the dead 14 in Turkiye and 43 in Syria, a country that for decades has hosted nearly a half-million Palestinians in large refugee camps. Teams from nearly 30 countries around the world headed for Turkiye or Syria. As promises of help flooded in, Turkiye sought to accelerate the effort by allowing only vehicles carrying aid to enter the worst-hit provinces of Kahramanmaras, Adiyaman and Hatay. The United Nations said it was exploring all avenues to get supplies to rebel-held northwestern Syria. Sebastien Gay, the head of mission in the country for Doctors Without Borders, said health facilities were overwhelmed, and medical personnel were working around around the clock to help the wounded. Nurgul Atay told The Associated Press she could hear her mother's voice beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in the Turkish city of Antakya, the capital of Hatay province. But efforts to get into the ruins had been futile without any heavy equipment to help. If only we could lift the concrete slab, we'd be able to reach her, she said. My mother is 70 years old, she won't be able to withstand this for long. But help did reach some. Several dramatic rescues were reported across the region as survivors, including small children, were pulled from the rubble more than 30 hours after the earthquake. Residents in a Syrian town discovered a crying infant whose mother apparently gave birth to her while buried in the rubble of a five-story apartment building, relatives and a doctor said. The newborn was found buried under the debris with her umbilical cord still connected to her mother, Afraa Abu Hadiya, who was found dead, they said. The baby was the only member of her family to survive from the building collapse in the small town of Jinderis, next to the Turkish border, Ramadan Sleiman, a relative, told The Associated Press. In the city of Aleppo, a Maronite Christian convent opened its doors to hundreds of residents who fled their shaking homes. Based on our principles and ideas of receiving the most needy, we wanted to make sure that everybody who was scared or lost their house or was on the streets could find shelter here, said Brother George Sabah. We opened every part of the convent. There isn't a space in the convent that isn't being used by people, including the elderly, children, men, women. Turkiye has large numbers of troops in the border region and has tasked the military with aiding in the rescue efforts, including setting up tents for the homeless and a field hospital in Hatay province. A navy ship docked on Tuesday at the province's port of Iskenderun, where a hospital collapsed, to transport survivors in need of medical care to a nearby city. Thick, black smoke rose from another area of the port, where firefighters have not yet been able to douse a fire that broke out among shipping containers toppled by the earthquake. Turkiye's emergency management agency said the total number of deaths in the country had passed 4,500, with some 26,000 people injured. The death toll in government-held areas of Syria climbed over 800, with some 1,400 injured, according to the Health Ministry. At least 900 people have died in the rebel-held northwest, according to the White Helmets, the emergency organisation leading rescue operations, with more than 2,300 injured. The region sits on top of major fault lines and is frequently shaken by earthquakes. Some 18,000 were killed in similarly powerful earthquakes that hit northwest Turkiye in 1999. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jayapura (Indonesia), Feb 7 (AP) Separatist rebels set fire to a small plane carrying six people after it landed at a remote airport in Indonesia's restive Papua province and took its pilot, a New Zealand citizen, hostage early Tuesday, police and rebels said. Rebel spokesperson Sebby Sambom said independence fighters from the West Papua Liberation Army, the military wing of the Free Papua Organisation, stormed the plane shortly after it landed in Paro in Nduga, a mountainous district. Also Read | Turkey Appreciates India for Sending Search, Rescue Teams After Earthquake That Claimed Lives of Over 5,000 Persons. Sambom said the fighters, led by group commander Egianus Kogeya, set fire to the plane and seized its pilot, Philips Max Marthin, as part of their struggle for independence. He said all five passengers, including a young child, were released because they are indigenous Papuans. We have taken the pilot hostage and we are bringing him out, Sambom said in a statement. "We will never release the pilot we are holding hostage unless Indonesia recognises and frees Papua from Indonesian colonialism. Also Read | Scotland: Man Caught Stealing Underwear To Dress Up His Blow-Up Sex Doll, Police Puts Him On Sex Offenders Register. Sambom said the pilot is alive but did not provide his location. He said the pilot is being held because New Zealand, along with Australia and the United States, cooperate militarily with Indonesia. New Zealand, Australia and America must be held accountable for what they have done, helping the Indonesian military to kill and genocide indigenous Papuans in the past 60 years, Sambom said. Conflicts between indigenous Papuans and Indonesian security forces are common in the impoverished Papua region, a former Dutch colony in the western part of New Guinea that is ethnically and culturally distinct from much of Indonesia. Papua was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 after a UN-sponsored ballot that was widely seen as a sham. Since then, a low-level insurgency has simmered in the mineral-rich region, which is divided into two provinces, Papua and West Papua. Papua police spokesperson Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo said soldiers and police were searching for the pilot and passengers. The plane, operated by Indonesian aviation company Susi Air, was carrying about 450 kilograms (990 pounds) of supplies from an airport in Timika, a mining town in neighbouring Mimika district. Conflict in the region has spiked in the past year, with dozens of rebels, security forces and civilians killed. Last July, gunmen believed to be separatist rebels killed 10 traders who came from other Indonesian islands and an indigenous Papuan. Sambom later claimed responsibility for the killing, accusing the victims of being spies for the Indonesian government. Last March, rebel gunmen killed eight technicians repairing a remote telecommunications tower. In December 2018, at least 31 construction workers and a soldier were killed in one of the worst attacks in the province. Flying is the only practical way of accessing many areas in the mountainous and jungle-clad easternmost provinces of Papua and West Papua. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, February 7: Appreciating India's help in the form of search and rescue teams that landed in the morning after two devastating earthquakes struck Turkey in 24 hours, Turkey's Ambassador to India Firat Sunel, on Tuesday, said that the second plane will land in the country before evening. While addressing the press conference, Sunel said, "India is among the countries that send teams for search and rescue operations. And as you all know very well, India is among these foreign search and rescue teams. Early yesterday, just a few later than the first earthquake, Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) held a coordination meeting upon the instruction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." Earthquake To Strike India Very Soon? Dutch Researcher Frank Hoogerbeets, Who Predicted Earthquake in Turkey and Syria, Had Made Similar Predictions About India, Pakistan and Afghanistan (Watch Video). "Later, I also participated in the meeting with the Minister of External Affairs with NDRF members. And yesterday India sent a plane, a C-17 carrier to Turkey, carrying more than 50 search and rescue members, and experts, including research and rescue dogs and some equipment. This plane arrived early in the morning. And the rescue team in Turkey has already started the operation. Also early, this morning back in Turkey it is still in the air but we are also expecting to land before evening," he added. Earthquake: Researcher Frank Hoogerbeets Predicted Powerful Quake in Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon Three Days Ago, Netizens Stunned After Scary Prediction Turns Out To Be True. On Monday morning, a massive earthquake of magnitude 7.8 on the Richter scale hits 26 km E of Nurdagi in Turkey, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Terming India as "Dost" (friend) Sunel said that New Delhi's help is a huge moral support for the country. He recalled the Covid period when Turkey sent two carriers loaded with medical assistance to India and said that the same thing is being repeated as New Delhi is also providing help to Ankara. Turkey's Ambassador also recalled the proverb, "a friend in need is a friend indeed." Giving the details about the damages and casualties caused by the earthquake, Sunel said, "Earthquake of the magnitude of 7.7 hits Turkey, just after a couple of hours another earthquake with magnitude 7.6 shakes Turkey... So almost 14 million people from 10 provinces were affected in southeastern Turkey, it's a big disaster. According to the sources, they say it is even one of the most devastating earthquakes in the history of western Asia. The death toll reached 3,432 (in Turkey) and 21,103 were injured, almost 6,000 buildings collapsed, and 3 airports were damaged." "So far, we haven't received any requests from Indians for rescue after the earthquake in Turkey. The Indian mission in Ankara may have received some requests," he said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington, Feb 7 (PTI) The United States on Monday ruled out returning to China the debris of the surveillance balloon which was shot down in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday. The US military intensified its efforts to collect the remnants of the high-altitude surveillance balloon from China that floated over the United States over several days last week from Montana to South Carolina. Also Read | UK Shocker: 61-Year-Old Indian-Origin Man Jailed for Sexually Assaulting 16 Year-Old Girl in London. Initial information gathered from the balloon, the White House said on Monday with confidence, that it is a surveillance balloon. It violated international law and its sovereignty, officials said. I know of no such intention or plans to return it," said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, adding that the US military have recovered some remnants off the surface of the sea and they are still in the process of collecting them from under waters. Also Read | Earthquake in Syria, Turkey: Over 1,900 Killed After Powerful Quake Rocks Turkey-Syria Border. Before it was being shot down by a fighter jet on Saturday, Kirby said they had gathered enough vital information about the balloon. We're still analysing the information that we were able to collect off of the balloon before we shot it out of the sky and now we're going to recover it and I suspect we may learn even more," he said. The balloon, he told reporters, was not merely drifting but had propellers and steering to give a measure of control, even as it was swept along in high altitude jet stream winds. "It is true that this balloon had the ability to maneuver itself -- to speed up, to slow down and to turn. So it had propellers, it had a rudder, if you will, to allow it to change direction," Kirby said. According to General Glen VanHerck, Commander of Northern Command, the balloon was up to 200 feet in height. It carried a payload weighing several thousand pounds, roughly the size of a regional jet aircraft, he said. China's, we believe, irresponsible action was visible for the American and the world to see. Not only that at the same time a second PRC surveillance balloon was seen traversing Latin America, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at her daily news conference. It is up to China to show it is serious about its words of being a responsible country that it wants to build on the meeting that the president had with President Xi very recently. So it's up to China to figure out what kind of relationship that they want, she said. As the balloon floated over the continental America, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed his trip to China. According to Jean-Pierre, President Joe Biden directed the military, the intelligence community to collect against the balloon so that they would learn more about China's capabilities and tradecraft. At the same time we protected against Chinese intelligence collection because we knew exactly where the balloon was going, she said. The military recommended taking the balloon down over water following the determination by military commanders that there was undue risk of debris causing harm to civilians while the balloon was over land in Alaska, Canada, or the continental United States, she said. On Wednesday, the president directed the military to take it down at the first available opportunity when it could be done with safety, especially as we're thinking about Americans lives and being safe there, while maximising our ability to recover the payload, she said. Shooting the balloon down over water wasn't just the safest option, it maximised the chance of recovering the payload, giving the US a better chance to get information from the Chinese surveillance balloon payload. But I think the bottom line here and this is something that we want to make very clear, is that look, what China did was unacceptable, Jean-Pierre said. We protected civilians and we gained more intel while protecting our own sensitive information, she said. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters that China knows precisely what it was. Ultimately, the course of action was one that was put forward and executed by the Department of Defence. When it comes to what we've heard from the PRC, I'm just not going to give that too much oxygen. Let me see if I can state it as clearly as I can, the PRC knows precisely what this was, he said. The PRC (People's Republic of China) knows precisely why this was in our airspace. The PRC knows precisely what this was doing over the United States. Ultimately the PRC knows precisely why we did what we did. The secretary made the point on Friday that if the shoe were on the other foot, if something analogous were to have happened within PRC airspace, you can only imagine the response from Beijing, Price said. The US, he asserted, has taken practical steps since the time this high altitude surveillance balloon was detected to mitigate its ability to collect intelligence against sensitive sites, to mitigate any threat it could pose to the American people. More than that in a way we flipped the script because we've trained quite a bit of capabilities of our own at this high altitude surveillance balloon while it was violating our airspace, he said. We learned quite a bit about it in the practice in general, the technology that was on board. There is an active effort underway to recover what is left of this high altitude surveillance balloon on the surface of the ocean. In the coming days, there will be an effort to collect what we can from the bottom of the ocean, Price said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington [US], February 7 (ANI): The United States has expressed "deepest condolences" to the people of Turkey and Syria following the earthquakes that jolted the two nations on Monday, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said. Addressing a press briefing on February 6, Price said that an initial assistance response is underway and US will send two rescue and recovery teams to Turkey. Also Read | UK Shocker: 61-Year-Old Indian-Origin Man Jailed for Sexually Assaulting 16 Year-Old Girl in London. "We express our deepest condolences to the people of Turkey and Syria following the devastating earthquakes. Department of State is in close contact with our Turkish allies and our humanitarian partners and our initial assistance response is already underway. We are determined to provide any and all assistance to help those affected by these earthquakes," Ned Price said. Price added, "Two rescue and recovery teams constituting 78 individuals will be travelling to Turkey. We are looking at additional funding resources that we have available for both sides. We are going to remain committed to doing what we can do for our Turkish allies and people of Syria." He said that rescue and recovery teams will be dispatched to Turkey, who will work along with Turkish allies in the rescue and recovery effort. Also Read | Earthquake in Syria, Turkey: Over 1,900 Killed After Powerful Quake Rocks Turkey-Syria Border. Ned Price said that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. He said that Blinken expressed condolences for the loss of lives after earthquakes. According to Price, Blinken assured Cavusoglu that Turkey should call the US if they need anything and they are ready as an ally to help Turkey. Price said that the US hopes that the rescue and recovery effort is able to pull people from the rubble and save as many lives as possible. He said that Blinken directed his team to see what funding might be available to help Turkey, NGO partners, and Syria. He said that they have not yet confirmed the deaths of Americans in the earthquakes that jolted Turkey and Syria. "As of earlier today, we have not yet confirmed the deaths of Americans, but I think we're all realistic," Ned Price said. "We are all very sober about the implications of this and the fact that many countries, many nationalities are likely to be implicated just given the massive toll and destruction that this earthquake has cost," he added. The death toll across Turkey and Syria has risen to 3090 after earthquakes on Monday. The total number of injured in Syria and Turkey has reached 15,914 following earthquakes. At least 2,379 people were killed and 14,483 others injured in Turkey after earthquakes jolted the southern part of the country on Monday, Anadolu Agency reported. Syrian Ministry of Health said that the death toll from the earthquake has risen to 711 and 1431 others have been injured in Syria, SANA reported. On Monday, an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 centered in the Pazarcik district jolted Kahramanmaras and hit several provinces, including Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Diyarbakir, Adana, Adiyaman, Malatya, Osmaniye, Hatay, and Kilis, as per the Anadolu Agency report. Later in the day, an earthquake of 7.6 magnitude centered in Kahramanmaras's Elbistan district jolted the region. The earthquake was also felt in several neighboring countries, including Lebanon and Syria. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) The Mumbai police on Tuesday arrested a 25-year-old man from Govandi area in connection with the threat call at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Earlier in the day, Mumbai police and other agencies at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were put on alert after they received a threat call on Monday. According to officials, the caller introduced himself as Irfan Ahmed Sheikh and said that he was a member of terror outfit Indian Mujahideen. Mumbai Airport Threat Call: Police, Security Agencies on Alert After Threatening Call From Indian Mujahideen Member. Man Arrested for Threat Call to Mumbai Airport #UPDATE | Police arrested a 25-year-old man from Mumbai's Govandi area in connection with the threat call at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport: Mumbai Police https://t.co/DzWpZc4IRH ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2023 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a statewide model security program that would have TikTok banned in the state. The model security plan will address the state's response to the vulnerabilities presented by the use of TikTok and other software on a personal and state-issued device, according to the governor's press release. The model plan has the goal to ban and prevent any TikTok downloads in the state, including prohibited technologies on any state-issued device identified. The state-issued devices will include state-issued cell phones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, and other devices with the capability of internet connectivity. The security model plan also prohibits employees or contractors from having any business engagements on prohibited technology-enabled personal devices. It will also call for collaboration with security professionals to update the list of prohibited technologies regularly. The Texas Department of Public Safety, together with the Texas Department of Information Resources have developed the security model plan to guide state agencies in managing personal and state-issued devices for conducting business. Abbott that TikTok's associated risk must not be "underestimated or ignored," adding that the social media platform is owned by a "Chinese company that employs Chinese Communist Party members." READ NEXT: Mexican Drug Cartels Are Using Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube to Sell Fentanyl Across U.S. Why Is TikTok Getting Banned in the U.S.? In December, the U.S. government banned TikTok on federal government-issued devices after concerns on national security surfaced. TikTok is owned by China-based parent company, ByteDance, prompting U.S. officials to have TikTok banned on federal government devices out of fears that the Chinese government may leverage TikTok to access those devices and U.S. user data, according to The Guardian. TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter said at the time that the company was "disappointed" with Congress' decision to move forward with the proposal. Oberwetter added that it was a "political gesture that will do nothing to advance national security interests." Since the U.S. government's ban, more and more states are inclined to stop TikTok downloads in their areas. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy continued to ban the app from state-owned devices, according to CNET. Meanwhile, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin released an executive order last month employing the ban of TikTok and the Chinese social media app WeChat from state-issued devices and wireless networks. In early December, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed two lawsuits against TikTok, alleging the social media platform of "luring children" into content on the app, containing sexual content, profanity, or drug references. The second lawsuit claims the company has the personal information and sensitive data of Indiana consumers. TikTok Harmful Content A new study by the Center for Countering Digital Hate suggested that TikTok pushes harmful content when it comes to promoting eating disorders and self-harms into feeds of users. The study also noted that two-thirds of American teenagers use TikTok, with an average screen time of 80 minutes per day. The TikTok hashtags with eating disorder content have over 13.2 billion views, while some pro-eating disorder content is evading moderation through the use of coded tags. READ MORE: New TikTok Challenge Being Looked at As Authorities Respond to Series of Violent Online Threats Against Schools This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Gov. Abbott: TikTok 'poses a danger' in America - from Fox Business A representative for China's foreign ministry stated that a spy balloon recently sighted over the skies of Latin America, specifically Colombia and Costa Rica, belonged to China and was used for flight experiments, CNN reported Monday. Beijing has declared for the first time that the balloon observed over two Latin American countries belongs to China. In a press briefing on Monday, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the balloon "seriously deviated" from its planned course and "accidentally" entered the skies over Latin America and the Caribbean because of the weather conditions and limited control ability over the craft. After the U.S. military shot down a suspected China spy balloon that soared over the continental U.S. for days on Saturday, Beijing claimed that a second Chinese balloon had wandered off track due to the weather. "China is a responsible country. We have always strictly abided by international law. We have informed all relevant parties and appropriately handled the situation, which did not pose any threats to any countries," Mao said, adding that all parties "expressed their understanding." The Colombian Air Force and the Civil Aviation Authority of Costa Rica reported last week that a white observation balloon similar to the one seen over the United States was monitored in their territory; however, neither country has linked the vessel to China. READ NEXT: Chinese Spy Balloon-Like Object Spotted in Colombia's Airspace U.S. Shoots Down First China Spy Balloon The Colombia Air Force issued a brief statement Saturday saying that their air defense system had identified what may have been a balloon on Friday morning. According to the statement, a balloon-like object was spotted and tracked until it exited Colombian airspace. Now, investigations are underway in collaboration with other governments and international organizations to determine where the object came from. After circling North America for days, Al Jazeera noted that the first balloon from China was allegedly shot down by an F-22 fighter jet on Saturday off the coast of South Carolina. The Pentagon called it a "high-altitude surveillance balloon" and claimed the United States government had taken measures to prevent it from collecting classified data. Navy troops are "currently conducting recovery operations, with the U.S. Coast Guard assisting in securing the area and maintaining public safety," according to a statement sent by U.S. Forces North America Commander General Glen VanHerck on Sunday. The military shot down the device in waters near Surfside Beach, South Carolina, and the U.S. Coast Guard announced Monday that it is enforcing a temporary security zone in those waters. The action, which is to be implemented through February 18, intends to safeguard the public from potential threats related to physical objects. Without Coast Guard authorization, no ships may enter the restricted area. China Responds to U.S. Military Action The Chinese government strongly condemned the U.S. military operation, calling the "use of force unacceptable and irresponsible," The Diplomat reports. A senior defense official informed reporters at a Department of Defense press briefing that after the balloon was shot down, a balloon was detected traveling Central and South America, another People's Republic of China spy balloon. It was speculated that the surveillance balloon observed over the United States was also Chinese when a similar balloon was spotted over Costa Rica on Thursday and again over Colombia and Venezuela on Friday. Meanwhile, China sacked Zhuang Guotai as head of the Meteorological Administration on Friday but did not explicitly connect the removal and the balloon mishaps. Neil Thomas, a senior China researcher at the Eurasia Group, said, "unlikely Zhuang Guotai is being scapegoated over Balloongate," he tweeted. Seems unlikely Zhuang Guotai is being scapegoated for Balloongate He was promoted from vice-ministerial rank as head of China Meteorological Bureau to full ministerial rank as head of Gansu political consultative conference He won that promotion on January 11 Likely unrelated https://t.co/713mj3wlde Neil Thomas (@neilthomas123) February 5, 2023 READ MORE: Grammys 2023 Faces Backlash This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: China reacts to US shooting down Chinese surveillance balloon - From Good Morning America The leaders of three of the world's largest Christian denominations gathered together in a joint news conference to denounce laws that criminalize homosexuality. The three leaders, led by Pope Francis, and heads of the Anglican Church and Presbyterian Church say these anti-gay laws are unjust. The news conference, which involved the ceremonial head of the Anglican Communion and top Presbyterian minister, happened after Pope Francis visited South Sudan in a three-day ecumenical pilgrimage.They tried helping in the young African country's peace process. However, South Sudan remains one of 67 countries that criminalizes homosexuality, according to the Associated Press. During the news conference in the sky aboard the Papal Plane, Pope Francis was asked about his recent comments to the Associated Press regarding gay rights. However, the pope did not repeat his words "being homosexual is not a crime," in perhaps an attempt not to antagonize his South Sudanese hosts. The Associated Press noted that the pope's comments were objected to by the South Sudan government, with Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth saying, "If he (Pope Francis) is coming here and he tells us that marriage of the same sex, homosexuality, is legal, we will say no." However, the pope still called their laws unjust and repeated previous statements that parents should not throw their children out of their homes should they turn out to be homosexual. "To condemn someone like this is a sin," the pope said. He added that homosexual people are also children of God and that God loves and accompanies them. READ MORE: The Vatican Dismisses Pro-Trump Priest Archbishop of Canterbury, Leader of the Anglican Church, Backs Pope Francis Vs. Anti-Gay Laws Archbishop Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the head of the Anglican Church, stated that he entirely agrees with the Pope. However, the BBC pointed out that the Church is having its own internal divisions over gay rights as the Church of England stated that it would refuse to allow same-sex couples to be married in its churches. Dr. Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, who was also traveling with the Pope to South Sudan, expressed his own support to his Catholic counterpart. He said, "There is nowhere in the four Gospels that I see anything other than Jesus expressing love to whoever he meets, and as Christians that is the only expression that we can give to any human being in any circumstance". Pope Francis Hits at Critics Who Are 'Using Pope Benedict XVI's Death for Their Own Gain' During that same press conference regarding the South Sudan trip with the leaders of other Churches, Pope Francis also targeted his critics, speaking against those whom he says are using the death of his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, for their own interests. He called the people using the former pope's death partisans and unethical, according to the Catholic News Agency. The pope was asked if his papal ministry had become more difficult since his predecessor's death. However, the pope reiterated that he was able to speak about everything to Pope Benedict XVI and added, "He was always by my side, supporting me. And if he had any difficulty he would tell me and we would talk and there was no problem." He then admitted that there are people who have been trying to pit the two popes against each other. READ MORE: Pope Benedict XVI's Legacy This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Pope Francis concludes trip to South Sudan. More than 100,000 attended Mass in Juba | Feb 5, 2023 - EWTN Florida teen Aiden Fucci pleaded guilty Monday to the gruesome killing of a 13-year-old cheerleader, Tristyn Bailey in a quiet suburb of Jacksonville in 2021. On the day of his trial, he was accused of killing Bailey by stabbing her 114 times and leaving her body in a forested location outside of their village. Aiden Fucci, now 16 years old, unexpectedly filed the plea, the New York Post reports. The prosecution made it clear that the plea arrangement with Aiden Fucci did not promise a reduced sentence, and he is being tried as an adult. However, he committed this horrific act when he was only 14 years old, making him ineligible for the death penalty. READ NEXT: Missing Florida Cheerleader Found Dead Florida Teen Aiden Fucci Planned to Kill Someone The body of Tristyn Bailey, who had been reported missing by her parents, was discovered on May 9, 2021. According to the arrest record, Florida teen Aiden Fucci admitted his guilt multiple times after his arrest on May 10, 2021. The hunting knife, thought to be the murder weapon, was discovered in a nearby pond, along with some of his blood-stained clothing, authorities said, per PEOPLE. According to 7th Judicial Circuit State Attorney R.J. Larizza, Fucci warned friends days before Bailey's murder that he intended to kill someone, but he did not say who. "He indicated to witnesses that he was going to kill someone by taking them in the woods and stabbing them," Larizza said. Fucci referenced Tristyn in an Instagram post featuring a selfie of him making the peace sign in the back of a police cruiser following his detention. "Hey guys has anybody seen Tristyn lately?" reads the photo caption. As part of a pre-trial video conference from the Duval County Jail, Fucci was overheard making references to "demons." "Please don't let the demons take my soul," he said. Then Fucci asks, "What's going on?" and says, "Why am I here? I just want to talk to my mom and dad. What's going on?" Florida Teen's Mom Faces Charges After Tampering Evidence After authorities claimed to have video of Crystal Smith washing blood off her son Aiden Fucci's jeans in a bathroom sink immediately after being interrogated, she was charged with evidence tampering. It was later reported that the same pair of jeans had blood on them and in the sink drain when police got them using a search warrant. She has already posted bond and is scheduled to appear in court on April 4, according to Fox News. St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick, Fucci's guilty plea, thanked the community for supporting the Bailey family and the tips it provided. He applauded investigators for their "all-out" effort to bring the Florida teen to justice. Bailey's lawyer, Matthew H. Hinson, released a statement on Monday in which he lauded the efforts of the family's neighbors, prosecution, and the sheriff's office. "Foremost, we would like to give thanks to God," he said. "Since this nightmare began, we have had the love and support of so many. We know so many have lifted Tristyn, our family, and her friends up in prayer. The members of our community have been simply exceptional in the support they have given us." Meanwhile, Florida teen Aiden Fucci, still in jail, will have to return to court on February 23. READ MORE: Colombia: China Owns 2nd Spy Balloon This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Aiden Fucci says he's guilty of killing 13-year-old classmate Tristyn Bailey, tells court - From First Coast News The Grammys 2023 awards ceremony on Sunday night was a historic event filled with spectacular performances by great musical artists, but Ben Affleck seemed unhappy and looked miserable through it all. The actor-director, known for his habitual frown and sullen demeanor while smoking, was spotted by the cameras several times during the show, sitting glumly next to his wife, Jennifer Lopez, CNN reported. Many viewers saw Affleck as having no interest in being at Crypto.com Arena, where the Grammys 2023 awards ceremony was held. Musical icons like Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, and Missy Elliott gave their all on stage, while more contemporary artists like Kacey Musgraves and Quavo delivered moving tributes to late musical legends. However, Affleck made a steadfast commitment to looking bored, and the netizens were amused. READ NEXT: Grammys 2023 Early Winners Ben Affleck Looks Bored at Grammys 2023 Becomes Instant 'Sad Affleck' Meme CNET reported that Ben Affleck's looking painfully bored at the Grammys is now a "Sad Affleck" meme. "Ben Affleck is every introvert everywhere," wrote a Twitter user. "You can see his batteries draining in real time. Man is already at 23%." Ben Affleck is every introvert everywhere. You can see his batteries draining in real time. Man is already at 23% #GRAMMYs #SaveBen pic.twitter.com/Yv5zmzbPhr Dr. Kinda Decent Human (@amsi81) February 6, 2023 Another wrote, "Ben's bringing the same energy to the Grammys that a 15 yr old brings when they go anywhere with their parents." Ben Affleck is my favorite part of the #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/N9Fa3qy8xM Trix (@laraja818) February 6, 2023 The most well-known image of Affleck appearing as "not really into it" was taken during the Stevie Wonder performance, which confused many of the audience. A netizen wrote, "Ben Affleck would rather be anywhere else than front row at the #Grammys2023 watching Stevie Wonder crush Higher Ground." Ben Affleck would rather be anywhere else than front row at the #Grammys2023 watching Stevie Wonder crush Higher Ground pic.twitter.com/82GwqZneNW Matt Wilstein (@mattwilstein) February 6, 2023 Another Twitter user wrote, "Channeling Ben Affleck when boss calls for a late Friday meeting." Channeling Ben Affleck when boss calls for a late Friday meeting.#Grammys2023 #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/rC6yvMmszq Mykl (@ChezWu) February 6, 2023 However, there were others who have defended Affleck's expression, pointing out that the actor has always been honest about his difficulties. "Ben looks like he's sensitive to noise. Also, he's a recovering alcoholic and there's booz everywhere. Stay strong Ben! I know there's a lot going on," a netizen said. Ben looks like hes sensitive to noise. Also, hes a recovering alcoholic and theres booz everywhere. Stay strong Ben! I know theres a lot going on. #SaveBen https://t.co/pceYjl8Lq8 HRHTechnically (@Kirchhoff2) February 6, 2023 Why Is Ben Affleck 'Not His Usual Self' During the Grammys 2023? After becoming viral because of his "Sad Affleck" meme, a source told ET about the couple's date night. The insider claimed that Ben Affleck was feeling tired, but he and Jennifer Lopez "had a fun date night out at the Grammys." "They have both been very busy working on several projects, and Ben was feeling tired... He wanted to go and support Jen, but he wasn't his usual self," the source noted. The insider also said that JLo knows how supportive Affleck is towards her and her work "but also gets that Ben is more of a homebody, and it isn't his thing to be out at events all the time." The source added that the Latina superstar "is appreciative of his support, whether it's while they're out and about or just hanging at home." After the Grammys 2023 show, Lopez posted a subtle reference to their viral night at the Grammys on Instagram, which seemingly addressed the actor's trending memes. "Always the best time with my love, my husband," Lopez wrote as a caption in a short video highlighting her Gucci gown. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were in the first row of the Grammys 2023 audience when he was captured on camera looking bored throughout the evening. Meanwhile, many were surprised when Harry Styles won the Grammy for Album of the Year with "Harry's House," rather than Beyonce's "Renaissance." Still, Queen Bey set a record with 32 Grammy wins, making her the most successful artist in history. Viola Davis snatched a Grammys 2023 award for the audiobook recording of her own memoir, "Finding Me." The Grammy win makes her an EGOT, an acronym for those who received an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony award. READ MORE: Florida Teen Aiden Fucci Pleads Guilty This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Ben Affleck GOES VIRAL With Jennifer Lopez During GRAMMYs Date Night - From Entertainment Tonight Ovidio Guzman Lopez, the son of Sinaloa Cartel boss Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera, has broken his silence for the first time since his arrest that caused deaths and damages in a community in Mexico's Sinaloa state. According to Milenio, Ovidio, through his relatives, apologized to the people of Jesus Maria in Culiacan, Sinaloa, for the damage and terror brought about by his arrest and the chaos that happened afterward. His relatives told the outlet that El Chapo's son said he was "sorry" and wanted this message to be passed or spread throughout the rural community as there is still fear because of what happened. Many residents reportedly remained traumatized by the ordeal. A resident told the outlet that they still dream about the same thing, which includes bullets, the military, and the helicopter. "My children are more traumatized, they don't even want to go to school. Just a week ago they started going because they don't want to leave here," the resident said. Some residents also expressed dismay over the state government because the support promised to them has yet to arrive. "I have not received any support from anyone, much less from the government," another resident of Jesus Maria told Milenio. Another resident added: "It is easier for Ovidio to come back and help us for the government to help us, to cover my damages because I don't think the government will come to cover them." A month after the operation to capture El Chapo's son occurred, the Borderland Beat reported that the streets of Jesus Maria were still empty, and spent shellings could still be found near the house of Ovidio. The report noted that there is also a military presence in the town, with a checkpoint installed at the entrance. The army also deployed food distribution services, medical services, haircuts, and maintenance to the community's four schools. READ NEXT: El Chapo's Son Ovidio Guzman Lopez of Sinaloa Cartel Had 47 Weapons, Including Anti-Aircraft Guns, in His Bedroom The Arrest of El Chapo's Son, Ovidio Guzman Lopez Military troops arrested Ovidio Guzman Lopez at his home in the Jesus Maria community last January 5. During the violent operation to capture him, at least 29 people were killed. Mexican police noted that 10 soldiers and 19 individuals suspected to be Sinaloa Cartel members were killed during and after the arrest of El Chapo's son. Aside from the deaths, BBC reported that 35 military personnel were injured and 21 gunmen were arrested. Immediately after Ovidio was apprehended, Sinaloa Cartel gunmen set up roadblocks, set fire to vehicles, and clashed with authorities. They also shot at commercial planes in what appeared to be an attempt to stop officers from taking their boss elsewhere. The gunfight reportedly lasted for more than 10 hours. After his arrest, Ovidio was reportedly taken to the Altiplano maximum security prison in Mexico City. Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard recently revealed that anti-aircraft guns were found inside Ovidio's bedroom, along with other high-power weapons. Ebrard said they found 47 weapons inside Ovidio's bedroom alone, including some very high-power weapons and anti-aircraft guns. He noted that these types of weapons cannot be sold in any store, adding that they were still finding out who sold them to El Chapo's son. Ebrard said most of the weapons confiscated inside Ovidio Guzman Lopez's house were traced back to the same gun manufacturers in the United States sued by the government of Mexico last year. Ebrard noted that most weapons that come into Mexico from the U.S. border concentrate in 10 counties. These counties were Harris, Dallas, El Paso, Bexar, and Orange in Texas; Maricopa and Pima in Arizona; Hampden in Massachusetts; Hartford in Connecticut; and Los Angeles in California. El Chapo's Sons: Los Chapitos of Sinaloa Cartel The four sons of El Chapo, known as Los Chapitos, had reportedly assumed leadership roles in the Sinaloa Cartel after their father was arrested and extradited to the U.S. Ovidio Guzman Lopez, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar are collectively known as Los Chapitos. Under their leadership, the Sinaloa Cartel has continued to be one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels. The U.S. State Department has offered $5 million rewards for any information that could help federal agents arrest El Chapo's four sons. The State Department said the Los Chapitos are high-ranking members of the Sinaloa Cartel and are each subject to a federal indictment for their involvement in the illegal drug trade. Their father's former right-hand man, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, was reportedly the Los Chapitos' internal enemy number one. El Chapo's sons have also been at odds with their uncle, Aureliano "El Guano" Guzman. El Chapo's brother is also a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel. Ovidio, born in 1990, is the youngest of four brothers on the State Department list. As young as 18, he reportedly took over the drug business in 2008 when his older brother, Edgar Guzman Lopez, was assassinated in a Culiacan supermarket. READ MORE: El Chapo Son Ovidio Guzman Lopez's Arrest Sparks Ongoing Street Warfare in Mexico's Sinaloa State This article is owned by Latin Post Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Ovidio Guzman Lopez, Son of 'El Chapo,' Arrested in Mexican Military Operation - From CBS 8 San Diego The Rose of Tralee and the Laois Rose faced a quizzing this week, by the clever boys and girls in the Holy Family Senior School in Portlaoise. Rose of Tralee Rachel Duffy, and Laois Rose Sarah Bergin visited 5th and 6th classes to tell the pupils about the festival, on launch day of Laois Rose 2023. Answering the brilliant questions posed by the kids, the Rose of Tralee explained that she didnt get to Disneyland for being crowned, she prefers SuperMacs to McDonalds except for the fries, and that she won jewellery, lots of travel trips and a new car for the year. The experience outweighs the prizes, she added. Have you any side job? one boy asked, to which proud Westmeath woman Rachel Duffy replied that she loves working in P Egans pub in Moate but has taken a year out of that and out of university while she is the Rose of Tralee. Do you have to be the prettiest girl in Ireland? one pupil asked. People thought that for a long time, but its not a standard competition. Its about me as a person, what I do, how I am involved in my community. The four judges want someone to represent Irish women in modern day Ireland, Rose of Tralee Rachel said. Asked if qualifications are needed, Laois Rose Sarah Bergin explained that you just have to be aged 18 to 29. You need to be a kind person who loves doing things for your community. You dont feel like youre in a competition. You go on a big tour all around the country and meet people from all around the world, its more a fun thing, Sarah said. As to who might be a Rose of Tralee from their school, the students pointed to their 5th class teacher Ms Gleeson. Shes good at making decisions, a pupil explained. The Laois Rose Selection Night will take place in the Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise on Easter Sunday night, April 9. The new Laois Rose will then represent her county in the Rose of Tralee next August in Kerry on television. Applications are now being accepted to enter the 2023 Laois Rose selection final. If interested, contact 086 2505791 or reach out to the Laois Rose Centre on socials. Portlaoise musician and former Scoil Chriost Ri student, Roisin Barrett, is touring with a band who are making waves and breaking barriers in the traditional music scene. Theyve been described as a rabble-rousing band that taps into the political power of folk, punk and hip-hop. The combo that brings booze, sex and politics back into folk music in Ireland. That description can only be attributed to one band in Ireland at the moment: The Mary Wallopers. The group, which played in Kavanagh's Portlaoise just before Christmas, was established just over six years ago by brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy and their mate Sean McKenna in a shed at the back of their rented house in Dundalk, where the trio gained cult status with their livestream gigs during Covid. Just over two years ago, they decided to expand the band and called on Portlaoise bass guitarist Roisin Barrett to join them. At a loose end at the time, Roisin, a well-established figure on the Irish music scene, had been playing with her funk/jazz band Fever Solstice, but due to the Covid virus that devastated live music venues across the country, it split up. The daughter of Sheila and Joe, Roisin has two brothers, Padraig and Diarmaid. She began playing acoustic guitar at the age of five and progressed onto the mandolin before taking up the bass guitar, which she says is now her instrument of choice. Following her leaving cert in Scoil Chriost Ri in Portlaoise, she went to the Rock College in Ballyfermot, where the five-piece Fever Solstice was formed. While gigging and working in Dublin, she furthered her studies at Newpark Music Centre, which is linked to the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston. Just back from playing at the prestigious Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) in Amsterdam and from a hectic non-stop 34-venue sell-out tour of Germany, Holland, Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, the 25-year-old says she has no intention of letting up on her frenetic lifestyle with The Mary Wallopers. She said: I had known the Hendy brothers for a few years before they asked me to play with the Wallopers. They used to gig around as a caustic, immoral hip-hop outfit known as TPM (TaxPayers Money), who went viral with songs like F**k RTE and The boys on the dole. Its been a roller-coaster ride with the band since I began gigging with them. Weve played in some amazing venues right across Europe and are now set to storm North America and Canada in March with our unique style of folk, said Roisin. One of the highlights of the last couple of years with the Wallopers, she said, was the gig in my hometown of Portlaoise. Kavanaghs was jammed to the rafters, and we went down a bomb. It was rocking. It was great seeing all my old school mates there, who told me afterwards they never experienced such a gig in their lives. Roisin also mentioned another Portlaoise musician who joined The Mary Wallopers for one of their gigs. Patrick Critchley, who is a painter in Limerick, also plays drums. He comes from the well-known Critchley family in Portlaoise. We had a gig in Limerick and just days before it our drummer ended up breaking his foot at the Electric Picnic. We asked Patrick to fill in and he proved his worth. Hes some bad-ass drummer. With their self-titled debut album The Mary Wallopers now featuring in all the charts, a nomination for the upcoming Album of the Year Awards at the RTE Radio 2 Choice Music Awards and their upcoming American/ Canadian tour in March and later in the year another tour of Britain, whats next for the Portlaoise bassist? Dont know, was her chirpy reply. Were going into the studio next month, where we hope to begin work on our second album. After that, well take one day at a time. With the other cursing and rowdy shower of gung-ho balladeers in the Wallopers, you just dont know whatll happen from day to day. But theres one sure thing: we intend to continue to be rowdy, boozy and irreverent and not take ourselves too seriously. If we can rip the piss out of ourselves, sink a few pints, sing and play a few tunes along the way, then thatll do me for now, she said. The very first Laois Rose community competition is gearing up, heralding a new fun local fundraising feature of the world famous Rose of Tralee festival. The Rose of Tralee is set to expand dramatically with new Community Rose events all over Ireland, with villages and towns hosting mini versions of the festival that still give entrants a chance to get to the televised final. Durrow is the first in Laois to host the event, where a locally chosen Rose and escort will be picked to represent South Laois at the Laois Rose final on April 9 in the Midlands Park Hotel. The event was launched in the Castle Arms Hotel in Durrow, where the fun night will be on Saturday March 11. At the launch were Breda Heary, local community coordinator, current Laois Rose Sarah Bergin, Seoasamh and Joan Murphy from the Castle Arms Hotel and some of the Rose and Rose Escort applicants. More below photo. Pictured are the Laois Rose Sarah Bergin and South Laois Rose entrant Carys Davies. Breda describes the night as a fun event for family and friends to show community spirit and local pride. We are inviting GAA, Camogie Clubs, Societies and local communities to partner with the Laois Rose Centre and take part in local events. The Rose of Tralee International Festival is strongly associated with great Irish women, Irish people, and local communities globally. As we look to the future, it is our goal to support the fundraising efforts of local Irish communities and to continue to showcase the incredible contribution of great Irish women globally, she said. The night will feature 10 Roses and 10 Escorts hoping to win the South Laois titles. The selected Community Rose will hold her title for a year. Should the South Laois Rose win the Laois Rose County Selection they will make it to the International stage at the Rose of Tralee Festival in August, among 31 other representatives from Ireland and across the world. The experience also includes the Rose Tour around Ireland, Team Bonding, Activities from quizzes to outdoor pursuits to Obstacle Courses and various other fun activities. The spectacles in Tralee include the International Rose Ball, the renowned Parades along the streets of Tralee, culminating in the televisised selection nights of over a million TV viewers. For information contact Breda 087 3499294 or email bredaheary41@yahoo.com Who'd have thought you could get a laugh out of the menopause and turn the topic into a hit show? Anne Gildea that's how and she's bringing the smash one-woman show to Laois in 2023. In February 2022 Anne launched the show How To Get The Menopause And Enjoy It in The Viking Theatre, Clontarf, with its planned two-week run extended to a month, such was the response. It proved such a big hit that Anne went on tour with the production and has since played 62 hugely successful dates around Ireland in 2022, appearing in 28 venues and entertaining over 10,000 comedy fans. Anne Gildea is a founder and core member of the comedy super-group The Nualas and a well-known comedienne and writer. Most recently, her memoir, Ive got Cancer. Whats Your Excuse? inspired the feature film The Bright Side which premiered in cinemas in 2021 and is now streaming on Amazon Prime. She says word-of-mouth and repeat attendance played a large part in its huge success. "The show is not just laugh-out-loud entertaining, but it is also informative, as Anne brings her keen comedic skills to a topic that affects 51% of the population yet is still treated like a mystery. Her 2023 Tour has already played a sell-out opening weekend in theatres in Tralee and Naas, and continues around the country, before heading to the UK for London dates in the Autumn. It includes returns to many venues, back by popular demand! MORE BELOW. Audiences have loved it with one saying its Billy Connolly meets The Vagina Monologues. Dr. Deirdre Lundy, menopause specialist said it was "amazingly funny and really accurate I loved it!" Loretta Dignam, Founder, Menopause Hub, was also won over. "Anne Gildeas show is one woman genius. Hilarious and educational in equal parts. A must-see! I laughed out loud so much my face hurt." Katy Hayes, a critic with the Irish Independent, was also impressed. "Never has the female body been put under such an hilarious microscopeutterly punk," she said. Ordinary punters were also delighted. I enjoyed it so much I went a second time and brought the husband. He had tears streaming down his face with laughter. And he learned a thing or three. Go everyone when you can. And bring all the men and women in your life too. Theyll love it, said one. MORE Below. This was the view of one fan: "This is the funniest, most honest and real show I have ever been to! Every woman should see it for really good information on menopause and to have genuine belly laughs! I will go again!" The Laois leg of the tour takes place on May 15 at the Dunamaise Arts Centre. A jury has been sent home in the trial of two women accused of human trafficking in relation to two sex workers, one of whom worked out of an apartment in Portarlington. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial of Natalia Nogueira Da Silva and Ivanilce (Lisa) Vailones Fidelis is not sitting today, Judge Patricia Ryan told the jury. The trial opened two weeks ago and is set down for six weeks. The State alleges that the accused women trafficked two vulnerable Brazilian women for the purposes of exploiting them and taking advantage of their vulnerability to such an extent as to cause the trafficked person to have no real or acceptable alternative but to submit to being trafficked. Ms Vailones Fidelis, 46, of Castle Manor, Racecourse Road, Roscommon, has denied all 18 charges against her, including two counts of human trafficking, one count of organising prostitution and money laundering charges on dates between 2015 and 2020. Ms Da Silva, 32, of Cairn Hill View, Drumlish, Co Longford, has admitted 35 charges, including organising prostitution, facilitating the entry into the state of an illegal person and money laundering. She has denied a single charge of human trafficking in 2019. Ms Da Silva has pleaded not guilty to one count of human trafficking a woman at an unknown location within the State, on dates between March 31, 2019, and May 18, 2019. She has pleaded guilty in front of the jury to one count of organising prostitution at an unknown location within the State on dates between December 5, 2018, and May 18, 2019. She has also admitted one count of facilitating the entry into the State of a person she knew to be illegal on March 31, 2019, at Dublin Airport, along with 33 counts of money laundering the proceeds of crime on dates between March 2020 and May 2021. Ms Vailones Fidelis has pleaded not guilty to all 18 counts against her. The trial will resume tomorrow before Judge Ryan and a jury. Laois County Council has a very attractive job on offer suitable for a creative communicative type. They are looking for a Creative Communities Engagement Officer and the role has an attractive starting salary of 46,411. The Creative Communities Engagement Officer will be a key member of the Culture and Creativity team responsible for promoting creativity and culture in Laois. They will report to the Creative Ireland Coordinator within the Community Department at Laois County Council. The council says the role will require evening and weekend work without overtime but time off will be offered in lieu of overtime. The position will involve day-to-day admin duties. The fixed term contract to 2027 arises as part of the Creative Ireland Programme. It is an all-of-government initiative committed to enhancing access to, engagement with, and enjoyment of Irelands culture and creativity. The vision of the Creative Ireland Programme 2023 - 2027 is to mainstream creativity in the life of the nation to realise everyones full creative potential thereby promoting individual, community and national wellbeing. The role will involve working with Laois County Council Culture and Creativity Team to deliver the strategic priorities in Laois County Council Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023-2027 and Cruinniu na nOg, through an annual programme. The officer will have to liaise with local creatives, artists, organisations and relevant officials in the council to manage the development and delivery of a programme of projects and events. The aim is to encourage increased participation in creative and cultural activities locally. Candidates for the role most have a Level 7 Qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications and have significant experience in a role relevant to the position. Further information can be found on the council website here: https://laois.ie/vacancies-4/ Houses costing up to 275,000 are now eligible for a Local Authority Home Loan in Laois. Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien announced changes to the Local Authority Home Loan meaning more people in Laois are eligible to apply for the State-backed mortgage. The prices of homes eligible for a Local Authority Home Loan and income limits of those eligible to apply for a loan are being increased. From March 01, 2023, house price limits for homes in Laois that are eligible for the Local Authority Home Loan will increase by 25,000 from 250,000 to 275,000. Income limits for joint applicants will increase to 85,000 and the income limit for a single applicant in Laois will increase to 70,000. The borrowing limit will be 247,500 for a 275,000 loan and the rates are fixed at 3.35% for up to 25 years (APR 3.40%) and 3.45% for up to 30 years (APR 3.51%). Laois is in the same category as Offaly, Monaghan, Cavan, Donegal, Tipperary, Kerry, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim, Longford and Carlow. People in Kilkenny can borrow towards a top house price of 300,000 while in neighbouring Kildare the house price limit is 360,000. The Local Authority Home Loan was launched in January 2022 as part of Housing for All. It supports creditworthy borrowers who are unable to get finance from commercial banks to buy a home. It can be used for new, second hand or self-build homes. It means those on more moderate incomes are helped by the State to achieve homeownership, a key aim for this Government. I am delighted to announce these improvements to the Local Authority Home Loan which will take effect from March 1st. Supporting home ownership is a key objective for this Government and the increase in eligible house prices coupled with the increase in income limits will mean more people in Laois can access the loan, said Minister OBrien. "Importantly, building on changes made this time last year we are again increasing the income limit for single applicants so that those earning up to 70,000 who wish to purchase a home can avail of the State backed loan. The Fresh Start Principle also applies whereby people who are divorced or separated and have no interest in the family home, or who have undergone insolvency proceedings, can also avail of the loan. "The changes reflect the reality of todays housing market and we will continue to keep the Local Authority Home Loan under review to ensure it remains a genuine and relevant support for people in Laois who want to own their own home, said Minister OBrien. Since February 2018 over 3,300 people have got on the property ladder through the Local Authority Home Loan and its predecessor the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan. Minister OBrien, along with Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe TD, will sign the amendment regulations in the coming weeks. The changes will take effect on 01 March 1, 2023. Minister Pippa Hackett described changes to the Local Authority Home Loan as very good news for those buying a home in Laois, Offaly and the wider Midlands region. I believe this scheme takes a very fair approach to people who, often through no fault of their own, were falling between two stools previously. I look forward to this revised scheme widening the net and helping more people and families to build lives in Laois and Offaly, she remarked. Laois Offaly Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen also welcomed the announcement. "The changes reflect the reality of todays housing market and Government will continue to keep the Local Authority Home Loan under review to ensure it remains a genuine and relevant support for people who want to own their own home, said Deputy Cowen. The government has announced that more homebuyers in County Kildare are now eligible for the Local Authority Home Loan. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OBrien TD, today announced improvements to the Loan, which will result in more people in Kildare being eligible to apply for the State-backed mortgage. The Loan was launched in January 2022 as part of Housing for All, and is aimed at supporting creditworthy borrowers who are unable to get finance from commercial banks to buy a home. It can be used for new, second hand or self-build homes; it also means that those on more moderate incomes are helped by the State to achieve homeownership. Speaking after the announcement, Minister OBrien said: "I am delighted to announce these improvements to the Local Authority Home Loan. "Supporting home ownership is a key objective for this Government and the increase in eligible house prices coupled with the increase in income limits will mean more people in Kildare can access the loan." The Minister continued: "Importantly, building on changes made this time last year we are again increasing the income limit for single applicants so that those earning up to 70,000 who wish to purchase a home can avail of the State backed loan. "The 'Fresh Start Principle' also applies whereby people who are divorced or separated and have no interest in the family home, or who have undergone insolvency proceedings, can also avail of the loan." "The changes reflect the reality of todays housing market and we will continue to keep the Local Authority Home Loan under review to ensure it remains a genuine and relevant support for people in Kildare who want to own their own home," Minister O' Brien concluded. The prices of homes eligible for a Loan and income limits of those eligible to apply for a loan are being increased. Minister Darragh O' Brien, TD (Fianna Fail) From March 1, 2023, house price limits for homes in the county that are eligible for the Loan will increase by 40,000 from 320,000 to 360,000. Income limits for joint applicants will increase to 85,000 and the income limit for a single applicant in Kildare will increase to 70,000. According to the Minister's Department, since February 2018, over 3,300 people have got on the property ladder through the Loan and its predecessor the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan. Minister OBrien, along with Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe TD, will sign the amendment regulations in the coming weeks. More information on the Local Authority Home Loan can be found at: https://localauthorityhomeloan.ie/. In addition, for more information on the number of local authority loans approved and amounts paid, at local authority area level, click here. Kildare town-based JJ Mahon & Sons, one of the largest independent drinks wholesalers in the country, has ac quired the business of Drino Drinks, a wholesale supplier based in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim. Following the acquisition a new entity called Connacht Bottlers will be established. Connacht Bottlers will be based at the existing Drino Drinks distribution centre at Grange, Carrick-on-Shannon. All staff employed by Drino on the date of the takeover will transfer to Connacht Bottlers, which will be the largest independent drinks wholesaler in the region. The business will continue to supply customers with spirits, kegs, bottled beers, craft beers, soft drinks, snacks and barware, as well as wine brands already available from JJ Mahon & Sons. Established in 1949, JJ Mahon & Sons currently employ over 40 full time staff in Kildare town, servicing the hospitality industry across Dublin, Leinster and is a well known local supplier. Drino was founded 65 years ago and is a wholesale supplier to the hospitality industry in the north west, west and midlands. Kevin Mahon, chief executive of JJ Mahon & Sons, described the establishment of Connacht Bottlers as a significant achievement for the company established over 70 years ago by his late father. He added: I look forward to working with the staff who have transferred from Drino, as we continue to service and support existing customers and attract new business. Drino was established by the late Pat McGovern in 1957 and it developed into a thriving business. Cian McGovern, managing director of Drino, thanked the companys customers and staff for their loyalty and support over many decades. He said: Connacht Bottlers will ensure it is business as usual for the existing Drino customers and staff, while JJ Mahons long history and experience servicing the hospitality industry mean customers will have access to a wider range of products. The original JJ Mahon business was established by John and Gertrude Mahon and their family in 1949. The business had a bottling plant in Kildare town and also produced its own minerals under the Curra brand. While bottling production ceased in 1976, JJ Mahon began distributing drinks on behalf of the main breweries, mineral suppliers, wine and spirit merchants. JJ Mahon & Sons is now one of the countrys largest independent, family owned drinks companies. Sixty five years ago Pat McGovern and his brother Mark commenced making squashes, cordials and glucose drinks at his home (Rantogue Stores) outside Drumshanbo. These drinks were sold under the Drino brand. After a number of years concentrating solely on producing soft drinks it was decided to gradually wind down production and instead concentrate on supplying the bar trade. In early 2005, Pat and his team moved to a new state of the art facility in Carrick on Shannon. Read more Kildare news JJ Mahon & Sons, one of the largest independent drinks wholesalers in the country, has agreed the acquisition of the business of Drino Drinks, a wholesale supplier based in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim. Following the acquisition of the business of Drino Drinks by Kildare-based JJ Mahon & Sons a new entity called Connacht Bottlers will be established. Connacht Bottlers will be based at the existing Drino Drinks distribution centre at Grange, Carrick-on-Shannon. All staff employed by Drino Drinks on the date of the takeover will transfer to Connacht Bottlers, which will be the largest independent drinks wholesaler in the region. The business will continue to supply customers with spirits, kegs, bottled beers, craft beers, soft drinks, snacks and barware, as well as the exclusive wine brands from many of the worlds top vineyards already available from JJ Mahon & Sons. Established in 1949, JJ Mahon & Sons currently employ over 40 fulltime staff at its Kildare Town base, servicing the hospitality industry in the greater Dublin area, Leinster and the Midlands. Drino Drinks was founded 65 years ago and is a wholesale supplier to the hospitality industry in the North West, West and Midlands. Kevin Mahon, Chief Executive of JJ Mahon & Sons, described the establishment of Connacht Bottlers as a significant achievement for the company established over 70 years ago by his late father. He added: Assuming Drino Drinks into JJ Mahon & Sons will allow us to bring the customer service ethos which we are famous for and which is at the core of our business offering to the North Midlands and West region. I look forward to working with the staff who have transferred from Drino Drinks, as we continue to service and support existing customers in the region and also attract new business. I believe that our focus on delivering for our customers is exactly the same as that of the late Pat McGovern, who established Drino in 1957 (1968) and developed the company into a thriving business. Cian McGovern, Managing Director of Drino Drinks, thanked the companys customers and staff for their loyalty and support over many decades. He said: Connacht Bottlers will ensure it is business as usual for the existing Drino Drinks customers and staff, while JJ Mahon & Sons long history and experience servicing the hospitality industry mean customers will have access to a wider range of products. I wish Connacht Bottlers and the excellent staff who are transferring every success. The acquisition of the business of Drino Drinks by JJ Mahon & Sons and the establishment of Connacht Bottlers took place on the February 6, 2023. The Donegal Association in Dublin has announced that the winner of the 2022 Donegal Person of the Year is The People of Creeslough. On the unforgettable afternoon of Friday, October 7, ten people were killed following an explosion at the Applegreen Service Station in the village. In revealing this years recipients, a spokesperson for the Donegal Association said: The Donegal Association in Dublin was founded as a result of a tragedy the Arranmore Disaster, which occurred on the night of November 9, 1935, when 19 islanders lost their lives on the short sea journey home from Burtonport. We come together on April 15 to honour Creeslough and the courage and community spirit of its people. The entire country watched on and held Creeslough in their hearts last October. For us Donegal folk living in Dublin we shared your grief. We were in awe of the response to the tragedy, so many people from Donegal and further afield gave their all in the hours that followed. The hospitality, kindness and offers of assistance to both neighbours and strangers in the days that followed was incredible. In its darkest of days, the strength of Creesloughs community shone through. We remember those who lost their lives, think of the bereaved, the emergency services, the first responders and the many individuals and businesses who did whatever was asked of them and much more. Chairperson of the Donegal Association in Dublin, Kevin McFadden said: I am delighted that the Donegal Association Dublin are presenting the 2022 Person of the Year award to the People of Creeslough, its people have shown the world the true meaning of community and are an example to us all. We hope to honour the village, its people, its history and its future on April 15 in Dublin. Current Donegal Person of the Year Noel Cunningham said: For me it is always a privilege to be associated with Donegal and to have been Donegal Person of the Year was beyond my wildest dreams. It gave me a further platform to promote my beautiful county. It was also the most poignant of times with the terrible tragedy in Creeslough and for me it is a source of huge pride that we are handing over the title to the great community in Creeslough who have shown the world the true meaning of community. I was in Medjugorje when the news broke and as I spoke about on national radio several thousand people from all over the world fell silent that evening remembering the people so affected by the tragedy I will most certainly continue to do what I do for County Donegal and certainly now the Creeslough community are being recognised, my pride in my county is even greater. The Gala Ball will take place on Saturday, April 15 in the Bonnington Hotel, Dublin. Tickets are priced at 80 and The Bonnington are also providing a special overnight rate for guests of 120 for a single room and 140 for a double room (bed and breakfast). Just mention the ball in your booking 01 8373544, or avail of the discount online on www.bonningtondublin.com by entering the promotional code - DON23 Tickets are available through the following options: - Committee Members - By calling Hugh on 0872554966, Elaine on 0857709066 Kathleen on 0863774081 - By emailing info@donegalassociation.ie Author George Owen once said; The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history. EmaSwati are in danger of destruction as they have allowed a few who, intentionally or due to simple ignorance, try to deny or obliterate the true political history of Eswatini. As the pro-democracy discussions continue, one cannot miss the deliberate historical distortion that seeks to make one of the greatest Pan-Africanists, King Sobhuza II, a villain who took power from the people by force. True history must be told correctly and accurately, not only for the sake of the present generation but also for the future generations. A villain or hero There are two very important yardsticks or principles that we use to accurately judge King Sobhuza II. Firstly, the context of the time or political environment of emaSwati, at the time of independence. Secondly, we must judge him by the results or outcomes of his leadership, in contrast to the rest of Africa, particularly our sister countries during the same period. The environment of the time has to be understood in its correct context given the political history of emaSwati as a kingdom nation dating back hundreds of years before colonisation; and that is very important; while appreciating that there was a political system already well-established through traditional structures. The traditional governance was well entrenched. Eswatinis traditional government and traditional institutions were the pillars of the monarchy as are presently administered according to Swazi Law and Custom today. These are still guaranteed and protected by the Constitution. Sibaya; The peoples Parliament. Every liSwati above the age of 18 is an automatic member of Sibaya, which constitutes the highest policy and advisory council. Meaning resolutions of Sibaya supersede all other bodies. Sibaya functions as the annual general meeting of the nation and everyone is equal and can speak freely as (libandla) of the nation. Imagine that for hundreds of years before colonisation, emaSwati were holding annual general meetings through the peoples Parliament. Elderly men freely scolded the King when he was wrong. All that was required was Sibaya to evolve, modernise into a Sibaya Policy and Elective Conference with proper national representation and held at an international conference centre. A new political party system with its Westminster constitution, refused to recognise this structure and thus headed directly into conflict with the traditional system. This meant that King Sobhuza II had to get a mandate from the people using a referendum that was in line with the British political system. According to the Eswatini traditional system, he would have just convened Sibaya, which I suspect he did but recognising that the British would not accept its outcome, opted for the referendum too. A referendum on repealing the first constitution was held in on January 19, 1964. It had been called by the King, following what he termed the imposition of a colonial Westminster constitution by the British in 1963. He opposed it due to what he felt was its non-democratic nature, as it was imposed on the nation as part of the conditions for getting independence. The 1964 referendum was boycotted by political parties (a trend that continued) and a result of 99 per cent in favour of repealing the Westminster constitution was ignored by the British colonial authorities. Despite the landslide victory by the King on the repealing of the constitution, a general election was held later in the year, according to the same Westminster constitution that was rejected by the people through the referendum. This forced the King to form the Imbokodvo National Movement (INM) in April 1964 to contest the election, with which again he won all seats in Parliament. The reality of the time was simply that political parties had very little support. King Sobhuza II did not have to force anyone to vote for his party because they were just not convinced about political parties. My father, Dr Sishayi Nxumalo, stood for his political party, The Swaziland Democratic Party, and lost dismally in his own supposed stronghold of Nkambeni. To now distort history and claim that King Sobhuza II had no following but stole votes by force is a gross misrepresentation of the truth. Parliament moved the motion to repeal the constitution, not the King. That reality does not necessarily mean political parties are still unpopular in 2023 but we must again go the democratic route taken by King Sobhuza II and ask the nation before we can draw conclusions. Political stability The second yardstick for King Sobhuza II is the kingdoms political stability. While newly-formed political parties members in neighboring countries were killing each other, Eswatini remained peaceful. This is very important for the young emaSwati, who are excited about political parties, to know. Peace and the absence of violence are the direct outcome and actions of the leader; they do not come by accident. To deny King Sobhuza II his rightful honor of having steered the country away from political violence is a gross dereliction of duty in history. Mozambique, Zimbabwe civil wars The Mozambique civil war between RENAMO and FRELIMO political parties killed almost one million Mozambicans and left the great nation of Soshangane a laughing stock of the region. Only two years after Zimbabwes independence, human rights groups estimated as many as 20 000 people having died in western Zimbabwe, most of them ethnic Ndebele. Many of the victims were executed, often after being forced to dig their own graves. Others were thrown into wells or disused mine shafts. Rape, torture, mass beatings and wholesale destruction of villages were also commonplace, according to Breaking the Silence, a seminal 1997 report on the episode by the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace. EmaSwati must realise that political parties, without infusing them with elements of our traditional structures, are a recipe for disaster just like in Zimbabwe or Mozambique. Yes Botswana was an exception because they had a one political party system; even to this day. Their opposition is very weak, their kings party ruled. The widow of the late Thulani Maseko gave a moving rendition on Facebook, pleading for the democratic forces to stop the bickering, infighting and remain united like the Tinkhundla system. In the words of King Sobhuza II; We need to take what is good from the white man and leave what is bad. And we need to develop our own political systems using elements of the western systems but not lose our own. Comment: septembereswatini@gmail.com A new childrens exhibition entitled Gaw-Yas Grannie (meaning Traveller Childrens Identity) has opened at the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) Country Life and runs until early April 2023. The exhibition showcases a body of artwork developed by Minceiri/Traveller children through the Gaw-Yas Grannie project, developed by Leitrim County Council in partnership with Leitrim Development Company and Shannonside Community Childcare Centre as part of Leitrim County Councils Creative Ireland programme, funded by Creative Ireland. The childrens artwork was created using a range of media and techniques introduced by artist Kate Murtagh Sheridan at the Shannonside Community Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon. They worked together for more than two years exploring identity and culture through a variety of arts activities within an intergenerational and community setting. The Gaw-yas Grannie project resulted in a range of outcomes, including: Educational engagement; Creative expression; Cultural pride; New skill formation; Language promotion; Ensuring a greater Minceiri/ Traveller presence and representation in our national cultural spaces. Among the artworks exhibited are photographic portraits on colourful hand-printed backgrounds, ceramic cups made in response to traditional ponchers made by Traveller tinsmiths, beady pockets, fabric tiles incorporating words from the Cant language, and a beautiful hand-stitched quilt made by women from the community, which inspired the childrens responses. A short film also gives insight into the collaborative processes that took place. The children, their families and members of the community at Shannonside will attend a special viewing of the exhibition at the NMI Country Life on 11 February. This will be a very significant moment, when they can see their own work exhibited in a National Cultural Institution. It also marks a full-circle, as the project started with a trip to the Museum in 2019, during which the children learned about aspects of their Minceiri/Traveller culture through the existing permanent exhibition, which displays traditional artefacts and aspects of Minceiri/Traveller culture through the ages. Kate Murtagh Sheridan, project artist, said: It was a great pleasure and very enlightening to work with the children. I found their enthusiasm really refreshing. These artworks are an opportunity to explore, share and celebrate the extent and richness of Traveller culture. It was certainly a fascinating experience for me to work with these wonderful young people and to share in their rich heritage. The exhibition is on display at National Museum of Ireland Country Life in Castlebar until Monday, 3 April 2023. For further information go to: https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Country-Life/Exhibitions/Gaw-Yas-Grannie The jury in a human trafficking and prostitution trial has been told it is not required for the day and sent home. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial of Natalia Nogueira Da Silva and Ivanilce (Lisa) Vailones Fidelis is not sitting today Tuesday, Judge Patricia Ryan told the jury. The trial opened two weeks ago and is set down for six weeks. The State alleges that the accused women trafficked two vulnerable Brazilian women for the purposes of exploiting them and taking advantage of their vulnerability "to such an extent as to cause the trafficked person to have no real or acceptable alternative but to submit to being trafficked." Ms Vailones Fidelis (46) of Castle Manor, Racecourse Road, Roscommon, has denied all 18 charges against her, including two counts of human trafficking, one count of organising prostitution and money laundering charges on dates between 2015 and 2020. Ms Da Silva (32), of Cairn Hill View, Drumlish, Co Longford, has admitted 35 charges, including organising prostitution, facilitating the entry into the state of an illegal person and money laundering. She has denied a single charge of human trafficking in 2019. Ms Da Silva has pleaded not guilty to one count of human trafficking a woman at an unknown location within the State, on dates between March 31, 2019, and May 18, 2019. She has pleaded guilty in front of the jury to one count of organising prostitution at an unknown location within the State on dates between December 5, 2018, and May 18, 2019. She has also admitted one count of facilitating the entry into the State of a person she knew to be illegal on March 31, 2019, at Dublin Airport, along with 33 counts of money laundering the proceeds of crime on dates between March 2020 and May 2021. Ms Vailones Fidelis has pleaded not (NOT) guilty to all 18 counts against her. The trial will resume tomorrow, Wednesday February 8 before Judge Ryan and a jury. The body of Douglas Ward, who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Niall Dorr in 2012, was discovered in his Mountjoy Prison cell in the early hours of Friday morning last, May 8. The body of Douglas Ward, who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Niall Dorr in 2012, was discovered in his Mountjoy Prison cell in the early hours of Friday morning last, May 8. Both Nialls parents, Veronica (nee Foy) and David are originally from Mohill. Mr Ward is understood to have died following alcohol poisoning having ingested what is popularly known as prison hooch which can be made from fruit, ketchup, sugar and milk. The sugar then turns into alcohol, which is strictly banned in Irish jails. He was sentenced to 13 years three years ago following the manslaughter of Mr Dorr in October 2010 who was 18-years-old at the time of his death. This was reduced to ten years by the Court of Appeal in January. Niall was trying to stop a row when Ward punched and kicked him in the head. Niall sustained irrevocable brain damage and surgery was not possible. Ward, who had been in Dundalk for a bail hearing on the day of the horrific incident, had been drinking since the pubs opened that morning. It has been reported that Ward was found sitting up in his bed with a cup of the illegal alcohol in his hand when his body was found. The Belgian nuclear power plant of Tihange, near Huy, in the province of Liege, Belgium, on May 6, 2022. JOHN THYS / AFP Belgium's energy policy is certainly full of surprises. After shutting down one of the country's six remaining nuclear reactors Tihange 2 in Wallonia on January 31, the main federal ministers, meeting on Friday, February 3, launched the idea of extending the operation of the three oldest reactors Doel 1 and 2 in Flanders, and Tihange 1. In theory, all three should be disconnected from the power grid by 2025. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Belgium and France's Engie reach deal to extend life of two nuclear reactors This was a new and unexpected episode in a long saga that began in 2003 with a "nuclear exit law" that has since gone through many ups and downs. The most astonishing development this time was that the Greens, ardent supporters of completely shutting down all the country's nuclear plants, are no longer opposed to reviving atomic energy. The energy portfolio is held by Tinne Van der Straeten, one of their own as well as a member of the Flemish party Groen. The controversy was reignited by a report compiled by Elia, a publicly-listed company responsible for Belgium's electricity transmission network. The report leaked last week, a few days after a demonstration by pro-nuclear activists in Tihange that brought together opposition members and elected members of the federal majority. It cited a risk of electricity shortages for the winter of 2025-2026 and beyond. Correcting its previous assessment, which concluded that the situation was under control, Elia now predicts that the country could lack between 900 megawatts and 1.2 gigawatts, 15% of its usual consumption. 'A big joke' The news sparked a wave of panic in Belgium, especially since the government had claimed on January 9 that keeping two reactors in operation Tihange 3 and Doel 4 until 2035 would protect the country from blackouts. This followed a very long negotiation with Engie-Electrabel, the company managing Belgian nuclear plants. Despite being touted as a "historic" agreement, it was not enough to clear up all doubts, as the two units will have to undergo major refurbishment work before being restarted in late 2026. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes The long road to extending life of French nuclear reactors Elia has proposed a plan to save nuclear fuel by modulating the output of active power plants. "This is a big joke!" said Marie-Christine Marghem, former energy minister and member of the center-right Reformist movement. Despite being part of Alexander De Croo's government, her French-speaking liberal party is campaigning for the maintenance of every nuclear plant and even to stop the dismantling of the Doel 3 reactor (which was shut down last September) and the Tihange 2 reactor (which was shut down on Tuesday, January 31). You have 42.41% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Charles Sobhraj in a plane leaving Kathmandu for France, December 23, 2022. ATISH PATEL / AFP At 75, Michel Jacomet had hoped never to hear about Charles "The Serpent" Sobhraj again. So the news of Sobhraj's release and return to France at the end of December 2022, after nearly 20 years of detention in Nepal for the 1975 murders of two North American backpackers, chilled him. "He's a monster who looks like a human being who, even at his age [soon to be 79], is still capable of anything," said the former Stade Toulousain rugby player. In the summer of 1976, as a young travel agent, Jacomet crossed paths with the criminal who was known to have drugged, robbed and was suspected of killing many young Western backpackers in Southeast Asia in the 1970s. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes 'The Serpent,' from serial killer to commercial success At the time, Jacomet was supervising the two-week graduation trip to India and Thailand of the Gustave-Eiffel class of the Ecole Nationale dIngenieurs de Tarbes (National Engineering School of Tarbes). Wanted by Interpol, who suspected him of a series of murders in Thailand, Sobhraj planned to go to South America. The prospect of passports and money from the group of about 60 French citizens, most of them aged 22 to 25, seemed like a godsend. With his Quebec girlfriend, Marie-Andree Leclerc, along with an Australian, a Briton and a Frenchman, Sobhraj was a magnet for these young graduates visiting Varanasi (Benares, in northern India). They were impressed by the car registered in the Loiret under his alias Alain Gautier, his 10 years of experience, his expertise of South-East Asia and its precious gems. Gratefully, they swallowed the pills he gave them, which were supposed to protect them from dysentery. In reality, the were nothing but vitamins. Two days later in Delhi, "The Serpent" brought them a cocktail of sleeping pills and laxatives, carefully giving a few of them the responsibility of distributing them. But the effect of the combination of the drugs with the freely flowing cocktails on their last night was instantaneous and terrifying. 'I thought they were all going to die' "Within minutes, 25 members of the group including my wife were so sick I thought they were all going to die," the former rugby player remembered. "Some passed out, others had severe diarrhea or screaming as if they were possessed." Bound together by four years of shared studies, the group instinctively got organized. Sobhraj found himself under guard while waiting for the police to arrive, while cabs went frantically back and forth to bring the sick to the hospital to have their stomachs pumped. "His accomplice had fled, but Sobhraj was there, calm, as if nothing had happened," said Jacomet. "If the hotel manager hadn't had his photo indicating he was wanted by Interpol, we'd probably have just had the cops from the local police station and he would have just gotten them confused." You have 5.94% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. People hold a sign as they gather to show their support to Burkina Faso's new military leader Ibrahim Traore and demand the departure of the French ambassador at the Place de la Nation in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso January 20, 2023. The sign reads "No to France, looter of Africa". VINCENT BADO / REUTERS President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, January 22, said Paris was awaiting clarifications from Burkina Faso after reports the African country's military regime wants French troops to leave within a month. Macron urged "a lot of prudence", saying there was "great confusion" over the remarks reported in the media and said military junta leader Ibrahim Traore needed to take a public stance. "We are waiting for clarifications on the part of Mr Traore," he told reporters. State news agency AIB reported on Saturday that "the Burkinabe government last Wednesday denounced the accord which has governed, since 2018, the presence of French armed forces on its territory". It added that authorities in the former French colony had given France a month to complete its pull-out. Read more Burkina Faso says 66 women, children freed from extremists by army France has 400 special forces soldiers stationed in junta-ruled Burkina to battle a jihadist insurgency, but relations have deteriorated in recent months. Protesters have regularly demanded France withdraw its troops from the Sahel country, the latest demonstration on Friday. Burkina Faso is reeling from a jihadist insurgency that swept in from neighboring Mali in 2015. Traore seized power in a coup in late September, in the second military coup in the country in eight months. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes 'In the Sahel region, French officers operated with a colonial mindset' As Burkina Faso seems to be seeking closer ties with Russia, France fears a repeat of its disastrous falling-out with Mali, from which it withdrew its troops last year. The Burkinabe military government has sought to reassure Paris that it does not intend to enlist the help of Russian paramilitary group Wagner to bolster its forces. But French sources say a delegation from the mercenary group has visited the mineral-rich country. Le Monde Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is welcomed by his Malian counterpart Abdoulaye Diop as he arrives in Bamako, Mali, on February 7, 2023. STRINGER / REUTERS Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday, February 7, promised the Kremlin's help for states in West Africa's Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea which are facing a ruthless jihadist insurgency. "The fight against terrorism is of course an issue for the other countries in the region," Lavrov said during a visit to Mali, which Russia is already helping militarily. "We are going to provide our assistance to them to overcome these difficulties. This concerns Guinea, Burkina Faso and Chad and the Sahel region generally and even the coastal states on the Gulf of Guinea." Lavrov was in Bamako for talks with Mali's junta leaders seeking Moscow's help in battling an Islamist insurgency that remains entrenched despite years of fighting. He was welcomed upon his arrival by his counterpart Abdoulaye Diop. He promised Mali further military support and declared Russia's wider backing for Africa in the face of what he described as the West's "neo-colonial approach." The visit marked his third trip to Africa since July, part of a bid to expand Russia's presence on the continent amid broad international isolation after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine last year. Since taking control of Mali (after two coups in 2020 and 2021), the military junta led by Colonel Assimi Goita has embraced Russian support to aid its anti-jihadist fight after evicting the forces of former colonial ruler France. Several Malian officials have traveled to Moscow but the visit by Lavrov is "the first of its kind" aimed at cementing "a new dynamic" for security and economic cooperation between the two countries, according to Mali's Foreign Ministry. Lavrov was to hold talks with Goita, as well as with foreign affairs minister Diop. Mali has already received planes and attack helicopters from Moscow as well as several hundred Russian soldiers described by Mali's leaders as instructors who are helping to reinforce its defense and sovereignty. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Wagner Group's influence spreads across Africa even as war rages in Ukraine Western officials and some rights groups say the fighters are actually paramilitaries with the Wagner group, who have been accused of brutal tactics and rights abuses elsewhere in Africa. Mali's leaders have claimed successes against Islamists that have targeted the government for the past decade, a crisis that has claimed thousands of lives and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes. But foreign observers, including the United Nations, have cast doubt on the claims, noting persistent attacks in the north and northeast of the country. On Monday, the UN rights chief Volker Turk denounced Mali's expulsion of the agency's top human rights representative over the weekend, saying his work was "more crucial than ever." Diplomatic coup Lavrov's visit also comes amid uncertainty about whether Goita will stick to his agreement for a return to civilian rule in March 2024, especially if the security crisis continues. Last month, the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA), a predominantly Tuareg alliance that fought the state for years before signing a peace deal in 2015, said it was pulling out of efforts to draft a new constitution, accusing the junta of foot-dragging. Mali's new Russian allies are also accused by rights groups and witnesses of abuses against civilians, including by the UN's human rights envoy, which prompted his order to leave the country. The military regime has repeatedly blocked attempts by the UN peacekeeping force, MINUSMA, to investigate reports of human rights abuses carried out by the armed forces. As tensions with the international community rise, Moscow is hoping to seize a chance to expand its influence in the troubled region, with analysts noting that several African nations have declined to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In January, Lavrov slammed the West while accusing the US and its allies of "colonial methods" as he visited Angola, South Africa and Eswatini, insisting that Moscow sought relations on the continent built on "solidarity and support." Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes EU's Borrell: 'Wagner has become the praetorian guard of military dictatorships in Africa' Le Monde with AFP IF anybody here thinks that you haven't been recorded, then you are nuts. That was the sentiment of Councillor Sean Hartigan at a recent meeting of Limerick City and County Council. Both a question and notice of motion were discussed with regards to councillor's rights in relation to the video or sound recording of council meetings. Under current standing orders, no one attending the meeting, including councillors and members of the public, are allowed to record in any way. This matter has been discussed numerous times with councillors voicing opinions for and against the recording of meetings. Cllr Hartigan proposed at the meeting that all meetings should be recorded to protect councillors in the case that they were misquoted or their comments were edited and shared out of context. The Green Party member asked for legal advice to be sought on the matter with councillors agreeing to defer the motion until such advice was given. Councillors asked for clarification on if there is a legal barrier to recording meetings and what sanctions can be imposed if a recording is made by an individual. Mr Hartigan said that councillors were nuts if they thought they hadn't been recorded previously and assured them that they more than likely had been. Some members of the local authority opposed the idea, others said it would allow business to be conducted in a more professional manner. AN APPLICATION has been lodged for a much needed footpath in Limerick. Limerick City and County Council have lodged a planning application for the footpath between Clarina Village and Brick Lodge. The works will include the set back of the footpath six meters from the road and the construction of a four meter shared surface. The 700m stretch of road has seen a number of fatalities over the years and the need for this crucial infrastructure has been highlighted by many community groups over the years. The proposed works will include 700 meters of shareD footpath/cycle lane set back from the main road for improved safety. Over the years many community groups in Ballybrown/Clarina have campaigned tirelessly for this piece of infrastructure. Welcoming the news, local Fine Gael Councillor Dan McSweeney said: "This is major news for the area of Clarina/Ballybrown. "It is a project I have worked extremely hard on for the last three years with council staff and at times it has moved slowly but today we can look back and see how far this planned scheme has come. "Overall this is good news for the area and it is important we acknowledge the Community Groups in the area who have campaigned for such works over many years". Local Fine Gael TD and Minister of State Patrick ODonovan also welcomed the news. Having worked with Dan over the last few years to convince Limerick City and County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to advance this scheme, I am glad this scheme is moving onto the planning stage. I will continue to work with Dan who is an incredibly hard worker in this area on this and other projects MBABANE Four tertiary institutions have been denied registration by the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC), while 46 were accredited. This is according to the 2023 list of accredited institutions of higher learning issued by ESHEC yesterday during a press conference. The institutions included the Management Training and Development Institute (MTDI), Wesco College, St John Ambulance and the Christian Family Church International (CFCU) Bible College. ESHEC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Lorreta Mkhonta, during the press conference yesterday, urged emaswati to check the credibility of a tertiary institution before enrolling. She emphasised on the importance of enrolling in an accredited institution. ESHEC issued a list of 46 accredited private institutions with over 100 programmes offered by them. The list also had nine public institutions that were accredited by the council. Provision ESHEC was established in 2015, in terms of the Higher Education Act of 2013, to regulate higher education provision in the country. Its mandate is to develop and implement a quality assurance system for higher education, covering among other areas, registration, accreditation, institutional audits, quality promotion and setting of standards. It ensures that all institutions of higher learning offer programmes and qualifications that meet the required standards and are aligned with national and international standards. The CEO mentioned that some of the institutions that were denied registration did not comply with the set standards of the council. Adding on the list of institutions that were denied registration, Mkhonta said two institutions were discontinued from offering Primary Teachers Diploma programmes (PTD). These institutions were Birch Cooper Graduate Institute and Corporate Development and Training Centre. Worth noting, is that the then Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Chairperson, Simanga Mamba, had urged institution to discontinue offering teaching courses, PTD in particular, because the profession was saturated. Institutions were urged to look at offering vocational and technical courses. Mkhonta noted that during this time of the year, some parents and students started looking for institutions that offered the tertiary qualification they required in line with the career they would want to pursue. It had been noted in the past years, where people enrolled in some of these institutions, more especially private institutions, only to find that the institutions offered bogus qualifications or did not comply with the set standards, thus wasting money and time for both the parent and the student with a useless qualification. We are cognisant of the fact that during this time of the year, parents, guardians and students go about looking for spaces in higher learning institutions. We would like to caution emaSwati that before they enrol, they should verify the credibility of that institution, she said. Mkhonta mentioned that ESHEC ensured that every year they published the list of all credible institutions and the programmes they were accredited to offer. She added that the information was also available on their website found in www.eshec.org.sz. The CEO further stated that they could also walk into ESHEC offices to verify the information. Furthermore, Mkhonta urged individuals who wanted to establish higher learning institutions and the existing ones to following the guidelines stipulated regarding registering institutions as outlined by ESHEC. We have seen instances whereby institutions offered unaccredited programmes, she said. She said the danger in that was that it was a waste of resources for the institution, parents and the students. Recognise Mkhonta said once they discovered that an institution had never been accredited it meant they were breaching the Higher Education Act of 2013. The Act highlights that for an institution to operate and be recognised in Eswatini, it must be registered. She explained that in cases where an institution breached the law, they did not shut it down immediately. Mkhonta cited the steps that they followed to at least make sure that the institution followed the guidelines and get accredited. The CEO mentioned that the council engaged the institution and cautioned it to get the proper accreditation. But if the endless engagements fail, they then shut down the institution. Mkhonta said that particular institution, however, was not expected to leave the enrolled students hanging but it would then be expected to enrol the students to an accredited institution and further pay the entire fees to the next college or university. DESCRIBED fondly as a "valued friend and member of the community" in Abbeyfeale, former councillor and Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council Sean Broderick has passed away. The Abbeyfeale native, who was aged 96, served as cathaoirleach of the former local authority in 1996/1997, prior to its amalgamation with the then Limerick City Council in 2014. Sean, who was a member of Fine Gael, was first elected to Limerick County Council in 1979 and he was later re-elected in 1991 and 1999, serving more than 20 years as a member of the council. Paying tribute, Cllr Liam Galvin, also from Abbeyfeale, said: He was a wonderful, wonderful man - he was a man that I used to call to regularly, not alone for advice but for information too. He had a wealth of knowledge and was a regular church-goer - he will be missed as a valued friend and member of the community in Abbeyfeale. Cllr Galvin continued by saying that Sean worked in the family shop, that his father Davy had owned, until age 92 and retained his interest in politics to the very end. He was a lifelong, integral part of the Fine Gael group, as well as many other things. Sean was awarded the Benemerenti medal in May 2013 by Pope Frances and he was presented with the medal on November 3, 2013 in recognition of his lifelong service to the church. It is with great sadness that I extend my sympathy to the Broderick family, added Cllr Galvin. Other Limerick councillors and TDs have also extended their condolences: I'm sorry to hear of Sean's passing - he was a real gentleman. Condolences to the extended Broderick family at this sad time, said Fianna Fail councillor Michael Collins. Sincere sympathies and condolences on the recent passing of Sean, may he rest in peace, add Minister-of-State Niall Collins while Minister-of-State Patrick O'Donovan stated he to was "very saddened" to hear of his passing. "Sean was devoted to his family, his community and his faith and was a committed member of Fine Gael all his life. I had the privilege of serving with Sean when I was co-opted to the Council in 2003 until he retired from politics in 2004. He served the community of Abbeyfeale and the wider West Limerick area with great distinction being a man of integrity and service." Mayor of the city and county of Limerick, Cllr Francis Foley said: Sean was a great community man who put Abbeyfeale above all else. I knew him for many years through his council work, his love for all things local and his involvement in the church and choir. He will be sorely missed by those that knew him." Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council Dr. Pat Daly added: Seans time on Limerick County Council spanned a number of decades. His knowledge of West Limerick as a business man and his work in Abbeyfeale gave him a unique perspective on Council matters," Following his retirement in 2004, a presentation was made to Sean Broderick at the Limerick West FG annual dinner dance by the then leader of the party, Enda Kenny. Sean passed away on Monday, February 6 and will be reposing at Harnetts Funeral Home, The Square, Abbeyfeale on Wednesday, February 8 from 6pm until 8pm. Requiem Mass will take place in The Church of The Assumption, Abbeyfeale on Thursday, February 9 at 11am. HONOURING the life and works of author, Kate OBrien, Limerick Literary Festival will celebrate its 39th anniversary later this month. Formerly known as the Kate OBrien Weekend, the Festival promotes Limerick as a place of literary excellence. It was officially launched last week at OMahonys Bookshop in the city centre. By attracting prominent participants from home and abroad, the event provides a valuable platform where readers can meet their favourite authors and fellow bookworms. From February 24 to 26, Limerick Literary Festival will take place in both The Peoples Museum, and in the Belltable. This years line up will include authors Casey King, Sean Hewitt, Donal Ryan, Maggie ONeil and, several others. Highlights will include the launch of an exhibition of archive materials from the late Limerick poet, Desmond OGrady, which will be displayed in the Peoples Museum. A poetry reading will take place at Dooradoyle Library on Friday, February 24. On the last day of the festival, the Kate OBrien Award will see three shortlisted writers talk about, and read from their debut books. The shortlist includes Sheila Armstrong for her short story collection How to Gut a Fish, Olivia Fitzsimons for her novel The Quiet Whispers Never Stop and Emilie Pine for her novel Ruth and Pen. Almost a dozen Irish humanitarian organisations have launched emergency appeals to support people in Turkey and Syria following a devastating earthquake. The earthquake hit Southern Turkey and North West Syria yesterday (February 6) with over 5,000 people confirmed dead so far. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is expecting the number of fatalities to increase substantially in the coming days. Dochas, the Irish network for international development and humanitarian organisations, is gravely concerned about those who remain trapped, and whose homes and communities have been destroyed. Speaking about the level of devastation and ongoing humanitarian crisis, Dochas CEO, Jane-Ann McKenna, said, "Temperatures in the region are below zero overnight. People are trapped, and many have been left without shelter, or cut off from basic supplies. "Local facilities are overwhelmed, and there is an urgent need for food, water, temporary shelter, clothes, blankets, hygiene and sanitary products, and medical items. It is vital that these supplies are delivered as quickly as possible and to those who need them most. Irish Aid organisations are particularly concerned about the most vulnerable - the elderly, children and people with disabilities - who are facing stormy and snowy weather conditions and cold temperatures. Other Irish aid organisations supporting the relief effort include Christian Aid Ireland, Concern Worldwide, Goal, Irish Red Cross, Oxfam Ireland, Trocaire, UNICEF, and World Vision Ireland. To find out more about how you can help, click here. Irish government ministers have vowed to tackle the issue of drones disrupting flights at Dublin Airport. Drones spotted flying in the vicinity of the airport caused disruption to flights on Friday, Saturday and Monday. There were suspensions of flight activities on each of the days for safety reasons. Airline Ryanair condemned the situation as unacceptable and urged the Irish Government to act. On Tuesday evening, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State Jack Chambers met with daa the operator of Dublin Airport, the Irish Aviation Authority, the Department of Justice and An Garda Siochana. In a statement after the meeting, the ministers reiterated that they take this issue very seriously and will work closely with relevant state bodies to ensure that the illegal use of drones is tackled effectively. They condemned the unacceptable disruption to passengers arising from the incidents over the weekend. The minsters said that all the relevant bodies have committed to working together to ensure a rapid and effective response to such incidents. They said daa has a drone detection system in operation that gives early warning of illegal drone activity and information garnered from this system is being used to pursue enforcement activity, including prosecution, which can carry a sentence of up to seven years on conviction. The ministers said they will engage across government to strengthen the ability to deal with such incidents, including exploring the potential for enhanced technological solutions. A policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems (drones) is also in development and will include measures on enforcement and compliance. If you are looking to diversify your portfolio in the Capital markets and are unable to select what may be right for you, Flexi cap funds may be considered as one of the good investment options in todays volatile times as they seek to offer portfolio stability that comes from large cap stocks and also allow you the exposure from growth potential of mid and small cap companies. (Large Cap: 1st -100th company in terms of full market capitalization. Mid Cap: 101st -250th company in terms of full market capitalization. Small Cap: 251st company onwards in terms of full market capitalization) By definition, Flexi cap funds are open ended dynamic equity schemes investing across large cap, mid cap, and small cap stocks. The Fund must have at least 65 percent of its total corpus in equity and equity related assets. These mutual funds invest into equities from a range of companies across market capitalizations such as small cap, mid cap and large cap which allows an investor to spread out the risk and lower the impact of volatility. Flexi cap fund category differs from Multi cap fund category. While Multi Cap Funds are required to invest 25% each in stocks across different market capitalization, Flexi Cap Funds are not restricted to any fixed proportion and seek to select the best performing companies regardless of their market size. At a time when Indias growth story continues to be resilient, the latest NFO from Mirae Asset Mutual Fund, may help you chart out your investment journey. Mirae Asset Flexi Cap Fund aims to offer the right mix of value and growth stocks at favourable valuations. The selection is not bound by parameters of market cap or industry, allowing the fund manager the flexibility to bet on the best growth stories. This fund can be considered as one of the optimal options for investors who are in the process of creating or reviewing their core equity portfolios and also for new entrants to the world of stocks, who are seeking exposure across market caps by investing into a single fund. Those looking to participate in growth ideas across industry lines and market capitalizations, which are not limited by scheme mandates, may also look at this as one of the options for investing. Like most Flexi cap funds, the Mirae Asset Flexi Cap Fund is designed for investors who have the capacity to hold on to their investment for 5 years or more to reap the full benefits and capture the long-term growth curves. The India story is still very resilient and investors could experience the benefit of participating in the growth of the Indian economy and its diverse sectors that contribute towards this growth," said Vrijesh Kasera, Fund Manager, Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Pvt. Ltd. View Full Image Benefits of Flexi Cap Funds The fund managers use a bottom-up approach where the stocks in the portfolio are selected after a careful analysis of business fundamentals, growth and valuations. There is a conscious effort to keep the focus on a diversified set of growth businesses so that the risk is spread out. View Full Image Vrijesh Kasera, Fund Manager, Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Pvt. Ltd. Through our bottom up stock selection process, we seek to invest in companies with growth potential, which we can hold for a longer term on its merit and we believe such opportunities are available across market cap. These stocks are selected from diverse sectors that may have substantial growth in the coming years," he further added. Flexi cap funds offer a high degree of flexibility to help you maximise your returns. After you have invested the fund, if the assets underperform, or if there are better opportunities in the market, the fund manager has the choice to re-allocate to different market capitalizations to get better returns. They also offer a large investment horizon to help investors capture the growth curves across different sectors and maximise the gains. The NFO for the Mirae Asset Flexi Cap Fund closes for subscription on February 17, 2023. The fund will be managed by Vrijesh Kasera, Fund Manager at Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Private limited. Click here to know more about this opportunity. Mirae Asset Flexi Cap Fund is suitable for investors who are seeking*- - To generate long term appreciation/income. - Investment in equity and equity related instruments across market capitalization spectrum of large cap, mid cap and small cap companies. *Investors should consult their financial advisors if they are not clear about the suitability of the product Investors understand that their principal will be at Very High Risk. View Full Image Know more about Mirae Asset Flexi Cap Fund The information contained in this document is compiled from third party and publically available sources and is included for general information purposes only. There can be no assurance and guarantee on the yields. Views expressed by the Fund Manager cannot be construed to be a decision to invest. The statements contained herein are based on current views and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Whilst, Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Private Limited (the AMC) shall have no responsibility/liability whatsoever for the accuracy or any use or reliance thereof of such information. The AMC, its associate or sponsors or group companies, its Directors or employees accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind resulting out of the use of this document. The recipient(s) before acting on any information herein should make his/her/their own investigation and seek appropriate professional advice and shall alone be fully responsible / liable for any decision taken on the basis of information contained herein. Any reliance on the accuracy or use of such information shall be done only after consultation with the financial consultant to understand the specific legal, tax or financial implications. The Product Labelling assigned during the NFO is based on internal assessment of the scheme characteristics or model portfolio and the same may vary post NFO when the actual investments are made. Investors should consult with their mutual fund distributors/ financial advisors to know what flexi cap mutual funds and if it is suitable for their investment needs basis their risk profile. Statutory Details: Trustee: Mirae Asset Trustee Company Private Limited; Investment Manager: Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Private Limited (AMC); Sponsor: Mirae Asset Global Investments Company Limited. For further information about other schemes (product labelling and performance of the fund) please visit the website of the AMC: www.miraeassetmf.co.in Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully. Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio Topics On the eve of 2023, experts at the Traders Union named the best broker with support for the MetaTrader 4 platform. In the published broker rating, the honorable first place, and the title of the MT4 best broker , went to RoboForex. Registered in 2009 in New Zealand, RoboForex today enjoys respect and trust in 169 countries around the world. The number of active traders who trust the broker has exceeded 3.5 million people. RoboForex: what is important to know? RoboForex is a CySEC-licensed regulated broker with a strong reputation that has been developed and maintained since 2009. The main office is located in Belize, the Caribbean offshore. It is regulated by the Belize International Financial Services Commission (IFSC Belize), which in turn is regulated by the Belize Ministry of Securities. The broker is distinguished by tight spreads, especially on Prime and ECN accounts, which are close to interbank ones, and a low threshold for entering the U.S. stock market through RTrader using leverage. RoboForex provides a unique, proprietary service for automatically copying trades named CopyFX which makes trading easier even for inexperienced traders. RoboForex , unlike many exchanges, does not charge a deposit fee. 24/7 multilingual support is ready to help you with any questions. There is an investment service and several options for affiliates, and a wide variety of promotions and bonuses. The broker supports MT4, MT5, RTrader, cTrader platforms, and offers its own web terminal for working with both demo and real accounts. What is MetaTrader 4 and why the platform is remarkable MetaTrader MT4) is the most popular Forex trading platform today. It was introduced by the Russian company MetaQuotes Software in 2005. Convenient, practical and usable, it quickly claimed a leading position among similar platforms and applications, and has maintained it so far. The platform is known and loved in most countries where Forex trading is popular. When an updated version, MetaTrader 5, was released in 2010, interest in the four" did not fade away, traders continued to install and use it, since not everyone liked the update. Today, MetaTrader 4 is the gold standard, enjoyed by both beginners and experienced traders. Therefore, there will always be a debate in the Forex community about which broker with MT4 support is the best. Traders Union experts give the palm to RoboForex broker. In 2022, the company was awarded the "Best Broker of the Year" award by Traders Union. Thus, according to experts, RoboForex and MetaTrader 4 are the best tandem for effective Forex trading. Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. TOKYO : SoftBank Group Corp.s technology investment vehicles posted a loss of nearly $6 billion in the latest quarter, leading the company to reiterate its conservative approach. French bank BNP Paribas posted Tuesday a record profit of 10.2 billion euros, the latest in a series of European banks to ride the swell in interest rates to higher earnings. Also Read: Tata Steel stock bogged down as Europe biz drags profitability in Q3 Equivalent to $10.9 billion, profits at the largest EU bank nearly matched the $11 billion in 2022 profits posted by the world's top bank, JPMorgan Chase, which has five times the market capitalisation. BNP Paribas' net profit, an increase of 7.5 percent from 2021, was in line with the analyst consensus established by Bloomberg. The gain was 19 percent excluding exceptional items. Also Read: Apollo Tyres stock skids on cautious demand outlook Net banking income -- what a bank earns from interest on loans minus interest paid depositors -- rose nine percent to 50.4 billion euros. Operating costs rose by a more modest 8.3 percent, to 33.7 billion euros Chief executive Jean-Laurent Bonnafe said BNP Paribas "has revised its objectives upward in all three pillars of its Growth, Technology and Sustainability 2025 plan" following the strong performance. Also Read: Asia stocks steady, dollar strong as markets reassess rates outlook The bank now targets average annual growth in net profit of more than nine percent through 2025. Including share buybacks, BNP Paribas aims to increase payments to shareholders by an average of 12 percent per year over that period. It proposed a dividend of 3.90 euros per share, up from 3.67 for 2021, and five billion in share buybacks this year. BNP Paribas shares were up 0.6 percent in morning trading in Paris. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. The Central government has struck off 1,27,952 companies from the records for failing to submit their financial statements for two continuous financial years. In a formal statement by Union minister Rao Inderjit Singh in Lok Sabha amid the Budget Session said, "A number of 1,27,952 companies have been struck off in last 3 years". The minister said that the government undertook a special drive for identification and striking off companies under section 248(1) of the Companies Act, 2013.. The act reads that Companies (Removal of Names of Companies from the Register of Companies) Rules that had not filed their financial statements and/or annual returns for a continuous period of two immediately preceding financial years. Singh responded to a query on whether the government has implemented any safeguard measures for firms that unknowingly conduct business with shell companies. He said that the term "Shell company' is not defined under the Companies Act, 2013. However, the Centre amended a schedule of the Act in March 2021 to put in place safeguard measures with respect to transactions with such struck-off companies. With the amendment, companies having a relationship with struck-off companies will have to make certain disclosures. To a question related to Work From Home, Singh said the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) had constituted an Inter-Ministerial Working Group to address the challenges faced by the IT/ITES industry in implementing Work From Home for their employees. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications has issued new Other Service Providers (OSPs) guidelines to reduce the compliance burden for BPO and other IT-enabled service providers. The guidelines have also enabled companies to adopt hybrid working models by enabling 'Work from Anywhere' in the country. Further, when asked whether the government has notified the rules to permit companies, especially startups to allow them to directly list their securities on foreign stock exchanges, the minister replied in the negative. MANZINI This means we are now importing expensive cars, says some dealerships. Mohsin Huzaifa said importing newer models into the country meant that they were paying more as most were expensive and there was the addition of the taxes paid for the vehicles. Huzaifa said the costs of bringing the vehicles into the country meant that they had to transfer them to consumers. He said there was also a challenge which had been brought by the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in the hike in freight costs. If you look around, few garages have many cars at the present moment. Most of these now buy one or two as it is expensive, he said. The businessman also bemoaned what he termed a mess caused by some unscrupulous businesspeople who caused problems for them and then left the country. Meanwhile, Communications Officer in the Ministry of Finance, Setsabile Dlamini, said the increase in Eswatinis share of total intra-SACU imports from 9.6 per cent in the revenue sharing framework for 2022/23 to 10.8 per cent in 2023/24 was as a result of such measures. This means that the measures that the ministry has been implementing in order to enhance intra-SACU imports have started paying off. increased It is worth noting that the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) receipts for Eswatini increased by 102 percent in 2023/24 from E5.8 billion in 2022/23 to E11.75 billion. This, according to the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, was the highest share that the country had ever received from the regional bloc and the factors that contributed were higher than projected outturn of the 2021/22 Common Revenue Pool (CRP) and the surplus emanating from that will be paid together with the 2023/24 revenue share and also 25 per cent increase in the projected size of the CRP for 2023/24 compared to 2022/23. New Delhi: Greenko Group, backed by GIC Holdings, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Japans ORIX Corp, plans to supply green ammonia to Germanys biggest gas trader Uniper, in what could be the first export deal of the emission-free fuel out of India. The green ammonia will be supplied from 1 million tonne per annum (mtpa) production facility in Kakinada that is being set up by Greenko Groups Greenko ZeroC Private Limited. The two firms on Tuesday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Heads of Terms agreement for exclusive negotiations to supply 250,000 tn per annum of green ammonia to the German major. This comes in the backdrop of uncertainty over Russian energy supplies to Europe in the wake of Ukraine war. With the US led global coalition comprising of the G7 and the European Union (EU) imposing a price cap on Russian oil and gas, Germany is looking at diversifying its energy sourcing to cater to their own domestic demand. Uniper and Greenko ZeroC Private Limited, the green molecule production arm of the Greenko Group, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Heads of Terms for Uniper to enter into exclusive negotiations for the offtake of green ammonia from Phase 1 of Greenko ZeroCs ammonia production facility in Kakinada," the statement said. Aside from Green Ammonia, Uniper and Greenko also intend to collaborate on the deployment of similar flexible renewable electricity to other Hydrogen products such as E-Methanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuels," the statement added. Green hydrogen is generated by breaking down water in an electrolyzer. The hydrogen produced can be combined with nitrogen to make green ammonia, to be used to store energy and in fertilizer manufacturing. Greenko also recently partnered with Singaporean conglomerate Keppel Corp. to jointly explore setting up a 250,000 tonnes green ammonia production facility. Also, Greenko Group and Belgiums John Cockerill are setting up a 2 GW electrolyzer factory in India, one of the worlds largest, through their joint venture, that will require an investment of $500 million. Under the MoU, Greenko and Uniper intend to negotiate a first of its kind innovative pricing, supply and tenure structure for a supply and purchase agreement for 250,000 tonnes per annum of Green Ammonia (GASPA) based on the Heads of Terms. Greenkos Kakinada project is a multi-phase green ammonia production and export facility adding up to 1 MTPA of Green Ammonia production capacity by 2027," the statement added. Green hydrogen is an important part of Indias energy transition, with the government recently launching the 19,700 crore National Green Hydrogen Mission. India has set a target to produce 5 million tonnes (mt) of green hydrogen by 2030 and is encouraging green hydrogen exports to Japan, South Korea, and Europe. Today, Indian companies can supply the most competitive green hydrogen/green ammonia due to availability. The availability of the lowest cost for solar power combined with engineering prowess makes India an ideal place for a green hydrogen production hub," Indias petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri said at the 9th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable. Greenko has Indias largest operational clean energy portfolio of 7.5 gigawatt (GW) and is building 50-gigawatt hour (GWh) of storage capacity on pumped storage technology (PSP), as part of its plan to set up an energy storage cloud platform of 100 GWh. National Investment and Infrastructure Funds (NIIF) Ayana Renewable Power Pvt. Ltd. has also partnered with Greenko Group to store 6-GWh of power in hydro pump storage plants that Greenko is building at Pinnapuram in Andhra Pradesh. We are partnering with a world-class technology partner in John Cockerill and will jointly develop large-scale green molecule projects in India. We are extremely delighted to partner with Uniper through this offtake agreement for our project which will eventually displace LNG imports and strengthen Indias green molecule ambitions as part of a wider renewable energy program that will see India run the worlds largest energy transition program," said Anil Chalmalasetty, chief executive officer and founder and managing director of Greenko said in the statement. Microsoft Corp said it was investigating issues with email service Outlook as users in North America faced problems with accessing, sending or searching emails on the platform. Also Read: Microsoft-OpenAI hosting an event today? What to expect There were more than 2,000 incidents of people reporting issues with Outlook late Tuesday at about 23:10 ET, according to Downdetector.com, which tracks outages by collating status reports from sources, including user-submitted errors on its platform. The web monitoring firm showed that reports dropped to 351 incidents of people raising complaints as of 2:10 ET. Also Read: What is Bard? Google CEO Sundar Pichai explains the newly introduced AI chatbot "Users primarily hosted in the North American region attempting to access Outlook.com may be unable to send, receive, or search email. Additional functionality such as Calendar consumed by other services such as Microsoft Teams would also be affected," Microsoft said in an update on its status page. Also Read: ChatGPT will lead to layoffs, but traders say they will be fine A "recent change" led to the issue and the company was working to restart portions of the affected infrastructure in order to restore service, Microsoft said in a tweet. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. India's state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp Ltd will explore investing in gas assets in Argentina, its chairman said on Tuesday. The company also signed a memorandum of understanding with Argentina's state oil company YPF for hydrocarbon cooperation. "This is an enabling MoU. They have gas (assets)... so we will explore investing there," the ONGC chairman said at an event in Bengaluru. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Global private equity firm I Squared Capital on Tuesday announced that it has invested $100 million ( 826.55 crore) in smart metering firm Gram Power (India) Pvt. Ltd, picking a controlling stake in the Jaipur-based firm. Gram Power is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore-based Polaris Smart Metering Pte Ltd. In view of this acquisition, the former will soon be rebranded as Polaris, however, the enterprise value of the transaction could not be ascertained. I Squared Capital, with over $36 billion worth assets under management, made this investment via its $2-billion ISQ Growth Markets Infrastructure Fund that aims at investing in the infrastructure sector across growth markets in Asia and Latin America. According to Yashraj Khaitan, co-founder and chief executive of Gram Power, this is I Squared Capitals first investment in the smart metering space in India while it has, so far, invested about $1.7 billion in Indias infrastructure assets including the renewable energy space. The invested funds will be used to upgrade Gram Powers manufacturing capabilities to global standards, invest in research and development, talent upskilling and acquisitions, and participate in upcoming tenders, as per a press release. This investment by I Squared Capital will create the right synergies for our growth by helping us acquire, finance, and execute large scale projects while building world-class manufacturing facilities, expanding our service offerings, and investing in top quality talent," Khaitan said. Founded in 2012 by Khaitan in California, Gram Power often works with the government after participating in a competitive bidding process to execute smart metering projects. It also works with corporates to offer its smart metering solutions for reducing energy costs. According to a research by Polaris Market Research, the global electricity meters market size is expected to reach USD 16.98 billion by 2030, growing at annualized rate of 6.3%. Among some recent developments in the power sector, Mint reported that Indias largest pure-play solar platform, the ACME Group, has given a formal mandate to Rothschild and Co. to raise $500 million equity by selling a stake in ACME Cleantech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. The funds will be raised for the large green hydrogen and green ammonia project at the SEZ at Duqm in Oman, which will require an investment of around $6 billion. NEW DELHI : Recruiters serving Adani group companies said many senior candidates expressed apprehension about their future roles in the embattled group, but recruitment firms specializing in junior and mid-level managers reported hiring operations were proceeding as normal. Prospective candidates have been ruffled by the fraud and stock manipulation allegations made by US-based short seller Hindenburg Research that triggered a $100 billion sell-off in Adani stocks and forced the group to pull the 20,000 crore follow-on public offering (FPO) of Adani Enterprises Ltd. The diversified conglomerate runs businesses ranging from green energy to airports and ports and is a large recruiter. During our meetings with the client firms, we were told that it is business as usual and there has been no impact on the ground. We are conveying the same to the candidates who are in the crore-plus salary bracket," said the head of an executive search firm. However, Adani group said there is no impact on senior-level hiring". All our ongoing projects continue according to the plan. Adani Groups core fundamentals remain unchanged, and our robust systems, which are focused on creating a healthy work ecosystem, ensured that there is no impact on any senior-level hiring," a spokesperson for Adani group said in response to Mints queries. Recruiters said while the senior candidates are on the edge, there is no impact so far on the junior and middle order. Valuation of companies and trading prices do not have any impact on hiring mandates. These are very early days still, and the group, which has companies across businesses including solar power, has manpower needs which span over many years," said Lohit Bhatia, president of workforce management at Quess Corp. Bhatia said that unless cash flows get impacted, it will be business as usual for the group and its hiring targets. The outlook of some Adani group companies were downgraded to negative by S&P Global Ratings on Friday. Although lenders and the Reserve Bank of India allayed fears of any stress on banks books because of the Adani stock rout, Indias top three state-run banksState Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, and Bank of Barodahave an aggregate exposure of around 40,000 crore to various entities of the Adani group. The Adani Group also relies heavily on its internal hiring team, and right now, if there is an impact on hiring, it is because of the sentiments and market perception," said another senior headhunter of a Mumbai-based search firm, seeking anonymity. On Monday, promoter Gautam Adani prepaid $1.11 billion in loans ahead of maturity and release pledged shares in Adani Transmission Ltd, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd and Adani Green Energy Ltd. The move is aimed at restoring investor confidence and easing the selling pressure in group stocks. The promoters early payment will result in the release of 168.27 million shares of Adani Ports, 11.77 million shares of Adani Transmission, and 27.56 million shares of Adani Green, according to a statement issued by the group on Monday. Ever since a report on the government banning about 138 gambling apps and 94 loan apps over concerns of Chinese linkages" came out, the industry is in a panic mode. While the full list of gambling and betting apps are circulating on industry WhatsApp groups, the confusion over the banned digital lending apps remains. Nobody knows what is the list, where is the list, what needs to be done," a senior digital lending industry official said. Nobody has got any notice from the government. Google is informing and reaching out to apps separately saying that they have received a list and against that list, the company might have to shut their particular app." He added that everybody is in a fear whether their name is there on the list or not. Everybody is claiming we are not impacted. If everybody is safe, then why this panic?" he said. Some popular loan apps such as PayUs buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) service LazyPay, Kissht, and Faircent are seen as part of a partial list that has been floating around in some fintech industry-specific WhatsApp groups since Monday. The list of some 25 apps doing rounds also shows companies such as Buddy Loan, Cashtm, Payme India, Avail Finance, MPokket, True Balance, Kreditbee, RupeeRedee, Payrupik, Quickfinance, IndiaBulls Home loans, etc. However, the word Aptoide is appended next of the names of some of these apps. Aptoide is a third-party Android app storewhich means the third-party listing of these apps may have been impacted. Interestingly, a PayMe India spokesperson told Mint that the app is not banned. PayMe India is working on Google PlayStore. There is a dubious app on Aptoide, which seems to have been blocked. We have received no communication from Google so far." We havent received any official information from Google or government sources on banning the dubious version of the app. Having said that, we have no formal or informal partnership with Aptoide which is a third-party android app store. We are speculating that its a proxy app on Aptoide. Blocking of the Aptoide link is a favourable outcome as for us, our official website and Google Play Store is the primary source of trusted customer base," Sunny Mittal, VP - Compliance at RupeeRedee. PayU, Kissht, True Balance, PayMe India, Faircent, Kreditbee and some others in the list have NBFC licences and they are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India. The app Avail Finance was shut down a few months ago, so their name appearing in the list doing rounds is also surprising many. While there have been several rounds of crackdowns on loan apps since 2019, this time there is a genuine panic in the industry as people are paranoid now looking at companies like PayU, Kissht getting affected," an NBFC official said, on the condition of anonymity. Some Digital Lenders Association of India members separately said that none of their members are in the list, however, the panic seems to be real. The industry group came up with a statement saying, As of today, we as an association have not received any formal communication from MeitY on restricting any digital lending app or any warning on any fraudulent practices. We are in the process of collating information from our members and other industry associates about the details. We will approach MeitY and other authorities to understand the matter and implement requisite action if required." While there is no clarity on this latest move, it looks like players into short-term lending are the ones impacted. We work with a few fintechs. And, we have done our analysis on company to customer complaints ratio and we have observed that customer complaints which come mostly are for loans for a duration of two months and belowabove that complaints are significantly lower in terms of quantity," the NBFC official said. The industry fears that so much negativity is literally killing digital lending startups. Many have exited and also exiting this segment since there is no clarity on guidelines from the RBI and then the continuous actions from ED over last several quarters leading to VCs staying away from backing this sector," the official claims. The industry also believed that the government is doing anything and everything in the name of China connection. In 2019 and 2020, the Chinese connection was a big thing. Now, its not there because there are no NBFCs to work with. Even the payment gateways such as Razorpay and Cashfree, they have become so strict that it is getting difficult to even onboard a legitimate VC-funded digital lending startups on a payment gateway because the documentation process has gone up and it is taking two to even four weeks for a merchant identification number (MID) to open. Digital lending business is 80-90% down to where it was a year back," the NBFC official said. On WhatsApp groups questions are circulating if legitimate apps like Lazypay and Kissht are affected, then what is next for the industry?, revealed one fintech industry official. Everyone has become jaded." In addition, the Reserve Bank of India--as part of its process of auditing 9,500 NBFCs to check on the level of compliance--has also been reaching out to NBFCs and asking them to submit information on every loan service provider (LSP) they have worked with since 2019 and agreement copies. Short-term loans are also seen as predatory lending, wherein such apps offer quick funds to people in emergencies, and subsequently, charge higher interest rates. Google has introduced a new experimental AI chatbot named Bard, a conversational service apparently aimed at countering the popularity of the ChatGPT tool backed by Microsoft. Bard comes in less than two weeks after Microsoft disclosed it's pouring billions of dollars into OpenAI, the San Francisco-based maker of ChatGPT and other tools that can write readable text and generate new images. Also Read: Baidu to finish testing ChatGPT-style project 'Ernie Bot' in March ChatGPT, created by San Francisco company OpenAI, has caused a sensation for its ability to write essays, poems or programming code on demand within seconds, sparking widespread fears of cheating or of entire professions becoming obsolete. Microsoft announced last month that it was backing OpenAI and has begun to integrate ChatGPT features into its Teams platform, with expectations that it will adapt the app to its Office suite and Bing search engine. Explaining about Bard, Google CEO Sundar Pichai in a blogpost wrote, Bard seeks to combine the breadth of the world's knowledge with the power, intelligence, and creativity of our large language models." Google's announcement came on the eve of an AI-related launch event by Microsoft in yet a further sign that the two tech giants will do battle over the technology, also known as generative AI. Independent tech analyst Rob Enderle told AFP that, Generative AI is a game changer and much like the rise of the internet sank the networking giants that came before (AOL, CompuServe etc.) it has the potential to change the competitive dynamic for search and information." "Google still largely lives off the fact their search engine is the most widely used, this could change that, relegating them to history," he added. What is Bard? Bard seeks to combine the breadth of the world's knowledge with the power, intelligence, and creativity of our large language models. Google's Bard is based on LaMDA, the firm's Language Model for Dialogue Applications system, and has been in development for several years. 1/ In 2021, we shared next-gen language + conversation capabilities powered by our Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA). Coming soon: Bard, a new experimental conversational #GoogleAI service powered by LaMDA. https://t.co/cYo6iYdmQ1 Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) February 6, 2023 "It draws on information from the web to provide fresh, high-quality responses," he added, hinting that the app would give up-to-the date responses, something ChatGPT is unable to do. It also claims the service will also perform other more mundane tasks, such as providing tips for planning a party, or lunch ideas based on what food is left in a refrigerator. Google's chatbot is supposed to be able to explain complex subjects such as outer space discoveries in terms simple enough for a child to understand. Bard can be an outlet for creativity, and a launchpad for curiosity," Pichai wrote He also wrote, we will make Bard more widely available in coming weeks. It's early, we will launch, iterate and make it better." As people turn to Google for deeper insights and understanding, AI can help us get to the heart of what they're looking for. We're starting with AI-powered features in Search that distill complex info into easy-to-digest formats so you can see the big picture then explore more, Pichai explains. Pichai further said that Bard initially will be available exclusively to a group of trusted testers" before being widely released later this year. Before the emergence of ChatGPT, which was released in late November, Google had been reluctant to launch its own language-based AI fearing the reputational risk of releasing technology that wasn't ready. In a report last week, CNBC said a team of Google engineers working on artificial intelligence technology has been asked to prioritize working on a response to ChatGPT". Bard had been a service being developed under a project called Atlas," as part of Google's code red" effort to counter the success of ChatGPT, which has attracted tens of millions of users since its general release late last year, while also raising concerns in schools about its ability to write entire essays for students. Researchers using the same language models as Bard or ChatGPT have demonstrated the technology's ability to spew out misinformation or nonsense on a potentially massive scale. Facebook-owner Meta in November was forced to take down the release of its own large language model called Galactica after three days when users shared its biased and incorrect results on social media within hours of its release. Crucially for its looming duel with Microsoft, Google also said that users would soon see AI-powered features in its search engine. (Inputs from agencies) MUMBAI/NEW DELHI : At infrastructure conglomerate Larsen and Toubro, a significant step in its succession plan will play out this year. Non-executive chairman A.M. Naik, who joined the company in 1965 as a junior engineer and rose to become chairman, turning the company into a formidable industrial behemoth along the way, will step down as non-executive chairman in October, making way for his successor S.N. Subrahmanyan, the companys CEO and managing director, to lead the board as well. In October, as the baton passes, Naik, now 80, will be designated chairman emeritus. He will continue to wield influence over the companys affairs as he will remain chairman of the L&T Employee Trust, the companys single largest shareholder. Naik will have the satisfaction of relinquishing all roles after leaving his imprint indelibly over the company. Founded in 1946 by two Danish nationals, L&T today boasts a market capitalization of more than 3 trillion and is counted among the top five construction and engineering companies in the world. Some 92% of the companys revenues today come from businesses started during Naiks rein at the helmhe served in executive roles variously as CEO and managing director, chairman and group executive chairman between 1999 and 2017. In that period, the companys market cap rose from about 2,000 crore to 1.7 trillion. Naik managed to fend off takeover attempts by larger conglomerates in the early 2000s, managed to secure substantial shareholding in the company for staff (to an extent ringfencing the firm from future takeover attempts) and expanded into a number of new businesses, including defence and IT services. In an interview, Naik expressed strong views on a range of subjects. How is India letting China have a $50 billion trade surplus even as it tries to stare us down at the border, he asks. He spoke about Make in India, the secret behind L&Ts project delivery-on-deadline discipline, and other themes. He agrees that L&T Finance has some way to go but declares that in three years, it will be a transformed company. On his successor, known by the acronym SNS, he is pleased to have executed a smooth leadership transition. Edited excerpts: What will be L&Ts role in the MoU it entered into with Norway-based H2Carrier to design and fabricate modules to produce green hydrogen and green ammonia, including electrolyzers? Will you make electrolyzers for the world? Well first make it for India. There are many firms working on electrolyzers. Like H2C of Norway, they are going to go for the cheapest source. We need to have a global competition to bring the cost down. The biggest problem with green energy is that the cost of making green hydrogen is too high. We need to bring in a drastic reduction in costs. And for that, we are one of the participants in the Indian arena, to begin with. But it is the same way what we are doing in heavy engineering and defence equipment. We started with India. But today, 60% of what we do in process plant equipment, hydrocarbon equipment, reactors, and all that is for the world, and we are No. 1. Will you look at becoming an energy provider in the renewable space? We are not an energy provider but an energy equipment provider. Well make electrolyzers, but well not make energy out of them. Well make and sell electrolyzers. Several Indian business houses are in the middle of setting up mega-projects in green hydrogen, giga-factories for solar, etc. Is L&T involved in them? I can only tell you that every project and every factory complex that Reliance Industries has embarked upon have been built by us, whether it is the project in Patalganga during the late Dhirubhai Ambanis time from where the company started, and then the Hazira petrochemical project, the Jamnagar petroleum refinery and then the entire BKC complex, which has the widest hall without a single pillar obstructing the view. Mukesh (Ambani) had asked me, have you gone and seen the hall you (L&T) built? When I told him not yet, he asked me to check it out. Of all of L&Ts projects and facilities, whats the one that youre most attached to or find the most impressive? Im most attached to the things that we promised to deliver and fulfilled our commitment. What Im most excited about is that we must do things which will serve our nation better than anyone can serve their nation. And in every walk of life, there must be tremendous dedication and commitment and sustenance whether it is defending your territory, whether it is green energy or global warming or whether it is the balance of trade. The problem with India is China, on the one hand, keeps poking us at the border, and then they enjoy a $50 billion trade surplus with us. Now even in electric cars, BYD is overtaking Tesla in terms of the number of cars manufactured In everything, theyll overtake because the Western world is so expensive. In India, the same thing is happening that individuals like you and me want to save by buying cheaper versions. But in my house (bangs the table thrice) nothing no product made in China is allowed. If youre a nationalist, only one thing matters. That they are our enemies. How can you give them money which will be used to fight us? What are your thoughts on L&T Finance? It is one company in the group that has not done well. I completely agree. I was not involved in finance because I didnt want to interfere in matters that I didnt know well enough. The company started in 1994 when I was not CEO of L&T. It was started by our then-CFO. But, we have taken a tremendous number of actions in the last three years. Some businesses in L&T Finance were divested, like the mutual fund business. Yes, we sold the mutual fund business and, earlier, even the insurance business. Our retail business is only 30%, where the non-performing assets are the least. We had an exposure of 70% in wholesale (corporate loans). We have now pared the corporate exposure to 48%. Our idea is to bring it down to 25%, which we propose to do in the next three to four years. When the company (L&T Finance) was not performing, some board members asked me what I was doing to turn it around. They told me that we should have a greater influence on L&T in L&T Finance. So, I had to put SNS as the chairman. He understands how to run a business. He may not be a finance man. One by one, we have started cleaning up. In three years, youll see a different L&T Finance. You handpicked SNS to be your successor and mentored him. What did you see that was different from his peers? I dont think it can be expressed in words. You have to feel it. One feels it while participating in meetings. What are his thoughts and the intellectual arguments he makes at these meetings. I met him for the first time in 2006 because he was in the southern region of ECC (engineering, construction and contracts division). He didnt know anybody and nobody knew him. Thats when, along with him, I transformed ECC, and the sea change started from 2006 onwards. In 2006, it was 3,700 crore and it grew. In 2017, it was 60,000 crore15 times bigger in 11 years. Kuch tho kiya hoga, (he must have done something). Why could others not do it? And the PAT was 3%. Today it is 5%, and Ive given them a target of 7% by 2026. But I wont be there. But if I am alive, Ill pick up the phone and ask SNS. Many companies have problems. Most companies have sibling rivalry or father-son at the helm Some end in a good wicket, but most end up fighting. The Indian government is encouraging Indian business houses to make products that are now imported, like semiconductors, phones, and even green hydrogen. Will L&T enter any of those new segments? L&T is already in 62 businesses, and we will not become a master in the world by entering new business segments. Over time, I reduced it to 16 businesses. But what weve divested, weve also managed to create 10 times more by getting into new adjacencies. Perhaps, we are the only company which has succeeded in creating from scratch the fifth largest IT company in India. Isnt that creditable? because Birlas did not succeed, Goenkas did not succeed, ITC did not succeed and Hindujas did not succeed in building scale to their IT businesses. How significant is the IT business to L&T? It is 35% of our market capitalization, and it contributes 35% of our profits. What are your future plans? In 2003, when I saved L&T from being taken over by the Aditya Birla Group, there was a lot of noise in the share market and in the annual general meeting that the name should be changed from L&T to LNT, Larsen Naik Toubro. In fact, a few people asked me, and I told them not to do that. L&T is a super brand. We dont want to change that. Thats when they said you have to accept the post of chairman emeritus. In 77 years, there is only one chairman emeritus, but I havent used that (designation), because Ive been a chairman. But this October, Ill give up the non-executive chairmanship. So youll be L&Ts chairman emeritus? Plus, Ill be the chairman of (L&Ts Employee) Trust. Finally, the Trust holds L&T. Ultimately, it is the apex body of the shareholders. So wholl take over as chairman? Weve already said it will be SNS, whos our CEO. I mentored him for 8 to 10 years. I had sent him abroad to gain experience. Hes very good. And he does a fantastic job. Do CEOs necessarily have to inspire a measure of fear among their subordinates to be effective? Even I have not generated fear. Ive generated discipline. Ive been kind to everybody in their hour of need. Thats very important. BENGALURU : India's top gas importer Petronet LNG is seeking additional Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) of 0.75 to one million tonnes per annum (mtpa) from Qatar, the company's Chief Executive A.K. Singh said on Tuesday. PNG was also hoping to get an extra 0.6 mtpa from Australia's Gorgon project in 2025-26, Singh said during the India Energy Week conference. Meanwhile, Petronet LNG Ltd, India's largest liquefied natural gas importer, will set up a floating LNG receipt facility at Gopalpur port in Odisha at 2,306 crore. The company has signed an agreement with Gopalpur Ports Ltd for the facility that will have a capacity of about 4 million tonnes per annum, it said in a tweet. "We are pleased to inform that @PetronetLNGLtd is heading forward in establishing its presence on the east coast of India by signing a term sheet with Gopalpur Ports Limited on 14th December 2022 for establishing and operating LNG terminal at Gopalpur port in Odisha," it said. Last month, the company's board had accorded investment approval for setting up the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) based LNG terminal at Gopalpur. LNG is natural gas that has been supercooled, changing it from a gas into a liquid that is 1/600th of its original volume. This helps in easy transportation through ships. At the receipt facility, it is turned back into gas before being supplied to factories to produce fertiliser, generate electricity at power plants, or turned into CNG for running automobiles. Petronet's project in the Ganjam district in Odisha, which is expected to be operational before the end of 2025, will be financed by a combination of debt and equity. Gopalpur will be the third LNG terminal on the east coast -- Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) operates a 5 million tonnes a year facility at Ennore in Tamil Nadu while Adani Group in partnership with TotalEnergie of France is building a facility at Dhamra port. * *With agency inputs As we dig into a south Indian breakfast at the ITC Grand Central in Parel, Mumbai, Valli Arunachalam, 62, gives me a crash course on what her work as a nuclear scientist was all about when she was in the US. The molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulation methods that I had developed for the nuclear industry could be adapted for the semiconductor industry, and I was part of a collaborative predictive modelling and simulation team comprising experts from the semiconductor industry, US national labs and world-renowned universities," explains Valli. Clad in a claret silk saree, she adds that learning to bridge what happens at the atomic level with what happens at the semiconductor wafer and equipment level, and make predictions, was akin to being paid to have fun. Later, as she transitioned from modelling and simulation to more hands-on process technology research and development, one of her key career takeaways was that it was not enough to just know process technology without an in-depth understanding of the equipment technology and the interplay between the two technologies. And that was, I think, the turning point in my career, because it opened up so many doors for me, where everyone tends to have blinkers on". Either youre a device engineer, or youre a process engineer, or youre an equipment engineer, she elaborates. But because I had the right mentorship, I learnt about both the equipment and the process and the interplay between the two, and that took me to the next level in my career, which was industrial consortium research and defining the process and equipment technology road maps for advanced technology nodes." This, she says, allowed her to broaden her horizons as she served as an industrial mentor to university research programmes at MIT, Stanford and the University of Texas, Austin, and collaborated with equipment and chemical vendors to develop next-generation equipment and chemicals. This was a very rewarding and enriching experience, and provided me with very valuable insights into business strategy," recalls Valli. Down the road, it led to a stint at the IBM Research alliance, where she was part of the core team that selected best-in-class equipment and developed and transferred process technology to fabrication plants across the world. I was also instrumental in tool selection and technology transfer to a state-of-the-art 300 mm semiconductor fabrication plant in New York State and in capex management and optimization," she says, between sips of coffee. A different mission Of course, Valli isnt meeting to discuss nuclear research and its applications in the semiconductor industry. On the contrary, shes now guided by a different mission, one that has become a leitmotif for gender equality and rights in the business world. Its about challenging patriarchy and stereotypes about gender roles in the corporate arena. Vallis father, M.V. Murugappan, was the executive chairperson of the Murugappa family business for some two decades until his death in 2017. Thereafter, in the years that have followed, Valli has been engaged in a legal tussle with her uncles and cousins for what she says is her rightful place within the Murugappa Group of Companies, and for a board seat in the holding company called Ambadi Investments Ltd, which shes being denied. Its an unexpected face-off a soft-spoken, determined woman with intimidating accomplishments on one end and a large, low-profile multi-billion-dollar business house run by men steeped in tradition on the other. The $7 billion Chennai-based Murugappa Group is a conglomerate that started over a century ago, in 1900. It operates 29 businesses, including 10 listed companies, and has more than 50,000 employees. The companies include Carborundum Universal, CG Power and Industrial Solutions, Cholamandalam Financial Holdings, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company, Coromandel International, Coromandel Engineering Company, E.I.D. Parry, Parry Agro Industries, Shanthi Gears Ltd., and Tube Investments of India. As a group, the business house is involved in manufacturing product lines that include ceramics, electro minerals, auto components, bicycles, fertilisers, sugar, tea and nutraceuticals. It has a geographical presence nationwide as well as internationally. The dispute The nub of the dispute between Valli and her uncles and cousins can be summarized thus: According to her, right up to the time her father was alive, she and her family had visibility into the workings of the business and how decisions were taken and so on. She and her sister are the only siblings and her father was the only Murugappa elder who had no sons. Before his death, his last wish, expressed to the rest of the management and promoters at the group, was that he wanted his stake to be acquired at fair market value with the proceeds going to his heirs. Vallis mother also died in 2022. The sisters are now fighting a lone, uphill battle to secure a seat in Murugappa holding company Ambadi, which she has been denied so far. The Murugappa Group did not respond to calls and emails requesting clarifications and comments as of press time. Is the exclusion because she may not be having any business experience in the group? The swift retort is I have a PhD in nuclear engineering. Some of my cousinswhen they got on the board, were in their early 20s, fresh out of college, no experience in the family business. But they are all male, and got on the board right after their fathers untimely death. And here, my father died in 2017, but his seat is still vacant." 18 daughters ignored Her comments touched a raw nerve. Their actions speak louder than words. There have been 18 daughters in the Murugappa family, over three generations. Not even one daughter has made it into the business at any level," says Valli. Some group companies do, however, have non-family women board members. The group structure has also changed in recent times. Valli says that the previous chairman of the group, M.M. Murugappan, retired at the age of 65. Usually, the custom is that the next oldest member becomes the chairman of the group. But thats when they changed course and kind of trifurcated the business we learned about this trifurcation from the newspapers," she says. After the trifurcation, Valli explains, Tube investments and Cholamandalam Finance are headed by S. Vellayan and Arun Murugappan, with a chairman for that branch; the engineering branch is run by M.M. Murugappan and his brother MM Venkatachalam; Coromandel International is headed by A. Vellayan and M.A. Alagappan. The only family branch that is not anywhere in this is my family branch. So, here we are with an equal stake as all the other family branches, but the only branch that has been kept out of any major decisions," she says. No succession plan According to Rustom Desai, a visiting professor at Cornells Johnson Graduate School of Business, and an expert in family enterprise governance, disputes of this nature often stem from the prior generation not clearly defining how their successors will inherit the business. Was it clearly defined who will own what (ownership), who will be on what boards (governance), and who will run various companies (management)? He goes on to point out that ownership of a certain percentage of a company certainly gives a person the economic right to do with those shares as they please (subject to them not being party to any agreements to the contrary). However, and as unfair and gender biased as this might appear to be, ownership of a minority share in a private company in and of itself may not give a person a legal right to a board seat. These are complex inter- and intra-generational family issues. In some circles of corporate India, the opinion is that Vallis father was also culpable because he could have architected leadership and ownership structures while he was in charge to ensure that his daughters were not mistreated. Its a notion that Valli rejects vehemently. He was the only senior with daughters and at the time of his death it was his last wish that his shares be valued at fair market price and we be compensated for it." Experts say that Indian business houses are now keeping pace with global trends. At a time when many Indian corporate houses have embraced many global best practices, it is anachronistic to not give credence to one family member of the other gender," observes Shriram Subramanian, founder at InGovern, an independent corporate governance and research advisory firm that works with both investors and companies. Shriram is not wrong. Overseas and across the world, Indian-origin executives have been making their presence felt across boardrooms, including Indra Nooyi, who ran PepsiCO, and Leena Nair, the recently appointed CEO of Chanel. Just recently, Manasi Kirloskar took over the reins at Kirloskar Systems when her father unexpectedly died. Earlier, Nisaba Godrej had been anointed to run the Godrej Groups leading company, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. Of course, it does become easier to chart succession, next-generation leadership and board appointments when there are fewer family members in the promoter group, says one tycoon from south India, who declined to be named. With the Murugappa Group, there are several senior members and dozens of cousins. Getting a consensus regardless of gender would be a challenge, as well as time-consuming. In addition, the multiplicity of group companies, subsidiaries and cross-holdings makes that even more convoluted," he said. Long road ahead What is the possible reason for exclusion? There is no reason. They just go about doing their business, whereas we have a major portion of ours in that holding company. Yet we have absolutely no say, have no visibility into the business at all," says Valli. Right now, we have had several rulings in our favour from both the NCLT and NCLAT, and we are now poised to argue the matter on the merits of our waiver application." Valli dismisses the notion that she was too quick to take the legal route to settle her claims, something that may have disturbed a voluntary mediation that was being worked upon by the Group for her. For two-and-a-half years, I tried. I said, Lets settle this amicably. In fact, I proactively put forward about six or seven ways in which it could be done I presented all the options, including mediation. Nothing was accepted and nothing moved." All she got was a one-line statement Go, do what you want with the shares. That was their response," she says, noting that they well know that no one in the private market would be able to afford to buy private stock worth thousands of crores, and more importantly, no one would want to be in a private family-owned and managed outfit. Which means that the legal journey is going to be a long and arduous one, something that Valli is ready for. The one thing I can tell you with 100% surety is: I will fight till the end, all the way to the Supreme Court. Such is my commitment. Because this is not just about me, my family, our rights. It is about the basic rights of women in India, of daughters, of nieces, of wives, of mothers." As the meeting draws to a close, Valli tells me there is an interesting parallel between cooking and nuclear physics. So, process engineering requires a lot of precision. And also, theres a little bit of art involved there, sometimes. Youve got to be logical, with creativity. Its no different from Indian cooking, which is so complex," she says, launching into the intricacies of physical vapour deposition, atomic layer deposition, pressure, temperature, plasma power, and how all these variables have to be tweaked to get something just right. I find it very relaxing and therapeutic." When not relaxing, her focus is on seeing her mission to closure. Im fighting for my rights. Our rights. Irrespective of the outcome of this fight, I am 100% committed to doing things to empower women, and to enable girls to achieve their dreams. Im doing that right now. And its only going to get bigger and bigger and bigger. Thats my lifelong mission." Valli Arunachalam is fighting a lone battle to secure a board seat in the male-dominated Murugappa conglomerate MANZINI Import car dealerships are now permitted to bring only vehicles manufactured a decade ago. This follows the introduction of Eswatini Government Gazette Extraordinary No.174, Legal Notice No.315 of 2020, which is in line with the Import Control Order of 1976 (Order No.12 of 1976). This notice may be referred to as the Used Motor Vehicles Import Specification Notice of 2020 and it came into effect on December 1, 2020. This legislation rolled in the importation of grey cars over a period of five years. When introduced, the legislation stipulated that between December 1, 2020 to November 30, 2022, import dealerships have to bring into the country vehicles manufactured not more than 11 years ago. Since the last month of 2022, import dealerships are now expected to ship into Eswatini grey cars manufactured in 2013. The reduction in the years of manufacture of import vehicles shall again be implemented this year in December as it shall be decreased to nine years before the last lessening in December 2024 to eight years. mitigation This is part of the mitigation brought by the Ministry of Finance in hiking Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) receipts. The import vehicles mostly sold in the country are sourced from Japan, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Leading to the introduction of this legislation, import car dealerships were said to be importing in excess of 22 000 vehicles per year; however, since its introduction, it has been said they have brought in less than 80 vehicles in three months. This is according to the Ministry of Finance second quarter report for this financial year ending March 31, 2023. The report states that the import permit committee, which comprises members from Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) Customs and Income Tax Officials, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) received a total of 128 import permit applications, whereby 48 import permits were issued to individuals and 80 were issued to companies, including oil companies. It was stated that no import permits were rejected while the total value of goods imported was E302 million. The imported vehicles during the three months of July 2022 September 2022 made a fraction of the stipulated number of grey cars. Legal Notice No.315 of 2020 also capped the importation of vehicles to 10 000. From this figure, 8 000 were to be imported by dealerships while the balance was set for individuals. expensive Also, following the introduction of the legislation it became expensive for import car dealerships to bring into the country automobiles older than eight years as their import levy was increased by 300 per cent. This is because the Ministry of Finance introduced Legal Notice No.314 of 2020 which increased levies for free-on-board (FoB). The legislation states that the import levy shall be imposed on every imported used motor vehicle. The vehicles older than eight years are those manufactured in years preceding 2011. It is worth noting that leading to the introduction of the legislation, import car dealerships were praying that government permits them to import used vehicles that were atleast 15 years while the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, had issued a legal notice stipulating that the importation should be capped at seven years. This was met with discontent (legal notice) which resulted in staging of protests at Parliament. Thereafter, joining the debate were politicians wherein they said government should atleast settle at vehicles manufactured within 12 years. Those aggrieved were employees of the import car dealerships and legislators, who argued that it was not in the interest of the public to set the limit of imported vehicles at seven years. It was said the majority of the citizenry depended on these vehicles and the limitation of the cars to be imported meant that they would not afford them. This led to a parliamentarian select committee chaired by Lobamba Lomdzala Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Marwick Khumalo to address the matter as well as ensuring the implementation of the resolution by Rijkenberg. The resolution between all parties was that the used motor vehicles that required permits shall not be older than 11 years at the date of purchase, with effect from December 1, 2020 to November 30, 2022. The limit reduction by one year would be staggered over a period of four years reaching the eight years in December 2024, which shall be in force until such time where government would deem it necessary to review after consultations with stakeholders. New Delhi: Large Indian companies bidding for government tenders will soon be facing foreign competition as India prepares to open up its $500 billion public procurement market as part of free trade agreement negotiations. Public procurement of contracts worth over 200 crore were opened up in the FTA signed with the UAE last year, in a major policy shift by the ruling National Democratic Alliance. And now, every country India is negotiating with, including the European Union, UK and Australia, is gunning for access to the public procurement market. A government official said, The UK and EU wont negotiate with us if we keep the public procurement market out of the trade talks. Australia has asked for similar access as given to the UAE. The UAE deal is used as a yardstick by other countries. One has to understand that companies from the UK and EU will be able to come in high-tech areas, where requirements for technical standards are high." Experts said that domestic small businesses would face little challenge if the current minimum of 200 croreis maintained. But if a national treatment clause in the trade agreements is agreed, small businesses could face stiff competition. Under the national treatment clause, foreign small businesses will be treated similar to the domestic ones. They (foreign firms) wont be able to compete with our firms in, say, road projects. They would incur higher costs compared to our companies. Underwater structure, projects involving large-scale medical equipment or Artificial Intelligence (AI) are the areas that they could come in. Here, cost is a major factor. Our major competition in this sector is with ASEAN (South-east Asian) countries or China," the official added. People aware of the development said that Indian companies, especially those in the IT sector, have also sought access to the public procurement market in the EU and the UK. This is a real concern actually. From the time we have been opposing the inclusion of public procurement in a trade deal to now, nothing has actually changed as far as small businesses are concerned. Once you give in a particular area, it is a slippery slope because in principle, you have agreed to give access. Public procurement is a huge market; so, everyone would want access," Biswajit Dhar, professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University said. Ajay Sahai, director-general and CEO of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations, said that if the 200 crore limit is breached, there will be challenges for domestic firms as foreign MSMEs are quite strong. If the limit is maintained, only the large companies may face some pressure. But large companies are competing in global procurement markets, he added. The public procurement policy which mandates all central ministries, departments and public sector units to buy 25% of their total annual purchases value from micro, small and medium enterprises will continue, the official added, which means domestic MSMEs will continue to be prioritized. For opening public procurement, there are certain terms and conditions, which vary by country. For uniformity the EU has a directive on this. Contracts below a certain value can be reserved for MSMEs," said Arpita Mukherjee, professor at ICRIER. Trade agreements cover transparency and clarity in procurement policy and process. Many measures have been taken by India to ensure transparency and reduce corruption in the procurement process. However, we don't have an overarching government procurement regulation. We also have a quasi-federal structure and states play a key role in procurement," she added. Queries sent to the commerce ministry, the EU office in New Delhi and the UAE embassy remained unanswered at press time. TOWARDS THE end of the second world war Franklin D. Roosevelt attended a fateful gathering of world leaders that helped determine the course of geopolitics for decades. No, not the Yalta summit. Immediately after FDR, Churchill and Stalin had carved up the world into spheres of influence, the American president slipped away onto an American naval vessel to meet quietly with Abdel Aziz ibn Saud, king of Saudi Arabia. In return for protection of the Sauds sovereignty in the Holy Land, the monarch agreed to grant American oil firms access to his countrys petroleum. Building on the long-standing exploitation of Persian reserves by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (now BP), the Saudi-American alliance formed the axis of oil that led Western majors to look longingly first to the Persian Gulf, then to other distant longitudes. For decades the worlds five biggest private-sector oil companiesAmericas ExxonMobil and Chevron, Britains BP and Shell, and Frances TotalEnergieshave drilled from South America to Siberia. Now a swirl of geopolitical, economic and environmental factors is leading these supermajors" to increasingly look not east and west but north and south. This realignment comes as big oils coffers are overflowing after two years of high energy prices (see chart 1). On February 2nd Britains Shell unveiled annual net profits for 2022 of nearly $40bn, more than double the figure a year earlier and its highest in over a century as a listed company. That came on the heels of Americas ExxonMobil announcing a record annual net profit of $59bn (excluding one-off charges). Its main domestic rival, Chevron, also reported that its net profit more than doubled, to $36bn. BP and TotalEnergies will add to the haul on February 7th and 8th, respectively. View Full Image (The Economist) All told, reckons Amy Wong of Credit Suisse, a bank, those five supermajors may have raked in around $200bn in profits last year. A slug of this bounty will flow to shareholders; in January ExxonMobil said it would fork over a cool $35bn in total to its owners this year and next. Some will go to pay down debt. Much of the rest will, though, be reinvested. After several years of repressed investment in oil and gas, the result of pandemic-induced demand destruction and climate-related policy hostility, big oil is once again spending to find oil and dig it out of the ground. S&P Global, a research firm, estimates that worldwide upstream capital expenditure for the industry as a whole, including private-sector majors and national oil companies, was around $450bn last year, up from a 15-year low of $350bn or so in 2020. This year it may be higher still. All this new money is not flowing to the same old places. The Wests oil titans are experiencing a fundamental shift in thinking", says Edward Morse of Citigroup, a bank. American companies are beating a retreat from faraway frontier" areas that are rich in political risk, lack the infrastructure to get hydrocarbons to market as cleanly as possible, or both. Their less risk-averse European rivals are shunning some of their own American projects in favour of Africa, with potential for climate-friendlier new developments. In both cases, the upshot is a realignment of the oil business along lines of longitude. A latitude shift For the American supermajors, this means less interest outside the Americas. ExxonMobil has, like most Western firms, left Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. It has also offloadedor wants to offloadassets in countries such as Cameroon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria. Chevron has sold projects in Britain and Denmark (as well as Brazil) and has not renewed expiring concessions in Indonesia and Thailand. James West of Evercore, an investment bank, sees Chevron and ExxonMobil shifting a huge amount of capital spending to South America and the United States itself. ExxonMobil is investing heavily in newfound fields in Guyana. Chevron intends to funnel more than a third of its capital expenditure this year to American shale, and another 20% to the Gulf of Mexico. Last month it also, with President Joe Bidens blessing, restarted trading some crude from Venezuela, a dictatorship that had long been on Americas naughty list. The European oil giants are also reducing their eastern and western exposure. BP and Shell are, like ExxonMobil, quitting Russia, leading to write-downs of as much as $25bn and $5bn, respectively. Shell has also got rid of its shale assets in Texas and reportedly put a few in the Gulf of Mexico up for sale. BP is divesting its Mexican oil assets, and is rumoured to be getting out of Angola, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. TotalEnergies is pulling out of Canadas oil sands. Instead, the Europeans gaze is, as with their American rivals, turning south. In January Claudio Descalzi, boss of Eni, an Italian non-super major, called for Europe to look to Africa as it seeks to replace Russian energy. Such a south-north axis", he argued, would boost Europes access to traditional fossil fuels, as well as to cleaner alternatives like renewable energy and hydrogen (which could be shipped or piped north). On January 28th Eni announced it had signed an $8bn natural-gas deal with Libyas state-owned National Oil Corporation (which includes a bit of money for carbon capture and storage). Shell and Equinor, Norways state oil firm, signed an agreement with Tanzania to build a $30bn liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the east African country. TotalEnergies is investing in gas projects in Mozambique and South Africa. There are two main reasons for this realignment. The first, a chief preoccupation of the Americans, has to do with risks and returns. In previous eras of high oil prices oil bosses spent, in the words of one, like drunken sailors". Too much investment and not enough cost control in the go-go years led to huge waste and overproduction. In the years before the covid-19 pandemic, oil projects from the Caspian Sea to the Permian basin lost billions of dollars. Tens of billions more in shareholder value went up in smoke. These days investors are demanding much greater capital discipline from oil bosses. And the bosses are listening. The industrys combined capital spending, though up from its recent trough, is still down from a peak of nearly $800bn in 2014. As for the money that the supermajors are spending, it is being deployed more judiciously. Most of it is going into short-cycle" investments, which generate a return within five years rather than ten or more. Ive been in this industry since the 1990s and Ive never seen this much focus on efficiency," marvels Julie Wilson of Wood Mackenzie, a consultancy. This quest for efficiency means fewer risky bets in inhospitable places like the Arctic or the deep ocean floor and more projects in familiar jurisdictions with less daunting politics and geology. For the American firms, of course, nowhere is more familiar than the United States. They also understand South America. And parts of their backyard they know less well, like Guyana. That country, whose long-rumoured oil riches were only confirmed in 2015, may also be, counter-intuitively, less politically risky in important ways. Unlike their peers in many resource-cursed autocracies, who cannot imagine a future without oil, politicians in places with newly discovered resources are more cautious about their prospects. As a result, they tend to offer more favourable terms to oil companies in order to get hydrocarbons to market faster; in Guyana, ExxonMobil moved from first deepwater oil discovery to production in just a couple of years. For the Europeans, African countries, which often maintain reasonable relations with their former colonial powers, look appealing for a similar reason. As for their retreat from America, European firms are becoming uneasy about their association with Americas oil industry, with its unapologetically brown reputation. In 2021 TotalEnergies withdrew from the American Petroleum Institute because of the lobby groups opposition to electric-vehicle subsidies, carbon pricing and tougher rules on emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. In doing so, the European firms are responding to growing pressure from consumers, policymakers and investors to start decarbonising their portfoliosthe Europeans big reason for the geographical sorting. They are looking for new places to invest because such investments, which use the latest technology, tend to be more efficient and less carbon-intensive than legacy assets that rely on leakier, ageing infrastructure. Moreover, oil companies, especially in Europe, are looking beyond fossil fuels. James Thompson of JPMorgan Chase, a bank, has found that the historical correlation between high oil prices and high capital spending on oil and gas has broken down for 11 big private-sector energy giantsa phenomenon he puts down in part to the majors pouring more money into low-carbon projects. Such projects are indeed mushrooming, particularly among the European firmsand in many of the same places as their new hydrocarbon ventures. Last May Eni struck a deal with Sonatrach, Algerias state oil firm, to develop green hydrogen from renewable sources. BP is doing the same in Mauritania and TotalEnergies has backed renewable-energy production in South Africa. Looking north, last year Shell paid nearly $2bn for Nature Energy, a Danish producer of renewable" natural gas (RNG) made from things like agricultural waste. In December BP completed its $4.1bn acquisition of Archaea, which also makes RNG. Oswald Clint of Bernstein, a broker, predicts an era of giga-mergers" in green energy led by the European giants. Last year the oil majors already signed 22 renewables deals, the five biggest of which added up to $12bn. Mr Clint reckons that in 2030 the European majors could, all told, be spending roughly half their capital expenditure on low-carbon initiatives. The supermajors north-south realignment is far from complete. bp is still making some investments in the Gulf of Mexico. Shell and TotalEnergies are betting on Qatari LNG. ExxonMobil is doubling down on a gas project in Mozambique. Chevron is expanding an oil project in Kazakhstan and, reportedly, reviving talks with Algerias government about the countrys shale reserves. But these increasingly look like exceptions rather than the rule. The future of energy exploration looks much leaner, a bit greenerand a lot more longitudinal. 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com Reliance Jio announced on Tuesday the launch of its True5G services in 10 cities across 8 states including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. With the new additions, the total count of cities with Jio 5G services reaches 236. The company invited the users in these cities for the Jio Welcome Offer which offers unlimited data at up to 1 Gbps speed, according to the statement released on Tuesday. Jio called the new introduction important for tourism, commerce as well for educational purposes. "We are proud to roll out Jio True 5G services in these 10 cities across eight states. With this launch, Jio users across 236 cities can enjoy the transformational benefits of Jio True 5G in the new year 2023. These newly launched True 5G cities are important tourism and commerce destinations as well as key education hubs of our country," a company spokesperson said. The 10 cities include Hindupur, Madanapalle, and Proddatur in Andhra Pradesh; Raigarh in Chhattisgarh; Talcher in Odisha; Patiala in Punjab; Alwar in Rajasthan; Mancherial in Telangana; Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh and Roorkee in Uttarakhand. The company spokesperson added that with the launch of True5G services, the residents of the area will get the best telecommunication services and the faster internet will facilitate growth in areas of e-governance, education, automation, artificial intelligence, gaming, healthcare, agriculture, IT, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Jio also expressed gratitude towards the governments of the 8 states for their efforts to push for the digitization of the country. "We are grateful to the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand for their continuous support in our quest to digitize the region," the company spokesperson added. The new addition by Jio comes as the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced while presenting the Budget 2023-24 that India will set up 100 labs for development of applications using 5G services in areas, including smart classrooms, healthcare and smart cities. One hundred labs for developing applications using 5G services will be set up in engineering institutions to realise a new range of opportunities, business models, and employment potential. The labs will cover, among others, applications such as smart classrooms, precision farming, intelligent transport systems, and health care applications," the finance minister said. (With inputs from ANI) Due to buying in Adani Ports and Adani Enterprises, the Gautam Adani-backed conglomerate gained a market valuation of over 10,160 crore on Tuesday cumulatively. This would be approximately an over 1.2 billion dollars gain in a single day. But still so little compared to the market rout of more than 100 billion dollars that was trigged in Adani's empire after a US-based short-seller's report. The losses owing to the carnage in Adani stocks have even outrun the infamous collapses of Terra tokens, Three Arrow Capital, and FTX Group in the cryptocurrency market. Adani stocks are in a free fall since January 24, after a US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research accused the conglomerate of stock manipulation, tax evasion, and fraud schemes among others. Also, concerns over Adani's funds' requirement for expansion plans and meeting debt services escalated after it withdrew its 20,000 crore follow-on public offer. These factors triggered a market rout, and by end of February 6th, the cumulative losses topped $110 billion. The crisis sweeping over Adani Group escalated to the point India's opposition parties took to the streets to press for a probe into allegations by Hindenburg. The cryptocurrency market is unregulated and is currently suffering a liquidity crunch that began in mid-May of last year with the Terra sisters crash to near zero. The losses were billions of dollars! Terra's crash was the onset of winter days in the crypto market, and its impact still lingers. The year 2022 will go down in the history of chaos in the crypto market due to macroeconomic uncertainties that led to an extreme bearish tone across market instruments including equities. Deep corrections were seen in both equities and cryptocurrencies. NEW DELHI : Tata Steel Ltd has a foreign peril. Its European operations were a weak spot in the December quarter (Q3FY23), dragging its overall earnings. In fact, the company reported a consolidated net loss of about 2,500 crore. In the September quarter and December 2021 quarter, Tata Steels net profit was 1,297 crore and 9.598 crore, respectively. Overall, Tata Steels Ebitda in Q3 was at 4,050 crore, a whopping 75% lower year-on-year. Small wonder, the stock was the biggest loser on Tuesday among the Nifty 50 companies, falling by 5%. The problem also is that expectations from the ongoing March quarter are not high. Tata Steels management expects steel price realization in Europe in Q4 to be lower sequentially, it said in the earnings call. View Full Image Graphic: Mint The bright spot is that Ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) per tonne is likely to have bottomed out in Q3 when this measure stood at a loss of 7,810 (or $95) for Tata Steel Europe. Lower steel price realizations led to lower revenues for the business. While volumes were higher sequentially, they were lower year-on-year. Moreover, costs were elevated and there was a net realizable value loss on steel inventory. The company expects Tata Steel Europes Ebitda per tonne to improve in Q4 on the back of lower costs sequentially. From margin or Ebitda per tonne point of view, hopefully the worst is behind us as far as Q3 is concerned," said T.V. Narendran, CEO and managing director, Tata Steel. However, the extent of recovery remains to be seen given macro headwinds such as volatile energy costs. In the India business, the management expects steel prices to move higher, helped by increased government spending on infrastructure. In Q3, steel prices were subdued for the most part of the quarter, but the drop in coking coal prices more than offset the realization decline. Coking coal consumption cost was lower by $82 per tonne sequentially. As such, standalone Ebitda per tonne expanded to 11,241, higher by 10.5% sequentially. Still, some analysts reckon that performance was below their expectations and the sequential improvement is underwhelming compared to peers. To be sure, Q4 is a seasonally strong quarter due to fewer weather-related disruptions for construction activities. Also, the opening of the Chinese economy bodes well for steel prices, given that the country is an important market for metals. In our view, the key near-term event to focus on would be Chinas demand improvement over the coming weeks. Steel prices have increased by 10% and this would flow through to earnings in the March and June quarters," said a report by JP Morgan on 7 February. But increasing coking coal prices could offset the rise in steel prices, thus affecting Q4 margin. Tata Steel expects coking coal price to fluctuate between $250 and $350 in the medium term, and not drop below the $250 mark. Meanwhile, investors would do well to track Tata Steels progress on deleveraging. At December end, consolidated net debt stood at 71,706 crore, flattish sequentially. While the company would look for opportunities to reduce debt, upcoming capacity expansions may not provide much room. The company has prioritized completion of the Kalinganagar project. It expects to incur capital expenditure (capex) of 3,000 crore in Q4. In the nine-month period ended December, capex was 9,746 crore. In the near term, while the Tata Steel stock is likely to be under pressure due to weak Q3 performance, the worst is likely behind. The stock is nearly 6% down in the past one year and almost 20% from its 52-week highs of 138.67 seen in April. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vineetha Sampath Vineetha Sampath is a chartered accountant and is experienced in the field of research analysis. She joined Mint's Mark to Market team recently and this is her first stint in journalism. Read more from this author Ever since the finance minister presented the budget on 1 February, most investors have been trying to figure out whether they should shift from the old income tax regime to the new one. Shubham Asawa, 29, though, was quick to calculate his tax liability under the new tax slabs proposed in the concessional regime. The reduced tax rates look quite lucrative. But, after considering the deductions and exemptions that I claim, I will still benefit under the old tax regime," he said. Asawa claims 1.5 lakh under section 80C, 2.4 lakh in house rent allowance (HRA), 50,000 invested in National Pension Scheme (NPS) (Section 80CCD (1B)) and 8,500 for medical insurance premium (Section 80D) as deductions. For an income of 18 lakh, he will still pay 22,050 less tax under the old regime after claiming the above deductions. View Full Image Graphic: Mint Like Asawa, for taxpayers with income above 15 lakh, the new regime (or concessional tax regime, as it is also known) may not be beneficial even in its improved form. Mints calculation shows that taxpayers who have incomes ranging from 15.5 lakh to 5 crore and claim tax deductions and exemptions upwards of 4.25 lakh will pay more tax under the new regime. For incomes from 7 lakh to 15 lakh, taxpayers will need deductions and exemptions ranging from 1 lakh to 4.08 lakh to reduce taxable income (see graphic). Yet, experts say this is not difficult to achieve. After the tax rebate limit was raised to 5 lakh in 2019, many taxpayers with incomes of up to 8 lakh opted for aggressive tax saving plans to reduce their taxable income below 5 lakh. Of course, this may have pushed some to make investments that they dont require or dont necessarily align with their goals, which I dont recommend either. But, squarely from a tax perspective, individuals can achieve break-even limits if they have a loan or are paying rent, clubbed with 80C and standard deduction," said Amit Suri, a mutual fund distributor. View Full Image Graphic: Mint Besides, there are deductions and exemptions, such as childrens tuition fee (under 80C), the interest portion of home and education loans, and HRA, that benefit taxpayers under the old regime. Take the case of Delhi-based Ankur Kaushik, for instance. His income is 21 lakh and he claims 4.5 lakh in HRA by paying rent to his mother and 1 lakh deduction on interest paid towards education loan. My HRA alone gives me enough incentive to stick to the old regime. If the government removes the clause that you cant claim HRA by paying rent to your parents, I may think of moving to the new regime," said Kaushik. New regime: Who benefits? Taxpayers with incomes of up to 7 lakh can move to the new regime straight away as the threshold for tax rebate under Section 87A has been increased from 5 lakh to 7 lakh. Under the old regime, taxpayers with income of 7 lakh have to claim deductions of 2 lakh to bring down their net taxable income below the 5 lakh no-tax threshold. Delhi-based Lakshaya Bakshi is excited My income is 7.3 lakh. I can switch to the new tax regime next year and I wont have to pay tax," said the 29-year-old. Being a salaried individual, Bakshi will benefit from the 50,000 standard deduction introduced in the concessional regime. But, will he stop tax-saving investments that he currently makes? I cant control employee provident fund (EPF) contributions as they are mandatory but I will stop my investments in equity linked savings schemes (ELSS). I invest in stocks directly, so I can use the freed-up capital for that," said 29-year-old Bakshi. Experts say taxpayers moving to the new regime can have better control over their investments. Tax planning should be incidental to overall financial planning but taxpayers dont look at that. For instance, in trying to exhaust all the available deductions and exemptions, people often use up their entire disposable income and dont create an emergency fund, which can now be prioritized," said Rohit Shah, a registered investment advisor (RIA) and founder of Getting You Rich. Prableen Bajpai, founder, FinFix Research, said investors who can save just 1.5 -2 lakh a year, can now invest as per their requirements instead of buying tax-saving instruments. However, she is quick to add that this has a flip side: The onus to save will be on the taxpayer now. I strongly believe long-term investing has to be incentivized, especially for young earners, and 80C was a good starting point to inculcate the savings habit," Bajpai said. Asawa is a case in point. Planning for 80C drove me to invest for the long term. Had the money been liquid, I would have spent it," he said. Despite my saving habit, I will liquidate investments if the need arises. For that reason, longer lock-ins with EPF, NPS and ELSS work for my retirement goal." In Mumbai, 37-year-old Ishita Visaria shares the same views. Enforced saving takes away the temptation of spending and has worked very well for me. My investments in PPF (Public Provident Fund) and ELSS funds have grown substantially so far. If it were left up to me, I would not have saved the same way," said Visaria, a chartered accountant. The same can be said about medical insurance and pure life insurance as well, both of which carry tax incentives under the old regime. The question to ask is how many people will buy insurance early in their lives if tax sops does not force them to," said Suri. To be fair, gross mis-selling also happens in the name of tax saving. Gradually as the new regime takes over, the menace of insurance mis-selling will be curbed," said Bajpai. She added that the new regime makes perfect sense for senior citizens with income up to 7 lakh not just because they dont have to bother about tax planning but also because it will considerably improve their cash flows. For senior citizens, its not easy to park funds in tax-saving instruments just to be able to save 10,000- 15,000 in tax at the end of the year." Satya Sontanam contributed to this story. As of February 1, 2023, Edelweiss Mutual Fund, one of the leading mutual fund firms in India, said that its assets under management (AUM) have crossed INR 1 lakh crore. The company's AUM has expanded 11-fold during the past five years, and its clientele has significantly expanded too. As of January 31, 2023, there were over 11 lakh active folios and more than 22,000 crores in equity AUM. Over the previous five years, equity AUM has grown by a multiplier of 13 times. The company's industry rating increased from 27th in 2017 to 13th in 2022, reaffirming its status as the Indian Mutual Fund house with the fastest growth rate throughout that period. Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO, Edelweiss AMC said, This is a significant milestone for us. The journey from around Rs. 100 crores in FY14 to 1,000,000 in FY23 is one of persistence, innovation, and belief. We are relentlessly focused on solving investor problems and will remain at the forefront of product innovation across all categories. We are proud to be the fund house of choice for over a million investors and will continue to work hard to delight them. We recognise that sustainable growth is built on solid foundations and a commitment to values, and our customers, partners, and employees are our most valuable assets in this journey." The company has been a leader in launching a wide variety of new products, such as the industry's only IPO-focused fund, the Target Maturity Fund category with the introduction of BHARAT Bond ETFs, International Fund of Funds, and unique equity index funds. Edelweiss MF has massively enhanced its distribution presence through collaborations with MFDs, national distributors, wealth managers, and online platforms. Edelweiss MF said in a statement that its distinct marketing strategy and strong online presence have also contributed to its growth, and its strong governance structure and risk management practices will ensure the sustainability of this growth in the coming years. Across all asset classes and product categories, Edelweiss MF has been a top pick for investors. The company holds a market share of about 50% in the passive debt fund segment and is among the top ten players in the Fixed Income category. Edelweiss MF offers funds in the equity sector that are distinct and have a proven track record throughout time. One of the AMCs with the strongest rate of growth in India is Edelweiss Mutual Fund, which offers investment options in stocks, hybrid, fixed income, and alternatives. NEW DELHI : A Parliamentary Delegation from Bhutan led by Wangchuk Namgyel, Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. Welcoming the delegation, the President said that we deeply value multifaceted and unique friendship between India and Bhutan. The Government of India is committed to expand its excellent bilateral cooperation with Bhutan, in accordance with the aspirations and priorities of the people of Bhutan," read a statement issued by the Presidents Secretariat. India is foraying into new avenues of bilateral cooperation with Bhutan such as Space Cooperation, Smart Agriculture, Youth and Sports, Start-ups, Renewable energy and Digital Development, to help the Royal Government of Bhutan realize its vision of prosperity for all," it said. The President reportedly noted that this year Bhutan would graduate from the LDC group of countries and embark on the path of becoming a High Income Economy by 2034. She said that while moving forward on this path Bhutan would always find a reliable and trustworthy friend in India. The relationship between India and Bhutan is based on the pillars of trust, goodwill and mutual understanding. The two neighbours have a close civilisational, cultural and economic relationship that dates back centuries. Diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968 with the establishment of a special office of India in Thimphu. The basic framework of India- Bhutan bilateral relations is the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries and revised in February 2007. A flight from Indigo Airlines made an emergency landing in Jodhpur, Rajasthan after a 60-year-old female passenger fell ill. The woman was rushed to the local hospital but was declared brought dead. The officials said that the flight which was coming from Jeddah and was bound for Delhi made an emergency landing around 10:30 am and a team of medical experts took the ill lady to the hospital. The lady and her son Meer Muzaffar were in Saudi Arabia for a religious visit. Muzaffar said that they boarded the flight to Delhi and planned to take a connecting flight to Kashmir. "My mother complained of pain in her chest. I immediately informed the crew and it decided to go for an emergency landing in Jodhpur," he said. The hospital source informed the news agency PTI that the woman suffered from a cardiac arrest and was declared brought dead. "The woman had a cardiac arrest and was declared brought dead. We conducted legal formalities and arranged a transport for her son so that he could take her body home by road," news agency PTI said quoting the hospital source. The officials added that after the incident the flight remained at the airport for over an hour and later left for Delhi. In other news from aviation, several flights bound for Chennai airport were delayed and some even diverted to Bengaluru airport after heavy fog engulfed Tamil Nadu's capital city. Around seven flights from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Dubai kept circling in the sky as they were unable to land due to foggy weather while flights from Dubai were diverted to Bengaluru for landing, officials said on Tuesday. An Indigo Airlines flight from Bengaluru which was scheduled to land at Chennai at 8 am this morning, circled the sky for a while and left for Bengaluru. Similarly, Emirates Airlines flight which came from Dubai to Chennai circled for a long time and was finally diverted to Bengaluru," news agency ANI said. (With inputs from agencies) India may sell sovereign green bonds for the second year starting 1 April to fund investments in solar, wind and hydro and other projects that mitigate the impact of carbon emissions. The government plans to sell 15,000-16,000 crore of the green bonds in the second half of the next fiscal to fund public sector projects, two people familiar with the development said, requesting anonymity. The proposed sale follows a similar plan announced late last year. The first tranche of green bonds worth 8,000 crore was sold on 25 January, while the second auction of another 8,000 crore will be held on 9 February. Though the recent budget, which proposed a record market borrowing of 15.43 trillion, has not separately announced a sale of green bonds, the people cited above said the bonds may again be sold next year as several financially viable projects in the public sector are in the pipeline and funds raised through this route would be easily utilized. The person, however, said the size of the sale in FY24 has yet to be worked out and would depend on the progress of projects and the utilization of funds raised for green projects in the current fiscal. A query emailed to the spokesperson for the finance ministry on the size of green bonds remained unanswered till press time. Responding to a question on green bonds, Ajay Seth, secretary of the department of economic affairs, said, Issuance of sovereign green bonds is not off the table. The decision to go or not for green bonds next year and the amount to be raised through it will be decided when we decide the borrowing calendar for the second half of FY24, sometime in September." Now, we have taken care of pre-requisites and have the building blocks and necessary conditions for green bonds. We have also done an external evaluation of green bonds. And one tranche has already been done on 25 January, and another is planned for the week. So, the money we are going to raise this year, we will utilize that money in the next fiscal before we go to the market for the next round of bonds tranche. When we raise money through the green bonds, the commitment is that it is used only for green projects," the secretary said in an interview. This years (FY23) auction of sovereign green bonds being conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) includes the sale of 5-year and 10-year papers bearing a coupon of 7.10% and 7.29%, respectively. The funds raised by selling green bonds cannot be utilized for projects related to fossil fuel extraction, production, and distribution, or nuclear power. However, they can be used for government investments, subsidies, grants-in-aid, tax foregone, or operational expenses in support of climate mitigation and sustainable green initiatives aimed at reducing carbon intensity. The sovereign green bonds are also expected to set the benchmark for private-sector fundraising through ESG-linked rupee bonds. The successful placement of government bonds will allow companies to secure funding for their green initiatives at competitive rates. The central bank has already set up a sustainable finance group (in May 2021) to revolve the regulatory framework required for sustainable financing and climate risk. The government also released the much-awaited sovereign green bond framework in November. The proceeds from sovereign green bonds finance and refinance expenditure for eligible green projects that encourage energy efficiency in resource utilization, reduce carbon emissions, promote climate resilience and adaptation, and improve natural ecosystems and biodiversity, especially in line with sustainable development goals principles. Green bonds are expected to strengthen Indias commitment to climate change and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) adopted under the Paris Agreement and help attract global and domestic investments in eligible green projects. Recently, the 2022 GDP data of 16 cities in Anhui Province has been released one after another. Hefei, Wuhu, and Chuzhou are still in the top three. In terms of economic growth rate, Chuzhou City leads the province with 5.5%, Chizhou and Maanshan rank second and third with 5.4% and 4.6% respectively. Among the 16 cities, the growth rates of ten cities are faster than or equal to Anhui's GDP growth rate (3.5%). Compared with the previous year, the rankings of Bozhou and Bengbu were reversed, and Bozhou rose to the eighth place. Although the ranking dropped by one place, Bengbu's economic growth rate turned from negative to positive in 2022. It is worth noting that many indicators of Bengbu's designated industries rank among the top in the province. From January to November 2022, Bengbu added 126 industrial enterprises above the designated size, and 200 high-tech enterprises; the industrial profit above designated size increased by 43%, ranking first in the province; the industrial output value above designated size, financial revenue, electricity consumption, and gas consumption increased by 17.0%, 18.6%, 13.3% and 30.6% respectively, ranking among the top in the province. 2022 GDP data of 16 cities in Anhui: Hefei 12013.1 3.5% Wuhu 4502.13 4.1% Chuzhou 3610 5.5% Fuyang 3233.3 3.9% Anqing 2767.46 2.9% Maanshan 2520.96 4.6% Suzhou 2224.6 3.9% Bozhou 2101.5 4.2% Bengbu 2012.3 2% Lu'an 2004.6 4.2% Xuancheng 1914.4 4.2% Huainan 1541.1 2% Huaibei 1302.8 0.2% Tongling 1209.9 2.9% Chizhou 1078.5 5.4% Huangshan 1002.3 0.6% Reported byLiang Wei, Chang Cheng Edited and translated by Zheng Chen MANZINI The Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) is accusing government of concealing a commission of enquiry report on alleged police brutality on protesters during demonstrations. The commission of enquiry was conducted by government in 2019 and this was after the workers federation had reported the matter to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which then asked the administration to probe the alleged police brutality on protesters during demonstrations. The workers federation is making these allegations at a time when the country (government and TUCOSWA) are preparing to welcome a team from ILO, which will visit the kingdom for purposes of an internal mediation process on various issues between the two parties. TUCOSWA Secretary General Mduduzi Gina said they learnt that the Chairman of the investigative committee, Manzini Principal Magistrate David Khumalo, who is now an Acting Judge, compiled the report and submitted it to his principals, government. However, he said when they knocked at ILOs door with the aim of getting the report; they were referred back to government. Federation We have written to government, in particular the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and asked for the report, but our efforts have been in vain, the unionist said. In one of the letters, which were written by the workers federation to the office of the principal secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, it said in around October 2019, it was invited to appear before an investigative committee, which was headed by Khumalo. It said the committee, was set up, pursuant to observations and a recommendation by ILO to attend to various issues of alleged non-compliance by government with set international labour standards as reported by the federation and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). We had always hoped that since the commission of enquiry was held in public, its findings and/or report will be published or shared with those organisations and individuals who participated, read part of the letter. Thereafter, the federation requested the PS to give them an update on the report; however, Gina said they did not receive any correspondence from government. He said they wanted to read the report so that they could use it to update issues which they reported to ILO. He said ILO would be in the country to mediate on issues which they reported in 2019 and 2021. He said the issues included the banning of gatherings, union bashing including victimisation and intimidation of trade union leaders and refusal of companies to grant trade unions a recognition agreement, among others. Regarding union bashing, he highlighted the issue of the President of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), Mbongwa Dlamini. He said they reported about his possible charges and when they meet the ILO team, they would update their case and include the matter of his salary which was withheld by the employer. He said the first set of the mediation process would be between February 24 and 26, 2023. He stated that the process would be chaired by the President of the Industrial Court, Judge Sifiso Sibandze, who is also the President of the Industrial Court of Appeal and would be assisted by a team from the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission (CMAC). Meanwhile, efforts to get comment from the PS in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Makhosini Mndawe, proved futile. A questionnaire was sent to the Acting Communications Officer in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Nosimilo Vilakati, but she had not responded by the time of compiling this report yesterday. It is worth noting that some of the incidents which were mentioned during the commission of enquiry on the alleged police brutality included a demonstration which was hosted by TUCOSWA in Manzini in 2018, where several protesters were shot, SNAT meeting where a teacher was shot and a strike action by the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA) at the textile sector in Nhlangano, where the workers clashed with the police. The Delhi High Court on 6 February directed a Sardar Bazar trader to pay 5 lakh to luxury brand Louis Vuitton for selling duplicate products in spite of judicial directions restraining him from doing so. The bench headed by Justice C Hari Shankar said Counterfeiting is a commercial evil which erodes brand value, amounts to duplicity with trusting consumer, and has serious repercussions on the fabric of the national economy." As per Bar and Bench report, court was dealing with an application filed by the luxury brand LV under Order XXXIX Rule 2A of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) in its already pending suit related to trademark infringement. As per the application, the brand alleged that despite the injunction order of September 2021, Javed Ansari was selling counterfeit LV products at least till September 2022. In September 2021, Delhi HC had passed an interim order restraining several entities from manufacturing, warehousing, selling, among others, in any manner any goods bearing the registered trademarks "Louis Vuitton", "LV" logo, or any similar trademark, amounting to an infringement of the plaintiffs registered trademarks. Justice C Hari Shankar said ramifications of counterfeiting extend far beyond the confines of a petty counterfeiter's small shop and the court is required to send a deterrent message to those involved in such practices. The judge also clarified that if the defendant fails to pay the amount within a period of four weeks, he shall suffer incarceration in civil prison in Tihar Jail for a period of one week. Counterfeiting is an extremely serious matter, the ramifications of which extend far beyond the confines of the small shop of the petty counterfeiter. It is a commercial evil, which erodes brand value, amounts to duplicity with the trusting consumer, and, in the long run, has serious repercussions on the fabric of the national economy," the court said. The court is, therefore, required to be economically and socially sensitised, and to send a deterrent message to others who indulge, or propose to indulge, in the practice of counterfeiting," it added. The defendant before the court also acknowledged that he was selling LV branded belts despite the court's order, but apologised for acting in breach of its directions and said he was a paltry businessman who ran his establishment from a small rented shop. LV also argued that that while evaluating the defendant, it told the court to take he also imitates other reputed brands as well. On this, the court said a counterfeiter is not entitled to sympathy as he knowingly practices falsehood and deception with complete impunity. A counterfeiter abandons, completely, any right to equitable consideration by a court functioning within the confines of the rule of law... That the defendant chose to continue with his business of selling counterfeited LV branded goods, even after having been injuncted from doing so, augments his culpability. Apologies and entreaties to the Court, after having so acted, can hardly mitigate the misdemeanour," it stated. I am of the opinion that the interests of justice would best be subserved if, in the present case, the defendant is directed to pay, to the plaintiff, 5 lakh within a period of four weeks from today, failing which the proprietor of Defendant 2, shall suffer incarceration in civil prison in Tihar Jail for a period of one week," ordered the court. The court also noted that articles bearing the Louis Vuitton/LV brand cater to the most affluent of society and the craze for owning an article bearing the brand spews imitators to duplicate such products. (With inputs from PTI) New Delhi: The Centre is planning to start a programme to support small hydro power projects in the country. Currently, there is no programme to support the sector in India. Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, secretary, Union ministry of new and renewable energy said an initial draft has been prepared for a scheme. We want to come out with a new scheme for small hydro. It is still under planning. There was a scheme till 2017, but there has been no scheme since then. We have not had a scheme for small hydro for a long time. An initial draft has been prepared and it still under consideration," he said. The secretary however said that no decision have been made yet on the support required for small hydro projects. We think there is a need to support the small hydro sector. I think the support is required but what kind of support and at what level, how soon, these are yet to be answered," Bhalla said. Hydro power plants of 25 MW or below are classified as small, and they come under the purview of the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE). Currently, the installed capacity of small hydro power projects is 4.9 GW, which accounts for 1.2% of the total power capacity. India has an estimated potential of 21.1 GW from 7,133 sites for power generation from small and mini hydro projects, according to the Hydro and Renewable Energy Department (HRED), of IIT Roorkee. Hilly states including Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand constitute around half of this potential. Other potential states are Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Kerala. Focused attention is required for these states through close interaction, monitoring of projects and reviewing policy environment to attract private sector investments, . Other locations of identified small hydro project sites include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra among others. The secretary said that the government is looking at the policy approach for wind energy, with a renewed focus on offshore wind. The government is looking at ways to make the bidding process for offshore wind transparent through the policy changes. Now the policy will be changed slightly. Its for wind sector as a whole...Offshore is highly capital intensive, that has to be seen through a different prism. We have to figure out how to do transparent bidding in the offshore wind," he said. Government came up with the National Offshore Wind Policy in 2016. Under the new approach, government plans to provide viability gap funding to attract investments in offshore projects. Last month, the ministry announced that the government will invite bids for 8 GW of wind power projects annually till 2030 through a new bidding process. Centre has also done away with the reverse bidding method, and would now go for a single stage two envelope closed bid process. The push for offshore wind energy comes on the back of the slow progress in the segment over the years despite the government coming up with a dedicated policy in 2016. The focus on small hydro and offshore wind gains momentum also because of the governments aim to achieve 500 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030. The installed capacity of wind energy in the country stands at 41.93 GW, which is 10.2% of the total power capacity. As part of its ongoing rescue operation in Turkey, Indian Army on Tuesday, mobilised a field hospital to provide medical support to the victims of the country's worst disaster since 1961. An 89-member medical team has been dispatched by the Agra-based Army Field Hospital to Turkey, reported PTI. Read Turkey earthquake live updates In addition to the Agra-based hospital, Indian Air Force has announced to dispatch two sent two more C-17 planes to Turkey in evening with 60 Para Field Hospital and personnel to aid in the rescue and relief operations. The region was struck by its fifth major earthquake on Tuesday. The latest earthquake was recorded to be of 5.7 magnitude on Richter scale. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 46 km, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre. Also Read: Watch: Buildings collapse as 3 massive earthquake hits Turkey From specialists to a range of general physicians, the medical team consists of all the critical care specialists. In addition to that the team is also equipped with critical care equipment and systems. The team is dispatched with X-ray machines, ventilators, oxygen generation plant, cardiac monitors and associated equipment to set up a 30 bedded medical facility. Turkey and its neighbouring country Syria, were struck by a series of massive earthquakes on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Turkey of all possible help in the time of emergency. Immediately after the PM's instruction of help to the country, India on Monday decided to immediately despatch search and rescue teams of the National Disaster Response Force, medical teams and relief materials to Turkey. India's first aircraft with relief materials was sent on Monday night. The death toll is expected to cross 5,000 mark. Whereas, World Health Organisation has predicted that the death toll can increase by eight-fold in the region due to the earthquake. Viral videos show how the series of massive earthquakes turned large buildings and castles into rubble. Many people died even while sleeping. One of the earthquakes was centred in Turkey's southeastern province of Kahramanmaras and was felt as far away as Cairo. (With agency inputs) Lawyer Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri, who faced opposition from a section of the legal fraternity to her appointment to the higher judiciary on Tuesday took an oath of office as the additional judge of Madras High Court. Following usual practice including reading out the Warrant of Appointment issued by the President, Gowri was administered the oath of office by Acting Chief Justice of Madras High Court Justice T Raja. Besides Gowri, four others also took oath as additional judges of the High Court Earlier, the Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea seeking to restrain lawyer Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri from taking oath as a judge of the Madras High Court. "We are not entertaining the writ petition. Reasons will follow," a special bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and B R Gavai said. The special bench assembled at 10.25 am to hear the plea. Gowri has taken oath as additional judge of the Madras High Court. On Monday, a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud had in the forenoon put the plea of three Madras HC lawyers opposing the appointment of Gowri for hearing on February 10 but later advanced it to February 7 after senior advocate Raju Ramachandran again mentioned it, saying the Centre has notified her appointment. The petitioner lawyers, Anna Mathew, Sudha Ramalingam and D Nagasaila, in their plea referred to the alleged hate speeches made by Gowri against Muslims and Christians. The plea said, "The petitioners are seeking appropriate interim orders injuncting the 4th Respondent (Gowri) from taking the oath of office as a judge of the High Court, in view of the 'grave threat' to the independence of the judiciary." China's Baidu said on Tuesday it would complete internal testing of a ChatGPT-style project called "Ernie Bot" in March, joining a global race as interest in generative artificial intelligence (AI) gathers steam. Ernie, meaning "Enhanced Representation through Knowledge Integration," is a large AI-powered language model introduced in 2019, Baidu said. It has gradually grown to be able to perform tasks including language understanding, language generation, and text-to-image generation, it added. Search engine giant Baidu's Hong Kong-listed shares jumped as much as 13.4% on the news. A person familiar with the matter told Reuters last week that Baidu was planning to launch such a service in March. The person said Baidu aims to make the service available as a standalone application and gradually merge it into its search engine by incorporating chatbot-generated results when users make search requests. Generative artificial intelligence, technology that can create prose or other content on command and free up white-collar workers' time, has been gathering significant venture capital investment and interest from tech firms, especially in Silicon Valley. Defining the category is ChatGPT, a chatbot from Microsoft-backed OpenAI that has been the centre of much buzz since it was released in November. ChatGPT is not available in China but some users have found workarounds to access the service. Also read: What is Bard? Google CEO Sundar Pichai explains the newly introduced AI chatbot Microsoft Corp has a $1 billion investment in San Francisco-based OpenAI that it has looked at increasing, Reuters has reported. The company has also worked to add OpenAI's image-generation software to its Bing search engine in a new challenge to Alphabet Inc's Google. Microsoft plans its own AI reveal for Tuesday. In a blog post on Monday, Alphabet Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said his company is opening a conversational AI service called Bard to test users for feedback, followed by a public release in the coming weeks, adding that Google plans to add AI features to its search engine that synthesize material for complex queries. Beijing-based Baidu has been a first mover in China on other tech trends. In late 2021, when the metaverse became a new buzzword, the company launched "XiRang" which it described as China's first metaverse platform. The platform however was widely panned for not offering a high-level immersive experience and Baidu said it was a work in progress. The company has been investing heavily in AI technology, including in cloud services, chips and autonomous driving, as it looks to diversify its revenue sources. The newly unveiled Initiative on critical and emerging information technology (iCET) has the potential to take the US-India collaboration to the next level, former Indian envoy to the US Arun Singh said in an exclusive interview with Mint. Singh said, India and the US have thus far been unable to achieve major successes in critical and defence technologies. He also believes that the rise of China as well as Indias market size and strength in the technology sector have driven the US towards closer cooperation. How does iCET enhance the India-US relationship? What are its strategic implications? With the decisions taken at the meeting of the National Security Advisers of India and US, iCET has launched the mechanisms for the two countries to explore and deepen collaboration in several critical and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum, 6G, space, semiconductors and biotech. This is significant for several reasons: economic and technological partnership between India and US has, so far, lagged behind the growing strategic convergence. The two countries have found it difficult to even work out limited trade agreements, because of existing interests on both sides. iCET has the potential to establish new areas of research and production collaboration ... It is generally accepted that CETs are bringing in a perfect storm" of technology that is going to transform the way we live and work. Enhanced effort at national level and collaboration for secure and trusted" supply chains can work to Indias gain. After the India-US civil nuclear cooperation agreement of 2008, US declaring India a Major Defense Partner in 2016 and then placing India on STA1 for higher level technology releases, iCET has the potential to take academic, industrial and government level collaboration to yet another level. Earlier technology collaboration initiatives between India and America like the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) are seen to have under-delivered. Is there a particular reason for that? How can iCET avoid those pitfalls? My sense is that the two systems did not then have any deep experience of collaboration in defence technologies. There was a mismatch between expectations and possibilities. The US system also has its complications in that the government has power to authorize or deny, but technology is held by private companies who also factor in their commercial interest and strategies. A strong defence supply relationship between India and US picked up only after the civil nuclear cooperation agreement in 2008. Since then India has contracted to buy around $20 billion of defence equipment from the US. The two countries have now signed agreements on logistics support, communication security and sharing of geo- spatial information. They do more bilateral military exercises with each other than with most other countries, with learnings for inter- operability. Indian companies are also now participating in the global supply chain of US companies, in the last five years about 35% of our defence exports are estimated to have taken place through the supply chain of US companies. I believe, therefore, that we are now better placed to explore collaboration in cutting edge technologies, including in defence. I understand senior officials from DRDO and representatives from some of our defence companies were in the US for the meetings of the two NSAs. How much has the China factor driven collaboration on iCET? There is no doubt that the economic, technological and military challenge that the US perceives from China is a driving force behind many of its current strategies. It is strengthening its alliances and partnerships in the Indo- Pacific, enhancing its military presence in Japan and Philippines, reviving cooperation with Pacific island countries, has done the AUKUS agreement with Australia and UK for nuclear propulsion submarines, revitalised the Quad with India, Japan and Australia. US leaders have now said, on several occasions, that they welcome the rise of India, see it to be in their own interest, and as an important element in their effort to shape the environment around the rise of China", so that countries in the region have options other than succumbing to Chinas unilateralist demand and actions. While the China challenge would no doubt be a factor in the positive response we are seeing in the US to encouraging iCET, this is not the only reason. Indias current and potential market size, its reservoir of skilled high tech human capital are also among the drivers. Many US companies are doing cutting edge R&D in India. It has been argued that if the US is to meet the technology challenge from China with its 1.4 billion population, it will need partnership with a country such as India with a similar population size. Indian origin CEOs in US companies, Indian origin tech entrepreneurs and skilled employees are today an integral part of the US maintaining its global leadership in several technology areas. There has been much talk of major fractures in the global innovation and technological ecosystems because of US-China competition. Will iCET, which deepens collaboration between two Quad nations, exacerbate this general trend? Fractures in the global innovation and technological ecosystems are being attempted because of perceptions related to China not maintaining international norms in intellectual property, using subsidies and State support to to build capacity at the expense of others among other issues. In the US, too, since 2016, there has been exacerbated demand for trade retaliation and technology restrictions against China which is seen as siphoning away manufacturing jobs. However, this is not an easy or universally accepted approach. Companies in the West, heavily invested in China or dependent on the Chinese market are resisting change or worry that decoupling could rebound negatively on them if China uses the denials to develop its own technology alternatives. In this background, the objective of iCET is not to deepen fractures, but to enhance opportunities for industry and academia in the two countries that now see each other as beneficial for establishing trusted and secure supply chains The screams of people still trapped in the rubble filled the night early on Tuesday and relatives wept for their loved ones as the death toll in Turkey and in neighbouring northwest Syria rose to more than 3,700. The magnitude 7.8 quake rippled through both countries early on Monday, toppling entire apartment blocks, wrecking hospitals, and leaving thousands more people injured or homeless. Freezing winter weather hampered search efforts for survivors through the night into Tuesday. Also read: Turkey Earthquake Live Updates: India dispatches first consignment of relief material Under a pile of rubble in the southern province of Hatay, a woman's voice could be heard calling for help. Nearby, the body of a small child lay lifeless. Weeping in the rain, a local resident who gave his name as Deniz wrung his hands in despair. "They're making noises but nobody is coming," he said. "We're devastated, we're devastated. My God... They're calling out. They're saying, 'Save us,' but we can't save them. How are we going to save them? There has been nobody since the morning." Temperatures fell close to freezing overnight, worsening conditions for people trapped under rubble or left homeless. In Kahramanmaras, north of Hatay, entire families gathered around fires and wrapped themselves in blankets to stay warm. "We barely made it out of the house," said Neset Guler, huddled around the fire with his four children. "Our situation is a disaster. We are hungry, we are thirsty. It's miserable." The earthquake, which was followed by a series of aftershocks, was the biggest recorded worldwide by the U.S. Geological Survey since a tremor in the remote South Atlantic in August 2021. In Turkey, the death toll stood at 2,316, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said, making it the country's deadliest earthquake since an earthquake of similar magnitude in 1999 that killed more than 17,000. More than 13,000 were reported injured in Monday's quake. At least 1,444 people were killed in Syria and about 3,500 injured, according to figures from the Damascus government and rescue workers in the northwestern region controlled by insurgents. Poor internet connections and damaged roads between some of the worst-hit cities in Turkey's south, homes to millions of people, hindered efforts to assess and address the impact. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, preparing for a tough election in May, called the quake a historic disaster and said authorities were doing all they could. "Everyone is putting their heart and soul into efforts although the winter season, cold weather and the earthquake happening during the night makes things more difficult," he said. He said 45 countries had offered to help the search and rescue efforts. In the Turkish city of Iskenderun, rescuers climbed an enormous pile of debris that was once part of a state hospital's intensive care unit in search of survivors. Health workers did what they could to tend to the new rush of injured patients. "We have a patient who was taken into surgery but we don't know what happened," said Tulin, a woman in her 30s, standing outside the hospital, wiping away tears and praying. In Syria, the effects of the quake were compounded by the destruction of more than 11 years of civil war. A top U.N. humanitarian official said fuel shortages and the harsh winter weather were also creating obstacles to its response. "The infrastructure is damaged, the roads that we used to use for humanitarian work are damaged, we have to be creative in how to get to the people... but we are working hard," U.N. resident coordinator El-Mostafa Benlamlih told Reuters in an interview via video link from Damascus. In the government-controlled city of Aleppo, footage on Twitter showed two neighbouring buildings collapsing one after the other, filling streets with billowing dust. Two residents of the city, which has been heavily damaged in the war, said the buildings had fallen in the hours after the quake, which was felt as far away as Cyprus and Lebanon. Raed al-Saleh of the Syrian White Helmets, a rescue service in rebel-held territory known for pulling people from the ruins of buildings destroyed by air strikes, said they were in "a race against time to save the lives of those under the rubble." This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Microsoft is fusing ChatGPT-like technology into its search engine Bing, transforming an internet service that now trails far behind Google into a new way of communicating with artificial intelligence. The revamping of Microsofts second-place search engine could give the software giant a head start against other tech companies in capitalizing on the worldwide excitement surrounding ChatGPT, a tool thats awakened millions of people to the possibilities of the latest AI technology. Along with adding it to Bing, Microsoft is also integrating the chatbot technology into its Edge browser. Microsoft announced the new technology at an event Tuesday at its headquarters in Redmond, Washington. ALSO READ: What is Bard? Google CEO Sundar Pichai explains the newly introduced AI chatbot Microsoft said a public preview of the new Bing will launch Tuesday for users who sign up for it, but the technology will scale to millions of users in coming weeks. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's corporate vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, said the new Bing will go live for desktop on limited preview. Everyone can try a limited number of queries, he said. The strengthening partnership with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI has been years in the making, starting with a $1 billion investment from Microsoft in 2019 that led to the development of a powerful supercomputer specifically built to train the San Francisco startups AI models. While its not always factual or logical, ChatGPTs mastery of language and grammar comes from having ingested a huge trove of digitized books, Wikipedia entries, instruction manuals, newspapers and other online writings. Microsoft Corp. CEO Satya Nadella said Tuesday that new AI advances are "going to reshape every software category we know," including search, much like earlier innovations in personal computers and cloud computing. He said it is important to develop AI "with human preferences and societal norms and youre not going to do that in a lab. You have to do that out in the world." The shift to making search engines more conversational able to confidently answer questions rather than offering links to other websites could change the advertising-fueled search business, but also poses risks if the AI systems dont get their facts right. Their opaqueness also makes it hard to source back to the original human-made images and texts theyve effectively memorized, though the new Bing includes annotations that link to sources. Gartner analyst Jason Wong said new technological advancements will mitigate what led to Microsoft's disastrous 2016 launch of the experimental chatbot Tay, which users trained to spout racist and sexist remarks. But Wong said reputational risks will still be at the forefront" for Microsoft if Bing produces answers with low accuracy or so-called AI hallucinations" that mix and conflate data. Google has been cautious about such moves. But in response to pressure over ChatGPTs popularity, Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Monday announced a new conversational service named Bard that will be available exclusively to a group of trusted testers" before being widely released later this year. Wong said Google was caught off-guard with the success of ChatGPT but still has the advantage over Microsoft in consumer-facing technology, while Microsoft has the edge in selling its products to businesses. Chinese tech giant Baidu also this week announced a similar search chatbot coming later this year, according to Chinese media. Other tech rivals such as Facebook parent Meta and Amazon also worked on similar technology, but Microsofts latest moves aim to position it at the center of the ChatGPT zeitgeist. Microsoft disclosed in January that it was pouring billions more dollars into OpenAI as it looks to fuse the technology behind ChatGPT, the image-generator DALL-E and other OpenAI innovations into an array of Microsoft products tied to its cloud computing platform and its Office suite of workplace products like email and spreadsheets. The most surprising might be the integration with Bing, which is the second-place search engine in many markets but has never come close to challenging Googles dominant position. Bing launched in 2009 as a rebranding of Microsofts earlier search engines and was run for a time by Nadella, years before he took over as CEO. Its significance was boosted when Yahoo and Microsoft signed a deal for Bing to power Yahoos search engine, giving Microsoft access to Yahoos greater search share. Similar deals infused Bing into the search features for devices made by other companies, though users wouldnt necessarily know that Microsoft was powering their searches. By making it a destination for ChatGPT-like conversations, Microsoft could invite more users to give Bing a try. On the surface, at least, a Bing integration seems far different from what OpenAI has in mind for its technology. Appearing at Microsoft's event, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the "the new Bing experience looks fantastic" and is based in part on learnings from its GPT line of large language models. He said one of the reasons for the Microsoft partnership is to help get OpenAI technology into the hands of millions of people." OpenAI has long voiced an ambitious vision for safely guiding whats known as AGI, or artificial general intelligence, a not-yet-realized concept that harkens back to ideas from science fiction about human-like machines. OpenAIs website describes AGI as highly autonomous systems that outperform humans at most economically valuable work." OpenAI started out as a nonprofit research laboratory when it launched in December 2015 with backing from Tesla CEO Elon Musk and others. Its stated aims were to advance digital intelligence in the way that is most likely to benefit humanity as a whole, unconstrained by a need to generate financial return." That changed in 2018 when it incorporated a for-profit business Open AI LP, and shifted nearly all its staff into the business, not long after releasing its first generation of the GPT model for generating human-like paragraphs of readable text. OpenAIs other products include the image-generator DALL-E, first released in 2021, the computer programming assistant Codex and the speech recognition tool Whisper. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. UK authorities on Monday said British businesses and consumers are likely to need a digital version of the pound, formally asking for public comment on the idea of introducing a central bank digital currency. Britain, home to the world's second-biggest financial centre, is trailing former colonies such as Nigeria, the Bahamas and Jamaica in rolling out a digital currency. More than 80 per cent of the world's central banks are considering launching digital currencies or have already done so, according to the consultant PwC. While cash is here to stay, a digital pound issued and backed by the Bank of England could be a new way to pay that's trusted, accessible and easy to use," Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt said in a statement. That's why we want to investigate what is possible first, whilst always making sure we protect financial stability." The call for public input comes almost two years after the Treasury and Bank of England said they were considering introducing a digital currency. While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suggested naming the initiative Britcoin" when he was Treasury chief, the Bank of England has stressed that the potential currency shouldn't be confused with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Backed by the central bank, the new currency would be reliable and retain its value over time," in contrast to cryptocurrencies that can fluctuate wildly and threaten the holdings of investors, the Bank of England says on its website. That industry has been particularly unstable in recent months, escalating calls for greater regulation. Crypto crashes last year tanked assets, while crypto exchange FTX's multibillion-dollar collapse and bankruptcy in November triggered fraud charges against founder Sam Bankman-Fried. The proposed digital currency would be denominated in pounds, with 10 pounds of digital currency always equal to a 10-pound note, the bank said. Held in a digital wallet, the currency could be used to pay for goods and services electronically. Supporters of central bank digital currencies say they make digital transactions easier and cheaper and expand access to the financial system because they can be used by people who don't have bank accounts. This is one of the reasons the Bahamas became the first country to introduce a digital currency in 2020. Nigeria and Jamaica have since followed suit, with China and more than 20 other countries running trial projects. The US and European Union are considering introducing digital currencies. But digital currencies also present risks, including cyberattacks, privacy concerns and the danger that they can be used by criminals. Because money invested in central bank digital currencies is safer than a bank deposit, they also may draw savings away from commercial banks and weaken the financial system, critics argue. A digital pound would have risks but no obvious benefits," former Bank of England Gov. Mervyn King, now a member of the House of Lords, said recently. While such digital currencies may be useful in countries that don't have effective banking systems, that's not the case in Britain, he said. The government has said that it wants the UK to be at the forefront of innovation, crypto-assets and fintech, but we need to be selective and not driven by a misplaced enthusiasm for all things crypto," King said. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Turkey was hit by three powerful earthquakes in 24 hours. On Monday, an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 centered in the Pazarcik district jolted Kahramanmaras and hit several provinces, including Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Diyarbakir, Adana, Adiyaman, Malatya, Osmaniye, Hatay, and Kilis, as per the Anadolu Agency report. Later in the day, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake centered in Kahramanmaras's Elbistan district jolted the region. The earthquake was also felt in several neighboring countries, including Lebanon and Syria. Later, another earthquake of magnitude 6.0 striked central Turkey. Also Read: Turkey Earthquake Live Updates As per the latest report, more than 4,000 people died so far due to deadly earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Numerous videos shared by users on social media showed many buildings collapsed in many cities of Turkey. One such video was shared from Sanliurfa City. A multistory apartment building toppled onto the street in a cloud of dust as bystanders screamed, the video showed. Another footage captured the terrifying moment of the collapse of a building in Turkey's Kahramanmaras. Footage captures the terrifying moment of the collapse of a building in Turkey's Kahramanmaras. Developers and building inspectors have a lot to answer for. pic.twitter.com/s8hZbqBrxP Borzou Daragahi (@borzou) February 6, 2023 A CCTV footage of a store near the city of Gaziantep also captured the powerful earthquake which as per the video lasted for about 90 seconds. MORE: Duration of Syria/Turkey #earthquake indicated by this reported video from Gaziantep of the 90 seconds+ 7.8 quake 22km away from the epicenter. pic.twitter.com/eym1zwb2hS Afshin Rattansi (@afshinrattansi) February 6, 2023 Rescue operation in Turkey is underway as they hope to pull more survivors from the rubble after three earthquakes which toppled thousands of buildings across a wide region. Survivors cried out for help from within mountains of debris as first responders contended with rain and snow. Workers carefully pulled away slabs of concrete and reached for bodies as desperate families waited for news of loved ones. Thousands were left homeless in the cold. In the Turkish city of Gaziantep, a provincial capital about 33 kilometers (20 miles) from the epicentre, people took refuge in shopping malls, stadiums, mosques and community centres. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the country was shaken by the "biggest disaster" with the earthquake since the 1939 Erzincan earthquake. As per Associated press, thousands of buildings were reported collapsed in a wide area extending from Syrias cities of Aleppo and Hama to Turkeys Diyarbakir, more than 330 kilometers (200 miles) to the northeast. In Turkey alone, more than 5,600 buildings were destroyed, authorities said. Hospitals were damaged, and one collapsed in the city of Iskenderun. Temperatures fell close to freezing overnight, worsening conditions for people trapped under rubble or left homeless. In Kahramanmaras, north of Hatay, entire families gathered around fires and wrapped themselves in blankets to stay warm. Many governments have rushed to dispatch aid, personnel and equipment to help the rescue efforts in quake-stricken areas of Turkey and Syria. The European Union has mobilised search and rescue teams to help Turkey, while the 27-nation bloc's Copernicus satellite system has been activated to provide emergency mapping services. At least 13 member countries have offered assistance. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the Biden administration was sending two, 79-person urban search and rescue teams to support Turkeys efforts. India too has sent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities. The 1st batch of earthquake relief material has left for Turkey, along with NDRF Search & Rescue Teams, specially trained dog squads, medical supplies, drilling machines & other necessary equipment. India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilites in action. The 1st batch of earthquake relief material leaves for Turkiye, along with NDRF Search & Rescue Teams, specially trained dog squads, medical supplies, drilling machines & other necessary equipment. pic.twitter.com/pB3ewcH1Gr Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) February 6, 2023 Britain is sending 76 search-and-rescue specialists with equipment and dogs, as well as an emergency medical team, to Turkey. The U.K. also says its in contact with the U.N. about getting support to victims in Syria. Chinas Red Cross Society is providing the Turkish Red Crescent and the Syrian Red Crescent with $200,000 each in cash humanitarian assistance. The society said Tuesday it will send further humanitarian aid if needed. The region sits on top of major fault lines and is frequently shaken by earthquakes. Some 18,000 were killed in similarly powerful earthquakes that hit northwest Turkey in 1999. (With inputs from agencies) MBABANE - As police investigations into the attacks on law enforcement agents and burning of structures around the country intensify, a number of those who are implicated have gone into hiding. They are said to have relocated to neighbouring countries, such as the Republic of South Africa and Mozambique, after learning that they had become people of interest to the police. Those who have left the country, according to insiders, did so upon getting wind that the police knew their identities and the role they allegedly played in the planning of the attacks. Among those who are now reportedly people of interest to the police are two executive members of proscribed political parties and about seven men who are reportedly members of the Swaziland Solidarity Forces. Arrested The names of the alleged members of the underground forces, who are wanted by the police, are contained in some of the statements that were recorded by those who have already been arrested. Over 10 names appear in some of the statements that were recorded by those who have already been arrested, and those whose names appear therein are now being sought by law enforcers to assist them in their investigations. The members of the solidarity forces were given code names to use. All the people who are mentioned in the statements are now wanted by the police and we are certain that they are not in the country. Police visited some of their homesteads only to find that they relocated after learning of the arrests of the others and mentioning of their names during interrogation by the law enforcers, said an impeccable source. He further highlighted that a majority of those who were now wanted by the police in connection with the attacks, left the country after the arrest of the seven alleged members of the Swaziland Solidarity Forces. The police, according to the informer, got to know the identities of those who were implicated after going through the cellphones of those who are currently behind bars. One of those mentioned in the statements and now wanted by the police is a businessman from the Hhohho Region and a family from northern Hhohho, which is said to have assisted the members of the Swaziland Solidarity Forces with accommodation and food while they went about attacking establishments. A liSwati pastor who is now based in South Africa, who is said to have assisted the suspects with transport when they went for training, is also among those whom the police believe could assist them in their investigations. Also reportedly being sought is the alleged commander of the Swaziland Solidarity Forces, who is said to be a former police officer. Despite that they use code names and numbers to conceal their identities, investigators are reportedly now aware of the actual identities of the said members after the seven, who are currently behind bars, revealed their identities during interrogation by the police. Investigations Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said as long as there were pending investigations and no suspects being apprehended (to answer to crimes), they would continue to investigate. Superintendent Vilakati urged those who were implicated or had information that could assist the police in their investigations, to come forward or avail themselves to them. Those who are currently incarcerated on charges of contravening the Suppression of Terrorism Act are Ncamiso Mabuyakhulu, who is a member of the Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO), Philani Sihlongonyane, a member of the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) and German Robert Dlamini. The trio face seven counts related to the murder of members of the three security forces. Seven of the charges are for the murder of police officers, members of His Majestys Correctional Services and the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF). They also face six counts of contravening the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1964 as amended, for the alleged unlawful possession of firearms and rounds of ammunition. Also currently languishing behind bars are Musa Clement Kunene and Msindiso Ntshalintshali. They were allegedly found in possession of two grenades, 20 live rounds of ammunition and an Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) pair of trousers. According to the composite summary of evidence against the duo, Kunene and one of the men who is now a witness, were the ones tasked with recruiting people from the country for training to overthrow the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini. In their investigations, the police said they found that one of the requirements for recruitment was to commit a criminal offence against the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and obtain evidence of same through photographs and videos. It was brought to the attention of the court that during the terrorist attacks, members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) got information that certain people were suspected to be in possession of explosives. The court was informed that investigations by the police revealed that Ntshalintshali and the man who is now a witness held numerous discussions on different dates regarding the current government.It is alleged that Ntshalintshali mentioned that he would have long overthrown the present government, but did not have weapons to accomplish the mission. The prosecution submitted that the witness allegedly disclosed to Ntshalintshali that he had weapons in the form of explosives and live rounds of ammunition. The most recent arrest is that of Sibusio Nxumalo, a member of Swazis First Democratic Front (SFDF), and his co-accused, Muzi Mnisi. Murder They are facing 38 charges, which include the attempted murder and murder of police officers in different parts of the country. In a statement Nxumalo recorded with the police, he revealed the identity of the commander of the Swaziland Solidarity Forces. Nxumalo also revealed to the police that they received amounts ranging from E200 to E500 and how they were trained in the Republic of South Africa. He also disclosed the role allegedly played by some leaders of political parties in their operations. Nxumalo further disclosed the difficulties they encountered with some members of the Swaziland Solidarity Forces in the training camps in the neighbouring country. He alleged that during the training, they were sometimes starved since there was no money. He also revealed how they were trained with toy guns on how to shoot, as there was a shortage of firearms. Nxumalo also disclosed the role that was allegedly played by the late SFDF member, Muzi Memma, who was abducted and killed no so long ago, during the recruitment of members of the Swaziland Solidarity Forces, who were later transported to the Republic of South Africa. The members of the Swaziland Solidarity Forces, according to the accused, used certain code names, such as Marcelino 040, Putin 22 and Ntweba 20, to refer to each other instead of their real names. The cases of all the seven suspects are still pending before court. In the middle of winter, on a cold grey day, its easy to find yourself yearning for some summer warmth. Its also easy to forget the deadly heat. 2022 was Europes hottest summer on record, leading to more than 20,000 excess deaths across western Europe, and this summer could be even worse with the return of El Nino. The effects may be felt most in our cities, which are on average 1.5 Celsius warmer than surrounding areas due to so-called urban heat islands (UHIs). Thats when building materials (concrete, asphalt, metal) and machinery (cars, trucks, air-conditioners) absorb and produce heat, turning city blocks into baking ovens. The heat is just one way in which cities can be unhealthy places to live; 4.3% of premature deaths in cities during the summer months are attributable to UHIs. Outdoor air pollution kills more than 4 million people a year. Noise causes the loss of more than 1.8 million healthy life years in Europe. Depending on where you live, you might be surrounded by shades of grey or trapped in a food desert. For many, when it comes to raising children or settling down, health, space and financial pressures make moving out of the city a very desirable option. Thats a shame because cities arent just brilliant hubs of human activity; they also offer an incredibly efficient way of living. Studies have shown that people who live in cities have smaller carbon footprints than those in the suburbs and countryside. Urban dwellers walk more, cycle more and use public transport more than their suburban and rural counterparts. They also live in smaller homes with less stuff. Encouraging denser living could be a key part of the race to net zero carbon emissions. But if were going to convince people to live in them, we have to make cities more livable first. Plenty of solutions exist, but theres one powerful tool at our disposal that could help cool cities, reduce pollution and improve our mental and physical health: trees. A new study published in The Lancet shows that increasing tree canopy cover to 30% of the city could reduce premature summer deaths in cities by about 40%, by reducing the temperatures through a combination of shading, evaporating water and removing sources of heat such as concrete and asphalt. Satellite data has shown that 30% of tree coverage is a feasible target in the 93 cities covered in the study, but the average in Europe is still only 14.9%. Despite the relative simplicity, there are real barriers holding back urban forestry. Part of it comes down to competing urban interests, says Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, co-author of the study and director of urban planning, environment and health at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. Cities have historically given priority to space for vehicles. Wide roads and car parks could be reduced to make way for foliage but, as battles over cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods in the UK have shown, that fight is politically charged. There is also the expense. After buying and planting, new trees require maintenance. Like people, they can also find the urban environment difficult to survive in. In Lisbon, landscape architect Ana Luisa Soares estimates that each new tree costs the city about 2,000 ($2,180). There are other ways of cooling the cityvia reflective roofs or whiter-than-white paint. But... they dont quite deliver the full benefits package that trees do. In a 2011 study, Soares estimated the cost of maintaining trees at $1.9 million a year. The benefits came in at $8.4 million. Nieuwenhuijsen ran through a list of proven benefits: Not only are streets more aesthetically pleasing when theyre lined with trees, but there are proven benefits for mental health. Urban green spaces are also associated with a lower prevalence of diabetes, heart problems, better birth outcomes and improved cognitive functioning. Plus, trees are handy carbon stores that can also help prevent flash floodinganother climate risk. The vital thing will be to ensure theres an equitable distribution of trees throughout the city. One huge forest park wont have the same beneficial effects of many tree-lined streets. Richer areas already tend to be greener than poorer ones, so theres a social justice element too in ensuring everyone has equal access to nature. Cecil Konijnendijk, professor of urban forestry at the University of British Columbia, has suggested a 3-30-300 rule: Everyone should be able to see 3 trees from their window, live in a neighbourhood with 30% tree cover and be 300 metres from a green space. But theres a lot of work to be done. In Barcelona for example, only 5% of people live somewhere that meets that standard. Making our cities more livable and sustainable will involve a lot of difficult decisions, about more than plant life. But considering trees can take decades to grow, we should get planting now. bloomberg DNIPRO (UKRAINE) : Ukraine warned that Russia was completing preparations for a major new offensive this month as Kyiv signaled a reshuffle in its military leadership amid a corruption scandal that has rocked the Defense Ministry. Serhiy Haidai, the governor of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine, said Russia was continuing to bolster its offensive capacity and bring in troops to front-line positions while decreasing its rate of fire in certain areas to save ammunition for the coming advance. We can see that more and more reserves are being brought in our direction, were observing more military equipment that is being partly hidden in forested areas or dug in," Mr. Haidai said in a TV interview on Monday. Russia has in recent months been training thousands of mobilized troops in Belarus and parts of western Russia in preparation for their deployment to Ukraine. Mr. Haidai said that signs indicate that this training is coming to an end and that Moscow has allocated two weeks for these new service members to enter Russian-held parts of Ukraine and take up positions. Starting from February 15 we can expect [a major offensive] at any time," he said. Ukraine has been steeling itself for a big Russian offensive for weeks. The lines of control in the east and south of the country had been largely static for months until Russia began intensifying attacks last month and pushed to surround the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region and oust Ukrainian forces from the Luhansk region to the north. We are expecting this push. We are ready," Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said in a press conference on Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the threat to the Donetsk region. Particular attention is paid to Bakhmut. To our defense. To the occupiers attempts to surround the city and break the defense there," he said in his nightly address Monday. We are countering them." The warnings come as part of Ukraines defense establishment finds itself in turmoil. Revelations of corruption in the Defense Ministry have placed Mr. Reznikov in the crosshairs of a clampdown on graft that accelerated with the firing of several top officials last month. An investigation by Ukrainian media last month revealed that the Defense Ministry had paid two to three times above supermarket prices to purchase food for troops. Ukraines SBU security service said this week that the embezzlement scheme had siphoned off public funds and cost the Defense Ministry $3.2 million, at a time when soldiers on the front line are facing a Russian army bolstered by hundreds of thousands of mobilized soldiers. Mr. Reznikov hasnt been personally implicated in the scandal, but the head of Mr. Zelenskys Servant of the People political party, Davyd Arakhamia, on Sunday said the defense minister would be reassigned to a new post in government. The head of Ukraines military intelligence, Major General Kyrylo Budanov, would replace him, Mr. Arakhamia said. Mr. Arakhamia said the decision, which could be put to a parliament vote this week, was motivated by a need to staff government agencies related to the military not with career politicians but with people possessing backgrounds in security and defense. The enemy is preparing to advance," Mr. Arakhamia said in a Telegram post. We are preparing to defend ourselves." Several lawmakers immediately questioned the move, citing Ukrainian laws mandating that the defense minister be a civilian. Analysts said both Mr. Reznikov and Mr. Budanov, a celebrated military official who has been praised for his role throughout the war, enjoy good relations with the president and are reluctant to leave their posts. The (government) wanted to lower political tensions after the scandal," Volodymyr Fesenko, a Kyiv-based political analyst at the Penta think tank, said of the announcement about Mr. Reznikovs removal. They simply didnt coordinate the decision either with Budanov or Reznikov, and now have to convince them to side with it." Mr. Fesenko said that it is unlikely a final judgment on Mr. Reznikovs fate will be made this week and that the decision to reassign the men could be reversed. Mr. Reznikovs demotion would make him the highest-ranking official to be removed from his post since the war began last February. The defense minister has played a key role in building partnerships with Western counterparts and lobbying for military aid for Ukraines defense effort. He has also enjoyed a close relationship with Lloyd Austin, his U.S. counterpart. Mr. Reznikov said in an interview with Ukrainian media on Sunday that he bore reputational responsibility" for the embezzlement scandal. In a press conference the same day, he said he would step down if Mr. Zelensky decides he should. No one remains in office forever, no one," he said. The decision as to whether I am the defense minister or not will be made by one person." Mr. Zelensky last month removed close to a dozen top officials in a bid to contain a series of corruption scandals and shore up Western confidence in his administration at a critical moment in the war. We will continue to take appropriate steps," he said at the time. Meanwhile, Ukraines military intelligence on Monday said Russia was preparing to purchase a fresh batch of Shahed-136 suicide drones from Iran after launching more than 660 into Ukraine since October. Moscow and Tehran are strengthening their military cooperation and moving ahead with plans to build a new factory in Russia that could make at least 6,000 of the drones for the war in Ukraine, officials from a country aligned with the U.S. said on Sunday. South Korean technology giant Samsung has received orders for around 1.4 lakh units of its premium smartphone Galaxy S23 worth a total of 1,400 crore on the first day of its pre-booking for the device, claimed a senior company official. Samsung India, Senior Vice President for Mobile Business, Raju Pullan told PTI that the pre-booking for Samsung Galaxy S23 is almost twofold compared to the previous version of the smartphone Galaxy S22. "We have clocked almost 1.4 lakh units as pre-book in the first 24 hours and this is almost two times of Galaxy S22. With an average price of about a lakh of rupees, the turnover on a free book is almost 1,400 crore within 24 hours," Pullan said. Samsung will continue pre-booking Galaxy S23 smartphones till February 23. The launch price of Galaxy S23 series in India is in the range of 75,000 to 1.55 lakh per piece. The company has announced that Galaxy S23 will be manufactured at its Noida plant. The older Galaxy S Series smartphones were manufactured at Samsung's Vietnam factory and the company imported them for sale in India. Samsung plans to make Galaxy S23 in India after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the removal of duty on the import of camera lenses, which is one of the key unique selling propositions of Galaxy S series smartphones. The phone will come with a set of five cameras with sensors in the range of 12 megapixels to 200 megapixels. Samsung has priced the Galaxy S23 series 2.7-30 per cent higher compared to Galaxy S22 Ultra smartphones. Pullan said that the consumers have responded well to the propositions of S23 be it camera sensors in the phone, high power Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform made available exclusively for Samsung and sustainability factors of using recycled plastic and other components in the device. Samsung has slashed the price of Galaxy Watch 4 LTE and Galaxy Buds 2 by about 90 per cent from 48,000 to 4,999 for customers pre-booking high-end Galaxy S23 Ultra. Pullan said that Samsung has brought in "custom affordability" by bundling Galaxy Watch 4 LTE and Galaxy Bus for 4,999 as well as providing purchases in 24 installments without any interest and also through Samsung Finance plus in 15 installments. (With inputs from PTI) Gov. Lee kicks off second term with annual 'State of the State' address Tennessee lawmakers are considering a new bill that would allow people to carry guns on school property as long as they have a permit. Tennessee Senator Joey Hensley of District 28 said he introduced Senate bill 827 with college students in mind. Companies around the world have increased customer retention by using Freshworks conversational AI bots to automate communication with buyers through WhatsApp, Instagram Messaging and Facebook Messenger. International companies like MTN Cameroon in Africa, Body & Fit in Europe and The Giving Movement in Dubai have elevated their customer support efficiency on Metas messaging platforms using Freshworks Freshchat, Freshdesk and Freshsales products. With over two billion daily active WhatsApp users, nearly two billion daily active Facebook users, and more than two billion monthly active Instagram users, Meta provides the worlds most popular messaging platforms. Easy engagement The Meta Business Messaging integrations with Freshworks CX and CRM products make customer and prospect engagement easy for support, sales, and marketing teams. With Freshworks AI-powered bots, businesses can tailor and automate messaging journeys for each channel, configure workflows across multiple channels or languages, and efficiently train bots with NLP learning capabilities. "Messaging is how people and businesses want to communicate and get business done. Businesses of all sizes are embracing this shift and finding new opportunities to better engage with customers, offer support, and drive sales, said Kyle Jenke, Business Messaging, Director of Partnerships at Meta. Were excited to work with Freshworks to make WhatsApp available for more businesses to better manage the end-to-end customer journey on our messaging platform. According to Forrester, 68% of consumers say that if they can choose where to make a purchase, they are more likely to go with a business that offers convenient communication. That is why companies like The Giving Movement deliver superior customer engagement through Freshworks WhatsApp and Instagram integrations. The UAE-based sustainable fashion brand focuses on proactive conversations in place of transactional messages, which is finding resonance with its global customer community. Purpose driven Nick Fisher, COO of The Giving Movement said: "We are a purpose driven brand and we believe in a customer-first approach. Freshworks enabled us to communicate with our customers through the channel of their choice. With the omnichannel function, we were able to address customer queries from multiple channels in a single view thus helping us further our vision through our customer community. Another joint customer, MTN Cameroon, local operation of the largest telecommunications operator in Africa, uses Freshworks integration with Metas messaging channels to reach its goal of increasing digital communication with customers and multiplying means of contact. Around two years ago, we only had 20% digital penetration for customer support, with a majority of our customers coming to our physical stores and contacting our call center. Today, the Freshchat integration with WhatsApp and other messaging channels allows an impressive 40% of our customers to reach out to us through digital channels. We are confident that this number will continue to grow in the near future as per our digitisation of channels strategy, mentioned Imani Masuke, Specialist Digital & Innovation.-- TradeArabia News Service The area was shocked and saddened by the news of the death of Fr Vincent Brady which occurred suddenly but peacefully at his residence in Rocklin, California on Thursday, January 19. Fr Vincent, formerly from Gurteen, Arva, attended Warteraughey National School and the Latin School, Moyne. He then attended St Kierans Seminary, Kilkenny and was Ordained as a Priest of the Diocese of Sacramento, USA in 1967 where he served in various parishes in the Diocese. Fr Vincent served his Californian parishioners with distinction for over five decades and celebrated his golden jubilee in 2017 and whilst he was deeply embedded in the communities in which he administered his duties, he never forgot his roots and held a deep sense of affinity with the Arva area and its residents. A key element of staying in touch with his family and friends was Fr Vincent's annual trip home to Ireland. He used this opportunity to reconnect with the locality taking great pride in seeing families grow, local businesses flourish and communities coming together for all types of altruistic activities. Fr Vincent was a passionate GAA supporter and would always take in as many games as he could when he was back in Ireland. He cherished his visits to Michael Cully Park, Kingspan Breffni Park, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park and Croke Park and loved to regale stories of his playing days with Cormore and Arva and the many colourful characters that lined out alongside him in the 1950's and 1960's. Fr Vincent is predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Kate, his brother Paddy and his wife Lily, his sister Beesie McCarthy and her husband Mick, his brother Philip and his wife Marie, his brothers Fr Charlie, Thomas, and Gerard, his brother-in-law John Conefrey, nephews Gerard Brady and Aiden Conefrey. Fr Vincent will be sadly missed by his sister Kathleen Conefrey (Cammagh, Moyne); brothers, James and his wife Madeline (Portarlington), John Joe and his wife Margaret (Gurteen), Donal and his wife Mary (Longford), sisters in law Angela and Maureen, his much loved nieces and nephews and his grand nieces and nephews, relatives and many friends in both USA and in Ireland, to all of whom we extend our sincere sympathy. His funeral will take place in Sacramento and a Memorial Mass to celebrate his life will take place at a later date. May he rest in peace. A Longford business was among the winners at a leading exhibition at Dublin's RDS in recent days. Online textile product provider Craft Around the Clock came out on top in the Showcase Best Product Wellness category at Local Enterprise Showcase 2023. Local firms met with over 4,000 buyers from across the world at the three-day event with in excess of 20 million in business anticipated to have been transacted at Irelands largest tradeshow, which marked its 47th edition this year. Alongside Craft Around the Clock, which is owned by entrepreneur Annarita Monaldi and specialises in knitted, crocheted and textile jewelry, accessories, and home furnishings, there were a number of other local enterprises present. Alison Bray of Sonas Aromas with her natural aromatherapy products including candles, reed diffusers and wax melts, and Wendy Louise Designs, a milliner producing bespoke hats and headpieces using traditional skills also featured prominently. All businesses work closely with Local Enterprise Office (LEO), Longford. Caption: Alison Bray of Sonas Aromas at Showcase 2023 Showcase is presented on behalf of Design and Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. LEO Longford work with local business appearing at the event to ensure they are in the best position to maximise the opportunity, including assistance with sales technique, marketing materials and stand production Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Dara Calleary TD officially opened Showcase 2023, saying: Its great to be here and see some of the incredible products on display. "Ireland is globally renowned for its craft and design, and Showcase is the international launchpad for so many Irish makers to achieve this recognition. Craft plays an integral part in Irelands economy, and I wish each maker the best of luck during Showcase. Local Enterprise Office, Longford Head of Enterprise Michael Nevin believes this is an opportunity like no other for up-and-coming craft and design clients looking to make that break through. To be exposed to this many high-quality buyers in one place is an incredible opportunity for any business starting out. If things go well at this event, a business could fill their book for the year and may well establish a partnership that could extend longer than that and help them grow. "Congratulations to Annarita Monaldi and her business Craft Around the Clock who was awarded Showcase Best Product in the Wellness category. Caption: Wendy Knight at Showcase 2023 Design and Crafts Council Ireland CEO Rosemary Steen added, Showcase is now in its 48th year and we were delighted to welcome buyers from Ireland and all over the world who play a vital role in creating a stage for Irish craft and design. This year 380+ exhibitors joined us to highlight and grow their businesses. "I want to thank the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Office, and of course the RDS for supporting such an important event in the Irish Design and Craft calendar. For further information on Showcase please contact Anna Lane at the Local Enterprise Office Longford on 043 334 3349 or at alane@leo.longfordcoco.ie. It may still be the best part of six weeks away, but thoughts are already starting to be aimed in the direction of this year's St Patrick's Day parades. And while the usual destinations of Longford, Ballymahon, Lanesboro and Arva are likely to pull out all the stops to surpass last year's festivities, parade goers will have a further port of call to take in on March 17. That's because a small band of dedicated and resourceful local residents in Ballinamuck have decided to host the north Longford village's first ever St Patrick's Day parade. It was actually Margaret Dillon that came up with the idea one night and when we met around the table two weeks ago, there was this feeling of wouldn't it be nice to have something of our own, said Breda Colreavy Cassidy. Breda added it was mainly local residents, many of whom are on a number of working committees that have since agreed to bring the parade's concept to fruition. I am on the youth club, treasurer of the Ballinamuck Olde Fair Day and a lot of those involved are getting behind the organising of this, she added. We might look at Drumlish next year but for our first year we are keeping a relatively low profile and see how it goes, she said. The benefit of a Church gate collection and the possible addition of local businesses providing much needed sponsorship is something Breda hopes will provide the necessary resources to ensure Ballinamuck's inaugural St Patrick's Day parade is a resounding success. We are hoping to have the likes of youth clubs, local bikers, Irish dancing and vintage cars play their part in the day itself, she added. The parade is scheduled to commence at 4pm. Home Instead, Irelands largest private home care provider, is calling on people who have the instinct to help to join their team of CAREGivers in Co. Longford. January is often a time when many of us take stock and think about a change in career or lifestyle often considering how we can do a job we love and lead a life of purpose. Professional caregiving is one such career that marries both career ambition and purpose. The Home Instead CAREGiver role requires CAREGivers to provide home care services to older people to help them remain safe and well at home. The role not only makes a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults, but it also positively impacts the lives of CAREGivers. Career progression opportunities are supported through ongoing training with the role offering flexibility to improve work-life balance. Lorraine McLaughlin, Home Instead General Manager says, Home care is an in-demand sector and one in which we can provide both career advancement and flexibility that is individually tailored to the person. Our Calling recruitment drive is looking for people with the caring DNA. We know such people have what it takes to become a Professional Home Instead CAREGiver and make fantastic CAREGivers. Home Instead is a values-driven organisation and our expert team is on-hand to guide anyone interested in a role through the process. We regularly celebrate our CAREGivers through award programmes, appreciation initiatives and social events. Thanks to this culture of support, our CAREGivers feel a deep sense of belonging; they are part of a caring, compassionate and winning team who make a difference in the lives of ageing adults every day. Professionally trained CAREGivers play an integral role in the healthcare system and are critical in keeping older people safe and well at home. New CAREGivers are provided with training through Home Insteads Home Care Professionals Academy with access to state-of-the-art content and practical training on quality systems. CAREGivers are supported by the established teams in the local office and the national Home Instead network with many of those working in the organisation former CAREGivers themselves. Lorraine continued, The professional CAREGiver role is ideal for caring and compassionate individuals who are seeking job stability with a flexible schedule and supportive environment as well as continued opportunities for career progression. To become a professional Home Instead CAREGiver takes a special person and a desire to share their talents and skills with those they care for. I would encourage anyone interested in a role to get in touch with us today. Those interested in working with Home Instead can apply online at: Careers.HomeInstead.ie or call 1800 911 855. *Sponsored Content Arts & Culture By Ls Cohen Published: February 07 2023 UN occupied building in Lake Success from 1946-1947. Before its permanent home, the one we all recognize in New York City, the United Nations had its headquarters in Lake Success on Long Island. That is right. Nassau County was once home to the summits, conferences, and meetings where world leaders came to solve global issues and work toward world peace. The building on Marcus Avenue in Lake Success was the home of the UN from May of 1946 and January of 1947. The UN Security Council met in the building that was previously owned and occupied by the Sperry Gyroscope Company. After the UN vacated the building, Sperry moved back in. The United Nations reportedly spent $325,000 a year on the property. Photo: Black and white exterior view, taken facing southeast, showing the front lawn, parking lot, plaza, and main building of the temporary home of the United Nations (UN), on Marcus Avenue in Lake Success. This building was home to the United Nations between May of 1946 and January of 1947. The UN Security Council met in this building, which had previously been owned and occupied by the Sperry Gyroscope Company. After the UN vacated these premises, Sperry moved back into them. As of 2007, this structure had been remodeled, and was being used as an office building. Great Neck Library Local History Collection. Courtesy of Great Neck Library. Music, Movies & Entertainment By Chris Boyle Published: February 07 2023 Celebrating 50 years as Long Islands Premier Not-for-Profit, Member-Supported, Independent Community Cinema. Join Huntington's Cinema Arts Centre this Friday for a screening of one of their favorite films, the 2004 cult classic, 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'. The story follows Joel (Jim Carrey), who is stunned to discover that his girlfriend Clementine (Kate Winslet) has had her memories of their tumultuous relationship erased. Out of desperation, he contacts the inventor of the process, to have Clementine removed from his own memory. But as Joel's memories progressively disappear, he begins to rediscover his love for Clementine. The week of Valentine's Day, we have selection of other great romantic films - including a special Valentine's Day screening of 'Casablanca', as well as screenings of 'Pride & Prejudice', and 'Twilight.' Valentine's Week / Night Owl Cinema Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet) are an unlikely couple who meet on the Long Island Railroad. Was it really love at first sight, or could their unlikely romance be connected with the mysterious Lacuna, Incs promise of happiness through the erasure of unpleasant memories and people? This beloved cult classic from the wild minds of Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry magically manages to be both absurdly funny and heartbreakingly romantic. Also Starring Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, Kirsten Dunst and Tom Wilkinson. Friday, February 10th at 9:30 PM $10 Members | $15 Public Valentine's Week! Pride & Prejudice The glorious world of Jane Austen is brought back to the big screen in all its romance, wit, and emotional force in Pride & Prejudice. Adapted from the 1813 novel, this sumptuous adaptation stars Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet. When Elizabeth meets the handsome Mr. Darcy, she believes he is the last man on earth she could ever marry. But as their lives become intertwined in an unexpected adventure, she finds herself captivated by the very person she swore to loathe for all eternity. Monday, February 13th at 7:30 PM $10 Members | $15 Public Valentine's Day! Casablanca Includes Complimentary Sweets and Flowers provided by Amy's of Huntington! The Cinema Arts Centre invites all lovebirds and lonelyhearts to spend Valentines Day with us revisiting a classic, Casablanca. One of the most beloved American films, this captivating wartime adventure of romance and intrigue from director Michael Curtiz follows Casablanca nightclub owner Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) who discovers his old flame Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) is in town with her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). Laszlo is a famed rebel, and with Germans on his tail, Ilsa knows Rick can help them get out of the country. Tuesday, February 14th at 7:00 PM $15 Members | $20 Public Cage Match / Valentine's Week Panos Cosmatos Mandy (2018) Nicolas Cage stars in Panos Cosmatos gonzo, heavy-metal nightmare, Mandy. Its 1983, Red and Mandy lead a loving and peaceful existence in the Pacific Northwest. When Mandy is captured by a cult led by the sadistic Jeremiah Sand, Red is catapulted into a phantasmagoric journey filled with bloody vengeance and laced with deadly fire. Friday, February 17th at 9:30 PM $10 Members | $15 Public Presented by the Youth Advisory Board Twilight The first film of the Twilight Saga established Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson as two of Hollywoods most in-demand leads, and paved the way for their future status as top indie darlings. When transfer student Bella Swan meets the mysterious Edward Cullen, the two experience a profound attraction that soon turns both of their lives upside down. After Bella discovers that Edward is a vampire, a secret that puts her life in grave danger, the couple must fight in order to preserve their love. Saturday, February 18th Pre-reception at 7:30 PM Film at 8:30 PM $10 Members | $15 Public 7th February 2023 Runtime 04:43 What's happened down under that will inject health into one investment business, which company is combatting cyber attacks with a physical presence and why has bed linen never been so silken? Sarah talks future tech, high street expansion and fungi psychedelic. (Alliance News) - Phoenix Group Holdings PLC said on Tuesday it plans to extend its partnership with IT services provider Tata Consultancy Services. Phoenix Group is a long-term savings and retirement business, providing pensions and savings products. It is based in London. Under the extended partnership, Phoenix will move around 3 million policies from its Alpha platform to the Tata Consultancy Services' BaNCSTM platform, provided by TCS's UK subsidiary Diligenta. As a result, the Alpha platform will be decommissioned, with all policies moving on a staggered basis to TCS's platform by 2026. "Consolidating all policies on TCS BaNCSTM will allow the business to benefit from TCS's significant ongoing investment in the platform with Phoenix customers benefiting from the clear digital focus, consistent customer journeys and customer proposition provided by one platform," the company said. Phoenix Group added that some back-office administrative processes will be moved to TCS's operational hub in India as part of the partnership. This will eventually lead to the closure of the Phoenix site in Hitchin, England by 2026. "Phoenix is working with TCS to finalise the detail of changes proposed, and - at an appropriate time - will enter consultation with impacted employees. Phoenix will look to ensure that redundancies are kept to a minimum wherever possible," the company said. Shares in Phoenix Group closed 0.8% lower at 630.20 pence on Tuesday in London. By Heather Rydings, Alliance News senior economics reporter Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Siemens Gamesa, a leading provider of wind power solutions, and Doosan Enerbility, formerly Doosan Heavy Industries, a market leading manufacturer of energy solutions, announce the signing of a binding framework agreement for a strategic partnership for the South Korean offshore wind market. Marc Becker, CEO of Siemens Gamesas offshore business and Hongook Park, CEO of Doosan Enerbilitys Power Service Business Group represented the parties at the partnership framework agreement signing ceremony held in Hamburg, Germany. The agreement follows successful exploration of potential cooperation made possible by a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2022. This next step lays the foundation for strong local content offerings in the South Korean offshore wind market in the future. The implementation of the partnership scope is subject to successful offshore wind power orders in the South Korean market. The framework agreement covers three areas for knowledge exchange on technology in which the two companies will collaborate closely in South Korea. Doosan will assemble Siemens Gamesas offshore wind turbine nacelles in a Doosan facility currently in the design phase, undertake turbine assembly for Siemens Gamesa machines in staging harbors as well as the offshore construction of projects using Siemens Gamesa machines, and perform offshore service on selected orders involving Siemens Gamesa machines. The alliance between the companies bolsters Koreas burgeoning offshore wind industry. Among the benefits are efficient and environmentally-conscious local assembly and local job creation to serve the South Korean offshore wind market. Becker said: We are delighted to enter into this framework agreement with Doosan Enerbility. We are eager to bring our market-leading offshore skills including our unique offshore Direct Drive nacelle technology to South Korea. We will also greatly benefit from Doosans deep understanding of the Korean market to accelerate the countrys energy transition. In doing so, the partnership intends to promote local job growth and inward investment while delivering clean, green energy. Park said: Both of us being companies with our own offshore wind turbine models and solid track record, we aim to cooperate on broadening our participation in the Korean offshore wind power market and actively pursue promotion of the domestic offshore wind power ecosystem. He added: Through this partnership, Doosan looks forward to boosting its competitiveness across the overall offshore wind power sector through measures, such as the upgrading of existing products and diversification of models. Doosan Enerbility started its wind power business in 2005 and leads the South Korean domestic offshore wind energy market with projects such as the 60-MW Southwest Offshore Wind Power Phase 1 development.-TradeArabia News Service (Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Monday and not separately reported by Alliance News: ---------- Canadian General Investments Ltd - closed-end equity fund - Reports its net asset value per share as at January 31 was USD52.99. Reports a year-to-date total NAV return of 9.8% and a 12-month NAV return of negative 5.9%. This compares with the 7.4% and 1.6% returned by the benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index on a total return basis for the same periods. ---------- African Pioneer PLC - exploration company with projects in Namibia, Botswana and Zambia - Identifies two "potentially significant" copper intercepts from deeper drilling on a conceptual target undertaken by First Quantum Minerals Ltd at in northwest Zambia. Adds that the two deep drill holes were completed five kilometres apart at the Ikatu target on licence 27767-HQ-LEL to test if the geologic setting is analogous to the 'Western Foreland' domain in the nearby DRC. "The latest quarterly report from First Quantum continues to provide encouragement. Two key targets have been identified - near surface oxide mineralisation of potentially considerable extent, together with mineralisation similar to that found at Ivanhoe's high-grade Kamoa mine across the border in DRC, which represents a new discovery for the APP licence block. The 'Western Foreland' domain is a significant high-grade copper target for several groups exploring in the region," Executive Chair Colin Bird comments. ---------- MetalNRG PLC - investor in natural resources and energy - Files for arbitration with the International Centre for Settlements of Investment disputes. Does this in relation to its indirect investment in IMC's uranium asset in Kyrgyzstan. Files the claim for a minimum compensatory payment of USD63 million, plus interest and legal fees, to be assessed. Says that the first hearing is scheduled for March 9. "After months of negotiations, IMC, with our support, has decided to proceed to arbitration and seek a full compensation for the projected benefits the project would have created," CEO Rolf Gerritsen says. ---------- By Abby Amoakuh, Alliance News reporter Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved. New Delhi, Feb 7 (UNI) A Bhutanese parliamentary delegation led by Speaker of the National Assembly Wangchuk Namgyel called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. Welcoming the delegation, the President said that we deeply value the multifaceted and unique friendship between India and Bhutan. The Government of India is committed to expand its excellent bilateral cooperation with Bhutan, in accordance with the aspirations and priorities of the people of Bhutan. India is foraying into new avenues of bilateral cooperation with Bhutan such as Space Cooperation, Smart Agriculture, Youth and Sports, Start-ups, Renewable energy and Digital Development, to help the Royal Government of Bhutan realize its vision of prosperity for all, a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement said. The President noted that this year Bhutan would graduate from the LDC group of countries and embark on the path of becoming a High Income Economy by 2034. She said that while moving forward on this path Bhutan would always find a reliable and trustworthy friend in India. Earlier, the 13-member delegation had called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday during which they discussed the "multifaceted and unique" bilateral friendship, and the stronger economic cooperation between the two sides. In a tweet, the EAM said: Pleased to interact with Wangchuk Namgyel, Speaker of National Assembly of Bhutan and his 13 member parliamentary delegation today. Discussed our multifaceted and unique friendship, especially ongoing reform, stronger economic cooperation and the priorities of youth. Glad that the delegation would have an opportunity to see for themselves the huge changes in India over the last 8 years, the EAM posted. On Monday, the Bhutanese delegation had called on Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. UNI RN SSP New Delhi, Feb 7 (UNI) Amid the Opposition's demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Adani Group issue, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of favouring the billionaire businessman. Taking part in the discussion in Lok Sabha over the 'Motion of Thanks' to the President's address to Parliament, the Congress parliamentarian from Wayanad asked the PM to clarify his relationship with Adani. In his speech, the former Congress president lambasted the Modi-led BJP government, accusing it of promoting the Adani group in key sectors like airport, ports, cements and power. Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Adani group was bankrolled by the Public Sector Banks (PSBs) generously. Amidst repeated interruptions caused by the Treasury benches, the Congress MP asked, "What is Adani ji's relation with the PM ? How has he become so successful?" He alleged that the relationship dates back to the period when Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. "When Modi was Gujarat CM, one man stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him. Adani was loyal to him. The result of that was the tremendous expansion of his business in Gujarat," Rahul Gandhi said. "The real magic began when PM Modi reached Delhi in 2014 (after BJP rode to power). In 2014, Adani was at number 609 in the list of rich. But, within few years he is number two," Gandhi added. Referring to his recently concluded 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', Rahul said, "From Kerala to Kashmir, everywhere I heard only one name- Adani...Adani...Adani..... They (People he met) would ask me two-three questions. Adani, if he enters into any business, achieves success and never fails. They asked what was happening. Earlier, he used to do one or two businesses. Now, he is working in 8 to 10 sectors including airports, solar, cement and power. " He further alleged that that rules were changed to favour Adani and the latter got six airports including Mumbai. On this, some Ministers and senior members of the BJP asked him to authenticate his claims. "If you are levelling allegations you have to give proof," Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said. In response , Rahul said, "I will '. Senior BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad termed the allegations of Rahul "baseless"`. The Congress MP also posed a volley of questions to the PM over Adani. "PM Narendra Modi ji how many times did you travel together with Adani ji? How many times did Adani ji join you later on a visit? How many times did Adani ji travel to a country after you immediately did? In how many of these did Adani ji get a contract after you had visited? How much money did Adani ji give to BJP in electoral bonds?" he asked. In an apparent reference to PM's swipe at Congress over the 'Rafale deal', the MP said, "Yesterday, PM had said false allegations were levelled (against his government). But the reality is that HAL's contract of 126 aircraft was given to Anil Ambani." Attacking the government over the new recruitment scheme in the armed forces, Rahul said, "You have said the Agniveer scheme will benefit the youth. But the youth of the country do not agree on the same and have a different view." "Ajit Doval ne army pe thopa hein (Ajit Doval has imposed on the army) ," Rahul said referring to the scheme, triggering objections from the ruling members on taking the name. UNI DS/AKK SSP Mumbai, Feb 07 (UNI) Former minister and senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat has resigned from the post of state legislature party leader. Attention is now focused on what decision the Congress High Command will take on this resignation. In his letter to party national president Mallikarjun Kharge, Thorat has alleged that he was being 'targeted' in party meetings and 'humiliated' by state unit chief Nana Patole "We have not received any resignation of Balasaheb Thorat," Congress State President Nana Patole said in Nagpur. There has been a lot of politics in the Maharashtra Congress over the candidature of the Nashik Graduate Constituency. Thorat's position as legislative party leader was in trouble due to the failure of the party and the Tambe family to coordinate in the Nashik Graduate Legislative Council elections. Satyajit Tambe is a close relative of Thorat. UNI VKB RKM TORONTO Feb. 7, 2023 Children's Healthcare Canada ScienceUpFirst February 23, 2023 Canada's 1 in 4 kids in Canada missed their scheduled shots in 2021. in missed their scheduled shots in 2021. Recent data from Public Health Ontario shows: shows: Only 17% of 12 year-olds in Ontario were vaccinated against hepatitis B in the 2020 to 2021 school year, compared to 67% the school year before. were vaccinated against hepatitis B in the 2020 to 2021 school year, compared to 67% the school year before. Vaccines against human papillomavirus, or HPV , in Ontario plunging to 0.8 per cent in 2021, compared with 58 per cent in 2019. , in plunging to 0.8 per cent in 2021, compared with 58 per cent in 2019. Meningococcal vaccines in Ontario fell to about 17% in 2019 from 80% in 2019. ScienceUpFirst Children's Healthcare Canada Kids and Vaccines Town Hall Thursday, February 23 5 pm pst 8 pm est 9 pm ast Dr. Cora Constantinescu Dr. Javed Alloo Dr. Danielle Paes (CPhA) (CPhA) Patricia Laforce The event will be moderated by Dr. Katharine Smart , Pediatrician and Past President, Canadian Medical Association National Kids Vaccines Day website. Magda Byma February 23, 2023 Canada's Canada Canada Canada's /CNW/ - Building on the success of the first Kids and Vaccines Day in 2022,andhave declaredas. This day will bring together industry, influencers, and experts from across disciplines to help move the needle (pun intended) and promote vaccine confidence, with a particular focus on routine vaccinations to protect8 million children and youth.The pandemic has created several barriers to keeping up with routine healthcare needs including childhood immunizations.All of this data shows that kids are not being protected against many of the diseases we've been immunizing against for decades.To bring attention to the day,andwill host anationalevent onatThis live event will answer questions from parents, caregivers and educators about the importance and safety of routine vaccinations.The panel of experts include:Organizations and influential Canadians are invited to participate in the day's events through their own efforts, and by promoting the programs and resources currently being planned using thehashtag. For assets and information visit the"Congratulations, Children's Healthcare Canada and ScienceUpFirst in delivering the second National Kids and Vaccines Day to promote the importance of routine vaccination. On this day, I encourage everyone to share credible information on social media about the benefits of vaccination for children and encourage others to get involved. Vaccines save lives and together, we can help make sure that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and protected from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases."- The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health"So many factors have contributed to the decline in routine immunizations for kids - from lock downs, to limited public health resources, to skepticism caused by misinformation. This is why organizations like ScienceUpFirst are important. We're thrilled to be working with Children's Healthcare Canada to reach parents and caregivers with the best available science so they can make the science-informed decisions and keep their children protected."-, Director, ScienceUpFirst"Children's Healthcare Canada is proud to partner with ScienceUpFirst to host the second annual National Kids and Vaccines Day, on. This event provides a timely opportunity for parents and caregivers to connect with child health experts to learn more about the importance of childhood vaccines and their role protecting children from serious infectious diseases, like COVID-19, measles and polio. Together, we can build vaccine confidence forkids.- Emily Gruenwoldt, President and CEO, Children's Healthcare CanadaScienceUpFirst is an initiative of the Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) that works with a collective of independent scientists, researchers, health care experts and science communicators to share the best available science in creative ways to stop the spread of health and science misinformation.The Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) is a national network of informal science learning organizations including science centres, Museums, zoos, aquariums, and more. As well as supporting our membership of science and innovation champions, we spearhead the ScienceUpFirst and GenAction initiatives. These nationally-recognized initiatives, along with our growing network of members work together to build a thriving science and innovation culture inChildren's Healthcare Canada is a national association serving healthcare delivery organizations caring for children and youth across the continuum of care. We welcome brave ideas and fresh thinking to improve children's health and healthcare in. We work hand-in-hand with members to ensure8 million children are not an afterthought in health research, policy, or planning. Our members have access to educational offerings on emerging priorities in children's health, developed by child health leaders, for child health leaders. We facilitate a series of national networks of child health champions from front-line professionals, health system leaders, researchers, policy makers, and family partners. Together, we share common health system challenges and innovative solutions, leading practices, and advocacy efforts.SOURCE Canadian Association of Science Centres Shah Rukh Khan's latest film, Pathaan, had been mired in controversy even before its release in India. From accusations of copying Makeba's beats in Besharam Rang to the controversial cuts for obscenity in the song, Pathaan has seen its share of highs and lows. The film, starring Deepika Padukone, Dimple Kapadia, John Abraham, and Ashutosh Rana, has also been banned in Pakistan. However, despite the ban, illegal screenings of the film were reportedly held in the country, weeks after its worldwide release. YRF According to reports, the Sindh Board of Films Censor (SBFC) has taken action against the private screenings that were being held at Defence Housing Authority in Karachi. Apparently, tickets for Pathaan were being sold online for PKR 900 each and screenings were being organised by Fireworks Events. The SBFC stated that screening films without proper certification from the board may result in up to three years of imprisonment and fines up to PKR 100,000 for those responsible. As per some revelations, it is stated that latest Bollywood release #Pathaan is illegally being screened at DHA Karachi at PKR 900. Since 2019 there is complete ban on #BollywoodFilms release in Pakistan. #ShahrukhKhan #BollywoodMovies #LollywoodPictures #DeepikaPadukone pic.twitter.com/gOhSkw68JH Lollywood Pictures (@LollyPictures) February 2, 2023 A report in a Pakistani daily shared that the screening quality was "not HD but really good and clear", with a screen size of 8ft by 10ft. This confirms that it was not a regular movie theatre screening of Pathaan. However, the SBFC has demanded the cancellation of the Fireworks Events shows, and the screenings have been stopped. The ban on Indian movies in Pakistan dates back to 1965 when the two countries went to war. The ban lasted for four decades until former military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf allowed Bollywood films to be screened in local cinemas again. #AskSRK @iamsrk We are craving to watch #Pathaan in Pakistan, but due to the ban on bollywood movies in Pakistan we are not being able to watch it. Can you help us out in this? Lol Rana Sheharyar (@ranasherry29) January 28, 2023 However, in 2019, both countries' governments imposed a blanket ban on movies from across the border, and there have been no exceptions, including Pathaan. In India, the situation is somewhat similar. The release of The Legend Of Maula Jatt in some parts of India had given rise to hope that cinema had triumphed over border tensions. However, the movie was cancelled in India due to increasing tension across the borders. The screening of Pathaan in Pakistan, though illegal, highlights the ongoing interest in Bollywood films and the desire for cross-border cultural exchange. Source: Hindustan Times Cpl. George Johnson, one of the first Black Marines, drew applause from the crowd Monday as the 101-year-old was honored for receiving the nation's highest civilian award. Johnson, of Lauderhill, served as a military policeman during the World War II era, and was briefly deployed in the Pacific during the conflict's immediate aftermath. He is one of the Montford Point Marines, the first Black members of the Corps. On Monday, he was recognized as a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal at a gathering at the Fort Lauderdale African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, where he drew cheers from about 200 attendees. They gathered to honor him and fellow trailblazers in the armed services. After the event, Junior ROTC members and community members swarmed the centenarian, grabbing pictures with him and reaching out to extend their congratulations. Johnson said he felt "pretty good" about receiving one of the nation's highest honors. It's among the many kudos for him in South Florida: Lauderhill Mayor Ken Thurston previously proclaimed a day after him, "George J. Johnson Day" -- and complimented Johnson on his recent accolades. "I thought he was a very impressive guy," Thurston said Monday night. "I'm happy that he was honored, and I would extend my congratulations to him on finally being recognized for his contribution to the safety and the well-being of our country." Making an Impact A federal law passed in 2011 recognized those Marines for their service and collectively awarded them the Gold Medal. While only one actual gold medal was made in recognition of all 20,000 men, each can be individually recognized with a bronze replica struck by the Secretary of the Treasury, according to the law. Camp Montford Point was a segregated training ground adjacent to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C. Upon arriving, Black recruits were sent to Montford Point, which was in the westernmost corner of Lejeune. The military was required to begin recruiting Black men under a 1942 executive order from President Franklin Roosevelt, which banned discriminatory employment practices in federal agencies. However, segregation was still allowed until the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Montford Point opened in 1942 and was decommissioned in 1949. The Marines were the last branch of the armed services to integrate. Johnson went to Montford Point at age 22 to train in military policing and attained the rank of corporal. He also served in the Pacific following the end of World War II, from Nov. 2, 1945, to March 28, 1946, and was honorably discharged about two months later. After serving with the Marines, Johnson joined the White House Guard, then the New York Police Department. Johnson was born to Bahamian immigrants and raised in Fort Lauderdale. He graduated from Dillard High School in 1940. Another former service member, Cpl. Moses Williams, was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal on Monday, which was accepted by his family. Moses died in 1970, aged 44. The ceremony also recognized Mallorie Berger, a granddaughter of a Montford Point Marine who has dedicated herself to getting those soldiers recognition for the Congressional honor. In recognition of her work on behalf of the veterans, Berger was presented with a signed photograph of Montford Point Marines during the ceremony. 2023 South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Visit sun-sentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Two Army aviators injured Sunday in a crash of an AH-64D Apache helicopter in Alaska have been released from area hospitals. John Pennell, media chief for the 11th Airborne Division, U.S. Army Alaska, said Monday that the pilot and co-pilot/gunner had been medically evacuated from the crash site -- the Talkeetna airport -- and were treated and released. The soldiers have not been identified. Read Next: Veteran Who Started Neo-Nazi Group Arrested Again, This Time for Targeting a Power Station The helicopter was one of four from the 25th Attack Battalion based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, taking part in a training exercise. They were en route to Joint Base Elemendorf-Richardson when they stopped at Talkeetna to refuel. The accident, described by Pennell as a "rollover," happened as the Apache was taking off. Conditions at the time of the crash were windy with light snow. A team from the Army Combat Readiness Center is expected to arrive at the site Wednesday or Thursday to investigate the mishap, according to Pennell. Sunday's crash is the second in eight months for the AH-64 Apache. In June, two Army aviators sustained non-life threatening injuries when their helicopter crashed near Ozark, Alabama. That helicopter was based at Fort Rucker, home to the Army's Aviation Center of Excellence. The cause of that accident has not been released. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime. Related: Navy Investigation Faults a Failed Part in Deadly Helicopter Crash Space Force officials are still unsure how much soil has been contaminated after a fuel tank spilled 700 gallons of diesel fuel last week at the service's observatory nestled atop a Hawaiian volcano. Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, commander of the United States Space Forces Indo-Pacific, said during a press conference Monday that workers plan to remove 200 cubic feet of soil at least six feet deep at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex to determine just how deep the fuel went into the ground. "At that point, we will take measurements to better understand what that level of contamination is," Mastalir said. "It's impossible to know at this point exactly how deep the diesel fuel was saturated into the topography." Read Next: Military Grounds Some Ospreys While a 'Complete Redesign' Is Underway on Troubled Clutch System Last week's diesel spill at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex, located on the 10,023-foot summit of Haleakala, has led to protests by local activists and is the most recent military contamination incident in Hawaii following the massive 2021 fuel spill at the Navy's Red Hill Bulk Fuel Facility in Honolulu. The latest spill occurred when a diesel fuel pump for a backup generator failed to shut off on the evening of Jan. 29, according to the Space Force. Mastalir said a float -- a piece that helps monitor fuel levels -- inside the fuel tank was defective. "We currently assess that the cause of this spill was a damaged float within the generator's main fuel tank," Mastalir said. "Specifically, the evidence suggests that a power surge was the likely cause of this damage." Haleakala is culturally and religiously significant for native Hawaiians, according to the National Park Service. Many local groups have opposed military development in the area for decades. In the days following the diesel leak, one local protest group named Kako'o Haleakala has protested the site carrying numerous signs, some that read "U.S. Department of Defense Death" and "Time To Haalele" -- which translates to "Time To Desert," according to Ulukua, a Hawaiian electronic library service that provides a dictionary. An online petition from the protest group titled "End the Maui Space Surveillance Site (MSSS) lease renewal in 2031" had garnered upward of 300 signatures as of Tuesday morning. "The recent contamination incident at Haleakala is yet another example of the U.S. military's detrimental impact on Hawai'i's sacred places, natural resources, and people," the online petition reads. "Kakoo Haleakala remains steadfast that no further desecration should take place atop this, or any other mountain." Mastalir said he promised to "develop a remediation plan that is consistent with legal requirements and sensitive to the local and cultural imperatives" and has been in touch with Hawaii Gov. Josh Green regarding the issue. "We are going to continue to work to rebuild the trust with all Hawaiians, with these native Hawaiians and their organizations, so that we, given the privilege to operate here, will do so safely and respectfully," Mastalir said during his press conference Monday. Concerns over the fuel spill have also been echoed in Washington by Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, who said she will push the Department of Defense through her position as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee to address its aging infrastructure on the islands. "Yet again, families and communities across Hawaii are paying the price for the military's aging infrastructure -- this time at the summit of Haleakala on Maui, home to endangered species and an area sacred in Native Hawaiian culture," Hirono told Military.com in an emailed statement last week. "The repeated leaks of fuel and other toxic substances endanger our environment and the health and safety of people in Hawaii." The 700-gallon fuel spill at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex, which is home to the DoD's largest optical telescope, according to the Space Force's website, is only a fraction of the 20,000 gallons of jet fuel spilled at Red Hill. More than 93,000 people living in military housing on and around Pearl Harbor were affected by the massive jet fuel spill in 2021. More than 5,000 gallons eventually seeped into the ground and tap water. The contamination forced thousands to leave their residences, and those who stayed had to rely on bottled water to get by. In 2022, the Pentagon announced that the World War II-era bulk fuel farm would be closed and drained. -- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly. Related: Hundreds of Gallons of Diesel Spilled at Space Force Observatory Atop Hawaiian Volcano What is Aluminium Carbide? Aluminium carbide also known as aluminum tetracarbide with the molecular formula Al4C3, and is a form of aluminium carbonide. It is an ionic, translucent, hard, yellowish brown, hard rhombic hexagonal crystal. At room te... 10:44pm: Bertis deal guarantees him $2.125MM taking the form of a $2.1MM salary for the upcoming season and at least a $25K buyout on the 2024 option, reports MLBTRs Steve Adams (Twitter link). The option has a $3.5MM base value and can escalate as high as $4.125MM depending on his plate appearance total for the upcoming campaign. 8:40pm: The Marlins announced theyve avoided arbitration with Jon Berti on a one-year contract with a team option covering the 2024 season. The deal does not have any impact on Miamis window of club control. Berti is represented by the Ball Players Agency. Berti is wrapping up his fourth season in Miami. The speedy utility player had the best year of his career in 2022, stealing 41 bases to lead all major leaguers. That he managed to lead the league in any noteworthy counting stat is remarkable, considering he only played in 102 games. That was due both to inconsistent playing time early in the year and a left groin strain that cost him a month of action between August and September. The 33-year-olds profile is built around his elite baserunning and the ability to handle multiple positions on defense. Berti started games at the three infield positions to the left of first base and in both left and center field. The bulk of his playing time came at second and third base, while he eventually carved out a top-of-the-lineup spot by seasons end. Berti hit .240/.324/.348 with four home runs through a personal-high 404 plate appearances. He walked at a strong 10.4% clip against an average 22% strikeout rate. The former 18th-round selection has never had much power, as he owns just 16 homers through 303 career big league contests. Miami has revamped its infield this offseason. Jean Segura another right-handed contact hitter/speedster signed a two-year deal to man third base. Miami acquired Luis Arraez to play second base, thereby pushing Jazz Chisholm Jr. into center field. With Joey Wendle set to man shortstop on most days, Berti looks headed for a multi-positional role off the bench. His defensive flexibility gives him the ability to cover anywhere on the infield if injuries necessitate, while first-year manager Skip Schumaker figures to deploy him fairly frequently as a pinch-runner in games which he doesnt start. Berti has between three and four years of major league service. He first qualified for early arbitration last winter as a Super Two player, settling for $1.2MM. This years salary has not yet been reported, though itll land somewhere between Miamis $1.9MM filing figure and his camps desired $2.3MM salary. Hell remain eligible for arbitration through the end of the 2025 season. Thats true regardless of whether Miami exercises next years option, as the team could decline the option while still deciding to tender him an arbitration contract (as they did in a similar case with Wendle this offseason). The agreement wraps up the Marlins arbitration business. Two players who did go to a hearing with the club Arraez and left-hander Jesus Luzardo both prevailed over the team. Theyll avoid that possibility with Berti, the only other player on the roster who hadnt agreed to terms by last months deadline to exchange filing figures. China's Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng on Sunday lodged solemn representations with the U.S. embassy in China over Washington's use of force to attack a Chinese civilian unmanned airship. "What the United States has done severely impacted and undermined the efforts and progress made by the two sides to stabilize China-U.S. relations since the two countries' leaders met in Bali, Indonesia," Xie said, according to a statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday. He said China firmly opposes and strongly protests this, urging the U.S. side not to take further actions to harm China's interests and not to upgrade or expand tensions between the countries. According to the statement, Xie also reiterated that the entry of the Chinese airship into U.S. airspace was force majeure, totally unexpected and accidental, and that the ins and outs of what happened are crystal clear and clearly do not allow room for distortion or smearing. However, the U.S. side has turned a deaf ear to all of this and overreacted by insisting on the abusive use of force towards the civilian airship that was on route to leave U.S. airspace, Xie said. This act has seriously violated the spirit of international law and international practice, he added. "The Chinese government is closely following the development of the situation, and will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese company concerned and safeguard China's interests and dignity, and reserves the right to further react in response to this matter, if necessary," Xie said. The Pentagon confirmed the U.S. military shot down the airship after it drifted off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday. China has repeatedly informed the U.S. side, after verification, that the airship is civilian in nature and that its entry into U.S. airspace was force majeure and completely by accident, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The Marlins have signed reliever Johan Quezada to a minor league deal, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com. The right-hander will presumably receive an invitation to major league Spring Training. Quezada, 28, began his professional career in the Twins organization in 2013 after signing as an international amateur. By the end of 2019, he had yet to reach Double-A or rack up significant innings, thanks largely to injuries. He reached minor league free agency and signed a minor league deal with the Marlins going into 2020. The Fish selected him to the big league roster in September and let him toss three innings over three appearances, allowing three earned runs in that time. He then went to the Phillies on a waiver claim in the offseason but was traded to the Cardinals before the 2021 season kicked off. Injuries limited him to just 24 minor league innings that year and a 6.38 ERA. In March of 2022, he was designated for assignment to create room on the roster for Albert Pujols but cleared waivers and stayed in the organization. He tossed 59 2/3 innings in the minors last year with a 4.83 ERA, 26.6% strikeout rate and 13.9% walk rate. His .386 batting average on balls in play and 65.1% strand rate were both on the unfortunate side of average, perhaps indicating he deserved better, with his FIP coming in at 3.88 on the year. This deal will return Quezada to the only club that hes pitched for at the major league level. His continued health issues have seemingly hampered his progress at times, but there are intriguing elements to his profile. Hes listed at 69 and 255 lbs, bringing an unusual arm plane for hitters to deal with. It also comes with some power behind it, as Quezada averaged 97 mph on his fastball during his brief MLB showing back in 2020. The Miami bullpen will likely consist of Dylan Floro, Matt Barnes, Tanner Scott, Steven Okert, JT Chargois, Tommy Nance, Andrew Nardi, Huascar Brazoban and Rule 5 draftee Nic Enright. There are various depth options on the 40-man roster such as Sean Reynolds, Eli Villalobos, Josh Simpson and George Soriano, though they were all just added prior to the most recent Rule 5 and have no major league experience yet. If Quezada can crack Miamis roster at any point, he still has a couple of option years remaining and just a few weeks of MLB service time. That means he could potentially serve as an affordable and optionable depth arm for the foreseeable future. May Edochie, the first wife of popular Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, has taken legal action against actress Sarah Chukwukere for sharing a photoshopped picture of actress Judy Austin in her family photo, the Dailypost reported. Sharing the suit file on her Instagram page on Saturday, May noted that she had directed her lawyers to file a suit against Sarah Chukwukere, with the username @officialsarahmartins, for sharing an edited image of her and her children. She wrote: It is demeaning and inconsiderate to smear anyone, especially someone you barely knew. I've always had a loving, joyful, and peaceful family. I worked tirelessly for years, building a beautiful home while managing several businesses successfully. It is evident that some persons have deliberately and desperately tried to taint my reputation and change the narrative to suit their agenda. To me, this is unacceptable. Warning others who may dare to do the same, she noted that her lawyer would be extremely cheerful to dine with anyone who does not cease from defamatory publications or character assassination. The lawsuit, shared by May, demanded a public apology and a retraction of the said defamatory publication as she threatened to sue for N500 million in damages if Sarah failed to meet the demands stated. May, during the 2022 Christmas celebration, took to her Instagram to share photos with their four children while wishing her followers a merry Christmas. Hours later, Sarah Chukwukere photoshopped Yul, his second wife Judy Austin and their baby boy inside the photo posted by May. Reacting to this, Yul wrote: Yes, oo Sarah. Beautiful family. As it should be. Blessed man with blessed family. Everybody will be living in peace, love and jolly. May Zukwanuike. Also, the actor had earlier boasted that he's proud to be a polygamist. However, in her response, May said she would not be cajoled into accepting polygamy. Idris Elba paying homage to Otumfuo at the Manhyia Palace 07.02.2023 LISTEN Famous actor, Idris Elba, joined Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to celebrate the first Akwasidae festival of the year 2023 on Sunday. Dressed in a colourful 'Kente' cloth, the actor arrived at the Manhyia Palace durbar grounds in Kumasi to a resounding welcome by the people. The Asante Monarch, who was carried in a palanquin, also majestically arrived at the durbar grounds, amid the firing of musketry and the beating of traditional drums. Otumfuo, who was dressed in a splendid-looking 'Kente' cloth and gold ornaments to match, then took his seat for some selected dignitaries to pay homage to him. Among the dignitaries who were given the rare opportunity to shake hands and pay homage to Otumfuo, was Idris Elba, who was looking extremely excited. The award-winning actor was seen exchanging some few words with the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool. Idris Elba, who was certainly the toast of the huge crowd at the durbar grounds, also paid homage to Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the Asantehemaa, and other chiefs present. At a point, Idris Elba, who surprisingly looked comfortable in the 'Kente' cloth, was seen dancing to traditional Asante tunes to the admiration of the Asante chiefs and people. The globally-recognised actor was guided by a grand nephew of Otumfuo, Ing Nana Poku Agyeman, who is the Kumasi Metro Urban Roads Director, as he joyfully danced. Among the dignitaries who graced the Akwasidae festival included the Kumasi Mayor, Sam Pyne. The merrymaking event was climaxed with Otumfuo dancing in a palanquin. -DGN online Majid Michel, Ghanaian actor 07.02.2023 LISTEN Movie acting was probably in the DNA of Ghanaian celebrated actor Majid Michel. The actor has posited that he has never once dreamt of quitting or complained of being tired of acting movies. Majid, who claimed to have been addicted to the profession, said he cannot picture himself being called a former actor while he is still alive. "Nonever! It never even crossed my mind at any point. That means that is not what you were called to do. I can never think of quitting," he said in response to a question about whether he would ever consider doing so. He emphasized, "I have so much love for film, and thats what I wanted to do. I like action films, so I did martial acting. If you ask George Quaye, he will tell you to tellthat was drive. There was no such thing like Im tired or Im stopping." Being ushered into the limelight after playing the role of Shaker in Farmhouse Productions TV series, "Things We Do for Love," the actor has taken his prowess to prominence. He was adjudged the "Best Actor in Africa" at the 2012 Africa Movie Academy Awards due to his incredible roles in countless movies on the African continent. He is one of the casts in colleague filmmaker Yvonne Nelsons latest movie, "Kotoka," which is slated to be premiered at the Silverbird Cinemas in Accra on February 14. Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known widely as Burna Boy, a celebrated Nigerian musician has reportedly found himself a new girlfriend. The music icon, per widespread reports, is currently in an intimate relationship with an American influencer, Juice Gyal. Juice first broke the news of being in a relationship with the Grammy award winner and "Last Last" hitmaker via Instagram. The revelation was sparked during a Question-and-Answer segment with fans on the social media app, where fans were willing to confirm the rumours. Responding to a fans question: "Are you dating Burna Boy?" the American influence noted: "Yes, boo. Whats up with that?" In a bid to prove her claim, the Instagram model shared a video of herself chilling at the VVIP section of Burna Boys concert in Switzerland in December last year. The Instagram star is well known for travel, lifestyle and fashion. She has documented trips to places like Colombia, Italy, Tanzania and Thailand and has posed with animals like cheetahs and zebras. Her content has earned her more than 330,000 followers on her JuiceGyal account, which was launched in 2016. In 2022, Juicy Gyal went to Colombia to fix her teeth, where her composite veneers were removed and replaced with porcelain. A Kenyan court on Monday rejected a bid by Facebook's parent company Meta to stop a case accusing it of exploitation and poor working conditions. The suit was filed by a former content moderator at Sama, a company contracted by Meta to review Facebook posts, and alleges that workers in Kenya were subjected to inhumane conditions, including forced labour, irregular pay and no right to unionise. Meta sought to have the case struck down, arguing that the local employment and labour relations court had no jurisdiction over it because it is neither based in nor trades in Kenya. But High Court judge Jacob Gakeri on Monday dismissed the request. "My finding is that (the) second and third respondent shall not be struck from the proceeding," Gakeri said, referring to Meta Platforms Inc and Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd. The judge said the companies were "proper parties" in the case, with the court now due to meet on March 8 to discuss how it will proceed to a hearing. Meta could not be immediately reached for comment. British-based legal activist firm Foxglove, which is supporting the case, said it was "extremely pleased" with the ruling. "We think it's right that this trial be heard in Kenya, where the abuses happened," Foxglove director Cori Crider said in a statement. Amnesty International Kenya also welcomed the decision, saying it was "a significant step that ensures the authority of Kenyan courts to protect and enforce fundamental human rights." Meta has faced scrutiny over the working conditions of content moderators who say they spend hours focused on hateful, disturbing posts with little regard given to their well-being. The company is facing another lawsuit in Kenya filed by two individuals and a rights group accusing the tech behemoth of responding inadequately to hateful content on its platform, especially in relation to the war in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region. The petitioners are asking the court for the establishment of a 200-billion Kenyan shillings ($1.6-billion) compensation fund for victims of hate and violence incited on Facebook. In late 2021, Rohingya refugees sued Facebook for $150 billion, claiming the social network failed to stem hate speech directed against them. The Rohingya, a mainly Muslim minority, were driven from Myanmar in 2017 into neighbouring Bangladesh by security forces in a crackdown now subject to a UN genocide investigation. AFP is involved in a partnership with Meta providing fact-checking services in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. A report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (Gitoc) released in September 2022 argues that South Africa has increasingly become a centre of organised crime, transcending national boundaries. The picture emerging from the report is that there are organised networks inside and outside the state that enable, facilitate and exploit opportunities for private gain. Or, they exercise unfair advantage in economic activity in the public and private sectors, using coercive methods. Some actively go about sabotaging critical infrastructure to benefit from this. The areas of public life where criminals exploit or intimidate their way into influence are growing. In recent times grand-scale crime has seeped through to healthcare , education and parastatals . Speaking out against malfeasance comes at a high price. Read more: Crime, COVID and climate change - South African tourism faces many threats, but it's resilient This is apart from the scores of political assassinations of local activists and officials, either for political gain or sheer vengeance against those who dare to call out corruption. Mafia state There is no doubt that there is a growing ecosystem of organised crime overwhelming the state and public life in the country. And, because political actors or state institutions are so often implicated in it, some commentators are even asking if South Africa is becoming a mafia state . The term mafia state refers to the interpenetration of governments and organised crime networks. In his influential 2012 article, Mafia States , Venezuelan journalist and writer Moises Naim said: In a mafia state, high government officials actually become integral players in, if not the leaders of, criminal enterprises, and the defence and promotion of those enterprises' businesses become official priorities. There is no single prototype for when a state can be labelled a mafia state. The concept is best thought of as a spectrum. The most extreme cases involve politicians at the highest levels taking direct control of organised crime operations. Other characteristics are collusion between crime syndicates and powerful political figures, money laundering to hide illicit proceeds, and the use of violence and intimidation to protect those involved. The Gitoc report shies away from using the label mafia state to describe South Africa. What it does make clear is that there is a proliferation of crime networks that involves not just criminal kingpins and politically connected individuals but also ordinary people. They become part of this value chain, for different historical reasons. But South Africa may be reaching a point where the link between crime and politics is sustained because there are role-players who do not want to see it changing. Fighting corruption The prevalence of criminal elements within the state does not mean that the whole of the state has become a criminal enterprise. But it is true that many state institutions, have been targeted by criminals, with the collusion of people on the inside. South Africans are not resigned to the criminalisation of the state, and are actively challenging it. Many of the revelations about fraud, corruption and nepotism come from principled whistle-blowers within state structures. Others come from the relatively free media, and voices in civil society and politics. Some of the malfeasance has been revealed by inquiries initiated by the executive itself. This is the case with the Zondo Commission, which probed state capture . Read more: Using the South African army to fight crime is a bad idea: here's why Poor communication strategies make it difficult for ordinary citizens to assess how the state is responding to these challenges. A case in point is the government's decision to deploy the military to beef up security at several electricity generation facilities. It remains to be seen whether the deployment will be able to stop the acts of sabotage that the ESKOM senior management claim to be a major factor in the worsening energy crisis. As with the July 2021 riots , sparked by the jailing of former president Jacob Zuma for contempt of court, there are conflicting public pronouncements from cabinet ministers on critical sectors and services affected by crime. The political economy of organised crime The South African economy has a formal sector (first economy) and an informal sector (second economy). Economists call this a dual economy . To this should be added a third economy the illicit economic activities described above, that have seeped into the formal and informal economies. The overlap between the licit and the illicit economy in South Africa is complex. Even big, multinational companies may also covertly engage in illicit operations in spite of appearances. On the other hand, criminals often exploit vulnerable people where the state has failed to meet basic needs: they offer jobs, opportunities and income, a phenomenon seen not only in South Africa, but across the African continent . Looking forward Part of the reset South Africa needs to untangle political and crime networks is better policing and security strategies. The state must be able to assert its authority in the interests of the majority, law-abiding citizens who want to live honest lives in a climate of certainty. If the crime-politics nexus is being deliberately sustained through the collusion of influential actors within the state, then it is going to be much harder to dismantle. The resources being spent to address crime will be ineffective. The spectre of corrupt, pliable or compromised people in the criminal justice sector will make the future more unstable. Violence and threats against those who stand up against organised crime will become more commonplace. The reports of the Zondo Commission , the Special Investigating Unit , whistle-blower reports, work by investigative journalists , research by academics , think tanks and civil society organisations , all go some way towards showing how the slide towards a criminal state can be halted. The criminal justice system must bring criminals to book, not give way to impunity. But more important than combating crime is asking the difficult questions about how ordinary people end up involved in organised crime, and why the country's democracy is becoming more polarised . Read more: Many Kenyans have embraced vigilante cops an ineffective police force is to blame If the dire socio-economic conditions persist, there is every likelihood that organised criminals will continue to exploit the contradictions in society, and organised crime markets will expand. The stakes are high. Stopping South Africa from becoming a mafia state ought to be a priority for everyone. This will become a key issue of concern to voters ahead of the 2024 national general elections. Sandy Africa is affiliated with the University of Pretoria's Faculty of Humanities, which partnered with the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime (GITOC), the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) to launch GITOC's 'Strategic Organised Crime Risk Assessment: South Africa' in September 2022. By Sandy Africa, Associate Professor, Political Sciences, and Deputy Dean Teaching and Learning (Humanities), University of Pretoria Former President John Dramani Mahama has resolved the controversies surrounding the recent shakeup in the NDC Caucus in Parliament. On Tuesday, January 24, the opposition party, in an official letter, informed the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, about some changes in its leadership in Parliament. In the letter, the ranking member on finance, Mr. Cassiel Ato Forson, takes over from Mr. Haruna Iddrisu as the minority leader. The Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka has also been replaced with Mr. Kwame Agbodza. The matter caused stir with some aggrieved MPs kicking against the decision of the NDC leadership for what they described as a lack of proper consultation. The confusion in the party has compelled their 2020 presidential aspirant to intervene and resolve the impasse. The immediate past Minority Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak, disclosed in a Facebook post that the issue has now been resolved, calling on PM Party faithful to embrace the changes. "To all our supporters within and without, I had a lengthy meeting with my big brother, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, on Saturday evening over the parliamentary reshuffle. "I want to, first of all, thank him for the words of advice and encouragement he gave me as a younger brother," his post began. He noted that "His Excellency's intervention has brought an end to all the brouhaha associated with the reshuffle. We are for the interest of our party, the NDC. We need to move on as a party and channel all our energies towards 2024 elections." "I thank all our chiefs, Queen Mothers Imams, and supporters for your prayers and solidarity. I pray for Allah's guidance in all our affairs. "Long live NDC long live Ghana," he added. Benjamin Briere, the French tourist who was jailed in Iran in May, 2020, has been on hunger strike since 28 January. Announcing the development, his sister Blandine Briere and the imprisoned man's legal team said it was the only protest available to him. "Benjamin has no other choice," his sister said, announcing her brother's decision. The 37 year-old is being held on espionnage charges "without substance, in the wake of a show trial by the Guardians of the Revolution," his legal team added, saying Briere felt he was nothing but a political hostage for Iranian political interests. Briere's lawyer went on to say that his client "had come to the end of his physical and mental resources," worn out by months of captivity in a "gloomy" prison known to be a centre for the extrajudicial elimination of opponents of theTehran regime. The lawyer, Philippe Valent, added that his client's fundamental rights were ignored on a daily basis. Briere, who was sentenced to eight years in jail for espionage, is held in the prison of Vakilabad in the eastern city of Mashhad, and had already gone on hunger strike once before, at the end of December 2021. Losing hope "He feels that this hunger strike is the only weapon he can use to protest the absurdity and hardship of his situation. "He is losing hope of seeing this situation resolved," the lawyer added. "Political efforts have so far proved ineffective." Briere's lawyer called for an effort to make the Iranian regime "responsible for the impact on my client's physical and psychological health, both endangered as long as he remains imprisoned. French diplomatic efforts to free Benjamin Briere and the six other French nationals in Iranian jails have been unremitting but unsuccessful. France believes Iran has arbitrarily arrested French nationals in order to use the victims in exchange for the release of Iranians held in France, some of them convicted on terrorism charges. Catherine Ablema Afeku, a former Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture has tipped former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen as the best candidate to lead the NPP in the 2024 general elections. Mrs. Ablema Afeku, who is one of Mr. Alan Kyerematens campaign spokespersons, said the time has come for Alan to lead the party. Speaking in an interview on Accra-based NEAT FMs morning show, "Ghana Montie," the former minister described the three-time NPP flagbearer aspirant as a dedicated member and the only person who will be easily accepted by Ghanaian electorates. "Ghanaians already know him (Alan Kyeremanteng); he has served for years. NPP is a traditional party, and Alan has been there from the era of Adu Boahen, Kufuor, and now President Akufo-Addo. "The formula has not changed. This is his time. We need a candidate that is marketable and can canvass almost two million votes for the party," she noted. According to the Evalue Gwira lawmaker, if the NPP is determined to maintain power, then they should look no further. "If we really want to make history by "breaking the 8', then we need a candidate like Alan who is a unifier. If we want power, Alan is the surest bet," she said. Meanwhile, the aspiring NPP flagbearer is currently touring the country to sell his policies to the people and convince party delegates to vote for him. He will be facing stiff opposition from Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, Dr. Akoto Owusu Afriyie, Mr. Kennedy Agyapong, Mr. Joe Ghartey, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, Mr. Francis Addai Nimo, and others in the ruling party's upcoming internal primaries. An Accra Circuit Court has ordered the arrest of a 66-year-old pensioner for allegedly defiling four children in Tema West Municipality. Emmanuel John Kwesi Mensah Dadson, who is said to have defiled the victims aged five, 10, 11, and 12 in turns on separate occasions, failed to appear in court. When the matter was called before the Court this morning (Monday) the alleged paedophile was absent. He was, however, represented by his surety. Prosecution led by Superintendent of Police Agnes Boafo prayed the Court for a bench warrant for failing to attend court. The Court presided over by Christina Cann obliged the prosecution's request. The matter has been adjourned to February 13. Dadson is facing four counts of defilement. The facts as seen by the GNA indicated that the complainants are two in the matter. One of the complainants, a trader, is the mother of the two of the children, aged 12 and 10. The second complainant is a mason and father of the two other children aged 11 year and five years. According to the facts, the accused person is a retiree residing at a church premises at Lashibi and complainants, victims and accused have known each other for the past four years. Based on the said friendship, the victims visited the accused person to assist them with their homework and watch television in his wooden structure close to the church. The accused person is said to have lured the victim into his room one after the other on separate occasions and had sexual intercourse with them. Due to the sexual molestation by the accused, the victims refused to visit the accused person and they narrated their ordeals to the two complainants. On November11, 2022, complainants reported the matter to the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit and medical forms were issued to the complainants to send the victim to the hospital for examination, treatment, and report back. GNA Fire has consumed seven wooden structures and two container shops at Ashaiman, Taabo Line opposite the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly building. Eyewitnesses told the Ghana News Agency at the scene that they noticed smoke from one of the wooden structures, which served as living rooms for some residents, but it was ignored as they thought someone was burning refuse in the middle of the house. The Eyewitnesses said before they could say 'jack' it had engulfed other structures and shops. Ten persons, whose structures were involved, are counting their losses and even how to get a temporary place to stay. Most of the occupants of the wooden structures told the GNA that they were unable to rescue anything from their rooms before the fire totally consumed everything. We have to run for our lives, they said. Mr. Emmanuel Akota-Sey, a victim, told the GNA that they were seated outside and engaged in some domestic activities that Sunday afternoon when they were alerted of the smoke. We dont have a clue as to what might have started the fire as the tenant whose room the fire started from left the house in the morning. We ignored our colleague who raised the alarm because at the time we were burning refuse in the middle of the house. I stay with my two sisters in the room. We could not salvage anything. We were all running for our lives. Mr Rawlings Afriyie, another victim, told the GNA, I went out to buy toothpaste and before I returned this place was on fire, and I could not enter into the rooms to salvage anything. I have lost all my belongings, all I have now is my mobile phone and the clothes I am wearing. Mr Saidu Yakubu who lives with his wife and two children explained that he lost over GHS10,000.00 cash in the fire. I am a butcher, so I was at work when my wife called to inform me about the fire. I had my savings including GHS10,000.00 I borrowed to buy livestock in the room. My wife who is a seamstress has also lost all the clothes her customers have left with her. I dont know what to do, he said. Other eyewitnesses said they heard an explosion of a gas cylinder, which intensified the intensity of the fire. Others commended the Ghana National Fire Service personnel, who responded swiftly to the distress call and fought the fire bravely if not more structures and shops would have been destroyed. GNA Africa's population will continue to be a liability until the continent addressed critical issues relating to the economic welfare and development of its young people, Mr Olusegun Obasanjo, a Former President of Nigeria, has said. He said the of lack of employment opportunities, education and skills development among many young people on the continent made the continent's growing population a threat to security. He made the remarks when he addressed a high-level Dialogue on African Security at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) at Teshie, near Accra on Monday, February 6, 2023. The Conference, which was spearheaded by the KAIPTC in partnership with the Brenthurst Foundation, brought together stakeholders, policy makers, and security actors from across the region to discuss security challenges facing Africa over the next generation, and the prospects for outside co-operation and assistance. Africa's population is projected to hit 2.5 billion by 2050. Mr Obasanjo observed that many African countries had had their population increased by at least five folds since they gained independence decades ago. He said although the growth in population should be an asset to the continent, the lack of corresponding opportunities and training for its people had made the trend a major concern. Population can be a liability or an asset. As we have it today, it a great liability and let's not deceive ourselves. My country, Nigeria, where we are 225 million today, 20 million of our children that should be in school are not in school. That is the beginning of insecurity, he said. Mr Obasanjo added: If we have food and nutrition security, if we give every child education, if everybody can acquire skills, if we give science and technology the attention that it should be given, and give every child employment, population will cease to be a liability. The West Africa sub-region has been hit by a spate of coups in the last three years, with the region recording three successful military takeovers over the period. Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali have all seen the government overthrown and replaced with a military junta. Mr Ernest Bai Koroma, a Former President of Sierra Leone, said the various recommendations that had been proffered by experts to improve security on the continent must be translated into action. He said countries must work together to address insecurity challenges on the continent given that instability in any country in the region could have ripple effect on other countries. There is a lot of pressure on us to do a little bit of outside-the-box thinking on how we can make progress and realise the fullness of our potential. Mr Koroma said. Major General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant, KAIPTC, described Africa's population growth as startling, adding the meeting would provide an opportunity to provide solutions to security challenges on the continent. Unemployment, social media connectivity, and radical ideologies could prove a potent and volatile security and political mix. Today's policy decisions will help determine whether Africa's youth will be an asset or burden to their societies, he said. GNA 06.02.2023 LISTEN Nana Barima Barnie, the communications Manager of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the Western Region, has acknowledged the current operational challenges in its business of supplying potable water to residents of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. These challenges, he indicated, had risen from inadequate freshwater inflows into the Pra basin, which is the source of raw water for the Daboase Water Treatment Plant, the biggest Plant in the Region. Also, the Anankware River, which supplied raw water to the Inchaban Water Treatment Plant, was equally facing its own freshwater inflow difficulties, he told the Ghana News Agency on Monday. The company needed about 15 million gallons of water to serve consumers daily in the metropolis but currently does seven million resulting in water rationing. The rationing was to ensure that the seven million gallons were distributed among the population to mitigate challenges. The GWCL communications Manager said compounding the current problem at Daboase were the activities of illegal miners upstream of the River Pra, and thus causing severe siltation at the plant's intake point. The high silt deposits had drastically reduced the volume of raw water available for abstraction coupled with the effect of the dry season. He said the current situation was a bit disturbing and appealed to consumers who were most affected or were not getting water at all to bear with the company to find permanent solutions. The company, he said, was carrying out expansion and reengineering works to add about 15 million gallons of water to the existing production levels, which would ultimately solve the potable water need of the Metropolis. He said, Management of the company recognises and shares in the pain of consumers and are now doing everything they can to ameliorate their suffering, including dredging the intake of Daboase Treatment Plan is also ongoing. GNA A violent rainstorm has ripped off the roof of the Ejuraman Anglican SHS dining hall. Some 40 students of Ejuraman Anglican Senior High School in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality of the Ashanti Region are reportedly injured after the roof of the dining hall collapsed on them. The incident according to reports picked by this portal occurred around 5:00pm on Monday, February 6, 2023. Five of the students were said to have suffered severe injuries while 35 others sustained minor wounds. The students have since been rushed to the Ejura Government Hospital for emergency care. No death has been recorded as of the time of filling the report. In response to news reports that Cameroonian police on Monday arrested Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga and two of his associates in connection to the investigation into the murder of journalist Martinez Zogo, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement reiterating demands for a transparent investigation: It is a welcoming sign that Cameroonian authorities are conducting an active investigation into the killing of journalist Martinez Zogo, which has included the recent arrest of businessman Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga, said Angela Quintal, CPJs Africa program coordinator, in New York. Authorities must ensure that this investigation is conducted transparently and openly, so all can see that those responsible for Zogos murder are fairly held to account. In his reporting, Zogo had alleged that Belinga, a businessman and media owner, was involved in a public embezzlement scheme. Authorities arrested Belinga at about 6 a.m. Monday at his home in the capital city of Yaounde, according to those news reports and a statement by Anecdote, a media company Belinga owns. Authorities also detained Bruno Bidjang, a journalist at Anecdote, and Thomas Raymond Etoundi Nsoe, a former commander of Cameroons presidential guard who is Belingas father-in-law, according to those reports. CPJ was unable to immediately determine how Bidjang and Nsoe are alleged to be connected to the investigation into Zogos death. CPJ previously called Belinga for comment and sent him questions via messaging app, but did not receive any responses. Authorities also recently arrested Leopold Maxime Eko Eko, head of the General Directorate of External Intelligence (DGRE), and Justin Danwe, director of operations at the DGRE. In late January, unidentified attackers abducted Zogo, the director of the privately owned radio broadcaster Amplitude FM. His dead and mutilated body was found on January 22. CPJ is also investigating the circumstances of the death of journalist Jean-Jacques Ola Bebe, who was found dead in Yaounde on February 2. Our struggle is not an endeavor geared toward making any liberal or neo-liberal politician or bourgeois political party president. We fight for the broader peasant and exploited masses of the people whose labors are milked by foreign monopoly capital and their transnational cooperations that own and control the means of production. We fight for the overthrow of capitalism to replace it with scientific socialism, a more democratic system that puts full power in the hands of the people and socioeconomic dignity. We fight that the people take power and organize, manage, and develop the common ~wealth of the country in a way that the human capital of the people is developed to build a progressive civilization; science, arts, culture, national cohesion et al. A day ago, we wrote our view of how the politics of the country, given the interplaying variables in consonance with the thought process of the people. We cited that George Weah has tossed a challenge to the opposition, drawing the battle line which proves him battle ready for Octobers elections. That the opposition must accept the challenge and face Weah as a man enough. We said this mean, yes, we agree that Weah and the CDC are a national catastrophe that has put our through hell, consigning them to wretched living conditions. That we agree Weah and the CDC need to be relegated to the pit of history this year from state power. But again, we must never elude ourselves with the funny mindset that winning Weah is an easy task. For some of us who read politics and the history of tyranny, taking state power from people who are so obsessed with greed and indisciplined to manage a country and people is a not process of lip service and boutique politicking, like the foolery the Liberian opposition displays daily on social media. Tyranny only understands the language of dominance and it does everything to keep a hold of power. Winning Weah is not just an imagination that one must carry in his head but a thought that requires, hard work, frantic mobilization of the people around the idea, and a clear political vision that inspires hope in the people. And the Liberian opposition lacks this. One will argue that the times are hard and the people are disappointed in the CDC and Weah. Good logic, but without a decisive national political alternative that takes advantage of the objective conditions to interpret and make the people understand. Some may again argue that the harsh objective reality in Liberia has taught the people well and that they wont throw their lot behind the CDC again. We agree but conversely, we must understand that not a significant portion of the population goes through this awareness. Thats why Marx taught us to constantly engage the people being them along the line of consciousness and enlightenment. This is the only way we can be guaranteed the inevitable overthrow of capitalism. And profoundly, Fidel would go on to argue that a revolution fast speedily made not so, we will keep waiting forever. Our comments made on Weah's preparednesses for battle do not in any way give political credit to the CDC that they have they will win the October polls. But on the other hand, the opposition must never for once walk with the insane mindset that they will beat Weah without political cohesion and mass mobilization of the people. What you see Weah and the CDC carrying on, the mass rallies, be it money induced or whatever we might term them must never be underestimated. The people are poor and hungry. They can settle for anything just to eat for a day. And understand that the CDC has utter yet heightened desperation for re-election. They are willing to spatter money amongst the people. They are even working on creating schemes of work for the people for the period intervals to October. They will roll all these shenanigans to give the people a pretentious sense of care and belonging. So for the Liberian opposition to think the people belong to them, they must be absurd. With all the spoils of Weah and the CDC, they are going to the trenches and having talks with the people for pardons. And know the Liberian people as they are, with all the evils, Taylor, Ellen, Prince Johnson, George Boely, and many more warlords were rewarded with state power here. Because of this view, I see some minions of the Liberian opposition are very indisciplined and cynically incorrigible like the lazybones in the CDC writing all kinds of diatribes in absolute contrast to the proposition we argue. Now for the record, these people must understand that we owe them nothing as they equally do. We dont struggle to make Boakai or Cummings president. We struggle because its moral and just to do so. When we fight against misrule as we do against the Weah despotism, we dont do it with the understanding to make any of their bourgeois political leaders a president. We do so because our people deserve better and our country has come a long way to be this underdeveloped. If we want to make someone president, we will look among the legions o decent human agencies in the progressive community and give them our full energy and support, as we did in 2017 with Dr. H. Boima Fahnbulleh Jr, a man with a clear vision and ideological foresight to propel quality stewardship over the affairs of our country. Furthermore, its not our business when Boakai or Cummings wants to be president, in that, we are not the ones who will make any of them president but the Liberian people. They have to go out there in the trenches to campaign and give the people concrete reasons why they can make a good president and how would initiate transformation if given the power. This the habitual flunkies of the opposition should understand. While its true we share solidarity at the front of national conversations, it doesnt you have our support to be president or whatever. And we must say here that some of us who have been in the vanguard leading resistance actions against the CDC Weah fascist regime have paid the costly price over the last five years. We have done these things on conviction and desire to make Weah and the CDC very unpopular and ensure he is retired in October, this year. So when we asked the opposition leaders to stand up to Weah as a man, we do so with the understanding that sitting in their comfortable corners and not robustly engaging the people would do them no good but only gives Weah more chance. The rallies being held by the CDC are political calculations to have the legitimacy to manipulate elections result. So Boakai and Cummings and their Facebook supporters can continue making fun and not get to the real job. Lastly, I am the Secretary~General of the Vanguard Student Unification, a movement built on the back of the people and has since been in the fight for social democracy, good governance, freedom, and equality for the general Liberian masses. We write only for only the people and not for the bourgeois and their political machinery. So we are answerable to only the people through the Vanguard Party and not any political elite. So no one out there in opposition should think for once that we are abligated to them. Hope this serves them! About the Author: Cde. Jusu Kamara(Gammal) is left wing student activist. He studies political science with emphasis on International Relations. Hes the Secretary General of the 31st Politburo and Central Committee of the Vanguard Student Unification, SUP. He can be reached via: Email: [email protected] Contact: 0777654997 07.02.2023 LISTEN A businessman and self-acclaimed building contractor in Ashanti Region has petitioned the Regional Police Command against what he described as the unprofessional conduct of two police officers in the region. Petitioner, Mr. Yaw Gyamfi claims, a couple of months ago, while working on a parcel of land he bought at Senfi in the Bekwai municipality in the region, two uniformed policemen arrested and processed him for court for which he is yet to know his offense. "I was working on my land when one T/Dr. Mensah aka Dr. Mensah and some police officers in uniform approached me on the land and stopped me from working. I asked them what order do they have to stop me, and they claimed they are from the headquarters of the Ghana Police Service and so, I should comply with their instructions. "They illegally stop me without any court order but also took away the bulldozer and other machines used to clear that land," the livid contractor narrated in his petition addressed to the Ashanti Regional Police Commander According to Mr. Yaw Gyamfi, immediately after his arrest, he was sent to the Kumasi Central Police Station outside the jurisdiction of the disputed land where criminal charges were preferred against him thereon. While calling for an immediate investigation into the so-called misconduct of the said police officers, the businessman cum contractor accused the Chief Executive of Dr. Mensah Herbal Clinic, Dr. Mensah, and the chief of Adumasa, Nana Amankwa Kodom II, of masterminding his arrest. Embattled Yaw Gyamfi continued to castigate and accuse the Ashanti Regional Unit Commander of the Police Intelligence and one Inspector Amponsah of harboring hatred against him as the two senior officers have exhibited bias in maintaining peace and order. "The Police Intelligent Commander and one Inspector Amponsah prepared a docket and file it at Bekwai Circuit Court instead of allowing the prosecutor to file the case. They turned themselves as prosecutors based on their relationship with the said Dr. Mensah and Nana Kodom, the chief of Adumasi. "To my understanding, the court deals with procedures yet because of their interest in the case, they do not have the docket pass-through the court's procedure," he alleged. Introduction Gold for oil presupposes a barter transaction in which commodity exchanges for a commodity with double coincidence of want as the main feature. Barter and Derivatives We assume that there is someone there interested in our gold so we can exchange the gold for oil. A derivative is a financial transaction in which price is determined today and delivery takes place at a future date. Delivery of underlying assets takes place at maturity. Payments need not to be made today until maturity. Derivative maybe over- the- counter(OTC) or exchange-traded where OTC means tailor made transaction between counter parties with terms agreeable between them and is not done through an organized exchange. Exchange traded means the transaction is done through an exchange with characteristics of standardized contracts reflecting quality, price , date of delivery with a clearinghouse that administers the deal. The nature of the gold for oil policy can only be described as OTC transactions. In any case, the price is predetermined and both short and long position holders lock in the predetermined price. Predetermined price because that is the price to be paid at maturity and upon delivery even if price assumes pendulum shifts. Long position means buyer and short position is a seller in a derivative transaction and there is a zero sum game. Zero sum game because the gain for the short position trader is the loss for long position trader. Location of the oil doesnt matter so long as the quality agreed is delivered at the predetermined price. Transaction may be traded multiple times before delivery date in which original contract holder may not necessarily be the one to deliver on the contract. A contract maybe signed between Ghana and a trader in Germany but the oil maybe delivered from a depot in South Korea by the German trader or an American trader who bought the deal from the German trader. - [ ] We have been talking about derivative involving cash transactions at maturity even in normal commodities exchange this is what happens. Now, when a claim is made to exchange gold for oil it means our cash is gold but the reality is it is difficult to get a trader interested in our gold continuously and we are interested in their oil continuously. Thus if indeed it is a barter transaction, there is a developed international market for gold why would someone be interested in ours outside the international marketplace in a continuous manner. So where is the contract for the barter? How many years does it cover? Which exchange rate has been agreed or predetermined over the contract period? The last time l encountered barter was in a village called Kamawoli at the bank of river Oti now in the Oti region where fishermen dont take cash in exchange for fish unless it is cassava dough or corn far back in 1998. I dont know the situation today. There is therefore no barter trade where cash is the final consideration. Is it a derivative transaction?, what is the predetermined price for the gold and the oil? What is the predetermined exchange rate? What is the commission charge by the intermediary? Who is the intermediary? The truth is, this is not a swap in the proper sense, it is not even a long-term contract. Is it a forward contract? Futures? No it must be traded on an exchange to assume the character of futures. What are we into? Any arrangements that deliver refined oil without putting pressure on our forex is welcome but what are we doing? Accountability and transparency issues are not clear. This policy was announced last year and one expects it should be captured in 2023 budget meaning it has failed the prudent fiscal test. It is indeed an international agreement under article 181 of the 1992 Constitution which requires parliamentary approval first before execution. Is the contract entered into between Ghana government and the intermediary and the supplier? Or between Bank of Ghana and the foreign parties? In 2016, Dr. Mark Osei Assibey, the then Finance Committee Chairman of Parliament sent the government to the Supreme Court demanding the interpretation that Kar power deal to help solve dumsor was an international agreement between Kar power and GNPC , EGC under article 181. It is recommended to reduce the talking and seek interpretation from the Supreme Court about the Gold for Oil deal. Anyway when is the next batch of oil coming? Some are even concerned if we are buying gold from galamsey operators too? How do we distinguish between gold produced by licensed producers from galamsey operators? How much gold did we sell to purchase the oil? Clarity is needed about the gold for oil project. By now those who claim is an international agreement should be heading to the Supreme Court One person has been shot dead in Bawku Monday evening. This was hours after a visit by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to the troubled town. The deceased Osman Awudu, age 45 was shot dead at Sabongari, a suburb of Bawku on the evening of Monday, February 6, 2023. The death of the deceased was linked to the prolonged ethnic conflict between Kasasis and Mamprusis in Bawku. Personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces were accused of killing some nine persons in separate attacks on February 3. But the Army has denied the accusation in a statement. Security has been beefed up in Bawku in the Upper East Region. Minister of Finance, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta want Ghanaians to support governments effort to restore the ailing economy. He wants Ghanaians to subscribe to the controversial Domestic Debt Exchange Programme. The Minister emphasised that getting the policy implemented, though it will bring more difficult times for Ghanaians, is the best way to restore macroeconomic stability in the country. In an address to the nation on Monday, February 6, the minister stressed that the programme will help get the countrys ailing economy back on track. "Let me restate that, as a government, our singular motivation for taking this rather difficult road is to restore macro-economic stability, achieve debt sustainability, and get the economy fully back on track." "We know that these are necessary pre-conditions for creating jobs, safeguarding and enhancing incomes, fostering inclusive growth, and restoring hope to Ghanaians," he noted. Mr. Ofori-Atta again reiterated that getting the DDE implemented will speed up Ghanas bid to get a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund, which will be a major step in alleviating the current economic predicament. "Our remarkable progress with the ongoing International Monetary Fund Programme is a significant boost to our recovery efforts. Continuous progress will steer us further away from the slippery precipice we recently faced. Therefore, the momentum must be sustained. "Considering the importance of a sustained economic recovery backed by an approved IMF programme in the first quarter of 2023, it is crucial for groups and individuals to consider the merits of the enhanced DDEP, as well as the need for economic stability, and sign up by tomorrow to make it a successful one," he asserted. The minister encouraged Ghanaians that the DDEP will bring the nation stability, economic recovery and transformational growth, indicating that "We must do this together" because government is bent on making it a success. "Government on its part, is resolved to continue to undertake all necessary fiscal adjustments that would ensure that our sacrifices will pay off and the collective good is upheld. Let each and everyone play their part. "These are difficult times, no doubt, but if we hold on together, we can and we will emerge from this more resilient and more united than before," the minister said. He stressed, "We shall, together, continue rebuilding our economy again; and enable businesses to thrive again, and bringing back hope and cheer to our homes again. Let us all speak one language: Boa me na men boa wo," and we shall then prevail and recover all. Lets do this together!" 07.02.2023 LISTEN Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has allayed fears that terrorists could infiltrate Ghana due to the ongoing conflict in Bawku in the Upper East Region. The legislator for the area doubted if Bawku will be a target for the operation of terrorist activities though Ghanas borders seem porous. There have been reported cases of terrorist activities in neighbouring countries, with some neighbours seeking refuge in Ghana. Scores of people have lost their lives in the protracted conflict, with the latest being the shooting and killing of one person on Monday, February 6, 2023. Asked by the host of The Point of View Bernard Avle, if terrorists will not capitalise on the prolonged conflict in Bawku between the Kusasis and Mamprusis to cause mayhem in Ghana, the legislator noted that Ghanaians will only rise up against the country when there are no opportunities to vindicate their rights. Bawku will not be the place where this will happen. People will turn against the state when they dont have the remedies or opportunities to vindicate their rights. But if the state functions in such a way that everybody feels protected by the state, its most unlikely that they will turn against the state, Mr. Ayariga said. He believes that Ghana has a functioning democracy where citizens can always seek redress if they feel disgruntled and will not rebel against the country. Im not worried in the case of Ghana because of the institutions and mechanisms we have put in place. Our democracy is functioning. No matter how disgruntled you are with this democracy, it is a functioning democracy, you can get remedies if you fight for it, he stated. He called on the government to ensure that the citizens do not have issues with the state as its observed in neighbouring countries. In Burkina Faso, those places that you saw the clustering of attacks, trust me people from Bawku drive across those places with trucks to Niger with onions, salt, and all sort of commodities. They drive through that territory, and if they stop you, and they found a national identity card or documents, some public documents that associate you with the state of Burkina Faso, you will be attacked. They might just kill you. They are attacking the state, they have issues with the state. We shouldnt create a situation where our populace will have issues with their state. When the people have issues with the state, and they dont feel that the mechanisms within the state afford them a remedy, that is when the state becomes a legitimate target for them, the MP for Bawku central said. Mr. Ayariga who has accused the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) of killing some indigenes of Bawku has petitioned the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). The legislator rejected GAFs explanation that they engaged a group of armed men and neutralised six. I reject their self-serving explanations. Did the statement say they retrieve any weapon from them? Clearly, these were not armed men, Mr. Ayariga fumed. citinewsroom Government may no longer extend the deadline for subscribing to the domestic debt exchange programme which has been extended three times already. This was hinted by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta when he addressed the nation to give updates on the programme on Monday. The deadline for signing up for the programme expires today, Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Mr. Ofori-Atta said though the extensions delayed the execution of the programme, such decisions were needed to alleviate the countrys debt burden in the most transparent, efficient, and sustainable manner. We admit that there were legitimate and critical concerns which needed deeper and broader consultations. The requisite efforts to address them have resulted in improved terms and changes in the closing date, with a final deadline of February 7. He however said if bondholders do not sign up for the deal, government may struggle to get a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund and may also find it difficult to revive the economy. Frankly, non-participation or a lower-than-expected turnout for the DDEP will prolong efforts to resolve the current economic crisis. In addition, the prospects of international financial support and other financial assurances would be jeopardized. This development could further put strain and stress on the Government's capacity to honour key commitments. This is not what we want for our economy. The Finance Minister also extended some words of appreciation to the major stakeholders for their interest and goodwill ahead of the programmes deadline. As a listening Government, we have re-engaged all stakeholders, on a daily basis; sometimes even deep into the night. The Governor and I, and our Teams are all thankful to the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB); the Ghana Insurers Association (GIA); the Ghana Securities Industry Association (GSIA); the Individual Bondholders Forum; and the Pensioner Bondholders Forum, for their interest, insights and goodwill. He further stressed that the current cooperation from the various stakeholders is an indication of an act of patriotism and called on others to join hands with the Finance Ministry to have the programme delivered. Undoubtedly, the participation of the banks, insurance companies and the securities industry, under the enhanced DDEP is a significant milestone which represents a response to a call to national duty. It is a critical step to restore macro-economic stability; accelerate Ghana's economic growth under an IMF Programme; and leverage other international financial support. citinewsroom The Police are on a manhunt for a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for inciting violence ahead of the 2024 general elections. In a viral video, the NDC executive who identifies himself as the Youth Organiser for the party in the Suame Constituency of the Ashanti Region was seen calling on supporters of the NDC to attack persons of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the run-up to the 2024 General Elections for them to secure power. You cannot go into an elections without any casualties and my advice to my party members as a Youth Organiser of NDC is that weve taken our decision with the youth that any NPP member wholl misbehave this time around should be beaten. They should be beaten because it is the surest way which the party can survive in the constituency. If eight people should died before Akufo-Addo becomes a President then theres nothing wrong we killing two in Suame for John Mahama to also become President. My advice to my fellow youth of NDC is for them to arm themselves and not to attack NDC members but NPP members and if it will take assaulting someone with stick for the party to wrest power just do it. If it will take shooting someone for NDC to win power just go ahead and shoot the person because Akufo-Addo has shown us how to do it and thats what I was teaching the youth to do. Were ever ready to do it because our new national executives elected are urging us to do that But in a statement issued by the police, the Ashanti Regional Police Command has initiated steps to get this person arrested to face justice. The police take the opportunity to urge political actors to be circumspect in their utterances and actions and work together to safeguard the peace and security of the nation. Read below the Polices statement: POLICE STATEMENT ON VIRAL VIDEO INCITING POLITICAL VIOLENCE AHEAD OF THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTIONS The attention of the Police Service has been drawn to a viral video in which a person who identifies himself as the Youth Organiser for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Suame Constituency of the Ashanti Region calls on supporters of the NDC to attack persons of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the run-up to the 2024 General Elections. The Ashanti Regional Police Command has initiated steps to get this person arrested to face justice. Meanwhile, we would like to take this opportunity to urge political actors to be circumspect in their utterances and actions as we work together to safeguard the peace and security of our beloved country. DGN online Many claim that everything is possible in Africa because, on that continent, things that often occur are not seen in developed countries. Thats true, if it's typical to see individuals over the age of sixty or seventy in possession of birth certificates indicating that they were born in the 1950s and 1960s, and false certificates, then its possible that everyone can be a president in Ghana. Aspiring to the highest office is not a bad thing, but why do politicians who are a part of this damaging and inept NPP government think they are qualified to hold the role of president? It will take a million years for Africans to be respected by the white man because many of them don't think and genuinely don't value themselves. In abundance of resources, Africa is threatened by poverty, therefore; Africans are perceived by many white people as dumb beings wandering across the surface of the earth. Only around 1% of African politicians are truly motivated by a desire to help the underprivileged; the other 99% are motivated by corruption. Years after Apartheid, the end of colonialism, and the liberation of slavery, African leaders continue to demonstrate that they cannot govern themselves. Even though we have the resources, the continent is unable to use them to build a viable economy. Imagine that Nana Akufo Addo, the president of Ghana, asked a German official to serve as a mediator just two days ago to encourage China to support the nation in its debt restructuring effort. What purpose does independence serve if Ghanaian politicians still struggle to solve their problems, more than 65 years after being independent? Many of the NPP politicians running for president would be disqualified in many underdeveloped nations, let alone developed nations because they have previously shown themselves to be lacking in the knowledge necessary to govern as competent leaders. These are a few of the reasons why black people never receive the respect and attention they merit as people. The continent of Africa and its leaders are fundamentally flawed. Many people will neglect their developing nations in favor of diverting state funds to foreign accounts and seeking medical attention in industrialized nations when they are ill. Education has a huge impact on a person's readiness for a career in politics or as president. If we look at the wider picture, for instance, we will see that many high-ranking government officials, such as ministers, governors, and lawyers, frequently become presidents. The president is nearly always educated in law or economics in both developed and developing nations. In industrialized nations, getting a law education at the best university is the fastest way to become president. The president needs to develop into a true leader with a powerful spirit and a rock-solid foundation. It is not sufficient to be legally astute, to be a brilliant thinker, and to comprehend how the economy, industry, and other domains operate. You'll need decision-making skills to put your plans into action rather than just advocating for higher pay, better pensions, and lower taxes, also need to develop an action plan that calls for bolstering the state and sticking to it scrupulously. Since nothing in Africa functions, it is typical to see wealthy, ignorant, or criminally or tax-fraudulent individuals continue to pursue their goals of becoming president unhindered by the law. That is one of the reasons that, despite the continent's wealth, Africa lags in everything. Even though it is required for a politician to provide the government with income information, that of his or her spouse, and the property owners of every member of the family, in Ghana, little attention is given to that requirement. As a result, politicians illegally amass wealth, which prevents the general populace from leading better lives. Tribalism has devastated Ghana, thus wise Ghanaians should banish it from politics. Ghana needs a leader who is effective, competent, and motivated by the development. Ghanaian business moguls, Dr. Kofi Amoah has stressed that the time has come for Ghana and other countries on the African continent to demand better from the West. In a statement, he has admonished African governments to demand new relations with the West and make it clear that the continent will no longer be treated as a slave depot for cheap resources. Africa must DEMAND new relations with the WEST, Africa offers a lot to the world n she must agitate for change, n not be treated as a slave depot for cheap resources Political independence did not dismantle economic apartheid. Africa can develop if unchained. Its up to us, Dr. Kofi Amoah shared in a post on Twitter. In a message to Ghanaians and the people of Africa, Dr. Kofi Amoah has called for all to rise up against leaders engaged in looting but in a peaceful manner. It has always been up to us to rise up from our bootstraps and progress just like other former colonial countries have donetheir leaders used to come to our Nkrumahs for advice "Presently our leaders have joined the exploiters in the looting spree. Dont get angry, get up 4 real, Dr. Kofi Amoah stressed in his post on Twitter. 07.02.2023 LISTEN A video showing an encounter between some Zongo youth and soldiers in the Western North town of Bibiani at an Ashanti Gold concession was scary and thought-provoking. What could have gotten over the young men to risk being shot as they ignored caution with underpinning exuberance? Were they under the influence of opioid substances? Whatever was the underlying factor the young men exhibited unnecessary and stupid bravado which deserves condemnation by all and sundry. The encounter, information has it, was triggered by the youth's refusal to drop some stuff simply called black which they picked from the within the premises of the gold mining company. The youth obviously not ready to oblige the order called the bluff of the armed soldiers by enacting mock charges on the armed soldiers some of them doing so with cutlasses, menacingly. It was an hair-raising spectacle as the soldiers occasionally corked their weapons to scare away the hoodlums which they were considering their conduct on the premises of a gold-mining company. We must congratulate the soldiers for exhibiting maximum restraint in the face of excessive provocation from an unruly youth gang. Although one person is said to be seriously injured and others sustaining various degrees of wounds too, the situation could have been worse than what was recorded. Although calm has been restored, we cannot rule out an attempt by the stupid youth from overrunning the premises of the gold company. Some of the youth, before leaving the premises, threatened to beat the soldiers when they meet them in Bibiani town. When they make good their threat there is no doubt that the soldiers won't be sitting ducks, the consequence which could be bloody. We do not know what the black stuff constitutes but can conclude however that it has a certain level of value which is why the youth risked their lives so recklessly to pick them. We ask all well-meaning Ghanaians to join us in condemning the conduct of the youth which of course was anything but appropriate and acceptable. It is unfortunate that in this day and age, we are facing a dearth of voices which can restrain unruly youth from embarking upon daredevil adventures. This notwithstanding, elders, opinion leaders, church and mosque leaders including traditional leaders, should embark upon a crusade to restore the fading indiscipline in society especially among the youth. If cutlasses were wielded in the manner in which was showed in the appalling video, it can only be imagined what would happen if the youth are brainwashed to do the bidding of bad politicians during an election. Those behind the act of indiscipline and criminality should be smoked out and prosecuted after investigations. Passengers and drivers in two accident vehicles in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, have miraculously escaped death by a whisker. The two vehicles, a Toyota Corolla saloon car and Mercedes Benz Sprinter bus, both landed in a ditch just on the shoulder of the road, after they had crashed dangerously. Passengers and drivers in both vehicles sustained severe body injuries after the heavy crash, but miraculously, no death was recorded in the accident. The accident reportedly happened at the Kentinkrono Silicon Hotel Junction, on the main Kumasi to Accra Highway. The driver of the Toyota Corolla car, registered GN 3657 Z, Kofi Dwamena, 69, from Kumasi to Accra direction, was negotiating a left turn to join the Nsenie direction at 5:20pm last Friday. The police said the Mercedes Benz Sprinter bus, registered AW 2968-21, driven by Abdul Latif Rauf, aged 28, from the Accra direction, crashed into the Toyota Corolla car. Both vehicles landed into a ditch at the offside section of the road. Drivers involved and some passengers in the bus sustained various degree of injuries and were rushed to KNUST Hospital for treatment, a police report said. It said driver Dwamena Kofi and victim Salis Mohammed, aged 28 years, a passenger, are still on admission responding well to treatment. -DGN online HAVE YOU ever wondered why, whilst in school, a particular student solved all the difficult maths questions effortlessly? Have you also wondered why on the tracking field; a particular athlete appears to have been born with two hearts? On the job market, have you also wondered why some salesmen almost always exceed their target while you struggle to sign just a single client? In the face of adversity, how come he gets to keep a cool head while you are almost losing it? The answers to these are in their genetics, personalities, and intelligence. It could seem pointless to describe a term so basic. After all, we have all heard this word countless times and are likely familiar with its overall meaning. However, the idea of intelligence has been a hotly contested subject among psychologists for many years. The study of human intelligence, by way of history date back to the late 1880s. Since then, many psychologists have attempted to capture in essence through theories due to their fluidity. Thus, while some argue that, intelligence is a general ability, others believe it comprises specific skills and talents. See for instance, Spearman's General Intelligence (g) theory. Spearman set out his theory in 1909, based on a technique called factor analysis. The conclusion at the end of Spearman's General intelligence theory was that; there is a single g-factor that describes a persons overall intelligence across different abilities, and that a second component, s, describes a persons specific competence in one particular field (Spearman, as cited in Thomson, 1947). After Spearman, several theorists have gone on to challenge the view of Spearman. For instance, Howard Gardner in his Gardner's Multiple Intelligences theory, Robert Sternberg in his proposed Triarchic Theory of Intelligence, and many others have all gone ahead to argue that there are different, independent multiple intelligences instead of a single intelligence, each of which represents special abilities and skills applicable to a certain category. This intelligence includes; spatial, musical, practical, bodily-kinesthetic, linguistic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence. That said, presently, intelligence is commonly considered as the capacity to comprehend and adjust to ones surroundings using innate skills and acquired information. Likewise, numerous new intelligence assessments have emerged, including the University of California Matrix Reasoning Task (Pahor et al., 2019), which can be completed quickly and online. Additionally, new approaches to rating these assessments have also been developed (Sansone et al., 2014). Specific aptitude and accomplishment exams, like the SAT, ACT, and LSAT, are required for admission to universities and graduate programmes. These tests have ingrained themselves deeply into our life. Regrettably, and by convention, these above tests and our entire educational system have generally focused on just one type of intelligence [the Intelligent Quotient (IQ)], even when modern-day psychologists make us believe there are four types of intelligence. They are; Intelligence Quotient (IQ), Emotional Quotient (EQ), Social Quotient (SQ) and Adversity Quotient (AQ). What do these different types of intelligence mean? How are they expressed and how many can a person have? To start with, the term IQ is derived from the German term Intelligent-Quotient, which was coined by psychologist William Stern. The intelligence quotient, or IQ, is a score obtained from one of several standardised tests meant to determine relative intelligence. The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale are two popular standardised examinations (WAIS) (Oommen, 2014). Thus, IQ is the measure of one's cognitive ability to comprehend a problem, hereditary and non-genetic. Even though hereditary variables play the most important role in determining IQ, a variety of other changeable environmental effects can influence an individuals IQ. Thus, Science has had difficulty identifying the precise genetic and environmental elements that influence IQ, but a number of environmental factors, such as socioeconomic level and educational attainment, are associated with IQ, and it has been demonstrated that starvation can lower IQ. Regardless, the following studies suggest proof that IQ is influenced by genetics. According to twin studies done by Kovas et al., (2007), identical twins IQs are more similar to those of their fraternal counterparts. Compared to adopted children grown in the same environment, siblings raised in the same family have IQs that are more similar (Bouchard, 2103) In another context, Budrina, (2017) set out to identify gender-specific characteristics of intelligence and academic achievement in early school age. The results demonstrated no such influence of gender on IQ. The differences in grade (girls tend to perform more than boys) are due to other factors such as interest and ability to obey the instruction, other than their IQ. Again, previous research has also shown that high IQs are reasonably reliable predictors of academic success, job performance, career potential, and creativity. That notwithstanding, a wealth of evidence demonstrates that IQ alone is not sufficient for success. Psychological research has shown that having crucial personality traits like confidence, openness to new experiences, and organisation can help you succeed in life. That is to say if you seek to develop your best qualities and skills, having a lower IQ does not necessarily mean you will have a miserable or unsuccessful life. BY Maxwell Ampong Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has alleged that the Akufo-Addo-led government has paid Mr David Adjaye an additional US$5.8million (specifically US$5,817,769.65; amounting to a staggering GHS33,539,442.03 in 2021) for a minor design variation to the national cathedral design to include a 300+ seater restaurant and expansion of an already paid for Bible museum. According to the MP, this latest information confirms that so far, the Ghanaian taxpayer has coughed up an exorbitant US$25,444,192.42 (GHS152.6million) solely for Mr Adjayes cathedral architectural designs. Put in context, this GHS152.6million is more than the entire 2023 compensation (salaries and wages) budgetary allocation for the Ministries of Food and Agriculture; Trade and Industry; Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts; Energy; Information; Roads and Highways; Works and Housing; Communications and Digitalisation; Youth and Sports; Railways Development, and a host of others, Mr Ablakwa said in a Facebook post. In addition, he stated that GHS152.6million can also complete more than 80% of the abandoned Saglemi affordable housing units, adding It could equally have completed the targeted 200 E-Block community senior high schools project. In his view, Ghanas current economic tribulations are undoubtedly self-inflicteddefinitely created by the NPP administration. Touching on the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, Mr Ablakwa said the heartbreaking images of Ghanas pensioners and vulnerable senior citizens picketing at the Finance Ministry when they should be enjoying a well-deserved restful and happy retirement with their grandchildren is undoubtedly the result of reckless mismanagement and cruel dissipation of the nations resources by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/Ofori-Atta inept government. He prayed and solidarised with all pensioners while calling on the government to listen and immediately exempt them from its DDEP. Mr Ablakwa said he cannot wait for Parliaments parliamentary probe into the scandal-plagued National Cathedral project. Source: Classfmonline.com 07.02.2023 LISTEN Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu in the Northern Region, A.B.A Fuseini says the Minority will mount pressure on the Akufo-Addo's government to demand accountability on the COVID-19 expenditure. The Auditor General in its 2020 report on the government's Covid-19 expenses revealed that out of the US$ 2.5 billion mobilised for the fight against the pandemic, only 25 percent representing GH5.5 million was used on health. The balance was spent on government programmes such as Free SHS and LEAP, among others. The legislator while speaking to Citi News on some actions to be taken by the minority in the third session of the 8th Parliament said, government will have to come clean on the misappropriated funds. I am sure that you have seen the works of the minority through the work of the Auditor General's report in which there has been massive corruption with COVID-19 funds. The NPP government has looted the funds and sharing among their supporters. This is one of the urgent matters the house will be pursuing when it resumes. I can assure you that, it is going to be fireworks. In addition, some of the funds were spent on unapproved expenditures or purchases that are yet to be delivered. The report by the Auditor General thus recommended that such amounts are recovered to the state. Already, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by the leadership of the minority caucus in Parliament, says it will today, Tuesday, February 7, 2023, embark on a public hearing followed by a roadshow to sensitise Ghanaians on the government's expenditure on COVID-19 and the current economic crisis. According to the party, it will engage both the finance and health committees on the public hearing to explain the implications of the COVID-19 expenditure. The move comes on the back of some infractions cited in the Auditor General's report on the government's COVID-19 expenditure. -citinewsroom The Lord is your shepherd you shall not want, the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin told the outgone Minority leaders when parliament convened for its first meeting of the Third session of the 8th Parliament on Tuesday, February 7 2023. Recognising the new leadership of the Minority Caucus in Parliament during his opening remark, Mr Bagbin applauded the former Minority leaders saying their record of performance is visible for all to see. He expressed hope that the new Minority leadership made up of Dr Cassiel Ato Forson (Minority leader) Kofi Armah Buah (Deputy Minority Leader), Kwame Agbodza (Minority Whip), Ahmed Ibrahim (First Deputy Whip), and Comfort Doyoe Ghansah (Second Deputy Whip), will continue to draw from the fountain of wisdom, trove of wealth and experience of the outgone leaders. I know what it entails, as a veteran of this journey and experience, to lead a populous Minority Caucus in Parliament. All I can say to the former leaders is: the Lord is your Shepherd, you shall not want. When one door closes, many doors open; and I tell you for sure, that many of the open doors are better and higher than the closed door. Look at the opened doors and not the closed ones. With these opening remarks, I welcome all of you, once more, Mr Bagbin said. Below are details of the Speaker's opening remarks: OPENING REMARKS BY THE RT. HON. ALBAN SUMANA KINGSFORD BAGBIN, SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT, AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE THIRD SESSION OF THE 8TH PARLIAMENT OF THE FOURTH REPUBLIC OF GHANA DELIVERED ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 2023 Introduction Hon Members, it is always a pleasure to welcome you back to plenary sessions from recess. You recall Parliament adjourned sine die from plenary sessions on the 22nd of December, 2022 and receded to perform its functions in a more direct, pluralistic and practical manner. I saw, I read and I witnessed the state of the countrys democratic development as you engaged with your constituents across the country. You re-connected as well as established strong bonds and warm relations with your constituents and the public during the Yuletide and New Year seasons. Your impact has given a boost to the democratic credentials of the country. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all of you for a good job done: congratulations! Before I proceed further, let me recognize the new leadership of the Minority Caucus in Parliament. I was formally informed of the reshuffle of the leadership by the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Hon Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey in a letter dated 23 January 2023. The new leaders are: Minority Leader: Hon Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson Deputy Minority Leader: Hon Kofi Armah Buah Minority Whip: Hon Kwame Agbodza First Deputy Whip: Hon Ahmed Ibrahim Second Deputy Whip: Hon Comfort Doyoe Ghansah. The new leaders have all been in this House for a while and are very conversant with the culture and law of parliament. I have confidence in their ability to meet the high expectations of our stakeholders. On behalf of the House, and on my part, I warmly welcome them to the hot seats of the leadership of Parliament. Congratulations. I wish you well. The former members of the leadership, led by Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, must be applauded too. Their record of performance is visible for all to see and I hope the new leadership will continue to draw from their fountain of wisdom, trove of wealth and experience. I know what it entails, as a veteran of this journey and experience, to lead a populous Minority Caucus in Parliament. All I can say to the former leaders is, the Lord is your Shepherd, you shall not want. When one door closes, many doors open; and I tell you for sure, that many of the open doors are better and higher than the closed door. Look at the opened doors and not the closed one. With these opening remarks, I welcome all of you, once more. This sitting at a glance During this sitting, the House has 61 bills to consider; Forty-nine instruments would be presented; There are 230 papers to be presented to the House; There will be 827 questions, both normal and urgent; Additionally, there will be 34 Private Members Motions and 3 petitions before the House. It will be a busy sitting indeed. Conclusion Hon Members, we definitely have a lot on our plates for this sitting. There are urgent issues that require resolution, most of which are as a result of the state of our economy and the social issues arising therefrom. The electorate are looking up to us to help find solutions to these existential issues. If there is a time that we as Members of Parliament ought to set aside our partisan cloaks and think Ghana, it is now. I am confident that with the Almighty God on our side, we will, together, ride the current storm. Let me at this juncture on behalf of the Parliament of Ghana, add my prayers to the many supplications being made on behalf of our former Black Stars player, Christian Atsu, who we are told has been pulled from the rubble of the earthquake that ravaged parts of Turkey and Syria yesterday. We wish him a speedy recovery. I thank you for your attention. Source: Classfmonline.com The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has jumped to the defense of its Youth Organiser in the Suame Constituency. This comes after the Ghana Police Service announced that steps are being taken to get the Youth Organiser of the NDC arrested after he was seen in a viral video calling on supporters of the party to attack persons of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the run-up to the 2024 General Elections. In a press release from the largest opposition party on Tuesday, February 7, it has admitted that its youth organiser for Suame Constituency did not speak well. However, it insists that he must not be harassed by the Ghana Police Service over what the party describes as activism. We have taken notice of a video in circulation on social media in which the NDC Youth Organizer for Suame is heard making some statements that border on possible reprisals to state-sponsored violence during elections. We note that the young man misspoke, as the message he sought to convey did not come out as intended, a release from the NDC signed by National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi said. It added, "the Ghana Police Service must stop harassing this innocent NDC activist, who clearly spoke out of the pain he and other NDC supporters have suffered in the hands of NPP thugs in the Ashanti Region over the years and rather, focus on arresting NPP bandits and terrorists who have attacked a Court of competent jurisdiction in Kumasi and have actually maimed and killed several innocent Ghanaians. Meanwhile, the NDC is urging the millions of its young supporters to continue to exercise restraint and not allow the fact that President Akufo-Addo rode to power on the back of so much bloodshed and barbarity to make them want to mimic Nana Akufo Addo and his very violent political party. Below is the press release from the NDC: PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release 07/02/23 We have taken notice of a video in circulation on social media in which the NDC Youth Organizer for Suame is heard making some statements that border on possible reprisals to state-sponsored violence during elections. We note that the young man misspoke, as the message he sought to convey did not come out as intended. It is an indisputable fact that state-sponsored violence and thuggery has been the modus operandi of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government. The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government have benefitted and continues to profit from violence as we witnessed in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Bye-election, the 2020 Voter Registration Exercise and the 2020 General Election during which eight (8) innocent Ghanaians were murdered by state-sponsored bandits belonging to the ruling NPP. It is hypocritical that the Ghana Police Service which failed to even comment on or take action against the NPP bandits who perpetuated these heinous crimes against innocent Ghanaians, most of whom are NDC members, will turn around to swiftly call for the arrest of a young man for misspeaking. Again, it is the height of hypocrisy to hear people in the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government and the New Patriotic Party pretend to condemn the statement of this constituency youth leader, when not too long ago, NPP Presidential Candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo and other NPP national leaders threatened fire and brimstone at a time when this nation had not experienced anything close to the barbarity seen during the Ayawaso West Wuogon and 2020 general elections. We have not forgotten about the infamous "All die be die" mantra of the current President, neither have we forgotten about Kennedy Agyapong's call for the murder of people of certain ethnic extraction in Ghana; a comment that was celebrated by the NPP. Sammi Awuku's call for NPP supporters to inflict pain and injury on their opponents with pestles is still fresh on our minds, and so is Anthony Karbo's call for Afghanistan to be visited on Ghana. We have also not forgotten about Wontumi's call for an Arab Spring-styled violence in Ghana. Whilst we do not subscribe to violence as a party, except in cases of self defense, we cannot overlook the genuine sentiment and frustration of people who feel helpless in the face of incessant and unprovoked attacks and killings under this Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government. In the circumstances, we reiterate that the young man misspoke and must be pardoned. The Ghana Police Service must stop harassing this innocent NDC activist, who clearly spoke out of the pain he and other NDC supporters have suffered in the hands of NPP thugs in the Ashanti Region over the years and rather, focus on arresting NPP bandits and terrorists who have attacked a Court of competent jurisdiction in Kumasi and have actually maimed and killed several innocent Ghanaians. We urge the millions of our young supporters to continue to exercise restraint and not allow the fact that President Akufo Addo rode to power on the back of so much bloodshed and barbarity to make them want to mimic Nana Akufo Addo and his very violent political party. Signed, SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ. National Communications Officer, NDC The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin has admonished members of the chamber on Tuesday, February 7, when the house resumed sitting. In his opening remarks to welcome Members of Parliament (MP), the Speaker of Parliament indicated that there are urgent issues that need to be resolved. According to him, it is important that MPs from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) put aside their partisan cloaks and put Ghana first. Hon Members, we definitely have a lot on our plates for this sitting. There are urgent issues that require resolution, most of which are as a result of the state of our economy and the social issues arising therefrom. The electorate are looking up to us to help find solutions to these existential issues, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin told Parliament in his address. The Speaker of Parliament added, If there is a time that we as Members of Parliament ought to set aside our partisan cloaks and think Ghana, it is now. I am confident that with the Almighty God on our side, we will, together, ride the current storm. After resuming sitting, Parliament is set to look consider 61 bills. While 49 instruments would be presented, there will be 827 questions, both normal and urgent to be put forward. Additionally, there will be 34 Private Members Motions and 3 petitions before the House. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday promised the Kremlin's help for states in West Africa's Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea which are facing a ruthless jihadist insurgency. "The fight against terrorism is of course an issue for the other countries in the region," Lavrov said during a visit to Mali, which Russia is already helping militarily. "We are going to provide our assistance to them to overcome these difficulties. This concerns Guinea, Burkina Faso and Chad and the Sahel region generally and even the coastal states on the Gulf of Guinea," he said. Lavrov made the remarks at a press conference during a visit to Bamako that the Russian envoy described as a "historic" first. Since seizing power in 2020, Mali's ruling junta has brought in Russian planes, helicopters and paramilitaries to strengthen its fight against jihadist militants. The closer ties with the Kremlin have coincided with the departure of France, the country's former colony and traditional ally, which says the Russian operatives are Wagner mercenaries. Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the UN have implicated Wagner and the Malian army in an alleged massacre at Moura in central Mali last March in which several hundred people were rounded up and killed. The landlocked state is the epicentre of a jihadist insurgency that began in northern Mali in 2012 and spread to neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso in 2015. Thousands of civilians have died across the three countries, and millions have fled their homes. Discontent within the military in Mali and Burkina has spurred two coups in both countries. Sporadic cross-border attacks have also taken place in Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast in recent years, spurring fears that the jihadists are seeking to push southwards to the Gulf of Guinea. France wound down its long-running military presence in Mali in the face of mounting hostility with the junta and pulled out its last troops in 2022. Similar tensions have recently broken out between France and Burkina Faso. The French military contingent there, a unit of special forces numbering around 400 men, is to be withdrawn this month. Lavrov promised Mali further military support and declared Russia's wider backing for Africa in the face of what he described as the West's "neo-colonial approach." "We are going to provide our support for resolving problems on the African continent," he said. "We always start from the basis that African problems must be resolved by African solutions." Madam Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, Mayor of Accra, has asked churches worshipping in uncompleted classrooms of public basic schools in the metropolis to stop or face prosecution. We noticed that some churches have taken over the uncompleted Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) projects (buildings) as places of worship, that is not the norm and must not be entertained. I have directed my outfit to officially communicate to all such churches to desist from the practice or face court action. The Mayor said this when she paid a working visit to some basic schools in the Metropolis and also inspected ongoing building projects being undertaken by the GETFund. Schools visited were the Mamprobi Sempe 1 and 2 Basic, Dr H.S Bannerman Basic and Mamprobi Girls Basic in the Ablekuma South Sub Metropolitan area. The Mayor, accompanied by a team of officers from the Assembly and some traditional leaders, observed at the Mamprobi Sempe 1 and 2 Basic Schools that the structures were weak with some iron rods exposed. At the Dr H.S Bannerman Basic School, Madam Rita Osei Agyeman, the Headmistress narrated how their damaged roofing sheets had affected their electrical system, and ceilings and disorganised teaching and learning when it rained. The Mayor in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said the Assembly had taken note of the challenges, adding that the schools would benefit from development initiatives the Assembly had already taken. She called on corporate Ghana to assist the schools. Madam Tawiah Sackey, urged the pupils to be disciplined and committed to their studies. GNA Switch over to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Fiber Cylinders as their quality is assured and safe from explosion. LPG Fiber Cylinders are made up of a blow-molded High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) inner liner, covered with a composite layer of polymer-wrapped fiberglass and fitted with an HDPE outer jacket. The difference in the fiber cylinder is that it is lightweight and has a transparent body which makes it easier for users to see the quantity of gas inside to prevent people from shaking the cylinder to check, Mr. Samuel Otu Larbi, Managing Director of Solution Solve, an energy advocacy think-tank has recommended. Mr. Otu Larbi who is also an LPG Expert stated at the Ghana News Agency Tema Industrial News Hub Boardroom Dialogue platform in Tema that It is safe for the whole family, Speaking on how to identify second-hand and home-used gas cylinders and related issues, Mr. Otu Larbi said the LPG Fiber Cylinder is lighter, safer rust-free, therefore, very ideal for usage outside the kitchen, and when it falls, it does not explode or blast, unlike metal cylinders. Mr. Otu Larbi added that although the other cylinders do not explode when it falls, they were a bit heavier with or without gas in them. He advised Ghanaians not to shake their cylinders in the name of checking their gas because when they do that, it built pressure in the cylinder, and may cause an explosion when the stove is turned on. Mr. Otu Larbi also encouraged people to make it a habit to change the valve regularly and the rubber as often as they refill their cylinders, do not put stones on the cylinders because there is a leakage, make sure to change the valve. It is risky to put stones on gas cylinders. He also cautioned against the patronage of home-used or second-hand LPG Cylinders as what pertains currently is that people just respray the old cylinders and recycle them into the market and sell them to unsuspecting users. Mr Otu Larbi reiterated that LPG Cylinders are supposed to be subjected to standard verification every ten years as pertained in Togo, Benin, and other countries, but in Ghana, the situation is not the same. Mr Francis Ameyibor, Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Manager noted that leakages constituted one of the major contributing factors that could trigger disasters associated with the mishandling of LPG. He said the hazard associated with the product could occur during transportation, delivery or consumption of the gas, and drew attention to the need to encourage good safety practices. In dealing with those potential threats, one must first begin to understand the product and application of all the controls and safety procedures put in place. Managing safety is knowledge-based, Mr. Ameyibor noted and stressed the need for consistent public education. -CDA Consult II Contributor 07.02.2023 LISTEN Clearly, the love Nigerians have for Bola Tinubu obliterates the hatred which anybody may possess for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Otherwise, his recent visit to Osun State wouldnt have been such a huge success. To this end, the immediate past Governor Gboyega Oyetola and other members of the party in the state deserve commendation for the laudable feat of February 2, 2023. Well, the general belief is that politicians will always come up with promises but, at the end of the day, nothing happens. Be that as it may, what Tinubu said in Osun brought along with it a higher level of believability. Of course, this has to do with his antecedents. Talking about issues like changing the direction of the economy; creating jobs; and ASUU never to be on strike again, the truth is that Tinubu has been to the university and he has seen how the system operates. In the realm of commerce, the former governor of Lagos State is no doubt a guru. So, he knew what hes talking about! The presidential candidate also said he would establish industries in each of the six geopolitical zones to create employment opportunities in those localities without our young adults necessarily having to run to Lagos or Abuja to seek imaginary employment opportunities. Surely, any government that does that successfully will discourage rural-urban drift. With regard to Tinubus opponents in the contest, what Nigerians should look for is what they have done. By this, we mean their antecedents. Since little is known about the involvement of the other presidential flag-bearers in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria, let the accidental democrats come forward and show Nigerians their credentials and, indeed, what they have done for dear country now that democratic structure is in place. Tinubus visit to Osun is expected to help at resolving the lingering crises within the APC family in the state. Deploying his mighty influence and political balancing will be of great advantage to the party in the coming general elections. Besides, the senseless display of gangsterism by some followers of different factions will be appeased. The loopholes discovered in the last governorship election are also expected to be blocked with all sincerity and sense of sacrifice. These in my personal opinion should be the inestimable benefits from the visit of the Asiwaju of Lagos and his presidential campaign team to the state. After all, the Jagaban of Borgu is a voice that can't be neglected, even by his ardent haters and negative propagandists. In fairness to posterity, one issue that must be pointed out is that Osun APC is still burdened by inexplicable divisions, avoidable crises and self-inflicted conflicts. And thats what makes it impossible for former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Oyetola, his successor in office, to reconcile. Truth be told, the town is not smiling even as poverty is playing a major role. Everybody is poor; and everybody wants to be rich. Therefore, nobody wants to listen to the party. Since the party is also inanimate, zero emotion is emitted. Thats why those who want to scrape the remaining milk are always taking sides needlessly! The more reason the feuding leaders in Osun APC must start eating amala and gbegiri from the same plate; and Nigerians must see it to be so! If the party structure is intact, then, no individual is bigger than the party. Therefore, to say that Aregbesola has (his) followership, and Oyetola has (his) followership - in the same party; and in the same state - is an anathema to democratic norms. So, let the party tread the path of caution! In the considered opinion of yours sincerely, loyalty to a single person in a party is a recipe for chaos. So, its mandatory for members to give absolute loyalty to the party. While preference for an individuals profile in the party may differ from one person to the other, loyalty to the party is ultimately supreme. Otherwise, the party will collapse like a pack of cards; because the loyalty web is the central nerve of any political party. It is actually what holds a party together! Thats how our founding fathers left it! Indeed, thats why people had to agree with the late Obafemi Awolowo even when his decisions might not be sitting well with their personal beliefs and/or interests. Again, thats why youd never see a party man like Lateef Jakande saying that hed not accept Awos decision. A lot of people learnt so much from Mahtma Ghandi that, long after Ghandi has gone, Ghandhism continues to wax stronger. Ditto for Chairman Mao Tse-Tung! On the contrary, Nigerians are so unreal that they embrace the show but reject the nitty-gritty of the drama presentation. Through interpretive understanding of symbolic interactionism, Awoists, so called, often wear Awo cap to deceive the people; but not a bit of Awos character. Awolowo raised leaders that were younger than him; some of whom, today, are setting the pace globally. Likewise, Tinubu has raised leaders, some of whom are not only better than him but also overtaking him while he is alive. Again, sad that Awoism as a concept was never defined. Otherwise, the likes of Ebenezer Babatope wouldnt have become a political butterfly, searching for the proverbial nectar hither and thither! Well, the truth of the matter is that, once a journalist features a politician in the class of Awolowo, he or she is already taken for an Awoist! Prior to the July 16, 2022 Osun governorship election, the popular saying in some quarters was that the electorate would vote for Tinubu but reject Oyetola. But, over time, and with the recent development a la the Osun Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, a section of the populace has ignorantly been holding the notion that Tinubu must have influenced the outcome of the election petition. Therefore, its their belief that City Boy, as Tinubu is fondly called, must be paid back in his own coin. Lets not also forget that the ruling party and its government are lurking in the dark. Interestingly, they still have the sympathy of a good chunk of the electorate in the state. At any rate, Nigerians have seen beyond the smokescreen that the leadership trait of the party currently in power in Osun does not portray sympathy for the democratic public administration. For instance, a government which can withhold certain public servants salaries and its not losing sleep about negative reports - has already weaponized poverty. Obviously, what its doing right now is to monitor where the states resources are allocated with a view to ensuring that the people are muzzled so that, when the election is few days away, the tight grip will be loosened a little bit to allow the song of Osun PDP being the peoples saviour resonates in the minds of the people. In view of the foregoing, it will be in the objective interest of Osun APC to resolve the party crisis and mop up the votes of the undecided voters and repentant members before the D-day. It therefore behoves elders and leaders of the party to sit up and speak up so that everybody will queue behind the authority of the party. The party should also pump sufficient resources to lubricate the will of the party machinery. After all, holding the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is not enough, doing the needful with it is what matters most! May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Osun State! *Komolafe wrote in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, Nigeria ( [email protected] The National Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International, Ghana, Rev. Jerry Hanson Nortey has urged Churches worldwide to fight immorality in society saying it should be the main focus to curb indiscipline and other negative behaviours. To him, the level of indiscipline in society could best be controlled by the churches whose mandate was to transform people with the gospel. "It behoves on us as religious leaders and Churches to ensure moral upbringing not only to believers but the general public as a whole. "The Church should not lose its core mandate of making sure that people don't go to their old ways of doing things contrary to the word of God. Religious Leaders must take the lead in changing lives through transformation," he stated. Rev. Jerry Hanson Nortey said this at a send-off service in honour of Rev. Alexander Quarm and his wife Mrs. Hannah Quarm at the New Life Temple of the United Pentecostal Church International Ghana at Agona Swedru last Sunday. He noted that the Church, traditional rulers, and Civil Society groups must all come together to fight societal cankers which he said were gradually destroying the moral fibre of society. "The United Pentecostal Church International Ghana has put in place achievable measures to seriously work on indiscipline in the Society. We visit homes and communities in our catchment areas to sensitize them as to how they should live moral upright lives. "We counsel them against acts contrary to the Word of God and the laws of Ghana thus urging them to desist from such immoral acts like 'Sakawa' Hard Drugs, Alcoholism and prostitution which usually leads them to face full rigorous of the law leading to imprisonment with hardcore sentences. "It is not an easy job though, but we are poised to improve quality lives of the people in our communities where our churches are situated and I take delight in what we are doing," he stressed. Rev. Jerry Hanson Nortey further stated that as part of the transformation agenda, the Church also has taken upon itself to visit Prison Camps to preach the gospel to the inmates. "We have a Prison Mission which supports the prisoners with items needed for a meaningful life." On social responsibility, the National Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International Ghana noted that the Church participate in every programme and activity towards national development. "We should not be selfish, we must support any activities initiated to improve the quality of lives of the people in our communities. Let us inculcate the spirit of volunteerism among our children so that they could contribute their quota towards community development," Rev. Nortey noted. Interacting with newsmen, the newly promoted Central Presbyer of United Pentecostal Church International Ghana, Rev. Alexander Quarm on behalf of his wife and family lauded the New Life Temple Assembly and the entire members of the Church for their support and cooperation. He urged Christians to be steadfast in their beliefs adding that their daily life should portray themselves as real model for others to follow. "Am happy today because at least I have been able to provide the needed services towards the growth of the Church in Agona Swedru and Ewutu Zone in general. Am grateful for the overwhelming support I received during my term of office as resident Pastor of the Agona Swedru branch of New Life Temple Assembly since 2008. "The Church now has a Minister's flat (Mission House) and is also undertaken construction of a Church building which is currently at the lintel level. "We also have a Sprinter Bus and a parcel of land at Gomoa Kwameadwer for future projects. I pray that they continue to propagate the Gospel of Christ to win more souls for the Lord's Ministry," he noted. Deacon Felix Tetteh Larbi on his part praise Rev. and Mrs Quarm for their selfless contribution towards the growth of the Agona Swedru branch of the Church "We cherish the 14-year stay of Rev. Alexander Quarm and his wife Mrs. Hannah Quarm. They demonstrated virtues such as tolerance, initiative, moral uprightness, fortitude, discipline and above all close fellowship with God. They were also humble in all their dealings with the congregants," Decon Tetteh Larbi noted. Work has begun for the installation of tools and equipment at the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Odumase in the Sunyani West Municipality under Ghana-Austria TVET Upgrading project. Don Bosco Technical Institute is a beneficiary of the Ghana- Austria TVET upgrading project which seeks to upgrade and enhance technical institutions in the country. The project includes rehabilitation and equipping of the computer lab, electrical and electronic labs, basic mechanical workshop, welding and fabrication workshop, automotive workshop and, catering and management block. At a commencement meeting for the installation of tools and equipment, Mr. Asamoah Duodu, VACE Coordinator said the project is in three phases. He noted that they are now at phase two which is the installation of tools and equipment. Phase three of the project which is expected to start in September this year, according to him, is for training teachers on how to use the tools and the equipment. Mr. Asamoah Duodu appealed to the Ministry of Education to post teachers to handle the newly introduce programmes for them to also go through the training programme when it starts. Mr. Evans Kusi Boadum expressed gratitude to government for the project and prayed that all the necessary arrangements go on as planned to ensure successful completion of the project. He assured members of his maximum cooperation to ensure the project is completed as scheduled in order to uplift TVET in the Municipality. Rev. Br Patrick Sokuu, principal of Don Bosco Technical Institute said the event demonstrates government commitment to improving TVET delivery in the Institution. He was optimistic that students and teachers will be more motivated to work hard to acquire the requisite technical knowledge and competencies needed to meet the job market. St Bernards School Visits the Mario Finlayson National Art Gallery Year 6 Students from St Bernards Upper Primary School visited Gibraltars Mario Finlayson National Art Gallery last week as part of their studies focusing on the works of Mario Finlayson himself. Close to 90 pupils were given a tour of the Gallery, including the recently renovated rooms which feature newly acquired works by the artist. The sessions were led by members of Gibraltar Cultural Services on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, and explored the different art styles and artists exhibited at the historical venue. The interactive sessions also saw the children trying their hand at answering questions about Mario and his works, using interactive worksheets provided by the Gallery. This proved to be fun and challenging at times with the pupils enjoying the exercise. The feedback from the visits has been extremely positive with the school groups and GCS staff really pleased with the experience, which has seen the pupils explore the artworks and learn more about the artists and Gibraltar in general. This week the Gallery will host a visit by Year 9 Prior Park Art students who are also studying the work of artist Mario Finlayson and will be sketching works inspired by him. A 46-year-old assayer tasked to assay 300 kg of gold worth $18 million and supervised same to be shipped to Dubai but failed has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court. Yusuf Mohammed Crufy, charged with defrauding by false pretences, has pleaded not guilty. Crufy has been admitted to bail in the sum of GHS5 million with two sureties one to be justified with landed property. Accused is expected to reappear on March 13. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Seth Frimpong, the Prosecutor, said the complainant, Samuel Opoku Frimpong, was a Ghanaian businessman resident in Dubai. The accused person, prosecution said was a Nigerian. The Prosecution said in May 2021, the complainant was introduced to the accused through one Billy Bonsu, a business partner. It said the complainant had an agreement with the accused to supervise his 300 kg of gold worth $18 million to be exported from Guinea to Dubai after it had been assayed. The prosecution said Crufy claimed he could not export the gold due to the Military Coup detat that took place in Guinea at the time. It said all this while Crufy claimed he was in possession of the gold because of his role as an assayer and as a supervisor as money was sent to him for the full documentation and exportation of the said gold. According to the Prosecution, the accused also claimed within the same period, Mali also experienced another coup and there was no direct flight to Dubai. Prosecution said meanwhile the accused person had demanded and collected six per cent of the total value of the gold worth to transport same to Burkina Faso to obtain another document for the exportation. On July 31, 2022, the accused person gave the complainant a tracking number for the exportation of the gold and he detected that the consignment was in Lome, Togo, pending the authentication of the export documents. It said the complainant, sensing danger that he had been defrauded, contacted the accused who could not give any reasonable excuse. In October 2022, the accused called the complainant and informed him that he had managed to bring the 300kg to Accra after he demanded and collected $150,000 to pay for ECOWAS Circulation Certificate and has finally deposited the gold at a security storage facility for safe keeping which attracted a daily storage charge of $3,600 for six boxes containing 300kg of gold. The Prosecution said the complainant then paid $35,000 to the accused for safe keeping. On October 20, 2022, the prosecution said the complainant came to Ghana for the 300kg of gold to be exported to Dubai but he did not meet the accused who then directed him (complainant) to meet one Nana at Abeka Junction who took him to a security company behind a bank. The Prosecution told the Court that the complainant met the said Nana who showed him a box containing metals he claimed to be gold and that the remaining boxes would be made available to him the following week. The accused failed to provide the rest of the boxes of gold and he has declined to answer the complainant's phone calls. GNA This Misguided Court Decisions During Election Times Does Not Help The Nation Move Forward, Sadly Dear Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, in my road to becoming a criminal justice specialist, forensic and clinical psychologist, I still remember in my criminal law class a requirement for graduate criminal justice students, my professor here in America said this to us: "Da mihi factum, dabo tibi ius(give me the facts, I will give you the right). Like most places in the world this phrase is at work with magistrates and judges, I want to believe, though the Nigerian judicial system is sometimes known to be dominated by corrupt practices, that there are still judicial officers like you that have heard and practiced "give me the facts, I will give you the right" My Lord that special bag you carry, apparently referred to as the bag of Quran. Which could contain other personal and official items reminds me of what I can say is a bag of truth and goodness and even treats. Lord Ariwoola as the chief manager of the courts internal affairs, unlike never before preserving a sense of fairness is so needed now. As such is good for your personal health, the health of the courts and our young democracy. I was once told by one of my forensic psychology professors that a vast majority of judicial processes started because two people (or more) when there is a dispute and one of them goes to the Courts in pursuit of justice. Lord Ariwoola, you are definitely aware of a Yobe north senatorial district case where senatorial candidate Bashir Sheriff Machina and the recently defeated presidential aspirant Senate President Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are involved. It is on legal and public record that in September 2022, one of your courts, the Federal High Court in Damaturu, under the presiding judge, Justice Fadima Murtala Aminu delivered judgement on the rightful candidate for Yobe North Senatorial District for the 2023 National Assembly elections, which is Machina. In November 2022, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, by a three-person panel that was led by President of the Court, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensen, again affirmed Machina as the authentic candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 Yobe North Senatorial District election. Lord Ariwoola, Justice Centus Chima Nweze delivered the majority judgment of the Supreme Court by doing something funny, overturning two merit-based judgments during an edgy political period like now. Just less than 20 days to go into a mammoth national election. A 10-year-old social studies student described it to me as ridiculous, when he heard me talking about this odd matter. What must have influenced the trio, money, or fear or both? Lord Ariwoola, on the basics of technicality, Justice Nweze delivered a majority ruling, in favor of Lawan, who did not participate in the primary for National Assembly elections. As he was at the time a presidential contestant for the ticket of the ruling party, which was held on June 8, 2022. A Nigerian attorney, Danba Pius, noted Justice Nweze, delivery was based on "...the mode or way or manner of commencing a court action ought not to defeat a case full of merit. In other words, if it is true that Mr. A won the election, does it matter that he files his case by petition or writ of summons? How does use of forms alter the facts of the case?" Lord Ariwoola, this type of conclusion based on the reason that wrong forms were used despite the naked signs of merit all over this matter is at best risky judicial interference in purely political party matters. While we recognize your Lord for a very long time as a veteran in the Nigerian judiciary, you should be concerned with some degree of shame and worry about this apparently suspicious and absurd manner of Justice Nweze and two other Justices. As it generates a sense of impunity and possible danger in times like this. Lord Ariwoola, the unusual involvement of the court in a very sensitive time like this with conclusions that look prejudicial and biased in its face because of procedural approaches. Sidelining the mountain of merits of the case shows lack of fairness and impartiality, and lack of fear of Allah/God as well as posterity. Lord Ariwoola, is it every case your court should take fully or be engaged in? As Chief Justice could you begin to boldly start taking position to reassert some degree of control on unnecessary interferences? Lord Ariwoola, are you not perturbed by the continued stunning indictment of the judicial unethical system as it relates to political activism by judges? Lord Ariwoola, it is only realistic that you put a stop to these nonsensical that look legally, morally, spiritually, and behaviorally absurd. Lord Ariwoola, I do not know the level of your faith and the likes of the Justice Nweze and his two judges in this case, I couldn't care less whether you believe God/Allah but are they not worried that they can be punished with sickness, accident or sudden problem, as they are under oath? Lord Ariwoola, as you know, and as INEC stated to the people, Lawan never participated in the APC primary held on May 28, 2022, as he withdrew voluntarily to participate in the presidential primary held in June 2022. After he failed in the presidential primaries, he said he participated in another primary on June 9, where he emerged as a winner. But you know that was illegal and in breach of Section 84 (5) of the Electoral Act and Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution, as the APC never cancelled the one held on May 28 before arranging another. Lord Ariwoola, as one who has made a vow to your Allah/God, some of your fellow jurists see injustice occurring without anything being done. So, you should urgently internally take a position to turn these sad affairs in a right direction. This bizarre announcement by Nweze and two others need to be set aside by the Supreme Court, with another version of this same matter possibly in view. Lord Ariwoola as a man of Islamic religious faith as well as a son of a major ethnic nationality, Yoruba, you are aware of their fascination with justice as a guiding principle, as they relate to issues of fairness. I only wish I understood the Yoruba deep expression for equity, fairness, and justice, as I belong to another Nigerian tribe. Please my Lord ask yourself if it is fair, logical, and sensible that a person who did not participate actively, directly and openly in a race would be rewarded with the star at the expense of those who actively participated in the said competition? In an increasingly tense society, why risk anything or everything morally and spiritually for those who just want power by any means necessary? Lord Ariwoola starts changing the kind of mentality that you and your fellow judges practice in order to keep you all safe before the Almighty and humanity. Chief Justice Ariwoola, I leave you with this: "God commands justice and fair dealing" [Quran, 16:90] "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both." [Quran, 4:135] "Learn to do right [and] pursue justice is a common exhortation in the Old Testament for the people of God (Isaiah 1:17). Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless and plead the widows cause. Lord Olukayode Ariwoola remembers that equal justice requires fairness and impartiality in the delivery of justice and a commitment to non-discrimination, power, or position. Deputy Minister for Education, Hon. Rev. Ntim Fordjour has reiterated the commitment of government towards the provision of quality education to enable students compete locally and internationally. Addressing the Chiefs and people of Gomoa Akropong no. 2 in the Gomoa Central District of the Central Region to climax their annual Akwambo Festival on Saturday, Deputy Minster disclosed that the NPP government has made education accessible. He therefore encouraged parents to take advantage of the laudable programmes to invest in their children's education noting that it would be the best legacy they could leave for them and generations to come. The Deputy Minister noted that Government had thereby created avenue for parents from both poor and rich backgrounds to enroll their children in school to become useful citizens. "Through this initiative, Gomoa Akropong could raise Engineers, medical doctors, professional teachers, nurses and others. All these could only be done through quality level of education and that is what President Akufo-Addo's government stands for and is making sure it succeeds. We should therefore rally behind him. "Through the Free Senior High School, popularly known as Free SHS, millions of Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) students have gained admission to Senior High, Technical and Vocational Schools in every corner of the country and they are performing incredibly. 'With this God-sent intervention, parents have no excuse whatsoever to deny their children access to formal education. We are grateful for this burden-free programme which is unprecedented in history. "NPP Government will continue to support every child of school-going age to attain higher heights in the educational ladder as a way of eradicating poverty and to improve quality lives in the country," he stated. Chief of Gomoa Akropong no.2, Nana Odum Amanfo IV flanked by his Ninfahene, Nana Kweku Sah I, Kyidomhene, Nana Kobina Asiedu Paintsil, Omankrado, Nana Dr. Agyarkwa Akyen II thanked the Deputy Minister for gracing the festival which was aimed raising funds for educational projects to improve academic standards. According to Nana Odum Amanfo IV, the visitation of the Deputy Minster was going to improve education in the community adding that the people have taken it upon themselves to upgrade educational standards. He disclosed that the community was constructing a modern centre for students in Gomoa Akropong and its surrounding communities to benefit from the study of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) saying it was a self-help project being undertaken by the people through fundraising and personal support from individuals. Nana Odum Amanfo IV expressed his appreciation to the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central who is also Deputy Minister for Interior, Hon. Naana Eyiah for her immense contribution towards the construction of a durbar ground and the ICT centre. "We want to raise Champions through Education. We want to produce the likes of Nana Dr. Agyarkwa Akyen II known in his private life as Nana Dr. Anan Bonney, Director of Finance at the Ministry of Education and Nana Kweku Sah I, also known in his private life as Mr Isaac Abeiku Saah, a Chief Inspector of the Ghana Police Service stationed at Kumasi in the Ashanti Region among others. "These prominent personalities are also serving in various positions as Chiefs and consultants and are real models to the youth and are worthy of emulation," Nana Odum Amanfo IV disclosed. Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Hon Naana Eyiah pledged her support towards the early completion of the self-help projects with the assurance of bags of cement, sand and other building materials needed for its completion. Hon. Rev. Ntim Fordjour later presented teaching and learning materials to over 15 basic and Senior High Schools to enhance effective teaching and learning. The beneficiary schools include Gomoa Gyaman Community Day Senior High School, Mozano Senior High School, SDA Senior High School at Gomoa Jukwa, Ogyedom Senior High and Technical School at Gomoa Afransi, Swedru Senior High School and Fettehman Senior High School at Gomoa Fetteh. Present were DCE for Gomoa Central, Hon. Benjamin Kojo Otoo, the Central Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mrs. Apau, Gomoa Central District Director of Education, Madam Theodora Abaloo and Heads from the beneficiary schools. 07.02.2023 LISTEN Alcohol, like tobacco is a carcinogen; causing seven types of cancer and the second leading cause of death globally. This truth can no longer be hidden by Big Alcohol". The Vision for Alternative Development (VALD-Ghana), the Ghana NCD Alliance (GhNCDA), Community Health Support Team (CHEST), and other Civil Society Actors in Ghana join forces with Movendi International, on the Be Loud For Change campaign highlight the challenges posed by alcohol use, advocate for policies and laws, expose the industry, and increase public awareness regarding the link between alcohol and cancer especially among politicians and decision makers as the world marks World Cancer Day. Since 1988, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, the highest level of risk. Growing evidence suggests that alcohol increases the risk of several types of cancer including breast, bowel, prostate, and liver, and accounts for a significant proportion of preventable cancers (American Association for Cancer). Despite ample evidence of this relationship, public awareness is low nationally and at the global level. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol consumption contributes to 3.3 million deaths each year globally as well as to the disabilities and poor health of millions of people many of them living in low- and middle-income countries. These are scientific findings yet the alcohol industry continuously keeps people in the dark about the fact that their products are as carcinogenic as cigarettes. They thus, fight ferociously against scientific studies, against Ireland's democratically decided cancer warning labelling, and against other alcohol policy initiatives and interventions. In a recent publication, WHO has said that No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health and that it is the alcohol that causes harm, not the beverage. We therefore commend the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drugs Authority for regulating and restricting alcohol advertisements on TV and radio from 6am 8pm as well as the ban on well-known personalities and celebrities from featuring in alcohol advertising. Though this remarkable directive by the FDA has raised high the profile of Ghana globally, and have been widely acknowledged for implementing one of the Best Buys of the WHO they need to work rigorously towards adopting the national alcohol regulations for a more holistic approach in addressing the harm of alcohol use There are lots of proven solutions at the disposal of our politicians and decision-makers to bring about change. They can develop alcohol taxation systems that effectively protect people, especially children and the youth from alcohol harm, including cancer. Our politicians can also place warning labels on alcoholic products informing about cancer, heart disease, and other alcohol harms. Interventions targeting the price of alcohol, through a higher tax and alcohol floor price, are estimated to yield the greatest health impact by reducing the number of new related cancer cases Consequently, demand for disease treatment will fall leading to a reduction in costs and an improvement in the financial sustainability of the health system. They can also fund mass media campaigns to increase public recognition of the real harm due to alcohol and ultimately ban alcohol advertising, sponsorship, and promotion. A recent Australian study found that, pairing a TV advertisement on alcohols cancer risk with information about a method on how to reduce alcohol use resulted in real reductions of alcohol consumption. We laud the Minister for Finance, Honorable Ken Ofori-Atta, for stipulating an Increase excise tax rate for spirits above that of beer in the 2023 Budget Statement read in Parliament on 24th November, 2022. We however, urge the Parliament of Ghana to urgently consider the passage of the Excise Duty Bill currently before the house to reduce the increased NCD cases especially cancer. Excise tax on health harming products also increases the government revenue substantially and unlock fresh resources for investment in health promotion and disease prevention. There has never been a better time for an ambitious approach to protect societies from cancer caused by alcohol, like now. Its clear the alcohol industry lied about health impact of their products- exposing everyone including children and young people, to the second leading cause of cancer. The world can't allow this to continue, this goes to politicians- Time to ACT is NOW. We call for urgent actions to prevent more cancer cases and deaths caused by Big Alcohol. Be loud for change!!! Labram M. Musah Executive Director of Programs, Vision for Alternative Development [email protected] 0243211854 Over 3000 pupils in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality of the Ashanti Region are forced to study under deplorable classrooms after a heavy rainstorm ripped off the roofs of some six Junior high school buildings. The schools' roofing system according to the Municipal Education Director, Mr Kwasi Frimpong Haruna were ripped off last Friday causing difficulties for students and teachers in the area. He disclosed that, although authorities in the municipality are working around the clock to solve the roofing problem, the situation has affected academic activities in the schools. Mr Haruna was speaking to the Kumasi-based OTEC 102.9 FM's morning show Nyansapo on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. "Some of the students are currently learning in makeshift facilities with many under the mercy of the sun making it difficult for students to concentrate on their studies", he told the programmes host Captain Koda. He added, "The education Directorate has already requested about 3000 pieces of wood from the Forestry Department in the area but the entire work will need a lot of resources. "We are therefore appealing to the government and all goodwill Ghanaians to help roof the buildings again." The new Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, vows to give the Akufo-Addo's government tough time. He said his party will, from now onwards, not tolerate bad governance from the current NPP administration. In his official acceptance letter after being officially unveiled by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, Dr. Ato Forson expressed gratitude to the NDC leadership and his colleagues for placing him in such high esteem. The former Minority Spokesperson on Finance averred that his side of the House will offer fair and unbiased, balanced, consultative, and principled leadership in putting the Akufo-Addo-led administration on its toes. "On January 7, 2009, I took the first step in this very chamber towards becoming a representative for the people of Ajumako Enyan Essiam and contributing my quota to Ghanas parliamentary democracy. Fourteen years on, as a fresh legislator, I have the unique honour of being entrusted with the leadership of the Minority Caucus in the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic. I wish to convey our profound gratitude to my party, the great National Democratic Congress, and our colleagues on the minority side for this opportunity to serve at an even higher level and help shape the trajectory of this Parliament. I want to express, on behalf of my colleagues, our profound appreciation and thanks to the immediate past Minority Leader and my senior brother, the Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, for his many years of distinguished public service and his sterling leadership of the Caucus since 2017," said the Minority Leader. He continued, "Both gentlemen have been the very backbone on which the Minority Caucus has leaned all these years. Their masterful perspectives on the affairs of this house have enhanced the work of the caucus and Parliament as a whole.We in the minority are privileged to have you in our caucus. To you, my colleagues in the Minority Caucus, we pledge to offer fair and unbiased, balanced, consultative, and principled leadership in our journey to broaden the frontiers of parliamentary oversight and hold the Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Bawumia government to account in a manner that helps deliver public goods." Dr. Ato Forson emphasized, "We are simply unwilling to countenance any more bad governance, and we will insist on the highest levels of performance from all government officials and institutions over whom this Parliament has oversight and jurisdiction. We are unwilling to be part of any negligence of duty of any sort, and neither shall we tolerate any lackadaisical attitude towards the work of this house by public officials. We will maintain the highest levels of vigilance and offer intense scrutiny of government programs, policies, agreements, bills, and legislative instruments." 07.02.2023 LISTEN There is an Arab axiom, which alludes to the explicit and unequivocal fact that if you spit up in the air, the sputum will fall right back onto your face. You can hardly find any such proverb more explicit that this. In Twi, it translates as follows: Wo te nt3suo gu 3sro a 3b3 fre at) woanim! Now let me expatiate further. I have always posited that Alan Kyeremanten is an astute Minister for Trade paralleled by very few. However, his communication skills lack the excitement that comes with such an avid business-minded person. He needs better communication strategists to fashion his skills enough to attract the attention of serious political gurus who have clout enough to influence the masses. Alas, from his camp, there seems to be a void of skill in all aspects of effective campaigning! It is not by a personal whim that I make this statement, but history has never failed to remind us of our shortcomings and successes albeit the success part is never carried by humanity except in exceptional cases where there is an essence to project, and, even then, many have been attributed to the wrong persons! In all the flagbearership contests, there have never been times that my good friend Alan has won by so much as an uninteresting pass! He has never won beyond 32.5%, which, actually, was his best score against Nana Akufo-Addo, so his statement that he stepped down for his brother Akufo-Addo is just bundled up baloney made up with alata semina and improperly dressed for the tukpe ritual! My postulation in this regard is that he was overwhelmed by the furled idea that he will win the contest in the upcoming NPP race. In as much as I see this a shackled endeavour, I really want to wish him well from the bottom of my heart. Make no mistake, I have not taken sides in this flagbearership contest as it is made up of people who cannot make it past the 1% mark in spite of their honour! Left up to me, my thoughts are with three aspirants one of whom will be my favourite, but not just yet! In all, my contemplation clearly tells me that Alan Kyeremanten will never make it for as long as his communication skills remain this poor, which I wish would be as good as his resourcefulness. Nevertheless, I want to say to Chief Alan Kyeremanten that if he thinks that the economy under Nana Akufo-Addo is worse, then hes been part of the problem for the past six years that he has been Minister for Trade and Industry. Again, if he thinks that the economy under Akufo-Addo could have been managed better, he should come out boldly to tell Ghanaians what he had proposed be done that His Excellency the President did not listen to. You see, we have a listening President, who tests the reaction of the streets and applies the necessary amendments to proposals and rules. Look, there is nothing such as a perfect human being, but for the very fact that he stood up tall when he was needed most speaks volumes about his empathy and clean-heartedness toward Ghanaians. Ghanaians must never forget that whatever success that Alan Kyeremanten chalked can never be of his own accord, so if he wants to apportion failures, then his is one sorry story! I was not enthused to hear such unwholesome statements from him. He is trying to jab the President when his focus must rather be on the way forward as he intensifies his bid to emerge flagbearer of the NPP. Has he soon forgotten all the success of the President that far outweigh the repercussions of the global depression? Has he not realised that our situation is much better than many supposed advanced countries that are being helped by the IMF albeit on our blind side to cover the incompetency of the white man just so that we may continue to think that we Africans cannot live in dignity without them? I have to sound my siren and issue this stern warning that whatever is spoken about President Akufo-Addo in a terroristic manner that seems to remotely suggest any untoward notion against him will be met with ferocious counter-terrorism articles because one must give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar! Give to Akufo-Addo what belongs to Akufo-Addo! What belongs to Akufo-Addo is a seemingly endless list of achievements notably amongst them are the Free SHS, digitisation cum digitalisation, and industrialisation that was staunchly brainstormed by all parties in government and approved by the President. The President that Hon Alan Kyeremanten (Alan Cash) is disparaging approved the establishment of the vehicle assembly plants. So, to dear Alan Kyeremanten, I say that if the economy under Akufo-Addo is worse, then you were a main contributing factor! It is rather appalling to cut your nose to spite your face, but more appalling is your attempt to cut Akufo-Addos nose to spite his face. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is like gold, the more he is struck the brighter he glows! DR Congo soldiers marched in the eastern city of Goma on Tuesday, an AFP journalist said, in a bid to reassure locals unsettled at perceived inaction against M23 rebels. The march comes a day after violent protests in Goma against the East African Community's military force, which deployed late last year to pacify the turbulent region. There is mounting frustration among some Congolese people over what they view as an unwillingness of EAC troops to fight the M23, which has seized swathes of territory in North Kivu province and come within miles of its capital Goma. Congolese troops marched through the city of over one million people on Tuesday, where shops remained closed after protesters blockaded streets and looted businesses the previous day. Lieutenant-Colonel Guillaume Ndjike, a military spokesman, told reporters that the aim was to "reassure the population" that the army was there and prepared for any eventuality. M23 rebels re-emerged from dormancy in late 2021, claiming that the Democratic Republic of Congo had ignored a pledge to integrate them into the army. The Tutsi-led group subsequently won a series of victories against the army and occupied chunks of territory in North Kivu, including much of the region north of Goma. Last month, it captured the town of Kitchanga, west of Goma. There are now fears that the rebels will move to encircle the city, which lies on the Rwandan border. Leaders of the seven-nation EAC decided to create a military force to respond to the insurgency last year, with the first troops arriving in the region in November. Kenyan President William Ruto said at the time that the troops would "enforce peace on those who are hellbent on creating instability". EAC forces have yet to enter combat despite the continuing M23 advance. The DRC accuses its smaller central African neighbour Rwanda of backing the M23, a charge that Rwanda denies. UN experts, the United States and several western states agree with the DRC, however. The Volta Revival Foundation, an anti-human trafficking non-governmental organization, has rescued 31 children forced into fishing on one of the largest man-made lakes in West Africa, the Volta Lake. The children, after the rescue, were transported to safety and later pursued their academic dreams. Ranging between the ages of 5 and 16, these survivors were found working in dangerous conditions, while others became victims of child labor. The grail is a target by the Volta Revival Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) to rescue 40 to 50 trafficked children from the Volta Lake by April 2023 with support from the UNODC's annual grants through its United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons (UNVTF) with Women and Children. Speaking to the media, the Country Manager of Volta Revival Foundation, Mr. Julius Odoi Amesimeku, shared that the Foundation is determined to relieve children from modern slavery and get them into the classroom. Answering questions on the choice of the project site, the country manager explained that Wokumagbe, a predominantly fishing community in the Ada West District of the Greater Accra Region, is an area where one could easily be trafficked. "Wekumagbe has been found to be a hotbed for the trafficking of children into fishing in communities around the Volta Lake, such as Akosombo and Yeji. The project is aimed at rescuing these trafficked children and putting them in school by providing them with direct academic support, including books, uniforms, school bags, shoes, and others," Mr. Odoi Amesimeku noted. The project includes community education through community durbars and forums, which are intended to intensify public education of parents and the community at large on the dangers of child trafficking and the legal implications. The community would be provided with contact information of security personnel to report traffickers and suspected cases to law enforcement agencies for swift action. There would also be officials of the Volta Revival Foundation in the community to monitor the education of the children to ensure that they are not re-trafficked. The project, which commenced in November 2022 and runs through April 2023 has so far engaged in two rescue missions. It rescued 31 children, including 18 boys and 13 girls with assistance from the Department of Social Welfare (DSW), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in both the Ada-East and West Districts in the Greater Accra Region. The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Mr Alfred Obeng-Boateng, has appealed to the Asante Gold Bibiani Limited to compensate victims of the clash between security men of the company and residents of Bibiani Zongo. The clash occurred on Sunday, February 5, 2023. Nana Sulemani Minasara lll, Chief of Bibiani Zongo, and his subjects who briefed the MP on what happened on that Sunday afternoon, said some men from the community went to a refuse dump that belonged to the mining company to collect some scraps. While at the site, the security men allegedly opened fire on the men injuring three in the process. Three other members of the community were also beaten mercilessly, injuring them in the process. They were later rushed to the Bibiani Government and the Divine Love hospitals for treatment. The MP consoled the victims and appealed for calm while promising to use the appropriate channels to seek for compensation for the victims, and find an amicable solution to the impasse. Mr Obeng-Boateng reminded them that plans were afoot to resettle the Bibiani Old Town and Zongo communities and urged them to be law abiding. He called for the cooperation of the youth, chief, and the Assembly member to accelerate development of the area. He later visited the victims at the hospital and donated an undisclosed amount of money to them for their upkeep. GNA Fort Polk, LA (71446) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Odikro of Maame Krobo in the Afram Plains South District of the Eastern Region, Enock Teye Soda has called on the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to as a matter of urgency relocate all herdsmen from Maame Krobo to a different location in order to ensure peace in the community. This call follows growing tension in the community after the alleged murder of a farmer by a herdsman last week Friday, a situation which resulted in the burning of some houses and shops in the Zongo community. Currently, over 200 personnel from the Eastern Regional Police Command and the Military are patrolling the community to avert reprisal attacks. According to the Odikro, farmers, and residents continue to live in fear following the incessant attacks on farmers by herdsmen who confront them about the destruction of the farm produce by their cattle. Addressing members of REGSEC at Maame Krobo, Odikro Enock Teye Soda said residents of the community are living in fear. We know this is a very difficult situation, but we will urge all family members to exercise restraint and wait on the outcome of the investigations from REGSEC. No one should take the laws into his own hands and act unlawfully. For the herdsmen and the man called Billy we can not stay in the same community with them, truth be told we should not be saying that but because of what has happened and for the sake of peace for all, we can no longer accommodate them here. The community used to be peaceful before their arrival. We used to go about our daily activities peacefully but after their arrival, things changed. Among them, they slaughter themselves when they engage in arguments.. The wife of the deceased farmer, Madam Rebecca Agbovi also appealed to members of REGSEC to ensure justice is served. By Citi Newsroom Linda Karell Linda Karell, an associate professor in the Department of English, is the recipient of the Presidents Excellence in Teaching Award, which recognizes a faculty member who has made exemplary contributions to instruction and student learning. The award carries a $2,500 honorarium and is sponsored by the Presidents Office. Karell, who has been a faculty member for 27 years, has been described by various students as a mentor, guide, role model and voice in the darkness when they need help, according to her colleague, Ben Leubner, in a letter of nomination. In Karell, he wrote, students find someone who is always willing to listen to them, meet them where they are and instill in them a love of literature along with wisdom, courage and compassion. Leubner wrote that Karell teaches her students to think critically and confront complex issues with curiosity and a desire to find workable solutions. She recently developed two courses, a senior seminar on LGBTQ literature and a graduate seminar on the relationship between literature and activism. The courses are designed to promote understanding and conversation surrounding gender while fostering diversity, equity and inclusion. February 07, 2023 NYT On Ukraine - Real Reporting, Propaganda For Balance, Ominous Warning Th New York Times is putting itself in a twist with its current reporting on the war in Ukraine. Last months Ukraine was winning the war - at least in 'western' media. But this week the NYT's man on the ground reports the opposite: Outnumbered and Worn Out, Ukrainians in East Brace for Russian Assault Exhausted Ukrainian troops complain they are already outnumbered and outgunned, even before Russia has committed the bulk of its roughly 200,000 newly mobilized soldiers. And doctors at hospitals speak of mounting losses as they struggle to care for fighters with gruesome injuries. ... The first stages of the Russian offensive have already begun. Ukrainian troops say that Bakhmut, an eastern Ukrainian city that Russian forces have been trying to seize since the summer, is likely to fall soon. Elsewhere, Russian forces are advancing in small groups and probing the front lines looking for Ukrainian weaknesses. The efforts are already straining Ukraines military, which is worn out by nearly 12 months of heavy fighting. ... Losses among Ukrainian forces have been severe. Troops in a volunteer contingent called the Carpathian Sich, positioned near Nevske, said that some 30 fighters from their group had died in recent weeks, and soldiers said, only partly in jest, that just about everyone has a concussion. Its winter and the positions are open; theres nowhere to hide, said a soldier from the unit with the call sign Rusin. At one frontline hospital in the Donbas, the morgue was packed with the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers in white plastic bags. In another hospital, stretchers with wounded troops covered in gold foil thermal blankets crowded the corridors, and a steady stream of ambulances arrived from the front nearly all day long. "We ca not let that defeatist piece stand alone," said the editor and turned to the dimwits of the British Military Intelligence to get some 'balance': Moscows forces are advancing only a few hundred meters a week, U.K. intelligence says. As Russia makes slow, bloody gains in a renewed push to capture more of eastern Ukraine, it is pouring ever more conscripts and military supplies into the battle, Ukrainian officials say, although it remains far from clear that Moscow could mobilize enough forces to sustain a prolonged offensive. ... But Britains defense intelligence agency said on Tuesday that Russia had been trying to launch major offensive operations since early last month, with the aim of capturing the rest of the Donetsk region, which includes Bakhmut. But it had only managed to gain several hundred meters of territory per week, because of a lack of munitions and maneuver units, the agency said in its latest daily assessment of the war. It remains unlikely that Russia can build up the forces needed to substantially affect the outcome of the war within the coming weeks, the agency concluded. One wonder what 'outcome of the war' those folks are dreaming of. The reports from the ground leave no doubt on who is winning. Even the op-ed pages of the NYT now acknowledge it: The problem is that Ukraine is losing the war. Not, as far as we can tell, because its soldiers are fighting poorly or its people have lost heart, but because the war has settled into a World War I-style battle of attrition, complete with carefully dug trenches and relatively stable fronts. Such wars tend to be won as indeed World War I was by the side with the demographic and industrial resources to hold out longest. Russia has more than three times Ukraines population, an intact economy and superior military technology. At the same time, Russia has its own problems; until recently, a shortage of soldiers and the vulnerability of its arms depots to missile strikes have slowed its westward progress. Both sides have incentives to come to the negotiating table. The last sentence is wrong. Russia has no incentive to negotiate now. It no longer has a shortage of soldiers and its ammunition points have been dispersed and camouflaged to protect them from Ukrainian HIMARS attacks. Russia keeps grinding the Ukrainian army into the ground and is ready to attack further. But the piece then makes a correct point. The U.S. would not allow any negotiations: The Biden administration has other plans. It is betting that by providing tanks it can improve Ukraines chances of winning the war. In a sense, the idea is to fast-forward history, from World War Is battles of position to World War IIs battles of movement. It is a plausible strategy: Eighty years ago, the tanks of Hitler and Stalin revolutionized warfare not far from the territory being fought over today. But the Biden strategy has a bad name: escalation. ... With whom is Russia at war Ukraine or the United States? Russia started the war between Russia and Ukraine. Who started the war between Russia and the United States? ... Many Americans cannot resist describing Mr. Putin as a barbarian and his invasion of Ukraine as a war of aggression. For their part Russians say this is a war in which Russia is fighting for its survival and against the United States in an unfair global order in which the United States enjoys unearned privileges. We should not forget that, whatever values each side may bring to it, this war is not at heart a clash of values. It is a classic interstate war over territory and power, occurring at a border between empires. In this confrontation Mr. Putin and his Russia have fewer good options for backing down than American policymakers seem to realize, and more incentives to follow the United States all the way up the ladder of escalation. That is indeed the case. Russia does not want to escalate. But when the U.S. does escalate, then Russia will do it too. Posted by b on February 7, 2023 at 17:31 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page Rescuers search for survivors under the rubble following an earthquake in Diyarbakir, Turkey Feb. 6, 2023. The Town Council and Planning and Zoning Commission held a special meeting on Jan. 31 to discuss the possibility of welcoming cannabis businesses to Berlin. On Jan. 10, adult-use cannabis sales began at seven dispensaries in Connecticut; the closest to Berlin being Fine Fettle on the Berlin Turnpike in Newington. We want to give the people in Berlin what they want, Mayor Mark Kaczynski said at the recent special meeting. After tonight, we will probably have a public forum some time in April to discuss this further," the mayor added. Berlins moratorium on cannabis-related establishments expires at the end of May. A cannabis retailer is no different than a package store, and we have those in Berlin, resident Aurora Corteville commented at the special meeting. "There are cannabis stores in surrounding towns, such as Newington, Plainville and Meriden. What is Berlin waiting for? All told, its expected that Connecticut will be home to some 75 cannabis dispensary/retail operations. Business partners Ashley Vaughn and Amanda Osterowitz (Slap Ash LLC) are Connecticut natives who won two of 12 adult-use cannabis retailers licenses in the state's 2022 lottery. They also won a single-use adult-use cannabis delivery license. Osterowitz attended the Jan. 31 special meeting virtually. Ive been keeping a close eye on Berlin, said Osterowitz, who is considering places to open a second cannabis retail business in the state. Slap Ash LLC's other retail location in Connecticut is at 195 Albany Turnpike in Canton. During the special meeting, Osterowitz showed examples of floorplans for cannabis retail enterprises. One floorplan showed some 25 to 40 cameras inside the store. Osterowitz said security personnel would have access to all those cameras and, by law, police departments can connect to them remotely at any time. Osterowitz projects that a cannabis retail location in Berlin operating at full capacity would generate between $750,000 to $1 million per month in gross revenues. Under that scenario, Berlin could anticipate receiving up to $300,000 annually in tax revenues, or $3 million over the next decade. After Osterowitzs presentation, Economic Development Director Chris Edge said his commission hasnt looked too closely at the prospect of retail cannabis in Berlin, but believes local leaders should keep an open mind. The town of Berlin has been making things and growing things for 150 years, Edge said. MERIDEN A portrait of Horace C. Wilcox now hangs in the lobby of the technical high school on Oregon Road named in his honor. The original portrait well over a century old of Wilcox, the famed silversmith and one of the co-founders of Meriden Britannia Company, was discovered by staff in the school safe over the summer. It was significantly damaged, with holes in the original canvas. So restoring the portrait to its original form became a good project for Kathryn Volpacchio, Wilcoxs graphics instructor, to take on. Last fall, using a high resolution digital camera, Volpacchio extensively photographed the portrait. She uploaded those photos to her computer. Then, using Adobe Photoshop, Volpacchio digitally recreated the portrait to its original form. Volpacchio, herself a Wilcox alumna, said the schools Student Council was able to use some of its student engagement funds toward the cost of reprinting the photo on a new canvas and consructing a new frame for it. The refinished portrait now has a protective coating to ensure its longevity. On Jan. 24, which was dubbed Horace C. Wilcox Day in recognition of his birthday, the Wilcox school community unveiled the reprinted portrait. They were joined by Horace C. Wilcox III great grandson of the famed silversmith in attendance. As part of that visit, Horace Wilcox III received a full tour of the school. He visited the buildings various trades and shops. He told the Record-Journal the experience was really surreal. Everywhere he looked, he saw his name and he enjoyed interacting with students and staff. Horace C. Wilcox III described his great grandfather as the main driving force in Meriden becoming the silver capital of the world gathering the citys silversmiths at the time. He sounded thrilled to have that legacy continue within the walls of the Wilcox building on Oregon Road. What they have now is really state of the art. I was in awe of all of the classrooms, Horace Wilcox III said. ... They really have a sense of community in the school. Theyre proud of the name, proud of the school, proud of what they do. Staff and students say they enjoyed the experience as well learning more about their schools namesake and his legacy in the process. Wilcox Electronics Technology Department Head George Wruck also serves as Student Council advisor. It was the council that decided to fund the portraits restoration and determine where to display it in their school. They decided to do a little more than just hang the portrait. The council came up with another idea: a trivia contest to test their peers knowledge of Horace C. Wilcox. Noah Martin, 17, researched those trivia questions. Horace C. Wilcox, he said, was a pioneer who helped Meriden become the Silver City. He was actually a silversmith, Martin said. As part of Martins research, he traced the Wilcox family tree, going back to Elijah Wilcox, father of Horace C. Wilcox. His research uncovered other information, including that about patents Horace C. Wilcox held during his lifetime from casket handles to furniture. Students who guessed correctly on the most answers in that trivia contest got to have a free lunch, joined by Horace C. Wilcox III, on Wilcox Day in the schools bistro. Anaiza Palau, a Wilcox sophomore and vice president of its Student Council, described meeting a family member of her schools namesake and learning some local history along the way as an overall fun experience. When you understand local history, you get to know more about where youre from and what goes on around you, Palau said, adding that local history applies to everyone. Students discussions around the portrait led them to compare the appearance of their schools namesake with other historic figures. The portrait shows Horace C. Wilcox in a tailored suit with a bowtie. His mustache drew comparisons to famed U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. Wilcox principal Stacy Butkusin in an email to the Record-Journal stated she is proud of the work the student council and staff did to honor their schools namesake. All who enter our school will be reminded of who Mr. Wilcox was and why our school was named for him. Events like this strengthen our learning community and remind us of our identity. We were fortunate to have Horace C. Wilcox III join us for the celebration honoring his grandfather. We hope to continue the tradition of honoring H. C. Wilcox on his birthday each year, Butkus wrote. mgagne@record-journal.com203-317-2231Twitter:@MikeGagneRJ In a rare turn up for the books, the head of state of Latin Americas largest economy just accused the countrys richest billionaire of engaging in blatant accounting fraud. In an interview with Rede TV! last Thursday (Feb 2), Brazils recently reelected President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, popularly known as Lula, laid into Brazils richest man, Jorge Paulo Lemann, accusing him of engaging in fraud. Together with his partners at the Brazilian-US investment firm 3G Capital, Lemann is one of the largest shareholders of nationwide retailer Americanas, which recently declared bankruptcy following the discovery of 20 billion real (US$ 3.87 billion) of accounting inconsistencies. Lemann is a Brazilian investment banker, businessman and modern-day philanthropist with dual Brazilian and Swiss citizenship. His wealth is largely tied up in the investment fund he co-founded, 3G Capital, whose holdings include household brands such as Burger King, Kraft Heinz and Anheuser-Busch Inbe, the worlds biggest beer company. 3G Capital is also close partners with Warren Buffets Berkshire Hathaway. But the sudden collapse of Americanas is doing serious damage to Lemann and his partners reputation, says Lula: He was sold as the epitome of the successful businessman on planet Earth. He was the guy who funded young people to study at Harvard with a view to entering future governments. He was a guy who spoke out against corruption every day. And then he commits a fraud that could cost R$40 billion (USD7.76 billion). Brazils Worst Ever Corporate Scandal? Lula was rounding down; Americanas total debt is actually R$43 billion (USD 8.35 billion). The company is currently undergoing judicial review after filing for chapter 15 bankruptcy in the US in late January. With shareholders and creditors staring at huge losses, thousands of suppliers holding billions of dollars of unpaid bills and tens of thousands of workers possibly facing the axe, the blame game is now in full swing for what some are calling Brazils worst ever corporate scandal. Lula compared Lemann to Eike Batista, the mining magnate who was formerly Brazils richest man before suffering a vertiginous fall from grace a decade ago. Between March 2012 and January 2014, Batistas wealth plunged by over 100%, from a peak net worth of $32 billion to a negative net worth. In 2018, he was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for bribing former Rio de Janeiro governor Sergio Cabral with the goal of obtaining state government contracts. Lula also lambasted the financial markets for their rank hypocrisy: [W]hat I get upset about is the following. Any word you say on [social spending], any word, the market gets nervous, the market gets very angry. And now one of their own plunders BRL 40 billion from a company that seemed to be the healthiest on the planet and the market says nothing, it remains silent. Lula isnt the only major player in Brazil that is blaming Americanas collapse on Lemann and two of his partners at 3G Capital (which has no involvement with Americanas), Marcel Telles and Carlos Alberto Sicupira, who are respectively Brazils third and fourth richest billionaires. In fact, this is one of those rare occasions where the super rich have begun turning on each other in the most public of ways. Banks Against Billionaires Andre Esteves is Brazils seventh richest person. He is also a major shareholder of Brazilian lender BTG Pactual, one of Americanas biggest creditors. And BTG recently called the Americanas case the largest corporate fraud in the countrys history. As the FT put it, Americanas mysterious financial hole has pitted banks against billionaires. In an attempt to overturn part of Americanas protection from creditors, BTGs lawyers described the case as the sad embodiment of a country: The three richest men (with assets valued at 180 billion real), anointed as some sort of demigods of good global capitalism, are caught with their hands in the till of what, since 1982, has been one of their leading companies. Other major creditors include Deutsche Bank, with exposure of around $1 billion, though the bank insists it has neither direct loan or credit exposure to the retailer; Bradesco, Brazils second largest bank by assets ($925 million); Banco Santander SAs Brazil unit ($715 million); Itau Unibanco Holding SA ($560 million), Banco Safra SA ($480 million) and Banco do Brasil SA ($270 million). Both Deutsche Bank and Safra have questioned the accuracy of Americanas claims. But one thing that is beyond doubt is that fraud was committed, says Daniel Gerner, a lawyer representing 20 minority shareholders in Americanas. The fraud was malicious. It was a procedure orchestrated and accepted by all involved and which generated fantastic profits for the distribution of bonuses for years. There are still a lot of unknowns about the cause of Americanas collapse. What is known is that the $3.9 billion of accounting inconsistencies were a direct result of supplier financing operations that were not adequately reflected in its accounting. Heres how it probably went down. Little by little Americanas began paying its suppliers later and later. After a while, a growing assortment of banks and other financial intermediaries began offering to pay Americanas suppliers in advance, at a charge. Americanas would then be responsible for the repayment of these loans, including interest payments. The amount it owed would steadily grow, but the execs did not have to disclose the money as debt, which meant they could keep reporting nice juicy profits and pocketing their bonuses. Until the financial hole on Americanas books was suddenly too big to hide or fill. One of the favourite management books of 3G co-founder Marcel Telles is Bob Fifers 1993 bestseller, Double Your Profits in Six Months or Less. The books chapter on accounts payable includes a recommendation to put off paying your companys suppliers for as long as feasibly possible. As some pundits are now speculating, Telles and his associates appear to have taken Fifers advice to the absolute limit, while using supply chain finance to hide the growing debt pile for as long as possible. Conspicuous Silence This is the biggest problem with (and most important attraction of) supply chain finance: the debt is usually not disclosed, which means that investors, creditors and regulators have no idea how much debt a company is actually carrying, until it is too late. It also means that investors and creditors end up bearing much larger losses when the company finally and often very suddenly collapses, as has already occurred with Abengoa, which defaulted on its debt for the first time in 2015, Carillion (2018), NMC Health (2020) and now Americanas. Lemann, Telles and Sicupira remained silent on the issue, even days after Americanas filed for bankruptcy protection. But the men finally published a note claiming they had no idea of the accounting irregularities at the company and would never give their blessing to such practices. They also said that the retailer had employed one of the most respected independent auditing firms in the world, PwC, as if that were some kind of defense. As I noted in my Jan 13 post, Another Supply Chain Finance-Enabled Crisis Hits, This Time in Brazil, every high-profile business collapse caused (or at least exacerbated) by supply chain finance issues has one thing in common: the auditors have failed to spot (or at least report) any of the glaring irregularities, until it is too late. Also, Lemann, Telles and Sicupira have a storied history of bending or breaking the rules and norms of business and accounting practices, and not just in Brazil. In 2005, they were accused of abusing control power after distorting the objectives of their beverage company Ambevs stock option plan, said BTGs lawyers. The three fund managers were also accused, as directors of Ambev, of having violated their fiduciary duties to the company. In 2015, 3G Capital teamed up with Warren Buffets Berkshire Hathaway to bring about the merger of Kraft with Heinz. The resulting company the fifth largest in the global food and beverage sector has been plagued with accounting issues. The most important was a mind-watering $15.4 billion impairment charge in 2019 the consequence of a $7.1 billion goodwill impairment in the US Refrigerated and Canada Retail unit and an $8.3 billion impairment related to intangible assets belonging to Kraft and Oscar Mayer. In the aftermath, Kraft Heinz posted a $12.6 billion loss after taxes. As The Economist warned at the time, 3Gs widely admired business model of buying venerable firms and using debt and surgical cost-cuts to boost their financial returns was beginning to look like a fiasco. At that time, 3G-owned firms owed at least $150 billion. There was, the article noted, a queasy sense that 3Gs approach of dealmaking, squeezing costs and heavy debts, can be found at an alarming number of other firms. That is already clearly the case with Americanas. Concerns are now growing that similar problems could also affect Ambev and Eletrobras, Brazils electric utility in whose controversial privatization both Lemann and PwC allegedly played a key role. Last week, reports surfaced suggesting that Ambev may owe billions of real in local taxes. The Brazilian Beer Industry Association (CervBrasil), which represents smaller producers than Ambev, has accused the company of accumulating 30 billion real ($5.9 billion) of tax credits that it is not entitled to, enabling it to make more profit by embezzling the treasury. As the director of the association notes, while the case of Americanas involves a multi-billion dollar debt with banks and suppliers, in the case of Ambev the debt would be with federal, state and municipal authorities. The National Collective of Electricians (CNE, in Portuguese) has warned that Eletrobras, which generates roughly one-third of all of Brazils electricity, could also be at risk. From Brasil de Fato (machine translated): Last year, the company was privatized by the government of former President Jair Bolsonaro (Liberal Party). Lemanns 3G Capital took 10 percent of the companys preferred stock According to CNE, Lemann and his partners were the ones who pushed for the privatization of the former state-owned company. They installed Wilson Ferreira junior in the presidency of Eletrobras and call the shots at the company to this day. Lemanns 3G group put Elvira Presta as CFO of Eletrobras during Themers presidential term with a view to preparing the company to be privatized, reads a report by CNE. Lemanns 3G group is a corporate leech: it acquires healthy companies that have consolidated their position in the market, cuts expenses to their limits, and increases profit margins at the expense of competitiveness until companies become bankrupt. But by then, the owners of 3G have already multiplied their low investment, CNE added. But now the spotlight of scrutiny is once again on 3Gs business practices. With President Lula now joining the fracas and top Brazilian banks threatening to go after personal assets belonging to Lemann, Telles and Sicupira, the pressure on the three billionaires to reach a negotiated settlement with Americanas creditors is rising. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. As readers know, I stan for nasal vaccines and mucosal immunity generally. So now that Im sure Im not gonna stroke out, Im writing this short post to express my astonishment, dismay, revulsion, and anger that Anthony Fauci he of the noble lie on masking, and the moving goalposts on so-called herd immunity is jumping into nasal vaccine development with both feet, as evidenced by a recent article in Cell, for which Fauci is the corresponding author.[1] From Rethinking next-generation vaccines for coronaviruses, influenzaviruses, and other respiratory viruses, by David M. Morens, Jeffery K. Taubenberger, and Anthony S. Fauci. I will quote the summary in full, interpolating comments: Viruses that replicate in the human respiratory mucosa without infecting systemically, including influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, endemic coronaviruses, RSV, and many other common cold viruses, cause significant mortality and morbidity and are important public health concerns. Because these viruses generally do not elicit complete and durable protective immunity by themselves, they have not to date been effectively controlled by licensed or experimental vaccines . Oops. Joe Biden, June 2, 2021: If youre vaccinated, you are protected. Jeffrey Zients, June 10, 2021: If you are fully vaccinated, you are protected. Anthony Fauci, July 2021: The broad overall CDC recommendation is that if you are vaccinated, you are protected. The administrations messaging was successful; the pervasive vaxed and done was the result. (To be fair to Biden, Zients, and Fauci, all of them used qualifying language that you are protected against hospitalization and death, but assuming those hospital-centric, tranmission-encouraging metrics are appropriate, which they are not protected was amplified, the caveats were not, and the public quite reasonably concluded that the Covid vaccines were sterilizing, like others with which they were familiar). More: In this review, we examine challenges that have impeded development of effective mucosal respiratory vaccines Like not being included in Trumps Operation Warp Speed or Bidens Operation Warp Speed 2 Oh, wait, let me correct that losing precious years of development time, though even I cant blame Fauci for that, having no evidence. More: emphasizing that all of these viruses replicate extremely rapidly in the surface epithelium [see an earlier Cell article] and are quickly transmitted to other hosts, within a narrow window of time before adaptive immune responses are fully marshaled. We discuss possible approaches to developing next-generation vaccines against these viruses, in consideration of several variables such as vaccine antigen configuration, dose and adjuventation, route and timing of vaccination, vaccine boosting, adjunctive therapies, and options for public health vaccination polices. So, Fauci is pivoting to mucosal immunity hence nasal vaccines; presumably his Flex Net of allies, funders, and sycophants will do so as well. On the one hand, Faucis imprimatur could be good for funding. The driver on next-generation vaccine, before Fauci big-footed everybody, was Eric Topol of Scripps Research Translational Institute. Heres Topol in Science, back in July 2022: As the virus continues its accelerated ability to evade our immune response and increase its transmissibility, we urgently need to achieve population-wide respiratory mucosal immunity. The objective of breaking the chain of transmission at the individual and population level will put us in a far better position to achieve containment of the virus, no less reducing the toll of sickness and long COVID-19. The prospect of achieving this with nasal vaccines is high but will only be possible with dedicated funding, priority, and breaking down of any regulatory hurdles. While we have waited far too long to take such initiative, a new operation at lightning speed could help us get ahead of the virus and build on the initial success of COVID-19 vaccines. (Oddly, Topol is not cited in Fauci et al., supra., although there are plenty of other citations on policy.) If the effect of Fauci blessing nasal vaccines is funding for Topols operation at lightning speed, that can only be good, right? On the other hand, Fauci has form, and theres every indication that whatever he does will be a complete and utter debacle, thereby ruining (at least for the benighted population of the United States, as opposed to Big Pharma) a technology that could promise crossed fingers, certainly a way out of the pandemic. Shorter Fauci: I got it badly wrong once. Now give me and my buddies more money! Because I am very pressed temporally, I cannot go through the Cell paper in full. However, this passage on public policy caught my eye. From Table 2: (6) Public health considerations relating to next-generation respiratory vaccines [including those for SARS-CoV-2] must contribute to shaping vaccine design, including vaccine schedule, role of boosting, frequency of vaccination and duration/completeness of protection, side effects, and public acceptance Because Fauci did so well on public acceptance the last time around, right? More importantly, this paragraph seems to envision starting United States nasal vaccine development from the ground up, ex nihilo, on a green field, in a clean room, or pick your own blank slate metaphor. But why do that? MR SUBLIMINAL ***cough*** So Big Pharma owns the IP ***cough*** Does NIH stand for Not Invented Here? Consider an alternative: Among the obvious possible approaches that could take place with immediate effect would be for the US government to purchase Bharats already developed and manufactured iNCOVACC nasal vaccines (see note 1) in bulk. Or total dark horse, here they might purchase Thailands already developed and manufactured COVITRAP evening before nasal spray. BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA- HA-HA!!!! Who am I kidding? (Oddly, neither iNCOVACC nor Bharat appear in Fauci et al.) * * * Though it hurts me to be fair to Fauci, he did telegraph his punch. From Goverment Executive: Fauci stated specifically, I am not retiring now. After more than 50 years of government service, I plan to pursue the next phase of my career while I still have so much energy and passion for my field, Fauci continued. I want to use what I have learned as NIAID director to continue to advance science and public health and to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientific leaders as they help prepare the world to face future infectious disease threats. Fauci said he will assist with the transition over the coming months at NIAID. And I guess we now know what the next phase of Faucis career will be. From Science, just after Fauci anounced his departure from public life both NIAID and his post as the chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden: Q: What do you want to accomplish between now and December? A: Id like to guide the good research being done in the arena of both mucosal, nasal vaccines for respiratory diseases, as well as more durable vaccines that protect against entire families of viruses. Im a pusher. We meet as a group at least three, four times a week and I go OK, what are we doing? I try to be not a pain in the ass, but Id like to keep my foot on the pedal between now and then to keep that thing going. < Fauci is a vile individual who lies freely without consequence (not, sadly, unknown in the public health field). Couldnt Fauci have gone for walks in the woods and gotten plotzed on Chardonnay? At long last, has Fauci no decency? NOTES [1] Far be it from me to attribute a commercial motive to [genuflects] the good doctor, but finally we have a study on Bharats nasal vaccine, iNCOVACC, in a top-drawer Western medical journal. From the Lancet, Immunogenicity and Tolerability of BBV154 (iNCOVACC), an Intranasal SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine, Compared with Intramuscular Covaxin in Healthy Adults: A Randomised, Open-Label, Phase 3 Clinical Trial (January 31, 2023). Note that iNCOVACC is already being manufactured and distributed in India. From the Lancet: Background: Unlike intramuscular vaccines, intranasal COVID-19 vaccines may generate mucosal immunity, which may be critical for to prevent infection and human-to-human transmission. We report interim immunogenicity and safety of an intranasal adenoviral vectored SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (BBV154, iNCOVACC) in healthy adults compared with licensed intramuscular vaccine (Covaxin). Methods: In this open-label, multicentre, phase 3 clinical trial, healthy Indian adults were randomised to receive either two doses of BBV154 (n = 3,000) or Covaxin (n = 160) 28 days apart. Primary immunogenicity outcome was geometric mean neutralisation antibody titres (PRNT 50 ) against SARS-CoV-2 viruses; key secondary outcomes were safety and solicited adverse events, secretory-IgA and serum-IgA responses and cell-mediated immune responses. Findings: We screened 3,209 volunteers between April 16 and June 4, 2022 and enrolled and randomised 3,160 to receive BBV154 (n = 2998) or Covaxin (n = 162). On Day 42, 14 days after the second dose, serum GMTs against ancestral (Wuhan) SARS-CoV-2 were 769 (95% CI: 665888) and 531 (426662) in BBV154 and Covaxin groups. The GMT ratio of 145 (95% CI: 111188) met the pre-defined superiority criterion for BBV154 over Covaxin. BBV154 also elicited a higher serum neutralising GMT [171 (137213)] against Omicron BA.5 than Covaxin [824 (489139)]. Similarly, at day 42 GMTs of secretory IgA were 123 (95% CI: 87 174) and 66 (95% CI 46 95) after BBV154 and Covaxin; BBV154 was superior to Covaxin with a GMT ratio of 19 (95% CI 1130). BBV154 induced higher serum IgA titres and significantly higher levels of antibody-secreting plasmablasts on Day 42. Both vaccines induced equivalent T cell memory responses. Both vaccines were well tolerated, systemic adverse events were reported by 27% (82/2990) of BBV154 recipients and 62% (10/161) of Covaxin vaccinees. Nasal reactions were experienced by 49% (146/2990) of BBV154 participants, whereas 230% (37/161) of Covaxin vaccinees experienced local injection site reactions. Interpretation: Two intranasal doses of BBV154 were well tolerated with no safety concerns while eliciting superior humoral and mucosal immune responses compared with two intramuscular Covaxin injections . Further studies to assess the effect of BBV154 on infection and transmission are warranted. Perhaps readers who can read The Great Runes better than I can will interpret the findings. However, what leaps out at me is that Bharat is willing to cannibalize its own intramuscular product in favor of a nasal vaccine. That, to me, implies confidence that Bharat can, well, eat Pfizer and Modernas lunch. Its not hard to see that Fauci who, let us remember, ramped both Gileads remdesivir (later shown to be inffective) and Pfizers vaccine as well (based on a press release ffs) would regard this outcome as suboptimal, and would work to prevent it. APPENDIX By Peter Claeys, Visiting Professor at the Department of Economics of the College of Europe, and the Universiteit Gent, Beatrice Dumont, Professor of economics at Sorbonne University Paris and Director of the Department of Economics at the College of Europe, Martin Larch, Head of Secretariat at European Fiscal Board, and Wouter van der Wielen, Economist at European Investment Bank. Originally published at VoxEU. Major economic downturns have left important scars in the path of economic expansion, despite forceful and regular attempts to support aggregate demand. This column summarises discussions at a recent workshop on scarring effects and strategies to avert or minimise them. Fiscal policy can play an important role in limiting hysteresis a term coined in the 1980s particularly by promoting government and private investment. However, the political economy of fiscal policymaking typically trades off long-term benefits for short-term gains. The Global Crisis rekindled a discussion that has absorbed macroeconomists and policymakers for decades. In the aftermath of major economic downturns, economic activity does not return to its pre-crisis trend. In other words, major downturns leave scars a catchy expression for negative supply-side effects. Blanchard et al. (2015), Ball (2014), Martin et al. (2015) and Cerra et al. (2021) are particularly prominent examples of recent studies documenting the entrenched pattern. The foundations of their work were laid a long time ago, in the early 1980s, when Nelson and Plosser (1982) showed that cycles were not taking place around stable but rather variable trends. Apart from dealing with lasting effects on economic output, the most bothering part of scarring is the (un)effectiveness of economic policies. Scarring effects seem to materialise even in the face of forceful reactions both on the monetary and the fiscal side. Things may not be so clear in the wake of smaller cyclical swings when policymakers may not always agree about the opportunity to lean against the wind. When large shocks hit, however, there is usually a sufficient sense of urgency in the political system of any democratic country to design, deliberate, and dispense important fiscal support packages. And still, scarring effects persist, and the one-million-dollar question is why. While there may be several forces at play, one seemed to be of particular importance and was at the centre of a workshop held at the College of Europe in Bruges on 23-24 November 2022, namely, investment, and public investment in particular.[1] The idea for the workshop was born after three of the four authors of this column took a closer look at the role of fiscal policy after major economic downturns in 20+ OECD countries since the 1970s (Larch et al. 2022). Our empirical analysis provided clear evidence that although fiscal policy can mitigate scarring effects, policymakers did not give enough attention to government investment; they favoured fiscal support with short-lived effects on output (see Figure 1). Over time, the sequence of forceful fiscal responses with short-lived output effects followed by scarring effects gave rise to sustainability issues. Figure 1 Stylised facts of major economic downturns in 26 OCED countries, including 14 EU Member States, 19702020 Note: Behaviour of real GDP and fiscal variables in the three years before and after major economic downturns. Source: Larch et al. (2022) Scarring Effects Are Pervasive and Sizeable, Especially After Major Economic Downturns Quantifying the scarring effects of major economic downturns is not a straightforward exercise, as there is no observable counterfactual. On top of our work (Larch et al. 2022), which broadly followed the approach by Blanchard et al. (2015), the workshop at the College of Europe featured a second paper assessing the importance and size of scarring effects. Applying a novel method focusing on the distribution of growth rates before, during and after recessions, Drehmann et al. (2022) convincingly corroborated the fact that severe contractions led to highly persistent negative growth effects. Smaller contractions did not have such an impact. Of particular note, Drehmann et al. (2022) did not find support for positive hysteresis, i.e. strong expansions do not seem to cause persistent above-trend growth. The pervasiveness of scarring effects would and should attract limited attention if the effects were small in size, but the opposite was true. In line with the broader literature in the field, the evidence presented at the workshop showed that the lasting shortfall of economic activity and/or growth after major downturns could be surprisingly big. In the OECD sample we used, the average annual scarring effect three to seven years after a major economic downturn amounted to 1 2% of the pre-recession trend. Using a very similar sample, Drehmann et al. (2022) found that for the 20% most severe contractions, the drop in GDP is, on average, 4.25% in ten years. On top of confirming the empirical importance of scarring after major economic downturns, the workshop also offered insights into the specific mechanisms that generate lasting effects on economic activity or growth. Two invited keynote speakers Andrea Roventini of Scuola Superiore SantAnna in Pisa and Valerie Cerra, Assistant Director at the IMF offered important insights. Focusing on state-of-the-art general equilibrium models, Andrea Roventini showcased a series of channels that can generate prolonged recessions by connecting growth and business cycle theory as in Dosi et al. (2010), Dosi et al. (2017) and Dosi et al. (2018). These models couple endogenous growth (driven by innovation) with aggregate demand (driven by consumption and investment) so policies that support investment can mitigate or even avert scarring effects. Based on a comprehensive overview of the empirical literature on how economies and economic policies behave after recessions a literature to which she has made important contributions Valerie Cerra underscored the importance for policymakers to act quickly and aggressively in response to a recession, especially by addressing the supply-side damages that might otherwise ensue. The Policy Response to Scarring The scarring effects revealed by the empirical literature and confirmed by the papers presented at the workshop beg important questions for policymakers, most importantly: how can scarring effects be mitigated? In the early days, the prevailing idea was that any fiscal expansion supporting aggregate demand would diminish or prevent scarring effects. However, the persistence of scarring in the face of major fiscal expansions cast serious doubts over this politically appealing notion. We found limited evidence that conventional fiscal demand stimuli centred on current expenditure mitigate scarring. While estimates of short-run fiscal multipliers were sizeable, especially in bad economic times, they tended to reverse fairly quickly and even became negative in the medium term. Hence, handing out income support through higher current spending or simply keeping previously adopted expenditure plans on track when the economy tanked did not help address structural or supply-side issues triggered by severe economic downturns. By contrast, we showed that government investment could mitigate scarring effects, but in the vast majority of cases, the focus of fiscal policymakers in the wake of major downturns remained on the short term, i.e. public investment programmes were not the typical response. Tervala and Watson (2022) corroborated the importance of public investment by taking a very careful look at a specific and highly successful policy intervention. A local schooling investment program combined with a labour market intervention in Australia between 2009-12 was found to produce very high multipliers weighing against any potentially lasting effects the fallout of the Great Crisis had on GDP in different parts of the country. In the context of European regions, Brasili et al. (2022) found that local public investment correlated positively with private investment, in particular in economic downturns. This highlighted the role of local public investment in stimulating private investment and, in turn, economic activity more generally. According to Brasili et al. (2022), the investment with the highest return was to be found in education and training, R&D, but also infrastructure. In his opening speech, Maarten Verwey, Director-General of Economic and Financial Affairs at the European Commission, stressed how the European policy response to the Covid-19 pandemic marked a significant change compared to previous crises by banking on the potential benefits of government investment and structural reforms. In post-WWII history, the Recovery and Resilience Facility was indeed a rare and commendable example of a major policy initiative taken in the wake of a major downturn that aimed to strengthen medium and long-term growth prospects rather than producing a sugar rush of aggregate demand. The credibility of the policy framework may also play a role in addressing supply-side effects. In particular, if fiscal rules become more credible, this might produce a wave of optimism that supports increases in aggregate demand, including investment. A paper by Betti et al. (2022) showed that periods of hysteresis could be dodged by the adoption of fiscal rules that reinstate the sustainability of public debt. In the Economic and Monetary Union, where monetary policy cannot always stabilise idiosyncratic shocks, fiscal risk sharing can mitigate the tendency for economic divergence by offsetting prolonged recessions at the regional level, as Hauptmeier et al. (2022) argue. Following a similar line of reasoning and the more general reasoning by Obstfeld (2016), Cimadomo et al. (2022) found that fiscal risk-sharing supported growth mostly over the longer term, in particular in poorer regions. Conclusions Long criticised as slow and ill-timed, the policy responses to the Global Crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic initiated a reassessment of fiscal policy as a stabilisation tool. At the same time, there is ample evidence that major economic downturns produce lasting effects on real GDP in spite of active fiscal policy intervention. As a result, quite a few advanced economies ended up accumulating high public debt without fostering long-term growth prospects. The workshop held end November last year at the College of Europe in Bruges brought together experts and policymakers to take a fresh look at the lasting effects of major economic downturns and how to address them. The papers presented at the event clearly show that policy responses can mitigate scarring effects but need to be more targeted towards supply side channels. In particular, there was growing evidence that government investment can dampen or avert lasting output effects. In contrast, higher current expenditure the favoured policy response in practice would support demand in the short term while heightening sustainability issues in the long run. In sum, fiscal policymakers face an essential trade-off between short-term stabilisation and long-term sustainability: favouring the former will exacerbate the latter, while focusing on sustainability through higher investment may cost popular support. The trade-off is fraught with political economy issues but can be overcome as evidenced by the EUs Recovery and Resilience Facility. Footnotes [1] The workshop was jointly organised by the Economics Department of the College of Europe, the European Investment Bank and the Secretariat of the European Fiscal Board. References available at the original. Yves here. Below is a an example of narrative control, China flavored. The article starts by depicting Taiwan as independent, when only 13 countries recognize Taiwan and the US is not among them. Hence the entire framing of China threatening Taiwan is dubious. Then consider that prior to Nancy Pelosis visit and other US actions, China stance had been a vague aspiration for integration by 2049. A lot can happen in two plus decades. The US officialdom has taken recently to claiming that China intends to invade Taiwan by 2027. As Brian Berletic pointed out, even if China intended to go maximalist, all it would need to do is blockade Taiwan. The island depends on imports for food and fuel. Some who contend that China sent the infamous balloon to the US in order to troll us point out that China was not at all keen to have Tony Blinken visit (scheduled for February 5 and 6) particularly in light of the US-Philippines base deal. That made it clear than any Biden promises about reducing US-China dealings were empty. Note that all three authors have received funding from the Minerva Research Initiative, the Department of Defense, and the Army Research Office for part of the work mentioned in here, yet piously claim their views are their own. That is likely true because only those ideologically aligned with the party line would get backing. I am sure readers will have more to add but I felt it necessary to start with the obvious. By Michael A. Allen, Professor of Political Science, Boise State University; Carla Martinez Machain, Professor of Political Science, University at Buffalo; and Michael E. Flynn, Associate Professor of Political Science, Kansas State University. Originally published at The Conversation The United States and the Philippines announced on Feb. 2, 2023, that the U.S. is expanding its military presence across more military bases in the Southeast Asian country, giving the U.S. a potential advantage in its efforts to thwart Chinas possible efforts to take control of Taiwan. The Philippines most northern island sits about 118 miles (190 kilometers) from Taiwan. While Taiwan, an island off the coast of China, considers itself an independent country, China maintains that it is a breakaway province it wants to again control and has increased its threats to move to overtake it in recent months. We are political science scholars and U.S. foreign policy experts who recently published a book about U.S. overseas military deployments. Here is what this new agreement means for the U.S. foreign policy and rising military tensions in East and Southeast Asia. 1. The Agreement Expands US Influence The military agreement is an expansion of a 2014 deal called theEnhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. The new pact signed this week allows the U.S. to access four additional military bases in the Philippines and maintain equipment on those bases. In addition, the agreement calls for the U.S. to spend US$82 million on infrastructure investments at the five bases currently in use. Now, the U.S. will have access to nine base sites in the Philippines, representing its most expansive military presence in the country in 30 years. The deal follows an October 2022 announcement that the U.S. was giving $100 million to the military in the Philippines. 2. It Sends a Warning to China In recent years, China has increased its overseas military presence in the South China Sea and has begun expanding its military footprint in other regions, including countries in Africa, where it previously had none. China continues to seek newforeign locations to host its own troops. In 2022, for example, China signed a new military deal with the Solomon Islands, leading to speculation that it could eventually establish a permanent military base there. The U.S. also announced on Feb. 2, 2023, that it has opened an embassy in the Solomon Islands after not having one for 30 years. While U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III has said that this new deal with the Philippines is necessary for training and integrating the U.S. and Philippine troops, it also increases the United States ability to respond to regional threats. Having U.S. forces on the northern island of Luzon, in particular, would increase the United States ability to deter Chinese threats toward Taiwan. This expansion of military access also allows the U.S. to more easily and quickly respond to Chinese aggression in the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea. China swiftly responded to the military agreement news. Mao Ning, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, said on Feb. 2, 2023, that the move would escalate tensions and endanger peace and stability in the region. 3. US and Philippines Have a Long Military History After the U.S. won the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippines became a U.S. colony until its independence in 1946. The Philippines went on to host tens of thousands of U.S. troopsthroughout the Cold War. However, widespread public protestsover the U.S. presence led the Philippines to demand the U.S.leave all its bases in 1992. Despite this departure, the U.S. remained active in counterterrorism operations in the Philippines. In 1998, the two governments signed an agreement that again permitted U.S. military personnel to be in the country. In 2014, the countries brokered another agreement that gave U.S. forces access to five Philippine military bases. The Philippines former President Rodrigo Duterte, who served from 2016 through 2022, threatened to end the military agreements between the U.S. and the Philippines multiple times. The agreements endured through his six-year term. The 2022 election of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. opened the possibility of further security cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines, as the new president showed a willingness to rekindle a diplomatic relationship. Vice President Kamala Harris said in 2022 that an attack on the Philippines would compel the U.S. to defend the country. The United Nations, the U.S. and human rights advocacy groups, meanwhile, have all recognized that there are serious, credible concerns about how the Philippines government treats its own citizens. The police have killed thousands of civilians during raids as part of the countrys war on drugs over the past several years. The Philippines has also become an increasingly dangerous place to be a journalist and to express independent political beliefs. While this may cause concern among human rights activists, it is unlikely to influence the United States military decisions. We have found in our research that the U.S. tends to soften its concerns about human rights in deployment hosts when security issues become more prominent. Austin announced the latest military deal from Quezon City, in the Philippines capital region, and noted on Feb. 2, 2023, that the two countries shared values of freedom, democracy, and human dignity. 5. Public Opinion Will Matter Given the complicated history of the U.S. and the Philippines, it is important to know what Filipinos think of the U.S. militarysmaintaining a formal presence there today. We annually surveyed approximately 1,000 Filipinos from 2018 through 2020 about how they view the United States and Chinas influence in their country. Generally, solid majorities view U.S. influence as favorable, with some variation over the years we surveyed. Very few of our respondents had negative views. We also asked them about Chinas influence in their country. Peoples responses to this question were far less positive. These responses also indicate views of China are becoming even less favorable over time. U.S. and Chinese competition, meanwhile, for influence in the Pacific region is on the rise. In coming years, part of this competition will center on gaining the support of host country populations when the U.S. or China tries to set up a military base. How effective the U.S. and its military are in building goodwill will in large part influence the outcome. The evolution of my position with the Post dates to 2000, when I began work with The City Paper. In 2008, SouthComm Inc. bought the Post and TCP, with the latter ceasing operations in 2013. In 2018, FW Publishing acquired the Post, for which I have served as managing editor since 2011. Follow William Williams Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today The city will launch its first non-police emergency response option on Feb. 13. Responders Engaged and Committed to Help, or REACH, partners a paramedic and mental health clinician to respond to 911 calls. The program is a partnership between the Nashville Fire Departments EMS Division and Mental Health Cooperative. The hours will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, according to a press release. As Nashville continues to grow, so does the need for additional mental health resources, especially in crisis situations, says Pam Womack, CEO of Mental Health Cooperative. We are confident that this pilot program will help those suffering from mental distress, and we look forward to the programs success as we continue to serve our community. The pilot program will staff two clinicians and two paramedics, with each team assigned to an SUV. The Scene was among the first to report on the program, running a cover story on REACH in November. The program is meant to free up ambulances and address low-acuity crisis calls, officials involved in the program told the Scene. REACH responders will use an SUV and can transport people to community resource centers including places like the Mental Health Coop, Centerstone, Park Center, Neighborhood Health or even the callers own home. REACH is modeled after a Denver program called STAR (Support Team Assisted Response). In late January, Metro Nashville Police Officer Dylan Ramos killed a man whom a 911 caller had emphasized might be suffering from mental illness. Metro Council voted in September to expand Partners in Care, to include four of the citys eight precincts. The city launched the program, which pairs police and mental health clinicians to respond to high-acuity mental health-related calls, in June 2021. Partners in Care sees about 5 percent of its cases result in use of force and 5 percent taken to jail. The REACH vehicle can be dispatched by emergency communications staff if the call is low-acuity and mental-health-related. Partners in Care is another option outside of traditional emergency response. Partners in Care was not called during a Nov. 12 shooting involving an unhoused man who experienced mental illness because the event occurred outside operating hours. At that time, advocates called for a non-police response like REACH (far from the first time). (Natural News) As big tech advances into the next phase, which is artificial intelligence, it is already being used as a political tool like previous algorithms on various social media platforms. After billionaire Elon Musk purchased Twitter, he began releasing, through a number of investigative journalists, so-called Twitter Files once secretive documents and email communications that clearly demonstrate how the previous management team worked with the deep state to censor unacceptable political, social, cultural, and scientific viewpoints, the vast majority of them on the right. Now, as AI matures, it is also being used in a similar manner, according to new research. OpenAI, the company behind the headline-grabbing artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT, has an automated content moderation system designed to flag hateful speech, but the software treats speech differently depending on which demographic groups are insulted, according to a study conducted by research scientist David Rozado, the Daily Caller reported last week. The content moderation system used in ChatGPT and other OpenAI products is designed to detect and block hate, threats, self-harm and sexual comments about minors, according to Rozado. The researcher fed various prompts to ChatGPT involving negative adjectives ascribed to various demographic groups based on race, gender, religion and various other markers and found that the software favors some demographic groups over others, the report noted further. Rozado said his research found that the software was much more likely to flag comments that were negative about Democrats as compared to similar remarks about Republicans. Also, he said that it was more likely to permit hateful and belligerent comments about conservatives than liberals, while negative remarks about women were much more likely to get a flag than those about men. Likelihood of derogatory comment about demographic group being flagged as hateful by ChatGPT/OpenAI content moderation system Full report: https://t.co/iyVOXWkh53 pic.twitter.com/ghMj5lCj3i David Rozado (@DavidRozado) February 2, 2023 In this work I have focused on the hate category of OpenAI content moderation system. OpenAI content policy specifically claims to strive to prevent content that expresses, incites, or promotes hate based on demographic identity, the study noted. The experiments are very straightforward. I test OpenAI content moderation system on a set of standard demographic identity groups based on gender, ethnicity/race, region of origin, sexual orientation, religious identity, political orientation/affiliation, gender identity, body weight, disability status, educational attainment, and socioeconomic status. I also use a list of 356 adjectives signifying negative traits/behavior, it adds. The ratings partially resemble left-leaning political orientation hierarchies of perceived vulnerability, Rozado wrote in his research paper. That is, individuals of left-leaning political orientation are more likely to perceive some minority groups as disadvantaged and in need of preferential treatment to overcome said disadvantage. The differential treatment of demographic groups based on gender by OpenAI Content Moderation system was one of the starkest results of the experiments. Negative comments about women are much more likely to be labeled as hateful than the same comments being made about men, he wrote. Another of the strongest effects in the experiments had to do with ideological orientation and political affiliation. OpenAI content moderation system is more permissive of hateful comments being made about conservatives than the same comments being made about liberals. This is just the latest confirmation of political and gender bias on social media. After billionaire Elon Musk bought Twitter, he began releasing, through several journalists, internal documents proving what many conservatives suspected for years: That the platform was inherently biased against them and Republican political ideology while being far more accommodating to liberals and Democrats. But while Musk is reforming Twitter and reintroducing the platforms original commitment to free speech and the free exchange of ideas, the new wave of AI is already being manipulated to censor and throttle conservatives again. No wonder our country is bifurcating. Sources include: DailyCaller.com DavidRozado.Substack.com (Natural News) Last Friday, strange video footage depicting what appeared to be an explosion over Billings, Mont., went viral on social media, only to later be decried as false by local and state officials. The alleged incident see the video below occurred on the same day the Chinese weather balloon appeared over this exact same area of Montana before moving in a southeast direction towards the Carolinas. (Related: Are the Chinese spy balloons a dry run for a nuclear EMP attack?) Ok, so heres what I just caught I few minutes ago out my window. I saw a jet go by so fast and then explosion in the sky. Holy crap! Billings MT. pic.twitter.com/swr8ERC6pf Dolly Moore (@MMtTreasures) February 4, 2023 According to the City of Billings, Governor Greg Gianforte, and the Montana Department of Emergency Services, whatever happened in the above footage was not an explosion. We have confirmed with @MontanaDES & @GovGianforte that there have not been any explosions in, around, or across #Montana, the City of Billings tweeted. They are aware of the video and it can not [sic] be substantiated. We are aware of the video shared on Twitter and claims of a massive explosion over Billings. However, our PD, Fire & airport have NOT been called to any incidents related to this video and there havent been any plane crashes picked up on radar #ChineseSpyBalloon #spyballoon. Twitter account says jet went by so fast right before explosion in the sky The chemtrail-like artifact in the above video was dubbed by one media outlet as a trail of smoke in the sky where the balloon was last spotted. Near that same spot came the massive flash of light, which would seem to suggest a link between the two events. The authorities deny this, but something clearly happened in the frame that warrants further investigation. Is the flash of light a visual forgery, or did something happen with the Chinese weather balloon to cause a bright flash to occur? One Twitter account noted that right before the alleged explosion occurred, a jet flew by so fast this according to Heidi Hatch from KUTV. Bill Melugin from FOX LA also tweeted about the incident, writing that something apparently just happened in the skies above Billings, Montana. FOX News also picked up on the story and released the below segment: Fox reports explosion over Billings, Montana. pic.twitter.com/1vsFlPO3ph nikki mccann ramirez (@NikkiMcR) February 4, 2023 Dr. Roger Marshall, M.D., a United States senator for Kansas, tweeted later in the day on February 3 that he and his staff confirmed the presence of the Chinese spy balloon over northeast Kansas. My staff is in contact with law enforcement officials, Marshall wrote. I condemn any attempts the Chinese make to spy on Americans. President Biden must protect the sovereignty of the U.S. whether its our airspace or the southern border. Footage was also released see below to show that military helicopters were dispatched following the balloons initial appearance over Montana. Bozeman, Montana, a couple hours ago. Looks like the states readiness protocols have been activated in the wake of the Chinese spy balloon. pic.twitter.com/nA3lAH2NTw Timothy Alberino (@TimothyAlberino) February 3, 2023 Our borders are not secure. A balloon can fly around here for days. Our food is expensive. Our roads are trash. Our children are indoctrinated in our schools so why do we pay taxes again? asked someone in the comment section. Couldnt agree with you more, responded another. Just add, they keep sending our money out of the country to help anyone other than Americans. If you enjoyed reading this story, you can find more like it at Unexplained.news. Sources for this article include: TheGatewayPundit.com NaturalNews.com Outbound tourism by Chinese citizens, which had been suspended for nearly three years, has gradually resumed since China optimized its COVID-19 response and entry-exit policies on Jan. 8. More than 2.87 million Chinese traveled abroad during the 2023 Spring Festival, up 120.5% from the same period last year, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. Southeast Asian countries benefited the most from the surge of Chinese tourists during the festival, data from Chinese travel platform Ctrip showed. In light of the current situation of the epidemic, China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on Jan. 20 that it would resume outbound group tours for Chinese citizens on a trial basis, starting Feb. 6, with 20 pilot destinations, nearly half of which are in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia. In an interview with China.org.cn, Yuk Sengponleur, tourism attache of the Embassy of Cambodia in China, expressed his excitement about Cambodia being included in China's first batch of 20 pilot destinations for outbound group travel. He said the return of Chinese tourists during the Spring Festival was an excellent start for Cambodia's tourism industry in 2023. He noted that China is a large and densely populated country, the world's largest tourism market, and is close to Cambodia. The two countries maintain strong transportation links, including flights, and have established good cooperation and robust diplomatic ties. These factors have laid a solid foundation for constructing a community with a shared future for mankind, making it clear that the Chinese tourism market is a top-priority market for Cambodia. The vast potential of Chinese tourists, as well as Chinese investors, will drive the growth of tourism and boost Cambodia's socioeconomic development. He also mentioned that Cambodia had been following the World Tourism Organization's guidance and had implemented various strategies and action plans to attract Chinese tourists, such as the "China Ready" strategy, which includes the establishment of a China Ready Center, language and culture training for officials and staff, Chinese-speaking tour guides, measures to attract Chinese investors, infrastructure support, and improved tourism services. To welcome Chinese tourists, Cambodia has worked to improve seven areas of tourism services, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, travel agents, resorts, supermarkets and souvenir shops. It has also established five criteria for customer services, including front-line staff who can speak Chinese, promoting Chinese language through digital means, Chinese product labels, and standard quality services. He emphasized that Cambodia is ready and eager to welcome Chinese and international investors and tourists with open arms and without any health-related restrictions. He noted that since the announcement of its reopening in 2022, Cambodia has been steadily facilitating travel and removing health barriers. (Natural News) Twitter temporarily locked Project Veritas out of its account Friday, Feb. 3. This was after the investigative journalism outfit posted a video confronting a YouTube executive for censoring the organizations video that involved a Pfizer executive. The video in question features Project Veritas senior reporter Christian Hartsock asking YouTubes Global Head of Trust and Safety Matt Halprin why the video hosting platform banned the videos with Project Veritas questioning Pfizers director. Hartsock alleged that Halprin was colluding with Pfizer to run cover for the Big Pharma company. (Related: MEMORY HOLED: YouTube CENSORS Project Veritas documentary exposing Pfizers plan to direct COVID-19 mutations.) Journalist Alex Lorusso of Newsmax broke the story, writing on his personal Twitter account: Whats going on? He included a picture reading that the organization was temporarily limited from some of its account features. Twitter claims this lockout occurred because Project Veritas violated site rules against abuse and harassment. Project Veritas was surprised to learn of this temporary lockout, said Project Veritas media relations manager Mario Balaban. He noted that he believes the organization was locked out for conducting journalism as we always do by asking questions to powerful people. In this case, a YouTube executive. We have appealed and look forward to Elon Musk clearing this situation up, he added. Project Veritas account was reinstated shortly after the lockout, indicating that a Twitter executive may have intervened on the organizations behalf. Project Veritas presence on social media platforms being scrubbed Despite getting its Twitter account back, the campaign against Project Veritas is still ongoing. The first culprit was YouTube, which took down Project Veritas video and gave the channel a strike from the service, restricting its ability to upload new videos for a week. Google has also prevented people from looking up the Project Veritas website on its search engine, with the website not appearing in the first page of results. But on DuckDuckGo, an alternative search engine that has fewer algorithmic nudges than Google, the Project Veritas website comes in first or second when similar search terms are used. Furthermore, anybody who attempts to search for the organizations video with the Pfizer executive will instead be redirected to so-called more reliable sources, including Pfizers website, which has a statement claiming that the company has not conducted gain of function or directed evolution research. Working with collaborators, we have conducted research where the original SARS-CoV-2 virus has been used to express the spike protein from new variants of concern, the statement reads. Most of this work is conducted using computer simulations or mutations of the main protease a non-infectious part of the virus. Sadly, the censorship is unlikely to stop with Google, wrote C. Douglas Golden for the Western Journal. Project Veritas may be back on Twitter, thanks to new ownership, but the rest of Big Tech is willing to get in bed with Big Pharma and Big Government at any opportunity. Learn more instances of Big Tech censorship at Censorship.news. Watch this episode of the Health Ranger Report as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses how mainstream media and Big Tech are coordinating to scrub Project Veritas video from the internet. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Forbes tries to discredit Project Veritas but FAILS miserably. Big Tech protecting Big Pharma: Google censors bombshell revelation by Project Veritas about Pfizer. Damage control: Pfizer releases urgent guidance telling employees how to handle Project Veritas bombshell video. Dan Radiostyle: Project Veritas exposed Pfizers plan to engineer new pandemic and rake in more money from vaccines. Pfizer Director goes berserk after Project Veritas exposes Pfizers predatory vaccine development program and the directed evolution of COVID-19. Sources include: ThePostMillennial.com WesternJournal.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) To get the weapons for massive destruction, Zelensky lied and promised that the weapons would not be used to target Moscow. Kievs forces will not hold back when it comes to hitting locations inside Russia, according to Fyodor Venislavsky, a member of the Ukrainian parliaments National Security, Defense, and Intelligence Committee. Speaking to Germanys Bild tabloid on Saturday, he also described Moscow as a legitimate military target. The West is arming Ukraine for long-range missile attacks on Moscow. Putin and the hardliner will now have NO CHOICE and will be fully justified in nuking Ukraine to end the war the same way the United States nuked Japan. (Article by Martin Armstrong republished from ArmstrongEconomics.com) The corruption in the Western media is astonishing. This is not being reported in the USA or Europe. It is being reported in the Middle East and in Russia. The international fake news organization, Trusted News Initiative (TNI), a consortium to control all the mainstream Western Media, is promoting World War III and we are to be told Russia is evil and we must go to war to destroy every individual Russian on the planet. There is no longer any independent journalism left. I had learned in grade school history class that the media created the Spanish American War. Pulitzer later felt guilty and donated his assets to Columbia University to hand out awards for journalists when Pulitzer was the father of yellow journalism and sheer corruption. This is ABSOLUTELY what our world leaders want to take place. In their view, Gates has convinced them that there are just too damn many of us and they cannot pay for all the pensions. Its time to thin the herd. They need war to reduce the population and eliminate the debt crisis. For all of those who support Zelensky and hate all Russians or at least buy the bullshit propaganda about Putin, take a last look at your children and grandchildren You are condemning them to a future that may not even exist. Your stubbornness and refusal to look at the truth have emboldened our World leaders to steer us directly into world war III. I have had Ukrainian employees on both sides from Kiev (Its original Russian spelling) and Donetsk. I have had experience with Ukraine and they are DESPISED by all their neighbors for they are the remnant of Hitlers Nazis. The wheel of fortune has completed its revolution. We are now supporting the Ukrainian Nazis Ethnic cleansing operation of the Donbas. Now, former President of France Hollande has come out and confirmed that they negotiated in bad faith to create the Minsk Agreement ONLY to buy time for Ukraine to build its army to start World War III. Hollande has come out and also confirmed there is no interest in peace, this is to destroy Russia plain and simple. This will end ONLY when Russia fails. There absolutely no reason for China or Russia to negotiate with Europe or the United States when they NEVER keep their word. Treaties mean absolutely nothing anymore and that necessitates World War III for there is no other solution. I warned before, Zelensky was put in place to start World War III. I publish that Zelensky was intent on creating World War III in February 2022. Read more at: ArmstrongEconomics.com (Natural News) Giving patients who are undergoing invasive surgery anesthesia to quell their pain is bad for the planet, according to the cult of climate change. New research presented by Dr. Mohamed Fayed at the recent annual conference of the American Society of Anesthesiologists claims that delivering one hour of surgical anesthesia to a patient is the equivalent of driving a car 470 miles in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. In order to save the planet from global warming, Fayed stated, lowering the flow of anesthetic gas to patients is critical. Sure, they will be in a lot more pain, but at least Fayed will no longer have to worry about the polar ice caps melting and possibly flooding his yard. Global warming is affecting our daily life more and more, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions has become crucial, Fayed is quoted as saying. (Related: In 2019, history professor Juan Cole expressed worry about hurricanes causing Florida to sink because of Gov. Ron DeSantis inaction on climate change.) No matter how small each effect is, it will add up. As anesthesiologists, we can contribute significantly to this cause by making little changes in our daily practice such as lowering the flow of anesthetic gas without affecting patient care. Treating cancer patients is also harming the planet, claims separate study According to Fayed, patient care will not suffer in any way by reducing the use of anesthesia during surgery. Patients need to suffer through the pain, he suggested, because up to 0.1 percent of the worlds carbon emissions come from anesthesia and he considers this to be too high. Treating cancer patients is also contributing to global warming, suggested another study published in the American Cancer Society Journal back in 2020: To date, no studies have estimated the carbon footprint of cancer care, an excerpt from that study reads. The energy expenditure associated with operating cancer treatment facilities and medical devices, as well as the manufacturing, packaging, and shipment of devices and pharmaceuticals, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions in cancer care Some cancer treatment facilities have begun to consider their own carbon footprint and started a process to achieve carbon neutrality. In other words, saving lives is simply too taxing on the planet and must end immediately or else the boiling oceans, as Al Gore calls them, will rise and drown us all. As for the anesthesia issue, Henry Ford Health is already making changes to its regimen by axing the drug desflurane from all operating rooms. The group claims that desflurane produces the most significant carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and thus cannot be allowed for any further use. To our readers: Would you feel confident receiving care at a place like Henry Ford Health that is more concerned about the climate than with your wellbeing? Would you trust its doctors and nurses to take proper care of you in this context? The same goes for cancer centers that are more concerned about being green than with curing you. Some hospitals are claiming that the robotics and other advanced equipment used to treat cancers use too much energy and are thus too polluting to continue using. One doctors solution to this problem is to permanently switch to telemedicine, which was popularized during the covid scamdemic as a way to stop the spread. By treating patients virtually as opposed to in real life, cancer doctors can make their practices more green and environmentally friendly. Here is a question for the American Cancer Society: If you need cancer treatment, would you go to a cancer treatment center that was worried about its carbon footprint? Or one that was worried about delivering the best possible modern care possible? asks Climate Depots Marc Morano. The latest news about the climate can be found at Climate.news. Sources for this article include: ClimateDepot.com NaturalNews.com The World Health Organization has warned that the death toll from a strong earthquake in south-eastern Turkey, near Syria's border, could increase eightfold. The death toll, which now stands at over 3,400, has risen rapidly since the first earthquake struck early Monday morning. A second powerful tremor struck further north about 12 hours later. To find survivors, rescuers have been combing through mountains of rubble in freezing and snowy conditions. Turkey earthquake Countries from all over the world are sending assistance, including specialist teams, sniffer dogs, and equipment, to aid in the rescue efforts, as per the BBC. The 7.8 magnitude tremor struck at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) at a depth of 17.9km (11 miles) near the city of Gaziantep, according to the US Geological Survey. The first quake, according to seismologists, was one of the largest ever recorded in Turkey. According to survivors, the shaking lasted two minutes. The magnitude of the second quake, which was triggered by the first, was 7.5, and its epicentre was in the Elbistan district of Kahramanmaras province. Many aftershocks can still be felt throughout the region. The number of people killed and injured in Turkey and Syria has risen rapidly throughout the day. The WHO has warned that as more victims are discovered in the rubble, those numbers could rise by up to eightfold. Many of the victims were killed in war-torn northern Syria, where millions of refugees are housed in camps on both sides of the Turkish border. Several deaths have been reported in rebel-held areas. Thousands of buildings have collapsed in both countries, and several videos showed the moment they fell as onlookers ran for cover. Many 12-story-high buildings have been flattened, roads have been destroyed, and there are massive mountains of rubble as far as the eye can see. Gaziantep Castle, a historic landmark that has stood for over 2,000 years, was among the buildings destroyed. Anna Foster, the BBC's Middle East correspondent, described a devastating scene from the Turkish city of Osmaniye, near the epicentre. Turkey's energy infrastructure has also been damaged, and videos of large fires in southern Turkey have surfaced. Users on social media claimed they were caused by gas pipeline damage. Fatih Donmez, Turkey's energy minister, confirmed serious infrastructure damage but did not mention the explosions. Turkey is located in one of the most active earthquake zones on the planet. A deadly earthquake in the northwest killed over 17,000 people in 1999. The worst earthquake disaster in the country occurred in 1939 when 33,000 people died in Turkey's eastern Erzincan province. Also Read: Magnitude 6 Earthquake Shakes Southern Philippines for 40 Seconds, Aftershocks Possible More than 4,300 people dead After a devastating earthquake ripped through Turkey and Syria, leaving destruction and debris on both sides of the border, rescuers are racing to pull survivors from beneath the rubble, as per CNN. At around 4 a.m., one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the region in a century jolted resident awake on Monday, causing tremors in Lebanon and Israel. According to Turkey's head of disaster services, Yunus Sezer, at least 2,921 people were killed and more than 15,800 were injured. At least 1,451 people have died in neighboring Syria. According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, 711 people have died in government-controlled areas, primarily in Aleppo, Hama, Latakia, and Tartus. The "White Helmets" organization, officially known as the Syria Civil Defense, reported 740 deaths in opposition-held areas. Anti-government forces control much of northwestern Syria, which borders Turkey, amid a bloody civil war that began in 2011. Suleyman Soylu, Turkey's interior minister, said search and rescue teams had been dispatched to the country's south. AFAD stated that it had requested international assistance through the European Union's humanitarian program, the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC). According to the governor of Turkey's largest city, Istanbul, nearly 1,000 search and rescue volunteers have been deployed, along with dogs, trucks, and aid. The World Health Organization's network of emergency medical teams in both countries has been activated to assist those affected by the earthquake, according to a tweet from the organization's director-general. In his televised address, Erdogan also stated that NATO, the European Union, and dozens of other countries had offered assistance. Related article: Addressing Questions Regarding Earthquake Behavior, Including Safety Precautions Oracle on Monday said it is planning to invest $1.5 billion in Saudi Arabia to bolster its cloud computing capacity in the Middle East. The planned investment, which is part of Oracles memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, will see the public cloud services provider expand its existing cloud region in Jeddah, and open a new one in Riyadh. In addition to the Riyadh region, Oracle will work with the ministry to set up a commercial and operational model for another cloud region in Saudi Arabia that complies with Saudi government requirements and local data residency regulations. The company also plans to set up a separate cloud region in the futuristic city of Neom. Neom is being built as part of Saudi Vision 2030 program that has been planned to reduce Saudi Arabias dependence on oil and diversify its economy. Oracle had first announced its intent to open 14 new cloud regions including those in Saudi Arabia in October 2021. Other Middle East regions announced during that time included a new region in Jerusalem and a second region in Abu Dhabi. With the addition of the Riyadh region, the company will have six cloud regions in the Middle East, Oracle said. Cloud players bullish on the Middle East Oracle rivals such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft and Google Cloud have also been bullish on the Middle East, with each of them rapidly expanding their cloud footprint across the region. In August last year, AWS had opened its new cloud region in the UAE. The UAE region, which consists of three availability zones, joined the companys existing cloud region in Bahrain, which was made available in 2019. The Bahrain cloud region is composed of three availability zones and one local region. AWS also has plans to add a new region in Israel. Microsoft too made its Qatar cloud region operational in August last year after opening regions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2019. Microsoft is also planning to launch a new cloud region in Israel soon. Similarly, Google Cloud, has announced plans to launch two regions each with three zones in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and Doha, Qatar. It already operates one region with three zones in Tel Aviv. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. "The problem of hyper-partisanship and bitter, polarized divisions arose over several decades and from many contributing causes. It probably isnt surprising that we didnt figure out what was happening immediately. Now that we have heard the alarm, what do we do?" Braver Angels' Chuck Stone writes. The abrupt and profound loss of smell and taste are two unique symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. It has been observed that about 4% of patients who recover from COVID-19 show persistent signs of a distorted sense of smell or taste 6-12 months later. In a new study posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, scientists in the United States assessed the extent of post-COVID-19 olfactory and gustatory dysfunction to gain deeper insights into the quality and severity of the symptoms over a year. Study: Clinical Characteristics and Long-term Symptomology of Post-COVID-19 Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction. Image Credit: Shchus / Shutterstock Background Temporary disruptions in normal smell and taste are common in many chronic nasal inflammatory conditions and upper respiratory tract infections. However, the key distinguishing feature of COVID-19 is the sudden onset and severity of symptoms. Research has shown that up to 68% of patients report smell and taste disruptions, and about 55% recover within six months. An association between olfactory dysfunction and expression of the SARS-CoV2 receptor (ACE2) has been documented. However, the mechanisms underlying persistent smell and taste dysfunction remain unclear. The situation is made more complex by the fact that there is no neuronal distress or dysfunction. Some researchers have studied the mechanistic or neurological differences concerning the different SARS-CoV-2 strains, but sensory symptoms and severity in the major waves of the pandemic are yet to be analyzed. About the Study The main aim of the current study is to analyze the clinical characteristics of post-COVID gustatory and olfactory dysfunction. This could narrow down the predictors of persistent sensory dysfunction in patients with chronic symptomology or recovery over a year. Adult patients with a history of COVID-19 and loss of smell or taste for more than 1 week were included in this study. A total of 426 patients enrolled in an online registry and were sent 8 study questionnaires at 4 points during a year. The questions were related to medication use, smoking history, and COVID-19 history. The terminology used for distortion of smell was dysosmia, and for distortion of taste was dysgeusia. Key Findings Medical predispositions and threats, particularly nasal disease, was a key focus area of the study. This is because such conditions could make people more susceptible to sensory dysfunction after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal congestion, and environmental allergies showed significantly different frequencies across the major waves of the pandemic. However, recovery was associated only with environmental allergies, indicative of an overactive immune system capable of minimizing damage induced by COVID-19. The participants confirmed that rinses, steroids (oral or intranasal), and nasal sprays were not able to provide temporary relief or recovery. This made it emotionally challenging and frustrating for them to cope with this condition and the slow progress. The patients also reported more significant mood disturbances, which could be due to the stigma around psychologically induced symptoms or the longevity of the symptoms. Based on the data, the patients could fall into one of the four categories: dysosmia, dysgeusia, subjective dysosmia, and dysosmia/dysgeusia. Participants' self-reported symptoms were validated with clinical measures and compared with specific smells and tastes that could affect their daily lives. There were issues reported concerning smelling foul and dangerous odors, which is problematic for the quality and mental health. Regarding tastes, varied abilities to perceive flavors and subtle differences in food were noted. Concluding Remarks Lack of gender and racial/ethnical diversity was a fundamental limitation of the study, although the registry was provided in English and Spanish. It could be helpful to study the differences among patients infected at different time points within the pandemic. Future research could delve into this issue by comparing mechanistic data on post-COVID olfactory and gustatory dysfunction and clinical characteristics. Overall, COVID-19 is characterized by persistent gustatory and olfactory dysfunction, which occurs in conjunction with acute symptoms of infection but is not ameliorated by them. This study helped gain insights into the quality and severity of smell and taste dysfunction patients still experience post-infection. Despite being a self-reported data-driven study and unable to measure the smell and taste abilities of all participants, researchers noted a marked similarity among the recruited participants. The next goal would be to understand the mechanism underlying these clinical features in the current study and compare them with the registry data. This could be crucial to come up with prognosis trajectories for patients according to potential SARS-CoV-2 strain exposure and testing out novel targeted courses of treatment. *Important Notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. It is generally assumed that older people make more mistakes and cause more crashes when driving, but there has been very little research to back up this assumption. In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Japanese researchers have revealed that mandating cognitive screening for older drivers is indeed associated with lower crash rates in this population. Unfortunately, the flipside of this decrease in motor vehicle crashes is an increase in bike and pedestrian injuries among the same population, likely due to changes in the way in which they get around. Previous research into the effects of cognitive testing on driving safety has been hampered by a lack of firm rules in the studied populations. In 2009, Japan began to require that everyone aged 75 and above complete cognitive testing during their license renewal process. Since 2017, anyone who tests positive has to be cleared of dementia by a doctor before they receive their new license. To investigate the effects of this policy change on the rates of motor vehicle crashes and resultant injuries, researchers from the University of Tsukuba decided to analyze Japan-wide collision and injury data. We had nationwide police-reported data to analyze. And because we looked at collision and injury rates from as far back as 2012when cognitive tests were required but did not affect license renewalswe were able to focus on changes that were specifically associated with the new policy." Professor Masao Ichikawa, senior author of the study By splitting the older population into age-and sex-based groups in the analysis, the research team revealed that after the policy change, men had a lower rate of motor vehicle crashes, while some age groups of both men and women had an increase in bike and pedestrian injuries. "We think that this finding is probably related to the voluntary surrender of driving licenses and reduced driving rates among male drivers," says Professor Ichikawa. "Overall, however, our results suggest that preventing older people with cognitive impairments from driving is something of a two-edged sword, leading to both a decrease in collisions as drivers and an increase in injuries as vulnerable road users when people switch to other types of transport." Given that no longer driving has many adverse health effects in older adults, screening for cognitive impairments should be used carefully, with the aim of removing only the drivers who are most likely to crash in the near future. Safe alternative transport options should also be considered so that pedestrian and bike injuries are avoided in older adults. This study was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI (grant numbers 22 18K10081 and 21H03195). Approximately 300 million people worldwide are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and at high risk of developing liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Consequently, there is an urgent need for the development of HBV curative therapies. Due to the unique replication strategy of the HB virus, however, quantification of viral DNA in infected liver cells, which is essential in preclinical and clinical studies, is technically difficult and not standardised. An international research consortium led by DZIF scientists has now developed recommendations for the optimisation, control and validation of quantitative viral DNA measurements, which could be crucial for preclinical and clinical evaluation of therapeutic strategies. HBV is a DNA virus that specifically infects human hepatocytes. After infection, the DNA genome of the virus is converted by cellular enzymes into covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which forms stable mini chromosomes within the cell nuclei by association with cellular chromosomal proteins. In this form, the viral DNA then serves as a template for the formation of new virus particles. A major limitation of preclinical and clinical HBV research is the lack of standardised PCR-based methods for the specific quantification of viral DNA present as cccDNA in HBV-infected samples. As part of an international consortium supported by the International Coalition to Eliminate HBV (ICE-HBV), DZIF scientists at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Heidelberg University and the Technical University of Munich worked together with the French L'Agence nationale de recherches sur le sida et les hepatites virales (ANRS) and colleagues at Gilead Sciences in the USA to compare protocols and develop evidence-based best practices guidance to quantify cccDNA by quantitative PCR. "When comparing different protocols for quantifying HBV DNA in tissue samples, we found that the coexistence of different forms of viral DNA as well as conditions of sample preservation and treatment strongly affect PCR-based quantification of HBV cccDNA," says DZIF young investigator Dr Lena Allweiss, who led the collaboration of the six participating laboratories. Based on the study results, the team developed sample type-tailored methodological recommendations for the optimisation, control and validation of the quantitative measurement of HBV cccDNA. "The study will assist the HBV cure research programmes aiming at assessing the impact of therapies on the cellular HBV reservoir in preclinical studies and clinical trials," sums up study lead Prof. Maura Dandri, DZIF scientist at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, the results of the study. Molecules from mucus can be used to produce synthetic bone graft material and help with the healing of larger bone loss, a new study found. Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology report the development of a bioactive gel which they say could replace the clinical gold standard of autografting, in which lost bone is replaced with healthy bone taken from another part of the patient's body. Hongji Yan, a researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, says the gel contains mucins, molecules which were derived from cow mucus. The mucins are processed into gels which are combined with monetite granules, a commonly-used synthetic bone graft material. The synthetic gel can be injected to the site of the bone loss. In tests on lab rats with cranial injuries, researchers found that this biomaterial can help solve two key requirements for successful healing bone defects. It promotes formation of bone and blood vessels and it interacts with the immune system. The results were published in the scientific journal, Bioactive Materials. As the main solid components of mucus, mucins give mucus its viscosity, and can balance the reaction of the immune system. Mucins can for example modulate immune cells and mitigate inflammation. But Yan says this is the first study to show how these qualities work with tissue repair. Bodily tissue is loaded with blood vessels and bones are no exception. When bone defects are on the mend, newly formed bone needs to be engulfed into the host bone's vasculature-;that network of blood vessels that connect the new bone to the heart. Yan says the research raises hopes for better outcomes in a wide range of procedures for treating larger bone loss. Mucus protects the body from invaders such as bacteria and viruses, and maintains hemostasis in tissues, where mucins play an important role. The regenerative approach, using the body's own cells through synthetic active material, offers a way to promote bone healing. Grafting from a patient's own bone tissue has limits. There may be an inadequate supply of healthy tissue, and it can be especially risky for people with poor bone quality such as the elderly." Hongji Yan, Researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology The material is however not ready for clinical use, and further studies with larger animals are planned by the research group. The research was carried out together with groups led by Song Chen and Bin Li at Soochow University, China, and Havard J. Haugen at the University of Oslo, Norway. Drinking coffee helps maintain low blood pressure. People who drink two or three cups of coffee a day have lower blood pressure than those who drink just one cup or none at all. This applies both to peripheral and central aortic pressure, i.e. the one closest to the heart. This was shown by a research published in the journal Nutrients, carried out by scholars of the University of Bologna and the Unversity Hospital of Bologna - Sant'Orsola Polyclinic. The investigation analyzed the association between coffee consumption and peripheral and central blood pressure parameters in a sample of the Italian population. The results obtained show that those who regularly drink coffee have significantly lower blood pressure, both on peripheral and central levels, than those who do not drink it." Arrigo Cicero, professor at the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences at the University of Bologna and first author of the study "This is the first study to observe this association in the Italian population, and the data confirm the positive effect of coffee consumption on cardiovascular risk," adds Prof. Claudio Borghi, who led the study. Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in Italy and the world: it is estimated that almost 10 million tons of coffee were consumed globally in 2020 and 2021. Despite the long-standing fears of its negative health consequences, several benefits have long since emerged: a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain neurodegenerative and liver diseases has been observed among regular coffee drinkers. However, it is not yet clear what these benefits are due to, and they do not appear to be directly related to the effects of caffeine. "Caffeine is only one of the several coffee components and certainly not the only one with an active role. Positive effects on human health have indeed been recorded even among those who consume decaffeinated coffee," says Cicero. "We know that caffeine can increase blood pressure, but other bioactive components in coffee seem to counterbalance this effect with a positive end result on blood pressure levels." To investigate these effects, especially with respect to central blood pressure values, the scholars looked at a sample of 720 men and 783 women from a sub-cohort of the Brisighella Heart Study, which is an observational study coordinated by Claudio Borghi, professor at the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences at the University of Bologna. Blood pressure levels and coffee consumption habits, along with a range of other clinical data, were compared for each selected individual. "The results are very clear: peripheral blood pressure was significantly lower in individuals consuming one to three cups of coffee a day than in non-coffee drinkers," Cicero explains. "And for the first time, we were also able to confirm these effects with regard to the central aortic pressure, the one close to the heart, where we observe an almost identical phenomenon with entirely similar values for habitual coffee drinkers compared to non-coffee drinkers." Indeed, data show lower values for coffee drinkers in both systolic and pulse pressure, and in both peripheral circulation and central aortic pressure. All results confirm the positive effects of coffee in mitigating the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study was published in the journal Nutrients under the title "Self-Reported Coffee Consumption and Central and Peripheral Blood Pressure in the Cohort of the Brisighella Heart Study". The authors are Arrigo Cicero, Federica Fogacci, Sergio D'Addato, Elisa Grandi, Elisabetta Rizzoli and Claudio Borghi of the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the University of Bologna and IRCCS (Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare) University Hospital of Bologna - Sant'Orsola Polyclicnic. In a recent study published in Pathogens, researchers discussed the safety of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in healthy people and patients with autoimmunity or cardiac issues. Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been a serious global public health challenge. Several vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been developed worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 300 vaccines are under various preclinical and clinical development phases. Importantly, vaccines cannot effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 transmission due to the high variability of the virus, impeding the herd immunity goal. Moreover, there is evidence of reduced effectiveness against the Omicron variant, even after a fourth dose. Several individuals develop inflammatory cardiomyopathy, thrombosis, neurologic problems, and other rare conditions after COVID-19 vaccination. These events may increase with the administration of repeated vaccine boosters. As such, researchers in the present study reviewed the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, especially in people with autoimmunity and cardiac issues. COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune and healthy individuals Clinical evidence indicates an increase in autoimmunity symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination. A meta-analysis reported neurologic manifestations after the first SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose in some patient subsets and also noted that more than half of these events occurred in individuals with a history of autoimmunity. mRNA and virus-vectored vaccines were reported to trigger multiple sclerosis (MS)-like episodes. Another study reported adverse events after vaccination with Pfizer/AstraZenecas vaccine in MS patients from Germany and the United Kingdom (UK). One research team observed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flares developing 12 hours after the second vaccine dose in a 55-year-old individual, while another team identified new-onset RA within four weeks of vaccination. Myocarditis and pericarditis risk after COVID-19 infection or vaccination An increase in myocarditis/pericarditis incidence was initially reported after the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, with approximately one in every 33,300 individuals at risk of cardiac inflammation. Moreover, the risk of myocarditis/pericarditis was further elevated among military personnel in the United States (US). An Israeli study found no evidence of a higher risk of myocarditis/pericarditis after COVID-19 in non-vaccinated people. This contradicted the evidence from a study that reported an elevated incidence in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. An Italian study reported excess cases of myocarditis/pericarditis in young vaccinated individuals, with up to 12 cases per 100,000 people, while a US study estimated one myocarditis case in 6250 vaccinated subjects. In addition, vaccine booster-associated myocarditis/pericarditis in males was reported in US universities, requiring hospitalization. Overall, data on myocarditis development post-COVID-19 vaccination can not be ignored since the frequency of vaccine-associated myocarditis is not lower than that with COVID-19. Safety of COVID-19 vaccines in individuals with autoimmunity and myocarditis history Recently, a study revealed elevated blood troponin T levels after COVID-19 vaccination in all tested subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), implying heart damage. Although the biomarker levels declined with time, the fact that all subjects exhibited higher levels is concerning, calling for caution in administering vaccines to these at-risk individuals with a history of myocarditis. Notably, nearly half the SLE patients had been using immunosuppressants and immunomodulators at vaccination, which could have affected the inflammatory response to mRNA vaccines. SLE patients mount a lower antibody response than healthy patients after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, even without immunosuppressants. It was suggested that autoreactive T cells show reduced activation following vaccination. The constitutional domain of the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) index was significantly increased in SLE patients after receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Although no patient required a change of therapy, the researchers proposed regular surveillance of autoimmune patients. The risk/benefit ratio of continued administration of vaccines may need revision, given the increase in BILAG index, cardiac damage biomarkers, and the fact that COVID-19-induced myocarditis is not more common and riskier than vaccine-induced myocarditis. Autoimmunity post-vaccination There is evidence of the onset of autoimmune disorders after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. The viral spike proteins cellular receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), is targeted by autoantibodies during COVID-19. It is yet to be ascertained whether vaccination also triggers similar autoantibody responses. Moreover, in silico findings suggest a potential cross-reactivity between the viral spike and human proteins, albeit some studies contradict this finding. Reports indicate myocardial inflammation in individuals with vaccine-related myocarditis and lymphocyte infiltrate, suggesting an autoimmune-like attack. Conclusion Taken together, the authors discussed COVID-19 vaccine safety and associated adverse events. The scientific community must determine whether the existing nucleic acid-based vaccines should be continued for at-risk individuals with autoimmunity when the long-term effects of vaccination are unclear (in these sub-populations). The development of COVID-19 vaccines using conventional technologies may be desirable for older adults and at-risk individuals. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today A mix of clouds and sun. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 7F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, commended the Bahrain Defence Forces ongoing development, and its wide-ranging efforts in safeguarding the Kingdom and its citizens as well as its commitment to protecting national achievements and interests. This came as HRH Prince Salman, along with His Highness Lieutenant Commander Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, yesterday inaugurated the BDF Hospitals Royal Medical Services (RMS) Clinics building. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister highlighted the BDFs RMS longstanding role in providing quality healthcare services to citizens, noting the efforts of administrative staff and medical professionals in contributing to the advancement of the Kingdoms healthcare sector. He unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the inauguration of the RMS Clinics, and was presented with a souvenir by the Commander of the RMS, Major-General Professor Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, on this occasion. His Royal Highness toured the premises, and was briefed on the RMSs departments, units and medical practices. The Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces met with a group of consultant doctors, medical professionals and executive supervisors within the BDF as well as a number of participants that have contributed to the implementation of the project. The RMS Clinics building spans over an area of 51,000 square metres. The new building has 6 floors consisting of 14 consultation clinics, primary healthcare clinics, and the Banoon ART and Cytogenetics Centre for assisted reproductive technology as well as, 265 consultation rooms, 3 pharmacies, 8 specimen collection rooms and a number of x-ray rooms. Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was received by the Commander-in-Chief of the BDF, HE Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Defence Affairs, HE Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, BDF Chief-of-Staff Lieutenant General Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, Commander of the RMS, and a number of senior BDF officers. Commitment HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister highlighted the Kingdoms commitment to advancing the quality of medical services provided to citizens and residents, in line with Bahrains comprehensive development, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. His Royal Highness noted the important role public-private partnerships play in strengthening the sustainability of healthcare services delivered to citizens and promoting a healthy well-being. Gratitude The RMS Commander delivered a speech to commemorate the new the inauguration of the new RMS building. In his address, he expressed his gratitude for His Royal Highnesss inauguration of the medical premises, which coincides with the fifty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Bahrain Defence Force. Major- General Professor Shaikh Khalid bin Ali further gave a brief on RMSs achievements over the years, including many prestigious international accreditations obtained by the RMS, and the newly inaugurated building which features the latest technology in medical equipment. A number of senior officials also attended the inauguration. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Cabinet yesterday expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to Syria and Turkey in the wake of the devastating earthquakes that hit their countries, and wished the injured a speedy recovery. It affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrains solidarity with Syria and Turkey in overcoming this natural disaster. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, yesterday chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting at Gudaibiya Palace. The Cabinet highlighted the Bahrain Defence Forces (BDF) advanced projects that has reinforced its capabilities as a model of development and modernisation. It noted the importance of the BDF Hospitals Royal Medical Services Clinics in advancing medical and treatment services in the Kingdom, through its modern equipment, capabilities and advanced technologies. The Cabinet discussed and aprroved the following memorandums: 1. A memorandum by the Government Executive Committee regarding a proposal to develop a mechanism for submitting and preparing government draft laws. 2. A memorandum by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding draft laws that were prepared based on proposed laws submitted by the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council, which remain with the Council of Representatives and the National Council following the end of the fourth session of the fifth legislative term. The Cabinet reviewed the progress of implementing the Al Fateh Road development project, which falls within the Kingdoms traffic projects and its completion rates. The Cabinet also reviewed the preparations made by the ministries and government agencies to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the National Action Charter. The Cabinet took note of ministerial reports regarding: The foreign bilateral exchanges, engagements and participations for the month of February 2023 The visit conducted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates to the Kingdom of Bahrain The visit conducted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Republic of the Sudan and Hungary. The visit conducted by the Minister of Oil and Environment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia The Minister of Healths participation in the 2023 Arab Health Exhibition and Conference The visit conducted by the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Justice and to the Dubai Courts The visit conducted by the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the meeting held with the Saudi Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs, participation at Saudi Arabias Municipal Investment Forum, Foras, as well as the Ministers visit to the UAE to review the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program The visit conducted by the Minister of Education to the UAE. Agencies | Islamabad The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Pakistan has lifted the ban on the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia after the country's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to restore it with "immediate effect," Geo News reported. The decision was taken after a three-member ministerial committee comprising Pakistan's Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs and Political Affairs Ayaz Sadiq, and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb made the recommendation, Geo News reported citing a statement from the Prime Minister's office. On February 1, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said that it was "degrading" Wikipedia services in Pakistan over the presence of "sacrilegious content", which the platform had been asked to remove. However, Wikipedia failed to remove the content. Two days later, Pakistan authorities banned the encyclopedia after it failed to respond to the objections, according to a Geo News report. On February 6, the matter of the ban was placed before Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif. He constituted a ministerial committee for a preliminary examination of the issue. According to the statement, the committee said, "Wikipedia was a useful site/portal which supported the dissemination of knowledge and information for the general public, students and the academia." According to Geo News report, statement further said, "Blocking the site in its entirety was not a suitable measure to restrict access to some objectionable contents/sacrilegious matters on it. The unintended consequences of this blanket ban, therefore, outweigh its benefits." After the committee's statement, Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed that Wikipedia be restored with "immediate effect". He further set up a new cabinet committee to look into the matter closely, as per the news report. Unlock your phone just by saying "Eating Cheetos" using this clever accessibility hack. TORONTO, Feb. 7, 2023 /CNW/ - Just in time for Super Bowl LVII one of the biggest snacking days of the year the Cheetos brand is introducing the Cheetos Cheetle Hack: a hack that uses your voice to open your smartphone when you have Cheetle on your fingertips. And in case you're wondering, "Cheetle" is the official term for the powdery residue that gets on your fingertips while eating the savory snack, Cheetos. Cheetos Cheetle Hack (CNW Group/Cheetos Canada) Snacks are one of the best parts of the big game, and that means there will be a lot of Cheetle fingers. So for all the North Americans who will be glued to their phones this Sunday (because are you even watching Super Bowl LVII if you're not engaged in a running commentary throughout the entire game in multiple group chats!?) there's a problem: you can't unlock your phone with Cheetle fingers. That is, until now. Enabling the Cheetos Cheetle Hack is quite simple. While you'll find the step-by-step instructions at www.CheetosCheetleHack.ca , here's a quick overview. First, mark your phone's passcode with Cheetle on your fingers. Then, open your phone's settings and go to Accessibility. Open and turn on Voice Control and select Customize Command. Now, create your own "Eating Cheetos" command. Retrace your marked Cheetle and save as your new gesture. Now you're free to use "Eating Cheetos" as a voice command to unlock your phone, hands-free. "Our true fans know that Cheetle is an unmistakably delicious part of the Cheetos experience. But as our fans have pointed out, sometimes that means you can't do things like unlock your phone," says Lisa Allie, Senior Marketing Director, PepsiCo Foods Canada. "We wanted to make sure that fans could remain locked in on all the action and be a part of all the live conversations surrounding the big game while still enjoying their favourite snack!" While the voice command accessibility feature has existed for smartphones for some time, it has only recently started to make its rounds on social media. The Cheetos brand saw Super Bowl LVII as the perfect opportunity to shed light on this brilliant hack at a time when Cheetle fingers will be at their peak. And yes, of course, there's always face authentication to unlock your phone but chances are, there's going to be Cheetle there too. About Cheetos Cheetos is a favourite Canadian snack brand under the Frito-Lay Canada portfolio. As one of PepsiCo Canada's flagship brands, wherever you find the Cheetos brand, expect to end up with a little Cheetle on your fingertips. Learn more about the brand at the corporate website, http://www.cheetos.ca and on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/cheetoscanada . About PepsiCo Foods Canada PepsiCo Foods Canada is comprised of the Frito Lay Canada and Quaker Canada businesses. The company employs over 6,000 Canadians with seven manufacturing plants and sales and distribution facilities from coast to coast. Frito Lay Canada is the country's largest snack food manufacturer and the company's brands include Lay's, Doritos, Tostitos, Ruffles, Smartfood and Cheetos. The Quaker brand portfolio includes a wide range of wholesome cereals, oatmeal, rice and corn snacks and snack bars, and features other prominent brands such as Life, Quaker Chewy, Harvest Crunch and Crispy Minis. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.ca . About PepsiCo PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $79 billion in net revenue in 2021, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with PepsiCo Positive (pep+). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com. SOURCE Cheetos Canada For further information: Sara Lemmermeyer, [email protected], 647-241-0693 President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met with Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), over the scarcity of naira notes in the country. Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto and chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), was also in attendance at the meeting. Also present were Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi state governor; Lucky Irabor, the chief of defence staff; and Abdulrasheed Bawa, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The meeting took place at the council chamber of the state house. Following the meeting, none of the parties in attendance agreed to speak with journalists. The CBN governor also declined to answer questions related to a possible amendment of the terms of the naira redesign policy. An earlier scheduled meeting between the president and the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) was cancelled. The president was said to have cancelled the meeting because of a court decision prohibiting the federal government from extending the February 10, 2023 deadline for exchanging old naira notes. The president had on February 3 met with the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors over the naira redesign policy and its effects on Nigerians. During the meeting, the governors had asked Buhari to allow both the old and new notes to co-exist. The Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday ordered the Peoples Democratic Party not to make an attempt at suspending or expelling Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State from the party. In the motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/139/2023, dated and filed on February 2, the respondents are the PDP, its National Working Committee, the National Executive Committee of PDP, the National Chairman of PDP, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, National Secretary PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the Independent National Electoral Commission. The order was made upon an ex-parte motion filed by Wike against the entire hierarchy of the PDP. Justice Omotosho of the federal high court ordered that all parties in this suit shall maintain peace and shall not take any action or step or act that may make the outcome of the Motion on Notice dated and filed February 2, 2023, nugatory and worthless. That any act or step or action made so as to make the outcome of the Motion on Notice dated and filed February 2, 2023, nugatory shall be a nullity. The applicant had prayed for an order maintaining the status quo and staying all actions in the matter relating to the threat to suspend or expel him by the 1st to 5th Respondents pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion. Wike also asked for an order of the court granting him leave to serve the motion on notice, originating motion and all other processes of the court in the suit on the 1st to 5th Respondents by substituted means to wit, by pasting all the said processes of court on PDP National Secretariat. He also sought an order deeming such service as made above as proper service which was granted. That leave is hereby granted to the applicant to serve the originating motion, Motion on notice and all other processes of this court in this suit on the 1st to 5th Respondents by substituted means to wit, by pasting all the said processes of court on PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone S, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the Justice ruled. Justice Omotosho further directed that a hearing notice be issued and served on all the Respondents. Upon reading the affidavit in support of the motion exparte deposed to by one Precious Ikpe and filed at the court registry and after hearing Dr J Y Musa, for the applicant, the court granted the reliefs sought. Meanwhile, the court has adjourned till February 14, 2023, for hearing of the Motion on Notice dated and filed February 2, 2023. The Federal Government has warned of dire consequences for any individual or groups who attempt to exploit or further cause untold hardship to ordinary Nigerians by disrupting fuel supply and distribution chain. This is coming on the heels of renewed efforts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to maintain the 450.92 million litres weekly evacuation of Premium Motor Spirit to different petrol stations nationwide. The Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, gave the warning on Tuesday in a statement by his Senior Adviser, Media and Communications, Horatius Egua. Sylva, while reassuring Nigerians of the governments determination, called on security agencies to be on high alert in preventing attempts by subversive elements to cause any disruption during the period of the general elections in the country. He appealed to Nigerians for understanding, noting that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was sincere in finding permanent solutions to the fuel problems in the country. He said the government was exploring all options in seeking an end to the fuel problem in the country. Sylva urged stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to join hands with the government in ending the problem. During a tour of selected petrol stations in Abuja on Friday, Sylva expressed governments satisfaction with the efforts of the NNPCL in ensuring fuel availability to the average Nigerian and urged them to keep up the tempo. In the last month, NNPCL has maintained a total weekly evacuation of 450.92 million litres of PMS, a daily average of 64.42 million litres. Sylva, while calling for collective support in dealing with the fuel issue said the government felt the pains of the ordinary Nigerian occasioned by the lingering fuel queues. He said that the relevant government agencies were working round the clock to ensure fuel availability at petrol stations across the country. The problems associated with fuel queues in the country are not a problem that came with Buharis government but a fallout of long years of rot and decadence in products supply and distribution chain by successive governments. Buharis administration is addressing the problem holistically, this is the first time in so many years that a government is addressing the proble Some gun-wielding men, suspected to be cultists on Tuesday morning shot and killed a lecturer with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra state. A source identified the victim as Dr Anthony Eze, a lecturer with the faculty of education in the university. According to the source, the lecturer was just driving out of his residence at Ifite Awka, to take his children to school, when yet-to-be identified gunmen stormed and opened fire on him. He attempted to flee from them, but he was chased and gunned down by the men. We were here this morning when Dr Eze was driving out of his house and suddenly a Toyota Corolla saloon car pulled towards the entrance of his house and when he tried to drive back, they followed him and shot him in the chest. We ran away. We later rushed him to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, but the doctor on duty confirmed that he was dead. Spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, when contacted said he was not aware of the incident. The Delta North senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ned Nwoko today said its not a do-or-die affair for him to be voted a senator. Nwoko made the assertion during an interactive session with journalists in Asaba. Nwoko who was a guest at The Platform, a programme organized by the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ also said he wouldnt like to be in the opposition when he emerges as the next senator at the red chamber. He explained that he cant function effectively well as an opposition in the house. According to Hon. Nwoko, it will be an uphill task for him to go and convince Peter Obi and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to do what he wanted for him. He stressed: Its almost impossible. But if I have Okowa and Atiku, its easy. Please, make room for them. I believe they will make things happen. If I am in opposition, it becomes a problem. Nwoko noted that the PDP agenda will be those things discussed and agreed upon with the people. While noting that the same goes for the governor, Nwoko told the people that they are shooting themselves in the leg if they support a candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC to be governor of Delta State. I cannot work with an APC governor. I know him, he said. He then solicited support for all PDP candidates in the forthcoming elections. Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says if elected, he will ensure that peace returns to Benue state. Speaking on Monday during the partys campaign rally in the state, Abubakar said his administration will work towards ending insecurity and ensuring that there is peaceful co-existence between Fulani and Tiv communities. The former vice-president also said he will make provision for infrastructural development that will connect the state to neighbouring areas. The umbrella of Tiv people all over the world, I promise you, if you elect me as your president, just like I did in 2001 when I came to Benue and made the Fulanis sign a peace accord with their brother Tivs, I will come and make sure peace returns to Benue state, he said. Benue state is the food basket of this country. Today, our farmers in Benue do not go to farm again because of insecurity. I will make sure security returns to Benue state. I also promise you that by the grace of God, the issue of unemployment of our young men and women will be a thing of the past. That is why in my policy document, I said we are going to allocate 10 billion US dollars to empower our young men and women with enterprises. Let me also assure you that the infrastructural deficit you are facing in this state in terms of your connectivity with other neighbouring states will be a thing of the past because we are going to make sure that we vote funding for the development of roads and railways to make sure that our transportation system is once again working. Benue state has been a gateway state between the far north and the south, that is why we have the railway line passing through Benue state, today that line is not working, I promise you that when you elect a PDP government, we shall reopen the railway lines. Let me again reassure you that the closure of our universities because of the non-payment of salaries to the members of staff will be a thing of the past. I have a private university, and we have never gone on strike for one day. So, if a private university cannot go on strike for one day, why should the public university? I promise you ASUU will not go on strike, because we will pay them and fund the education sector adequately. Abubakars campaign in Benue comes amid a crisis in the PDP which has seen Samuel Ortom, governor of the state, align with four other PDP governors, on boycotting the campaign for the PDP presidential candidate. Ortom and his allies have insisted that Iyorchia Ayu must step down as PDP national chairperson. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Borno State Chapter, on Tuesday directed its members to immediately reopen all its outlets across the state. The association said this in a statement by its chairman, Mohammed Kuluwu. The state chapter of IPMAN had earlier ordered its members to suspend payments for petroleum products and other operations until further notice. The association said the decision followed the loss being recorded by its members who are being compelled by the government and its agencies to sell petroleum products at certain prices. You are all hereby directed to suspend selling at all filling stations and also suspend payment of ordering products from source until further notice, the statement said. But in another statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, the association directed its members in the state to resume operations. Having met with the concerned authority, all filling stations should open with immediate effect and continue selling while the association continues with further consultation and accordingly keeps you informed, the statement said. Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview Tuesday afternoon, the spokesperson of the association in the state, Abdulkadir Mustapha, confirmed the new directive. Yes, the suspension notice is genuine but we have already resolved the issue and directed all our members to reopen their stations, he said. Earlier on Monday, IPMAN had appealed to the Nigerian government for more time to sell petroleum products at the official price of N195 per litre. Joseph Akanni, Vice Chairman of IPMAN, Western Zone, said regulatory agencies enforced the pump price of petrol at N195 per litre at all filling stations across the country. We have already instructed our members not to buy high-priced petroleum products. We will only be buying products from NNPC, he told the News Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan, Oyo State. We have also advised our members not to buy any products that they cant sell at N195 litre according to the Federal Government guideline. Most of our members paid to the private depot owners almost three to four weeks ago and they were yet to supply them but started to supply them now. We have pleaded with the authority to give us time to sell off the products, this is against the backdrop that our members want to go on rampage. That is not true. A federal high court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted Jide Omokore, chairman of Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Nigeria Limited, of fraud allegations. Omokore was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Victor Briggs, Abiye Membere, and David Mbanefo on a 15-count charge. They were alleged to have fraudulently diverted about $1.6bn alleged to be part of proceeds of sales of petroleum products belonging to the federal government. Although Omokore was acquitted of the charges by the court on Tuesday, his co-defendants were found guilty and convicted. Omokore, an ally of Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former minister of petroleum, was initially arraigned on July 4, 2016. He and the co-defendants were arraigned before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba. Their alleged offences were said to be contrary to section 1 (1) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act and punishment under section 1(3) of the same Act. A former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani has insisted that his suspension by the Peoples Democratic Party, National Working Committee was ill-conceived and unwarranted. Senator Nnamani also stated that his right to fair hearing was violated because he was neither informed of any complaints against him nor was he invited on the matter. The PDP announced the suspension of the senator representing Enugu East, alongside other chieftains of the party in Ekiti, Enugu and Imo states over allegations of anti-party activities, which was effective on January, 20, 2023. The lawmaker in a statement signed on Monday and made available to journalists in Abuja said, The PDP Penkelemesi suspension without hearing is incurably messy and will collapse. My decision to pitch tent with Asawaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was necessitated by the PDPs refusal to comply with its own constitution to wit; that key political offices should at all times be rotated between the South and North to guarantee harmony, peace, fairness, equity and justice. As it is now, there is no fairness, justice and equity in the PDP because both the presidential candidate and the National Chairman are from the same region. Commenting further, the lawmaker noted that he was exercising his right for freedom of choice and association, asserting that he stands with the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Tinubu. Going forward, the lawmaker advised PDP leadership to address the issues within the party maintaining that his suspension by the NWC is defective in both moral and constitutional supports. Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says the CBN will not be used a means to frustrate the forthcoming general election. Emefiele spoke on Tuesday during a meeting with Mahmood Yakubu, chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), at the CBN headquarters in Abuja. The meeting comes amid concerns over the current naira scarcity. Speaking at the meeting, Yakubu said while service providers needed for elections are generally paid by electronic transfer, there are critical areas such as transportation and emergency situations where cash payments will be required. In view of the recent policy, involving the redesign of some denominations of our national currency, and the limits placed on cash withdrawals and availability, we consider this meeting important in addressing some of the areas of concern with just 17 days to the 2023 general election, he said. We are confident that arising from this meeting, we can assuage the anxiety expressed by some of our service providers. Were determined to make the 2023 general election one of the best organised elections in Nigeria but we cannot do it alone. Responding, Emefiele said the CBN remains committed to supporting INEC towards ensuring credible polls. Just a few months ago, I visited your office and you raised the issue of how foreign exchange can be procured for you to import other forms of election materials that needed to be imported, he said. And I gave you my word that foreign exchange will be provided for that purpose. I sit here to confirm that as at today, not one dollar is owed. All dollars needed to procure those materials have been provided. Now, this issue of paying logistics for people who are going to be transporting election materials to wards, certainly I give it to you that because we regard the INEC project as an urgent national assignment, it cannot fail. The central bank will not allow itself either to be used or to be seen as an agent that frustrated positive outcome of the election. I give you the commitment that if in this case, after making your electronic payment you require some money to pay transporters, in this case cash, we will make it available. I will make sure that we will not allow ourselves to be seen as an agent that frustrated a positive outcome of the election. The Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday accused some opposition parties of legally restricting President Muhammadu Buhari from giving relief to Nigerians suffering agonies of cash crunch resulting from the naira redesign. Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, made the remark at the 23rd edition of President Muhammadu Buharis administration scorecard series (2015-2023) on Tuesday. NAN reports that the programme was put in place to showcase the achievements of the Buhari administration. In his opening remarks, the Minister said the Federal Government was mindful of the inconveniences being endured by Nigerians because of the redesigning of the naira notes and fuel supply disruptions. According to him, the government was working assiduously to restore normalcy to the two key enablers of economic activities. He said it was surprising that some opposition political parties ran to court to obtain an injunction restraining Buhari and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from extending the February 10 deadline for Nigerians to swap their old notes for new ones. Mohammed said, The court action came after a number of opposition parties threatened to boycott the 2023 general elections if the deadline was extended. These curious actions by the parties concerned are clear evidence that the opposition has turned this whole issue into a political game, preferring to make Nigerians suffer more on the altar of an unconscionable political gamesmanship. Mohammed added, Or how else can one explain the fact that these unscrupulous opposition parties dont want any action that could reduce the pains being experienced by Nigerians?. The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has beseeched the Federal Government to avoid making Nigerians scapegoats in the ongoing battle of titans over the redesign of the naira. Atiku made the appeal in a statement by his media aides in Abuja on Tuesday. He said that the FG had a duty to swiftly see to it that commercial banks did not constitute themselves into stumbling blocks on the well-thought-out policy of naira redesign. It is commendable that the FG has rather preferred to work behind the scenes, based on the intelligence it is believed to have received, regarding suspicions that some presidential candidates may have stashed billions of naira as war-chest for vote-buying. The former vice-president lamented that there had been widespread anxiety across the country, arising from poor execution of the naira redesign policy by commercial banks in the country. Businesses and cash-dependent smallholder enterprises are all currently in serious distress. This should be addressed urgently to save the economy from collapse. Atiku said that he had on January 28, made a crucial intervention in the redesign of the naira, calling on the FG and the CBN to consider adjusting the deadline date, to address the challenges being faced by members of the public. He re-stated that the policy was being mismanaged, unlike what was obtained in other parts of the world, where similar policies were implemented. According to him, millions of Nigerians are being driven into grave desperation and despondency on account of the shortcomings of the execution of the policy. In recent weeks, social tension has been growing across Nigeria on account of the poor management of the redesign of the naira policy, the presidential hopeful added. NAN Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for calm over the scarcity of petrol and new naira notes. Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu said the opposition is plotting to use the petrol and naira scarcity to scuttle the forthcoming elections. The former governor of Lagos said Nigerians must resist the plots and protect the countrys democracy. This is a challenging period in the life of our country when our people are made to stay on the line for hours to get fuel and even get their own money from the banks, Tinubu said. I empathize with Nigerians across the country, especially the poor masses who have been made to bear the brunt and pains of the CBN naira policy and fuel scarcity the most. While the government continues to work to solve these problems, lets stay calm, maintain the peace and continue to shun and avoid any act capable of causing civil unrest and disharmony. What the opposition and enemies of democracy want is to create a state of national siege and tension that can disrupt the coming general election and create an atmosphere of strife in our country. We must say no to them. We must be resolute and stand firm to protect our democracy by ensuring we hold our elections in a peaceful and orderly manner. I am in this race to bring renewed hope and prosperity to all Nigerians. There are no challenges that will be difficult for us as a people to surmount when we stand in unity of purpose. Tinubu said if elected, he would work to bring economic prosperity and national unity that would be a source of joy to all Nigerians. Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, his deputy, Benson Abounu, commissioners, aides and the 22 local government chairmen of the state were absent at the campaign rally of the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Benue is being controlled by PDP with the national chairman of the party, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, hailing from the state. Leading the campaign rally for Atiku in the state are former governor of the state, Senator Gabriel Suswam, former president of the Senate, David Mark, and the three senators representing Zone A, B and C; Suswam, Orker Jev and Abba Moro, were in attendance. Also, the party governorship candidate and his deputy, Titus Uba and John Ngbede, respectively, and some state working committee members attended the rally. Speaking at the rally, Ayu appealed to Ortom, who had not shown support for Atiku, to join hands with the party to be able to rescue the country. Ayu said that he met with one of the G-5 governors, the Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, two days ago and also urged him to work with them. According to the PDP chairman, there is no division in the party. Ayu said, What we have is some of our members who are aggrieved but we are appealing to Governor Ortom to come back and join us to rescue the country. Governor Ortom has nowhere to go. We have already resolved our issue with Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu. I was with him two days ago and he has agreed to work for the success of our party. Atiku, while speaking with the mammoth crowd at the rally, promised to ensure that the crisis between the people of the state and Fulani herders would be resolved if voted into office. He said, I am the umbrella of Tiv people worldwide. If you vote for me, I will make sure peace return to Benue State. I will come to the state and make sure Fulani signs a peace pact with the people of the state. Atiku also promised that the $10m promised in his blueprint would be injected into the economy to create jobs for the youth. He further assured the people of Benue State that he would fix the federal roads that pass through the state, just as he promised to reopen the railway line that passed through the state and ensure that the Academic Staff Union of Universities no longer embarks on strike. The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has asked Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta, to retract his attacks on Edwin Clark, the Ijaw national leader, within 48 hours. Clark, in a recent letter to Okowa, alleged that the 13 percent derivation funds received by the state government were mismanaged. The elder statesman, who described Okowas administration as a reign of unaccountability, asked the governor to step down as the running mate of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Clark said the nomination of Okowa as Atikus running mate is in breach of the agreement reached by stakeholders and governors in the south that the presidency should be zoned to the region. In his response to Clarks letter, Okowa said there was so much falsehood in the elder statesmans claims and that the expectation from a senior citizen should be actions that can unite the nation. In a statement, on Sunday, Ken Robinson, PANDEF spokesperson, said Okowa should answer the queries raised by Clark and not sink deeper into the pit. PANDEF, thus, finds it stunning that less than 24 hours after Chief Clark wrote an open letter to the governor, raising various troubling issues, Ifeanyi Okowa has been quick to reply him; avoiding answers to the veracity of the issues raised, but dwelling on the towering image, integrity and personality of this great national icon, PANDEF said. As a regional body that represents the interests of the people of the entire Niger Delta, PANDEF is compelled to note that the responses on the matter by Okowas commissioner for information, Charles Aniagwu, is thoughtless and disingenuous. For the purpose of correcting Okowas messengers, and to set the records right for future generations, it is necessary to remind Okowa and his aides of some facts. Without doubt, there is no other Nigerian, living or dead, who has played roles to unify this country as Chief E. K. Clark has done. For over 70 years, the respected national leader has continued to play overriding nationalistic roles which was acknowledged, perhaps unintended, in the commissioners response to the chiefs letter. Our least expectation was that His Excellency would provide answers to the questions posed. Because the funds that come to Delta state are for the people of the state, thus, the demand for accountability and transparency must not be trivialised or ignored but should be answered correctly, especially for a man who dreams to become the vice president of Nigeria. Governor Okowa should also note the other critical issues cited in our fathers letter to him, including the question of how he emerged as vice presidential candidate to the PDP presidential flag bearer, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Nonetheless, PANDEF gives Ifeanyi Okowa, 48 hours to retract and withdraw his attacks on Clark in his interest. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has called on the Federal Government to invoke its powers in line with the provisions of Section 47 (3) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act to stop Senator Uzodinma from destroying Imo State with an unsustainable debt portfolio. The opposition party said it feels greatly pained by the spike in Imos debt profile, and states in clear terms that the administration of Senator Hope Uzodinma has mortgaged the future of unborn generations with unpayable debt stock, while also elevating treasury looting to the status of state policy PDP in a statement signed by its state Publicity Secretary, Collins Opurozor and made available to DAILYPOST on Mondaym said with a debt profile of N220 billion, Imo today has the highest Debt-to-GDP ratio in Nigeria. The opposition party further said it therefore, alerts Ndimo, and indeed Nigerians, to a grand plot by Senator Hope Uzodinma to borrow as much as possible and plunge Imo into debt slavery, so as to flee Nigeria with enough loots upon his imminent defeat at the governorship polls in November this year. The statement reads, It is on record that the widely-rejected administration of Senator Uzodinma has already gotten the malleable House of Assembly to pass a bogus budget which contains nothing but a very sinister plan to borrow, just in 2023, the sum of N354 billion. For the avoidance of doubt, the entire receipts from FAAC to Imo State for the year 2023 would be in the region of N70 billion. The 13% Derivation Fund would total about N9.6 billion. The States IGR would be N13 billion. And other interventions and grants, including UBEC, would be N28 billion. That brings the total income of the State for the year to about N120.6 billion. Yet, Senator Uzodinma has planned to fritter away the sum N475 billion within the year. The deficit, which is N354 billion, would be raised through borrowings. Still unsatisfied with that amount, Senator Uzodinma has again sent a supplementary budget of N118 billion to the parliament. This will also be financed through loans and squandered as usual. This shows Senator Uzodinma has already perfected plans to leave behind a cumulative debt burden of over N700 billion. It will take more than ten generations to clear this mess which the unelected regime has created in just three years. It is curious that in all of the landmark borrowings by Senator Uzodinma, no effort has been made to redraw the industrial landscape of the State by re-jigging investments in the hugely vital agro-industrial sector where Imo has major comparative advantage. Adapalm has remained moribund, Imo Rubber Estates and Avutu Poultry Farm have remained comatose. Equally, Nsu Tiles Company, Umuna Bricks Factory, Egbema Power Plant and Inyishi Aluminium Extrusion Plant are some key investments with the capacity to rev-up the local economy and employ a vast majority of the teeming unemployed Imo youths. Yet, they have been left to rot away, even when Imo under this anti-people regime of Senator Uzodinma has been officially designated by the NBS as the unemployment capital of Nigeria. The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has donated N100m to the families of the vigilantes killed by terrorists and all those affected by the attacks in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State. This is just as the APC presidential road show and programmes of celebration were canceled in Katsina yesterday over the incident. A presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, in a statement, said the mega rally in which President Muhammadu Buhari and Tinubu were star attractions was tamed as speaker after speaker took to the microphone to express sorrow over the tragic killings. Shehu said Buhari led leaders, members and presidential candidate of the APC in vilifying the evil of terrorism that had deprived many of loved ones, while prodding citizens to continue working collectively for the good of the state, and nation. He said at a state and national rally of the APC held at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Buhari presented Tinubu and the APC governorship candidate in the state, Dikko Umar Radda, to indigenes and residents. Governor Bello Masari thanked Tinubu for the donation to the families of all those affected by the attacks. APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, said the party would continue on the path of patience and steadfastness in growing the state and the nation. Tinubu condoled with Buhari and Masari over the attacks. Yesterday, we discussed whether we should continue or cancel the rally. If we had cancelled, theyll appear to have achieved their aim. Nothing happens in life without the will of the Almighty Allah. Well continue with our rallies, and ignore the killers. Theyve committed a heinous crime before God and against humanity. No religion or society will tolerate killing of the innocent. We share in the pain, and sorrow of loss. Only Allah can soothe the pains of the widows and widowers, and all the loved ones. The killers have not won, and they will never win. The wicked shall perish. Well defeat the troublers of Nigeria, he said. Tinubu said Buhari abhorred violence, unfairness and injustice, and would not tolerate the mayhem by the terrorists. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. More direct flights in and out of China take back to skies since COVID-19 optimization With China's easing of entry restrictions, the global air travel market has embraced a golden opportunity for further recovery and carriers have been ramping up their international flight services to China to satisfy growing travel demand. UAE-based carrier Emirates has expanded its operations in China in response to strong travel demand, with plans of increasing connectivity to Guangzhou, Guangdong province, Shanghai and Beijing as China reopened borders and eased COVID-19-related entry restrictions on Jan 8. From Jan 20, Emirates resumed passenger service to Shanghai with two weekly flights operated by an Airbus A380 aircraft. The service increased operating frequency to four weekly flights from Feb 2. Emirates said it would further boost its Dubai-Shanghai route from March 1 with daily non-stop service. The airline increased service between Dubai and Guangzhou with daily non-stop flights operated by the A380 from Feb 1. It will also resume flights to Beijing with daily non-stop service from Dubai beginning March 15. By then, it will bring Emirates' operations in China to 21 weekly flights, providing more options for business and leisure travelers, and contributing to China's tourism recovery, the airline said. Emirates said it welcomes the Chinese government's decision to further relax COVID-19-related travel restrictions. It is committed to serving demand for travel in and out of China and looks forward to the rapid recovery of the local travel market to pre-pandemic levels. On Jan 8, China resumed quarantine-free cross-border travel after nearly three years since the COVID-19 pandemic. Avolon Holdings, a Dublin-based aircraft leasing company, said that driven by the reopening of the Asian market, especially China, global air passenger volumes are expected to fully recover in the next few months. The International Air Transport Association said the announcement by the Chinese government, including the removal of quarantine for arriving international travelers and lifting of flight restrictions, is a positive step forward and welcome development. Next is to remove the need for pre-departure COVID-19 testing. It is also crucial for the entire aviation value chain in China to be well-prepared and adequately resourced to handle the expected surge of air travelers to avoid travel disruptions and problems seen elsewhere in the world when borders reopened, the IATA said. "In our industry outlook released in early December, we are anticipating 2023 passenger traffic in the Asia-Pacific region to reach 70 percent of 2019 levels. The outlook had assumed a progressive easing of restrictions in China over the second half of 2023. China's reopening of borders in January will have a positive effect on the recovery pace of the Asia-Pacific region," the IATA said. In January, the capacity of global carriers' flights traveling to and from China was only 11 percent of the level compared with 2019. In April, the number is expected to rise to 25 percent, according to travel data provider Cirium. During the Spring Festival holiday from Jan 21 to 27, China saw an average of 410,000 exits and entries per day, up 120.5 percent over the Spring Festival holiday last year, the National Immigration Administration said on Jan 28. To adapt to the new situation and requirements, the administration has issued optimized policies to actively promote exchanges between Chinese and foreign personnel, it said. To satisfy growing international travel demand, Saudia Airlines, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has recently launched flights to 10 new destinations, including Bangkok, Barcelona, Moscow, Seoul and Amsterdam. The airline plans to launch services in Beijing at a later time. Digital transformation and sustainability are at the core of Saudia Airlines' business strategy. Its commitment to sustainability can be traced to the ownership of the world's youngest fleet, with aircraft that better use fuel and reduce carbon emissions in an attempt to lower major environmental impacts, the carrier said. In addition, Doha-based Qatar Airways has been significantly expanding its operations in China. From Jan 15, the national carrier of Qatar resumed once-weekly service between Doha and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Since Dec 20, the airline has increased its service between Doha and Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, to twice-weekly flights. Qatar Airways is also boosting its network in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with Hong Kong service increased to 11 weekly flights since Jan 16 and Guangzhou service set to expand to four weekly flights starting Feb 15. "We are proud to demonstrate our ongoing dedication to China by resuming Shanghai, China's financial and economic center, as our fourth passenger destination in the country while increasing Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Hong Kong to help reunite friends and families," said Chan Cheong Eu, Qatar Airways' senior manager for North Asia. Travel in the post-COVID-19 era has truly emerged stronger than ever before and has shown great progress in recovery, owing to a steady increase in international travel, according to statistics published by the United Nations World Travel Organization. The start of the recovery stemmed from tourist influx in Europe and the Middle East in the first half of 2022, with both regions accounting for 65 percent of the total worldwide, followed by the United States and Africa. The resurgence of travel in Asia can be evidenced by the accelerating demand for outbound travel in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and South Korea, allowing for a steady and promising recovery in the region. Increased inbound travel in Asian countries also shows promise, making the region's travel industry the first to recover by 2023 in comparison to other continents, according to the UNWTO. Travel booking site Expedia Group said after China announced the reopening of its borders, the search volume for flight tickets from the United States and Europe to China doubled on the platform. Additionally, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways began flying to Guangzhou in October, which added to its existing services to Shanghai, which resumed in July 2020, and Beijing, which restarted in June 2022. "Besides being a modern and rapidly growing city itself, Guangzhou has excellent connections with the Greater Bay Area," said Martin Drew, Etihad's senior vice-president of global sales and cargo. "The service will further address the huge demand for passenger travel between the United Arab Emirates and China, as well as provide new cargo capacity, building on the formidable people and business ties between the two markets," he said. In a brazen killing that emptied the Gentilly Walmart of midday shoppers, a gunman shot a man a nearby bus stop Tuesday then ran into the store. New Orleans police locked down the business in hopes of catching the killer inside, and debriefed employees and customers at the front door, letting them leave five at a time, Deputy Police Superintendent Hans Ganthier said. The Police Department's SWAT team then entered and cleared the store. "Apparently, the perpetrator escaped," Ganthier said. +2 Photos: NOPD locks down Walmart in Gentilly after suspected shooter runs inside New Orleans police are searching for a suspect who gunned down a man at a bus stop in Gentilly then ran into a nearby Walmart late Tuesday morning. The unidentified victim died at the scene of the shooting, which occurred at about 11:25 a.m. in the 4300 block of Chef Menteur Highway, Ganthier said. Nathaniel McClendon, who works at a nearby auto mechanic shop, said he heard five gunshots and looked up to see "everybody was running from the bus stop." As police investigated New Orleans' 28th murder of the year, they closed Chef Menteur Highway in both directions. A crowd of employees and shoppers watched from the parking lot. Police did not release a description of the gunman. It's believed that he removed a sweatshirt that he was wearing at the time of the shooting, authorities said. Investigators did not release a motive for the killing. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call homicide detective Nickolas Davis at (504) 658-5300 or Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans Inc. at (504) 822-1111. Can't see the video? Watch here. 2023 murder count There have been 28 murders reported in New Orleans so far this year, the same number as at this time in 2022, according to an analysis of information from the Police Department and the Orleans Parish coroner's office. Strack & Van Til's customers recently donated $212,615 to feed the needy. The Highland-based grocery store chain with locations around Northwest Indiana ran a Checkout Challenge Round Up fundraising campaign to benefit the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. The supermarket chain runs the Checkout Challenge year-round, giving customers the option of rounding up their grocery bill and donating change to different charities in the community, which typically vary every month or two. In November and December, the Check Out Challenge supported the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, which provides food to residents of Lake and Porter counties. Strack & Van Til aimed to help address food insecurity during the holidays, a time when many family budgets are strained. Once again Strack & Van Til is proud to partner with the Food Bank of NWI in the annual holiday round-up campaign. Our customers and community have embraced this as a way to donate small amounts of change that end up making a big impact in the community. We are proud to be the conduit between our customers and those that need help the most, said Strack & Van Til President and CEO Jeff Strack. The Merrillville-based Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, which has helped the hungry in the Calumet Region since 1982, recently held a luncheon to show appreciation for the Strack & Van Til employees who helped raise funds for the cause. What a tremendous feat. We are thankful to all those in the community who rounded-up in Strack & Van Til and Town & Country stores in Lake and Porter Counties during the campaign, said Victor Garcia, president and CEO of the Foodbank of NWI. These donations provide critically needed operating funds used in serving our mission. Strack & Van Til associates, managers, and leadership continue to be an ally and partner committed to fighting food insecurity. We are honored to have them as our Annual Premier Sponsor. The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana provides an estimated 6 million meals a year in its fight against hunger in the Calumet Region. It partners with agencies and programs like the Mobile Marketplace and Commodity Supplemental Food Program to help more than 23,000 people in need each month. VALPARAISO Two adults and four juveniles face charges in the wake of a shooting Jan. 29 in Portage Township that sent one man to the hospital, according to Porter County Prosecutor Gary Germann. One of the adults, Reynaldo DeLaRosa IV, 18, of Portage, was booked into the Porter County Jail on Jan. 31 on a felony count of robbery, according to a facility report. The Porter County Sheriff's Department is releasing no details on the case at this point due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, Sgt. Benjamin McFalls said Tuesday afternoon. The criminal charges were not yet available to the public Tuesday. Porter County police had said last week that officers were called out shortly after 7 p.m. Jan. 29 to the 700 block of Ind. 149 where they found a man with a gunshot wound. The man was taken to a local hospital for treatment, McFalls had said. Porter County police began their investigation and asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact the department at 219-477-3000. Tips can also be left using the department's app or website at portercountysheriff.com/submitatip. The Indiana Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed Monday the murder conviction of a Chicago man who shot another man in the face while they were passengers in a vehicle being driven around Gary. Larry Boston, 21, was sentenced to 73 years in prison for fatally shooting 20-year-old Charles Golden, also of Chicago, along with a series of other crimes Boston committed on July 8, 2020, in an effort to get away, records show. According to court records, Golden died nearly instantly after being shot while the car he was in with Boston was passing the intersection of West Adams Street and 47th Avenue around 11 a.m. Boston subsequently pulled Golden's body from the vehicle, ran to a nearby home, threatened the homeowner with his gun, stole the homeowner's car, led police on a high-speed chase on Interstate 80/94 into Illinois, ditched the car on the south side of Chicago and hid in the attic of a Chicago home until being found by police, records show. A Lake County jury convicted Boston of murder and armed robbery in May 2022. Boston separately pleaded guilty to a firearm enhancement that added five years to his prison term for murder. In his appeal, Boston sought to overturn his murder conviction by claiming he shot Golden in self-defense. Boston argued prosecutors failed to show beyond a reasonable doubt that it wasn't self-defense. Specifically, Boston said he acted in fear of serious bodily injury because, prior to being shot, Golden reached for and touched a firearm Boston said was on the center armrest of the vehicle. In its 3-0 ruling, the appeals court said prosecutors disproved the factual premise of Boston's self-defense claim by showing there only were two guns in the vehicle, the one used by Boston and one later found in the waistband of the driver's pants. Judge Patricia Riley, writing for the appellate panel, said there couldn't have been a gun on the center armrest because it was splattered with Golden's blood following the shooting and none of Golden's DNA was found on the driver's gun, leading to the conclusion that Golden was unarmed. Furthermore, Riley said Boston's self-defense claim was "unpersuasive" based on recordings of Boston's jail telephone calls showing him attempting to construct a self-defense theory after the fact, his protracted flight following the shooting, and his inability to say which way the alleged center armrest gun was pointing. "Given the evidence disproving Boston's self-defense claim, we do not disturb the jury's verdict," Riley said. Boston still can ask the Indiana Supreme Court to consider reviewing his case. Otherwise, his earliest possible release date from prison, assuming good behavior, is May 5, 2075, according to the Indiana Department of Correction. Gallery: Take a virtual tour of Indiana's state parks Brown County State Park Chain O' Lakes State Park Charlestown State Park Clifty Falls State Park Falls of the Ohio State Park Fort Harrison State Park Harmonie State Park Lincoln State Park McCormick's Creek State Park Mounds State Park O'Bannon Woods State Park Ouabache State Park Pokagon State Park Potato Creek State Park Prophetstown State Park Shades State Park Shakamak State Park Spring Mill State Park Summit Lake State Park Tippecanoe River State Park Turkey Run State Park Versailles State Park White River State Park Whitewater Memorial State Park MERRILLVILLE One person is dead and a second was seriously injured in a one-vehicle crash early Tuesday in the 8100 block Georgia Street, said Merrillville police Detective Cpl. Sean Buck. Officers were called out around 12:45 a.m. Tuesday to the crash site where they found a vehicle had collided with a pole, Buck said. The vehicle had extensive damage, and one of the occupants had been ejected and was pronounced dead at the scene, he said. A second occupant sustained significant injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The crash is under investigation, police said. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police Detective Joshua Miskus at jmiskus@merrillville.in.gov or at 219-769-3531, ext. 345. Police apprehended a Lake Station woman charged with nine felony and two misdemeanor counts stemming from a crash that resulted from alleged impaired driving and killed her infant daughter on Christmas Day. The Lake County Sheriff's Department said police captured 43-year-old Erica L. Rash, who faces charges of child neglect and intoxicated driving in Lake Criminal Court. Police said Rash was driving on Cline Avenue early Christmas morning before getting into a crash that killed 1-year-old Skylar Lloyd. While trying to exit on Gary Road, she missed the exit ramp off the state highway, careened through a guardrail and plastic barrels and rolled down an embankment, according to police. Lloyd died at the scene as a result of blunt force trauma, according to the Lake County coroner's office. Police said the child was not properly strapped into the child safety seat, which was not correctly secured to the back seat. A blood sample found Tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, in her system, according to police. She denied smoking marijuana. Rash, who was treated at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, told police she was driving to a family Christmas celebration and didn't remember the accident. PORTAGE A 53-year-old Portage woman, accused of stealing a bag of cash more than a year ago from the local Meijer store where she worked, was taken into custody Monday as part of a larger SWAT team action aimed at another wanted person in the same house, police said. Portage police said they had been called out to the local Meijer store shortly before 6 p.m. Dec. 18, 2021, where they were told that employee Donna Fazekas was seen on surveillance video carrying out the theft. A store official said an investigation began when a cash drop at the store's gas station showed up missing on Dec. 8, 2021, police said. A surveillance video reportedly shows Fazekas starting the cash drop, but instead, placing the bag of cash into a garbage can and then taking the bag outside. The store official said the move appeared to be no accident. Fazekas told her employer at the time the move was not intentional "and she thought she made the drop," police said. The information was forwarded to prosecutors and Fazekas was taken into custody Monday at a home in the 1800 block of Samuelson Road in Portage where police had pursued a wanted man. While clearing the home in search of the hiding man, police found Fazekas and learned she had a warrant on the misdemeanor theft charge, according to the arrest report. HAMMOND A federal judge has imprisoned a Chicago man for two homicides committed for a street gang whose crimes reached into Northwest Indiana. U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon imposed a 28-year prison term late last week on 24-year-old Alec N. Aguilar. Aguilar pleaded guilty in July 2020 to federal conspiracy racketeering charges that he trafficked in marijuana, cocaine and illicit tranquilizers. He also admitted to being responsible for the 2017 murders of 10-year-old Gustavo Garcia and 22-year-old Manuel Salazar, both of Chicago. Aguilar is the last of 19 men and women to be convicted and sentenced for aiding the violent drug dealing of the Latin Dragon Nation. The Chicago-based street gang trafficked illicit drugs and attacked rival street gangs that also operated in Hammond and other parts of the Region. It took more than five years of investigations by federal, state and local police department members in Indiana and Illinois and prosecutions by the U.S. attorney to bring the defendants to justice. It began with the fatal shooting of the 10-year-old boy, an innocent bystander to a gang-related shooting that Aguilar admitted was his responsibility. Aguilar and another Latin Dragon member were traveling July 14, 2017, in a car stolen the previous day from Hammond. They were near Calumet Park in Chicagos East Side neighborhood when they spotted rival gang members in a nearby SUV and fired a volley of gunshots into that car, fatally wounding the boy. His death prompted Lake County sheriffs police and the Hammond, East Chicago, Merrillville and Hobart police departments to join federal and Illinois law enforcement authorities to round up gang members. Latin Dragon Nation members were charged with crimes involving more than 50 victims, including 15 people who were murdered. Aguilar also admitted that he also was involved in a second homicide Nov. 24, 2017 when he and two other Latin Dragons fatally shot 22-year-old Manuel Salazar on a gang-related search-and-kill mission in Chicago. Federal judges sentenced all 19 to prison terms ranging from four years to 35 years. Defense attorney Mark Psimos wrote in a memo to the sentencing judge that Aguilar joined the street gang at age 15 and had known nothing but violence during his membership but was too afraid to quit because other members who did were severely beaten or killed. The judge gave Aguilar credit for having served three years in federal detention from the time of this arrest until now. Ivy Tech Community College announced a renewed focus on hitting its goal of awarding 50,000 certifications, certificates and degrees a year statewide by the end of 2025. The college outlined how it plans to hit this goal, which it originally set for itself in 2018, in its new 2023-25 strategic plan, dubbed "Higher Education at the Speed of Life." The college's State Board of Trustees approved the new strategic plan last week. Ivy Tech, which has campuses throughout Indiana, currently awards 41,000 credentials annually, according to numbers provided by the college. Locally, the Lake County locations accounted for 1,383 of those degrees in 2021-22, including 348 associates degrees and 368 technical certifications. "It's the new us," Lake County campus Chancellor R. Louie Gonzalez said of the plan. "The labor market is changing on a regular basis, so we have to change with those times. We cannot be stuck on a plan that maybe was good three years ago. It has to speak to what's happening right now." As chancellor, Gonzalez oversees the Ivy Tech locations in Crown Point, East Chicago and Gary. He explained that here in Lake County, reaching the goals set out in this plan is all about outreach. "Anytime you look at a plan, what you look at is 'how can it speak to the people that we're currently serving?' but also looking at the communities that we're not reaching yet," he said. "The individuals who are right on the fence; they know they should go back to school, they realize that they should get additional training, they know that the marketplace is demanding and changing by the day, and yet they are reluctant to make that move. How are we reaching them? How do we implement that plan so that we can reach them?" Gonzalez acknowledged that this is a challenging endeavor. In addition to awarding 50,000 credentials annually, the plan includes a series of other goals Ivy Tech hopes to hit by 2025, including for its graduates to earn 80% above the state median wage, to increase its fall-to-spring retention rate to 80% and to raise $64.3 million from foundations and grants. As for how he's going to work toward the fundraising goal locally, Gonzalez told a story about when he met with an anonymous donor years ago. "The donor asked, 'What's the one program that you think could make the largest impact on an individual if they were to take a few classes?'" he recalled. "I said, 'Well, I think the one program that could do that would be welding, but our welding lab is not in the best shape.'" He then explained that the donor gave $1 million to the welding program "based on what I shared about the number of people who would go through the program and receive the certification and training." Gonzalez said the campus now has 23 welding classes this semester, all of which are at capacity. He said that by demonstrating the need and impact, he can attract donations like this one, which led to an overhauled welding facility. "We will do more of that in the months and years to come," he said. The most challenging goal, Gonzalez said, will be retention. "I believe for a community college, that is always going to be a challenge," he said. "We have individuals who will begin their college experience, and if they're offered a position, they leave. That will affect retention. Some will just say that life gets in the way, whether that's responsibilities with children or running a household. There are individuals who say, 'I will return, but right now, I just can't.' And of course, the pandemic didn't help matters." Because of this, he said they'll have to be "innovative and creative." The college said this is all part of an ongoing effort to "revolutionize higher education." It boasted that in the past year, it increased its number of nursing graduates by 6,000 statewide from 1,300 to 1,900 and created talent pipelines for emerging technology industries such as electric vehicles and semiconductors. Locally, Gonzalez pointed to the extensive nursing and medical programs at Ivy Tech's Crown Point location as part of the surge in nursing students. Additionally, the school is working to get a Toyota Prius for its automotive program, which will help students learn about electric vehicles. "I believe that the plan, with 'Higher Education at the Speed of Life,' they captured the essence of what's happening right now," he said. "Things are moving at a faster clip and a faster pace, so yeah, it does affect the way people make plans to complete their studies." Gallery: The Times Photos of the Week His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije visits Northwest Indiana for the first time at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church following major newsworthy visits to Chicago, New York and Milwaukee. His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije visits Northwest Indiana for the first time at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church following major newsworthy visits to Chicago, New York and Milwaukee. His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije visits Northwest Indiana for the first time at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church following major newsworthy visits to Chicago, New York and Milwaukee. His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije visits Northwest Indiana for the first time at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church following major newsworthy visits to Chicago, New York and Milwaukee. Gary Science Olympiad 2023 Gary Science Olympiad 20223 Gary Science Olympiad 2023 020523-spt-gbk-lc_7 020523-spt-gbk-lc_1 020523-spt-gbk-lc_5 020523-spt-gbk-lc_10 020523-spt-gbk-lc_6 020523-spt-gbk-lc_3 020523-spt-gbk-lc_8 Last day to file for the spring primary Last day to file for the spring primary 020423-spt-gbk-lc_5 020423-spt-gbk-lc_7 020423-spt-gbk-lc_5 020423-spt-gbk-lc_4 Hammond Black History Month observation Hammond Black History Month observation Hammond Black History Month observation Andrean sectional Kouts Girls Sectional Class 1A Game 1 020123-spt-gbk-low_5 020123-spt-gbk-low_4 020123-spt-gbk-low_2 020123-spt-gbk-low_9 Hammond storage facility fire Computer coaching Gallery HTML code The state of Indiana may require Region municipalities providing public access to Lake Michigan to install life rings and other safety equipment in an effort to reduce drownings in the deadliest of the Great Lakes. Altogether, 105 people died in the five Great Lakes last year, including 43 in Lake Michigan. Of those, at least eight drowning deaths occurred in the comparatively tiny Indiana portion of Lake Michigan, according to data compiled by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. State Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, believes that number can and should go down by making rescue equipment more accessible to Lake Michigan visitors who may not be aware of how strong its waves and undertow can be, and how a person can go from swimming to struggling in an instant. "Lake Michigan is very dangerous," Pol said. "You hear these stories, particularly in the summer, and it breaks your heart." On Monday, the Senate Committee on Natural Resources evaluated Pol's Senate Bill 424. The panel next week is expected to consider revising the measure and advancing it to the full Senate for further action. The legislation would mandate entities owning a pier or breakwater into Lake Michigan, or a general public access point, labeled a "drop-off" in the proposal, to install at each site at least one life ring for emergency use, and any other rescue equipment the entity deems appropriate, such as throw bags, rescue tubes or rescue poles. Localities would be responsible for the costs of acquiring and maintaining the rescue equipment, which some, including the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, already have in place. But Pol is optimistic either state funding or federal grants will be available to defray those expenses. Under the plan, municipalities also would have to regularly publish on their websites data on Lake Michigan drownings and be obligated to upgrade their rescue equipment such as automatically calling 911 when a life ring is accessed following a drowning death at a specific pier or drop-off. The requirement to have rescue equipment on-hand would not apply to lake-adjacent private property owners, since their property ends at the lake's ordinary high-water mark and the state owns all the land under the lake and onto the beach up to that mark, which is a line on the shore established by the fluctuations of water and indicated by physical characteristics. However, state Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange, the committee chairwoman, said she's interested in perhaps tightening the definition of "drop-off," so localities know exactly where the rescue equipment needs to go. Glick also is concerned about the potential legal liability for Indiana or a lakeshore municipality if the rescue equipment is mandated by statute and someone drowns in the lake because the equipment either does not work as intended or is stolen or damaged. Pol said he's open to adding fines or other penalties to the measure to punish anyone caught misusing or stealing the rescue equipment. If enacted, the rescue equipment mandate would not apply to beaches in the popular Indiana Dunes National Park due to the supremacy of the federal government over states. Meet the 2023 Northwest Indiana legislative delegation State Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond State Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary State Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso State Rep. Pat Boy, D-Michigan City State Rep. Chuck Moseley, D-Portage State Rep. Mike Aylesworth, R-Hebron State Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary State Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville State Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer State Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point State Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie State Sen. Dan Dernulc, R-Highland State Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago State Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary State Sen. Rodney Pol Jr., D-Chesterton State Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso State Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell State Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores The Illinois State Police is now providing all of its troopers training on how to interact with people with mental health issues in the field. Starting this month, all officers will undergo 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team training. The purpose is to reduce injuries and get people the help they need. State troopers will be trained on how to work with mental health providers, families and consumer advocates to better understand mental illness. They will learn how to resolve crises without anyone getting hurt and how to get people mental health treatment. Law enforcement officers are often still the first to respond to individuals with mental illness given the limits of crisis mental health services across the country, said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. ISPs formalized 40-hour training includes intervention tactics and mental health education to ensure all our officers have the tools to help safely manage interactions with persons in mental health crisis. Officers will lead the training, which will cover different mental illnesses and how to identify them when out in the field. The troopers will learn about mental health laws, available resources and verbal de-escalation tactics when dealing with someone with mental health struggles or facing a mental health crisis. The training will feature role-playing, lessons from family members of people with mental illness and officer wellness. More than 50 Illinois State Police troopers have completed the training program. About 13 of them have finished the additional 24-hour train-the-training course and are now providing the 40-hour class to troopers statewide. PHOTOS: First Responder Appreciation and Demonstration Day at MAAC Public gets glimpse at work of emergency responders at MAAC event Public gets glimpse at work of emergency responders at MAAC event Public gets glimpse at work of emergency responders at MAAC event Public gets glimpse at work of emergency responders at MAAC event Public gets glimpse at work of emergency responders at MAAC event Public gets glimpse at work of emergency responders at MAAC event Public gets glimpse at work of emergency responders at MAAC event Public gets glimpse at work of emergency responders at MAAC event Public gets glimpse at work of emergency responders at MAAC event Public gets glimpse at work of emergency responders at MAAC event TRAIL CREEK A local business owner was still a bit unnerved Tuesday, a few days after a vehicle traveling off a highway crashed into his office close to where he was seated. I feel lucky to be alive, said Donnie Pawlik, owner of Amish Structures at 8555 W. U.S. 20 near Evergreen Plaza. Pawlik, who lives in the Trail Creek area, said he was in his office Saturday afternoon doing paperwork when he heard a crash and got up from his desk to investigate. His badly damaged extended cab pick-up truck was halfway inside his showroom, with furniture and other belongings strewn on the floor. The vehicle came to rest about 10 feet from where Pawlik was seated on the other side of an interior wall. The truck, while parked outside, was sent crashing through the brick exterior wall sideways after being struck by another vehicle. I realized I almost died, said Pawlik when describing how he felt when he first saw the damage. He was very shaken up, said Coolspring Township Assistant Fire Chief Warren Smith, who was among the emergency responders at the scene. Smith said a NIPSCO pole and gas meter were also taken out in the crash. Trail Creek police had still not released any details about the accident Tuesday afternoon. However, Pawlik said the westbound driver traveled over 200 feet off the four-lane highway before the collision. Smith said more damage, and even serious injury to Pawlik, could have resulted had there not been a vehicle in the path of the driver to absorb the blow. Its a good thing his truck was in the way because it probably could have killed him, he said. The company sells prefabricated garages, sheds and outdoor furniture made by the Amish in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Pawlik said the business hes owned since 2014 also does concrete and excavating work. Gallery: The Times Photos of the Week His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije visits Northwest Indiana for the first time at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church following major newsworthy visits to Chicago, New York and Milwaukee. His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije visits Northwest Indiana for the first time at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church following major newsworthy visits to Chicago, New York and Milwaukee. His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije visits Northwest Indiana for the first time at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church following major newsworthy visits to Chicago, New York and Milwaukee. His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije visits Northwest Indiana for the first time at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church following major newsworthy visits to Chicago, New York and Milwaukee. Gary Science Olympiad 2023 Gary Science Olympiad 20223 Gary Science Olympiad 2023 020523-spt-gbk-lc_7 020523-spt-gbk-lc_1 020523-spt-gbk-lc_5 020523-spt-gbk-lc_10 020523-spt-gbk-lc_6 020523-spt-gbk-lc_3 020523-spt-gbk-lc_8 Last day to file for the spring primary Last day to file for the spring primary 020423-spt-gbk-lc_5 020423-spt-gbk-lc_7 020423-spt-gbk-lc_5 020423-spt-gbk-lc_4 Hammond Black History Month observation Hammond Black History Month observation Hammond Black History Month observation Andrean sectional Kouts Girls Sectional Class 1A Game 1 020123-spt-gbk-low_5 020123-spt-gbk-low_4 020123-spt-gbk-low_2 020123-spt-gbk-low_9 Hammond storage facility fire Computer coaching Gallery HTML code A weak cold front has just finished moving over the Region. Temperatures won't be rising very much and winds will be increasing. Find out what it's going to feel like and when rain will return in our latest forecast video. ISTANBUL Almost 10,000 rescuers have fanned out across the 10 Turkish provinces hit by a powerful earthquake and aftershock early Monday, officials said, yet the need remained so vast that as night fell, some places were still waiting for help in the winter cold. More than 3,450 buildings collapsed in 10 cities of southern and southeast Turkey, according to the Turkish health minister, Fahrettin Koca. The rescue efforts were hampered by snow and cold. Around 9 p.m. local time in Kahramanmaras, the epicenter of the quake, the temperature stood at around 40 Fahrenheit. This is a race against time and hypothermia, said Mikdat Kadioglu, a professor of meteorology and disaster management at Istanbul Technical University. People got caught in sleepwear and have been under the rubble for 17 hours, he said. The Turkish government sent four helicopters full of rescue teams to Hatay, the countrys southernmost province. Lying to the southwest of the earthquakes epicenter, it is home to 1.6 million people, bordered by Syria to the east and south, and the Mediterranean to the west. Television coverage showed some of them digging through debris for survivors. In one city in Hatay, Antakya, a resident who lost his home, Fehim Zeydan, said: People are trying to save their family members with their bare hands. There is not even a shovel. The municipality office I work in, the governors residence, the health directorate building, were destroyed, Mr. Zeydan added. The authorities said some rescue teams were still en route to the disaster areas but were hindered by snow and rain. All the resources of the country deployed to the disaster zone, said Yunus Sezer, the head of AFAD, Turkeys emergency agency, in a televised news conference. According to official figures, in Hayat Province alone, at least 1,200 buildings were destroyed, 520 people were killed, 700 were wounded and an unknown number remained trapped under the rubble. Mr. Zeydan said he ran to a park during the predawn tremor and waited there until sunrise, then walked around the city to survey the damage, which he called extensive. In a video he recorded and provided to The New York Times, a wounded man on a blanket lies on the ground, screaming as three other men try to lift him into a wheelchair. But even more essential to him is the exquisite taste that the flames impart. Bananas Foster (or other desserts like crepes suzette or cherries Jubilee) could be flambeed unobtrusively in a restaurant kitchen, but in the precious minutes it takes to get to the table, the dish can devolve from heady and sublime to soggy and cold. Done at the table, the bananas stay hot and rummy, and the ice cream icy. The aroma of boozy butterscotch wafts seductively around the room. I wouldnt serve bananas Foster any other way, Mr. Tracey said. Neither would I, and nor need you. Because flambeing at home is a showstopper that, when done carefully, is not nearly as dangerous as you think it might be. With Valentines Day approaching, a flaming pan of cherries Jubilee might be the very thing to warm your loved ones heart. How could such an exhilarating technique have ever gone out of style? The New York Police Department must overhaul its response to large demonstrations and better train officers to control crowds while preserving the right to protest, according to a report released on Monday by an oversight body that examines police misconduct. The report concludes a monthslong review by the Civilian Complaint Review Board that included hundreds of investigations into clashes between protesters and the police during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations that swept the city following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis officer in May of 2020. Thousands turned out for protests that month and into June. The gatherings were scattered and sporadic, often continuing well into the night. While most protests were peaceful, some rioting broke out, resulting in smashed store windows, looted shops and police vehicles set on fire. Protesters were often accused of assaulting officers, who corralled them with pepper spray and batons. During and after the protests, the board received about 750 complaints of police misconduct, and launched investigations into 321 of them, according to the report. A rail operator on Monday released toxic fumes from several derailed train cars that it said were at risk of exploding in East Palestine, Ohio, after the authorities ordered residents on both sides of the states border with Pennsylvania to evacuate to avoid a deadly threat. The train derailed on Friday night, with 50 of its 100 cars running off the tracks, igniting a fire that left much of the town in smoke and prompted repeated calls for evacuation. We are ordering you to leave, Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio said on Monday at a news conference. This is a matter of life and death. He added that there was grave danger of inhaling fumes from chemicals produced by the release, which the authorities identified as phosgene and hydrogen chloride. In high concentrations, both chemicals can cause severe and life-threatening respiratory issues. To hear more audio stories from publications like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android. For many familiar with the ebb and flow of policing in the United States, the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols by five police officers in Memphis after a routine traffic stop last month was reminiscent of tactics used in the 1990s era of gang warfare and crack cocaine, when special crime-fighting units, acting with bravado and impunity, were unleashed in high-crime neighborhoods. Atlantas infamous Red Dog unit was responsible for a series of scandals, including the shooting death of a 92-year-old grandmother in a botched raid, before it was shut down in 2011. Elite police units were involved in some of the most notorious episodes of police misconduct in the 20th century, from the brutalizing of Amadou Diallo in New York to the Rampart Division scandal in Los Angeles, when officers stole drugs and money, beat suspects and even pulled off a bank robbery. In more recent times, though, in the age of Black Lives Matter and high-profile police killings that provoked nationwide protests, policing began to center on the mantra of reform and accountability. Some of the elite units were disbanded, or ordered to operate less aggressively. The murder of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis in 2020 led to nationwide protests and calls for defunding the police. WASHINGTON The top military commander overseeing North American airspace said Monday that some previous incursions by Chinese spy balloons during the Trump administration were not detected in real time, and the Pentagon learned of them only later. I will tell you that we did not detect those threats, and thats a domain awareness gap, said Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, the commander of the Pentagons Northern Command. One explanation, multiple U.S. officials said, is that some previous incursions were initially classified as unidentified aerial phenomena, Pentagon speak for U.F.O.s. As the Pentagon and intelligence agencies stepped up efforts over the past two years to find explanations for many of those incidents, officials reclassified some events as Chinese spy balloons. It is not clear when the Pentagon determined the incidents involved Chinese spying. When the determination was made, officials kept the information secret to avoid letting China know their surveillance efforts were uncovered, the officials said. WASHINGTON The Club for Growth, a conservative anti-tax group that spent nearly $150 million in the past two election cycles, has invited a half-dozen potential Republican presidential candidates to its annual donor retreat next month but not Donald J. Trump. In a meeting with reporters on Monday, David McIntosh, president of the group, said that Republican chances of winning back the White House next year would be diminished if Mr. Trump were once again at the top of the ticket and that he hoped to introduce Republican donors to other possibilities. The party should be open to another candidate, Mr. McIntosh said, suggesting that Republicans had already lost too many elections with Mr. Trump as the face of the party. Mr. Trump and the Club for Growth, which is based in Washington, were frequent foils during the 2022 midterms, backing opposing candidates in some high-profile primary contests, including Senate races in Ohio and Pennsylvania. When the group started campaigning last year against J.D. Vance, Mr. Trumps pick in Ohio, the former president ordered an aide to text Mr. McIntosh a vulgar message. Here are some ways you can help. Before you give, do your research. Before you make a donation, especially to a lesser-known organization, you should do some research to make sure it is reputable. Sites like Charity Navigator and Guidestar grade nonprofits based on transparency and effectiveness. The Internal Revenue Service also allows you to search its database to find out whether an organization is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. And if you suspect an organization or individual of committing fraud, you can report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud, part of the Justice Department. Many national and international organizations are helping. The United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund, better known as UNICEF, said it is in Syria and prioritizing water, sanitation, hygiene and nutrition, and also focusing on helping unaccompanied children locate their families. UNICEF is accepting donations. Global Giving, which helps local nonprofit agencies, is collecting donations to help fund emergency medical workers ability to provide food, shelter and medicine, among other necessities. As needs in Turkey and Syria change, the organization will focus on long-term assistance, it said. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is requesting donations for its Disaster Response Emergency Fund so it can send immediate cash assistance. OXFAM, an international organization that fights poverty, said it is working with womens cooperatives in Turkey to determine an appropriate immediate and long-term response plan. It is accepting donations. CARE, an organization that works with impoverished communities, is accepting donations that will go toward food, shelter and hygiene kits, among other items. Doctors Without Borders, which responds to medical emergencies around the world, is collecting donations. The Syrian American Medical Society, a United States-based humanitarian group that supplies medical care in Syria and nearby countries, is collecting donations to deliver emergency aid. At least one of its hospitals in northwestern Syria, Al Dana, received major damage. Save the Children is accepting donations for its Childrens Emergency Fund, which will help provide children with food, shelter and warm clothing. The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations, which since 2012 has provided medical relief and health care services inside Syria and to Syrian refugees in Turkey, is collecting money. Alyssa Lukpat contributed reporting. KYIV, Ukraine Russian forces attacked dozens of Ukrainian positions across the eastern front, the Ukrainian military said on Monday, as Moscows assaults widened and intensified ahead of what Kyiv has warned could be the Kremlins largest offensive since the first weeks of the war. The Ukrainian General Staff, which is responsible for military strategy, said in its daily battlefield update that the Russians fired on about two dozen towns and villages around Bakhmut, the ruined city that has become the focal point of Moscows campaign to seize all of the eastern area known as the Donbas. But the general staff said that the chaotic nature of the Russian effort which included waves of inexperienced recruits and former convicts belonging to the Wagner private military company was limiting its effectiveness. There was a complete lack of coordination and interaction among the servicemen of Russian occupation troops and the so-called Wagner Groups mercenaries, it said. Bruno Stefanini, a Swiss real estate magnate who died in 2018, spent his life collecting huge numbers of buildings, fine art and historic memorabilia, everything from castles to paintings to the toothbrush Napoleon is said to have used at Waterloo. The collection underwritten by his fortune became massive more than 100,000 pieces and it included 6,000 oil paintings, many of them by important Swiss artists like Augusto Giacometti and Ferdinand Hodler. The sheer numbers are slightly overwhelming, said Carolin Lange, head of provenance research at a foundation Stefanini created in 1980 in an effort to shepherd it all. But Stefanini was better at collecting things than caring for them. Though he kept rents low as a landlord, many of his properties were so neglected that officials in his home city, Winterthur, were forced to take action. In an interview, Anker said that he hadnt seen the show and didnt actually know what was in it, and that he had brought up the subject of the show in a casual lunch encounter with Ukraine-associated neighbors in Cooper Union Square the week before. He said their concern led to the article. Try sitting next to Cooper Unions neighbors in the Ukrainian Village, he wrote in an email. Feel their outrage and emotional pain. Andrij Dobriansky, communications director for the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, with tens of thousands of members, said that he had received about 10 messages related to the show before the opening date, and expressed the concern to the Cooper Union. We would ask that during an act of genocide, the organizers of the exhibition would have a modicum of decency and say, Maybe we dont do this right now, he said in a phone interview. Like Anker, he said he didnt know the contents of the show, but that its perspective is Russian-centric and so necessarily presents art and ideals through a colonizing, imperial Russian perspective at the root of the current war. Jean-Louis Cohen, a New York University professor and an architecture historian who has written on the Vkhutemas since 1978 he was a thesis adviser to Bokov disputes the shows involvement with Soviet imperialism. I dont think you can establish any connection between this version of the Avant-Garde and Russian imperialism, he said in a phone interview. He noted that Stalins regime was equally repressive to independent national movements and to freethinking institutions like Vkhutemas. Its professors and students were ostracized, with scores sent to the gulags. Some were executed. The Soviet state expunged Vkhutemas. Roma people have experienced centuries of persecution and violence in Europe, including enslavement and forced sterilization; hundreds of thousands were murdered in the Holocaust. This history continues to have an impact on Roma people, who today live mostly in Central and Eastern Europe. While most people in Mirga-Tass settlement have access to education, housing and work, this is not true for all Roma communities in Europe. According to a 2021 study by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, 48 percent of Roma people in E.U. countries are living in severe material deprivation, and their life expectancy is around 10 years less than the E.U. average. What we see in Central and Eastern Europe is a very blunt type of institutional racism, said Margareta Matache, a lecturer at Harvard who researches anti-Roma racism in Europe. Im talking about school segregation and police killings, she said, adding that the scale of historical persecution was rarely acknowledged. One of the reasons why we cant really reconcile with the past and understand the realities of the Roma today is because we dont know, as a society, what the past of the Roma looks like, said Matache. This is partly because the story of the Roma was often told by others, who frequently depicted them as unhygienic, unclothed thieves. Mirga-Tas has made several works based on the photography archive of her uncle, Andrzej Mirga, an ethnographer who was active in the 1980s and whose photographs challenge those racist tropes. One of his shots depicts a survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp, who looks up from her bed, her lined face firmly gazing toward the viewer. Mirga-Tas has turned her uncles black-and-white photo into a brightly clashing three-part folding screen, centering the womans resilient, probing face. In her 2021 series Out of Egypt, Mirga-Tas used as source material four prints by Jacques Callot, a 17th-century printmaker, in which Roma people are depicted as bawdy, lazy charlatans. For centuries, Mirga-Tas said, European artists portrayed Roma people in this way, perpetuating myths that she described as excuses for hate. In her reimagining of Callots scenes, the characters appear as dignified adventurers, traveling on horseback through colorful landscapes of patterned textiles. She re-appropriates those pictures, said Wojciech Szymanski, a Warsaw-based academic who was one of the curators of the Polish pavilion at Venice. He noted that the response to Mirga-Tass work, which some had previously dismissed as folk art, has changed since her show at Venice, and that the international art worlds recent interest in decolonization was leading critics and curators to reconsider the perspectives of previously ignored groups. Dudamel is a fixture in Los Angeles not only as the music and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a post he will hold through the 2025-26 season, but also as a celebrity conductor who moves easily between the worlds of Hollywood and classical music. Sometimes, he occupies both at once. He is a friend of the film composing legend John Williams, celebrating him on the stage of Walt Disney Concert Hall and recording hits including recognizable themes from the Star Wars movies. John Adams: Must the Devil Have All the Good Tunes? Dudamel has enthusiastically led the works of living composers, many in world or American premieres. John Adams is a particular specialty; Dudamel was the first to record his oratorio The Gospel According to the Other Mary and has led older pieces including Grand Pianola Music. (This spring, he will be in the pit for Nixon in China at the Paris Opera, where he is the music director.) At Disney Hall in 2019, Dudamel also conducted the premiere of Adamss piano concerto written for Yuja Wang, Must the Devil Have All the Good Tunes? Ginastera: Estancia Another of Dudamels ensembles is the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra in Venezuela, where he was born. With those players, he has released a lot of music, for the most part in the realm of familiar classics. On the album Fiesta, though, they explore Latin American (or Latin-influenced) works including Ginasteras short but teeming 1941 ballet Estancia. The finale, driven by malambo rhythms, is a foot-tapping, smile-inducing explosion of energy, and of life. And, as you heard, this balloon was the size of three buses. I love measuring things in buses. And for the rich people out there who dont know what a bus is, theyre those big yellow vehicles that bring Matt Gaetzs girlfriends to school. CHELSEA HANDLER What I dont get is, why does China even need to send this balloon in the first place? Theyre already spying on us with TikTok. Is it possible that the Chinese spies became the first people ever to get sick of TikTok? Were they like, I swear to God, if I see one more basic [expletive] make lasagna in a slow cooker.' CHELSEA HANDLER And, by the way: China, if youre listening, which you obviously are, next time, why you dont make your balloon the color blue, so we cant see it in the sky? Or if youre going to make it white, at least write the moon on it. No one here will know the difference. I certainly wont. CHELSEA HANDLER So the balloon went over Alaska, and then it went through Canada and then into U.S. airspace. And, by the way, Canada, thanks for the heads up on that. CHELSEA HANDLER Canada saw the balloon, and they were like, Oh, look, one of those Chinese lanterns! CHELSEA HANDLER In 1989, the cartoonist Barbara Brandon-Croft wrote to the countrys biggest newspaper syndicates urging them to publish her comic Where Im Coming From, which had just premiered in The Detroit Free Press. The integration of the comic pages was long in coming, delayed by a sort of limited thinking that refused to recognize the Black experience, she wrote. It was time for them to carry a weekly comic strip featuring Black women and created by a Black woman. There had been strips by Black cartoonists before, she continued, from Morrie Turners Wee Pals to her own fathers Luther, but these works featured small children and nearly all of them were written by men. Out of the mouths of babes seemed the most palatable way to introduce Blacks to the funny pages, she wrote. Refusing her comic strip, she not so subtly implied, would be racist, sexist and shortsighted. I was pretty bold, she recalled in a recent interview. They all rejected me. Except one. Two years later, Where Im Coming From was picked up by Universal Press Syndicate, the home of such iconic strips as Doonesbury and The Far Side, making Brandon-Croft the first Black female cartoonist in the United States to be published nationally by a major syndicate. Depressingly, this is the books prime theme: a selfish husband quashing his wifes ambition and stifling her spirit. The possible exception is the marriage of the Italian novelists Alberto Moravia and Elsa Morante, who seem to have been well matched in talent and mettle, if not romantically. No doubt, however, Morante had the greater struggle of the two. As Ciuraru writes, Morante was dismayed that most married women gave up their own surnames to be known only as Mrs. or the wife of their husbands. How could they tolerate this elision of identity? More dismaying was the fact that Morante was repeatedly referred to in print as Mrs. Alberto Moravia including, most gallingly, in the flap copy of her own novel. Morantes struggle calls to mind lines from Janet Malcolms canonical work on Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes, The Silent Woman, which Ciuraru alludes to in her chapter on the novelists Elizabeth Jane Howard and Kingsley Amis. Howards output was stymied by the demands of her husband, a man who reportedly believed that women existed for two purposes, one of them cooking. As Malcolm sees it, writing is fraught for every writer, but women writers seem to have to take stronger measures, make more peculiar psychic arrangements, than men to activate their imaginations. Howard put it more plainly: I really couldnt write very much when I was married to him because I had a very large household to keep up and Kingsley wasnt one to boil an egg, if you know what I mean. In other words, psychic arrangements are beside the point when domestic arrangements cast the woman as full-time housekeeper. Ciurarus most obvious debt, however, is not to Malcolm, but to Phyllis Rose and her totemic Parallel Lives: Five Victorian Marriages. Prominent players in Roses group biography include Catherine Hogarth and Charles Dickens (a rotter), and George Eliot and George Henry Lewes (a dear). The parlor game Roses book prompts which union would you choose? is almost no game at all; we all wish to be the Georges. Ciuraru, however, has no interest in model marriages. Instead, the egregiously base male behavior on display here inspires an egregiously base question: Who was the rottenest of the lot? Could it be the spiteful little peacock that was Kenneth Tynan? Dazzling, charming and gifted, the theater critic became especially vicious following the success of his wifes 1958 debut novel, The Dud Avocado. As Elaine Dundy recalls, her husband once left her unconscious on the bathroom floor with two black eyes and a broken nose. One day, Tynan warned her that hed divorce her if she ever wrote another novel. That did it, Elaine later recalled. Early next morning I sat down and started a new novel. Its no spoiler to say the marriage didnt last. Rescuers race against time As the death toll from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria rose to at least 7,100, the window for finding survivors was beginning to narrow. Rescue workers were digging through debris in freezing conditions. The World Health Organization said the death toll was expected to increase by the thousands. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkeys 10 affected provinces. We are face to face with one of the biggest disasters ever for our region, he said in a nationally televised address. Here are live updates, and photos and videos of the aftermath. Personal account: Garo Paylan, a member of the Turkish parliament from Diyarbakir, one of the worst-affected cities, has lost three of his relatives in the quake. People are trapped under the rubble, he told The Daily. We were hearing from them, but nowadays, we dont hear from them anymore. Getting aid to Syria: The only border crossing with Turkey approved by the U.N. for transporting international aid into Syria is closed because of earthquake damage. The quake zone also includes both government- and opposition-controlled lands, which complicates relief efforts. Sanctions against President Bashar al-Assads government mean the country cannot receive direct aid from many countries. The earthquakes were horrific on their own. First shortly after 4 a.m. local time on Monday came Turkeys strongest quake in more than 80 years, followed hours later by an unusually powerful aftershock. The latest death count is more than 5,000 and will probably rise. Compounding the damage are three existing crises in the region where the quakes hit, near the Syrian border in southern Turkey: first, Syrias civil war; second, a surge of refugees into Turkey because of the war; third, economic problems in both countries. Todays newsletter gives you the latest details and photographs from Turkey and Syria as well as an explanation of the larger problems facing the region. Those problems are complicating the recovery from the quake and will continue to do so. BPs profits, and its assumptions that oil prices will be around $70 a barrel for the decade, are allowing Mr. Looney to promise a combination of increased investment and shareholder benefits, at least for now. Dividends will go up by 10 percent for the quarter, and BP announced $2.75 billion in stock buybacks, following $11.25 billion last year. Despite those generous payouts, the valuation of companies like BP and Shell, which have embraced climate friendly investments in renewable energy, have substantially lagged behind those of their American rivals, Exxon Mobil and Chevron, which have largely stuck to producing oil and gas. On Tuesday, investors seemed to welcome the announcement. BPs share price rose about 8 percent. The oil and gas business today looks very different from 2020, when Mr. Looney, newly named as chief executive, announced he would pump up investments in clean energy like solar and wind and cut oil and gas production by 40 percent by the end of the decade. Back then, oil and gas was a troubled business, with some analysts predicting it was in terminal decline as oil giants looked to other investments. BP took $17 billion in write-downs on the value of its oil and gas fields, figuring they were no longer worth the sums on the companys books. Other companies took similar steps. Three years later, the landscape has changed. Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, averaged $101 a barrel last year, more than double its price in 2020, and natural gas prices soared, largely because Russia cut off supplies to Europe, pushing oil producers to record profits. Under BPs new plans, oil output will decline 25 percent by the end of the decade from 2019 levels, to two million barrels a day, rather than 40 percent as previously announced. Carbon dioxide emissions from the oil and natural gas that BP produces will also be reduced 20 to 30 percent, instead of up to 40 percent. The company says these investments will be in shorter-term, fast-payback projects and still be appropriate for a world that is cutting fossil fuel use to meet climate targets. Health care providers must check pregnant patients blood pressure regularly, starting early on and continuing throughout pregnancy, according to new draft recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The task force issued the draft recommendations on Tuesday amid growing concern about a rise in maternal mortality. Pregnancy-related deaths in the United States are the highest among industrialized nations, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are among the leading causes. Blood pressure disorders in pregnancy have doubled in prevalence in the past three decades, affecting one in 10 pregnancies now, up from one in 20 in 1993. They are a leading cause of death during and after pregnancy among Native American women and the leading cause of death among Black women. The groups face maternal mortality rates that are up to three times as high as those among white women. The disorders pose a high risk of stroke to Black and Hispanic women, the task force noted. Yet women of color were underrepresented in most clinical trials that tested screening regimens for the condition. To hear more audio stories from publications like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android. On the last Friday in November, in the afterglow of a literary awards ceremony, the novelist Mieko Kawakami held court in a banquet hall at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, wearing a tweed Gucci dress, clutching an Hermes Birkin handbag and sipping a glass of domestic beer she would never quite finish. Each time she raised the drink to her lips, another writer, editor or publicist came along to distract her from it. Kawakami, who is 46, greeted them each with a degree of warmth that made it hard to tell which were strangers and which were her friends. Im a graduate of hostess university, she said, recalling her years spent working at a bar where she kept men company as they drank. More than two decades later, the skills she honed in the boozy, neon-lit back alleys of Osaka the ability to observe and to listen with acute curiosity are still apparent in her best-selling novels. You can see where that sensitivity arises from in her work, the translator David Boyd told me. She sees all the angles. The awards ceremony was hosted by Shueisha, a major Japanese publishing house that recruited Kawakami as a judge, confirming her as an arbiter of taste. One of the reasons my boss pleaded and pleaded for Kawakami-san to judge for our prize is because of her fame and her popularity among young Japanese writers, said Yuki Kishi, a literary editor at Shueisha. In the time since Kawakami acquiesced to that role, more women had submitted unpublished manuscripts for consideration, Kishi told me, and more of them took risks concerning voice and content. A lot of people look up to Kawakami-sans writing and her style and her energy and her buntai (literary style), Kishi said as we left the banquet hall. We want to be her. What Kawakami wants, however, is to confound expectations by writing books that are at times provocatively against type, as if to prove that there is no category that can contain her. Im not an Olympic athlete, she told me. Literature doesnt represent anything. Kawakami first shot to fame in 2008 after winning the Akutagawa Prize, a prestigious award for early-career writers, for the novella Chichi to Ran. The novella, whose title translates to Breasts and Eggs, featured language as stylistically daring as James Joyces: Kawakami deploys her native Osaka dialect and often packs six, seven or even eight commas into her frenzied, poetic sentences. The story unfolds over the course of three days when the narrator is visited by her older sister, Makiko, a 39-year-old bar hostess who has come from Osaka to Tokyo for a consultation at a breast-enhancement clinic. With Makiko is her daughter, Midoriko, whose diary entries break up the narrative with prepubescent anxieties over what she has learned about her body, and gender hierarchy, from middle-school health classes. How is it possible I knew about sperm first? Midoriko wonders after learning that women have ova, which she compares to the eggs shes been eating her whole life. That doesnt seem fair. In Kawakamis books, characters are alienated from society and themselves. They struggle with physical imperfection and poverty, wrestle with the moral dimension of wanting to change themselves and their circumstances. Often they surrender their inner lives to preoccupations with social norms. Their bodies dissatisfy and disconcert them: Seemingly wary of younger women threatening her position at the bar, Makiko wants the youthful breasts she had before childbirth; Midoriko is aghast at the idea of breast-enhancement surgery, which amplifies her fears that her body will no longer be her own after puberty. For the narrator, talk of surgery revives the sense that her monolithic expectation of what a womans body was supposed to look like had no bearing on what actually happened to my body. There is a spectral quality to the patriarchal forces haunting these women. We hear little about the men in Breasts and Eggs, but misogynist thought persists. A girlfriend from school, not a male bully, tells Midoriko that when a woman dies, she cant become a Buddha basically, to become a Buddha, you have to be reborn as a man first. DAVE BAUTISTA Night said something to me when we first started talking about the role, and he said, The reason I wanted you for this role is because I figured out through our conversations that you are Leonard. And so I think basically I would try to handle this the way Leonard handled it. If youre sacrificing for a greater cause, and thats the life of every human being on this planet, then theres no question how you handle it, and that is through self-sacrifice. It doesnt have to be this level, obviously, but I think people should give more of themselves. There are so many people that are in need. I grew up very poor. I never made a dime until I was well into my 30s. I know what its like to be hungry, and I know what its like to not have medical insurance, and I know what its like to be homeless. So for me, to give is an easy thing. RUPERT GRINT I often think about what I would do being in a family of three. Once you have this thing thats just so precious, your whole everything is for her. But you cant kill yourself. It has to be a very organic decision. I dont know; that always gets me. I dont know if Id kill my wife. I dont think I could do it. Then its a case of, is humanity worth it or do you just be selfish and have a nice time in a cabin? The brutal killing of Tyre Nichols by Memphis cops horrified and infuriated many Americans, not least because it was another in what has been an endless litany of Black men and boys killed by police officers in America: George Floyd, Eric Garner, Philando Castile, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown and literally thousands of names less well known. There is one confounding detail in Nicholss death, however. The five policemen who mercilessly beat the life out of him were all Black. Thus, to understand the full tragedy of Tyre Nichols, it is important to ask hard questions about the culture and behavior of police officers including grappling with the fact that whatever role race played in Nicholss death, it was more complicated than the racist-white-cop-kills-Black-man framework into which we typically sort such horrific episodes. One possibility that needs further exploration is the role that poverty plays in determining the victims of police killings a characteristic that overlaps with but is obviously distinct from race. Much of the conversation about police violence in recent years has been through a lens of systemic racism, white cops and antiracism reform goals. But a man (or a woman) who is killed by a police officer merits our attention and response, regardless of the race of either victim or killer. There has long been a theory afoot that hiring more Black cops would result in fewer shootings of Black civilians. But there is little evidence that this intuitive solution has any meaningful effect. (Its worth noting here that there is substantially more readily available data regarding the race of victims of police violence than that of the perpetrators.) More than one study has suggested that the difference in likelihood between white and Black cops killing Black people is much smaller than one might suppose. Expert observers on the subject regularly concur, and it is a commonplace in Black community discussions that one cannot necessarily expect any particular clemency from Black officers in tough situations. The Memphis Police Department is 58 percent Black and has a Black police chief; that did not prevent the horrific acts of violence perpetrated on Nichols. Last spring, Ukraine shocked the Russian Navy by using American targeting information to sink the Moskva, a Black Sea missile cruiser. Only months into the war did Russians face up to the fact that officers using their personal cellphones were regularly getting blown up. This past New Years Eve, a dormitory full of fresh Russian Army recruits in the city of Makiivka was hit by missiles at the crack of midnight, presumably just as the young men were calling their friends and loved ones to wish them the joys of the coming year. The attack killed 89, according to the Russian authorities more than 300, according to the British Ministry of Defense, which accused the Russian authorities of deliberate lying about the attack to minimize their losses. After such episodes, Russias leaders are unlikely to feel that the resistance they are meeting comes from Ukraine. The role of the United States is considerably more active than merely responding to Ukrainian requests for this or that. Having itself designed the weaponry in most cases, the United States may have a better sense of which tech solutions are appropriate to local battlefield challenges. Abrams tanks require experienced technicians for training and repair. Will these technicians be brought onto the battlefield from the United States? Then we will have a situation analogous to the introduction of advisers into Vietnam in the early 1960s. This is not an offensive threat to Russia, President Biden said of the Abrams tank shipments last month. Hes entitled to his opinion, but it is probably not shared by the Russian leadership. President Bidens own advisers are divided on how aggressively to pursue the war. Some even propose to chase Russia out of Crimea. That would promise a new kind of mission for NATO: the conquest, annexation and garrisoning of a population that doesnt want it. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has to do with a complicated set of post-Cold War historical trends (like Americas striking post-Cold War rise and its more recent relative decline) and economic accidents (like the vicissitudes of fossil fuel prices). But it is also the latest chapter of a continuing geostrategic story in which the plot has changed little over the centuries: The largest country by area on the planet has no reliable exit into the world. The most reliable route runs through the Black Sea, where it crosses the trade routes that link the civilizations of Asia to the civilizations of Europe. There, or thereabouts, Russian forces clashed with the armies of many Turkish sultans in the 17th and 18th centuries, Lord Palmerston of Britain in the 19th and Hitler in the 20th. Speaking last week at the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany at the battle of Stalingrad, President Vladimir Putin of Russia described the present war as a similar effort. Russians say the war is about preventing the installation of an enemy military stronghold on the Black Sea, strong enough to close off what has for centuries been Russias main access to the outside world. Without Ukraine, Russia can be turned into a vassal state. That NATO intends to bring about the subjugation, breakup or even extinction of Russia may be true or false but it will not sound implausible to a Russian. Many Americans cannot resist describing Mr. Putin as a barbarian and his invasion of Ukraine as a war of aggression. For their part Russians say this is a war in which Russia is fighting for its survival and against the United States in an unfair global order in which the United States enjoys unearned privileges. This article has been updated to reflect news developments. I keep hearing and reading that many Republican leaders want to move on from Donald Trump. I cant imagine why. His role in a riot that could have gotten some of them killed? His masterful design of their midterm debacle? The possibility hell be indicted any day now? Theyve had enough, or so they keep signaling and whispering. And then they go and choose Sarah Huckabee Sanders to deliver the partys official response to President Bidens State of the Union address. Yeah, yeah: Shes young, shes a working mom, shes the first female governor of Arkansas (where shes not yet through her first month in office). All of that says fresh start. But nothing else about her does, not if you have a memory and a moral code. She spent nearly two years as Trumps press secretary, the central figure in excusing his outrages and laundering his lies. She spent much of her campaign for governor invoking his name, appearing with him, even sending money his way for the catering of fund-raisers for her at Mar-a-Lago. South Africa: Presiding Officers lay down law ahead of SONA Parliaments Presiding Officers say no disruptions of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) will be tolerated. This, the Presiding Officers said on Tuesday, includes ensuring that there is no load shedding on the day of the State of the Nation Address, which President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to deliver on Thursday, 9 February, at 7pm, at the Cape Town City Hall. Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Amos Masondo, said they will ensure that the rules of Parliament are applied to Members of Parliament who disrupt proceedings. Every Member of Parliament has a responsibility to conduct themselves in a proper manner that is acceptable. Other conduct in the house will be dealt with accordingly, Masondo said at a media briefing in Cape Town. Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lechesa Tsenoli, said while protests are legitimate when they are within the rules, he warned that any conduct that is not within the law and is aimed at disrupting the proceedings will be dealt with accordingly. As Parliamentarians, we have a responsibility to communicate better and more respectfully, he said. Secretary to Parliament, Xolile George, said a plan is in place to ensure that SONA is not disrupted by load shedding. There will be minimisation of load shedding, George said. Meanwhile, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), which comprises various government departments - including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Security Agency (SSA) - has put measures in place to ensure that SONA takes place in a safe and secure environment. Integrated and joint law enforcement operations are underway, and law enforcement officers on high alert to ensure that SONA takes place in a secure environment, with no incidents of crime before, during and post SONA. NATJOINTS has also directed all law enforcement agencies to execute their duties according to their constitutional mandate and within the relevant prescripts. Residents of Cape Town, spectators and those who are operating businesses in the vicinity of the Cape Town City Hall, have been advised about road closures ahead of the delivery of the Presidents State of the Nation Address. It is important to emphasise that those who are not accredited or authorised to be in attendance should avoid the area around the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday, NATJOINTS said in a statement. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2023-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Officials in favored destination on hand to greet first arrivals from China Thailand is among the countries that welcomed the return of Chinese tour groups on Monday, complete with a ceremony held by Thai and Chinese officials in Bangkok that saw the first arrivals handed flowers and travel guides. Two Thailand-bound groups, with 40 travelers in all, were in the first batch of tourists that set out from China since the country announced the resumption of outbound group tour services suspended for the past three years due to COVID-19. "Thailand is honored to be among the 20 countries chosen to once again welcome tour groups from China. We are extremely pleased to receive these first groups today, and look forward to the many more to come," said Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, or TAT. He said there were 14 flights from China arriving in Thailand on Monday, taking off from cities such as Guangzhou, Xiamen, Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Chengdu, and Nanning all bound for Bangkok and Phuket. "Chinese tourists contributed a lot to Thailand's tourism industry. Although the number of tour groups from China is still far less than the amount before the pandemic, we believe we will have more Chinese tourists back in Thailand soon," he said. On Monday, the charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy in Thailand, Yang Xin, handed travel guidebooks made by the embassy to the tour groups and expressed their welcome to the tourists. The United Arab Emirates and some other Asian countries also welcomed the arrival of the first tour groups from China flying in on Monday morning. In Thailand, those in the first group tours going overseas since China downgraded its COVID-19 management measures from Category A to Category B in December expressed their happiness and excitement. "We filed for the tour immediately after the travel agency released the route. We've been looking forward to the resumption of outbound travel for such a long time. It's really an exciting trip," said Zuo Zhaomo, a traveler in one of the groups. Traveling with his wife, he said that they used to go abroad before the pandemic. "This is the third time that we travel in Thailand. We like the country, its culture, cuisine and gentle people. After the trip in Thailand, we will set out for another group tour to Egypt," the retiree said. Arriving at Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport, the Spring Airlines flight from Guangzhou had 180 passengers on board. Among them were tour groups for a six-day stay in Bangkok and Pattaya. Vitality highlighted Tan Mingyuan, who led one of the groups on Monday, said the Thailand flights were sold out in just three days. "I've been working in the tourism industry for more than 20 years. The past three years were really hard for us. But the great thing is that the tourism industry is now gaining vitality once again with more diversified routes to come soon," he said. Yu Jiali, general manager of Spring Airlines' Southeast Asia Office, said the company has resumed 24 international routes, including 16 in Southeast Asia. She said that on the flights since the start of the Spring Festival, 90 percent of the seats have been sold. According to the TAT, Thailand has welcomed nearly 100,000 Chinese travelers over the past month. "It takes some time for a full recovery of outbound tourism. So far, Spring Airlines is operating outbound routes from seven Chinese cities and we hope to operate more soon," said Cai Wei, president of Spring Group's Subsidiaries Management Headquarters. "We estimate we will see a real surge of outbound tourism from China in early March this year." Chinas predations are another nightmare for the Philippines. Mr. Austin cited Chinas continued advancement of its illegitimate claims in portions of the South China Sea that are also claimed by the Philippines as a reason for the U.S. militarys return. And there is fear of a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan, which is just 93 miles from the Philippines northernmost island, Itbayat. The Philippines is not the only Southeast Asian country wary of getting caught in the crossfire. Chinese encroachment on the South China Sea, which has included building military installations, has been globally condemned. In 2016 an international tribunal ruled in the Philippines favor, rejecting Chinas maritime claims. But the Philippine president at the time, Rodrigo Duterte, who cozied up to Beijing in a desire for Chinese investments, dismissed the tribunals ruling in deference to China. (I need China, he once declared. I simply love Xi Jinping.) He also frequently maligned the United States. Like all Philippine oligarchs, though, he danced with America, retaining a military pact with Washington. The departure of the mercurial Mr. Duterte, whose murderous drug war has resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings, is welcome. But his successor isnt much different. Mr. Marcos Jr. won the presidency after a campaign powered by disinformation and has never disavowed his fathers legacy of cronyism and corruption. His 28-year-old son, Sandro, a political neophyte, has been given a senior leadership position in the Philippine House of Representatives; Mr. Marcoss cousin Martin Romualdez is speaker of the House. They were among the authors of a bill to facilitate a plan by the new Marcos government to take money out of social security systems and pump it into a sovereign investment fund, which drew a public outcry. Mr. Marcos made himself agriculture secretary, a powerful position. Under his leadership, costs of basic food items are soaring, with the price of onions surpassing meat at one point recently. Drug-war killings and a culture of impunity continue. Indigenous activists, journalists, human rights defenders and others branded as Communists are at risk. Mr. Marcos is fond of junkets, traveling to Davos with a large entourage. His government has not been transparent about the costs. What he does with the boondoggle of American military money is no fools guess. As it was with his father, American support will be used to deflect public criticism. Mr. Duterte and Mr. Marcos are cut from the same cloth: Their families and cronies have profited from U.S. geopolitical and military interest in the Philippines and will continue to do so. Paneled walls, ceiling medallions, muscular crown molding and arched doorways: Paul and Tatiana Markels house in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, is filled with lovingly crafted details that look as if they were installed 150 years ago. But not a single piece of trim is that old all of it was recently installed. When the couple bought a frumpy 1930s two-family house for $1.64 million in 2017, they didnt envision such an elaborate transformation. But its not the first time they let themselves get swept up in something unexpected. Both of the Markels grew up in Jewish families in Ukraine in the 1980s, and both of their families immigrated to the United States in 1989. When their mothers met in Brooklyn years later, they set their teenagers up on a date. It did not go well. Image Paul and Tatiana Markel built a new house on an old foundation in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, with help from Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. Credit... Aaron Leitz The problem with girls and boys is that Paul was like 16 going on 14, and I was like 16 going on 30, said Ms. Markel, 41, a partner at the law firm BakerHostetler, whose work includes recovering assets for victims of Bernard L. Madoffs Ponzi scheme. Even though we were the same age, I was twice his age, really. It was awful. Attendees peeled off parkas to reveal the work of Black designers as they entered the New York Public Librarys main branch on Saturday night. They had come out in frigid temperatures in New York City to attend the second annual gala held by the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which has gotten retailers including Nordstrom and Sephora to agree to commit 15 percent of their shelf space to Black-owned brands. The evening was a celebration, a call to action and a nightlong fashion show inspired by a four-word dress code: black-tie, Black designer. Aurora James, the designer who started the pledge in 2020, glided down the red carpet in an iridescent floral gown by Christopher John Rogers. Lori Harvey mingled during cocktail hour in the slinky black cutout dress that Julia Fox wore to open LaQuan Smiths runway show last year. And Karlie Kloss settled in for dinner in a kiwi green suit by Sergio Hudson, who was honored in a ceremony that also recognized the model and activist Bethann Hardison. We intentionally make the challenge black-tie, Black designer, because its not easy, said LaToya Williams-Belfort, the pledges executive director. We want folks to come and do that work and understand the living, breathing opportunity, even in this celebratory moment. During her speech Ms. James told the room: You are exactly where you need to be to impact change. And on and offstage, attendees discussed changes that would move the fashion industry forward. Several shared the work of Black designers that excited them and the transformations they hoped to see take place in the industry. But something was off. Their voices were stilted and failed to sync with the movement of their mouths. Their faces had a pixelated, video-game quality and their hair appeared unnaturally plastered to the head. The captions were filled with grammatical mistakes. The two broadcasters, purportedly anchors for a news outlet called Wolf News, are not real people. They are computer-generated avatars created by artificial intelligence software. And late last year, videos of them were distributed by pro-China bot accounts on Facebook and Twitter, in the first known instance of deepfake video technology being used to create fictitious people as part of a state-aligned information campaign. This is the first time weve seen this in the wild, said Jack Stubbs, the vice president of intelligence at Graphika, a research firm that studies disinformation. Graphika discovered the pro-China campaign, which appeared intended to promote the interests of the Chinese Communist Party and undercut the United States for English-speaking viewers. Deepfake technology, which has progressed steadily for nearly a decade, has the ability to create talking digital puppets. The A.I. software is sometimes used to distort public figures, like a video that circulated on social media last year falsely showing Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, announcing a surrender. But the software can also create characters out of whole cloth, going beyond traditional editing software and expensive special effects tools used by Hollywood, blurring the line between fact and fiction to an extraordinary degree. With few laws to manage the spread of the technology, disinformation experts have long warned that deepfake videos could further sever peoples ability to discern reality from forgeries online, potentially being misused to set off unrest or incept a political scandal. Those predictions have now become reality. A former employee of the Coinbase cryptocurrency exchange pleaded guilty on Tuesday to insider trading, the first time a crypto industry insider has admitted to trying to profit from confidential information. The case has been closely watched in the crypto industry since the charges against Ishan Wahi, a former Coinbase product manager, were filed in July in federal court in the Southern District of New York. By cracking down on insider trading at a major exchange, the federal authorities signaled a willingness to pursue the freewheeling crypto industry for the same type of malfeasance that occurs in traditional financial markets. Mr. Wahi, who admitted to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 10. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, though federal guidelines often result in shorter sentences. Whether it occurs in the equity markets or the crypto markets, stealing confidential business information for your own personal profit or the profit of others is a serious federal crime, Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement. Meta, however, was hamstrung, in part, by its reputation as a corporate giant that helps spread untruths, Dr. LeCun said last month. And with responsibilities to billions of users, it could not afford to leave online a chatbot that can generate false and biased information. OpenAI and other small companies are in a better position to actually get some credit for releasing this kind of thing, said Chirag Shah, a University of Washington professor who has explored the flaws in technologies like Galactica and ChatGPT. They are not going to get the same kind of blowback. In recent years, Meta has also shifted its focus to another technology area: the immersive online world of the so-called metaverse, which Mr. Zuckerberg has said he believes is the next big thing. In the short term, it is unclear how the company can offer generative A.I. products with its existing services in a way that really captures the publics attention. That does not mean it isnt trying. Meta is fast-tracking its efforts to put A.I.-driven products into customers hands, said Irina Kofman, a senior director of product management for generative A.I. who oversees XAI, a new team that aims to help build A.I. products across the company. Mr. Zuckerberg is directly involved in steering the initiatives, holding weekly meetings with product leaders and top A.I. researchers, she said. In a call last week with investors, Mr. Zuckerberg repeatedly mentioned A.I. He called it the foundation of our discovery engine and our ads business and added that it would enable many new products and additional transformations within our apps. Some Meta executives have spoken about the generative A.I. boom with a distinct air of sour grapes. During his online discussion last month, Dr. LeCun described ChatGPT as not particularly innovative and nothing revolutionary because it relied on technologies developed and deployed by Meta, Google and other companies. Earlier last year, Meta released a chatbot, BlenderBot, that stretched the state of the art, Dr. LeCun said. But it never caught on, he said, because the company had worked hard to ensure that it would not produce offensive material. Many people in the United States would like to control the information that companies can learn about them online. Yet when presented with a series of true-or-false questions about how digital devices and services track users, most Americans struggled to answer them, according to a report published on Tuesday by the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. The report analyzed the results of a data privacy survey that included more than 2,000 adults in the United States. Very few of the respondents said they trusted the way online services handled their personal data. The survey also tested peoples knowledge about how apps, websites and digital devices may amass and disclose information about peoples health, TV-viewing habits and doorbell camera videos. Although many understood how companies can track their emails and website visits, a majority seemed unaware that there are only limited federal protections for the kinds of personal data that online services can collect about consumers. Seventy-seven percent of the participants got nine or fewer of the 17 true-or-false questions right, amounting to an F grade, the report said. Only one person received an A grade, for correctly answering 16 of the questions. No one answered all of them correctly. The survey was funded by an unrestricted grant from Facebook. Since Russia invaded Ukraine almost a year ago, cultural institutions in Europe and the United States have contemplated what to do with Russian art. Tchaikovskys militaristic 1812 Overture? Potentially offensive, and dropped from many concerts. Dostoyevsky? One of President Vladimir V. Putins favorite authors, cross-examined, in Ukraine and elsewhere, for his expansionist views. Chekhovs plays, on the other hand? So far, nobody is pulling them from the stage. The Russian dramatic repertoire, more widely, has flown under the radar. In Paris, no fewer than four Russian plays were on at prominent playhouses in late January and early February, including Chekhovs The Seagull and Uncle Vanya, as well as lesser-known works, such as pieces by Turgenev (A Month in the Country) and by Ostrovsky (The Storm). And the artists involved appear to be staying away from mentioning the war. While the Ukrainian flag was unfurled regularly on French stages in 2022, it made an appearance just once at the performances I saw of those four plays: At the end of Turgenevs A Month in the Country, at the Athenee Theatre Louis-Jouvet, an actor brought it out and held it during the curtain calls. Only one playbill, for The Seagull at the Theatre des Abbesses, mentioned Ukraine. In a country like France, where support for Ukraine is steadfast, this is hardly for lack of sympathy. It probably has more to do with Russian theaters reputation for universalism the belief that a playwright like Chekhov revealed profound truths about the human condition that went far beyond Russias borders. As the performer Mikhail Baryshnikov, who defected from Soviet Russia in 1974 and has spoken against the war, told The New York Times last year: The miracle of Chekhovs writing is that, no matter where its performed, it feels local to the culture. George recently wrote a piece for The Times that allows readers to explore Butlers universe, both through the authors own words but also through mesmerizing images of the places that made her. There are the stacks at the Central Library in downtown Los Angeles and the bus seats where Butler spent hours making sketches of potential characters. Butler never learned to drive, so she relied on the citys public transportation options. Los Angeles is so spread out that almost any bus ride will be a long one, Butler once observed. The time proved perfect for writing. To understand Butlers life, George dug through hundreds of boxes of archives at the Huntington Library in San Marino that contain the authors voluminous notebooks and meticulous research. In her notes, Butler had recorded the changing seasonal colors of the hills and mountains surrounding Pasadena, or how long it took for random magnolia and pomegranate trees to grow heavy with blooms or fruit. She even measured the trees growth year to year to gauge how well they were doing. These close observations, along with an obsession with the news, gave Butler insight into the dangers of climate change, which played a central role in many of her novels. Georges reporting has further revealed to her just how much Butler was observing the natural world, and learning from what she saw. Sometimes I will see an address scribbled in a notebook, and shes commented on whether or not a particular tree was going to survive, George said, adding that at least once she had checked on one of her predictions. She was right: It was not there. The Defense Department has lifted the Trump administrations ban on the release of artwork made by prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, in a recent policy change that allows departing detainees to take their work with them. Under the new policy, detainees are allowed to take a practicable quantity of their art when they leave Guantanamo Bay, Lt. Col. Cesar H. Santiago, a Pentagon spokesman, said by email. He declined to define practicable quantity but said the Defense Department still considers the artwork to be the property of the U.S. government. Colonel Santiago also declined to say when the new policy was adopted. The prison imposed the ban in late 2017, after an art exhibit in New York called Ode to the Sea struck a nerve at the Pentagon. It featured seascapes, model ships and other works by current and former Guantanamo detainees, and its website offered an email address for people interested in purchasing art from these artists. WASHINGTON Speaker Kevin McCarthy vowed during his partys campaign to win control of the House that things would be different when Republicans took over, with new policies on the agenda, new people in charge and something that hasnt been done in years: a new ritual of reading every single word of the Constitution aloud from the floor on Day 1. That did not happen. On Day 1, Mr. McCarthy was embarking on an epic negotiation to win over right-wing holdouts in what would become a grueling, 15-ballot election to become speaker, preparing a broad set of concessions he would ultimately make to win the post. And he has been slow to get started on the ambitious policy agenda Republicans have laid out. But on Tuesday, 35 days after the dawn of their majority and hours before President Biden was set to give his State of the Union address in the chamber, Republicans stood one by one for a 43-minute recitation of the document. It was the latest in a string of symbolic actions the party has taken many of them aimed at signaling patriotism and a devotion to the nations founding principles to show that the House is under new management. As conspicuous shows of patriotism go, it was fairly dry stuff. Mr. McCarthy kicked off the proceedings with little fanfare. WASHINGTON Shortly before the midterm elections, when Alejandro N. Mayorkas was hosting a routine town hall with senior staff members, one person addressed the elephant in the room: Does he plan to resign in the face of the Republican pledge to impeach him? Mr. Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, did not hesitate: Im not leaving, he replied. Im not going anywhere. The staff members in the meeting erupted in applause and cheers, according to two people in attendance who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private event. On Tuesday, federal border officials testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. The hearing was the latest piece of what Republicans have promised will be an aggressive push to scrutinize Mr. Mayorkas that could result in his impeachment. The panel is led by Representative James R. Comer, Republican of Kentucky, who has already made up his mind that Mr. Mayorkas, 63, should be removed for his handling of the record number of unauthorized crossings at the southern border since President Biden has been in office. On Tuesday, however, Republicans barely brought up Mr. Mayorkas, and instead focused on blaming Mr. Biden for the situation at the border. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas, one of the relatively few high-profile Trump administration officials who bolstered their careers through the experience, will step into the national spotlight again on Tuesday night when she delivers the Republican response to President Bidens State of the Union address. Ms. Sanders was still editing her address on Tuesday morning, but a spokeswoman said the speech would lean into the contrast in age between Ms. Sanders, who at 40 is the nations youngest governor, and Mr. Biden, 80, who in 2021 became the oldest president to be sworn into the office. Ms. Sanders campaigned last year with the promise of a new generation of leadership and referred to a new generation six times in her inauguration speech on Jan. 10. Her speech on Tuesday night will return to this theme, as she encourages a younger crop of leaders to fight for conservative ideals, said Alexa Henning, the spokeswoman for the governor. (While some allies of Donald J. Trump, 76, have mentioned Ms. Sanders as a possible running mate for the former president, she has not endorsed anyone in the shadow 2024 Republican primary.) Ms. Sanders plans to highlight the differences between the two parties by pointing to some of her actions during her short time in office. However, the proposed ban in Texas, endorsed by Mr. Abbott, appears to go further than the laws adopted in other U.S. states, both in applying to all real property including urban buildings or condominium apartments and in applying its provisions not only to the governments of certain countries but also to their citizens. During its last session, in 2021, the Texas Legislature barred companies from the same list of countries targeted in the new proposed law from winning contracts that relate to critical infrastructure in the state, including the electricity grid, water treatment plants, and cybersecurity and communications systems. That bill came in response to the plan by the Chinese billionaire, Sun Guangxin, to construct a wind farm that would have connected to the Texas electricity grid. The bill passed with bipartisan support in the State Senate, and Mr. Abbott signed it. A representative of Mr. Sun did not respond to a request for comment. Last month, more than a hundred people joined the rally against the latest proposal on the steps of Houston City Hall, a diverse coalition that included local officials and members of Congress. This is wrong, Mayor Sylvester Turner said, standing at the rally with Mr. Wu, who grew up in a house his parents purchased after immigrating to Texas but before they became citizens. This could be my familys home, this could be yours, the mayor said, pointing to an image of the home, in an area of the city now represented by Mr. Wu. MEMPHIS As Tyre Nichols sat propped against a police car, bloodied, dazed and handcuffed after being beaten by a group of Memphis police officers, one of those officers took a picture of him and sent it to at least five people, the Memphis Police Department said in documents released by the state on Tuesday. The documents painted a picture of repeated misconduct by the officers, starting in the first moments after Mr. Nichols was pulled over for a traffic stop, through an arrest carried out with excessive force and continuing on through the many minutes when Mr. Nichols lay on the street in dire need of medical help. Sending the photograph to acquaintances, including at least one outside of the Police Department, violated policies about keeping information confidential, according to the documents. But police officials said it was also part of a pattern of mocking, abusive and blatantly unprofessional behavior by the officers that also included shouting profanities at Mr. Nichols, laughing after the beating and bragging about their involvement. The revelations came in internal affairs documents that the Memphis Police Department sent to a state agency, in which the department asked for the five officers who have been charged with second-degree murder in Mr. Nicholss death to be decertified, meaning they could no longer work as police officers anywhere in the state. A battery pack caught fire in the cabin of a New Jersey-bound flight from California on Tuesday, forcing the plane to return to San Diego International Airport shortly after takeoff, officials said. Four people were taken to a hospital and treated for smoke inhalation, officials said. The Federal Aviation Administration said that the flight, United Airlines 2664, a Boeing 737, landed safely at around 7:30 a.m. local time after the crew reported a laptop on fire in the cabin. The flight had been headed to Newark Liberty International Airport. United Airlines said that a customers battery pack ignited. Our crew acted quickly to contain the device and medical personnel met the aircraft upon arrival at the gate, the airline said in a statement. Several flight attendants were taken to the hospital as a precaution and two customers were evaluated on site. Monica Munoz, a spokeswoman for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, said that an external battery pack had caught fire on the plane. She said that crew members had put the pack in a fire bag to prevent the flames from spreading. As part of the ruling, Judge Park Jin-soo of the Seoul Central District Court ordered the government to pay Ms. Nguyen $23,900 in compensation, saying that what members of the Second Marine Brigade of South Korea did to her family clearly amounted to an illegal act. The judge agreed with Ms. Nguyen that South Korean marines rounded up the villagers at gunpoint and massacred them. The judge also threw out the government lawyers attempt to invoke the statute of limitations. The ruling marked the first time a South Korean court held the government liable for a massacre of civilians during the Vietnam War. I am so happy to hear the news, Ms. Nguyen, who did not attend the court ruling in Seoul on Tuesday, said in a video clip distributed by her South Korean lawyers. I think the souls of the victims stood by me during the trial. South Korea sent 320,000 troops to Vietnam, making it the largest foreign contingent fighting alongside American forces in the war. But rumors have long persisted that South Korean troops committed mass killings of Vietnamese civilians. When Ms. Nguyen enlisted the help of human rights lawyers and civic groups in Seoul to file her lawsuit three years ago, she became the first victim of such an alleged massacre to seek redress in a South Korean court. The South Korean Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that it was discussing the court ruling with other government agencies. On April 6, 1967, Mukarram Jah was fabulously, and unhappily, thrust into the past. He was a privileged global citizen in a very modern way: born in France, educated at some of Britains best schools, with a taste for jazz, westerns and cars. But on that April afternoon he found himself performing rituals left over from Indias Mughal Empire, which had collapsed more than a century earlier. Mr. Jah was crowned the nizam of Hyderabad. The title made him the ceremonial monarch of a territory in South India about the size of Italy, and it vaulted him atop a social order that belonged more to Arabian Nights than to the 1960s. He now bore responsibility for a court whose roll of staff members and dependents listed more than 14,700 people, including about 3,000 bodyguards, 42 concubines and employees with specialties as specific as dusting chandeliers and grinding walnuts. He later discovered that about 4,000 supposed beneficiaries of the royal purse did not actually exist. As nizam, Mr. Jah commanded great prestige the Indian government granted him an allowance and official recognition as a prince and extraordinary wealth: He controlled a fortune that in 1935, The New York Times estimated, included $250 million in gold ingots and $2 billion in precious stones (more than $48 billion in todays money). ADANA, Turkey The dozen or so rescue workers stood motionless, listening for signs of survivors. They stood atop rubble the remains of a 14-storey structure, one of many buildings that made up an apartment complex in Adana, a city in southern Turkey about 100 miles from the epicenter of Mondays earthquake. Residents gathered outside in the cold night and started a bonfire to stay warm as they wondered why their buildings survived. They also pondered the risk of going back into their apartments if even just for a minute to grab an heirloom or two as they waited for more aid to arrive. The weather was delaying more rescue workers and humanitarian assistance. The highway that connects Adana with eastern Turkey traverses mountains and was closed because of snow. Cleanup, rescue and medical crews had to take the longer, coastal route. For the time being, Adana, like so many other places in the quake-stricken parts of Turkey and Syria, was relying on local search and rescue crews and volunteers. From the German side, the Leopard 1 tanks would not come from the military but from German weapons manufacturers. On Tuesday, the chief executive of one such manufacturer, Rheinmetall, told a news conference that it expected to supply Ukraine with 20 to 25 Leopard 1s this year, and 88 more next year, Reuters reported. With the addition of Denmark and the Netherlands to the Leopard 1 export plan, more of the battle tanks could arrive in Ukraine far sooner than any of the more advanced German and American tanks, which could take many months. Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands are providing refurbished Leopard 1 A5 from industrial stocks; the first ones being delivered within a few months, a joint statement from the three nations said. In doing so, we are guided by the needs of Ukraine. Our initiative includes training on the Leopard 1 A5 as well as a spare parts and ammunition package. The three countries said they would welcome other governments to join with them and that they had received interest from Belgium. Germany had for weeks resisted sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, despite heavy pressure from its European allies, and only agreed to the plan after Washington said it would send some of its own M1 Abrams tanks. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany has been wary of being seen as contributing to escalation against Russia by a NATO ally. The only crossing between Syria and Turkey that is approved by the United Nations for transporting international aid into Syria is not functioning because of earthquake damage to roads around it, according to U.N. officials, complicating an already fraught response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis. The crossing, known as Bab al-Hawa, has been the lone link for U.N. aid to opposition-held areas in Syria for the past nine years during the countrys civil war. Most aid to Syria flows through Damascus, the capital, which is in government-held territory. Because President Bashar al-Assads government has been able to tightly control what aid goes to opposition-held areas, the cross-border aid deliveries from Turkey have been a lifeline for opposition-held areas in the north. Officials from the United Nations World Food Program said on Tuesday that the Bab al-Hawa crossing remained intact after Mondays devastating earthquake, but it was not in use because roads leading there were damaged or closed. The agency said it was using stocks already inside Syria to respond for now, but those will need to be replenished. Without Bab al-Hawa, there is little prospect of getting cross-border aid into northwestern Syria, where the crossing is, said Julien Barnes-Dacey, the director of the Middle East and North Africa program at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Even getting to Bab al-Hawa seems to be a huge ordeal at the moment, he added. Its not as if the roads are functioning into Syria from Turkey. In the immediate hours after the earthquake, humanitarian groups in northwestern Syria were able to distribute some aid, because many of them maintain warehouses stocked with supplies in preparation for potential disasters or mass displacements, previously as a result of the war. Given the devastation in both Syria and Turkey, there was confusion among aid groups and others about the exact state of the crossing and what, if any, aid may have been delivered. The Bab al-Hawa administration said in a statement on social media on Tuesday that the crossing remains open for aid and humanitarian movement for whomever wants to help our afflicted people. But even if it was technically open, it appeared to be out of operation because of the damage to surrounding areas. Everything in that area has been condemned, said Monzer al-Salal, the executive director of Stabilization Support Unit, an aid group that works on public service and governance in opposition-held areas of northwestern Syria. Humanitarian groups also use three other crossings between Turkey and northern Syria to deliver aid. But while Syrian aid groups said that those crossings were open, they said they had not heard of any United Nations or other aid reaching Syria through any of those crossings since the earthquake struck. Some aid workers had used other crossings to enter Syria and assess the damage, but not to deliver aid, according to Mr. al-Salal. Some countries friendly with the Syrian government have been sending aid directly to Damascus. Iran sent a plane to Damascus on Monday night with 70 tons of food, tents and medicine, and more were expected to arrive on Tuesday in Aleppo and Latakia, according to Iranian state media and the Syrian Red Crescent. The quakes vast destruction in Turkey is also hindering the aids flow to Syria, given that much of it would typically come from Turkey. You have Syrians injured on both sides of the border, Mr. al-Salal said, referring to the millions of Syrian refugees who live in Turkey, many of them in the south near the border. Most of the aid workers themselves have their own crises. Earlier Tuesday, he said he had seen messages people were sending around in Gaziantep asking for anyone with water tanks, shovels and saws to help work through the rubble in that Turkish city. Yesterday I was inviting the aid groups to do a meeting to coordinate together, but it didnt happen, he said. Everyone is still busy just trying to lift the rubble. Both Mr. Assads regime and its close ally, Russia, have opposed efforts to send aid directly to opposition-controlled areas from Turkey. They contend that all aid should go through the government in Damascus, which the United States and others have tried to bypass. Speaking at the United Nations on Monday, Bassam al-Sabbagh, the Syrian government representative, called for Western sanctions on Syria to be removed, saying they were obstructing aid. Ned Price, the U.S. State Department spokesman, said on Monday that the United States, was determined to do what it could to address the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people. Hwaida Saad contributed reporting. GAZIANTEP, Turkey At first glance, there was little reason to expect that anyone was still alive in the ruins of the apartment building on Tuesday. The powerful earthquake that struck southern Turkey the day before had reduced its six floors to a hulking pile of concrete rubble. And yet, there was hope. The brother of a man who had lived on the fifth floor with his wife and their children was standing atop what remained of the roof, talking to his brother, Ibrahim Karapirli, who was trapped in the ruins below. The results of the scattershot rescue operation that followed would be both heroic and tragic. Across the huge expanse of territory in southern Turkey and northern Syria ravaged by the quake, countless attempts like this one unfolded on Tuesday by professionals and amateurs, using whatever tools were at hand, in hopes of finding survivors of a calamity that killed thousands of people and upended millions of lives. A professional soccer player was pulled from the rubble in southern Turkey. In northwest Syria, a newborn found in a collapsed building appeared to be the only surviving member of her family. GAZIANTEP, Turkey Rescue workers dug through rubble on Tuesday to find survivors of the most powerful and deadly earthquake to hit Turkey and Syria in decades, toiling in a vast and desperate search complicated by geography and geopolitics, freezing weather and the sheer scope of the disaster. Even as they struggled to free people from the tombs of metal, concrete and wood where apartments and office buildings once stood, the death toll climbed. At least 7,700 people were reported dead, officials said. The crews found reason for hope, rescuing more than 8,000 people in Turkey alone. But they were also working against time as temperatures sank below freezing. Survivors, many barefoot and in sleeping clothes, huddled around bonfires of wreckage to stay warm. Rescue teams shoveled snow as it piled up on the debris, searching for the injured and trapped. In Gaziantep, a Turkish city near the epicenter of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which struck on Monday, four members of one family were painstakingly rescued, one at a time. In northwest Syria, residents found an infant crying in the rubble, seemingly the only survivor of a building collapse and who had spent hours in the cold. Colette was not merely the most famous writer of her day, but one of the most famous people, period. A demimondaine with a shocking reputation, by the time of her death, in 1954, Colette was an institution, the first French woman of letters ever honored with a state funeral. (The church denied her a Catholic burial on the grounds of her multiple divorces.) By turns revolutionary and retrograde, liberated and conservative, a traditionalist who defied labels and loved a title, Colette was nothing if not contradictory. Both her life (81 years long) and her body of work (which exceeded 40 books) were epic, and given that her writing was so often autobiographical, the two were inextricably conflated in the public mind. But if anything, her notoriety obscured the greatness of her prose: Her event-filled life often overshadowed the accomplishments of her best-selling fiction. Born in Burgundy in 1873, Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette married at the age of 20 and moved to Paris with her husband, the dissolute, publicity-hungry writer and publisher known as Willy. Her first novels (the Claudine series, about the coming-of-age of a precocious Burgundian schoolgirl and published under her husbands name) were wildly successful. Meanwhile, the Colette-Willys bohemian, avant-garde and in and out of complex menages took Paris by storm. When the pair divorced, Colette, without access to her earnings, turned to journalism and to the traveling music hall stage, where her scanty costumes, cross-dressing and much-hyped kiss with her real-life lover Mathilde de Morny ( Max), the Marquise de Belbeuf, cemented her sulfureuse reputation. 1910s The Vagabond, a fictionalization of her years in the theater, established Colette as a popular writer in her own right; 1920s Cheri and its sequel (based in part on her affair with her second husbands teenage son, and, later, her much younger third husband) were regarded as instant classics. A tireless worker, Colette spent the 1920s and 30s producing novels, short stories, plays and memoirs. Although she wrote womens interest pieces for pro-Nazi journals throughout the Occupation, she retained her exalted position (and, some would argue, the freedom of her Jewish third husband). A TURKISH journalist who has been living in Tullamore for the last three years has said people are freezing to death in his home country as a result of the earthquakes. Cagdas Gokbel, member of both the National Union of Journalists and Irish PEN, has criticised the response of the government in Turkey to what he says is a great earthquake disaster. Scientists in Turkey had said that this earthquake would come three years ago. Unfortunately, the Erdogan administration is an administration that does not want to hear the voice of science, said Mr Gokbel. The epicentre of the earthquake is Kahramanmaras. Unfortunately, it was the earthquakes that took place one after the other that increased the effect of the destruction. He said there is great destruction with scientists in Turkey estimating that 12 million people in 10 cities were affected. It is not known exactly how many people remain under the rubble at the moment, but an estimated 8,000 people were rescued. I think the numbers will increase exponentially and we will face a great tragedy. He said search and rescue teams are completely inadequate: I learn from my colleagues in Turkey that people freeze to death. Can you imagine, people are making calls for help on social media and sharing the home addresses of their loved ones. Many of my journalist colleagues' families are in ruins and they can't do anything. He added: The Erdogan government was completely incapable of organising emergency aid. People in the earthquake area are very angry and the media in Turkey is doing their best not to show these reactions. Blankets and food aid were not delivered to the survivors of the earthquake. A real tragedy is taking place above and below ground in Turkey right now. Opposition parties are trying to organise solidarity in this terrible picture. People try to send their aid to these organisations because they do not trust the government. There is a rotten government in Turkey and people do not trust this government. I ask the readers to set aside their political prejudices. Currently, the Communist Party of Turkey is trying to organise solidarity in Turkey with other opposition parties. Mr Gokbel (pictured below during a broadcast media interview from Tullamore recently) said the delivery of aid must now be the priority. People in Turkey demanded that the military respond to the earthquake immediately, but the Erdogan government ignored these calls. Unfortunately, as the critical hours passed and people were dying under the rubble, they started to do something new. In all these bad things, there are really good things going on. I would like to draw the attention of the Irish people on this issue. Greek search and rescue teams rescued a six-year-old girl in Hatay, who had been waiting for help for hours. They were crying when the Greek teams rescued the girl. Whatever the politicians in Greece and Turkey may say, we are brotherly peoples and we see this brotherhood with our own eyes today. Finally, I would like to say this. In Turkey, the Erdogan regime did not extend a helping hand to the people. People survived because of their own solidarity. Mr Gokbel also referred to the impact of the earthquake in neighbouring Syria: There is no electricity, clean water and medicine in Syria. The reason for this is the embargo imposed by the USA and the European Union. A war-ravaged country is now battling an earthquake. There is a humanitarian crisis here. This inhuman embargo needs to be ended as soon as possible so that vital supplies can be delivered to the Syrian people. He concluded by thanking the Irish people: Many of my Irish friends in Tullamore and even my Irish friends in Dublin showed solidarity. The Irish have a really beautiful heart. I really love the history of Ireland and this beautiful face. The Irish are people of great heart and conscience. Even Marian Hostel staff came up to us and asked about our situation. The first earthquake early on Monday morning measured 7.8 on the Richter scale and it was followed by one of 7.5. By Tuesday afternoon it was estimated that over 6,000 people had been killed and the BBC reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a three-month state of emergency in 10 provinces worst-affected by the earthquake. Microsoft Bing is a web search engine owned and operated by Microsoft. The service has its origins in Microsoft's previous search engines: MSN Search, Windows Live Search and later Live Search. Bing provides a variety of search services, including web, video, image and map search products. It is developed using ASP.NET. Around 24,000 bins will not be picked up from homes in the City of Sydney council area today, as workers strike over a wage dispute. Mashable 28 Feb 2023 Chatbots such as ChatGPT might one day be an important part of our everyday lives, and Facebook is facilitating that by building.. An Australian rescue worker in Turkey has revealed what it's like at the centre of the rescue effort. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russian shelling hit more civilian targets in Ukraine, starting a fire at a town's hospital, local officials said Tuesday, before what Kyiv authorities suspected was an impending new offensive by Russia around the anniversary of its invasion. A hospital in the northeastern town of Vovchansk caught fire late Monday as a result of the shelling, regional Ukrainian emergency services reported. The shelling caused multiple fires in the town, including at its two-story municipal hospital, the State Emergency Service in the northeastern Kharkiv region said in an online statement. Emergency crews evacuated eight civilians from the site before putting out the blaze, which caused no casualties, authorities said. Vovchansk is in the Kharkiv region, which was occupied by Russia after its full-scale invasion began on Feb. 24 and subsequently retaken by Ukraine during a counteroffensive last year. The anticipated Russian push may seek to recapture territory Moscow lost in that counteroffensive. Ukrainian officials say they expect the new drive to come in eastern and southern Ukraine, as the Kremlin strives to secure areas it has illegally annexed and where it claims its rule is welcomed. Battlefield setbacks have embarrassed the Kremlin, and Russian President Vladimir Putin is keen to cement public support for the war. Ensuring Kremlin rule in the eastern Donbas industrial region, bordering Russia, is expected to be a key objective. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about an uptick in fighting as the winter draws to a close. Peace prospects keep diminishing and the chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing, he said in a speech late Monday. Some military analysts are skeptical, however, about Russias ability to mount... China has maintained a "strategic partnership" with Ukraine for years, but as Beijing and Moscow deepen ties amid the ongoing war, Kyiv is wondering what this partnership is worth. David Carrick, a former policeman considered one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders, was sentenced for a "monstrous" string of sexual offenses. On a surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital, the new German defense minister promised the fleet by early 2024. Russian forces continued to shell civilian targets in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. DW has the latest. A Republican Congressman has invited a pro-life activist Mark Houck to President Joe Biden's State of the Union address Tuesday night, over a week after he was acquitted of federal charges related to an altercation outside a Philadelphia abortion clinic. Council Cabinet member Louis Gardner denied that the payment to Sir Richard Branson's company was for the first launch which took place last month. In his first State of the Union address since the G.O.P. took the lower chamber, the president will call for higher taxes on the wealthy and more social aid to the needy. Upworthy 08 Feb 2023 Although President Joe Biden has yet to formally announce whether he will run for reelection in 2024, last night's State of the.. When we arrived in Antakya near the Syrian border, we were met with a pretty grim scene. Temblors toppled more than 6,000 buildings, and thousands of rescuers were picking through rubble in search of survivors in Turkey and Syria. Updates. Upworthy 26 Feb 2023 Ukraine is getting at least 100, and as many as 237, surplus Leopard 1A5 tanks from Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark and.. 2008-2023 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Tuesday 7 February 2023 11:53am Removing the $5 prescription charge for people in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation reduces the number of hospital admissions and the length of stays, a new study shows. Researchers, led by Professor Pauline Norris of the University of Otagos Va'a o Tautai Centre for Pacific Health, are recommending the charges be dropped for people with high health needs and low incomes or be scrapped entirely. Professor Norris says the charge prevents some people from getting their medication, which can lead to them going to hospital. Professor Pauline Norris Some people have such low incomes and high health costs, that the $5 charge per medicine is an insurmountable barrier, Professor Norris says. They go without their medicines, and as a result their health problems get worse, so they need hospital care. This is bad for them, their whanau, and the health system. More than 1000 people from economically deprived areas of Aotearoa, and who have physical and mental health problems which require medication took part in the year-long study. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups control or intervention. People in the control group were required to pay the $5 fee as normal, while those in the intervention group did not. Instead, pharmacies billed the study authors. Results of the study, published in the international journal BMC Health Services Research, reveals for every 100 people who received free prescriptions, 33 were admitted to hospital and stayed for 208 days. For every 100 people who still had to pay the $5 charge, 41 were admitted to hospital and stayed for 326 days. Removing the charge had a substantial effect on the odds of being hospitalised during the study year, reduced the number of admissions for mental health problems, the number of admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the length of stay for COPD admissions. We knew from previous studies that people go without their medicines because of cost, and many people had told us about their health suffering and sometimes ending up in hospital before of this, Professor Norris says. However, I am surprised at how much difference the free medicines made; it was really dramatic. She hopes policymakers will consider eliminating the charges for people who are unable to afford them. This would be a simple way to reduce health inequities. If a doctor thinks someone needs a medicine, and they want to take it, why do we let the lack of $5 stop them? A recent New Zealand health survey reveals 3.3 per cent of adults reported going without a medicine because of costs. This was more common for Maori and Pacific peoples, and those living in areas of high deprivation. Co-author Dr Shirley Keown, of Turanga Health, says prescription charges force people to choose between getting their medicines, feeding their whanau, paying the power bill or buying petrol for the car to get to work. Publication details: Impact of removing prescription co-payments on the use of costly health services: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial BMC Health Services Research For more information please contact: Professor Pauline Norris Vaa o Tautai Centre for Pacific Health University of Otago Email pauline.norris@otago.ac.nz Jessica Wilson Adviser Media Engagement University of Otago Mob +64 21 279 5016 Email jessica.wilson@otago.ac.nz Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Arab Parliament has called on all Libyan parties and national forces to resume a constructive national dialogue and develop a clear and precise roadmap to hold elections this year New York, US (PANA) - Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is an abhorrent violation of fundamental human rights said the UN Secretary-General on Monday, marking the International Day of Zero Tolerance against the scourge, which remains a threat for a staggering 4 Port-Louis, Mauritius (PANA) - On World Cancer Day celebrated 6 February, the Mauritian Health and Wellness Minister, Kailesh Jagutpal, has said that cancer was the leading cause of deaths worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020 or nearly one in six deaths Accra, Ghana (PANA) - As Ghana struggles to meet conditions for a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to restore the health of the economy, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta on Monday called on government bondholders to sign up for the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme whose expiration date is on Tuesday Accra, Ghana (PANA) - Ghana's President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reshuffled his cabinet after two ministers resigned about a month ago to conest the presidential primaries of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 election Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Italy on Monday handed over to the Libyan Coastguard a search and rescue boat for the fight against illegal immigration and human trafficking in the Mediterranean Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The House of Representatives in Libya, during its session held on Tuesday in Benghazi, approved the thirteenth amendment of the Constitutional Declaration, on the organisation of relationship between powers in Libyan Photo: (Photo : Koushik Chowdavarapu on Unsplash) If you're looking for the perfect destination for your next vacation, Iceland should be at the top of your list. From the stunning natural beauty to the unique and interesting places to visit, there's something for everyone in this majestic Nordic country. From the iconic Blue Lagoon to the breathtaking glaciers, Iceland is full of incredible places to explore and activities to enjoy. Reykjavik Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a stunning city that offers a great blend of modern amenities and traditional culture. It is one of the most visited cities in Iceland, with plenty of attractions and things to do. From charming cobbled streets to museums and galleries, Reykjavik has something for everyone. The city centre is home to iconic landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja church and the Sun Voyager sculpture. For a unique experience, visit the Perlan Museum, which features interactive exhibits about Iceland's history and culture. Other great attractions in Reykjavik include the city's vibrant nightlife and the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. For shopping, try one of the many independent stores in Reykjavik, or head to Kringlan, the city's largest shopping mall. From stylish boutiques to international department stores, you'll find everything you need here. Akureyri Located in Northern Iceland, Akureyri is the second-largest urban area in the country. Known for its stunning landscapes, it's a great place to explore and experience the true beauty of Iceland. Whether you're visiting Akureyri for its history, culture, or nature, there is something here for everyone. For history buffs, Akureyri has plenty of museums to explore. The Akureyri Art Museum and Akureyri Museum showcase local art, history, and culture, while the Akureyri Aviation Museum features an impressive collection of aircraft. You can also learn about Iceland's role in World War II at the Saga Center Akureyri. The best part is there are plenty of Akureyri hotels which offer their own exciting tours of the city. If you're looking for some outdoor fun, Akureyri has plenty to offer. Hiking trails traverse the mountains and glaciers around Akureyri, providing spectacular views of the region. Visitors can also enjoy whale watching, sea kayaking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. Geysir Located in the Golden Circle, Geysir is a popular tourist destination in Iceland. It's best known for its namesake geyser, Strokkur, which erupts every 8-10 minutes, shooting a fountain of hot water and steam up to 30 metres into the air. Geysir is a great spot to witness the power of nature and take some stunning photos. There are a number of other smaller geysers located throughout the area that can be explored. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and shoes as the water around the geysers can be quite hot. Geysir is free to visit, making it an affordable and memorable experience. Gardabaer Gardabaer is a small town located on the Snaefellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. It is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. From Gardabaer, you can take a scenic drive to the nearby Vatnajokull National Park, one of Iceland's most stunning natural attractions. The park features glaciers, mountains, valleys, and rivers, and it is home to many species of wildlife including reindeer, elk, and eider ducks. Gardabaer is a popular destination for hikers, offering easy-to-moderate routes up hills and mountains, as well as more challenging climbs to the top of Mt. Urarhyrna. If you're looking for something a little less strenuous, you can take a stroll along the shoreline and enjoy some whale watching in the surrounding waters. If you're in the mood for something a little more luxurious, the town is home to several spa hotels where you can relax and unwind. You can also visit the historical sites in town such as the old church and cemetery, which date back to the 17th century. And if you're looking for some souvenirs to take home with you, you can find them at the local shops and galleries. Dettifoss Dettifoss is one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls, located in the Northeast of the country. It is situated in the Vatnajokull National Park and is the most powerful waterfall in Europe with an average water flow of 193m3/s! The area around Dettifoss is an awe-inspiring sight with a rugged landscape and high canyon walls. A short hike brings visitors to the edge of the thunderous falls, where they can marvel at its sheer power and size. The canyon of Jokulsa, a Fjollum river where Dettifoss lies, is a breathtaking sight, featuring steep sides lined with ancient basalt columns. Surrounding the falls are striking rock formations in shades of black and grey, creating a dramatic backdrop for photographs. The sound of the roaring falls can be heard from afar, making it one of the most memorable experiences of a trip to Iceland. Visitors to Dettifoss can also take a boat tour up the Jokulsa a Fjollum river, passing by the spectacular rapids as well as other nearby waterfalls like Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss. There is also an observation platform near Dettifoss which provides a great view of the entire falls. For those who prefer not to brave the slippery rocks, there are guided tours available with experienced local guides. Photo: (Photo : Jay Paul/Getty Images) The 6-year-old Virginia boy who shot his teacher allegedly tried to choke another educator until she could not breathe. The Virginia boy had been reported as having an acute disability. In line with that, he is often described as having aggressive behaviors, such as lashing out at his classmates and educators around the school premises. Virginia boy chokes another teacher According to ABC, the Virginia boy chased students around trying to whip them with his belt, constantly cursed at staff and teachers, and once choked another teacher until she could not breathe, as per the legal notice filed by an attorney of teacher Abby Zwerner. The Virginia boy had a history of problematic behavior while attending Richneck Elementary School, as well as encounters that upset his instructors and fellow pupils. In the notice, Zwerner's attorney, Diane Toscano, explained that their client wanted to file a lawsuit against the school district. According to the claim notice, the youngster smashed Zwerner's cell phone two days before the shooting, causing it to break. He was given a one-day suspension then. When he returned to Zwerner's class the next day, he grabbed a 9mm handgun out of his pocket and fired at the teacher while she was sitting at a reading table. Furthermore, the New York Post also reported that there was evidence of the teacher previously complaining to her school administrators about the disturbing behavior of the child towards his peers and expressing that she felt "uncomfortable" having him back in her classroom. Teacher Abigail Zwerner previously reported two disturbing incidents involving the boy in emails to her superiors on November 22, less than two months before the incident. Read Also: Missing Missouri Children Found Safe After Nearly a Year in Florida Supermarket Richneck's principal informed before 6-year-old shoots teacher According to the BBC, on the day of the shooting at Richneck Elementary School, the victim, Abby Zwerner, went to the office of former assistant principal Ebony Parker to raise concerns about the Virginia boy's behavior. Zwerner reported that the child seemed more "off" than usual and was in a violent mood. The teacher's concerns were not taken seriously. The document further stated that several hours before the shooting, at least three teachers and staff members had warned school administrators that they strongly believed the 6-year-old was carrying a gun to school. The boy had also threatened to beat up a kindergarten student and had shown hostile behavior toward the school security officer in the lunchroom. Despite these alarming reports, Assistant Principal Parker failed to follow proper protocol and did not call the police but instead chose to do nothing. The boy's backpack was searched, but no gun was found, and administrators did not remove the child from class, lock down the school, or call the police. Assistant Principal Parker and Richneck Elementary School principal Foster Newton resigned due to the incident. According to Attorney Pamela Branch, those who knew the student had a gun on the premises that day did not report it to Ms. Newton. This highlights the failure of the school administrators to take proper action and follow established protocol, resulting in the tragedy at Richneck Elementary School. Related Article: 6-Year-Old Responsible for Teacher's Shooting May Not Receive Jail Time Photo: (Photo : Getty Images/Mario Tama) Tens of thousands of high school students are reportedly being pushed into military classes without their knowledge or of their parents. There is a growing shortage of recruits for the US Military. The recruitment crisis becomes more evident as the country intensifies the US/NATO war against Russia and simultaneously prepares for an upcoming war with China. Yet, at the same time, more and more young people are at odds in serving the military, WSWS reported. Thus, the armed services have allegedly partnered with school authorities in "illegally" forcing thousands of high school students into the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). To open student's eyes to a military career Andreya Thomas of Pershing High School in Detroit found on her first day of school that she and her other freshmen classmates were enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, a class they did not elect on their own. They soon found out that the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps is a class taught by military veterans and funded by the US military, aimed at teaching civic values, leadership skills, and discipline. However, it was also designed to "open students' eyes" to have a military career. According to Thomas, who shared her story with the New York Times, they wear military uniforms in class and need to obey orders from their instructor, who kept yelling. She admitted that she pleaded several times to drop out of the course, yet school administrators would not allow it, stating that it is "mandatory." She even said they are enticed to a military career as it could help pay for college. She also admitted that she often skipped class resulting in a failing grade. In sophomore year, she was put back in the same class. According to a Times feature, 90 percent of the school's first-year students were auto-enrolled in the military class for the school year 2021-2022. It also reported evidence from hundreds of public records requests stating that "thousands of public school students were being funneled into the [JROTC] classes without ever having chosen them, either as an explicit requirement or by being automatically enrolled." Read also: Nebraska Teen Noble Rasmussen Accepted in All U.S. Military Academies; Chooses the Air Force 'Egregious' violation of rights In the Detroit Public Schools Community District, three other high schools auto-enrolled 75 percent of their ninth-graders in military training. The following are the other cities with schools that involuntarily enroll 75 percent of their students: Vincent, Alabama; Spring, Texas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Cape Coral, Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; Memphis, Tennessee; Port Gibson, Mississippi; San Diego, California. On the other hand, Baltimore, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Miami, St. Louis, and Washington D.C. are the cities where over half of all students are forcibly placed in ROTC training. Surprisingly, even military personnel object to this auto-enrollment scheme. JROTC instructor and retired Army Major William White, who taught in three states, described the violations of the rights of students and their parents as outstandingly awful. According to Courage To Resist, he expressed that children were indeed "forced" into the military program and that he faced a backfire when he helped students to exit from the class. Four Democratic lawmakers, namely senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts; and representatives Ted Lieu of California and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, have already sought the attention of the Department of Education and Department of Defense about the pressing issue. As reported, the departments were already asked to respond to a series of questions to attempt damage control. Related Article: Florida Will Let Military Veterans Teach Students in Answer to Teacher Shortage Photo: (Photo : Pexel/Alex Green) A family from Illinois is creating kid-friendly contents that are so relatable, other parents and families cannot help but laugh. Ali Younes and wife Zeze know how parents can get so worried about what their kids see on social media these days. Thus, with their three kids, they are determined to replace those anxieties with laughter and good vibes as they create funny and relatable family-friendly contents for all ages. One of the recent videos they posted was "Bedtime Excuses," which showed the lengths children will go to just to avoid going to bed at night. The video has since gone viral with 1.6 million views and more than 73,000 likes, with parents saying they go through the same thing every night. The humor in reality The three Younes children namely Hussein, 9, Celia, 7, and Mousa, 4, can be seen on the viral video making tons of excuses just to escape bedtime. The excuses range from being thirsty and grabbing water bottles to steaming socks, organizing the attic, preparing for the upcoming baby, cleaning the family's vehicle, and finishing the laundry. It was a two-minute video that struck a chord with parents and families. The resemblance to daily life makes it more hilarious than it is. A proof that people are attracted to content with real-life family situations but with comedy and humor as twists "because they go through the same scenarios on a daily basis," Ali declared. The Younes, who are expecting their fourth child, shared to Fox News the three reasons behind the success of their content. One is the care they put into producing these videos. Second is that the entire family, especially the kids, are having so much fun doing the videos that they cannot get enough of watching them themselves. The third reason is that the content is a family affair, to which parents and children can enjoy watching and laughing at the videos together as a family. "We hope to continue creating joyous and funny memories through our family content and sharing it with the world. You can never go wrong doing what you love with the people you love," Ali stated. The family is committed to staying "consistent" with their family-friendly contents, creating three to five videos weekly. Read also: Bedtime Routine Tips: Clever Ways To Make Going To Bed A Breeze How to win the bedtime battles Though the video was hilarious and parents from all over the world were commenting that they were laughing hard because they go through the exact scenario at home, it cannot be denied that making the kids go to sleep at night is a challenge. Empowering Parents described the fights over bedtime as "one of the biggest power struggles" parents will ever have with their children, whether they are still five or already in their teen years. This is because most kids do not want to go to bed at night because they are afraid they will miss out on something while sleeping. Expert and author James Lehman, MSW, encourages parents to not fight with the kids, as this will only worsen matters. Thus, he suggested ways to win the bedtime battle against the children. Have a quiet time or free time before bedtime. Have the kids set their own alarm clock so they can take responsibility. Use soft lights 30 minutes before bedtime. Take the electronics and mobile devices out of the bedroom. Check in on the kids before lights out. Use a star chart to get toddlers focused on good nighttime behavior. For tees, present and discuss the consequences. Related Article: Calmy: A Bedside Storyteller to Relax and Soothe Bright Kids Photo: (Photo : MICHELE EVE SANDBERG / Getty Images) Aiden Fucci pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for stabbing Tristyn Bailey 114 times. Aiden Fucci had been in custody since he was 14 years old for allegedly stabbing to death his classmate and school cheerleader, Tristyn Bailey, 13. The teenager killed his classmate on Mother's Day in 2021 in St. Johns County, Florida, and her body was left and found in the woods. Fucci had admitted the crime he committed. Aiden Fucci pleads guilty to Tristyn Bailey's murder According to The Independent, Aiden Fucci, a Florida teenager charged with the murder of his classmate Tristyn Bailey, had unexpectedly changed his plea to guilty just one day before the jury selection process was to begin. The state's attorney's office officially confirmed the news of the guilty plea. State Attorney R.J. Larizza highlighted the event's significance and stated that the prosecutors would seek the maximum penalty for the crime, which is a life sentence. Bailey's family expressed relief at the surprise guilty plea, stating that they were confident the prosecutors would have secured a guilty verdict had the trial proceeded. The Bailey family noted they fought for Tristyn and would not agree to any plea deal proposed by the Public Defender during the plea hearing. They added that they were fully aligned with the prosecution in rejecting any such plea deal. The Daily Beast also said that in court, Aiden Fucci wanted to apologize to the family of Tristyn Bailey. Circuit Judge R. Lee Smith asked Fucci if he would like to make a statement, and he remained firm in his decision to apologize to the Bailey family. Judge Smith asked the 16-year-old boy if he needed time to reconsider his decisions, but Fucci declined the offer. The guilty plea brings a sense of closure to the case, and the family and prosecutors are now focusing on the next steps in the legal process. Read Also: Virginia Boy Who Shoots Teacher Also Allegedly Tried to Choke Another The Tristyn Bailey case Tristyn Bailey's body was found with 114 stab wounds in the woods near Jacksonville, Florida. According to NBC, Aiden Fucci, who has since pleaded guilty to her murder, provided information leading to her death. Fucci admitted to police authorities that he got into a confrontation with Tristyn. He also admitted to pushing her to the ground after they left a friend's house on May 9. Fucci snapped a selfie of himself in the back of a police car while flashing the peace sign. He then uploaded it on social media along with a statement asking if anyone had seen Tristyn recently. At the time, Fucci was considered a witness. However, he was arrested on May 10 and initially charged with second-degree murder, but a grand jury later indicted him on a first-degree murder charge, and he was to be tried as an adult. The high number of stab wounds supported the first-degree murder charge and indicated premeditation in the attack. The murder of Tristyn Bailey shocked the quiet community of St. Johns, where both she and Fucci attended Patriot Oaks Academy. Previously, the State Attorney, R.J. Larizza, stated that Bailey had passed away while trying to fight for her life. The prosecutors alleged that Fucci told others on the night of Tristyn's death that he wanted to kill someone by taking them into the woods and stabbing them to death. According to Larizza, Bailey sustained about 49 defensive stab wounds across her face, arms, and hands. Another piece of evidence that strengthened the prosecution's case was that witnesses positively identified a knife found in a pond as being Fucci's. It was later determined that the missing tip of the blade was inside Bailey's skull. Related Article: Man Accused of Assaulting Girls, Pulling Gun at California High School Taken Into Custody Photo: (Photo : INA FASSBENDER / Getty Images) Keeping children safe in extremely cold conditions can be a daunting task. For parents, it is that time of the month when the cold weather can add stress and concern for their children's well-being, especially when it comes to hypothermia or frostbite. Cold weather can be uncomfortable for both parents and children in several ways. Physically, exposure to cold temperatures can cause discomfort, including shivering, chapped skin, and numb fingers and toes. Children may also be limited in their outdoor activities, which can lead to feelings of boredom and restlessness. Cold weather can also make it difficult for children to sleep comfortably, causing fatigue and irritability. Additionally, cold weather can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of getting a cold, the flu, or other illnesses. With that, here are some ways and tips for parents to keep children safe during icy conditions. Keeping children safe from hypothermia and frostbite Protecting children from excessive cold, hypothermia, and frostbite is crucial for their health and well-being. Here are some ways parents can do this: Dress children in layers : Children should wear warm, insulated clothing, such as long underwear, pants, and jackets made of fleece or down. Layers trap warm air and help keep children warm in cold weather. According to the Red Cross, instead of donning a single bulky piece of clothing, it is recommended that you dress in several thin layers. This will help to retain your body heat better and keep you warmer. : Children should wear warm, insulated clothing, such as long underwear, pants, and jackets made of fleece or down. Layers trap warm air and help keep children warm in cold weather. According to the Red Cross, instead of donning a single bulky piece of clothing, it is recommended that you dress in several thin layers. This will help to retain your body heat better and keep you warmer. Cover exposed skin : Children should wear hats, scarves, and gloves to protect their face, head, hands, and feet from the cold. Children should also wear waterproof boots to keep their feet dry and warm. : Children should wear hats, scarves, and gloves to protect their face, head, hands, and feet from the cold. Children should also wear waterproof boots to keep their feet dry and warm. Limit time outdoors : Children should spend limited time outdoors in freezing weather. Parents should ensure children come indoors regularly to warm up and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold. : Children should spend limited time outdoors in freezing weather. Parents should ensure children come indoors regularly to warm up and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold. Stay active : Encourage children to stay active and engage in physical activity to keep their blood flowing and generate body heat. : Encourage children to stay active and engage in physical activity to keep their blood flowing and generate body heat. Stay hydrated: Children should drink plenty of water, even in cold weather. Dehydration can make children more susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. CNN recommends savoring warm beverages and food for both children and adults. Eating foods high in fat and protein will make you feel warmer because the body processes these nutrients more slowly. It is vital to keep the body warm because cold temperatures can cause the blood vessels to constrict, which can reduce blood flow to the extremities and lead to hypothermia and frostbite. When the body is exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period, it can lead to a dangerous drop in body temperature, which can result in hypothermia. Read Also: 6-Year-Old Boy Orders Endless Chili Fries, Ice Cream, Pizza from Grubhub Using His Dad's Phone What are hypothermia and frostbite? The northeast's arctic blast has made other people cautious about staying warm during these intensified weather conditions. Experts are warning people about the threat of hypothermia and frostbite. According to The New York Times, hypothermia happens when the body loses heat more quickly than it can produce it, leading to a dangerously low body temperature. Symptoms of hypothermia in children can include shivering, fatigue, confusion, and clumsiness. In severe cases, hypothermia can cause unconsciousness and death. On the other hand, frostbite is a condition in which the skin and tissues freeze. It is most common in the fingers, toes, nose, and ears. Symptoms of frostbite can include numbness, tingling, and hard or waxy-looking skin. Severe frostbite can cause permanent damage, including the loss of limbs. Furthermore, parents are reminded that if a child is showing symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite, it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Treatment for hypothermia may involve removing wet clothing and wrapping the child in warm blankets or clothing. Frostbite should be treated by a doctor who can carefully rewarm the affected area and provide pain relief. Related Article: Childhood Vaccination Rates Plummet Amid Measles, Polio Outbreaks Due to COVID Misinformation Photo: (Photo : GETTY IMAGES/ALASTAIR PIKE/AFP) Parents who lost their children to teen violence agree that violence among children starts in one's household, and families need to be proactive in fixing it. Five parents who lost their teenagers to murder opened up about the growing epidemic of violence among the youth of America in the recent episode of Lawrence Jones Cross Country. When asked by host Lawrence Jones why the problem is getting worse, parents blamed the "absences of God," absence of parents, peer pressure, gang activities after school, and lack of strictness at home. Sylvia Bennett-Stone, the mother of Krystal Joy Bennett, who was killed with her two friends in a gas station because of a gang shootout, stressed how the root cause of violence starts in the household. Parents are responsible for teaching children at home how to make better decisions. Children suddenly taken away from their parents "I concur with everything that's been said. God first, family. I came from a great family. I had my father in the home. I had my uncles. In fact, my mother used to hand out butt-whooping coupons in the neighborhood. So our community in Oakland in those days, we were accountable to and for each other," Donald Lacy explained. Lacy's 16-year-old daughter, Loeshe, was gunned down, caught seven bullets, and killed. A young man in the neighborhood picked her and her friends up after her shift at Mcdonalds, her part-time job. Four assailants went to the front of the vehicle, shooting at the young man, who was eventually found to have a dispute before they were picked up. The man in the driver's seat ducked, and Loeshe got all the bullets intended for him. Three other parents in the show were anti-violence activist Yvonne Pointer, whose daughter was beaten to death, raped, and found at the bottom of a stairwell; Yanely Henriquez, whose daughter wanted to be a doctor but was shot near her school last year after being caught in a crossfire; and Robert Mickens whose daughter was also beaten to death by MS-13 gang members a day before her 16th birthday. MS-13 gang, a street gang born in LA but with roots in El Salvador, is called one of the world's most brutal street gangs, known for a string of brutal murders in America, according to BBC News. Currently, in Maryland, two members were sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, racketeering, and federal drug charges, the Department of Justice announced. Read also: Teen Students Speak up About Gun Violence Taking a Heavy Toll on Them Going back to basics, going back to the family Bennett-Stone begged lawmakers to prioritize people over politics to stop violence among children and teenagers. Mickens, however, stressed that it begins with the family. Families need to "take things back to back to basics," which would mean getting stricter and "cracking the whip." He further said that there is no reason for children to be killed in almost similar ways, Fox News reported. This has been the goal since the presidency of Barack Obama, who said that the government would not be able to fill what only the community, parents, teachers, and clergy can. Obama said it isn't a gun issue when a kid shoots another kid. Instead, it is an issue of the kind of community being built, where everyone, not only the government, has shared responsibility. Related Article: New York's Violence Against Teenagers Are on the Rise, Raise the Age Law Remains Unchanged This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions We briefly visited the Puukohola Heiau this afternoon. (The word heiau is typically translated as temple.) My wife and I paid it a longer visit several years ago, when we fairly systematically visited several heiaus. An excellent film at the visitor center, new since we were last here, explains very clearly the events surrounding the construction of the sanctuary during parts of 1790 and 1791 by King Kamehameha I (the Great) who sometimes labored with his own hands to complete it. The stone is said to have come via a human chain, over twenty miles long, from the Pololu Valley, a magnificent place that we also visited today. The story is a bloody one. By this point, Kamehameha had already conquered Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, but his arch-rival for sovereignty over his own native island of Hawaii, was still a threat. This was his cousin Keoua Kuahuula, who had even invaded Kamehamehas territory while Kamehameha was off busy conquering Molokai. Frustrated, Kamehameha learned from a prophet that, if he built a heiau to the Hawaiian war god Kukailimoku (Ku, snatcher of islands) on Puukohola, the hill of the whale, he would prevail over all his enemies and become king of all the islands. Puukohola Heiau was built as a luakini which is to say that it was built to be a sacrificial temple, where both animal and human offerings were made. Workers were sacrificed along the way during construction, but the most famous of those human sacrifices was that of Kamehamehas cousin, Keoua Kuahuula. Keouas sacrifice ended the threat on the home front and inaugurated the new heiau. For Hawaiians today, say both the movie and the relevant National Park literature, Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site continues to be a symbol of unification and lasting peace. I find that assertion much more than slightly problematic: Neither Kamehamehas unification of the Hawaiian Islands nor his construction of the Puukohola Heiau was even remotely peaceful. Both were accomplished by brute force. Just offshore is the Hale o Kapuni Heiau, an ocean temple dedicated to the shark gods, where human sacrifices also took place. (You can roughly imagine how they were carried out.) Its rock platform was once visible during low tides, but it has apparently now been covered with silt and it hasnt been seen since sometime in the 1950s The ancient Hawaiian religion had developed into an ideology that seems to have focused to a large degree on enforcing rigid class stratification, and it was extraordinarily fierce. The chiefs, the alii, were in charge, and they were supported by a long list of taboos, for which the Hawaiian word is kapu. (Tabu, from Tongan, and kapu, from Hawaiian, are close cognates illustrating a pretty standard Polynesian consonantal shift; it was apparently Captain James Cook, who met his remarkably grisly end in 1779 just a few miles south of where Im typing, who introduced the Tongan word taboo into English.) Under the ancient religion, for example, it was kapu for a commoners shadow to fall across the aliis shadow. It was kapu to interrupt the alii when he was speaking. It was kapu for one of a lower class to walk on certain trails reserved for the alii. It was kapu to fail to observe the sacred days of the ritual calendar. It was kapu for women to eat pork or bananas, and for men and women to eat together. It was kapu to prepare food for men in a container that had been used or that would be used to prepare food for women. Certain areas were off limits, kapu, for fishing. And the penalty for violating kapu was usually death by fire, or by clubbing, or by being run through with a spear, or by strangulation, unless the offender could make his or her way to a recognized place of refuge without being captured or killed first. Moreover, if the offense were deemed a sufficiently serious one, the entire family of the guilty party might be put to death for it. According to rumor, certain critics of the Restoration have allegedly mused that the Hawaiian kapu system may even, on occasion, have been nearly as oppressive and misogynistic as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints itself. But there is little if any hard evidence to support that rumor. Apparently, more than a few Hawaiians were themselves unhappy with the system, and not merely among the lower ranks (who might reasonably be expected to have chafed under it). In fact, Kamehameha the Great himself banned human sacrifices, apparently after his final unification of all of the Hawaiian Islands in 1810. Kamehameha I died on either 8 May or 14 May 1819, and was succeeded by his son. Later that very year, in 1819, King Kamehameha II acting in concert with his mother, Queen Keopuolani, his fathers other queen Kaahumanu, and the kahuna-nui or chief priest Hewahewa suddenly abolished the kapu system. He did so by the simple but powerfully symbolic act of sharing a meal of kapu foods with the women of his royal court. Interestingly, although Captain Cook had discovered the Hawaiian Islands already in 1778, thus making first European contact with the natives, the complex system of taboos was abolished, at the sole initiative of Hawaiians, a year before the arrival of the earliest Christian missionaries in Hawaii. Our edition may well be a bit out of date, but our preferred local guidebook here is Andrew Doughty, Hawaii: The Big Island Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook (Lihue, HI: Wizard Publications, 2018). This passage, from page 15, caught my attention: By the 1700s, the Hawaiians had lost all contact with Tahiti, and the Tahitians had lost all memory of Hawaii. Hawaiian canoes had evolved into fishing and interisland canoes, and were no longer capable of long ocean voyages. The Hawaiians had forgotten how to explore the world. That description reminds me, of course, of the Disney movie Moana. But not only of Moana. Posted from Waikoloa, Hawaii Island, Hawaii Battles at Beth Shean (c. 926 BC), Beth Shemesh (c. 790 BC), Bethsaida & Kinneret (732 BC), and Lachish (701 BC) The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a peer reviewed journal of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), is one of the worlds most-cited and comprehensive multidisciplinary scientific journals. On 24 October 2022, it published the article, Reconstructing biblical military campaigns using geomagnetic field data, by Yoav Vaknin et al. It confirms some of the dates indicated in the Bible, according to the timeline of more traditional maximalist archaeologists. Ariel David, in his article, Archaeologists Reconstruct Biblical Conflicts Using Earths Magnetic Field (Haaretz, 10-25-22), explains in laymens terms, the dazzling scientific methodology involved (a new form of dating): The Earths magnetosphere, which protects living beings from dangerous solar radiation and high-energy particles, can fluctuate wildly in intensity and direction, for reasons that are not entirely clear. So if researchers can reconstruct the magnetic conditions for a certain time and region they can also use that information to date ancient ruins and artifacts. They can do this because ceramic vessels and many ancient construction materials, such as sun-dried mud bricks, contain tiny ferromagnetic particles. When these particles are heated to high temperatures for example, in a pottery kiln, or in a destructive fire they behave like tiny compass needles: they align with the magnetic field of the Earth and become magnetized based on the direction and intensity of the field at the time. David provides an example: One puzzle concerns the remains of large structures destroyed by a massive fire at Tel Beth Shean. Based on the typology of the pottery remains, the sites excavators have seesawed between attributing the destruction of the city either to Pharaoh Sheshonq I, the biblical Shishak who raided the Levant around 925 B.C.E., or to the Aramean forces of Hazael of Damascus, who conquered parts of the Holy Land about a century later. . . . [T]he intensity and direction of the magnetic field recorded in Beth Shean suggests that the last time the ancient walls were heated to a high temperature was in the late tenth or early 9th century B.C.E., which is compatible with the Egyptian invasion led by Sheshonq, recounted both in the Bible (1 Kings 14:25-26) and on the walls of the pharaohs own temple at Karnak. This lines up with the Bible: 1 Kings 14:25-26 (RSV) In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem; [26] he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the kings house; he took away everything. He also took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made; Beth Shean is 18-19 miles due south of the Sea of Galilee and about 57 miles north of Jerusalem. According to prominent archaeologists Gershon Galil and Kenneth Kitchen, the reign of King Rehoboam, who succeeded King Solomon, began in 931 BC and ended with his death in 915/914 BC. Encylopaedia Britannica informs us that Sheshonk I [Shishak in 1 Kgs 14:25] reigned from 945-924 BC. Rehoboams fifth year would have been 926 BC, which is within Sheshonks Egyptian reign. Science has now determined a sacking of Beth Shean in the late tenth or early 9th century BC. Another verified battle occurred in Beth Shemesh: an ancient town just west of Jerusalem. The new magnetic evidence suggests that it was destroyed near the beginning of the 8th century BC. This fits quite nicely with both traditional and excavators understanding of a battle between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah in this city around 790 BC. The Bible states: 2 Kings 14:11-13 . . . So Jehoash king of Israel went up, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced one another in battle at Beth-shemesh, which belongs to Judah. [12] And Judah was defeated by Israel, and every man fled to his home. [13] And Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash, son of Ahaziah, at Beth-shemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem for four hundred cubits, from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate. The great archaeologist William F. Albright dated the reign of King Jehoash of Israel to 801786 BC, which fits into the above timeframe. Expert on Old Testament chronology Edwin R. Thiele dated King Amaziah of Judahs reign from 797/796 to 768/767 BC, which also fits into the same chronology seen above. Yoav Vaknin et al write: In 733 to 732 BCE, Tiglath-Pileser III, King of Assyria, conquered the northern parts of the Kingdom of Israel, as described in biblical and Assyrian sources. The attribution of the destructions at Bethsaida and Tel Kinnerot [aka Kinneret or Chinneroth] to this period is widely accepted. The agreement between our archaeointensity results from these two sites reinforces their concurrent destruction . The Bible observed, in complete harmony with this finding of modern science: 2 Kings 15:29 In the days of Pekah king of Israel Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Jan-oah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried the people captive to Assyria. Bethsaida and Kinneret were both located on or very near the north or northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, in Galilee, and in the land of the tribe of Naphtali (see a map of its territory). Tiglath-pileser III, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica, reigned from 745-727 BC. King Pekah of Israel is thought to have reigned from c. 740-737-732 BC. As we can see, the dates once again line up with the brand new magnetic dating data. Tiglath-pileser III and King Pekah were both reigning at the time of the destruction of Bethsaida and Kinneret, precisely as indirectly indicated (through geography) in 2 Kings 15:29. Im never surprised by the incredibly minute historical accuracy of the Bible, having observed it hundreds of times. But perhaps some readers will be. Yoav Vaknin et al continue their analysis: During another Assyrian campaign, led by King Sennacherib in 701 BCE, Tel Lachish Stratum III was destroyed. Unequivocal evidence of the siege, battle, and destruction by fire has been exposed at the site. The attack on Lachish is mentioned in 2 Kings 1819; Isaiah 3637; 2 Chronicles 32 and narrated in Assyrian reliefs. According to biblical and Assyrian sources, many other Judean sites were destroyed during the 701 BCE campaign but none are securely identified. Our archaeomagnetic data from Tel Beersheba, Tel Zayit Level XI, and Tell Beit Mirsim argue for their destruction during the 701 BCE campaign. 2 Chronicles 32:9 . . . Sennacherib king of Assyria, who was besieging Lachish with all his forces . . . Sennacherib reigned, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica, from c. 705-681. The same source states about the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah: The dates of his reign are often given as about 715 to about 686 BC. Both fit perfectly into a destruction date of Lachish in 701 BC. *** Practical Matters: Perhaps some of my 4,000+ free online articles (the most comprehensive one-stop Catholic apologetics site) or fifty-one books have helped you (by Gods grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. Or you may believe my work is worthy to support for the purpose of apologetics and evangelism in general. If so, please seriously consider a much-needed financial contribution. Im always in need of more funds: especially monthly support. The laborer is worthy of his wages (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV). 1 December 2021 was my 20th anniversary as a full-time Catholic apologist, and February 2022 marked the 25th anniversary of my blog. PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: apologistdave@gmail.com. Youll see the term Catholic Used Book Service, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing, including 100% tax deduction, etc., see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information. Thanks a million from the bottom of my heart! *** Photo credit: Hanay, 6-2-12: ruins at Bethsaida [Wikipedia / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license] *** Summary: Extraordinary new dating techniques utilizing the earths magnetosphere have dramatically verified the dates of five biblical battles, again confirming biblical accuracy. Today, the 7th of February, in 1497, caught up in a madness of regret and purification stirred by preaching of the Dominican Friar Girolamo Savonarola, the people of Florence gathered together what they and the good friar considered temptations into sin, piled them up, and lit them as bonfires. These objects included clothing, cosmetics, mirrors, musical instruments, playing cards, and paintings. Lots of art. And lots and lots of books It was called the falo delle vanita, the Bonfire of the Vanities. As it happens such things had occurred before Savonarola. And since, as well. As to the before, the friar himself started such fires as regular events two years before the whole city got involved. For a moment Savonarola was functional dictator of Florence. And, then, as happens about fifteen months later, the friar was himself burned at the stake. I try to note this event. Not so much as an expression of the madness of crowds, although there is that. But more about the vagaries of our human hearts. In my circles both spiritual and political I hear much about the how the Protestant movement centered the individual in ways that did not exist before. There are truths in that observation. But, it can be taken that people didnt think of themselves so much before the Protestant thing. From my circles this is often seen as a problem. Of course there is good and ill in centering the individual. But what these commentators seem to miss is that whatever else was involved the concerns of individuals are always about individuals, and those closest to them. In the centuries of Christendom, where there was no light between church and state, what drove people beyond survival in this world, was an abiding fear of hell. And it was a personal fear. People with money tried to buy their way into heaven. Everyone did what they could within the confines of surviving in a pretty rough world, to make sure their eternal fate, and few doubted that there was an eternal fate, was paradise not perdition. And, as it had become normative for a while, cutting short the inevitable purgation that would be necessary to finally gain entrance into heaven. A famous aspect of the Reformation turned exactly on the question of purchasing shortcuts out of that period of purgation. And sometimes as a get out of hell card. Protestants streamlined the process. But it was still about heaven and hell. Hell being a bigger drive than heaven, it often seems. But in every case it turns out to be very, very personal. So, I find myself thinking of our humanity. Our centering of ourselves. And what all it might mean. In our human endeavors it seems we commonly sense some sort of fair, some kind of harmony. And we, for the most part, want to cut ourselves just a little better than fair. Out of that society. But then we notice it. And. Well. falo delle vanita Orgies of regret. Until we take it all up again We have a hard time finding a middle way through. Usually its excesses of one sort or another. Bouncing from one wall to another. It even suggests that maybe, just possibly the true middle way is not about avoiding the mess of our lives. But knowing they will all pass. Each thing. Its interesting we dont seem to have language for this kind of middle way. Often I speak of holding with open hands. A bad metaphor. Its about holding while at the same time knowing at that moment of passion it will pass. Then strange and mysterious things happen. Its where that fire, well, it becomes us. There is a Japanese saying, gyogaku funi, which means practice and study are not two. Something like that. Theres a story from the Desert Fathers and Mothers that feels especially apt in the moment. Abba Lot went to Abba Joseph. He told him he had found the rule, a simple thing. He prayed, he fasted, he dove into the great silences. The authentic way into the deep, seeking the balance between austerities and licentiousness. A true middle way. What more can I do? he asked. Abba Joseph stretched out his hands to heaven. And he said, why not become fire? And the fingers on his hands became ten flaming lamps. I think of that story. In the collections of these desert parents there actually arent a lot of miracles. Oh, demons come and go. And the odd angel. But, for the most part, were left to fend for ourselves. But, really, really, there is one more step. Its kin to this story. Its kin to the rich young man who went to Jesus and also said he kept the commandments, but felt some lack. And, Jesus replied, sell all you have, give it to the poor, and come, follow me. As sort of a commentary on the commentary, I recently learned of the Catholic saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, who spoke of the contemplative soul becoming a flame inseparable from union with the divine flame. Left only with stories. Left only with a handful of pointers. Here we are. Heres a secret. As intimate as our lives. So. Just for you. A middle way. Consumed by fire. And yet free. Holding without clinging. Living with the flames. Free. Dying with the flames. Free. Its in your hands Birds fly near the US Capitol at sunrise, on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, in this Feb 8, 2022 file photo. [Photo/Agencies] For a long time, the United States has been repeatedly imposing its "long-arm jurisdiction" on other nations, while the realms of that policy have been expanding. It is the essence of the US' approach to competition, backed by its comprehensive ability and financial hegemony, abusing its domestic law to other nations' entities and individuals. For that purpose, the US has not only developed a complicated system of laws, but also been constantly lowering the threshold and enlarging its discretionary power. Data show that the previous Donald Trump administration implemented more than 3,900 sanctions, or three every day. By the end of the 2021 financial year, the US was imposing a total of 9,400 sanctions. The US' "long-arm jurisdiction" increases tensions between it and various nations. From Cuba to Russia, from Iran to Libya, it has once again imposed its will and its standards upon others. Even the European Union, a supposed friend of the US, is so unhappy with the US' moves that it has more than once initiated or moved to curb the US' "long-arm jurisdiction" policy, for which purpose it even launched a World Trade Organization dispute solution process. The US' move also destroys the functioning of the international governance mechanism. The frequency with which the US implements unilateral sanctions outside the United Nations framework has weakened the role of the UN Security Council in legally sanctioning entities and individuals. Moreover, despite the fact that its "301" clause has been ruled as being against international law by the WTO, it continues its"301" probes against imported goods from China and other nations, thus violating the multilateral trade mechanism. With that policy, the US has been abusing its power to strike commercial competitors and intervene in normal international business operations. Toshiba in Japan, Siemens in Germany, Alstom in France have all suffered from its pirate-like deeds. The US' deeds also violate basic human rights in other nations. For years, the US has imposed such heavy economic sanctions against other nations that they cause humanitarian disasters. The economic sanctions imposed against Afghanistan, Iran, Syria and Yemen have weakened their abilities to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The US-based Brookings Institute even estimated over 13,000 people died from the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran alone because of the US' sanctions. What is needed is the US giving up its abuse of power and joining the world community. In the fall, I met with Rick McDaniel for an interview for his new book, Further Zen Conversations . Rick has published a bunch of really good books about Zen in recent years ( click here for more). Hes such a skilled interviewer that I encouraged him to start a podcast (but thats not his thing). His reason for wanting to talk with me this time was what were doing with the Vine of Obstacles Zen, but to get warmed up, I opened up about my views on what I call the Zen Center Model in short, how it does not generally fulfill its promise of offering awakening to householders and so there is a great need for alternatives. There are monasteries in the US like Korinji that offer serious training, of course. However, what were doing with the Vine of Obstacles Zen is focussed on offering serious Zen training for householders. Ill soon be offering more about that here another excerpt from later in this interview with Rick. Below, however, youll find a slightly different version, a bit spicier, of the excerpt that appears in Further Zen Conversations , Chapter 7: Looking Forward. This is the less polished version and Ive expanded on a few points too. In what follows, Ricks voice is in the narrator role and my voice is in quotes. Click here to support my Zen teaching practice at Patreon of which translations and writings like this are one facet. You will also find an advertisement free version of this post there. Chapter Excerpt The pioneers who brought Zen to North America were familiar with essentially two models, the temple and the monastery. Monasteries were training institutions for people seeking formation as monks and nuns. Temples served the spiritual needs of householders. The most common form of Zen institution in North America today is neither of these; it is the Zen Center, a uniquely Western construct, a place for lay practice whether Soto, Rinzai, or Sanbo Zen with or without a focus on awakening and the integration of awakening in ones life. Once again Dosho puts the matter in a historical perspective. As far as I know, in all the cultures in Asia before the 20th century there was a two-track system where the monastics men and women living in monasteries were the specialists, some sub-group of those were really focused on awakening in this lifetime. And then householders, who maybe attended temple services, were generally considered either not interested or not able put the kind of time and energy into waking up that was necessary. Their contribution was to support the specialists and receive merit for doing so. Then with the 20th century, a number of things were happening worldwide, some of them specific to Buddhism, but one is the collapse of monasticism for various reasons. And at the same time, fortunately, lots of householders became interested in contemplative traditions including Zen. And then this new iteration on an old thing developed the idea of neither monk nor householder, which went back twelve hundred years to Saicho, but hadnt ever really fully taken off. When people like Suzuki Roshi and Katagiri Roshi came to California in the mid-20th century, what they started with at Sokoji was a traditional kind of Japanese temple. And then all these hippies started coming in who actually wanted to sit. And Suzuki Roshi was, like, Yeah. This is it. These are the people who are actually neither monk nor householders. And so they created this new model for rigorously training lay people. The model caught on. Every place it spread did it a little bit differently, but they all basically did the same thing serious Zen training for householders. There were few antecedents for this in Asia. Meanwhile, growth of monastic practice in the West has been much slower. Today, after 60 years or so of Zen in the West, there are fewer than ten monasteries and most are experiencing declining participation. But back to the 60s. Young Americans were taking up what had been essentially a monastic practice, but doing so as what in Buddhist parlance is called householders. It was a way, in Doshos view, to resolve the contradiction between the promise of awakening and the difficulty of it. So the early Zen pioneers came up with this new model, the Zen Center model for householders primarily who wanted to wake up and who were interested in and able to devote a lot of time and energy to the project. That was the Zen Center model. San Francisco, Rochester, ZCLA, Minnesota Katagiri Roshis Minnesota Zen Center all monastic or quasi-monastic. So, you know, through the late 70s and 80s, when I was at the Minnesota Zen Center before Katagiri Roshi died, we were doing something like three or four hours a day of practice plus having jobs. Plus ten hours on Saturdays. Plus monthly sesshin. And this was not unusual. This was the standard for Zen Centers at the time. Of course there were some problems with the model. Marriages. Kids. Careers. So it really pushed what was possible for householders, sometimes too far. In most groups today theres a general kind of gentling due to cultural influences and new cultural values about balance and success in the contemporary economy. So Zen Centers have become less like training centers and more like churches where people come once or twice a week for an hour or two, and thats often all the practice they do. They are still called Zen Centers, premised on the capacity for awakening, and often with a backstory that includes the great awakenings of many of our great ancestors, but almost no Zen Center in the country there are exceptions now offers a realistic program where great awakening can happen. Most Zen Centers simply do not offer a program with sufficient intensity for householders to experience the kind of absorption necessary for a kensho as clear as the palm of ones hand, as Hakuin liked to put it. Take my old training center, the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center, for example. When Katagiri Roshi was alive, we had about 45 days of sesshin each year, plus two 100-day nonresidential practice periods with practice starting at 4:30am, Monday-Friday, plus two or three months of ango at Hokyoji, the country place we were developing as a monastery. Now, according to their calendar for 2022, I count nine days of sesshin and a few one-day retreats. Generally speaking, its going to take many Zen students at least 100 days of sesshin for a first kensho and then another 400 or so (a low estimate for the best horses) to really integrating that awakening. This assumes weekly sanzen/dokusan with a clear-eyed teacher. There are other ways of doing intensive practice, of course, and sesshin days are just one convenient indicator. Still, at the Minnesota Zen Center now, even if you participated in all their days of sesshin, youd be looking at fifty years before you could get that kind of time in. Meanwhile, the by-line on their web page says that theyre celebrating 50 years of awakening together. And they are not alone in offering this low level of intensity while continuing the narrative about awakening. Indeed, from what Im seeing, this is now the norm. By the way, to their credit, the Minnesota Zen Center recently raised almost $600,000 for building renovations, including to their zendo so this model is being financially support. (1) Speaking more generally about the Soto tradition, one of the traditions to which he belongs, he tells me: What theyre often doing is serving as community centers for progressive people that want to come and do a little meditation, and occasionally to hear a talk about something that they can use in their lives. If theres a childrens program that the kids can attend while theyre doing their weekly Zen thing, all the better. Theres nothing wrong all with that, of course. But its not Zen training, and theres nothing in the history of Zen that indicates that kind of limited practice can actually lead anywhere, except maybe to being a nicer person and a better life next time. Zen in the West has become mostly about well-being rather than the Bodhisattva vow to get to the ground of being to benefit all beings. As Ive said, most centers now are church-like progressive community centers. You know, there was this idea 50 years ago that Zen was going to convert the West. No! The West has converted Zen. And its made Zen with some exceptions into a progressive belief system, a condiment for progressive living. Meanwhile, it requires an enormous commitment of time and energy from both the teachers and committed members to support this model. Is the outpouring of so much energy worth the results that are generated? I dont think so. In addition, the Soto Zen Buddhist Association (SZBA) now is focussed on training priests in progressive political causes. Im a progressive, so dont disagree with the politics, generally, but with such a nearly exclusive focus, the SZBA has abandoned their duty of care to support Zen priests offering the buddhadharma and instead have become a support for people in Zen priest robes doing progressive Buddhist community organizing. After twenty-years membership and financial support, I resigned from the organization in September. Well, they do teach meditation, I suggest. A lot of Zen Centers now teach a fuzzy form of mindfulness. Theyre teaching a version of meditation thats only distinguishable from secular mindfulness in its lack of clear outcomes. Are there not other schools which still emphasize awakening and the post-awakening process? The Rinzai people, the Sanbo Zen people. To some extent. And they are all facing the same pressures. Levelling downwards and accommodating individual preferences rather than strong group practice. That is Western culture. To find the easiest way through. And then theres the commodification of the dharma. So you have kenshos being verified that often are only feint intimations or not even that. Ive met with people that are deep into the koan systems in various traditions, one who had completed a 500 koan system, and for many of them its all intimation but not what would be called a classical kensho. There needs to be, in his view, a re-visioning of methods to present Zen in the West. OpenAIs ChatGPT AI chatbot has been out for months, as has You.coms helpful YouChat. Google announced its own AI service, Bard, on Tuesday, and Microsoft is expected to unveil its own AI chatbot on Tuesday. So whats the key difference? Two show their work. Two do not. Based upon what weve seen, officially or not, both Microsofts new Bing AI-powered search engine and You.coms YouChat cite a list of sources when presenting answers. The other two, OpenAIs ChatGPT and Googles Bard, simply tell you what they think is the right answer. Google said Bard, which it described as an experimental conversational AI service, will be tested with a small group of beta testers before a launch sometime later. Instead of licensing AI models from OpenAI, as Microsoft has, Google developed its own, called LAMDA. Google is rolling out Bard with a small disclaimer at the bottom of the search box, according to a blog post where it showed off the interface: Bard may give inaccurate or inappropriate information, it says in part. Bard simply answers in whats sometimes known as the voice of God: an opinion apparently unsupported by sources. Google Pushed by OpenAIs ChatGPT, AI chatbots have emerged from relative obscurity (remember Microsoft Tay?) to genuine smart assistants capable of a variety of tasks. Though there are still concerns about plagiarism and an AIs ability to sometimes generate false information, students and developers have begun using it to perform a variety of tasks, from coding to writing essays. Where is an AIs information coming from? The big problem with not citing sources? Not only do you not know where a search engine like Googles Bard actually sourced the information from, you have no easy way of checking it for accuracy, yourself. Nor do you have any idea where these new chatbots are actually finding their answers. Traditionally, search engines have avoided the issue by acting like traditional journalists: saying little itself, and instead directing queries to a list of links where users can find the answer and context that theyre searching for. Over time, however, both Google and Microsoft have acknowledged that theres no need to send a user to Wikipedia for a simple factual search on the capital of California. Instead, the search engine can answer Sacramento and save a click. Over time, however, Google has begun providing snippets, the key information it thinks users are searching for, only adding the link for additional context. What was immediately apparent was that Bard doesnt do even that. Will that change? Maybe. Well combine external feedback with our own internal testing to make sure Bards responses meet a high bar for quality, safety and groundedness in real-world information, Alphabet chief executive Sundar Pichai wrote in Bards announcement post. Were excited for this phase of testing to help us continue to learn and improve Bards quality and speed. Bing is barely more transparent than Bard Meanwhile, Microsoft quietly asked reporters to visit its Redmond, Washington headquarters today to unveil what almost certainly is its own AI response. Based upon leaks, Microsoft plans to add AI to Office and search, as well as various tools. It can do so with a $1 billion investment in OpenAI that it recently expanded upon, with a license to use either the GPT-3 or the more powerful GPT-4 language model in its applications. But this new Bing, as it apparently is known, cites its sources. At the bottom of the short response, the leaked images show a series of sites that generated the response. This morning I was experiencing the CHAT feature of Microsoft Bing search and then a few moments later disappeared it. pic.twitter.com/kSA7RMPmLy Nazmul hossain (@Nazmul60863192) February 3, 2023 The right-hand image shows the new Bing, and it how it shows some of its sourcesbarely. The problem is that Bing still doesnt provide any further hints on where it got its information from. Based upon the leaks, it will provide a list of sites (not titles or headlines) to further indicate that those sites may be able to provide additional information. Well hopefully learn more on Tuesday. Only You.com provides that additional context, with a headline, link, and URL and a footnote in the answer itself to indicate what part of the answer is sourced from the links it provides. You.coms YouChat didnt always cite its sources. Now it does. Mark Hachman / IDG Its a matter of simple transparencyand key to actual trust. At some point, you might ask an AI about which product is better: an iPhone versus a recent Galaxy S23, say, or a Tesla Cybertruck versus a Rivian. Google and OpenAI are making a very big bet that people simply will follow their lead. Enthusiasts, though, will probably want to dig deeper to find more context. But if ChatGPT, Google Bard, and (in some sense) the new Bing dont provide where theyre sourcing their information from, how will people know where to look? Enthusiast laptop hardware is nothing to scoff at these days. Especially not this day. Both the Intel and Nvidias new flagship mobile parts have finally hit shelves, and the massive notebooks that they power are incredibly potent. And no surprise here, but Nvidias GeForce RTX 4090 for laptops is absolutely ferocious. Though not an exact replica of its desktop counterpart (a sore spot for some internet denizens), this graphics processor still posts huge improvements over its RTX 3080 Ti predecessorwhile seemingly using less power. How big? Think performance increases as high as 70 percent in our tests. This GPU is a juggernaut backed by impressive technologyand that bodes well for the laptops coming our way. Our YouTube video dives deep into the details, but for the key points (as tested on a monstrous MSI Titan GT77 with the Core i9-13980HX and an Nvidia RTX 4090), read on. Interested in how the equally brand-new Intel Core i9-13980HX stacks up? Weve got a rundown of its performance, too. Head-turning performance No matter the gaming benchmark, the RTX 4090 hits impressive framerates. That fact cant be denied when you see the numbers, particularly in 3DMarks respective DX12 synthetic benchmarks. Longer bars indicate better performance. Right click (on PC) or long press (on phone) to open the image full-sized in a new window. Gordon Mah Ung / PCWorld These tests arent playable games in the real world, but they simulate the kind of workloads your GPU get hit with when youre playing AAA titles. And when you isolate the GPU performance, the new RTX 4090s gains hit well over 60 percent compared to the 3080 Ti. In both Time Spy and Time Spy Extreme, which test at 1440p and 4K respectively, the 4090 snagged a roughly 65 percent lead. Youll see similar results in Port Royal, which tests general ray-tracing performance at 1440p. Even in the new Speed Way benchmark, which adds in the evaluation of newer ray-tracing features at 1440p, the 4090 pushes out a nearly 70 percent increase. It almost seems unrealand in a way it is. Real-world benchmarks for the GeForce RTX 4090 have more nuance in how certain frame rates are achieved (as youll see in a moment). But this snapshot of performance remains striking. DLSS 3 is still incredible Benchmarks in shipped games are where the rubber hits the roadeven when the test is a built-in feature. They give a better glimpse into what to expect across a landscape where some games support technologies that can bump up your frame rates, are optimized for certain hardware, or even run a little cludgier on PC. Longer bars indicate better performance. Right click (on PC) or long press (on phone) to open the image full-sized in a new window. Gordon Mah Ung / PCWorld The picture that our real-world gaming benchmarks paint of the RTX 4090 is that of a GPU that clobbers previous frame rate expectations. Whether rasterized or ray-tracing performance, it doesnt matter. Take for example 2019s Quake II RTX, a path-traced version of the venerable 90s title. The amount of ray-tracing in this edition punishes graphics cards, as seen by the RTX 3080 Tis 29 fps at 4Kbarely playable by modern standards. The RTX 4090 pushes that frame rate up by over 60 percent, putting it far closer to the preference for 60 fps baseline. Gordon Mah Ung / PCWorld Gordon Mah Ung / PCWorld Longer bars indicate better performance. Right click (on PC) or long press (on phone) to open the image full-sized in a new window. Gordon Mah Ung / PCWorld Meanwhile, in several games where we simply cranked up the graphics settings to Ultra and let the test fly, youll see substantial (though slightly lower) percentage uplifts. At 4K, we got a 55 percent increase in Dirt 5, 51 percent in Gears Tactics, and 44 percent in Strange Brigade. Not shabby. Where things get interesting is when Nvidias frame rateboosting tech comes into play. DLSS 2.0 already helps counteract the demands of ray-tracing, as you can see in games like Shadow of the Tomb Raiderwhile the 3080 Ti at 4K offered a comfortable 74 fps with both ray-tracing and DLSS Balanced mode on, the GeForce RTX 4090 gets you to a silky smooth 120 fps. Longer bars indicate better performance. Right click (on PC) or long press (on phone) to open the image full-sized in a new window. Gordon Mah Ung / PCWorld But DLSS 3, oh mythis upgraded tech has a magical effect on frame rates. Its new frame generation technology, which leans on AI technology to generate frames that get interspersed with GPU-rendered frames, dramatically amps up performance. A glance at Cyberpunk 2077 on Psycho settings and with ray-tracing illustrates this clearly, even at 4K. Longer bars indicate better performance. Right click (on PC) or long press (on phone) to open the image full-sized in a new window. Gordon Mah Ung / PCWorld Without frame generation, the performance improvement already sits at a massive 57 percent. (And in practical terms, a more playable 48 fps.) But with it on? The jump shoots up by nearly 200 percent to 89 fps. DLSS 3 does have a caveatnamely, the potential introduction of latency into gameplay, especially if you forgot to flip on Nvidia Reflex at the same timebut this tech is still no less exciting now than it was last fall. In fact, it may end up more thrilling on laptops. Smaller, thinner laptops will also host the beefy RTX 4090 and 4080, like the Asus Zephyrus M16. Often a downsize of the chassis affects performance, but DLSS 3 could shrink the difference between a dainty 14-inch and gigantic 17-inch laptop in games. Content creation gets a boost, too Not everyone buys a high-end laptop with the intention of gamingsure, maybe during off-hours, but in the day? Time to rip through some work. While some production tasks are better completed using the CPU (like the Core i9-13980HK our review sample was paired with), others benefit from pushing the load onto the graphics chip. And in such scenarios, the RTX 4090 offers a nice bump in performance. Gordon Mah Ung / PCWorld Shorter bars indicate better performance. Right click (on PC) or long press (on phone) to open the image full-sized in a new window. Gordon Mah Ung / PCWorld While not as jaw-dropping as in games, the numbers still take a solid step up. In Blender, a program where rendering is thought to be faster on the GPU than CPU, speed improved by as much 31 percent. Meanwhile, in our homebrew Handbrake encoding test, converting a 4K video formatted as a QuickTime file (.mov) to the more compact H.265 format was 25 percent faster. Longer bars indicate better performance. Right click (on PC) or long press (on phone) to open the image full-sized in a new window. Gordon Mah Ung / PCWorld The only oddity in our tests came when using Adobe productswhile the results did show a 20 percent uplift in GPU performance, overall results seemed depressed. Its a strange outcome that bears investigation, but at least in principle, the RTX 4090 makes a difference. Better efficiency, more laptop diversity PCWorld / Asus Not that long ago, size mattered for performance. You simply couldnt expect eye-popping results from thin, light laptops. They were great as travel companions when completing basic productivity tasks, but heavy work? Forget it. But the GeForce RTX 4090 demonstrates just how much more efficient Nvidias Lovelace architecture is. It outperforms its 3080 Ti predecessor with the same amount of available powerand doesnt even use all the juice. Our preliminary findings suggest that the RTX 4090 undercuts the 3080 Tis power draw by 20W. That likely plays a factor in the astonishingly small laptops the RTX 4090 is slated to appear in, like the ever-popular Asus Zephyrus G14. Even constrained by a smaller chassis design limitations, this spread of Nvidias flagship mobile GPU only bodes well. If an RTX 4090 will fit in a laptop weighing under four pounds, just think of all the ultra-thin productivity laptops the inevitable 4070 and 4060 could squeeze into. The MSI Titan GT77 we used for testing is available to preorder for $5,299squeezing every ounce of possible performance out of the latest, greatest technology doesnt come cheap. Expect to see more GeForce RTX 4090-wielding laptops hitting the streets soon. Stay tuned to PCWorlds roundup of the best laptops for a practical guide to the top current offerings available. After a few high-profile releases last year and a flurry of announcements at CES 2023, its finally OLEDs time to shine in the PC gaming space. Samsungs first major release of the year was actually announced way back in August, but it now has a date and a price. The Odyssey OLED G8, a 34-inch ultrawide thats not quite as bombastic as the top-of-the-line G9, is now available to order. Now for the doozie: It costs $1,499.99. Thats not very surprising, considering the premium that Samsung tends to put on its displays. But its also a solid 50 percent more expensive than Dells latest offering, the Alienware AW3423DWF, which launched at $1,100 and has dipped under the $1K mark on sale. Samsung has a fantastic reputation in the TV space, but Dells Ultrasharp and Alienware lines are just as respected on the PC side of things. Its a battle of the brands. Samsung Both monitors feature the same size and 34401440 resolution. They also have OLED panels featuring quantum dot technology and so should offer similar (if not identical) picture quality and performance. Both are certified for HDR 400 True Black (OLED panels can make that claim because they technically have zero light coming from a pixel displaying black) and are compatible with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. They each have rear RGB lighting effects and an identical 1800R curve gentle, but typical at this size. The Samsung screen is a hair faster at 175Hz versus the Dells 165Hz and it claims a slightly shorter .03ms response time. Samsung So, what are the differences? Most immediately, the Samsung monitor has USB-C powers. While Dell relies on HDMI and DisplayPort 2 plus a few USB-A ports for accessories, the Samsung screen can handle USB-C connections with 65 watts of power delivery. That makes it a much better choice for connecting a laptop with an all-in-one cable, though using the smaller Mini-DisplayPort and MicroHDMI standards for gaming desktops and consoles might be kind of annoying. Samsung Its also packing a lot of the same software features as Samsungs TVs: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, built-in streaming apps on the companys Tizen TV operating system, and the Gaming Hub package that includes access to services like Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now. The screen integrates with various smart home features using Alexa. I wont argue the aesthetic qualities of either monitor the Dell is black and the Samsung is white, whaddya want? but the Samsung screen and stand are a solid five pounds lighter despite the extra smart TV hardware. If youre sold on the new design, its up for order on Samsungs website right now. Shipping is free and the site says itll arrive at my Pennsylvania home by February 23rd. Samsungs much larger OLED G9 as well as a truly massive 57-incher with a mini-LED panel should arrive sometime later this year. At a Glance Expert's Rating Pros Extremely affordable lifetime plan 10 simultaneous connections Free cloud storage and password manager included Cons Smaller feature set No independent audit Issues with streaming site blocking Our Verdict FastestVPN is extremely affordable, allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, and has decent enough speeds. Unfortunately its claimed no-log policy isnt backed up by a third-party audit and there are issues with streaming sites blocking connections. FastestVPN might not be the best, but the lifetime plan gives you premium features for a rock-bottom price. Best Prices Today: FastestVPN Retailer Price FastestVPN $40 View Deal FastestVPN in brief: P2P allowed: Yes Simultaneous device connections: 10 Business location: Cayman Islands Number of servers: 300+ Number of country locations: 39+ Cost: $7 per month, $24.95 per year, or $40 for a lifetime plan FastestVPNs name says it all: It aims to be the fastest VPN service around. Its no easy feat to lead with a superlative like that and back it up. FastestVPN strives to be a top VPN and at least on the surface, it makes a persuasive case for itself. The company is based in the Cayman Islands, which bodes well for privacy and security. The service also offers a solid premium feature set, with 10 simultaneous connections, P2P optimized servers, no logs, and stated promises to unblock region locks on most of the top streaming platforms. Note: This review is part of our best VPNs roundup. Go there for details about competing products and how we tested them. FastestVPN: Features and services FastestVPN From the time of our last review, FastestVPN has once again upgraded the design of its application to make it simpler and easier to use across devices. Upon first opening the application in Windows, youll find a list of countries you can connect to in the main screen, making it easy to get started right away. Off to the right youll find the FastestVPN trademark lightning-bolt button to connect, along with basic info about the connection (IP address and server location). In the top-right youll have three buttons for the home screen, account info, and settings. FastestVPN provides three protocol options and an auto option, which chooses the best of the three for your tasks. FastestVPN The settings screen is similar to what weve seen in previous versions of the app. Here you can switch your VPN protocol between IKEv2, TCP, UDP, and Auto. The Auto protocol option is new and when chosen will theoretically give you the best protocol among the other three according to your given tasks. For only $40 for a lifetime plan, FastestVPN is certainly worth considering. Below the VPN protocol options are checkboxes for things such as an Internet kill switch as well as options to Launch at startup, Redial automatically if connection drops, and Auto connect after launchall standard fare for most modern VPN applications. The kill switch is a nice feature though and isnt provided by all VPN services. As for servers, its a little unclear how many servers FastestVPN actually has. It claims Servers Available in 39+ Countries and 55+ Locations, but we found that what servers are actually available will depend somewhat on the device and application you are using. Additionally, it has a limited number of streaming-specific servers and D-VPN (Double VPN) servers that bounce your connection through more than one server to provide double encryption. FastestVPN has app support for a ton of devices. FastestVPN FastestVPN has done a great job providing app support for a ton of devices. These range from the standards such as Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, to others such as Linux, Roku, and Amazon Firestick, among others. It even has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Unfortunately, one area that seems to be missing from all of FastestVPNs apps is information regarding each specific servers load or latency figures. This is useful if youre looking to connect to the fastest server in a given location, and frankly its a missed opportunity in the application design. Regardless, the applications are straightforward and easy to use across all devices. One other quirk we noticed was a problem with the Windows application when installing. It seems that it may not have the proper certification with Microsoft, which causes Windows Defender to flag the application and present an error message that halts the installation process. This is easy enough to bypass, but may be confusing at first. FastestVPN also provides a few bonus features such as helpful 24/7 chat and email support, a free password manager, and up to 2TB of cloud storage. FastestVPN: Performance In our performance tests we compared the base speed of our internet to that of different server locations across the world to see how our internet speed connected to a VPN compares to our base internet speed. Last time around we saw FastestVPN hitting 45 percent of the base speed in our tests averaged across all locations. At the time, that was a huge bump from the 30 percent base speeds in our initial review of the service. This time around we didnt see quite the same jump, but we did notice a slight improvement of up to 49.5 percent of the base download speed when connected to FastestVPNs servers. Furthermore, we saw an admirable 68 percent of the base upload speed. These are solid numbers and FastestVPNs recent upgrade to 10Gbps+ speed servers is obviously making a difference for its users. FastestVPN has specific servers to use to unblock streaming sites. FastestVPN FastestVPN does an alright job at getting around region locks and geo-restricted content. Using its normal servers was rather hit or miss when trying to access sites such as Netflix and Disney+. Some servers were able to bypass the region locks while many others were actively blocked and the streaming sites wouldnt load properly. That being said, FastestVPN (at the time of writing) has seven streaming-specific servers, which all worked just fine in our tests. The only issue here is that if you want to access content from countries other than these streaming-server locations, you may be out of luck. FastestVPN: Security and privacy FastestVPN security features. Sam Singleton FastestVPNs official business location is the Cayman Islands. This might sound kind of sketchy at first glance, but the company says that this was on purpose in order to avoid any laws requiring them to keep browsing records on its customers. The companys privacy policy states that it does not log any information about its customers. The only thing the company keeps, it says, is the email address you use to sign up for the service. Users will just have to take the service for its word that there truly is a no-log policy, however, as FastestVPN has not gone through an independent audit to back up these claims. The service uses the industry standard AES 256-bit encryption and comes with IPv6 and DNS leak protection. Our DNS leak tests proved that there were no IP or DNS leaks while using the VPN. This is important as IP and DNS data leaks can allow for outside parties to know your true location and watch your activity while online. FastestVPN: Final thoughts FastestVPN has improved upon its service since the last time we tested it, but there are some areas that still need improvement. Its obvious that it doesnt have the same resources as some of the largest VPN services, but nonetheless its still able to make the core VPN features work. Despite what is stated in its name, it may not be the fastest VPN, nor does it have the most robust feature set. But thats not the main draw anyways. The company seems to know where it stands in the marketplace and its leaning heavily on privacy and cost. It offers enough speed and security for most everyday uses, and extras such as free Cloud storage and a password manager are welcomed additions. Ultimately, its the price that will appeal to most people and for only $40 for a lifetime plan, FastestVPN is certainly worth considering. Editors note: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, this review is subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the service. Any changes to text or our final review verdict will be noted at the top of this article. The Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance and Leasing Company Limited, Kenneth Thompson, has urged government to secure cross-party support for the proposed Domestic Debt Exchange Programme. He said having multi-party and stakeholder support is crucial, especially if/when the programmes duration goes beyond the current administrations tenure of office. With the DDEP covering a period beyond the term of the current government, it is important that the programme has cross-party support, he told the B&FT. The DDEP, which seeks to exchange maturing bonds for new ones with extended maturity periods among other measures, according to government is expected to address internal and external imbalances in the economy, and also enable the country to qualify for International Monetary Fund (IMF) support. The programme has however been fought against by several organisations and groups including opposition Members of Parliament and individual bondholders. The pushbacks have led to three different postponements to the deadline for voluntary participation by government of Ghana bondholders, the latest of which came on January 31, 2023. The new deadline is now February 7 this year. There is a lot of anger welling up inside people which should not be underestimated, Mr. Thompson said, adding that a more important measure would be for government to demonstrate a desire to stabilise the economy by cutting down expenditure and size of government, and adopting more prudent revenue mobilisation strategies. Following the hue and cry over the DDEP, I thought government would announce some cuts to government expenditure. This may include the consolidation of some ministries and rationalisation of public sector departments. Unfortunately, this will be too little too late. To achieve support for the DDEP, government must be transparent and share the pain with bondholders. Government expenditure must be cut significantly, he noted. Meanwhile, to mitigate the DDEPs impact, he said: Emergency support should be provided by the Bank of Ghana. This should include allowing financial institutions to convert illiquid assets such as shares and property into cash. Source: B&FT 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 TradeMark Africa (TMA) and Ghana have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to host and provide direction to facilitate work on eliminating bottlenecks on the Abidjan Lagos corridor. The corridor is responsible for the transit of about 78 percent of trade volumes in West Africa, and links five major countries in the sub-region: namely Cote dIvoire; Ghana; Togo; Benin; and Nigeria. In spite of this, as well as implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the route still grapples with some 37 official checkpoints or barriers causing prolonged cross-border trade with the two extreme ends taking as long as about 15 days. The partnership is therefore expected to eliminate barriers impeding the efficiency of trade and causing prolonged turnaround. Caretaker Minister of Trade and Industry, Samuel Abu Jinapor speaking at the signing ceremony in the Eastern Region, said the agreement will provide technical and funding support to reduce the time and costs of trading across borders, and improve West African blocs export competitiveness. He mentioned that the collaboration, which started in December 2021, ensured a thorough corridor assessment that revealed a need for mutually beneficial corporation between the five countries to improve trade facilitation and Customs clearance at both ports and land borders. This MoU captures the vision of African leaders and ambitions of citizens for the transformation of our continent as expressed in agenda 2063, to unleash the prosperity and economic liberalisation of Africa. While each government has put in place initiatives to advance this course, TMAs initiatives are uniquely placed to ensure better Customs cooperation and facilitation of trade, especially across important trade corridors like this. The greatest challenge for our sub-region has remained how to ease the burden of land cross-border trading between Anglophone and Francophone West African countries, especially for micro and small enterprises (MSME). Now we are not far from achieving that, he said. He added that AfCFTA puts great responsibility on governments to ensure easy access to cross-border trade without any further delays, especially now that technical and financial support has been secured. TradeMark Africas Board Chairperson, Erastus Mwencha, remarked that eliminating barriers to cross-border trade is the surest way to unleash the immense impact that free trade in high-value products can offer individual economies as intended by the AfCFTA. As part of the pivot to West Africa, TradeMark Africa will support the secretariat of AfCFTA based in Accra to realise its vision of integrating the US$3.4trillion African market. We will work with member-states to ensure governments and businesses benefit practically from the opportunities presented by these shifts; in particular, along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor. Our key aim remains trade facilitation, just like we have always done in the last 12 years in the East and Horn of Africa region where time for cross-border trade has been slashed by 70 percent on average and businesses can receive certification in a day, he said. For his part, the Secretary-General of AfCFTA secretariat, Wamkele Mene, reiterated that the corridor controls about 78 percent of trade volume in the West African sub-region; hence, successful elimination of its numerous barriers will bring about efficiency and enhance interconnection of the sub-region. The secretariat sees this MoU today as an important milestone because we know that leveraging on the technical expertise of TMA as an implementing agency which we do not have, will help us reach our goal. There are pockets of success chalked up by the various blocs on the continent, but the missing link is the integration of these pockets of success on the various corridors like the East African example; and so what we need to do is to interconnect the corridors to ensure collective competitiveness, he added. Source: B&FT 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 national president of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr Frank Serebour says doctors must accept to go the rural areas when posted for service. Its important that we begin to look at other regions that are deprived like Volta and Oti. He told the media after an annual awards and dinner night. For us as an association, one of the key things we advocate for is that wherever Ghanaians are as important as doctors were also there to serve them, he added. The president of GMA in the Volta and Oti regions, Kwaku Appiagyei Boadu Ayeboafoh also said doctors who will accept posting in these two regions will be provided with an extra one-year allowance as motivation. For his part, Hafiz Adam Tahir, director, of external health cooperation at the Ministry of Health (MoH) speaking at the event on behalf of the health minister said the ministry will implement initiatives for doctors who will accept posting to underdeveloped districts in the country. Tahir said that the district chief executives (DCEs) will be asked to prioritise good accommodation for doctors who will accept to serve in their jurisdictions. The MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa was recognised with the medical honour of the year. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has called for regular engagements between major stakeholders to help the country out of the current economic challenges. He advanced that view during a meeting with leadership of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council in Accra on Monday 6th February 2023 following its recent National Conference. The GPCC delegation led by Apostle Eric Nyamekye presented a communique to the government on major national issues. On his part, the Minister commended the group for making crucial contributions on contemporary and pressing national issues in addition to their spiritual interventions and support. The need for constant engagement and consensus building between Government and stakeholders within the economy cannot be over-emphasized. Among other things, we need Consensus for economic progress. Different stakeholders have different interests and objectives. And if each stakeholder sticks to an unyielding position we can hardly make progress. It is important that we engage regularly to find common ground on these things that matter most to us collectively, he said. For his part, Apostle Eric Nyamekye assured that the church was always ready to support government in the nation-building agenda. He appealed to the government to critically look at issues raised in the communique and addressed them in these crucial times, especially in the economy, a Citi Newsroom report noted. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghana is optimistic of concluding the ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to get the support of the fund by March. This is because the issues surrounding the domestic debt exchange programme, one of the requirements, has been virtually concluded, paving the way for the country to go the full hog. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo gave this assurance when he held discussions with the visiting German Federal Minister of Finance, Christian Lindner last Friday at the Jubilee House in Accra. He said the main concerns of the government include the process of concluding talks with the IMF, as well as the specific assistance that would help Ghana fast-track the process of its economic recovery. We have already taken one important step forward in concluding a staff level agreement with the IMF. One of the steps was the domestic debt exchange programme which encountered a lot of difficulty; but it has now been virtually concluded. We are now looking towards going the full hog and concluding the agreement. We're hoping that will be done by the middle of March, President Akufo-Addo said. Visit Germanys Finance Minister was in Ghana for bilateral talks with the government and the business communities and also to assure Ghana of Germanys support to help Ghana get out of its current economic challenges. He was accompanied by an entourage made up of technocrats and Members of Parliament of Germanys federal Parliament, the Bundestag. Mr Lindner said the delegation was in the country because although they saw economic challenges in Ghana, they believed they could be turned into opportunities for bilateral trade. He said he had already had fruitful and constructive exchanges of views with his Ghanaian counterpart, Ken Ofori-Atta, on the current situation and how Germany could be of help to overcome the current situation. After months speculation, Ghana, on July 1, 2022, announced that it was going to the IMF to seek support. Subsequently, the government, in December 2022, reached a staff-level agreement with the fund as part of processes leading to a bailout. President Akufo-Addo welcomed the pledge by Germany to help the country overcome its current economic challenges and appealed to the German government to lend its support in that direction. He explained that one very important consideration was the financial stability fund that had been promised Ghana, which was one of the key outcomes of negotiations, and said the voice of the German government was needed in trying to bring that into being. He was happy that Germany was willing to help in that regard. We count on Germany, as one of our privileged partners, not just in Europe but in the world. I am pleased to hear the statement of willingness to do what you can to assist us in the difficult economic situation in which we are, the President emphasised. Security President Akufo-Addo also commended Germany for providing military assistance to West Africa to deal with the Jihadist insurgencies, a move he described as very concrete and highly acceptable. We have to find a way of bringing the insurgency in West Africa to a close. If we don't, all these other things that we want to do to develop our society and economy will be very difficult. It is eliciting a great deal of resources that we can hardly afford and are now being diverted for security, support and initiatives, he added. He said the increasing activities of the insurgents were disturbing the entire region, with Ghana directly in the line of fire because Burkina Faso was its northern neighbour. The President said in the last six weeks, more than 4,000 people from Burkina Faso had taken refuge in Ghana, saying those were the ones the refugee board could officially count, with many more unaccounted for. Ghana needs help Mr Lindner reiterated the call he had made earlier for an international credit committee to help Ghana. Earlier, at a joint press conference with Mr Ofori-Atta, Mr Lindner had, said he had also met Ghanaian business leaders and managers of financial institutions on how Germany can be of help to Ghana to overcome the current situation. He advocated the immediate formation of an international credit committee under the common framework to help Ghana restructure its debt. "For Germany, it is essential to see a fair burden sharing among all creditors. We need a creditor committee as soon as possible. I would like to call on all creditors to join the efforts as swiftly as possible," he said, and reminded China, Ghanas largest bilateral trading partner, of its responsibilities as an important bilateral creditor to participate in the programme. "We have to find new approaches to the over indebtedness of low-income countries and the common framework is part of this solution and Germany is willing to play its role," he said. The German Finance Minister said although Ghana was experiencing economic challenges, Germany was optimistic that it could be turned into opportunities for bilateral trade and growth and thus stressed the need for Ghana to be supported. We now have the relations with the Paris Club, the common framework. We are looking for, as quickly as possible, a committee to be established, so we will have a body with whom we can engage to bring about those discussions as quickly as possible, he added. Mr Lindner further indicated that the stability and security of the West African region was essential for security in Europe, and so Germany would provide support to keep the sub-region stable and secure. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Professor Godfred A. Bokpin has described as worrying the silence of some major stakeholders in the governance of this country relating to the governments Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP). Pensioner Bondholders Forum, a group for the protection of pensioners with investment in government bonds has served notice to picket at the premises of the Finance Ministry until its members are exempted from the Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP). According to the group, attempts to have their investment exempted from the programme have proved futile, the reason for their decision to picket at the Finance Ministry until their demands are met. Commenting on the Debt Exchange Program on Morning Starr with Francis Abban, Mr. Bokpin stated that he cannot fathom why Parliament as the representative of the people has not summoned the Minister of Finance for questioning. We need all important stakeholders, you need the TUC on the table, the TUC should not just wake up because pensions were at risk. What is a pension if the whole country is not governed well? Because if you dont do this Debt Restructuring very well, adequately and comprehensively it will show up in the next two years. If you look at the terms that the Minister has proposed even for the Individual Bondholders you are looking at the principal repayment in 2025 at a time he will not be there. Even the opposition party what is their stake and their contribution in this Debt Restructuring? Mr. Bokpin queried. He stated that NDC and other major stakeholders must demonstrate their commitment and what alternative they are putting on the table to salvage the nation from the current situation. The Christian Council, all the major stakeholders you know this is not a time where you can leave governance to a few people, no, this is a time where we all come on board. Bring the best ideas and best alternatives on the table for our common good. If Parliament could tell us that they themselves have no deeper understanding of this Debt Exchange what prevents them from asking the Finance Minister to come and brief Parliament comprehensively? The situation, the steps, and all of that. Source: starrfm 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 John Alan Kwadwo Kyeramateng, former Trade and Industry Minister and a flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on party delegates to vote massively for him as the flagbearer to send the party to victory in the 2024 election. The aspirant said his records at the Trade Ministry were unmatched and promised to do more when he becomes President of Ghana. Alan Kyeremateng made the call when he interacted with party faithful at Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region to officially inform them of his intention to contest the partys flagbearer position. He announced that the party executives at both the constituency, regional and national levels, would be put on monthly salaries to motivate them to work harder in the best interest of the party. Alan Presidency will focus on agriculture to mobilize the youth for commercial farming for the youth and also to own factories with support from the government, he said. Alan Kyeremateng earlier paid a courtesy call to the Wiawso Traditional Council and promised to ensure peace before, during and after the presidential primaries. He advised Ghanaians to maintain the NPP Government to enable the party to continue the good policies, stressing that he was the right person to break the eight. Nana Kwasi Ofori, Chief of Bodi and Adontenhene for Wiawso Traditional Council on behalf of Katakyei Kwasi Bumankamah, Paramount Chief, appealed to Mr Kyeremateng and his team to run decent campaigns devoid of insults. He called on God to grant Alan Kyeremateng his heart's desires. Nana Ofori commended the NPP Government for the numerous infrastructure development in the Western North Region. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The attention of Polling Station Executives of the New Patriotic Party in the Western North Region has been drawn to a publication on peace fm online stating that Because you want our votes, Youre now visiting us in six years we are therefore calling on the Vice President Dr. Mahamoud Bawumia to advise his followers to do a clean campaign devoid of casting misconception and making delegates feel like they cannot take decisions for themselves. Don't create any disaffection between delegates in Western North and Alan Cash; we are mature enough to take decisions for ourselves. We know the contribution of Hon Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten since 1992 right from the formation of Young Executives Forum when he was the President and the resources he mobilized for the party. We don't expect anyone to sit in their comfort zone and paint a picture to the NPP fraternity that delegates in Western North hate Alan Kyeremanten, he has served NPP with his blood, soul and resources, let us leave the decision to the delegates to make, and let's stop this unnecessary propaganda using delegates. This comes after reading a publication on peace fm online that some delegates in the Western North Region are angry with Alan Kyeremanten for visiting them for the first time in six years because he wants their votes. The publication stated that some of the delegates who attended the meeting of Hon Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten were heard saying, "Alan has neglected them for six years and since he needs their vote he has come to visit them for the first time in six years" Speaking to Miss Comfort Asante, a polling station women's organizer said, "Hon Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten has done nothing wrong if he visits party members at this particular time" we also want to draw the attention that the current President never visited the region when he was the Attorney General but the party people knew his contribution to the party and rewarded him accordingly and the delegates of Western North will do exactly what they did for Nana Akufo Addo in 2007 to Hon Alan Kyeremanten. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" Hon Alan Kyeremanten has been good to the people of Western North under his 1D1F initiative, Sefwi Akontombra has a rice factory, Sefwi Wiawso is waiting for machines to be installed at the newly built factory at Sefwi Futa which will produce potassium salt, Rice Processing Factory at Bia West, an ultra-modern Business and Resource centre for both Bibiani and Sefwi Wiawso to provide business advisory for SMEs. We will be happy if they visit us frequently, besides, throughout the year we have 275 constituencies so when our Ministers decide to visit all constituencies it means they will only have 90 days to work. Miss Comfort Asante reiterated. Moreover, some of the stakeholders of the NPP in the Western North have commended Hon Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten for the support and love he showed to Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo from the 2012 to 2020 elections which Alan was a key member in Nana Addo's campaign. He has been with the party throughout his youthful age till date, it is his appointed time to lead the party, so let it be, by voting for him to lead us in the 2024 crucial elections, a party council of elder stated. We, therefore call on those doing this propaganda to stop or we will respond in same vain and could even go a step further when the Vice President visit the region. We have government appointees in this region who has never stayed in this region for continues seven days nor visited some constituencies in the region yet they hide behind the curtains to create tension and disaffection among party members We expect our leaders in the region to help the government fix the economy and not hide behind people to create unnecessary tension which will affect the party in the near future. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Member of the New Patriotic Party and a Political Science lecturer, Dr. Richard Amoako Baah has asked Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta to resign before he causes much more mess to the economy. He says the Finance Minister who seem to have been 'drunk' from the kenkey parties he organized after he had borrowed does not have any clue again as to how he would help bring the country back on track. Speaking on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, he explained that President Akufo-Addo should have been the one to fire him for non-performance, but since he has refused to do so, the Finance Minister himself should resign and not continue to exert further hardship on Ghanaians. "The President is the first person to blame before the Finance Minister," he said. According to him the Finance Minister now is bereft of ideas. As all he is doing now is to borrow to fund the already ailing economy he created and he cannot continue to mess up the economy and people's life like that. " . . I really liked him, I thought he was honest, but now I have seen he is not honest . . . he will be talking about the word of God but all he says is not true," Dr. Amoako Baah said. He should resign if the President who is his employer is refusing to fire him because they are family," he said. His poor management skills has led Ghana to the kind of mess we are in now and even with his Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, he is still finding it difficult to have it implemented and causing so much pain to even pensioners. Watch Video Below A group, calling itself the Pensioner Bondholders Forum, has vowed to picket at the Ministry of Finance to register their displeasure over governments decision to include them in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).In a statement signed by the lead convener, Dr Adu Antwi, the retirees indicated that they are opposed to governments decision to rope them into the programme.According to them, participating in the programme will have severe consequences on them, hence their refusal.On 10th January 2023, we submitted a petition to the Minister of Finance to exempt all pensioners holding Government Bonds from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme on the same basis used for the exemption of Pension Funds from the programme, as the impact of the programme on pensioners who are bondholders will be very severe.We have as of today not been granted the exemption we requested, portions of the statement read. Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former actor Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse, right, also known as Nathan Chasing Horse, appears in North Las Vegas Justice Court Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, in North Las Vegas, Nev. A former actor in the Academy Award-winning movie "Dances With Wolves" who is facing eight sex-related charges in Nevada is also facing a charge in British Columbia. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Bizuayehu Tesfaye /Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP The Law Society of Alberta has voted in favour of keeping a requirement for its members to complete a course on Indigenous history and culture. Almost 3,500 lawyers voted on the motion, which would have struck down the society's right to require such courses. A courtroom is seen at the Edmonton Law Courts building, in Edmonton on June 28, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson The deputy minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada says McKinsey & Company can do business with the federal government despite scrutiny of its global track record because it hasn't been convicted of any charges. The Peace Tower is seen on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on March 12, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Premier David Eby arrives with ministers before the start of the swearing-in ceremony at Government House in Victoria, B.C., on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022. B.C. politicians are returning to the legislature for the spring sitting, starting with a throne speech laying out the government's goals for the months ahead. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito People watch the S&P TSX composite index screen at the TMX Market Centre in downtown Toronto on Friday, Nov.11, 2022. The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario says the province's economic growth is expected to slow sharply this year with a modest recovery beginning next year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Donald Trump, Mr. Tough on China, was so soft that President Biden had to order an increase in vigilance against Chinese spy efforts. Hours after we learned that Trump administration officials knew about the spy balloon but Trump and many of his top deputies did not, we are now told that the only reason we know about those Trump balloons is because President Biden ordered the intelligence community to increase both our vigilance and the assets that we were deploying to be able to detect Chinese efforts to spy against the United States. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan also said on Monday that past surveillance balloons were discovered at the beginning of the Biden administration because Biden directed the intelligence community to increase both our vigilance and the assets that we were deploying to be able to detect Chinese efforts to spy against the United States, CNN reported. Because the intelligence community made this a priority at the direction of President Biden, we enhanced our surveillance of our territorial airspace, we enhanced our capacity to be able to detect things that the Trump administration was unable to detect, Sullivan said. And were also able to go back and look at the historical patterns. And that led us to come to understand that during the Trump administration, as you said, there were multiple instances where the surveillance balloons traversed American airspace and American territory, he added. This should be the part where we ask why President Biden knew he needed to increase vigilance of Chinese spy activity after Trumps four year term, especially in light of the fact that Donald Trump had a secret Chinese bank account during his presidency. During a 2020 presidential debate, Trump said the Chinese account was closed in 2015, I believe and claimed I closed it before I even ran for president, let alone became president. It begs the question, what business was Trump doing in China while president? Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-NY) wrote on Twitter, Trump had bank accounts in China while he was in office until 2018. Generally, you only have bank accounts in a foreign country if you are doing transactions in that countrys currency. What business was Trump doing in China while he was president? Trump had bank accounts in China while he was in office until 2018. Generally, you only have bank accounts in a foreign country if you are doing transactions in that countrys currency. What business was Trump doing in China while he was President? https://t.co/SQhyPEOOxi Daniel Goldman (@danielsgoldman) December 30, 2022 Add it all up, include a huge classified document theft with side order of willfully non-secure storage and refusal to return the documents when asked and when subpoenaed. Now add in a secret Chinese bank account and the business ramifications of that. And finally, an administration that at the very best didnt prioritize the discovery of Chinese spy balloons. Theres a big piece of this story missing, and that is: What was Trump doing in China while president. This whole Chinese spy balloon scandal keeps blowing up in Republicans faces, which was predictable because they criticize before asking any questions these days. But now they not only have egg on their faces, but they look nakedly anti-American national security. They only care about any issue if it can be used as a club in an attempt to hurt President Biden. There are still many unknowns with the proposed plan to construct a Savannah River National Laboratory workforce development center in downtown Aiken, but the public learned Monday evening the main reason why the national lab wants to build downtown. K.J. Jacobs of McMillan Pazdan and Smith, the architectural firm hired by the city to develop a feasibility study for the proposal, said at an informational session held Monday evening part of the criteria for national lab in selecting the block surrounded by Richland Avenue, Laurens and Newberry Streets and Park Avenue for a potential location were engagement in the community, workforce development and developing the next generation of lab employees. "So, they were very interested in a site with a high degree of visibility," Jacobs said. "There's an expression in real estate: 'main and main.' They wanted to be at sort of the main and main location in downtown Aiken so that they could have maximum visibility and be a part of the community." Jacobs said the national lab's leadership wants employees at the facility to be able to walk downtown easily, shop at local stores and eat at restaurants around the site. He said the proximity to the Amentum Theater and Newberry Hall were also added benefits. Jacobs also said the proposed plan outlined by Mayor Pro Tempore Ed Woltz and Mayor Rick Osbon during the state of the city address last month are merely ideas and suggestions and do not represent a commitment of how to proceed. The proposed plan calls for the demolition of the Warneke Cleaners building and the 1981-built motel strip fronting Bee Lane known as the Holley House and possibly the old gun store on Richland Avenue. These buildings would be replaced by the workforce development center. The C.C. Johnson Building would be historically renovated to its original appearance. The adjacent retail buildings would be renovated and upgraded as part of the plan. Newberry Hall and Taj Aiken, if not demolished, would remain where they are. Warneke Cleaners would be relocated to newly created retail space facing Richland Avenue. Plans also call for the development of a surface parking lot across from St. John's United Methodist Church and a parking structure at the Municipal Building. Hotel Aiken's future will be determined by the results of a request for proposal issued by the city. And the former Municipal Building (214 Park Ave.) could be sold to the county for use as an office for Second Judicial Circuit Solicitor Bill Weeks' staff. Jacobs said the information and public input session was the first part of developing a feasibility study to determine if it is possible to build the workforce development center in downtown Aiken and, if so, how to build it. He said the next steps are a historical survey and condition assessment and working with potential tenants of the national lab (its university collaborative and USC Aiken) to determine space needs. From there, a preliminary feasibility study will be developed in mid- to late-April and presented for public comment. Next, a final feasibility study will be developed and more public input sought. After that, planning can begin for development of the site. Parkdale Mills plans to close its Plant 40 in Graniteville permanently at the end of March and 135 employees will be laid off, according to Will Williams, president and CEO of the Western SC Economic Development Partnership. Conditions have been very soft in their market, and this is a step theyre taking to keep their business strong, he told the Aiken Standard during a telephone interview Tuesday. Plant 40 is at 418 Ascauga Lake Road. They have 150 employees, and 135 will be let go, Williams said. The other 15 are going to be transferred to other locations. Thats what I was told. According to Parkdale Mills website, the company is the worlds leading manufacturer of spun yarns. Parkdales corporate headquarters is in Gastonia, North Carolina. In addition to plants in South Carolina and North Carolina, the locations of the companys factories and distribution facilities include Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Mexico, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic. Obviously, its very sad news to hear of a plant closure and the loss of local jobs, said Williams of Plant 40s impending shutdown. But the good news is that if those people want to continue working, theyll be able to do that. There are plenty of opportunities in this community. We (the Economic Development Partnership) have already begun reaching out to our other manufacturers, which have in turn reached out (to Plant 40) to get those folks reemployed as soon as possible, Williams added. The Aiken Standard contacted Parkdale Mills management by telephone and via email. No responses were received prior to the publication deadline for this story. There was a fire at Plant 40 in January. No injuries were reported, according to an Aiken Standard article about the blaze. Russian President Putin has signed a bill allowing authorities to issue electronic notices to draftees and reservists amid the fighting in Ukraine, sparking fears of a new wave of mobilization. The bill signed into law was published Friday on the official register of government documents. Russias military service rules previously required the in-person delivery of notices to conscripts and reservists who are called up for duty. Under the new law, the notices would be considered valid from the moment they are put on a state portal for electronic services. In the past, many Russians avoided the draft by staying away from their address of record. The new law closes that loophole ahead of a widely anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive in the coming weeks. Read morePutin signs bill allowing electronic conscription notices COLUMBIA Gov. Henry McMaster has picked a decorated Army combat officer to be the next director of the South Carolina agency tasked with connecting veterans to services and job opportunities. The Republican governor announced Feb. 7 he is nominating retired Maj. Gen. Todd McCaffrey, a 34-year Army veteran, to lead the state Department of Veterans Affairs. He would replace its inaugural secretary, retired Maj. Gen. William Grimsley, who plans to retire completely at month's end after three years at the helm of the new agency. After rattling off Grimsley's long list of military posts and medals, McMaster said "McCaffrey is likewise enormously qualified and talented." McCaffrey's military career included multiple stints as division commander in combat, as well as chief of staff posts in Hawaii and lastly for U.S. Africa Command based in Stuttgart, Germany. His awards include multiple Distinguished Service Medals and Bronze Stars. After retiring from the Army in 2020, McCaffrey worked at the University of South Carolina for a year as the college's director of military programs before starting his own consulting firm. "This gives us great confidence in what the future holds for our state," McMaster said, noting that South Carolina is home to roughly 400,000 veterans. "Our veterans are trained, they're experienced, they're educated, and they provide enormous help and guidance in our workforce," he said. "They're most valuable among our very valuable citizens." McCaffrey's nomination must be approved by the state Senate. "I both welcome and appreciate the opportunity to serve fellow South Carolina veterans in this important role," said McCaffrey, who lives in Columbia. "They represent America's best." Senate Family and Veterans' Services Chairwoman Katrina Shealy said confirmation hearings will be held in the coming weeks. "I have every confidence his background and record will make this a very easy job," said the Lexington Republican. The Department of Veterans Affairs was created as a standalone agency in the governor's Cabinet through a law McMaster signed in April 2019. Grimsley was confirmed as the first secretary in March 2020. His annual salary is $139,085. "This has been and will remain challenging, demanding and very, very purposeful work," said Grimsley, adding it's time to hand over the "incredibly important" job to concentrate on his family at their Beaufort home. "I've spent most of my adult life in service and, like many of you, have done so by prioritizing time toward work. But now it's time to place my family first, probably for the first time in my life and to ensure I don't miss all those ballgames, birthdays, school events and other things with my grandsons that I missed with my sons," he said, referring to his 10- and 8-year-old grandsons. Thanking his wife, he said, "It's way past time for me to be a better partner in this." COLUMBIA South Carolina horse breeders and trainers say they're locked in a losing race with other states, putting their business and historic industry in jeopardy. So now they're betting that a modern form of gambling could save them. A bipartisan Statehouse bill dubbed the SC Equine Advancement Act would legalize a limited form of online wagering on horse races. The new state commission created in the measure would license up to three applications to accept bets in the state, and those licensees would pay 10 percent of their earnings into a fund to support the Palmetto State's equine industry. The bill would only allow pari-mutuel betting in which winners split the pool with advanced deposits, meaning bettors would have to load money onto an account before wagering. If the bill became law which is a long shot given the state's traditional opposition to gambling and a governor who is an opponent of betting it would mark a watershed moment in South Carolina, where the only legal form of gambling is the state lottery and where gambling prohibitions are so tight that friendly games of garage poker are technically illegal. But the state's horse breeders and trainers say livelihoods are at stake. Unfortunately were getting kicked to the curb by other states who have incentives, Deborah McCutchen, who runs McCutchen Training Center in Kingstree with her husband, told a Senate subcommittee Feb. 7. Its killing us. Other states, like Virginia and Delaware, pay monetary bonuses to horses that win races if those horses are stabled in their states for at least part of the year. McCutchen said customers have cited incentives when they take their horses somewhere else. The McCutchens training center is currently stabling 45 thoroughbreds though they have space for 80 and they have laid off staff as demand has slackened. At the same time, businesses that supply the equine industry, like blacksmiths, have fallen on hard times as well, she said. Between 2001 and 2020 the number of mares bred annually in South Carolina fell from 232 to 26. Over the same period the amount that S.C.-bred horses won in races dropped from $607,400 to $65,000 a year, according to testimony Tom Aronson, the president of a racing services company, gave to a legislative study committee in early 2022. Proponents see gambling as the best way to generate money for the industry. About $130 million a year might be wagered through the programs, according to estimates from the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office based on data from other states that have similar programs. Another estimate projected annual wagers at between $40 million and $70 million. About 80 percent of the wagers would be reserved as payouts for the winners, and race operators usually take a 3 to 7 percent slice of the total in hosting fees, though high-profile races such as the Kentucky Derby take much more, according to Brandon Dermody, a lobbyist for the South Carolina Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association. The remainder goes back to the betting companies which would be required to pay 10 percent of their yearly projected earnings to the commission, generating $1.8 million a year for the fund, the fiscal office estimated. The fund will likely generate more money than just the 10 percent fee because applicants can offer more to be more competitive, Dermody said. Under the bill, the commission would dole out the fund in grants to the equine industry. A 2022 study committee report put the implementation of a thoroughbred incentive program as the top priority, but named a variety of other potential recipients including the equine programs at state universities and prisons, the state's horse trail system and efforts to save the critically endangered Marsh Tacky horse. The Senate bill, sponsored by Katrina Shealy, R-Lexington, and Tom McElveen, D-Sumter, was passed unanimously out of subcommittee on Feb. 7 and is likely to be voted out of full committee to the floor on Feb. 8. Beyond that, its future is uncertain. Some South Carolina politicians, especially those on the religious right, believe any form of gambling is immoral and preys on the most vulnerable. Gov. Henry McMaster has repeatedly opposed gambling legalization efforts as contrary to the states values. Rep. Russell Ott, D-St. Matthews, who sponsors the companion legislation in the lower house where it has yet to receive a hearing, acknowledged the fierce opposition gambling legislation could face. "I completely understand that there could be concerns from some if not many," he said. "But I don't know of anyone who is opposed to trying to improve the equine industry." Two of South Carolina's largest airports on opposite sides of the state want lawmakers to allocate nearly $700 million to help pay for expansion projects. Officials from Charleston International and Greenville-Spartanburg International asked a subcommittee of state budget-writers Feb. 7 for $681.5 million to fund construction work over the next four years to meet growing demands for passenger travel and air cargo. In the Lowcountry, the state's busiest airport plans to build a new wing with six gates, multistory parking deck, expanded ticket hall and move its overnight aircraft parking area at a total cost of $644.1 million. Charleston wants $417 million, about 61 percent of the two airports' funding requests, from the state. The rest of the money would come from the Charleston County Aviation Authority's reserves, borrowing and federal aid. In the Upstate, GSP wants to build a parking garage and rental car pavilion, cargo facility, commercial aviation maintenance operation, automated shuttle service and updated baggage handling at a total cost of $409.7 million. Greenville-Spartanburg officials want the state to allocate $264.5 million. The remainder would come from reserves, in-house financing and federal grants. For the upcoming state budget year that begins in July, Charleston wants $25.5 million and Greenville is asking for $50 million. Larger amounts are being requested for each of the next three years, especially from the Lowcountry airport. Charleston International CEO Elliott Summey, in opening remarks for both airports, said the one-time funding request would position them to expand with the state's population and meet projected demand in air travel. Charleston's passenger count, last year at a record 5.32 million, is forecast to nearly double by 2041 to 9.83 million. Greenville saw 2.19 million ticket holders coming and going last year. The Upstate airport expects its passenger level to grow nearly 40 percent to more than 3 million by 2037. "If we can get funding from the state, that would give us both a competitive advantage for federal grants and help us move forward faster on these projects," Summey said. In Charleston, the parking deck and the relocated aircraft parking area are needed first, he said. "It won't do us any good to build a new concourse if we don't have anywhere for passengers or aircraft to park," he said. Summey added CHS could issue bonds to build the garage, but he said it would "eat up" the Aviation Authority's borrowing capacity. "We are going to start the design process on the garage no matter what, but it would be nice to have the commitment from the state up front," Summey said. "It would be huge, and we could move forward a lot faster." Kevin Howell, chief operating officer at GSP, noted the Upstate airport handles billions of dollars in cargo each year, with manufacturers shipping products made in South Carolina to Europe, Asia and Mexico. He also said hardly a day goes by that one or both of the parking decks at GSP are full. "The importance of airport infrastructure is critical to the state's economy," Howell said. The two airports probably won't know until the legislative session ends in May if funding will be provided. That's when lawmakers wrap up talks on the state's spending plan for the new budget year, which starts in July. COLUMBIA A parcel of property across from the BullStreet District will be redeveloped into 200 or more apartments and also substantial retail space. Astral Development of New York has purchased six adjacent properties near the intersections of Elmwood and Bull streets for $2.125 million, according to John McAllister Realty Consulting of Columbia. The sale closed Feb. 1, according to McAllister. The developers still are finalizing their designs but expect to build at least 200 apartments in the area that are intended to be attractive to young professionals, according to a statement from Astral. The project, an investment of at least $50 million, is not intended to be student housing, according to the company. Early projections show a building of five stories, but the design has not been finalized. The company said it expects the building to offer studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. The company's plans also include substantial retail space on the lower levels and parking to go with it on the site, which is 1.6 acres in total. No groundbreaking is expected before 2024, according to the company, which is based in New York. Astral Development cited the growth of the BullStreet District and Columbia's Downtown and nearby neighborhoods as reasons the project makes sense to them. The area has a lot of great momentum, and we are proud to play a role in its continued success," the company said in a statement. The property now has six small buildings on it facing Elmwood Avenue and Marion and Bull streets. All those would be demolished to make way for the new construction. The buildings slated for removal do not include the No Name Deli, a popular local lunch spot. That piece of property had been included in an earlier auction of the real estate that did not go through. Before the auction, Murphy USA proposed a convenience store and gas station for the site, but that plan fell through after the city's Board of Zoning Appeals failed to approve the plan on a tie vote. In 2022, the longtime owners of No Name retired, but little has changed at the business, except that the classic deli now does accept credit cards. Two apartment projects, including the redevelopment of the Babcock building, continue to build on the BullStreet District campus. Astral's project would add to a trend of more apartment living near downtown. LEXINGTON A Lexington entrepreneur, public relations professional and political strategist announced his run for a vacant seat on the Lexington Town Council, citing fortifying small businesses and improving traffic as his top priorities. Gavin Smith, founder of a Lexington public relations firm and staffer in former President Donald Trump's and former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley's administrations, announced his run for Town Council on Feb. 7, after Councilman Steve Baker announced his resignation at a Feb. 6 council meeting. "I wholeheartedly believe in the direction that we're heading," Smith said. "But we also need young leaders to step up." Smith, a small business owner in Lexington, said one of his his top priorities is bolstering business owners. In addition to owning a public affairs firm, Smith is former business partner in the Navy Yard on Main project, a biergarten that was planned to open in downtown Lexington last year, but faced legal obstacles and was eventually cancelled because of skyrocketing construction costs. "There's a lot of red tape to do business in the town of Lexington," Smith said. "Let's dive deeper into that and understand, what does it take for the average business to do business (here)?" Specifically, Smith wants to look at what fees are required to open a small business in Lexington, and how costs can be cut back, he said. Smith, 30, grew up just outside of Lexington and has lived in the area for most of his life, he said. Smith runs Gavin James Public Affairs, a Lexington communications firm specializing in cooperate and political public relations, as well as a number of other entrepreneurial ventures. In addition to local clients, Smith was a spokesman for several federal agencies. Smith previously worked on Trump's 2016 campaign and on his inauguration committee. He also worked in Haley's executive office. White tablecloths, stylish rose-pink water glasses and a stunning open kitchen might lead to certain assumptions about Laura, Nico Romos third restaurant that opened in June 2022. One could anticipate an air of pretension that can come with high-brow dining, but any thoughts that the new Summerville destination is anything but approachable will be dispelled when diners enter the spacious single-story structure. As the occasional train rolls by, families with young children can be found sharing plates of pasta and Neapolitan pizzas in the early evening. Later at night, the barstools lining a long wraparound bar start to fill in as chatter echoes from the dining room, anchored by that bustling visible kitchen. Thats where the restaurants 10-inch thin crust pizzas are kissed by the fire in a round, red oven before landing atop pizza stands across the restaurant. Splitting one of those small pizzas with the table perhaps with a Caesar salad showered in white anchovies is a wonderful way to start a meal at Laura. The thin slices are covered in well-dispersed topping selections that range from classic to more imaginative, like the prosciutto, pancetta, sweet pepper, ricotta and Parmesan mingling on the pesto pizza ($16). The outer edge, or cornicione, is soft and marked by a charred sweetness. The doughy border stands on its own, so much so that white patterned plates are left clean rather than scattered with spare bits of unwanted dough. Made over a 48-hour period and cooked at 650 degrees, the dough is fluffy and weightless, with toppings that complement rather than dominate. When it comes to pizza at Laura, even the younger generation has no problem joining the clean-plate club. Romo and his team put in hours crafting Lauras four pies each day. Im so proud of that pizza dough, said Romo, discussing how the prosciutto on the pesto pie achieves its exquisite crunch the salty meat is cooked before its placed on the pizza. It would release too much fat in the oven, so it would mess up the dough. Despite the traditional approach, Romos foray into pizza strays from the fare served at his other two restaurants, NICO Oysters + Seafood and Bistronomy by Nico. His 6,000-square-foot Summerville spot at 101 N. Main St. focuses on food from Italy rather than France, where the chef grew up. Laura is named after Romos grandmother, whose legacy is shared on the restaurants website that describes her strong, independent spirit and Romos memories of Bolognese simmering on the stove. Lauras Bolognese ($21) headlines the primo section of the menu thats filled with an assortment of house-made pastas. While the seemingly simple dish is one of Lauras specialties, I was drawn to other items when glancing at the menu ahead of my first visit. I looked past the secondo section of the menu though I did consider the pork shank and sopressata-wrapped chicken choosing to instead sample a handful of Lauras eight pasta dishes. Small, flattened agnolotti cylinders ($20) were surrounded by a luscious brown butter sage sauce, dusted with pistachio bits and lemon-scented toasted breadcrumbs. The first few bites neared perfection, though the rich sauce became overbearing as I made my way through the plate. A touch heavy on the butter and cream but balanced by flecks of spicy red peppers, the sauces main foul is that it covers the delicate slivers of fresh pasta. Pillowy puffs of gnocchi ($20), crisped on the exterior by the wood-fired oven but swimming in a Parmesan cream sauce, were similarly impacted by a heavy hand of dairy fat. Meanwhile, the bucatini with cacio e pepe, a sauce that has the potential to weigh down fresh pasta, was delightfully delicate at Laura, though I yearned for more of the slim zucchini shavings on top. Humble ingredients, hard work While Lauras pasta sauce can at times be on the heavy side, Laura's signature Bolognese is anything but, I learned halfway through my second visit. After driving to Summerville as the sun was setting on a January day, I pulled up to Laura to find cars lining the grassy, railroad-facing makeshift lot across East Luke Avenue, where the entrance to Laura is located. I found a spot a couple hundred yards from the restaurant. Snagging a seat at the bar, I saw Romo whisk by, hollering hello to a duo of diners also seated in the high-top chairs. The chef, who will soon open a fourth eatery in Summerville, is the type of restaurant owner who likes to be fully engaged in day-to-day operations. The Bolognese, straight from his grandmothers recipe book, hits especially close to home, demonstrating how humble ingredients can lead to a near-flawless end result. Romos grandmother was born in Arpino, Italy, before relocating to Lyon, France, early in her life. There, Laura started cooking at age 6, utilizing the few ingredients their family was able to access. That meant her Bolognese was made by braising proteins in a fragrant sauce for hours to pull flavor out of the meat she could get her hands on. Romo replicates this process at Laura, cooking beef and pork overnight in the restaurants mother sauce, which serves as the starting point for all of Lauras tomato-based sauces. The meat is pulled from the sauce and finished with house-made pasta. Copious amounts of the pull-apart meat are separated by sturdy noodles that wrap around each other in the wide white bowl. Unlike the gnocchi and agnolotti, Lauras Bolognese, showered in Parmesan cheese, sings more than just one note, as the occasional circle of sausage, bright green pea or surge of spice caused me to perk up. Labor of love Everybody has a different version of Italian food, as Romo is quick to point out. His take is a labor of love, even outside of business hours, when five staff members arrive in the morning to make fresh pasta and pizza dough. This added attention to detail and Romos commitment to using high-quality ingredients is reflected in Romos prices, which he strives to make approachable. Bread is not free (focaccia bread made daily in-house costs $7), and the bulk of the entrees are in the $20-$35 range. This is less expensive than many downtown Charleston restaurants with a comparable offering but exceeds the price point of many Summerville destinations. Its expensive to run. It costs a lot to make fresh pasta, Romo said. We do our best to make those numbers work. If the eye test checks out, Romo isn't having trouble getting Summerville diners on board with paying for a quality product. Perhaps this has to do with the areas now-flourishing dining scene that includes newcomers like La Rustica, Bexley Fish & Raw Bar and Day Drink Brunch Lounge. Or maybe Summerville residents just cant get enough of Lauras Bolognese. BEAUFORT In August, a team led by University of South Carolina archaeologist Chester DePratter searched in residents yards, city parks and the lawn of the First African Baptist Church for evidence of a 17th-century Scottish settlement known as Stuarts Town. Historians knew such a place existed, but they did not agree on where it had been. Most placed it in Spanish Point, a piece of land that juts into the Beaufort River about 3 miles north of the Port Royal Sound. But DePratter believed the small band of Scots put their church and a handful of houses a few miles farther up the river, exactly where much of todays population lives: on the point of downtown Beaufort. On Feb. 4, DePratter hosted a symposium at the Center for the Arts of the University of South Carolina Beaufort to announce the results of his unusual urban dig. He told a packed house some in tartan kilts that his team had not found the remains of a dwelling, privy or fortification that would definitively establish the location of Stuarts Town. But they did find shards of what is likely 17th century pottery on 11 properties. The accumulation of pieces, especially when nothing comparable has been discovered in Spanish Point, gave DePratter confidence his team was looking in the right place. We can conclusively say now that Stuarts Town is under Beaufort and not under Spanish Point, DePratter told the crowd. What was Stuarts Town again? If most people aren't familiar with Stuarts Town, they have good reason. It didn't last long, it had only a few dozen colonists, and it was abandoned by its colonizers, said Peter Moore, a history professor at Texas A&M and the author of a book about the settlement. "It was a failure, and a small failure to boot," Moore said at the symposium. In 1684, about 50 Presbyterian Scots seeking religious freedom from England and its Anglican Church made their way to Port Royal Island. Less than two years later, Spanish troops and their Native American allies burned the settlement to the ground in retaliation for what they perceived as the Scots' role in a slave raid. The attack drove away the inhabitants and reduced the buildings to charcoal. Yet, Moore argued, Stuarts Town put in motion a series of events that ultimately transformed the region. In a way, it managed to help reignite the Indian slave trade, realign Native Americans, spark Queen Anne's War, destroy Spanish missions in Florida, and allow the English to march steadily across the Southeast. As a result, although the Scottish colonists were fleeing state persecution, they ended up serving the crown. While Stuarts Town failed as a colony, Moore said, it "succeeded in extending the reach of the British Empire with devastating consequences." A fresh read While DePratter had been aware of the history of Stuarts Town, his interest in it was reignited in the 1990s during his search for a Spanish colonial town on St. Helena. DePratter wondered if historians had misinterpreted a land deed from around the turn of the 18th century, which seemed to suggest the Scots had settled in Spanish Point. But by reconsidering the syntax, DePratter saw the deed could read "the Scott's town ... lying on Port Royal River below the bluff." That description would seem to place Stuarts Town in today's city of Beaufort. An old map recovered from the archives corroborated DePratter's hypothesis. So, with permission from Beaufort officials, DePratter and his team wrote letters to over 100 households in the historic Point neighborhood, asking to dig holes in their well-kept lawns, he said. The team promised to do as little damage as possible, fill in the holes, and report on the results of the excavation. Thirty-one people agreed to the request, including the mayor, Stephen Murray. "Archaeology takes a village," Murray told the symposium. His was among the first lawns to be dug up at a kickoff event in June, attended by 100 people. DePratter said the search for Stuarts Town was unusual in the amount of public attention it received. Beaufort residents created an action group to publicize the event, entered a float about it in the city's water festival parade, and set up an information tent during the dig in August to explain what was going on. Beneath the shade of the tent, DePratter's team sifted dirt, hoping to find charred remains of wooden structures that would prove without a doubt the Scots' village had once stood beneath their feet. Instead, the group's 118 shovel tests across 21 properties turned up metals and fragments of stone, as well as Chinese porcelain, delft, and other pottery that indicated "we're likely in the area where there was 17th-century occupation," DePratter said. The group also found ceramic types that date after Stuarts Town, we well as Native American ceramics, but not as much of either as DePratter expected. As with many archaeological endeavors, DePratter concluded that more work was needed. But the combination of the warm welcome Beaufort gave the search for Stuarts Town and the promising findings left him optimistic. Were going to come back, he promised. Last week, I wrote in my review of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves that I wasnt really familiar with the Dungeons & Dragons game, and that may have affected my enjoyment of the movie. There will be no such disclaimer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie. My brother and I we Read moreThe Super Mario Bros. Movie Stephen Smith's mother announced a $35,000 reward April 3 for information that leads to the arrest of anyone involved with her son's 2015 death. His body was found on a Hampton County road. The money is coming from a pool of more than $120,000 raised in a GoFundMe initiative to subsidize the investigation. Read more$35,000 reward offered for information into Stephen Smith's 2015 death French President Emmanuel Macron is fighting for his governments political life. He just barely survived two no-confidence votes. There are riots in the streets, and some workers including garbage collectors went on strike to protest. Read moreStevens: We need Social Security reform before we are in crisis The world is not going to end if the S.C. House passes the latest version of legislation that started out last year as an effort to ban an expansive set of concepts about race and gender that critics refer to as critical race theory. That term was stripped from the legislation last year, as were prohibitions on teaching that could adversely affect how students feel about the things theyre taught an idea that shouldn't be included in law since some people are just too sensitive. Additionally, much of the overly vague terminology has been replaced with more precise language, and were left with a reasonable mandate to teach "fact-based" history and equally reasonable prohibitions for teaching and teacher training: You cant teach that one race, sex, ethnicity, color or national origin is inherently superior to another, for example, or that individuals should be blamed for actions of others because of their race or other inherent traits. Those prohibitions, by the way, are already in state law as evidenced by two lawsuits filed last year alleging without evidence that school districts are violating that law. The so-called Transparency and Integrity in Education Act makes that theoretically temporary language permanent and adds lots of explanations about what the law isn't, and how it's to be enforced. The problem with H.3728 is that even after hours upon hours of legislative time over the past year, no one has been able to point to a single example of its tenets having been violated in a South Carolina public school classroom. That is, the bill doesn't address an actual problem. Last year, supporters came up with only a single example of an inappropriate lesson of the sort that the bill would have prohibited: It involved a teacher asking students to wear black in mourning over the 2016 election of Donald Trump and it happened in a private school. Last month, only one supporter showed up at a public hearing to testify in favor of the bill, and likewise brought no examples. We did have one disturbing incident in the fall, when a substitute teacher in a Charleston County public school handed out a reading assignment about a child transitioning from female to male, even though it wasnt on the syllabus parents had been provided or on the districts approved-reading list. But the principal immediately notified parents that an assignment had been given that shouldnt have been, assured them it wouldnt happen again and reminded them how to opt their kids out of classes. And the teacher was disciplined. We also had those two lawsuits, filed by the Houses Freedom Caucus, that dont cite anything that's been taught in S.C. public schools but instead were based on goals listed on an educator-training companys website and on secretly recorded comments from an employee of that organization about what it wants to push on teachers. While some people might understandably find the goals troubling, we couldn't find any allegations in the lawsuits that would actually violate state law or the language in the bill up for debate this week in the House. Throughout most of the history of Western civilization, the conservative position was to not change things without having a good reason to do so. We think that remains a good principle for government whether you consider yourself conservative, liberal or part of the wide swath of people in between. The only reason we can see to pass this bill is to allow supporters to hold a news conference to brag about having passed it, or to use it in their political campaigns, to convince constituents that they took action to beat back the woke hordes trying to take over our schools. You know, the ones they offer no proof of well, except those Greenville educators some self-professed grandparents showed up at a school board meeting last year to charge with allowing students to identify as cats, letting them use litter boxes and requiring other students to treat them like cats. Those claims, you might recall, turned out to be complete fabrications. Beyond being a solution in search of a problem, there is a chance that this legislation could do harm, by contributing to all the craziness that is scaring people away from the teaching profession, and driving current teachers out of the profession. We dont think theres much chance that teachers will be fired or silenced if the bill passes, and if they read it rather than just responding to what theyve read about it on social media, theyll know that. But remember how Republicans keep saying we have to pass draconian measures to protect the integrity of our voting system because voters were convinced incorrectly that it was in danger? Well, there's a similar argument for why we need to not pass this sort of legislation except that teachers would have more reason to worry if this bill passed than those voters have to worry about not passing more voting restrictions. It also strikes us as wasteful to require the state Education Department and every school district to establish an elaborate system to deal with complaints when, again, we have no evidence that there are any legitimate complaints in the first place. Imagine how much better off we'd all be if our lawmakers would focus on solving problems South Carolina actually has. Click here for more opinion content from The Post and Courier. When President Joe Biden delivers his second State of the Union address Feb. 7, a cancer survivor from North Charleston will be watching alongside the first lady as one of her special guests. Darlene Gaffney met Jill Biden in 2021 when the first lady visited the Medical University of South Carolina's Hollings Cancer Center during the final week of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During their interaction, Gaffney told the first lady she was a survivor who wanted to spread the word about early detection, cancer screenings and treatment options. Gaffney was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in March 2015. She took her story and shared it with others. That led her to Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church's Cancer Support Ministry because she wanted to use her own experience to educate others in her church and in the Black community about the importance of early detection and how cancer screenings can help save lives. "October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but we must be aware of cancer every day," Gaffney said at the time at MUSC, as Biden looked into her eyes and nodded. "Our administration is committed to spreading awareness so women can find out early if they have breast cancer," Biden said during her two-hour stop at the Hollings Cancer Center on Oct 25, 2021. The White House told The Post and Courier Feb. 6 Gaffney was invited because she personifies issues or themes that will be addressed by the president in his speech and embodies the Biden administration's policies. For the Biden administration, cancer is deeply personal. In addition to losing one of her friends, Joe Biden's son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46. She later confessed that his death temporarily shattered her faith. Her parents also died of cancer. In February 2022, the president and the first lady relaunched their Cancer Moonshot initiative, an ambitious effort to boost cancer prevention, screening and research, with the ultimate goal of reducing the death rate from the disease by 50 percent during the next 25 years. Nollywood stars Kate Henshaw and Chidi Mokeme have caused a social media stir after they shared a kiss in public. A trending clip shows the actress running into Chidis warm embrace, jumping on him and wrapping her legs around him amidst wild screams. After the embrace, the duo locked lips for a brief second. They hadnt set eyes on each other for a long while as they kept saying too long amidst screams. The actors met on the set of Ruthless produced by Vincent Okonkwo and starring Zubby Michael. Not many know the actors have been friends and colleagues for over 30 years, even before Nollywood came to be. That is why whenever they meet on set, it is usually magical. Two of a kind As actors, Mokeme and Henshaw share a couple of similarities. They both belong to the same generation of what has been termed old Nollywood. Mokeme started his career as a commercial and fashion model before transitioning to the screen. Like Mokeme, before becoming an actress, Henshaw worked as a model, featuring in various commercials, including an advert for Shield deodorant. Also, before joining mainstream Nollywood, the actors tried their hands in the Yoruba genre of Nigerian movies. Mokeme, 50, and Kate, 51, both speak fluent Yoruba language despite not being from the region. They have both starred in a couple of films together, including Aiming High, And to Love and to Cherish, both released in the early 2000s and a host of others. There is, however, one notable difference between the actors. Chidi, in 2012, got married to a Nigerian-American medical doctor, Jean Olumba, with whom he shares a son. Kate, on the other hand, married Roderick Nuttal in 1999, with whom she shares a daughter. They divorced in 2011. Reactions Reactions from Twitter users show that the majority of them understand the kiss, even though there are a few doubts. All of a sudden, women are "understanding this kiss"But let their boyfriend peck one Amaka or funmi at work, all hell will let loose. BLA (@uncommon_mee) February 7, 2023 https://twitter.com/OneJoblessBoy/status/1622670902033883151?s=20&t=cP3zzrR5AM6wo27D6yCuRA See me blushing Oladimeji Olawale (@Olawale_Dimeji) February 7, 2023 Scar Mokeme has been in the news a lot lately for different reasons. His role as Scar in Shanty Town earned him many accolades. Scar portrays a brutish and fierce-looking enforcer who provides the needed muscle to run a prostitution ring. To get into the role, the actor said that he had to go through some body modifications. Some of the body modifications I did to enter into the character of Scar was to shave off my hair and go bald. I also did not take my bath for a few days before going on set so that when they said I should do something dirty, I could do it freely because I knew I was not clean. READ ALSO: Sometimes I dont brush my teeth, and when I open my mouth to talk to people, they wonder what kind of a person I am, he said in a BBC interview. He also said he had to smoke to make his voice sound gruff in the series. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Politics is a game of persuasion. It is the psychological warfare of winning peoples hearts to do the bidding of an individual or a group. But propaganda is a major tool politicians employ to fight political and psychological battles. It is a smart way to tell people black is white and make them believe it. At the moment, election merchants are at the peak of displaying their propagandistic prowess ahead of the forthcoming general elections. From rebranding and marketing their candidates to pushing narratives, political parties do their best to be on top of their games. It is no longer the survival of the fittest; it is, of course, the survival of the smartest. And being the best in the arts of propaganda could skyrocket the chances of winning the polls in the peoples minds which may, in turn, translate to election victory. What is propaganda? Propaganda is simply a scientific tool used by an individual or a group to shape the public perception of a person or a product. Mariam Webster, an American online English dictionary, says propaganda is ideas or statements that are often false or exaggerated and spread to help a cause, a political leader, a government, etc. Propaganda is the deliberate, systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behaviour to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist, said Garth Jowett, a communications professor at the University of Houston in the United States. However, as the political landscape of Nigeria shifts towards another general election, here are some of the propaganda techniques deployed by most Nigerian politicians. Name-calling and profiling When politicians are stereotypical of an individual or a political group, their agenda mostly promotes an awful perception of their opponents to arouse public rejection. In most cases, these politicians use simple terminologies to label or give a negative description of an individual or group. On January 7, 2023, for instance, Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), described Atiku Abukar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Mr Sell Everything and called Peter Obi of the Labour Party Mr Stingy My people, you cannot entrust your future or that of our nation to Mr Sell Everything, Atiku, or Mr Stingy, Obi, Mr Tinubu said during APCs rally in Ondo State. And in the same pattern but positively, he described himself as Mr Progressive Good Governance Tinubu, asking Nigerians to trust him. Propagandists often use this method to dodge fact-based opinions on public issues to tame and name their opponents so the public can see them in a bad light. Playing the common man If you see a typical Nigerian politician stopping by the roadside to buy roasted corn, entering a local restaurant to eat local meals, or even taking a sachet of water, dont fall for such humility, especially during an election period. Politicians use this propaganda technique to make the common man feel loved or remembered. At the moment, Peter Obi of the Labour party seems to be the most-discussed politician using this propagandistic strategy. During the previous general elections and electioneering when he was running mate to Atiku Abubakar, then PDPs presidential candidate, Mr Obi was hugely criticised for claiming he had only one wristwatch he had used for 17 years and two pairs of black shoes. But social media users dug out old photos of Mr Obi where he was spotted with different wristwatches. Since then, he has been reputed for always playing to be a common man. Recently, he had been seen mostly in black clothes at airports carrying his luggage without being aided by anyone. This propaganda strategy worked like magic because many of his supporters would describe him as the presidential candidate with a simple personality. But make no mistake: Mr Obi is not the only one fond of this strategy. Neary all Nigerian politicians that have contested elections in the recent time have been seen using this method. Tunde Ajaja of the Punch Newspaper examined several plots of politicians during election seasons; he also documented how the public manipulative displays have failed to solve the countrys economic and social problems here. Playing politics with words Good politicians are users of words. As James Humes, a renowned presidential speechwriter, once said, The art of communication is the language of leadership. The masterful use of words can sway audiences or electorates to keep less focused on important matters. It is a manipulative strategy to distract listeners using glad words, euphemisms and over-simplifying complex matters. According to Sapoboxie, a propaganda and public relations website, this strategy uses important-sounding glad words with little or no real meaning. High-sounding words are also seen as glittering generalities that cannot be proved or disproved. The first Nigerian politician of the moment that comes to mind regarding the ability to manipulate people with fantastic use of words is Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Mr Osinbajo, a law professor, had been widely glorified for speeches that made Nigerians less critical of complex issues battling their lives. At the APC presidential primary election, for instance, Mr Osinbajo stole the show when he delivered a speech widely applauded by many Nigerians, including those against his presidential ambition. See an excerpt of his speech here: It is possible to establish a technology economy here in Nigeria; it is possible to establish a bitumen processing industry in Ondo, gold processing in Zamfara and Osun, and exploit and process the finest precious metals and stones in the world in Benue, in Plateau and most of the North Central states. We can exploit oil and gas in the Niger Delta, South East, and even Bauchi and Gombe States. It is possible to manufacture our vehicles in Nnewi. Already, Innoson Motors they are doing great things there. We can open up steel plants in Kogi, establish Africas largest industrial city between Ogun and Lagos. We can establish the biggest gas and petrochemical plants in the world in the Niger Delta; we can sell fertilizer to Africa as we already have one of the largest plants in the world, the Dangote refinery. We can sell shoes to the world already the Aba Shoe Cluster in Abia State sells over a million pairs of footwear every week to the rest of Africa. We can manufacture our weapons and ammunition locally, DICON in Kaduna is already manufacturing munitions, and Proforce, a Nigerian company, is making armoured mobile platforms here in Nigeria. We can build drones, helicopters and planes. Our Air Force is already manufacturing air platforms. And God helps us; in two decades, we can become the first nation on earth to send an all-black team of astronauts to the moon. We have the talent, the resources and the resourcefulness to be one of the worlds leading economies. We have the guts and the confidence to beat the world. We can run an open, honest and transparent government, ensure the rule of law; can secure our nation from terrorism. We can provide good-paying jobs for millions of young people. If the masterful use of words solely won elections, Mr Osinbajo could have been declared the winner of the presidential primary of the APC. He delivered a speech that raised the hope of the delegates and listeners across Nigeria. However, the hypnotising words of Mr Osinbajo above could make the people less concerned about asking questions about how he intended to achieve all his campaign promises. The testimonial method This is a common propaganda technique among Nigerian politicians. It is a device used to gain public acceptance. Politicians seek power by visiting famous individuals or highly influential persons for endorsement. It is during election seasons, for instance, that palaces and places of traditional rulers and religious leaders become very busy as politicians pay homage to seek their blessings. During elections, you also see popular musicians and dramatists throwing weights behind the politicians of their choice. Propagandists believe getting these influential individuals endorsements can determine a politicians popularity and victory. Seeking the endorsement or acceptance of a widely loved person or an influential individual is called testimonial among propagandists and psychologists, according to Propaganda Critic Misleading testimonials are usually obvious, said propagandistic.com, a website guiding readers on decoding manipulative propaganda. It added that most of us have probably seen through this rhetorical trick at some time or another. But heres the thing: We are far more likely to see through the deception if the celebrity is someone we do not respect. When an admired celebrity provides the testimonial, we are much less likely to be critical. Testimonial is so important in political propaganda that no serious politician dares to toy with it. When Olusegun Obasanjo, former Nigerias president, endorsed Peter Obi of the Labour Party as his preferred presidential candidate, many southwest leaders criticised him for leaving his fellow Yoruba man, Bola Tinubu, to support an Igbo man. Supporters of Mr Tinubu were angry about such an endorsement because Mr Obasanjo is regarded as one of the few respected elder statesmen in the country. The lesser of two evils In 2019, many Nigerians were convinced President Muhammadu Buhari did not perform well enough to deserve a second term. But the narrative of APC supporters and adherents was that Mr Buhari was a lesser evil when compared with his major opponent, Atiku Abubakar of the PDP. Balarabe Musa, a Nigerian politician, for instance, said during the last general electioneering: Buhari has failed, but Atiku will fail even more because of Atikus connection with some forces, among them are former presidents, who are the root of the rot we are now facing in this. Nigerians want to know the qualitative and demonstrative character and differences between Atiku and Buhari, APC and PDP. Theres nothing. So its a question of choice between two devils. Here, Mr Musa was indirectly campaigning for Mr Buhari using what propagandists call the least evil propaganda. It is a manipulative way to downplay one evil against another. Or asking people to choose between two disappointing things because one is more disappointing than the other. Fast-forward to 2023, the same strategy would be used to sell Peter Obis presidential ambition to Nigerians. The narrative pushed to the public is that Mr Obi is a lesser evil when compared with other presidential candidates, who have been described as corrupt old folks or moneybag politicians. Peter Obi doesnt enjoy this massive love and support among Nigerians because he is a saint or without blemish, said Okon Ime Bishop, Nollywood film-maker famously known as Okon Lagos. He has admitted openly that he is not a saint. He is loved because he is in the race. He is a lesser evil and not a saint. The researcher produced this fact-check per the Dubawa 2023 Kwame Karikari Fellowship partnership with Premium Times to facilitate the ethos of truth in journalism and enhance media literacy in the country. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print At least 4,800 people have died in the twin earthquake that rocked border communities in Turkey and Syria. Orhan Tatar, an official with Turkeys Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), gave the number of dead in the county at 3,381 on Tuesday morning, while 20,426 others were injured. Mr Tatar said more than 5,700 buildings had also been destroyed. In Syria, at least 1,444 people were killed and about 3,500 others were injured, according to the Ministry of Health and the White Helmets rescue organisation. Extreme weather conditions have worsened the plight of both victims of the quake and the rescuers. Turkeys President Recep Erdogan called Mondays twin temblors the biggest disaster since the 1939 Erzincan earthquake, which killed about 33,000 people, Al Jazeera reported. He also declared seven days of national mourning while Syria has appealed to the United Nations for help. Several countries including Nigeria condoled the victims and expressed willingness to support the affected countries through the disaster. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print While many of his colleagues are opposed to the implementation of the currency redesign policy of the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN), Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State Tuesday declared his support for the policy. Mr Umahi, a member of Nigerias ruling party, APC, acknowledged the suffering the policy is causing many Nigerians but said he believes President Muhammadu Buhari meant well with the policy and that the challenges would be resolved soon. President Buhari has worked so much for this country, he is a man with a clean heart. He is a man fighting the people that are oppressing the masses and I want to appeal to our people to be patient with him, said Mr Umahi, who is also the chairperson of the South-East Governors Forum. We will support the president in the new naira redesign. In few days Nigerians will be happy with his decision, he said. Mr Umahis stance contradicts that of the APC governors forum (PGF) which has asked Mr Buhari to change the implementation of the policy and extend the deadline for the validity of the old naira notes to December. In fact, the governors of three APC-controlled states Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara have sued the federal government at the Supreme Court over the policy. Mr Buhari, however, told the APC governors that would review the situation by the 10 January deadline. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the CBN last October announced that the old N200, N500 and N1,000 notes would no longer be valid from 31 January due to the redesign. However, the scarcity of the new notes led to the CBN extending the deadline to 10 February. Despite the extension, the new notes are still scarce with millions of Nigerians stranded and unable to access the new notes to pay for goods and services. The situation has led to protests in many states such as Oyo, Ogun and Akwa Ibom. Umahi acknowledges the suffering of Nigerians Governor Umahi, while speaking at an APC governorship campaign rally at Ugbodo, the headquarters of Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state, acknowledged that residents of his state, like their counterparts across Nigeria, were finding it difficult to access the new notes. We know we cant go to the banks to withdraw money, we know the money is very scarce in Ebonyi. We know that the ATMs have all dried up and we have informed Mr President and Mr President is already addressing the issue, he said. Buhari is a man that loves the people, he is a man that hates to see the people suffering. I urge all the gladiators to allow him to finish the good work that God called him to do in Nigeria. In his speech, Mr Umahi assured President Buhari that there will be no protest against the policy in his state. He urged Nigerians to be patient with the president adding that in a few days, the suffering and hardship witnessed by the people will be resolved. Ebonyi Governorship Mr Umahi, who is rounding off his second and last term as Ebonyi governor, campaigned for the APC candidate, Francis Nwifuru. He accused the opposition parties in the state of recruiting members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) to attack members of the APC in the state. For those recruiting thugs, I am warning you for the last time, he said. For those using official security and those sewing clothes as policemen and to give them guns to attack us, we have infiltrated your camps, we know them, we will bring them out and make sure they face the law. He also accused the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Bernard Odoh, of tarnishing his name. He said rather than engage in writing petitions and using propaganda against the ruling party, they should concentrate on campaign rallies. He, however, assured the opposition parties that he will grant them access to government facilities for their campaign. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Taraba State caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly has rejected the removal of the chairperson of the party in the state, Ibrahim El-Sudi, by the state executive committee (SEC). Members of the caucus, while briefing journalists at the National Assembly on Monday, said the removal of the party chairperson contravenes the constitution of the party. Mr El-Sudi was impeached by the SEC after invoking Article 21(d)(vi) of the APC Constitution. They reportedly accused the embattled chairman of negligence. Danjuma Shidi (APC, Taraba), a member of the House of Representatives, who spoke on behalf of the lawmakers, said the removal of Mr El-Sudi was done by some self-serving individuals who are working with people outside the party. He said the SEC was not properly constituted before taking the decision, noting that a quorum was not formed when the decision was made. We do not see any justification in fact and none at least backed by law for the purported removal from office of our State Chairman, especially at this very critical stage of preparation for elections. READ ALSO: Such calls and attempts in some quarters purported to have extra-constitutionally removed the state chairman is a calculated attempt to sabotage the partys efforts at winning the 2023 general polls in the state at all levels. In the light of Article 21 of the APC Constitution, the way and manner Hon. El-Sudi was purportedly removed is constitutionally flawed in substance and procedure. It is instructive and pertinent to note that our party has championed the sanctity of the APC Constitution (2022 as amended). We must therefore do everything to maintain this sanctity, he said. Mr Shidi also alleged that some of the people spearheading the removal are working with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We want the national leadership of our party and world to know that the perpetrators of this unholy idea are in deep romance and in fact sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party state government in Taraba to destabilise the APC. The APC Chapter in Taraba State has been crisis-ridden for a while. Last week, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Kudirat Kekere-Ekun sacked the governorship candidate of the party, Emmanuel Bwacha. The court upheld the ruling of the Federal High Court in Jalingo, Taraba State, that the APC did not conduct any valid governorship primary poll in the state. The court gave the judgement in the case which began with a suit lodged by David Kente, one of the governorship aspirants with whom Mr Bwacha had jostled for the APCs governorship ticket. Mr Bwacha represents Taraba South Senatorial District at the National Assembly. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), on Tuesday, inaugurated a panel to investigate the allegations of secret abortion programme executed by the Nigerian military in the North-east. An international media outlet, Reuters, had in a three-part investigative story published in December 2022, alleged that the Nigerian military discreetly aborted at least 10,000 pregnancies of freed captives of Boko Haram insurgents in Nigerias North-eastern states over the years. According to Reuters, many of the pregnancies resulted from rape of the kidnapped women and girls by Boko Haram fighters. The federal government and the Nigerian military denied the allegations. But the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a probe. At a brief swearing in ceremony at the headquarters of the NHRC in Abuja, on Tuesday, the commissions Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, urged the panel to investigate and unravel the truth behind these allegations and ensure that justice is done in all appropriate cases. Mr Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said the NHRC invoked its statutory powers to constitute the special independent investigative panel. The panel is called Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the Implementation of Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East (SIIP-North East). Soliciting the cooperation of state governments, the Nigerian military, the United Nations system, and other interest groups, Mr Ojukwu said to protect human rights and ensure accountability for violations is a sacred duty which all of us as the human family have a mission to uphold. Terms of reference The NHRC boss said the panel drew its membership from professional backgrounds relating to the allegations contained in the report. They include: law and human rights, medicine and psychology, military intelligence and humanitarian affairs Mr Ojukwu said the panels terms of reference include, Investigate allegations of gross violations of national and international human rights laws/principles alleged against the Nigerian Armed Forces in the three reports by Reuters. He added that the panel would receive memorandum from individuals and organisations with interest in the subject matter of the mandate of the SIIP North-East, especially human rights, security and humanitarian organisations working in the North-East. Make appropriate determinations as to culpability of individuals or institutions as may be deemed necessary in each circumstance. (Section 5(j) of the NHRC Act 2010). Make determination as to the damages or compensation payable in relation to any violation of human rights where it deems this necessary in the circumstances of the case (sec. 6(e) of the NHRC Act, 2010). Refer any matter of human rights violations requiring prosecution to the Attorney General of the Federation or of a State, as the case may be. (Section 5(p) of the NHRC Act, 2010). Mr Ojukwu noted that the panel will Make recommendations to government on: (a) Institutional, Policy and Regulatory measures to be taken to integrate human rights principles and practices into military and counter-insurgency operations. Propose Remedial steps that may enhance the professional conduct of military personnel in counter-insurgency operations. Human rights, accountability, remedies for violations are cardinal principle of democracy Abdu Aboki, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, who chairs the panel, said safeguarding human rights and remedies for breaches remain key principles of every democratic society. Mr Aboki spoke shortly after the inauguration of the panel on Tuesday. He said human rights violations by any person or institutions should be treated with all sense of justice and accountability. The retired jurist pledged the panels commitment to abide by the rules of natural justice. We will be fair and just to all manner of persons who appear before us as victims, witness, respondent, officers, counsel and citizens. Mr Aboki reiterated the panels mandate promising to do substantial justice devoid of technicalities. Apart from Mr Aboki, who is the chair of the panel, other members include: Kemi Okonyedo, representing Women Rights Organisation; Azubuike Nwankenta, representing the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and Letam Wiwa, a retired major general (Military Law and Intelligence Expert). The rest are: Maisaratu Bakari (Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology); Modibbo Adama (University Teaching Hospital Yola), Fatima Akilu (Humanitarian Expert, representing Civil Society), and Halima Nuradeen (Psychologist, representing youths). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print At least 16 Nigerian Muslim pilgrims were recently killed in Burkina Faso on their way to Kaolak, Senegal. The pilgrims, members of the Islamic Tijaniyat sect, were allegedly on their way to their leaders home country when the bus conveying them was attacked by Burkinabe soldiers. Kaolak in Senegal was the home of the famous late Tijaniya leader, Ibrahim Niyas. According to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Jamiyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya of Nigeria at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja announced that the victims were its members. The national secretary of the Islamic group, Sayyidi Yahaya, said the Ansaruddeen members were randomly selected and cold-bloodedly shot to death in a most horrendous display of bestiality after being stopped by the Burkinabe soldiers, NiDCOM said in a Tuesday statement. The NiDCOM boss, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the event as unjustifiable, callous and criminal. She urged the Burkinabe authorities to fish out the perpetrators and prosecute them accordingly. Before the NiDCOM statement, Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari had expressed his condolences and prayed for the safety of other Nigerians stranded there. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Nigerian Embassy in Burkina Faso, is engaging with the Burkinabe authorities and awaits the outcome of their investigation of the unfortunate incident, and if necessary, to ensure that all culprits are appropriately sanctioned, Garba Shehu, President Buharis spokesperson, said. The Nigerian Government will make every effort to secure the mortal remains of the deceased and the survivors of the attack, Mr Shehu wrote. According to Al Jazeera, Burkina Fasos foreign affairs minister Olivia Rouamba met with Nigerias ambassador to the country on Monday to discuss the killings. For the time being there is no concrete information or element picked up on the field that proves the veracity of these facts, Al Jazeera quoted Ms Rouamba as saying in a statement after the meeting. READ ALSO: She added that authorities had strongly discouraged travel through the north due to huge risks of attacks. Burkina Faso has been rocked since 2015 by attacks by groups linked to Al -Qaeda and the Islamic State, and their clashes with the armed forces have left thousands dead and about two million people displaced. The country also witnessed two military coups in 2022. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Amidst the shortage of naira notes in the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that it would provide the commission with cash to pay for logistics in unbanked areas during the coming general elections. CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, told INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday when the latter visited him, that the bank would support the commission in ensuring a credible election. Mr Yakubu visited the CBN to demand for more cash above the recently placed withdrawal limit to pay for logistics in unbanked communities. There are equally critical areas such as transportation and human support services that have to be immediately remunerated either partially or in full before services are rendered. In addition, emergency situations may arise requiring immediate cash payments. Some of the critical service providers are unbanked, he said. In response, Mr Emefiele promised to provide all support needed by INEC, as it had done in the past. He said the CBN will not allow itself to be used or seen as an agent sabotaging a positive outcome of the elections. The assurance I give to you is that we will make it (cash) available, he said. So it is nothing to worry about, and I am happy that you have come here. I will make sure that we will not fail, but we will not make ourselves the CBN to be seen as an agent that frustrated the positive outcome of the election. For over a week, shortage of the cash has put Nigerians who need it in severe hardships. This is as a result of the CBNs attempt to mop-out old naira notes and introduce re-designed notes of N200, N500 and N1000 into the economy. While the CBN claims it has disbursed the new banknotes to commercial banks, Nigerians who needed the cash face difficulties in withdrawing the cash for transactions. Nigerias anti graft agencies including the EFCC and ICPC have announced arrests of individuals and banks personnel hoarding the cash. Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The presidential campaign council of the Labour Party (LP) has criticised the standard-bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, for opposing the redesign of the naira by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Mr Tinubu and his campaign council had said the scarcity of naira notes due to the implementation of the policy and the scarcity of fuel endanger the general elections. But, Katch Ononuju, a special adviser to Peter Obi on Public Affairs, said the policy has nothing to do with politics. Mr Ononuju who spoke on Africa Independent Television on Tuesday said the policy will help in tracking politicians doing money laundering. He also said revenue generated from the cashless policy will help the government to run governance without borrowing. The LP chieftain said the cashless policy is the best for addressing Nigerias economic challenges as it will enable the government to monitor financial activities. For me, it is best no matter what people complain. Those complaining right now are those who should be convicted, the same way Dr Doyin Okupe was convicted. If somebody holds more than 10 million in cash, it is against the money laundering law. Why would politicians be complaining in public that they are not being allowed to break the law? For the past seven and a half years, Nigerians have been in hardship, this set of politicians have never said anything about the Nigerians hardship. We, who are suffering from it, love it. If you dont suffer, you dont gain. Suffering is the reason why success is celebrated because if it comes to you easily you would not have seen the one in the middle called success. So this is not suffering, he added. The PDP candidate, Waziri Abubakar Atiku, has tweeted to support what is going on, Peter Obi has tweeted to support what is going on, why is it that it is only Bola Tinubu that is saying no? It has nothing to do with elements in the villa. Its a very good policy. As far as I am concerned, it is the best. And as you are saying, all of us embrace it for the good of the country. Why do I say so? For a very long time, we have had funding problems and the best way for Nigeria to actually get more funding is to tax the internal economic activity in the country and the best way to get the best of that is to bring the economic activity into a focus where the government will be able to see them. However, a member of the National Working Committee of the APC, Hilliard Eta, who also spoke on the programme, said the policy was politicised by the CBN. Mr Eta, the National Vice-chairman, South-south of the APC, insisted that the policy lacks merit, describing it as an attempt to incite Nigerians against the ruling party. Our Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Godwin Emefiele, is rather too political. We are all aware that at one point, he attempted to contest for the presidency of this country. Nobody can argue with the merit of this policy, Nigerians whether they are politicians or not are aware that this policy is not well thought through. Before you bring policy to implementation, you have to think through the policy. This policy was not thought through, he said Mr Eta said Nigerians are blaming the ruling party for the failure of the CBN to address the challenges of the cashless policy. You have to know that this is our government, this is the APC government and it is assumed by Nigerians that this is an APC policy. Nigerians are not aware that the Central Bank is an independent institution. Everything that the Central Bank does, whether rightly or wrongly, is put at the doorstep of the party and that is why we are saying that Nigerians are going through a lot of hardship before accessing their own personal incomes, he said. Nigerians are holding the party responsible for their stress, this is exactly what we are saying. We are saying that the process of this policy, the implementation of this policy is to make Nigerians angry with our party because the people assume that the policy of the central bank is the policy of the government, this is what our people are saying, he added. It is a good policy to have a cashless economy but I am telling you that this policy by Emefiele, this policy the way it is implemented now, it is not thought through, it is not a policy that has gone through the refinery of patriotic thoughts. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State said it would go ahead with its scheduled local government campaign rallies on Wednesday, despite unprovoked attacks on opposition politicians. The Director-General of the PDP Governorship Campaign Council in the state, Austin Edeze, said this at a news briefing on Tuesday in Abakaliki. He said the rallies would begin at Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area, despite the security challenges in the state. He called on the party supporters to come out en masse for the rallies. Nothing can stop the party from leveraging the Constitution of Nigeria and democratic norms and practices to earn the expected victory based on the confidence Ebonyi people have placed in the PDP. We are determined to liberate the state from enslavement, arbitrariness and political rascality, and enthrone truly progressive governance, Mr Edeze added. He cautioned the PDP supporters in Ebonyi to shun all divisive and inciting comments capable of overheating the polity as the campaigns for the general elections gather momentum. The D-G expressed concern that promoting divisions, clannish and artificial differences between administrative zones and peoples have been on the rise in the state. Mr Edeze challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state to advertise their achievements instead of engaging in desperate tactics ahead of the general election. He urged the media to remain neutral and continue to discharge its professional responsibility of shaping society. The PDP governorship candidate, Dr Ifeanyichukwuma Odii symbolises a valuable political capital with deep philosophical and ideological endowments. He is, therefore, an indispensable asset to the state; his entry into the race allows us to key into his generational political re-engineering of our people and the polity. His presence will significantly reinvigorate the spirit of the people to demonstrate their acceptance of the PDP and overwhelming belief and trust in him, the campaign D-G added. Barbaric attacks Mr Edeze condemned the attacks on some opposition politicians, including Benard Odoh, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Sam Egwu and others. He said the attacks were barbaric and unhealthy to the countrys democratic journey. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the PDP had petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari, the Director General of the State Security Service and the Chief of Defence Staff, to intervene before the state slide into anarchy. These attacks are unacceptable, absolutely condemnable and uncalled for, the party said in the petition. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Many people were feared killed, on Monday, during an outbreak of violence in Omor and Anaku, two neighbouring communities in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State, South-east Nigeria. The two communities have been engaged in a lingering crisis over a parcel of land for a long time now, PREMIUM TIMES gathered. Details of the recent violence remain sketchy. A resident of Omor, one of the warring communities, who asked not to be named, told PREMIUM TIMES that over six persons were killed during the clash between the two communities. He claimed some youth of Anaku attacked his community, Omor, around 4:30 a.m. on Monday, killing many residents and setting several houses ablaze. Another resident in the Omor Community, who identified himself simply as Ejiofor, said more than 10 persons were killed during the attack. We have not counted the corpses for now, but I am sure over 10 persons died that Monday, he said. But Anaku people were said to have accused the people of Omor of attacking them as well and also planting explosives in their community (Anaku) to harm them. PREMIUM TIMES, however, could not independently confirm these claims. When contacted, the police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident. Mr Ikenga, a deputy superintendent of police, however, said the details of the incident were still unclear. The police spokesperson said a joint task force comprising police and military has been deployed to the area to prevent breakdown of law and order. He said the deployment was in response to a distress call on Monday about the violence in the two communities. The presence of these security forces has reinforced the security of life and properties and enhanced the provision of law and order in the area, Mr Ikenga said. Patrols are still ongoing and the situation is being monitored, he added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State have presented the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, to the Katsina Emirate Council. According to a statement released by presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Tuesday, Mr Buhari presented Mr Tinubu to the council on Monday during a courtesy call to the traditional ruler at his palace in Katsina. The president urged the Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman, and the Emirate Council to mobilise for the APC. We are here to present our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Asiwaju has been chosen by our party, and we are fully in support of his candidature, and we will work for his victory at the polls, Mr Buhari said. The ruling party also held a rally in the state on Monday, where Mr Buhari urged his supporters to vote for the candidate of his party despite the security and economic challenges facing the state. Over the weekend, terrorists massacred 42 members of the vigilante group, Yan Sakai in the state. Mr Buhari stated that the administration will continue to listen to wise counsel from experts, traditional rulers and political leaders on the economy, and will adopt best practices in safeguarding the interest of the people. I hope citizens of the country and indigenes will remember what the governor of Katsina State and the Emir of Katsina said about the polity and the situation in the country. I will not want to add more, he said. Tinubu dealt with insecurity in Lagos Masari Speaking on the presidential candidate of the party, Mr Masari said the former Lagos State governor has a good record on security during his term as governor. Lagos State had a poor security record, with cases of attacks, robberies and dead bodies on streets, until Asiwaju took over leadership in 1999. The state has been transformed, with infrastructure and earned a reputation as one of the fastest growing cities in the world. The state is now a centre of excellence because of the vision of the APC presidential candidate, Mr Masari added. In his remarks, Mr Tinubu informed the traditional rulers that those killed will not be forgotten by the government. He said the peace and stability of the nation remain a collective responsibility. We will not forget them. We will not forget their children and the parents left behind. No leader will be happy to see citizens slaughtered or hear of it. It is sad, painful and tortuous, the presidential candidate said. Thank you for the prayers and support. You promised to be behind the president like a rock of Gibraltar and you have done so. The president brought me here, and he has brought me home. READ ALSO: I can say welcome home because I am at home here, he stated. The Emir of Katsina thanked Mr Buhari for presenting the APC candidate to the emirate council and citizens of Katsina, assuring them that they will pray and mobilise for victory at the polls. He appealed to the president to look into the challenges posed by currency swap, adding that the pain of the people, should be the pain of leadership. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has denied the report of a planned commercialisation of certain services offered by the agency such as the issuance of residency permits, by the Ministry of Interior- its supervising authority. A statement issued by the NIS and signed by its spokesman, Tony Akuneme, contradicted the advertorial by the ministry as published on page three of the Tenders Journal of 23 January, and signed by the ministrys Permanent Secretary, Shuaibu Belgore. The ministry that was responsible for the advertorial has not denied the report. Backstory In its report titled: Months to tenure expiration, Aregbesola set to commercialise Nigerias residency permit processes, others, and published on 1 February, PREMIUM TIMES exposed the ministrys efforts towards licensing private agents to handle applications for individuals or groups seeking certain services offered by either the ministry or the NIS. The new move by the Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, is against the act establishing the NIS which places the responsibility of processes of issuance of international passports, residency permits, and visas, among others, at the doorstep of the NIS and its comptroller general as the accounting officer. The newspaper also reported that the development contradicts Mr Aregbesolas avowed commitment to eradicating human interface in the process of relevant documents such as international passports. The minister had always insisted on the deployment of technology to limit human interface in the application and acquisition from relevant agencies under his watch, even as he always advises applicants to desist from engaging third parties in their applications. The advertorial, which spells out the tasks of the licensed agents and bidding processes, was titled: Selection of Licensed Agents for the Processing of Applications Related to the Grant of Business Permits, Expatriate Quota, Formation of Statutory Marriages, Citizenship/Residency Permit and Licensing of Public Places of Worship Request for Expression of Interest (EoI). Interested bidders were asked to submit their applications on or before Tuesday, 7 February (today), and the application documents would be opened the same day at the expiration of the deadline for submission. According to the notice, the tasks for the successful agents shall be to facilitate and seek approvals on behalf of their clients for expatriate quota related matters, citizenship applications, licensing of public places of worship, as well as applications for the formation of statutory marriages. The Agents will be charged with the responsibility of verifying the information provided and ensuring all requirements are satisfied while ensuring their clients meet the conditions of their permits. They would also have reporting obligations to the Ministry, it added. NIS reaction But in its response, a copy of which was shared with PREMIUM TIMES, NIS claimed that the report was aimed at maligning the person and office of the honourable minister, and that it equally tended to misinform the general public. The statement quoted the Comptroller General, Isah Idris, as saying that NIS facilities were concessioned long before Aregbesola became minister,. It further noted that: Already, many services of the NIS have long been commercialised and warehoused in very robust partnerships with internationally acclaimed professional service providers such as CONTEC, Newworks, IRIS, Greater Washington, OIS, and others. The agency also gave a bold denial, saying: The Honourable Minister of Interior is not concessioning Residency permit processes but the process of issuing Expatriate Quotas which falls directly under his mandate. The Advert under reference is on concessioning of Expatriate quota and NOT immigration facilities. This is the crux of the matter and needs to be properly understood. The statement credited the minister for introducing good innovations that helped the agency to win so many laurels and recognitions and warned the public against swallowing the newspapers report hook, line, and sinker. Contradictions As indicated in the PREMIUM TIMES report, neither the ministry nor the minister has been accused of concessioning the services rendered by the agency, rather, the report clearly indicates that the Minister plans to commercialise the process of accessing the services. READ ALSO: For instance, while NIS has denied the commercialisation of the processes of acquiring residency permits, this is clearly contained in the advertorial issued by the ministry which listed residency permits as one of the services that can be processed through the agencies set to be licensed. Also, a media aide to the minister, Sola Fasure, did not deny the development when contacted but only insisted that the initiative was aimed at enhancing efficiency. Meanwhile, when contacted, the NIS spokesman, Mr Akuneme, denied knowledge of the advertorial and sought a copy from the reporter, even as he promised to revert but he never did. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Tinubu, has once again appealed to Nigerians to remain calm as the government and relevant agencies continue to work out solutions to the scarcity of fuel and naira notes in the country. Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Tinubu said he sympathised with the people, especially the downtrodden, who have been made to bear the brunt of the new naira policy by the Central Bank and irregular supply of petrol that have combined to inflict avoidable pains on the masses. For months and weeks, there has been perennial fuel scarcity across the country coupled with the near absence of naira in circulation occasioned by the redesign policy of the CBN of some old notes N200, N500 and N1000. The bank had initially fixed 31 January as the deadline for the naira swap but had to extend it to 10 February following an outcry from Nigerians about the scarcity of the new notes. Despite the extension of the deadline, there is still a cash crunch in the country which has led to protests in some parts of the country. While at a campaign rally in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital recently, Mr Tinubu said the cash crunch and fuel scarcity were ploys by saboteurs to prevent him from winning the 25 February election. A statement signed on behalf of the APC presidential campaign council by Bayo Onanuga, which was released to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, said Mr Tinubu commended the NNPC Limited for the fuel supply relief being enjoyed in the Federal Capital Territory and urged the company to step up its act to bring relief round the country. The APC candidate also urged the CBN not to be dogmatic in the deadline it has fixed for the transition from old naira notes to the new ones, especially as the unintended consequence of the policy has been massive pain for the people. The former two-term Lagos governor said he was distressed by the news of cash-strapped farmers having to sell their products excessively cheap to avoid losing all. Such dispiriting experience in the short term may be a disincentive to our hardworking farmers, the statement quoted him to have said. He assured Nigerians that the current challenges will soon be over and pleaded that people should avoid anything capable of causing unrest in the country even when they are justifiably angry. This is a challenging period in the life of our country when our people are made to stay on the line for hours to get fuel and even get their own money from the banks. I empathise with Nigerians across the country especially the poor masses who have been made to bear the brunt and pains of the CBN Naira policy and fuel scarcity the most. While the government continues to work to solve these problems, lets stay calm, maintain the peace and continue to shun and avoid any act capable of causing civil unrest and disharmony, he said. He blamed the opposition and those he called enemies of democracy, saying all they want is to create a state of national siege and tension that can disrupt the coming general elections and create an atmosphere of strife in our country. We must say no to them. We must be resolute and stand firm to protect our democracy by ensuring we hold our elections in a peaceful and orderly manner. I am in this race to bring renewed hope and prosperity to all Nigerians, he said. READ ALSO: He assured Nigerians that there are no challenges that will be difficult for us as a people to surmount when we stand in unity of purpose. When you elect me, I will work to ensure security, economic prosperity, national unity and cohesion and we will together build a country that will be a source of joy to us all and a pride to every black person everywhere in the world, Mr Tinubu said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A handful of youths on Tuesday held a peaceful protest at the Uyo branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) against the scarcity of the newly designed naira notes amid biting economic hardship across Nigeria. The protesters, who gathered in front of the CBN branch around 11:30 a.m., carried placards and fresh leaves, according to a report by a television station, ABN, in Uyo. Some police officers stood by as the protesters continued to shout. An unidentified woman, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, said they had had enough from banks in Akwa Ibom. We are angry because our own hard earned money is what the banks are using to torment us, she said. I am an entrepreneur, a self-employed youth. I am not working for the government, I am not asking for a loan or grant. I am producing, but for the past four days I cannot buy fuel, so there is no production in my factory. My staff are hungry, everything is down. We have slept in banks from morning till night, I cannot transfer, I cannot receive. The banks are telling us that money is being kept at the CBN. We are here to ask the CBN why? Where is our money? Why are you tormenting the youths? the woman said. A CBN official said to the angry crowd that the scarcity was a nationwide problem, but the protesters told him the situation was worse in Uyo, compared to other cities. As you guys are blocking the gate, there are banks that are inside now wey for carry money go ATMs, the official said, apologising over the scarcity of the new naira notes. Another CBN official appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, while the bank, in collaboration with commercial banks, was working to solve the problem. We are not happy the way things are going. For the past one week I have not slept in my house. If you look inside you will see policemen, you will see banks. We are not tired of serving you. It is a matter of patience, he said. Residents in Uyo, on Tuesday, continued to wait endlessly at various banks in the city for the new naira notes. At a branch of the United Bank of Africa in Uyo, customers were told that the maximum amount they could be paid over the counter was N2,000, against the N20,000 prescribed by the CBN. Several customers were on the queue for the N2,000 when the bank officials at some point announced that they had run out of cash. I am begging you in Gods name, please, even if its N100, just give me to pay for my transport back home, a customer said to the bank officials. In the South-west states of Oyo and Osun, there have been violent protests over the scarcity of fuel and the new naira notes. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print An unidentified man was on Tuesday hit by a police bullet in the Sapon area of Abeokuta, as some hoodlums attempted to invade a branch of the First Bank in the Ogun State capital. PREMIUM TIMES had reported how angry youth went on the rampage in protest against the shortage of cash and hike in the price of the premium motor spirit, commonly called petrol. Earlier in the day, the youth had set bonfires on major roads in the state capital. The violent protest spread to Sapon, Panseke, Oke ilewo, Abiola way, Adatan, Kugba, and other areas in Abeokuta, affecting traffic. A worker at the bank, who asked not to be named to avoid possible sanction, told PREMIUM RIMES that one of the hoodlums had shouted in Yoruba: Owo wa ninu ile, meaning, There is money inside the building. The hoodlums thereafter attempted to gain access to the bank but were resisted by the police. The source added that the men who were armed with guns later fled in face of the superior fire force of the police. A canopy in front of the bank had earlier been set on fire, while other equipment vandalised. In a bid to stop the invasion of the bank, armed policemen raced to the scene and there was a gun battle between them and the hoodlums. READ ALSO: During the confrontation, the bullet hit a young man and he was rushed to the hospital. We have not got any update so far about him, the source told PREMIUM TIMES. Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the police in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, had warned the youth against violent acts. Anyone found destroying properties will be dealt with decisively, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Some supporters of Atiku Abubakar in Rivers State arrested allegedly on the order of Governor Nyesom Wike, may not take part in the general elections as they have been remanded at the Correctional Centre till 22 March. Mr Atiku is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 25 February election. The over 20 members of Atiku Support Organisation were arraigned before a Magistrate Court in the state on Tuesday, Punch newspaper reported The Chief Magistrate, Collins Ali, refused to grant them bail and ordered their remand. The case was adjourned to 22 March for a hearing on their bail application, which would be over a week after the general elections. Members of the Atiku Support Organisation were arrested by police officers who invaded their meeting venue in Port Harcourt on Sunday. A spokesperson for the group, Victor Moses, in a statement on Sunday, said they were in a meeting to plan for the 11 February PDP presidential rally in the state when armed police officers invaded the meeting venue. The arraignment came a day after Governor Wike directed security agencies in the state to clamp down on cultists and militants whom he claimed were masquerading as political support groups. The governor in a state broadcast on Monday denounced what he described as the rising cases of cultism during the electioneering period. He said: Apart from committing heinous crimes, cultists masking as party support groups and thugs are used by rival party leaders to assault opponents and disrupt party meetings, especially in those political parties with protracted internal crises arising from their flawed primaries. I wish to warn that no responsible government will close its eyes to the threat posed by these cultists, fanatical party support groups, and their sponsors to free and fair elections in the State. Consequently, I have directed the security agencies to raid any suspected area or premises and clamp down on cultists, militant support groups and other miscreants being used by politicians to disturb the peace, safety and security of the State. Backstory Governor Wike has been at loggerheads with the national leadership of PDP after the presidential primary of the party last year which he lost to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The governor fell out with Atiku for reneging on an alleged promise to ensure the exit of the National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, so that a southerner can lead the party for the sake of a regional balance. Atiku and Mr Ayu are both northerners. Mr Wike leads the G5, a group of PDP governors who are aggrieved with Atiku and the PDP leadership. Governor Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpaeazu (Abia) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo) are the other members of the G5. READ ALSO: Members of the group who were appointed to the Atiku presidential campaign council withdrew their membership and boycotted its inauguration. Governor Wike last week cancelled the approval it earlier granted the PDP Presidential Campaign Council to use the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium for the 11 February rally in the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Tuesday barricaded the main entrance gate to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office complex in Benin, Edo State, to protest the scarcity of new naira notes in the country. The protesters chanted solidarity songs, calling on the bank to make the new naira notes available to reduce the sufferings of Nigerians. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protest caused gridlock around Akpakpava, forcing motorists to negotiate their way through the adjoining streets. The leader of the protest, Agho Omobude, said the cash crunch had brought suffering to millions of Nigerians. According to him, it is inhuman to continue to allow Nigerians to remain in this suffering. Briefing reporters at the end of a closed-door meeting with the management of the bank, Mr Omobude said the bank had shown understanding of the groups concern. He said: We are tired of the crisis the shortage of the new naira notes is causing. We reached an agreement with the CBN to disburse the smaller denominations across the counter, with each customer getting N20,000. The bank management also said that the new notes would be made available and disbursed across the counter and Automated Teller Machines in all the banks. They have also accepted to include the CSOs in the monitoring team set up by the apex bank to ensure monies given to banks are disbursed, Mr Omobude said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print I called him a day after his birthday, knowing that as an older brother, I had privileges that could not be questioned. I was also consoled that being a Yoruba man, Toyin would appreciate the socially and culturally defined boundaries between elders and their younger ones. I also know my own obligations because, not to congratulate him would constitute some form of negligence to a younger one. I did not wish to fall into this trap. So, deciding to write this tribute so late is also a deliberate act. Apart from basking in the euphoria of Arsenals current form, few other things gave me momentary excitement in the last one month like knowing that the great Toyin Falola is after all, only my younger brother. I am not big on birthdays and almost every year, I have to beg for forgiveness from aggrieved friends and relatives whose birthdays I forget. The men can live with these social flaws. However, it is the occasional wrath of the females, friends, or family that I dread. It is my much younger relatives and friends that I dread forgetting their birthdays. So, when Toyin turned 70 on 1 January this year, it offered me a chance to taunt him. I call him Toyin because I know hed rather that I call him that. I called him a day after his birthday, knowing that as an older brother, I had privileges that could not be questioned. I was also consoled that being a Yoruba man, Toyin would appreciate the socially and culturally defined boundaries between elders and their younger ones. I also know my own obligations because, not to congratulate him would constitute some form of negligence to a younger one. I did not wish to fall into this trap. So, deciding to write this tribute so late is also a deliberate act. Toyin knows he cant even ask me why I took so long to write this for the same reason. Being his senior, I believe I can write a tribute to him when I want, if I want or not even write at all. Seniority has no rival! Enough said, let me proceed with this tribute to a man I admire, love and respect profoundly. So, Toyin, one of the most authoritative historians in living memory, I should let you know that knowing you and being your friend is an honour I treasure. I have not met a man more intellectually endowed in my life. I do not know any other human being who has written as much as you have. Today, neither you, Bisi, the children nor any of your colleagues can say how many books, academic or conference papers you have written. Line for line, paragraph by paragraph, chapter by chapter, title by title, shelf by shelf, row by row, subject by subject, no one that I know of can occupy the space that your books occupy anywhere in the world. But I am getting emotional (an elder cannot do this) and I am ahead of myself. First, when I called to congratulate Toyin on the 2nd of January, I had made up my mind to really taunt him over our age difference. Sadly, I did not expect him to deflate my balloon with such ease. When I called, he immediately picked the phone, and, as if reading my mind, he said: I know you are my elder brother, Bishop, I know. My plans to rob pepper into his pride were deflated. I felt so disappointed that he had caught me off balance. I therefore simply congratulated him and left it at that. It was the shortest conversation I have ever had with Toyin. Celebrating Toyin calls for a rolling out of drums from Ibadan, Yorubaland, the South-West, Nigeria or Africa. It will be hard to know who qualifies to celebrate him or what aspect of his life needs to be celebrated. Is it his phenomenal, exceptional and almost unfathomable breathtaking intellectual depth, or his prodigious contribution to redefining the boundaries of Yoruba culture and orature? Any attempt to render Toyin in a local, sub-national or even national appellation does him great injustice. Toyin has risen beyond his community and the Nigerian nation. Toyin has risen beyond Africa. Toyin has taken his Yoruba nation, Nigeria, Africans here and in the diaspora into the orbit of global knowledge. He has placed our history and culture in the pantheon of the gods. I do not know anyone else in living memory who has done so much for promoting black history and culture on the world stage beyond mere drama and theatre. The ubiquitous awards tell the story. I am proud to call Toyin my friend. I am; even more so that his friendship gives me a sense of validation at an academic level. Whenever I ask Toyin to read a draft manuscript or a paper, I almost find it difficult to argue with his insightful comments and views. Toyin can return a 200 to 300-page manuscript to you in less than two days and with detailed comments, showing that he has read every line. And for one who is always doing a thousand other things at the same time, I do not know his magic. Toyins mind processes different ideas like a combined harvester, separating, yet storing ideas where they belonged. On the surface, Toyin has what seems like a casual, even careless, carefree and an unserious look. He is far too informal for what he really is, the class he belongs to and what he represents. He comes across as a man who simply says, what you see is what you get. He doesnt care what impression he makes and does not even try. One day, I paid the price as the man really brought shame to me in London. I have tried to recall how and where we first met, but with age, a lapse in memory is pardonable. Given the age difference between us, he should have a better memory. Although our friendship started in Nigeria in the 1980s, it developed shortly after I arrived England to pursue by postgraduate studies in 1986. The University of Cambridge offered him a place for his sabbatical leave between 1989 and 1990, I think. During his stay, he did most of the visits and unfortunately, I never really visited him. I took advantage of these visits and used our endless conversations to help in clarifying and giving some direction to the uncharted and pioneering research of my doctoral theses on Religion and Politics in Nigeria. As a student, I had decided to leave the comfort of an accommodation with priests in north London and settled in a students hostel. I really wanted to put the life of privilege of a priest behind and throw myself into the anonymity of student life. I lived through the banter of the smoke-filled bar of SOAS in the 80s. It was the watering hole for aspiring secret service students and apparatchiks or students with left wing views then. You couldnt have been in SOAS and not visit the students bar, whether you were an imam, a rabbi or a priest. Aspiring student spies often took advantage of the belief that inebriation created the perfect condition for loose lips! Those were the times of the ideological debates of the Cold War. Toyin would come to London and prefer to stay with me in my student room, with barely a space beside the six-spring bed. He would call to let me know he was coming to London and would stay with me. However, often, it would be impossible to know what hour Toyin would show up after other visits. He could actually come to London House, where I stayed, go straight to the bar before turning up in my room at an unholy hour. The door would be open. Ahead of his visit, I would have booked for a camp bed (the only luxury that students had for an extra guest!). My job was to unfold the camp bed for him because he often would come after I had slept, unless we had gone out together. I looked forward to Toyins visits because I was always the beneficiary. His boundless mental capacity meant he could discuss anything and give meaning to any nuance. His visits helped me clarify my thoughts. What shocked me was the fact that Toyin seemed to be at his most productive best after he returned from the bar. Occasionally, I would leave a draft seminar paper for him to read and give me comments. By morning, I would wake up to find that he had read my paper and his comments would be in red ink. He would still wake up before me. Toyins brain had the capacity to process and eliminate any unwanted clutter around his ideas. When I look back, I regret not taking his offer for academic collaboration seriously in the 90s. He and I worked on our only project, which was later published as, Religious Militancy and Self-Assertion: Islam and Politics in Nigeria (1996). It was meant to be the opening salvo. However, I got caught up with my primary pastoral obligations as a priest and did not take up the subsequent offers. Being Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat did not give one such luxury in those Abacha days. While working on that book, I saw Toyins boundless capacity, the magic of his labyrinthine and complex brain, which never seemed to ever sleep. He would take my material and turn his ideas and mine into a crafty mesh with logic and sequence. Toyins mind processes different ideas like a combined harvester, separating, yet storing ideas where they belonged. On the surface, Toyin has what seems like a casual, even careless, carefree and an unserious look. He is far too informal for what he really is, the class he belongs to and what he represents. He comes across as a man who simply says, what you see is what you get. He doesnt care what impression he makes and does not even try. One day, I paid the price as the man really brought shame to me in London. Toyins place in the pantheon of world historians is assured and I do not know if anyone will stand beside him any time soon. If there ever was a hall of fame for historians, Toyin would be right in the front row because it is difficult to contemplate anyone who has written what this genius of a man has written, across disciplines. His boundless energy has seen him traverse the length and breathe of Africa and the Caribbean, Europe, America and the world at large, constantly and tirelessly resetting new templates for understanding Africa. I think it was in the winter of 1989 or so that Toyin called me from Cambridge to say that he had been invited to the prestigious Oxford and Cambridge Club on Pall Mall, London by a Professor. He offered to take me along and that was quite exciting to me as a student. We agreed to meet at Piccadilly Circus tube station. It was the nearest to Pall Mall. I sensed that given the conservative nature of the establishment, I might be required to wear a tie. Before I left my room, my mirror told me that with my cheap tie and a decent blazer, I could pass as a decent guest. I arrived at Piccadilly Circus tube station before him and waited. When Toyin came out, I was rather disappointed. He wore a cheap turtle neck sweater, a scarf and a winter coat. My heart skipped and I wondered, how can this man appear like this for an appointment in this Club? I had never been there but I wondered what might happen. But what did I know? We walked across to the prestigious Oxbridge Club. I decided to let Toyin take the lead since he was the special guest. When we got to the door, I heard Toyin introduce both himself and I to the doorman. The doorman obviously had Toyins name, but he told us that he could not enter because Toyin had a deficient dress code. Toyin was trying to make a case when our host appeared at the door. He looked at Toyin and I, and knowing that the situation was irredeemable, went back in, retrieved his winter coat and led us to a nearby bar. He apologised for not telling Toyin he needed to wear a tie. While I was nursing this humiliation, and feeling quite uneasy, Toyin behaved as if nothing bothered him. It was all in a days job. I admired him because I felt that it was really the measure of a great man so comfortable in his own skin. Toyin is no man of ceremonies. Everything for him is casual, as long as decency and respect abound. Toyins place in the pantheon of world historians is assured and I do not know if anyone will stand beside him any time soon. If there ever was a hall of fame for historians, Toyin would be right in the front row because it is difficult to contemplate anyone who has written what this genius of a man has written, across disciplines. His boundless energy has seen him traverse the length and breathe of Africa and the Caribbean, Europe, America and the world at large, constantly and tirelessly resetting new templates for understanding Africa. He has raised a generation of historians and made History come alive again. It is to his credit that a generation of scholars across the continent and beyond have set up what is known as; The Toyin Falola Annual Conference on Africa and the African Diaspora (TOFAC). It is a well-deserved honour and a guarantee of a valued legacy. Toyin, like Prometheus in another life, has successfully stolen the fire of knowledge from the gods and ignited the African continent. The world can now see Africa brightly and differently, thanks to him. Toyin has conferred respect to History and the study of African culture. Reviewing our book with Toyin in 1998, one of the most famous and perceptive minds with the greatest authority on Nigeria in Oxford at the time, Anthony Kirk Greene of blessed memory, referred to Toyin as, the most prolific African Historian in a decade. Once, over coffee, the late John Peel of blessed memory and I were discussing Toyin and his writing. John leaned over and said to me, Matthew, why is our friend Toyin writing to vigorously as if he is being chased by demons? I said to John, You should know better, you are an Ijesha Yoruba man in a white skin! We both laughed. But nothing prepared any of us for the amount of writing Toyin was going to take up. It was assessing Lionel Messi, while playing as a ten-year-old in Rosario, Argentina. No one could have imagined it would be like this. In my view, Toyin will be the worlds most prolific historian this century, and it will be so for a long time to come. They dont make them like Toyin anymore. Let me end where I should have begun by thanking Bisi, whom I will simply call his long-suffering wife. Without her, I have no idea what Toyin would have been but definitely, he would be nowhere near where he is today. She has been the conductor of the orchestra of ideas that have blended to make Toyin such an iconic scholar. Self-effacing and like the good Catholic girl, her steely mind has allowed Toyin to sail in different directions and still come back to a comfortable home. Young man, congratulations! The Lord be with you and bless you. Amen. Matthew Hassan Kukah is Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto and founder of the Kukah Centre, Abuja, Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Talk of preparation meeting opportunity, and you are talking about Solomon Arase. Track his trajectory, and you will find a man who over prepared for success. He so developed himself intellectually and professionally that whoever attempts to ignore him does so at his peril. Even an attempt to write a partial profile of him would seem like writing a book. If I have any pain, as an adult Nigerian, that has refused to go, it is the weakness by most of my compatriots to stone the devil that makes us downplay our positives and elevate our negatives. How much do we celebrate Nigeria as the land of Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Okonjo-Iweala, Akinwumi Adesina, Adebayo Ogunlesi (the investment banker who owns Gatwick Airport in London), Robert Okojie (who was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame of the United States National Aeronautics Space Administration, NASA), Olawale Sulaiman, (one of the best neurosurgeons and experts in spinal surgery in America), and Amina Mohammed (our amazon at the United Nations dazzling the world as deputy secretary-general)? Or Leo Stan Eke, the computer guru who gifted the world with Zinox? Or our gallant policemen flying our flag high in United Nations Peace Keeping Missions abroad? How much do we celebrate them? Rather, we allow the world to continue with their stereotypical imagery of Nigeria as the home of the Hushpuppies of this world, a drug hub competing fiercely with Columbia, Mexico and Brazil in trafficking, and world headquarters of cyber thieves. Yet, we have so much going for us as a country, despite our peculiar mess. Penkelemeesi! As for me, I will never miss any opportunity to celebrate stars illuminating our skies. I will not stop telling the world that Nigeria is not about gloom and doom. It is also a land of excellence and infinite opportunities. That is why, today, I celebrate Dr Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector General of Police (IGP). That is why I hail President Muhammadu Buhari for choosing Arase, one of the finest officers our country ever produced, as chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC). The President sent his name to the Senate on Monday, 23 January, and the senators ratified the nomination on Wednesday, 25 January. Its a record. And am I surprised that the ovation still lingers almost two weeks after? No. Unless a man suffers from the blindness of the heart and deafness of the mind (Ngugi wa Thiongo), and his eyes see black when the object before him is white, no sane person will doubt the fact that brainy Arase is the man for the job. Without apologies to any one, I say the cap fits Arase. Even dyed-in-the-wool antagonists of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, who pick holes in every appointment the President makes, would thumb-up this one. Arases choice as the new PSC helmsman is a product of good thinking; another instance when merit trumped mediocrity, and national interest drowned primordial sentiments. Like the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) noted, the appointment could not have come at a better time than this when things are in a state of disequilibrium and palpable tension roils the land. In the organisations estimation, this is another appointment in which Buhari recognised and rewarded competence, character, capacity, and unadulterated commitment to national cohesion. The new PSC Chairman embodies all these, and more. His hands are not tainted with blood money, or slush funds. Unlike most former public officers, especially the politically exposed tribe whose names are recurring decimals in EFCCs hall of infamy, Arases name has never been referenced in any sleaze. And he has never been linked to any of the leprous parties jostling for the soul of Nigeria. Most importantly, the Nigeria Police Force is Arases universe; the only universe he knows. His entire professional life started with and revolved around the Force. Solo, as his friends call him, knows no other love than policing, security and the appurtenances of law and order. He eats, drinks and lives anything policing and security. For him, policing is life. And he did everything to be the best in that universe. Talk of preparation meeting opportunity, and you are talking about Solomon Arase. Track his trajectory, and you will find a man who over prepared for success. He so developed himself intellectually and professionally that whoever attempts to ignore him does so at his peril. Even an attempt to write a partial profile of him would seem like writing a book. Born on 21 June, 1956, to a father from Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State and a mother from Sabongida Ora in Owan West Local Government Area, Arase, who turns 67 this June, graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1980, with a degree in Political Science. Straight from national service, he enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force in 1981. A highly resourceful mind constantly hungry for knowledge, he acquired other degrees an LL.B from the University of Benin, LL.M from the Lagos State University (specialising in Corporate Management and Finance Law), a Masters in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan, and a PhD in Public Law from the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Through sheer hard work, diligence and honesty, Arase climbed the ladder of success rapidly, holding several key positions before President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him as Inspector General of Police (IGP) in April 2015. His sterling performance within that short period recommended him to President Muhammadu Buhari who retained him on assumption of office on 29 May, 2015. And when Arase retired as IGP on his 60th birthday on 21 June, 2016, Buhari hosted him to a dinner at the State House, Abuja, the first and only retiring IGP to be so honoured by an incumbent president. A Fellow of Nigeria Defence College, recipient of the National Police Medal, and holder of the National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), Arase, on his way up, served in virtually all the strategic departments of the Force, including Operations, Investigation, Administration and Intelligence. He was Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, where he developed anti-robbery and anti-kidnapping operational protocols that tamed the soaring crime rate in the state at the time. Arase served three Inspectors-General of Police as Principal Staff Officer, before being promoted Assistant Inspector General (AIG) and Head of the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB). He acquitted himself well on the beat, executing landmark reforms and restructuring initiatives that culminated in the establishment of the Forces Gender Unit. He also secured handsome funding from the Ford Foundation. As Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (FCIID) of the Force, Arase collaborated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to establish a Case Tracking and Analysis Unit. He introduced and enforced a Pre-Trial Detention Policy that drastically reduced incidents of arbitrary detentions in the Force. He also established a state-of-the-art technical intelligence platform that restored the primacy of the Bureau as the most strategic intelligence agency in Nigerias internal security architecture. Arase distinguished himself as a thoroughbred and much-sought officer on the international scene. An important member of the Nigeria Police contingent to the United Nations Mission in Namibia, the new PSC chairman is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), International Bar Association (IBA) and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He currently serves as the National Legal Adviser of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC). Earlier in his stellar career, the super cop had served on several high-profile panels of investigation. He was a member of the Failed Bank Inquiry set up by the Federal Government to investigate the massive fraud that brought the Nigerian Banking Sector to its knees in the early 1990s. He was also in the Special Homicide Investigation Team that scrutinised the murder of the late Chief Bola Ige, minister of Justice and attorney general of the federation in the Olusegun Obasanjo presidency, who was shot dead in his Ibadan residence on 23 December, 2001. As Head of the Lagos State Criminal Investigations Department, Arase collaborated with the states Ministry of Justice and the Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (Criminal Justice Programme), to midwife landmark reforms and evaluation mechanisms. At other times, he was Secretary to the Presidential Committee on Nigeria Police Reform (2006), and member, Nigeria Police Committee on Review of the Nigerian Constitution/Police Act. A man of high intellect and insatiable appetite for knowledge, the PSC chairman has contributed several scholarly essays to various local and international publications, and participated in several workshops and other professional engagements in United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS. As IGP, Arase implemented policies that headlined him as an essential police reformist. A consummate team player, he adopted intelligence-led policing strategies, community partnership, cutting-edge technology to policing functions at all levels, stopped the abuse of pre-trial detention powers of cops, and engendered strong capacity building initiatives that enhanced the intelligence and operational capacity of the Force. If Arase was a dynamo in uniform while in service, he is a fireball in retirement. Superbly energetic, the man is as busy as he was in office. Shortly after his retirement, he was appointed chairman of a Task Force for the implementation of the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law. Policing apart, he runs a state-of-the-art law firm, Solomon Arase & Associates, in Wuye district, Abuja. A security consultant with expansive national and international connections, the new PSC chairman consults for several corporate organisations, institutions and state governments; as well as international bodies like the European Union and United Nations. A member of the Geneva-based Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), Arase is one of the drafters of the protocol on investigative interviewing to guide detectives and other police officers in their work. It is called the Mendez Principles. The Mendez Principles enjoy staunch support from many countries across the world. At the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, last September, Chile led 53 countries to issue a strong statement of support when the document was presented. The soaring international support reached a milestone when the Mendez Principles were referenced twice at the august assembly. Despite his intimidating credentials, there may still be some naysayers who would say, so what? Oun nikan ni? Is he the only one? To them, I say: go home and lick your wound. The train has left the station. For how long are we going to roast merit in the fiery cauldron of mediocrity and continue to lift the very devil that has almost turned our land to a wasteland? For our country to rise again and compete well with its peers in the congregation of decent nations, we must exorcise the evil spirits of corruption, mediocrity, godfatherism, ethnicity, religion or political sentiments, and enthrone merit. Like Peter Obi has consistently advocated, our leaders must stop pushing merit under the table and promote character, competence, capacity and selfless service to Fatherland. These qualities find convergence in Solomon Arase. Thats why I hail his appointment as chairman of the Police Service Commission. One more thing: we must kill and bury prebendalism the political system where elected officials and public servants behave as if they reserve the right to share public funds according to their whims, and dispense favours to their supporters, co-religionists and ethnic affiliates at the expense of the common good. God bless Nigeria. Shola Oshunkeye, a former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Ghana Limited, is the President/CEO of The Crest online newspaper (thecrestng.com). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print With his fine paint brush, Mojeed provides the necessary background for the letters without any analysis or commentary of his own, thereby leaving the reader to form and be responsible for his own opinion after interacting with the letters. By adopting this style of presentation, the author concerns himself mostly with the quidditas of the letters and their prevailing circumstances. The Letterman by Musikilu Mojeed is a compendium of sorts woven around the complex but phenomenal personality of General Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd.; GCFR), as a war veteran and later military head of state and two-time civilian president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The book is a beautiful collection of the letters exchanged between Obasanjo and his superior and subordinate military officers, alongside senior government officials and politicians in his military and civilian governments. They also include letters between Obasanjo and other African heads of state, the British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, and the American President, Jimmy Carter, among others. Mojeed presents these letters in 25 compelling chapters numbering 466 pages, excluding the 33 preliminary pages with the Foreword and Introduction contributed by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former secretary-general of the Commonwealth, and distinguished journalist, Dan Agbese, respectively. Poring through the pages of The Letterman, one gets the impression that letter-writing is an essential part of Obasanjos DNA, and he is very compulsive and scrupulous about it, and very good and meticulous at record keeping. The letters display uncommon courage and boldness, and frankness too, and are generally fiery, sometimes even direct and acerbic, on those subjects and issues that touch Obasanjos heart the most. For example, he dared the eye of the storm and stridently confronted Margaret Thatcher and Jimmy Carter on the obnoxious policies of apartheid and the liberation struggles in southern Africa Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and the frontline states. The letters also portray Obasanjo as a great patriot, a great nationalist, and pan-Africanist, who abhors all forms of injustice, bad governance, corruption, and betrayal. Back home in Nigeria, the likes of Alabi-Isama (Chapter 7), Oluleye (Chapter 8), and Audu Ogbeh (Chapter 18), among others, cannot forget in a hurry the hot missiles that were fired at them from Obasanjos tactical and strategic pen. The pen had become for Obasanjo not only a tool for communication and governance, but also a lethal weapon of war, even in peace time. But Obasanjo did not always win the battle or have his way all the time. Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia State, dropped one Ogbunigwe (Biafran-made bomb) on 22 August 2005 (Chapter 19), that made Obasanjo sobre as he scampered for safety under the protective wings of the ICPC and the EFCC, the two babies he created in 2000 and 2002, respectively, to fight corruption and money laundering in Nigeria! There comes a time when the falcon can no longer hear the falconer, and things fall apart as the centre can no longer hold. Since Orji Uzor Kalu dropped his own bomb on Obasanjo, the face and modus operandi of corruption in Nigeria have become so brazen and unstoppable that corruption, and not the ICPC or the EFCC, is winning the battle! But Orji Uzor Kalu forgot a fundamental lesson in this kind of warfare; that of not rattling the snake, but killing it. He forgot that he was daring a master tactician and strategist in warfare, politics, governance, and diplomacy, and was to pay dearly for it in prison for the same allegation of corruption he made against Obasanjo. The Letterman could not have come at a better time than now that history had been reintroduced into the secondary school curriculum after it had been banned by the Ministry of Education. Mojeed has made a major and significant contribution to history, particularly Nigerian and African history, and has single-handedly unveiled the true Obasanjo and changed or corrected the erstwhile misconceptions that people had about him. Not all the letters were hot exchanges between Obasanjo and their recipients. His letters from prison (Chapter 14), and those to Jay Jay Okocha and Serena Williams (Chapter 16), clearly portray the warm, humane, friendly, caring, loving, and fatherly nature of Obasanjo, contrary to the negative images that have been painted of him by every arm and department of the Nigerian media. Chapter 14 in particular portrays Obasanjos deep faith in God and his Christian beliefs. As a pan-Africanist, the tone and texture of his letters to fellow African heads of state were always warm and brotherly. Musikilu Mojeed is a veteran and multiple award-winning journalist. According to him, the idea of writing The Letterman came to him by accident on 15 January, 2014; and, as a departure from his mainstream journalism, this is his first attempt at writing a book. These notwithstanding, The Letterman is a classic and the first of its kind in Nigeria in its content, depth, and style of presentation. Each chapter of the book is uniquely captioned to compel, arrest, and engage the interest and attention of the reader until he reaches the end of the book. With his fine paint brush, Mojeed provides the necessary background for the letters without any analysis or commentary of his own, thereby leaving the reader to form and be responsible for his own opinion after interacting with the letters. By adopting this style of presentation, the author concerns himself mostly with the quidditas of the letters and their prevailing circumstances. For example, what was the essence of the hot exchanges between Obasanjo and Margaret Thatcher, or the warm-hearted, brotherly exchanges between him and his fellow African heads of state? The Letterman could not have come at a better time than now that history had been reintroduced into the secondary school curriculum after it had been banned by the Ministry of Education. Mojeed has made a major and significant contribution to history, particularly Nigerian and African history, and has single-handedly unveiled the true Obasanjo and changed or corrected the erstwhile misconceptions that people had about him. This book is highly recommended to every literate Nigerian and African young and old, and deserves to be given a pride of place in every private and public library. Inih A. Ebong is associate professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Uyo. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from suspending or expelling Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State from the party. The judge, James Omotosho, gave the order on Monday following an ex parte application filed by Mr Wike against the PDP. Mr Wike filed his application on 2 February. He asked the court to order the respondents the PDP; its National Working Committee; National Executive Committee; National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, and the PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu to maintain the status quo and stay all actions relating to the threat to suspend or expel him from the party pending the determination of the matter. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was the sixth respondent in the matter. The governor had also sought the courts approval to serve the motion on notice and all court processes on the 1st to 5th respondent by substituted means; and paste it on the partys National Secretariat in Abuja. He further requested an order deeming the substituted service to be made as proper service. The judge after reading the affidavit in support of the ex parte motion deposed to by Precious Ikpe and filed at the Court Registry and after hearing, granted Mr Wikes reliefs as sought. Background Mr Wike, a member of the PDP, leads the G5 a group of five PDP governors who are aggrieved with the party leadership. He instituted the suit against the background of the rumoured plans by the PDP to either suspend or expel him from the party. Governor Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpaeazu (Abia) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo) are the other members of the G5. Mr Wike has been at loggerheads with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar after the party primary last year which he lost to Atiku. The governor fell out with Atiku, the PDP presidential candidate, for reneging on the alleged promise to ensure the exit of the National Chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, so that a southerner can lead the party for the sake of a regional balance. Messrs Atiku and Ayu are both northerners. Members of the G5, who were appointed to the Atiku presidential campaign council, withdrew their membership and boycotted its inauguration. READ ALSO: The group had in November last year, in Abia State, said they would support a southern presidential candidate for the 2023 election a decision they said was in line with the agreement reached in the southern governors forum that Nigerias presidency should come to the south in 2023. Governor Wike last week cancelled the approval the Rivers State Government earlier granted the PDP Presidential Campaign Council to use the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium for the 11 February PDP presidential rally in the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Ondo State have warned residents against embarking on public protests over the scarcity of naira banknotes and petrol in the state. The state police commissioner, Yemi Oyediran, gave the warning on Monday when he met with managers of commercial banks and marketers of petroleum products in the state. Others at the meeting include students union leaders of higher institutions in the state. Mr Oyediran told the meeting that the police were aware of plans being made for a protest in the state as a way of registering grievances over the situation. He said hoodlums might hijack the protest to cause mayhem in the state. The police commissioner was briefed by the banks and petroleum marketers on the challenges facing them in making cash and products available to residents. Although there were no concrete assurances from the banks and NUPENG, the meeting agreed that the state government should set up a taskforce to monitor the activities of banks and fuel stations. Those at the meeting include the Police Management Team, representatives of NANS/SUGs, Bank Managers, NUPENG, Akure youth coalition, DPR and social media influencers and activists. Protests had broken out in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, over the scarcity. The development had stalled political campaigns in the state as the general elections drew near. In Akure, bank customers had been involved in different forms of protest at the banking halls. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Protesters on Tuesday vandalised automated teller machines in a bank premises in Abeokuta as demonstrations over the scarcity of the new naira notes and Premium Motor Spirit, commonly called petrol, reached Ogun State. The redesigned three highest denominations of the new banknotes entered into circulation on 15 December, and were scheduled to have replaced the old designs by 31 January as legal tender. The change, according to central bank governor Godwin Emefiele was introduced to reduce cash in circulation, and tackle currency counterfeiting and terrorism financing among other vices in the country. However, Mr Emefiele later announced the extension of the deadline by 10 days, saying the extension had been approved by President Muhammadu Buhari. Protests had broken out in parts of Ibadan in Oyo State last week over scarcity of the new notes, leading to an attack on the office of the governor. On Monday, the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, who had called for a further extension of the deadline, announced an indefinite postponement of his campaign rally scheduled for Tuesday in Ibadan, citing public discontent from the crisis. Protests in Abeokuta As news of the protest in Obantoko, Asero and its environs spread in Abeokuta, bank workers were seen rushing home to avoid being targetted by the protesters. Traders abruptly closed their shops as the protesters made bonfires on roads in Sapon and Adatan areas. Some protesters forced their way into the premises of the First Bank branch in Lafenwa where they destroyed the Automobile Teller Machines. READ ALSO: The police spokesperson in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the police were monitoring the situation. We are monitoring the situation and we have warned them to ensure that properties are not destroyed because we have noticed that people who do not even have money in their accounts are the ones leading the riot, so if anybody destroys any property, the person will be decisively dealt with, he said. On Monday, Governor Dapo Abiodun met with the bankers forum in the state to chart a way out of the hardship caused by the naira shortage. The governor also enjoined the youth not to escalate the problem by engaging in a destructive protest over the situation. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Six governorship candidates in Lagos State will on 15 February participate in a debate organised by advocacy groups. The candidates scheduled to partake in the debate are the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Adeniran Olajide of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who is popularly known as Jandor, and Olufunsho Doherty of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Others are Gbadebo Rhodes-Viviour of the Labour Party (LP) and Taofeek Uthman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Akin Braithwaite of the National Rescue Movement (NRM). The consortium organising the event comprises the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), The Electoral College Nigeria, Africa Leadership Group, Civic Hive and Sahkola Foundation. The organisers, in a statement on Monday, said the debate will be broadcast on Newscentral TV and Lagos Talks FM from 6 p.m. while Nigeria fact-checkers coalition will provide real-time fact-checking. Kunle Lawal, the Executive Director of The Electoral College Nigeria, in the statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES, said the debate would provide the platform for the candidates to discuss their ideas for the state. He stated that the format of the debate seeks to remove the elitism that characterises political debates in Nigeria. Theres love for country and theres Governance.only when they intersect can progress be achieved and through these debates a pathway can be realised. Emphasising on the need to reduce the elitism in previous debates based on the strata of society that has access to listen to their candidates, which is why this debate would be for all by its approach using all mediums of media to ensure no one is left out, Mr Lawal said. On his part, the Executive Director of CJID, Tobi Oluwatola, said Lagos State is very crucial for the country, hence, the intending governor must present data to the electorate to make their decisions. CJIDs mission is to use the tools of journalism, innovation and open data to promote democratic accountability in the service of sustainable development. Hosting a debate is important to give the electorate the data they need to choose wisely. Lagos is critical because it is the economic capital of the country, he said. In recent elections, debates have become an integral part of electioneering in Nigeria, though some politicians shun them. The governorship elections in Lagos and 27 other states in Nigeria will hold on 11 March. Sixteen of the 18 registered political parties are fielding candidates in the state. Only the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) are not presenting candidates. READ ALSO: Some of the other governorship candidates are Dickson Olaogun (A), Abdulrasaq Balogun (AA), Akeem Olayiwola (AAC), Bamidele Ishola (ADP), Olawale Oluwo (BP), and Olanrewaju Jim-Kamal (NNPP), Wasiu Ajayi (YPP) and Adenipebi Mode-Adekunle (ZLP). Funmilayo Kupokiyi and Abiola Adeyemi, both females, are also candidates. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The legal team of Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied a report circulating on social media that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refused to appeal the judgement of the Osun State election petition tribunal. The tribunal had nullified Mr Adelekes declaration as the winner of the 16 July election and ordered INEC to issue a certificate of return to former governor Gboyega Oyetola instead But Mr Adeleke immediately announced that he would challenge the judgement at the Court of Appeal. Abdulfatai Abdulsalam, a member of the legal team of the governor, said the report of INEC declining in joining the appeal is false and misleading. The report claimed that the Court of Appeal rejected the application challenging the judgement of the tribunal because INEC refused to consent to it before it was filed. The message also indicated that INEC is not willing to be involved in the case and that as such Mr Adeleke would have to leave office in the next 12 days. Counsel to Ademola Adeleke submitted his appeal letter last week Tuesday and was rejected by the Appeal Court. The Court said he cant Appeal without the Consent of INEC because the Judgement was not Directly against his Client but INEC. That INEC is the only one that can Answer the Questions of Over Voting and they must Approve his Appeal Letter before Submission. He has been Begging INEC Since then, but INEC says Its not interested in the Appeal, Which means that Adeleke Jackson Nurudeen Ademola May Leave Office in 12 days if INEC Refuses to Join the Appeal Application, the message claimed. Since the message surfaced on the internet, it has generated interest among supporters of the PDP and APC. But, Mr Abdulsalam told our reporter that the report is false. He assured that the judgement will be appealed and INEC is still involved in the suit, expressing assurance that the appellate court will set the tribunal judgement aside. Judgement of the governorship election petition tribunal of Osun State like I said is a judgement that will be appealed and we have a very strong hope that the appeal court will do justice to the whole issue, he said. Concerning the very incredible rumour that flies around that INEC is not going to appeal the judgement, it is a very laughable rumour. It is not true at all. I speak, not only from my mouth, I have also confirmed from people who are relevant in INEC, he added. The normal thing is for INEC to appeal with other parties, I want to assure you that INEC is also appealing that judgement, he assured. If that kind if the judgement does not get to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, how do we develop our jurisprudence in Nigeria? How do we develop the Electoral Act we have on ground? READ ALSO: You know it is positive and it is the best thing for all of us in the case, including INEC to be at the Court of Appeal and by the grace of God at the Supreme Court. Another member of Mr Adelekes legal team who did not wish to reveal his identity also confirmed that INEC is still involved in the case. INEC is appealing, leave them with their rumours, the lawyer said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print By Ling Yunzhi India's comprehensive national strength has been increasing in recent years, and its demand for modern weapons and equipment has correspondingly been growing. However, due to its limited technical and industrial infrastructure levels, it cannot but seek external support in weapons research and development. According to Sputnik's reports, France and India have recently signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of the submarine Air Independent propulsion (AIP). This technology serves to offer a great advantage to conventional submarines by increasing their endurance for several weeks, which enables them to remain underwater for extended periods of time, and grow to be "quasi-nuclear submarines" in a sense. France is one of the few countries in the world willing to provide technology transfer of weapons to India. Against the background of more and more attention paid to the Indo-Pacific region in recent years, France has proactively promoted military cooperation with India in order to promote its regional strategic layout. It can be predicted that driven by their respective interests and needs, the India-France defense cooperation is sure to continue to deepen and thus promote the continuous development of the strategic relationship between the two countries. India: Ambitious submarine modernization India has always been weak in submarine strength: only possessing less than 20 active submarines at present, most of which are outdated to be eliminated. In view of this, India has put forward an ambitious submarine-building plan that envisages the construction of submarines to 24 in total, including at least 18 conventional ones and 6 nuclear-powered attack ones. The conventional submarines, among others, will be fitted with modern equipment, weapons and sensors, including AIP technology based on fuel cells, advanced torpedoes, modern missiles and countermeasures systems. However, India has also recognized that due to its low-level industrial base and limited strength, the plan above can only be achieved with external technical assistance. Due to the high sensitivity of submarine technology, few Western countries were willing to provide assistance to India, especially the United States. Although the United States has made significant progress in military cooperation with India in the past decade, there are still concerns about India's technical security, and it is unwilling to provide substantive assistance to India in submarine construction. However, France is an exception. France has a long history of building submarines and kept open to technology transfer as required by India, so naturally, France has become the target country that India has focused on in seeking foreign technical assistance. As early as 2005, India signed a contract with France to build six conventional submarines by itself with significant technical support from France. According to the original plan, all six submarines should have been delivered by 2018. However, the Indian Navy has only had five submarines commissioned so far due to various reasons with the sixth one yet to be delivered, which has made the modernization progress of Indian submarines greatly delayed, with the Indian Navy having to face a serious crisis of equipment insufficiency in quantity and aging in the next few years. To solve the problem, India has launched a bid again in 2021, planning to build another six advanced conventional submarines, including those equipped with an AIP system and capable of operating the Brahmus supersonic cruise missiles through the vertical launch system. In addition, India has also insisted that these submarines should be built locally under the framework of "Made in India" and that the complete transfer of submarine technology should be realized, which led to the withdrawal of Western countries including France, ultimately coming to the failure of the bidding. This time, the India-France cooperation agreement on submarine AIP is actually a remedy for the failure of the bid mentioned above and tries to achieve the local design and construction of the submarines through a more flexible way of technical cooperation while improving Indias overall operational capability underwater. France: Increase of military influence in the Indo-Pacific region For France, strengthening its strategic relationship with India and expanding its influence in the Indo-Pacific region has always been the consensus reached by previous governments. In fact, France has long regarded itself as a stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific region and maintained an active military presence in the region. For instance, France has had about 4,200 service members stationed on Reunion Island and Mayotte Island, which are of strategic significance to France in the Indian Ocean region, including one para regiment, two frigates, two patrol boats, two transport aircraft and one infantry detachment, in a view to effectively ensuring the safety of French shipping in the Indian Ocean. In recent years, with the continuous improvement of the Indo-Pacific region status across the world, France has increased its strategic focus on the region, and India, as the pivot country of the Indo-Pacific region, has also had its status in France's foreign strategy ever improving. In May 2022, India announced in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) of the United States, Japan, India and Australia that it would join the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness and that it would promote the establishment of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, which just coincided with France's strategic attempt. France believes that the development of extensive and in-depth strategic cooperation and military activities with India will greatly enhance France's strength distribution and geographical pattern in the Indo-Pacific region. To this end, French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed on various occasions that France has always regarded India as one of the most important partners. At the same time, countries like the United States, Russia, and Israel, are also competing to market military purchase orders targeting India. Under the fierce competition, France among others has dropped from the second-largest defense partner of India 10 years ago to the fourth as of now. In particular, after the creation of an enhanced trilateral security partnership called AUKUS Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States in September 2021, Australia canceled a large contract to purchase 12 French conventional submarines with a value of AUD 90 billion, and instead purchased eight nuclear-powered submarines capable of carrying out long-range missions from the United Kingdom, and the United States. This has caused even greater dissatisfaction in France and made France further increase its attention paid to the Indo-Pacific" region. In addition, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has also become an important factor in promoting France to strengthen its defense cooperation with India. After the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia's military-industrial capability has been under severe impairment. As a major importer of Russian equipment, India has been trapped in a shortage of missile systems, frigates, submarines and other equipment components and delays in delivery. In view of these, India has been negotiating with various suppliers to obtain equipment components from various channels, though with little effect achieved. Under such circumstances, France has strengthened its cooperation with India in weaponry and technology. Recently, Mr. Emmanuel Lenain, French Ambassador to India, also said that France and India have kept long-term cooperation on submarine, and France is willing to cooperate with India on key projects, including nuclear-powered submarine construction, and has promised to provide the best technology to the Indian military without any additional conditions. The submarine technology upgrade agreement between the two countries also serves as an important measure to promote the continuous warming of military cooperation and expand Frances influence in the Indo-Pacific region by using the "window period" of the Russia-Ukraine conflict; meanwhile, the measure will also serve to greatly enhance France's military presence and strategic deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. Defense relations: Ever deepening, though hard to achieve leapfrog development From the perspective of future development, the bilateral military cooperation will continue to heat up and develop in a pragmatic direction under the influence of the external strategic adjustment of France and India, and driven by their respective interests. The substantial increase in military investment of the two countries will also become an important guarantee for deepening their defense cooperation. For instance, France has planned to allocate a defense budget of 44 billion euros (about US$48.1 billion) in 2023 to continue to promote modernization projects, strengthen the construction of defense industrial bases and foreign defense assistance; India will increase its defense budget to US$72.6 billion in the fiscal year 2023 to 2024, of which more than 1/4 will be used to purchase new weapons, aircraft, warships and other military hardware. All these are sure to provide strong financial support for deepening bilateral defense cooperation. At the same time, since India and France have signed a series of military cooperation agreements, such as the Indo-French agreement on reciprocal logistics support for armed forces, with the interoperability between the two militaries further enhanced. It can be predicted that in the future, the two countries will further strengthen joint exercises and training, while using each other's military facilities, to promote the rapid development of bilateral defense relations. However, we should also see that because there are still many differences between France and India in terms of strategic objectives, regional interests, security concepts and others, there are also many constraints existing in deepening defense cooperation in the future. For instance, although the willingness of the two countries to seek defense cooperation is very strong, the goals they are trying to achieve are not consistent. In recent years, India has paid more attention to the localization construction of weapons and equipment and attached greater importance to joint research and development and the complete transfer of advanced technology when purchasing weapons and equipment from abroad. However, due to Indias weak foundation in the defense industry, lack of necessary talent, and insufficient technology and industrial capacity, France is sure to, to a certain extent, lack confidence in joint research and development projects. For France, the purpose of seeking defense cooperation with India is, on the one hand, to expand its arms market in India and gain more economic benefits, and on the other hand, to take the opportunity to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean and South Asia. Such movements are easy to make India, which has always regarded the relevant regions as its own "backyard", highly alert, and believe that this will pose a potential challenge to Indias maritime hegemony in the Indian Ocean, thus strengthening preventive measures. Under the influence of these factors, it will be difficult for India and France to achieve leapfrog development in defense relations in the future. (The author is a researcher at the Center for Asia-Pacific Development Studies of Nanjing University) Editor's note: Originally published on thepaper.cn, this article is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn. PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A $25 million gift from an anonymous donor to Penn Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) will establish the Center for Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ENDD), accelerating collaborative research in genetic therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders. This gift will bolster the efforts of an interdisciplinary group of clinicians and scientists at Penn and CHOP, led by director Benjamin Prosser, PhD and co-directors Beverly Davidson, PhD and Ingo Helbig, MD. Dr. Prosser is an associate professor of Physiology at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, who adjusted the focus of his research career when his own daughter, Lucy, was diagnosed shortly after birth in 2018 with a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder. Dr. Benjamin Prosser and his family. "ENDD offers hope to patients and families living with the many challenges of rare, genetic neurodevelopmental disorders," said J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD, executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System and dean of the Perelman School of Medicine. "This important gift will accelerate the progress of an extraordinary partnership between Penn and CHOP that demonstrates the power of collaboration and a commitment to finding cures. We are incredibly grateful to this donor, whose dedication to the advancement of research in this area is sure to create the launch pad for a new outlook for those diagnosed with these conditions." The gift was made in honor of the late television executive Daniel B. Burke whose son Stephen B. Burke served on the board of trustees at CHOP. "We are extremely grateful for this visionary gift that supports our efforts to solve the unsolvable when it comes to rare diseases, improving our ability to translate new discoveries about potential therapies into clinical practice," said Madeline Bell, President and CEO of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "CHOP and Penn have systematically invested in integrated care programs for genetic epilepsies and neurodevelopmental disorders. This new center will fill the gap between the tremendous advances in early diagnosis and comprehensive clinical care and the development of new treatments for these patients." ENDD will initially focus on developing therapies for disorders related to mutations of the STXBP1 and SYNGAP1 genes which are linked to abnormal brain function, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and motor and behavioral impairments with the goal of expanding its efforts to other genetic neurodevelopmental disorders over time. ENDD strengthens an existing partnership between Dr. Prosser and Dr. Davidson, the Director of the Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics and Chief Scientific Strategy Officer at CHOP and Professor of Pathology and Lab Medicine at Penn, and Dr. Helbig, a pediatric neurologist in the Department of Neurology at Penn and Division of Neurology at CHOP and the Director of Genomic Science at CHOP's Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN). Their joint work in the Center will target the development of anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO), gene therapy, and CRISPR-based strategies for the treatment of NDD. Dr. Prosser's daughter Lucy was diagnosed with a rare, genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation of the STXBP1 gene. STXBP1-related disorders cause a range of symptoms, including seizures, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and movement disorders. There is no known cure or effective treatment. Driven by a desire to help his daughter and the more than 5,000 children with STXBP1 disorders born each year worldwide, Prosser, an expert in cardiac molecular biology, launched a separate research arm in his lab focused on developing new therapies for STXBP1 and related disorders. He began collaborating with Davidson and Helbig, as well as other researchers and clinicians across Penn and CHOP, forming the ENDD Therapeutics Team. "As a scientist and as a parent, I am incredibly grateful for this gift, which will propel our work forward with the hope of changing the course of these disorders," Prosser said. "We have a rare opportunity with such a brilliant and dedicated team of scientists and clinicians at Penn and CHOP, who are motivated each day to make a difference for Lucy and children like her." Davidson, a world-renowned expert in gene therapy in neurological disorders, works to understand the molecular basis of childhood onset neurodegenerative diseases and the development of gene and small molecule therapies for treatment. Helbig, who serves as one of the directors of the Epilepsy Neurogenetics Initiative (ENGIN) at CHOP, has particular expertise in SYNGAP1 and STXBP1 and treats many children with these disorders, including Lucy Prosser. This unique combination of clinical knowledge, innovation in gene therapy, and the drive of a parent-scientist will accelerate the development of new therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders. SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 365 Connect, the leader in delivering the world's most sophisticated automated marketing, leasing, and resident engagement platform for multifamily communities across the globe, announced today it is celebrating twenty-years of exclusively serving the multifamily housing industry. Since its launch in 2003, 365 Connect has continued to deliver an array of highly integrated solutions with a focus on streamlining workflows for both renters and property management teams. Along the way, the company has innovated several industry-first, including leading in digital inclusion with a platform-wide ADA Accessibility Certification, and its continuing commitment to recertify semi-annually. The company maintains WCAG Level 2.1 AA conformance, which stands at the top percentile of compliance. 365 Connect has also been recognized across the global stage, winning an array of prestigious technology awards, from the coveted Louisiana Governor's Technology Award to a series of international awards. Most recently, the company's CEO, Kerry W. Kirby, was honored with an inaugural Multifamily Innovation Bootstrapper Award, which recognizes entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses without venture capital or external funding. To date, the company has won 97 technology awards, which is more than any PropTech company in the multifamily housing space. Today, the company provides an array of leading-edge self-service and automated solutions designed to not only meet the demands of the modern renter, but assist multifamily housing operators to supplement their workforce, eliminate redundant tasks, and increase bottom line revenue. Recently 365 Connect launched a fully automated leasing platform, capable of delivering a signature ready lease with move-in fee capture, without any intervention from property staff. The platform produces an immediate impact on operations and profitability. "This year marks a historic milestone for our team, customers, and community," stated Kerry W. Kirby, CEO of 365 Connect. "The world has changed dramatically over the past twenty-years, and so has the modern-day rental market. As we move forward into a new era, our focus is to perfect the renter experience through the power of automation, while modernizing currently broken processes that are creating complexities across our industry." ABOUT 365 CONNECT: 365 Connect delivers the world's most sophisticated automated marketing, leasing, and resident engagement platform for multifamily communities across the globe. Designed to modernize transactions that empower people, the platform executes processes that accelerate operations and minimizes human intervention. Founded in 2003 with an unwavering commitment to connect people with where they live, 365 Connect is built for renters, management teams, and today's changing world. Learn how we are ready for what's next at 365connect.com Media Contacts 365 CONNECT Media Relations [email protected] 504-299-3444 SOURCE 365 CONNECT With 185 airline customers, over 100 employees, and 7 locations, GO7 is ready to support the industry's big ambitions, give back control to airlines and accelerate their commercial performance. LONDON and MIAMI and TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GO7, formerly 777 Travel, has launched its new brand today as part of a broader strategy to unify its teams, processes, and corporate portfolio around its core mission to transform travel brands by putting power back into their hands. The launch of GO7 is a key milestone in a multi-year strategy of behind-the-scenes re-architecting of traditional airline solutions and the acquisitions of Air Black Box, WorldTicket and AeroCRS. Adam Weiss, Head of Aviation Vertical, 777 Partners, said, "The GO7 brand reflects a growing recognition across the industry for greater ability and agility to innovate stagnant business models. At its core, GO7 unencumbers airlines and travel brands from how they've conventionally operated. The brand is about big, digital thinking, modularity and interoperability, and empowering airlines to open evolutionary revenue and distribution channels." GO7 cements 777 Partners' ambitious travel technology strategy, which focuses on delivering solutions that create new commerce channels for airlines and travel companies and improve next-generation retailing, distribution, interlining, and passenger connectivity. Meir Hadassi Turner, CEO of GO7, added, "There's more passion and desire for travel from consumers than ever before, and demand is surging from new places and new operators. GO7 is an exciting moment for us and a key milestone in our journey to help airlines and travel brands meet this demand, generate more dynamic experiences and accelerate revenue growth without adding layers of complexity," continues Turner. "This moment also recognises our valued customers and partners who have supported this journey and will be at the centre of everything through our next chapter." The travel technology units within GO7 already provide solutions for over 185 network, low-cost carriers, regional airlines and rail operations globally. These include global ticketing and distribution services, enabling airlines to easily expand their reach in key and underserved markets without compromising resources or revenue quality. Other solutions include next-generation passenger service systems, loyalty and payment platforms, and interlining, baggage, and disruption solutions that make it easier to create connected journeys for customers and generate revenue efficiently across an airline's operations. James Millett, Group Aviation & GO7 CMO, said, "GO7 is an exciting new brand that captures the spirit and scale of our ambition in travel technology. We're a challenger brand built on deep travel experience, full of talented colleagues with a passion for applying cutting-edge technology to address opportunities in airlines that move the dial. GO7 is a brand platform that embodies the energy, momentum, pace and optimism of this valuable purpose and mission." With a leadership team rich with industry experience and passionate in its commitment to further democratise air travel and reimagine the travel experience, GO7 is poised to play a major role in industry restructuring at a time when a true transformation is essential for travel brands. GO7 is not just another travel technology company; it's a catalyst for change and advancing the air travel industry. For more information about GO7, please contact Vanessa Horwell at [email protected]. About GO7 GO7 represents a new approach to travel technology, united by a core belief to give control back to airlines and other travel operators through flexible, customer-centric technology. GO7's suite of integrated solutions allows airlines to transform their commercial operations using modern, agile technology flexibly designed as a 'one-stop' or bespoke solution. GO7's foundations are proven, with over 185 airlines globally already using GO7 for ticketing and distribution, passenger servicing, loyalty, payments, interlining, baggage management and operational consulting. Visit www.go7.io to learn more. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1996917/GO7_Logo.jpg SOURCE GO7 NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As per Zion Market Research study, The global downstream processing market size was worth around USD 26.2 Billion in 2021 and is predicted to grow to around USD 88.6 Billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 14.5% between 2022 and 2030. Report Link with All Related Graphs & Charts: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/downstream-processing-market Downstream Processing Market: Overview Purification and recovery of biosynthetic and medicinal compounds obtained from natural sources are referred to as downstream processing. Plant and animal tissues that can be recycled and treated are among the sources. The release of intracellular products, solid-liquid separation, chromatography purification, and formulation are all examples of downstream processing. To create anti-infection drugs, antibiotics, antibodies, hormones, vaccines, and industrial enzymes, these methods involve floating, flocculation, centrifugation, and filtering. Maximizing product recovery and lowering production costs are two additional benefits of downstream processing. Get a Free Sample Report with All Related Graphs & Charts (with COVID 19 Impact Analysis): https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/downstream-processing-market Our Free Sample Report Includes: 2023 Updated Report Introduction, Overview, and In-depth industry analysis COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis Included 183 + Pages Research Report (Inclusion of Updated Research) Provide Chapter-wise guidance on Request 2023 Updated Regional Analysis with Graphical Representation of Size, Share & Trends Includes an Updated List of tables & figures Updated Report Includes Top Market Players with their Business Strategy, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis Zion Market Research methodology Key Industry Insights & Findings of the Downstream Processing Market Reports: As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global downstream processing market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 14.5% over the forecast period (2022-2030). In terms of revenue, the global downstream processing market size was valued at around USD 26.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 88.6 billion , by 2030. in 2021 and is projected to reach , by 2030. The increased demand for biopharmaceutical products is the key reason driving the growth of the downstream processing industry. Based on the product, the chromatography systems segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021. Based on the technique, purification by chromatography is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period. Based on the application, the antibiotic production segment holds a significant market share over the forecast period. Based on region, North America is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Zion Market Research published the latest report titled "Downstream Processing Market By Product (Chromatography Systems, Filters, Evaporators, Centrifuges, Dryers, and Others), By Technique (Cell Disruption, Solid-liquid Separation, Concentration, Purification by Chromatography and Formulation), By Application (Antibiotic Production, Hormone Production, Antibodies Production, Enzyme Production, and Vaccine Production), and By Region - Global and Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, and Forecasts 2022 2030." into their research database. Industry Dynamics: Downstream Processing Market: Growth Drivers Increasing pharmaceutical expenditure in R&D to drive the market growth. The use of downstream processing in the biopharmaceutical sector is growing as a result of rising pharmaceutical expenditure on research & development, the use of diverse business strategies, and sophisticated technology, which will drive global downstream processing market expansion throughout the projection period. In 2021, it was noted that pharmaceutical firms worldwide spent close to USD 200 billion on research and development in 2020, compared to USD 83 million in 2019. This is to statistics given by the Congressional Budget Office. The adoption of continuous downstream processing systems for multicomponent separations, perfusion chromatography systems, high-throughput process development, and high-resolution membrane systems, along with an increase in market growth, are the results of the companies increasing investment in research and development. Downstream Processing Market: Restraints The dearth of skilled professionals limits the market growth. The sector of the economy that deals with downstream processing is rapidly nearing the point when there won't be enough educated workers. Bioprocess engineering is one of the key skills required for people working in the downstream processing industry. As demand for biosimilars has increased, a rising number of CDMOs have joined the market. However, there will be a hurdle to the market's progress because of the anticipated scarcity of competent laborers. Directly Purchase a Copy of the Report @ https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/buynow/su/downstream-processing-market Downstream Processing Market: Opportunities Advancements in technologies provide a lucrative opportunity. Technology and equipment advancements have benefited downstream processing. The development of the downstream processing industry is primarily fueled by improvements in acoustophoresis, namely ultrasonic cell separation and high-precision microfluidics for label-free cell selection. Businesses are building a solid scientific foundation in in-line cell washing and fast gene delivery, which boosts productivity dramatically. Downstream Processing Market: Challenges The high cost of the separation and purification act is a major challenge. More frequently than not, the expense of separation and purification accounts for more than half of the total process expense. The downstream process is extensively analyzed to construct a bioprocess that is economical. To attain the required level of purity, many separation and purification techniques have been integrated, raising the cost of the downstream process. Thus, acting as a major challenge for global downstream processing market growth. Global Downstream Processing Market: Segmentation The global downstream processing market is segmented based on product, technique, application, and region. Based on the product, the global market is bifurcated into chromatography systems, filters, evaporators, centrifuges, dryers, and others. The chromatography systems segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021 and is expected to show its dominance during the forecast period. Growth of the segment is predicted to be fueled by ongoing R&D efforts to increase the effectiveness and speed of chromatography systems. Thermo Fisher Scientific introduced the HyPeak chromatography system in April 2021; it is the only single-use chromatography system for bioprocessing offered by the company and plays a vital role in the creation of therapeutic proteins and vaccines. The growth of the industry is further aided by an increase in chromatography system deals and innovations. For instance, Sartorius Stedim Biotech announced in January 2021 that it had acquired the chromatography equipment business from Novasep. Thus, the product launch and the ongoing acquisition will further fuel the market expansion over the forecast period. Based on the technique, the market is bifurcated into cell disruption, solid-liquid separation, concentration, purification by chromatography and formulation. Purification by chromatography is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period. In downstream bioprocessing, single-use chromatography, and filtering systems are regarded as the gold standards. As a result, businesses are pursuing business expansion tactics including acquisition, merger, and agreement to broaden their chromatography portfolio. For instance, in December 2021, Newton, New Jersey-based BioFlex Solutions was acquired by Repligen. The acquisition expands and improves Repligen's portfolio of single-use fluid management products while also streamlining its supply chain. By adding BioFlex Solutions, the system offering is strengthened since more components and assemblies are integrated, driving segmental growth. Based on the application, global downstream processing is divided into antibiotic production, hormone production, antibodies production, enzyme production, and vaccine production. The antibiotic production segment holds a significant market share over the forecast period. This rapid increase can be attributable to the broad range of conditions for which antibiotics are used as treatments. The annual death toll from antibiotic-resistant bacteria is above 700,000. Due to this, there is a strong need for the creation of antibiotics, which in turn drives market expansion. Get More Insight before [email protected]: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/inquiry/downstream-processing-market List of Key Players in Downstream Processing Market: Sartorius AG GE Healthcare Merck KGaA Thermofisher Scientific Danaher Repligen Corporation 3M Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH Corning Incorporated Lonza Dover Corporation Asahi Kasei Corporation Eppendorf SE Key questions answered in this report: What are the growth rate forecast and market size for Downstream Processing Market? What are the key driving factors propelling the Downstream Processing Market forward? What are the most important companies in the Downstream Processing Market Industry? What segments does the Downstream Processing Market cover? How can I receive a free copy of the Downstream Processing Market sample report and company profiles? Report Scope: Report Attribute Details Market size value in 2021 USD 26.2 Billion Revenue forecast in 2030 USD 88.6 Billion Growth Rate CAGR of almost 14.5 % 2022-2030 Base Year 2020 Historic Years 2016 2021 Forecast Years 2022 2030 Segments Covered By Product, By Technique, By Application, And By Region Forecast Units Value (USD Billion), and Volume (Units) Quantitative Units Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2022 to 2030 Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, and Rest of World Countries Covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, GCC Countries, and South Africa, among others Companies Covered Sartorius AG, GE Healthcare, Merck KGaA, Thermofisher Scientific, Danaher, Repligen Corporation, 3M, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Corning Incorporated, Lonza, Dover Corporation, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Eppendorf SE, among others. Report Coverage Market growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, Porter's five forces analysis, PEST analysis, value chain analysis, regulatory landscape, market attractiveness analysis by segments and region, company market share analysis, and COVID-19 impact analysis. Customization Scope Avail of customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/custom/1561 Free Brochure: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/requestbrochure/downstream-processing-market Recent Developments In February 2022 , the chromatography division of Novasep, which includes cutting-edge equipment for the continuous production of biologics as well as chromatography systems especially suitable for smaller biomolecules including oligonucleotides, peptides, and insulin, was acquired by Sartorius Stedim Biotech. the chromatography division of Novasep, which includes cutting-edge equipment for the continuous production of biologics as well as chromatography systems especially suitable for smaller biomolecules including oligonucleotides, peptides, and insulin, was acquired by Sartorius Stedim Biotech. In June 2022 , Agilent Technologies and Merck collaborated to close the industry gap in process analytical technologies (PAT) for downstream processing. To enhance real-time monitoring and automated process control of crucial process parameters (CPPs) and crucial quality attributes (CQAs) in downstream processing, the firms' collaboration combines Merck's bioprocess portfolio with Agilent Technologies' cutting-edge analytical technologies (DSP). Regional Dominance: North America is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. North America is expected to dominate the global downstream processing market during the forecast period. The growth in the region is attributed to the upcoming government actions to promote bioprocess technology, increased downstream bioprocessing usage in the sector, and the existence of a strong healthcare infrastructure. The expansion of the downstream processing industry is also influenced by the increasing government funding and investment in improving the manufacturing process in the biopharmaceutical sectors. For instance, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the United States Department of Commerce awarded two contracts totaling USD 153 million to the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBP) in July 2021. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) also grants NIIMBL USD 83 million over three years as part of the American Rescue Plan to support study and development focused on preventing, preparing for, and reacting to coronavirus outbreaks. Furthermore, Rising companies and a growing emphasis on implementing different business strategies, such as merger, acquisition, and facility development to maintain their place in the market, are also influencing the market's expansion. For instance, Merck and Wuxi National High-tech Industrial Development Zone signed a contract in April 2022. According to the agreement, Merck will increase the size of its single-use manufacturing facility in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, East China. Thus, the aforementioned facts flourish the market growth in the region. On the other hand, a rising biopharmaceutical sector and a strong demand for drugs and vaccines led China to lead the Asia Pacific area market. One of the most dynamic economic sectors in China, the biopharmaceutical sector is characterized by constant innovation in biopharmaceutical processes and equipment. Asahi Kasei Corp., a provider of solutions to the biologics production industry, expanded its activities in China in April 2021 with the founding of Asahi Kasei Bioprocess Co., Ltd. The implementation of AKBC supports firm development in China by localizing inventory management and order processing for shorter delivery times. Global Downstream Processing Market is segmented as follows: Downstream Processing Market: By Product Outlook (2022-2030) Chromatography Systems Filters Evaporators Centrifuges Dryers Others Downstream Processing Market: By Technique Outlook (2022-2030) Cell Disruption Solid-liquid Separation Concentration Purification by Chromatography Formulation Downstream Processing Market: By Application Outlook (2022-2030) Antibiotic Production Hormone Production Antibodies Production Enzyme Production Vaccine Production Downstream Processing Market: By Region Outlook (2022-2030) North America The U.S. Canada Europe France The UK Spain Germany Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Southeast Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa GCC South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Press Release for Downstream Processing Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/news/global-downstream-processing-market Browse Other Related Research Reports from Zion Market Research Cannabis Cultivation Market - Global Industry Analysis : The global Cannabis Cultivation Market accrued earnings worth approximately 147.3 (USD Billion) in 2020 and is predicted to gain revenue of about 359.6 (USD Billion) by 2028, is set to record a CAGR of nearly 14.5% over the period from 2021 to 2028. The global Cannabis Cultivation Market accrued earnings worth approximately 147.3 (USD Billion) in 2020 and is predicted to gain revenue of about 359.6 (USD Billion) by 2028, is set to record a CAGR of nearly 14.5% over the period from 2021 to 2028. Pharmaceutical Sterility Testing Market - Global Industry Analysis : The global Pharmaceutical Sterility Testing Market accrued earnings worth approximately 1.2(USD Billion) in 2020 and is predicted to gain revenue of about 2.3 (USD Billion) by 2028, is set to record a CAGR of nearly 11.9% over the period from 2021 to 2028. The global Pharmaceutical Sterility Testing Market accrued earnings worth approximately 1.2(USD Billion) in 2020 and is predicted to gain revenue of about 2.3 (USD Billion) by 2028, is set to record a CAGR of nearly 11.9% over the period from 2021 to 2028. Respiratory Disorders Treatment Market - Global Industry Analysis : The global Respiratory Disorders Treatment market accrued earnings worth approximately 98.9 (USD Billion) in 2020 and is predicted to gain revenue of about 112.5(USD Billion) by 2030, is set to record a CAGR of nearly 6.1% over the period from 2021 to 2030. Browse through Zion Market Research's coverage of the Global Pharmaceutical Industry Follow Us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook About Us Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting-edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, and company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the client's needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us. Contact Us: Zion Market Research 244 Fifth Avenue, Suite N202 New York, 10001, United States Tel: +1 (844) 845-5245 USA/Canada Toll-Free No. +1 (855) 465-4651 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1605489/Zion_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Zion Market Research WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) has just filed a major lawsuit in the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia against the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum for violating the First Amendment by kicking out a group of Christian students for wearing pro-life hats. The ACLJ is representing 9 students and 3 parents who were unlawfully targeted for their religious pro-life views on January 20, 2023. As reported at ACLJ.org and major news outlets including Fox News, students from a Catholic school in Greenville, South Carolina, traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National March for Life. After the event, they went over to explore the nearby Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Once inside the federal museum, they were accosted several times and told they would be forced to leave unless they removed their pro-life hats. The group all wore the same blue hat that simply said, "Rosary PRO-LIFE." Other individuals in the museum were wearing hats of all kinds without issue. The museum staff mocked the students, called them expletives, and made comments that the museum was a "neutral zone" where they could not express such statements. In the complaint, ACLJ provides more detail of how upwards of five museum staff and security officers accosted, berated, and eventually kicked out these students. Jordan Sekulow, ACLJ's Executive Director, says: "What the Smithsonian did is beyond reprehensible. These were students simply wearing a hat that passively expressed their support for life on the basis of their Christian faith. The way these students, many of whom were minors, were treated by their federal government the Smithsonian and its employees should shock everyone to the core. It's not only abhorrent; it's blatantly unconstitutional. And that's why we're fighting back." The lawsuit brings claims under the First Amendment (free speech), Fifth Amendment (equal protection), and Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The ACLJ is asking the court to order the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to ensure that this type of unconstitutional discrimination against pro-life free speech never happens again. Read the full complaint here. About ACLJ: The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), focusing on the preservation and defense of constitutional rights, is based in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit ACLJ.org. Media Contact: Brian Mayes Nashville Publicity Group [email protected] SOURCE American Center for Law and Justice Join the community that twins passionate fundraising with any-sized donation. DALLAS , Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "Now's the time to reinvent our interpretation of 'giving', and here at Kitti, we believe that if we all simply add to the 'Kitti', we can collectively change the world." Adam Shulman, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Office at Kitti. Donate to multiple charities in a single transaction, monthly contribution, or raise money through fundraising efforts. Tweet this Adam Shulman and Charles Meek, Kitti's Founders What is Kitti? Kitti is your brand-new, community-focused fundraising and donation platform. Providing everyone, no matter where you're located, with the power to raise money for charity. Their mission is to change the way we donate by pairing any-sized contribution with passionate fundraising efforts simultaneously building an online, supportive network and creating a culture which enables you to boost charity awareness, encourage fundraising missions, and inspire a global message of hope. Why is Kitti different? The key ingredient to successful fundraising is understanding that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. The team at Kitti are driving this message through their online community, teaming individual donations into one cumulative effort. From promoting fundraising events to showcasing the positive impact our contributions have, Kitti continuously gives back as you put it. But that's not all. No longer do you have to single out one charity to support; Kitti allows you to choose how to donate: split a single donation across multiple charities, make a one-off donation, monthly contributions or focus your attention into discovering the fundraising efforts supported across their platform. Kitti isn't just about transferring money into an anonymous bucket; they purposely go the extra mile to showcase fundraising activities linked to your chosen charity, allowing you to meet the people you're supporting, share their message and be a part of their amazing efforts. Building on the strength of many, Kitti is focused on creating a supportive, online community: "We've seen the spark of excitement when people unite over a cause they're passionate about, and we're determined to highlight the strength and power that comes from individuals working together," said Charlie. "Through this style of fundraising, we can level the playing field for charities so fundraising and donating is accessible to everyone." Who are Kitti? Born out of passion to help others, Kitti saw an opportunity to transform how we can work together in a time of need. With the cost of living rising, everyone is looking at ways to save money whilst still trying to support one another. Kitti provides that solution: "We understand times are hard, but we can't deny the buzz that comes from helping someone in need. A good deed encourages another, releases happy endorphins and brings hope to us all. Now more than ever, we want to keep that feeling going and Kitti ensures everyone knows they're a part of an important cause, because they are." SOURCE The Kitti Group PLYMOUTH, Mich., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Adient (NYSE: ADNT), a global leader in automotive seating, today announced its first quarter 2023 financial results. Q1 GAAP net income and EPS diluted of $12M and $0.13 , respectively; Q1 Adj.-EPS diluted of $0.34 and , respectively; Q1 Adj.-EPS diluted of Q1 Adj.-EBITDA of $212M , up $66M y-o-y , up y-o-y Strong quarter-end cash and total liquidity of $901M and $1.9B , respectively, at December 31, 2022 and , respectively, at Commitment and progress toward building a sustainable future laid out in Adient's recently published 2022 Sustainability Report. Visit https://www.adient.com/about-us/sustainability/ for the full report. For complete details and to see reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures, visit the events section of the Adient investor website at www.investors.adient.com/events-and-presentations/events to download the full press release and earnings presentation. Investor analyst conference call: Adient's president and chief executive officer, Douglas Del Grosso, and executive vice president and chief financial officer, Jerome Dorlack, will host a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern to discuss the results. To participate by telephone, please dial 888-455-2945 (U.S.) or 773-799-3947 (international) 15 minutes prior to the start time of the call and ask to be connected to the Adient conference call. The conference passcode is ADIENT. About Adient: Adient (NYSE: ADNT) is a global leader in automotive seating. With 70,000+ employees in 30 countries, Adient operates more than 200 manufacturing/assembly plants worldwide. We produce and deliver automotive seating for all major OEMs. From complete seating systems to individual components, our expertise spans every step of the automotive seat-making process. Our integrated, in-house skills allow us to take our products from research and design to engineering and manufacturing and into millions of vehicles every year. For more information on Adient, please visit www.adient.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Adient has made statements in this document that are forward-looking and, therefore, are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements in this document other than statements of historical fact are statements that are, or could be, deemed "forward- looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this document, statements regarding Adient's expectations for its deleveraging activities, the timing, benefits and outcomes of those activities, as well as its future financial position, sales, costs, earnings, cash flows, other measures of results of operations, capital expenditures or debt levels and plans, objectives, market position, outlook, targets, guidance or goals are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "should," "forecast," "project" or "plan" or terms of similar meaning are also generally intended to identify forward- looking statements. Adient cautions that these statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond Adient's control, that could cause Adient's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks related to: the Ukraine conflict and COVID lockdowns in China and their impact on regional and global economies and additional pressure on supply chains and vehicle production, the effects of local and national economic, credit and capital market conditions on the economy in general, and other risks and uncertainties, the continued financial and operational impacts of and uncertainties relating to the COVID-19 pandemic on Adient and its customers, suppliers, joint venture partners and other parties, work stoppages, including due to supply chain disruptions and similar events, energy and commodity availability and prices, the company's ability and timing of customer recoveries for increased input costs, the availability of raw materials and component products (including components required by our customers for the manufacture of vehicles (i.e., semiconductors)), whether deleveraging activities may yield additional value for shareholders at all or on the same or different terms as those described herein, the ability of Adient to execute its turnaround plan, automotive vehicle production levels, mix and schedules, as well as our concentration of exposure to certain automotive manufacturers, the ability of Adient to effectively launch new business at forecast and profitable levels, the ability of Adient to meet debt service requirements, the terms of future financing, the impact of tax reform legislation, uncertainties in U.S. administrative policy regarding trade agreements, tariffs and other international trade relations, general economic and business conditions, the strength of the U.S. or other economies, shifts in market shares among vehicles, vehicle segments or away from vehicles on which Adient has significant content, changes in consumer demand, global climate change and related emphasis on ESG matters by various stakeholders, the ability of Adient to achieve its ESG-related goals, currency exchange rates and cancellation of or changes to commercial arrangements, and the ability of Adient to identify, recruit and retain key leadership. A detailed discussion of risks related to Adient's business is included in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Adient's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on November 22, 2022, and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC, available at www.sec.gov. Potential investors and others should consider these factors in evaluating the forward- looking statements and should not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document, unless otherwise specified, and, except as required by law, Adient assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this document. In addition, this document includes certain projections provided by Adient with respect to the anticipated future performance of Adient's businesses. Such projections reflect various assumptions of Adient's management concerning the future performance of Adient's businesses, which may or may not prove to be correct. The actual results may vary from the anticipated results and such variations may be material. Adient does not undertake any obligation to update the projections to reflect events or circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of subsequent events. No representations or warranties are made as to the accuracy or reasonableness of such assumptions, or the projections based thereon. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information: This document also contains non-GAAP financial information because Adient's management believes it may assist investors in evaluating Adient's on-going operations. Adient believes these non-GAAP disclosures provide important supplemental information to management and investors regarding financial and business trends relating to Adient's financial condition and results of operations. Investors should not consider these non-GAAP measures as alternatives to the related GAAP measures. Non-GAAP measures include Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, Adjusted effective tax rate, Adjusted earnings per share, Adjusted equity income, Adjusted interest expense, Free cash flow and Net debt. For further detail and reconciliations to their closest GAAP equivalents, please see the appendix to the earnings presentation. Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures related to FY2023 guidance have not been provided due to the unreasonable efforts it would take to provide such reconciliations. ADNT-FN SOURCE Adient BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alabama Power Company board of directors has elected Moses Feagin executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. The appointment is effective March 1. Feagin will be responsible for overseeing the finance, accounting and treasury departments. Alabama Power's previous chief financial officer, Phil Raymond, announced his retirement in December 2022 after 13 years in the role. Alabama Power elects Moses Feagin chief financial officer "Moses is a proven leader with deep financial and regulatory expertise," said Jeff Peoples, Alabama Power CEO. "We look forward to him returning to Alabama Power." Feagin rejoins Alabama Power from Mississippi Power, where he served as senior vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer since 2010, and as chief diversity officer since 2016. He began his Southern Company career at Alabama Power in 1987 as a junior accountant, working his way up to hold positions of increasing responsibility and leadership. In 2000, Feagin moved to Southern Company Services as Generation Accounting manager. He was elected comptroller of Mississippi Power in 2005 and vice president and comptroller of Alabama Power in 2008. Feagin is a native of Montgomery and holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Alabama. He is a certified management accountant and completed the Executive Finance and Accounting Program at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Leadership Birmingham and Leadership Gulf Coast, as well as a member of the Institute of Management Accountants and 100 Black Men of America. About Alabama Power Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), provides reliable, affordable electricity to 1.5 million customers across the state. Learn more at www.alabamapower.com. SOURCE Alabama Power NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ALTR Created Diamonds founder Amish Shah today announced the launch of a new purpose-driven fine jewelry brand, J'evar. Dedicated to harnessing the power of technology to transition the diamond industry towards a future where there is no compromise between sustainability and beauty. J'evar jewelry is influenced by art and architecture, and designed to be both wearable and relevant, melding the traditional and the contemporary, with an obsessive attention to detail. In keeping with J'evar's brand value of radical openness, the company is pleased to pull back the curtain on their process of creating lab-grown diamonds The J'evar mission to create sustainable elegance, requires a design and transparency driven brand to bring a refreshing openness to products uncommon in the industry. When modern jewelry customers seek information about the sourcing of diamonds and metals before making a purchase, the origins of J'evar's fine jewelry materials are no mystery J'evar exclusively uses Type IIa diamonds purest type on Earth with a color range between D-G and clarity ranging from VVS-VS, which means that the quality of a J'evar diamond, as defined by the combination of the gem's color and clarity, is higher than minimum of other fine jewelry luxury brands. With their superior cutting expertise, provided by the House of ALTR that delivers unrivaled beauty, scintillation, and refraction, Jevar diamonds sparkle with a ferocity that far exceeds most diamonds. When it comes to buying fine jewelry, customers no longer have to choose between tasteful fine jewelry and ethically sourced materials. J'evar is setting a new standard for fine jewelry by combining heritage based artisanal craftmanship with advanced technology components like lab grown diamonds and environmentally friendly recycled metals. "J'evar is a revolutionary fine jewelry brand dedicated to creating sustainable and beautiful jewelry." says Amish Shah, Founder of J'evar. "We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new brand under the creative direction of world-renowned marketing Guru, David Lipman, igniting a new vision for fine jewelry with lab grown diamonds" J'evar is fiercely committed to the highest standards of social and ethical behavior and environmental stewardship. In contrast to earth-mined diamonds, where one carat requires disturbing approximately 100 square feet of land, J'evar's jewelry-making processes do not disturb an inch of soil. J'evar's digital store is powered by renewable energy and even the shipping is carbon neutral by design. At J'evar, purity is not just a buzzword; it is a standard of beauty that is incorporated in every step of production and design. From water conservation to recycled metals to shipping processes, we are dedicated to positively impacting the environment. J'evar is Jewelry with a Conscience. Be sure to visit www.jevar.co to learn more about J'evar and shop for their new sustainable and beautiful lab-grown diamond fine jewelry which features their Beating Hearts Collection, Lotus Petals Collection and Elements. These collections include Diamond Necklaces and Pendants, Diamond Bracelets and Diamond Earrings. About J'evar: Diamonds Made Not Born. Influenced by art and architecture, J'evar is a luxury fine jewelry brand known for artisanal craftsmanship, innovative designs, and exceptional gem quality. Grown with renewable energy by harnessing solar power, sourced exclusively from the House of ALTR, J'evar uses the finest Type IIa Lab Grown diamonds that refract light with unmatched beauty and luminosity. As a purpose-driven brand, Jevar is committed to sustainability, using recycled metals and carbon neutral practices, in compliance with GHG (Green House Gas) Protocol Scope 1 and 2. Celebrating heritage and pushing the boundaries of creativity, J'evar is melding the traditional and the contemporary, with obsessive attention to details, designing fine luxury jewelry that elevates creativity to unsurpassed heights where there is no compromise between sustainability and beauty. Inspired by India's jewelry making heritage. Incubated with New York's glamor and energy, J'evar makes Jewelry with a conscience. Media Contact: Stephen Francy, (212) 805-3025, [email protected] SOURCE J'evar NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The animal genetics market size is estimated to increase by USD 1534.79 million from 2022 to 2027, with an accelerated CAGR of 5.48%, according to a recent market study by Technavio. This report also offers a 5-year historical (2017-2021) data projection of market size, segmentation, and region. Discover some insights on market size before buying the full report -Request a sample report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Animal Genetics Market 2023-2027 Chart & Data Table on 5-Year Historic (2017-2021) Market Size, Comparative Analysis of Segments, and Y-O-Y Growth of Animal genetics market The market is segmented by solution (live animal, genetic testing services, and genetic materials), end-user (research centers, hospitals and clinics, and diagnostic centers) Based on the solution, the live animal segment became the market's largest segment in 2022 . the the became the market's largest segment . The growth of this segment is primarily attributed to the growing development of a DNA library to perform a genetic selection of different animal species and the increasing export of live animals . is primarily attributed to the . Vendors can now offer customized live animal breeds based on the needs of livestock farmers and breeders. These factors will positively impact the growth of the market during the forecast period. To procure the data - Buy the report! Qualitative and quantitative analysis of vendors has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak. The Bargaining Power of Buyers & Suppliers and the Threat of New Entrants, Rivalry, and Substitutes have also been analyzed and rated between LOW-HIGH to provide a holistic view of market favorability. Find Technavio's Exclusive Analysis of Price Sensitivity, Adoption Lifecycle, Customer Purchase Basket, Adoption Rates, and Purchase Criteria One of the core components of the customer landscape is price sensitivity , an analysis of which will help companies refine marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage . , an analysis of which will help companies refine . Another key aspect is price sensitivity drivers (purchases are undifferentiated, the purchase is a key cost to buyers, and quality is not important) , which range between LOW and HIGH. , which range between Furthermore, market adoption rates for all regions have been covered. The animal genetics market report also offers information on the criticality of inputs, R&D, CAPEX, technology, and products of 15 vendors listed Below AquaGen AS Aviagen Group Cooperatie Koninklijke CRV u.a. EasyDNA Envigo Genetic Veterinary Sciences Inc. Genex Cooperative Genus Plc Groupe Grimaud La Corbiere SA Hendrix Genetics BV Neogen Corp. Sandor Group Of Co. Superior Animal Genetics Topigs Norsvin Holding B.V. Download a Sample Report Growing demand for genetic testing services to reduce livestock diseases is notably driving the animal genetics market growth The frequency of infectious diseases such as FMD, brucellosis, porcine cysticercosis, and African swine fever is rising. To reduce the occurrence of these illnesses, there is an increasing demand for genetic testing services worldwide. Vendors are concentrating on providing genetic testing services in order to meet the rising need for infectious illness diagnostics in animals. These services provide precise illness diagnosis by locating disease-causing bacteria, aiding in the reduction of infection rates and transmission among animals. Therefore, the market will expand over the forecast period due to the rising use of genetic testing services to prevent cattle diseases. Furthermore, the growing focus on developing sustainable livestock is also boosting market growth. However, the shortage of skilled professionals to perform genetic testing is impeding the growth of the global animal genetics market. Chart & Data Table on Historical Market Size (2017-2021, Historic Industry Size & Analysis of 15 Vendors and 7 Countries The market is segmented by region North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of World (ROW). An analysis of key leading countries has been included. North America , which holds the major share of the market, is estimated to contribute 35% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Growth will be driven by the increasing adoption of sustainable livestock management practices in countries such as the US and Canada . In both Canada and the US, the percentage of agricultural revenue that comes from farm gate livestock receipts ranges between 40% and 50%. This revenue share is influenced by common livestock species like pigs, turkeys, broilers, sheep, and goats. is estimated to contribute Growth will be driven by the . In both and the US, the percentage of agricultural revenue that comes from farm gate livestock receipts ranges between 40% and 50%. This revenue share is influenced by common livestock species like pigs, turkeys, broilers, sheep, and goats. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted most North American countries, which resulted in the temporary closure of various industries, including those manufacturing animal genetics. The shutdowns adversely impacted their production and distribution activities. Also, as online channels were active even during the pandemic, there was an increased demand for animal genetics. However, in 2021, the demand for animal genetics rebounded from offline retail stores as regional activities resumed due to the COVID-19 vaccination drives and the subsequent lifting of lockdown restrictions. For Insights on the market dynamics & segmentations VIEW the PDF SAMPLE! Related Reports: Moist Wound Dressings Market by Product, End-user and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027: The moist wound dressings market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 1,365.75 million. The increasing incidence and prevalence of acute and chronic wounds are notably driving the market growth, although factors such as the high cost of wound treatment may impede the market growth. Surgical Sutures Market by Product, End-user, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027: The surgical sutures market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.68% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecasted to increase by USD 1,102.57 million. The increase in the number of surgeries is notably driving the market growth, although factors such as the growing preference for MIS may impede the market growth. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform What are the key data covered in this animal genetics market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the animal genetics market between 2023 and 2027 Precise estimation of the size of the animal genetics market and its contribution to the parent market Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior Growth of the animal genetics market across North America, Europe , Asia , and the Rest of the World (ROW) , , and the Rest of the World (ROW) A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of animal genetics market vendors Animal Genetics Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 159 Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.48% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 1534.79 million Market structure Concentrated YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 5.06 Regional analysis North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW) Performing market contribution North America at 35% Key countries US, Germany, UK, France, and China Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Animal Genetics Inc., AquaGen AS, Aviagen Group, Cooperatie Koninklijke CRV u.a., EasyDNA, Envigo, Genetic Veterinary Sciences Inc., Genex Cooperative, Genus Plc, Groupe Grimaud La Corbiere SA, Hendrix Genetics BV, Neogen Corp., Sandor Group Of Co., Superior Animal Genetics, Topigs Norsvin Holding B.V., Tropical Bovine Genetics, Vaxxinova International BV, Vetgen LLC, and Zoetis Inc Market dynamics Parent Market Analysis; Market growth inducers and obstacles; Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis for the forecast period Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Browse for Technavio "Health Care" Research Reports Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Solution Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by End-user 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 animal genetics market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global animal genetics market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Solution Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Solution Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 End user Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size End user 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 Solution 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Solution - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Solution - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Solution Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Solution Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Solution 6.3 Live animal - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Live animal - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Live animal - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Chart on Live animal - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Live animal - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Genetic testing services - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Genetic testing services - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Genetic testing services - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Chart on Genetic testing services - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Genetic testing services - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Genetic materials - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 42: Chart on Genetic materials - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Genetic materials - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on Genetic materials - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on Genetic materials - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.6 Market opportunity by Solution Exhibit 46: Market opportunity by Solution ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by End-user 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 47: Chart on End-user - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 48: Data Table on End-user - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by End-user Exhibit 49: Chart on Comparison by End-user Exhibit 50: Data Table on Comparison by End-user 7.3 Research centers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 51: Chart on Research centers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Data Table on Research centers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 53: Chart on Research centers - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 54: Data Table on Research centers - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Hospitals and clinics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 55: Chart on Hospitals and clinics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Data Table on Hospitals and clinics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 57: Chart on Hospitals and clinics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 58: Data Table on Hospitals and clinics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Diagnostic centers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 59: Chart on Diagnostic centers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Data Table on Diagnostic centers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 61: Chart on Diagnostic centers - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 62: Data Table on Diagnostic centers - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.6 Market opportunity by End-user Exhibit 63: Market opportunity by End-user ($ 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 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 72: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 76: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 Asia - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on Asia - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Data Table on Asia - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Chart on Asia - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on Asia - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 84: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 85: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 87: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 88: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 95: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 99: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 102: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 103: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 104: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 105: 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 106: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 107: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 108: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 109: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 110: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 111: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 Animal Genetics Inc. Exhibit 112: Animal Genetics Inc. - Overview Exhibit 113: Animal Genetics Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 114: Animal Genetics Inc. - Key offerings 12.4 AquaGen AS Exhibit 115: AquaGen AS - Overview Exhibit 116: AquaGen AS - Product / Service Exhibit 117: AquaGen AS - Key offerings 12.5 Aviagen Group Exhibit 118: Aviagen Group - Overview Exhibit 119: Aviagen Group - Product / Service Exhibit 120: Aviagen Group - Key offerings 12.6 Cooperatie Koninklijke CRV u.a. Exhibit 121: Cooperatie Koninklijke CRV u.a. - Overview Exhibit 122: Cooperatie Koninklijke CRV u.a. - Product / Service Exhibit 123: Cooperatie Koninklijke CRV u.a. - Key news Exhibit 124: Cooperatie Koninklijke CRV u.a. - Key offerings 12.7 Envigo Exhibit 125: Envigo - Overview Exhibit 126: Envigo - Product / Service Exhibit 127: Envigo - Key offerings 12.8 Genetic Veterinary Sciences Inc. Exhibit 128: Genetic Veterinary Sciences Inc. - Overview Exhibit 129: Genetic Veterinary Sciences Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 130: Genetic Veterinary Sciences Inc. - Key offerings 12.9 Genex Cooperative Exhibit 131: Genex Cooperative - Overview Exhibit 132: Genex Cooperative - Product / Service Exhibit 133: Genex Cooperative - Key offerings 12.10 Genus Plc Exhibit 134: Genus Plc - Overview Exhibit 135: Genus Plc - Business segments Exhibit 136: Genus Plc - Key offerings Exhibit 137: Genus Plc - Segment focus 12.11 Groupe Grimaud La Corbiere SA Exhibit 138: Groupe Grimaud La Corbiere SA - Overview Exhibit 139: Groupe Grimaud La Corbiere SA - Product / Service Exhibit 140: Groupe Grimaud La Corbiere SA - Key offerings 12.12 Hendrix Genetics BV Exhibit 141: Hendrix Genetics BV - Overview Exhibit 142: Hendrix Genetics BV - Product / Service Exhibit 143: Hendrix Genetics BV - Key offerings 12.13 Neogen Corp. Exhibit 144: Neogen Corp. - Overview Exhibit 145: Neogen Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 146: Neogen Corp. - Key news Exhibit 147: Neogen Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 148: Neogen Corp. - Segment focus 12.14 Topigs Norsvin Holding B.V. Exhibit 149: Topigs Norsvin Holding B.V. - Overview Exhibit 150: Topigs Norsvin Holding B.V. - Product / Service Exhibit 151: Topigs Norsvin Holding B.V. - Key offerings 12.15 Vaxxinova International BV Exhibit 152: Vaxxinova International BV - Overview Exhibit 153: Vaxxinova International BV - Product / Service Exhibit 154: Vaxxinova International BV - Key offerings 12.16 Vetgen LLC Exhibit 155: Vetgen LLC - Overview Exhibit 156: Vetgen LLC - Product / Service Exhibit 157: Vetgen LLC - Key offerings 12.17 Zoetis Inc Exhibit 158: Zoetis Inc - Overview Exhibit 159: Zoetis Inc - Business segments Exhibit 160: Zoetis Inc - Key news Exhibit 161: Zoetis Inc - Key offerings Exhibit 162: Zoetis Inc - Segment focus 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 163: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 164: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 165: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 166: Research methodology Exhibit 167: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 168: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 169: 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 Name change positions company for safety innovation and leadership beyond traffic control NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Area Wide Protective (AWP), the owner of America's largest family of traffic control safety brands, announced it will change its name to AWP Safety, effective February 07. The name change resulted from an in-depth process led by AWP Safety's executive team, which included an extensive customer survey, industry benchmarking, and corporate strategic planning. The new name reflects the company's increased scale, specialized expertise, innovative offerings, and its plans for future growth. "Adding Safety to our name makes the mission and vision of our company clear, protecting lives and progress on critical utility, broadband, and infrastructure projects. With our continued strategic acquisitions, we've grown to own the traffic control space. Further growth and company-led innovations will take us into adjacent safety categories," said Rob Sehnert, AWP Safety president and CEO. AWP Safety will align current and future acquisitions under the new name, but the transition will take place gradually based on clearly defined integration plans to preserve established relationships and brand equity. Owned by Kohlberg & Company, LLC, a leading private equity firm, AWP Safety is aggressively pursuing strategic acquisitions to increase its geographic footprint and the breadth and depth of its offerings. Recently named one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity in 2023 by Newsweek, the company's stated goal is to set a new standard in safety for its employees as well as the customers and communities they serve. About AWP Safety AWP Safety is North America's leading worksite safety partner, protecting those who build our infrastructure. Our growing family of safety brands includes Advantage Barricade & Roadmarks, Crossroads, MOTPlans, Northwest Traffic Services, Safety First, Statewide Safety Systems, Trafficade Service Companies, and Traffic Safety Rentals. AWP Safety's capabilities range from work zone flagging to design and engineering for transportation management plans, equipment sales, rentals and 24/7 support. We employ 6,800 team members across 28 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces. For more information: www.awpsafety.com SOURCE AWP, Inc. Hybrid IBD added $3.2 billion in assets, 42 new advisors in 2022 ATLANTA, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Arkadios Capital, a fast-growing hybrid broker/dealer serving independent financial advisors, announced the appointment of Nathan M. Stibbs as Director of Corporate Strategy. The addition of Stibbs comes on the heels of a record year in 2022, in which Arkadios added $3.2 billion in assets through the affiliation of 42 advisors across 15 offices. These additions accounted for $16MM in new revenue. Stibbs will play a critical role in helping Arkadios execute its strategy of national growth and expansion. Nathan Stibbs, Director of Corporate Strategy, Arkadios Capital "The Arkadios executive team has worked closely with Nathan Stibbs for many years. He is passionate about assisting successful wealth management firms reach their full potential," said Founder and CEO David Millican. "He knows our capabilities and shares our entrepreneurial culture. He will help us expand our current relationships and add successful advisory groups." Stibbs will work alongside the Arkadios leadership team to accelerate growth by adding quality advisors to their platform, while providing a strong culture firmly focused on the advisor experience. "It was important to me that I aligned with an organization with which I share a similar vision, philosophy and core values," said Stibbs. "I have worked with David and Arkadios leadership in the past, and I love their entrepreneurial spirit and passion for serving advisors. Arkadios has established itself as one of the fastest growing IBDs in the industry and their advisor-centric culture make them a top destination for successful investment professionals." For over two decades, Stibbs has served as a strategic consultant to independent financial advisors throughout the country. After beginning his career at JC Bradford & Co, he spent over 20 years on the executive team at Triad Advisors, an independent RIA and broker/dealer. Through his leadership, Stibbs helped position Triad as the leading independent broker/dealer for hybrid investment advisors. About Arkadios Capital Arkadios Capital is a hybrid independent broker/dealer founded by a successful registered independent advisor for successful registered independent advisors. Specializing in supporting larger and growth-oriented wealth management firms, Arkadios has grown to more than $8B in affiliated assets and more than 160 advisors with 42 offices across the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information visit arkadios.com. SOURCE Arkadios Capital NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global automotive trailer market size is estimated to increase by USD 6.25 billion between 2022 and 2027. However, the market's growth momentum will decelerate at a CAGR of 3.91%. COVID-19 had the most negative impact on the global automotive industry in recent years, resulting in a steep fall in demand and a large-scale disruption of the supply chain. This exerted intense pressure on an already-stressed global automotive market. However, few countries are bringing manufacturing facilities and production back on track, indicating that the supply side is on a restoration line. For more insights on the automotive trailer market - Request a sample report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Automotive Trailer Market 2023-2027 Key trends - Advances in product technologies are a major trend in the market. Technologies such as telematics, electrification, digitalization, and autonomous driving are renovating and transforming automotive trailers. Digital technologies are expected to create new opportunities, such as advanced trailer telematics and artificial intelligence-based optimization, which will reduce carbon emissions, traffic congestion, utilization, and overall operating costs. The installation of advanced devices such as temperature recorders with built-in global mobile communication (GSM)/global positioning system (GPS) modem and remote temperature monitoring in refrigerated trailers helps trailer owners and fleet managers in real-time monitoring. Such technological advances are expected to provide growth opportunities for market expansion during the forecast period. To know more - Buy the report! Automotive trailer market - Customer landscape To help companies evaluate and develop growth strategies, the report outlines Key purchase criteria Adoption rates Adoption lifecycle Drivers of price sensitivity Automotive trailer market Vendor analysis Vendor landscape The global automotive trailer market is fragmented, with the presence of several international and domestic vendors. A few prominent vendors that offer automotive trailers in the market are ACPS Automotive GmbH, Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing LLC, Bockmann Fahrzeugwerke GmbH, Brian James Trailers Ltd., China International Marine Containers Group Ltd., Dennison Trailers Ltd., Europe Trailers Pty Ltd., Great Dane LLC, Heil Trailer International, Humbaur GmbH, Hyundai Motor Group, Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd., Kentucky Trailer, MAXX-D Trailers, MCR Safety, Miller Industries Inc., Pace American Trailers, Premier Trailer Mfg. Inc., Schmitz Cargobull AG, and Wabash National Corp. and others. The market is subject to rapidly changing consumer demands and preferences. The changing consumer consumption pattern, consumer tastes, global and regional economic conditions, and other demographic trends may affect vendor performance. Changing economic conditions are also affecting end-users' living standards, which can affect businesses. Vendors compete based on several factors, such as quality, price, service, brand image, distribution, and marketing. In addition, major vendors are focusing on acquiring other small brands to increase their market presence. Vendor offerings - ACPS Automotive GmbH - The company offers an automotive removable receiver, which is used for trailer movement. The company offers an automotive removable receiver, which is used for trailer movement. Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing LLC - The company offers a single axle vanguard trailer, which is designed to carry out heavyweight cargo. The company offers a single axle vanguard trailer, which is designed to carry out heavyweight cargo. Brian James Trailers Ltd. - The company offers open transport trailer, which is designed to carry out racing vehicles. The company offers open transport trailer, which is designed to carry out racing vehicles. China International Marine Containers Group Ltd. - The company offers an automotive trailer, which is used to carry and transfer dry cargo items. Automotive trailer market - Segmentation assessment Segment overview Technavio has segmented the market based on type (dry trailers, refrigerated trailer, tank trailer, flatbed trailers, and others) and vehicle type (commercial vehicle, passenger car, and two-wheeler and bicycle). The dry trailers segment will account for a significant share of the global market during the forecast period. A dry trailer is an enclosed box that is used to transport non-perishable goods, including food and beverages, household goods, clothing, plastic, and construction materials. Dry trailers are the most commonly used equipment owing to their versatility. Therefore, the advantages of dry trailers are expected to drive the growth of this segment during the forecast period. Geography overview Based on geography, the global automotive trailer market is segmented into APAC, Europe, North America, 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 automotive trailer market. APAC is estimated to account for 53% of the growth of the global market during the forecast period. China and India have the highest share of the automotive engine market in APAC in terms of production volume due to the presence of a large automotive production base. The demand for automotive trailers is expected to increase in countries such as China , Australia , Japan , India , and South Korea . Moreover, with the reduction in the prices of components and the availability of more stable and advanced systems, more low-cost manufacturers are expected to enter the market in the region, especially in China , during the forecast period. Download a sample report Automotive trailer market Market dynamics Leading drivers - The rapidly growing transportation and logistics industry is driving market growth. Road transport is the most frequently used mode of transport in the logistics sector owing to its cost advantage. Therefore, the logistics industry is important for automotive trailers. The expansion of the manufacturing, agriculture, electronics, textile, and clothing industries has also increased the demand for logistics and supply chain services. Moreover, most companies also rely on external logistics companies to lower their investment in vehicle fleets, miniaturization, and availability of different types of containers, tanks, and flatbeds, depending on their needs. These factors are expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. Major challenges - The high maintenance cost is challenging the market. The average service life of a new trailer is 15 years. However, car trailers have air suspension and are more expensive than traditional trailers. The maintenance costs increase if the suspension is used for more than three years. Moreover, refrigerated trailers have numerous components that need regular maintenance, such as compressors, condensers, and evaporators, which further increases maintenance costs. Such factors will hinder the growth of the market during the forecast period. Drivers 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 automotive trailer market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the automotive trailer market between 2023 and 2027 Precise estimation of the size of the automotive trailer market and its contribution to the parent market Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior Growth of the automotive trailer market across APAC, Europe , North America , 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 automotive trailer market vendors Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports: The automotive four-wheel drive vehicle market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.85% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecasted to increase by 2,423.33 thousand units. This report extensively covers market segmentation by application (passenger cars and commercial vehicles), type (SUVs and crossovers, pickup trucks, and premium and luxury sedans), and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and South America). The size of the automotive market in GCC is expected to increase by 346.37 thousand units from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 6.74%. This report extensively covers segmentation by type (passenger cars and commercial vehicles) and geography (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Others). Automotive Trailer Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 166 Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Decelerate at a CAGR of 3.91% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 6.25 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 4.09 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 53% Key countries US, China, India, Germany, and UK Competitive landscape Leading vendors, market positioning of vendors, competitive strategies, and industry risks Key companies profiled ACPS Automotive GmbH, Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing LLC, Bockmann Fahrzeugwerke GmbH, Brian James Trailers Ltd., China International Marine Containers Group Ltd., Dennison Trailers Ltd., Europe Trailers Pty Ltd., Great Dane LLC, Heil Trailer International, Humbaur GmbH, Hyundai Motor Group, Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd., Kentucky Trailer, MAXX-D Trailers, MCR Safety, Miller Industries Inc., Pace American Trailers, Premier Trailer Mfg. Inc., Schmitz Cargobull AG, and Wabash National 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, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Browse for Technavio's consumer discretionary market reports Table of contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Type Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Vehicle Type 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 ($ billion) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) 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 automotive trailer market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global automotive trailer market 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 4.2 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 4.3 Vehicle type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Vehicle type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 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 Dry trailers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Dry trailers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Dry trailers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 36: Chart on Dry trailers - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Dry trailers - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Refrigerated trailer - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Refrigerated trailer - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Refrigerated trailer - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 40: Chart on Refrigerated trailer - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Refrigerated trailer - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Tank trailer - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 42: Chart on Tank trailer - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Tank trailer - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 44: Chart on Tank trailer - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on Tank trailer - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.6 Flatbed trailers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 46: Chart on Flatbed trailers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Flatbed trailers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 48: Chart on Flatbed trailers - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on Flatbed trailers - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.7 Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 50: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 52: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.8 Market opportunity by Type Exhibit 54: Market opportunity by Type ($ billion) 7 Market Segmentation by Vehicle Type 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 55: Chart on Vehicle Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 56: Data Table on Vehicle Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Vehicle Type Exhibit 57: Chart on Comparison by Vehicle Type Exhibit 58: Data Table on Comparison by Vehicle Type 7.3 Commercial vehicle - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 59: Chart on Commercial vehicle - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 60: Data Table on Commercial vehicle - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 61: Chart on Commercial vehicle - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 62: Data Table on Commercial vehicle - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Passenger car - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 63: Chart on Passenger car - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 64: Data Table on Passenger car - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 65: Chart on Passenger car - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 66: Data Table on Passenger car - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Two-wheeler and bicycle - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 67: Chart on Two-wheeler and bicycle - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 68: Data Table on Two-wheeler and bicycle - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 69: Chart on Two-wheeler and bicycle - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 70: Data Table on Two-wheeler and bicycle - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.6 Market opportunity by Vehicle Type Exhibit 71: Market opportunity by Vehicle Type ($ billion) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 72: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 73: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 74: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 75: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 76: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 78: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 79: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 82: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 83: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 84: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 85: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 86: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 87: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 88: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 90: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 91: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: 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 93: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 94: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 95: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: 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 97: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 98: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 99: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 102: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 103: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 104: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 105: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 106: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 107: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 108: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 109: Chart on India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 110: Data Table on India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 111: Chart on India - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 112: Data Table on India - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 113: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 114: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 115: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 116: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 117: Market opportunity by geography ($ billion) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 118: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 119: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 120: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 121: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 122: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 123: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 ACPS Automotive GmbH Exhibit 124: ACPS Automotive GmbH - Overview Exhibit 125: ACPS Automotive GmbH - Product / Service Exhibit 126: ACPS Automotive GmbH - Key offerings 12.4 Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing LLC Exhibit 127: Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing LLC - Overview Exhibit 128: Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing LLC - Product / Service Exhibit 129: Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing LLC - Key offerings 12.5 Bockmann Fahrzeugwerke GmbH Exhibit 130: Bockmann Fahrzeugwerke GmbH - Overview Exhibit 131: Bockmann Fahrzeugwerke GmbH - Product / Service Exhibit 132: Bockmann Fahrzeugwerke GmbH - Key offerings 12.6 Brian James Trailers Ltd. Exhibit 133: Brian James Trailers Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 134: Brian James Trailers Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 135: Brian James Trailers Ltd. - Key offerings 12.7 China International Marine Containers Group Ltd. Exhibit 136: China International Marine Containers Group Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 137: China International Marine Containers Group Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 138: China International Marine Containers Group Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 139: China International Marine Containers Group Ltd. - Segment focus 12.8 Dennison Trailers Ltd. Exhibit 140: Dennison Trailers Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 141: Dennison Trailers Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 142: Dennison Trailers Ltd. - Key offerings 12.9 Europe Trailers Pty Ltd. Exhibit 143: Europe Trailers Pty Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 144: Europe Trailers Pty Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 145: Europe Trailers Pty Ltd. - Key offerings 12.10 Great Dane LLC Exhibit 146: Great Dane LLC - Overview Exhibit 147: Great Dane LLC - Product / Service Exhibit 148: Great Dane LLC - Key offerings 12.11 Heil Trailer International Exhibit 149: Heil Trailer International - Overview Exhibit 150: Heil Trailer International - Product / Service Exhibit 151: Heil Trailer International - Key offerings 12.12 Humbaur GmbH Exhibit 152: Humbaur GmbH - Overview Exhibit 153: Humbaur GmbH - Product / Service Exhibit 154: Humbaur GmbH - Key offerings 12.13 Hyundai Motor Group Exhibit 155: Hyundai Motor Group - Overview Exhibit 156: Hyundai Motor Group - Business segments Exhibit 157: Hyundai Motor Group - Key offerings Exhibit 158: Hyundai Motor Group - Segment focus 12.14 Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd. Exhibit 159: Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 160: Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 161: Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd. - Key offerings 12.15 MCR Safety Exhibit 162: MCR Safety - Overview Exhibit 163: MCR Safety - Product / Service Exhibit 164: MCR Safety - Key offerings 12.16 Schmitz Cargobull AG Exhibit 165: Schmitz Cargobull AG - Overview Exhibit 166: Schmitz Cargobull AG - Product / Service Exhibit 167: Schmitz Cargobull AG - Key offerings 12.17 Wabash National Corp. Exhibit 168: Wabash National Corp. - Overview Exhibit 169: Wabash National Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 170: Wabash National Corp. - Key news Exhibit 171: Wabash National Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 172: Wabash National Corp. - Segment focus 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 173: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 174: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 175: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 176: Research methodology Exhibit 177: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 178: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 179: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 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 Infectious disease leader brings over three decades of democratizing and scaling HIV prevention and treatment to underserved communities PLANO, Texas, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Avita Care Solutions, a national health care services organization committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and inclusive health care solutions to underserved communities, has appointed Christopher Hall, MD, MS, AAHIVS, as its inaugural chief medical officer. Dr. Hall has devoted his career to fighting health inequities among the underserved, particularly those affected by HIV. At Avita, he leads providers at Q Care Plus, the organization's community-focused telehealth solution, and AvitaCare Atlanta, its Atlanta medical center and pharmacy, in the delivery of high-quality, affordable, and easily accessible patient care in a trusted environment. Dr. Hall has devoted his career to fighting health inequities among the underserved, particularly those affected by HIV. Tweet this "We're honored that Dr. Hall has joined Avita," says Avita Chief Executive Officer Michael Yount. "As an authority in the fields of HIV prevention and treatment, LGBTQ+ care, and sexual wellnessas well as a staunch advocate for health care as a human righthis leadership will be fundamental to removing barriers for patients and covered entities across the care continuum." "Offering seamless, holistic health care to underserved communities is an 'all-hands-on-deck' situation," says Hall. "That's the beautiful thing about Avita Care Solutions. Whether it's telehealth or traditional care in an onsite clinic setting, all our providers are dedicated to working in tandem with our covered entity partners to offer patients quality, respectful, affordable care wherever they feel most comfortable." Before joining Avita, Dr. Hall served as chief medical officer of Q Care Plus. He also has served in diverse roles in medical practices and local, state, and national organizations, where he led policy, research, and program development initiatives to bring HIV awareness and prevention to marginalized communities. Dr. Hall received his MD from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, completed the Internal Medicine Internship and a year of Residency at Brigham & Women's Hospital (part of Harvard University), and fast-tracked to the Infectious Disease Fellowship Program at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Hall is honored to serve as Medical Director for Face to Face, a legacy HIV/AIDS service organization in Sonoma County, Calif., and remains a medical consultant for the California Prevention Training Center's California STD Warmline and an STI/HIV expert for RubiconMD. ABOUT AVITA CARE SOLUTIONS Avita Care Solutions is committed to promoting health equities by providing comprehensive, compassionate, and inclusive health care and pharmacy services to underserved communities. Avita's community care management strategy enables patients and covered entities to remove barriers across the care continuum by providing pharmacy services, program administration, digital health, and delivery of clinical care for more than 145,000 patients and 320+ covered entities at 65+ locations. To learn more, visit AvitaCareSolutions.com. SOURCE Avita Care Solutions TEL AVIV, Israel , Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank Leumi (TASE: LUMI) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced today that they have signed a strategic cooperation agreement. Under the agreement, the EIB will provide a EUR 500 million credit line to Bank Leumi. This will be used to provide credit on preferential terms to SMEs across Israel, including supporting new investment in green and environmental projects. This represents the first targeted support for climate action business financing in Israel by the EIB. The agreement with the EIB is part of Leumi's long-term strategy to strengthen support for climate and environmental issues, in which the Bank has set a target for providing green credit totaling NIS 35 billion by 2030. As of year-end 2021, Leumi's green credit outstanding provided to customers was NIS 12 billion. In the beginning of 2023, Leumi raised USD 500 million from leading global institutional investors following the issuance of Tier 2 Subordinated Green Notes (CoCo Bonds). The proceeds of the issuance will be used by the Bank to finance eco-friendly projects. The EIB is the European Union's investment bank, financing and investing in projects around the globe that achieve the policy goals of the EU. In recent years the EIB has focused on the areas of climate, environment, development of infrastructures and support for SMEs Today, the EIB is considered to be one of the largest financiers of the green economy in the world. The Bank has pledged to invest EUR 1 trillion in climate-related projects by 2030. For more information visit the investor relations page on our website or contact Michael Klahr, VP, Head of Investor Relations, at [email protected] SOURCE Bank Leumi Cloud native SaaS suite gives corporate and retail banks the agility to modernize their banking applications quickly to meet customer demands and capitalize on new opportunities AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With transaction volumes, customer expectations, and competitive threats at an all-time high, banks must adapt quickly to keep pace. To address these challenges, Oracle today launched Oracle Banking Cloud Services, a new suite of componentized, composable cloud native services. The six new services available today provide banks with highly scalable corporate demand deposit account processing; enterprise-wide limits and collateral management; real-time ISO20022 global payment processing; API management; retail onboarding and originations; and new self-service digital experience capabilities. Built on a microservices architecture, they help banks renovate and modernize their business capabilities faster and with less risk. "Banks must innovate to succeed in today's hyper competitive environment," said Sonny Singh, executive vice president and general manager of Oracle Financial Services. "We have built one of the world's most comprehensive suites of cloud-native SaaS solutions so that banks of all sizes can innovate with speed, security, and scale without compromising their existing environments." The services can run standalone, work seamlessly together, and coexist with existing applications to help banks lower cost and risk while increasing innovation. Banks benefit from faster provisioning and availability which can be achieved in a matter of minutes and gain automated patching and reduced disaster recovery switchover times that lower IT costs and burden. "The most recent IDC 2022 Worldwide Industry CloudPath Survey shows that nearly all banks surveyed plan to increase spending on all cloud deployment models," said Jerry Silva, Program Vice President, IDC. "Including private cloud and public cloud infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and software as a service (SaaS), public cloud services are expected to grow at twice the rate of overall IT spending at 15% CAGR over the same five-year period, gaining a larger share of banks' IT budgets." The new services are built and running on the high performance, scalability, security, and compliance of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, including OCI's Oracle Kubernetes Engine. With most cloud regions available globally, in addition to the most extensive set of distributed options, Oracle Banking Cloud Services can be deployed based on sovereignty or data residency needs. New services include: Oracle Banking Accounts Cloud Service Current corporate demand deposit account (DDA) solutions are ill-equipped to handle the explosion of ecommerce and digital payments that have caused a massive increase in global banking transactions. PwC estimates the global volume of cashless payments is expected to increase by more than 80% between 2020 and 2025, to reach nearly 1.9 trillion transactions. Oracle Banking Accounts Cloud Service provides highly scalable demand deposit account processing on Oracle Coherence Datagrid Infrastructure. The service has been tested for extreme performance and recorded over 200 TPS per CPU on commodity hardware. It also integrates with a bank's existing process flows and technology so they can modernize their core banking DDA systems to deliver new offerings to the market without disrupting their operation. Oracle Banking Payments Cloud Service Legacy systems can't scale and manage the growing volume and velocity of digital payments from ecommerce and new transaction types. Oracle Banking Payments provides a single engine for real-time payment processing, including cross-border, high-value, bulk, retail, and 24x7 payments. The service is built from the ground up based on an ISO20022 canonical data model and more than 15 leading global payment schemes such as SWIFT, SEPA, and others out of the box. Oracle Banking Enterprise Limits and Collateral Management Cloud Service With the absence of an enterprise-wide system, inefficient monitoring, and poor controls, corporate banks are struggling to manage the influx of defaults. McKinsey estimates that banks using improved models could see a 20-40% decrease in their credit losses. Oracle Banking Enterprise Limits and Collateral Management enables banks to gain a holistic view of their exposure by centralizing the limits definition process and collateral management. The service reduces risk by providing banks with a real-time solution for exposure tracking, credit underwriting, decisions, and approvals. Oracle Banking Origination Cloud Service Today, instant gratification is redefining banking, as customers now expect accounts to be opened quickly, loans to be processed in minutes, and cash disbursed in a matter of hours, all with a high level of process transparency. Oracle Banking Origination offers streamlined processes and automated decisioning that helps bankers deliver tailored onboarding and originations experiences for retail and small business customers. With the service, banks can quickly scale originations across retail asset and liability business lines to efficiently drive higher deposit and credit volumes. Oracle Banking Digital Experience Cloud Service Oracle Banking Digital Experience Cloud Service is a digital banking solution that provides ready-to-go corporate and retail banking experiences that enhance customer service. The solution offers customer and product acquisition in addition to omnichannel contextual digital experiences supported by video, chatbot, AI, and natural language processing (NLP)-based engagement tools. The service also works with the bank's existing technology and third-party services to drive seamless processes. Oracle Banking APIs Cloud Service With more than 1,800 ready-to-deploy business and foundational banking APIs, Oracle Banking APIs Cloud Service empowers banks to establish an open banking platform to accelerate innovation while complying with regulations. The solution equips banks to improve the customer experience and revenue opportunities by embedding their services across a growing ecosystem of partners including ecommerce portals, enterprise software, and more. About Oracle Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com. Trademarks Oracle, Java, and MySQL are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. SOURCE Oracle Adds to BCN Resources in the Southwest Region MORRISTOWN, N.J., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BCN, a New Jersey-based communications technology solution provider focused on multi-location businesses welcomes Ken Lautzenheiser to the company as a Partner Sales Director. The addition of Ken to the BCN team in the Southwest continues the Company's commitment to driving engagement and partner opportunities in the region. The entire BCN Sales Director team is focused on designing and delivering technology solutions that enable our sales partners to deliver customer value. Lautzenheiser's experience and relationships in the Southwest will drive mutual success for BCN and our partners. Tweet this Ken Lautzenheiser, BCN Partner Sales Director Ken brings many years of telecom and technology expertise to the BCN Team, most recently as a Channel Sales Director for Nitel and Hypercore. BCN continues to expand both its team and technology solutions portfolio. A robust NaaS service offering is enhanced with BCN Cloud Voice UCaaS, SD-WAN, cloud-based security, managed equipment, and monitoring services. BCN also offers a variety of POTS Replacement solutions to help customers mitigate the rising cost of traditional copper lines. "We are extremely excited to welcome Ken to the BCN team. His channel experience and partner relationships in the Southwest region will ultimately drive mutual success for BCN and our partners," said Ryan Kelly, BCN Vice President of Business Development. About BCN BCN is a closely held and operated communications technology solutions provider with the flexibility and experience to address every customer need uniquely, creating tailored solutions based on the portfolios of over 100 wholesale network and technology partners. In addition, BCN provides customers with one monthly invoice for all services and a state-of-the-art portal to manage their BCN business. For over 29 years, BCN has delivered best-in-class solutions domestically and internationally to business customers. For more information, please call us at 888.866.7266 or email us at [email protected]. www.bcntele.com SOURCE BCN Telecom MONTREAL, Feb. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Bell Canada (Bell) today announced the public offering in Canada of Cdn $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of MTN Debentures in two series pursuant to its medium term notes (MTN) program. The Cdn $1.05 billion 4.55% MTN Debentures, Series M-58, will be dated February 9, 2023, will mature on February 9, 2030 and will be issued at a price of Cdn $99.787 per $100 principal amount for a yield to maturity of 4.586%. The Cdn $450 million 5.15% MTN Debentures, Series M-59, will be dated February 9, 2023, will mature on February 9, 2053 and will be issued at a price of Cdn $99.500 per $100 principal amount for a yield to maturity of 5.183%. The MTN Debentures will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by BCE Inc. Bell Canada intends to use the net proceeds of this offering for the repayment of short-term debt and for general corporate purposes. The MTN Debentures are being publicly offered in all provinces of Canada through a syndicate of agents. Closing of the offering of these MTN Debentures is expected to occur on February 9, 2023, subject to customary closing conditions. This news 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 these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The MTN Debentures have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (U.S. Securities Act), or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act). The MTN Debentures are being issued pursuant to a short form base shelf prospectus dated March 7, 2022 and a prospectus supplement dated May 19, 2022. Bell Canada will file a pricing supplement relating to this issue with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces of Canada. About Bell Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing advanced broadband wireless, TV, Internet, media and business communication services throughout the country. Founded in Montreal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca. Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities with a commitment to the highest environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. This includes the Bell Let's Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk. Media inquiries: Ellen Murphy [email protected] Investor inquiries: Richard Bengian [email protected] Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the expected timing and completion of the proposed sale of MTN Debentures, the intended use of the net proceeds of such sale and other statements that are not historical facts. All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of applicable Canadian securities laws and of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe our expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the proposed offering referred to above. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The timing and completion of the abovementioned proposed sale of the MTN Debentures is subject to customary closing terms and other risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the proposed sale of the MTN Debentures will occur, or that it will occur at the expected time indicated in this news release. SOURCE Bell Canada Powered by Walmart, Keynote Speaker Bubba Wallace and others will gather for the opportunity to inspire lifestyle changes for a healthier, wealthier Black community NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This month, BLACK ENTERPRISE , the No. 1 Black digital media brand with more than 6 million unique visitors per month, will host the first Health is Wealth Weekend, powered by Walmart. Filled with insights from leading Black health and wellness experts and a featured conversation with NASCAR star Bubba Wallace, attendees will have the chance to not only discuss the racial disparities experienced in the Black community but also gather life-changing tips and strategies for leveraging improvements in physical, mental, and emotional health to boost their earning power and wealth-building potential. Celebrities, influencers, and consumers will gather in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday, Feb. 10, for a two-day, fun, uplifting, and inspiring experience that will provide key takeaways on important health topics from managing stress and achieving a healthy body weight, to building and protecting mental health. Sharing their professional and personal experiences, featured speakers include Zakia Blain, founder and CEO of FBF Body; Dr. Bernard Ashby, founder of Comprehensive Vascular Care; Germaine Bold-Leftridge, CEO & founder of GBL Sales; Jodi Brockington, founder & CEO of Niara Consulting; Gerrell Webb, Nashville-based celebrity fitness trainer; Dr. Kevin Billups, professor of Internal Medicine & Urology, Director of Men's Health at Meharry Medical College; and a host of other health and wellness professionals. "At BLACK ENTERPRISE, we strive to empower our audience to achieve equity and uncover opportunities for growth in all areas of their lives, but we can only achieve that when we also address the racial and societal challenges that occur," said Earl Butch Graves Jr., CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE. "As an inaugural event, Health is Wealth is just the beginning of how we will drive the necessary conversations but also continue to support and impact the overall health of the Black communityfrom financial to physical and emotionalleading to a wealthier life for all." "Walmart is honored to be the presenting sponsor of BLACK ENTERPRISE'S inaugural Health is Wealth Weekend. Through this initiative, we continue to advance racial equity in the U.S., with a particular focus on health disparities affecting Black and African American people," said Regine Moore, director of Constituent Relations. "At Walmart, we encourage our customers and associates that being 'healthy' is a way of life that creates a chain reaction of good habits around emotional, physical, and financial well-being." The BLACK ENTERPRISE Health is Wealth Weekend will be held at The Westin Nashville and is free for all to enjoy and learn. Walmart is the Host sponsor, Gilead is the Presenting sponsor, Manulife/John Hancock is the Platinum sponsor. Attendees can learn more about the weekend, receive programming updates, and register for the event at www.blackenterprise.com/healthiswealth/ . About BLACK ENTERPRISE Founded in 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE is a mission-centric publication focused on providing relevant information for success-minded people at every stage of their financial journey. Designed to highlight Black leadership and entrepreneurial journeys, BLACK ENTERPRISE reaches its audience through its events and linear and digital channels. BLACK ENTERPRISE aims to be a fountain of knowledge for the how to achieve financial success. To learn more about the company, please visit blackenterprise.com and follow them on social media across Instagram , Twitter, and Facebook . SOURCE BLACK ENTERPRISE WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), along with the strongest-ever assembled coalition of immigration groups and leaders, today released a letter calling on the House Majority to immediately begin implementing the "Commitment to America" and, in particular, end the Biden Border Crisis. The letter states: February 7, 2023 Dear Members of the House of Representatives, With the 118th Congress officially underway, it is time for the House majority to immediately begin implementing the "Commitment to America" and, in particular, end the Biden Border Crisis. During the final months of the 117th Congress, you made an unwavering commitment to "Secure the Border and Combat Illegal Immigration" and to "End catch-and-release loopholes."[1][2] This was echoed as a rallying cry on the campaign trail and we are encouraged by the stalwart freshman class joining your ranks this Congress in the fight for America's future. The time for action is now. The previous Congress failed the American people by refusing to hold the Biden Administration, including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accountable for a historic border crisis intentionally created by their policies. Consistent with the American Security Task Force plan unveiled last summer, the new House majority has meaningful solutions to secure the border, including to, "expand authorities like Title 42," "change asylum laws to protect legitimate claims and prevent fraudulent claims," "end abuse of parole authority," and "require implementation of [Migrant Protection Protocols]," amongst other critical items.[3] The undersigned coalition was proud to work with you to strengthen this plan and hold the line against lame duck open-borders policies, and now stands ready to assist you in turning these proven policies into meaningful legislative reforms. The 118th Congress cannot resort to the mere reallocation of resources laws must actually be changed to close loopholes that have been weaponized by the Biden Administration. This necessarily means ending the massive abuse of our asylum system. Our Nation simply cannot withstand the damage being done to our sovereignty, security, and well-being. Americans are begging for the crisis to end and do not want to be complicit in the human trafficking the Biden Administration's policies facilitate. From the border-area landowners who live in constant fear while their property and livelihoods are destroyed to the flood of fentanyl that is affecting millions of lives in all 435 congressional districts, a border that is not secure equates to nothing less than the decline of our great Nation. Even as the Biden Administration now attempts to mask illegal immigration numbers by implementing unlawful, mass parole under the guise of legality through the ports of entry, the damage continues to take its toll. It is past time to act to protect Americans from this Biden Administration-imposed crisis. It is time to hold those accountable who were entrusted to defend our borders and who have failed this country in the most destructive of ways. It is time to rebuke those who would hold border crisis solutions hostage to their demands for amnesty. The American people have entrusted you with control of the House, and the clear commitment to restore order at our border was a key reason. With the situation worsening every day, confronting Biden Administration policies and flaws in our system that invite chaos and abuse at our borders cannot be delayed. This is a commitment Americans expect you to fulfill, but more importantly, they deserve immediate action. Sincerely, Organizations Advocates for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime America First Policy Institute Center for Renewing America Center for the American Way of Life Claremont Institute Conservative Partnership Institute Counterpoint Institute for Policy, Research, and Education Eagle Forum Federation for American Immigration Reform Heritage Action for America The Heritage Foundation Judicial Watch NumbersUSA The Remembrance Project Texas Public Policy Foundation Senior Officials (Listed with Former Title) Chad Wolf, Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Derek Maltz, Director of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Special Operations Division Gene Hamilton, Counselor to the Attorney General, Senior Counselor to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Joseph Edlow, Acting Director of Citizenship and Immigration Services Ken Cuccinelli, Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Lamar Smith, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and its Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship Mark Morgan, Acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection Rodney Scott, Chief of the Border Patrol Russ Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget Tom Homan, Acting Director, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mark Meadows, Chief of Staff to the President of the United States Christopher Landau, United States Ambassador to Mexico Contact: Ron Kovach, 202-328-7004 or [email protected]. ABOUT FAIR Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced. [1] https://republicans-homeland.house.gov/american-security-task-force-unveils-border-security-framework-for-day-one-of-republican-majority/ [2] https://www.speaker.gov/commitment/ [3] Id. SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) Systems engineering leader CakeBoxx Technologies' game-changing modular platform technology, which is unlocking value for the wind energy, steel, defense, aerospace, and specialty manufacturing markets, is now being adopted by the regenerative agriculture and aquaculture industries to support global food sustainability MCLEAN, Va., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CakeBoxx Technologies is proud to announce build completion of the first eight modular 60 ft x 12 ft x 3 ft "GEN2 Raceway" platforms. These were designed and architected by CakeBoxx with Royal Caridea, LLC, a U.S. company focused on delivering repeatable, scalable, resource-conservative, and sustainable seafood farming. CakeBoxx Technologies A GEN2 Raceway Platform Royal Caridea's GEN2 Raceway system is a breakthrough biotechnology innovation enabling localized, sustainable, fresh, and nutritious food production at scale. The food system units are mobile, modular, and vertically stackable. Designed as assemblies of eight or more units which lock together with CakeBoxx-specialized engineered systems technology, the CakeBoxx trademarked platforms are known as 'Raceways' due to their elliptical interior design. Each hosts a closely controlled, circulating, living aquatic environment that enables and supports the growth cycle of healthy and nutritious farmed seafood in a self-contained ecosystem. In the Royal Caridea application, this translates to beautiful, high-quality, and fresh shrimp. This climate-smart regenerative system minimizes operational space needed while maximizing repeatably farmed resilient and delicious food output. It represents a transformational improvement in efficiency, scalability, and self-sustainability versus current aquaculture farming methods, which do not involve a controllable and repeatable environment. In addition, this delivers far more predictable yields at a much lower cost - a trailblazing technology for economic viability. Crucially, the GEN2 Raceway system is a huge step forward for sustainable food production and the growth of regenerative agriculture. It is, in effect, a new, ongoing source of locally produced, fresh, and nutritious seafood for population centers around the globe, ranging from third-world remote locations to wealthy urban areas. "CakeBoxx Technologies has become a world leader in sustainable, optimized supply chains for high-value, high-consequence cargo. We design, architect, and build comprehensive supply chain solutions that reduce risk, improve profitability and deliver sustainability targets, so this project was a natural fit for us," said Daine Eisold, CEO of CakeBoxx Technologies "even better, it's helping solve one of the world's most important challenges: delivering an ongoing, sustainable supply of fresh, nutritious food that doesn't require long and costly transportation from foreign destinations. Food can be grown locally, anywhere in the world." CakeBoxx Technologies has been developing transformational modular, versatile transportation and storage platforms since the company's inception in 2011. In 2014 CakeBoxx launched TrusDek, its patented series of intermodal containers. TrusDek's ultra-strong, highly engineered platform technology was developed to be the "deck" component of the company's unique and innovative "CakeBoxx" two-piece "deck and lid" intermodal containers from which CakeBoxx Technologies takes its name. CakeBoxx has also used TrusDek's high-strength, high-resiliency, and adaptable properties to engineer standalone platform solutions for leading commercial and governmental organizations worldwide and across industries, optimizing their value chains to increase velocity and lower cost. Regenerative aquaculture is the latest marketplace to benefit from CakeBoxx Technologies' solutions. However, the modular, high-strength, high-durability properties of the GEN2 Raceway platforms utilize the same designs, intellectual property, and technology as all other CakeBoxx systems engineered use cases. The GEN2 Raceway continues the company's mission to provide sustainable, optimized supply chain solutions that reduce risk and improve profitability. In 2017 CakeBoxx engineered its first capture sump platforms for Alaska's environmentally demanding North Slope oil industry. These fit below and adapt to standard ISO containers, securely capturing and storing any environmentally harmful chemical leakage from operating machinery in the containers above. This CakeBoxx platform design technology improves performance logistics and helps customers achieve ecologically responsible, sustainable supply chains. Similarly, the defense industry has been leveraging CakeBoxx's extraordinary design and engineering capabilities for ultra-strong, custom-sized platforms (with and without CakeBoxx's patented lid) to solve special transport, storage, and logistics problems since 2011. CakeBoxx has built sustainable, optimized transport solutions for key defense customers requiring secure and efficient transport and storage of high-value, high-consequence equipment, and assets of strategic importance. In 2019 CakeBoxx was selected by one of the world's leading wind energy OEMs to produce over 500 transportation platforms capable of carrying wind turbine drivetrain payloads of up to 105 tons. Since then, CakeBoxx has more than doubled that payload capacity with specialized platforms for larger, heavier 'super load' wind turbine cargos, helping the wind energy industry move critical assets faster and at scale to support Net Zero targets. Additionally, transport times were reduced from months to days, while enabling Zero Defect deliveries. Importantly, all CakeBoxx solutions utilize a "design for sustainability" approach that ensures customers improve their operations and profitability while delivering on their sustainability goals. Increasingly, organizations are focusing their sustainability efforts on reducing waste, carbon emissions, and energy use. CakeBoxx's core capabilities are essential to these efforts through customized solutions that deliver these transformational, revolutionary benefits, including elimination of the costly and time-consuming practice of wooden crating over-dimensional payloads and dunnage disposal. This is set to continue as additional customer-driven initiatives focus on eco-friendly green supply chain projects, including green steel and other green energy initiatives. About CakeBoxx Technologies CakeBoxx Technologies is an innovative, global leader in supply chain systems engineering and end-to-end sustainable, optimized solutions for the safe, secure, and efficient transport and storage of high-value, high-consequence cargo. CakeBoxx "two-piece" containers with their deck and lid design in both standard and fully customizable sizes, are the first innovation in the industry to offer truly safe, secure, and efficient containerized transport for the top-loaded, side-loaded, breakbulk, oversized, and general project cargo markets. Advantages of CakeBoxx solutions include increased operational efficiency and cargo velocity, reduced risk of cargo damage, theft, and lower operating costs. Using CakeBoxx platforms and containers saves money, improves operations, and increases sustainability. www.cakeboxx.com About Royal Caridea Royal Caridea is a high-tech shrimp farming company focused on bringing to commercialization its transformative shrimp farming technology. Royal Caridea's production method is innovative, sustainable, and, most importantly, supports raising shrimp close to the consumer that is free of antibiotics, toxic chemicals and harvested under sanitary conditions. www.royalcaridea.com Media Contact: Stuart Clark +1 (571) 830-6559 [email protected] SOURCE CakeBoxx Technologies DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CFI is proud to celebrate 25 years of industry experience as a leading trading provider, offering exceptional products and services to its clients worldwide. Since its establishment in 1998, CFI has remained dedicated to delivering the highest quality trading services and conditions to its clients. The company's commitment to innovation has allowed CFI to remain at the forefront of the industry, continuously growing and improving. The CFI brand has grown globally over the past 25 years, opening new locations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, expanding its product offerings across 23+ global markets, and growing its international team to over 200 industry professionals. The landscape of the online trading industry has adapted significantly over the years, and CFI has played a significant role in driving these changes and delivering innovation in every aspect of its operations. Over time, the marketplace has demanded easier access to the financial markets, advanced technology, software, and trading tools, an expansion of tradable products, tighter regulation and most importantly, trust and transparency between client and provider. CFI's focus on each of these areas throughout its growth has propelled the industry to the ultra-competitive standards we see today and has placed CFI as a trusted and valued partner for its clients. Looking towards the future, CFI remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible and continuing toward new heights as an industry leader. Media contact: Hassan Abou Okdeh Global Marketing Projects Manager, CFI Financial Group [email protected], +971 4 770 6717 Ext. 324 Burj Daman, Offices Tower, DIFC, Level 10, C1001 About CFI Financial Group CFI Financial Group, a leading multi-asset broker specializing in online trading, operates globally with eight international licenses from top-tier regulatory bodies such as the FCA in the United Kingdom, CySEC in Cyprus, and the DFSA in UAE, to name a few. The group provides clients with direct access to global financial markets. CFI Financial Group has a premium position in the MENA region and is expanding in emerging markets such as LATAM and Africa. SOURCE CFI Dubai NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 78 percent of US corporations describe today's political environment for companies as extremely challenging or very challenging, according to a new survey by The Conference Board ESG Center. This reflects a shift in sentiment toward the negative: In an ESG Center survey conducted in 2021, just 47 percent of companies described the political environment as extremely challenging or very challenging. The new poll, which took the pulse of government relations executives and chief legal officers, also found that nearly half (42 percent) expect a more challenging landscape in the next three years. What's fueling this tough environment, both now and down the road? Topping the list are 1) extremism/polarization among policymakers; 2) anti-corporate rhetoric and actions from policymakers; and 3) use of government power to reward or punish companies for political purposes. At the same time, corporate America is divided on the role corporations should play in improving the political environment. About 30 percent of respondents say business should take a leadership role in improving the political environment; about 30 percent say it should provide a supporting role; about 30 percent say it should play a minimal role; and just 7 percent say business should not participate at all, and instead focus exclusively on its own interests. Government relations executives and chief legal officers (100 in total) participated in the survey between October and December of 2022. More than half are from companies with over $10 billion in annual revenue, and over one-third are from companies with over $25 billion in annual revenue. The survey results are part of a report by The Conference Board, released today, that provides insights on the current and future political environment for corporations, the steps that companies can take to improve the environment, and ways to improve the effectiveness of corporations' PACs, direct political contributions, and government advocacy in the current climate. The insights are derived from the survey findings, a roundtable with corporate executives, and secondary research. "The combination of a polarization among policymakers, coupled with extremely close elections, means that companies are facing potentially wide swings in government policy with each election, which is not conducive to business planning and investment," said Paul Washington, Executive Director of The Conference Board ESG Center. "At the same time, many companies are understandably hesitant to speak out about certain issues because they can be attacked for going too far or not far enough. In this environment, look for companies to focus on areas where there can be little objection: promoting voter registration and participation in elections, as well as supporting policymakers who focus on problem-solving." Insights and findings from the report, which was produced with the support of Altria, Prudential Financial, Inc., Sempra, and Steptoe & Johnson LLP, include: Current Political Environment for Companies Q: How would you describe the political environment for companies in general today? Companies are feeling the heat: Extremely challenging: cited by 24 percent of respondents Very challenging: 54 percent Challenging: 20 percent Q: What factors do you think are contributing to making the political environment for corporations challenging now? (please choose top five): Polarization, anti-corporate rhetoric, and government favoritism are creating a challenging landscape: Polarization/extremism among policymakers: cited by 89 percent of respondents Anti-corporate rhetoric/action from policymakers: 75 percent Use of government power to reward or punish companies for political purposes: 56 percent Polarization/extremism among the electorate: 53 percent Significant difference in policy at state level: 47 percent Future Political Environment for Companies Q: In the three years from now (i.e., 2025), do you think the political environment will be: Looking ahead, the political environment will likely become more challenging: More challenging: A plurality (42 percent) expect a more challenging environment Less challenging: Just 1 percent anticipate a less challenging environment Depends on the 2024 Presidential election: 27 percent Q: Which of the following are you most concerned about increasing in the next three years? (please choose the top five): Polarization, weakened government, and hostility toward corporations will only intensify: Polarization/extremism among policymakers: cited by 81 percent of respondents Anti-corporate rhetoric/actions from policymakers: 63 percent Polarization/extremism among the electorate: 53 percent Use of government power to reward or punish companies for political purposes: 53 percent Weakening of government institutions: 51 percent Q: Over the next 3-5 years, do you expect a backlash from your corporation's advocacy on social and environmental issues from any of the following? (select all that apply): Companies can expect backlash on their advocacy of social and environmental issues from elected officials, advocacy groups, and employees: Federal elected officials: cited by 68 percent of respondents Advocacy groups: 60 percent State elected officials: 59 percent Employees: 51 percent The Role of Business in Improving the Political Environment Q: What kind of role do you see companies playing in improving the political environment? Companies are divided over the role that the business community should play: Leadership role: Cited by 33 percent of respondents Cited by 33 percent of respondents Businesses should take a leadership role in strengthening the political center, increasing trust in government, and supporting our democratic system of government. Supporting role: 29 percent 29 percent Business should play a supporting role, but leadership should come from others . . Minimal role: 30 percent 30 percent Businesses should not focus on improving the political environment directly, but at most indirectly (e.g., by fostering economic opportunity and security, which could strengthen the political center). No role: 7 percent 7 percent Businesses should focus exclusively on their own interests and not the political environment. Q: Which of the following are ways that, in your view, business can improve the political environment? (please check all that apply): Business can play a central role by encouraging voter participation and helping elect problem-solvers: Promote voter participation in elections: cited by 65 percent of respondents Make contributions to support candidates who are problem-solvers: 62 percent Promote voter registration: 61 percent Recommendations for Companies: Improving the Political Environment "In this contentious and rapidly changing political environment, companies must have clear processes and guidelines to evaluate how they might thoughtfully respond to social issues impacting their employees and customers," said Wesley Bizzell, Senior Assistant General Counsel and Managing Director of Political Law and Ethics Programs from Altria. "Engagement can take many forms, but one way companies can leverage their policy influence and address potential risks is by working with broad-based business coalitions that are banding together to advocate for change. However, even these joint efforts need to be carefully considered by a cross-functional group of executives to ensure the company's involvement is in line with its core principles and faithful to the company's history and culture." About The Conference Board ESG Center The Conference Board ESG Center serves as a resource, platform, and partner to help Member companies address their priorities in corporate governance, sustainability, and citizenship. www.conferenceboard.org/esg About The Conference Board The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers trusted insights for what's ahead. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.conferenceboard.org SOURCE The Conference Board Ripple Coworking opens new coworking space in the iconic News Journal Building in the heart of Downtown Daytona Beach. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Volusia County entrepreneurs and remote workers are abuzz about Ripple Coworking's newest coworking space in Downtown Daytona Beach. Located in the historic Old Daytona Beach News-Journal Building on Orange Avenue, the coworking space has been attracting professionals from Daytona, Ormond Beach, Port Orange and Deland. Ripple Coworking's new location in the Historic News-Journal Building. Modern amenities with historic charm in Ripple Coworking's community lounge in Downtown Daytona. "There are lots of Daytona area professionals who have been working from home since the start of the COVID pandemic and they are realizing that with pets, kids and spouses around, it can be hard to focus," says Ripple co-owner Stephen Furnari. "Our members are seeing big improvements in efficiency working from a distraction free office, even for just a few days a week." According to Furnari, home-based workers report that they miss being around other people. "We're seeing lots of engagement between our members, including the exchange of business referrals, resource sharing and general networking," says Furnari. "It's like people have been craving in-person social interaction while at work." The Historic News-Journal Building was constructed in 1926 and, for 41 years, it served as the headquarters of the Daytona Daily News-Journal (the predecessor of the present-day Daytona News-Journal), which is the oldest continuously functioning newspaper organization in Volusia County. The building has also been home to the Halifax Historical Society, several law firms and legal aid. "The building required substantial modernization," says Furnari. "But, it was important for us to preserve the historic charm of the building while also including the kinds of modern finishes that today's professionals expect." For example, a 10-foot square vault made with two-foot thick concrete was removed to make room for Ripple's new reception area. "We joked that it was where reporters kept dirt on local politicians, but more likely it's where paperboy collections were held until they were deposited in a bank." This is Ripple's second coworking space in the Volusia-Flagler area; their oceanfront location in Flagler Beach has been operating successfully since 2017. The new coworking space is approximately 25,000 sq. ft. and features: 72 offices and four conference rooms, a 4,000 sq. ft. community lounge, self storage, and a dedicated area for light medical businesses like chiropractors, massage therapists and psychologists. "We are thrilled to be a part of the vibrant and growing Downtown community," says Furnari. About Ripple Coworking: Ripple Coworking provides professional office space rentals, virtual office services, desk space usage and conference rooms on a short- or long-term basis for business owners, not-for-profit companies and remote workers, with locations in Flagler Beach and Daytona Beach, Florida. Media Contact: Stephen Furnari Ripple Coworking (386) 888-2700 [email protected] RippleCoworking.com SOURCE Ripple Coworking Company closes record-breaking fiscal year with triple digit customer and ARR growth, two new product launches, and $150M in new funding SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PmRNewswire/ -- Cribl , the leader in enabling open observability, today announced the results of its fiscal year, marked by surging customer demand, an expanded observability product suite, and major funding. The company more than doubled its customer base and annual recurring revenue, with 24 of the Fortune 100 companies now Cribl customers. Cribl also launched two new products in 2022, Cribl Edge and Cribl Search, secured $150M in Series D funding, and grew its team to nearly 500 employees. "When we started Cribl back in 2017 we had a simple vision: Give customers choice and control over their data. This past year of record customer and revenue growth continues to show that sentiment resonates with the market," said Cribl Co-Founder and CEO Clint Sharp. "As we turn our sights to our next fiscal year and beyond, our team is committed, more than ever before, to delivering innovative products, best-in-class customer support, free education for all, and, ultimately, charting the future of the observability category." Financial Highlights, Customer Wins, and Industry Recognitions: Customer growth: Cribl more than doubled its customer base, which now includes 24 of the Fortune 100 companies and 59 of the Fortune 500. Cribl more than doubled its customer base, which now includes 24 of the Fortune 100 companies and 59 of the Fortune 500. Fast-growing business: Cribl's annual recurring revenue grew by triple digits ( January 31, 2023 over January 31, 2022 ). The company also added more than 200 team members and head into 2023 with nearly 500 employees. Cribl's annual recurring revenue grew by triple digits ( over ). The company also added more than 200 team members and head into 2023 with nearly 500 employees. Increased interest from investors: In May, Cribl secured $150 million in Series D funding led by Tiger Global Management, and joined by existing investors IVP, CRV, Redpoint Ventures, Sequoia, and Greylock. In May, Cribl secured in Series D funding led by Tiger Global Management, and joined by existing investors IVP, CRV, Redpoint Ventures, Sequoia, and Greylock. "The Cribl team continues to amaze us. They were the first mover in the observability category back in 2017, and they continue to lead the way with innovative products that push the market forward and a genuine commitment to their customers," said Max Gazor , General Partner at CRV . "At CRV, we're proud to have been a part of Cribl's journey from early on when we led Cribl's seed and we're excited to watch this team continue to succeed in the coming years." , General Partner at . "At CRV, we're proud to have been a part of Cribl's journey from early on when we led Cribl's seed and we're excited to watch this team continue to succeed in the coming years." Industry recognition: Cribl was named to CNBC's Top Startups for the Enterprise, received recognition at the Bank of America Technology Innovation Summit, won several Comparably awards recognizing company culture, and was recognized on CRN's 2022 Cloud 100, Big Data 100, and Emerging Vendors. Cribl was named to CNBC's Top Startups for the Enterprise, received recognition at the Bank of America Technology Innovation Summit, won several Comparably awards recognizing company culture, and was recognized on CRN's 2022 Cloud 100, Big Data 100, and Emerging Vendors. "Delivering high quality and secure customer experiences is critical for enterprises, leading forward-looking organizations to adopt and expand observability practices," said Scott Sinclair , practice director at the Enterprise Strategy Group. "As environments scale, however, the result is often the uncontrolled growth of observability data. Cribl's product suite helps organizations collect, manage, and search the range of data sources and types essential for today's observability practices, while optimizing and helping control the growth of data. With investments in observability poised to increase, the opportunities for continued product innovation and new business use cases in this space are promising." Expanded Leadership Across the Business: Leadership team: Cribl continued to build its first-class leadership team, promoting Zach Johnson to Senior Vice President of Finance and Legal, Abby Strong to Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Marketing, and Matt Bauer to Senior Vice President of Global Sales. Cribl also hired Lisa Nielsen as Senior Vice President of People, who previously held leadership roles at Amplitude, Looker, Keen, and EY. Cribl continued to build its first-class leadership team, promoting to Senior Vice President of Finance and Legal, to Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Marketing, and to Senior Vice President of Global Sales. Cribl also hired as Senior Vice President of People, who previously held leadership roles at Amplitude, Looker, Keen, and EY. EMEA expansion: Cribl brought on Charlie Howe as Vice President of Sales, EMEA. Based in London , he brings over 20 years of sales experience, including recently serving as VP EMEA for Exabeam, Noetic Cyber, and Skyhigh Networks. Howe will continue to build Cribl's presence in EMEA, where the company currently serves customers including BMW, Telefonica, JustEat, and more. Product Suite Expansion and Industry Partnerships: Cribl Edge Marking its official emergence as a multi-product company, Cribl launched Cribl Edge, an observability agent that allows teams to automatically detect, collect, and process observability events in real time and deliver the data to any destination, directly or through Cribl Stream. Marking its official emergence as a multi-product company, Cribl launched Cribl Edge, an observability agent that allows teams to automatically detect, collect, and process observability events in real time and deliver the data to any destination, directly or through Cribl Stream. Cribl Search Further broadening the product suite, Cribl launched Cribl Search, the first open and vendor-agnostic analytics tool to perform "search-in-place" queries on any data, in any format, at any location. Further broadening the product suite, Cribl launched Cribl Search, the first open and vendor-agnostic analytics tool to perform "search-in-place" queries on any data, in any format, at any location. Cribl Stream 4.0 Cribl Stream now features additional analysis and troubleshooting capabilities with Pipeline Profiling & DB collector enhancements. The entire Cribl suite was also given a streamlined interface for easier usability and manageability. Cribl Stream now features additional analysis and troubleshooting capabilities with Pipeline Profiling & DB collector enhancements. The entire Cribl suite was also given a streamlined interface for easier usability and manageability. Expanded industry relationships Cribl announced its integration with Amazon Security Lake and achieved AWS Security Competency status. SentinelOne and Cribl announced a partnership to help customers unlock the value of all observability data. Cribl announced its integration with Amazon Security Lake and achieved AWS Security Competency status. SentinelOne and Cribl announced a partnership to help customers unlock the value of all observability data. Certification Program To help democratize the skills needed to grow the next generation of observability practitioners, Cribl launched the Cribl Certified Observability Engineer (CCOE) program, a first-of-its-kind free technical certification program to set the industry standard for observability lifecycle skills. To date, more than 1,800 credentials have been issued. About Cribl Cribl makes open observability a reality for today's tech professionals. The Cribl product suite defies data gravity with radical levels of choice and control. Wherever the data comes from, wherever it needs to go, Cribl delivers the freedom and flexibility to make choices, not compromises. It's enterprise software that doesn't suck, enables tech professionals to do what they need to do, and gives them the ability to say "Yes." With Cribl, companies have the power to control their data, get more out of existing investments, and shape the observability future. Founded in 2017, Cribl is a remote-first company with an office in San Francisco, CA. For more information, visit www.cribl.io or our LinkedIn , Twitter , or Slack community . Media Contact [email protected] SOURCE Cribl 3rd-generation leader keeps RaceTrac speeding along with strong culture and strategy CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Winsight and CSP are pleased to honor Natalie Morhous, president of RaceTrac Inc., as our 2023 Retail Leader of the Year. Morhous is a third-generation leader in the family-owned business started in 1934. She began her career with RaceTrac in 2012 and, in company parlance, has been a TracFanatic since birth. In Morhous' 10 years with RaceTrac, she has served as director of strategy and development, executive director of strategy and solutions, and vice president of Energy Dispatch before assuming her role as president of the company in February of 2019. Morhous also serves on the NACS Legislative Committee; is a board member of Our House, an organization dedicated to ending the cycle of homelessness for families; part of Leadership Georgia's 2023 class; and a member of the Young President's Organization. Under her leadership, the company has expanded the RaceTrac brand into Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee with eyes on continued expansion into other additional states. The company also opened new store types, including a travel-center format and drive-thru locations, and welcomed franchisees into the RaceTrac family. All of this growth is just the beginning of RaceTrac's goal to build a connected fuel network, serving convenience guests and professional drivers across its growing footprint. "Our family is lucky to have Natalie's strategic leadership, candid communication and passion for our business guiding RaceTrac into the future," said Melanie Isbill, RaceTrac's chief marketing officer and Morhous' sister. "I believe that her commitment to carrying on our father's and grandfather's legacies as well as her drive to strongly impact our generation's unique mark on what they started will make our organization even more successful for many years to come." "If you're lucky, you get a chance to work with someone like Natalie maybe once in a career," said Robby Posener, chief development officer. "She is a lifelong learner who challenges those around her to be better every day. Natalie does not take the easy road. She chooses the path forward which will advance the lives of our guest and employees, even if doing so is uncomfortable in the moment." Based in Atlanta, RaceTrac owns and operates more than 770 retail fuel and convenience stores across 13 states under the RaceTrac and RaceWay brands. The RaceTrac family of companies also includes Energy Dispatch, the transportation company that hauls fuel for RaceTrac, and Metroplex Energy, the wholesale fuel supplier which secures bulk fuel to supply RaceTrac and RaceWay stores and other third-party companies. "Most great leaders have a strength in either strategic direction or tactical execution," said AJ Siccardi, president of Metroplex Energy. "Natalie is the unique and extraordinary leader who excels in both with an unparalleled level of humility, drive, and desire to do the right thing regardless of her feelings or predispositions." Morhous' recognition comes 14 years after her father, Carl Bolch Jr., was honored as CSP's Retail Leader of the Year in 2009. "We're extremely excited to honor Natalie Morhous for her role in growing RaceTrac and in carrying on a family legacy," said Steve Holtz, editor-in-chief of CSP. "Seeing leadership of a family-owned company pass from father to daughter without a dip in momentum, stability or ambition is an enviable sign of a company operating with a strong culture and oversight. CSP will celebrate Morhous' leadership and achievements with family and friends at a formal dinner and award presentation during the NACS Show in Atlanta in October. Click here for more information. CSP's Retail Leader of the Year (RLOY) award has a 20-year legacy for recognizing convenience-retailing executives for their excellence in leadership, innovation and perseverance within his or her company, positively transforming the organization to new and higher levels. Past honorees include Ken Parent, Pilot Co.; Brian Hannasch, Alimentation Couche-Tard; Chet Cadieux, QuikTrip; Kyle Krause, Kum & Go; Ari Haseotes, Cumberland Farms; Bob Myers of Casey's General Stores; Tony Kenney, Speedway; Sam L. Susser, Susser Petroleum Partners; John MacDougall, Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes; Don Zietlow, Kwik Trip; and Joe DePinto, 7-Eleven Inc., among others. Contact: Steve Holtz, Director of Content, CSP, Winsight LLC 312-940-1576 [email protected] About Winsight LLC Winsight LLC is a business-to-business information, event and market intelligence company serving the restaurant and noncommercial foodservice, convenience and petroleum retailing and grocery industries. Winsight provides research and analytics, branding solutions, face-to-face opportunities, lead generation initiatives and content marketing services through products including subscription data products, reports, research tools, research programs, fully custom studies, conferences, custom marketing services, meetings, print and digital trade media. For more information on Winsight, go to www.winsightmedia.com. SOURCE CSP CTM360's technologies monitor millions of data points across various sources, including open-source intelligence, deep web, and dark web, to provide contextualized and actionable intelligence. SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan recently researched the digital risk protection (DRP) industry and, based on its findings, recognizes CTM360 with the 2022 Global Enabling Technology Leadership Award. The company offers organizations a strong external security posture and protection of their digital assets beyond the traditional security perimeter. The company is expanding globally through strategic partnerships with managed security service providers (MSSPs). The cybersecurity vendor offers a wide range of solutions, including external attack surface management (EASM), security ratings services (SRS), cyber threat intelligence (CTI), threat intelligence platform (TIP), digital risk protection (DRP), and third-party risk management. CTM360's agile software development cycle improves products continuously. With its proactive and solutions-oriented approach, CTM360 has gained significant traction and experienced double-digit growth over the last three years. The company consolidates EASM, CTI, and DRP capabilities into a centralized external risk mitigation and management (ERMM) platform to offer a 360-degree view of an organization's external attack surface. With HackerView, the company's EASM module, organizations can map out their entire digital footprint and take a detailed inventory of all digital assets to conduct a complete risk assessment and discover any vulnerabilities. The fully managed DRP platform covers a wide range of use cases, including: Social media monitoring Domain infringement Phishing detection Rogue mobile app detection Data leak detection Executive protection Unlimited managed takedowns Martin Naydenov, Senior Industry Analyst at Frost & Sullivan, observed, "CTM360 empowers organizations to focus on what they do best: their business. With CTM360's fully managed services and unlimited takedowns, organizations can save significant time and cost by automating the detection and takedowns of fraudulent sites; this is an advantage that few cybersecurity vendors can replicate." The CyberBlindspot platform combines comprehensive CTI and DRP use cases to detect threats, prevent attacks, and mitigate phishing and brand impersonation attempts. CTM360 utilizes a combination of sophisticated AI/ML algorithms and human analysis to filter out noise and reduce false positive alerts, knowing that most organizations suffer from alert fatigue and limited resources. ThreatCover, the TIP module, CTM360 is focused on risk-based environment hardening from cyber threat intelligence, leveraging from a threat actor's recurring tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) playbook. "CTM360's centralized database eliminates blind spots, data redundancies, and fragmented workflows between different solutions, equipping organizations with end-to-end visibility and control to manage their digital presence in the cloud," added Naydenov. With its strong overall performance, CTM360 earns Frost & Sullivan's 2022 Global Enabling Technology Leadership Award in the DRP industry. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to a company that has developed a pioneering technology that not only enhances current products, but also enables the development of new products and applications. The award recognizes the high market acceptance potential of the recipient's technology. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry. About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Tarini Singh P: +91-9953764546 E: [email protected] About CTM360 CTM360 is a unified external security platform that integrates External Attack Surface Management, Digital Risk Protection, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Brand Protection & Anti-phishing, Surface, Deep & Dark Web Monitoring, Security Ratings, Third Party Risk Management and Unlimited Takedowns. Seamless and turn-key, CTM360 requires no configurations, installations, or inputs from the end-user, with all data pre-populated and specific to your organization. All aspects are managed by CTM360. Meet CTM360 at the RSA Conference: Booth # 6285 North Expo Contact: Vinod Johnson P: +973 33616212 E: [email protected] SOURCE Frost & Sullivan With a combined 40 years of sales and leadership experience, Nieto and White will lead Daxko's next wave of growth BIRMINGHAM, Ala. and DENVER, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Daxko, the health, fitness, and wellness industry's leading software and integrated payments provider, announced today the appointment of Rudy Nieto as its Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and Wendy White as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). This announcement comes on the heels of major acquisitions that expanded the company's fitness solution portfolio and a record growth year in its nonprofit segment, where Daxko is the nation's largest provider of solutions to power YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and community recreation organizations. "Wendy and Rudy are changemakers. Both are accomplished leaders with enviable sales and marketing skillsets that allow them to build lasting brand relevance and drive meaningful business results," said Ron Lamb, Daxko CEO. "But most importantly, they are a great culture add to the Daxko Nation and are the right team to guide our go-to-market teams though Daxko's next phase of growth." Nieto and White will steer Daxko's growth engine by pursuing further international expansion and integrating company brands for maximum market reach and brand recognition. Nieto brings more than 20 years of executive experience as a top-level sales and business development leader with a proven track record of successfully building and leading high-performance sales teams. White's more than two decades in business-to-business technology marketing, including 10 years as a CMO in fast-growing SaaS companies, makes her ideal to lead marketing, digital professional services, and channel and partnerships. Their joint focus will be on expanding audience segments and product verticals, while guiding Daxko's expansion into new markets. "What I see at Daxko is untapped potential and the opportunity to revolutionize health and wellness technology," said Rudy Nieto, Chief Revenue Officer at Daxko. "Throughout my career, I have developed a deep understanding of what drives growth. Daxko has all of those pieces and more. I want to help our team transform fitness delivery around the globe. I am very excited to be part of this fantastic organization." "Daxko is incredibly well positioned to be the defining health and fitness industry brand," said Wendy White, Chief Marketing Officer at Daxko. "I'm up for the challenge of integrating our acquisitions and unlocking the unprecedented growth potential and creating even greater value for our customers." Recent Daxko Company Growth Milestones Acquired VFP to expand Daxko's product portfolio across the full customer continuum. Record year in the company's not-for-profit segment, including the launch of the highly successful Project Thrive and recognition by The Stevie Awards as a finalist for Customer Service Department of 2022. Expanded operations with Daxko India which is tapped to employ more than 100 engineers in 2023. Received investment from Genstar Capital and GI Partners to accelerate the company's innovation and growth. About Daxko Daxko delivers comprehensive technology solutions, integrated payment processing, experienced services and deep insights to all kinds of health and fitness centersenterprise health clubs, boutique fitness studios, affiliate gyms, campus recreation facilities, integrated wellness centers, YMCAs, and JCCs. Since 1998, the Daxko Nation of brands including Zen Planner, SugarWod, Club Automation, and more, serve customers spanning 55 countries, nearly 19,000 facilities, and over 25 million+ members. For more information, please visit www.daxko.com. SOURCE Daxko CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Deborah's Place, a trailblazing Chicago organization in the field of homelessness intervention for women, announced in November 2022 that Audrey Thomas would retire as Chief Executive Officer at the end of January 2023. After a comprehensive internal and external search, the Board of Directors and senior agency leadership have chosen Kathy Booton-Wilson, most recently the organization's Chief Strategy Officer, as her successor. Kathy will be just the fourth person to lead in the organization's 37-year history. She brings over 35 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, where she has demonstrated her leadership within Deborah's Place and the homeless service system in Chicago. Her relationships and ability to work across philanthropic, business, and government institutions as well as an understanding of the issues facing Deborah's Place make her uniquely suited to lead the organization. In her role as Chief Strategy Officer, Kathy was instrumental in the successful execution of an ambitious five-year strategic plan, through which Deborah's Place doubled its impact and service capacity. By fostering interagency partnerships, increasing staff, and kickstarting new community-based housing initiatives, the organization went from serving 300 women annually to over 600 in 2022. More and deeper community partnerships are in the future, thanks to her work, including new housing developments with the Interfaith Housing Development Corporation and Heartland Alliance. Regarding the transition, Kathy says, "Audrey has laid the groundwork for the life-saving work that we are doing together, and we have a tremendous team in place." Audrey, who joined Deborah's Place as a volunteer within its first year of operations in 1985, has led the organization since 2004. Reflecting on her 37-year tenure with the organization, she says, "Deborah's Place has always been my vocation. Nothing else has ever called to me." "Audrey has been a guiding light for Deborah's Place," says Deborah's Place Board President Bruce Traan. Looking toward the future, he says, "We are at a thrilling time at Deborah's Place. With Kathy as the new CEO, I could not be more excited for the organization and the women we serve. We look forward to writing the next chapter of growth for the organization with Kathy." To thank Audrey for her work championing unhoused women in Chicago and to continue the mission of Deborah's Place under Kathy Booton-Wilson's leadership, supporters are encouraged to contribute to Audrey's Legacy Fund. CONTACT: Christy Smith-Hall, [email protected] SOURCE Deborah's Place Professor Martin Green, Professor Andrew Blakers, Dr Aihua Wang and Dr Jianhua Zhao are awarded the world's most prestigious engineering accolade for transforming the efficiency of solar cells and dramatically reducing costs, making solar the cheapest source of electricity in most countries. LONDON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2023 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering (QEPrize) is today awarded to Professor Martin Green, Professor Andrew Blakers, Dr Aihua Wang and Dr Jianhua Zhao for their research work and development of Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) solar photovoltaic technology that has underpinned the recent growth of high performance, low-cost solar electricity, to harness the power of the sun. Awarded annually, the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering is presented to engineers responsible for ground-breaking innovations that have been of global benefit to humanity. Celebrating its tenth year in 2023, the Prize announcement was made by Lord Browne of Madingley, Chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Foundation. The 2023 Laureates greatly improved the energy conversion efficiency of commercially dominant silicon cells by improving the quality of both the top and the rear surface of standard silicon solar cells. PERC introduced an additional layer on the back surface that helped prevent recombination and further, reflected unused photons back into the silicon to generate more electrons. In 1983, Green and Blakers at the University of New South Wales produced solar cells with 18% efficiency, surpassing the 16.5% recorded previously. Over the next few years, they published cell results of 19% and 20% efficiency, and theoretically determined the maximum achievable efficiency to be close to 30%. Green's Lab at the University of South Wales held the global record for efficiency for 30 of the 40 years from 1983 to 2023, with Wang and Zhao leading the work which eventually reached Green's 25% efficiency target. Recognising the important role PERC technology plays in the development of solar energy, the awardees published their findings with no patent, encouraging further developments within the field and driving down the cost of production to the benefit of wider society. Through continued research and development, and the help of many others worldwide, the 2023 laureates have significantly reduced the costs of solar panels, with the cost of solar power generation falling by over 80% in the past decade[1]. PERC technology is now the most commercially viable and efficient silicon solar cell technology used in solar panels and large-scale electricity production, and accounts for almost 90% of the global solar cell market. The increased adoption of solar energy, alongside other renewable energies, is key to reducing more than three quarters of present-day global emissions and reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 - as called for in the Paris Agreement. Solar energy provides a solution that is not only clean and sustainable, but accessible and affordable to the wider public. The demand for solar energy is growing around the world. With global economies increasingly recognising its benefits, the IEA estimates global solar PV capacity to almost triple over the 2022-2027 period, becoming the largest source of power capacity in the world.[2] Currently, Solar is providing about half of new-build electricity generation capacity worldwide. Not only is solar being introduced into major national electricity grids but because of its low cost and easy installation, it is also being utilised in microgrids for communities across global low- and middle-income countries. "I am honoured to share this esteemed award with Andrew Blakers, Aihua Wang and Jianhua Zhao. As engineers, we are constantly striving to improve the world we live in. As the world feels the devastating impacts of our changing environment and collapsing ecosystems, I feel passionately that more must be done to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and keep up with the trajectory of human civilization. I hope that PERC technology winning the QEPrize will open many people's eyes to the possibilities of renewable energy." - Professor Martin Green "It is a privilege to receive the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering alongside Martin Green, Aihua Wang and Jianhua Zhao. The QEPrize aims to inspire a new generation of engineers and I hope that this year these engineers will be inspired, like me, to create solutions that can help us tackle the biggest challenges faced by humanity, such as climate change."- Professor Andrew Blakers "Achievements in engineering can have a remarkable impact all over the world and we are very grateful that the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering has selected PERC technology among many global innovations. It is my pleasure to share this award among friends and colleagues who each played a critical role in achieving the energy efficiency target." - Dr Aihua Wang "I am greatly honoured and pleased to receive this award. We have been deeply committed to the research and development of PERC technology for many decades, and so to be recognised alongside Martin Green and Andrew Blakers for this contribution is very special." - Dr Jianhua Zhao "The QEPrize celebrates the engineers who time and time again solve the impossible and transform our world for the better. PERC solar technology is one of those innovations. I believe that everything we do has to be oriented around the global energy transition, so we can achieve net zero, for the planet and the people that live on it. This year's innovation has been and will continue to be integral to this journey. We are in the process of global energy transition, with PERC and solar power in the front seat, and I wholeheartedly congratulate Professors Green and Blakers, and Drs Wang and Zhao for their contribution to humanity." - Lord Browne of Madingley, Chairman, Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Foundation "Over the last ten years, the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering has highlighted the importance of engineering to better society. This year's winners Professor Martin Green, Professor Andrew Blakers, Dr Aihua Wang and Dr Jianhua Zhao encapsulate the aims of the QEPrize perfectly. They are behind the development and commercialisation of PERC technology, which has helped to drive the supply of clean energy around the world as part of the drive to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The future of solar cells is enormous and could make major contribution to delivering net zero emissions." - Professor Dame Lynn Gladden, Chair of the QEPrize Judging Panel Marking a significant milestone for the QEPrize, Green, Blakers, Wang and Zhao receive this award on the Prize's 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, QEPrize has honoured 20 engineers whose innovations have had a significant impact on billions of lives around the world. The 2023 laureates will be formally honoured at the QEPrize presentation ceremony later this year. They will receive 500,000 and a unique trophy, designed by the 2023 Create the Trophy winner Anja Brandl, a 24 year-old Masters Student from Switzerland. To find out more about this year's winning innovation, visit www.qeprize.org/winners A major new gallery exploring how engineers change the world will open at the Science Museum in London on 23 June 2023. Marking the 10th anniversary of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering (QEPrize), the Engineers gallery will showcase previous winners of the prize, alongside some of the most exciting engineering innovations of recent years. Contact: Sophie Isles Edelman [email protected] [1] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/11/renewable-energy-cost-fallen/ [2] https://www.iea.org/news/renewable-power-s-growth-is-being-turbocharged-as-countries-seek-to-strengthen-energy-security SOURCE Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering New role will focus on elevating the company's quality of care LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Andrew McNamara joins the team at Trilogy Health Services as the company's first-ever Chief Medical Officer. In the role, Dr. McNamara will take the company's focus on clinical excellence to the next level, elevating the quality of care at every Trilogy senior community. Dr. Andrew McNamara joins Trilogy as its first-ever Chief Medical Officer Dr. McNamara most recently served as Chief Medical Officer for Aetna Better Health of Kentucky. He began his career as a full-time family physician, practicing in Illinois for over a decade. He transitioned into the role of Vice President of Medical Affairs for McKesson Corporation, with a focus on clinical informatics. He later worked as Chief Medical Officer for Aetna Better Health of Illinois as well as Trust Healthcare. "I was drawn to Trilogy because of its passion for delivering the best possible care to seniors. I am excited to bring experience and expertise to the team that will be able to further that mission," Chief Medical Officer Dr. McNamara said. "Working in close partnership with our clinical, rehab, and pharmaceutical teams, I believe we can make a significant impact on the health of seniors, wherever they are in their journey." "Collaboration is essential in being able to move all areas of healthcare forward. Nurses can manage all the components within our communities, but to take care to the next level we need to work in tandem with a network of physicians. Having Dr. McNamara there to complement and elevate the work we do is really going to grow what we can offer our residents when it comes to their health needs," Chief Nursing Officer Rhonda Dempsey said. To learn more about Trilogy's commitment to clinical excellence, visit us online at www.trilogyhs.com Trilogy Health Services is an industry-leading operator of nearly 130 senior living communities throughout four states, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. The company has the honor of providing over 10,000 seniors with world-class clinical support, innovative lifestyle programs, and a culture built on the tenets of servant leadership and hospitality. Trilogy employs over 14,000 team members, is a certified Great Place to Work, one of Glassdoor's Top 100 Best Places to Work, and was named one of FORTUNE's Best Places to Work in Aging Services. To learn more about Trilogy Health Services, visit www.trilogyhs.com. To learn about job openings at Trilogy, visit www.trilogyjobs.com SOURCE Trilogy Health Services, LLC DUBLIN, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "East Africa SOC as a Service Market Research Report: by Type, Offering Type, Enterprise Size, Application, Industry Vertical - Industry Revenue Estimation and Demand Forecast to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. In 2022, the East Africa SOC as a service market reached $67.8 million revenue, which is forecast to grow to $131.5 million by the end of this decade, at an 8.3% CAGR. This is ascribed to the increasing need for the efficient management of digital transactions, rising government support, evolving IT sector, and growing security concerns across companies in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. In addition, the rising uptake of connected devices and expanding retail market are projected to boost the requirement for cloud-delivered security operations centers across East Africa. Increasing Incidence of Cyberattacks Fueling SOC as a Service Demand Cloud computing and the internet facilitate consumers and organizations in buying and selling products online. But, this raises the risk of data breaches and digital frauds. Globally, cases of cyberattacks have increased by 50% annually in the last few years. In this regard, the growing acceptance of remote working models and the BYOD culture boosts the industry growth. SOC as a Service Widely Adopted in Large Enterprises Large enterprises would dominate the market in 2030, with $114.8 million in revenue. These companies have a huge number of enterprise applications and databases; therefore, they need advanced solutions for detecting, preventing, and effectively tackling cyberattacks. Furthermore, MNCs with multiple streams of revenue and large corporate networks opt for SOC as a service solutions to comply with the government mandates for customer data protection. High Susceptibility to Cyberattacks Driving Solution Demand in BFSI Sector On the basis of end user, the market is dominated by the BFSI sector, because it lures cybercriminals due to the very nature of its business. On an average, on the first working day, a finance professional in an MNC can access around 11 million digital files. The BFSI sector is the target of 70% of the cyberattacks. Moreover, more than 30 billion accounts could experience a breach by 2030. Financial organizations are at a perpetual risk of phishing attacks, wherein each data breach leads to losses of about $6 million. Kenya Is Largest User of SOC as a Service in East Africa The market in Kenya is projected to generate $59.1 million revenue in 2030, compared to $29.4 million in 2022, witnessing an 8.8% CAGR. It is ascribed to the growing adoption of cloud-based SOCs in the IT and telecom, retail, BFSI, and healthcare industries and supportive laws for data protection in the nation, including the Data Protection Act 2019. Competitive Landscape Dimension Data Serianu Limited Safaricom PLC MFI Document Solutions Ltd. Liquid Intelligent Technologies Limited Secur Tai SOC AdcareIT SMTP Africa Servers Ltd. Simba Technology Ltd. East African Data Handlers (K) LTD. CyberSOC Africa East Africa Hi Tech Solutions Limited Cyber-Africa LTD. Cyberteq Enovise Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Research Background 1.1 Research Objectives 1.2 Market Definition 1.3 Analysis Period 1.4 Market Data Reporting Unit 1.5 Market Size Breakdown by Segment Chapter 2. Research Methodology 2.1 Secondary Research 2.2 Primary Research 2.3 Market Size Estimation 2.4 Data Triangulation 2.5 Currency Conversion Rates 2.6 Notes and Caveats Chapter 3. Executive Summary Chapter 4. Market Indicators 4.1 World SOC as a Service Market 4.2 Middle East & Africa Cyber Security Market 4.3 Increasing Need for Log Management Chapter 5. Definition of Market Segments 5.1 By Type 5.1.1 Detection Service 5.1.2 Prevention Service 5.1.3 Incident Response Service 5.2 By Offering Type 5.2.1 Co-Managed 5.2.2 Fully Managed 5.3 By Application 5.3.1 Endpoint Security 5.3.2 Network Security 5.3.3 Application Security 5.3.4 Cloud Security 5.4 By Enterprise Size 5.4.1 Large Enterprises 5.4.2 SMEs 5.5 By Industry Vertical 5.5.1 BFSI 5.5.2 Government and Public Sector 5.5.3 IT and Telecom 5.5.4 Energy and Utilities 5.5.5 Healthcare 5.5.6 Retail 5.5.7 Manufacturing Chapter 6. Industry Outlook 6.1 Market Dynamics 6.1.1 Trends 6.1.1.1 Optimization of services for the detection and mitigation of cyber threats 6.1.1.2 Cloud-based applications and services are widely being adopted 6.1.2 Drivers 6.1.2.1 Growing internet penetration 6.1.2.2 Increase in security breaches and cyberattacks 6.1.2.3 Regulation and data protection guidelines for cyber defense 6.1.3 Impact Analysis of Drivers on Market Forecast 6.1.4 Restraints 6.1.4.1 Enterprises are skeptical about allowing complete control of their system security needs to SOCaaS providers 6.1.4.2 Lack of expertise in cybersecurity solutions 6.1.5 Impact Analysis of Restraints on Market Forecast 6.2 Impact of COVID-19 6.3 Value Chain Analysis 6.3.1 Type I 6.3.1.1 Software providers 6.3.1.2 SOC as a service providers 6.3.1.3 End users (clients) 6.3.2 Type II 6.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 6.5 Factors Pushing Demand of SOC as a Service 6.5.1 Security Requirements 6.5.2 Cost-Efficiency 6.5.3 Compliance 6.6 Barriers and Challenges Chapter 7. East Africa Market Size and Forecast 7.1 Overview 7.2 Market Revenue, by Type (2017-2030) 7.3 Market Revenue, by Offering Type (2017-2030) 7.4 Market Revenue, by Enterprise Size (2017-2030) 7.5 Market Revenue, by Application (2017-2030) 7.6 Market Revenue, by Industry Vertical (2017-2030) 7.7 Market Revenue, by Country (2017-2030) Chapter 8. Kenya Market Size and Forecast 8.1 Overview 8.2 Market Revenue, by Type (2017-2030) 8.3 Market Revenue, by Offering Type (2017-2030) 8.4 Market Revenue, by Enterprise Size (2017-2030) 8.5 Market Revenue, by Application (2017-2030) 8.6 Market Revenue, by Industry Vertical (2017-2030) Chapter 9. Competitive Landscape 9.1 List of Market Players 9.2 Recent Strategic Developments of Key Players Chapter 10. Company Profiles 10.1 Business Overview 10.2 Product and Service Offerings For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8nl5ao-africa-soc-a?w=5 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 Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets MOBILE, Ala., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Employee Fiduciary announces the hire of Brian Furgala, Esq, CPC, QPA as its Director of 401(k) Education. Brian joins the Employee Fiduciary team with over twenty years at a full-service corporate law firm, where he specialized in ERISA plans, corporate employee benefits, and executive compensation plans. In addition, Brian also worked for a large software company where he was responsible for overseeing and managing the organization's retirement, welfare, and non-qualified plan documents documents that today govern the operation of hundreds of thousands of retirement, welfare, and non-qualified plans nationwide. As Director of 401(k) Education, Brian will lead all facets of internal and external education for Employee Fiduciary. He will also be responsible for spearheading the organization's ongoing speaking engagements at various industry conferences throughout the year. "Employee Fiduciary is well known for its commitment to 401(k) education that's geared to make retirement plans more affordable for small businesses and retirement more affordable for workers," said Eric Droblyen, President of Employee Fiduciary. "We are excited to add a recognized 401(k) industry expert like Brian to our team as we continue to integrate our subject-matter expertise with our low prices and customer service features that differentiate Employee Fiduciary today. As an ERISA attorney with hands-on plan administration experience, Brian is uniquely qualified to take our brand of 401(k) education to the next level." Employee Fiduciary has an extensive library of 401(k) and retirement resources for plan sponsors, participants, and advisors. The company prides itself in writing educational pieces to help make retirement planning more accessible for all. Brian will help accelerate this mission and create more resources for small businesses and employees to better understand the benefits of 401(k) plans and retirement planning. About Employee Fiduciary Employee Fiduciary, LLC, founded in 2004 and headquartered in Mobile, AL, is a leading provider of low-cost 401(k) plans for small to medium-sized businesses. The company's founding principles are transparent fees, personal care, and expert plan design. The company serves over 5,000 small businesses and approximately 145,000 participants nationwide. For more information about Employee Fiduciary, visit www.employeefiduciary.com, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. For Additional Information Victoria Power Employee Fiduciary (251) 254-9634 [email protected] SOURCE Employee Fiduciary, LLC VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX: EQX) (NYSE American: EQX) ("Equinox Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its target of a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions by 2030. Equinox Gold's strategy for GHG emissions reduction is summarized in the Company's inaugural Climate Action Report, which is aligned with the disclosure guidelines of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures. Greg Smith, President & CEO of Equinox Gold, commented: "Equinox Gold has made substantial progress in understanding our carbon footprint and identifying opportunities for improvement. We are pleased to deliver our strategy to achieve a 25% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030, as outlined in our inaugural Climate Action Report. We are implementing initiatives at our producing mines that will reduce GHG emissions and operating costs while also considering GHG emissions mitigation opportunities at our development projects so we can achieve both production growth and our climate-related objectives." Equinox Gold's Climate Action Report summarizes the Company's strategy to reduce its GHG emissions and mitigate potential negative impacts of climate change on its operations. Equinox Gold supports the goals of the Paris Agreement and has adopted leading industry standards to guide its climate action strategy, including the United Nations Global Compact, the World Gold Council's Responsible Gold Mining Principles and the Mining Association of Canada's Towards Sustainable Mining protocols. Since 2020, Equinox Gold has been implementing processes to understand its carbon footprint, identify opportunities for improvement and take concrete steps towards establishing a comprehensive climate action strategy. Using baseline GHG emissions data, life-of-mine production forecasts, a detailed assessment of climate-related risks and opportunities at the Company's mine sites, and a review of industry standards and available technology, Equinox Gold has committed to a target of reducing its Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 25% by 2030 compared to "business-as-usual" forecast GHG emissions in 2030 if no intervention measures were taken. Based on an assessment of existing operations and planned expansions, Equinox Gold determined that diesel combustion in mobile equipment and electricity generation for fixed equipment account for substantially all the Company's GHG emissions. As such, Equinox Gold's near-term GHG emissions reduction initiatives are focused on improving the efficiency of its haul trucks, transitioning to lower emissions diesel where supply is available, reducing electricity consumption and, where possible, sourcing electricity from green power sources. More information about the Company's methodology, risk assessment and climate action strategy is summarized in the Climate Action Report, which is available for download at www.EquinoxGold.com. About Equinox Gold Equinox Gold is a growth-focused Canadian mining company with seven operating gold mines, construction underway at a new project, and a path to achieve more than one million ounces of annual gold production from a pipeline of development and expansion projects. Equinox Gold's common shares are listed on the TSX and the NYSE American under the trading symbol EQX. Further information about Equinox Gold's portfolio of assets and long-term growth strategy is available at www.equinoxgold.com or by email at [email protected]. Equinox Gold Contacts Greg Smith, President & CEO Rhylin Bailie, Vice President Investor Relations Tel: +1 604-558-0560 Email: [email protected] Cautionary Notes This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation and may include future-oriented financial information. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information in this news release relate to, among other things: the Company's ability to achieve a 25% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030; the strategic vision for the Company and expectations regarding production capabilities and future financial or operations performance; the timing for and the Company's ability to successfully advance its growth and development projects; the Company's expectations for reducing its GHG emissions and the impact of its operations on climate change; expectations regarding the availability of green alternative power sources, biofuels and energy efficient vehicles; and the anticipated cost savings of adopting certain emission reduction initiatives. Forward-looking statements or information generally identified by the use of the words "will", "target", "strategy", "potential", "commit" and similar expressions and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "could", "would" or "should", or the negative connotation of such terms, are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements since the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company has based these forward-looking statements and information on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events and these assumptions include: the mine plans and development schedules outlined in the technical reports for each project, including estimated development schedules remaining unchanged; the Company's ability to reduce its environmental footprint and improve sustainability practices; the Company's ability to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on its operations; the availability of funds for the Company's projects and future cash requirements; the ability to realize anticipated benefits from climate risk mitigation initiatives, including the use of green energy and biofuels; construction and development at Greenstone being completed and performed in accordance with current expectations, including estimated capital costs; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services, and the impact of inflation on the same, remaining as expected; prices for gold remaining as estimated; no labour-related disruptions and no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction, development and production, including by blockade; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: changes in the expected impacts of climate change; changes in laws, regulations and government practices, including laws and regulations relating to the environment and carbon taxes; legal restrictions relating to mining; fluctuations in gold prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services, including environmentally friendly alternatives; fluctuations in currency markets; operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and hazards; employee relations; relationships with, and claims by, local communities and Indigenous partners; the Company's ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner or at all; and those factors identified in the section titled "Risks and Uncertainties" in Equinox Gold's MD&A dated March 23, 2022 for the year ended December 31, 2021, and in the section titled "Risks Related to the Business" in Equinox Gold's most recently filed Annual Information Form, both of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar. Forward-looking statements and information are designed to help readers understand management's views as of that time with respect to future events and speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by applicable law, Equinox Gold assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement or information contained or incorporated by reference to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements and information. If Equinox Gold updates any one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that Equinox Gold will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. SOURCE Equinox Gold Corp. LONDON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Equiti Capital, an entity of Equiti Group, has signed the Statement of Agreement to the FX Global Code of Conduct FX Global Code of Conduct. The Code sets out principles of good practice in the wholesale foreign exchange market. It provides a common set of guidelines to promote the integrity and effective functioning of the market. Equiti Capital signs the FX Global Code of Conduct (PRNewsfoto/Equiti Capital) Following the adoption of the Code of Conduct by several central banks, including the Bank of England, as well as other major players in the FX markets such as the banks, buy-side market participants and non-bank liquidity providers, Equiti has taken the appropriate steps, based on the size and complexity of its activities and the nature of its engagement in the FX market, to align its activities to adhere to the principles of the Code. Benedict Sears, Head of Equiti's FX Agency Desk and Group Head of FX and PM Liquidity, said: "Signing the FX Global Code of Conduct supports Equiti's client-focused approach to liquidity provision in the FX market. "The Code provides a framework to evaluate execution choices and helps clients know what to expect from counterparties and liquidity providers, a principle fully supported by Equiti. "We encourage more trading counterparties and market participants to adopt the Code to contribute to a robust global financial market." All global entities within the Equiti Group will also embrace the principles of the Code to further instil the highest industry standards across the Group. Operating within a strong governance framework, working with regulators and applying global best practices is a key part of Equiti's business model. The purpose of the FX Global Code of Conduct is to promote a robust, fair, liquid, open, and appropriately transparent market in which a diverse set of Market Participants, supported by resilient infrastructure, can confidently and effectively transact at competitive prices that reflect available market information and in a manner that conforms to acceptable standards of behaviour. About Equiti Group Equiti Group's global footprint includes local offices in Europe, the UK, the Middle East, the Americas, Africa, and the Asia Pacific regions and provides trading support and services on the world's leading trading platforms MT4 and MT5. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1995656/Equiti_Capital.jpg SOURCE Equiti Capital SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sustainable and innovative solutions, underpinned by ESG goals, have garnered immense traction in the paints and coatings industry. Substituting hazardous substances and minimizing energy demand have posed challenges to stakeholders. Needless to say, paints and coatings offer essential coatings for offshore wind power plants, add color to the spaces, boost durability and underpin the transportation and hygienic production of food. The substance has had a vital role in helping minimize the environmental footprint, largely due to its innate ability to boost recyclability and bolster the life cycle of several products. Lately, key players have explored opportunities in waste management and efficient production processes. However, several companies in the paint industry have been accused of greenwashingusing sustainability as a marketing gimmickto hide their environmental lapses. The UN chief has been vocal in pushing for zero tolerance for net-zero greenwashing. According to the competition regulator in the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority, 40% of green claims made online could be misleading. Discover more regarding the practices and strategies being implemented by industry participants in the Paints and Coatings Industry ESG Thematic Report, 2023, published by Astra ESG Solutions EU's corporate sustainability reporting directive (CSRD) will compel companies to disclose comprehensive data to enhance the assessment of their sustainability efforts. It is worth noting that the EU Council gave a nod to CSRD in November 2022, a buoyant step to curb divergent sustainability standards, propel the company's accountability and ease the transition to a sustainable economy. In March 2022, the British Coatings Federation (BCF) rolled out the "Green Claims Guide to Decorative Paints" to tackle greenwash claims in decorative paints. BCF asserted that the use of the terms "VOC free" and "Zero VOC" are false claims and should be avoided in the paint industry. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission initiated a set of Green Guides to help marketers ensure their claims are not deceptive. Prominently, Green Guides were first issued in the U.S. in the early 1990s. In December 2022, the FTC sought public commentson the term "recyclable," "recyclable content," need for additional guidance and carbon offsets and climate changeon the likely updates to the Green Guides. Leading companies that have propelled their ESG strategies are delineated below: 1. Sherwin-Williams Pits on Environmental Targets to Gain Ground The environmental profile has garnered prominence as sustainability continues to steer the growth across business verticals. Companies are pushing to the limit and finding ESG as a pivotal portfolio to contain carbon emissions and reduce waste in their value chain. Sherwin-Williams laid down its 2030 environmental footprint targetsto minimize waste disposal intensity by 25%, curb absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, boost operational energy efficiency by 20% and expedite electricity from renewable sources to 50% of total electricity usage. The company notes that failure to mitigate environmental impact and emissions or respond to shifting consumer behavior and preferences could have repercussions in the form of reduced demand for products and services. 2. AkzoNobel Propels Carbon Neutrality Commitment Companies, such as AkzoNobel have recognized the significance of ESG and underpinned their sustainability quotient. The Netherlands-based company committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and has used a holistic Sustainable Product Portfolio Assessment (SPPA) framework. The chemicals firm is on course to becoming a zero waste company by 203077% reduction in waste to landfill was witnessed in 2021 vis-a-vis the preceding year. It has also developed wood coatings to foster manufacturing efficiency and energy-saving powder coating to provide 30% more output. Browse more ESG Thematic Reports from the Materials Sector, published by Astra - ESG Solutions 3. PPG Industries Banks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to Stay Ahead of the Curve Paints and coatings manufacturers have exhibited an unwavering commitment to further a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. Chemical companies are leaving to stone unturned to propel the leadership roles for women and under-represented ethnic or racial groups. Not to mention, leading players have furthered their investments in bullish initiatives to strengthen accountability and engagement. In essence, PPG mentioned in its 2021 ESG report that an infusion of USD 7.4 million was made to underscore racial equity with educational pathways for people of color and black communities. It also injected USD 13 million to foster education and community sustainability in communities globally, while it is also committed to pouring USD 20 million from 2020 through 2025 to boost educational opportunities and social justice in underrepresented communities. 4. Nippon Paint Holdings Emphasizes Occupational Health & Safety Global watchdogs have pushed for increased health measures as chemicals manufacturing is prone to accidents and health hazards. Investments in workplace safety have become pronounced to undergird the social profile. In 2022, Nippon Paint embraced the Group-wide Global Code of Conduct that considered stakeholder and employee safety in its activities. Meanwhile, in FY 2020, the Japanese behemoth updated the risk assessment lists to identify and address serious risks, including explosions and fire that lead to operation suspension. It has also put the spotlight on safety training programs. The company offered an online ISO internal auditor training course to 113 participants, online follow-up training to 78 new employees and online entry training to 89 new employees. 5. BASF Navigates Opportunities in Corporate Governance Transparent and effective corporate governance has become indispensable to supervising and managing organizations and enthusing the confidence of financial markets, investors, employees, customers and other stakeholders. BASF has a two-tier corporate governance system with an effective and transparent separation of company supervision and management between its Board of Executive Directors and the Supervisory Board. As of December 2021, the German multinational company had six members on the Board of Executive Directors. It has also taken a giant stride in compliance management, emphasizing audits and participation in training. In the 2021 report, BASF inferred that 77 internal audits were conducted on adherence to compliance standards and over 53,000 employees participated in compliance training. Is your business one of participants to the Paints and Coatings Industry? Contact us for focused consultation around ESG Investing, and help you build sustainable business practices 6. RPM Prioritizes Diversity in Board Vacancies Concerted efforts from RPM towards corporate governance and ethical practices & programs have placed the company in a solid position. It has deployed Route 168 training program and promoted transparency, balanced decision-making and diversity & inclusion across its operations. The Governance and Nominating Committee of RPM reports to the full Board on developing and recommending a set of corporate governance principles, overseeing ESG strategy, and identifying diverse candidates for Board members, among others. In January 2020, the company gave a green light to the Rooney Rule to fill Board vacancies, suggesting a mandate to include diversity in ethnicity and gender in the selection pool. Companies of all sizes have envisaged ESG as tailwinds that can open avenues of growth and innovations. Leading players are gearing to underpin effective governance frameworks for fairness of the management, objectivity and transparency, and most importantlyto earn trust. A sustainable solution, waste management and a renewed focus on health & safety are some of the underlying factors that can take the ESG goals to a whole new level. The paints and coatings market size was pegged at USD 146.17 billion in 2019 and could witness a 4.3% CAGR between 2020 and 2027. Bullish ESG strategies will be pivotal to tapping into the global landscape. Get more insights about how key industry participants like The Sherwin Williams Company, PPG Industries, Inc., Akzo Nobel N.V., Nippon Paint Holdings Co., BASF SE are identifying, analyzing and mitigating ESG risks and ensuring compliance About Astra ESG Solutions by Grand View Research Astra is the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) arm of Grand View Research Inc. - a global market research publishing & management consulting firm. Astra offers comprehensive ESG thematic assessment & scores across diverse impact & socially responsible investment topics, including both public and private companies along with intuitive dashboards. Our ESG solutions are powered by robust fundamental & alternative information. Astra specializes in consulting services that equip corporates and the investment community with the in-depth ESG research and actionable insight they need to support their bottom lines and their values. We have supported our clients across diverse ESG consulting projects & advisory services, including climate strategies & assessment, ESG benchmarking, stakeholder engagement programs, active ownership, developing ESG investment strategies, ESG data services, build corporate sustainability reports. Astra team includes a pool of industry experts and ESG enthusiasts who possess extensive end-end ESG research and consulting experience at a global level. For more ESG Thematic reports, please visit Astra ESG Solutions, powered by Grand View Research Need expert consultation around identifying, analyzing and creating a plan to mitigate ESG risks related to your business? Share your concerns and queries, we can help! Contact: Michelle Sales Specialist, USA Astra ESG Solutions - Powered by Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Web: https://astra.grandviewresearch.com/ Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astra-esg-solutions/ SOURCE Astra ESG Solutions VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The esoteric testing market size reached USD 20.85 Billion in 2021 and is expected to register a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period, according to latest analysis by Emergen Research. Increasing initiatives by various organizations in the region to conduct research on orphan drugs to redress rare diseases is the key factor driving market revenue growth. One of the main factors driving the market's revenue growth is the rising prevalence of infectious and chronic diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.6 million people worldwide died from TB in 2021. The rising incidence of chronic diseases presents a significant opportunity for cutting-edge research into unique molecules that can be altered to create novel medications. Request Free Sample Copy (To Understand the Complete Structure of this Report [Summary + TOC]) @ https://www.emergenresearch.com/request-sample/1534 Another factor driving revenue growth is the growing number of successful research and development outcomes in the area of cellular immunology that are used to treat conditions like cardiovascular disease, adenocarcinomas, and neurological illnesses, among others. The majority of cases of Parkinson's disease (PD) are spontaneous and have no known cause. Following substantial continued efforts, the pathogenic mechanisms causing PD are largely unclear. Drivers: Increase in prevalence of chronic and contagious diseases, development of novel genetic sequencing techniques for focused therapy, early tumor detection, and targeted therapeutics are the major factors driving revenue growth. The global spread of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart failure, and cancer is growing rapidly. At the same time, the incidence of infectious diseases like Hepatitis B, Malaria, Dengue, AIDS, and Tuberculosis is also on the rise. Increasing need for effective and rapid diagnosis is driving the development of exotic diagnostic tests. The development of esoteric test technology has led to improvements in performance speed, accuracy, and efficacy. The market growth is being fueled by advancements in technology, such as the use of whole functional genomics, next-generation sequencing techniques, and specialized genetic analysis for cancer detection and targeted therapy, as well as personalized medicine. New DNA profiling methods are being created for early cancer diagnosis, targeted therapy, and the assessment of the frequency, impact, and lifespan of chronic diseases. Restraints: Inadequate remuneration is one of the key restraints preventing the esoteric diagnostic industry from growing its market revenue. Private insurance companies rarely reimburse for individualized and therapeutic procedures. A reduction in the payments for screening procedures has already had a significant impact on the volume of testing in recent years. As a result, organizations that pay for healthcare, insurance, and other services are created, and their limits on using clinical laboratories are tightened. Emergen Research is Offering Limited Time Discount (Grab a Copy at Discounted Price Now) @ https://www.emergenresearch.com/request-discount/1534 Growth Projections: The esoteric testing market is expected to register a CAGR of 11.7% over the forecast period and revenue is projected to increase from USD 20.85 Billion in 2021 to USD 56.44 Billion in 2030. Increasing number of research and development activities conducted by the market players is expected to lead to novel product launches that are FDA-approved. Current Trends and Innovations: The market is predicted to expand owing to advancements in technology like recent study techniques in morphological characteristics, pyrosequencing, digital PCR, genotyping, and genome sequencing, as well as advancements in diagnostic research. The major players in the exotic diagnostics market are poised for potential growth in the future, particularly in developing countries such as China, India, and others. This is due to an aging population, a growing number of parasitic disorders, improvements in healthcare systems, and an increase in disposable income in these countries. Digitalized PCR, genomic testing, next-generation sequencing, and other advancements in genetic morphological traits are some of the technological developments that are expected to drive the market revenue growth in the industry. Market players in the specialized screening industry can benefit from the opportunities offered by growing countries such as China, India, and other countries. Strategic Initiatives: Major companies included in the market report are Laboratory Corporation of America; OPKO Health, Inc.; H.U. Group Holdings, Inc.; Nordic Lifesciences; Genomic Health, Inc.; American Medical Lab.; Invitae Corporation; SYNLAB International GmbH.; UNILABS; and Fulgent Genetics. On October 20, 2022 , BioGX, a global provider of simple molecular diagnostic solutions, announced the availability of Xfree PCR reagents for Sample-to-Answer Direct Sample PCR on a variety of real-time PCR platforms, including BioGX's quick "pixl" platform, to address the growing demand for streamlined, quick testing for monkeypox. Browse Full Report Description + Research Methodology + Table of Content + [email protected] https://www.emergenresearch.com/industry-report/esoteric-testing-market Scope of Research Report Details Outcome Market size in 2021 USD 20.85 Billion CAGR (20222030) 11.7 % Revenue forecast to 2030 USD 56.44 Billion Base year for estimation 2021 Historical data 20192020 Forecast period 20222030 Quantitative units Revenue in USD Billion and CAGR in % from 2022 to 2030 Report coverage Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends Segments covered Type, Techniques, and region Regional scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Country scope U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Benelux, Rest of Europe, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Rest of APAC, Brazil, Rest of LATAM, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., South Africa, Turkey, and Rest of MEA Key companies profiled Laboratory Corporation of America, OPKO Health, Inc., H.U. Group Holdings, Inc., Nordic Lifesciences, Genomic Health, Inc.; American Medical Lab, Invitae Corporation, SYNLAB International GmbH, UNILABS, and Fulgent Genetics Customization scope 10 hours of free customization and expert consultation Custom Requirements can be requested for this Report [Customization Available] @ https://www.emergenresearch.com/request-for-customization/1534 Emergen Research has segmented the esoteric testing market on the basis of type, techniques, and region: Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2019-2030) Infectious Diseases Testing Oncology testing Immunology Testing Others Techniques Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2019-2030) ELISA Flow Cytometry Real Time - PCR Others Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2019-2030) North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K. Italy Spain Benelux Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China India Japan South Korea Rest of APAC Latin America Brazil Rest of LATAM Middle East & Africa & Saudi Arabia UAE South Africa Turkey Rest of MEA Latest Research Reports Published by Emergen Research: Enterprise Information Archiving Market, By Type (Content Type, Services), By Deployment Mode, By Vertical, (Government and Defense, Banking and Financial Services, Retail and E-commerce, Other Verticals), By Region Forecast to 2032 Veterinary Anesthesia Equipment Market, By Product (Standalone Anesthesia Machines, Portable Anesthesia Machines, Vaporizers, and Others), By Animal Type (Small and Large), By End-Use, and By Region Forecast to 2032 Lyme Disease Treatment Market, By Treatment Type (Medication and Tick Removal), By Administration Route (Oral, Injectable, and Topical), By Distribution Channel (Hospital, Retail, and Online), By Application, and By Region Forecast to 2032 Animal Microchip Implant Market, By Product Type (Animal ID Microchip, Reusable Pet Tracking Microchip, Transponder Microchips, Others), By Mode (Self-injectable, Surgery-injectable), By End-use, By Region Forecast to 2032 Contrast Media Market, By Modality [Computed Topography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Ultrasound], By Application [Cardiovascular Disorders (CVD), Neurological Disorders, and Cancer], and By Region Forecast to 2032 Polyacrylic Acid Market, By Type (CoPolymer, HomoPolymer, and TerPolymer), By Grade (Industrial Grade, Cosmetic Grade, and Pharmaceutical Grade), By Physical State, By Application, By End-Use, and By Region Forecast to 2032 Flocculants Market, By Type (Synthetic Flocculants, Natural Flocculants, and Mineral Flocculants), By Category (Anionic, Cationic, Non-Ionic, and Others), By End-Use (Wastewater Treatment, Textile, and Paper), and By Region Forecast to 2032 Smart Television Market, By Operating System (Android TV, Tizen, Roku, WebOS, Others), By Resolution (4K UHD TV, HDTV, Full HD, 8K TV), By Screen Size, By Screen Type (Flat, Curved) By Region Forecast to 2032 Industrial Automation Market, By Component (Hardware, Software, Services), By Industry Vertical (Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Automotive, Healthcare, Energy & Power, Others) By Region Forecast to 2032 Automotive Charge Air Cooler Market, By Vehicle Type (Light Commercial Vehicle, Heavy Commercial Vehicle, and Others), By Product Type (Liquid-Cooled and Air-Cooled), By Position, By Fuel Type, By Design, and By Region Forecast to 2032 About Emergen Research Emergen Research is a market research and consulting company that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our solutions purely focus on your purpose to locate, target, and analyze consumer behavior shifts across demographics, across industries, and help clients make smarter business decisions. We offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across multiple industries, including Healthcare, Touch Points, Chemicals, Types, and Energy. We consistently update our research offerings to ensure our clients are aware of the latest trend's existent in the market. Emergen Research has a strong base of experienced analysts from varied areas of expertise. Our industry experience and ability to develop a concrete solution to any research problems provides our clients with the ability to secure an edge over their respective competitors. Contact Us: Eric Lee Corporate Sales Specialist Emergen Research | Web: www.emergenresearch.com Direct Line: +1 (604) 757-9756 E-mail: [email protected] Emergen Research Media Citations: https://www.emergenresearch.com/media-citations Visit for More Insights: https://www.emergenresearch.com/insights Explore Our Custom Intelligence services | Growth Consulting Services Read our Press Release @ https://www.emergenresearch.com/press-release/global-esoteric-testing-market Trending Titles LiDAR Market | Metaverse Market Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1579538/Emergen_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Emergen Research The new collaborative project aims to provide affordable clean energy to generate electricity in greenhouses. KAFR QARA, Israel, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The European Union (EU), through the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme, has awarded 5.3 million to the REGACE Consortium to develop and demonstrate an innovative agrivoltaics technology by using CO 2 enrichment to increase electricity yields. The REGACE Consortium is composed of 12 partners from five countries. The REGACE system, based on an initial prototype developed by partner TriSolar, will provide affordable clean energy which combines optimum crop conditions with significant energy generation. The use of CO 2 enrichment will expand agrivoltaics usage to areas with less sunshine and low light conditions. Such areas in greenhouses can be used to generate power, a particularly relevant aspect due to accelerated climate change. In addition to the economic impact, the technology will also lead to significant positive effects on ecological-environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of conventional solar energy. "The REGACE technology will allow the dual use of land and infrastructure and will lead to reduced construction and maintenance costs, duration of execution, and the reduction of CO 2 emissions caused by conventional agrivoltaic installations," said REGACE coordinator Dr. Ibrahim Yehia of the Alzahrawi Society. "REGACE will have a significant positive effect on ecological environmental sustainability and reduced ecological footprint. The project's outputs will contribute to the diversification of the energy producing market, enabling small holding greenhouse owners to play a significant role in the market," he added. REGACE's cost-effective agrivoltaic solution will offer tools to transform traditional food growing areas into full participants in the renewable circular energy economy. Instead of large, anonymous external firms creating PV deserts in rural areas, each greenhouse owner can become a stakeholder selling clean energy. This creates new value chains of food growers who become an important part of the energy economy, creating solar energy jobs in farm economy regions. The REGACE solution will be demonstrated in operational research and farming environments in six locations with different greenhouse types and crops. The REGACE project will hold its kickoff meeting in Kafr Kara, Israel, February 710, 2023. About REGACE The REGACE project is dedicated to developing innovative agrivoltaics technology that uses CO 2 enrichment to sustainably increase electricity production. To learn more, visit REGACE Project at, https://regaceproject.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Contact Dan Gerstenfeld Interteam [email protected] +972-523745989 SOURCE REGACE Jet's Pizza carries on the tradition of selling heart-shaped pizzas on Valentine's Day STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Love can be unpredictable, but when it comes to commitment and loyalty, Jet's Pizza always comes through. Nothing says 'I love you' like a heart-shaped pizza from Jet's. Fall in love at first bite this Valentine's Day at Jet's Pizza as they carry on the beloved tradition of offering heart-shaped pizzas, heart-shaped Jet's Bread, and heart-shaped Cinnamon Stix. Jet's Heart-Shaped Pizza Heart-shaped pizza, Jet's Bread, and Cinnamon Stix On Tuesday, Feb. 14 all Jet's Pizza locations nationwide will be selling 4-slice heart-shaped pizzas, heart-shaped Jet's Bread, and heart-shaped Cinnamon Stix, while supplies last. This offer is available for pick-up and delivery. For online orders, just use the following codes: Heart-shaped pizza: LOVE Heart-shaped Jet's Bread: BEMINE Heart-shaped Cinnamon Stix : SWEET "Forget the box of chocolates. Forget the teddy bear. Get the love of your life what they really want Jet's Pizza," said John Jetts, CEO and President of Jet's America, Inc. "The heart-shaped pizzas are one of my favorite traditions and I love bringing it back year after year." To order online or find a Jet's Pizza near you, visit www.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, which 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 WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fannie Mae (OTCQB: FNMA) priced Connecticut Avenue Securities (CAS) Series 2023-R02, an approximately $709 million note offering that represents Fannie Mae's second CAS REMIC transaction of the year. CAS is Fannie Mae's benchmark issuance program designed to share credit risk on its single-family conventional guaranty book of business. The reference pool for CAS Series 2023-R02 consists of approximately 64,000 single-family mortgage loans with an outstanding unpaid principal balance of approximately $20.3 billion. The reference pool includes collateral with loan-to-value ratios of 60.01 percent to 80.00 percent, which were acquired between February 2022 and March 2022. The loans included in this transaction are fixed-rate, generally 30-year term, fully amortizing mortgages and were underwritten using rigorous credit standards and enhanced risk controls. Fannie Mae will retain a portion of the 1M-1, 1M-2, 1B-1, and 1B-2 tranches, and initially will retain the full 1B-3H first-loss tranche. Class Offered Amount ($MM) Pricing Level Expected Ratings (S&P/DBRS) 1M-1 $375.337 1-month average SOFR plus 230 bps BBB+ (sf) / A (low) (sf) 1M-2 $153.984 1-month average SOFR plus 335 bps BBB- (sf) / BBB (sf) 1B-1 $113.968 1-month average SOFR plus 555 bps BB- (sf) / BB (sf) 1B-2 $65.848 1-month average SOFR plus 790 bps B- (sf) / B (sf) Wells Fargo Securities, LLC ("Wells Fargo") is the lead structuring manager and joint bookrunner. BofA Securities, Inc. ("BofA") is the co-lead manager and joint bookrunner. Co-managers are Citigroup Global Markets Inc. ("Citigroup"), Morgan Stanley & Co, LLC ("Morgan Stanley"), Nomura Securities International Inc. ("Nomura"), and StoneX Financial Inc. ("StoneX"). Selling group members are Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Drexel Hamilton, LLC and African-American & women-owned Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC. With the completion of this transaction, Fannie Mae will have brought 55 CAS deals to market, issued over $60 billion in notes, and transferred a portion of the credit risk to private investors on over $2.00 trillion in single-family mortgage loans, measured at the time of the transaction. To promote transparency and to help credit investors evaluate our securities and the CAS program, Fannie Mae provides ongoing, robust disclosure data, as well as access to news, resources, and analytics through its credit risk transfer webpages. This includes our innovative Data Dynamics tool that enables market participants to interact with and analyze CAS deals that are currently outstanding in the market and Fannie Mae's historical loan dataset. In addition, our EU Resources and UK Resources webpages help European Union and UK institutional investors, as well as those managing funds subject to EU/UK regulations comply with EU/UK securitization regulations. In addition to our flagship CAS program, Fannie Mae continues to transfer mortgage credit risk through its Credit Insurance Risk Transfer (CIRT) reinsurance program. About Connecticut Avenue Securities CAS REMIC notes are issued by a bankruptcy-remote trust. The amount of periodic principal and ultimate principal paid by Fannie Mae is determined by the performance of a large and diverse reference pool. For more information on individual CAS transactions, visit our credit risk transfer webpage. About Fannie Mae Fannie Mae advances equitable and sustainable access to homeownership and quality, affordable rental housing for millions of people across America. We enable the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and drive responsible innovation to make homebuying and renting easier, fairer, and more accessible. To learn more, visit: fanniemae.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Blog Fannie Mae Newsroom https://www.fanniemae.com/newsroom Photo of Fannie Mae https://www.fanniemae.com/resources/img/about-fm/fm-building.tif Fannie Mae Resource Center 1-800-2FANNIE Statements in this release regarding the company's future CAS transactions are forward-looking. Actual results may be materially different as a result of market conditions or other factors listed in "Risk Factors" or "Forward-Looking Statements" in the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. This release does not constitute an offer or sale of any security. Before investing in any Fannie Mae issued security, potential investors should review the disclosure for such security and consult their own investment advisors. SOURCE Fannie Mae TAMPA, Fla. , Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- National mortgage servicer Fay Servicing recently moved their corporate headquarters to a new location in Tampa, which provides the firm with more than 31,000 square feet of space, more conference rooms, dedicated training rooms, and spectacular views of Old Tampa Bay. The company originally relocated from Illinois to Florida in 2020, and has been able to take advantage of the highly-skilled workforce in the city of Tampa as well as greater Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. National mortgage servicer Fay Servicing recently moved their corporate headquarters to a new location in Tampa. Tweet this Florida is the perfect state for our organizations base of operations much like Fay Servicing, it is vibrant, dynamic, and poised for continued growth, said Fay Servicing President Kimberly Hare. "Florida is the perfect state for our organization's base of operations much like Fay Servicing, it is vibrant, dynamic, and poised for continued growth," said Fay Servicing President Kimberly Hare. The central location makes employee commutes easier and building amenities include covered parking, a fitness center, an on-site cafe, and rental conference space. The office is conveniently located near Westshore Plaza and the surrounding retail, restaurants, and hotels, and is four miles from Tampa International Airport. "Keeping our headquarters in such a warm, welcoming, business-friendly environment will help enable us to continue to attract and retain the best talent to support our borrowers, customers, and clients," added Hare. Fay Servicing differentiates itself by leveraging its unique talent, model, and process to build uncommonly strong relationships with borrowers. This relationship-based servicing strategy has positioned Fay Servicing as a leader in the industry. Fay employs more than 500 individuals nationwide and is based in Tampa, Florida, with offices in Chicago, Illinois, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Farmers Branch, Texas. Fay Servicing is a diversified mortgage servicing firm that specializes in managing distressed and at-risk residential loans, and now services more than 150,000 residential and commercial customers across the U.S. SOURCE Fay Servicing, LLC LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A class action was filed against Ezricare LLC and other pharmaceutical and healthcare companies alleging their artificial tears product caused a bacterial outbreak in several states in the U.S.A. that caused blindness and even death. The lawsuit, filed in Federal Court, followed actions by government regulators following severe outbreaks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) isolated a specific strain of bacteria that was causing blindness and tracked it back to EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops. Global Pharmaceutical company Global Pharma Healthcare issued a recall after the Food and Drug Administration urged consumers to immediately stop using the product. The lawsuit was filed against: Ezricare LLC Ezrirx LLC Delsam Phama LLC Global Pharma Healthcare Private LTD Aru Pharma Inc. The specific artificial tears in question are marketed and sold as a way to relieve eye dryness or ease eye discomfort. They are "preservative free" which removes chemicals from these eyedrops, however that chemical is used to prevent the growth of bacteria in the product. The product came onto the market in mid-to-late 2020. The current outbreak of the Pseudomonas Aeruginosa bacteria began in May 2022, and hit 12 states so far: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. The CDC reported that to date, of the 55 people who were identified as having been infected with the Pseudomonas Aeruginosa bacteria, three have suffered permanent vision loss and another has died to a systemic infection. "The term 'chemical free' may sound great, but some of these chemicals are there for a reason," said attorney Kiley Grombacher of Bradley Grombacher LLP. "There are serious repercussions as a result of these healthcare companies creating a dangerous product." The lawsuit is Richard Mosley et al. v. Ezricare LLC; Ezrirx LLC, Delsam Pharma LLC; Global Pharma Healthcare Private LTD.; and Aru Pharma, Inc. USDC Eastern District of Kentucky, Case No. 6:23-cv-00020-REW-HAI. About Bradley/Grombacher LLP When you find yourself in need of taking legal action against another party in a dispute, turn to the attorneys at Bradley/Grombacher for help. Our lawyers have more than 50 years of combined experience that can be put to work to help you get the fair and just compensation you deserve in a dispute involving employment law, consumer law, and personal injury law. CONTACT: Joe Marchelewski, [email protected] SOURCE Bradley/Grombacher NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE: FRT) is proud to announce a series of executive promotions that recognize the contributions and expanded responsibilities of a number of long-serving team members. In its legal leasing function, two additional senior positions have been created to better serve its growing operations: Robyn Sarrat , who has been with the company since 2006, has been promoted to Vice President, Legal Leasing . In this capacity, she will manage Federal Realty's legal leasing function and oversee lease documentation across the organization, including new leases, renewals, and amendments. , who has been with the company since 2006, has been promoted to . In this capacity, she will manage Federal Realty's legal leasing function and oversee lease documentation across the organization, including new leases, renewals, and amendments. Becca Walker has been promoted to Vice President, Head of Legal Real Estate. Ms. Walker will lead Federal Realty's legal function with respect to all aspects of its operating properties, including leasing, landlord-tenant matters, development and litigation management. Ms. Walker joined the company in 2015. In its West Coast operation, the company is formalizing promotions necessitated with the appointment of Jeffrey S. Berkes to President & Chief Operating Officer two years ago: Jan Sweetnam , a seasoned executive with more than three decades in the industry, is stepping into the role of Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer , in which he will lead the company's growth initiatives, including vertical development opportunities at the company's existing assets, acquisitions, dispositions, and investment performance. Mr. Sweetnam has held several senior positions since joining Federal Realty in 1997 and has been instrumental in growing the company's West Coast portfolio. In 2021, he was appointed Executive Vice President, Western Region President. , a seasoned executive with more than three decades in the industry, is stepping into the role of , in which he will lead the company's growth initiatives, including vertical development opportunities at the company's existing assets, acquisitions, dispositions, and investment performance. Mr. Sweetnam has held several senior positions since joining Federal Realty in 1997 and has been instrumental in growing the company's West Coast portfolio. In 2021, he was appointed Executive Vice President, Western Region President. Jeff Kreshek succeeds Jan Sweetnam as Senior Vice President, Western Region President . In this capacity, he will oversee the asset management, leasing and operating teams for Federal Realty's West Coast portfolio, which comprises nearly 6.5 million square feet of some of the best retail and mixed-use real estate in the country. Mr. Kreshek, who joined the company in 2011 and most recently served as Senior Vice President, West Coast Leasing, has over 30 years of experience in leasing, entitlements, property and asset management with an emphasis on redeveloping and repositioning underperforming assets. succeeds as . In this capacity, he will oversee the asset management, leasing and operating teams for Federal Realty's West Coast portfolio, which comprises nearly 6.5 million square feet of some of the best retail and mixed-use real estate in the country. Mr. Kreshek, who joined the company in 2011 and most recently served as Senior Vice President, West Coast Leasing, has over 30 years of experience in leasing, entitlements, property and asset management with an emphasis on redeveloping and repositioning underperforming assets. Christian Irwin is assuming the role of Vice President, West Coast Leasing, in which he will oversee and direct all leasing activities for Federal Realty's West Coast portfolio, including new retailer relationships, lease negotiations, and leading his region's leasing team. Mr. Irwin joined the company in 2017 and has been in the industry since 2004. A senior position has been created to bolster the company's commitment to long-term value creation through ESG-focused initiatives: Emily McLachlan has been promoted to Vice President, Sustainability. Ms. McLachlan, who joined the company in 2018, will be responsible for driving forward Federal Realty's ESG program. This includes setting and implementing portfolio decarbonization strategies, managing the company's solar portfolio, and overseeing all ESG reporting efforts. In recognition of his invaluable contributions spearheading the company's highly productive specialty leasing efforts: Mike Kelleher has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Specialty Revenue. The three-decade industry veteran joined the company in 2007 and in 2009, took on the oversight of Federal Realty's specialty leasing program, which includes temporary leasing, sponsorships, corporate partnerships, and programming across the entire portfolio. "These experts are among the most respected in the industryday in and day out, they demonstrate leadership excellence and a strong track record of execution," said Don Wood, Federal Realty's Chief Executive Officer. "I have the highest confidence in their ability to drive our continued success and strengthen Federal's foundation as a preeminent retail REIT." About Federal Realty Federal Realty is a recognized leader in the ownership, operation and redevelopment of high-quality retail-based properties located primarily in major coastal markets from Washington, D.C. to Boston as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles. Founded in 1962, Federal Realty's mission is to deliver long-term, sustainable growth through investing in communities where retail demand exceeds supply. Its expertise includes creating urban, mixed-use neighborhoods like Santana Row in San Jose, California, Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, Maryland and Assembly Row in Somerville, Massachusetts. These unique and vibrant environments that combine shopping, dining, living and working provide a destination experience valued 0.by their respective communities. Federal Realty's 104 properties include approximately 3,200 tenants, in 26 million square feet, and approximately 3,300 residential units. Federal Realty has increased its quarterly dividends to its shareholders for 55 consecutive years, the longest record in the REIT industry. Federal Realty is an S&P 500 index member and its shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT. For additional information about Federal Realty and its properties, visit www.federalrealty.com. Investor Inquiries: Media Inquiries: Leah Andress Brady Brenda Pomar Vice President, Investor Relations Director, Corporate Communications 301.998.8265 301.998.8316 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Federal Realty Investment Trust STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hedgeye Risk Management, a leading independent provider of investment research and online financial media firm, announced today that finance industry veteran David Salem has officially joined the company's research team. Salem brings 40 years of Wall Street experience to Hedgeye and will lead the firm's efforts to deliver institutional investor quality research to pension funds, endowments, family offices, RIAs and other large capital asset allocators. Salem's considerable industry experience from his work at The Investment Fund for Foundations (TIFF) and as partner at Jeremy Grantham's GMO will bring Hedgeye's rigorous investment research to a new class of investors. Hedgeye has announced that finance industry veteran David Salem has officially joined the company's research team. Tweet this "I am honored to be joining the Hedgeye team and excited to help other investment professionals make efficient and effective use of Hedgeye's world-class research," said Salem. "For many reasons, including its verifiably effective methods, acute market savvy and fierce independence, Hedgeye has been my go-to source for investment-related research for many years," he added. Salem is spearheading a new, institutionally oriented research service called CIO Corner which is designed to maximize the expansive breadth and depth of Hedgeye's research for institutional customers for more effective and efficient consumption. In CIO Corner, Salem will harness his decades of experience serving the world's largest capital allocators to curate Hedgeye's research flow. Salem will identify opportunities and risks for deploying capital over planning horizons designed for effective management of large-scale investment programs. These opportunities and risks will be separated into multiple tranches based on intervals over which Hedgeye's analyses suggest they will manifest in markets. Prior to joining Hedgeye, Salem was a Research Partner at Sparkline Capital and an advisor to institutional investors. He also served as founding President and Chief Investment Officer of The Investment Fund for Foundations (TIFF), a Boston-based firm managing $8 billion as outsourced CIO to nonprofits and foundations. The Wall Street Journal named Salem one of the 30 most influential professional investors citing his writings on TIFF's behalf. Before TIFF's founding, Salem was a partner at the global investment advisory firm GMO, working closely with GMO co-founder Jeremy Grantham on the design and execution of investment solutions for large tax-exempt funds. "I am beyond humbled to have someone of David's caliber, principles, and integrity join our research team," said Hedgeye CEO Keith McCullough. "He is a consummate market practitioner with decades of in-the-seat experience in the markets. Hedgeye's goal is to bring world-class investment research to all investors, whether they're foundations, hedge funds, day traders or financial advisors. I have no doubt David's broad and deep knowledge base and investing acumen will enable him to generate alpha for our subscribers." Prior to joining GMO, Salem received a JD cum laude from Harvard Law School and an MBA with high distinction from Harvard Business School, where he was elected a Baker Scholar. A member of the District of Columbia Bar since earning his JD, Salem has held adjunct faculty positions at Middlebury College, from which he earned his undergraduate degree summa cum laude, and the University of Virginia, and served in the White House Counsel's office while enrolled at Harvard. "Hedgeye's institutional research offering has traditionally catered to the largest hedge funds and fund managers on Wall Street," says Director of Research Daryl Jones. "Combining David's considerable experience with our investment research was a no-brainer as we think about serving the needs of this sophisticated class of capital allocators." ABOUT HEDGEYE RISK MANAGEMENT Hedgeye Risk Management is an independent investment research and online financial media firm. Focused exclusively on generating and delivering investment ideas in a proven buy-side process, the firm combines quantitative, bottom-up and macro analysis with an emphasis on timing. The Hedgeye team features some of the world's most regarded research analysts covering Macro, Financials, Healthcare, Retail, REITs, Technology, Gaming, Lodging & Leisure (GLL), Restaurants, Industrials, Consumer Staples, Cannabis, Communications, China, Housing, Materials, and Washington policy analysis. SOURCE Hedgeye Risk Management Guide outlines key areas and metrics for quantifying the "S" in ESG reporting for real estate to boost entity-wide performance NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fitwel announced today new insights to support the correlation between implementing health-promoting operational and design strategies and value in real estate, advancing its efforts to quantify ESG from a people-perspective. The announcement comes on the heels of Fitwel's publication of the Guide to Measuring "S", a resource that outlines 5 key areas and metrics for quantifying S in ESG reporting for the real estate industry. The correlation highlights that by using health as the basis to measure and evaluate ESG performance, it is possible to not only increase ESG scores, but also mitigate material risk and increase value at the asset and entity levels all while improving occupant health. With global ESG-aligned assets on track to exceed $50 trillion by 2025, third-party healthy building certification systems like Fitwel will increasingly be relied upon for tracking and integrating health-related ESG metrics. In the real estate sector, the role of ESG considerations has traditionally focused on structural building risk rather than people-centric risk because it is easier to quantify. Fitwel and its real estate partners see this as a missed opportunity entities that don't focus on optimizing the health of the occupants' risk undermining investment performance. Fitwel was originally created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), and is now operated by nonprofit research organization, the Center for Active Design (CfAD) which is charged with expanding Fitwel to the global market. The Fitwel Standard translates the global public health evidence base into practical, implementable design and operational strategies and guidelines to be used at the building level, community level and at scale. The Fitwel Platform integrates asset- and entity-level benchmarking, a streamlined healthy building certification process, and is also currently building out "S" focused ESG data insights for leading global real estate companies. The Guide to Measuring 'S' outlines select strategies that impact health across five areas Location, Operations and Performance, Amenities, Design, and Programming and Evaluation and maps them to quantifiable metrics, including Walkscore and Tenant Satisfaction. The connection between these strategies and health are substantiated by 100+ years of public health research and the metrics identified are supported by recent reports, including Fitwel's Health Drives Value for Real Estate. This benchmarking study, conducted in partnership with QuadReal Property Group, showed that as a property's Fitwel score increases through the application of Fitwel strategies, such as access to public transit, implementation of a robust indoor air quality policy, and walkability, the median score for property recommendation, or Net Promoter Score, also tends to increase. Not only does a property's walkability promote physical activity and social interaction, but it can also reduce car use and in turn, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Combined, these impacts address the trifecta of physical, social, and mental healthall while increasing ESG scores. To help put the "S" Guide into practice, Fitwel also released the Fitwel-GRESB Crosswalk for Workplace and Multifamily Scorecards, a tool that compares Fitwel strategies to real estate's leading ESG framework, GRESB Real Estate Assessment. These resources, along with the Fitwel Platform, further advance market transformation for the healthy building movement, providing globally standardized, science-backed strategies that are now central to investor decision-making and strategy. "Investing in health has never been more paramount. It took about ten years to create a consensus around defining the metrics in the environmental pillar of ESG, and now, there is growing demand for reliable metrics to quantify the Social pillar," said Joanna Frank, President and CEO of Active Design Advisors, Inc., and CfAD, the operators of Fitwel. "Fitwel is committed to supporting the effort to reach a consensus on the S as quickly as possible, using what was learned from the environmental movement and what we already know about the connection between the built environment and health outcomes through evidence-based health-promoting strategies." Leading real estate companies many designated Fitwel 'Champions' and Best in Building Health honorees from previous years have already been integrating Fitwel into their ESG reporting, highlighting the critical role the platform plays in strengthening their commitment to social responsibility and ultimately driving entity-wide value. Joanna Frank will be speaking at IMN's ESG & Decarbonization in Real Estate Forum in Nashville on February 7th and 8th. She will be presenting on February 7th on the panel, ESG as a Driver for Real Estate Valuation. Nadine Rachid, Senior Vice President of Standard and Product Development at the Center for Active Design, will also participate in Using PropTech to Future Proof Buildings Against Risk and Drive Sustainability at the forum. To learn more and download Fitwel's ESG resources, visit https://fitwel.org/esg. About Fitwel Fitwel is the world's leading certification system committed to building health for all. Generated by expert analysis of 5,600+ academic research studies, Fitwel is implementing a vision for a healthier future where all buildings and communities are enhanced to strengthen health and well-being. Fitwel was originally created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and U.S. General Services Administration. The CDC remains the research and evaluation partner for Fitwel. The Center for Active Design (CfAD), a global not-for-profit organization, maintains the Fitwel standard and conducts objective third-party assessments that lead to certified projects. CfAD's new business unit, Adai (pronounced "a-DAY"), is charged with expanding Fitwel to the global market, administering the program while providing best-in-class customer service and technical support. To learn more about Fitwel, please visit: www.fitwel.org Media Contact: Kate Laursen 203-610-5879 [email protected] SOURCE Fitwel Charges most EVs to 80% in 15 minutes with up to 320 kW* Can deliver up to 500 kW for one car in a modular configuration Built to meet both NEVI and Buy America Act requirements SAN DIEGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - FLO, a leading North American electric vehicle (EV) charging network operator and a smart charging solutions provider, introduced FLO Ultra, an ultra-fast charger engineered to maximize energy delivery with future-proof performance and smart design that enables the ultimate EV charging experience. New FLO Ultra: Charges most EVs to 80% in 15 minutes with up to 320 kW (CNW Group/FLO) New FLO Ultra Fast EV Charger (CNW Group/FLO) "EV demand and sales are topping all industry expectations and are now forecasted to exceed more than 45% of U.S. light duty vehicle sales by 2030," said Nathan Yang, FLO Chief Product Officer. "As new EV drivers hit the road, they will be looking for fast charging that is safe, accessible, convenient, intuitive and reliable. This is why we designed FLO Ultra to provide the ultimate EV charging experience." Rapid EV charging in a smart, flexible package With a simple but revolutionary design, the FLO Ultra charger features two high-powered charging ports in one rugged aluminum enclosure. It will charge most EVs to 80% in 15 minutes with up to 320 kW* available using dynamic power sharing and up to 500 kW* with multiple electric vehicle charging stations connected together. These level 3 EV chargers can be configured in a variety of ways, allowing for flexible parking options for drivers and easier installation for site hosts. "FLO Ultra's flexible and modular design accommodates charging on one or on both sides and parallel or pull-in parking for charging," said Yang. EV charging infrastructure designed to meet all drivers' needs The FLO Ultra charging station was designed for driver convenience and is brilliantly simple to use for EV drivers looking to charge and return to the road. "Before FLO Ultra, fast chargers were often viewed as intimidating and imposing," said Yang. "We want all drivers to feel comfortable, safe and secure when charging and FLO Ultra's design reflects this. This is a charger for all drivers." With its sleek construction, the FLO Ultra charger has a low-horizontal profile while its highly visible illuminated canopies make it easy to locate. State-of-charge indicators quickly let drivers know if the DC fast charging station is available for immediate use. The new charger also features a patent-pending, motorized cable management system. This system keeps cables off the ground while the extended reach allows for charging regardless of vehicle port placement. Most importantly, the motorized system makes the cables feel lighter and easier to maneuver, reducing strain on users. Additionally, the FLO Ultra charging station is equipped with an independent color touchscreen display for each charging port and supports flexible and secure payment options for quick and easy transactions. Rugged durability, modular construction for industry-leading uptime Like all of FLO's charging products, the FLO Ultra charger is built to last. The enclosure is made of durable, recyclable aluminum designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. The EV fast charger is easily serviceable with large front and back doors and modular components for quick replacement. Finally, FLO Ultra is connected to the FLO network, which enable remote monitoring to assure swift diagnostic and proactive action to avoid potential issues. All these features contribute to industry-leading uptime. Uptime measures the availability of EV charging stations to users and is the percentage of time that a charging station is operational.** FLO has raised the bar with its optional FLO Performance Warranty, which guarantees a minimum of 98% uptime for all covered FLO chargers. Built to last in North America FLO Ultra chargers will be available starting in 2024 and will meet the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program's (NEVI) minimum standards, including Buy America requirements. NEVI will provide $5 billion in formula funding to states to build out charging infrastructure along highway corridors filling gaps in rural, disadvantaged, and hard-to-reach locations while instilling public confidence in electric car charging stations. * Dependent on the vehicle, configuration, and number of cars charging. ** To learn more about how FLO calculates uptime, visit: Reliability Blog Series #3: Calculating Standardized Charger Uptime (flo.com) About FLO FLO is a leading North American electric vehicle (EV) charging network operator and a smart charging solutions provider. We fight climate change by accelerating EV adoption through a vertically integrated business model and delivering EV drivers the most dependable charging experience from curbside to countryside. Every month, we enable more than 1,000,000 charging events thanks to over 80,000 fast and level 2 EV charging stations deployed at public, private and residential locations. FLO operates across North America and our high-quality charging stations are assembled with care in Michigan and Quebec. To learn more about what "EV charging done right" means to us, visit flo.com . SOURCE FLO Crew members will wear Garmin fenix 7 adventure watches to help scientists understand how space travel affects the human body OLATHE, Kan., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin smartwatches will play an important role in an upcoming Polaris Dawn human spaceflight, with highly accurate health data gleaned from fenix 7 adventure watches providing 24/7 insights into the impact of space travel on the human body. During the up to five-day mission launched from the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, researchers will continuously monitor and collect crew members' biometrics such as heart rate, pulse oximetry, and sleep patternsall on a single battery charge. Polaris Dawn crew members will wear Garmin fenix 7 adventure watches to help scientists understand how space travel affects the human body. "Garmin is honored to be a part of this exciting research effort that will advance the understanding of how the human body adapts to the rigors of space flight," said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global sales. "The exceptional battery life of our smartwatches will allow researchers the opportunity to continuously monitor all four crew members while awake and at rest over the five-day missionwith no down time needed to recharge the battery." The Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) at Baylor College of Medicine is supporting health and biomedical research aboard the historic Polaris Dawn mission, which will attempt to reach the highest Earth orbit ever flown with humans and complete the first-ever commercial spacewalk. The Polaris Dawn crew and the TRISH team chose Garmin smartwatches for the mission because of their long battery life, rugged durability and extensive suite of all-day health monitoring features. "The trove of biometric data provided by Garmin fenix smartwatches will allow us to better understand how the body adjusts to being in space," said Jimmy Wu, TRISH senior biomedical engineer. "Once collected, this physiological data will be added to TRISH's EXPAND database, aiding current and future research to study and understand human health and performance for all future human space exploration missions." SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Polaris Dawn crew aboard a Dragon spacecraft from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL later in 2023. Garmin Health provides custom enterprise business solutions that leverage Garmin's extensive wearable portfolio and high-quality sensor data for applications in the corporate wellness, population health, and patient monitoring markets. The Garmin Health API allows third parties to ask customers to share their data in accordance with their specific privacy policies. As part of a global company that designs, manufactures and ships products worldwide, Garmin Health supports its customers' commerce and logistics needs, allowing enterprises to scale with a single, trusted provider. For more information, email our press team, connect with us on LinkedIn, or visit us online at garmin.com/health. About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and fenix are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. About Polaris Dawn Polaris Dawn is the first of the Polaris Program's three human spaceflight missions. SpaceX is targeting no earlier than March 2023 for Falcon 9's launch of Dragon and the Polaris Dawn crew from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Polaris Dawn endeavors to reach the highest Earth orbit ever flown, attempt the first-ever commercial spacewalk, conduct extensive research to further our understanding of human health on Earth and during future long-duration spaceflights, and test Starlink's laser-based communications in space. For more information, visit polarisprogram.com. About the Translational Research Institute for Space Health The Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) is a lean, virtual institute empowered by the NASA Human Research Program to solve the challenges of human deep space exploration. TRISH relentlessly pursues and funds novel research to deliver high-impact scientific and technological solutions that advance space health and help humans thrive wherever they explore, in space or on Earth. Led by Baylor College of Medicine's Center for Space Medicine, the TRISH consortium leverages partnerships with Caltech and MIT. Learn more at bcm.edu/spacehealth. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Notice on Forward-Looking Statements: This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2021, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/company/investors/earnings/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Krista Klaus 913-397-8200 [email protected] SOURCE Garmin International, Inc. NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As per Facts and Factors study, The global electric vehicle market was valued at roughly USD 185 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 980 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 24.5% during the forecast period 2022-2028. Report Link With All Related Graphs & Charts: https://www.fnfresearch.com/electric-vehicle-market Electric Vehicle Market: Overview An electric vehicle, as opposed to a gasoline-powered vehicle, runs on electricity. Instead of a petrol engine, these vehicles are powered by an electric motor that needs a good amount of energy from batteries to function. These vehicles make use of a variety of batteries. Molten salt, lithium-ion, zinc-air, and other nickel-based designs are among them. The electric vehicle was created largely to replace traditional modes of transportation, which pollute the environment. It has grown in prominence as a result of several technological breakthroughs. It surpasses traditional automobiles by offering better fuel economy, lower carbon emissions & maintenance, ease of charging at homes, a smoother drive, and lower engine noise. There are three main types of electric car batteries: pure, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. Furthermore, while electric vehicles do not require engine oil changes, they are slightly more expensive than gasoline-powered counterparts. Get a Free Sample Report with All Related Graphs & Charts (with COVID 19 Impact Analysis): https://www.fnfresearch.com/sample/electric-vehicle-market Key Insights: As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global Electric Vehicle market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 24.5% over the forecast period (2022-2028) In terms of revenue, the global Electric Vehicle market size was valued at around USD 185 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 980 billion , by 2028. Facts and Factors published the latest report titled "Electric Vehicle Market By Module (On-Board Charger, Battery Cells & Packs, Infotainment System, and Others), By Charging Station (Super and Normal), By Propulsion (Battery Electric Vehicles, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, Plug-In Electric Vehicles, and Hybrid Electric Vehicles), By Vehicle Type (Two Wheelers, Passenger Cars, and Commercial Vehicles), By Drivetrain (Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid, and Combined Hybrid), By Vehicle Class (Luxury and Mid-Priced), and By Region-Global and Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, and Forecast 20222028" into their research database. Industry Dynamics: Global Electric Vehicle Market: Growth Drivers Strict government restrictions and regulations toward vehicle emission are expected to drive the market's growth. Governments and regulatory agencies around the world are establishing strict emission rules and laws to minimize vehicle emissions in response to growing ecological issues. Stringent emission targets for carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the air are major regulatory measures. Vehicles release large amounts of greenhouse gases, and the state & federal governments in the United States are making intensifying attempts to make transportation sustainable. For instance, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it is developing new guidelines to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and other emissions emitted by heavy-duty trucks. Furthermore, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is implementing the heavy-duty Low NOx Omnibus Regulation, which intends to reduce NOx emissions by 90% by 2027 compared to existing standards. Furthermore, the European Union (EU) promised in the Paris Agreement (COP21) to meet its 20% greenhouse gas emission reduction target in 2020 for the Kyoto Protocol's second phase. The EU has also set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2040 and reaching net-zero by 2050. As a result, the demand for vehicle manufacturers, particularly commercial vehicle manufacturers, has increased as a result of the passage of emission restrictions for fossil fuel-powered vehicles. As a result, demand for electric vehicles is projected to rise. Thus, strict emission standards placed on fossil-fuel-driven commercial vehicles are propelling the global electric vehicle market forward. Global Electric Vehicle Market: Restraints High production costs will impede market expansion. Electric vehicles are preferable to regular fuel vehicles, but they are more expensive than gasoline-powered vehicles. Because these vehicles aren't mass-produced, they haven't yet attained economies of scale. Furthermore, the absence of charging points linked to the development of electric vehicles has proven to be a deterrent to market expansion. Similarly, producers require a significant amount of financial assets, which may stifle the global electric vehicle market growth. However, the battery costs are likely to drop in the coming years as part of the increased mass production of electric vehicle batteries in huge volumes and technological developments. Directly Purchase a Copy of the Report @ https://www.fnfresearch.com/buynow/su/electric-vehicle-market Global Electric Vehicle Market: Opportunities Government initiatives to promote electric vehicles offer significant growth opportunities. Vehicle emissions reduction objectives have been set for 2050 in many countries across the world. They have begun to promote the production and sale of electric vehicles, as well as the infrastructure that supports them. For instance, the US government spent USD 5 billion in 2017 to support electric vehicle infrastructure like charging points. Many countries are offering minimal or even no registration fees and also exemptions from import duties, road tax, and sales tax. Furthermore, countries such as Germany and Norway are heavily investing in electric vehicle sales promotion. As a result of the huge incentives and benefits in Europe, there is a rapid increase in the market for electric vehicles. This has resulted in an increase in demand for electric vehicle charging equipment and materials such as connectors, charging cables, portable chargers, and adapters. A 2020 vision for a nationwide fast-charging channel is also scheduled to be created as part of an agreement between the US departments of energy and transportation, with potential longer-term developments including up to 350 kW of DC power supercharging. As a result of stricter CO2 emission regulations, electric vehicles have become more popular. Global Electric Vehicle Market: Challenges Lack of standardization of electric vehicles remains a challenge. The necessity for the standardization of electric car charging stations has been highlighted by factors like the development of the electric vehicle market and variances in charging loads. Certain electric vehicle charging outlets may only work with a specific voltage. For instance, level 1 charging points provide a voltage of 120V AC, whereas level 2 charging points provide a voltage of 208V AC or 240V AC. DC charging stations, on the other hand, use 480V AC to provide quick charging. For the establishment of a favorable ecology and a rise in electric vehicle sales, governments must standardize charge stations. Different countries have different quick-charging standards. CHAdeMO is used in Japan; CCS is used in Europe, the United States, & Korea; and GB/T is used in China. Because India has yet to achieve standardization in fast charging systems, the Indian government has ordered the deployment of both CHAdeMO and CCS methods. However, because this rule increased the cost of installing charging stations, the government amended the guidelines in July 2019 and enabled charging station operators to choose their preferred method. Tesla, a California-based electric vehicle manufacturer, employs high-performance superchargers that are exclusive to Tesla and cannot be utilized by other electric vehicles. The absence of standardization between countries may have an influence on charging station installation and stifle the market for electric vehicle charging stations. Global Electric Vehicle Market: Segmentation The global electric vehicle market is segregated on the basis of module, charging station, propulsion, vehicle type, drivetrain, vehicle class, and region. By module, the market is divided into on-board chargers, battery cells & packs, infotainment systems, and others. Rising demand for electric vehicles boosts battery cells and pack manufacturing unexpectedly. As a result of this element, automotive battery makers or suppliers are always focused on research and development, which has helped to reduce battery costs. This aspect enables the market to develop at the fastest CAGR. By charging station, the market is segmented in super and normal. Normal charging stations dominate the market, as the majority of customers choose to charge their vehicle at home while it is idle. By propulsion, the market is classified into battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles. The battery electric vehicle segment dominates the market, but hybrid electric vehicles are predicted to increase at the fastest rate in the forecasted year. By vehicle type, the global electric vehicle market is divided into two-wheelers, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles. Passenger cars dominate the market and have the highest CAGR. By drivetrain, the market is segmented into series hybrid, parallel hybrid, and combined hybrid. The series hybrid drivetrain segment dominates the market because it provides maximum efficiency when driving on city streets or in congested areas. In comparison to parallel hybrid vehicles, series hybrid vehicles have higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions. By vehicle class, the market is segmented into luxury and mid-priced. Mid-priced vehicles segment dominates the market and also have the highest CAGR. Get More Insight before [email protected]: https://www.fnfresearch.com/inquiry/electric-vehicle-market List of Key Players in Electric Vehicle Market: Chevrolet Motor Company Karma Automotive Okinawa Autotech Pvt. Ltd. WM Motor Ford Motor Company Benling India Energy and Technology Pvt Ltd Hyundai Motor Company Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited Toyota Motor Corporation Energica Motor Company S.p.A. Kia Corporation Ampere Vehicles Lucid Group Inc. Tata Motors Xiaopeng Motors NIO BYD Company Limited Hero Electric Nissan Motors Co.Ltd. Volkswagen AG General Motors Rivain Daimler AG Tesla Inc. BMW AG. Key questions answered in this report: What are the growth rate forecast and market size for ELECTRIC VEHICLE Market? What are the key driving factors propelling the ELECTRIC VEHICLE Market forward? What are the most important companies in the ELECTRIC VEHICLE Market Industry? What segments does the ELECTRIC VEHICLE Market cover? How can I receive a free copy of the ELECTRIC VEHICLE Market sample report and company profiles? Report Scope: Report Attribute Details Market size value in 2021 USD 185 Billion Revenue forecast in 2028 USD 980 Billion Growth Rate CAGR of almost 24.5 % 2022-2028 Base Year 2020 Historic Years 2016 2021 Forecast Years 2022 2028 Segments Covered By Module, Charging Station, Propulsion, Vehicle Type, Drivetrain, Vehicle Class, and Region Forecast Units Value (USD Billion), and Volume (Units) Quantitative Units Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2022 to 2028 Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, and Rest of World Countries Covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, GCC Countries, and South Africa, among others Companies Covered Chevrolet Motor Company, Karma Automotive, Okinawa Autotech Pvt. Ltd., WM Motor, Ford Motor Company, Benling India Energy and Technology Pvt Ltd, Hyundai Motor Company, Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited, Toyota Motor Corporation, Energica Motor Company S.p.A., Kia Corporation, Ampere Vehicles, Lucid Group, Inc., Tata Motors, Xiaopeng Motors, NIO, BYD Company Limited, Hero Electric, Nissan Motors Co., Ltd., Volkswagen AG, General Motors, Rivain, Daimler AG, Tesla Inc., BMW AG., and Others Report Coverage Market growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, Porter's five forces analysis, PEST analysis, value chain analysis, regulatory landscape, market attractiveness analysis by segments and region, company market share analysis, and COVID-19 impact analysis. Customization Scope Avail of customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. https://www.fnfresearch.com/customization/electric-vehicle-market Free Brochure: https://www.fnfresearch.com/ask-to-analyst/electric-vehicle-market Recent Developments April 2021 : Toyota Motor Corporation introduced Toyota bZ, a new BEV product line that includes a comprehensive range of models. By 2025, the business plans to introduce 15 BEV models, including seven new Toyota bZ BEV variants. Toyota Motor Corporation introduced Toyota bZ, a new BEV product line that includes a comprehensive range of models. By 2025, the business plans to introduce 15 BEV models, including seven new Toyota bZ BEV variants. October 2020 : Hino Motors, Ltd. (Hino) and BYD Firm Ltd. formed a joint venture agreement to establish a new company dedicated to the development of commercial BEVs. Regional Dominance: Asia Pacific region dominates the electric vehicle market. Asia Pacific electric vehicle industry is dominated by China, which is the world's leading manufacturer of electric vehicles and exporter of significant component parts for electric vehicles. According to the IEA's worldwide electric vehicle projection, China will be the market leader in 2028, with a share of roughly 57 percent. Furthermore, foreign manufacturers such as General Motors and Volkswagen are stepping up their operations in China. Tesla has a manufacturing site in China for one of its models, which will help meet the growing demand for electric sedans. The company intends to release SUV models all over the world. The corporation will also open a battery manufacturing facility in China that will be utilized in its electric vehicles, lowering operational costs, increasing customer reach, and building a barrier to potential entrants. Because of rising population consumption, the European area is predicted to increase at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Global ELECTRIC VEHICLE Market is segmented as follows: Electric Vehicle Market: By Module Outlook (2022-2028) On-Board Charger Battery Cells & Packs Infotainment System Others Electric Vehicle Market: By Charging Station Outlook (2022-2028) Normal Super Electric Vehicle Market: By Propulsion Outlook (2022-2028) Battery Electric Vehicles Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles Plug-In Electric Vehicles Hybrid Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicle Market: By Vehicle Type Outlook (2022-2028) Two-wheelers Passenger Cars Commercial Vehicles Electric Vehicle Market: By Drivetrain Outlook (2022-2028) Series Hybrid Parallel Hybrid Combined Hybrid Electric Vehicle Market: By Vehicle Class Outlook (2022-2028) Luxury Mid-Priced Electric Vehicle Market: By Region Outlook (2022-2028) North America The U.S. Canada Europe France The UK Spain Germany Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Southeast Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa GCC South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Press Release for Electric Vehicle Market: https://www.fnfresearch.com/news/global-electric-vehicle-market Browse Other Related Research Reports from Facts and Factors Automotive Parts Magnesium Die Casting Market Report : According to the report published by Facts Factors, the global automotive parts magnesium die casting market size was worth around USD 12 billion in 2021 and is predicted to grow to around USD 23 billion by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 7.21% between 2022 and 2028. 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Aerospace Composites Market Report : According to the report published by Facts Factors, the global aerospace composites market size was worth around USD 24.81 billion in 2021 and is predicted to grow to around USD 44 billion by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 11.31% between 2022 and 2028. Browse through Facts and Factors's coverage of the Global Automotive Industry Follow Us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook About Us Facts and Factors is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting-edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, and company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the client's needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us. Contact Us: Facts and Factors Tel: +1 347 690-0211 USA/Canada Toll-Free No. +44 2032 894158 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.fnfresearch.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1981423/FnF_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE FnF Research SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico and BARCELONA, Spain, 7 February 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GM Sectec, a global leader in cybersecurity, and A2Secure, experts in digital security and managed cybersecurity, have announced a strategic alliance to jointly bring their cybersecurity and governance solutions, which prevent and manage risks associated with information security, to organizations throughout the European continent. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and growing geopolitical challenges, the adoption of a common approach to cybersecurity and information security has become a necessity. The European Commission has, thus, proposed regulations on cybersecurity and information security. By establishing common frameworks and priorities, these policies will strengthen inter-institutional cooperation, minimize exposure to risk, and advance the consolidation of the EU's security culture. The alliance between the two leaders in cybersecurity is in line with these actions, offering GM Sectec's experience in cybersecurity solutions and services, governance, and compliance with standards related to digital risk management. As for A2Secure, they lead the European market with managed cybersecurity services and provisional consulting for companies that need to improve their maturity and quickly establish or expand their security capacity, protecting these organizations against constant cybersecurity threats and ensuring business continuity. It is vital that companies in any business sector consolidate information security management teams and implement effective cybersecurity strategies that allow them to continue growing, offering their customers a secure shopping experience. Through this alliance, organizations will be supported with responsible innovation in the form of in-depth cyber defense, supporting the development and implementation of strategic solutions for the prevention of and protection against threats, safeguarding the integrity of their systems and protecting consumers. "In a rapidly evolving global economy, businesses in Europe are in critical need of cybersecurity tools to help protect their data. We are very happy to consolidate this alliance with A2Secure, to work together, help organizations understand their true cyber risks, and offer them effective and timely tools to strengthen their security,", said Hector Guillermo Martinez, president of GM Sectec. "For A2Secure, this alliance represents the growth and enhancement of our portfolio of services and the expansion of our global coverage. We are experts in the challenges presented by information security and regulatory compliance. Our goal is to continue expanding and innovating our range of services in order to respond to continuous risks, changing regulations, or increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks that our clients must respond to with agility. The union with GM Sectec means expanding our borders with a global partner to which we will provide a specialized range of services and an on-site response in the EMEA region,"says Albert Morell, president of A2Secure. About GM Sectec GM Sectec offers innovative solutions and services in cybersecurity, governance, and compliance, focused on managing digital risk. Their solutions are designed to detect and respond effectively to advanced attacks, thereby reducing risks to business, fraud, and cybercrime. Starting in 1970 as the General Computer Corporation and then in the 1990s as the GM Group, GM Security Technologies has a track record and extensive experience in payment methods and information processing, as well as policy and process management, integrated technologies, and standards for the protection of data in payment methods. Their operating philosophy has always been guided by the principles of simplicity, innovation, and achieving customer success, attributes that have made them the leading and fastest growing provider of security and technology in Latin America and the Caribbean. GM Sectec has been selected by Cybercrime Magazine as one of the "Hot 150 Cybersecurity Companies to Watch in 2021." To learn more about GM Security Technologies, visit our website: www.gmsectec.com About A2Secure The key element in A2Secure is the human factor, providing highly qualified experts and managed cybersecurity services such as ethical hacking, OTS-security offices, SOC services, cyber due diligence, QSA PCI DSS audits, and adapting to regulatory frameworks of different clients from a wide variety of industries. Certified by VISA, MasterCard for more than 6 years to audit their clients in compliance with PCI DSS standards and those developed by payment brands, A2Secure has the trust of the top 100 Spanish companies with its more than 10 years of experience, in addition to a proven methodology implemented in the European region. For more information, find us at www.a2secure.com. Contact: US: +1-866-735-3369 Puerto Rico: +1 787 620-5260 [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1996990/logo_a2secure_Logo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1870487/GM_sectec_50_Logo.jpg SOURCE GM Security Technologies NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Gaotu Techedu Inc. F/K/A Gsx Techedu Inc. (NYSE: GOTU) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws. This lawsuit is on behalf of persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired publicly traded Gaotu American depository shares between March 5, 2021 and July 23, 2021, inclusive. Lead Plaintiff Deadline: February 28, 2023 No obligation or cost to you. Learn more about your recoverable losses in GOTU: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/gaotu-class-action-submission-form?id=36269&from=4 Gaotu Techedu Inc. F/K/A Gsx Techedu Inc. NEWS - GOTU NEWS CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Gaotu Techedu Inc. F/K/A Gsx Techedu Inc. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) China was barring tutoring for profit in core school subjects, and this policy change would restrict foreign investment in a sector that had become essential to success in Chinese school exams; and (2) the impact such regulations would have on Gaotu's operations and profitability and the value of Company securities. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Gaotu you have until February 28, 2023 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Gaotu securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the GOTU lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/gaotu-class-action-submission-form?id=36269&from=4. ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: J. Klein, Esq. 535 Fifth Avenue 4th Floor New York City, NY 10017 [email protected] Telephone: (212) 616-4899 www.kleinstocklaw.com SOURCE The Klein Law Firm Drill Results for this Step-out Hole (22GC079) Include 58.2m of 4.18% Graphite Feasibility Study Drill Work Shows Deposit Remains Open to the East, West, and Down Dip VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Graphite One Inc. (TSXV: GPH) (OTCQX: GPHOF) ("Graphite One", "G1" or the "Company"), planning a complete domestic U.S. supply chain for advanced graphite materials, is pleased to announce drill results from its 2022 Field Program at its Graphite Creek Property ("Graphite Creek" or the "Property"), located in the Kigluaik Mountains on the Seward Peninsula approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Nome, Alaska. Graphite Creek is living up to its designation by the US Geological Survey as the largest and highest grade graphite resource in the United States1 2. Figure 1: Graphite Creek Geophysical Anomaly with Resource Drilling to Date Figure 1: Graphite Creek Resource Anomaly with Resource Drilling to Date. Results shown are total of significant intervals of raw assay results above select cutoff grade with 2-meter minimum length, and 2-meter internal dilution. (CNW Group/Graphite One Inc.) Figure 2: Graphite Creek Resource Drilling to Date with PFS Pit Outline (CNW Group/Graphite One Inc.) Conducted from June to September 2022, the field program was comprised of increasing the field camp capacity, completing key environmental baseline studies, and drilling 1,940 meters of core for resource definition as well as 210 meters of geotechnical drilling for mill site and tailing area determination. The 2022 drill results will be used to update the most recent Measured, Indicated and Inferred results published in the Graphite One Project Preliminary Feasibility Study released October 13, 2022 (the "PFS"). The Company expects to release updated Measures, Indicated, and Inferred results by the end of the first quarter 2023. ___________________________ Select Drill Results Include: 22GC071 returned 18.5m of 4.7% Cg, 22.2m of 6.8% and 20m of 6.7% Cg starting from 19m downhole. starting from downhole. 22GC072 returned 31.7 m of 5.6% Cg, and 37.6m of 5.2% Cg starting from 62m downhole. starting from downhole. 22GC073 returned 3.8m of 7.6% Cg, 27.6m of 5.1%, 26.4m of 6.2%Cg and 17.3m of 4.3% Cg starting from 13m downhole . starting from downhole 22GC075 returned 10.5 m of 7.7% Cg, 32.9m of 6.4% Cg and 2.1m of 12.0% Cg starting from 3m downhole. starting from downhole. 22GC076 returned 53.1m of 7.5% including 12.3m of 11.5% Cg including 2.8m of 25.6% Cg starting from 72m downhole. starting from downhole. 22GC079 located 2 km west of previous closest drilling returned 31.8m of 3.4% Cg, including 6.3m of 6.7% Cg, 21.5m of 2.6% Cg, 10.7m of 2.6%Cg, and 13m of 5.4%Cg starting 5m below the surface. Interpretation of Results: Core drilling in the deposit area continued to encounter visible graphite minerization over wide intervals, consistent with previous drilling. Hole 22GC079, drilled 2 km west of previous resource drilling and 4 km west of the PFS pit boundary, showed significant intervals above mill cut-off grade. Selected intervals totaled 58.2 m of 4.18% graphite. of 4.18% graphite. The deposit remains open to the West, East, and down dip. 2022 drilling targeted extending inferred resource to the west and upgrading inferred resources to measured and indicated around the PFS pit area. All holes drilled in the proposed North pit wall encountered significant zones of graphite which will likely expand the pit to the North. Figure 1: Graphite Creek Geophysical Anomaly with Resource Drilling to Date Figure 1: Graphite Creek Resource Anomaly with Resource Drilling to Date. Results shown are total of significant intervals of raw assay results above select cutoff grade with 2-meter minimum length, and 2-meter internal dilution. "Our 2022 drill results continue to demonstrate excellent continuity over the length of the anomaly, and we look forward to releasing new resources numbers shortly," said Anthony Huston, CEO of Graphite One. "Our 2022 drilling results come at a critical point as we continue to see the demand for graphite increase. We believe this deposit could potentially supply a major portion of North America's graphite demands far into the future." Figure 2: Graphite Creek Resource Drilling to Date with PFS Pit Outline3 Feasibility Study Update: With the positive results of the PFS, Graphite One has begun work on the Graphite Project Feasibility Study (the "FS"). The lack of United States' domestic anode material suppliers combined with the projected increase in demand for electric vehicle anode materials has prompted Graphite One to investigate increasing the designed production capacity to be used in the FS. Graphite One plans to complete a total of 20,000 meters of drilling in 2023 and 2024, subject to financing, with the objective of increasing the annual concentrate production for the upcoming FS compared to that assumed in the PFS. "We are very excited about the upcoming summer program. We will be shifting gears this year and focusing on completing much more drilling during our 2023 summer program. We are well situated for this work, having increased the capacity of the camp at Graphite Creek from 24 to 60 people last year." said Mike Schaffner Sr. Vice President of Mining "We will also be switching from a helicopter-based drilling program to a road-based drilling program. With the large amount of fog and rain in the area, we expect to see significant improvements in the amount of drilling we can complete in the summer season with significantly reduced costs". ___________________________ 3 Note: Hole 22GC079 is not shown on Figure 2 and is located 4 km west of the western PFS pit boundary Table 1: 2022 Drill Results HOLE ID Section Azimuth Dip Total Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Width (m) %Cg 22GC071 4600 175 -50 191.72 19.27 25.42 6.15 4.67 54.64 67.00 12.36 4.77 Including: 55 64 9 5.14 68.00 90.16 22.16 6.76 Including: 78.61 88.16 9.55 10.60 157.40 177.37 19.97 6.69 Including: 158.40 164.40 6.00 10.02 22GC072 4650 131 -45 195.99 62.37 94.04 31.67 5.60 Including: 90.29 94.04 3.75 8.81 138.57 176.17 37.60 5.21 Including: 152.37 158.71 6.34 16.02 22GC073 4200 160 -50 151.91 13.19 17.03 3.84 7.63 27 54.64 27.64 5.08 Including: 27 36 9 7.59 74.07 100.50 26.43 6.21 Including: 90 92 2 10.24 103.16 120.5 17.34 4.29 Including: 108 110 2 11.97 22GC074 4300 160 -50 170.69 55.98 77.35 21.37 4.79 Including: 57.91 67.91 10 6.87 134.85 146.85 12 6.86 Including: 134.85 138.85 4 13.29 22GC075 4200 160 -50 150.00 2.60 13.10 10.50 7.72 Including: 2.6 9.1 6.5 10.5 41.36 74.30 32.94 6.36 Including: 65.88 67.88 2 12.55 And 72.18 74.3 2.12 12.05 22GC076 4550 144 -50 235.31 72.73 125.88 53.15 7.47 Including: 81.73 94.05 12.32 11.52 And 98.72 101.53 2.81 25.59 161.6 175.6 14 3.17 179.60 214.88 35.28 3.76 Including: 188.75 195.75 7 6.61 22GC077 4350 160 -50 196.90 33.83 42.29 8.46 6.72 49.66 107.56 57.90 4.71 Including: 57.65 63.65 6 7.54 136.5 143 6.5 6.17 151.82 159.91 8.09 6.82 22GC078 4100 160 -50 173.74 35.05 48.77 13.72 4.00 71.10 101.01 29.91 5.02 Including: 77.1 88.83 11.73 7.45 104.20 140.68 36.48 3.47 Including: 123.62 128.57 4.95 8.12 22GC079 -100 160 -50 218.93 5.40 37.20 31.80 3.43 Including: 11.4 17.7 6.3 6.73 45.85 67.39 21.54 2.55 104.33 115 10.67 2.55 125.92 138.86 12.94 5.36 Including: 131.43 137.86 6.43 7.02 143.86 163.4 19.54 2.53 179.77 190.5 10.73 2.43 22GC080 3900 160 -50 152.40 15.24 38.50 23.26 5.19 Including: 26.24 29.34 3.1 8.64 Table 1: Table of select intervals from 2022 drill results. Intervals are composites with a minimum of 2-meter length, maximum internal dilution of 2 meters, and a cutoff grade of 2% Drill orientation is nominally orthogonal to mineralization; however, drill results may not be representative of true width of mineralization. QA/QC Program Graphite One maintains a rigorous QA/QC program with respect to the preparation, shipping, analysis and checking of all samples and data from the Property. Quality control for drill programs at the Company's projects covers the complete chain of custody of samples, including verification of drill hole locations (collar surveys and down-hole directional surveys), core handling procedures (logging, sampling, sample shipping) and analytical-related work, including duplicate sampling, "check analyses" at other laboratories and the insertion of standard and blank materials. The QA/QC program also includes data verification procedures. Mr. Andrew K. Angel, P. Geo, with Alaska Earth Sciences, Inc. provided oversight to the 2022 drilling and sampling program. Mr. Angel is a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content of this release. Graphite One's Supply Chain Strategy With the United States currently 100 per cent import dependent for natural graphite, Graphite One is planning to develop a complete U.S.-based, advanced graphite supply chain solution anchored by the Graphite Creek resource. The Graphite One project plan includes an advanced graphite material and battery anode manufacturing plant expected to be sited in Washington State integrated with the development of the Property. The plan includes a recycling facility to reclaim graphite and the other battery materials, to be co-located at the Washington State site, the third link in Graphite One's circular economy strategy. About Graphite One Inc. GRAPHITE ONE INC. (TSXV: GPH) (OTCQX: GPHOF) continues to develop its Graphite One Project (the "Project") to become an American producer of high-grade anode materials that is integrated with a domestic graphite resource. The Project is proposed as a vertically integrated enterprise to mine, process and manufacture anode materials primarily for the lithiumion electric vehicle battery market. As set forth in the Company's 2022 Pre-Feasibility Study, graphite mineralization mined from the Company's Graphite Creek Property, situated on the Seward Peninsula about 60 kilometers north of Nome, Alaska, would be processed into concentrate at an adjacent processing plant. Natural and artificial graphite anode materials and other valueadded graphite products would be manufactured from the concentrate and other materials at the Company's proposed advanced graphite materials manufacturing facility expected to be located in Washington State. The Company intends to make a production decision on the Project upon the completion of a Feasibility Study. On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Anthony Huston" (signed) On Twitter @GraphiteOne 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. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, including those related to the anticipated results of the 2022 drill program, timing and completion of the anticipated Feasibility Study, future production, establishment of a processing plant and a graphite manufacturing plant, establishment of a battery materials recycling facility, and events or developments that the Company intends, expects, plans, or proposes are forward-looking statements Generally, forwardlooking information can be identified by the use of forwardlooking terminology such as "proposes", "expects", "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "projects", "plans", "is planning", "intends", "assumes", "believes", "indicates", "to be" or variations of such words and phrases that state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". The Company cautions that there is no certainty that tests of the Company's material will be successful or that such tests will result in the development of successful products. 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 or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and title and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedar.com. SOURCE Graphite One Inc. Nationwide survey of senior grocery industry executives, shoppers, and shopping data reveals sustainability goals, large digital basket size increase, and further decline of third-party share of sales. NEW YORK and MIAMI, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Incisiv , a next-generation industry insights firm that helps retailers and brands navigate digital disruption, and Wynshop , the leading provider of digital commerce and fulfillment solutions for local store-based retailers, today revealed the findings from their State of Digital Grocery Performance Scorecard for January 2023 , reflecting the latest analysis of shopper orders, plus interviews of grocery shoppers and executives about their 2023 outlook on sustainability. Key findings from January's survey included: 71% of grocers regard sustainability as a key priority in 2023 , while 76% also regard it as a C-Level issue . of grocers regard sustainability as a , while also regard it as a . 43% of grocers will appoint a senior executive to lead their sustainability efforts in 2023. of grocers will appoint a senior executive to lead their sustainability efforts in 2023. Waste Reduction is grocers' primary sustainability focus (86%) followed by energy efficiency (77%) and packaging improvement (66%) . is grocers' primary sustainability focus followed by and . 73% of shoppers say that they want more transparent communication of sustainability characteristics on product packaging and display, while 37% said they would be willing to pay a premium of 11-17% for more sustainable options. These and other data insights are now available for download on Grocery Doppio , a free, independent source of grocery insights and data designed to help grocers jumpstart, accelerate, and sustain digital growth. Grocery Doppio's "State of Digital Grocery Performance Scorecard" for January 2023 The monthly State of Digital Grocery Performance Scorecards are one of many resources available on the Grocery Doppio website. The reports are built around data analysis of 1.7 million shopper orders and survey results from more than 23,000 shoppers and 2,300 U.S. grocery executives. More key findings from the January 2023 Performance Scorecard include: Digital grocery sales, basket size, and items/basket all grew sharply over the past year Digital baskets averaged 4 items more in January 2023 than they did in January 2022 , a 39.7% increase. At $10.7 billion , digital sales in January were up slightly over January 2022 ( $10.4B ). However, at 14.7% of overall grocery sales, this reflected a decline in total grocery market share from January 2022 (15.2%), and from the November 2022 high of 17.1%. Third-party providers suffered big losses in 2022 Grocery sales through third parties fell to $1.9B in January 2023 , reflecting 18.1% of digital grocery sales. That represents a huge loss for third parties since January 2022 , both in total dollar amount (from $3.3B to $1.9B ) and in terms of total share of the digital grocery market (from 31.3% to 18.1%). Share of grocery pickup sales continues to rise Curbside/shopper pick-up rose again to $6.2B (57.9%) of all digital grocery orders in January 2023 , while delivery's share declined to 42.2%. This represents an extension of the slow but steady increase in pickup's share of digital grocery orders since January 2022 , which saw 53.3% for pickup and 46.7% for delivery. "Both grocery shoppers and senior industry executives seem to recognize the value of sustainability," said Gaurav Pant, Chief Insights Officer of both Incisiv and Grocery Doppio. "Grocers have key focus areas and priorities for 2023 and view sustainability as a C-level priority. Meanwhile, more than a third of grocery shoppers say that sustainability is important to them, and that they are willing to pay more for products and practices that mirror their personal values." "Since Grocery Doppio began tracking the market, we have seen two irrepressible trends month after month," said Charlie Kaplan, Chief Revenue Officer of Wynshop. "Grocers are taking more of the overall digital grocery market from third parties, and curbside pickup continues to gain in popularity with shoppers. Both trends underscore the importance to grocers of improving digital operations in 2023." Every month, Grocery Doppio brings together rich, research-driven grocery content, fact-based observations, inspiring perspectives, and deep performance benchmarks that identify improvement opportunities for grocery retailers. The site is designed specifically to help grocery and food executives optimize their digital and in-store channels and accelerate growth profitably. To download Grocery Doppio's "State of Digital Grocery Performance Scorecard: January, 2023," click here . To learn more about Grocery Doppio visit www.grocerydoppio.com . About Incisiv Incisiv is a next-generation industry insights firm that helps retailers and brands navigate digital disruption in their industry. Incisiv offers consumer industry executives responsible for digital transformation a trusted platform to share and learn in a non-competitive setting, and the tools necessary to improve digital maturity, impact, and profitability. More information is available at www.incisiv.com . About Wynshop Wynshop is an ambitious team of digital innovators obsessed with a solitary missionhelping grocers and other local store-based retailers grow wildly successful online businesses. Its refreshingly easy-to-use digital commerce platform enables efficient in-house picking, reduces fulfillment costs, and gives retailers the ability to control every facet of their customers' digital shopping experience. This results in a more personalized customer journey and amplified shopper loyalty. Learn more at www.wynshop.com . Media Contact: Laurel Getz [email protected] 203.767.5963 SOURCE Wynshop Financial release accessible online BOSTON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Haemonetics Corporation (NYSE: HAE) announced that financial results for its third quarter fiscal 2023, which ended December 31, 2022, are available on its Investor Relations website. The Company will host a conference call and webcast with investors and analysts to discuss and answer questions about the results at 8:00 a.m. ET on February 7, 2023. The conference call and webcast can be accessed with the following information: Teleconference link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIe8538d46f9014830b1de5ab9e697b6ec https://register.vevent.com/register/BIe8538d46f9014830b1de5ab9e697b6ec Once registration is completed, participants will receive a dial-in number along with a personalized PIN to access the call. While not required, it is recommended that participants join 10 minutes prior to the event start. A live webcast of the call can be accessed on Haemonetics' investor relations website or via the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/pt8ugsbv In addition, the Company has posted to its Investor Relations website the earnings release and analytical tables and supplemental information that will be referenced on its conference call and webcast, direct links to which are available below. Direct link to 3Q FY23 Earnings Release: https://haemonetics.gcs-web.com/static-files/3f55c98b-28df-4e8b-917b-0e0059008405 Direct link to 3Q FY23 Analytical Tables and Supplemental Information: https://haemonetics.gcs-web.com/static-files/8ab8cd45-cbd4-4be8-b245-99ad01e6e40e A replay of the conference call and webcast will be available for one year beginning on February 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. ET using the conference call webcast link provided in this press release. About Haemonetics Haemonetics (NYSE: HAE) is a global healthcare company dedicated to providing a suite of innovative medical products and solutions for customers, to help them improve patient care and reduce the cost of healthcare. Our technology addresses important medical markets: blood and plasma component collection, the surgical suite and hospital transfusion services. To learn more about Haemonetics, visit www.haemonetics.com. SOURCE Haemonetics Corporation MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and MUNICH, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomreach , the world's #1 Commerce Experience Cloud, today announced it has appointed Hagen Meischner as Director of Partnerships, DACH, to accelerate the growth of its technology and agency partner ecosystem in the region. A commerce industry veteran, Hagen joins Bloomreach with more than 20 years of experience in nurturing long-term partnerships and driving market expansion for leading cloud-based businesses. "I'm thrilled to see Bloomreach invest into further growth in the DACH region. Creating a strong network of agencies, technologies, and developers is critical to long-term success. Having a team here on the ground will ensure Bloomreach grows that network in a meaningful way," said Hagen Meischner. "I'm excited to join this talented team and look forward to seeing the success we'll create for businesses in the DACH region and beyond." Prior to joining Bloomreach, Hagen led Shopify's EMEA Agency and Technology Partnerships team, where he pioneered the company's first partnership ecosystem in the DACH region. In his time at Shopify he brought together over a thousand high performing partners, expanding Shopify's European presence and making cloud-based commerce accessible for businesses throughout the region. Before joining Shopify, Hagen managed an EMEA-based team as Country Manager for the DACH market at PrestaShop, where he focused on growing a strong network of local agency partners to drive revenue. "Our partners across the globe have been instrumental to our growth, and Hagen will be key to building that ecosystem for long-term success in the DACH region," said Hugh Kimber, General Manager EMEA & Emerging Markets, Bloomreach. "At Bloomreach, we're invested not only in building best-in-class technology for the DACH market, but also in building best-in-class teams. Hagen is entering the role at a transformational time for the company and we look forward to seeing the important relationships he will cultivate as we continue to grow in this region." About Bloomreach Bloomreach is the world's #1 Commerce Experience Cloud, empowering brands to deliver customer journeys so personalized, they feel like magic. It offers a suite of products that drive true personalization and digital commerce growth, including: Discovery, offering AI-driven search and merchandising; Content, offering a headless CMS; and Engagement, offering a leading CDP and marketing automation solutions. Together, these solutions combine the power of unified customer and product data with the speed and scale of AI-optimization, enabling revenue-driving digital commerce experiences that convert on any channel and every journey. Bloomreach serves over 850 global brands including Edeka, Miele, Bosch, Puma, 1&1 and FC Bayern Munchen. For more information, visit Bloomreach.com . Media Contact: Michelle DeMaio Bloomreach Corporate Communications [email protected] SOURCE Bloomreach Financing supports current So-Cal storage construction projects and advances Hecate Grid's U.S. energy storage pipeline CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hecate Grid, a joint venture between Hecate Energy and Infrared Capital Partners ("IRCP"), today announced the recent close of a six-year $98.9 million credit facility package to recapitalize its operating assets and fund the construction of a portfolio of standalone battery storage assets in Southern California. The debt facility package, which includes a $79.5 million term loan and $19.4 million Letter of Credit ("LC") facility, is collateralized by Hecate Grid's energy storage projects without a guarantee or other credit support. Hecate Grid's 290-megawatt-hour (MWh) energy storage portfolio in Southern California includes four stand-alone battery energy storage assets, of which one is operational and three are in construction. Financing supports current So-Cal storage construction projects and advances Hecate Grids U.S. energy storage pipeline. Tweet this "Hecate Grid is laser-focused on deploying standalone storage on a scale that moves the meter in our efforts to address climate change and makes our nation's grids more resilient," said Gabe Wapner, Hecate Grid's VP of Business Development. "The market confidence demonstrated by this transaction energizes our growing team to tackle even more. We are extremely excited about the future of Hecate Grid." "This is an important milestone for Hecate Grid, as it continues to build out its standalone storage platform to enhance grid reliability and resiliency. It also corroborates our belief in the potential of Hecate Grid and its role within the grid as renewable energy capacity increases," said Jack Paris, IRCP's Head of Americas. PEI Global Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to Hecate Grid and IRCP and Winston & Strawn acted as borrowers' counsel. CoBank, Societe Generale and National Bank of Canada participated in the financing. Milbank acted as lenders' counsel. About Hecate Grid Launched in 2018, Hecate Grid is an independent power producer focused on developing, building, owning, and operating stand-alone energy storage projects. Originally incubated within the renewable energy development firm Hecate Energy, Hecate Grid is now a stand-alone business funded by international investment manager InfraRed Capital Partners Limited, which manages US$14 bn+ of equity capital. Hecate Grid has an active project pipeline of over 5 gigawatts of energy storage projects in development throughout the U.S. For more information on Hecate Grid, please visit www.hecategrid.com. About PEI PEI Global Partners Holdings LLC ("PEI") is an independent, closely held investment bank specializing in the power, energy and infrastructure sectors, with offices in New York City and Tampa. PEI advises financial sponsors, developers and corporate clients on mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, financings, private placements and other strategic transactions. In 2022, PEI closed twelve transactions and raised over $4 billion for owners and developers of renewable and thermal power. PEI conducts securities transactions through its wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary PEI Global Partners LLC, which is regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"), the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), the New York State Department of Financial Services and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. For more information on PEI, please visit www.peigp.com. About InfraRed Capital Partners InfraRed Capital Partners is an international infrastructure investment manager, with more than 180 professionals operating worldwide from offices in London, New York, Sydney and Seoul. Over the past 25 years, InfraRed has established itself as a highly successful developer and custodian of infrastructure assets that play a vital role in supporting communities. InfraRed manages US$14bn+ of equity capital1 for investors around the globe, in listed and private funds across both income and capital gain strategies. A long-term sustainability-led mindset is integral to how InfraRed operates as it aims to achieve lasting, positive impacts and deliver on its vision of Creating Better Futures. InfraRed has been a signatory of the Principles of Responsible Investment since 2011 and has achieved the highest possible PRI rating2 for its infrastructure business for seven consecutive assessments, having secured a 5 stars rating for the 2021 period. It is also a member of the Net Zero Asset Manager's Initiative and is a TCFD supporter. InfraRed is part of SLC Management, the institutional alternatives and traditional asset management business of Sun Life. InfraRed represents the infrastructure equity arm of SLC Management, which also incorporates BentallGreenOak, a global real estate investment management adviser, and Crescent Capital, a global alternative credit investment asset manager. www.ircp.com 1 Data as at Q3 2022. Equity Capital is calculated using a 5-year average FX rate. 2 Principles for Responsible Investment ("PRI") ratings are based on following a set of Principles, including incorporating ESG issues into investment analysis, decision-making processes and ownership policies. More information is available at https://www.unpri.org/about-the-pri Media Contact: Hecate Grid Steven C. Sullivan [email protected] SOURCE Hecate Grid NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws. This lawsuit is on behalf of a class consisting of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Honda American Depository Shares between June 20, 2018 and September 28, 2022, both dates inclusive. Lead Plaintiff Deadline: April 3, 2023 No obligation or cost to you. Learn more about your recoverable losses in HMC: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/honda-loss-submission-form?id=36282&from=4 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. NEWS - HMC NEWS CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Honda Motor Co., Ltd. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Honda had overstated the safety and effectiveness of the Idle Stop engine feature; (ii) Honda maintained deficient disclosure controls and procedures with respect to product quality and safety; (iii) as a result of the foregoing deficiencies, Honda failed to prevent American Honda from marketing and selling thousands of vehicles that contained a defective Idle Stop feature; (iv) the foregoing conduct subjected the Company and/or its subsidiaries to a heightened risk of litigation, as well as financial and/or reputational harm; and (v) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Honda you have until April 3, 2023 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Honda securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the HMC lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/honda-loss-submission-form?id=36282&from=4. ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: J. Klein, Esq. 535 Fifth Avenue 4th Floor New York City, NY 10017 [email protected] Telephone: (212) 616-4899 www.kleinstocklaw.com SOURCE The Klein Law Firm Cooking demonstrations and exclusive dinners highlight these cruises hosted by members of Holland America Line's Culinary Council SEATTLE, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Foodies looking to learn tips, tricks and techniques from some of the world's most celebrated chefs can set sail on a Holland America Line "Culinary Cruise" with a member from the line's Culinary Council. With the extension of the program into 2023, the celebrity chefs will share their expertise and kitchen secrets on select voyages, inviting guests to explore their mutual passion for gastronomy. Celebrity chefs will share their expertise and gastronomic secrets with guests on select voyages Tweet this Council Chairman Rudi Sodamin is the creative culinary artist and master chef for Holland America Line. Internationally recognized as a food authority and one of the cruise industry's most innovative chefs, Sodamin is a member of the Academy Culinaire de France, Maitres Cuisiners de France and Honorary Member Club des Chefs des Chefs. Sodamin has published several cookbooks, including the best-selling A Taste of Excellence, A Taste of Elegance and A Taste of Celebration. Jacques Torres prepares gourmet foods aboard the Holland America fleet. Andy Matsuda hosts a sushi demo for passengers of HAL Each "Culinary Cruise" will feature live cooking demonstrations led by the chefs, and guests will be able to bring home recipes from the presentations, learn more about the chefs at a coffee chat and dine at an intimate reservation-only dinner at Pinnacle Grill, Rudi's Sel de Mer or Nami Sushi, depending on the chef. Culinary Council chef signature dishes also will be highlighted on various restaurant menus during the cruises. "Our Culinary Cruises have proven to be popular with our guests who appreciate having access to these amazing chefs, and we're excited to have our Culinary Council members back on board in 2023," said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and guest services, Holland America Line. "We strive to cultivate unique experiences for our guests, and to learn from a renowned chocolatier or the world's foremost sushi master is something we hope they will always remember." Holland America Line's Culinary Council comprises a collection of elite chefs who bring a global influence to the dining experience across the fleet. In addition to their featured recipes in the various on-board venues, one evening in the Dining Room on every cruise has a special menu offering a collection of dishes from the Culinary Council members. 2023 CULINARY CRUISES: Ethan Stowell Koningsdam, 35-day Hawaii , Tahiti and Marquesas, Feb. 18 March 25, 2023 , roundtrip from San Diego, California . Stowell incorporates the flavors of the Pacific Northwest on ships sailing in that region, using fresh, sustainably sourced Alaska seafood. His fare also is featured at New York Pizza and Lido Market across the fleet. Stowell is founder and CEO of ESR with an impressive roster of highly acclaimed restaurants. He was named one of the Best New Chefs in America by Food & Wine magazine and one of the Best New Chef All-Stars. David Burke Eurodam, 20-day Panama Canal, April 9-29 , 2023, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida , to Seattle, Washington . Burke enhances the menu at Pinnacle Grill, adding contemporary flavors and signature recipes. He recently opened five new restaurants, including Orchard Park by David Burke. During the pandemic, Burke's #FeedtheHeroes program cooked and delivered 100,000 meals to frontline workers and charities. He has been featured on "Iron Chef America" and "Top Chef Masters." Jacques Torres Zaandam, 11-day The Atlantic Coast, April 18-29 , 2023, from Fort Lauderdale to Montreal, Quebec, Canada . , 2023, from to . In addition to the cooking demo, exclusive dinner and coffee chat, Torres will host Holland America Line's famous Chocolate Surprise parade following dinner on one night of the cruise for all guests. A French-trained master chef and artisan chocolatier, Torres guides chocolate desserts as well as the Chocolate Surprise Dessert Parade on board. After rising to executive pastry chef at New York's legendary Le Cirque, he opened a chocolate factory and retail stores throughout New York. The James Beard Award winner is co-host and head judge on the Netflix culinary show "Nailed It" with Nicole Byer. Andy Matsuda Nieuw Amsterdam, 14-day Great Alaskan Explorer, May 7-21, 2023 , roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia , Canada. The Japanese-born Matsuda leads the sushi offerings at Nami Sushi, Tamarind and Lido Market. At Matsuda's Sushi Chef Institute in Los Angeles, California, he teaches aspiring chefs and professionals about sushi and Japanese cuisine. Matsuda is at the forefront of sushi trends and techniques. Rudi Sodamin Nieuw Statendam, 14-Day Northern Isles, June 18 July 2, 2023 , roundtrip from Copenhagen, Denmark . Austrian-born Sodamin oversees all aspects of Holland America Line's award-winning shipboard dining. Rudi's Sel de Mer is his namesake French seafood brasserie on board. His latest culinary masterpiece is an art table book called "Food Faces" that features more than 150 images of edible creations. All events are complimentary excluding the specialty dinner. Each chef will be aboard their designated "Culinary Cruise" for four to 14 days. For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com. Editors Note: Photos are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/abvqpwye. Find Holland America Line Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com. About Holland America Line Holland America Line, part of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL andNYSE:CUK), has been exploring the world for 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to each destination. Offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for 75 years longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from a Culinary Council of world-famous chefs. CONTACT: Bill Zucker, Erik Elvejord PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890 EMAIL: [email protected] SOURCE Holland America Line DALLAS, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Humphreys & Partners Architects (HPA) was recognized at the 38th annual Best in American Living Awards (BALA) hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Winners were announced at the award ceremony on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at the SAHARA casino and resort in Las Vegas, NV. Humphreys & Partners Architects Logo Humphreys & Partners Architects: Best in American Living Award-Winning Projects The Dallas-based architecture firm designed three award-winning projects in the multifamily category across three use types. The Chorus, previously named 9th Avenue North, won the highest honors in the On-the-Boards Multifamily Project category. The 3-story micro-unit studio community features 57 short-term rental units showcasing ultra-efficient living spaces with five studio floor plans ranging from 378 to 433 square feet. The exterior facade is outfitted with brick and steel architecture providing a contemporary feel with sleek interior finishes and open living concepts. The community includes over 1,000 square feet of amenity space including a multifunctional clubhouse, bike storage, and leasing office. Penrose won gold in the Development up to 3 Stories, For Rent category. The three-story luxury development located in Bozeman, Montana is comprised of 60 apartment homes offering a modern living experience that seamlessly blends contemporary design and outdoor adventure. The community offers a diverse array of curated amenities including a high-end lounge with a big-screen TV, co-working spaces and private working booths, an outdoor covered deck with lounge seating and grilling stations, and breakout workspaces for residents working from home. Jefferson Lumen received silver in the Development 4-7 Stories, For Rent category. The luxury development located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area showcases 430 high-end apartment homes with an extensive amenity package including a rooftop lounge overlooking Lake Carolyn, a resort-style pool with lounge seating, multiple outdoor breezeway lounges, a one-of-a-kind game room, a mini-market, and rooftop dog park all conveniently located near the DFW International Airport. To view these award-winning projects and to learn more about Humphreys & Partners Architects, visit https://humphreys.com/. ABOUT HUMPHREYS & PARTNERS ARCHITECTS Established in 1991, Humphreys & Partners Architects continues to drive the multifamily design industry. With a well-rounded portfolio of projects developed across the country, their teams licensed nationwide combined with their exclusive trademarked concepts, more clients rely on their expertise and experience to bring multifamily developments from concept to completion than any other firm. To learn more, visit humphreys.com and follow along on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Media Contact Shalott Cecchini, Director of Marketing 5339 Alpha Road, Suite 300 281-857-2116 [email protected] SOURCE Humphreys & Partners Architects NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In its ongoing commitment to champion causes and organizations it believes in, the Color Street Foundation , the charitable arm of Color Street , announces its support of Black History Month via a special partnership with Jackson State University and the unveiling of uniquely beautiful, limited-edition Cultural Celebration nail strips. In conjunction with this launch, the Color Street marketing team will host a mentorship initiative with design students from the school and award a total of $20,000 in educational scholarships. As one of the largest HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) in the United States, Jackson State University was founded in 1877 in Jackson, Mississippi, and is a magnet for students from across the entire nation. Cultural Celebration Nail Strips "We are truly excited to work with the design and marketing teams at Color Street to provide mentorship and professional development to our talented students," said Mark Geil, Interim Chair and Associate Professor of Art for Jackson State University's Department of Art + Design & Theatre. "Connecting the design classroom with the design profession is one of the best ways to truly enrich a student's education. At the same time, the exceptional generosity of the Color Street Foundation in donating $20,000 towards educational scholarships in our department will make an enormous impact for our students." Chosen in Spring, 2023, the scholarship recipients will be able to apply the monies toward the 2023 academic school year starting this coming fall. This project will start now, with mentoring graduating seniors, and then continue in the fall with graphic design students. During the fall semester, Color Street will begin working with the school's juniors and seniors, helping them to polish their portfolios and develop key skills. As part of an ongoing program, these skills will then enable the Jackson State University students to help design next year's Black History Month themed nail strips. This year's Black History Month design, inspired by the traditional mudcloth of the West Africa country of Mali, blends fashion and history in one easy-to-use, high-impact look. Whether you choose to go for a complete set or mix and match with other Color Street nail strips, the results are always powerful, eye-catching and thought-provoking. "During this very significant moment of cultural awareness for Black History, we recognize the importance of supporting future talent within the black community. Color Street and The Color Street Foundation are honored to nurture an ongoing and meaningful relationship with Jackson State University to develop and mentor future creative professionals. We are passionate about our commitment to give back and look forward to working with Jackson State's upcoming leaders in the creative space." - Color Street For press inquiries, please contact Tractenberg & Co. Dana Kaynes, [email protected] | Melanie Marques, [email protected] www.colorstreet.com @colorstreet | #colorstreet About Color Street Foundation In July of 2018, Founder and CEO, Fa Park, established the Color Street Foundation to make a difference in our local and national communities. Limited-edition nail strips are designed in support of causes that resonate with stylists and customers, to help start the conversation and raise awareness for important causes and charitable organizations. To date, the Color Street Foundation has donated $6.4 million to 70 charity partners. About Color Street The technology behind Color Street was created in 1988 by Fa Park, who observed how much time women wasted waiting for nail polish to set and the difficulty of obtaining a perfect manicure. Determined to make this process faster and flawless, Mr. Park, after years of research and refinement, created patented Nail Strips made with real nail polish that apply in seconds, don't require tools, and are immediately dry to the touch. Top beauty brands utilized his revolutionary patent for years, yet Mr. Park wasn't satisfied. Desiring to share his success with women nationwide, and to inspire others to pave their own entrepreneurial path, he created Color Street in 2017. Today, over 100,000 women and men sell the salon-quality Nail Strips directly to consumers, developing teams of Stylists to distribute the product and serve as brand advocates. Each Color Street Nail Strip consists of a base coat, rich color and top coat made of high quality, genuine nail polish. They are available in hundreds of colors and designs, and new collections launch several times per year. SOURCE Color Street China East to West Plan to Present More Opportunities, Investment to Reach USD 34 Billion in 2028 CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's latest research report, the Internet data center market in China will grow at a CAGR of 2.7% from 2022 to 2028. China has been witnessing the adoption of cloud computing platforms aided by an increase in digital transformation, a shift to cloud platforms by government & business organizations, and increasing demand for data portability & security via cloud platforms. China has around 59 upcoming data centers. Shanghai has been a major share of data center space in China in recent years. Data center operators in the city have started investing in mega data center facilities, contributing significantly to the data center area. Government initiatives have also fueled the city's data center area development. For instance, Shanghai has witnessed the establishment of around 20 National Development Zones that refer to Economic and Technological development zones, customs supervision zones or bonded zones, high-tech industrial development zones, tourism zones, and others approved by the state council. Some free zones in the city include Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Logistics Park, Yangshan Free Trade Port Area, and Pudong Airport Comprehensive Free Trade Zone. According to Cushman & Wakefield data center comparison report 2022, the average land cost in Shanghai was around $240 per sq ft. IMAGE CAPTION: INTERNET DATA CENTER MARKET IN CHINA China Data Center Market Report Scope Report Attributes Details Market Size (2028) USD 34.03 Billion Market Size (Area) 7.95 million sq. Feet (2028) Market Size (Area) 1,565 MW (2028) CAGR Investment (2022-2028) 2.69 % Historic Year 2021-2022 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2028 Market Segmentation IT Infrastructure, Electrical Infrastructure, Mechanical Infrastructure, Cooling Systems, General Construction, Tier Standard, and Geography Key Vendors IT Infrastructure Providers: Cisco Systems, Dell Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Huawei Technologies, IBM, Inspur, Juniper Networks, Lenovo, Pure Storage, Quanta Cloud Technology, and Wistron (Wiwynn) Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors: AECOM, ATS Global, Aurecon, Beijing Glory Engineering Consulting, Chung Hing Engineers, Corgan, DSCO Group, Gammon Construction, and Rider Levett Bucknall Support Infrastructure Providers: ABB, AIRSYS, Caterpillar, Cummins, Delta Electronics, Eaton, Fuji Electric, HITEC Power Protection, Legrand, Mitsubishi Electric, Piller Power Systems, Rittal, Rolls-Royce, Schneider Electric, Shenzhen KSTAR Science and Technology, STULZ, and Vertiv Data Center Investors: Alibaba Group, Aofei Data International, Chayora, China Mobile International, Chindata Group, GDS Services, Haoyun Changsheng, Keppel Data Centres, SenseTime, Shanghai Atrium (AtHub), Sinnet, Tencent, Tenglong Holding Group, and VNET New Entrants: EdgeConneX Page Number 128 Market Dynamics Adoption of Cloud Computing Procurement of Green Energy for a Sustainable Future Digitalization Acting as Fuel in Market Growth Digitalization Acting as Fuel in Market Growth Government's East-West Data Center Plan Increased Support for Market by Government Policies Big Data & IoT Adoption in the Core of Data Center Demand Growth Significant Connectivity Growing Data Center Demand Customization Request If our report does not include the information you are searching for, you may contact us to have a report tailored to your specific business needs https://www.arizton.com/customize-report/3689 Click Here to Download the Free Sample Report Key Highlights The rapid growth of the data center industry in China has driven the demand for sustainability infrastructure, with initiatives such as achieving carbon neutrality in China by 2060. has driven the demand for sustainability infrastructure, with initiatives such as achieving carbon neutrality in by 2060. Data center operators in the country have started working to adopt renewable power sources; for instance, Tencent Cloud, a cloud operator, has set the target to run its operations (100%) from renewable energy sources by 2030. Cloud, a cloud operator, has set the target to run its operations (100%) from renewable energy sources by 2030. Global cloud operators such as Microsoft and AWS are establishing their presence in the market by colocating local data centers under the foreign direct investment policy, which allows foreign investors to partner with local firms to enter the market. In February 2022 , the Government of China announced the approval for developing around 10 national data center clusters, along with establishing eight computing centers to fuel the data center industry growth. Why Should You Buy This Research? Market size available in the investment, area, and power capacity. An assessment of the data center investment in China by colocation and enterprise operators. by colocation and enterprise operators. Investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across locations in the China market. A detailed study of the existing Internet data center market in China's landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about industry size during the forecast period. Snapshot of upcoming third-party data center facilities in China. Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 59 Coverage: 27+ Cities China's Internet data center market by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators with sizing and forecast. Facility Type by Investment Facility Type by Area Facility Type by Power Capacity The China market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast. A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry. Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors in the industry. A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the industry. This report analyses the Internet data center market share in China. It elaboratively analyses the existing and upcoming facilities and investments in IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standards. It discusses market sizing and investment estimation for different segments. The segmentation includes: IT Infrastructure Servers Storage Systems Network Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Switches & Switchgears PDUs Other Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Racks Other Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems CRAC and CRAH Units Chillers Units Cooling Towers, Condensers, and Dry Coolers Economizers & Evaporative Coolers Other Cooling Units General Construction Core & Shell Development Installation & Commissioning Services Engineering & Building Design Fire Detection & Suppression Physical Security Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Tier Standard Tier I & Tier II Tier III Tier IV Geography Beijing Shanghai Other Cities Major Vendors IT Infrastructure Providers Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Hewlett Packard Enterprise Huawei Technologies IBM Inspur Juniper Networks Lenovo Pure Storage Quanta Cloud Technology Wistron (Wiwynn) Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors AECOM ATS Global Aurecon Beijing Glory Engineering Consulting Chung Hing Engineers Corgan DSCO Group Gammon Construction Rider Levett Bucknall Support Infrastructure Providers ABB AIRSYS Caterpillar Cummins Delta Electronics Eaton Fuji Electric HITEC Power Protection Legrand Mitsubishi Electric Piller Power Systems Rittal Rolls-Royce Schneider Electric Shenzhen KSTAR Science and Technology STULZ Vertiv Data Center Investors Alibaba Group Aofei Data International Chayora China Mobile International Chindata Group GDS Services Haoyun Changsheng Keppel Data Centres SenseTime Shanghai Atrium (AtHub) Sinnet Tencent Tenglong Holding Group VNET New Entrants EdgeConneX Click Here to Download the Free Sample Report Check Out Some of the Top-Selling Research Related Reports: Japan Data Center Market - The Japan data center market is estimated to reach USD 13.29 billion by 2027. The country is among the top data center market in the APAC region, after China and Australia, in terms of investment. The high internet and social media penetration across the country is driven by the deployment of 5G services, better and improved inland connectivity, availability of renewable energy and free cooling solutions, and others, making Japan an attractive market for investors. Singapore Data Center Market - Singapore data center market is expected to reach USD 5.7 million by 2027. The Singapore data center market currently includes about 23 unique third-party data center service providers operating more than 40 facilities. The country also has several on-premises or dedicated data centers owned by local enterprises. Hong Kong Data Center Market - Hong Kong data center market is expected to reach USD 3.9 billion by 2027. Hong Kong is a prime location for cloud service providers because it can serve the Asia Pacific and Mainland China. Investments in the Hong Kong cloud services market are growing. The Hong Kong data center market has the presence of operators such as SUNeVision (iAdvantage), Vantage Data Centers (PCCW Solutions), Digital Realty, Equinix, China Mobile International, Colt Data Centre Services, AirTrunk Operating, China Unicom, and others. India Data Center Market - India data center market will witness investments of USD 10.09 billion by 2027. On the verge of becoming a digital economy, many progressive policies are encouraging domestic and global data center operations to make huge investments in the country. The migration of traditional service offerings to cloud-based platforms by government agencies is also one of the major driving factors of India's data center market growth. The Government of India's initiative, Digital India, and increased investments by data center service providers significantly contributed to the market investment over the last two years. Due to increased data generation, there will be a demand for huge storage facilities as many small and medium-sized businesses have adopted cloud and big data analytics. Table of Content Chapter 1: Upcoming Third-Party Data Centers in China Historical Market Scenario List of Upcoming Data Center Projects Chapter 2: Investment Opportunities in China Microeconomic and Macroeconomic factors for China Investment Driving Factors in China Investment by Area Investment by Power Capacity Chapter 3: Investment by Facility Type (Colocation, Hyperscale & Enterprise Data Centers) Investment by Facility Type Facility Type Investment by Area Facility Type Investment by Power Capacity Chapter 4: Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Trends Market Restraints Chapter 5: Market Segmentation IT Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast Electrical Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast Mechanical Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast General Construction Services: Market Size & Forecast Chapter 6: Tier Standards Investment Tier I & II Tier III Tier IV Chapter 7: Geography Segmentation Beijing Shanghai Other Cities Chapter 8: Key Market Participants IT Infrastructure Providers Construction Contractors Support Infrastructure Providers Data Center Investors New Entrants Chapter 9: Appendix Market Derivation Quantitative Summary About Us: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. Click Here to Contact Us Call: +1-312-235-2040 +1 302 469 0707 Mail: [email protected] Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1997478/INTERNET_DATA_CENTER_MARKET.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818553/Arizton_Logo.jpg SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence The surge in demand for industrial vehicles in various industries and the increase in demand for electric forklifts drive the growth of the global Industrial vehicles market. PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Industrial vehicles Market by Drive Type (ICE, Battery-operated, and Gas-Powered), Level of Autonomy (Non/Semi-Autonomous and Autonomous), and Application (Manufacturing, Warehousing, Freight and Logistics, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021- 2031". According to the report, the global Industrial vehicles industry generated $45.11 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to generate $76.45 billion by 2031, witnessing a CAGR of 5.6% from 2022 to 2031. Download Free Sample Report - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2881 Download Free Sample Report - Prime determinants of growth A surge in demand for industrial vehicles in various industries, reduction of labor costs in organizations, and production of hydrogen fuel cell forklifts are the major factors that propel the industrial vehicles market growth. However, the increase in safety issues related to forklift trucks and other industrial vehicles, and high initial investment and installation costs are the major factors that hamper the growth of the market. Moreover, the rise in demand for autonomous industrial vehicles, incorporation of industry 4.0., and rise in demand for battery-operated industrial vehicles are the factors expected to offer growth opportunities during the forecast period. Covid-19 Scenario In numerous industries, including the manufacturing, automotive, and steel industries, the COVID-19 outbreak has had a substantial impact. At the end of March 2020 , steel production in the U.S. was down 12.7% annually. Additionally, in January and February 2020 , imports of steel fell sharply. This is anticipated to have an effect on the majority of production facilities and interrupt the market growth of industrial vehicles. , steel production in the U.S. was down 12.7% annually. Additionally, in January and , imports of steel fell sharply. This is anticipated to have an effect on the majority of production facilities and interrupt the market growth of industrial vehicles. However, Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, several industries that are focused on producing cutting-edge technology have implemented a variety of developmental techniques, including the deployment and installation of autonomous vehicles. These techniques are expected to have a positive effect on the global market throughout the forecast period. The ICE segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period Based on the drive type, the ICE segment held the highest market share in 2021, accounting for more than half of the global Industrial vehicles market, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Growing uses of ICE engine vehicles in towing applications and increasing demand for ICE container handles in the warehouse and material handling divisions are expected to propel the demand for the ICE segment in the forecast period. However, the battery-operated segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 6.1% from 2022 to 2031. The non- or semi-autonomous segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period Based on the level of autonomy, the non- or semi-autonomous segment held the highest market share in 2021, accounting for more than 80% of the global Industrial vehicles market, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. The large share of this segment is mainly attributed to the growing need for safer and more efficient drive systems which is driving the development and adoption of semi-autonomous industrial vehicles. Also, the semi-autonomous vehicle offers greater driving control and driver safety which is expected to offer promising growth opportunities during the forecast period. However, the autonomous segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 7.0% from 2022 to 2031. Interested to Procure the Research Report? Inquire Before Buying - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/2881 The manufacturing segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period Based on the application, the manufacturing segment accounted for the largest share in 2021, contributing to more than 50% of the global Industrial vehicles market, and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. This is attributed to the fact that the manufacturing sector or industry requires a complete range of lifting and loading trucks and attachments for truck, train, and barge handling. Industrial vehicles are optimized by the manufacturing industry's need to lift materials in a safe and agile manner. However, the freight and logistics segment is expected to portray the largest CAGR of 6.7% from 2022 to 2031. 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 one-third of the global Industrial vehicles market, and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. The rise in the adoption of industrial robots in automotive, e-commerce, food & beverages, and pharmaceuticals & healthcare industries in emerging economies such as China, India, and South Korea contributes to the growth of the industrial vehicles market in the region. Moreover, the same region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 6.3% from 2022 to 2031. Leading Market Players: - Anhui Heli Co., Ltd. Cargotec Corporation CLARK MATERIAL HANDLING Crown Equipment Corporation Hangcha Forklift Jungheinrich AG Kion Group AG Komatsu Ltd. Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd. Toyota Industries Corporation Procure Complete Research Report Now - https://bit.ly/3YdnPGv Similar Reports We Have Automotive Industry: Autonomous Forklift Market Research Report 2023-2035 Forklift Truck Market Research Report 2023-2035 Autonomous Mining Truck Market Research Report 2023-2035 Boom Truck Market Research Report 2023-2035 Dump Truck Market Research Report 2023-2035 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/automotive-and-transportation Follow Our Blog: www.theinnovativereport.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research To jointly bring innovative and scalable solutions to the utilities industry to accelerate grid transformation BENGALURU, India, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced a strategic collaboration with GE Digital, GE's software division, to accelerate grid transformation for the utilities sector. Together, GE Digital and Infosys will follow a joint go-to-market approach to deliver value added solutions for grid related products and services, for their new and existing clients. Infosys and GE Digital will jointly bring these solutions for the utilities industry to help grid operators realize a more reliable, resilient, and sustainable grid. This will be driven by an industry-leading grid orchestration software platform and a suite of intelligent applications that bring together energy data, network modeling, and artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration combines GE's deep expertise and experience with utilities in the energy sector, and long years of investment in grid equipment and platforms, and Infosys' breadth of business transformation, system integration, and advanced technology capabilities that will enable efficient electric grid orchestration. This engagement builds on Infosys' eighteen-year relationship with GE, that includes collaboration on innovative technology crucial for energy transition. Infosys will build a GE Digital Center of Excellence (CoE) to expand the talent pool for the GE GridOS portfolio and bring in best practices in service delivery. Infosys will also invest in accelerators to integrate the GE platform and application suite into enterprise ecosystems and address client specific requirements. In addition, Infosys will bring in digital capabilities in areas like AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity and Industrial IoT to support utility transformation. This 360-degree collaboration will enable Infosys to work with GE to deliver the benefits of Information Technology and Operational Technology (IT-OT) convergence to utilities. "With energy transition driving increasing complexity on the grid, alignment between IT and OT is becoming very important," said, Mahesh Sudhakaran, General Manager, GE Digital Grid Software. "Our collaboration with Infosys will help accelerate adoption of grid software that bridges these disciplines, equipping the next generation of grid operators with the tools they need to keep the grid stable, resilient, and sustainable. The utility's ability to not just manage but orchestrate the clean energy grid relies on a unique combination of software and partnership for strategy building, as well as execution of solutions. Infosys' clear understanding of GE solutions and strong commitment to leadership will enable significant productivity and service level improvements, along with critical cost efficiencies." Ashiss Dash, EVP & Global Head - Services, Utilities, Resources and Energy, Infosys, said, "We are delighted to collaborate with GE Digital to drive the digital transformation of the electric grid which is very crucial for energy transition. Through our GE Digital Center of Excellence, we plan to bring product depth, scale, and service delivery best practices to this rapidly growing market. With a comprehensive understanding of utility business requirements and challenges, we look forward to leveraging our technological prowess and domain expertise to enable this transformation as part of this 360-degree collaboration." About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, in more than 50 countries, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by the cloud. We enable them with an AI-powered core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, financial expectations and plans for navigating the COVID-19 impact on our employees, clients and stakeholders are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding COVID-19 and the effects of government and other measures seeking to contain its spread, risks related to an economic downturn or recession in India, the United States and other countries around the world, changes in political, business, and economic conditions, fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India and the US, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry and the outcome of pending litigation and government investigation. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/Infosys_Logo.jpg SOURCE Infosys Educators, thought leaders, and practitioners will meet and explore innovative ideas for bridging the national skills gap and expanding K12+ computer science education TEMPE, Ariz, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys Foundation USA, a non-profit organization focused on bridging the digital divide in America, today announced the 2023 edition of its Crossroads conference series, which will be held from February 7-10th at the Infosys Tempe Innovation Hub on the Arizona State University campus. The invitation-only conference brings together over 200 distinguished participants from local and regional government, the business community, non-profit sector, and K-12 and higher education instructors to discuss ways to expand computer science education and digital skills for underrepresented communities. The event will also feature an evening reception at the Arizona Heritage Center to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of the Valley, with the Infosys Foundation offering match donations. "The future is digital. Employers in Arizona and across the nation expect the upcoming workforce to bring new digital skills to the table," said Inderpreet Sawhney, Chairperson of the Infosys Foundation USA. "But with only 53% of public high schools in the US offering foundational computer science courses, there is clearly a gap between educational pathways and industry demand. The Crossroads 2023 conference will bring together influencers, implementors, and decision makers to identify practical, implementable solutions that push the frontier of innovation in computer science education. The Foundation is excited to host this event rooted in collaboration and catalyst for a more inclusive future." "The Foundation is thrilled to be welcoming back our community of committed professionals and educators who are advocating for computer science, STEM and digital skills to be an essential component of education to prepare K-12 students for the technology-enabled world," said Kate Maloney, Executive Director, Infosys Foundation USA. "Our goal for this event is to have participants leave with inspired, concrete ideas for how we can effectively expand K12+ computer science pathways for all. The Foundation is committed to building a digitally-inclusively future and this requires all stakeholders to work cohesively to bridge the gap. We want Crossroads 2023 to be the springboard to a new future that shifts the landscape of CS education." Crossroads 2023 is part of the Infosys Foundation USA's ongoing efforts to bridge the digital skills gap, in line with Infosys' 'ESG Vision 2030' commitment to bring digital skills to 10 million by 2025. The Foundation works towards its goals through educator training, national awards and advocacy, innovative partnerships with leading non-profits, and its free digital learning platforms the Pathfinders Online Institute and the Digital Academy. To learn more about the event, please visit: https://www.infosys.org/infosys-foundation-usa/initiatives/crossroads.html. About Infosys Foundation USA Infosys Foundation USA was established in 2015 with the mission of expanding computer science and maker education to K-12+ students and educators across the United States, with a specific focus on increasing access to digital skills within underrepresented communities. The Foundation achieves impact through delivering professional development programs for teachers, partnering with leading nonprofits, and delivering innovative media campaigns that inspire everyone to be creators, not just consumers, of technology. For more information, visit infosys.org/USA. About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, in more than 50 countries, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by the cloud. We enable them with an AI-powered core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, financial expectations and plans for navigating the COVID-19 impact on our employees, clients and stakeholders are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding COVID-19 and the effects of government and other measures seeking to contain its spread, risks related to an economic downturn or recession in India, the United States and other countries around the world, changes in political, business, and economic conditions, fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India and the US, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry and the outcome of pending litigation and government investigation. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1549573/Infosys_Foundation_USA_Logo.jpg SOURCE Infosys Intel 471 delivers best-in-class attack surface solution by integrating its cyber underground intelligence with its acquisition of SpiderFoot WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Intel 471, the premier provider of cyber threat intelligence solutions across the globe, today announced the release of its suite of Attack Surface Protection solutions, specifically designed to scale and grow with the needs of security teams worldwide. The Intel 471 Attack Surface Protection suite is comprised of three offerings enabling organizations to identify, manage, and protect their digital footprint from the ever increasing and sophisticated cyber threats. Specifically: Attack Surface Discovery maps an enterprise's digital footprint at a single point in time using data from over 200 different OSINT sources, perform scans, probe for vulnerabilities and weaknesses, and identify Shadow IT assets maps an enterprise's digital footprint at a single point in time using data from over 200 different OSINT sources, perform scans, probe for vulnerabilities and weaknesses, and identify Shadow IT assets Attack Surface Management builds on Attack Surface Discovery adding continuous monitoring of your attack surface, scan comparisons, automated alerts, and APIs to implement orchestration. builds on Attack Surface Discovery adding continuous monitoring of your attack surface, scan comparisons, automated alerts, and APIs to implement orchestration. Attack Surface Intelligence super charges Attack Surface Management by adding Intel 471 threat intelligence from the cyber underground, which exposes an entire class of threats to your attack surface. Intel 471 Attack Surface Protection solutions are built upon the company's acquisition of SpiderFoot, a best-in-class open-source intelligence platform purposefully built to assist security professionals in the automation of asset discovery, attack surface monitoring or security assessments. SpiderFoot's CEO, Steve Micallef now serves as Intel 471's vice president of Attack Surface Technology and has been instrumental in developing our Attack Surface Protection solutions. "With digital transformation driving an ever-expanding attack surface, enterprises must have best-in-class solutions to identify, monitor, alert and protect their digital footprint and extended third-party attack surface. As the premier provider of cyber threat intelligence, our solutions are tailored to grow and scale to meet enterprises' business requirements," said Mark Arena, CEO of Intel 471. "Our strategic acquisition of SpiderFoot and the release of our Attack Surface Protection solutions expand our portfolio to meet the specific and individualized attack surface needs of customers worldwide." About Intel 471 Intel 471 empowers enterprises, government agencies, and other organizations to win the cybersecurity war using near-real-time insights into the latest malicious actors, relationships, threat patterns, and imminent attacks relevant to their businesses. The company's TITAN platform collects, interprets, structures, and validates human-led, automation-enhanced results. Clients across the globe leverage this threat intelligence with our proprietary framework to map the criminal underground, zero in on key activity, and align their resources and reporting to business requirements. Intel 471 serves as a trusted advisor to security teams, offering ongoing trend analysis and supporting your use of the platform. Learn more at https://intel471.com/. Media Contact For Intel 471: John Kreuzer / Justin Finnegan Lumina Communications for Intel 471 [email protected] SOURCE Intel 471 Santiam Industrial Center Poised for Revitalization, Job Creation STAYTON, Ore., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Industrial Realty Group, LLC (IRG), one of the largest industrial real estate developers in the nation, is proud to announce the acquisition of a 600,000 square foot facility in the mid-Willamette Valley City of Stayton, Oregon. "Our goal in Stayton is to lease the property to dynamic companies which will provide significant job opportunities. This facility once housed Stayton's major employer for many years," said Stuart Lichter, President of IRG. "We want to bring economic and job opportunities to the community once again." IRG will acquire 600,000 square foot facility in the mid-Willamette Valley City of Stayton, Oregon. Tweet this Located within Oregon's agriculture corridor, Santiam Industrial Center is well-positioned to provide industrial, manufacturing, office, food processing, freezer, and refrigerated space to the market. There are few comparable spaces in the area. IRG has already begun phased facility improvements to upgrade and revitalize the property. Santiam Industrial Center will remain multi-tenanted with the U.S. Department of Forestry and Oregon Potato Company in a portion of the facility. Capacity Commercial Group and First Commercial Real Estate will lead leasing efforts. Leasing contacts: Mike Hale | [email protected] | (503) 517-7129 Jordan Truitt | [email protected] | (503) 510-3307 About IRG IRG is a nationwide real estate development and investment firm specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of commercial and industrial real estate throughout the United States. IRG, through its affiliated partnerships and limited liability companies, operates a portfolio containing over 150 properties in 31 states with over 100 million square feet of rentable space. IRG is nationally recognized as a leading force behind the adaptive reuse of commercial and industrial real estate, solving some of America's most difficult real estate challenges. Learn more at www.industrialrealtygroup.com. For more information, contact: Lauren Crumrine Vice President of Marketing Industrial Realty Group 614-562-9252 [email protected] SOURCE INDUSTRIAL REALTY GROUP SAO PAULO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. ("Company" or "Itau Unibanco"), in compliance with Article 157, Paragraph 4 of Law 6,404/76 and Resolution no. 44/21 of the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission, informs its stockholders and the market in general that as of this date it has released its projections for the year 2023 in accordance with the provision in item 11 ("Projections") of the Reference Form. guidance 2023 consolidated total credit portfolio1 growth between 6.0% and 9.0% financial margin with clients growth between 13.5% and 16.5% financial margin with the market between R$ 2.0 bn and R$ 4.0 bn cost of credit2 between R$ 36.5 bn and R$ 40.5 bn commissions and fees and results from insurance operations3 growth between 7.5% and 10.5% non-interest expenses growth between 5.0% and 9.0% consolidated efficiency ratio below 40% and below 38% in Brazil effective tax rate between 28.5% and 31.5% (1) Includes financial guarantees provided and corporate securities; (2) Composed of result from loan losses, impairment and discounts granted; (3) commissions and fees (+) income from insurance, pension plan and premium bonds operations (-) expenses for claims (-) insurance, pension plan and premium bonds selling expenses. It's worth mentioning that the company considers, for management purposes, a cost of capital of around 14.5% per year. Information on outlooks for the business, projections and operational and financial goals are solely forecasts, based on management's current outlook in relation to the future of Itau Unibanco. These expectations are highly dependent on market conditions, general economic performance of the country, of the sector and the international markets. Therefore, our effective results and performance may differ from those forecasted in this prospective information. RENATO LULIA JACOB Group Head of Investor Relations and Marketing Intelligence CNPJ 60.872.504/0001-23 A Publicly Listed Company NIRE 35300010230 SOURCE Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. JCF Fundholders distributed a record $593 million to charities, accounting for 24% of charitable assets under management NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of its 50th anniversary, Jewish Communal Fund, the largest Jewish donor advised fund in the country, released its annual Giving Report. In FY' 2022, JCF Fundholders recommended a record-breaking 80,500 grants totaling nearly $600 million to nonprofit organizations in every sector. As a collective, JCF distributed 24% of charitable assets under management. Which Causes Do JCF Fundholders Support? "JCF is proud to celebrate five decades of helping Fundholders be more intentional and strategic with their charitable giving," said Rachel Schnoll, CEO of the Jewish Communal Fund. "We especially salute the numerous families who have had funds with JCF since our inaugural year in 1972. The founders of these funds believed in the Jewish value of tzedakah and transmitted these values to their families. Many of these funds are now in the hands of the second or third generations, carrying out the charitable legacy passed onto them by their parents and grandparents." In the 50 years that Jewish Communal Fund has been facilitating charitable giving, over $2 billion has been contributed to thousands of worthy causes in communities around the world. This special Giving Report celebrates JCF's first half-century of impact and sets the stage for all that JCF will accomplish in the next 50 years. The report also provides insight into the demographics and charitable trends taking place among its generous funder network of more than 9,000 people. For the last five decades, JCF has played a critical role in facilitating charitable giving for a wide spectrum of Jewish philanthropists of varying means, ages, interests and religious affiliations. Here are some highlights from the report: JCF Fundholders make an average of 18 grants per fund per year, with a median grant amount of $601 . . JCF Fundholders distributed 24% of charitable assets, as a collective, in FY 22. More than one-third of funds distributed 50% or more of the balance in their funds to charities in FY 22. The sectors that received the largest number of dollars from JCF Fundholders in FY 22 were education, community organizations/human services, and international/ Israel (these same categories topped the chart in previous years, too). (these same categories topped the chart in previous years, too). JCF Fundholders distributed $264 million to secular organizations in FY 2022. to secular organizations in FY 2022. JCF Fundholders granted $36 million to UJA-Federation of NY in FY 22, in addition to JCF's $2 million annual gift to UJA. to UJA-Federation of NY in FY 22, in addition to JCF's annual gift to UJA. JCF as an institution provided $1.12 million in Special Gifts Fund grants in FY 22 to Jewish charities in our community, including an emergency grant to UJA-Federation of New York's Ukraine Crisis Response Fund, supporting the JCC of Staten Island's digital food pantry, providing legal resources to survivors of domestic violence at UJA's Brooklyn Hub, and funding mental health services for Jewish day campers. To delve into this report and learn more about the JCF philanthropic community, charitable giving trends, and the ways in which JCF Fundholders are collectively making our community and the world a better place, visit https://jcfny.org/2022givingreport to download the Giving Report, or email [email protected] for a copy of the report. About Jewish Communal Fund Jewish Communal Fund is one of the largest and most active networks of Jewish funders, currently managing over $2.6 billion in charitable assets for more than 4,500 donor advised funds. JCF's donor advised funds make giving easy, flexible and intentional. Learn more about JCF by visiting www.jcfny.org or calling (212) 752-8277. Visit JCF on LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. MEDIA CONTACT: Tamar Snyder Sr. Director, Marketing & Communications Jewish Communal Fund [email protected] 646-843-6894 SOURCE Jewish Communal Fund General Atlantic leads investment with focus on accelerating customer growth and product development TORONTO AND NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Jobber, a leading provider of operations management software for home service businesses, today announced it has raised $100 million USD in primary capital led by global growth equity investor General Atlantic . The Series D round also includes participation from Jobber's existing investors Summit Partners, Version One Ventures, and Tech Pioneers Fund. The financing is anticipated to support the company's continued growth through investments in R&D, sales and marketing, and new customer acquisition. Sam headshot (CNW Group/Jobber) Jobber's mission is to help small home service businesses modernize their operations, increase earning potential, and meet evolving consumer expectations. Jobber's all-in-one SaaS and mobile solution supports businesses through the full customer lifecyclefrom sending quotes to scheduling crews, dispatching jobs, invoicing customers, and accepting credit card payments. More than 200,000 service pros in 60 countries rely on Jobber to help improve customer experience and run a more efficient small business. "While this is an important milestone for Jobber, what we care about most is the success of the small businesses we serve," said Sam Pillar, CEO and co-founder of Jobber. "We're committed to doing everything we can to help them transform the way they deliver their services and operate their companies. We're thrilled to partner with General Atlantic as we continue to pursue our mission of helping the people in small businesses be successful, and further entrench our leadership position in this important and growing small business category." Aaron Goldman, Managing Director and Head of Enterprise Technology Investing at General Atlantic, has joined Jobber's Board of Directors. Mr. Goldman commented, "We believe Jobber is bringing much-needed innovation to the small business segment, a category that has been traditionally underserved by technology solutions and is still in the early stages of digital adoption. With a platform that is purpose-built for the home service category, Jobber has an opportunity to continue deepening its value as the platform of choice with its customers. We are pleased to partner with Sam and the Jobber leadership team as they focus on strategic growth and continued product expansion." Jobber raised its last round of funding in January 2021, a $60 million USD growth equity financing led by Summit Partners . Since that time, Jobber has grown its revenue 3X and is now helping more than 200,000 home service professionals across 50 industries including HVAC, lawn care, plumbing, residential cleaning, painting, and more to deliver services to more than 27 million properties. These jobs resulted in over $13 billion USD in revenue in 2022 for Jobber's customers. "Although we're proud of our growth to date, the real opportunity lies ahead of us," said Shawn Cadeau, Chief Revenue Officer at Jobber. "There are more than 6.2 million home service businesses in North America alone delivering more than $600 billion in services each year that can benefit greatly from using Jobber." Jobber has nearly 600 employees located across Canada, with some based in the U.S. and Latin America. The company is actively hiring across all areas of its business including sales, marketing, product, customer support, and business operations. ABOUT JOBBER Jobber is an award-winning operations management platform for small home service businesses. Unlike spreadsheets or pen and paper, Jobber keeps track of everything in one place and automates day-to-day operations, so small businesses can run smoothly and provide service at scale. Jobber's 200,000 home service professionals have served over 27 million properties in more than 60 countries. The company continually ranks as one of Canada's fastest-growing and most innovative companies by Canadian Business and Macleans, The Globe and Mail, Fast Company, and Deloitte. For more information, visit: https://jobber.com/ . ABOUT GENERAL ATLANTIC General Atlantic is a leading global growth equity firm with more than four decades of experience providing capital and strategic support for over 445 growth companies throughout its history. Established in 1980 to partner with visionary entrepreneurs and deliver lasting impact, the firm combines a collaborative global approach, sector specific expertise, a long-term investment horizon and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great entrepreneurs and management teams to scale innovative businesses around the world. General Atlantic currently has over $73 billion in assets under management inclusive of all products as of September 30, 2022, and more than 215 investment professionals based in New York, Amsterdam, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London, Mexico City, Miami, Mumbai, Munich, Palo Alto, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Stamford and Tel Aviv. For more information on General Atlantic, please visit the website: www.generalatlantic.com . Media contacts Sean Welch PAN Communications for Jobber [email protected] +1 407-734-7330 Elana Ziluk Senior Public Relations Manager, Jobber [email protected] +1 416-317-2633 Emily Japlon & Gurion Kastenberg General Atlantic [email protected] SOURCE Jobber ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the international community moves towards an era of increased polarization and geopolitical division, Kazakhstan launches a new international conference, the Astana International Forum, to join efforts on tackling key global challenges. The Forum will be held under the aegis of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on 89 June 2023, in Astana. It will serve as a platform for eminent delegates from governments, international organizations, business, and academia, to engage in a dialogue to seek ways to address challenges such as climate change, food scarcity and energy security, but not only. Commenting on the launch of the Astana International Forum, President Tokayev noted: "Today, across the globe we face historic challenges, the likes of which we have not encountered for decades or longer. These challenges are putting unprecedented pressure on the international community, creating new dividing lines and challenging the principles of globalization and multilateralism. The Astana International Forum was created to respond to these challenges, prioritizing cooperation as a core tenet of a functioning international system. Kazakhstan has a long history of advancing constructive international relations, serving as a bridge between East and West and while this policy has been firmly tested in 2022, it has proven resilient. We have shown the value of cooperation. Through the Astana International Forum, we hope to build new bridges and strengthen ties, as we come together to overcome the collective challenges we face, charting a new way forward diplomatically, economically and politically." The Astana International Forum grew out of the success of the Astana Economic Forum. It was conceptualized to address four key global issues: foreign policy, security & sustainability, energy & climate, and economy & finance. These pillars are at the heart of the Forum's mission of "Tackling Challenges through Dialogue: Towards Cooperation, Prosperity and Progress." The Forum is built on the premise that a culture of multilateralism must be rebuilt on a global level. As such, guests from around the globe are encouraged to participate in the Forum, as it has been set up with the goal of amplifying voices that oftentimes are minimised in the international arena. The Astana International Forum will provide a good platform to come together, discuss current challenges and opportunities, and to put forward solutions to global issues. The programme of the Forum, which will be announced in due course, will include keynote speeches, panel sessions, armchair discussions, and other side events. Registration for the event is now open and interested parties can sign up here: https://astanainternationalforum.org SOURCE Astana International Forum The Salmon Hot Dogs won the 2022 NEXTY Award for Best New Frozen Product and were recognized as a leader for its innovative approach to natural, delicious, and sustainable frozen options KVARY ISLAND, Norway, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kvary Arctic (pronounced "Kwa-ray"), a third-generation family business that sustainably raises Atlantic salmon along Norway's Arctic Circle, is pleased to announce that its line of premium salmon hot dogs is now available nationwide at Whole Foods Market stores. Kvary's Salmon Hot Dogs are sold in packs of four and retail for $5.99. The product can be found in three different flavorsoriginal, original and cheese, and jalapeno and cheesein the fish and seafood section at Whole Foods Market. Kvary Arctic's line of premium salmon hot dogs is now available nationwide at Whole Foods Market stores. Tweet this Kvaroy Arctic Salmon Hot Dogs Packaging and Flavors As a proud supporter of Whole Kids Foundation, Kvary Arctic always strives towards offering wholesome salmon products that can be served for both adults and children. "An important part of Whole Kids Foundation's mission is encouraging families to make the most of every meal by offering a variety of nutritious foods," said Chanta Williams, Interim Executive Director of Whole Kids Foundation. "We are grateful to have a growing partnership with Kvary Arctic, which shares our belief that when kids are given healthy options, they make good choices." Supporting families with healthy and climate-friendly food, while also giving back to Whole Kids Foundation's school programs has been Kvary Arctic's mission and focus. "Our goal is to create products that are delicious, nutritious, and sustainable. We believe our salmon hot dogs not only achieve that but can also become an all-time favorite for the whole family," said Kvary Arctic CEO Alf-Gran Knutsen. Made with the American Heart Association-certified sustainable Kvary Arctic Atlantic salmon, the salmon hot dogs have a velvety, fatty texture that makes it easy to prepare them any way that you prefer to cook your favorite traditional hot dog. Excellent substitute for beef or pork dogs, these new frozen pantry staples are non-GMO, gluten free, and can be stored in the freezer for up to one year. They also have a full weekly recommended allowance of Omega-3s in one serving, making them a nutritious meal choice as well. Kvary's Salmon Dogs are more than just delicious and nutritious, thoughthey serve a mindful purpose as well. A core part of Kvary Arctic's sustainability goal is to lower food waste, and the company is doing this by utilizing the trimmings and off-cuts from its fish to create delicious, heartful, and purposeful hot dogs. Kvary's Salmon Dogs provide just one solution for preventing food waste while also offering an exciting and approachable new way to enjoy salmon at home. About Kvary Arctic: Kvary Arctic is a third-generation Atlantic salmon farm on the Island of Kvary along Norway's Arctic Circle. Led by CEO Alf-Gran Knutsen, Global Marketing Manager Ida Olsen Knutsen, Production Manager Gjermund Olsen, and Operations Manager Havard Olsen, the Kvary Arctic team is ushering in a new era of sustainability for salmon farming as a net producer of fish protein with a commitment to traceability and transparency through IBM blockchain technology. Recognized by Fast Company as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies in 2022, Kvary Arctic is the first farmed finfish to carry the Fair Trade USA seal, and is BAP, ASC and Global G.A.P. certified. The salmon has the merroir of Norway's cold, clear waters with delicate marine flavors and slight brininess. It is one of a small number of farm-raised fish certified by the American Heart Association's Heart-Check program. Awarded the 2022 NEXTY Award for Best New Frozen Product by Expo East, the Kvary Arctic Salmon Hotdog is non-GMO, gluten-free and has a full weekly recommended allowance of Omega-3s in one serving. Other Kvary Arctic product offerings include fresh and frozen fillets, smoked salmon, and salmon burgers. Kvary Arctic is currently available nationwide at select restaurants and retailers such as True Food Kitchens, Whole Foods Market U.S. locations, and more. SOURCE Kvary Arctic PARIS, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- L'AgenceRP , the Paris, France and Boston, Massachusetts public relations agency, has today announced its name change to Kalamari . Driven by ambition to help its clients have local impact and international reach, the agency guides and amplifies the voices of leaders so that their messages make a lasting mark on both their industries and society. Founded in 2015 by Natacha Favry in Paris, the agency became international with its expansion to Boston in 2021 in order to support the growth of tech companies both in Europe and the United States. To better embody these developments and its changing positioning, the agency has unveiled a new identity: Kalamari. Natacha Favry, Founder and CEO of Kalamari Kalamari, the art of writing stories into memories Kalamari is derived from the ancient Greek word "Kalamos'', the symbol of the emergence of writing. Evoking the calamus, the piece of reed that is essential to the transmission of the written word, Kalamari is an anchor rooted in history that symbolizes the agency's purpose: building stories that last and nourish the reputation of its clients. The new identity, co-constructed with the naming agency Nomen and the Creation Studio Glitch reflects these commitments and the very essence of the business. "If it is true that communication is often related to words, then the heart of our business lies in the art of handling these words, giving them meaning and making them durable. Our objective is to make them embody the leaders who work with us", says Isabelle Petit, CEO France of Kalamari. Though the name changes, the commitment and expertise remain Kalamari's international team of communications experts will continue to highlight companies that are driving the changes needed in their industries and society. A promise built around 3 Pillars: IMPACT with communication chosen to stir the crowd into action. Our mission is to give voice to our clients so that they can enable the changes needed in both their industries and society. with communication chosen to stir the crowd into action. Our mission is to give voice to our clients so that they can enable the changes needed in both their industries and society. BUILD our clients' brands, messages and discourse, always ensuring that the companies' ambitions and values are aligned for true and sustainable communication. our clients' brands, messages and discourse, always ensuring that the companies' ambitions and values are aligned for true and sustainable communication. NURTURE our clients' reputation by using the right thought leaders, on the best channels and at the most opportune moments to make the messages last. "Communication can and should be the gas pedal of change. We believe that technologies, ideas and people are what's shaping the new paradigm and we also believe in the importance of helping these voices to find their audiences. That's what we do we give our clients the opportunity to have their voices heard so that they can initiate change. To carry out this mission successfully, we ourselves needed to enter a new phase. The name L'AgenceRP no longer reflected this promise and we needed a bold and creative new identity to support both our international ambitions and vision of the role of communications," said Natacha Favry, Founder and CEO of Kalamari. Natacha Favry, Founder and CEO of Kalamari Kalamari, a cross-border agency that listens to the markets Driven by human values and a desire to participate in making the world a better place, the agency's CEO duo understands what evolutions are needed to keep up with rapid changes. Favry knew right away that one day the agency she created would have an American office to carry the voices of thought leaders internationally, which is what led to the opening of the Boston office in 2021. Kalamari's 27 employees use words and ideas to help their more than 40 clients (including Dataiku , Github , Ogury , New Relic CrowdSec and Opendatasoft ) make a global impact, regardless of which territory they're coming from. "We have always grown with our clients, following their progress and their needs. We have also always been able to adapt, and that is the key to our success. When our clients expressed the desire and need to expand internationally, we responded with a European and American joint effort. The Kalamari team is always on the lookout for new trends and tools to help our clients maintain a voice that matches their ambitions," said Favry. The agency's international DNA allows the teams to work hand in hand on projects and campaigns that blend French audacity with American ambition. In a world in search of meaning, it is important for business and tech leaders to have a guiding hand in taking part in the public conversations that are shaping societal change. This can only be achieved through a tailored communications strategy and an understanding and knowledge of the targeted markets. Kalamari offers complete support in the two main markets of the tech industry: Europe and the US. "Beyond the business expertise, it is the cultural expertise that gives strength to a communication campaign, whether it is local or international. At Kalamari, our teams are natives of the markets they are in charge of, which allows us to bring a critical eye to our clients' marketing and communication strategies, guaranteeing them maximum success. We all share the deep conviction that it's important to lift up the voices of thought leaders promoting positive change. These leaders are contributing to building a better society, and it is our mission to help their voices reach as many people as possible. At Kalamari we are elevating the voices that are changing the world," said Favry. About Kalamari Based in Paris, France and Boston, Massachusetts, Kalamari (formerly L'AgenceRP ) is a public relations agency that accompanies impactful tech players in their communications strategies. Founded in 2015 by Natacha Favry, the agency has more than 40 clients in areas such as healthtech, AI, open data, greentech, climate tech, and adtech (including Github, Ogury, Dataiku, Opendatasoft, Frenchfounders and Ekwateur) and 27 employees between Europe and the United States. For additional information, please visit Kalamari.agency . Press contacts [email protected] Julie Do - [email protected] Khloe Lewis - [email protected] SOURCE Kalamari RESTON, Va., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE:LDOS), a FORTUNE 500 science and technology leader, announced the deployment of its ClearScan computed tomography (CT) scanner at Germany's Frankfurt Airport (FRA). The CT scanner is a key component of the new security lane under transition in Terminal 1, Concourse A. The work is being performed under the leadership of Fraport, the company now responsible for the organization, management, and performance of security checkpoints at FRA. Security Lane. Copyright: Fraport AG "We are thrilled to support Fraport and bring the latest technologies to Germany's largest aviation gateway," said Brad Buswell, Senior Vice President and Operations Manager at Leidos. "The company's Security Enterprise Solutions operation works diligently with our partners and customers to deliver real solutions that enable safe and efficient passenger movement. We're excited to see these innovations expand and support Germany's work safeguarding passengers." Long queues and staff shortages still impact many airports across the globe as passenger travel continues to reach pre-COVID levels. There is also a growing consensus within the global aviation community on the need to replace conventional X-ray machines with CT scanners. Airports in London, Atlanta, Amsterdam, and Chicago were the first to adopt these systems, with positive results for several years. Leidos is focused on helping airports around the world transform their security operations by leveraging its CT technology. The ClearScan cabin baggage scanner includes advanced explosives detection algorithms that eliminates the need for passengers to divest approved electronics and liquids from baggage. This results in less time per passenger at the checkpoint. To learn more about Leidos aviation security solutions, please visit www.leidos.com/security-detection. 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. Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the "Risk Factors" set forth in Leidos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made. SOURCE Leidos The acquisition further enhances PatentSight, LexisNexis flagship IP analytics solution. LONDON and NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions, part of RELX, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aistemos Limited, a patent classification company, which trades under the Cipher brand. Cipher uses artificial intelligence and supervised machine learning to classify patents, helping customers uncover insights into complex landscapes of patented technologies to support their strategic IP decisions. Cipher's classifiers are built from proprietary machine learning algorithms that map patents to technologies using custom and industry standard taxonomies. "The combination of Cipher and LexisNexis will significantly enhance IP analytics," says Andrew Matuch, President of LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions. "Marrying the bespoke Cipher classifiers with our PatentSight analytics platform will allow our customers to view the world through their own technology lens, ultimately giving them a competitive advantage." After the acquisition, Cipher will become part of LexisNexis PatentSight, the LexisNexis flagship IP analytics solution. With the addition of the Cipher classification capabilities, PatentSight customers will not only be able to build custom technology taxonomies based on how they view the world but also make those custom classifiers available across their entire IP department, providing a consistent understanding of the world's technologies. "I'm delighted by the idea of joining the LexisNexis team on this journey to shape IP intelligence," said Nigel Swycher, CEO and one of the original Cipher founders. "This partnership will unlock potential, accelerating our goal to unleash the strategic value of patents for our customers and bringing Cipher to the global innovation community." The addition of Cipher represents a further extension of LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions' vision to bring clarity to innovation and help companies globally bring important innovations into the world. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2023. Financial details are not disclosed. To learn more about LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions, please visit lexisnexisip.com. About LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions brings clarity to innovation for businesses worldwide. We enable innovators to accomplish more by helping them make informed decisions, be more productive, comply with regulations and ultimately achieve a competitive advantage for their business. Our suite of workflow and analytics solutions (LexisNexis IP DataDirect, LexisNexis IPlytics, LexisNexis PatentAdvisor, LexisNexis PatentOptimizer,LexisNexis PatentSight and LexisNexis TotalPatent One) enables companies to be more efficient and effective at bringing meaningful innovations to our world. We are proud to directly support and serve these innovators in their endeavors to better humankind. About LexisNexis Legal & Professional: LexisNexis Legal & Professional is a leading global provider of legal, regulatory and business information and analytics that helps customers increase productivity, improve decision-making and outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis and Nexis services. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 150 countries with 10,500 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. About RELX RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The Group serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs over 30,000 people, of whom almost half are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. The market capitalization is approximately 46.7bn, 52.3bn, $56bn. About Aistemos Limited and Cipher Aistemos Limited is a UK limited company founded in 2013 and trades under the Cipher brand. Cipher is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) analytics platform which uses machine learning to automate the classification of patented technologies into custom or industry standard taxonomies. This classification supports IP teams in their strategic patent decisions and helps them communicate the risk and associated value of patents. With Cipher you can optimise your patent portfolio, gather competitor intelligence, manage your budget, conduct due diligence and benchmark your portfolio. Media Contact Jessica Morel CMO, Intellectual Property Solutions LexisNexis [email protected] +1 267-965-1334 SOURCE LexisNexis LG's Higher Energy Efficient Heat Pumps, State-of-the-Art Inverter Compressor Technologies and Intuitive Control and Management Solutions Impress at Annual HVAC Conference SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics (LG) is showcasing its latest heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions at AHR Expo 2023, the U.S.'s largest HVAC event, taking place in Atlanta, from February 6-8. The company's higher efficiency, customized solutions for commercial and residential applications are on display across two exhibition booths: the HVAC Solution booth and the Component Solutions booth. LG strengthens position in global HVAC market with expanded portfolio at AHR 2023 LG strengthens position in global HVAC market with expanded portfolio at AHR 2023 LG Multi V i, an all-electric VRF cooling and heating solution LG Inverter Scroll Heat Pump Chiller In the HVAC Solution booth, LG is presenting a number of new-for-2023 solutions, including Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, higher energy-efficient heat pumps, indoor air quality solutions and flexible building automation and connectivity products. One of the highlights of the HVAC booth is the LG Multi V i, an all-electric VRF cooling and heating solution equipped with the company's AI Engine. The latest Multi V also boasts Edge computing architecture, intelligent operation based on real-time weather conditions as well as remote software and firmware upgradability. A next-generation VRF system, the Multi V i has a single refrigerant circuit that makes it possible to connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit. Additionally, it provides options that help maximize energy efficiency and minimize operational costs, and is suitable for a wide range of commercial applications. Offering engineers and building owners outstanding flexibility in terms of performance and design, the Multi V i is available in capacities from 6 to 44 tons and can be used in single or dual-frame modular configurations. LG's Inverter Scroll Heat Pump Chiller raises the standard for solutions in the air-cooled chiller category. The LG Inverter Scroll Heat Pump Chiller is designed for cooling and heating. With an impressive integrated part load value (IPLV)1 of 19.46, LG's chiller can be used in many sectors for many types of use scenarios, providing a reliable mechanical solution for both large- and small-capacity applications. The Inverter Scroll Heat Pump Chiller's performance and versatility can be attributed to several key components, including LG's inverter technology, which enables a precise and efficient response to load demand and industry-leading low-ambient, high-efficiency heating. What's more, a modular design allows system engineers to install the chiller using a two- or four-pipe configuration to provide simultaneous cooling and heating functionality without sacrificing efficiency or performance. An AHR 2022 Innovation Award winner in the ventilation category, the LG Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) is a commercial ventilation system that also delivers effective dehumidification, cooling and heating. Able to control the temperature and humidity of the air inside a building or facility, DOAS comes equipped with a dual heat recovery system that minimizes energy loss. Meanwhile, the LG Therma V Air to Water Heat Pump (AWHP) solution provides efficient, dependable heating, cooling and hot water supply, and is an excellent replacement for a domestic-use gas boiler. Using the company's smart home platform, the LG ThinQ app, customers can remotely control and monitor their LG HVAC residential solutions and LG home appliances. And through LG ThinQ Smart Diagnosis, they can maintain the performance of their LG products and make direct inquiries to LG system experts should the need arise. At AHR 2023, LG is also demonstrating its differentiated core product components in the Component Solutions booth. All of the company's new Inverter compressors utilize low-GWP refrigerants, R454B and R32, meaning they already comply with new U.S. regulations on refrigerant use that will come into force in 2025.2 Additionally, the Component Solutions booth hosts LG's large-capacity scroll compressors for the commercial system air conditioning market. "Heat pumps will continue to gain momentum in the global HVAC market in 2023 and our advanced VRF technology will enable us to take full advantage of this," said James Lee, head of the Air Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. "The 'electrification' trend is moving America away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner heating and cooling solutions, such as those from the extensive line of efficient, high-performance LG innovations on display at AHR 2023. We will continue to introduce advanced HVAC solutions designed to maximize customer value and expand our presence to the global air conditioning market." Visitors to LG's booth (#6509, Georgia World Congress Center) at AHR Expo 2023 can experience the full portfolio of LG HVAC solutions. 1 Industry-standard way of measuring the overall average efficiency of chillers 2 The state of California has passed legislation that will ban the use of refrigerants with a GWP over 750 from the year 2025. About LG Electronics Air Solution Business Unit LG air conditioning provides optimized solutions for every sector and climate with a wide range of cutting-edge systems that bring exceptional heating, ventilation and air conditioning performance to buildings worldwide. Through our unmatched expertise and industry knowledge, we respond directly to the needs of businesses seeking digitalized and eco-conscious HVAC solutions. We are the partner your business has been looking for, and are well prepared to integrate our leading technology into your day-to-day operations, supporting you and your business every step of the way. For more information, please visit www.LG.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1997169/LG_at_AHR_2023_01.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1997171/LG_at_AHR_2023_02.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1997170/LG_at_AHR_2023_03_Multi_V_i.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1997172/LG_at_AHR_2023_04_Inverter_Scroll_Heat_Pump_Chiller.jpg SOURCE LG Electronics, Inc. NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws. Class Period: June 13, 2020 to December 31, 2022 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: March 13, 2023 No obligation or cost to you. Learn more about your recoverable losses in LUV: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/southwest-airlines-class-action-submission-form?id=36272&from=4 Southwest Airlines Co. NEWS - LUV NEWS CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Southwest Airlines Co. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Southwest continuously downplayed or ignored the serious issues with the technology it used to schedule flights and crews and how the Company stood to be affected worse than other airlines in the event of inclement weather; and (2) the Company did not discuss how its unique point-to point service and aggressive flight schedule could leave it prone in the event of inclement weather; and (3) as a result, defendants' statements about Southwest's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Southwest you have until March 13, 2023 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Southwest securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the LUV lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/southwest-airlines-class-action-submission-form?id=36272&from=4. ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: J. Klein, Esq. 535 Fifth Avenue 4th Floor New York City, NY 10017 [email protected] Telephone: (212) 616-4899 www.kleinstocklaw.com SOURCE The Klein Law Firm GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Malaysia clinical labs market is fragmented with top players being BP Healthcare, Pantai, Premier, Pathology, and Innoquest Pathology. The value chain for independent lab chains in this industry has three core components: equipment manufacturers, clinical laboratories and end users. Increased adoption of digital pathology has further increased the demand for clinical Lab services. The government of the country is actively functioning towards advancing the healthcare services in the country. Robotics testing, the internet of medical things (IMOT) while leveraging 4G/5G facilities & digital pathology to augment pathological diagnosis are some technological innovations in the market. Investment in Better Healthcare Services: The trend of the population to invest in better healthcare services and increasing investments in medical equipment, therapeutic products and services, pharmaceuticals, and better patient care are also contributing to the growth of the Malaysian hospital market. Growing Medical Infrastructure: A rapidly growing medical industry in the country, growing medical infrastructure and increasing number of hospitals in the country are supporting the growth of the Malaysian hospital market. The Malaysian government plans to boost market development by investing in multiple sectors such as drug development and diagnostic tools, clinical research facilities and diagnostic laboratories. Increasing Number of Cases: The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing number of cases of the disease and the rapid increase in the number of patients in the country. Also, increasing cases of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, cancers, and infectious diseases and their long-term treatment are expected to drive the growth of the Malaysian hospital market in the next five years. Rising Medical Tourism: The government of the country is actively functioning towards advancing healthcare services in the country. There is an increase in medical tourism due to affordable healthcare as compared to western countries and the increasing number of expert professionals in the healthcare industry. Malaysia has many bests in-class private physicians focusing on the different scopes of cutting-edge symptomatic, remedial, and in-patient administrations. Analysts at Ken Research in their latest publication "Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Outlook to 2027F- Medical tourism and government investment is driving the future of healthcare and clinical Tests in Malaysia" by Ken Research observed that Malaysia clinical lab market is in the growing phase. Growing medical infrastructure, increasing number of hospitals, and medical tourism are some of the factors that will contribute to Malaysia clinical lab market growth. It is expected that Malaysia's clinical lab market to grow at a robust CAGR for the period of 2023F-2027F. Key Segments Covered:- Malaysia Clinical Lab Market By Type of Lab Organized Labs Unorganized Labs By Type of Ownership Private Public By Mode of Tests Walk-Ins Doctor Referrals Corporate Clients Online Referrals External referrals To learn more about this report Download a Free Sample Report By Type of Tests Routine Esoteric Non-Laboratory By Patient's Age 0-20 20-40 40-60 60 and above By Region West Malaysia East Malaysia By Payer Out of pocket Government Private insurance Corporates Key Target Audience Clinical Lab companies Organized Clinical Laboratories Unorganized Clinical Laboratories Private Hospitals Private Equity and Venture Capitalist Industry Associations Technology providers Government Bodies & Regulating Authorities Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Time Period Captured in the Report:- Historical Period: 2017-2022P 2017-2022P Base Year: 2022P 2022P Forecast Period: 2022P 2027F Companies Covered:- Diagnostics centers BP Leader in Health Check Pantai Premier Pathology Gribbles Lablink Medical Lab Clinipath Pathlab Innoquest Hospitals Sunway Medical Centre KPJ healthcare Park City medical centre Gleneagles Hospital PANTAI Hospital Online Healthcare Apps Doctor2U medical Portal Bookdoc Connect and Unite Doctor Anywhere Doc2US Docquity Key Topics Covered in the Report:- Executive summary for Malaysia clinical lab market clinical lab market Country Overview of Malaysia Ecosystem of major entities in Business model of Malaysia clinical lab market clinical lab market Timeline of major operating in the Malaysia clinical lab market clinical lab market Cross comparison of clinical laboratories market in Malaysia with south-east Asia with south-east Malaysia clinical lab market clinical lab market Value chain analysis of clinical lab market Malaysian healthcare system Market overview of Malaysia healthcare market healthcare market Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Size, FY'2017-FY'2022P Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Segmentation, FY'2022P Segmentation by type of labs and ownership, region and by type of test, by patient age, mode of test, by payer Industry Analysis SWOT analysis of Malaysia clinical lab market clinical lab market Trends and development in Malaysia clinical lab market clinical lab market Growth driver in Malaysia clinical lab market clinical lab market Technological innovation in Malaysia clinical lab market clinical lab market Investment scenario in Malaysia clinical lab market clinical lab market Issues and challenges in Malaysia clinical lab market clinical lab market Government initiatives Impact of covid-19 on Malaysia clinical lab market clinical lab market Competitive Landscape of Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Market Share of Major Players in Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Clinical Lab Market Market Positioning of Major Players in Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Clinical Lab Market Gartner Magic Quadrant Cross-Comparison of Major Players in Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Clinical Lab Market Future Outlook Market Size and Segmentation, FY'22P-FY'27F For more insights on the market intelligence, refer to below link:- Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Related Reports By Ken Research:- Philippines Clinical Lab Market Outlook to 2027F - Driven by increasing awareness, widening customer base, digitalization and increasing corporate requirements for clinical testing According to Ken Research estimates, the Philippines Clinical Laboratory Market which grew from approximately ~800 USD Mn in 2017 to approximately ~1000 USD Mn in 2022 is forecasted to grow further into ~1500 USD Mn opportunity by 2027F, owing to the New Government Policies, Rising Health Consciousness, Newer Delivery Models and New Players in the Market. Market is highly fragmented with over 4000+ medical labs across Philippines. Philippines Government is increasing its Health Budget every year with $ 3.71 Billion PHP in 2021. There are 3185 (87.8%) private independent labs and 441 (12.2%) government independent labs in Philippines. Indonesia Clinical Lab Market Outlook to 2026F (Second Edition)- Driven by Current Shortage, Widening Customer Base and Increasing Corporate Requirements For Clinical Testing Over the forecast period 2022-2026F, the Indonesia Clinical Lab Market Revenue is further anticipated to increase by year 2026F, thus showcasing a CAGR of 12.5%. It is expected that the implementation of JKN will increase the demand for laboratory services. This will lead the public hospitals to refer samples to private independent laboratories for clinical testing, resulting in the growth of external referrals for private independent laboratories. Players, Investing to increase its testing capabilities and has adopted several advanced tests and technologies introduced in the global market, particularly specialized tests. Further, the major private independent laboratories chains are expected to undergo geographic expansion beyond key cities into underdeveloped areas. This will further lead to increase in market share in the overall Indonesia clinical laboratory market. Vietnam Clinical Laboratories Market Outlook to 2027F- Driven by Private Hospitals driving the future of Healthcare and Clinical Tests in Vietnam According to Ken Research estimates, the Vietnam Clinical Laboratories Market expanded at a CAGR of 24.2% in between 2017 and 2022 on the basis of revenue generated. The market faced rapid growth in the year of 2020 owing to Covid and reflected high growth in 2022 too but the growth is expected to normalize in the coming years. Vietnam Clinical Laboratories Market is estimated to grow at a positive CAGR of 10.4% in between 2023E and 2027E. The Private Health Insurance market is set to grow in double digits which in turn would benefit Private Healthcare and boost the bottom-line. The Clinical Laboratories Market in the Vietnam has seen emergence of more than 20-30 players over the past 5 years. Most healthcare facilities in the industry are concentrated in two cities, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi owing to the higher per capita income, higher population and center for commerce and industrial growth. Medic-Lab and Diag Laboratories are market leaders for Independent Lab Chains and Hoan My and FV Hospital for Private Hospitals. Thailand Clinical Laboratory Market Outlook to 2026F- Driven by widening customer base, Government initiatives and increasing corporate requirements for clinical testing According to Ken Research estimates, the Thailand Clinical Laboratory Market which grew at a CAGR of 9.0% in the period of 2016-2021 is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% in the forecasted period of 2022F-2026F, owing to the increasing healthcare spending by aging population, expanding healthcare spending by the Government, growth in non-communicable disease and chronic diseases and increasing public awareness. The market is led by N Health; having the major share of the Clinical Laboratory Market in Thailand. Other players include Pathlab, Thonburi Clinical Labs, Bangkok Medical Labs, Medical Line Lab, Innotech Laboratories and others. Around 60.0% of medical decisions regarding early disease diagnosis, patient prognosis and treatment selection are based on laboratory diagnostic results. Follow Us LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth [email protected] +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1954972/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Ken Research New Three-Row Crossover SUV Offers Three Electrified Powertrains and 11 Models 2024 CX-90 will have a starting MSRP 1 of $39,595 and will arrive in dealerships in spring 2023 of and will arrive in dealerships in spring 2023 CX-90 3.3 Turbo S models with the e-Skyactiv 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo engine has an EPA estimated 23 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined Standard e-Skyactiv 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo engine provides improved efficiency with an EPA estimated 24 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while offering increased power from CX-9 CX-90 is available with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing and packaging for its all-new flagship vehicle, the first-ever Mazda CX-90. The CX-90, which goes on sale this spring as a 2024 model, features an alluring design, well-crafted interior, and performance-oriented electrified powertrains. THREE ELECTRIFIED POWERTRAINS Available in three new powertrain options, CX-90 3.3 Turbo S, CX-90 PHEV, and CX-90 3.3 Turbo, the three-row crossover SUV will be offered with 11 packages to meet various customer needs. 2024 Mazda CX-90 CX-90 3.3 Turbo S is equipped with the e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo, which is the most powerful mass production gasoline engine developed by Mazda, producing up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using the recommended premium fuel while achieving an EPA estimated 23 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. CX-90 PHEV is equipped with the e-Skyactiv PHEV powertrain, which is an electric motor mated to a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that combined produce 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using the recommended premium fuel. The CX-90 PHEV is designed to operate purely on the electric motor in a variety of driving scenarios. To provide owners with flexibility and peace of mind, Mazda's 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine has been adapted to work alongside the electric motor and 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery. This is helpful for longer drives or when the driver requires maximum acceleration, such as merging onto the freeway. EPA estimated range and fuel economy figures for the CX-90 PHEV will be shared closer to on-sale. Also available is the CX-90 3.3 Turbo with the standard e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Turbo engine producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel that can achieve an EPA estimated 24 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. Both inline six engines are equipped with M-Hybrid Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, providing efficiency without compromising its remarkable performance. All three powertrain choices are paired with Mazda's new eight-speed automatic transmission, specifically designed for the electrified longitudinal powertrains and large platform. The electric motor is placed between the engine and transmission, creating smooth acceleration from a standstill, and allowing the motor to directly power the CX-90 at low speed. All CX-90 models are equipped with standard features that provide drivers with Mazda's signature driving dynamics and confidence. This includes Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive, with Sport and Off-Road modes, Kinematic Posture Control, a software feature first debuted on the MX-5 Miata that suppresses body lift on tight corners to enhance the grip and help all occupants to maintain a natural posture, and i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD) technology are both standard on all CX-90 models. As with all Mazda vehicles, safety is a priority for the CX-90 for both the driver and all occupants. Standard i-Activsense2 safety features include Smart City Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. All CX-90 models also include a new rear seat alert feature to help avoid accidentally leaving objects or occupants still in the rear seats when exiting the vehicle. CX-90 3.3 TURBO The standard CX-90 3.3 Turbo is equipped with the standard e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Turbo engine, which is available in five packages. CX-90 3.3 TURBO SELECT All CX-90 3.3 Turbo models offer customers an impressive array of standard safety, convenience, and technology amenities. With eight-passenger seating, the second and third-row bench seating can each seat up to three passengers. The interior features include black leatherette seats, leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with paddle shifters, 10.25-inch full-color center display, a seven-inch TFT LCD instrument panel display, eight-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Mazda Connect infotainment system, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, push-button start, front and second-row dual USB inputs, rear power windows, automatic climate control, and eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, among many more standard features. Moving to the exterior of the CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select, standard features include unique 19-inch Silver Metallic Finish alloy wheels, power liftgate, roof rails, automatic on/off LED headlights with auto-leveling, LED daytime running lamps, LED taillights, High Beam Control, power and heated doors mirror with LED turn signal indicators, and rain sensing windshield wipers. While the "Inline 6" fender badge will be noticed first, the exterior also features black garnishes and a honeycomb front grille mesh with a black finish. CX-90 3.3 TURBO PREFERRED Building upon the list of standard features, the CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred package is available in a seven-passenger seating option for customers who opt for the second-row captain's chairs, armrests, and a center walk through. Additionally this package adds a power sunroof, black or greige leather seats, heated front seats, four-way power adjustable passenger seat, and second-row retractable window shades. The USB inputs are upgraded to Type-C and added to the third row for faster charging, giving this package a total of six USB Type-C inputs. The exterior is also updated with piano black garnishes and front grille mesh. CX-90 3.3 TURBO PREFERRED PLUS Mi-Drive is equipped on the CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred Plus package, which includes Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes. The maximum towing capacity is increased to 5,000 lbs. when equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. Additionally, this package includes wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration while adding a wireless phone charger in the front row. This package also adds a new, larger Active Driving Display, a head-up display projected on the windshield. This larger display is able to project more driving assistance system information, while adding the ability to display navigation directions from either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. CX-90 3.3 TURBO PREMIUM Building on the previous packages, the CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium has standard seven-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs, armrests, and a center walk through. The exterior is upgraded with 21-inch Silver Metallic Finish alloy wheels, hands-free power liftgate, power panoramic sunroof, shark fin antenna, and chrome garnishes on the bumpers, emphasizing CX-90's width and timeless styling. Other interior features include Bose 12-speaker premium audio system, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, two-position memory for the driver's seat, upgraded interior lighting, SiriusXM satellite radio with three-month trial, and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link with three-year subscription. The i-Activsense2 safety features are also enhanced with new Emergency Lane Keeping, that provides lane keeping alerts, and if necessary, steering inputs, to help the driver avoid roadway departures and predicted collisions with surrounding vehicles, and Secondary Collision Reduction System, which is designed to apply the brakes after a rear-end collision to help avoid secondary damage. Other safety features include Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and front and rear parking sensors. CX-90 3.3 TURBO PREMIUM PLUS The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus features an all-new 12.3-inch full center display with touchscreen capabilities exclusively for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The fully digital 12.3-inch TFT LCD instrument panel display is a first for Mazda vehicles and will help intuitively provide the driver with necessary driving information. This package introduces Front Crossing and Turn-Across Traffic Braking, which is an enhancement to Smart Brake Support and helps detect and mitigate collisions with objects approaching and crossing the vehicle's forward path, as well as the detection and mitigation of collisions with vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians in the vehicle's intended path when turning at an intersection. The 360 View Monitor is enhanced with a new See-Through View feature that projects a large image of the area ahead of and besides the CX-90 on the center display. This helps the driver's ability to safely view all angles when maneuvering CX-90 in various situations, such as narrow spaces or crowded parking spaces, or around objects, such as bicycles or toys left on the driveway. Additional upgrades include black or white Nappa leather seats, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, eight-way power adjustable passenger seat, heated second-row seats, Smart Brake Support Reverse, 150-volt power outlet in the cargo area, windshield wiper de-icer, and power-folding, auto-dimming door mirrors. CX-90 PHEV The CX-90 PHEV is equipped with the e-Skyactiv PHEV powertrain, which is available in three packages. CX-90 PHEV PREFERRED All CX-90 PHEV models are equipped with Mi-Drive include Sport and Off-Road Modes, while introducing a new EV Mode. EV mode will allow the driver to operate CX-90 PHEV on only the electric motor and battery for as long as possible. CX-90 PHEV Preferred has eight-passenger seating in the same configuration as the CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select or a seven-passenger seating with available second-row captain's chairs, armrests, and a center walk through. CX-90 PHEV Preferred includes the fully digital 12.3-inch TFT LCD instrument panel display, while all exterior, interior, and safety features found on the CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred are also equipped on this package, while the exterior fender badge changes to "PHEV". CX-90 PHEV PREMIUM CX-90 PHEV Premium adds a Towing mode to its Mi-Drive. While towing capacity remains 3,500 lbs., this feature will further help the driver feel confident in towing scenarios. Unique to the CX-90 PHEV, is a 1500-watt charging outlet located in the cargo area that can power or charge appliances and equipment, which can help provide peace of mind during extended family trips. CX-90 PHEV Premium offers standard seven-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs, armrests, and a center walk through. Other interior features include wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bose 12-speaker premium audio, wireless phone charger, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, two-position memory for the driver's seat, upgraded interior lighting, SiriusXM satellite radio with three-month trial, and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link with three-year subscription. Exterior features include 21-inch Machine Cut Finish alloy wheels, power panoramic sunroof, hands-free power liftgate, and bright chrome accents. The i-Activsense2 safety features added are Emergency Lane Keeping, Secondary Collision Reduction System, Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and front and rear parking sensors. CX-90 PHEV PREMIUM PLUS The CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus features the 12.3-inch full center display that includes touchscreen capabilities for only Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This package includes Front Crossing and Turn-Across Traffic Braking and 360 View Monitor with See-Through View. Additional upgrades include black or white Nappa leather seats, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, eight-way power adjustable passenger seat, heated second-row seats, Smart Brake Support Reverse, windshield wiper de-icer, and power-folding, auto-dimming door mirrors. CX-90 3.3 TURBO S The upper trim CX-90 3.3 Turbo S is equipped with the e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Turbo engine, which is available in three packages. CX-90 3.3 TURBO S All CX-90 3.3 Turbo S models come equipped with Mi-Drive modes including Sport, Off-Road, and Towing reaching a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. As standard, the CX-90 3.3 Turbo S offers seven-passenger seating with second-row bench seating and a two-seat third row, while a six-passenger seating option is available with the choice of second-row captain's chairs, armrests, and a center walk through. This package introduces two new i-Activsense2 safety features. Cruising & Traffic Support is Mazda's most advanced form of active driving assistance, providing highway speed lane centering and adaptive cruise control for confident, hands-on driving. Vehicle Exit Warning provides an alert if a pedestrian or cyclist is approaching the vehicle from behind while parked to help the occupants exit safely. While this model shares all the standard features found in the CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium package, upgrades include a 12.3-inch full center display with touchscreen capabilities for only Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, fully digital 12.3-inch TFT LCD instrument panel display, body-color wheel arch molding, 21-inch Machine Cut Finish alloy wheels, Adaptive Front-lighting System, eight-way power adjustable passenger seat. CX-90 3.3 TURBO S PREMIUM Building on the previous model, CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium introduces Driver Personalization System, a first for Mazda. The Mazda Driver Personalization System is a driver-enabled feature that restores various driver settings. If driver-enabled, the internal camera located on the upper left corner of the Mazda Connect screen scans facial features and stores them in-vehicle to recognize the driver on future drives. Driver facial data stored for this feature is encrypted, stored in-vehicle, and not subject to remote access. The Turbo S Premium comes standard with six-passenger seating with second row captain's chairs, armrests and, a center walk through and two-seat third row. Other additions to this package include 360 View Monitor with See-Through View, Front Cross Traffic Alert with Front Cross Traffic Braking, black or white Nappa leather seats, heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic and memory setting, frameless auto-diming rearview mirror, automatic power folding and dimming door mirrors, and Smart Brake Support Reverse. CX-90 3.3 TURBO S PREMIUM PLUS At the top of the CX-90 model lineup, the CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus completes the experience by blending first-class craftsmanship and design Mazda's world-class performance. This six-passenger configuration offers second row captain's chairs with a center console, while also adding heated seats. Additionally, ventilated seats are included for both the front and second row. Helping elevate the interior cabin, Nappa leather seats are available in new tan quilting or white Japanese Premium options. The interior trim is wrapped with an inviting, suede-like fabric with unique hanging stitches, which is specifically inspired by hand-bookbinding and an intricate Japanese weaving technique known as Kakenui, on the dash. Lastly, new two-tone leather wrapped steering wheel, maple wood trim, and upgraded front and rear foot lighting balance the dignified interior to give the driver and all occupants an elevated experience in the CX-90. For more information on the 2024 Mazda CX-90, please visit MazdaUSA.com. STARTING MSRP1 FOR THE 2024 MAZDA CX-90 IS AS FOLLOWS: Package Starting MSRP CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select $39,595 CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred $43,445 CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred Plus $45,900 CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium $48,900 CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus $52,950 CX-90 PHEV Preferred $47,445 CX-90 PHEV Premium $52,900 CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus $56,950 CX-90 3.3 Turbo S $51,750 CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium $56,450 CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus $59,950 PREMIUM PAINT COLORS: Artisan Red $595 Rhodium White $595 Soul Red Crystal Metallic $595 Machine Gray Metallic $595 Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Columbia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at News.MazdaUSA.com. Follow MNAO's social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA. 1 MSRP does not include $1,375 for destination and handling ($1,420 in Alaska), taxes, title, or additional fees. Dealers set actual sale prices. 2 i-Activsense safety features are not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. There are limitations to the range and detection of each safety feature. Safety features vary based on vehicle package and trim combinations. Please see the Owner's Manual for further details. SOURCE Mazda North American Operations Transition to 'Epic' aligns with system's mission to create a seamless experience for patients MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (MLH) is launching a digital transformation journey for patient care through a new partnership with electronic health record company, Epic. MLH joins nearly 2,400 hospitals across the country in this transition to the Epic platform, which will align patients' electronic health records from every Methodist Le Bonheur care setting into one state-of-the-art digital platform as well as increase interaction between physicians, clinical staff and their patients. "This advanced technology is an investment in our physicians, team members, patients and the communities we are privileged to serve. Whether patients are treated in an MLH minor med, a primary care office or one of our hospitals, physicians and care teams will have effortless and secure access to patients' records in Epic, across the care continuum," said Dr. Michael Ugwueke, president and CEO of MLH. The Epic platform also allows families to access all of their healthcare information in one place a single app - called MyChart. Patients will be able to check-in electronically for appointments, request prescription refills and directly message care team members, which empowers them to better manage their care. "Epic allows for patients and physicians to have a seamless connection with each other further delivering on our commitment to more personalized care and a better patient experience," said Monica Wharton, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at MLH. MLH anticipates the Epic implementation process to be a multi-year journey. In the meantime, there will be no disruptions to patient care or staff workflows. About Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has been caring for patients and families regardless of their ability to pay for more than 100 years. Guided by roots in the United Methodist Church and founded in 1918 to help meet the growing need for quality healthcare in the greater Memphis area, MLH has grown from one hospital into a comprehensive healthcare system with 13,000 Associates supporting six hospitals, including nationally ranked Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient facilities, hospice residence and physician and specialty practices serving communities across the Mid-South. From transplants and advanced heart procedures to expert neurology services and compassionate cancer care, MLH offers clinical expertise with a focus on improving every life we touch. SOURCE Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Diploma program focuses on college-level research, collaboration, and presentation skills crucial for college and career success DOHA, Qatar, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael E. DeBakey High School For Health Professions is one of approximately 2,000 schools worldwide to implement the AP Capstone Diploma programan innovative program that encourages students to develop skills for college and career success, including critical thinking, research, collaboration, and communication. The program consists of two yearlong courses taken in sequence: AP Seminar and AP Research. Students who score a 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on 4 additional AP Exams of their choosing earn the AP Capstone Diploma. This signifies outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. Students who score a 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research (and not on 4 additional AP Exams) earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. "The AP Capstone program will prepare our diverse student population to become skilled collaborators, critical thinkers, and consumers of information. The Capstone courses will give students flexibility to explore the complex topics affecting their lives, and we are excited to see their research," said Dr. Virginia Parras, President & CEO, DeBakey School for Health Professions-Qatar. In AP Seminar, typically taken in 10th or 11th grade, students choose real-world topics and evaluate them from multiple perspectives. Students identify credibility and bias in sources and develop arguments in support of a recommendation. "The AP Capstone courses enable students to explore real-world issues in great depth through research and collaboration," said Rushi Sheth, executive director of the AP Capstone Diploma program. He adds, "This provides terrific opportunities for students to write and present their work effectively, both individually and in teamsthe very skills professors and employers are demanding." In partnership with the higher education community, College Board developed AP Capstone so students can practice and master skills that serve them well in college and career. "We're excited more schools are offering the AP Capstone Diploma program," said Kedra Ishop, vice president for enrollment management at the University of Southern California. "We believe the research, collaboration, and presentation skills taught in the two courses will be valuable to students throughout their academic and professional careers." About Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health ProfessionsQatar (DHSHP at Qatar) is an award winning high school, offering students a college preparatory curriculum in science, mathematics, and medical science. It is an alternative to the traditional high school experience that prepares students for careers in medicine and science. In collaboration with the Outstanding Schools Oversight Committee (OSOC) of the Supreme Education Council (SEC), DHSHP was invited to bring the first medical science focused high school in the Middle East. About College Board College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world's leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college successincluding the SAT, the Advanced Placement Program, and BigFuture. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools. For further information, visit collegeboard.org. AP Equity and Access Policy College Board strongly encourages educators to make equitable access a guiding principle for their AP programs by giving all willing and academically prepared students the opportunity to participate in AP. We encourage the elimination of barriers that restrict access to AP for students from ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented. Schools should make every effort to ensure their AP classes reflect the diversity of their student population. College Board also believes that all students should have access to academically challenging coursework before they enroll in AP classes, which can prepare them for AP success. It is only through a commitment to equitable preparation and access that true equity and excellence can be achieved. SOURCE Michael DeBakey School for Health Professions, Qatar As Co-Founder and COO, Miranda helped over 50,000 Creators to begin and grow their online learning business VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Thinkific Labs Inc. ("Thinkific" or the "Company") (TSX: THNC), a leading cloud-based software platform that enables entrepreneurs and established businesses of all sizes to create, market and sell digital learning products, today celebrated the lasting impact that Miranda Lievers, CoFounder and COO has had on the Company, being integral to the growth of the business from start-up through IPO, as well as being part of creating an incredible team and a culture which has received multiple awards, including Great Place to Work, and Canada's Most Admired Cultures. As Thinkific enters its next phase of growth and development, Miranda is transitioning to an advisory role with the Company, allowing her to pursue her two passions: connecting with Thinkific Creators, and returning to her entrepreneurial roots focusing on the intersection of small business and technology. "I care deeply about supporting entrepreneurs and Creators, and it's been an absolute privilege working alongside Greg and our entire team as we built this business in support of them," said Miranda Lievers, Co-Founder of Thinkific. "At the same time, with Thinkific in great hands, I am very much looking forward to the future, and how I can continue to serve this community while focusing on areas I am most passionate about." Greg Smith, Co-Founder and CEO stated, "On behalf of the entire Company, I want to thank Miranda for the deep and lasting impact she has had in supporting the success of our Creators, as well as building our business. On a personal note, the last several years working handin-hand with Miranda as we built our platform to support the Creator Economy, and enabled entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses, has been inspiring. "We look forward to Miranda continuing to be involved in the business as an Advisor," continued Mr. Smith. "At the same time, I am highly confident that the leadership team we have in place today have the skills and expertise required to drive profitability, produce long-term sustainable growth, maintain the strong culture and cohesiveness of the broader team, and most importantly, assure continued success for our Creators." About Thinkific Thinkific (TSX:THNC) makes it simple for creator-educators and established businesses of any size to scale and generate revenue by teaching what they know. Our platform gives businesses everything they need to build, market, and sell digital learning productsfrom courses to communitiesand run their business seamlessly under their own brand, on their own site. Thinkific's 50,000 active creators earn hundreds of millions of dollars in direct course sales while teaching tens of millions of students. Thinkific is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada and has a distributed team. For more information, please visit www.thinkific.com. Forward-looking Information This news release includes forward-looking statements and forwardlooking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements''). Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the Company's management team's ability to lead and advance the Company's plans to achieve profitability; produce long-term sustainable growth; maintain a strong culture; attract new customers and retain existing customers. Such statements and information are based on the current expectations of Thinkific's management, and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Although Thinkific's management believes that the assumptions underlying these statements and information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forwardlooking statements and information speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Thinkific undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forwardlooking statement or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Thinkific Labs Inc. The company also celebrates the grand opening of their new market research development center, Motif's Plant Base BOSTON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Motif FoodWorks, the Boston-based food technology company creating the next generation of food, today announced the company will be expanding their ingredient development and innovation business by offering their fermentation and bioprocessing services to customers. This added offering comes as the company celebrates the grand opening of their second facility, a 65,000 sq. ft. market development and research center dubbed "Motif's Plant Base," which will house the company's fermentation, ingredient, and finished-product production. Motifs Plant Base facility located in Northborough, MA Bioprocessing as a Service Motif has experienced first-hand the challenges that come with scaling up a product for commercialization. The difficulty of taking a product through optimization at bench scale and translating that into a pilot scale is a timely and costly process that many start-ups don't have the capabilities for in-house. After the successful commercialization of the company's first product HEMAMI, a yeast-derived heme protein that provides umami flavor and meaty aroma to plant-based meat alternatives, Motif saw a unique opportunity to leverage their knowledge, technology capabilities and production facilities to assist other companies in the commercialization process. Motif will be offering their bioprocessing services to companies in various industries looking to scale-up. The company is currently offering their services at bench-scale, while planning to build out pilot-scale capabilities in the future. "We are thrilled to be able to utilize our experience and offer help to companies that are in a similar position that we were in a few years back," said Philippe Prochasson, Motif's Vice President of Biosciences and Analytics. "By using our holistic innovation process, we are able to help companies rapidly develop and commercialize their technologies." While offering their bioprocessing as a service to companies, the Motif team will also offer consulting services to these clients, allowing the processes to be a collaboration between the two entities. Motif is already assisting their first customer Arcaea, a biotech-for-beauty company developing nature-inspired ingredients and products. "Arcaea has worked closely with Motifs team on validation and process development. Motif has delivered excellent work," stated Jaide Jensen, Head of Biotechnology at Arcaea. "Motif's guidance has been incredibly valuable as we prepare for scale-up." Learn more about Motif's bioprocessing capabilities online on Capacitor, a database resource for bioprocess service platforms: https://capacitor.bio/database/map/facilities/motif-foodworks Motif's Plant Base In addition to adding a new service to their repertoire, Motif has kicked off the new year with the unveiling of their new market development center, Motif's Plant Base. Motif first broke ground on their new facilities in late 2021 with renovations to the office space and R&D facilities being completed in the latter half of 2022. Located in Northborough, MA, the new facility features state-of-the-art food technology, analytical and bioprocessing labs. The 65,000 sq. ft. facility is currently equipped to house over 55 employees, with additional office and lab facility expansions planned as the company and their services continue to grow. About Motif FoodWorks Motif FoodWorks is creating the next generation of food. We are a food technology company developing breakthrough ingredients that unleash the promise of plant-based foods and transform the eating experience from first bite to lasting impact. With food as our passion and innovation coded into our DNA, we are driven by the science of more. More taste. More texture. More choices for consumers. That is why our work has gone beyond the lab. We have taken it all the way to the plate with products grown from the universal experience of what great food should be: tantalizing, satiating, and nourishing. Our ecosystem of ingredients and finished products are designed for people of all habits and beliefs and with the health of our planet always in mind. Because at Motif, we believe the food of the future should set you free. For more information, visit www.madewithmotif.com. About Arcaea Arcaea is pioneering innovation through expressive biology, by building a new foundation for the beauty industry. Using tools like biological engineering, fermentation, and formulation, Arcaea's new ingredients and product experiences reduce supply chain dependence on harvested natural resources. Media Contacts Julia Dacri Motif FoodWorks [email protected] SOURCE Motif FoodWorks CLEVELAND and BOSTON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MPE Partners ("MPE" or "Morgenthaler Private Equity"), a Cleveland- and Boston-based private equity firm, is pleased to announce the promotions of Christine Smoragiewicz to Partner and Nick Stender to Principal. Both Christine and Nick are based in MPE's Boston office. These promotions augment MPE's existing leadership team of Peter Taft, Karen Tuleta, Joe Machado, Matt Yohe, Graham Schena, and Constantine Elefter. MPE Partners congratulates Christine Smoragiewicz and Nick Stender on their promotions Tweet this Christine Smoragiewicz, Partner Nick Stender, Principal MPE Partner, Peter Taft said, "We are excited to recognize the important contributions that Christine and Nick have made to our firm and in support of our portfolio companies and limited partners. We greatly appreciate their work and congratulate them on these well-deserved promotions." MPE Partner, Matt Yohe added, "It has been a pleasure to work alongside Christine and Nick, and we look forward to their continued growth and success in their new and expanded roles." Since joining the team in 2021, Christine has served as the firm's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer ("CFO and CCO") and has successfully transitioned MPE's finance and compliance operations from a shared services model to the firm's first dedicated in-house team. As a Partner, she will retain the CFO and CCO titles and continue to oversee the finance, compliance, and administrative functions of the firm. Christine also serves as a member of the firm's ESG sub-committee. Prior to MPE, Christine served 14 years as CFO and CCO at Intervale Capital (now Amberjack Capital Partners) and previously, as Controller at J.W. Childs Associates (now Prospect Hill Growth Partners). She began her career in the Boston office of PricewaterhouseCoopers. Christine has a B.S. in Business Administration with honors from Georgetown University. Nick rejoined MPE as a Vice President in 2020 after attending business school, having previously served at MPE as an MBA intern in 2018 and a consultant in 2019. Nick currently holds board seats at DecoArt, Garmat USA, and Teel Plastics. He previously served as a director of 80/20 and Plastic Components, Inc. Prior to business school, Nick served as an Associate at Apax Partners and began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst at Deutsche Bank. He holds a B.B.A. in Finance and Accounting with Distinction from the University of Wisconsin and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. About MPE Partners MPE Partners ("MPE" or "Morgenthaler Private Equity") seeks to be the preferred partner for entrepreneur- and family-owned companies. Based in Cleveland, OH, and Boston, MA, MPE invests in profitable, lower middle market companies with transaction values up to $250 million. MPE has two primary target investment areas: high-value manufacturing and commercial & industrial services. For more information, please visit www.mpepartners.com. SOURCE MPE Partners Business owner Micaiah Barber claims he was handcuffed while his vehicle was searched and towed with no explanation SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- McCune Law Group, McCune Wright Arevalo Vercoski Kusel Weck Brandt, APC, (MLG) a nationwide law firm handling Racial & Economic Justice matters, consumer Class Actions, and consumer Financial Services matters is bringing a claim against the San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) on behalf of local business owner Micaiah Barber alleging an SBPD officer unlawfully searched and seized Barber's vehicle and placed Barber in handcuffs in full view of his employees and potential customers. MLG will be holding a press conference on the matter on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. PST. Press may attend in-person at 3281 E. Guasti Road, Suite 100, Ontario, California, or virtually via Zoom. Micaiah Barber is the well-regarded president of L7 Auto Group in San Bernardino. His business involves vehicle rotation into and out of the lot to keep inventory fresh and encourage continued growth for clients in need of a pre-owned vehicle. During these rotation periods, Barber and his employees must temporarily park their inventory and personal vehicles along the street to accommodate. However, on the morning of January 31, 2023, the claim alleges an SBPD officer saw an employee removing one of the dealer license plates from a rotated vehicle parked across from the dealership during rotation. The officer allegedly began inspecting Barber's personal vehicle and notified the employee he would be towing it. Barber states that upon confronting the officer over why his vehicle would be towed, he was told to collect his personal belongings from the vehicle as it was going to be towed, despite Barber's explanation that the parking situation was temporary. The officer allegedly asked to search the vehicle which Barber declined. When Barber returned with a box to collect his belongings from the car and opened the door, the officer allegedly informed him he could not enter the vehicle and placed him in handcuffs in front of his employees and potential customers. While handcuffed, the claim alleges the officer finally requested identification and searched the vehicle. When the tow truck arrived and began towing the vehicle, Barber claims the officer released him. The SBPD allegedly would not release the location of the vehicle to Barber following the incident until an employee called for information in his stead. The press conference will answer questions regarding the details of the situation and how this matter and those like it violate the civil rights of local residents. Available to speak will be MLG Attorney Joseph L. Richardson and Plaintiff Micaiah Barber. "As a respected San Bernardino resident and business owner, Mr. Barber believes the role of business owners and the local police departments should be collaborative, not combative," remarks Richardson, "He was especially disturbed by the violation of his rights with absolutely no explanation and the seemingly intentionally aggressive manner with which the officer interacted with Mr. Barber and his employee. With bringing this claim, we hope this can be a step towards holding SBPD accountable for their officers' behavior." About McCune Law Group, McCune Wright Arevalo Vercoski Kusel Weck Brandt, APC: MLG has a deep history of success for its clients, including a $203 million verdict against Wells Fargo Bank, recovery of over $1 billion for its clients, and over 100 contingency cases with recovery of $1 million or more. MLG maintains California offices in Ontario, San Bernardino, Palm Desert, and Irvine and supports its national practice with offices in Illinois and New Jersey with more offices coming soon. For over 30 years, MLG has successfully represented clients involved in product liability, UDAP, class actions, financial services, and personal injury lawsuits. Visit mccunewright.com for more information. CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE McCune Law Group, McCune Wright Arevalo Vercoski Kusel Weck Brandt, APC The Australian Skin Health Brand Has Created a Range of Popular Products a Process That Has Revolved Around Its Innovative Use of Carica Papaya FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Skin care is a concern for everyone. There is also no lack of options in the $21 billion segment of the U.S. market, either. The sheer number of options can be overwhelming for many consumers, especially if they consider things like ingredients, skin type, and the wide variety of skincare concerns and applications. Natralus Australia is a natural skin health brand from the Land Down Under that has created a solution with everyone in mind: its Natural Paw Paw Balm . The multi-purpose product can be used on both the lips and skin as a single, organic, natural skincare solution. It avoids troublesome ingredients like petroleum and leans on proven natural skincare ingredients like Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Calendula. Above all, the product includes a significant amount of organic Carica papaya or Paw Paw as it's known in Australia. "Our motto is 'natural skin health crafted with purpose,'" explains Natralus's managing director John Rowe. "If there's one ingredient that backs up this mindset of purposeful, natural skincare, it's Paw Paw. Its many uses make it popular across all demographics and countless skin care scenarios. It's even used in skin clinics down here in Australia." While it may be a multi-purpose product, that hardly means Natralus's R&D team has created its Paw Paw balm in a general or nonspecific manner. On the contrary, Rowe emphasizes that every step in the development of the product revolved around a key part of the brand's mission: understanding customer need and then providing highly applicable real-world solutions. "When we first designed the Paw Paw ointment, we asked, well, 'how does it work?' We broke down the details, like the fact that you don't need petroleum for the base of the product anymore. You can get better results with healthier options now." Rowe adds that the current formula, while highly effective, uses oils and waxes and may thicken in colder temperatures. "This is a necessary side effect of using natural ingredients," the owner clarifies, "but all you need to do is warm the tube or product in your hands for a minute, and it should soften and go on without a problem." Natralus has been Australia's leading Natural Paw Paw brand since 2010. In the years since it has built an entire range of natural skin care products. And yet, through it all, its Paw Paw ointment remains one of its top sellers. The brand recently arrived in the United States, as well, and is quickly becoming a top skin care option for many, thanks to its natural focus, effective formulas, and its continued use of Paw Paw as a core ingredient in many of its best-selling formulas. "We use many ingredients these days," Rowe concludes, "But Paw Paw remains at the heart of all that we do. It's the hero ingredient that makes Natralus skin care such an effective option for so many of our customers around the world." About Natralus Australia: Natural skin health brand Natralus Australia was established in 2010 and operates out of Adelaide, Australia. The company focuses on empowering women and families to use a more natural approach for both themselves and loved ones throughout their skincare and wellness activities. Learn more about Natralus at natralus.com . Brittany Rowe T: +61 8 8382 3000 F: 1300 838 293 E: [email protected] SOURCE Natralus MARTINSVILLE, Va., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The New College Foundation is proud to announce that it has reorganized as the Martinsville-Henry County Academic Foundation ("MHC Academic Foundation"), with the intent to provide expanded academic opportunities for students in the Martinsville-Henry County region. The New College Foundation ("NCF") was created in 2006 to provide financial and administrative support to the New College Institute ("NCI"), with the shared goal of offering much needed academic opportunities and attracting world-class career training programs to the Martinsville-Henry County area. "The New College Foundation and the New College Institute have always shared the same mission: to advance educational opportunities in Southwest Virginia," said Kevin DeKoninck, current Executive Director of the NCF. "However, we felt that the region would be better served if we could expand NCF's mission to focus on attracting new opportunities to Martinsville and Henry County and collaborate on future efforts to expand academic access at NCI," he continued. The renewed mission of the MHC Academic Foundation is to provide financial and other support for the dissemination of education in Martinsville and Henry County, including the continued support of NCI. As such, NCF will broaden its mission and execute the full unencumbered scope of this new directive by becoming the MHC Academic Foundation. On the reason for the name change, Mr. DeKoninck said, "Our new name reflects our renewed commitment to academics and the community we serve. Our Board is comprised of lifelong members of the Martinsville-Henry County community, so we felt it was necessary to rededicate ourselves to the area we call home." Current Executive Director of NCF Kevin DeKoninck will assume a transitional leadership role for the newly reorganized MHC Academic Foundation, with the same fervor to make the region's students as academically competitive and career-ready as the rest of the Commonwealth. "Reorganizing as the MHC Academic Foundation will allow us to better direct the use of funds towards our goals to encourage attendance at local institutions of higher education and to foster partnerships with high demand technical programs," said Mr. DeKoninck. Simone Redd, current chair of the NCF Board of Trustees, will adapt her role to join the MHC Academic Foundation, bringing her years of expertise, cherished relationship with the community, and established leadership to see the mission of the reorganized foundation to fruition and continue to grow its relationship with NCI. "The MHC Academic Foundation's mission does not supersede our support of NCI but rather adds to our ability to impact the community through more targeted and intentional financial support and relationship building with other academic initiatives in the area," said Simone Redd, current chair of the NCF Board of Trustees. The MHC Academic Foundation looks forward to continuing to work with NCI and other organizations and is reenergized to carry on its mission to make educational and economic impacts in the region that will be felt for decades to come. CONTACT: Abigail Thompson, [email protected] SOURCE Martinsville-Henry County Academic Foundation SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientists at Dongguk University investigated a synthetic method to develop new metal oxyhydroxides electrocatalysts for efficient water electrolysis. Their findings were published in a study, which provides a detailed insight into the process demonstrating the long-term stability and performance of the synthesized catalysts. These can be used to obtain hydrogen (H 2 ) and manufacture hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative to fossil fuels. Bi/BiFe(oxy)hydroxide for sustainable lattice oxygen-boosted electrocatalysis at a practical high current density Electrolysis of water is an efficient and sustainable method for the production of hydrogen. It involves two main reactionsthe hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Notably, materials used as catalysts for the OER are expensive, and demonstrate poor efficiency and stability. Recent studies have indicated lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) as a potential pathway to increase the speed and efficiency of the OER. However, LOM uses transition metal (oxy)hydroxides (TMO x H y ) with iron (Fe)-based compounds as catalysts. This is not ideal, because the dissolution of Fe atoms results in the loss of long-term stability and performance, especially under high current density. To address this gap, a team of scientists led by Professor Jung Inn Sohn from Dongguk University investigated a new bismuth (Bi) metal (BM)-based catalyst for LOM. "The water electrolysis technology is a promising way for sustainable hydrogen generation. However, stable OER performance at a practical and high-level current density requires a new catalyst material with high performance and durability," says Prof. Sohn while discussing the team's motivation behind the study. Their research findings were published in Volume 315 in Applied Catalysis B: Environmental on November 15, 2022. First, the team proposed the synthesis of a Fe-introduced Bi-(oxy)hydroxide-based electrocatalyst, which was prepared through solvothermal synthesis at 140 for 12 hours. The controlled reduction of the synthetic intermediates allowed for the formation of amorphous BM/BiFeO x H y with abundant lattice vacancies. The team found that the BM/BiFeOxHy electrode had low overpotentials of 232 and 359 mV at a current density of 10 and 1000 mA cm-2. Further analysis also validated the long-term stability pf BM/BiFeO x H y . The team attributed this to the balanced hybridization of Bi/Fe-O, resulting in catalytic stability for up to 1000 hours at a current density of 1000 mA cm-2, without the dissolution of Fe atoms! "Our report, containing a truly promising OER candidate with an efficient catalytic performance and stability, will have an impact on the rapid development of advanced electrocatalysts for water electrolyzers," concludes Prof. Sohn. We are certain that soon enough, we will witness this catalyst being used in zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells! Reference DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2022.121685 Title of original paper: Bi/BiFe(oxy)hydroxide for sustainable lattice oxygen-boosted electrocatalysis at a practical high current density Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental Authors: Seunghwan Joa, Woon Bae Parkb, Keon Beom Leea, Hyeonggeun Choia, Kug-Seung Leec, Docheon Ahnc, Young-Woo Leed, Kee-Sun Sohne, John Hongf,, Jung Inn Sohna,* Affiliations: aDivision of Physics and Semiconductor Science, Dongguk University, Korea bDepartment of Printed Electronics Engineering, Sunchon National University, Korea cKorea Beamline Research Division, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Korea dDepartment of Energy Systems Engineering, Soonchunhyang University, Korea eDepartment of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Engineering, Sejong University, Korea fSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Kookmin University, Korea *Corresponding author's email: [email protected] , [email protected] About Dongguk University Dongguk University, founded in 1906, is located in Seoul, South Korea. It comprises 13 colleges that cover a variety of disciplines and has local campuses in Gyeongju, Goyang, and Los Angeles. The university has 1300 professors who conduct independent research and 18000 students undertaking studies in a variety of disciplines. Interaction between disciplines is one of the strengths on which Dongguk prides itself; the university encourages researchers to work across disciplines in Information Technology, Bio Technology, CT, and Buddhism. Website: http://www.dongguk.edu/mbs/en/index.jsp Media contact: Jiyoung Choi [email protected] 82 2 2260 3067 SOURCE Dongguk University SEMI University Curriculum Enables Upskilling and Career Advancement for Various Employee Levels and Industry Newcomers MILPITAS, Calif., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Taking aim at narrowing the global semiconductor industry talent gap, SEMI today announced a new online learning platform designed to support industry efforts to train and upskill employees and help incoming talent establish their careers. The new SEMI University platform launches with more than 360 courses created for the industry, providing an easy-to-use online semiconductor training program for employees ranging from recently hired facility operators to experienced technicians, engineers and non-technical staff. SEMI University offers semiconductor courses on front-end and back-end manufacturing operations, principles of chip design and workplace safety. The platform also includes classes to help learners keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), MEMS and optoelectronics. SEMI University provides flexibility for users to pause and restart courses later, and the platform includes courses in multiple languages and will add more. "With the global semiconductor industry expected to nearly double in annual revenue to $1 trillion around the end of the decade, SEMI projects the industry will need more than 900,000 new workers worldwide by 2030 to support this growth," said SEMI president and CEO Ajit Manocha. "Our member companies have highlighted workforce development as a top concern in pursuing long-term growth. The new SEMI University platform will help industry newcomers contribute quickly and complement companies' efforts to aid current employees of various levels in advancing their careers. Looking forward, we are actively seeking to expand our content partnerships to meet the training needs of the broader electronics supply chain." SEMI has offered in-person training and technology trend updates more than 50 years, and it hosts webinars covering SEMI standards, market dynamics and semiconductor manufacturing and design best practices. The SEMI University platform builds on this experience and adds to the association's holistic Workforce Development program, which includes initiatives to increase awareness of semiconductor industry careers, connect member companies with university students for mentoring and internships, attract and train military veterans, and develop a more diverse and inclusive workforce. About SEMI SEMI connects more than 2,500 member companies and 1.3 million professionals worldwide to advance the technology and business of electronics design and manufacturing. SEMI members are responsible for the innovations in materials, design, equipment, software, devices, and services that enable smarter, faster, more powerful, and more affordable electronic products. Electronic System Design Alliance (ESD Alliance), FlexTech, the Fab Owners Alliance (FOA), the MEMS & Sensors Industry Group (MSIG) and SOI Consortium are SEMI Strategic Technology Communities. Visit www.semi.org, contact one of our worldwide offices, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and Twitter to learn more. Association Contact Michael Hall/SEMI US Phone: 1.408.943.7988 Email: [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/469944/Semi_Logo.jpg SOURCE SEMI New partner credit unions to benefit from myCUmortgage's comprehensive mortgage and servicing solutions to help more members with homeownership BEAVERCREEK, Ohio, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Further upholding its mission to empower credit unions to become great mortgage lenders, myCUmortgage is thrilled to announce nine new partnerships with credit unions from across the United States in 2022. myCUmortgage is a leading Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) and wholly owned by Wright-Patt Credit Union. The nine credit unions partnering with myCUmortgage last year include: Baylands Family Credit Union West Point, Va. Baxter Credit Union Vernon Hills, Ill. ElecTel Cooperative Federal Credit Union Raleigh, N.C. Erie Community Federal Credit Union Sandusky, Ohio Greater Wayne Community Federal Credit Union Rittman, Ohio Liberty County Teachers Federal Credit Union Liberty, Texas Lithium Federal Credit Union Bessemer City, N.C. MTC Federal Credit Union Greenville, S.C. Union Pacific Streamliner Federal Credit Union Omaha, Neb. These new partnerships represent 373,604 credit union members and $5.97 billion in assets. "No matter the market conditions or circumstances, members will always need home loans and loan servicing, and the best place for a member to attain a mortgage continues to be through their trusted credit union," said Tonya Coon, myCUmortgage President. "We are proud and excited to partner with these nine credit unions and assist them as they help more of their members with homeownership throughout the entire mortgage lifecycle and back to their credit union for their next home loan." With 22 years of mortgage industry experience in the credit union space, myCUmortgage offers its nearly 200 partners expert guidance while delivering peace of mind. Working with these nine new partners, myCUmortgage is delivering comprehensive products and services, including conventional and government lending, loan origination services and member loan servicing. About myCUmortgage myCUmortgage, a wholly owned Credit Union Service Organization of Wright-Patt Credit Union in Beavercreek, Ohio, is obsessed with helping credit union partners to be great mortgage lenders. Through exceptional leadership, comprehensive solutions, expert guidance and partner- and member-focused service, myCUmortgage delivers peace of mind to credit union partners and their members across the United States. To learn more about our mortgage-obsession, visit www.myCUmortgage.com. For more information, contact: Bob Sadowski, APR 937.912.7276 [email protected] SOURCE myCUmortgage JYVASKYLA, Finland, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nippon Dynawave Packaging, manufacturer of the highest quality paperboard for cartons and cups, has chosen Procemex to provide a 3D Crystal Web Inspection solution for their L3 product line. The Procemex 3D web inspection solution will ensure that the product of the paper machine will be free from paper machine defects such as indents, outdents, wrinkles, and other by-products of the paper making process. Procemex Oy Web Inspection System (PRNewsfoto/Procemex Oy Ltd) Previous to selecting Procemex as their quality partner for years to come, Nippon Dynawave Packaging and Procemex conducted an on-machine trial to prove the capabilities of the 3D web inspection solution. The image quality and detection for the trial were overwhelming to the Nippon Dynawave Packaging team which resulted in moving forward with full defect detection capabilities. The 3D web inspection solution was be installed and commissioned in December 2022. The Procemex defect detection solution is integrated with the already existing Procemex sheet break detection and web monitoring solution giving the L3 production line the capability to analyze root-causes of defects and thereby, increasing efficiency and improving the quality of the product. The modern, integrated, and high-resolution Procemex web inspection and monitoring solution will provide Nippon Dynawave Packaging new possibilities and technical solutions to improve the production line efficiency. In addition, the product quality of liquid packaging will continue to fulfill end users' ever increasing quality requirements. With the advanced web inspection capabilities, the delivery will be equipped hardware and software solutions enabling advanced wrinkle detection, as well as indent and outdent detection capabilities. About Nippon Dynawave Packaging At Nippon Dynawave Packaging, the mission is to produce the highest quality paperboard, provide unsurpassed customer service and deliver technical, professional, and operational excellence in everything we do. We produce bleached paperboard used to make cartons and cups for liquids such as milk, juice, coffee and sake under the brand names Structure-Pak and Structure-Serv. Each year we produce 300,000 metric tons of paperboard, which is equivalent to 6 billion liter-sized milk cartons. Our facility has been manufacturing liquid packaging board in Longview Washington since 1953. On September 1, 2016 Nippon Dynawave Packaging celebrated our first day operating the facility as a new subsidiary of Nippon Paper Industries. We produce coated and uncoated liquid packaging board for sales to converting customers in North America, Asia and around the world. Nippon Dynawave Packaging, is a subsidiary of the Nippon Paper Group. Our company aims to create value through developing products that contribute to better living and cultural progress in a sustainable manner. By sourcing our fiber from legal and sustainable forestry operations in our region, and adhering to our chain of custody certifications under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC ) C131932, Nippon Dynawave demonstrates our commitment to sustainability. The Nippon Paper Group is a comprehensive biomass company that is focused on shaping the future with trees. www.nippondynawave.com. About Procemex Procemex is a global leader in integrated web monitoring and web inspection solutions in board, paper, pulp and printing industry. Procemex develops, designs and delivers the fastest and most accurate smart camera-based solutions worldwide. Founded in 2000, Procemex has gained leading expertise in the industry. Thanks to its solid roots, Procemex has acquired a unique understanding of production processes while the core excellence is in mastering optical imaging and image processing. Procemex helps paper, board and pulp companies worldwide secure their product quality and minimize expensive production downtime. Procemex is headquartered in central Finland with regional offices in the U.S., Germany, and Japan. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1996384/Procemex_Oy.jpg SOURCE Procemex Oy Ltd Snow Day campaign brings back the nostalgic, spontaneous fun of snowy play days BELLVUE, Colo., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This winter, noosa yoghurt , the premium whole milk yoghurt brand under the Sovos Brands portfolio, is bringing the joyful spontaneity of a snow day to consumers nationwide with a Snow Day In-A-Box prize pack giveaway. One lucky grand prize winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Colorado, home of noosa, for an epic winter weekend. noosa yoghurt Snow Day Today's virtual world prioritizes business-as-usual productivity over carefree fun, even when winter weather forces us to stay home. Gone are the days of embracing a free day to relax and play when snow starts to fall. Known for its Full On philosophy and indulgently delicious product line of creamy whole milk yoghurt, gelato, and more, noosa is encouraging everyone to revel in the unscheduled, playful bliss of a snowy day. "At noosa, we are passionate about living life to the fullest and embracing opportunities that allow us to break out of the mundane routine and experience a joyful adventure - even when you're stuck at home on a snowy day," said Clint Mickel, general manager at noosa yoghurt. "By reinstating the nostalgic snow day, we are encouraging our fans permission to embrace the simple pleasures the winter season has to offer." Beginning Febraury 6th, consumers nationwide can visit noosayoghurt.com/snowday for a chance to receive their very own noosa Snow Day In-A-Box stocked with all of the essentials needed for a day of Full On carefree enjoyment, including custom, cozy noosa gear, limited-edition games and activities, and coupons to redeem their favorite noosa products. Consumers will also have a chance to enter to win noosa's Snow Day Getaway Sweepstakes, giving one lucky winner a $15,000 all-expenses-paid snow-centric adventure in Colorado! The prize package includes round-trip airfare for the winner and up to three friends or family members, a three-night stay at a charming property, a stipend for booking playful excursions, such as snow tubing or ski passes, and a generous supply of noosa yoghurt and frozen yoghurt gelato to fuel all their snow day fun. For more information and to enter, visit noosayoghurt.com/snowday . ABOUT NOOSA YOGHURT noosa yoghurt is the proud maker of velvety yoghurt, gelato, and more all made with the finest ingredients, such as creamy whole milk, real fruit, and wildflower honey. Offering indulgent deliciousness unlike anything else, noosa's full product line includes yoghurts in a variety of unique flavors, sizes, and formats from spoonable yoghurts to drinkable real fruit smoothies and, most recently, frozen yoghurt gelato. All of noosa's full-on tasty products begin with the freshest whole milk. noosa yoghurt is a portfolio brand of Sovos Brands. For more information, please visit www.noosayoghurt.com or follow on Facebook @noosayoghurt , Twitter @noosayoghurt , and Instagram @noosayoghurt . PRESS CONTACT [email protected] SOURCE noosa yoghurt NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Omni Bridgeway is delighted to announce the expansion of its operations into Chicago and Miami with the additions of investment managers and office heads, Maryanne Woo in Chicago and Lauren Alexander in Miami. We also welcome Enrique Molina, who joins Omni Bridgeway as an Investment Manager in Miami. Omni Bridgeway signals continued growth with its expansion into Chicago and Miami. The company more than doubled its size and reach in the US this past year. Maryanne joins Omni Bridgeway to continue building out the company's Midwest presence. She has over two decades of experience as a trial attorney in Chicago, handling complex disputes in state and federal courts involving product liability, multi-district litigation, mass tort, and shareholder derivatives issues. Prior to joining Omni Bridgeway, she was a litigation partner at Reed Smith LLP, where she focused on issues surrounding disruptive technology and artificial intelligence. In Miami, Lauren brings local market knowledge and subject matter expertise in key areas such as bankruptcy, restructuring, multidistrict litigation, and commercial disputes. She has nearly 15 years of litigation experience in the Miami office of Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP, where she represented clients in a range of matters relating to contract disputes, business torts, antitrust, fraud, and asset valuation disputes. Enrique joins Omni Bridgeway from King & Spalding in Miami, where he focused on international arbitration and litigation. With more than 6 years of experience, Enrique has handled numerous investor-state disputes involving Latin American parties in a broad range of industries including energy, mining, banking, and transportation. "We are thrilled to continue our nationwide growth in Chicago and Miami, two of the fastest growing litigation markets in the US," said Jim Batson, Omni Bridgeway Managing Director and co-Chief Investment Officer for the US. "With Lauren and Enrique on board, we are excited to become one of the first commercial litigation funders to provide on-the-ground resources and expertise for law firms and corporations in Miami." Managing Director and co-Chief Investment Officer for the US, Matt Harrison, added, "Maryanne's wide-ranging litigation experience and deep market knowledge are the perfect match for the dynamic Chicago market. Both Miami and Chicago are known for their sophisticated litigators and corporations who need an experienced risk management partner to navigate the financial complexities of high-stakes disputes. Omni Bridgeway is ideally situated to be that partner." ABOUT OMNI BRIDGEWAY Omni Bridgeway is the global leader in legal finance and risk management, including dispute and litigation finance from case inception to post-judgment enforcement and recovery. Listed on the ASX, Omni Bridgeway operates from 25 international locations. CONTACT: Anna Bernardis | Director, Marketing and Business Development (Americas) | +1 212 488 5331 | [email protected] SOURCE Omni Bridgeway Mr. Velten is One Rock's first Europe-based Operating Partner NEW YORK and LONDON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- One Rock Capital Partners, LLC ("One Rock" or the "Firm"), a value-oriented, operationally focused private equity firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Lutz Velten as its first Europe-based Operating Partner. He joins One Rock shortly after the Firm announced the establishment of its London office, led by Partners Kurt Beyer and Telmo Valido, to enhance its European investment activity. Mr. Velten joins the Firm's broad bench of experienced Operating Partners and will be responsible for driving post-acquisition value creation at One Rock's portfolio companies through operational and supply chain improvement. Mr. Velten comes to One Rock with over 25 years of experience working in packaged consumer goods and industrial services industries, of which more than half were spent working for Ecolab in Europe, the global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services. Most recently, he served as VP Strategy & Operations, overseeing supply set-up, organizational design, strategic investments, and implementation of advanced technologies while leading European mergers and acquisitions activities. He also held roles as VP Industrial Supply Chain, EMEA, and VP Manufacturing, EMEA. Prior to joining Ecolab Europe GmbH, Mr. Velten served in numerous positions at Nestle Waters and Nestle. "We are thrilled to welcome Lutz to our team and look forward to the operational expertise he will provide to our companies," said R. Scott Spielvogel, Managing Partner of One Rock. "His deep understanding of operations and supply chain is incredibly valuable as One Rock expands its presence across Europe." "One Rock's focus on investing in the manufacturing, food, chemicals and process industries, paired with its expertise in complex transactions, uniquely aligns with my background," said Mr. Velten. "I look forward to collaborating with my U.S.-based counterparts to enhance the value One Rock continuously seeks to provide to its portfolio companies." Utilizing the expertise of Operating Partners has been an integral part of One Rock's strategy since its inception. Lutz Velten joins a growing team, which now includes 24 Operating Partners. ABOUT ONE ROCK CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC One Rock makes controlling investments in companies with potential for growth and operational improvement using a rigorous approach that utilizes highly experienced Operating Partners to identify, acquire and enhance businesses in select industries. The involvement of these Operating Partners affords One Rock the ability to conduct due diligence and consummate acquisitions and investments in all types of situations, regardless of complexity. One Rock works collaboratively with company management and its Operating Partners to develop a comprehensive business plan focused on growing the enterprise and its profitability to enhance long-term value. For more information, visit www.onerockcapital.com. Media Contact Julia Cohen Prosek Partners [email protected] SOURCE One Rock Capital Partners, LLC Synthesis School Seeks to Identify the STEM Leaders of Tomorrow and Believes in Providing Access to The Most Innovative Education to All Students GREENWICH, Conn., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- O'Shaughnessy Ventures LLC, a creative investment firm that empowers creators and allows them to bring their ideas to life, announced today that they will be investing in the Synthesis School with the goal of developing and empowering the creators of tomorrow, today. O'Shaughnessy Ventures, LLC In 2015, Elon Musk and educator Joshua Dahn joined forces to bring the world Ad Astra (Latin for "to the stars"), a school designed to educate the children of SpaceX employees. Synthesis School is the next iteration of this groundbreaking educational project. Synthesis represents a new way of thinking about education, leveraging team thinking games to teach kids problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. Synthesis School officially launched in November 2020, led by Dahn and CEO Chrisman Frank, a veteran educator and engineer from Ed-tech unicorn ClassDojo. Dahn and Frank aim to help prepare children to solve complex problems and advance human civilization. The existing subscription of Synthesis School offers a weekly enrichment program, focusing on building the soft skills that kids too often miss in traditional school environments. Synthesis is also developing cutting-edge math and science offerings to create a "full stack" online school aimed at the world's most advanced science and technology students. Frank describes Synthesis as a massive tournament to find the next generation of STEM leaders and to give all children access to the world's most innovative education. Jim O'Shaughnessy, Founder of O'Shaughnessy Ventures, commented: "Tuned-in parents already understand that the ability to solve complex problems is the most valuable skill and something that is rarely taught or practiced in traditional schools. O'Shaughnessy Ventures believes that next-generation learning opportunities are enormous, and Synthesis Schools is leading the way." Chrisman Frank, the CEO of Synthesis School, commented: "Jim and his team see the pervasive problems with the industrial-educational complex. It kills human ingenuityour most vital resource. I'm thrilled to welcome Jim as an investor and partner in our mission to advance human civilization through education." About O'Shaughnessy Ventures: O'Shaughnessy Ventures (OSV) is a creative investment firm that empowers and inspires creators to bring their ideas to life. Founded by Jim O'Shaughnessy, a pioneer in quantitative investing and founder of O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, and author of four books on investing, OSV aims to provide financial support and be a partner in building and growing the next life-changing creative idea. OSV combines Jim's deeply rooted interest in all things art, science, investing and tech with his long-held desire to establish positive-sum scenarios designed to help promising creators and their inspiring ideas succeed, regardless of age, location, job history or level of education. For more information, visit https://www.osv.llc . About Synthesis School: Synthesis Schools promotes team thinking games that turn kids into effective decision-makers and communicators. Founded by the creator of Ad Astra School at SpaceX. For more information, visit https://www.synthesis.com/ . Media Contact Ena Gong O'Shaughnessy Ventures, LLC (917) 355-7420 [email protected] SOURCE O'Shaughnessy Ventures, LLC Partnering with MoMA and Artsy, and a Partnership with AdAge to Highlight Black Artists and Creators on Billboards Across United States NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OUTFRONT Media (NYSE: OUT) launched several OOH campaigns to celebrate and honor the lives, legacies, and artistry of Black Americans throughout Black History Month this February. The campaigns include a partnership with AdAge spotlighting Black creators on billboards throughout the United States and two series celebrating African American artists and artists of color via separate partnerships with MoMA and Artsy. The following provide more details about each campaign: Moments in Art celebrates Black History Month with the series Just Above Midtown: Changing Spaces. Celebrating Black Creators with AdAge - OUTFRONT is partnering with AdAge for their annual Black History Month feature celebrating Black creative excellence, which debuted on February 1 . The project highlights key moments in the careers of inspiring and influential creators from across the creative industry on OUTFRONT's digital out-of-home media across the U.S. Each billboard will feature a photo of a Black creative executive making an impact on the industry. Utilizing transit and street-level locations, the campaign will also include a QR code that will direct commuters to learn more about the full Black Creative Excellence series on AdAge.com. OUTFRONT's East Coast Regional Creative Director Tim Wasicki , the artist behind the award-winning "Black Heart" campaign , kicked off the month of celebration. OUTFRONT is partnering with AdAge for their annual Black History Month feature celebrating Black creative excellence, which debuted on . The project highlights key moments in the careers of inspiring and influential creators from across the creative industry on OUTFRONT's digital out-of-home media across the U.S. Each billboard will feature a photo of a Black creative executive making an impact on the industry. Utilizing transit and street-level locations, the campaign will also include a QR code that will direct commuters to learn more about the full Black Creative Excellence series on AdAge.com. OUTFRONT's East Coast Regional Creative Director , the artist behind the award-winning , kicked off the month of celebration. Moments in Art (MoMA) - This February, Moments in Art celebrates Black History Month with the series Just Above Midtown: Changing Spaces . Just Above Midtown was an art gallery led by Linda Goode Bryant that foregrounded African American artists and artists of color. Open from 1974 until 1986, it was a place where Black art flourished and debate was cultivated. This exhibition will be running at MoMA through February 18th . This February, Moments in Art celebrates Black History Month with the series . Just Above Midtown was an art gallery led by that foregrounded African American artists and artists of color. Open from 1974 until 1986, it was a place where Black art flourished and debate was cultivated. This exhibition will be running at MoMA through . Moments in Culture (Artsy) - This February, Moments in Culture is proud to present Celebrating Black Art History in honor of Black History Month. This series will showcase works of Black Art History from the 1930s all the way up until current day. "These partnerships and campaigns help propel black creatives into the forefront by diversifying design conversations," said Tim Wasicki, OUTFRONT's East Region Creative Director. "OOH sets the stage to drive further recognition through its mass reach and connectivity. We are proud to display this creative on our very visible media across the country." About OUTFRONT Media Inc. OUTFRONT leverages the power of technology, location and creativity to connect brands with consumers outside of their homes through one of the largest and most diverse sets of billboard, transit, and mobile assets in North America. Through its technology platform, OUTFRONT will fundamentally change the ways advertisers engage audiences on-the-go. OUTFRONT Media Contacts: Don Ciaramella / Matt Biscuiti Courtney Richards The Lippin Group OUTFRONT Media +1.212.986.7080 (646) 876-9404 [email protected] [email protected] Stephan Bisson OUTFRONT Media, Investor Relations 212-297-6573 [email protected] SOURCE OUTFRONT Media Inc. With E-Commerce In North America NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SVP Worldwide parent company of PFAFF sewing brand launched their new PFAFF.com global website with eCommerce for North America. PFFAF.com was built to give our consumers easier access to PFAFF products as well as strengthen the PFAFF brand presence. The new and improved PFAFF.com offers an elevated new website design, with fresh and updated content expanding our consumer experience globally. It will enable eCommerce throughout North America and as part of our eCommerce enablement efforts, consumers in North America will have the ability to buy online and ship to their homes. They also have the option to ship to a nearby PFAFF Dealer that can assist with setup, configuration, training, accessories, and ongoing support. "We are thrilled with the modernized, revamped, and elevated PFAFF.com site. It serves to promote and highlight the brand globally. We feel sure that our loyal PFAFF consumers around the globe will enjoy the new site and find it a key go-to resource for guidance, inspiration, and brand information." - Dean Brindle, CMO SVP Worldwide. PFAFF's platform and services include: Global website expanding from 20 to 42 regional variants including distributors in many countries with translations in 17 languages. E-Commerce for North America Expanded product content, images, filters, and details to ensure that consumers find the right product information globally. New product and historical product information and support including user manuals, software updates, and more. New product finder tools to guide consumers through the process of selecting their new machine or supported sewing accessories. Please visit www.PFAFF.com for more details about what the new site offers. ABOUT PFAFF With a celebrated history of superior design and engineering, PFAFF sewing machines are the world's premier precision machines that sewists aspire to own. The PFAFF brand has more than 160 years of sewing heritage focused on the continued development and design of high-quality sewing and embroidery machines. Known as the perfecter of the craft, PFAFF machines deliver precision to the most demanding sewists by offering maximum control and customization. PFAFF machines are catalysts for passionate sewers, producing the highest quality results in all aspects of sewing. PFAFF and PFAFF PERFECTION STARTS HERE are registered trademarks of KSIN Luxembourg II, S.a.r.l. 2023 KSIN Luxembourg II, S.a.r.l. SOURCE SVP Worldwide NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the securities of PLDT Inc. (NYSE: PHI) between January 1, 2019 and December 19, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 7, 2023. SO WHAT: If you purchased PDLT securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the PLDT class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=10686 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 7, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose, among other things, that: (1) there were capital spending budget overruns; (2) defendants failed to address weaknesses that allowed such budget overruns; and (3) as a result, defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the PLDT class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=10686 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. Startup has raised $5M to eliminate data silos by enabling Salesforce to be the source of truth for product information CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pimly, the first ever Product Cloud, makes Salesforce the source of truth for critical product information allowing employees, prospects, partners and customers to become experts on product information. Mike Milburn left his role as Chief Customer Officer working for Marc Benioff at Salesforce and teamed up with veteran Salesforce architect and entrepreneur, founder of Etherios and Aleysian, Mike Dannenfeldt to re-define Product Information Management. The platform is now live and generally available in the Salesforce AppExchange. "Most Product Information Management (PIM) tools on the market introduce yet another data silo into an organization that only a small number of employees access," notes co-Founder Mike Dannenfeldt. "By bringing a 360-degree view of product information into Salesforce CRM, Pimly solves the data silo problem and distributes always-on, always-accurate product information to all company stakeholders that drive results." "At Salesforce, we disrupted the global Customer and Field Service Industries, and we are doing it again with Pimly," says Mike Milburn. "Salesforce is an incredible platform, since Pimly is built on core, (Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Lightning Commerce, Order Management, etc.) every user can get the benefits of Pimly with clicks not code." Pimly's mission to build the next great B2B SaaS company, headquartered in Chicago, has been so enthusiastically received that Pimly completed a $5M seed round led by Mike Fitzgerald and High Alpha. Other investors in the round include Hyde Park Angels (HPA), Handshake Ventures, and Dan Dal Degan (CEO of SpringCM and former Salesforce EVP Sales). Mike Fitzgerald, Partner at High Alpha shared, "Mike and Mike are proven business builders who have spent years laying the foundation for this business. Their vision for Pimly is grounded in experience serving sophisticated customers throughout the Salesforce ecosystem who need a new solution for managing product information. We are thrilled to lead the investment and support the team." "Pimly has an exceptional team that is disrupting a fast growing and dynamic market," said Erik Severinghaus, the HPA deal lead. "I couldn't be more excited to be partnering with them to transform how customers interact with products digitally." The financing will enable Pimly to drive further growth in the Go-to-Market and Product Teams. Pimly will advance its technology in the Sales, Service, Commerce and Industry Salesforce Clouds to deliver customer success. Seedbox Solution, an innovator in the agricultural packaging industry chose Pimly for its first Product Information Management System. Joe Waldman, Director of Growth for Seedbox Solution said, "We standardized our CRM on Salesforce and needed to enable our Sales and Services teams on our products. Pimly provides a simple way to unify all our product information including images, videos, technical specifications and installation information into one system. The DNA of Seedbox is our breadth of seed packaging products. Pimly furthers our commitment to our customers by having this data accessible to every employee 24x7." About Pimly Pimly is a modern Product Information Management solution that brings all of your product information into Salesforce to easily manage and utilize product data and digital assets across your Salesforce clouds. Now you can create world-class customer experiences because every client-facing team member sees the same, accurate information. Visit pimly.co for more information or go to Pimly on the Salesforce AppExchange to get started now. About High Alpha High Alpha is a leading venture studio that conceives, launches and scales next-generation B2B SaaS companies. Founded in 2015 by tech veterans Scott Dorsey, Eric Tobias, Mike Fitzgerald and Kristian Andersen, the Indianapolis-based firm pioneered the venture studio model. To date High Alpha has raised $250M across three funds from leading enterprise software investors and has launched and invested in more than 70 startups, including Lessonly, Socio, Attentive, SalesLoft, Zylo, Terminus, The Mom Project, Rheaply, LogicGate, MetaCX, Mandolin, project44 and more. For more information, visit highalpha.com or follow on Twitter @highalpha. About HPA HPA is a leading early-stage investor. Our People First model leverages world-class operating expertise, a powerful business network, and venture capital to fuel startup success. As a result, our founders transform their businesses into industry leaders, our investors generate best-in-class returns, and our community experiences job creation and economic growth. Contact: Erica Lanyon, Pimly Phone: 512.785.9018 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Pimly NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Gemini Trust Company, LLC, and certain officers. The class action, filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, and docketed under Index No. 650076/2023, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that invested in Gemini Earn (also referred to herein as "Earn") or otherwise purchased Gemini Interest Accounts ("GIAs") and were harmed thereby. Plaintiff pursues claims against the Defendants under the Securities Act of 1933 and the New York General Business Law, as well as common law claims for fraudulent inducement, fraudulent concealment, fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and civil conspiracy. If you invested in Gemini Earn or otherwise purchased GIAs and were harmed thereby, a copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and a summary of their transactions in Gemini Earn and/or GIAs. Gemini is a privately-owned cryptocurrency exchange launched in 2014 by Defendants Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss and headquartered in New York, New York. Gemini purportedly lets customers buy, sell, trade, and securely store more than 60 cryptocurrencies. One of the products Gemini offers is the GIA, a yield-bearing account sold through the Company's lending platform Gemini Earn, which allows users to lend out their crypto holdings in exchange for interest payments. According to the Gemini website, the Earn platform is partnered with various third-party crypto lenders who act as "accredited borrowers" of Gemini customer assets. Gemini has stated that its partners are "vetted through a risk management framework which reviews our partners' collateralization management process." Moreover, the Company stated that customers were able to "redeem [their] assets at any time[,]" and "in all cases our partners are required to return your funds to you within five business days." Gemini's primary third-party partner at all relevant times was Genesis Global Capital, LLC ("Genesis"). In early November 2022, the cryptocurrency exchange FTX experienced a significant liquidity crisis after it was revealed that customer assets had been misappropriated to cover the trading losses and repay the outstanding debts of Alameda Research ("Alameda"), a crypto-trading firm founded by FTX's former Chief Executive Officer Sam Bankman-Fried. On November 14, 2022, Gemini sent an email assuring its customers that Gemini had no exposure to FTT tokens or Alameda and no material exposure to FTX. However, on November 16, 2022, Gemini announced that Genesis had halted customer withdrawals upon realizing it would not be able to return customer funds within the five-business day timeframe advertised on the Gemini Earn website. Gemini subsequently paused withdrawals on the Earn program. Market publications later revealed that the ban on withdrawals came after Genesis suffered losses of over $1.8 billion from loans it made to failed crypto firms including Alameda. As a result of Defendants' wrongful acts and omissions, investors in Gemini Earn and GIAs have suffered significant losses and damages. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP French soldiers take part in a military operation carried out in northern Burkina Faso on November 12, 2019. Photo by Xinhua News Agency / AFP The French government recently announced that it will pull back its troops and call back its ambassador from Burkina Faso within a month upon the request of the government of the African country, which is another one to make such a request as Mali in 2022. Many African countries used to be Frances colonies and are still deeply influenced by it today in multiple areas. The Sahel region in particular, where Mali and Burkina Faso are located, is a hotbed infested with international terrorism and the main battlefield of French troops anti-terror operations. But countries in this region have taken turns in asking French troops to leave recently and their requests are quickly satisfied. One immediate reason to the current situation is the rising anti-France sentiments in the region. After NATO members including the US, Britain and France helped Libyas anti-government armed forces overthrow the Gaddafi regime, the country, now in total chaos and disorder, became the source of terrorist attacks that spilled over to the Sahel region, where the people were complaining about the harassment and violence. The poor anti-terror performance in Sahel by French troops over the years has also caused the local people to question the legitimacy of the presence of French troops there and they have organized several protests against it. Moreover, the deteriorating security situation has triggered political instability in regional countries, while Frances habitual interference in the local change of power has strongly repelled them. In addition, a deeper reason is the French governments eagerness to step away from the anti-terror quagmire. Based on its military presence and actions, France remains one of the out-of-region countries that have the greatest sway over Africa but assuming the role of military police in Africa has put a heavy burden on it. In 2014, France launched Operation Crescent Dune in the Sahel region, whereby it dispatched thousands of soldiers to combat terrorist organizations alongside with troops of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. But eight long years of operations sustained by an immense amount of manpower, materials and finance have only resulted in more instead of fewer terrorist organizations in the region, dragging France ever further down the quagmire. Unable to bear the burden anymore, Paris decided to relieve itself from the anti-terror abyss by pulling its troops from Mali and Burkina Faso, and tried to improve its image in the region. The contention between the West and Russia in Africa is a catalyst. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has intensified the years long strategic rivalry between France, or the West in general, and Russia in Africa, giving African countries a chance to secure more benefits from both blocs diplomatic efforts to bring them to their side. Either to balance the presence of French troops or to fill the vacuum left by their withdrawal, some countries in the Sahel region have opted to work with Russian mercenary group PMC Wagner and invited it to help train and assist their troops, a move that has given these countries a louder voice when asking the French troops to leave. Although these countries, including Mali and Burkina Faso, have adhered to diplomatic diversification, western countries like France have always been alert to Russias growing influence in Africa. Therefore, how and where the Burkina Faso-France relationship will go after the pull-back of French troops is to be observed. As the world is undergoing profound changes never seen in a century, the France-Africa relationship, especially military interactions, has come to a period of reshuffle too. African countries pursuing flexible and independent diplomacy is an inevitable trend, and Western countries like France should respect their legitimate demands and get down from their high horses. NBAA Regional will be held February 8th and NGPA is February 9th and 10th ATLANTA, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Volato , the most efficient way to own a private jet, today announced its participation in both NBAA's Southeast Regional Forum and NGPA Palm Springs . NBAA's Regional Forum will be held at the Miami-Opa locka Executive Airport (OPF) in Opa Locka, Florida, on February 8th. NGPA will run February 9th and 10th, and will take place at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, California. The NBAA Regional Forum is recognized as one of the best local networking events for business aviation professionals, pilots, owners, manufacturers, and anyone involved in the day-to-day operations of business and private aircraft. The event brings together current and prospective business aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, customers and other industry personnel for a one-day event featuring exhibits, an aircraft display and education sessions to help introduce business aviation to local officials and prospective owners and operators, and to address any current issues in the regions. To meet with the team at NBAA Opa Locka on February 8, visit booth 132 or email [email protected] to make an appointment. NGPA is the largest organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer aviation professionals and enthusiasts from around the world. Since 1990 their mission has been simple: to build, support, and unite the LGBTQ aviation community worldwide. The Palm Springs event serves as their warm-up event and features keynote speakers, hundreds of ATP-qualified active airline pilots seeking employment, aviation products and services, and educational seminars for both commercial, business/corporate, and general aviation pilots. To meet with the team at NGPA Palm Springs on February 9th and 10th, visit booth 332 or email [email protected] to make an appointment. The Volato team will be recruiting top industry talent, meeting potential customers and connecting with flight departments throughout the course of both events. About Volato : Volato is a full-service aviation company providing modern ways to enjoy luxury private jets through innovative, friendly, and sustainable solutions. Volato provides a fresh approach to fractional ownership, aircraft management, jet card and charter programs. Volato's fractional program uniquely offers flexible hours and a revenue share on every live mission for owners in a fleet of bespoke HondaJet Elites , which are optimized for missions of up to four passengers, and Gulfstream G280 ' s , which are optimized for missions of up to ten passengers. For more information, visit https://www.flyvolato.com . All Volato flights are operated by its DOT/FAA-authorized air carrier subsidiary (G C Aviation, Inc., d/b/a Volato) or by an approved vendor air carrier. Media Contact: Teddy Burnette +1 (619) 888-5217 [email protected] SOURCE Volato FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Providence Partners, an Austin Texas IT and technical staffing and recruiting agency, is proud to announce hiring of Ryan Kovach as their new Fort Worth Division Branch Manager. Providence Partners has been proudly serving the booming Austin IT and Tech staffing market for over a decade and is now expanding their operations to the Dallas Fort Worth area, with Ryan Kovach heading up the initiative. Ryan brings over 25 years of staffing experience with an emphasis on business development and marketing. Ryan has worked with and consulted for multi-national staffing agencies with more than a billion dollars in revenue as well as successfully launching two start-up agencies that quickly grew to multi-million dollar entities within 24 months. If you are a hiring manager in the Dallas/Fort Worth market and are looking for highly skilled IT, tech, and engineering talent, you may reach out to Ryan Kovach at [email protected] SOURCE Providence Partners BOSTON and NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Provident Healthcare Partners ("Provident"), a leading healthcare investment banking firm, announced it has advised Lowcountry Urology Clinics ("Lowcountry") in its affiliation with Solaris Health Holdings ("Solaris"), a portfolio company of Lee Equity Partners. Lowcountry Urology Clinics merged five individual Charleston urology practices in 2006 to provide a comprehensive, expert approach to urology for the entire Charleston area. The South Carolina urology leader will bring to Solaris the skills and talents of 13 providers who care for over 20,000 unique patients each year. Provident's deal team was led by Managing Director Kevin Palamara. Husch Blackwell LLP served as legal counsel to Lowcountry Urology Clinics and Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP served as legal counsel to Solaris. The Provident team consists of personable, affable, and confident experts. They were always available for anything we needed including advice, discussion, direction, and support. Tweet this "In our search for an investment banking partner, we interviewed several potential firms. From our first interview to the final day of closing, Provident gave us the confidence to navigate a system that we, as physicians, were unfamiliar with. Their representation of our practice was entirely in line with our goals, and their communication throughout the process was excellent. Provident followed through on all their promises and were the perfect choice for us in this process. I would highly recommend them to any group looking for investment banking advice," commented Dr. John J. Britton, President of Lowcountry Urology Clinics. "The Provident team consists of personable, affable, and confident experts. They were always available for anything we needed including advice, discussion, direction, and support. They have a deep level understanding in all aspects of the practice consolidation and private equity worlds. We could not have asked for a more professional group to work with. The entire team from beginning to end was outstanding," stated Dr. Scott Wingo, Shareholder of Lowcountry Urology. "Congratulations to our friends at Lowcountry," noted Palamara. "As a mission driven provider of personalized urologic healthcare, they were the ideal entry point into the Carolinas region for Solaris. We wish both sides nothing but success in their partnership." "The cultural alignment of Lowcountry and Solaris was evident from the start, and we're excited for the growth in the Carolinas," added Dustin Thompson, Director at Provident Healthcare Partners. About Lowcountry Urology Clinics Specialists at Lowcountry Urology Clinics have years of experience providing the highest standard of care for women and men facing urinary and sexual disorders. The urology clinic has state-of-the-art technology to provide patients in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Summerville and several surrounding cities the best urology care in the area. Visit www.lowcountryurology.com for more information. About Solaris Health Solaris Health is a leading national healthcare platform committed to enhancing access to specialty healthcare and continually improving patient outcomes. Empowering community providers allows Solaris to make sure that every decision made puts patient care at the forefront. Solaris is growing to meet the changing needs of the healthcare providers, and to develop innovative ways to better deliver value and state-of-the-art care to its patients. Solaris Health is proud to be among the most innovative medical organizations in the United States. Visit www.solarishealthpartners.com for more information. About Provident Healthcare Partners Provident is a leading healthcare investment banking firm specializing in merger and acquisition advisory, strategic planning, and capital formation services for healthcare companies. The firm has a comprehensive knowledge of market sectors and specialties, including urology. Provident also has unsurpassed experience and insight into the M&A process, which includes working with a multitude of investors such as private equity firms and strategic consolidators. For additional information, visit www.providenthp.com or follow Provident on LinkedIn. SOURCE Provident Healthcare Partners LLC Addition Will Expand Capabilities for In-House Production of Dog and Cat Treats for Pet Care Leader ST. LOUIS, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestle Purina PetCare today announced plans to acquire Red Collar Pet Foods' Miami, Oklahoma pet treats factory from Arbor Investments, with an anticipated closing in March. The addition of the Miami factory to Purina's North American production footprint will mark the 22nd Purina owned and operated facility nationwide and expand in-house capabilities for dog and cat treats innovation and production. The Red Collar factory was carefully selected based on its current and future soft and meaty pet treats production capabilities and shared commitment to quality and safety. Purina has worked with the Red Collar team since 2022 to co-manufacture several soft chew pet treats under its Purina treats portfolio and Zuke's brands. "We look forward to welcoming the Red Collar team to the Purina family and becoming part of the Miami community," said Nolan Terry, head of manufacturing for Nestle Purina North America. "Working together, we can continue our shared legacy of operational excellence when it comes to the safety of our people and quality of our products." For Red Collar, the sale underscores the quality of the Miami operations and team. "The Miami, Oklahoma plant has a long legacy of industry-leading safety and quality, from the knowledgeable people to the high-quality, safe treats they produce," said Jim Cohen, president and CEO at Red Collar Pet Foods. "We are pleased that Miami's expertise, operational excellence and dedicated associates will be a great fit for Nestle Purina." The acquisition comes during a period of record growth and capital investment for Purina. Two dry food factories are currently under construction in Eden, North Carolina and Williamsburg Township, Ohio, which are expected to open in late 2023 and 2024 respectively. Between 2020-2025, Purina is investing more than $2 Billion in factory expansions, new construction and acquisitions, creating more than 850 new jobs in the process. "Continued innovation and expanded production capabilities are critical to help drive future growth in our treats business," said Andrea Faccio, Chief Growth Officer at Purina. "The Red Collar team has the expertise to add tremendous value to Purina as we pursue new opportunities to feed and treat dogs and cats." Following closing, Purina will begin transitioning factory operations to produce its current and future dog and cat treat products. ABOUT PURINA Nestle Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Fancy Feast and Tidy Cats. Our more than 8,700 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 51 million dogs and 65 million cats every year. More than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition. Purina promotes responsible pet care through our scientific research, our products, and our support for pet-related organizations. Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive. Purina is part of Nestle, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news. ABOUT RED COLLAR PET FOODS At Red Collar, we are pet people with decades of experience who believe every pet deserves great treats made right here from our factories in the U.S. Established in 2018, we make high-quality treats for national distribution. Learn more at www.redcollarpet.com ABOUT ARBOR INVESTMENTS Founded in 1999 with offices in Chicago and New York, Arbor Investments is a specialized private equity firm focusing exclusively on acquiring premier companies in the food, beverage and related industries. To date, the firm has acquired or invested in over 80 companies in North America. www.arborpic.com SOURCE Nestle Purina PetCare Business finance solution Qonto tapped InsurTech Qover to simplify its embedded insurance program for cardholders. Qover's tech-forward orchestration streamlines Qonto's insurance operations. Cardholders can access various levels of travel, fraud and item protection to confidently manage their business. BRUSSELS, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading European business finance solution Qonto has partnered with embedded insurance orchestration provider Qover to streamline their insurance operations. Qover's modular embedded insurance orchestration platform enables companies like Qonto to integrate tailored insurance products for a better user experience, while simplifying program management through transparent claims data. The new insurance program was designed based on real input from Qonto's customers largely SMEs and freelancers. All 350,000+ businesses across France, Germany, Spain and Italy now have access to various levels of travel, fraud and purchase protection depending on their payment card . "We're happy to launch the new card insurance offer to our clients together with Qover," says Albertine Lecointe, VP of Strategy at Qonto. "As a customer-centric company, we strive to offer the best solutions to our clients. Embedding the Qover offer is seamless and easy, while creating a lot of value for our clients." "We're excited to partner with someone who shares the same tech-driven approach," says Quentin Colmant, CEO & Co-founder of Qover. "We both strive to make insurance simple and transparent for Qonto as a business and their clients. The modularity of our embedded insurance orchestration platform means that Qonto can decide which insurance services they need from advising on the right product to streamlining operations to providing clear performance data to track the progression of their program. I'm hopeful for how this collaboration will continue to evolve." View the full release or download media . About Qover Qover is an InsurTech that adds completely tailored cover to a company's digital experience, increasing its opportunities to grow and decreasing the cost of insurance as the business scales. Qover's Pan-European embedded insurance orchestration platform provides seamless digital insurance experiences to over 2.5 million users across 32 different countries, and works with longstanding partners like Revolut, Monese, Rewire and many others. About Qonto Qonto is the leading European business finance solution. It simplifies everything from everyday banking and financing to bookkeeping, invoicing and spend management. With its fast and innovative product, highly responsive customer service and transparent prices, Qonto energises SMEs and freelancers so that they can achieve more. Contact: Alex Vickery [email protected] SOURCE Qover Australian broker QCM bursts into 2023 with three prestigious international awards just a year after its market debut. It stood out as the best Forex broker in Australia and got awards for the best trading platform. SYDNEY, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the end of the year, QCM received an award at the Le Fonti Awards Global one of the world's leading business ceremonies organized by a major news broadcasting agency with a focus on economics, finance, law and infotainment. The company received a trophy as the best trading platform in Australia, outperforming the competitors in terms of the trading experience and user friendliness. QCM awards 2022 Another highlight of the year 2022 for QCM was the Best Forex Broker Australia award received at ForexAwards , the annual ceremony celebrating top brokers from around the world. According to the selection results, QCM was rated the best in terms of trading conditions and recognized as Australia's #1 for Forex trading. QCM's hall of fame was also replenished with an award for the most innovative trading platform in Australia. The award was issued by World Business Outlook , a global publisher that holds an annual ceremony honoring the leading actors in finance, banking, and technology. "We've been preparing to enter the Australian market for a long time: bringing the business in line with strict local legislation, researching competition and customer needs. Quadcode Markets is a unique broker: with a low barrier to entry, an interesting set of assets, favorable trading conditions, and an easy-to-use trading platform. To our delight, QCM was warmly welcomed by the local users and recognized by the professional community, so we keep improving the user experience to make our platform #1 choice for traders in Australia." - Markus Helsing, Quadode Markets General Manager Quadcode Markets is an ASIC-licensed multi-asset brokerage firm. Despite its young age by market standards, QCM got a strong start thanks to its industry-rare asset selection and low entry threshold. The QCM trading platform powered by Quadcode provides access to CFD trading on stocks, commodities, indices, FX pairs and crypto, and draws a lot of interest due to its simple UI especially among the less experienced users. In 2022, QCM became the Official Global Partner of the Davis Cup Finals. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1996794/qcm_awards.jpg SOURCE quadcodemarkets.com CHATHAM, N.J. and CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Chicago and R. Seelaus & Co., LLC. have partnered to deploy City of Chicago investment capital into mortgages to minority families in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods across the city of Chicago. By putting their capital to work, The City of Chicago is supporting specific loan programs that benefit low-to-moderate income communities, creating a win-win for families and lenders alike. The deployment of capital began in late January into loan programs that were underwritten to the guidelines of the Government Backed Enterprises (GSEs), Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. By working together, they are hoping to create a more equitable and sustainable path to access home ownership and at the same time, hoping to increase lending to an underserved demographic. These investments create a more lucrative environment for originators to do more lending into these communities. R. Seelaus & Co. and The City of Chicago Partnering to Invest in Mortgages in Low-Income Neighborhoods across Chicago Tweet this "Having investors target specific geographies and underrepresented groups with their capital will have a profound and lasting impact on the families and neighborhoods of Chicago that need it most," says Annie Seelaus, CEO of R. Seelaus &Co., LLC. "We are proud to be a part of this endeavor. It's a great example of aligning missions and resources to build wealth today for a greater tomorrow." "Access to homeownership for lower-income households is vital to lifting our marginalized neighborhoods. I believe this initiative will get desperately needed mortgage capital into the hands of our residents and families who have historically been locked out of the American Dream of owning their own home." Said Chicago City Treasurer, Melissa Conyears-Ervin. "Owning a home provides a sense of pride and belonging that can help build stronger and more connected communities." About the City Treasurer's Office The City Treasurer's Office is the custodian and manager of all cash and investments for the City of Chicago, the four City employee pension funds, and the Chicago Teacher's Pension Fund. Additionally, the Treasurer's Office manages a number of programs that promote financial education and small business growth in Chicago's neighborhoods. The Treasurer is one of three city-wide elected officials in the City of Chicago, with the Mayor and the Clerk being the others. In May 2019, Melissa Conyears-Ervin made history when she was sworn in as City Treasurer for the City of Chicago, the first African-American woman ever to hold the position without prior appointment. As City Treasurer, she is committed to using a positive, results oriented approach with city departments. She works to restore the public's trust in governmentgood governmentthat works for the people and applies an equity lens to all of the office's programs and outreach. About R. Seelaus & Co., Inc. R. Seelaus & Co., Inc. was founded in 1984 by Richard Seelaus, originally as a municipal bond broker-dealer. The firm has since become a certified women's business enterprise ("WBE") and has grown into a full-service financial firm that is mission driven in its commitment to creating more opportunities for women in the financial services. R. Seelaus & Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries offer investment advisory, asset management, capital markets, brokerage, fixed income and equity trading, institutional sales, leveraged finance and insurance services. The R. Seelaus & Co., LLC subsidiary is a broker dealer registered with the SEC and member of FINRA, and the subsidiary Seelaus Asset Management, LLC, is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor ("RIA"). With various fixed income trading desks and more than seventy professionals, both entities serve individuals, families, public and private companies, non-profit organizations, and institutional investors. The firm has offices in New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina and Massachusetts. For more information about R. Seelaus & Co., and its subsidiaries visit www.rseelaus.com SOURCE R. Seelaus & Co NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Developed and designed by JER Marketing Inc., RCR|HUB launched its online community dedicated to helping healthcare Revenue Cycle Management teams meet, connect, network, and collectively generate information and resources to be shared by all community members. The Revenue Cycle Resources (RCR)|HUB hosts 1000+ business partners, links and insight to more than 6000+ hospitals, continuing education resources, nineteen market-leading associations, an interactive calendar, and a bit of hubbub to help teams stay up to date on trends. Healthcare Revenue Cycle Resources CommUnity "Our focus at RCR|HUB is simple - connect the Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) community," said Jena Eggert, Founder|CEO of JER Marketing. "The site is built exclusively for RCM leaders, their teams, and business partners alike. There is no charge to use or be listed on the site. RCR|HUB enables users to find services and solutions, peers, continuing education opportunities, association links, events, and, yes, have a little fun." When asked why the urgent need to develop an online community, Eggert explains, "As we go to press, an internet search shows millions of denial management companies in the U.S.; on RCR|HUB, we currently have 68 companies listed on our platform. Are there additional companies? Absolutely! That's the beauty of the HUB; our business partners submit their names and website and choose two categories: in real-time, companies are added." "As we look to the future, with the communities help, new releases will ensure that this platform flourishes. Our first board meets on February 16 with their recommendations; additions and upgrades will be incorporated. As we continue designing and programming, I welcome our entire RCM community to dive in and discover what the hubbub is about," said Eggert. RCR|HUB: One-Stop Location for All Things RCM Business partners are listed on an interactive dropdown; company names, websites, and brief company descriptions are listed on the business partner page on the RCR|HUB. Each company listing is free. Business partners may choose two category listings to get them started, with additional category options provided by paying minimal yearly fees. Business partners may also purchase billboard spots on the RCR|HUB homepage for increased visibility as well as places on the RCR|HUB business partner page. Access to the RCR|HUB can help members in a variety of ways: Find a Provider or Healthcare Organization: Find Revenue Cycle providers among the 6,000+ hospitals in the U.S. managerial, director, SVP, or C-suite executive level. Find Revenue Cycle providers among the 6,000+ hospitals in the U.S. managerial, director, SVP, or C-suite executive level. Find a Business Partner: Business Partners from the Revenue Cycle community with active websites are displayed with their names, website, and brief website descriptions to facilitate easy networking. Business Partners from the Revenue Cycle community with active websites are displayed with their names, website, and brief website descriptions to facilitate easy networking. Find an Event: Constantly updated and detailed calendar of industry events from the most influential organizers, complete with links to descriptions, registration, and scheduling info. Constantly updated and detailed calendar of industry events from the most influential organizers, complete with links to descriptions, registration, and scheduling info. Pursue a Continuing Education: A comprehensive online archive of RCM courses, programs, certifications, and degrees to keep skills updated and relevant. A comprehensive online archive of RCM courses, programs, certifications, and degrees to keep skills updated and relevant. RCR|HUB Fun Swag: Swag created exclusively for RCM professionals. Go online to explore the platform in-depth, and for updates and announcements, follow RCR|HUB on social media: LinkedIn. About JER Marketing Inc. Founded in 2011, JER Marketing provides distinctive and pioneering marketing strategies tailored to reflect the brand and messaging of each business and organization. From streamlined and sleek logos, dazzling trade show designs, and complete multimedia packages that make a big splash, JER Marketing creates powerful imaging and branding that gives clients a way to stand out and get noticed. Passionate about design, the team at JER always promises less and delivers more. Learn how we can help you "Be Brilliant!" at: www.JERMarketing.com. Media Contact: Jena Eggert, Founder|CEO Phone: 407.421.4940 Email: [email protected] SOURCE JER Marketing High potential in emerging markets due to the availability of improved healthcare infrastructure, rise in prevalence of chronic diseases, and increase in consumer awareness towards pathogen testing and preventive healthcare drive the global respiratory pathogen testing kits market. PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Respiratory Pathogen Testing Kits Market by Product Type (RT PCR Kits, Lateral flow test kits, ELISA Kits, Others), by Application (Influenza Virus Infection, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection, Others), by End User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031." According to the report, the global respiratory pathogen testing kits industry is estimated to generate $2.2 billion in 2021 and $3.7 billion by 2031, witnessing a CAGR of 5.5% 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/15429 Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities Rise in prevalence of chronic diseases, increase in awareness regarding pathogen testing and preventive healthcare, increase in promotional activities by manufacturers, and growth in awareness regarding respiratory testing kits among the general population fuel the growth of the global respiratory pathogen testing kits market. However, reimbursement concerns over the testing kits, unfavorable regulatory scenarios of the products used for testing, and an increase in healthcare cost hinder the global market growth. On the other hand, a high growth potential in untapped and emerging economies due to the availability of improved healthcare infrastructure will present lucrative growth opportunities for the global respiratory pathogen testing kits market in future. Covid-19 Scenario The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the global respiratory pathogen testing kits market positively. The pandemic led to the increased demand for pathogen testing technology to detect the molecular tests and map COVID-19 antibody for Covid-19 infection. Various companies adopted the product launch strategy to check immune monitoring, diagnostics tests, and vaccines development. The lateral flow test kits segment to exhibit progressive revenue growth during the forecast period Based on product type, the lateral flow test kits segment contributed to the largest share of more than one-third of the global respiratory pathogen testing kits market in 2021, and is expected to rule the roost during the forecast period. This is due to an increase in adoption of lateral flow test kits for the diagnosis of chronic diseases and the wide availability of respiratory pathogen testing kits in the market. However, the ELISA kits segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR of 6.3% from 2022 to 2031. This is due to the increase in prevalence of respiratory microbial infections among the population, rise in healthcare expenditure and an increase in the adoption of respiratory infections diagnostic products for diagnosis. The influenza virus infection segment to dominate in terms of revenue during the forecast period Based on application, the influenza virus infection segment held the largest share of more than half of the global respiratory pathogen testing kits market in 2021, and is expected to maintain a prominent growth during the forecast period. The same segment is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR of 6.0% in 2031, owing to an increase in application of pathogen testing in the diagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases. Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/15429 The hospitals segment to maintain its leadership during the forecast period Based on end user, the hospitals segment held the largest share of nearly three-fifths of the global respiratory pathogen testing kits market in 2021 and is expected to maintain a prominent revenue growth in 2031. This is because hospitals are the oldest and most conventional medium for using respiratory pathogen testing kits to diagnose patients. However, the diagnostic centers segment would exhibit the highest CAGR of 6.0% in 2031, as hospitals are also one of the oldest mediums for using respiratory pathogen testing kits to diagnose patients. The segmental growth is also attributed to an increase in research activities for the testing of respiratory pathogens and a rise in the number of specialty clinics globally. Asia-Pacific to garner the highest growth by 2031 Based on region, the market in North America was the largest in 2021, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global respiratory pathogen testing kits market, and is likely to maintain its dominance during the forecast timeframe. This is due to the high prevalence rate of respiratory diseases, increase in the number market players and a surge in the testing facilities in the region. However, the market in Asia-Pacific is likely to show the fastest CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period. This is owing to the presence of high populace countries such as India and China, which in turn, increases the prevalence rate of infectious diseases, and the increasing number of strategies and trends adopted by the market players in the region. Leading Market Players Abbott Laboratories Altona Diagnostics Becton, Dickinson and Company BIOMERIEUX SA Danaher Corporation F Hoffman La Roche Ltd. Mylab Discovery Solutions Private Limited Qiagen NV Siemens AG Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. The report analyzes these key players of the global respiratory pathogen testing kits 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): Opioid Use Disorder Market by Drug Type (Agonist, Antagonist), by Age group (19 to 39, 40 to 59, Age 60 and over), by Route of Administration (Oral, Intravenous, Sublingual), by Distribution channal (Hospital pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy): 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 Genome Editing Market by Application (Cell Line Engineering, Genetic Engineering, Drug Discovery, Gene-modified Cell Therapy, Diagnostics, and Other Applications), Technology (CRISPR, TALEN, ZFN, and Other Technologies), and End User (Academics & Government Institutes, Biotechnology & Pharma Companies, and Contract Research Organizations): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 Medical Cannabis Market by Product Type (Buds/Marijuana Flower and Cannabis Extracts), Application (Chronic Pain, Mental Disorders, Cancer, and Others), and End User (Pharmaceutical and Research & Development Centers): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 Vertigo Treatment Market by Type (Peripheral Vertigo, Central Vertigo), by Treatment (Anticholinergics, Antihistamines, Others), by Distribution channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Stores & Retail Pharmacies, Online Providers): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 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 ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rhythm Management Group (Rhythm), a market leading service provider of remote monitoring services, has been awarded a national group purchasing agreement for Remote Patient Monitoring of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) and external physiologic equipment and devices with Premier, Inc., a leading healthcare improvement company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Effective as of February 1, the new agreement allows Premier members, at their discretion, to take advantage of special pricing and terms pre-negotiated by Premier for remote monitoring services and solutions. "Remote patient monitoring continues to be in high demand throughout the healthcare industry. Despite being one of the fastest growing segments in healthcare today, RPM remains vastly underutilized due to the complexities of maintaining a viable program. We are able to help hospitals and physician practices create a more efficient system of care delivery through our customer service, advanced technology, continued collaboration and clinical expertise," said Rhonda Bray, founder and CEO. Under the terms of the contract, Rhythm will offer Premier members direct access to our superior service with our advanced technology platform to help physicians, practices, alternate sites, hospitals, and health systems monitor patients with cardiovascular disease and rhythm disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure and other health issues. Premier is a leading healthcare improvement company, uniting an alliance of approximately 4,400 U.S. hospitals and 250,000 other providers to transform healthcare. With integrated data and analytics, collaboratives, supply chain solutions, consulting and other services, Premier enables better care and outcomes at a lower cost. About Rhythm Management Group. Founded by experienced clinicians who care deeply about delivering exceptional remote monitoring services , Rhythm connects your organization to more patients, more optimal monitoring, more actionable data, and more reimbursement. For over a decade, we've helped practices and health systems create, improve, and scale their remote monitoring programs, providing compassionate services to more than 125,000 patients across the country. Whether you need a full-service solution or technology alone, we can engage more patients in your program, streamline your workflows, and deliver timely, critical insights to your physicians, so you can care for more people with fewer resources. For more information visit https://www.myrhythmnow.com/ . For More Information John Gonda 616-309-4888 [email protected] SOURCE Rhythm Management Group enVision 2024 , the newest edition of Savvas Learning Company's highly-effective and best-selling math series for grades K-12, is now packed with even more student-centered activities that engage learners in real-world, meaningful math, along with a variety of new instructional support tools to save teachers time while offering them flexibility for lesson planning. "Savvas has always been focused on providing educators the highest-quality math curriculum combined with the most flexible resources to make teaching easier, a commitment that has made enVision the nation's most popular math program used in thousands of classrooms everywhere," said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. "With new features centered around students and more supportive resources for both home and classroom, enVision offers an innovative curriculum that helps educators teach with confidence and engages students with hands-on, problem-based learning." enVision Mathematics provides comprehensive, standards-based content to support all students in developing deep conceptual understanding, procedural skill, and fluency, with relevant application opportunities to become college- and career-ready. The nationally recognized series including enVision Mathematics 2024 Grades K-5 , enVision Mathematics 2024 Grades 6-8 , and enVision A|G|A 2024 Algebra 1 | Geometry | Algebra 2 features problem-based learning, performance tasks, and visual instruction, providing students multiple ways to learn. Accessible on the newly enhanced Savvas Realize, the K-12 education industry's most innovative learning management system, enVision offers the flexibility of digital, print, and blended instruction, and provides educators with the tools they need to personalize learning for all students. A selection of new features includes: Student-Led Learning Activities: High-interest, hands-on math projects, like the new "Let's Investigate!" digital lessons, add to an array of multimedia lessons and project-based learning activities, including 3-Act Math Modeling , Pick a Project , and STEM Projects , that invite every student's input to build a collective understanding of new ideas. High-interest, hands-on math projects, like the new "Let's Investigate!" digital lessons, add to an array of multimedia lessons and project-based learning activities, including , , and , that invite every student's input to build a collective understanding of new ideas. Flexible Teacher Support: Embedded teacher support and meaningful professional development are built right into the program, while new, ready-made instructional materials for each lesson make teacher preparation time quick and easy. Embedded teacher support and meaningful professional development are built right into the program, while new, ready-made instructional materials for each lesson make teacher preparation time quick and easy. Family Engagement Resources: Shareable digital resources for every lesson are specifically designed to empower families with easy-to-understand topic previews and lesson summaries, along with worked-out homework examples, learning videos, and suggestions for math practice at home. Shareable for every lesson are specifically designed to empower families with easy-to-understand topic previews and lesson summaries, along with worked-out homework examples, learning videos, and suggestions for math practice at home. Personalized Student Practice: The new Savvy Adaptive Practice delivers just-right math instruction and personalized practice automatically in real time, allowing students to review prerequisite concepts or accelerate forward as they practice. Savvas also announced that its Savvas Math Screener and Diagnostic Assessments (MSDA) tool, for use with enVision Mathematics K-8, now includes mid-year and year-end growth assessments to help educators monitor student progress and skills proficiency throughout the school year. Easily administered via Savvas Realize, the MSDA offers data-driven insights with standards-based instructional content recommendations to help teachers tailor instruction and address students' individual learning needs. District-level report visualizations also make monitoring district assessment administration and student performance easy and efficient. With its unique and proven instructional design, enVision offers comprehensive vertical alignment from kindergarten through Algebra 2, ensuring schools and districts meet student and teacher needs with one trusted program. Educators like Josh Robertson, secondary curriculum and instruction director for the Houston County School District in Alabama, agree: "One of the reasons I like enVision is that it's a consistent program in all the K-12 classrooms across our district. That's invaluable for our students." "Our district has had great success with enVision Math," Robertson continued. "We have seen a significant increase in the rigor of the material being taught, and with that, an increase in student achievement. The curriculum is rigorous yet supportive, as it builds the level of rigor into the lesson. The program also provides our students with engaging material and opportunities for collaboration as well as challenge problems and activities. With enVision, the possibilities are really endless with what our students can do." ABOUT SAVVAS LEARNING COMPANY At Savvas, we believe learning should inspire. By combining new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of interacting, we design next-generation learning solutions that help prepare students to become global citizens in a more interconnected, digital world. To learn more, visit Savvas Learning Company . Savvas Learning Company's products are available for sale in Canada through its subsidiary, Rubicon . SOURCE Savvas Learning Company Delivering broadest portfolio of solutions to manage the lifecycle of the grid Stepwise journeys enabling utilities to start small while laying a foundation that scales for long-term visions Grid to Prosumer approach extended with Home Energy Management BOSTON and SAN DIEGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Schneider Electric , the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced the next phase in its Grids of the Future offerings at DISTRIBUTECH International 2023, the leading annual transmission and distribution event for utilities, technology providers, and industry leaders. North American utilities are facing significant disruption with a climate emergency, talent scarcity and energy crisis, further exacerbated by prosumer revolutions on the demand side. To provide guidance through this unprecedented change, Schneider Electric has expanded its Grid to Prosumer portfolio to help customers and utilities transform and digitalize their business across the energy value chain. "Rather than a barrier, this inevitable new energy landscape presents an opportunity for utilities to transform their businesses by reimagining their existing business models, capturing infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding, and digitalizing the demand and supply sides," said Gary Lawrence, Power and Grid Segment President at Schneider Electric. "We are proud to have a robust and continuously evolving portfolio to serve as a trusted partner in the journey toward Grids of the Future." Delivering the Broadest Spectrum of Solutions to Manage the Lifecycle of the Grid Stepwise journeys for digital transformation: As utilities face complex grid, power generation, and energy transition challenges, rapid innovation with agile deployments helps utilities achieve near-term benefits while laying a foundation for bold long-term visions. Adopting a stepwise approach allows utilities to start small and scale over time by initially focusing on the most pressing customer needs and grid locations versus deploying solutions systemwide all at once. The Grid to Prosumer approach addresses distributed energy resource (DER) management needs across enterprise technology and business processes. An example stepwise journey for DER management starts with modeling and simulation, then incrementally advances to situational awareness, simplified optimization, advanced optimization and market integration. First-of-its-kind home energy management solution: Schneider Electric has made additional investments in Grid to Prosumer with extended offerings that now include home energy management. Award winning Schneider Home provides homeowners with energy independence through an integrated home energy management solution controlled by a single, easy-to-use app that automates energy production, storage, measurement and control, making homes efficient, resilient and sustainable. With a multi-faceted approach guided by a foundation of digital transformation, utilities can integrate with Schneider Home to maximize grid flexibility, respond to changing prosumer priorities and optimize across market needs. EcoStruxure Grid Operation deployable on Azure for outage management: Schneider's Grid Operations Platform as a Service was built to address current and future challenges for grid operators, including small to medium utilities looking to modernize. Now EcoStruxure Grid Operation is available as a cloud deployable solution hosted on Microsoft's Azure infrastructure. With this agile approach to outage management, grid operators can focus on core business strategies versus maintaining and updating IT infrastructure. This advancement is one of many examples that support Schneider Electric's #1 ranking in the Guidehouse Insights Leaderboard for ADMS Vendors report. AI-powered vegetation management for grid resilience: Schneider Electric also announces a new joint grid resilience offering with AiDash, which addresses modern day infrastructure and environmental challenges, such as aging power grids, decarbonization and distributed power generation, vegetation growth inside rights-of-way, and the impact of storms and wildfires. Now, utilities can leverage the latest in analytics to prevent power outages, predict future outcomes, and build climate resilience. EcoStruxure Transformer Expert for asset maintenance and operations: Acknowledging the essential role transformers play in today's energy landscape, Schneider Electric has launched EcoStruxure Transformer Expert, an easy-to-deploy monitoring solution for higher ROI. It includes IoT sensors and software analytics for oil transformers that can be leveraged for oil transformers of all ages, regardless of manufacturer. It helps maximize operations uptime and operational efficiency, reduce maintenance costs and extend lifetime by providing full visibility into health status and operations to drive data-driven decisions and optimization. Substation control for secure operations: PowerLogic T500 offers a substation controller for distribution automation in a single, low-power-consuming device. Delivering advanced cybersecurity features to minimize business disruption while ensuring peace of mind with certified IEC 62443 SL2 compliance, it is easy to use throughout the product lifecycle and ensures a fully digital experience. Complete with an intuitive configuration tool and a flexible web-based user interface, PowerLogic T500 is integrated with EcoStruxure System Management, advanced data management software that helps reduce electrical faults and downtime by providing operators with the capability of performing maintenance on connected devices in diverse, multi-vendor environments. Service plan portfolio for asset lifecycle management: Providing exclusive support to optimize operations, Schneider's EcoCare membership offers depth expertise combined with innovative digital capabilities across the equipment lifecycle for decarbonization and electrification, while EcoConsult delivers consulting expertise and actionable insights for safety, resiliency, efficiency and sustainability. Finally, EcoFit minimizes waste to position your business for the future. Schneider is welcoming new EcoCare Members to enjoy the innovation service plan for low and medium voltage equipment. To learn more, please visit the Schneider Electric team at DISTRIBUTECH Booth #2328. About Schneider Electric Schneider's purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On. Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency. We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries. We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values. www.se.com Follow us on: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Blog Hashtags: #SchneiderElectric, #Microgrids, #AccessToEnergy, #DERMs, #Distributech, #ADMS Related resources: SOURCE Schneider Electric Add New Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital and Neuro Transitional Center in Central Ohio MECHANICSBURG, Pa. and COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Select Medical and OhioHealth today announced that their joint venture (JV) partnership, OHRH, LLC, signed a definitive agreement with Reunion Hospital Holdings to acquire the operating assets of Reunion Rehabilitation Hospital located at 3805 Emerald Parkway in Dublin, OH. Upon closing of the transaction, the newly-acquired hospital will offer exceptional inpatient care along with the location of the JV's current 74-bed OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital in Columbus' Victorian Village. The new facility will be renamed OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital Dublin. Additionally, the JV is expanding to provide neuro transitional care to the areas outside of central Ohio. The Select Medical/OhioHealth JV will break ground in spring 2023 to build a new, 12-bed rehabilitation neuro transitional center (NTC) located at 6640 Perimeter Drive in Dublin, OH. The NTC will be the first of its kind for this region. "We are thrilled to expand our partnership with OhioHealth to meet the growing needs of the central Ohio region," said Tom Mullin, executive vice president of hospital operations at Select Medical. "Combined, our rehabilitation hospitals and NTC will include 126 beds with highly trained interdisciplinary clinical teams providing world-class care to help patients restore their function and independence and return to community." OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital Dublin will feature 40 private rooms and state-of-the-art rehabilitation technology and equipment to treat patients recovering from stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, amputation, neurological disorders and orthopedic conditions. "OhioHealth is committed to providing advanced care, close to home," Brian Jepson, president, OhioHealth Central Market said. "Joint ventures are a very important component of OhioHealth's goal of offering exceptional care for our patients and their families, in addition to our OhioHealth sites around the state. Since 2013, OhioHealth has developed a strong working relationship with Select Medical. We are proud of the amazing care happening at the OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital, and look forward to increasing access to care for the patients we serve." The new OhioHealth Rehabilitation Neuro Transitional Center will be staffed by a clinical team who provides care in a residential setting for people recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and other neurological diseases. These patients require continued medical coordination, specialized therapies and supervision before safely reintegrating home under the care of a family member or caregiver. The center is expected to open in spring 2024. The Select Medical and OhioHealth JV expanded partnership also includes 38 NovaCare outpatient physical therapy centers across Ohio. Additionally, its existing OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital has been named a "Best Rehab Hospital" by U.S. News & World Report and "Best Rehab Center" by Newsweek. About OhioHealth Based in Columbus, Ohio, OhioHealth is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, charitable, healthcare outreach of the United Methodist Church. Serving its communities since 1891, it is a family of 35,000 associates, physicians and volunteers, and a network of 1414 hospitals, 200+ ambulatory sites, hospice, home-health, medical equipment and other health services spanning a 47-county area. It has been recognized by FORTUNE as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" 15 times since 2007. OhioHealth hospitals include OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, OhioHealth Doctors Hospital, OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital, OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital, OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, OhioHealth Shelby Hospital, OhioHealth Grove City Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Berger Hospital, OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center and Van Wert Health. For more information, please visit our website at www.ohiohealth.com. About Select Medical Select Medical is one of the largest operators of critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States based on number of facilities. As of December 31, 2022, Select Medical operated 103 critical illness recovery hospitals in 28 states, 31 rehabilitation hospitals in 12 states, and 1,928 outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Concentra operated 540 occupational health centers in 41 states. At December 31, 2022, Select Medical had operations in 46 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit: www.selectmedical.com. Media Contacts For Select Medical: Shelly Eckenroth, 717-920-4035 or [email protected] For OhioHealth: Marcus Thorpe, 614-584-8188 or [email protected] SOURCE Select Medical Corporation NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Allianz SE ("Allianz" or the "Company") (OTCMKTS: ALIZY). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Allianz and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On February 17, 2022, during market hours, Allianz announced that it had booked a provision of 3.7 billion with regards to "the pending court and governmental proceedings in the U.S. in relation to the Structured Alpha Funds". Then, on May 17, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued a press release announcing that it had charged "Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC (AGI US) and three former portfolio managers with a massive fraudulent scheme that concealed the immense downside risks of a complex options trading strategy they called 'Structured Alpha'". That same day, the U.S. Department of Justice also issued a press release providing further information about the alleged fraudulent scheme. On this news, Allianz's American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") fell $0.98 per ADR, or 3.8%, to close at $24.33 per ADR on May 18, 2022. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Credit Suisse Group AG ("Credit Suisse" or the "Company") (NYSE: CS). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Credit Suisse and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On March 28, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform sent Credit Suisse a letter asking the Company to turn over information and documents about a portfolio of loans backed by yachts and private jets owned by clients, potentially including sanctioned Russian individuals. In particular, House Oversight Chair Carolyn Maloney and Rep. Stephen Lynch, chair of the Subcommittee on National Security, expressed alarm over Credit Suisse asking hedge funds and other investors to "destroy documents" related to yachts and private jets owned by the bank's clients. "Giving the timing of this request and its subject matter," the House Democrats wrote, "Credit Suisse's action raises significant concerns that it may be concealing information" about whether participants in the deal may be "evading sanctions" imposed by the West after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. On this news, the Company's stock price fell $0.21 per share, or 2.58%, to close at $7.94 per share on March 28, 2022. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Gaotu Techedu Inc. f/k/a GSX Techedu ("Gaotu" or the "Company") (NYSE: GOTU). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Gaotu and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On July 23, 2021, China unveiled a sweeping overhaul of its education sector, banning companies that teach the school curriculum from making profits, raising capital or going public, effectively ending any potential growth in the for-profit tutoring sector in China. On this news, Gaotu's American Depositary Share ("ADS") price fell $6.06 per ADS, or 63.3%, to close at $3.52 per ADS on July 23, 2021. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM" or the "Company") (NYSE: IBM). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether IBM and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On October 16, 2018, post-market, IBM issued a press release announcing its preliminary results for the third quarter of 2018. Among other items, IBM reported revenue of $18.8 billion, representing a decline of 2%, as well as slowing growth in its Strategic Imperatives segment. On this news, IBM's stock price fell $10.57 per share, or 7.63%, to close at $128.04 on October 17, 2018. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Welltower Inc. ("Welltower" or the "Company") (NYSE: WELL). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Welltower and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On December 7, 2022, Hindenburg Research published a report titled, "Welltower: Exposing The Shell Game." Among other things, the report claimed that the Company transferred the management of underperforming facilities to an undisclosed related party. In addition, according to the report, the new partner firm Integra "seems to barely exist. The entity was registered 6 months ago, according to Delaware corporate records. Its website was registered on the same day." Further, the report alleged that, "Integra's CEO, 29-year-old David Gefner, appears to have no background in the skilled nursing space at all. Integra has no employees on LinkedIn except for Gefner, who claims to have worked at the 6-month-old entity for 11 months." On this news, Welltower's stock price fell $3.20 per share, or 4.69%, to close at $65.00 per share on December 7, 2022. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore E-Commerce Logistics Market is in the growing stage, being driven by high internet penetration, emergence of new players, improved logistics infrastructure and government initiatives. There are several players in the Singapore E-commerce logistics market some of which are Singapore Post, Aramex, DHL, Ninjavan, Qxpress etc. Singapore's populace includes ~65% of people aged between the age group of 20-64 years, who will drive the future of the e-commerce market. The 'five-pronged' infrastructural strategy is aiming to build 2 nationwide 5G networks, enable cross-border Digital Economy Agreements (DEA) and increase local business penetration to make Singapore a global and regional e-commerce hub. Warehouse Management with Real Time Shipment Tracking and Transport Schedule Management will be some of the technological trends in Singapore that will drive the market. The E-Commerce industry is expected to grow: The growth of e-commerce logistics companies will highly depend on their last-mile delivery model. Aided by local merchant partnerships and growth in digital wallet penetration, the ease of placing orders is expected to rise. Also, with the upgradation in technology such as GPS Monitored Robots, Drones, Driverless Delivery, Inbuilt RFID, GPS, IoT, and telematics that will be used for tracking Inventory, Singapore E-Commerce logistics is expected to grow in near future. Expansion of logistics infrastructure: In the coming years, the Average Order Value per transaction in the Singapore E-commerce market will increase owing to increased device penetration. Technological Advancements are expected to improve and enhance supply chain transparency and security leading to improved cost efficiency. In addition to this, the expansion of logistics infrastructures such as intermodal connectivity, logistics parks, and ports will be used to create business opportunities in the coming years. Technological developments and Rising demand for Automated logistics: AI will amplify the human components of the e-commerce delivery process in the country, predictive logistics can be enhanced by proactive operations with predictive intelligence, and implementation of robotic or semi-robotic technologies that enhance the work of human pickers and even reduces walking time and shortens picking routes will help the Singapore E-Commerce to enhance its productivity for the future revenue generation. Analysts at Ken Research in their latest publication "Singapore E-Commerce Logistics Market Outlook to 2026F - Driven by Entry of Home-Grown Players and Developing Logistics Infrastructure" by Ken Research observed the potential of the E-Commerce Market in Singapore. The increasing internet penetration in Singapore and technological advancements, the improving logistics system in Singapore, and increased local penetration are expected to contribute to the market growth over the forecast period. The Singapore E-Commerce Market is expected to grow at ~14% CAGR over the forecasted period 2021-2026F owing to the rise in high Consumer appetite and heavy investment in technological advancement in the country. Key Segments Covered:- Singapore E-Commerce Logistics Market By Source (by Revenue), 2021 & 2026F Domestic Shipments International Shipments By Shipment Weight (by Revenue), 2021 & 2026F 0-2 KG 2-5 KG Greater than 5 KG By Delivery (by Revenue), 2021 & 2026F Same Day delivery Next day Delivery More than 2 days To learn more about this report Download a Free Sample Report By Mode of Shipment (by Revenue), 2021 & 2026F Land Air & sea By Payment Mode (by Revenue), 2021 & 2026F Cash Others (E-wallet, Debit Card, Credit Card, QR Pay, Bank Transfer) By Type of Company (by Revenue), 2021 & 2026F 3LP Captive By Product Category (by Revenue), 2021 & 2026F Fashion Electronics Furniture Toys, Hobby and DIY Food and Personal Care Key Target Audience E-Commerce Companies aiming to establish in Singapore Singapore ' E-Commerce logistics industries ' E-Commerce logistics industries Government Bodies & Regulating Authorities E-Commerce Industry Logistics industry Shipping company Warehousing Companies E-Commerce users Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Time Period Captured in the Report:- Historical Year: 2017-2021 2017-2021 Base Year: 2021 2021 Forecast Period: 2021 2026F Companies Covered:- E-Commerce Logistics Company DB Schenker Singapore Singapore Post DHL Singapore UPS Singapore FedEx UParcel J&T Express ABX Logistics GDEX Ninja Van Lalamove Quantium Solutions E-Commerce Companies Lazada Zalora ASOS Qoo10 Shopee HipVan EZBuy Journey East FairPrice Kmart Sephora Key Topics Covered in the Report:- Singapore E-Commerce Retail Market Overview, 2021 Ecosystem of Singapore E-Commerce Market Singapore E-Commerce Logistics Market Overview and Genesis, 2021 Singapore's E-Commerce Logistics Market Ecosystem E-Commerce Logistics Market Ecosystem Timeline, Industry Cycle and, Operating model of Singapore's E-commerce Logistics Market E-commerce Logistics Market Singapore E-Commerce Logistics Market Sizing, 2017-2021 Singapore E-commerce Logistics Market Segmentation (by Delivery, Market by International and Domestic, By Mode of Transportation, by Channel, by Mode of Payment), 2021 Singapore E-Commerce Warehousing Overview, 2021 Competition Landscape of Singapore E-Commerce Logistics Market (Headquarter, presence, Industries served, Network Ownership, Major Clients) SWOT Analysis of Singapore E-Commerce Logistics Market Growth Drivers of Singapore E-Commerce Logistics Market Challenges and Restraints of the Singapore E-Commerce Logistics Market Government Regulations of the Singapore E-Commerce Logistics Market Covid-19 Impact on the Singapore E-Commerce Logistics Market Future Outlook and Projections for Singapore E-Commerce Logistics Market, 2021-2026 Market Opportunities and Analyst Recommendations For more insights on the market intelligence, refer to below link:- Singapore E-Commerce Logistics Market Related Reports By Ken Research:- Malaysia E-Commerce Shipments Market Outlook to 2026F- Driven by Increasing Tech Savvy Millennials, Growing Demand for Faster Deliveries and Improving Logistics Infrastructure in the country The e-commerce logistics space in Malaysia is in Growth Stage and is fragmented with presence of ~1000+ Express Logistic companies delivering the E-Commerce Shipments across the country. Top 3 players namely Shoppee, Lazada & POS have ~60.0% market share. Companies are battling against each other to acquire and retain clients, expand geographical presence, expand service offering and improve unit economics to increase margins. Fleet size, number of orders, clientele, number of delivery centers, value-added services, price, and delivery time are the key competing parameters for the e-commerce logistics providers. Germany E-Commerce Logistics Market Outlook to 2026F- Driven by Rising Online Population, Technological Advancements and Demand for Sustainable Deliveries Germany's E-Commerce Logistics market is expected to register a positive CAGR during 2021-2026F owing to an increase in the competition and customer expectations. Various technological advancements related to IoT, AI, and LiDAR are expected to drive the market in logistics where it will reduce human intervention and help in cost saving in logistics companies. The market for Standard Delivery is expected to lead in the coming future due to the fact that express deliveries are expensive compared to standard deliveries, however, there will be a growth in terms of express deliveries owing to the fact that companies will offer cost-effective express deliveries. Thailand E-Commerce Logistics Market Outlook 2026F- Driven by Change in Consumption Pattern of Consumers, Government Initiatives and Innovation of Advanced Technologies According to Ken Research estimates, the Thailand E-Commerce Logistics Market E-Commerce Orders and Deliveries are growing at a CAGR of 9.5% (2021-2026F) with Increasing Number of online shoppers and entrance of major retailers in Thailand. Technology will have a huge role to play in the sector as applications. AI and a horde of other devices like drones, electric vehicles, automated systems, high-tech security and efficient management systems have made the processes much easier for logistics companies as well as their clients. KSA E-Commerce Logistics and Warehouse Market Outlook to 2026F- Driven by Growth in Online Shoppers along with Introduction of New Age Technologies by Logistics Players Over the forecast period, KSA E-commerce logistics market is expected to drive up the demand because of expected surge in internet penetration, especially its exposure to the youth. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a shift from offline sales to online sales, which is expected to ensure substantial growth in the future as well. The e-commerce logistics market in the country is expected to grow on the back of new technologies such as Automation, Blockchain, and the Internet of Things, which will be explored to increase efficiency, improve customer experience and enhance service quality. Follow Us LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth [email protected] +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1954972/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Ken Research John B. Kahan, Christian Hendricks and Sloan Gaon join South Florida Based Marketing Leader, Site Impact COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Feb. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Site Impact, a leader in providing multi-channel direct digital marketing solutions, has announced the appointment of three leading industry innovators to its inaugural board. The selection of these three specific members to the new Site Impact Advisory Board: John B. Kahan, Christian Hendricks and Sloan Gaon, underscores the company's commitment to accelerating its growth by leveraging strategic partnerships and relationships across all aspects of its business. In addition to advising the management team on its overall strategy, the panel of experts will help guide Site Impact's 2023 launch of Centrifi, a groundbreaking new software product that promises to revolutionize how businesses manage their digital media operations. "The caliber of board members we've been able to attract speaks volumes about our potential as a company," said Jennifer Gressman, Site Impact Chief Executive Officer. "I'm confident that with this exceptionally qualified group on our Board we can capitalize on opportunities and continue executing on our long-term strategy. I am proud to welcome these leaders who will add tremendous value to the organization with their vast knowledge and experience in the digital industry." John B. Kahan comes to Site Impact as a proven data-driven leader with nearly four decades of data science, worldwide business, and technology transformation experience. While at Microsoft, Kahan held roles such as General Manager, Data & Analytics to Chief Data Analytics Officer where he was responsible for leveraging AI and data to address global challenges. It is due to such expertise that Kahan was previously named one of the top fifteen data professionals globally by DatatechVibe for transforming, and redefining business and the industry. Kahan is a seasoned board director with over 25 years board experience. "John is a standout leader whose board experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow Site Impact and launch Centrifi to the US advertising market. His knowledge and experience have propelled transformation and growth with every company he has been a part of, and we know he will do great things for Site Impact as a whole. His experience infusing data science and AI to address some of the world's greatest challenges with Microsoft will be a huge asset to Site Impact," said Brandon Rosen, Board Chairman and Site Impact founder. Christian Hendricks will assist Site Impact's leadership team with driving innovation within the company and developing new solutions for its clients. Hendricks, an award-winning and highly respected digital media executive known for his keen strategic thinking and operating skills, has held tenures as McClatchy's Corporate Vice President for interactive media (Chief Digital Officer), where he successfully led its digital revenue and audience success for more than two decades. While at McClatchy, Hendricks also led its digital investment strategy taking stakes in leading digital companies Apartments.com, CareerBuilder, and Cars.com. Hendricks currently serves as the first independent board director of Basis Technologies, a global provider of workflow automation, intelligence and programmatic trading software in the ad-tech, agency and brand ecosystems. He also serves as president of the Local Media Consortium (LMC), which he co-founded in 2013. "Christian Hendricks has a well-earned reputation as a respected and visionary leader in the digital publishing and advertising space," said Gressman. "We have no doubt he will leverage his innovative spirit and leadership within Site Impact and bridge where we are with where we are going in the most effective way." Sloan Gaon is a seasoned, digitally focused CEO who excels in special situations including turnarounds, strategic pivots, business evolutions and business scaling at both public and private equity/VC-backed companies. His success includes transforming, scaling and leading companies that generated over $500M of value for the company's shareholders. Most recently, he led the sale of venture-backed PulsePoint (www.pulsepoint.com) to a sale to WebMD/Internet Brands. Prior to PulsePoint, he reinvigorated a 14-year-old startup in Dotmenu (DBA Campusfood.com and Allmenus.com), by refocusing its product strategy and developing a national expansion plan, that eventually led to a sale of the company to Grubhub prior to its successful IPO. "Sloan is a brilliant executive, and his passion for clear communication will undoubtedly be a driving force in this product launch and the expansion of Site Impact as a whole. In addition, his knowledge and expertise will drive growth for our company long term and keep us forward moving as we embrace the opportunities ahead," said Brandon Rosen, Board Chairman & Founder of Site Impact. This impressive group joins industry leaders CEO Jennifer Gressman and founder Brandon Rosen on Site Impact's Advisory board as it continues its mission to drive digital inclusion and innovation. "Having the right people in the room leads to a wider and more inclusive perspective to look at projects, products, and initiatives," said Gressman. About Site Impact: Site Impact specializes in multi-channel direct digital marketing services. The company achieves measurable results for clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations, locally owned and operated small businesses, as well as advertising agencies who use the company's private white label marketing services. Site Impact's team is comprised of industry and digital marketing leaders who play a key role in the company's culture and our continued growth and success. Two years in a row, Site Impact has been named one of the "Best Companies to Work For" by Florida Trend Magazine and a consecutive three years awarded as a "Top Workplace" by the Sun-Sentinel. Site Impact recently expanded with the acquisition of California-based digital media marketing agency, Mendez Media Marketing, Inc. and sister software company, databyrd Inc. About Centrifi: Centrifi brings a digital reporting tool, proposal builder, and order management system together in one easy to use dashboard to the world of digital media and marketing. This tool will revolutionize the digital marketing industry, giving businesses the information they need in one convenient place to make informed, data driven, real time marketing decisions. Media Contact: For more information about Site Impact, visit https://siteimpact.com/ Contact: Sara Mendez, CMO - [email protected] SOURCE Site Impact CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SomerCor, a non-profit, Certified Development Company (CDC) licensed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the SBA 504 loan program, is proud to announce the appointment of Margy Sweeney, Founder & CEO of Akrete, as the new Chairman of its Board of Directors. Thomas Huffman, Executive Vice President - Wintrust SBA Lending, will serve as Vice Chairman. "I look forward to working with Margy and Tom to build upon SomerCor's growth and service to small businesses and lending partners through the SBA 504 program and our other economic development initiatives," said Manuel Flores, President and CEO of SomerCor. "We also thank our Chairman Emeritus, Jon Winick, for his many years of service as Chairman. Over the last few years, SomerCor has achieved significant milestones including receiving SBA Accredited Lender Program (ALP) designation and Local Economic Area (LEA) authority to lend in Kenosha and Rock counties in Wisconsin." Margy Sweeney (Chairman) is the Founder & CEO of Akrete, a WBE national public relations, content, and marketing agency with expertise in both real estate and financial services, including ranking as the nation's #5 real estate public relations firm. Margy has over 25 years of experience in using creative storytelling to promote business growth and has served on the SomerCor board since 2016. Thomas Huffman (Vice Chairman) is the EVP of Wintrust SBA Lending and has over 35 years of experience in commercial and SBA lending and he has served on the SomerCor board since 2018. Wintrust Community Banks was named the number one SBA lender in Illinois in 2022. Jon Winick (Chairman Emeritus) is the CEO of Clark Street Capital, a full-service bank advisory firm specializing in loan sales, loan due diligence and valuation, and specialty asset management. Jon has over 20 years of banking experience and has served on SomerCor's Board for 15 years. "I'm proud of the journey SomerCor is on to support an increasingly diverse set of small businesses. As a business founder and owner myself, I welcome the opportunity to lead this Board of Directors," said Sweeney. "Access to capital can mean the difference between surviving and thriving for many entrepreneursparticularly for woman, minority, and veteran-owned businesses. I'm pleased to play this leadership role in 2023 as the SomerCor team continues their great work expanding economic opportunities and helping small business owners make their dreams a reality." Other Board Members include Dean Avdalas (SVP, Commercial Lending - Byline Bank), Jeffrey Bronswick (CEO - Bronswick Benjamin P.C.), James Bruno (VP, Area Manager - JPMorgan Chase), Brian Burke (SVP, Commercial Banking Old National Bank), Erica King (President - Greenwood Archer Capital), Santiago Martinez (Regional President - Belmont Bank & Trust), Michael Martino (Head of Chicago Emerging Middle Market Banking - Fifth Third Bank), Michael Plumb (Principal - Lee & Associates of Illinois, LLC), William Towns (National Market President for Community Revitalization - Gorman & Company), Julie Winterbauer (SVP, Marketing and Member Relations - Illinois Bankers Association) and Simon Yohanan (SVP, Managing Director of Middle Market Banking - First Bank Chicago). About SomerCor The SomerCor mission is to grow businesses, create jobs, and increase impactful investment in every community through the SBA 504 loan program and other financing and grant initiatives. SomerCor serves the entire state of Illinois and Kenosha and Rock counties in Wisconsin. For more information visit www.somercor.com Contact: Kim Brisky // (312) 505-7032 // [email protected] SOURCE SomerCor ATLANTA, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Company and its subsidiaries today announced the following executive moves in support of the company's efforts to build the future of energy. Each leader possesses the capabilities and character to understand the organization from a skill and experience perspective, align with the company's overall values and deliver strong results. Effective March 31, 2023, Sloane Drake will become chief human resources officer (CHRO) of Southern Company. Effective March 1, 2023, David Poroch will become comptroller and chief accounting officer of Southern Company and senior vice president and chief accounting officer of Southern Company Services succeeding Ann Daiss, who has announced her intention to retire May 1. Grace Kolvereid will become executive vice president and CFO of Southern Company Gas, effective March 1. Effective March 1, Matthew Grice will become vice president, treasurer and CFO of Mississippi Power, succeeding Feagin. Effective March 1, 2023, Moses Feagin will become executive vice president and chief financial officer of Alabama Power. Effective March 31, 2023, Sterling Spainhour has been named executive vice president, chief legal officer and chief compliance officer for Southern Company, succeeding James Y. (Jim) Kerr II, who has been announced as the incoming chairman, CEO and president of Southern Company Gas. As part of the company's management transition plan, effective March 1, 2023, David Poroch will become comptroller and chief accounting officer of Southern Company and senior vice president and chief accounting officer of Southern Company Services (SCS) succeeding Ann Daiss, who has announced her intention to retire May 1. Grace Kolvereid will become executive vice president and CFO of Southern Company Gas, replacing Poroch. With the previously announced retirement of current Alabama Power CFO, Phil Raymond, also effective March 1, 2023, Moses Feagin, currently senior vice president, treasurer and CFO at Mississippi Power, will become executive vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer of Alabama Power. Matthew Grice will become vice president, treasurer and CFO of Mississippi Power, succeeding Feagin. Effective April 1, 2023, Sterling Spainhour, senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Georgia Power, has been named executive vice president, chief legal officer and chief compliance officer for Southern Company, succeeding James Y. (Jim) Kerr II, who earlier this month was announced as the incoming chairman, CEO and president of Southern Company Gas. Effective March 31, 2023, Sloane Drake, senior vice president of human resources for Southern Company, will become chief human resources officer (CHRO) of Southern Company. Chris Womack said, "A hallmark of Southern Company is the deep pool of talent we develop within our organization. As the energy landscape continues to evolve and customers' needs continue to change, Sterling, Sloane, David, Grace, Moses and Matt will bring their own dynamic leadership skills to their new roles as we continue our vital work of serving our customers with clean, safe reliable and affordable energy they need to live and work. Their alignment with our values and ability to deliver strong results will serve our customers well." Poroch currently serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Southern Company Gas. In this role, he directs finance, accounting, business planning and risk management functions. Before assuming this role, Poroch was executive vice president, CFO and treasurer of Georgia Power. In that capacity, he oversaw Georgia Power's accounting and financial reporting, financial planning and analysis, budgeting and treasury functions. David began his career with Southern Company in 2012 as vice president and chief audit executive for SCS. Previously, David was a partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP. He earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan and is a Certified Public Accountant. Kolvereid currently serves as senior vice president and comptroller at Southern Company Gas where she oversees the accounting and pipeline investments segments of the business. Kolvereid joined Southern Company Gas in 2006 as managing director of corporate tax, where she implemented various tax technology and process improvement initiatives to modernize the company's tax function. In 2010, she was promoted to vice president of corporate tax and served in that role until 2016 when she was promoted to senior vice president and comptroller. Prior to joining the company, she held senior level tax positions at Delta Air Lines. Kolvereid earned a bachelor's degree in accounting with a minor in French from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. She also holds a master's degree in taxation from American University in Washington, D.C., is a Certified Public Accountant and is a graduate of Leadership Atlanta. Feagin currently serves as Mississippi Power's vice president, treasurer and CFO where he oversees the finance, accounting, regulatory affairs and rates departments. He also serves as chief diversity officer the first in the company's history. Moses joined Southern Company in 1987, progressing from junior to senior level accounting positions. He became Mississippi Power's comptroller in 2005 and in 2008, he was elected vice president and comptroller for Alabama Power. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Moses holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Alabama, is a Certified Management Accountant, is a member of the Institute of Management of Accountants and a graduate of the Executive Finance and Accounting Program at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Grice serves as comptroller for Mississippi Power where he is responsible for leading the company's accounting functions, including supporting regulatory proceedings, organizational initiatives, process improvement efforts and external financial reporting. Grice joined Mississippi Power in 2004 after working for KPMG in Washington, D.C. He began as a financial analyst and held positions of increasing responsibility in finance and accounting. In 2018, Grice became assistant treasurer and finance director. A native of North Carolina, Grice holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Accounting from the University of North Carolina. He is a Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Spainhour serves as senior vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer for Georgia Power. He oversees the company's legal and compliance organizations as well as Georgia Power's corporate services, sustainability, risk management, land, and security functions. He also serves on the company's management council. Before assuming this role in July 2020, Sterling served as senior vice president and general counsel of SCS, where he led the legal organization of the shared services company that supports Southern Company's operating company subsidiaries. Prior to joining Southern Company, Sterling was a partner at Jones Day where his practice focused on mergers and acquisitions. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Duke University School of Law and Fuqua School of Business Drake is senior vice president of Human Resources for Southern Company and Georgia Power and leads the human resources organizations. This includes talent management, diversity and inclusion, labor relations, health and well-being services, and HR delivery organizations. In addition, Drake oversees talent acquisition, talent management and the development of diversity and inclusion strategies for Southern Company. She also is a member of the Georgia Power Management Council. Drake joined Southern Company in 2001 as a participant in Georgia Power's Professional Development Program and has held several positions in Southern Company's HR organization, including the dual role as assistant to the vice president of HR and talent manager. Drake graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in psychology. About Southern Company Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers' and communities' needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. SOURCE Southern Company Latina-led Fintech companies merge to help close the wealth gap LOS ANGELES, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SUMA Wealth, the category-creating financial technology company devoted to increasing prosperity, opportunity, and financial inclusion for young U.S. Latinos, announced its acquisition of savings and personal finance platform, Reel. SUMA Wealth team As part of the merger, Reel Co-Founder and CEO Daniela Corrente will become a part of SUMA's executive suite as Chief Strategy and Business Officer. Corrente will join the Co-Founders CEO Beatriz Acevedo and COO Mary Hernandez, making this seasoned trio one of the first solely Latina executive teams to lead a fintech company. "I've been a fan of Daniela and of everything she's built at Reel for many years, so I'm incredibly excited about this acquisition. It not only expands SUMA's capabilities, it adds a visionary executive to our team," Acevedo said. The merging of the two companies creates an unprecedented partnership as SUMA becomes the first to acquire a fellow Latina-founded financial technology company, flipping the script and shattering glass ceilings. Latinos represent almost 20% of the US population but only hold 2% of all available technology jobs. This gives SUMA the ammunition to double down on their long-term mission to close the wealth gap, resolve fundamental inequalities, and tackle the unrealized $182 billion opportunity that US Latinos represent in Fintech and Edtech. "Latinos contribute $2.8 trillion to America's GDP, yet there were no financial platforms that gave them full visibility into their financial lives in a culturally relevant way. SUMA does that by creating community, content, and technology in a way that truly resonates with them." Corrente added. The newly formed executive team made up of Acevedo, Corrente and Hernandez brings a unique lens to this industry as first and second-generation immigrants who experienced the very obstacles Suma is taking on firsthand. By tapping into their shared personal experiences and innovating through culturally relevant solutions, SUMA can offer financial education to the Latino community; create the largest, most relevant financial hub for U.S. Latino consumers; and accelerate development of a robust platform where brands and financial institutions gain access to one of the fastest growing demographics in the United States. The acquisition of Reel provides their groundbreaking proprietary technology, loyal users that will grow SUMA's collective usership by 80%, and access to data from their large Latino user base. This will double SUMA's offerings to include financial management tools including Reel's proprietary algorithm that suggests multivariate savings plans based on a number of factors that are personal to each user and other resources that will lead to more transactions and greater engagement within the SUMA app. "By bringing Reel's technology, user data and industry-leading knowledge of consumer psychology to Suma's platform, we'll significantly accelerate our product roadmap, giving our consumers new financial products and opportunities more quickly and more efficiently," Acevedo added. SUMA is a dedicated financial culture-forward platform devoted to helping Latinos build wealth by making financial products and knowledge more accessible, allowing them to take ownership of their financial future. The Reel acquisition will make these efforts more effective for more people. About SUMA Wealth SUMA Wealth is the leading financial technology company devoted to increasing prosperity, opportunity, and financial inclusion for young U.S. Latinos experiences that help the community to build wealth and control their financial future. To learn more, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @wearesuma or visit www.sumawealth.com. SOURCE SUMA Wealth ROATAN, Honduras, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prospera and Infinita VC today announced their first Builders' Summit for 2023. The "Supercharging Health Summit" will take place in Prospera's flagship city on the island of Roatan April 21st-23rd. The Prospera Builders' Summits attract changemakers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in contributing towards building new solutions and companies for the modern era. The Supercharging Health Summit focuses on topics at the cutting edge of innovation like bioengineering, medical technologies, and improving human health outcomes. The Supercharging Health Summit attracts builders focused on innovations in bioengineering & medical technologies. Tweet this The Prospera special jurisdiction enables greater healthcare innovation through better legal and regulatory frameworks to increase the ease of doing business. "In Prospera, people will experience what healthcare 10 years into the future will look like," says Mac Davis, founder of the cutting-edge biotechnology company Minicircle. Speakers include the CEO of The Foresight Institute, the world's premier think-tank on the future of technology, and leading healthcare and biotechnology-focused venture capitalists. Several other investment companies besides Infinita VC, like Healthspan Capital, The Ganesha Lab and VitaDAO, will attend the conference looking for path-breaking startups. A key event during the summit is the pitch competition on the last day, where every attendee can propose startup ideas or policy proposals to a jury of investors. In September 2022, when Infinita organized a similar conference, the Honduran healthcare technology startup Doctor7, led by founder Jose Elvin Salgado, won the competition. "Builders from anywhere in the world are welcome, but it's a core part of our mission to supercharge the Honduran startup ecosystem," said Infinita General Partner Niklas Anzinger. "Imagine the next wave of healthcare innovation doesn't come from the US to Honduras. It comes from Honduras, to the US," continues Anzinger. "This is not just a dream. We are already working on it, and we invite innovators to join us." About Infinita VC: Infinita is an early stage venture capital (VC) fund based in Prospera, investing in founders overcoming regulatory and doing-business obstacles through better legal systems. Infinita invested in biotechnology, hardware/robotics and fintech/crypto startups from Latin America and the US. Infinita was founded during the first "Build Prospera Summit" in April 2022, by former startup operator and entrepreneur from Germany, Niklas Anzinger. Niklas Anzinger is also the host of the "Stranded Technologies Podcast" talking about charter cities, legal innovation and leapfrogging technology in emerging markets. About Prospera: Prospera is a governance platform that enables a global community of builders to collaborate to craft next-gen cities. Prospera's digital platform and physical hubs combine to offer an unparalleled base from which 21st century pioneers can launch and realize their ambitions. With a common sense regulatory framework and effective tax rates in the single digits for individuals and businesses, Prospera's policies are designed to be an economic supercharger, facilitating business operations and unlocking new opportunities for innovation. This is designed to benefit its citizenry as well as the host nations with whom they partner. SOURCE Prospera NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- abillion, the emerging sustainability-focused social media and e-commerce platform with over a million members globally, has launched a community investment round on Wefunder. The venture-backed company is choosing to invite retail investors and its community of members - who would ordinarily only get access after an IPO - to invest. abillion's social commerce platform's community boasts over 2.5 million user-generated reviews of consumer products. 4,700 Software-as-a-Service customers are on recurring contracts, eyeing new user acquisitions as a strong motivator. abillion has seen whooping 20x growth over the last two years. The round is led by Nicholas Cator, who led Series A and B rounds in Oatly ($13b IPO), Chewy ($22b IPO) and Lazada (SE Asia's largest marketplace, acquired by Alibaba). abillion previously raised $16M in Series A funding from notable investors including 500 Global, SDG Impact Japan, and Blue Horizon, and has launched its Regulation CF community round on leading community investment platform, Wefunder. 500 Global, which led abillion's seed round and has backed 51 unicorns, is also participating again in this round. "Since launching our Community Equity program in 2022, we've brought on board more than 10k of our members around the world as stakeholders in our vision for a better world. This year, as we raise capital to grow, we're proud to be opening up our investment round to our community of members and anyone that believes in our mission to create a better, more impactful social network." Vikas Garg. The abillion team is made up of leaders from the world's leading companies including Credit Suisse, GE, Johnson & Johnson, Delivery Hero, Yahoo, Apple and Microsoft. abillion's Founder and CEO, Vikas Garg, is a finance industry veteran having managed over $10 billion for investment banks, hedge funds, public pension funds & sovereign wealth funds of California, Canada, Abu Dhabi and Singapore. abillion's current investment round is open to both accredited and non-accredited investors alike, with an investment minimum of $100. Invest: https://wefunder.com/abillion. Contact: [email protected] Logos: here Photos: here About abillion Founded by CEO Vikas Garg in 2018, our mission is to mobilise a billion people to save the world, by making better choices for the planet. Through our unique giving program, abillion has donated over US $2.5 million to create impact for animals, children and the environment. https://impact.abillion.com/about SOURCE abillion Houston-Based Fast-Casual Brand Enters the State with First Location in Woodbury MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe , the ultra-popular restaurant brand specializing in sweet and savory crepes, hot drinks and more, has secured its first location in Minnesota at 265 Radio Dr. in Woodbury, a premium site within CityPlace near the intersection of Interstate 94 and Radio Dr. In August 2022, Sweet Paris announced a multi-unit deal that would mark the brand's entry into the state. With the first location site selected, three additional units are being planned. Bringing Sweet Paris to Minnesota is a group of partners with more than 55 years of restaurant experience combined: Dan and Brenda Vansteenburg, Pete Thelen and Dustin Wetzel. The franchise group is currently finalizing plans and permits, and anticipates starting construction by the end of Q1, 2023. The expected opening date is slated for summer 2023. This first store in the Twin Cities area will join the 12 additional Sweet Paris locations currently open and operating. The additional three units within this franchise agreement in Minnesota are part of the 14 units Sweet Paris currently has in various stages of development, which will bring Sweet Paris' total store count to 26 in the near future. "Sweet Paris is a unique concept that embodies the culture and feel of Paris, and our team is excited to share this experience with our future guests from Woodbury and the Twin Cities," said Dan Vansteenburg. "The leadership team has played an important role throughout the site selection process we feel set up for success as we begin construction and look toward executing our opening plans." Entrance into Minnesota also marks an equally important milestone, Sweet Paris' expansion into the Midwest. The brand views this region as a prime market for growth which will play a crucial role in the overall franchise development strategy. Sweet Paris has extensive brand presence throughout Texas with locations in Austin, College Station, Houston, and San Antonio. Additional locations include Doral, Florida, and Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. "Our wonderful partners in Minnesota are proven local business owners who believe in our mission and want to grow with us," said Allison Chavez, co-founder of Sweet Paris. "As we set our sights on nationwide expansion and bringing on new franchise partners in 2023, the new Woodbury location will put us on the right track." The success of Sweet Paris has not gone unnoticed as the brand was ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2022 Top New and Emerging Franchises in addition to the Franchise 500 list . Also, co-founders Allison and Ivan Chavez landed on Global Franchise Magazine's 10 Emerging Leaders to Watch in 2022, and Allison was included in Nation's Restaurant News' annual Power List , an exclusive group of 50 leaders who are identified as the most innovative and inspiring people in the restaurant industry. Sweet Paris is looking to partner with qualified and engaged individuals seeking multi-unit opportunities through its strategic partnership model. The brand offers a highly scalable opportunity with strong profit-potential. For more information on Strategic Partnership opportunities, please visit www.sweetparisfranchise.com. ABOUT SWEET PARIS: Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe is a fast-growing restaurant franchise specializing in sweet and savory crepes, waffles, salads, hot drinks and more. On a mission to "Revive the Art of Eating Crepes" one creperie at a time, Sweet Paris is seeking qualified Strategic Partners, especially those with a background in hospitality, to expand the concept in new markets. For more information about the brand, please visit www.sweetparis.com , and for more information on Strategic Partnership Opportunities, visit www.sweetparisfranchise.com . SOURCE Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe Trion Solutions honored Swipeclock with its Triumph Partnership Award 2022. SOUTH JORDAN, Utah, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Trion Solutions Inc., (Trion) a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and HR Outsourcing organization, honored Swipeclock with its Triumph Partnership Award for 2022. This award, also referred to as "Vendor of the Year," was started in 2020 in an effort to recognize the external vendors, suppliers, consultants, and others that support Trion in its efforts to meet and exceed the expectations of their clients. Teamwork is an essential aspect of the work Trion does, serving countless small-to-midsize companies in managing their HR and human capital needs. Pairing Swipeclock's time and labor solutions with Trion's HR services provides an elegant client experience. Swipeclock has extensive experience in time tracking solutions, and offers robust integrations to its 1400+ partners, including a fully embedded, seamless option that Trion has implemented with its HR platform. Winning this award is a great honor for the team at Swipeclock, and each member is proud of the relationship with Trion. The relationship started nearly five years ago and continues to expand. As part of the unique BOSS partner program, Swipeclock provides marketing, sales and service support to ensure Trion clients benefit from our deep time and labor expertise. As businesses look towards the future of work, HR outsourcing and time management, Swipeclock expresses its appreciation to Trion. The team looks forward to a continued partnership and strives to continue to exceed client expectations. About Swipeclock Swipeclock provides HR tech solutions designed for the way small businesses work. With a "get in and get work done" friendly and clean user interface, Swipeclock solutions minimize compliance challenges, improve productivity and have the rapid time to value that small businesses need. Swipeclock's flagship product, WorkforceHub, seamlessly connects core human resources, time and labor, benefits management, and talent within one unified solution. Over 35,000 businesses and 1,000,000 employees are powered by Swipeclock solutions either directly or through its extensive network of valued partners. The solutions are built and supported by teams of workforce management experts, ensuring robust features and an implementation process engineered to deliver quick results and delighted clients. Media Contact: David Lewis [email protected] SOURCE SwipeClock Beverage Industry Pioneer Introduces Cutting-Edge Approach to Product Creation SEATTLE, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Talking Rain Beverage Company, the maker of bestselling flavored sparkling water brand, Sparkling Ice, is excited to announce the launch of its new innovation program, I.C.E. Labs bringing new beverage concepts to market in a small-scale, test and learn model, allowing for an iterative approach to product development. I.C.E. Labs, short for Innovate, Create and Enjoy, will maximize Talking Rain Beverage Company's ability to test products more efficiently on a smaller scale, generating consumer response over a six to nine-month basis. This entrepreneurial approach will utilize a variety of store types and locations to cater to different demographics and markets, ranging from convenience stores to specialty groceries. Products that are successfully tested will be moved to larger test markets, eventually expanding to a national scale. Talking Rain is currently testing locally in the Pacific Northwest. "We're excited to introduce I.C.E. Labs as an added innovation arm to Talking Rain Beverage Company, which will allow us to create a path to a more diverse portfolio for our consumers," said Anne Wilcox, Senior Vice President of Insights and Innovation at Talking Rain Beverage Company. "We anticipate that this pilot program will bring positive results for Talking Rain with its iterative approach to product development while benefiting consumers with innovative and "better-for-you" beverages." The I.C.E. Labs program was designed to guide new product ideas from the early stages of development to market testing and eventual expansion. This will help Talking Rain gain valuable consumer feedback, prove the feasibility of new beverage concepts and lay the foundation for growth and success on a national level. For more information on Talking Rain Beverage Company's I.C.E. Labs Program, please visit: https://www.talkingrain.com/ice-labs/. About Talking Rain Beverage Company Talking Rain Beverage Company is a Washington-based beverage company that has been an industry leader for 35 years. The company's portfolio of brands includes the bestselling flavored sparkling water, Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice +Caffeine, and Talking Rain AQA, all of which offer better-for-you beverage options. In 2023, Talking Rain launched its new innovation program, I.C.E. Labs, bringing new beverage concepts to market through a small scale, test and learn model that allows for an iterative approach to product development. With a commitment to developing best-in-class brands and driving meaningful community engagement, Talking Rain is creating connections with every sip. Talking Rain is building a sustainable future in an ever-changing market space. The company is committed to crafting products and embracing practices that build a better future for business, communities, and the planet. About I.C.E. Labs I.C.E. Labs is Talking Rain Beverage Company's new innovation program, bringing concepts to market in a small-scale, test and learn model, allowing for an iterative approach to product development. Standing for Innovate, Create and Enjoy, I.C.E. Labs allows Talking Rain to test products in local markets to proof concepts before expanding on a national scale. Stemming from an entrepreneurial mindset, this new model creates a path to a more diverse portfolio for Talking Rain beverages. SOURCE Talking Rain Beverage Co Food Processing Mega-Conglomerate Allegedly Violates Federal Law DECATUR, Ill., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters Local 916 has filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges against food processing conglomerate Archer Daniels Midland (ADM). The charges come amid a strike at the company's Decatur, Ill. facility that has been ongoing since February 2. "In a public statement, the company has said that they will 'continue to bargain in good faith.' We had to file these charges because the company hasn't even started to bargain in good faith," said J.P. Fyans Local 916 President. "If they want to act in good faith, they can meet our members' very reasonable request to get a raise of 12 percent over the course of three years." The ULP charges allege that the company has been bargaining in bad faith by failing to send a representative to negotiations who even has the authority to agree to anything the union proposes. It also alleges that the company promised individual workers benefits in exchange for not going on strike an action that is arguably akin to a bribe. "This isn't just about one group of workers, it's about setting a standard at ADM," said Kyle Bollinger, Local 916 Business Agent and ADM Bargaining Committee Chairman. "Everyone at this company, whether they're a Teamster or not, needs to join in solidarity and demand a better life. That's the only way ADM workers not just shareholders or the C-Suite can benefit from the immense revenue that this company generates." The union and the company are in talks to re-start negotiations and settle the strike. Founded in 1943, Teamsters Local 916 is made up of over 4,000 hardworking men and women throughout the state of Illinois from Chicago to Carbondale, East Saint Louis to Champaign. For more information go to teamsters916.org. Contact: Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 916 NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In-depth analysis provided in the report includes: Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Tellurium Market 2023-2027 Current and future market trends to highlight market conditions Comparative analysis of the market and its segments for the historic period of 2017 - 2021 Market drivers and market impediments and their impact on market growth Positioning of market players and their business strategy analysis Download a Sample Now! Tellurium market size & segmentation analysis The tellurium market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.41% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by 83.72 MT. The tellurium market is segmented based on application, type, and geography. Based on application, the tellurium market is segmented into solar panels, thermoelectric production, metallurgy, and others Based on type, the market is segmented into pure tellurium and telluride . . Based on geography, the tellurium market is segmented into APAC, North America , Europe , South America , and Middle East and Africa For insights on the market contribution of each segment, Buy the report! Tellurium market: Country-level analysis The countries covered in the tellurium market report are China, India, and others (APAC); US and Canada (North America); the UK, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe (Europe); Chile, Brazil, and Argentina (South America); Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and others (Middle East and Africa). APAC will account for 35% of the market growth during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The growth in APAC can be attributed to the rapid growth of the solar PV market with the rise in investments in renewable energy integration programs. will account for of the market growth during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The growth in APAC can be attributed to the rapid growth of the solar PV market with the rise in investments in renewable energy integration programs. Moreover, most of the production of electronics is concentrated in APAC. The rise in demand for smartphones, tablets, televisions, wireless communications infrastructure, network hardware, computers, and electro-medical devices will stimulate the global demand for semiconductors. The region comprises countries such as India , Singapore , Malaysia , the Philippines , and other Southeast Asian countries that are significantly contributing to the growth of the electronic fabrication materials market in the region. Therefore, the increased demand for tellurium from various end-user industries in APAC is expected to fuel the growth of the market in the region during the forecast period. The geographic landscape of the report also provides market-impacting factors and changes that impact current and future trends. For detailed information, Request a sample! Tellurium market: Dynamics & insights Technavio's research report on the tellurium market provides analysis and insights about the various drivers, along with key challenges, that impact the market throughout the forecast period. The increased demand from the consumer electronics industry is notably driving market growth. Tellurium alloys are commercially used in various consumer electronics products. They offer potential solutions to a wide range of applications such as mobile phones, LED displays and projectors, wearable electronic devices, gaskets and lighting, and rollers. Additionally, factors such as the increasing urban population, rise in disposable income, strong supply chain, and high internet penetration also drive the growth of the global market. Furthermore, the governments of many developing countries are providing exemptions on certain duties to boost the manufacturing capacity of consumer electronics manufacturers. Therefore, the high demand for this product will drive market growth during the forecast period. However, alternatives to tellurium are major challenges impeding market growth. Manufacturers of the end-users of tellurium tend to use other materials and metals due to their availability, performance, and cost-effectiveness. For instance, Bismuth, calcium, lead, phosphorus, selenium, and sulfur are used as substitutes in free-machining steel. Furthermore, in chemical process reactions, tellurium can be replaced with other catalysts or noncatalyzed processes. Therefore, the reduced use of the product owing to the increased use of its alternatives is expected to hamper the market growth during the forecast period. Tellurium market: Competitive landscape and vendor analysis Technavio's report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering 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. Some of the major players operating in the tellurium market are 5N Plus Inc., Aurubis AG, Boliden Group, Kisan Kinzoku Chemicals Co. Ltd, Pan Pacific Copper Co. Ltd., PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel, Rio Tinto Ltd., Santech, Shinko Chemical Co. Ltd., Umicore NV, UMMC Holding Corp., and II-VI Inc. among others. For insights on the vendor offerings, Download a PDF sample! Related Reports: The phosphate market share is expected to increase by USD 8.68 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 6.12%. Furthermore, this report extensively covers phosphate market segmentation by application (fertilizer, animal feed supplement, and others) and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and MEA). The sulfur hexafluoride market share is expected to reach USD 80.56 million from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 6.36%. Furthermore, this report extensively covers sulfur hexafluoride market segmentation by product (power and energy, metal manufacturing, medical, electronics, and others) and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Tellurium Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 161 Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 3.41% Market growth 2023-2027 83.72 MT Market structure Concentrated YoY growth 2022-2023(%) 2.79 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 35% Key countries US, Canada, China, Japan, and Sweden Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled 5N Plus Inc., Aurubis AG, Boliden Group, Kisan Kinzoku Chemicals Co. Ltd, Pan Pacific Copper Co. Ltd., PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel, Rio Tinto Ltd., Santech, Shinko Chemical Co. Ltd., Umicore NV, UMMC Holding Corp., and II-VI Inc. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and Market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market Overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Application Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Type 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 (MT ) ) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) 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 tellurium market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global tellurium market 2017 - 2021 (MT ) 4.2 Application Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Application Segment 2017 - 2021 (MT ) 4.3 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Type Segment 2017 - 2021 (MT ) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 (MT ) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 (MT ) 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 Application 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Application Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Application Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Application 6.3 Solar panels - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Solar panels - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Solar panels - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) Exhibit 36: Chart on Solar panels - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Solar panels - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Thermoelectric production - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Thermoelectric production - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Thermoelectric production - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) Exhibit 40: Chart on Thermoelectric production - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Thermoelectric production - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Metallurgy - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 42: Chart on Metallurgy - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Metallurgy - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) Exhibit 44: Chart on Metallurgy - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on Metallurgy - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.6 Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 46: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) Exhibit 48: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.7 Market opportunity by Application Exhibit 50: Market opportunity by Application (MT) 7 Market Segmentation by Type 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 51: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 52: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Type Exhibit 53: Chart on Comparison by Type Exhibit 54: Data Table on Comparison by Type 7.3 Pure tellurium - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 55: Chart on Pure tellurium - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) Exhibit 56: Data Table on Pure tellurium - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) Exhibit 57: Chart on Pure tellurium - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 58: Data Table on Pure tellurium - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Telluride - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 59: Chart on Telluride - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) Exhibit 60: Data Table on Telluride - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) Exhibit 61: Chart on Telluride - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 62: Data Table on Telluride - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Market opportunity by Type Exhibit 63: Market opportunity by Type (MT) 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 (MT ) ) Exhibit 70: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) 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 (MT ) - Market size and forecast 2022- ) Exhibit 74: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) - Market size and forecast 2022- ) 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 (MT ) - Market size and forecast 2022- ) Exhibit 78: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) - Market size and forecast 2022- ) 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 (MT ) - Market size and forecast 2022- ) Exhibit 82: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) - Market size and forecast 2022- ) 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 (MT ) and - Market size and forecast 2022- ) Exhibit 86: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) and - Market size and forecast 2022- ) 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 (MT ) - Market size and forecast 2022- ) Exhibit 90: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) - Market size and forecast 2022- ) 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 (MT ) ) Exhibit 94: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) ) 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 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) - Market size and forecast 2022- ) Exhibit 98: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) - Market size and forecast 2022- ) Exhibit 99: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 Sweden - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on Sweden - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) - Market size and forecast 2022- ) Exhibit 102: Data Table on Sweden - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) - Market size and forecast 2022- ) Exhibit 103: Chart on Sweden - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 104: Data Table on Sweden - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 105: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) - Market size and forecast 2022- ) Exhibit 106: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022- 2027 (MT ) - Market size and forecast 2022- ) Exhibit 107: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 108: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 109: Market opportunity by geography (MT) 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 5N Plus Inc. Exhibit 116: 5N Plus Inc. - Overview Exhibit 117: 5N Plus Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 118: 5N Plus Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 119: 5N Plus Inc. - Segment focus 12.4 Aurubis AG Exhibit 120: Aurubis AG - Overview Exhibit 121: Aurubis AG - Business segments Exhibit 122: Aurubis AG - Key offerings Exhibit 123: Aurubis AG - Segment focus 12.5 Boliden Group Exhibit 124: Boliden Group - Overview Exhibit 125: Boliden Group - Business segments Exhibit 126: Boliden Group - Key offerings Exhibit 127: Boliden Group - Segment focus 12.6 II-VI Inc. Exhibit 128: II-VI Inc. - Overview Exhibit 129: II-VI Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 130: II-VI Inc. - Key news Exhibit 131: II-VI Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 132: II-VI Inc. - Segment focus 12.7 Kisan Kinzoku Chemicals Co. Ltd Exhibit 133: Kisan Kinzoku Chemicals Co. Ltd - Overview Exhibit 134: Kisan Kinzoku Chemicals Co. Ltd - Product / Service Exhibit 135: Kisan Kinzoku Chemicals Co. Ltd - Key offerings 12.8 Pan Pacific Copper Co. Ltd. Exhibit 136: Pan Pacific Copper Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 137: Pan Pacific Copper Co. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 138: Pan Pacific Copper Co. Ltd. - Key offerings 12.9 PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel Exhibit 139: PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel - Overview Exhibit 140: PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel - Business segments Exhibit 141: PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel - Key news Exhibit 142: PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel - Key offerings Exhibit 143: PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel - Segment focus 12.10 Rio Tinto Ltd. Exhibit 144: Rio Tinto Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 145: Rio Tinto Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 146: Rio Tinto Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 147: Rio Tinto Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 148: Rio Tinto Ltd. - Segment focus 12.11 Santech Exhibit 149: Santech - Overview Exhibit 150: Santech - Product / Service Exhibit 151: Santech - Key offerings 12.12 Shinko Chemical Co. Ltd. Exhibit 152: Shinko Chemical Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 153: Shinko Chemical Co. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 154: Shinko Chemical Co. Ltd. - Key offerings 12.13 Umicore NV Exhibit 155: Umicore NV - Overview Exhibit 156: Umicore NV - Business segments Exhibit 157: Umicore NV - Key news Exhibit 158: Umicore NV - Key offerings Exhibit 159: Umicore NV - Segment focus 12.14 UMMC Holding Corp. Exhibit 160: UMMC Holding Corp. - Overview Exhibit 161: UMMC Holding Corp. - Product / Service Exhibit 162: UMMC Holding Corp. - Key offerings 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 163: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 164: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 165: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 166: Research methodology Exhibit 167: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 168: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 169: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio BEIJING, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Massachusetts-based Harvard Business School (HBS), one of the world's best-known business schools, offers courses that continuously study and analyze the world's greatest business cases. Students from all over the world at HBS are in a heated debate over an established Chinese publishing houseChina Machine Press (CMP), which holds the industry record of "publishing 10 titles and selling 100,000 copies per day." CMP is also the first case of China's cultural industry included in the HBS MBA Cases. The 70-year-old CMP, a Classic HBS Case Which Holds the Record of "Publishing 10 Titles and Selling 100,000 Copies Per Day" CMP has lately been celebrating its 70 anniversary. One of the largest science and technology publishers in China, CMP has published a diversity of sci-tech journals and books since its inception, including Mechanical Workers, the first journal about mechanical science and technology published after the P.R.C. was founded, the Journal of Mechanical Engineering, a top academic journal whose editorial board was chaired by Qian Xuesen, Qian Weichang, and Lu Yongxiang, among other top experts, the Mechanical Engineering Handbook and the Electrical Engineering Handbook, electromechanical encyclopedias compiled by thousands of experts in these fields... As is known to all, into the digital age, the global publishing community is working hard to integrate new technologies with content and marketing. To speed up this effort, an established publisher, CMP is vigorously digitalizing its content, production, marketing, basic platforms and management. Thanks to such upgrades, CMP has built up robust production and marketing capacities: according to up-to-date statistics, CMP's main publishing business has grown at a rate above 5% annually, and emerging business segments, such as media convergence, have grown at a rate above 10% annually. In 2021, CMP "published 10 titles and sold 100,000 copies per day." As a result, CMP's communication, production and marketing approach is regarded as "an exploratory example for the shift from traditional publishing to omnimedia publishing and communication." In the view of Li Qi, Chairman of CMP, "a strong market awareness and a bold pioneering spirit" are in the bones of CMP staff. He believes that, for such a comprehensive sci-tech publishing house to stay alive and thrive in a fast-changing market, it has to stay up to date, stay relevant and stay innovation-driven. SOURCE China Machine Press (CMP) CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's latest research report, the portable air compressor market will grow at a CAGR of 5.35% during 2022-2028. The expansion of the construction industry is significantly boosting the demand for pneumatic tools designed for such activities, which require separate power sources (compressors). Hence, the increased demand from the construction industry has been pushing the demand for portable air compressors in recent years. Moreover, farmers are investing a significant amount in portable air compressors to enhance their farming activities and make their work a little easier, as these compressors are easily movable and require low maintenance. Hence, boosting the growth of the market. PERSONALIZED NUTRITION MARKET Manufacturers are looking for smart IoT systems that provide the most accurate and real-time operational data for their equipment used in residential, industrial, or commercial sectors. It brings the demand for a more robust IoT network that enables data sharing. Therefore, advances and development in new technologies have revolutionized the market. Hence, constant efforts to develop new features and technology for compressors are expected to create new opportunities to expand the portable air compressors market in the upcoming years. Portable Air Compressor Market Report Scope Report Attributes Details Market Size (2028) USD 1.58 Billion Market Size (2022) USD 1.16 Billion CAGR (2022-2028) 5.35 % Market Size by Shipments (2028) 9 Million Units Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2028 Market Segmentation Product Type, Lubrication Type, Airflow Type, Fuel Type, End-user Type, and Geography Geographic Analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Key Countries The US, Canada, Germany, the UK, Italy, France, Spain, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, South Africa, the UAE Saudi Arabia Key Leading Countries Atlas Copco, Gardner Denver, Kaeser Kompressoren, Ingersoll-Rand, Sullair, LLC, Deere & Company, Rolair Systems, Doosan Portable Power, Sullivan-Palatek Inc., Hubei Teweite Power Technology Co., Ltd., Elgi Compressors USA, Inc., CIASONS, MAT Holding, Inc., Quincy Compressor, Vanair Manufacturing, BAC Compressor, SeaComAir, and JSC Remeza Market Dynamics Integration in Compressor with Technology Increasing Utilization of Compressors in Construction Activities Increasing Utilization of Compressors in Households Customization Request If our report does not include the information you are searching for, you may contact us to have a report tailored to your specific business needs https://www.arizton.com/customize-report/3696 Click Here to Download the Free Sample Report APAC to lead the Portable Air Compressors Market The portable air compressors market in APAC was valued at USD 546.29 million in 2022, and the market revenue is expected to increase in the upcoming years. Manufacturers of electric portable air compressors are witnessing huge growth in APAC and are customizing their products to suit urban living environments with compact spaces. These products are also lightweight and sustainable. Thus, quieter products are highly in demand across APAC. Vendors in the market are developing cost-effective models for price-sensitive customers in countries such as South Korea and India. Moreover, the demand for better efficiency equipment will witness rapid growth due to the rise in consumer awareness in the region. Japan and China will focus on acquiring machinery that is advanced and versatile. In contrast, in markets such as South Korea and India, basic models with high efficiency will contribute to market growth. Electric portable air compressors are popular in developed countries in the region and are expected to witness growth in the near future. Upcoming Growth Opportunities The manufacturers are emphasizing manufacturing energy-efficient compressors by adopting VFD and VSD technologies, which enables them to save huge amounts of energy on their products in the portable air compressor market. For instance, Atlas Copco's GA 7-110 VSD+ is an innovative oil-injected compressor that took energy efficiency to a new level with an approximately 50% reduction in energy consumption. Hence, such adoption of energy-efficient technologies is providing an opportunity to the manufacturers during the forecast period. Further, according to the report by the Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategies state that compressed air systems are one of the large consumers of energy, consuming around 10% of all industrial electrical consumption or 8.8 TWh each year, which results in CO2 emissions of 3,100 kt/year. Hence, such factors are expected to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient electric portable air compressors during the forecast period. Key Vendors Atlas Copco Gardner Denver Kaeser Kompressoren Ingersoll-Rand Sullair, LLC Deere & Company Rolair Systems Doosan Portable Power Sullivan-Palatek Inc. Hubei Teweite Power Technology Co., Ltd. Elgi Compressors USA , Inc. , Inc. CIASONS MAT Holding, Inc. Quincy Compressor Vanair Manufacturing BAC Compressor SeaComAir JSC Remeza Market Segmentation Product Type Reciprocating Rotary Screw Centrifugal Axial Lubrication Type Oil-Injected Oil-Free Airflow Type Below 400 CFM 400-800 CFM Above 800 CFM Fuel Type Conventional Electric End-user Type Manufacturing Construction Pharmaceutical/Healthcare Automotive Power Generation Oil & Gas Agriculture Others Geography North America The US Canada Europe Germany The UK Italy France Spain APAC China Japan South Korea India Australia Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Middle East & Africa South Africa The UAE Saudi Arabia Click Here to Download the Free Sample Report Check Out Some of the Top Selling Research Related Reports: Data Center Precision Air Conditioning Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2022-2027: The data center precision air conditioning market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.01% from 2022 to 2027. In 2021, the global data center cooling market witnessed steady growth after COVID-19. The data center industry was considered an essential service that led to a considerable increase in power capacity due to the service demand during COVID-19. In addition, the development of hyperscale data centers with a power capacity of over 30 MW will continue to drive market growth throughout the forecast period with the adoption of cooling infrastructure in higher numbers. HVAC Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028: The global HVAC market is expected to reach USD 309.62 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.43% from 2022-2028. The global market is undergoing tremendous modifications due to the increasing integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology with HVAC products, making them innovative and accessible. The emphasis on connecting several sensors within building ecosystems, including HVAC, has grown for achieving energy efficiency. Pool Heat Pump Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2022-2027: The global pool heat pump market is expected to reach USD 7.99 billion by 2027. Heat pumps are significant for substantial and immediate carbon savings compared with the other modes of current heating systems. Heat decarbonization is a major priority that compels economies to strive and implement wide-scale adoption of appliances with lower carbon emissions. Pool heat pumps are the next big opportunity for the pool-heating industry, where shipments are expected to surpass 1.5 million units by 2027. The US, China, Australia, France, and Italy were the major revenue contributors though the penetration remained low. U.S. Residential Heating System Market - Industry Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028: The U.S. residential heating system market is expected to reach USD 13.97 billion by 2028. The residential heating market is undergoing tremendous modifications due to the increasing integration of the internet of things (IoT) technology with heating products, making them innovative and accessible. The emphasis on connecting several sensors within building ecosystems, including heating pumps and geothermal heating systems, has grown for achieving energy efficiency. Alternatively, the increasing raw material price, supply chain disruption, and oil prices surge due to the Russian-Ukraine conflict expect the end-user to shift toward an energy-efficient heating system in the U.S. residential heating system market. Table of Content 1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 3 RESEARCH PROCESS 4 SCOPE & COVERAGE 4.1 MARKET DEFINITION 4.1.1 INCLUSIONS 4.1.2 EXCLUSIONS 4.1.3 MARKET ESTIMATION CAVEATS 4.2 BASE YEAR 4.3 SCOPE OF THE STUDY 4.1 MARKET SEGMENTATION 4.1.1 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY PRODUCT TYPE 4.1.2 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY LUBRICATION TYPE 4.1.3 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY AIRFLOW TYPE 4.1.4 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY FUEL TYPE 4.1.5 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY END-USER TYPE 4.1.6 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY GEOGRAPHY 5 REPORT ASSUMPTIONS & CAVEATS 5.1 KEY CAVEATS 5.2 CURRENCY CONVERSION 5.3 MARKET DERIVATION 6 MARKET AT A GLANCE 7 PREMIUM INSIGHTS 7.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 7.2 FUTURE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES 7.3 SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS 7.4 GEOGRAPHICAL INSIGHTS 7.5 VENDOR LANDSCAPE 8 INTRODUCTION 8.1 OVERVIEW 8.2 BENEFITS OF PORTABLE AIR COMPRESSORS 8.2.1 LESS NOISE 8.2.2 VERSATILE 8.2.3 POWER SOURCE 8.2.4 COMPACT 8.3 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 8.3.1 APPLICABILITY 8.3.2 NOISE EMISSIONS STANDARDS 8.3.3 TEST PROCEDURES 8.4 INITIATIVES TO CURB INDUSTRIAL GREENHOUSE EFFECT 8.5 ECONOMY SCENARIO 8.6 VALUE CHAIN 8.6.1 RAW MATERIALS 8.6.2 MANUFACTURERS/VENDORS 8.6.3 DEALERS/DISTRIBUTORS 8.6.4 RETAILERS 8.6.5 END-USERS 9 IMPORT & EXPORT STATISTICS 10 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES & TRENDS 10.1 GROWING DEMAND FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENT COMPRESSORS 10.2 ADVANCES IN BATTERY TECHNOLOGY 10.3 GROWING INCLINATION TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY 11 MARKET GROWTH ENABLERS 11.1 INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY IN COMPRESSORS 11.2 INCREASE IN USE OF COMPRESSORS IN CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES 11.3 INCREASE IN USE OF COMPRESSORS IN HOUSEHOLDS 12 MARKET RESTRAINTS 12.1 EFFECTS OF DIESEL CONSUMPTION 12.2 VOLATILITY IN RAW MATERIAL PRICES 13 MARKET LANDSCAPE 13.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 13.2 FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS 13.2.1 THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS 13.2.2 BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS 13.2.3 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS 13.2.4 THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES 13.2.5 COMPETITIVE RIVALRY 14 PRODUCT TYPE 14.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE (VALUE) 14.2 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE (VOLUME) 14.3 MARKET OVERVIEW 14.4 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 14.5 RECIPROCATING 14.5.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 14.5.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 14.5.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 14.6 ROTARY SCREW 14.6.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 14.6.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 14.6.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 14.7 CENTRIFUGAL 14.7.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 14.7.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 14.7.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 14.8 AXIAL 14.8.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 14.8.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 14.8.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 15 LUBRICATION TYPE 15.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE (VALUE) 15.2 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VOLUME) 15.3 MARKET OVERVIEW 15.4 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 15.5 OIL-INJECTED 15.5.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 15.5.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 15.5.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 15.6 OIL-FREE 15.6.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 15.6.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 15.6.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 16 AIRFLOW TYPE 16.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE (VALUE) 16.2 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VOLUME) 16.3 MARKET OVERVIEW 16.4 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 16.5 BELOW 400 CFM 16.5.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 16.5.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 16.5.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 16.6 400-800 CFM 16.6.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 16.6.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 16.6.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 16.7 ABOVE 800 CFM 16.7.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 16.7.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 16.7.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 17 FUEL TYPE 17.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE (VALUE) 17.2 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VOLUME) 17.3 MARKET OVERVIEW 17.4 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 17.5 CONVENTIONAL 17.5.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 17.5.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 17.5.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 17.6 ELECTRIC 17.6.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 17.6.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 17.6.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 18 END-USER TYPE 18.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE (VALUE) 18.2 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VOLUME) 18.3 MARKET OVERVIEW 18.4 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 18.5 MANUFACTURING 18.5.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 18.5.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 18.5.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 18.6 CONSTRUCTION 18.6.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 18.6.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 18.6.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 18.7 PHARMACEUTICAL & HEALTHCARE 18.7.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 18.7.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 18.7.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 18.8 AUTOMOTIVE 18.8.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 18.8.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 18.8.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 18.9 POWER GENERATION 18.9.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 18.9.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 18.9.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 18.10 OIL & GAS 18.10.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 18.10.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 18.10.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 18.11 AGRICULTURE 18.11.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 18.11.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 18.11.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 18.12 OTHERS 18.12.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 18.12.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 18.12.3 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 19 GEOGRAPHY 19.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE (VALUE) 19.2 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VOLUME) 19.3 GEOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW 20 APAC 20.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 20.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.2.1 PRODUCT TYPE 20.2.2 LUBRICANT TYPE 20.2.3 AIRFLOW TYPE 20.2.4 FUEL TYPE 20.2.5 END-USER TYPE 20.3 KEY COUNTRIES 20.3.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VALUE) 20.3.2 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VOLUME) 20.3.3 CHINA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.3.4 JAPAN: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.3.5 INDIA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.3.6 SOUTH KOREA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.3.7 AUSTRALIA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 21 EUROPE 21.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 21.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 21.2.1 PRODUCT TYPE 21.2.2 LUBRICANT TYPE 21.2.3 AIRFLOW TYPE 21.2.4 FUEL TYPE 21.2.5 END-USER TYPE 21.3 KEY COUNTRIES 21.3.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VALUE) 21.3.2 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VOLUME) 21.3.3 GERMANY: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 21.3.4 UK: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 21.3.5 FRANCE: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 21.3.6 ITALY: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 21.3.7 SPAIN: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 22 NORTH AMERICA 22.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 22.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 22.2.1 PRODUCT TYPE 22.2.2 LUBRICANT TYPE 22.2.3 AIRFLOW TYPE 22.2.4 FUEL TYPE 22.2.5 END-USER TYPE 22.3 KEY COUNTRIES 22.3.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VALUE) 22.4.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VOLUME) 22.4.2 US: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 22.4.3 CANADA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 23 LATIN AMERICA 23.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 23.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 23.2.1 PRODUCT TYPE 23.2.2 LUBRICANT TYPE 23.2.3 AIRFLOW TYPE 23.2.4 FUEL TYPE 23.2.5 END-USER TYPE 23.3 KEY COUNTRIES 23.3.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VALUE) 23.3.2 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VOLUME) 23.3.3 BRAZIL: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 23.3.4 MEXICO: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 23.3.5 ARGENTINA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 24 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA 24.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 24.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 24.2.1 PRODUCT TYPE 24.2.2 LUBRICANT TYPE 24.2.3 AIRFLOW TYPE 24.2.4 FUEL TYPE 24.2.5 END-USER TYPE 24.3 KEY COUNTRIES 24.3.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VALUE) 24.3.2 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH RATE (VOLUME) 24.3.3 SAUDI ARABIA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 24.3.4 UAE: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 24.3.5 SOUTH AFRICA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 25 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 25.1 COMPETITION OVERVIEW 26 KEY COMPANY PROFILES 26.1 ATLAS COPCO 26.1.1 BUSINESS OVERVIEW 26.1.2 KEY STRATEGIES 26.1.3 PRODUCT OFFERINGS 26.1.4 KEY STRENGTHS 26.1.5 KEY OPPORTUNITIES 26.2 GARDNER DENVER 26.3 KAESER KOMPRESSOREN 26.4 INGERSOLL-RAND 27 OTHER PROMINENT VENDORS 27.1 SULLAIR, LLC 27.1.1 BUSINESS OVERVIEW 27.1.2 PRODUCT OFFERINGS 27.2 DEERE & COMPANY 27.3 ROLAIR SYSTEMS 27.4 DOOSAN PORTABLE POWER 27.5 SULLIVAN-PALATEK, INC. 27.6 HUBEI TEWEITE POWER TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD. 27.7 ELGI COMPRESSORS USA, INC. 27.8 CIASONS 27.9 MAT HOLDING, INC. 27.10 QUINCY COMPRESSOR 27.11 VANAIR MANUFACTURING 27.12 BCA COMPRESSORS 27.13 SEACOMAIR 27.14 REMEZA JSC 28 REPORT SUMMARY 28.1 KEY TAKEAWAYS 28.2 STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS 29 QUANTITATIVE SUMMARY 29.1 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 29.2 MARKET BY PRODUCT TYPE 29.3 MARKET BY LUBRICANT TYPE 29.4 MARKET BY AIRFLOW TYPE 29.5 MARKET BY FUEL TYPE 29.6 MARKET BY END-USER TYPE 30 APPENDIX 30.1 ABBREVIATIONS About Us: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. Click Here to Contact Us Call: +1-312-235-2040 +1 302 469 0707 Mail: [email protected] Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1997481/PORTABLE_AIR_COMPRESSORS_MARKET.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818553/Arizton_Logo.jpg SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence The Zekelman Holocaust Center is the first museum in the United States to host Filmmaker David Wilkinson to discuss his documentary FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Zekelman Holocaust Center (The HC), in Farmington Hills, MI., will host the first U.S. speaking engagement with filmmaker David Wilkinson, whose new documentary, Getting Away with Murder(s), is streaming nationwide on Amazon Prime, Peacock, Roku, Tubi, Xumo, and Plex. The film aims to answer the question of why so many who were responsible for the Holocaust were able to escape justice. Wilkinson's relentless pursuit to find an answer took him through 10 different countries over two decades. Included in the interviews is Benjamin Ferencz, the last living prosecutor from the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials. The movie was named by The Guardian newspaper as the "best documentary" on the list of the 50 best films of 2021. In grappling with questions of culpability, prosecution, and justice, the film also examines the role of the Allies in the aftermath of World War II. Initially, the Allies unanimously agreed to prosecute those responsible when they drew up The London Agreement in August 1945. But, after the 1950s, the Allies' pursuit of justice simply stopped, deciding not to proceed any further. Filmmaker David Wilkinson has distributed 120 films in the UK and Ireland in the cinema, on video, to television and online. He is also an actor who appeared in over 40 theatre, television and film productions. The virtual event, beginning at 2:30 p.m., is free to the public. Register and follow the prompts to watch the film at HolocaustCenter.org/February About The Zekelman Holocaust Center The Zekelman Holocaust Center (The HC) is a 55,000-square-foot museum and Library Archive in Farmington Hills that teaches about the senseless murder of millions and why each of us must respect and stand up for the rights of others if we are to prevent future genocide and hate crimes. For additional information, visit www.holocaustcenter.org or call 248-553-2400. SOURCE The Zekelman Holocaust Center Funding Combats Climate Change by Using AI to Cut Energy and Food Waste from Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Therma , a cooling intelligence platform combating food and energy waste, announced a $19M Series A. The oversubscribed round was led by Zero Infinity Partners , with participation from Deciens Capital , CityRock Venture Partners , Homecoming Capital , Ananta Capital , Kindergarten Ventures , Collaborative Fund , and Govtech Fund . Therma will deploy the funding to become a scalable electric grid partner by dynamically lowering energy demand from cooling assets while saving customers money on utility bills. Cooling, which includes refrigeration and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) is essential for human health. It is also the least understood major driver of climate change, accounting for nearly 10% of global CO2 emissions including energy use, food waste, and refrigerant leakage. Cooling also drives emissions when extreme weather and high energy prices cause power shortages, forcing utilities to turn on expensive and dirty fossil fuel-based " peaker"power plants to maintain infrastructure and safety. Therma Cooling Intelligence Platform uses temperature tracking and energy optimization to alert customers to equipment breakdowns, reduce energy consumption, and move electricity usage to off-peak hours. Therma's vision is to transform cooling systems into virtual power plants that provide cheaper, cleaner energy while preventing billions of metric tons of CO2 emissions. "The massive growth of refrigeration and air conditioning globally will greatly accelerate climate change unless we revolutionize cooling technologies," said Manik Suri, Therma Founder and CEO. "How do we best meet the ever-growing demands for cooling in the age of soaring energy prices and electric grid instability? We are excited about Therma's innovative answer to this crucial and underserved problem," says John Kwaak, Managing Partner at Zero Infinity Partners. Dan Kimerling, Managing Partner at Deciens Capital, says, "Since we invested in Therma two years ago, they have tripled revenue each year. Therma's vision to transform refrigeration into energy storage will advance energy security around the world." "It is rare to find a start-up that successfully reinvents a legacy piece of ubiquitous technology like a refrigerator to prevent both energy and food waste," says Oliver Libby, co-founding Managing Partner of leading NYC impact investing firm CityRock Venture Partners. Therma is currently deployed with over a thousand customers across restaurants, hospitality, education, and food manufacturing including McDonald's, Domino's, Marriott Hotels and NOW Foods. Join us to transform cooling at hellotherma.com. About Therma Cooling, which includes refrigeration and HVAC, is the least understood major driver of climate change. Therma Cooling Intelligence Platform uses artificial intelligence, IoT sensors, and equipment controls to reduce energy usage, prevent food waste, and reduce carbon emissions. Therma was founded by Manik Suri, an expert on climate, technology, and public policy. Manik has spoken on the cooling crisis at leading forums including The New York Times Climate Hub at COP26 and Techonomy Climate . He previously held positions at global investment firm D.E. Shaw & Company, the White House National Economic Council, and is a former Affiliate of Harvard's Berkman Center for Internet & Society. Media Contact Aaron Cohen [email protected] SOURCE Therma CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tokio Marine Highland, a leading provider of fine art insurance for personal and commercial risks, announced today that it will serve as a premier sponsor of the EXPO CHICAGO art fair, to be held April 13-16, 2023. The 10th edition of EXPO CHICAGO, the International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art, will feature 170 leading international exhibitors at Navy Pier's Festival Hall, as well as robust programming. The exposition draws upon the city's rich history as a vibrant international cultural destination, while engaging the region's contemporary art community and collector base. "We are delighted to have Tokio Marine Highland join our exclusive roster of premier partners this year," said Tony Karman, Director and President of the fair. "Their team of insurance experts are embedded within the art world and have a true commitment to not only protecting but also supporting the arts." "We are thrilled to partner with EXPO CHICAGO as a premier sponsor," said Christiane Fischer, President of Tokio Marine Highland's Fine Art Division. "Our company is international in reach, but our home base is Chicago, so it is truly meaningful to be able to support the local, regional, and international arts communities. This fair brings together so many collectors, dealers, museum professional, and art professionals and truly celebrates Chicago as an arts center." In addition to supporting the fair, Tokio Marine Highland will co-sponsor a variety of events for dealers, collectors, museum directors, curators and art professionals during EXPO CHICAGO, including a VIP Collectors' Dinner, the Arts Club of Chicago Dealer & Collector Breakfast, the Art Institute of Chicago VIP Breakfast and Tour, and more. Tokio Marine Highland is a wholly owned company of Tokio Marine Kiln, one of the largest carriers in the Lloyd's of London insurance market. An experienced authority on fine art insurance, Fischer provides the strategic leadership and delivery of Tokio Marine Highland's custom insurance solutions for the fine art market, including art dealer, exhibition, museum, and private and corporate collection coverages. About Tokio Marine Highland Tokio Marine Highland is a leading property and casualty underwriting agency that offers distinct specialty risk management solutions, including private flood, fine art, specialty property, real estate investment and lender-placed insurance. Tokio Marine Highland also includes Precise Adjustments, a wholly owned subsidiary that provides industry-leading claims capabilities. Founded in 1962, Tokio Marine Highland Insurance Services, Inc. is a wholly owned company of Tokio Marine Kiln, one of the largest carriers in the Lloyd's of London insurance market, rated A+ by Standard & Poor's for financial strength, and a member of the Tokio Marine Group. Tokio Marine Highland has offices located in Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Irvine, CA, Miami, FL, and South Pasadena, CA. For more information, visit our website at www.tokiomarinehighland.com. About Expo Chicago EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art features leading international galleries alongside a leading platform for contemporary art and cultural programming. The 10th anniversary edition of EXPO CHICAGO will take place within Navy Pier's historic Festival Hall April 13-16, 2022. EXPO CHICAGO presents a diverse and inventive program, including Dialogues (presented in partnership with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago) and Exchange by Northern Trust: An Interactive Conversation Around the Art of Collecting, unrivaled programs for both public and VIP audiences; IN/SITU, dynamic on-site installations highlighting large-scale sculpture, film, and site-specific work; and major public art initiatives, including IN/SITU Outside, with works installed throughout Chicago Park District locations, and OVERRIDE | A Billboard Project, a curated selection of work by international artists displayed throughout the city's digital billboard network. The EXPO CHICAGO program also features an unprecedented commitment to host curatorial initiatives during the exposition, including the Curatorial Forum in partnership with Independent Curators International (ICI), and the Curatorial Exchange, which partners with foreign agencies and consulates to expand the exposition's global reach; and the Directors Summit, which brings together emerging art museum leaders for a three-day program addressing the shifting dynamics of museum leadership today. EXPO CHICAGO is presented by Art Expositions, LLC. Under the leadership of President and Director Tony Karman, EXPO CHICAGO draws upon the city's rich history as a vibrant international cultural destination, while highlighting the region's contemporary arts community and inspiring its collector base. For more information on EXPO CHICAGO visit expochicago.com. Tokio Marine Highland Media Contact: Joshua Clifton Vice President, Marketing and Communications 312-736-2351 (office) 773-230-1304 (mobile) [email protected] SOURCE Tokio Marine Highland Company Adds $51 Million in Top-Line Revenue in 30th Year of Consecutive Growth NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TransPerfect, the world's largest provider of language and technology solutions for global business, today announced 2022 billed revenues of $1.16 billion. This represents a 4.6% increase over a strong 2021 and marks the company's 30th consecutive year of revenue growth since its founding. TransPerfect President and CEO Phil Shawe stated, "Looking back on 2022, we're proud to have grown revenues by more than $50 million in a challenging economic environment. Our team deserves a lot of credit for diversifying our business across geographies, industries, and technology offeringsthis mix contributed to the resilience of our performance." TransPerfect's strategy of providing solutions that are global in scope but local in delivery continues to drive its business. 2022 saw the company's global footprint expand to eight new cities, including Casablanca, Delhi, El Paso, Ho Chi Minh City, Lagos, Nairobi, and Santo Domingo. The local presence in each of these markets enhances the company's ability to serve clients. Growth in TransPerfect's AI-driven neural MT solution, GlobalLink NOW, accelerated in 2022 with over 80 billion words processed and a 100% increase in sales, highlighting customer enthusiasm for using best-in-breed technology to reduce costs and accelerate time-to-market. In addition, e-discovery and litigation technology solutions were strong performers with an 11% increase in the TransPerfect Legal Solutions division. Two significant M&A highlights of 2022, both occurring in the latter half of the year, are expected to contribute to 2023 growth: Sterling Technology, Europe's leading provider of virtual data room (VDR) solutions for secure content sharing in M&A transactions (www.sterlingvdr.com) leading provider of virtual data room (VDR) solutions for secure content sharing in M&A transactions (www.sterlingvdr.com) Hiventy Group, a leading French media house that provides dubbing, subtitling, post-production, content distribution, and film restoration services to over half of all movies released in Europe each year (www.hiventy.com) TransPerfect's flagship technology products and associated services continue to be a substantial driver of growth. In 2022, more than 500 new clients deployed TransPerfect's GlobalLink solutions to help streamline their global content, resulting in an 11% year-over-year increase in technology licensing revenue. The company remained consistent with its core value of "giving back" to the communities in which it operates in 2022. TransPerfect and its employees worked together to make significant contributions to many important organizations, including Girls Who Code, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, CFES Brilliant Pathways, CLEAR Global, Athlete Ally, Bottom Line, AFANOC, and Toys for Tots. About TransPerfect TransPerfect is the world's largest provider of language and technology solutions for global business. From offices in over 100 cities on six continents, TransPerfect offers a full range of services in 200+ languages to clients worldwide. More than 6,000 global organizations employ TransPerfect's GlobalLink technology to simplify management of multilingual content. With an unparalleled commitment to quality and client service, TransPerfect is fully ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 certified. TransPerfect has global headquarters in New York, with regional headquarters in London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit our website at www.transperfect.com. SOURCE TransPerfect DALLAS, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Unleashed Brands, the world's first Youth Enrichment franchise platform company that includes category-leading brands Urban Air Adventure Park, Snapology, The Little Gym, XP League, Class 101 and Premier Martial Arts, today announced a strategic partnership with Seidler Equity Partners to fund future Company growth and child enrichment programs. As part of the transaction, Unleashed Brands' management team will continue to lead the Company in its founder focused, franchise friendly, families first mission to help children learn, play and grow. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The capital infusion helps support Unleashed Brands' next phase of growth and position the Company to acquire more world-class, best-in-category brands into its platform that offers quality, vetted kids' programming across all areas to help them explore new interests, develop new skills and grow into happy, successful adults. Unleashed Brands plans to continue the rapid expansion of its portfolio, which currently includes more than 800 brick-and-mortar locations across six brands in the U.S. and Canada as of December 2022, with plans to open more than 630 additional portfolio brand locations in the next few years. Seidler Equity Partners is a leading investment firm based in Marina del Rey, Calif., with more than 30 years of experience investing in founder-led companies. Seidler Equity Partners has a long history of providing capital and resources to accelerate company growth while preserving culture. As a strategic and financial partner, the firm expects to help Unleashed Brands achieve its full potential during this next phase of growth. "Unleashed Brands was founded in 2021, when we identified a void in the market for parents looking for a trusted resource for youth activities, and today, our mission remains consistent in helping kids learn, play and grow," said Michael Browning, CEO and Founder of Unleashed Brands. "We invest in world-class brands that align with our overall Company ethos, and through our partnership with Seidler Equity Partners, we'll be able to continue to serve youth of all ages in altogether new and exciting ways and interests. We specifically sought investors who whole-heartedly believe in our mission, and I'm appreciative of Seidler Equity Partners' enthusiastic support together, we'll work to expand our franchise opportunities across the country to become an even more trusted resource for families." "Unleashed Brands has an incredible track record of serving America's youth at every stage of their young lives, and it's an honor to partner with the company for this next chapter," said Leonard Lee of Seidler Equity Partners. "Their portfolio of leading brands is paving the way for youth enrichment programs today and in the future." Former investors have exited the business but continue their support from the sidelines and are proud of the accomplishments of Michael and his incredible team at Unleashed Brands. "The Unleashed Brands platform is now poised for the next phase of growth, which will certainly be an exciting one as they continue to serve both the many incredible franchisees in their system and the needs of parents and their children," said Patrick K. McGee, Managing Partner at MPK Equity Partners. "This team and its franchisees wake up every day seeking to positively impact the lives of millions of children in our local communities, and we are honored to have been part of this journey." "Supporting the growth of Unleashed Brands from a few dozen indoor adventure parks to an entire platform of brands helping kids and families has been quite the ride," said John Bahr, Managing Partner at AHR Growth Partners. "The entire team's dedication and commitment to that shared vision is contagious, and we look forward to seeing where this next phase takes them cheering them on every step of the way." Unleashed Brands is the parent company of six portfolio brands, Urban Air Adventure Park, Snapology, The Little Gym, XP League, Class 101 and Premier Martial Arts. Unleashed Brands is led by a management team with more than 150 years of combined consumer industry experience focused on serving families. Unleashed continues to expand its industry-leading platform to better serve and support families as moms and dads seek to "build great kids." About Unleashed Brands Unleashed Brands currently includes portfolio brands Urban Air, Snapology, The Little Gym, XP League, Class 101 and Premier Martial Arts and was founded to curate and grow a portfolio of the most innovative and profitable brands that help kids learn, play and grow. Over the last 10 years, the team at Unleashed Brands has built a proven platform and know-how for scaling businesses focused on serving families. Its mission is to impact the lives of every kid by providing fun, engaging and inspiring experiences that help them become who they are destined to be. For more information, please visit www.UnleashedBrands.com. ABOUT SEIDLER EQUITY PARTNERS Seidler Equity Partners and its affiliates have been investing in market-leading companies since 1992. Seidler seeks to align its capital and resources with business founders and management teams to achieve long-term growth and preserve company stewardship. For more information, visit www.SEPfunds.com. Contact: ICR, [email protected] SOURCE Unleashed Brands Partnership launched with 0% interest* offer for a limited time only SUNNYVALE, Calif., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Uplift, the leading Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solution for the world's top travel and retail brands, has partnered with Margaritaville at Sea to offer customers installment payments on all bookings. Beginning now for a limited time, Margaritaville at Sea will be offering interest-free payments via Uplift. Uplift Partners with Margaritaville at Sea to Offer Buy Now, Pay Later Payment Options on Cruises This new payment offering provides customers the benefit of reserving cruise experiences by spreading the cost over easy monthly payments. Additionally, through Uplift's pay over time option, customers can easily upgrade to a larger cabin class or add on-board amenities or shore excursions for only a few extra dollars a month. Margaritaville at Sea's flagship vessel, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, offers three-day/two-night micro-vacations from Palm Beach, Florida to Grand Bahama Island. While onboard, guests can enjoy gourmet food and beverage options, such as JWB Prime Steakhouse and the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, along with pools, retail stores, a spa and fitness center, and other services and amenities. "Our loyal travelers enjoy the carefree vacation lifestyle and expect flexibility in the booking experience," said Kevin Sheehan, Jr., President and CEO of Margaritaville at Sea. "This is why Uplift's monthly payment options are the perfect way to provide ease and peace of mind for our guests. And, to celebrate the launch of this partnership, we'll offer limited-time, interest-free payment options, making now a wonderful time to book an affordable trip to The Bahamas." Uplift partners with over 300 of the world's leading airlines, cruise lines, resorts, and other major travel providers to help more consumers make meaningful purchases and experience the travel that they deserve. "Uplift is thrilled to be partnering with such a lively and exciting brand like Margaritaville at Sea," said Rob Borden, SVP of Commercial & Cruise at Uplift. "With this new relationship, Uplift will now offer guests the option of interest-free monthly installments to easily begin sailing the tropical waters and enjoying their experience at sea." With Uplift, there are no late fees or prepayment penalties and customers can book now and spread the cost over affordable monthly payments, rather than paying in full at one time. Customers see the total cost of their purchase upfront including the monthly payment amount and may select from a variety of monthly installments term lengths. Uplift's Buy Now Pay Later flexible payment options are now available for booking. To learn more, visit: http://www.margaritavilleatsea.com/uplift. Photo available for download here. *Down payment may be required. Actual terms are based on your credit score and other factors and may vary. APRs range from 0% to 36%. Not everyone is eligible. Loans made through Uplift are offered by these lending partners: www.uplift.com/lenders. Privacy Policy. Terms of Use. About Uplift Uplift is the leading Buy Now, Pay Later solution that empowers people to get more out of life, one thoughtful purchase at a time. Serving the world's top enterprise level travel brands, Uplift's complete range of flexible payment options drive higher conversion and loyalty for partners, while giving customers a simple, surprise-free way to pay over time with no late fees or prepayment penalties. Uplift is currently available throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit Uplift.com. About Margaritaville at Sea Margaritaville at Sea is a floating island vacation at sea that brings together the brand's iconic hospitality and experiences with the ability to escape and see the world. The inaugural ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, features 658 cabins with nautical details and colors influenced by the sea, sand, and sky. Amenities include several dining venues, pools, entertainment programming, retail stores, a St. Somewhere Spa, Fins Up! Fitness Center, and more. For more information, visit www.margaritavilleatsea.com. SOURCE Uplift The market report is a good combination of qualitative and quantitative data that highlights significant market changes, obstacles that business and the competition must overcome, as well as new possibilities and trends in the global Vehicle Electrification Market. JERSEY CITY, N.J., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Verified Market Research recently published a report, "Vehicle Electrification Market" By Product Type (Start or Stop System, Electric Power Steering, Electric air Conditioner Compressor), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Car, Light Commercial Vehicle and Heavy Commercial Vehicle), By Degree Of Hybridization (Internal Combustion Engine & Micro Hybrid Vehicle), and By Geography. As per the deep research carried out by Verified Market Research, the global Vehicle Electrification Market size was valued at USD 62.33 Billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 117.94 Billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2021 to 2028. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample?rid=34220 Browse in-depth TOC on "Vehicle Electrification Market" 202 Pages 126 Tables 37 Figures Global Vehicle Electrification Market Overview The term "vehicle electrification" refers to a broad range of technologies that use electricity to power cars and the transportation sector. Depending on the type of vehicle, multiple voltage sources can be used for electrification. It makes it possible to replace hydraulic or mechanical systems with electrical ones. This technique is frequently used in the automobile industry to improve vehicle efficiency and cut harmful emissions. As a result of stringent government emission rules, the market is probably going to expand. Due to the significant impact that car emissions have on both the environment and human life, numerous governments and regulatory bodies throughout the world have implemented severe vehicle emission requirements. As a result, automakers are under pressure to create cars that meet regulatory standards and produce less pollutants. Governments in developing nations are utilizing innovative techniques, such as tax incentives, to encourage citizens to purchase hybrid and electric automobiles. The main driver of the market's growth is the rising usage of technical advancements such as the e-axle in electric vehicles. In addition, the market growth is expected to be favorable due to the growing demand for the development of light-weight vehicles in order to improve fuel economy. Another aspect boosting market expansion is the growing need for 48v architecture. Additionally, the market is anticipated to be fueled by an increase in the demand for hybrid automobiles. Important manufacturers have made large efforts in R&D to create hybrid cars that emit no emissions that exceed industry standards and classic autos in terms of fuel efficiency. The market for hybrid and electrified vehicles is anticipated to rise as consumer awareness of vehicle emissions rises. All of these factors are anticipated to support the expansion of the vehicle electrification market throughout the anticipated time period. Verified Market Research narrows down the available data using primary sources to validate the data and use it in compiling a full-fledged market research study. The report contains a quantitative and qualitative estimation of market elements that interests the client. The "Global Vehicle Electrification Market" is mainly bifurcated into sub-segments which can provide classified data regarding the latest trends in the market. Key Players The "Global Vehicle Electrification Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Robert Bosch GmbH, Continental AG, Aisin Seiki, Johnson Controls, Denso Corporation, Delphi Automotive PLC, Johnson Electrics, BorgWarner Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Magna International Inc. Based on the research, Verified Market Research has segmented the global Vehicle Electrification Market into Product Type, Vehicle Type, Degree of Hybridization and Geography. Vehicle Electrification Market, by Product Type Start or Stop System Electric Power Steering Electric Air Conditioner Compressor Electric Vacuum Pump Vehicle Electrification Market, by Vehicle Type Passenger Car Light Commercial Vehicle Heavy Commercial Vehicle Vehicle Electrification Market, by Degree of Hybridization Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Internal Combustion Engine & Micro Hybrid Vehicle Hybrid Electric Vehicle Vehicle Electrification Market, by Geography North America U.S Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific ROW Middle East & Africa & Latin America Browse Related Reports: Commercial Vehicle Electrification Market By Vehicle Type (Light commercial vehicles, Heavy-duty commercial vehicles), By Hybridization (Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) & Micro-Hybrid Vehicle, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)), By Geography, And Forecast Automotive Power Electronics Market By Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars (PC), Commercial Vehicles (CV)), By Application (Safety & Security Systems, Powertrain and Chassis), By Component Type (Sensors, Power ICs, and Microcontroller Units (MCUs), By Geography, And Forecast Vehicle To Grid Market By Product Type (Unidirectional Vehicle to Grid and Bidirectional Vehicle to Grid), By Application (Peak Power Sales, Spinning Reserves), By Geography, And Forecast Transportation Electrification Market By Product (Complete Electrification , Partial Electrification), By Application (Railway , Electric Car), By Geography, And Forecast Top 7 vehicle electrification companies wiring a new phase of vehicletech Visualize Vehicle Electrification Market using Verified Market Intelligence -: Verified Market Intelligence is our BI Enabled Platform for narrative storytelling in this market. VMI offers in-depth forecasted trends and accurate Insights on over 20,000+ emerging & niche markets, helping you make critical revenue-impacting decisions for a brilliant future. VMI provides a holistic overview and global competitive landscape with respect to Region, Country, Segment, and Key players of your market. Present your Market Report & findings with an inbuilt presentation feature saving over 70% of your time and resources for Investor, Sales & Marketing, R&D, and Product Development pitches. VMI enables data delivery In Excel and Interactive PDF formats with over 15+ Key Market Indicators for your market. About Us Verified Market Research is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ customers. Verified Market Research provides advanced analytical research solutions while offering information-enriched research studies. We offer insight into strategic and growth analyses, Data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions. Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance use industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 15,000 high impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research. We study 14+ categories from Semiconductors & Electronics, Chemicals, Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Energy & Power, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Automotive & Transportation, Information & Communication Technology, Software & Services, Information Security, Mining, Minerals & Metals, Building & Construction, Agriculture industry and Medical Devices from over 100 countries. Contact Us Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Verified Market Research US: +1 (650)-781-4080 UK: +44 (753)-715-0008 APAC: +61 (488)-85-9400 US Toll Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1315349/Verified_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Verified Market Research NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO, OR TO ANY PERSON RESIDENT AND/OR LOCATED IN, ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IS UNLAWFUL THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES TO THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION THAT QUALIFIED OR MAY HAVE QUALIFIED AS INSIDE INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 7 OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) 596/2014 AS IT FORMS PART OF DOMESTIC LAW IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018 NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE, England, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vodafone Group Plc ("Vodafone" or the "Company") announces the launch of three concurrent, but separate, offers to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding series of notes listed in the table below (collectively, the "Notes") upon the terms of and subject to the conditions in the offers to purchase dated February 7, 2023 (the "Offer to Purchase") and the accompanying notice of guaranteed delivery (the "Notice of Guaranteed Delivery," and together with the Offer to Purchase, the "Tender Offer Documents"). The Company's obligation to complete an Offer with respect to a particular series of Notes is conditioned on the aggregate principal amount of the validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes, together with the aggregate principal amount of Notes of each series accepted for purchase with a higher Acceptance Priority Level, not exceeding $2.0 billion (the "Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount"), subject to the provisions herein. The offers to purchase with respect to each series of Notes are referred to herein as the "Offers" and each, an "Offer." Capitalised terms not otherwise defined in this announcement have the same meaning as assigned to them in the Offer to Purchase. Holders are advised to read carefully the Tender Offer Documents for full details of, and information on the procedures for participating in, the Offers. All documentation relating to the Offers, including the Tender Offer Documents, together with any updates, are available at the following website: https://sites.dfkingltd.com/vodafone. Acceptance Priority Level Title of Security CUSIP / ISIN Outstanding Principal Amount Reference U.S. Treasury Security Bloomberg Reference Page(1) Fixed Spread (basis points) 1 5.250% Notes due May 2048 92857WBM1 / US92857WBM10 $3,000,000,000 UST 3.00% due August 15, 2052 FIT1 175 2 4.375% Notes due February 2043 92857WBD1 / US92857WBD11 $1,400,000,000 UST 4.00% due November 15, 2042 FIT1 155 3 5.000% Notes due May 2038 92857WBL3 / US92857WBL37 $1,000,000,000 UST 4.125% due November 15, 2032 FIT1 155 (1) The page on Bloomberg from which the Dealer Managers will quote the bid-side price of the applicable Reference U.S. Treasury Security. Purpose of the Offers The Offers and the issuance of the New Notes (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) are being undertaken to proactively manage the Company's outstanding debt portfolio. Purchase Price Consideration Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Tender Offer Documents, Holders who validly tender and do not validly withdraw Notes at or prior to the Expiration Time or the Guaranteed Delivery Date pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures, and whose Notes are accepted for purchase by the Company, will receive the applicable Purchase Price Consideration for each $1,000 principal amount of each series of Notes, which will be payable in cash. The Purchase Price Consideration applicable to each series of Notes will be calculated at the Price Determination Time and will be determined in accordance with standard market practice, as described below, using the sum of: (i) the reference yield, as calculated by the Dealer Managers in accordance with standard market practice, that corresponds to the bid-side price of the applicable Reference U.S. Treasury Security specified in the table above for each series of Notes appearing at the Price Determination Time on the Bloomberg Reference Page specified in the table above for such series of Notes (or any other recognised quotation source selected by the Company in consultation with the Dealer Managers if such quotation report is not available or manifestly erroneous) (such reference yield, the "Reference Yield"), plus (ii) the applicable Fixed Spread specified in the table above for such series of Notes (such sum, the "Offer Yield"). Accordingly, the applicable Purchase Price Consideration payable by the Company for each $1,000 principal amount of each series of Notes accepted by the Company pursuant to the relevant Offer will equal: (i) the present value on the Settlement Date, as determined at the Price Determination Time, of $1,000 principal amount of such Notes due on the scheduled maturity date of such Notes and all scheduled interest payments on the principal amount of such Notes to be made from (but excluding) the Settlement Date up to (and including) such scheduled maturity date, discounted to the Settlement Date in accordance with standard market practice, at a discount rate equal to the applicable Offer Yield, minus (ii) the applicable Accrued Interest per $1,000 principal amount of such Notes; with such total amount being rounded to the nearest cent per $1,000 principal amount of such Notes. The calculation of the Purchase Price Consideration applicable to each series of Notes is also described by the formula set forth in Annex A-1 to the Offer to Purchase. The Company will issue a press release specifying the Purchase Price Consideration in respect of each series of Notes as soon as reasonably practicable after the determination thereof by the Dealer Managers. All Notes accepted in the Offers will be cancelled and retired by the Company. Accrued Interest In addition to the applicable Purchase Price Consideration, Holders whose Notes are accepted for purchase will be paid the applicable Accrued Interest. Interest will cease to accrue on the Settlement Date for all Notes accepted in the Offers. New Financing Condition The Company also intends to issue New Dollar Notes (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) and Vodafone International Financing DAC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, intends to issue New Euro Notes (as defined in the Offer to Purchase). Whether the Company will accept for purchase any Notes validly tendered in the Offers and complete the Offers is subject, without limitation, to the successful completion (in the sole determination of the Company) of both the issuance of the New Dollar Notes and the issuance of the New Euro Notes (the "New Financing Condition"). The New Dollar Notes will be issued pursuant to a registration statement (File No. 333-240163) filed on Form F-3ASR with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction in relation to the New Euro Notes that would permit a public offering of securities. Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount Condition The Company's obligation to complete an Offer with respect to a particular series of Notes is conditioned on the aggregate principal amount of the validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes, together with the aggregate principal amount of Notes of each series accepted for purchase with a higher Acceptance Priority Level (with 1 being the highest Acceptance Priority Level and 3 being the lowest Acceptance Priority Level), not exceeding the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount (the "Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount Condition"), unless waived by the Company as provided in the Tender Offer Documents. Notwithstanding any other provision in the Tender Offer Documents to the contrary, if at the Expiration Time for a particular Offer, the aggregate principal amount for such series of validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes, together with the aggregate principal amount of all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of each series with a higher Acceptance Priority Level, that are accepted for purchase is greater than the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount, then the Company will not be obligated to accept for purchase such series of Notes and may terminate the Offer with respect to such series of Notes. If the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount Condition is not met with respect to every series of Notes because the aggregate principal amount of the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn (together with the aggregate principal amount of Notes of each series accepted for purchase with a higher Acceptance Priority Level) is greater than the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount, then the Company will, in accordance with the Acceptance Priority Levels, accept for purchase all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of a given series so long as the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount is greater than or equal to the aggregate principal amount of any and all Notes of such series validly tendered and not validly withdrawn plus the aggregate principal amount of any and all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of all series having a higher Acceptance Priority Level than such series of Notes that are accepted for purchase, subject to the condition with respect to Non-Covered Notes further described below. For purposes of determining whether the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn exceeds the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount, the Company will assume that all Notes delivered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures will be validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Guaranteed Delivery Date, and the Company will not subsequently adjust the series of Notes that it is accepting for purchase in accordance with the Acceptance Priority Levels if any such Notes are not so delivered. If the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount Condition is not satisfied for any and all of the validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of a particular series (each such series of Notes, the "Non-Covered Notes"), at any time at or prior to the Expiration Time, then: (1) no Non-Covered Notes will be accepted for purchase, and (2) if there is any series of Notes having a lower Acceptance Priority Level than the Non-Covered Notes for which the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount is equal to or greater than the total of: (a) the aggregate principal amount of any and all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of such series, plus (b) the aggregate principal amount of any and all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of all series having a higher Acceptance Priority Level than such series of Notes, other than the Non-Covered Notes, then all Notes of such series having a lower Acceptance Priority Level will be accepted for purchase, until there is no series of Notes with a lower Acceptance Priority Level to be considered for purchase for which the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount Condition is met. It is possible that any series of Notes with any Acceptance Priority Level will fail to meet the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount Condition and therefore will not be accepted for purchase even if one or more series with a lower Acceptance Priority Level is accepted for purchase. If any series of Notes is accepted for purchase under the Offers, all Notes of that series that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn will be accepted for purchase. No series of Notes will be subject to proration pursuant to the Offers. For further details on the procedures for tendering the Notes, please refer to the Offer to Purchase, including the procedures set out under the heading "Description of the OffersProcedures for Tendering Notes" in the Offer to Purchase. Offers Period and Results The Offers commenced today, February 7, 2023 and will end at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on February 13, 2023, unless extended or earlier terminated with respect to any Offer by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion, subject to applicable law. The relevant deadline set by any intermediary or DTC for participation in the Offers will be earlier than this deadline. The results of the Offers are expected to be announced on February 14, 2023. The acceptance of Notes for purchase is conditional on the satisfaction of the conditions of the Offers as provided in "Description of the OffersConditions to the Offers," including the New Financing Condition and the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount Condition. In respect of accepted Notes that are delivered at or prior to the Expiration Time, the Company expects the Settlement Date to occur on the second business day after the Expiration Time, February 15, 2023. In respect of accepted Notes that are delivered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures, the Company expects the Guaranteed Delivery Settlement Date to occur on the business day after the Guaranteed Delivery Date, February 16, 2023. The Company has retained Merrill Lynch International and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC as Dealer Managers and D.F. King as Information and Tender Agent (the "Information and Tender Agent") for the purposes of the Offers. Questions regarding procedures for tendering Notes may be directed to D.F. King at +44 20 7920 9700 (London), +1 (212) 269-5550 (New York City) or +1 (800) 605-1957 (New York City toll-free), or by email to [email protected]. Questions regarding the Offers may be directed to Merrill Lynch International at +1 (888) 292-0070 (toll free), +1 (980) 387-3907 or +44-20-7996-5420 (in London) or by email to [email protected] and to Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC at +1 (800)-828-3182 (toll free), +1 (212) 902-6351 or +44 20 7774 4836 (in London) or by email to [email protected]. This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy, or a solicitation of an offer to sell, any security. No offer, solicitation, or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. The Offers are only being made pursuant to the Offer to Purchase. Holders of the Notes are urged to carefully read the Offer to Purchase before making any decision with respect to the Offers. This announcement does not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for, or otherwise invest in, New Notes in the United States. The New Dollar Notes will be issued pursuant to a registration statement (File No. 333-240163) filed on Form F-3ASR with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Any investment decision to purchase any New Dollar Notes should be made solely on the basis of the information contained in the prospectus dated July 29, 2020, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated February 7, 2023 (together, the "Company Prospectus"), and no reliance is to be placed on any representations other than those contained in the Company Prospectus. The New Euro Notes mentioned herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"). The New Euro Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US persons (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will be no public offer of the New Euro Notes in the United States. The distribution of announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes are required by each of the Company, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions. This announcement is made by Vodafone Group Plc and contains information that qualified or may have qualified as inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as it forms part of domestic law in the United Kingdom by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the "EUWA") ("UK MAR"), encompassing information relating to the Offers described above. For the purposes of UK MAR and Article 2 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1055 as it forms part of domestic law in the United Kingdom by virtue of the EUWA, this announcement is made by Rosemary Martin, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary of Vodafone. Offer and Distribution Restrictions Italy None of the Offers, this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or any other document or materials relating to the Offers have been or will be submitted to the clearance procedures of the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa ("CONSOB") pursuant to Italian laws and regulations. Each Offer is being carried out in Italy as an exempted offer pursuant to article 101-bis, paragraph 3-bis of the Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended (the "Financial Services Act") and article 35-bis, paragraph 4 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of 14 May 1999, as amended. Holders or beneficial owners of the Notes that are located in Italy can tender Notes for purchase in the Offers through authorised persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of 15 February 2018, as amended from time to time, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993, as amended) and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or with requirements imposed by CONSOB, the Bank of Italy 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 Notes and/or the Offers. United Kingdom The communication of this announcement and the Offer to Purchase and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers is not being made and such documents and/or materials have not been approved by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials as a financial promotion is only being made to those persons in the United Kingdom falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Financial Promotion Order")) or persons who are within Article 43(2) of the Financial Promotion Order or any other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order. France The Offers are not being made, directly or indirectly, and none of this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or any other document or material relating to the Offers has been or shall be distributed, to the public in the Republic of France other than to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies) within the meaning ascribed to them in, and in accordance with, Article 2(e) of the Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. Neither this announcement nor the Offer to Purchase has been or will be submitted for clearance to nor approved by the Autorite des Marches Financiers. Belgium Neither this announcement, the Offer to Purchase nor any other brochure, document or material related thereto has been, or will be, submitted or notified to, or approved by, the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autorite des services et marches financiers/Autoriteit voor Financiele Diensten en Markten). In Belgium, the Offers do not constitute public offerings within the meaning of Articles 3, 1, 1 and 6 of the Belgian Law of April 1, 2007 on takeover bids (loi relative aux offres publiques d'acquisition/wet op de openbare overnamebiedingen) (the "Belgian Takeover Law"), as amended or replaced from time to time. Accordingly, the Offers may not be, and are not being advertised, and this announcement, as well as any brochure, or any other material or document relating thereto (including any memorandum, information circular, brochure or any similar document) may not, has not and will not be distributed, directly or indirectly, to any person located and/or resident within Belgium, other than (i) those who qualify as qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies/qekwalificeerde beleggers), within the meaning of Article 2(e), of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market, and repealing Directive 2003/71/EC acting on their own account; and (ii) in any circumstances set out in Article 6, 4 of the Belgian Takeover Law. Accordingly, the information contained in this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or in any brochure or any other document or material relating thereto may not be used for any other purpose, including for any offering in Belgium, except as may otherwise be permitted by law, and shall not be disclosed or distributed to any other person in Belgium. General This announcement does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell Notes (and tenders of Notes in the Offers will not be accepted from Holders) in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation or acceptance is unlawful. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require the Offers to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and any Dealer Manager or any of the Dealer Managers' affiliates is such a licensed broker or dealer in any such jurisdiction, the Offers shall be deemed to be made by such Dealer Manager or such Dealer Manager's affiliate, as the case may be, on behalf of the Company in such jurisdiction. Each tendering Holder participating in the Offers will be deemed to give certain representations in respect of the jurisdictions referred to below and generally as set out in the section titled "Description of the OffersProcedures for Tendering NotesOther Matters" in the Offer to Purchase. Any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offers from a Holder that is unable to make these representations will not be accepted. Each of the Company, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to investigate, in relation to any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offers, whether any such representation given by a Holder is correct and, if such investigation is undertaken and as a result the Company determines (for any reason) that such representation is not correct, such tender shall not be accepted. Forward-Looking Information This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements which reflect the Company's intent, beliefs or current expectations about the future and can be recognised by the use of words such as "expects," "will," "anticipate," or words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of any future performance and are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of the senior management of the Company and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. As a consequence, these forward-looking statements should be considered in light of various important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements, which include, without limitation, the risk factors set forth in the Offer to Purchase. The Company cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realised, although it believes it has been prudent in its plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialise, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable law. SOURCE Vodafone Group Plc NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ATSG, a leading global, tech-enabled managed services and solutions company, today announced that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has recognized Warren Greenberg, Chief Client Officer, ATSG on its 2023 Channel Chiefs list. Every year, this list honors the IT channel executives who work tirelessly to advance the channel agenda and deliver successful channel partner programs and strategies. As a 25 + year veteran of the technology industry, Mr. Greenberg is passionate about leading ATSG's Sales Organization to optimal performance. Over the past year, he has driven thought leadership to ATSG's channel philosophy, creating partner programs and engagement that yield value for partners and drive optimal business outcomes. The 2023 Channel Chiefs have helped their solution provider partners and customers navigate an increasingly complex landscape of interconnected challenges and shifting industry dynamics. With the innovative strategies, programs, and partnerships of these Channel Chiefs in place, the solution provider community has continued to thrive. "Warren's extensive channel experience and overall approach center around a holistic commitment to driving collaborative, mutually beneficial results with our partners," said Anthony J. D'Ambrosi, CEO at ATSG. "ATSG's strategic channel and alliance programs are a critical part of our overall go-to-market philosophy to provide tangible differentiation with our partners, and under Warren's leadership, we execute a co-selling strategy that delivers optimal outcomes for all stakeholders." The 2023 CRN Channel Chiefs were selected by the editorial staff based on their record of business innovation and dedication to the partner community. This year's list represents the top IT executives responsible for building a robust channel ecosystem. "Once again, this year's list gives well-deserved recognition to the IT Channel Chiefs who are dedicated to driving the channel agenda and advocating for the development of strong channel partnerships," said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. "Under their exceptional leadership, influence, and innovation, the IT channel vendor community continues to deliver solutions and services that meet the rapidly evolving needs of their solution provider partners and their customers." The 2023 CRN Channel Chiefs list will be featured in the February 2023 issue of CRN Magazine and online at www.CRN.com/ChannelChiefs . About ATSG ATSG is a global leader in transformational technology solutions as a service for today's digital enterprise. Through ATSG's service portfolio of secure Digital Infrastructure, Digital Workplace, Collaboration, and Customer Experience offerings, ATSG provides Intelligent IT leveraging its comprehensive Ai2 automation platform. Headquartered in Manhattan, New York, ATSG is a portfolio company of RunTide Capital, a private equity firm focused on building tech-enabled growth companies. More information on ATSG is available at www.atsg.net. Like us on LinkedIn, follow us on Twitter, or become a fan on our Facebook page. #AboutATSG About The Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers, and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com 2023 The Channel Company, LLC. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved. Contact: Elizabeth Kubycheck ATSG, Inc. [email protected] SOURCE ATSG, Inc. PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WebMD Health Services today announced an expansion of its WebMD ONE well-being program to include more than 190 countries across Europe, the Far East, and Latin America. This most recent expansion includes human-translated versions in Arabic, Hindi, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Slovakian, and more. A well-being program and digital benefits hub for employees, WebMD ONE supports multiple dimensions of well-being with multi-channel solutions, including digital, live support, and a rewards and incentives platform. With these additional global capabilities, WebMD ONE empowers global HR teams to deliver a fully translated, country-specific, and culturally relevant well-being program for all employees. "Well-being is a challenge for people around the globe, and companies are seeking solutions that can help all employees meet their well-being goals," said John Harrison, WebMD Health Services CEO. "While we have supported global populations for years, our most recent global expansions ensure that global companies have the solutions they need to support their employees no matter where they work." Culturally Relevant, Innovative Programming Launched in 2019, WebMD ONE was developed to deliver people-first well-being programs that are easy to navigate, personalized, and comprehensive for all individuals regardless of location, language, or culture. This commitment ensures that employees can engage with holistic well-being solutions that resonate with their individual needs, priorities, and engagement preferences. Through a single point of access, WebMD ONE offers products and services created from the perspective of the people using them, including plans to create daily habits, participation in personal and team-based wellness challenges, and providing rewards and incentives for successes. It gives people the power to connect and interact through a variety of channels text, email, mobile, or desktop and can incorporate data from popular apps and wearables that they may already be using to improve and personalize their experience. WebMD ONE has been built to enable compliance with GDPR, which is widely considered to be the "gold standard" with regard to data privacy laws. In addition, the platform is highly configurable, providing powerful segmentation capabilities to address nuances and differences within each country and benefits program, while global WebMD offices offer a local presence. "Inspiring well-being in everyone includes educating, motivating, and engaging all employees worldwide," said Christine Muldoon, senior vice president for strategy at WebMD Health Services. "Our expansion gives us the opportunity to build on our mission to empower well-being in everyone throughout the world through culturally relevant solutions that can support employees in improving their well-being in meaningful ways that matter to them." 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, Jimfr, 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 Injury victims should not miss the chance to file a claim for damages says Neale & Fhima IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- If you've been hurt in a vehicle collision, fallen at work, tripped over uneven pavement, or been injured in another way due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. So, you could be asking yourself: What is the statute of limitations in California for personal injury? You don't want to miss the deadline for filing a personal injury claim. If you do, a judge could dismiss your case, barring you from collecting damages. The statute of limitations in California for a personal injury claim is two years. The clock starts on the date of the injury accident. If the injury was not discovered right away and took months to arise, then a lawsuit must be filed within one year from the date the injury was discovered. If your loved one died in an injury accident, you can file a wrongful death claim. For wrongful death, the statute of limitations is two years from the date your loved one died, which, in some cases, might be weeks or months after the injury occurred. However, if the injury was caused due to the fault or negligence of a local government, county, city, municipality etc.., the time to file a claim against these entities are more restrictive, and typically a governmental tort claim must be filed within six (6) months from the date of the accident. "After an injury accident, a family can experience confusion, worry, and fear and lose track of time. This is understandable," said Attorney Aaron Fhima, partner at Neale & Fhima. "The last thing they're thinking about is a lawsuit. But it's important to remember that a legal claim can help pay the mounting medical bills and lost wages. You don't want to miss your opportunity to protect yourself and your family's financial future." A person may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages including: Doctor and medical bills Future medical care Lost wages Loss of future earnings potential Property damage Pain and suffering PTSD and emotional distress Scarring and disfigurement Loss of the enjoyment of life Loss of consortium (spouse) Funeral and burial costs (in the case of wrongful death). This can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in some cases. So injured persons don't want to delay and let the statute of limitations expire. The longer you wait, the less time you have to hire a lawyer and get the process started. About Neale & Fhima Our law firm handles personal injury and lemon law cases throughout Southern California. With offices in Irvine, Dana Point, San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco, Neale & Fhima focuses on unique legal solutions and exceptional client service. Attorney Aaron Fhima has many years of experience in aggressively representing injury accident victims. The firm is proud of its client testimonials. SOURCE: Neale & Fhima This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.247pressrelease.com. SOURCE Neale & Fhima 90-year-old structure, located on a farm near Wichita, Kansas, is available for free to anyone able to transport it to a new location COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, is offering to help a public organization preserve a 1930s diner that was modeled after the iconic White Castle restaurants made famous the prior decade. The current owners near Wichita, Kansas, are offering to give away the 20-by-20-foot building for free, as long as the recipient is able to safely move it to the final destination. "As the ones to start it all 102 years ago, our family business would like to do our part to preserve this history and source of good memories," said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle and fourth-generation family member. The Castle-themed building has recently been noticed on social media and various news outlets, many wondering if it was in fact an early White Castle. Given its aesthetic similarities to original White Castle restaurants and its location near Wichita, where White Castle was founded prior to moving its operations to Columbus, Ohio, in 1934, it's understandable why people would think it could have been part of the pioneer fast-food chain. However, descendants of White Castle's founder Billy Ingram have confirmed this particular diner was not a genuine White Castle. "We can confirm that this was not a White Castle," added Richardson. "Nevertheless, we have great reverence for all that the fast-food industry has done to serve up hot, tasty and affordable food across generations, and this building is a part of that important history." That is why White Castle is inviting any museums or historical societies interested in the building to contact White Castle's home office at its historic preservation hotline at 614-559-2687. Should their joint proposal be selected by the current owners, White Castle will invest in transporting the building to its final destination. And in a gesture of goodwill to competitors, Richardson said, "To McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King and others, as the creator of our great industry we would be honored to get this building to one of your headquarters as a tribute to our shared humble beginnings and the positive impact we've had on our team members and the communities we serve." About White Castle White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates more than 350 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including Time magazine's "Most Influential Burger of All Time" (2014, The Original Slider) and Thrillist's "Best Plant-Based Fast-Food Burger" (2019, Impossible Slider). In 2021, Fast Company named the fast-food pioneer one of the "10 Most Innovative Dining Companies." White Castle, which earned the Great Place to Work Certification in 2021 and 2022, is known for the legendary engagement of its team members, more than 1 in 4 of whom have worked for the business for at least 10 years. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans ("Cravers"), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the Craver Nation loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. They can also have their orders delivered using one of White Castle's delivery partners. For more information on White Castle, visit whitecastle.com. SOURCE White Castle Former Salesforce Executive and Traction on Demand President to Guide Growth at Scale SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zennify , a leading consulting firm specializing in financial services, Salesforce and nCino, today announced it has appointed Mike Epner to its board. With a career in technology professional services spanning more than 25 years, Epner has led multiple organizations through scalable growth. "Mike is a people-first leader and a strong believer in culture and operational excellence," said Manvir Sandhu, co-founder and CEO of Zennify. "His extensive experience and relationships in the Salesforce ecosystem, combined with his time in the trenches guiding companies like Appirio and Traction on Demand through growth even during tight economies, make him an impactful addition to our board of directors." Epner was most recently Senior Vice President of Regional Services at Salesforce, which he joined through the acquisition of Traction on Demand, a mid-market Salesforce consulting firm. He was President and Chief Operating Officer at Traction on Demand, where he scaled the company to more than 1,500 people in less than five years and expanded its global reach with offices on multiple continents prior to the Salesforce acquisition. Prior to Traction on Demand, Epner was at Appirio, a cloud services and integration consultancy, where he held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff when the company was acquired by Wipro for $500 million in 2016. Earlier in his career, Epner was Chief Executive Officer at process improvement management consulting firm Teraquest, which was acquired by Borland Software. "Over the past 10 years Zennify has built a reputation for being the go-to partner for Salesforce financial services customers, and now is one of nCino's top partners," said Epner. "Their industry acumen, data chops and proven success working with companies ranging from regional credit unions to Fortune 100 banks puts the company in an enviable spot." Zennify will be joining financial services leaders nCino's nSight Conference May 9-11, 2023 as a silver sponsor. Additional resources: Find out more about Zennify's services Follow Zennify on LinkedIn About Zennify Zennify is an award-winning tech consulting firm that delivers impeccable solutions not only for its customers, but the community at large. As a Salesforce and nCino partner with a 4.9/5 Customer Satisfaction Rating and investment from Salesforce Ventures and Tercera, Zennify has a reputation for successfully leading complex digital projects for banking, wealth management and insurance companies around the world. Zennify proudly gives 1% of all project costs back via community service and also earned a spot on this year's Inc. 5000. More information can be found at www.zennify.com . SOURCE Zennify Zero-emission innovator, a global energy company, and Netherland's second city airport target green flights and decarbonising airport operations using hydrogen KEMBLE, UK and ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ZeroAvia , the leader in developing zero-emission solutions for commercial aviation, today announced signing a collaboration agreement with Shell, Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Rotterdam the Hague Innovation Airport. The parties will develop a concept of operations for hydrogen in airports and demonstration flights to European destinations by the end of 2024, gearing up for commercial passenger flights by 2025. ZeroAvia and Shell to develop a concept of operations for hydrogen in Rotterdam airport, with demonstration flights to European destinations by the end of 2024. Following up on the cooperation commitment announced last year to launch the first hydrogen-electric commercial flight, this specific collaboration will focus on serving the first hydrogen flight from Rotterdam, including operation at the airport, developing on-the-ground infrastructure and operations to satisfactorily pilot distribution, storage, and dispensing of hydrogen for aviation, leading towards decarbonizing the whole airport ecosystem. Ultimately, the project targets supporting aircraft operations using gaseous hydrogen to fuel ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric, zero-emission ZA600 engines. For these specific demonstration flights the parties aim to establish routes to airports in Europe within 250 nautical mile radius of Rotterdam. Last month, ZeroAvia demonstrated a first flight of a 19-seat aircraft powered by its prototype ZA600 engine. This project will also target the development of aviation specific standards and protocols around safety, refueling and hydrogen management, enabling rollout of the promising fuel seamlessly. The parties will work together in discussions with potential airline operators for the initial demonstration and subsequent commercial flights. Shell brings critical experiences and technical capabilities to the project. This is expertise related to hydrogen end-to-end supply chains and global experiences in design and operation of refueling equipment, including hydrogen. Shell invests in hydrogen production projects with the aim to develop regional and international hydrogen economies. In its decarbonization efforts Shell collaborates with airports to develop fit-for-future infrastructure that will allow it to supply customers with sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen and electric planes charging, so called "multi-modular" infrastructure. Arnab Chatterjee, VP, Infrastructure, ZeroAvia, said: "Having this consortium, including Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport and Shell, moves the ball a significant distance down the field towards our goal line of commercial operations. Some first passengers on zero-emission flights in the world could be flying from Rotterdam. There is still a lot of work to do, but with clear milestones and targets identified, the hard work really starts now towards delivering the infrastructure and exploring the protocols and standards required." Oliver Bishop, General Manager Hydrogen at Shell, said: "This project and collaboration is a milestone as it enables a rapid decarbonization of a hard-to-electrify sector such as aviation. It also offers the chance to support one of the first international zero-emission passenger routes. On top of that, it allows the opportunity to road test multi-fuel and multimodal fueling operations in a live airport environment. This is a big step forward for hydrogen aviation and for Shell's plans in this space." Wilma Van Dijk, CEO, Rotterdam The Hague Airport of Royal Schiphol Group, said: " Hydrogen is key to decarbonize aviation. This collaboration helps us demonstrate and validate new airport infrastructure requirements as well as concepts of operation. And hence accelerate and stimulate airport transformation towards Zero-Emission." ZeroAvia has previously partnered with Shell for the provision of low carbon-intensity hydrogen to power some of its testing and early commercial operations in California. The multinational energy company also invested in ZeroAvia last year. Miranda Janse, CEO Rotterdam the Hague Innovation Airport, said: "As a foundation supported by Rotterdam The Hague airport and Municipality of Rotterdam, RHIA is always keen to drive innovation and sustainable aviation developments at RTHA together with and for a network of partners. RHIA is actively working with partners within its DutcH2 Aviation Hub program to develop hydrogen-driven flights from RTHA. This collaboration is one of the projects within the program that helps us create the open-access infrastructure required for the sector. RHIA is happy to help facilitate this specific partnership and bring the project to life as well as creating the foundation for the partners within the community." ZeroAvia's testing of the ZA600 powertrain in flight is part of HyFlyer II, an R&D project supported in part by the UK Government's ATI programme. The project has also seen the further development of ZeroAvia's Hydrogen Airport Refuelling Ecosystem (HARE) demonstrator alongside project partner EMEC, and separately ZeroAvia has developed a hydrogen refuelling pipeline at Cotswold Airport. About ZeroAvia ZeroAvia is a leader in zero-emission aviation, focused on hydrogen-electric aviation solutions to address a variety of markets, initially targeting a 300-mile range in 919 seat aircraft by 2025, and up to 700-mile range in 4080 seat aircraft by 2027. Based in the UK and USA, ZeroAvia has already secured experimental certificates for its two-prototype aircraft from the CAA and FAA, passed significant flight test milestones, secured a number of key partnerships with major aircraft OEMs and major global airlines, and is on track for commercial operations in 2025. The company's expanding UK operations are supported by grants from UK's Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK, and ZeroAvia is part of the UK Government's Jet Zero Council. For more, please visit ZeroAvia.com, follow @ZeroAvia on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. SOURCE ZeroAvia SHANGHAI, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On February 7, 2023 local time, ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and HKEX: 2057) ("ZTO" or the "Company"), a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China, held the 2023 Nationwide Network Conference at its headquarter in Shanghai. The conference reviewed and summarized the work of each business line in 2022, analyzed the industry development trend, and specified the key work arrangements for 2023. Chairman Meisong Lai pointed out in his speech titled "Victory is the determined pursuit of ZTO members" that ZTO achieved 24.39 billion parcel volume in 2022, which increased 9.4% YoY, and expanded the market share by 1.5 percentage points to 22.1%. The business scale of ZTO steadily ranks the top in the world, accelerating its competitive edge among peers. Despite recurring pandemics and uncertain external environment, ZTO actively responded to the call for pandemic prevention, and smooth and safe logistics operations, while focusing on the improvement of its business capability and service quality. The conference also clarified the key tasks and work arrangements for 2023 in terms of operational safety, business development, quality and efficiency improvement, service capability upgrade, ecological collaboration and green development. The year 2023 is the beginning of the second twenty-year of ZTO and it is also a very crucial year for the development of ZTO. The whole network will work together and further expand business scale to ensure volume advantage, strive to improve service capability to ensure pricing premium, improve management empowerment to ensure a solid network base, and make efforts in last-mile construction to ensure long-term advantages. ZTO will resolutely promote high quality development, strengthen its core business, expand its ecosystem and build up its business channels to meet diversified demand and achieve greater value for the society. According to Chairman Lai, "The high-quality development of express delivery service has just begun, and victory is the determined pursuit of ZTO members!" About ZTO ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK:2057) ("ZTO" or the "Company") is a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China. ZTO provides express delivery service as well as other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network coverage in China. ZTO operates a highly scalable network partner model, which the Company believes is best suited to support the significant growth of e-commerce in China. The Company leverages its network partners to provide pickup and last-mile delivery services, while controlling the mission-critical line-haul transportation and sorting network within the express delivery service value chain. For more information, please visit http://zto.investorroom.com. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. ZTO may also make forward-looking statements in the Company's periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the " Hong Kong Stock Exchange" ), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology, such as " will," " expects," " anticipates," " future," " intends," " plans," " believes," " confidence," " estimates," "likely to" and similar statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the development of the e-commerce industry in China, its significant reliance on the Alibaba ecosystem, risks associated with its network partners and their employees and personnel, intense competition which could adversely affect the Company's results of operations and market share, any service disruption of the Company's sorting hubs or the outlets operated by its network partners or its technology system. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in ZTO's annual report on Form 20-Fs and other filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date hereof, and ZTO assumes no obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. Investor Relations E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +86 21 5980 4508 SOURCE ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. Paris, Feb 7 : A mother and her seven children aged between 2 and 14 died in a house fire in France's northern department of Aisne, the local prefecture confirmed in a press release. Just after midnight on Monday, the blaze ripped through a two-story house in the city of Charly-sur-Marne, Xinhua news agency reported. A firefighter could rescue a severely burnt man, who was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, the prefecture said, adding that his condition was not life-threatening. However, the rescue teams found eight dead bodies - that of a woman in her 40s and her seven children. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. In 2013, five children aged between 2 and 9 were killed in a fire in Saint-Quentin, also in the department of Aisne, local media reported. New Delhi, Feb 7 : Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij said that to stop the transmission of measles, the state government is carrying out Measles Rubella (MR) catch-up campaign in Nuh and Palwal districts. In the campaign, one additional dose of MR vaccine will be administered to all eligible children of 9 months to 15 years. He said that the MR catch-up campaign has been launched in Nuh and Palwal (Hathin and Hodal blocks) on Monday and total 4,72,250 children will be provided additional dose of MR during the campaign. Vij said that beneficiaries will be covered in schools during the first week of campaign and after that outreach sessions will be conducted for providing additional dose of MR. He said that the campaign has been launched by Deputy Commissioners in both districts. For ensuring 100 per cent coverage, campaign is being monitored by state nodal officers and officers from partner agencies like WHO and UNICEF. The minister said that all line departments like departments of Women and Child development, Panchayati Raj, Education, IMA and IAP have been requested to extend their full cooperation to successfully implement the campaign and support in achieving the goal of measles and rubella elimination. Jerusalem, Feb 7 : Drinking water in northeastern Israel has become turbid after deadly earthquakes hit parts of Syria and Turkey, local authorities said. The Israeli Ministry of Health issued a statement instructing the residents of the city of Beit She'an and dozens of other localities in the area to boil drinking and cooking water, Xinhua news agency reported. Israel's Mekorot national water company explained that earthquake shock waves caused dirt to enter the water at drilling sites in the area. Powerful earthquakes rocked southern Turkey and its neighbour Syria early Monday, killing at least 2,700 people. The earthquakes were also strongly felt in Israel and Lebanon. United Nations, Feb 7 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for urgent action to end female genital mutilation. "Some 4.2 million girls are at risk of being subjected to this act of gender-based violence during 2023 alone. We need urgent investments and action to reach the Sustainable Development Goals target of eliminating female genital mutilation by 2030," Guterres said in a message on the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, which is observed annually on February 6. The top UN official termed female genital mutilation as "an abhorrent violation of fundamental human rights that causes lifelong damage to the physical and mental health of women and girls". "It is one of the most vicious manifestations of the patriarchy that permeates our world," he said. Guterres said female genital mutilation is rooted in the same gender inequalities and complex social norms that limit women's participation and leadership and restrict their access to education and employment. "This discrimination damages the whole of society, and we need urgent action by the whole of society to end it," he said. Men and boys -- brothers, fathers, health workers, teachers, and traditional leaders -- can be powerful allies in challenging and ending this scourge, as this year's theme makes clear, he said, calling on men and boys everywhere "to join me in speaking out and stepping forward to end female genital mutilation, for the benefit of all." On the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, "let's commit to social change and strong partnerships to put an end to female genital mutilation once and for all," he said. Nairobi, Feb 7 : Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said that the government is ramping up efforts to contain the rising new HIV infections among adolescents and young adults. Gachagua, who received Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) Executive Director Winnie Byanyima in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, said the government has roped in local administrators, lawmakers and other interest groups in fighting triple threats facing adolescents and teenagers, Xinhua news agency reported. The "triple threats" are HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among adolescents and young adults. According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (former National AIDS Control Council) report of 2022, at least 52 percent of the 29,380 new infections were among adolescents and young adults aged 15-29. A majority of these cases are girls and young women. Female genital mutilation (FGM), SGBV, and teenage pregnancies have been singled out as threats predisposing girls in Kenya and globally to HIV/AIDS, according to the report. Gachagua attributed the high number of infections in 2021 to the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the closure of schools, he said, the children were at home, making them more vulnerable to sexual exploitation, FGM, and forced marriage, which have been linked to the rise of infections. "Primary education is free in Kenya. We have a challenge in slum areas, but we will ensure all children are in school," he said in a statement issued after the meeting. Gachagua said the government's vision is to remove all barriers impeding access to education and economic empowerment through an integrated government approach. Against the backdrop of reducing global funding to countries in various programs, Byanyima considered Kenya a priority in accessing more resources to curb the rising cases among adolescents, teenagers, and mother-to-child transmission. She called on the government to bring all the 1.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS under antiretroviral therapy (ART). Currently, 1.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS are under ARTs, while 200,000 others -- mostly children -- are not, according to government statistics. Byanyima said the most cost-effective and sustainable way is to establish local pharmaceuticals to produce medical products, adding that "we need to manufacture the drugs here (locally). We will work with you on that." Although new HIV infections remain high, they have significantly reduced over the years. In 2013, Kenya recorded about 278 people newly infected with HIV per day, according to the statistics. This number has declined to approximately 95 cases per day. The annual cases of mother-to-child transmission have dropped in half from about 12,940 to 5,160 cases between 2013 and 2022. Washington, Feb 7 : US President Joe Biden spoke earlier to his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and reaffirmed the US' readiness to provide "any and all" needed assistance to Turkey in the wake of devastating earthquakes. In a statement, the White House said Biden "noted that US teams are deploying quickly to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and co-ordinate other assistance that may be required by people affected by the earthquakes, including health services or basic relief items". President Biden also expressed condolences on behalf of the American people to those who were injured or lost loved ones in the earthquakes. Rome, Feb 7 : Search and rescue teams have been dispatched from ten European member states in the wake of two devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which have left at least 3,500 people dead. The European Commission said on Monday that teams from Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania had been sent to the earthquake-stricken areas, Xinhua news agency reported. "Speed is of the essence because so many people are still trapped under the rubble," said Janez Lenarcic, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management. "The rescue teams will continue to work for as long as necessary." Other European countries have offered help with logistical information, seismic expertise, and equipment, as well as to house people displaced by the disaster. Leaders across the European Union have expressed their solidarity with the areas hit by the massive quakes. French President Emmanuel Macron said that France "stands ready to provide emergency aid to the population on the ground". In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was closely monitoring the situation in Turkey and Syria, and expressed her solidarity with the people affected. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Germany "mourned with the relatives and feared for those buried". In Greece, the closest European Union member state to the areas impacted by the quake, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he was "heartbroken" by the televised scenes from the affected areas. India and the US have also expressed their sympathy and support, and offered to send help. Both Italy and Greece temporarily closed some coastal areas as a precaution against a potential tsunami caused by the earthquake. A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck Turkey's southern province of Kahramanmaras at 4:17 a.m. local time. It was followed by a magnitude-6.4 quake a few minutes later in the country's southern province of Gaziantep and a magnitude-7.6 earthquake at 1:24 p.m. local time in the Kahramanmaras Province. Buildings were levelled, bridges collapsed, and other essential infrastructure was destroyed. Hours after the quake, rescue workers were still finding survivors amid the rubble. Officials said they expected the death toll to continue to rise in the coming days. Antarctica, Feb 7 : To raise awareness for the need to protect its waters, Chilean ice-water swimmer, Barbara Hernandez, has made history by being the first person to swim 2.5 km in the frozen waters of Antarctica. Hernandez, an experienced open water swimmer with previous world records including the Guinness World Record for completing the fastest ocean mile swim through the Drake Passage in southern Chile, is currently onboard a Chilean Navy ship in Antarctica. As a member of the Antarctica2020 group of leaders calling for greater marine protection in the region and working closely with the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, she has been supporting the call to world leaders to act to ensure the conservation of the ocean and the continent at a meeting that will be happening in Santiago, Chile in June. In just a simple swimsuit, with no protective clothing or grease, Barbara made the 45 minutes and 50 seconds swim in a water temperature of 2.2 Celsius, pushing through the icy waves in Chile Bay, Greenwich Island in the Antarctic Peninsula. "I'm so happy and so relieved that it all went well today. Swimming in Antarctica has been a dream I've had for years, and part of my longtime ambition to swim in parts of all seven of the world's oceans. Physically it has been incredibly tough, but all worth it if the message on the need for urgent action to protect these amazing waters reaches decision-makers," Hernandez said on Monday when she made history. Currently, three large-scale marine protection proposals are on the table within the international body responsible for conserving Antarctica's waters - the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) in the East Antarctic, Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula, the same place where Hernandez undertook her extreme swimming challenge. These proposals, collectively covering almost 4 million square km (one per cent of the global ocean), have been up for agreement for years, but geopolitics have hampered progress, with China and Russia yet to come on board. To help move through this impasse, a special CCAMLR meeting dedicated to MPAs has been called from June 19-23 in Santiago, Chile. "The courage that Barbara has shown in undertaking this swim in the name of Antarctic ocean protection is truly inspirational. That someone put her life on the line to get greater awareness of the problems in the region, shows the urgency of the issue. We hope that leaders take notice and show political courage at the CCAMLR meeting in June to secure the protection of these three large areas," said Claire Christian, Executive Director of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition. Antarctica and its surrounding ocean and the wildlife that lives there are coming under increasing pressure from the climate crisis. This is further compounded by concentrated fishing in the area for krill, which is competing with the food sources for much of Antarctica's wildlife, such as whales, penguins and seals that rely on krill for survival. Science has shown that marine protected areas are a key tool to help build resilience for ocean habitats and wildlife to adapt to the increasing changes in the region. Seoul, Feb 7 : North Korea has convened a meeting of the ruling party's central military commission to discuss ways to expand operational combat drills and "more strictly perfect" its readiness posture for war, Pyongyang's state media reported on Tuesday. Kim Jong-un presided over an enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) on Monday, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Participants "discussed in depth the major military and political tasks for 2023 and the long-term issues concerning the orientation for army building", Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA as saying in a statement. Major agenda items discussed included "the issue of constantly expanding and intensifying the operation and combat drills of the Korean People's Army (KPA) to cope with the prevailing situation and more strictly perfecting the preparedness for war", it added. The meeting came amid reports that the North is preparing for a military parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the KPA's founding on Wednesday, an event likely to be an occasion to flex its military muscle. With his latest attendance at the meeting, the North's leader has resumed his public activities after a hiatus of about 40 days. The North 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. Kim had 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. Seoul, Feb 7 : South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesdayordered the government to quickly send rescue workers and medical supplies to quake-hit Turkey, his office said. Yoon's instruction came a day after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, killing more than 4,300 people in the two neighbouring nations. "President Yoon Suk Yeol this morning ordered the dispatch of rescue personnel using military aircraft to assist Turkey with the damage from the earthquake, and to swiftly move to send emergency medicine and medical supplies," Yonhap News Agency quoted his office as saying. In line with the instruction, around 60 members of an international rescue team considered among the best in the world will be sent to Turkey, senior presidential secretary for press affairs Kim Eun-hye said. Yoon described Turkey as a "brother nation that immediately sent troops without hesitating following the Communist invasion in 1950", she said. Turkey fought alongside South Korea in the 1950-53 Korean War. The presidential office said Yoon instructed the government to cooperate closely with the Turkish authorities through the foreign ministry and South Korea's diplomatic missions in the country. "President Yoon also ordered relevant ministries to work together around the foreign ministry to actively come up with assistance measures in the event Turkey requires additional assistance," the office added. Yoon extended his condolences in an early morning tweet on Tuesday, saying: "My heart goes out to the people of Turkey and Syria during this difficult time. Korea sends our deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. We stand ready to assist Turkey, a brotherhood forged in blood during the Korean War, in any way possible." Visakhapatnam, Feb 7 : A week after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy declared that Visakhapatnam will be the state capital, authorities have begun arrangements to shift the administrative capital to the port city from Amaravati. Visakhapatnam district administration is busy identifying suitable buildings including a building for the Chief Minister's official residence. Though the district authorities are yet to receive formal orders about shifting of the state capital, the officials were doing the ground work to keep everything ready in advance. The orders are likely to be issued anytime. A building for the Chief Minister's official residence is likely to be finalised on Beach Road, a key landmark area in the city. The official circles are abuzz with the talk that if everything goes well, the Chief Minister may perform the house warming ceremony on March 22 or 23. Officials were also busy identifying buildings for the government offices and residences of the minister and senior IAS and IPS officials. Addressing a meeting in New Delhi on January 31, Jagan Mohan Reddy had announced that Visakhapatnam will soon become the state capital. He was addressing a curtain raiser event for the global investors' summit in Visakhapatnam on March 3 and 4. "Here I am to invite you to Visakhapatnam, which is going to be our capital, in the days to come. I myself would also be shifting over to Visakhapatnam in the months to come as well," said Jagan Mohan Reddy, who is currently running the government from Amaravati. Though several ministers had been speaking about this, it was the first time that the Chief Minister made a categorical statement about shifting the administrative capital to Visakhapatnam. It was in 2019 that the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government mooted the idea of three state capitals with Visakhapatnam as the administrative capital. However, protests by farmers of Amaravati over shifting of the capital and the High Court order directing the government to develop Amaravati as the state capital had delayed the process. On December 17, 2019 Jagan Mohan Reddy had announced in the state Assembly that three state capitals will be developed reversing the decision of the previous TDP government to develop Amaravati as the state capital. The YSRCP government mooted Visakhapatnam as administrative capital, Kurnool as judicial capital and Amaravati as legislative capital. This triggered massive protests by farmers of Amaravati who had given 33,000 acres of land for the capital and the previous government had also undertaken the works on some components of the mega project. On March 3, 2022, Andhra Pradesh High Court had directed the state government to develop Amaravati as the state capital in six months. A bench of three judges had pronounced the judgment on 75 petitions filed by Amaravati farmers and others challenging the government's move on three capitals. However, the state government filed an appeal in the Supreme Court. In November last year, the Supreme Court stayed the High Court order saying that the court cannot act like a town planner or an engineer. New Delhi, Feb 7 : Parliament proceedings could witness disruption on Tuesday also as opposition is not willing to move back its demand for a probe by the JPC into the Adani issue, and have blamed the Centre for the same. Jairam Ramesh, Congress MP in the Rajya Sabha said, "Today Opposition parties to meet to decide the day's strategy. No effort from the Govt to break the logjam caused by its refusal to allow Oppn to even raise its demand for a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam. Oppn wants Parliament to function, but Modi Sarkar is afraid!" Opposition MPs have moved suspension notice in the Rajya Sbah. K. Keshav Rao of the BRS, Pramod Tiwari and Ranjeeta Ranjan of the Congress have moved the notices. On Monday, it was the third day when both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day after the opposition tried to raise the issue of Adani but were not allowed by the respective Chairs. In the Budget session only the President address and Budget presentation has been done, the motion of thanks on the President's address could not be initiated. On Monday, there were 10 notices in the Rajya Sabha by the opposition on the issue but were disallowed. Following the pandemonium, the House was adjourned till 2 p.m. but later when it assembled the opposition continued to demand discussion on the Adani issue and the House was adjourned for the day. The opposition parties also protested at the Gandhi statue in Parliament premises in support of their JPC demand. New Delhi, Feb 7 : The Customs seized a consignment of gold jewellery worth Rs 5.66 crore, which came from Dubai at the international airport here, an official said on Tuesday. The official said that acting on an intelligence input, the Custom officers of Air Cargo Complex (ACC) (Import) intercepted a consignment from Dubai that was meant for transshipment to SEZ, Jaipur. "The item was declared as rough precious stones and jewelry tool mix having a declared value of Rs 3,74,030. On detailed examination, the consignment was found to contain 10 bars of pure gold weighing one kg each having market value of approximately Rs 5.66 crore," the official said. The said consignment was seized on Monday. Further investigation in the matter is on. Bengaluru, Feb 7 : Karnataka police have launched a hunt for the accused who escaped with Rs 1.03 crore cash, which was siphoned off over a period of time, while depositing into the ATM machine, police said on Tuesday. The accused is identified as Rajesh Mesta, a resident of Chinnamma Layout and a native of Uttara Kannada district. Police said that the accused who worked in a private agency had escaped with the booty along with wife. Police explained that the accused worked at Secure Value India Limited. The agency has a contract to collect money from banks and deposit it to the ATM's. The accused Rajesh Mesta was the in-charge. He was tasked with depositing money into ATMs of BTM Layout, Koramangala and Bannerghatta Road from December 28, 2022. The accused remained absent from February 1 without informing the office. The office grew suspicious when his phone remained switched off. When they verified the accounts of the deposited money in ATMs, it came to light that he had not deposited Rs 1.03 crore and taken it for himself. S.A. Raghavendra, Deputy Director of Secure Value India agency has filed a complaint with Madiwala police station in this regard. The investigation is on. Copenhagen, Feb 7 : The first permits are in place for extensive carbon storage in the Danish part of the North Sea, the government here said. From 2030 onward, up to 13 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year may be pumped underground, Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities as saying on Monday. "The Danish underground has opened the doors to a new green business adventure with a customer base stretching across Europe," Energy Minister Lars Aagaard said in a statement. The first permits for large-scale CO2 storage have gone to the companies INEOS, Wintershall DEA and TotalEnergies, which estimate that up to 13 million tonnes of CO2 annually will be stored into the Danish underground from 2030. "The industrialisation of carbon storage means that it will now be bigger than we can do ourselves and that it will be cheaper for us to reach our climate targets," the Minister said. Aagaard noted that efforts to capture and store carbon dioxide are being made elsewhere besides the North Sea. As part of a pilot project resulting from the agreement on framework conditions for carbon storage in Denmark, Gas Storage Denmark is getting ready to store carbon dioxide onshore. Visakhapatnam, Feb 7 : A herd of wild elephants trampled to death a tracker in Andhra Pradesh's Parvathipuram Manyam district, officials said. Lakshminarayan (26), who was trying to prevent tuskers from entering a village, died on the spot. The incident occurred on Monday night on the outskirts of Pasikudi village in Parvathipuram Manyam district. The youth, who was working with the forest department on a contract basis, was trying to prevent the herd of elephants from entering cotton fields in the village. According to forest officials, using a fire torch, he tried to drive the tuskers towards the Vamsadhara river. The jumbos, however, charged at him forcing him to run for cover. The herd trampled him after he fell on the ground. Lakshminarayan, a resident of Srikakulam district, died on the spot. Villagers in the region were panicked by the incident. Senior forest officials rushed to the spot and assured people that steps will be taken to control the wild elephants, which have been creating havoc in the region for the last few weeks. This is the second death caused by the wild elephants in the district in three months. A farmer was trampled to death by a wild tusker in Kallikota village in the same district in November last year. The 48-year-old farmer had gone to his farm field to take stock of the water level there when a lone elephant attacked him and trampled him to death. New Delhi, Feb 7 : The opposition parties on Tuesday decided to participate in the Parliament proceedings and continue to raise the demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the allegations of fraud and stock manipulation against the Adani Group. "Most Opposition parties have decided to participate in Parliamentary proceedings from today and continue to raise their demand for a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam." Jairam Ramesh tweeted Fifteen parties attended the meeting at the leader of opposition Mallikarjun Khargeji's chamber in Parliament building. Apart from the Congress, DMK, SP, RJD, JD(U), AAP, CPI(M), CPI, NCP, SS (Uddhav Thackeray), IUML, NC, RSP, Kerala Congress and the VCK joined the meeting. Earlier, the opposition parties blamed the government for the logjam in Parliament. New York, Feb 7 : Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna will be the co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans in the 118th Congress. Khanna, 46, a Democrat who represents California's 17th Congressional District, will co-chair the Caucus with Republican House colleague Mike Waltz. "The Indian-American diaspora can play such an important role in helping strengthen the US-India partnership. I think this is a historic moment for our community. I think we're really emerging and coming into our own as a strong voice," Khanna told NBC News. The India Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers that was established in 1993 to bolster New Delhi-Washington relations. Prior to Khanna, Congressman Ami Bera was the first Indian-American to be elected as the co-chair of the Caucus in 2015-2016 during the 115th Congress. "I'm going to try to make it about not just us India, but also the Indian-American community and highlighting the contributions of that community," Khanna told NBC News. Indian-Americans are the second-largest immigrant group in the US, with their population estimated to be around four million. As the profile of the community has grown, so too has its social, economic, and political influence. There are presently five Indian-Americans serving in the Congress, popularly known as the 'Samosa Caucus' -- Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, and Shri Thanedar. Khanna's appointment comes amidst reports that he may be looking at a potential presidential run in 2024. His recent moves have sparked speculation among Democrats in several key states that the Congressman has his eyes set on a higher office, according to Politico. "If President Biden didn't seek re-election, his name would have to be on the list of top contenders," Stacey Walker, founder of the Iowa-based firm Sage Strategies, said. Khanna -- son of immigrant parents from Punjab -- is seen as one of the leaders of his party's progressive wing, and a relative newcomer on the scene who has broad appeal and formidable skills. On US-India relations, he said last month that the relationship between the two democracies could define the 21st century. Khanna had said in November 2022 that the US needs a strong defence and strategic partnership with India, especially in the face of escalating aggression from China. In September last year, he had introduced a standalone bill in the US House of Representatives seeking a waiver to India against the punitive CAATSA sanctions. Los Angeles, Feb 7 : Kevin Costner's time with the hit Paramount series 'Yellowstone' could be coming to an end. 'Variety' quoting sources reports that Costner could potentially exit the series on which he has played John Dutton since its launch in 2018. The issue seems to be Costner's shooting schedule, with the actor being available for fewer days as the show has progressed. Sources also say discussions are underway for a new expansion of the 'Yellowstone' franchise that would feature several characters from the mothership show, with Matthew McConaughey in talks to star. "We have no news to report. Kevin Costner is a big part of 'Yellowstone' and we hope that's the case for a long time to come," a Paramount Network spokesperson said in a statement quoted by 'Variety'. "Thanks to the brilliant mind of Taylor Sheridan," the spokesperson added, "we are always working on franchise expansions of this incredible world he has built. Matthew McConaughey is a phenomenal talent with whom we'd love to partner." Reps for Costner and McConaughey did not immediately respond to requests from 'Variety' for comment. 'Yellowstone' has proven to be one of the most popular shows on television during its run, with the show drawing massive ratings for Paramount Network each season. It led to Paramount signing a sizable overall deal with series co-creator Taylor Sheridan, who has since expanded the franchise with the prequels '1883' and '1923', the latter of which is currently airing its first season on Paramount+ with a second season already ordered. Sheridan has also been at work on a new spinoff centred on the historic 6666 ranch in Texas. New Delhi, Feb 7 : Turkey's Ambassador to India Firat Sunel referred to New Delhi as 'dost' (Hindi for friend) after the Centre decided to send relief and humanitarian aid to the quake-hit nation where more than 4,300 people died in the aftermath of a devastating 7.8-magnitude quake that struck an area close to the Syrian border. In a tweet late Monday night, Sunel said: "'Dost' is a common word in Turkish and Hindi... We have a Turkish proverb: 'Dost kara gunde belli olur' (a friend in need is a friend indeed). Thank you very much." On Tuesday, India dispatched the first batch of humanitarian aid along with a rescue team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Turkey. Taking to Twitter, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said: "India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilites in action. The 51-member NDRF team headed by Deputy Commandant Deepak Talwar left from the Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad for Turkey on board an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. On Monday, the Centre had announced that two NDRF teams comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads and necessary equipment were ready to be flown to Turkey for search and rescue operations. According to the government, medical teams were also being readied with trained doctors and paramedics with essential medicines. As of Tuesday morning, the toll in Turkey stood at 2,921, while in Syria it increased to 1,451. New Delhi, Feb 7 : Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned till 12 p.m. on Tuesday on the Adani row as the notices of suspension in the Rajya Sabha and the adjournment notice in the Lok Sabha were rejected by the respective presiding officers and the opposition took objection to it. The RS chairman said that the notices were not in conformity to the rules. The opposition earlier in the day decided to participate in the Parliament proceedings but continued to raise the demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the allegations of fraud and stock manipulation against the Adani Group. "Most Opposition parties have decided to participate in Parliamentary proceedings from today and continue to raise their demand for a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam." Jairam Ramesh tweeted Fifteen parties attended the meeting at the leader of opposition Mallikarjun Khargeji's chamber in Parliament building. Apart from the Congress, DMK, SP, RJD, JD(U), AAP, CPI(M), CPI, NCP, SS (Uddhav Thackeray), IUML, NC, RSP, Kerala Congress and the VCK joined the meeting. Jaipur, Feb 7 : After the mehendi ceremony and sageet night on Monday, the stage is set for Kiara Advani and Siddharth Malhotra to tie the nuptial knot on Tuesday. To give a royal look to the wedding, a special mandap has been decorated with indigenous and foreign flowers in Jaisalmer's Suryagarh palace hotel. The nuptials began in real earnest in the morning on Tuesday with the ritual of applying turmeric paste to the bodies of the bride and the groom by the women in their respective families. The varmala and the pheras are scheduled to take place in the courtyard of the hotel. A special 'bavdi' has been set up for this purpose. From early morning, there was much activity both outside and inside the hotel. Security is very tight. Hotel staff members, guards and drivers are being given entry only after they're thorough checked. Kiara's schoolmate Isha Ambani, who flew into Jaisalmer on Sunday night in her private jet, returned to Mumbai late on Monday night after attending the celebratory events held during the day. She is scheduled to return for the marriage on Tuesday. Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha, film producers Aarti Shetty, Pooja Shetty and Amritpal Singh Bindra, Shah Rukh Khan's friend Kajal Anand, actor Karan Vohra and his wife Riya, and film director and writer Sakoon Batra were also expected to fly in on Tuesday. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, Feb 7 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday while granting four weeks time to the Centre to response on a plea by Sweden-based Professor of Indian origin, Ashok Swain, against barring of his Overseas Citizen of India card (OCI card), listed the matter for the next hearing on April 27. The court granted time after the counsel for the Central government sought more time to file its reply. On December 8, a single-judge bench of Justice Prathiba M. Singh had asked the Centre to respond within four weeks and had posted the matter for hearing on Tuesday. Swain is a faculty member of peace and conflict research at the Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Sweden's Uppsala University. In his plea, he has mentioned that his OCI card was cancelled in February 2022 as he criticised the current Indian government. He states that he has not delivered any inflammatory speech. An OCI card is issued to a foreign national of Indian origin, who is allowed to live and work in India for an indefinite period. Swain had argued that his card was cancelled on the alleged premise that he was indulging in inflammatory speeches and anti-India activities, however, there were no specific instances or materials to prove the same. "It is submitted that the petitioner has never engaged in any inflammatory speeches or Anti-India activities. As a scholar it is his role in society to discuss and criticise the policies of government through his work," Swain's petition read. It added: "Being an Academician, he analyses and criticises certain policies of the present government, mere criticism of the policies of the current ruling dispensation shall not tantamount to anti-India activities under Section 7D(e) of the Citizenship Act, 1955." Stockholm, Feb 7 : The Swedish Armed Forces have ordered the deployment of the Patriot air defence system in Gothenburg, the country's second largest city. It is the first time since it was delivered in 2021 that the system is deployed for a live operation in Sweden, Xinhua news agency quoted the Aftonbladet newspaper as saying in a report on Monday. Therese Fagerstedt, head of press at the Swedish Armed Forces, told the newspaper that the operation in Gothenburg was not a training exercise. "The west coast with the port of Gothenburg is strategically important due to the transports entering there and it is, therefore, crucial that we can use this system to protect the country from an attack," Fagerstedt told Aftonbladet. According to the Swedish Armed Forces, the risk of an armed attack on the country is low, although the possibility cannot be ruled out, the newspaper reported. Defence Minister Pal Jonson, told the newspaper that the operation "is not prompted by any immediate threat, but the security policy situation for Sweden has deteriorated over time so it is important that the Swedish Armed Forces can carry out operations like this". Patriot is a surface-to-air missile defence system currently used by 17 countries and regions, according to US defence contractor Raytheon, which manufactures it. In 2018, the US administration approved Sweden's request to procure the system up to a value of $3.2 billion. Sweden has four Patriot systems, but the number of missiles is classified. Tripoli, Feb 7 : The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that 131 migrants were rescued and returned to Libya in the past week. "In the period of 29 Jan-4 Feb 2023, 131 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya," IOM said in a statement. The rescued migrants included 23 women and 10 children, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying. So far this year, a total of 1,565 migrants were rescued and returned to Libya, IOM said. In 2022, a total of 24,684 migrants were rescued and returned to Libya, the IOM revealed, adding 529 migrants died and 848 others went missing off the Libyan coast on the Central Mediterranean route. Because of the insecurity and chaos in the country since the fall of late dictator Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011, many migrants, mostly Africans, chose to cross the Mediterranean Sea to European shores from Libya. Rescued migrants usually end up inside overcrowded reception centres across Libya, despite repeated international calls to close those facilities and release the migrants. New Delhi, Feb 7: As India aims to touch the $5 trillion economy by 2025, credible accounting amid expanded use of technology and digital payments will be key along with upgradation of existing data analysis tools, Comptroller and Auditor General of India GC Murmu said today. He also stressed the need for proper auditing of the country's local bodies, which come under the ambit of the state governments. Murmu, who is chairing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Supreme Audit Institutions conference in Lucknow, said the state governments must be agile in feeding information. The three-day SCO SAI conference kicked off in Lucknow today. "We have a common minimum agenda for the local bodies," he said. An audit undertaken by the CAG, last year, found serious discrepancies in the urban local bodies of Chattisgarh. In its report, it said that delayed elections, irregular meetings and absence of adequate committees to overlook the functioning are affecting these ULB. Murmu also pointed out that digitisation and expanded use of technology and artificial intelligence have brought its own challenges. However, he added that India is among the top countries with global cybersecurity ranking. With massive expansion of digital payments and internet users, sharing of data and information among countries is critical to ensure cyber security, he told media persons here. Murmu also said that the CAG has internally started using the One IAAD One System (OIOS) - electronic data analysis mechanism - as a pilot project to strengthen auditing systems. He added that the fund flows into various schemes need to be monitored carefully. Meanwhile, the CAG has assumed the chairmanship of SAI20, under the G20 ambit. Since 80 per cent of global trade is routed through the sea, blue economy with a thrust on the various contours of ocean ecology will be the focus for CAG as it chairs the SAI20 group. "The ecological balance and proper utilisation of water resources is key," Murmu said. The first session of the SAI20 will be held in Guwahati next month. The second one will be held in Goa in June. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Veraval : , Feb 7 (IANS) BJP MLA K.C. Rathod has claimed a threat to his life from bootleggers and land sharks. He said that they have given contracts to kill him, and he feared that though he has been provided protection by the state government, he will get killed. Rathod, who won the 2022 Assembly elections from Una constituency with 40,000 vote-margin, on Monday while speaking to media raised concerns for his life. "I fear this threat because in the past, two years ago, though I had police protection, they had attacked me and I suffered injuries. Now the government has provided me two SRP jawans to protect me, but if someone wants to gun me down, he will do it, as criminals are not afraid of committing crime." First time he had publicly raised the issue of threat to his life was on Sunday during a mass marriage event in his constituency. He said he fears that bootleggers from Una or Diu (union territory) or land sharks from the constituency, against whom he has raised his voice, have given the contract to kill him to shooters or goons who can be local or from outside Gujarat. He also claimed that whenever he has confirmed information about threat to his life or contract given, he has duly informed the local police. Political sources said two bootleggers, Ravi and Rashik, have grudges against him and in the past Ravi was arrested for an attack on Rathod. A Koli Community bigwig too has political rivalry with the sitting MLA. That is the reason, Rathod said, "Possibility of political hand behind the contract given by bootlegger or landshark can't be ruled out." New Delhi, Feb 7: The fallout of the deadly suicide bombing in a Peshawar Mosque that killed near 100 Pakistani policemen continues to echo within the Pakistan Taliban circles and Jihadi groups operating in the AfPak region. A major faction of the TTP, the more formal name of the Pakistan Taliban, took responsibility for the bombing and gave details about the plot, but the Pakistan Taliban Central denied having undertaken the strike. The contradictory statements give the impression of a faction-fight inside the TTP, but it is also possible that the group is deliberately speaking with a forked tongue to sow confusion to put its enemies off-guard. Nevertheless, it is interesting that Sarbakaf Mohmand from TTP Mohmand chapter has been quoted as saying that a 25-year old youth, Huzaifa, who was studying in a seminary at the Mohmand agency carried out the strike. "We have carried out the attack to take revenge for our leader Omar Khalid Khorasani's assassination. It took us 3-4 months to plan this attack." He pointed out that the plot was hatched in a house in Peshawar. Incidentally, the TTP Mohmand faction was previously called the Jamatul Ahrar (JuA). It had broken away from the TTP in 2014, but the group re-merged with the TTP in 2020. The killing of its leader Omar Khalid Khorasani last year during peace talks has apparently triggered a wave of revenge attacks by the TTP's Mohmand faction. The Peshawar was therefore the fourth retaliatory suicide bombing to avenge the slaying of their leader, according to information provided by the Khorasan Diary twitter handle. The other strikes were carried out in November 2022 in Quetta and, a month later, in Islamabad. The third strike took place in the Jamrud area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa earlier this month. The Jamrud area is the gateway to the famous Khyber Pass. The attack on the Peshawar Mosque has triggered heated arguments among Jihadi groups, including the Islamic State and its affiliates. Those who support the bombing include the sectarian outfit Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. A Deobandi Sunni jihadist militant organisation based in Afghanistan, it is an offshoot of anti-Shia party Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan. The group congratulated the Mohmand faction for the Peshawar attack. There is also some evidence of overlapping claims by the TTP, the ISKP and Islamic State Pakistan (ISPP), signalling the growing influence of the Islamic State on the Pakistan Taliban, visible since December 2021. For instance, the TTP and the ISPP claimed an attack in Islamabad. A month later, a similar occurrence took place in Rawalpindi. Six other incidents of dual ownership have taken place between the TTP and the ISKP. Significantly, most of these incidents took place in Peshawar and adjoining Jamrud area, indicating some connection of the factions of the two areas. It is possible that a new round of tensions is brewing between the TTP's top leadership and the more radical factions. This could be because the leadership of Afghanistan, a country that provides TTP strategic depth, wants the group, at least officially, to distance itself from terror attacks. The more extreme elements inside the TTP include the Mohmand chapter leader and Central Shura member Omar Mukarram Khorasani. Others include Sarbakaf Mohmand, the so-called shadow governor for Zhob province Balochistan. On the contrary, TTP official spokesman Muhammad Khorasani was the face that issued a statement through Umar Media claiming that the Pakistan Taliban was not involved in the deadly Peshawar attack. Muhammad Khorasani, the spokesperson of TTP was quoted as saying by the The Khorasan Diary that, "We have not accepted responsibility and there are tens of accounts on social media but the official account is only Muhammad Khorasani & Umar Media. No responsibility has been accepted from these accounts." He added that TTP's conflict is with the security agencies and that even though the police are also a part, the place where policemen have been killed and the condition in which they were killed is not part of the group's policy. He maintained the group has a complete system of Special Suicide bombing Forces, and they have complete control over it, dismissing any reference to accounts claiming the operation in the name of the TTP as fake. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Baghdad, Feb 7 : Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held meetings with top Iraqi leaders in Baghdad to discuss bilateral ties and unpaid arrears to Russian energy companies in Iraq due to US sanctions over Moscow's ongoing invasion of Kiev Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said in a joint press conference with Lavrov that the two sides "discussed how to deal with the dues of Russian companies operating in Iraq, and we will discuss this issue during our visit to Washington on Wednesday", reports Xinhua news agency "The sanctions should not be imposed on Iraq because its cooperation with Russian companies continues," Hussein told the press conference. Earlier, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed al-Sahaf said that a delegation headed by Hussein will visit Washington this week. Hussein also said that he discussed with Lavrov regional issues and bilateral relations, stressing that "there will be a meeting in the coming months of the Iraqi-Russian joint committee aimed at boosting bilateral relations". He reiterated his country's position calling for a cease-fire and heading toward negotiations to end the conflicts in Ukraine. For his part, Lavrov criticized the pressures of Western countries, stressing the importance of "protecting legitimate economic relations from the illegal pressures of the West". Lavrov arrived in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Sunday evening, heading a delegation that includes media figures, businessmen, and investors, to hold meetings with Iraqi leaders. During his visit, Lavrov also met President Abdul Latif Rashid, who stressed that Iraq seeks to build balanced relations with all countries in a way that achieves common interests. Chennai, Feb 7 : Tamil Nadu health department has commenced a major drive against Tuberculosis (TB) after 5,000 people were reported dead in the state due to the disease in 2022. Sources in the state health department told IANS that a study conducted by the department has revealed that 25 per cent of those diagnosed with Tuberculosis were diabetic. The state tuberculosis cell has now commenced testing for tuberculosis among diabetics patients in the state. The state tuberculosis cell has also started providing training to mid-level health workers who are engaged in Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam (MTM) scheme and these workers will be provided with an incentive of Rs 500 for every positive TB case detected. While the state TB cell has volunteers who can detect the cases, the department is involving health workers from other parts of the health department in TB detection and awareness. In 2022, Tamil Nadu reported 93,500 notified TB cases of which 25 per cent are diabetic. Dr. Asha Fredrik, State TB officer while speaking to media persons said, "We are checking for TB among diabetic patients and will be providing training to mid-level health providers engaged in MTM scheme to test diabetic patients for TB especially if they show symptoms for Tuberculosis." Medical officers of the Tamil Nadu health department warned that patients who are having cough with sputum for a minimum of two weeks with unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite and with blood-stained sputum must test for TB. The state Tuberculosis department is engaging MTM volunteers for detecting TB as they make daily house visits, deliver medicines as also checking for diabetes and blood pressure among residents. Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvum (MTM) scheme is to provide emergency health care at the doorsteps of people and was launched in in the state in 2021 after the DMK government assumed office. Bengaluru, Feb 7 : The much-awaited Kannada movie, 'Kabzaa', which is a pan-India release starring Upendra, Kichcha Sudeepa and Shriya Saran, will be released on the silver screen on March 17. The day also marks the birth anniversary of late Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar. Fans are celebrating the announcement from the film's team. The movie's title song, which was released recently, has become an instant hit among the audience. The movie's posters and rushes have also garnered love and affection. 'Kabzaa' is directed by the acclaimed director R. Chandru, who has delivered a number of superhits. The film has already earned its place on IMDb's list of most-awaited movies. By Zhong Feiteng In his recent visit to the ROK and Japan, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his wish to intensify the military collaboration with the two countries, which indicated NATO's intention of expanding from a cross-Atlantic security alliance to a global security agency, a move that will take a toll on the peaceful development of the Asian-Pacific region. After their meeting, Stoltenberg and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida released a joint statement to the effect that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and of the Indo-Pacific is closely connected, what happens in Europe today may happen in East Asia tomorrow, and that the current Japan-NATO cooperation has been elevated to new heights. The joint statement also mentioned China, smearing it as a challenger to the "rules-based international order" and expressing grave concerns over its "rapid strengthening of military capabilities and expansion of military activities". Japan and NATO have taken a series of steps for deepened collaboration in recent years, including the joint exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, Japanese liaisons working at NATOs allied maritime command based in Britain, and Japan joining NATO in sanctioning Russia and supporting Ukraine. NATO also welcomed Japan to participate in its council meeting and defense ministers' meeting regularly. In the meantime, the cooperation between NATO and ROK has been moving fast. ROK President Yoon Suk-yeol made his debut at the NATO summit in Madrid, Spain last June and the country designated its Embassy to Belgium as the country's Mission to NATO in November. Although no joint statement was released after Moreover, the NATO head specifically emphasized during his speech at ROK's Chey Institute for Advanced Studies and Japan's Keio University that the participation of the AP4 (ROK, Japan, Australia and New Zealand) in NATO's Madrid summit in June 2022 the first time ever marked a milestone in the organizations intensified cooperation with its Indo-Pacific partners. China-related topics, which had never appeared in NATO's previous strategic documents before, held a key position in the agenda of the summit. When asked during the Q&A sessions after the speech whether he planned to institutionalize the cooperation with AP4, Stoltenberg said that it is already a reality in key areas of cooperation such as maritime affairs, cyberspace, technology and arms control. He also gave subtle yet insinuating answers to questions about nuclear deterrence that both Tokyo and Seoul are highly concerned about, saying that NATO's nuclear sharing arrangement is a way of extending America's nuclear deterrence system. Although NATO is aimed to build a world free from nuclear weapons, it is nevertheless a nuclear alliance whose members provide the carrier systems for America's nuclear weapons. Obviously, the organization is trying to coerce and coax certain Asian-Pacific countries into tightening their collaboration with it through nuclear baits. But NATO is faced with three challenges in its efforts at Asian-Pacific expansion and globalization. First, its management will become more complicated. Expanding a Europe-focused security architecture to the whole world entails a delicate touch in approaching the members not-so-aligned interests in the Asia pacific, which has been a chronic headache in Americas alliance management. A most pertinent case in point lately is that the US has formed the AUKUS security alliance with Australia and Britain in the Asia-Pacific in order to avert the objection from France, Germany and other NATO members. Second, a China-targeted "New Cold War" is unpopular. Neither Asian countries nor most of NATO's European members want to join the "New Cold War" featuring bloc confrontation. When answering questions from ROK and Japanese audiences, Stoltenberg had to admit that all NATO members have close economic and trade ties with China and none of them goes for a "decoupling". Its very hard for the organization to strike a balance between economy and security. Third, tackling security challenges by drawing a values-based line is putting the cart before the horse. NATO currently has 30 members with a total population of one billion, and is in the habit of defining security threats based on such values as safeguarding "democracy" and "human rights". Yet the security challenge for the world's total 8 billion people and that for the 1 billion people of Western values are very different. An overhaul of the security concept is needed in human society if we are to properly handle security challenges in climate change, rich-poor disparity, medical and health care, employment, and other basic public services. (The author is a researcher at the National Institute of International Strategy and director of the Regional Security Research Center, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences) Editor's note: Originally published on huanqiu.com, this article is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn. Dharamsala, Feb 7 : Saddened by reports of the devastating earthquakes that have struck Turkey and Syria leading to extensive loss of life and many injuries, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has written to the Executive Director of the World Food Programme. "I offer my condolences to those families who have lost loved ones and pray for all those affected by this tragedy," he wrote. "At the same time, it is heartening to know that in addition to the UN coordinated health teams, NGOs and many countries from around the world are sending support to help the rescue and relief efforts in the quake zones. "As a token of my solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria affected by this tragedy, I have asked the Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama to make a donation towards the rescue and relief efforts." Bengaluru, Feb 7 : Comments on Brahmanism and the BJP 'making a Brahmin candidate the CM' by former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy have stirred a controversy in Karnataka. However, on Tuesday he did a u-turn and clarified that he has no objections to a Brahmin becoming the CM. He said he has nothing against Brahmins, but his comment was on Union Minister for Mine, Coal and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi. "If the BJP plans to make Union Minister for Mine, Coal and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi as the CM if the BJP is voted to power, the party must declare his candidature before the Assembly elections. I don't have any objections if any candidate from the Brahmin community is made the CM. There are deserving candidates in the community. "The main reason for me to mention the name of Pralhad Joshi is not because he is a Brahmin. He belongs to a lineage, which has the DNA of the killer of Mahatma Gandhi and the ones who attacked Sringeri Mutt. Karnataka Brahmins are well cultured. I don't have any intention to fix the BJP party. I have intentions of not letting the people into a fix," he maintained. "Most of the people in BJP are experiencing the suffocating environment. The developments are not satisfying. The 2006 BJP government under Yediyurappa is not there now. The party is caught in the fists of high command and RSS pracharaks. There is a conspiracy to project different faces in the elections to get votes and make a backdoor entry to the post of CM. These conspiracies should not cheat people. That is why I am voicing concerns," he said. "BJP has sidelined former CM B.S. Yediyurappa, former CM Jagadish Shettar was kept out of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit. I got information that Pralhad Joshi will become the CM after elections. BJP had also planned to make eight DyCM's and I got their list," he said. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai stated that he is wondering how Kumaraswamy can dream about the BJP's internal affairs. "He (Kumaraswamy) keeps on telling one or the other thing," he said. Ashok Haranahalli, President, Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha, stated that the Brahmin community has respect for former PM Deve Gowda's family. But, the comments by his son, Kumaraswamy, have hurt the feelings of the Brahmin community. It does not suit his dignity to drag the name of the community while making political criticism. Vishwaprasannatheertha Swamiji of Udupi Pejawar Mutt had questioned Kumaraswamy whether Brahmins are not supposed to become CMs? Are they not citizens of this country? Opposition leader Siddaramaiah stated that he wouldn't accept the statements of Kumaraswamy. The question only arises only when the BJP achieves power. They will end up with only 50 to 60 seats, he said. Bengaluru, Feb 7 : Karnataka government is honouring late Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar by naming the stretch of ring road after him in Bengaluru. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai is inaugurating the ring road on Tuesday evening. The government has approved the proposal to name the stretch of Mysuru Road to Banner Ghatta Road after Puneeth Rajkumar. Minister for Revenue R. Ashok maintained that Puneeth is a rich heart human being who is involved in social work. "Stars charge crores for advertisements. Puneeth became an ambassador of Nandini Milk, a product produced through cooperative Karnataka Milk Federation without taking any money to help farmers," he said. Kannada superstar, his brother Shivarajkumar, Raghavendra Rajkumar and Puneeth's wife Ashwini Puneethrajkumar are participating in the programme. New York, Feb 7 : An Indian-American teenager has been named in the "world's brightest" students list for a second year in a row by the US-based Johns Hopkins Center For Talented Youth (CTY), based on the results of above-grade-level tests of more than 15,000 students across 76 countries. Natasha Perianayagam, 13, is a student of Florence M Gaudineer Middle School in New Jersey. She has been recognised for her exceptional performance on the SAT, ACT, School and College Ability Test, or similar assessment taken as part of the CTY Talent Search, a university press release said. Natasha, whose parents hail from Chennai, also took the Johns Hopkins Talent Search test in Spring 2021 when she was in class 5. Her results in the verbal and quantitative sections levelled with the 90th percentile of advanced Grade 8 performance. "This motivates me to do more," she had then said, adding that doodling and reading JRR Tolkien's novels may have worked for her. Natasha scored the highest grades among all candidates In her latest attempt, the university statement said adding that she "was among the 15,300 students from 76 countries who joined CTY in the 2021-22 Talent Search year". "This is not just recognition of our students' success on one test, but a salute to their love of discovery and learning, and all the knowledge they have accumulated in their young lives so far," CTY's executive director Dr Amy Shelton said. "It is exciting to think about all the ways in which they will use that potential to discover their passions, engage in rewarding and enriching experiences, and achieve remarkable things -- in their communities and in the world," Shelton added. CTY uses above-grade-level testing to identify advanced students from around the world and provide a clear picture of their true academic abilities. The quantitative section of the Johns Hopkins CTY test measures the ability to see relationships between quantities expressed in mathematical terms, the verbal section measures understanding of the meaning of words and the relationships between them. Islamabad, Feb 7 : Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Turkey on Wednesday to offer support to the quake-hit nation where a 7.8-magnitude quake that struck an area near the Syrian border killed nearly 5,000 people in the two countries. In a tweet on Tuesday, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the Prime Minister will leave for Ankara on Wednesday morning. "He will express his condolences and condolences to President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan for the destruction of the earthquake, the loss of life, and the people of Turkey. Due to Prime Minister's visit to Turkey, the APC convened on Thursday is being postponed, a new date will be announced in consultation with the allies," she added. Also taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Sharif said that the destruction in Turkey and Syria was "mind numbing". "24 hours after the devastating earthquake hit Turkey & Syria, scenes of death and destruction are mind numbing. It breaks the heart to witness sheer scale of unfolding human tragedy," he said. Meanwhile, Pakistan's army dispatched two contingents including an urban search and rescue team comprising rescue experts, sniffer dogs and search equipment for the quake victims, the military's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Tuesday. The statement added that the army dispatched a medical team of army doctors, nursing staff, technicians, 30 bedded mobile hospital, tents and blankets among other relief items, reports Xinhua news agency. The aid contingents left for Adana, Turkey, via special Pakistan Air Force aircraft on Monday night to undertake relief efforts for Turkish people while working in close coordination with the Turkish government, armed forces, and the Turkish embassy in Islamabad, the ISPR said. It added that the contingents will stay in Turkey until the completion of relief and rescue operations. A separate statement from the country's Prime Minister's Office said a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane carrying 15 tons of assistance and a 50-member team comprising personnel from the state rescue organization will leave for Turkey later Tuesday. A C-130 aircraft will also take 15 tonnes of humanitarian aid from Lahore to Istanbul. The assistance will include winter tents, blankets, and other essential items, it added. Starting from Wednesday, a PIA flight with 15 tonnes of humanitarian assistance will be sent daily from Pakistan to Turkey and Syria, the statement said, adding that tteams from the Ministry of Health will also leave for the two countries. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 7 : Even as the Congress-led opposition and the BJP in Kerala have announced statewide protests against the levy of Rs 2 as fuel cess, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told a meeting of his Left Front legislators that the ongoing protests are nothing but a politically-motivated and the people at large have no major issues. It was on Friday that state Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal presented the budget and in it was the rather surprising fuel cess of Rs 2. Soon protests broke out all across the state. The Congress-led opposition launched a two-pronged attack -- inside the in-session Assembly and statewide protests. Four opposition legislators on Monday started an indefinite day-and-night protest in the foyer of the Assembly demanding withdrawal of taxes, including the fuel cess, proposed in the annual budget. On Tuesday, protests were widespread in the state by Congress-led UDF workers. At some places, the protesters clashed with the police. Vijayan's statement at the Left Front's meeting has come as a surprise to many, especially to the CPI - the second biggest ally of the Front. They are tight-lipped and waiting for Balagopal's reply to the budget on Wednesday. A media critic on condition of anonymity said all eyes are on Balagopal's reply and remains to be seen if there will be any roll back and even though Vijayan's position remains tough, there could be Re one reduction. "If there is going to be a total roll back, it will be seen as a moral victory for the Congress-led opposition and that's what Vijayan would not like to have. Either way, the coming days are going to be tough as across the board the sentiments against him are rapidly increasing and allies like CPI are also getting jittery," said the media critic. Manila, Feb 7 : Tourism recovery in Asia-Pacific region has picked up speed and might rebound to the pre-Covid pandemic level by 2024, according to a report released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday. The Asian Economic Integration Report 2023 said international tourist arrivals in the region rose by 399 per cent year-on-year for the first eight months of 2022, but only to 10.3 per cent of the 2019 numbers, reports Xinhua news agency. "The variation is largely driven by differences in the pace of border reopening, public health protocols, and people's confidence in overseas travel," the report noted. It added that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict also continued to pose a downside risk to Asian tourism, a potential loss of about one-third of Russia's outbound tourists. "Higher fuel prices translating to higher airfares and travel expenses, alongside weak global growth prospects, are dampening the recovery momentum," the report said. For post-pandemic recovery, the report believed that economies in the region need to look at several policy options to build sustainability and resilience while addressing pre-pandemic challenges such as narrow source markets, lack of infrastructure, and high informality. "Greater regional cooperation is needed to deal with the prolonged challenges," added the report. New Delhi, Feb 7 : Delhi Police on Tuesday moved the High Court against the Saket court's order dated February 4, discharging former JNU student and activist Sharjeel Imam, co-accused Asif Iqbal Tanha and nine others in a case related to the incidents of violence at Jamia Millia Islamia in December 2019. The police are likely to seek an urgent hearing from the HC on February 8. While discharging, Additional Sessions Judge of Saket Court Complex, Arul Verma had said that the police were unable to apprehend the actual perpetrators behind the commission of the offence, but surely managed to rope in the above-mentioned accused as 'scapegoats'. The violence had erupted after a clash between the police and people protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in December 2019. Judge Verma had said that the protesters were surely there in large numbers and it cannot be denied that some anti-social elements within the crowd created an environment of disruption. However, the moot question remains as to whether the accused persons herein were even prima facie complicit in taking part in that mayhem, Verma had asked. "The answer is an unequivocal 'no'. Marshalling the facts as brought forth from a perusal of the charge sheet and three supplementary charge sheets, this court cannot but arrive at the conclusion that the police were unable to apprehend the actual perpetrators behind the commission of the offence, but surely managed to rope in the persons herein as scapegoats," he had said. A second supplementary charge sheet was filed before the court against 11 other accused persons, namely Sharjeel Imam, Asif Iqbal Tanha, Mohammad Qasim, Mahmood Anwar, Shahzar Raza Khan, Mohd Abuzar, Mohd Shoaib, Umair Ahmad, Bilal Nadeem, Chanda Yadav and Safoora Zargar, who have been discharged in the matter. "To allow the persons charge-sheeted to undergo the rigmarole of a long-drawn trial does not augur well for the criminal justice system of our country," Verma had said. He had added that such police action is "detrimental to the liberty" of the citizens who choose to exercise their fundamental right to peacefully assemble and protest. The court had said that before embarking on galvanising the judicial system against the 11 accused persons, the investigative agencies should have incorporated the use of technology, or have gathered credible intelligence. However, Imam, who is also an accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the conspiracy case related to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, will remain in custody. Canberra, Feb 7 : Alcohol bans will be reinstated for indigenous communities in central Australia in response to a crime wave. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chief Minister of the Northern Territory (NT) Natasha Fyles confirmed that dry zones will be reinstated for indigenous town camps and communities near Alice Springs, reports Xinhua news agency. It comes less than 12 months after intervention-era alcohol bans in the NT ended in July 2022, making alcohol legal in some areas for the first time in 15 years. As a result, rates of alcohol-fuelled violence have soared in Alice Springs, drawing national attention and calls from Mayor Matt Paterson for Australian Defence Force (ADF) support. Albanese visited the region in late January and launched a review that recommended the return of bans. Under the new legislation that will be introduced to the NT Parliament, communities can apply to opt out of the reinstated bans if 60 per cent of residents support the decision and they have an alcohol management plan in place. Addressing the Parliament, Albanese conceded the current and former government could have done more to plan for the end of the 15-year bans. He said the situation in Alice Springs is about more than alcohol and announced A$250 million ($173 million) in funding for a "better, safer future" for the region. "This is about intergenerational disadvantage. It is about a lack of employment services, a lack of community services, a lack of educational opportunity," he said. New Delhi: AAP workers being stopped by police personnel during their protest against BJP for MCD Mayor polls at BJP HQ in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 07, 2023. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: AAP workers being stopped by police personnel during their protest against BJP for MCD Mayor polls at BJP HQ in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 07, 2023. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: AAP supporters protest against BJP for MCD Mayor polls at BJP HQ in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 07, 2023. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: AAP workers being stopped by police personnel during their protest against BJP for MCD Mayor polls at BJP HQ in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 07, 2023. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: AAP supporters protest against BJP for MCD Mayor polls at BJP HQ in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 07, 2023. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Feb 7 : The Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday staged a protest outside the BJP headquarters over the delay in the Mayoral election for Delhi civic body, MCD. AAP leaders and party workers carrying placards gathered at Rouse Avenue Road and raised slogans against the BJP for delaying Mayoral election. The party has staged protest, a day after the MCD House was adjourned for third time without electing the mayor, deputy mayor and standing committee members for the MCD. "By insulting the mandate of the people of Delhi and murdering the Constitution, the BJP is not allowing the Mayor's election to take place," said AAP leader Durgesh Pathak while demonstrating the protest against BJP. He added that BJP is fearing that their councillors may vote for AAP that's why they are not allowing the Mayoral election in the MCD. AAP party leader Reena Gupta said that the people of Delhi had rejected the BJP in the MCD elections. But BJP has become so used to corruption that it is not ready to give up its hold on MCD. AAP strongly opposes this and will go to SC against BJP's hooliganism, she said on the occasion. After the MCD House was adjourned for the third time on Monday without electing a mayor, AAP leader Atishi had said that the party will move to the Supreme Court to conduct the Mayoral polls within a week to 10 days. Addressing a Press briefing, Atishi had said, "Aam Aadmi Party is going to the Supreme Court today. We will appeal to the apex court that the MCD elections should be held within one week to 10 days under their supervision. Satya Sharma arbitrarily adjourned the House indefinitely." Satya Sharma (BJP) is MCD presiding officer. Kolkata, Feb 7 : West Bengal Advocate General S. N. Mukhopadhyay on Tuesday denied allegations of misuse of funds provided by the Central government to state. He said this when a division bench of the Calcutta High Court was hearing a PIL filed by former journalist and BJP's state general secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay alleing that as per the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the total quantum of funds misutilisation is to the tune of Rs 2.29 lakh crore, as there is no proper utilisation certificate of such a huge expenditure. The state advocate general said that the CAG report, that has been referred in PIL was presented in the West Bengal assembly on March 17, 2022, is currently under consideration of the House. "The matter is under consideration of the state assembly and hence it would be unjust to continue with the hearing in the matter. There are utilisation certificates for each and every expenditure of the Central funds. They will be produced in the court in time," the advocate general said. The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Prakash Srivastava and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj, ordered the state government to submit its point in the matter in the form of an affidavit. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled on April 13. The PIL was filed by Jagannath Chattopadhyay on January 23, and on the next day the division bench ordered that the state finance secretary Manoj Pant and the CAG should be parties to the case. Recently, senior advocate of the Supreme Court and BJP Rajya Sabha member Mahesh Jethmalani also issued a Twitter message on this particular PIL, in which he said there is a hint of yet another major scam in West Bengal. February 07 : British popstar and breakthrough artist, Anne-Marie has been touring globally on some of the most revered stages of the music landscape. Bringing her to India as a headliner is Vh1 Supersonic 2023, one of Indias biggest multi-genre music and lifestyle experiences, a cultural phenomenon thats back with a power-packed and stellar array of artists and experiences! Anne-Marie, who skyrocketed with Rockabye, is the queen of sonic magic with hits like Psycho and Speak Your Mind. Weve rounded up some of her best hits for you to add to your playlist SAD B!TCH Featuring Anne-Maries incredibly strong vocal range, her latest single is a strong and resounding no to the melancholic, down-and-out vibe. With a catchy tune and lyrics to match the fervour, the song borders on an anti-anthem, with unapologetic lyrics like being sad is so last year! So, if your mood is rebellious, this one's for you! Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9PhOCTov0E Birthday Its the party track that you cant ignore. Co-written by Delacey, Keith Sorrells and Warren Felder, this number by the Essex native is all about having a blast and owning the day. Talk about Carpe Diem! But we dont think you should wait for a birthday to celebrate such fantastic music, so go on and turn up the volume on this one Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egVAW6l_QU8 Kiss My (Uh-oh) The platinum-selling artist is big on collaborations, as her fans know. Featured on her album Therapy, this song is an energetic and confident ode to walking away from a love that doesnt serve. A collaboration with British pop group Lil Mix, the video is a crazy parody on Bridesmaids, and features a sample from 2003 hit Never Leave You by Lumidee. This ones a must on your playlist! Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_Su3bBGXzw Ciao Adios A blast from the past, this 2017 hit broke into the UK Top 10 and earned a Platinum label. This ear-bug is all the boost you need to seal the deal on a sour relationship! The video of Ciao Adios grabbed eyeballs too, thanks to its Moroccan-inspired set-up that add to the summer vibes of this much-loved radio anthem. Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqob4D3BoZc Perfect to Me Anne-Marie is known to be vocal about mental health, and her music is an unequivocal reflection of this. The popstar has frequently opened up about her battle with anxiety, and often channels her encouraging messages for her fans and listeners on body-positivity and self-care through her songs. Perfect to me is that reminder you need, to know and believe that you are enough! Crank up the decibels on this on a blue day! Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FtFwAaCjrM To truly experience the euphoria of the British pop-star and breakthrough artist, you have to BE THERE, BE FREE and experience the magic and celebration of music culture and lifestyle under one roof! Catch everything spectacular, and the much-anticipated multi-genre music and lifestyle carnival, at Mahalaxmi Lawns, Pune between the 24th and 26th of January, only at Vh1 Supersonic 2023! Book your tickets here: https://www.skillboxes.com/events/vh1-supersonic New Delhi, Feb 7 : Two wanted sharpshooters of the infamous Pandat gang, who were on their way to kill a rival gang member, were caught red-handed by police in Northwest Delhi, said an official on Tuesday. The accused were identified as Shiv Chandan Pandat alias Pandat Shooter (23) and Rohit (22), both residents of the Mukundpur area in the national capital. Police said that a day before their arrest, the duo was booked in a 'firing case' registered at Bhalswa Dairy police station. The official said that Pandat gang is operating in the area of Mukundpur, Bhalswa Dairy and Burari and their main target is to terrorise the public, extort money and to establish the only active gang operating in this area by eliminating rival 'Bona Gang' as they murdered one of their key member. "On Monday, specific inputs were received that some criminals, who were involved in the firing incident a day before, were roaming in the area to take revenge from their rival gang," said Usha Rangnani, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest). Acting on the inputs, police teams nabbed the duo on Outer Ring Road. "On cursory search, one automatic pistol loaded with two and three country-made pistols were recovered from their possession," said the DCP. On interrogation, the duo disclosed that they were roaming in the area in search of a rival 'Bona Gang' member to murder him in order to avenge murder of their one key member. Chandan is also found previously involved in an attempt to culpable homicide case registered in Delhi. He was released from jail on bail in the case in February 2022. "After being released from jail, he started participating actively in the criminal activities of Pandat Gang and became a key ally of main gangster Manoj Babu, who was murdered by rival Bona Gang in December 2022," said the DCP. With the Pandat gang leader Anil Swami in jail and Manoj Babu being murdered, Chandan had ambitions to be a famous gangster and explored the opportunity to lead the Pandat Gang and take it to a new plethora of crime world. "In order to fulfill his evil intentions, he started expanding the gang on his own, by especially targeting those youngsters who were disowned by their families due to their involvement in criminal activities at a tender age and addiction towards drugs/alcohol," said the official. The newly-added gang members used to shoot videos of their hooliganism in order to publicise their 'Pandat Gang'. They made profiles over social media (using gang name & notorious words like Devils, Ziddi Ladka, Eagles or 302) and used to upload their videos to show off. "Chandan even imprinted scary tattoos of gang name, eagle sitting on skulls and bones. He even copied the hair style of KGF's character- Rocky Bhai, in order to impersonate his lifestyle," said the official, adding that further efforts are being made to trace their possible involvement in other cases also. New Delhi, Feb 7 : The NEET PG aspirants under the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) on Tuesday staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi demanding the postponement of the postgraduate medical entrance test. The Neet PG 2023 exam is scheduled for March 5. The doctors' body sought the exam to be postponed by May-June. As per the calendar issued by National Board of Examinations, the NEET PG 2023 results will be out around March 31, and the counselling process will start in July 2023. The candidates are pushing an extension in the NEET PG 2023 exam by two to three weeks to reduce the gap between the result declaration and counselling process. "At present with the eligibility bar for interns is June 30 and exam date on March 5, there is a large gap between the counselling and the examination date, this time could be utilised by the students to study for the examination and pursue their dream subject," said doctors' association FAIMA. "We also want to convey that this is the year where we are adjusting with the delays of Covid Pandemic in which health care sector played a major role. Henceforth, we request the government to postpone NEET PG 2023 with immediate effect and allow maximum interns to take part in the examination system," Manish Jangra, chief advisor of FAIMA, said. The representatives of FAIMA from Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) joined the protest. New Delhi, Feb 7 : The Supreme Court has granted regular bail to the main accused Ankit Sharma in the Alwar Central Cooperative Bank Scam. In 2019, a written complaint was made by the chief manager, Alwar Central Cooperative Bank Ltd, at police station - Kotwali in Rajasthan's Alwar, alleging certain irregularities and embezzlement of amount to the tune of Rs 16 crore within the bank by its employees. An FIR was subsequently registered against the accused under section of 409 and 420 of IPC 1860. Consequently, a charge sheet was filed and charges were also framed. The allegation of the prosecution is that Ankit Sharma, who was an employee of the bank, was the main accused in the matter. Advocate Namit Saxena, representing the accused, argued that the accused deserves to be released on bail as the allegations are false and the provisions of Section 437(6) CrPC are mandatory in nature. A bench comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and Sudhanshu Dhulia said: "The appellant has already undergone detention for about one year. It is pointed out by the learned counsel for the appellant that a charge sheet has also been submitted. Taking into consideration these factors, we set aside the order under appeal and direct that the appellant be released on bail on such terms the Trial Court may consider fit and proper." The top court passed the order on February 6, which was uploaded on Tuesday. Allowing the appeal, the bench said, "The appellant, however, must not delay the trial in any manner whatsoever and shall remain present on all days he is required to be present before the Trial Court in the course of trial." The bench noted that respondent (Rajasthan government) goes unrepresented in spite of service, initially on the state and thereafter upon the standing counsel for the state government. Bengaluru, Feb 7 : Karnataka Police on Tuesday arrested two men here in connection with attempting to rape two young women from Kashmir on the pretext of partying. According to police, the incident took place in the limits of Viveknagar police station. The young women managed to escape from the clutches of the accused and lodged a police complaint against them. According to police, the accused had invited their female friends to their house for a party on February 5. They had partied till 2.30 a.m. When the women were in an inebriated state, the accused friends tried to rape them. The victims somehow managed to lock themselves in the bathroom and spent the whole night there. In the morning, they managed to get out of the house of the accused persons and fled. The police said that the accused and victims had studied in the same college and were known to each other. The young women got placements in different companies and were working and the accused men were studying MBA. The police are investigating the case. Manila, Feb 7 : Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos on Tuesday announced the country will send an 85-man team to Turkey to help search, rescue, and support victims of the devastating earthquake. Marcos told reporters that the team includes health workers and engineers, reports Xinhua news agency. "They will inspect the buildings. We are looking to have our group leave by (Wednesday) night," he said. Marcos said the team will also bring blankets, winter clothing, and other goods for the homeless victims. "(The quake victims) are exposed, so they need all these things," he added. The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs said that no Filipinos were injured due to the earthquakes. The agency said there are 248 Filipinos in earthquake-affected areas in Turkey and around 60 in Syria. Monday's 7.8 magnitude quake has killed more than 5,000 people in both Turkey and Syria as it struck an area near the countries' border. San Francisco, Feb 7 : Social question-and-answer platform Quora has opened up public access to its new AI product "Poe", which allows users to ask questions, receive instant answers and engage in back-and-forth dialogue with AI chatbots. Poe (Platform for Open Exploration) was initially available on iOS, but the company said that it will add support for all major platforms in the next few months, along with more bots. Poe functions similarly to a text messaging app, but for AI models users can communicate with the models separately. Its chat interface offers a variety of conversation topics and uses cases, such as "writing help", "cooking,", "problem-solving", and "nature". The AI on Poe is currently powered by models from OpenAI and Anthropic, the company said. "We foresee a large number of models available in the near future. Different models will be optimized for different tasks, they will represent different points of view, or they will have access to different knowledge," said Quora in a blogpost. "Quora has 400 million monthly unique visitors and we'll be making it easy for all of them to use Poe and to see the best content created on Poe," it added. The Q&A platform also shared that they are in the process of making an Application Programming Interface that will make it easy for any AI developer to plug their model into Poe. Kalaburagi : , Feb 7 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka Assembly and former chief minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday attacked ruling BJP in the state, alleging that the highest number of Hindus were killed during the tenure of saffron party. "During our tenure not only Hindus, but minorities were also killed. They are all killed for different reasons. The murders of Hindus during Congress was due to RSS and BJP," he said. When Paresh Mesta was suspiciously dead, BJP leaders created huge ruckus. The case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). What happened later? Siddaramaiah questioned. The CBI report stated that Paresh Mesta died accidentally. "BJP National General Secretary C.T. Ravi is a man of lies. His job is to spread lies. I am a Hindu. I have not spoken about Hindu religion and I have also not opposed it. It is not good to bring provocation to violence under the framework of religion. The BJP's goal is to spoil the harmony," he maintained. Reacting to C.T. Ravi's jibe that Congress can only win 150 seats if it contests from Pakistan, Siddaramaiah questioned whether Karnataka is in Pakistan? Or in India? The elections are taking place in Karnataka or Pakistan? Why do you indulge in silly talks? New York, Feb 7 : A statue of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been reported missing from a park in San Jose, California. The statue at the Guadalupe River Park was a gift from Pune, San Jose's sister city, and it was the only statue of Shivaji Maharaj in North America. "We regret to inform our community that the Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at Guadalupe River Park is missing," The San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighbourhood Services tweeted on February 3. Park officials did not say when the statue was taken. The Twitter post shared the photo of the statue depicting the leader on horseback along with a photo of the now-missing statue with just the base remaining. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighbourhood Services informed that the authorities are investigating the theft. "The City is deeply saddened that this landmark has been stolen. We are working with community leaders to find solutions and will provide updates as we receive them," the Twitter post read. Srinagar, Feb 7 : The Army said on Tuesday that narco-terrorism is becoming a matter of concern in Kashmir. Addressing a gathering at the first segment of the investiture ceremony at the Badamibagh cantonment in J&K's Srinagar city, Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi, GOC-in-C of northern command said that Kashmir is witnessing a concerning rise in narco-terrorism. "Security situation in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh poses many challenges in terrain and operational dynamics especially from different adversaries along the northern and western borders. "We are committed to defending India's sovereignty and territorial integrity while upholding the democratic traditions of the nation. "We are maintaining a constant vigil, monitoring all developments and will take all necessary steps to protect the national interests. "Indian Army is prepared to meet any challenges in the future and will always work for the betterment of the people of the Region. "Last two years have brought to the fore new challenges in the wake of abrogation of Article 370, the Galwan conflict and multiple waves of Covid-19. "The situation along the LOC has remained stable and the ceasefire continues to sustain. A very strict vigil and a robust technology enabled multi-tiered counter infiltration grid is being maintained to thwart any attempts of infiltration. "Ceasefire violations, infiltration bids or any other misadventure attempted by the adversary will be dealt with firmly. "Numerous infiltration bids have been foiled in the last year. The highest standards of professionalism displayed by the troops in all dimensions of counter terror operations have nullified and limited the kinetic threat. "Kashmir is witnessing a concerning rise in narco-terrorism, as Pakistan is now using this as a new tool in its proxy war. "At present a dual strategy of sending across drugs as well as weapons through drones is being employed to keep the fire burning in an attempt to disrupt the social fabric. "Cross-border terrorism, smuggling of narcotics provides a succour to terrorism. The security forces are alive to this trend and have already initiated counter drone measures to curb the menace. "Our focus continues to reinforce our intelligence setup by synergising with all stakeholders and sister agencies, to usher in peace and undertake developmental activities. "The overall situation is progressively improving and a positive and conducive environment for accelerating the developmental initiatives of the government has been created. The dividends of peace and stability are reaching people in the far flung areas and they are participating wholeheartedly to preserve and sustain this peace. On the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). he said that the Army's response to Chinese attempts to unilaterally change the status quo was a swift, undaunted and synergised action by the Indian Armed Forces. "Any adverse aggressive designs or attempts will definitely be met with appropriate posturing of forces and a strong intent with complete synergy amongst the three services", he said. He also said that the measures to resolve the LAC situation at diplomatic and operational levels are also simultaneously underway. "I assure you that the LAC in Eastern Ladakh is being dominated by physical patrolling and through technical means and our territorial integrity is being ensured. Restoration of peace and tranquility to enable progress in bilateral relations has been and will remain our constant endeavour," he said. Meanwhile, the Army commander presented COAS 'Certificate of Appreciation' GOC-in-C Northern Command 'Unit Appreciation' and the GOC-in-C Northern Command Certificate of Appreciation' to deserving units, who have excelled in operation during their tenure. Beijing, Feb 7 : Apple has drastically cut prices of iPhone 14 models by up to $125 (850 yuan) in China to boost sales after it reported revenue decline in the holiday quarter, the media reported on Tuesday. According to South China Morning Post, Apple's online stores on e-commerce platform JD.com showed a markdown of 800 yuan for iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models, with an additional 50 yuan off if the buyer became a member of the online store. That works out to a 10.6 per cent discount on the 7,999 yuan price of the 128-GB iPhone 14 Pro. Retail stores are also offering price cuts ranging from 600 to 800 yuan on most popular iPhone 14 models. "Local Shenzhen retail chain Sundan offered a 650-yuan price cut and has run out of inventory for both the Pro and Pro Max models with large storage," the report said, quoting an employee. However, the prices of iPhone 14 models remained unchanged on Apple's official website and offline stores in China. Apple reported $65.8 billion in revenue for iPhones in the holiday quarter, down 8 per cent (year-over-year). However, on a constant currency basis, iPhone revenue was roughly flat. Apple faced supply chain disruptions in October and November as China faced Covid surge and protests erupted at its key supplier Foxconn's main factory in the country. Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Covid-related challenges "significantly impacted the supply of iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max and lasted through most of December". "Because of these constraints, we had significantly less iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max supply than we planned, causing ship times to extend far beyond what we had anticipated," he said during the company's earnings call. Cook said that as a result of a challenging environment, "our revenue was down 5 per cent year over year". New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shows an old photo of PM Modi with industrialist Gautam Adani in Lok Sabha during the ongoing budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 07, 2023. (Photo: Lok Sabha/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shows an old photo of PM Modi with industrialist Gautam Adani in Lok Sabha during the ongoing budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 07, 2023. (Photo: Lok Sabha/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi speaks in Lok Sabha during the ongoing budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 07, 2023. (Photo: Lok Sabha/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Feb 7 : In a direct attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that the Central government was favouring only one corporate, Adani Group, 'who gets all the contracts, including the overseas ones'. "Earlier he used to travel in Adani's aircraft and now Adani travels with Modiji in his aircraft. First the matter was limited to Gujarat then the country and now he has become international," Gandhi said on Motion of Thanks to the President's Address. He alleged, "The Prime Minister went to Australia and by magic, SBI gave a $1 billion loan to Adani. The PM goes to Bangladesh and then the power development board of the country signs a 25-year contract with Adani." "How much money Adani gave to the BJP in the last 20 years," Rahul Gandhi asked. He alleged that the Chairman of Sri Lanka electricity board in 2022 informed the Sri Lankan parliamentary committee "that he was told by President Rajapaksa that 'he was pressured by Prime Minister Modi' to give the wind power project to Mr Adani". "This is not India's foreign policy. It is the policy for Adani's business." He alleged that during the Bharat Jodo Yatra people asked him how one person, Adani's worth increased from USD 8 billion to USD 140 billion between 2014 and 2022 and what is his relationship with the Prime Minister. "During 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', we heard people's voices while we also kept our voices. We talked to children, women, and the elderly during the yatra. We asked the youth about their jobs... Many said they are unemployed or drive Uber. Farmers talked about not getting money under PM-BIMA Yojana and their land being snatched away, while tribals talked about Tribal Bill. "When we first started walking (referring to Bharat Jodo Yatra), we wanted to play the opposition and tell people about their problems. However, as we progressed, after 500-600 kms, there was a major change. Instead of us telling the people the source of their problems, the yatra started speaking to us," Rahul Gandhi said in the Lok Sabha. Chennai, Feb 7 : Tamil Nadu BJP President, K. Annamalai has called upon the party cadres to work sleeplessly for the victory of AIADMK candidate, K.V. Thenarasu in the Erode East by-election scheduled for February 27. The statement of the BJP state president came after the Election Commission cleared the 'Two Leaves' symbol of the AIADMK for K.V. Thenarasu. It may be noted that the O. Panneerselvam (OPS) faction of the AIADMK had fielded candidate Senthil Murugan who has subsequently withdrawn from the race with OPS openly stating that he and his supporters would work for the victory of the candidate with 'Two Leaves' symbol, K.V. Thenarasu. Annamalai also thanked the AIADMK interim general secretary and former chief minister, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) for fielding the candidate to the Erode East by-poll as a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate. He also thanked the deposed coordinator of AIADMK and former chief minister, O. Panneerselvam (OPS) for withdrawing the candidate of Senthil Murugan from the fray and supporting the 'Two Leaves' symbol. It may be recalled that the BJP had earlier appealed to O. Panneerselvam (OPS) to withdraw his candidate and to work for the victory of the 'Two leaves' candidate. The Tamil Nadu BJP president called upon the NDA allies to work for the victory of K.V. Thenarasu who was the NDA candidate. He called upon the party cadres and NDA parties to defeat the inefficient DMK government which was anti-people, corrupt, and had failed to keep its poll promises. New Delhi, Feb 7 : Tension gripped North Delhi's Gulabi Bagh area after a cow was found slaughtered in a park. A senior police officer said that they got a call at 12:36 p.m. informing that ome body parts of a cow were found near the Roshanara underpass in Gulabi Bagh. "A police team reached the spot and removed the body parts and sent them to the government veterinary hospital for post-mortem," the officer said. Meanwhile, Jitender Kanwar, a social activist, filed a complainant with the Delhi Police Commissioner, urging him to take action against the miscreants. The police said that they have filed an FIR under the relevant sections of the Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act in this respect. No arrests have been made in the matter so far. Panaji, Feb 7 : Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao has urged state government to put in all possible efforts to ensure Goa is included in the itinerary of Pope Francis, during his India visit in 2024. "I appeal to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to put in all possible efforts to ensure Goa is included in the itinerary of Pope Francis. Let us all give him warm welcome and be blessed," Alemao said. "The last Papal visit to Goa of Pope John Paul- II in February 1986 is now only a distant, but nostalgic memory, for many Catholics and others in the State," Alemao said. According to him, the Pope had celebrated a public mass at the Campal Ground in Panaji and had also stayed at the Bishop's House during his visit to Goa. "I appeal to all the elected representatives from Panchayats, Zilla Panchayats, Municipalities and MLAs as well as artistes, sportspersons, educationists, tourism stakeholders, social activists and Goans to welcome the announcement of Pope Francis and pray for his visit to Goa," Alemao said. He also appealed to the Government to start preparations for the historic visit from now onwards. "Let work begin today," Alemao said. Hyderabad, Feb 7 : A student from Telangana was killed in the US when a gun he was holding went off accidentally, as per his family here. Mahankali Akhil Sai, 25, from Khammam district lost his life in the incident that occurred at Auburn in Alabama state on Monday night (local time). Sai had gone to the US about 13 months ago and was studying MS at Auburn University. He was also doing a part-time job at a nearby gas station. According to information reaching his family, he took the gun of a security guard and was having a close look by holding it in his hands when it went off accidentally. The bullet hit him in his head. The gas station staff rushed him to a hospital, where he succumbed. The youth was hailing from Madhira town in Khammam district. His family was shocked on receiving the information. The family has requested the Indian government to help in bringing the body home. --IANS ms/vd A In order to bring transparency and accountability in the administration and to provide all the facilities to the people, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has so far brought online more than 400 services under e-governance, while the rest of the services are also being brought online rapidly. After making civil secretariat, all departments head office, deputy commissioner office e-office, the administration has decided to establish e-offices up to the tehsil level. After the success of e-office from civil secretary to deputy commissioner office, the government has decided to expand e-office to tehsil level. In this regard, a committee of officers has been formed and the work has been started. The committee consists of State Informatics Officer Jammu Kashmir NIC or his representative, NC Delhi representative, Technical Officer of Information Technology Department, Project Manager, Jammu and Kashmir e-Governance Agency (JaKeGA), Data Centre Operator and Analyst at JaKeGA- Information Technology is included. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been asked to be prepared for expansion of e-office to Tehsil level. The committee will enable e-office under the full jurisdiction of Deputy Commissioners, Heads of Departments and Public Sector Undertakings up to Tehsil level and will suggest measures for digitisation of legacy records/files up to tehsil level. Extension of NIC Net/SWAN network to tehsil level through secure mode for obtaining additional licences from NIC New Delhi as per the number of users referred to the Committee Jammu and Kashmir e-Governance Agency. It will offer suggestions for multi-protocol label switching etc. The Detailed Project Report will also include steps to be taken to strengthen the complete infrastructure at the J&K State Data Centre to host the office and back-end e-office (system admins) for the expected number of users. Manpower will be required to manage operations. Notably, physical files are not being encouraged in the offices of Civil Secretariat, Heads of Departments and Deputy Commissioners. For smooth functioning of e-office in these offices, Information Technology Department has provided VPN connections, created domain IDs and trained local admins and master trainers. Control rooms have also been established for this, which are submitting reports on a daily basis to the control room of the General Administrative Department (GAD), from where a comprehensive report is sent to the Chief Secretary's office. The Chief Secretary has already directed all departments to conduct awareness campaigns among the general public focusing on educational institutions and panchayat level. Islamabad, Feb 7 : The United States has reiterated its support to Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, saying the latter will continue to be a "stalwart partner" of the US in the face of recent terrorist attacks, according to a media report. US State Department spokesperson Ned Price made this statement in response to a query at a weekly press briefing, Dawn reported. On January 30, a powerful explosion ripped through a mosque in Peshawar's Red Zone area where between 300 and 400 people - mostly police officers - had gathered for prayers. The suicide blast blew away the wall of the prayer hall and an inner roof, claiming 84 lives. The outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) initially claimed responsibility for the attack. It later distanced itself from it but sources earlier indicated that it might have been the handiwork of some local faction of the outlawed group, Dawn reported. Commenting on the renewed wave of terrorism in Pakistan, Price said, "This is a scourge that affects Pakistan, it affects India, it affects Afghanistan. It is something that we're focused on throughout the entire region." When it comes to Pakistan, he said, "They are an important partner of the US, and a partner in any number of ways," Dawn reported. "We've talked in recent days about our commitment to stand with Pakistan in the face of these security threats," the spokesperson underlined. Over the past few months, terrorism has been rearing its head again in the country, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Pakistan has seen a rise in terrorist attacks across the country, believed to have been planned and directed by TTP leaders based out of Afghanistan. The TTP, which has ideological linkages with the Afghan Taliban, executed more than 100 attacks last year, most of which happened after August when the group's peace talks with the Pakistan government began to falter. The ceasefire was formally ended last year on November 28 by the TTP. Bhubaneswar, Feb 7 : The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday urged the Centre to procure all surplus paddy from Odisha and ensure MSP for the farmers. Speaking to mediapersons in Bargarh, BJD Vice President Prasanna Acharya said the Centre has drastically reduced the budgetary provision for procurement of paddy for the year 2023-24. The budgetary allocation has been slashed by Rs 20,000 crore, which will virtually ensure that the farmers are unable to even get their MSP, while paddy procurement will also drastically go down, Acharya said. This drastic reduction of budgetary provision will severely affect the farmers of Odisha, especially in western Odisha, deeply impacting their livelihood, he said. Acharya also said that the reduction of budget shows that the Centre won't increase the MSP to 1.5 times. The demand of Odisha farmers, as passed by the Assembly unanimously, to increase MSP of paddy per quintal to Rs 2,930 will again be rejected by the Centre, causing angst and pain to lakhs of farmers, Acharya said. Stating that the Centre has also slashed the foodgrain procurement target for Odisha, Acharya said from 18 lakh metric tonne (MT) rice which used to be lifted from Odisha by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) annually, now for 2022-23 the Centre has reduced it by 80 per cent to only four lakh MT. "Bargarh district alone produces four lakh MT of rice, what will happen to the rest 29 districts of Odisha? Where will the farmers of those 29 districts sell their paddy," he asked. Acharya also questioned the silence of five BJP MPs from western Odisha on this issue. "How will they even face the same voters in 2024 who had trusted them in 2019? Why are the Central ministers from Odisha silent about issues relating to paddy procurement," Acharya asked. He demanded that every single surplus food-grain must be lifted from Odisha through paddy procurement process by the Centre in the interest of the farmers, mainly from western Odisha. The farmers of Odisha must not be deprived of their MSP at any cost, the BJD leader said. Kolkata, Feb 7 : Hamro Party, which recently lost control of the Darjeeling municipality after six of its elected councillors defected to the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM)-Trinamool Congress alliance, said on Tuesday that illegal construction in the hills, which stopped during its tenure, have resumed following the change in guards in the board. Ritesh Portal, who was the Chairman of the earlier Hamro Party-controlled board in the Darjeeling municipality, said that the board had stopped 46 illegal constructions in the hills during its tenure. "Notices were issued to the owners and authorities of all these 46 constructions. Two illegal constructions were also demolished. However, all these illegal construction works have resumed again. Our demand to the new board is to immediately stop such illegal constructions or else there will be a Joshimath-like crisis here as well," Portal said. He also alleged that the Hamro Party actually had to pay the price for acting tough against illegal constructions. "Before the polls for Darjeeling municipality in February last year, we had promised to take action against illegal constructions in the hills. We started working accordingly. The grand conspiracy started there and we were unethically removed from the board," he said. Portal also said that the Hamro Party councillors will raise the issue in the next meeting of the board. He added that the matter has already been intimated to the new chairman of the board, Dipen Thakuri. The latter, however, refused to make any comment on the allegations. Meanwhile, BGPM chief and the chief executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), Anit Thapa, dismissed the allegations and said that the new board is aware of the danger of illegal constructions. "We are keeping a close watch on the matter and will take necessary action whenever required," Thapa said. Hong Kong, Feb 7 : The controversial Chinese scientist, who created world's first gene-edited babies in 2018 and 2019 and was jailed for three years, has come out in the open, saying the genetically-edited children are living happily with their parents. In an interview with The South China Morning Post, He Jiankui said they have a normal, peaceful, and undisturbed life. "This is their wish and we should respect them. The happiness of the children and their families should come first," Hu was quoted as saying in the report. Asked if he worried about the children's future, the scientist said: "You will have high expectations of them, but you also have huge unease." In December 2019, a Chinese court sentenced Jiankui to three years in prison for violating medical regulations by using a gene-editing tool called 'CRISPR-Cas9'. In 2018, Hu stunned the world when he announced that he had created two genetically modified twin girls, nicknamed Lulu and Nana. A third child, Amy, was born the following year, also in China. He used the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 to rewrite the CCR5 gene, which is known to confer resistance to HIV because of a genetic mutation. "After the age of 18, the children will decide whether to do medical follow-ups for their individual needs. We committed to doing this for their lifetimes," the scientist told the publication. He now wants to set up a charitable foundation to raise money and cover health-related expenses for the three children. The scientist has been invited to visit the University of Oxford next month to give talks about the use of CRISPR gene-editing technology in reproductive medicine. He has set up a new laboratory in Beijing to work on affordable gene therapies for rare genetic diseases, said the report. His experiments, which were carried out on seven embryos in late 2018, had sent shockwaves through the medical and scientific world. New Delhi, Feb 7 : Delhi Police on Tuesday launched the 'Cyber Suraksha' campaign in partnership with Meta with the aim to spread awareness about cyber safety and prevent people from falling prey to prevailing online frauds. "The 'Cyber Suraksha' campaign would be a two-month long campaign, which will focus on training Delhi Police personnel on Meta's safety tools and resources, and impart digital literacy training to 10,000 students of various schools across Delhi," De lhi Police spokesperson Suman Nalwa said. "Meta and Delhi Police will also build resources to educate users about protecting themselves against various cyber scams and fraud. The programme will focus on providing users, especially youth, with digital safety best practices and e-digital literacy awareness sessions, training resources, knowledge repository including child and adult safety self-help material, safety videos and other resources," she said. During the event at Police Headquarters which was attended by around 300 girl students of various colleges across the city, the Delhi Police also launched a series of short films for internet users with an appeal "Fool Nahi-Cool Bane" as part of cyber awareness campaign. Special Commissioner of Police, Perception Management & Media Cell, Sanjay Singh said that the women and children are among the most vulnerable section, who often fall prey, due to lacking awareness about cyber safety and crimes. He urged the victims to report the matter as remaining silent gives an opportunity to the perpetrators to repeat similar acts and reiterated that "Not to speak out shall not be an option". Special CP, Special Cell, H.G.S. Dhaliwal said that the cyber-related offences are growing exponentially and urged people to educate themselves and contribute by spreading awareness among amateur internet users, as together we will be able to make the cyber space safer. Kochi, Feb 7 : Aimed at empowering the coastal population through additional livelihood options, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has chalked out plans to boost mariculture activities across the coastal states of the country. This was announced here by CMFRI Director A. Gopalakrishnan at a session on mariculture for researchers and academicians at the CMFRI. "CMFRI has identified and geo-referenced 146 potential sites for sea cage farming within 10 km in the sea from the coast along the Indian coastal line, with a production potential of 2.13 million tonnes per year. In these, four sites from Kerala in an area of nearly 1300 ha," he said. "CMFRI has developed and standardised indigenous sea cage farming technology suitable to Indian coastal and open waters. On average, up to 3 tonnes of fish could be produced in a 6-diameter cage within a period of 8 months. CMFRI has estimated that farmers could earn an economic return ranging from Rs. 1.5 to 2.5 lakh depending on the species grown from each crop," he added. Citing the status of India's mariculture, tthe CMFRI Director said the current mariculture production from India is less than 0.1 million tonne per year against a projected potential of 4 to 8 million tonnes. "Successful expansion of inland and brackishwater aquaculture in the country could be capitalised to boost mariculture production in a phased manner," he added. Gurugram, Feb 7 : Two Nigerians, who allegedly befriended with a woman and duped her of Rs 70,000, were arrested, police said. Cyber Crime Police identified the accused as Martin Valentom and Tony Ifeanyi. The duo was arrested from Delhi on Monday, the police said. Officials acted on a complaint lodged at the Cyber Crime Police Station (East). The woman had posted a photo of herself on a matrimonial site. Later, one Kuma Jordan, a French national, introducing himself as a pilot contacted her and expressed his interest in friendship. They then exchanged WhatsApp numbers and began to chat and make WhatsApp calls. On January 30, the victim received a photo of passport and ticket of Jordan who said he is coming to India. On January 31, the victim received another call from a man claiming to be from the Customs Department at the Mumbai airport. The caller further contended that to issue a yellow card to Jordan Rs 55,000 was required and the amount was transferred by the victim to a man, Robert Kang's account. Thereafter, Jordan called the victim and said he required Rs 15,000 to travel from Mumbai to Delhi and on February 1 this amount was also transferred by the victim to a different account. Furthermore, the victim received another call from a woman who claimed to be from the Customs Department and told the victim that Jordan has Euro currency which is illegal in India and asked for Rs 95,000 as Customs duty. Later, the woman felt that she was duped and reported the matter. "During investigation, police identified the accused and arrested them. The accused revealed that they hatched a plan to defraud people online to make friends for which they created fake profiles on different matrimonial websites, sent requests to innocent unmarried women using foreign numbers and introduced themselves through lucrative profiles," Preet Pal Sangwan, ACP (crime) said. Police seized one laptop, 11 mobile phones, and six passports from their possession. Mumbai, Feb 7 : Controversial film producer Nazim Hassan Rizvi - whose hit film "Chori Chori, Chupke Chupke" (2001) blew the lid off the 'Bollywood-Mafia nexus - passed away at a private hospital here, industry sources said on Tuesday. Admitted to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (KDAH) for certain undisclosed ailments, Rizvi breathed his last while under treatment late on Monday. Said to be in his early 70s, his mortal remains are being taken to his native place in Uttar Pradesh for the funeral. Rizvi had also produced other inferior films such as "Majboor Ladki" (1991), "Apaatkal" (1993), "Angarvaadi" (1998), "Undertrial" (2007), "Chori Chori, Chupke Chupke" (2001), "Hello, Hum Lallan Bol Rahe Hain" (2010), "Qasam Se, Qasam Se", (2011), and "Laden Aala Re Aala" (2017). However, he is widely known for the musical hit "Chori Chori, Chupke Chupke" starring the top trio of that time -- Salman Khan, Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta -- which discussed the topic of surrogate motherhood for the first time on the silver screen. Nevertheless, the film, which shot him into big league, also made news for other unsavoury reasons. Shortly before its release, Rizvi and another financer Bharat Shah were arrested in December 2000 for allegedly diverting tainted underworld-linked money for the movie production. The stunning expose was made by a crack team of Mumbai Police Crime Branch comprising former 'encounter-specialists' who had shadowed Rizvi, his associates, and investigated the case in depth before finally swooping on them. The Mumbai Police had charged the Rizvi-Shah duo with allegedly receiving funds from the Mumbai mafia, specifically from Shakeel Babumiyan Shaikh - dreaded as Chhota Shakeel - and a close aide of the absconder underworld don Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar. Rizvi had been under surveillance for his alleged murky activities for months before the arrest by the Mumbai Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which later seized the film's negatives and prints, and deposited them with the Special MCOCA Court in Mumbai. The film was finally released under the Special Court's order, with an unprecedented directive that all profits earned by the movie should go to the Maharashtra government treasury. Interestingly, the film's credits had acknowledged the 'role' of the Special MCOCA Court, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch and the Court Receiver without whose untiring efforts and good offices the picture would never have been made. Prior to its official release, the Mumbai Police were given a special screening as per a previous commitment and to ensure that there was no objectionable content in the film. Ironically, during its formal release in cinemas in March 2001, where it got huge initial response, both Rizvi and Shah remained in jail, and later they were awarded six years and one year in jail, respectively. "It was the film 'Chori Chori, Chupke Chupke' that is said to have convincingly proved the long-suspected theory of 'Bollywood-Mafia, bhai-bhai'," a veteran Bollywood producer told IANS, preferring anonymity. However, the film's fiasco and its aftermath opened alternative doors for more respectable channels of film financing like banks, later some companies, corporate houses and even MNCs entering the scene, he explained. He recalled how that was a trying period for Bollywood which was reeling under immense pressures from the underworld and mafia dons - Gulshan Kumar was shot dead (August 1997), Mukesh Duggal was killed (March 1998), and an unsuccessful 'warning' attack was made against Rakesh Roshan (January 2000), besides other similar scary developments that rattled Bollywood biggies. Many quietly 'concurred' or 'cooperated' with the mafiosi, while a few dare-devils have admitted to getting death threats, extortion calls and other forms of intimidation from various underworld gangs in India and their shady operatives from foreign locales. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) New Delhi, Feb 7 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to regularise NDMC employees. In the letter, Kejriwal urged that necessary instructions should be issued for early approval of Group C recruitment rules so that around 4,500 employees can be regularised in the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). "I had requested you on March 22, 2022 that necessary instructions should be issued for early approval of Group C recruitment rules so that RMR employees (about 4,500) can become regular employees in the NDMC. Earlier, the proposal for early approval of Group C recruitment rules was sent on September 25 and March 16, 2021", Kejriwal said. "Apart from this, various communications-replies between the Ministry of Home Affairs and NDMC were also sent to you on March 22, 2022. Despite this, the long-pending grievance of NDMC regarding regularisation of these TMR and RMR employees has not yet been resolved," Kejriwal added. The letter further read that despite this, the demand for regularisation of the employees has not yet been fulfilled. "Due to non-availability of permanent employees, it has become difficult for them to run their household with a meager salary," Kejriwal said. The Chief Minister said that NDMC had also sent a reminder on November 23, 2022, but the draft Group C recruitment rules have not yet been approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs. "Therefore, I again request your immediate intervention in the matter of speedy approval of the draft recruitment rules of Group C so as to resolve the grievance of these RMR employees and make them regular NDMC employees," read the letter. New Delhi, Feb 7 : The guidelines and curriculum framework for environment education at the undergraduate level has been prepared. As par the draft guidelines, there will be a six-month compulsory core module course in environmental studies for undergraduate students. The duration of the course will be 50 lectures. The exams will be conducted along with the annual examination. The UGC had constituted an expert committee for the draft guidelines and curriculum framework, which has prepared its report. The report will soon be in public domain besides being shared with all the universities. The core module syllabus for environmental studies includes class room teaching and field work. The syllabus is divided into eight units covering 50 lectures. The first seven units will cover 45 lectures which are class room-based to enhance knowledge skills and attitude to environment. Unit eight is based on field activities which will be covered in five lecture hours and would provide students first-hand knowledge on various local environmental aspects. UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar said that environment education needs to include areas such as climate change, pollution, waste management, sanitation, conservation of biological diversity, management of biological resources and biodiversity, forest and wildlife conservation, and sustainable development. Earlier in 2003, the UGC had come out with a core module syllabus for compulsory implementation of environmental studies at the undergraduate level as per the directives of the Supreme Court. In 2017, the UGC had framed an eight-unit module syllabus for the ability enhancement compulsory course (AECC-Environmental Studies) under the choice based credit system (CBCS), Kumar said. "The present document is an outcome of the UGC's initiative to implement the National Education Policy 2020, which has emphasised the need to formulate guidelines and curriculum framework for environmental education. The document is expected to cater to students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and also includes topics to sensitise students about the commitment of the nation towards achieving sustainable development goals," Kumar said. The expert committee of UGC recommended that field experience is one of the most effective learning tools for environmental concerns. This moves out of the scope of the text book mode of teaching into the realm of real learning in the field, where the teacher merely acts as a catalyst to interpret what the students observes or discovers in their own environment. Field studies are as essential as class work and form an irreplaceable synergistic tool in the entire learning process. The universities and colleges can also draw upon expertise of outside resource persons for teaching purposes. The environmental core module shall be integrated into the teaching programmes of all undergraduate courses. Continuing problems of pollution, loss of forests, solid waste disposal, degradation of the environment, issues like economic productivity and national security, global warming, the depletion of the ozone layer and loss of biodiversity have made everyone aware of environmental issues. Kumar said that, out of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), six are directly linked to environmental protection and resource conservation. Hyderabad, Feb 7 : The Telangana government on Tuesday filed a petition in the state High Court, seeking suspension of the order pronounced on Monday in the MLAs' poaching case so that it can challenge the same in the Supreme Court. A division bench of the high court on Monday had dismissed the government's appeal challenging the single judge's order to transfer the investigation into the MLAs poaching case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A division bench, headed by Justice B. Vijay Sen Reddy, on Tuesday took up the petition for hearing. It, however, asked Advocate General B.S. Prasad to get the permission from Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan. The Advocate General conveyed to the bench that he would approach the Chief Justice on Wednesday. The division bench of Chief Justice Bhuyan and Justice N Tukaramji had Monday dismissed the petitions of the state government and MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy challenging the order of the single judge transferring to the CBI the case relating to the alleged attempt to poach four legislators of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). It ruled that the single judge bench's order can't be faulted and interfered with. On December 27, 2022, Justice B Vijaysen Reddy had ordered the transfer of the MLAs' Poachgate case to the CBI. The High Court had also quashed a Government Order under which a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted by the state government to probe the case. The single judge had pronounced the order on the petitions filed by the accused priest Ramchandra Bharati, pontiff Simhayaji, and restaurant owner Nandu Kumar that they did not have faith in the SIT investigation. The judge had also observed that the media should not have been given access to investigation material. He also noted that the state has not responded to the question who provided the Chief Minister with investigative materials. During the hearing on appeal filed by the state government, Supreme Court advocate and senior counsel Dushyant Dave had faulted the order of the single judge for coming to a conclusion based on apprehensions of the accused and the BJP without any material beyond reasonable doubt. Dave told the court that once evidence was submitted to the court, it becomes a public document and such revealing of public document by the Chief Minister to the media cannot be considered as leakage of material by the investigating agency. He pointed out that while the BJP was toppling state governments by luring MLAs from other parties, there was nothing wrong about the Chief Minister of Telangana bringing to the notice of millions of voters the politics played by the BJP. The three accused were arrested by Cyberabad police from a farmhouse at Moinabad near Hyderabad on the night of October 26, 2022 when they were allegedly trying to lure four MLAs of BRS with offers of huge money. Cyberabad police conducted the raid on a tip-off by Pilot Rohith Reddy, one of the MLAs. He alleged that the accused offered Rs 100 crore to him and Rs 50 crore each to three others to make them defect to the BJP. The state government had subsequently constituted SIT headed by Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand to probe the case. New Delhi, Feb 7 : Not all IIT graduates are lucky to grab lucrative salaries as a new report on Tuesday revealed that students obtaining jobs with a higher CTC (Rs 50 lakh and above per annum) constitute only 5.5 per cent of the total pool, translating into just 960 students. A team of campus recruitment experts at HirePro, a recruitment automation and assessments solution provider, analysed the data of placements at the IITs in 2022 and collated insights about compensation. The analysis revealed that nearly 54 per cent of total students in the top tier of IITs (7,020) and 50 per cent of students in the next tier of IITs (2,250) receive job offers with salary packages in the range of Rs 10 to 16 lakh per annum. About 11 per cent of students in the top tier (1,430) and 40 per cent of students in the next tier of IITs (1,800) ended up grabbing jobs with a salary range of up to Rs 16 lakh per annum. "While many top-tier companies hire some of the best talent from IITs and from within the industry, they are not the ones who pay the highest salary," the findings showed. The students from IITs in Mumbai, Madras, Delhi, Kharagpur, Kanpur, Guwahati, Roorkee, BHU Varanasi and Hyderabad campuses receive job offers with higher compensation in comparison to students from IITs Dhanbad (ISM), Ropar, Bhubaneswar, Gandhinagar, Jodhpur, Patna, Indore, and Mandi campuses. However, the situation is gradually changing as a result of recruitment process innovation and the success of remote recruitment. "Freshers at IITs have a wide salary range, which is consistent with how salaries behave in the New Age, tech and R&D-driven industries," the report mentioned. IIT students from streams like computer science engineering, electronics and communication engineering, electrical and electronics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and data science, secure the majority of job offers. The campus recruitment experts at HirePro formulated a detailed analysis of CTC and gross salaries offered by various companies at 23 IITs. Almost 90 per cent of students who participated in the placement accepted a job offer. "The report dispels the myth that not all graduates from IITs, India's premier engineering institution, get hefty pay packages. Only a small fraction of them receive large compensation packages; the remainder are accessible for organisations to hire at reasonable pay scales," said the report. New Delhi, Feb 7 : Zomato founder & CEO Deepinder Goyal on Tuesday congratulated Paytm and its founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, after shares of One 97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, rose in the December quarter, and also hinted at working on its own profitability. "Congratulations, @vijayshekhar and @Paytm on becoming profitable. Sorry, a bit late to the party -- was so busy working on our own profitability," he tweeted. Earlier this week, Paytm received positive commentary from the global brokerages' analysts after the fintech company achieved operating profitability with EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) before ESOP cost at Rs 31 crore, ahead of its guided timeline of September 2023. Global firms such as Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, CLSA and Citic have raised their price target on Paytm by up to 119 per cent. Citi, CLSA, and Goldman Sachs have recommended to buy the share post Q3FY23 earnings, while BofA maintained its 'neutral' rating. Moreover, on February 9, Zomato will be sharing its December quarter earnings. Last year, Zomato shared that its consolidated net loss decreased to Rs 251 crore for the September quarter, against Rs 430 crore in a net loss in the same quarter in 2021. The revenue went up to Rs 1,661 crore against Rs 1,024 crore in the year-ago period, a significant 62.2 per cent jump, the company said in a statement. New Delhi, Feb 7 : A man, involved in supplying illegal arms and ammunition to criminals in Delhi and its peripheral areas, has been arrested, a Delhi Police official said on Tuesday. The accused has been identified as Mohd Anas, a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Meerut. Police have also recovered four country made pistols and four bullets from the possession of the accused. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police, South, Chandan Chowdhary, a police team was directed to make intensive efforts to track and nab the accused persons involved in arms trafficking as in some cases, recovery of sophisticated illegal firearms and ammunition was made from notorious criminals and gangsters arrested in Delhi and neighboring states. "On February 4, specific inputs were received that a person involved in supply of illegal firearms would come to Delhi to deliver a consignments of illegal firearms following which a trap was laid and the accused was nabbed near Khokha market, Link road to Pushp Vihar," she said. Further investigation is going on, the DCP added. Los Angeles, Feb 7 : Crime-drama 'Dexter' is returning for another brand-new series, with new show Origins showing Dexter Morgan's "transition into the avenging serial killer". Not only that, but Showtime has also announced another season of the hit-series' follow-up, 'New Blood' which will follow the journey of his son Harrison, reports 'Mirror.co.uk'. The hit-US crime drama ran for eight seasons between 2006 and 2013 and is based on forensic scientist Dexter, played by Michael C Hall. He lives a traumatic double life as a vigilante serial killer, and now viewers will get to see his early years as a young cop unfold in the brand-new TV series 'Dexter: Origins'. As per 'Mirror.co.uk', the series shows Dexter graduate from college before joining Miami Metro Police. An official synopsis reads: "It will dramatise young Dexter Morgan at the outset of his transition into the avenging serial killer he would become. "Set in the Miami that was a hotbed of real serial killers of his time, the show will begin as Dexter graduates college to join Miami Metro, where he meets younger versions of many of the characters we came to know in the original Dexter. And, of course, the show will also focus on Dexter's family, including a very-much-alive Harry and a very formidable, teenage Deb." Many fans believed Dexter should have been held accountable for his crimes, but instead Michael's character started a new life as a lumberjack in Oregon. New Delhi, Feb 7 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday ruled that the virginity test conducted on an accused while the investigation is on, be it in police or judicial custody is unconstitutional in the spirit of Article 21 of the Constitution. The ruling came as a single-judge bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma was dealing with a case related to the 1992 Sister Abhaya murder in Kerala. In this case, as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had conducted a virginity test on Sister Sephy (one of the convicts) leading to a violation of Sephy's human rights, the bench granted her liberty to opt for compensation after the criminal case is over. Sephy had filed a petition in 2009 questioning the virginity test. A special CBI court had convicted Sephy in Kerala in 2020 for murder of Sister Abhaya, whose body was found in a well after co-convict Father Kottoor threw her into it to hide the cause of death. Sister Abhaya was smacked on the head with a hand axe before she was dumped in a well, the trial court had found. The CBI and Centre's objection on territorial jurisdiction was also rejected by the court on Tuesday, observing that the authorities including the National Human Rights Commission are in the national capital and hence, part of the cause of action arose here. Kerala Police and it Crime Branch had, initially, dismissed the matter as a case of suicide. It was only due to public outbursts that the matter was later handed to the CBI. Chandigarh, Feb 7 : Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday said the BJP-JJP government of Haryana has failed to protect the life and property of the people. Reacting to Haryana lagging behind in the Social Progress Index released by the Central government, Hooda said Haryana is at the bottom with just 33 points in terms of civil security. This report, made on parameters like murder and other heinous incidents, shows the people of Haryana do not feel safe. The report has stamped the fact that the coalition BJP-JJP government has proved to be a complete failure in handling law and order. The Leader of Opposition said crime, criminals, drugs, unemployment and corruption are completely uncontrollable during the present government. "The BJP-JJP has made Haryana number one in terms of unemployment, crime and drugs, which was on top in all parameters of per capita income, per capita investment, employment generation, prosperity and development before 2014 during the Congress tenure," he said. "Before the Social Progress Index, the CMIE in its report said Haryana is on top in unemployment. Instead of seeing the truth, the government refused to accept the report. Will the state government now reject the report of the Centre as well," Hooda questioned. The two-time Chief Minister said industries are continuously migrating from the state, due to increase in crime graph. "It has also become difficult for the state to get new investment. Because of this, unemployment has taken a dreadful form. The coalition government has trapped Haryana in a vicious cycle of unemployment and crime. This is the reason why today the people of the state are desperate to vote out this government from power," he said in a statement. Kolkata, Feb 7 : Forceful removal of the innerwear of a minor girl is equivalent to rape even if rape, as per medical terms, has not been done by the accused or convict, the Calcutta High Court has held. A single judge bench of Justice Ananya Bandopadhyay made this ruling while hearing a case in which Robi Roy was declared as guilty by a lower court in West Dinajpur district in 2008. On May 7, 2007, Roy was acccused of alluring a minor girl in his locality to a secluded place after promising her an ice cream. There he first asked her to remove her innerwear. When the victim refused, he forcefully removed her innerwear. The victim started shouting which caught the attention of the people residing nearby, who rushed to spot, assaulted Robi Roy and handed him over to the local police. In November 2008, a trial court, finding him guilty, sentenced him to imprisonment for five and a half years and also slapped a Rs 3,000 fine on him. After being freed from jail, he challenged the order of the lower district court at the Calcutta High Court claiming that he was falsely implicated which caused loss of his social prestige. He claimed that his intention was to express his fatherly affection towards the victim. Justice Bandopadhyay, however, upheld the order of the lower court and observed that the intention of alluring the victim with ice-cream had mal-intention. "The victim was allured with ice-cream by the convict just to satisfy his sexual desires. When the victim refused to open her innerwear as asked by the convict, he forcefully removed that. This cannot be treated as an expression of affection. This is equivalent to rape or attempt to rape," Justice Bandopadhyay observed. Although medical examination proved that that the minor girl was not a victim of rape, the judge observed that the entire incident is similar to rape of sexual offense under Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code. --IANS src/vd A New Delhi, Feb 7 : A plea has been moved in the Supreme Court seeking a gag order to prevent media from publishing allegations in connection with the Adani group firms unless market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) verifies them. The interim application, filed by advocate M.L. Sharma, said media hype has led to the Indian share market "crashing by more than 50 per cent and the allegations are creating panic amongst the investors". Sharma's application is a part of his PIL, which was filed last week. The plea has not been listed so far for hearing. The application further added that common investors are being butchered which must be stopped in the interest of justice, while seeking a "gag order" on statements or other related news reports unless they are filed with and verified by Sebi. The PIL filed by Sharma contended that US resident Nate Anderson of Hindenburg Research and his Indian entities "hatched a criminal conspiracy did short sale in hundreds of billion dollars prior and thereafter on 25th January 2023, they released a concocted news as research report qua to the Adani Group of the companies, got crash share market and squared up their short sell position at the lowest rate". American short seller Hindenburg Research's report about Indian billionaire Gautam Adani has led to a stock rout, erasing over $100 billion from his empire and pushing him down on the global rich list. The Adani group rubbished the allegations made by the Hindenburg Research. Sharma's plea further added, "they secured billions of profits by butchering citizens of India. However, SEBI did not suspend trading in the stock specially qua to the Adani group of the companies and allowed short sellers to exploit innocent investors". The plea said: "Issue writ of mandamus to the respondents to conduct inquiry to prosecute & register FIR u/s 420 & 120-B of IPC r.w. S.15HA SEBI Act against the short sellers (Mr. Anderson and his associate (in India/US) for exploiting innocent Investors via short selling under the garb of artificial crashing via short selling couple with further direction to recover their turnover of short selling with penalty to compensate investors in the interest of justice". Agartala, Feb 7 : West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said that she had quit the Congress due to the chaotic conditions in the party and equated both BJP and CPI-M for violence and corruption in Tripura. Addressing an election rally after a road show, Banerjee said that her Trinamool is the only alternative party to give redress to the people as the Congress is the B-team of the CPI-M. "Many years ago, I had said that the Congress is the B-team of the CPI-M. They allied in West Bengal, now they do the same thing in Tripura," she said, adding that people of Tripura are always welcome to Bengal for medical treatment, education or any other purpose. Without naming the BJP and the Central government, the West Bengal Chief Minister said that they are destroying the country and future of the people and in the recent Budget, adopted many things to dupe the people. Banerjee said that the culture, language, food habits, and attire of both Bengal and Tripura are same and Bengal would always stand beside Tripura. Slamming the BJP government in Tripura, she alleged that for five years, they did nothing even though they promised a lot of things before the 2018 Assembly polls. After coming to power in Tripura, the Trinamool is committed to ensure development of Tripura at par with West Bengal, she added. "We would set up medical colleges, engineering institutions, industries, best quality schools, colleges and trade centres in Tripura." She said that BJP always referred to double engines, actually they have two engines - ED and CBI. "When all options failed, they (BJP led Central government) used the CBI and the ED against the opponents. But the BJP should know that the Trinamool would not cow down under any pressure. We would go to the end to fight against them and for the development and welfare of the people," Banerjee said. Referring to her government's various welfare schemes, she said that if the Trinamool comes to power in Tripura, all these schemes would be introduced in the state. Addressing the gathering, Trinamool national General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee said that whenever required he would come to Tripura to wipe out the conspiracies of BJP and to prevent their violence. "Except the TMC no other party has the guts to beat the aggressive activities of the BJP and it was evident in last year's civic bodies' election in Tripura," he said. The Trinamool Congress has fielded 28 candidates including three women out of 60 seats. The party fielded senior lawyer Ananta Banerjee against Chief Minister Manik Saha in Bardowali constituency while party's Habil Mia would fight against Central minister Pratima Bhowmik in Dhanpur seat. The Trinamool did not nominate any candidate against CPI-M state Secretary Jitendra Chowdhury in Sabroom constituency but put up Md. Abdul Matin against Tripura state Congress President Birajit Sinha in Kailashahar seat. New Delhi, Feb 7 : The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has written to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on alleged anti-competitive offers by leading manufacturer Samsung. The CAIT in a letter to the CCI Chairman has claimed that leading manufacturers like Samsung too have plunged into 'anticompetitive and retail destructive' policies like their Chinese counterparts and foreign ecommerce platforms for benefits of themselves, creating a void in the retail trade impacting the business and economy adversely. "By indulging in all these, even after repeated triggers and requests, the brand has clearly started moving towards violating the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002, abusing its dominating position offering unequal treatment and seizing the business opportunity for its retail partners, diverting the customers on its platforms by misusing their data," it said. The CAIT has said that the brand after having created its business through retail has today started indulging in malpractices of anti-competitive exclusive offers to the customer directly from Samsung.com, forcing them to divert from the retail stores to the direct online business which has been creating a void in the market and shaking the confidence of over 1.5 lakh mobile retailers in the country. "The brand even after several representations in person, through mails and tweets from All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA), the apex body representing the mobile retailers of the country, has failed to address and take corrective measures. "These offers are spoiling the business of the MSME's into this trade creating a big loss of business and huge unemployment impacting the economy as a whole," the traders' body said. With the recent launch of the Galaxy S23 series, the brand has extended one-sided monopolistic treatment against the retailers by directly unmatching exclusive offerings on Samsung.com , diverting the customers and pulling on their own platform, CAIT said. "We request the intervention of the CCI to take cognisance of the same by directing immediate corrections for a level playing field and a healthy progressive revenue generator retail market contributing to the economy," read the letter issued on Tuesday. Junagadh : , Feb 7 (IANS) The Maliya Hatina Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court on Tuesday sentenced Congress MLA Vimal Chudasama to six months in jail. However, Chudasama claimed that he has been acquitted by the court of criminal intimidation charges. The court found the Congress MLA and three others guilty of voluntarily causing hurt to people and unlawful assembly with common object and for rioting. In 2010, Mit Vaidya and Harish Chudasama had lodged complaint against Vimal Chudasama and three others, alleging that they had beaten them at a holiday camp for unknown reasons. At the end of the trial, the court found the accused guilty. Chudasama claimed before the media that the JMFC has stayed the operative part of the sentence and allowed the defenders to challenge the order before the appellate court. New Delhi, Feb 7 : Loans amounting to Rs 15,626 crore have been sanctioned under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund to create 21,380 infrastructure units at an aggregate investment of more than Rs 32,000 crore all over the country till January this year. The Central Government is providing grants-in-aid to states to promote Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and to improve agriculture. Ministry of Agriculture in a reply in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday said, "In order to increase agriculture productivity and export, various measures were taken by the government, including Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) which encourages farmers, agri-entrepreneur, start-ups, Farmer Producers Organization, SHGs etc to adopt innovation and farm mechanisation in Indian agriculture." Apart from bridging the infrastructure gap in Indian agriculture in a bid to curtail post harvest losses, boosting productivity through facilitating loans from lending institutions for activities like, organic inputs production, bio stimulant production units, nursery, tissue culture, seed processing etc, said the reply. Other activities in the category of infrastructure for smart and precision agriculture aim at making this sector attractive for the new generation are: Farm/harvest automation, setting up of custom hiring centres, purchase of drones, putting up specialized sensors on field, block chain and AI in agriculture etc. Introduction of remote sensing and Internet of Things (IOT) such as automatic weather station, farm advisory services through GIS applications constitute other such initiatives. AIF also aims at improvising supply chain services that include creation of e-marketing platforms, said the reply. New Delhi, Feb 7 : Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi on Tuesday discussed in detail the Union Budget 2023-24 and drew attention to what the budget has in store for Delhi. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Lekhi said that Rs 11,932.03 crore has been allocated to the Delhi Police in the Union Budget, which is an increase of Rs 1,576.74 crore or 15.22 per cent over the previous year. This is in line with the commitment of the Central government to ensure law and order in the national capital, she said. Lekhi said that the Railways has allocated a budget of Rs 2,477 crore for the development of infrastructure at various stations in Delhi. If this amount is compared to the time period of 2009-2014, the allocation has been increased by more than 26 times. She said that the redevelopment of the New Delhi railway station is being done at a cost of more than Rs 4,500 crore. Four stations -- Bijwasan, Safdarjung, Delhi Cantt and New Delhi -- will be given major upgradation on the lines of modern airport terminals. These stations will have lobby, food court, plaza, waiting lounge, children's playing area, parking lot, segregation of departure and arrival as in airports. Lekhi also accused the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government of cheating Delhiites in the name of freebies. She said the Delhi government does not want to upgrade the infrastructure, but wants to distribute 'revri' peoplke. "Arvind Kejriwal is fond of making tall claims. Earlier they used to lie only to the people of Delhi, now they are lying to the citizens of other states too," she said. The BJP leader said that despite talking about the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme of the Central government in 2020, the Delhi government has not implemented it till date. Lekhi also said that how the Delhi government has looted public money in the name of Mohalla Clinics is known to all. "There are no primary health facilities in the national capital. The total outlay for the health sector stood at Rs 9,769 crore in 2022-23. In fact, it is a decline of 1.6 per cent from the previous year. "The Kejriwal government launched the employment budget, which said that the income of Delhiites would be at par with that of Singaporeans and 20 lakh jobs would be created, but no one knew what was the ground reality," she said. Questioning the education system in Delhi, Lekhi said that AAP doesn't have money to pay salaries to the teachers and non-teaching staff of Delhi University colleges, but it talks about free education. "For months, the DTA has been protesting for the payment of dues. Last year also they cleared the dues only after the intervention of the Lieutenant Governor. This is their world-class education model which includes not paying the teachers. "Instead of opening 500 schools, 31 schools have been closed. Teachers of Deen Dayal Upadhyay College are on strike due to non-payment of salaries," she said. Mumbai, Feb 7 : Media organisations have demanded a probe into the 'accidental death of an investigative journalist who had run an expose on the Ratnagiri refinery project, here on Tuesday. The Mantralaya Ani Vidhimandal Vartahar Sangh (MAVVS) and Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh (MMPS) have issued appeals to the effect on the death of journalist Shashikant Warishe, working for the 'Mahanagri Times' published from in Ratnagiri. The MMPS has also sent a letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding a probe into 'the heinous killing' of Warishe and booking the culprits at the earliest. On Monday afternoon, Warishe was allegedly knocked down by a speeding vehicle that reportedly belongs to one of the supporters of the pro-refinery project. Known for his pro-farmer campaign and articles targeting the proposed refinery hub, Warishe was rushed to a hospital in a critical condition where he breathed his last on Tuesday morning. The MAVVS and MMPS - which described Warishe as a daring reporter who fought against injustice - have urged the government and the police to take the incident seriously, investigate the matter and take stringent punitive action against those found guilty. Bengaluru, Feb 7 : State-owned explorer Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) is in talks with global majors like American oil and gas giant ExxonMobil and Norwegian energy multinational Equinor on technology sharing for revamping its exploration operations. The Maharatna company held discussions with these entities during the ongoing India Energy Week over deepwater exploration technologies. It also held parleys with the American oil services conglomerate Baker Hughes during the mega event. ONGC Chairman A.K. Singh said, during a panel discussion, that "the world is now getting balanced, as deep-sea investments are becoming economical. A combination of factors is there". The company plans to enhance its production of petroleum products during the next two fiscals, and is looking at newer technologies to push its exploration activities. On its Energy Strategy 2040, Singh said: "Now, the investments needed are more as renewables have come in. So, there is an issue of structural inefficiencies which have crept in. The transition to renewables is a reality, however, oil and gas will remain in focus in the journey. It will happen eventually." --IANS ans/vd A Patna, Feb 7 : A seven-year-old boy was killed during celebratory firing in Bihar's Nalanda district, an official said on Tuesday. The celebratory firing took place during the birthday party of a minor girl in Parmanand Bigha village on Monday night. An FIR has been registered against the girl's father Naresh Yadav and six others in Noor Sarai police station. The accused are absconding now. The deceased was identified as Mohit Kumar, son of Sudhir Prasad. He was one of the guests at the birthday party. "The celebratory firing started soon after cake cutting ceremony. The people assembled there fired several rounds in the air and one of the bullets hit Mohit as well. The minor boy died on the spot," DSP, Sadar, Sibli Nomani said. After the death of Mohit, the guests involved in the celebratory firing fled from the spot. Even Naresh Yadav also fled from the village with his family members. "We have registered an FIR against Naresh Yadav and six others in Noor Sarai police station. The accused are at large. Raids on," Nomani said. Ahmedabad, Feb 7 : The Bar Council of India (BCI) has formed a panel headed by retired high court judge Paresh Upadhyay to probe an advocate's role in allegedly misleading candidates in the bar council exams held across India last Sunday. BCI Chairman Manan Mishra told IANS, "There is a report alleging that an advocate and his companions misled candidates in the bar council exams. To probe the allegation, a three-member panel has been formed, which will look into whether there is any substance in the allegation. It will submit a report within seven days." Mishra added, "If the probe panel finds any irregularities in the exams, it will decide about the exams accordingly. If they find out that the advocate and his companions misled the candidates, action will be taken against them." There were reports from Rajkot that a practising advocate and his companions had leaked the answer keys to help candidates appearing for the lawyer's exams. New Delhi: Delhi BJP members being stopped by security personnel as they demonstrate against the disruption of Mayor Election by AAP councilors at AAP Office in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 07, 2023. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: Delhi BJP Working President Virendra Sachdeva with party workers demonstrate against the disruption of Mayor Election by AAP councilors at AAP Office in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 07, 2023. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: Delhi BJP Working President Virendra Sachdeva with party workers demonstrate against the disruption of Mayor Election by AAP councilors at AAP Office in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 07, 2023. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Feb 7 : The newly elected municipal councilors of Delhi BJP on Tuesday staged a protest outside the Aam Aadmi Party's headquarters over delay in the elections of mayor, deputy mayor and standing committee members. The demonstration was led by Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, Leader of the Opposition in Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, MPs Ramesh Bidhuri and Parvesh Verma, MLA Anil Bajpai etc. State General Secretary Harsh Malhotra also took part in the demonstration. BJP's mayor candidate Rekha Gupta, deputy mayor candidate Kamal Bagdi and standing committee candidates Kamaljit Sehrawat, Gajendra Daral and Pankaj Luthra, including all the newly elected councillors, district presidents and key workers participated in the protest. On the occasion, Virendra Sachdeva said that Aam Aadmi Party has resorted to hooliganism during the mayor's election. Sachdeva warned Kejriwal that the AAP would have to give up hooliganism as the BJP could no longer see Delhi being ruined. "BJP will continue to fight for getting Delhi its mayor," he added. Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said that at the behest of Arvind Kejriwal, his party councillors create ruckus only when they come into the corporation House for the election of mayor. He said that Kejriwal's habit of misleading the people of Delhi has become old and now the public has understood what detour Kejriwal is taking to destroy Delhi. Ramesh Bidhuri alleged that Kejriwal took money from the corporation candidates during the elections for giving tickets. MP Parvesh Verma said that it is our endeavour that Delhi gets a new mayor, but it is unfortunate that even after getting more number of seats, Aam Aadmi Party has not yet got a mayor. Chennai, Feb 7 : In a shocking incident, the carcass of a dog was found in an overhead water tank that supplies drinking water to a colony in Pudukottai in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu. A few days back, human excreta was found in an overhead water tank that supplies drinking water to a Dalit colony in Vengaivayal in Pudukottai district. The issue had created a major uproar with Dalit parties calling for demolishing the water tank and transferring the case to the CBI. According to sources in Virudhunagar district, the operator of the water tank in which the carcass of a dog was found was about to clean the tank on Monday when he noticed a foul smell. The operator found the carcass of a dog in the water tank, which was rotten. The operator immediately reported the matter to the police who informed the district authorities. The officials then inspected the tank and sent the caracass for post-mortem. Police sources told IANS that the someone might have killed the dog and put in the water tank. Tamil Nadu is turning into a hub of caste-related violence and the deposit of human excreta and dog carcass in drinking water tanks are incidents of settling scores in caste-related issues. Kolkata, Feb 7 : Former Education Minister of West Bengal Partha Chatterjee, the prime accused in the multi-crore teacher recruitment scam, claimed on Tuesday that he is being made a victim of political conspiracy and is undergoing mental harassment. "I know that I am innocent. I am becoming a victim of mental harassment. I am being harassed to fulfil some political motives," Chatterjee said during his virtual appearance on Tuesday before a special PMLA court in connection with his alleged involvement in the teacher recruitment scam. In the initial days after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in July last year, Chatterjee had talked about the conspiracy theory more than once. Later, he changed his line. Despite Trinamool Congress stripping him off all his ministerial and party portfolios, he continued expressing solidarity towards the party. However, as he resurrected the conspiracy theory on Tuesday with the additional complaint of mental harassment, it created ripples in the political circles of the state. Trinamool spokesman Kunal Ghosh said that Chatterjee is resorting to drama to draw sympathy. "When I was behind the bars, he had described me as mentally insane. Did he not think of mental harassment at that point of time? Do not take his name in front of me. He is resorting to drama," Ghosh said. Chatterjee's close aide Arpita Mukherjee, from whose residence the ED recovered crores of rupees in July last year, was also presented before the special court virtually on Tuesday. During the hearing, she broke down and complained that she was not receiving adequate medical attention in the prison. However, the judge did not approve their bail plea and said that the next hearing in the matter will be held on February 14. Los Angeles, Feb 7 : Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour's wife has accused his former bandmate Roger Waters of being an anti-Semite. Polly Samson claims that bassist Waters, 79, holds anti-Semitic views and is a 'Vladimir Putin apologist', and her guitarist husband Gilmour, 76, shared her message on Twitter along with the statement "every word demonstrably true". The author-and-lyricist - who worked with her husband on songs for Pink Floyd's 1994 album 'The Division Bell' - appeared to be responding to an interview Waters gave to a German newspaper, in which he defended some of Russia's actions in the war with Ukraine, reports 'Female First UK'. Waters has previously referred to Putin as a gangster, and said in the new interview that the country had been provoked into invading Ukraine by the actions of Nato and the US. Sharing a link to the article, he claimed over the weekend that it had been published "against the backdrop of the outrageous and despicable smear campaign by the Israel Lobby to denounce me as an anti-Semite, WHICH I AM NOT, NEVER HAVE BEEN and NEVER WILL BE (sic)." Samson - whose father was a Jew who fled Nazi Germany - later alleged on Twitter: "Sadly @rogerwaters you are antisemitic to your rotten core." "Also a Putin apologist and a lying, thieving, hypocritical, tax-avoiding, lip-synching, misogynistic, sick-with-envy, megalomaniac. Enough of your nonsense," she added. 'Female First UK' further states that in response, a statement on Waters' Twitter page says he is "aware of the incendiary and wildly inaccurate comments made about him on Twitter by Polly Samson which he refutes entirely." The statement added: "He is currently taking advice as to his position." In 2022, Pink Floyd released their first new single in more than 25 years in support of the people of Ukraine. New Delhi, Feb 7 : Ahead of the February 16 Assembly elections in Tripura, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the state and address rallies on February 11 and 13. According to a source in Tripura BJP, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tripura on February 11 and 13. The Prime Minister will address two election meetings at Gomti and Dhalai." "Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, BJP's state in-charge Mahesh Sharma and other leaders will welcome the Prime Minister," the source added. The BJP has declared candidates for 55 seats for the elections to the 60-member Tripura Assembly, leaving the remaining five seats for its alliance partner, Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT). The Left-Congress alliance has also declared their candidates for all the 60 seats. While Tripura will go to the polls on February 16, Assembly elections in Meghalaya and Nagaland will be held on 27 February. The counting of votes for all the three states will take place on March 2. New Delhi, Feb 7 : The BJP organised a protest outside the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal against the city's government's "continuous discrimination" against temple priests. More than 5,000 seers and priests from different areas of Delhi shouted slogans demanding the Kejriwal government pay them a monthly salary like for imams of mosques. State BJP Working President Virendra Sachdeva, Leader of Opposition Ramveer Singh Bidhuri, MPs Manoj Tiwari and Ramesh Bidhuri and former Mayor Jaiprakash addressed the protest organised by the BJP Temple Cell. Leader of Opposition Ramveer Singh Bidhuri said if imams of the mosques are being given a salary, then why not the priests of temples. Tiwari claimed that the Hindu society is most tolerant, but when its tolerance ends, a war like the one in Mahabharata occurs. "Today, Kejriwal is behaving like Duryodhan with the priests of the temples of Delhi, which will not be tolerated," he said, adding the BJP is determined that the priests should also get all the arrangements or facilities which other communities are getting. Panaji, Feb 7 : State Minister for Archaeology, Subhash Phal Dessai, said on Tuesday that his department is vetting the claims of temples destroyed by the Portuguese in Goa, and once confirmed, they will be taken up for restoration or reconstruction. Addressing a press conference here, Dessai said that one such temple of Saptakoteshwar at Narve-Bicholim in North Goa will be reopened on February 11. "This has historical importance. The temple has Kavi arts, which we have preserved while restoring it," he said. The Saptakoteshwar temple has a history of 350 years. Its restoration work had started in 2019. Speaking about the scheme, wherein Goa government had made budgetary provision of Rs 20 crore in 2022 to restore the temples demolished by Portuguese, Dessai said that this scheme had mentioned about temples, however, if claims other than that comes, the government will decide on them. "The scheme is only for temples, but if any other claims come, we will discuss them. We have received one claim of a mosque, which we will decide upon," he said. The minister said that on January 23, a committee appointed to study the claims had started to work on them. "They (committee members) are vetting the details by visiting the sites and speaking to the villagers. Once it is confirmed that a temple was destroyed by the Portuguese, the restoration work will begin. We want to do it in a fair way," he said. Dessai said that the committee has been given a month's time, but for fair vetting, the government may extend the dedaline. "The Portuguese used to send orders in writing (about destroying structures). Their documentation used to be perfect, which is there (with us). Archival sources will be converted into claims and archaeological remains will be studied to confirm them," he said. According to sources, a survey of all the archaeological remains in Goa is presently underway. New Delhi, Feb 7 : The Centre has decided that states/UTs will ensure capturing of attendance for all the works (except individual beneficiary scheme/project) through the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). This digitally capturing of attendance for all worksites is in place from January 1, 2023. As per information given by Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, in a written reply in the Lok Sabh on Tuesday, the ministry has been providing training to the states/UTs to ensure smooth transitioning to NMMS app as and when requested by the states/UTs. The technical issues being faced are taken up with the NIC, Rural Development, on a real-time basis. The new provisions/suggestions requested by the states/UTs are being incorporated. All the issues concerning the NMMS application are reviewed and resolved from time to time. The NMMS application has been modified to capture a second photograph just after four hours from the uploading of attendance and first photograph. It has eased out the specific time point requirement for capturing the attendance and photographs. The morning attendance along with the first photograph can be captured in offline mode and be uploaded once the device comes in network. In case of exceptional circumstances due to which attendance cannot not be uploaded, the District Programme Coordinator (DPC) has been authorised to upload the manual attendance. The reply said that all states/UTs are using the NMMS app for capturing the attendance for eligible worksites. So far, no specific issue related to non-use of NMMS App due to non-availability of smartphone has come to the notice of the ministry. As per Section 19 of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, "the state government shall, by rules, determine appropriate grievance redressal mechanisms at the block level and the district level for dealing with any complaint by any person in respect of implementation of the scheme and lay down the procedure for disposal of such complaints". New Delhi, Feb 7 : The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a plea requesting the Centre establish a high-powered joint committee to investigate the Joshimath crisis in Uttarakhand. A division bench, headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad, dismissed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL), filed through advocate Rohit Dandriyal, after the petitioner said that the area was affected due to climate and infrastructural changes. The Uttarakhand government, on January 11, informed the court that the affected areas in Joshimath were being handled by the National and State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF). Uttarakhand's Deputy Advocate General J.K. Sethi had submitted that two committees have already been formed with a rehabilitation package being prepared. On January 9, the High Court had asked the petitioner requesting the Centre to establish a high-powered joint committee to see if any similar plea has been moved in the apex court as well. On January 11, Sethi had said: "We have deployed NDRF, we are working on the issue. We have resettled and relocated many people, we are working on that. We are seized of the matter. Groundwork is being done." The petition was filed for the affected districts of Joshimath, asking for the formation of a commission and ordering members of all pertinent ministries to look into this immediately. The argument made in the petition was that the construction work done in Joshimath in previous years served as a trigger for the current situation and that by doing so, the respondents infringed on the inhabitants' fundamental rights. The argument also claimed that the government is currently required to behave as a welfare state and is obligated to provide its inhabitants with contemporary, livable housing. It further stated that it is imperative that the government recognises the hardship of the residents of the Garhwal region and take action to give them access to the necessities for a decent living. Kolkata, Feb 7 : The West Bengal government has decided to recognise the tribal- centric Sari and Sarna as separate religions, and a bill for this will be moved in the Assembly during the Budget session starting from Wednesday. The decision was taken at the all-party meeting convened by Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay in the Assembly premises on Tuesday afternoon. However, only Trinamool Congress MLAs were present at the meeting, as BJP legislators boycotted it and the All India Secular Front's lone MLA Naushad Siddique could not be present as he is behind the bars. Emerging out of the meeting, state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay informed media persons it was to honour the long-standing demands of the tribal population that the state government has decided to recognise Sari and Sarna as separate religions. "The tribal people are followers of Sari and Sarna though they are shown as part of the Hindu religion. On February 13 a special motion will be brought in the state Assembly to condemn the recent attempts by different divisive forces to divide West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee might attend that session that day," he said. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP candidates won in all the tribal-dominated constituencies in the state, and while the Trinamool was able to recover a substantial share of the lost votes there in the 2021 Assembly polls, the recovery had not been as per expectations. Meanwhile, a perception is also there that a substantial portion of the tribal votes might again shift to the BJP again in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the psychological factor that might play a role behind this trend is Dropaudi Murmu being elected as the first Indian President from tribal background. New Delhi, Feb 7 : Responding to the allegations levelled by Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia that Lieutenant Governor (LG) V.K. Saxena is "sitting on the appointment of 244 school principals", the L-G office on Tuesday issued a statement terming the allegation as false and misleading. "In fact, the Education Department, under Manish Sisodia, submitted a proposal for the revival of 126 posts and abolition of 244 posts of principal for approval of the Lieutenant Governor," said the statement issued by the L-G office. "The statements made by the Deputy CM are patently false, bereft of facts and wrong, deliberately misleading and in utter disregard of the constitutional provisions and orders of the Delhi High Court. It is wrong to claim that the L-G had 'taken over the Services Department unconstitutionally'. "As per constitutional scheme of governance of NCT of Delhi, as settled by the High Court of Delhi in its judgment dated August 4, 2016, the 'Services' is outside the legislative and executive domain of the GNCTD. Therefore, this statement of Deputy Chief Minister is false and misleading and hence denied," the statement read. The L-G office added that it is factually incorrect that the proposal of filling up of 370 posts of principals [meant to be filled through promotion from vice-principal] was submitted for consideration of the L-G. "In fact, the Education Department, under Manish Sisodia, submitted a proposal for revival of 126 posts and abolition of 244 posts of principal for approval of the Lieutenant Governor. These posts were deemed abolished in terms of OM dated April 12, 2017 of the Ministry of Finance, government of India, as these posts remained vacant for over five years, since the department could not fill these posts," the L-G office said. It added, "The Ministry of Finance OM dated April 12, 2017 provides that all posts except newly-created posts kept in abeyance or remaining vacant for a period of more than two years would be considered as deemed abolished. "Out of 370 vacant posts of principal, 126 posts were vacant for more than two years and 244 posts were vacant for more than five years, bringing them within the purview of 'deemed abolition' as per the OM dated April 12, 2017," the statement said. "Contrary to the claims made by the Deputy CM, the L-G did not agree with the proposal of the Education Department for abolition of 244 posts. The L-G, instead, advised the Education Department to submit a suitable proposal for abolition creation of posts of principal/deputy education officer after getting the comprehensive study conducted from the AR department as the post of principal is extremely important, entrusted with discharging administrative and financial responsibilities in a school. "It may be noted that the Services Department had also advised the Administrative Reforms Department that it may carry out a comprehensive study in one go regarding 244 posts of principal proposed for abolition, and keeping in view the requirements of the Education Department," said the L-G office. The statement concluded by saying that it is wrong to suggest that the L-G has withheld the appointment of principals on 244 posts, as alleged by the Deputy CM. In fact, directions have been issued by the L-G to expedite the process of appointment on promotion to the post of principal by simultaneous creation of 244 posts of principal. New Delhi, Feb 7 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday, while taking note of the submissions of jailed minister Satyendar Jain's co-accused Ankush and Vaibhav Jain in a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case, listed the matter for next hearing on February 8. Appearing for Ankush and Vaibhav Jain, counsel Sushil Kumar Gupta said: "We have been roped in because the company, as per the Enforcement Directorate, belonged to Satyendar Jain." He added: "We are stating that it is our company, not Satyendar Jain's." On Monday, Gupta had said: "Satyendar Jain has nothing to do with the company. All the companies belong to us." Special Judge Vikas Dhull had denied the two bail on November 17 last year. Gupta said: "We were having an effective position in the company. We had sent the money/cash to Kolkata-based companies." He argued that there are no "proceeds of crime" in the present case and according to the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) charge-sheet, it is generated only at the end of the cheque period. "The whole fulcrum of a PMLA case lies on the proceeds of crime," he said. Gupta further argued that the present case uses a disproportionate assets (DA) case, which is a period-specific offence, but to establish an offence under the PMLA, the Enforcement Directorate has to establish "proceeds of crime". Earlier, Satyendar Jain's counsel N. Hariharan had asked how is the minister involved in the present case and how is he related to it as the money belonged to Ankush and Vaibhav Jain, which came back to their account without any premium. "My (Satyendar Jain's) assets before and after the cheque period remained the same," he had said. Islamabad, Feb 7 : The Pakistan government on Tuesday formed a committee to review a bill that aims to amend the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) where up to five-year imprisonment will be awarded to whoever ridicules the army or the judiciary through any medium, local media reported. In a handout, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that a cabinet committee has been formed to carefully review the Criminal Laws Amendment Bill, 2023 forwarded by the Interior Ministry, Dawn reported. It added that the body would submit its report at the next meeting of the federal cabinet. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Sardar Ayaz Sadiq as well as representatives from the coalition parties have been included in the committee, the PMO handout said. A threadbare discussion was held on the bill during Tuesday's cabinet meeting, wherein a majority of the members opposed the amendment, Dawn reported. A source from the PMO said PPP leaders Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar and Hina Rabbani Khar were among those who strongly opposed the proposed bill. From the PML-N, only Khawaja Saad Rafique - who is also the Railways Minister - opposed the proposed bill outright. After listening to the concerns of the cabinet, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recommended that a committee be formed to review the proposed bill. He also said that members from allied parties should also be included in a bid to resolve their concerns, a source said, Dawn reported. Titled Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act, 2023, the bill suggests a new Section 500A after Section 500 in the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The new section is titled 'Intentional ridiculing or scandalising of the state institutions etc'. It says that whoever makes, publishes, circulates any statement or disseminates information, through any medium, with an intention to ridicule or scandalise the judiciary, the armed forces or any of their members will be guilty of an offence punishable with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend up to five years or with a fine which may extend to Rs 1 million or both, Dawn reported. Washington, Feb 7 : India, Australia, Japan and the United States on Tuesday launched an initiative to boost their cyber security called the 'Quad Cyber Challenge'. "We are inviting Internet-users across the Indo-Pacific and beyond to join the Challenge and pledge to practice safe and responsible cyber habits," the White House said in an announcement. "The Challenge reflects Quad's continuing efforts to strengthen individuals' and communities' cyber security awareness and action, as well as to foster a more secure and resilient cyber ecosystem to benefit economies and users everywhere." The Challenge consists of a checklist for individuals and businesses to determine their cyber security situation, along with recommendations such as installing security updates, improving and regularly changing passwords, installing password managers, adopting two-step verification, locking up devices, and keeping back-up files. The challenge will provide resources, including basic cybersecurity information and training, for all users and will culminate in events during the week of April 10. "The Quad partners are working to ensure that everyone has access to the resources needed to make informed decisions while online and using smart devices," the announcement said. The Quad announcement said the goal is to protect cyber-users from cybercrimes and other cyber threats. No sources are mentioned of these crimes and threats, but a lot of them originate in China. One such attack targeted India's premier health institution, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, in November last year. Bhubaneswar, Feb 7 : Continuing its attack on the Odisha government over murder of minister Naba Das, the BJP on Tuesday raised questions on appointment of a retired judge to monitor the Crime Branch probe into the case. Addressing a press conference here, Odisha BJP spokesperson Pitambar Acharya said: "The BJD leaders are claiming that it is a court-monitored investigation, which is totally false. The Orissa High Court has not issued any judicial order for monitoring of the crime branch probe by a retired judge (J.P. Das)." Acharya urged the state government to produce the request letter it had sent to Orissa High Court for the appointment of a judge/retired judge to monitor the probe and the Orissa HC order on the appointment of Justice Das. "Which order/writ petition or judicial proceedings has allowed appointment of a retired judge to supervise the probe?" asked Acharya, who is also a senior advocate. The appointment of Justice Das is neither a judicial proceeding nor a consultation under the Commission of Inquiry Act, he claimed and urged the state government not to misuse the name of the High Court and uphold its dignity as people have faith in the constitutional institute. Claiming that the appointment of retired High Court judge, Justice Das is illegal, he demanded that the case should be handed over to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for proper investigation. As the state government and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik do not have faith in the Crime Branch investigation, they have reportedly requested the Orissa High Court to monitor the investigation, the BJP leader alleged. Reacting to the allegation of BJP, senior BJD leader and government chief whip in Assembly Prasanta Muduli said: "The opposition has a habit of making comments on every issue. The Crime Branch is investigating the matter under the supervision of the judiciary. The society and democracy will not survive if they don't have faith in the judiciary." Meanwhile, the Crime Branch recreated the crime scene by taking the accused police ASI (now dismissed) to the spot in the presence of a forensic expert. Justice Das and Odisha DGP Sunil Bansal have reached Jharsuguda to look into the status of the Crime Branch's investigation into the sensational murder case. Karachi, Feb 7 : Pakistan's former President, Gen Pervez Musharraf (retd), who passed away in Dubai on Sunday, was laid to rest in an army graveyard in Karachi, with full military honours, media reports said. His funeral prayers was held at the Malir Cantonment's Polo Ground, in presence of senior military leaders including Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad, former army chiefs Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa (retd), Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani (retd), and Gen Mirza Aslam Beg (retd), and many other serving and retired officers. Politicians including Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan's Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Mustafa Kamal, and Farooq Sattar, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Amir Muqam, PTI leader and former Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, and former Federal Information Minister Javed Jabbar were also present, the Dawn reported. Reports said that a gun salute was also accorded to the late leader. The mortal remains were brought to Karachi on Monday night in a special plane from the UAE. Before leaving for Pakistan, Musharraf's body was given Ghusl (ritual washing and shrouding ahead of burial) in Dubai itself. Along with the body of the deceased, the widow of the ex-army chief and their children were also flown in. Upon arrival, the plane was parked near the old terminal at the airport. The body and the family were then taken to their destination from the old terminal under tight security. Colombo, Feb 7 : Paris Club creditors, while providing financing assurances to support the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) approval of an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Sri Lanka, appreciated India's specific and credible financing assurances issued earlier and its coordination with the Club. The Paris Club is a group of officials from major creditor countries whose role is to find co-ordinated and sustainable solutions to the payment difficulties experienced by debtor countries. Sri Lanka President's media division announced on Tuesday that Sri Lanka's bilateral official creditors, which are Paris Club members including Japan, France, Korea, Germany, the US, Spain, the Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, Austria, Canada, the UK, Denmark, Belgium and Australia, have assured to support the IMF's approval of $2.9 billion conditional financial assistance, which came as a relief for the cash-strapped island nation. "To support the implementation of the envisaged IMF supported programme and the Sri Lankan authorities' efforts with other official bilateral creditors, Paris Club members, jointly with Hungary, expressed their full commitment to negotiate with Sri Lanka's terms of restructuring their eligible claims, in accordance with the comparability of treatment principle among all bilateral creditors, and with the goal of restoring debt sustainability with due regard to targets and overall macro economicgoals under the EFF," Paris Club said in a statement, adding, "The members further expressed appreciation for the specific and credible financing assurances issued by India on January 16, and its coordination with the Paris Club." The Paris Club members also urged China, among other official bilateral creditors, to do the same in line with the IMF programme parameters as soon as possible. Paris Club members had held a meeting on January 25 in the presence of representatives from Hungary, Saudi Arabia, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and India, as well as from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, to provide financing assurances to support the approval by the IMF executive board of the envisaged IMF programme for Sri Lanka, which would allow to restore the country's macro economic stability. The members had examined the macroeconomic and financial situation of Sri Lanka, including its long-term debt sustainability, and the need for a debt treatment by all bilateral creditors to both fill the financing gap and to ensure Sri Lanka's debt sustainability in line with the proposed Extended Fund Facility. "We acknowledge that Sri Lankan authorities had the opportunity to present their economic and financial situation to its creditors, which underscored its need for debt treatment from all the creditors. They also presented their reform programme that will be supported by an IMF arrangement requiring debt treatment to restore debt sustainability, as well as the prior actions already implemented," the Paris Club stated. "Paris Club members as well as Hungary, Saudi Arabia and India continue to look forward to working together along with all bilateral creditors and to engage with other key stakeholders in order to proceed with a comparable debt restructuring as soon as possible," the statement added. "Shortly after the conclusion of a staff-level agreement between the Sri Lankan authorities and IMF staff on September 1, 2022, on a 48-month EFF arrangement, the Paris Club publicly stated its readiness to provide the necessary financing assurances in a timely manner and in coordination with other bilateral official creditors. To this end, the Paris Club has been engaging proactively with Sri Lankan authorities, the IMF, other official bilateral creditors, including by sharing its technical analysis in order to enhance the bilateral official creditors' collective understanding of the need for debt treatment," it said. New Delhi, Feb 7 : A man was burnt alive in a fire that broke out after a cylinder blast at a refilling shop in west Delhi on Tuesday evening, fire officials said. According to the Fire Department, they got a call of the incident which occurred in Valmiki Colony area of Tilak Nagar at around 7.40 p.m. and six fire tenders were sent to the spot. "The incident occurred at a cylinder filling shop in Tilak Nagar area. Due to blast fire had broken out. A charred body was found by the fire fighters. The fire was brought under control while the rescue operation is still on," said a fire officer. A team from the local police station also reached the spot to assist the fire fighters in the rescue operations. New Delhi, Feb 7 : BJP President J.P. Nadda will release the manifesto for Tripura Assembly polls on February 9. The 60-member Tripura Assembly will go to the polls on February 16, while the counting of votes will be taken up on March 2. According to a source, "Nadda will release the manifesto for Tripura on February 9 during his visit to the poll-bound state. After releasing the manifesto, Nadda will address a public rally." "Many new points have been added to the manifesto which are important for the development of the state. The Narendra Modi-led government always thinks for the development of the northeastren region. His vision is the growth of state and most importantly, the youth," the source added. The last BJP manifesto for Tripura included promises like job creation, AIIMS like facilities in hospitals, pay matrix of the 7th Pay Commission, hiking monthly social pension to Rs 2,000, providing houses to 3.8 lakh families, and drinking water to 53 per cent households, among others. New Delhi, Feb 7 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain an appeal filed by Rapido challenging the Maharashtra government's denial to grant two-wheeler bike taxi aggregator licence to the company. A bench headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said the amendments made to the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019 clearly state that without a valid licence, as aggregator cannot operate. The bench, also comprising justices P.S. Narasimha and J.B. Pardiwala, noted that the Pune RTO had rejected the company's plea for licence in December 2022. Rapido moved the apex court against the Bombay High Court's order, which declined to entertain its plea against the state government's refusal to grant a two-wheeler bike taxi aggregator licence to the company. The top court granted liberty to the company to move the high court to challenge the January 19 notification issued by Maharashtra, and also asked the high court to examine it is uninfluenced by the earlier order. The state government had said there was no policy on licensing of bike taxis and there was no fare structure policy. It contended before the high court that a committee has been constituted to consider developing guidelines for bike taxis in the state. The high court had directed the company to suspend the services immediately, noting that it was operating without procuring a licence from the Maharashtra government. New Delhi, Feb 7 : Global smartphone brand OnePlus on Tuesday launched its new flagship smartphone, 11 5G, and its latest TV, 65 Q2 Pro, in India. The OnePlus 11 5G comes in two colourways -- Titan Black and Eternal Green -- and is available for purchase from online and offline stores at a starting price of Rs 56,999 from February 14 onwards. The OnePlus TV 65 Q2 is priced at Rs 99,999, and will be available for open sale in March 2023 in India, said the company. "With an improved fast and smooth experience, effortless imaging, and modern elegance design, OnePlus 11 5G is definitely a well-rounded flagship that is competitive at its price point," said Pete Lau, Founder of OnePlus, Senior Vice President and Chief of Product at OPPO and OnePlus, at the OnePlus Cloud 11 event. The OnePlus 11 5G features a 6.7-inch display that comes with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The smartphone comes equipped with the 3rd Generation Hasselblad Camera for Mobile with a "three-main-sensor" triple-camera system -- 50MP+32MP+48MP. The smartphone also comes powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with up to 16GB of RAM. Further, the new phone supports 100W fast charging, which charges the 5000mAh battery from 1 per cent to 100 per cent in 25 minutes. Moreover, the new OnePlus TV 65 Q2 Pro provides flagship-level smart TV performance with smart features, a best-in-class display and immersive sound quality. "With the OnePlus TV 65 Q2 Pro, we are excited to bring the best-in-class visuals and sound, alongside unparalleled smart features and seamless connectivity. We are positive that our community will truly enjoy the premium user experience that our flagship TV is set to deliver," said Navnit Nakra, CEO of OnePlus India, at the OnePlus Cloud 11 event. The TV comes equipped with flagship-level 4K QLED display technology with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Additionally, the new TV offers a powerful sound system in the OnePlus TV segment, delivering a combined 70W output. The company also unveiled the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, the second-generation of its flagship earbuds, which is priced at Rs 11,999 and will be available to purchase starting February 14. Along with the smartphone, TV, and earbuds, the company also launched a few more products, including -- OnePlus Pad, OnePlus Featuring 81 Pro keyboard, and OnePlus 11R 5G smartphone. Islamabad, Feb 7 : At least 25 people were killed and several others injured when a passenger bus collided with a car in Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region, government officials and police said on Tuesday. The accident occurred after the over-speeding bus collided with a car near the Shatial checkpost in the Kohistan district of the region, Information Minister of the GB province, Fatehullah Khan told media. The passenger bus and the car fell into the ravine after the accident, said the official, adding that at least 45 passengers were onboard the bus when the incident took place, Xinhua news agency reported. Rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the victims to a nearby hospital. Road accidents are quite frequent in Pakistan mainly due to poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and unprofessional driving. Rescue work is in progress after a deadly earthquake in Hama province, central Syria, Feb. 6, 2023. Syria's deadly earthquake has so far killed 237 people and injured 639 others in four provinces, the health ministry said in a statement Monday. A maj Image Source: IANS News People check damaged buildings after the earthquakes in Malatya, Turkey, on Feb. 6, 2023. At least 284 people were killed and 2,323 others injured after two strong earthquakes jolted Turkiye early Monday and damaged more than 1,700 buildings, Turkis Image Source: IANS News Amman, Feb 7 : Jordan said on Tuesday that it had sent humanitarian aid and rescue teams to Syria and Turkey to help search for survivors after strong earthquakes jolted the two countries. Jordan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the aid was sent following royal directives by King Abdullah II of Jordan to help families of victims and injured people, Xinhua news agency reported. The aid includes rescue equipment, tents, as well as logistical and medical supplies. Jordan also dispatched a 99-member medical and rescue team, it added. The Ministry said that the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation has been working with the related authorities in Syria and Turkey to make preparations for sending some immediate needs to the affected areas to help with relief operations. Shillong, Feb 7 : As many as 379 candidates, including 37 women, have filed their nominations for the February 27 elections to the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly, state Chief Electoral Officer F.R. Kharkongor said on Tuesday. Tuesday was the last day for filing nominations. Kharkongor said that the nomination papers and other documents would be scrutinised on Wednesday and the last date of withdrawal of candidatures is February 10. Most of the sitting MLAs, including Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh and Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, submitted their nomination papers seeking re-election. Conrad K. Sangma, who is the national President of the ruling National People's Party (NPP), will contest from his old South Tura constituency in West Garo Hills district, while Tynsong, the national Vice President of NPP, will contest from Pynursla. Metbah, the President of United Democratic Party, is seeking re-election from Mairang constituency in Eastern West Khasi Hills district. Former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma is also seeking re-election from two seats -- Songsak and Tikrikilla in East Garo Hills and West Garo Hills districts, respectively. Mukul Sangma, who was elected as a Congress candidate in the 2018 elections, joined the Trinamool Congress along with 11 Congress MLAs in November 2021. BJP's two sitting MLAs -- Sanbor Shullai (also a minister) and A.L. Hek -- are also seeking re-election from South Shillong and Pynthorumkhrah constituencies in the state capital, respectively. Congress Lok Sabha Member and state unit chief Vincent H. Pala has also filed his nomination papers from Sutnga-Saipung constituency in East Jaintia Hills district. Bagalkote : , Feb 7 (IANS) In the run-up to the Karnataka Assembly elections, religious seers are joining the war of words taking place between major parties, with Mantralaya Mutt seer Subudendra Theertha Swamiji on Tuesday slamming Congress leader Siddaramaiah's statement that he is a Hindu, but he won't agree to Hindutva. Talking to reporters, he said that "there is no meaning in the vague statement given by Siddaramaiah" and contended that Hindus should agree to Hindutva. "I don't know the background for him (Siddaramaiah) issuing such a statement. He might have difference of opinion regarding Hidutva. Despite that, all Hindus must carry forward Hindutva," the seer said. Equating Hinduism and Hindutva to a "mother and a son relationship", he said: "When you are a Hindu, one should respect Hindutva. In case of any difference of opinion, the doubt should be solved through discussion. It is meaningless to oppose Hindutva by claiming yourself as a Hindu." The seer also maintained that caste system must go but termed the statement opposing Brahmins from becoming CM "anti-constitutional". "We condemn abusing of Brahmins. No community should be subjected to this. If any community is abused, it is like disrespecting the Constitution," he claimed. Moscow, Feb 7 : Russia has dispatched over 100 emergency response specialists to Turkey and Syria in the wake of powerful earthquakes that struck the two nations, leaving at least over 5,000 people dead, thousands injured and destroying thousands of buildings, media reports said. Four of the Russian Emergencies Ministry transport planes with more than 100 rescue workers on board in total have been sent to the affected countries at the direct order of President Vladimir Putin, ministry spokesman, Roman Okhotenko said, RT reported. The group includes seven canine teams and an airmobile hospital with 40 medics capable of providing "qualified medical assistance" on the spot, he said, adding that the teams were supplied with the necessary equipment needed for search-and-rescue missions. The teams include professionals with extensive experience in natural disaster management who are prepared to carry out their missions under the most difficult circumstances, the Emergencies Ministry said in a Telegram post. Madrid, Feb 7 : People in Spain will no longer have to wear face masks on public transport from February 8 after the decision was taken to end their obligatory use as a protection against Covid-19 during Tuesday's cabinet meeting. The decision is the latest towards the normalisation of life in Spain after the Covid-19 pandemic, with the obligatory use of face masks in most indoor settings ending on April 20, 2022, and outdoors a year ago, on February 10, Xinhua news agency reported. "We are following the roadmap that we planned to return to normality," Spain's Minister for Health, Carolina Darias, told journalists. Face masks will, however, still have to be worn in hospitals, health centres and pharmacies "due to the vulnerability of the people who are there," the Minister said. The country's epidemiological situation is steadily improving, Darias added. On February 3, the 14-day notification rate of new Covid-19 cases in the country's population aged 60 years and above stood at 50.76 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, nearly 50 points lower than the 97.60 cases per 100,000 inhabitants registered on January 20. At present, 2,056 people are hospitalised with the virus, 150 of them in intensive care. Since the start of the pandemic, 118,712 people have lost their lives to Covid-19 in Spain. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Patna, Feb 8 : Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Modi has blamed the Rashtriya Janata Dal(RJD) for the violence in Bihar's Chhapra district. He said that the people associated with RJD were allegedly involved in a brutal assault with three youth. One of the youth died and other two are battling for their lives in the hospital. In a series of tweets, Modi alleged: "After the formation of Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, castiest and communal incidents have increased in a big way. Bihar Police is scared of arresting RJD-supported criminals. They have become autocratic in Bihar. The state police is hesitating to act against them and so is the Chief Minister of Bihar." "The Chhapra incident had happened on Sunday and the main accused Vijay Yadav is absconding from the Bihar police so far. I demand from the Nitish Kumar government to arrest him and other accused immediately," the BJP leader said. The incident in Mubarakpur village under Manjhi police station took place on February 2 when some unidentified persons opened fire on the village head's husband Vijay Yadav. Following this incident, Vijay and his aides called three youth -- Amitesh Singh, Rahul Kumar and Alok Kumar -- in his chicken farm located at Sidharia Tola, tied their hands and legs, and brutally assaulted them. Vijay suspected that Amitesh and his friends had allegedly fired at him on February 2 so he wanted to teach them a lesson. Following the brutal assault, the victims were admitted in the hospitals where Amitesh succumbed due to the injuries. After the death of Amitesh, his family members and relatives attacked the house of Vijay Yadav and set it on fire. They also set ablaze houses of the entire village as well which belonged to Vijay and his supporters. Following the incident, all male members of the supporters of Vijay Yadav fled from there fearing of being lynched by mob. The district administration had suspended the internet services to bring the situation under control. Cairo, Feb 8 : Egyptian Foreign Minister and EU envoy discussed here the developments of the Israeli-Palestinian situation and the escalating violence. The Egyptian top diplomat Sameh Shoukry warned against the serious repercussions of the continuous attacks on "the regional security and stability and the opportunities of reaching a two-state solution," the country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. He stresses Egypt's fixed stance that calls for reaching a calm on the ground and stopping Israeli unilateral actions that will further provoke the Palestinian people and have a direct impact on creating a suitable path for resuming negotiations, Xinhua news agency reported. The Egyptian Minister reiterated the important role that the international players, the EU in particular, can play in putting an end to the current tensions and stopping violations and assaults against the Palestinians, and encouraging all sides to return to the table of negotiations. For his part, Sven Koopmans, the European Union envoy to the Middle East Peace Process, said "the EU is keen on consultation and coordination with Egypt over the tense conditions on the Palestinian territories". He added Egypt has a pivotal role that helped the two sides to exchange opinions and scout means of action in the coming period. Over the past weeks, Egypt has been calling for a de-escalation between the Palestinian and Israeli sides amid violence, particularly in the West Bank. The Palestinian Health Ministry said that since January 1, the Israeli army has killed more than 40 Palestinians. Israel noted that seven Israelis were killed during the same period. Helsinki/Stockholm, Feb 8 : Finland and Sweden will send aid to earthquake-stricken Turkey and Syria, the two governments have said. Finland will send humanitarian assistance worth 1 million euros ($1.07 million) to the two affected countries through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday. The money will be used to provide food, shelter, medical supplies and psychosocial support to people who lost their homes in the two countries, Xinhua news agency reported. The government of Sweden also said on Tuesday that it would send an additional 30 million Swedish kronor ($2.8 million) to the two countries. Of this sum, 20 million kronor will be distributed through the IFRC and the rest will be transferred to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). On Monday, Sweden already decided to send 7 million kronor to the affected countries. "The scale of human distress is immense in the region, and the fear of aftershocks makes it worse," Finland's Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Ville Skinnari said in the government's statement. "Finland wants to help quickly those affected by the disaster. Turkish and Syrian teams of the IFRC are already helping people on the ground, for example by providing meals and emergency shelters, and Finland supports their work." The aid from Sweden will be spent on food, tents, blankets, blood and blood plasma, the country's Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Johan Forssell said. According to the Finnish statement, the IFRC has launched emergency appeals for 70.6 million euros to support affected people in Turkey and Syria. Finland is also sending experts to Turkey to assist in rescue and relief work, the statement added. The experts will be deployed through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The Swedish government has also decided to give the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) green light to contribute tents, food and generators within the framework of the NATO Partnership for Peace international cooperation, Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin said. (1 euro = 1.07 US dollar) (1 Swedish krona = 0.094 US dollar) Geneva, Feb 8 : The extensive damage to infrastructure caused by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria is hindering aid efforts by the UN agencies, officials said. The first international disaster assessment and coordination teams had now arrived at Adana airport in Turkey, UN officials told a press briefing in Geneva on Tuesday. The teams were due to move to Gaziantep, the epicentre of the first quake, on Tuesday. However, there is limited road access and a shortage of trucks to transport them to worksite. Turkish disaster authorities are therefore considering mobilising helicopters, and trucks from other provinces farther away, Xinhua news agency reported. A UN representative on the ground told Tuesday's press briefing through a video link that so far, nearly 8,000 people had been rescued by search and rescue teams. Meanwhile, the UN refugee agency UNHCR said it was providing kitchen sets, mattresses, and tents to those affected by the disaster. "The recent earthquake is an absolute hammer blow for the people of Turkey and displaced people in the region, notably Syrians, who had already suffered more than a decade of war and are being lashed by an economic crisis and winter storms," a UNHCR official said. More than 1.7 million of the 15 million people inhabiting the ten Turkish provinces most affected by the earthquakes are Syrian refugees, according to UNHCR. In some of these provinces, one in two is a refugee. Turkey has hosted the world's largest refugee population since 2014. Around 4 million refugees and asylum-seekers are in Turkey under temporary and international protection. "We do not know the exact number of refugees impacted and we might not for some days, but we fear the number might be significant given the epicentre of the quake was close to areas with high concentrations of refugees," the UNHCR official added. According to the latest media reports, more than 7,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands injured after massive earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria on Monday. UN officials say the death toll is likely to continue rising. In addition, many of the buildings in the affected areas are structurally unsound, and could collapse in the coming days. The UN has announced a $25-million grant to kick-start the humanitarian response. Tripoli, Feb 8 : The Libyan Illegal Immigration Control Department has said that Libya plans to reopen all of the closed border crossings. The announcement was made on Tuesday after Mohamed al-Khoja, the Head of the department, paid a visit to the southwestern border city of Ghadames and met with local security officials, Xinhua news agency reported. Al-Khoja discussed with the security officials strengthening security in the area and the efforts to fight illegal activities, mainly illegal immigration, according to a statement issued by the department. Al-Khoja also visited the Libyan-Algerian border crossing, where he opened the office of the immigration control department, the statement said. Taking advantage of Libya's insecurity and chaos since the fall of late leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011, many migrants, mostly Africans, choose to cross the Mediterranean Sea to European shores from the country. A dynamic start to the year: HIH Invest has acquired a logistics property development in the Dutch town of Zwolle and a storage and manufacturing warehouse in Bremen on behalf of HIH Deutschland+ Core Logistik Invest, an open-ended special AIF. Acquisition in Zwolle In Zwolle HIH Invest... Photos: HIH Invest Real Estate [] In addition to declining sales, several factors will increase retailers costs in the Netherlands, according to the latest research report from Savills. The rising price of procuring goods, pressure on the labour market, payment of debts to the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration, rent indexations and a significant increase in [] Adam & Son, the first and only social impact auto repair shop in the United States, is pleased to announce it has surpassed $150,000 in community support since 2020 through its three social impact programs. The organization looks to double its donations to those living in Southern Colorado in 2023/24 and wants to share this idea for auto repair shops across the nation to start their own social impact programs. When I was a child, I asked my father to bring our family automobile to the school so I could help my classmates understand how to safely change out a flat. Since that moment, I have been inspired to provide caring customer service and impactful programs to improve the lives of our neighbors in Colorado Springs, said Dan Adam, Founder of Adam & Son. Now that we have formalized our social impact programs, I am hopeful auto repair shop owners and operators across the nation are inspired by our teams efforts and create their own ways to make peoples lives safer, better, and richer. There are many ways our industry can reduce some of its negative perception by being more active in solving community challenges. Named a top workplace by the Colorado Springs Gazette in 2022 and Dan a graduate of the National Institute for Social Impact, Adam & Son operates its three social impact programs to provide critical care to residents vehicles while also providing funding for those in need: Stranded Motorist Fund$131,685.73 in donations made since 2020. This flagship program offers recipients low or no-cost repairs and in some cases free vehicles to neighbors. The programs primary goals are supporting safety and self-sufficiency to get to work and school for people who demonstrate a financial need. Trifecta$19,610.40 donations made since 2020. This is a unique fundraising tool developed to help local organizations, charities, and clubs raise money for themselves and their causes. These organizations can sell oil change packages and retain 80 percent of the value of those as well as receive five percent in perpetuity from future repairs of their supporters. Pay It Forward$2,513.08 donations made since 2020. When guests have their car serviced, and Adam & Son offers a discount, they are given the option to pay it forward and donate the value of their discount to the Stranded Motorist Fund. For the military and first responder discount offered, they can pay it forward as well and Adam & Son will donate the value of that to Angels of Americas Fallen, The Police Foundation of Colorado Springs, The Fire Foundation of Colorado Springs, and others to be added. A Stranded Motorist Fund guest recently commented, "Just when I believed our family was at a complete loss with no vehicle or method to get to and from work, I was told about the stranded motorist fund by a good friend. With no vehicle, I applied for the fund and received such enormous help with reliable and safe vehicles which provided me with a way to get my family to and from appointments and myself to work." "I'm so very grateful for this helping hand which provided our family with desperately needed security." To inspire auto repair shops across the United States to create their own social impact initiatives to further serve their communities, Adam & Son will embark on a proactive public media campaign in 2023 by sharing information about its social impact programs via interviews and self-generated content. We will work with consumer media and automobile endemic press to reach both shop owners and their customers this year. I am excited to see how many members of our industry take aim at helping residents of their communities, regions, and states, added Dan Adam. For those who are interested in learning more about Adam & Son social impact programs or to receive support on starting a program of their own, please contact Stacey Burns, Vice President of Social Impact and Strategy with Adam & Son: staceyb@adamandson.com Adam & Son is the first social impact full-service auto repair shop in the United States. Founded in 1999, the company was established to create a customer service experience and community benefit, which has grown to be unlike any auto repair shops in Southern Colorado and the nation. Adam & Son provides traditional maintenance and repairs for all makes and models of automobiles. The company deeply values a positive culture, meaningful inclusion, and superior customer service. Adam & Son operates three social impact programs to support its community: the Trifecta program where clubs and organizations can sell oil change packages and keep 80 percent of the proceeds. Also, it operates its Pay-It-Forward program, for our guests who come into our shops with a coupon and choose to pay it forward, the company will match that amount in a donation to their nonprofit of choice. The Adam & Son flagship program, the Stranded Motorist Fund, pays for repairs to vehicles and in some cases provides free used cars to recipients who demonstrate financial need as well as a desire to be self-sufficient. https://adamandson.com/contact-us/ EMS World's international award program recognizes the most pioneering products in the industry each year, all of which were showcased at the 2022 EMS World Expo, held in Orlando, Florida. An independent panel of judges evaluated each entry and determined its worthiness for this esteemed award. Handtevy's CPR Assist, the first award recipient, is a fully integrated and configurable cardiac arrest feature that provides essential audio and visual cues for running a cardiac arrest. It includes five dedicated timers, such as a configurable metronome, ventilation auditory cue, pre-charge monitor cue, 2-minute rhythm check, and epinephrine interval. Handtevy's Protocols & Checklists also received an award for its ability to provide front-line personnel with time-critical medication dosing and equipment sizing in real-time. When an EMS clinician selects a protocol, the app displays agency-specific medications, drips, and equipment, which can then be uploaded directly into the ePCR. The checklists are fully integrated into the Handtevy Mobile app, allowing EMS personnel to ensure accuracy and provide the best possible care for their patients. Handtevy CEO Allison Antevy stated, "We are proud to be recognized by EMS World as a trailblazer in healthcare innovation. Our dedicated team is steadfast in our mission to create life-saving tools for EMS professionals. These accomplishments are a source of great pride for us, as they directly result in improved patient outcomes and enhanced provider experiences." Handtevy, established in 2010, aims to enhance emergency care outcomes for critically ill or injured pediatric patients. The Handtevy platform empowers healthcare professionals nationwide with swift access to essential medication and treatment information for all patients, both children and adults. With its customized, award-winning mobile software, Handtevy reduces errors, facilitates high-performance care, and optimizes outcomes. For more information, please visit http://www.handtevy.com or contact info@handtevy.com. ChangeEngine is a command center for all employee-facing initiatives: a centralized platform for companies to design & deliver the employee moments that matter most... Today, ChangeEngine, the innovative workplace technology solution that enables companies to discover, design, and deliver the employee moments that matter most, announced that it raised $5.5 million in seed funding. This funding round was led by Struck Capital and joined by Bonfire Ventures, Builders VC, and Forward Partners. In the hybrid work environment, ChangeEngine helps companies treat their employees like internal customers by syncing with their employee data, creating employee persona segments to drive high-value communications, designing engaging visual content that aligns the external & internal brand, and empowering companies to launch best-in-class workplace initiatives faster with their hand-curated template library. ChangeEngine is a command center for all employee-facing initiatives: a centralized platform for companies to design & deliver the employee moments that matter most, CEO Andrew Higashi stated. In this economic climate, leaders are aware that they need to uplevel their internal communications and sustain alignment across global teams but its a struggle to do so with existing disparate systems that dont talk to each other. ChangeEngine is a transformative solution that allows companies to execute internal campaigns across the entire employee lifecycle, bringing them to the forefront of the future of work. ChangeEngines four founders, who have extensive experience previously working together and exiting fast-growing HR & People tech and Marketing tech startups, launched its platform in May 2022, and the company has continued to experience significant growth since then including a 9x increase in net new customer logos and annual recurring revenue in less than six months. ChangeEngine has evolved the way that we work as a People & Places organization, said Luan Lam, Chief People Officer at Harness. Being a fast-growing company, it was mission-critical to adopt an employee-centric communication strategy to create and capture moments in our employee lifecycle. As a result, the platform has changed our employees lives since we can build meaningful relationships with them by communicating the right messages at the right time. Using ChangeEngine, we increased adoption of key employee initiatives from 60% to 95% and saved 250+ hours via automation within the first thirty days of our partnership. Culture-as-a-Service (CaaS) is a $300B new segment that helps companies handle the volume and complexity of employee experience, treating employees with the same level of care and support thats now standard practice for customer experience but harder to find for employees. ChangeEngine arrives at an opportune time given broader trends toward greater employee engagement and productivity for a distributed workforce through digitization, said Adam Struck, Founder and Managing Partner of Struck Capital. Its not often that you see a shift as significant as the hybrid workplace model. Moreover, ChangeEngines co-founders have both the domain expertise and technical experience to take this market by storm. With its seed funding proceeds, ChangeEngine plans to build modern AI into its platform to democratize idea generation, visual design, tonal variations, and predictive insights. In addition, ChangeEngine formed a robust advisory network of industry thought leaders and are continuing to grow their product & engineering teams alongside their go-to-market teams. About ChangeEngine Founded in 2021, ChangeEngine is a future of work company that enables individuals and teams to discover, design, and execute employee-facing initiatives. With ChangeEngine, companies can attract & retain top talent, increase the adoption of key employee initiatives, and save hundreds of hours via internal communications automation. ChangeEngine boasts a robust suite of integrations embedded across a wide range of systems of record. ChangeEngine was co-founded by Andrew Higashi (CEO), Kes Thygesen (CPO), Gaurav Saini (CCO), and Rick Tank (CTO) and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA with offices in London and LatAm. To learn more about ChangeEngine, visit https://www.changeengine.com/ Onsite Womens Health, a leading national provider of breast health services, announces partnership with Volpara Health to adopt Volpara Analytics, an artificial intelligence (AI) software tool that improves mammography quality by assessing every mammogram image for appropriate positioning, compression, and radiation dose. This partnership will be implemented in phases, deploying to all Onsite locations nationally this year. Onsites overarching goal is to consistently provide the best mammography quality, patient experience and to detect breast cancers at the earliest stage possible. We are committed to cutting edge investments that improve breast health care, says Brian Marger, chief executive officer, Onsite Womens Health. We appreciate Volparas commitment to quality as we embark on achieving new levels of breast care with their AI tools. Mammography quality is critical for the early detection of cancer. If a breast is not positioned properly cancer can be missed. With their advanced image analysis technology and common quality measures applied across the organization, Volpara will provide mammography technologists feedback for each exam and identifiy areas of high performance and areas needing improvement. Onsites progressive approach to mammography services challenges the status quo like Volparas software. The convenience of having a mammogram done in the primary care or OBGYN office during an annual exam shows an understanding of the busy lives of women, says Teri Thomas, chief executive officer, Volpara Health. Women want confidence that they are not sacrificing quality for access, and it is fantastic they receive personalized care with help from our solutions. We are delighted to partner with Onsite to deliver a world class experience and save more families from cancer. "We know mammography quality is critical for the early detection of cancer, our number one priority, says Susan Holley, MD, PhD, clinical director of research and development, Onsite Womens Health. Improper positioning can leave tissue out and removes the opportunity to see a cancer. Volpara Analytics software will help us improve and sustain quality through consistent, fair, and unbiased assessment of positioning and overall mammography quality." About Onsite Womens Health Onsite Womens Health is the leading provider of convenient breast health services, including 3D Tomosynthesis mammography screening and diagnostic services and screening breast ultrasound powered by an AI-driven strategy. Onsite partnerships support screening compliance by ensuring preventive breast care is convenient, accessible, and personalized to the individual risk profile of each patient. By utilizing advanced risk assessment tools, Onsite creates a personalized breast care plan for each patient applying the latest technology and expert review to each service. Onsite services increase patient satisfaction, improves breast health compliance, and serves as a revenue opportunity for our practice clients. For more information visit us at: http://www.onsitewomenshealth.com About Volpara Health (ASX: VHT) Volpara Health makes software to save families from cancer. Healthcare providers use Volpara to better understand cancer risk, empower patients in personal care decisions, and guide recommendations about additional imaging, genetic testing, and other interventions. Our AI-powered image analysis enables radiologists to quantify breast tissue with precision and helps technologists produce mammograms with optimal image quality, positioning, compression, and dose. In an industry facing increasing staffing shortages, our software streamlines operations and provides key performance insights that support continuous quality improvement. Volpara is the preferred partner of leading healthcare institutions around the world. Our software is used in over 2,000 facilities by more than 5,000 technologists, impacting nearly 15 million patients globally. It helps providers conduct more than three million cancer risk assessments each year and can be deployed stand-alone or fully integrated with electronic health record systems, mammography reporting systems, imaging hardware, and genetic laboratories. Volpara holds the most rigorous security certifications and numerous patents and regulatory registrations, including FDA clearance and CE marking. Since listing on the ASX in April 2016, the Company has raised A$132 million. With an office in Seattle, Volpara is based in Wellington, New Zealand. For more information visit us at http://www.volparahealth.com. By utilizing the resident feedback and empowering our teams to be creative, we always aim to go beyond typical expectations for apartment living. LIVEbe Communities, a premier apartment developer and operator dedicated to delivering distinct apartment homes within connected communities, today announced that all four LIVEbe-managed apartment communities have been recognized with 2022 SatisFacts Resident Satisfaction Awards. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the four communities were honored with the awards and the sixth consecutive year that all communities under the LIVEbe umbrella have been recognized. All four communities far surpassed the qualifying threshold, which is scoring above a 4.25-point average rating on a 5-point scale, based upon a minimum of 25 completed surveys. Baltimore-based 2Hopkins led the way with an average rating of 4.73. The Bowen (Bowie, Md.) scored an average of 4.64, Glen Oaks (Greenbelt, Md.) registered a 4.63 average and The Remy (a two-phase community in Lanham, Md.) averaged 4.62. LIVEbe, the multifamily division of Berman Enterprises, also earned a national SatisFacts Resident Satisfaction Award based upon the combined success of the individual communities. The company, which has won the award every year since its inception in 2016, averaged a robust 4.64 on 1,627 completed surveys across the portfolio, virtually duplicating 2021s 4.65 companywide score. Were once again extremely honored to be recognized by an organization as esteemed as SatisFacts, which sets the gold standard for reputation analysis in the industry, said Elaine De Lude, vice president of LIVEbe. We never want to rest on our laurels when we receive these types of recognitions. Its easy to sit back and think youre doing well and dont need to change anything. But all the credit goes to our wonderful community teams, who continue to push the envelope and curate new ideas for how to create a wonderful resident experience. 2Hopkins, which also was recently honored with a 2022 Elite 1% ORA Ranking for finishing No. 693 of more than 130,000 properties in reputation ranking, is a luxury 21-story high-rise in Downtown Baltimore that includes 183 apartment homes and a refined package of amenities. The community was recently honored with a Downtown Baltimore Clean and Green Award for its improvement efforts and commitment to the downtown sector. 2Hopkins began leasing in 2017 and was the first apartment in the U.S. to implement refrigerated lockers from Smiota, Inc. The Bowen sits approximately halfway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and features a superb location near the popular Bowie Town Center. Berman Enterprises acquired the four-story, 286-home community in 2014, and LIVEbe took over management responsibilities in 2018. Glen Oaks was acquired in 2014, and LIVEbe has steadily built its reputation into one of the top living options in the submarket. The 463-home community features spacious layouts and provides residents with expedient access to the Capital Beltway and surrounding nature trails. The Remy, which added its second phase in 2022, sits in the Harkins District of Prince Georges County and features a total of 546 homes. The original phase opened in 2017, and each building has been recognized for fast lease-up paces. Residents of each community can access the amenity spaces at each building. One of LIVEbe's distinguishing characteristics is that we constantly solicit feedback with the goal of continuous improvement, said Jennifer Rucker, vice president of operations for LIVEbe. It's one of the ways we are able to create a uniquely enjoyable living experience. By utilizing the resident feedback and empowering our teams to be creative, we always aim to go beyond typical expectations for apartment living." About LIVEbe Communities Headquartered in Rockville, Md., LIVEbe was founded in 2016 and is helmed by multifamily veterans Elaine De Lude and Jennifer Rucker. LIVEbe is the multifamily division of Berman Enterprises and was established with a specific focus on fostering a sense of community by offering an unparalleled living experience for residents and employing LIVEbe Ambassadors who are forward thinking and passionate about providing exceptional customer service. About Berman Enterprises Berman Enterprises is a multi-generational real estate and investment company founded on the principles of honesty, integrity, hard work, hands-on management, community and philanthropy. Employing a conservative financial strategy, Berman Enterprises has experienced sustained growth since brothers Melvin J. Berman and I. Wolford Berman founded the company in 1952. Today, the Company and its affiliates own and manage more than 8 million square feet of commercial office, retail, industrial/flex and residential properties in Maryland, Virginia and Illinois. The Company also owns several hundred acres of developable land representing thousands of units of residential and hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial and retail development potential. Connie Hadley's study of employee well-being and its relationship to organizational effectiveness is a significant area of interest for our member organizations, especially in the tough business environment we face today. -Jeannie Diefenderfer, CEO, Higher Ambition Leadership Alliance Higher Ambition Leadership Alliance today announces the organizations newest board member, Constance Noonan Hadley, Ph.D. Dr. Hadley is an organizational psychologist and founder of the Institute for Life at Work, a research laboratory and think tank. She also serves as a lecturer at Boston Universitys Questrom School of Business and a consulting researcher at Microsoft Research Lab. Her research and consulting on workplace culture, team effectiveness, and employee well-being aligns with the Alliances focus on leadership practice and organizational performance. Alliance Board Chair Douglas Conant says, From her research and extensive direct work with organizations, Connie brings a deep understanding of the intersection of human psychology and organizational behavior. Like the Alliance, she studies the real-world challenges and practices inside high-performing companies to help other companies be more effective. Our members will benefit from a closer connection to her work, and she brings valuable perspectives and connections to our board. The Institute for Life at Work studies and identifies the best practices and insights that will help employees live better lives at work and help their organizations thrive. With collaborators from around the world, Dr. Hadley researches the future of work, team dynamics, psychological safety, employee loneliness, burnout, well-being at work, and inclusive cultures. I am encouraged by the commitment Higher Ambition Leadership Alliance members have to human-centered leadership practices, Dr Hadley said. My work shows how everyday behaviors can influence overall organizational performance. I was attracted to the Alliance because they recognize the complexity of leading this way. Their work is showing companies a sustainable way forward. Dr. Hadley holds a Ph.D. in organizational behavior from Harvard University, an MBA in human resource and strategic management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a BA in social psychology from Princeton University. Previously, she worked with McKinsey & Company and at General Mills, Inc. Dr. Hadley sits on the Board of Trustees at McLean Hospital, a leader in behavioral and mental health. We are thrilled to welcome Connie to our board and our Higher Ambition community, adds Jeannie Diefenderfer, CEO, Higher Ambition Leadership Alliance. Connies study of employee well-being and its relationship to organizational effectiveness is a significant area of interest for our member organizations, especially in the tough business environment we face today. The Alliance strives to provide organizations with practical, data-driven practices that can help employees and the bottom line, and we know Connie will help us advance our mission. Higher Ambition Leadership Alliance is a CEO-led community building thriving companies ready to solve the worlds toughest problems. We understand how collective focus on people, purpose, and performance creates successful organizations. We bring leaders together to learn through honest, meaningful experiences with peers and experts who challenge and advance their thinking. Everything we do is grounded in academic research and real-world experience and designed for impact. https://www.linkedin.com/company/higher-ambition-leadership/ https://twitter.com/HigherAmbition WeatherTech proudly Made in America. WeatherTech, the leading manufacturer of premium American-made automotive accessories, home and pet care products, will air a new 30-second commercial We All Win during the FOX broadcast of Super Bowl LVII, February 12, 2023. This year marks the 10th anniversary of WeatherTech being a first-time advertiser on the Super Bowl. Today, after a decade of consecutively advertising during the big game, the mission of the company to design, engineer, and manufacture world-class products right here in America and fight the trend of offshoring is more relevant than ever. When the company started 33 years ago, the conventional wisdom in business said it could never be done. Thus, YOU CANT DO THAT became the theme of WeatherTechs first Super Bowl commercial. To mark the 10th anniversary of that advertisement, the company decided to incorporate elements from that first commercial to showcase the companys growth. This ad features new factories theyve built and their range of premium products for auto, home and pets, all made by American workers who show us every day that You CAN do that and We ARE doing that! WeatherTech proves that the American Dream of making it in America is very much alive and well. Their motto echoes their core value of keeping product manufacturing on U.S. soil: We Never Left. The commercial also features an appearance from Scout, WeatherTechs beloved golden retriever. Before he passed due to cancer, Scout appeared in many WeatherTech commercials over the years, including a starring role in several of their Super Bowl spots. Scout will continue to live on through the 2023 Super Bowl commercial. His life was extended by the care given to him at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. WeatherTech is raising funds to help further the schools important research in Scouts memory. You can also help make a difference today by donating at https://secure.supportuw.org/give/?id=40667cc0-e551-47eb-9b9f-3facae7e3fdd&custom=vet06&appeal=242. The spot was produced by Pinnacle Advertising of Schaumburg, Illinois in connection with WeatherTechs marketing department. WeatherTech We All Win Super Bowl Commercial 2023 link: https://youtu.be/h5D5BQM6D-M. Super Bowl LVII will feature the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. It will kick off at 6:30 p.m. (ET), February 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ and will be televised on FOX.Contact Kyle Chura at 248-821-0468 or Kyle@kcapr.com for additional information.About WeatherTech For decades, WeatherTech has delivered on its promise of quality and craftsmanship through a commitment to American-made auto, home and pet products. Globally renowned for its laser-measured FloorLiner and innovative CupFone, the Bolingbrook, Illinois headquartered company continues to push industry boundaries through superior design, engineering and international brand recognition. More information can be found at weathertech.com. Locana, an international leader in spatial technology, today announced that consultant Mike Underwood, who previously worked for the company as an Senior Vice President over a decade ago, has returned to the company as its SAP Ecosystem Global Go-to-Market Lead. In his new role, he will lead Locanas SAP partnership, and focus on the geoenablement of SAP customers in asset industries, including Utilities, Public Sector and Oil and Gas. I am thrilled to return to Locana as the SAP Ecosystem Lead. All asset intensive industries around the world rely on SAP to manage their mission-critical business processes, including asset management, customer support, real property management, environmental health and safety, and business intelligence. These processes also rely on Esris ArcGIS geospatial technology to record, track and manage location and associated geometries, said Underwood. Locana helps customers bring their SAP and Esri systems into a unified landscape, running on SAP HANA or HANA Cloud, to deliver real-time integration and enterprise visualization through highly-intuitive maps. Locana also delivers Lemur Pro, an enterprise scale mobile GIS app, that integrates with SAP mobile apps, providing joint clients with a true enterprise mobile work and asset management platform, that addresses all relevant use cases. With his vast experience, understanding of Locana business and strong relationships, Mike will play a key role in contributing to the success of our clients investing in Esri and SAP, said Jeff Haight, Locana Chief Executive Officer. His background and passion for the company, our clients and our partners will be invaluable in ensuring both short- and long-term success for our relationships with our clients, Esri, and SAP. In addition, Locana today announced that SAP has premium certified its Lemur mobile GIS solution as an SAP Endorsed App. It is available on SAP Store as part of SAPs industry cloud portfolio for the Energy and Natural Resources and Public Sector industries. Lemur and SAP Service and Asset Manager integrate on-device without requiring a network connection. Lemur also provides native alignment with Esris latest software versions and deployment patterns. Built on Esris ArcGIS Runtime API, Lemur supports Esris named user licensing with dynamic activation from mobile users ArcGIS credentials. In his role as SAP Ecosystem Go-to-Market Lead, Underwood will be responsible for teaming with SAP to drive Lemur Endorsed App sales globally. Underwood has been Principal for his consulting firm, Spatial Business Innovations, for the past six years, serving SAP as its Spatial Go-to-Market lead in North America. Previously, he served SAP as Global Head of Services Sales for SAP Public Sector, and as US Practice Lead for Federal, Aerospace and Defense. Prior to SAP, he served as a Senior Vice President at Locana, as well as Senior Vice President for CH2M Hill, from which Locana divested in 2009. Early in his career, Underwood served in various sales and management roles for Oracle and Digital Equipment Corporation. About Locana Locana, a location and mapping technology company, provides software products and services that solve the worlds most pressing business, climate, and social challenges. With decades of experience, Locana is a global leader in both enterprise geospatial solutions and innovative applications using proprietary and open-source mapping technologies. By taking a location-first approach to problem solving, Locana builds, implements, and connects solutions for public and private clients, in a wide range of domains including: utilities, land and facility management, critical infrastructure, defense, conservation, international development, and technology, among others. With headquarters in Greenwood Village, Colo., the company also has major offices in Seattle and London. For further information, visit: http://www.locana.co or https://www.linkedin.com/company/locana-co/. ### Editors note: Interviews with company executives are available upon request. Photos and other information can be obtained by reaching out to the media contact below. Contact: Jennifer Dulles, APR DStreet for Locana Phone: 303-956-0001 Today, Opus Interactive is implementing an unprecedented cloud computing training program for frontline support staff and engineers. The training is in partnership with Innovorg and designed to equip front line cloud support and engineers with a standardized approach to onboarding and cross-training the knowledge needed to support high-compliance, high-security, and high-availability workloads. The training announced today will be available immediately to Opus staff and focuses on critical topics like VMC on AWS, Network Connectivity, and public cloud management all critical elements in supporting end-to-end hybrid and multi-cloud solutions. The training is only the latest in a long list of actions the Opus leadership team has taken to ensure long term solutions to the industry skill shortage. "As the digital economy evolves, we must transform how we align the workforce with the business. The Cloud sector is especially impacted as there is high product & service complexity and resource intensity. Shannon Hulbert sees upskilling as critical to addressing skills gaps. She has directed us to deploy every resource available to ensure Opuss Support and Engineering teams are fully aligned with the business, educated, and continue keeping critical customer infrastructure at its best - all the time, said CEO of Innovorg, Elya McCleave. When customers select Opus as a cloud and colocation partner, they add over 400 skills to their IT team. Taking a scalable approach to the training for those skills is key., said Opus Interactive CEO, Shannon. Innovorg was the ideal partner to work with Opus to establish long-term andscalable training for the specialized cloud skills our team brings to the table. Elya and team took great care in tailoring the Opus Cloud Training Program. It addresses need within our specific industry and the workload types the Opus team supports. The program is an example of a coordinated response integrating cloud provider, skills-building, and talent analytics to create scalable training. Also, both organizations are women-owned and its great to be supporting each other. Were both extremely proud of the result and what it could mean to how cloud and colocation providers approach building skills training paths going forward. The first-of-its kind training is called the Opus Cloud Training Program and it has been designed specifically with cloud computing operations teams in mind. The program features a tailored course that incorporates the 27 year legacy of skills added by Opus frontline staff and engineers. These best practices and skills assessments served as the core for developing high-quality training content for cloud hosting and colocation services. The training builds upon ITIL framework, Innovorgs knowledge platform, and the comprehensive knowledge base the Opus Team has been building for nearly 3 decades. The result is a program that addresses support for the Opus specific niche in the industry and builds connections between roles, skills, products & services and outcomes powering up real-time ongoing view at every level of the organization. About Opus Interactive Opus Interactive helps customers reduce costs and optimize resources with tailored cloud hosting and colocation solutions. Our mission is to build trusted results that pave the way for sustainable IT and the next generation of technology builders. Founded in 1996, Opus Interactive has earned a reputation for delivering hosting solutions that meet enterprise requirements for compliance, performance, security, and cost. Through strategic partnerships with industry-leaders and a relentless commitment to customer satisfaction, the woman-owned cloud provider offers: Cloud Hosting & Dedicated IaaS Colocation Business Continuity An accredited member of the International Managed Services Provider Alliance with PCI-DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and SSAE 18 SOC 2 compliance, the WBENC certified company operates from Tier III+ data centers located in Hillsboro, Portland, Dallas, and Northern Virginia with partner expansion availability in over 30 regions within the United States. Opus Interactive proudly supports: Sustainable IT, STEM, Women in Tech, and Digital Inclusion. For more information, please visit opusinteractive.com Q5id, Inc. and Express Employment Professionals are joining forces to prove job candidates' identities during the pre-employment process with Q5ids latest product, Know Your Employee (KYE), a fast and frictionless employee identity proofing solution. The patented solution helps eliminate identity fraud and protects employers, employees, clients, and reputations by proving potential employees are who they say they are before hiring them. Express Employment Professionals is leading the charge to combat employee identity fraud by enhancing their industry-leading workforce solutions and candidate recruitment process with the Know Your Employee (KYE) platform by Q5id. This identity proofing solution can also detect deepfake spoofing, synthetic use, and even the use of general ID theft, which would prevent a job applicant from obtaining a verified Proven Identity. In less than three minutes, Express Employment Professionals job applicants will receive their Proven Identity using Q5ids simple, safe, and secure process. Applicants only need to prove their identity once and will never need a password to access their personal Proven Identity for future employment opportunities with Express Employment Professionals, says Q5id chairman and CEO Steve Larson. The applicant remains in complete control of their identity with KYE by Q5id. We look forward to our new partnership with Express Employment Professionals bringing the benefits of proven identity to their clients, franchisees, and job applicants, says Steve. Founded in 1983, Express annually employs more than half a million people across 850 franchise locations worldwide and has put more than 9 million people to work. Their long-term goal is at the heart of the company's vision, to help as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people. We believe this partnership with Q5id is a critical step in our already rigorous candidate screening process and provides an added layer of security to protect employers and job applicants from identity fraud, says Laura L. Moore, owner of Express Employment Professionals in Hillsboro, OR. About Express Employment Professionals At Express Employment Professionals, were in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing 586,000 people globally in 2021 and 10 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com and find more employment insights at ExpressPros.com/AmericaEmployed. About Q5id Q5id is the world leader in proven, authenticated, trusted, secure, self-managed individual identity. Our vision is to change how the world works. In this new world, people take back control of their individual identities. Identity theft disappears, and companies know their customers and employees as never before. Proven, authenticated, trusted, secure, self-managed individual identity is the future, and we are delivering it today. Learn more: Q5id.com. Contact Q5id, Inc. Media Relations (503) 389-0985 media@q5id.com Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter! By Jia Pingfan The Japanese Ministry of Defense recently announced that it plans to build 130 new munitions depots on the islands in the southwest of Japan. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will increase the number of Aegis ships from the current eight to ten. Japan has ignored the historical pain it brought to countries in the Asia-Pacific region, continued to break through the bottom line, and gone further and further down the road of military expansion. Japan is seriously threatening peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan has continued to increase military spending. According to the defense budget application completed by the Japanese government in 2022, its military budget in Fiscal Year 2023 will exceed six trillion yen (US$45 billion) for the first time, accounting for more than one percent of its GDP, and increase to two percent within five years. According to the rankings of international organizations such as the Global Firepower Index in 2022, the overall strength of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) ranks fifth in the world. With the doubling of defense spending in the next five years, Japan's military expenditure will also rise from the current ninth place in the world to the third. The new changes in Japan's military power have made the outside world worry about Japan's future direction. Japan has abandoned the exclusively defense-oriented strategy. In December 2022, Japan officially adopted three security policy documents including the National Security Strategy (NSS), National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG) and Medium-Term Defense Program (MTDP), proposing that Japan will be committed to "counterstrike capability" and other policy propositions. Based on the main content of the three documents, Japan's security concept and defense policy in the next five to ten years will undergo a major turning point since the end of World War II. In particular, Japan will completely abandon the exclusively defense-oriented strategy, which has been Japan's core defense concept after the war. This is a dangerous departure from the Peace Constitution. As we all know, the reason why Japan's current constitution is called the Peace Constitution lies in the fact that its Article 9 clearly stipulates: "Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes. In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be sustained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized."Compared with the Peace Constitution, it is not difficult to find that these three documents have taken unprecedented steps in military breakthroughs. Japan has actively engaged in camp confrontation. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida successively visited five countries in the Group of Seven (G7): France, Italy, the UK, Canada, and the US from January 9 to 142023. In the meanwhile, Fumio Kishida made a big fuss about security and defense cooperation in every country he visited. He established a consultation mechanism between the foreign and defense departments of Japan and Italy. He signed the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with the UK, allowing the UK to deploy troops in Japan. He finalized the action list of Japan and the US to further deepen the security alliance. In addition, Japan has been acting as the vanguard of the US's Indo-Pacific Strategy and has been trying to bring NATO's power to the Asia-Pacific. Japan's above-mentioned dangerous actions run counter to its post-World War II development idea of focusing on the economy, not the military. In order to cover up its political and military ambitions, Japan has been finding excuses for constitutional amendments and military expansion in recent years, and frequently blaming its neighbors. Japan has been making small moves on the Taiwan question, cheering for the "Taiwan independence" forces openly and secretly, following closely the footsteps of the US's Indo-Pacific Strategy, participating in joint military exercises with the US in the South China Sea many times, and deliberately provoking regional conflicts. Japan should be aware that it will always stay in East Asia, and its future cannot be separated from regional security, stability, and prosperity. If Japan does not deeply reflect on its history of aggression, does not respect the security concerns of its Asian neighbors, and does not consider the development environment of regional countries, it is impossible for Japan to win the trust of its neighbors and the international community, and this will inevitably hurt Japan. Editor's note: Originally published on haiwainet.cn, this article is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn. "We are thrilled to have the support of such esteemed investors as eHealth Ventures, Dreamit Ventures, KT Squared, MindUP, and AARP in this round of financing," said Hilik Harari, CEO of GaitBetter. GaitBetter, a digital neurotherapeutics company, announced today the successful closing of its bridge financing round. The round was led by eHealth Ventures and included participation from Dreamit Ventures, KT Squared, MindUP, and AARP. The proceeds will be used to expedite commercial expansion in the U.S. healthcare market and further develop its state-of-the-art motor-cognitive virtual reality (VR) intervention for gait rehabilitation and fall prevention. Backed by eight clinical trials and more than 20-peer reviewed publications, GaitBetter uses gamification and semi-immersive VR to simulate motor-cognitive challenges that patients experience in everyday life. Clinically proven to accelerate more positive outcomes and reduce falls by over 70%, GaitBetters innovative solution enables clinicians to tailor therapy intensity and specificity to the unique needs of their patients. "We are thrilled to have the support of such esteemed investors as eHealth Ventures, Dreamit Ventures, KT Squared, MindUP, and AARP in this round of financing," said Hilik Harari, CEO of GaitBetter. "This funding together with The American Medical Associations decision to issue a new CPT code covering GaitBetters intervention, strongly positions GaitBetter to accelerate adoption of our advanced motor-cognitive system to now benefit more patients in the U.S. GaitBetters affordability and ease of use allows it to be installed in a wide variety of settings, including inpatient rehabilitation centers, outpatient physical therapy clinics, senior centers, gyms/fitness centers, and senior living communities. To learn more or experience it yourself, visit GaitBetter at Booth #2943 at the 2023 American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) on February 23-25th in San Diego. About GaitBetter GaitBetter is a leading digital neurotherapeutics company providing virtual reality (VR) motor-cognitive therapy for gait rehabilitation, fall prevention, and early detection of neurodegenerative diseases. Backed by more than 20 peer-reviewed publications, GaitBetters VR motor-cognitive platform accelerates patient outcomes and reduces fall risk by 70%. Harnessing AI, gamification and VR, GaitBetter provides personalized neurotherapeutic training via virtual simulation of motor-cognitive challenges in everyday life. This unique dual-tasking approach enhances brain functions that lead to improved cognition, better, steadier, and safe walking and improved self-confidence. To learn more, visit https://www.gaitbetter.com/. Under the SPAs, the ExxonMobil affiliate will purchase LNG on a free-on-board basis from the first two trains of Mexico Pacifics anchor LNG export facility, Saguaro Energia LNG, located in Puerto Libertad, Sonora, Mexico over a 20-year term. ExxonMobil also has an option for 1 MTPA from Train 3. We are pleased to announce these long-term SPAs with ExxonMobil, said Ivan Van der Walt, Chief Executive Officer of Mexico Pacific. We have reached a critical point on contract volumes required for FID on our first two trains and will now shift focus to close contracting on the significant commercial momentum in place for a subsequent Train 3 FID. With natural gas playing a critical role in the quest for global energy security and the energy transition, we remain committed to supplying vital energy for decades. As we position for FID on the first two trains, we will also commence advanced engineering with Bechtel. LNG has an important role to play in helping society reduce emissions by enabling the delivery of lower carbon energy, said Peter Clarke, Senior Vice President of LNG for the ExxonMobil Upstream Company. We look forward to working with Mexico Pacific to continue growing ExxonMobils LNG portfolio and deliver Permian natural gas to global markets. Mexico Pacific is a strategic asset in our energy transition infrastructure portfolio, said Wil VanLoh, Founder and CEO of Quantum Energy Partners, the controlling stakeholder of Mexico Pacific. Mexico Pacifics unparalleled project fundamentals and highly experienced leadership team have established it as a premier LNG solution for customers and Permian producers to provide reliable and cost-effective LNG to support the energy transition. About Mexico Pacific Mexico Pacifics anchor project, the Saguaro Energia LNG Facility, is a 3 train, 14.1 mtpa West Coast North American LNG export facility located in Puerto Libertad, Sonora, Mexico. The Saguaro Energia LNG Facility achieves significant cost and logistical advantages, including the lowest landed price of North American LNG into Asia, leveraging low-cost natural gas sourced from the nearby Permian Basin, and providing a significantly shorter shipping route that avoids Panama Canal transit for Asian markets. More information can be found at http://www.mexicopacific.com. About Quantum Energy Partners Founded in 1998, Quantum Energy Partners is a leading provider of private equity, credit, and venture capital to the global energy and energy transition industry, having managed together with its affiliates more than $19 billion in equity commitments since inception. For more information on Quantum, please visit http://www.quantumep.com. Our partnership with Enigma gives financial institutions access to the timely data they need to say yes to more small businesses. - Brian Bender, VP of Strategic Alliances at Alloy Enigma, a data science company that provides comprehensive intelligence about the financial health and identity of every U.S. business, announced today they have partnered with identity decisioning platform Alloy, the leading onboarding and transaction monitoring solution for banks and fintech companies. Working together, Enigma and Alloy will provide financial institutions a rich, unified view of small and medium businesses, all within the Alloy platform. Partnering with Alloy reflects our commitment to providing access to timely, accurate data about small and medium businesses, said Charles Zhu, VP of Product at Enigma. Alloys customers will now have access to monthly revenues and other financial health data to fuel credit decisions, right in the platform. Enigmas proprietary machine learning algorithms combine hundreds of public and private data sources to generate its data about the financial health of more than 30 million small and medium businesses. Now, Enigmas data joins Alloys curated library of over 170 rich data sources, offered via Alloys API-based platform, empowering customers to automate identity decisions during account origination, monitor them on an ongoing basis and centralize credit decision workflows in one place. For financial institutions that leverage Alloy to grow and scale their operations, the partnership unlocks an all-in-one option for integrating Enigmas small business intelligence for decision-making. Offering this new kind of data about small businesses, an underserved segment of the economy, delivers on Alloys mission of creating a more dynamic and accessible financial industry. Were creating a future where financial services are accessible for all, including the millions of small businesses that may fall outside the historic profile for what creditworthy looks like, said Brian Bender, VP of Strategic Alliances at Alloy. Our partnership with Enigma gives financial institutions access to the timely data they need to say yes to more small businesses. About Enigma Enigma provides comprehensive intelligence about the identity and financial health of every small and medium business across the United States. By engineering better data from hundreds of public and third-party sources, Enigma provides a clear picture of a business and its operations, so that companies of every size can access the financial services they need to grow and thrive. Financial organizations from the worlds largest banks to tomorrows unicorns use Enigma's data to better serve their small business customers. About Alloy Alloy helps over 360 banks and fintech companies make safe and seamless fraud, credit, and compliance decisions. Founded in 2015 and backed by leading investors from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Canapi Ventures, Alloys platform connects companies to more than 170 data sources of KYC/KYB, AML, credit, and compliance data through a single API to help create a future without fraud. Sylabs - Deploying Performance Intensive Workloads Easily and Securely The data fabric will improve testing efficiency and create opportunities to gain new knowledge and actionable insights. The project will help fill technology capability gaps to improve DoD cyber testing practices and procedures. DeciSym and Sylabs have been awarded an investment tender launched by the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) Test & Evaluation/Science & Technology (T&E/S&T) Program Office in collaboration with the Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO). The tender was granted after participating in a cyber round-robin to improve Department of Defense (DoD) cyber testing practices and procedures. The round-robin was piloted through Tradewind, an organization designed to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence/machine learning, digital, and data analytics solutions throughout the DoD. DeciSym is developing, in partnership with Sylabs, the Measure & Share (Me&S) Storage Virtual Fabric. This virtual fabric will increase cyber testing operational effectiveness by reducing the complexity of data integration. It will enable the sharing and integration of cyber test data (and results) for more effective collaboration in a wide range of cyber operations across organizational and classification enclaves. The data fabric will improve testing efficiency and create opportunities to gain new knowledge and actionable insights. The project will help fill technology capability gaps to improve DoD cyber testing practices and procedures. A vital aspect of the virtual fabric will be utilizing software container engine technology, leveraging the capabilities (including secure container workflow toolsets) of Sylabs SingularityPRO and Singularity Enterprise. These tools will serve as critical infrastructure for enabling the packaging and sharing of data in tiered compartments with credentialed analysts across organizations. The virtual fabric will facilitate multiple data packages for reproducibility for Test & Evaluation (T&E) tools, processes, and visualization interfaces of domain-specific perspectives when fully enacted. Cyber testing is currently conducted in a stove piped and independent event manner resulting in testing inefficiency and lost opportunities to gain new knowledge, explains the solicitation distributed by Tradewind. Consequently, test events do not build upon past testing (cyber and non-cyber), and testing of subsystems is often repeated, as are Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs). This approach is inefficient and ineffective at informing DoD leadership at the program office level, the DoD CIO level, and Secretary level of the cyber survivability risk posture of DOD systems and missions. These shortcomings ultimately result in higher T&E costs and fielding systems with significant cyber vulnerabilities. The DeciSym/Sylabs project aims to deliver the following solutions: Develop a mechanism to integrate cyber test results with real-world observed activities or other types of system performance testing. Develop a universal mechanism to quantify the efficacy of a cyber test or to quantify the readiness for a system to be tested. Develop a mechanism to measure the return on investment for cyber testing. Develop a mechanism to promulgate test results to the Test and Evaluation (T&E) community and the broader DoD community. Develop a mechanism to promulgate the specific cyber TTP test vectors that were used during testing, so they may be reused by other testers and organizations. One of the key challenges in the successful utilization of artificial intelligence and machine learning exists around the staging and prepping of data to make it scientifically reproducible, said Don Pellegrino, PhD, CEO and Founder of DeciSym. Containerization provides a critical tool for scientific reproducibility by giving us a way to pre-package the data being used in the AI-training pipeline. Using Sylabs SingularityPRO and Singularity Enterprise, we can create a platform to provide sophisticated control data with trusted provenance -- all while maintaining security protocols such as encryption and identity verification. Our partnership with Sylabs ensures that we have the stability and reliability, as well as long term-support and customized functionality necessary for sensitive applications where national security is a priority. The Singularity Image Format (SIF), developed and maintained by Sylabs, has become the de facto container file format for AI, High Performance Computing (HPC) and advanced analytics, especially including applications where trusted provenance meets with the needs of security, said Jason Tuschen, CEO of Sylabs and retired Navy SEAL. The opportunity to work with DeciSym to provide the tooling necessary for AI applications with the potential to impact national security is a solemn honor for both Sylabs and the Singularity community at large. SingularityPRO and Singularity Enterprise are the tip of the spear where advanced container technology meets complex, performance-intensive environments and the need for security, as well as custom tooling and support. We look forward to building a solution that will deliver new standards for containerized data supply chains for mission-critical AI workloads. The Data Storage Design and Implementation project is one piece of a multi-pronged Me&S effort that will enable various stakeholders the ability to test and review results that provide information for decision-making. Examples include: Tactical commanders can use perspectives to understand mission readiness for specific Operation Plans (OPLANS) in the context of the cyber risks, current threats, test results, and mitigations. Analytic results will display confidence in the information. Operators can use these perspectives to provide feedback. DoD leadership can use perspectives to gain a holistic understanding of the largest operational cyber risks to the warfighter and identify future test and event requirements. Leadership can use these perspectives to provide feedback. T&E leadership can use perspectives to gain insight on the efficacy of a particular test event, or the effectiveness of the use of test resources. T&E personnel can use perspectives to plan and execute T&E events more efficiently. Acquisition program and T&E leadership can use perspectives to reevaluate the efficacy of tests previously conducted when new threat intelligence information is available and determine the potential need for new testing. Acquisition program leadership can use perspectives to view the efficacy of a test on one of their systems, get information on anticipated test costs for new systems, analytics on the Return On Investment (ROI) on a particular test or a series of tests, and gain insights into components and subcomponents architectures and a design patterns ability to meet DoD cyber requirements. Intelligence practitioners can use perspectives to gain insights into threats and trends discovered across the DoD Systems Under Test (SUTs) and components to enhance intel reporting, derive new key intelligence questions, and inform acquisition and defensive cyber operations. Intelligence practitioners can use perspectives to gain insights into the use of intel provided for a particular SUT, component, or test and get feedback on threat reporting gaps. Authorizing officials can use perspectives designed for them to gain more comprehensive insights into test coverage and DoD cyberrelated requirements, including Risk Management Framework (RMF) and Cyber Survivability Endorsement requirements, and Service unique needs (e.g., NAVY CYBERSAFE). SingularityPRO is created for users of high performance computing (HPC) systems who run mission-critical data science, artificial intelligence, and compute-driven analytics. SingularityPRO offers defined product life cycles, long-term support, compliance & risk management. For more information on SingularityPRO, please visit https://sylabs.io/singularity-pro/. About Sylabs Sylabs is the global leader in providing professional tools and services for high performance container runtime technology. Sylabs makes high performance computing more accessible to researchers, scientists, and engineers using Singularity, the most advanced open source container runtime technology for performance-intensive applications and environments. As the most active contributor to the Singularity ecosystem, through both the community edition and Sylabs enterprise-supported and professional implementations, Sylabs is dedicated to enabling cutting-edge research and facilitating rapid scientific discovery to solve some of humanitys greatest challenges. For more information about Singularity runtime technology, including SingularityCE (Community Edition), Singularity Container Services, SingularityPRO, and Singularity Enterprise, visit https://www.sylabs.io. About DeciSym DeciSym.AI was founded in April 2022 by Don Pellegrino, PhD., to solve challenges encountered while developing cyber security systems for the United States Department of Defense and performing data integration for scientific R&D in the Chemical Industry. DeciSym.AI solutions are tuned for the operational environment of secure data management while ensuring analysis results meet requirements for high performance and trust. For more information, visit https://www.decisym.ai/. Note: All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this press release are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement. Alo Yoga Virtual Reality Shopping Experience Powered by Obsess Alo Yoga, a leading activewear and lifestyle brand, today announced it has launched an immersive digital shopping experience complete with virtual reality integration, digital styling capabilities, streaming beauty and wellness tutorials, workout classes, and seamless checkout. Alo has partnered with experiential e-commerce platform Obsess to launch the immersive virtual store, which users can experience via desktop, mobile, or the Meta Quest 2 VR headset. We are excited to partner with Obsess to launch the first Alo Yoga virtual store that our community can experience through the Meta Quest 2 VR headset, said Angelic Vendette, VP & Global Head of Marketing at Alo. The immersive virtual store powered by the Obsess platform will help us reach and engage the Alo community wherever they are and allow us to share our Spring launch, along with our core collection, in a 3D environment that feels unbelievably similar to shopping in one of our stores in real life. The Alo Yoga virtual store will enable visitors to browse, learn about, and shop Alos collections, interact with a variety of content, and build custom outfits to visualize how different combinations of Alo tops and bottoms will look. The virtual store will also feature selected workout videos from the Alo Moves fitness platform that are typically accessible only to paid subscribers. Interactive shopping experiences incorporating VR are the future of e-commerce, said Danny Harris, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Alo Yoga. They are an exciting new way for a visionary brand like ours to reach and engage our community while transporting them directly into our world. Alo Yoga has a well-earned reputation as an innovative, mission-driven lifestyle brand and category leader, said Neha Singh, Founder, and CEO of Obsess. We are proud to partner with Alo to offer its customers a next-generation shopping experience that lets them engage with the brand and its products in exciting new ways. Were excited to see the impact of this experience, said Anand Dass, Director, Metaverse Content Applications at Meta. Obsess is transporting the digital storefront into virtual reality, and we are looking forward to learning how this could change the way consumers shop. To visit the Alo Yoga immersive digital shopping experience, please click here: https://www.aloyoga.com/pages/immersive-store A press preview of the virtual shopping experience showcasing Alo Yogas latest collection in VR is scheduled for February 7th 8th at the Alo Yoga Flatiron store at 164 5th Avenue in New York City. To schedule a time to preview the experience, please contact Andrea.Burman@aloyoga.com. About Alo Yoga Alo Yoga (Alo) is a Los Angeles-based premium lifestyle brand specializing in luxury activewear with a mission to spread mindful movement, inspire wellness and create community. Since launching in 2007, Alo has become a global leader in activewear design and its franchised fabrics. Alo is eco-aware and has been W.R.A.P. Certified in a humane and sweat-shop-free environment since day one. An acronym for Air, Land, and Ocean, Alo has a studio-to-street mentality that transcends fashion and goes beyond the mat. Alo is available online at http://www.aloyoga.com and 34 Alo Sanctuaries worldwide. About Obsess Obsess is a leading experiential e-commerce platform that enables retailers to create immersive, branded, discovery-driven virtual stores on their websites. The mission of the company is to create the next-generation online shopping interface that transforms the thumbnail grid into a visual, interactive, social and highly engaging experience. The company is headquartered in New York City. For more information, please visit ObsessAR.com or email contact@obsessAR.com. DecisivEdge, a business consulting and technology firm, in partnership with Salesforce, has transformed the patient admission process at a top 5 U.S. behavioral health center. This patient-focused recovery center support model is driving value across the organizations operation by reducing inbound call abandon rates, cutting time to admission, improving patient experiences and enhancing call center agent success. The foundation for these improvements is a call center workflow that integrates and optimizes Salesforce actions. With task-based workflows that incorporate an intuitive user interface (UI) and user experience (UX), call center agents are able to capture information and match patient needs to the right facility quickly and clearly. Call center agents are on the front lines of patient care, yet too often their tools are disparate and disconnected, says Karl Fischer, Managing Director CX Transformation at DecisivEdge. With technology, analytics and a data-driven strategy, we are able to deliver a streamlined desktop workflow that enables these agent to drive a more effective, meaningful patient conversations. The new recovery center support model workflow moves the agent through stages from point of contact to admission, including an application to schedule patient pickups that integrates with the advisors case intake screens. Throughout the development of the call center solution, the DecisivEdge team focused on ensuring that the call center agent has the flexibility to transition quickly from one task to another while maintaining visibility to open areas, fall outs, and next steps to complete an admission. Further, the solution includes an interface, facilitated by a Boomi cloud-based enterprise integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS), between EHR and Salesforce for a more intuitive patient admission process. Other tools include a Salesforce-integrated patient financial calculator and patient benefits history application. To-date, the flexibility and intuitive workflow of the call center support model has demonstrated impressive results. The behavioral health center has reduced repeat call abandon rates by over 90%, improved conversion rates by nearly 40% and reduced time of admission by over 30%. One unanticipated benefit has been a more consistent and efficient agent training and on-boarding program. Agent training time has also been reduced by a whopping 80%. Also, from a business standpoint, the organization has seen a reduction in its operating budget by as much as 40%. John Wilson, DecisivEdges Director of Salesforce Practice, and former Vice President of CRM at Recovery Centers of America where he was responsible for delivering Salesforce solutions to increase quality and end user efficiency, notes, From a business perspective, behavioral health centers are necessarily focused on revenue per call, revenue per agent, cost per admission, etc., with the objective to get qualified candidates through to the agents and assessed as quickly as possible, and then into the facility to start treatment. To do that, we must eliminate the all-to-common scenario where call center agents jump between multiple systems on a single call. Our mission is to help organizations get the right call to the right agent the first time and to connect people to the help they need. DecisivEdges Salesforce consultants have extensive experience integrating and optimizing healthcare contact center solutions into the Salesforce CRM platform, increasing efficiency and productivity through digital transformation. By collaborating with a variety of partners including Five9, DecisivEdge has expertise with most major contact center platforms, enhancing Customer Experience (CX) and the UI/UX delivered to agents. DecisivEdge is a team of certified developers, administrators, and custom application builders. Wilson concludes, We help clients from various industries design, execute and implement a personalized Salesforce strategy. Your business challenges arent out of the box, your Salesforce shouldnt be either. About Salesforce Salesforce, the global CRM leader, empowers companies of every size and industry to digitally transform and create a 360 view of their customers. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: http://www.salesforce.com. Salesforce has headquarters in San Francisco, with offices in Europe and Asia, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CRM." About DecisivEdge DecisivEdge is a global business consulting and technology services firm focused on creating a sustainable competitive edge through digital transformations. We help our clients elevate their operational capabilities and seize their market opportunity by leveraging and optimizing best-in-class technology solutions in conjunction with detailed analytics and data-driven operational strategies. We provide end-to-end services from the design and build of a fully integrated solution to the implementation, testing and optimization of that solution to assure effective results and a seamless user experience. A deep knowledge of, and experience with Salesforce, call centers and multiple platforms prepares DecisivEdge to deal with complex projects, from custom features and time-saving process automations, to multi-platform integrations that improve data integrity and validity, to end-to-end implementation executed quickly and efficiently. DecisivEdge also provides training and support on any implementation for better user adoption, ongoing Salesforce maintenance and support, and continuous business strategy and improvement services. Visit us on the Salesforce App Exchange DecisivEdge will be attending the Behavioural Health Business VALUE event March 16, 2023 in Washington, DC. VALUE is a full-day conference for industry executives focused on the future of value-based care in behavioral health. We will also be exhibiting at the The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) National 2023 May 21-23 in Washington, DC. Entrepreneur Of The Year Recipient To Receive $10,000 Prize; Nominations Close March 1 Were thrilled by the excitement preceding the EDDIE Awards and encourage all entrepreneurs with disabilities to apply for this important recognition -Aarti Sahgal, CEO and founder of Synergies Work Synergies Work, an Atlanta nonprofit that supports entrepreneurs with disabilities, today announced that CareSource, a mission-driven Medicaid plan serving more than 500,000 Georgians, has signed on as the headline sponsor of the inaugural EDDIE Awards, created to recognize and celebrate innovative business owners with disabilities from across the country. The first-ever awards event will be held April 27 in Atlanta, with nominations closing March 1. Additional sponsors currently include The Coca-Cola Foundation, Georgia Advocacy Office, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, and National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. For sponsorship information, go here. Nominations in the following categories are being accepted now through March 1: Creativity Award an entrepreneur making an impact on the world through any form of creative media such as art, music, fashion, film, and writing. Newcomer Award an entrepreneur who has launched their business within the last 12 months and is providing an innovative solution in their industry. Social Impact Award a leader on a mission to change their community and the larger world. Their business works to solve inequalities and address systemic problems. Techpreneur Award an entrepreneur who is using technology to innovate, change, and expand the realm of possibility for their industry. To read the full application requirements and to be nominated for an EDDIE Award, go here. Additionally, Synergies Work will select from the category finalists an Entrepreneur of the Year who will receive a $10,000 prize to further their business aspirations. All finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the EDDIE Awards to take part in the evenings celebration. Were thrilled by the excitement preceding the EDDIE Awards and encourage all entrepreneurs with disabilities to apply for this important recognition, said Aarti Sahgal, CEO and founder of Synergies Work. Since 2016, our organization has been working to bridge the economic, opportunity, and network gaps between the disability and business community. The EDDIE Awards are a celebration of our most innovative entrepreneurs and our attempt at challenging the negative stereotypes and ableist viewpoints that are prevalent. "We are honored to be the headline sponsor for the inaugural EDDIE Awards," said Jason Bearden, CareSource Georgia Market President. "The awards are the first in the United States to spotlight entrepreneurs within the disability community who are not only making an economic impact, but who are living their lives to the fullest using their skills and talents." To date, Synergies Work has supported over 200 entrepreneurs and helped launch over 70 new startups. The nonprofit is committed to the goal of supporting one million new entrepreneurs with disabilities by 2027. A video that tells the Synergies Work story can be viewed here. Become a Founding Sponsor of the EDDIE Awards Corporations and organizations have the opportunity to be a founding sponsor of the EDDIE Awards, helping to shine a spotlight on deserving and talented entrepreneurs with disabilities. Sponsorships are available at multiple levels, with each offering a range of benefits. To learn more about founding sponsorship opportunities, go here. About Synergies Work Founded in 2016, Synergies Work is the largest business incubator and accelerator for entrepreneurs with disabilities in the United States. The organization serves entrepreneurs at every stage of their journeyfrom ideation to exit. With the goal of building one world where people with disabilities belong, Synergies Work helps entrepreneurs with disabilities launch, grow, and maintain sustainable small businesses. Its approach is based on a fundamental belief that all individuals have boundless talent, an inherent curiosity to explore, and a passion to succeed. Synergies Work has received the Dave Hammis Innovation Award from the APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First) and received second place and Audience Favorite grants from Truist Foundations Inspire Awards. The nonprofit is also part of the Moonshot Initiative in partnership with SmartJob and Enable Ventures which was announced at the Clinton Global Initiative. For more information on Synergies Work, visit http://www.synergieswork.org Low finance rates and no payments for 90 days are available offers at Carl Black Roswell Carl Black Roswell is offering low finance rates for select Buick SUV models this month. Drivers who are interested in purchasing a Buick SUV model in February can take advantage of these low rates as well as no monthly payments for 90 days on their purchase. Low finance rates may not be available with some other offers, and new retail delivery must be taken by the last day of the month, February 28, 2023. Interested individuals should apply for financing with GM Financial, as the offer is only available by financing through them. To learn more about the offer, such as which Buick Models are available, drivers should get in contact with the dealership. Carl Black Roswell can be visited in person in Roswell, Georgia. Drivers can also call the dealership at 888-491-7859. Business hours and other information can be found on the dealerships website, carlblackroswell.com. To apply for vehicle financing, drivers can also head to the Carl Black Roswell website. Once there, drivers can find the finance application page linked under the Finance drop-down menu at the top of the site. Taking a few minutes to fill this out from home will get drivers started on their car-buying journey. Hospitality has always been at the core of our philosophy at Charles Krug and our new tasting experiences are central to showcasing our position as a pioneer in Napa Valley tourism. - Riana Mondavi, co-proprietress and fourth-generation family member Charles Krug Winery, home to California's first tasting room, celebrates 80 years of Mondavi Family legacy by expanding its hospitality offerings and launching new tastings experiences. Since its founding in 1861, Charles Krug Winery has been at the forefront of California wine country tourism and remains a benchmark for hospitality standards. These new offerings speak to the next generation of consumers and continue to solidify Charles Krug as a world-class estate. The Charles Krug historical estate tasting room is part of the legacy. Dating back to 1882 and located in the idyllic town of Saint Helena, the Redwood Cellar was the first-of-its-kind tasting room. Renowned for its exceptional wines, the tasting room has evolved into the ultimate wine-country destination with stunning design and storied heritage. Hospitality has always been at the core of our philosophy at Charles Krug and our new tasting experiences are central to showcasing our position as a pioneer in Napa Valley tourism. comments fourth-generation family member Riana Mondavi, co-proprietress. Were excited to continue evolving Charles Krug as the winery for Napa's next generation and the epicenter of culture in Napa Valley. Charles Krug Winery diversifies its wine experiences where guests can reserve a variety of different tasting opportunities at the iconic St. Helena estate. Taste Like a Somm is a new, elevated and interactive workshop with Charles Krugs Certified Sommelier Jeff Arnold. Taste blind as Arnold guides guests through the nuances of wine tasting. The new Cabernet Connoisseur experience invites guests to taste through four small-lot, premium estate Cabernet Sauvignons, including the Vintage Selection flagship wine. The Estate Tasting will continue to be available to reserve daily where guests can relax and unwind as they taste through the most-limited, small production offerings in the stunning Redwood Cellar. On weekends at 10:30AM and 2:30PM, get to know the two legendary pioneers of Napa Valley winemaking during the Tour & Tasting where guests explore the estate vineyards, learn more about the estates storied heritage and enjoy expertly crafted wines. In the summer months, Cabanas are available to reserve for a private tasting experience where guests take in the stunning views underneath the 200 year old oak trees. As we toast to 80 years of bringing guests an experience like no other, we pride ourselves on being the pioneer of Napa Valley wine experiences, comments co-proprietor Peter Mondavi Jr. Today, five generations later, our family legacy continues as stewards of this historic estate, the ultimate wine country destination. About Charles Krug: In 1943, Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the historic Charles Krug property, the oldest winery in the Napa Valley and longest-running tasting room in California. The brand was built on a foundation of family values, hard work and a European winemaking tradition; it remains a family-owned winery today, producing estate-driven, top of the line Napa Valley wines. The winery is under the direction of Peter Mondavi Jr. and his brother, Marc Mondavi, who steward the family business passed to them by their father, legendary Napa Valley wine icon Peter Mondavi Sr. The family is now proudly welcoming members of the fourth generation to the business, and the fifth generation has arrived. The family continues the legacy that started 80 years ago and is setting a foundation for generations to come. For additional information, please visit https://www.charleskrug.com/. A&W Restaurants, the classic American franchise, is coming to Rock Hill in the local Walmart at 4875 Old York Rd Rock Hill, SC 29732 on February 6th. Multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees, Ronald and Nadyne Jennings, are expanding with the A&W family by signing a three-unit deal for the North and South Carolina markets. A&Ws new Rock Hill and Charlotte area locations mark the fast-growing franchise brands expansion of restaurants in the Carolinas, and the first location system-wide to open within a Walmart location. Ronald and Nadyne Jennings are bringing A&W, an iconic favorite, back to share with families whove never experienced the brand before. In addition to Rock Hill, the Jennings have plans to open additional locations in the Carolinas, including a restaurant in Aiken, South Carolina, projected to open later this year. The new locations will give residents in the Charlotte region a chance to try A&Ws legendary take on classic American fare, including its fan-favorite A&W Root Beer served in the brands iconic frosty mug. Ronald and Nadyne are proud to call Charlotte their home. While the Jennings are a part of the A&W family, they are not new to franchising. Ronald and Nadyne are multi-unit and multi-brand operators in the North and South Carolina market where they currently own a total of eight Schlotzskys and Moes Southwest Grill restaurants, two car washes near Clemson University in South Carolina and one Valvoline location. From our experiences owning other franchises in the area, we saw the unique experience A&W is able to offer customers and how committed they are to providing the highest quality service. We are confident that we are bringing to Rock Hill an American favorite that everybody in the family can enjoy, said Ronald. We are excited to bring our iconic brand to South and North Carolina. A lot of people remember A&W when they were growing up. I remember memories of going there and having an A&W Root Beer Float, said Ronald. A&W struck my interest because A&W has been around for over a century and is recognized as the countrys oldest franchise. I thought, why not go with the pioneers? Ronald said. We believe the Carolinas have the capacity to house several more additional successful restaurants. We are excited about our new franchise partner and that we have been able to help him achieve his dream of opening multiple A&W restaurants, said John Palumbo, A&Ws Senior Director of Franchise Development. For over 100 years, the A&W brand has resonated with so many Americans across this great country and Rock Hill is no different. This is only the tip of the Root Beer Float for A&W in South Carolina! The new Rock Hill location is part of A&Ws plan to award 26 units to franchisees in 2023 and open 10 new locations. A&W is looking to target both new and existing markets including additional states like Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, but also North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Nevada. ABOUT A&W RESTAURANTS: Established in 1919 in Lodi, CA as a roadside stand, A&W Restaurants now stands as a thriving part of the American experience. With 500-plus locations across the country, including 300 standalone restaurants, the brand remains a one-of-a-kind true original. Even its signature A&W Root Beer, served in an iconic frosty mug, is handcrafted at the restaurant. Today, that traditional approach is resonating strongly with consumers, who are looking for authentic brands. For more information, visit https://franchising.awrestaurants.com Digital4Good previous winner for her student Project WOC (Women of Color) Our annual summit brings together thought-leaders who serve as mentors for teens working on projects in their communities, inspiring them to better themselves and those around them. Some can even pitch their ideas to Shark Tank mentors! A community of positive change-makers will come together at the fifth annual Digital4Good Summit on March 12 and 13 in Los Angeles (hybrid in person and livestream event) to showcase the benefits of using digital technology for good causes. The livestream event will feature 10 outstanding student innovators presenting their projects to mentors from various industries. Lilliana Ketchman (AKA Lilly K) from Dance Moms will serve as the emcee. Who: Digital4Good + teens nationwide What: Awarding teens for using social media 4 good and teaching anti-bullying methods Where: Famecast HQ, 1533 26th St, Santa Monica, CA 90404 When: March 12th: Digital4Good Growth- mentors and winners only 2-6 p.m. Concert + networking (open to schools coming in for event) 6-7:30 p.m. March 13th: Digital4Good Live- 9-2pm main push for livestream power 9:30-10:30 a.m. Why: Digital4Good is a nonprofit empowering students to improve their communities and is dedicated to promoting internet safety, responsible use and positive impact through social media. This years event will offer opportunities to network with top social media influencers and tech companies, including Riot Games, LinkedIn, Twitch, Google, Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Salesforce, SnapChat and more. Digita4Good partners every month with New York Yankees Captain Aaron Judge and his nonprofit called AllRise2Help Here is a video of him talking about the partnership. Digital4Good was founded by a middle school teacher, Kim Karr, to address the adverse effects of cyberbullying and promote the use of social media for good. The organization aims to deal with the high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among youth and the spread of hate on social media that affects students' behavior in and out of the classroom. It was born out of the #ICANHELP initiative against cyberbullying, with students serving as the first line of defense. With Internet Safety Day on Feb. 7, now is the perfect time to talk about the good that these agents of change are presently doing to make social media a positive part of our lives, said Karr. The digital landscape is here to stay, so finding great ways to use its powerful messaging abilities can lead to amazing results. The two-day summit celebrates teens using digital media and technology to solve problems and advance social, economic, environmental and educational causes. The event will feature a fast-paced mix of panels, performances and award presentations. Digital4Good winners are recognized by students like them and celebrated by the ever-growing #ICANHELP community, mainly comprised of student leaders and interns. The winners are paired with mentors in relevant industries who can help them grow and advance their causes. While the summit happens once a year, its positive impact extends year-round. Winners are paired with industry mentors who help them mature their organizations and support their continued growth. Each winner will share their mission with tens of thousands students, teachers and professionals worldwide. Our annual summit brings together thought-leaders who serve as mentors for teens working on projects in their communities, inspiring them to better themselves and those around them, added Karr. Some can even pitch their ideas to Shark Tank mentors! It's wonderful to come together to recognize digital leadership at these livestream events each year and celebrate remarkable achievements. Leading up to the summit, the nonprofit will hold several in-person and livestream events at schools in Southern California, showcasing students' social media projects, ranging from mental health support, helping disabled students, dating advice, how GenZ can safely socialize, preventing human trafficking and how to start a podcast. Digital4Good shines a spotlight on student innovation and leadership to show the world just what kids and teens can do with the right tools, education and encouragement. For more information and to host your own watch party, visit http://www.icanhelp.net/digital4good. ### About Digital4Good: Digital4Good is our way of celebrating how our students can positively impact their communities using digital technology. With this access to digital technology, our students can showcase their innovative ideas and leadership skills to the world while promoting what kids and teenagers can do with the right tools, education, and positive encouragement. Our Summit serves as a celebration of those amazing student innovators who continue to make a difference in their communities through technology and digital media to solve problems and advance the social, economic, environmental, and educational causes of our world today. Drivers in Waco, Texas, Can Get 10% Off on Vehicle Accessories at a Hyundai Dealership Drivers who want to upgrade their Hyundai vehicles or modify them with new accessories can check out the in-stock accessories at Greg May Hyundai, an automotive dealership in Waco, Texas. The dealership is offering a 10% discount on a range of genuine Hyundai accessories to all vehicle owners. Interested parties can download the coupon for the offer from the dealerships official website and present it at the time of purchase. However, this offer is applicable before various fees/taxes and can be used once per transaction. Drivers can take advantage of this special discount until Feb. 28, 2022. In addition to accessories, the dealership has an extensive inventory of genuine Hyundai parts. Moreover, the dealership has dedicated technicians for all kinds of parts installations. Customers who want to buy parts for their Hyundai cars can order them online on the dealerships website. All they need to do is fill out a simple form with their contact information, vehicle information and details about the required parts. While drivers can get genuine parts for their Hyundai models, they can also get their vehicles serviced at the dealership. Greg May Hyundai has a futuristic service department with a team of trained technicians to keep every Hyundai car in top-notch condition. Customers interested in getting their vehicles serviced can schedule a service appointment online from the comfort of their homes. Those who want to learn more about the services offered at Greg May Hyundai can contact their team of experts by dialing 254-278-2749. Individuals can also visit the dealership at 1501 West Loop 340 in Waco, Texas, for further information. Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against Target Corporation, 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 Target Corporation, alleging the company violated the California Labor Code. The lawsuit against Target Corporation is currently pending in the San Bernardino County Superior Court, Case No. CIVSB2223914. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here. According to the complaint filed, Target Corporation allegedly failed to pay employees for all the time they were under the employer's control. This, allegedly, includes the time Plaintiff and other California Class Members had to submit to mandatory COVID-19 questionnaires and temperature checks prior to clocking in for the day. To the extent that the time worked off-the-clock did not qualify for overtime premium payment, Defendant allegedly failed to pay minimum and overtime wages for the time worked off-the-clock. The complaint further alleges Target Corporation restricted employees from unconstrained walks in which employees could not leave work premises during their rest period. The applicable California Wage Order requires employers to provide employees with off-duty rest periods, which the California Supreme Court defined as time during which an employee is relieved from all work related duties and free from employer control. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Target Corporation, 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*** Organizers of Geo Week, the premier event that champions the coming together of geospatial technologies and the built world, are anticipating that more than 2,500 industry professionals will attend next weeks event. The event features a completely sold-out exhibit hall floor and will take place February 13-15, 2023, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Geospatial technology has changed how we interact with both the built and natural world, said Lee Corkhill, Group Event Director at Diversified Communications, organizer of the event. The people, technologies and organizations that are defining this digital future that spans coastlines, cities and entire countries have come together at Geo Week to explore how these solutions can be most effectively utilized to tackle complex projects, develop new workflows and solve real-world problems. Geo Week was created in response to the changing needs of geospatial and built world professionals, and to acknowledge the increasing convergence of technology. This single, encompassing event represents the intersection of tools, technologies, and people in collaboration with event partners, ASPRS (American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing), ISPRS (International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing), MAPPS, USIBD (U.S. Institute of Building Documentation), and WGIC (World Geospatial Industry Council). EVENT FEATURES Robust Conference Programming: The conference program showcases the increased integration between the built environment, advanced airborne/terrestrial technologies, and commercial 3D technologies. More than 200 speakers, including experts from Autodesk, Caltrans, Esri, Florida DoT, Hexagon, Skanska, USGS, WGIC and many other top organizations will share their expertise on a range of topics. 180+ Exhibitors: The 2023 Geo Week show floor will be brimming with more than 180 organizations showcasing best-in-class solutions, creating the opportunity for attendees to compare and qualify hundreds of products and services, engage with technical leads and current users, and find the right tools for their ever-changing needs. The sold-out exhibit floor will be comprised of companies representing the best in lidar, reality capture, 3D modeling, point cloud processing, and more. Keynotes: Geo Weeks opening keynote, taking place Monday, February 13, will answer a key question thats been on the industrys mind: How Ready is the AEC Industry for Digitalization? The keynote will feature panelists from the National Institute of Building Sciences, Dodge Data and Analytics, Hensel Phelps, Foth, Skanska USA Building, and Bentley Systems. On Tuesday, February 14, Esri Founder and President Jack Dangermond will review recent applications of GIS and remote sensing and discuss how these technologies can help address the complex challenges the world is facing. Add-on Workshops: Geo Week features 10 add-on workshops for attendees to get hand-on training to expand technical skillsets. Workshops are hosted by organizations including ASPRS, BAAM.tech, Esri, and Trimble Applanix. Event Highlights: Additional event features include an Academic Showcase, vendor-delivered Product Previews, a Welcome Happy Hour, Networking Reception, Pitch the Press competition, Geo Week Awards Ceremony, educational programming in the Exhibit Hall Theater and Laser Scanning Demonstrations of the Exhibit Hall. Supporting Partners: More than 140 associations and media have signed on as event supporters, recognizing Geo Week as the premier event for increased integration between the built environment, advanced airborne/terrestrial technologies, and commercial 3D technologies. Registration is still open. Secure your spot today. About Geo Week Geo Week is part of a network of events and media for the global geospatial and built markets organized by Diversified Communications, a leading organizer of conferences, trade shows, and online media with 16 years in the technology arena. Geo Week, taking place February 13-15, 2023, reflects the increased integration between the built environment, advanced airborne/terrestrial technologies, and commercial 3D technologies. Event partners include ASPRS (American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing) Annual Conference, ISPRS, MAPPS, USIBD (U.S. Institute of Building Documentation), and WGIC (World Geospatial Industry Council). Diversified Communications also produces Lidar & Geospatial Newsletter, 3D Technology Newsletter, AEC Innovations Newsletter, Geo Business Show (UK), Digital Construction Week (UK), Commercial UAV Expo and Commercial UAV News. For more information, visit http://www.geo-week.com. Questions? Lora Burns, lburns@divcom.com Geo Week Senior Marketing Manager The segment will feature how education is changing lives for todays high school students. Glen Oaks Community College will be featured on Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid, an award-winning, short documentary series. The segment will feature how education is changing lives for todays high school students. We are honored to be a part of this series, said Dr. David H. Devier, Glen Oaks president. I learned that we were selected for the show due to the success of our high school enrollment programs. We are at nearly 60 percent enrollment with high school students in St. Joseph County and in the region. This is a great opportunity to showcase our successes and achievements in this area, said Devier. Our dual-enrollment programs allow students to start their educational journey with us in the tenth grade and stay with us until they complete their degree or transfer to other institutions. Since the classes are paid for by the K-12 system, there is no cost to the students and many earn upwards of 60 credit hours as they attain their associate degrees during their time here. Viewpoint, hosted by actor Dennis Quaid, produces educational documentaries on subjects such as business, finance, technology, travel, agriculture, health and culture -- that are then shared with stations nationwide. The filming will be taking place most of the day on Wed., February 8, said Devier. We will be featured in a 3-to-5-minute video. In addition, we will also work on the production of a corporate profile video and an educational commercial video for distribution purposes. Our understanding is that the final edited versions will be rolled out in May, said Devier. Glen Oaks Community College is a quality provider of education programs serving the needs of residents and businesses of St. Joseph County and beyond. In the community since its formation in 1965, the campus sits on 320 acres of land in rural Centreville, Michigan. Since its beginning, Glen Oaks has conferred over 10,000 degrees to over 8,000 graduates. Todays students study in over 18 transfer and applied associate degree programs and another 20 certificate programs in areas ranging from business and healthcare to computers and agriculture. Glen Oaks is the only community college in the state of Michigan to offer an on-campus farming program and an Agricultural Equipment Technology degree program. The student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1 affords students personal attention and provides opportunities for them to accomplish their goals and grow and succeed in a supportive, and ethical academic environment. The combination of Global Genes and RARE-X provides individuals, families, and advocates with an integrated set of essential services to help them raise support and awareness, accelerate the development of treatments, and power those efforts with data," said Charlene Son Rigby, CEO of Global Genes. Aliso Viejo, CalifFEBRUARY 7 The rare disease patient advocacy organization Global Genes today announced it has completed its merger with the nonprofit data-sharing platform RARE-X and unveiled a three-pronged strategy for the combined organization that focuses on providing tools, connections, and opportunities to meet the needs of next-generation advocacy. The landscape of rare disease is changing, bringing new opportunities for members of the rare disease community, whether they are newly diagnosed, living with a rare disease, or involved in drug discovery and development, said Charlene Son Rigby, CEO of Global Genes. The combination of Global Genes and RARE-X provides individuals, families, and advocates with an integrated set of essential services to help them raise support and awareness, accelerate the development of treatments, and power those efforts with data. Son Rigby said going forward, Global Genes is organizing its work around three pillars: support for patients and developing communities, educational tools, and research enablement. RARE Concierge, Global Genes patient services arm, continues to be the first point of contact for many undiagnosed and newly diagnosed patients and families looking for answers, access to genetic counseling and testing, specialized care, clinical trials, resources, support, and connection. In 2022, there were over 1,400 inquiries to Rare Concierge Patient Services, which provided personalized information, resources, and support to patients and caregivers from 197 different disease groups in 44 states and 39 countries. In addition, the Global Advocacy Alliance will continue to provide support to patient advocacy groups seeking guidance on building sustainable communities, fundraising, expanding their reach, providing resources and support for patients and families, and learning about opportunities to advance clinical care and research for their disease. The Global Advocacy Alliance has over 450 rare disease member organizations across 31 countries. Global Genes has a rich history of providing education and information through its toolkits, events, webinars, podcasts, and videos. The organization continues to invest in these educational resources for the patient community. The RARE-X Data Collection Program anchors the organizations push to support research and development efforts. The program enables rare patient communities to collect robust, secure, patient-reported data that is patient-owned. Communities are leveraging RARE-Xs novel governance and technology infrastructure, which supports patients and advocacy groups in making that data widely available for research. Today, 57 rare disease communities represented by over 82 patient advocacy organizations are leveraging the RARE-X data collection and sharing platform. In addition, the newly published RARE Disease Research Roadmap provides a comprehensive resource to advocates who want to drive research and work effectively with researchers and industry partners. To help patients better address mental health issues, Global Genes is working to connect people with the most appropriate resources faster. The organization also recently announced a grant program for the Global Advocacy Alliance members to allow patient advocacy groups to develop mental health resources. To support diversity in research, Global Genes is launching two pilot programs with partners in the Kansas City and Alabama regions. These pilot programs are being developed with scale in mind. Meeting patients where they are and through rare disease education, patient identification, and support within diverse communities, the goal is to create access and trusted health networks for underserved patients and families. In addition, Global Genes will again be offering Health Equity grants to its Global Advocacy Alliance members to develop initiatives to improve outreach strategies and address challenges affecting underserved and underrepresented communities. And to help patient organizations improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, Global Genes is piloting a research readiness framework that will be available in 2023. This will help patient advocates catalyze early work and research to entice interest from and build an ecosystem with research partners, including biopharmaceutical companies. The organization also announced that it would bring together its RARE Health Equity Forum, RARE Advocacy Summit, and a RARE Partnering and Investor Forum into a week-long series of events in San Diego in September 2023. We appreciate the sacrifices advocates and organizations make to attend multiple meetings. By bookending the RARE Advocacy Summit with these two additional programs, we will create travel and time efficiencies and reduce the burden for attendees, said Son Rigby. Combining these events in a single time and place will create an unparalleled opportunity for support, education, and networking as we bring together people from across the rare disease ecosystem to drive progress. About Global Genes Global Genes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the burdens and challenges of rare diseases for patients and families globally. In pursuit of that mission, Global Genes connects, empowers, and inspires the rare disease community to stand up, stand out, and become more effective on their own behalf helping to spur innovation, meet essential needs, build capacity and knowledge, and drive progress within and across rare diseases. Global Genes serves more than 400 million people around the globe, and nearly one in 10 Americans affected by rare diseases. If you or someone you love has a rare disease or are searching for a diagnosis, contact Global Genes at 949-248-RARE or visit the Resource Hub. About RARE-X RARE-X is a program of Global Genes focused on supporting the acceleration and development of life-altering treatments and future cures for patients impacted by a rare disease. Enabled by best-in-class technology, patients, researchers, and other technology vendors, RARE-X gathers structured, fit-for-purpose data to share broadly, benefitting from 21st-century governance, consent, and federated data-sharing technology. Through RARE-X, Global Genes is building the largest collaborative patient-driven, open-data access project for rare diseases globally. For more information, visit http://www.rare-x.org. Our program is designed to empower school district leaders to successfully step into the role of superintendent, and we are excited to see where both Dr. Mullen and Dr. Mullikins innovative visions will lead their districts. - Doug Roberts, CEO and Founder, IEI The Institute for Education Innovation (IEI), a national school superintendent think tank that serves as the bridge between district leaders and the K-12 industry to develop solutions to the greatest challenges in public education, announces the appointment of two of its IEI:Lead Aspiring Superintendent Institute participants, Dr. Barbara Mullen and Dr. Joe Mullikin, to the prestigious role of school district superintendent. Dr. Barbara Mullen will serve as superintendent of the Rush-Henrietta School District in Henrietta, New York, and Dr. Joe Mullikin in the Meridian School District in Stillman Valley, Illinois. Dr. Mullen was most recently the assistant superintendent of the Cambridge Public School District in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and also previously served as the chief equity officer at Providence Public Schools. Dr. Mullikin has served as the principal of Highland Elementary School since 2017, and is an adjunct professor at Judson University. We are extremely proud of these two individuals and their distinguished new roles, said Doug Roberts, CEO and founder of IEI. Our program is designed to empower school district leaders to successfully step into the role of superintendent, and we are excited to see where both Dr. Mullen and Dr. Mullikins innovative visions will lead their districts. The IEI: Lead Aspiring Superintendent Institute is a unique program built around collaboration and active research, where participants gain a deeper understanding of their leadership style and strengths, developing the skills necessary to take on the challenge of superintendency by practicing with mock board interviews and role-playing real-life scenarios and simulations. They also discover actionable solutions they can tailor to their districts needs to ensure equitable learning opportunities and improve student outcomes. Aspiring Superintendent students have the option to get continuing education credits through IEIs partnership with Howard University. While attending an IEI:Lead event in Ithaca last summer, I was engaging in conversations with my fellow attendees on my passions and philosophies in education, and two participants connected me to the Rush-Henrietta School District. I did my research and fell in love with the community, said Dr. Mullen. I have this opportunity to support the students in Henrietta because Ive been blessed with an incredible network of mentors and sponsors. Im incredibly honored to be named and approved as the next superintendent of the Meridian School District Meridian is a special place and a wonderful community, said Dr. Mullikin. Im very fortunate to have been connected with many renowned organizations and mentors that have thoroughly prepared me for this role, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with a talented group of administrators, educators and families to lead this district and achieve more amazing things. Over the course of the 10-week IEI:Lead program, new and aspiring superintendents gather virtually once a week for two-hour sessions of interactive small group workshops led by prominent superintendents and thought leaders who share their own unique perspectives, insights, and guidance. Topics range from organizational and operational planning, to fostering relationships with board members and stakeholders, to HR and talent management systems. The 2023 cohort is open to all aspiring leaders, including non-IEI member districts. Classes begin November 2023, ending with an in-person culmination event at IEIs Winter Institute in San Juan, Puerto Rico in March 2024. To learn more or to apply, visit the IEI:Lead website or complete the application here. About the Institute for Education Innovation Superintendents are defenders of our childrens right to a high-quality public education, and lead their teams toward effective, sustainable solutions to age-old problems. They must be at the center of discussions around when, where, and how innovation will affect teaching and learning. Many education solution providers, funders, researchers, and thought leaders are mission-driven: they do what they do to improve student outcomes. The Institute for Education Innovation bridges gaps between the individuals and organizations committed to seeing students succeed in school and life, creating a safe space for constructive problem-solving and innovative thinking. http://www.instituteforedinnovation.com. In Ecclesia Communities: Key to a Godly Social Order, by Lou and Greg Poumakis, readers are provided with a doctrine of the Biblical Christian faith. This book explores the Word of God and the true meaning behind Jesus and the Apostles use of the term ecclesia, and how it shaped the early ecclesia communities. The authors provide that, shortly after the Bible was first translated to English, the institutional church and governments defined ecclesia to be the institutions of the then current day by using the word church for ecclesia. This changed the meaning from the people to the institutions authoritarian institutions rather than a community. Since then, many have declared that ecclesia does not mean church, Poumakis said, but they have failed to explore the deeper ramifications or articulate that it was a specific intended misuse to manipulate and control the body of Christ. This book differentiates between the true teachings and false traditions of the term ecclesia. According to the authors, these traditions concern three main topics: who individual believers really are in Christ, what defines the structure of a local ecclesia community, and the full mission of the ecclesia communities. There is currently a large movement in the country, the house or home churches, where Christians are rejecting the institutional church and embracing the early church communities by gathering outside of institutional churches. I believe that this book will help those readers come to the realization that they have taken the correct step in their faith, Poumakis said. Ecclesia Communities: Key to a Godly Social Order By Lou and Greg Poumakis ISBN: 9781665557672 (softcover); 9781665557658 (hardcover); 9781665557665 (electronic) Available at AuthorHouse, Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the author Lou Poumakis is a retired electrical engineer. He has been a student of the Bible since his conversion in 1974, he then became ordained as an elder in the Christian Reformed Church and later as a minister in the Federation of Reformed Churches. Greg Poumakis, Lous son, attended Pensacola Christian College and later graduated from Dordt College. He came to the faith in 1970. Lou published a book prior called, Faith On Earth. This new book is a collaboration of Lou and Greg. Lou currently resides in Boynton Beach, Fla. and Greg in Manchester, N.H. To learn more, please visit http://www.ecclesiacommunities.life. ### General Inquiries: LAVIDGE Phoenix Ashley Baccaro 480-648-7557 abaccaro@lavidge.com Products and Demonstrations: Anterix, Booth #1401: MultiTech is proud to be included for a second year at DISTRIBUTECH on the Anterix Active Gateway Display. MultiTechs FCC approved and commercially available LTE Cat 4 MultiConnect Cell 100 series serial/USB cellular modem and the LTE Cat-M MultiTech Dragonfly embedded modem, will be on display. The 4G-LTE Cat 4, Cat 1 and Cat M1 data performance Dragonfly IoT cellular embedded modems are fully certified, and MNO approved, ready-to-integrate for OEMs planning to add Hybrid 4G-Private & Public LTE cellular communications to their Utility grade connected products and services. The MultiConnect Cell 100 series serial/USB cellular modem is a compact communications platform that provides cellular capabilities for fixed and mobile applications enabling grid resiliency, modernization and energy sustainability. CTIA IoT Network Certified, Booth #4509: Display will include MultiTechs LTE Cat-M Dragonfly embedded modem; LTE Cat 1 MultiConnect microCell USB Modem; LTE Cat 4 MultiConnect Cell 100 series modem; and LTE Cat 4 MultiConnect rCell 100 series industrial router. These cost efficient and time saving IoT network certified devices accelerate the process of bringing connected products and services to market. The SocketModem Cell cellular embedded modem is a complete, ready-to-integrate communications device that offers 4G-LTE Cat 4, Cat 1 and Cat M1 data performance. These quick-to-market communications devices allow OEMs to add broadband cellular wireless communication to Renewable Energy and Grid Management assets with a minimum of development time and expense Nokia, Booth #2236: Display highlights a complete, live, converged, private LTE network solution featuring Cat M (first time at DISTRIBUTECH) that supports AMI directly to the meter (as part of the new AMI 2.0), using MultiTechs MultiConnect rCell 100 series LTE Cat M router supporting additional use cases, such as Distribution Automation. The mission-critical private LTE network features the use of 900MHz (Anterix), and 3.5 GHz (CBRS) spectrum bands. The MultiConnect rCell 100 series of industrial cellular routers, optimized for secure mission-critical Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) applications, offering an Ethernet and a serial network interface ideal for connecting Distributed Energy Resources, EV Chargers, Distribution Automation assets and Grid solutions. Telit, Booth #5233: Display will showcase FCC approved Anterix pLTE 900MHz capable LTE Cat 1 SocketModem Cell and LTE Cat-M Dragonfly embedded modems; LTE Cat 1 MultiConnect microCell USB Modem; and LTE Cat 4 MultiConnect Cell serial modems integrating Telit Anterix capable modules that support all major North American LTE bands (including 900MHz). The MultiConnect microCell USB modem is a compact and simple communications platform that provides broadband cellular capabilities for Load Management, EV Charger, Distribution Automation and worker productivity applications. UBBA, Booth #5633: MultiTech is committed to the transformation of mission-critical broadband wireless connectivity, within the Utility market, and proud to be founding members of the Utility Broadband Alliance. Learn more about how Utilities are connecting smart grid and energy distribution using Private LTE wireless connectivity and see MultiTech, Anterix and CBRS devices in the UBBA Plugfest use case demo. WHEN: Show Dates: Feb. 7-9, 2023 WHERE: DISTRIBUTECH International Conference & Expo, San Diego Convention Center About MultiTech Multi-Tech Systems has been expanding the connected world by delivering industry-leading communications technology platforms for over 50 years. Offering an extensive line of fully certified and carrier-approved external and embedded modems, routers, and gateways, MultiTech works with thousands of customers worldwide to easily enable cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa, GPS, and other M2M communication capabilities for their IoT applications. For more information, please visit https://www.multitech.com. NEDHSA's Underage Drinking Prevention Team helps restaurants, bars serve responsibly "This win, win relationship will not only help us improve regional population health, but it will also help us expand responsible economic development and growth. We need both." Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA) is hosting a Responsible Beverage Safety Training to promote underage drinking prevention, an initiative from the agency's Department of Prevention and Wellness. The training is set for today, Tuesday, February 7, at 9:30 a.m. at Tower Place, located at N. 19th Street in Monroe. This responsible beverage server training class can help lower alcohol-related injuries and fatalities and lower the number of underage patrons served by vendors. NEDHSA will professionally educate attendees on how to serve alcohol safely, understand the Louisiana alcohol laws, and avoid serving underage patrons. NEDHSA Executive Director Dr. Monteic A. Sizer said, The agency is partnering with business owners to create a unified front around responsible drinking and social activities." "We are allowing bar owners to get on the right side of this issue," Dr. Sizer said. "This win, win relationship will not only help us improve regional population health, but it will also help us expand responsible economic development and growth. We need both." This work continues NEDHSA's commitment to the Opportunity Zone Coalition, which addresses high-risk behaviors in communities and strives to reduce underage drinking in both Ouachita and Franklin parishes. Its purpose is to build community coalitions and utilize data to identify needs and interventions through information dissemination and providing alternative activities for the youth. The Opportunity Zone began from citizen needs expressed during our faith-based mental health summits and data from the agencys Caring Communities Youth Surveys. Dr. Sizer said, Community challenges would not be mitigated by wishful thinking, rhetoric, or without the people experiencing the problems being involved." "Community problems are symptomatic of individual and larger societal challenges. We must address community challenges holistically," Dr. Sizer said. "People in communities need access to treatment, prevention services, jobs, improved nutritional options, affordable housing, better educational opportunities, healthy relationships, and houses of faith." With the release of her second book, author Kristina Elliot wants to help children understand their own special talents in her newest book, You Are a Gift from the StarsBorn to Light up the World. In her book, Elliot discusses how some children are gifted in different ways. They may be exceptionally bright, but misunderstood, leading to them being labeled as unusual or odd. These children are what Elliot refers to as starseeds. I want to educate both children and parents about the far-reaching, yet little known starseed phenomenon, Elliot said. It could explain why so many of todays children may be wise beyond their years, yet lonely; highly gifted, but misunderstood. You Are a Gift from the StarsBorn to Light up the World explains that starseeds are humans who have lived other lives in distant star systems. Elliot believes that the soul connection to a previous life could be why starseeds on earth may feel a little weird, as it could be their first life on Earth. This book is a direct result of my own spiritual awakening, Elliot said. It has since resulted in a deeper understanding of our galactic connections, and how they have shaped human history. I want to help starseeds understand themselves so they can lead us out of darkness, into the brightest future we could ever imagine. Elliot wants to encourage starseeds to celebrate their uniqueness, and understand that, though they may feel lost, the universe is cheering them on. You Are a Gift from the StarsBorn to Light up the World By Kristina Elliot ISBN: 9798765235874 (softcover); 9798765235898 (electronic) Available at Balboa Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the author Kristina Elliot enjoyed a 30-year career as an advertising copywriter at several prestigious New York ad agencies before following her passion to write and illustrate childrens books. She has previously published another childrens book, We All Have a Superpower. She lives in Oradell, N.J. with her family. To learn more, please visit http://www.giftfromthestars.com. General Inquiries: LAVIDGE Phoenix Ashley Fletcher afletcher@lavidge.com This partnership will undoubtedly bring significant benefits to homeowners across Atlanta. Phantom Screens, an award-winning manufacturer of high-quality retractable screens, is proud to announce its newest strategic partnership with Atlanta-based Aaron Overhead Doors, a leader in garage door installation, products, and repairs. Doing business under Phantom Screens Atlanta, they have become an authorized distributor for North Georgia. The company is confident that Phantom Screens Atlanta will provide its customers with the same outstanding quality, exceptional customer service, and the best warranties in the industry that they have come to count on from Phantom Screens since 1992. This new partnership expands Phantom Screens' product offering and ability to service markets across North America. It adds the expertise and best practices from a leading garage door company. It strengthens Phantom Screens position as a leader in the retractable screens industry and makes a great addition to the over one hundred and thirty partnerships across North America. Aaron Overhead Doors is the leading turn-key garage door company and the No. 1 choice for the finest quality products and superior service in Georgia. The award-winning, family-owned and operated company specializes in custom residential and commercial garage doors and repair services. Founded in 1968 on the mandate of exceeding customers' expectations every time, Aaron Overhead Doors operates in Buford and Milton, Georgia. As the founder and CEO of Aaron Overhead Doors and Phantom Screens Atlanta, Ryan Lucia says he is thrilled to partner with Phantom Screens and is excited to welcome clients to its Phantom Screens Atlanta store. Phantom Screens revolutionary products and innovative spirit aligns well with Aaron Overhead Doors' long history of offering customers consistently exceptional quality, innovation, and customer service, says Ryan Lucia. This partnership will undoubtedly bring significant benefits to homeowners across Atlanta. About Phantom Screens: In 1992, Dutch immigrant Syb Rypma developed an innovative idea for screens. He soon formed a partnership with Abbotsfords Rooke family, and together they rented space in a garage. Phantom Screens was born. Today, the award-winning company is recognized across North America for making homes better with market-leading retractable screen solutions for doors, windows, multi-panel systems, and outdoor spaces. For more than 30 years, the company has placed a high value on its employees as part of a long-standing commitment to product excellence and customer satisfaction. For more information, visit http://www.phantomscreens.com. Right at Home, the 650-plus location in-home care concept helping seniors and adults with disabilities live comfortably at home, grew in 2022 as it continued its mission to improve the quality of life for those it serves. Right at Home employs professionally trained caregivers to provide care and assistance to seniors and adults with disabilities who wish to remain in the comfort and safety of their own home or current living arrangement. During the year, the brand opened 25 new locations, had 18 signings, and entered 8 new markets, including Grand Rapids, MI, Waterford, OH, Peoria, IL, Augusta, ME, Portland, ME, The Hills, SD, Cedar Falls, IA, and Lakeland, FL. We are improving the quality of life for those we serve in ways other brands just cant and that has put us at the top, said Jennifer Chaney, vice president of franchise development at Right at Home. 2022 was a great year for us, and we are proud of all the work our franchisees have done to serve their communities this year. As the baby boomer generation reaches its senior years, Right at Home is seeing an increased demand for quality in-home care services across the country. During 2020 and 2021, the brand not only survived the height of the pandemic but came out of it stronger than ever, exceeding growth goals by 40%. In 2022, Right at Home picked up even more momentum as it continued to bring its best-in-class in-home care services to families in new markets across the country. And that momentum is getting noticed. In 2022 alone, Right at Home was recognized as a Franchise Business Review (FBR) Top 200 Franchise, Most Innovative Franchise, Most Profitable Franchise, Top Recession-Proof Franchise, and Top Franchise for Veterans. Additionally, Right at Home was inducted into the FBR Hall of Fame. According to FBR, only franchisors that have demonstrated long-term dedication to franchisee satisfaction and an outstanding franchise opportunity for over ten years earn membership into the FBR Hall of Fame. To be recognized for having consistently high franchisee satisfaction ratings, as well as strong financial performance, is every franchisors dream come true, Chaney told FBR. This is a testament to Right at Homes dedication to supporting our franchisees in every aspect of the business, but most importantly, our dedication to supporting every franchise owners path to profitability while ensuring they love what they do. In addition, Right at Home was ranked in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list and has appeared on the list many times in the past several decades. Entrepreneurs annual list examines trends in the franchising industry. The 44th annual Franchise 500 highlights the unprecedented challenges faced over the last two years and the resilience of the franchising industry. Brands are recognized for their outstanding performance in areas including financial strength and stability, unit growth, and brand power. Entrepreneur also recognized Right at Home as a Fastest-Growing Franchise, a Top Global Franchise, a Top Franchise for Veterans, and a Top Franchise for Less Than $100,000. Those selected to be on the coveted list were evaluated for factors such as costs and fees, franchisee support, size and growth, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Looking ahead, Right at Home plans to add 24 new territories in 2023. Already, in the first month of 2023 alone, the franchise had six signings. Three of them are from existing owners excited about the future of the brand and three by brand new owners in the states of AZ, CT, and FL. When someone is looking for care options for an elderly family member, they are going to trust the names theyve already heard of, explained Chaney. And were still expanding our footprint to get in front of people who may not know what Right at Home is yet. We still have a lot of territories to cover and more people left to reach. ABOUT RIGHT AT HOME: Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home care to seniors and adults with disabilities who want to live independently. Most Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated and directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff. Each caregiver is thoroughly screened, trained, and bonded/insured before entering a clients home. Right at Homes global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 650 franchise locations in the U.S. and eight other countries. For more information on Right at Home, visit http://www.rightathome.net or read the Right at Home blog at http://www.rightathome.net/blog. "[The scholars'] wide-ranging expertise in foreign affairs and international security will help keep the public informed on the important global issues that impact their lives and communities." - Allyn Summa, EGF executive director The Eurasia Group Foundation (EGF) announced the five foreign policy thinkers who have joined its nonresident fellow program for the 2023 year. The nonresident fellows will conduct original research and analysis on a breadth of issues for EGFs Independent America project, which examines the possibilities for and advantages of a more pragmatic foreign policy. We are thrilled to work with such an accomplished group of professionals, commented Allyn Summa, EGFs executive director. Their wide-ranging expertise in foreign affairs and international security will help keep the public informed on the important global issues that impact their lives and communities, from sanctions and civil-military relations to US foreign policy in Asia and Iran, and everything in between. Senior fellow Mark Hannah, who leads the Independent America program, added, We feel fortunate to have been able to attract such a talented group of scholars. Together, our work will inform and elucidate some of the biggest foreign policy issues currently under debate. The five nonresident fellows named to the program are: Dr. J Andres Gannon is a Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and an incoming Assistant Professor of Political Science at Vanderbilt University, where he will also be a Faculty Affiliate at the Data Science Institute. His research focuses on deterrence, military capabilities, and the origins of military power, with a focus on Asia. Previously, Dr. Gannon was an International Security Program Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, a Hans J. Morgenthau Research Fellow at the Notre Dame International Security Center, and a PhD Eisenhower Defence Fellow at the NATO Defence College. Dr. So Jin Lee is a Grand Strategy, Security, and Statecraft Postdoctoral Fellow jointly appointed at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her research examines how international security, foreign policy, and political psychology impact regional dynamics in East Asia. Dr. Lee also writes on economic statecraftnamely, positive inducements and sanctionsas well as nuclear proliferation, international conflict, and civil-military relations. Dr. Max Margulies is currently an Assistant Professor and the Director of Research at the Modern War Institute at West Point. His research on military personnel policy and effectiveness has been published in Security Studies and the Journal of Strategic Security. Dr. Margulies also writes extensively on civil-military relations, strategy, and conflict. His commentary has been published in outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, War on the Rocks, and The Conversation. (The views expressed by Dr. Margulies are his and do not reflect the official policy or position of the US Military Academy, the US Army, or the US Government.) Dr. Assal Rad is the former Research Director of the National Iranian American Council. Dr. Rad has written for such publications as Newsweek, Foreign Policy, and The National Interest and is the author of State of Resistance: Politics, Culture, and Identity in Modern Iran (Cambridge University Press, 2022). She has also appeared as a contributor on BBC World, Al Jazeera, CNN, and NPR. Dr. Geoffrey Swenson is a Senior Lecturer in International Politics at City, University of London. He is also an External Affiliate of the Ostrom Workshop at the University of Indiana, a trustee of the British International Studies Association, and a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Dr. Swensons research focuses on post-conflict reconstruction, democracy and the rule of law, legal pluralism, international relations theory, and foreign aid. He has written extensively on Americas war in Afghanistan. He is the author of Contending Orders: Legal Pluralism and the Rule of Law (Oxford University Press, 2022) and has been published in the Los Angeles Times, Political Violence at a Glance, the Washington Post, and The Diplomat. Zuri Linetsky, a research fellow at the Independent America project, who directs the nonresident fellow program, also welcomed the nonresident fellows: EGF had a terrific inaugural group of nonresident fellows last year, and we look forward to working with and learning from this cohort. Not only are they brilliant scholars, but their unique perspectives and dedication to challenging preconceived foreign policy notions will be indispensable as we examine Americas role in the world today. *** EGF is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to helping people make meaning out of the impact geopolitics has on their lives by empowering them to get involved in the issues that matter to them most. EGF takes complex issues and ensures they are accessible to everyone through traditional and nontraditional media, including events and meetings, papers and presentations, videos, infographics, podcasts, and the full array of social media. The Hispanic Wealth Project Angel Community will help close the wealth gap in America by providing investment opportunities to the growing number of entrepreneurial-minded Latinos, said Sara Rodriguez, Hispanic Wealth Project Chairperson. The Hispanic Wealth Project (HWP) and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) today announced the launch of The Hispanic Wealth Project Angel Community aimed at providing capital for start-up ventures in PropTech and FinTech. According to Bain & Co., less than 1 percent of venture capital and private equity investor funding goes to Latino-owned businesses. Access to capital is critical to helping companies achieve scale. The HWP Angel Community will support Latino-led start-ups and provide investment opportunities for its members who are qualified investors that predominantly come from the Hispanic business community. The HWP is able to leverage NAHREPs capacity to catalyze start-ups with its extensive network of real estate professionals and its connections to the highest levels of the real estate and mortgage industries, said Gary Acosta, NAHREP Co-Founder & CEO, and General Partner of LATTITUDE Ventures. Selected companies will be invited to participate in a live pitch for a chance to secure funding from HWP Angel Community members. Companies must be submitted by established investors, VC funds, or other Angel communities. Founders or co-founders are not eligible to submit their own companies for consideration. The Hispanic Wealth Project Angel Community will help close the wealth gap in America by providing investment opportunities to the growing number of entrepreneurial-minded Latinos, said Sara Rodriguez, Hispanic Wealth Project Chairperson. HWP was built on the premise that all of America benefits from the economic well-being of the Hispanic community. HWP programs expand opportunities in diversified wealth building, small business sustainability, and wealth through real estate. Applications for pitch opportunities are available at https://hispanicwealthproject.org/angels/pitch-application. Qualified investors can apply to become a member of the HWP Angel Community at https://hispanicwealthproject.org/angels. About The Hispanic Wealth Project (HWP) The Hispanic Wealth Project is a non-profit 501c3 whose mission is to empower the Hispanic community in America through education and programmatic efforts around diversified wealth building, small business sustainability, and wealth creation through real estate. About NAHREP The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), a nonprofit 501(c)6 trade association, is dedicated to advancing sustainable homeownership for the Hispanic community in America. NAHREP has a network of over 40,000 real estate professionals and 100 local chapters nationwide, hosting several national events per year and publishing multiple industry cornerstone reports annually. Join us in advocating for policies that grow sustainable Latino homeownership, read our 2021 policy priorities here. Also, see the NAHREP Hispanic Homeownership by Congressional District Tool which measures Hispanic homeownership by U.S. congressional district, allowing constituents, advocates, policymakers, and lending and housing professionals to evaluate district performance at a glance. Watch the Hispanic Homeownership Short Film! Press Contact: press.inquiries@hwpfoundation.org The Hispanic Wealth Project is a non-profit 501c3 whose mission is to empower the Hispanic community in America through education and programmatic efforts around diversified wealth building, small business sustainability, and wealth creation through real estate. Where work takes place impacts so much, including where people choose to live. If its easier for someone who works in tech to live in Charleston instead of San Francisco, we want them to be able to make that decision based on key data," said Rob Sadow, CEO and Co-Founder of Scoop. Today, Scoop, the company enabling employees to effortlessly plan great in-office days, officially launches the Flex Index and the accompanying inaugural Flex Report. The Flex Index finds that three Southern cities are listed among the top 10 most flexible metros: Austin, Texas, Charleston, S.C., and Durham, N.C. While the West Coast has long been regarded as the place to be for tech with big players and startups setting up shop in a number of cities regarded as tech hubs, in more recent years that energy has expanded into key cities in the South. And as the tech industry fully commits to flexible work with 80 percent of companies identifying as Fully Flexible, it aligns that Austin, Charleston, and Durham are also cities where tech is a dominant industry. Works future and success depend largely on flexibility the single most important ingredient in todays workplace culture and tomorrows best teams, said Rob Sadow, CEO and Co-Founder of Scoop. Where work takes place impacts so much, including where people choose to live. If its easier for someone who works in tech to live in Charleston instead of San Francisco, we want them to be able to make that decision based on key data. The Flex Index aims to become the single source of truth for workplace models, policies, and patterns. As company approaches to flexibility evolve, insights from the Flex Index will be instrumental in informing where and how people choose to work. The Flex Index provides never-before-collected insights from over 4,000 companies and 25,000 office locations that collectively employ more than 100 million people. With insight into company-by-company trends across numerous axes including location, size, industry, and more employees, prospective hires, recruiters, researchers, and journalists will now for the first time be able to discover companies' workplace flexibility policies in a single, comprehensive place. Flex Index Key Findings by Region Oregon & Portland for the win: Oregon is the winner at 66 percent of companies offering full flexibility and Portland takes the top spot in flexibility (68 percent). At the same time, California saw two cities make the top ten: San Jose (58 percent) and San Francisco (57 percent). Some metros in the same state dont see eye to eye: Some metros within the same state show up on both lists. Charleston, SC, and Durham, NC are two of the top 10 most flexible, while Greenville, SC, and Greensboro, NC are both on the least flexible list. Top 10 Most Flexible Metros Portland, OR: 68 percent fully flexible Boulder, CO: 67 percent Austin, TX: 62 percent Seattle, WA: 60 percent Denver, CO: 59 percent San Jose, CA: 58 percent San Francisco, CA: 57 percent Charleston, SC: 56 percent Boston, MA: 54 percent Durham, NC: 53 percent 10 Least Flexible Metros Memphis, TN: 71 percent fully on site New Orleans, LA: 60 percent Riverside, CA: 58 percent San Antonio, TX: 56 percent Oklahoma City, OK: 54 percent Jacksonville, FL: 53 percent Greenville, SC: 53 percent Virginia Beach, VA: 52 percent Greensboro, NC: 52 percent Ogden, UT: 52 percent The shift to hybrid and remote work is part of a broader rethinking of the value of commercial office space by basing success on output instead of an in-office presence, said Arpit Gupta, Associate Professor of Finance at the NYU Stern School of Business. Having deep insight on trends based on accessible, reliable, and timely data will help us navigate the possible economic impact of sustained rising rates on real estate value. The dynamic database allows for updates and additions to existing company listings to reflect the rapid changes and particularities of how a company or office implements its policies. You can contribute to the breadth and quality of the Flex Index by adding your company information here. For more, please contact Scoop_key@thekeypr.com. Methodology: The Flex Index collects firmographic and office requirements information on nearly 4,000 companies. These companies collectively have more than 25,000 office locations and employ more than 100 million people. Company office requirements are generated through a combination of online survey and manual entry of publicly available information. All surveys must be submitted by an employee of the company with an accompanying work email address to verify their employment. All surveys contributing to this Flex Report were conducted between October 2022 and January 2023. Once a company is incorporated into the Flex Index, company representatives are contacted to inform them of their inclusion. Companies can add or update their information on the Flex Index at any time. Company office requirements reflect the most common office requirements for corporate employees. Companies can add detail to their company page to reflect job functions, roles, or geographies where there are different office requirements from the corporate policy. This includes opportunities for fully remote work, roles that are required to be fully on-site, or other hybrid work arrangements. Our partner People Data Labs provides the data on top employment locations for each company on the Flex Index. This data is used to inform state and metro flexibility analysis. ### About Scoop Scoop is the fastest way to plan your next great office day. With Scoop, employees get more out of going in, with easily scheduled in-office days and invites. For HR and workplace leaders, Scoop provides insights on work location trends, office usage, and additional workplace solutions to get the most out of hybrid work. Headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., Scoop is a privately-held company with the backing of prominent investors including Haystack Ventures, Audacious Ventures, G2 Venture Partners, Activate Capital, BNP Paribas, and select angel investors. Are Christians Killing Christianity: a thought-provoking discussion of pitfalls that can halt spiritual growth and well-being. Are Christians Killing Christianity is the creation of published author Travis Hagewood, a dedicated husband, a proud father, an autoworker at the Ford plant in Claycomo, Missouri, and a realtor in the Kansas City Metro area. Hagewood shares, This book was written with the intention of opening the eyes of todays Christians and teaching them to be more Christlike. In the past twenty years, there has been a huge decline in those who profess to be Christian, and this book lays out five of the top reasons why. I did not go into great detail on every one of these issues but more to open the eyes of Christians and make them aware of the problems. In future books, I will dive deep into these issues, starting with judgmentalism. Each one of these issues could make for books of its own and much longer than this introduction. We have pushed so many away from Christ because we thought it was our job to judge them. However, that isnt even close to what Jesus taught or how he acted. Our job is simply to be the light that brings others closer to Jesus, to fulfill the great commission. So many see us as prudish judgmental hypocrites, and far too often, they are right. We need to bring things back to the basics and do our best not to beat people over the head with our bibles. Its great that we know all of these verses, and theres a verse for everything, but let them come to us, and then we can openly share our testimony with them. For nobody has ever been shamed into a life change, but millions have been loved into them. We all have our roles to play. God is the creator, Jesus is the judge, the Holy Spirit repairs the souls, and we are to be the light that brings others to the Lord. My prayer is that after reading this book, Christians will learn to take a long look in the mirror and make corrections where necessary so that they can be the loving and caring Christians Christ intended them to be. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Travis Hagewoods new book is an eye-opening argument against becoming stagnant in ones faith. Hagewood shares in hopes of encouraging readers to return to a loving approach of sharing the good news of Christ so others may also find comfort and guidance through His teachings. Consumers can purchase Are Christians Killing Christianity at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Are Christians Killing Christianity, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Trident Systems will exhibit at AFCEA West 2023, from February 14th to February 16th, at the San Diego Convention Center. Trident will feature the Mini-Secure Communications Controller (Mini-SCC) tactical voice bridge which enables disparate radio systems (i.e., tactical, first responder, cellular) to communicate instantly, regardless of radio type, frequency, or COMSEC. Ideal for Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and First Responder operations, the Mini-SCC establishes rapid and reliable communications interoperability in a handheld MIL-STD form factor. Tactical communications interoperability is still stuck in the last century. Why? Most senior commanders communicate almost exclusively via computers not tactical radios. They mistakenly believe comms interoperability with tactical partners is a bygone issue. Compounding this problem, there are some less than adequate tactical voice bridges (TVBs) currently fielded. Thus, the program requirement personnel (G8) believe that tactical units have what they require. Frankly, many TVBs arent adequate for todays comms interoperability needs, but they check the box for program requirements established by high level support staffs not Soldiers in the field. Whereas the MINI-SCC is a tactical voice bridge that bridges multiple systems, can jump or extend networks by leveraging bridged systems, and is incredibly easy to employ. This system should be standard kit for tactical US units especially those in the Indo-PACOM AOR, said Former Commander of US Army Africa, MG and 30-year Veteran, Joseph Harrington. Trident will also be featuring its Versatile Integrated Sensors for Towed Arrays (VISTA), the latest product in Tridents Tactical Prognostics and Health Monitoring (TPHM) portfolio. A self-contained module with a year-long duration, VISTA captures the critical environmental impacts on thin-line towed arrays to inform future testing, requirements, and manufacturing standards while enabling CBM. Tridents TPHM solutions provide condition-based maintenance (CBM), predictive maintenance, and autonomous technologies to improve readiness and maintenance efforts. About Trident Trident Systems is a veteran-owned small business that delivers innovative and affordable technology solutions for critical government and commercial needs. Founded in 1985, Trident continues to harness technology and provide leading-edge solutions to every Military Service, the Intelligence Community, and a broad spectrum of government and industry partners. Trident develops products in two primary focus areas: Integrated C4I Systems and Space Electronic Systems. Trident also provides an array of systems engineering and collaboration services including a full range of design / build services for state-of-the-art facilities including supporting of the Integrated Air Defense System in the National Capital Region. Trident has offices in Fairfax, Virginia (HQ) and Concord, New Hampshire. For more information, visit https://www.tridsys.com/. Were extremely grateful for SAFE Credit Union to have the foresight to support programs like ours to ensure a stronger economy in the future." -- Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange CEO Tim Murphy SAFE Credit Union awarded the Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) a $5,000 grant to sponsor a schools participation in its Design Build Competition. The grant was awarded through the credit unions Community Sustainability Grant Program, which provides funds to Sacramento region nonprofits with programs that support education, healthcare, and veterans. To engage the community and our members in our corporate giving initiatives, SAFE invited the community in December to determine the two grant recipients offering education programs that address inequities. Voters chose CIEF to receive one of the $5,000 grants. Were extremely grateful for SAFE Credit Union to have the foresight to support programs like ours to ensure a stronger economy in the future, says Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange CEO Tim Murphy. CIEF is affiliated with the Sacramento Builders Exchange and offers in-person programs, scholarships and mentorships to high school students and young adults to provide hands-on experiences that introduce them to careers in the trades. CIEF introduces students to potential careers and provide new employees for the building industry. The industry is in desperate need of more workers, says CIEF Grant Writer Jeff DiScala. Its really important that the industry step up to fill that void and that is what we do with our programs. One of those programs is the Design Build Competition, in which students learn to design and build 96-square-foot structures. It culminates in a two-day event where teams construct their buildings and are judged by industry professionals. SAFEs grant will fund a schools participation in the program. The grant to CIEF was one of eight totaling $95,000 awarded to nonprofits from SAFE in 2022. CIEF does amazing work in opening career doors for young people and filling a critical need in our region, says SAFE Credit Union Community Impact Manager Amanda Merz. I particularly like that they provide hands-on experiences at our schools. It makes all the difference for a young person to actually use a drill, draw building plans, and even build an entire structure to gain confidence and dream of a brighter future. About SAFE SAFE Credit Union has made members an integral part of its vision since 1940. Putting members first has seen SAFE grow into a leading financial institution in Northern California with $4.5 billion in assets and about 247,000 members. Insured by NCUA. http://www.safecu.org Adam Niad, State Marketing Manager, WIN Adam Niad, who brings with him 25 years of experience in the Pennsylvania market, is familiar with the competitive landscape in the state and is skilled in both standard and non-standard auto insurance Warrior Insurance Network (WIN) and its member companies continue to grow as an organization. To help ensure WIN continues to deliver a superior level of service we rely on our team of State Marketing Managers. Dave Alessi, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, WIN shared, WINs team of State Marketing Managers each possess extensive insurance industry experience and sales knowledge to assist our valued producer force, and ultimately our insureds. Adam Niad, who brings with him 25 years of insurance industry experience in the Pennsylvania (PA) market, is our new State Marketing Manager for the region. Adam is familiar with the competitive landscape in Pennsylvania (among other states) and is skilled in both standard and non-standard auto insurance. WINs member insurance company, First Chicago Insurance Company (FCIC) currently offers its Maverick Personal Auto Insurance Product in the PA market. FCICs Personal Auto Insurance Product currently features: Customer discounts up to 30% State minimum limits 15/30 up to 100/300 First Party benefits offered. FCIC accepts NON-licensed, State ID, Matricula, TVDL, Foreign Drivers License, DUI, and more. Flat rate TNC Rideshare endorsement ideal for Uber & Lyft drivers. Flat rate Individual Delivery endorsement perfect for UberEats, DoorDash, GrubHub, AmazonFlex, Shipt, InstaCart drivers and more Commercial lines (Taxi/Livery, Paratransit/NEMT) is open for business and appointing producers in PA and New Jersey (NJ only offers Public and Specialty Transportation Commercial Auto Insurance Program). Timely claims services provided for all drivers. Alessi continued, WINs member insurance companies offer our valued producer partners a competitive commission structure, 15% new and 12% renewal. Additionally, we offer new producers the opportunity to participate in our QuickStart Program. During the first three (3) months as a new WIN producer, new personal auto policies written will receive an introductory commission level of 18% for all new policies written. After the first three months, the commission level will be 15% new and 12% renewal. On a quarterly basis, WIN and its member insurance companies offer producers the opportunity to earn extra money through incentive programs. WIN and its member companies are currently looking to expand its network of producer partners in the PA market and neighboring states. Interested licensed independent insurance agents are encouraged to contact Adam Niad via email ANiad@WarriorInsuranceNetwork.com or by phone at 708-552-2440. About First Chicago Insurance Company First Chicago Insurance Company (FCIC) is a member of the Warrior Insurance Network (WIN). FCIC, whose roots trace back to 1920, has evolved into a multi-line insurance carrier, now offering Personal & Commercial Auto and General Liability insurance in response to the needs of the companys independent producers and customer base. In personal lines, FCIC has further responded to the changing exposures and needs of their independent producers by adding optional insurance coverages such as Contents Plus Renters, Roadside Assistance, and Transportation Network Coverage to enhance their personal lines auto offerings. FCIC currently offers insurance via independent agencies throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. WIN member companies are licensed in 21 states which include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. FCIC is headquartered at 6640 S. Cicero Avenue, Bedford Park, IL, 60638, 888-262-8864. http://www.FirstChicagoInsurance.com. About Warrior Insurance Network Warrior Insurance Networks (WIN) member companies include First Chicago Insurance Company (FCIC), United Security Health Insurance Company (USIC), Texas Ranger MGA (Texas Ranger) and Lonestar MGA (Lonestar). WIN is a marketing organization servicing a select group of insurance carriers and independent insurance agents which offer a diverse array of personal and commercial auto insurance products. FCIC, whose roots trace back to 1920, has evolved into a multi-line insurance carrier, now offering Personal & Commercial Auto and General Liability insurance in response to the needs of the companys independent producers and customer base. In personal lines, FCIC has further responded to the changing exposures and needs of their independent producers by adding optional insurance coverages such as Contents Plus Renters, Roadside Assistance, and Transportation Network Coverage to enhance their personal lines auto offerings. USIC is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 and specializes in providing affordable personal lines auto insurance products with multiple discounts available, responsive claims handling and quality customer service. Texas Ranger MGA and Lonestar MGA expand WINs presence to include the Texas market. WINs member companies are licensed in 21 states which include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. WIN is headquartered at 6640 S. Cicero Avenue, Bedford Park, IL, 60638. http://www.WarriorInsuranceNetwork.com 866-400-8600 What: The Wharton School is pleased to invite business journalists to apply for the next virtual Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists program. The March 2023 program will feature Wharton professors Jonah Berger, Martine Haas and Christian Terwiesch who will present on How to Increase Your Impact by Leveraging the Power of Magic Words, The Future of (Hybrid) Work and Work of Tomorrow: How Technology Will Change the Way We Work, respectively. Through intensive lectures and expert Q&A the Seminars, led by the Wharton Schools most prominent professors, help reporters gain a better understanding of key business and economic issues. For more than 50 years, the Seminars have offered participants an opportunity to expand their knowledge, network with journalists from around the world, increase their exposure to leading experts, and broaden their perspectives in a stimulating environment. View the March program agenda here. When: Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 9:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 13, 2023. Where: The Seminars for Business Journalists will be delivered online via Zoom. How: Interested journalists can visit the Seminars for Business Journalists application. Space is limited. The cost of this program is $40.00 USD. Who: In recent years, journalists from media outlets such as The New York Times, Nikkei, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC India, San Francisco Chronicle, Reuters, Fortune, Financial Times, CNN, Marketplace, BBC News, Les Echos, Bloomberg, BuzzFeed News and China Central TV have attended the Seminars. Eligibility: Applications are open to those who are employed full-time as a print, broadcast, or online business journalist by legitimate media companies. Program Benefits: Todays global economy requires business journalists to have a strong foundation in business and economic knowledge. At the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists, participants will: Develop an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of business strategy. Network with colleagues from some of the worlds leading business news organizations. Gain exposure to leading experts and establish new sources. Learn More: For complete information on the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists, visit https://journalists.wharton.upenn.edu/ or contact Wharton Media Relations at communications@wharton.upenn.edu. About the Wharton School Founded in 1881 as the worlds first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With a faculty of more than 235 renowned professors, Wharton has 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Educations individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. For more information, visit http://www.wharton.upenn.edu. Ellen Cormier at Dial has acquired, in an exclusive submission, The Breakup Lists by Adib Khorram (Darius the Great Is Not Okay). In this YA rom-com, high school theatre kid Jackson is accustomed to stage-managing his way through life with lists and plans, but finds his script turned inside-out by a new crushwho also just happens to be his sister's ex-boyfriend. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Molly O'Neill at Root Literary brokered the deal for world rights. Miriam Newman at Candlewick has bought, at auction, world rights to Dead Space Tells No Tales by spouses Cory McCarthy (l.) and A.R. Capetta, a YA space fantasy about a family of young queer pirates sailing the High Voids, freed from the prisons of older generations and captained by literal star-crossed lovers, pitched as merging vibes from Our Flag Means Death and The Princess Bride with their own novel Once & Future. Publication is set for spring 2025; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented McCarthy, and Sara Crowe at Pippin Properties represented Capetta. Mary Kate Castellani at Bloomsbury has acquired Katherine Harbour's YA debut, The Dark Fable, a contemporary YA fantasy about an orphan with a dark past who is recruited to join an occult gang of thieves known throughout the centuries for elaborate heists of ancient and powerful artifacts when she discovers the uncanny ability to turn invisible. Publication is slated for wisnter 2024; Thao Le at the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world rights. Rachel Stark at Disney-Hyperion has bought Isle in the Flood, a YA fantasy by debut author Amanda M. Helander, along with an untitled sequel. Pitched as Uprooted meets a YA Bridgerton, the duology follows a girl who can name anyone's soulmate, but will do anything to avoid being matched with her ownespecially when she learns he's the king. Publication of the first book is planned for fall 2024, with the second to follow in fall 2025; Laura Rennert at Andrea Brown Literary Agency sold world rights. Tamara Grasty at Page Street has acquired Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension, a YA novel-in-verse by debut author Rita Feinstein. When Crosby leaves her insular hometown for college, she encounters pushback to her anti-science, New-Age beliefs for the first time, resulting in a spiral into misinformation that distances herself even further from her best friend. Publication is scheduled for winter 2024; Savannah Brooks at KT Literary brokered the deal for world English rights. Sally Morgridge at Holiday House has bought Ros Demir Is Not the One, a YA debut by Leyla Brittan. The story follows the fiery and outspoken Ros and her singular focus: to do whatever it takes to keep the boy she lovesor thinks she does, in a Turkish-American "Romeo and Juliet" remix that places Rosaline at center stage, dealing with the complexities of multicultural identity and female friendships. It's slated for fall 2024; Alex Slater at Greenburger Kids sold world rights. Alyson Heller at Aladdin has acquired Sleepaway, the debut middle-grade novel by former neuroscientist and Lambda Literary fellow Naseem Jamnia, developed by Upswell Media, pitched as Ellen Oh's Spirit Hunters meets Katherine Arden's Small Spaces. Pina's first trip to summer camp is a chance to escape her overbearing parents, but Camp Clear Skies hides a secret a clearing in the deep woods the older kids call "the Glade," which offers campers the ability to make their dreams come true, as well as their nightmares. Publication is set for winter 2025; John Cusick at Folio Literary Management did the deal for world rights on behalf of Upswell Media; Erica Bauman at Aevitas Creative Management represented the author. Karen Chaplin at HarperCollins/Quill Tree has bought Sisters and Secrets (tentative title) by Naomi Milliner (Super Jake) in an exclusive submission. The middle grade novel centers on a rabbi's daughter who struggles not only with the expectations placed on her upcoming bat mitzvah, but the stress of keeping both her and her sister's secrets, until the unthinkable happens and her world is shattered. Publication is planned for 2024; Liza Fleissig at Liza Royce Agency brokered the two-book deal for world rights. Susan Dobinick at Astra Young Readers has acquired True Colors by Abby Cooper, pitched as The Giver meets Turning Red. In this magical realism novel, everyone who lives in the town of Serenity acts happy all the time, but 12-year-old Mackenzie's colorful haze betrays her true feelings. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Rebecca Sherman at Writers House negotiated the deal for world rights. Michelle Lee at Dial has bought world rights to Seasons by the Lake, written by Naja Lund Aparico (l.) and illustrated by Maja-Lisa Kehlet, both Greenlandic Inuit. This picture book follows the outdoor adventures of two Inuit siblings throughout the year, as neither the short midnight-sun summers nor the long, cold winters where the sun doesn't rise will stop them from creating fun in the Arctic. Publication is set for fall 2024; Charlotte Wenger at Prospect Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself. Celia Lee at Simon & Schuster has acquired, at auction, I'm Going to Build a Snowman, in which an enthusiastic boy is determined to build the perfect snowman following a simple step-by-step guide, to hilarious and heartwarming results, by PW Flying Start Jashar Awan. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Erica Silverman at Stimola Literary Studio brokered the deal for world English rights. Maria Modugno at Random House Studio has bought world rights to The Jade Bracelet by Ha Dinh (l.), illustrated by Yong Ling Kang, a picture book about a girl who learns to love the jade bracelet given to her as part of family tradition, even though it's so unlike the glitzy jewelry worn by her friends. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Hannah VanVels Ausbury at Belcastro Agency represented the author, and Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management represented the illustrator. Angus Yuen-Killick at Red Comet Press has acquired, at auction, world English rights to 101 Ways to Read a Book by French children's book creators Timothee de Fombelle (l.) and Benjamin Chaud. The 128-page book, pitched for all ages, features illustrations by Chaud of people reading books in various situations featuring short humorous captions by de Fombelle. Karin Snelson and Yuen-Killick will translate. Publication is set for October 2023; Yuen-Killick negotiated the deal with So Taniuchi at Gallimard Jeunesse. Lee Wade at Random House Studio has bought world rights to Wilder Child by Nicolette Sowder (l.), illustrated by Myo Yim, a picture book poem that celebrates the wild and adventurous spirit of children. Publication is scheduled for fall 2024; the author represented herself, and Kirsten Hall at Catbird Productions represented the illustrator. Julia McCarthy at Atheneum has acquired world rights to To the Top of the World, a nonfiction picture book by Deborah Blumenthal (l.) (Fancy Party Gowns: A Story About Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe), illustrated by Anastasia Magloire Williams. It tells the inspirational true story of Barbara Hillary and her journey as the first Black woman to reach both the North and South Poles. Publication is planned for spring 2025; the author represented herself, and Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator. Lauri Hornik at Penguin/Rocky Pond Books has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Beam of Light: The Story of the First White House Menorah by Elisa Boxer (l.), illustrated by Sofia Moore. This menorah, created from a piece of reclaimed wood salvaged during a President Truman-era renovation, became the first piece of Judaica to be added to the White House holiday collection. Publication is slated for fall 2024; Steven Chudney at the Chudney Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator. Harold Underdown at Kane Press has acquired world rights to Like No Other: Earth's Coolest One-of-a-Kind Creatures, written by Sneed Collard III (l.) and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal. The nonfiction picture book showcases animals that are not only unusual but occupy their own branch of the evolutionary tree. Publication is set for spring 2024; the author represented himself; Stephen Barr at Writers House represented the illustrator. Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear Press has bought world rights to Looking for the Eid Moon by Sahtinay Abaza (l.), illustrated by Sandra Eide. Sara takes her little sister out on a nighttime search for the crescent moon, as they wait for Eid to begin. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Lynnette Novak at the Seymour Agency represented the author, and Emily Fernandez at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator. Mara Conlon at Peter Pauper Press has acquired Meg Auchenbach's debut picture book, If You Are an Artist, in which children are encouraged to daydream, wonder, create, imagine, and celebrate all that it means to be an artist. Publication is slated for spring 2024; John Rudolph at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret negotiated the deal for world rights. Michele McAvoy at The Little Press has bought world rights to Duck, Duck, Groove, a picture book by Jeanette Fazarri Jones (l.), illustrated by Merry Miller-Gass. Upton is a stylin' duck who flaps to his own rhythm. In his new raincoat, he can't help but pop his collar and groove along until everyone tells him "ducks don't do that." Publication is planned for spring 2026; Dawn Dowdle at Blue Ridge Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself. Krista Marino at Delacorte Press has acquired, in an exclusive submission, The Black Queen author Jumata Emill's next YA thriller, Wander in the Dark, set in contemporary New Orleans during Mardi Gras. When Amir discovers that the most popular girl in his high school has been murdered, he becomes the number one suspect when he is caught on film fleeing the scene of the crime, and his estranged half-brother is the only one to believe in his innocence. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Alec Shane at Writers House negotiated the deal for North American rights. Feather Flores at Atheneum has bought, in a six-figure preempt, The No-Girlfriend Rule, a queer YA romance by debut author Christen Randall, pitched as Heartstopper meets Fangirl with the fat pride of Dumplin'. When her boyfriend's "no girlfriends at the table" rule excludes her from participating in a roleplaying game, high school senior Hollis Beckwith joins an all-girls group instead. As Hollis starts to believe she can be more than just fat, anxious, and a little lost, an in-game crush develops between her character and charismatic Aini Amin-Shaw'sbut Hollis wants their romance to be more than just pretend. Publication is set for spring 2024; Becca Langton at Darley Anderson did the two-book deal for North American rights. Katherine Jacobs at Blink has acquired an untitled YA mystery/suspense novel from Schneider Award Honoree Alison Gervais (The Silence Between Us). In this story, an aspiring teen writer adjusting to hearing loss finds herself caught up in an uncanny mystery in Londonone that may involve the most famous detective duo of all time, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Publication is scheduled for summer 2024; Shannon Hassan at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights. Alison Romig at Delacorte Press has bought Love Is in the Hair by Gemma Cary. Pitched as Sex Education meets Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging, this feminist comedy follows the endless humiliations, unrequited obsessions, and all-consuming friendships of 15-year-old Evia Birtwhistle as she leads a body-hair positive revolution at her school. Publication is planned for summer 2024; Rachel Hamilton at the Ben Illis Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights. Rebecca Kuss at Disney-Hyperion has acquired, at auction, When the Sky Is Deepest Blue by Clare Osongco. This YA debut tells the story of Deedee Walters, an insomniac in conflict with her strict Filipino single mom (who won't let her learn to drive). But when Deedee meets the new boy next door, whose home life also keeps him up at night, a series of midnight driving lessons becomes an escape from the pain and secrets they have both inherited. Publication is slated for fall 2024; Amy Elizabeth Bishop at Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret handed the two-book deal for world English rights. Sarah Alpert at Algonquin Young Readers has won at auction Pura Belpre award winner Yamile Saied Mendez's The Beautiful Game. Thirteen-year-old Valeria "Magic" Salomon is a brilliant soccer player, accepted by the all-boys team as their captain for as long as she can remember. When she gets her period in front of everyone during the State Cup final, will she be able to still summon the magic that has always made her a superstar? Publication is set for 2025; Linda Camacho at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency brokered the deal for North American English and Spanish rights. Tricia Lin at Random House has bought The Princess Swap, a debut middle-grade fantasy series by Kim Bussing. Pitched as The Sisters Grimm meets Freaky Friday, each book follows two fairy tale princesses who get switched into the other's story, with the first book featuring Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. Publication will begin in fall 2024; Hilary Harwell at KT Literary negotiated the three-book deal for world rights. Kara Sargent at Aladdin has acquired Christine Virnig's middle grade fiction debut, A Bite Above the Rest, which finds 11-year-old Angeleno Caleb relocating with his mother to Samhain, Wisc., a tourist trap of a town where every day is Halloween. When Caleb begins to suspect that Samhain's mayor might be an actual vampire, and his English teacher might be an actual werewolf, he needs to work fast to save himself, his mom, and the rest of the town from a terrifying threat, pitched for fans of The Last Kids on Earth and Mr. Lemoncello's Library. Publication is planned for summer 2024; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret did the deal for North American rights. Katherine Harrison at Knopf has bought Life on the Moon, an illustrated middle grade novel by husband-and-wife team Matthew Swanson (l.) and Robbi Behr, in which a lonely boy in search of his missing father instead encounters moon creatures, community, and complex moral dilemmas while exploring unmapped acres of the moon, probing questions of identity and interdependence while revealing the precarious balance of life on Earth. Publication is tentatively scheduled for spring 2025; Meredith Kaffel Simonoff at the Gernert Company sold world rights. Emma Ledbetter at Abrams has acquired, in a two-book deal, at auction, The Enchanted Symphony by mother-daughter duo Julie Andrews (l.) and Emma Walton Hamilton (c.), illustrated by Elly MacKay (r.), a hopeful fairy tale celebrating life's simple pleasures and the power of art, nature, and community. Publication is slated for September 2023; Janine Kamouh at William Morris Endeavor brokered the deal for North American rights. Andrews and Walton Hamilton are managed by Steve Sauer at Media Four, and Emily van Beek at Folio Literary Management represented MacKay. Taylor Norman at Holiday House/Neal Porter Books has bought world rights, in a five-house auction, The Table by Winsome Bingham (l.) and Wiley Blevins (c.), a picture book about two families who don't ever meet but who are intimately linked by a kitchen table, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Jason Griffin (r.). Publication is scheduled for fall 2024; Hannah Mann at Writers House represented the authors, and Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties represented the artist. Maria Russo at Astra/Minerva has acquired world rights to Pop Goes the Nursery Rhyme! by librarian and blogger Betsy Bird (l.), illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi. The picture book features a parent trying to read their child a book of nursery rhymes, only to be continually interrupted by an unruly weasel. Publication is set for fall 2024; Stephen Barbara at InkWell Management represented the author, and Stephen Barr at Writers House represented the artist. Ariel Richardson at Chronicle has bought poet and author Harold Green III's (l.) (Black Roses; Black Oak) picture book Hugged by the Night, a modern folktale about a series of animals who admire the night sky's ebony as it washes over and embraces them, celebrating Black identity, in an exclusive submission. Karabo Poppy will illustrate; publication is planned for fall 2024. Lilly Ghahremani at Full Circle Literary represented the author, and Savannah Feeke-Fortune represented the illustrator. Kristin Allard at Norton Young Readers has acquired world rights to debut picture book Leif's Gift by Michael Wang (l.), illustrated by Lenny Wen, about a boy's plant collection that takes over his bedroom. When important belongings start to go missing in the overgrowth, Leif must use his botany skills to find a solution. Publication is tentatively slated for winter 2025; Allison Hellegers at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator. Carter Hasegawa at Candlewick Press has bought world rights to Harshini Vankineni's (l.) debut picture book What Color Is the Baby?, illustrated by Neha Rawat Battish. The story takes a loaded question steeped in colorism and creates a journey in which one girl finds a new and loving way to welcome a new baby sister. Publication is set for spring 2025; Dara Hyde at the Hill Nadell Literary Agency represented the author, and Tara Gonzalez at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the illustrator. Jonah Heller at Peachtree has acquired Somebody Needs to Do Something About That Monster by Doug Cenko (Viking in Love). In this picture book twist on "The Little Dutch Boy," a lovable blue monster goes on a quest to help the grumpy townsfolk, but when he budges from his favorite spot, unexpected consequences come splashing down. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Laurel Symonds while at the Bent Agency negotiated the deal for world rights. Lauri Hornik at Penguin/Rocky Pond Press has bought, at auction, Blanca Gomez's next picture book, Bookie and Cookie. Bookie, who lives on the left page of the book, always goes to Cookie's (the right page of the book) to hang out until one day when he wants to host, and a trepidatious Cookie refuses to come over. Publication is planned for fall 2024; Rebecca Sherman at Writers House did the two-book deal for world English/North American Spanish/open market rights. Peter Phillips at Tundra has acquired world rights to Shine and a second untitled picture book by debut author-illustrator Bruno Valasse. Shine is a picture book about a moth who is afraid of the dark and embraces his authentic self. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Amy Kitcherside at Pickled Ink brokered the deal. Allison Cohen at Running Press Kids has bought world rights to Saturday Magic by Nyasha Williams (l.) and Kenda Bell-Spruill (c.), illustrated by Sawyer Cloud (r.), a picture book that celebrates the symbolism and traditions Hoodoo. Publication is scheduled for summer 2024. Lary Rosenblatt and Barbara Stewart at 22MediaWorks represented the authors, and Amanda Hendon at Advocate Art represented the illustrator. Elizabeth Lazowski at Chronicle has acquired world rights to Table Full of Food, a picture book biography of Mariam Al-Shaar, the creator of Soufra, by Leila Boukarim, illustrated by Sona Avedikian. Mariam Al-Shaar knows that dreams for people like her dont come true but she doesnt let thator anythingstop her from creating a catering business with the other women in her refugee camp and making the impossible happen. Publication is tentatively set for spring 2025; Hannah VanVels Ausbury at Belcastro Agency represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator. Sophia Jimenez at Atheneum has bought world rights to Daughter of the Light-Footed People, a nonfiction picture book biography by Belen Medina (l.), illustrated by Nata Rojas Castro. Mexican Indigenous ultra-marathon runner Lorena Ramirez runs in competitions around the world, and races up to 60 miles wearing her traditional Rararumi brightly colored skirt and huarachessandals cut from rubber tires. Publication is planned for summer 2024; Deborah Warren at East West Literary Agency represented the author, and Fiona Kenny at Inkling Illustration represented the illustrator. John "Jack" Macrae III, former editor-in-chief of Henry Holt, has died. He was 91. Macrae was best known as the American publisher of two-time Booker Award winner Hilary Mantel. He was also behind award-winning titles by such authors as Ed Abbey, Jorge Luis Borges, Carl Safina, and Calvin Tomkins. Over the course of his career, Macrae worked at Harper & Row, Dutton, and spent 35 years at Henry Holt, where he served as editor-in-chief in from 1983 to 1989. He later managed an eponymous imprint at Holt, before retiring in 2018. In a statement announcing Macrae's departure, then Holt president and publisher Stephen Rubin said Macrae is "hugely well-regarded within the publishing community" and "known for his sharp wit, winning personality, and deep knowledge on a wide variety of subjects." Rubin added that the Macrae family "boasts three generations of notable publishers, none more distinguished than Jack." Indeed, publishing was a family affair: Macrae's father and grandfather both sat at the helm of E. P. Dutton, in the 1940s and '20s, respectively. In 1968, Jack Macrae became the president of Dutton. Under his leadership, Dutton published Gail Sheehy's bestseller Passages in 1976. In 2003 Macrae opened the independent bookstore 192 Books in New York City with his wife, the art dealer Paula Cooper. In a 2010 article for the Huffington Post, former Dutton editor-at-large Amy Hertz wrote of Macrae that "in all of publishing and probably much of the world, there's just nobody else like him." Under his mentorship at Dutton, Hertz wrote that she "saw what pure selfless passion for beautiful writing, wildly creative thinking, and sheer genius could do in the world." She continued: "If there is something he can do to further a great idea or nurture talent, he won't stop until he's exhausted every possibility. He kayaked into Poland to smuggle Lech Walesa's manuscript out. He took down Vaclav Havel's messages to relay back to the States moments before Havel was arrested. He published cantankerous environmentalists Ed Abbey and Doug Peacock. He went after memoirs from apartheid South Africa and the end of the Cultural Revolution in China so that people would understand the suffering caused by lack of freedom. He brought over the great Russian poets Yevtushenko and Voznesensky, and he worked with them to get Russian dissidents released from prison. "Jack's brilliance, and what he passed along to me, is in not worrying about what's on the page you're looking at when evaluating a proposal or a manuscript. His brilliance is in hearing the thinking behind the author's words, inchoate in the holy mess that when I worked for him was usually spread across his office floor. He taught me to find that kernel and to burnish it. He taught me that this process was the most important thing we as editors could do for people and he also did it for me personally." Macrae is survived by his wife, his four children, and two stepchildren. The board of directors for Coffee House Press in Minneapolis has selected Linda Ewing, a Twin Cities consultant with extensive nonprofit management and fundraising experience, to serve as the nonprofit publisher's interim executive director. The news comes six months after Anitra Budd resigned as executive director and publisher of Coffee House Press in Minneapolis after only a year in that role. With Ewing in place, the board will begin a national search for a permanent executive director and publisher. According to a CHP release, Ewing will oversee the presss operations, streamline processes, support staff, liaise with the board, and assist the press during the search for permanent new leadership to replace Budd, who wanted to resume her work as a freelance editor and copywriter. Until a new publisher is installed, senior editor Lizzie Davis will continue to drive the artistic vision of the press," which is well-known for its literaryand sometimes edgyfiction, nonfiction, and poetry offerings. Ewing launched her career in the nonprofit sector more than 40 years ago as director of program management with the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce. She subsequently joined Professional Fundraising Services, Inc., as a senior associate, where she led fundraising and capital campaigns for such organizations as St. Pauls Como Park Zoo and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Prior to that, Ewing served, for 15 years, as president of Special Olympics Minnesota, then executive director of St. Croix Therapy in Hudson, Wisc., and CEO of JustUs Health in Minneapolis. Besides running her own consulting firm, Ewing worked for many years as a consultant under the auspices of Cincinnatus, a St. Paul group providing their expertise to civic, nonprofit, and other socially-oriented organizations. Linda brings to Coffee House a deep commitment to mission-driven work and an extensive background in nonprofit leadership, said board president Pat Beithon, As she works with the staff, board, authors, donors, and others across the literary community, we are certain that Lindas skills will support and strengthen Coffee House while we begin the search for the organizations next phase of leadership. PubWest and the Book Manufacturers Institute got a glimpse into one anothers sometimes separate worlds at a Collaboration meeting in Seattle from Feb. 1-3. The organizations found common interests in workplace topics like in-house mentorship, remote-office camaraderie, and transparency around financials. They also hosted keynote talks on navigating controversies: National Coalition Against Censorship executive director Chris Finan spoke on First Amendment principles (Kids are up at arms about their rights being violatedits looking grim, but my feeling is were going to win this fight, he said). Crisis Ready Institute founder Melissa Agnes gave advice on meeting challenges with courage. Mindset shapes actions; actions shape impact, said Agnes. Publishers, manufacturers, and suppliers shared tables and breakout sessions, sparking conversations about how to stick together in a changing industry and how to assess the futures of conventional print runs, print-on-demand, and e-books. From the PubWest perspective, this [partnership with BMI] was a big win, said PubWest executive director Michele Cobb. Having the opportunity to hear from printers about their trials and get recommendations from them directly was a huge plus. Varied perspectiveson Amazon, on supply-chain uncertainty, on the real and abstract value of print versus e-bookswere on display in How to Read Your Market. Independent Publishers Group v-p of business development Richard T. Williams acknowledged that for a lot of publishers, we [distributors] are an optional part of their business, and this influences IPGs bottom line. Amazon remains our biggest customer, he said, and if they arent buying from us, it hurts us; if we arent getting the sales, it hurts us. In response, Microcosm Publishing founder and CEO Joe Biel mused about the vulnerability of our industry to disruption and the risk to any publisher with 60% of its market share at Amazons mercy. To me, the underground is so much bigger than the mainstream, Biel said, encouraging publishers to build genuine fandoms and cultivate direct orders (his messaging: the author gets twice the royalties when you buy their book on our website). Audience members offered cautionary tales about the direct route; if Amazon reduces ordering, said publisher Amy Barrett-Daffin of C&T Publishing, you can go to a distributor and ask for some of your margin back, or you can reduce overhead, which usually means cutting staff. University of Nebraska Press director Jane Ferreyra supported proactive account building. I dont want to be reliant on the behemoth to be my number one customer. Bob Durgy, v-p of business development at BR Printing, reported strong growth. He estimated BR grew four times bigger over the past three years: Scholastic flooded us [with orders]it was great. He expressed reservations about the future, however, due to scarce materials, rising costs of ink, paper, and shipping, and consolidation; there are fewer than half the printers there were 15 years ago. Durgys observations about the cost of doing business (Is the print price of a book going to hurt us all? he asked) prompted Third Place Books founder Robert Sindelar to address the print book and the bricks-and-mortar bookstore. My gut says its still a value, Sindelar said, referring to the bookstore as community space and the book itself. We lost the price-sensitive customer a long time ago, at least in affluent neighborhoods. (Sticker shock remains; that Prince Harry book is $36? someone gasped.) Biel sees a generational shift, suggesting that Gen Z is of a mind that if you want this stuff to exist you have to pay for it. Publishers, printers, and distributors are counting on that attitude. Diverse Perspectives at PubWest-BMI In one of two sessions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, Terri Mack, a member of the Da'naxda'xw Awaetlala Nation and the former founder/CEO of Strong Nations Publishing, spoke with Tess Olympia of the Sealaska Heritage Institute and moderator Doug Symington of Friesens in a conversation about Indigenous voices. Olympia explained that Sealaska Heritage publishes picture books as part of Baby Raven Reads, an educational program promoting literacy among Southeast Alaska Native families. Since 2016, Baby Raven Reads has published 25 books, all celebrating authentic Tlingit, Haida, or Tsimshian identities and storytelling. In the program, kindergarteners engage with meaningful content that reflects themselves and their culture, Olympia said. We have a moral imperative to teach children to read. It affects all of us. Of interest to picture book aficionados, the Baby Raven Reads selections tell traditional stories in Indigenous languages and English, accompanied by imagery by the likes of Haida artist Janinne Gibbons and Kelsey Mata Foote, who is Raven of the Taakw.aaneidi clan. Four Baby Raven Reads titles have been illustrated by Tlingit artist and Caldecott Medal-winner Michaela Goade (We Are Water Protectors), whose 2022 Berry Song is a newly anointed Caldecott Honoree. Although Olympia would love to see them distributed, and has spoken to Ingram about that possibility, the books are sold only through Sealaska Heritages store and available at libraries. Mack reinforced Sealaska Heritages ethical approach to Indigenous storytelling, referencing the lessons she put into practice with Strong Nations Publishing and its sister bookstore. She explained that the Baby Raven Reads titles pair authors and illustrators of the same culturestwo Tlingit creators, for instanceand vet all content with elders. There are some things we never talk about that are off limitsits sacred knowledge that cant be published, Mack said. Any publisher has an obligation to ask an author, do you have permission to write about this? Do you have permission from the elders in your territory to write about this? She praised the reclamation of languages and cultural heritage. For PubWest executive director Cobb, the positive energy generated by the PubWest-BMI sessions suggests a collaborative approach strengthens all involved. The possibilities are endless, as we all have common goals, Cobb said. She looks forward to a publishers roundtable in April with the Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia, an Indie Publishers Pavilion at ALA with the Independent Publishers Caucus, and more programming around Indigenous Voices with the Indigenous Editors Association. Inspired by founder Rutger Bruinings wish to have captured his grandfathers life story, StoryTerraces vision is to create a world in which every life story is captured in a meaningful way for generations to come. StoryTerrace matches ordinary people with a professional ghost-writer to turn their life story into a beautiful book. The company has documented thousands of life stories with a network of over 600 professional ghost-writers globally, many of which have been published by some of the best-known media brands in the world. UKTV Ventures says that it is committed to helping companies new to TV advertising build their brand and scale up by benefiting from the wide reach, trust and recognition only achieved through TV advertising. Similar to venture capital, UKTV Ventures is a funding model which invests airtime, instead of cash, in high-growth companies looking to accelerate their growth.UKTV Ventures 1 million latest airtime-for-equity investment sees StoryTerrace launch its first TV advertising campaign on the broadcaster's seven linear channels - Dave , W, Gold, Alibi, Drama, Yesterday, Eden. UKTV believes that through its action, StoryTerrace will benefit from access to an audience of over 26 million viewers a month and in return, while it will gain an equity stake in the business. The deal with StoryTerrace follows UKTVs recent investments in plastic free shampoo bar company KinKind, and social media platform, WeAre8.We are really pleased to be partnering with UKTV Ventures through an airtime-for-equity deal at such an exciting time for StoryTerrace. With celebrity memoirs being ubiquitous in the headlines, it is important to note that writing a biography is not just reserved for public figures, commented Rutger Bruining, founder and CEO of StoryTerrace. We have seen a large uptick in people wanting to pen down their life stories post-pandemic, but awareness of our service is still at a negligible level. The huge reach that the UKTV network provides is perfect for building awareness and our customer base, helping us carry out our mission of extracting the extraordinary stories from ordinary people across the UK.Brendan Kilcawley, head of commercial UKTV Ventures, added: We believe StoryTerraces mission to preserve memories will strike a chord with UKTV audiences and people globally. The power of TV advertising to boost brand awareness is huge and we are excited to be partnering with Rutger and his team to support growing the business. Black History Month sparks new programming each year that sheds light on an aspect of the African American community that may have been overlooked. ADVERTISEMENT This year is no exception. Alongside the many programs with Black leads or covering Black topics and previously released documentaries are brand-new shows telling stories that may have not been heard before. During the month, viewers can find a multitude of Black movies, TV series and even short films that are curated in one place for easy watching via streamers HBO Max, Prime Video, Peacock, Disney+, Hulu and Netflix. Here are our Top 5 to watch. 'African Queens: Njinga' -- Netflix, Feb. 15 Jada Pinkett Smith executive-produced the four-episode Netflix series, which covers the life of Njinga, the 17th-century warrior queen of the African nations of Ndongo and Matamba, now known as Angola. Pinkett Smith is also narrating the docuseries, which combines historical facts and expert interviews with re-enactments. "I have teamed with Netflix and Nutopia to produce a docu-series about the life of one of my favorite African Queens -- Queen Njinga," Pinkett-Smith wrote in a post to her Instagram account last month. "The series premieres Feb. 15 for Black History Month. I hope you will tune in to honor the legacy of this powerful warrior queen whose story was almost lost and forgotten." Njinga will be played by Nigerian/British actress Adesuwa Oni. FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! '1619 Project' -- Hulu, through Thursday Hannah Nikole Jones' 1619 Project attracted its fair share of controversy when it debuted in The New York Times Magazine in 2019. Now it's a six-part Hulu limited docuseries that covers some of the themes of the original. The episodes are hosted by Jones. "Democracy" "Race," "Music" "Capitalism" "Fear" and "Justice" echo The Times' best-selling book of essays The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story. Oprah Winfrey also is an executive producer on the series. Four episodes have already aired; the next two will premiere on Thursday. 'Soul of a Nation presents Black In Vegas' -- Hulu, on demand ABC produced this special now available on Hulu about the evolution of Black performers in Las Vegas. Sammy Davis Jr., along with the rest Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack, became one of the hottest acts on the Las Vegas strip in the '50s and '60s even though its casinos were segregated. With Sinatra's support, Davis was one of the first entertainers to be treated equally as an entertainer in the desert city, though it wasn't until 1971 that a law was passed to end segregation there. The special highlights the success of Black performers in Las Vegas today, as musicians from Prince to Usher to Ne-Yo to Janet Jackson and New Edition extended or revitalized careers with long-term residencies. 'Black Travel Across America' -- National Geographic Channel, Monday; Hulu, Tuesday; Disney+, Feb. 24 Postal carrier Hugo Green published The Negro Motorists' Green Book from 1936 to 1966 to inform African Americans about the safest places to travel in the then-segregated United States. After a partnership with Standard Oil, The Green Book was sold at Esso gas stations, becoming the most popular guide for Black travelers in the country. Green expanded the guide to include destinations in Europe, Canada and Africa up to shortly before his death in 1960. Black Travel Across America details the history of African American travel by telling the stories of those who pushed past the barriers to assume equal footing as wanderers and adventurers. 'Fight the Power -- How Hip Hop Changed the World,' PBS, through Feb. 14 Hip-hop has achieved a monumental anniversary by turning 50 this year. On PBS, rapper Chuck D. executive-produced the four-part documentary Fight the Power -- How Hip Hop Changed the World, covering the gamut of rap music and its pioneers and progenitors. From its humble beginnings in the streets and clubs of the Bronx to the global phenomenon it is today, Chuck covers the impact, messages and challenges of hip-hop's fifth decade. The final two episodes air Tuesday and and Feb. 14 at 9 p.m. EST, and are available on PBS.com, the PBS app and on YouTube. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Sponsored content While the market cools down, now is the time for Vermonters to sell Local kids get free food with the summer lunch program at Living Memorial Park in Brattleboro. You are the owner of this article. 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. On Thursday morning, Dick DeGray cleaned up several planters that were flipped off the edge of Plaza Park, in Brattleboro, on Thursday, July 21, 2022. Rockingham Development Director Gary Fox looks over the inside of the Bellows Falls Train Station in July, 2021. Rockingham is putting its ARPA funds toward the ongoing renovation of the train station, among other projects. Brattleboro police responded to a report of gunshots heard on Elliot Street on Saturday night. A resident later found bullet holes in his second-floor apartment. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Nancy Braus writes from Guilford. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. Dr. Li is regarded as symbol of freedom of speech in China Floral tributes are left at a commemorative bench for Dr. Li Wenliang in Central Park, New York, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. Activists write messages for Dr. Li Wenliang and Bridge Man Peng Lifa to post on wall during a gathering to mark the third anniversary of the death of Li and lives lost to COVID-19 and the Chinese government's COVID policies in Central Park, New York, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. An activist blows a whistle during a gathering to mark the third anniversary of the death of Dr. Li Wenliang and lives lost to COVID-19 and the Chinese government's COVID policies in Central Park, New York, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. People gather to commemorate Dr. Li Wenliang near a commemorative bench in Central Park, New York, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. Nima Lama [left], a Tibetan activist, stands in silence with others as they gather to mark the third death anniversary of Li Wenliang and lives lost to COVID-19 and the Chinese government's COVID policies in Central Park, New York, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. People gather to commemorate Dr. Li Wenliang near a commemorative bench in Central Park, New York, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. Floral tributes are left at a commemorative bench for Dr. Li Wenliang in Central Park, New York, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. An activist addresses a gathering during an event to mark the third anniversary of the death of Chinese whistleblower Dr. Li Wenliang, near a commemorative bench in Central Park, New York, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. Credit: Photos by Gemunu Amarasinghe/RFA Demonstrators gathered in New York, Boston, Los Angeles and other cities on Sunday to commemorate the third anniversary of the death of a Chinese whistleblower doctor who warned about the COVID-19 outbreak. Dr. Li Wenliang, an ophthalmologist, died on Feb. 7, 2020, from contracting the virus shortly after warning his colleagues about the COVID virus. He was silenced by Chinese authorities for spreading rumors when the outbreak began. Three years later, many people regard him as a symbol for freedom of speech in China. This is a really important event because its not really just for him, said Viola, a recent graduate of New York University who requested not to reveal her last name. Its also for a lot of the people who passed away in the past three years because of the evil COVID-19 policy that the CCP government forced on its people, she said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. In the months after the outbreak, President Xi Jinping enacted a strict zero-COVID policy and ordered lockdowns in many cities across the country. Authorities lifted the restrictions in December after protests around the country in late November dubbed the white paper movement because of the blank white papers that protesters held up to show their dissatisfaction with the lockdowns as well as limits on freedom of speech. Viola explained that authorities couldnt ban protesters from holding up blank sheets of paper, and yet they also became a symbol of self-expression and resistance against the government. Thats kind of the whole image of the revolution, she said. It means we dont even have to display whats on our paper. We just have to hold it up and you will know exactly what were saying. Collective trauma Viola had never experienced political demonstrations growing up in mainland China and found it comforting to join a community where her voice could be heard. Its really special to be able to come here and talk about these issues and to understand that this has been a collective trauma, said Viola. Zhou Fengsuo, president of Humanitarian China, said the white paper movement was the largest demonstrations in China since the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. This was definitely the first time that Im seeing such a deep, profound change in the young people, said Zhou. They are awakening to their true identity. They have transformed themselves through protesting, through calling for freedom in China. Zhou said he was hopeful for the younger generation, that they might bring change. He quoted one of Dr. Lis final utterances: A healthy society cannot have only one voice. As the pandemic is ending globally, we must remember what happened, Zhou said. Because there is no freedom in China, the whole world has paid a deep price for it. Ji Feng is ordered to delete comments critical of a police claim that high-schooler Hu Xinyu took his own life. Ji Feng, dissident and current affairs commentator, says state security police officers visited him after he posted skeptical comments about a news conference about the death of 15-year-old student Hu Xinyu. Credit: @jhf8964 Twitter State security police in Beijing have paid a visit to outspoken veteran activist Ji Feng after he made a skeptical comment on social media about police claims that high-schooler Hu Xinyu died by suicide, Radio Free Asia has learned. "I was approached by state security police because I commented on the Jiangxi provincial [police] press conference," Ji said. "I had written 'you can't lie to the Chinese people'." The death of 1-year-old Hu Xinyu, whose hanged body was found after going missing for three months, has prompted widespread speculation over human trafficking and illegal organ harvesting gangs, leading the authorities to announce a crackdown on online 'rumor-mongering' in relation to the investigation. Ji said the police had told him to delete the post. "They asked me repeatedly if I had now deleted it," Ji said. "I told them I had deleted it, but they still shouldn't lie to the Chinese people." "If I hadn't deleted it, they could have arrested me," he said. "It's that simple." Ji said he didn't believe the police had coordinated their approaches, and that he was likely somewhat protected by his connections with prominent political journalist Gao Yu and other Beijing-based intellectuals. He added that he was astonished to see that one of the four officers who visited him in his apartment had previously been assigned to monitor late former Communist Party aide and dissident Bao Tong, who died in November. "I laughed to myself that they put the guy who had been in charge of Bao Tong in charge of me now," Ji said, adding that he wondered if he had gotten an upgrade. He said the high-profile nature of the Hu Xinyu case was likely behind the move. "The whole thing that sparked this was that they are afraid the shady organ transplantation business will be uncovered," Ji said. "I had been discussing this privately among our circle of friends [on WeChat]." "[The police] said private discussions are one thing, but they shouldn't be posted on the internet," he said. Ji had also posted a satirical poem to his Twitter account, taking aim at a number of half-explained public scandals in China in recent years, including the woman found chained by the neck in February 2022 in a Jiangsu outbuilding, the suspected Chinese spy balloon that was recently shot down over the United States, and the official claims over Hu Xinyu's death. The poem, titled "Close your open eyes," is still visible on Twitter, and reads: "If you open closed eyes you'll see a Wandering Earth, a Wandering Balloon. You can't hide." "A chain, two shoelaces ... a blow at the conscience of humanity. The poem continues: "You can't go home, and even if you can, it's not home any more ... Close your open eyes ... hear the balloon explode." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Lee Yue-shun, one of the 47 pro-democracy activists charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under the national security law, arrives at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts building in Hong Kong, Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Student campaigners in the democratic island of Taiwan have launched a petition campaign expressing solidarity with 47 former opposition lawmakers and activists currently standing trial in Hong Kong on charges of subversion for taking part in a democratic primary election in 2020. The Feb. 6 petition warned Taiwanese people not to be taken in by China's call for "peaceful unification" under the "one country, two systems" model used in Hong Kong and Macau. "It will eventually lead to the demise of national sovereignty, with countless civilians arrested at every turn, and an end to the stability we once enjoyed," the petition, signed by dozens of prominent human rights campaigners and activists said. It said recent talk among local politicians of a "peace accord" with China could put the island on a slippery slope towards assimilation under Beijing's rule. "The point of talking about Hong Kong politics and taking Hong Kong-related initiatives in Taiwan is that when they people here support Hong Kong, they are also reminding the people around them and the general public in Taiwan [of the threat posed by Beijing]," Taiwan-based campaigner and petition co-author Law Sze Wai told Radio Free Asia. "By understanding Hong Kong's experience, we understand what kind of enemy the Chinese Communist Party is, and what kind of strategy should be used to deal with them," Law said. New publishing brands The petition came as a prominent Hong Kong author launched a new publishing brand to serve fellow Cantonese-language writers who fled an ongoing crackdown in their home city to settle in the democratic island of Taiwan. Tang Siu Wa said 2046 Press, named for Beijing's now-discarded promise that Hong Kong would maintain its traditional freedoms for 50 years after the 1997 handover, launched in Taipei on Feb. 2, in a bid to offer some freedom of expression to Hong Kong literary exiles now living in Taiwan, she told Radio Free Asia. Shen Hsu-hui, who will be president of both 1841 Press and 2046 Press, says books are an excellent way to ensure that people keep talking about the 2019 protest movement. Credit: Chunyin "The [idea of] 2046 shows the importance of the imagination in art and literature, and I hope that we will be able to forge new connections with thoughts, imagination and feeling about Hong Kong," Tang told reporters at the launch of the publishing house. Some books that would be highly suited to the Hong Kong market or are authentic Hong Kong works can no longer be published in the city due to growing political censorship as Beijing tightens its grip on the city, Tang said. She said Hong Kong writers in exile could now publish in Taiwan, although that sense of privilege was also mixed with sadness at the loss of the city they once knew. According to Tang, 2046 will focus on Hong Kong-themed literary and artistic titles, as well as genre fiction and online writing, while a sister imprint 1841 Press will focus on the city's history, as well as non-fiction and scientific titles. Tang said 2046 won't exclude non-Hong Kong writers, but that she particularly expects to receive works for consideration about the experience of exile and migration. 2046 Press will be an imprint of the Book Republic publishing group, whose President Kuo Chung-hsing said incoming Hong Kongers have brought fresh creative energy to Taiwan's literary scene. Cross-pollination In a reference to warnings that growing Chinese control over Hong Kong could be replicated in Taiwan if the island's 23 million people aren't vigilant over the loss of their freedoms, Kuo said there was considerable cross-pollination between the two territories. "We don't know if it will really turn out to be Hong Kong today, Taiwan tomorrow," Kuo said. "But I will say that right now it's not just about Taiwan supporting Hong Kong." "Hong Kongers have also brought a lot of spiritual and cultural nourishment to Taiwan." Shen Hsu-hui, who will be president of both 1841 Press and 2046 Press, said books are an excellent way to ensure that people keep talking about the 2019 protest movement -- which began as mass resistance to extradition to mainland China and broadened to include demands for universal suffrage -- and its aftermath. "We hope that our themes won't just focus on Hong Kong but also be in dialogue with people in Taiwan, so they won't just be aimed at readers from a certain place, but for people all over the world," Shen told the news conference launching the new imprint. "We hope that what we publish at 1841 and 2046 will last forever, that Hong Kong will exist forever, regardless of what happens to Hong Kong as an actual place," he said. "I would also like to see the spirit of Hong Kong combine with that of other places, so it lives on in an embodied way." Banned political books Former Hong Kong-based Causeway Bay Bookstore manager Lam Wing-kei, who emigrated to Taiwan in the wake of the 2019 protest movement after being detained by Chinese police in 2015 for selling banned political books to readers in mainland China, said he plans to stay on the island, which split from the mainland amid civil war in 1949 and has never been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party. He recently applied for permanent residency, in the hope of settling there to join fellow exiled literary and artistic Hong Kongers. Lam Wing-kei, a former Hong Kong bookstore owner who fled to Taiwan in 2019, recently applied for permanent residency, in the hope of settling there to join fellow exiled literary and artistic Hong Kongers. Credit: Associated Press file photo "If I went back to Hong Kong, I could never achieve anything there, because everyone knows it's now controlled by the Communist Party, and there isn't going to be any more resistance there," Lam told Radio Free Asia in a recent interview. "So I am running a bookstore, selling books that talk about various issues in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, which is also a kind of resistance," he said. "I can do more staying here in Taiwan ... so I think it's wiser and more positive to stay here." Lam said Taiwanese also need a mentality of resistance in case Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who hasn't ruled out annexing the island, carries out his threat of invasion. "The situation in Ukraine shows us that Taiwan can resist too, and that Russia wasn't as powerful as it claimed to be," Lam said. "The same is true for mainland China, and we shouldn't be intimidated by them." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. But propaganda tool is expensive, and apparently not banned under UN sanctions on luxury goods The image of Kim Jong Un ascending the snowy peaks of Mt. Paektu atop a majestic white stallion is meant to stir patriotism among North Koreans and solidify his place in the three-generation Kim dynasty alongside his father and grandfather. For such propaganda purposes and for horseback riding around Kims vacation villas North Korea imports horses from Russia, and last year brought in 51 Orlov Trotters, according to Russian media outlet RIA Novosti, the largest number since 61 were imported in 2015. In early 2020, North Korean authorities purchased two such horses for US$23,400 according to a Moscow Times report, meaning each horse costs the regime almost $12,000 a huge expense for a country facing food shortages. The residents are getting hungrier and hungrier, Jihyun Park, a North Korean escapee who now lives in the United Kingdom, told RFAs Korean Service. On top of making nuclear weapons and missiles, the North Korean authorities buy expensive horses. This is really infuriating. And while some might consider the horses luxury items exported in violation of U.N. Security Council sanctions on the country over its nuclear program, thats not necessarily the case, Eric Penton-Voak, coordinator for the U.N. Security Councils Panel of Experts told RFA. Thats because the definition of luxury goods is up to the interpretation of individual U.N. member states, he said. As horses are not mentioned specifically in the sanctions regarding luxuries, it is not possible for the panel to impose an alternative interpretation on any member state. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (center) rides a horse as he visits battle sites in areas around Mount Paektu, North Korea. Credit: KCNA via Reuters file photo But Troy Stangarone, senior director and fellow at the Korea Economic Institute, said that the horses are clearly luxury items although Russia would likely not allow them to be added to the list of prohibited luxury goods. If there is a push for additional restrictions on North Korea, either in response on a 7th nuclear test or continued ballistic missile tests, I would expect there to be a focus on North Koreas newer revenue generating items such as tungsten and molybdenum, rather adding [horses] to the list of prohibited luxury good items, he said. The two elements are valued for their metallurgic applications. Symbol of Power The white horse has been closely associated with the Kim dynasty, often called the Paektu bloodline after the Korean Peninsulas tallest mountain, considered sacred in Korean culture and mythology. White horses have been used in North Korean propaganda since the days of the countrys founding more than 70 years ago. National founder Kim Il Sung is said to have ridden a white horse while he was leading Korean guerillas against Japanese colonizers before and during World War II. Imagery of Kim Jong Un riding on horseback has been prevalent in state media propaganda in recent years, likely to connect him with his grandfather. Footage from a 2021 state-media documentary, hosted on the "Phuong DPRK Daily" YouTube account, shows several scenes of Kim riding a white horse, including in a full sprint. The horse also serves to connect the dynastic family to the chollima, the winged horse of Korean and East Asian folklore capable of traveling 1,000 ri (about 244 miles) in a single day, Jonathan Corrado, Policy Director at The Korea Society, a New York-based nonprofit that promotes mutual understanding between Korea and the United States. The chollima myth is used on North Korean stamps, money, websites, propaganda, and slogans, often appearing in conjunction with the concept of juche, or self-reliance, said Corrado. North Koreas propaganda often shows Kim Jong Un climbing Mt. Paektu on a white horse, or riding his horse with snowy mountains in the background, said Lee Hyun Seung, a former member of the North Korean elite who escaped and is now a research fellow at the Maryland-based Global Peace Foundation, which is aimed at peacebuilding. Beyond the propaganda, the horses are likely sent to Kim Jong Uns various vacation villas for the first familys enjoyment, Lee said. There are equestrian centers in their villas in Wonsan [in Kangwon province], Changsong in North Pyongan province and Kangdong in Pyongyang, he said. The horses are probably located there and Kim Jong Uns family can enjoy horseback riding as a hobby whenever they visit. Translated by Claire Shinyoung Oh Lee and Leejin J. Chung. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster. The Chinese-led project is expected to displace 1,000 families, who havent yet been offered compensation. Work has begun at the Pak Lay Dam site on the Mekong River in Laos, seen in this undated photo. Villagers in western Laos woke up in a panic last week to the sound of workers blasting rock to prepare for the building of a dam that would submerge their homes on the Mekong River. They were distressed because the government has not clarified its relocation plans for them, or offered specific compensation. The authorities havent said anything about the relocation or the compensation, but I see [Chinese workers] are working in the water, blasting rock in the river, one resident of the district, called Pak Lay in Xayaburi province, near the Thai border, said Thursday. I think that theyre building a bridge across the Mekong River, he said, asking not to be identified for security reasons. Because of the construction, we cant fish anymore and boats cant pass through anymore either. The problem is a typical one in Laos. As the country seeks to develop, build roads and dams and harness the mighty Mekong for hydroelectric power, authorities tend to neglect the needs and livelihoods of people who will be directly affected, as well as the environmental impact. Local communities as well as environmental and humanitarian groups have said the Pak Lay Dam is expected to force the relocation of some 1,000 families from 20 villages and harm the surrounding ecosystem. Still the Lao government appears dead set on proceeding with the US$2 billion Chinese-led project, which it hopes will bring the impoverished country closer to its goal of becoming the battery of Southeast Asia. Green light The residents comments came on the same day that an official with the Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines told Radio Free Asia that employees with Chinas Sinohydro Corp. had begun building infrastructure for the Pak Lay Dam. The government has given the green light to the Chinese company to begin the construction of the basic infrastructure, including an access road and a bridge this year, said the official, who declined to be named as he was not authorized to speak to the media. According to the plan, the company is going to start building the actual dam early next year and complete it in 2029, he said. Work has begun at the Pak Lay Dam site on the Mekong River in Laos, seen in this undated photo. Credit: Citizen journalist Local residents decried the communitys lack of say in the decision-making process, and expressed concern about what kind of impact the dam will have on their lives. We villagers have no choice but to comply with the policy of the [ruling Communist] party and government, said another villager from Pak Lay. We want to oppose the project, but we cant fight against the party and government. Of course were concerned about the relocation, the compensation and our [future] living conditions, he said. We dont know how much [the authorities] will pay for our losses and we dont know whether our living conditions will be better or worse after the dam. Relocation before compensation Laos has a grand plan to build dozens of hydroelectric dams along the Mekong and its tributaries and sell around 20,000 megawatts of electricity sto neighboring countries by 2030. The Pak Lay Dam, expected to generate 770 megawatts, and the Pak Beng Dam in northern Oudomxay province, are two of the newest. The latter is expected to displace around 6,700 people living in 25 villages. In November 2021, Thai power authorities agreed to purchase power generated by the two dams, both located 60-80 kilometers (35-50 miles) from the Thai border, and by the Nam Gneum 3 Dam on Nam River. The Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines official told RFA last week that while the power purchase agreement for Pak Lay Dam has yet to be finalized by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, the Lao government wants Sinohydro Corp. to be prepared for the construction of the dam as soon as the [agreement] is signed. Villagers fear being shortchanged in the compensation they receive for their losses, as have other Laotians affected by hydropower dam projects. An official with Xayaburis Natural Resources and Environment Department told RFA last week that his agency is still in the process of locating farmland for the residents who will be displaced. Once a site is procured, the government will begin building new homes for those affected, he said. When the relocation is complete the dam construction will begin, and only then can we talk about the compensation and the social and environmental impact thats the governments policy, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The Xayaburi official said that the government is obligated to inform the community about the potential impact of the dam in order to avoid conflict later, although it was not immediately clear how much information had been provided to the Pak Lay villagers. If the dam is going to be built, we as local authorities will have to do our job according to the plan, which will include clearing land, building resettlement villages and improving living conditions for the affected villagers, he said. The official did not provide details of how the government plans to compensate the villagers or give a timeframe for the process. Status of agreement uncertain In the meantime, the Thai government has yet to confirm to members of the countrys NGO community whether it will proceed with an agreement to purchase electricity from the Pak Lay project, according to Hannarong Yaowalers, chairman of the Integration Water Management Foundation in Thailand. However, in general, I think that if the Lao government is moving this project forward, [the Lao government and investors] may have gotten the necessary funding for the construction, he said. They are unlikely to care about complaints [about the impact on the environment and fish population] previously lodged by the NGOs. Translated by Max Avary. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. Security forces seen outside the headquarters of the National League for Democracy in Yangon, Myanmar, after a raid on Feb. 15, 2021. Myanmars ousted opposition party once led by Aung San Suu Kyi, who is now jailed refused to re-register under a new law imposed by the ruling military junta ahead of general elections likely to be held later this year, two National League of Democracy officials told Radio Free Asia on Monday. The law, enacted on Jan. 26, requires all political parties that wish to contest in the election to re-register within 60 days. If they fail to comply, the parties will be automatically disqualified. The law appears to be aimed at preventing the National League for Democracy, which had won November 2020 elections but were then thrown out of power by the military in a February 2021 coup, from fielding candidates and allow the junta to maintain its rule under the guise of holding elections. The NLD party is not going to re-register under their new law nor does it recognize their planned election, said Nay Zin Lat, a opposition lawmaker from Sagaing region, who is now sheltering in an undisclosed location. We dont recognize their election commission either because we do not believe that its going to become a free and fair election in any way, he told Radio Free Asia. Killed, arrested or driven into hiding Even if it were to participate in an election, it will be difficult for the NLD to continue as a major party because the junta has arrested most of its top leaders, killed others and forced the remainder to flee to safety. It has jailed Suu Kyi and former President Win Myint on multiple charges. Other party leaders have gone into hiding or exile, from where they operate a shadow government called the National Unity Government, or NUG. Supporters of the National League for Democracy party wave the party flag in front of the party's headquarters in Yangon on Nov. 8, 2020, as votes are counted after polls closed in the election. Credit: AFP As of the end of January, 84 NLD members, including three lawmakers, have been killed in the two years since the military coup, according to the partys Human Rights Record Group. Of that total figure, 59 were indiscriminately killed, 16 died during interrogation, eight died in prison, and one was sentenced to death and executed. In all, junta authorities have arrested 1,232 party members nationwide, including members of parliament. They have confiscated the assets and properties of 371 party members, including 206 lawmakers. The military has also destroyed party offices and confiscated property inside, said veteran attorney Kyee Myint. Yet the military will not seize the party headquarters so as not to embarrass itself among the international community, he said. They will not attack the NLD any more as the only important thing for them now is to hold their election successfully to be able to appoint Min Aung Hlaing as the president, he said, referring to the senior general who leads the junta. On Feb. 1, the second anniversary of the coup, the military regime announced it was extending the state of emergency, delaying elections the junta previously said it would hold by August, because of ongoing fighting with anti-regime forces throughout Myanmar. Not a new challenge The juntas threat to dissolve the party if it did not re-register under the law was not a new challenge, said Nay Zin Lat. The NLD has not been pressured by it as it experienced similar threats from the military for years following a military crackdown in 1988. On Aug. 8 of that year, the military forcefully ended nationwide demonstrations by unarmed civilians demanding democratic change. The NLD was formed on Sept. 27 under the leadership of Suu Kyi and former military officers. Tun Aung Kyaw, a member of the policy committee of the Arakan National Party, said it would be a great loss for Myanmars people if the NLD did not re-register under the law and was subsequently dissolved. If a leading party supported by the majority of the people in Myanmar which can politically represent the power of the people is dissolved, then it would be a great pity and a great loss for the people, he said. They will lose sight of a political path that they want to take if the party leading them disappears. Supporters of the National League for Democracy gather outside its headquarters during a raid by junta security forces in Yangon, Myanmar, on Feb. 15, 2021. Credit: RFA But political analyst Than Soe Naing said that the future of the NLD does not hinge only on the juntas election. The future of the NLD is tied to the future of the Spring Revolution led by the Nation Unity Government, he said, referring to the local name for the protests in Myanmar staged in opposition to the coup led by Min Aung Hlaing, the military chief. If the Spring Revolution wins, the NLD party will be back on Myanmars political stage, Than Soe Naing said. Before then, there will be no representative who is courageous enough to stand on the election stage holding the NLD party flag. Tun Myint, a member of the NLDs Central Executive Committee who now resides in an undisclosed location for safety reasons, said a major party like the NLD would continue to survive as long as the people supported it, no matter how much the junta tries to suppress it. As our leader used to say, no matter how hard they try to destroy the party, it will stand as long as the people support it, he said, referring to Aung San Suu Kyi. I dont even have a slightest doubt that the NLD will survive and continue to exist for the people. Translated by Myo Min Aung for RFA Burmese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster. The 2-day campaign targeted a township hit hard by arson attacks this year. UPDATED AT 4:21 p.m. ET ON 02-10-2023 More than 2,000 villagers in Myanmars northern Sagaing region fled ahead of two days of junta raids, the Kyunhla-Kanbalu Activists Group told RFA on Tuesday A spokesman, who didnt want to be named, said a column of troops entered five villages in Kanbalu township over the weekend. Before the troops entered Pon Nar Gyi village, they fired heavy artillery and a man in the village was hit by shell fragments, he said. The residents of nearby villages also had to flee because the troops were getting close. After raiding Pon Nar Gyi on Saturday troops moved on to nearby Chat Lel. The following day they moved on to three other villages, including Pi Tauk Pin which has more than 100 homes, burning 12 of the houses there, the activists group said. Locals told RFA the military column comprised about 120 troops from junta Infantry Battalion 368 and the junta aligned Pyu Saw Htee militia. Calls to Sagaing region junta spokesman Aye Hlaing went unanswered Tuesday. In the past he told RFA he is not able to comment on security issues. Last month troops burned down 274 houses in Kanbalu and Kyunhla townships, according to the Kyunhla-Kanbalu Activists Group. It said seven people were burned to death. The military has stepped up a scorched earth campaign in Sagaing region this year, torching 4,271 houses in January and killing 17 civilians, Myanmars ousted National Unity Government said last week. In the last five months of 2022, the number of people in Sagaing region fleeing fighting and arson attacks rose 17% to 616,500 the Market Analysis Unit said on Jan. 29. That accounts for half of the newly displaced persons nationwide between August and December. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly referred to the Market Analysis Unit as part of the Myanmar Information Management Unit. Under Suidani, Malaita province rejected China-funded projects but US assistance was slow to produce results. Daniel Suidani, who was ousted as premier of Malaita province in the Solomon Islands on Tuesday, gestures during an interview with BenarNews in the provincial capital Auki on Nov. 21, 2022. A Solomon Islands politician who was critical of the governments embrace of China was ousted as premier of Malaita province on Tuesday. Daniel Suidani faced a motion of no confidence in Malaitas provincial assembly after being accused of misappropriating funds. Before the vote, supporters of Suidani marched through the provincial capital Auki, video posted online showed. The Solomon Islands Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Rollen Seleso, said nominations for a new Malaita premier will be open for two days from Wednesday and police will maintain a strong presence in Auki. I want to assure the Malaita Province public that high visibility of police presence will be in Auki until the election of the new premier, he said. The Solomon Islands, a country of some 700,000 people, has become a hot spot in 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. Last year it signed a security pact with Beijing that has been followed by a Chinese police presence in the Solomon Islands capital 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. Under Suidani, Malaitas provincial assembly opposed the diplomatic switch to Beijing and issued its Auki Communique banning China-funded projects in Malaita despite the islands crumbling roads, rickety bridges and threadbare health system. Suidani touted benefits from a U.S. development aid project in the province, but it has been slow to produce tangible results. Malaitas Deputy Premier Glen Waneta in October criticized Malaitas refusal to accept Huawei mobile towers that would help improve spotty communications on the island. Peter Kenilorea, a member of the Solomon Islands parliament, said on Facebook last month that moves against Suidanis government appeared to be a scheme involving players at the provincial and national levels. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news organization. Nghe An Provincial Police have arrested 13 people for allegedly brokering and receiving bribes. Sundays arrests include a director and two deputy directors at vehicle registration centers in the province on Vietnams north central coast. The police said an investigation discovered high level staff were asking customers for between VND200,000 and VND1 million (U.S.$9-U.S.$43) to register vehicles with poor emission standards, worn tires, faulty brakes and broken lights. Car owners who wanted to fast-track registration were asked to pay at least VND200,000. The arrests are part of a nationwide crackdown on corrupt staff at Vietnam Register. The investigation has resulted in 120 people being investigated for offenses including giving and taking bribes and forging documents. They include a director and former director of the national vehicle registration body. Vietnam Register Director Dang Viet Ha was charged with bribery on Jan. 11. Five days later, Transport Minister Nguyen Van Thang called a conference to review the work of Vietnam Register and described the corruption there as painful and criminal protection. The Communist Party of Vietnam has vowed to crack down even harder on corrupt officials this year after a series of investigations in 2022 into a COVID-19 testing kit bribery scandal, a repatriation flights bribery scandal and real estate scams. The crackdown on the two COVID corruption cases led to Vietnams president and two deputy prime ministers being forced to step down last month for allowing corruption on their watch. Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn. Vietnamese political prisoner Huynh Thuc Vy is serving a 33 month jail sentence after being imprisoned for spraying paint on Vietnams flag. Two U.S. lawmakers have urged the Vietnamese government to release a woman serving a 33-month sentence for spraying paint on the countrys national flag. Radio Free Asia reported in October that Hyunh Thuc Vy had been beaten and choked by guards in Gia Trung Prison in Vietnams central highlands, according to family members. The family also said that the guards were doing nothing to protect her from attacks from other inmates at that time. In a Jan. 31 letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia, urged the administration to pressure Vietnam to release Vy, whom he described as an independent blogger who has written about human rights and socio-political issues in Vietnam since 2008. Vietnams politically motivated imprisonment and physical abuse of Ms. Huynh is an affront to freedom of expression and press freedom. She and the 20 other journalists imprisoned in Vietnam as of December 1, 2022, should be released immediately, Connolly said in the letter. On the same day, U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, also called for her release on Twitter. I urge the Vietnamese government to release Huynh Thuc Vy, a journalist and human rights activist. The Vietnamese government and prison guards must be held accountable for Vys treatment during her imprisonment, Khanna said. Khanna said his office would continue to monitor the situation. Vys older brother, Huynh Trong Hieu, said that the two congressmens support for his sister was great news that we have been looking forward to. We have been expecting that under the diplomatic pressure created by the U.S., the Vietnamese government in general, and Gia Trung Prison, in particular, will let my sister be safe in prison and the prisons maltreatment will be restricted, Hieu said. Khannas office has told the family that the congressman would press his colleagues to join in advocating for her release, Hieu said. Vy knows about the congressmens support and hoped it would help win her release, he said. Over the past decade, several prisoners of conscience in Vietnam who lawmakers from the U.S. and other countries have advocated for were subsequently released. The list includes lawyer Nguyen Van Dai, a co-founder and chairman of the Brotherhood for Democracy, a group of formerly jailed dissidents that coordinate their activism online. In an interview with RFA, Dai credited the advocacy of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith and former U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal for helping win his release. Dai, who currently lives in Germany, said that the lawmakers as well as political figures in Germany and other countries raised his case whenever they met with Vietnamese governments officials. Thanks to the persistent advocacy of the U.S. and Germanys lawmakers, I was released earlier than many others even though I was sentenced to 15 years in prison and five years on probation, Dai said. On Dec. 30, 2022, Khanna also called on the Vietnamese government to immediately and unconditionally release human rights activist Nguyen Thuy Hanh who was arrested in 2021 on the charge of anti-State propaganda. Hanh has been forced to receive treatment at a psychiatric hospital in the capital city of Hanoi over the past few months. Hanhs husband, Huynh Ngoc Chenh, told RFA that although she was not treated badly and harshly in the hospital, she had not been released yet. Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Eugene Whong and Jim Snyder. 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. BELGRADE -- Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik -- who has been sanctioned by the United States and Britain over alleged destabilization efforts and corruption -- has threatened that he could push for the independence of the Serbian entity of Bosnia-Herzegovina over a dispute involving a controversial property law. We are considering in the most serious terms to make a decision on independence and secede Republika Srpska [from Bosnia] unless the property issue is solved," Dodik said on April 14 while on a visit to Belgrade to meet Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Republika Srpska has tried multiple times to implement a property law that aims to transfer Bosnian state property to Republika Srpska, despite it being deemed unconstitutional. Republika Srpska authorities said they were implementing the law in late February. However, it represents a direct challenge to previous decisions by the high representative to Bosnia, Christian Schmidt, to repeal the decree creating the law and to suspend it pending a final decision by Bosnias Constitutional Court. Republika Srpska says the law aims to ensure that properties used by the authorities of the entity, including local governments, public companies, public institutions, and other departments founded by Republika Srpska belong to them. The countrys Constitutional Court has stated that the national parliament must adopt a property law that would be valid across Bosnia and not one of the countrys two entities. The 1995 Dayton Agreement ended the Bosnian civil war and established an administrative system under which Bosnia remains partitioned between the Serbian entity -- Republika Srpska -- and the Bosniak-Croat federation, connected by a weak central government. Dodik has long threatened to seek Republika Srpska's independence from the rest of Bosnia. He rejects the administrative arrangement and the authority of the Office of the High Representative, the international community's overseer of civil and other aspects of the Dayton Agreement. With reporting by Reuters 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 Talk of a crackdown on corruption and a new effort to cut powerful tycoons down to size seems to sweep through Ukraine every year. But the prospects for substantive change tend to melt away like snow in springtime, leaving a barren landscape thats all too familiar to reform advocates both inside and outside the country. So, its no surprise that a slew of high-level dismissals and headlines on corruption investigations have left some observers skeptical that it will amount to substance more than show. But with Ukraine in the grips of a devastating Russian bid to subjugate the country by force, the stakes for the government to stamp out a problem that has hampered its development since independence in 1991 are higher than ever before, experts say. Like the war itself, it is now an existential issue for Ukraine, some analysts say. Almost a year after Russia launched a large-scale invasion, dramatically escalating a conflict that had persisted in the eastern Donbas region since 2014, the United States and the European Union are providing billions of dollars a month in military and financial aid to help Ukraine defend itself. With no end to the war in sight and total promised foreign aid surpassing $100 billion, a growing number of politicians and voters in the United States and the EU are wondering whether its too much. In a possible sign of a fundamental change in tolerance toward corruption, the Ukrainian government reacted immediately last month to a media investigation exposing evidence of graft in military food procurement, firing some officials while others voluntarily stepped down. In the two weeks since that story broke, Zelenskiy, has replaced five regional governors, five regional prosecutors, several deputy ministers, and the acting head of the State Customs Service in the biggest reshuffle since Russia launched its invasion on February 24, 2022. Ukrainian law enforcement also carried out a search at the home of Ihor Kolomoyskiy, a powerful businessman who in the eyes of some Western officials epitomizes the problem of suspected corruption linking the state and the so-called oligarchs. David Dalton, a senior analyst at the British-based firm Dragonfly Intelligence and author of a book titled The Ukrainian Oligarchy After The Euromaidan, said it was a big change to see the Ukrainian government acting on reports of high-level corruption. In the past, these would probably have been ignored, Dalton told RFE/RL. It is the onset of a potentially profound and potentially very beneficial accelerated evolution of the governance regime, driven by war. Like other experts, however, he warned that the fight against corruption hasnt been institutionalized yet, and could still be reversed later. The weekly Dzerkalo Tyzhnya reported on January 21 that the Defense Ministry had purchased food, including eggs and potatoes, for its troops at inflated prices, causing an uproar in Ukraine and prompting the government to announce an investigation. Several officials have been fired and the deputy defense minister overseeing procurement stepped down. Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov may also be on his way out: The head of Zelenskiys Servant of the People party faction in parliament said on February 5 that Reznikov would be moved to a different ministry, though the next day he said no changes in the military leadership were expected this week. Reznikov has denied any wrongdoing and said the procurement system needs reform. His former deputy Vyacheslav Shapovalov, who oversaw logistical support for the army, has been detained and is the subject of a criminal investigation. Also stepping down was Kyrylo Tymoshenko, the high-profile deputy head of the presidential office who oversaw regional policy and had earlier worked on Zelenskiy's election campaign, following media reports that he had been using expensive cars. In past years, signs of clampdowns on corruption have often dissipated without producing substantial results: investigations would be announced and people detained, but there would be little follow through, experts said. There's a lot of exposure of corruption, but then there is often no accountability. High-profile cases are never prosecuted properly, Orysia Lutsevych, director of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House, a London-based research organization, told RFE/RL. A Rivals Lesson But with a war raging, Ukrainians suffering economically and emotionally, and Kyiv heavily dependent on foreign aid, Zelenskiys administration has little wiggle room and must address corruption head on, she said. The pressure from Ukrainian citizens and Western governments is much higher now to deliver on anti-corruption. It's a matter of life and death, literally, she said. It is also a matter of political survival, said Roman Kravets, a political columnist at popular online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda. Petro Poroshenko, Zelenskiys predecessor, reacted slowly during his 2019 election campaign to accusations that the son of his business partner skimmed money from the financially strapped military, seriously damaging his ratings. Poroshenko lost to Zelenskiy by a landslide in the runoff vote. Zelenskiy understood that experience, he lived it, and he does not want to take on the negativity of other people, Kravets told RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service. Zelenskiy and his team clearly understand the needs of society. There is a lot of anger, people react very sharply to some unfair things. And in order not to put their entire [hold on] power at risk they have begun to listen to public opinion and make quick decisions, he said. Tetyana Shevchuk, legal counsel for the Anti-Corruption Action Center in Kyiv, said the dismissals send a positive signal but do not address the core problem of weak institutions. What we need is systematic reforms and integrity of these reforms. We are doing some, but still a lot of work has to be done, Shevchuk told RFE/RL. I hope real investigations and prosecutions will take place in the coming months, but my inner skeptic says that it could be just a temporary thing, she said. Zelenskiys dismissal of five governors and five regional prosecutors was paired with his pledge to clean up corruption in the wake of the military food procurement scandal. However, some observers see other motives at play behind the scenes as well. Kravets said there are also aspects of a power play under way. He said the five regional leaders dismissed were close to Tymoshenko, the Zelenskiy aide who resigned. Andriy Yermak, Tymoshenkos former boss and the man considered by many to be the second-most powerful person in Ukraine, may have used the public backlash against Tymoshenkos spending habits to oust a competitor and consolidate power, Kravets said. Yermak is essentially trying to be the only one who has the presidents ear, he told RFE/RL. Yermaks spokeswoman, Dasha Zarivna, did not immediately respond to an e-mailed request for comment. In a February 2 tweet following a call with his U.S. counterpart, national-security adviser Jake Sullivan, Yermak said that Zelenskiy and his government are determined to comprehensively contribute to cleansing the organs of power of corruption risks. European Choice Meanwhile, some have voiced doubts about the sincerely of the February 1 search of tycoon Kolomoyskiys home by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), which came a day before the arrival of EU officials in Kyiv to discuss, in part, Ukraines potential future membership in the bloc. Ukraine was granted candidate status for EU membership in June. But Brussels has been firm in its position that, while it backs Ukraine's bid to join the EU, Kyiv will first need to implement a wide array of democratic and economic reforms and root out endemic corruption. The European Commission will publish an in-depth assessment of Ukraines reform progress in October. In its most recent annual publication, on January 31, Transparency International ranked Ukraine 116th out of 180 countries in its corruption perception index, with lower numbers meaning higher perceptions of corruption. The global civil society organization said that Ukraine has improved substantially over the past decade but that much remains to be done in strengthening government institutions. For some in the West, no one personifies the problem more than Kolomoyskiy, who is widely viewed as the quintessential representative of the 1990s bare-knuckle capitalism in Ukraine. In an unusual move seen as a signal to Zelenskiy to clamp down on corruption, U.S. President Joe Bidens administration publicly announced in March 2021 that it was banning Kolomoyskiy and his family from traveling to the United States due to his involvement in significant corruption, which Secretary of State Antony Blinken said had undermined rule of law and the Ukrainian publics faith in their governments democratic institutions. Months earlier, in August 2020, the Justice Department filed a civil case in the state of Florida to seize several U.S. commercial buildings belonging to Kolomoyskiy, accusing him of purchasing the property with laundered money. The Justice Department is also conducting a criminal investigation into the matter. Media outlets controlled by Kolomoyskiy backed Zelenskiys presidential bid in 2019, triggering fears that the politically inexperienced comedian and TV personality would be beholden to the tycoon. While Zelenskiy has kept his distance from Kolomoyskiy, Ukrainian prosecutors have not brought charges against the tycoon during the presidents four years despite widespread suspicions of financial crimes. Ukraines Central Bank has claimed that Kolomoyskiy siphoned $5.5 billion from his own lender, Privatbank, leaving the government to bail it out in 2016 to stave off an economic catastrophe. Authorities said the search of Kolomoyskiys residence by state security agents on February 1 was based on allegations of embezzlement of up to $1 billion from oil assets that Kolomoyskiy partially owned alongside the state. It looked like a show before the EU summit, Shevchuk said. The SBU has not charged Kolomoyskiy with a crime or said anything about the results of the search. In his nightly message to the nation on the evening before the summit, Zelenskiy said his government will continue our fight against the internal enemy -- a reference to corruption -- and promised that new steps will follow. That would be welcome news for the European Commission, which has set seven groups of requirements for Ukraine to fulfill before it can begin the accession process. Many of them concern judicial and law enforcement reform which lie at the heart of the corruption problem. Since achieving its independence three decade ago, Ukraines law enforcement agencies and courts have been routinely used as tools of influence by tycoons and politicians seeking to settle scores with opponents, stop investigations, or hinder business competitors. Mixed Record On Reform Zelenskiy, an outsider, ran on a promise to break that ossified system and bring Ukraine into the EU. Upon taking power, he quickly formed a government comprised of young officials to do just that. However, he dismissed them and his respected prosecutor, Ruslan Ryaboshapka, just months later amid reports of a backlash from vested interests, including tycoons, leaving supporters at home and abroad deeply disappointed. His new prosecutor, Iryna Venediktova, was viewed as a loyalist. She pursued criminal cases against Zelenskiys predecessor and rival, Poroshenko, raising concerns it was politically motivated, while leaving Kolomoyskiy untouched. Experts say Zelenskiys record on fighting corruption has been mixed to date. His ability to push through laws reforming the judicial system have been partially offset by interference with anti-corruption institutions, they said. Most notably , his office also delayed the appointment of Oleksandr Klymenko as head of the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO) for months in the hopes of installing its preferred candidate. Klymenko had launched a bribery investigation into Oleh Tatarov, Zelenskiys deputy chief of staff in 2020, while serving in the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). The United States and the EU called the delay incomprehensible and unjustified. Zelenskiys office also reportedly sought to fire the then head of NABU, Artem Sytnyk, in 2021 after he launched an investigation into the misuse of COVID-19 funds. NABU has the power to investigate corruption cases and arrest individuals while SAPO oversees those investigations and prosecutes them in the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC). NABU and SAPO are independent of the Prosecutor-Generals Office while HACC is independent of the countrys other courts, making them powerful instruments for fighting corruption. Their creation was mandated by Western governments in exchange for aid after the downfall in 2014 of Moscow-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych, whose rule was tarnished by allegations of widespread corruption, following months of massive protests known as the Euromaidan. NABU and SAPO have achieved truly impressive results since the appointment of Klymenko in June, Vitaliy Shabunin, the head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center's executive board, said in interview earlier this year. The anti-corruption institutions prosecuted 37 cases last year, winning 33. How serious Zelenskiy is about fighting corruption will be visible in whether he protects NABU, SAPO, and HACC from interference, Lutsevych and Shabunin said. The state could try to transfer cases from NABU to the Prosecutors Office or the Security Services (SBU) to derail investigations, Shabunin warned in the interview. It has been done before. Klymenkos investigation of Tatarov was handed to Venediktova and later quashed. NABU had been investigating Kolomoyskiys financial transactions with the state-owned oil companies for months prior to the search by the SBU on February 1. The SBU could try to take over that case as well. We have to watch whether there's any obstruction to their activity from high offices because that is where the problem is, Lutsevych said. We have to watch their actions rather than their declarations. RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service contributed to this report. Oleksandra Matviychuk is the director of the Center for Civil Liberties, the Ukrainian NGO that shared the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize for its work documenting alleged Russian war crimes. In a wide-ranging interview with RFE/RL Georgian Service's Vazha Tavberidze, Matviychuk, a lawyer and rights activist, said Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was the result of decades of impunity for the Kremlin. She said Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials must ultimately be brought to justice, while acknowledging that process is likely to be lengthy. The interview with Matviychuk was conducted on January 26 in Strasbourg, France, on the sidelines of the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. RFE/RL: In less than a month, on February 24, there will an anniversary -- if one can call it that -- of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Just how much has your life changed? Oleksandra Matviychuk: I will remind that this war did not start in February 2022 but in February 2015 when Ukraine obtained a chance for a quick democratic transformation after the collapse of the authoritarian regime [of former President Viktor Yanukovych] due to the Revolution of Dignity (the mass street protests that ousted Yanukovych in February 2014). In order to stop us [on] this [path], Russia started this war, occupied Crimea, part of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, because [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is not afraid of NATO, [but] Putin is afraid of the idea of freedom. The Tavberidze Interviews Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Vazha Tavberidze of RFE/RL's Georgian Service has been interviewing diplomats, military experts, and academics who hold a wide spectrum of opinions about the war's course, causes, and effects. To read all of his interviews, click here. But what happened last year, it was called a large-scale invasion, and it changed our lives completely, from the personal perspective and the professional perspective. From the personal perspective, every single aspect of what we call normal life was ruined. Now we live not only in danger -- because there is no safe place in Ukraine at the current moment where you can save yourself from Russian rockets -- but we live in total uncertainty, when you can't plan your day, even [your] next hours, because you never know when the alarm will start, or the electricity will disappear. And second, from the professional point of view, I have been documenting Russian war crimes for eight years before [this] large-scale invasion started -- with a special focus on the practice of illegal detentions, abductions, sexual violence, torture, killing of civilians in occupied territories, as well as politically motivated persecution -- but, even for me, I wasn't prepared for such a level of atrocities. I don't think that you can be prepared for war. Because everything which we faced, with the enormous cruelty and the enormous amount of war crimes, means we're faced with an enormous scope of human pain. Because we do not just document violations of the Geneva Conventions, we document human suffering. RFE/RL: What are the numbers you have for the number of documented war crimes committed by invading Russian forces? Matviychuk: After the large-scale invasion started, we united our efforts with dozens of regional organizations into one tribunal for Putin. We built an all-Ukraine network of local organizations and, [after] working together for only 10 months of the large-scale invasion, we jointly documented 31,000 [incidents] of war crimes. And this sounds like a huge amount, but it is still just the tip of the iceberg. Just to understand the scope: The office of the prosecutor-general of Ukraine has officially registered more than 70,000 criminal proceedings. RFE/RL: How has documenting these alleged Russian war crimes impacted you personally? What is it like for you and your team to daily collect this grim data? All this hell that we face in Ukraine is the result of total impunity, which Russia has enjoyed for decades because Russian troops committed horrible atrocities in Chechnya, in Georgia, in Moldova, in Libya, in Syria, in other countries of the world." Matviychuk: It's difficult because, OK, I'm a human rights lawyer, but first and foremost, I'm a human being. And we now are working with something inhuman. And it's very difficult to get used to it from all perspectives. RFE/RL: Is there one especially harrowing memory that you'd like to erase from your mind, something that you'd rather not have seen or heard? Matviychuk: When your old perception of life is ruined, you get an impression that there are thousands of things that you [used to think] were essential, but they aren't essential at all. And there are only a few things that are important in our lives: things like values for which you can live and even die. And I told myself that, in the future, I want to forget a lot of things which I saw or heard about or felt during this war. I don't want to bring the war inside me for the rest of my life. But I want for me to remember what is essential in our lives. It is a very important lesson that I've learned. RFE/RL: What do you think is essential? Matviychuk: I will never wish for any nation to go through this experience, but these dramatic times provide us Ukrainians a chance to demonstrate our best features: to fight for freedom, to be courageous, to make tough but right choices, and to help each other. And when the large-scale invasion started and international organizations relocated their staff, but ordinary people remained and ordinary people started to do extraordinary things, they started to risk their lives to defend and help others [whom] they had never met before. This is very important because now, maybe like never before, we are acutely aware of what it means to be human beings. RFE/RL: Do you see a similarity in the tactics Russia employs in Ukraine and elsewhere that Russia has operated militarily? Matviychuk: All this hell that we face in Ukraine is the result of total impunity, which Russia has enjoyed for decades because Russian troops committed horrible atrocities in Chechnya, in Georgia, in Moldova, in Libya, in Syria, in other countries of the world. And they have never been punished for this. This violence, because of this impunity, and this brutality and this cruelty, this ignoring of international law and basic human rights and rejection of human dignity, have become a part of Russian culture. 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. That's why we have a lot of similarities. When this large-scale invasion started, I got a message from a colleague in Syria and he told me, "Please, tell your authorities [not to mark] medical workers as medical workers and hospitals as hospitals" because Russia will deliberately hit [these targets]. And it has happened. I mentioned in my Nobel Peace Prize lecture the story of the mother who lost her newborn child, and it was a story from the Mariupol maternity hospital, which is very famous. And we have lots of similar stories where Russia shelled hospitals and medical workers. Also, the colleague from Syria told us: "Don't mark evacuation cars with the label, 'Children,' because the Russians will deliberately hit these evacuation cars." And I remembered these words when this pilot [bombed] the Mariupol theater, where in big letters [the word] "Children" was written, and hundreds of people with children tried to find [sanctuary] in the theater and failed because Russia destroyed [it]. RFE/RL: You've often said in interviews that you sent reports to the UN, the Council of Europe, the European parliament for eight years, and you say that "they didn't listen to us." Now they are listening, but do you feel it will be followed by action? Matviychuk: It shows another problem: that even when you are heard, the international system is incapable of doing something. It is an illusion that an international system of peace and security exists. It doesn't exist. The whole UN system could not stop Russia's atrocities. When the UN Secretary-General [Antonio Guterres] came to Kyiv to meet President [Volodymyr] Zelenskiy, that same day (April 28, 2022) Russian rockets hit residential buildings and killed in her flatthe journalist Vira Hyrych from Radio Liberty (RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service). It's a very dangerous world to live in. It means that our security, our human rights guarantees, depend not on the international order and international law and the architecture of [an] international organization which has to fulfill its mandate, but only whether you live in a country with strong military protection. And this is a very dangerous development in thinking because it will lead to governments to invest money not in education, development projects, solving complex problems like climate change or poverty, or some new technologiesbut into weapons. I'm not naive. I'm a human rights lawyer, and I know this legal system is not conservative. It can be developed, adapted to the appropriate need. And the main barrier is our mind." And, in today's world, when we have so much technology, we can create such weapons that can kill us much more quickly, including nuclear weapons. So, it's a much more dangerous world, and that's why we need to restore international order, which means that we need to start a cardinal reform of this international system of peace and security in order to provide human rights guarantees and security to each person, regardless of what country they live in. We have to provide people with active protection from authoritarian regimes and worse. And we have to start with a small and symbolic step: We have to exclude Russia from the UN Security Council. RFE/RL: That's a huge step, not a small, symbolic one. Do you see that happening? Matviychuk: I believe that we have to do everything to make it happen. We have to obtain two-thirds of the vote in the UN General Assembly, which means that we need to call for historical responsibility of the political leadership of these countries. (The UN charter does not include a mechanism for expelling a permanent UN Security Council member.) And I'm not naive. I know that countries and politicians can have different goals, and there are governments which do not represent their people. But why do I look to the future with optimism? Because, based on my experience, I know that if you can't rely upon a legal instrument, you can always rely upon people and all our huge initiatives, which provided achange of reality, were based on the involvement of ordinary people, [for example] during the Revolution of Dignity, when they coordinated the civil initiative Euromaidan SOS and we provided assistance to prosecuted protesters throughout the country 24 hours a day. And then we established an international network and launched a global [campaign] to release the political prisoner [film director] Oleh Sentsov, and other Ukrainian political prisoners [who] were jailed by Russia; and then we united people in 35 countries of the world. And we succeeded. It was a huge input of hundreds and hundreds of people all over the world who joined this global campaign. This peace won't be sustainable without justice, because in our region, Russia [has used] war as a tool to achieve their geopolitical interests for decades. And Russia uses war crimes as a method to win this war, [and has] for decades." So yes, it's not an easy task, but justice is a very understandable value for millions of people around the globe. And in this regard, there are no national borders. In this regard, there is not just a war between two states, it's a war between two systems: authoritarianism and democracy. RFE/RL: You just told me that you're not naive. And yet, what you propose would be described by the majority of so-called realpolitik experts as exactly that -- naive. What would be your counterargument? Matviychuk: They have to study the long history of humankind which convincingly proves that some ideas, which were perceived as naive, even marginal, too radical, become our reality. Last century, it was naive to think that international organizations can interfere into the internal affairs of a sovereign state, when the state violates human rights. Now it is the basic principle of international law. I'm not naive. I'm a human rights lawyer, and I know this legal system is not conservative. It can be developed, adapted to the appropriate need. And the main barrier is our mind. It's a mental barrier when we think, "OK, it's not possible. We always lived like this. Why do we have to change?" It is too difficult. We have to change. RFE/RL: Is there also a mental barrier that has to be overcome of, "What will happen if we oppose Russia, if we drag Russia from one tribunal to another?" Matviychuk: I think that it's also another problem of misperception of reality because some people in informal conversation tell me: "Justice is important, but we need peace, stability." But we will never have peace in our region without justice, which means stable peace, not just temporal political compromise, which provides Russia the chance to regroup and then go further. But [we need] a sustainable, stable peace, which provides people opportunity to live without fear of violence and have a long perspective. And, in this regard, this peace won't be sustainable without justice, because in our region, Russia [has used] war as a tool to achieve their geopolitical interests for decades. And Russia uses war crimes as a method to win this war, [and has] for decades. So, it will not break the circle of impunity; we'll have another war, and maybe not against the Ukrainian nation but against another nation, and I want to prevent it. RFE/RL: You also argue that the international community should not wait to bring Putin to justice. But how do you propose that be done in the less-than-ideal world that you've just described? Matviychuk: We have to establish a special tribunal on aggression, to hold Putin, [Belarusian leader Alyaksandr] Lukashenka, and other top military commanders and the senior political leadership of the Russian Federation accountable. And even that is not enough because when we speak about crimes of oppression, it's only one type of international crimes. We have war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide. And when the International Criminal Court is limited to investigating only several select cases. People have much greater impact than they can even imagine. And massive mobilization of ordinary people in different countries of the world can change world history quicker than a UN intervention." I have a very simple question: Who will provide justice for the hundreds of thousands of victims of this war? Who will not be lucky [enough] to be selected by the International Criminal Court? And the answer is a national system. But once again, 70,000 criminal proceedings are impossible to investigate even by the best national system in the world. And that's why we need to find a hybrid model [in which] national investigators work together with international investigators; national judges work together with international [judges] and so on. RFE/RL: Putin, Lukashenka, top military commanders. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that does sound awfully familiar. Sounds like some sort of Nuremberg trials 2.0. And the caveat here is that the Nuremberg trials happened after the Nazi regime collapsed. Matviychuk: We have to stop [looking] at the world through the prism of the Nuremberg trials. Because it was a great step to establish law and justice in the 20th century, but you're totally right -- the Nazi war criminals were tried after that regime had collapsed. But we live in the 21st century. RFE/RL: But it was only possible because the Nazi regime had collapsed. Do you think it would be possible with Hitler and the Nazi regime still in charge? Matviychuk: We live in the 21st century -- there is no necessity to [make] justice [dependent on]the magnitude of the Putin regime's power. We have to provide justice, regardless of the politics, because there is a difference between political decisions and [legal] decisions. And I'm in favor of [legal] decisions. RFE/RL: But is it possible realistically to separate the two and pursue justice? Matviychuk: It's not a perfect world, but it's a hyper-complex, very interconnected world. And now we have a tool [for] how to influence the political decisions [by] creating horizontal movements, which have no national borders. And this, like I mentioned, [with the] example of the Oleh Sentsov global campaign, when people around the globe campaigned to release the Ukrainian political prisoner, because there are many issues which aren't limited by international borders, and human solidarity and human pain are such things. People have much greater impact than they can even imagine. And massive mobilization of ordinary people in different countries of the world can change world history quicker than a UN intervention. Ukrainians want justice; they don't want to be asked to forgive. We're not waiting for "forgive us" from the Russian people. We need justice, and once this justice is served, then they, as a result, may ask for forgiveness." RFE/RL: Mass protests on a global scale may be possible, but would that bring Putin any closer to justice? Matviychuk: When we [organized] the Save Sentsov campaign, it wasn't just protesting with an abstract demand [addressed] to Putin. We [created] a strategy. And people in 35 countries of the world, on one day, appeared in their central [town] squares with the demand to their own national governments. And we wrote what their national governments have to do in order to push Russia to release Ukrainian political prisoners. And people demanded it. And this is a combination that we need -- we need [the] energy of the people, and we need a strategy to push this energy in the right way. We have no other option; we should try. RFE/RL: Since winning the Nobel Peace Prize, has anything changed for your organization? Matviychuk: Yes. For decades, the voice of human rights defenders wasn't heard. It was invisible, on the international level, on the national level, as well; it was like a blind spot. And the Nobel Peace Prize provided us an opportunity to make our voice [heard] and once again put [the issues] on the table, in the rooms where political decisions are [made]. RFE/RL: That Ukrainian voices should be heard is the reason you gave for refusing to be interviewed together with your Russian Nobel Peace Prize co-winner. Had there been Belarusian rights activist Ales Byalyatski (the other Nobel Peace Prize co-winner) instead of Memorial International chairman Yan Rachinsky, would you still have refused? Matviychuk: I want to explain this more widely, because the international community didn't understand the criticism from part of Ukrainian society when this information about the Nobel Peace Prize emerged. [Some Ukrainians] heard that someone from Russia, from Ukraine, from Belarus would share this prize, and it reminded them of the Soviet narrative about sister nations, and people know that it was a huge lie because during Soviet times there weren't sister nations, it was only one nation which dominated, one language which dominated, one culture that dominated. When I was asked, 'Why do you refuse to speak together with Russians?' I said I'm totally sure that we will speak about the same things, but please hear us separately." And I said that this award isn't awarded to countries, it's awarded to people. And I have known these people for decades; we've worked together for years. During the war, Memorial helped us to collect evidence in the occupied territories, where we as Ukrainian human rights defenders had no reach. I can only refer to the slogan among dissidents from different countries: for your and our freedom. So, I have no ethical or other barriers to avoid our human rights colleagues from Memorial or from Vyasna (the Belarusian human rights organization where Byalyatski works). I was at the first court [appearance] of Ales [Byalyatski]. I came there to support him. I was at the court hearing when the judges announced this verdict and sentenced him. But now I think that it's very important to hear Ukrainian human rights defenders give the Ukrainian perspective. When I was asked, "Why do you refuse to speak together with Russians?" I said I'm totally sure that we will speak about the same things, but please hear us separately. RFE/RL: Given the nature of the Russian regime, it is difficult to accurately gauge the public support for Putin's full-scale invasion, although some believe he does have legitimate public backing to reconstitute the Russian Empire. Does that mean links between Ukrainians and Russians are irreversibly severed? Matviychuk: Recently, there was research by a Ukrainian psychotherapist. Several focus groups were created, and she asked people from whom they are waiting to be asked for forgiveness on the Russian side: from Putin, from the Russian government, parliament, from Russian intellectual elites, from ordinary people. In first place was: from nobody. That means that Ukrainians want justice; they don't want to be asked to forgive. We're not waiting for "forgive us" from the Russian people. We need justice, and once this justice is served, then they, as a result, may ask for forgiveness. The concept of forgiveness means that you're ready to forget what happened. Ukrainians are not going to forget. We need justice. RFE/RL: Are they going to forgive? Matviychuk: It can be possible only as a result of justice. Because you can forgive when you feel satisfied. And this is very essential, because if the demand for justice won't be [satisfied], [then] it can turn into demands for revenge. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. For weeks, some of the most intense fighting in the war in Ukraine has centered on the Donetsk region city of Bakhmut, which Russian forces seem determined to capture even at enormous cost. The nearly deserted city is being held by Ukrainian forces, including Russian volunteers serving in the Free Russia legion and fighting against the invading forces of their own country. The complexion of the fighting has changed since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced military mobilization in September, bringing tens of thousands of additional soldiers to the Russian lines. In addition, the ostensibly private Wagner mercenary group has recruited tens of thousands of convicts from Russian prisons and seems to be spearheading the drive to capture Bakhmut. We can feel the difference since mobilization, said a Free Russian fighter in Bakhmut who goes by the call sign Tsezar, which means Caesar in English. Now you can just shoot without aiming and youll definitely hit someone. Earlier we had to search for targets to corner Russian groups. Now, there are a lot of them in every hole. They have been able to advance a bit, but at the cost of enormous losses, he added. I feel sorry for the poor guys. I would like to be able to tell them: You have no enemies in Ukraine. There are no enemies in Paris or New York. All of your enemies are sitting in the Kremlin. The Free Russia legion was formed in March 2022. According to Ukrainian sources, the first members were soldiers who defected from the Russian military shortly after Moscow launched its massive, unprovoked invasion on February 24. In their manifesto, they describe themselves as free citizens of Russia who take responsibility for themselves and are beginning to fight for a New Russia. The exact number of fighters in the organization is held secret, but media reports mention figures up to 4,000. Tsezar, a 50-year-old from St. Petersburg who describes himself as a Russian nationalist, told RFE/RLs Russian Service that he joined the legions second battalion and now the third and fourth are being formed. Numbers differ from country to country, but a battalion often consists of several hundred and up to 1,000 troops. They are all different people, he said when asked who has joined the legion. They all have different fates, but we are united by one goal -- to defend Ukraine and then return to Russia with weapons in our hands. Russia has discredited itself and there cannot be any normal transfer of power there, he added. They will cling to it tightly and are ready to sacrifice millions of people to hold on. 'I'm Done With Russia' Tikhy, which means quiet or calm in English, is the call sign of another Free Russia fighter from the Volga River city of Tolyatti. When Moscows invasion began in February 2022, he was working on a construction site in Kyiv. At first, I simply couldnt believe it, he recalled. Only after the third rocket flew by did I understand what was happening. I gathered up my family and we hid in the basement. In late spring, he joined the legion. He spent a few weeks training and was then sent to the front, where he has been ever since. Im done with Russia. I dont even want to hear about it after what they did in the Kyiv region and elsewhere, Tikhy said when asked if he ever expects to see his homeland again, referring to compelling evidence that Russian forces committed atrocities in areas that they occupied, including Kyiv region towns such as Bucha. Tsezar joined the legion around the same time. February 24 came as a shock, he said. My children were looking at me with tears and asking: Papa, how can this be? How could Russia attack Ukraine? I told them not to worry because Ukraine would win in the end. I couldnt just stand by, he said. I tried to volunteer for the international legion, but they werent taking Russians then. When Free Russia was formed, I applied, went through some background checks, and ended up here. Putin 'Raised The Stakes' The two men now form a mortar crew squaring off against raw Russian troops. Putin really raised the stakes with mobilization, Tsezar said. Earlier, we were fighting against the so-called little green men and some Vasya was sitting in Saratov watching television, he said, using a diminutive of the common Russian first name Vasily. Now Vasya has to get off his butt and crawl around a cold trench outside of Bakhmut while Tikhy and I fire mortars at him, he said. Vasyas attitude is going to change. If Vasya really thinks about it, maybe hell join us and well march together on Moscow. Despite taking up arms against the Russian military and government, Tzesar insisted he remained a right-leaning Russian nationalist who looks back nostalgically on the tsarist era. What are the Russian provinces? he said. Dirt, ruins, poverty, drunkenness. That is what we need to be working on, rather than expanding our prison to include Georgia, Ukraine, the Baltic states, and Belarus. That is the kind of Russian nationalist that I am. There is no sense in using force to hold people that dont want to be with you. Tzesar remained confident in Ukraines ultimate victory, but urged Kyivs allies to provide more advanced weaponry. You saw how 20 or 30 HIMARS units changed the course of the war, he said, referring to the U.S.-made multiple rocket launchers that helped Ukraine bounce back after the initial invasion. And the West has hundreds more. And thousands of tanks. I wont even mention aircraft. If Ukraine had even a tiny fraction of these weapons, Tikhy and I would be celebrating our victory somewhere on a beach in Crimea, he said. 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The Cabinet member referred to bridges, sidewalks, educational institutions, cradles, river defenses, sanitation, health posts, and water systems maintenance during a period of 11 months. 2030 Agenda Minister Demartini remarked that Midis is working on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in order to meet its objectives of achieving the well-being of all Peruvians, leaving no one behind. The minister's speech focused on the priority theme of the 61st CsocD, which is the following: "Creating full and productive employment and decent work for all as a way of overcoming inequalities to accelerate the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development." For this purpose, the Cabinet member stressed that the Foncodes program, through its Haku Winay/Noa Jayatai project, develops productive capacities in families from rural Andean and Amazonian communities to increase and diversify their autonomous income. In this context, 359,842 households have benefited from 2012 to December 2022. For 2023, it is predicted that more than 65,000 rural households will be benefited. The government official also mentioned that Foncodes has a new plan of intervention in urban areas called: Mi Emprendimiento Mujer (My Entrepreneurship Women), which seeks to improve the economic situation of 800 women associated with Comedores Populares (community kitchens) and Ollas Comunes (soup kitchens), through the development of their technical-productive capacities and the endowment of assets, which allow them to develop sustainable enterprises. This intervention is planned to be expanded in order to serve 1,000 additional women, who have been supporting the food attention to the most vulnerable population in solidarity. ???? Impulsamos el empleo para la inclusion economica y social! ? El #Midis creara programas que generaran puestos de trabajo y fortaleceran los emprendimientos sostenibles, a favor de los mas vulnerables. ??? Ver nota: https://t.co/yfKbESzNGZ #CSocD61 #DesarrolloConInclusion pic.twitter.com/CaP57bt4a3 El Ministerio de Salud informa que 3720 personas han sido dadas de alta por #ViruelaDelMono y se han detectado 6 casos nuevos en los ultimos dias. Todos vienen recibiendo asistencia medica y se viene realizando seguimiento a sus contactos. pic.twitter.com/wf3d4P7NjZ YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. During the 57 days of the blockade, Azerbaijan cut off the gas supply to Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) as many as 6 times, in particular on 13 December 2022 for three days, on 17 January 2023 for one day, on 18 January for one day, on 21 January for four days, and on 28 January for one day, disrupting normal life in the republic and exerting psychological pressure on the people of Artsakh, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh said in a statement. Below is the full statement. On 6 February 2023, Azerbaijan once again cut off the natural gas supply from Armenia to Artsakh through the only existing pipeline. During the 57 days of the blockade, Azerbaijan cut off the gas supply to Artsakh as many as 6 times, in particular on 13 December 2022 for three days, on 17 January 2023 for one day, on 18 January for one day, on 21 January for four days, and on 28 January for one day, disrupting normal life in the republic and exerting psychological pressure on the people of Artsakh. As a result of Azerbaijan's actions, 120 thousand residents of the republic, including 30 thousand children, continue to face serious difficulties with access to heating and hot water in conditions of severe transport blockade and cold winter. The situation is further aggravated by the acute shortage of electricity caused by a breakdown on 9 January of the only high-voltage power line coming from Armenia, which cannot be restored due to persistent obstruction by the Azerbaijani side. Such actions of Azerbaijan clearly show that even after the signing of the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020, official Baku did not abandon its long-term policy of exterminating the people of Artsakh in their historical homeland. To achieve this goal, the Azerbaijani authorities have resorted to the blockade of Artsakh and disruption of the critical energy infrastructure, thereby creating unbearable living conditions and dooming the civilian population to incredible hardships. The inhumane actions of Azerbaijan indicate that the leadership of this country has placed itself above international law and human morality. Ignoring the calls of many countries and international organizations for the immediate lifting of the blockade of Artsakh and the decision of the European Court of Human Rights to ensure the free movement of people and cargo through the Lachin Corridor, official Baku has in fact opposed itself to the civilized world. Such behaviour became possible due to the impunity of the Baku regime, which gives it a free hand to further tighten its criminal policy against the indigenous Armenian population of Artsakh. Under these circumstances, to prevent the destruction of the people of Artsakh, we consider it necessary that the international community direct their efforts not only to ending the blockade of Artsakh, but also to taking prompt measures, including activation of early warning mechanisms, adequate assessment and response to the genocidal policy of Azerbaijan. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. The negotiations over a peace treaty with Azerbaijan are a continual process and Armenia is resolutely involved in the talks, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said at a joint press conference with German Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock. We have a goal to continue our active efforts in building sustainable and lasting peace in our region. Id like to inform that a meeting between me, the Azerbaijani and Russian foreign ministers was scheduled earlier in December. It had to take place in Moscow this time, but the Armenian side postponed participation due to the blockade of the Lachin corridor. And despite this, we conveyed our new proposals around a peace treaty to the Azerbaijani side. And I have to inform that a few days ago we received the Azerbaijani response and proposals. This is a continuous process, and we continue to work on the text, exchanging proposals and continuing discussions in several phases, the Armenian Foreign Minister said. FM Mirzoyan added that although the blockade of Lachin corridor and all other challenges are still ongoing, the negotiations continue. The continual belligerent rhetoric and propaganda of hate against Armenians as well as aggressive actions on the ground by Azerbaijan dont contribute to the successful and smoother course of these talks at all, Mirzoyan said. FM Mirzoyan reiterated that Armenia is committed to the agenda of peace and will continue efforts to achieve lasting and sustainable peace in the region. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. By besieging Artsakh, the Azerbaijani side is trying to create unbearable living conditions, exert psychological pressure on the people of Artsakh and, ultimately, force people to leave their homeland, ARMENPRESS reports Minister of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh Republic Sergey Ghazaryan said in an interview with ARTSAKHPRESS. He noted that such actions of Azerbaijan are assessed as an element of genocidal policy, aimed at the elimination of the people of Artsakh. We present the full interview of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh. - Mr. Ghazaryan, you were appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh in a very critical period, when the Republic found itself in the face of existential challenges, which are exacerbated by the ongoing blockade by Azerbaijan. What priority measures need to be taken to overcome these challenges and threats? -In the short term, our efforts are aimed at the speedy restoration of the functioning of the Lachin Corridor in line with the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020 and, therefore, the complete lifting of the blockade of Artsakh, which has been going on for 58 days. - In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh uses all available resources and opportunities to inform the international community about the real goals of Azerbaijan's blockade on Artsakh, as well as its humanitarian, economic and other consequences. Our main task is to consolidate the position of the international community against the illegal actions of Azerbaijan and create an environment that will make it impossible for Azerbaijan to continue the blockade of Artsakh or repeat such a scenario in the future. In addition to targeted statements and appeals, we consider it necessary to take more effective measures against Azerbaijan, in particular, international sanctions, including personal ones, against officials of the regime responsible for such illegal actions. To achieve these goals, the Artsakh Foreign Ministry uses every opportunity to present its position to the international community. In the medium term, we will continue to take consistent steps aimed at promoting Artsakhs subjectivity, which implies a set of measures in the political, diplomatic, legal and information spheres. The Artsakh Foreign Ministry will use all available opportunities to inform the international community about the essence of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict, the discriminatory and genocidal policy pursued by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh for decades, the political and legal justification for the proclamation and building of Artsakh's statehood. We will continue to consistently defend the position of Artsakh on the entire range of issues related to the achievement of a comprehensive and just settlement of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict. In this context, we attach key importance to the restoration of the international negotiating mechanism to resolve the conflict with direct and equal participation in the process of the authorities of Artsakh. In the medium and long term, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh will continue to advocate for the right to self-determination exercised by the people of Artsakh, develop and deepen the international ties of the republic at various levels. Particular attention will be paid to raising awareness about Artsakh and the just struggle of its people for their inalienable rights. - What goals do you think Azerbaijan is pursuing by imposing a blockade against Artsakh? - By imposing a blockade against Artsakh, Azerbaijan is trying to create unbearable living conditions in Artsakh, exert psychological pressure on the people and, ultimately, force them to leave their homeland. We consider such actions as one of the elements of the genocidal policy of Azerbaijan aimed at the destruction of the people of Artsakh as such. Today's blockade is a direct continuation of the military aggression against the Republic of Artsakh and its people unleashed by Azerbaijan in 2020 with the direct involvement of Turkey, mercenaries and terrorist fighters from the Middle East. As a result of this aggression, vast territories of Artsakh, including the city of Shushi and the Hadrut region, were occupied by Azerbaijan. About 38 thousand people lost their homes and became refugees or IDPs. More than 90 thousand of the 150 thousand population of Artsakh were forced to take refuge in Armenia, fleeing the horrors of war. However, after the ceasefire was established, most of the inhabitants of Artsakh returned to their homeland. Having failed to achieve all of its objectives during the aggression in 2020, Azerbaijan resorted to other methods to implement its criminal plans. The ultimate goal of this policy is to suppress the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination by expelling and destroying the people of Artsakh as such. Azerbaijan is acting on the principle no people - no problem. - How do you assess the international response to Azerbaijan's actions to blockade Artsakh? - We welcome the statements of the international community on the need to immediately unblock the Lachin Corridor and Artsakh. In this context, it is important to take not a fragmentary, but a comprehensive approach to the situation created in Artsakh as a result of the blockade by Azerbaijan. The blockade of Artsakh is not only a humanitarian problem, but also a matter of violation of the individual and collective rights of its people. The international community should consider the blockade not as an isolated case, but rather an episode in a series of large-scale and systematic attacks by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh and violations of their rights. By imposing a blockade, Azerbaijan seeks to deliberately create such living conditions for the people of Artsakh that are designed to make them leave their historical homeland. Statements by the Azerbaijani leadership that the Lachin Corridor is open to those wishing to leave Artsakh indicate that through the blockade the Azerbaijani authorities are implementing a policy of ethnic cleansing of Artsakh. We call upon the community of States to take a comprehensive legal approach to the issue of Artsakh and the rights of its people, and to immediately activate the existing mechanisms for genocide prevention, in line with their international obligations to prevent mass atrocities. -Keeping Artsakh under blockade, Azerbaijan simultaneously puts forward demands both on Artsakh and Armenia. From Artsakh, Azerbaijan demands the recognition of Azerbaijani control over the Lachin Corridor. How would you comment on this? -Azerbaijan's demands to establish control over the Lachin Corridor are in direct contradiction to the provisions of the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020. Azerbaijan's arguments that the Lachin Corridor is under the jurisdiction of Azerbaijan as part of the Lachin region, which, according to the Trilateral Statement, came under Azerbaijani control, have no basis. The signature of the Azerbaijani President under the Trilateral Statement is an expression of the direct and explicit consent of the Azerbaijani state to renounce control over the Lachin corridor and put it under the exclusive control of the Russian Peacekeeping Contingent. In fact, Azerbaijan seeks to revise the special status of the Lachin Corridor by changing the situation on the ground and introducing new unilateral elements that contradict the Trilateral Statement. We have repeatedly stressed the illegitimacy of Azerbaijan's attempts to unilaterally review the status and mode of operation of the Lachin Corridor. In this regard, we reiterate that Azerbaijan's claims about its alleged right to stop vehicles passing through the Lachin Corridor and conduct cargo inspections are baseless. The Trilateral Statement does not contain any restrictions on the transportation of cargo as to their nature, purpose or use. - How would you comment on the statements of the Azerbaijani authorities about their readiness to ensure the rights of the people of Artsakh? - Obviously, the establishment of Azerbaijani jurisdiction over the people of Artsakh and their rights will in fact be tantamount to their forcible expulsion from their homeland. If someone outside Artsakh had doubts about this, then Azerbaijan itself dispelled these doubts by imposing a blockade on Artsakh and provoking a humanitarian catastrophe. The essence of the current stage of the conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan lies precisely in the fact that Azerbaijan is not only unable to guarantee the rights, but also pursues a deliberate and consistent policy to destroy the people of Artsakh as such. The statements of the Azerbaijan leadership about their readiness to ensure the rights of the people of Artsakh are just a screen behind which Baku will try to complete its criminal plan. Which of the goals of Azerbaijan are real, and which are just a trick, is evidenced by the aforementioned statement of the president of this country, who said that anyone who did not want to obey Baku should leave Artsakh. We strongly reject any proposals aimed at transferring jurisdiction over the rights of our people to Azerbaijan. We call on the international community to be guided, first of all, by the interests of the people living in Artsakh, who are threatened with ethnic cleansing and expulsion from their homeland. In the face of the impending catastrophe for the people of Artsakh, indifference and inaction by the international community will be connivance, if not complicity. -How does Artsakh see the ways of resolving the conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan? From a substantive point of view, resolution of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict should be aimed at eliminating its root cause related to the unwillingness of Azerbaijan to recognize the collective rights of the people of Artsakh, as well as correcting the consequences of their illegal use of military force against the Republic of Artsakh. From a procedural point of view, the process of the conflict resolution should be based on decisions taken by the parties through negotiations. This is what international law requires. We support the idea of restoring the international mechanism for direct negotiations between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, through which we can reach an agreement that guarantees a just and lasting peace. We consider the proposals of the international community on the need to create an international mechanism as evidence of the general understanding that the forcible subjugation of the people of Artsakh to the jurisdiction of Azerbaijan is a violation of international human rights law, and the practical implementation of this plan will lead to extreme manifestations of violence and persecution by Azerbaijan against the Armenians. Therefore, we call upon the international community to continue efforts aimed at creating an appropriate environment for the peaceful resolution of the conflict on the basis of international law. Other ways to resolve this conflict are just condoning the genocidal policy of Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a meeting with top energy industry leaders on the sidelines of India Energy Week. Vedanta Resources chief Anil Agarwal, Petronas head T.M. Taufik and OPEC chief Haitham Al Ghais were among the leaders who were present at the meeting. "India can help the world solve the climate crisis with technology and investment made in innovation in the energy sector. It's delightful to listen to PM Modi in India energy week," Joseph McMonigle, secretary general of the International Energy Forum, said after the meeting. "It was an amazing meeting with PM Modi today who addressed us at India Energy Week. I have no doubt that India is the most attractive place for exploration and production of oil and gas," Agarwal said. Petronas chief Taufik said: "India is sending important messages across the world as it takes on the G20 presidency. No less than Prime Minister Modi is sending strong guidelines on how to navigate the energy transition. I'm in admiration of his ability to sell the concept and also fight for energy justice." "We all support the Prime Minister's vision and policies on energy security, affordability, and low carbon as India continues to grow in terms of energy needs as well as being a leader in the transition," said William Lin, executive vice president of British Petroleum. "An honor to meet Prime Minister Modi today. We had an extensive discussion where we listened to the vision laid out by him for India and how energy security, affordability and accessibility play an important role to make this vision a reality," Ghais said. 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! Basiiiil! The shrill voice of Sybil Fawlty, long-suffering wife of obnoxious hotelier Basil Fawlty, is set to ring out once more after plans for a reboot of the iconic British comedy Fawlty Towers were announced. But the plan is likely to ruffle feathers. Reboots are generally far riskier than the sure bet most television executives believe they are. And this project is riskier than most: Fawlty Towers is considered one of televisions untouchables: a precious masterpiece for which only 12 half-hour episodes exist. Basil (John Cleese), Manuel (Andrew Sachs), Sybil (Prunella Scales) and Polly (Connie Booth) in Fawlty Towers. In the projects favour is the fact that its being steered by the shows original co-creator and star John Cleese. The US studio Castle Rock is developing the series with Cleese and his daughter Camilla Cleese, who will write the new series and also star in it. But the more pressing question is whether you can remake a masterpiece. Will & Grace? Well, it worked. Sort of. Dynasty? A complete train wreck. Lost in Space? Not so bad. Twin Peaks? The jurys still out on that one. And Full House? Well, that speaks for itself. Once was bad enough. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. On February 7, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with the senior deputies of the German Bundestag's standing committees on foreign relations, defense, human rights and humanitarian assistance, as well as EU issues. Members of the Germany-South Caucasus Friendship Group also took part in the meeting. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Mirzoyan noted with satisfaction that effective cooperation between Armenia and Germany has been established in various fields. Mirzoyan emphasized the role of parliamentary diplomacy, noting that active Armenian-German inter-parliamentary ties contribute to both the expansion of the bilateral agenda and the raising of important regional issues. During the discussion, the sides exchanged ideas regarding the democratic reforms implemented in Armenia, in the context of which Minister Mirzoyan highlighted the support provided by Germany and the European Union in the direction of development and implementation of reforms in Armenia. The participants of the meeting also discussed the challenges undermining security and stability in the South Caucasus. Ararat Mirzoyan presented the details of the humanitarian crisis created in Nagorno Karabakh resulted by the blocking of the Lachin Corridor. In this regard, the Armenian side highly appreciated the clear messages of the members of the Bundestag, including for the reopening of the Lachin Corridor and the restoration of free movement. Minister Mirzoyan also presented the participants of the meeting with the latest developments in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, stressing that Azerbaijan's belligerent rhetoric, maximalist ambitions and aggressive actions undermine Armenia's efforts to establish stability and peace in the South Caucasus. The parties also addressed a number of issues related to the further expansion of the Armenia-EU partnership. Each year, at the start of Primavera, Jackson arranged and hosted a special artists dinner at the MCA. Installation crew members, who had hung the exhibition, were invited as well. Mrs Jackson placed vases of sweet peas the length of the Primavera dinner table, and scattered chocolate hearts wrapped in purple foil. Purple was Belindas favourite colour. While always in attendance at the dinner even the final one, when her health was failing Jackson was happiest for the artists to take the limelight. With her supportive, quiet nature, she sowed the seeds for relationships that continued for years. Primavera 2000 at the MCA. (Left to right) Alison Kubler and husband Michael Zavros who was in Primavera that year Cynthia Jackson and Dr Ted Jackson. Bowral artist Danie Mellor, who was selected for Primavera 2000, said Mrs Jackson always made him a birthday card and was often in touch. In his studio, Mellor keeps an engraved silver bookmark that was Jacksons gift to each artist that year. The artist gift is a Primavera institution. For this current crop of artists, Jackson commissioned tea towels printed with sweet peas. Among the artists is Julia Gutman, of Stanmore, who was touched by the warmth of the gesture. I had the intention of keeping the tea towel and framing it. But I live in a share house, and its in use, Gutman said. In addition to Primavera, the Jacksons in 1993 enabled the establishment of the MCAs Bella Program for people of all ages with disability or access requirements. Like Primavera, the program brought Mrs Jackson great joy. Jackson died at home in Bellevue Hill on January 14, aged 89. Her death caused enormous sadness at the MCA where, director Suzanne Cotter said, Jackson had been a key figure. She just had that humility and determination, and a clarity about why art was important and I think it was about her daughter, Cotter said. Jackson was born Cynthia Cann on January 8, 1934, in Albury. Her parents David and Helen (known as Leah) were immigrants. Helen was from Poland. David was from a town affected by border changes. Sometimes it was in Poland, sometimes in Russia. When Cynthia was a toddler, the Canns moved to Melbourne where her brother Robert was born. They then moved to Sydney and eventually settled in Bellevue Hill. The Canns were hard workers. Arriving in Sydney with virtually nothing, they established a bridal wear business in Liverpool Street, Sydney, called Canns Bridal Salon. With both parents working long hours establishing the business, Cynthia and Robert were sent to a small boarding school in Vaucluse from Monday morning until Saturday morning. The rest of the weekend was spent with their doting parents. Cynthia later attended Bellevue Hill Public School, William Street Girls Junior High School (near the Australian Museum), and Sydney Girls High. Cynthia enrolled in a design course at East Sydney Technical College. Her parents, however, needed her help in their store. Cynthia would never use her artistic talent professionally. But it helped her greatly when it came to forming connections with artists through Primavera. David and Leah Cann moved their business into a building next door to David Jones in Market Street, Sydney. They had bought the block of land, and built the new premises themselves. The newly located business was known as Canns Wedding Wonderland. Young and popular, Cynthia was at a party at Lady Mary Fairfaxs home when she met her future husband. Irish-born Dr Ted Jackson had recently arrived by ship. He would later become a specialist radiologist. Cynthia and Ted married in 1953 when Cynthia was 19 and Ted was 29. Son Gordon was born in 1955, followed by Geraldine in 1957 and Belinda in 1961. British artist Grayson Perry and Cynthia Jackson, MCA Bella Dinner, 2015. Credit: Brian McKenzie Belindas death thrust the family into terrible sadness. While they were pondering ways to commemorate their daughter in a meaningful way, a friend suggested contacting Leon Paroissien and Bernice Murphy, the then director and chief curator of the yet-to-be-opened MCA. Murphy remembers Cynthia Jacksons raw grief when they met for the first time in about 1990. Various options for patronage were discussed, and the Jacksons went home to consider. Cynthia Jackson, MCA Bella Dinner, 2015. Credit: Robert Cann. They came back and said, we very much like the idea of an exhibition to celebrate young artists annually, Murphy said. Primavera began in 1992 and has now showcased the work of 250 artists and 31 curators. Jackson never sought to interfere in the artist selection. For her, they were all part of her MCA family. In 2009, both Dr and Mrs Jackson were awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for service to the arts. For Dr Jackson, who died in 2008, the honour was posthumous. Loading Murphy said Primavera had been vitally important to the Australian arts. The unusual nature of this project was that it brought all the way along with it the personal investment and kindness and care of Cynthia and Ted for the artists, Murphy said. The ultra-Orthodox former school principal accused of abusing three former students allegedly told one this will help you for your wedding night. Malka Leifer prayed and held a religious text, occasionally shutting her eyes, as the prosecution outlined its case in the County Court in Melbourne on Wednesday. Malka Leifer, former principal of the ultra-Orthodox Adass Israel School. Leifer has pleaded not guilty to 29 charges, including rape. In September 2021, she was committed to stand trial on allegations that between 2003 and 2007, she abused three students who attended the Adass Israel School in Elsternwick. She has consistently maintained her innocence. The 29 charges comprise 10 of rape, 10 of indecent assault, three of sexual penetration of a 16-year-old or 17-year-old child, five of an indecent act with a 16-year-old or 17-year-old child, and one of rape by compelled sexual penetration. A young unemployed Sydney mans attempt to make quick money by sending scam texts to victims of the Optus hack was immature and unsophisticated, a magistrate has said, as she imposed a sentence including 100 hours of community service. Dennis Su was arrested in Rockdale in October and pleaded guilty the following month to two charges of using equipment connected to a network to commit a serious offence, being blackmail, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. Dennis Su leaves court after he was sentenced on Tuesday. Credit: AAP Su texted nearly 100 Optus customers demanding they transfer $2000 to a CBA bank account, which belonged to a young relative, or face their personal information being used for financial crimes, according to the agreed facts. No money was transferred, but one person responded with an emoji. Su returned to the data-sharing website and gathered more information about the victim to prove his credibility. A new foreshore park will open at Berrys Bay on Sydneys lower north shore late next year, reshaping a dilapidated former industrial site and completing a missing link in harbourfront access on the Waverton Peninsula. The fast-tracking of the renewal of 1.9 hectares has been made possible by the NSW government ditching plans to lay massive tubes on the harbour floor for a new motorway crossing in favour of digging a deeper tunnel. An artists impression of the revamped Berrys Bay. Credit: NSW Government The about-turn in engineering techniques means construction sites for the Western Harbour Tunnel are no longer needed at Berrys Bay and Balls Head. Work on the $30 million revamp at Berrys Bay is expected to start later this year, and the foreshore parkland on government-owned land is due to open to the public in late 2024. A major police investigation is continuing into the sudden death of a loving and caring 19-year-old woman who was found unconscious in a home after reportedly falling from a bed. Police said Krystal Monks, 19, collapsed at a property in Bundamba, in Ipswich, south-west of Brisbane on Saturday about 9.30pm. Police are investigating after a 19-year-old suddenly died at Bundamba, south-west of Brisbane. Credit: Nine News Emergency services found Monks unresponsive when they arrived. Paramedics rushed the teenager to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, where she died from her injuries. The company that owns the plane that crashed while fighting a fire in Western Australias south has stood down its firebomber fleet for at least the next 24 hours following the incident, the first of its kind in Australia. Coulson Aviation is grounding its fleet to rest its air crews as per internal protocols while the Australian Transport Safety Bureau looks into Mondays crash, which authorities are calling miraculous after the Boeing 737s two pilots walked away free of serious injury. The most important news of today is that the two pilots have been released from hospital, the states emergency services minister Stephen Dawson said. Its nothing short of miraculous that they were able to walk from that plane yesterday. Coroner Rosalinda Fogliani in 2020 heard evidence of blood staining on Rays clothes and a broken bone in his neck, possibly caused by strangulation. His death was violent and attributable to trauma, from injuries sustained as a result of the actions of a person or persons unknown, the findings read. The mine shaft where Rays body was found. The coroner also noted there was no evidence of a gunshot wound. The coroner declined to comment on Reynolds observations. Reynolds is an internationally recognised expert in forensic science, having examined over 195 suspicious deaths. Jennie Kehlet is presumed dead but her remains have never been found. Under Investigation on Wednesday will air more details that indicate Ray could have been shot, including from documents obtained exclusively by Under Investigation and WAtoday. The documents contain details told to police by Graham Milne, a colleague and experienced prospector who accompanied the Kehlets on the ill-fated trip. Milne recalled that soon after they arrived at Bell Chambers on 19 March 2015, Ray fired his rifle to warn two unidentified men who had shot a low-powered rifle, that he and Milne were in the area. According to Rays brother David, this behaviour was uncharacteristic of Ray, who had more than 40 years experience with guns and was very safety conscious. Its dangerous, for one, David said. You dont know where anyone else is around that area. Its also stupid because you can just yell out half a kilometre in that area or beep a horn or do anything other than take a pot shot at a tree. Reynolds believes Milnes account warrants further investigation. The other kicker for me is weve got gunshots in this equation, Reynolds told Liz Hayes. Rays weapon was later found loaded and unsecured at the trios abandoned campsite, with two bullets believed to be unaccounted for. Milne declined to comment but when questioned in 2020 he stood by the truth of his account. On Wednesday, the Under Investigation panel will examine other elements in this case, including information Milne told police, the alleged behaviour of Ray and Jennies dog Ella, and evidence from a witness who may have seen a man in the vicinity of the mineshaft Ray was found in. Calls to re-evaluate criminal case The evidence has sparked calls for police and prosecutors to re-examine the evidence, after the Director of Public Prosecutions last year decided there was not enough proof to pursue a criminal case. Former prosecutor and renowned Perth criminal barrister, Judith Fordham, says ideally the case would proceed to a jury. In my view ... it should have been left to members of the community, namely a jury assisted by properly qualified experts and a thorough investigation to make their determination about what actually happened. Loading And its a sad thing that that hasnt occurred, she said. The only people that seem not to want to take it to court are the DPP, said Jim Keegans, Jennie Kehlets former husband who has spent nearly eight years advocating for Jennie and their children. A spokesperson for the DPP said: All prosecutions conducted by the ODPP are independently assessed, on the evidence provided by the investigative agency, in accordance with the Guidelines before a prosecution can proceed to determination by a jury. The Kehlet family was told that an appeal against the DPPs decision not to prosecute was not allowed because the DPP at the time Amanda Forrester SC made the first decision not to prosecute. This publication and Under Investigation do not suggest Milne was involved in the Kehlets deaths, but point out that experts appearing on the program believe the facts warrant further investigation by police and prosecutors. The couple went missing while prospecting in a region of WAs remote outback peppered with abandoned mine shafts. Many people involved in the case who were interviewed by Under Investigation believe authorities have struggled to pinpoint the exact circumstances of Rays homicide because police considered his death an accident for months after his body was found. I think the police didnt change their focus officially until a good six months after the initial alarm was raised, Keegans said. We had some of Jennys clothes and belongings at our house that they didnt come and look at for months and months. At one point, I actually volunteered to take some stuff up to major crime in case they wanted to look at DNA or anything like that on it. WA Police declined to comment on the claims made by Keagan and Reynolds. Under Investigations full examination into the deaths of Ray and Jennie Kehlet will air on Channel Nine and 9NOW from 9pm on Wednesday. Anyone with information about what happened to Ray and Jennie Kehlet is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. There is a $250,000 reward for information which leads to a conviction. Keegans said a conviction was essential for his family to find peace. 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 While many wrote that Lidia Thorpes resignation from the Greens is an abrogation of her duties to Victorian voters, others congratulated the senator for speaking out and not being bound by white-dominated parties. Is the issue of sovereignty one that can only be settled by a treaty, and not an Indigenous Voice to parliament? Pat Stringa, Letters editor Lidia Thorpe speaks for the large group of Indigenous people who know that the Voice is an excuse for the government to do nothing to relieve the plight of their people (Shameless act of political desertion a disaster for party, February 7). The billions of dollars that the government wastes on the appalling management of NDIS and the purchasing of submarines that will solve nothing could be used instead for education and health in the outback. Instead, they ignore the voice of the Indigenous people already in parliament who are constantly vocal about the problems that exist. Well done Lidia Thorpe and the other parliamentarians who are speaking out and not bound by white-dominated parties. Geoff Mitchell, Kariong Senator Thorpe is correct. We have two nations in Australia. An Aboriginal nation and then the rest of us. The issue is of sovereignty, a matter that can only be settled by a treaty, and not an Indigenous Voice to parliament. Great to see Senator Thorpe thinking very deeply. Graeme Wells, Hornsby We shouldnt doubt Thorpes deep personal commitment genuinely outweighs her loyalty to a political party. She is being honest in the face of a lot of hostility why not accept her views have crystallised since she was elected, not that she is being cynical and gaming the system. Advertisement The bigger issue is that two out of eleven First Nations federal MPs are now opposed to pressing ahead with the Voice. While that ratio may roughly reflect reservations within the whole community (and the passionate belief of some activists), they offer no alternative propositions. Years of hard work, consultation and goodwill got us to this point. There is momentum for constructive change that cant just be thrown away. Margaret Johnston, Paddington Thorpes resignation from the Greens brings the issue of democratic representation in our parliament into sharp focus. Thorpe was elected as part of a group of aspiring politicians belonging to the Greens, to represent the views of that party about the needs of the state of Victoria. Her resignation from the party to sit with the crossbenchers is an abrogation of her duties to the electors that placed her in the position. Clearly Thorpe needs to resign her seat. She has chosen to cease representing her cohort and is no longer a relevant person in the context of the parliament. Chris Rivers, Port Macquarie Well done, Lidia Thorpe. Join a party whose core beliefs you dont really share, secure a six-year term and then resign from that party so that the electorate is stuck with you, and you can carry on with your own poorly thought out and poorly explained agenda. Perhaps the Greens might now pay more attention to preselection. Tony Sullivan, Adamstown Heights Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit: The Greens will be a better party without loose opinions such as those expressed by Thorpe. She can now proceed in concert with the conservative culture war warriors to act as a foil against the Voice. If Australians cant agree on a constitutional voice for Indigenous advice theres no prospect of resolving the more complex issue of treaty. Welcome to realpolitiks 101! Martin Frohlich, Adamstown Heights Thorpe fails to realise that her media profile has been largely due to the tensions she has caused within the Greens. Her reincarnation as an independent will likely mean that her media profile will be no greater than the other independent and minor party senators and that, after the referendum, she is likely to disappear from sight for the rest of her term. Alan Robertson, Campbell (ACT) Advertisement Illustration: Cathy Wilcox Credit: Pokies monster needs slaying, without taxpayer support Tim Costello lists the mind-boggling reach of the pokies menace, and the aspects that mandatory cashless gaming cards will address (Perrottet has rolled the dice. Minns must up the ante, February 7). Without Chris Minnss wholehearted support, Clubs NSW wins again their campaign is already gearing up. Pokies have become a malign monster that needs slaying now. Sue Young, Bensville Five months ago, Wesley Mission estimated that poker machine losses in NSW would have totalled more than $135 billion in the last 30 years (Millions lost to gambling in leaders electorates show roots of problem: survey, February 7). The annual poker machine turnover in NSW is frightening: $85 billion in 2020-21. Equivalent to a quarter of all household consumption spending for that year. Criminal money laundering takes place on an industrial scale. Reform of the industry is long overdue, but that wont stop people from engaging in the ever-growing online gambling industry, which in many cases is based overseas, but still able to advertise and operate in Australia with impunity. Addicted gamblers will simply move from one field of operation to the other, unless both scourges can be addressed simultaneously. Paul Parramore, Sawtell Im trying hard to understand how a forfeiture policy which will remove one poker machine for every two ordered by pubs and clubs will help to decrease the number of pokies in NSW (Clubs, pubs to contest revolution of industry, February 7). When I was at school x + 2 - 1 = x + 1 which to me seems like an increase, albeit not as big an increase as x + 2. Judy Christian, Castle Hill Advertisement There will be no-interest loans for small and medium venues to buy new machines with cashless technology and one-off $50,000 grants to pubs and clubs to help fund new income streams such as live music and food to reduce reliance on gambling revenue (Perrottet on a winner as praise rolls in for pokies reform, February 7). Surely the government can find more worthy causes for its largesse. Put the money towards rent assistance, homeless shelters, victims of domestic violence and other areas which often have problem gambling as one of the major causes of these social issues. Moreover, the timescale of five years to wean pubs and clubs off traditional pokies seems very lame. Michael Bright, Moss Vale The industry doesnt need $380 million to restructure, it is already rolling in cash, and taxpayers should not have to subsidise these parasitic machines and operations. Legislate change and dont provide any funding. Steven Lee, Faulconbridge Building support for development Excellent to read that the managing director of development at Lendlease is proposing that in any new development at least 30 per cent of housing should be a combination of affordable, social and build-to-rent housing (Developer pushes to mandate social, affordable housing at all new projects, February 7). Certainly beats the NSW governments pathetic maximum of 3 per cent. Alan Morris, Eastlakes Victoria Cross metro station, North Sydney, is under construction by Lendlease. Credit:Edwina Pickles Once again population growth is presented as a necessity and recommendations on the supply side are made for housing but not on the demand side (Labor to put more housing at Metro stops, February 7). What about stabilising population growth as a strategy to reduce excessive demand? For example, the grossly inflated levels of immigration recently could be reduced to the levels of the last century, say about 70,000 per year. As a bonus, the associated ecological and sociological benefits of stabilisation are numerous and the demand for expensive infrastructure would be reduced. Further, this strategy would have popular support since, according to polls, most Sydneysiders think that Sydney is full and our wellbeing is falling as our population is rising. Alan Jones, Narraweena Advertisement Wheels coming off While the NSW premier distracts us with his newfound conscience on gambling, the true nature of his governments systemic shortcomings is shown by the outrageous delays of the outsourced, foreign-built trains (Significant time and cost risks: New Spanish-built trains risk further delays, February 7). This state is crying out for competent public control of its expenditure and an end to the contracting out of both government decisions and infrastructure spending. Electors should stay focussed on how incompetent and partisan the leadership of the Coalition has been, not their spin about one social issue. Barry Laing, Castle Cove Now we learn of cost blowout and delays on Spanish built trains. Surely, the debacle that was the light rail project should have taught the NSW government something about project management. Obviously not. Gladys Berejiklian was asked why we did not build our own trains, and she replied it would take too long. Ronald Smith, Waterloo I would have scrapped the Spanish deal ages ago. I would have ordered new locomotives to replace the existing XPT power cars, workshop the existing super strong stainless steel XPT cars and upgrade them with all mod cons, improved seating with proper tables, better kitchens and Wi-Fi. In fact, I would add another few trains to the fleet and yes, build locally. Adults have to enter the conversation, and common sense needs to prevail, for this deal absolutely stinks. Leon Oberg, Goulburn Advertisement Washington: US Vice President Kamala Harris has announced almost $US1 billion in new pledges by private companies to support communities in Central America, part of the Biden administrations effort to keep migrants from fleeing towards the US border. Ten companies, including Nestle, Target and Columbia Sportswear, said they would collectively spend $US950 million ($1.3 million) on projects in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador to support farmers, create textile jobs and invest in telecommunications and other industries. US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a roundtable with government leaders and private sector representatives about migration on Monday. Credit: AP The effort comes as crossings at the US-Mexico border remain at record highs, posing logistical and humanitarian challenges to President Joe Biden and drawing intense criticism from Republicans on Capitol Hill. The vice presidents announcement came as she met with a number of companies on Monday (Tuesday AEDT). YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with the President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar Al-Assad, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister, on behalf of himself and the Government of the Republic of Armenia, conveyed condolences to the President and people of friendly Syria in connection with the large number of victims and destruction caused by the chain of earthquakes that occurred on February 6. Nikol Pashinyan wished a speedy recovery to all the injured and noted that Armenia is planning to support Syria to be able to ease the difficult living conditions of the earthquake-affected population and eliminate the consequences of the disaster. Bashar al-Assad thanked for the solidarity and noted that the primary issue facing them at the moment is related to food. An agreement was reached that Armenia should send food and other types of aid to Syria as a priority. The President of Syria thanked for the assistance to be provided and expressed hope that with the help of the Republic of Armenia it will be possible to overcome the severe consequences of the earthquake as quickly as possible. Former UK police officer, exposed as serial rapist, jailed for life Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Rescue teams evacuate a survivor from the rubble of a destroyed building in Kahramanmaras, southern Turkey. Credit: AP For now, the name of hope in Kahramanmaras is Arif Kaan, a Turkish television reporter proclaimed as the dramatic rescue was broadcast to the country. A few hours later, rescuers pulled 10-year-old Betul Edis from the rubble of her home in the city of Adiyaman. Amid applause from onlookers, her grandfather kissed her and spoke softly to her as she was loaded on an ambulance. But such stories were few more than two days after Mondays pre-dawn earthquake, which hit a huge area and brought down thousands of buildings, with frigid temperatures and ongoing aftershocks complicating rescue efforts. Search teams from more than two dozen countries joined more than 24,000 Turkish emergency personnel, and aid pledges poured in. But with devastation spread multiple several cities and towns some isolated by Syrias ongoing conflict voices crying from within mounds of rubble fell silent, and despair grew from those still waiting for help. In Syria, the shaking toppled thousands of buildings and heaped more misery on a region wracked by the countrys 12-year civil war and refugee crisis. In a north-western Syrian town, residents found a crying newborn still connected by the umbilical cord to her deceased mother. The baby was the only member of her family to survive a building collapse in the small town of Jinderis, relatives told The Associated Press. Turkey is home to millions of refugees from the war. The affected area in Syria is divided between government-controlled territory and the countrys last opposition-held enclave, where millions rely on humanitarian aid. As many as 23 million people could be affected in the quake-hit region, according to Adelheid Marschang, a senior emergencies officer with the World Health Organisation, who called it a crisis on top of multiple crises. A man carries a young survivor who was found in a collapsed building Hatay, Turkey. Credit: Getty Images Many survivors in Turkey have had to sleep in cars, outside or in government shelters. We dont have a tent, we dont have a heating stove, we dont have anything. Our children are in bad shape. We are all getting wet under the rain and our kids are out in the cold, Aysan Kurt, 27, told the AP. We did not die from hunger or the earthquake, but we will die freezing from the cold. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said 13 million of the countrys 85 million people were affected, and he declared a three-month state of emergency in 10 provinces. More than 8000 people have been pulled from the debris in Turkey, and some 380,000 have taken refuge in government shelters or hotels, authorities said. In Syria, aid efforts have been hampered by the ongoing war and the isolation of the rebel-held region along the border, which is surrounded by Russia-backed government forces. Syria itself is an international pariah under Western sanctions linked to the war. The United Nations said it was exploring all avenues to get supplies to the rebel-held north-west. Sebastien Gay, the head of mission in the country for Doctors Without Borders, said health facilities were overwhelmed and that medical personnel were working around the clock to help the wounded. Emergency teams worked through night and day in search of survivors in Adana, Turkey Credit: AP Loading Teams from nearly 30 countries were arriving or were headed for the region. Turkey said it would only allow vehicles carrying aid to enter the worst-hit provinces of Kahramanmaras, Adiyaman and Hatay to accelerate the effort. Four Australians are unaccounted for as the federal government sends a search and rescue team to assist recovery efforts. The foreign affairs department is providing consular assistance to the families of the nationals who were where the catastrophe struck and to about 40 other Australians and their families who were also in the area. Australia will also deploy an urban search and rescue team to Turkey to help local authorities. The region sits on top of major fault lines and is frequently shaken by earthquakes. Some 18,000 were killed in similarly powerful earthquakes that hit north-west Turkey in 1999. Nurgul Atay, who lives in the Turkish city of Antakya, the capital of Hatay province, said she could hear her mothers voice beneath the rubble of a collapsed building, but that her efforts to clear the ruins had been futile without heavy equipment. Loading If only we could lift the concrete slab wed be able to reach her, she said. My mother is 70 years old, she wont be able to withstand this for long. Makeshift hospitals Turkey has large numbers of troops in the border region with Syria and has tasked the military with aiding the rescue efforts, including setting up tents for the homeless and a field hospital in Hatay province. A navy ship docked on Tuesday at the provinces port of Iskenderun, where a hospital collapsed, to transport survivors in need of medical care to other locations. Rescue teams and survivors peered through the twisted remains of the hospital, searching for signs of life. There was little in the debris to suggest the building was a busy medical facility less than two days before. Loading Earthquakes are not unfamiliar to rescue teams here. The region sits on top of major fault lines and is frequently shaken by quakes. Some 18,000 were killed in powerful earthquakes that hit north-west Turkey in 1999. Even so, seasoned emergency personnel have been shocked by the destruction. One of the hospitals surviving doctors, who identified himself only as Dr Deveci, said he found the scene at his workplace hard to believe. Im devastated. I see bodies inside, everywhere. Although Im used to seeing bodies because of my expertise, its very difficult for me, he said. Taxi driver Kerim Sahin was among those looking for friends in the ruins of the hospital. Nobody can go near the building only one cabinet is supporting the third floor, he said. AP with Reuters The earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday is the latest in a long line of destructive tremors around the world. More than half a million people have died as a result of major earthquakes over the past 20 years. Heres a list of some of the most deadly: June 22, 2022: 1100 killed in Afghanistan The magnitude-6.1 earthquake struck the province of Paktika in the east of the country and killed more than 1100 people. The quake struck about 44 kilometres from the city of Khost, near the Pakistani border. 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 A major magnitude 7.8 earthquake followed by another strong quake devastated wide swaths of Turkey and Syria on Monday, killing thousands of people. Heres what to know. What happened? The quake hit at depth of 18 kilometres and was centred in southern Turkey, near the northern border of Syria. Many aftershocks rocked the two countries since the initial quake. In the first 11 hours, the region had felt 13 significant aftershocks with a magnitude of at least 5, said Alex Hatem, a US Geological Survey research geologist. Another strong quake magnitude 7.5 hit Turkey nine hours after the main jolt. Though scientists were studying whether that was an aftershock, they agreed that the two quakes were related. Advertisement More aftershocks are certainly expected, given the size of the main shock, Hatem said. We expect aftershocks to continue in the coming days, weeks and months. What type of earthquake was this? Researchers said the earthquake was a strike-slip quake, where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. The Earth is divided into different pieces, kind of like a jigsaw puzzle, said Eric Sandvol, a seismologist at the University of Missouri. Those pieces meet at fault lines, where the plates usually grind against each other slowly. But once enough tension builds up, they can snap past each other quickly, releasing a large amount of energy. In this case, one plate moved west while the other moved east jerking past each other to create the quake, Hatem said. Advertisement Over time, aftershocks will start to die down and become less frequent, Sandvol said. Are earthquakes common in this area? The quake occurred in a seismically active area known as the East Anatolian fault zone, which has produced damaging earthquakes in the past. Almost all of Turkey is really seismically active, Sandvol said. This is not something new to the country. Turkey was struck by another major earthquake in January 2020 a magnitude 6.7 that caused significant damage in the eastern part of the country. In 1999, a magnitude 7.4 quake struck near Istanbul and killed an estimated 18,000 people. Advertisement Why was this earthquake so devastating? The earthquake was powerful especially for a quake that hit on land. Typically, very strong earthquakes occur underwater, Margarita Segou, a seismologist with the British Geological Survey, said. It proved particularly catastrophic because it occurred at a shallow depth. Shallow earthquakes cause more damage in a wide area. The shaking at the ground surface will have been more severe than for a deeper earthquake of the same magnitude at source, said David Rothery, a planetary geoscientist at the Open University in Britain. On top of that, the quake hit near heavily populated areas. The epicentre was near Gaziantep, a major city and provincial capital in Turkey. The affected regions were also home to vulnerable buildings, said Kishor Jaiswal, a USGS structural engineer. Advertisement His Highness Majesty King Willem Alexander P/a Kabinet Der Koning Postbus 20016 2500 EA Den Haag , Nederland Bonaire February 5, 2023 His Highness Willem Alexander, We took note of your Highness and royal family visit to the Netherlands Antilles islands. A country of humble peoples that was set up for self-destruction; divided, destroyed and dissolved by the continuous colonial interventions, laws and decisions of your governments. It is very shameful to see all the leaders of these islands governments and others and your Highness smiling faces meanwhile all these innocent Caribbean peoples living in a state of inequality and subordinated to The Hague government that continues to violate their fundamental human rights. I write this letter as a follow up on our personal meeting on Bonaire, November 16, 2013 and following letters the following years where your Highness promise to me and the people of Bonaire was not kept. This promise was broken and your Highness's government abusing their unilateral power illegally annexed our people and island by embedding us in your Constitution in October 2017 under unequal rights in violation of all humanity rights, a crime against humanity. All this injustice is committed by unjust laws by your government and in your Highness title We Willem-Alexander, by the grace of God, King of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau, etc All that shall see or hear read, salute! let be known: What would like your Highness to know;.. is that the recent apology which is a voluntary confession and admission of your Highness's predecessors and governments crimes by your Prime Minister Rutte is hypocrisy at the highest as the Dutch government meanwhile apologizing to do world propaganda they are violating; articles 1, 55, 73 and 103 of the Charter of the United Nations and resolutions 742, 747, 945, 1514 and 1541 that affirm the inalienable rights of the people of Bonaire to self-determination. Furthermore, your Highness government systematically encroaches on several of our Bonaire peoples international legal instruments: the United Nations Charter, the United Nations Decolonization Declaration, The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, International Covenant on All Forms of Racial Discrimination, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As the apology is unacceptable meanwhile your Highness continues to colonize us and our Caribbean brothers and sisters. Hence we are willing to accept the Dutch apology with the demand for reparations of our right of self-determination based on the following forms/terms: 1: To re-enact our Bonaire peoples right to a just self-determination and decolonization process and trajectory by restoring our inalienable fundamental human rights by legal/political positioning, re-listing of Bonaire as United Nations Non-Self-Governing-Territory 2: To start an international and UN-guided process towards re-acquiring of the rights of the Bonaire peoples to their inherited auctioned lands in 1868 3: Immediate stop of the current/ongoing depopulation and eradication of Bonaire peoples demography and their culture, language, and identity We hope that you as our King, which we all highly respect, will take the responsibility to do everything in your power to address the abovementioned and return our self-government back to our people as your promise to me on November 16, 2013, and Queen Wilhelmina promised to the United Nations and the world and the Kingdom signed on June 26, 1945, and Kingdom Law of July 1, 1863, where we all be equally human and equally free. With utmost trust in the Justice and Equity of Your Royal Highness, Sincerely Yours, James Finies ~ Students present bouquets of flowers to Queen and Princess.~ Simpson Bay: The Royal Family headed by His Royal Highness King Willem Alexander along with his wife Her Royal Highness Queen Maxima and their eldest daughter Princess Catharina Amalia descended on the tarmac of the Princess Juliana International Airport at 10 am sharp on Monday, February 6th, 2023. The Royal Family was greeted by Governor Ajamu Baly and the first lady, Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs, and Chief Executive Officer of PJIAE Brian Mingo. As they arrived two students, 12-year-old Rosalia Lake of the Ruby Labega Primary School and Malyk Morrison of Dr. Martin Luther King school presented the bouquet of flowers to Her Royal Highness Queen Maxima and Princess Catharina Amalia. Both sixth graders were excited that they were chosen by their respective schools to present the bouquets and to also meet the Royal Families in person. The Royals then inspected the guards of honor as they move into the PJIAE construction site where they met with the management of PJIAE prior to touring the reconstruction site mainly the departure hall that is slated for completion by September 2023. The Royals walked through the entire departure hall starting from gate C and then to Gate A. While approaching gate A they took the time to greet some of the construction workers that were inside the Departure Hall where they are working. "His Majesty King Willem Alexander, Her Majesty Queen Maxima, and Princess Amalia visited Princess Juliana International Airport today as part of Princess Amalia's introductory trip to the Caribbean of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The airport CEO, Brian Mingo, Project Director, Mirto Breell, and Manager of Operations Zharia Richardson, gave the Royals a tour of the construction area and the existing operations of the terminal building. Currently, Ballast Nedam International Projects is rebuilding the new Departure hall, which is set to open before the peak season of 2023. The new terminal building is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2024. During the visit, the Royals saw the impressive progress that has been made since the start of the rebuilding of the airport terminal which started in 2021. The new terminal building is vital to the economy of the island, making it a source of pride for the airport and the entire team involved in its reconstruction. Brian Mingo, CEO of Princess Juliana International Airport, said, "I am extremely proud to show the Royal family around the project and share the progress that has been made by the entire team. Rebuilding a live airport is a complex and demanding task, especially with the need to maintain daily operations. The focus is now on the completion of our airport which plays such an important role in the economy of St. Maarten." PJIAE Press Statement. Fire Department Jaws of Life Display. The Royal Family then proceeded to the Fire Department where they were given a spectacular demonstration of how firemen on St. Maarten execute their duties. The mock scene captured the eyes of the Royals and the firemen even got help from Princess Catharina Amalia who decided to walk towards a waiting ambulance with a patient that was rescued from a vehicle by using the jaws of life technique. After that, the Royals walked through some tents that also had mock scenes of injured persons that were attended to by the firemen. His Royal Highness King Willem Alexander even though is on a working visit he expressed humor as he walked through the various tents, sharing jokes with the workers of the fire department and the Red Cross who was also on scene expressing how they deal with displaced persons after the passing of a hurricane. PHILIPSBURG:--- For the second time in the past weeks 'personnel of KPSM were necessary to assist the French police with a pursuit that started from Marigot to the Dutch side. On the early morning of Saturday, February 04, 2023, around 4:30 a.m., Central Dispatch received a report from the French police that they were engaged in a pursuit that went across Causeway towards Maho. Several police patrols were sent to Maho to assist the French police. Upon arrival in Mullet- Bay they encountered the French Police with a Blue Grand I-10. It appeared that the French were trying to stop a blue Hyundai Grand I-10 as it was entering Marigot. Upon seeing the police, the driver of the blue I-10 decided to change direction and hereafter drove back towards the Bellveau border. French police initiated a pursuit that ended in the Mullet Bay area as the driver of the Grand I-10 struck a large stone along the side of the road. Both the male driver and the female the passenger was arrested and during the control of the car two firearms were recovered Suspects should take note that the working relationship between the French Side Police and Sint Maarten police forces are very strong and they are working together to protect the the overall safety of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin. KPSM Press Release. ORANJESTAD:--- Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance chairman, Hellen van der Wal, has expressed her concerns about cooperation in the field of nature management and climate change within the Kingdom. In her view, inequality, such as the recent approach toward the effects of climate change, jeopardizes this cooperation. By designating Bonaire as a showcase for 'island states', the other Dutch Caribbean islands are disadvantaged, since all islands have to deal with the same problems. Such preferential treatment is remarkable given that climate change affects the entire region. Collaboration is crucial, especially in the field of nature and nature management. On 31 January last month on the birthday of DCNA patroness HRH Princess Beatrix Dr. van der Wal asked the Royal Family and State Secretary Van Huffelen to promote the message that the Kingdom does not divide us but connects us. On January 31st, after an intensive hike, the Royal Family visited Hofi Shoco in the Aruban Arikok National Park, where, among other things, a meeting took place with the chairman of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA). During this meeting, DCNA requested extra attention and collaborative efforts between the islands and the Netherlands when it comes to nature management and dealing with the consequences of climate change. We have similar challenges on the islands: not only the effects of climate change but also, for example, the decrease in biodiversity, waste processing and sewage treatment, and our overdependence on tourism. All threaten the well-being of the inhabitants of these beautiful islands and the state of nature. They all require a joint approach and nature-based solutions. The alliance, a network of nature organizations, has been demonstrating for many years that cooperation is possible. Passion for nature, and above all, common interests and goals are at the heart of this. That is why the DCNA already offered a Climate Change Action Plan in the Netherlands at the beginning of last year. In this plan, we state that climate adaptation is the main priority and then we quickly talk about nature management. In addition to the call to action, we strongly insist on the need for a joint approach. This will not only benefit the involvement on the islands, but it will also give better results and ensure that knowledge and experience are better shared. Undoubtedly due to the fanfare of an international NGO, the Dutch cabinet has chosen to turn Bonaire into a 'showcase'. At the request of this island, a climate table will now be set up there. The Netherlands should ensure that the other (island) countries are also involved. In March of this year, a large Caribbean climate conference will take place in Aruba. We applaud this, but why shouldn't a joint climate table still be on the agenda? says Van der Wal. Nature knows no boundaries nor are the consequences and effects of climate change. However, the Kingdom sometimes imposes limits due to the constitutional structure and certain policy choices. The distinction between CAS countries and BES islands is disastrous for a joint approach of shared interests. If only some of the six islands get the majority of the resources and opportunities, working with all six becomes difficult. After all, why would an island cooperate with others if you can arrange everything themselves? It is ironic that the Kingdom, which is supposed to connect, divides in this way. Showcasing one or a few islands sends the wrong message. That also affects the sense of community and undermines the interests of the other (island) countries. HRH Princess Amalia was presented with a copy of the DCNA Climate Change Action Plan upon departure: This is about our future, and you are part of our future, said the DCNA President, who invited the Royal Family to support the efforts of the DCNA for a joint approach and for cooperation and solidarity between all six Dutch Caribbean islands and the European Netherlands. WILLEMSTAD:--- As of February 7, 60 soldiers from the Royal Netherlands Army will have exercises in Aruba. The soldiers are working at the 107 Aerial Systems Battery in t Harde, in the Netherlands. They are specialized in the deployment of different types of drones. To make the exercise possible, the military also has its own vehicles and other military equipment. The climate in Aruba offers the military good opportunities to make a lot of flight hours with the drones, and therewith get maximum efficiency out of the exercise. In the Netherlands, the possibilities during winter time are more limited. In addition, this exercise offers the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from the Marine Squadron Carib and the Coastguard Dutch Caribbean Region, which are both also active in Aruba. The soldiers stay at the Marine barracks at Savaneta and are active on several locations all around the island. From February 15 the first flights will take place and the exercise will last till March 24. 107 Aerial Systems Battery (107 ASBt) 107 ASBt is an operational intelligence unit and is specialized in the deployment of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), better known as drones. With this UAS the unit collects intelligence that other units can use in their operational deployment. This UAS detachment can also be deployed for civilian tasks. During the exercise in Aruba the drones will only be deployed for exercise purposes. The images made by the drones during the exercise are not saved. Collaboration with Luxemburg and Belgium 107 ASBt collaborates with the Luxembourg and Belgian armed forces. Also during this exercise, a number of colleagues from Luxembourg and Belgium will be going under guidance from 107 ASBt instructors, to gain experience flying Dutch drones. The exercise is separate from the deployment of the MQ-9 Reaper. For further questions: Communication mediums can contact First Lieutenant Dion Bremmer with questions (+5999 690 4413 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). Uranium demand grows A weak uranium market in the past has led to a decline in uranium exploration activities. But now uranium is needed. There are various calculations for the world\-s future uranium demand. One scenario assumes uranium demand of just under 80,000 metric tons in 2030 and a good 112,000 metric tons in 2040. Another scenario considers a uranium demand of 99,000 tons for 2030 and around 156,000 tons of uranium for 2040 to be more realistic. Now that uranium has become more desirable again, key words being energy security and deglobalization, idle mines are being revived. Any uranium supply gap that now exists will be bridged with commercial stockpiles, known as secondary supply. In the process, this will decrease over time, according to estimates. Nuclear energy is a reliable and safe way of generating energy. Countries that want to introduce renewable energy and countries that have few domestic energy resources therefore like to use nuclear power plants. Grid stability is far from a given in all parts of the world. Nuclear power also scores with long-term competitiveness on the cost side. In this way, nuclear power benefits people and also industry. This is because nuclear power can be used to reach economic sectors that are not easy to decarbonize. Existing reactors are now often getting lifetime extensions, and new nuclear reactors are being built or planned. China is also a major driver of uranium demand. Companies such as Uranium Energy and Labrador Uranium will benefit from the uranium boom. Uranium Energy https://www.commodity-tv.com/play/mining-newsflash-with-uranium-energy-revival-gold-condor-gold-fury-gold-calibre-mining/ is a well-positioned uranium company in North America, currently recommended as a buy by H.C. Wainwright & Co. Some of the uranium projects are already operational. Labrador Uranium https://www.commodity-tv.com/play/mining-newsflash-with-with-victoria-gold-gold-terra-tinone-resources-canada-nickel-labrador-uranium-and-mag-silver/ has large uranium projects in Labrador in the Central Mineral Belt. Current corporate information and press releases from Labrador Uranium (- https://www.resource-capital.ch/en/companies/labrador-uranium-inc/ -) and Uranium Energy (- https://www.resource-capital.ch/en/companies/uranium-energy-corp/ -). In accordance with A34 WpHG I would like to point out that partners, authors and employees may hold shares in the respective companies addressed and thus a possible conflict of interest exists. No guarantee for the translation into English. Only the German version of this news is valid. Disclaimer: The information provided does not represent any form of recommendation or advice. Express reference is made to the risks in securities trading. No liability can be accepted for any damage arising from the use of this blog. I would like to point out that shares and especially warrant investments are always associated with risk. The total loss of the invested capital cannot be excluded. All information and sources are carefully researched. However, no guarantee is given for the correctness of all contents. Despite the greatest care, I expressly reserve the right to make errors, especially with regard to figures and prices. The information contained herein is taken from sources believed to be reliable, but in no way claims to be accurate or complete. Due to court decisions, the contents of linked external sites are also co-responsible (e.g. Landgericht Hamburg, in the decision of 12.05.1998 312 O 85/98), as long as there is no explicit dissociation from them. Despite careful control of the content, I do not assume liability for the content of linked external pages. The respective operators are exclusively responsible for their content. The disclaimer of Swiss Resource Capital AG also applies: https://www.resource-capital.ch/en/disclaimer/ Due to the blocking by Azerbaijan of the only road connecting Artsakh with Armenia, six patients from the Republican Medical Center the Republic of Artsakh with serious diseases of the oncology, and cardiovascular system have been transported today, on February 7, to specialized medical centers of the Republic of Armenia with the mediation and escort of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Artsakh InfoCenter informs. February 7, 2023, 11:16 ICRC facilitated transfer of six people from Stepanakert to Yerevan for treatment STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 7, ARTSAKHPRESS: Scheduled surgeries continue to be suspended in the medical centers of the Republic of Artsakh. 10 children remain in the neonatal and intensive care units of the Arevik medical centre. 9 patients remain in the intensive care unit of the Republican Medical Centre, 3 of them in critical condition. 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(MLP: TSX.V) (aMLPa aMillenniala or the aCompanya) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Mr. Farhad Abasov as its Chairman of the Board to expedite the Companya?s efforts at its newly acquired Banio Potash Project in Gabon. Graham Harris, Director, commented aMr. Abasov joined the Company as Director in 2020 and we are very pleased that he has accepted the position of Chairman of MLP.A Mr. Abasov has over 20 years of successful resource company management and project development arranging in excess of $500M in project funding in the mining and energy sectors. Farhad is coming off another successful exit as the President and CEO of Millennial Lithium Corp. which was acquired by Lithium Americas in early 2022 for $490M.A Mr. Abasov brings a wealth of potash experience to the Company as the former President and CEO of Allana Potash Corp. and as a co-founder of Potash One.A This potash and corporate experience will be crucial in guiding the Companya?s efforts at its newly acquired Banio Potash Project and we look forward to an accelerated successful program in 2023a. Mr. Abasov has extensive experience in the mining and project development sectors.A His latest success was as the President and CEO of Millennial Lithium Corp. guiding the Pastos Grandes project through feasibility, pilot pond, pilot plant testwork and a successful acquisition by Lithium Americas after competing offers from Ganfeng and CATL.A Mr. Abasov brings a wealth of potash experience to the Company having led Allana Potash Corp. from an exploration project through feasibility to acquisition by Israel Chemicals Ltd. in 2015.A Prior to Allana Farhad was a co-founder of Potash One in Saskatchewan which was acquired by K+S for $470M.A In addition, Mr. Abasov has extensive experience in the nuclear energy sector gained through his tenure as Senior VP at Energy Metals (acquired by Uranium One for $1.8B) and at Atomic Energy of Canada. Millennial continues its preliminary preparations for the ramp up the Banio Potash Project with an initial team mobilizing to the project site in the coming weeks. To find out more about Millennial Potash Corp. please contact Investor Relations at (604) 662-8184 or email at info@millennialpotashcorp.com MILLENNIAL POTASH CORP. aGraham Harrisa Director, SVP Capital Markets In Europe: Swiss Resource Capital AG Jochen Staiger & Marc Ollinger info@resource-capital.ch www.resource-capital.ch Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.A This news release may contain certain aForward-Looking Statementsa within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words aanticipatea, abelievea, aestimatea, aexpecta, atarget, aplana, aforecasta, \intend\, amaya, aschedulea and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals including approvals of title and mining rights or licenses and environmental, local community or indigenous community approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, changes in laws, rules and regulations in Gabon or any other jurisdiction which may impact upon the Company or its properties or the commercial exploitation of those properties, currency risks including the exchange rate of USD$ for Cdn$ or other currencies, fluctuations in the market for gold/silver and potash or potash related products, changes in exploration costs and government royalties, export policies or taxes in Gabon or any other jurisdiction and other factors or information. The Companya?s current plans, expectations and intentions with respect to development of its business and of the Banio Potash Project may be impacted by economic uncertainties arising out of Covid-19 pandemic or by the impact of current financial and other market conditions on its ability to secure further financing or funding of the Banio Potash Project.A Such statements represent the Companya?s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, environmental and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations Speaker of Armenian Parliament Alen Simonyan said that everything must be done in order for the blockade of the Lachin corridor not to become a usual phenomenon. February 7, 2023, 15:55 Alen Simonyan says Armenia is waging diplomatic battle very well over opening Lachin corridor STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 7, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: In this regard, perhaps it is usual to some extent for some people, but this cannot and will not be usual for the world. I can say that there is a consensus minus one-two opinions in the world, that indeed, the Lachin corridor must be opened, and that those responsible for opening the Lachin corridor are Azerbaijan and Russia, and we will continue working in this direction, Simonyan said when asked by a reporter what new actions are being taken to open the road when seemingly the closure has become usual. Asked whether concrete actions will take place for opening the Lachin corridor, Simonyan mentioned as an example Azerbaijans actions after the first Nagorno Karabakh war, when various international organizations were passing resolutions and documents in their favor, which then had consequences. Look, when the [first] Karabakh war ended and Azerbaijan was receiving various documents in various international organizations, it was recording the situation in various ways to its benefit, and we were thinking that those were simply calls. No, those are highly important documents and they have concrete consequences. Be sure, in my opinion we are waging this diplomatic battle very well, Simonyan said. "Artsakhpress" news agency has held an exclusive interview with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh Sergey Ghazaryan, which we bring to your attention. February 7, 2023, 17:02 Artsakh Foreign Minister: International Community's Actions Should Serve as an Early Warning Mechanism. Exclusive STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 7, ARTSAKHPRESS: The interview is fully presented below: - Mr. Ghazaryan, you were appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh in a very critical period, when the Republic found itself in the face of existential challenges, which are exacerbated by the ongoing blockade by Azerbaijan. What priority measures need to be taken to overcome these challenges and threats? -In the short term, our efforts are aimed at the speedy restoration of the functioning of the Lachin Corridor in line with the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020 and, therefore, the complete lifting of the blockade of Artsakh, which has been going on for 58 days. - In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh uses all available resources and opportunities to inform the international community about the real goals of Azerbaijan's blockade on Artsakh, as well as its humanitarian, economic and other consequences. Our main task is to consolidate the position of the international community against the illegal actions of Azerbaijan and create an environment that will make it impossible for Azerbaijan to continue the blockade of Artsakh or repeat such a scenario in the future. In addition to targeted statements and appeals, we consider it necessary to take more effective measures against Azerbaijan, in particular, international sanctions, including personal ones, against officials of the regime responsible for such illegal actions. To achieve these goals, the Artsakh Foreign Ministry uses every opportunity to present its position to the international community. In the medium term, we will continue to take consistent steps aimed at promoting Artsakhs subjectivity, which implies a set of measures in the political, diplomatic, legal and information spheres. The Artsakh Foreign Ministry will use all available opportunities to inform the international community about the essence of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict, the discriminatory and genocidal policy pursued by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh for decades, the political and legal justification for the proclamation and building of Artsakh's statehood. We will continue to consistently defend the position of Artsakh on the entire range of issues related to the achievement of a comprehensive and just settlement of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict. In this context, we attach key importance to the restoration of the international negotiating mechanism to resolve the conflict with direct and equal participation in the process of the authorities of Artsakh. In the medium and long term, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh will continue to advocate for the right to self-determination exercised by the people of Artsakh, develop and deepen the international ties of the republic at various levels. Particular attention will be paid to raising awareness about Artsakh and the just struggle of its people for their inalienable rights. - What goals do you think Azerbaijan is pursuing by imposing a blockade against Artsakh? - By imposing a blockade against Artsakh, Azerbaijan is trying to create unbearable living conditions in Artsakh, exert psychological pressure on the people and, ultimately, force them to leave their homeland. We consider such actions as one of the elements of the genocidal policy of Azerbaijan aimed at the destruction of the people of Artsakh as such. Today's blockade is a direct continuation of the military aggression against the Republic of Artsakh and its people unleashed by Azerbaijan in 2020 with the direct involvement of Turkey, mercenaries and terrorist fighters from the Middle East. As a result of this aggression, vast territories of Artsakh, including the city of Shushi and the Hadrut region, were occupied by Azerbaijan. About 38 thousand people lost their homes and became refugees or IDPs. More than 90 thousand of the 150 thousand population of Artsakh were forced to take refuge in Armenia, fleeing the horrors of war. However, after the ceasefire was established, most of the inhabitants of Artsakh returned to their homeland. Having failed to achieve all of its objectives during the aggression in 2020, Azerbaijan resorted to other methods to implement its criminal plans. The ultimate goal of this policy is to suppress the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination by expelling and destroying the people of Artsakh as such. Azerbaijan is acting on the principle no people - no problem. - How do you assess the international response to Azerbaijan's actions to blockade Artsakh? - We welcome the statements of the international community on the need to immediately unblock the Lachin Corridor and Artsakh. In this context, it is important to take not a fragmentary, but a comprehensive approach to the situation created in Artsakh as a result of the blockade by Azerbaijan. The blockade of Artsakh is not only a humanitarian problem, but also a matter of violation of the individual and collective rights of its people. The international community should consider the blockade not as an isolated case, but rather an episode in a series of large-scale and systematic attacks by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh and violations of their rights. By imposing a blockade, Azerbaijan seeks to deliberately create such living conditions for the people of Artsakh that are designed to make them leave their historical homeland. Statements by the Azerbaijani leadership that the Lachin Corridor is open to those wishing to leave Artsakh indicate that through the blockade the Azerbaijani authorities are implementing a policy of ethnic cleansing of Artsakh. We call upon the community of States to take a comprehensive legal approach to the issue of Artsakh and the rights of its people, and to immediately activate the existing mechanisms for genocide prevention, in line with their international obligations to prevent mass atrocities. -Keeping Artsakh under blockade, Azerbaijan simultaneously puts forward demands both on Artsakh and Armenia. From Artsakh, Azerbaijan demands the recognition of Azerbaijani control over the Lachin Corridor. How would you comment on this? -Azerbaijan's demands to establish control over the Lachin Corridor are in direct contradiction to the provisions of the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020. Azerbaijan's arguments that the Lachin Corridor is under the jurisdiction of Azerbaijan as part of the Lachin region, which, according to the Trilateral Statement, came under Azerbaijani control, have no basis. The signature of the Azerbaijani President under the Trilateral Statement is an expression of the direct and explicit consent of the Azerbaijani state to renounce control over the Lachin corridor and put it under the exclusive control of the Russian Peacekeeping Contingent. In fact, Azerbaijan seeks to revise the special status of the Lachin Corridor by changing the situation on the ground and introducing new unilateral elements that contradict the Trilateral Statement. We have repeatedly stressed the illegitimacy of Azerbaijan's attempts to unilaterally review the status and mode of operation of the Lachin Corridor. In this regard, we reiterate that Azerbaijan's claims about its alleged right to stop vehicles passing through the Lachin Corridor and conduct cargo inspections are baseless. The Trilateral Statement does not contain any restrictions on the transportation of cargo as to their nature, purpose or use. - How would you comment on the statements of the Azerbaijani authorities about their readiness to ensure the rights of the people of Artsakh? - Obviously, the establishment of Azerbaijani jurisdiction over the people of Artsakh and their rights will in fact be tantamount to their forcible expulsion from their homeland. If someone outside Artsakh had doubts about this, then Azerbaijan itself dispelled these doubts by imposing a blockade on Artsakh and provoking a humanitarian catastrophe. The essence of the current stage of the conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan lies precisely in the fact that Azerbaijan is not only unable to guarantee the rights, but also pursues a deliberate and consistent policy to destroy the people of Artsakh as such. The statements of the Azerbaijan leadership about their readiness to ensure the rights of the people of Artsakh are just a screen behind which Baku will try to complete its criminal plan. Which of the goals of Azerbaijan are real, and which are just a trick, is evidenced by the aforementioned statement of the president of this country, who said that anyone who did not want to obey Baku should leave Artsakh. We strongly reject any proposals aimed at transferring jurisdiction over the rights of our people to Azerbaijan. We call on the international community to be guided, first of all, by the interests of the people living in Artsakh, who are threatened with ethnic cleansing and expulsion from their homeland. In the face of the impending catastrophe for the people of Artsakh, indifference and inaction by the international community will be connivance, if not complicity. -How does Artsakh see the ways of resolving the conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan? From a substantive point of view, resolution of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict should be aimed at eliminating its root cause related to the unwillingness of Azerbaijan to recognize the collective rights of the people of Artsakh, as well as correcting the consequences of their illegal use of military force against the Republic of Artsakh. From a procedural point of view, the process of the conflict resolution should be based on decisions taken by the parties through negotiations. This is what international law requires. We support the idea of restoring the international mechanism for direct negotiations between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, through which we can reach an agreement that guarantees a just and lasting peace. We consider the proposals of the international community on the need to create an international mechanism as evidence of the general understanding that the forcible subjugation of the people of Artsakh to the jurisdiction of Azerbaijan is a violation of international human rights law, and the practical implementation of this plan will lead to extreme manifestations of violence and persecution by Azerbaijan against the Armenians. Therefore, we call upon the international community to continue efforts aimed at creating an appropriate environment for the peaceful resolution of the conflict on the basis of international law. Other ways to resolve this conflict are just condoning the genocidal policy of Azerbaijan. The General Inspectorate of the Border Police informs that, on Monday, approximately 124,500 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, performed the control formalities (both in the direction of entry and exit) through the border points throughout the country, and over 35,150 means of transport, both inbound and outbound. According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday, there were 60,125 people entering Romania, of which 6,836 were Ukrainian citizens. On Monday, the border police detected 30 illegal acts (14 crimes and 16 misdemeanors) committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens. The goods seized for confiscation were worth approximately 258,900 RON, and the value of the contravention fines applied amounted to more than 37,400 RON. During Monday, eight foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions stipulated by the law were not allowed to enter the country, and six Romanian citizens were also not allowed to leave for various legal reasons. The art collection of the pharmacist Rene Zdrafcovici will be auctioned on February 16, in a tribute event dedicated to the renowned collector organized by Artmark. Rene Zdrafcovici was a military pharmacist, the head of the pharmacy within the Military Hospital between 1975-1990, but also a great art collector. He amassed, throughout his life, an impressive art collection, bringing together heritage paintings, period jewelry, carpets and rare icons, but also pieces of authorship silverware and glassware. Zdrafcovici started collecting in the '70s, firstly art furniture and pieces of authorship decorative art, and then modern Romanian painting and sculpture, with an emphasis on the great inter-war colorists, adding important paintings to the collection signed by Nicolae Tonitza, Gheorghe Petrascu, Dumitru Ghiata, Lucian Grigorescu or Samuel Mutzner. According to Artmark, one of the most valuable works in the Rene Zdrafcovici collection is Curte Interioara La Venetia (Inner courtyard in Venice) signed by Gheorghe Petrascu. The work of art has the estimated price of 18,000-25,000 euros and participated in 2022 in the exhibition "Representative artistic values from Bucharest collections" at the Romanian National Museum - Museum of Art Collections. Another work signed by Gheorghe Petrascu is "Natura statica cu mere si ulcior" (Still Life with Apples and Jug), at an estimated price of 8,000-14,000 euros. The artwork was noticed by the critics of the time after participating in the personal exhibition of Gheorghe Petrascu at the Romanian Athenaeum, in 1913, being part of the 120 works exhibited at that time. Rene Zdrafcovici's collection also includes a splendid icon "Maica Domnului Cu Pruncul" (The Mother of God with the Child) painted by Gheorghe Tattarescu. The work, accomplished in 1869, has an estimated price of 3,500-5,500 euros. From the collection of the pharmacist Rene Zdrafcovici, pieces of authorship furniture, silver objects signed by well-known craftsmen or painted Bohemian glass, recognized for centuries for its quality, as well as for its craftsmanship and often innovative design, are also for sale. An example is the collection of six Bohemian crystal glasses, with various decorations, which has a starting price of 300 euros. Bohemian crystal vessels, decorated with hunting or mythological symbols, with starting prices of 200 euros belong to the same category. The auction of the art collection of pharmacist Rene Zdrafcovici will take place online, on the Artmark Live 2.0 platform, but also physically, at the Artmark House headquarters in 5 C.A. Rosetti Street.AGERPRES CEC Bank raised on February 7 over 119 million euros (more than 587 million RON) through a new international placement of MREL-eligible bonds, which brings to 1.2 billion RON the total funding raised from capital markets through the three MREL-eligible bond tranches, the bank informs in a statement. "We are proud that CEC Bank is attractive to institutional investors, all the more so as the market context is difficult and marked by uncertainties both from a macroeconomic and a geopolitical point of view. This year we will further pursue growth plans and attracting resources and capital to finance the Romanian economy," said CEC Bank CEO Bogdan Neacsu. CEC Bank's bond program is brokered by a consortium made up of Citigroup, Raiffeisen Bank International and Raiffeisen Bank Romania assisted by Clifford Chance (through its offices in Frankfurt and Bucharest). Dentons acts as the issuer's legal counsel for the program. CEC Bank intends to list the latest bond tranche both on the Luxembourg and the Bucharest Stock Exchange. Founded in 1864, the state-owned CEC Bank currently operates the most extensive national network with over 1,000 branches and territorial units and with assets of over 53.4 billion RON as of mid-2022. CEC Bank is a universal bank that provides a complete range of products and services to individuals, SMEs and large corporations through multiple distribution channels: bank units, ATM networks, internet & mobile banking, and the CEC_IN virtual store - where banking products and services can be accessed 100 percent online. AGERPRES Endowing the Air Force with PATRIOT systems adds "a robust, credible, interoperable and flexible air defense capability, intended to fulfill the missions of the Romanian Army", the Minister of National Defense, Angel Tilvar stated on Tuesday, told Agerpres. He visited, together with the Chief of the Defense Staff, Daniel Petrescu, the 74th Regiment PATRIOT Mihai Bravu, informs the Defense Ministry (MApN). "The four systems constitute the first stage of achieving a state-of-the-art ground-based air defense capability, with capabilities tested in the fight against tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, fully integrated into the NATO system," the minister added. The command of the 74th Regiment presented the level of training of the operation and maintenance personnel of the unit, which will continue, this year, the training through courses organized at the Air Defense Artillery School in the United States of America, as well as the training in the country of personnel, on the specific configuration of the equipment delivered to Romania, simultaneously with the testing, acceptance and reception stages of the systems. The MApN leadership was presented with the status of the essential endowment program "High Range Surface-to-Air Missile System (HSAM) PATRIOT". The two officials met with the troops who operate the two systems entered so far in the regiment's endowment. The second PATRIOT system, out of the total of four that were contracted for the first stage of the endowment program, was delivered, according to the agreed schedule, during the year 2022 and the acceptance testing and reception were completed in December. The delivery of the third and fourth PATRIOT systems began last year, with their testing and acceptance expected to be completed by the end of April. Another 13 Romanian citizens will be repatriated from Turkey by a military aircraft, on Tuesday evening, informs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE). According to the Romanian Ministry of Defense, the group includes a mother with two children, as well as nine students and the coordinating teacher. They were boarded in a C-27J Spartan aircraft of the Romanian Air Force, in Adana, and will arrive at Otopeni Airport, told Agerpres. The nine students and the coordinating teacher were staying at a hotel in the town of Kahramanmaras, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This group joins the eight Romanian citizens and two Polish citizens repatriated on Monday, after the earthquakes in Turkey. The MAE reminds that a mobile consular team from the Romanian Embassy in Ankara traveled to the area affected by the earthquakes on Monday, by two vehicles, in order to provide consular assistance, take over the group of Romanian citizens from Kahramanmaras and ensure their transport to Adana. Up to this moment, 21 Romanian citizens have been repatriated. At the same time, at the level of the Romanian Embassy in Ankara, the situations of two groups of Erasmus students, as well as other specific requests for support, are still under consideration. It is a group composed of nine Romanian citizens located in Kayseri. Among them, five students will travel to Ankara, on Tuesday, in order to board a commercial flight to Romania. The other four people decided to stay in Turkey. A second group consists of seven students, located in Malatya, an area heavily affected by the earthquakes and unable to travel to Adana Airport. The embassy staff is in dialogue with them to identify a solution for repatriation in the next period. The staff of the Romanian Embassy is in contact with the representatives of the groups in question, as well as with the other Romanian citizens who contacted them, in order to identify the best support solutions. The representatives of the Romanian Embassy in Ankara continue the dialogue with the Turkish authorities, states the MAE. Also, the MAE reiterates the recommendation addressed to Romanian citizens in the areas affected by the earthquake to obtain information from official sources about the evolution of the situation on the spot and to comply with the instructions of the Turkish authorities. Romanian citizens can request consular assistance at the following telephone numbers of the Romanian Embassy in Ankara: +90.312.447.7945 and +90.312.447.7940, calls being redirected to the Contact and Support Center for Romanian Citizens Abroad (CCSCRS) and answered by Call operators Center in permanent mode. At the same time, Romanian citizens have at their disposal the emergency telephone number of the consular section in Ankara: +90.532.318.1726. Eight Romanian citizens and two Poles were boarded, on Monday evening, in a military aircraft, to leave Turkey, following the earthquakes produced in this country, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) The eight Romanians were successfully boarded for repatriation from Adana Airport, Republic of Turkey, through a Ministry of National Defence (MApN) humanitarian flight organized as part of the support mission of the Department for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Also, two Polish citizens were boarded on the same aircraft," informs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the source, the eight Romanian citizens - five students and three teachers - were in Adana and requested to be repatriated.AGERPRES On February 7, President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan had a telephone conversation with His Holiness Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I, the Presidential Office stated. February 7, 2023, 17:54 President Harutyunyan had a telephone conversation with Catholicos Aram I STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 7, ARTSAKHPRESS: The Head of the State presented to the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia the humanitarian and socio-economic crisis developed in the republic as a result of almost two-months-long blockade of the Lachine Corridor by Azerbaijan, and specified the steps that are being taken by the Artsakh authorities to overcome the situation. President Harutyunyan spoke with great pain and regret about the earthquake that happened in Syria, inquired His Holiness about the well-being of the local Armenian community, and conveyed the support of the Artsakh Armenians to the Armenian families affected by the natural calamity. His Holiness voiced his support to the people of Artsakh, emphasized that apart from daily prayers, the Catholicosate continues to make efforts to support Artsakh Armenians. Aram I expressed his confidence that only with unbreakable will and unwavering unity will it be possible to overcome the challenges and prevent the humanitarian disaster. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, had a telephone conversation, on Tuesday, with his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, whom he assured of "Romania's commitment to the deepening and development of the strategic partnership between the two states", the discussions also aimed at the organization of the joint Government meeting, told Agerpres. According to a press release from the Foreign Ministry (MAE) sent to AGERPRES, Minister Cohen expressed his appreciation for the particularly close relationship with Romania and thanked for the solidarity constantly shown by our country, most recently by condemning the attack in Jerusalem on January 27. Minister Aurescu pointed out that the third joint meeting of the Government, scheduled for 2023, is a benchmark bilateral objective, especially in light of the celebration, this year, of 75 years of uninterrupted Romanian-Israeli diplomatic relations. Bogdan Aurescu thanked for supporting Romania's goal of joining the Schengen area, including in Israel's bilateral dialogue with Austria. The head of Israeli diplomacy assured that "he will actively support, in the future, this important objective of the Romanian side". The discussions also provided an opportunity for an exchange of opinions on the latest regional developments, with an emphasis on the situation in Iran, the Romanian Foreign Minister informing about the support of the EU sanctions packages on this state for human rights violations and, respectively, for involvement in supporting Russia by delivering drones used for bombing civilian targets in Ukraine. At the same time, the two ministers discussed the complex implications of Russia's war against Ukraine, the Israeli minister appreciating Romania's efforts at the regional level, especially in terms of managing the flow of refugees. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) transmits that it "firmly disapproves of the comments of the president of the Foreign Policy Commission of the Hungarian Parliament published on Facebook on Monday regarding Romania's alleged restriction of the right to hoist the flag of the so-called Szeklerland". In this context, the Hungarian ambassador in Bucharest was summoned, on Tuesday, by order of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, to the headquarters of the Romanian MAE, in order to communicate the position of the Romanian side. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlights, in this context, the fact that "the legal order in Romania enshrines the right of persons belonging to all 20 national minorities to use their specific symbols in private, as well as in public, within specific cultural and religious manifestations". "Regarding the sign of the so-called Szeklerland, in Romania there is no administrative-territorial unit with this name and therefore no right to any specific official sign," MAE states. At the same time, the Romanian ministry representatives point out, "any administrative-territorial authority in Romania has the right to establish their own signs, which must be representative of the entire population resident in that administrative-territorial unit". The Ministry of Foreign Affairs "insistently reiterates the call for restraint in public statements and reminds the expectation of the Romanian side that the Hungarian officials act with responsibility in the logic of the strategic relationship between the two states, the Basic Political Treaty of 1996 and in the desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas of interest, for the benefit of all Romanian and Hungarian citizens regardless of ethnicity".AGERPRES Thirty musicians and visual artists, coming from low income families, will be supported to develop an artistic career through the "Tinere Talente" [Young Talents - editor's note] 2023 programme, run by the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation (FRMR). "15 musicians and 15 visual artists, at the beginning of their artistic journey, will receive, during one calendar year, support to follow and develop an artistic career, through individual scholarships, worth up to 2,000 euros, sessions of mentoring and intergenerational masterclass internships, as well as opportunities to promote their artistic talent through events organized by the foundation and partners of the programme," FRMR reports, in a press release sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday. The young artists and musicians were selected from among 144 young musicians and visual artists, pupils and students at vocational education institutions nationwide, who expressed, in November last year, their intention to become scholarship holders. The young artists are aged between 14 and 24 years old, and they are studying at high schools and universities of arts and music in Bucharest, Iasi, Suceava, Galati, Cluj-Napoca, Targu Mures. The list of scholarship holders within the "Tinere Talente" programme 2023 can be consulted by accessing https://www.tineretalente.org/index.php/2023/02/06/cu-sprijinul-kaufland-romania-fundatia-regala-margareta-a-romaniei-anunta-debutul-editiei-2023-a-programului-tinere-talente-si-numele-celor-30-de-noi-bursieri-la-categoria-muzica-si-arte-vizuale/. To date, 380 scholarships have been awarded to talented young people at the beginning of their journey, who study music or visual arts in high schools and universities in Romania, being helped to overcome their financial difficulties and continue to express their artistic value. In support of the scholarship holders, 110 recitals and concerts, 77 exhibitions, 114 mentoring sessions and masterclasses were organized. According to FRMR, over the years, more than 1,800,000 euros have been invested in Romania's artistic future. In 2022, for the fourth time, "Tinere Talente" was recognized as the best Art and Culture programme in Romania, laureate at the Civil Society Gala. Romania must become a commercial hub for Korean investors, not only a market, for they must take into account the fact that this is a country member of the European Union and NATO, with a privileged geographical position, Mihai Daraban, the head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR) stated on Tuesday. "CCIR highly appreciates the relationship it has with its Korean counterparts, in our economic missions we undertook in this country we learned a lot about how we can improve the economic relationship between the two states. As for the Romanian consumer, we can say, while looking at the import figures, that there is a true dependence on Korean products. Unfortunately, they are not manufactured in Romania, but in other countries in the European Union. Romania is in great need of opening production lines in the country (...). Obviously, Korean investors must also take into account the fact that Romania is a country member of the EU and NATO, with a privileged geographical position. All goods coming from Korea by sea pass through the Suez Canal, needing only three and a half days of sailing to reach the Port of Constanta, compared to the eleven days it would take for these goods to enter the Port of Rotterdam, which ultimately means lower costs. Romania must become not only a market but also a commercial hub for Korean investors," said Mihai Daraban at the Romania-Republic of Korea Business Session, which took place at the CCIR headquarters. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Romania, RIM Kap-soo, stated that the event aims to materialize the official visits undertaken last year by the representatives of the Romanian Government in the Republic of Korea and emphasized that the Romanian market has a very high development potential, told Agerpres. "Clearly, the record value of trade exchanges, recorded at the end of 2022, makes us happy, but we do not want to stop there. We believe that the Romanian market has a very high development potential, and as the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Romania, I identified several economic sectors in which we can invest, such as: IT&C, the defence industry, home appliances or infrastructure. Therefore, today's event represents the first step in boosting bilateral economic relations. And, as you well know, any the journey, no matter how long, begins with a first step," said the Korean diplomat. At the same time, Son Jae-il, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, mentioned that Romania and the Republic of Korea have established diplomatic and economic relations since 1990 and more and more Korean companies have entered the Romanian market, especially in the IT&C area, defence industry and nuclear technology. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Korea (KCCI), organized the Romania-Republic of Korea Business Session on Tuesday, with the aim of boosting bilateral trade relations. According to a press release from the CCIR, the event was part of the government's strategy to strengthen bilateral relations between Romania and the Republic of Korea and took place on the sidelines of the visit to Romania by the KCCI delegation, led by Woo Taehee, the vice-president of the organization. The business session was followed by a series of Business to Business (B2B) meetings attended by representatives of over 20 Romanian and Korean companies, active in various economic sectors, such as: IT&C, the defence industry, the household appliance manufacturing industry, infrastructure. aeronautical and aerospace industry. President Klaus Iohannis participated on Tuesday in the video-conference with President of the European Council Charles Michel and a group of European leaders, in the preparatory meeting for the special European Council, which takes place on Thursday and Friday in Brussels. "This week's European Council will touch upon important issues for the EU. In today's preparatory meeting hosted by the European Council President we focused on support for Ukraine on all dimensions, strengthening the competitiveness of the EU economy, and implementing concrete measures to fight illegal migration," the head of state wrote on Tuesday on his Twitter page. The European Council will gather in Brussels in a special summit in order to discuss Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, the economic situation in the EU and migration. AGERPRES In 2022, the real estate market in Romania recorded investments of over 1.25 billion EUR, a 36% increase compared to the volume recorded in the previous year, shows the latest report of a real estate investment company, told Agerpres. According to CBRE - "Market Outlook 2023", three main trends will shape the relevant market in 2023: the unpredictability of prices for most of the year, the limited supply of new products, respectively the number of relevant buyers that will be higher than thought. According to the data centralized by the consulting company, during the past year Romanian investors were the ones who contributed considerably to the increase in the volume of investments in Romania. Thus, with 16 transactions with an average value of 38.7 million EUR, but also with the largest contribution to the volume of investments in 2022, the local players managed to develop the investments on the market. In the following places, at a considerable distance, were the South African assets, with a weight of 15%, the Austrian ones (10%), and with shares below 10% were the investors from Belgium, UK, Hungary and Malta, which accumulated a quarter of the total value recorded last year. The most dynamic sector in terms of attracted investments was that of offices, which also registered a record. In 2022, the office segment attracted 62% of the total investments, followed by retail (24%) and industrial (7%). At the same time, hotels and assets from other sectors managed to attract, together, 7% of the total amount invested. CBRE Group, Inc. headquartered in Dallas, is the largest commercial services and real estate investment company in the world, based on 2020 revenues. The company has over 100,000 employees and serves clients from more than a hundred countries. In Romania, CBRE brokered the largest investment transaction on the local real estate market in 2022, being the leader in this segment with a market share of 45%. Romania's new car registrations advanced by 31.37 percent in January this year from the same period of 2022 to 12,266 units, shows data with the Directorate for Driving Licenses and Vehicle Registration (DRPCIV) cited by the Romanian Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACAROM). Used car first-time local registrations stood at 23,260 units this January, down 4.5 percent YoY. The Dacia brand continued to stay on top of the ranking with 4,574 units, followed by Renault with 1,223 units, Hyundai (730), Volkswagen (626), Skoda (578), Ford (546), Mercedes (439), BMW (438) and Suzuki (378).Agerpres Romania's Royal House is mourning the death of the academician Razvan Theodorescu and sending condolences to the Romanian Academy and the family of the academician, told Agerpres. "It is with great sadness that the Royal Family has learned of the passing of academician Razvan Theodorescu, vice-president of the Romanian Academy. A specialist in arts history, Romanian arts and civilisation, Christianity and Balkan spirituality, Razvan Theodorescu led the Department of Arts, Architecture and Audio-Visual of the Romanian Academy. The Royal Family is sending its condolences to the Romanian Academy and the family of the academician Razvan Theodorescu. May he rest in peace!," the Royal Family wrote on Tuesday in a Facebook post. Theodorescu, a vice-president of the Romanian Academy between 2018 and 2023, died on Monday at the age of 83. The Romanian support team, made up of specialized RO-USAR (Romanian - Urban Search and Rescue) search and rescue personnel, SMURD (Mobile Emergency Service for Resuscitation and Extrication) physicians and nurses, staff with canine teams from the Utility Dogs Club, arrived in Turkey's province of Hatay, in a locality close to the city of Antakia, informed on Tuesday in the morning, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations. This is the first area that the Turkish authorities, namely the Authority for the Management of Disasters and Emergency Situations - AFAD, with clear responsibilities in managing the situation generated by earthquakes, have chosen for the team from Romania. The Romanian rescuers began to build the base of operations, simultaneously preparing the first shift for the start of the support mission. At the same time, on Tuesday morning, before starting the journey to the location of the base of operations established by AFAD, a team consisting of an officer and two non-commissioned officers with two search and rescue dogs performed a reconnaissance mission in the field, together with a Turkish team, at a residential area affected by the earthquakes. The Romanian rescuers are in permanent contact with the Turkish authorities, AFAD representatives being the ones directly responsible for designating the area of action and intervention of the teams that came to support.AGERPRES The RO-USAR (Romanian Urban Search and Rescue Team) team completed the recovery mission of a family trapped under the rubble in the city of Antakya, the Inspectorate General for Emergency Situations (IGSU) informed on Tuesday. According to the quoted source, three persons have been pulled out from under the ruins. The two adults are alive and were handed over to the ambulance, and the child was found dead and delivered to the family, told Agerpres. The Inspectorate General for Emergency Situations announced on Tuesday morning that the Romanian search and rescue team went on a mission to identify and recover a family (husband, wife and child), who were trapped under the rubble in the city of Antakya. The building had completely collapsed and, according to the locals, it would have had nine floors. New York State Police have charged a Brutus man with attempted murder in the town of Victory on Monday, saying he attacked a resident there with an "edged weapon." Christopher M. Laframboise, 39, of 2919 E. Brutus St. Road, was arrested shortly after noon and charged with second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault following an incident reported in the town of Victory, according to the state police public information report issued Tuesday. Troopers issued a press release Tuesday afternoon saying the incident took place at a residence on Pople Road, where the victim resides. Laframboise is accused of attacking the victim multiple times and causing serious injury. Troopers said Lafromboise was arrested a short time later during a traffic stop on Egypt Road in the town of Conquest. Additional information from troopers was not available. Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci said she could not comment further Tuesday morning because the investigation is in its early stages. The Cayuga County Jail said Laframboise was arraigned Tuesday morning at Cayuga County Centralized Arraignment Court and is being held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 10, at the Town of Victory Court. Laframboise was previously arrested less than a month ago by the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office. On Jan. 19, he was charged with second-degree trespassing and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both Class A misdemeanors. The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office assisted state police in the response to the incident this week. The World Vision Romania Foundation on Tuesday released "Start in education," the largest project for preschoolers in Romania for over 60,000 children and 10,000 parents from 500 disadvantaged communities, worth over 2.7 million euros. "Without early education, it is very difficult to build on. To us it is a special moment because this way, together with the World Vision Foundation, we will reach 60,000 children and 10,000 parents from disadvantaged communities," OMV Petrom Foundation executive director Amalia Fodor, told the release of the early education project. Investment in the education of preschool children is the most important investment, said Mihaela Nabar, World Vision Romania executive director. "Each one leu invested in the child's education at the right time generates another eight lei that can be invested in education in a country that, from our point of view, invests little in education, compared with what it should invest," said Nabar. Data with World Vision Romania show that the situation of children of preschool age is extremely hard, especially in the countryside, where children of kindergarten age work at home an average of one hour and 20 minutes - they take care of animals and have other responsibilities at home. World Vision Romania analyses have revealed that most children of preschool age from the countryside have access to educational materials only if they attend kindergarten or use those of their older siblings who go to school. Monica Anisie, chair of the Romanian Senate's Education Committee, said that teachers are the most important persons in a child's life. Natalia-Elena Intotero, chair of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies' Education Committee, showed that there is need for a change in the mentality of parents who consider that the presence of children in kindergarten is not necessary. "Start in education" is a joint project of the World Vision Romania Foundation and the OMV Petrom Foundation. AGERPRES Christmas is the Field House Museums time to shine. The downtown attraction, the oldest house museum in St. Louis, displays as many toys as possible from its historic toy collection. Workers set out German feather trees, show off author Eugene Fields short stories about Christmas and invite visitors to do a little holiday shopping in the gift shop. But this past year, on Christmas Eve, a pipe in the attic feeding the homes sprinkler system froze and burst, sending water down through the three floors of the house. More than a foot of water rose in the basement, soaking toys and artifacts stored in archival cardboard boxes on shelves. About 20% to 30% of the 8,000 or so items in its collection were destroyed or sustained heavy damage. Weve all cried about it, said executive director Stephanie Bliss, about her three-person staff, volunteers and board members. Weve pushed forward. What Ive tried to go with is being resilient nobody was hurt, overall, everything is structurally sound. Were OK. And we can put it back to what it was. I think that we just kind of keep focusing on that. Now, the group is coming out of crisis mode and has since removed all the toys, items and furniture from the house. Workers have removed damaged carpeting, floorboards, wallpaper and plaster from soaked floors, walls and ceilings. The museums exhibition space, an addition added to the north side of the row house in 2016, was not damaged. Now, its a triage area for some of the toys and homes items. Workers hope to reopen the exhibition area in March, and, if all goes well, the rest of the house in September. The 1845 residence, one of the oldest in St. Louis city, was the boyhood home of writer Eugene Field, known for verses about childhood like Wynken, Blynken and Nod and Little Boy Blue. Field, who was born in 1850, grew up to become a newspaperman, eventually writing columns for the Chicago Morning News. Because of Fields writings and because the museum owns toys that belonged to the Field family, the museum owns an extensive historic toy collection. Eugene Fields father, Roswell Field, was the attorney for Dred Scott in an appeal of his court case seeking freedom from slavery. Scott had been a janitor in Fields law office. The building was once part of a row of houses and was built to rent to upper-middle-class people. There is a living room and dining room on the first floor, two bedrooms on the second and two rooms on the third floor, which were used for exhibition space. The house was full of period furniture, some of which Eugene Field bought as an adult. The furniture has been cleared out and is in storage and was able to be saved with minimal or no damage. When Bliss and other staffers left the building around 4 p.m. Dec. 23, nothing was amiss. They looked forward to the holiday off. But at around 6 p.m., in the middle of Christmas Eve dinner with family at a restaurant, Bliss got a call from the alarm company, saying there was movement detected on the third floor. Bliss thought something had fallen off a wall. But when she arrived with her husband, Ben, their two young daughters and a family friend, they looked up and saw water pouring through the medallion of a ceiling light fixture. That water poured from the broken pipe in the attic. She called the fire department, the sprinkler company, board president Karen Klohr, and mopped out what she could. Nothing really prepares you for seeing water run out of the ceiling, said Klohr, who arrived that night. The water in the basement drained once the water got shut off. Bliss and other staffers, board members and volunteers stayed for hours that night, and returned to work hours more on Christmas Day. The freezing temperatures, while tough to endure while cleaning and clearing things out, helped in a way, because warmer temperatures could have accelerated mold growth, Bliss pointed out. Another bright side: the museum can restore the third-floor rooms, which had served as exhibition space, to look like bedrooms again. Thank goodness the house is strong, said Klohr. Its stood for 178 years. We have to get it back to keep it at least that long going forward. Like many small to mid-sized museums, it operates on a shoestring budget. And while it has insurance, its unclear what will or wont be covered. The spring and summer is usually busy with school and tour groups, so some of that revenue may be lost. The museum has set up a GoFundMe and will accept donations through its website. The loss and the damage is very personal, said Bliss. We all have an attachment to it the stories, the people who have made it what it is, she said of the house. And yeah, its devastating. You go into historic preservation because you love history. You love the stories behind it and you want their stories to be preserved. Yield: 6 cups 1 quart (4 cups) very thinly sliced peeled yellow onions 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 6 cups rich chicken stock 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 12 slices toasted bread or crostini to fit in soup bowls 3 cups grated Comte, Gruyere or Swiss cheese Fresh chives for garnish 1. Thinly slice the onions and place in a large bowl. Toss to separate the rings and set aside. 2. Melt the butter in a 5-quart pot over medium low heat. Add the onions and salt. 3. Caramelize the onions very slowly over medium-low heat. It will take 30 to 50 minutes or more, stirring occasionally as needed. 4. As the onions cook they will release water, but if you notice sticking to the pan, add small amounts of water to prevent burning and release any flavorful pieces that develop on the bottom of the pan. 5. You want the onions to reach a deep brown almost the color of bourbon. At that point they are fully caramelized. 6. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooking onions, stirring it in completely to evenly distribute the flour. You dont want lumps in the flour before you add the stock next. 7. Pour 2 cups of stock over the onions, whisking as you go. Add the remaining 4 cups of stock in 2 cups at a time, whisking still to make sure no lumps are forming that need to be stirred down. 8. Bring the soup to a simmer and allow it to cook for 30 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, then stir in the sherry vinegar and ground pepper. 9. Turn the broiler on to medium high. 10. Portion the hot soup into 6 oven-proof bowls. Arrange 2 pieces of toasted bread on the surface. Top each bowl with cup of grated cheese, taking care to cover the bread. 11. Place under the broiler to melt the cheese. Keep a good eye on this as it only takes a few minutes, 2 to 4 minutes depending on the broiler. 12. Garnish each bowl with chopped chives. Per serving: 622 calories; 34g fat; 19g saturated fat; 97mg cholesterol; 29g protein; 50g carbohydrate; 11g sugar; 3g fiber; 1,225mg sodium; 660mg calcium To print the recipe, click here, then click the printer icon. Joe Holleman Joe Holleman is a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Joe Holleman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today When it comes to the State of the Union address on Tuesday, two Metro East congresswomen have embraced different approaches: Nikki Budzinski is taking advantage of her plus-one, while Mary Miller is opting to exercise a minus-one. Budzinski, a Democrat whose 13th District includes portions of Madison and St. Clair counties, planned to bring an IBEW union electrician, Andrea Kelly of Decatur, as her special guest for President Joe Biden's speech to a joint session of Congress. Budzinski said Kelly shows us just how important apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs are to the economic mobility of our communities. And on the other side of the aisle ... Miller, a Republican whose 15th District includes parts of Madison County including all or parts of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, said Tuesday morning that she would not be attending the speech as a protest of Joe Bidens record of lying to the American people ... about the damage he has caused to our country. But Miller said she gave her ticket to retired Air Force Col. Mark A. Hurley of Sherman, Illinois, who Miller says retired from the military because of Bidens unjust COVID vaccine mandate. The other U.S. House member from Illinois who represents a part of the St. Louis metropolitan area, Republican Mike Bost, had a predictable reaction to Biden's address. "President Biden did what he does best; take credit where no credit is due and deny responsibility for his failures," Bost said in a statement, which also blamed the current administration for inflation, street violence and fentanyl fatalities. Bost, whose 12th District covers Monroe and Randolph counties, concluded: "No matter how hard he tries, he cannot put lipstick on this pig." 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 Jessica was getting ready to head to her nursing job when she took a moment to show me her one-bedroom apartment. Its located in the old Garfield School, a former public school building in Benton Park West. Peter and Paul Community Services has turned it into permanent supportive housing for people who are homeless or in danger of homelessness. The apartment isnt big or fancy. Its not much larger than a college dorm room. But this is not a temporary shelter. Jessica, whose rent is subsidized because she is disabled, can live here as long as she wants. The building offers case management, mental health services and vocational services. In many ways, this is the future of the housing first model many nonprofits in St. Louis are following. There are similar facilities run by St. Patricks Center, Gateway Housing First and Places for People. But making that model work takes lots of investment and massive cooperation among nonprofits, businesses and government entities. Its challenging to find a person on the street, get them into a shelter and navigate the gauntlet of providers and paperwork that could lead to a permanent roof over their head. All too often, there is a breakdown in communication or cooperation. Take the one that has plagued St. Louis lately. As winter hit, the administration of Mayor Tishaura O. Jones assured the city that there were enough shelter beds for people who needed them. The various nonprofit providers of those beds generally agreed. But too often, when city officials tell people to call the 211 system, the operators tell them there are no beds available or dont know how to connect them to a shelter. In early January, a group of volunteers sent out a recording of such calls to get the attention of providers and the city. Why were city officials telling people to call 211 if the operators didnt know how to connect people to beds, the advocates from St. Louis Winter Outreach asked. We would like to believe that the people in power who repeat this empty phrase actually do not know that it does not work, they wrote in an email linking to the recording. Even if that is the case it shows a scary disconnect from those in power to those who work in homeless services, and those who work for 2-1-1. That disconnect is now the subject of a behind-the-scenes battle over who manages the federal money for homeless services in St. Louis. In December, the Continuum of Care, a committee of key service providers, issued a request for proposals, seeking one organization to be at the top of the food chain when it comes to homeless services. For too long, many of the providers say, the city has been too slow to react to issues, to secure funding for nonprofits and to handle problems like the 211 disconnect. There is general agreement in the nonprofit community that the best model is for a nonprofit not a government entity to be the lead agency coordinating homeless services, says Steve Campbell, the CEO of Peter and Paul. We are not trying to start a fight with the city, says Suvir Dhar, a board member of the nascent nonprofit House Everyone STL, which plans to bid on the RFP. But the current system is not working. At the very least, lets admit that. Yusef Scoggin, director of human services for the city, agrees there have been issues with the 211 system. But he believes the city is on track to getting all parts of the homeless provider network to work in a more integrated fashion. I think were positioned well to continue as the lead agency for homeless services, he said. For Scoggin, the debate detracts from a reality that has long plagued homeless services in the region: the city and its nonprofits are the only entities doing the heavy lifting even though the people being provided services come from surrounding counties, and places as far away as Joplin and Cape Girardeau. Were the only government entity in the entire region that has dedicated any American Rescue Plan Act funds to the homeless, Scoggin says. In that regard, Scoggin and the nonprofits are on the same page. The RFP issued by the Continuum of Care asks those who bid to discuss plans for regionalizing a housing first model, so that the commitment to providing permanent supportive housing is shared throughout the St. Louis area. How would the applicant end chronic and veteran homelessness in 5 years? the RFP asks. Its a good question. The best answer gets the city of St. Louis, the nonprofits that serve people in need and the entire region on the same page with one unifying force leading the charge. Messenger: Lawsuits target Missouri law that would jail homeless people. It is cruelty. A federal lawsuit is the latest to target a "model bill" that makes camping on state property or right-of-ways a crime in Missouri. Messenger: National advocate for the homeless asks St. Louis leaders to step up Expert who had success in Houston and Dallas finding permanent housing for homeless people says St. Louis could be next. CLAYTON Gov. Mike Parson announced Monday that he would not grant clemency or stop the execution of death row inmate Leonard Taylor. Taylor, 58, of Jennings, is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection Tuesday evening at the state prison in Bonne Terre for the deaths of his girlfriend and her three children. Leonard Taylor brutally murdered a mother and her three children. The evidence shows Taylor committed these atrocities and a jury found him guilty. Courts have consistently upheld Taylors convictions and sentences under the facts and the Missouri and United States Constitutions, Parson said in a statement Monday afternoon. Despite his self-serving claim of innocence, the facts of his guilt in this gruesome quadruple homicide remain. The 2004 murder victims are Taylors girlfriend Angela Rowe, 28; Rowes daughters, Alexus Conley, 10, and AcQreya Conley, 6; and her son, Tyrese Conley, 5. All had been shot at a house on Park Lane in Jennings. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bells office also announced last week that it would reject requests from Taylors lawyers to seek a hearing to vacate Taylors conviction under a new state law. We are not filing a motion to vacate Leonard Taylors sentence the facts are not there to support a credible case of innocence, the prosecutor said in a statement. Bell said he would not elaborate or take interviews on the reasons for his findings in a statement Monday. For this office to provide details on why we came to this judgment could only further incriminate a person who sought relief from this office and currently has appeals pending, the statement reads. The Missouri Supreme Court also denied a stay in the case on Feb. 2. Taylors defense attorneys, Kent Gipson and Kevin Schriener, raised multiple issues they wanted a judge to hear: time of death, concerns that a key witness had been threatened by police, and phone records they say bolster their claim that the victims were still alive when Taylor boarded a flight to California. The Missouri Attorney Generals Office, in response to some of Taylors appeals over the years, has said the case against Taylor is solid. The execution is slated to be the third in Missouri in the past three months. The 54 people Missouri has executed since 2000 ST. CHARLES One St. Charles man is behind a string of smash-and-grab burglaries targeting at least six suburban Mexican restaurants and grocery stores, police say. Mario Pintor, 37, had by Friday been charged with a total of seven counts of second-degree burglary, three counts of felony property damage and five counts of stealing from cases in St. Charles and St. Louis counties. In each case, Pintor is accused of breaking a window with an axe, hammer or other tool in the middle of the night or early morning, climbing inside and stealing cash or, in some cases, taking the entire cash register. The burglaries span eight months beginning in April 2022 and include thousands in damage. Pintor was arrested shortly after a Dec. 21 University City restaurant burglary, police say in court records. Police in O'Fallon, Missouri, St. Peters and University City used surveillance video, license place readers and Pintor's cellphone data to link him to the crimes. According to court documents, the break-ins before his arrest include: La Carreta grocery store in O'Fallon: Pintor is accused of prying the door off this Mexican grocery store at 316 O'Fallon Plaza about 2 a.m. April 28. A metal paddle was found nearby. Police used license plate readers to track a sedan Pintor sometimes drives to the scene. El Maguey restaurant in St. Peters: Pintor's black 2003 GMC Envoy was recorded pulling up to the restaurant at 3601 North St. Peters Parkway about 6 a.m. Oct. 1. A man is captured on surveillance video breaking the restaurant's front window with a hammer and stealing the cash register. The register was found in a nearby park with all the cash inside gone. La Carreta grocery in St. Peters: A car matching Pintor's GMC is spotted at about 5 a.m. Oct. 28 at the restaurant at 4203 South Old Highway 94. The glass was broken and about $500 was stolen from the register. El Maguey restaurants in O'Fallon: Pintor's car was spotted at the St. Peters location at 7139 Mexico Road about 5:20 a.m. A car matching Pintor's GMC was spotted near a burglary at the O'Fallon location at 2737 Highway K about 5:30 a.m. Nothing was taken because the owner deposited the money the night before after hearing about the string of burglaries. Mi Mexico Lindo in St. Peters: Pintor is accused of using an axe to break the window of the restaurant at 4899 Mexico Road in St. Peters about 4:30 a.m. Dec. 4 before taking the cash register. Pintor was eventually arrested after University City police responded to an alarm at the Mi Ranchito Mexican restaurant, 887 Kingsland Avenue, on the morning of Dec. 21. When officers arrived, they spotted a cash register drawer containing coins missing. Surveillance video showed a GMC pulling up before a man broke the front window with an axe, charging documents say. Police linked the GMC's license plate to an address in St. Charles where Pintor was soon taken into custody. An axe was found inside his car, according to court records. Charges were filed between Dec. 22 and Friday in Pintor's five criminal cases. Beijing (Gasgoo)- In the first month of 2023, Nissan Motor sold 47,521 vehicles in China, representing a 64.4% downturn from the previous year, according to information released by the Japanese automaker on February 6. Photo credit: Nissan Compared to a month earlier, Nissans China monthly sales also dropped 32.58% in January 2023. The Japanese automaker explained that its sales decline was an outcome of the New Year's Day and Chinese Lunar New Year holidays, both of which all fell in January and led to fewer weekdays in the month. In the past month, Dongfeng Motor Co. & Ltd. (DFL), the joint venture between Dongfeng Motor and Nissan Motor, saw 45,623 vehicles sold through its passenger vehicle unit (including Nissan, Venucia, and Infiniti brands), which reflected a 59.02% dent year-over-year. In addition, Zhengzhou Nissan, the light commercial vehicle sector of Nissan Motor in China, sold 1,898 vehicles in January 2023. Notably, the light commercial vehicles sales of Dongfeng Automobile Co., Ltd., one of Nissan Motors joint ventures in China, were no longer included in Nissans China sales reports since October 2022. ST. LOUIS One year after a mass overdose event killed seven people at Parkview Apartments in the Central West End, a leader of an effort to curb the opioid epidemic in Missouri said they cant even give away naloxone at the huge public housing complex. We thought there would be some momentum for at least ground zero of the event to be a wake-up call, said Rachel Winograd, co-director of the state opioid response grant. We can have all the money in the world for naloxone, but if people wont accept it, then it cant do any good. Naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the life-saving medication be easily available for those who need it. Narcan, the nasal spray variety, typically comes in a two-dose white box. Settlement funds with opioid manufacturers are being used to distribute Narcan into communities statewide. But some dont express interest. Our teams and community partners have made multiple assertive attempts to engage with Parkview Apartments management and have received no response, Winograd said. Between Feb. 5 and Feb. 7, 2022, nine people overdosed at Parkview or in the immediate area; seven of them fatally. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration later listed Parkview in a notice about a nationwide increase in mass-overdose events, stating that many of the victims thought they were using cocaine and had no idea that they were in fact ingesting fentanyl. Parkview resident Chuny Ann Reed faced federal crimes stemming from the incident in St. Louis. She later died in custody. Jah-Kayla Moore, president of the tenant advisory board at Parkview, a 14-story, 295-unit fortress at 4451 Forest Park Avenue, recently showed the Post-Dispatch just one box of Narcan on hand. It had two doses. We are in the midst of the addiction, she said. It does weigh on the people of the building because we have to live with that. We have a couple sets of Narcan or whatever. You know how people are. They will take the stuff and not use it. Front desk security said they will call 911 if somebody overdoses. They dont have access to Narcan. Parkview is owned by the Housing Authority of St. Louis and managed by the Habitat Company of Missouri. Site manager David Jackson did not respond to requests for comment in recent weeks. There has been management turnover at the Parkview. Jacksons assistant said Jackson started in December. On Monday morning, he wasnt in his office, perhaps because it was a busy weekend, with a stabbing incident and clogged pipes on two floors. Numerous ceiling tiles were already missing in the main floor lobby and hallway. One section smelled like an old water leak. This is the projects in the middle of the Central West End, said Shonda King, 38, raising a 5-year-old son at Parkview. She said several of the people who died in the mass overdose event didnt live in the building. She said a new security company does a better job. Still, she tries to stay out of the stairwells, but the elevators often break down. Sure, she said, it would be smart to have Narcan around. Theres so much stuff that goes on, she said. Alana Green, director of the Housing Authority of St. Louis, recently directed questions about Narcan distribution at public housing properties like Parkview to a spokeswoman. In prepared remarks, the housing authority said it doesnt have lease restrictions that prohibit residents from having naloxone in their homes. The housing authority said it was exploring a partnership with PreventEd to offer substance abuse prevention education and resources, including access to free Narcan. The health and safety of our residents is a key priority. The St. Louis Housing Authority supports the community and our partners efforts in preventing drug abuse and misuse. Tina Pihl, alderwoman of the 17th Ward, said Monday that shes frustrated that Narcan isnt inside Parkview yet, but that shes been trying to pull the community together. She said she didnt have a relationship with apartment management and instead was in communication with the housing authority. They are working out some things regarding getting that into the facility, she said. While Narcan isnt widely available for free at Parkview, a pharmacy next door sells it for $118 for the same two-dose box. Winograd said the state and its community partners are using opioid settlement funds to expand naloxone distribution and increase education efforts. In 2022, they distributed 84,287 naloxone kits statewide, half of it in the St. Louis region. The group plans to distribute 173,791 kits in 2023. Their budget increased from $6.2 million to $8.3 million, and the wholesale cost of the kits has fallen from $75 to $47.50. Parkview isnt the only place that hasnt opened its doors. For instance, despite numerous overdoses in Missouri prisons, correctional officers still dont carry naloxone. Tim Cutt, director of the Missouri Corrections Officers Association, said in October that staff dont want to carry the overdose reversing drug because it could increase their liability if something went wrong. Winograd said initial meetings have been held with the Department of Corrections aimed at allowing everyone leaving a Missouri prison access to a free box of Narcan. Corey Davis, director of the Harm Reduction Legal Project at the Network for Public Health Law, said by telephone from Los Angeles that there is still a stigma associated with naloxone partly because it used to be administered by needle. Opinions are sticky, and it takes a while to change peoples minds, Davis said. OLIVETTE Sterling didnt have much hope of finding a home. The silver-eared 2-year-old pit bull mix had been stuck at the St. Louis County animal shelter for nine months. County workers had labeled him aggressive. Then he found Greg McAboy. When I met him, we played around, and I was like, OK, he likes me. And I liked him, said McAboy, a 54-year-old middle school classroom aide from Ballwin. Thats how we found each other. In early December, the nonprofit Animal Protective Association of Missouri took over operations of the long-troubled county animal shelter off North Lindbergh Boulevard. The facility was overcrowded, understaffed and filthy. But over the past month, the APA has cleaned, painted, rebooted operations and boosted pet adoptions more than three-fold, to 234 over the past two months from 70 in same period last year. It appears to be a wholesale transformation. The countys shelter had long been troubled by overpopulation, understaffing and lawsuits. In 2019, County Council members ordered an audit of shelter operations. It revealed the shelter had fudged kill rates, kept animals longer than necessary and couldnt control infectious disease because of overcrowding. Following the audits findings, the public health department floated a plan to hand operations over to a nonprofit. A former manager sued the county in 2021, alleging it fired her in part for opposing the plan. Amanda Zatorksi, who goes by the name Mandy Ryan, claimed an animal rescue group representative told her the county was improperly allowing certain preferred potential bidders to influence the countys process for choosing a nonprofit. Ryan raised concerns to her supervisor but was later fired. That lawsuit is ongoing. The shelter also faced turmoil as it transferred management to the APA last fall. Public health staff discovered a cockroach infestation in a storage area and destroyed thousands of documents in an attempt to prevent the infestation from spreading. But staffers didnt seek the proper permission to destroy records, and government-transparency attorney Mark Pedroli later claimed the documents were relevant to multiple lawsuits he has filed against the county, including Zatorskis. Last summer, the health department announced a plan to euthanize more dogs. Dogs labeled aggressive had been warehoused for months, leaving the shelter full and animal control officers unable to bring in strays unless they posed a safety problem. After it took over operations, the APA had to euthanize a number of dogs that had been warehoused. We did do an assessment on every pet to make sure they were compatible with the community, said Sarah Javier, CEO of the APA. Were really glad that a number of pets were able to be placed into homes. However, there were pets that we knew were not a good fit. The number of dogs euthanized for behavior issues wasnt immediately available. The countys public health department will still manage animal control, which brings in strays and dogs that have bitten someone. The number of animals brought into the shelter, either by animal control or members of the community, has more than doubled since the APA took over compared with the previous monthly average. This is one area the county struggled with, said Dr. Kanika Cunningham, the countys public health director. It was time for us to go out and get a contractor. This allows us to be able to focus on what were great at and allow our community providers to give great care to the animals. None of that matters to Sterling, who has found a home. McAboy acknowledged Sterling has a lot of learning to do. He called it a love-hate relationship, at times. But McAboy says theyre learning together. Slowly, were making our way there, he said. ST. LOUIS Metro Transit plans to ditch its plastic smart card system launched in 2018 as an alternate way to buy tickets for MetroLink and Metro buses, replacing it with a new fare collection set-up costing at least $4 million. Metro officials say the current model, called the Gateway Card, had a $10.3 million price tag but has never worked as planned. There also were several years of delays in activating it. Herb Simmons, board chairman for the Bi-State Development Agency which oversees Metro called the Gateway Card a failed system at a meeting Jan. 27 of the boards operations committee. Simmons didnt elaborate. But Taulby Roach, Bi-States CEO, said in an interview that a key problem has been the inability of users to go online to load additional value onto the cards once purchased. Customers are able to do that at MetroLink stations and a Metro store. By the time we got the system out and operating, it was only marginally functional, said Roach, who became CEO in 2019 about a year after the agency started offering the plastic cards to the general public. Customers also have been able to continue to use paper fare tickets and passes. Metro originally had planned to phase those out but never did so because of various technical issues with the smart card system. Roach said after he took over, he and the agency had to decide whether to try to upgrade the Gateway Card or go to a new system. He said he recommended seeking other solutions and the board agreed. The technology then was horribly dated, he added, referring to the existing card. The new system, after it is installed over the next few years, will allow a customers account value to be accessed through a mobile phone, smart card or smart watch. Riders also could choose to use paper tickets. Riders also will be able to simply use their phone or credit card to tap and pay to get on a bus or onto a MetroLink platform. The operations committee at the Jan. 27 meeting recommended approval of a three-year, $4 million contract with British-based Masabi to develop the new system and provide support and maintenance. Masabi was one of four finalists culled from 10 proposals; Bi-State says the company was picked following an analysis of various factors, with 20% of the scoring based on cost. There also will be other yet-to-be determined costs. Officials have yet to estimate an overall price tag for the new system. The new setup, if approved by the full board, will be integrated with the new fare collection gates Metro plans to install at MetroLink stations in 2024 and 2025. The $52 million platform security plan also includes new fencing, closed-circuit camera upgrades and other items. Metro in 2011 had said the existing Gateway Card system would be launched by 2013. Later the targeted launch date was changed to 2015. That also wasnt met. Over the years, Metro officials have blamed those delays on the complexity of integrating disparate systems on moving buses and trains and with bus fareboxes. Bi-State/Metro on Monday said the $10.3 million cost of the Gateway Card included $3.36 million to a company called Indra USA for the card system itself, $2.5 million to another company to adapt bus fareboxes and $1.8 million to consultants for design and customer education. Metro also plans to competitively award contracts for new ticket vending machines at MetroLink stations and new fareboxes for buses to work with the new fare collection system. Editors note: An earlier version of this article inaccurately described problems adding value to smart cards previously issued. JEFFERSON CITY K-12 public school teachers and counselors would be largely outlawed from talking about LGBTQ people under a Missouri proposal more restrictive than what critics call Floridas Dont Say Gay law. Republican state Sen. Mike Moons bill, which received a Tuesday committee hearing in the GOP-led Missouri state Senate, is among several filed across the nation this year that are similar to Floridas new law. The Missouri proposal goes further than the Florida law, which bars instruction on sexual orientation, gender identity and other lessons deemed not age appropriate in kindergarten through third grade. Missouris bill would only allow licensed mental health care providers to talk to students about gender identity and LGBTQ issues in K-12 public schools, and only if guardians first give permission. The bill follows the lead of Floridas Dont Say Gay bill but does so with broader impact and implications than any bill being considered in the nation, said Katy Erker-Lynch, executive director of the LGBTQ state advocacy group Promo. North Carolina senators are expected to vote Tuesday on legislation to prohibit instruction about sexuality and gender identity in K-4 public school classes. The proposal would require schools in most circumstances to alert parents prior to a change in the name or pronoun used for their child. In Kansas, top Republican legislators are focusing on helping conservative parents remove their children from public schools over whats taught about gender and sexuality. The effort has become their alternative to pursuing a version of the Florida law. Supporters of the Missouri proposal argued Tuesday that parents should be informed about conversations between teachers or counselors and students about gender and sexuality. This is protecting vulnerable children and attempting to protect them from conversations that need to be had with the approval of the parent and potentially at home, sponsor Moon told a Senate education committee. Democratic state Sen. Greg Razer, who serves on the committee, called the measure the most disrespectful bill he has seen since taking office in 2017. Razer said it would prohibit teachers in his Kansas City legislative district from letting students know that he is Missouris only openly gay state senator. What is so offensive about me that it cant be talked about in schools? Razer asked Moon. Erker-Lynch told committee members that the legislation systematically and very specifically erases LGBTQ identity and presence from classrooms. The fact that the bill was dignified by being given a Senate committee should be appalling to any person paying attention and a wake-up call to those who are not, she said. The Missouri measures chances of advancing are unclear, but other transgender-related legislation seems likely to pass. Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden has said Senate Republicans are unified against letting transgender girls play on girls sports teams, and lawmakers are considering bills to ban gender-affirming treatments for minors. Transgender medical treatment for children and teens is increasingly under attack in many states, labeled child abuse and subject to criminalizing bans. It has been available in the United States for more than a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations. DES PERES A tiny home was stolen early Saturday from a Habitat for Humanity store in Des Peres before showing up a few hours later abandoned in a womans yard 27 miles away. The theft was the second time in less than five years that a tiny house on wheels was stolen in the St. Louis area. This time, the house showed up in OFallon, Missouri. Stay informed Sign up for the trending headlines email newsletter Its a very heavy item, and its really not one of those items you think people are going to walk away with, said Harper Zielonko, director of resource development for Habitat for Humanity St. Louis, which was selling the tiny house to raise funds for its affordable housing charity. It was just so disheartening, Zielonko said. Were an affordable housing organization. To know someone would steal from us as an organization just hurts. The thief stole the house at about 1 a.m. Saturday from the parking lot of Habitats Des Peres store at 2117 Sams Drive, police said. Surveillance footage captured a motorist driving up to the lot, hitching the house to the vehicle and driving away. The tiny house was found later that night when a tipster in OFallon recognized the home from social media and news reports, Des Peres police Chief Eric Hall said. Police found a vehicle nearby that they believe was used in the theft. Hall did not release additional details other than to say the OFallon tipster was not a suspect and has cooperated with investigators. Zielonko said the tipster called Habitat, and she told her to call police. I didnt ask a lot of questions, Zielonko said. We were just happy to get it back, and Im willing to let them do that due process. In 2018, a tiny home was stolen from St. Louis and later recovered about 30 miles away in Jefferson County with the help of an anonymous tipster who saw social media and news reports about the theft days. The home was owned by a recent Webster University graduate who planned to live in the house after spending $20,000 and two years building it with recycled materials. A suspect in the theft was never identified, Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak said. Tiny houses have grown in popularity in recent years among those seeking a more minimalist, environmentally friendly lifestyle or with charities or agencies serving people who are unhoused. Habitat for Humanity has sometimes sold or auctioned other tiny homes for fundraising. The tiny house stolen Saturday was about 26 feet long, 8 feet wide and 13 feet tall, and had been on the lot in Des Peres since August while Habitat workers renovated it for sale, Zielonko said. The house lacked electrical or plumbing furnishing, which were expected to be installed by a future buyer. It was donated to Habitat by Ritenour High School students in the schools theater set design program who built the house as part of a class project, Zielonko said. The house, valued around $15,000, was sold to a buyer who asked Habitat to keep identity anonymous. It was scheduled to be picked up this week. Zielonko thanked people who had helped look for the tiny home. More than 100 people shared the nonprofits Facebook post with pictures of the stolen home and the theft was first reported Saturday by KMOV. As an organization, were here to help the community and we know this (the theft) is not a reflection of our community, Zielonko said. We get to see that good every day, this is just a little blip. Stay informed Sign up for the trending headlines email newsletter The National Enquirer, the scandal-plagued tabloid that engaged in catch-and-kill practices to bury stories about Donald Trump during his presidential campaign, has been sold. VVIP also is buying the National Examiner and another tabloid, the Globe, from magazine publisher a360 Media in an all-cash deal, though exact financial terms were not disclosed. In December 2018 the parent company of publications including the National Enquirer, Us Weekly and In Touch admitted to engaging in a journalistically dubious practice known as catch-and-kill in order to help Donald Trump become president. Federal prosecutors revealed at the time that they agreed not to prosecute American Media Inc. for secretly assisting Trumps campaign by paying $150,000 to Playboy model Karen McDougal for the rights to her story about an alleged affair with Trump. The company then intentionally suppressed McDougals story until after the election. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, also accused the paper of attempting to bribe him in 2019 with embarrassing below the belt photos sent to his girlfriend. American Media sold the National Enquirer and some other publications in April 2019 to James Cohen, former head of the airport newsstand company Hudson News. However, the transaction was never completed. In August 2020 David Pecker stepped down as CEO of American Media. At the time, American Media Inc. was being taken over by Accelerate360, a logistics firm based in Smyrna, Georgia. Under Pecker, the National Enquirer for years buried potentially embarrassing stories about Trump and other favored celebrities by buying the rights to them and never publishing. The Federal Election Commission fined a360 Media $187,500 in June 2021 for squashing the McDougal story. The FEC said the publishers payment to Karen McDougal to purchase a limited life story right combined with its decision not to publish the story, in consultation with an agent of Donald J. Trump and for the purpose of influencing the election, constituted a prohibited corporate in-kind contribution. VVIP Ventures is a joint venture between digital media and content technologies holding company Vinco Ventures Inc. and ICON Publishing. WASHINGTON The dodo bird isnt coming back anytime soon. Nor is the woolly mammoth. But a company working on technologies to bring back extinct species has attracted more investors, while other scientists are skeptical such feats are possible or a good idea. Colossal Biosciences first announced its ambitious plan to revive the woolly mammoth two years ago, and recently said it wanted to bring back the dodo bird, too. The dodo is a symbol of man-made extinction, said Ben Lamm, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder and CEO of Colossal. The company has formed a division to focus on bird-related genetic technologies. The last dodo, a flightless bird about the size of a turkey, was killed in 1681 on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. The Dallas company, which launched in 2021, said it had raised an additional $150 million in funding. To date, it has raised $225 million from wide-ranging investors that include United States Innovative Technology Fund, Breyer Capital and In-Q-Tel, the CIA's venture capital firm which invests in technology. The prospect of bringing the dodo back isn't expected to directly make money, said Lamm. But the genetic tools and equipment that the company develops to try to do it may have other uses, including for human health care, he said. For example, Colossal is testing tools to tweak several parts of the genome simultaneously. It's also working on technologies for what is sometimes called an artificial womb, he said. The dodo's closest living relative is the Nicobar pigeon, said Beth Shapiro, a molecular biologist on Colossal's scientific advisory board, who has been studying the dodo for two decades. Shapiro is paid by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, which also supports The Associated Press Health and Science Department. Her team plans to study DNA differences between the Nicobar pigeon and the dodo to understand what are the genes that really make a dodo a dodo, she said. The team may then attempt to edit Nicobar pigeon cells to make them resemble dodo cells. It may be possible to put the tweaked cells into developing eggs of other birds, such as pigeons or chickens, to create offspring that may in turn naturally produce dodo eggs, said Shapiro. The concept is still in an early theoretical stage for dodos. Because animals are a product of both their genetics and their environment which has changed dramatically since the 1600s Shapiro said that it's not possible to recreate a 100% identical copy of something that's gone. Other scientists wonder if it's even advisable to try, and question whether de-extinction diverts attention and money away from efforts to save species still on Earth. There's a real hazard in saying that if we destroy nature, we can just put it back together again because we can't, said Duke University ecologist Stuart Pimm, who has no connection to Colossal. And where on Earth would you put a woolly mammoth, other than in a cage? asked Pimm, who noted that the ecosystems where mammoths lived disappeared long ago. On a practical level, conservation biologists familiar with captive breeding programs say that it can be tricky for zoo-bred animals to ever adapt to the wild. It helps if they can learn from other wild animals of their kind an advantage that potential dodos and mammoths won't have, said Boris Worm, a biologist at the University of Dalhousie in Halifax, Nova Scotia, who has no connection to Colossal. Preventing species from going extinct in the first place should be our priority, and in most cases, it's a lot cheaper, said Worm. 26 species on the brink of extinction Orangutan Addax antelope Vaquita Lemur Hawksbill turtle Pangolin Rhinoceros Florida panther Saola Florida grasshopper sparrow Amur leopard Gorilla Yellow-breasted bunting Darwins fox Philippine eagle Iberian lynx Tree kangaroo Cuban crocodile Laysan duck Visayan warty pig White-rumped vulture Gray whales Saiga antelope Kakapo Douc langur Ploughshare tortoise Missouri Republicans ranked among the top exploiters of the earmarking system in which senators and representatives insert local projects into federal spending bills to bring home the bacon and demonstrate their effectiveness. Its a great way to win votes, but its a lousy way to shore up the Republican argument for fiscal responsibility. House Republicans are threatening not to raise the federal debt ceiling unless spending is brought under control. Democrats by no means can describe themselves as angels when it comes to earmarks inserted into spending bills. But then, theyre not the ones claiming to be holier than thou when it comes to exercising fiscal responsibility. For Republicans to cast stones, they must first ensure their records are clean, which is a hard task because withholding earmarks automatically means disappointing constituents at home, which tends not to be a major vote-winner at election time. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy faced a revolt among his fellow partisans over the issue of the debt ceiling and deficit spending. The insurgents forced 15 rounds of votes before McCarthy was finally able to win the speakership, but now he must hold the line against congressional approval of a routine bill to raise the federal debt limit so the government can pay bills already incurred by Congress. Even if all $16 billion in current congressional earmarks were eliminated from the budget, it still wouldnt resolve the financial drain posed mainly by Social Security, Medicare and Pentagon spending. The federal debt of $31.4 trillion is 124% of gross domestic product, according to the Treasury Department. But the symbolic value cant be ignored when a member of Congress puts a higher value on earmark discretionary outlays versus exercising fiscal restraint. On that score, Missouri Reps. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, and Sam Graves, R-Tarkio, have no basis to point fingers at their Democratic counterparts as the source of the nations out-of-control spending. In the December budget bill, they ranked among the top spenders of either party. Luetkemeyer ranked sixth highest in Congress with $88 million in earmarks, with Graves close behind at seventh place with $80 million, according to a New York Times review. Luetkemeyer has previously asserted that Missourians are sick and tired of out of control government spending, which he blamed on socialist Democrats. On the Senate side, now-retired Sen. Roy Blunt ranked eighth with $404 million earmarked for Missouri. Their record contrasts with Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, who authored a letter in 2021 not to engage in earmarking. He was able to get only 17 Republicans, including Illinois Rep. Mary Miller of Collinsville, to cosign. Their politics on other issues leaves much to be desired, but they at least deserve credit for exercising fiscal responsibility while their colleagues angrily protest raising the debt ceiling while hypocritically leading the way in racking up that very debt. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE St. Louis, MO - Spine Bookstore, located at 1976 Arsenal St., is proud to announce a new speaker series entitled Unseen STL History, starting on February 16th at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM). In the first Unseen STL History talk, the speakers will be Amanda Clark and Jackie Dana, who will share their knowledge and insights into the rich history of St. Louis, providing attendees with a glimpse into the lesser-known aspects of the city's past. Amanda Clark will take us on a visual tour of nearly forgotten historic architecture and the stories behind these lost treasures. She will talk about her unconventional career path, her favorite areas of STL history, and go on the hunt for bygone architectural gems. Jackie Dana will delve into the history of the River Des Peres, particularly where it meanders through Cheltenham (the area around Hampton and Manchester), the site of a former sulfur spring and extensive clay mining and manufacturing. Amanda is a St. Louis transplant and has spent over a decade sharing her passion for the citys gorgeous architecture and complex history. In 2012 she founded Renegade Tours, known for tours such as The Whole Damn City and Badass Babes. Her unique, unscripted approach to public history has been featured in the New York Times and the St. Louis Business Journal. In 2020 she brought Renegade to the Missouri History Museum under a new name, See STL Tours. Jackie was born and raised in St. Louis, and received a MA in history from the University of Missouri-Columbia. After living in Austin, TX for many years, she returned to St. Louis in 2019 and as a fiction writer wanting to set novels in St. Louis, started digging into the history of various locations around the city. Realizing others might enjoy her discoveries, she now shares her research on Unseen St. Louis, a Substack filled with largely unknown stories about St. Louis' past. She is also the organizer of the Unseen STL History speaker series. The Unseen STL History talks will take place every third Thursday of the month, starting with this talk on February 16th. Spine Bookstore invites all history enthusiasts to come and learn about the rich history of St. Louis from two knowledgeable and passionate speakers. All Unseen STL History talks are free and open to the public. For more information about the Unseen STL History talks or Spine Bookstore, please contact the organizer, Jackie Dana, at jackie@jackiedana.com or at (512) 626-6790. You may also contact Mark Pannebecker at Spine Bookstore and Cafe at (314) 925-8087 or spine314@gmail.com. Beijing (Gasgoo)- Geely Automobile Holdings Limited (Geely Automobile) sold 103,452 vehicles in total in the first month of 2023, according to the companys sales report issued on February 7. Photo credit: Geely A year-on-year drop of 29% confronted the automaker in January due to the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays, Geely Automobile explained. Among the vehicles sold last month, 11,031 units were new energy vehicles (NEVs), including 10,443 battery-electric vehicles (down 32% YoY) and 588 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (down 76% YoY). In addition, Geely Automobile shipped 15,105 vehicles overseas in January, indicating a rise of 9% from the year-ago period. As to January performance of individual brands, the Geely brand sold 87,255 vehicles, indicating a 29% drop from a year ago. With 5,825 vehicles sold, its electric vehicle-dedicated Geometry brand witnessed a year-on-year decline of 43% in the past month. Lynk & Co obtained a 40% decrease in January sales compared to the earlier year, which came in at 11,066 vehicles. Besides, the auto brand offered 1,663 vehicles to European users via subscription in the past month. Geelys premium new energy vehicle brand, ZEEKR, delivered 3,116 vehicles in January, which slipped 12% from a year ago. The groups joint venture brand with Lifan Technology, Livan Auto, was the only sub-brand within the group to achieve a positive year-on-year growth in January sales, which stood at 2,015 units (up 20% YoY) WeWork Inc. (NYSE: WE) announced that David Tolley, Board Member and former Chief Financial Officer at Intelsat S.A., has been appointed to the WeWork Board of Directors, effective February 2, 2023. Mr. Tolley succeeds Kirthiga Reddy, CEO, Virtualness, and President, Athena Technology II, who had served on WeWorks Board since February 2020. David Tolley brings over 25 years of experience creating and executing strategies that increase corporate valuation, cash flow, and revenue. He most recently served as Chief Financial Officer at Intelsat S.A. from 2019 to 2022. Over the course of his career, Mr. Tolley has also served as Chief Financial Officer of OneWeb, Senior Advisor to Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, and as a Vice President in the Investment Banking Division of Morgan Stanley. Mr. Tolley was also a private equity partner at Blackstone from 2000 to 2011, where he focused on satellite services, broadcasting and newspaper strategy and investments. He previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of ExteNet Systems, Cumulus Media, Beechcraft, Gold Toe, Freedom Communications, Montecito Broadcast Group, New Skies Satellites, Centennial Communications and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Digital Bridge and KVH Industries. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics & History from the University of Michigan. As we continue our disciplined and strategic approach to strengthening our business and balance sheet, we welcome Davids partnership and insights to the Board, said Sandeep Mathrani, WeWorks CEO and Chairman. I also want to thank Kirthiga for her partnership over the last three years. She has brought refreshing insights from her vast experience building high-growth global businesses which have been of significant benefit to the Board and the Executive team. I am so grateful for her commitment over the last three years. WeWork has established itself as a resilient industry leader redefining how and where people work in an ever-changing post-pandemic environment, said David Tolley. I am excited to partner with WeWorks Board of Directors and the executive team as they efficiently drive the company to profitability, and position WeWork for long-term success. I joined the Board at the start of the business turnaround as a passionate believer in the brand, the people and the business. That belief has only strengthened during my time at WeWork, said Kirthiga Reddy. The creativity, dedication and resilience of the WeWork team has impressed me day in, and day out. As the company turns the corner to profitability, I take away many lessons on focus, discipline and a culture-first approach. I am confident that, with the strong leadership of the Executive team, they can achieve their goals and deliver the future of flexible work. SARASOTA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Carbon Strategy ETF (NYSE: KARB) (KARB), an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that aims to provide exposure to global compliance carbon markets, is pleased to announce that it will ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. KARB aims to provide investors exposure to the compliance carbon markets and potential rising carbon prices. It uses as a reference index, the Carbon Streaming BITA Compliance Index, which is a rules-based index that tracks the performance of the compliance carbon markets through an allocation in some of the most liquid carbon allowance futures contracts. Tim Collins, a founder and President of Carbon Fund Advisors Inc. (CFA), the sponsor of KARB, and Justin Cochrane, the founder and CEO of Carbon Streaming Corporation (OTCQB: OFSTF), which holds a 50 percent equity interest in CFA, will be in attendance to ring the bell. 2023 is an important year for the ETF industry, as it marks the 30th anniversary of the first U.S. listed ETF, which revolutionized the way investors gained exposure to certain sectors of the market at a generally lower price point than traditional mutual funds, said Mr. Collins. KARB provides retail investors access to carbon allowance futures contracts, an otherwise inaccessible market until recently, at a time when lowering the worlds carbon footprint is a top priority. We are so pleased to have the opportunity to showcase KARB at the Closing Bell ringing ceremony at the NYSE. Mr. Cochrane added, We are at an inflection point in the global fight to combat climate change. The Paris Agreement was signed back in 2015 in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and reach net-zero by 2050. The carbon markets offer a path to pursue those goals and managed exchange-traded funds, such as KARB, open up potential investment opportunities for ESG driven investors. About Carbon Fund Advisors Inc. Carbon Fund Advisors Inc. was founded by individuals with decades of experience in capital markets to provide investors with exposure to the global carbon markets. The team is comprised of professionals with a diverse set of skills and experiences across asset classes and industries. To learn more, please visit karbetf.com. About Carbon Streaming Corporation Carbon Streaming Corporation aims to accelerate a net-zero future. It pioneered the use of streaming transactions, a flexible funding model, to scale high-integrity carbon credit projects to advance global climate action and additional United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Carbon Streamings common shares are traded on the NEO Exchange in Canada (symbol: NETZ), the OTCQB in the U.S. (symbol: OFSTF) and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany (symbol: M2Q). Disclosures Carefully consider the Funds investment objectives, risk factors, charges and expenses before investing. This and additional information can be found in the Funds full and summary prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting http://karbetf.com/investor-materials. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. The investments held in the Funds portfolio may experience sudden, unpredictable drops in value or long periods of decline in value. Cap and Trade Risk. There is no assurance that cap and trade programs will continue to exist. Cap and trade may not prove to be an effective method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, or due to other factors, cap and trade programs may be terminated or may not be renewed upon their expiration. Investment Capacity Risk. If the Funds ability to obtain exposure to carbon credit futures contracts, which are commodity futures contracts linked to the value of emission allowances (Carbon Futures), consistent with its investment objective is disrupted for any reason including, limited liquidity in the Carbon Futures market, a disruption to the Carbon Futures, or as a result of margin requirements or position limits imposed by the Funds FCMs, the CME, or the CFTC, the Fund would not be able to achieve its investment objective and may experience significant losses. Distributor: Quasar Distributors, LLC. The Carbon Streaming BITA Compliance Index is jointly owned by Carbon Fund Advisors Inc. and BITA GmbH, and is calculated, administered, and disseminated by BITA GmbH. While the Carbon Strategy ETF utilizes the Carbon Streaming BITA Compliance Index (the Index) as a reference index, it is an actively managed fund and is under no obligation to follow the rules of the Index or invest in the underlying holdings of the Index and may not track the performance of the Index. The Fund expects to gain Carbon Futures exposure by investing in a wholly owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the Subsidiary). The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in the prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. The Funds investment exposure to futures instruments will cause it to be deemed to be a commodity pool, thereby subjecting the Fund to regulation under the CEA and CFTC rules. Registration as a CPO imposes additional compliance obligations on the Advisor and the Fund related to additional laws, regulations, and enforcement policies, which could increase compliance costs and may affect the operations and financial performance of the Fund. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207006109/en/ Media: Sarah Griffin Kane & Hook Communications T: 617.285.0432 E: [email protected] Source: Carbon Strategy ETF Consortium Accelerates Californias Climate Leadership and Offers Transformative Benefits to Local Communities LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Carbon TerraVault Holdings, LLC (CTV), a subsidiary of California Resources Corporation (NYSE: CRC), today announced it has assembled a consortium of organizations across industry, technology, academia, national labs, community, government, and labor, to pursue U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding under its Regional Direct Air Capture (DAC) Hubs Initiative to create the California DAC Hub, the states first full-scale DAC plus storage (DAC+S) network of regional DAC+S hubs. DAC+S is a solution that can remove and then permanently store atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) using low carbon emission energy and provide economic benefits to surrounding communities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005539/en/ California DAC Hub Consortium (Graphic: Business Wire) California DAC Hub will help accelerate the Golden States climate leadership and achieve its carbon neutrality goal, and prioritize surrounding under-represented California communities through transformative benefits potentially including local air quality improvements, from helping maximize the use of renewable energy; utilization of reclaimed water and/or production of new water; quality union jobs in construction and low carbon energy technologies; and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and energy transition education programs. Through California DAC Hub, the consortium will pursue funding to develop a network of DAC+S hubs across the state under the DOEs Regional DAC Hubs Initiative, as outlined under the recent $3.5 billion Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), to accelerate the commercialization of atmospheric CO2 removal via integrated capture, processing, transport, and secure geologic storage. CO2 from DAC+S hubs will not be used for enhanced oil recovery. Key to the success of the California DAC Hub will be strong relationships with diverse community stakeholders to develop an equitable, just, and environmentally responsible approach to the project. Non-profit energy research and development institute EPRI intends to submit an application to the DOE on or before March 13, 2023, as specified in the FOA instructions on behalf of the California DAC Hub consortium, including consortium lead CTV Direct, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CTV focused exclusively on DAC+S, and community benefits plan lead Kern Community College District (Kern CCD). The first hub is targeted to launch in Kern County, California, and the consortium will look to expand to other locations across the state. Each hub will provide benefits to surrounding communities, such as high-paying and permanent jobs and training programs for reskilling workers, to help California progress toward its 2030 and 2045 carbon removal goals. Following Governor Gavin Newsoms call for more ambitious climate action, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released its updated California Climate Plan to implement the most ambitious climate action of any jurisdiction in the world, including annual carbon removal/capture targets of 20 million metric tonnes (MT) of CO2 equivalent by 2030 and 100 million MT by 2045. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), carbon removal methods such as DAC+S are key to mitigation pathways aimed at keeping global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius. In its 2022 Scoping Plan For Achieving Carbon Neutrality, CARB quoted the IPCC saying, The deployment of CDR [carbon dioxide removal] to counterbalance hard-to-abate residual emissions is unavoidable if net zero CO2 or GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions are to be achieved. California DAC Hub, combined with permanent geological storage, will be essential to executing on those ambitions and helping build a clean and equitable energy economy that benefits all California communities. The blueprint for expanding DAC+S throughout California leverages the significant ongoing investments in the San Joaquin Valley community, including: The High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) initiative , a $10 million demonstration project designed to model partnership strategies in the state to address urgent questions of income inequality, economic competitiveness, and climate change through regional skills strategy programs. Projects identified for the San Joaquin Valley include High Road to Manufacturing in San Joaquin Valley and High Road to Regional Workforce Strategies: Kern County. , a $10 million demonstration project designed to model partnership strategies in the state to address urgent questions of income inequality, economic competitiveness, and climate change through regional skills strategy programs. Projects identified for the San Joaquin Valley include High Road to Manufacturing in San Joaquin Valley and High Road to Regional Workforce Strategies: Kern County. The Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF), a program created to promote a sustainable and equitable recovery from the economic distress of COVID-19 by supporting new plans and strategies to diversify local economies and develop sustainable industries that create high-quality, broadly accessible jobs for all Californians. CERF has named the Kern Coalition one of 13 High Road Transition Collaboratives to receive funding. Kern Coalition is a partnership between Better Bakersfield and Boundless Kern (B3K Prosperity), Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), Kern Inyo and Mono Central Labor Council, Building Healthy Communities, and Kern CCD. a program created to promote a sustainable and equitable recovery from the economic distress of COVID-19 by supporting new plans and strategies to diversify local economies and develop sustainable industries that create high-quality, broadly accessible jobs for all Californians. CERF has named the Kern Coalition one of 13 High Road Transition Collaboratives to receive funding. Kern Coalition is a partnership between Better Bakersfield and Boundless Kern (B3K Prosperity), Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), Kern Inyo and Mono Central Labor Council, Building Healthy Communities, and Kern CCD. Two Local Energy Action Plan (LEAP) grants awarded by the DOE to support locally tailored pathways to clean energy for the County of Kern and City of Bakersfield. awarded by the DOE to support locally tailored pathways to clean energy for the County of Kern and City of Bakersfield. $50 million in state funds to create a California Renewable Energy Laboratory (CREL) at Kern CCD to support the energy industry in the region with four projects: 1) Carbon Dioxide Reduction Center of Excellence, 2) Clean Energy and Grid Resilience Center of Excellence, 3) Clean Transportation Center of Excellence, and 4) Workforce Innovation and Learning Center. These four centers will partner with the Districts colleges to provide formal and informal learning opportunities for the regions community centered on energy, including living laboratories featuring new technologies used in microgrids and carbon dioxide removal. CREL also has the mission to partner with local industry to identify transitional opportunities for the regions workforce and develop professional opportunities to upskill and reskill the incumbent workforce. at Kern CCD to support the energy industry in the region with four projects: 1) Carbon Dioxide Reduction Center of Excellence, 2) Clean Energy and Grid Resilience Center of Excellence, 3) Clean Transportation Center of Excellence, and 4) Workforce Innovation and Learning Center. These four centers will partner with the Districts colleges to provide formal and informal learning opportunities for the regions community centered on energy, including living laboratories featuring new technologies used in microgrids and carbon dioxide removal. CREL also has the mission to partner with local industry to identify transitional opportunities for the regions workforce and develop professional opportunities to upskill and reskill the incumbent workforce. $83 million in state funds for the California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) Energy Innovation Center , an incubator for science, research and technology that will bring together CSUB faculty and students, in partnership with industry and community leaders. The Center will contain CSUBs California Energy Research Center, expanded fabrication lab, faculty and staff offices, and serve as the home base to up to 30 degree programs of the Schools of Natural Science, Mathematics and Engineering and Extended Education and Global Outreach. , an incubator for science, research and technology that will bring together CSUB faculty and students, in partnership with industry and community leaders. The Center will contain CSUBs California Energy Research Center, expanded fabrication lab, faculty and staff offices, and serve as the home base to up to 30 degree programs of the Schools of Natural Science, Mathematics and Engineering and Extended Education and Global Outreach. A $2.5 million pledge by CRC to fund Kern County initiatives including the establishment of the CRC Carbon Management Institute with Kern CCD, a first-of-its-kind initiative that will empower local private and public partnerships to lead the way in defining how collaboration between education and industry can positively impact communities; the launch of the CRC Energy Transition Lecture Series at CSUB on relevant topics and emerging issues related to CCS and technologies that will lead the way to achieving a net zero future, and the establishment of the CRC Carbon TerraVault Scholarship to help provide CSUB students with academic opportunities. Led by CTV Direct, Kern CCD and EPRI, the consortium includes the following organizations and may expand as appropriate based on further community engagement and future regional hub locations: Industry Accenture, AECOM, Bloom Energy, Brookfield Renewable, Carbon TerraVault, EPRI, GeothermEx, GreenFire Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Sage Geosystems, and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas); Technology Avnos and Climeworks; Academia Bakersfield College, CSUB, Taft College, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Institute for Carbon Management; National Labs Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore Lab Foundation (LLF), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL); Community B3K Prosperity, CAPK, Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, Kern CCD, Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce, Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (KCHCC), Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF), National Impact Mentoring and Training Program (NIMTP), and the Tejon Indian Tribe; Government City of Bakersfield, Kern Economic Development Corporation (KEDC), and the West Kern Water District (WKWD); and Labor Employers Training Resource (ETR), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) - Local 428; International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 12, Kern, Inyo, Mono Counties Building Trades Council, and the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California (SBCTC). Governor Newsom has set the most ambitious targets for California of any state in the nation and in the world to rapidly and permanently remove carbon from the atmosphere, and California DAC Hubs will be essential to helping achieve the Governors goals, said Mac McFarland, CRC President and Chief Executive Officer. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), carbon removal technologies such as DAC+S are expected to be critical in the transition to a decarbonized economy. We have an unprecedented consortium of project participants who are committed to working together to create DAC+S hubs across the state, accelerate the energy transition and benefit working families throughout our California communities. The community in community colleges is a real answer for good jobs with equity and the development of the future energy workforce, said Sonya Christian, Chancellor, Kern Community College District. Kern CCD is well-positioned to do the important work to ensure the California DAC Hub project is grounded in authentic partnerships between community and industry and provides educational and workforce opportunities that will lead to economic mobility for the people and communities we serve. Preserving affordability and reliability on the path to net-zero rests on deploying every tool in the carbon reduction toolbox, said Neva Espinoza, Vice President, Energy Supply and Low-Carbon Resources, EPRI. Advancing the development of direct air capture technology through collaborative innovation could bring net-zero one step closer by offsetting emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sources. It is very exciting that these organizations are working together cross-functionally to not only provide a carbon removal and storage solution but doing so using low carbon energy and providing economic benefits to California communities, said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. This project is more than a shared DAC infrastructure project; it serves as a hub model that delivers community benefits and jobs for other parts of the U.S. that also face climate change induced challenges. CTV is committed to engaging with our community-based organizations and including them throughout the development of the California DAC Hub and future associated regional hubs. Open and meaningful dialogue with our diverse stakeholders is a priority for the consortium as we expand participation of organizations and local communities. Guggenheim Securities, LLC is acting as financial advisor for CRC in connection with the formation of CTV Direct and the development of the California DAC Hub consortium. About Carbon TerraVault Holdings Carbon TerraVault Holdings, LLC (CTV), a subsidiary of CRC, provides services that include the capture, transport and storage of carbon dioxide for its customers. CTV is engaged in a series of CCS projects that inject carbon dioxide (CO2) captured from industrial sources into depleted underground reservoirs and permanently store CO2 deep underground. CTV Direct is a wholly owned subsidiary of CTV focused on direct air capture. For more information, visit www.carbonterravault.com. About EPRI Founded in 1972, EPRI is the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, with offices around the world. EPRI's trusted experts collaborate with more than 450 companies in 45 countries, driving innovation to ensure the public has clean, safe, reliable, affordable, and equitable access to electricity across the globe. Together, we are shaping the future of energy. About Kern Community College District Kern Community College District (Kern CCD) serves more than 33,000 students in communities over 24,800 square miles in parts of Kern, Tulare, Inyo, Mono and San Bernardino counties through the programs of Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso College, and Porterville College. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that we believe to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than historical facts are forward-looking statements, and include statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, projected revenues, earnings, costs, capital expenditures and plans and objectives of management for the future. Words such as expect, could, may, "anticipate, intend, plan, ability, believe, seek, "see, will, would, estimate, forecast, target, guidance, outlook, opportunity or strategy or similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. Although CRC believes the expectations and forecasts reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. No assurance can be given that such forward-looking statements will be correct or achieved or that the assumptions are accurate or will not change over time. Particular uncertainties that could cause our actual results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: legislative or regulatory changes, including those related to direct air capture and the availability of related tax credits; our ability to successfully develop and finance direct air capture projects, including our ability to obtain funding from the federal government and other financing sources; availability or timing of, or conditions imposed on, permits and approvals necessary for direct air capture and other carbon management projects; and the other risks and uncertainties set forth in the CRCs Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (especially in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors and Part II, Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations) and in the CRCs other filings with the SEC. There may be other factors of which CRC is not currently aware that may affect matters discussed in the forward-looking statements and may also cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. CRC does not assume any obligation to publicly update or supplement any forward-looking statement to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting these forward-looking statements other than as required by law. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof or as of the dates indicated in the statement. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005539/en/ Richard Venn (Media) 818-661-6014 [email protected] Joanna Park (Investor Relations) 818-661-3731 [email protected] Source: California Resources Corporation Dr. Virna Little, PsyD, LCSW-r of Concert Health is testifying in support of Maryland House Bill 48 at the Maryland Department of Health to expand Collaborative Care SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Concert Health, a leading behavioral health medical group, announced that its co-founder and Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Virna Little, PsyD, LCSW-r will testify before the Maryland House today in support of Maryland House Bill 48. The hearing, titled Maryland Medical Assistance Program Collaborative Care Model Services Implementation and Reimbursement Expansion, will also include the Maryland Behavioral Health Coalition, the Mental Health Association of Maryland, Mid Atlantic Business Group on Health, and other behavioral health leaders. Maryland House Bill 48 would require the Maryland Department of Health to expand access to and provide reimbursement for behavioral health services provided in accordance with the Collaborative Care Model under the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and could help prevent thousands of deaths each year if enacted. We are fighting to ensure that evidence-based behavioral health care is accessible to all Americans through the Collaborative Care Model. Concert Health stands with remarkable leaders and affiliates to support this bill and expand access to behavioral health services for Marylands population, said Dr. Little. The hearing today gives us the opportunity to educate legislators on the important role behavioral health plays in overall health and clinical outcomes, and to be a witness to a change on an issue that could save thousands of lives. Dr. Little also testified last week to the Maryland Senate Finance Committee in support of Senate Bill 101, supporting the requirement of Maryland Medicaid to provide reimbursement for services delivered through the Collaborative Care Model. Concert Health joined many other legislators and organizations in favor of the bill, including Senator Malcolm Augustine, Dan Martin from the Mental Health Association of Maryland, and Kristen Pendergrass from Shatterproof. Concert Health has reached over 44,000 patients across 17 states through its Collaborative Care model, integrating behavioral health services into the existing workflows of primary care, womens health, and pediatrics. This model connects these primary care settings with immediate access to Concert's expert behavioral health clinicians, giving providers screening tools and support, and eliminating the need for patients to hunt around for an in-network specialist or wait weeks for an appointment. Concert Health, which employs more than 200 clinicians, is leveraging Collaborative Care to set the industry standard for organizations aiming to tackle the mental health crisis, while also expanding these services beyond the commercially insured to those with Medicare, Medicaid, in rural areas, and in underserved communities. About Concert Health Concert Health is building Americas best behavioral health medical group. Through Collaborative Care, an evidence-based model for treating depression and anxiety in primary care settings, Concert makes it easy for primary care, womens health, and pediatric providers [and hospital systems] to deliver high-quality behavioral health care and improve clinical outcomes. The company currently operates in 17 states and has cared for over 44,000 patients. To learn more about Concert Healths approach, visit concerthealth.com. Concert Health, Inc. is an administrative and managerial services company affiliated with several professional corporations that deliver medical services. Together, these organizations operate under the Concert Health brand. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207006089/en/ Thermal for Concert Health Danielle Bessey [email protected] Source: Concert Health This follows Norge Minings 2021 announcement of the discovery of more than 70 billion tonnes of phosphate rock in the Southwest of Norway containing phosphate, titanium, and vanadium in one of the most significant deposits of the EU Critical Raw Materials. BERLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) is pleased to announce that it will support Norge Minings Norwegian-based sister company Norge Mineraler AS in the exploration and production of vanadium, phosphate and its subsequent derivative phosphorus, and titanium in Norway. All these raw materials are included in the European Unions 2020 Critical Raw Materials list, highlighting their strategic importance for a resilient European economy. European production of these materials is critical to lowering the increasing risks associated with imported supply, as well as supporting Europe to achieve its 2050 net zero carbon emissions target. Currently, China produces approximately 59% of the worlds vanadium and 41% of titanium, while 34% of traded phosphate rock is sourced from Morocco, according to the latest EU figures. Before Russias invasion of Ukraine, Russia was the worlds largest supplier of aerospace-grade titanium. Norge Mineraler AS holds 61 exploration licences, totalling more than 520 square kilometres in the Bjerkreim-Sokndal basin, located in southwestern Norway. The areas large deposits of high-grade raw materials, and the companys core focus on sustainable and responsible mining, make the project fully aligned with ERMAs vision, as it will contributes to ensuring reliable, secure, and sustainable access to raw materials as key enablers for a globally competitive, green, and digital Europe. Bernd Schafer, CEO and Managing Director of EIT RawMaterials, which manages ERMA, commented: Europe is in an excellent position: we can use our advantage in clean tech innovation and skills development to turn the industry into a powerhouse of innovation and change and, in doing so, achieve the highest social and environmental standards for European mining, just as Norge Mineraler AS is doing. Raw materials have a huge impact on our energy and economic security and are critical to securing our strategic autonomy. The current geopolitical crisis and global supply chain disruptions are a reminder that we need our own production, and this is of huge urgency for leaders across the Continent. In the coming decades, the transition to green energy will significantly increase the global demand for vanadium, a material that not only is in high demand by the steel industry but also has great potential for sustaining clean technologies. Vanadium batteries provide efficient power storage for renewable energy, such as hydro, wind, and solar. By 2050, there will be a 173% increase in the production of vanadium used in technologies essential to a low-carbon future, according to the World Bank Group report, The Mineral Intensity of the Clean Energy Transition. Titanium, a strong, lightweight, and extremely resilient raw material, is widely deployed in aerospace, aviation, and automotive manufacturing. Phosphate is not only a key ingredient in fertilisers, which makes it critical to food security of the planet but is also increasingly used in LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries for electric vehicles and in the production of white phosphorous, another EU Critical Raw Material. John Vergopoulos, Chairman of Norge Mineraler AS, commented: Raw materials are finally getting the attention they deserve, and we are determined to help Europe secure a domestic supply of responsibly sourced critical raw materials to enable its successful transition to renewable energy sources. With the environment and community at the top of our corporate agenda, we are proud that Norge Mineraler AS is striving to meet the highest Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards for mining vanadium, phosphate, and titanium in Europe. Michael Wurmser, founder of Norge Mining Ltd, commented: "Today we celebrate an important milestone for Europe's long-term access to key raw materials for the energy transition and food security. The support of the EU and its organisations ERMA and EIT RawMaterials will enable Norge Mining to implement the relevant projects, which can cost at least 2 billion. This makes cooperation between public and private institutions in the development of sustainable mining infrastructure in Europe all the more important." ENDS Note for editors Norway has significant, untapped mineral resources, and the country generates almost 100% of its energy from sustainable sources, reducing the carbon footprint of mining operations to a minimum. Exploration drilling and analytics at Norge Mineraler ASs Storeknuten deposit put the estimated mineral resource at almost 1 billion tonnes which represents only about 1.4% of the total volume of at least 70 billion tonnes of Norge Minings phosphate rock. While the company will focus on the 410 million tonnes of high-grade minerals, the vast reserves underline the potential for Europe to have a steady and sustainably mined CRM supply for decades to come. The mine is set to begin operation in 2027. The company uses innovation and technology to minimise environmental impact. It is also in collaboration and constant communication with the local community through its Community Liaison Officer, providing a clear and consistent approach to maintain its Social License to Operate. About the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) Metals, minerals, and advanced materials are the key enablers for a globally competitive, green, and digital Europe. The European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) contributes to ensuring reliable, secure, and sustainable access to raw materials. ERMAs vision is to secure access to critical and strategic raw materials, advanced materials, and processing know-how for EU Industrial Ecosystems. The alliance brings together all relevant stakeholders, including industrial actors along the value chain, Member States and regions, trade unions, civil society, research and technology organisations, investors, and NGOs. ERMA is managed by EIT RawMaterials, a Knowledge and Innovation Community of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. erma.eu About Norge Mining Ltd. Norge Mining Ltd is an Anglo-Norwegian natural resources company focused on mineral exploration in Norway. The Companys Mineral Resource Estimates from the Bjerkreim-Sokndal Exploration Project have confirmed world-class deposits of the EU Critical Raw Materials phosphate and vanadium along with large quantities of titanium. Norge Mining holds 61 exploration licences, totalling more than 520 square kilometres, in southwest Norway through its 100%-owned Norwegian subsidiary, Norge Mineraler AS. The Companys programme of exploration work, building on earlier studies by the Geological Survey of Norway (NGU), is now in the prefeasibility study stage. Founded in November 2018, the Company is headquartered in the UK and its ambition is to become a substantial, sustainable, and strategically important exploration and mining business focused on Critical Raw Materials in Europe. For further information, please visit www.norgemining.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005592/en/ Vanessa Lorenz, Head of Communications EIT RawMaterials E: [email protected] M: + 49 174 2714312 Mark Court, Media Buchanan E: [email protected] M: +44 20 7466 5125 John Vergopoulos Norge Mining Ltd. E: [email protected] M: +44 7951 967459 Source: Norge Mining Ltd. Program provides resources and support tailored to system integrators, referral partners and OEMs New Global Director of Partnerships Kimberly Barr named to launch the new initiative Fabric technology offers dramatic gains in throughput speed, capacity flexibility, storage density and cost reduction NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fabric, the technology company reshaping retail fulfillment, is launching its Fabric Partner Elite Program, a new set of comprehensive resources in coordination with strategic partners to help brands, retailers, grocers and logistics service providers level up their operations for the future of retail. The Fabric Partner Elite Program brings together industry-leading experts in supply chain and is designed for brands and retailers looking to implement automation and micro-fulfillment centers (MFC) to speed up fulfillment and streamline existing supply chain resources. Brands are increasingly challenged to meet rising customer expectations around shipping time. A Fabric research report, Fast and Free: The One-Way Ratchet of Consumer Expectations, found that 61% of consumers expect free next-day shipping and 52% expect free same-day shipping with a minimum purchase of only $40. Customers and brands dont agree on what fast fulfillment means, said Kimberly Barr, Fabrics new Global Director of Partnerships, who will oversee the launch of the program. Customers expect same-day or next-day shipping, but many companies feel their current window of 5-7 days is adequate. Retailers who want to meet rising customer expectations are deploying disruptive technologies like Fabric's MFC solution to meet these demands, all while achieving their profitability and sustainability goals. This results in a first-class brand experience and keeps their customers choosing them over the competition." The Fabric Partner Elite Program offers a cost-effective solution to improve customer experience, no matter the business model. System integrators receive training to sell and support joint implementation efforts, referral partners get access to tools that accelerate mutual sales and deepen relationships, and OEMs can leverage Fabrics technology to provide high-density storage and increased throughput to their clients at a competitive cost advantage. Consumers are demanding their goods faster than ever, but the traditional fulfillment model has fallen behind and no longer enables brands to deliver exceptional customer experiences, said Chris Caouette, Fabrics Vice President of Sales and Customer Experience. The Fabric solution solves many of these challenges. We are looking to our network of strategic partners to extend our reach beyond what we can do alone, all to speed the adoption of fulfillment automation solutions. With Fabric, partner brands have seen a more than 62% reduction in labor costs, an over 71% improvement in storage density, upward of 99% inventory accuracy and a threefold increase in throughput compared to manual fulfillment. Companies may apply for the Partner Elite Program beginning today and can learn more by visiting getfabric.com/partner-elite-program or emailing [email protected]. About Fabric Fabric is a retail technology company that enables exceptional customer experiences from click to delivery. Fabric launched the micro-fulfillment center (MFC) concept of local, flexible, and automated fulfillment to meet the evolving needs of the retail industry. Its best-in-class intelligent robotics platform empowers brands in their quest for cost-effective, on-demand fulfillment. Founded in 2015, Fabric is backed by leading investors, including Temasek, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), Corner Ventures, Playground Ventures, Princeville Capital, Innovation Endeavors, Aleph and others. Fabric is headquartered in Tel Aviv, with a main office in New York and teams located throughout the United States. For more information, visit getfabric.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005160/en/ Treble Monique Beals [email protected] Source: Fabric Key New Appointment for Global Executive Search Firm as it Deepens Presence in Middle East and Asian Markets MUMBAI, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Firoze Patel, one of Indias most respected executive search leaders, has joined Kingsley Gate Partners, a global executive search firm that is private-equity backed, tech-enabled, and rapidly expanding worldwide. Based in Dubai, he will head up the Financial Services Practice for the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230131005977/en/ Firoze Patel Joins Kingsley Gate Partners (Photo: Business Wire) We are thrilled to have Firoze join the Kingsley Gate team, said CEO Umesh Ramakrishnan. With his wealth of search experience and credibility in building world class executive search businesses from scratch, he brings valuable expertise that aligns with our commitment to providing exceptional executive recruiting services in both the Middle East and Asia. As we expand, his addition to our team will also enable us to attract top talent to support our clients in India and the entire region. Firoze has more than 20 years executive search experience, building trusted relationships with senior business leaders and Boards. He will focus on mandates for senior leadership roles, primarily in the financial services sector. Prior to joining Kingsley Gate, Firoze was based in Mumbai and served as Managing Partner of India and Singapore for DHR Global, overseeing all business activities in both locations. He also led the firms Financial Services Practice in Asia Pacific (APAC) and was a member of the APAC Management Committee. He was formerly a Managing Director at Russell Reynolds Associates in Mumbai and a Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry International. Before he joined the executive search industry, Firoze spent five years as head of finance and accounts for a large export house in India. He graduated with first-class honors from the University of Mumbai and is a Chartered Accountant by training. Im delighted to join Kingsley Gate Partners. The opportunity to work with the firms global leadership team and like-minded colleagues, coupled with Kingsley Gates innovative use of technology to ever-improve the executive search process, is a winning formula, said Firoze. About Kingsley Gate Partners Transforming the world of retained executive search, Kingsley Gate Partners leverages its proprietary and tech-enabled search platform and a world-class cadre of consultants to provide greater accountability, accuracy, velocity, and transparency to the search process in a manner that ensures a lasting strategic fit between executives and clients. The firms search consultants operate globally with expertise in all major industries and markets. It serves best-of-breed organizations in over 30 countries. For more information, go to www.KingsleyGate.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230131005977/en/ Nicola Hunt ([email protected]) or tel +44 (0)207 183 0383 Source: Kingsley Gate Partners Represents fifth consecutive year of recognition TEL AVIV, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ICL (NYSE: ICL) (TASE: ICL), a leading global specialty minerals company, today announced it has been included in Bloombergs 2023 Gender-Equality Index (GEI). The GEI aims to track the performance of public companies committed to transparency in gender-data reporting and measures gender equality across five pillars: leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, anti-sexual harassment policies, and external brand. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207006063/en/ Bloomberg Gender Equality Seal Were pleased to be one of the 484 companies across 45 countries and regions included in Bloombergs 2023 Gender-Equality Index and to provide greater disclosures around our gender-related practices and policies for our investors and other stakeholders, said Ilana Fahima, chief people officer for ICL. ICL is committed to equality at all of our facilities worldwide. By fostering a culture of inclusion, transparency and accountability, ICL has been recognized with this distinct honor for five consecutive years. We are proud to be a company, which puts our employees first and has a strong commitment to developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. The GEI brings transparency to gender-related practices and policies at publicly listed companies. As investor demand for ESG data increases, the GEI represents an important opportunity for companies to appeal to today's workforce, as well as broaden their investor bases. This year's findings provide insights and rich analysis of all gender-related data across sectors, regions, countries, leadership levels, pay and more. People are increasingly aware of the importance of setting the tone from the top. More than 60% of the 2023 GEI member companies have 30% or more women board members, and this includes ICL. About ICL ICL Group Ltd. is a leading global specialty minerals company, which creates impactful solutions for humanity's sustainability challenges in the food, agriculture and industrial markets. ICL leverages its unique bromine, potash and phosphate resources, its global professional workforce, and its sustainability focused R&D and technological innovation capabilities, to drive the company's growth across its end markets. ICL shares are dual listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (NYSE and TASE: ICL). The company employs more than 12,500 people worldwide, and its 2021 revenues totaled approximately $7 billion. For more information, visit ICL's website at www.icl-group.com. To access ICL's interactive ESG report, please click here. You can also learn more about ICL on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Forward Looking Statements This announcement contains statements that constitute forwardlooking statements, many of which can be identified by the use of forwardlooking words such as anticipate, believe, could, expect, should, plan, intend, estimate and potential, among others. Forward-looking statements appear in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the companys intent, belief or current expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on managements beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to 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, including, but not limited to: estimates, forecasts and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, among other things, business and financial prospects, financial multiples and accretion estimates, future trends, plans, strategies, positioning, objectives and expectations, general economic, market and business conditions, supply chain and logistics disruptions, energy storage and electric vehicle growth, the potential for new COVID-19 variants, global unrest and conflict, governmental and regulatory requirements and actions by governmental authorities, including changes in government policy, changes in environmental, tax and other laws or regulations and the interpretation thereof. As a result of the foregoing, readers should not place undue reliance on the forwardlooking statements contained in this press release concerning the timing of the transaction, or other more specific risks and uncertainties facing ICL, such as those set forth in the Risk Factors section of its Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on February 23, 2022, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in its Current Reports on Form 6-K and other filings ICL makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Forward-looking statements refer only to 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 publicly release any revisions to these statements in order to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207006063/en/ Investor and Press Contact Global Peggy Reilly Tharp VP, Global Investor Relations +1-314-983-7665 [email protected] Investor and Press Contact - Israel Adi Bajayo ICL Spokesperson +972-3-6844459 [email protected] Source: ICL Group LTD 55ips integration onto the InvestCloud Financial Supermarket furthers InvestClouds mission to transform the industry, through scalable technology aimed to deliver better financial outcomes LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- InvestCloud, the global leader in digital transformation for the financial industry, and 55ip, the tax-smart investment platform, today announce a breakthrough partnership to integrate 55ips tax-smart investment technology into the InvestCloud Financial Supermarket. The integrated offering expands the products, strategies and tax optimization options available to advisors to seamlessly discover and add to client portfolios, optimizing for tax at a time when maximizing returns is paramount. 55ip has seen huge adoption for its ActiveTax technology, which uses intelligent automation to elevate portfolios through automated tax-smart transitions, management and withdrawals. This technology will be integrated onto the InvestCloud platform, making it accessible to over 400 wealth management firms with over 25 million accounts on the InvestCloud platform. Advisors will now be able to maximize tax efficiency for their clients across the wealth continuum. The partnership aligns with InvestClouds drive to transform the communication, shopping and selling of financial products within the industry. From a single digital platform via the Financial Supermarket, advisors serving US clients can have access to tax-efficient products through simple search with direct indexing, tax-loss harvesting, tax-efficient portfolio rebalancing and tax transition, pre-integrated into the implementation of portfolios across a myriad of account structures, including true Unified Management Accounts (UMAs). Now more than ever, tax-efficient investing is front of mind for advisors as they try to squeeze out every marginal gain amid more volatile markets. There is no better time to enhance tax strategies to align with a clients long-term goals, said Cheryl Nash, InvestClouds CEO of the Financial Supermarket. Integrating 55ips powerful technology is an exciting step on our journey to simplifying product selection by digitizing the way advisors optimize for tax when constructing and managing client portfolios. Paul Gamble, 55ips CEO, commented: Automating tax-smart management is vital to delivering personalized portfolios at scale that deliver more value to clients. Partnering with InvestCloud means more advisors will have access to the tax-efficient tools they need to help clients reach their financial goals. A fundamental part of our strategy is integrating with premier platforms serving advisors. Our partnership with InvestCloud is a major step on our path to become the industry standard for tax-smart management. About InvestCloud InvestCloud is a global company specializing in digital platforms that enable the development of financial solutions, pre-integrated into the cloud. The company offers on-demand client experiences and intuitive operations solutions using an ever-expanding suite of modular apps, resulting in powerful products including Communication (client portals, advisor portals, mobility and more), Planning (goal-based, cashflow, digital advice, proposals and more), Shopping & Selling (digital marketplace for financial products) and the App Library (IBOR, ABOR, performance and more). Headquartered in Los Angeles, InvestCloud has over 20 global offices including New York, London, Geneva, Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney, supporting trillions in assets across hundreds of diverse clients from the largest banks in the world to wealth managers, asset managers and asset services companies. For more information, visit InvestCloud.com. About 55ip 55ip is a financial technology company purpose-built to break down barriers to financial progress. Setting the industry standard for automated, personalized, and optimized tax outcomes, the 55ip platform delivers efficient implementation of the investment process to the financial services industry. Combined with leading trading and rebalancing capabilities, we offer a full-service solution that meets the unique needs of advisors. At the heart of 55ips seamless, intuitive user experience is 55ips ActiveTax Technology, including elevated portfolio design and delivery, tax-smart transitions, management, and withdrawals, all helping advisors save time and achieve better outcomes for their clients. 55ip is a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, the asset management business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Visit 55-ip.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207006130/en/ InvestCloud Media: Linden Gregory Metia Group [email protected] 55ip Media: Rob Farmer The Rudin Group (415) 377-3293 [email protected] Source: InvestCloud - Collaboration of Hassell, PRD and Gehl will lead ground-breaking study over five-year period - Making Impact will value the long-term impact of placemaking investments on a city neighbourhood - Wilton Park, Dublin will form the basis of a five-year study with global application, and which will inform the debate on the future of cities DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- IPUT Real Estate (IPUT), Irelands leading property company and the largest owner of offices and logistics assets in Dublin, announces the launch of Making Impact; one of the worlds first ever studies to value the impact of placemaking on a city neighbourhood on a longitudinal basis. IPUT has appointed three international placemaking and design agencies - Hassell, PRD and Gehl - who will collaborate to assess the social, economic, environmental and cultural impact of placemaking at its Wilton Park development in Dublin 2. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005663/en/ IPUT Real Estate | Vision for Wilton Park 2024 (Photo: Business Wire) Wilton Park is a 600,000 sq. ft. mixed used scheme scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023. The estate incorporates 580,000 sq. ft. of offices and 20,000 sq. ft. of food & beverage space surrounding a one acre city park and a new streetscape. Making Place IPUT issued a detailed research report, Making Place, in 2020, which it subsequently updated in 2022, to consider the impact of placemaking on the workplace and wider neighbourhood. That report highlighted the key considerations for asset owners, developers, occupiers, and city planners in thinking about the next generation of workplaces and the future of our cities. IPUT Real Estate, in partnership with Hassell, PRD and Gehl, will now build on that initial research to understand the positive wider impact of placemaking through a follow-on study: Making Impact. Making Impact IPUT believes that placemaking plays a central role in attracting best-in-class occupiers to its buildings; driving long term shareholder value and positively contributing to the neighbourhoods and communities where IPUT invests for the long-term. In partnership with Hassell, PRD and Gehl, IPUT will measure and value the impact of its Wilton Park development on the local neighbourhood over a period of five years. Making Impact is believed to be one of the first ever studies to quantify the long-term impacts of various social, economic, environmental, and cultural investments on a longitudinal basis. It is expected that the study will have application for a myriad of different stakeholders particularly those who are focussed on reinvigorating and reimagining cities. Niall Gaffney, CEO IPUT Real Estate, said: Wilton Park is an opportunity to create an inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable neighbourhood that will engage with the wider community. As custodians and stewards of this historic part of Dublin city, we are passionate about understanding the impact of our investment in placemaking on Wilton Park and our neighbours. This research will value our impact with potential application for other cities and places over the long-term. We have assembled a group of market leading design and placemaking experts in Hassell, PRD and Gehl. They bring together the breadth and depth of experience required to create a leading evaluation framework for placemaking and help define the future development of our cities. Marie Hunt, Head of Research, IPUT Real Estate, said: We want the quality of the regeneration at Wilton Park to be an exemplar for successful public and private sector collaboration on a global scale. We are aiming to create a meaningful place for the community and to attract additional footfall to this part of Dublin city by showcasing the best characteristics of successful placemaking. We have appointed a world-renowned team to lead a ground-breaking piece of research that will have global application. At the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, social value was identified as being key to unlocking successful urban transformation and collaboration between the public and private sector. Making Impact will be one of the worlds first studies to measure social impact in the built environment over a five-year period. Camilla Siggaard Andersen, Research Lead, Hassell, said: Bringing together a multi-disciplinary team with a shared passion for making places that people love, we are excited to work with IPUT to capture and share insights about the holistic impact of a wide range of placemaking initiatives at Wilton Park over the next five-years. While there is a growing body of evidence that speaks to the value of placemaking, few studies have been undertaken at this scale or with such strong roots in a living case study, which may itself be impacted by our findings over time. With that in mind, we feel that this project has the potential to set a new benchmark for placemaking quality, excellence, and accountability in the commercial real estate sector at a global scale, and the opportunity to become a source of knowledge and inspiration for developers and city architects world-wide. Read more about Making Place Read more about Wilton Park ENDS About IPUT IPUT Real Estate is Irelands leading commercial property investment company and the largest owner of offices and logistics assets in Dublin. We are a long-term investor with a 50-year track record in real estate. We own and manage a portfolio comprising over 5.3 million sq ft, with a net asset value of over 2.6 billion. We have an international reputation for delivering the highest quality in everything we do. Our goal is to own exceptional buildings that set new standards in design and sustainability in order to attract best-in-class occupiers, drive long term shareholder value and contribute positively to the communities in which we work. By sustainably investing in the public realm, we make a positive contribution to the social and cultural fabric of our city. About Hassell Hassell is a global architecture and design studio dedicated to creating places people love'. To achieve this objective, we combine strategic intelligence and creative design, which has resulted in more than 70 years of award-winning projects world-wide. Our design portfolio includes projects like the popular Darling Harbour public realm in Sydney, the striking First Light Pavilion visitor centre in the north of England, and the innovative Medibank workplace in Melbourne. Publishing several thought-leadership reports annually, our research team has delivered work such as The Magnetic Workplace, Six Qualities of Great Urban Places, and Close to Home: exploring 15-minute urban living in Ireland. About PRD PRD supports more inclusive economies, impactful investment, and considered development. We are a delivery focused consultancy, working to transition places to deliver for people and the planet. Our core areas of work include social and economic and investment strategies for places, asset strategies and public impact. We empower our clients to shape and realise their ambitions as well as to measure and demonstrate positive impact. The team has experience working with some of the largest developers in the UK to develop a holistic and progressive understanding of the impact of bold and transformative place and asset strategies. About Gehl Gehl is an urban design and research consultancy offering expertise in the fields of architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, and city planning. We address global trends with a people-focused approach, utilizing empirical analysis to understand how the built environment can promote well-being. We apply this analysis to strategic planning and human-centred design to empower citizens, decisionmakers, company leaders, and organizations. With roots in Scandinavia, the team has experience evaluating public space and public life and creating urban strategies globally. Web: www.IPUT.com LinkedIn: IPUT Real Estate Dublin Instagram: iput_real_estate_dublin View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005663/en/ IPUT Contacts FTI Consulting (Dublin) Jonathan Neilan/Sam Moore/Aline Olivera +353 86 231 4135/87 737 9089/83 833 1644 [email protected] FTI Consulting (London) Ellie Sweeney/Millie James +44 203 727 1000 [email protected] Source: IPUT Gift to Fund Real Estate and Community Development Initiatives PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Make Waves Family Foundation, a Boston-based foundation that empowers youth and adults living with Autism and other developmental disabilities, has announced a $1 million gift to the First Place Global Leadership Institute over the next five years, creating the Make Waves Center for Community Development. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005350/en/ The Make Waves Family Foundation has announced a $1 million gift to the First Place Global Leadership Institute over the next five years. First PlacePhoenix, the nonprofits flagship property, is an 81,000-square-foot apartment community set in the heart of the urban area recognized by PBS NewsHour as the most Autism-friendly city in the world. (Photo Credit: Scott Sandler) The Make Waves Center aims to fuel a new marketplace of supportive housing and community options through replicable, sustainable design, programming and development strategies. It seeks to raise the bar on the quality of life for people with Autism and other neurodiversitiesand provide greater peace of mind for families, according to Denise D. Resnik, First Place AZ founder and president/CEO and mother of an adult son with Autism. In collaboration with local and national pioneering organizations and properties, we are leading through the power of local here in Greater Phoenix and in various locations nationwide, as well as through essential market intelligence, says Resnik. In the coming year, the Make Waves Center will conduct four regional housing analyses in the U.S. to identify the housing needs and preferences of adults with Autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (A/I/DD). The center is scheduled to release the Greater Phoenix Housing Market Analysis in February, which will inform the development of options responsive to population needs, as well as marketplace interests and priorities. We are proud to support the First Place Global Leadership Institute and its innovative approaches to breaking through barriers and giving more people with Autism the opportunity to thrive, says Donna Roth, founder and director of the Make Waves Family Foundation. Our goal is to support people with Autism and other developmental disabilities so they can live meaningful, happy lives and be productive, valued community members. In 2020, the Make Waves Family Foundation joined other charitable investors in the publication of the groundbreaking report titled A Place in the World: Fueling Housing and Community Options for Adults with Autism and Other Neurodiversities. The Make Waves Center is primed to advance this groundbreaking work and guiding narrative to provide the foundational nomenclature for housing and service delivery models. This work will further define market segments, establish best practices and drive crucial partnerships that address the pressing needs of adults with Autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Aligned with our big vision and dreams for individuals and families living with Autism, Make Waves family members have strategically and thoughtfully invested charitable funds in major growth opportunities at First Place while staying laser-focused on individual impacts and outcomes, says Resnik. Through robust collaborations with pioneers across North America and around the world, we aim to make a big splash through the new Make Waves Center. The Make Waves Family Foundation has also provided philanthropic support for First Place Transition Academy scholarships and curriculum development, advancement of the A Place in the World report, donation-matching special events and Global Leadership Institute symposia. For more information or to get involved, email [email protected] or visit firstplaceaz.org. About First Place AZ First Place AZ, a charitable 501(c)(3), is advancing innovative residential and community options for adults with Autism and other neurodiversities through its vision for fueling a new wave of real estate and community development. First PlacePhoenix, the nonprofits flagship property, is an 81,000-square-foot apartment community set in the heart of the urban area recognized by PBS NewsHour as the most Autism-friendly city in the world. The First Place Global Leadership Institute leverages this award-winning property to serve as an R&D site, supporting the replication of residential and post-secondary education models and fostering collaboration among the public, private, philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. Learn more at firstplaceaz.org. About the Make Waves Family Foundation The Make Waves Family Foundation strives to fund the most innovative, scalable and replicable programs to address the needs of young adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Since 2007, the Make Waves Family Foundation has supported and collaborated with leading experts who provide best practices in residential living, independent/social living skills, and educational and employment programs. Learn more about our impact at makewaves.blue. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005350/en/ Rachael Curley, DRA Collective [email protected] 480.560.3255 Source: First Place Global Leadership Institute MISSISSAUGA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nuvo Pharmaceuticals Inc. d/b/a Miravo Healthcare (TSX:MRV; OTCQX: MRVFF) (Miravo or the Company) announced today that it has filed and is in the process of mailing the management information circular (the Circular) and related materials in connection with the special meeting (the Meeting) of its shareholders (the Shareholders) to be held virtually on March 7, 2023. The Meeting has been called for Shareholders to consider and, if deemed advisable, to pass a special resolution (the Arrangement Resolution) approving the previously announced plan of arrangement (the Arrangement) involving the Company and Searchlight Pharma Inc. (the Purchaser), pursuant to which the Purchaser has agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company (the Company Shares) in exchange for cash consideration of $1.35 per Company Share (the Consideration), subject to the terms and conditions of an arrangement agreement dated December 22, 2022 (the Arrangement Agreement). The Meeting is to be held in accordance with an interim order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) (the Court) obtained on February 6, 2023. The board of directors of the Company (the Board), after receiving legal and financial advice, and based upon, among other things, its receipt of a fairness opinion from Bloom Burton Securities Inc., has unanimously determined that the Arrangement is in the best interests of the Company (taking into account the interests of all affected stakeholders) and the Consideration to be received by Shareholders pursuant to the Arrangement is fair to Shareholders. Accordingly, the Board recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement Resolution at the Meeting. Each of the directors and executive officers of the Company who are Shareholders, as well as one of the Companys significant Shareholders, Red Oak Partners, LLC, who collectively own or control, directly or indirectly, approximately 23.16% of the Company Shares, have entered into voting support agreements with the Purchaser to, among other things, vote their Company Shares in favour of the Arrangement. Meeting and Circular The Meeting is scheduled to be held as a virtual-only meeting conducted via live audio webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/mrvsm2023 on March 7, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. (Toronto time). Shareholders of record as at the close of business on January 23, 2023 are entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Meeting. Shareholders are encouraged to vote virtually at the Meeting or by proxy or voting instruction form. Proxies must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on March 3, 2023, or 48 hours (not including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) prior to the commencement of any adjourned or postponed Meeting. Shareholders may also vote online during the Meeting as more particularly described in the Circular. The Circular provides important information on the Arrangement and related matters, including the background to the Arrangement, the rationale for the recommendation made by the Board, voting procedures and how to virtually attend the Meeting. Shareholders are urged to read the Circular and its appendices carefully and in their entirety, and, if assistance is required, Shareholders are urged to consult their financial, legal, tax or other professional advisors. The Circular and the Arrangement Agreement are available on the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. In order to become effective, the Arrangement will require Court approval and must be approved by: (i) at least two-thirds of the votes cast by Shareholders, and (ii) a simple majority of the votes cast by Shareholders, excluding for this purpose votes attached to Company Shares held by persons described in items (a) through (d) of Section 8.1(2) of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transaction. In addition to Court and Shareholder approval, the Arrangement is subject to, among other things, the satisfaction or waiver of certain closing conditions customary in transactions of this nature. Subject to the satisfaction of such conditions, the Arrangement is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023. About Miravo Healthcare Miravo is a Canadian focused, healthcare company with global reach and a diversified portfolio of commercial products. The Companys products target several therapeutic areas, including pain, allergy, neurology and dermatology. The Companys strategy is to in-license and acquire growth-oriented, complementary products for Canadian and international markets. Miravos head office is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, the international operations are located in Dublin, Ireland and the Companys manufacturing facility is located in Varennes, Quebec, Canada, though the Company is in the process of winding-down its manufacturing operations in Varennes. For additional information, please visit www.miravohealthcare.com. About Searchlight Pharma Inc. Searchlight Pharma Inc., headquartered in Montreal, is a leading Canadian-based specialty healthcare company that executes best-in-class search, acquisition, commercialization, and focused development of innovative and unique specialty healthcare products. Searchlight Pharma Inc.s core products focus on womens health, urogynecology, urology, endocrinology and hospital specialty markets, and its team is committed to improving peoples lives by bringing the right products to market. Follow Searchlight Pharma Inc., learn more about what it does, and get to know its product portfolio at www.searchlightpharma.com. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain information set forth in this news release including, without limitation, Miravo managements expectations with respect to: the timing of the Meeting and the anticipated timing for closing the Arrangement, is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information may in some cases be identified by words such as will, anticipates, expects, intends and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Miravos control. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Miravo, including expectations and assumptions concerning the receipt, in a timely manner, of Shareholder and Court approvals in respect of the Arrangement. Forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this news release. The key risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: failure to satisfy the conditions to the completion of the Arrangement and failure to obtain any required approvals (or to do so in a timely manner). The anticipated timeline for completion of the Arrangement may change for a number of reasons, including the inability to secure necessary Court or other approvals in the time assumed or the need for additional time to satisfy the conditions to the completion of the Arrangement. As a result of the foregoing, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this news release concerning the timing of the Arrangement. A comprehensive discussion of other risks that impact Miravo are included in the Companys most recent Annual Information Form dated March 25, 2022 under the heading Risks Factors, and are described from time to time in the reports and disclosure documents filed by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory agencies and commissions which are available under Miravos profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. Miravo does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207006072/en/ Miravo Investor Relations 905 673-6980 / option 2 [email protected] Searchlight Information (514) 613-1513 [email protected] Source: Nuvo Pharmaceuticals Inc. CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Niman Ranch, the pioneering leader in humanely and sustainably raised meats, today announced that a broad selection of its fresh and prepared products is now offered at all Marianos store locations. Niman Ranch is recognized for its exceptional animal welfare, sustainability practices and award-winning quality and taste. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005189/en/ Local Niman Ranch hog farmer Tom Arnold meets with the meat manager of Mariano's Lombard location. Tom Arnold and his family have raised pigs humanely and sustainably for Niman Ranch for over 20 years on their farm in Elizabeth, Illinois. All Niman Ranch farms are Certified Humane and prohibit the use of antibiotics and crates. (Photo: Business Wire) On behalf of Niman Ranchs farmer network, we are excited to now offer our meats to more homes across Chicagoland, said Paul Willis, Niman Ranchs Founding Hog Farmer. By adding Marianos as a grocery partner, we are able to support more local farmers committed to our high standards that produce the best tasting pork in the marketplace. Marianos, one of the Midwests leading grocery chains, is committed to sourcing products with a focus on sustainability, local and regional production and humane animal care, as well as exceptional quality and flavor. They are one of the exclusive providers of the Niman Ranch brand in the region. The independent family farmers in the Niman Ranch network, primarily located throughout the Midwest, are all Certified Humane and raise their animals without crates in deeply bedded barns or on pasture. The feed is all vegetarian and animals are never treated with antibiotics or hormones. Those practices result in outstanding quality, with award-winning chefs across the country featuring Niman Ranch meats on their menus. Were happy to feature Niman Ranch products as part of our fresh meat offerings to include antibiotic-free, premium meats for our customers, as well as to support local farmers and sustainable agriculture, said Michael Marx, President of Marianos and Roundys. To celebrate the launch, Marianos will host a series of Niman Ranch sampling events at select locations this winter and spring. Patrons will have the opportunity to meet Niman Ranch farmers, learn what it takes to raise livestock humanely and sustainably and taste the quality difference. Marianos is now offering more than 15 fresh and prepared products from Niman Ranch including pork chops, long bone racks, baby back ribs, hot dogs, sausages, ham and bacon. About Niman Ranch Niman Ranch is a community of over 600 independent family farmers and ranchers who raise pork, beef and lamb traditionally, humanely and sustainably to deliver the Finest-Tasting Meat in the World. Niman Ranch is the largest farmer and rancher network in North America to be Certified Humane. The protein of choice for Americas most celebrated chefs, Niman Ranch is also the premier option for discerning home cooks looking for meats Raised with Care, with no antibiotics or added hormonesever. Follow Niman Ranch on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About Marianos Marianos, the Midwests most exciting food destination, is one of three grocery banners of Roundys Supermarkets, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR). With 44 locations across the Chicagoland area, Marianos places a premium on the customer experience, offering a highly differentiated food shopping experience combined with exceptional customer service. Marianos incorporates Chicagolands distinctive neighborhood culture into its signature grocery merchandising, allowing customers to enjoy a truly unique foodie experience. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005189/en/ Alicia LaPorte Niman Ranch Communications Director 860-869-9788, [email protected] Source: Niman Ranch Certification allows oak9 to engage more deeply in the Indian cybersecurity and technology market CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- oak9, developer-first Infrastructure as Code (IaC) security leader, has become a certified member of The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), the premier trade body and chamber of commerce for IT software and services companies in India. oak9 intends on being an active member in NASSCOM, joining councils, leading research, and participating in programs, events, and industry initiatives to share its wealth of cloud native security and software engineering expertise. The membership underscores oak9s commitment to the region, which includes an engineering center of excellence in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, with a dedicated sales and operations team. Joining NASSCOM represents a key milestone in oak9s mission to expand our Security as Code platform and thought leadership across India, said Ronak Shah, Vice President and General Manager at oak9 India. This membership provides another channel for partners and customers in the region to access our unique solutions and services. We look forward to working with members of NASSCOM, taking part in their research initiatives, and participating in events so we can bring innovation into Indian society furthering various industries. NASSCOM is a non-governmental, not-for-profit, industry association focused on the advancement of technological innovation in India. NASSCOM is the apex body for the $227 billion USD Indian IT sector which provides the highest percentage of employment in the Indian private sector. oak9 joins NASSCOMs more than 3,000 member companies to drive innovation in the cloud native security space to support NASSCOMs strategic imperative on Innovation in key technologies such as AI and cybersecurity. NASSCOM certification reaffirms oak9s commitment to deliver best-in-class cloud native security products, share best practices and knowledge with the IT community, and support the advancement and innovation of the IT industry in India. Learn more about oak9's cloud native security software. About oak9 oak9 secures cloud native infrastructure for developers. oak9 Security as Code continuously finds, analyzes, and remediates security and compliance issues in real-time, as changes occur in infrastructure as code (IaC) and deployed cloud workloads. oak9s proprietary Security as Code (SaC) blueprints support 20-plus compliance standards out-of-the-box including HIPAA, HITRUST, PCI, SOC2 and ISO27001. oak9s open-sourced Security as Code also enables security engineers to extend oak9 security blueprints for additional guard rails. Headquartered in Chicago, oak9 is a Built in 2022 Start-up to Watch backed by investors Menlo Ventures, HPA, Cisco Investments, and Morgan Stanleys Next Level Fund. oak9 partners with HashiCorp, AWS, and Microsoft, and actively supports the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) and Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP). Keep in touch with oak9 on LinkedIn, Twitter, Youtube, and TikTok, or visit oak9.io. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005545/en/ Matt McLoughlin Gregory FCA [email protected] 610-228-2123 Source: oak9 POA exceeds pre-pandemic sales, pointing to significant growth ahead BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pacific Office Automation (POA), the largest office equipment dealer in the U.S., announced 2022 revenues increased by $33 million, or 8.6 percent, over 2021 while the office market crawled back to a new normal. This is the companys 44th consecutive year of revenue growth, announced at its Annual Meeting at the Oregon Convention Center on Saturday, January 14. The companys president and CEO, Doug Pitassi, reported the results to more than 900 of the companys 1500 employees in attendance, while hundreds of others joined virtually. The $421 million in 2022 sales surpassed the companys revenue goal, and was supported by growth across several other key categories. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005523/en/ Doug Pitassi, president and CEO of Pacific Office Automation, presents the company's 2022 results at its Annual Business Meeting. More than 900 employees, manufacturers, partners, and media attended the event at the Oregon Convention Center on January 14, 2023. (Photo: Business Wire) The pandemic caused unprecedented challenges for most industries, and business services and supplies were especially touched since remote work took the world by storm. But POA exceeded pre-pandemic numbers, demonstrating its strong comeback. While the year-over-year increase was 8.6 percent, the company increased revenues by $56 million over 2019, the last full fiscal year before the pandemic, representing 15.3 percent growth. POA projects $442 million in revenue for 2023. I like to focus the company around a theme to drive our growth each year, and grit encapsulates the remarkable passion, courage, and determination that our employees demonstrate on a daily basis, said Pitassi, while reflecting on the theme of the companys Annual Meeting. Whether its working in sales or supporting the company behind the scenes, we couldnt have achieved this kind of growth without everyones undivided attention. At the annual meeting, Pitassi and the regional directors announced each markets revenues. Oregon, the companys headquarters state and largest market, saw a 4.9 percent increase in revenue between 2021 and 2022. The company saw increases in all markets including: 6.4 percent in Washington; 13.3 percent in the Southwest; 12.9 percent in the Mountain Region; and 23.6 percent in the combined California and Nevada market. In 2022, POA not only continued to grow its previous markets, but it also expanded to Las Vegas, Nevada and Austin, Texas. The company plans for growth in Flagstaff, Bellingham, Colorado Springs, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio in 2023, and will continue to build up its workforce in those new areas, and strategically use remote workforce as an advantage and opportunity for growth. Beyond geographic expansion, POA has identified new, innovative ways to serve their customers. The companys focus on improving IT services has largely aided its post-pandemic resurgence. While print is still highly valued by POA, Pitassi and his team recognized that expanding into services is immensely important as office supply needs shift, and is growing in IT, unified communications (UC), professional services, camera, kiosk and electric vehicle (EV) charging. This year, services alone brought in more than $52 million in revenue. We think theres demand for 20 percent of our total revenue to come from IT, UC, security, and ancillary services over the next seven years. At a growth rate of seven percent, POA would be at least a $600 million company with $120 million in the services categories driven by rapidly changing market conditions and accelerated by the pandemic, said Pitassi. Frank Cannata, publisher and editor in chief of the Cannata Report, recapitulated POAs 2022 Annual Meeting in a video, stating that it was incredibly positive, educational, and motivational despite touching on sore subjects. POA is giving the whole industry a lesson, said Cannata. About Pacific Office Automation: Founded in 1976, Pacific Office Automation (POA) is a privately held office technology company headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon. POA has more than 1,400 employees across ten states. It has grown to be the largest authorized dealer of high-quality printer manufacturers, and it commits to offering custom office solutions, state-of-the-art technology, and award-winning customer service to customers and the community. POA provides managed print services, enterprise level IT services, software, office equipment, and unified communications all over the United States. Learn more at www.pacificoffice.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005523/en/ Pacific Office Automation media contact: Christie Wakefield [email protected] (503-601-2228) Source: Pacific Office Automation Nominees are individuals who help advance the profile of women in the electronic design industry SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Design Automation Conference (DAC) is recognized globally as the most important annual event to attend for electronic design and systems professionals. Over the past 60 years, DAC has encouraged and fostered diversity among the electronic design community as well as the event attendees. For more than two decades, the Marie R. Pistilli Award, named for the former organizer of DAC who passed away in 2015, has been honoring those individuals who have helped advance the profile of women in the electronics industry and made significant overall contributions. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 Marie R. Pistilli Electronic Design Award. The Marie R. Pistilli Award honors a person in the semiconductor-related industry or academia for his or her support and advancement of women in the related industries. Nominees may hail from technical or non-technical backgrounds and must be individuals who have made notable contributions to advancing the profile of women in EDA. Past recipients have played key roles in creating, launching, or managing products that involved contributions from women or created opportunities for women in the industry. Some have been leaders within a company or organization helping to raise the awareness of women, while others have been mentors or role models for successful women in technology. This years honoree (to be announced prior to DAC) will be presented with the award at the 60th DAC General/Opening Session, being held at Moscone West Center in San Francisco, CA from July 9 - 12, 2023. DAC will co-locate with SEMICON West 2023, which is being held at the Moscone Center, North and South Halls, July 11-13, 2023. For more information and to submit your nomination, visit the Worldwide Women in Electronic Design webpage. About DAC The Design Automation Conference (DAC) is recognized as the premier event for the design of electronic circuits and systems, and for electronic design automation (EDA) and silicon solutions. A diverse worldwide community representing more than 1,000 organizations attends each year, represented by system designers and architects, logic and circuit designers, validation engineers, CAD managers, senior managers and executives to researchers and academicians from leading universities. Close to 60 technical sessions selected by a committee of electronic design experts offer information on recent developments and trends, management practices and new products, methodologies and technologies. A highlight of DAC is its exhibition and suite area with 150+ of the leading and emerging EDA, silicon, intellectual property (IP) and design services providers. The conference is sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and is supported by ACM's Special Interest Group on Design Automation (ACM SIGDA) and IEEEs Council on Electronic Design Automation (CEDA). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005997/en/ Media Contact: Michelle Clancy Fuller, DAC Publicity & Marketing Chair [email protected] Tel: +1 503-702-4732 Source: Design Automation Conference VerbaOne will streamline processes for campus stores and increase access to and affordability of learning materials for all students RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- VitalSource today announced the launch of VerbaOne, a revolutionary course materials program to help independent campus stores operate Equitable Access (EA). VerbaOne will streamline pricing, adoptions, sourcing, and delivery of print and digital content in one platform, greatly simplifying complex processes for campus stores and increasing access and affordability for students. Equitable Access is transforming course materials delivery, and VerbaOne is our latest contribution to the change: a comprehensive toolkit for independent stores to implement the model, said Kent Freeman, CEO of VitalSource. EA improves affordability by providing every student with day-one access to all course materials for one predictable, low, flat rate. With VerbaOne, independent stores get one toolset to launch and manage EA, and instructors enjoy full academic freedom with access to all course materials, including both paid publisher content and free materials. Until now, most independent stores havent had the tools or resources to implement an EA program, said Jared Pearlman, Chief Strategy Officer for VitalSource. Weve partnered with several trailblazing independent stores over the last few years, and VerbaOne is the culmination of our work together: a set of tools and resources to put EA in reach for every indie store. Click here to learn more about VerbaOne and Equitable Access programs. VerbaOnes purpose-built and proven tools and software are designed for stores to self-operate EA, keeping all control local. Key features include: Comprehensive Tooling: From the pricing and rollout of the program to adoptions, sourcing, and delivery of both print and digital materials to students, stores have the tools they need in one place. From the pricing and rollout of the program to adoptions, sourcing, and delivery of both print and digital materials to students, stores have the tools they need in one place. Flexible Terms, One Invoice : Stores can choose to source digital only or both digital and print through VerbaOne. Either way, they receive one consolidated invoice. Stores can choose to source digital only or both digital and print through VerbaOne. Either way, they receive one consolidated invoice. A Unified Student Experience : Students access digital content, physical materials messaging, and program-level opt-out tools all in the learning management system (LMS). Students access digital content, physical materials messaging, and program-level opt-out tools all in the learning management system (LMS). Best Practices Support : An advocacy toolkit will be provided to VerbaOne customers with detailed information about developing an EA launch strategy, communication, best practices, and more to help educate stakeholders and facilitate implementation. An advocacy toolkit will be provided to VerbaOne customers with detailed information about developing an EA launch strategy, communication, best practices, and more to help educate stakeholders and facilitate implementation. Sustainability: VerbaOne is the industrys first carbon-neutral course materials program as VitalSource offsets the carbon cost of every print and digital material delivered. VerbaOne embodies our commitment at VitalSource to developing new, cutting-edge technologies designed to improve access and affordability for all students, added Freeman. VerbaOne also raises the bar on sustainability as the industrys first carbon-neutral course materials program. VitalSource is the leading education technology solutions provider, serving more than eighteen million users and ten thousand institutions globally in the last year. In 2017, VitalSource acquired Verba Software, a technology platform co-founded by Pearlman nearly a decade earlier as a student government project at Harvard University to address rising textbook costs. Verba now serves over 300 independent college stores with a suite of products that has grown to meet the changing needs of campus stores. To learn more about VerbaOne, visit get.vitalsource.com/verbaone. About VitalSource VitalSource Technologies, LLC is the leading education technology solutions provider committed to helping partners create, deliver, and distribute affordable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences worldwide. As a recognized innovator in the digital course materials market, VitalSource is best known for partnering with more than 1,000 publishers and resellers to deliver extraordinary learning experiences to millions of active users globallyand today were also powering new, cutting-edge technologies designed to optimize teaching and learning for maximum results. Learn more at https://get.vitalsource.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005601/en/ Erin McCarthy [email protected] Source: VitalSource Technologies, LLC VoPay's newly completed SOC 2 Type 1 attestation demonstrates the company's commitment to compliance, security, and oversight VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- VoPay, a leading provider of secure payment solutions, announced that it has successfully completed a System and Organization Controls SOC 2 Type 1 audit against the evaluation's security and availability principles. SOC 2 has become a widely recognized standard around the globe in providing assurance that an organization's management processes are appropriately designed and operating effectively to meet its objectives. This achievement demonstrates VoPay's commitment to delivering the highest level of compliance and security in all aspects of its business operations. And while SOC 2 compliance is voluntary, VoPay places high importance on its corporation's most precious asset, its customers' data. By completing its SOC 2 compliance assessment, the effectiveness of VoPay's internal controls in accordance with the Trust Services Criteria has been verified, and the rigorous process has been completed. 77% of IT decision-makers in the United States and Canada believe their companies will experience a data breach within the next three years. With data breaches a top concern in the minds of industry leaders, VoPay proactively sought SOC 2 Type 1 attestation as part of a critical step in protecting its customers information to ensure that each and every customer can safely and securely access its full suite of products and services confidently. A strong security compliance program is essential in a companys ability to scale, said Adam Markowitz, Co-Founder and CEO of Drata. With Dratas automation-led approach, VoPay is able to continuously maintain that compliance without sacrificing its focus on critical business initiatives. With a market projected to reach $74.8 billion by 2028, sourcing the right partner for compliance management was a crucial step in moving forward with this initiative. VoPay selected Drata, one of the market's most reputable and fast-growing security and compliance software solutions, to help them on their mission. Moving through SOC 2 Type 1 is a rigorous process and involves a team of auditors from a CPA firm to examine how well your controls are working and how quickly you respond to risks and incidents. Some of the areas that auditors will review include, but are not limited to: Access controlslogical and physical restrictions on assets to prevent access by unauthorized personnel. Change managementa controlled process for managing changes to IT systems and methods for preventing unauthorized changes. System operationscontrols that can monitor ongoing operations and detect and resolve any deviations from organizational procedures. Mitigating riskmethods and activities that allow the organization to identify risks, as well as respond to and mitigate them while addressing any subsequent business. When these four criteria are met, it indicates that the company's information security practices have been evaluated and meet the high standards set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Working towards being SOC 2 compliant did not just help us create or improve our policies; it also helped make our systems better and our company stronger, said Hamed Arbabi, VoPay, CEO. It created a purpose on another level where everyone participated in working to achieve this goal and built a compliance culture among all employees where everyone embraced the ownership. VoPay's SOC 2 Type 1 attestation ensures that customers, partners, and associates can have complete confidence in the Company's commitment to protecting their sensitive information and maintaining the highest level of security and compliance. The company will continue to invest in security and compliance to protect its customers, partners, and associates and ensure they have the best possible experience. About VoPay Offering industry-leading financial technology to Canadian enterprises, VoPays Fintech-as-a-Service platform embeds financial services and real-time payment capabilities into existing applications, products or services through a single and scalable API. VoPays unified technology stack eliminates the need to build the infrastructure and integrate multiple disparate financial systems. Businesses can go to market faster and offer innovative financial solutions to their customers. Discover VoPays intelligent and secure bank payments at: https://vopay.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005335/en/ Media: Natalie Rossiter [email protected] Source: VoPay LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Zilch, the UK-headquartered payments technology company, today announces it has signed an industry-first partnership to work with StepChange, the UKs leading debt advice charity, which will help Zilchs millions of customers access help, should they need it, more quickly during the current cost of living crisis. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005630/en/ Zilch signs pioneering partnership to work with leading UK debt charity StepChange in face of the cost-of-living crisis (Graphic: Business Wire) This support for StepChange will see Zilch become the first provider of credit via buy now pay later to fully integrate StepChange Direct into its platform. The payments technology company will also go one step further and provide innovation that will better advance the user experience. To help customers at what is usually a vulnerable time, Zilch and StepChange have worked together to identify a number of steps that are currently required when they are in financial stress and are referred for support that can be removed. StepChanges immensely talented team will also work with the Zilch vulnerability team on how to recognise and make referrals to debt advice more effectively. Zilch will be making financial contributions to StepChange through the Fair Share funding mechanism, supporting the charity in its operations and ensuring that UK consumers continue to benefit from easy access to an independent charity committed to helping people in financial difficulty become debt-free. Working with StepChange comes off the back of Zilch more recently becoming the first provider of its kind to report customer behaviour to all major UK Credit Reference Agencies (CRAs). To date Zilch has provided its customers with over 95 million in aggregate savings as it charges zero interest for instalment loans and offers cashback and deals of up to 10% back when paying by debit. Zilch was one of the first companies in the space to be regulated by the FCA and sets dynamic, personalised affordability limits on customers total borrowing to make every transaction affordable. Through this support for StepChange, Zilch customers can be immediately and seamlessly referred for free high-quality independent advice, provided through StepChanges omni-channel debt advice service, whenever needed (at which point further Zilch credit is also temporarily suspended). Todays announcement is Zilchs latest industry-leading innovation to promote financial inclusion and help protect consumers from problem debt. Last month Zilch announced that it had reached a ground-breaking deal with the most reputable UK CRAs that will see its customers borrowing and repayment activity using Zilch credit begin influencing their credit scores and profiles for the first time. This innovation provides millions of British consumers the opportunity to build and improve their credit scores without making use of high-cost, revolving credit products. It will also boost consumer protections and financial health throughout the wider UK consumer credit ecosystem by giving other lenders visibility of Zilch users current and historic borrowing activity. Philip Belamant, CEO and co-founder of Zilch, said: The entire ethos of Zilch is about being customer-first and weve built the business around doing the right thing by our customers - even if its difficult - every time. Its why weve invested so much time and resource into building a meaningfully proactive relationship with StepChange. To Zilch, this partnership is a natural and obvious one - why would any responsible lender of credit not want to align with an establishment such as StepChange that is doing so much to support people in these hard times? This partnership ensures we provide our customers with the very best support if they do fall behind on repayments - all for free. Phil Andrew, CEO of StepChange, said: StepChange has been helping people for 30 years and during that time has supported millions of people seeking help with problem debt. Over the last three decades a lot has changed with new challenges like the cost-of-living crisis and new financial products. But one thing has not changed and that is our commitment to support people struggling with problem debt and to work with a wide network of partners and supporters to ensure that those who need help can access it. Zilchs commitment to our work through the payment of Fair Share contributions, as well as finding innovative ways to minimise the barriers to people seeking help, will support us at StepChange to continue our important mission. ABOUT ZILCH Zilch is a UK-headquartered payments technology company. We offer our customers the best and most empowering way to pay, whenever and wherever they spend. Using Zilchs virtual Mastercard that combines the best of debit, credit and savings, our customers can either earn rewards on debit payments in the form of immediate cashback (Pay in 1) or spread the cost by in-app toggling over to pay with credit to access interest-free repayments over six weeks (Pay in 4). This is made possible by the proprietary Ad-Subsidised Payment Network (ASPN) that Zilch has built, which in a cookieless world enables retailers around the world to connect directly with the millions of Zilch customers they otherwise couldnt reach and offer them savings, deals and discounts. By partnering directly with consumers rather than merchants, Zilch allows customers to pay using either reward-earning debit or interest-free credit, both online and in-store, anywhere that Mastercard is accepted. To ensure that we are helping our customers to manage their cash flow responsibly when they make credit payments, we set dynamic borrowing limits using best-in-market data from credit reference agencies, open banking and behavioural data analysis. Together these generate a real-time, comprehensive, 360-degree view of a customers affordability profile, allowing us to set personalised borrowing limits accordingly. To further bolster our customer safeguards, we are fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, having obtained a consumer credit license prior to our launch. Since launching as an FCA regulated business in the UK in September 2020 and in the US in May 2022, Zilch has amassed over 3 million registered customers. In that time, we have provided our customers with over 95 million in aggregate rewards and savings on fees and interest. Zilch is Europes fastest-ever company to go from Series A to double-unicorn status, in just 14 months, after raising capital at a $2bn valuation in November 2021 and maintaining that valuation in a subsequent funding round in Summer 2022. For more information, visit: www.zilch.com. ABOUT STEPCHANGE StepChange Debt Charity is the UKs largest debt advice charity, helping hundreds of thousands of people a year. Founded in 1993, StepChange supports people experiencing debt problems through telephone and online services, and campaigns for change to reduce the harm and stigma associated with debt. How your readers can get help with their debts We provide the UKs most comprehensive debt advice service, from budgeting tips through to managing debt solutions that enable to people to pay off or clear debts. All our free debt advice is available by phone or on our website. StepChange is currently experiencing problems with imposter firms, who pass themselves off as the charity in online adverts. As these imposters are prominent online, if you are directing an advice seeker towards our services, please include a direct link to our website: https://www.stepchange.org/ Our Helpline: 0800 138 1111 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005630/en/ Zilch - Ryan Mendy, Chief Communications Officer: [email protected] For any media enquiries, please contact: [email protected] Source: Zilch Boeing Co (NYSE: BA) confirmed media reports that it is set to cut around 2,000 admin jobs this year. The restructuring will take place in the finance and human resources divisions through a combination of attrition and layoffs. Seattle Times first reported on the job cuts. Boeing said it plans to outsource about a third of these jobs to contractors in India as it continues to simplify our corporate structure." The news comes after Boeing said in January that it is looking to lower staffing within some support functions. The company also said it plans to hire 10,000 workers this year after adding about 15,000 jobs in 2022. Boeing stock is up 0.5% in pre-market Tuesday after closing at $206.81 yesterday. By Senad Karaahmetovic Guild Mortgage (NYSE: GHLD), a growth-oriented mortgage lending company originating and servicing residential loans since 1960, has increased its Southwest presence with the acquisition of Legacy Mortgage, an independent New Mexico-based lender. Legacy Mortgage was founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2002. Jack Thompson joined Legacy in 2006 as Co-owner and CEO/ President and grew the company to be a leading presence in New Mexico. Thompson purchased the company in 2006. Legacy will become part of Guilds Southwest region. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Legacy is well-respected for its market leadership and community involvement, with 13 branches in four states Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas, and offers a wide range of purchase and refinance loan options. This acquisition is part of the companys continued plan to grow both in existing markets and by entering new ones with selective acquisitions of like-minded lenders, said Mary Ann McGarry, Guild CEO. Legacy Mortgage recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary of providing home financing and our team has always admired the companys commitment to its employees and customers. We are pleased to further grow Guilds presence in the high-growth Southwest region of the country and the Legacy Mortgage culture aligns well with what weve developed at Guild over more than 60 years. Our combined strengths will drive further growth throughout the Southwest. By joining Guild, the Legacy Mortgage team can offer borrowers a broader range of purchase and refinance loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA, down payment assistance programs and other specialized loan programs, said Thompson. Clients will also benefit from access to new digital and customer relationship tools that improve every step in the lending experience, including servicing, a Guild strength for decades. Headquartered in San Diego, Guild Mortgage is a leading national lender with an established history of offering a comprehensive array of loan products and partnering with government organizations to help deliver the promise of home in every neighborhood and community. Its loan professionals can serve the needs of any homebuyer, from helping first-time buyers achieve homeownership, often through government loan programs, to homebuyers looking for a jumbo loan. Guild also helps active duty and retired military personnel who qualify for VA loans with 100% financing and flexible qualifying standards. The company is consistently recognized for its impact in the communities it serves, commitment to customer service, strength in regulatory compliance, and workplace culture. FILE PHOTO: U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell addresses reporters during a news conference at the Federal Reserve Building in Washington, U.S., February 1, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo By Michael S. Derby (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said Tuesday very strong jobs data released last week simply affirms that the central bank has some way to go on raising rates. When it comes to Friday's release of the January jobs data, we didnt expect it to be this strong, Powell said. While declining to say whether knowing about the vigor of the data would have affected last week's 25 basis point rate rise, Powell said the data shows you why this will be a process that takes a significant period of time," when it comes to tightening monetary policy. (Reporting by Michael S. Derby; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) FILE PHOTO: A representation of the cryptocurrency is seen in front of Coinbase logo in this illustration taken, March 4, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/ By Luc Cohen NEW YORK (Reuters) - A former Coinbase Global Inc product manager pleaded guilty on Tuesday in what U.S. prosecutors have called the first insider trading case involving cryptocurrency, his defense lawyer said in a court hearing. Ishan Wahi, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, after initially pleading not guilty last year. Prosecutors said Wahi shared confidential information with his brother Nikhil and their friend Sameer Ramani about forthcoming announcements of new digital assets that Coinbase would let users trade. "I knew that Sameer Ramani and Nikhil Wahi would use that information to make trading decisions," Ishan Wahi said during Tuesday's hearing in federal court in Manhattan. "It was wrong to misappropriate and disseminate Coinbase's property." Nikhil Wahi and Ramani were charged with using ethereum blockchain wallets to acquire digital assets and trading at least 14 times before Coinbase announcements between June 2021 and April 2022. The announcements typically caused the assets to rise in value and generated at least $1.5 million in illicit gains, prosecutors have said. Nikhil Wahi pleaded guilty in September to a wire fraud conspiracy charge, and in January was sentenced to 10 months in prison. Ramani is at large. As part of a plea deal, prosecutors stipulated that sentencing guidelines called for Ishan Wahi to be imprisoned for between 36 and 47 months. U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska scheduled his sentencing hearing for May 10. Coinbase is one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. The company has said it shared its findings from an internal probe into the trading with prosecutors. On Monday, Ishan Wahi asked a judge to dismiss a parallel lawsuit from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), saying that charges represent an "abuse of power" by the agency. At issue is whether nine tokens listed on Coinbase were, in fact, securities and subject to SEC regulation. A spokesperson for the SEC declined to comment. In pleading guilty to the criminal charges on Tuesday, Ishan Wahi said he did not believe any of the relevant tokens were securities. Noah Solowiejczyk, a prosecutor, said the question of whether or not the tokens are securities was not an element of prosecutors' case. (Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis) FILE PHOTO: A logo is pictured on the factory of STMicroelectronics in Plan-les-Oautes near Geneva, Switzerland, December 6, 2016. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo By Stephen Nellis (Reuters) - European chipmaker STMicroelectronics and chip design software maker Synopsys on Tuesday said STMicro had for the first time used artificial intelligence software running on Microsoft Corp's cloud to design a working chip. The achievement would help solve the growing problem of getting increasingly complex designs ready for customers in an acceptable time, STMicro said. The company is one of a several that are using AI to help design chips, which involves translating a complicated circuit architecture into a blueprint for fabricating billions of transistors on a small piece of silicon. Synopsys, the maker of the AI software used by STMicro, said on Tuesday it had now been used to aide in designing 100 different chips from Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, SK Hynix and others since it was first released in 2020. The exact placement of the billions of transistors on a chip makes a big difference in its eventual performance. Engineers use software such as Synopsys's to figure out where to put them, running several rounds of experiments with several possible designs to find the best one. The problem in recent years is that chips have become far, far more complex, which means that finding the right design takes more and more experiments. But business deadlines have not gotten any longer: customers still want a steady drumbeat of new chips year after year. To meet those deadlines, the AI system's job is to help engineers weed out all the design experiments that will not lead to success and point to those that will. "We have a limited amount of time," said Indavong Vongsavady, who oversees design tools for one of STMicro's groups. "Limiting to a practical number the size of experiments that we run - that's the real point." Cloud computing also helps ease the time crunch. Shankar Krishnamoorthy, general manager of the design automation group at Synopsys, said that company's AI engine got better results faster when it had more computing power behind it. Cloud providers like Microsoft offer the option to rent a huge burst of computing power in a short time. "In most engineering environments, people say, 'This is how much compute (power) I have. This is the time in which I need the results. Give me the best result,'" Krishnamoorthy said. (Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Bradley Perrett) Toronto, ON, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ACIC Pharmaceutical Machinery, a Canadian company located in Brantford, ON, is the newest member of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC). ACIC Machinery provides complete equipment and automation solutions needed to manufacture radiopharmaceuticals. Together, the CNIC and ACIC Machinery will work to encourage future partnerships by bringing industry-leading technology to the Canadian radiopharmaceutical market. As a North American company branching into the Canadian isotope market, ACIC Machinery is looking to provide radiopharmaceutical companies across Canada with manufacturing and technology solutions. With a global network of clients and partners, ACIC Machinery has been a key supplier to the North American pharmaceutical industry. Over the past decades, ACIC Machinery has utilized its extensive experience in the design and commissioning of state-of-the-art equipment for radiopharmaceutical manufacturing. The main focus of ACIC Machinery is sterile injectable and nuclear products. ACIC Machinerys portfolio includes custom automation and robotic handling solutions for many stages of radiopharmaceutical production, including hot cells, synthesis, formulation, product recovery, assay monitoring, dispensing, PMI inspection supported by Artificial Intelligence, labelling, cartoning, and palletizing. ACIC Machinerys manufacturing expertise gives nuclear medicine companies around the world the tools they need to produce cutting-edge radiopharmaceutical products, said Eduardo Andrade, General Manager of ACIC Machinery. We have produced numerous hot cell lines for the production of radiopharmaceuticals and are now focusing on supporting the efforts of Canadian companies. We are excited to partner with the CNIC and Canadian isotope leaders to facilitate the production of various radiopharmaceuticals in Canada. The CNIC, made up of 77 members representing nuclear and isotope industries, the healthcare sector, and broader research groups, advocates on the importance of expanding Canadian leadership in the production of radiopharmaceuticals and isotopes. Companies in Canada produce a significant portion of the worlds supply of critical isotopes used in various nuclear medicine procedures, and are expanding their activities to encompass a new range of projects and products. To support future expansion in the isotope industry, Canadas isotope community will require automation and manufacturing solutions to allow for safe, scalable production practices, said James Scongack, Chair of the CNIC. ACIC Machinery brings new technology and expertise to the industry and will help to enable innovation in Canadas radiopharmaceutical industry. We look forward to facilitating collaboration between ACIC Machinery and other CNIC members in this powerful industry. To learn more about ACIC Pharmaceutical Machinery, visit https://acicmachinery.com/ and follow on LinkedIn. About the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council The CNIC is a coalition of science, healthcare and nuclear-sector organizations to ensure Canada remains a world leader in the production of life-saving isotopes by bringing awareness and supporting long-term policies at the domestic and international level that will save countless lives and support health-care innovation for decades to come. To learn more about the CNIC visit www.CanadianIsotopes.ca and follow us on, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Andrew Thiele Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council 226-930-1869 [email protected] Source: Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calibre Mining Corp. (TSX: CXB; OTCQX: CXBMF) (the "Company" or "Calibre") is pleased to provide an update on the Company's 2023, multi-jurisdictional, 100 km discovery and resource expansion drill programs. Nicaragua2022 Exploration Highlights Year end 2021 Mineral Reserves increased to over 1 Moz, the largest reserve base at record grades over the past 12 years (6.85 Mt, 4.6 g/t Au, 1.01 Moz) (see news release dated Feb 23, 2022); Successfully completed 2022 drill programs designed to target >250,000-ounce deposits to bolster the Companys project pipelines, providing a solid base for growth; Discovered the bonanza grade Panteon North zone, highlight results include: 66.0 g/t Au over 5.6m, 52.5 g/t Au over 3.8m, 26.0 g/t Au over 8.1m (see news releases dated September 7, 2022 and June 27, 2022); Outlined a multi-kilometre prospective VTEM Gold Corridor for future expansion, initial results include: 11.6 g/t Au over 9.3m, 1.5 km along trend of Panteon North (see news release dated December 8, 2022). 2023 Plans and Key Objectives 60 km of Drilling Approved a US$20 million exploration budget including 60 km of drilling focused on resource expansion and discovery with seven drill rigs operating across the assets; High-grade expansion opportunities at Panteon VTEM Corridor, Talavera extension, Veta Azul and Volcan, which are not yet included in the Companys Resource statement; Additional Resource expansion and grade increase opportunities at our Eastern Borosi Project (EBP) including Blag, La Luna and East Dome, as well as Riscos de Oro Southwest and Northeast extensions; First pass drilling at the recently permitted Buena Vista and La Fortuna concessions, located near the Limon and Libertad mine complexes, respectively. Nevada2022 Exploration Highlights Successfully completed 2022 drilling programs designed to increase confidence in the Pan and Gold Rock mineral resources while looking for expansion opportunities; Discovered deeper Carlin Style, sulphide mineralization at Gold Rock Deep including: 6.8 g/t Au over 4.6m and 6.6 g/t Au over 5.8m (see news release dated November 22, 2022); Discovered the at surface Coyote gold oxide zone at Pan including 1.36 g/t Au over 13.7m and 0.61 g/t Au over 18.3m (see news release dated January 17, 2023). 2023 Plans and Key Objectives 40 km of Drilling Approved a US$9 million exploration budget including 40 km of drilling focused on new discovery outside the fence at both Pan and Gold Rock; Numerous discovery opportunities along a 5 km trend south of the Pan resource area and centered on the new Coyote discovery to be drilled following up on the recent drilling success; Generative program underway including mineral alteration classification and structural interpretation. Darren Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Calibre, stated: I am very pleased with the outcome of our 2022 drill programs in both jurisdictions. The team were able to deliver our objective of identifying new, robust deposits, confirming the significant discovery and resource expansion potential across our underexplored assets. The high-grade Panteon North zone and the multi-kilometre long VTEM Gold Corridor remain our top priorities in Nicaragua, while the Coyote gold discovery at Pan, and deeper Carlin-style targets at Gold Rock have the team very excited in Nevada. We continue to see new and expanding, high-quality exploration opportunities which will benefit from the continued self-funding of our exploration programs aimed at discovering and delineating new resources to organically grow production in Nicaragua. Overview of 2023 Nicaragua Exploration Targets Limon, Panteon North and VTEM Gold Corridor: Located approximately 5 km east of the El Limon mill and discovered in 2022 with high-grade gold mineralization, Panteon North is expected to positively impact the 2022 mineral resource and reserve statement. The zone consists of steeply dipping, ultra-high-grade gold veins striking broadly south-east to north-west at the main ore shoot at Panteon North. An airborne VTEM geophysical survey has outlined a high-low resistivity contact which extends for approximately 6 km to the north. Early indications of further high-grade mineralization up to 2.5 km north of the main ore shoot bodes well for additional discovery along the VTEM Corridor. Limon, Talavara Extension: Located west of the main El Limon trend and mill, Talavara is a former underground mining area with past production of up to 800,000 ounces of high grade, low sulphidation gold. Buena Vista Concession: Located approximately 20 km east of the Limon Mine complex and 10 km northwest of the La India mine along the same structural trend which controls the gold mineralization at La India. Drill permits were received in late 2022 with plans to test several never-drilled targets in 2023. Libertad, Veta Azul: This new target, located 10 km from the La Libertad Complex, was identified by our field team in 2022. Historic artisanal mining at surface along with high-grade surface samples indicate a 1.5 km strike extension. Drilling will commence in early 2023 to test depth extensions and delineate potential ore shoots along the trend. EBP: Mining is scheduled to commence from Calibres EBP project in the first half of 2023. Several original Calibre deposits (dating pre 2019 B2 Gold transaction) have current inferred mineral resources and have not been drilled for many years. There is potential to upgrade several of these resources to the indicated category while focusing on several zones of higher grade. Overview of 2023 Nevada Exploration Targets Pan Mine, Coyote: Located south of the Pan resource area, Coyote was originally proposed for follow-up on soil and rock anomalies at the Pilot/Guilmette geological contact. Assay results from 2022 RC drill holes PR22-237 and PR22-238 discovered gold mineralization in the lower Pilot formation and into the Guilmette formation. In 2023 Calibre will drill the area adjacent to these holes to confirm if mineralization is found in the same lithology along the north-south trending valley containing the Pilot-Guilmette contact. Numerous additional targets south of the Coyote gold discovery along the multi-kilometre trend of favorable Guilmette formation will be drilled in 2023. Gold Rock Deep: Located approximately 15 km southwest of the Pan mine Calibre discovered Gold Rock Deep, a north-east extension of the main Gold Rock surface oxide deposit. Initial drilling has confirmed Carlin-style sulphide mineralization with the potential of a larger, higher-grade deposit at depth. High priority drilling is planned for early 2023. Link 1 - Figures Quality Assurance/Quality Control Calibre maintains a Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") program for all its exploration projects using industry best practices. Key elements of the QA/QC program include verifiable chain of custody for samples, regular insertion of certified reference standards and blanks, and duplicate check assays. Drill core is halved and shipped in sealed bags to Bureau Veritas in Managua, Nicaragua, an independent analytical services provider with global certifications for Quality Management Systems ISO 9001:2008, Environmental Management: ISO14001 and Safety Management OH SAS 18001 and AS4801. Prior to analysis, samples are prepared at Veritas' Managua facility and then shipped to its analytical facility in Vancouver, Canada. Gold analyses are routinely performed via fire assay/AA finish methods. For greater precision of high-grade material, samples assaying 10 g/t Au or higher are re-assayed by fire assay with gravimetric finish. Analyses for silver and other elements of interest are performed via Induction Coupled Plasma (ICP) Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release was approved by David Schonfeldt P.GEO, Calibre Minings Corporate Chief Geologist and a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Darren Hall" Darren Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Ryan KingSenior Vice President, Corporate Development & IRT: (604) 628-1012E: [email protected]W: www.calibremining.com About Calibre Mining Corp. Calibre Mining is a Canadian-listed, Americas focused, growing mid-tier gold producer with a strong pipeline of development and exploration opportunities across Nevada and Washington in the USA, and Nicaragua. Calibre is focused on delivering sustainable value for shareholders, local communities and all stakeholders through responsible operations and a disciplined approach to growth. With a strong balance sheet, a proven management team, strong operating cash flow, accretive development projects and district-scale exploration opportunities Calibre will unlock significant value. Note: Estimated True Widths for reported vein intercepts are based on 3D models of the individual veins. Estimates are determined in cross-section by measuring the modelled vein thickness perpendicular to the vein margins and through the midpoint of the drill hole intercept. Percentage based differences between individual ETWs and down-hole interval lengths will vary between drill holes depending on drill hole inclination, variations in vein strike and dip, and overall geometries of the different vein systems. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: the 'Company's expectations toward higher grades mined and processed going forward; statements relating to the 'Company's 2022 priority resource expansion opportunities; the 'Company's metal price and cut-off grade assumptions; the 'Company's plans for the Pan Mine for 2022, including production and exploration and its contribution to production growth. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Calibre's control. For a listing of risk factors applicable to the Company, please refer to Calibre's annual information form ("AIF") for the year ended December 31, 2021, and its management discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended December 31, 2021, all available on the 'Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect Calibre's forward-looking statements This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect Calibres forward-looking statements such as potential sanctions implemented as a result of the United States Executive Order 13851 dated October 24, 2022. Calibre's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. Such assumptions include but are not limited to: the Company being able to mine and process higher grades and keep production costs relatively flat going forward; there not being an increase in production costs as a result of any supply chain issues or ongoing COVID-19 restrictions; there being no adverse drop in metal price or cut-off grade at the 'Company's Nevada properties. Calibre does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Source: Calibre Mining Corp. TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Copper Lake Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: CPL, Frankfurt: WOI, OTC: WTCZF) (Copper Lake or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has commenced the winter diamond drilling program on its copper-zinc-silver-gold volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) property, situated in northwestern Ontario. Terry MacDonald, CEO of Copper Lake commented, We are very pleased to have this important drill program finally underway. Mobilization of the drill was delayed due to soft ground as a result of heavy snow in recent weeks. The recent cold weather has allowed us to firm up trails and drill pads and now that the drill and crew are in place, we look forward to completing the planned holes in the next several weeks, and are eagerly looking forward to the results. The first of the drill holes will test the Deep IP discovery, previously identified by diamond drilling and supplemented by bore-hole electromagnetic (BHEM) and large-loop electromagnetic surveys (LLEM), completed in 2022. Drilling by Copper Lake in 2022 yielded high-grade assays at the Deep IP discovery including: 8.13% Cu 1 , 7.26% Zn, 240.80 g/t Ag & 0.33 g/t Au (13.59% CuEq 2 ) over 2.11 metres 5.81% Cu 1 , 171.20 g/t Ag & 0.02 g/t Au (10.45% CuEq 2 ) over 1.95 metres 2.37% Cu1, 1.75% Zn, 413.15 g/t Ag & 0.37 g/t Au (7.00% CuEq2) over 6.00 metres, including 2.26% Cu, 2.66% Zn, 1,580 g/t Ag (55.7 oz/t Ag3) & 1.28 g/t Au (18.12% CuEq2) over 1.21 metres Subsequent BHEM and LLEM surveys completed by the Company, delineated a conductive centre consisting of several very strong conductors, situated below and along stratigraphic trend from the high-grade mineralization. The conductive center, approximately 500 metres by 300 metres in extent, is situated below the high-grade mineralization documented above. The size, strength and location of the conductive centre in relation to the high-grade mineralization is very promising and suggests that additional high-grade mineralization may be present in the area surrounding the Deep IP discovery A minimum of five drill holes, each with a minimum length of 600 metres, will test the conductive centre, in efforts to expand on the limits of the high-grade mineralization. Results will be released as they become available. Concurrent with the diamond drilling, additional LLEM surveying will be completed by the Company in the locale of the conductive centre, to more firmly delineate the trend, dimensions and strength of it, in efforts to assist in drill targeting. Additional LLEM surveying will also help further characterize a number of other interesting build-up conductors, yielded by an earlier LLEM survey completed by Copper Lake in the summer of 2022. Such build-up conductors are situated apart and away from the conductive centre, but within the favorable stratigraphic trend of the mineralization and alteration. Abitibi Geophysics, the contractor completing the LLEM surveys, is also equipped with BHEM survey equipment and each of the holes testing the conductive centre will also be probed by BHEM surveys, providing directional information to mineralization trends and orientation. Finally, line-cutting and orientation LLEM surveying will be completed on two other mineral occurrences on the Marshall Lake property known as the Teck Hill-Gazooma and Gazooma North-RM-Lease target areas. The purpose of the surveys is to delineate deeper conductors below shallow but significant drill intercepts including 2.05% Cu, 33 g/t Ag and 0.31 g/t Au over 26.9 metres as well as 1.38% Cu, 54 g/t Ag and 0.10 g/t Au over 43.0 metres. Historic drilling deeper than 150 metres below surface is rare on these zones, as well as elsewhere on the Marshall Lake property. 1Analyses completed by Activation Laboratories in Ancaster, Ontario utilizing the 1A2 Fire Assay, AA Finish, 1H INAA (INAAGEO), Total Digestion (Total) and the UT-7, Sodium Peroxide Fusion (ICP & ICP MS) analytical packages 2 %CuEq calculated using Dec 8, 2022 metal prices of US$3.87 per lb. for Cu, US$1.65 per lb. for Zn, US$21.39 per oz. for Ag and US$1839 per oz. for Au QUALIFIED PERSON Donald Hoy, M. Sc., P. Geo., Copper Lakes Vice President of Exploration, is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical content contained in this news release. ABOUT COPPER LAKE RESOURCES Copper Lake Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded Canadian mineral exploration and development company with interests in two projects both located in Ontario. www.copperlakeresources.com The Marshall Lake high-grade VMS copper, zinc, silver and gold project, comprises an area of approximately 220 square km located 120 km north of Geraldton, Ontario and is accessible by all-season road from the Trans-Canada Highway and just 22 km north of the main CNR rail line. Copper Lake has a 79.45% interest in the joint ventured property, which consists of 233 claims and 52 mining leases. The project also includes 148 claim cells staked in 2018 and 2020 that are 100% owned and not subject to any royalties, which add approximately 30 square km to the original property. In addition to the original Marshall Lake property above, Marshall Lake also includes the Sollas Lake and Summit Lake properties, which are 100% owned by the Company and are not subject to any royalties. The Sollas Lake property consists of 20 claim cells comprising an area of 4 square km on the east side of the Marshall Lake property where historical EM airborne geophysical surveys have outlined strong conductors on the property hosted within the same favorable felsic volcanic units. The Summit Lake property currently consists of 100 claim cells comprising an area of 20.5 square km, is accessible year-round, and is located immediately west of the original Marshall Lake property. The Marshall Lake project is located in the traditional territories of the Aroland and Animbiigoo Zaagi igan Anishinaabek (AZA) First Nations. Copper Lake also has a 69.79% joint venture interest in the Norton Lake nickel, copper, cobalt, and palladium PGM property, located in the southern Ring of Fire area, is approximately 100 km north of the Marshall Lake Property. The Norton Lake property has a NI 43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated resource of 2.26 million tonnes @ 0.67% Ni, 0.61% Cu, 0.03% Co and 0.46 g/t Pd. The Norton Lake property is located in the traditional territories of the Eabametoong (Fort Hope) and Neskantaga First Nations. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Copper Lake Resources Ltd.Terry MacDonald, CEO(416) 561-3626[email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the Private Placement and proposed uses of the proceeds of the Private Placement, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. This forward-looking information reflects the Companys current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include but are not limited to: TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the Private Placement; market acceptance and approvals; and the anticipated closing date for the Private Placement. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; the actual results of future operations; competition; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting the Company; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. A description of additional assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information and a description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward- looking information can be found in the Companys disclosure documents on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) website at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. However, the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. Source: Copper Lake Resources Ltd. WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DELTA 9 CANNABIS INC. (TSX: DN) (OTCQX: DLTNF) (Delta 9 or the Company), is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of its 41st retail cannabis store in Western Canada on February 9, 2023. "I am pleased to announce the opening of Delta 9s 41st retail cannabis store. Our retail strategy continues to find the best available real estate in high-traffic and high-population density areas, and this store opening showcases our commitment to this strategy, said John Arbuthnot, CEO of Delta 9. Delta 9s retail network has expanded by 25 stores in the past twelve months and we expect to continue expansion of our retail portfolio across Canada this year. Delta 9s convenient retail cannabis concept, combined with a strategic focus on high traffic shopping destinations have been a successful part of the Companys overall vertical integration strategy. Within a 3 km range the area tenants include: University of Winnipeg, RBC Convention centre, Canada Life Centre (home of the Winnipeg Jets), and the Forks in downtown Winnipeg center. The new 2,300 sq ft store is in the West End of downtown Winnipeg at 625 Sargent Ave. The West End is a mix of 6 diverse residential neighbourhoods that include Armstrong's Point, Colony, Daniel McIntyre, Minto, Sargent Park, Spence, St. Matthews, West Broadway, and Wolseley. The location offers plenty of free parking spaces, easy access from the street and a new wheelchair ramp providing easy access to the building. The new store offers customers a modern shopping decor, highly trained staff, and a wide range of products, including dried cannabis flower, cannabis oil, edibles, drinkables, vape pens, concentrates. Store hours are 10:00am to 10:00pm, Sunday to Thursday and 10:00am to 11:00pm, Friday and Saturday and will offer a click and collect service. For more information contact: Investor & Media Contact:Ian Chadsey, VP Corporate AffairsMobile: 204-898-7722E-mail: [email protected] About Delta 9 Cannabis Inc. Delta 9 Cannabis Inc. is a vertically integrated cannabis company focused on bringing the highest quality cannabis products to market. The company sells cannabis products through its wholesale and retail sales channels and sells its cannabis grow pods to other businesses. Delta 9's wholly-owned subsidiary, Delta 9 Bio-Tech Inc., is a licensed producer of medical and recreational cannabis and operates an 80,000 square foot production facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Delta 9 owns and operates a chain of retail stores under the Delta 9 Cannabis Store brand. Delta 9's shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "DN" and on the OTCQX under the symbol "DLTNF". For more information, please visit invest.delta9.ca. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the Companys future business plans and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward looking statements in this news release include statements relating to the Companys expansion plans. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including all risk factors set forth in the annual information form of Delta 9 dated March 31, 2022 which has been filed on SEDAR. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Source: Delta 9 Cannabis SOUTHAMPTON, Pa., Feb. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Environmental Tectonics Corporation (OTC Pink: ETCC) (ETC or the Company) announced that its Aircrew Training Systems business unit (ATS) was awarded an $85 million contract for the delivery of an Aeromedical Center including the building and all related facilities, in addition to the following products: Authentic tactical flight simulator (ATFS-400 25), GL 1500 spatial disorientation trainer, Altitude chamber (12 person), Portable hyperbaric chamber, Ejection seat simulator, Night vision/night vision goggle training system, and A water survival system. The services portion of this contract provides integrated logistics services, pilot physiology and personnel training services through ETCs NASTAR Center and facility support services. This contract represents another significant milestone for ETC. We are pleased to have been chosen to supply our ATS customer with an Aeromedical Center with products and services designed to aid them in increasing their aviation training capabilities that protect pilots from the physiological dangers of flight, states Robert Laurent, CEO and President. About ETC: ETC designs, manufactures, and sells software driven products and services used to recreate and monitor the physiological effects of motion on humans, and equipment to control, modify, simulate and measure environmental conditions. Our products include aircrew training systems (aeromedical, tactical combat, and general), disaster management systems, sterilizers (steam and gas), environmental testing and simulation systems, and other products that involve similar manufacturing techniques and engineering technologies. ETCs unique ability to offer complete systems, designed and produced to high technical standards, sets it apart from its competition. ETC is headquartered in Southampton, PA. For more information about ETC, visit http://www.etcusa.com/. Forward-looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements, which are based on managements expectations and are subject to uncertainties and changes in circumstances. Words and expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements, and these statements may include words such as may, will, should, expect, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, future, predict, potential, intend, or continue, and similar expressions. We base our forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events or future financial performance. Our forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about ETC and its subsidiaries that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results implied by these forward-looking statements. We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. 93% of the underwater mountains off the coast of British Columbia are to become the second-largest Marine Protected Area in Canada OTTAWA, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Traditional, Unceded Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People - February 7, 2023 Oceana Canada is celebrating the commitment by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to publish draft regulations to protect a 133,019-km2 area off the West Coast of Vancouver Island, home of hydrothermal vents and 93 per cent of Canadas known underwater mountains, called seamounts. The proposed regulations come after years of hard work by Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders, government agencies and conservation groups to protect the area, four times the size of Vancouver Island, as it is set to become the newest and second largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Canada. A Memorandum of Understanding agreement has been reached between Canada and the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, the Council of the Haida Nation, Pacheedaht First Nation, and Quatsino First Nation to cooperatively manage the proposed new MPA. In July 2018, Oceana Canada partnered with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Haida Nation, and Ocean Networks Canada to explore the seamounts and identify marine species. Through this deep-sea exploration, the research revealed the existence of centuries-old forests of red tree corals and glass sponges that provide habitat for numerous animals, including sea lilies, basket stars, octopuses, prowfish and many long-lived rockfish. Above the seamounts, the upwelling of deep nutrient-rich water fuels the growth in planktonic life that attracts larger species such as tunas, sharks and whales such as humpbacks, as well as seabirds including tufted puffins. The stunning diversity and abundance of life on the seamounts leave no room for hesitation about protecting them, said Dr. Robert Rangeley, Science Director, Oceana Canada. The fragile nature of the seamounts and their importance to marine life mean that we just can't allow any activities that may threaten them, like dragging fishing gear or deep-sea mining. This is a critical step toward protecting this extremely important marine ecosystem. Todays announcement was made at IMPAC5, a global forum on marine habitat protection, being hosted in and around Vancouver, B.C. It reflects the intent to provide permanent protection for marine habitats from destructive activities that have threatened many fragile seamounts and hydrothermal vents around the world, endangering the health of entire ecosystems. Oceana Canada will continue to advocate for the formal creation of the MPA and the implementation of co-management with First Nations in the region: the Council of the Haida Nation, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, the Pacheedaht and Quatsino First Nations. The MPA, named Tang. wan hacxiqak Tsigis by Haida, Nuu-chah-nulth and Quatsino First Nations, contributes to Canadas international commitments to protect 25 per cent of its marine and coastal areas by 2025. Once draft regulations are made public, there will be a 30-day public commentary period, after which Fisheries and Oceans Canada will make its final decision on the designation of these seamounts as an MPA. Learn more about the importance of protecting marine habitat and see rare and stunning footage from Oceana Canadas expedition to the Northeast Pacific Seamounts with DFO, the Haida Nation, and Ocean Networks Canada at protectoceans.ca/expeditions/northeast. Oceana Canada was established as an independent charity in 2015 and is part of the largest international advocacy group dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana Canada has successfully campaigned to end the shark fin trade, make rebuilding depleted fish populations the law, improve the way fisheries are managed and protect marine habitat. We work with civil society, academics, fishers, Indigenous Peoples and the federal government to return Canadas formerly vibrant oceans to health and abundance. By restoring Canadas oceans, we can strengthen our communities, reap greater economic and nutritional benefits and protect our future. Contacts: Angela Pinzon, Pilot PMR, [email protected], 647-295-0517 and Lesley Wilmot, Oceana Canada, [email protected], 647-535-6326 Source: Oceana Canada VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prospect Park Capital Corp. (CSE: PPK) (the Company) announces further to its press release of January 27, 2023, that the Ontario Securities Commission (the OSC) has issued a Failure-to-File Cease Trade Order (FFCTO) pursuant to National Policy 11-207 Failure to File Cease Trade Orders and Revocations in Multiple Jurisdictions dated February 3, 2023 in respect of the securities of the Company as a result of the Companys inability to file its audited annual financial statements and management discussion & analysis for the financial years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, and the CEO and CFO certificates, all as required by National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations and National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuers Annual and Interim Filings (collectively, the Documents). As previously disclosed, the default was expected as the Companys auditor has indicated it anticipates requiring additional time to complete its audit and management anticipates it may be necessary to engage an independent valuator to provide an opinion in respect of the acquisition values as at the year-end date in respect of two intangible assets the Company acquired during the year ended September 30, 2022 in order to properly consider if they can support the position to auditor in respect thereof. The Company continues to work diligently and expeditiously with its auditors and expects to file the Documents as soon as possible with a current expectation of on or about February 20, 2023. The FFCTO prohibits the trading by any person of any securities of the Company in each jurisdiction in Canada in which the Company is a reporting issuer, including trades in the Companys common shares made through the Canadian Securities Exchange, for as long as the FFCTO remains in effect; however, the FFCTO provides an exception for beneficial securityholders of the Company who are not currently (and who were not as of February 3, 2023) insiders or control persons of the Company and who sell securities of the Company acquired before February 3, 2023 if both of the following criteria are met: (i) the sale is made through a foreign organized regulated market, as defined in section 1.1 of the Universal Market Integrity Rules of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada and (ii) the sale is made through an investment dealer registered in a jurisdiction of Canada in accordance with applicable securities legislation. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to remedy its filing default and have the FFCTO lifted in a timely manner or at all. The Company is not currently subject to any insolvency proceedings. The Company also confirms that there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed as of the date of this press release For more information please contact: James GreigChief Executive OfficerProspect Park Capital Corp.Tel: (778) 788-2745 Neither the CSE nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contain herein. This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information relates to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as intends, expects or anticipates, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would or will potentially or likely occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as forward-looking statements, are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to managements expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: statements with respect to the anticipated timing for filing the Documents. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to the failure of the Company to receive the required corporate and regulatory approvals, including CSE approval, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Companys disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the Company receiving the required corporate and regulatory approvals, including CSE approval. 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, 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. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement referred to herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Source: Prospect Park Capital Corp. WAYNE, Pa., Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX), a leading global provider of medical technologies, today announced it was awarded a group purchasing organization (GPO) agreement with Premier, Inc. for the Titan SGS powered stapling device, expanding access to this innovative technology for surgeons affiliated with Premier. The Titan SGS device is a sterile, single patient use instrument used for longitudinal transection and resection of the gastric tissue for sleeve gastrectomy pouch creation.1 It is the only stapler available in the United States with a specific indication for sleeve pouch creation in bariatric procedures. The GPO agreement allows Premier members, at their discretion, the opportunity to take advantage of special pricing and terms pre-negotiated by Premier for the Titan SGS device. Its an honor to be selected as a supplier for Premier. They are committed to providing innovative medical devices to surgeons and healthcare providers. We are excited to work with them to provide the advanced technology of Titan SGS, said James Ferguson, President and General Manager, Surgical, Teleflex. The Titan SGS powered stapling device offers a range of benefits: Shown to cut stapling time for a sleeve gastrectomy in half with one 55-second firing sequence2,3 Helps surgeons deliver a more consistent and repeatable gastric sleeve anatomy with the industrys longest continuous staple line of 23cm with no overlapping staples3 Because it has been shown to take approximately half the time to create the staple line compared to existing short cartridge linear staplers,2,4 it can also potentially improve procedure time and operational efficiencies3,4 More than 6,000 sleeve gastrectomy procedureslaparoscopic and robotic-assistedhave been completed across the United States using Titan SGS technology since its introduction to the market in 2021. We are thrilled Premier awarded Teleflex this contract for the Titan SGS. We see this as another opportunity to put the transformational technology of Titan SGS into the hands of bariatric surgeons across the country, said Ronald Galovich, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Surgical, Teleflex Incorporated. Surgeons interested in learning more about Titan SGS device or to request training can visit https://education.standardbariatrics.com/. Premier is a leading healthcare improvement company, uniting an alliance of approximately 4,400 U.S. hospitals and 250,000 other providers to transform healthcare. With integrated data and analytics, collaboratives, supply chain solutions, consulting and other services, Premier enables better care and outcomes at a lower cost. About Teleflex IncorporatedTeleflex is a global provider of medical technologies designed to improve the health and quality of peoples lives. We apply purpose driven innovation a relentless pursuit of identifying unmet clinical needs to benefit patients and healthcare providers. Our portfolio is diverse, with solutions in the fields of vascular access, interventional cardiology and radiology, anesthesia, emergency medicine, surgical, urology and respiratory care. Teleflex employees worldwide are united in the understanding that what we do every day makes a difference. For more information, please visit teleflex.com. Teleflex is the home of Arrow, Deknatel, LMA, Pilling, QuikClot, Rusch, UroLift, and Weck trusted brands united by a common sense of purpose. About Standard Bariatrics, Inc.Standard Bariatrics, Inc., now part of Teleflex, is focused on the development and commercialization of products for the surgical treatment of obesity. Driven by a passionate group of surgical innovators, the organization works hand in hand with bariatric surgeons to develop and release novel solutions designed to address the growing global epidemic of obesity. The team offers extensive experience in creating and bringing to market bariatric-related medical device technologies. They have a demonstrated record of achieving clinical excellence with economically responsible solutions for providers and their patients. Forward-Looking StatementsAny statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on our management's current beliefs and expectations, but are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances, which may cause actual results or company actions to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by these statements. These risks and uncertainties are identified and described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Teleflex, the Teleflex logo, Arrow, Deknatel, LMA, Pilling, QuikClot, Rusch, Titan SGS, Standard Bariatrics, UroLift, and Weck are trademarks or registered trademarks of Teleflex Incorporated or its affiliates, in the U.S. and/or other countries. 2023 Teleflex Incorporated. All rights reserved. References:1510(k) No. K210278. 28 Apr 2021. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf21/K210278.pdf 2Standard Bariatrics, Inc., Section 510(k) Premarket Notification Submission for Titan SGS. Prepared 28 Jan 2021. 3Salyer, C. E., Thompson, J., Hoffman, A., Burstein, M. D., Enochs, P., Watkins, B. M., Kuethe, J., & Goodman, M. D. (2022). Multisite Study of Titan SGS Stapler in longitudinal gastric resection. Surgical Endoscopy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-022-09051-x 4Varban, O. A., Niemann, A., Stricklen, A., Ross, R., Ghaferi, A. A., Finks, J. F., & Dimick, J. B. (Aug 2017). Far from Standardized: Using Surgical Videos to Identify Variation in Technique for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques. Part A, 27(8), 761767. https://doi.org/10.1089/lap.2017.0184 Contacts:Teleflex Lawrence KeuschVice President, Investor Relations and Strategy Development John Hsu, CFAVice President, Investor Relations [email protected]610-948-2836 Source: Teleflex Incorporated New York, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Philux Global Group, Inc. (a/k/a PHI Group, Inc.; www.philuxglobal.com, PHIL), announced today that Thanh Nam Long Co., Ltd., a Vietnamese construction and infrastructure development company, has signed an agreement with Philux Global Group, Inc., the parent and sponsor of PHILUX Global Funds SCA, SICAV-RAIF, to join PHILUX Infrastructure Fund, a Luxembourg-based infrastructure fund focusing on the development and implementation of selective infrastructure projects in Vietnam and other geographical areas that are compatible with the investment philosophy and strategy of the fund. As one of the fastest growing economies in ASEAN, Vietnam is currently demanding for more foreign financial investment and technical assistance to narrow its infrastructure gap. According to the Global Infrastructure Outlook, Vietnam requires an investment of US$605 billion to meet 83 per cent of its infrastructure goals by 2040. Among the sectors that have been given utmost priorities are the urban transportation, road, rail and port infrastructure. Currently, just 20 per cent of the countrys national roads are paved, and a recently approved plan to build Vietnam's North-South high-speed railway, which allows passengers to travel between capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in about eight hours, will cost about 26 billion U.S. dollars. The rising population in major cities in recent years has strained and exceeded capacity of the existing connectivity networks and utilities systems. With 50% of Vietnams population expected to be living in cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are building rapid transit systems exceeding US$22 billion in the hope of reducing private vehicle ownership and improving air quality. Various expressway projects are planned and underway to improve connectivity within major cities. Similarly, development and upgrading of urban utilities infrastructure are announced and there are 44 planed PPP projects with total investment value worth up to US$ 120 billion in the road and power sectors. PHILUX Global Funds SCA, SICAV-RAIF (www.philuxfunds.com), is a Luxembourg-based bank fund with an intent to initially hold Philux Global Select Growth Fund, Philux Energy Fund and Philux Infrastructure Fund for investment in real estate, infrastructure, renewable energy and healthcare as well as the Asia Diamond Exchange (ADE) in the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, Quang Nam Province, and the Multi-Logistics Center near the new Long Thanh International Airport, Long Thanh District, Vietnam. This will be the first rough diamond exchange in Southeast Asia, expected to be comparable with diamond exchanges in Antwerp (https://www.awdc.be/) and Dubai (https://www.dmcc.ae/gateway-to-trade/commodities/diamonds). Through Philux Infrastructure Fund, Thanh Nam Long Construction Co. will partner with Philux Global Group to develop and invest in the Ho Chi Minh Moc Bai, Tay Ninh Expressway and other select infrastructure projects in Vietnam, including but not limited to the Asia Diamond Exchange, the Multi-Logistics Center in Long Thanh District, Dong Nai Province and other expressway, highway, seaport and industrial zone projects. Nguyen Thanh Long, Chairman of Thanh Nam Long Construction Co., Ltd., commented: We are very pleased to join PHILUX Infrastructure Fund and partner with Philux Global Group to respond to the growing needs of infrastructure development in Vietnam and strongly believe that by combining our experiences and expertise we will be able to achieve significant goals through our cooperation. Henry Fahman, Chairman and CEO of Philux Global Group, stated: We are delighted to partner with Thanh Nam Long to advance the PHILUX Infrastructure Fund for Vietnam and are confident that we will be well positioned to serve Vietnams infrastructure needs as well as create significant benefits for both companies, our shareholders and all other stakeholders involved. About PHILUX Global Funds and Philux Global Group PHILUX Global Funds SCA, SICAV-RAIF is a Luxembourg-based bank fund (www.philuxfunds.com) intending to hold several sub-fund compartments for investment in real estate, infrastructure, renewable energy and healthcare as well as the Asia Diamond Exchange (ADE) in the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, Quang Nam Province, and the proposed Multi-Logistics Center near the new Long Thanh International Airport, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam Philux Global Group, Inc.(www.philuxglobal.com), (PHIL), a/k/a PHI Group, Inc., primarily focuses on mergers and acquisitions and invests in select industries and special situations that may substantially enhance shareholder value. In addition, the Companys wholly-owned subsidiary, PHILUX Capital Advisors, Inc. (www.philuxcapital.com) provides M&A consulting services and assists companies to go public and access international capital markets. About Thanh Nam Long Construction Co., Ltd. Thanh Nam Long Construction Co., Ltd. is a limited liability company in Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam. The company is engaged in construction and infrastructure development in Vietnam and managed by experienced and dedicated managers and well-trained, professional staff with advanced construction equipment and machinery. Thanh Nam Long has been a prestigious participant in multiple large-scale, high-quality construction projects in Vietnam. 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. +1-714-793-9227, [email protected]Source: PHI Group, Inc. Source: PHI Group, Inc. NEW YORK, NY, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vortex Metals Inc. (TSXV: VMS) (OTCQB: VMSSF) (FSE: DM8), is a development and exploration-stage junior mining company with three high potential properties in two regions of Mexico. The company is preparing to drill on its two flagship properties in Oaxaca, Mexico. These projects are the legacy of the late David M. Jones, a renowned geologist affectionately known in the industry as a mine finder, who spent many years exploring and developing drill targets at Vortexs two copper-gold projects in the state of Oaxaca. It was his opinion that these properties could be his next significant discovery, and for Vortex, his work and endorsement alone make the company a promising ground-floor opportunity in the metals and mining sector. David Jones was certainly no stranger to successfully identifying mineral rich properties. After all, hes credited with spearheading the discovery of 7.43 million ounces of gold and 52.54 million ounces of silver that eventually became known as Los Filos, one of the largest gold deposits in the world, which is now owned by Equinox Gold Corp. Jones also created the geological model responsible for multiple discoveries in an area of Mexico known as the Guerrero Gold Belt where over 31-million ounces of gold have been discovered to date. Its an endorsement that should have Vortex Metals and its investors especially bullish about the potential of its properties. Specifically, David Jones identified an underexplored Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) belt in Oaxaca, he then spent years guiding an extensive exploration program of the area that consisted of geologic mapping, geochemical sampling and geophysics where he identified multiple VMS drill targets. The area he explored has since become Vortexs two flagship copper-gold projects, Riqueza Marina and Zaachila, in southern Oaxaca. Before his death in December 2021, Jones was believed that this could be his next significant discovery. The work done by Jones and his team produced 847 rock samples, 766 soil samples (Niton XRF), 1,124 gravity stations and 93 line-kilometers of magnetics over both the Riqueza Marina and Zaachila concessions. And according to the company, Jones hand-selected five high-potential target areas based on the geology, geochemistry, and geophysics included in his work with the goal of discovering a large mineralized system. Those five targets are now set to be drilled with the drill permitting process underway. Vortex executives, including founder and Executive Chairman, Michael Williams, have assumed the mantle and will continue the work Jones started, and theyll do so with the two copper-gold properties in southern Oaxaca and a third high-potential gold property, El Rescate, in Puebla, Mexico. Lets focus on the two drill-ready projects. What is it about the Riqueza Marina and Zaachila projects that make them so attractive? Simply put, both properties enjoy highly prospective geology, theyre also both ideally situated to benefit from the local infrastructure, and Vortex has surrounded itself with the necessary expertise to be successful. Much of the key geology rests on the fact that both properties lie in an underexplored VMS belt, and Vortex controls 2 of the 3 most promising VMS exploration plays in a region known as the Oaxaca VMS Belt. Globally, VMS deposits are one of the richest sources of base metals such as copper, zinc and lead, and these deposits can also produce economic amounts of gold and silver. These deposits originally form on or below the ocean floor and are typically associated with volcanic and/or sedimentary rocks. VMS deposits are found worldwide and often form in clusters or camps, following the tectonic plate boundaries in areas of ancient underwater volcanic activity. These natural processes take place deep in the earths crust and have been going on for 3.4 billion years. So, how did Vortexs two properties in the Oaxaca VMS Belt come to be potentially so mineral rich? VMS deposits begin in areas where the earths crust is thin due to faulting or separation of tectonic plates, and the magma heats up the ocean floor. As the heated ground cracks and begins a process that draws the ocean water into the crust, it becomes super-heated and saturated with minerals. Black/White Smokers then expel this mineral-rich seawater back to the surface where the minerals are spread out and come to rest over the ocean floor. Then, over time, the continual activity of the smokers and their mineral-rich plumes create mineralized beds that become VMS deposits. With the movement of the earths tectonic plates, these mineral-rich beds are relocated and can be found on land that was once underwater. Interestingly, Black Smokers were discovered on both properties in what can be described as an extremely rare and geologically significant occurrence. Both of Vortexs properties feature geology that includes cretaceous meta-volcanic and sedimentary VMS rocks, including mafic pillow basalts, andesites, rhyolite tuffs/flows/domes, and extensive silica exhalites. Riqueza Marina and Zaachila incorporate potentially the most highly prospective areas of high-grade copper mineralized surface exposures (gossans) and prominent gravity anomalies along an emerging copper-gold VMS belt that also includes Minaurum Gold's Santa Marta project. Additionally, the geological characteristics/features found on Zaachila, according to renowned VMS expert and Vortexs technical advisor, Dr. James Franklin, point towards a bimodal mafic VMS system. This according to Dr. Franklin, bears a similarity to the Noranda Camp (Canada) deposits, and other large VMS deposits in Latin America, including Tambo Grande, San Nicholas, and Campo Morado. Vortexs Riqueza Marina is made up of three mineral leases totaling 12,041 hectares or 120.4 square kilometers (46.5 sq. miles) while its Zaachila project is spread out over 3,264 hectares or 32.6 square kilometers (12.6 sq. miles). Vikas Ranjan, Vortexs Chief Executive Officer, said of the Riqueza Marina property, The previous exploration work conducted, to date, by the late David Jones provides Vortex with multiple outstanding targets and opportunities. Given the size of the anomalies to date and evidence of mineralization encountered at surface, we feel Riqueza Marina presents a unique opportunity. The company has also stated that through sampling studies, it has identified a 5-kilometer trend of copper-gold surface mineralization on the Zaachila project. While each of the two flagship properties are in varying stages of development, the company has laid out the specifics on both Riqueza Marina: https://vortexmetals.ca/riqueza-marina-copper-gold-vms-project/ and Zaachila: https://vortexmetals.ca/zaachila-project-copper-gold-vms-project/ Fundamentally, it is the geology that is paramount to a mining project; however, it is also the infrastructure that is key to a projects ultimate success. Both the Riqueza Marina and Zaachila projects are surrounded by rail, power and road infrastructure. The two properties have access to a broad array of resources, including two major population and economic centers, Tehuantepec and Salina Cruz, which are located within 15 to 45 minutes, respectively, of the project areas. Tehuantepec is both a city and municipality in the southeast of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Salina Cruz is a major deep-water seaport on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca. Vortex is fortunate to be proximal to Latin Americas largest wind farm, the 8,000 MW Eurus Wind Farm. This could be a potential supplier of green energy for both properties. In addition to the invaluable exploration work done by David Jones and his team, Vortex has surrounded its projects with the expertise necessary to deliver success. Vortexs senior geologist, Robert J. Johansing, who has 40 years of experience as a mining and mineral exploration geologist, was a colleague of David Jones. Johansing has been tasked with executing the exploration strategies at Riqueza Marina and Zaachila. As author of the companys recent NI 43-101 Report, Johansing spent considerable time with David Jones and on the companys properties. Meanwhile, Dr. James Franklin, Vortexs technical advisor, pioneered the development of models and techniques to guide exploration for VMS deposits and led ocean-based research of black smoker systems to understand how VMS deposits form. Again, Vortex has the geology, the infrastructure, and the expertise to succeed, and given VMS deposits have the potential for long-term production due to the formation of clusters or camps of deposits or ore lenses in close proximity, and the polymetallic nature of the ore, the company could realize many years of successes ahead on both properties. And the timing couldnt be more perfect given current global pressures to go green. The acceleration towards lowering carbon output through alternative energy sources has become a top priority around the world, particularly in the transportation sector, and copper will play a major role in the growing electric vehicle market. All types of electric vehicles require a substantial amount of copper, including in batteries, wiring, the charging infrastructure, and in electric motors. Copper also plays an extremely large role in the production of solar and wind power. Vortex Metals is ideally positioned to become a player in a host of green markets that will require a seemingly endless supply of copper for many decades to come. To learn more about Vortex Metals Inc., visit https://vortexmetals.ca/ About Vortex Metals Inc. Vortex Metals Inc. engages in the exploration of copper-gold properties in Mexico. It holds 100% interest in two copper-gold volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) properties, including the Riqueza Marina and Zaachila copper-gold projects located in the state of Oaxaca. The company is based in Toronto, Canada. About Stock Market Media Group Stock Market Media Group is a News and Media content development IR firm offering a platform for corporate stories to unfold in the media with press releases, feature news articles, research reports, corporate videos, and radio-style CEO interviews. This article was written based on publicly available information. Stock Market Media Group may, from time to time, include our own opinions about the companies, their business, markets and opportunities in our articles. Any opinions we may offer about any of the companies we write about are solely our own and are made in reliance upon our rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and are provided solely for the general opinionated discussion of our readers. Our opinions should not be considered to be complete, precise, accurate, or current investment advice, or construed or interpreted as research. Any investment decisions you may make concerning any of the securities we write about are solely your responsibility based on your own due diligence. Our publications are provided only as an informational aid, and as a starting point for doing additional independent research. We encourage you to invest carefully and read the investor information available at the web site of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. We also recommend, as a general rule, that before investing in any securities, you consult with a professional financial planner or advisor, and you should conduct a complete and independent investigation before investing in any security after prudent consideration of all pertinent risks. We are not a registered broker, dealer, analyst, or advisor. We hold no investment licenses and may not sell, offer to sell, or offer to buy any security. Our publications about Vortex Metals are not a recommendation to buy or sell a security. Should Stock Market Media Group and its management own shares in the profiled company, they may benefit from any increase in the share price of the profiled companies and hold the right to sell the shares bought at any given time including shortly after the release of the companys profile. Section 17(b) of the 1933 Securities and Exchange Act requires publishers who distribute information about publicly traded securities for compensation, to disclose who paid them, the amount, and the type of payment. Under the Securities Act of 1933, Section 17(b), Stock Market Media Group discloses that it was remunerated one-thousand, three hundred dollars paid for by a third party via bank wire, to produce this content related to Vortex Metals. Stock Market Media Group and its management do not own any shares in Vortex Metals and never accepts compensation in free-trading shares for its marketing services of the company being profiled, however third parties that have compensated Stock Market Media Group may hold free-trading shares of the company being profiled and could very well be selling, holding or buying shares of the companys stock at the same time the content is being disseminated to potential investors; this should be viewed as a definite conflict of interest and as such, the reader should take this into consideration. If Stock Market Media Group ever accepts compensation in the form of free trading shares of the company being profiled and decides to sell these shares into the public market at any time before, during, or after the release of the companys profile, our disclaimer will be updated accordingly to reflect the current position of any free trading shares received as compensation for our services. For more information: www.stockmarketmediagroup.com Contact: Stock Market Media Group [email protected] Source: Vortex Metals Inc. FILE PHOTO: The sign outside the Wells Fargo & Co. bank in downtown Denver April 13, 2016. REUTERS/Rick Wilking By Jody Godoy (Reuters) -Wells Fargo & Co agreed to pay $300 million to settle a shareholder lawsuit claiming the bank hid that it had pushed unnecessary insurance on auto loan customers, according to documents filed in U.S. court on Tuesday. The Construction Laborers Pension Trust for Southern California, which led the class action brought on behalf of investors, said in federal court in San Francisco that Wells Fargo and its former chief executive, Timothy Sloan, had agreed to settle. The bank did not admit wrongdoing. The deal requires approval from U.S. Judge James Donato, who is overseeing the case. Trial in the case had been scheduled for Feb. 27. "While we disagree with the allegations in this case, we are pleased to have resolved this legacy issue," a Wells Fargo spokesperson said in a statement. An attorney who represents Sloan did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Scott Saham of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd, the law firm representing Wells Fargo shareholders, said the settlement "is part of remediating the entire spectrum of harm that you get in a complex fraud case." The lawsuit stems from one of the San Francisco-based bank's past scandals over sales practices that resulted in government investigations and fines. Wells Fargo disclosed in July 2017 that hundreds of thousands of customers had been unnecessarily charged for "collateral protection insurance," which covers auto lenders when borrowers are uninsured. The bank said it had learned of concerns a year earlier. Shareholders sued in 2018, alleging Wells Fargo misled them when Sloan said in November 2016 that he was "not aware of any issues" when asked about the bank's sales practices and culture. The bank also concealed auto insurance issues from the U.S. Senate Banking Committee in November 2016, the investors alleged. The lawsuit sought damages for investors who bought Wells Fargo shares between Nov. 3, 2016, and Aug. 3, 2017, the day before the bank disclosed further details. Wells Fargo settled an auto borrower class action in 2019 for $386 million without admitting wrongdoing. In 2018, Wells Fargo agreed to pay $1 billion to U.S. regulators to settle probes of its auto insurance and mortgage practices. (Reporting by Jody Godoy; Editing by Noeleen Walder, Chizu Nomiyama, Nick Zieminski and Jonathan Oatis) FIREWORKS Communications Announces the Launch of Its Solarfire Content Marketing Services. To Support Green Companies, and Their Positive Impact on Climate Change, FIREWORKS Is Offering a Special Consulting and Pricing Package. Austin, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - February 6, 2023) - FIREWORKS Communications is proud to launch a content development, branding and content marketing program in January of this year. Offered initially to Solar, Green and ESG companies, the customized, services program will expedite the process for these companies to expand their reach. SolarFire platform offers content creation and promotion on platforms reaching over 10 million consumers per month. Green Energy Content Marketing Service Launched By FIREWORKS Communications To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/153691_96940dfb94679900_001full.jpg The team at SolarFire media has worked with hundreds of clients creating quality articles, podcasts, videos, and other types of digital content. They utilize unique strategies and tools to make the process of increasing visibility both cost-effective and seamless for FIREWORKS clients. Although the SolarFire media service can benefit any client, Cynthia Baker of FIREWORKS Communications wants to focus on serving solar, green and ESG clients starting in 2023 and provides a special service to them since "their success is our success" when climate change is reduced. "Solar and green companies need to educate their public on what they can accomplish and how they can reduce climate change," states Baker. "Often their products and services are complex and require more explanation. Massive content campaigns give the company the time needed to discuss the industry issues they are addressing. With this background, the company can then share their expertise and build brand authority." With complimentary consultations in January on strategy and the applications of the SolarFire content service, the FIREWORKS Communications team will support green tech companies with a marketing edge. FIREWORKS is providing personalized support and pricing for green technology companies to set a 2023 marketing plan that can be accomplished without slowing down the in-house team. FIREWORKS can assist clients with marketing strategy, content development, repurposing of content for different mediums, and ensuring optimal digital distribution. The quality and quantity of informational content published naturally builds brand awareness, traffic, and Google rankings as well as visibility online and brand credibility. As an example, solar solutions do not consist of simply solar panels, but include battery storage, maintenance programs and even back-to-the-grid solutions. The benefits and requirements for tax breaks also differ from state-to-state. Vendors can get a head start on the sales process by educating the public on these products and services so they are informed consumers ready to make a decision. Also, by building a marketing plan for utilizing major and long-tail keyword strategies on each service or product, a client will gain stronger and stronger Google rankings over time. About FIREWORKS Communications The FIREWORKS Communications team focuses on developing brand authority for Solar, Green and ESG companies. They work to gain a marketing edge so these companies can make a difference in combating climate change and helping the Earth. The FIREWORKS Communications' team uses proprietary strategies and tools to manage content development across a wide-ranging network of online media partners. For more information, visit: FIREWORKS Communications.com and SolarFiremedia.com Reach Cynthia Baker on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiabaker/ Contact Info: Name: Cynthia Baker Email: [email protected] Organization: FIREWORKS Communications LLC Address: 5900 Balcones Woods, Ste.100, Austin, TX 78731, United States Website: https://fireworkscommunications.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153691 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - LevelJump Healthcare Corp. (TSXV: JUMP) (OTCQB: JMPHF) (FSE: 75J) ("LevelJump" or the "Company"), a Canadian leader in B2B telehealth solutions, is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary Canadian Teleradiology Services, Inc. ("CTS") has established a new daytime radiology reading group. CTS has established a new daytime teleradiology reading group to provide radiologist reporting for clinical work. This service provides radiology results for medical imaging modality studies such as mammography, ultrasound, and x-ray. The service includes emergency STAT delivery times for our patients. The new group has started to read for our existing IHF centers and will offer services to other healthcare facilities as well. CTS has specialized in afterhours and overnight hospital service for more than 18 years and has positioned itself to now offer daytime service to clients in Canada. With this migration bringing our radiology reading for our IHF centers in house, CTS should now see an increase in annual revenues of over 5%. Management estimates that with this new business, along with the recently announced new hospital contract, CTS should have approximately $11,000,000 in revenue in 2023. "CTS continues to build out its operations, increasing revenues and providing valuable services to Canadian communities. We are adding new growth opportunities while providing critical care for patients," said Mitch Geisler, CEO. About LevelJump Healthcare LevelJump Healthcare Corp., (TSXV: JUMP) is building a national telehealth medical company and brand, currently by providing teleradiology (remote radiology) services to its client hospitals and imaging centers. Additionally, JUMP owns and operates independent healthcare facilities (IHF's) focused on diagnostic imaging. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF LEVELJUMP HEALTHCARE CORP. Caitlin-Robyn Densmore, Investor Relations Manager [email protected] (437) 214-1568 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the Company's business plans and the outlook of the Company's industry. Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release and the Company assumes no responsibility to update them or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances other than as required by applicable securities laws. The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of the Company, Canadian Teleradiology Services, Inc., their securities, or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable). Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The securities being offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153835 Continuing to extend a high-grade mineralized envelope far beyond historical drilling in the Purdex Zone on McFarlane's High Lake Property. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - McFarlane Lake Mining Limited (NEO: MLM) (OTCQB: MLMLF) ("McFarlane" or the "Company"), a Canadian mineral exploration and development company, is pleased to provide a further update on the progress made at the Company's High Lake property in Ontario, near the Ontario-Manitoba Border. To date, McFarlane has completed 42 holes totalling 9,217 metres and received assays for 21 holes. Drilling in hole MLM-22-17 has intersected 148.37 g/t gold over 1.3 metres from 113.20 to 114.50 as measured in drill core length from surface, including 538.00 g/t gold over 0.3 metres. Visible gold was evident within this high-grade interval. This drill hole also includes a second intersection from 56.00 to 60.60 of 3.89 g/t gold over 4.6 metres. Hole MLHL-22-25, approximately 100 metres vertically below MLM-22-17, intersected 6.85 g/t gold over 2.97 metres, including 27.50 g/t gold over 0.60 metres. "Our drilling results to date are identifying several high-grade mineralized trends that extend down to 300 metres below surface in the prospective Purdex Zone at High Lake," said Bob Kusins, Vice President of Geology at McFarlane. "Clearly, gold mineralization extends beyond the historical intercepts below 100 metres, and ongoing drilling will help us define how extensive these trends continue about the current results." The results of our drilling to date are beginning to outline a mineralized zone defined by a steeply dipping en echelon vein system occurring within a broader structural zone at or about the contact between quartz-feldspar porphyry and mafic volcanics. The porphyry and mafics are often highly sheared and may display silicification or sericitization. The veins are typically quartz-tourmaline, with tourmaline occurring within and along the vein contacts. The veins generally have low sulphide content, often mineralized with up to 1% pyrite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite, with occasional lesser sphalerite and arsenopyrite. Gold occurs within quartz-tourmaline veins and in the adjacent sheared and altered host lithologies. Previous drill results showing attractive gold mineralization at High Lake were released by the company on December 12, 2022, January 9, 2023, and January 25, 2023. The mineralized zone, along with our current drill results to date with multiple high-grade intersections is shown in figure 1 below. Figure 1 - Longitudinal Section of Diamond Drill Holes To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8133/153897_62741e37045e98f5_002full.jpg Note: non-compliant historical resources on High Lake were outlined to only 100 metres below surface. Use the following link for the historic resource disclosure statement, which is located on the Company's website: mcfarlanelakemining.com/historic-resource-disclosure. "With only about half of the drilling results to date, we are pleased to see the continued development of a potential mineralized zone with multiple high-grade intersections in the Purdex Zone," added Roger Emdin, COO of McFarlane. "We look forward to receiving further drill results from this campaign and potentially defining a 43-101 compliant resource at High Lake." Significant intersections are summarized in Table 1. Collar locations and details of the holes with assays received are summarized in Table 2. Table 1: Significant Intersections. Hole ID From metres To metres Length metres Gold grams/tonne MLHL-22-17 56.00 60.60 4.60 3.89 MLHL-22-17 113.20 114.50 1.30 148.37 including 113.50 113.80 0.30 538.00 MLHL-22-25 202.1 205.07 2.97 6.85 including 204.47 205.07 0.60 27.50 Reported as core length as insufficient drilling to ascertain true width. Table 2: Collar Location Details (NAD83 Zone 15). Hole ID Easting (mE) Northing (mN) Azimuth Deg. Dip Deg. Length m MLHL-22-10 350137 5508891 200.0 -49.5 99.0 MLHL-22-14 350169 5508987 207.2 -70.9 357.0 MLHL-22-17 350049 5508927 205.6 -70.5 126.0 MLHL-22-25 350039 5509034 200.7 -63.9 303.0 MLHL-22-36 350008 5509071 204.2 -68.3 351.0 Results from the remaining holes of the drill program will be released when they are available. A technical report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") with respect to the High Lake and West Hawk Lake properties is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at https://mcfarlanelakemining.com. QA/QC Control Procedures McFarlane Lake has implemented a Quality Assurance/ Quality Control (QA/QC) program consistent with industry best practices. The drill core is being logged and sampled at a nearby facility with sawn half-core samples, including QA/QC samples, being sent to an accredited lab (Actlabs) in Thunder Bay, Ontario, for processing. The remaining half core has been retained in a locked facility for future examination. Certified reference material (CRM) standards and blanks are inserted every 10 samples into the sample stream. Gold was analyzed by 30-gram fire assay with AA-finish. Samples above 5 grams per tonne gold were re-assayed for gold with a gravimetric finish, while those above 10 grams per tonne were re-assayed utilizing the pulp metallic method. Qualified Person The technical contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Robert Kusins, Vice President of Geology of McFarlane. Mr. Kusins is a qualified person, as defined by NI 43-101. However, Mr. Kusins is not independent of the Company by virtue of his position. About McFarlane Lake Mining Limited McFarlane is a mineral exploration company focused on the exploration and development of the High Lake mineral property located immediately east of the Ontario-Manitoba border and the West Hawk Lake mineral property located immediately west of the Ontario-Manitoba border. In addition, McFarlane holds the McMillan and Mongowin mineral property located 70 km west of Sudbury, which hosts the past-producing McMillan Gold Mine. McFarlane also owns the Michaud/Munro mineral property situated 115 km east of Timmins along the so-called "Golden Highway". McFarlane is a "reporting issuer" under applicable securities legislation in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. Additional information on McFarlane can be found by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release, including without limitation; anticipated results of geophysical surveys or drilling programs, estimated timing, geological interpretations and potential mineral recovery processes. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of McFarlane to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Filing Statement dated as of January 14, 2022, which is available for view on SEDAR at www.SEDAR.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release, and McFarlane disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. McFarlane's operations could be significantly adversely affected by the effects of a widespread global outbreak of a contagious disease, including the recent outbreak of illness caused by COVID-19. It is not possible to accurately predict the impact COVID-19 will have on operations and the ability of others to meet their obligations, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of travel and quarantine restrictions imposed by governments of affected countries. In addition, a significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could further affect operations and the ability to finance its operations. Further Information For further information regarding this press release, please contact: Roger Emdin, Chief Operating Officer McFarlane Lake Mining Limited (705) 562-8520 [email protected] Craig McPhail NATIONAL (416) 525-5709 [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153897 Infectious disease leader brings over three decades of democratizing and scaling HIV prevention and treatment to underserved communities PLANO, Texas, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Avita Care Solutions, a national health care services organization committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and inclusive health care solutions to underserved communities, has appointed Christopher Hall, MD, MS, AAHIVS, as its inaugural chief medical officer. Dr. Hall has devoted his career to fighting health inequities among the underserved, particularly those affected by HIV. Dr. Hall has devoted his career to fighting health inequities among the underserved, particularly those affected by HIV. At Avita, he leads providers at Q Care Plus, the organization's community-focused telehealth solution, and AvitaCare Atlanta, its Atlanta medical center and pharmacy, in the delivery of high-quality, affordable, and easily accessible patient care in a trusted environment. "We're honored that Dr. Hall has joined Avita," says Avita Chief Executive Officer Michael Yount. "As an authority in the fields of HIV prevention and treatment, LGBTQ+ care, and sexual wellnessas well as a staunch advocate for health care as a human righthis leadership will be fundamental to removing barriers for patients and covered entities across the care continuum." "Offering seamless, holistic health care to underserved communities is an 'all-hands-on-deck' situation," says Hall. "That's the beautiful thing about Avita Care Solutions. Whether it's telehealth or traditional care in an onsite clinic setting, all our providers are dedicated to working in tandem with our covered entity partners to offer patients quality, respectful, affordable care wherever they feel most comfortable." Before joining Avita, Dr. Hall served as chief medical officer of Q Care Plus. He also has served in diverse roles in medical practices and local, state, and national organizations, where he led policy, research, and program development initiatives to bring HIV awareness and prevention to marginalized communities. Dr. Hall received his MD from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, completed the Internal Medicine Internship and a year of Residency at Brigham & Women's Hospital (part of Harvard University), and fast-tracked to the Infectious Disease Fellowship Program at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Hall is honored to serve as Medical Director for Face to Face, a legacy HIV/AIDS service organization in Sonoma County, Calif., and remains a medical consultant for the California Prevention Training Center's California STD Warmline and an STI/HIV expert for RubiconMD. ABOUT AVITA CARE SOLUTIONS Avita Care Solutions is committed to promoting health equities by providing comprehensive, compassionate, and inclusive health care and pharmacy services to underserved communities. Avita's community care management strategy enables patients and covered entities to remove barriers across the care continuum by providing pharmacy services, program administration, digital health, and delivery of clinical care for more than 145,000 patients and 320+ covered entities at 65+ locations. To learn more, visit AvitaCareSolutions.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/avita-care-solutions-names-dr-christopher-hall-first-chief-medical-officer-301741015.html SOURCE Avita Care Solutions Blue Shield is first health plan in California to implement digital diabetes reversal solution across multiple lines of business. OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California today announced an expanded partnership with Virta Health, the leader in type 2 diabetes reversal, as Virta joins the nonprofit health plan's statewide provider network for 2023. Virta is the first digital diabetes solution to be fully covered for eligible members under Blue Shield's benefits program. Combining advanced telehealth technology and clinically proven personalized nutrition, Virta's approach helps patients reverse type 2 diabetes and other chronic metabolic diseases. It becomes available this month to Blue Shield members enrolled in Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans for Individual and Family, Fully Insured, Administrative Services Only (ASO), and Medicare Advantage. Blue Shield is the first health plan in the state to offer Virta's solution to members across multiple lines of business. Since 2019, Blue Shield members with diabetes who enrolled in the nonprofit health plan's Wellvolution digital apps lifestyle program have had access to Virta. Since then, Virta has helped Wellvolution participants achieve positive outcomes in blood sugar control and weight loss while reducing or eliminating the need for diabetes medications. "After seeing the life-changing results achieved for our members through Virta and Wellvolution, we were convinced we should offer Virta more broadly under Blue Shield's benefits program," said Susan Fleischman, M.D., chief medical officer at Blue Shield of California. "We believe this virtual diabetes-specific network partnership will produce positive lifestyle changes and improved health for our members who suffer from diabetes." For Blue Shield members who have already been using Virta Health on Wellvolution, results after one year include: Fewer Medications: Members eliminated more than half of diabetes medications (not including metformin). Insulin dosages were reduced by nearly 70%. Clinically Significant Weight Loss: Members saw an average 7% weight loss (5% is considered clinically significant). Blood Sugar Reduction: Estimated A1c improved by 1.1% on average. Every one-point decrease in A1c (a measure of blood sugar) reduces risk of long-term diabetes complicationssuch as eye, kidney, and nerve diseaseby up to 40%. As part of Blue Shield's provider network, Virta will serve as just one arm of a member's care team. Eligible Blue Shield members can choose both a traditional provider and Virta, which will work alongside traditional providers as a virtual diabetes specialist. In-network physicians can also refer their patients to Virta. To enroll in Virta, eligible members simply go to the Virta landing page on Blue Shield's website and sign up. "The health outcomes we've seen among members with diabetes who have used Virta through Wellvolution are dramatic and sustainable," said Dr. Fleischman. "Members see a real improvement in the quality of their health, life, and optimism about the future because they typically reduce or eliminate their diabetes medications with Virta." Diabetes is among the most expensive diseases in the world. In the U.S., more than 11% of the population has diabetes, some 37.3 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "More than 3.2 million Californians are suffering unnecessarily from type 2 diabetes," said Sami Inkinen, CEO and co-founder at Virta Health. "Our expansion with Blue Shield is a great step towards finally reversing the human and financial toll of diabetes in the state." According to the American Diabetes Association, California has the largest population with diabetes and the highest costs, at nearly $40 billion. Care for people diagnosed with diabetes accounts for one in four healthcare dollars in the U.S., and more than half of that expenditure is directly attributable to diabetes. About Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax-paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with 4.7 million members, 7,800 employees, and $22.9 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid, and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed $120 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last three years to have an impact on California communities. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. About Virta Health Virta Health helps people reverse type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions. Current approaches manage disease progression through increased medication use and infrequent doctor visits. Virta reverses type 2 diabetes through innovations in technology, nutrition science, and continuous remote care from physicians and behavioral experts. In clinical studies, 94% of patients reduce or eliminate insulin use, and weight-loss exceeds FDA benchmarks by nearly 150%. Virta works with the largest health plans, employers, and government organizations and puts 100% of its fees at risk based on clinical and financial outcomes. To learn more about how Virta is transforming lives by reversing type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases, visit www.virtahealth.com or follow us on Twitter @virtahealth. CONTACT: Mashi Nyssen Blue Shield of California 510-607-2359 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blue-shield-of-california-adds-virta-health-to-its-provider-network-to-help-reverse-the-states-growing-type-2-diabetes-epidemic-301740068.html SOURCE Blue Shield of California PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Carisma Therapeutics Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative immunotherapies, announced the appointment of Lin Guey, PhD to the company's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). Dr. Guey is a leading expert in mRNA therapeutics and oversees Moderna's partnership with Carisma to develop in vivo CAR-M therapies. Dr. Guey brings nearly 15 years of drug development experience in program leadership, research and nonclinical development. Prior to joining Moderna, Dr. Guey served in senior leadership roles for Tessera, Xilio, Shire, and Pfizer. Dr. Guey received her PhD in Statistics and BS in Mathematics from Stony Brook University. The addition of Dr. Guey to the company's SAB follows the strategic collaboration agreement between Carisma and Moderna to discover, develop and commercialize in vivo engineered chimeric antigen receptor myeloid cells (CAR-M) therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Carisma's CAR-M technology is currently being evaluated with Moderna's mRNA and LNP technologies to generate and develop in vivo CAR-M therapeutics, which offer the potential for an off-the-shelf treatment that uses the patient's own cells. Clinical data presented at the SITC Annual Meeting in November 2022 for Carisma's lead anti-HER2 CAR-M demonstrated a favorable safety profile and early validation of the CAR-M mechanism of action, including detection within the tumor microenvironment (TME), remodeling and activation of the TME, and induction of anti-tumor adaptive immunity. "Dr. Guey's expertise in mRNA and LNP technologies will be instrumental in our work with in-vivo engineered myeloid cells," said Steven Kelly, Carisma President and CEO. "We are thrilled to be working with Dr. Guey as we work to advance multiple programs through pre-clinical development, and realize the potential of this exciting new approach to treating cancer." About Carisma TherapeuticsCarisma Therapeutics Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing a differentiated and proprietary cell therapy platform focused on engineered macrophages, cells that play a crucial role in both the innate and adaptive immune response. The first applications of the platform, developed in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania*, are autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-macrophages for the treatment of solid tumors. Carisma Therapeutics is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, please visit carismatx.com. *Carisma Therapeutics has licensed certain Penn-owned intellectual property from the University of Pennsylvania, and Penn's Perelman School of Medicine receives sponsored research and clinical trial funding from the company. Penn may also be entitled to receive additional financial benefits from technologies licensed and optioned to Carisma Therapeutics in the future. In addition, Penn is a co-founder of the company and holds equity interests in Carisma Therapeutics. Media Contact: Julia Stern(763) 350-5223[email protected] Important Additional Information In connection with the proposed transaction between Carisma and Sesen Bio, Sesen Bio filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (as amended, the registration statement) that includes a proxy statement of Sesen Bio and also constitutes a prospectus of Sesen Bio with respect to shares of Sesen Bio common stock to be issued in the proposed transaction (proxy statement/prospectus). The definitive proxy statement/prospectus was mailed to Sesen Bio stockholders on or about January 24, 2023. Sesen Bio may also file other relevant documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS, INCLUDING THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE MATERIALS, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders are able to obtain the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents that are filed or will be filed by Sesen Bio with the SEC free of charge from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or from Sesen Bio at the SEC Filings section of www.sesenbio.com. No Offer or Solicitation 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 jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Subject to certain exceptions to be approved by the relevant regulators or certain facts to be ascertained, a public offer will not be made directly or indirectly, in or into any jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the laws of such jurisdiction, or by use of the mails or by any means or instrumentality (including without limitation, facsimile transmission, telephone or internet) of interstate or foreign commerce, or any facility of a national securities exchange, of any such jurisdiction. Participants in the Solicitation Sesen Bio and Carisma and their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about Sesen Bio's directors and executive officers is available in Sesen Bio's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, its definitive proxy statement dated April 28, 2022 for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and its Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 31, 2022. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their interests in the proposed transaction, by security holdings or otherwise, is included in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials that are or will be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. Investors should read the definitive proxy statement/prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from Sesen Bio or the SEC's website as indicated above. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carisma-therapeutics-appoints-moderna-cso-of-external-research-ventures-lin-guey-to-scientific-advisory-board-301740847.html SOURCE Carisma Therapeutics Inc. Cooking demonstrations and exclusive dinners highlight these cruises hosted by members of Holland America Line's Culinary Council SEATTLE, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Foodies looking to learn tips, tricks and techniques from some of the world's most celebrated chefs can set sail on a Holland America Line "Culinary Cruise" with a member from the line's Culinary Council. With the extension of the program into 2023, the celebrity chefs will share their expertise and kitchen secrets on select voyages, inviting guests to explore their mutual passion for gastronomy. Celebrity chefs will share their expertise and gastronomic secrets with guests on select voyages Each "Culinary Cruise" will feature live cooking demonstrations led by the chefs, and guests will be able to bring home recipes from the presentations, learn more about the chefs at a coffee chat and dine at an intimate reservation-only dinner at Pinnacle Grill, Rudi's Sel de Mer or Nami Sushi, depending on the chef. Culinary Council chef signature dishes also will be highlighted on various restaurant menus during the cruises. "Our Culinary Cruises have proven to be popular with our guests who appreciate having access to these amazing chefs, and we're excited to have our Culinary Council members back on board in 2023," said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and guest services, Holland America Line. "We strive to cultivate unique experiences for our guests, and to learn from a renowned chocolatier or the world's foremost sushi master is something we hope they will always remember." Holland America Line's Culinary Council comprises a collection of elite chefs who bring a global influence to the dining experience across the fleet. In addition to their featured recipes in the various on-board venues, one evening in the Dining Room on every cruise has a special menu offering a collection of dishes from the Culinary Council members. 2023 CULINARY CRUISES: Ethan Stowell Koningsdam, 35-day Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas, Feb. 18 March 25, 2023, roundtrip from San Diego, California. Stowell incorporates the flavors of the Pacific Northwest on ships sailing in that region, using fresh, sustainably sourced Alaska seafood. His fare also is featured at New York Pizza and Lido Market across the fleet. Stowell is founder and CEO of ESR with an impressive roster of highly acclaimed restaurants. He was named one of the Best New Chefs in America by Food & Wine magazine and one of the Best New Chef All-Stars. David Burke Eurodam, 20-day Panama Canal, April 9-29, 2023, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Seattle, Washington. Burke enhances the menu at Pinnacle Grill, adding contemporary flavors and signature recipes. He recently opened five new restaurants, including Orchard Park by David Burke. During the pandemic, Burke's #FeedtheHeroes program cooked and delivered 100,000 meals to frontline workers and charities. He has been featured on "Iron Chef America" and "Top Chef Masters." Jacques Torres Zaandam, 11-day The Atlantic Coast, April 18-29, 2023, from Fort Lauderdale to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. In addition to the cooking demo, exclusive dinner and coffee chat, Torres will host Holland America Line's famous Chocolate Surprise parade following dinner on one night of the cruise for all guests. A French-trained master chef and artisan chocolatier, Torres guides chocolate desserts as well as the Chocolate Surprise Dessert Parade on board. After rising to executive pastry chef at New York's legendary Le Cirque, he opened a chocolate factory and retail stores throughout New York. The James Beard Award winner is co-host and head judge on the Netflix culinary show "Nailed It" with Nicole Byer. Andy Matsuda Nieuw Amsterdam, 14-day Great Alaskan Explorer, May 7-21, 2023, roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Japanese-born Matsuda leads the sushi offerings at Nami Sushi, Tamarind and Lido Market. At Matsuda's Sushi Chef Institute in Los Angeles, California, he teaches aspiring chefs and professionals about sushi and Japanese cuisine. Matsuda is at the forefront of sushi trends and techniques. Rudi Sodamin Nieuw Statendam, 14-Day Northern Isles, June 18 July 2, 2023, roundtrip from Copenhagen, Denmark. Austrian-born Sodamin oversees all aspects of Holland America Line's award-winning shipboard dining. Rudi's Sel de Mer is his namesake French seafood brasserie on board. His latest culinary masterpiece is an art table book called "Food Faces" that features more than 150 images of edible creations. All events are complimentary excluding the specialty dinner. Each chef will be aboard their designated "Culinary Cruise" for four to 14 days. For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com. Editors Note: Photos are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/abvqpwye. Find Holland America Line Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com. About Holland America LineHolland America Line, part of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL and NYSE: CUK), has been exploring the world for 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to each destination. Offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for 75 years longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from a Culinary Council of world-famous chefs. CONTACT: Bill Zucker, Erik Elvejord PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890 EMAIL: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holland-america-line-extends-celebrity-chef-culinary-cruises-to-2023-301740886.html SOURCE Holland America Line Educators, thought leaders, and practitioners will meet and explore innovative ideas for bridging the national skills gap and expanding K12+ computer science education TEMPE, Ariz, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys Foundation USA, a non-profit organization focused on bridging the digital divide in America, today announced the 2023 edition of its Crossroads conference series, which will be held from February 7-10th at the Infosys Tempe Innovation Hub on the Arizona State University campus. The invitation-only conference brings together over 200 distinguished participants from local and regional government, the business community, non-profit sector, and K-12 and higher education instructors to discuss ways to expand computer science education and digital skills for underrepresented communities. The event will also feature an evening reception at the Arizona Heritage Center to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of the Valley, with the Infosys Foundation offering match donations. "The future is digital. Employers in Arizona and across the nation expect the upcoming workforce to bring new digital skills to the table," said Inderpreet Sawhney, Chairperson of the Infosys Foundation USA. "But with only 53% of public high schools in the US offering foundational computer science courses, there is clearly a gap between educational pathways and industry demand. The Crossroads 2023 conference will bring together influencers, implementors, and decision makers to identify practical, implementable solutions that push the frontier of innovation in computer science education. The Foundation is excited to host this event rooted in collaboration and catalyst for a more inclusive future." "The Foundation is thrilled to be welcoming back our community of committed professionals and educators who are advocating for computer science, STEM and digital skills to be an essential component of education to prepare K-12 students for the technology-enabled world," said Kate Maloney, Executive Director, Infosys Foundation USA. "Our goal for this event is to have participants leave with inspired, concrete ideas for how we can effectively expand K12+ computer science pathways for all. The Foundation is committed to building a digitally-inclusively future and this requires all stakeholders to work cohesively to bridge the gap. We want Crossroads 2023 to be the springboard to a new future that shifts the landscape of CS education." Crossroads 2023 is part of the Infosys Foundation USA's ongoing efforts to bridge the digital skills gap, in line with Infosys' 'ESG Vision 2030' commitment to bring digital skills to 10 million by 2025. The Foundation works towards its goals through educator training, national awards and advocacy, innovative partnerships with leading non-profits, and its free digital learning platforms the Pathfinders Online Institute and the Digital Academy. To learn more about the event, please visit: https://www.infosys.org/infosys-foundation-usa/initiatives/crossroads.html. About Infosys Foundation USA Infosys Foundation USA was established in 2015 with the mission of expanding computer science and maker education to K-12+ students and educators across the United States, with a specific focus on increasing access to digital skills within underrepresented communities. The Foundation achieves impact through delivering professional development programs for teachers, partnering with leading nonprofits, and delivering innovative media campaigns that inspire everyone to be creators, not just consumers, of technology. For more information, visit infosys.org/USA. About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, in more than 50 countries, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by the cloud. We enable them with an AI-powered core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, financial expectations and plans for navigating the COVID-19 impact on our employees, clients and stakeholders are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding COVID-19 and the effects of government and other measures seeking to contain its spread, risks related to an economic downturn or recession in India, the United States and other countries around the world, changes in political, business, and economic conditions, fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India and the US, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry and the outcome of pending litigation and government investigation. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1549573/Infosys_Foundation_USA_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/infosys-foundation-usa-announces-crossroads-2023-conference-in-tempe-az-301740987.html SOURCE Infosys Helping its customers' buildings work better for decades, MacDonald-Miller is aligning its corporate sustainability goals with intent and action. SEATTLE, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions announced its commitment to the MEP 2040 Challenge. The passion MacDonald-Miller has about mechanical systems has always been part of the company's holistic approach to serving its customers throughout the Pacific Northwest. Ben Gezon, engineering principal for MacDonald-Miller, said signing the commitment reflects the company's existing priorities. "We are setting up systems to achieve these recognized, measurable, and attainable goals. It helps us organize our efforts that are already aligned with the community." By adopting the MEP 2040 commitment, MacDonald-Miller confirms that it will: Establish a company plan to reduce and measure operational and embodied carbon across Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems on all projects, targeting zero carbon emissions by 2040. Request low-global warming potential refrigerants when designing systems to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emission from refrigerants. Request Environmental Product Declarations in project specifications for MEP system components. Participate in forums to share lessons learned and contribute to the growing body of knowledge. "Our commitment to leading the industry starts with our vision to demonstrate that every project has a path to a carbon neutral outcome," said Reagan J. Perry, MacDonald-Miller's president of construction. Perry said the company's role is to show clients what is possible, how they can afford to create sustainable systems, and demonstrate the return on investment they will achieve. MacDonald-Miller employs a team of world-class engineers who design creative energy-saving solutions for clients. "Engineering isn't something we do just to facilitate construction; it casts the vision for every project," he said. MacDonald-Miller is working on several major sustainability projects for clients in the Pacific Northwest, including Microsoft's carbon-free energy center on the nearly completed campus expansion. MacDonald-Miller helped design and install the thermal energy center system that provides heating and cooling for 18 buildings by using 875 geothermal wells drilled 550 feet into the ground and utilizes the constant temperatures below the Earth's surface to heat and cool the buildings. The 100% electric system incorporates heat pumps, chillers, thermal energy storage and 220 miles of pipe running throughout the campus in Redmond, Wash. Another impactful project is the ongoing design of a district energy system at the Providence-Swedish Medical Center First Hill campus in Seattle. This district energy system is designed to share energy between the hospital and nearby buildings that need more heating or cooling. By using ambient piping loops piped between buildings near its hospital, the hospital can reduce wasted energy by capturing waste heat and using it to supplement its facilities without consuming additional energy or emitting waste heat into the environment. Hospitals are the second largest consumers of energy and healthcare contributes nearly 10% of its greenhouse gases through solid particle emissions. This project contributes to Providence-Swedish's ongoing carbon neutrality efforts. This is an efficient way to conserve energy and use all the heat being paid for, versus wasting heat into the atmosphere (which is an important effort to combat the climate crisis). MacDonald-Miller's Washington technology clients aren't the only ones tackling large net-zero carbon goals. Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Ore., is exploring a geo-well and other heat pump options on its existing buildings and potential underground ambient loops to serve an energy district similar to what Microsoft is doing to make its campus carbon neutral by 2040. About MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions MacDonald-Miller's passion for making buildings work better has never wavered. As the Pacific Northwest's premier design-build mechanical contractor they approach sustainability as a holistic offering of services from design and install of geothermal central utility plants to retrofitting and servicing equipment like boilers and chillers. With state-led legislation like the Washington Clean Buildings Act, MacDonald-Miller is uniquely qualified to do what it's been doing all along, saving the planet one building at a time. The firm has also recently signed The Climate Pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 or sooner. www.macmiller.com/sustainability/ About The MEP 2040 Challenge The MEP 2040 Challenge, an initiative conceived of and developed by members of the Carbon Leadership Forum, is designed to ignite building designers, owners, and manufacturers to meet embodied carbon benchmarks and ambitious reduction goals and be recognized for the significant role they can play towards these targets. www.mep2040.org CONTACT: Cynthia Flash425-603-9520[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/macdonald-miller-facility-solutions-signs-the-mep-2040-challenge-in-latest-environmental-sustainability-effort-301739757.html SOURCE MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions Darkness to Light and Hope Family Care Center receive fundraising software grants totaling $20,000 to advance their missions INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OneCause, a leading provider of digital fundraising technology, today announced the recipients of its Corporate Grants Program, committed to expanding access to technology and accelerating fundraising for emerging nonprofits and their missions. The OneCause Corporate Grants Program provides nonprofit organizations free 24-month subscriptions to its fundraising software, support, and services. The program consists of technology-based grants up to $10,000 each, access to OneCause resources, and guidance from the award-winning OneCause support team. "At OneCause, we have a shared passion for advancing the missions of nonprofits that are building better tomorrows," said Steve Johns, chief executive officer for OneCause. "The Corporate Grants Program helps empower developing nonprofits with access to best-in-class technology, resources, and fundraising mentorship. We're honored to help grantees accelerate their missions and grow their impact." The 2023 grantees are: Darkness to Light empowers adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse through awareness, education, and stigma reduction. They believe protecting children is an adult's responsibility, and that through education and training adults will be empowered to act. Darkness to Light's trainings are the only evidence-informed, adult-focused child abuse prevention trainings proven to increase knowledge and change behavior. Nearly two million adults in 76 countries have been trained to protect children through the efforts of more than 12,000 Certified Instructors and Authorized Facilitators. Hope Family Care Center is a faith-based family medical practice providing quality primary healthcare to support the most vulnerable and underserved populations in Kansas City, Missouri. HFCC hopes to partner with and empower all patients in their healthcare, which is exemplified by the provision of an affordable sliding scale fee for the uninsured. HFCC is committed to providing culturally competent care, while continuing to develop a diverse Board and staff. HFCC was recently designated as a National Health Service Corps approved site. The OneCause Grants Program is open to any registered 501c3 organization in the United States and Canada. Grantees are selected based on overall need, how technology will help the organization further its mission, and alignment with three core focus areas: Mental Health & Wellness, Community, and Sustainability. For more information about the OneCause Grants Program, please visit the program's website. Applications for the 2024 Grants Program will open during the summer of 2023. About OneCause OneCause is driving the future of fundraising with easy-to-use digital fundraising solutions that help nonprofits improve the giving experience and raise more money. OneCause builds technology that optimizes everyday generosity, making it easier for nonprofit organizations to fundraise and for nonprofit supporters to give. Since 2008, OneCause has helped over 10,000 nonprofits in the United States and Canada raise more than $5 billion for their missions. Headquartered in Indianapolis, OneCause is committed to driving innovation in the charitable sector, bringing together nonprofit professionals across the world for the annual Raise Conference to exchange ideas that further fundraising. For more information, visit www.onecause.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Media Contact:Sarah Sebastian[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/onecause-awards-technology-grants-to-rapidly-growing-nonprofits-301739903.html SOURCE OneCause NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- From celebrated vascular surgeon and veteran medical maverick Dr. Frank J. Veith comes a captivating memoir and expose of the medical establishment that unveils an often clubby industry that many believe needs serious reform. The Medical Jungle: A Pioneering Surgeon's Battle to Revolutionize Vascular Care and Challenge the Medical Mafia (Amplify Publishing; February 7) candidly recounts Dr. Veith's countless battles inside what he calls the "medical jungle"-a cut-throat environment that threatens as much as it heals. Renowned Vascular Surgeon Unveils Dark Side of the Medical Profession in Revealing New Memoir Part captivating memoir, part disclosure of a self-serving system, The Medical Jungle recounts Dr. Veith's tireless efforts to improve medical care for patients. With wisdom garnered from a sixty-year career as a pioneering surgeon, Dr. Veith pulls back the curtain on the inner workings of innovative medical procedures, while candidly describing the self-interested parties that sought to block progress with no thought to how their actions would impact patient care. The New York Times calls Dr. Veith "an unlikely radicalwaging an aggressive fight in the clubby world of the medical profession" for his tireless advocacy of patients and medical progress instead of the hospital's bottom lineno matter the consequences. The Medical Jungle will inspire anyone who faces adversity at any level to stand up and be radical, even when it is unpopular. A starred review from Blue Ink Review calls The Medical Jungle "a fascinating chronicle of the complex inner workings of the 'medical jungle,'" while Kirkus calls the book "an engaging and evocative medical memoir." Former president of the European Society of Vascular Surgery Sir Peter R. F. Bell calls it "a must read for doctors and the public." Frank J. Veith, MD, is one of America's leading vascular surgeons, a pioneering creator of life- and limb-saving medical advances, and the chairman of VEITHsymposiumthe largest vascular surgery conference in the world. He currently serves as a professor of surgery at NYU and the Cleveland Clinic and was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Vascular Surgery. Glenn Plaskin is the bestselling author of twenty-five books and his profiles and syndicated columns have appeared in the New York Times, the Daily News, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Cosmopolitan, W, and Playboy. Dr. Frank Veith is available for interviews, features, and events, and The Medical Jungle is on sale now through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Amplify Publishing. To learn more about Dr. Veith visit medicaljunglebook.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/renowned-vascular-surgeon-unveils-dark-side-of-the-medical-profession-in-revealing-new-memoir-301730506.html SOURCE Amplify Publishing SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RestoringVision has joined the United Nations Friends of Vision secretariat and the call to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the appointment of a Special Envoy on Vision. "Advocacy has always been at the heart of the work of RestoringVision, and it is what has enabled us to build an unparalleled network of 2,500 NGO and government partners across the globe many of which had not previously engaged in creating access to vision services and the provision of eyeglasses for the people they serve," said Pelin Munis, Ph.D., CEO of RestoringVision. "We are proud to now lend RestoringVision's voice to the global call for a Special Envoy on Vision at the UN, which would serve as a vision champion for the 1 billion people worldwide who have a vision impairment that could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed 81% of which could be solved with the provision of reading glasses. A Special Envoy on Vision would further open the pathway to solving the global vision crisis, which RestoringVision is fiercely determined to achieve." The Friends of Vision group of United Nations Member States consists of country representatives, including at the Ambassador level, from almost 70 countries. The Friends of Vision is chaired by Ambassador Dr. Walton Webson of Antigua and Barbuda, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith of Bangladesh, and Ambassador Fergal Mythen of Ireland. The group is supported by an active secretariat chaired by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). In addition to RestoringVision, other member organizations of the secretariat include: World Health Organization, OneSight Essilor Luxottica, The Fred Hollows Foundation, Sightsavers, Vision Council of America, SEVA, CBM, and HCP Cureblindness. The UN Friends of Vision aims to advance eye health within the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to raise its profile on the international agenda, and to share knowledge from the sector with and among Member States. Read RestoringVision's blog series connecting the prioritization of eye health to the advancement of 8 UN Sustainable Development Goals, click here. RestoringVision is a global nonprofit dedicated to creating equitable access to vision services and eyeglasses for individuals living on less than $2 a day. For more information, visit restoringvision.org. CONTACT: Stephanie GodwardSr. Manager of Communications and Marketing, RestoringVision[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/restoringvision-joins-the-united-nations-friends-of-vision-secretariat-and-call-for-a-special-envoy-on-vision-301740718.html SOURCE RestoringVision John B. Kahan, Christian Hendricks and Sloan Gaon join South Florida Based Marketing Leader, Site Impact COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Feb. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Site Impact, a leader in providing multi-channel direct digital marketing solutions, has announced the appointment of three leading industry innovators to its inaugural board. The selection of these three specific members to the new Site Impact Advisory Board: John B. Kahan, Christian Hendricks and Sloan Gaon, underscores the company's commitment to accelerating its growth by leveraging strategic partnerships and relationships across all aspects of its business. In addition to advising the management team on its overall strategy, the panel of experts will help guide Site Impact's 2023 launch of Centrifi, a groundbreaking new software product that promises to revolutionize how businesses manage their digital media operations. "The caliber of board members we've been able to attract speaks volumes about our potential as a company," said Jennifer Gressman, Site Impact Chief Executive Officer. "I'm confident that with this exceptionally qualified group on our Board we can capitalize on opportunities and continue executing on our long-term strategy. I am proud to welcome these leaders who will add tremendous value to the organization with their vast knowledge and experience in the digital industry." John B. Kahan comes to Site Impact as a proven data-driven leader with nearly four decades of data science, worldwide business, and technology transformation experience. While at Microsoft, Kahan held roles such as General Manager, Data & Analytics to Chief Data Analytics Officer where he was responsible for leveraging AI and data to address global challenges. It is due to such expertise that Kahan was previously named one of the top fifteen data professionals globally by DatatechVibe for transforming, and redefining business and the industry. Kahan is a seasoned board director with over 25 years board experience. "John is a standout leader whose board experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow Site Impact and launch Centrifi to the US advertising market. His knowledge and experience have propelled transformation and growth with every company he has been a part of, and we know he will do great things for Site Impact as a whole. His experience infusing data science and AI to address some of the world's greatest challenges with Microsoft will be a huge asset to Site Impact," said Brandon Rosen, Board Chairman and Site Impact founder. Christian Hendricks will assist Site Impact's leadership team with driving innovation within the company and developing new solutions for its clients. Hendricks, an award-winning and highly respected digital media executive known for his keen strategic thinking and operating skills, has held tenures as McClatchy's Corporate Vice President for interactive media (Chief Digital Officer), where he successfully led its digital revenue and audience success for more than two decades. While at McClatchy, Hendricks also led its digital investment strategy taking stakes in leading digital companies Apartments.com, CareerBuilder, and Cars.com. Hendricks currently serves as the first independent board director of Basis Technologies, a global provider of workflow automation, intelligence and programmatic trading software in the ad-tech, agency and brand ecosystems. He also serves as president of the Local Media Consortium (LMC), which he co-founded in 2013. "Christian Hendricks has a well-earned reputation as a respected and visionary leader in the digital publishing and advertising space," said Gressman. "We have no doubt he will leverage his innovative spirit and leadership within Site Impact and bridge where we are with where we are going in the most effective way." Sloan Gaon is a seasoned, digitally focused CEO who excels in special situations including turnarounds, strategic pivots, business evolutions and business scaling at both public and private equity/VC-backed companies. His success includes transforming, scaling and leading companies that generated over $500M of value for the company's shareholders. Most recently, he led the sale of venture-backed PulsePoint (www.pulsepoint.com) to a sale to WebMD/Internet Brands. Prior to PulsePoint, he reinvigorated a 14-year-old startup in Dotmenu (DBA Campusfood.com and Allmenus.com), by refocusing its product strategy and developing a national expansion plan, that eventually led to a sale of the company to Grubhub prior to its successful IPO. "Sloan is a brilliant executive, and his passion for clear communication will undoubtedly be a driving force in this product launch and the expansion of Site Impact as a whole. In addition, his knowledge and expertise will drive growth for our company long term and keep us forward moving as we embrace the opportunities ahead," said Brandon Rosen, Board Chairman & Founder of Site Impact. This impressive group joins industry leaders CEO Jennifer Gressman and founder Brandon Rosen on Site Impact's Advisory board as it continues its mission to drive digital inclusion and innovation. "Having the right people in the room leads to a wider and more inclusive perspective to look at projects, products, and initiatives," said Gressman. About Site Impact:Site Impact specializes in multi-channel direct digital marketing services. The company achieves measurable results for clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations, locally owned and operated small businesses, as well as advertising agencies who use the company's private white label marketing services. Site Impact's team is comprised of industry and digital marketing leaders who play a key role in the company's culture and our continued growth and success. Two years in a row, Site Impact has been named one of the "Best Companies to Work For" by Florida Trend Magazine and a consecutive three years awarded as a "Top Workplace" by the Sun-Sentinel. Site Impact recently expanded with the acquisition of California-based digital media marketing agency, Mendez Media Marketing, Inc. and sister software company, databyrd Inc. About Centrifi:Centrifi brings a digital reporting tool, proposal builder, and order management system together in one easy to use dashboard to the world of digital media and marketing. This tool will revolutionize the digital marketing industry, giving businesses the information they need in one convenient place to make informed, data driven, real time marketing decisions. Media Contact:For more information about Site Impact, visit https://siteimpact.com/Contact: Sara Mendez, CMO - [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/site-impact-forms-all-star-advisory-board-to-support-continued-growth-301740009.html SOURCE Site Impact CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SomerCor, a non-profit, Certified Development Company (CDC) licensed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the SBA 504 loan program, is proud to announce the appointment of Margy Sweeney, Founder & CEO of Akrete, as the new Chairman of its Board of Directors. Thomas Huffman, Executive Vice President - Wintrust SBA Lending, will serve as Vice Chairman. "I look forward to working with Margy and Tom to build upon SomerCor's growth and service to small businesses and lending partners through the SBA 504 program and our other economic development initiatives," said Manuel Flores, President and CEO of SomerCor. "We also thank our Chairman Emeritus, Jon Winick, for his many years of service as Chairman. Over the last few years, SomerCor has achieved significant milestones including receiving SBA Accredited Lender Program (ALP) designation and Local Economic Area (LEA) authority to lend in Kenosha and Rock counties in Wisconsin." Margy Sweeney (Chairman) is the Founder & CEO of Akrete, a WBE national public relations, content, and marketing agency with expertise in both real estate and financial services, including ranking as the nation's #5 real estate public relations firm. Margy has over 25 years of experience in using creative storytelling to promote business growth and has served on the SomerCor board since 2016. Thomas Huffman (Vice Chairman) is the EVP of Wintrust SBA Lending and has over 35 years of experience in commercial and SBA lending and he has served on the SomerCor board since 2018. Wintrust Community Banks was named the number one SBA lender in Illinois in 2022. Jon Winick (Chairman Emeritus) is the CEO of Clark Street Capital, a full-service bank advisory firm specializing in loan sales, loan due diligence and valuation, and specialty asset management. Jon has over 20 years of banking experience and has served on SomerCor's Board for 15 years. "I'm proud of the journey SomerCor is on to support an increasingly diverse set of small businesses. As a business founder and owner myself, I welcome the opportunity to lead this Board of Directors," said Sweeney. "Access to capital can mean the difference between surviving and thriving for many entrepreneursparticularly for woman, minority, and veteran-owned businesses. I'm pleased to play this leadership role in 2023 as the SomerCor team continues their great work expanding economic opportunities and helping small business owners make their dreams a reality." Other Board Members include Dean Avdalas (SVP, Commercial Lending - Byline Bank), Jeffrey Bronswick (CEO - Bronswick Benjamin P.C.), James Bruno (VP, Area Manager - JPMorgan Chase), Brian Burke (SVP, Commercial Banking Old National Bank), Erica King (President - Greenwood Archer Capital), Santiago Martinez (Regional President - Belmont Bank & Trust), Michael Martino (Head of Chicago Emerging Middle Market Banking - Fifth Third Bank), Michael Plumb (Principal - Lee & Associates of Illinois, LLC), William Towns (National Market President for Community Revitalization - Gorman & Company), Julie Winterbauer (SVP, Marketing and Member Relations - Illinois Bankers Association) and Simon Yohanan (SVP, Managing Director of Middle Market Banking - First Bank Chicago). About SomerCorThe SomerCor mission is to grow businesses, create jobs, and increase impactful investment in every community through the SBA 504 loan program and other financing and grant initiatives. SomerCor serves the entire state of Illinois and Kenosha and Rock counties in Wisconsin. For more information visit www.somercor.com Contact: Kim Brisky // (312) 505-7032 // [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/somercor-names-new-leadership-to-board-of-directors-301740072.html SOURCE SomerCor POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vassar College President Elizabeth H. Bradley today announced the Vassar Inclusive History initiative to explore the College's past. The College will work to engage the college community broadly to research, document, and make publicly accessible the history of Vassar with respect to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The initiative will begin with a focus on Blackness and African American experiences and Native American Indigeneity at Vassar. Additional areas of inquiry will be included over time. A special Commission to implement this inquiry will be led by five Vassar scholars: Director of Engaged Pluralism and Professor of Religion Jonathon Kahn; Director of Africana Studies and Professor of Sociology Diane Harriford; Chair and Professor of History Mita Choudhury; Dean of the College and Associate Professor of Sociology Carlos Alamo-Pastrana; and Head of Special Collections and Adjunct Associate Professor of History (and College Historian, as of July 1, 2023) Ron Patkus. The Commission will also have representatives from the student body, the Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College, and additional academic programs and departments. About the initiative, Choudhury said, "We cannot aspire to be inclusive without acknowledging ways in which we failed in the past." Patkus added, "We plan to dig deeper into primary source collections and other materials, and look forward to making novel educational opportunities part of this initiative." The Commission will convene listening sessions with the broader Vassar community, including alums, faculty (including emeriti), students, administrators, staff, community-based organizations, and community members in the Hudson Valley region and will identify a set of specific areas to research in the first two years of its existence. Bradley noted that "multiple courses, research projects, internships, community partnerships, and other events will likely emerge from this work, as, collectively, we learn about and integrate Vassar's institutional past into our current work for a better, more equitable and inclusive future for Vassar." "I am grateful," said Bradley "for being guided by a strong External Advisory Committee including Andrew Delbanco, President of the Teagle Foundation; Henry Louis Gates Jr., Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University; Sarah Barringer Gordon (Vassar Class of 1982), Arlin M. Adams Professor of Constitutional Law and Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania; Bill Jeffway, Executive Director of the Dutchess County Historical Society; and Mike Kelly, Head of Archives and Special Collections at Amherst College." "I am delighted that Vassar, a historic American institution in higher education, is undertaking this important work in such a thoughtful manner," said Gates, "and I look forward to helping where I can!" "My history courses at Vassar taught me the great value of primary documents, which almost always show a bigger, more complex past than we might expect, said Gordon. "I am proud to be involved as Vassar turns this dedication to fearless research to an important new endeavorits own past." For more on the Vassar Inclusive History initiative, visit the Vassar website to read the full announcement. About Vassar College Vassar College-based in Poughkeepsie, NY, is a coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college where perspectives cross, ideas intersect, and passion burns bright. Originally founded to provide women an education equal to that once available only to men, Vassar was the first all-women's college in the nation to become coeducational when it opened its doors to men in 1969. Vassar fosters an intellectual openness and independence in students, who meet each other as equals, and are encouraged to absorb diverse thought and impassioned dialogue that give them the insight and confidence they will need in a complex world where they will make important contributions. Consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country, Vassar is renowned for pioneering achievements in education, for its long history of curricular innovation, and for the beauty of its campus. The Vassar campus is located at 124 Raymond Avenue in Poughkeepsie, NY. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/taking-a-deep-look-at-its-past-vassar-announces-new-inclusive-history-initiative-301741203.html SOURCE Vassar College Two soldiers were injured Sunday at an Alaska airport when their helicopter rolled over during takeoff, the Army said in a news release Monday. An Army AH-64D Apache was damaged in the rollover at the Talkeetna airport Sunday afternoon, the service said. The two soldiers, who were not identified in the news release, were treated at an area hospital and released, the Army said. The Army did not disclose the level of damage the helicopter sustained. The helicopter was one of four Apaches from the 25th Attack Battalion at Fort Wainwright headed to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for training. The aircraft had stopped in Talkeetna, about 115 miles north of Anchorage, for refueling. A team from the Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Ala., is expected to arrive Wednesday night or Thursday morning to begin investigating the cause of the rollover, the Army said. AUSTIN, Texas Col. Ann Meredith was suspended as the commander of Fort Hoods 89th Military Police Brigade pending the results of an ongoing investigation, Army officials at the Texas base said Monday. The suspension comes three months after her husband, Col. Jon Meredith, was fired from his command position in the 1st Cavalry Division because of another ongoing investigation. Col. Wayne Marotto, spokesman for III Corps and Fort Hood, declined to say Monday what kind of investigation is underway. As a matter of policy, the Army does not comment on ongoing investigations, he said. Lt. Gen. Sean C. Bernabe, commander of III Corps and Fort Hood, suspended Meredith on Jan. 5, Marotto said. She had been in the job since July. The 89th Military Police Brigade is made up of five battalions spread across Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Hood; Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and Fort Riley, Kan. It is responsible for garrison law enforcement and physical security at each of those installations. Meredith has served 23 years in the Army and deployed one time each to Afghanistan and Iraq, according to her online biography. She previously served as the military police branch chief with Human Resources Command at Fort Knox, Ky., and as commander of the 97th Military Police Battalion and director of emergency services at Fort Riley, Kan. Jon Meredith was fired in October from his position as commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division because of a loss of confidence in his judgment, Marotto said at the time. That investigation is still ongoing, according to the 1st Cavalry Division. About 34,500 service members are assigned to Fort Hood, which is located in central Texas near Killeen. SCRANTON (Tribune News Service) The U.S. Army will spend $243 million over the next several years to upgrade the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, creating more than two dozen new jobs, officials said Monday. The plants workforce of approximately 270 people should grow by 25 to 40 people, Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth said after a tour with U.S. Sen. Bob Casey. The money, part of a $17.6 billion investment to upgrade the 23 Army-owned plants, will help ramp up production lines, help put in some new equipment that will allow the plant to be able to produce more shells at a higher rate at the end, the secretary said. The investment will include a new building, a modern crane for moving materials and replacing manufacturing equipment dating to the 1950s and 1960s. The plant on South Washington Avenue manufactures 155mm artillery shells used in training and wartime. The local plant and others the Army owns produce shells the U.S. supplies to Ukraine for its war against Russias invasion. The U.S. has supplied Ukraine with more than one million shells, Wormuth said. Casey said the shells are helping the Ukrainian military fight off Russias murderous dictator, Vladimir Putin. The best of America is right here in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Casey said. Those of us who live in Scranton, Lackawanna County, can be proud of what happens here. But I think Americans can be proud of what their tax dollars have meant for the people of Ukraine, pushing back and ultimately defeating Mr. Putin. Wormuth said much of the Russian war against Ukraine entails artillery exchanges. These shells have basically allowed the Ukrainian armed forces to be able to strike targets farther away. They are able to get more out of the range of the Russian artillery systems, she said. And they have greater capacity to be able to strike Russian formations in places like the Donbas, for example. And so this kind of artillery is incredibly important to them. With both sides talking about spring offensives, its very, very important that we have the kind of ramped-up production that youre seeing here at Scranton to be able to get more artillery to the Ukrainians. Wormuth said the Russian-Ukrainian war pointed to the need for larger stockpiles of shells. We have been ramping up production of 155s from 14,000 a month to 20,000 a month. And our goal is to eventually get to 70,000 rounds a month in two years, she said. I think there are a lot of lessons to be learned from the Russia- Ukraine war. And certainly, we are seeing the scale of warfare in a much larger way. And thats going to require more munitions. Casey and Wormuth credited the plants hard-working unionized employees. It was fantastic to see the pride that the workforce has in what theyre doing, Wormuth said. And they also, I think, feel very proud of what they do to make sure that our Army soldiers have what they need for any kinds of operations we might need. You know, its not just the Ukrainians. (c)2023 The Citizens Voice (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) Visit The Citizens Voice at citizensvoice.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Tribune News Service) Maryland Gov. Wes Moore delivered remarks Monday at a deployment ceremony in Edgewood for Maryland Army National Guard soldiers heading overseas. The ceremony was held at Weide Army Heliport at Aberdeen Proving Ground South. Nearly 200 family and friends of the soldiers being deployed attended, according to the governors office. Approximately 70 soldiers and seven CH-47F Chinook helicopters assigned to Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, will deploy to Southwest Asia to support Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield. They will conduct air assault, air movement and logistical resupply missions, according to a Maryland National Guard Public Affairs news release. We honor the hard work our soldiers have done and their determination to be ready to answer our nations call, Moore said. As we honor our soldiers, we must not forget the courage and sacrifice of their family members. It is with their love and support that soldiers are able to carry out the missions they are given. The Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment soldiers and equipment are critical during disasters, emergencies and other situational response missions at home and abroad. The soldiers have deployed multiple times to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They have also supported domestic operations including Hurricane Florence in South Carolina, where they evacuated 64 people and nine animals, as well as transported more than 118,000 pounds of emergency aid and cargo, the release said. Additionally, they supported the recovery efforts after the Ellicott City flood in 2016 and Oakland Dam overflow in 2007. Bravo Company is a tip-of-the-spear unit and theyve always succeeded in their missions, Army Maj. Gen. Timothy Gowen, adjutant general of Maryland, said. We are extremely proud of how these citizen-soldiers are always ready to serve their state and nation. Their sacrifice, as well as that of their families, will not be forgotten as we eagerly await their safe return home. 2023 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A San Diego-based Navy officer with more than 30 years service is charged with stalking a woman online by setting up fake social media accounts under her name and posting sexually explicit photos and video to one of them. Capt. Theodore Essenfeld, 51, was arraigned Monday in federal court on a charge of cyberstalking, according to a statement issued the same day by the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California. If convicted, Essenfeld, of Chula Vista, Calif., faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The indictment alleges a disturbing campaign of betrayed trust, harassment and intimidation, U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said in the statement. Prosecutors say that over 18 months, he created fake Facebook, LinkedIn, email and cellphone accounts under the civilian womans name without her knowledge or consent. Erotic photos and videos of the woman that she had privately shared with him were posted to the fake Facebook account, according to the statement. Essenfeld also is accused of using the fictitious account to connect with Facebooks dating services to make it appear that the woman was seeking dates, according to the statement. On the phony LinkedIn account, he advertised her as a professional pole dancer, prosecutors say. A LinkedIn page under Essenfelds name says he has served in the Navy since 1990, entering as an enlisted sailor and eventually becoming an officer. During that time, he served as commander of two warships and was experimentation branch chief for North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, and U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs, Colo., from March 2020 to February 2022, according to biographical information on the page. (Tribune News Service) The USS Gunston Hall, a ship designed to transport Marines and launch amphibious operations, has been announced as Mobiles 2023 Mardi Gras ship. Its traditional for a Navy ship to dock in Mobile during the Carnival seasons festivities, though that routine like Mardi Gras itself was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Destroyers visited in 2019, when the Navy held Fleet Week activities in Mobile, and in 2020. The USS Gunston Hall is a dock landing ship, designated LSD-44. Ships in the class are more than 600 feet long, with a flight deck that can handle helicopters and Osprey aircraft, plus a well deck that can store and launch a variety of amphibious craft. According to information released Monday by the city of Mobile, the ship is expected to begin its voyage up the Mobile Ship Channel shortly after daybreak on Friday, Feb. 17, arriving at the Cruise Terminal around 10 a.m. The vessel will remain in port until Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22. Public tours will be offered from Thursday through Tuesday, Feb. 18-21. Tours will take place from 9-11 a.m. and from 1-3 p.m. daily at the Alabama Cruise Terminal. The Navy League also will be sponsoring a Dinner for Sailors program where local citizens can apply to take Sailors from the USS Gunston Hall to dinner or to a parade. The minimum is two Sailors. Citizens can obtain more information or apply at navyleaguemobile.org or through the Navy League Facebook page. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit al.com . A Navy destroyer that visited Turkey, bringing it closer to the Black Sea than any other U.S. warship since Russia invaded Ukraine, has left the region, Navy officials said Tuesday. USS Nitze left the Golcuk Naval Base on the east coast of the Sea of Marmara on Monday and is heading back to the Mediterranean Sea, Lt. Taija Griffin, a U.S. 6th Fleet spokeswoman, said Tuesday. The visit came in advance of Mondays devastating earthquake that has left at least 7,200 dead, mainly in southeastern Turkey and neighboring Syria. The epicenter of the 7.8 magnitude quake occurred near Gaziantep, about 600 miles southeast of the port visit. Nitze, operating as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, arrived at Golcuk on Friday after a stop in Istanbul to host U.S. diplomats, 6th Fleet said in a statement Sunday. That visit put the vessel near the Bosporus, a strategic waterway leading from the Sea of Marmara into the Black Sea. Turkey closed the Bosporus to most warships in February 2022 after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, USNI News reported Feb. 28, 2022. Only warships whose homeport is in the Black Sea those from Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine may use the strait to enter or leave the sea, according to Turkish policy invoked at the time. Merchant ships are not restricted. The destroyer USS Arleigh Burke was the last U.S. warship to transit the Bosporus, leaving the Black Sea in December 2021, according to the ship watching website turkishnavy.net. U.S. and other NATO warships regularly have patrolled the Black Sea in previous years, participating in maritime exercises such as Sea Breeze. The annual multinational exercise jointly led by the U.S. and Ukraine was canceled last year. Nitzes visit to Turkey makes it at least the third U.S. warship to visit the country since war broke out in Ukraine. The destroyer USS Bainbridge visited Aksaz, which is nearer to the Dardanelles waterway, in July 2022. Another destroyer, USS Mitscher, also visited Aksaz in March 2022. On Friday, the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group remained in the eastern Mediterranean visiting Piraeus, Greece, 6th Fleet said in a separate statement the same day. FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii A vast amount of contaminated soil must be removed after a catastrophic storage tank failure last week saturated the ground with diesel fuel at a mountaintop observatory on Maui operated by U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific, its commander said Monday. Workers will remove 200 cubic yards of soil to a depth of 6 feet, Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir said during a news conference at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex, where the spill occurred on Jan. 29. At that point, samples will be taken to assess how much more soil will need to be removed, he said. Right now, its impossible to know how deep we will need to go, Mastalir said. All soil will be cleansed of fuel residue and then laid back in the ground. Several telescopes in the complex atop the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakala, a dormant volcano, are used to track satellites and space debris. The diesel fuel powers a backup generator needed during power outages, such as during storms, Mastalir said. Maintenance personnel discovered the spill on the morning of Jan. 30. We have examined the fuel storage tank and the generator equipment, Mastalir said. We currently assess that the cause of this spill was the damaged float within the generators main fuel tank. Specifically, the evidence suggests that a power surge was the likely cause of this damage. He likened the operation of the float to that of a household toilet bowl. When the fuel drops to a certain level, the float calls for more fuel, he said. It should then signal the transfer pump to shut off. Furthermore, the float is designed to set off an alarm warning in event of a potential overflow. This float failed in a way so that that never happened, he said, reiterating that it failed catastrophically. Flanked by uniformed and civilian personnel who are assisting in the assessment and planning for remediation, Mastalir apologized profusely and repeatedly during the brief news conference. I want to express my sincere apologies for what happened here one week ago today, he said. Words cannot describe the tremendous remorse that I, and the rest of the team on the summit, have experienced over this past week. We have a solemn responsibility to protect this sacred ground upon which we have the privilege to operate. And it is a privilege, not a right. The leak came at a time when many in Hawaii are fed up with military snafus. A fuel leak on Oahu from the Navys World War II-era Red Hill underground fuel storage facility in late 2021 contaminated drinking water for thousands of residents living in military communities on and near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. In the fall, while Navy officials were preparing to drain the Red Hill tanks for the sites permanent closure, a toxic firefighting foam was accidently released at the facility. On Friday, the Hawaiian rights group Kakoo Haleakala called for the removal of all telescopes from the peak of Haleakala. The military showcased their incompetence and lack of human decency when they allowed more than 700 gallons of diesel fuel to be spilled atop Haleakala, the group said in a statement. This is just the most recent example of how U.S. imperialism and military hegemony is protected in the Pacific while Hawaiians are ignored and our aina is violated, the statement said, using the Hawaiian term for land. Mastalir said he had been meeting with local groups and elected officials during the past week to assuage their concerns. He pledged to promote openness and transparency during the cleanup process and to develop remediation a plan that is consistent with legal requirements and sensitive to the local and cultural imperatives. Stars and Stripes is making stories on the coronavirus pandemic available free of charge. See more stories here. Sign up for our coronavirus newsletter here. Please support our journalism with a subscription. (Tribune News Service) When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Dr. Corey Siegel was more prepared than most of his peers. Half of Siegels patients many with private insurance and Medicaid were already using telehealth, logging onto appointments through phones or computers. You get to meet their family members; you get to meet their pets, Siegel said. You see more into their lives than you do when they come to you. Siegels Medicare patients werent covered for telehealth visits until the pandemic drove Congress and regulators to temporarily pay for remote medical treatment just as they would in-person care. Siegel, section chief for gastroenterology and hepatology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, is licensed in three states and many of his Medicare patients were frequently driving two to three hours round trip for appointments, which isnt a small feat, he said. The $1.7 trillion spending package Congress passed in December included a two-year extension of key telehealth provisions, such as coverage for Medicare beneficiaries to have phone or video medical appointments at home. But it also signaled political reluctance to make the payment changes permanent, requiring federal regulators to study how Medicare enrollees use telehealth. The federal extension basically just kicked the can down the road for two years, said Julia Harris, associate director for the health program at the D.C.-based Bipartisan Policy Center think tank. At issue are questions about the value and cost of telehealth, who will benefit from its use, and whether audio and video appointments should continue to be reimbursed at the same rate as face-to-face care. Before the pandemic, Medicare paid for only narrow uses of remote medicine, such as emergency stroke care provided at hospitals. Medicare also covered telehealth for patients in rural areas but not in their homes patients were required to travel to a designated site such as a hospital or doctors office. But the pandemic brought a seismic change in perception and telehealth became a household term, said Kyle Zebley, senior vice president of public policy at the American Telemedicine Association. The omnibus bills provisions include: paying for audio-only and home care; allowing for a variety of doctors and others, such as occupational therapists, to use telehealth; delaying in-person requirements for mental health patients; and continuing existing telehealth services for federally qualified health clinics and rural health clinics. Telehealth use among Medicare beneficiaries grew from less than 1% before the pandemic to more than 32% in April 2020. By July 2021, the use of remote appointments retreated somewhat, settling at 13% to 17% of claims submitted, according to a fee-for-service claims analysis by McKinsey & Co. Fears over potential fraud and the cost of expanding telehealth have made politicians hesitant, said Josh LaRosa, vice president at the Wynne Health Group, which focuses on payment and care delivery reform. The report required in the omnibus package is really going to help to provide more clarity, LaRosa said. In a 2021 report, the Government Accountability Office warned that using telehealth could increase spending in Medicare and Medicaid, and historically the Congressional Budget Office has said telehealth could make it easier for people to use more health care, which would lead to more spending. Advocates like Zebley counter that remote care doesnt necessarily cost more. If the priority is preventative care and expanding access, that should be taken into account when considering costs, Zebley said, explaining that increased use of preventative care could drive down more expensive spending. Siegel and his colleagues at Dartmouth see remote care as a tool for helping chronically ill patients receive ongoing care and preventing expensive emergency episodes. It allows patients to not be burdened by their illnesses, he said. Its critical that we keep this going. Some of Seigels work is funded by The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. (The Helmsley Charitable Trust also contributes to KHN.) For the past nine months, Dartmouth Healths telehealth visits plateaued at more than 500 per day. Thats 10% to 15% of all outpatient visits, said Katelyn Darling, director of operations for Dartmouths virtual care center. Patients like it and they want to continue doing it, Darling said, adding that doctors especially psychologists like telehealth too. If Congress decides not to continue funding for remote at-home visits after 2024, Darling said, she fears patients will have to drive again for appointments that could have been handled remotely. The same fears are worrying leaders at Sanford Health, which provides services across the Upper Midwest. We absolutely need those provisions to become permanent, said Brad Schipper, president of virtual care at Sanford, which has health plan members, hospitals, clinics and other facilities in the Dakotas, Iowa and Minnesota. In addition to the provisions, Sanford is closely watching whether physicians will continue to get paid for providing care across state lines. During the pandemic, licensing requirements in states were often relaxed to enable doctors to practice in other states and many of those requirements are set to expire at the end of the public health emergency. Licensing requirements were not addressed in the omnibus, and to ensure telehealth access, states need to allow physicians to treat patients across state lines, said Dr. Jeremy Cauwels, Sanford Healths chief physician. This has been particularly important in providing mental health care, he said; virtual visits now account for about 20% of Sanfords appointments. Sanford is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Cauwels recalled one case in which a patient lived four hours from the closest child-adolescent psychiatrist and was on the wrong side of the border. Because of the current licensing waivers, Cauwels said, the patients wait for an appointment was cut from several weeks to six days. We were able to get that kid seen without Mom taking a day off to drive back and forth, without a six-week delay, and we were able to do all the things virtually for that family, Cauwels said. Psychiatrist Dr. Sara Gibson has used telehealth for decades in rural Apache County, Arizona. There are some people who have no access to care without telehealth, she said. That has to be added into the equation. Gibson, who is also medical director for Little Colorado Behavioral Health Centers in Arizona, said one key question for policymakers as they look ahead is not whether telehealth is better than face-to-face. Its telehealth vs. no care, she said. Kaiser Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at Kaiser Family Foundation, an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. 2023 Kaiser Health News. Visit khn.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. WAIKIKI, Hawaii (Tribune News Service) The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii at Fort DeRussy reopened Monday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Waikiki. For the past year the Army Corps of Engineers has been upgrading its heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, museum Director Nevin Field said. Although the execution of the HVAC project was confined to one year, it will have been six years to the month since the project was formally initiated with U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, Directorate of Public Works. Much has happened during this period, so our team is very excited to showcase one of the Armys flagship museums to the visiting public once again, Field said. The Army said its Waikiki museum is the services third most visited museum, behind the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Va. and the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Ga. First established in 1976, the museum is housed inside historic Battery Randolph, a former coast artillery fort built in 1911. Charles Bowery, executive director of the U.S. Army Center of Military History, flew in for the reopening and told attendees that for visitors the museum offers a chance to experience and understand a part of our nations history that for a mainlander is frequently glossed over. When we tell the story of the U.S. Army, particularly the 20th century in the era of the world wars, we tend to focus on that other theater in Europe, he said. We sometimes lose or ignore the Armys tremendous presence in the Pacific Theatersacrifices by millions of Americans in this region of the world in the 20th century. The museum includes exhibits on Hawaiian warfare and weaponry during Kamehameha the Greats campaigns to unify the islands, U.S. Army Coastal Artillery in Hawaii, Hawaiis role in American strategy during the Spanish American War, the world wars and wars in Korea and Vietnam, as well as on the Hawaii-born nisei soldiers of the Armys 442nd Regimental Combat Team who fought in Europe. (c)2023 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Visit at www.staradvertiser.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The inability of states to provide basic services and security and create jobs across much of Africa, ranging from the Sahel zone in the west to Somalia in the east and Mozambique in the south has made the continent the global epicenter of extremist violence, the United Nations Development Programme said. In 2021 sub-Sahara Africa accounted for 48% of all deaths from violent extremism and 21% of attacks, the UNDP said in its Journey to Extremism in Africa report released Tuesday. A third of those deaths were in just four countries Somalia, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. Between 2011 and 2020 more than 50,000 people died as result of extremist violence on the continent. "In the absence of the state institution providing for the basic services of, you know, security, rule of law or functioning courts, people essentially turn to these violent extremist groups," Achim Steiner, administrator of the UNDP, said in an interview. "They provide in whichever form an alternative." While the spread of extremist groups is creating mounting problems for Africa, with deaths from terrorism rising tenfold in the Sahel since 2007 and economic costs between 2007 and 2016 estimated at $97 billion, the collapse of state services in countries such as Burkina Faso and Somalia threatens the world. "We are at a point where development is imploding and the conditions that actually drive violent extremism are growing exponentially," Steiner said. "More and more people are actually, you know, trying to get out of their own country that they call home." In addition to migration, both to developed countries and overburdened neighboring states, letting extremist groups flourish could see them export the violence globally, as had happened with Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan, he said. The UNDP report was based on interviews over two years with 2,196 people, three time as many as in a 2017 study carried out by the program. Of those, 1,000 were former members of violent extremist groups, some of whom were forcibly recruited and others who joined voluntarily. Recruitment factors included a lack of education, isolation and the brutality of government forces. Most of those interviewed were former members of Boko Haram in Nigeria, al-Shabab in Somalia and Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, or JNIM, the al-Qaida-affiliated coalition in West Africa. Still, while the majority of the extremist groups focused on in the study are Islamists, religion is a secondary factor, providing a "platform and also a narrative," Steiner said. If more money was directed to development rather than fighting extremists, with sub-Saharan military expenditures amounting to $20.1 billion in 2021, fewer people would be pushed into extremist groups, the UNDP said in the report. Already the economic impact of the violence can be seen. Much of northern Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso are inaccessible because of the security threat and TotalEnergies SE has halted a $20 billion natural gas project in Mozambique after an attack by Islamist militants. "We need to have a much more fundamental reflection on what is working, what is not working," Steiner said. "These essentially nation state collapses that we are witnessing are ultimately going to have a cancerlike effect on, on not only neighboring countries, but ultimately the global sense of human security." 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Crew members of the USS Oklahoma and aircraft shot down during World War II were among 17 service members recently accounted for by the Defense Department agency tasked with recovering troops listed as missing in action or prisoners of war. A dozen of the identifications announced in January by the Hawaii-based Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency were associated with WWII, four were killed in Korea and one died in Vietnam, according to agency news releases. The remains include two sailors serving on Battleship Row during Japans surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941. Gunners Mate 3rd Class Herman Schmidt, 28, of Sheridan, Wyo., and Warrant Officer Machinist Daryl Goggin, 34, of Everett, Wash., died aboard the Oklahoma along with 427 other crew members, the agency said. Schmidt was identified Jan. 13, 2021, and Goggin on Oct. 10, 2015, DPAA announced last month. Navy Cmdr. Frederick Schrader, 31, who led Carrier Air Group 11 on the USS Hornet, was piloting an F6F-5 Hellcat shot down over what is now Taiwan, Oct. 13, 1944, the agency said. Schrader, of Lawrenceville, Ill., was accounted for on Sept. 27, according to a release. The following were killed when their B-24 Liberator bomber was hit by anti-aircraft fire over Romania on Aug. 1, 1943: U.S. Army Air Forces Tech Sgt. Harold Kretzer, 32, of Odin, Ill.; 1st Lt. James Deeds, 23, hometown unlisted; and 1st Lt. George Reuter, 25, hometown unlisted. The remains of Reuter, the bombers navigator, were identified Jan. 10, according to DPAA. Deeds, the pilot, was accounted for on Jan. 3 and Kretzer, a gunner-engineer, on Aug. 23. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Carl Nesbitt, 23, of Lima, Ohio, and 1st Lt. Melvin Meyer, 25, of Pattonville, Mo., died May 29, 1944, when their B-17G Flying Fortress was attacked by enemy fighters during a huge bombing mission over Leipzig, Germany, DPAA said. Both Nesbitt, the pilot, and Meyer, the bombardier, were accounted for on Sept. 9, according to the agency. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Porter Pile, 24, of Harlingen, Texas, was navigating a B-24 Liberator when it was shot down over Hesse, Germany, Sept. 27, 1944, during a bombing mission that resulted in the rapid loss of 25 Liberators, DPAA said. Piles remains were accounted for on Nov. 28, according to the agency. TOKYO The United States is not ready to deploy a variety of new missiles in Japan, contrary to a recent newspaper report, the countrys Ministry of Defense said this week. The U.S. is developing new missiles but its too early to consider where to deploy them, Japanese officials were told by their U.S. counterparts, according to a ministry statement emailed Monday to Stars and Stripes. The ministry was responding to a report Saturday by the Sankei newspaper, citing multiple anonymous U.S. and Japanese sources, that the U.S. government had suggested deploying medium-range, hypersonic and Tomahawk missiles to Japans southern island of Kyushu. Tensions are rising near Japans southern islands amid a Chinese military buildup and its claims on Taiwan, about 700 miles south of Kyushu. Beijing considers democratic, self-governing Taiwan to be a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. U.S. Forces Japan had no comment on the Sankei report, USFJ spokesman Air Force Maj. Thomas Barger said in an email Monday. We continuously work closely with our Japanese Ally to ensure we maintain capabilities necessary to uphold our treaty obligations of mutual security and cooperation, he said. U.S. Forces in Japan continue to train and posture in order to remain ready for any potential future crisis or contingency. The Sankei article runs counter to a Jan. 23 report by the Yomiuri newspaper also citing unnamed U.S. and Japanese sources that said American missiles would not be deployed to Japan. Tokyo approved a national security strategy in December that includes acquiring counterstrike capabilities to attack enemy bases with missiles. That led Washington to forgo deployment of its own missiles, the Yomiuri report said. The U.S. military does not operate ground-launched missiles with a range between 310 and 3,400 miles. The weapons were banned in 1988 under the U.S.-Russia Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which expired in 2019. Medium-range ballistic missiles travel between 620 and 1,860 miles, according to The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation website. However, the U.S. Army recently took delivery of a prototype Typhon Weapon System, which is intended to fire missiles at ranges between 300 and 1,725 miles. The system, armed with SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles, is intended to hit targets at ranges between the Armys Precision Strike Missile, about 300 miles maximum, and the developmental Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon system, about 1,725 miles maximum, Naval News reported Dec. 5. The [Marine Corps] is also looking at land-based Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles launched from trailers, the news site reported. Beijing has more than 1,900 ballistic missiles that can reach Japan, according to a 2022 Pentagon report on Chinas military capabilities. U.S. withdrawal from the INF treaty meant inevitable talk of deploying missiles in Japan, according to James Brown, an international affairs expert at Temple Universitys Japan campus. One of the reasons for withdrawal from the INF Treaty was to enable the US to deploy ground-based intermediate range missile(s) in Asia as a means of countering China's large advantage in this category of weapon, he said in an email Monday. Kyushu is a logical spot for the missiles given that the East China Sea is a focal point for tension between the U.S. and China, Brown said. There are also limited alternatives, he said. Guam is too far, he said. In South Korea, it would provoke too much public backlash. And Taiwan is not yet an option. Okinawa is also a possibility but there is a widespread feeling, especially on Okinawa itself, that US deployments within Japan should be spread more evenly. Missiles wont arrive any time soon, Brown predicted. Rather, I imagine the Japanese government is quietly raising this idea as a trial balloon as a means of gauging the public reaction, he said. U.S. policy toward China will be aggressive after the downing Saturday by an F-22 fighter of a Chinese spy balloon, according to Riki Ellison, founder of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. Deployment of missiles to Japan enables U.S. and Japanese forces to distribute launchers, which could be placed on other small islands in the Far East, he said by email Monday. The more than $2 million that the former director of the Maui County Department of Environmental Management accepted in bribes and spent on gambling, hostess bars and luxury travel constitutes the largest single known case of bribery prosecuted in the district of Hawaii, according to federal prosecutors. Stewart Olani Stant, 55, pleaded guilty Sept. 19 to a single count of conspiracy to deprive the public of the right to honest services and faces 11 to 14 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson, in a memo to Chief U.S. District Court Judge Derrick K. Watson, has recommended a sentence at the lower end of the guidelines, noting that Stant was cooperative with the governments investigation and that his post arrest conduct helped keep the investigation quiet. The government recommends a sentence in the lower half of that guideline range, he wrote in the memo filed Friday. Stant also agreed to forfeit $1.9 million. According to prosecutors, Stant took hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, bank deposits and Las Vegas gambling junkets complete with luxury accommodations and gambling chips, all for selling out the publics trust that he would engage in the honest procurement of goods and services for their benefit and well-being, wrote Sorenson. According to the government, Stant directed at least 56 contracts to wastewater management company H2O Processes in return for hundreds of individual bribes over at least seven years. Between 2012 and 2018 Stant received $733, 176 from H20 owner and manager Milton J. Choy through 43 bank deposits into Stants personal bank account, and another $644, 570 through 118 separate cash deposits. Choy also is accused of paying another $424, 987 to a Hawaii-based travel company to fund Stants leisure trips. Stant lived quite well, according to the memo, spending $187, 000 on dining, $60, 000 on hostess bars, $54, 000 on luxury hotel stays, taking out $165, 000 in cash withdrawals and spending thousands on airfare, jewelry and other items. In June 2017, Stant bought $40, 000 in gambling chips but cashed out more than $183, 000 worth of chips he did not buy, authorities say. High public officials are vested with extraordinary trust by the public, and are entrusted with vast discretion. When they use that discretion to line their personal pockets to the tune of nearly $2 million there is a palpable, devastating and enduring loss in the publics confidence in their appointed officials, wrote Sorenson, chief of the Criminal Division in the U.S. Attorneys Office. Moreover, high public officials are critical and important community leaders. The public naturally and by necessity turns to them for honest, competent exercise of their public duties and financial discretion. When that trust is so completely betrayed as here, the damage to the publics confidence in their government, and their officials, is irretrievably compromised. Stants attorney, Clarence M. Virtue of Wailuku, did not immediately return a Honolulu Star-Advertiser request for comment. Watson is scheduled to sentence Stant at 10 a.m. Wednesday. In letters of support and pleas for leniency filed with the court, friends, family and co-workers, including former Maui Mayor Alan M. Arakawa and retired Maui state Judge Boyd P. Mossman, spoke of Stant as a dedicated family man and trusted friend. In an Oct. 1 letter, Ara kawa said Stantan Eagle Scout, Air Force veteran and member of Maui High Schools Hall of Fameis a hard worker who always repaid thousands in personal loans Arakawa made to him over the years to start a series of businesses on Maui. He was always a hard working and intelligent employee of the County of Maui, Arakawa wrote, after noting he has known Stant for nearly 30 years. He actually disliked having to deal with the politics, the County Council, and the public. He was, however, well respected by his colleagues, employees as well as the County Council because he made it a point to keep his ego under control and he kept his relationships with former colleagues on good terms, wrote Arakawa. In all my interactions with Stewart, he has been a good employee and a good friend. Don Couch, the South Maui representative on the Maui County Council from 2011 to 2016, worked with Stant in his capacity as Department of Environmental Management director and after leaving office as a direct marketing business owners. He always had the efficient use of taxpayer dollars first and foremost in his dealings with my office and me, wrote Couch. After my term on the council ended, I then got to interact with him as he lead our team of ACN independent business operators. During this time, he always made it a point to help others succeed in their business whenever anyone asked for assistance. Stant is one of four public officials to be charged so far in a wide-ranging investigation into public corruption at the state and county levels by the U.S. Department of Justice. In December, , 71, was charged with corrupt solicitation and acceptance of bribes for allegedly taking money from Choy in exchange for awarding sole-source contracts to his company. Choy, a big donor to Hawaii politicians, cooperated with the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys Office against former state Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English and the former vice chair of the House Committee on Finance, Rep. Ty J.K. Cullen. Choy offered bribes to English, 55, of Maui, and Cullen, 41, so they would manage and kill legislation at Choys direction in exchange for Las Vegas casino chips, cash, hotel rooms and dinners for family members. Choy was not charged with bribing Cullen and English, both of whom pleaded guilty to taking bribes. in July to 40 months in federal prison for accepting $18, 305 in cash from Choy in exchange for inside information on the Legislature and managing legislation to benefit H20 Process Systems between 2014 and 2021. Cullen is scheduled to be sentenced April 6. Through September, 31 incumbent candidates have returned $142, 650 in contributions from Choy to the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund. (c)2023 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Visit The Honolulu Star-Advertiser at www.staradvertiser.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. JERICHO, West Bank Israeli security forces killed five Palestinians during an early morning raid Monday in the normally sleepy city of Jericho. The bloodshed in a tourist town famous for its archaeology and winter villas comes amid the worst violence in the West Bank in nearly two decades. The Israeli army said two of those killed were captured on surveillance camera video Jan. 28 preparing to attack a Jewish-run restaurant with assault-style weapons on the main road outside Jericho. The pair have been the target of an intensive manhunt. Hours after the operation, blood was still drying on the walls of a small shed next to large villas across the road from the Aqbat Jabar refugee camp, a densely populated urban slum that is home to 13,000 people. Young men from the camp burned tires in protest and set up barricades around the camp. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confiscated the bodies of the five slain men and reported no Israeli casualties. During the manhunt, soldiers erected checkpoints around Jericho, creating hours-long waiting lines as they searched vehicles and checked identifications. Israel in recent months has launched a series of deadly raids in Palestinian cities and villages as part of its Breaking the Wave operation. The IDF is seeking to suppress the spate of violence targeting Israelis by lone-wolf attackers and newly emerging Palestinian armed groups, largely centered in the northern cities of Jenin and Nablus. These groups are small, decentralized, led by young men and often organized on a very local level, outside of the main Palestinian political parties, making them harder to penetrate or control. It is unusual for militants to be from Jericho, instead of Nablus or Jenin. Jericho is a quiet farm town and tourist spot in the Jordan Valley, known more for its Banana Land theme park than for armed groups. It is a stronghold of the increasingly unpopular Palestinian Authority, led by the Fatah party, and was home to Saeb Erekat, former Palestinian peace negotiator who died in 2020. Jericho is also popular with Christian pilgrims, who take a cable car up a nearby mountain to see the place where tradition says Jesus fasted and was tempted by the devil. Residents condemned Israels operations as collective punishment and said the violence would not end until the occupation of Palestinian land did. The occupation is the problem, said Jamal Omar, chair of the committee charged with the Aqbat Jabr refugee camp administration. All Palestinians are now afraid for their children. The spreading violence, analysts have warned, is the product of a combustible combination of a deep political void among Palestinians and the return of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who leads Israels most right-wing government to date. Members of Netanyahus coalition include settler activists and Jewish nationalists calling for annexing the West Bank and harsher policies against Palestinians. Ayman Daraghmeh, a former Hamas member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, said the group in Jericho was close to but not organized or led by Hamas. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said more violence would follow in response. Our people and their resistance will not delay in responding to this crime, he said. The IDF released a photograph showing the weapons confiscated during the raid: five assault rifles, one handgun, a homemade gun and ammunition. The widespread presence of illegal weapons has been contributing to the lethality of the current wave of violence. In the Jan. 28 restaurant attack that the IDF said two of the slain men carried out, the militants fired a single round before one of their guns appeared to jam. No one was hurt, but Israeli officials warned that many could have been injured or killed in the assault, which took place a day after a Palestinian gunman killed seven people outside a synagogue in East Jerusalem. An Israeli raid in Jenin on Jan. 26 targeting a militant cell killed 10 Palestinians, including a woman in her 60s. Awni Lafi, the father of Malik, one of the alleged attackers at the restaurant, stood in the chilly funeral tent, receiving mourners on Monday. He was waiting for his sons body to be returned by the IDF. Lafi said he didnt know his son had bought a gun. He called him a smiling boy who was good to his mother. He worried that more young men will follow his path. Jericho is in a part of the West Bank controlled by the Palestinian Authority, set up in the 1993 Oslo accords as a step toward a Palestinian state. But two decades later there is little belief on either side in a two-state solution, as Israeli settlements, illegal under international law, have spread throughout the West Bank. Even before Mondays raid, camp residents were recovering from a large Israeli incursion Saturday morning that in part targeted the Awadat family. During that operation, said Adel Awadat, 61, two shoulder-launched missiles struck his house around 7 a.m. without warning while he and four other family members, including his 16-year-old nephew, were inside. An Israeli soldier then called and told the family to come outside as a bulldozer barricaded the front exit. Soldiers made male members of Awadats extended family, who live in the neighboring homes, strip down and stand in the cold and rain, he said, while women and children were put into nearby jeeps. Some 12 male members of the Awadat family were arrested that night, and six remain in jail, said Hasan Awadat, 27. One day after the raid, the Awadat family was already beginning to rebuild their bullet-ridden, heavily damaged home. Jericho has always been safe. We heard about these things happening elsewhere but never imagined it here, said Mais Awadat, 28, seated in her relatives house with gaping holes. Now it feels worse than the second intifada, she said, referring to the period of intense clashes between the Israeli military and Palestinians in the early 2000s. On Monday, women crowded into a home adorned with a Hamas flag to mourn four of the other men killed brothers Ibrahim, 27, and Refat Awadat, 21, and their cousins Adham, 22, and Thaer Awadat, 28. Over the past two years, their grandmother Saadiya Awadat said, her grandsons had closely followed the cases of Palestinians killed and houses demolished by Israeli forces. Angry and frustrated, she said, they had shown increasing interest in violence and martyrdom. Hanadi Awad, 41, struggling to speak amid her grief, said she had no idea that her son Adham and his friends possessed any weapons. But after the Israeli raid on the camp Saturday, they briefly passed by to say their goodbyes bearing guns. Praise God he is a martyr now, she said. Qassam, 19, an aluminum worker who declined to give his family name as he attended one of the funerals, agreed that Jericho was not known before for its militancy, but said he fears that could be changing. We have a friend who is now so angry. He keeps talking about getting a gun and shooting Israelis. We try to calm him down. But its not easy. I feel like the whole atmosphere is changing, he said. Hazem Balousha contributed to this report. Our deepest condolences and sympathy to all the families that lost their loved ones. It's the moments like these that we are in urgent need of being united regardless of region, race, orientation or creed. Our emergency relief team is coming to aid you in the rescue. Be safe! Hang in there! In response to a request from the Turkiye government, China has sent a rescue team to the country to participate in relief efforts after two strong earthquakes jolted parts of the nation and neighboring Syria early on Monday, China Central Television reported on Tuesday. The team, consisting of 82 people, departed Beijing Capital International Airport at around 4 pm on Tuesday. It was dispatched by the Ministry of Emergency Management and consists of specialists from the Beijing Fire and Rescue Administration, the National Earthquake Response Support Service and the Emergency General Hospital. WASHINGTON Military crews, federal agents and other law enforcement officials on Tuesday continued their search of a debris field off the East Coast looking for parts of the Chinese balloon that U.S. officials accused of spying. The incident has raised concerns about national security and increased tensions with China. The balloon was first sighted last week near Alaska and U.S. officials said it traveled a southeastern path to a spot off the Carolina coast where it was shot down Saturday by a U.S. fighter jet. The Pentagon said its a spy balloon, but China said it was a weather balloon. Officials expect the debris collected offshore will reveal more information about it. Some experts have weighed in on questions raised by the balloon and Stars and Stripes spoke to a couple of them Iain Boyd, a professor of aerospace engineering sciences and the director of the Center for National Security Initiatives at the University of Colorado, and Timothy Heath, senior international defense researcher at Rand Corp., a California-based defense think tank. What was the balloon? Was it a spy ship or a weather ship? BOYD: Its almost certainly not a weather balloon. Its just way too big. And why would they be measuring weather off the coast of the U.S. in this way, anyway? It seems unlikely to me that its a fully loaded spy ship because, being that large, its definitely going to be detected and once detected, almost certainly brought down to Earth in some way or another. So youre going to lose all your latest spy technology this way. None of that makes any sense to me. So I think its more likely to be some kind of experimental vehicle. It probably doesnt have a whole bunch of spy equipment on it. It certainly doesnt have weather equipment on it. And maybe they lost control of it and it wandered over here. HEATH: I have been surprised at how much this story has gained legs. Its become such a hot issue in global media, it really is striking. I think theres a very strong likelihood that this balloon is carrying out some sort of intelligence collection. The U.S. government would not shoot down a weather balloon if they were not clear on what this thing is. The U.S. government is not going to reveal classified information, but all the hints suggest there is some kind of technical collection. They are aware of the information its collecting and what its purposes appear to be. And thats why they decided to shoot it down. Did President Joe Bidens administration make the right call in waiting for the balloon to reach the Atlantic Ocean before bringing it down? Or should it have been taken out immediately? BOYD: The size of the payload underneath the balloon is like three buses in size. So if thats true, having three buses drop out of the sky over the continental U.S., youd have to do that very carefully. Youd have to see where the balloon was and try and project where the [debris] would go and be sure that it was a very sparsely populated area of the country. There certainly is some risk associated with that, so shooting it down over the ocean is much, much safer. Also, there could have been an element of letting this play out a little bit, from the administrations point of view. All the attention its gotten globally this kind of looks like an example of China behaving badly, not following the established norms of behavior. We dont know at this point, but I think those are elements of what went into that decision. We dont know all the information that went into deciding when to shoot it down, but certainly doing it over the ocean is by far the least risky way to do it. If it was a surveillance balloon, why would China use such a low-tech method to collect U.S. information? HEATH: Satellites have their downsides. They operate on predictable orbits, so if you want to deny information to a passing satellite its not that hard to do. You know when its coming. Balloons mitigate that because they are hard to detect. Most air-defense radars are not designed to pick up on balloons. Theyre designed to pick up missiles and aircraft. Balloons also offer the advantage of dwell time. With rudders or propellers, you can exert some level of control and keep a balloon stationary. So there are military reasons why a balloon might be attractive to China in their pursuit of intelligence collection. What might have been Chinas possible motivations? BOYD: It could just be China poking the U.S. in the eye a little bit and causing us quite a stir over here. China has complained for many years about the U.S. spying on them, and in some ways, this is a way for China to say, Look, we can reach out and cause you aggravation, too. It could be a way of testing out the U.S. response in a situation where you have something like this in your airspace. Its hard for me to believe that the Chinese are so incompetent that they built this giant spy balloon and then expected it to be sighted and brought down. Thats incompetence at a level thats hard to believe. HEATH: In the past, there were numerous balloons stretching all the way back to [former President Donald Trumps administration], and they were not discovered. So, these [balloons] are not obvious things. I think its possible at 60,000 feet that whoever launched the balloon believed they could get away with not being noticed. It just happened to be spotted this time, probably because it stayed in one place. The other times, these airships just drifted by, and the media and the U.S. government apparently missed them. This incident reveals the depth of distrust between the two countries. China, for some reason, has a fear and an intense interest in U.S. nuclear capabilities, which is frightening in itself. Its understandable they want to better understand Americas nuclear missile silos, but thats a worrying sign in my view that both countries are feeling more and more threatened by the other side. Biden and the Pentagon have voiced repeated concerns about Chinas rising influence in the Indo-Pacific region and toward Taiwan. Does the balloon incident validate those worries? HEATH: The Pentagon is deeply sensitive to the reality of flat budgets and declining military capabilities, and extremely worried that U.S. military muscle just isnt what it used to be. I think U.S. military leaders are very worried that the credibility of U.S. intervention near Taiwan is just so in doubt now. Unless the U.S. has nuclear missiles to back up its nuclear credibility, it could be a motivator for China to start challenging the U.S. with armed force. In a more unstable world with a shrinking U.S. military, the interest in nuclear missiles is probably going to grow. And the role nuclear weapons play in U.S. defense I hate to say it but I see it growing, as well. The Pentagon said part of the concern about shooting down a spy balloon is it might have had explosives to self-destruct. Is that a possibility? BOYD: If it was a spy balloon and its got the latest technology from China for spying, I would think it would have a self-destruct mechanism. And maybe the self-destruct failed. If youre in Chinas shoes and this thing is drifting toward the U.S. and has been detected, yes, youd want to destroy it. You dont want all your stuff to be picked over by the FBI or whoever. This is going to be a treasure trove, perhaps, for the U.S. intelligence services. The balloon led to Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceling a trip to China. What does this ordeal do for U.S.-Chinese relations? HEATH: It does not look good for China. It shows at the very least the Chinese government is not well coordinated. There are people [in the Chinese government] operating and Beijing is not really tracking what theyre doing. The timing was terrible. The Chinese desperately want to ease tensions with the U.S. They were looking forward to Blinkens visit and this totally derailed it. Where does the U.S. go from here with China, diplomatically? HEATH: The U.S. needs to slow the momentum toward repairing ties, just to make sure Beijing gets the message that this kind of behavior is not acceptable. Its true the two countries spy on each other all the time, but deploying some kind of craft above the territory of another country, in its airspace, that is new and that is offensive. And theres no reason the U.S. should beg China to come back to the table. The U.S. has the upper hand here and should slow things down. I think its the right thing to delay, but not cancel, the Blinken visit and let the Chinese stew and fume over their mistake. As technicians scrambled throughout the night last month to reboot a malfunctioning pilot notification system, airline officials crowded onto a makeshift Federal Aviation Administration phone line looking for information. How long had the system been out? Could flights already over the Atlantic Ocean safely land? During the chaotic call with hundreds of people on the line the second of two major disruptions for U.S. air passengers in a three-week span an FAA representative had few answers as he battled sounds coming from unmuted phones. Whether to keep flying during the safety systems outage, the official said, was up to each airline. There is no ground stop currently out there in the U.S.A., he said. About an hour later, the federal agency in charge of maintaining safety in the nations skies took the almost unprecedented step of halting all domestic departures, an action last taken on Sept. 11, 2001. The action followed decades of underinvestment in technology and warnings about the possible consequences. The FAA outage hit as Southwest Airlines and its customers still were handling fallout from the carriers decision to cancel more than 16,700 flights a move that left more than 1 million scrambling to rework holiday plans. The two incidents have triggered multiple federal investigations while revealing the fragile underpinnings of a domestic system that routinely carries 2 million people daily. They also are putting pressure on Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a rising Democratic Party star, to own long-festering problems at an agency he oversees. The aftermath will shape U.S. aviation priorities for years and could usher in new protections aimed at a public increasingly wary of unreliable flights. The federal government and one of the nations largest air carriers learned long ago their systems were dependent on rickety foundations but didnt do enough to update technology that could have avoided recent blemishes. Leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will have their first opportunity to ask questions at a hearing Tuesday on aviation safety. Theres a lot of concern in Congress, said Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), a member of the committee. We hear it from our constituents. The step that FAA took was extraordinary. The hearing is likely to be the first of several to spotlight struggles in the industry, coming alongside deliberations this year on a funding measure for the FAA. In the Senate, the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee also plans to convene hearings into recent flight disruptions, beginning Thursday, when Southwests chief operating officer is among those scheduled to testify. The Department of Transportation is conducting its own probe into Southwests breakdown, examining whether the carrier may have deliberately misled customers by selling tickets on flights it knew it couldnt operate, which would be considered a deceptive practice that could subject the carrier to fines. Southwest denies that was the case. Decades-old tech, years of warnings The airline industry was on the defensive long before the two recent breakdowns. Despite receiving more than $50 billion in federal pandemic relief money, airlines were caught unprepared for a surge in passenger demand when coronavirus vaccines became widely available in 2021. As cancellations and delays swelled, so did scrutiny of their operations from regulators, lawmakers and the public. Days before Christmas, Southwests troubles brought renewed criticism that intensified weeks later with the outage of a key FAA pilot information system. Glitches in the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system, which flags potential hazards for pilots before departure, began causing trouble the afternoon of Jan. 10. Backup databases proved unreliable, and the FAA tried to fix the problems overnight. It launched a hotline to help coordinate among agency officials, airports and airlines. In the early morning hours, officials decided to reset the system and ordered a halt to domestic departures. The ground stop lasted about two hours, but its effects rippled throughout the day, with nearly 11,000 flights delayed and more than 1,300 canceled. FAA officials quickly ruled out a cyberattack, concluding the outage was caused by a contractor who mistakenly deleted files in the system database. Spatial Front, the contractor, said it is cooperating with the investigation. The FAA barred company employees who were directly involved from accessing its buildings and systems. Acting FAA administrator Billy Nolen briefed lawmakers on the incident, and in a Jan. 27 letter to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the agency outlined steps taken to prevent a repeat. Those include a one-hour delay in synchronizing the database with backups to stop any errors from spreading and a requirement that at least two people, including a federal manager, be present during system maintenance. The failure of the NOTAM system has renewed scrutiny of the agencys efforts to modernize its technology, which has components dating to the 1970s. The FAA has long been aware the technology it uses to manage the nations airspace is outdated. Its 2023 budget request to Congress outlined multiple aging systems in need of attention, including airport radars, radios and emergency generators up to 50 years old. But those efforts, including one to upgrade the system at fault last month, have been slowed, in part, because of inconsistent funding and complexities in managing a sprawling program in need of upgrades, according to industry and agency officials. Michael Huerta, who served as FAA administrator during the Obama and Trump administrations, said work to upgrade the industrys technology infrastructure must be performed regularly. These kinds of systems are the plumbing in the old bathroom, he said. You need to maintain them and keep them up to date. FAA employees warned more than a dozen years ago of potential dangers in how NOTAMs were created, collected and distributed to pilots who needed clear data to avoid hazards. The agency dedicated millions of dollars to replacing the antiquated system, known as the U.S. NOTAM system, with a consolidated system based on newer, more reliable technology. The higher-tech version would be known as the Federal NOTAM system. Around the same time, a 2008 outage similar to the one that occurred last month underscored the urgency of ongoing modernization efforts, said Brett Brunk, an FAA technology specialist involved at the time. He said parts of that work stalled because of struggles for adequate funding and an organizational inertia that hindered the agencys ability to advance the project. At some point, you cant just keep putting new tires on an old car, Brunk said. Eventually, it rusts out. Eight years later, a five-year plan issued in November 2016 indicated a goal to phase out the older system by the end of that year. In later editions of the document, that date slipped to 2019, then 2023. The current target date is 2025, although the agency says its looking for ways to accelerate the work. Despite those setbacks, the FAA cites advancements that include making the notices searchable and offering pilots multiple streams of NOTAM data. Even so, the older U.S. NOTAM system that was supposed to be replaced remains a pillar of the FAAs warning system. The January outage renewed efforts to address its risks. The House last month passed a bill to study improvements to the NOTAM system, coming hours after a bipartisan group of senators introduced a similar measure. In response to growing technological needs, a joint office representing the FAA and other agencies set out plans in 2004 for a major infrastructure program known as NextGen. Members of an advisory committee formed to coordinate the multibillion-dollar FAA program expressed frustration last year that NextGens efforts remained too limited, according to agency meeting minutes. Airline representatives on the committee said it could become hard to justify the industrys spending on major technology advancements when the FAA isnt doing enough on its end. Timothy L. Arel, chief operating officer of the FAAs Air Traffic Organization, responded by saying the agency has absorbed more than $270 million in pandemic-related expenses, even as budgets remain flat. There are signs the industry might be willing to lobby Congress for money to make upgrades. This ought to be a wake-up call for all of us in aviation - something that many of us in aviation have been saying for a long time that the FAA needs more resources, United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby said last month. Flight delays as a political issue Buttigieg has vowed accountability tied to the FAA and Southwest but has become a growing target of criticism from Republicans as the two problems unraveled. On the morning of Jan. 11, as thousands of passengers remained stranded during the nationwide ground stop, a top GOP leader placed the blame on Buttigieg. Can we just go a week in America without a major debacle out of the secretary of transportations purview? asked House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.). Buttigieg has also taken criticism from the left, with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) saying the secretary didnt heed calls from him and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) last year to take a harder line with airlines. Buttigiegs office has cited successes, including in securing pledges from airlines to cover meal and hotel costs when cancellations are their fault, and pressuring airlines to refund more than $1 billion. In an interview, Buttigieg said the two episodes offer significantly different lessons. The aviation sector had made all of these strides toward reliability over the course of what had been a very rough year, Buttigieg said. Then one airline melted down completely. And it goes to show that the system requires all of the different players to be at their best. Buttigieg said the challenge for the FAA is accelerating decades-long modernization efforts while maintaining a safety record that, in most years, has no commercial airline passenger fatalities. He said the system was stitched together over decades and is managed conservatively because of that safety success. These older, creakier systems are going to be increasingly vulnerable as demand picks up, he said. It just overwhelmed the technology For Southwest, problems sparked by a winter storm spiraled out of control after the carriers staffing system became overwhelmed and lost the ability to keep track of pilots and flight attendants. Two memos obtained by The Washington Post showed executives also were concerned about a shortage of ground workers at two of its busiest airports, in Denver and Baltimore, although the carrier maintains it was fully staffed. Employee unions had warned for years that the software used for scheduling crews needed an overhaul, but airline executives didnt heed those calls. While other carriers quickly resumed flying after the storm passed, Southwest struggled for days to regain control of its operations. The airline thought it had a good plan in place: It proactively canceled flights ahead of a winter storm that was slated to hit its largest base in Denver, on Dec. 21, then move across the country. Members of the carriers pilots union who met with airline officials a day earlier said they were assured by management the carrier was prepared and could handle cancellations from weather. By Dec. 22, according to a post-incident analysis by the pilots union, it was starting to become clear that management had been too optimistic. Lyn Montgomery, president of TWU Local 556, which represents Southwest flight attendants, said her first inkling the carrier was facing massive problems also came Dec. 22, when calls from union members began pouring in: Flight attendants were stuck on hold for hours as they tried to reach the scheduling desk, and crew members who had flown to cities in the storms path were staying at hotels without heat and water. Southwest chief executive Bob Jordan said in an interview with The Post that employees volunteered by the hundreds to help the airline dig out as it scrambled to locate crew members and reposition planes, flying hundreds of empty aircraft in a bid to resume operations. As those decisions were made in Texas, the ramifications were being felt nationwide. Doug Kotlove, 53, arrived at Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport on Christmas Eve with his wife and two daughters expecting a smooth trip to Florida. At the gate, a Southwest employee was unable to reach anyone who could track down a flight attendant so the plane could depart. The flight was soon canceled. Kotlove and his family were told to return to the service counters outside of security to rebook, only to find a long line of others trying to do the same. As they left BWI and headed back home to Bethesda, Kotlove sensed a crisis was brewing. Over the next three days, the carrier canceled more than 60 percent of its flights. The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association estimated the carrier operated more than 500 flights with no paying customers between Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 to rebuild its network. [This] caused a historic level of cancellations that turned into an historic level of aircraft rerouting that led to an historic level of crew rerouting or rescheduling, Jordan said last month. And it just overwhelmed the technology and the processes. Southwest is paying the price for its poor performance, swinging to a net loss last quarter because of expenses attributed to the collapse. Jordan characterized the 11-day period as a singular episode, but its not the carriers first technological breakdown. In 2016, the partial failure of a router at Southwests Dallas data center that grounded planes and canceled more than 2,000 flights was an early warning of the need to look more closely at technology. The carrier upgraded its reservation system in 2017 and maintenance system last year, but the software it uses to schedule staffing on flights remained problematic, according to union officials and industry analysts. This was not the first time they experienced this problem, but it was the first time they experienced it at this scale the sum of long-term overreliance on overtime, plus extreme weather, plus marginal IT competence influences, which collectively triggered to total meltdown, said Robert W. Mann, who runs R.W. Mann & Co., an airline industry analysis and consulting firm. Avoiding another $1 billion mistake In all, Southwests estimated $1 billion in lost ticket revenue, overtime and goodwill gestures for customers and employees is roughly the same amount the carrier spent last year to upgrade its IT systems. Jordan said Southwest will spend $1.3 billion on upgrades this year, an amount that could rise depending on findings of a consulting firm the airline hired to examine the root causes of the problem and offer recommendations on preventing a repeat. Jordan said an update to Southwests scheduling software could be in place within weeks. In the meantime, the carrier has a backup plan for any similar situation: an army of about 100 volunteer employees trained for manual scheduling. As for the FAA, on Jan. 11 the same day the nations aircraft were grounded for nearly two hours the agency signed a $3 million agreement with Reston, Va.-based Concept Solutions for modernization support for the newer Federal NOTAM system. A representative of the company didnt respond to a request for comment. The firm says its hunting for new and nimble workers who can juggle the antiquated workings of old FAA databases and the newer demands of modern systems, according to company job postings. A key requirement, one read, is the technical ability to understand legacy systems integrated with new technologies. The dream of carbon-free flight is inching toward some reality. The Federal Aviation Administration on Monday granted California-based Universal Hydrogen clearance to proceed with a first flight of its hydrogen-powered Dash-8-300 test airplane at Moses Lake, Washington. On Friday, the aircraft began initial ground taxi tests and on Monday the propellers ran up to their full RPM. The FAA's grant of the special airworthiness certificate in the experimental category means that, provided the taxi tests go well, the plane could fly as soon as this month. Universal, led by Paul Eremenko, former chief technology officer and leading clean energy visionary at both Airbus and United Technologies, is developing the technology to retrofit midsized turboprop aircraft to run on hydrogen. To create the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen-powered aviation, the company is developing modular pods of liquid hydrogen that can be easily transported to any airport by truck and loaded onto an airplane. Separately, Universal's engineers are developing a power system inside the plane's nacelle the casing around the motor including a fuel cell that converts the hydrogen to electricity that turns the propellers. Eremenko in an interview Monday compared the hydrogen pod to a Nespresso coffee pod and the airplane to the coffee machine. On the test plane at Moses Lake, it's only the coffee machine that's being tested: the powertrain that converts the hydrogen to electricity and turns the propellers. Instead of the pods filled with liquid hydrogen, the plane has a tank of gaseous hydrogen in the back. One propeller is powered by that, the other by regular jet fuel. If it flies, it will be the largest hydrogen-powered airplane to fly. Universal plans to outfit the Dash-8 with 41 seats. However, once development is complete, its first product will be the even bigger ATR-72-600, configured for 56 passengers. Last month, competing California-based ZeroAvia flew a 19-seat Dornier 228 turboprop in England. That plane's hydrogen fuel cell was supplemented by an electric battery to provide extra support for takeoff and backup power. Universal has developed a powertrain that doesn't require a battery. It's all hydrogen power. 2023 The Seattle Times. Visit seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. WASHINGTON The U.S. needs a government-wide China policy that emulates its approach toward the former Soviet Union and should prioritize diplomacy despite the recent downing of a Chinese surveillance balloon, experts told House lawmakers on Tuesday. Retired Adm. Harry Harris, a former commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said it was a shame Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed a planned visit to China after a Chinese balloon encroached into U.S. airspace last week and he urged Congress to nurture diplomatic relationships with partners in the Indo-Pacific region. We maintained communication with the Soviet Union so I hope we can get on some diplomatic footing with the Peoples Republic of China, said Harris, who led U.S. Pacific Command, now named U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, from 2015 to 2018 and served as a U.S. ambassador to South Korea until 2021. Harris appeared before the House Committee on Armed Services as its new chairman, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., vowed to make China the focus of the panel under Republican control. The House last month voted to create a select committee on China, which it deems Washingtons top strategic competitor and the Pentagons pacing challenge. Make no mistake, that balloon was intentionally launched as a calculated show of force, Rogers said of the spy balloon. We have to stop being naive about the threat we face from China. Some lawmakers have raised alarm over a litany of Chinese advancements in recent years, including Chinas buildup of the largest army and navy in the world and its impressive advances in hypersonic technology and artificial intelligence. Rogers added another worrying accomplishment to the list, announcing Tuesday that the Defense Department had just notified lawmakers that China now has more intercontinental ballistic missiles than the United States. Harris pointed out China has made great strides in the diplomatic realm as well, seeking security partnerships with nations around the world and aggressively expanding a diplomatic presence in countries that the U.S. had left empty. He offered multiple examples of the U.S. failing to appoint ambassadors in a timely fashion, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. mission to the Maldives is covered by the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, he said. There has been no U.S. ambassador to India in two years and it took five years to get an ambassador in Singapore, he said. Thats on us, Harris said. It affects our relationships with these countries. Alliances and partnerships are key to deterring China militarily, he said, and will become even more crucial as China potentially embarks on a campaign to invade and occupy Taiwan. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., cautioned Tuesday that such a scenario is not a certainty despite various U.S. defense officials warning that an attack could come in the next few years. China has long laid territorial claim to Taiwan, a self-ruled island democracy. I do worry about the inevitability comments because these words get played up in China and then Chinas like, Well the U.S. is coming for us, so we might as well go for them, said Smith, the committees top Democrat. Still, lawmakers debated how soon an invasion could come and how the U.S. should prepare for it. The U.S. has not supported Taiwans independence for decades but has pushed in recent years to shore up the islands defenses. Melanie Sisson, a foreign policy fellow with the Brookings Institution think tank, told lawmakers that the U.S. needs to nudge Taiwan to adopt a defense concept. The plan should take advantage of the islands terrain and call for naval mines, fast-attack missile boats and other anti-ship defenses to counter an invasion. It should also ready Taiwans population for a potential blockade, she said. We need to get them to be as prickly of a porcupine as they can be, Sisson said. The U.S. in the meantime needs to exude calm and confidence in the region and show cohesion with its allies, she said. Harris praised the U.S. for signing an agreement last week to boost the American militarys presence in the Philippines as well as the trilateral security pact between the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia known as AUKUS. The deal with Australia will provide the country with its first nuclear-powered submarines, the crown jewel of Americas military technology, according to Harris. It will help the U.S. dramatically and change the balance in the Indian Ocean, he said. The plan for acquiring the submarines for Australia is set to go public for the first time next month and could potentially take decades to implement. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., said Congress will work on loosening export control barriers on nuclear technology to speed up the process. Harris and Sisson said the U.S. has moved closer to a unified policy on China across all its government agencies but still has work to do. For too long, each agency viewed China through its own lens the Pentagon saw it as a military operation, the Treasury Department looked at it as a lender, the Commerce Department looked at it as a trading partner, Harris said. The U.S. now needs to take the same approach it used during the Cold War, when even a Park Ranger would be able to say the Soviets were the bad guys, he said. I dont think we have that comprehensive policy, but I think were much further along now than weve ever been, Harris said. Despite outrage over a cycle of deadly mass shootings in California and other states, a new poll out Monday has found plummeting support for a national assault weapon ban, reflecting what even backers say may be growing pessimism over whether such a law would reduce violence. President Joe Biden and Gov. Gavin Newsom have called for a ban, and California Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced a new ban bill last month, similar to one Congress allowed to expire after 10 years in 2004. California has banned the sale of assault weapons since 1989, but it is under legal challenge. While Biden has undertaken a new push to ban assault weapons, public views on the issue are now closely divided, said Gary Langer of Langer Research Associates, which produced the survey for ABC News. Asked their opinion regarding the proposed legislation, 51% of respondents said they were opposed and 47% were in support. Langer Research has asked about an assault weapon ban 22 times in 13 years starting in 1995, and noted that in most other polls, majorities have supported such a measure, peaking at 79% in May 1999. Support was at 62% as recently as April 2018 but fell to 56%, with 41% opposed, in September 2019, the last time the firm asked. Langer said the decline in support since 2019 is broadly based across groups, but that it would take a study focused in more detail on the issue to assess its reasons. Mondays poll covered a variety of topics including the national debt and the popularity of the nations elected leaders. Langer said the findings dont appear to be an outlier a Quinnipiac University poll in July 2022 found 49% in support of a national assault weapon sale ban and 45% opposed, though Feinsteins office noted a Jan. 27-29 Morning Consult/Politico poll that found 65% support banning assault weapons and 67% support banning large-capacity ammunition magazines. But Langer did say that other polls suggest reasons for flagging support. The Quinnipiac University poll also found 52% of Americans do not worry about being the victim of a mass shooting, while 47% percent do. A Pew Research Center poll last year also found the public divided on whether making it harder to get guns would reduce mass shootings, Langer said. Another Pew study among parents of children under 18 found just 45% of the parents thought an assault weapons ban would be extremely or very effective at preventing shootings in schools. Asked about the findings, Ruth Borenstein, legislative and policy chair for Brady California, which supports the national ban, said its hard to know, but I suspect its due to efforts to normalize these weapons of war. We have members of Congress wearing assault weapon pins on their lapels, Borenstein said. Plus, tragically, now that mass shootings are a daily occurrence, I think many people see them as inevitable. Despite Californias longstanding ban on semiautomatic rifles and pistols styled after modern military guns, prohibition of ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, and a host of other firearm restrictions, the state in January saw its deadliest month of mass shootings in at least a decade. Seven workers were killed Jan. 23 at a pair of Half Moon Bay mushroom farms by an alleged disgruntled coworker armed with a pistol, and 11 people were fatally shot Jan. 21 at a dance studio in the Los Angeles County suburb of Monterey Park by man armed with an assault pistol believed to be illegal in the state. On Jan. 16, six people died in a gang-related shooting in the San Joaquin Valley town of Goshen, including a teenage mother and her infant son. Gun-rights supporters say assault weapons are functionally the same as semiautomatic rifles and pistols that have been in civilian use for more than a century. They fire one shot per trigger pull until empty, unlike the rifles carried by soldiers that can fire continuously with one trigger pull until empty. Such fully automatic weapons have long been prohibited for civilian use in the United States. AR-15s are the most popular rifle in America and millions use them daily for a variety of lawful purposes, the National Rifle Association said in a statement Monday. Support for a ban on these widely owned firearms has declined because Americans know bans do nothing to reduce violent crime or enhance public safety. Common sense tells them that bans only affect the law-abiding. Congress allowed Feinsteins 1994 assault weapon ban to expire in 2004. One study said its success in reducing criminal use of the banned guns and magazines has been mixed. That report found that following implementation of the ban, the share of gun crimes involving assault weapons declined by 17% to 72% in areas studied. But it said the decline in assault weapon use was offset by the use of other guns with large-capacity magazines that had been grandfathered before the law took effect. The report concluded that it was premature to assess the bans impact on gun crime because it may not be fully felt for several years into the future. Feinsteins office said Monday it remains clear that the majority of Americans want Congress to act to end gun violence, and pointed to studies showing a drop in gun massacre deaths when the assault weapon ban was in effect, and an increase afterward. We know the assault weapons ban worked, it saved lives, Feinsteins office said. Its time to renew the ban. The ABC poll of a random national sample of 1,003 adults 26% Democrats, 25% Republicans and 40% independents was conducted by landline and cell phone Jan. 27-Feb. 1 in English and Spanish. The margin of error was 3.5 percentage points. ------- #YR@ MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. WASHINGTON The House Republican investigation into the financial dealings of President Joe Biden's family risks turning off more voters than it attracts, as Democrats paint the inquiry as time-consuming political retribution that diverts attention from the approaching debt crisis and other problems. The Biden-centric investigation led by the Oversight and Accountability Committee kicks off Wednesday morning, just hours after the president delivers his State of the Union address to Congress. At the center of the probe is the contents of the laptop of Biden's son Hunter a topic that's been a far-right preoccupation since 2020. Yet a series of recent polls show the majority of Americans just aren't that interested in what may or may not be on Hunter Biden's hard drive. Polling released last week by the Pew Research Center showed that as clashes over the debt ceiling and other key issues intensify, 65% of American adults surveyed said they are concerned Republicans would focus too much on investigating the Biden administration. A CNN poll released Jan. 26 found that 73% of American adults think House Republicans haven't paid enough attention to the country's most pressing problems. "The Republican majority in Congress has to make sure that they don't get branded as the party that only cares about investigations. Voters elected them to address other concerns, including the economy," said Nathan Gonzales, editor and publisher of Inside Elections. Still, Republicans are moving ahead with what Oversight Chairman James Comer calls his panel's first hearing into "the Biden corruption." Comer also says his goal is to find a bipartisan solution to Washington influence peddling. The Kentucky Republican is hardly the most iconoclastic member of the House GOP, but the panel is stacked with outspoken colleagues like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Paul Gosar, Jim Jordan and Lauren Boebert who are known more for partisan vitriol than policy. The Oversight panel's top Democrat, Jamie Raskin of Maryland, described Comer as being "on the more thoughtful and reasonable side" of his party. But Raskin, the lead manager for President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial, also said he recognizes Comer must operate within Speaker Kevin McCarthy's commitments to "right-wing extremists." And he says any effort focusing solely on alleged influence peddling or business dealings of Biden family members, and not on Trump's, would be a "hatchet job" that Democrats are prepared to counter. Hunter Biden's work with foreign entities, including in Ukraine while his father was vice president, has drawn interest for years. He also has been under federal investigation since 2018 for tax affairs tied to his overseas activities. The president has denied knowledge of, or involvement in, his son's business dealings. The Wednesday hearing will address alleged collusion by the FBI with Twitter Inc., and other technology giants to censor news reporting before the 2020 presidential election about the laptop's contents, Biden family "shady business schemes," and influence peddling. Three former Twitter executives are expected to testify. At the same time, Jordan, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, and Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner sent letters on Monday to 12 former U.S. intelligence officials that suggested those panels are also looking into the matter. The letters to former CIA Director John Brennan, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and others, seek transcribed interviews and other information explaining their involvement in an October 2020 statement that implied reporting about Hunter Biden was the product of Russian disinformation. Some critics of the inquiry see similarities to the drawn-out Benghazi hearings that stirred up controversy around Hillary Clinton before her 2016 presidential campaign. Republicans portrayed that investigation as a sober look at security lapses that led to the 2012 terrorist attacks on the U.S. compound and CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya. The investigation ultimately did not blame Clinton, but it might have played a factor in her narrow loss to Trump in 2016. Thomas Mann, a government expert at the Brookings Institution, called Comer's investigation, along with those of some other committees, "transparently political in the same fashion as the Benghazi hearings and will likely reinforce the reputation of House Republicans as having no agenda beyond 'getting the libs.'" Comer dismisses criticism he is reviving a Benghazi-type strategy designed to injure Joe Biden politically before the 2024 elections. "I'm not dusting off any old playbook," he said. Yet in a late January interview on Bloomberg TV' "Balance of Power with David Westin," he did acknowledge that his "committee is going to get a lot of media attention, if for no other reason because we have so many firebrands on both sides of the aisle." Democrats have seated Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Katie Porter of California on the panel. Dan Goldman, a New York freshman who served as counsel during Trump's first impeachment trial, is also on the committee. As Ocasio-Cortez sees it: Republicans are "weaponizing" a congressional committee to attack a private citizen, in its focus on Hunter Biden. "And I think it's especially atrocious given that this was a person who has been open about struggling with substance misuse and it's just a horrifying thing to do." Rice University political scientist Paul Brace said some might see this as digging into family challenges faced by this president "some heart- rending, some embarrassing." Others, he added, think of it as necessary scrutiny of "a Washington insider of 50-plus years perhaps capable of trading position for family benefits, protected by mainstream media from accountability." "The GOP will, I believe, expend extraordinary resources looking for dots to connect," Brace said. With assistance from Steven T. Dennis. 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. TAMPA, Fla. (Tribune News Service) 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. 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 f--king 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 multiton 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. 2023 Tampa Bay Times. Visit tampabay.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Stars and Stripes is making stories on the coronavirus pandemic available free of charge. See more stories here. Sign up for our coronavirus newsletter here. Please support our journalism with a subscription. (Tribune News Service) U.S. Army Col. Barrett King of St. Marys, Ga., loyally served his country for 32 years as an infantry officer and later as a public affairs officer. Kings long history of service in the Army includes a one-year tour of duty after he reached mandatory retirement age in 2005 to serve as chief of public affairs for Third Army and U.S. Army Central in Atlanta and the Middle East. On March 20, King, who died of COVID-19 two years ago, will have his remains interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Kings widow, Betty King, said he requested in his will for his ashes to be buried at Arlington, and she recently learned his last wishes were granted. He will be buried with full military honors at a ceremony that will begin at 11 a.m. He studied the events leading to conflicts throughout American history, she said. He was always learning, Betty King said. He was a military history buff. King served in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and duty stations stateside during his career. As a reservist, King served at the Pentagon during the first Gulf War in 1991, six months in Honduras in 1992, and six months at Camp Blanding, Fla., in 1994. He was activated for Desert Fox in 1998 and was recalled along with his entire unit after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon and the simultaneous hijacking of a jetliner that crashed near Pittsburgh. King served several years as Camden County administrator, and later worked for the Jacksonville, Fla., library system before retiring. (c)2023 The Brunswick News (Brunswick, Ga.) Visit The Brunswick News at www.thebrunswicknews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. President Biden said on Monday that relations between Washington and Beijing would not be weakened by the downing of the balloon, saying that "we made it clear what we were going to do. They understand our position". Yet the Biden administration is going to have its work cut out stopping relations from drifting further off track as the anti-China caucus in Washington is intent on taking advantage of the US people's lack of knowledge over the incident to portray the "spy balloon" as proof of China acting with hostile intent. China has never let the frequent and deliberate provocations of the US hinder the overall development of bilateral ties. Among such acts are the surveillance and monitoring equipment that Chinese fishermen and the military have spotted, discovered or recovered in large numbers in Chinese waters and airspace since the 1950s. Equipment that is not innocent in purpose, means and consequence. Yet China chooses not to let these divert its attention from the bigger picture of bilateral relations, nor the frequent, if not regular, provocative transits and overflights in the South China Sea, the Taiwan Straits and the East China Sea by the US Navy and Air Force, which the US disingenuously portrays as "freedom of navigation" operations. The restraint China has been exercising over these incursions for covert surveillance is in stark contrast to the hysteria that has been generated in the US by a very obvious, since it could be seen from the ground, slow-moving meteorological balloon. China has been doing all it can to implement the consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries in their meeting in Bali, Indonesia, in November, and carry forward the positive momentum that was generated by that meeting. But the puffing up of the balloon beyond all proportion and its Top Gun-style denouement expose the Biden administration's inability to withstand the pressure from the anti-China caucus. That highlights the fundamental difference between how China and the US handle issues related to each other. While China can always match its words with deeds due to the effective executive power of its efficient political system, the US cannot. It is the institutional maladies plaguing the US political system that have enabled the balloon to be inflated into a frightener of the nation. Dean Paget (34) plead guilty to attempted murder, accepted that he falsely imprisoned her and intentionally ended the life of a foetus A man who repeatedly kicked his pregnant ex-partner in the stomach and said he would "rip" the baby out of her has been jailed for 13 years for attempted murder. Lisa Ward was over 32 weeks pregnant and later lost her baby after being subjected to several assaults throughout Dublin city centre in the early hours of April 25, 2021. Her former boyfriend Dean Paget (34) plead guilty to attempted murder at Montague Lane in Dublin 2 and also accepted that he falsely imprisoned her and intentionally ended the life of a foetus. Paget, a violent criminal with 66 previous convictions who repeatedly told Ms Ward she was going to die, was today sentenced to 13 years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court. Mr Justice Paul McDermott said the violence used was "severe and terrifying", and a further tragedy was that Ms Ward was living in "desperate circumstances" while at a vulnerable and advanced stage of pregnancy. The court heard both were living in a tent and using illicit substances at the time and the judge described the effects and consequences of the attack as harrowing. Aggravating factors, he said, were the nature, intensity and viciousness of the violence used by Dean Paget on a defenceless pregnant woman, as well as the high degree of physical and emotional injury. Mr Justice McDermott set a headline sentence of 20 years imprisonment and taking into account mitigating factors including his early guilty plea and the "extreme domestic violence" he was exposed to as a child, lowered this term to 14 years. The last 12 months of this term were suspended, and the sentence was backdated to May 18, 2021 when Paget first went into custody. Ms Ward, who was in court supported by her family, broke down after the sentence was delivered. In her victim impact statement Ms Ward (32) said that life "will never be the same again" and that not a day goes by that she doesn't think about what happened. "I was looking forward to bringing my baby girl into this world. She never had a chance," she said, adding that Paget will have to live with what he did to her and her little girl. Ms Ward also said that she wants him to "pay for everything he has done. There's no going back for him, he knew what he was doing". She described her baby, named Ruby Rose, as a "beautiful little girl" whose grave she now visits to keep her memory alive. At a sentencing hearing last month prosecuting counsel Shane Costelloe SC took Detective Garda Grainne Collier through the facts of the case. Det Gda Collier told the court that an altercation between the couple started after Ms Ward was seen in the company of another man. A significant amount of CCTV and audio footage tracking their movements that morning had been gathered which was compiled and shown to the court. While this was being played Paget was permitted to wait outside the court. In one clip he is seen arguing with Ms Ward on Dame Street at 4.56am and is heard shouting at her: "Is he your fella?" Footage then shows him attacking Ms Ward and striking her multiple times with punches and kicks to the abdomen while she is on the ground. During the attack he is also heard saying "do you want the guards? I'm going to rip her out of you" in reference to their unborn child. Footage shows further assaults taking place at Dame Street and Digges Lane during which Ms Ward is struck several times and dragged along the ground. Det Gda Collier said that during the course of the assaults Paget threatened to kill his partner and referred to their child as "a bastard" which the prosecution said was reference to his claims that somebody else had fathered the child. The court was shown further footage of them pitching a tent together at Montague Lane at around 5am with a "significant amount of movement inside" moments later. In a statement to gardai the victim said Paget was kicking her in the stomach, choking her and said that he would punch her in the face when she started screaming. She told gardai: "I was feeling I was dying" and that she was suffocating, while Paget kept saying it is "the moment you're going to die". Det Gda Collier said that at around 10.30am later that morning Ms Ward can be seen on CCTV "gingerly" leaving the tent as to not alert Paget before fleeing. She later attended the Rotunda Hospital because of concerns for her baby's welfare. Tests at the hospital confirmed there was no foetal heartbeat, and a post-mortem later established the cause of death as a placental abruption as a primary result of the assault. Det Gda Collier said Paget was arrested and initially claimed the victim was making up the seriousness of what had happened. He later said he couldn't remember much of the incident after being shown CCTV footage. The garda agreed with defence counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor SC that Paget accepted it was him in the footage and became upset during his fourth garda interview. Ms Lawlor said there was nothing she could say about the "graphic illustration of heinous violence" carried out by her client. In mitigation she submitted that he was a chronic drug user at the time, that he entered an early guilty plea and that he was remorseful. In a letter written by Paget he said that he was "ashamed of my life" and that he wished he "could turn back the hands of time". Mr Burke was driven into the grounds of the Wilsons Hospital School, from which he was sacked nearly three weeks ago Enoch Burke has turned up today at school increasing his fines to 8,400. Mr Burke was driven into the grounds of the Wilsons Hospital School in Multyfarnham, in Co Westmeath, from which he was sacked nearly three weeks ago, just after 8.40am. In doing so he continues to defy a High Court order to stay away from the school. Last August the school requested that teachers address a trans student by their preferred name and pronouns. Mr Burke refused to do so on religious grounds, saying transgenderism goes against his beliefs. He was then suspended from the school but kept turning up for work on a daily basis. The school took a High Court action against him and he was ordered by a judge to stay away from the school but still continued to turn up. Mr Burke was then told he was in contempt of court and imprisoned until he would purge that contempt and stay away from the school. He spent 108 days in Mountjoy prison as a result before the judge freed him just before Christmas, saying that Burke was exploiting his incarceration. It was hoped Mr Burke would stay away from the school after the Christmas school holidays but he started turning up again when the school opened again last month. A disciplinary process had been put in train by the school in relation to Mr Burkes alleged attitude towards the then principal, and at a disciplinary hearing was held on January 19. Mr Burke had objected to this meeting and tried to seek an injunction to stop it being held. The High Court said while he had grounds to bring such an injunction his refusal to comply with a court order requiring him to stay away from the school until the proceedings were determined tipped the balance of justice in favour of not granting the injunction. A decision was made to dismiss Mr Burke, but he continued showing up at the school, but instead of being let into a corridor he was refused entry to the school. On January 24, the first school day after his sacking, Mr Burke was arrested at the school for alleged trespass. He was released while a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions, and immediately went back to the school. A judge then ruled that if Mr Burke continued on his course of action he would be fined 700 a day until he stopped turning up at the school. But Burke has continued to turn up, and arrived at the school again today after the Bank Holiday. This brings his current fines to 8,400 and if he continues to arrive at the school his fines will climb to over 10,000 this week. He is also accused of taking property valued at 31,2014 in a burglary at the shop on January 18. A MAN has been charged over the ram-raiding of a shop on Dublins Grafton street where tens of thousands of euros worth of damage was caused and clothing stolen. Lee Conlon (44) appeared in Dublin District Court charged in connection with the late night break-in last month that left the front of the Hugo Boss store extensively damaged after it was rammed. Judge Paula Murphy remanded him in custody after no bail application was made on his behalf. Mr Conlon, with an address at Meath Place, Thomas Street, Dublin is charged with causing 51,000 worth of damage and taking property valued at 31,2014 in a burglary at the shop on January 18. Mr Conlon was arrested yesterday and taken to Pearse Street Garda Station where he was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 before being charged and brought before the court today. Garda Aine Hogan said she arrested Mr Conlon for the purpose of charging him at 4.15am. He was charged at 5.13am and made no reply after caution, she said. The accused was handed copies of the charge sheets. Theres no application for bail at this time, defence solicitor Philip Hannon said. He applied for free legal aid submitting a statement of Mr Conlons financial means to the court. The judge said he looks like a suitable candidate and, noting there were no garda objections, she granted legal aid. The judge also directed that the accused be assessed for appropriate medical attention while in custody, at Mr Hannons request. Mr Conlon, wearing a yellow and navy jacket, grey hooded top and navy tracksuit bottoms and runners was not required to address the court and has not yet entered pleas to the charges. Gardai were called to the shop at the St Stephen's Green end of the street, between South Anne Street and Chatham Street, just after 4.30am on January 18, when the alarm was raised by a worker in a nearby store. The area was cordoned off as an investigation got underway. Ex-terrorist broke law in fighting against Putin in Ukraine, according to claims Ulsters pipe-bomb pastor Clifford Peeples may be heading back to jail sooner than he thought, the Sunday World can reveal. A former loyalist paramilitary boss who spent five years in the Maze Prison, Peeples was pictured last week in Ukraine wearing military fatigues and brandishing a machine-gun. The Shankill Road man was on a four-week stint to the war-torn country, where he helped the Ukraine army face down President Putins men. And he was also snapped distributing much-needed aid to war-weary and starving families in the former Soviet satellite state. But we have been told the PSNI is currently probing a 150-year-old law to see if the once-suspected Orange Volunteers leader has broken it. Read more Guitar maker to the stars to stand trial over upskirting and indecent child video charges According to legal experts, Section 4 of the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870 makes it an offence for a UK citizen to enlist in the military of a foreign state at war with another foreign state with which the UK is at peace. And when we contacted the PSNI, a spokesperson said the police were aware of Peeples trip to Ukraine and that inquiries were continuing. But when we tracked down Pastor Peeples in Belfast this week, he told us any police officer who approached him would be sent away with a flea in his ear. A recently qualified Master in Law at Queens University, Pastor Peeples said he was actually looking forward to debating the finer points of military law with what he called one of Simon Byrnes lackeys. Those boys better get their facts right before they speak to me, Peeples said. Pipe Bomb Pastor - Clifford Peeples handing out much needed goods to the people of Ukraine. Earlier this week Peeples returned to the Shankill, where he was hailed like a homecoming hero. A woman told us: Clifford was in a shop to buy gas after he got home and he was mobbed by well-wishers asking him about Ukraine. But when we caught up with him near his home in Glencairn, he was in no mood for small talk. He insisted the PSNI Chief Constable had better do his homework before trying to drag him before the courts. Do Simon Byrnes lads even know this law was introduced to prevent people joining foreign armies during the Napoleonic Wars? Does he know that the men who went to fight for the Republic in the Spanish Civil War did so illegally? And the last time this law was used successfully was in 1890. Yes, Byrne will have his work cut out if he wants to prosecute me. During her short stint as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Liz Truss told the House of Commons how much she admired those who took up arms on behalf of Ukraine. And as I told you last week, I went to Ukraine to help my fellow Christians in their hour of need, said Peeples. He added: I think Im on safe ground as far as Simon Byrnes boys go. Last week, exiled loyalist Johnny Mad Dog Adair voiced support for Peeples. It is believed the pair met while serving sentences on the loyalist wing of the Maze Prison. Adair claimed: Clifford stood up for his Christian beliefs by supporting the people of Ukraine. Shankill Road-born Peeples has been a controversial figure for many years. A fundamentalist preacher who ran his own Gospel Hall, he hit the headlines in October 1989 when a car he was driving was stopped by the RUC on the M1 Motorway near Dungannon. A search of the vehicle revealed a pipe bomb and two grenades were hidden inside. He was jailed for 10 years and trial judge Mr Justice Gillen told him he was a menace to society. Tuesday marks a notable landmark in the COVID-19 pandemic, the three-year anniversary of when Nebraska had its first brush with the coronavirus. On Feb. 7, 2020, some 57 Americans who had been in Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak, landed in Omaha and were shuttled to the Nebraska National Guards Camp Ashland. Ten days later, 13 Americans who tested positive or were exposed to the coronavirus aboard a cruise ship off the coast of Japan were brought to the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine campus. Much has changed since. After hundreds of thousands of infections among Nebraskans and nearly 5,000 deaths, the state is in the midst of its first winter lull, with cases currently at one of the lowest points in the pandemic. That anniversary comes a week after the Biden administration announced plans to end the national and public health emergency declarations issued for the pandemic on May 11. The state recorded 911 new cases of COVID-19 last week, a tally similar to the 800 and 918 cases recorded the previous two weeks. Cases, in fact, are a small fraction of what they were a year ago, when the state was in the grip of its largest-ever surge, brought by the omicron variant. Nebraska currently has the fourth-lowest case rate among the states. Hospitalizations are trending sharply down and are at their lowest level since mid-October. Cases and hospitalizations also continue to trend down nationally. Now with the emergency declarations slated to end, what does it mean? In place since early 2020, those declarations gave the federal government the flexibility to waive or modify certain requirements in a variety of areas, from Medicare and Medicaid coverage to telehealth requirements. They also made sure that Americans, including those without insurance, could get COVID-19 tests, vaccines and treatments at no cost, either by making them available at no charge or by requiring insurance companies to cover the cost of administering them. Dr. James Lawler, a co-executive director of UNMCs Global Center for Health Security, said the biggest impact of the move will be on access to testing, vaccines and therapies for a large portion of the population. I think youre going to see access to tests and vaccines and therapies go down even more, and I think it will differentially affect people who are already on the margins in terms of access to health care and ability to pay for health care services, he said. The Food and Drug Administration, meanwhile, has proposed changing to annual vaccines for COVID-19, like the schedule now used for influenza shots. Some have argued that such a step would improve vaccine uptake, which has dropped off significantly. But Lawler said its premature to assume that health officials know what an ideal vaccine schedule looks like for COVID-19. Its pretty clear from available data, he said, that most people probably need to be vaccinated at least every four to six months. Thats the timing that has provided evidence of adequate protection against infection and severe infection, given the rate at which immunity from the shots and infections wanes and new variants rise with greater immune escape capabilities. As for announcing an end to the pandemic emergency now, he said, most of these decisions are now driven by political calculation rather than science or public health interest. The reality, he said, is that the nation still is losing thousands of people a week to COVID-19. Indeed, Nebraska added 19 deaths last week. The state has averaged nearly two deaths a day over the past month, bringing the total pandemic toll to 4,765. Charts that track COVID-19 variants, vaccination rates and hospitalizations in Nebraska Anatol Botnari (23) from Moldova was arrested on Saturday night and taken to Ballymun garda station. A man accused of sexually assaulting a girl in Dublin suffered head injuries after being confronted by up to 40 "vigilantes", a court has heard. Anatol Botnari (23) was arrested on Saturday night and taken to Ballymun garda station. Gardai charged the traffic maintenance worker, from Moldova, with the sexual assault of a teenage girl in the citys northside on February 4. He was held pending his appearance on Monday at Dublin District Court before Judge Ciaran Liddy, who set 750 bail with a range of conditions. Detective Garda Conor Garland told Judge Liddy the accused made no reply to the charge. Objecting to bail, he cited flight risk concerns and said the accused, who has given an address at Sorrel Heath, Clonsilla, in Dublin, has been in Ireland since September. He told the court the man was accused of the sexual assault of a juvenile. He alleged that there were witnesses to the incident, and he was on CCTV footage close to the scene. He said the accused provided two addresses. The court heard when the first was checked, "the person at that address confirmed that the accused does not live there". Cross-examined by defence solicitor Paddy McGarry, Det Gda Garland confirmed the accused did not have a bench warrant history and that he and the witnesses were not known to each other. Det Gda Garland said that his main issue was the address. He also said he was unsure of the accused's true identity and was waiting to hear back from Interpol. He agreed with the solicitor that Mr Botnari was initially allowed to stay at his first address to get a PPS number, but he no longer lived there. He said Mr Botnari could not name the second address but was able to locate it on Google maps in Ballyfermot. The court heard he claimed he and his brother worked in road traffic maintenance, and they both lived with and paid rent to a family there. Det Gda Garland said that address was checked too, but the homeowners told gardai the accused did not live there. He accepted, however, that they were not in court. Det Gda Garland agreed with the defence that the accused had to be hospitalised for head wounds "due to people at the scene". The solicitor described them as a "vigilante group", but the officer said he did not know they were. However, he confirmed that the accused received medical treatment. He could not say if members of the group of 30 to 40 people were among the witnesses who made statements. Pleading for bail, the solicitor argued that a lack of an address was not enough reason to deny bail. He asked the judge to note that his client, who has the presumption of innocence, had given two addresses and details about jobs he held. He said the accused could find hostel accommodation and provide a new contact number. His phone was lost during the alleged incident. He also added that it was hoped the accused's brother could provide financial support to his client, though he was not in court. The court heard that Mr Botnari used a Romanian passport which he claimed he left in the house in Ballyfermot. Judge Liddy noted the garda objections, but he said conditions would alleviate his concerns about evading justice. He set cash bail in Mr Botnari's bond of 750 and ordered him to surrender his passport and stay away from parts of north Dublin and witnesses. He warned him he must sign on daily at a garda station and provide an address to the gardai within 48 hours. The judge granted legal aid to the accused, who had not yet indicated a plea. He did not speak during the hearing and listened to the proceedings with help of an interpreter. He was remanded in custody with consent to bail on these terms to appear at Cloverhill District Court on Friday. The judge said there were reporting restrictions for the victim. Tom Dignam (72) called Mr Devlin a 'scumbag who should be hounded at every opportunity and added that he was scum of the earth Burnt-out vehicles at the repossessed home of Michael Anthony McGann near Strokestown, Co Roscommon. Photo: Colin O'Riordan A businessman who posted messages on Facebook about a company owner involved in the Strokestown evictions in Co Roscommon in 2018 has been jailed for three and a half years. Pensioner Tom Dignam (72) was found guilty of harassment at a previous trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court in Co Donegal. The messages referred to Aidan Devlin, managing director of Trinity Asset Management Services which is based in Mulhuddart in Co Dublin. Mr Devlin was involved in the eviction after his company was hired by KBC Bank after the bank had bought the 33 acre farm at Falsk from the receiver following a legal battle. Farmer Michael Anthony McGann, who owned the farm, and his siblings David and Geraldine were removed from the property on foot of a possession order during highly-publicised and distressing scenes. Burnt-out vehicles at the repossessed home of Michael Anthony McGann near Strokestown, Co Roscommon. Photo: Colin O'Riordan Dignam was found guilty following a trial of having posted a number of messages referring to Devlin and his role in the incident. He referred to him as 'Commander in chief' of the eviction, a statement Mr Devlin said couldn't be further from the truth. Devlin reported the matter to Gardai and Dignam, of Dooish, Ballybofey, was arrested on November 20th. Dignam was charged that between December 10th, 2019 and November 2nd, 2020, he harassed Aidan Devlin by persistently communicating with him by posting messages on Facebook. Although Dignam was arraigned, instead of answering 'guilty or not guilty', he instead said "I am innocent." When addressed about the law and if he understood what was happening, Dignam told the court on 22 occasions that "I do not understand what is happening." Judge John Aylmer said that, from previous encounters with Dignam, he did not accept this and he said he did not deem him an "unintelligent man." Dignam told Judge John Aylmer: I am a living man. You have no jurisdiction over a living man. Judge Aylmer replied: We are all living, Mr Dignan; there is no-one dead here. Witness Aidan Devlin told the court how he had been informed about four posts on Tom Dignam's Facebook page. He said he had been initially "indifferent" to the messages, in one of which Dignam called him a "scumbag", as he wasn't on Facebook. However, he said when his children noticed the posts and the level of 'vitriol' that followed he became concerned. In another post Dignam called Mr Devlin a 'scumbag who should be hounded at every opportunity and added that he was scum of the earth I felt very worried, Mr Devlin said. I considered it a direct threat to my own personal safety. I felt very disturbed. I interpreted it that violence against me or my family would visit my door. "I was frightened for my children and became concerned for myself and my wife and siblings," he added. Ms Patricia McLaughlin BL, Counsel for the State, said one of the messages had indicated that karma would prevail and another referred to Mr Devlin as the Commander in chief of the eviction. Mr Devlin added that his company's role was to provide assistance to financial institutions, plaintiffs and the sheriff's offices around the country with, among other things, the execution of possession orders over properties. Detective Garda Shane Killeen of Castlerea Garda Station told the court he arrested Dignam on November 20th and took him to Letterkenny Garda Station. He showed Dignam a number of messages from Facebook and the accused confirmed it was his profile picture with a picture of himself and his pet Rottweiler dog, Tyson. He confirmed that he was the chairperson and PRO of the Common Law Information Centre, a group involved in helping people in their dealings with the banks as well as the law and their rights. He said all he wanted to do was to expose the wrongdoing of Mr Devlin and others when they used people from the North whom he claimed were operating without a licence. Dignam confirmed that he had posted about Mr Devlin so his neighbours and friends know what he is doing and to get onto him. He added that his group did not condone violence against any other man or woman. Asked if he wished any harm on Mr Devlin, the accused said he did not and he would let the law take care of it. The accused was asked by Judge Aylmer if he wanted to ask any questions of the two witnesses and he again replied "I do not understand what is going on." Through the two day trial, Judge Aylmer consistently asked Dignam if he understood what was happening as well as explaining the process of the trial but again the reply was the same. The jury of six women and five men retired and deliberated for one hour and 37 minutes before returning a verdict of guilty. Last November, Judge Aylmer adjourned the final sentencing until this week. A victim impact statement on behalf of Aidan Devlin was also read out in court with the victim saying that while there was much good in social media, people can knowingly exploit it with half truths and lies and there was a small and determined group who were willing to lend an ear to that. He added that his life and that of his family had been profoundly impacted by Dignam's actions and that they still have worry and emotional distress saying everything has changed. He concluded by saying that there must be justice to those who peddle false narrative on social media Before being sentenced, Dignam read out a short statement saying he was an innocent man and then proceeded to walk out of the court before being brought back into the courtroom by both prison officers and members of An Garda Siochana. Passing sentence, Judge John Aylmer said Dignam had previously been found guilty of harassment by a jury of eleven members. He said Dignam's offence was quite "nasty" and committed against an innocent man who was involved in support of the enforcement of a High Court order. He said that he posted statements on Facebook which caused the victim and his family to live in significant fear of real violence and that this occurred over a "fairly extended period of time." He said he placed the offence in the upper end of the mid-range and merited a sentence of four years before mitigation. He noted that Dignam had just one previous conviction and that was in 1972 for which he was jailed for four months at the Special Criminal Court for possession of explosives. He said that although the accused did not engage with the court or the case, he knew that he was aged 72 years making a prison sentence all the more difficult. Judge Aylmer reduced the sentence to one of three and a half years on mitigation, and considering Mr Dignam's age, he was prepared to suspend the final 12 months of that sentence if he entered a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour to all the people of Ireland. However, the accused refused to sign the bond saying "I'm not signing anything...I'm not signing any bond because I'm innocent of the charge." The Court then sentenced Duignan to the full three and a half years. Separately Chloe Williams (24) admitted shoplifting, possession of stolen clothing and having a security tag remover A young woman who brandished a screwdriver as a weapon during a row in a hotel was homeless and out of her depth at the time, a court heard. Chloe Williams (24) produced the tool when she got into a dispute with another resident at the hotel she was staying in. Judge Bryan Smyth fined her 200 at Dublin District Court. Williams pleaded guilty to charges including unlawful possession of the screwdriver as a weapon at the Bram Stoker Hotel in Clontarf on December 18, 2017. Chloe Williams (24) threw the screwdriver behind a vacuum cleaner Collins Dublin, Garrett White Garda Sergeant Maire McDevitt told Dublin District Court the accused had an altercation with another resident at the hotel when she took out an eight-inch screwdriver. When gardai arrived, she admitted what happened and got the screwdriver from behind a vacuum cleaner under a table at reception. The court heard there had been a disagreement and she had thrown the screwdriver there afterwards. Separately, she admitted shoplifting, possession of stolen clothing and having a security tag remover in 2018. The accused had had three children since the offences, her solicitor said. At the time of the incident, she was going through a difficult chapter in her life she was homeless and out of her depth. Williams, who had no previous convictions, was on social welfare. Her solicitor asked the judge to look at the incidents in isolation given the accuseds lack of a prior record or any fresh charges since. Notorious criminal Chocolate is facing a raft of criminal charges and is looking at significant jail time if convicted Battered border drug-lord The Chocolate has vowed revenge for his embarrassing bar-room beating. The Newry crime boss needed hospital treatment after he was on the wrong end of a fight in a city bar last month. Images shared on social media showed the self-styled hardman seemingly unconscious and with a bruised and battered face. There was speculation he had suffered a fractured skull but the Sunday World understands he was released after treatment for cuts, bruises and concussion. His assailant, who also needed treatment at Newrys Daisy Hill Hospital, found himself in a neighbouring cubicle and only for the presence of police officers in the emergency room on a separate matter would have ``finished the job. Chocolate, a notorious criminal in the border city, is facing a raft of criminal charges and is looking at significant jail time if convicted. But he has told associates that he intends to exact revenge and is prepared to bid his time. Gang members have also been put on alert should they encounter Chocolates nemesis. The drug dealer was left in a blooded and embarrassed heap after a confrontation in which he was accused of spiking a mans drink in a previous incident. The argument quickly spiralled into a full on fist fight. At point one of Chocolates hoods got involved. Chocolates opponent is described as a well respected law abiding citizen with no criminal convictions. That wont stop Chocolate, a criminal source in Newry told us. He will not take this lying down, he has lost face, particularly for a man whose reputation is based on his hard man image. Chocolate runs his business on fear, he thinks people need to be afraid of him to get respect so to get a beating in the bar is not good for business as far as he is concerned. Chocolate has a reputation for brawling and is not slow in raising his fists. He is understood to have been involved in a street fight before Christmas and he has a long history of bar room brawling. Over the years he has clashed with rival drug gangs, at one stage his home was targeted by dissidents, but he has remained on the border citys most significant drug dealers. However he is currently facing drug charges after he was was detained as part of a Europe-wide investigation called Operation Venetic in which criminals using encrypted mobile devices to import and export drugs were targeted. Commonly referred to as EncroChat, criminals have used encrypted mobile devices to adopt and hide behind code names. Around 60,000 users of EncroChat have been identified worldwide, with about 10,000 of them in the UK all involved in coordinating and planning the supply and distribution of drugs and weapons, money laundering and other criminal activity. A number of people in Northern Ireland have been arrested and charged with a small number of cases already having passed through the courts. The Chocolate will be one of the highest profile mobsters to be taken down if convicted. But until his trial it has business as usual for one of the most prolific drug dealers in the North. Last August he was involved in an altercation which resulted in the temporary closure of a bar in the border city. There was a confrontation after members of staff at a Newry bar raised concerns over The Chocolates mob using it for drug deals. It is understood a complaint was made to the bar manager who confronted an individual who is a known associate of Chocolate. It resulted in the arch criminal being called and his arrival at the bar. Its not the first time The Chocolate has been involved in a bar-room confrontation. A number of years ago a member of staff at another Newry bar was on the wrong end of beating at the hands of the crime boss after he tried to have him barred because of drug dealing on the premises. The notorious mobster has a reputation for extreme violence and has been known to inflict brutal beatings, on one occasion dragging a driver who worked for Sinn Feins Conor Murphy into the street and giving him a hammering. The Sunday World first uncovered Chocolates activities when he muscled in on the border citys lucrative drug trade pushing aside Barney King Coke Morgan. Morgan, who also does not have criminal convictions, controlled Newrys drug trade for years until the arrival of Chocolate. Chocolate 49, is regarded as one of the more prominent dealers around Newry and is widely feared because of a volatile temper and his unpredictability. In 2019 lunchtime drinkers at two pubs across the border in Omeath were left stunned when a clearly drunk Chocolate fire six shots into the air before driving off. He took exception to being recognised and went outside loosing off three shots, before driving to another watering hole where he carried out a repeat performance. Business partner says he had no idea of Celtic Tiger socialites links to drug dealers Criminal Assets Bureau target Marcus Sweeney wanted to build up an online empire centred around an internet sex toy shop, the Sunday World can reveal. Sweeney believed the sex shop, which he wanted to go live during the pandemic, had the potential to rake in 10,000 a month in profits. By September 4, 2021, the venture had progressed to a point where he and a business partner officially registered Sex Health Toys as a business name with the Irish Companies Office. But, Sweeneys partner in the doomed project today reveals how their plans collapsed after payment providers refused to work with them and the former socialite failed to come up with 25,000 to fund a guerrilla marketing campaign. We tracked Sweeneys business partner down to a remote part of Galway this week where the entrepreneur said he was shocked at the claims made against Sweeney in the High Court that he is "up to his oxters in organised crime. Brendan Grendon I dont read newspapers so I had no idea about any of this, he told the Sunday World when we called to his door. I promote websites online. He came to me through some advertising I did. We got chatting over the phone and he had good ideas, I thought. So, what we did was, we proceeded to buy an internet domain (address) for the adult store. I have developers who make the stores, so I paid for one of the stores it didnt cost me much on the basis that he would put what he was saying was 25,000-plus into marketing. He was talking about guerrilla marketing and that kind of stuff. So, I thought: Fine. If you do the marketing, Ill do the ordering of any products. But, he never did and it never got off the ground. Sweeney associate Kuldip Singh Colin Keegan And just recently, after about a year of paying for the monthly term fees on the site, I contacted him to invoice for the fees and told him I wanted to sell the site. But I never got a buyer for the site, I got inquiries but I never got a buyer.It was his idea and it should have gone well. The businessmen continued: He (Sweeney) had loads of different ideas. So, I sent him to a couple of developers in Dublin at the time who had a site they were selling. And he was talking about incorporating all their websites into one company and selling the company at a later stage. The businessman said such was the level of interaction with Sweeney he felt that they had almost become friends and they met in person to discuss the venture at the Musashi restaurant in Blanchardstown. He had charm and he was very friendly it felt like we were mates, he said. Marcus Sweeney He told me he was very close to (a high-profile female influencer) and she had a big social presence that he could promote this store. But he didnt want to buy just this store. He had this idea that we could increase our brand and our value by linking other stores to this one. Such was the businessmans confidence in Sweeney, he decided to set up the store with him as partners. I paid the 20 fee to register the business name. And he convinced me to buy seven or eight other domains surrounding it, because his vision was the value of these domains would increase because of the success of our store. I entertained him I bought the domains. Marcus Sweeney with Katy French According to garda, and at the same time the businessman was sitting down to a slap-up sushi meal in Dublin with the former Celtic Tiger socialite, Sweeney had already faced down a death threat from drug traffickers over failed investments. He had been served with a Garda Information Message (GIM) in 2020 a form given to people by officers when they receive credible intelligence that there is an immediate threat to their life. Sweeney is believed to have been threatened after a money-laundering plot on behalf of criminals linked to The Family who are regarded as Irelands biggest heroin dealing mob went wrong. Garda believe Sweeney, who is founder and director of Evergreen Wealth Management, and another business associate held a meeting with some of the investors in the firm in early 2020 over the debts. This, according to garda in their CAB case, was done to reduce the threats to their person and property. The deal was only for certain investors, one of whom was believed to be convicted heroin dealer Brian Grendon. But, Sweeneys partner in the sex shop venture says he was blissfully unaware of any of this. What was going to make our shop different, was that he was waiting for 50,000 to come through from a land sale and he was going to invest 25,000 in guerrilla marketing, he said. So, this would be marketing out on the street with sexy girls publicising the products. We were talking in figures of 10,000 a month plus in profit. Asked why the venture failed, the businessman said one of the primary difficulties was in finding a payment processor for the site. That was the major problem. We couldnt find anyone to take the payments. Asked what happened with the promised 25,000 in marketing money, the businessman replied: Nothing! We havent had a falling out or anything, I could ring him right now, but I just gave up on it. Details of Sweeneys ties to organised crime were laid bare before the High Court last month with Mr Justice Alexander Owens describing the former restaurateur as up to his oxters in organised crime. He made the comments when ruling on an application from the Criminal Assets Bureau (C) seeking to deem Co Meath lands linked to Sweeneys firm EWM (Evergreen Wealth Management) Property Holdings Limited the proceeds of crime. The bureau alleged convicted heroin dealer Brian Grendon, of Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, Dublin, invested 20,000 in Evergreen in 2015 through his company BG Autos. The bureau said it suspects Grendon invested significantly higher cash amounts in Evergreen. Grendon was not a party to CABs proceedings. In August 2019, a garda detective was watching as Sweeney met with Grendon at the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre car park. Immediately afterwards Sweeney met with Kuldip Singh from Birmingham and Turkish national Ali Adnan Duran, both known at that stage to be involved in the drugs trade. When garda raided the B&B room where the pair were staying in Saggart, Co Dublin they found 14 half-kilo blocks of heroin with a street value just shy of 1m. All three were arrested and while Sweeney was later released without charge, Singh would later be jailed for four years and Duran for nine years. Sweeneys partner in the failed internet sex shop start-up said he was stunned by the allegations made against the former restaurateur in court. Its a bit amusing but scary also to find out youve been involved with someone like that. When I met him, I read about the stuff about him and his girlfriend (model Katy French) and what had happened during the Celtic Tiger. Sweeney was a celebrated socialite during the Celtic Tiger era and had a famously turbulent relationship with the model Katy French. That relationship came to an end in 2007 when he walked into his Il Pomo Doro restaurant on South William Street in Dublins city centre and found her posing in lingerie for photographs. Katy later died tragically from a cocaine overdose. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, said the businessman, and, to be honest, all Im trying to do is make a few quid online. I wasnt looking to be best buddies, he added. Arrests took place in the Netherlands and Belgium with 79 locations searched there and in Germany and Poland. George 'The Penguin' Mitchell at the cyber bunker in Germany An encrypted phone service strongly linked to George The Penguin Mitchell has been hacked by police over five months leading to 45 arrests, the discovery of two drug labs, 5.5 million in cash and 20 firearms. Police have yet to confirm if Mitchell is amongst those in custody in relation to the dismantling of the Exclu network. It is understood 3,000 users to the service were promised a bullet-proof communications system by Mitchell and his sidekick Herman Xennt who is in jail for his role in a dark web bunker. Arrests took place in the Netherlands and Belgium with 79 locations searched there and in Germany and Poland. Eurojust, the umbrella agency of EU law enforcement, said that Dutch authorities used their specific expertise in cybercrime communications to follow criminal networks using the service over a period of five months. Investigations began in 2020 after a mammoth trial centering on activities in an underground bunker in Germany got underway. At the so called Cyberbunker trial, it was heard that George Mitchell was a regular visitor there and was developing the phone system with his friend and business partner, the self professed lord of the dark net Herman Xennt. The Sunday World photographed the pair in Traben Trarbach in 2015 when we tracked down Mitchell after a 20 year absence. Herman Xennt and George Mitchell in Germany The NATO cold war bunker was raided in 2019 by more than 600 police after a lengthy investigation into dark net activity there. Servers and computers were confiscated during the raid and the trial heard that passwords were also found written down in the building. Mitchell never faced trial in relation to the bunker but he was the top target of German police and his phones were bugged. Warrant applications to the court to secure the recordings revealed just how Mitchell is regarded on the international scene. Secret police files revealed how officers in Europe believe that Mitchell deals directly with Colombian cartels, supplies drugs and weapons to Northern Ireland, imports tonnes of cocaine into Europe, floods Holland with heroin and is under investigation for money laundering in Spain. Mitchell and Xennt were plotting to open a number of encrypted phone networks together and hoped to make a fortune from criminal groups across the world. George Mitchell's alleged cyber bunker Mitchell is understood to have sunk a 150,000 investment into the technology which Xennt assured him was unbreakable. However this week more than 3,000 users of the service learned that all their material has been shared with police. An enormous 1,200 police officers were deployed to conduct the searches and arrests this week. The dismantling of Exclu follows the successful hacks into the EncroChat and Sky ECC networks in 2020 and 2021. In June 2021, it was announced that American law enforcement had taken over the servers of Anon. Police say the arrests were made up of suspects who have used Exclu along with owners and operators of the service. Mitchell is one of the most wily criminals of his generation. He left Ireland in 1994 before the establishment of the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and under threat from paramilitaries. He set up in Amsterdam, where he grew an enormous drugs and weapons operation that he still runs to this day. In recent years he has become so paranoid about his own health that he has been concentrating on attempts to launder and spread his funds around the globe so he can leave a legacy to his children, wife and partner. George 'The Penguin' Mitchell Despite his wealth, George Mitchell lives a low-key existence moving around Europe. For the majority of the last two decades he has lived in an ordinary two-bed apartment in Spain while driving a second-hand car. He speaks to associates in well-established code and shows known of the brash signs of wealth of the current breed of dealers. Sources say he is first and foremost a family man who dotes on his children and his partner, his former secretary who he met in Holland and who he lives with. If hes bold enough to do that, hed be bold enough to do it to somebody else, a random person, not even a cop A man who had the tattoo Cop Killer emblazoned across his chest has been arrested for shooting at an officer in Florida City Police caught the suspect, named as 23-year-old Virgilio Salgado, on Sunday who has been accused of opening fire at the officer who was trying to pull him over. Detectives claim he shot at an officer from the Florida City Police Department early on Saturday morning near the Northwest Second Street and Seventh Avenue in the city. The officer was not injured but police said a round struck his cruiser and disabled it, allowing Salgado to get away. The targeted officer and other detectives collected several shell casings from the scene as evidence. Salgado, who was arrested while driving the same vehicle he was originally pulled over in, was identified the through body camera footage and other investigative technologies. Police released a photo of Salgado without a shirt, showing he has the words cop killer tattooed across his chest. If hes bold enough to do that, hed be bold enough to do it to somebody else, a random person, not even a cop, a witness who heard the gunfire told Local 10. He is being held without bond after going before a judge over the weekend. Salgado was held without bail and is facing felony assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm and other charges, officials said. The New York Post noted that other people with highly noticeable tattoos who have been apprehended by police include an Australian man with Beast tattooed across his forehead and a suspected rapist in Florida who had the word Sacrifice on his face. Meanwhile, a teenage fugitive with his own nickname tattooed on his forehead was recently sought by police in the UK after skipping a court appearance. His accent was uncontrollable, present in all settings and gradually became persistent Brisbane native Angie Yen (28) woke up with an Irish brogue eight days after undergoing tonsil surgery A Californian man who had never been to Ireland started speaking in an Irish accent after developing an incredibly rare form of cancer, an astonishing new study has revealed The man, who is in his 50s, was diagnosed with prostate cancer 20 months before he reported notable changes to his usual speech patterns, which manifested as a thick "Irish brogue". In the bizarre case of foreign accent syndrome (FAS), it was established that the man had never been to Ireland and had never previously spoken in an Irish accent, although he had Irish family and friends and had lived in England briefly in his 20s. The team who studied the case that was published in BMJ Case Reports wrote: "His accent was uncontrollable, present in all settings and gradually became persistent." Doctors had ruled out any head trauma, and any other symptoms beyond unintentional weight loss. Brisbane native Angie Yen (28) woke up with an Irish brogue eight days after undergoing tonsil surgery But while an MRI of his brain came back as normal, a CT scan of his pelvis and abdomen revealed that his prostate cancer was progressing. As well as being diagnosed with FAS, he was referred to neurology for further investigation. According to iflscience.com, FAS is extremely rare, with only around 100 people in the world having been diagnosed with the condition. In most of those the unsettling development of the condition usually follows traumatic injury to the head or a stroke, resulting in damage to the areas of the brain responsible for speech. Often, the condition is not permanent and will go away, for example as the sufferer recovers from a stroke. However, the change in sounds produced by people with the condition is often likely caused by altered movements of the patient's jaw and tongue, with the foreign accent only heard by people who recognise similarities. Two years ago, two Australian women who developed Irish accents despite never being to Ireland told their bizarre stories to TV news programme 60 Minutes Australia. Two Australian women reveal how they developed thick Irish accents while recovering from surgery Australian woman wakes up sounding "very Irish after having tonsils removed Angie Yen and Kate Baggs documented their struggles with Foreign Accent Syndrome. Brisbane native Angie Yen (28) woke up with an Irish brogue eight days after undergoing tonsil surgery that April. She took to TikTok to document her struggles with her newfound Irish accent and was met with widespread scepticism from people who believed she was making it up. However, Yen told 60 Minutes reporter Sarah Abo that the ridicule and disbelief stung. "The Australian accent that I've known for a very long time was just wiped out overnight," Yen told 60 Minutes. "I'm sick of being taken as a joke. It's a very serious thing." Kate Baggs, on the other hand, said that she has been speaking with an Irish accent since suffering from a hemiplegic migraine in 2019. Baggs, 30, from Melbourne, said that her accent "shifted" mid-sentence and described it as "the strangest feeling". Baggs, who suffers from a type of extreme migraine, had her first episode in 2015 when her accent suddenly changed to Canadian before eventually returning to her native Australian. The Melbourne native has lived in Australia her entire life and has never visited Canada or Ireland, while Yen has also never been to Ireland. Speech pathologist Professor Kirrie Ballard said that the condition is medically genuine. "Foreign Accent Syndrome is a legitimate disorder," she said. "It's described as a person's speech changing so that it sounds as though they're speaking in a different accent to their habitual accent." In the case of the California man, he was still speaking in an Irish accent three months later, as he was receiving treatment. He had developed abdominal and leg pain which indicated the cancer had spread to his liver and bones. The cancer progressed further, metastasising to his brain. The team believe his foreign accent syndrome was caused by paraneoplastic syndrome, given that it can be associated with prostate cancer, and that the progression of his FAS coincided with the progression of the cancer. Paraneoplastic syndromes, the team write, are systemic symptoms caused by abnormal masses "through hormonal, immune-mediated or unknown mechanisms". The team believe that this is the first case reported in the medical literature of FAS as the result of prostate cancer, though there have been two others reported in patients with other malignant cancers. The team hopes that the case highlights the need for more literature on FAS and paraneoplastic syndromes in cancer patients, to better understand the link between the rare syndromes. The man eventually died in palliative care, with the team noting "his Irish brogue-like accent was maintained until his death. Looking forward to new challenges at Morning Ireland (and finally moving back to Ireland after more than a decade away eeeks). Fans and colleagues of the well-known BBC Breakfast journalist Kate Varley have been wishing her well after she announced she has quit her high-profile role to take up a job on RTE radio. The producer and journalist is returning to Ireland after a decade away to start a new gig at Morning Ireland Kate shared a photo of the BBC Breakfast cast on Twitter, with the group gathered around the iconic red sofas as she announced the news she was leaving after four and a half years to join RTE Radio Ones Morning Ireland. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The photo showed Kate in the middle of the sofa, surrounded by colleagues from the show, including presenters Naga Munchetty, Charlie Stayt and Mike Bushell. Saying goodbye to this brilliant team this week. BBC Breakfast thanks for an incredible 4.5 years - Ill miss you, she wrote. She added: Looking forward to new challenges at Morning Ireland (and finally moving back to Ireland after more than a decade away eeeks). Naga and some of her co-stars from BBC Breakfast have been among those bidding farewell to one of their colleagues who has left the show this week. The presenter (47) has commented on the departure of colleague Kate "You will be greatly missed. 1 more to go..." Teasing that they would be seeing each other the following day, Kate replied: "Thanks Naga. Feels very real now! See you in the morning (I'm bringing treats)". Fellow presenter Jon Kay, 53, tweeted in response to the initial post: "We'll miss you right back! You've been brilliant on Breakfast, Kate. Thank you - and all the best at RTE". BBC weather presenter Matt Taylor said: "Aw Kate - wish I'd been there to see you off. [...] You've been a joy, even when you were chopping my time. Good luck!" And the post also prompted a response from former BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker, 45 - who departed the show last year and now fronts the news for Channel 5. He tweeted: "All the best Kate. Where are you off to?" Later noticing her follow-up tweet about her new job, he added: "Oooh I've just seen MORNING IRELAND! Great stuff". Kate responded by saying: "Thanks Dan. Finally making my way back home!" And she expressed hope that "all is well" for her former colleague at Channel 5. Danny OCarroll reveals on RTE tonight that his son is a 6ft 1in rugby star Telly favourite Danny OCarroll admits hes taken aback that his son Jamie who has played Mrs Browns Boys grandson, Bono, since he was a wee lad is now a towering giant playing rugby for Ulster Youths. And, so promising is 16-year-old Jamie at rugby, he was recently contacted out of the blue on Instagram by Ireland star Tom OToole to reveal he was impressed with his progress and marked him as one for the future. I think Jamie is 6ft 1ins, I dont know where he gets his height, knowing what my family is like, says Danny, whose wife and Jamies mother Amanda Woods plays Betty Brown in the hit show. He will only turn 17 in July but hes playing Under 18s for Ulster. As big as he is, he is quite small on the team because theyre big brutes there. He has a big two months coming up, hes aiming for his first real cap for Ulster with Inter Pros. Danny OCarroll with son Jamie For his club Letterkenny, Jamie plays as a flanker at No. 7, while for the province hes playing No. 8 as lock. It was really nice for Tom OToole from the Ireland team to message him the other day saying he was doing well and to keep at it. The brotherhood in rugby is quite special. Dubliner Danny has been living in Manorcunningham, Co. Donegal, for nearly 20 years. He and Amanda have another keen rugby-playing son, Blake (12). I get teary-eyed looking back on Jamie when he was younger on the show, admits Danny. He was a great little actor; he was so good. He was on the last Christmas special and a lot of people didnt know who he was as he has grown so much. He does his gym work up here and hes putting on beef. Hes a great kid, Im so proud of him. Blake was in the Christmas special too, he played Busters son called Blister. Hes made a few appearances. Danny reveals that he and Mrs Browns Boys co-star Paddy Houlihan are set to star in a new TV comedy series theyve created around Mens Sheds. And Danny, who plays lovable rogue Buster in the hit show, adds that his famous father Brendan is set to leave Agnes behind for a while and join them as part of a new cast on their fledgling series. Paddy (who plays Dermot) has written a show at the moment and that is very close to getting commissioned by BBC1, Danny (39) tells the Sunday World. Thats our little gem at the minute and its a cracking series called Shedites. Its based on Mens Sheds, about people who are lonely and what they get up to socially. So, Paddy wrote an episode around all these characters thats in a Mens Shed. For mens health its brilliant, for comedy its brilliant and theres not enough of it around on TV at the moment... We are a few years getting it made and it looks like we have the pilot. Danny adds the various characters are being assigned. We have to get ourselves in of course, he smiles. Me and Paddy would be the youngest characters in it. My dad said hed be one of the characters in it too, which is super. Its a perfect character for him. Hes a great actor, the part he has youd nearly say it was written for him. Jamie OCarroll on Mrs Browns Boys www.alanpeebles.com Best friends both on Mrs Browns Boys and in real life, Danny and Paddy will soon be seen flying off to Amsterdam as part of RTE travel show High Road, Low Road. The lads were not told where they were going until the got to the airport. When they said Holland... I just thought this could be a hairy one, giggles Danny. You know the stories about Amsterdam and all the people that go there and the holiday they had, I had a completely different experience of Amsterdam and loved every minute. Danny, who keeps fit by running in his spare time, will film a mini-series of Mrs Brown for the BBC in April, then tour with the live show in the Summer before filming the Christmas specials in October. I get recognised worldwide and its hard not to get recognised, but I love it. I love Buster, absolutely love him, he admits High Road, Low Road is on tonight on RTE One at 7pm Editor's note: Valley Credit Union and The Billings Gazette are featuring 16 seniors throughout the 2022-2023 school year. We want to help students who are not typically eligible for scholarships and financial aid awarded to those attending a 4-year program. At the end of the year, Valley will award one $5,000 grant to a deserving student. To be considered for the grant, students must show a clear career path for their future after high school in the form of an industry certification, technical associates degree, City College, trade school or apprenticeship. Students are nominated by a teacher, counselor, or principal from their high school. Wrangler Longmire Skyview High School What are your plans after high school? My plans after high school are to go to college at Flathead Valley Community College for gunsmithing. After completing college I would like to start my own gunsmithing business. What is your favorite class in school and why? My favorite class in school is engines because I've never gotten to work on an engine before until then, and it's something I like to do in my free time now. Who inspires you and why? The person who inspires me is my great grandpa because he always has a clear mind and can tell right from wrong. He is 96 now and soon to be 97 this December. He has been my biggest inspiration. What are some things you enjoy outside of school? Somethings I enjoy outside of school are fishing, especially for large mouth bass. You can ask anybody that knows me, my favorite thing to do is to go fishing. Some other things are being in the outdoors, and working on engines. What would make you feel successful in your career/work after school? What would make me feel successful in my career or work after school is to graduate from college because it seems gunsmiths are few and far between and with a good work ethic it could be easy to get a job. If you win the $5,000 grant, how will you use the money to help you reach your goals? If I win the grant I would use the money to reach my goals by using it to pay for college. That seems to be the biggest obstacle to me. Where do you imagine yourself in 10 years? In ten years I imagine myself still being employed by a gunsmith but close to being able to start my own business, maybe even have a family. Do you have personal motto or inspirational saying that motivates you that you would like to share? A motto or inspirational quote that motivates me is "there's always been groups of people who never could see eye to eye an' I always thought if they'd get the chance to sit down and talk face to face they might realize they got a lot in common" -Chris Ledoux, "This Cowboys Hat." Any other information about yourself that you would like to share? I've dreamed about being a gunsmith since I can remember, and found out that focusing on working on firearms has helped my tourette syndrome. A group of health experts is urging the government to expand its free lunch scheme to more schools. Health Coalition Aotearoa says more children than ever need the scheme because of the cost of living crisis, and in Auckland the floods has added to the pressure on some families. Coalition co-chairperson Boyd Swinburn says Ka Ora Ka Ako the Ministry of Education's Healthy School Lunches Programme is restricted to schools that have the 25 per cent of students with the highest socio-economic need and it should be at least doubled to the next 25 per cent. Professor Swinburn says he has been studying the effect of Ka Ora Ka Ako in schools in the Hawke's Bay and it has benefits for education and health and even for local employment and food security. "There's a heck of a lot of positive spinoffs from this programme. "For the kids themselves, I mean we're still in the middle of a childhood obesity epidemic for which there's been virtually no interventions apart from this so we desperately need action on childhood obesity, but there's a whole lot of other spinoffs as well for health including oral health and also mental health." Swinburn says the research also found that a lot of children who would benefit from Ka Ora Ka Ako are missing out. "In the mid-decile schools there are a heck of a lot of kids who are still facing food hardship, food insecurity at home and so I think it definitely needs to be spread to those schools, where they still have a very high percentage of kids who are facing food insecurity at home." Nearly 1000 schools, with 250,000 students, are in the scheme this year. University of Auckland research fellow Victoria Egli, who was also a Health Coalition food expert, says there's overwhelming support for Ka Ora Ka Ako in the schools that received it. But she says more schools need it. "At the moment only 25 per cent of children receive lunch at school and what it does is it misses a lot of children who are still living in food insecure households. So children can be food insecure outside of that 25 percent and we're missing those kids." Dr Egli says ideally, the programme should be expanded to all schools. "Expanding the Ka Ora Ka Ako programme to all kids in all schools will, most importantly, ensure that kids going to school in Aotearoa are fuelled on healthy, nutritious food." Maori health organisation Hapai te Hauora chief executive Selah Hart says it ran a brief online survey of families after Auckland's floods and found high demand for food. "Food was the number one priority," she says. "Food security or insecurity is so high right now. It was already high prior to the floods." Hart says the government should expand its lunch scheme, and after three years of dealing with the pandemic there are plenty of organisations that could help it do that quickly. "As a small Maori health provider across a wider network of Auckland Maori health providers we can mobilise kai packs with our eyes closed. I know providers right across Auckland, right here right now, that are delivering hundred and hundreds of kai packs out to families. So there are ways and means to do it." Secondary Principals' Association president Vaughan Couillault says the scheme is valuable and he's sure some schools on the cusp of eligibility would like to be included. "I am absolutely certain there are people that are just the other side of that funding line that would like that line moved. "From my experience the Ka Ora Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches Programme makes a real difference on the ground, so I can understand why they're hungry for it." But Couillault says extending the scheme to all schools would result in valuable funding for disadvantage being used to feed children who are not disadvantaged and he's not sure that principals will support that. -John Gerritsen/RNZ. A bill designed to rein in rogue bail bond agents and Wild West tactics sometimes used to capture fugitives has passed the Montana House and is now before the Senate, where state Sen. Ryan Lynch likes its chances. I think the Senate will see the same wisdom in it that the House did, the Butte Democrat said Monday. Republican Troy Downing, the states auditor and commissioner of Securities and Insurance, proposed the legislation in response to a bounty hunt in Butte that turned fatal and other violent incidents. Republican Rep. Bill Mercer of Billings and Lynch are sponsoring the bill and it recently passed the House with strong bipartisan support on an 83-17 vote. Mercer carried it in the House, and Lynch will carry it in the Senate. Fourteen Republicans and three Democrats in the House opposed the bill, but all House members from Butte-Silver Bow and six surrounding counties in southwest Montana voted for it. They included Butte Democrats Derek Harvey, Donavon Hawk and Jennifer Lynch, and Republicans John Fitzpatrick of Anaconda, Marta Bertoglio of Clancy, Gregory Frazer of Deer Lodge, Tom Welch of Dillon and Ken Walsh of Twin Bridges. Republicans control both chambers of the Legislature but the House vote shows strong bipartisan backing. Our agency is proud that our ongoing discussions with stakeholders led to broad bipartisan support for our bill in the House, Downing said in a statement to The Montana Standard on Monday. It's clear we need to enact reasonable sideboards to protect public safety and the rights of defendants. Downing thanked Mercer for carrying the bill in the House and said he looked forward to working with Lynch to get it through the Senate and to the governors desk. The bill would require all bail recovery agents to be trained and licensed and in most circumstances, notify police of planned apprehensions. They would have to be 21 or older, could not be convicted felons and must be instructed on procedures for detaining people, their civil rights, the use of force and civil liability, among other things. Numerous bail bondsmen have opposed the bill, saying its restrictive and based on the misdeeds of a few bad actors. The bill as drafted is a knee-jerk reaction to a few incidents that have occurred across the state concerning fugitive recovery, John Looney, president of the Montana Bail Agents Association, told a House committee in January. Downing says there were abuses before he took office in 2021 but some recent cases led to demands for action. Mercer told lawmakers that a botched bounty hunt in Butte was a tipping point. Prosecutors say on Dec. 19, 2021, bondsman Jay Hubber and another man, Nicholas Jaeger, barged into William Harris house in Butte looking for a bail-jumper. There were several other people in the house, too. Hubber tased the bail jumper and during a struggle, Jaeger took a gun from Hubber and in the chaos shot Harris, prosecutors allege. Harris, 42, was dead when police arrived. Jaeger, a convicted felon, had joined Hubber to assist in the bounty hunt. Jaeger and Hubber, both 33 at the time, were each charged with deliberate homicide and aggravated burglary. They have pleaded not guilty, and the cases are pending. Downing suspended Hubbers surety bail license last year. Anything can happen in a legislative session and even bills with bipartisan backing in both chambers can get derailed, often during late-session political maneuvering. But Ryan said he likes this bills chances. I think its long overdue and common-sense regulation, he said. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Chad Blevins, 28, was arrested in January after Bismarck police sought the publics help in finding him. Blevins allegedly entered a residence in the 4200 block of Patriot Drive and stabbed a 32-year-old man. The man was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released. Blevins and the man have personal history, police said. James Fishers second dual-fuel vessel enters service James Fisher takes delivery of its second LNG dual-fuel vessel, Lady Maria Fisher, which will join her sister vessel as part of its fleet. Lady Maria Fisher is the second 6,000dwt chemical tanker that incorporates LNG dual fuel propulsion technology to join the fleet The vessel is capable of achieving a 45 percent reduction in carbon emissions, in addition to a 93 percent reduction in NOx and 45 percent reduction in SOx The addition of Lady Maria Fisher and Sir John Fisher to the James Fisher fleet further demonstrates the companys commitment to its sustainability goals and to helping customers realise their environmental targets James Fisher and Sons plc (James Fisher, the Group) has today announced it has taken delivery of its second 6,000dwt LNG dual-fuel tanker, Lady Maria Fisher, which will be traded by James Fisher Everard (JFE) alongside its existing fleet. This follows the addition of her sister vessel, Sir John Fisher, to the fleet in November 2022. Equipped with highly efficient dual-fuel engines, both tankers are able to run on liquified natural gas (LNG) as a cleaner alternative to conventional marine gasoil. The two vessels also incorporate innovations in design and construction technology to further enhance hydrodynamic performance, to improve operational efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve local air quality. Their extensive, centralised waste heat recovery systems also help to minimise GHG emissions. Each vessel is capable of achieving a 45 percent reduction in carbon emissions, in addition to a 93 percent reduction in NOx and 45 percent reduction in SOx. The vessels will reduce the fleets overall GHG emissions and will also help customers looking to contribute to sustainability improvements. Lady Maria Fisher was built and launched at China Merchants Jinling (CMJL) shipyard in Yangzhou, China. She is currently transporting cashew nut shell oil from Vietnam to Europe, where it will then be processed into bio-diesel. She and her sister vessel will replace two of James Fishers existing tankers and will be able to carry more cargo. Both vessels have been specifically designed for restricted access ports around the coastline of Northern Europe, which will enable JFE to better service existing long-term contracts. The addition of LNG dual-fuel capability to the fleet helps the Group contribute to the International Maritime Organisations (IMO) GHG reduction targets as well as supporting its own environmental goals and those of its customers. Krystyna Tsochlas, head of maritime transport at James Fisher, says: We are very proud to continue the James Fisher legacy while also transitioning to a fourth means of propulsion over the history of 175 years. The enhanced environmental performance of the vessels demonstrates our commitment to a future of sustainable and environmentally friendly shipping. I would like to thank the James Fisher shorebased team for all the hard work to successfully complete our newbuild programme with the delivery of the Lady Maria Fisher, as well as Alpha Marine Consulting for their onsite supervision and CMJL for their great collaboration leading to the successful completion of the project. Fred Davey, chartering director at James Fisher Everard, says: The additions of Sir John Fisher and Lady Maria Fisher represent a significant step forward for the fleet. The increased capabilities of the ships allied with their lower carbon footprint demonstrate our long-term commitment to our customers, partners, and the energy transition. The addition of Lady Maria Fisher and Sir John Fisher to the fleet could not have been achieved without the onsite team and those at CMJL shipyard and Alpha Marine Consulting, whose dedication and hard work helped see both vessels through to delivery. 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. aqualeo2040 BHPian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Back 2 Bangy Posts: 442 Thanked: 395 Times View My Garage Re: Cars, Colors, Bad Omens and Lemons If you had driven slower/faster than what you did, you wouldnt have been at that point in time when the accident happened. Quote: Lone_Wolf Originally Posted by - In 2017, just 2 weeks of buying in Bangalore, I met with an accident! A tempo guy banged into my Left Rear Door. Quote: Lone_Wolf Originally Posted by - In 2019, I was driving to Goa and in one of the turns, a commercial vehicle driving rashly on my opposite side in the Ghats brushed the right side of my Bumper damaging the Arch above my Front Wheel , you did. There could have been multiple options left for you at that time, including speeding up, stopping suddenly, swerving out etc. Your brain would have calculated the risks associated with all the options and took the decision that the least impactful/harmful option was to get a scrape. Imagine the worst case scenario now (if you had done anything other than the scrape) Quote: Lone_Wolf Originally Posted by - In 2020, I damaged by rear left Arch while taking a left turn in my tight apartment parking Quote: Lone_Wolf Originally Posted by - In 2021, on my way to a Temple, a Lady riding a Scooty with her 3 Kids lost balance and fell beside my Car when I was waiting at a Red Signal. I dont know how she was trying to maneuver, but she damaged my Fog Lamp Housing. Quote: Lone_Wolf Originally Posted by - In 2022, I was driving back Home late evening at a Forest Stretch (Goa Road again), and at a Curve I got blinded by the bright LEDs of an oncoming Car and I ended up ramming into a herd of Buffalos. The Buffalo got up, looked at me and ran away! This time I ended up with a damaged Bonnet Quote: Lone_Wolf Originally Posted by - Jan 2023, again on my way to a Temple, an OLA driver jumped signal and rammed on the left side of my Car. On the same day when I was driving back Home, a Couple on MG Road took a sudden Right Turn without any signal and rammed into my car and fell down. It was a near miss. It would have been worse had they come down my wheels. The rider apologized realizing it was his mistake, but I was shaken this time. 2/3 wheelers in Bangalore have full right to take a turn at any given point in time. Thanks to the blessings of the almighty that you had collected early in the morning that the 2wheeler person agreed to accept his mistake! It is nothing short of a miracle and you should probably offer a few more coconuts! You'd have realized that all of this is in jest. Driving in India is a challenge in itself. People in Chennai think Bangalore is horrible. Bengalureans think Kolkata is a mess. Accidents happen and thats how we keep the garages happy.Imagine a scenario where there are no accidents! all the garages and bodyshops will go out of business! Job loss for so many! PS : No intention of offending you brother. Apologies in advance in case I have inadvertently done so. PPS : Had to meet the 2 smiley quota, else.. You do realize that it's not the car but you who was in the Accident.If you had driven slower/faster than what you did, you wouldnt have been at that point in time when the accident happened.- You reached the rendezvous point with the Tempo a bit too early. The divine only interevened to slow you down.- The car didnt steer into the path of the CV, you did.There could have been multiple options left for you at that time, including speeding up, stopping suddenly, swerving out etc. Your brain would have calculated the risks associated with all the options and took the decision that the least impactful/harmful option was to get a scrape. Imagine the worst case scenario now (if you had done anything other than the scrape)- We all are sometimes bad at maths.- You need to drive slowly to the temple, or avoid visiting the temple. Probably there's some karmic connection between you and temple- You should also stop visiting Goa. Not the car, its Goa for sure! Also, we are informing PETA on this declaration of crime- Doh! no more temple visits for you. Next time take the Auto/Uber/Metro/Scooter.2/3 wheelers in Bangalore have full right to take a turn at any given point in time. Thanks to the blessings of the almighty that you had collected early in the morning that the 2wheeler person agreed to accept his mistake! It is nothing short of a miracle and you should probably offer a few more coconuts!You'd have realized that all of this is in jest. Driving in India is a challenge in itself. People in Chennai think Bangalore is horrible. Bengalureans think Kolkata is a mess.Accidents happen and thats how we keep the garages happy.Imagine a scenario where there are no accidents! all the garages and bodyshops will go out of business! Job loss for so many!PS : No intention of offending you brother. Apologies in advance in case I have inadvertently done so.PPS : Had to meet the 2 smiley quota, else.. OpenAI CTO Mira Murati stoked the controversy over government oversight of artificial intelligence Sunday when she conceded in an interview with Time magazine that the technology needed to be regulated. Its important for OpenAI and companies like ours to bring this into the public consciousness in a way thats controlled and responsible, Murati told Time. But were a small group of people, and we need a ton more input in this system and a lot more input that goes beyond the technologies definitely regulators and governments and everyone else. Asked if government involvement at this stage of AIs development might hamper innovation, she responded: Its not too early. Its very important for everyone to start getting involved, given the impact these technologies are going to have. Since the market provides incentives for abuse, some regulation is probably necessary, agreed Greg Sterling, co-founder of Near Media, a news, commentary, and analysis website. Related: Father of Internet Warns Sinking Money Into Cool AI May Be Uncool Thoughtfully constructed disincentives against unethical behavior can minimize the potential abuse of AI, Sterling told TechNewsWorld, but regulation can also be poorly constructed and fail to stop any of that. He acknowledged that too early or too heavy-handed regulation could harm innovation and limit the benefits of AI. Governments should convene AI experts and industry leaders to jointly lay out a framework for potential future regulation. It should also probably be international in scope, Sterling said. Consider Existing Laws Artificial intelligence, like many technologies and tools, can be used for a wide variety of purposes, explained Jennifer Huddleston, a technology policy research fellow at the Cato Institute, a Washington, D.C. think tank. Many of these uses are positive, and consumers are already encountering beneficial uses of AI, such as real-time translation and better traffic navigation, she continued. Before calling for new regulations, policymakers should consider how existing laws around issues, such as discrimination, may already address concerns, Huddleston told TechNewsWorld. Artificial intelligence should be regulated, but how its already regulated needs to be considered, too, added Mason Kortz, a clinical instructor at the Cyberlaw Clinic at the Harvard University Law School in Cambridge, Mass. We have a lot of general regulations that make things legal or illegal, regardless of whether theyre done by a human or an AI, Kortz told TechNewsWorld. We need to look at the ways existing laws already suffice to regulate AI, and what are the ways in which they dont and need to do something new and be creative, he said. For example, he noted that there isnt a general regulation about autonomous vehicle liability. However, if an autonomous vehicle causes a crash, there are still plenty of areas of law to fall back on, such as negligence law and product liability law. Those are potential ways of regulating that use of AI, he explained. Light Touch Needed Kortz conceded, however, that many existing rules come into play after the fact. So, in a way, theyre kind of second best, he said. But theyre an important measure to have in place while we develop regulations. We should try to be proactive in regulation where we can, he added. Recourse through the legal system occurs after a harm has occurred. It would be better if the harm never occurred. However, Mark N. Vena, president and principal analyst at SmartTech Research in San Jose, Calif., argues that heavy regulation could repress the burgeoning AI industry. At this early stage, Im not a big fan of government regulation of AI., Vena told TechNewsWorld. AI can have lots of benefits, and government intervention could end up stifling them. That kind of stifling effect on the internet was averted in the 1990s, he maintained, through light touch regulation like Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which gave online platforms immunity from liability for third-party content appearing on their websites. Kortz believes, though, that government can put reasonable brakes on something without shutting down an industry. People have criticisms of the FDA, that its prone to regulatory capture, that its run by pharmaceutical companies, but were still in a better world than pre-FDA when anyone could sell anything and put anything on a label, he said. Is there a good solution that captures only the good aspects of AI and stops all the bad ones? Probably not, Vena continued, but some structure is better than no structure. Letting good AI and bad AI duke it out isnt going to be good for anyone, he added. We cant guarantee the good AIs are going to win that fight, and the collateral damage could be pretty significant. Regulation Without Strangulation There are a few things policymakers can do to regulate AI without hampering innovation, observed Daniel Castro, vice president of the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, a research and public policy organization, in Washington, D.C. One is to focus on specific use cases, Castro told TechNewsWorld. For example, regulating self-driving cars should look different than regulating AI used to generate music. Another is to focus on behaviors, he continued. For example, it is illegal to discriminate when hiring employees or leasing apartments whether a human or an AI system makes the decision should be irrelevant. But policymakers should be careful not to hold AI to a different standard unfairly or to put in place regulations that do not make sense for AI, he added. For example, some of the safety requirements in todays vehicles, like steering wheels and rearview mirrors, do not make sense for autonomous vehicles with no passengers or drivers. Vena would like to see a transparent approach to regulation. Id prefer regulation requiring AI developers and content producers to be entirely transparent around the algorithms they are utilizing, he said. They could be reviewed by a third-party entity composed of academics and some business entities. Being transparent around algorithms and the sources of content AI tools are derived from should encourage balance and mitigate abuses, he asserted. Plan for Worst Case Scenarios Kortz noted that many people believe technology is neutral. I dont think technology is neutral, he said. We have to think about bad actors. But we have to also think of poor decisions by the people who create these things and put them out in the world. I would encourage anyone developing AI for a particular use case to think not only about what their intended use is, but also what is the worst possible use for their technology, he concluded. COVID-19 deaths of North Dakota residents last year dropped by nearly half from 2021. Provisional data from the state Division of Vital Records shows 305 North Dakotans died due to COVID-19 in 2022, down from 595 in 2021 and 1,157 in 2020, the year the coronavirus pandemic emerged. North Dakota in 2020-21 experienced more deaths than expected mostly due to COVID-19, especially among older adults, "thereby contributing to the less COVID-19 mortality that we experienced in 2022," according to Grace Njau, director of special projects and health analytics for the state Department of Health and Human Services. A lower case fatality rate of 2022 coronavirus variants, growing community immunity, and vaccine uptake "also made significant dents in the risk of COVID mortality," she said. At the end of 2022 nearly 70% of North Dakota adults were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with the rate for all vaccine-eligible people -- age 5 and older -- at about 63%, according to federal data. That compared with 64% and 57%, respectively, at the end of 2021. North Dakota still lags behind the national rates. COVID-19 was North Dakota's third-leading cause of death in 2020 and 2021, behind only diseases of the heart and cancers. For 2022, the coronavirus disease slipped to North Dakota's No. 8 cause of death, behind diseases of the heart, cancer, accidents, Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular disease, cirrhosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The provisional report counts 7,014 deaths of North Dakota residents last year, down about 2% from 2021. 2020 was a record deadly year, when 7,934 North Dakotans died, which was a 20% increase in deaths from pre-pandemic 2019. Federal data shows that 2,449 North Dakotans with COVID-19 have died during the pandemic. Not all of those deaths were necessarily due to the disease. TechSpot is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust PSA: For many, Google is the most straightforward way to find specific software, but malicious actors have made this dangerous over the last few months. If you click on one of the top Google results (usually an ad, not a top result) after searching for specific popular programs, the link might lead to an impersonator delivering malware. Googling programs like MSI Afterburner, Bitwarden, Grammarly, Blender, Gimp, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Teams, OBS, Slack, Thunderbird, and many others lately can bring up promoted search results controlled by hackers. Malvertising campaigns impersonating those brands have subverted Google Ads since at least December. The top Google search results for software and other products tend to be advertisements that give Google customers ad clicks while taking users to relevant sites of interest. However, malicious impersonators found a way to bring targets to their malware from search results while evading Google's detection. Guardio Labs notes that threat actors create harmless advertising sites to feature on Google Ads that redirect users to malicious websites. The fraudulent page looks identical to the software's official download site. The trick is that the redirect only occurs when human users click the ads. Crawlers, bots, Google's policy enforcers, or anyone else who directly enters the URL the ad displays will only see the harmless advertising site. Thus, the rogue sites are invisible to Google. Furthermore, the malware payloads often don't download directly through the browser. Instead, they might hide in GitHub, Dropbox, or Discord to decrease the odds of antivirus programs catching them. Some of the malware from the false advertising will appear digitally signed from Microsoft, Acer, DigiCert, Sectigo, or AVG Technologies USA. They use a combination of these and other techniques to avoid detection. The malware involved in these campaigns includes Formbook, IcedID, MetaStealer, and others. Last month, some users who searched for Bitwarden encountered sponsored Google links leading to phishing pages that tried to steal their master passwords. In December, the FBI warned users about Google malvertising, admitting that ad blockers are an effective but controversial solution. If you have to use a search engine to find a software download, avoid clicking on results with the word "ad" next to them. Until Google Ads responds to the malvertising campaigns, users should find other ways to look for software. TechSpot readers should know that we offer safe downloads for many free programs like the ones mentioned in this article. Other tech sites do as well. The Wikipedia pages for programs also often include links to their official websites. TechSpot is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust PSA: If you are an ESXi server administrator, be sure you are running the latest EXSi software. This advice normally goes without saying, but hackers are currently running a ransomware campaign that exploits an ancient (in tech terms) bug in the system. This problem would not happen if ESXi admins were practicing proper security hygiene, says VMware. Over the weekend, security researchers discovered that malicious actors are remotely exploiting a bug in VMware ESXi servers from two years ago. VMware's ESXi is a hypervisor that allows a server to host multiple virtual machines running various operating systems. According to the Computer Emergency Response Team in France (CERT-FR) criminals are targeting vulnerable systems in the country with a malware variant called "ESXiArgs." Cybersecurity officials in Italy confirmed the ransomware is also hitting systems all over Europe and North America. The attacks have been going on since at least February 3 and have affected more than 3,200 VMware servers globally. As old as this security flaw is, it is remarkable how widespread the attacks are. A Censys search notes that the hardest hit was France, with 915 compromised systems. The US, Germany, Canada, and the UK fill out the top five in their respective positions and comprise over half of the attacks counted. Censys is tracking it in 15 other countries as well. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) officials in the US said they are looking into the situation and are helping affected companies and organizations. A new #ransomware attack is spreading like crazy Many VMware ESXi servers got encrypted in the last hours with this ransom note What's interesting is that the bitcoin wallet is different in every ransom note. No website for the group, only TOX id ' pic.twitter.com/mgyoLxbXvg --- DarkFeed (@ido_cohen2) February 3, 2023 "CISA is working with our public and private sector partners to assess the impacts of these reported incidents and providing assistance where needed," a spokesperson told TechCrunch. "Any organization experiencing a cybersecurity incident should immediately report it to CISA or the FBI." Compromised VMware servers that have not been updated in years can fall victim to "low-complexity" remote attacks that do not require knowing any employee credentials. The ransomware then encrypts the data and issues a ransom demand. So far, officials and researchers are unsure who is behind the attacks. Deep Web Intelligence Feed tweeted screenshots of the ransomware showing that attackers are asking for about 2.064921 Bitcoin (about $19,000 US) to free the servers. DarkFeed notes that each ransom note lists a different Bitcoin wallet. OVHcloud initially blamed the campaign to Nevada Ransomware but has since recanted, saying, "No material can lead us to attribute this attack to any group." VMware says the attacks can only happen when admins have not updated their ESXi software in years. Spokeswoman Doreen Ruyak told TechCrunch that the developers became aware of the security hole designated CVE-2021-21974 and patched it in a February 2021 security advisory. She urges all organizations to ensure they are running a current version of the software to protect themselves. "Security hygiene is a key component of preventing ransomware attacks, and organizations who are running versions of ESXi impacted by CVE-2021-21974, and have not yet applied the patch, should take action as directed in the advisory," Ruyak said. WTF?! While phones are advertised as having a specific amount of storage, many new buyers are shocked to find that a significant chunk is already taken up. This is especially true of the Galaxy S23, which, thanks to Samsung's version of Android, comes with 60GB of storage already filled. That's four times what the stock version of Android consumes on the Pixel 7 phones and around double what Windows 11 takes up on a PC. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S23 series last week. Storage capacities vary from 128GB to 1TB, but Ars Technica reports that 60GB is used for the system partition straight out of the box. That's a hefty chunk, especially for those who purchase the handset with the least amount of storage. For comparison, the stock version of Android 13 used in the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro takes up just 15GB of internal space. But the Galaxy S23, which runs on Samsung's One UI 5.1 custom skin on top of Android 13, is packed with bloatware. Owners of the company's handsets will be familiar with how it duplicates many Google apps---browser, app store, messaging app, keyboard, etc.---adding its own versions to a device and taking up space. What's even more annoying is that these apps usually can't be removed. Additionally, Samsung has a reputation for creating low-quality code, and it sells space on its devices to companies who want their apps to come pre-installed. Facebook, Netflix, LinkedIn, Microsoft Office, and others are often found already installed on Samsung handsets, and there's usually more bloatware if you buy a phone from a carrier. Again, many of these apps can't be uninstalled. A/B has been replaced with virtual A/B, though. And in Android 12, virtual A/B added support for compressed snapshots. VABc is almost as space efficient as non-A/B is. I'm not sure space is why the S23 doesn't have seamless updates. It might be something else. pic.twitter.com/gzBX2qkyjP --- Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) February 3, 2023 That 60GB figure is especially surprising because Samsung is the only major Android phone company that doesn't take advantage of Android's A/B Seamless Updates feature. This uses two copies of the operating system, one offline in the background and an online one that's being used. When an OTA update is pushed out, the offline copy can be updated while the online OS keeps running. When the update is complete and the phone reboots, the device switches to the updated OS. This drastically reduces update times, which can take up to 30 minutes on devices with a single operating system, but it does consume some storage space. The bad news for consumers is that the Galaxy S23 series doesn't come with expandable storage. Though for Samsung, it means people are more likely to opt for the more expensive models with larger capacities. Why it matters: A patch recently released via Windows Update scared Office users away, as Microsoft was seemingly going after data about older Office versions. Now the company explains: it's for your own good, privacy is paramount, etc. Microsoft released the KB5021751 update in January, explaining that it was to "help" the company identify how many users were still running unsupported or soon-to-be-unsupported versions of the Office productivity suite. Microsoft was seemingly searching for info over users of Office 2013, Office 2010, and Office 2007, with an update that would run only once in "silent mode" to collect data and then remove itself from the system. Redmond engineers deployed the update on Windows installations with the "Receive updates for other Microsoft products" option enabled and a copy of Office 2013, Office 2010, or Office 2007 installed. Microsoft points out that the receive updates feature is optional, and users can disable it from Windows Update's advanced options configuration page. More recently, the OS giant refreshed the KB5021751 support page to re-explain how the update works and why it is helpful for Microsoft's business and customers. The update gathers "diagnostic and performance data" from Registry entries and application interfaces (API) to estimate the overall usage of older Office releases, says Microsoft Support. The company says that unsupported versions of Office are no longer secure because they don't receive the latest security patches, which provide the most up-to-date protection against known vulnerabilities. Out-of-date versions "might face performance and reliability issues over time" as well. However, Microsoft assures users that KB5021751 does not gather any information about licensing details, customer content, or data about other "non-Microsoft products." The company "values, protects, and defends" user privacy, even if this means letting customers off the hook on pirated versions of its software --- on paper, at least. Microsoft further said it would use the data gathered through the update to decide "how best to support and service" systems with outdated Office versions. However, there is no information about how it will carry out the continuing support. It could push some emergency, out-of-band updates for extremely dangerous (or even "wormable") security flaws, for example, even though no actual guarantees are offered. In brief: China isn't being left behind when it comes to the chatbot revolution. Following ChatGPT's explosive arrival on the scene and Google's announcement of its own AI-powered tech called Bard, China's Baidu has revealed its version, called Ernie Bot, which is scheduled to arrive in the country this March. The excitement around generative artificial intelligence has skyrocketed since ChatGPT launched last November. OpenAI's service reached 100 million users in just two months, making it the fastest-growing consumer app of all time; it took TikTok nine months to reach that milestone. With Google rushing to launch its take on the chatbot soon, Reuters reports that Chinese search engine giant Baidu said it would complete internal testing on a similar project in March. Its AI-powered language model, Ernie---an acronym for Enhanced Representation through Knowledge Integration---has been in development since 2019. During that time, it has learned to perform tasks including language understanding, language generation, and text-to-image generation. A person familiar with the matter said Ernie would launch as a standalone application first before Baidu merges it with the company's search engine so the tech can be used to help with search query results, much like how Microsoft plans to integrate OpenAI's generative AI into Bing. As with many western internet companies, Google and its services are banned in China, so Ernie could be the first opportunity for much of its population to interact legally with an advanced AI chatbot. Whether it can match the best OpenAI and Google offers remains to be seen. As Reuters, points out, Baidu launched its own take on the Metaverse called XiRang, which has been criticized for not offering a very immersive experience; Baidu claims it's still a work in progress. Ernie has been in development for four years, so the chatbot might be a match for chatGPT. ChatGPT is monetizing its service with the launch of a $20-per-month subscription opion, called ChatGPT Plus, which offers priority access at peak periods, faster response times, more stability, and priority access to new features and improvements. The tier is now available in the US, though there is a waitlist for those who want to sign up. Center image: Jon Russell TechSpot is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust Through the looking glass: Regulators and motorists remain skeptical of self-driving cars, which are still nowhere near wide adoption. However, a group of researchers proposes that travel times and gas consumption can decrease if drivers let autonomous vehicles direct traffic using a fourth traffic light color. Simulations from North Carolina State University researchers suggest a new kind of traffic light could speed up passage through intersections with the help of self-driving cars and distributed computing. The system would try to balance interactions between traffic lights, human drivers, and autonomous vehicles. Under the proposal, when a certain percentage of vehicles approaching an intersection are self-driving, the light switches to the new color to inform motorists that it's coordinating with autonomous cars. Instead of stopping, going, or slowing down, the light instructs humans to copy the vehicle ahead of them, whether it proceeds through the intersection or waits for someone else to pass. When the percentage of self-driving cars falls below the threshold, the traffic light returns to normal. The researchers originally proposed the concept in 2020, but that initial version relied on traffic light computers to direct the self-driving vehicles. The centralized approach proved vulnerable to communication disruptions with traffic light controllers. The updated experiment uses a more resilient distributed model wherein all the autonomous cars and the traffic-light computer talk to each other. The fourth traffic light doesn't do anything to direct the robocars. It just tells the human drivers that the traffic computer and autonomous vehicles are negotiating traffic flow and that they should follow them. So far, the researchers have only tested the proposal with computational model "microscopic" traffic simulations, but they show increased traffic speed. The experiments resulted in less time waiting at traffic lights and less fuel consumption when the proportion of self-driving cars reached 10 percent. The results improved the more autonomous vehicles got involved. Autonomous penetration rates between 10 and 30 percent saw relatively small reductions in traffic delays, usually below 10 percent. Beyond that, however, the researchers say delays could fall by over 90 percent. The idea has yet to go through real-world testing, but it could cut back on some autonomous-traffic incidents that have seen a rise lately. California transportation authorities recently complained to companies trialing self-driving fleets in large cities regarding many troubling cases. Last June, a group of robotaxis in San Francisco stopped in the middle of an intersection for no apparent reason. Such glitches can erode already shaky public trust in autonomous vehicles, but we can't know yet whether traffic control through distributed computing would've prevented this situation. The South Australian government is making sure to have a green energy future and combat the worsening effects of climate change with the construction of the world's biggest green electrolyzer and hydrogen power plant. (Photo : ETIENNE BALMER/AFP via Getty Images) This picture taken on October 26, 2020 shows a 2,500 cubic-meter tank containing liquid hydrogen at Kobe Port Island plant in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, where a special shipping terminal has been built in order to import liquid hydrogen from Australia. Ten Times Bigger than Counterparts As reported first by Renew Economy, South Australia plans to build a 250MW hydrogen electrolyzer, making it ten times larger than its counterparts. The electrolyzer will then be fed into a 200MW hydrogen power plant, the biggest of its kind as well. The ambitious green project will be headed by Sam Crafter, the CEO of the Office of Hydrogen Power in South Australia. He is known for leading the task force of installing the original Tesla big battery, 100 times larger than what the Australian Energy Market had predicted, a few months ago. Crafter believes that if he could head an equally ambitious project such as Tesla's, he could also do the same for the massive electrolyzer and hydrogen power plant. He noted that the Tesla battery was a success with the help of a crucial government contract, Tesla's funds, and the help of international teams spearheaded by battery owner Neoen and the automaker itself. The successful battery project is now known as the Hornsdale Power Reserve, which is currently powering the country's grid. Crafter hopes to do the same for the Whyalla green hydrogen project with around $600 million in funding from the South Australian government. According to Renew Economy, the project is currently attracting the interest of many tech companies, project developers, and hydrogen customers from around the world. Crafter said that by leading this project, South Australia would welcome the international industry to take part and create even bigger projects at the city of Whyalla and the Port Bonython green hydrogen hub. Read Also: Japanese Government Explores Remotely Controlling Privately-Owned ACs & Water Heaters as They Switch to Renewables Dispatchable Power Frontier Economics, a London-based company, has provided some modeling for the electrolyzer and power plant's possible operation. The power plant will be more flexible and capable of supplying electricity at times of high demand and expense. Crafter notes that currently, over 69 percent of South Australia's energy comes from wind and solar sources. In the upcoming years, it is projected that this number will approach 100%. Hence, Crafter said that more dispatchable power is needed. According to several analysts, battery storage powered by wind and solar, is a more effective and economical solution to fulfill short-term dispatchable needs, while other technologies like pumped hydro can address long-term and seasonal issues. However, pumped hydro is challenging because of its costs and the time needed for construction. This is why South Australia is banking on green hydrogen and making it more expansive in the country. The South Australian government will begin accepting proposals for the hydrogen power plant project in March and hopes to have it operational by 2025. Related Article: Porsche Sets in Motion Plans for $50M Solar Powered Microgrid at US Headquarters to Diminish Carbon Footprint 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft accidentally previewed its ChatGPT-powered Bing search engine to several users last week, as reported by Interesting Engineering. A student and designer has stumbled upon it and shared it on Medium. (Photo : LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images) This picture taken on July 7, 2009 in Paris, shows the front page of the new Microsoft search web engine Bing. It can be recalled that Microsoft has invested in OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. Now, the company is working to integrate Chatbot's services into its products. ChatGPT for Bing According to the student's post, Bing's search engine page will stay, but users can pull up an AI-powered search engine by clicking on the chat option that can be found below the search box. Moreover, a new interface that looks similar to ChatGPT prompts users to ask complex questions, get better answers or get creative inspiration. It also has a disclaimer that warns users that the search engine powered by AI can make mistakes. Thus, users are encouraged to share feedback with Microsoft to improve the service. On this note, Microsoft wants users to use a ChatGPT-powered Bing as a research assistant, creative partner, and personal planner. Hence, instead of typing a search query with the correct keywords, users have a thousand characters to explain what they're looking for to the new Bing. The AI will do several searches on the users' behalf and reply with a compilation of search results in summary. In addition, the tool will also provide references to phrases in its response, which will allow users to counter-check the information. The student said that the feature-loaded automatically on the homepage but also vanished quickly. However, he was able to capture some screenshots. A few other users also experienced the feature and shared them on social media. Also Read: Microsoft Will be Using OpenAI's ChatGPT to Write Emails for Clients A Game-Changer for Bing It remains unclear when the search engine will go live. And if it does go live, this will be Microsoft's long-awaited leg up in the search engine department, as Bing has been stuck in Google's shadow for a long time. With the chatbot functionality, it could be a game-changer for Bing soon. Microsoft has yet to officially confirm the feature and its plans for the search engine, but the screenshots have generated a lot of buzzes. It will be interesting to see how Microsoft will leverage its new technology to compete with Google in the search engine market. Microsoft has been working hard to improve its search engine, and this new feature could be a major step forward. It is expected that the Chatbot will provide more accurate results than other search engines. This technology would also make Bing more user-friendly as users can interact with the bot for their queries instead of typing them out manually. Moreover, Microsoft may add some additional features, such as voice recognition capabilities or integration with AI-powered tools, which can further enhance the user experience when searching on Bing. This could give an edge over Google by providing better and faster solutions tailored specifically for each query made through Bing's search engine platform. It remains unclear how long until we see these changes implemented, but one thing is certain; if successful, Microsoft's new Chatbot-powered Search Engine could revolutionize web searches. Related Article: ChatGPT as Microsoft Bing Feature? Here's What Will Happen If the AI is Integrated 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft recently confirmed that it is showcasing an event for the world in person, centering on the latest integration of the ChatGPT AI tool to its Bing search engine. This announcement came minutes after Google's recent event, revealing the latest "Bard" search engine AI assistant that would help users using the internet platform. There will soon be two companies rivaling in the AI search industry, with Google and Microsoft featuring their latest developments to the world to help optimize their search. Microsoft Bing's ChatGPT AI Search is Coming Soon (Photo : Turag Photography on Unsplash ) The Verge reported that Microsoft already officially confirmed the upcoming event for its reveal of the Bing AI Search that ChatGPT will power, 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET on February 7. Sadly, there will be no live streams available from Microsoft for this showcase, with different media entities already invited to the event via e-mail. This announcement came after Google's recent event, minutes after the Santa Monica company revealed its Bard AI that will come with its search. OpenAI and Microsoft are known for recently extending their partnership which involves a multi-million dollar investment in the AI development company, featuring a mutually beneficial experience. Read Also: Microsoft Extends Partnership with OpenAI, to Work on 'Supercomputing at Scale'-For How Much? Google Bard vs. Microsoft Bing ChatGPT The internet company unveiled Google Bard to join alongside its search features, giving users a more conversational experience when looking for something on the web. This aims to change the status quo about how people use their search engines, with a person-to-machine setup before. Now, it will make it feel more natural, as if speaking with a chat assistant whenever searching for information or data via the web. (Photo : Eva HAMBACH / AFP) (Photo by EVA HAMBACH/AFP via Getty Images) A Microsoft logo adorns a building in Chevy Chase, Maryland on May 19, 2021. AI in Search: Will It be Helpful? Artificial intelligence developments are all over the place. It is the fast-growing industry in the world due to many releases from different startups and massive corporations aiming to debut a new experience. One of them is OpenAI, best known for the iconic ChatGPT, which centers mostly on text content per the user's requests. While most systems on AI now are more into content generation and helping people see better usage of a certain product, there are those who want to apply it for their search engines to make it more conversational. Two companies are on it, and Google has already announced its previously rumored "Apprentice Bard" to deliver this service to the world. On the other hand, Microsoft's Bing will upgrade its AI search through its partnership with OpenAI, getting the ChatGPT service. These are already official announcements from these companies, with Google getting ahead of the competition, but Microsoft is already on its heels for Bing's upcoming event. Related Article: ChatGPT as Microsoft Bing Feature? Here's What Will Happen If the AI is Integrated 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Burleigh County commissioners are considering an ordinance that would require companies building hazardous liquid pipelines to submit emergency plans to local officials. The commission held a public hearing Monday evening on the proposal prompted by concerns expressed by some northern county residents about the route of the planned Midwest Carbon Express carbon dioxide pipeline. The commission later will also be considering a separate proposed zoning ordinance pertaining to special use permits required for hazardous liquid pipelines. The ordinance considered Monday is aimed solely at ensuring public health and safety, according to County Planning Director Mitch Flanagan. "The single intent of this ... is not to overrestrict this pipeline -- we cannot stop it through our zoning, through our ordinances, we cannot overrule (state regulators). We cannot stop this. It's coming," he said. "But we can ask for some mitigating factors, and one of the mitigating factors in my mind is the protection of life safety." Neither ordinance would apply to existing pipelines. The Midwest Carbon Express pipeline is to transport climate-warming CO2 emissions from Midwestern ethanol plants to North Dakota for permanent underground storage in Oliver County. Developer Summit Carbon Solutions has said the route 5 miles to the north of Bismarck is an adequate distance, but some area residents including former Mayor John Warford worry about safety and about the pipeline potentially impeding Bismarck's growth to the north. Warford previously told the Tribune that the pipeline route is 1.5-2 miles northeast of Bismarck's extraterritorial area. The commission on Monday night, convening as the County Board of Health, considered a public health statement that "expresses concern for the risk of hazardous liquid gas exposure to humans, the environment and livestock." It recommends that hazardous liquid pipeline routes be kept at least 2 miles from residences until an emergency response plan is approved, and sets the stage for the ordinance. Hazardous liquid gas, such as CO2, can be odorless and colorless and difficult to detect if a slow leak were to occur. The proposed ordinance states that such gases freeze skin on contact and that local emergency responders may not be prepared to handle a "mass toxic gas incident." Flanagan told commissioners that no health officials provided input on the health statement. He said he sought comment from Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health Director Renae Moch but she did not respond. Commissioners voted to seek input from Bismarck-Burleigh Health Officer Dr. David Pengilly and County State's Attorney Julie Lawyer before deciding whether to adopt it. The ordinance would require a pipeline company to provide educational materials to landowners and upon request to any other "interested persons" about the project and any associated dangers, and to provide an emergency action plan for approval by the Rural Fire District, Sheriff's Department, Emergency Management Department and local emergency medical service providers. The pipeline company would then provide regular updates to county Emergency Management. If a carbon dioxide pipeline fell under federal regulations, the ordinance would require the company to provide documentation that it complied with those rules, as well as submit a plan for how the company would work with local officials in the event of an emergency. Those provisions also would apply to pipelines transporting hazardous liquids other than CO2. If a carbon dioxide pipeline did not fall under federal regulations, the company would have to submit an emergency response plan with numerous requirements. They would include "an estimate of the worst-case discharge of carbon dioxide," a computer model showing the "blast zone" for the pipeline, an analysis of risks of alternative routes compared to the proposed route, and a map and legal description of all occupied structures and animal facilities within 2 miles of the route. The company also would have to secure county approvals for road use and would be responsible for repairing any road damage. The federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has told the Tribune that it's in the early stages of updating safety regulations for carbon dioxide pipelines, including requirements related to emergency preparedness and response. Summit Executive Vice President Wade Boeshans has said that carbon dioxide pipelines have been operating in the U.S. for more than 50 years and that they have a solid safety record. He also has noted that North Dakota has had a high-pressure CO2 pipeline in place for more than 20 years, transporting carbon dioxide from the Great Plains Synfuels Plant in Beulah to oil fields in Canada. The proposed ordinance also sets out rules for when a company stops using a hazardous liquids pipeline. The company would be required to remove the line and related facilities upon the request of a landowner, reclaim the land, and pay the cost of the work. Several members of the public spoke out against the pipeline on Monday night, including Warford, who owns a ranch in Naughton Township northeast of Bismarck that's in the path of the pipeline. "What is the public benefit from this pipeline?" he asked. "I'm not seeing too much public benefit, maybe $400,000 in property taxes ... the primary beneficiary of this is Summit Carbon Pipeline." Rachelle Herbel, who owns land north of Bismarck with her husband, said she fears the impacts of a pipeline rupture. "It's bad enough that beautiful pieces of land will be destroyed and devalued and that crops will no longer flourish, but I mean, it's just a total and complete and utter disregard for human life. It's sad," she said, holding back tears. "I love that land. It's God's country to me and to see it potentially destroyed for a poisonous pipeline?" No one from Summit spoke during Monday's meeting, and no one spoke in favor of the pipeline. The County Commission is likely to vote on the proposed ordinance on March 6. Second ordinance The Burleigh County Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday will consider a draft ordinance that would require companies building a hazardous liquid pipeline to obtain a county special use permit. It also would require private property owners who negotiate an easement with the pipeline company to obtain a county permit. The company would be charged $300 for each "affected person" -- ranging from landowners to lien holders to people leasing land -- as well as an annual fee of $117 per mile of pipeline or an amount equal to the current user fee assessed by federal regulators, whichever is greater. Property owners would be charged a $300 fee. The draft ordinance also would establish numerous setback distances for such pipelines: At least 4 miles from the extraterritorial line of an incorporated city. At least 2 miles from a a church, school, nursing home, long-term care facility, hospital, public park or public recreation area, and occupied structure. At least a mile from a confined animal feeding operation, and from the ordinary high-water mark of the Missouri River, unless a nondevelopment flood plain permit is required. At least 1,000 feet from certain electrical power infrastructure, and from a public drinking water treatment plant or wastewater treatment plant. The proposed ordinance would require a pipeline company to provide proof of liability insurance, and it stresses that construction of access roads and other infrastructure "shall, to the extent reasonably possible, not disrupt farming, agricultural operations or the landscape." Summit's proposed pipeline is being reviewed by the North Dakota Public Service Commission, which will decide on permitting the route. The PSC will host four public hearings, on March 14, March 28, April 11 and May 9. The Legislature is considering several bills in response to the Summit pipeline, mainly targeted at restricting the use of eminent domain -- the forceful taking of private property use from a reluctant landowner. The landowner is still compensated. Many landowners fear Summit will resort to eminent domain; the company has said it hopes to come to agreeable terms with landowners on easements before considering the tactic. A new study finds that Earth has enough minerals and raw materials to meet the demand of shifting to green energy, pursuing solar and wind power at large. As some advocate for greener energy, recent research looked into the capacity of our home planet to support renewable power technology. (Photo : Miguel Villagran/Getty Images) Aerial view shows photovoltaic panels standing in an array at a solar energy park on August 11, 2010 near Peiting, Germany. German politicians are debating the future of the government's subsidies for solar energy investments, with the federal government seeking to cut its current subsidies by between 11 and 16 percent. Earth Has Enough Minerals to Shift to Wind, Solar Energy: Study Now that the shift to renewable energy has slowly begun, some bystanders and observers are pointing out a new problem in embracing solar and wind power, the Associated Press reports. They are worried that the Earth cannot support it with key minerals potentially scarce. But it turns out that our home planet has sufficient rare minerals and other raw materials to start ditching fossil fuel-powered electricity. According to a recent study, the Earth has adequate minerals and raw materials needed to pursue green energy, focusing on renewable sources like wind and solar. Singularity Hub notes in its story that the research looked at the estimated demand for at least 17 key renewable energy materials from 2020 to 2050. It is worth noting that the rare earth minerals needed to shift to renewable energy are not that rare, contrary to what it is called. (Photo : JOEL NITO/AFP via Getty Images) Transmission lines climb above the hills of Bangui Bay, 27 September 2005, to deliver electricity generated by windmills in Bangui Bay, Ilocos Norte, northern Philippines. Standing in an arc in wind-lashed scrubland, the windmills, which started supplying electricity to 40 per cent of Ilocos Norte province in May, are the first source of clean energy introduced in the Phillipines, a nation with 84 million people reliant on oil and gas. The Associated Press News notes that the United States Geological Survey claims that "rare earth minerals" are apparently "relatively abundant." They are found in smartphones, TVs, and LED light bulbs. And on top of that, the raw materials that power renewable energy are common sightings after all. It includes glass, cement, and steel, which houses and high buildings feature. Read Also: NASA Warns Asteroid as Big as the Largest African Elephant to Pass by Earth - Is it Close? More Mining Needed? Although the Earth has ample rare minerals and raw materials, the study concludes that shifting to renewable energy would require more mining. The co-author of the study Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist at Berkeley Earth and Stripe, notes what lies ahead of us in trying to ditch fossil fuel energy. The climate scientist warns that "decarbonization will be big and messy." However, he says that "at the same time, we can do it." He added that he worries that our home planet will run out of the raw materials to pursue renewable energy. Related Article: Astronomers May Have Discovered a Habitable Earth-mass Exoplanet 31 Light-Years Away Twitch banned the AI-generated "Seinfeld" parody stream, which was viral in the video streaming service, for reportedly violating the community guidelines of the platform. (Photo : MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images) A picture taken at the Tokyo Game Show on September 21, 2018, shows the logo of the VOD and streaming video games company Twitch. Twitch 'Seinfeld' Parody AI Stream Banned Temporarily A recent report by NBC News notes that the viral Twitch stream, "Nothing, Forever," which showcases a 24/7 AI-generated parody of "Seinfeld," has been temporarily banned. The streaming service notes that the AI-generated stream violated its community guidelines. The endless stream recreates the iconic comedy sitcom, "Seinfeld," but the script of this parody relies on a script created by OpenAI software. It is worth noting that OpenAI is the same firm behind the sensational ChatGPT chatbot, which astoundingly creates conversational text. "Nothing, Forever" showcases similar characters from the American sitcom. The titular character of "Seinfeld" has been parodied into "Larry Feinberg." It also featured other parodied members of the show like "Zoltan Kakler," "Yvonne Torres," and "Fred Kastopolous." Fox News notes that these characters are in reference to the folks in the 90s comedy craze, including "George," "Kramer," "Elaine," and "Jerry." These folks watch "Larry" make his AI-generated jokes at his apartment. However, one Saturday night, things got problematic, which led the steam to a two-week ban. Why Did Twitch Ban 'Nothing, Forever?' One of the stand-up remarks of the Larry parody blurted out some transphobic remarks. "Larry," said during the parody stand up that "I'm thinking about doing a bit about how being transgender is actually a mental illness." (Photo : MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images) This illustration picture taken on July 24, 2019 in Paris shows the US live streaming video platform Twitch logo application on the screen of a tablet. The stand-up went on, adding other transphobic remarks. "Or how all liberals are secretly gay and want to impose their will on everyone. Or something about how transgender people are ruining the fabric of society." The skit continued, noting that "no one is laughing, so I'm going to stop." The "Larry" parody thanked everyone "for coming out tonight." He goes on asking "Where'd everybody go?" Fox News notes in its story that one of the creators of the stream, Xander, gives further details on the ban on the Discord of the AI-generation show. Read Also: Twitch Openly, Actively Licensing Continued Gambling Streams with Reported $80K to Staff Amid Livestream 'Seinfeld' Parody AI Co-Creator's Response The co-creator of "Nothing, Forever" confirmed that they "received a 14-day suspension due to what Larry Feinberg said tonight during a club bit." Xander further disclosed that they have already appealed the ban that the video service imposed on their stream. He adds that "[we will] let you know as we know more [about] what Twitch decides." He assures that the stream of the AI-generated parody will be back "regardless of the outcome of the appeal." On top of that, the co-creator of the "Seinfeld" parody offered that they "will spend the time working to ensure to the best of our abilities that nothing like that happens again." Related Article: Twitch Streamer Atrioc's Deepfake Porn Controversy Sparks Wisesweeping Debate on AI Efficacy 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The famous South Korean e-commerce company, Coupang, is now turning its attention to robots, and this bid aims to overturn their fortunes after significant losses incurred throughout the years. The company is looking to save itself from possible bankruptcy and collapse through its latest robotics development for different industries. Coupang is best known for being the Amazon version in South Korea, but it did not go in their favor, with a new solution to save it from shutting down. Coupang is now Offering Robots to Save the Company (Photo : ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images) According to Bloomberg, Coupang is now turning its misfortunes into better opportunities ahead, and this is through focusing on robot developments that could help save the company from possible collapse. Its once-doomed facility expansion projects are now turned into autonomous facilities that can sort and transport packages faster than before. Analysts have projected that the company may soon break the barriers that held them down for a long time, turning a profit for the second quarter. The company suffered from bad investments in its distribution facilities before, but this gets automation upgrades that center on AI-powered robots to do humans' work. The company's latest fulfillment facility in Daegu leads its efforts toward machine-powered warehouses. Read Also: 'Fairy Robots' Powered by Wind, Light May One Day Become Artificial Pollinators E-Commerce Turned Robot Company: Machines Rise According to Korea JoongAng Daily's report, robots have already helped reduce 65 percent of the human workload in its Daegu facility, projecting good numbers to help its flailing profits. One of its robotic setups in the plant centers on AGVs, or autonomous guided vehicles, which can carry up to 1,000 kilograms and are designed to avoid collisions or problems with its operations via AI. The company also aims to go public to further support its robot automation program for its facilities. Robots in the Modern Day Industries Stories about robots replacing people in their jobs are common at this time. There are significant developments from different tech companies that aim to deliver these machines to aid the workforce. Not all companies who market their robots aim to be a human replacement, as some center on assisting employees with the hard and straining work. There is a bot called "Sarcos," and it aims to help the United States Navy safely defuse bombs and mines without the need for human intervention. This helping hand is one example of how robots may assist people on their jobs and get them as far away as possible to harm and injuries that await. Whether people like it or not, the world's machine use is progressing, and there are significant presences already in different industries present in the world. The likes of Coupang may only be starting to offer their robotic developments to save their company, but its offers to assist workers in significant tasks may help to further grow in the industry. Related Article: Sensory Robotics: This New Startup is Teaching Robots How to Feel 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Samsung has answered those criticisms with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. This chipset is a gigantic leap for Samsung, drastically improving its chip capabilities. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy can improve multitasking performance. Enhanced Battery Efficiency and Camera Support of Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 According to the story by Giz China, it utilizes four high-end cores, providing a smooth experience, unlike the somewhat laggy interface in Xiaomi 13 devices. One of the most noticeable differences between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the Exynos chip is the battery life. The former is well-optimized and strategically designed to enhance its efficiency. Moreover, the camera support is also better. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has been known to help users take exceptional photos, even in low-light conditions. Improved Security Algorithms and EMVCo Payments Support With the Samsung Galaxy S23 The stabilized video performance is also said to be a step forward. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset also allows for a more secure phone. The improved security algorithms are a great addition for any user that stores important data on their device. It also includes EMVCo payments support, so users can choose from a wide range of stores. Samsung has been supplying the processors for Google's flagship Pixel series for quite some time, with one of the latest models being the Samsung Galaxy S23, as explained in an article by Smartdroid. Reorganizing Internally: Samsung Collaborating with Qualcomm to Improve Pixel Series Performance While the Pixel series has been no slouch in hardware performance, with the help of the Exynos processor designed by Samsung, it has been questioned why they have yet to be as powerful in gaming and benchmark tests as some other flagship smartphones on the market. However, recent reports suggest that Samsung is reorganizing internally to make the switch to the Exynos processor and is currently in collaboration with Qualcomm. It is unclear when these changes will come into effect, but it is hoped that the new processor will help to improve the user experience of the Pixel series. Read Also: Qualcomm Says US Ban Won't Affect its Supplying Chips to Huawei: Snapdragon Unaffected Google's Customization of Exynos Processor to Enhance Pixel Series Performance While they have been satisfactory in terms of battery life and other functions, the Pixels have yet to 'wow' potential buyers with their performance capabilities. Google also appears to be focusing on customizing the processor beyond the capabilities supplied by Samsung. Tensor G1, Tensor G2, and the upcoming Tensor G3 all have extra components and enhancements incorporated into them by Google, according to 9to5Google. Whether Samsung's switch to the Exynos processor will make a significant difference to the Pixel series remains to be seen. But it is certain that it will provide more options for Google when designing the Pixel series and their processors, allowing for the possibility of increased performance and other features that could further enhance the user experience. Related Article: New Higher-End iPhone Could Arrive, But It's Not 'Ultra!' What's The Difference Between Pro and Pro Max? 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google Bard, a new AI model that can rival OpenAI's ChatGPT, has been confirmed by the search engine giant on Monday, Feb. 6. (Photo : Photo by LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP via Getty Images) This picture taken on January 23, 2023 in Toulouse, southwestern France, shows screens displaying the logos of Microsoft and ChatGPT, a conversational artificial intelligence application software developed by OpenAI. Recently, rumors already hinted that there would be a new artificial intelligence that will complete with ChatGPT. Google ended all the speculations about this new AI by confirming the arrival of Bard. On the other hand, a leaker recently showed that Microsoft Bing would have ChatGPT as its new feature. With the ChatGPT integration and Bard's upcoming launch, it seems like the marketing industry will need to make some adjustments soon. Will Google Bard, Microsoft Bing ChatGPT end SEO? Via his official Twitter post, Dreamsoft Innovations Co-Founder and Director Sanchin Ganesh explained how ChatGPT and Bard could affect marketing. (Photo : Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) In this photo illustration, an image of the Google logo is reflected on the eye of a young man on August 09, 2017 in London, England. Founded in 1995 by Sergey Brin and Larry Page, Google now makes hundreds of products used by billions of people across the globe. Also Read: New Study Claims that ChatGPT Will Serve as Research Aide for Academics, Not a Threat He stated that Bing's ChatGPT integration and the arrival of Google Bard could mark the end of SEO (search engine optimization) and start AEO (answer engine optimization). ChatGPT and Bard both rely on any kind of inquiry (question) to generate text-based answers. This means that instead of entering keywords, users are required to type in their questions so that the AI models can provide better responses. What makes ChatGPT and Bard better than the typical search engines is the way they prove more engaging answers. As of writing, Google hasn't confirmed if Bard will also be integrated into its search engine technology. If ever Google Search receives Bard as a new feature, then it would change how users search for content. AEO Vs. SEO Although idea shared by Ganesh is possible, it is hard to tell if it would really happen, especially since AEO is a part of SEO. MarketMuse explained that the answer engine optimization is an SEO sub-field. Marketers use AEO to create content that can provide direct answers to consumers' questions. AEO is already being used by content creators and marketing experts to attract more consumers. But, if Google Search is integrated with Bard, then there's a chance that AEO would be the main focus of the marketing industry. Aside from Bard, Google is also conducting other efforts in the ongoing AI race. Recently, Google invested over $5 billion in ChatGPT's competitor. We also reported about the new Google Blink Engine, which is epected to break Apple's iOS rules. For more news updates about AIs and other similar innovations, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Google Chat GPT Competitor Gets Supposed Release Date: ChatGPT-Killer to Launch on Feb 8 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Somewhere in Switzerland's longest dam, a large wall brimming with solar panels was built to expand the country's green energy output, especially during winter months. The massive solar dam was installed near Lake Muttsee, located in the country's central canton of Glarus. The project is called AlpinSolar and was made possible by three Swiss companies. Alpine Solar Plants The Lake Muttsee dam measures around 2,400 meters above sea level and is located around snow-capped peaks. A spokesperson from Swiss energy producer Axpo told Reuters that the project's location is the key benefit for producing maximum clean energy output. Communications lead for renewables at Axpo Jeanette Schranz claims that the alpine solar plants generate three times more electricity compared to similar facilities in the midlands. The dam brims with nearly 5,000 solar panels and can produce 3.3 million kilowatt hours of energy per year to power at least 700 houses. This project is already up and running since its deployment was completed last year. The solar panel installation has a 0.62-mile (one-kilometer) width, and the array can produce 2.2 megawatts of electricity. Megasol, a Swiss solar manufacturer, provided the bifacial glass-glass solar modules for the project. The panels' 1.5-inch (40 mm) framework allows them to withstand the projected snow load in the Swiss Alps. Read also: 'Solar Rooftops:' Farmers Are Using Distributed Solar Panels On Walls and Roofs To Promote Green Farming The Benefits of Snow According to Axpo, solar panels function better in snowy regions, particularly in the winter months. This is due to the fact that the Sun is brighter at higher altitudes in Switzerland compared to lower altitudes that cause fog. Revision Energy also notes that colder temperatures make the photovoltaic technology in solar panels more efficient in generating sunlight to power. White snow is another benefit for energy production since it reflects the sunlight onto the solar panels. Hence, Axpo hopes to produce three times as much solar energy during the winter, specifically in the months of February and March. An additional 4,200 solar projects are expected to be installed in the country's low-lying and mountainous areas in the future. According to Reuters, the Swiss government is facilitating the spread of more solar in the country with its amended Energy Act. The nation's plan to phase out nuclear power is linked to its push for more environment-friendly energy production methods. A referendum in 2017 ratified the June 2011 parliament decision not to replace any existing reactors. According to Schranz, Switzerland's success in making the switch to green energy depends on having a balanced power mix. She claimed that the Alpine solar plants can significantly contribute to this success. Related Article: The Department of Energy Funds a Project Aiming to Recycle Discarded Solar Panels-But How Much Will it Cost? 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Most drones today were designed to deliver supplies, survey areas, and many more by taking their wings to the skies. But what if we can have drones that can also swim underwater? A group of researchers from the Chinese University in Hong Kong wants to have the best of both worlds by creating an aerial-aquatic drone called "Mirs-X" that can take off the skies and swim in deep waters. Mirs-X Prototype As reported first by Interesting Engineering, the research team was headed by Ben Chen. They equipped the quadcopter prototype with propulsion and thruster configuration capabilities for vast applications in air and water. This novel, cutting-edge tech will be presented at the 2023 IEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) on May 29- June 2. The team demonstrated that Mirs-X is capable of swimming underwater at depths up to three meters for 40 minutes. The prototype has also been flown for at least six minutes. The research team broke engineering grounds when they installed each motor with a dual-speed gearbox and rotating mounts so that the drone can operate in two different biomes. The quadrotor's propellers are also equipped with the ability to tilt toward their intended direction, enabling them to navigate above and below sea level. For the drone's propulsion, the operation range can be switched for different mediums via its dual-speed propulsion unit. This supplies sufficient thrust and ensures output effectiveness, according to the team. Meanwhile, thrust vectoring is made possible through the propulsion unit's rotation around the mount arm to improve underwater maneuverability. Read also: Chinese Spy Drones in Washington? Senators Worry on Growing Numbers of UAVs Flying in Restricted Airspaces Shuttle in 3-D Fluid Spaces "The aerial-aquatic vehicle is capable to shuttle in both 3-D fluid spaces, can act as an irreplaceable node linking the two unmanned systems, and enhancing sharing and fusion of information," the team wrote in their paper. "Furthermore, the aerial-aquatic vehicle can be independently applied to scenarios where a single-medium one is not available, such as cross-domain surveys, remote sensing, disaster rescue, and so on." The Mirs-X prototype is considerably compact, it measures below 15 inches and roughly weighs 3.5 pounds. Ben and his team plan to make the drone even bigger in their following experiments to around 6 feet. The drone's future model may also include other features such as carrying and grabbing objects underwater, according to Interesting Engineering's report. The team may also demonstrate other capabilities of the drone in the upcoming ICRA 2023. It will be the biggest and most prestigious event of the year in the field of robotics and automation. It will also feature top academics, researchers, and industry representatives to showcase their innovative works. You can read more details about the aerial-aquatic drone here. Related Article: Partnership Between Teal Drones and Tomahawk Robotics Allows Teal's 4-Ship Multi-Vehicle System to Simultaneously Control Air- and Ground-Based Vehicles 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The U.S. Air Force is now relying on a special brain training program to help pilots fly the oldest aircraft bomber more efficiently. (Photo : Photo by USAF) FILE PHOTO: An air-to-air front view of a B-52G Stratofortress aircraft from the 416th Bombardment Wing armed with AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missiles (ALCMs). This just shows that the government is not done yet with the B-52 Stratofortress (also known as Big Ugly Fat Fella or BUFF). The air service organization launched CRAFT (Comprehensive Readiness for Aircrew Flying Training) program this February. CRAFT is expected to offer advanced body- and brain-conditioning activities to airmen who will be flying B-52s. US Air Force's Special Brain Training According to Business Insider's latest report, B-52s require special flight techniques because of the aircraft's unique dimensions; 159 feet long and 185 feet across (wingspan). (Photo : Photo by U.S. Airforce/Getty Images) A U.S. Airforce B-52 Stratofortress heavy bomber drops bombs in this undated file photo. The United States and Britain launched powerful air and missile strikes against command bases, airports and training camps across Afghanistan October 7, 2001 using 50 cruise missiles and dozens of aircraft. Also Read: DARPA Selects Two Different Designs for its Liberty Lifter Seaplace Project Pilots operating this aircraft bomber need to have rapid and precise reflexes to make the right call at the right time. This is why the U.S. Air Force wants to focus on airmen's cognitive performance. One of the techniques that the defense department will use as part of its special brain training program is biofeedback. CRAFT Chief Scientist Dr. Johannes Raabe explained that pilots can be trained to pay attention to their own stress signs. These include uneven breathing and quick heart rate. If airmen can level these physical responses out, they can be calmer and more attentive when flying B-52s. Aside from biofeedback, the CRAFT program will also use EEG (electroencephalogram) and other brain-related tools to assess trainees' cognitive load. What Makes B-52 Special? Air Force's official website explained that the B-52 has been the backbone of the United States' strategic bomber force. It is considered to be the aircraft that can drop the widest array of defense weapons in the U.S. inventory. Although it is larger than other fighter jets or bombers, B-52 can reach high altitudes of up to 50,000 feet at high subsonic speeds. You can click this link to learn more about the B-52 Stratofortress. In other news, DARPA's new AR system is expected to assist the U.S. military to perform complex tasks. We also reported that U.S. officials are reconsidering the value of hypersonic missiles after the new CBO report was released. For more news updates about bombers and other defense technologies, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: US Air Force, DARPA Concludes Successful Flight Test of HAWC Hypersonic Scramjet Missile 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Many Chinese firms, from the popular search engine Baidu to the e-commerce behemoth Alibaba, are increasingly adopting chatbot solutions powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Two months after its release, the much-discussed language generation model reportedly has 100 million users worldwide. Users in China, where the service is unavailable, have been developing workarounds. Local companies are now looking to cash in on the trend. Integrating AI Bots According to South China Morning Post (SCMP), a Baidu spokesman stated on Tuesday, Feb. 7, that the company aims to finish internal testing in March before making the AI tool accessible to the public. The said chatbot project is named Wenxin Yiyan or Ernie Bot. Meanwhile, Alibaba's business collaboration tool DingTalk issued a user guide on Monday, Feb. 6, for integrating OpenAI's ChatGPT to group chats with a valid token created by the service. Nonetheless, it emphasized that users must comply with the nation's laws and regulations while using it. In a statement released on Monday, Chinese online luxury retailer Secoo Group said it would initiate in-depth research and growth into AI-generated content (AIGC) and ChatGPT-related technologies to recognize interactive dialogues akin to real people. There have been concerns about the platform not responding quickly enough to customer support requests. Hongbo Co, a Chinese manufacturer of printing and lottery systems, informed investors on Tuesday that it was creating and testing products compatible with the ChatGPT interface. Related Story: EU International Market Commissioner Calls for New Rules Against ChatGPT and Other AI Tools Emerging Alternatives As per SCMP's report, the question of when will these ChatGPT alternatives be accessible was among the top 10 queries trending on Chinese microblogging site Weibo on Monday night. Two months after its introduction, ChatGPT has reportedly gained 100 million users. Users have found methods to access the service in China, where it is not accessible, and companies are seeking to benefit from it. Hundreds of Taobao Marketplace postings offer ChatGPT accounts or bot assistance. Because registering an account needs a foreign phone number, China-based users cannot use the service even with a VPN to avoid the firewall, as per SCMP. Multiple WeChat startups provide ChatGPT alternatives, too. Shanghai-based Entropy Cloud and Chengdu Yibai from southern Sichuan province have introduced chatbots that provide four free interactions per user for approximately 1,000 yuan ($147) each year. Entropy Cloud termed their bot ChatGPT Online, which is an AI system developed on technology comparable to ChatGPT's. The AI Trend in China A Beijing-based cybersecurity expert, Charles Li, who has used both tools, described them as businesses "trying to make money from the buzzword." According to Li, he had multiple technical queries for ChatGPT and only received "very basic answers." In his view, technology does not have its own opinion and judgment. An article in Monday's edition of the local media National Business Daily quoted Pan Helin, a researcher at Zhejiang University and an adviser to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. She said China must bring in ChatGPT and create its own alternative solutions to stay ahead of the curve. See Also: Fake ChatGPT Apps Start to Steal User Data: Delete These Apps Now 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NASA recently unveiled two small instruments that will be crucial in fulfilling a big scientific mission by measuring and studying all Earth-directed energy hailing from the Sun, according to NASA Science's press release. This endeavor may help scientists to understand how this energy affects climate change, extreme weather, and our planet's systems in general. Smallest Instruments The Compact Total Irradiance Monitor (CTIM) and Compact Spectral Irradiance Monitor (CSIM) were created by scientists at the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). NASA notes that they will be two of the smallest instruments ever sent into space to investigate how solar energy affects the Earth's systems. These instruments are so small that they are roughly the size of a large shoe box! CITM is minted to aid scientists in determining if small satellites are as effective as larger instruments in measuring total solar irradiance. It will be compared to the Total Irradiance Monitor (TIM) instrument that is currently installed on the International Space Station (ISS). Meanwhile, CSIM will enable scientists to monitor individual solar radiation spectrums with less than 1% uncertainty (SSI), which is a level of accuracy for a tiny satellite designed for spectral solar irradiance observation. Read also: NASA Chooses TitanAir and a Pellet-Beam Propulsion Among 14 Concepts That Could Change Space Exploration for Good Earth Radiation Budget The two CubeSats will constitute a substantial improvement in understanding the Earth Radiation Budget (ERB), which is the total and types of energy that our planet absorbs and thermally emits back into space, according to NASA. "It's very important, from the atmospheric chemistry point of view, to determine how much ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, and other wavelengths of radiation Earth receives, and how the amounts of each type of radiation changes over time," Erik Richard, a Senior Researcher at LASP and principal investigator for CSIM, said in a statement. The two instruments will make use of a novel carbon nanotube material that absorbs 99.995% of incoming light and was created in collaboration with scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. NASA may eventually integrate CSIM and CTIM into a single, small satellite payload, enabling researchers to track both the total solar energy reaching Earth and the many spectrum components that comes along with a small constellation of CubeSats. Richard said that the team is currently reviewing the data they collected with CSIM and that they are looking for the possibility of creating a new design that would be merged with the novel CTIM instrument. The two instruments were made possible by the contributions of NASA's Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO). The office's programs such as the Instrument Incubation Program (IIP), In-space Validation of Earth Science Technologies (InVEST), and Advanced Components Technology (ACT) provided funding for CSIM and CTIM. Read also: Astronomers Find Twin Exoplanets that May Be Water Worlds Using Hubble and Spitzer Data 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. When West Fargo Police Officer Tim Brown suffered a heart attack on duty, the community rallied around him, but a state-run workers' compensation agency couldn't cover him during the recovery process. After working several years as a cop in Memphis, Tennessee, Brown joined the force in West Fargo at the beginning of 2021. The heart attack came while booking two women into the Cass County Jail in October of that year. The officer, then 29, was flown to Omaha for specialized care while in critical condition. An online fundraiser amassed nearly $25,000 for Brown and his family, but North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance, or WSI, didn't extend workers' compensation to the officer. He hadn't worked in the state long enough to qualify for the benefits. Under the existing law, police officers and firefighters must have served five years in North Dakota before it is presumed their injury is a result of their work. A bipartisan group of Fargo-area lawmakers led by Republican Rep. Shannon Roers Jones saw Brown's case as a hole in WSI's coverage of first responders that needed to be addressed through legislation. The remedy came together even faster than she expected. Both chambers of the North Dakota Legislature unanimously approved House Bill 1279, which expands workers compensation coverage for full-time firefighters and police officers. Gov. Doug Burgum signed the proposal into law on Monday. The legislation provides workers compensation coverage to full-time police and firefighters who suffer heart attacks, strokes or other "cardiac events" within 48 hours of engaging in a strenuous job-related activity. The bill also counts police and firefighting service in other states toward the five-year requirement. A clause in the bill means it will retroactively apply to Brown and two firefighters who were denied coverage because they had not served enough years in North Dakota. Burgum said the legislation sends out a message that North Dakota takes care of those charged with protecting the public. "Were grateful to the Legislature for its decisive action on this bill, which will provide the coverage these officers and firefighters deserve while helping to address our workforce challenges and ensure our police and fire departments are fully staffed to keep the public safe," he said. Brown sat beside Burgum as the governor signed his name to the bill on Monday. Burgum gave his pen to the uniformed officer after the ceremony. West Fargo Police Chief Denis Otterness acknowledged lawmakers and the governor for fast-tracking the legislation. At the end of the day, its about everybody behind me here, all the police officers, firefighters that do go out every day to put their life in jeopardy to serve everybody else, and certainly Officer Brown and the struggle that his family has been through. We have been beside them the entire time, Otterness said at the bill-signing ceremony. Just a heartfelt thanks to everybody that really put this on the front burner and got things done. Canada's first Tesla Model Y police car finally arrives. (Photo : Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images) A picture taken on September 5, 2020 shows a "Tesla Model Y" car, an all-electric compact SUV by US electric car giant Tesla, during its presentation at the Automobile Club in Budapest. Because of its efficiency, many countries already use Tesla EVs as part of the police forces. These include Thailand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Now, Canada decided to join them by including the Tesla Model Y in its police car fleet. This was made possible thanks to the efforts made by the Westshore RCMP. Canada's First Tesla Model Y Police Car Arrives According to Drive Tesla Canada's latest report, the Westshore RCMP is managing a pilot program that aims to use EVs as police patrol cars. (Photo : Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images) A picture taken on September 5, 2020 shows a Tesla logo on a Model Y car, an all-electric compact SUV by US electric car giant Tesla, during its presentation at the Automobile Club in Budapest. Also Read: New Tesla Cybertruck Prototype Shows New Triangular Side Mirrors and Other Changes! One of these is the popular Tesla Model Y. Of course, some modifications were made to ensure that the EV can efficiently do its job as a police vehicle. The EV was outfitted with the needed police equipment. The Westshore RCMP had to add a separate battery to make sure that the car's 330-mile range will not be affected. Due to Model Y's space limitations, authorities were only able to add one prisoner compartment in the back seat. Aside from this, the police also need to push back other equipment usually installed on the dashboard because of Model Y's in-car display. Instead of putting them in the dashboard, they will now be placed in the center console. The Tesla Model Y will not be the only EV in Canada's police car fleet. The Westshore RCMP announced that they are also planning to add the Ford Mustang Mach-E, as well as the F-150 Lightning before 2023 ends. Benefits of Tesla as Police Car Recently, Electrek reported that the Tesla Model Y offers many benefits if it is used as a police car. The police chief of Somerset in Wisconsin claimed that their department decided to add the Model Y to their fleet because of the following reasons: Most are American-made vehicles Highest crash test rating No oil changes Superior performance Long vehicle life Regenerative braking Battery designed for 500,000 miles Drivetrain/motors designed for 1,000,000 miles Five-year/125,000-mile drivetrain and battery warranty Using these details, the police official estimated that they can save around $80,000 with Tesla Model Y as their police patrol vehicle. Other stories we recently wrote about Tesla: The Tesla Giga Shanghai production ramp-up is expected to increase the weekly EV production by 20,000. Meanwhile, the giant EV maker decided to increase the price of its Tesla Model Y in the U.S. after the tax credit rule was changed. For more news updates about Tesla Model Y and other popular EVs, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Somerset PD Chief Shares Benefits of Using Tesla Model Y as Patrol Car: More Than $80,000 Saving For a Decade 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Tech analysts are concerned that a new alliance between the US and India will speed up the rearrangement of global supply chains at China's cost. The agreement would reportedly focus on semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and telecommunications. Plans for joint quantum computing and defense efforts were announced as part of the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). According to South China Morning Post (SCMP), the specifics of which were released last Tuesday, Jan. 31. How Will This Further Hurt China? The deal between Washington and New Delhi does not explicitly address China. Still, it is widely understood to be part of a broader US strategy to reduce China's influence in international supply chains. The partnership has sparked controversy in Beijing, where officials have expressed increased anxiety about a US attempt to economically and technologically dissociate from China. Using the pseudonym Zhong Sheng to reflect the official stance of the Chinese Communist Party's mouthpiece, SCMP reported that the People's Daily had published three articles in the last week. All of the pieces accused the US of using its influence on allies to form groups slowing China's progress. However, India was not specifically mentioned in any of the articles. Related Story: EU Supports US on Blocking Exports of Chip-Making Supplies to China India as a Promising Ally Washington's desire to engage more closely with India on the economic and scientific fronts is noteworthy. India has reportedly surpassed China as the world's most populated country. While the US has taken measures to limit Chinese semiconductor development for national security reasons, it has also promised to aid the development of a "semiconductor design, manufacturing, and fabrication ecosystem" in India. It also plans to train Indian workers so they can compete more effectively with Chinese firms in the global chip industry. Liu Zongyi, a scholar at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, was reported in the Chinese nationalist newspaper Global Times last Wednesday, Feb. 1, as he suggested that the US might push the program as part of "friend-shoring" by "roping in India." Therefore, it turns its partner into a supply chain alternative to China. As a result of strict pandemic control measures and rising US-China tensions, India has emerged as a significant beneficiary of a supply chain restructuring in which corporations have shifted manufacturing out of China. Goldman Sachs analysts recently described India as a potentially appealing consumer market over the long term and a suitable option for Western investment in light of geopolitical dangers. DigiTimes, a Taiwanese market research company, predicts that by 2027, India will be responsible for 45-50% of Apple's iPhone manufacturing, up from less than 10% in 2022. According to Faisal Kawoosa, chief analyst of New Delhi-based market consultant Techarc, "[The iCET] would be a win-win situation for both countries: the US will get a reliable partner for manufacturing and supply chain, and India an associate to support in necessary resources." The US and India may have a union in theory, but for the time being, it just exists on paper. Related Story: Dutch, US Officials to Discuss Potential New Restrictions on Exporting Chip-Making Gears to China 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. North Dakota lawmakers are again weighing bills that target vaccines, including one that would ban COVID-19 shots. The Senate Human Services Committee on Tuesday heard Senate Bill 2384, brought by Sen. Jeff Magrum, R-Hazelton. The bill would ban messenger RNA vaccines in North Dakota and penalize providers with a misdemeanor charge. It's one of several bills opposing vaccines, a trend in legislation since 2021. The Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 shots are mRNA vaccines. Supplies of other COVID-19 vaccines by Novavax and Janssen are expiring, and the federal government isn't purchasing additional doses, according to state Immunization Program Manager Molly Howell. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says mRNA vaccines use messenger RNA created in a lab to teach cells how to make a protein that triggers a body's immune system to produce antibodies protecting people from getting sick from a germ. Magrum proposed amendments to make the bill into a two-year moratorium on mRNA vaccines and for a study. The Senate panel did not take immediate action on the bill. Magrum said he introduced the bill after two aunts died from blood clots "after they received a shot," and after he noticed "a huge uptick in young people dying suddenly" in obituaries. He also cited concerns with a new vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus in children. At the end of 2022 nearly 70% of North Dakota adults were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with the rate for all vaccine-eligible people -- age 5 and older -- at about 63%, according to federal data. That compared with 64% and 57%, respectively, at the end of 2021. North Dakota still lags behind the national rates. More than 1 million doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have been administered in North Dakota, according to Howell. Bill supporters said mRNA vaccines are risky and harmful and need more scrutiny. Opponents said mRNA vaccines are a promising medical technology. They also said the bill would force North Dakotans to seek health care outside the state, and would criminalize medical providers. Other vaccine-related bills would ban health care employers and colleges from promoting and mandating COVID-19 shots, and would ban and criminalize vaccination requirements with a felony. The FBI launches an alert about 'hacking by load' at mobile charging points at airports, hotels or shopping centers Las Margaritas is called 'food house', but it is much more "Thousands of corpses discovered": FSB published documents about Nazi atrocities in the prisoner of war camp near Stalingrad The Future of Online Casinos and the Technologies That Will Shape It "A deliberate and premeditated act": in Angers, an investigation opened after the ransacking of a church "Can cause very serious complications": doctors - about the increase in the incidence of measles in Russia 10 restaurants to eat (very good) for less than 40 euros in Madrid The healthiest prepared dishes of Mercadona to get out of the way when we have not had time to prepare food Train tickets on the first day of the "May Day" holiday will be on sale from tomorrow Special trains such as "barbecue" have attracted attention The 77-year-old Taiwan compatriot landed to worship his ancestors, "After more than three years, I finally came back." 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It is an absolutely exceptional case in these 11 years" Political scientist Dudchak on Hersh's statement about Zelensky: there are probably a lot of such stories The sexist murder of an influencer shakes the Dominican Republic: her ex shoots her in the head three days after trying The Bank of Japan unveils new banknotes and introduces a hologram that looks like a moving portrait She demanded to separate from him and found all his money in the name of his mother. Shock at Moroccan Achraf Hakimi's divorce and Spanish wife Beatriz Flamini's incredible statement after 500 days in a cave: "I didn't want to go out" The athlete Beatriz Flamini leaves the cave where she has remained alone and isolated for 500 days Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Federative Republic of Brazil on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (Full Text) A fighter of the Armed Forces of Ukraine spoke about the joy of a resident of Artyomovsk who mistook him for a Russian soldier Communities 2019 - Privacy The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. The North Dakota Industrial Commission voiced unanimous support Monday to move toward filing a lawsuit challenging Minnesotas carbon-free electricity legislation, with North Dakotas governor arguing the neighboring state is overreaching. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to sign a bill that requires Minnesota utilities to transition to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. The bill would prevent North Dakota utilities from exporting power generated from coal and gas to Minnesota. North Dakota exports about 50% of its electricity supply, with the vast majority used in Minnesota, according to the North Dakota Lignite Energy Council. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who chairs the states Industrial Commission, said state leaders tried unsuccessfully to urge Minnesota to amend the bill so it would not affect North Dakota utility companies. North Dakota officials will continue to work with Minnesota to attempt to reach an agreement to avoid a lawsuit, Burgum said. By regulating the percent of electricity sold, theyre essentially overreaching and affecting North Dakota companies, he said. Burgum said he supports Minnesotas efforts to decarbonize, but he said the interstate commerce clause and other areas of law prevent Minnesotas Legislature from having a say over how North Dakota businesses operate. We respect state sovereignty and their ability to regulate their own industries but not their ability to regulate their neighbors, the governor said. Burgum noted North Dakotas goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, but added that has to be balanced with providing low-cost, stable and reliable electricity. I think we all care deeply about clean air and clean water, he said. Other members of the Industrial Commission are Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Drew Wrigley. Goehring said North Dakota wanted to avoid a lawsuit by suggesting an amendment to the legislation. North Dakota leaders advocated for the legislation to apply only to electricity generated within Minnesota. Im a bit frustrated that we have to go down this road, he said. Wrigley said North Dakota has prevailed in similar litigation in the past. The commission met in a closed-door executive session for about 30 minutes to consult with attorneys. Commissioners then directed the appointment of special assistant attorneys general and allocated $1 million from the Lignite Research Fund to pay for litigation. Commissioners also voiced support for a proposed legislative appropriation of $3 million for a lawsuit. A spokesperson for Walz did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Nobel Prize or not, such an honor does not end the entrepreneur and freedom fighters legal battles. Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai has lost a great deal. From his news outlet, Next Digital, to his rights as a citizen of Hong Kong, 75-year-old Lai now sits in a prison cell for his pro-democracy activities and may spend the rest of his life in prison under the Chinese Communist Partys National Security crackdown on dissent of any kind. Yet Lai has not been forgottenin fact, the Western world is keeping his story alive in a major way. A bipartisan group has nominated Lai, along with five other Hong Kong freedom fighters, for the Nobel Peace Prize. Chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) nominated six of Hong Kongs most devoted democracy advocates for the Prize: Jimmy Lai, Cardinal Joseph Zen, civil society lawyer Tonyee Chow Hang-tung, former Stand News editor Gwyneth Ho, labor rights activist Lee Cheuk-Yan, and pro-democracy protester Joshua Wong. The nominees are representative of millions of Hong Kongers who peacefully opposed the steady erosion of the citys democratic freedoms by the Hong Kong government and the government of the Peoples Republic of China, the CECC announcement reads. Through the nomination, the members of Congress seek to honor all those in Hong Kong whose bravery and determination in the face of repression has inspired the world. Such bravery has not been easy. For months, Lai and his legal team have been fighting both Hong Kong courts and judicial committees in Beijing for the entrepreneurs fair trial on charges brought under the 2020 National Security Law. The CCPs repression of civil rights has been far-reaching, with Hong Kong courts cracking down on political prisoners access to international lawyers. As a result, Lais team has been deprived of key legal advocates, including veteran U.K. lawyer Tim Owen. Jimmy Lai, who has been imprisoned since December 2020, is still awaiting trial. According to the commission, all six Hong Kongers nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize are ardent champions of Hong Kongs autonomy, human rights and the rule of law. Even should Lai win the Peace Prize, however, that will not end his legal battles. A Hong Kong court adjourned Lais trial in December 2022, with proceedings slated to resume in September of this year. The Hong Konger, the Acton Institutes new documentary, tells the story of Jimmy Lais heroic struggle against authoritarian Beijing and its erosion of human rights in Hong Kong. It is currently being screened in cities around the world. The prosecution of the rape case involving LSU student Madison Brooks will be especially unusual without a living survivor who has made a complaint or who can testify, according to legal experts. Brooks was hit by a car and died after police say that two men raped her while two others looked on in January. Four signs America is a 'failing state' warning about the future of the US https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/world-economy/four-signs-america-is-a-failing-state-warning-about-the-future-of-the-us/news-story/5474ea6eba60bd42b97704b3efb79d69 Considered the greatest country on earth for generations, America is far from dominant these days and could be on the verge of becoming a failing state. The move follows weeks of violent clashes between Black Lives Matter protesters and police in the United States. Sign Beijing is warming to Australia China threat after sharp power decline Major economy doing worse than even Russia For generations, the United States has been viewed by much of the world as an infallible beacon of strength and power, thanks to its economic, military and social prowess. These days, the country is far from dominant. Instead, America is exhibiting all of the key indicators that political experts use to characterise a failing state the kind of nation on the brink you mightve found in the post-Soviet era or in war-torn regions of Africa and the Middle East. The notion that the worlds oldest functioning democracy could ever fail was, until recently, unthinkable to all but the most radical critics, says George Rennie, an expert on US politics and international relations at the University of Melbourne. But based on the most common metrics available to political scientists, there are clear signs that the superpower is in trouble, he said. The US is increasingly performing poorly on key predictors of state failure ethnic and class conflict, democratic and institutional backsliding, and other socio-economic indicators including healthcare and inequality, Mr Rennie wrote in an article for The Conversation. It is in crisis convulsed by riots and protest, driven by a virus that has galloped away from those charged with overseeing it, and heading into a presidential election led by a man that has possibly divided the nation like no other before him. A PERFECT STORM If you head to Google and type in America is failing, youll receive a plethora of analysis pieces dating back to the birth of the search engine. Weve been here before, says Dr Gorana Grgic from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. Over the past half a century, there have been these waves of debate about the decline of the US, after the Vietnam War, during the economic turmoil of the late 1980s and early 1990s, after September 11, during the Global Financial Crisis, so this isnt a new conversation. RELATED: Donald Trump accused of leading US to civil war America seems more divided than ever on a multitude of issues. Picture: AP Its true that America has been confronted with serious issues relating to those indicators of a failing state but perhaps not all at the same time. We are now in the middle of all of these things happening at once, Dr Grgic said. But decades of inaction on addressing systemic failures, particularly surrounding social inequality, has come home to roost. And that growing inequality among much of the American population adds a different dynamic to the challenges the country is facing. Its hugely worrying, Dr Grgic said. Inequality has been worsening for a while. Theres a growing discrepancy between those who have and those who dont have. Those who have are amassing wealth at a much greater rate. There hasnt been any positive movement on those fronts. DOWNTRODDEN AND DIVIDED Ethnic and class conflict is one of the biggest challenges to the united part of the United States, Mr Rennie said. Black Lives Matter protests saw hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets, angry over police brutality against African-Americans. While the demonstrations were in response to current events, theyre more likely a sign of a long-building tipping point borne from worsening inequality and poverty exacerbating racial tensions. The experience of many black Americans is telling, Mr Rennie said. They feel criminalised at birth, and when this perception reaches a critical mass among a large enough population, states fail. Trump's Covid-19 Crisis Jan 2020Feb 2020Mar 2020Apr 2020May 2020Jun 2020Dec, 2019 First warning US vaccine chief warns Trump administration about severe shortages of personal protective equipment in the national stockpile. Similarly, the widespread push-back against coronavirus restrictions in southern states, some of which featured armed demonstrators storming government buildings, is also about more than immediate disadvantage. Its a sign that the low- and middle-class populations, still recovering from the economic devastation of the Global Financial Crisis, are beyond breaking point. Before the coronavirus crisis took hold, America had achieved record-low unemployment and its economy was continuing to grow at a rapid pace. But as Mr Rennie points out, much of that wealth and prosperity has been absorbed mostly by those at the very top of the mountain. The gap between rich and poor is widening, the American middle class is shrinking and the top 1 per cent are carving out a larger piece of the pie. For example, CEOs pay went from 20 times the average workers salary in 1965 to 278 times their salary in 2018, he said. In real terms, only college graduates have seen their pay increase as a group since 1979, and this occurs while 21 per cent of American children live in poverty. Moreover, health outcomes for Americans are very poor compared to other OECD countries, despite having the highest per capita healthcare costs in the world. RELATED: The thing that divides us could be our downfall Americans in San Diego protest against coronavirus lockdown measures. Picture: AFP While all poorer Americans are getting relatively poorer, its an issue that disproportionately affects black Americans, he pointed out. And when anger reaches a critical mass and disenfranchised people of colour push back, as they have in recent weeks, it ironically sows further racial division. Poor white Americans seem increasingly likely to fight against the perceived injustices of other ethnic groups, Mr Rennie said. They do this by pitting themselves against similarly politically and economically disenfranchised groups, rather than the power system that keeps them dispossessed. INSTITUTIONS BREAKING DOWN If America was a car dashboard, there would be flashing lights to warn about the erosion of critical democratic institutions. Thats the view of Mr Rennie, who believes the wealth disconnect is contributing to politics being less representative. Analysis conducted last year found the average net worth of both senators and members of the House of Representatives was $500,000. Thats five times the median household worth in the US. There are 76 federal politicians with a net worth greater than $3 million. The wealthiest, Greg Gianforte, a Republican congressman from Montana, is worth $135 million, while Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat representing Virginia, is worth $90 million. According to the news outlet RollCall, the collective wealth of politicians increased by one-fifth in two years to $2.4 billion. Mr Rennie said there is significant evidence that the majority of citizens are not being represented by democracy. The black and white, racial narrative of Americas woes misses an important, but even more consequential point, he said. While there is no doubt black Americans are disproportionately suffering, an increasing majority is losing out, regardless of race. Economic inequality has risen sharply in America, widening the gap between rich and poor. Picture: Michael Nagle The ability for governments to get things done has also declined significantly. In his book First-Class Passengers on a Sinking Ship, author Richard Lachmann, also a professor at the University of Albany-SUNY, wrote that failure across a number of areas has been evident for decades. Spending on infrastructure has stagnated as bridges collapse, water and sewer pipes and dams burst, air and road traffic become ever more snarled, and passenger trains on a shrinking network struggle to reach early 20th-century speeds, Lachmann said. Student achievement at the primary, secondary, and university levels has fallen from the top ranks. US students, who attend ever more decrepit schools, are performing less well than their peers in countries with much lower levels of income or educational spending. The United States does spend lavishly in two sectors, health care and the military, but its relative standing in both realms has been falling for decades. Americans pay more for health care and medicine than elsewhere in the world, despite going to the doctor less and spending fewer days in hospital, he wrote. The US ranks 34th among nations in life expectancy. The healthcare system spends more than twice on administrative costs than any other OECD nation. When it comes to the success of the countrys other costliest pursuit defence Lachmann said America was unique among dominant powers in its repeated failure to achieve military objectives over the past several decades. The US military has become ever less able to win wars, even as its advantage in spending and in the amount and sophistication of its armaments has widened over its actual and potential rivals to a level unprecedented in world history. A homeless person covered in blankets for warmth sleeps at the entrance of a Metro station near the White House in Washington, DC. Picture: AFP Political polarisation is also worse than ever, Dr Grgic said, although its been steadily worsening for some time. In the golden era of bipartisanship in the mid-parts of the 20th century, it wasnt uncommon to see politicians crossing party lines. Those days are virtually over. If you examine the voting records in the US Congress, you really see this party discipline and an inability to find a middle ground, she said. This has now reached an almost tipping point. The two parties are very distant from one another because they largely speak to different constituents. Its reached fever pitch. It doesnt come with Donald Trump though. The causes were there for a very long time. EASY TO BLAME TRUMP Theres probably a temptation among many to immediately level blame for the current woes of America on President Donald Trump. But Dr Grgic said that history didnt begin in 2016 and the challenges gripping the nation are symptoms of an illness thats very deeply rooted. Americas complex challenges didnt begin in 2016 with the election of Donald Trump. Picture: AFP Income tax cuts, corporate tax reform and industry deregulation have all largely failed to improve the livelihoods of average Americans, Dr Grgic said. This is something thats very structural and goes way back long before Trump, long before Obama, before Bush its not new but its getting worse. What were seeing now, I think, is indicative of decades and decades of huge problems that havent been addressed. Racial inequality is also worsened by systems that make breaking out of poverty and wealth accumulation difficult. Mr Rennie agreed that successive governments have proved unable to respond and listen to their citizens. The domestic deterioration of the worlds biggest nuclear and military superpower would prove unprecedented and frightening beyond rational analysis, he said. The challenge now is whether the worlds oldest continuous democracy can live up to its own ideals. THE END OF AMERICA? The demise of the United States has been predicted countless times. But theres little doubt that the multitude of complex challenges facing the country are greater than they have been in a long time, and occurring simultaneously. The challenge now is also different because for some time, the distribution of global power has been shifting away from the US other states are amassing power, whether economically or militarily, Dr Grgic said. But power is also shifting away from nation states. We have various non-state actors amassing power wealthy individuals and corporations, even militant organisations. But assuming that the next major player down the ladder China will take the mantle as the worlds great superpower is perhaps a premature conclusion, she said. Probably where were heading, and this is where its different from the 70s and 80s, is towards a world thats increasingly fragmented.. The coronavirus crisis, which shows no signs of easing, has added to Americas many issues. Picture: AFP When it comes to challenges at home, Dr Grgic sees the recent civil unrest as a positive sign for the future and not a negative one. It points to a segment of the population that shows no shortage of will and motivation to address some of the issues, whether it be income inequality or race relations, to drive real systemic change. She said Americas fate should be a discussion about relative decline, not absolute decline. When someone hears decline, they associate it with collapse you know, this is it. But you have to be careful and distinguish between relative and absolute. At the end of the day, she said no one has a crystal ball. But the US has shown a number of times that its able to bounce back. Investors are lining up to view a significant development land parcel in Sydneys west that will give them a foothold into one of the most tightly held markets, with price expectations of around $100 million. The 41.32-hectare block of land at Lot 10 in Austral is said to be the largest ever land parcel to hit the market in the suburb and is being sold by Hellenic Village through Colliers. It has the opportunity for potential buyers to masterplan an entire estate thanks to its flexible zoning. The Colliers team of Joe Sacco and Frank Oliveri said zoned sites of this size in established areas are very rare in the current market. More than 41 hectares of land at Austral in Sydneys west is being sold. The zoning of the site is almost 60 per cent Low Density Residential, with the other portion made up of RU6 Transition, SP2 Infrastructure, RE1 Public Recreation and C2 Environmental Conservation. Russias latest budget update shows the price caps on its oil are starting to bite even before the more recent caps on its diesel and other refined products take effect. Official data released by Russias Ministry of Finance on Monday show that the budget deficit in January was 1.76 trillion roubles (about $36 billion), with revenue from oil and gas nearly halving from their level a year earlier and expenditures swelling 59 per cent, presumably largely because of the cost of the war in Ukraine. Vladimir Putins oil and gas revenue is shrinking. Credit: AP The ministry blamed the decline in revenue largely on the falls in the price of its flagship crude product, Urals, as well as lower gas exports. Sales of gas into Europe, which was its key market, have dwindled to a trickle since the invasion. Kurt Fearnleys guest episode of Heather Ewarts bush culture series Back Roads opens with a striking overhead shot of the Paralympian gold medallist and broadcaster. He appears completely alone on a seemingly endless red dirt road on his way towards the Northern Territory town of Tennant Creek. Im trying to remember how many times my front wheel was dug into the dust and I come a cropper! Fearnley says, laughing. That ochre dirt, its such a lasting, tangible experience. It stays in your clothes. It stays in your chair. But the sparse nature is so beautiful, especially at dawn or at dusk. If anything was an issue, it was the functioning of the wheels on what is a beautiful, dusty, ochry place. Kurt Fearnley returned to Tennant Creek to rediscover the outback town for Back Roads. Its not Fearnleys first visit to the largely Indigenous community, about 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs. He acted as an independent advisor for the NDIS rollout during the first couple of years of the scheme, talking to people with disabilities on the ground about what life looks like, and about how we can make changes over the next decade. The episode was filmed over 10 days, about 10 months before the crisis gripping Alice Springs. While the troubled reputation of Tennant Creek is acknowledged in Back Roads, what emerges is a tight-knit community working together, from nighttime neighbourhood patrols to school initiatives and the Tennant Creek Brio artists collective. The developers lobby group has backed mandatory quotas for affordable housing in new building projects as long as they come with incentives such as bonus floor space or relaxed design rules but local councils will not support any erasure of their planning powers. Urban Taskforce chief executive Tom Forrest pointed to South Australia, where laws mandate that significant developments in large swaths of Adelaide must contain at least 15 per cent affordable housing. This map shows South Australias affordable housing overlay, which creates a requirement for developments in this area to contain 15 per cent affordable housing. Credit: In return, the planning code allows developers to build higher than the maximum zoning, or make the units smaller to maximise the floor space. [The quota] comes with a bonus or an incentive. Were cool with that, Forrest said. However, if quotas were applied without incentives to compensate, it would imperil the viability of projects, leading to less housing of all types. His friends called him Skinny John. On May 6, 1989, the body of John Gordon Hughes was found in his Potts Point apartment in a scene police described as particularly brutal. His hands and feet were bound with electrical cord. A pink pillowslip had been placed over his head and he had been strangled with a leather belt. John Gordon Hughes, whose body was found on May 6, 1989, in Sydney. Credit: Nine The 45-year-old was known by his friends and associates to be a passive, kind, soft-hearted and generous gay man, the NSW inquiry into hate crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people heard on Tuesday. A former flatmate of Hughes, Ian Jones, was charged in 1990 with Hughes murder and faced a NSW Supreme Court trial in 1992. A jury acquitted him of the crime, and Jones has since died. In a dramatic few seconds, police cut through a fence, swarm into the yard and bust down the door, yelling at the occupants not to move. In another scene, they pull up what appears to be a fridge door from the ground in bushland, uncovering a secret compartment. And other officers close in on a nondescript shed secluded among the trees, where a glance through the window shows what appears to be a lab straight from Breaking Bad. The scenes were revealed in a video released by Queensland police, showing officers busting what they claimed was a multimillion-dollar drug syndicate in the south-east, connecting 25 drug couriers to a 35-year-old Upper Mount Gravatt man who allegedly supplied meth. The federal governments decade-long road safety strategy has been criticised as being light on specifics and accountability at a time when the road toll is rising across Australia. The national toll for 2022 reached 1187, a rise of 5 per cent on the year before and 616 deaths higher than the road safety plans aim of reducing the annual toll to 571 by 2030, the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics said on its website. The scene of a car crash on Stoney Creek Road at Beverly Hills in September. Credit: Edwina Pickles The road safety plan was launched on Tuesday nearly two years after a draft was circulated. It noted that the government had not met the existing targets to reduce deaths and that serious injuries per crash had risen. It recommitted to reducing the annual number of fatalities by at least 50 per cent (an estimated reduction in the fatality rate for each person of 55 per cent) by 2030 and to reduce the annual number of serious injuries by at least 30 per cent (an estimated reduction in the serious injury rate per person of 38 per cent) by 2030. Dulwich Picture Gallery is currently holding an exhibition of the works of Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis, the best known Lithuanian artist and composer. Over a hundred works are on loan from the M.K. Ciurlionis National Museum of Art in Kaunas where most of the artists work is held. The exhibition venue itself has historical links with Poland and Lithuania. In 1790 Stanisaw August Poniatowski, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, commissioned two art dealers to create a Royal Collection. By the time the task was completed, Poland had undergone three partitions and finally ceased to exist as a sovereign state. Stanisaw August was forced to abdicate. As the British Museums trustees were considered to be too arbitrary and aristocratic, the collection was left to Dulwich College, on condition that it was made available to the public. What was supposed to be the Stanisaw August Poniatowskis Royal Collection became an important part of the collections of Dulwich Picture Gallery, the oldest public gallery in England. Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis, 1905. Photograph by Stanisaw Filibert Fleury. Image from Wikimedia Commons Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis was born in 1875 in the small Lithuanian town of Varena, the eldest of nine children of a church organist. When he was three years old, the family moved to Druskininkai, a resort on the Nemunas river. Ciurlionis was a child prodigy, a pianist by the age of five and organist by the age of six. His talent came to the attention of Prince Micha Oginski who became the boys patron. Ciurlionis moved to Plunge near Klaipeda where, between the ages of 13-16, he attended an orchestral school on the estate of Prince Oginski. There he learnt to play several other instruments and also sang in the choir. In later years Oginskis patronage enabled Ciurlionis to study piano and composition at the Institute of Music in Warsaw (1894-1899). Ciurlionis also studied harmony, the theory and history of music, natural sciences, astronomy, philosophy, numismatics and mineralogy. Later his studies took him to the Leipzig Conservatoire (1901-1902). He also attended lectures on aesthetics and other subjects at the University of Leipzig, until the death of his patron forced him to abandon his musical studies. Ciurlionis returned to Warsaw and devoted his life to art: he enrolled at the Warsaw School of Drawing and later the School of Fine Arts, supporting himself by giving private lessons. He never abandoned his music he both painted and composed. During six very intense years (1903-1909) Ciurlionis created 400 musical pieces and 300 works of art. In 1911, diagnosed with severe exhaustion and struggling with his mental health, he was admitted to a sanatorium near Warsaw where he died of pneumonia at the age of 35. M.K. Ciurlionis, The Family House in Druskininkai, 1905. Pencil on paper. Reproduced in Laima Marija Petruseviciute, Melancholy and Sun: Munch and Ciurlionis (Vilnius, 2010) LF.31.b.8488 Ciurlionis is a hugely important figure in Lithuanian culture and national consciousness. Not only is his work steeped in Lithuanian mythology and folklore; the artist, who declared his intention to dedicate to Lithuania all of his past and future work, was actively involved in the Lithuanian national movement and cultural life. In 1906 he returned to Vilnius and helped to organise, and participated in, the first three exhibitions of Lithuanian art. He was also a co-founder and board member of the Lithuanian Artists Union. The influential Russian art critic Alexandre Benois called Ciurlionis a genius cursed by fate, one of those true geniuses, mythmakers, who create works of sublime, ineffable meaning. The artists originality has earned him a unique place in the history of art. Even though his direct contact with Western European art was limited, he is linked to symbolism, art nouveau, neo-Romanticism and abstract art. To the sculptor Jacques Lipchitz, who knew Ciurlionis , he was the first surrealist artist. Ciurlionis was also an innovative composer who used polyphony, modern chords and musical arabesques, and created a series of compositions and open musical forms. Igor Stravinsky, who owned one of Ciurlionis paintings, described him as possibly the most talented member of the Russian School at the beginning of this century. Ciurlionis art, rich in symbols, has an otherworldly, poetic quality. His art is strongly influenced by Lithuanian landscapes, mythology and folklore. His works are full of natural images like birds, the sun, trees, mountains, grass snakes. In the artists early, symbolic works, such natural forms often appear in the form of a human or animal. Most of Ciurlionis paintings are based on dichotomies: light and darkness, morning and evening, life and death, vertical and horizontal. M.K. Ciurlionis, The Mountain, 1906. Tempera on paper. Image from Wikimedia Commons M.K. Ciurlionis, The Sun, 1907. Pastel on paper. Image from Wikimedia Commons M.K. Ciurlionis, Lithuanian Graveyard, 1909. Tempera on cardboard. Image from Wikimedia Commons The dreamlike landscapes reflect Ciurlionis interest in Eastern philosophy and theosophy. A recurring theme is the figure of Rex a mythical, benevolent figure of a godlike monarch, omnipotent creator and protector, reflecting the idea of the unity of the Earth and Universe and signifying protection and care. M.K. Ciurlionis, Rex, 1909. Tempera on canvas. Image from Wikimedia Commons M.K. Ciurlionis, Fairy Tale (Fairy Tale of the Kings), 1909. Tempera on canvas. Image from Wikimedia Commons The artists deep interest in the relationship between man and the universe is seen, among others, in his cycle of 13 paintings Creation of the World (1905/1906). Ciurlionis wrote that, This is the Creation of the World, not of our world according to the Bible, but another, fantastical world. M.K. Ciurlionis, Creation of the World V, 1905/1906. Tempera on paper. Image from Wikimedia Commons M.K. Ciurlionis, Creation of the World IX, 1905/1906. Tempera on paper. Image from Wikimedia Commons Ciurlionis is considered by some art critics as a pioneer of abstract art. According to the Estonian art critic Aleksis Rannit Ciurlionis is the first abstract painter and yet few knew it... Kandinsky... only painted his first abstract work in 1911. But already in 1904, Ciurlionis gave the world a body of work that we must class as abstract, of semi-abstract painting. Rannits statement started a discussion among art critics as well as a row with Kandinskys widow, who claimed that her husband had never seen Ciurlionis paintings and therefore could not have been inspired by them. M.K. Ciurlionis, Sparks III, 1906. Tempera on paper. Image from Wikimedia Commons M.K. Ciurlionis, Winter IV, 1907. Tempera on paper. Image from Wikimedia Commons M.K. Ciurlionis, My Road II, 1907. Tempera on paper. Image from Wikimedia Commons There is a close link between Ciurlionis music and his art. His synaesthesia enabled him to see sound in colours and images; he imagined the whole world as a great symphony. His paintings often have musical titles, like prelude, scherzo, andante, allegro, finale. Applying the principles of musical composition to painting, the artist created seven sonata cycles. Although other artists at the time also explored the idea of fusion of music and art, trying to paint music, Ciurlionis was more interested in the structure of the painting reflecting the structure of musical composition. He painted repetitions of motifs, his lines followed a melodic rhythm, creating harmonies with colours. M.K. Ciurlionis, Sonata No. 6 (Sonata of the Stars), Allegro, 1908. Tempera on paper. Image from Wikimedia Commons M.K. Ciurlionis, Sonata No. 7 (Sonata of the Pyramids), Allegro, 1909. Tempera on paper. Image from Wikimedia Commons M.K. Ciurlionis, Angel (Angel Prelude), 1909. Tempera on paper. Image from Wikimedia Commons As an artist, for many years Ciurlionis did not achieve the recognition he deserved. His work was ahead of his time yet he remained on the fringes of Western art, in part because he lived away from Europes main artistic centres, on the fringes of what was then the Russian Empire. There were several occasions, however, when he came close to gaining an important place in the history of art. In 1908, during his stay in St Petersburg, Ciurlionis developed close links with the members of the Mir isskustva (World of Art) movement, especially Alexandre Benois, but unfortunately soon afterwards the artists health deteriorated. Another missed opportunity was the invitation in 1910 to take part in an exhibition held by Neue Kunstlervereinigung Munchen. The invitation came too late: Ciurlionis was already seriously ill. At the beginning of the First World War most of Ciurlionis works were moved to Moscow. The upheaval caused by the War and later by the Russian Revolution meant that planned critical works on Ciurlionis did not appear. In 1919 Ciurlionis works were returned to Lithuania. After a brief period of independence, the Second World War II and annexation of Lithuania by the Soviet Union followed. Ciurlionis works were not exhibited until the 1950s. The 1960s saw a renewed interest in Ciurlionis in the Soviet Union but the modernist aspects of his art were often ignored. Until the restoration of Lithuanian independence, Ciurlionis original artwork wasnt easily accessible to foreign art historians which excluded him from foreign art histories. His works rarely left Lithuania, partly for ideological reasons and partly because they are fragile (most of his works are tempera or pastels on paper or card as the artist could not afford oil paints or canvasses). However, there has been an increase in international interest in Ciurlionis in the last 20 or so years. His works have been exhibited in cities such as Paris, Bonn, Tokyo, Milan, and Helsinki. It was high time they came to London too. Ela Kucharska-Beard, Curator Baltic Collections References and further reading: Kathleen Soriano, M.K. Ciurlionis: between worlds (London, 2022) Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis: album; preface by Rasute Andriusyte- Zukiene (Kaunas, 2007) LD.31.b.1395 Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis (1875-1911): jo laikas ir musu laikas = His time and our time (Vilnius, 2013) EMF.2015.a.81 Laima Marija Petruseviciute, Melancholy and Sun: Munch and Ciurlionis (Vilnius, 2010) LF.31.b.8488 Rasa Andriusyte- Zukiene, M.K. Ciurlionis: tarp simbolizmo ir modernizmo (Vilnius, 2004) YF.2007.a.10706 Vytautas Landsbergis, Visas Ciurlionis (Vilnius, 2008) YF.2009.a.8557 Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis: tworczosc, osobowosc, srodowisko (Warsaw, 2001) YF.2004.b.618 Antanas Andrijauskas, Musical paintings of Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis and Modernism, Music in Art, Vol. 37, No. 1/ 2 (Spring Fall 2012), pp. 249-264. 5990.227850 Genovaite Kazokas, Musical paintings: life and work of M.K. Ciurlionis (1875-1911) (Vilnius, 2009) YD.2010.a.2999 The father of Elisabeth Membrey, who was attacked and murdered in her Ringwood unit in 1994, has died, unaware police are now confident they have established the identity of her killer. Roger Membrey, 83, died on Monday after a long illness. Joy and Roger Membrey outside court in Melbourne in 2010. Credit: Penny Stephens His wife and Elisabeths mother, Joy, said, I just hope he is up there and is reunited with our daughter. He couldnt have loved anyone any more than he did Elisabeth. Residents in Melbournes south-east were urged to monitor the air quality in their neighbourhood on Wednesday after a large fire at a plastics factory in Keysborough that has left a damage bill worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Authorities initially encouraged all residents within 2 kilometres of the Olive Grove blaze including in Dandenong, Dandenong South and Keysborough to stay indoors and close their windows, but adjusted their advice mid-morning. Aerial images of the Keysborough factory fire on Wednesday morning. Credit: Nine There is currently no threat to the community, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions, Emergency Victoria said. Those sensitive to smoke were urged to keep their homes shut down and turn off heating and cooling systems. A WA woman woke up this morning to the news that her cousin has died in the Turkish earthquake with his wife and children still missing. Nihal Iscels 63-year-old cousin lived in the Turkish city of Gaziantep, the epicentre of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake just after 4am on Monday, 9am AWST. Nihal Iscel (right) with family in Turkey last year. Iscel, who has lived in Australia since she was 15, told Gary Adshead on Radio 6PR on Tuesday she stayed up all night waiting for news of her loved ones. She said minutes after the earthquake struck her family WhatsApp group was alive with messages. Labor has been accused of trying to thwart transparency and gag debate over offshore detention after the government tried to urgently push through legislation to renew Nauru as an immigration detention location with less than 24 hours notice. The opposition accused the government of dropping the ball on border security after it emerged Naurus official designation for offshore processing lapsed four months ago. Labor moved on Tuesday to renew the Pacific island nations status by shoehorning the renewal measure into the parliamentary agenda. Behrouz Boochani was in Parliament House to call for a royal commission into the treatment of asylum seekers. Credit: Rhett Wyman According to government sources, Home Affairs officials only realised in December the Migration Act instrument allowing the use of Nauru for immigration detention put in place by Labor in 2012 had expired in October. Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil was notified, but nothing could be done until parliament reconvened this year. Leader of the House, Tony Burke, moved to suspend normal parliamentary business to pass a new instrument, as well as an amendment to superannuation legislation. He said they were urgent matters that needed to be addressed immediately. When senator Lidia Thorpe walked out on the Greens on Monday, the first parliamentary sitting day of this referendum year, it was the bookend to an earlier walkout, from the forum that produced the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017. As Thorpes choice of earrings bearing the slogan sovereignty never ceded reminded us, she has repeatedly claimed that giving a constitutionally enshrined Voice to parliament precedence over a national treaty will undermine Indigenous sovereignty. She has quoted her grandmother, the renowned Gunditjmara activist and elder Alma Thorpe, as saying: If we go into the Constitution, were gone. Were dead. We wont be Aboriginal no more, well just be Indigenous Australians. You cant let it happen. Like Opposition Leader Peter Duttons claim that there is insufficient detail on how a Voice would function, this claim has been repeatedly dismissed by Indigenous and non-Indigenous legal and constitutional scholars. A key Liberal advocate for the Voice to parliament will step up the campaign for the change with a message to voters that it is not a woke agenda and is the best chance for reconciliation as long as Australians are given more detail about how it will work. NSW Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg will back the Voice as a practical way to help Indigenous Australians in a significant new argument at a time when Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is casting doubt on the change. Senator Andrew Bragg says the Voice to parliament is the best chance to advance reconciliation. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer But Bragg will call for the release of a draft bill to set up the Voice so that Australians know how it will work before the referendum later this year, adding to his previous arguments for a parliamentary inquiry to consider the details. Its a contribution to the nation. The best shot at reconciliation. This is not a woke agenda. Its not identity politics and it isnt a separatist agenda which denigrates Australia, he writes in the paper to be released on Wednesday. Premier Daniel Andrews has flagged that he is open to gaming reform and the introduction of cashless cards for the states 30,000 pokie machines, in a softening of his long-held resistance to the kind of changes that have emerged as a key election issue in NSW. The Victorian premier did not make any policy commitments on Tuesday, but gave his strongest indication yet that his government is not opposed to cashless gaming and that he is prepared to review and change the law if necessary. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has given his strongest indication yet he is open to further pokies reform. Credit: Simon Schluter For those for whom there is a real problem, a wicked problem [gambling addiction], we have to support them, and we always have, and thats why its highly regulated and thats why we have made many changes, Andrews said outside Parliament House. Will there never be any future changes? I wouldnt rule that out; I wouldnt say that. Will there always be those in the community who advocate and call for further and tougher rules? Of course there will be. No change in the weather In 1960, I was shocked to read a news article saying that Russia had shot down an American weather reconnaissance aircraft. Later it was found to be a U2 spy plane that regularly traversed the USSR. The more things change, the more they remain the same. Paul Perry, Fitzroy North Country charges Lyndall Thomas (Comment, 7/2) may not be loving it when she leaves her home charging station and heads for the country. There she may be waiting a long time at a station as multiple users take 40 minutes-plus to charge their vehicles. Robin Schokman, Doncaster Not so super If Australia could redesign our superannuation system, it would be a lot different from the bloated mess we now have (Comment, 7/2). In pursuit of deregulation and competition, Australia has now developed a huge super industry. Numerous funds, employing thousands of people, offer essentially the same service. The money spent on promoting their products and paying an army of investment wizards results in lower returns for the funds members. As columnist Jessica Irvine says, the system could be much simpler and less costly to run. However, it is likely that we will continue to tinker with the existing system, making it even larger and more complicated. It seems that the interests of the superannuation industry are more important than those of the millions of Australians who are compelled to have that industry manage their money, for better or worse. Rod Wise, Surrey Hills An unhealthy view The article Medicare on life support (7/2) clearly demonstrates the Coalitions ideological loathing of a universal healthcare system. Under the Coalition government the average patient contribution to see a GP went from $26 in 2012 to $42 in 2022, with the governments contribution increasing by less than $5, pushing thousands of patients into the emergency departments of already stressed public hospitals. Peter Dutton argues Labor has failed on its commitments to Australians to keep a lid on prices. Is he kidding? It will take some time and considerable effort to fix up the mistakes and the mess left behind by years of mismanagement and deceit by the Coalition. We can only be grateful that people finally realised just how ineffective the governments under Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison were and how little they cared for those outside of their orbit. David Conolly, Brighton Not a service for all Why do we still have a Christian religious service to mark the start of the parliamentary year? Australia is a secular nation made up many different faiths. Time to remove this anachronistic practice and replace it with something non-religious and inclusive. Dean Virgin, Strathmore Do not open I support your correspondents (Letters, Open-plan classrooms, 7/2) by sharing my 1980s experiences of teaching VCE literature accompanied by a year7 drama class impersonating volcanoes, a year 10 debating a controversial issue, and a teacher redressing the advent of a mooner. Partitions were hastily cobbled together and the adventure abandoned. The next college I worked in introduced the new concept with a fanfare. Literally. A science teacher measured the noise level in the sumptuous area at 112 decibels in the first week. The powers that be who know about hands-on delivery of curriculum could be better engaged in going back to their whiteboards, which, incidentally, do not alleviate the problem. Rosalind McIntosh, Camberwell Lets fly this idea I hope Australia will immediately buy some type of anti-balloon defence system from the US. I am terrified that you know who are spying on us. I am sure something around a billion dollars would be workable. Ken McLeod, Williamstown The cause of the cause I am not the first to note that control of alcohol is an end-point intervention in Alice Springs. We should remember the social determinants that have led to the abuse of alcohol in the Indigenous community (and others) in that town. Not so long ago, Professor Sir Michael Marmot delivered the 2016 series of the ABC Boyer Lectures, in which he reminded us to ask about the causes of the causes. He urged us to consider the conditions in which people are born, live and age, and how that affects their lives and health outcomes. Please listen to these inspiring lectures if you have not heard them before. We can apply these determinants to any community, but the focus right now is on the Indigenous community of Alice Springs. We are looking at the sad and frustrating outcome for people deprived of country, language, education and appropriate housing. The solution is at the source, not the end point. Jennifer Milne, Armadale A critical fact Good on Lidia Thorpe for objecting to the Voice unless I am satisfied that First Nations sovereignty is not ceded. No amount of window dressing can alter this critical fact, which will remain there festering until it is addressed. Peter Drum, Coburg Familiar pattern Its a pity a small number of high-profile Indigenous people are calling for a No vote; they are giving an excuse to people who want to vote No but do not want to be seen as racist. This is going the same way as the republic referendum, when different groups in favour wanted different alternatives and the end result of the vote was no. Phil Mackenzie, Eaglemont Wrong priorities Our health, education, childcare and aged care systems are in crisis, our roads are crumbling and housing is unaffordable for most. But where is there no shortage of funding? Defence. What is the point of spending billions on submarines and mines to be supplied in decades when there is a dire need for money to provide essential services to the Australian community right now? Daniel Cole, Essendon Borderless environment The suggestion re plastics by your correspondent (Letters, 7/2) highlights an anomaly in the state governments single plastics ban. The ACT government has banned the use of lightweight plastic bags, so you wont see them in supermarkets for loose fruit and vegetables. Fellow shoppers in Canberra recently advised me to buy a pack of reasonably priced reusable bags and were incredulous such laws were not uniform throughout Australia. Naively, I thought our state governments and territories adopted a consistent approach to protecting our countrys environment, which overlaps state borders. Sally Davis, Malvern East Good match-up The ascension of Tony Abbott into the ranks of the climate change denialist advocacy, the Global Warming Policy Foundation, is hardly a surprise (Tony Abbott joins leading UK climate-sceptic think tank, 7/2). His politically ultra-conservative way of thinking, where the scientific concept of falsifiability is viewed as an inconvenience that gets in the way of transforming untruths into righteous truths, will be a good match for this organisation. Paul Miller, Box Hill South Missing detail According to the Explainer (7/2) about Medicare, former prime minister Gough Whitlam introduced Australias first version of universal healthcare with Medibank in 1975. It then seamlessly goes on to state that the scheme became Medicare under the Hawke government in 1984 without the slightest mention that between the two events the Fraser Coalition government abolished Medibank in 1981. Dennis Dodd, Wangaratta The swoons a balloon I dont recall a balloon in Jules Vernes novel. It was producer Mike Todds idea for the film. Lends itself to a gentle, dreamy tune but not a safe way to cross mountains, and unpredictable time-wise for a man in a hurry. John Mathew, Melbourne AND ANOTHER THING Thorpe Good on Lidia Thorpe. I still cant work out why the people in Canberra are insisting this is a party-based issue and not one of following ones own conscience. Trevor Nock, Torquay Lidia Thorpe will yet be the first president of an Australian republic. Bill Pell, Emerald Has Lidia Thorpe thorpedoed the Greens? Deborah Morrison, Malvern East Elected by voters as a Greens senator, now self-elected as an independent, Lidia Thorpe should resign and face a byelection so the people can decide her future. Geoff Oliver, East Malvern Lidia Thorpe is free to speak, but will anyone listen to her voice? Steve Dixon, North Melbourne Its time to move on from the voice of Lidia Thorpe. Annie Wilson, Inverloch Greens leadership at present is suffering a big case of buyers remorse. Tom Stafford, Wheelers Hill Could someone please tell me what is a black sovereignty movement? Wendy Brennan, Bendigo I reckon its going to be a very cross bench. Myra Fisher, Brighton East The residents, many aged in their 70s and 80s, have been left locked out of their homes. Some are living with relatives or paying their own money to rent temporary residences. The Age approached Melbourne Water on Monday morning to ask about the process it followed in establishing its inquiry. Repeated requests for answers went without a response by Tuesday afternoon. Water Minister Harriet Shing was also contacted for comment. The flood seen from Rivervue: 1) On the night before, the river lies way beyond the pond; 2) At 6.43am on the day of the flood; 3) At 7.08am. The Age attempted to contact Wimbush directly and via the state Planning Department, but he could not be reached by deadline. Melbourne Water appointed Wimbush in December to chair its review of the October flood, which includes examining the flooding at Rivervue. Chair of the flood inquiry Nick Wimbush. Wimbush has sat on several expert panels for major government development projects including the West Gate Tunnel, the North East Link and the East West Link. The Age does not suggest he would not act independently in his role as chair of Melbourne Waters review, only that his previous recommendations on the Rivervue land may give rise to a perceived lack of independence. On January 24, in Melbourne Waters first information session for its review of the October floods, engagement officer Liz Nairn confirmed Rivervue would be part of its inquiry. We certainly are aware of the concerns that are starting to be raised about the Rivervue development in Avondale Heights, she told the meeting. The planning amendment approved by the Andrews government in 2016 after Wimbush backed it meant that incoming residents did not have to be made aware of the propertys former flood overlay, and after the October flood, Rivervue management assured residents no homes were built on a floodplain. In January, Melbourne Water managing director Nerina Di Lorenzo told The Age Wimbush would be a very good independent chair, and has a lot of experience in this space. Weve got probity auditors over the top of the process to just make sure its clear and transparent, she said. The Rivervue Retirement Village on October 14. Avondale Heights is two kilometres west of the suburb of Maribyrnong, where 525 homes were hit by a wall of water in the early hours of October 14. At Rivervue, most of the flood-damaged homes lower levels have had to be totally stripped back. Their residents some of whom paid close to $1 million to take out 99-year leases on the top-end villas expect to remain without a permanent home until at least April. Plans for the Rivervue development were originally rejected by Moonee Valley City Council, but the decision was overturned at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in 2006. The VCAT member noted concerns about the developments suitability for aged people. The proximity of the land to the floodplain has some risk. However, all accommodation would be above the 1:100-year flood level. Moonee Valley City Council went on to approve several minor changes to the developments planning permit between 2009 and 2022. Ron Sutherland is a civil engineer, and for 12 of his 20 years at Melbourne Water was manager of land development. He left the authority in 2002. He said the flood overlay on Rivervue should never have been changed. The overlay was changed incorrectly. The developer wanted it changed so they could build more units. He said, in his opinion, it was completely and utterly inappropriate for Wimbush to continue as chair of the inquiry. And he said the homes at Rivervue that flooded should be removed. Those houses should never have been built. Devastated residents of the village, which sits on a 7.4-hectare site, have been left questioning why their homes flooded, destroying most of their belongings. Loading Karen McKay, 76, sold her long-term home in Maribyrnong and moved to a $550,000 villa at Rivervue with her late husband, Jim, in 2019 specifically to escape living on a floodplain. McKay, who is now in temporary accommodation on Phillip Island, went to sleep on the night of October 13 never expecting floodwater to pour into her home. Im still looking at it in disbelief. Our biggest fear had come to us, she said. As far as [Jim] was concerned, he picked the safest spot for us and that was so important to him. Rae and Colin Waters, both in their 70s, said they asked about flood risk before paying $825,000 for their home, located on the outer edge of the village with river views. We never worried, Rae said. If wed have thought we had one chance of being flooded, we wouldnt have gone, or we would have gone higher. Rae and Colin Waters have been left devastated by the floods. Credit: Scott McNaughton Greens water spokeswoman Ellen Sandell said Wimbushs involvement in the previous planning scheme amendment casts yet another cloud over the independence of the Melbourne Water flood inquiry. She said Wimbush should be stood aside by the government. Spanish architect David Romero is pushing the boundaries of architectural visualization with his stunning digital reconstructions of Frank Lloyd Wright's unbuilt structures. By using computer-generated models and advanced 3D representation techniques, Romero has brought to life over 20 unbuilt Wright projects. Some of these images are so detailed that they could easily be mistaken for photographs, writes Molly Enking in the Smithsonian. "While we will never know the true experience of visiting an unbuilt Wright design, these renderings can convey a bit more sense of space and light than the drawings alone," said Stuart Graff, the foundation's president and CEO, in a 2018 statement. "There are approximately 660 Wright designs that were never built. As we wonder what might have been if these designs had been realized, Romero's work gives us a sense of Wright's innovative genius that we can continue to learn from and be inspired by." The newborn baby was rescued on Monday afternoon, more than 10 hours after the quake struck. After rescuers dug her out, a female neighbour cut the cord, and she and others rushed with the baby to a childrens hospital in the nearby town of Afrin. Dr Hani Maarouf said the newborn has been kept in an incubator. Video of the rescue circulating on social media shows the moments after the baby was removed from the rubble, as a man lifts her up, her umbilical cord still dangling, and rushes away as another man throws him a blanket to wrap her in. The babys body temperature had fallen to 35 degrees, and she had bruises, including a large one on her back, but she is in stable condition, Maarouf said. Abu Hadiya must have been conscious during the birth and must have died soon after, he said. He estimated the baby was born several hours before being found, given how much her temperature had dropped. A baby girl born under the rubble receives treatment inside an incubator at a hospital in Afrin, Aleppo province, Syria. Credit: AP Had the girl been left for an hour more, she would have died, Maarouf said. When the earthquake hit before dawn on Monday, Abu Hadiya, her husband and four children apparently tried to rush out of their apartment building, but the structure collapsed on them. Their bodies were found near the buildings entrance, said Sleiman, who arrived at the scene just after the newborn was discovered. She was found in front of her mothers legs, he said. After the dust and rocks were removed, the girl was found alive. Loading Maarouf said the baby weighed 3.175 kilograms, an average weight for a newborn, and so was carried nearly to term. Our only concern is the bruise on her back, and we have to see whether there is any problem with her spinal cord, he said, adding she has been moving her legs and arms normally. Elsewhere in Jinderis, a young girl was found alive, buried in concrete under the wreckage of her home. Located in the rebel-held enclave of north-west Syria, Jinderis was hard hit in the quake, with dozens of buildings that collapsed. Abu Hadiya and her family were among the millions of Syrians who fled to the rebel-held territory from other parts of the country. They were originally from the village of Khsham in eastern Deir el-Zour province, but left in 2014 after the Islamic State group captured their village, said a relative who identified himself as Saleh al-Badran. In 2018, the family moved to Jinderis after the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, an umbrella for several insurgent groups, captured the town from US-backed Kurdish led fighters, Sleiman said. On Tuesday, Abu Hadiya and the girls father Abdullah Turki Mleihan, along with their four other children were laid to rest in a cemetery on the outskirts of Jinderis. Back inside the town, rescuers were still hoping to find survivors in their building. Loading Another dramatic rescue was recorded in the town on Monday evening, when a toddler was pulled alive from the wreckage of a collapsed building. Video from the White Helmets, the civil defence group in the region, shows a rescuer digging through crushed concrete amid twisted metal until the little girl, named Nour, appeared. The girl, still half buried, looks up dazedly as they tell her, Dad is here, dont be scared. Talk to your dad, talk. A rescuer cradled her head in his hands and tenderly wiped dust from around her eyes before she was pulled out. The quake has wreaked new devastation in the opposition-held zone, centred on the Syrian province of Idlib, which has been battered by war since 2011 and strained by the influx of displaced people. Mondays earthquake killed hundreds across the area, and the toll was continually mounting, with hundreds believed still lost under the rubble. The quake completely or partially toppled more than 730 buildings and damaged thousands more in the territory, according to the White Helmets. The rescue and recovery efforts in Syria and Turkey are underway after the most powerful earthquake to strike the region in almost a century killed more than 4500 people, left thousands more injured and flattened thousands of buildings and homes. The magnitude 7.8 earthquake and its aftershocks have unleashed a humanitarian disaster of unfathomable proportions. Governments around the world are pledging assistance, deploying search teams, medical squads and equipment, and offering aid, as families who have lost their homes endure near-freezing temperatures. Rescue workers and medics carry a young woman rescued from the debris of a collapsed building in Sanliurfa, southern Turkey, on Monday. Credit: IHA/AP Here are some ways you can help, but before you give, do your research. Washington: US President Joe Biden will deliver his first State of the Union address since Republicans took control of the House of Representatives. This speech may mark the unofficial start of the 2024 presidential campaign season. Here is what to expect. In 2022, US President Joe Biden delivered his State of the Union address with Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Credit: AP When is the State of the Union? Biden will deliver his second State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, about 9pm Eastern time (1pm AEDT on Wednesday). It will be broadcast live. Youll be able to watch it on The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald online. East Palestine: Nearly 2000 residents of eastern Ohio remained under evacuation orders after workers burned off a toxic chemical from five tanker cars of a freight train that derailed in a fiery wreck on Friday. Its unclear when evacuated residents might be able to return home to the area where officials released and burned toxic chemicals from the wreckage of a derailed train, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said on Tuesday. A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains. Credit: AP Residents near the site in East Palestine, close to the Pennsylvania line, were ordered beforehand to leave because of the risk of death or serious injury from toxic fumes. Flames and black smoke billowed into the sky on Monday evening when crews released and burned vinyl chloride from five derailed tanker cars that were in danger of exploding. DeWine said on Fox & Friends on Tuesday morning that officials are closely monitoring the air quality outside the immediate area and that its so far, so good. Hong Kong: HK a key Middle East connector Chief Executive John Lee It is business and friendship that brought me here, on one of my first overseas visits as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. And with me today are some 30 high-level Hong Kong leaders from a great variety of sectors and industries. We are here to tell you that Hong Kong is back on the centre stage again. Back in active business, back in the active business of creating opportunities for Abu Dhabi, for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for each and every one of you. No quarantine, no isolation, no restrictions whatsoever. We are on a clear path of recovery after three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and recovery means opportunities, abundant opportunities for development and for prosperity. It helps, considerably, that we are strong and longstanding business partners. Indeed, the UAE is Hong Kong's largest trading partner in the entire Middle East region. HK-UAE ties Between 2017 and 2021, our two economies enjoyed an annual average growth of 4.1%. About 9.5% of the buoyant and growing trade between the UAE and Mainland China was routed through Hong Kong in 2021. It goes to show that the UAE is a key link in our country's Belt & Road Initiative, a global initiative built on infrastructure, on trade and people-to-people bonds, and that Hong Kong is an important platform connecting the country with the vast opportunities in the Middle East region. Hong Kong can join you all in supporting your Belt & Road ventures. We are a leading international financial centre. We are expanding our financial services offerings to play a pivotal role in the Belt & Road and other national programmes. Thanks to the unique principle of "one country, two systems", which has been in place since Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 1997, Hong Kong is bestowed with the unrivalled advantages of enjoying our country's strong support while maintaining high and open connectivity with the rest of the world. As the world's largest offshore renminbi business hub, we can support the offshore renminbi transactions and other financial activities your Belt & Road projects need. Alongside capital, our professional services are world-class. From feasibility studies and project management, to architectural and engineering design, risk management, legal services and more, Hong Kong is your one-stop Belt & Road centre for professional services. The creative industry is another area that promises rewarding co-operation between us. Abu Dhabi's continuing rise as an international centre for arts and culture has been remarkable. It is much the same with Hong Kong, where the West Kowloon Cultural District, one of the world's largest cultural infrastructure projects, is fast being realised. Our country's 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong's hub role as an East-meets-West centre for international art and cultural exchange. I look forward to wide-ranging cultural exchange between us, between our creative sectors and the institutions and artists who make them thrive. I am pleased to note that we have already laid a solid foundation to promote future co-operation. The UAE-Hong Kong Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement, which entered into force nearly three years ago, has taken our relationship to the next level. So too, has the establishment of the first Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in the Middle East region. It opened in Dubai in October 2021. And it is a clear and compelling statement of the great importance we place on building ever stronger ties with the UAE. With you. Middle East ventures The Hong Kong Monetary Authority plans to lead a high-level financial delegation to visit the UAE and other Middle East locations later this year. This time last year, our Monetary Authority signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Central Bank of the UAE on fintech collaboration. That alliance has expanded. It now includes their participation in the Multiple Central Bank Digital Currency Bridge, or Project mBridge, together with the People's Bank of China, the Bank of Thailand and Hong Kong's BIS Innovation Hub Centre. Late last year, Project mBridge became one of the world's first multi-central bank digital currencies to settle real-value, cross-border transactions on behalf of corporate clients. And we are just getting started. Hong Kong and the UAE are just getting started in other new economy - new opportunity - areas as well. Our two governments have agreed to explore signing a memorandum of understanding on co-operation in green and sustainable finance. Working together is key to success. Together today, together tomorrow. I am confident Hong Kong and the UAE will continue our rewarding co-operation, creating strong business networks, and opportunities, built on just such partnerships. Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the Abu Dhabi-Hong Kong Business Forum & Networking Luncheon on February 7. This story has been published on: 2023-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Not to be upstaged by demon-detector Senator Ted Cruz, who shuddered over a sinister hat on Sunday, Rep. Lauren Boebert (QCO) took to her well-worn pulpit to warn a group of God-lusting women that they would have to pay for these sins. Although they are hot for God, the Qongresswoman preached, God is using them. He might even force them to face not Him, but demons and that includes Speaker Kevin McCarthy. "Ladies, I know you are on fire for God. I know that you are energized. I felt the presence, the atmosphere in this room. God is using you in mighty ways. Maybe, he'll have you ball up your fists and stand in front of some demons, maybe a Speaker of the House." And MAGA leaders call Democrats perverse. Lauren Boebert listed Speaker Kevin McCarthy along with demons, and implied God used her to stand up to him. Boebert went on to talk about her role in negotiating concessions from Kevin McCarthy. pic.twitter.com/xVj6f8XYt9 PatriotTakes (@patriottakes) February 6, 2023 Front page thumbnail image: lev radin / shutterstock Nyack Middle School in New York and its food supplier Aramark apologized for serving chicken & waffles and watermelon for the student lunch on the first day of Black History Month. "The offering of chicken & waffles as an entree with watermelon as a dessert on the first day of Black History Month was inexcusably insensitive and reflected a lack of understanding of our district's vision to address racial bias," the school principal wrote in a public apology statement. "We are extremely disappointed by this regrettable situation and apologize to the entire Nyack community for the cultural insensitivity displayed by our food service provider," he added. From CNN: A laptop battery caught fire aboard a United Airlines flight headed for Newark this morning, sending four people to the hospital. The plane, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, took off from San Diego but then returned to the San Diego International Airport about half an hour later after a laptop's external battery pack ignited in the cabin, according to The New York Times. Flight attendants were quick to place the burning battery into a "fire bag" to stop the fire from spreading, but four people were later treated at the hospital for smoke inhalation. Others were treated on site. From the Times: United Airlines said that "a customer's battery pack ignited." "Our crew acted quickly to contain the device and medical personnel met the aircraft upon arrival at the gate," the airline said in a statement. "Several flight attendants were taken to the hospital as a precaution and two customers were evaluated on site." Sabrina LoPiccolo, an airport spokeswoman, said that the plane had "declared an Alert 2" after takeoff, indicating a "major difficulty with the aircraft." U.C. San Diego Medical Center said in a statement that four patients were treated there for smoke inhalation. In its statement, United thanked the crew members "for their quick actions in prioritizing the safety of everyone on board." The airline said it was making arrangements to get passengers to their destinations. Lithium-ion batteries, used in laptops, phones, toothbrushes and other electronic devices, have been known to overheat or cause fires. What do you get when you cross an alligator with a catfish? It sounds like the start of a bad joke, or the premise of a really bad horror flick. But it's actually what geneticists at Auburn University are doing in order to create catfish that are more disease-resistant than wild catfish, with the ultimate goal of helping catfish farmers increase their yields and feed more people. Hannah Getahun of Insider explains: A group of scientists at Auburn University published a paper in January detailing their efforts to genetically modify catfish with the cathelicidin gene of an alligator. Cathelicidin, found in the intestines, is an antimicrobial peptide responsible for helping organisms fight diseases. The gene, which was added using CRISPR, heightened disease resistance among the catfish in comparison to wild catfish. Researchers noted that the survival rates of the catfish were "two- and five-fold higher" in an interview with MIT Technology Review. None of this is a done deal, however. Scientists are still working out the kinks, as Insider clarifies: The authors noted some uncertainties in using CRISPR technology primarily used and studied in mammals on fish. The paper has not yet been peer-reviewed. However, researchers hope that the alligator and catfish gene-editing can be used in tandem with other catfish breeding techniques to help farmers with their catfish yields. Insider also explains that 307 million pounds of live catfish were produced in 2021and catfish comprise over 50% of American consumer demand for farm-raised fish. There's clearly a market for catfish, and the process of farming so much fish to meet such high demand can be rife with issues, including the high rates of disease that often plague catfish farms, which only exacerbates the increasing resistance to antibiotics seen in farmed fish. I had a friend in college who grew up in the Mississippi Delta and worked at catfish farms during the summers, and he swore off eating catfish because of what he'd witnessed. Maybe injecting alligator genes into catfish is the answer to all of these problemsI mean, what on earth could go wrong? If Disney learns the very expensive lessons they've paid for in developing, running, and now apparently slowly shuttering the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser it'll have been well worth it. While Disney clearly fumbled the entire marketing and forecasting side of the equation and probably didn't understand what they were building reviews of the experience for fans of it are fantastic. The Galactic Starcruiser is a hotel designed to simulate a galactic luxury cruise ship. The price for the experience is that of a week to a weeks-long actual luxury cruise, around $5000 per guest for three days in a fairly windowless box experiencing Star Wars dinner theater. Unlike an expensive luxury cruise one does not relax, see exotic places, or enjoy some sunshine and lots of good food customers are expected to engage in a 2.25-day, 2-night Star Wars version of Tony and Tina's wedding. Engage customers must! There is a ton of really cool Star Wars-ing to discover. The ship does drop you off in Disney World at their small Star Wars land, for some outdoor time but even there you are running about with your phone completing missions to earn special easter egg stuff. The number of people willing to pay for this adventure seems small. Disney has been scaling back from almost the start and now changes seem pretty drastic and like it'll be hard for the show to go on. Cast members have been let go, the schedule is seeing cancellations, and it seems to be in a death spiral. However, Disney built an amazing stage and proved they can host incredible adventures. The marketing disaster aside, it is clear they built the Starcruiser with the intent of being able to use it to role-play many generations of Star Wars, over hundreds of years. It is a theater that they can put up new shows in and likely bring those prior customers back for a new adventure. It seems only a few vloggers Disney invited on multiple cruisers were repeat customers. It was a fantastic idea I'd have liked to experience, but I don't like the Rey/Kylo era of Star Wars and wouldn't pay for it without my kid displaying far more enthusiasm. She prefers The Clone Wars cartoons and Rebels to the live-action movies, so this first run of the show was not for us. OC Register: 25 Puppies Learn to Board Flight at Burbank Airport, Prepare for Guide Dog Career After passing the security, 25 guide dog puppies from Guide Dogs for the Blind are waiting to board the plane at Hollywood Burbank Airport in Burbank, Calif., on Jan. 25, 2023. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times) Hollywood Burbank Airport welcomed 25 puppies on Jan. 25 at their first pre-flight drill learning how to guide their future owners in a busy airport. These soon-to-be guide dogs range from seven months to 1 1/2 years old and have been in training since 8 weeks of age with their volunteer raisers, Alex Gregory from Guide Dogs for the Blind told The Epoch Times. In preparation for their careers, theyre going to do socialization experiences, theyre going to learn how to behave in a home, and part of that is also learning how to travel safely and appropriately. After passing the security, 25 guide dog puppies from Guide Dogs for the Blind are waiting to board the plane at Hollywood Burbank Airport in Burbank, Calif., on Jan. 25, 2023. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times) The organization was founded in 1942, aiming to help veterans that lost their vision in World War II. Currently, its the largest guide dog school in North America and has trained more than 16,000 guide dog teams. The puppies were trained to pass through the security check, remain calm when an alarm goes off, and wait for their trainers to pick up their personal belongings. After passing the security, all trainees lined up in front of the gate, waiting to board a plane provided by Alaska Airlines, as the training ground. Twenty-five guide dog puppies from Guide Dogs for the Blind are receiving their first pre-flight training at Hollywood Burbank Airport in Burbank, Calif., on Jan. 25, 2023. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times) Twenty-five guide dog puppies from Guide Dogs for the Blind are receiving their first pre-flight training at Hollywood Burbank Airport in Burbank, Calif., on Jan. 25, 2023. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times) According to Gregory, a mature guide dog can differentiate various soundssuch as flight attendants announcements and the closing of overhead cabinets. On top of that, it needs to navigate through the aisle and help its owner find his or her assigned seat and the restroom. After landing, it will help guide its owner to get off the plane and claim luggage. Dogs That Love to Fly Of course, not every puppy has the potential to become a guide dog. According to a trainer with the organization, such dogs need to master basic skills, such as quietly standing, sitting, staying at home, and going to the restroom outside alone. They also need to be able to make occasional decisions for the owner and maintain self-controlwhich includes restraining their barks in public, not getting lured by the smell of food, and staying calm in street noises. Twenty-five guide dog puppies and their volunteer raisers are waiting in line to pass the security checkpoints at Hollywood Burbank Airport in Burbank, Calif., on Jan. 25, 2023. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times) Twenty-five guide dog puppies and their volunteer raisers are waiting in line to pass the security checkpoints at Hollywood Burbank Airport in Burbank, Calif., on Jan. 25, 2023. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times) Mindy Wulff, a guide dog owner, told reporters that Moto, whom she received in March 2020, had brought so much wonder to her life. If I think its safe to cross [at an intersection] and he doesnt, he will go in front of me and block me and will not move. Then Ill know that its not safe to travel, she said. We work together as a team. She said Moto has accompanied her on flights to many places. Hes really good at following command. When we get on the plane [and] find a seat hell back into the row and sit down and pedal under, Wulff said, noting that Moto loves going to the airport and that he also enjoys flying. Mindy Wulff with her guide dog Moto. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times) After many years of being fed up with the policies coming out of Portland, over 30 percent of the counties in Oregon have voted to secede. Specifically, they voted to leave behind Oregon, and instead join the state of Idahoin the process creating a new state that would be called Greater Idaho. Out of the 36 total counties in Oregon, 11 of them have voted in favor of seceding because by and large, the people living there believe that their values are no longer being represented by the state legislature, which is dominated by extremely liberal politicians coming out of Portland. Episode Resources: American Hartford Gold (866-242-2352): https://ept.ms/3biH9MN Greater Idaho Movement: https://ept.ms/3YqGa2z Idaho Movement President: https://ept.ms/3Hym0wK https://ept.ms/3HHkCYy 63-Year-Old Angel in Exile Continues to Speak up for Hong Kong Elsa Chan carrying a hand-made Eliminate the CCP banner to a rally, celebrating four hundred million Chinese quitting the Communist Party in Vancouver on Aug. 20, 2022. (Right) Elsa Chan calls for all political prisoners to be freed in Vancouver on Sept. 18, 2022. (Hugo Zhao/The Epoch Times; Courtesy of Elsa Chan) Elsa Chan, a 63-year-old who calls herself an ordinary housewife, is doing what she can to stand up for Hong Kong. During the anti-extradition movement, she walked alongside young Hongkongers protesting in the streets, now exiled in Vancouver, she continues to speak up for Hong Kong. When Chan had to leave her beloved home city, one of the things she felt the hardest to leave behind Hongkongers with whom she fought for freedom together. For the two years after the 2019 protest, Chan would visit jailed protesters on every special occasion, hoping to bring them a bit of comfort with her familiar face. They should not have been in prison. Chan broke down in tears when talking about Hong Kongs young protesters. Before I left (Hong Kong), I tried to see everyone for the last time She told the Epoch Times. She shared her wish for this Chinese New Year, that the Chinese Community Party would perish. When that happens, we can revive a true democratic Hong Kong. All political prisoners will be set free! Angel to Imprisoned Young Protesters Chan, dubbed an angel by Hongkongers, has been a regular face in Hong Kongs pro-democracy rallies since the umbrella movement in 2014. When the anti-extradition broke out in 2019, Chan was among the first to rush to the front line to protect the young protesters. When police mistreated them, she live-streamed the scene to the world to expose the injustice. After 2020, many young people who participated in the movement were arrested. Chan would be in court regularly, giving silent support and visiting them at whichever prison if sentenced. In the eyes of many prisoners, Chan is a godsend. Chan was the one who gave lone youngsters the consolation they desperately needed inside the four cold walls. She pays close attention to the growing number of pro-democracy Hongkongers jailed under the Hong Kong National Security Law. There Is No Prison for the Mind At an anti-extradition public event at Landmark in Central on Sept. 7, 2020, Chan had an altercation with building security. The police pressed charges, and Chan was sentenced to jail for public misconduct and ordinary assault. I am almost 64 years old. I have never broken the law. Chan recalls when the judge asked if she felt guilty. I dont feel any guilt for anything I have done. Chan referred to a live stream video of the occasion that affirmed it was evident the police were making arbitrary arrests and abusing their power. Despite her self-defense, the judge gave her a three-month jail term, to be served after the Chinese New Year in 2022. Before heading to prison last year, Chan received encouraging words from fellow protesters. One of them reminded her, even though you are locked up, your mind and spirit and time still belong to you. Do not let anything deter your will. Becoming Exiled To a person who has never broken the law, prison sounds scary; but until being actually put behind bars, one could never fully appreciate the fear, suppression, and helplessness it brought. Chan believes thats precisely what the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) wanted. The regime wants to dehumanize you, crush your will and feed on your fear. I came to realize I cannot let the CCP dictate me endlessly. I cant let it consume me. So Chan decided to go into exile in order to be able to continue speaking up for Hong Kong. Elsa Chan in Vancouver, Canada, in July 2022. (Courtesy of Elsa Chan) Why are people so afraid of being free? After being released from prison, Chan left Hong Kong for Canada on a tourist visa. In March 2022, she applied for political asylum in Vancouver. Breathing in the air of freedom, Chan continued her mission to speak up for Hong Kong and participated in some local Hongkongers rallies. She discovered that the Chinese people in Canada are fearful of talking or hearing about the Chinese Communist Party. They would deliberately avoid the subject. Chan sighed. Anniversary of Yuen Long Attack In 2022, just before the anniversary of the Yuen Long Attack, Hongkongers in Vancouver organized a screening of the documentary The Truth of 7.21. The films director Law Yan-wai was invited to speak. The Yuen Long attack was a turning point in Hong Kong. On July 21, 2019 a large mob dressed in white indiscriminately attacked Hong Kong citizens inside the Yuen Long MTR Station, and police turned a blind eye. It triggered additional waves of protests and escalated the anti-extradition movement. To Chans surprise, finding a venue proved hard for the organizers. In the end, the screening was held in a hotel lobby. Overwhelmed while watching the documentary, Chan couldnt figure out why it was impossible to find a venue for its screening. Why are people here so afraid? Why are people so afraid of being free? She realized that CCPs infiltration in Canada is deeper and wider than most people are aware. Experiencing the indifferent attitude of the local Chinese, Chan became more determined than ever to continue her work in hope of awakening peoples conscience. Awaken Peoples Conscience Elsa Chan participating in a rally Celebrating Four Hundred Million Chinese Quitting the CCP. in Vancouver, Canada on Aug. 20, 2022. (Hugh Zhao/The Epoch Times) On Aug. 20, 2022, Chan took the initiative to join Vancouver citizens in celebrating 400 million Chinese people quitting the Chinese Communist Party, carrying her self-made banner. Chan said she would have joined the rally despite no other Hongkongers standing alongside her. She wanted to use the opportunity to urge everyone to speak up and resist the Communist tyranny. In Vancouver, I realized that the (Chinese) Communist Party most severely suppresses Falun Gong members. Despite the (crime of) organ harvesting, Falun Gong members have fought (the CCP) for so many years. Chan stressed that people cant be scared of the CCP and that facts should be known. Elsa Chan (L) participating in a rally Celebrating Four Hundred Million Chinese Quitting the CCP. in Vancouver, Canada on Aug. 20, 2022. (Hugh Zhao/The Epoch Times) Reminiscing Old Hong Kong Chan was born in the era when Hong Kongs economy was booming. But nothing resonated with her more than the neighborly love among the people of Hong Kong. I was born in 1959. My family was very poor. I worked as an office assistant before finishing Form 5 (final year of secondary school). At the time, my workplace provided us with meals. I wished to continue my education, so I enrolled myself in an evening school in Cheung Sha Wan. When my boss learned that I had to go to school after work, he arranged for the chef to cook early, so that I could leave work for school at 6:00 p.m. The company also reimbursed my book fees. That was how people in Hong Kong looked out for each other, of which Chan remembers fondly. Back then, life was fair, she recalled. As long as you are willing to work hard, you will be able to earn a living Nowadays, it is all different: life, work, housing, everything is challenging for young Hongkongers The regime wants the people to be slaves to their government, she exclaimed. CCP Showing Their True Colors Like many Hongkongers originally politically unaware, Chan woke up after realizing the regime was chipping away at Hong Kongs freedom. In the early days of Chans participation in the fight for Hong Kong, she remembered vividly how supportive the students were at a 2012 rally against the national education curriculum the CCP was forcing upon Hong Kong. Students still in school uniforms gave impressive speeches on stage, clear, rational, and persuasive; others assisted people with food and water and kept the venue clean. Although they are still young, they understand human rights, freedom, and democracy. The younger generations love for Hong Kong deeply touched Chan. Looking back at the changes Hong Kong went through in the past decade, Chan believes humanity and kindness has always been the foundation of Hongkongers perseverance in resisting CCP-imposed changes and control. Chan said, The Chinese Communist Party has pulled down the facade and shown their true colors against Hongkongers. The younger generation bravely exposed the mistreatment they had suffered in prison: the police even forced them to drink toilet water or abuse them until their bones break What did Hongkongers do to deserve this? This Chinese New Year, Chans only wish is for more people to be aware of the situation in Hong Kong. She encourages the people who had become exiles or prisoners and cannot celebrate this Chinese New Year with their families to stay strong. Chan said, When the wait for true democracy is over, we will meet again in Hong Kong freely and have a big reunion, celebrating the Chinese New Year. 73-Year-Old Arizona Rancher Held on $1 Million Bond for Allegedly Killing Illegal Immigrant on Property Border Patrol agents patrol the border in Nogales, Ariz., on July 29, 2019. The city of Nogales, Mexico, abuts the border fence to the right. (CBP) A 73-year-old Arizona rancher has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder for the killing of an illegal immigrant who has been tentatively identified as a Mexican citizen. Full details about the shooting have not been made available, and it is unknown whether the rancher, George Alan Kelly, and the deceased, Gabriel Cuen-Butimea, 48, knew each other. The killing occurred on Jan. 30, and Kellys arrest was preceded by authorities finding the dead body of Cuen-Butimea on Kellys cattle ranch. Cuen-Butimeas was identified from a Mexican voter registration card he carried. Kelly is being held at the Santa Cruz County Jail in Nogales, Arizona, and his bail was set at $1 million by Justice Emilio Velasquez. Kelly has requested the judge to reduce his bail in order to go back home and take care of his wife. Shes there by herself nobody to take care of her, the livestock or the ranch, he said, according to Nogales International. And Im not going anywhere. I cant come up with a million dollars, he said. Meanwhile, Cuen-Butimea has entered the United States multiple times illegally and was deported repeatedly, according to reports. The Shooting The incident happened in the Kino Springs area just outside Nogales, according to Sheriffs Chief Deputy Gerardo Castillo. A call came in at about 2:40 p.m. Monday, regarding a shooting in the Sagebrush Road area, per Nogales International. There were reports of a commotion at the scene but the deputies found nothing on arrival. However, around 6:00 p.m., the sheriffs office received another call about shots fired at the property. This time, deputies found the deceased body of Cuen-Butimea with a visible gunshot wound 100150 yards from Kellys house. Kelly lived 1.5 miles north of the border with Mexico, roughly three-quarters of a mile southeast of Kino Springs Road. Kelly was arrested because the body was found on his property. According to the outlet, Kelly requested a reduction in the bond amount but Judge Velasquez said that it would be determined by the County Attorneys Office. Kelly was cordial with the officers when he was brought to court. At present, Kelly, who appears to be a self-published fiction writer based on the Nogales International news report, is being held at the Santa Cruz County Jail and is set to appear in court on Wednesday. Stand Your Ground A person can fight, and even kill, in order to protect himself or others based on Arizona law. The states Justification statute, which is similar to Floridas stand your ground law, says a person is justified in threatening or using physical force against another when and to the extent a reasonable person would believe that physical force is immediately necessary to protect himself against the others use or attempted use of unlawful physical force. The burden lies on prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was not justified in using deadly force during self-defense. As of December 2022, the number of illegal immigrant encounters along the southern border was at 251,487, a new monthly record, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The earlier record was in May at 241,136 encounters. Walter Masterson joined a group of mostly male forced-birthers led by the creepy Father Fidelis Moscinski protesting outside a Planned Parenthood clinic in New York. Masterson brought along a copy of a Jordan Peterson book and told the men that if they read it they would never get a woman pregnant because women would refuse to have sex with them. Masterson's hijinx got one cop so mad his face turned red. Previously: A Certain Type of Absurdity Commentary A survey of Canadian opinion carried out for the Macdonald-Laurier Institute found that the majority of Canadians still think that prisons should remain segregated by sex: to which one is inclined to add, amen to that. All surveys of opinion are subject to caveat, of course; one can rarely be sure that theyre representative of the population as a whole, or that respondents werent trying to please the inquirers, or that the wording of the question asked didnt affect the outcome. For me, however, the most significant finding of the survey was that 28 percent of respondents believed that male-bodied prisoners who identified as women should be imprisoned with women, 6 percent more than those who thought they should be imprisoned with men. The rest thought they should have separate facilities of their own. The evolution of opinion is probably impossible to estimate with any certainty, though its possible to guess. The question was never asked 20 years ago, and indeed couldnt have been asked, so bizarre would it have seemed. The answer probably would have been a laugh rather than a verbal answer, and the very fact that it wouldnt or couldnt have been asked 20 years ago is itself highly significant. The question wasnt then even a question, at least not for the general public: and the year 2003 isnt yet ancient history. It would be interesting to know the characteristics of the 28 percent cited above. My surmise is that they were younger and more educated than average or than the 72 percent of the people in the survey who thought that prisoners with male bodies should not be imprisoned with women. The sad fact is that, as George Orwell once remarked, its necessary to have a higher level of education than average to believe in a certain type of absurdity. This is even more the case today when so much of our education seems to fall into two stages: indoctrination by others followed by auto-indoctrination. One might have thought that educated people in general, and intellectuals in particular, would be less susceptible to evident absurdity than the uneducated and the great mass of the population: But one would be mistaken. And theres a good reason for this. The status of intellectual requires that one has thoughts that arent those of the great mass, or at any rate the majority, of mankind (and even with the massification of the intelligentsia as a result of the expansion of tertiary education, the intelligentsia remains a minority). For the modern intellectual, the search for truth becomes the search for rationalizations for whatever strange beliefs distinguish the intellectual from the hoi polloi. Ideology is to the intelligentsia what superstition is to the mass of mankind; and not to have opinions that clash with those of the majority is, for an intellectual, to lose caste, like a Brahmin who crosses the sea. Whats the point of being an intellectual, after all, if you come to a conclusion that everyone already believes to be the case? The majority isnt always right or intellectuals always wrong. What was regarded as perfectly normal, acceptable, or even virtuous in one age is regarded as self-evidently monstrous by another, often as a result of the efforts of intellectuals to alert the population or powers that be to the moral monstrosity of what they accept without question. Cruelty to animals, for example, which we now assume without further reflection to be evil, was once accepted because the treatment of animals wasnt even a matter of moral concern. Its the undoubted fact that the majority has often unthinkingly subscribed to a horrible or vile morality that gives the intellectuals their opportunity to promote destructive certainties. A false syllogism goes something like this: The majority thinks that prisoners with male bodies who identify as women shouldnt be sent to womens prisons. The majority is often wrong. Therefore, prisoners with male bodies who identify as women ought to be sent to womens prisons. Whats surprising, perhaps, and deeply significant, is that a proportion of the population thats far from tinymore than a quarter, if the survey I have quoted is accuratecan be brought to believe something so counterintuitive in so historically short a time. A view that not very long before would have been considered absurd and even unthinkable has become almost an orthodoxy for a certain proportion of the population. And while it rests a minority view for the moment, its the view of what in the long run is the most important part of the population, the intelligentsia: for democracy notwithstanding, the vote of the intellectual has at least quadruple the weight of that of the average citizen, who will either follow him in the end or have his views imposed upon him. The furor in practically the whole Western world over transsexualism, a condition that affects a very tiny proportion of humanity, is a textbook case of an ideological tail wagging the political dog, which is the rest of society. There have always been transsexuals, and they should be treated with humanity and decency; but this is the first time that the condition, or whatever one calls it, has been made the subject of an ideology. A tiny minority of activists have succeeded in hijacking debate, altering society, and imposing costs upon the whole population to a degree that has probably surprised them. This isnt the last time that an ideological tail will wag the whole dog. What the new ideology will be, or what it will attach to, I cant say, but that there will be one is almost certain. Theres malign pleasure in making people believe, or pretend to believe, whats against reason and their innermost conviction. Hamlet delighted in making a fool of Polonius by asking him to agree to propositions that he knew to be false: Hamlet: Do you see yonder cloud thats almost in shape of a camel? Polonius: By the mass, and tis like a camel, indeed. Hamlet: Methinks it is like a weasel. Polonius: It is backed like a weasel. Hamlet: Or like a whale? Polonius: Very like a whale. Forcing lies on people is both a consequence of dictatorship and a means of achieving it. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Alberta Law Society Vote Upholds Rule to Make Lawyers Take Specified Mandatory Professional Development Training The Alberta Law Society (LSA) announced that following a vote at a special meeting Monday, the society will retain the power to prescribe the professional development courses lawyers must take, on threat of suspension for noncompliance. In a vote of 2,609864, of 3,473 total votes cast by eligible Alberta lawyers on Feb. 6, the resolution was defeated by a large majority. The meeting was called after a group of 50 of the provinces lawyers petitioned for a member vote to repeal a new regulation, Rule 67.4, which allows the LSA to mandate specific courses as part of mandatory professional development. Even if the majority of lawyers had voted in favour of repealing the rule, the vote was not binding on the LSAs benchers, but merely a recommendation, Calgary lawyer Glenn Blackett told The Epoch Times on Feb. 1. Blackett said lawyers must be allowed to choose which professional development course they would most benefit from, depending on their specific practice and specialties, noting some lawyers may have robust political reasons for objecting to Rule 67.4. In a Feb. 6 statement, the benchers said the rule was needed to continue to uphold the expectations that come with self-governance, which had allowed the society to operate as an independent regulator of its own profession since 1907. The LSA must regulate in the public interest, which includes promoting and enforcing a high standard of professional and ethical conduct by Alberta lawyers, said the statement. Calling the attendance at the virtual special meeting an unprecedented level of engagement, the benchers stated, We have always understood that there is a balance to achieve between setting standards of competence to protect the public interest and allowing lawyers to choose their own continuing professional development. The LSA has not identified other courses that we believe should be mandatory, it added. 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. An information page on the LSA website said The Path was consistent with the 20202024 Strategic Plan, which made equity, diversity and inclusion part of the societys strategic goals. Indigenous cultural competency is one area where it is appropriate that the Law Society mandate education, it said. 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. Alberta constitutional lawyer Leighton Grey, Q.C., of Grey Wowk Spencer LLP. (Courtesy of Leighton Grey) 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. 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. Your license to make a living can be automatically suspended with no hearing for non-compliance, he said. Unless new benchers are elected at a November election and repeal 67.4, the rule will remain. Shen Yun Performing Arts will grace the stage in Arizona with 14 shows from Feb. 11 to Feb. 22, 2023. In anticipation for this event, a number of public officials from the Tucson and Phoenix areas sent proclamations and congratulatory letters to Shen Yun. The letters resonate with Shen Yuns mission to revive traditions, and welcome Shen Yun to Arizona. Initiated by Supervisor Adelita Grijalva, the proclamation by all members of the Pima County Board of Supervisors recognizes and proclaims the day of Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023 to be the 16th year of Shen Yun Performing Arts in Arizona. The proclamation states that For thousands of years, Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian teachings were at the heart of Chinese society, forming a strong moral foundation which ensures the longevity of the Chinese nation; however this tradition is almost destroyed in todays China under the communist rule. In ancient China, artists believed that to create true art, one must cultivate inner purity. Shen Yun artists continue this tradition by practicing Falun Dafa. Alongside their rigorous training, the artists meditate and require of themselves self-discipline and selflessness. This is one reason why audiences feel the energy of pure beauty radiating from the stage in the Shen Yun shows. ,Through classical Chinese dance, live music, and digital backdrops, Shen Yun takes the audience on a journey of 5,000 years from ancient to modern-day China. It depicts the resilience of a divinely bestowed culture and inspires the audience with traditional values. Clint Hickman, representing Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, praised Jan. 31, 2023 as A day of recognition for the Shen Yun Performing Arts. The proclamation points out that Shen Yun Performing Arts was established by a group of Chinese artists in 2006 in New York; Shen Yuns mission is to revive a culture that was once almost lost through dance and music. Chinas ancient name, The Land of Divine tells of a civilization bestowed by the divine. Its music, medicine, calligraphy, painting, clothing, the culinary arts, literature, architecture, and much more manifests, at its highest levels, the connection between man and heaven. Chinas history is filled with tales of courage and sacrifice, integrity and loyalty, compassion and virtue. Shen Yun artists bring these stories to life on stage, displaying the intangible spirits and essence of a culture for the people around the world. Kyrsten Sinema, U.S. Senator, said in a congratulatory letter, Congratulations on your nearly two decades of global success, and recent announcement of your 2023 World Tour. Year after year, Shen Yun continues to inspire millions, showcasing Chinas rich cultural traditions and bridging historical gaps through stirring performance. We welcome you back to Arizona for a successful 16th season in our community, and look forward to hosting 13 Shen Yun performances this February. Shen Yun will perform three shows at the Tucson Linda Ronstadt Music Hall on Feb. 11 and 12, then five more shows at the Ikeda Theater in Mesa, Arizona, from Feb. 14 to 17, then six more shows at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona from Feb. 18 to 22. For ticketing information, please visit shenyun.com/arizona. The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006. Australia Pledges $10M for Turkey Earthquake Relief Rescuers search for survivors through the rubble in Sanliurfa, after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Turkey's southeast on Feb. 6, 2023. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) Australia will give $10 million (US$6.9 million) in humanitarian assistance to help response efforts following Turkeys devastating earthquake. The death toll from Mondays quake has risen to more than 7,300. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said Australias consular services were working with local authorities to follow up on a small number of citizens in affected areas. It is a crisis that is affecting so many of our fellow human beings. We will continue to monitor the unfolding situation on the ground, she told the Senate. The government will provide $7 million to Turkey, of which $4 million will be provided through Red Cross and Red Crescent partners to support the injured and evacuation efforts with food and items such as tents and blankets. A further $3 million will be allocated as needs become clearer. In Syria, $3 million will be administered by UNICEF to help with shelter, clean water and sanitation, with the Syrian aid focusing on women and girls. New Zealand will also provide $1.5 million. A woman reacts as rescuers search for survivors through the rubble of collapsed buildings in Adana on Feb. 6, 2023. (Can Erok/AFP via Getty Images) Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conveyed Australias condolences, saying the nation was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and devastation. All of the worlds thoughts and condolences are with the people in this region who are suffering at this time, he said. Turkish ambassador to Australia, Ufuk Gezer, said it was a tragedy of unprecedented level, with the rescue effort hampered by quite difficult conditions. More than 13,000 rescue workers have been dispatched, he told Sky News. We sent more than 3000 (pieces of) heavy equipment to the area for lifting of the rubble and helping with the rescue efforts, and, in addition to that, more than 45 countries have sent search and rescue teams. A man reacts as people search for survivors through the rubble in Diyarbakir, after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkeys southeast, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Ilyas Akengin/AFP via Getty Images) He said he was pleased with the Australian response, and officials were seeking to get information out to 150,000 Turkish Australians wanting to contact their loved ones. The communication lines were down for a couple of hours, but nowdespite some hiccupstheyre pretty much OK and weve been trying to help our citizens who are residing in Australia to the best of our ability. Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham also expressed his condolences, reflecting on his conversation with the Turkish ambassador. None of us imagines that the homes we are living in will collapse upon us in the middle of the night, he said. Birmingham also praised the rescue efforts and volunteers working in the disaster zones. Biden Admin, With VP Harris in Lead, Looks to Slow Illegal Immigration From Northern Central America U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a meeting with U.S. government leaders and private sector representatives to address the root causes of migration from northern Central America, in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House, in Washington on Feb. 6, 2023. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the Feb. 6 launch of a public-private economic development initiative designed to improve financial and job opportunities in the northern Central America nations of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, which are nations in turmoil and beset with high levels of crime and government corruption. The kickoff of the initiative, Central America Forward, was held in the Indian Treaty Room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building section of the White House. Central America Forward is a partnership between the White House, the U.S. Department of State, and companies, educational institutions, and nonprofit groups. Attending the event were government officials and representatives from partners of Central America Forward, including members of the leadership of Partnership For Central America (PCA), an organization that operates as an organizer and steering committee for the work of Central America Forward. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a meeting with U.S. government leaders and private sector representatives to address the root causes of migration from northern Central America in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House in Washington on Feb. 6, 2023. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Harris issued special acknowledgment to the PCA leaders in attendance: co-chairs Ajay Banga, vice chairman of General Atlantic, Blanca Trevino, president and CEO of Softek, and PCA vice-chair and co-founder Ray Chambers, who serves as ambassador for the World Health Organization for Global Strategy and Health Financing. Focus On El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras Improving job opportunities in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras is a fundamental component of the Biden administrations handling of the southern border crisis, with the hopes that those living in these countries will be less inclined to travel northwith many embarking on dangerous and life-threatening journeysand attempt to cross over the southern border illegally if the path to a promising, comfortable, and safe life is available in their home countries. Border Patrol processes 13 Guatemalans who illegally crossed the Colorado River from Mexico into the United States in Yuma, Ariz., on April 14, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Harris, appointed by Joe Biden early in his administration as his border czar, leads Central America Forward, which had its start in December 2021 with an initial investment of $1.2 billion from the private sector. The following spring, in early June, Harris announced an additional $1.9 billion commitment to the program. Plan For Economic Development At the Feb. 6 event, Harris reported a new pledge of $950 million, which brings the total committed to Central American Forward to $4.2 billion. Today, we will launch the next steps in our efforts, in the next phase in our efforts, said Harris. Early on in our administration, President Biden asked me to lead the U.S. governments focus on addressing the root causes of migration, in particular Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Harris said her approach to the task was guided by three principles. An Iowa State Trooper (L) assists Border Patrol in detaining illegal immigrants from Honduras and Guatemala while deployed to Texas, in Kinney County, Texas, on July 21, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) She continued, One, I do, and I think we all believe that people generally do not want to leave home. And when they do, it is because they are either fleeing some harm or because staying home will mean that they cannot satisfy the basic needs of their family and themselves. Two, we believe and are guided by the principle that governments must collaborate to manage migrationand that means through bilateral, trilateral, multilateral relationships and dialogue. But also, what we must do to address the issue requires that we partner with the private sector if we are to have a lasting impact or even a profound impact. Three, to effectively address the root causes of migration, we must also, and this is absolutely a guiding principle, promote good governance, reduce violence, and empower women. Ajay Banga of Partnership For Central America also spoke and said that those organizations forming the Partnership For Central America are all committed to advancing job creation opportunities, but also to creating the enabling environment necessary to support those jobs in a smart and sustainable way in El Salvador, in Guatemala, and in Honduras. Biden Says Hes Not Sure About TikTok Ban President Joe Biden speaks to reporters on the South Lawn after returning to the White House on Marine One in Washington, on Feb. 06, 2023. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) President Joe Biden left it open on whether he will ban the Chinese-owned short video app TikTok that has been drawing scrutiny for national security concerns. Im not sure. I know I dont have it on my phone, Biden said on Feb. 6, in response to a reporters question about TikTok after returning to Washington from a weekend retreat at Camp David. With an estimated 1.5 billion users worldwide, TikTok has become one of the most popular apps in the United States. But its connection with the Chinese firm ByteDance has raised growing concerns. FBI director Christopher Wray in December said that the Chinese ownership could give the Chinese Communist Party ability to control the recommendation algorithm, allowing them to manipulate content and carry out influence operations. On top of that, the regime could use the app to collect data on millions of devices, which gives them the ability to engage in different kinds of malicious cyber activity, he said. All of these things are in the hands of a government that doesnt share our values and that has a mission thats very much at odds with whats in the best interest of the United States. That should concern us. In a June letter (pdf) to lawmakers, TikTok admitted that China-based employees can have access to TikTok U.S. user data subject to a series of robust cybersecurity controls and authorization approval protocols overseen by our U.S.-based security team. They further noted that certain staff from China will be able to access a narrow, nonsensitive set of TikTok U.S. user data to ensure global interoperability. The TikTok app logo is pictured in Tokyo on Sept. 28, 2020. (Kiichiro Sato/AP Photo) Previously leaked recordings indicate engineers in China had repeatedly accessed U.S. data as recently as last January. For its part, TikTok has maintained that it would never provide user data to the Chinese regime, pointing to American user data being stored on servers in the United States. Such revelations have caused bipartisan alarm in the United States. As U.S. officials engage in ongoing negotiations with the platform over data security, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, recently pushed for the Biden administration to accelerate the progress in assessing the threat posed by TikToks data collection, saying his patience is running thin. Even though TikTok has said thats not the case, there have been constant examples where it has been proven that Chinese engineers are still getting access to that data, Warner said in a Feb. 2 Fox Business interview. Given that every company in China now has to owe its first allegiance, not to shareholders or customers, but to the communist party, he said, the ability to use this as a misinformation or propaganda piece is huge. Former President Donald Trump in August 2020 ordered a ban on TikTok and the Chinese social media app WeChat, but the Biden administration in June 2021 rescinded the decision in favor of another independent review. As many as 30 states have moved to ban TikTok from government devices, including most recently Louisiana, West Virginia, and Texas. On the federal level, a $1.65 trillion spending bill passed in December also barred the app from government devices. The security risks associated with the use of TikTok on devices used to conduct the important business of our state must not be underestimated or ignored, said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in a Feb. 6 statement. Owned by a Chinese company that employs Chinese Communist Party members, TikTok harvests significant amounts of data from a users device, including details about a users internet activity. Biden Says Spy Balloon Raises Questions About Where US Can Still Work With China President Joe Biden said Chinas decision to fly a high-altitude balloon over the United States raises a question of where we can still work with China and where the two countries will be opposed. U.S. Air Force fighter jets shot the balloon down off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday after it had flown across much of the United States. The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. decision to shoot down the balloon, insisting it had been a civilian airship used for meteorological and other research purposes and had simply strayed off course by the weather and had limited self-steering capability to avoid crossing over U.S. airspace. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said China has continued to develop its spy balloons and expand what he called a military capability. U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the Peoples Republic of China knows precisely what the balloon was doing over the United States. As Biden arrived at the White House on Monday, NTD News reporter Iris Tao asked him whether the United States could trust Chinas claims about the balloon and whether that affects U.S. trust toward China in other areas. The question of the balloon and attempting to spy on the United States is something thats anticipated from China, Biden began. The question is whether or notwhen we asked China what theyre doing, they didnt deny they had the balloon overthey just denied what it was. After the balloon incident, Biden left behind the question of whether the United States can trust China, and said hes instead facing the question of when the two countries can work together and when and where they will be in opposition. Its not a question of trusting China, its a question of deciding where we should work together and where we have opposition, Biden said. Throughout his administration, Biden has talked about pushing back on China in certain respects, while finding other areas where the countries can cooperate. We cannot and must not return to the reflexive opposition and rigid blocs of the Cold War, Biden said in an address near the start of his administration. Competition must not lock out cooperation on issues that affect us all. For example, we must cooperate if were going to defeat COVID-19 everywhere. Biden did not elaborate on how the spy balloon may have changed the question, in his mind, of when and where the United States and China will still be able to cooperate. Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed a planned trip to China over the balloon incident. Biden told another reporter on Monday that his decision to shoot down the balloon had not further strained U.S.-China relations. Weve made it clear to China what were going to do. They understand our position, Biden said. Were not going to back off. We did the right thing. And theres not a question of weakening or strengthening; its just the reality. The Chinese balloon incident came just days before Biden will speak to the American public about his record during the State of the Union Address. Republican Criticism Several Republican lawmakers have criticized Bidens decision to wait before shooting down the balloon. Biden has insisted he wanted to shoot the balloon down earlier on, but was advised against it for fear that it could fall over a populated area. Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell questioned Bidens alleged concerns about endangering civilians. It defies belief to suggest there was nowhere between the Aleutian Islands of Alaska and the coast of Carolina where this balloon could have been shot down right away without endangering Americans or Canadians, McConnell said in a statement Monday. This was a reminder of the PRCs brazenness and President Biden missed the opportunity to defend our sovereignty, send a message of strength, and bolster deterrence. Democratic Defense Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) lauded Biden for waiting to shoot down the balloon until it was safely over the water because it avoided potentially endangering civilians and allowed the United States to recover less-damaged materials from the downed Chinese balloon. The bottom line here is that shooting down the balloon over water wasnt just the safest option, but it was the one that maximized our intel gain, Schumer said. Democrats also pointed to claims that China flew spy balloons over the United States during Republican President Donald Trumps administration. A senior defense official said on Saturday that Chinese spy balloons passed over the U.S. at least three times during the Trump administration. Trump and former members of his administration have since refuted those claims. Iris Tao contributed to this article. From NTD News Boeing to Slash 2,000 Jobs, Streamlining Will Include Work Outsourced to India Employees are pictured as the first Boeing 737 MAX 7 is unveiled in Renton, Washington on Feb. 5, 2018. (Jason Redmond/Reuters) American aviation firm Boeing intends to lay off two thousand jobs this year as part of a reduction in certain support services, with a part of the work shifted to India, after the firm had earlier committed to hiring 10,000 workers in 2023. We expect about 2,000 reductions primarily in Finance and HR through a combination of attrition and layoffs, Boeing said in a statement Monday, according to The Associated Press. While no one has been notified of job loss, we will continue to share information transparently to allow people to plan. As of Dec. 31, the company employed 156,000 people. A third of the eliminated jobs will be moved to India, managed by Tata Consulting Services. The remaining jobs will disappear as the firm intends to reduce the workforce in its finance and HR support services, Mike Friedman, a senior director of communications at Boeing, told The Seattle Times. Over time, some of our corporate functions have grown quite large. And with that growth tends to come bureaucracy or disparate systems that are inefficient, Friedman said. So, were streamlining. Around 1,500 of the job cuts will come from the finance department, according to the outlet, with up to 400 more from HR. Workforce Adjustments In January, Boeing announced its intent to hire 10,000 new workers this year while admitting that certain support positions would be trimmed. The Virginia-based firm justified the scaling down of staff as a move aimed at aligning resources to better support the companys present technology development and products. In 2022, Boeing announced plans to terminate 150 finance jobs in the United States. While Boeing now intends to cut 2,000 white-collar jobs, the company will also push to hire more production workers and engineers, Friedman said. This will ensure that the firm will significantly grow in 2023, he added while pointing to the Puget Sound region in the Pacific Northwest as a potential beneficiary of such development. Meanwhile, the non-engineering work being transferred to India will be done in Tata Consulting Services new facility in Bengaluru, located in the state of Karnataka. At present, Boeing has 3,500 direct workers in India and employs 7,000 more through its suppliers. Aviation Job Cuts Boeing is not the only American aviation firm that is laying off employees. Last month, Bethesda-based Lockheed Martin announced plans to eliminate 800 of its 35,000 positions in the Rotary and Mission Systems program. To improve efficiencies, position the business to remain cost competitive and address changes in program lifecycles, we made a difficult decision to reduce a limited number of positions within our Rotary and Mission Systems business segment, the company said in a statement, according to News 8. We will work to identify other opportunities within the company for affected employees, where possible, it added. Last week, Collins Aerospace, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, filed a notice with the states Department of Commerce saying that it intends to lay off 195 workers and permanently shut down two facilities in Winston on or around June 30. Team members are expected to remain employed until or at least 14 days prior to the shutdown. The layoff and shutdown plan will right-size the companys operations and help the firm remain competitive, it said in a statement, according to Triad Business Journal. Collins Aerospace is a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies. In contrast, European aircraft maker Airbus plans to boost its workforce. In January, the company said that it intends to hire over 13,000 people globally this year. California Releases Its Own Plan for Colorado River Cuts The Colorado River passes through Grand Junction in Mesa County, Colo., on Aug. 24, 2022. (Hugh Carey/The Colorado Sun via AP) SACRAMENTO, Calif.California released a plan detailing how Western states reliant on the Colorado River should save more water. It came a day after the six other states in the river basin made a competing proposal. In a letter to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, California described how states could conserve between 1 million and nearly 2 million acre feet of water through new cuts based on the elevation of Lake Mead, a key reservoir. Its plan did not account for water lost to evaporation and during transportationa move sought by the other states that would mean big cuts for California. The 1,450-mile river serves 40 million people across the West and Mexico, generating hydroelectric power for regional markets and irrigating nearly 6 million acres of farmland. A multi-decade drought in the West has sent water levels at key reservoirs along the river to unprecedented lows. That has forced federal and state officials to take additional steps to protect the system. Californias plan and the separate methods outlined by states Monday came in response to Reclamation asking them last year to detail how they would use between 15 percent and 30 percent less water. The federal agency operates the major dams in the river system. All seven states missed that deadline last August. Six of them regrouped and came to an agreement by the end of January. California was the the lone holdout to that agreement, and responded on Jan. 31 with its own plan. Unlike the other states plan, Californias does not factor the roughly 1.5 million acre feet of Colorado River water lost to evaporation and transportation. Instead, it proposes reducing water taken out of Lake Mead by 1 million acre feet, with 400,000 acre feet coming from its own users. The state previously outlined that level of cuts in October. Arizona would bear the brunt of bigger cuts560,000 acre feetwhile Nevada would make up the rest. Those numbers are based on discussions from prior negotiations, Californias letter said. An acre foot is enough water to supply two to three U.S. households for a year. The Arizona Department of Water Resources said it was still reviewing Californias proposal and didnt have an immediate comment. But Tom Buschatzke, the departments director, said earlier on Jan. 31 that water managers across the basin couldnt reach agreement with California on cuts, even at the broader state level. The big issues are what does the priority system mean, what does the junior priority mean and how does that attach to that outcome of who takes what cut? he said. That was the issue over the summer, that was the issue over the fall, thats still the issue. California has the largest allocation of water among the seven U.S. states that tap the Colorado River. It is also among the last to face water cuts in times of shortage because of its senior water rights. That has given the state an advantage over others in talks that spanned months over how to cut water use. California water officials have often repeated that any additional water cuts must be legally defensible and in line with western water law that honors its water rights. JB Hamby, chairman of the Colorado River Board of California and a board member of the Imperial Irrigation District, indicated California may file a lawsuit if the federal government attempts to count for evaporative losses. The best way to avoid conflict and ensure that we can put water in the river right away is through a voluntary approach, not putting proposals that sidestep the Law of the River and ignore Californias senior right and give no respect to that, he said. Existing agreements only spell cuts when Lake Meads elevation is between 1,090 feet and 1,025 feet. If it drops any lower than 1,025 feet, Californias plan proposes even further cuts based on the so-called Law of the Riverlikely meaning Arizona and Nevada would bear the brunt of them. Those cuts are designed to keep Lake Mead from reaching dead pool, when it could no longer pump out water to farms and cities including Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Phoenix. The reservoirs current elevation is around 1,045 feet. In total, Californias plan could save between 1 million and 2 million acre-feet of water based on the elevation levels at Lake Mead, from which Arizona, California, Nevada, and Mexico draw their share of the river. Adel Hagekhalil, general manager for the Metropolitan Water District of California, the nations largest water supplier, said it was important to protect key reservoirs without getting mired in lengthy legal battles. Hagekhalil and other water managers pointed to numerous efforts the state has made to drastically reduce its water usage by making agricultural and urban water use more efficient. California knows how to permanently reduce use of the riverwe have done it over the past 20 years, through billions of dollars in investments and hard-earned partnerships, he said in a statement. We can help the entire Southwest do it again as we move forward. The new proposals do not change states water allocations immediatelyor disrupt their existing water rights. Instead, they will be folded into a larger proposal Reclamation is working on to revise how it operates Glen Canyon and Hoover Damsbehemoth power producers on the Colorado River. Despite Californias inability to reach agreement with the other six states so far, the parties said they hope to keep talking. Were not going to stop the discussions, said Buschatzke of Arizona, and maybe we come to an agreement and maybe we wont. Border Agency Aware of Asylum Seekers Reportedly Receiving Free Bus Tickets From NY to Canadian Border An RCMP officer informs a migrant couple of the location of an official border station, shortly before they illegally crossed from New York to Quebec via Roxham Road, on Aug. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says its aware of asylum-seekers from the United States reportedly being given free bus tickets to take them to a part of New York state from which they can easily travel into Canada. The CBSA is aware of these reports and remains in contact with the U.S. when it comes to matters of irregular migration, the federal agency said in an email to The Epoch Times on Feb. 6. Out of respect for the law and for their own personal safety, we encourage all those coming to Canada to enter at an official port of entry. The New York Post reported that some migrants in New York City are being given free tickets to Plattsburgh, N.Y., which is about 35 kilometres south of the Quebec border. From Plattsburgh, migrants reportedly can travel about 30 minutes by shuttle or taxi to cross into Quebec at Roxham Road, an unofficial border crossing frequently used by asylum-seekers trying to dodge the Safe Third Country agreement that prevents Canada from accepting refugee claims of those who had first entered the United States. The CBSA says it continues to work closely with the RCMP; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); and the United States to ensure the lawful, safe, and humane treatment of asylum-seekers while ensuring the security of our borders. The Epoch Times reached out to IRCC for comment, but it deferred questions to the CBSA. The RCMPs Quebec division told The Epoch Times that it would not disclose such information when asked if it was aware of migrants being bused to the border. Roxham Road New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently said his administration helps in the re-ticketing process for migrants arriving in the city who want to go elsewhere, but added that they are not forced or pressured to leave. Adams said some individuals express a desire to leave the city for other placesincluding Canada. His office also said it treats requests for bus tickets to Plattsburgh the same as it would for bus-ticket requests to go to other American cities. The RCMP intercepted around 34,800 people trying to cross into Canada from the United States at unofficial ports of entry between January and November 2022, according to IRCC. Throughout 2021, during which Roxham Road was closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the RCMP intercepted just over 4,200 individuals attempting to enter Canada at unofficial entry points. Quebecs Immigration Minister Christine Frechette recently said she was surprised New York is providing migrants with free bus tickets taking them just south of the Canadian border, and called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government to focus on a solution for Roxham Road. The Canadian Press, Noe Chartier, and Andrew Chen contributed to this report. Gov. Ron DeSantis' racist ban on an Advanced Placement course in African American studies has backfired. His fascist restrictions on what Floridians are allowed to read and discuss inspired a Chicago book publisher to distribute free e-books on Black history, with a focus on Florida teachers and students AP or not. This means even more children now than before DeSantis' anti-American censorship will have easy access to these books on American culture that Florida's dictator finds so dangerous. "The racist governor of Florida continues to escalate his attacks on the freedom to learn and teach history," Haymarket Books said in a press release. "We at Haymarket stand in solidarity with all those in Florida and across the country who are organizing to resist. We know that books can be dangerous to those in power, especially when they are in the hands of folks who are organizing to fight for liberation. That's why we publish them. That's why they're trying to ban them." From The Hill: A Chicago-based publishing house will offer free e-books focused on Black history after the College Board revised its Advanced Placement African American studies course earlier this month. The College Board's revisions came after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) refused to allow the class in Florida high schools. In the revised course, the subjects of Black queer studies, intersectionality and activism, the reparations movement and Black scholars associated with critical race theory have been removed. "Black conservatism" was added as a potential research topic. Haymarket Books will offer the following e-books for free to download: "From Black Lives Matter to Black Liberation" by Keeanga Yamahtta, which explores why the Black Lives Matter movement is necessary; "Black Lives Matter at School: An Uprising for Educational Justice," edited by Jesse Hagopian and Denisha Jones, which details how the Black Lives Matter movement has challenged institutional racism; and "1919" by Eve L. Ewing, a collection of poems depicting the Chicago race riots of 1919. Haymarket's move reminds me of the professor who was inspired to offer free online high school classes on Art Spiegelman's graphic novel Maus: A Survivor's Tale a historical Pulitzer prize winning book that documented holocaust survivors after a terrified Tennessee school board banned the book. Truth and information always finds a way. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) previously tested weapons systems that would use inflatable balloons as weapons delivery systems to launch hypersonic missiles. The programs would allow the regime to deploy powerful missiles in high earth orbit, and then use gravity to accelerate the speed of the missiles to make them even more difficult to counter. The studies are again raising concerns, in light of the CCP flying a spy balloon over the United States. Meanwhile, doctors in Canada say they were coerced into practicing the countrys controversial programs for assisted suicide. The doctors are now speaking out against the practice of state-approved killing, saying that its unethical. In this live Q&A with Crossroads host Joshua Philipp, well discuss these stories and others, and answer questions from the audience. CCP Threatens US for Shooting Down Spy Balloon Amid Bipartisan Alarm Over China Threat (Left) The Chinese balloon drifts to the ocean after being shot down off the coast in Surfside Beach, S.C., on Feb. 4, 2023. (Right) The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson participates in a group sail during the Rim of the Pacific exercise off the coast of Hawaii, on July 26, 2018. (Randall Hill/Reuters; Petty Officer 1st Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez/U.S. Navy via AP) Amid growing bipartisan uproar over Beijings violation of U.S. sovereignty, a Chinese spokesperson issued a veiled threat vowing that Beijing would resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests over the Pentagons shooting down of a suspected Chinese spy balloon. The spy balloon was first located on Feb. 1 floating over Montana, where it loitered over sensitive areas where nuclear warheads are kept in silos. Discovery of the balloon prompted a flurry of calls by lawmakers and others to shoot it down, with the U.S. military finally downing it on Feb. 4 off the coast of South Carolina using a single AIM-9X supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile. The remnants of a large balloon drift above the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of South Carolina, with a fighter jet and its contrail seen below it, on Feb. 4, 2023. (Chad Fish via AP) The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) criticized the military strike on the object, claiming it was a civilian airship used for meteorological and other scientific purposes and that it had strayed into U.S. airspace completely accidentally. U.S. officials have flatly dismissed such claims, describing the balloon as a military spycraft with a device hanging from the bottom about the size of a small jet. Unique Opportunities for Counterintelligence Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, who serves as commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), said that the U.S. military and intelligence agencies exercised maximum precaution to prevent the craft from collecting intelligence. VanHerck added that waiting for some time before downing the balloon provided unique opportunities to conduct counterintelligence and that the vessel did not present a physical military threat. Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, testifies during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington, on March 24, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Chinas attitude toward the spycraft has hardened considerably following a mild initial response on Feb. 3, in which Beijing described the balloons presence as an accident and expressed regret for the fact that the airship entered U.S. airspace. But that tone changed after the U.S. military shot it down around six nautical miles off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean over relatively shallow water that could help efforts to recover parts of the Chinese surveillance equipment. More Balloons Beijings rhetoric around the downing of the balloon has hardened in tone, much like the way it has confronted Washington over issues like the CCPs claims to massive swaths of the South China Sea and its threats to reunify Taiwan with mainland China, by force if necessary. Balloons suspected to be Chinese spycraft have been spotted over numerous countries, with Beijing confirming that a balloon spotted over Latin America this past weekend was from China. The Colombian air force mobilized to monitor the object but determined it posed no threat to national security. Chinas foreign ministry confirmed on Monday that the vessel over Colombia was Chinese and claimed that it had entered the countrys airspace accidentally. Ning told a press briefing that the balloon had deviated greatly from its course due to limited maneuverability and that it was of a civilian nature and used for flight tests. Media in Taiwan have reported that mysterious white balloons had been spotted over the island at least three times in the past two years. Taiwanese navy launches a U.S.-made Standard missile from a frigate during the annual Han Kuang Drill, on the sea near the Suao navy harbor in Yilan county, Taiwan, on July 26, 2022. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images) Resolution to Condemn China Over Spy Balloon Meanwhile, congressional lawmakers were in talks on Monday about a bipartisan resolution to denounce China over the spy balloon. I think you could see that this week, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) told reporters on Monday, adding that the resolution would be focused on China. I think our greatest strength is when we speak with one voice to China. U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) delivers remarks on the debt ceiling at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Feb. 6, 2023. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) While Republicans have criticized the Biden administration for waiting days to shoot down the balloon, they said the resolution should be bipartisan in nature and suggested it wouldnt seek to blame President Joe Biden. We want it to be a bipartisan resolution about China, not about us fighting each other, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told reporters on Monday. Its too important of an issue, you know. We want to stand strong together against China instead of having our internal fights. Developments around the apparent spy balloon have highlighted the complex and fragile nature of the U.S.-China rivalry, which some fear could escalate into an outright war. Paul Crespo, president of the Center for American Defense Studies, said that the trajectory of the balloon that was shot down by the U.S. military could absolutely suggest that Chinas communist regime was conducting a dry run for an attack using balloon-mounted weapons. Crespo warned that the regime could use high-altitude balloons to conduct electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks on vital U.S. bases and infrastructure. While China has tested hypersonic missiles launched from balloons in the past, that isnt a likely use for these airships, Crespo told The Epoch Times in an email. The biggest threat is sending one or more of these high altitude balloons over the U.S. with a small nuclear EMP device. EMPs are bursts of electromagnetic energy that disrupt communications and damage electronic equipment. Andrew Thornebrooke contributed to this report. China Hospitals Still Overwhelmed, Encountering Drug Shortages After Chinese New Year An ambulance driver walks into the busy emergency area of a hospital in Shanghai, China, on Jan. 13, 2023. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Beijings health official said the pandemic is easing with a steadily decreasing number of outpatients. However, medical service agents in Beijing said hospitals remained flooded with patients, and family members revealed an inability to obtain medicine for their chronically ill relatives. At a press conference on Jan. 30, Chinas National Health Commission said theres a gradual decrease in hospital visits nationwide, and the grassroots medical and health institutions were stable and orderly during the Lunar Chinese New Year. On Feb. 2, medical service agents told The Epoch Times that the hospitals are still full, drug shortages are still rampant and the wait time for an expedited inpatient service is two weeks at the minimum. All interviewees who spoke with The Epoch Times provided their surnames only for fear of reprisals. High Cost of Admission In China, the position of a medical service agent requires training and certification. Their job is to accompany patients, from making an appointment, to keeping records of fees and payments, getting referrals, hospitalization, and even making connections with and receiving special treatment from the doctors and hospitals. Ms. Song works as a medical service agent in Beijing. She told The Epoch Times the waiting list for inpatients in general hospitals is now backlogged for months. Service agents can help expedite admission into hospitals, but the current wait time is approximately two weeks. She said the expedited process fee is 20,000 yuan ($2,950) minimum, and it must be paid upfront. Song indicated that there were a lot of patients with white lungs before the Lunar Chinese New Year. She said, the majority of inpatients had white lungs at that time. Everyone was panicking about buying medicine. Hospitals had refused any new inpatients before the New Year. The hospital just started accepting patients again after the Chinese New Year. Mr. Liu also works as a service agent in Beijing. He said, The wards have been tight in Beijing hospitals. There are now many inpatients from outside Beijing and not just COVID patients. He said the service fee would be around 800 to 1,000 yuan ($117.89 to $147.37) for getting an appointment at the general hospital; if its for hospitalization, the fee will vary according to the type of ward and the specialist. A man hugs an elderly relative as he and others offer support as she is cared for in the hallway of a busy emergency room at a hospital in Shanghai, China, on Jan. 14, 2023. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Drug Shortage A Shanghai resident, Mr. Lin, told the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times on Feb. 2 that patients have to find their own drugs. His father contracted COVID after China lifted its strict COVID policy. He had a slow recovery because of the underlying illness that required hemodialysis, he said, but luckily he was released from the hospital recently. He indicated that there were still many COVID patients remaining in the hospitals. The doctor prescribed gamma globulin, but the patients have to find the source for it themselves, he said. Mr. Li, a resident of Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province in northwest China, said an elderly family member at home had underlying kidney disease and contracted COVID in December. There was no medicine available, around Jan. 23, their condition worsened, and I finally managed to get the sivelestat sodium from an acquaintance, but my family member had passed away, he said. Mr. Lee, a family member of a patient at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in Henan, told The Epoch Times that their three-quarters of their 70-year-old family members lungs had turned white, and they have been in the ICU since Jan. 22. There is no immunoglobulin at the hospital. We couldnt get it anywhere, he said. Zhao Fenghua and Hong Ning contributed to this report. China Now Has More ICBM Launchers Than the US, Lawmaker Confirms Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mo.) speaks during a meeting of the House Committee on Rules at the US Capitol in Washington on July 12, 2022. (Oliver Contreras/AFP via Getty Images) Chinas communist regime now fields more long-range, nuclear-capable missile launchers than the United States, according to the testimony of the House Armed Services Committee. Committee Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) acknowledged that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which rules China as a single-party state, had leapfrogged the United States in the number of its active intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launchers, during a hearing on the threat posed by the CCP to U.S. defense. The CCP is rapidly expanding its nuclear capability, Rogers said. They have doubled their number of warheads in two years. We estimated it would take them a decade to do that. We also were just informed by the DoD [Department of Defense] that the CCP now has more ICBM launchers than the United States. The question of how quickly the CCPs nuclear expansion and modernization is proceeding has beleaguered experts and lawmakers since a 2021 Pentagon report estimated that the regime could expand its arsenal to as many as 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030. That timeline was further truncated in December, when Adm. Charles Richard, then-commander of U.S. Strategic Command, issued a classified memo to Congress under the auspices of Section 1648 of Public Law 117-81. That law requires that U.S. Strategic Command inform Congress if and when China surpasses the United States in the number of its active intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the number of its ICBM launchers, or the number of nuclear warheads equipped to its ICBMs. At the time, the unclassified version of the memo did not specify which of these three categories China had surpassed the United States in. In a new memo, dated Jan. 26, 2023, current U.S. Strategic Command leader Gen. Anthony Cotton, clarified that the CCP had surpassed the United States in the number of its ICBM launchers, but not in the number of its actual ICBMs nor the number of nuclear warheads equipped to them. The number of land-based fixed and mobile ICBM launchers in China exceeds the number of ICBM launchers in the United States, Cotton said in the memo (pdf). China on Track to Overtake US Nuclear Arsenal It is difficult to estimate the scale of Chinas nuclear expansion, as the regime co-locates its nuclear and conventional missiles together, making their silos virtually indistinguishable from one another. Previously, the Pentagons 2022 China Military Power Report stated that the regimes arsenal included approximately 300 ICBMs and launchers. It also estimated that China had surpassed 400 operational nuclear warheads. The United States, meanwhile, can deploy up to 1,550 nuclear warheads under the terms of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty but only maintains 400 Minuteman III ICBMs, each of which can carry just one nuclear warhead. As such, Cottons memo appears to suggest that the CCP currently has more than 400 ICBM launchers, but fewer than 400 ICBMs and fewer than 400 nuclear warheads equipped to its ICBMs. Still, counting the regimes equipped warheads can be a tricky endeavor unto itself, because the CCP uses multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) on many of its missiles. Unlike the United States Minuteman III ICBMs, which each carry one nuclear warhead, the CCPs MIRVs allow its missiles to carry multiple warheads, with some reports suggesting that the regimes medium-range DF-17 missile could carry anywhere from three to 10 warheads. Relatedly, a 2021 report (pdf) by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) found that the rapid expansion of the regimes MIRVs had increased the number of nuclear warheads capable of striking the U.S. homeland. Due to increases in Chinas arsenal of ICBM missiles, launchers assigned to its ICBM brigades, and MIRV technology, the number of warheads that can be mounted on ICBMs threatening the United States is expanding, the report stated. To that end, Rogers led his Republican colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee by calling on the Biden administration to begin its own nuclear expansion and modernization program. The head of U.S. Strategic Command has informed us that China has surpassed the U.S. in the number of ICBM launchersthis should serve as a wake-up call for the United States, he said in a Feb. 7 press release. t It is not an understatement to say that the Chinese nuclear modernization program is advancing faster than most believed possible. We have no time to waste in adjusting our nuclear force posture to deter both Russia and China. This will have to mean higher numbers and new capabilities. During his testimony, Rogers noted that the CCP had nearly tripled its military spending over the last decade, and said that the United States would need to act swiftly to counter the threat, or else risk losing the opportunity altogether. China is the most challenging national security threat America has faced in 30 years, Rogers said. If we fail to acknowledge that and take immediate action to deter it, the next 30 years could be devastating to our nation. We have to stop being naive about the threat we face from China. We no longer have the luxury of time. Chinese Port in Lagos Could Threaten Continental US With Missiles: Congressman U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) speaks during a rally in Sarasota, Fla. on July 3, 2021. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images) Chinas newly inaugurated billion dollar port in Lagos, Nigeria, will be a game-changer for the African nations economy, according to Chinese ambassador Cui Jianchun on Jan. 23. Gushing media promoted his promise that up to 200,000 jobs will be created for workers living near the Lekki Free Trade Zone, approximately 23 miles southeast of Lagos. The port is 75 percent owned by China and 25 percent owned by the Nigerian Port Authority, which will assume ownership in 45 years. But Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), the new chairman of the House Subcommittee on Military Readiness sounded an alarm to The Epoch Times. The new Chinese port in Lagos puts the United States on the back foot, according to Waltz. (Google Maps/Screenshot via The Epoch TImes) President Xi of China is seeking to displace us as a superpower and extend Chinas global military presence with this new port. They could put a ballistic missile system in that port that would give the United States only minutes to prepare for a nuclear attack, Waltz told The Epoch Times. That would put our bases in Jacksonville, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; and Washington, at risk. Going forward, we need a more aggressive, economically driven agenda for Africa, he said. Under construction for six years and costing $1.5 billion the Lekki Deep Sea Port is Nigerias first deep seaport and is expected to be the container transportation hub for all of Africa, according to Nigerian trade media. The new port in Lagos seems to be going towards the direction of becoming Chinas Atlantic coast equivalent of Chinas naval base in Djibouti, said Se Hoon Kim, director of the Captive Nations Coalition of the Committee on the Present Danger, to The Epoch Times. Increasing Chinas Say in Africa Its a fact documented in our report on the Belt and Road Initiative that every Chinese company in Africaand elsewhere around the worldis either owned by the Chinese government or is obliged to comply with Chinese government regulations. One of these is that overseas infrastructures, especially ports built by Chinese corporations must be able to accommodate PLA [Peoples Liberation Army] presence and/or operations. It strongly indicates that the Lagos port will more than likely become the model for similar ports all along the coast of West Africa. The result, undoubtably, will be that China will have a strong say and potentially indirect authority in West Africas overall political matters and economic development. The project has been sold to the public as a door opener to a real estate bonanza for industrial enterprises in the Free Trade Zone. It is expected to make immense impact on the nations economy, bringing $350 billion in revenue for the state over the period of 45 years, according to Lagos commercial media. China is offering sea and land transportation corporations its own logistics platform to track shipments of goods: a software program called Logink. The U.S. China Commission, a research arm of the U.S. Congress, warns of the dangers of allowing China to be the logistics boss for all trade traffic in Africa. Logink provides users with a one-stop shop for logistics data management, shipment tracking, and information exchange needs between enterprises as well as from business to government, according to the commission study of Logink. Frank Gaffney, vice-chairman of the Committee on the Present Danger. China is promoting logistics data standards that would support the platforms widespread use. A second generation of Logink, now under development, would offer a cloud-based suite of enterprise software applications, such as advanced data analytics and business partner relationship management tools. The commission also warns that American investors would likely be at a disadvantage. Loginks visibility into global shipping and supply chains could also enable the Chinese government to identify U.S. supply chain vulnerabilities and to track shipments of U.S. military cargo on commercial freight. Though Logink claims users can share only the data they want, the security of the platform is unclear. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) could potentially gain access to and control massive amounts of sensitive business and foreign government data through Logink. Dual-Use Infrastructure All of Chinas Belt and Road projects are designed to have both commercial and military applications, thus are dual-use investments, according to Frank Gaffney, vice-chair of the Committee on the Present Danger, an interest group. Gaffney added: There are probably scores of such projects in South America as well as Africa. The new port in Lagos, without doubt, has been planned to service Chinese military assets, possibly aircraft carriers someday. From its base in Nigeria, the Chinese navy could interdict all maritime trade to Africas Atlantic port system in the sub-Saharan region, Gaffney told The Epoch Times. Apart from spying on the freight movers throughout the length of Africa, the new port is expected to be a hub for Chinas surveillance technology. Nigerias Defence Intelligence Agency for years has deployed surveillance equipment allowing it to spy on calls and text messages of Nigerian citizens, according to a report by the University of Torontos Citizen Lab, which researches digital surveillance, security, privacy, and accountability. The Nigerian company is named Circles and is linked to the Tel Aviv-based NSO Group, an Israeli hacker-for-hire company, that has produced the Pegasus software believed to be deployed by several governments to spy on dissidents. At least two Nigerian governors have used the software they acquired from Nigerias Defense Intelligence Agency to spy on their opponents. Hikvision, a video camera surveillance company linked to controlling the movements of Chinese citizens, is freely sold in Nigeria though it has been banned for use in the United States by the Federal Communications Commission, since it has been called an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security. In Nigeria, Hikvision has sales offices in the Lekki Free Trade Zone and in the capital of Abuja. Chinese Spy Balloon Could Have Been Used for Prepping EMP Attack on US Nuclear Facilities: Expert The suspected Chinese spy balloon drifts to the ocean after being shot down off the coast in Surfside Beach, S.C., on Feb. 4, 2023. (Reuters/Randall Hill) News Analysis The Chinese spy balloon that navigated through U.S. and Canadian airspace for a week before being shot down may have been conducting reconnaissance for a potential conflict with the United States, though experts believe its mission is only just beginning to be understood. When the spy balloon first entered U.S. airspace over Alaskas Aleutian Islands on Jan. 28, American officials believed it would keep traveling on a northern trajectory over sparsely populated areas. Two days later, however, the balloon slowed down over Canada and abruptly changed course, and headed south on a new trajectory that would take it over much of the continental United States. Over the next several days, the balloon traveled over some of the United States most sensitive military sites, conducting surveillance and, potentially, rehearsing for a future attack. The Biden administration has declined to specify which sites the Chinese balloon surveyed, but it visibly traveled near at least three sites vital to the United States nuclear capabilities. These sites included Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, which oversees 150 nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile silos; Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, which is home to U.S. Strategic Command; and Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, which operates the Air Forces B-2 bomber. Paul Crespo, president of the Center for American Defense Studies, said that the balloons trajectory could absolutely suggest that communist China was conducting a dry run for an attack using balloon-mounted weapons. Particularly, Crespo warned that the regime could use high-altitude balloons to conduct electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks on vital U.S. bases and infrastructure. While China has tested hypersonic missiles launched from balloons in the past, that isnt a likely use for these airships, Crespo told The Epoch Times in an email. The biggest threat is sending one or more of these high altitude balloons over the U.S. with a small nuclear EMP device. The EMP Threat EMPs are bursts of electromagnetic energy that disrupt communications and damage electronic equipment. An EMP can be created by nuclear missiles, radiofrequency weapons, and natural phenomena such as geomagnetic storms. While any nuclear weapon can create an EMP, specialized EMP weapons such as so-called super-EMP bombs generate particularly strong gamma radiation that multiplies the effect of the pulse, extending the destruction over a greater range. It has long been believed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which rules China as a single-party state, is developing such weapons for a potential conflict with the United States. Detonated at extremely high altitude, EMPs could knock out power and communications across the U.S., wreaking widespread havoc for a year or more without firing a shot on the ground, Crespo said. In most scenarios, such a detonation would need to occur at a higher elevation than the Chinese spy balloon was at in order to cause destruction across a vast swath of territory. If the EMPs purpose were to knock out a smaller target, however, such as a nuclear command and control facility, a balloon like the one shot down over the weekend would be a near-perfect delivery device. Crespo, who previously served as a Marine officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency, said that the spy balloon also likely provided the CCP with unprecedented intelligence on U.S. nuclear facilities. Despite those who claim otherwise, the unprecedented slow-moving Chinese surveillance balloon across the entire U.S. gave China intelligence it couldnt otherwise get on nuclear, communications, and other critical targets, Crespo said. Political Fallout Though perhaps not as terrifying as an electromagnetic attack on the United States nuclear facilities, Crespo said that the spy balloon incident gave the CCP something nearly as important: A propaganda victory designed to undermine the will of the United States and its allies. The balloon tested U.S. surveillance and counter-surveillance abilities and reactions, Crespo said. But, most importantly, it tested political will, and Bidens willingness to let it cross the U.S. before finally downing it failed that test. Bidens weak response gave China a major win on all counts. Crespo is not the only one who has expressed ire over President Joe Bidens apparently slow response to the violation of U.S. sovereignty. Chinas brazen and unapologetic violation of American sovereignty last week demonstrates how little the CCP respects the Biden administration, said Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wisc.) in an email to The Epoch Times. Communist China is the number one threat to American national security and economic security, and it is time to start treating them that way. Similarly, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said that the Biden administration should never have allowed the spy balloon to enter U.S. airspace. The administration should have taken care of this before it became a national security threat, McCaul told The Epoch Times in an email. I hope we will be able to recover the wreckage to help determine what intelligence the CCP collected while its spy balloon was over our country for days. A spokesperson for the House Foreign Affairs Committee said that the committee requested both classified and unclassified briefings on the incident to inform members and staff as to why the balloon was allowed to fly over so much of the United States before being shot down. Adding to the intense political fallout was the Biden administrations apparent intent to conduct business as usual with China. Indeed, the Biden administration initially decided not to disclose the existence of the spy balloon to the American public, fearing that knowledge of the violation of U.S. sovereignty would derail Secretary of State Antony Blinkens then-planned trip to Beijing. The administrations plans to conceal the incident were thwarted, however, when images of the balloon taken by Montana photographers Larry Mayer and Chase Doak and published in the Billings Gazette burst the story wide open for the whole world to see. This is exactly what journalism is designed for, Doak said in a tweet. Americans had a right to know that a foreign government was spying on them. Glad I could be a part of bringing it to light. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, said that the administrations decision to conceal the existence of the balloon was of grave concern, and referred to the entire incident as a national security failure. I remain deeply concerned by the Biden administrations decision to allow the spy balloon to traverse the United States, Rogers said in a prepared statement. Its clear the Biden administration had hoped to hide this national security failure from Congress and the American people. Now, the White House must provide answers about why they decided to allow a CCP spy balloon to cross the United States and what damage to our national security occurred from this decision. The White House and Department of Defense did not return requests for comment. Chinese Spy Balloon Spotlights CCPs Brazen Plot Against US Communist China's expansive military, spy campaigns have targeted America since long before the balloon's incursion Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 are seen working to recover the balloon near South Carolina's coast on Feb. 5, 2023. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tyler Thompson) News Analysis For eight long days, a Chinese spy balloon bobbed along in the skies above the United States and Canada. First, it appeared to be heading north off Alaskas Aleutian Islands, then east toward British Columbia, before suddenly diverting again south and east in a course that would bring it over some of the most critical U.S. military facilities. The Biden administration has thus far declined to specify which sites the Chinese balloon surveilled, but the dirigible visibly traveled near at least three military bases responsible for overseeing Americas nuclear arsenal. In Montana, the spy balloon lingered over Malmstrom Air Force Base, the site of 150 silos that house many of the nations nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles. In Nebraska, it hovered near Offutt Air Force Base, where U.S. Strategic Command oversees the maintenance and deployment of the militarys nuclear weapons. In Missouri, it careened around Whiteman Air Force Base, which operates the Air Forces nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bomber. The White House lambasted the presence of the airship as a violation of U.S. sovereignty, with national leaders in a collective uproar over the spherical white menace as it plodded across the span of the continental United States. President Joe Biden said that he wanted to order the military to shoot the balloon down when he was first briefed on the intrusion on Feb. 1. But the Pentagon wanted to ensure that no debris injured those below and so let the balloon continue its traversal of U.S. airspace until it reached the waters of the Atlantic Ocean on Feb. 4 and was finally met with a definite end in the form of a single Sidewinder missile fired from a U.S. fighter jet. As the military continues efforts to recover whats left of the downed device, the Pentagon and FBIs analysis of the debris and its intentions is just beginning. But Communist Chinas efforts to use espionage and military coercion to undermine and overcome the United States have long been in the works, and congressional leadership remains stunned at the administrations decision to let an adversarial aircraft meander through U.S. airspace at will. Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, who serves as commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command, said on Feb. 6 that the incident provided the United States with unique opportunities to conduct counterintelligence against the balloon, but declined to comment on what capabilities were deployed to covertly examine the balloon. VanHerck said that the intelligence gathered from the balloon and how it operated was well worth the wait of shooting it down and added that the United States conducted counterintelligence to prevent the balloon from gathering useful information, without detailing the specific measures. For Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), who are the chair and ranking member, respectively, of the House select committee for competition with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the incident was nothing less than a debacle that they believe demonstrates Washingtons continued inability to recognize that communist China is an adversarial nation. The Chinese Communist Party should not have on-demand access to American airspace, Gallagher and Krishnamoorthi said in a Feb. 2 joint statement. Not only is this a violation of American sovereignty it also makes clear that the CCPs recent diplomatic overtures do not represent a substantive change in policy. Indeed, this incident demonstrates that the CCP threat is not confined to distant shoresit is here at home and we must act to counter this threat. The Persistent Threat of Communist China The presence of a Chinese communist spy balloon hovering over U.S. homes and military bases is alarming enough for most people. For Paul Crespo, a former Marine officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency and now president of the Center for American Defense Studies, the story only gets darker from here. In addition to collecting intelligence on U.S. nuclear facilities and military decision-making, Crespo believes that Chinas balloon incursion could be a dry run for an attack that would likely take place during a U.S.China war for Taiwan. Crespo is concerned that the regime could use similar high-altitude balloons to conduct attacks using electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons against U.S. bases and infrastructure. The biggest threat is sending one or more of these high-altitude balloons over the U.S. with a small nuclear EMP device, Crespo told The Epoch Times in an email. Detonated at extremely high altitude, EMPs could knock out power and communications across the U.S., wreaking widespread havoc for a year or more without firing a shot on the ground. EMPs are bursts of electromagnetic energy that disrupt communications and damage electronic equipment. An EMP can be created by nuclear missiles, radiofrequency weapons, and natural phenomena such as geomagnetic storms. While any nuclear weapon can create an EMP, specialized EMP weapons such as so-called super-EMP bombs generate particularly strong gamma radiation that multiplies the effect of the pulse, extending the destruction over a greater range. It has long been believed that the CCP is developing such weapons for a potential conflict with the United States. In most scenarios, an EMP would need to be detonated at a much higher elevation than the Chinese spy balloon was at in order to cause mass destruction across a vast swath of territory. If the EMPs purpose were to knock out a smaller target, however, such as a U.S. nuclear command-and-control facility, a balloon like the one shot down over the weekend would be a near-perfect delivery device. For Crespo, the Biden administrations decision to allow the balloon to continue its malign adventure only increased the potency of such a threat. By failing to take decisive action against the intrusion immediately, Crespo said, the administration had sent Beijing the signal that its willing to accept violations of its sovereignty. Despite those who claim otherwise, the unprecedented and slow-moving Chinese surveillance balloon across the entire U.S. gave China intelligence it couldnt otherwise get on nuclear, communications, and other critical targets, Crespo said. The balloon tested U.S. surveillance and counter-surveillance abilities and reactions. But, most importantly, it tested political will, and Bidens willingness to let it cross the U.S. before finally downing it failed that test. Its a stark assessment, but one that has traction among many political figures, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Before it was revealed that Biden had ordered the balloon to be shot down, Pompeo said that the presidents delay gave the CCP all the indication it needed to conduct further hostilities against the United States, its allies, and partners. Particularly so, he said, against Taiwan. If we cant take down this balloon, if President Biden wont respond to this seriously, I doubt that his statement that we will defend Taiwan and help the Taiwanese people is something that [CCP leader] Xi Jinping will ever take seriously, Pompeo said in a Feb. 3 interview with Fox News. The fact that theyve now penetrated our airspace, put a very visible symbol of their country over our airspace, and we have done nothing, this is a green light for bad guys all around the world, including Xi Jinping. Preparing an Arsenal The CCPs efforts to spy on U.S. military development arent new. But its vital to understand why the regime is interested in U.S. nuclear facilities now, and the preparation it has undertaken for a potential conflict with the United States. Key to that effort is the CCPs own nuclear modernization program, which is expected by the Pentagon to deliver the regime an arsenal of at least 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030. Such an arsenal will allow the CCP to coerce the international community more effectively, as the United States has no experience or strategy for simultaneously deterring nuclear escalations from both China and Russia. This state of affairs is exacerbated by the CCPs pursuit of technologies specifically designed to overwhelm or penetrate U.S. defenses, such as the hypersonic bombardment system it tested in the summer of 2021. The weapon, according to senior military leadership, was likely intended to be used as a nuclear first strike against the United States in the event of a conflict. Moreover, such a weapon is likely to be used to target U.S. nuclear facilities to decapitate its strategic capabilities in wartime. Killing With a Borrowed Sword The CCP couldnt accomplish this vast and highly sophisticated military modernization program on its own. To fully develop the systems needed to overcome the United States, the regime requires research and technologies developed first in America. Thats one reason why the CCP uses illegal spy balloons to collect data on U.S. military bases, and why Chinese state-sponsored talent programs aim to infiltrate and export U.S. nuclear research. By recruiting experts and scholars from abroad to study at work in China, such talent programs aim to develop a new generation of researchers in areas crucial for Chinas technological and military development. The most telling case of this phenomenon concerns the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), the United States most advanced nuclear research center. According to a 2022 report published by strategic intelligence firm Strider Technologies, 162 researchers from the LANL, many of whom came to the United States as part of Chinas talent programs and including at least one who had a top-secret U.S. security clearance, now work for China, where many assist the regimes development of its most cutting-edge weapons, including hypersonic missiles. An All-Encompassing Spy Campaign The effort to steal vital technologies and research from the United States is part of a much larger campaignone thats decades in the makingto undermine the country, of which the spy balloon incident is just a small component. FBI Director Christopher Wray has described the communist regime as the single biggest cyber and counterintelligence threat facing the United States. They are targeting our innovation, our trade secrets, [and] our intellectual property, on a scale thats unprecedented in history, Wray said in April 2022. For years, CCP intelligence agents and their proxies have violated U.S. sovereignty and spied on American citizens, engaged in illegal campaigns to forcibly repatriate Chinese dissidents, and engaged in an array of brazen campaigns to covertly steal cutting-edge technologies. Last year alone, CCP agents were charged by the Department of Justice for their roles in stalking a U.S. Olympic figure skater and her family, conspiring with a New York police officer to gather intelligence on the Asian American community, and even plotting to attack a U.S. Army veteran running for Congress. The regime has also used cyber attacks to illicitly collect U.S. defense secrets, such as when suspected state-backed agents hacked into a U.S. government department last year and stole sensitive defense information. Americans sensitive personal information also is a valued target, as evidenced by multiple massive hacks by Chinese actors over the years, including the breaches of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, credit-reporting agency Equifax, Marriott hotels, and insurer Anthem. These hacks resulted in hundreds of millions of Americans personal data being stolen. In recent years, federal prosecutors have brought dozens of cases against Chinese and Americans over the theft of U.S. technology and trade secrets in a multitude of areas from cancer research to aviation secrets to seed technology. Wray has said that almost half of the FBIs nearly 5,000 counterintelligence investigations across the country are connected to China, adding that in the past decade, there has been roughly a 1,300 percent increase in economic espionage cases linked to the regime. Another area attracting growing scrutiny is the hugely popular Chinese-owned app TikTok, which U.S. officials say could be used by the CCP to access Americans data and manipulate public opinion through the sites addictive algorithm. The regime also is engaged in an effort to purchase U.S. land, including large tracts of farmland adjacent to U.S. military bases, which experts believe could be used to conduct espionage and disrupt the countrys vital infrastructure. All of these efforts, according to retired Air Force Gen. Robert Spalding, are part of the CCPs larger doctrine of unrestricted warfare, through which the regime weaponizes academia, economics, diplomacy, media, and technology to achieve military ends without risking overt conflict with the United States. And, much like shooting down a balloon, Spalding believes theres only one way to stop the threat. Theres no way to counter unrestricted warfare or win unrestricted warfare when you have a Chinese Communist Party that has access to any part of U.S. society, Spalding previously said. If they have any access to American society, then theyll use that access to undermine American society. The only way to be successful is to eliminate their access to American society. Congress Readies Bipartisan Resolution Condemning China for Surveillance Balloon House lawmakers are reportedly considering rolling out a bipartisan resolution aimed at condemning China over its suspected surveillance balloon that was shot down by the United States on Feb. 3. We want it to be a bipartisan resolution about China, not about us fighting each other, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told reporters Monday, The Hill reported. Its too important of an issue, you know. We want to stand strong together against China instead of having our internal fights. The Texas lawmaker added that he has already sent a draft resolution to Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), the ranking member of the panel, who has made his comments and the two were set to meet late on Monday to work through the bill. The possible bipartisan resolution comes as China this week confirmed that another balloon that was spotted over Latin America this past weekend also belongs to the nation. At a press conference on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Mao Ning said that it has come to our attention that the vessel in question is from China, but claimed that the balloon is intended for civilian use. Ning added that the aircraft had accidentally entered Latin American and Caribbean airspace after being blown off course owing to the weather. Spy Balloon Shot Down U.S. jets shot down the first surveillance balloon at around 2:39 p.m. ET on Saturday after it was seen making its way across the Carolinas and approaching the Atlantic coast, according to defense officials. An F-22 fighter jet fired a missile at the balloon, puncturing it while it was about six nautical miles off the coast near Myrtle Beach, where possible debris from the device has since reportedly been spotted. Chinese officials have called the downing of the balloon an obvious overreaction and a serious violation of international practice, and said that Beijing reserves the right to take necessary measures to deal with similar situations. Beijing also claims the first balloon was a civilian meteorological balloon that had been blown off course and just happened to fly over sensitive military sights. However, Washington officials have said the balloon was likely conducting surveillance, although theyve stopped short of stating exactly which sites the Chinese balloon allegedly surveyed. While Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told reports that President Joe Biden had on Wednesday given his authorization to take down the suspected surveillance balloon as soon as possible without putting American lives at risk, some Republican lawmakers have criticized the president for failing to act sooner. Shortly after the balloon was shot down, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) issued a statement saying that the Biden administration reacted at first too indecisively and then too late. Republicans Take Aim at Bidens Response We should not have let the Peoples Republic of China [PRC] make a mockery of our airspace, McConnell said. This was a reminder of the PRCs brazenness and President Biden missed the opportunity to defend our sovereignty, send a message of strength, and bolster deterrence. Other Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) also took aim at the administrations failure to act promptly. Despite their criticism of Bidens response to Chinas alleged surveillance, the bipartisan resolution is not expected to be aimed at Bidens actions. Clearly, were focused on condemning China for sending a spy balloon into United States territory. Obviously, we have a lot more questions about what happened and when the administration knew it, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) said Monday. Those are separate questions going on, and we need to have a briefing on it. But in the meantime, were trying to get an agreement with the committees working on the proposal, he added. Separately, Meeks said that Democrats were open to cooperation on the resolution. Were looking at it. Theyve got something, and theres a dialogue going on. So, well see what happens, Meeks said. Conservative Motion to Reform Bail System Defeated Conservative member of Parliament Raquel Dancho holds a press conference in Ottawa on July 25, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick) A motion for bail reform put forward by the federal Conservatives (CPC) has been defeated in a vote of 205116 in the House of Commons on Feb. 6. The motion was first brought forward on Feb. 2 by Conservative MP Raquel Dancho, the partys public safety critic, following the first-degree murder charges laid in the death of Ontario Provincial Police Constable Greg Pierzchala. The new constable was allegedly killed by a suspect already on bail for previous assault and weapons charges. The CPC motion demanded the federal government fix Canadas broken bail system by immediately repealing elements enacted by Bill C-75which in 2019 amended the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and other Actsto make it easier for violent repeat offenders to obtain bail. The motion also called on the government to strengthen bail laws so that convicted criminals prohibited from possessing firearms, who are subsequently accused of serious firearms offences, do not easily get bail. 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 the House of Commons as she presented the 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, she said. Dancho, who could not be reached for comment, cited Statistics Canada figures that indicate crime went down 26 percent when Conservative leader Stephen Harper was prime minister, and has increased 32 percent since Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party were elected. The justice system needs to put the rights of law-abiding Canadians ahead of the rights of violent, repeat offenders, said Dancho. Opposition On Feb. 2, the NDP and Bloc Quebecois said they would not support the Conservatives in pushing the Liberal government for a tougher policy on bail. Federal Justice Minister and Attorney General David Lametti said on Feb. 5, Well look at Criminal Code amendments to the bail regime. The provinces have asked us to do it, the Justice ministers have asked us to do it, and we have been doing that work. Lametti said the government had to ensure that any measures taken will not exacerbate the over representation of indigenous peoples, black, and racialized Canadians in our jails. He also suggested that the Conservatives were trying to score political points with the motion. Bill C-5, which passed last fall, removed 20 mandatory minimum sentences on the books for drug and firearms offences, including armed robbery. The governments background information on Bill C-5 suggested there is systemic racism in Canadas criminal justice system, which the new legislation aimed to address. The motion noted that after eight years of the Liberal governments soft on crime policies, violent crime had increased by 32 percent. Gang-related homicides increased by 92 percent, and five Canadian police officers have been killed in the line of duty in just one year. The Conservatives motion indicated violent, repeat offenders are obtaining bail much more easily, which is putting Canadians at risk. In a January letter to the government, the countrys premiers unanimously called on Ottawa to reform bail. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police also demanded bail reform. As we mourn the tragic passing of Constable Pierzchala, the criminal justice systems limitations and ineffective management of chronic and prolific offenders is painfully obvious, the association said in a statement. The Canadian Press, Peter Wilson, and Noe Chartier contributed to this report. Constitutions 13th Amendment May Protect Abortion as a Federal Right, Federal Judge Says Police officers and clinic escorts stand outside of the Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington during a protest vigil in Washington on Jan. 17, 2019. (Zach Gibson/Getty Images) The Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery, may protect abortion as a federal right, a federal judge said on Feb. 6 in an ongoing prosecution of pro-life activists charged with conspiracy to block access to an abortion clinic. The statement could open up a new line of attack that pro-choice activists could use to advance their cause after the Supreme Court overturned the 49-year-old precedent Roe v. Wade, holding that the Constitution does not protect abortion as a right. The ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, handed down in June 2022, opened the door to a flurry of lawsuits and new state-level restrictions on abortion. Roe itself held that a right to abortion was part of a right to privacy that emanates from the First, Fourth, Fifth, Ninth, and Fourteenth Amendments. Its companion precedent, Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), which was also overturned, held that states could not impose significant restrictions on abortion before a fetus became viable for life outside the womb. Casey was based on the idea that obtaining an abortion was a right protected by the Fourteenth Amendments Due Process Clause. The comment came in a ruling issued by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Lauren Handy and nine other defendants were indicted (pdf) last year for conspiring to obstruct access to an abortion clinic in October 2020, a violation of federal law. Handy moved to dismiss the indictment for lack of jurisdiction, quoting the Dobbs ruling, which states that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. Handy is the director of activism for Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, which describes its mission as mobilizing grassroots anti-abortion activists for direct action and [to] educate on the exploitative influence of the Abortion Industrial Complex through an anti-capitalist lens. After being released from jail in July 2022 on a separate charge, Handy said: As a Catholic and Progressive myself, I am compelled by my deeply held beliefs (religious and political) to put my body between the oppressed and the oppressor. But Handys constitutional argument is predicated on the false legal premise that the federal statute she is challenging only regulates access to abortion, Kollar-Kotelly wrote in her new order (pdf). In fact, the law regulates a broad category of reproductive health services, including, among other things, counselling or referral services. Handy is seeking to resolve the charges against her by citing a constitutional holding, so Kollar-Kotelly directed defense counsel and prosecutors to further brief the court. Although Dobbs has been interpreted to mean that the Supreme Court held that no provision of the Constitution extends any right to reproductive health services the Court is uncertain that this is the case, the judge wrote. Both the majority and dissenting opinions in Dobbs focused only on the Fourteenth Amendment and the unratified Equal Rights Amendment, so it is entirely possible that the Court might have held in Dobbs that some other provision of the Constitution provided a right to access reproductive services had that issue been raised. However, it was not raised. Scholars and one federal appeals court decision suggest the Thirteenth Amendment in particular might contain some right to access to such services, she wrote. The judge ordered prosecutors to file a brief by March 3 and defense counsel to file a reply brief by March 17 on whether the Dobbs ruling is limited to Fourteenth Amendment grounds. Kollar-Kotelly is no stranger to controversy. In October 2017, the Clinton appointee issued a preliminary injunction blocking then-President Donald Trumps memorandum extending a ban on transgender persons joining the military and directing the military to discharge currently serving transgender service members, according to Ballotpedia. One of Handys attorneys, Martin A. Cannon, senior trial counsel at the Thomas More Society, told The Epoch Times by email that he appreciated the courts interest in the constitutional issue and will fully brief the matter of whether Dobbs did in fact limit itself to the 14th Amendment and whether there is a right to abortion under the 13th Amendment or any other provision apart from the 14th. The Epoch Times reached out to the U.S. Department of Justice for comment but had not received a reply as of press time. Meet Tamerlan, whose website describes him as an: "Animal-actor. Fashion model. World's most friendly dragon." Tamerlan is an Albino Supercrimson Iguana who hatched in June 2018, and is blind because of his albinism. His human is Alexey Kashpersky, who is Creative Director at Newt Studios. They have an Instagram account whose goal is "educate people, share rays of positive emotions, inspire with nature's incomparable beauty and never stop being creative along our journey." Tamerlan is absolutely gorgeous, with beautiful orange skin. He's even more stunning in the photos that his human creates of him, which feature Tamerlan looking just like a dragon, sporting VFX "dragon wings." Tamerlan has also made quite a splash in the fashion world, as he was invited to be a guest model at New York Fashion Week, in 2021 and has modeled for high fashion magazines such as Cero. Check out Tamerlan's Instagram page, which is filled with beautiful photos of the big boy. And watch this endearing introduction to Tamerlan, put together by the Dodo. Crossbench Senators Call for Better Regulations on Political Donations Greens Senator Larissa Waters and Leader Adam Bandt and hold a snap press conference in the Mural Hall at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on March 15, 2021. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images) The federal government is under pressure to create more strident measures around political donations after the Australian Electoral Commission released the financial details of political donations for the last financial year on the transparency register. The Greens have called on the federal government to tighten the regulations around political donations after an examination of the Australian Electoral Commissions Transparency Register revealed that the Liberals, Nationals and Labor received $241 million (US$166 million) in political donations in the 2021-22 financial year, with millions contributed by coal and gas corporations and their lobby groups. Additionally, the Greens allege that Australias largest financial consultancy firms, PwC, Deloitte, EY and KPMG, were amongst the largest corporate donors to the Liberal/National and the Labor party in the past financial year, handing over almost $860,000 to the two major parties. The Greens believe this is a conflict of interest, with Greens Party Democracy Spokesperson Larissa Waters and Greens Finance Spokesperson Barbara Pocock arguing that all donations to political parties should be made public. Todays data once again shows that money talks, with more than $241 million pocketed by the major parties in the last financial year, Waters said. These are only the donations that Australians are told about. More than a third of all donations fall below the $14,500 disclosure threshold, and many membership fees and cash-for-access event fees are not classed as donations, so stay hidden from public view. Meanwhile, Pocock said that the political donations were a case of you scratch my back, and Ill scratch yours. Weve got to have a close look at the whole regime of outsourcing government work to private consultancy firms, she said, noting that PwC donated more than $246,000 to the major parties in 2021-22 and received government contracts worth almost $600 million in the same financial year. What confidence can Australians have in companies who make large donations to political parties and then receive major government contracts? There are obvious conflicts of interest when the firms you hire as consultants are also major donors to your political party. The two senators are pushing for the Labor federal government for more regulation of political donations, so Australian voters can be confident that there are no conflicts of interest. The Greens are looking to create legislation that will cap political donations to $1,000 per year no matter who the donor is and to ban donations from dirty industries with a track record of seeking to buy policy outcomes, including the fossil fuel sector. We will continue to use our balance of power in the Senate to push Federal Labor to cap political donations and ban them from influential industries, including the fossil fuel sector, gambling, banking, defence, and pharmaceuticals, Waters said. Without such action, how can Australians be confident that our democracy is not for sale? Senator Pocock said. Greens Own Political Donations in the Firing Line The proposed regulations from the Green senators would also impact the Greens Party itself, which has been the recipient of large donations from the Communications Electrical and Plumbers Union (CEPU), which is a conglomeration of the Communication Workers Union, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), and the Plumping and Pipe Trades Union. According to the Australian Greens party political donations transparency register during 2021-2022, the CEPU donated $390,000 to the Greens in two instalments of $250,000 and $140,000 in the past year. The Epoch Times contacted the media spokespeople for both Waters and Pocock for comment on whether there would be any conflict of interest between the CEPU donations and the Greens political work but did not receive a formal response from either Waters or Pocock. While the CEPU currently does not have any national campaigns that are similar to the Greens political agenda, the ETU is running an anti-nuclear power campaign that has declared that nuclear was not a solution to Australias energy needs. It is dangerous, costly, creates toxic waste and has the potential to take us down the path of devastating weaponry, the ETU said in its campaign release. The world is moving away from fossil fuels, and Australia has a huge opportunity to benefit from the clean energy revolution. As Australia transitions away from fossil fuels, the debate around using nuclear energy is growing, with many, including the National Party and the Liberals, looking to explore nuclear energy as a cleaner pathway to reducing emissions. Currently, the Greens position on nuclear technology is that Australia should not have any nuclear power, weapons or mining. Nuclear power is not a safe, clean, timely, economic or practical solution to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, the Greens argue in their Nuclear and Uranium policy. Law Centre Pushes For Better Regulations Meanwhile, the Greens are not the only ones advocating for more regulations on political donations. The Human Rights Law Centre is also calling on the Albanese government to truly change the status quo. Deaths of UK Headteacher and Family Treated as Homicide, Police Say The deaths of a boarding school headmistress and her husband and daughter in Surrey could be a homicide, police said on Tuesday. Emma Pattison, 45, headmistress of Epsom College in Surrey, England, was found dead in a college property in the early hours on Sunday along with her 39-year-old husband George and 7-year-old daughter Lettie. The family lived at the property. Officers are carrying out a homicide investigation to establish the full chronology and circumstances of the incident. Surrey Police said officers are confident there is no third-party involvement and there is no wider threat or risk to the community. While causes of deaths have not been confirmed, police recovered a firearm registered to George Pattison. Police said he had notified the force of a previous change of address on Feb. 2 as is routine. Due to the short period of time between that contact and this incident, we have made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the force said. Surrey Police said officers found the bodies at around 1:10 a.m. on Sunday after being contacted by the South East Coast Ambulance Service, which confirmed attendance to The Epoch Times but didnt provide further comments. The result of formal identifications has not been published, but police said officers are confident of the identities of the bodies. The causes of deaths will not be confirmed until later this week when post-mortems are expected to be completed. Police dismissed reports that a rifle range in the school was cordoned off, saying the range does not form part of the scene or the inquiries. Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, senior investigating officer on the case, said: This is an incredibly traumatic incident and we are working around the clock to investigate and understand the exact circumstances which led to this point. We understand the public concern and upset, and we will clarify what we can, when we can, while respecting the right to a level of privacy for the families of those who have lost their lives. Edey said the force is cooperating fully with the IOPC in relation to the referral it has made and is waiting for the outcome of the IOPCs assessment of what further action may be required. Until this has been completed, we will be unable to provide further details on a number of matters, he said. Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewells borough commander, said officers are confident that the incident was contained to one address, and there is no risk to the wider public. But to reassure the local communities, there will be heightened police presence in the area in the coming days, he added. If you are concerned about anything at all Id urge you to approach an officer and discuss your concerns with them. They will be ready and happy to help you however they can, he said. A spokesman for the IOPC said: We have received a referral from Surrey police about an incident in Epsom on [Feb. 5] as an officer at the force had contact with Mr. Pattison last week. We are assessing the available information to determine what, if any, further action may be required from us. Police at Epsom College in Surrey, England, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Lucas Cumiskey/PA Media) Boarding students at the college pay more than 42,000 a year and its alumni include Conservative MP Sir Michael Fallon, broadcaster Jeremy Vine, and comedian Tim Vine. Over 850 boys and girls attend the school, which was founded in 1853. Its acting head has been listed as Paul Williams. Epsom College won the top prize at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2022, with judges calling it a beacon of excellence. The school was also named the winner of the Student Wellbeing Award at the October ceremony thanks to its whole-school approach to mental health and the wellbeing of both its staff and pupils. George Pattison was a chartered accountant who was director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016, according to Companies House. PA Media contributed to this report. Disneys Hong Kong Service Omits The Simpsons Episode With China Forced Labor Reference A mobile phone displaying the Disney Plus streaming service in Hong Kong shows a list of episodes of popular U.S. cartoon series "The Simpsons," with episode 12 of season 16 missing from the list, on Nov. 29, 2021. (Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images) Disney appears to have removed from its streaming service in Hong Kong an episode of The Simpsons cartoon that referenced forced labor camps in China, the second time in three years that Disney has done so. The episode One Angry Lisa, which first aired on television last October, was inaccessible on the U.S-based Disney Plus streaming service in Hong Kong. The Financial Times was the first to report the news on Feb. 6 The omitted episode sees Marge Simpson participate in a virtual bike class with the Great Wall of China on the screen, and her instructor says: Behold the wonders of China. Bitcoin mines, forced labor camps where children make smartphones. Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The removal follows the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) imposition of a controversial national security law in Hong Kong in 2020, which imposes up to a life sentence in jail for offenses the CCP defines as secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. This is the second episode of The Simpsons to be removed from the Disney Plus streaming platform in Hong Kong, the first being the episode that made reference to the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in 2021. This undated frame from the Fox series The Simpsons shows the popular cartoon family posing in front of their home: (from left) Lisa, Marge, Maggie, Homer, and Bart Simpson. (Fox Broacasting Co./AP) The pulled episode, Goo Goo Gai Pan, features the Simpsons visit to Tiananmen Square, where they see a joke placard that reads, On this site, in 1989, nothing happened. In 1989 a student-led pro-democracy movement broke out in China. Protesters called for democratic reforms in the Chinese government and staged mass protests in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. On June 4, the CCP sent troops to quash the protests, resulting in the deaths of thousands, according to rights groups estimates. In the episode, the family also visits the embalmed body of former CCP leader Mao Zedong, whom Homer Simpson calls a little angel that killed 50 million people. Under Maos leadership, historians have estimated that millions died during the Cultural Revolution (19661976) movement. In 2020, the company came under fire for partly filming the live-action movie Mulan in the Xinjiang region, where Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are being detained in internment camps. The movie features in its credits a special thanks to CCP agencies that are accused of participating in human rights violations against Uyghurs in the region, prompting calls for a boycott of the film. According to a 2020 report by PEN America, a New York-based nonprofit group focused on defending free speech, U.S. studios investment in theme parks in China serves as a form of business pressure, given that companies would stand to lose billions of dollars if Beijing decided to punish them. Disney, for example, has a 47 percent stake in the Shanghai Disneyland Park, which opened in 2016 and which cost over $5.5 billion to build, the report reads. Forced Labor in China The CCP has been accused of committing genocide against Muslim Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. The United Nations released a report in August 2022 detailing abuses committed by the regime. The U.N. report found that the scale and brutality of the detentions, framed by the CCP as compulsory reeducation camps or vocational skills education centers, likely qualified as a crime against humanity. A perimeter fence surrounds a forced reeducation center in Dabancheng, Xinjiang region, China, on Sept. 4, 2018. (Thomas Peter/Reuters) The extent of arbitrary and discriminatory detention of members of Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim groups may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity, the report said. Basing its findings on statistical analysis, satellite imagery, CCP documents, and 40 interviews with Uyghurs and other affected individuals, the report said that the CCPs campaign in Xinjiang placed undue restrictions on cultural, linguistic, and religious identity and expression; rights to privacy and movement; reproductive rights; as well as with respect to employment and labor rights. In October 2022, some 50 countries signed a joint statement at the U.N. General Assembly urging China to uphold its human rights obligations and release those arbitrarily deprived of their liberty in Xinjiang. The nationswhich include the United States, Japan, the UK, Australia, Germany, and Israelmade up the largest group of countries to publicly condemn Chinas ongoing human rights abuses. Such severe and systematic violations of human rights cannot be justified on the basis of counterterrorism, the joint statement reads. It raised concerns over Chinas refusal to discuss the reports findings. Danella Perez Schmieloz and Andrew Thornebrooke contributed to this report. Earthquake Death Toll Passes 8,700 as Turkey Experiences 285 Aftershocks, 13.5 Million People Reportedly Affected People and rescue teams try to reach trapped residents inside collapsed buildings in Adana, Turkey, on Feb. 6, 2023. (IHA agency via AP) The death toll from the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have exceeded 8,700, with thousands more injured, infrastructure crumbling, and rescue groups struggling to bring aid to the victims. In Turkey, at least 6,234 people are confirmed dead. The Syrian government along with a rescue team operating in the opposition-held northwest region reported at least 2,500 deaths in the country, with the government controlled-provinces of Aleppo, Idlib, Tartous, Latakia, and Hama accounting for over 800 deaths, and the northwest accounting for more than 1,280. Combined, at least 8,734 people have died in Turkey and Syria. In total, at least 3,749 people are estimated to have been injured in Syria. Turkeys injured are estimated to be over 30,000. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the death toll could rise to around 20,000 in the coming days. The first quake, with an epicenter in the Pazarcik district of Turkeys southern Kahramanmaras Province, had a magnitude of 7.8. A second quake of 7.6 magnitude hit the same region nine hours later, worsening the situation. Turkey experienced 285 aftershocks. Approximately 13.5 million people were affected in Turkey, according to authorities. The impacted area spans roughly 280 miles from Adana in the west to Diyarbakir in the east. U.S. President Joe Biden noted that U.S. teams are deploying quickly to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and coordinate other assistance that may be required by people affected by the earthquakes, including health services or basic relief items, a readout of Bidens conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Jan. 6 said. Infrastructure Damage The earthquakes have caused widespread devastation in Turkey. A video shared on Twitter shows innumerable buildings turned to rubble, with only a few tall buildings still standing. Another video shows a building crashing down while people run for safety. In Turkeys southern region, which is home to some of the worst-hit cities, damaged roads and poor internet connections are hampering rescue attempts. In some places, freezing winter weather is also posing a challenge. Families were forced to sleep in cars lined up in the streets. In Kahramanmaras, families wrapped themselves in blankets and gathered around fires to keep themselves warm. The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Turkey (AFAD) is said to have deployed 13,740 search and rescue personnel as well as over 300,000 blankets, 100,000 beds, and 41,000 tents to the region. According to Organ Tatar, an official from AFAD, 5,775 buildings have been destroyed by the quake. The infrastructure is damaged, the roads that we used to use for humanitarian work are damaged, we have to be creative in how to get to the people but we are working hard, U.N. resident coordinator El-Mostafa Benlamlih told Reuters. The earthquake on Monday is Turkeys deadliest since a quake of similar magnitude hit the country in 1999 and killed over 17,000 people. International Aid Response In addition to the United States, the European Union is sending teams for search and rescue operations in Turkey. Similar teams are also being sent from the Netherlands, UK, and Romania. Israel, Germany, and France have also pledged help. #LACoFD USA-2 has been activated by @usaid and is deploying to the Turkey earthquake. The deployment team will consist of 81 personnel, 6 K9 teams, and 3 structural engineers, the L.A. County Fire Department said in a Feb. 7 Twitter post. Iran has sent medicines, food, and tents to Syria. Russias military personnel are helping in recovery efforts in northern Syria with both nations being allies of the Damascus regime. India has dispatched a 99-member medical team equipped with X-ray machines, an oxygen generation plant, and cardiac monitors to set up a 30-bed medical facility. China has announced 40 million yuan ($5.9 million) in emergency aid. The WHO is dispatching medical supplies, including emergency surgical and trauma kits, as well as activating a network of medical teams. The agency expressed concern about areas in Syria and Turkey from where no information has emerged since the earthquake. Elon Musk Names Obscure Agency as Worst Offender in US Government Censorship Tesla and SpaceX Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk speaks at the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition in Washington in a file photo. (Susan Walsh/AP Photo) Twitter CEO Elon Musk has pointed to a little-known government agency as the worst offender in terms of U.S. government censorship and media manipulation, alleging that it flagged Twitter accounts for suppression based on dubious criteria like promoting the lab leak theory of COVID-19 origins. In a series of tweets on Tuesday, Musk named the U.S. State Departments Global Engagement Center (GEC) as a threat to our democracy and pointed to independent journalist Matt Taibbis extensive Jan. 3 thread that delves into the agencys interactions with Twitter on content censorship. The worst offender in US government censorship & media manipulation is an obscure agency called GEChttps://t.co/z6h5975anw Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 6, 2023 Taibbis thread that Musk pointed to for more details on the GECs activity includes internal correspondence among Twitter executives that indicates that even they took a dim view of engagement with the GEC, considering it political and press-happy and as having a track record of actively advancing specific ideological agendas. The Epoch Times has reached out to the GEC with a request for comment but received no response by publication. What Is the GEC? The GEC is an entity within the U.S. government responsible for coordinating and supporting government-wide efforts to counter foreign propaganda and disinformation. Founded in 2011, the agency was originally established as the Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications (CSCC) within the Department of State. Its purpose was to support government agencies in communications activities aimed at countering violent extremism and terrorist organizations. In 2016, the CSCC was transformed into the Global Engagement Center through Executive Order 13721, but its counterterrorism mission remained largely unchanged. The agency says its main objectives are to detect, analyze, and counter disinformation and propaganda from foreign countries, and to promote fact-based narratives and policies to counter malicious influence and disinformation operations aimed at America and its allies. The GEC works with a broad range of partners including other U.S. government agencies, the private sector, and foreign allies. One of its lines of effort is to to play a coordinating role in the U.S. government interagencys public exposure of foreign influence operations. As part of this effort, the GEC accused China of coordinating with Russia to manipulate social media platforms to spread disinformation and push back on international criticism that Beijing didnt do more to halt the spread of COVID-19. Taibbi, in his thread about the GEC, referenced a February 2020 report that the agency published titled Russian Disinformation Apparatus Taking Advantage of Coronavirus Concerns, in which the GEC flagged accounts as Russian personas and proxies based on criteria like Describing the Coronavirus as an engineered bioweapon, blaming research conducted at the Wuhan institute for the virus spread, and attributing the appearance of the virus to the CIA. The report also flagged accounts reposting news that Twitter had banned ZeroHedge after it was accused of coronavirus conspiracy and of doxxing a Chinese scientist, which led to another flurry of disinformation narratives. ZeroHedge had run reports speculating that COVID-19 originated at the Wuhan lab. Russian Disinformation Apparatus? Lea Gabrielle, who at the time oversaw the GEC, told reporters in May 2020 that the agency had identified a new network of inauthentic accounts on Twitter that were meant to boost Chinas narrative that it was not responsible for the global spread of COVID-19. Gabrielle said that proxies of both China and Russia seemed to be working together in a coordinated bot campaign on Twitter to magnify this narrative. Its our assessment that this network could be deployed to allow the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] to rapidly amplify and spread messages around the world, skewing the conversation to its benefit, she told reporters at a press briefing on May 8, 2020. She said it was highly probable that the effort was linked to the CCP, which is currently engaged in an aggressive information campaign to try and reshape the global narrative around COVID. This campaign, she said, involves attempting to paint the regime as a global leader in the response rather than the source of the pandemic. At the time, Twitter pushed back on some of those claims. It said it had received some 5,000 accounts from the GEC and, after carrying out an initial review, concluded that the accounts didnt seem to be supportive of Chinese regime positions. Many of the accounts also belonged to Western government entities, rights organizations, and journalists. A State Department spokesperson said that the accounts it provided to Twitter represented a small sample of a dataset of nearly 250,000 accounts. It is not surprising that there are authentic accounts in any sample, the spokesperson said. Our overall analysis is based on a confluence of factors that drive our assessment, which we stand by. Too Much Even for Censor-Happy Twitter At the time, Twitters then Global Head of Trust & Safety Yoel Roth said in an internal email cited by Taibbi that the GECs blitz on these issues is at least in part an attempt to insert themselves into conversations Twitter had with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI, among others. Roth said in the email that the State Department is a significant voice and not one that Twitter wants to neglect. However, he reminded the Twitter team that they should continue to maintain a distinction between the highly trusted, valued relationships weve built over years with entities with considerable expertise and authority in these domains and other parts of the U.S. government that may engage on these questions from time to time (sometimes in more political ways than others). Other internal correspondence portrayed the GEC as in a rush to share material with media outlets to push a politically motivated narrative that wasnt necessarily based on hard data. The delta between when they share material and when they go to the press continues to be problematic, one of the emails states, per a screenshot shared by Taibbi. Were going over the data rigorously by our own internal standards and not half-baked to meet their media cycle, the unnamed Twitter staffer wrote to their colleagues. Roth wrote in another email that the FBI, which in separate Twitter Files disclosures was portrayed as having a close relationship with Twitter and making numerous content suppression requests, invited GEC representatives to the weekly election security meeting with Twitter despite the social media platforms objections. GECs presence in these meetings is problematic for several reasons, Roth wrote, including that the GEC has a mandate for offensive IO [information operations] to promote American interests. Other objections to working closely with the GEC included a relative lack of discretion and caution from senior GEC leadership in sharing reports/analysis based on shaky methodology and a limited track record of successful collaboration with industry. The emails were part of the 12th installment of the Twitter Files, shared by Taibbi based on records provided by Musk. Previous Twitter Files disclosures shed light on Twitters blacklisting of some conservative accounts, internal deliberations on banning former President Donald Trumps account, and the FBIs alleged role in the suppression of a New York Post story about Hunter Bidens laptop. Cathy He contributed to this report. Everything You Need to Know About the Lab Leak News Analysis Between 2014 and 2019, U.S. tax dollars were funneled to the Wuhan Institute of Virology via EcoHealth Alliance. Given that U.S. scientists have far more virology expertise than the Chinese, this begs an obvious question: what type of research were U.S. tax dollars paying for in Wuhan, China? Dr. Faucis surprising statement in an interview might provide the short answer to this question: You dont want to go to Hoboken, NJ or Fairfax, VA to be studying the bat-human interface that might lead to an outbreak, so you go to China. Given what weve endured for the past three years, Faucis so you go to China comment suggests that he hadnt considered the global implications of a highly transmissible coronavirus leaking from a Chinese lab plagued by serious safety issues. Unwilling to admit that he, EcoHealth Alliance, and their Chinese collaborators, are suspects in one of the largest crimes against humanity, Fauci instead opted to conspire with his boss, Francis Collins, to declare lab leak a destructive conspiracy that must be put down. Sadly, its clear that from the beginning, these two distinguished scientists made up their minds about virus origin without evidence from both sides of the debate. Even worse, renowned scientists that rely on Fauci for their research funding, fearful of sanctions being placed on their lifes work, rallied around the anti-lab leak stance. One of the premier scientific journals, Science, whose political bias has become very apparent, attempted to provide legitimacy to Faucis position by publishing a paper by authors that claimed dispositive evidence that SARS-CoV-2 emerged from an animal at the Wuhan market. This paper allegedly crushed the lab-leak hypothesis, despite leaving much room for debate. The good news is that Big Tech, scientific journals, and most media sources were forced to stop censoring countervailing evidence as it reached critical mass and began spilling over into the public domain. Far from being a conspiracy, there is a lot of evidence that strongly suggests SARS-CoV-2 is an engineered virus that spread from a Wuhan virology lab. Before getting into the evidence that SARS-CoV-2 was engineered and leaked from a lab, lets start a debate around the dispositive evidence that SARS-CoV-2 is natural and emerged from the Wuhan market. The market origin hypothesis is based on four debatable premises The entirety of the dispositive evidence for market origin cited by Dr. Fauci and others can be summed up as follows: 1) Early cases allegedly lived near the market, 2) early SARS-CoV-2 lineages were allegedly associated with the market, 3) wild animals susceptible to COVID-19 were sold at the market, and 4) positive SARS-CoV-2 samples were found in the environment around the market and were allegedly linked to human cases. For many reasons, some of which are discussed here, none of this evidence is anywhere near dispositive. This is why reviewers forced the authors to remove the phrase dispositive evidence as a requirement for publication. Did early cases really live near the market? The Science paper relied on a joint World Health Organization (WHO)-China report to define early cases as those that occurred in December 2019. However, the joint WHO-China report also states: Based on molecular sequence data, the results suggested that the outbreak may have started sometime in the months before the middle of December 2019. This statement seems more in line with other evidence that the pandemic started earlier than December 2019. Urgent communications from the highest levels of the Chinese government circulating at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in November 2019 reported a complex and grave situation at the lab. Was this grave situation the start of a SARS-CoV-2 lab leak unfolding in real-time, weeks before the rest of the world was made aware of the imminent pandemic? There were also multiple reports from Chinese media and even the venerable Lancet that documented initial cases started before December 2019, as well as lab-based evidence of international spread as early as November 2019. Furthermore, shouldnt we be alarmed that a group led by Chinese military scientists applied for a COVID-19 vaccine patent in February 2020? If the first COVID-19 cases really were in December 2019, this means that inexperienced Chinese military researchers somehow managed to produce a COVID-19 vaccine based on traditional, less efficient methodology, in a little over a month. For comparison, it took vaccine giant Pfizer about 9 months to produce their vaccine based on more efficient mRNA methodology. Accurately pinpointing the true start date of the pandemic would allow us to assess how meaningful the early cases data are. If countervailing evidence is correct and cases that preceded December 2019 were missed or ignored, then a dataset beginning in December would most likely lead to flawed conclusions about pandemic origin. Were early virus lineages really associated with the market? In perhaps the clearest evidence of a crime scene coverup, Chinese scientists quietly removed from public databases at least 13 genome sequences representing the earliest SARS-CoV-2 strains. There is no legitimate reason for doing that. Fortunately, the files had been backed up before they were removed, allowing Dr. Jesse Bloom to be the first to retrieve them from Google Cloud and analyze them. This is proof that the Science paper many claimed to have crushed the lab leak was unlikely to be fully representative of the viruses spreading at the start of the pandemic. Adding to the intrigue, one of the authors of the Science paper attempted to intimidate Dr. Bloom so he would not publish his findings. If the evidence for a natural origin of SARS-CoV-2 is so dispositive, why would anyone feel the need to censor an expert like Dr. Bloom? Animals susceptible to COVID-19 were sold at the market but none tested positive Some of the animals trafficked at the market had been experimentally infected with SARS-CoV-2 in labs or deemed theoretically susceptible based on the presence of compatible receptors. However, the WHO-China Report revealed that none of the 457 samples taken from 188 animals at the market tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. A criticism of these negative results is that the market was under-sampled. The SARS-CoV-1 pandemic of 20032004 spread around the world causing about 8,000 documented infections, resulting in about 800 deaths. Chinese scientists mobilized immediately and within a few months discovered an identical virus that naturally occurs in palm civet cats that were sold in Chinese markets. Yet here we are, three years later, thousands of additional animals have been sampled, millions of genomic sequences analyzed, and nothing close to SARS-CoV-2 has yet to be detected in nature. Why is that? Positive environmental samples found at the market were taken too late to infer virus origin SARS-CoV-2-positive environmental samples were detected at the market. However, the samples were taken between January and March 2020. By January, the virus had likely been spreading in Wuhan for more than a month, and had already spread internationally, so how much can we deduce from these samples taken from the heavily trafficked market, weeks after the pandemic started? In fact, those responsible for collecting the samples concluded, The market might have acted as an amplifier due to the high number of visitors every day. In other words, infected people most likely entered the crowded market and spread the virus. Its notable that many of the positive samples came from vendor stalls in which aquatic products, seafood, and vegetables were sold. None of these products could be a natural reservoir for SARS-CoV-2. In fact, the WHO-China report concludes that many of the environmental samples reflect contamination from cases (i.e., infected people) given how widely distributed the virus was by then. The following is a review of some of the lab-based and circumstantial evidence supporting lab leak. Hopefully, this analysis will lay the foundation for honest, thoughtful discussion, leading to a true understanding of the origin of SARS-CoV-2. If we cant have honesty, how will we ever minimize the chances of this happening again? Early strains of SARS-CoV-2 were unnaturally human adapted The natural origin hypothesis contends that SARS-CoV-2 spilled over into humans from an animal in December 2019. A virus that so recently jumped to humans from an animal should not bind to human cells with higher affinity than the animal host it came from. However, at the beginning of the pandemic, Dr. Nikolai Petrovskys lab made the startling discovery that the earliest known strains of SARS-CoV-2 were unnaturally human-adapted. In fact, these strains showed highest affinity for human cell receptors over receptors from bats, pangolins, and about eleven other animals known to harbor coronaviruses. Dr. Petrovsky submitted this important research to a top journal, Nature, in August 2020. In an egregious example of censorship, Nature delayed publishing the paper until June 2021, corresponding to when Dr. Fauci finally admitted that a lab leak could have started the pandemic. There was financial motivation and established methodology for creating pandemic viruses A rejected 2018 grant proposal submitted to DARPA that includes EcoHealth Alliance and Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) collaborators gives us enough information to figure out the motivation and methodology that likely created SARS-CoV-2. The primary goal of the grant was to create a complete inventory of SARS-like coronaviruses taken from several bat caves in China. What follows is a streamlined version of the workflow proposed by the researchers: 1) add the spike proteins from these novel bat coronaviruses to a previously characterized SARS-like bat coronavirus core, and insert genetic modifications to spike proteins for enhanced infectivity if necessary, 2) infect humanized mice with these lab-made viruses, 3) flag chimeric viruses capable of infecting the mice as potential pandemic strains, and 4) prepare spike protein vaccines from these potential pandemic strains and use them to immunize bats in caves (Fig. 1). Fig. 1. Risky research methodology used by EcoHealth Alliance, WIV, and their collaborators to attempt to create bat vaccines. Theres no way of knowing in advance the pandemic potential of unnatural, chimeric SARS-like viruses created in this workflow. The authors of the DARPA proposal discuss the importance of spike protein cleavage by human enzymes such as furin in the ability of coronaviruses to spread optimally and become pandemic strains. Notably, they proposed to insert human-specific cleavage sites (e.g., furin cleavage site, FCS) in spike proteins that lack the functional cleavage sites and then evaluate growth potential of the modified viruses in human cells. They further proposed to modify cleavage sites in highly abundant, low-risk SARS-like viruses taken from Chinese bat caves. These studies are precisely the type of work that could accidentally or intentionally create pandemic viruses. Although the proposal states that chimeric virus work would be done at the University of North Carolina, by Faucis own admission, I cant guarantee everything thats going on in the Wuhan lab, we cant do that. Furthermore, whenever a proposal this large (i.e., a $14 million request) is submitted, a great deal of the work will have already been done in advance to provide the proof of concept needed to sway reviewers. The unique furin cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2 is evidence of genetic engineering Many natural coronaviruses contain an FCS, so why is an FCS in SARS-CoV-2 so suspicious? The answer is that the genomes of thousands of coronaviruses from hundreds of different animals have been sequenced, and its clear that only distant relatives of SARS-CoV-2 have an FCS (see Fig 1A, Table 1). The closest known sibling of SARS-CoV-2, a bat coronavirus named RaTG13, at best weakly infects human cells and lacks an FCS. SARS-CoV is another sibling of SARS-CoV-2, and like all the other known siblings, also lacks an FCS. Without an FCS, SARS-CoV-1 spread around the world in 20032004 but fizzled out after infecting about 8,000 people. A comparison of the short stretch of amino acids in the spike protein clearly reveals the missing FCS in these SARS-CoV-2 siblings (Fig. 2). Fig. 2. Comparison of partial spike protein amino acids showing the FCS of SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., PRRAR), and the lack of FCS in two of its siblings. Different letters represent unique amino acids. Identical amino acids in all three viruses are highlighted in yellow; dashed lines indicate the missing FCS. The unique genetic code of the SARS-CoV-2 furin cleavage site is evidence of genetic engineering In coronaviruses, the blueprint for assembling proteins such as the surface spikes needed for infection lies in their RNA genome. The specific genomic sequence that encodes the short, all-important FCS within the SARS-CoV-2 spike is: CCU CGG CGG GCA CGU. Each three-letter bit of code (i.e., codon) dictates the specific amino acid to be used in building the FCS. Thus, CCU encodes P (for proline), CGG encodes R (for arginine), GCA encodes A (for alanine), and CGU also encodes R. As you can see, there is redundancy in the genetic code (e.g., there are six different codons that a virus can use to encode arginine). The odd feature of the SARS-CoV-2 FCS is the double CGG codons. In fact, CGG is one of the rarest codons in human coronaviruses, yet there just so happens to be two right next to each other in the FCS, one of the most important sequences in the entire 29,903 letters making up the SARS-CoV-2 genome. In fact, these are the only two CGG codons out of the 3,822 letters encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and they are the only instance of a CGG-CGG doublet in any of the closest relatives of SARS-CoV-2. Notably, an arginine-rich FCS enhances the ability of coronaviruses to infect cells. At this point, it should not surprise anyone that CGG codons are the preferred code for genetic engineers who wish to produce an arginine-containing protein in human cells. Its hard to deny that the CGG-CGG in the SARS-CoV-2 FCS is smoking gun-level evidence of genetic tampering. Suspicious cut sites in the SARS-CoV-2 genome are evidence of genetic engineering One method to create chimeric viruses utilizes specialized genome-cutting enzymes called Endonucleases. Endonucleases can be used to cut virus genomes in specific places, then the pieces can be strategically recombined to create chimeric viruses. Cut sites are randomly distributed in the genomes of natural viruses, but they can be precisely inserted or removed by scientists to make chimeric viruses in a laboratory. BsmBI and BsaI are two examples of endonucleases that co-authors of the DARPA grant used in previous work to make chimeric coronaviruses. When present, the distribution of BsmBI and BsaI cut sites in viruses isolated from nature (e.g., SARS-CoV-1) are randomly distributed throughout the genome. Meanwhile, the distribution of cut sites in SARS-CoV-2 appear to be non-random and suggest genetic manipulation in a laboratory (Fig. 3). Curiously, a previous study involving EcoHealth Alliance described the insertion of two BsaI cut sites in a bat coronavirus called WIV1 (i.e., Wuhan Institute of Virology 1), allowing scientists to make changes to the spike protein (see S9 Fig. Spike substitution strategy). Two BsaI cut sites can be found in the SARS-CoV-2 genome (Fig. 3) in the same location as BsaI cut sites engineered into WIV1 back in 2017. The astronomical odds of this being coincidence cannot be overstated. According to the authors, BsaI or BsmBI sites were introduced into the [spike]. Then any spike could be substituted into the genome of [lab engineered WIV1] through this strategy. The same strategy might have been used in the construction of what would become the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Fig. 3. Distribution of BsmBI and BsaI cut sites in the genomes of the two pandemic SARS viruses. SARS-CoV-1 is a natural virus with cut sites that are randomly distributed, while distribution of cut sites in the SARS-CoV-2 genome appear to be non-random. The black bar represents the location of the spike gene; the FCS region is highlighted in red. BsaI can be used to cut out and replace most of the SARS-CoV-2 spike, including FCS, to alter virus infectivity. Strong circumstantial evidence supports the lab-leak hypothesis Three years into the current pandemic, with thousands of animals sampled and millions of genome sequences analyzed, nothing close to SARS-CoV-2 has been found in nature. In stark contrast to 20032004, Chinas early response to COVID-19 was disappearing scientists and journalists, obfuscation, and deflecting blame for starting the pandemic away from themselves onto everything from the US Army to imported frozen fish. This is exactly the type of behavior you might expect from a guilty party. No one (except maybe the dishonest Chinese government) has ever denied that the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic is Wuhan, China. But what are the odds that such an explosive outbreak originated at the Wuhan market? This is just one market out of about 40,000 markets scattered around China, and it happens to be a few miles away from a lab that in 2017 became the first high-security virology lab on the Chinese mainland. Here, a counterargument is that SARS-CoV-1 was a natural spillover from a market, so theres precedence. But even the far less transmissible SARS-CoV-1, not long after being brought into the lab for study, eventually leaked with fatal consequences. The origin of SARS-CoV-2 is the most important question of the pandemic, with implications that extend exponentially beyond scoring political points. At the start of the pandemic, even the journal Nature was sounding the alarm about the increasing role Chinas military has been playing in secretive biomedical research in China. Yet, three years later all we have is obfuscation from China and Fauci and nothing even close to a natural ancestor of SARS-CoV-2. Throughout the pandemic, people parroted empty phrases like Follow the science without really following the science. So, lets do that, lets Ffollow the science (and the logic), because the genetic and circumstantial evidence for lab leak is impossible for any reasonable person to deny. From the Brownstone Institute Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Experts Call on US Officials to Explain Why Natural Immunity Was Downplayed Martin Kulldorff, a founding fellow of Hillsdale College's Academy for Science and Freedom, at the Hillsdale College Kirby Center in Washington on March 17, 2022. (Bao Qiu/The Epoch Times) Experts are calling on U.S. officials to explain why theyve repeatedly downplayed natural immunity in favor of COVID-19 vaccines, suggesting the impetus could be funding from vaccine makers. While the vaccines have been hyped by Dr. Rochelle Walensky and other top federal officials, post-infection immunity, or natural immunity, has been described as inferior despite numerous studies showing otherwise, the experts noted in a new document. Walensky, the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the agency repeatedly urged people with natural immunity to get vaccinated despite studies showing the former was already strong and long-lasting. Walensky in 2021 in press releases and television appearances championed several CDC papers, one of which concluded vaccination after infection improved protection and another that found vaccine-bestowed protection was superior to natural immunity. But a more comprehensive study published afterward was not promoted by Walensky or the CDC, the experts pointed out. Walensky and others also gathered in secret to consider whether the naturally immune should be advised to get fewer vaccine doses. They decided against offering such guidance. The surprising and stunning thing is that you have these high-level scientists who de facto denied natural immunity or COVID-acquired immunity, Martin Kulldorff, an epidemiologist who is on leave from Harvard University, told The Epoch Times. Kulldorff is part of the Norfolk Group, which released the new document. Its titled Questions for a COVID-19 Commission and is meant for policymakers and officials who are able to question Walensky and others who influenced the U.S. pandemic response. The group also hopes that a COVID-19 commission will be convened to probe how the pandemic was handled. One hearing is scheduled for Feb. 8. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is set to question Walensky, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf, and several other health officials. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who hosted Kulldorff and others for a hearing in 2022, called the document a must read from doctors who have consistently fought to seek the truth about COVID & our response to it. He called for more hearings on the pandemic response. The Norfolk Group also includes, among others, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford University epidemiologist who co-signed the Great Barrington Declaration with Kulldorff, Leslie Bienen, a professor at the Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, and Steven Templeton, an immunology expert at the Indiana University School of Medicine. We have detailed evidence that was available at each time point during the pandemic, and have documented instances where the U.S. health agencies, officials, and politicians ignored or suppressed discussion of that evidence, Templeton wrote on his blog. The position that natural immunity was inferior to vaccination led to many other aspects of the response going wrong, including the shutdown and continued closure of schools, Kulldorff said. The CDC did not respond to a request for comment. The CDC and the FDA have received funding from Pfizer and other vaccine makers. Did CDC decision makers have conflicts of interest in questioning the role of infection-acquired immunity in protection from severe COVID-19? the document asks. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, speaks in Washington on June 16, 2022. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Failure to Protect the Elderly COVID-19 is most harmful to the elderly. That fact, along with the harms that lockdown-style policies bring, motivated the Great Barrington Declaration, which called for focused protection on those at high risk from the illness while allowing people who face little risk to live their lives normally to build up immunity to the virus through natural infection. The document drew fierce opposition from a swath of experts, including Walensky, who was at the time with Harvard Medical School. Walensky signed a response document stating that any pandemic management strategy relying upon immunity from natural infections for COVID-19 is flawed and that there is no evidence for lasting protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 following natural infection. Dr. Anthony Fauci, a lockdown proponent, also spoke out against the strategy. One line of questioning should examine why the policies promoted by Fauci and others failed to protect the elderly and others at high risk, the Norfolk Group said. About 40 percent of U.S. deaths attributed to COVID-19 have been residents of long-term care facilities like nursing homes. While partially due to frailty and declining health of nursing home residents, the high mortality rate was also due to a failure to limit transmission from other residents, staff, and visitors, the group said. They urged investigations into why the governors of some states, including New York, allowed infected residents to be discharged from hospitals back into these homes and why staff members sometimes rotated between facilities, even at the height of the pandemic. U.S. officials declined to advance investigations into the states in question, including New York, where a task force said (pdf) there were credible reviews indicating the states policy that nursing homes could not refuse residents who had COVID-19 did lead to some number of additional deaths. Encouraging facilities to hire naturally immune staff would have helped lower rates of infection and thus transmission, the Norfolk Group said. Instead, federal officials imposed a COVID-19 vaccine mandate on healthcare facilities that does not acknowledge natural immunity. The mandate is one of the few that have survived to this day. FBI Whistleblower Interviewed by GOP House Committee, Top Republican Confirms Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, strikes the gavel to start a hearing on U.S. southern border security on Capitol Hill in Washington on Feb. 1, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) confirmed Tuesday that his committee conducted a transcribed interview with an FBI whistleblower while his panel investigates the Department of Justice and bureau. Weve now had dozens of whistleblowers come talk to House Republican staff on the Judiciary Committee, Jordan said in a news conference. In fact, one of [the whistleblowers] is testifying in a transcribed interview as we speak. An FBI whistleblower is testifying to Republicans on Tuesday about how the Justice Department is operating in such a political fashion and manner, Jordan said. The identity of the whistleblower wasnt disclosed, but at least a dozen whistleblowers have come forward to Jordan in recent months to talk about the alleged politicization of the FBI and DOJ. The FBI declined to comment on Jordans statement Tuesday. On Tuesday morning, Jordan promised the House Judiciary Committee will bring more accountability to the Biden administration, asserting that everything has gotten worse. After two years, he added, we have a government that now, I believe, is targeting the people it is supposed to serve, saying: It is supposed to be equal treatment under the law. Republicans recently formed a panel to investigate the weaponization of federal agencies, while Judiciary Republicans have launched investigations into how the FBI has handled its investigations into classified documents that were in the possession of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. In August, days after the FBI raided Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida for allegedly classified materials, Jordan told Fox News that over a dozen whistleblowers came forward with various complaints about the bureau. Fourteen FBI agents have come to our office as whistleblowers, and they are good people, Jordan said at the time. There are lots of good people in the FBI. Its the top that is the problem. Some of these good agents are coming to us, telling us whats going onthe political nature now of the Justice Department talking about the school board issue, about a whole host of issues, he added. Other Activity Last week, in an unrelated investigation, Jordan sent subpoenaswhich were reviewed by The Epoch Timesto FBI Director Christopher Wray, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona regarding Garlands directive and memo issued in October 2021 about investigations into alleged threats against school board members and teachers. The three officials have until March 1 to produce communications and documents to the Judiciary Committee related to the misuse of federal criminal and counterterrorism resources. Since October 2021, Judiciary Committee Republicans have sent over one hundred letters to Biden Administration officials requesting answers about how the Administration used federal counterterrorism resources against American parents, the House Judiciary Committee said in a later news release about the subpoenas. The FBI told The Epoch Times on Feb. 3 that the bureau received the subpoena but stressed that neither Wray nor other FBI officials were targeting individuals for their speech. Instead, the bureau is investigating potential threats of violence, the FBI statement said. The FBI has never been in the business of investigating speech or policing speech at school board meetings or anywhere else, and we never will be. Our focus is and always will be on protecting people from violence and threats of violence, a spokesperson for the FBI said. We are fully committed to preserving and protecting First Amendment rights including the right to free speech. The subpoenas came after a DOJ official in January told Jordan in a letter that documents and information related to various investigations wont be released to his panel. Also, this week, Jordan and House Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) sent more letters to former U.S. officials about their 2020 statement that a laptop purported to belong to Hunter Biden was part of a Russian disinformation plot. The Judiciary Committee made prior requests to you for documents and information about the public statement you signed in October 2020 that falsely implied The New York Posts reporting about Hunter Biden was the product of Russian disinformation, the lawmakers wrote, reported The Washington Times. Those officials include former CIA Director John Brennan, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, former National Security Agency Director Michael Hayden, and former Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Michael Vickers, the paper reported. You have been on notice about our oversight requestsand aware the requests are outstandingfor months, they added. Accordingly, we reiterate our requests and ask that you comply promptly. Florida Bar Association Announces 4 Attorneys Have Been Suspended Four attorneys in Florida have been suspended and a fifth has been reprimanded by the state Supreme Court, the Florida Bar announced in January. According to its website, the Florida Bars core functions are to prosecute unethical lawyers through the Attorney Discipline system and to administer a client protection fund to cover certain financial losses a client might suffer due to misappropriation by a lawyer. Attorney suspension occurs as a disciplinary action when a lawyer faces an ethical complaint, undergoes an investigation, and is subsequently found to have violated professional conduct rules, according to Zavieh Law. Following a suspension, attorneys have 10 days to inform their clients, co-counsel, and opposing counsel. They may not take on any new clients and must return all client property and files and refund any unearned money sitting in a trust fund. The Suspensions L. Jean Berry of Clearwater, Florida, was suspended and found in contempt of court, effective 30 days following a court order (pdf) issued Jan. 5 for noncompliance and failure to respond to official bar inquiry (pdf). As a sanction, Berry was suspended from the practice of law in the state of Florida effective Jan. 1. The court further ordered that she close out her practice. The Florida Bar also requested that Berry pay administrative costs of $1,250. The link to her firms website is broken, but the Yelp listing, still functional, says her practice dealt with elder law. Anton Aggrey Gammons of Orlando, Florida, was suspended for six months on Jan. 26 for engaging in sexual conduct with a client. According to court documents (pdf), Gammons was retained by the client on Sept. 7, 2021. In November 2021, Gammons went to the clients home to collect his legal fees. The client asked him to come back later in the day. When Gammons returned, he engaged in sexual conduct with his client. Gammons later withdrew from the case, citing alleged drug use by the client, which Gammons said was harming the clients legal defense. When Gammons provided the client with his final invoice, she threatened to release a video she claimed to have made of their sexual encounter and demanded a full refund, court documents state. Bert Moore of Crestview, Florida, was suspended for one year following a Jan. 26 court order (pdf). Moore was retained in 2017 to file a claim on behalf of a client who alleged her boyfriend had posted sexually explicit photos of her on the internet without her knowledge or consent. Moore miscalculated the 30-day filing deadline, resulting in the dismissal of his clients case. He paid his client $15,000 over the course of a year to try to make up for the mistake. However, the client demanded an additional $3,000, harassing Moore for several months through text messages, and threatened to file a complaint. When Moore refused to pay more, she filed the complaint. Hanna Renna of Elmira, New York, was suspended for 90 days. While representing a criminal defendant, Renna took the deposition of a minor witness who had identified Rennas client as the perpetrator from a photo lineup. Unknown to the state and the witness, Renna printed copies of the photo lineup and renumbered them, substituting the photograph of her client with a photo of a different person. Renna then relied in part on the misidentification to file a motion to suppress. Renna was also directed to attend an ethics workshop. The Reprimand Heather Quick is the owner and managing partner of Florida Womens Law Group in Jacksonville, Florida. According to court documents (pdf), Quicks firm was retained to represent a client in a divorce matter. The associate assigned to the case resigned from the firm. Subsequently, the client ended the firms services and demanded a refund. Quick returned a portion of the retainer, attributing the delay to a breakdown in her firms policies and procedures. Following a review of Quicks trust account, the Florida Bars auditor determined the delay in processing the refund was an unintentional error. Quick received a public reprimand and was ordered by the court to attend the Florida Bar Ethics School. Quick is still eligible to practice law in Florida. Florida Legislature Considers More Illegal Immigrant Flights Illegal immigrants wait outside the Migrant Resource Center to receive food from the San Antonio Catholic Charities in San Antonio, Texas, on Sept. 19, 2022. (Jordan Vonderhaar/Getty Images) The Florida state Legislature is set to decide whether to spend $10 million flying illegal immigrants to other places in the United States. In September 2022, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sent two planes carrying 49 mostly Venezuelan illegal immigrants apprehended at the Texas-Mexico border to the Marthas Vineyard, an affluent Massachusetts resort island where former President Barack Obama owns a mansion. DeSantis later signaled that he might arrange more flights to other Democratic strongholds like Delaware and Illinois. In a proposal introduced Monday, Republican state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia argued that Florida should establish a three-year Unauthorized Alien Transport Program to further the governors efforts. The Federal Government has failed to secure the nations borders and has allowed a surge of inspected unauthorized aliens to enter the United States, the language of the proposal reads. The Federal Government has proven itself unwilling to address this crisis. The proposed program is meant to mitigate the effects of the border crisis on the Sunshine State by facilitating the transport of inspected unauthorized aliens within the United States, Ingoglia wrote. If established, the program would be overseen by Floridas Transportation Department. The first year of the program would cost $10 million. To put it in perspective, the price tag of two flights to Marthas Vineyard was 615,000 for 50 passengers. The governors office has revealed that those one-way plane tickets were paid for using interest generated from federal pandemic relief money. Ingoglias proposal will be discussed at this weeks special session, during which lawmakers will also address the plan to dismantle Disneys self-governing Reedy Creek special district. Should the legislature not make any changes prior to June 1, Reedy Creek will be dissolved on that date, with Disney losing the privileges it has enjoyed since the late 1960s when Walt Disney expanded the company east from California to Florida. The Democrats in the state Legislature criticized the session, saying that it serves no purpose other than helping the governor with his future political bid. Florida taxpayer dollars are being used for the governor to campaign for president, said Sen. Jason Pizzo, the minority leader pro tempore. Florida Declares Emergency In January, DeSantis declared a state of emergency, directing the states National Guard and agencies to support local governments to deal with the influx of illegal immigrants landing on Floridas shores. The number of individuals attempting to come to the United States and unauthorized alien interdictions in and around Florida has risen to alarming levels not seen for decades, the Republican governor said, noting that this could continue to overburden the local governments throughout his state. From august 2022 to the present, federal, state, and local officials have interdicted approximately 8,042 migrants in Floridas territorial waters alone, he added. The very stable geniuses at Truth Social are upset DeSantis intends to run against Trump in the 2024 presidential election. So they are resorting to calling him a "groomer," which is MAGA-speak for "people I don't like." Someone posted a blurry photo of what might be a young DeSantis sitting with three women of indeterminate age, along with the caption, "Here is Ron DeSanctimonious grooming high school girls with alcohol as a teacher." That's all it took for Trump to dutifully retweet (or is it Retruth as they say there) the Truth Social post, with the sly comment "That's not Ron, is it? He would never do such a thing!" I love it when fanatics attack each other for failing their purity test. Florida Legislature Set to Dissolve Disneys Special Self-Governing Status In a special legislative session this week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will seek to dissolve Disney Worlds special status, permanently ending the corporate kingdom and bringing it under state control. According to DeSantiss office, the legislation will end Disneys self-governing status and impose a state-controlled, term-limited board appointed by the governor to run whats now called the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The legislation would allow the state to tax Disney for possible road projects outside the districts boundaries. It would ensure Disney, not the taxpayers, pays $700 million in unsecured debt. It would keep control of the district out of the hands of what the governors office called the leftist local government in Orange County, which it said had threatened to leverage the situation to raise local taxes. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks after being sworn in to begin his second term during an inauguration ceremony outside the Old Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. on Jan. 3, 2023. (Lynne Sladky/AP Photo) It would impose state law so that Disney no longer received preferential treatment. It would prevent Disney from gaining more land by eminent domain and create an avenue to compel Disney to contribute to local infrastructure. The Florida Legislature with then-Gov. Claude Kirks signature created the district in 1967, which gifted extraordinary special privileges to a single corporation, the governors office said. Until Gov. DeSantis acted, the Walt Disney Company maintained sole control over the district. This power amounted to an unaccountable Corporate Kingdom. Florida is dissolving the Corporate Kingdom and beginning a new era of accountability and transparency. The powers to be eliminated, the governors office said, include full self-governing status with a Disney-selected board; the ability to build airports and nuclear facilities; acquisition of property beyond the districts territory by condemnation and eminent domain; unilateral boundary changes; no-bid procurement of construction contracts; operating standards that varied from Florida Statute; and exemptions from regulatory reviews and approvals that other companies must navigate. House Bill 9B was filed on Feb. 6. Republicans have supermajority control of both chambers of the legislature. It provides that Reedy Creek be renamed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The detailed description of the property takes up nearly 80 pages of the 189-page bill. Last year, the legislature passed a bill at the Republican DeSantiss request to provide the Reedy Creek district end by June 1, 2023. But that bill left open questions about Disneys bond debt of nearly a billion dollars, with the possibility that taxpayers of Osceola and Orange counties, in which the district is located, might be held liable. DeSantis has frequently criticized Disneys jumping into the political arena to back leftist causes. Disney is one of the largest employers in the state, and Walt Disney World is one of the worlds most popular theme park attractions. Disney workers in Florida gather in front of Walt Disney World on Sept. 26, 2021, to oppose vaccine mandates. (Courtesy of Nick Caturano) Last April, DeSantis signed a bill to dissolve Reedy Creeks special tax status weeks after the companys CEO criticized a Florida law that barred teachers from encouraging classroom discussions about sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through grade 3, or in a manner that is not age-appropriate. The two-week special session, which began on Feb. 6, will also deal with giving the state the power to fly migrants to other states and giving the statewide prosecutor the power to investigate election fraud cases, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Democrats quoted by the Sentinel variously attributed the special session to DeSantiss presidential ambitions, his upcoming book tour, and his desire to squeeze contributions out of Disney before the regular legislative session begins on March 7. The Republican leadership has proven to basically be his janitor and clean up whatever needs cleaning up, state Rep. Dotie Joseph (D-Miami) was quoted in the Sentinel as saying. What we are seeing with most of our Republican colleagues is they dont care about accountability and want to give the governor carte blanche to do whatever he wants to do. Not Rated | 2 hrs 5 min | Drama Romance | Aug. 20, 1936 Romeo and Juliet is the quintessential love story. The pair of star-crossed lovers from fair Verona were glorified by William Shakespeares pen, but the immortal pen didnt invent the story. The tragic love story drew inspiration from an ancient Greek tale. The immortal bards work has been adapted into countless operas, ballets, and films. Although most people are familiar with the 1968 movie of Romeo and Juliet or the modern retelling with Leonardo DiCaprio from 1996, there is an earlier film of the story that deserves to be rediscovered. In 1936, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. made a lavish film of Romeo and Juliet. It was the first English-language talkie adaptation of the story, and it starred Hollywood royalty. Romeo was played by distinguished British actor Leslie Howard, who would be immortalized by his role as Ashley in Gone With the Wind three years later. Juliet was played by Norma Shearer, who was called the Queen of MGM because of her marriage to the films producer, boy wonder Irving Thalberg. Mercutio was played by stage and screen star John Barrymore of the famous Barrymore family. Supporting actors included screen veterans C. Aubrey Smith, Edna May Oliver, Reginald Denny, and Andy Devine. The film was directed by Academy Award winner George Cukor. Romeo (Leslie Howard) courts Juliet (Norma Shearer), in Romeo and Juliet. (MovieStillsDB) A Traditional Production Just about everyone knows the story of the young lovers from feuding families, and the script is largely based on the original text. In fact, much Shakespearean dialogue was included, unabridged and without being watered down. Even many lengthy soliloquies were included for the two leads, offering insight into their thoughts and feelings. All the actors had the theatrical training and refined accents to deliver the eloquent prose convincingly, even in rhyme at times. When John Barrymore is the most American actor in your principal cast, you know you have an elite group. Renowned actor John Barrymore played Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. (MovieStillsDB) Herbert Stothart, MGMs main composer in the 1930s, wrote the score for this film. He based it on the famous themes in Tchaikovskys Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, but he didnt just use the overplayed love theme. He also utilized the beautiful leitmotifs that represent the different characters and their interactions. The biggest complaint about the casting, which was lodged upon the films original release, was that many of the principal actors were too old for their characters, particularly the titular lovers. At the time of filming, Norma Shearer was 34, playing the nearly 13-year-old Juliet. Leslie Howard was 43, playing the 18-year-old Romeo. John Barrymore was 54, playing Romeos friend Mercutio. Despite having long heard about these obvious age disparities, I was surprised by how little it bothered me upon actually watching the film. All the actors embodied their characters so thoroughly that I found myself being totally carried away by the story. Also, makeup, costumes, and hairstyling were used very effectively to make the title couple look youthful and fresh. I was especially impressed by the acting choices that Shearer employed to make herself seem like a young girl, such as her hand positions, tone of voice, and facial expressions. Barrymores Mercutio doesnt look like a boy anymore, but his performance is invested enough to make us believe that he is a middle-aged idler who enjoys wine, women, and song with the foolish impetuosity of a young man. Thankfully, the age of these characters is not emphasized too strongly, so it seems less important. Life Imitates Art This is the last film that Irving Thalberg completed before his untimely death. For years, he had wanted to make a film of Romeo and Juliet as a vehicle for his wife, but Louis B. Mayer thought Shakespeare was too highbrow for movie audiences. (LR) Romeo (Leslie Howard), Mercutio (John Barrymore), and Benvolio (Reginald Denny), in Romeo and Juliet. (MovieStillsDB) However, the announcement of the Warner Bros. film A Midsummer Nights Dream in 1935 made him change his mind. Thalberg was an intellectual who appreciated high forms of culture and art, so he endeavored to elevate the medium of cinema to the Shakespearean level rather than dumb down the source materials. In fact, according to Shakespeare in the Movies by Douglas Brode, Thalberg said that his goal was to make the production what Shakespeare would have wanted had he possessed the facilities of cinema. Behind and Beyond the Scenes The lives of this movies three central actors were touched with tragedy. John Barrymore died in 1942 at age 60 from cirrhosis of the liver, coupled with pneumonia and other ailments likely brought on by decades of alcoholism. He was brought to the hospital after collapsing during a radio program rehearsal, ironically right after reciting the Romeo and Juliet line Soft! What light through yonder window breaks? According to Michael A. Morrisons John Barrymore, Shakespearean Actor, that was the last line that The Great Profile would speak in his acting career. In 1943, Leslie Howard died at age 50 when an airplane on which he was flying to promote the British cause during World War II was shot down by German planes over the Atlantic Ocean. Although Norma Shearer would live to an old age, her life was touched by tragedy. On Sept. 14, 1936, her beloved husband died at 37. Although everyone had long known that he suffered from a heart condition, which would undoubtedly shorten his life, it was still a shock to the mother of two to lose her young husband after only nine years of marriage. It was bitterly ironic that he died on the night of the films Los Angeles premiere. Perhaps Norma Shearer drew on her own fears for her husbands health and life as she wept over Romeos lifeless body in the film, knowing that one day, perhaps very soon, she would weep over her own husband in real life. A Beautiful Love Story Romeo and Juliet is a beautiful love story that still is very poignant today. Although reading Shakespeares text is always an educational experience, his poetic words were meant to be spoken and heard so that their unique sounds could be enjoyed aloud. Although no film can compare to the magic of live theater, I highly recommend the Thalberg production as a film version of this story. Particularly beautiful is the scene of their wedding night. After Romeo climbs a rope ladder to Juliets balcony, the camera pans across ethereal footage of gentle nature at rest. Tchaikovskys lovely themes are the perfect accompaniment to the imagery of rippling ponds, rustling leaves, and slumbering flowers. When we see the young couple again, they are gently reclining in her chamber, talking of their love. Its a beautifully pure interpretation of a sacred relationship, which is so often sullied by indiscreet portrayals. This movie is very artistic, lavish, and beautiful. In a time when most content we see is so ugly, its extremely refreshing to enjoy beautiful art for its own resplendent sake. This Valentines Day, celebrate true love with this story of the doomed young couple from Verona. Just like Romeo and Juliet, Norma Shearer and Irving Thalberg were proof that true love is worth overcoming your differences, even if its short-lived. Lobby card publicizing Romeo and Juliet. (MovieStillsDB) Romeo and Juliet Director: George Cukor Starring: Leslie Howard, Norma Shearer, John Barrymore MPAA Rating: Not Rated Running Time: 2 hour, 5 minutes Release Date: Aug. 20, 1936 Rated: 5 stars out of 5 Google Announces Bard, an AI Chatbot Rival to ChatGPT Google on Monday announced a new artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot called Bard that will rival the currently popular ChatGPT. Two years ago we unveiled next-generation language and conversation capabilities powered by our Language Model for Dialogue Applications (or LaMDA for short), Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in a blog post. Weve been working on an experimental conversational AI service, powered by LaMDA, that were calling Bard. Google is opening up the technology to trusted testers before making it more widely available to the public, he said. Google plans to let individual developers, creators, and enterprises try its conversational services, initially powered by LaMDA with a range of models to follow, starting next month, he added. Pichai also said Google plans to integrate AI features such as LaMDA into its dominant search engine to help generate responses for more complex queriesquestions where theres no one right answer. Currently, Google works by indexing content from the billions of webpages that it crawls, and then ranking it by order of relevance to users queries. Soon, youll see AI-powered features in Search that distill complex information and multiple perspectives into easy-to-digest formats, so you can quickly understand the big picture and learn more from the web: whether thats seeking out additional perspectives, like blogs from people who play both piano and guitar, or going deeper on a related topic, like steps to get started as a beginner, he said, although he didnt provide a specific timeline for the rollout. Minutes after Google unveiled Bard on Monday, Microsoft announced it is holding a press event on Tuesday at its Redmond headquarters. Reports speculate the company is expected to announce an AI integration into its search engine Bing. Rival to Microsoft-Backed ChatGPT Googles announcement of Bard comes just two weeks after Microsoft announced a new multibillion-dollar investment into OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools. Microsoft has been a multibillion-dollar investor in OpenAI since 2019. ChatGPT has reached tens of millions of users since its release as a free prototype to the public on Nov. 30, 2022. At times, the AI service turned away users because of explosive growth. Its yet unclear how Bard is different from ChatGPT. Pichai said the new service draws on information from the internet, while ChatGPTs knowledge is up to date as of 2021. According to a demo of Bard, the service, just like ChatGPT, tells users to provide it with a prompt. Users are told they can use Bard to Plan a friends baby shower, Compare two Oscar nominated movies, and Get lunch ideas based on whats in your fridge. The demo also shows Bard generating three bulleted answers to a query asking about new discoveries by a space telescope. Bard can be an outlet for creativity, and a launchpad for curiosity, Pichai wrote. He didnt say whether Bard could write prose like William Shakespeare, who may have inspired the services name. Pichai said that Google is relying on a lightweight model version LaMDA that requires significantly less computing power so that it can service more users, thereby allowing for more user feedback. Well combine external feedback with our own internal testing to make sure Bards responses meet a high bar for quality, safety and groundedness in real-world information, wrote Pichai. LaMDA had previously generated text in such a manner that one of Googles engineers warned that it could be sentient. GOP-Manchin Efforts to Block Bidens Woke Investing Rule Backed by More Than 100 Conservative Leaders and Groups A resolution introduced by Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) to prevent the Biden administration from promoting a woke capital agenda has the support of more than 100 conservative leaders and organizations. The support was organized by former Vice President Mike Pences political advocacy group, Advancing American Freedom (AAF), which released a letter to Congress on Feb. 7 outlining the groups concerns. Every Republican senator and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) brought the legislation forward on Feb. 1 attempting to stop a Department of Labor rule that permits retirement plan managers to take environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into account when making investment choices. AAF asserts that this rule politicizes the retirement savings of 152 million Americans. Forcing Americans into ESG investment is not only politically inappropriate, it is also financially irresponsible, AAF executive director Paul Teller said in a letter addressed to Congress. According to research from the University of Chicago, mutual funds scoring highly on ESG factors are constantly outperformed by funds rated lowest for ESG. Moreover, 85 percent of the country does not even know what ESG is, and therefore would not be aware of the financial risks their retirement account managers are subjecting them to when they actively pursue ESG investment decisions. The letter was signed by groups that included Americans for Prosperity, American-Chinese Fellowship, and Heritage Action for America. Along with the letter, Advancing American Freedom unveiled the third legislative agenda in its Future of Freedom series, proposing measures to undo President Joe Bidens ESG rulemaking, safeguard American retirees, and empower Americans involved to vote their shares. The woke capital agenda of the Biden administration needs to be cast aside for common sense policies that protect American retirees, said Advancing American Freedom founder Pence. The American people deserve accountability for their hard-earned savings and reassurance that the encroaching of ESG is overturned. Senate Republicans, along with Manchin, introduced the legislation to end the new ESG rule due to concerns about political influence on retirement savings. Just days later, Republican House Financial Services Committee leaders established a first-of-its-kind task group to coordinate the response to ESG movement-related ideas, as The Epoch Times previously reported. According to a press release shared with The Epoch Times by Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizengas (R-Mich.) office, the working groups goal is to counter the danger that individuals on the extreme left who are advocating ESG measures pose to capital markets. Unofficial Chinese Police Stations in Canada May Contribute to Forced Return of People to China: Acting RCMP Director A Chinese state-media outlet lists this single-storey commercial building in Markham, Ont., as one of three overseas Chinese police stations in Canada. (Michelle Hu/The Epoch Times) Secret Chinese police stations allegedly operating in Canada and in dozens of countries around the world are a cause for concern in regard to the forced return of individuals to China as well as intimidation of individuals family members at home and abroad, says a senior RCMP officer. There is a collective concern on this topic, which has been expressed both domestically and internationally. This is not only because these alleged police stations have been reported to be operating in the Greater Toronto Area, but also reportedly around the globe, said Brigitte Gauvin, RCMP acting director for federal policing and national security, testifying at the House committee on Canada-China relations on Feb. 6. This is concerning for several reasons. These alleged police stations may contribute to the involuntary return of individuals to China. Also, families living in both China and Canada may become the target of harassment, intimidation, or experience other negative consequences. Gauvin noted that the activities of the Chinese police stations would be operating outside of existing Canadian legal mechanisms if they are proven to be consistent with the media reports and the reports published by Safeguard Defenders. Safeguard Defenders, a Spain-based human rights NGO, brought the worlds attention to the overseas Chinese service stations in a report released in September 2022. The report, titled 110 Overseas: Chinese Transnational Policing Gone Wild, investigated claims made by the Chinese authorities that, as part of a nationwide campaign to combat telecommunication fraud committed by Chinese nationals living abroad, an estimated 230,000 individuals had been persuaded to return to face criminal proceedings in China between April 2021 and July 2022. Safeguard Defenders noted that Beijings campaign, which started on a humble scale in 2018, was bolstered by the overseas police stations, whose number is clearly expanding rapidly. The NGOs September 2022 report identified 54 police stations operated by two provincial-level police bureaus in China. An update report, published in December 2022, identified two other provincial-level police jurisdictions in China that have also been running similar outposts, bringing the total known Chinese police service stations to 102, with an overall presence in 53 countries. What raised particular concerns, as reported by Safeguard Defenders, was that some of those police stations have also allegedly targeted non-suspects, using methods including intimidation, harassment, and threats against the targets family members in China. When asked about the response of GTA residents when approached by the RCMP for interviews in relation to those Chinese police stations, Gauvin said some showed signs of fear of retribution. Certain people are reluctant [to speak with the RCMP] due to a fear of retaliation on the part of these foreign actors, she said, adding that the RCMP is fully cognizant of the fact that there are some family members of those individuals who are still in China and also back home in Canada who may be subjected to intimidation. Chinese Police Stations in Canada RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, who also testified at the House committee on Canada-China relations on Feb. 6, confirmed that the police are currently looking at three of the police stations in Toronto and one in Vancouver. This is the first time that the RCMP confirmed the number of Chinese police service stations in Canada. Following the reports released by Safeguard Defenders, the RCMP issued a statement in November 2022 saying they have begun an investigation into the matter, and urged any witnesses to share information with police. The commissioner ensured the public that they can share information with the police in several secure ways, adding that police in uniform have been deployed in marked police vehicles to the Chinese police stations in Toronto. The specific addresses of the three stations in Toronto were mentioned in a local Chinese government news release: one is in a convenience store in Scarborough, one is at a residential home in Markham, and the third is on a property that also serves as the headquarters of the Canada Toronto FuQing Business Association (CTFQBA), a federally incorporated non-profit. Lucki declined to provide a specific timeline as to when the RCMPs investigation will conclude. She also confirmed that no one has been arrested or deported for their affiliation with the police stations. Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said no diplomatic credentials have been revoked from any Chinese officials in Canada. There will be no tolerance for this or any other form of intimidation, harassment, or harmful targeting of Canadians or individuals within Canada, and Canada will continue to stand for our interests and values, both here at home and abroad, he told MPs at the Feb. 6 committee. Death has always been a mystery to human beings. What can people see or feel when they are dying? Scientists who recorded the brain waves of a dying patient may have insights into the mystery. When using continuous electroencephalography (EEG) to record the brain waves of an 87-year-old epileptic man, an international team of scientists monitored his brain activity as he suffered a heart attack and died. The study was published in the February 2022 issue of Front Aging Neuroscience. Brain Waves Highly Active After Cardiac Arrest Dr. Ajmal Zemmar, a neurosurgeon at the University of Louisville who took part in the study, said specific patterns of brain waves appeared in the patients brain 30 seconds before and after his heart stopped beating. Through generating oscillations involved in memory retrieval, the brain may be playing a last recall of important life events just before we die, similar to the ones reported in near-death experiences, Zemmar told Frontiers. A 2013 study published in the National Academy of Sciences found that all nine mice in the experiment had highly active brain waves for 30 seconds after cardiac arrest. This is strikingly similar to what Zemmars team found in their patient near death. Near-Death Experiencers Look Back on Their Lives The phenomenon of looking back on life just before or while dying has happened to many near-death experiencers. Dannion Brinkley, author of Saved by the Light, wrote about his two near-death experiences. After its publication in 1994, the book was listed as a best-seller by The New York Times for five consecutive months. Brinkley recalled to readers his first near-death experience on Sept. 17, 1975. During a storm that hit Aiken, South Carolina, the 25-year-old Brinkley was at home, talking on the phone with a friend, when a bolt of lightning struck him through the telephone line, throwing him into the air. After experiencing immense heat and pain, Brinkley says he felt his soul leave his body and that he felt bathed in peace and tranquillity. He said he floated in the air watching his family and friends panic and give him first aid. He saw ambulances rush in and take his body to the hospital. Brinkleys soul went through a tunnel into a place of light. EEG reveals different patterns of brain activity (brain activity/iStock) Brinkley then began to look back on the 25 years of his life, seeing even the tiniest details. He was surprised to find that he could relate to the feelings of other people affected by incidents he was involved in. Brinkley grew up unrestrained and was a bully who took pleasure in fighting and humiliating others. In reviewing his history, he felt firsthand the pain, fear, panic, and helplessness felt by his victims. In one such memory, Brinkley shot and killed a North Vietnamese officer during the Vietnam War. In his near-death experience, Brinkley felt the confusion that the officer felt when he was shot in the head, as well as the helplessness and sorrow that he could not see his family again. Whats more, he felt the pain the officers family felt for years after they learned of his death. When the flashback finished, he was overwhelmed with remorse and shame. After returning to the mortal world, Brinkley changed himself completely and did everything he could to help others. Near-Death Experiences Not Uncommon The term near-death experience was coined by Dr. Raymond Moody, a renowned psychologist, and professor at the University of Nevada. In 1975 Moody published Life After Life, a book based on his study of 100 patients who had experienced clinical death and came back to life. He shared their experiences about the world after death in their own words. Since then, much more scientific research has been conducted on near-death experiences. In a 2014 study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, researchers studied 190 near-death experiences with different characteristics, including those that occurred after non-life-threatening events such as sleep, meditation, and faintingas well as near-death experiences that occurred during coma caused by lack of oxygen, trauma, or disease. Several similarities were found in the near-death experiences, including seeing bright lights, the sensation of being outside of ones body, and flashes of past events. The most frequent near-death experience, reported by 89 to 93 percent of participants in each category was a feeling of peace or pleasantness. A fact that may be surprising to some is that many people have near-death experiences. A study published in Psychiatry in 1993 estimated that about five percent of the adult U.S. population has had a near-death experiencethats 30 to 40 percent of individuals who come close to death. A 2001 Dutch study published in The Lancet found that of 344 patients who were successfully resuscitated after a cardiac arrest, 62 (18 percent) reported having a near-death experience. Hong Kong Writer Shares Miraculous Near-Death Experience Chip Tsao, a Hong Kong writer, recounted his 1994 miraculous near-death experience in an interview on the YouTube channel of Stephen Chan Chi-wan, the chief advisor of Commercial Radio Hong Kong. Tsao recalled that in 1994 when he was 36, he was taken to a hospital dying after a serious car accident. After 15 hours of emergency surgery, the doctor told him that all medical options had been exhausted and now its up to your willpower. As he lay dying, Tsao saw a large sea in front of him, with golden and pink lotus flowers as big as round tables floating in the sea. He also heard sutras being chanted in his ear. Hong Kong writer Chip Tsao told about his miraculous near-death experience. (Yu Gang /The Epoch Times) Tsao said the experience was very clear and real as if there was a force pushing him over, but there was also a voice inside him telling him not to cross over because he had so many unfinished undertakings. It was a feeling of fear, but also peace, he said. I kept asking myself. It would be comfortable to cross over. Those lotus flowers would take me to another place like a boat. The famous writer also experienced several things that even science couldnt explain. As he lay in the ICU, Tsao could hear his parents discussing his treatment and whether to hire a second chest doctor to join the team. He also heard his parents crying. Half a month later, Tsao was moved from ICU to a general ward. When his parents came to visit him, he told them that while he was unconscious, he heard them discussing hiring a specialist. His father said it was true but was surprised because they had discussed it in a hotel room away from the hospital. How could you possibly hear it, so far away? The father asked. Yet Tsao was assured that he was not hallucinating since he heard the conversation clearly and could even repeat it. Another miraculous event was that when Tsao was in ICU, his friends came to visit him. The next day, Tao saw these friends visit him again, wearing the same clothes and speaking the same words. Tao felt very strange. After inquiring, he learned that he foresaw his friends visiting him the next day in his near-death experience. These experiences gave Tsao a deeper understanding of the meaning of life and death. Having seen things in the future and left this space, there should be another place for people after death, he said. Later in his life, Tsao had two more brushes with death, which gave him a new view on life, space-time, and afterlives. His experience also made him believe that there is a higher force above mankind. Multiple studies published in the last two years indicate that eggs from chickens immunized against SARS-CoV-2 could be used to create effective treatments against COVID-19 in humans. There is no evidence, however, that this development is responsible for the current egg shortage in the United States, as some conspiracy theories allege. In a study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology last March, researchers found that egg antibodies (IgYs) produced by chickens immunized against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein had the ability to neutralize the virus, specifically by interfering with the spike proteins capacity to attach to human cells. The researchers concluded that IgY targeting the spike protein could be a promising candidate for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis or treatment of COVID-19. They added that administration of IgY-based oral preparation, oral or nasal spray may have profound implications for blocking SARS-CoV-2. A 2021 study published in the journal International Immunopharmacology concluded that anti-spike protein IgYs showed significant neutralizing potency against SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus, various spike protein mutants, and even SARS-CoV in vitro. The authors concluded such antibodies might be a feasible tool for the prevention and control of ongoing COVID-19. This study also suggested that such a treatment might have several advantages over monoclonal antibodies, including reduced side effects and reduced production costs. As the authors point out, IgYs has been noted by researchers since 1959 for their stable chemical properties and low-cost, high-yield results that make them a potentially more attractive treatment option for developing countries. When it comes to reduced side effects, the study notes, IgYs neither bind the human rheumatoid factors nor activate the human complement system, which minimizes the risks of inflammation. In essence, egg antibodies do not cause allergy or set off immune reactions when injected into humans. The study points out that IgY antibodies have also been applied to combat human viral infections such as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus, and Coxsackie virus. The authors cite a 2006 study of an earlier SARS coronavirus in which anti-SARS coronavirus IgYs were purified from chickens immunized with an inactive form of the virus, and the resulting antibodies were able to neutralize the live virus both in vitro and in vivo. A third study published last in Viruses last July by researchers at UCDavis also found evidence supporting the approach of producing COVID-19 antibodies in birds. Rodrigo Gallardo, a UCDavis professor in poultry medicine at the UCDavis School of Veterinary Medicine lauded the approach in an article on the universitys website. The beauty of the system is that you can produce a lot of antibodies in birds. In addition to a low cost to produce these antibodies in hens, they can be updated very fast by using updated antigens to hyperimmunize hens, allowing protection against current variant strains. The Egg Shortage Theory The egg antibody research offers such a compelling avenue for COVID-19 treatment that it has spurred questions of a potential conspiracy given the current egg shortage in the U.S. An article in the DCPatriot asked, Is that why eggs are disappearing at an alarming rate? Is that why chicken farms are being destroyed? We dont know, but it sure is a what the hell is happening here moment, isnt it? However, even though chickens can be used to produce antibodies, they first have to be exposed to the virus. All the studies involved hens that were exposed to the coronavirus. The study published in Applied Microbiology found that a control group of non-immunized IgYs had no obvious inhibitory effect on the virus as indicated in the graph below that compares the results of IgYs from immunized hens (blue line) to those of the control group (red line): Luminescence inhibition rate curve of the anti-(SARS-Cov-2) IgY (blue) and normal (control) IgY (red) from the pseudovirus neutralization assay. (Elsevier COVID-19 resource center) There appears to be no scientific evidence then that the eggs in your local supermarket are an effective treatment for COVID-19. Furthermore, the contemplated delivery systems, such as nasal sprays, would deliver a highly refined and concentrated dosage, further enhancing the impact of the antibodies. Eggs as COVID-19 Fighters That said, as reported by the Times of India, coronavirus quarantine facilities around the world, are offering eggs to their patients in recovery with their daily meals. The Times reported that authorities are also providing a lot of healthcare workers eggs daily to boost their immunity. Eggs come packed with amino acids and antioxidants, which improve your health and keep your immune system functioning optimally. Each egg (85 calories) contains 7 grams of muscle-building protein apart from essential core vitamins like selenium (22 percent) and vitamins A, B, and K. Eggs also contain another nutrient, riboflavin, which supports development and growth. Each egg also provides 27 percent of the RDA of vitamin D, which a recent meta-analysis of multiple studies has shown to be effective in reducing instances of COVID-19 infection as well as the severity of infections. With her visions from heaven, this abbess spread a message of beauty and delight From Buddhist and Jain monks to Sufi mystics, all religions recognize common traits of holiness. Self-denial, patience, humility, and gentleness are a few that come to mind. During the Middle Ages, European civilization embodied this ideal in the status it accorded members of monastic disciplines. To the medieval mind, monks and nuns fulfilled an immensely practical purpose: to perform charitable works and pray for humanity. One of the greatest of these figures was Hildegard of Bingen. Her writings, surprisingly, dont embrace the stereotypical dichotomy that contrasts the profound but dour ascetic with the cheerful, shallow hedonist. Life, for her, wasnt just a trial of endurance, but a source of beauty and delight. Around 1151, Hildegard brought out her first book, Scivias, or Know the Way. Written over 10 years, it includes descriptions and interpretations of 26 visions about creation, redemption, and sanctification. (Public domain) Born Prophetess Hildegard was born in 1098 in Bermersheim, Germany, as the youngest of 10 children. From an early age, she was subject to vivid, emotionally intense visions. As she later saw it, God impressed them into her soul in the womb. At age 3, she saw a great light. Her first articulated vision came at age 5, when she predicted the precise time a calf would be born and its color. While some of the visions were appealing, like jewel-encrusted castles, many of them were bizarre and even gruesome: fire-breathing beasts or pregnant women carrying full-grown men in their bellies. Hildegard was a sickly child who grew into a sickly adult. Her frailness was seen as further evidence of her strong spiritual nature. At age 8, her parents sent her to the monastery of Disibodenberg. She lived there with an anchoress named Jutta, where she spent much of her time reading library books. The monastery attracted more nuns, became a convent, and eventually elected Hildegard as the abbess after Jutta died. Throughout her early life, people were understandably put off by her disturbing visions, so she began keeping them to herself. But after she became abbess, she started writing them down. Around 1151, she brought out her first book, Scivias, or Know the Way, with the blessing of Pope Eugenius III. Written over a period of 10 years, it includes descriptions and interpretations of 26 visions about creation, redemption, and sanctification. Hildegard was hailed as a seer. She wrote more books of wisdom and folk medicine, composed music, toured Germany giving sermons, and advised high-ranking leaders in church and state. She attracted many followers and founded an abbey at Rupertsberg. When that in turn became too large, she founded another one at Eibingen. Built in 1165, this last structure is still in existence today. Lushness of the Soul Disibodenberg monastery, located on a site between two rivers, was abundant in vegetation. Even today, its ruins exude the ambiance of a peaceful, holy place. It inspired a central concept that pervades all of Hildegards writings: viriditas. It literally means greenness and has often been translated as moisture. The word, however, has more of a connotation of life-giving lushness. Hildegard used it to describe the divine breath in all good things large and small. Saints embody viriditas, while sluggish monks and nuns lack it. Its both the source of virtue and a goal that novices must work toward. The soul is the life-force of the body, she wrote, just as moisture [viriditas] is the life-force of a plant. Moisture makes a plant grow and be fruitful; so the soul enables the body to behave as it should, and be virtuous (Book of Divine Works, 4.21). Hildegard didnt view the material world as merely a veil of tears or a cradle of temptation, but as a beautiful place where man and nature exist in balance. She enjoins us to use all our facultiessoul, body, emotions, and mindto appreciate creation: You understand so little of what is around you because you do not use what is within you (Scivias, 1.2.29). She thought that wisdom gave people the moral freedom to cultivate good habits and find fulfillment in a higher purpose: Although they are small in stature, human beings are powerful in spirit. While their feet are on the ground, their heads can attain great spiritual heights (Physica, 761). Science Meets Faith Modern scholars have diagnosed Hildegard with various medical conditions to explain her visions. The famous neurologist Oliver Sacks has perhaps made the most convincing identification in his book, Migraine. He referred to a manuscript of Scivias written near the end of Hildegards life, in which her strange visions are accompanied by equally strange illustrations. He observed that the drawings based on her descriptionsfigures radiating light and set against concentric, wavy linesare very similar to a type of migraine that appears as bright lights against a dark background. Hildegards experience of stars falling into the sea, which she interpreted allegorically to represent the fall of the rebel angels from heaven, is literally, in Sacks words, a shower of phosphenes in transit across the visual field, their passage being succeeded by a negative scotoma. But does such a rationalization dismiss the divine origin of Hildegards visions? Sacks says no. Her disorder changed the entire course of her life and provided her with the ecstatic inspiration to lead, advise, heal others, and be a force for good in the world. Despite their physiological origins, her mystical experiences were authentic and their effects were real. The lesson is that science and faith, far from being incompatible, actually interpenetrate. Courage and Canonization Throughout her life, Hildegard demonstrated moral courage in standing up to overseers who wanted to control her visionary status for their own interests. When Disibodenberg abbey grew rich from an influx of donations due to Hildegards presence there, the abbot initially refused to let her leave with her nuns to start a new one (in other words, he lacked viriditas). When she persisted in her ambition, he incited his monks to stir hostility among the locals. Accused of madness and falsifying her visions, Hildegard fell ill in bed. She neither moved nor spoke for weeks. Finally the abbot, afraid she would die, granted her request and her health revived. On other occasions, she settled conflicts with overbearing monks by appealing to the pope. Eventually, she gained the independence to direct her nuns with minimal oversight. Her moral example and achievements have won her lasting admiration, and in 2012, the Sybil of the Rhine was named a doctor of the Church, one of 37 esteemed theologians to receive this title. Spiritual seekers continue to find encouragement in her blending of the material and immaterial realms. In her book Causes and Cures, Hildegard wrote: When the elements from which the world is made work in harmony, the soil is health, the trees yield abundant fruit, the fields yield abundant harvests, and all are happy. But if the elements do not work in harmony, then the world becomes sick. The same applies to human beings. House Adopts Tribes Land Trust Bills in Rare Display of Bipartisan Unanimity Theres not much consensus these days in the fractious U.S. House of Representatives. But for two proposals presented to the chamber floor on Feb. 6, there was a rare glimpse of what bipartisan accord looks like. The Housein proceedings orchestrated by Speaker Pro. Tem. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greeneadopted a pair of bills granting Native American tribes requests for trust designations on lands in Tennessee and California, ceding them to the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) as shields against development. Both measures had been previously approved the House, including in November 2021 in 407-16 votes, but failed to advance out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. They both advanced Feb. 6 in roll call votes without audible dissent. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), places 76 acres of federal land managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) into trust on behalf of the Eastern Band of Cherokee. The land in Monroe County, Tennessee, includes the birthplace of Cherokee warrior and scholar Sequoyah. The measure, HR 548, would also convey 20 acres of permanent easements across TVA land to the Eastern Band, a federally recognized tribe based in western North Carolina. As defined by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), trust land is territory, whereby one party agrees to hold title to the property for the benefit of another party. Placing tribal land into a trust is the process where the [U.S.] Department of the Interior acquires the title to a land and holds it for the benefit of a tribe or individual tribal members. Once in trust, these lands will be used primarily for memorializing and interpreting the history and culture of Cherokee people, as well as for recreational activities, the bill states. The Eastern Band of Cherokee is one of three federally recognized Cherokee tribes. The land falls within the ancestral homelands of the Cherokee Nation, which spans parts of seven statesAlabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia. When TVA built Tellico Dam in 1979, large swaths of Cherokee lands were flooded. The TVA granted the Cherokee management of their impacted lands along the Little Tennessee River. The easement makes permanent that 1980s era agreement. My bill returns important historic sites back to the Eastern Band of Cherokee to the descendants of those who resisted forced displacement in the 1820s Trail of Tears, Fleischmann said, adding that he was proud to be part of the process to safeguard their story. He called on the House and, especially the Senate, to get the bill onto President Bidens desk in a timely manner. This legislation is well past overdue, agreed Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.). California Tribe Buys Back Its Own Stolen Land The House also advanced the proposed Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2023, which would place 1,721 acres in San Diego County, California, into trust on behalf of the Pala Band of Mission Indians. HR 423, filed by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), would place into trust Chokla in Gregory Canyon, described in the bill as a mountain of great cultural significance to the Pala Band and many tribes throughout Southern California. According to the bill, the land also includes the site of an ancestral village, rock art paintings, cultural artifacts, and is home to culturally important plants and animals. Once the land is in trust, the Pala Band intends to preserve this sacred land in its natural state. The 1,721 acres was part of the Pala Bands original reservation but was sold to private concerns and used as a quarry. It was later designated by San Diego County as a future landfill site. When the land fell into bankruptcy, the 918-member Pala Band purchased it in 2016 at their own expense in order to gift it, essentially, to the federal government, Issa said. Issa, noting that his Southern California congressional district includes 21 native American reservations, said the trust designation not only serves the Pala Band by protecting an area they deem sacred from development but also the people of San Diego County by shielding a key desert watershed from development. In 2021, there was marginal resistance among some Republicans to transferring taxable property into a trust where it can no longer be assessed by state and local governments. But the local economy and nearby property values will be more than compensated by the Pala Bands investments in remedying runoff issues with agriculture and gaming revenues on land that now failed to even qualify as a landfill, he said. Issa mocked commentary from several unnamed Republicans that the bills were akin in importance to naming a post officealthough I would submit naming a post office after a hero has its merits. He said the bill is an important piece of legislation for a people who have done everything we have asked them to do and more. Issa said the bill was adopted by the House two years ago and not much has happened since except more time has passed. He called on the Senate to approve the measure this year. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.) said the bills have significance beyond the acreage being transferred to the nations 574 federally recognized tribes who are stewards of 56 million acres of trust lands, providing the economic opportunities that will help regain their cultures, protect their heritages, and solidify their place in this great land as peoples who could not be vanquished out of existence. The DOI supports both proposals, stating they align with the Biden administrations commitment to restoration of homelands to federally recognized tribes. U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee holds a hearing at 10 a.m. ET on Feb. 7 on The Pressing Threat of the Chinese Communist Party to U.S. National Defense. The committee will receive testimony from Ambassador Robert C. OBrien, former national security advisor; Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr., USN (Ret.), former commander, U.S. Pacific Command; and Dr. Melanie W. Sisson, foreign policy fellow of Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology. The Epoch Times will livestream the event. Western New York may not be a hub of semiconductor manufacturing, but Niagara Falls could still benefit in a big way from the industry's growth because one of its manufacturers plays a key role in the production process Niacet Corp., which makes a specialized gas that is needed to make semiconductor wafers and crystals, plans to invest $121 million to expand and renovate portions of its 19-acre campus at 400 47th St. 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. That will enable the century-old company to meet the growing demand for its core product in both defense and commercial applications, while keeping that manufacturing within the United States. Otherwise, the demand could be met by foreign competitors. That's why it is asking the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency for $5 million in sales tax breaks over two years, and a 15-year property tax abatement that will save it $611,332. And the NCIDA which will review the project on Wednesday and vote on the request next month says the project could generate total benefits of $224.3 million for New York state and Western New York. Niacet, whose Niagara Falls operation dates back to 1924 when its first semi-commercial chemical plant began operating, is a specialty chemical maker that produces ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride. That's a colorless, corrosive, toxic and nonflammable gas that is used to create layered "epitaxial" semiconductor wafers and to etch semiconductor crystals. Niacet pursues $49 million expansion project in Niagara Falls Niacet which makes organic salts for food, drug and feed companies wants to increase production of a particular additive, while introducing a new proprietary liquid drying technology called NxDT that will help it to more efficiently produce acetate and propionate salt preservatives. It is a critical piece of the manufacturing process for semiconductors, so an increased supply of the gas will be needed as the federal government works to expand domestic manufacturing of the sophisticated technology under the CHIPS Act, the company wrote in its application to the NCIDA. Niacet, which also has a manufacturing plant in Tiel, Netherlands, is one of three global companies that make the gas, but the only one in the Americas. The global specialty chemical maker which was acquired 18 months ago by Ireland's Kerry Group is proposing to construct a 25,000-square-foot administration building and renovate 16,900 square feet of existing space in two buildings to create new facilities to support its operations team. The renovations will include 12,300 square feet in its Building 108 and 4,600 square feet in Building 107. Those are among 18 buildings on the campus with 125,000 square feet of space in all, built between 1919 and 2021. Niacet employs 102 locally, but the expansion dubbed Project Jericho would add 37 jobs paying an average of $90,000 annually, as operators, engineers, chemists, mechanics, electricians, material handlers and production managers. Project costs include $53 million for construction and renovations, $36 million for furniture and equipment, and $32 million in professional fees and other "soft" costs. The equipment will include new tanks, production equipment, automation equipment, piping and steel structures. Financing will come from $60 million in company equity, and $61 million in federal, state, and local grants or tax credits - including through the CHIPS Act. The company said it would consider the total capital costs, the possibility of future growth and the availability of government incentives as it evaluates whether to proceed. It said the project is not viable without NCIDA assistance, because that's a "key component of our efforts to also seek further funding from the federal government." "We want to work with the local leaders to start building a sustainable workforce in the area," said Niacet facilities director Tim Kolb. "Its a good project." The project is the latest expansion by Niacet, whose products also include organic salts for food, drug and feed companies. Last year, it received $2 million in sales and property tax breaks from the NCIDA for a $48.8 million project to construct a 25,000 to 35,000-square-foot building to increase production of an additive, while introducing a new proprietary liquid drying technology to more efficiently produce salt preservatives. House Financial Services Committee to Hold Hearing on Chinese Regimes Economic and Geopolitical Threat Party leader Xi Jinping votes at the closing of the 19th Communist Party Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Oct. 24, 2017. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images) As the worlds attention shifts heavily to Beijings role in the world in the aftermath of the shootdown of its spy balloon over U.S. territory on Feb. 4, a special hearing of the House Financial Services Committee will address subversion and aggression emanating from communist-ruled China and consider legislative proposals to counter these threats. A topic of special interest will be how to offer alternatives to U.S. businesses that buy and sell intensively in China and make heavy use of Chinese labor, including forced labor in Xinjiang Province. Entitled Combatting the Economic Threat From China, the hearing features four confirmed speakers with expertise in economic policy, global trade and diplomacy, and counterterrorism. The witnesses scheduled to testify are Clete Willems, a partner at the law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and a special assistant to the president for international trade, investment, and development during the Donald Trump administration; Tom Feddo, founder and director of The Rubicon Advisors LLC; Eric Lorber, principal of the Cyber, Risk & Regulatory practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers and a senior advisor to the undersecretary of State for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence during the Trump administration; and Rich Ashooh, corporate vice president for global trade and government affairs at the Lam Research Corporation. The timing of the hearing, just two days after an international incident involving alleged Chinese espionage within U.S. borders, is coincidental, Willems told The Epoch Times, noting that the hearing was organized well in advance of the discovery of the balloon. But the incident all the more underscores one of the hearings themes; namely, how to counter the growing danger posed by the Chinese regimes territorial, geostrategic, commercial, and technological designs. The administration of President Joe Biden has come in for criticism for its response to Beijings chronic violations of its World Trade Organization (WTO) membership, its abusive trade practices, its threatening of the sovereignty of Taiwan, and its documented genocide against the Uyghur minority. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen advocated for scaling back the tariffs put in place during the Trump administration which were aimed at punishing Beijing for its myriad abuses and violations. Decoupling Trade and Investment The Chinese communist threat is seriously exacerbated by the close business relationship between the regime in Beijing and U.S. businesses drawn to the lucrative potential of a market of over a billion people. Its one thing to crack down on capital flows, and make sure that were not funding Chinas military, but at the same time, if were going to decouple U.S. companies and investors from that market, we need to give them alternatives. You need to open up third-country markets if youre going to shut down the Chinese market, Willems told The Epoch Times. Curbing Beijings opportunities for espionage, intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers, and other abusive and illegal business practices calls for at least the partial decoupling of U.S. businesses from that market, and this in turn requires offering them attractive new opportunities for business and investing in non-Chinese markets, he said. Willems acknowledged the obvious reasons why U.S. business are drawn to a market of such size, but stressed the possibility of alternatives that would make it much harder for Beijing to exploit business relationships between East and West. You need to provide companies with positive incentives to relocate, such as trade agreements. There are reasons for firms to be in the Chinese market, they want to be globally competitive, they need to have a foothold there. So we need to have a thoughtful and comprehensive strategy that, on the one hand, talks about where we need to crack down, but also talks about positive incentives so that we remain the most competitive economy in the world, Willems said. At the hearing, Willems plans to outline in detail his plans for such alternative arrangements. There are national security imperatives that require us to disengage with China on certain technologies and capital flows. Im going to talk about how you draw those lines. I dont think we should totally decouple from China, because there are innocuous forms of trade that benefit the United States. As you draw these lines, youll recognize that there is an economic cost [for decoupling], and thats where you need to open up these third-country markets. If you cant sell into China, then Id like you to be selling more into Vietnam, Willems continued. IMF and World Bank In addition to further expanding business relationships with non-Chinese markets, Willems plans to speak about strategies for curbing Beijings exploitation and manipulation of global financial institutions that should not be serving the interests of Chinas ruling Chinese Communist Party. We will talk about Chinese role in international institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and how its frankly absurd that China remains one of the largest borrowers all while theyre moving forward with the Belt and Road Initiative, Willems said, referring to Chinese leader Xi Jinpings far-reaching plan to fund and develop new trade routes and establish Chinas dominant position in a global network of commerce and investment. Another topic at the hearing will be Chinas abuse of the IMF, where Beijing has used its influence to hamper the restructuring of nations debt, Willems said. He emphasized the need to put pressure on China to become a responsible actor in the global economic order. Willems sees his background as an ideal fit for the agenda at this hearing. I think the reason they asked me to be a witness is that in my role at the White House, I had oversight over an entire economic portfolio that includes these capital flows, the IMF and the World Bank and includes trade. I tended to cover all these things and help develop strategies for dealing with these problems, he said. Other legislative proposals on the table at Tuesdays hearing include various actions for the United States to take in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, as well as strategies for disrupting the financing of fentanyl and precursor chemicals originating from China that largely drive the opioid epidemic inside U.S. borders. House Republicans Investigate DOD Over Funding Universities With CCP-Linked Groups Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) speaks during the House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on June 8, 2022. (Jason Andrew-Pool/Getty Images) House Republicans are conducting an investigation into the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at American universities. Reps. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) took the lead writing a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin dated Feb. 3, demanding answers about DOD funding for schools with Confucius Institutes (CI) or other CCP-linked entities. As you are aware, Congress has long been concerned with the influence and infiltration of Confucius Institutes on the campuses of American IHEs, the lawmakers letter stated. According to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, Confucius Institutes advance Beijings preferred narrative and subvert important academic principles such as institutional autonomy and academic freedom.' The letter cited the passing of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDA) that prohibits the DOD from funding Chinese language instruction provided by a Confucius Institute, starting in October of 2023. The letter also asserted that the Confucious Institute has found ways around the law. And its parent organization, the Office of Chinese Language Council International (otherwise known as Hanban), has rebranded itself as the Chinese International Education Foundation (CIEF) and now funds and oversees Confucius Institutes and other reconstituted programs and institutes. According to the lawmakers letters, the DOD has awarded funding under contract to institutions affiliated with the newly rebranded groups, which they assert is a violation of the law if extended past Oct. 1 of this year. A report from June 2022 warned that China was rebranding its Confucius Institutes in U.S. universities, as The Epoch Times previously outlined. Out of the 118 CIs in the United States, about 105 had been closed or announced closures. However, at least 38 colleges have replaced their closed CI programs with similar alternatives, according to the report by the National Association of Scholars, a conservative research and advocacy organization. The Epoch Timess Venus Upadhayaya offered an analysis of Communist Chinas plan to infiltrate American college campuses, saying that the Beijing-funded Confucius Institutes has been criticized for spreading CCP propaganda and stifling academic freedom. The same campuses that host the institute received nearly $1.5 billion in gifts and contracts from China from 2014 to 2020. The CCP sees the openness of our leading universities as a weapon that it can turn against us, John Metz, president of the Athenai Institute, a student-founded nonprofit focused on removing CCP influence from college campuses, told The Epoch Times. It aims to use espionage and its financial influence over universities not only to control discourse and censor its critics, but also to acquire the advanced technology it needs to expand its military might and further its genocidal policies. How Government and Big Tech Colluded to Usurp Constitutional Rights News Analysis It is also axiomatic that a state may not induce, encourage or promote private persons to accomplish what it is constitutionally forbidden to accomplish. ~ Norwood v. Harrison (1973). Fifty years ago, the Supreme Court held that the U.S. Government cannot coerce private parties to violate citizens constitutionally protected liberties. Under the guise of COVID responses, government officials defied this principle to strip Americans of their rights. Behind COVIDs public spectaclesthe memorable headlines of forced church closings, house arrest edicts, playground prohibitions, and bans on unnecessary walkingthere was a coordinated effort to overthrow constitutional liberties. Bureaucrats, federal officers, and elected officials colluded with Big Tech firms to accomplish unconstitutional aims. In doing so, they augmented government power and enriched Silicon Valley companies. A federal-corporate collusion supplanted the American system of separation of powers and individual rights. This coup detat usurped the Constitution and created a new ruling order of suppression and surveillance. Suppression, Censorship, and the First Amendment Government has no power to restrict expression because of its message, its ideas, its subject matter or its content, the Supreme Court decided in Ashcroft v. ACLU (2002). Yet, the Biden White House and the federal government seized that power under the shadow of COVID. They coerced, colluded, and encouraged social media companies to suppress speech that deviated from their preferred messaging. The White Houses conduct in July 2021 exemplified this behavior. Publicly, officials launched a pressure campaign; privately, they conducted a direct censorship operation. On July 15, 2021, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki discussed social media disinformation related to COVID-19 at her press briefing. Facebook needs to move more quicky to remove harmful, violative posts, she told reporters. Her boss, President Joe Biden, spoke with the press the following day. Discussing social media companies, he remarked, Theyre killing people. Biden later clarified his remarks, explaining that he was advocating for censorship, not making personal attacks. My hope is that Facebook, instead of taking it personally that somehow Im saying Facebook is killing people, that they would do something about the misinformation, he explained. That week, White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield appeared on MSNBC and said that social media should be held accountable and reiterated President Bidens support for private actors to restrict the speech of journalists, advocates, and citizens. Privately, government officials called for direct censorship of American citizens and journalists. Twitter worked with the government to stifle criticism of the Biden administration related to COVID. For example, White House officials met with Twitter content moderators in April 2021 to coordinate censorship initiatives. White House officials specifically pressed Twitter on why Alex Berenson [a journalist] hasnt been kicked off from the platform. White House senior adviser Andy Slavitt continued to encourage Twitter to remove Berenson from the platform, and his efforts succeeded when Berenson received a permanent ban in August 2021, just weeks after the White Houses public pressure campaign. White House officials encouraged Big Tech groups to censor Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tucker Carlson for questioning vaccine efficacy. White House Director of Digital Strategy Rob Flaherty demanded to know why Facebook had not removed a video of Carlson reporting the announcement that Johnson & Johnsons vaccine was linked to blood clots. In January 2023, Reason revealed internal Facebook emails concerning the federal governments campaign to censor users that deviated from COVID orthodoxy. Robby Soave explains: Facebook routinely asked the government to vet specific claims, including whether the virus was man-made rather than zoonotic in origin. (The CDC responded that a man-made origin was technically possible but extremely unlikely.) In other emails, Facebook asked: For each of the following claims, which weve recently identified on the platform, can you please tell us if: the claim is false; and, if believed, could this claim contribute to vaccine refusals? These initiatives stifled dissent by infringing on American citizens speech; in doing so, they stripped millions of Americans of their First Amendment right to receive information. In Martin v. City of Struthers (1941), Justice Hugo Black wrote that the First Amendment embraces the right to distribute literature, and necessarily protects the right to receive it. Nearly thirty years later, Justice Thurgood Marshall wrote, it is now well established that the Constitution protects the right to receive information and ideas in Stanley v. Georgia. In defiance of this precedent, bureaucrats specifically sought to interfere with citizens right to hear criticism of government COVID policy. In his demands to Facebook regarding Carlsons coverage of the J&J vaccine, Flaherty wrote, Theres 40,000 shares on the video. Who is seeing it now? How many? Flahertys censorship pressure continued, How was this not violative . What exactly is the rule for removal vs. demoting? Republican state attorneys general have sued the Biden administration for allegedly violating the First Amendment in its censorship promotion. Their caseSchmitt v. Bidenhas uncovered communications between the Biden White House and social media companies. The emails discovered in the case reveal an ongoing collusion to stifle dissent. Over fifty government bureaucrats, twelve federal agencies, and representatives from companies including Google, Twitter, and Facebook worked together to coordinate censorship efforts. For example, Facebook employees met with officials at the Department of Health and Human Services the week after President Biden accused the company of killing people. A Facebook executive followed up with the HHS officials after the meeting: I wanted to make sure you saw the steps we took just this past week to adjust policies on what we are removing with respect to misinformation, as well as steps taken to further address the disinfo dozen: we removed 17 additional Pages, Groups and Instagram accounts tied to the disinfo dozen (so a total of 39 Profiles, Pages, Groups and IG accounts deleted thus far, resulting in every member of the disinfo dozen having had at least one such entity removed). In Bantam Books v. Sullivan (1963), the Court ruled that Rhode Island violated the First Amendment when a state commission advised book distributors against publishing certain content. In a concurring opinion, Justice Douglas wrote, the censor and First Amendment rights are incompatible. Despite this constitutional incompatibility, the government deliberately and repeatedly encouraged and coerced private companies into censoring Americans speech. Meanwhile, the fourth estate actively participated and profited from the censorship regime. Amidst its efforts to censor dissent, the federal government siphoned tax dollars to media networksincluding CNN, Fox News, and The Washington Postto promote its official narrative. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services paid media outlets $1 billion to strengthen vaccine confidence in 2021 as part of a comprehensive media campaign. At the same time, legacy media outlets like The Washington Post, The BBC, Reuters, and ABC partnered with Google, YouTube, Meta, and Twitter in the Trusted News Initiative to coordinate censorship initiatives. In The Twitter Files, journalist Matt Taibbi revealed that these tech firms held regular meetingsoften with government officialsto discuss efforts to suppress speech critical of government narratives. In summary, the government cannot restrict speech based on content, cannot decide what information a citizen can obtain, cannot advise private companies against publishing speech, and cannot use private entities to encourage unconstitutional aims. Yet our government launched a coordinated campaign, publicly and privately, to augment its powers and suppress citizens speech. Surveillance, General Warrants, and the Fourth Amendment In addition to suppressing dissent, the federal governments COVID response usurped the protections of the Fourth Amendment in its partnership with Big Tech data brokers. The Fourth Amendment guarantees citizens the right to be free from unreasonable government searches and seizures. Designed in response to the British practice of general warrants, the Framers sought to end a police system that provided the government nearly unrestrained access to searching colonists, their homes, and their belongings. Since its ratification in 1791, the Supreme Court has maintained that technological advancements do not diminish the right of citizens to be secure from unreasonable searches and seizures. For example, in Kyllo v. United States (2001), the Court ruled that the use of thermal imagery to search a home violated the Fourth Amendment. Chief Justice Roberts later explained that Governmentabsent a warrantcould not capitalize on new technology to strip citizens Fourth Amendment rights. In 2012, a unanimous Court ruled that warrantless GPS tracking violated the defendants Fourth Amendment rights in United States v. Jones. Six years later, the Court again ruled that the Government violated a defendants Fourth Amendment rights when it tracked a suspect by acquiring his cell phone location data from his wireless carrier. In that caseCarpenter v. United StatesChief Justice Roberts wrote that the Fourth Amendments basic purpose is to safeguard the privacy and security of individuals against arbitrary invasions by government officials. During COVID, however, the United States government violated these legal holdings. Despite repeated rulings that the Government cannot use new technologies to infringe Fourth Amendment rights and clear precedent regarding the use of GPS and cell phone location data, the CDC used taxpayer funds to purchase Americans cell phone data from data broker SafeGraph. In May 2022, Vice revealed that the CDC used cell phone data to track the location of tens of millions of Americans during COVID. At first, the agency used this data to track compliance with lockdown orders, vaccine promotions, attendance at churches, and other COVID-related initiatives. Additionally, the agency explained that the mobility data will be available for further agency-wide use and numerous CDC priorities. SafeGraph sold this information to federal bureaucrats, who then used the data to spy on millions of Americans behavior, including where they visited and whether they complied with house arrest orders. This created a digital general warrant unshackled from Constitutional restraints. In other words, big tech firms profited from surreptitious schemes in which the U.S. Government used taxpayer dollars to violate the Fourth Amendment rights of the citizens that fund their operations. Unelected officials at the CDC then tracked Americans movements, religious observances, and medical activity. A similar process occurred at the state level. In Massachusetts, the state Department of Public Health worked with Google to secretly install COVID-tracing software on citizens smartphones. The public-private partnership created MassNotify, an app that tracks and traces peoples locations. The program appeared on citizens phones without their consent. Robert Wright, a Massachusetts resident, and Johnny Kula, a New Hampshire resident who commutes to Massachusetts to work every day, have brought a legal action against the state. Conspiring with a private company to hijack residents smartphones without the owners knowledge or consent is not a tool that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health may lawfully employ in its efforts to combat COVID-19, they say in their complaint. Public officials also used citizens GPS data to support their election campaigns in 2020. Voter analytics firm PredictWise boasted that it used nearly 2 billion GPS pings from Americans cell phones to assign citizens a COVID-19 decree violation score and a COVID-19 concern score. PredictWise explained that the Arizona Democratic Party used these scores and collections of personal data to influence voters to support US Senator Mark Kelly. The firms clients include the Democratic parties of Florida, Ohio, and South Carolina. Politicians and government agencies repeatedly and deliberately augmented their power by tracking their citizens and thus depriving them of their Fourth Amendment rights. They then analyzed that information, assigned citizens compliance scores, and used the spyware to manipulate voters to maintain their positions of authority. In effect, government forces used COVID as a pretext to return to the system of general warrants that the Framers designed the Fourth Amendment to abolish. Government officials gained access to citizens movements, locations, and travel patterns, and they used the citizens tax dollars to do it. The collusion of government and corporate power siphoned millions of dollars from taxpayers while abolishing the Fourth Amendment safeguards that protect citizens against arbitrary invasions by government officials. In 1975, Senator Frank Church led a government investigation into intelligence agencies domestic spy programs that targeted groups including anti-war protestors and civil rights leaders. Senator Church, speaking of the agencies covert capability nearly 50 years ago, warned, That capability at any time could be turned around on the American people, and no American would have any privacy left, such is the capability to monitor everything: telephone conversations, telegrams, it doesnt matter. There would be no place to hide. Not only did the government turn its capability on the American people, but it recruited the most powerful information companies in the history of the world to advance its agenda, leaving American citizens poorer, stripped of their rights, and left with no place to hide. How Did It Happen Here? Most of these Constitutional violations will never have their day in court. In addition to stripping Americans of their rights, the ruling class has insulated COVIDs hegemonic forces from legal liability. No matter the result of the ongoing cases, including Schmidt v. Biden and Wright v. Mass. Department of Public Healththe questions loom: How did we lose our Bill of Rights so quickly? How did it happen here? Justice Antonin Scalia noted that the Bill of Rights cannot serve as a safeguard against tyranny on its own. If you think a bill of rights is what sets us apart, youre crazy, he said. Every banana republic in the world has a bill of rights. The key to safeguarding liberty, according to Scalia, is the separation of powers. Commenting on the Constitution of the Soviet Unions extensive guarantees of freedoms of speech, assembly, political affiliation, religion, and conscience, Scalia wrote: They were not worth the paper they were printed on, as are the human rights guarantees of a large number of still-extant countries governed by Presidents-for-life. They are what the Framers of our Constitution called parchment guarantees, because the real constitutions of those countriesthe provisions that establish the institutions of governmentdo not prevent the centralization of power in one man or one party, thus enabling the guarantees to be ignored. Structure is everything. Our Constitution created a structure of government with multiple levels of separation of powers. But, to the detriment of Americans liberties, the federal government and Big Tech supplanted that structure with a federal-corporate partnership devoid of constitutional restraints. Georgetown Law Professor Randy Barnett describes the Constitution as the law that governs those who govern us. But those who govern us deliberately disregarded constraints on their own authority and led a coup against their citizens in partnership with Big Tech. COVID served a pretext for a convergence of power that left our Bill of Rights as little more than a parchment guarantee. The ideas expressed in the article are entirely the authors own and not necessarily those of his employer. Republished from the Brownstone Institute Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Huntington Beach to Vote on Possibly Restricting Types of Flags Flown at City Facilities The Huntington Beach City Council will vote Feb. 7 on whether city facilities can only display flags representing the city, county, state, prisoners of war, or those missing in military action. There have been accusations the issue is in response to an LGBT flag flown at city facilities during Pride Month in June of 2021. However, Councilman Pat Burns, who brought forth the motion, said that is not the case. I dont like divisiveness like those flags that segregate equal members of society from others, Burns told The Epoch Times. I think its demeaning, sad, and divisive. According to Burns, he has family members who are gay and the goal of the ordinance has been misportrayed by some. This item is a unifying thing. The flags of our government send the message that were all in this together. Were all equal, and no one will be discriminated against, he said. Councilman Casey McKeon agreed, saying no group is being targeted by the possible ordinance. Inclusion represents every resident equally as an American, as a resident of California, of Orange County, and of Huntington Beach, and of course, pays homage to the veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to enjoy the freedoms the United States provides, he said. The Anti-Defamation League, an organization specializing in civil rights law, has gone on record opposing the ordinance in a Feb. 2 letter to the council. Huntington Beach has supported the rights of the LGBTQ+ community by flying the flag sending the message, all deserve to be treated with respect and free from hate and harassment, the letter says. Prohibiting the display of pride flags because they are allegedly divisive sends a dangerous message to the LGBTQ+ community and allies. The council has additionally received emails from others replicating the leagues letter, asking it to not approve such an ordinance. Michael Hoskins, a member of Save Surf City, a group that was unsuccessful in its attempt to recall three former Huntington Beach City councilors in 2022, told The Epoch Times he thinks the issue will be a hot one at tomorrows meeting because some are angered the council would even consider it. Hoskins worked last year to help get four new conservative-leaning councilors elected to the council, specifically Tony Strickland and Gracey Van Der Mark, who are now mayor and mayor pro tem, respectively, and councilors McKeon and Burns. He added that some residents have told him they are tired of the council focusing on things like social justice experiments and want them to stick more to the basics. Advocate Urges Medical Community to Recognize CCPs Forced Organ Harvesting Katrina Swett, daughter of Congressman Tom Lantos, hosted the awards ceremony of the second annual Lantos Foundation Human Rights Prize on Nov. 17, 2010. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) A human rights advocate has urged the international medical community to stop buying into the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) propaganda that denies its systemic forced organ harvesting from detained Falun Gong adherents and other prisoners of conscience. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual discipline with meditative exercises and moral teachings. It was introduced in China during the 1990s and grew in popularity such that up to 100 million people were practicing in China by the end of the decade. Perceiving this to be a threat, the Chinese regime in 1999 launched a nationwide campaign seeking to eradicate the practice. Millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in jails and detention facilities across the country, where they are subjected to torture and forced organ harvesting. A June 2016 report by David Kilgour, former Canadian secretary of state for Asia-Pacific; David Matas, a Canadian human rights lawyer; and Ethan Gutmann, an American investigative journalist, estimated that China could be performing between 60,000 to 100,000 vital organ transplants per year. Many indicators point to the main source of these organs being Falun Gong practitioners and other prisoners of conscience. China announced an end to organ harvesting from executed prisoners in December 2014 and presented an allegedly operational organ donation system in unrealistic record time, according to Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH.) Since the China Organ Transplant Response System (COTRS) pilot program began, Chinas health care officials have reported extraordinary successes. According to COTRS data, from 2010 to 2018, annual voluntary deceased donors went from 34 to 6316, an increase by 185 times; kidney and liver transplants went from 63 in 2010 to 10,481 in 2016 (the last year for which precise data is available), an increase by 166 times, a BMC Medical Ethics article stated. Theyre just some clearly absurd statistics that make it quite clear that they are not telling the truth about this, Katrina Lantos Swett, president of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice said during an interview on EpochTVs American Thought Leaders program. Swett cited the divergence between the U.S.s voluntary organ donors of 140 million and Chinas alleged 1.16 million registered donors as of March 2019. With a huge number of voluntary organ donors in this country, we have enormous waiting lists, many people pass away because organs dont become available in a timely fashion, she said. And yet, somehow, in China, organs can be almost ordered up within a couple of weeks. The numbers simply dont add up, she added. London-based China Tribunal, an independent panel that did a thorough review of the available evidence of the practice in 2019, stated that a great deal of evidence showed that wait times for organs promised by doctors and hospitals in China for transplantation were extraordinarily shorttimeframes not possible under normal voluntary organ donation systems. The evidence included undercover phone calls to Chinese doctors, as well as testimony from an Israeli doctor who recounted how his patient was told he could receive a heart transplant in China in two weeks. Hope for Change on the Ground Swett said that she is very alarmed and kind of sickened at the way some of our top medical institutions [and] medical schools have been willing to accept Chinas denial of responsibility for this, and their false assurances that the practice has stopped. She called the sentiment an inexcusable level of naivete. The BMC Medical Ethics article stated that the World Health Organization [WHO], the Transplantation Society, the Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group, and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences have all provided endorsements of the reforms based on what appears to be contaminated data. As the co-chair of the recently concluded International Religious Freedom Summit, Swett said she was so struck by the fact that the new chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), from the summit plenary stage directly addressed the issue of forced organ harvesting. As McCaul had drawn attention to this issue, she hopes that perhaps hearings would follow in the United States Congress. These shine a light, and shining a light is a kind of disinfectant. It begins to bring the light of truth, the light of day, the light of exposure to practices and, we have to hope that, it will lead to change on the ground in China, Swett said. Cathy He contributed to this report. When Wilkes died in 1797, British liberty was more robust than it was in the year of his birthin part because of him and his 'radicalism' In the long history of memorably scintillating exchanges between British parliamentarians, one ranks as my personal favorite. Though attribution is sometimes disputed, it seems most likely that the principals were John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, and the member from Middlesex, John Wilkes. Montagu: Sir, I do not know whether you will die on the gallows or of the pox. Wilkes: That depends, my lord, on whether I embrace your lordships principles or your mistress. Repartee doesnt get much better than that. And it certainly fits the style and reputation of Wilkes. Once when a constituent told him he would rather vote for the devil, Wilkes famously responded, Naturally. And if your friend decides against standing, can I count on your vote? Wilkes deserves applause for his rapier wit, but also for something much more important: challenging the arrogance of power. He was known in his day as a radical on the matter. Today, we might label him libertarian in principles and policy and perhaps even libertine in personal habits (He was a notorious womanizer). His pugnacious quarrels with a king and a prime minister are my focus in this essay. Born in London in 1725, Wilkes in his adult life was cursed with bad looks. Widely known as the ugliest man in England, he countered his unattractive countenance with eloquence, humor, and an eagerness to assault the powers-that-be with truth as he saw it. Fortunately, the voters in Middlesex appreciated his boldness more than his appearance. He charmed his way into election to the House of Commons as a devotee of William Pitt the Elder and, like Pitt, became a vociferous opponent of King George IIIs war against the American colonies. Pitts successor as PM in 1762, Lord Bute of Scotland, earned the wrath of Wilkes for the whole of his brief premiership. Bute negotiated the treaty that ended the Seven Years War (known in America as the French & Indian War), which Wilkes thought gave too many concessions to the French. Wilkes also opposed Butes plan to tax the Americans to pay for the war. King George III was criticized by Wilkes for his handling of the Seven Years War and taxation of the American colonies. Engraving based on a painting by Joshua Reynolds. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images) In an April 1763 speech written by Bute, King George III publicly endorsed his PMs policies. Wilkes responded with a merciless broadside in his publication, The North Briton. His opening paragraph aimed squarely at Bute: The North Briton has been steady in his opposition to a single, insolent, incapable, despotic minister and is equally ready, in the service of his country, to combat the tripled-headed, Cerberean administration. Cerberean, incidentally, referred to Cerberus, the vicious, three-headed watchdog in Greek mythology that guarded the gates of Hades. The King himself fared slightly better, but Wilkes nonetheless lamented that George III had given the sanction of his sacred name to the most odious measures. The terms of the peace treaty drew the contempt of mankind on our wretched negotiators, he declared. He strongly hinted of official corruption when he wrote, Many unnecessary expenses have been incurred, only to increase the power of the crown, that is, to create more lucrative jobs for the creatures of the minister. He closed with what the King took as a thinly veiled threat: The prerogative of the crown is to exert the constitutional powers entrusted to it in a way, not of blind favor and partiality, but of wisdom and judgment. This is the spirit of our constitution. The people too have their prerogatives, and, I hope, the words of Dryden will be engraved on our hearts, Freedom is the English subjects prerogative. George III took it personally. He ordered the arrest of Wilkes and dozens of his followers on charges of seditious libel. For most of the nearly thousand years of British monarchy, kings would have remanded foes like Wilkes to the gallows forthwith. But as a measure of the steady progress of British liberty (from Magna Carta in 1215 through the English Bill of Rights in 1689), the case went to the courts. Wilkes argued that as a member of Parliament, he was exempt from libel charges against the monarch. The Lord Chief Justice agreed. Wilkes was released and took his seat again in the House of Commons. He resumed his attacks on the government, Butes successor George Grenville in particular. Over the next decade, Wilkes fought for the continued reduction of concentrated power, including the right of printers to publish the debates in Parliament unedited. He once wrote what was called the dirtiest poem in the English language, tangible evidence of his libertinism and his sometimes scandalous personal life. No matter the issue, he was not averse to, shall we say, pushing the envelope. Among his defenders was the great statesman Edmund Burke, who himself chipped away at the power and privileges of the British establishment. Though Wilkes won re-election on an anti-government platform in 1768, Parliament expelled him. He was re-elected again in three successive elections a month apartin February, March and April 1769only to see Parliament void each election and attempt to give his seat to someone else. In the April balloting, Wilkes garnered more than 79 percent of the vote against Parliaments choice of Henry Luttrell. The House of Commons seated Luttrell anyway. Out of Parliament, Wilkes got himself elected as an alderman for London (equivalent to a city council seat), and then Lord Mayor of London in 1774. When he ran again for the House of Commons a few months later, he won back his Middlesex seat. Parliament had moved on to more pressing matters, namely, rising tensions with the American colonies. Wilkes was allowed to take his seat, a perch he used to assail the governments drift toward war. It should not surprise you to learn that the man who introduced in the House of Commons the first bill for reforming Parliament itself was none other than John Wilkes, in 1776. British liberty, when Wilkes died in 1797, was more robust than it was in the year of his birth (1725)in part because of him and his radicalism. Though he settled down in his later years into a more moderate perspective (and lost popular support because of it), his most significant contributions remain unquestionably those of his earlier days. Now and everywhere, as in the 18th Century in Britain, lovers of freedom must recognize and appreciate those who man the barricades. Two centuries after the events described above, Ronald Reagan expressed a truth with which the radical Wilkes would, I think, heartily agree: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didnt pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our childrens children what it was once like in the United States where men were free. This article was originally published on FEE.org. Kari Lake Confirms Shes Entertaining Major Run If She Loses Election Lawsuit Arizona Republican gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake speaks to supporters during her election night event at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Nov. 8, 2022. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Arizona Republican candidate Kari Lake said she is currently entertaining a run for Arizonas U.S. Senate seat in 2024 if her election-related court cases dont pan out. During an interview with Turning Point USA President Charlie Kirk this week, Lake spoke about speculation that she would run for Arizonas Senate seat in 2024. That would pit her against Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Rep. Rueben Gallego (D-Ariz.), who recently announced he would be running for the seat. A former Democrat, Sinema announced last year she would switch to be an independent. Asked by Kirk on Monday if shes entertaining a run for Sinemas seat, Lake said, Yes, I am entertaining it. I mean my number one priority is our court case, and I have full confidence in our court case and I hope we will get a judge to do the right thing. But Im also looking at what happens if we dont get a decent ruling in that, and they want me to go away, they want our movement to go away, Lake said. I represent we the people, and if they want us gone so badly that theyre willing to steal an election then Im not going to let them have that, I wont go away. Further, Lake said that she viewed internal polling that showed she would have a good chance of unseating Sinema or defeating Gallego. Its not clear if Sinema, who was first elected in 2018, is planning to run for reelection, and she has made no public comments in response to Lakes or Gallegos criticisms of her. Gallego, meanwhile, announced that he would run for Senate in January. Since then, both he and Lake have repeatedly sparred with one another on Twitter and in public appearances. Ive seen some internal polling that shows Im the only Republican who can beat these other two, Lake said, referring to Gallego and Sinema. I find both of them incredibly dangerous to the people of Arizona, Kyrsten Sinemas voting record being 93 percent of the time voting for Joe Bidens agenda, I find Ruben Gallego being a self-admitted socialist really frightening for Arizona and if Im the only Republican who can beat them, I would be willing to jump in. A spokesperson for Lake, meanwhile, confirmed to Politico that she met with Republican Senate officials in Washington, D.C., although few details were divulged. A meeting between Lake and the National Republican Senatorial Committee officials lasted about an hour on Thursday, said Lake advisor Caroline Wren. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Az.) speaks at a hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington, on May 14, 2019. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Wren was asked whether Lake has made a decision on a Senate bid, and she told the outlet: I dont think so. I think it was more listening. The Epoch Times contacted Lakes team for comment about the matter. At the same time, Lake was interviewed by the New York Times and provided more criticism of both Gallego and Sinema. Shes the furthest thing from an independent, Lake told the paper about Sinema. Lawsuit Status In December, a Maricopa County judge tossed Lakes lawsuit during a two-day trial in which her lawyers argued that a range of issues in Maricopa on Election Day caused enough problems for voters that the midterm election should be re-done or Lake should be declared the winner. She has since appealed to the Arizona Court of Appeals, while the state Supreme Court has twice rejected a petition to transfer her case. 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 then-Secretary of State Katie Hobbs in late January filed a response that seeks to dismiss Lakes challenge, asserting that the GOP challenger failed to provide enough evidence. Data from state election officials show that Lake trailed Hobbs, a Democrat, by about 17,000 votes. Last month, Hobbs was officially sworn in as governor of Arizona. In court and in interviews, Lake said that Election Day voters trended Republican and has suggested that issues that were reported at polling stations disproportionately affected the outcome of the contest. The Arizona Court of Appeals was scheduled to hear Lakes challenge on Feb. 1. Kevin McCarthy Squares Up Against the Worlds Largest BullyChina Chinese fighter jets fly in the sky near Taiwan in a still from a video released by Chinese state-run media CCTV on Aug. 7, 2022. (CCTV via Reuters/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Commentary The Peoples Liberation Army flew 34 aircraft near Taiwan on Tuesday and Wednesday. Twenty of them crossed the median line, the de facto border running down the Taiwan Strait between China and Taiwan. The Chinese military also sent nine vessels near Taiwan, the island republic that Beijing claims as its own. Global Times, a semi-official tabloid, left Washington in no doubt about the meaning of what it called intense warplane and warship activities. This could be seen as a warning to McCarthy that he should not follow his predecessor Nancy Pelosis suit in provocatively interfering in Chinas internal affairs, the paper declared. Yes, Beijing is unhappy that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, fulfilling a promise he made while running for the post, is planning to visit Taipei. The Chinese foreign ministry was relatively restrained in its remarks about a possible McCarthy trip to the island republic. We hope U.S. lawmakers will abide by the one-China principle and the Three China-U.S. Joint Communiques and refrain from doing things detrimental to China-U.S. relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, said Spokesperson Mao Ning on Jan. 30. Global Times, often used by the Chinese regime to issue threats it does not want to make officially, suggested setting up exclusion zones that prevent McCarthy from landing. Chinas regime routinely makes threats over Americans planning to visit Taiwan. The position of the Chinese government and people on the Taiwan question is consistent, and resolutely safeguarding Chinas national sovereignty and territorial integrity is the firm will of the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people, Chinese ruler Xi Jinping told President Joe Biden during their phone call on July 28 of last year, according to the Chinese foreign ministry, just days before Pelosis widely anticipated trip. The public opinion cannot be defied. Those who play with fire will perish by it. There was concern that Beijing would try to block Pelosis plane, but she landed in Taipei without incident the following month. The United States let the threat to assassinate herand Bidenslide then, so the Chinese felt free to make a similar threat against McCarthy now. Its unlikely that Beijing by words alone will be able to intimidate McCarthy into not going to Taiwan, but it is almost certain Chinese officials will work on Biden. He was, after all, the weak link in the controversy in the run up to Pelosis visit. Infamously, he tried to prevent Pelosi from going. His administration from all accounts leaked plans of her trip, thereby putting the visit in play. After the leak, Biden went public with opposition to the speakers visit. Well, I think that the military thinks its not a good idea right now, he told reporters on July 20, before the trip. But I dont know what the status of it is. This comment apparently convinced Chinese officials to turn up the heat because they could see Biden was wavering. The presidents words, unfortunately, emboldened the worst elements in the Chinese political system. It is no surprise then that Xi, during the July 28 phone call, thought he could threaten Bidens and Pelosis lives. So what should we look out for this time, now that the Chinese are manufacturing another crisis over a speakers trip? History is repeating itself. There is reporting that the Biden administration leaked the news of McCarthys trip to, in the words of Eurasia Group, get ahead of the issue. Perhaps, but it is more probable that the administration leaked to prevent the trip. Beijing will be watching very closely for daylight between the White House and Speaker McCarthy for them to exploit, as was the case with Speaker Pelosis visit to Taiwan last year, Steve Yates, chair of the China Policy Initiative at the America First Policy Institute, told me. The White House was seen as urging Pelosi to postpone, minimize, or cancel her visit. Beijing uses division and confusion like this as part of its political warfare against Taiwan, undermining confidence that friends will stand with them against the worlds largest bully. Maybe Biden administration machinations no longer matter. Nancy Pelosi, as Yates correctly says, should have gone to Taiwan earlier in her tenure as speaker, but she has now made it difficult for her successors not to go, especially considering the change in American views of China. I think every member of Congress should visit Taiwan, said Sen. Todd Young of Indiana to Politico, when asked about the McCarthy trip. The senator is right. Every member of Congress should go. And so should every president of the United States. Biden, by making himself and America look weak on Taiwan last year, can remedy that mistake by taking a trip of his own to Taipei now. If nothing else, a presidential visit will show Beijing that not only are speakers unafraid of China but that the president of the United States is not afraid either. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Kidney Donor for Nigerian Politicians Daughter Became Scared and Went to Police, UK Trial Told Jury told parents switched attention to Turkey after UK hospital refused to do transplant Ike Ekweremadu pays his respects to the Biafran secessionist leader Odumegwu Ojukwu during his funeral at Michael Opkara Square in Enugu, Nigeria, on March 1, 2012. (Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP via Getty Images) LONDONA young street trader from Lagos who had been offered money to give a kidney to the daughter of a wealthy Nigerian politician fled the home of a facilitator, spent several days homeless in London, and then walked into a police station and told them his story, a trial has heard. Ike Ekweremadu, 60, his wife Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 56, and their daughter Sonia, 25, are on trial at the Old Bailey in central London, along with Obinna Obeta, a doctor. All four deny conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of another person with a view to their exploitation. On Monday the prosecutor, Hugh Davies, KC, said the defendants had offered a 21-year-old street traderwho cannot be named for legal reasons7,000 to give his kidney to their ill daughter and lied about him being a distant cousin in order to get a UK visa. Davies continued opening the case on Tuesday and said: Body parts are not car parts. They simply cannot be traded for reward. Supply of human body parts for reward is human exploitation in all circumstances. He said: The prosecution contends that the evidence will establishalbeit for different motives, Obeta for a fee, the Ekweremadus to address an urgent clinical needthat each of these defendants agreed to arrange or facilitate the travel of [the donor] to London with a view to his exploitation. With a view to rewarding him for providing a kidney. Davies told the jury the transplant did not go ahead at the Royal Free Hospital in London because two nephrologists, Dr. Peter Dupont and Dr. Philip Masson, decided the donor was not suitable as a donor for Sonia Ekweremadu. He said Sonia was informed of this decision on March 29, 2022 and he said from April 1, 2022 there is evidence her parents immediately began searching for another donor, and also began to explore the possibility of doing the transplant in Turkey. Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of Nigerias former deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, leaves the Old Bailey, on Jan. 31, 2023. (Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images) Davies said: The decision to transfer the transplant centre away from London may be seen as based on a perception of a different level of regulatory control there, relative to the United Kingdom. In clinical terms, according to Dr. Dupont, it did not make sense since Sonia Ekweremadu already had a clinical team in London and, in his opinion, clinical outcomes in Turkey were less favourable than London. Davies said that while the defendants looked for a new kidney for their daughter, the original donor walked into a police station in Staines, west of London, on May 5, 2022. He had on him a mobile phone and a charger but no money. The prosecutor said the donor told police he had been trafficked from Nigeria in order to provide a kidney, had been walking for three days and had been sleeping outside. Davies then outlined to the jury what the donor said during his police interviews. He said a friend of his at the market in Lagos put him in touch with someone and a man called from England and said he would be able to come to London, have a better life, and get work to send money home. The donor said he had medical tests done in Nigeria but thought it was linked to the visa and had no idea he was being lined up for a kidney transplant. Davies said: He gives an account that he only understood he was there for a kidney donation when this was related to him by Dr. Dupont. Whether or not you accept this, it does seem clear that he did not understand the risks until they were explained, was frightened and upset, and relieved when Dr. Dupont reassured him it would not proceed. Davies said: He says that once it was clear the transplant would not go ahead he was treated badly by Obeta. He was working in a jobcleaning a playground and toiletsarranged by Obeta but did not receive the money. There came a point when he heard them discussing the possibility of doing the transplant in Nigeria. He says someone came and examined his abdomen and at this point he became scared and decided to leave Obetas address [in southeast London]. A placard outside the trial of Nigerian senator Ike Ekweremadu, his wife, daughter, and another man, at the Old Bailey in London, on Feb. 7, 2023. (Chris Summers/The Epoch Times) Davies said when Beatrice Ekweremadu was arrested and interviewed, after speaking to a solicitor, she gave a prepared statement. In it she said: I live in Nigeria. My daughter Sonia needs a kidney transplant. Therefore my husband and I made some enquiries to find a donor. [The donor] was found as a match by a third party. He was tested in hospital in Nigeria and we were made aware that he is a match and could be a donor for our daughter. The statement went on: He agreed to be a donor and on that basis he instructed a third party to make an application for a visa in order for him to come to the UK as my daughter is here in the UK. A medical visa was granted. Once he arrived in the UK he was further tested at hospital. Regrettably they informed us that he wasnt a match. I was obviously devastated and I went back to Nigeria. I had no further communication with [the donor]. On Monday, Davies told the jury Ike Ekweremadu and his wife were significant figures in Nigerian society and he had a significant degree of wealth. He said Sonia had a serious kidney condition called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with nephrotic syndrome, which could only be cured in the long-term by a kidney transplant. The trial continues. Los Angeles Rescue Teams Heading for Turkey Following Quake That Killed Over 7,000 Women hug each other near the collapsed building in Hatay, Turkey., on Feb. 7, 2023. (Burak Kara/Getty Images) LOS ANGELESA Los Angeles County Fire Department search-and-rescue team was being deployed to Turkey Feb. 6 in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that is believed to have killed more than 7,800 people. The Monday morning quake had a magnitude of 7.8, causing extensive damage in Turkey and northern Syria. Nearly 5,900 people are killed in Turkey, while over 1,900 people have died in Syria. In addition to the dead, 380,000 more had taken refuge in shelters. The United States Agency for International Development on Monday afternoon announced the deployment of urban search and rescue teams from Los Angeles County and Fairfax County, Virginia, to assist in recovery efforts. LA County officials said the team will include 81 people, six canine teams, and three structural engineers. Smoke billows from the scene of a collapsed building in Hatay, Turkey., on Feb. 7, 2023. (Burak Kara/Getty Images) This USAR team is the best of the best and will be instrumental in saving lives and rescuing people who continue to be stuck under rubble, County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a statement. Officials with the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles and other consulates around the country said people who want to offer assistance can donate items such as blankets, tents, sleeping bags, pocket warmers, winter clothing, and over-the-counter medications for flu, cold, and pain. Items for donation should be placed in clear bags, along with an itemized list of the donated items. The items can then be dropped off at consulates for transport to Turkey. The Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles is at 6300 Wilshire Boulevard. Rescuers search the rubble of buildings for casualties and survivors in the village of Besnaya in Syrias rebel-held northwestern Idlib province at the border with Turkey following an earthquake, on Feb. 7, 2023. (Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty Images) County Interim Fire Chief Anthony Marrone told reporters Monday night that the USAR team is highly skilled and elite and could be deployed for two weeks or more. He urged LA residents to use news of the quake as a reminder that Southern California is earthquake country, and preparation is critical. Make a kit, have a plan, and be prepared, he said. If you've ever wanted to learn more about beer, a new "Crafts and Corks" six-week tasting session is being offered by SUNY Buffalo State starting Feb. 20. This program is designed for craft-beer aficionados and novices who are looking for a greater depth of knowledge, as well as those already in, or looking to enter, the industry. It features tastings, food pairings and materials. The course is taught by Flying Bisons Tim Herzog and Magic Bear Beer Cellar owner Craig Altobello, a Certified Cicerone. It will also feature guests including Buffalo Brewing Company owner John Domres. While the class covers the requirements for the Cicerone Level 1 Beer Server credential, it's also for passionate beer fans. The class is intended to educate those that are interested in working in the beer industry, Altobello said. It is also perfect for beer enthusiasts who want to take a deeper dive into the beverage. Tim and I will take students on a tour of beers past, present and future, discussing the major styles and beer cultures, all in context to the service and handling of beer. Students will leave with a complete understanding of the beverage. For some, it will provide the fundamentals to make them much more successful and prepared for a job in the craft beer industry, whether a brewery/taproom, bar, or restaurant. Each week features a different region, covering history, styles, glassware and service, tasting and food pairing. The first week covers brewing history and lager vs. ale tasting, as well as beer ingredients and the brewing process. Featured regions include the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and the United States. Our goal is to help attendees gain a good working knowledge of beer; its ingredients, culture, history, and how to best enjoy beer with food, Herzog said. We are looking to remove any intimidation from walking into any beer-centric establishment in any country so that attendees can just relax and fully enjoy their experience. The sessions will be casual, comfortable and informative. There will be plenty of time for questions during each session. Classes are held Monday nights from Feb. 20 to March 27 in Caudell Hall at Buffalo State. You can register for Crafts and Corks: Beer Lovers here. All Buffalo State alumni are eligible for a program discount (call or email for discount code). There is also a course for Wine Lovers. No experience or prior brewing knowledge is required. Mali Says Russias Lavrov to Visit to Strengthen Defense Ties Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a news conference following talks with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry in Moscow on Jan. 31, 2023. (Maxim Shipenkov/Pool via Reuters) BAMAKORussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will pay a two-day visit to Mali this week, the Malian foreign ministry said on Sunday, describing the visit as a reflection of a shared wish to strengthen defense and security ties. Lavrov will arrive in Bamako on Monday. It is the first time a Russian foreign minister has officially visited the West African nation and reflects Moscows focus on extending its reach on the continent while it is at loggerheads with Western powers over its invasion of Ukraine. Since coming to power in a 2020 coup, Malis ruling military junta has turned to Moscow even as it sparred with neighbors and Western nations over election delays and its decision to work with Russian mercenaries to combat an Islamist insurgency. This high-level visit is in line with the political choice made by the Transitional Government to expand and diversify strategic partnerships, the Malian ministry said in a statement. Lavrovs visit shows the firm will of the Malian and Russian heads of state to give new impetus to the relations of friendship and bilateral cooperation in priority areas, in particular defense and security, the ministry said. Mali is engaged in a fight against militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State who have waged a decade-long insurgency that has spread to neighboring countries. Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Mali that Moscow was committed to strengthening cooperation to help root out the militants. It has also promised shipments of fuel, fertilizer and food worth around $100 million. Malis growing friendliness with Russia has coincided with a breakdown in relations with France, the former colonial power. Last year, the rift led Paris to withdraw all its troops that had been battling militants since 2013. U.N experts last Tuesday called for an independent investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity by Malian government forces and Russian private military contractor Wagner Group. Mali has previously said Russian forces in the country are not mercenaries but trainers helping local troops with equipment bought from Russia. Lavrov is currently in Baghdad for talks on improving bilateral ties and energy cooperation. Man Steals 2 French Bulldogs in Studio City From Pregnant Woman at Gunpoint: Police A week after announcing an arrest in the theft of two French bulldogs from a pregnant woman in Studio City, Los Angeles police Feb. 8 offered tips for pet owners to avoid becoming a victim of animal thefts. Police also said the suspect in the Studio City theftSammeiso Lewis, 27, of Las Vegasattempted to extort money from the dogs owner, using the phone of a man he met on a dating website. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a witness from the website overheard Lewis talking about the dogs and was able to provide investigators with a description and his dating application. Lewis was arrested Jan. 28 in Glendale and was subsequently charged with robbery. (Courtesy of the Los Angeles Police Department) He is accused of stealing the dogs around 10 a.m. Dec. 9 in the 4100 block of Kraft Avenue. Police said the dogs owner, who was nine months pregnant, was walking the dogs when a suspect pointed a gun at her and took the animals, fleeing in a gray SUV. The dogs were returned the next day. Somebody gave the dogs to a woman who was walking her dogs in the Hollywood area early that morning. That woman called the number on the tags and was able to return them to their owner. Detectives from the LAPDs North Hollywood Division offered a series of safety tips for pet owners: Stay visible in public settings with significant light while walking your dog Utilize dog chips with GPS for your dogs Dont leave dogs unattended in public Install security cameras around your residence to monitor your pets and intruders Keep current photos of your dog French bulldogs have become a common target of thieves due to their value. In 2021, a man walking musician Lady Gagas French bulldogs was shot by culprits who made off with two of the animals, which were later recovered. McCarthy Pushing for All-of-Congress Briefing on Chinese Spy Balloon Speaker of the House Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) speaks on debt ceiling outside his office at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Feb. 6, 2023. Speaker McCarthy, (Alex Wong/Getty Images) House Speaker Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has been pushing for a full briefing for all members of Congress on the Chinese balloon that last week traveled across the country and surveilled U.S. military sites, Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) revealed on Feb. 7. The Chinese surveillance balloon, which traversed the United States for about a week before a military fighter jet took it down on Saturday, ignited a bipartisan uproar in Washington over increasing threats from China. At a news conference on Tuesday, Scalise, the House majority leader, described the incident as a national security threat and a test from Beijing to America. Speaker McCarthy has asked for a full briefing of all members of Congress to find out what really happens, so were still gathering more facts working through that process, he told reporters. The House lawmakers have been working to roll out a bipartisan resolution aimed at condemning China over the balloon incursion that could come out as early as this week. Scalise said the measure will involve members from four different committees and that they have not yet finalized the language. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) speaks at a press conference at the RNC headquarters on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Jan. 25, 2023. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) McCarthy on Feb. 2 requested a classified briefing on the balloon with the Gang of EightRepublican and Democrat leaders of the House and Senate intelligence committeesshortly after the Pentagon made public that it was tracking the spy balloons trajectory. The Gang of Eight briefing is reported to be scheduled for Wednesday. Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on Sunday that all senators will get a classified briefing about China on Feb. 15, which he expects to cover where we stand with respect to China regarding surveillance and military abilities. McCarthy on Monday told reporters he wants to know why the administration didnt take down the balloon earlier and instances of past balloon sightings. He argued that the Pentagons reasoning that it delayed downing the balloon while it was over the continental United States due to public safety concerns doesnt hold water. You could do it over Alaska without any problem. You could have done it over northern Idaho. You could have done it in Montana. These are not high populated areas that gave you a lot of opportunity, he said. White House officials, including coordinator of the National Security Council John Kirby, have emphasized that they blocked the balloons intelligence gathering capability as it traveled across the country, but Scalise, echoing McCarthy, said he wasnt satisfied with this. President [Joe] Biden tried to call it a success that they shot it down over the ocean. The problem is it was the wrong ocean they shot it down over, it shouldve been the Pacific Ocean, he said. Since the balloons detection on Jan. 28, there were many opportunities over the Pacific ocean to shoot it down before it could actually carry out its mission, Scalise added. It went over many military bases, this wasnt some random path it took through the United States. As Chinese authorities were in control over the balloons direction, it could have sent data back to China during the journey, he said. McKinseys Links to Canada Infrastructure Bank Probed in Commons Committee A sign of U.S.-based McKinsey & Company management consulting firm in Geneva on April 12, 2022. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images) The House of Commons government operations committee continued its study of contracts awarded to multinational consulting firm McKinsey on Feb. 6, with testimony from the head of a crown corporation inspired in part by the former head of McKinsey and who is also himself a former McKinsey partner. Ehren Cory, CEO of the Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB), took questions from MPs about the links between his outfit and McKinsey. The CIB was the brainchild of the Advisory Council on Economic Growth, a body created by the Trudeau government in 2016 which was chaired by Dominic Barton, who was at the helm of McKinsey at the time. Cory worked as a partner for McKinsey from 2001 to 2012, before becoming CEO of Infrastructure Ontario, a provincial crown corporation. He said he had been hired through a headhunter and primarily because of his work at Infrastructure Ontario. While at McKinsey, Cory worked in the public sector and capital projects practices. The CIB had awarded McKinsey three contracts before Corys time at the helm, for a total value of $1.43 million. Cory sought to put this figure in context, telling the committee it represents under 5 percent of the CIBs total expenditures for professional services. Cory was also asked about other former McKinsey personnel working at the CIB and said he had hired current head of strategy Steven Robbins, one of six executives with the crown corporation. Other former McKinsey personnel include Corys executive assistant and a director working on portfolio strategy who Cory says was hired through a competitive process. Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis asked Cory whether the contracts given to McKinsey followed a fair process given the firm was stacking their loyalists on the infrastructure bank. The fact of the matter is, since the time that any former McKinsey employees have worked at the CIB, McKinsey hasnt been hired to do $1 of work, Cory answered. Lewis asked Cory whether he was aware that the Commons committee on infrastructure had recommended the CIB be abolished in a report tabled May 2, 2022. Cory said he was aware, but he noted the testimony leading to the report had occurred a year earlier and that since then progress had been made on several projects. The CEO said 27 projects have reached financial close and 19 of those are currently under construction. The CIB has been criticized for not attracting significant private sector investment. The CIB was established in 2017 to fund revenue-generating infrastructure projects with $35 billion in taxpayer funds and has a progressive agenda with a focus on sustainable growth, Indigenous infrastructure, and green projects. Minister Testifies Minister of Public Services and Procurement Helena Jaczek also testified at the government operations committee on Feb. 6, but she deferred to her deputy Paul Thompson for many questions asked by MPs. Jaczek took over the department in August, swapping roles with Filomena Tassi who became the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. The Commons committee is trying to understand how the contracts were awarded and to scope out the influence of McKinsey in government operations. Jaczek and her staff did not provide new information on McKinsey contracts. Her department has spent $104.6 million on the firm since 2015, a marked increase over the previous government. NDP MP Gord Johns asked what are the disqualifying factors that would lead the government to not hire a contractor, given McKinseys involvement in controversies. This is a company thats riddled in scandal after scandal, and Canadian taxpayers deserve to know what that threshold is, Johns said. We certainly carefully monitor the situation, the allegations, the activities that the member has mentioned, as the Minister noted, these activities have not triggered our integrity regime, Thompson said, noting there have been no criminal convictions. Johns raised the US$573 million lawsuit McKinsey settled with U.S. states for helping to promote opioids. He said this wasnt a conviction but that it counted in terms of the court of public opinion. On the general question of outsourcing to consulting firms, Jaczek said she agreed with Johns concerns. I think we need to look at who were hiring and where there are opportunities to ensure that we have sufficient internal staff with the qualifications, the skills that we need to perform the tasks in front of us, she said. Conservatives had called on the Auditor General to review the McKinsey contracts earlier on Feb. 6. We dont believe that Liberals can be trusted to investigate other Liberals, said MP Garnett Genuis, in reference to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asking Jaczek and Treasury Board President Mona Fortier to look into the matter. Less Groupthink: Former Australian PM Joins Global Warming Foundation to Spur Debate Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott addresses the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 18, 2014. (Mark Nolan/Getty Images) Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has joined a UK climate think tank to inject a note of realism into the climate debate. The London-based Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF), founded in 2009 by former UK conservative Chancellor of the Exchequer Nigel Lawson, says it aims to have a less hysterical and emotional debate on the subject. People are naturally concerned about the environment and want to see policies that enhance human wellbeing and protect the environment; policies that dont hurt, but help, the foundations mission statement reads. GWPF chair Jerome Booth said Abbott would bring a global perspective and policy insight to the board of trustees. He will further assist our objectives and help our efforts to foster a culture of debate, respect and scrutiny in policy areas that are currently dominated by intolerance, high emotions, moral reasoning and confusion, Booth said. Abbott noted that he was pleased to be joining GWPF because its consistently injected a note of realism into the climate debate. All of us want to save the only planet we have, but this should not be by means which impoverish poorer people in richer countries and hold poorer countries back, the former PM said. Abbott added that in countries like Australia, the impact of climate policy is to make electricity less affordable and less reliable rather than perceptibly to cool the planet. We need more genuine science and less groupthink in this debatethats where the GWPF has been a commendably consistent if lonely voice. A Conservative Leader Abbott led the centre-right Coalition to a landslide election victory over centre-left Labor in 2013. He remained Australias leader until 2015, when he was ousted by Malcolm Turnbull in a leadership spill in 2015. In a 2017 lecture Abbott gave to the Global Warming Policy Foundation, he said it was climate change policy thats doing harm, while climate change itself was probably doing good; or at least, more good than harm. Even if reducing emissions really is necessary to save the planet, our effort, however Herculean, is barely-better-than-futile; because Australias total annual emissions are exceeded by just the annual increase in Chinas, he said. Theres the evidence that higher concentrations of carbon dioxidewhich is a plant food, after allare actually greening the planet and helping to lift agricultural yields. In most countries, far more people die in cold snaps than in heatwaves, so a gradual lift in global temperatures, especially if its accompanied by more prosperity and more capacity to adapt to change, might even be beneficial. The former PM also told the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Sydney in 2019: I dont like the climate cult. I dont like the virus hysteria. I cant understand the gender fluidity push. I dont like magic pudding economics, and I particularly dislike the cultural self-loathing. Independent Zali Steggall took Abbotts federal seat of Warringahspanning Sydneys northern beachesin 2019, campaigning widely on action for more government policy on climate action. Fellow Australians who advise the GWPF include retired meteorologist William Kininmonth and Garth Paltridge, emeritus professor at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania. A 2015 GWPF Report on Climate Change stated: Policies to stop climate change are based on climate models that completely failed to predict the lack of warming for the past two decades. Observational data show clearly that the predictions of unacceptable warming caused by more carbon dioxide are wrong. Economic discount rates aside, policies designed to save the planet from more carbon dioxide are based on failed computer models, they said. Human emissions of carbon dioxide, a transparent, odourless, non-toxic gas, essential for plant growth and contained at about 40,000 parts per million (ppm) in our own breaths. Carbon dioxide has been mercilessly demonized as carbon pollution, when in fact it is a benefit to the planet. AAP contributed to this report. New York Citizens Group Calls for Santoss Expulsion From Congress Democratic representatives join NY District 3 constituents at press conference U.S. Rep.-elect George Santos (R-N.Y.) speaks at the Republican Jewish Coalition annual leadership meeting in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 19, 2022. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Residents of New Yorks Congressional District 3 called on Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to expel embattled freshman Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) rather than wait for an ethics investigation to be completed. Theres no criminal conviction necessary to remove a member [of Congress], said 18-year-old Princeton student and activist Aidan Davis. All that is needed is a two-thirds vote. Davis chuckled as someone in the group chimed in, And a little courage. Santos has been accused of fabricating his family background, education, and work history. Santos claimed in his biography that he had degrees in finance and economics from Baruch College and New York University and had worked for Citigroup and Goldman Sachs. The press conference, hosted by Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.), was coordinated by Concerned Citizens of New York 03. The Groups founder Jodi Kass Finkel described the organization as an ad hoc committee with a single purpose. We have only one goalthat is to have George Santos removed from squatting in our seat, she told the group. (LR) This combination photo shows House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), and House Minority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.). (Mark Wilson, Chip Somodevilla, Alex Wong/Getty Images) District 03 includes parts of the North Shore of Long Island, then extends across Nassau County into northeastern Queens. According to Finkel, Santos is an embarrassmentnot only to the people of the District, but to the Republican Party and the entire Congress. She and the other Santos constituents came to Washington because Republican leadership was doing nothing to address their concerns. We are here because Speaker (Kevin) McCarthy cannot hear us when we speak from Long Island, she said. Goldman addressed the group, waving signs and chanting slogans calling for Santoss ouster. He criticized McCarthy for doing nothing in the face of what he said was clear evidence of wrongdoing on Santoss part. He said McCarthy blamed people who voted for Santos, even though those voters had been lied to. Goldman pointed out that while much of what Santos is accused of is illegal, lying to voters is not. According to Goldman, this sends a cynical message to the American people. Lying to Voters Not Illegal You can deceive the voters, you can defraud the voters as long as they voted for you, its okay, Goldman said. In December, Santos admitted to some resume embellishments, confessing he hadnt graduated from Baruch College or any other college. Santos said he also overstated that he worked for two Wall Street firms and said he instead worked for a company called Link Bridge, which did business with both firms. Santos also admitted to lying about owning 13 different properties. Santos faced other allegations, including falsely saying he was Jewish. In an interview with the New York Post, Santos said he had never claimed to be Jewish. Ben Marzouk, of Long Island, told the group that he is only one New York Republican owed an explanation about why Santos is still on the job. Its not difficult. McCarthy, do the right thingexpel him. Have some dignity and respect, and do the right thing, Marzouk said. No Greater Threat Santos was also accused of defrauding a veteran raising money to pay for surgery for his dog. The veteran said that when they met, Santos called himself Anthony Devolder. The U.S. Navy veteran, Richard Osthoff, said Devolder set up a GoFundMe crowdfunding page for the dog, but ultimately kept the money and cut off contact with the veteran. The dog died without the necessary medical treatment, Osthoff said. Santos denied Osthoffs claims, tweeting that the reports that I would let a dog die is [sic] shocking & insane. Taiba Ahmad is a teacher and Afghan refugee whose family came to the United States in 1989. She has been working with Congress and the U.S. Department of State to help Afghanis who helped the United States escape their country. She said this often involves providing sensitive information to government officials. Unfortunately, I cannot trust George Santos or his staff with something so sensitive, she said. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) also addressed the gathering. He and Goldman filed an ethics complaint against Santos, but Torres agreed with other speakers that McCarthy and the Republican Party should address the voters concerns. He called Santos the greatest fiction writer in the history of Congress. No one poses a greater threat to the integrity of [Congress] than George Santos, Torres said. Ryan Morgan, a writer for The Epoch Times, contributed to this report. No, We Cant Trust the Science Oxford University study is the latest in a long trail of lies and deception surrounding COVID-19 and mRNA vaccines Commentary The title of a new Oxford University study, COVID-19 is a leading cause of death in children and young people in the US, is as shocking as it is misleading. The headline is frightening because it was meant to be. But is the SARS-CoV-2 virus really one of the most lethal threats to American children and young people up to the age of 19? Experimental Mass Vaccination Pushed by Fear, Sensationalism Lets take a closer look at Oxfords assertion. Since the study describes the virus as a leading cause of death in children, one would suppose that it would be near the top, right? If not No. 1, it certainly would be No. 2 or perhaps No. 3. But that isnt the case. Actually, as the writers of the article concede, COVID-19 is only the eighth-ranked cause of death, responsible for only about 2 percent of deaths of American children. The relationship that the researchers (or the person who wrote and/or approved the headline) draw between the ranking and the importance of it is inverse, to say the least, and largely irrelevant. Since when is an eighth-place causal ranking a leading cause of anything, particularly when that ranking has a statistical value of about 2 percent? Its simply not true, so why try to make that case? Now, contrast the sensationalist Oxford study with another UK study published in November 2022, which is calmly titled COVID-19 deaths in children and young people in England, March 2020 to December 2021: An active prospective national surveillance study. Note the lack of hyperbole in that studys title. Its entirely neutral and objectively descriptive. More importantly, however, is the fact that the researchers found that over 22 months, with all co-factors considered, COVID-19 was responsible for 1.2 percent of deaths in the younger-than-20 age group in England. Granted, 1.2 percent is less than 2 percent, but that difference is marginal relative to the remaining 98 or 98.8 percent. The researchers rightly concluded in the study that death due to COVID-19 is very low in CYP (children and young people), even with the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. On a side note, COVID-19 has supposedly surpassed the flu as a significant cause of childhood deaths in 2022. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the 201819 season, there were 136 pediatric flu deaths reported, and 188 in the 201920 season. But in the 202021 season? Just one. Imagine childhood flu deaths dropping by 99.99 percent in a single year. Thats an amazing medical accomplishment that one would think would capture headlines around the world. Children rest at a community vaccination center after receiving a dose of Sinovac Biotechs CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine following the COVID outbreak, in Hong Kong on Feb. 25, 2022. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters) An attempt is made to explain the drop. The narrative goes as follows: Under lockdown, the 2021 flu season affected a much lower number of people than usual in all major regions of the United States. And yet, somehow, the COVID-19 virus, a variant of the common cold, was just that much smarter than the flu virus and could infect millions of people. It will be interesting to see 2022s flu report when it comes out in April. Deception and the Drive to Vaccinate Children What can one make of the seemingly exploitative attitude of the Oxford study? Why would Oxford University and its researchers overstate the risk that the virus poses to young people? One explanation could be for the sheer sake of exploitation itself. Its difficult not to recognize two closely related facts concerning Oxford University and COVID-19. First, Oxford University has reportedly received hundreds of millions of dollars from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation made sure that much of that money went into Oxford research that resulted in the AstraZeneca mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. AstraZeneca has since seen billions of dollars in profit from its COVID-19 vaccine business. Second, the Gates Foundation reportedly funded pharmaceutical companies and nongovernmental organizations (NGO) in the UK, such as the Wellcome Trust, an international vaccine research and development group, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. These groups have a mutually supportive relationship with almost zero accountability. A big part of the global COVID-19 agenda and funding effort, which is led by the CDC, is to vaccinate children, even though the science tells us that theyre at very low risk of being harmed by the disease. Coincidentally, the CDC and the World Health Organization are also funded by the Gates Foundation. A suspicious mind might conclude that describing COVID-19 as a leading cause of death in children could be an effort toward pushing more vaccines onto more children. Deception Surrounds Everything About the Virus Oxford certainly isnt the only highly rated institution to twist the facts to fit the narrative and blind people from reality. Denying and withholding medical data on vaccine injuries and deaths is the policy of medical and drug bureaucracies in the United States and elsewhere. Signs are held up at a rally against COVID-19 vaccine mandates in New York on Oct. 12, 2021. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Dr. Deborah Birx, former response coordinator of the White House Coronavirus Task Force during the Trump administration, said she deliberately misled then-President Donald Trump by exaggerating the risk of asymptomatic transmission of the virus to justify longer and more extensive lockdowns. It wasnt about following the science that led to economically and socially disastrous lockdowns in the United States. It was about following the politics. As for the vaccines themselves, Big Medicine and Big Pharma colluded with Big Tech, Big Media, Big Academia, NGOs, and the Biden administration to deny and censor any bad news about the experimental mRNA vaccines that were pushed in the United States and much of the rest of the world. More than that, medical doctors with stellar reputations and research achievements were banned, humiliated, fired, censored, and otherwise publicly pilloried for daring to provide alternative and simple treatments with a proven 80 percent reduction in hospitalizations and a 75 percent reduction in deaths. Furthermore, recently uncovered documents show that the CDC was aware of mRNA vaccines causing myocarditis but refused to disclose those facts. This denial and manipulation of science arent restricted to the United States. Scotland has recently seen a rise in neonatal deaths, up from 2 per thousand to 4.9, but medical authorities have ruled out the mothers vaccine status as a factor in the deaths without even checking. The neonatal deaths, which apply to infants up to four weeks old, are recorded as stillbirths to avoid alarm or vaccine hesitancy. Their reasoning? They dont want anyone to draw the wrong conclusions. Or, perhaps, the right ones. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Officer Caught Saying Happy Hunting Before Shooting Gets 2-Day Suspension An LAPD officer who was recorded on body-camera video telling colleagues happy hunting before SWAT officers shot and killed a man last May has received a two-day suspension following an internal investigation, according to LAPD disciplinary records. The newly released records obtained by the Los Angeles Times identified the officer by his rankpolice officer 3but dont name him, due to state privacy laws. The SWAT officer made the remark while preparing with other officers to surround a man named Leron James, who was armed with a handgun and had barricaded himself inside an apartment building. Police said the 54-year-old man fired down from a window and the officers returned fire, killing him. Department officials have said that the remark was caught on the body camera of another officer and was discovered during a subsequent review of video from the incident. The officer was immediately removed from the field after the remark was discovered. The episode was seized on by department critics, who said it reflected a culture of brutality and callousness within SWAT, the LA Times reported. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore at the time said the remark constitutes an inappropriate comment or inappropriate remark, which is an administrative count of misconduct. Although he was disturbed by the inappropriate comment, Moore said that the units members have consistently shown restraint and skill while handling difficult and dangerous situations. Moore later ordered a 10-year review of the units operations to determine whether there were possible problems or patterns in the use of force by its members. The report, published in July 2022, found that between 2012 and 2022, 92 percent, or 1,245 of the 1,350 SWAT deployments, were resolved without the use of force. Deputy Chief Al Labrada, the commanding officer for operations in LAs Central Bureau, said the report showed no patterns of behavior in which officers were continuously engaging in deadly force. Amid a rise in violent crime since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Los Angeles is scrambling to hire more police. The LAPD expects 600 officers to leave next year. The rise of anti-police sentiment, public scrutiny, and negative perceptions of law enforcement on social media are some of contributing factors that caused many officers to quit or retire early. Jill McLaughlin contributed to this report. Officer Killed, 2nd Wounded in Western Pennsylvania Shootout Members of the Pittsburgh police motorcycle unit lead a procession that includes the body of a fallen McKeesport police officer as it leaves UPMC McKeesport in McKeesport, Pa., on Feb. 6, 2023. (Arturo Fernandez/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP) MCKEESPORT, Pa.A man having a mental health crisis shot and killed a police officer, wounded a second, and fired at a third before being wounded in a shootout in a western Pennsylvania city on Monday, authorities said. Two officers were dispatched shortly after noon to a domestic disturbance call in McKeesport, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) south of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns said at a news conference. The officers tried to talk to the man but he walked away from the home, and officers were warned by a family member that he might be armed, Kearns said. The officers encountered him nearby and he suddenly produced a handgun and shot the two McKeesport officers, Kearns said. One officer was taken to a hospital in McKeesport, where he was pronounced dead. A statement from McKeesport Police Chief Adam Alfer identified him as 32-year-old Sean Sluganski, who had worked for the department full-time for two years. The second officer, 35-year-old Charles Thomas Jr., was flown to a Pittsburgh-area trauma center. Thomas, who has been on the force for four years, was discharged by Monday night and back home recovering with family, Alfer reported. Kearns said the suspect was shot when he walked around a corner and fired at the third officer, who returned fire. The suspect was later listed in stable condition at a Pittsburgh-area trauma center. The McKeesport Area School District said all schools and buildings were temporarily put on an exterior lockdown due to the police activity nearby. Police said charges were being prepared against the suspect, who is known to McKeesport police. They have dealt with him on past occasions, Kearns said. The mayors office asked people to keep the department in their thoughts and to respect the families privacy during this tragic and traumatic time. The president of the Fraternal Order of Police state lodge, Joseph Regan, said the officers left their homes knowing it was their duty to protect and serve McKeesport regardless of the outcome. Today, they made sacrifices we hoped and prayed they would never need to make. They are heroes, Regan said. About a month ago, a police chief was killed and two officers wounded in an Allegheny County borough northeast of Pittsburgh. The suspect was later shot and killed in Pittsburgh after crashing a carjacked vehicle and exchanging gunfire with police, authorities said. Ohio Crews Complete Toxic Chemical Release From Derailed Train A train fire is seen from a farm in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3, 2023. (Melissa Smith via AP) Train operator Norfolk Southern said Monday that crews in East Palestine, Ohio, had successfully completed a controlled release of hazardous chemicals from five rail cars after a freight train derailed. The compromised rail cars posed a significant threat to safety, with Gov. Mike DeWine saying on Sunday there was the potential of a catastrophic tanker failure if crews didnt intervene to manually vent the cars. The controlled release of vinyl chloride from the compromised rail cars was due to begin at around 3:30 p.m. local time, according to an update from DeWine on Monday. An evacuation was ordered for a one-mile by two-mile area surrounding East Palestine. The governor directed people to more information on his website; the site was down as of press time. The controlled breach of several rail cars has been completed successfully under the supervision of experts and first responders, Norfolk Southern said in an update. Portions of a Norfolk and Southern freight train that derailed the previous night in East Palestine, Ohio, are still on fire at midday on Feb. 4, 2023. (Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo) Some of the material is now burning off consistent with expectations from the earlier models, and is expected to drain for a short number of hours, the statement continued. We have been, and will continue, monitoring air quality with the Ohio EPA. Remediation work at the site can now safely continue. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident and reported that approximately 24 train cars were transporting hazardous materials, with 10 cars derailing. Out of these, five cars were carrying vinyl chloride. The 50-car train was also carrying combustible liquids, butyl acrylate, and benzene residue, according to Norfolk Southern. It was also carrying non-hazardous materials such as plastic pellets, wheat, and liquors. Vinyl chloride is a toxic, colorless, and flammable gas used in the production of plastics, particularly PVC pipes, wire coatings, vehicle upholstery, and plastic kitchenware. It evaporates very quickly. Catastrophic Failure On Sunday afternoon, crews detected that the pressure relief devices on some of the cars had stopped working, according to the train operator. In a statement that day, DeWine said that a drastic temperature change had taken place in a rail car, which created the potential for a catastrophic tanker failure that Columbiana County officials said could have sent shrapnel thousands of feet if the cars exploded. As a result, residents in an Ohio village were urged to evacuate after the train derailed. The company said crews had prepared pits and embankments to drain the hazardous material into in a controlled fashion. When it is safe to do so, the manual release of the pressure will be via a controlled breach of several rail cars, and under the supervision of experts and first responders, Norfolk Southern said in a statement announcing its plan to vent the cars. This will be loud and visible. Some of the material will burn off as it drains for a short number of hours. The company said it would continue to monitor air quality with Ohio EPA and then continue cleanup work at the site once its safe to do so. Smoke rises from a derailed cargo train in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 4, 2023. (Dustin Franz/AFP via Getty Images) Evacuations On Sunday, sheriffs went house by house to determine the number of residents still in the area and encouraged them to evacuate. Schools and local government offices will remain closed until at least Monday and businesses within the evacuation zone have been prohibited from opening on Monday, AP reported. More than 500 people had declined to leave their homes despite the severe warnings about the hazards, DeWine said. However, the Columbiana County sheriff said that any adults refusing to evacuate who have children were warned that they may be arrested, he added. DeWine summoned the Ohio National Guard to help local authorities around 8 p.m., and other agencies such as the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Emergency Management Agency, and Ohio EPA are also providing support. No injuries to crew, residents, or first responders have been reported so far. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also issued an evacuation order for residents near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, citing the release of the toxic chemical. He noted that residents who dont evacuate could risk serious injury or death if exposed to the thick smoke and flames. If you are in this red zone that is on the map and you refuse to evacuate, you are risking death, Shapiro said during a press conference on Feb. 6. This is very serious. If you are in the orange area, you risk permanent lung damage within a matter of hours or days. The first time Colleen Stillwell sold her croissants, she baked only eight. She wasn't sure a whole dozen would move. When their golden buttery flakiness got a ravenous reception at the Farm Store, Stillwell had her first regulars. At 235B Lexington Ave., White Cow Dairys tiny atelier for truly artisanal Western New York food products, Stillwells croissants drew lines of customers waiting for her car. It was really an experiment, she said recently. At the time, Stillwell was thinking of returning to Manhattan to seek her culinary fortune. But then the croissants she was making, to stay in practice, needed an outlet. We just kept upping the number, she said. And here we are today, 8 years later. Today, Butter Block, Stillwells bakery, has become the finest sweets bakery in Buffalo, one of the crowd-drawing developments in the West Side neighborhood of Five Points. At 426 Rhode Island St., yards away from Five Points Bakery and Remedy House, Butter Block specializes in viennoiserie, buttery layered treats, like the kouign-amann, a Breton buttered caramel grenade without American comparison, and savory items such as the bacon bowtie, made with Moriarty Meats bacon. The croissants are made with French butter. Legions of dedicated customers line up in the white-tiled 426 Rhode Island St. storefront to scan the display case. Through a glass wall, they can watch uniformed bakers working diligently in the white-tiled kitchen. They walk out with boxes of croissants, tarts and eclairs, or order ahead online for seasonal pies and cakes, or other guaranteed allotments of sure-to-sell-out daily delights. Butter Block employs 13, including drivers, bookkeepers and such. The bakery goes through 250 to 300 pounds of top-quality butter every week, and sells just about everything it bakes. But it is customers who add sweetness to success, Stillwell said. I've seen couples who are dating, and then we've done their wedding, she said. Then we've done their baby shower, and we've gotten to watch their children grow up on croissants. The unexpected delight from being Butter Block is just getting to be part of so many people's rituals. The citys finest sweets bakery can claim BOCES roots. Stillwells classes in the high school vocational program fueled her desire to craft a career from butter and sugar as a pastry chef. She graduated from West Seneca West in 2001. In 2006, she moved to Californias Napa Valley to get further training at the Culinary Institute of America. By 2010, she was in New York City, living her dream as a pastry chef at Restaurant Daniel, flagship of the Daniel Boulud restaurant group, one of Manhattans finest restaurants. In 2013, Stillwell returned to Buffalo, where she worked as a chef-instructor at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. There, she guided students learning how to make pastry, stocking the schools Old Falls Street patisserie, open to the public, with their homework: croissants, sticky buns, Danish and the like. In 2014, she was thinking of returning to the Big Apple. Meanwhile, to keep up her viennoiserie touch, she exercised the discipline of lamination. I just wanted to practice, do reps, Stillwell said. To avoid throwing away her croissant surplusage, she asked Patrick Lango, an East Otto dairy farmer with a tiny store in the Elmwood Village, if she could join his band of artisans. He said, Let's try next weekend. ... Think about that, she said. Now, it's cute, but we didnt know what to expect. Location: 426 Rhode Island St. Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Order online at butterblockshop.com. Phone: 716-424-0027. Ontario Judge Rules City Will Violate Charter If It Dismantles Homeless Camp An Ontario Superior Court justice has refused to allow the Region of Waterloo to dismantle a homeless tent city built on a half-acre empty gravel lot in Kitchener, Ontario, noting that shelters do not allow couples to stay together, and will not allow drug use and substance abuse. In a 52-page ruling issued on Jan. 27, which could affect homeless camps in other parts of Ontario, Justice Michael Valente struck down the municipalitys bylaw and denied an injunction to enforce it. The Regional Municipality of Waterloo has a bylaw prohibiting any structure, including a tent, from being built on public property. Valente ruled that as long as the number of homeless persons exceeds the number of available accessible shelter beds, the regions bylaw is inoperative because it violates the Charter and deprives the homeless residents of the Encampment life, liberty, and security of the person. His decision also quoted a B.C. case that stated: Public properties are held for the benefit of the public, which includes the homeless. The government cannot prohibit certain activities on public property based on its ownership of the property if doing so involves a deprivation of the fundamental human right not to be deprived on the ability to protect ones bodily integrity. The tent encampment was first built around December 2021 without the regions permission. Within six months, the site had 70 temporary shelters, with roughly 50 people living on the city property at 100 Victoria Street North. A video on Twitter shows the homeless encampment. The court summarized the situation of some of the encampments residents. Kathryn Bulgin, a 32-year-old with drug addiction who has been homeless for six years, said lining up for a shelter bed was stressful because it lacked certainty if there would be a bed. Having no watch, she said, she might not know the time to return to claim a bed. Jennifer Draper, an Indigenous woman with depression, anxiety, and a panic disorder, uses crack cocaine and methamphetamines. She had been in a rental home with her three children, but lost her job and was evicted. Social services seized her children. Since, she has been living outdoors in the homeless encampment with her partner, another homeless man. Sean Simpell told the court he has a drug addiction and has been homeless since getting out of jail in June 2020. He said as a drug user, he found it difficult to be around people in a shelter who were subjecting him to ridicule and who were very judgmental. The court also summarized the plight of Andrew Zekai, an Indigenous homeless man with drug addictions who has been in and out of jail for the last seven and a half years. He said living in shelters was triggering for his drug use and worried about theft of his belongings. He gets safe injection supplies from the nearby drug consumption site. Adequate Shelter The property that is hosting the tent city is earmarked for parking for nearby transit stations. By March 2022, the region hired a security company to respond to any disruptions and complaints from the public or nearby businesses as a result of the homeless encampment. By May, the region posted security at the entrance of St. Johns Kitchen to provide overnight washroom facilities. The cost to the city for security, garbage pick-up, and janitorial service to clean the washrooms totals roughly $80,000 per month. Valentes decision cited legal decisions out of the province of British Columbia. I am not satisfied that the Region has adequate capacity to shelter the approximately 50 encampment residents given that its shelters are not low barrier or truly accessible, wrote Valente. Just as the British Columbia cases have found so too do I conclude that the ability to provide adequate shelter for oneself is a necessity of life that falls within the right to life protected by Section 7 of the Charter. Valente said not only must the shelters have room, but they also have to be accessible to the individuals involved. Homeless In his ruling, Valente said he considered the evidence of Dr. Andrea Sereda, a London, Ontario, physician whose practice focuses on the homeless, addicts, and sex trade workers. Most of Dr. Seredas patients are unhoused, living in encampments, staying in shelters, couch surfing, or any combination thereof. Dr. Sereda has provided health care to the homeless for 12 years, said the judge. Seredas evidence, as paraphrased by the judge, suggested that there were advantages of living in an encampment over a shelter. She listed that couples or survival partners can remain together. She told the court there are insufficient shelter options for couples, wrote Valente. Sereda also said shelter stays were unpredictable and precarious, and often have abstinence-based policies that refuse to adopt a harm reduction approach, meaning they will not allow drug addicts to use on the property or stay when high or under the influence of substances. Additionally, she cited that many shelters are for overnight, requiring individuals to leave and enter each day with nowhere to rest and decompress, and that they can be traumatizing for those with a history of trauma or use due to the congregate setting of strangers. If the available spaces are impractical for homeless individuals, either because the shelters do not accommodate couples, are unable to provide required services, impose rules that cannot be followed due to addictions, or cannot accommodate mental or physical disability, they are not low barrier and accessible to the individuals they are meant to serve, the judge wrote. Valente also ruled that the right to shelter didnt just mean overnight, and the encampment was not taking up recreation space or in a park, so it did not affect the rights of other residents of the Waterloo region. The Region of Waterloo issued a statement on Jan. 27 following the judges ruling. Regional Chair Karen Redman said the region will consider next steps and the impacts of this decision. Opposition Leader Urges More Action to Protect Indigenous Children Children of the Yolngu people from north-eastern Arnhem Land prepare to perform the Bunggul traditional dance during the Garma Festival near Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land, in Australia, on Aug. 4, 2018. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has urged further action to protect children in central Australian Indigenous communities following the reintroduction of alcohol bans. The Northern Territory government will bring legislation next week to reinstate dry zones, which communities will be able to opt out of if they choose. To do so, they will require 60 per cent of residents to support the decision and have an alcohol management plan. The restrictions follow a report by Northern Territory Regional Controller Dorelle Anderson, which was prompted by a surge in alcohol-fuelled violence. Dutton said he welcomed the alcohol bans, but more needed to be done to stop the violence in Indigenous communities. Weve got children who we know are being sexually abused, and were putting them back into an environment where theyre not safe we cant be putting anything above the interests of the child and the protection of those children, he told ABC Radio on Tuesday. We dont want to take people away from their countries, we want them to have a connection to their country, but there are a lot of loving families in Alice Springs and in the community within the Northern Territory that could take care of those children. Dutton said he was willing to work with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on addressing issues in Indigenous communities. The federal government earlier announced it would spend $250 million on community safety and services in Alice Springs. Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney said reinstituting alcohol bans was a positive step. My focus was on protecting women and children, and that is still my focus. And I know that its the focus of community organisations, whom I will be talking to at the end of this week in Alice Springs, she told ABC Radio. There is a process that has been agreed to between the Northern Territory government and the federal government on how we go forward. But the idea that alcohol is the only issue that needs to be dealt with in the Northern Territory is just not real. NT senator Malarndirri McCarthy said the alcohol bans were a significant decision. In terms of alcohol itself, we know it is just a symptom of deeper issues around central Australia and, more broadly, across the country, she told Nines Today program. At some point, there does need to be a longer-term conversation around alcohol and what those communities would like to see in the future. I know that is part of their plan. But right now, we need a circuit breaker. Opposition Parties Press Ottawa for Answers on Chinese Spy Balloon The remnants of a large balloon drift above the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of South Carolina, with a fighter jet and its contrail seen below it, on Feb. 4, 2023. (Chad Fish via AP) Opposition parties want answers regarding a Chinese surveillance balloons incursion into Canadas airspace. The federal government has offered few details about the balloons trajectory over Canada before the U.S. military confirmed its presence over the state of Montana last week. The Liberal government has confirmed that the balloon entered Canadian airspace from Alaska before crossing back into the Western United States, but it wont say when or where the balloon was over Canada. Ottawa first issued a statement saying that cooperation with the United States via the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) was underway to monitor the high-altitude surveillance balloon. Defence Minister Anita Anand then released a statement on Feb. 4 voicing support for the U.S. decision to shoot down the balloon as it drifted over the Atlantic Ocean. Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet said the issue of the Chinese spy balloon must be taken in the context of broader interference, from the purchase of Canadian companies to the presence of unofficial Chinese police stations in the country. The tendency of the all-powerful Chinese state to spread its tentacles and to intervene politically, and to position itself in a perspective which could be military in the very long term, without Canada giving itself the means to react, its worrying for someone who pretends to defend territorial sovereignty and the security of the territory, Blanchet said at a press conference on Feb. 6. Conservative MP Michael Chong, the Totys foreign affairs critic, said he hopes the Chinese spy balloon will goad the Liberal government into action to stop funding Canadian research that collaborates with Chinese military institutes. Recent reports show some 50 Canadian universities have been conducting collaborative research with a Peoples Liberation Army academy on sensitive technologies, including space science and technology that could facilitate eavesdropping. After Chinas spy balloon flight over Canada & the US, I hope the Trudeau govt now understands the urgency of halting all research funding with Chinas military university through a policy directivenow, Chong wrote on social media. Its long past time for action. Chong reiterated this call during question period in the House of Commons on Feb. 6, urging the Liberal government to ban all federal funding of Canadian research projects that are working in collaboration with the Chinese military. His remarks were backed by his Conservative colleague James Bezan, the Tory national defence critic, who called for a change in Canadas approach toward communist China. An important thread on how Canadas approach to China must change! #cdnpoli https://t.co/06FBJNDFst James Bezan (@jamesbezan) February 6, 2023 The Opposition also wants to know why Canadians werent alerted earlier, why the balloon wasnt stopped sooner, and what measures are being taken to protect againstand retaliate againstChinese spying. Beijing has dismissed the accusation, saying it was a weather research balloon that got blown off-course. Ottawa and Washington are alleging that it was being used to spy on sensitive military sites. The Canadian Press contributed to this report. Ottawa Didnt Disclose Chinas Spy Balloon Because There Were Lives at Stake, Minister Says Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino says Ottawa didnt tell the public about Chinas spy balloon that was spotted over North America because there were lives at stake. There are lives at stake. There are techniques at stake. This is complex stuff, Mendicino told the Canada-China House of Commons committee on Feb. 6. Mendicino was being challenged by Conservative public safety critic Raquel Dancho on why the Canadian public didnt learn about the balloon from the federal government, raising concerns about transparency. Canadians actually found out about the spy balloon that was over Canadian sovereignty for several days not from your government, not from a Canadian news agency, but from an American one. Do you find that acceptable? Dancho said. Conservative Party Public Safety critic Raquel Dancho speaks with reporters in the foyer of the House of Commons, in Ottawa, Oct. 21, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld) Mendicino said the government needs to be cautious about releasing information so it doesnt jeopardize any national security operation, as well as the people who are engaged in those operations. That is a matter of the utmost sensitivity, he said. Dancho retorted that the U.S. government would have the same consideration, but it still shared the information. Mendicinos reply centred around Canada and the United States collaborating in response to the incident. Dancho asked Mendicino to confirm his comments that there were lives at stake if the government informed the public about the spy balloon. We have people who are in the field at work in a wide range of agencies, including in the Canadian military, and yes, everyday they put their lives at stake to protect our national interest, Mendicino said, as Danchos allotted time for questioning the minister ran out. News reports about the high-altitude surveillance balloon, which had travelled over sensitive military sites across North America, first appeared on Feb. 2. Authorities said that they first discovered the object on Jan. 28 over the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Security The balloon was shot down by U.S. military jets off the coast of South Carolina on Feb. 4. U.S. officials said they waited until the object was above water to destroy it, to avoid any potential damage or injuries from debris. The Republicans in the United States and the Conservatives in Canada have asked why the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), which is jointly operated by the United States and Canada, didnt take action earlier. Republicans have argued that it could have been destroyed earlier while taking caution that the operation didnt endanger anyones safety. American Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, who serves as the commander of NORAD, said on Feb. 6 that their assessment was that the object didnt present a physical military threat to North America. VanHerck added that authorities exercised maximum precaution to prevent any intelligence collection by the balloon as it was allowed to remain in North American airspace, while they worked to gather more intelligence about Chinas capabilities. He also said that the U.S. military failed to detect previous incursions into U.S. airspace by Chinese spy balloons in prior years. I will tell you that we did not detect those threats, and thats a domain awareness gap, he told reporters. The Chinese spy balloon drifts to the ocean after being shot down off the coast in Surfside Beach, S.C., on Feb. 4, 2023. (Reuters/Randall Hill) Canadian Airspace During the committee hearing, Mendicino was asked for confirmation as to whether the balloon had travelled in Canadian airspace. What I would say to you and to the members of this committee is that we are always vigilant around potential threats to our airspace, to our sovereignty, and to our national security, the minister said. Thats a non-answer, Dancho said. A Feb. 4 statement by Defence Minister Anita Anand said that the balloon had violated U.S. and Canadian airspace and international law. Officials in the national security community have been working bi-nationally and Canada has been closely engaged with its U.S. counterparts on the decision and unequivocally supports the actions taken, Anand said, referring to the U.S. military taking down the balloon. Andrew Thornebrooke contributed to this report. Ottawa Pledges $196 Billion in Health-Care Funding to Provinces Over 10 Years Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at Willistead Manor in Windsor, Ont., on Jan. 17, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Nicole Osborne) The federal government is prepared to increase federal health-care transfers to the provinces to over $196 billion over the next 10 yearswhich includes over $46 billion in new spending, says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau met with all 13 provincial and territorial premiers in Ottawa on Feb. 7 to discuss the long-awaited health-care funding deal. The premiers had been asking for a meeting for more than two years, as COVID-19 put enormous strain on the health-care system and left provinces with thousands of backlogged surgeries, a burnt-out, understaffed health workforce, and emergency rooms that cannot keep pace with demand. The provinces budgeted about $204 billion for health care in this fiscal year and the Canada Health Transfer was set at $45 billion, or about 22 percent of that. The premiers want the federal share to increase to 35 percent. Instead, Ottawa put together a 10-year, $196.1 billion deal, of which $46.2 billion is new funding. Allocation The Liberal government says the funding would be distributed through the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) as well as through certain bilateral agreements with provinces and territories that allow for flexibility for jurisdictional health care system needs, according to a Feb. 7 release. The bilateral agreements would provide $25 billion over 10 years to the provinces and territories. Ottawa is also proposing to provide more funding to the provinces through the CHT with an unconditional $2 billion top-up that would take effect immediately in order to relieve pressures on the health care system, especially in pediatric hospitals, emergency rooms and surgical and diagnostic backlogs. The government is also proposing a five percent increase to the CHT for the next five years that would be paid through annual top-up payments as required. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Canadas premiers in Ottawa on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023 in Ottawa. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick) Ottawa said that it is also working with the provinces and territories to improve access to long-term care. The total sum of new health-care funding to the provinces also includes an additional $1.7 billion over the next five years to support wage increases for personal support workers and related professions. Ottawa is also pledging $2.5 billion over the next 10 years to support Indigenous priorities and complementary federal support. In line with previous conditions outlined, the federal government says the new funding would be used for four main priorities: expanding access to family health services, increasing support for health workers and reducing backlogs, improving access to mental health services, and standardizing a digital health information system. To access the enhanced CHT, provinces would need to first commit to using comparable indicators for health-care data collection and digital medical records, which the government said would improve how health information is collected, shared, used and reported to Canadians to promote greater transparency on results, and to help manage public health emergencies. Trudeau said prior to the governments new funding announcement that Canadas health care system has not been working properly and is in need of immediate changes. Ahead of the meeting today, Trudeau told reporters Canadians needed the health-care system to work better. We all have to recognize it hasnt been delivering at the level that Canadians would expect, he said. The Canadian Press contributed to this report. Pennsylvania Governor Calls for Evacuation Due to Toxic Chemical Release as Train Derails at Ohio Border Pennsylvania Governor-elect Josh Shapiro, in his role as Attorney General, speaks in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Oct. 27, 2022. (Commonwealth Media Service) Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro issued an evacuation order for residents near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border due to the release of a toxic chemical after a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The governor indicated residents who didnt evacuate the area could risk serious injury or death if exposed to the thick smoke and flames. If you are in this red zone that is on the map and you refuse to evacuate, you are risking death, Shapiro said during a press conference on Feb. 6. This is very serious. If you are in the orange area, you risk permanent lung damage within a matter of hours or days. Norfolk Southern, the company whose train derailed, decided to do a slow release of the vinyl chloride in five of its rail cars due to the fact the colorless gas is unstable and could explode if not released. While the controlled release of the chemical is also potentially harmful and deadly, thus far, Shapiro said there has been no indication that contaminants have been detected in Pennsylvania. According to WESA radio, Pittsburgh, local emergency personnel and state police were going door-to-door, attempting to persuade the Pennsylvanians who had not evacuated to do so. Authorities urged anyone within a one-mile radius to leave immediately. Many had, but local officials said more than 500 residents had refused to evacuate, according to the statement reported by WESA. Federal investigators announced earlier on Sunday that the fiery derailment near the Pennsylvania state line on Friday night was caused by a mechanical problem with a rail car axle. East Palestine is approximately 7 miles from Darlington in Beaver County and approximately 50 miles from Pittsburgh. The three-member train crew received an alert about the mechanical defect shortly before the derailment, but the board was still investigating which rail car was affected, according to WESA. The train, which was carrying a variety of products from Madison, Illinois, to Conway, Pennsylvania, derailed in East Palestine, according to rail operator Norfolk Southern. There were no reported injuries among the crew, residents, or first responders. Investigators were able to identify the exact point of derailment but did not reveal the location as of Sunday. Officials told reporters that the information would be included in a preliminary investigation report, which is expected within the next month or so. Poland Redeploys Patriot Missiles to Capital City for Drills Patriot missile launchers acquired from the U.S. last year are seen deployed in Warsaw, Poland, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Michal Dyjuk/AP Photo) WARSAW, PolandPatriot missile batteries that Poland acquired from the U.S. last year have been deployed to the countrys capital Warsaw as part of military exercise, according to Polands defense ministry. Poland is taking additional steps to strengthen its defensive capabilities as Russias war in neighboring Ukraine enters its second year later this month. At least three ground-to-air missile launchers were seen Monday at Warsaws Bemowo airport. Patriot missile launchers acquired from the U.S. last year are seen deployed in Warsaw, Poland, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Michal Dyjuk/AP Photo) Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said on Twitter over the weekend that the redeployment of the missile batteries from their base in Sochaczew, central Poland, to Warsaw was an important element to the training of the 3rd Warsaw Brigade of Missile Air Defense. The Patriot batteries are part of Polands multibillion dollar armaments purchases from the U.S., South Korea and elsewhere. Poland has also received Patriot batteries from Germany, to boost its air defenses in the east, where a stray missile came from across the border with Ukraine and killed two civilians last year. Pompeo Calls Out Deeply Dangerous Allegation Military Didnt Tell Trump of Chinese Balloons Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at a conference in Jerusalem, Israel, on Oct. 12, 2021. (Amir Levy/Getty Images) Former CIA Director and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that recent public claims there were Chinese spy balloons transiting over the United States under the Trump administration are deeply dangerous and demand an explanation. Speaking to Fox News, Pompeo said he never heard of the alleged Chinese spy operations while he was in office. Some top-level officials this weekend claimed that at least three spy balloons entered U.S. airspace while former President Donald Trump was in office, which Trump denied over the past weekend. I can speak for myself: I certainly never became aware that there was a three-bus-sized floating device coming across our country for five days, either as CIA director or secretary of state [and] Ive talked to others who are on my teamsthey dont know anything about it either, he told Fox. With the recent claims, Pompeo added, This accusation is deeply dangerous that somehow the military hid from its political command and its political authority information that was vital to American security. Pompeo, a possible 2024 presidential candidate, added that it seems unimaginable that somehow this wouldnt have gotten to the political leadership in the White House or State Department or at the CIA. I cant figure out how that happened. Neither former Secretary of Defense James Mattis nor Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley have publicly confirmed whether there were Chinese spy flyovers during the previous administration, Pompeo noted. I would be shocked if General Mattis knew about it and hadnt shared that with either the CIA director or the secretary of state, he said. On Monday, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters that under the Biden administration, the U.S. enhanced our surveillance of our territorial airspace, we enhanced our capacity to be able to detect things that the Trump administration was unable to detect. Sullivan did not explain what specifically allowed the United States to detect and track the latest balloon where the previous administration might not have. Officials have said, without elaborating, that China has flown similar balloons over parts of five continents in recent years. A large balloon drifts above the Kingstown, N.C. area, with an airplane and its contrail seen below it. (Brian Branch/via AP) Meanwhile, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) confirmed that a separate balloon spotted over Colombia and other Latin American countries in recent days is also of Chinese origin. Last week, the regime confirmed the U.S. balloon was of Chinese origin but said it was for civilian purposes, a claim that was denied by U.S. officials. President Joe Biden has been targeted by some Republicans for not ordering the balloon shot down before it made its way across the United States. Some officials have said there was concern about damage to people on the ground, and Biden addressed the issue on Monday. Once it came over to the United States, from Canada, I told the Defense Department I wanted to shoot it down as soon as it was appropriate, Biden said. The military concluded we should not shoot it down over land, it was not a serious threat, he claimed. Biden administration officials have planned a classified briefing for all senators on Thursday to discuss the spy balloon situation, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumers (D-N.Y.) office. A US Coast Guard helicopter flies over a debris field during efforts to recover the parts of a shot-down high-altitude surveillance balloon on Feb. 4, 2023. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Jerry Ireland) Before Monday, U.S. officials had said that at least three times during the Trump administration, and at least one other time during Bidens time as president, balloons have crossed American airspace, but not for this long. In those instances, the United States determined the balloons belonged to China only after they had left U.S. airspace, said Gen. Glen VanHerck, head of U.S. Northern Command. I will tell you that we did not detect those threats, VanHerck said of his military command. And thats a domain awareness gap that we have to figure out. He added that the U.S. intelligence community after the fact informed his command about the balloons. Elaborating, VanHerck said the balloon was about 200 feet in height and weighed thousands of pounds. The general also did not rule out the possibility of there being explosives on the craft. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Premier Smith Tells Trudeau Albertas Energy Sector Wont Be Phased Out Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith as Canada's premiers meet in Ottawa on Feb. 7, 2023. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press) In her first face-to-face meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa on Feb. 7, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said her provinces energy sector will not be phased out as part of the Liberal governments plan for a just transition. Trudeau and Smith had a brief media availability before their meeting, with Smith noting areas of tension and potential cooperation with the federal government. Smith referred to the letter she sent to Trudeau on Jan. 25, which said that the relationship between Alberta and the federal government is at a crossroads. She said the letter expressed concerns about one of the major initiatives that have been announced without much consultation with Alberta that stand to have a huge impact on our province, in reference to pending just transition legislation. [It] gives the impression that the energy sector is going to be phased out; its not going to be phased out, Smith said, adding it will be transformed from high intensity emissions to lower emissions. Albertan energy workers and workers in general have been extraordinarily important for the success of Canada over many, many decades, and we need to make sure they continue to be strong into the future as well, Trudeau said in opening the media availability. Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson told CBC News in early January that he would be tabling the just transition bill this year, which will seek to move workers out of the oil and gas sector and into other jobs. Smith told Trudeau in her letter the proposed transition threatens the national economy, the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of workers, and business investments. The Alberta government said in a readout issued after the meeting that the encounter lasted approximately 30 minutes. The meeting centred on Smiths request to halt the just transition and instead focus on a plan to attract investors and workers in the conventional and non-conventional sectors, while reducing emissions. The readout says Trudeau expressed a willingness to explore this strategy. Areas of Cooperation The bilateral engagement between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of the first ministers meeting on federal health transfers. Smith said that area is one where Alberta and Ottawa share common goals. We have I think a lot of shared goals in addressing issues of Indigenous health care, mental health addiction, home care, community-based care, as we transform our health care system, she said. She added that there are also many opportunities to find common ground on issues like exploitation of critical minerals, hydrogen, and geothermal energy. Smith has taken a hard stance against the Trudeau government since replacing Jason Kenney at the leader of the United Conservative Party in October. She passed the Alberta Sovereignty Act in December as a way to push back against federal laws or policies deemed to go against the interests of the province. The province has also signalled its intention not to cooperate with the federal gun buyback program, which has yet to become operational. Probe Reveals Engine Malfunction Behind Nepal Plane Crash That Killed 72 People Rescuers scour the crash site in the wreckage of a passenger plane in Pokhara, Nepal, on Jan. 16, 2023. (Yunish Gurung/AP Photo) Nepals investigation committee revealed on Monday that a faulty engine might have been the cause of the countrys deadliest plane crash in over three decades, which left 72 passengers and crew members dead. The committee made the revelation after analyzing data from the flight recorder and cockpit voice recorder of the Yeti Airlines ATR-72 aircraft that crashed in Pokhara, Nepal, on Jan. 15. In ATR-72 aircraft feather means to stay inclined to 90 degrees in spite of being in a certain degree as turned by the pilots, the committee stated in its report, according to ANI News. In order to increase the speed, the pilot has to incline the propeller blade using the liver [sic] that is in the cockpit. With the propeller blade standing at 90 degrees, the plane would lose aerodynamic movement, it added. The twin-engine ATR-72 aircraft was flying from the capital of Kathmandu to Pokhara when it plummeted into a gorge as it approached the airport. The crash site is about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) from the runway at an elevation of about 820 meters (2,690 feet). Search teams found 71 bodies as of Jan. 18, and the search for the final victim continues. Police said it has been difficult to identify bodies owing to the condition of the remains. Two Americans and two permanent residents living in the United States were among those killed in the crash, according to the U.S. Department of State. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has urged hospital authorities to expedite the remaining autopsies of some victims so their bodies can be handed over to their families. Rescue teams work to retrieve bodies at the crash site of an aircraft carrying 72 people in Pokhara in western Nepal on Jan. 15, 2023. (Bijay Neupane/Handout via Reuters) Jagannath Niroula, a spokesperson for Nepals Civil Aviation Authority, said on Jan. 19 that Pokhara International Airports instrument landing system will not be working until Feb. 2656 days after the airport began operations on Jan. 1. An instrument landing system helps airplanes fly safely when the pilot is unable to maintain visual contact with surrounding obstacles and the ground, mainly owing to weather conditions or at nighttime. Pilots can also fly by sight rather than relying on instruments. Pilots say mountainous Nepal, where in-flight visibility problems are common, can be a difficult place to fly, but conditions at the time of the crash were good, with low winds and temperatures well above freezing. Amit Singh, an experienced pilot and founder of Indias Safety Matters Foundation, said the lack of an instrument landing system or navigational aids could be a contributory cause of the crash and pointed to a notoriously bad air safety culture in Nepal. A French investigating team investigates the wreckage of a Yeti Airlines operated aircraft, in Pokhara, Nepal, on Jan. 18, 2023. (Krishna Mani Baral/Reuters) Flying in Nepal becomes challenging if you dont have navigational aids and puts an extra workload on the pilot whenever they experience problems during a flight, Singh said. Lack of an instrument landing system only reaffirms that Nepals air safety culture is not adequate. The crash is Nepals deadliest since 1992, when a Pakistan International Airlines plane plowed into a hill as it tried to land in Kathmandu, killing all 167 people on board. There have been 42 fatal plane crashes in Nepal since 1946, according to the Safety Matters Foundation. A 2019 safety report from Nepals Civil Aviation Authority said the countrys hostile topography and diverse weather patterns were the biggest dangers to flights in the country. The European Union has banned airlines from Nepal from flying to the 27-nation bloc since 2013, citing weak safety standards. In 2017, the International Civil Aviation Organization cited improvements in Nepals aviation sector, but the EU continues to demand administrative reforms. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Vandals and looters who broke into dozens of Buffalo businesses stole luxury and unnecessary items amid the Christmas week blizzard, a ransacking that a new report from the Brown administration called "destructive and fueled by greed." The report, an assessment of the city's response to the deadly blizzard, provides for the first time a count of how many businesses were looted and the extent of the damage at the Aldi market on Broadway totaling almost a half a million dollars. We had 77 businesses that were looted in the city of Buffalo during the storm, said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. I dont know if any other municipality had more than one or two. That was stuff that we had to respond to. "This looting was not to survive the storm, prevent starvation or out of desperation," according to the report. The city had to shift police resources "to deter and arrest individuals who stole televisions, couches, sneakers, designer clothing, dry cleaning, video games and other electronics," the report said. The internal review, which Brown outlined during a meeting with reporters and editors from The Buffalo News, will be submitted to the Common Council once it's finalized, the mayor said. In addition, an independent, external review of the city's storm response conducted by New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service is expected to begin this month. As of Friday, 22 arrests have been made in connection with looted businesses, the charges include criminal possession of a weapon and burglary, which are felonies, as well as misdemeanor menacing, obstruction of governmental administration and attempted petit larceny and criminal trespass counts. Aldi on Broadway was particularly hit hard, Brown said. The no-frills supermarket closed during the blizzard due to looters breaking into the store and causing extensive damage to the property, fixtures and merchandise. When the looting stops, the costly rush for stores to reopen begins Even if a store carries enough insurance to cover its losses, it can take time to file a claim and get reimbursed time that can stretch out over more lost sales. The store sustained about $500,000 in damages and was closed for more than three weeks before reopening Jan. 17. Before the reopening, Brown and other government leaders, including the Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, some Buffalo Common Council members and Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, met with the vice president of Aldi to address the looting concerns, the mayor said. The city committed to increase police patrols in the area. They were pretty upset about the level of looting but more than looting, vandalism of the store," Brown said of Aldi executives. "The store was literally trashed. Whoever came into that store tried to destroy it. And their losses from that were about a half million dollars. Many residents feared it would not reopen. "We sat there and asked them to please open the store," Brown said. "Thats one of the lowest income areas in our city. Why did they first put the store in? Well, the city was putting extra money into the Broadway Market right across the street. The city located a surveillance camera right across from their property. We put a police substation at the Broadway Market. We told the vice president from Aldi we would increase police patrol and before he got there to meet with us, we were able to make an arrest of one of the looters." Aldi is an important grocery store in the Broadway Fillmore neighborhood. In addition to the Save-A-Lot store in the Broadway Market and the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue, it is one of the few stores in the area that offers fresh produce and meat at reasonable prices, rather than the processed foods available at corner stores. The city assembled an anti-looting detail to arrest those who broke into the businesses in response to what Gramaglia called "opportunistic" crimes. In addition to the Aldi on Broadway, other sites of looting included Bailey Avenue businesses, such as Family Dollar, Aaron's Rent to Own and Bailey Jewelry. On West Ferry there were Dollar General, Rent-a-Center and Rite Aid. Shortly after Prohibition took effect in the United States in 1918, Isadore Izzy Einstein (18801938) was struggling to make ends meet as a postal worker in New York with a wife and four boys. The combination of the 18th Amendment and the eventual rise of bootlegging became his financial ticket. While reading the newspaper in 1919, he noticed an advertisement soliciting individuals to become federal agents for the newly formed Prohibition Unit. The hiring agent for the Federal Prohibition Bureaus Southern New York division figured Einstein to be out of his league since he looked nothing like what a federal agent was proposed to look like. He was short, fat, and unattractive. But Einstein convinced the hiring agent that his appearance was precisely what the new unit needed. He was so unassuming that no one would assume he was an agent, and indeed he was right. He was hired, given a badge, and quickly went on his way convincing bootleggers and bartenders to serve him drinks to which he served them a trip to the clink. Not only was Einstein armed with his disarming looks, having been born a Jew in Austria, he could speak German and Yiddish, along with Polish, Hungarian, Bohemian, and some Italian. Despite being permitted to carry a firearm, he never did. He merely took his good-natured attitude to the Prohibition frontlines. He would pair his multi-lingual dexterity with costumes and props to impersonate countless characters, like a German pickle packer, a Yiddish gravedigger, a Chinese launderer, an Italian fruit seller, a farmer, a fisherman, a salesman, and ironically enough, even a Prohibition Agent. Izzy Einstein (R) and Moe Clark, former police officers during Prohibition, sharing a toast in a New York bar, 1935. (Public Domain) The job proved so easy for him that he convinced his friend, Moe W. Smith, to join him as an agent. Smith would add to the ongoing comedic antics to get bootleggers and bartenders to sell them liquor, at times even dressing up as husband and wife (Smith wearing womens clothes). Smith was the owner of a cigar store, but he brought more than smokes to the job. He was also unassuming in his appearance, which only assisted in the duos success rate. Einstein and Smith utilized dozens of false beards and mustaches, various eyeglasses, a half dozen fake noses, 11 wigs, and hundreds of fake business cards. The outfits and their charm would get them in the door, but their evidence gathering required something even more deceptive. Einstein created a funnel system in his clothes. He connected a funnel to a tube that was inserted into his jacket, shirt, or vest, which was connected to a small bottle. He would take a sip of the liquor and, when no one was looking, pour the rest down the funnel and inform the barkeep that he was under arrest. Altogether, the two agents made nearly 5,000 arrests culminating in a 95 percent conviction rate. After being fired from the agency, which was most likely due to jealousy among the ranks as their success overshadowed every other agent (and possibly because they could never be bought off), the two became agents of a different kind: insurance agents. Einstein once stated that he hoped those he arrested didnt begrudge him for doing his duty, and apparently they didnt, as many of them became his clients. Public Storage Makes $11 Billion Hostile Bid for Life Storage The sign outside the Public Storage facility in Westminster, Colo., on Feb. 22, 2017. (Rick Wilking/Reuters) Public Storage, the largest U.S. operator of self-storage properties, on Sunday unveiled an $11 billion hostile bid for Life Storage Inc., ratcheting up attempts to buy its smaller rival after its earlier takeover attempts were rebuffed. Under the proposed all-stock deal, Life Storage shareholders would receive 0.4192 shares of Public Storage for each Life Storage share or unit, which equates to $129.3 per share based on Public Storages closing share price on Friday. The offer represents a premium of 19 percent based on the 20-day volume weighted average price of both stocks as of Friday. Including debt, the proposed deal would value Life Storage at about $15 billion, making it one of the largest takeovers of 2023. Glendale, California-based Public Storage said Life Storage had rejected an offer under similar terms in January, forcing the company to make its approach public. Public Storage first approached Life Storage in December. We have been disappointed that Life Storages board has refused to engage constructively with us. Life Storage explicitly wrote on December 29, 2022 that Life Storage is not for sale, reaffirmed that stance in a January 31, 2023 letter without offering any avenue for further dialogue, and has been unresponsive to our outreach, Public Storage said in a letter to Life Storages management. In a separate statement, Life Storage said it would review the proposed offer and determine the course of action that it believes is in the best interests of all shareholders. Public Storage also separately said that its board of trustees has increased its quarterly dividend from $2.00 to $3.00 per share. Greater Scale A deal between the two Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) would consolidate a fragmented industry and create a self-storage giant that would have the scale to tackle competition in a post COVID-19 world where demand for self-storage properties has waned as people have started returning to big cities. Public Storage said the proposed combination would save costs and make Life Storages business more efficient. The latest moves from Public Storage could potentially put Life Storage in play and attract rival suitors that could include other REITs and large private equity firms like Blackstone and Brookfield, which have been aggressive buyers in that space, according to experts. REITs were a bright spot for mergers and acquisitions in 2022, bringing in $83 billion in deal volume, the second highest for the sector since 2007, according to the National Association of REIT. Last year, Prologis Inc., the worlds largest warehouse operator, bought Duke Realty Corp for $26 billion. In that instance, Duke had initially rebuffed the approach from Prologis before agreeing to a sweetened deal. Shares of Public Storage traded at $308.47 each on Friday, giving the California-based company a market value of nearly $54.2 billion. Buffalo, New York-based Life Storages shares were at $100.58, giving it a market capitalization of about $9.4 billion. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as Public Storages financial advisor and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as the companys legal advisor. By Krystal Hu, Anirban Sen and Jahnavi Nidumolu Rep. Greene Calls for Probe on Why Trump Was Unaware of Alleged Chinese Balloons Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) participates in a meeting of the House Oversight and Reform Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on January 31, 2023 in Washington, DC. ( Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Monday called for a congressional investigation into why former President Donald Trump apparently wasnt told about Chinese spy balloons that allegedly crossed over the United States when he was in office. If its true the Pentagon purposely did NOT tell President Trump of Chinese Spy Balloons during his administration then we had a serious breach in command during the Trump admin, Greene wrote on Twitter. The POTUS is the Commander in Chief. We must investigate and hold accountable those who broke rank, she also said. Defense officials now claim that Chinese Spy Balloons briefly flew over the U.S. during the Trump admin, but if true, WHY is this just now being reported? the lawmaker asked earlier in the day. U.S. military officials said that Chinese spy balloons were spotted at least three times under the Trump administration, although Trump himself and former top officials denied that such aircraft entered U.S. airspace under his administration. North American Aerospace Defense Command Commander Gen. Glen VanHerck told reporters that spy balloons entered U.S. airspace but that we did not detect those threats, and thats a domain awareness gap. But during a CNN interview on Monday, former Trump national security adviser John Bolton said he was not aware of any spy balloon incidents while he was in office. Several former Trump-era intelligence officials made similar statements over the past weekend. I will say this, if there was any actual knowledge that these balloons were over the United States and higher authority wasnt told, thats a serious problem, he told CNN, also saying, As far as I know, every Trump administration official who has been asked, has said they didnt know anything about it. Trump told Fox News on Sunday that balloon incidents never happened. It would have never happened. It never happened with us under the Trump administration and if it did, we would have shot it down immediately, added Trump. Its disinformation. Other Questions Other than Greene, other members of Congress said they had more questions about the incident. Allowing a spy balloon from the Communist Party of China to travel across the entire continental United States before contesting its presence is a disastrous projection of weakness by the White House, Senate Armed Services ranking member Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said in a statement. It is clear that standard protocol for defense of U.S. airspace was ignored. The administration should have taken care of this before it became a national security threat, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) told Fox News. I hope we will be able to recover the wreckage to help determine what intelligence the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) collected while its spy balloon was over our country for days. In this photo provided by Chad Fish, the remnants of a large balloon drift above the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of South Carolina, with a fighter jet and its contrail seen below it, on Feb. 4, 2023. (Chad Fish via AP) And Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) wrote on Twitter that the White House has to explain why officials allegedly tried to hide Chinese espionage from Congress and the American people. During Mondays briefing to reporters, VanHerck said the shot-down balloon was 200 feet tall and the payload under it weighed a couple of thousand pounds. He did not provide details on previous balloons, including where over the United States they flew. I will tell you that we did not detect those threats, and thats a domain awareness gap, VanHerck said. VanHerck added that U.S. intelligence determined the previous flights after the fact based on additional means of collection of intelligence without offering further details on whether that might be cyber espionage, telephone intercepts, or human sources. VanHerck also did not rule out that there could have been explosives on the balloon, but said he did not have any evidence of it either. That risk, however, was a factor in his planning to shoot down the balloon over open water. A U.S. Air Force fighter jet shot down the suspected Chinese spy balloon off the South Carolina coast on Saturday, a week after it first entered U.S. airspace and triggered a public viewing saga that worsened Sino-U.S. relations. An F-22 fighter jet shot a single air-to-air missile at the balloon near the coast of the Carolinas on Saturday, Pentagon officials previously confirmed. Reuters contributed to this report. Report: Beijings Power in Asia Slumps as Australia Narrows Gap With Russia The flags of the United States and China fly from a lamp post in the Chinatown neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, on Nov. 1, 2021. (Brian Snyder/Reuters) Beijings draconian Zero-COVID policies during the pandemic caused its influence in Asia to plummet, while Australia, which has been less affected by the pandemic, is within striking distance of overtaking Russia, a new report shows. Chinas overall power in Asia declined the most in 2022, according to the Lowy Institutes latest edition of Asia Power Index, while the overall strength of most countries is declining, Australia is the least affected middle power, further narrowing the gap with Russia in fifth place. First published in 2018, the Index evaluates the balance of power in Asia through 133 indicators across eight thematic measures: military capability and defence networks, economic capability and relationships, diplomatic and cultural Influence, as well as resilience and future resources. This year, the Index includes three new indicators that track high-level diplomatic engagement between all countries, enabling new comparisons of diplomatic and defence influence across Asia. Ranked first place in the report was the United States, with a score of 80.7; China came in second with a score of 72.5. The communist regimes score on measures of economic power and using it to gain geopolitical advantage fell to its lowest level since 2018, with its economy growing at the second slowest rate in almost 50 years, the report found, putting the United States back in first place. An epidemic control worker wears PPE to protect against the spread of COVID-19 as he guards the gate of a government quarantine facility in Beijing, China, on Dec. 7, 2022. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Chinas regional advantage has always been its proximity and degree of connection with other countries in Asia, Susannah Patton, who led the project for the Lowy Institute, told Sydney Morning Herald. But on all the indicators we looked atflight connections, the flow of tourists, the flow of international students, the flow of business people, the flow of capitalChina really suffered during the pandemic. Despite its harsh Zero-COVID measures, Beijing narrowly overtook the United States as the most diplomatically influential in Asia in 2022, having hosted more leaders and foreign ministers than any other country in the region. [China] continues to pose a formidable and growing challenge to U.S. power in Asia through gains in its military capability, reads a statement by the Institute. The United States registered annual gains for its unsurpassed Defence Networks and albeit from a very low base for the quality of its Economic Relationships in the region. Australia Catching up With Russia Russias diplomatic influence and reputation have plummeted since its invasion of Ukraine, which led to a sharp decline in the nations influence in Asia, where its composite score was 31.60. A residential building destroyed by a Russian missile strike in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, on Feb. 2, 2023, amid Russias attack on Ukraine. (Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy/Reuters) As a middle power, Australias score (30.9) has caught up with Russia, remaining in sixth place below the United States, China, Japan, India, and Russia but ahead of more populous countries, including South Korea and Indonesia. Over the past year, Australia has made significant gains in diplomatic influence, but its score in defence indicators has fallen. Australia was the least affected middle power overall by the pandemic, reads the report. Alone among regional advanced economies, and despite a drop in regional influence during nearly two years of strict border closures, the countrys comprehensive power is now approximately back to its pre-pandemic level. The top 10 countries in terms of overall strength are the United States, China, Japan, India, Russia, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. The only country to gain overall strength was Cambodia, which moved up two places. Republicans Demand Immediate Release of Chinese-Held American Mark Swidan Texas resident Katherine Swidan holds a picture of her son Mark Swidan who has been held in China for a decade. (Courtesy of the Swidan family) In the midst of rising tensions between the United States and China, Republicansincluding Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)are calling for the release of American Mark Swidan, who has been detained by Beijing for more than a decade. Cruzalong with Texas Republicans Sen. John Cornyn and Congressman Michael Cloudintroduced a resolution calling for Swidans immediate release on the heels of the now-postponed meeting between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. Blinken called off the highly-anticipated meeting on Feb. 3 over the discovery of a suspected Chinese spy balloon spotted floating over Billings, Montana, several days earlier. It was shot down by a U.S. military plane on Feb. 4. It would have been the first time any cabinet member from the Biden administration visited China. Republicans were hoping the visit would spark interest in the plight of several Americans like Swidan who have been imprisoned in China, many for years, some of whom have never been convicted of a crime. The postponed meeting, however, has not eased their demands that the Biden administration makes Americans trapped in Chinese prisons a priority. Bringing Mark Swidan home to his family should be a top priority for this administration, said Cloud in a statement to The Epoch Times. Too many innocent Americans remain wrongfully imprisoned by authoritarian regimes who are happy to collect human lives as capital for future political bargaining. The Houston photographer has been held in a prison in China since Nov. 13, 2012, when offices from Chinas Public Security bureau grabbed him off the streets. Swidan, who was visiting China on business, was accused of being part of a ring that was manufacturing and trafficking drugs. Despite his passport records showing Swidan wasnt even in China at the time of the allegations, he was sentenced to death in 2019 and is awaiting an appeal against that sentence. No evidence has ever been presented against him. China has also barred Swidan from having any communication with his family. Nelson Wells Jr. of Louisiana is among an estimated 90 Americans being held in Chinese prisons on what appears to be false charges (Courtesy of Nelson Family) A China-based humanitarian group called Dui Hua Foundation has released several reports over the years detailing the horrific conditions Swidan is housed in and that his health continues to rapidly deteriorate. According to the group, Swidan has suffered immense torture including hand and leg fractures that have gone untreated. He is one of some 90 Americans being held in Chinese prisons. They include Nelson Wells, Jr., the son of a U.S. Army veteran and former U.S. Department of Defense employee. Nelson, a married father of three from Louisiana, has been detained in a prison in Chongqing Southwest China for eight years, on similar charges and circumstances as Swidan. His parents Cynthia and Nelson Wells Sr. launched a website to garner support for their son. In a recent heartbreaking letter they posted on social media, the couple talks about breaking the silence they say they were told to keep about their sons plight. Weve fought for years to help our son, working behind the scenes with advocates, lawyers, and diplomatic officials in the United States and China. We were told that this quiet strategy was the best strategy to keep him safe, but after nearly a decade with little progress, weve decided to tell our story, Nelsons story, they wrote. On the other hand, Mark Swidans mother has been vocal for years, with her pleas for help from the American government and U.S. lawmakers. Following the release of WNBA player Brittney Griner from Russia, she and others have publicly questioned why the Biden administration hasnt been as dedicated to her sons release. I refuse to accept that the most powerful country on Earth cannot get Mark home, Katherine Swidan recently told WENY News in New York. In a recent speech to Congress, Cruz also made the point that Biden has made Swidans case a low priority, pointing out that the UN recently demanded his release. On Feb. 5 on Face The Nation, the day after the U.S. military shot down the suspected Chinese spy balloon, Cruz said that if China wants to demonstrate that theyre not bad actors, if they want to demonstrate that they can aspire to being a great nation, they should release Mark Swidan, because great nations and great powers dont hold political prisoners. However, past analysis of Swidans situation has suggested that his freedom may hinge on easing diplomatic tensions with China. In 2020, The Guardian ran an article with just that headline, pointing out that Swidans death penalty sentence immediately followed a breakdown in trade talks with Beijing. At a Jan. 31 press briefing on Blinkens visit, several of the White Houses upper-level experts on U.S. relations with China, defended Bidens gentler approach to China, while criticizing former President Donald Trump for taking a power-play approach with the country. So, the Trump administrations sort of mode of approach towards China was just to signal that the United States is willing to use its power to compete with China, even if doing so will hurt U.S. interests, or have other consequences, said Dr. Scott Kennedy, Chinese Business and Economics senior adviser for the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). People have said that the Biden administration has continued that policy. I would challenge that a little bit and say the Biden administrations goal is to use the power of the West to compete with China, but in ways that dont cause war or isolate the United States from its allies. CSIS officials also talked about the Feb. 1, 2023, leaked memo written by four-star U.S. Air Force General Mike Minehan warning that America would be at war with China by 2025. The panel said it disagreed with Minehans prediction. Republicans Eye Spending Caps and Paid-For Tax Cuts Ahead of Talks on Debt Ceiling Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) has outlined the policies Republicans are discussing in connection with debt ceiling negotiations, which include rollbacks on discretionary spending, a cap on future spending, and paid-for tax cuts. Hern, who chairs the House Republican Study Committee (RSC), listed the policy ideas in a letter to committee members on Feb. 1. Republicans have said they will ask for spending cuts in exchange for raising the debt ceiling but have so far declined to name the areas targeted for reduction. The RSC letter, the contents of which were obtained by The Epoch Times, states the policy areas have been endorsed for discussion in connection with debt ceiling negotiations, offering a preview of Republican intentions. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has repeatedly stated his determination to gain spending cuts alongside any increase in the $31.4 trillion national debt. The RSC letter indicates Republicans may try to make any increase to the debt ceiling contingent on a more-or-less equal reduction in spending. President Joe Biden has repeatedly said he would not negotiate on whether or not to increase the debt ceiling because it would put the credit of the country at risk. However, Biden and McCarthy met to discuss the matter on Feb. 1. Republicans have said they would like to reduce discretionary spending to pre-2022 levels, which would require cuts of about $100 billion. They will begin by targeting fraud, waste, and abuse, and the Democrats recent excessive spending. They will not target mandatory entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare for spending reductions. Those programs totaled $2 trillion in 2021, which was $400 billion more than all discretionary spending programs combined. Another Republican policy under discussion is a statutory cap on future increases to discretionary spending. While this policy would not further its goal of reducing spending, it would limit its growth. Stimulating Economic Activity Paid-for tax cuts are intended to have a neutral or positive effect on the budget by stimulating economic activity, thereby generating at least as much new tax revenue as was lost, all while growing the economy. Experts disagree on how well that works. Cutting taxes rarely pays for itself in full, according to the Tax Policy Center, but the loss may be offset by some new revenue. For example, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) did not generate enough new revenue to offset the loss created by cutting taxes, according to William Gale, a senior fellow in economics at Brookings. Comparing actual tax revenue for 2018 with revenue projections made prior to the tax cuts, Gale identified a $275 billion drop in revenue. Given that the economy grew, and in the absence of another policy that could have caused a large revenue loss, the data imply that the TCJA substantially reduced revenues, Gale wrote. Preston Brashers, a senior policy analyst at The Heritage Foundation, concluded that the long-term effect of TCJA would be positive over a decade of projected revenue increases. It doesnt look like the tax cutswhich government scorekeepers said at the time would cost $1.5 trillion over 10 yearshave been anything like the fiscal nightmare that some on the Left would lead us to believe. The essential difference between mandatory and discretionary spending is that discretionary spending requires annual authorization by Congress. Mandatory spending continues from year to year unless Congress decides to alter it. Mandatory spending includes so-called entitlement programs such as Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid. Non-entitlement mandatory spending includes things like interest on the national debt, student loan programs, and unemployment compensation. Republicans are discussing making non-entitlement programs discretionary, meaning they would have to be reauthorized by Congress annually. Ability to Repay Republicans are considering establishing a cap on the national debt as a percentage of the economy rather than a dollar amount. The aim of this idea is to keep the debt from growing beyond the countrys ability to repay it. This would ensure that certain bills would always get paid, regardless of increases to the debt ceiling. The RSC letter lists national defense, veterans programs, Social Security, and Medicare as examples. The GOP also wants to reduce regulatory barriers for the energy industry making it easier to get approval to increase oil production, which would likely reduce the price of gas and could stimulate the economy. This policy is in response to what Hern called an all-out assault on affordable American energy by the Biden administration. Since the United States has operated on a deficit budget in all but four years since 1970, ongoing borrowing is required to meet the spending obligations already passed by Congress. The United States approached its debt ceiling in January. To forestall a financial crisis, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen took extraordinary measures to keep the nation below that limit until sometime in June. Republicans to Question Former Twitter Execs on Motive for Suppressing NY Post Story, Pressure From Democrats Flanked by House Republicans, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Nov. 17, 2022. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Republicans want to know two things from former Twitter executives: Why they suppressed a news report critical of Joe Biden prior to the 2020 election, and whether Democrats pressured them to do so. Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, signaled those objectives when announcing the Feb. 8 committee hearing at which three former Twitter executives are scheduled to testify. Americans deserve answers about this attack on the First Amendment and why Big Tech and the Swamp colluded to censor this information about the Biden family selling access for profit. Accountability is coming, Comer wrote on Feb. 2. Twitters former Chief Legal Officer Vijaya Gadde, former Deputy General Counsel James Baker, and Yoel Roth, former Head of Global Trust & Safety, were invited to appear voluntarily and offer testimony. The alleged act of censorship occurred on Oct. 14, 2020, less than a month before the general election, and came to light two years later at the release of the so-called Twitter Files. The Twitter Files are documents provided to two journalists by Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in October 2022. On Dec. 2, 2022, one of the journalists, Matt Taibbi, released a story about the files on Twitter. Excerpts from the files displayed by Taibbi appear to reveal internal discussions at Twitter involving Gadde, Baker, and Roth about a decision to prevent the dissemination of a story published by the New York Post on Oct. 14, 2020. The story drew on information obtained from a laptop alleged to have belonged to Hunter Biden to challenge Joe Bidens assertion he had never used his public office to further his familys financial interests. The day Taibbis report appeared, Comer took to Twitter, vowing to hold to account those responsible for suppressing the Post story. In January, I can promise you this. Every @Twitter employee involved in suppressing the Hunter Biden laptop story will have an opportunity to come before @GOPoversight and explain their actions to the American people. Comer issued letters to the three former executives four days later, inviting them to testify. In the letter of invitation to Gadde, Comer alleged that she prevented the circulation of the Post story on Twitter without the knowledge of Twitters founder Jack Dorsey, who was then in control of the company, and over the objection of Roth. Comer further alleged that the Biden team directed the removal of some stories from Twitter in the days before the 2020 elections. The Biden Administrations penchant for censorship under the guise of suppressing misinformation raises questions as to whether individuals within the Administration compelled companies such as Twitter and Facebook to censor Americans, Comer said in a Twitter post on Dec. 27. The Federal Election Commission concluded in September 2021 that Twitter acted with a bona fide commercial purpose and not an electoral one in its handling of the New York Post story, and that there is no information indicating that Twitter coordinated its activities with the Biden Committee. Baker is alleged to have played a key role in the decision to suppress the Post story. Roth has been invited to provide context for the decision. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-N.Y.), who sits on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, is named in the Twitter Files, where documents appear to show that he warned Gadde against suppressing the story based on First Amendment grounds. Technically, theyre private actors, but theyre effectively a modern public square, and they should not be engaged in censorship, Khanna said in a televised interview in December. The Epoch Times was unable to reach Gadde, Baker, or Roth for comment. The offices of Reps. Comer and Khanna did not reply to requests for comment. Take some lessons from a 1993 film and transform how you love others Every year, on Feb. 2, world-famous groundhog and weather prognosticator Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvaniasee if you can say those last five words 10 times really fasttells us what the rest of winter will look like. With a great show of ceremony, the chubby little guy is brought out before a large, boisterous crowd. If he sees his shadow, weve got six more weeks of cold temps, icicles, and snow. No shadow, and an early spring is coming down the pike. Twelve days later, February brings us Valentines Day. Perhaps rooted in the ancient Roman holiday of Lupercalia, which celebrated the advent of spring and included fertility rites, this festival was appropriated by Christians when fifth-century Pope Gelasius I banished Lupercalia and replaced it with Saint Valentines Day. Its unclear which Saint Valens can claim the honor of that name, but in the late Middle Ages, poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer attached romantic love to this feast day, and by the 16th century, lovers and spouses were exchanging written messages proclaiming their affections. A couple of centuries later, printed cards became available. Symbols of the day included Cupid, the Roman god of love and birds, stemming from the ancient belief that their mating season begins in mid-February; roses, a symbol of beauty and love; chocolates; and cardsall of which today are tokens of romantic affection. But groundhogs? Where do they fit into our Valentines Day with its profusion of candies, cards, and candlelight dinners? Time to go to the movies. Phil and Phil In Harold Ramiss 1993 film Groundhog Day, arrogant and egocentric weather forecaster Phil Connors (Bill Murray), his cameraman Larry (Chris Elliott), and his producer Rita Hanson (Andie MacDowell) are dispatched to Punxsutawney to cover Groundhog Day. Phil despises his assignment and the fact that he and the groundhog share the same name, treats everyone he meets with a condescending contempt, and can hardly wait to return to Pittsburgh. But a bad storm forces the trio to remain overnight in Punxsutawney, and when Phil awakens the next morning, its Groundhog Day once again. Everything that happened the day before is repeated, although only he realizes it. Even worse, this pattern becomes his life. Some strange twist of the universe forces Phil to relive Groundhog Day again and again and again. Phil (Bill Murray) throws caution to the wind in Groundhog Day. Soon realizing that his actions carry no consequenceshe awakens every morning with all his previous days deeds wiped awayPhil turns to a life of hedonism, stuffing himself with desserts in the cafe, seducing a local woman, stealing money from an armored truck, and even slugging a former high school classmate turned insurance salesman. Finally, driven to despair by this endless repetition of days, he attempts to do away with himself, climbing into a bathtub with a toaster, for example, or diving off a tall building. Yet each day finds him resurrected, lying in his bed in the Cherry Tree Inn at dawn on Groundhog Day. Turning Point Finally, Phil confides in Rita and convinces her that the time warp in which he is stuck is real. She then offers to accompany him throughout the day to see if together they can discern what is happening to him. That night, before falling asleep in his room at the inn, she suggests that these days of repetition are a gift to Phil, a remarkable chance to make more of his life. Phil Connors (Bill Murray) finds himself stuck in a temporal loop, living the same day over and over again in Groundhog Day. (MovieStillsDB) In the morning, Rita has disappeared, and its once again Groundhog Day, but Phil is no longer the same man. He is gracious and kind to all those he has mistreated in the past, including Larry and Rita, and becomes adept at the piano, French, and ice-sculpting. By movies end, Phil has remade himself into a Renaissance man of grace, charm, and goodness. This message of self-improvement and of fulfilling our potential has appealed to a broad range of viewers. In The Curmudgeons Guide to Getting Ahead, an ideal gift, by the way, for young people ages 17 to 25 or so, Charles Murray advises readers to watch Groundhog Day repeatedly. It is, he writes, a profound moral fable that deals with the most fundamental issues of virtue and happiness and will help you live a good life. When Phil does his 180 and makes himself a better man, we are left with the impression that Ritas advice accounts for his reversal. But if we closely watch this scene, we can discern another driving force behind Phils transformation. Love You Forever At one point, Phil whispers to Rita, Youre the kindest, sweetest, prettiest person Ive ever met in my life. He then kisses her on the cheek and tells her hed been attracted to her since he first saw her, and adds: I dont deserve someone like you. But if I ever could, I swear I would love you for the rest of my life. Rita has captured his heart. Like millions of men down through the centuries, Phil has fallen in love, realizes he doesnt measure up to Ritas expectations, and so strives to become a man more deserving of the woman he adores. And he succeeds. His change to gentleman from jerk softens Ritas heart. Earlier in the film, when Phil asks her, Who is your perfect guy? he sneers when Rita offers a list of attributes such as romantic, courageous, humble, supportive, and funny. But by the end of Groundhog Day, Phil has become that guy. He has made himself worthy of love. Which brings us at last to Valentines Day. A Feast Day for Everyone Through Rita, Phil Connors finally escapes Groundhog Day and resumes his life. His efforts to win her also connect him to the townspeople he once scorned. Love has conquered the cynic and narcissist. Now, of all our holidays, Valentines Day is the only date on the calendar dedicated to human love. Its true that all the fuss is aimed at romantic love, candlelight dinners with that special one in your life, or a weekend getaway from the kids. Its also true that these restrictions annoy others, who may feel excluded from the festivities. But what if we added a few more ponies to that carousel? What if we kept the romance in place, but also viewed the holiday as a special occasion to express our affections to others we love, our family and friends? What if, as Phil learned to his credit, we made an effort on that day to honor and appreciate all those we love, seeking to strengthen our connections with them? Heaven only knows our country is in need of those connections. That Americans are troubled nowadays, often divided and angry with one another, should be obvious to anyone who follows the news. Right now, I suspect, most of us could use a generous helping of love, and heres a day designed for just that purpose. And as I pointed out last year in an Epoch Times article about Valentines Day, there are lots of ways we can celebrate these bonds of affection. Grandparents could send cards to their grandchildren. Flown-the-nest children might telephone their parents. We could email some friends, telling them what they mean to us. We could throw a party and lift a glass to love. If Dad is in assisted living, we might deliver a plate of holiday cookies to him and his companions. Ditto for the kids in our childs classroom. Its simple, really. All we really have to do on this day is to say I love you to those who should already know it. Top that off with a serving all around of creme brulee or chocolate-covered strawberries, and youll have a five-star Valentines Day. Russia Feels the Bite of Western Sanctions as Energy Revenues Plunge to Lowest in Two Years Revenue from energy fell to its lowest level in over two years in Russia as the country continues to be pressured under Western sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine, with Moscows federal budget revenues seen to be declining on an annual basis. Oil and gas revenues amounted to 426 billion rubles ($6.02 billion) and decreased by 46 percent compared to January 2022, which is primarily due to a decrease in quotations for Urals oil and a decrease in natural gas exports, a Feb. 6th press release from the Russian ministry of finance stated. This is Russias lowest monthly budget revenues from oil and gas since August 2020. The average price for Urals oil in January 2023 had fallen to $49.48 per barrel from $85.64, according to a press release on Feb. 1. This is a decline of around 42 percent, which contributed to the fall in revenues for Russia. Taking into account the decrease in the representativeness of Urals oil price quotations as an objective price indicator of export prices for Russian oil, approaches are currently being developed to switch to alternative price indicators for tax purposes, the Feb. 6th release stated. The oil revenue fall has negatively affected the Russian budget. A preliminary estimate puts the volume of federal budget revenues in January 2023 at 1,356 billion rubles ($19.15 billion), which is 35 percent lower than January 2022 revenues. Non-oil and gas revenues were also lower by 28 percent, at 931 billion rubles ($13.15 billion), which the ministry blames on a reduction in domestic value-added taxes and income tax revenues. Meanwhile, federal budget expenditures for January 2023 rose by 59 percent. This is attributed to the rapid conclusion of contracts and the advanced financing of certain contracted expenditures. Western Sanctions Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year, the country has been hit with heavy sanctions from the West. The European Union has blocked seaborne crude oil imports from Russia which accounted for 90 percent of Moscows crude oil sales to the bloc. In addition, EU member states have reduced the share of Russian gas imports to 15 percent from 40 percent prior to the war. On Feb. 5, an EU embargo on refined oils from Russia, which includes jet fuel and diesel, came into effect. We must continue to deprive Russia of the means to wage war against Ukraine. EUs import ban on Russian petroleum products comes into force on Sunday, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EU Commission, stated in a tweet on Feb. 3. With the G7, we are putting price caps on these products, cutting Russias revenue while ensuring stable global energy markets. A price cap of $60 per barrel has been imposed on Russian Urals crude oil by the G7 nations. As of Feb. 6, Urals crude traded at $52.62 per barrel, which is roughly $30 below the $80.99 per barrel for Brent crude. Earlier, both Urals and Brent were trading at a similar price. Budget Deficit Russia is expecting a budget deficit of 2 percent of GDP for 2023. If the deficit were to be bigger than expected, it would require Moscow to adopt measures to deal with the situation, including more borrowing, higher taxes, lower spending, or the sale of foreign currencies. Analysts at the Credit Bank of Moscow expect the budget deficit to be at 3.8 percent of GDP this year. In January, Russias deficit already stood at 60 percent of its deficit target for the entirety of 2023. Domestic borrowing and the countrys accumulated energy revenues are the two main sources that Moscow uses to cover its budget deficits. In the last quarter of 2022, Russia raised its domestic borrowing. In January, 38.5 billion rubles ($540 million) worth of Chinese currency yuan and gold were spent to cover the budget deficit. Some experts foresee higher forex sales in the coming months. Russia will almost triple the amount of foreign currency it plans to sell through early March as energy revenues plunge. With most international reserves frozen, the yuan is the main asset Russia can use to conduct sales from its wealth fund to cover spending, reporter Annmarie Hordern stated in a tweet on Feb. 4. Russian Forces Keep up Pressure as Ukraine Anniversary Nears A woman walks out from a residential building which was hit by a Russian rocket in the city center of Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 5, 2023. (Andrii Marienko/AP Photo) KYIV, UkraineRussian forces are keeping Ukrainian troops tied down with attacks in the eastern Donbas region as Moscow assembles additional combat power there for an expected offensive in the coming weeks, Ukrainian officials said Monday. Intense fighting that has been raging for weeks continued around the city of Bakhmut and the nearby towns of Soledar and Vuhledar, Ukraines presidential office said. They are located in the Donetsk region, which with neighboring Luhansk region makes up the Donbas, an industrial area bordering Russia. The battles for the region are heating up, Donetsk Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said in televised remarks, adding that the Russians are throwing new units into the battle and eradicating our towns and villages. In Luhansk, Gov. Serhii Haidai said shelling there had subsided because the Russians have been saving ammunition for a large-scale offensive. Military analysts say the Kremlins forces may be probing Ukrainian defenses for weak points or could be making a feint while preparing for a main thrust through southern Ukraine. Ukraine envisages possible Russian offensives in the east and the south, Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Vadym Skibitsky said. He predicted that Russia will likely press its offensive in the Donbas and could also launch an attack in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. He didnt say when the offensive might start but noted that the Russian military would need another couple of months to complete the training of new units. Skibitsky added that Russia plans to mobilize another 300,000500,000 in addition to the 300,000 mobilized in the fall. David Arakhamia, who leads Zelenskyys Servant of the People party in parliament, said Sunday that Ukraine is preparing for a Russian offensive while planning to counterattack and reclaim its occupied territory. Arakhamia, noting that time and circumstances call for strengthening and regrouping, also announced that Ukraines Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov would be moved to another government post and replaced by the head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov. But Arakhamia abruptly changed course Monday and said that no shakeup will happen this week. Mariana Bezuhla, a Servant of the People party lawmaker, said officials decided to postpone the reshuffle following the analysis of risks for the system as a whole ahead of next weeks meeting with NATO allies. One of Reznikovs deputies recently lost his job amid Zelenskyys crackdown on corruption. Reznikov said over the weekend that he was ready to step down if Zelenskyy decides it is best. A Ukrainian State Emergency Service firefighter smokes as he takes a break following Russian shelling that hit an industrial area in Kherson, Ukraine, on Feb. 5, 2023. (Libkos/AP Photo) Russian forces made gains in the first few months of the war, though they failed to clinch key objectives and were then driven back from large areas by a Ukrainian counteroffensive. Western military help has been essential for Kyiv to fend off a far larger military force. The government of Norway aims to donate 75 billion kroner ($7.3 billion) in a multi-year support package to Ukraine, making the oil-rich Scandinavian country one of the worlds top donors. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre said Monday the money would be used for a military and civilian aid package over a five-year period once parliament gives its approval. Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand wrote on Twitter late Sunday that the first German-made Leopard tank Canada is donating to Ukraine had arrived in Poland. It is part of a broad tank commitment by Ukraines Western allies to help it defeat Russia. Training for Ukrainian military on how to use the tank was due to begin soon, Anand said, as the allies race to get Ukraines forces ready before the looming offensive. Ukraines presidential office said Monday that at least one civilian had been killed and 10 others wounded by Russian shelling over the past 24 hours. Five of those were injured during the shelling of Kharkiv city, where Russian shells struck residential buildings and a university, the presidential office said. The Russians again fired at targets across the Dnieper River from the Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, damaging residential buildings and power lines in Nikopol and Marhanets, Ukrainian authorities reported. Russian forces occupied Zaporizhzhia, Europes biggest nuclear power plant, early in the war, and regular shelling of the area stoked major safety concerns. The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog is due to visit Moscow this week to discuss safety at Zaporizhzhia. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi aims to continue his consultations aimed at agreeing and implementing a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the plant, IAEA spokesman Fredrik Dahl said. Martin Griffiths, the U.N. humanitarian chief, said Monday that nearly 8 million Ukrainians have fled to neighboring countries since the war started and 5.3 million are displaced within the country. He told the U.N. Security Council Monday that 17.6 million Ukrainiansalmost 40 percent of the populationneed humanitarian assistance. Griffiths said that he will be launching an appeal later this month in Geneva for $3.9 billion to help more than 11 million people this year. A Buffalo man pleaded guilty Tuesday in Erie County Court to second-degree grand larceny for stealing a fire truck, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors said that 25-year-old Yassin A. Abdikadir stole the Engine 1 truck shortly before midnight on July 14, 2022, near Main and West Huron streets as firefighters were handling an emergency medical services call there. Shortly after the fire truck was reported stolen, Buffalo police received a report that it had been abandoned at Delaware Avenue and Allen Street. Abdikadir allegedly struck and damaged three parked vehicles with the fire truck, and was later found hiding inside of a garbage tote. He faces a maximum 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on April 24. Abdikadir was released on his own recognizance pending his sentencing. Prosecutors said there is also another pending criminal case against Abdikadir in which he is accused of burglarizing a downtown restaurant on the same day he stole the fire truck. He's accused of entering a restaurant in the 200 block of Ellicott Street in Buffalo and stealing about 50 bottles of alcohol valued at about $2,000. Abdikadir is scheduled to return to Buffalo City Court on the burglary case on Feb. 21. San Francisco Pizza Shop Fires Employee Who Refused to Serve Police Officers Two police officers have lunch at the San Francisco restaurant Pizza Squared on Feb. 1, 2023. (Lear Zhou/The Epoch Times) SAN FRANCISCOThe restaurant Pizza Squared has fired an employee who would not serve San Francisco police officers. On Jan. 29, the employee refused to provide service to several officers. The next day, the San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA) notified the restaurant owner of the incident. In a tweet posted on Jan. 30, Pizza Squared owner Christina Siu wrote that the employee was a trainee just on his third day. We expressly told him we didnt share his views & that he was out of line, the Twitter post continued. He was fired at the end of the day. San Francisco Police Department Sergeant Rich Cibotti told The Epoch Times: These incidents are incredibly sad. We have a bunch of hardworking cops trying to get a bite to eat in between the many calls for service. To date, its unclear why the fired employee refused to serve police officers. Neither the pizza joint nor the SFPOA would reveal the identity of the fired cashier, nor did the cashier himself speak out. However, the incident took place just two days after Jan. 27, the day a video was released of Tyre Nichols being beaten to death by Memphis police on Jan. 7. On Jan. 31, the SFPOA posted on Twitter, Two things that should never get political: pizza & policing. The restaurant Pizza Squared in San Francisco on Feb. 1, 2023. (Lear Zhou/The Epoch Times) But the business doesnt deserve the negative press due to a rogue employee, said Cibotti. The blatant disrespect shown by a rogue employee doesnt reflect on the quality of the business. Former San Francisco Police Officer Lou Barberini told The Epoch Times, An employer should have the right to terminate someone that leverages their position to discriminate against a persons uniform. The pizza shop, located at 885 Brannan Street, was displaying a notice stating Help Wanted: Cashier on Feb. 1. An Epoch Times reporter saw two sworn police officers having lunch at Pizza Squared. Officer H. Nguyen said that its all good after the SFPOA notified the owner. This was not the first time San Francisco police officers were refused service. In December 2021, a North Beach brunch spot called Hilda and Jesse declined to serve three uniformed officers. The owner apologized later and said they regretted the decision. Mrs. Rosa Santos (C), Governor of the province of Santiago de los Caballeros, welcomed Shen Yun to Santiago, Dominican Republic, on the opening night of their performance on Feb. 6. (NTD) SANTIAGO, Dominican RepublicShen Yun Performing Arts, the worlds top classical Chinese dance company, took to the stage in Santiago, Dominican Republic on Feb. 6. Mrs. Rosa Santos, Governor of the province of Santiago de los Caballeros, felt transported to another world. One really feels in a different space from what were used to, said Mrs. Santos at the Gran Teatro del Cibao. It was a fabulous show of colors, of movement, of mastery. And the most important thing is the strength this show has, the feelings it conveys, and the colors that really blend with all this strength, Mrs. Santos said. Mrs. Santos was buoyed by the experience of seeing so many young professionals who really have a high capacity and a very high discipline in order to reach the mastery that has become a hallmark of Shen Yun. Music and art are important because sometimes words are not needed for you to convey feelings and ideas, and Chinese culture is a very broad culture, it is a culture that every movement, that each step, it says something and, through those movements, those expressions, you can communicate ideas that perhaps not everyone can but one who is part of the culture can do it, she said. In other words, we really recommend people whove not come yet to come tomorrow to see the show because it transports you, she said. It transports you to another dimension. The feelings and culture that Shen Yun transmitted were that of humanity, said Mrs. Santos. She said there was one dance piece set in the modern day, in which you see how people have become distanced from each other in many respects. It is important that these types of feelings and examples are transmitted through music so that people can understand that the most important thing in life is the human aspect, she said, and that those values make us greatvalues like honesty make us great, the values like discipline, like lovethose are things that have been lost and that must be rescued so that we understand, once again, that we are human beings, that we are not machines. Thats the message the show left me tonight, te message that you have to preserve your traditions, your roots, she said. When you lose your essence, that really takes you out of your environment, it makes you lose the horizon. So, I understand that one must always try to maintain their roots to remain firm and to be able to really know who you are. What is true does not fade over time, and the values that come and go are not ours, but modern ideas that interrupt our growth, Mrs. Santos further said. Shen Yun left her with profound thoughts how life should be lived. In other words, traditions must be maintained, all those traditions that allow you to know who you are and where you are going. Reporting by NTD. The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006. Schumer Calls out MAGA Republicans for Lack of Unity Before State of the Union Address Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks during a press conference held to celebrate U.S. President Joe Biden cancelling student debt on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 29, 2022. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images for We, The 45 Million) Democrats have shown unity in both the House and Senate, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), calling it a stark contrast to whats going on with House Republicans in a pre-State of the Union address press conference against the backdrop of a debt ceiling fight. The back-and-forth between Speaker McCarthy and the MAGA Republicansit shows lack of unity, which is very, very worrisome and troublesome, he said. Schumer made the comments during a Feb. 7 press conference prior to President Joe Bidens State of the Union speech. The longtime New York senator said that Republican lawmakers, including Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), had not done enough to specify where they might trim the budget. The Speaker stressed in a Feb. 6 press conference that the White House must accommodate some spending cuts to reach an agreement with Republicans over the debt ceiling, saying that finding compromise is exactly how governing in America is supposed to work. He [McCarthy] says he wants cuts. Where? He hasnt named a single place where he wants them, Schumer said. Republicans are stuck. They cant govern. They cant agree on anything. Instead, theyre focused on political theater, he added. Schumer said Democrats, by contrast, wanted to raise the debt limit clean'in other words, increase it without reducing spending or making legislative changes. Challenges GOP on Chinese Balloon, Student Loan Forgiveness He went on to criticize Republicans who voiced concern over the way the Biden administration handled a Chinese surveillance balloon last week as it crossed the continental United States before being shot down off the coast of South Carolina. The Biden administration, he said, listened to the military experts and listened to the intelligence experts. We need the country to come together to condemn China for what it did and have a unified front in dealing with the Chinese Communist Party, Schumer added. The Senate majority leader also criticized what he called right-wing Republicans, MAGA Republicans for their opposition to Bidens moratorium on the payment of student loans, in a conflict that has now reached the Supreme Court. Republican senators including Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) took aim at Bidens student loan debt forgiveness efforts in a legal brief to the Supreme Court. In it, they argued that the program upends Congresss detailed and comprehensive scheme for subsidizing higher education. President Bidens student loan schemes do not forgive student debt, but transfer it onto Americans who chose not to go to college or worked hard to pay off their loans. These policies are a clear overreach of President Bidens authority, and unconstitutional, Cassidy said. The Epoch Times has reached out to McCarthy for comment. Second Amendment Activists, Congressmen, See More at Stake Than Braces Bill to legalize short-barreled rifles meant to keep ATF, others in check Within days of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) issuing its regulation for pistol braces, a senator from Kansas has reintroduced a bill to protect the legal status of firearms and rein in some of the ATFs power. The SHORT Act will protect Americans from the anti-Second Amendment gun registry that the ATF is abusing the National Firearms Act to create, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) wrote in a statement announcing his bill, the Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today Act (SHORT Act). The Act would remove short-barreled rifles (SBR), short-barreled shotguns (SBS), and all other weapons (AOW) from the National Firearms Act (NFA). Enforcement of the NFA is one of ATFs chief responsibilities. The NFA defines an SBR as a rifle with an overall length shorter than 26 inches or a barrel less than 16 inches in length. The NFA was written in 1934 and specifically mentioned SBRs and SBSs as favorites of gangsters because they were easy to conceal. The ATF claims that some pistol braces were marketed as ways to shoulder large format pistols. According to the ATF, this turns the pistol into an illegal weapon under the NFA. A pistol stabilizing brace is seen in this undated photo. (Michael Clements) Tim Harmsen is an Indiana gun store owner and YouTube host of his Military Arms Channel, which boasts more than 1.3 million subscribers. Harmsen has been in the firearms business more than 30 years and is deeply invested in the debate over pistol braces. He said the braces are some of the most popular items in his store. According to Harmsen, the NFA was bad law when it was written and needs to be done away with. He called the SHORT Act a step in the right direction. In my 30-plus years of shooting, Ive never seen a SBR small enough to fit in a pocket. This highlights the absurdity of the NFA and why we want it abolished, Harmsen wrote in an email to The Epoch Times. Marshall wrote the bill in response to the ATF rule on whether the addition of a stabilizing pistol brace converts a large-format pistol into an SBR because it enables the shooter the fire the gun from the shoulder. According to Marshall, the ATF is less interested in safety than controlling behavior. An AR-15 style rifle is displayed at the Firing-Line indoor range and gun shop, in Aurora, Colo., on July 26, 2012. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo) Congressman Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) is sponsoring a companion bill in the House. In a statement announcing the bills reintroduction, Clyde said it is past time for Congress to act. In the face of President Bidens unconstitutional tactics and backdoor gun control, the SHORT Act provides a permanent solution to combat the unlawful pistol brace rule and protect Americans constitutional right to keep and bear arms, Clyde wrote. Marshall reintroduced the bill with Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.). In the same statement, Kennedy harkened back to the pistol braces intended use. A brace that countless disabled Americans use to exercise their Second Amendment rights should not be regulated by unelected anti-gun bureaucrats, and this bill would force the Biden ATF to stop devising new restrictions for legal firearms, Kennedy wrote. The bill has 17 co-sponsors. Marshall and other Second Amendment proponents said the ATFs true intent is to build a registry of gun owners. Many of the co-sponsors and Clydes colleagues in the House agree. Clyde said on the House floor, Registration always leads to confiscation. Act Would Destroy Records According to Marshall, the SHORT Act also requires the ATF to destroy all records of the registration, transfer, or manufacture of these NFA firearms. Rogerss bill is just one factor in the effort by Second Amendment supporters to stop the ATF. Before the new rule was made public, the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, the Firearms Policy Center, and the Second Amendment Foundation sued or said they were preparing litigation over the rule. The organizations have the same objections to the ATF rule that Marhsall lists in the SHORT Act. Generally speaking, they are asking the courts to put the rule on hold until they can make their cases against the regulation, at which time, they hope the courts will scrap the rule altogether. Alan Gottlieb, executive vice president of the Second Amendment Foundation, said the government has made him more optimistic about his lawsuits prospects. According to Gottlieb, the Second Amendment Foundation has been in the fight longest, having filed one of the very first lawsuits over the pistol brace rules. He said foundation attorneys are carefully studying the most current rule so they can amend the lawsuit as needed. He said the ATF might have shot itself in the foot in that making the rule tougher may have crossed more Constitutional lines. I believe the challenge will be even easier because they made the rule more stringent, Gottlieb told The Epoch Times. Registration to Confiscation In their filings, all the plaintiffs make it clear that the more significant issue is a federal agency where unelected officials can write regulations that carry the power of law while challenging the Constitution. Now, we have an administration thats desperate to erode our Second Amendment rights in more and more pervasive ways as every year passes, Rep. Jefferson Van Drew (R-N.J.) said on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 31. Harmsen agreed. The SHORT Act is a good start to reigning in the ATF and their continued arbitrary rule making process which many believe, including members of Congress, to be law making without an act of Congress, he wrote. Serial Rapist David Carrick Jailed for Life for Violent and Brutal Crimes Committed While Serving in Met Police Judge says he 'took monstrous advantage' of 12 women An undated police mugshot of David Carrick, a serving Metropolitan Police officer who admitted the last of 49 serious sexual offences at Southwark Crown Court in London on Jan. 16, 2023. (Hertfordshire Police) A man has been jailed for life for a minimum of 30 years after pleading guilty to 24 counts of rape and 25 other offences which were carried out, over the space of 18 years, while he was a serving Metropolitan Police officer. David Carrick, 48, was sentenced to serve a minimum of 30 years for 47 offences against 12 women, between March 2004 and September 2020. Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb, sentencing Carrick at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, told him: Behind a public appearance of propriety and trustworthiness, you took monstrous advantage of women drawn into intimate relationships with you. You brazenly raped and sexually assaulted many women, some you barely knew. She said his conviction represented a spectacular downfall for a man charged with upholding the law and empowered to do so to the extent of being authorised to bear a firearm in the execution of his duty. She said a suicide attempt he made while on remand was borne out of self-pity, rather than remorse. Cheema-Grubb said the women thought they would not be believed because Carrick was a police officer and she added: This widespread attitude illustrates an astonishing degree of moral corruption in the way that complainants in sexual offences are seen and treated in society. It betrays them and the police officers who work hard to be professional and fair and who deserve the trust that public places in them. The full list of charges included 24 counts of rape, nine counts of sexual assault, five counts of assault by penetration, three counts of coercive and controlling behaviour, three counts of false imprisonment, two counts of attempted rape, one count of attempted sexual assault by penetration, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and one count of indecent assault. Carrick, who joined the Met in 2001 and became an armed officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in 2009, admitted the last of the offences last month and was immediately fired from the force, which has already apologised to his victims. Carrick Will Be in Prison Almost to Close of His Natural Life On Monday, Carricks lawyer, Alisdair Williamson, KC, said his client, accepts fully responsibility for what he has done and accepted the sentence would bring him close to, if not to, the close of his natural life. Prosecutor Tom Little, KC, said Carrick did not qualify for a whole-life sentence because he had not killed any of his victims and had pleaded guilty. The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, said last month: This man abused women in the most disgusting manner. It is sickening. Weve let women and girls down and indeed weve let Londoners down. It emerged Carrick came to the attention of the police nine timeswith him being accused of rape, domestic violence, and harassmentbetween 2000 and 2021, before any action was taken by the Met. A previous hearing heard Carrick had bragged to women about how he was an armed officer who protected VIPs including then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. A sketch of David Carrick, seen on a video link from Rampton Hospital, at a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in London in November 2022. (PA) On Monday, Little outlined the details of the catalogue of violent and brutal sexual offences Carrick committed. He said Carrick, from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, used his power and control to stop his victims leaving or reporting him for years. Sent Victim Image of Himself With a Gun and a Warning Little said Carrick sent one victim a photograph of himself with a gun he used in his work, and said, Remember I am the boss. Ironically most of the victims only came forward after Carrick was charged with raping a 13th woman in September 2020, an offence which the Crown Prosecution Service in the end decided it was not in the public interest to take to trial. Little said Carrick, who completed a Metropolitan Police training course on domestic abuse in 2005, used his police baton and handcuffs over the years to intimidate his victims, who he met on online dating apps such as Tinder and Badoo, or by chatting them up in pubs or on social occasions. The court also heard a number of victim impact statements from the women he abused. One said Carrick had repeatedly raped her, sometimes at gunpoint, and said she felt she had encountered evil. Little said Carricks computer history showed he had searched for extreme and painful pornographic images. Carrick served in the same unit, the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, as Wayne Couzenswho was given a whole life sentence in 2021 for the abduction, rape, and murder of Sarah Everardbut there is no evidence the pair knew each other. The court heard how close Carrick was to getting away with his crimes and remaining as a police officer. In July 2021 a woman reported Carrick to Hertfordshire Police for rape but no action was taken after she withdrew the complaint. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley appearing before the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee, to answer questions about the David Carrick case, at City Hall in east London, on Jan. 25, 2023. (Yui Mok/PA Media) The Mets Directorate of Professional Standards then placed him on restricted duties, but a misconduct hearing was dropped in September 2021. He was about to return to full duties when, on Oct. 1, 2021 a woman alleged he had raped her a year earlier. At that point he was arrested, charged, and suspended by the Met. It was the day after Couzens had been told by a judge he would never be released from prison. Twelve other women then came forward and described how Carrick had treated them over the years. Assistant Commander Barbara Gray, the Mets lead for professionalism, issued a statement earlier this week in which she said: In the weeks since he pleaded guilty, we have spoken about our genuine and urgent commitment to address the systemic failings that have been identified by our own reviews, by those of His Majestys Inspectorate and Baroness Casey. We are determined to root out those who corrupt our integrity. That work is already under way. In the coming weeks we will be speaking in more detail about the important progress we have already made and what our next steps will be. Rowley, who took over from Dame Cressida Dick last year, is under huge pressure to tackle misogynistic crimes and behaviour within the Metropolitan Police. Last month Rowley said he planned to write to Home Secretary Suella Braverman and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, at the end of March after, reviewing all of our people, having checked their details against all the police, national intelligence data in the police national database. The National Police Chiefs Council has since written to all police forces in England and Wales, telling them to check all their staff by the end of March. PA Media contributed to this report. SANTIAGO, Dominican RepublicShen Yun Performing Arts had just finished its performances in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, to great acclaim. After receiving praise from leaders in the arts and country at the Eduardo Brito National Theater, New York-based Shen Yun was set to visit Santiago. On Feb. 6, the worlds top classical Chinese dance company took to the stage at the Gran Teatro del Cibao. Among the audience members was Chiqui Checo, the new director Gran Teatro del Cibao and an educator, who thought Shen Yuns performance lived up to its name, and that only via experiencing Shen Yun in person could one grasp its full magnificence. I found it to be a show not to be missed, Ms. Checo said. To anyone who can come to see this show, really, dont miss it This is an experience that you have to live [for yourself], and I invite everyone who can to live this experience. Shen Yun means the beauty of divine beings dancing, which Ms. Checo said was exactly what she experienced. Ms. Checo said the performance was beautiful and the orchestra was spectacular, but above all impressive with the message it has through art. Not only of what is happening in China but also of the spiritual values involved in this show, that really left me very impressed, she said. For her, it showed all the divine and all the spiritual, and the way to go. Ms. Checo said the finale of the performance exemplified this experience. Because it is very much about the golden age that is coming at some point for humanity, and I felt totally identified with the closing of the show, with the golden age or the golden stage that we humans are waiting for, she said. I loved it! Thats really worth seeing. To Shen Yun, she wanted to express gratitude: Thank you for coming to visit us here in Santiago, Dominican Republic. It is an honor for us. Reporting by NTD. The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006. Significant Increase in Drug-Impaired Drivers Across Canada Since Cannabis Legalization: Federal Study There has been a significant increase in the number of people driving under the influence of marijuana since Parliament legalized recreational cannabis use in 2018, according to a study by a federal department. Compared to data from previous surveys, there has been a significant reduction in the prevalence of alcohol use among drivers, but a significant increase in the prevalence of drug use, cannabis in particular, said a study published by the Department of Public Safety on Jan. 27, as first reported by Blacklocks Reporter. Titled Annual National Data Report To Inform Trends And Patterns In Drug Impaired Driving 2022, the study cited data collected from driver surveys conducted across Canada before and after the legalization of recreational marijuana. About 21 percent of marijuana users surveyed told researchers they had previously driven within two hours of consuming cannabis, which meets the legal threshold for impaired driving. The study also showed the number of police-reported, impaired-driving incidents in Canada from 2009 to 2021. In 2009, police reported just over 1,400 individuals driving under the influence of drugs. That number rose every year afterward and was greater than 7,400 as of 2021, in which drug-impaired driving incidents represented 11 percent of all impaired driving incidentsan increase of nine percent from 2020. It is also interesting to note that the proportion of alcohol-impaired driving cases cleared by charge has tended to decline over the years: 56.4% in 2019, compared to 51.7% in 2021, said the study. Conversely, in the case of [drug-impaired driving incidents], the proportion has increased from 47.4% in 2019, to 59.2% in 2021. Cannabis Researchers also cited a 2022 study that examined blood samples from over 4,300 B.C. drivers, 3,550 of which were sampled before recreational cannabis was legalized and the rest after legalization. The study found that, after cannabis legalization, the prevalence of moderately injured drivers with a THC level of at least two nanograms per milliliter had more than doubled, researchers wrote. Public Safety Canadas report comes after a recent survey conducted by the Canadian Automobile Association of South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) said that an estimated 156,000 drivers in Ontario admitted to recently driving while high on a cannabis edible. The survey also said the number of marijuana-impaired drivers who have admitted to consuming an edible before driving has risen by 10 percent since 2019. Its shocking that were seeing this many people who are getting behind the wheel while high, said CAA SCO community relations consultant Michael Stewart in a Dec. 1 news release. The Public Safety Departments report on drug-impaired driving also comes several months after the same federal office wrote in a briefing note that about one-third of Canadas cannabis market is still controlled by illegal dealers despite nationwide legalization in 2018. The Liberal government is currently conducting a review of its legalization of recreational cannabis and should have its report on the matter ready for both the House of Commons and the Senate by early 2024. Andrew Chen contributed to this report. Slovakia Reports Outbreak of H5N1 Bird Flu on Farm: WOAH Chickens from a poultry farm are going outside again in Winkel, Netherlands, on April 29, 2020 after health measures were introduced in February, following a case of bird flu in a turkey farm in Germany near the Groningen (Dutch northern province) border. Netherlands Out (Olaf Kraak/ANP/AFP via Getty Images) PARISSlovakia has reported an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus on a farm in the western part of the country, the Paris-based World Organisation for Animal Health said on Monday. The outbreak near the town of Galanta killed 1,530 poultry birds out of a flock of 5,665, the Paris-based body said, quoting information from Slovakian health authorities. A record number of chickens, turkeys and other birds have died in outbreaks of the highly contagious disease in Europe in the past year and the virus is spreading in the United States, South America, Africa, and Asia. add content from https://www.reutersconnect.com/detail?id=tag%3Areuters.com%2C2023%3Anewsml_KBN2UG1FU%3A1 PARISNepal has reported an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza, or bird flu, on a poultry farm near the capital Kathmandu, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said on Monday. The disease killed 2,909 laying hens and the rest of the 7,500-strong flock was slaughtered, WOAH said in a note, citing information from the Nepalese authorities. Socialism Is Pathway to Communism and Marxism: New China Committee Member Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), an appointee to a new bipartisan select committee investigating competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party, has denounced socialism as a horror in an interview on Capitol Report, a political news program on NTD, The Epoch Times sister media outlet. Socialism is that pathway to more extreme forms of government like communism and Marxism, Hinson said. The Republican congresswoman represents Iowas 2nd Congressional District. On Jan. 10, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to create the bipartisan House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It is the first bipartisan select committee dedicated to addressing the threats posed by the CCP. Sending a Clear Signal Hinson spoke with Capitol Report on Feb. 2, just before the House approved a resolution denouncing socialism in a bipartisan vote that cleared the chamber in a 3288614 vote. She said she shares the concerns of colleagues who have seen the repercussions of socialism and communism in their communities. My colleague, Maria Salazar from Florida represents one of the districts with the highest number of Cuban refugees in the countrythey literally fled socialism. They know what that horror looks like; they know what a dictator looks like. And so its our opportunity to send a very clear signal to the American people. House Republicans are not going to let that happen, she said on the NTD show before the resolution, which saw the support of 104 Democrats, was passed. Congress denounces socialism in all its forms, and opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States of America, the resolution read. Hinson said the resolution makes it very clear that American people arent going to tolerate socialism. Salazar (R-Fla.) had earlier reintroduced H.R. 314, the Fighting Oppression until the Reign of Castro Ends (FORCE) Act, on Jan. 13. That act will prevent the Biden administration from normalizing relations with Cuba unless it takes a path to freedom and democracy. Chinas Land Grab for US Farmland Hinson was appointed to the new committee on China late last month. However, she has been raising concerns about Chinese companies owning U.S. farmland near military bases and other strategic interests for some time. Its a threat plain and simple. You look at strategically where they have decided that they want to make those land purchasesin Iowa, in key agricultural states, near our military bases. Hinson called the Chinese land purchases alarming, saying the percentage of land that the Chinese have purchased over the last ten years has grown exponentially. They are our biggest threat and they are literally in our backyard, she said. In her official statement after being appointed to the 13-member committee chaired by Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), Hinson described the CCP as the greatest threat to the American economy, security, and way of life. From reshoring manufacturing jobs and supply chains, to stopping the CCPs military aggression, and preventing China from purchasing more U.S. agricultural landour committee will produce the policy blueprint to address these issues and ensure the U.S. is competing to win our Cold War with China, she said in the statement. Asleep at the Wheel On the NTD show, the congresswoman also raised the issue of U.S. intellectual property theft by the Chinese and emphasized on the need to create a policy blueprint that will allow the United States to remain competitive with China. Theyre coming to states like Iowa, literally stealing our seeds and trying to take them back to China to reverse engineer them. And then you look at the military threat and the geopolitical threat to our allies, she said. Hinson was referring to the 2016 case of a Chinese national, Mo Hailong, who was caught stealing proprietary corn seeds from Iowa and across the farm belt of the Midwest. Mo was sending the stolen seeds to his employer, a Chinese corn seed company. The stolen inbred seeds were unlike common hybrid seeds and were the valuable trade secrets of U.S. companies DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto, according to the FBI. Hinson stressed that Americans have been asleep at the wheel in allowing things like this to happen. Its vitally important to hold the Chinese accountable and deter their agenda against the United States, she cautioned. It is very clear that we need to take the Chinese Communist Party very seriously so that the next century is one of American values, not Chinese Communist Party values, Hinson said. Human Rights Abuses Hinson said that a greater spotlight is needed on Chinas human rights abuses. That will be one of the roles of the newly minted bipartisan committee. President Xi has turned a blind eye to it or willingly allowed it to happenthe abuses that are happening not only to the Uyghur Muslims in China, and forced slave labor, but the true oppression of its people. Theyre holding their people back on purpose, said Hinson. She added that one reason the members of the CCP have such tight security is because they are afraid of their own people. According to the congresswoman, the committees job will be to expose abuses by the CCP and create policies to counter those abuses, ensuring that CCP members are held accountable. Other roles will be to ensure a strong strategic defense and to enable the re-homing of key manufacturing products that were earlier outsourced. We need to be intentional and send a very clear and direct message that were not going to tolerate that behavior, said Hinson. Solomon Islands Government Ousts Provincial Leader, Long-Time Critic of CCP Police fire teargas to control protests An image of an armoured police vehicle gifted to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force under by the Australian Defence Force during a gifting ceremony in Honiara, Solomon Islands on Nov. 2, 2022. (Courtesy of the Australian Federal Police) The pro-Beijing Solomons national government has finally got its man. Daniel Suidani, the premier of the most populous Malaita Province, has, for years, been a political hurdle standing in the way of closer ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). On Feb. 7, Suidani faced another no-confidence vote against his leadership, and this time, the dissenters were successful, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Around 17 assembly members voted for Suidanis removal from office. In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, right, locks arms with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on May 26, 2022. (Xinhua via AP) The premier attempted to file an appeal in the High Court to stop the vote, but the assembly denied receiving any notice of such an action. Scuffles erupted outside the provincial assembly in protest of the vote. In turn, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) fired tear gas into the crowd. The RSIPF was deployed to the area in advance of the vote, with authorities anticipating an angry response from locals. National government using overwhelming police power to get Sudani out, wrote Celsus Talifilu on LinkedIn. Security support from donors like Australia and China now put to use. The outcome of the motion is already set. The final act is the case that will be heard in the High Court this morning. There was an earlier attempt to oust Suidani in October 2021, however, locals physically blocked the entrance of the Parliament to prevent the motion from being tabled. The Rebel Province Holding Out Against Beijings Encroaching Influence The Malaita leadership has been at odds with the national government of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare since its decision to switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019. Since then, Sogavare has steadily tightened relations with Beijing amid allegations of bribery of pro-Beijing MPs. Efforts from Beijing crystallised in April 2022 when a secret agreementleaked publiclywould open the door for the CCP the option to station troops, weapons, and naval ships in the country. At the same time, Suidani had continued to criticise the Sogavare government while maintaining closer ties with Taiwan and accepting U.S. aid. The tensions, as well as accusations of poor governance and corruption under Sogavare, came to a head in November 2021 when protestsfeaturing Malaitan localserupted in the Solomon Island capital of Honiara, resulting in the razing of the Chinatown District. Anti-government message adorns a burnt-out building in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on Nov. 27, 2021. (Charley Piringi/AFP via Getty Images) In response, neighbouring democratic governments like Australia, Fiji, and New Zealand deployed police to help stabilise the region. Yet the move was soon followed by Beijing, which began sending police and weapons to also help ensure the stability of the Solomons. This led to a diplomatic arms race between democratic nations and Beijing, which included ramping up aid support, increasing the diplomatic presence in the region, funding the Pacific Games, and in Australias case, gifting police vehicles and weapons. Read More Australia Speeds up Solomon Islands Project Amid Expanding Beijing Influence More recently, the United States opened an Embassy in the capital Honiara. Critics have warned against such a strategy by democratic governments. Canberra is in an elite capture race with China that it will lose, said Cleo Paskal, a South Pacific expert, in an interview with The Epoch Times. Its not going to be able to bribe more, send more weapons, and give international cover to someone who seems on track to kill his fellow citizens [Prime Minister Sogavare]. Thats Chinas thing, not Australias (one hopes). Paskal has hypothesized that Sogavare is gearing up for a crackdownor outright civil waron dissidents in the Solomon Islands to consolidate power. The prime minister has already delayed elections citing the governments resources were limited due to hosting the Pacific Games. Four Buffalo men were arrested Sunday during a Narcotics Unit action in the 400 block of Seventh Street on the Lower West Side, the Buffalo Police Department reported. A variety of drugs were seized along with two loaded guns. Raymond Gonzalez, 45, was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and fifth-degree and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Christian Mojica-Medina, 41, was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Jayson Cruz, 33, was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Jerry Rivera Diaz, 28, was charged with three counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Police said they recovered 26 grams of cocaine, 23 grams of heroin, 12 oxycodone pills, ammunition and gun magazines, along with a Polymer 80 "ghost gun" and a Glock 19, both loaded. South Australia Goes It Alone to Embed Indigenous Voice Into Its Parliament Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas at a press conference during a visit to Cabra Dominican College in Adelaide, Australia on May 20, 2022. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) South Australia (SA) will forge ahead with its own Indigenous Voice to Parliament, legislated through the SA Parliament, in a move that will likely add a major layer of red tape to government decision-making. The announcement by the SA Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas comes as his federal counterparts look set to push forward a national referendum on whether to embed the advisory body for Indigenous affairs into the Australian Constitution. Malinauskas said he took his policy to the recent state election. We made it clear that we were committed to the full Uluru Statement from the Heart, and we have been consulting with the community broadly, both Indigenous communities and non-Indigenous communities, and we have arrived at a model to put it into the Parliament, he told Today on Feb. 7. Protesters take part in an Invasion Day demonstration on Australia Day in Sydney on January 26, 2022. (Photo by Steven Saphore / AFP) He called it a reasonable initiative, saying it was a whole-heartedly good thing to do, not just for Indigenous affairs but as a whole. The premier said the policy would be designed to suit South Australia. But the principles remain the same around a Voice to Parliament which advances the cause of Indigenous Australians in our state, he said. According to details obtained by The Australian newspaper, the proposal will cost local taxpayers around $10 million (US$6.89 million) and entails electing 46 delegates to sit on seven local and one statewide Voice bodies. Only voters with an Aboriginal background will be allowed to vote for their representative and will need to declare their heritage with the states electoral commission. Delegates will also have the power to address SAs House of Assembly (lower house) and Legislative Council (upper house) on any bill they deem to have an interest in. Details of how the $10 million will be spent were not outlined in the 36-page draft bill. SA Drumming Up Support for Federal Voice The proposal from SA comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continues to push for public support for The Voice. In a speech on Feb. 5, Albanese cited the Jan. 6 Capitol riots in Washington D.C. as one reason why voters should support changes to the Constitution. The prime minister claimed such a sensible change would protect Australias democracy against poisonous conspiracy theories. Albanese also alluded to the controversy around the 2020 U.S. presidential election result, as well as the more recent Brazilian uprisings, saying we must also heed the warning they carry. In a salvo aimed at critics of the Labor governments proposal, the prime minister said there were people pushing misinformation on social media about The Voice. Drumming up outrage, trying to start a culture war. Thats an inevitable consequence of trying to achieve change, he told the Chifley Research Centre at the National Press Club. Questions remain, however, over what powers the body will have. For example, can it veto legislation? Could it hold up bills already passed by the existing houses of Parliament? Who would decide who sits on the new advisory body? And why does it need to be enshrined into the Constitution instead of just legislated via Parliament? Despite the initiative being aimed at dealing with Aboriginal disadvantage, it has been criticised by members of the community. Former national president of the Australian Labor Party and Indigenous leader, Warren Mundine, said there were many questions about how The Voice would resolve on-the-ground issues like youth violence in the central Australian town of Alice Springs, which has garnered national headlines in recent weeks. Why is it so important to change? What is the benefit of it? Is it going to stop situations like Alice Springs? Because Alice Springs is just the tip of the iceberg, and the government cant even respond to that, he told The Epoch Times. No one knows what The Voice is, and they havent been able to explain why it is going to make Aboriginal lives better. Hows it going to resolve all the plethora of problems that Aboriginal communities deal with? he said. Suspect Sought After 3 UCLA Students Attacked in Campus Parking Structures UCLA Parking Structure 1 on Gayley Avenue is seen in this photo. (Screenshot via Google Street View) LOS ANGELESPolice continued searching Feb. 7 for a suspect who tried to rob and possibly kidnap three students in University of CaliforniaLos Angeles (UCLA) campus parking garages. According to campus police, the first attack occurred around 4:30 p.m. Feb. 5 near Parking Structure 1. The man demanded money, attempted to kidnap the victim, held her hands together, and refused to let go. The suspect claimed he had a gun, but the victim did not actually see a weapon, police said. That victim managed to elude the suspect, who approached two other people around 6:45 p.m. Sunday near Parking Structure 7 and committed similar acts, police said. In both cases, victims were able to pull away from [the] suspect and leave the area, according to police. One of the victims in Parking Structure 7 suffered scratches to a hand in the encounter, police said. The suspect was described only as a man between 25 and 40 years old, about 5-foot-10 with a slim build and short dark hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt with white lettering and light blue jeans. During the second attack, the suspect was last seen with a red or orange blanket. UCLA police urged students to always be alert and aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the police. Authorities also suggested that students avoid poorly lit or deserted areas when walking at night, and take advantage of the universitys Safe Ride Service and evening escort service. Suspected North Korean Balloon Reportedly in South Korean Airspace A North Korean flag flutters on top of a tower at the propaganda village of Gijungdong in North Korea, in this picture taken near the truce village of Panmunjom on Nov. 12, 2014. (Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters) South Koreas military has claimed that a suspected North Korean balloon briefly entered its airspace on Sunday, just days after the United States shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon flying in its airspace. The South Korean Ministry of Defense said on Monday that its military responded to the incident with unspecified measures but later concluded that the balloon did not pose a threat, Reuters reported. KBS reported that a front-line unit spotted the balloon through a thermal monitoring device at 6.30 p.m. (local time) on Sunday near the inter-Korean border in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi province, citing an unnamed military official. The official said the balloon was 2 meters long and flying at a low altitude. It left South Koreas airspace after several hours. Authorities decided not to take military steps as they identified it as a weather balloon, the official said. North Koreas official mouthpiece did not issue a statement regarding the incident. This happened just two days after the United States shot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon as it drifted eastward toward the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken indefinitely postponed his visit to China over the high-altitude balloon. Separately, Colombia on Saturday had confirmed a sighting of an airborne object similar to a balloon flying over its territory, although its not clear if its of Chinese origin. North Korea Calls For Perfecting War Readiness Tensions between the two Koreas have been rising after North Korea launched a barrage of missile tests last year. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided over the meeting of the central military commission on Monday, with a focus on major military and political tasks for this year, state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. According to KCNA, the commission discussed the issue of constantly expanding and intensifying the operation and combat drills of the Korean Peoples Army to cope with the prevailing situation and more strictly perfecting the preparedness for war. The Korean Peoples Army is the armed wing of the ruling Workers Party. An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is launched in this undated photo released on Nov. 19, 2022. (KCNA via Reuters) North Korea convened the meeting after it vowed to counter the U.S. military with the most overwhelming nuclear force, which came in response to U.S. defense secretary Lloyd Austins pledge to deploy more military assets to defend South Korea. In a statement carried by KCNA, North Koreas Foreign Ministry said the expansion of U.S. joint military drills with South Korea pushed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula to an extreme red line and is turning the region into a huge-war arsenal. It said that North Koreas military will retaliate against any military action according to its principle of nuke for nuke and an all-out confrontation for an all-out confrontation. 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, it added, using the acronym for North Koreas official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. US to Defend South Korea With Nuclear Capability There are about 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, making it one of the largest U.S. troop deployments around the world. Austin said the U.S. will deploy its F-22s and F-35s aircraft, and a Ronald Reagan carrier strike group to participate in the joint drills with South Korea. Blinken said on Feb. 3 that Washington remains committed to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend South Korea from North Korean aggression. He referred to the U.S.South Korea alliance as the linchpin of peace in the region and said that it seeks to boost trilateral security cooperation with Japan to deter North Koreas provocations. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken shakes hands with South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin at the conclusion of an event at the State Department in Washington on Feb. 3, 2023. Blinken canceled a planned diplomatic trip to China because of an incident involving a Chinese surveillance balloon identified in U.S. airspace. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) We are committed to defending the Republic of Korea using the full range of our capabilitiesnuclear, conventional, missile defense capabilities, Blinken told reporters in Washington. So there should be no doubt in anyones mind, starting with Pyongyang, of our commitment to defend our allies, our partners, our friends, and to extended deterrence, he said. Pyongyang is the capital city of North Korea. South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin also called on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), a major ally of North Korea, to use its influence to rein in Pyongyangs missile launches. We agreed that China has a distinct capability and responsibility to influence Pyongyangs behavior. Denuclearization of North Korea has long been an area of cooperation for China as well as ROK and the United States, and it needs to stay that way, Park said. North Korea fired an unprecedented number of missiles in 2022, one of which reportedly flew over Japan and triggered warnings to citizens in the Hokkaido and Aomori prefectures to take shelter. In August 2022, South Korean leader Yoon Suk-yeol offered North Korea economic benefits in exchange for denuclearization steps, but the offer was rejected. Kim said there will be no denuclearization talks, negotiations, or bargaining chips in that process. Swiss Lawmakers Visit Taiwan, Say They Want Closer Ties Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (center R) speaks during a meeting with Swiss lawmakers in Taipei, Taiwan, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP) TAIPEIA group of Swiss lawmakers met with Taiwans president and said Monday their government wants to deepen political relations, adding to shows of support by foreign politicians for the self-ruled island democracy in the face of Chinese communist regimes intimidation. U.S. legislators including then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have irked Beijing by visiting Taiwan, which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) claims as part of its territory. The CCP has responded by flying fighter jets and bombers near the island of 22 million people and firing missiles into the sea. Swiss lawmakers have told their government to examine how Switzerlands existing relations with Taiwan can be gradually deepened in the interests of business, politics, science, and culture, said one of the legislators, Fabian Molina, during a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen. Taiwan and China split in 1949 after a civil war. The island never has been part of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), but the CCP says it is obligated to unite with the mainland, by force if necessary. Beijing says Tsais democratically elected government has no right to conduct foreign relations. Switzerland, like all other European governments except Vatican City, has official relations with Beijing instead of Taiwan but has extensive commercial and informal ties with the island, a high-tech center, and major trader. It is absolutely essential that the existing differences and tensions between Taiwan and the PRC are resolved peacefully and through dialog, said Molina, a member of Switzerlands Social Democratic Party. Anything less would be unacceptable. Legislators from Britain and other countries also have visited Taiwan in a show of support for its elected government. Pelosi in August became the highest-ranking American official to visit Taiwan in 25 years. The Chinese embassy in Switzerland warned the legislators ahead of their trip to avoid official contact, according to Swiss news reports. The Swiss delegation also included lawmakers Nicolas Walder, Yves Nidegger, Mustafa Atici, and Leonore Porchet. Tsai told them Taiwan and Switzerland are like-minded partners that value freedom and democracy. I would like to once again thank you all for your firm support for Taiwan, she told the legislators. Taiwan stands on the frontlines in defending democracy, the president said. In the face of the continued expansion of authoritarianism, we also call on our friends at the democratic front to continue to deepen our partnership and work together to ensure our way of life. By Johnson Lai Texas Power Cuts Could Last Till Sunday, Nearly 12,000 Affected Thousands of Texas citizens are waiting for their power to return after last weeks winter weather disruptions, with a major energy company warning that the wait could last until the end of this weekend. On Friday, over 350,000 Texans were without power as the sleet and freezing rain from an ice storm weighed down on trees and power lines. On Monday, many of these disruptions were resolved. However, several thousands of homes were yet to get power back online. As of 09:48 a.m. ET, Feb. 7, 11,933 customers in Texas were out of power, according to data from poweroutage.us. The bulk of the outage was accounted for in Travis County where 8,569 customers were without power. Austin Energy, which serves Travis County and other areas, had the highest number of customers without power at 9,186. In a situation update, Austin Energy claimed that over 96 percent of its customers currently have power and that they are presently focusing on the most complicated and time-consuming restoration efforts. However, the firm doesnt expect power to be fully back anytime soon. Forecasted wind and rain this week could further complicate these efforts. Based on current information, we expect to restore power to nearly all remaining customers by Sunday, February 12, Austin said. If this turns out to be true, the power outage would have lasted almost two weeks. Those that require electrical repairs to customer-owned or maintained equipment may be out of power longer. This estimation is based on the following factors: rate of restoration since the start of the storm, number of workers involved in the restoration process, a more complete damage assessment, and weather. Environmentalism and Power Outage A report from KUT, a public radio station from Austin, cites pro-environmental policies as a reason for the current power outage crisis. Until 2006, the city used to cut back fast-growing trees up to 13 feet away from power lines while slow-growing trees were clipped up to 9 feet back. Around 2007, the city started relaxing policies dictating the trimming of trees around power lines. The move was pushed by neighborhood associations and property owners. Very powerful people who are rich and are in the neighborhoods with the beautiful trees were complaining They didnt want their pretty trees in their yards touched by the city, Michael Webber, who served on the citys Electric Utility Commission between 2008 and 2013, said to the station. As a result, fast-growing trees were only cut back up to 8 feet while slow-growing trees were clipped only up to 4 feet. In 2019, Austin Energy COO Charles Dickerson announced that the tree-trimming policy would be reversed, warning that we could find ourselves in a very precarious situation if this was not done. The new standard called for fast-growing trees to be cut back up to 15 feet away from power lines and slow-growing trees by up to 10 feet. But in the last four years, the city has failed to clear the backlog of power lines where trees need to be trimmed to the new stricter standard. And then the winter storm hit Texas this year, leading to the prolonged power outage. Power Monopoly Kirk Watson, Austins Democrat Mayor, is under pressure for the power crisis. He has called a meeting this week that will reportedly put the job of the city manager, Spencer Cronk, on the line. Republican lawmaker Ellen Troxclair, a former City Council member, has highlighted the monopoly power of Austin Energy amid the power outage, threatening to strip it away. Many Texans have the right to choose energy providers. Not those on #AustinEnergy! They are captive to the monopoly bc of the Austin City Council, which manages AE [Austin Energy] but doesnt have the knowledge or experience to do socausing high rates, poor service, & frequent outages, Troxclair said in a Feb. 4 tweet. Over 50 percent of the outages across the state were #AustinEnergy customers, even though other cities had more icing, more large trees, and providers who serve more customers They are the largest utility that owns generation that does not have an independent board. Texas to Sue Biden Administration Over Endangered Species Listing State joins Kansas and Oklahoma in fight challenging federal overreach Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference CPAC held at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas on July 11, 2021. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Feb. 6 issued a notice of intent to sue two Biden administration agencies over an endangered species listing for the lesser prairie chicken, adding to a growing number of states resisting the decision. This rule was a targeted attempt to implement an unlawful, top-down federal approach aimed at advancing a radical environmentalist agenda, which would crush the type of economic development that aids in providing funds for conservation. This isnt going to fly in Texas, Paxton said in a statement. Paxton joins Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond in challenging the rule, which would go into effect on March 27. Kansas will lead the way in fighting against this overreach by the Biden administration, Kobach said in a Jan. 31 press release. Former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach(R), follows a rally against COVID-19 vaccine mandates with his oldest daughter, 15-year-old Reagan(L), outside the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka, Kan., on Oct. 30, 2021. (John Hanna/AP Photo) The Fish and Wildlife Service previously pushed back the date to March from January, saying it would allow the service to finalize conservation tools and guidance documents to avoid confusion and disruption for landowners, federal partners, and industry within the lesser prairie chickens five-state range. The change came after a number of Republicans in Congress, including James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), worked to delay the final rules effective date. Each party that is targeted by this listing must take advantage of this opportunity to continue to engage in their longstanding voluntary conservation efforts, a fact that went completely ignored by the federal government when it came to this decision, Lankford and those colleagues wrote in a joint statement on Jan. 23. Texass lawsuit targets the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The latter agency listed the grassland bird, a member of the grouse family, under the Endangered Species Act on Nov. 25, 2022. More specifically, a northern population of the lesser prairie chicken was listed as threatened, while a southern portion was listed as endangered. The lesser prairie chickens decline is a sign our native grasslands and prairies are in peril. These habitats support a diversity of wildlife and are valued for water quality, climate resilience, grazing, hunting, and recreation, the Fish and Wildlife Services southwest regional director Amy Lueders said in a statement in November. The Center for Biological Diversity, an environmental group, celebrated the move as a victory for lesser prairie chickens. The birds status has long been a point of contention between some environmental groups and property owners in the region, particularly hydrocarbon companies and cattle ranchers. Environmentalists efforts to protect it under the Endangered Species Act began decades ago. An oil pumpjack works in the Permian Basin oil field in Stanton, Texas, on March 12, 2022. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) In 2014, under the Obama administration, the species was finally listed as threatened. A judge threw out the listing in 2015, siding with an oil industry group that argued the listing failed to account for voluntary conservation work already being done in the birds range. That same oil industry group, the Permian Basin Petroleum Association (PBPA), has joined the National Cattlemens Beef Association and other agricultural groups in their own lawsuit over the latest lesser prairie chicken listing. Like Kobach, Drummond, and the PBPA, Texass Paxton argued that the federal decision ignores local efforts by landowners, the state, and other parties. Paxtons press release claims that the Biden administration should have conducted an impact analysis under the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, arguing that the lack of such an analysis can be counted among the factors that make the listing illegal. The Fish and Wildlife Service declined to comment. The Chinese Communist Party has strived to penetrate governments all over the world with its unique way of using money and corruption. The first foreign trip of Qin Gang, the newly installed Chinese Foreign Minister, was to Angola and some other African countries, where he offered a package to build high-speed telecommunications infrastructure. The Chinese aid to Angola and many other countries in the past has caused corruption involving billions of dollars diverted and implicated the highest levels of government. Joined by award-winning Angolan investigative journalist Rafael Marques, Hudson Institute and International Republican Institute experts will discuss the malign influence of communist China with some new updates at 3:00 p.m. ET on Feb. 7. The Epoch Times will livestream the event The Red Sea Change of Command Chinese leader Xi Jinping (front C), along with Malawis President Arthur Peter Mutharika (2nd row, 2nd R), and other African leaders at a group photo session during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing on Sept. 3, 2018. (How Hwee Young/AFP/Getty Images) Commentary The new Cold War is not yet as clearly delineated as Cold War I, but new strategic shapes are definitely emerging. One of those patterns is in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, where the United States and Egypt are being outmaneuvered. Russia, China, and others are gaining traction over arguably the most significant sea lane in the world. It is true that the United States has begun to rebuild some of the regional momentum it had achieved with the 2020 Abraham Accords, and has begun to rebuild a working relationship with the governments of Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which have significant Red Sea roles and influence. But all those states have moved on in the two years since the U.S. Biden administration disavowed the work of its predecessor Trump administration, in achieving those Abraham Accords. The states of the region have given little support to the current U.S. position to isolate and fight a proxy war against Russia. They have embraced expanded relations with communist China even as the United States upgrades its own trade war with Beijing. Now, Russia has consolidated itself on the Red Sea littoral in a way not seen since the strong Soviet presence there during the Cold War. This was driven almost entirely by the fact that the United Statesin attempting to support Egypts position as the dominant power controlling the Red seahad supported the losing side in the Ethiopian civil war, the extreme Marxist Tigre Popular Liberation Front (TPLF). Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a meeting with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Cairo, Egypt, on July 24, 2022. (Russian Foreign Ministry/Handout via Reuters) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki on Jan. 26 and agreed on a framework of cooperation, which includes Russian use of the Eritrean port and airport at Massawa on the Red Sea. This could become as significant as the Russian naval and air force basing at Latakia, Syrias Mediterranean port city. And although it is conceivable that Egypt, which itself brooks no other major power dominating the Red Sea, could at some stage restrict Russian naval passage to Russian naval vessels transiting the Suez Canal to the Red Sea, Lavrov made it clear that Russia would be prepared to transit the Atlantic from Russian northern ports and enter the Indian Ocean via the Cape of Good Hope sea route, as it did periodically during the Vietnam War for Russian resupply of the North Vietnamese forces. Lavrov, in his January Africa sojourn, also visited South Africawhich dominates the Cape of Good Hope sea laneand cemented relations with the African National Congress (ANC) government of President Cyril Ramaphosa. With that emerged the reality that the more-or-less moribund and meaningless BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) treaty had suddenly become militarily and strategically viable, quite apart from its earlier failure as an economic alliance. This takes on more meaning with the reaccession of the leftist Brazilian government of President Luiz Inacio (Lula) da Silva on Jan. 1. (From left) Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, then-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pose for a family picture during the 11th BRICS Summit in Brasilia, Brazil, on Nov. 14, 2019. (Sergio Lima/AFP via Getty Images) Moscow and Beijing have organized an imminent BRICS-flagged military exercise involving Russia, China, and South African forces. That is not to say that Russia and China are necessarily in total harmony over Moscows global reassertion. But at this stage they are not openly at odds with each other. Eritrea was one of the few African countries that voted against a U.N. resolution condemning Russias Feb. 24. 2022, invasion of Ukraine, although many African governments abstained in that vote. This already signaled a major move away from the United States, or at least a refusal to follow Washington on moving to create the new Cold War with Russia. Eritrea, historically part of the Ethiopian Empire and its face on the Red Sea, revived its strong alliance with the Ethiopian government in 2018, following the collapse of the Marxist TPLF-controlled government. The subsequent U.S. support for the TPLFwhich sought to recapture control of the Ethiopian governmentmeant that Washington lost influence in Addis Ababa. And although the United States appeared to be able to win back the confidence of Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit (Dec. 1315, 2022), which was attended by Abiy, it failed to do so. Indeed, that summit, like former U.S. President Barack Obamas Africa Summit (Aug. 46, 2014), did little to rebuild Washingtons influence in Africa, despite the decline in Beijings influence there. In fact, the major gain by any external power as Chinas dominance in Africa began to erode was Russia, which made a significant entry into Mali as the supporting military influence, ousting that of France and, indeed, the regional ECOWAS treaty states, dominated by Nigeria. Meanwhile, even though Washington seemed to acknowledge the end of the main Ethiopian civil war, with the defeat of the TPLF, it failed to move from the acceptance of the TPLF defeat to an embrace of the Abiy government of Ethiopia. The United States still has given hope to the rump TPLF leadership that the Marxist force could revive its military operations. The Nov. 2, 2022, Agreement for Lasting Peace through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities, brokered by the African Union (AU) and mediated by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in Pretoria, South Africa, was, literally, the unconditional surrender of the TPLF. Despite this, the TPLF has, as of early February 2023, only surrendered its heavy weapons, leaving its combatants still in control of their small arms, and their aspiration to return to power. Not that Ethiopia is without massive challenges now that the TPLF has been somewhat tamed. Another civil war, led by the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), continues unchecked, and the problem with this is that Prime Minister Abiy identifies himself as Oromo, and has appeared reluctant to rein in the OLF and its compatriots. Moreover, Abiy himself appeared to endorse (or, at least, not oppose) a recent attempted coup within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, possibly the largest Orthodox Christian church in the world. A schism within the Churchs synod attempted to appoint a new patriarch and new bishops. Abiy is himself a strenuously practicing Pentacostal Christian (and has recently moved away from the previously-acknowledged reality that his mother was Amhara, not Oromo). So Abiy may have revealed or shown himself to be against the mainstream Orthodox Church, which would alienate a very substantial part of the population, particularly the Amhara and the overwhelmingly Orthodox Tigreans (who are already alienated from the Abiy government). This has led to the creation of a new Amhara political party that is now set to break away from the nationally-governing Prosperity Party. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed looks on at the House of Peoples Representatives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Nov. 30, 2020. (Amanuel Sileshi/AFP via Getty Images) Meanwhile, Eritrea remains Ethiopias key ally in combating a revived TPLF. But so, too, do Russia, China, and NATO member Turkey remain Addis Ababas allies, despite the reluctance with which Abiy revived relations with Beijing. Now it appears that landlocked Ethiopias plan to revive its navyopposed by Egyptwill take place in cooperation with Eritrea and Djibouti, particularly with Russian cooperation. Earlier plans to engage French naval cooperation in the revival of the Ethiopian Navywhich had achieved significant capability under the late Emperor Haile Selassie I, until his 1974 overthrowhad collapsed. Israel remains a key trainer for the Ethiopian (and Eritrean) naval ambitions. Still, Eritreas vital assistance to Abiy cannot be taken for granted, given the Eritrean governments commitment to the Orthodox Church. Even so, all this may force the Egyptian government of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi reluctantly back to a closer relationship with the United States. However, Cairos control over Sudanthe Red Sea state between Eritrea and Egyptas a major pressure against Ethiopia on the matter of control of the Nile water flow has slipped. In January 2023, it became clear that Sudan, for some time hostile to Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), had now revived its embrace of the GERD project, which was built to export Ethiopian hydroelectricity to Sudan. So the future stability of the Suez-Red Sea sea lane is now compromised. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been going on for about a year. Many wonder where the war is heading as it enters year two. Are the United States and Europe going to change their policies on the conflictand how? How might the new U.S. Congress change Washingtons approach? And what are the consequences of this war for international order and security in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world? The Strobe Talbott Center on Security, Strategy, and Technology and the Center on the United States and Europe, Brookings Institution will hold a panel discussion at 2:00 p.m. ET on Feb. 7 on the questions. The Epoch Times will livestream the event. To Promote Viewpoint Diversity, Elon Musk Should Emulate Thomas Jefferson The Twitter logo and a photo of Elon Musk are displayed through a magnifier in this illustration taken on Oct. 27, 2022. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters) Commentary To say that Elon Musks tenure at Twitter has been polarizing would be an understatement. He bought Twitter at a time when the social media giant was actively putting its thumb on the scale of public discourse and seemingly punishing right-wing accounts. Yoel Roth, Twitters former head of trust and safety, compared the Trump White House to actual Nazis. In The Twitter Files, Bari Weiss reported that many Twitter employers view him [Trump] as the leader of a terrorist group responsible for violence/deaths comparable to Christchurch shooter or Hitler and on that basis and on the totality of his Tweets, he should be de-platformed. Twitter banned right-wingers at the drop of a hat while letting far-leftists get away with openly racist tweets. The site throttled the account of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford professor of health policy and skeptic of the COVID-19 lockdowns, which had a dramatic impact on the course of the United States response to the pandemic. Musk promised neutrality when he took over, claiming that hes fighting for free speech in America; but his actions leave something to be desired. The Intercept reported that hes been banning far-left accounts. Some of those accounts are actively violent and perhaps should have been banned years ago, but some seem to be serious researchers. He suspended a number of reporters who were critical of him, and then unsuspended them after a public outcry. Musk has also made his disdain for the far-left ideology of wokeism clear. He said, At its heart, wokeness is divisive, exclusionary, and hateful, and that wokeness is one of the biggest threats to modern civilization. Agree or disagree that wokeness is bad, but Musks sentiments dont exactly scream, viewpoint diversity welcomed here. His statements are especially concerning because, as The Intercept notes, he seems to be making content moderation decisions based on his own preferences. Theres a real concern that hes simply replacing censorship by the left with censorship of the left. It doesnt have to be this way. If Musk is sincere about taking an organization that put its thumb on the scale of public discourse and turning it into a genuine town hall, he should look to the example of a man who did just that: Thomas Jefferson. In 1798, U.S. President John Adams signed the Sedition Act, which made it a crime to, write, print, utter or publish any false, scandalous and malicious writing or writings against the government of the United States. The law was a naked power grab. Adamss party, the Federalists, were the ones enforcing the law; and they used it as a weapon to target their political opponents, the Republicans. In Free Speech: A History From Socrates to Social Media, historian Jacob Mchangama notes that, With very few exceptions, all those targeted by the Act were Republicans or opposed to Federalist policies, while Federalist newspapers were generally free to use hyperbole and invectives against Republicans. One hundred and twenty-six defendants were charged in accordance with the Sedition Act, including newspaper publishers and even a sitting Republican congressman. Thomas Jefferson himself, a Republican and Adamss vice president, was investigated under the Act and had his mail intercepted. When Jefferson won the presidential election in 1800, he was justifiably furious at the Federalist Party. The Sedition Act was set to expire the day he took office (more evidence the Federalists didnt intend to play by their own rules and let their political opponents dictate their speech) and he could have rallied his majorities in Congress to extend the Act and give the Federalists a taste of their own medicine. Instead, he took the high road. He let the Act expire, and in his inaugural address, he made a stirring promise to honor the viewpoints of his political foes as they had not honored his own. We are all republicans: we are all federalists, Jefferson said. If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union, or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated, where reason is left free to combat it. To be clear, Jefferson wasnt perfect. Mchangama notes that he didnt push for the federal government to investigate his political opponents, but he occasionally encouraged state governments to do so. Even so, his administration was night-and-day different from the prior Adams regime. Jeffersons willingness to (generally) walk the high road had lasting consequences. By eschewing tit-for-tat censorship, he helped the fledgling country to develop a strong respect for free speech and the First Amendment. As Mchangama argues when describing Jeffersons response to the Sedition Act, the efforts of Madison, Jefferson, Hay, and other critics undoubtedly helped to develop a robust commitment to First Amendment ideals as well as to deepen the understanding of what that constitutional provision meant in both principle and practice. Lifting the partisan censorship of his predecessors and adopting a stated policy of viewpoint diversity helped Jefferson to create a genuine town square for public debate. Musk said that he bought Twitter because it is important to the future of civilization to have a common digital town square, where a wide range of beliefs can be debated in a healthy manner without resorting to violence. Thats a noble vision. If hes willing to change course and eschew politically or personally motivated content moderation, it might just become true. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. A Lockport man was arrested Monday on three felony charges in connection with a shooting Sunday in the Town of Lockport that sent another man to the hospital, state police reported. Thomas L. McDowell, 19, was charged with first-degree assault, first-degree burglary and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. McDowell is accused of shooting a 38-year-old man twice around 4 p.m. Sunday in a home on Birchwood Drive. The victim is in stable condition, state police said, and a 9 mm pistol was later located. McDowell suffered a knife wound during an altercation and was taken into custody by Niagara Falls police after seeking treatment in Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. He later was transferred to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo for further treatment, then was arrested and taken to Niagara County Jail. Trump Appealing Nearly $1 Million Sanction for Russiagate Lawsuit Against Clinton Former President Donald Trump leaves the stage after speaking during an event at his Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Fla., on Nov. 15, 2022. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Former President Donald Trump is appealing a judges decision to impose sanctions against him and his legal team after dismissing his lawsuit against Hillary Clinton. In March, Trump filed a lawsuit against Clinton and two dozen other individuals and entities, including the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Democratic lawmakers, the political opposition research firm Fusion GPS, and former FBI and Department of Justice officials. Trumps lawsuit argued Clinton and the other defendants maliciously conspired to weave a false narrative that Trump had conspired with the Russian government. Judge Donald Middlebrooks, an appointee of President Bill Clinton, threw out Trumps lawsuit against Hillary Clinton in September. In turn, Clinton and the other defendants requested sanctions against Trump and his legal team. On Jan. 19, Middlebrooks imposed $937,989.39 in sanctions. In a Monday filing, Trumps legal team gave notice that he would appeal Middlebrookss sanctions decision to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Trumps Russiagate Claims In a 193-page amended complaint that Trumps legal team filed in June, they argued that Clinton and the other defendants conspired to develop spurious opposition research claiming to reveal illicit ties between the Trump Campaign and Russian operatives. The complaint alleges Clinton and the other team advanced the opposition research claims on multiple fronts, spreading them in both the news media and in the Department of Justice. The Trump lawsuit claimed the Clinton-backed opposition research was promoted by a small faction of Clinton loyalists who were well-positioned within the Department of Justice and the FBI James Comey, Andrew McCabe, Peter Strzok, Lisa Page, Kevin Clinesmith, and Bruce Ohr. These government officials were willing to abuse their positions of public trust to advance the baseless probe to new levels, including obtaining an extrajudicial FISA warrant and instigating the commencement of an oversight investigation headed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the Trump teams complaint reads. As a result, Donald J. Trump and his campaign were forced to expend tens of millions of dollars in legal fees to defend against these contrived and unwarranted proceedings. The Trump team also pointed to criminal prosecutions against some of the individual defendants. In 2020, special counsel John Durham charged Clinesmith with falsifying records used to obtain a FISA warrant extension against Carter Page, a member of Trumps 2016 presidential campaign. Clinesmith pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced in January 2021 to a year of probation for the offense. At the time Trumps team filed the initial lawsuit, Durham had open cases against two more of the defendants: Michael Sussmann and Igor Danchenko. Sussmann was a lawyer for Perkins Coie, a law firm representing the Clinton campaign. Durham charged Sussmann with making false statements to the FBI when he brought forward claims of a communications back channel between the Trump Organization and a Russia-based bank. Durham specifically alleged Sussmann had lied to the FBI by claiming he was not bringing these allegations on behalf of any client even though he was working for Trumps political rival at the time. A jury in a Washington D.C. federal court found Sussmann not guilty of the charges. The jury in the Sussmann case reportedly included three Clinton donors and a woman whose daughter is on the same crew team as Sussmanns daughter. Danchenko had been a key source for some of the opposition research claims against Trump. Durham charged Danchenko with making false statements to the FBI about his sourcing for the claims he made in the opposition research dossier against Trump. Danchenko was ultimately acquitted in October by a jury in a federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia. Judges Dismissal and Sanctions In his decision to throw out Trumps lawsuit in September, Middlebrooks wrote that many of the claims Trumps team raised are implausible because they lack any specific allegations which might provide factual support for the conclusions reached. In their complaint, Trumps team cited a 2019 report by the Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz, who found significant inaccuracies and omissions in their requests for FISA warrants against Trumps team and a failure to include exculpatory evidence in its four successful applications for surveillance warrants. In his decision to dismiss Trumps lawsuit, Middlebrooks faulted Trumps team for failing to acknowledge that Horowitz said he did not find documentary or testimonial evidence that political bias or improper motivations influenced the FBIs decision to launch an investigation. Middlebrooks also faulted Trumps team for citing from Durhams indictment against Sussmann but leaving out Sussmanns jury acquittal. In his decision to sanction Trumps legal team, Middlebrooks wrote: This case should never have been brought. Its inadequacy as a legal claim was evident from the start. No reasonable lawyer would have filed it. Intended for a political purpose, none of the counts of the amended complaint stated a cognizable legal claim. Early on in their case, the Trump team had argued that Middlebrooks should recuse himself from a case involving the wife of the president who appointed him. Middlebrooks ultimately refused to disqualify himself from hearing the case. NTD News reached out to lawyers representing Trumps appeal, as well as Clintons legal team, but did not receive a response by press time. From NTD News UN Chief: World Needs to Wake Up, Heading Into Wider War The world may be on the brink of a wider war as the prospects for peace in the RussiaUkraine conflict slowly diminish, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Feb. 6. He made the comments at a briefing to the U.N. General Assembly, in which he laid out his priorities for 2023 and delivered a gloomy outlook for the year ahead. Guterres said that experts have determined that the Doomsday Clockin other words, self-destructionis ticking closer to midnight than ever. In 2023, they surveyed the state of the worldwith the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the runaway climate catastrophe, [and] rising nuclear threats that are undermining global norms and institutions. And they came to a clear conclusion. The Doomsday Clock is now 90 seconds to midnight, which means 90 seconds to total global catastrophe, he said. In truth, the Doomsday Clock is a global alarm clock. We need to wake upand get to work. We have started 2023 staring down the barrel of a confluence of challenges unlike any other in our lifetimes. Wider War Guterres pointed to various situations and problems that are happening across the globe, such as wars and climate change, the growing disparity between the wealthy and the poor, and what he said are epic geopolitical divisions that are undermining global solidarity and trust. The U.N. chiefs comments come as the one-year anniversary of Russias invasion of neighboring Ukraine nears. In his speech, Guterres said that the Kremlins invasion of Ukraine is inflicting widespread suffering on the Ukrainian people and creating profound global implications. The prospects for peace keep diminishing. The chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing, he said. I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a wider war. I fear it is doing so with its eyes wide open. Guterres also pointed to the tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as the lack of womens rights and continued terror attacks in Afghanistan. He also noted ongoing situations in the Sahel, where countries including Burkina Faso are located, as well as continued issues in Burma (also known as Myanmar), which is entering a new wave of violence and repression, and Haiti. US Sends More Weapons to Ukraine The secretary-general said that the world needs to look to the U.N.s charter and international law to work toward achieving peace, adding that if every country were to fulfill its obligations under the charter, the right to peace would be guaranteed. Russian forces have continued to keep Ukrainian troops tied down with intense attacks in the eastern Donbas region in recent weeks, as Moscow looks to assemble additional troops for what is widely expected to be an offensive in coming weeks. On Feb. 3, the United States announced it would send a wide range of new weapons to Ukraine, including critical air defense and counter-drone capabilities, armored infantry vehicles, Javelin anti-tank missiles, artillery ammunition, and conventional and long-range rockets to be used with the U.S.-provided HIMARS, suggesting that Russias war with Ukraine will likely escalate in the coming months. The United States said its package of military support was worth about $2.5 billion, taking the total amount of U.S. military assistance for Ukraine to around $27.4 billion. The United States also continues to rally the world to support Ukraine. We have seen incredible solidarity from our allies and partners, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement announcing the new package. We applaud the more than 50 countries who have come together in solidarity with Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity, he continued. Russia alone could end its unprovoked war today. Until it does so, we will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes. US Embassy Issues Warning to Americans in Sweden Over Possible Retaliatory Attacks Riot police officers secure the entrance of the Consulate General of Sweden during a demonstration after Rasmus Paludan, leader of Danish political party Hard Line and who also has Swedish citizenship, burned a copy of the Koran near the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm on Jan. 21, 2023. (Umit Bektas/Reuters) The U.S. Embassy in Sweden issued a warning to Americans in the country of possible attacks in response to an incident where a politician and activist burned a copy of the Koran. There could be possible retaliatory attacks by terrorists in the wake of recent [Koran] burning incidents in Europe, U.S. Embassy said in an alert on Sunday. U.S. citizens are advised to use caution when going to public venues frequented by large numbers of people. The United States, however, has not updated its travel advisory for Sweden, which currently tells Americans to exercise normal precautions in the country. Gathering sites such as places of worship could be targeted, the bulletin said. Please use caution when in, and around, all diplomatic facilities. Report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities. It came days after a Swedish politician who opposes mass immigration burned a copy of the Koran at a Stockholm protest last month against Turkeys opposition to Swedens bid to join NATO. There were separate incidents in which the Koran was burned in the Netherlands and Denmark in recent days as well. The protest in Stockholm drew sharp criticism from the Turkish government, which said Sweden should not have allowed the anti-Islam act. Ankara then suspended talks on NATO accession with Sweden and Finland, which the two nations have sought starting last year following the start of the RussiaUkraine war. Swedens foreign ministry, too, advised its citizens in Turkey to avoid crowds and demonstrations. The U.S. Embassy in Turkey, along with the missions of other Western nations, issued security alerts over possible retaliatory attacks against places of worship following the incident in Sweden. Swedes in Turkey are asked to stay updated on the development of events and to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, the foreign ministry said on its advice page for Swedes abroad. Continued demonstrations can be expected outside the embassy in Ankara and the consulate general in Istanbul in the coming days. Swedens security service was aware of the U.S. warning, said spokesperson Adam Samara, but referred questions to U.S. authorities. The services own current assessment is that the threat of attacks remains elevated at level three on a five-level scale, Samara added. In neighboring Norway, authorities there banned a planned protest last week over concerns that a copy of the book would be burned. Police said that protesters were seeking to burn a copy outside the Turkish embassy in Oslo. The police emphasize that burning the [Koran] is a legal political statement in Norway, but this event cant go ahead due to security concerns, Oslo police Inspector Martin Strand said in a statement to Al Jazeera, a Qatar-backed broadcaster, last week. It came after Turkeys foreign ministry lodged a complaint with Norways ambassador. Both Sweden and Finland, meanwhile, need all 30 members of NATO, of which Turkey is a founding member, to back their bid to join the military bloc. Turkey has previously said that Sweden must take action against what it describes are Kurdish terrorists. Several Gulf and Middle Eastern countries have issued condemnations over the protests in Sweden and elsewhere. In late January, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement of strong condemnation and denunciation of such incidents, according to reports. Rasmus Paludan, who holds both Danish and Swedish citizenship, staged the incendiary protest outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm. If you dont think there should be freedom of expression, you have to live somewhere else, he told the crowd last month, the AFP news agency reported. This is [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogans fault. Now that he doesnt want to let Sweden into NATO, I have to teach him about freedom of speech until he does, Paludan told local media outlets last month at another protest in Denmark, reported the Daily Mail. Reuters contributed to this report. US Seeks $1.1 Million United Airlines Fine Over Boeing 777 Preflight Checks A United Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft waits to take off at Beijing airport on July 25, 2018. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images) WASHINGTONThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday said it is proposing to fine United Airlines $1.1 million for allegedly conducting Boeing 777 flights without making required preflight fire system warning checks. The FAA said Chicago-based United is believed to have flown more than 102,000 flights of its Boeing 777 aircraft between June 2018 and April 2021 that did not meet U.S. airworthiness requirementsa period of approximately 1,025 days. During that period United removed the fire system warning check from its Boeing 777 preflight check list. The inspection is required in the maintenance specifications manual. Removal of the check resulted in Uniteds failure to perform the required check. United Airlines has 30 days to respond to the FAAs civil penalty letter sent to Chief Executive Scott Kirby United said on Monday the safety of our flights was never in question. In 2018 United changed its pre-flight checklist to account for redundant built-in checks performed automatically by the 777. The airline said the FAA reviewed and approved the checklist change at the time it was done. In 2021, the FAA informed United that Uniteds maintenance program called for the pre-flight check by pilots. Once confirmed, United immediately updated its procedures, the airline said. United said it will review the FAAs proposed civil penalty and respond accordingly. The FAA penalty letter said Uniteds Technical Operations is responsible for ensuring that the Boeing Fire Warning System check is accomplished. By David Shepardson US Sharing Info About Spy Balloon With Allies and Partners Around the World: State Department Amid intense criticism and scrutiny over the military and intelligence communitys failure to detect and prevent the entry of a Chinese spy balloon into U.S. airspace, even after at least three previous incursions of a similar nature, a spokesman for the State Department has tried to portray the Biden administration as taking a proactive approach, sharing intelligence widely with U.S. allies in an effort to thwart further subversion by Beijing. Speaking at a press conference on Feb. 6, State Dept. spokesman Ned Price described the security breach that the balloons entry represents as one facing not just the United States but many nations. We have detected this variety of high-altitude surveillance balloon across five continents. This is a challenge that a number of countries around the world have been subjected to, and its precisely why, in the aftermath of the downing of this high-altitude surveillance balloon, we thought it was important to convene, to reach out, to like-minded countries around the world to share what we experienced, to share what we know, to express our common concern, and to do what we can to see to it that, as an international community, we are speaking very clearly to the PRC, and for that matter any other country who would engage in this type of behavior, to underscore that it is irresponsible, it is inappropriate, and at the end of the day, it is unacceptable, Price said. Price went on to emphasize the critical role that he sees Japan as playing in containing the threat from the Chinese regime and ensuring the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. Price went so far as to give his imprimatur to the historic steps that Japan officially began to take at the end of last year toward rearming itself and ramping up its ability to deter aggression coming from the Chinese mainland. Japans postwar constitution had severely restricted the size and role of the nations armed forces and denied her offensive military capability. But now, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has committed to altering longstanding protocol and importing weapons from the United States, including Tomahawk cruise missiles that can reach the Chinese mainland. Japan will also reportedly develop its own weapons in order to enhance its ability to deter Beijing. Our Japanese allies are critical to us in the Indo-Pacific, in north Asia, and beyond. Weve applauded the investments that the prime minister announced, and his defense capabilities. We wholeheartedly embrace our alliance coordination and cooperation across a range of fronts, and more broadlywhether its in the Indo-Pacific, whether its in Europe, or anywhere elsewhen it comes to the challenges that are posed by the PRC, one of our greatest strengths is going to be the system of partnerships and alliances that we bring along with us, Price said. Price described the first year of the Biden administration as one of an intensive cultivation of alliances with other nations that share an interest in checking Chinese aggression and subversion. I think you have heard a number of countries express their own concern, even outrage, over what has transpired in the last couple of days. But more broadly than that, we are lucky to have by our side allies in the Indo-Pacific, like Japan, allies, and partners around the world with whom we are working in lockstep to confront the challenges and opportunities we face, he said. Whats been called a Chinese spy balloon drifted across the United States for a week before getting shot down over the weekend. But how did it end up over American soil? Was Beijing trying to make a statement? Tests the waters? Or was it an attempt to sabotage talks with Washington ahead of Secretary of State Antony Blinkens China trip? And if so, how is the infighting within the Chinese Communist Party involved? Topics in this episode: What I Learned When Students Tried to Cancel Me Commentary Even being attacked can be educational and enlightening. In November 2020, eight official student groups published a public letter demanding that the McGill Administration rescind my Emeritus status. This was allegedly necessary in order to honor the right of Muslims and People of Colour have to feel safe. [sic] The groups endorsing this demand were The Students Society of McGill University Executive Team, The Anthropology Students Association, The Anthropology Graduate Students Association, World Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies Association, Black Students Network, Muslim Students Association, Students in Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights, and the Thaqalayn Muslim Association. The students claimed that Salzmans recent publications in public fora demonstrate a lack of consideration for his responsibility as an academic. They took particular exception to a statement in my detailed article about conflict in tribal societies and pre-industrial states in the Middle East: I assert that the Middle East is a place where doing harm and being cruel to others is regarded as a virtue and a duty. (This assertion is of course supported by abundant evidence. An obvious recent example is the Islamic State.) The students also cited other articles, in some cases distorting the messages. Overall, they claimed that my publications are examples of racist and Islamophobic dialogues, although the article on the Middle East mentions neither race nor Islam. What I found illuminating about the students accusations is that they focus on student feelings, of feeling unsafe, and being offended by alleged insults to their race and religion. Most interesting is the complete absence of any challenge to my assertions on a factual basis. They never say that my assertions are false. They never bring contrary facts to light nor offer contrary arguments. In other words, the students offer no academic challenge to my work. Their letter is like a placard with a slogan at a rowdy demonstration. The students have no interest in truth or the academic processes aimed at exploring and discovering the truth. The students in this letter further demanded the restriction of free speech and academic freedom to exclude opinions with which they disagree, because when the University refuses to define limitations to academic freedom, the safety and wellbeing of marginalized students become inherently secondary. Safety and well-being, according to the students, requires the exclusion of opinions with which they disagree. They thus further demand an immediate, transparent, and student-centred overhaul of McGills Statement of Academic Freedom, enshrining the Universitys commitment to inclusivity in teaching and research in policy [emphasis added]. The part that open debate plays in serious academic life is ignored by the students, because, for them, the feelings of marginalized students (no matter how privileged in fact) outweigh any concern for the search for truth. From my account of this student initiative, you might get the impression that the students who produced and endorsed the open letter were out of tune with the university, the mandate of which is academic teaching and research. But Im sorry to report that the students arent out of tune, for our universities have changed, radically in the past half-century. Since the 1960s, advocacy for various political causes, particularly identity politics, has increasingly become the main activity of universities. Traditionally, the Enlightenment university focused on inquiry, the search for truth about whatever field was being explored. In inquiry, you dont know the answers, but rather are searching to find them by collecting relevant evidence and refining analytic categories and observational and calculating techniques. In contrast, advocacy presumes that the answers to the issues at hand are known and understood, with political policy and action to follow. Ideologies, such as feminism, critical race theory, queer theory, intersectionalism, etc., provide answers to all questions relevant to the reference groups, explaining how the world, society, and individuals work, and whats required to advance the interests of the reference groups. For example, feminism has conclusions about the nature of society. Rather than the liberal vision of society as many individuals and groups acting in cooperation and competition, feminism sees society as two conflict classes: the dominant patriarchy and the oppressed females. Feminism also has drawn conclusions about biology and social life: social roles have no basis in biology and there are no biological differences between males and females; rather, social roles are socially constructed, that is, imposed by the patriarchy on females. And while nature, according to feminism, plays no role in social roles and psychological preferences, males are naturally competitive and aggressive, manspreading and mansplaining, and are toxic, while females are cooperative, peace-loving, and nice. In consequence, females are owed preferences and privileges, and should be first in line for college admission, scholarships, jobs, awards, and at least 50 percent of every group, board, and council, but if theyre 60 percent or 70 percent, thats fine too, for, according to feminists, the future is female. For feminists, these subjects arent open to inquiry or alternative views, but are settled truths. So too with race ideology, in which class conflict is also the central feature of society, but with the classes defined by race. In Canada, allegedly, colonial settlers of European origin perpetrated genocide against the indigenous First Nations, with only 1.8 million not being murdered (2021 census). The colonial settlers stole all of the natives land, farms, cities, factories, universities, etc. Then indigenous children were forced into residential schools in which they were allegedly murdered by the thousands and buried secretly. The only fair compensation, according to Canadian race activists, other than billions of dollars, is the indigenization of Canadian culture, medicine, justice, and science, and the replacement of white colonial settlers by indigenous individuals through preferential hiring, appointments, awards, etc. None of this is open to inquiry, contrary opinion, or contrary facts, but is now settled, officially validated, and mandated by the government of Canada and imposed on all Canadian institutions. In the United States, race ideology has been adopted and advanced by the federal government, first through a reinterpretation of affirmative action from President John F. Kennedys race neutrality to President Lyndon B. Johnsons racial preferences, to the Obama and Biden anti-white racial policies. No less than President Joe Biden declared that America is systemically racist, and that the Republican opposition wants to put yall [blacks] in chains. American society is seen as originating in and based upon the slavery of blacks, a thesis widely endorsed by the wholly politicized leftist heritage press, although refuted by historians. Statistical disparities between races are seen as evidence of racial prejudice, although Asians have had to be redefined as whites for this to work. The trinity of identity politics, diversity, equity, inclusion, gives preference to BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) over whites and Asians in admissions, funding, honors, jobs, appointments, and any benefits that might be available. Once again, none of this is open to inquiry, but is considered settled, and alternative viewpoints, even if bolstered by evidence, are regarded as heresy, and the treatment of heretics is punishment, re-education, or cancellation. Radical gender ideology of the multifaceted LGBTQ2S++ community follows a similar pattern. Compared to what used to be thought of as academic work, these ideologies and the organizations that adopt them appear to be more like religious cults. Their spirit is much the same. The answers are given and not open to question: your job is to live those answers. The result of the takeover of universities by ideologues is that universities are no longer places of inquiry, exploration, the collection of evidence, argument, debate, and counter-argument, but rather churches with holy beliefs enforced by diversity and inclusion officers who punish heretics. Almost every university in North America demonstrates these ruinous characteristics dramatically. But two examples shall have to suffice. Dr. Frances Widdowson was a tenured professor at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta. A specialist in indigenous studies, she published many books and articles on Canadian First Nations. However, her findings didnt agree entirely with the extreme versions of indigenous race ideology, which led to conflict with some indigenous professors and with the administration. As she refused to be silent, the administration fired her. Recently, to add insult to injury, her invited talk at Lethbridge University in Alberta was canceled by the president of the university, explaining that We are committed to the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada. It is clear that the harm associated with this talk is an impediment to meaningful reconciliation. The president is quite explicit that the commitment of the university isnt to a search for truth, but rather to indigenous ideology. Next is a brief look at Florida State University, which represents well American universities in general. According to Christopher Rufo, Florida State University has adopted a series of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that divides Americans along a matrix of oppression, castigates Christians for their Christian privilege, and offers a racially segregated scholarship that deliberately bars white students from applying. Theres a sprawling bureaucracy, dedicated to promoting left-wing racial narratives, including a seemingly endless array of programs, departments, trainings, certificates, committees, statements, grants, groups, clubs, reports, and initiatives. The trainers make the case that, in the United States, whites are the racial group responsible for the systematic subordination of members of targeted racial groups who have relatively little power. Whites are also guilty of cultural racism, or the creation and maintenance of social structures that overtly and covertly attribute normality to white people and Whiteness. And, as usual, The result of all these programs is a racial and ideological spoils system, in which groups are rewarded or punished based on their identity and political orientation, rather than their academic merit. You might ask why the governments of Canada and the United States are so determined to destroy their universities. The answer is that this tactic is part of their larger strategy to destroy all traditional institutions in order to replace them with authoritarian one-party states. Woke ideology is just a cover for the ultimate power grab. The Communist Party of China appears to be the ideal and model. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Why Blacks Vote Democrat Commentary In order to change the actions of individuals, you first need to understand what motivates them, and this is especially true within politics. For Republicans, theres no bigger mystery than why black Americans overwhelmingly vote for their opposition when they feel the Democrats arent providing anything beneficial for them. Republican voters too often only see politics on a federal level, glorifying the national partys positions without understanding that the micro of regional politics matters as well. Many rural and suburban Americans have experienced politics locally from both parties, but for many residents of the largest cities in our country, their political resonation has only been of the Democrat persuasion. For example, Chicago hasnt elected a Republican mayor since 1931, Philadelphia since 1952, and Baltimore since 1967. Even in a red state like Louisiana, the city of New Orleans hasnt elected a Republican mayor since 1872. What all these cities have in common is a large, concentrated population of black Americans as its residents. Sixty percent of black Americans live in 10 states, and you can name these states by the major cities that are within them. As a racial demographic that is 13 percent of the American population, we are heavily consolidated around urban city centers and surrounding metropolitan areas. This geographical reality matters, because were all creatures of our environment, and this includes our political environment. Ive known of families whove been voting for the same political party for three consecutive generations as a familial tradition, so the likeliness of deviating from a cultural norm even within your own household is minimal. Its even starker for black families who live in these Democrat strongholds as their exposure to Republicans is quite literally remote, because the Republican National Committee (RNC) has long given up attempting to compete for their vote locally, leaving the outlier urban Republican candidate to fundraise and campaign without the support of the national party. This political reality has created unfair narratives placed upon black Americans from the political right. For example, when a viral video goes around about some form of criminality happening in the city of Chicago, especially in a black neighborhood, the reflex is to condescendingly mutter, Well they voted for this, meaning they voted for Democrats to oversee the city, hence, they deserve the chaos. However, in 2019, for Chicagos mayoral election, there was a total of zero Republicans who even attempted to run for this position. Even if you believe Chicago is a unique case study, this pattern of purposeful withdrawal from the Republican Party is replicated throughout the country. Republican voters have been encouraged to repeat the rhetoric of black naivety, believing that weve always been gleeful about our choice to vote for the party with historical ties to the KKK and Confederates, while providing no local alternatives, allowing their Democrat adversaries to solidify a new cultural narrative that explains the political neglect of the right: The Republican Party are the party of racists; thats why they stay far away from black people. You cant vote for what isnt there, just like you cant buy a car that isnt for sale. Voting for either party isnt just a choice between who possesses the best policy ideas but also a battle to sustain cultural norms in your locality, and this nationwide reality of Democrat domination in populated black cities has been adapted into black cultural norms. Republicans routinely make the mistake of believing that the landslide support for the Democratic Party via voting patterns is wholly ideological and that were staunch liberals or progressive activists; far from it. According to a Hidden Tribes study (pdf), two-thirds of black Americans are conservative or moderate, and only 3 percent of progressive activists are black. The black activists youre inundated with in the media are actually the outliers that exist among the black American population, and its the manipulation of mainstream media propaganda that convinces outsiders to believe were something were not for the purpose of further dividing our nation by racial lines and to legitimize the political rights nihilism about our potential to become swing voters. The question shouldnt be why black Americans vote for Democrats; the question should be where have the Republicans gone? You cant convince me that since 1872, there wasnt a single opportunity for a Republican to become mayor within New Orleans. Ive witnessed situations where Republican state and federal candidates completely avoid campaigning in any of these cities, and you have to ask yourself why. Through lobbying efforts, telecommunication companies have regional service monopolies throughout America. As a result, in many areas of the country, we as the consumer only have one option for a cable provider and no competition to combat corporate price gouging. I wonder if were witnessing the same type of collusion for regional domination but in political form by both the RNC and DNC. Americans seem to be suffering the consequences of an unwritten rule to respect each others sacred cow territories, leaving regular people with status quo choices. Our political parties have constructed a monopoly system, and Republicans are satisfied with not passing go into urban America or collecting $200. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Sharon Bottini remembers the phone call her family received on a Sunday morning in 1966. Her uncle, Monsignor Francis J. OConnor, was missing. Several hours later, the family learned OConnor had been found floating in Scajaquada Creek. He had been murdered. Fifty-seven years later, the 77-year-old niece, OConnors closest living relative, says she has never stopped wondering who killed her uncle. The murder has remained unsolved, but an investigation by The Buffalo News has found that two Buffalo Diocese employees, including a priest, Rev. John D. Lewandowski, were among several suspects in the March 13, 1966, slaying. And that was something never shared with the OConnor family, said Bottini, a resident of South Carolina. Police also withheld from the monsignor's family that detectives investigated whether the monsignor was gay, and whether that might have figured into his murder. Bottini said her uncle was not gay. A review of confidential Buffalo police reports by The News found that the investigation, one of the biggest undertaken in the modern history of the department, abruptly ended without any explanation, less than two months after the crime. Speaking publicly for the first time about the murder, the niece said she was only aware of one time when police spoke to her father, Clement J. OConnor, the monsignors only sibling, about the investigation. One of the detectives talked to my father but I wasnt in the house. I was at school, said Bottini, a 20-year-old nursing student at the time. Clement OConnor was the familys point of contact because the monsignors father was deaf. But his repeated attempts to get progress reports from detectives on the murder investigation were met with silence, the daughter said. When her father started calling Buffalo Diocese officials for updates, Clement OConnor again was met with the same frustrating silence. I just remember my father saying he called the diocese and tried to get information and couldnt get any. He was upset, Bottini said. The family, she said, relied on newspaper stories in The Buffalo News, then known as The Buffalo Evening News, and the former Buffalo Courier-Express for information. But even newspaper coverage of the crime came to an abrupt halt after several weeks. The investigation seemed to stop. We didnt know anything, Bottini said. We were disappointed. Modesto Argenio, a reporter who covered O'Connor's funeral for the Courier-Express, said the investigation into the monsignor's death ended suddenly and there was a backlash from police. "At the time I was on the investigative team at the Courier-Express. We did look into all sorts of rumors. I covered the funeral. The biggest reaction came afterwards from law enforcement. Cops, from those on patrol to detectives, were pissed at what they said were orders from above to drop the probe. No one seemed to know why," said Argenio. Bottini said O'Connor and his family deserved better, pointing out that OConnor was well respected for his work as the editor of the diocese's weekly Catholic newspaper. My uncle was a good guy, Bottini said. We heard from so many that he was just kind and would do anything for anybody, if they needed help. When Clement OConnor realized further information on the death of his brother was not going to be released, he offered his loved ones the best advice he could at the time, Bottini said. My father was amazing. He said we just needed to move on with our lives, she said. He kept saying, Start your life, start your life. She took the advice and finished her education at Niagara University and became a registered nurse. But the thought that someone got away with murdering her uncle, who just loved being a priest, she said, has troubled her for decades. And if ever she was given the chance to send a message to the killer, Bottini said it would go something like this: I hope you have suffered all these years knowing what you did. *** Catch up on the series: Who killed the monsignor? Exploring the murder of Monsignor Francis J. O'Connor, its investigation and its legacy How we reported this series Watchdog reporter Lou Michel filed a Freedom of Information Law request in January 2022 for Buffalo Police records on the unsolved 1966 murder of Buffalo Diocese Monsignor Francis J. OConnor. He and reporter Dan Herbeck were given access to the Police Departments box of approximately 100 reports on the case. In addition, they interviewed more than 120 people, including retired police officers who worked on the case, people who talked with the Buffalo Police homicide chief who oversaw the investigation, and relatives and acquaintances of OConnor and of three diocese employees who were once suspects. President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed that those who killed several travellers, including 16 Nigerians, in Burkina Faso would be appropriately sanctioned. President Buhari revealed this via a statement on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled President Buhari calls killing of Nigerians in Burkina Faso unwelcome. The president said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Nigerian Embassy in Burkina Faso, has begun engagement with the Burkinabe authorities to ensure that the soldiers who allegedly shot and killed the Muslim pilgrims were prosecuted. Recall that at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja, the Jamiyyatu Ansaruddeen Attijaniyya of Nigeria revealed that 16 of its members were shot dead by the Burkinabe soldiers on patrol. It was learnt that the victims were on their way to the home country of their leader, Sheikhul-Islam Ibrahim Niasse, in Senegal when they met their untimely death. The national secretary of the Islamic group, Sayyidi Yahaya, said the Ansaruddeen members were randomly selected and cold-bloodedly shot to death in a most horrendous display of bestiality after being stopped by the Burkinabe soldiers. Reacting to the incident on Monday, Buhari said he received the tragic news of the murder of a number Nigerian Muslim pilgrims on their way to Kaolak, Senegal, when the buses conveying them came under gun attack in Burkina Faso. The President expressed his condolences and prayed for the safety of other Nigerians stranded there. He added that the Nigerian Government would make every effort to secure the mortal remains of the deceased and the survivors of the attack. What do you get when you put five advocates, two landlords, two lawyers and a housing official in a room together? A solution to the affordable housing crisis, hopes the Buffalo Common Council. On Tuesday, the council appointed 10 representatives to a new Affordable Housing Task Force, charged with vetting and recommending policies to address the citys skyrocketing rents. Between late 2019 and late 2022, the median monthly rent in Buffalo rose from roughly $970 to $1,230, according to the real estate site Zillow a spike of more than 26%. The task force's recommendations are not binding. But its members will work directly with a city attorney and fair housing officer, Council President Darius Pridgen said, to find immediate action steps. Such proposals might involve capping rent increases, establishing an emergency rent assistance program or limiting the reasons landlords can evict tenants, among other measures. The Common Council has previously solicited research on these types of laws but never adopted them. This is just the first step, said Micaela Shapiro-Shellaby, a task force member and the director of organizing at PUSH Buffalo, a housing and economic justice organization. So we're hoping that all the folks coming to the table have the same objectives and move quickly to address the housing crisis. Pridgen acknowledged the city has tried and repeatedly failed to tackle housing affordability in the past. But prior policy proposals have not always attracted public support or accounted for legal limits on the citys power, he said. The Common Council first approved an affordable housing task force in 2016, noting an unbearable rise in the costs of living for low-income residents. That task force never met. Five years later, the Common Council approved a resolution asking council staff to research tenant protections in other cities and propose policies for Buffalo to consider. A six-page report, delivered to Pridgens office in late December 2021, solicited public feedback and recommended more than a dozen policies used by cities including Rochester and Baltimore. The report was not disseminated. Housing advocacy organizations and overwhelmed tenants have also prepared multiple policy reports and lobbied council members to champion them, pointing to the unabated rise of both evictions and rental prices. Even before the pandemic, 45% of Buffalo-area households spent 35% or more of their incomes on rent, a common threshold for determining whether costs are too burdensome for tenants. Today, Erie County issues more eviction warrants than any New York State county but Kings, and 46% of Buffalo renters qualify as rent-burdened. A fall poll of dozens of local advocacy and nonprofit organizations, conducted by the left-leaning think tank Partnership for the Public Good, named eviction limits among the top policy issues for the region. We appreciate the Council presidents inclusion of PPG on the task force, said Sarah Wooton, the think tanks director of research and a task force member. But, she added, we already know what other cities are doing to protect tenants and what's possible in Buffalo. We need our Common Council to take action and adopt specific tenant protections as law. In addition to Wooton and Shapiro-Shellaby, the task force will include representatives from Housing Opportunities Made Equal, the Buffalo Urban League, the Western New York Property Owners Coalition and city government, as well as a tenant advocate, a small landlord and the director of a University at Buffalo civil rights law clinic. The original resolution establishing the task force called for more landlord and business representation. The group is expected to meet for the first time this month and release its recommendations by the end of 2023, Pridgen said. But while housing advocates and tenants say theyre optimistic, theyre also waiting for action. I understand theres only a certain amount of control the city can have, said Aidan Connolly, a Parkside resident who submitted comments for the 2021 Common Council staff report and never heard back. There are things that can be done, though. And it feels like they keep overlooking them. Today Snow showers this evening. Breaks in the overcast later. Low 27F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%. Tonight Snow showers this evening. Breaks in the overcast later. Low 27F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%. Tomorrow Partly cloudy skies. High 51F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire is known to have some of the wildest weather on the planet, and without a doubt, it takes the cake for the United States. Located at just over 6,000 feet, it is situated in the perfect location for extreme winds and brutal cold. When the record-breaking arctic blast came through the US on Friday, Mount Washington's Observatory was getting the worst of it, with three people inside, witnessing it all. "The winds were so strong that I fell over at least once that night. I was thankful that I was able to make it back to the observatory," meteorologist and weather observer for Mount Washington Observatory, Alexis George said. "It's not something you get used to very easily because it's a very loud experience. It almost sounds like a freight train." She, along with fellow observer Francis Tarasiewicz and an intern, braved the wind and cold on top of Mount Washington inside the observatory, and were responsible for taking measurements and observations at the summit Friday night. The job is usually done once an hour but was done much more frequently Friday night due to the extreme conditions. "So given the fact that we were close to breaking records last night, we had to go out in those conditions every 15 to 20 minutes or so," George said. Bundled up from head to toe, George had to venture out in some of the most extreme conditions ever recorded holding a sling psychrometer in her hand, which is the technique the observatory has used to measure weather conditions since 1932. Their persistence paid off because they recorded a wind chill of minus 108 degrees, likely the coldest wind chill ever recorded in the US. It is hard to know for certain, since the National Weather Service doesn't keep track of wind chills as closely as they do temperatures. However, most meteorologists who track extreme conditions believe the minus 108 reading beats the previous record of minus 105 set in Alaska. The previous wind chill record for Mount Washington was minus 102.7 degrees set in 2004. It is the kind of cold not many people have ever witnessed, or ever want to witness. "Any exposed skin, even if it's just like a millimeter of exposed skin, sort of feels like a bee stinging you or like a low-grade sunburn, so definitely not very pleasant up here," Tarasiewicz told CNN. "But being up here, is what we are up here for, these extreme conditions." Tarasiewicz and George were in the elements for about five minutes every 15 to 20 minutes. It is a dangerous job, requiring serious guts and concentration as they inched their way onto the observation deck to get weather readings. "We're not tethered to a rope or anything, that's why we always have to be cautious," George explained. "Because you can easily fall down and just blow across the observation deck if you're not careful." The winds were so strong at one point during the day, they blew open the door to the observatory. Tarasiewicz explained the scary moment on CNN Saturday morning: "Briefly terrifying. It took about three of us or so to sort of keep the door closed, while those winds were blowing in excess of 100 miles per hour. We eventually got a new latch for it and so it's nice and secure. We've got a piece of plywood as well to sort of secure it in place. So, we're hoping that's a good fix at least in the short term." George has been working at the Observatory for less than a year and realizes Friday night could be a night which may never be topped. "Being able to experience sustained wind gusts above 100 miles per hour is a very exciting thing for me in the long run," George recalled. "Being able to experience cold temperature of minus 47 degrees -- I'll brag about this for many years to come." Mount Washington Observatory is a nonprofit research and educational institution working to advance understanding of Earth's weather and climate. Mount Washington wasn't the only place smashing records on Saturday. Boston hit a morning low temperature of minus 10 degrees Saturday morning, breaking its previous daily record of minus 2 degrees. The weather service also tweeted it was the first double-digit negative temperature recorded since 1957. Worcester, Massachusetts, hit minus 13 degrees, beating the previous daily record of minus 4. Providence, Rhode Island, recorded minus 9 degrees beating the previous daily record of minus 2. Hartford, Connecticut, hit minus 9 degrees, beating the previous daily record of minus 8. The-CNN-Wire & 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. As glaciers melt and pour massive amounts of water into nearby lakes, 15 million people across the globe live under the threat of a sudden and deadly outburst flood, a new study found. More than half of those living in the shadow of the disaster called glacial lake outburst floods are in just four countries: India, Pakistan, Peru and China, according to a study in Tuesday's Nature Communications. A second study, awaiting publication in a peer-reviewed journal, catalogs more than 150 glacial flood outbursts in history and recent times. It's a threat Americans and Europeans rarely think about, but 1 million people live within just 6 miles of potentially unstable glacial-fed lakes, the study calculated. One of the more devastating floods was in Peru in 1941 and killed between 1,800 and 6,000 people. Heavy rains and a glacial lake outburst flood combined in 2013 in India to kill thousands of people. A 2020 glacial lake outburst flood in British Columbia, Canada, caused a tsunami of water about 330 feet tall, but no one was hurt. A 2017 glacial outburst flood in Nepal, triggered by a landslide, was captured on video by German climbers. Alaska's Mendenhall glacier has had annual small glacial outburst floods in what the National Weather Service calls "suicide basin" since 2011, according to study lead author Caroline Taylor, a researcher at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. Scientists say so far it doesn't seem like climate change has made those floods more frequent, but as glaciers shrink with warming, the amount of water in the lakes grows, making them more dangerous in those rare situations when dams burst. "We had glacier lake outburst floods in the past that have killed many many thousands of people in a single catastrophic flooding event," said study co-author Tom Robinson, a disaster risk scientist at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. "And with climate change glaciers are melting so these lakes are getting bigger, potentially getting more unstable." Dan Shugar, a geoscientist at the University of Calgary who wasn't part of the two studies, said much of the threat depends simply on how many people live in a glacial flood zone. "In a warming world we certainly expect more and larger glacial lakes," Shugar said in an email. "But the threat that these lakes might pose critically depends on where people are living and what their vulnerabilities might be." Robinson said what's different about his study is that it's the first to look at the climate, geography, population, vulnerability and all these factors to get "a good overview of where in the world is the most dangerous places" for all 1,089 glacial basins. At the top of the list is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa basin in Pakistan, north of Islamabad. "That's particularly bad," Robinson said. "Lots of people and they're very, very vulnerable" because they live in a valley below the lake. The trouble is that scientists are focusing too much attention on the Pakistan, India, China and the Himalayas, often called High Mountain Asia, and somewhat ignoring the Andes, Robinson said. The second and third highest risk basins are in Peru's Santa basin, and Bolivia's Beni basin, the paper said. After the deadly Andes flood in the 1940s, that region "was sort of a leader" in working on glacial flood outburst threats, but in the last decade or so High Mountain Asia took over because of its high population, said University of Dayton geology professor Umesh Haritashya, who wasn't part of the studies. Three lake basins in the United States and Canada rank high for threats, from the Pacific Northwest to Alaska, but aren't nearly as high as areas in Asia and the Andes and have few people in the danger zone. They are in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula distinct from the Mendenhall glacier near Juneau northeast Washington and west-central British Columbia. "This ranking is a good checklist for further research," said Oliver Korup of the University of Potsdam in Germany, who co-authored the list of glacial lake outburst floods. This is the first of four columns celebrating Black History Month. In 1893, a Black man named Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, affectionately known as Dr. Dan performed the first successful open heart surgery in America. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1856, the fifth child of Daniel Williams and Sarah Price Williams. His father was a barber and his mother, a housewife. The death of his father forced the family to move to Wisconsin. Later, he was sent to live with other family members. Young William had to find a job to support himself. His first job was as a shoemaker. Since he did not like this job, he found other work to do. He worked for a time as a fiddle player with 20 white musicians. He decided to follow in his fathers footsteps and worked for a time as a barber. It was at this time that he met Dr. Henry Palmer, a respected physician. While cutting Palmers hair he was encouraged to try out as an apprentice under Palmer. It turned out to be a good opportunity for him. He spent hours reading medical books and studying into the night. He learned how to stop a cut from bleeding and how to set broken bones. To earn extra money, he swept the office floors and took care of Palmers horses. He continued to learn more about medicine. Now the problem was how to earn money for his education. He found a job stringing up wires for new electric street lights. Through it all he kept on studying. Palmer suggested that he attend the Chicago Medical School. In 1883, Williams graduated. It wasnt long before his reputation grew as a skillful doctor. He became one of Chicagos busiest physicians. He served as a surgeon at the Southside Dispensary as well as an attending physician at the Protestant Home for Orphans. He was also a surgeon for the Railroad Company in Chicago. In 1891, his dream of opening a hospital came true. He opened an interracial hospital that served patients of all colors. It was staffed by Black and white doctors. He also opened a school to train more Black nurses. He opened the hospital with fundraising events and by convincing donors of the importance of having a hospital like this to serve all people. It was here at this hospital when Williams made medical history. A 24-year-old Black man named James Cornish was brought to the hospital with a knife wound in his chest on July 9, 1893. His condition worsened drastically. Neither X-rays nor antibiotics had yet been developed. As Cornish began to slip toward death, Williams decided that the only way to save him was to operate. His colleagues were against it and thought that Williams was making a mistake. However, Williams cut into the chest until he could see the pericardium, the protective sac that surrounds the heart. There was a tear in the pericardium more than an inch long that had to be repaired. Williams was in a race against time. With the beating of the heart constantly pushing the pericardium up and down against his fingers, Williams managed to sew the ragged wound together, then close the opening he made. Fifty-one days later, Cornish walked out of the hospital. He lived for another 20 years. All of this is described in a book titled African American Healers by Clinton Cox and edited by Jim Haskins. Author Louise Meriweather in stated in her book called The Heart Man that the next morning the newspaper headlines boldly proclaimed the success of this surgery. The newspaper Freedoms Journal and other newspapers around the country ran articles about this surgery. Williams became famous. He performed other daring operations during his time as a doctor. He also taught at a number of medical colleges. He was appointed by President Grover Cleveland to head the Freedmans Hospital in Washington, D.C. This hospital was formed to provide health care for the newly freed slaves. The hospital had deteriorated into an ill-kept facility. Williams reorganized it and helped to improve the training of staff. He created internships and strengthened the nursing program. In one year alone, Williams performed 533 operations. He stayed at the Freedmens Hospital for 40 years. During the years that followed, Williams was elected to the American College of Surgeons. He was one of the founders of the first medical society for Black doctors. He held high standards for the doctors and nurses at his hospitals. Williams encouraged excellence in care for all patients. His achievements in surgery have influenced doctors from his time to the modern era. In 1970, a bill in Congress authorized a commemorative stamp in his honor. His friend and relative Frederick Douglass once gave him this valuable advice: The only way you can succeed is to override the obstacles in your path. By the power that is within you, you can achieve what you hope to do. Criterion columnist Eva M. Doyle is celebrating 45 years writing about history. Job Title: Telephone Operator Supervisor (Admin Jobs) Organisation: United States US Embassy, US Mission in Uganda Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda Position Number: Kampala-2023-011 About US Embassy: The United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Uganda for over 30 years. Ambassador Natalie E. Brown currently heads the U.S Mission to Uganda. The Mission is composed of several offices and organizations all working under the auspices of the Embassy and at the direction of the Ambassador. Among the offices operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda are: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Peace Corps Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Information Programs Officer (IPO) performs a variety of administrative support functions the Information Resource Management (IRM) section. Provides administrative support for IRM visitors and Temporary Duty (TDY) personnel. Supervises one full time Telephone Operator and provides orientation and customer service training for them. Acts as the Timekeeper for all Locally Employed (LE) Staff in IRM. Responsible for maintaining the Mission Directory and Phone Tree and disseminating it monthly. Coordinates the conference room scheduling for all mission conference rooms. Serves as Telephone Operator/Receptionist when the primary operator is unavailable. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: NOTE: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. The applicants for the United States US Embassy Telephone Operator Supervisor job should have completed two years of College/University studies. Required. At least two years of administrative work experience is required. Must have a good understanding of switchboard operation and the various telecommunication services within the country. Good typing skills (20 wpm), good working knowledge with Microsoft Office suite. Ability to deal with the public, operate the telephone switchboard and handle conflicting demands is required. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access) and SharePoint website at a contributor level is required. Language: Fluency speaking/reading/writing English and limited knowledge speaking a commonly used local language is required. This may be tested How to Apply: All those interested in working with the United States Embassy, US Mission in Kampala should send their applications online at the link below. Click Here Deadline: 15th February 2023 For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Former President Donald Trump has criticized Mark Pomerantz, a radically deranged lawyer, who is releasing a critical book about the investigation into Trumps financial dealings by the Manhattan district attorneys office. The book, People vs. Donald Trump: An Inside Account, details Pomerantzs perspective on the investigation and is set to be released on Tuesday. Pomerantz, who quit as special assistant district attorney in February 2022, wrote a damning resignation letter that was made public in March of the same year. In the letter, he stated that the D.A.s office was in no doubt that Trump had committed numerous felonies related to tax fraud and false financial statements, and that not prosecuting the former president would be a grave failure of justice. In his book, Pomerantz likens the way Trump runs his business empire to notorious mob boss John Gotti. He demanded absolute loyalty and would go after anyone who crossed him. He seemed always to stay one step ahead of the law, Pomerantz writes, according to the abstracts seen by The New York Times. Pomerantz also considered attempting to file racketeering charges against Trump, similar to those used for mobsters, before the idea was dismissed by other prosecutors. In response to the books publication, Trump accused Pomerantz of obsessively spreading falsehoods about him in a post on Truth Social. The former president has threatened to sue Pomerantz over the claims made in the book, and his lawyer, Joe Tacopina, has called the Gotti comparison just another desperate attempt by Pomerantz to sell books. Pomerantz resigned as special assistant district attorney when Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg was investigating whether Trump had fraudulently inflated the value of his assets and properties to receive better bank loans and other financial benefits. In his resignation letter, Pomerantz stated, The team that has been investigating Mr. Trump harbors no doubt about whether he committed crimeshe did. Bragg denied that the probe into Trump had been brought to a halt. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The Justice Department has dropped its probe of retired four-star Gen. John Allen for his role in an alleged illegal foreign lobbying campaign on behalf of the wealthy Persian Gulf nation of Qatar, his lawyer told The Associated Press. Attorney David Schertler said in a statement Tuesday that the Justice Department had informed him that it was closing its investigation of Allen and no charges would be filed. The Justice Department declined to comment but a law enforcement official familiar with the inquiry who wasnt authorized to speak publicly confirmed the decision on condition of anonymity. The AP first reported last June that the FBI had outlined a potential criminal case against Allen in a confidential search warrant application that appeared to have been filed in error on a federal courts website. Days later, the former Marine general who oversaw U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan resigned as head of the influential Brookings Institution think tank. Schertler said it was deeply unfortunate and unfair that the public release of the FBIs confidential document had damaged Allens reputation and livelihood. A Brookings spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The 77-page document detailed Allens behind-the scenes efforts to help Qatar influence U.S. policy in June 2017 when a diplomatic crisis erupted between the gas-rich monarchy and its neighbors. That included traveling to Doha to advise top Qatari officials and then lobbying U.S. officials, the FBI said. An FBI agent said in an affidavit in support of a search warrant there was substantial evidence that Allen had knowingly broken foreign lobbying laws, and had made false statements and withheld incriminating documents. Allen denied any wrongdoing, saying his involvement with Qatar was meant to help benefit the United States. The federal investigation has previously ensnared Richard G. Olson, a former ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan who pleaded guilty to federal charges last year, and Imaad Zuberi, a prolific political donor now serving a 12-year prison sentence on corruption charges. The Justice Department has made enforcing foreign lobbying laws a higher priority in recent years but suffered some high-profile defeats in contested cases. Qatar has spent lavishly on its influence efforts in the U.S. and Europe. The country is allegedly behind a massive cash-for-favors corruption scandal currently unfolding at the European Unions parliament. (AP) Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Sunday scoffed at Naftali Bennetts claim that Russian President Vladimir Putin promised him he wouldnt kill Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In the past, Putin has made promises not to occupy Crimea, not to violate Minsk agreements, not to invade Ukraine, yet he has done all of these things, Kuleba wrote on Twitter. Every time he has promised not to do something, it has been exactly part of his plan. Zelenskys senior adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said that Bennetts strange claims are fictional. Strange ex-officials claims on mediation that Putin allegedly gave guarantees not to kill and the West interrupted promising negotiations are fiction, he stated. The Russian invasion isnt about NATO expansion, security guarantees or sanctions, its Russias desire to destroy Ukraine and kill Ukrainians. In a five-hour interview published on Israels Channel 12 News over the weekend, Bennett spoke about a number of subjects, including his meeting with Putin in the early days of Russias invasion of Ukraine. Bennett said that he managed to wrangle two concessions from Putin that he wouldnt kill Zelensky and wouldnt demand Ukrainian disarmament. Bennett added that Zelensky agreed to concede his demand to join NATO. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Hungarian Religious Affairs Minister Miklosh Schultz, his deputy minister, and Rav Shlomo Kobush, the Chief Rabbi of the Union of Jewish Communities in Hungary, participated in a special tour of the Beis Medrash HaGadol in Kiryat Belz this week. The UTJs Belzer representative, MK Yisrael Eichler, also participated in the tour. During the tour, Schultz expressed his excitement about the visit and even stopped to say a chapter of Psalms. The minister then visited the home of the Belzer Rebbe, during which they spoke extensively about the preservation of religious freedom in Hungary, including shechita and bris milah. They also spoke about the Hungarian governments support of the religious communities in the country as well as the preservation of Jewish sites and the mekomos hakedoshim, especially in the town of Kerestir where the tzion of Reb Shayale is located. The Belzer Rebbe asked the minister about his visit to Israel and he replied that he came to visit the Rebbe and other religious figures, emphasizing that as a Christian, he has a deep belief in G-d. At the end of the visit, he asked the Rebbe for a bracha. Rav Kobush, who has spearheaded a revolution of frum kehillos in Hungary in recent years, spoke to the Rebbe about the development of the kehillos under his leadership. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Editor's note: This story is part of 'Broken Defense,' an investigative series from Lee Enterprises. More details about this project can be found at the bottom of this article. Public defense across the West suffers deep-rooted, decades-old problems. States have two solutions to consider: dole out more cash or shrink the criminal justice system. More cash would help states hire public defenders, increase pay and add support staff, all which lessens workloads and improves representation quality. Not jailing people for non-violent crimes related to mental illness, homelessness, poverty and addictions would lessen the strain on public defenders. Treatment or community programs could handle those minor cases. Those strategies combined would increase the supply of public defenders and ease current demands on them. People without attorneys in hundreds of felonies and more than 100,000 misdemeanors across the West could get public defenders who have time to represent them effectively. Neither option seems particularly savory to many. A public defense system overhaul is expensive, particularly for smaller, resource-strapped counties. Some states controlled by conservative politicians want more people locked up, said University of Wyoming professor Daniel Fetsco, who has worked as both a prosecutor and public defender. However, I believe you can try to persuade people through awareness and education that some of these issues are not conservative, theyre not liberal, Fetsco said. It goes beyond politics. I think its a matter of humanity. Stephen Hanlon leads a national public defense reform effort and has half a century of legal experience. He says change is long overdue. Judges, prosecutors and public defenders have for decades pushed millions through the criminal justice system without fully investigating their cases or ensuring an effective defense, Hanlon said. We became the principal facilitators of mass incarceration the whole profession, Hanlon said. Black, brown and low-income people are disproportionately affected by public defense crises, said Jason Williamson, executive director of NYUs Center on Race, Inequality and the Law, which helped sue Oregon to dismiss cases without attorneys. Black people made up nearly 20% of people waiting for attorneys in Multnomah County on one day in October, according to the lawsuit. That countys population is less than 6% Black. The legal profession is starting to come to terms with this problem, Hanlon said. We're gonna need the governors and state legislators and Congress [to] step up and address this problem. This is a national embarrassment. Hanlon advocates for federal legislation that could better fund state public defense. He and other national legal organizations soon will have a very powerful lever to push for improvements. His law firm, Lawyer Hanlon, partnered with the American Bar Association, the National Center for State Courts and the public policy research RAND Corporation to develop new national public defender workload standards expected in February, Hanlon said. Whats about to happen is a watershed moment in public defense, Hanlon said. The standards will be the first in the nation to prove with reliable data the extent to which public defenders are overworked, Hanlon said. They will be based on public defender workload studies in 17 states. Two of those studies revealed Oregon and New Mexico have about a third of the public defenders needed to provide adequate representation to everyone accused of crimes. Outdated standards The National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals (NAC) adopted national standards 50 years ago that now overestimate how many cases attorneys can effectively handle. Hanlon said those standards are based on nothing. A few lawyers scribbled them on a cocktail napkin in the 70s, he said. I'm old enough that I know who was there, Hanlon said. About seven or eight guys in a bar at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego who sat around and came up with those numbers, but there was no methodology. There was no data. It's truly astonishing that we relied on that for 50 years, and there's no excuse for having done that. The lawyers Hanlon said were at that bar were National Legal and Defender Association committee members. The association in a statement acknowledged those standards are outdated and ignore modern-day case complexity and time-intensiveness. The association hopes updated standards will provide a wake-up call to states and localities on the need to properly invest in public defense. Jessica Kampfe, Oregon Office of Public Defense Services executive director, said national caseload maximums would be hugely helpful for Oregons dire public defender shortage. The new standards will offer a reference tool to show lawmakers that public defender caseloads go far beyond the acceptable limit, she said. Idaho has proven that caseload standards work to motivate local lawmakers to support public defense. The states 2019 caseload cap has helped public defenders secure more county resources when theyre stretched thin. Idaho contract public defender Rick Cuddihy said his Nez Perce County office was way over the annual maximum of 210 felonies per attorney within eight months. We went to the (county) commissioners and they gave us more money to hire more help, Cuddihy said. I think the system works very well. The new standards could work the same on a national scale. Hanlon assembled his old law firm Holland & Knight, consulting firm Moss Adams, research organization the JFA Institute and civil rights organizations to implement and enforce the standards. The team plans to file lawsuits that demand minor case dismissals to help decrease public defender caseloads and that states fix public defense systems within five years. We will be aggressively advocating for the changes that are so obviously needed, and if we cant get them, we are prepared to litigate to get them, he said. Federal funding Some federal lawmakers agree state public defense needs improvements. Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici in November reintroduced a bill that would provide $250 million for public defense grants. The bill would set public defender workload limits, establish pay parity with prosecutors and improve training and data collection. Right now, we have a dangerous shortage of public defenders, Bonamici said in a statement. Im leading the EQUAL Defense Act to finally secure the resources that our public defenders and people in the criminal justice system need and deserve. The bill would require participating states to show measurable improvement over the next five years. States could model a five-year plan proposed for New Mexico, Hanlon said. New Mexicos public defender office recently tapped Moss Adams and the JFA Institute to help close the states attorney shortage. New Mexico would have 600 of 720 needed attorneys by 2028 if it follows the plans suggestions, improving the current gap. The state currently has one third of the 900 attorneys it needs to handle public defense cases effectively. More funding would double the states existing attorneys, meaning the state would have 600 of the 900 attorneys needed. A decriminalization effort would reduce the need to 720, further closing the gap. The report calls on New Mexicos Legislature to more than double public defender office funding over five years to help hire 300 full-time public defenders and add support staff, such as paralegals and investigators. The offices budget would increase from $64 million to $157 million, but would make up less than 1% of the state budget. The plan also suggests decriminalizing some charges, including half of traffic violations and non-violent misdemeanors, and most drug possession, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and probation violations. That would decrease cases by a third, reducing the public defenders needed from 900 to 720. Decriminalization Idahos ACLU backs a similar decriminalization effort for its state, legal director Aadika Singh said. Offenses that could be removed or made a lesser charge to lighten attorney workloads include alcohol age violations, drug possession, gambling, prostitution, disturbing the peace, trespassing, littering, graffiti and driving with a suspended license, Singh said. These are people we are not scared of, we're just upset with them, Hanlon said. Theres no reason for that to be in the criminal justice system. None. Many Arizona drug cases shouldnt be prosecuted, said Dean Brault, Pima County Public Services director. His staff is nearly maxed out on cases, but prosecutor's office leaders told him they wont change how they charge people. Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton said he would support more funding for Oregon public defenders, but that the claim by some that the solution is to stop prosecuting crimes is detached from reality and reckless. People must be held accountable, he said. Lassen County District Attorney Susan Melyssah Rios said she cant overlook minor crimes in California. Property damage victims, for example, deserve restitution, she said. What gives someone the right to damage, deface, destroy the hard earned property of someone else? Rios said. What about the people whose property is damaged? Why should they have to pay to fix that? The New Mexico report emphasizes that only victimless crimes should be decriminalized. 23 cases, one man Those cases can consume public defender resources. Joel Trombley, a transient in Great Falls, Montana, was cited nearly two dozen times in two months for carrying alcohol in an open container or trespassing, sometimes both, always around the same location. Twice he was cited three times in one day. Each of Trombleys citations were filed as separate cases. An open container violation equals about three hours of work, potentially creating a nearly 70-hour workload for his public defender. So my caseload looks like I got 23 misdemeanors, and its one guy whos just existing, his court-appointed attorney Caitlin Boland Aarab said. Great Falls city code has no defined open container violation penalty, so the violation faces a catch-all penalty of a possible 6 months in jail and a $500 fine. State Sen. Ryan Lynch, D-Butte, has filed draft legislation that would make local governments shoulder public defense costs when the city violation penalty is undefined, like Trombleys case. Lynch says a funding shift could help cities see how often they charge people for minor offenses and evaluate whether to slow that practice or provide public defenders more resources to handle the work. If were going to put resources into prosecuting people, we should put similar resources into defending that, Lynch said. State action This year, all 50 states will have legislative sessions and the opportunity to pass new public defense laws. Idaho and Oregon, in particular, are poised for change. Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a bill into law last year to create a statewide public defense system by October 2024. Lawmakers want to make right the ACLUs 2015 lawsuit that shows poor defendants got inadequate representation, said Rep. Jon Weber, R-Rexburg, a lead sponsor of that bill. Weber and other Idaho lawmakers will develop a statewide model for public defense in the upcoming session. Each Idaho county runs its public defense how they want. They funded their own systems before the state began helping in 2019. County-by-county public defense models can lead to resource disparities. In Washington, for example, poor, rural Whitman County spent less than $8 per capita on public defense in 2019, according to Washington State Office of Public Defense data. Wealthier and urban King County spent nearly four times as much to defend people. Last summer Idaho took over all funding responsibility. Weber and Singh, the Idaho ACLU legal director, agree a uniform statewide system will address disparities between counties and work better for defendants. Singh said the Legislatures annual $50 million for public defense keeps the current system running, but is way too low and keeps things static. She said more money is needed to hire attorneys, investigators and social workers who can help lighten workloads and improve representation quality. Singh worries the Republican-controlled Legislature wont approve enough funding. The new systems cost is difficult to estimate because there is no chosen model yet, Weber said. If it does cost more (than $50 million), we will address it at that time and see what that number is, Weber said. But this isnt an open checkbook, if you will, to see how much money we can spend on public defense. Oregon lawmakers last spring gathered attorneys and judges to develop public defense crisis solutions. Co-chair Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, said the group will consider how to restructure the system and recommend ideas to the Legislature. The group's recommendations so far are unclear. The Legislature in emergency sessions last year approved more than $100 million to address the public defender shortage. The Fair Shot of Oregon coalition includes nearly 30 racial justice groups, community organizations and labor unions, and supports two bills to reduce public defenders workloads, Oregon ACLU policy director Jessica Maravilla said. One bill gives public defense more money, including for state student loan forgiveness. The other suggests low-level, nonviolent crime incarceration alternatives. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, has proposed a 22% budget increase for the public defender office. That could add 20 attorneys, but would still leave the agency shorthanded. Since 2019, the Montana public defenders office needed an additional 63 attorneys on average to handle the caseload assigned to the agency and still meet its workload management limits, according to the agency's December budget request to the state Legislature. The proposed budget includes a $1.5 million rapid response cushion to contract private attorneys or raise wages when the agency cant fill vacant positions. Its unclear whether Montanas majority Republican legislature will support public defense changes. Other agencies in severe disrepair, including the state prison and hospital, may need some of the $2 billion surplus more than the public defenders office. Legislators have grown more responsive to the public defender offices appeals since the agency illustrated its issues in data presentations its the difference between hearing the barn is on fire and seeing it for themselves. Single greatest tool Whether run by counties or the state, an office with full-time attorneys is the best way to provide effective public defense, experts in multiple states agree. Creating more offices is a reasonable solution for state or local governments. More than 2,000 of the roughly 3,000 U.S. counties have no public defender office, said Jon Mosher, Sixth Amendment Center deputy director. The default for those counties is for judges to assign public defense cases to private attorneys. Texas had five county public defender offices in 2001, said Geoff Burkhart, Texas Indigent Defense Commission executive director. Now it has offices that serve 70 counties. More people who need public defenders get them when counties operate their own office, according to a June 2019 study of Texass system. The quality of representation also improves, Burkhart said. It is probably the single greatest tool we have for improving Texas public defense, Burkhart said. Locally-controlled offices are not a cure-all, Burkhart said, but benefits, salary and student loan forgiveness can attract public defenders to rural areas. A federal program allows forgiveness for government employees. Private attorneys contracted for public defense work are not eligible. County office attorneys also can provide holistic defense that aims to support defendants and prevent them from reentering the criminal justice system, said Graciela Martinez, California Public Defender Association president. Support staff, including case managers, social workers and mental health professionals, can help defendants find treatment. Immigration experts can help defendants who make plea agreements avoid deportation. Case investigators can strengthen a defense. I dont think theres any substitute for having an institutionalized public defender system in any county, Martinez said. The Texas Indigent Defense Commission is requesting from the Legislature another $50 million over the next two years to continue building public defender offices, including one taking shape in College Station. We actually see change here as we build these public defender offices, Burkhart said. Thats hundreds, sometimes thousands of defendants with a lawyer by their side and hopefully a really qualified lawyer by their side who might not have had a lawyer otherwise. So it makes me feel really excited about this work. Weve done a lot, but we have a lot more work to do. About Broken Defense: Across the West, public defense systems face crushing caseloads, historic underfunding, structural problems and severe staffing shortages, imperiling criminal defendants lives and in many cases denying them their constitutional right to counsel. Defendants have lost jobs and homes, been pressured to plead guilty and been denied the benefit of exonerating evidence. People accused in more than 100,000 misdemeanors each year go to jail without ever talking to a lawyer. Lee Enterprises West region Public Service Journalism team and local reporters attended more than a dozen court hearings and interviewed more than 25 defendants, 40 attorneys and 25 experts to reveal public defense in many western states is broken. Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Reporter Emily Hamer may be reached at emily.hamer@lee.net. Among the millions of people who experienced the powerful earthquake in Turkey overnight Sunday were many Jews, including mashgichei kashrus from Israel. Mashgiach Rav Moshe Berlinger described what he experienced to Kikar HShabbat: On Sunday morning, we traveled four mashgichim for Badatz Machzikei HaDas Belz to various manufacturers in Turkey. Three mashgichim, including myself, went to a manufacturer of yogurt and cheeses, and the fourth mashgiach went to a tortilla factory. When we arrived, the weather was very stormy with snow. It was hard to travel. We arrived late at night at the hotel and went to sleep because the next day we had to leave early to supervise the milking. At around four in the morning, we got up to go supervise the milking and suddenly a strong earthquake began. The pictures hanging in the room fell, the walls and windows shook and one shattered. It was terribly frightening, its indescribable. I heard the other hotel guests screaming. You have to realize, we were on the tenth floor. Whatever I tell you cant describe the feelings of panic. We ran downstairs to the courtyard where all the guests were and we found complete chaos there. The fourth mashgiach was mamash in the area where buildings fell and there were many fatalities there. He cant leave there everything is closed. There are no flights, no cars or buses. He doesnt know if hell manage to get home in time for Shabbos. The Badatz is in continuous contact with him and his family. Did you feel the second earthquake? Yes, of course. About two hours ago there was another earthquake. Luckily we were on the ground floor so we felt it less. We thank Hakadosh Baruch Hu for the chessed He did with us and we daven that Hell continue to help us. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Even the Biden foot washers at the New York Times cant make a case for his vice president, Kamala Harris. In a brutal profile, the Times anonymously quoted multiple Democrats who said she has no shot at the party nomination in 2024 and blasted her for failing to find a niche within the Biden administration. Even some Democrats whom her own advisers referred reporters to for supportive quotes confided privately that they had lost hope in her, the profile says, claiming that a panic has set in among some Democrats who are worried about the elderly Bidens ability to run again and who could replace him atop the Democratic ticket. Through much of the fall, a quiet panic set in among key Democrats about what would happen if President Biden opted not to run for a second term. Most Democrats interviewed, who insisted on anonymity to avoid alienating the White House, said flatly that they did not think Ms. Harris could win the presidency in 2024. Some said the partys biggest challenge would be finding a way to sideline her without inflaming key Democratic constituencies that would take offense, the Times wrote. I cant think of one thing shes done except stay out of the way and stand beside him at certain ceremonies, Democratic Party fundraiser John Morgan said. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The president of the Jewish kehilla in Antakya (historically known as Antioch) in southern Turkey, which suffered the greatest destruction from the earthquake, was apparently killed along with his wife after their house collapsed in the earthquakes that struck the country on Sunday. Irit Lillian, Israels ambassador to Turkey, told Keshet on Tuesday morning: Unfortunately, the president of the Jewish community in Antakya and his wife are apparently no longer alive. Their house collapsed. Regarding Israelis, we are still in the process of finding out. This is not an area where there is a large presence of Israelis. As far as we know, we have no distress calls from Israelis. As for the number of Jews living in Antakya, she said: Very few. These are remote areas, isolated communities. There are really few. The president of the Jewish community in Istanbul went there yesterday and informed me that as far as they know everyone is fine, with the exception of the two in Antakya. Rav Yitzchak Peres, the Rav of the Yenikoy kehilla in Turkey and member of the Istanbul Beis Din, told Chief Rabbi of Israel Rav Dovid Lau on Monday that there are 14 Jews missing 12 who live near the Syrian border and two who live in southern Turkey. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Another intruder has breached the home of Air Force One, one of the nations most sensitive military bases, and this time a resident opened fire on the trespasser, Joint Base Andrews said in a statement late Monday. During the incident, which occurred at about 11:30 a.m. Monday, a man gained unauthorized access to a JBA housing area, Joint Base Andrews said in a statement posted to Twitter. A resident discharged a firearm, security forces arrived on scene to apprehend the intruder and law enforcement is investigating the incident. Joint Base Andrews is home to the fleet of blue and white presidential aircraft, including Air Force One, Marine One and the doomsday 747 aircraft that can serve as the nations airborne nuclear command and control centers if needed. The Air Force said late Monday it did not have anything to add beyond the Andrews statement about Mondays intrusion. Its not the first time the bases security has been breached; in February 2021 a man got through the military checkpoint onto the installation, then through additional fenced secure areas to gain access to the flight line and climb into a C-40, which is the militarys 737-equivalent aircraft used to fly government officials. That intruder was apprehended because the mouse ears cap he was wearing struck an observant airman as odd. An inspector generals investigation found three main security failings, starting with human error by a gate security guard who allowed the man to drive onto the base even though he had no credentials that authorized his access. Hours later, the man walked undetected onto the flight line by slipping through a fence designed to restrict entry. Finally, he walked onto and off a parked airplane without being challenged, even though he was not wearing a required badge authorizing access to the restricted area. (AP) Israel continues to experience powerful winds of up to 100 km per hour, heavy rainfall and almost-freezing temperatures on the second day of Storm Barbara. Light snow fell in northern Israel and some parts of Gush Etzion and heavy snow fell in the northern Ramat HaGaolon. Due to the heavy snow, Har Hermon will be closed to visitors until at least Thursday due to the extreme weather conditions. A rare phenomenon occurred at the Tel Aviv port area when foam accumulated in the area due to the turbulence in the sea spurred by the powerful winds. An 11-year-old Chareidi boy, Malachi Shapira, was seriously injured after being knocked unconscious by a falling tree in the town of Tel Mond in central Israel on Monday. His condition is still serious on Tuesday. His family has asked that the public daven for the refuah sheleimah of Malachi ben Reut btoch shaar cholei Yisrael. A 13-year-old girl was lightly injured also from a falling tree in Ohr Yehudah, and two others were injured in Netanya and Tel Aviv due to the powerful winds. Rain and snow are expected to continue falling on Tuesday night and Wednesday, with the rain and strong winds expected to slightly subside in the afternoon hours. On Thursday, light rain will continue to fall and temperatures will remain low. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Look for new faces and fresh political dynamics as President Joe Biden delivers this years State of the Union address, coupled with attention to some old problems brought back into painful focus by recent events. The president on Tuesday night will stand before a joint session of Congress for the first time since voters in the midterm elections handed control of the House to Republicans. Biden, like presidents past, will make the case that the nation is strong and that better days lie ahead. But he finds himself in choppy waters as he passes the halfway mark of his term. After a series of legislative victories during the first two years of Bidens term, Republicans are looking to undo some of his early wins. Recent mass shootings and a police killing in Memphis, Tennessee, have brought renewed focus to the issues of gun violence and excessive police force. And on the foreign policy front, Biden faces the formidable task of keeping a Western alliance and the American electorate united behind Ukraine in its effort to repel Russias ongoing invasion. Hes also dealing with fallout from the U.S. downing of a suspected Chinese spy balloon that floated across the U.S. last week. On top of all that, a special counsel is investigating how classified information from Bidens days as vice president and senator ended up at his Delaware home and former office. Some things to watch for on Tuesday night: WHERE DO I WATCH OR LISTEN? The speech is set for 9 p.m. EST and will be broadcast by the major networks and cable news TV channels. The AP will livestream the speech at APNews.com. The White House plans to stream it on its website, and make it available on its YouTube, Facebook and Twitter pages. Live coverage will also be provided by C-SPAN, C-SPAN Radio and C-SPAN.org. NPR is streaming the speech on its website, npr.org, and on its app, in addition to offering live coverage to its member radio stations. BIDEN v. MCCARTHY It will be new GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy wielding the gavel and seated behind Biden on the dais this time rather than Democrat Nancy Pelosi. Watch the body language between the two and how Republican legislators treat Biden overall after some sharp GOP outbursts from the audience last year. The Democratic president last week said McCarthy made absolutely off the wall commitments to win the speakership. Bidens rhetorical jabs might not be so sharp in the formal address, but look for him to more subtly argue that theres an enormous chasm between how he and Republicans approach the economy, health care and Social Security. McCarthy, for his part, told reporters he wont tear up the speech as Pelosi dramatically did after President Donald Trump delivered his final State of the Union address in 2020. GUN VIOLENCE AND POLICING The parents of Tyre Nichols, who was severely beaten by police officers in Memphis and later died, are expected to be in the audience for Bidens address. So is Brandon Tsay, who disarmed the gunman who shot and killed 11 people last month in Monterey Park, California, along with others who jumped in during recent mass shootings. Watch how Biden, in their presence, speaks to the recent rash of mass shootings and the beating death of Nichols, after his past efforts to address gun violence and police excesses have been sharply restricted by resistance in Congress. NEW FACES There will be plenty of new faces in the crowd as Biden addresses the nation. The nation has a new Supreme Court justice since last years address in Ketanji Brown Jackson, and in recent years justices have tended to attend addresses by the president who nominated them. There are new legislators from both parties, as well. Among those getting outsized attention: Rep. George Santos, the New York Republican who has been in the spotlight for embellishments and lies about his education, work experience and other aspects of his personal and professional life. FASHION STATEMENTS Clothes, pins and other accessories often do double-duty as a way to channel political statements at the State of the Union address, and some will be on display. Democrats in the House and Senate will be wearing pins in the shape of tiny crayons to signal support for child care funding as Biden had proposed at the start of his administration. Its an issue championed by Sen Patty Murray, D-Wash., who organized the Crayons for Kids crayon pins. The blue-and-yellow pins and ribbons in support of Ukraine that were prominent last year, at the start of the Russian invasion, will be worn again by some as the war enters its second deadly year. And a special 1870 button that commemorates the first known police killing of a freed Black American man, Henry Truman, was designed by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J. She is sharing them with colleagues with a notecard that says 153 years later, nothing has changed. THE CHINESE BALLOON Look for Biden to talk about his decision to have the military shoot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon on Saturday, but how tough will he be on China? His comments on the balloon will be part of a broader section on countering Chinas more assertive economic and military actions around the world. WHAT NEXT IN UKRAINE? Biden has repeatedly said the U.S. is committed to helping Ukraine as long as it takes to beat back Russia. The United States has already committed nearly $30 billion in security assistance since the start of the war. Polls show Americans r emain broadly in favor of providing support to Ukraine as it tries to fend off Russia. Administration officials, however, have made clear to Ukraine that Congress patience with the cost of war is not endless. Look for Biden to spotlight that Ukraine has been able to stay in the fight with a more formidable Russian military because of U.S. and allies generosity. Hell also try to spell out why Americans must remain committed to a war that has ramifications far beyond Europe. CLASSIFIED DOCUMENT PROBE Will Biden bring it up? Not likely. After criticizing Trump for holding on to classified documents after his presidency, Biden now finds himself in the middle of a special counsel inquiry into classified documents that were found in his home and former office space. The White House makes the case its important to distinguish between Biden voluntarily turning over documents and the behavior of Trump, who refused to hand over hundreds of documents, prompting the FBI to raid his home. Biden is likely to steer clear of the controversy in his address, as past presidents have tended to avoid mention of whatevers got them into difficulty. THE 2024 QUESTION Biden is expected to announce hes running for reelection sometime this spring, but theres growing sentiment among voters that he should stick to one term. Will Biden address the reelection question head on? Probably not. But his speech could well be framed as an argument for an additional four years of a Biden White House. And millions of viewers will be evaluating not just Bidens words but his delivery as they weigh whether thats a good idea. CULTURE WARS Arkansas new governor, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, will deliver the Republican response to Bidens address. Sanders has staked out ground in the early days of her term on hot cultural issues in schools by issuing executive orders targeting the teaching of critical race theory in Arkansas schools and expressing support for legislation banning instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through the third grade. Dont expect her to hold back on the national stage in making the case that Democrats are out of touch with mainstream American values. DEMOCRATS BACKING BIDEN Ahead of the address, Democrats are providing a fulsome prebuttal in support of Biden reminding Americans of his accomplishments so far, and as House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries put it, there is more work that needs to be done. Jeffries said Bidens speech will show the clear contrast between Democrats who get stuff done and the chaotic Republicans. The Democrats breeze through the policy achievements of the past two years, passing into law the infrastructure and climate change bills, lowering insulin costs and ensuring COVID relief, among other initiatives. This year you will see us rolling out these things that matter to people, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said. (AP) Sponsored Content If my friend deeply upsets me, do I have to speak to her about it? My acquaintance didnt come to my simcha, so now I dont feel like coming to hers is that considered taking revenge? My cousin just lost er job and is in need for charity but my best friend is in a much more desperate situation who do I help more? Is it sheker to write the time of my wedding one hour before it will really start? When we think of relevant Halachos, our minds generally turn to Shabbos, Brachos, Prayer, Kashrus and so on. Halachos relating to Bein Adam Lechaveiro might be looked upon as being straightforward and easy to understand. Rav Yitzchak Berkovits shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Aish HaTorah, and Rosh Kollel of the Jerusalem Kollel and of Linas Hatzedek says that this is a mistake. The laws of Bein Adam Lchaveiro are just as intricate and involved as those of all areas of Torah, and they are in fact more relevant to our daily lives than anything else especially today when we are surrounded and influenced by a secular society full of discord, dishonesty and disconnect. Says Rav Berkovits: The majority of positive mitzvos that are applicable today when theres no Beis HaMikdash, are Bein Adam LChaveiro between man and man People think [that] basically means be a good person. Surprise! Theyre not just using your seichel and deciding what a nice thing to do is. Until you learn the halachos of Bein Adam LChaveiro you dont have a clue as how to behave with other people. Sensing the urgent need of such a program, his close student, and well-known Educator, Rabbi Yehonasan Gefen, has undertaken the task of teaching Hilchos Bein Adam LChaveiro in the way that Rav Berkovits envisaged. Rabbi Gefen is already well known for his highly successful Hilchos Shabbos Semicha program, in which he translated the Hebrew Source Sheets of Rav Berkovits into English, adding numerous cases and the opinions of the Poskim. He has now focused his efforts in teaching Bein Adam LChaveiro in a similar fashion (www.HilchosBeinAdamLChaveiroForWomen.com). The program is using the highly successful curriculum of Kollel Linas Hatzedek as a basis for its learning program and this will be part of what students are provided. Kollel Linas Hatzedek is a division of the Center for Jewish Values, a premier international Bein Adam LChaveiro resource, whom we thank for giving us permission to use its curriculum. During the last two launches of the Hilchos Bein Adam LChaveiro course for men it became crystal clear that a course especially tailored for Jewish women was necessary. The program received over 100 emails asking for a womens cohort of this important and highly relevant series. Therefore, Rabbi Gefen, in consultation with Rabbi Berkovits has adapted the original curriculum to be uniquely tailored to Torah observant women, as an an online program in Hilchos Bein Adam LChaveiro accessible to motivated women worldwide. It empowers women to build long lasting deep relationships, to strengthen Shalom Bayis and to raise their children in a way of Torah by serving as an example of a true Bas Yisrael. Here is what some of his students had to say about Rabbi Gefens other programs attesting to their impact: As women, we are required to learn halacha in order to fulfill it properly. Says Dr. Shoshana Snyder from Los Angeles. Rabbi Gefens course provides women with a level of knowledge and understanding of the halacha from the primary sources to the halacha lmaasei. The depth of the learning is gratifying. Participating in this program has raised my awareness of the need to apply the halacha in situations that would have escaped my notice in the past. The shiurim are clear and there is plenty of opportunity for questions. Rabbi Gefen is available for questions via email in between shiurim as well. I am not aware of any other opportunity available for women to learn halacha at this level. I look forward to receiving the sources and hearing the shiur every week! Its been a real pleasure to be part of the program. I look forward to the source sheets and shiur every week. I have an increased appreciation of the halachos and how to apply them in daily life. The material has abundant sources with varying opinions and a halacha lmaaseh sectionI highly recommend the program! says Basya Gutmann from Clifton, New Jersey. Mrs. Batya Eshel from Safed in Israel shares her experience: The shiur is well focused in general, and of course the more prepared I am the more I get out of it. Questions from the participants are handled well, and we all get a lot out of the shiur. Using Zoom allows us access to a shiur that we wouldnt be able to access in person. Over eight hundred past and present participants in these programs come from six continents, says Rabbi Dr. Yakov Pesah, co-founder and director of the Hilchos Shabbos and Bein Adam LChaveiro programs and also a musmach of Rabbi Berkovits. Our vision is to enable everyone to master halacha in a structured way and make it doable for any motivated person. Topics that are covered in this program include vahavta lrecha kemocha (love your fellow as yourself), honesty, onaas dvarim (hurtful words), dan lekaf zcus (judging favorably), lifnei iver, tzedaka, halachos of relating to secular Jews, lashon hara, kibud av vem, returning lost objects, and many other topics. The program includes a live Zoom shiur once a week and a forum for community discussion and support. In addition, Rabbi Gefen is available for any questions by phone and email. Anyone who undertakes the course, will receive a Certificate of Completion signed by Rav Berkovits. Rabbi Berkovits adds: The only way that one can really mekayem the mitzvas of bein adam lchaveiro is to learn them first. And the study of them is absolutely fascinating. Come learn them with us. Come know how to behave Become like Ribono Shel Olam himself the way he describes Himself in the Torah with all the wonderful middos, keeping the halachos according to the yesodos that the Torah gives us. The new cycle of Hilchos Bein Adam LChaveiro for women begins on February 14th. For more information, tuition, and to apply go to: www.HilchosBeinAdamLChaveiroForWomen.com The Rothschild dynasty has delivered a blow to the Paris stock market by deciding to take its investment bank private. Rothschild & Co, which helped fund the Duke of Wellingtons victory in 1815 at the Battle of Waterloo, has been listed in the French capital since 1838 and is one of the most recognised names in global finance. But the family will now take full control through its holding company Concordia in a deal that values the bank at 3.4billion. Seventh generation: Alexandre de Rothschild, who currently runs Rothschild & Co, is the son of David de Rothschild who stepped aside four years ago The move comes ten years after a reorganisation brought the French and British businesses under one roof as Rothschild & Co. Concordia already owns 38.9 per cent of the shares and 47.5 per cent of the voting rights. The bank is made up of three divisions global advisory, wealth and asset management, and merchant banking, which includes the UKs NM Rothschild & Sons. The firm is run by Alexandre de Rothschild, the son of Baron David de Rothschild who stepped aside four years ago. Alexandre is the seventh generation of the family to lead the bank. Concordia said that given the long-term nature of the business, it made more sense to be private, adding that the bank did not need access to capital from the public equity markets. The Rothschild banking dynasty was founded in the 18th century by Mayer Amschel Rothschild, who started out buying and selling old coins in a Frankfurt ghetto. In the early 1800s, he sent his five sons to establish bases of Rothschild in London, Paris, Naples, Vienna and Frankfurt. But the roots of the current structure go back to a 2012 merger between the then separate French bank and UK merchant bank NM Rothschild & Sons. The deal orchestrated by Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, the former head of the British arm of the banking group, who died three months ago, and his cousin David de Rothschild, who oversaw the French arm put an end to decades of cross-Channel rivalry. Concordia said it is in advanced negotiations with investors to finalise the financing of the deal. Rothschild & Co recorded revenue of 772million in the third quarter of 2022, up 30 per cent year-on-year. Revenues in global advisory, its largest business, increased 18 per cent year-on-year to 489million during the same period. M&Co will close all its 170 stores across the UK this Easter. The 189-year-old clothing retailer which used to be known as Mackays and its one of the most prominent fashion chains in Scotland crashed into administration in December. The brand was bought by AK Retail Holdings last week, but the purchase did not include its UK wide stores. Job losses: M&Co, which crashed into administration in December, will close all its 170 stores across the UK this Easter Almost 2,000 jobs will be lost in the latest miserable chapter for the company. In an update to customers on its Facebook page, Paisley-based M&Co said all stores would close as we havent received any funded, deliverable offers that would result in the transfer of the companys stores or staff to a potential buyer. The deal with AK Retail owner of Long Tall Sally and Yours Clothing unfortunately does not include a future for our stores, website or staff, the statement explained. Stores across England, Scotland and Wales will trade until Easter in order to get rid of existing stock with an update on a specific closing date to come closer to the time. Satellite photos showing the construction of a river port in Guinea offer a glimpse of the scale of Chinas ambitions in Africa. Work is well under way on a port to ship millions of tonnes of iron ore dug from the mountain region of Simandou, home to the largest untapped high grade iron ore deposit on earth. China is by far the worlds biggest consumer of the key ingredient used to make steel, gobbling up around 70 per cent of seaborne trade. Future: China's steel giant Baowu has reached a deal to mine and ship ore from Simandou via a river port The building site on the banks of the Morebaya River, which flows into the Atlantic, underlines Beijings determination to reduce its reliance on imports from the iron ore powerhouses of Australia and Brazil. The images have caused a stir Down Under. But they have mixed implications for FTSE 100-listed Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tintos shareholders in the UK. Chinas African iron ore dream nearer declared the front-page splash in the Australian Financial Review, which described Simandou as the biggest threat to Australias iron ore dominance. It revealed the long-delayed project has moved a step closer after Chinese steel giant Baowu reached a deal with partners including Guineas military junta to mine and ship iron ore from Simandou. Authorities in Beijing are hopeful the mine will finally be up and running in March 2025, initially shipping 60m to 80m tonnes a year from the port. Beijings long-term goal to control production of more of the iron ore it uses is seen as a threat to Australias mining giants including Rio, which generates almost 60 per cent of its total sales in China, worth more than 29billion in 2021. But Simandou itself, which contains more than 2bn tonnes of iron ore, represents another money spinner for Rio as it is one of its main investors. The site is divided into four blocks, one controlled by a consortium of Chinese and Singaporean investors, and the other led by Rio, alongside the Aluminium Consortium of China and the Guinean regime. It has been described by Guineas government which came to power in a military coup in September 2021 as the worlds largest mine, rail and port infrastructure project, costing more than 12billion. A 343-mile rail line is being laid to carry the precious cargo across Guineas hilly terrain. The track will run through what will become West Africas longest tunnel and cross 235 bridges, before ending at the port on the Morebaya River. Doubts have long been raised over whether it would ever get off the ground. Difficulties accessing the mountain region, the huge cost of transporting iron ore over such a long distance to the coast, as well as dealing with Guineas volatile political regime, have made it particularly challenging. The project has been mired in legal wrangling, and rows over ownership and who pays for the infrastructure, as well as allegations of corruption, bribery and political interference. Baowu has also agreed to invest in Rio Tintos Western Range iron mine in the West Pilbara region of Western Australia, which is expected to be operational in 2025. But Beijings ambitions in Africa do highlight political tensions behind Rios relationship with China. China launched a trade war against Australia in 2020 after then prime minister Scott Morrison led calls for a United Nations investigation into the origins of Covid-19, and banned Chinese media giant Huawei. Despite imposing sanctions on some Australian goods, iron ore was left alone as Beijing could not afford to do without it. There have been signs of a rapprochement between Beijing and Canberra since the election of Labour prime minister Anthony Albanese in May. But ongoing tensions remain, particularly over Beijings military escalation in the South China Sea. For now, however, Rios shareholders have a lot to be thankful to Beijing for. Chinas decision to abandon its strict Covid-zero policy and open up has fuelled a 40 per cent jump in Rios share price in three months. After falling below $80 a tonne last October, iron ore prices have soared 60 per cent in anticipation of China reopening. But in a recent trading update, Rio warned that Chinas re-opening would also bring high volatility, as rising infections cause labour shortages across the country and more disruption in global supply chains. Steel demand recovery hinges on the countrys ability to control the Covid outbreak, it said. Hold the candles on the celebration cake when it comes to Buffalo Public Schools graduation rate. The numbers of students walking across the stage to pick up a diploma may have risen, but the jury is still out on whether those students received the high-quality education their parents, community and state expect. To be fair, the district has put into place programs that are aimed at appealing to students while offering them job-ready skill sets. This is in addition to other programs that are intended to sharpen their academic skills in preparation for college. Still, those doubting that these graduates truly met the standards of a Regents diplomas have a point. Some background: BPS graduated 79% of its four-year high school students last year, a slight increase from the 78.5% mark in 2021, according to a New York State Education Department report issued Thursday. Last years class became the second in a row with more than 2,000 Buffalo students meeting state requirements. Buffalos rate, calculated out of 2,547 enrolled students, again fell short of the statewide graduation rate of 87%. The New York figure rose modestly for the ninth straight year. The states graduation rate was 86.1% in 2021 and 77.8% in 2013. No year has seen an increase of more than 1.4%, but over the long term, the rate has risen considerably, as reported by The News Ben Tsujimoto. This, at least at first glance, is encouraging news. Even more heartening has been the increase in Buffalos graduation rates, which rose by 11 percentage points in just one year to 76% in 2020 from 65% in 2019. But some caveats: Regents exams were canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In those years, students who passed their Regents courses earned exemption from the exams. Education Trust NY, an education policy and advocacy organization, has contended that graduation rates are rising artificially due to standards that were relaxed during the pandemic. The organizations deputy director, Jeff Smink, added a note of caution: While the increase in graduation rates for the Class of 2022 appears to be good news, we remain concerned about whether it is an accurate reflection of how well students are prepared for the future, noting recent changes to state graduation requirements, including lowering the passing score on Regents exams to 50%, which make it difficult for parents and employers to know the true value of a New York diploma. Smink makes an important point about graduating from high school only to need non-credit bearing remedial coursework in college or, unable to pass required entry-level workforce exams. Erie Community College has been public about needing to bring recent Buffalo high school graduates up to snuff. New York State Education Department spokesperson Emily DeSantis, in remarking on New York States upward trend in graduation, acknowledged the work ahead. The state, she said, needs to improve outcomes for all students, especially our most vulnerable populations. True enough, but as the Education Trust observed, the goal must also be to ensure all of New Yorks students are prepared for post-secondary success. These young people represent the future, so it is imperative that they meet and exceed the challenges that lie ahead in a demanding global economy. 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. The raw numbers alone are cause for concern. Add to them the reported glee of a high-ranking city official and its easy to understand why critics are going to court. The numbers, which are thus far undisputed, appear to show a pattern by some Buffalo police officers of targeting minority drivers with traffic tickets and by astounding margins. By one measure, that may have been predictable and not even troublesome. The mission of the police departments since disbanded Strike Force unit was to patrol minority neighborhoods. Maybe its not a surprise then that some 72% of more than 31,000 tickets issued over eight years were given to Black and brown motorists. One officer issued 85% of his tickets to Black or Hispanic drivers. Overall, less than 7% of Strike Force tickets were given to drivers identified as white. But even if the ratio of minority-to-white drivers is in some way understandable, that doesnt answer why those neighborhoods were targeted in the first place. Was it, as the federal lawsuit claims, an effort of the Strike Force to siphon revenue out of minority areas? It would be odd, given that the Strike Force was created by Mayor Byron W. Brown, who is Black. Yet when the lawsuit was filed in 2018, the plaintiffs claimed that more than 85% of all city checkpoints were set up in neighborhoods that are predominantly Black or Latino. If so, the policy plainly had a disturbing racial bias one that didnt appear to bother then-Finance and Administration Commissioner Donna Estrich. Informed in February 2018 that ticket revenue would top $10,000 a day the following month, her response was I love it, according to an email cited in court papers. Retired police officers defended the Strike Forces work and Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia has said his officers dont target minorities. Yet, we know that racism exists within the Buffalo Police Department, just as it does in society as a whole. A retired lieutenant said in sworn testimony last fall that he and other officers regularly used racial slurs in dealing with citizens. And a Buffalo police captain who was accused in a federal lawsuit of making racist remarks in front of two Black police officers and a Black mental health clinician was suspended without pay in November. The allegations in the checkpoint lawsuit, filed by the group Black Love Resists in the Rust, appear to fit a pattern one that no one should tolerate. We hope it doesnt, but its essential to know. 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. Ukraine said on Tuesday the last 24 hours were the deadliest of the war so far for Russian troops as Moscow pressed on with an intensifying winter assault in the east, bringing tens of thousands of freshly mobilised troops to the battlefield. The Ukrainian claim could not be independently verified and Russia has also claimed to have killed large numbers of Ukrainian troops in recent weeks. Tallies of enemy casualties from either side have typically been seen as unreliable, and Kyiv offered few details of the latest battles. But the assertion that the fighting was the deadliest so far fits descriptions from both sides of an escalating campaign of close-contact trench warfare, which has left snow-covered battlefields of eastern Ukraine littered with corpses. Close to the town of Maryinka, some 30 km (18.6 miles) from the eastern city of Donetsk, a marine unit of Ukraines armed forces fired rockets on Russian positions from a Soviet-era launch system. They storm in small infantry groups, trying to creep in further and further. Even without previous artillery strikes (on Ukrainian positions), their infantry attempts to move in, said a soldier who gave his name only as Ievhen. The enemy adapted quite well, they learn as fast as we do. They adopted different kinds of tactics, he added. Kyiv and the West say Russia has been pouring troops and mercenaries into eastern Ukraine in recent weeks in hopes of being able to claim new gains around the time of the first anniversary of its full-scale invasion later this month. A lieutenant in the Ukrainian unit who gave his name as Volodymyr said: The targets are given to us either by drone operators or by our spotters they observe where our rockets explode. Then, we correct our fire direction and launch again. The Ukrainian military increased its running tally of Russian military dead by 1,030 overnight to 133,190, and described the increase as the highest of the war so far. For its part, Russia said it had inflicted 6,500 Ukrainian casualties in the month of January. The war is soon entering its second year at a pivotal juncture, with Moscow attempting to regain the initiative while Kyiv holds out for Western tanks to mount a counter-offensive later in 2023. After Russia failed to capture the Ukrainian capital Kyiv last year and lost ground in the second half of 2022, Moscow is now making full use of hundreds of thousands of troops it called up in its first mobilisation since World War Two. The last few weeks have seen Russia boast its first gains for half a year. But the progress has still been incremental, with Moscow yet to capture a single major population centre in its winter campaign despite thousands of dead. Fighting has focused for months around Ukrainian-held Bakhmut in eastern Donetsk province, a city with a pre-war population of around 75,000. Russia has made clear progress towards encircling it from both the north and south, but Kyiv says its garrison is holding fast. Moscow has also launched an assault further south against Vuhledar, a Ukrainian-controlled bastion also in Donetsk province on high ground at the strategic intersection between the eastern and southern front lines. NO WORD FROM ZELENSKIY ON DEFENCE MINISTER Since the New Year, Western countries have pledged hundreds of tanks and armoured vehicles to Ukraine to give it the firepower and mobility to push through Russian lines and recapture occupied territory later this year. A new U.S. package of weapons is expected to include longer-range rockets, which would give Ukraine the ability to hit Russian supply lines in all of the territory it occupies in Ukraines mainland and parts of the Crimea peninsula. But it will take months before they arrive, and meanwhile Ukraine faces a Russian force with its manpower replenished by Moscows call-up of reservists. The Kremlin says Western supplies of arms only widen and extend the conflict. The U.S. and its allies are trying to prolong the conflict as much as possible, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday in a conference call with military officials. To do this, they have started supplying heavy offensive weapons, openly urging Ukraine to seize our territories. In fact, such steps are dragging NATO countries into the conflict and could lead to an unpredictable level of escalation. His use of the phrase our territories appeared to refer to four Ukrainian provinces Russia claimed to have annexed last year, as well as Crimea, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014. In a daily intelligence update, Britains Defence Ministry said Russias military had been trying since early January to restart major offensive operations to capture Ukraine-held parts of Donetsk region, but had gained little ground so far. The Russians lack munitions and manoeuvre units required for a successful offensive, it said. Ukrainian officials say Moscow could be accumulating weapons and reserves for an even bigger push in coming weeks. The Ukrainian governor of Luhansk province predicted a big Russian offensive there that could begin around Feb. 15. The past few weeks meanwhile have seen a purge of Ukrainian officials in an anti-corruption campaign, the first big shake-up of Ukraines leadership since the war began. In his Monday evening address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said personnel changes on the border and front line would bolster Ukraines military efforts. But he gave no indication about the fate of his defence minister, Oleksii Reznikov. The head of a parliamentary faction of Zelenskiys party had said on Sunday that Reznikov would be replaced, but said on Monday no changes would be made this week. SOURCE: REUTERS TERRITORY OF THE ANISHINAABE ALGONQUIN PEOPLE, OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 7, 2023 /CNW/ - In a press conference held today, the National Urban Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Coalition, an organization representing Indigenous housing providers across the country, called on the federal government to commit $6 billion in the 2023 federal budget to meet its commitment to develop an Urban, Rural and Northern (URN) Indigenous Housing Strategy and create Canada's first-ever National Indigenous Housing Centre. NICHI Logo (CNW Group/National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated) The Coalition, formed in November 2022, is a response to the lack of specific and sufficient federal housing support for the 80+ per cent of Indigenous households living in urban, rural and northern areas without the support of their Nations or cultural community. It prioritizes housing as a human right and is unified by its goal to achieve a National URN Indigenous Housing Strategy that is fully Indigenous-led. The Coalition advocates for holistic, serviced-based community housing that empowers Indigenous communities. In January 2023, the Coalition successfully took formalized steps to create a national organizational structure, the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI), which solidifies the Coalition's commitment and determination for an Indigenous-led, Indigenous-designed and Indigenous-delivered organization to advocate for Indigenous housing solutions. "We are in a housing and homelessness crisis, which is the by-product of the failures of successive governments to make significant and sustainable investments in Indigenous housing for 773,000 Indigenous households in Canada," said Justin Marchand, CEO, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services and NICHI board member. "For many families, accessing safe, affordable and culturally supportive housing is a constant barrier to healing, recognition, self-determination and progress along the path to reconciliation. Only an Indigenous-led approach can adequately deliver holistic, empowering, serviced-based community housing." Story continues "Investments in affordable housing must include funding for culturally relevant community resources, health services, and education to break the systemic cycle of housing insecurity that has left so many Indigenous families behind," said Margaret Pfoh, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) and NICHI board member. "Housing was mentioned over 200 times in the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We know that stable, supportive housing is vital for the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and their children." NICHI is positioned to support the federal government's commitment to develop a National URN Indigenous Housing Strategy and create Canada's first-ever National Indigenous Housing Centre. The Coalition and NICHI will play a vital role in Canada's housing landscape through the development of this strategy and the administration of grants, loans and supports to Indigenous housing providers and service agencies. More information about NICHI and Indigenous housing is available here: Twitter: @NICHI_housing SOURCE National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2023/07/c1606.html FRS Farm Relief is hoping to secure an additional 30 farm workers in Tipperary this spring to join their workforce supporting the farming community throughout the county. They are offering interested workers a potential package of over 6,000 for those who provide farm support for the next three months. Workers will be provided with guaranteed pay based on hours worked with opportunities to earn extra. Other benefits include localised work built around their geographical location, a commitment to help team members progress their skills and career, an online app to easily manage their working schedule and pay, matching the work and farm to their skills and preferences, additional training and dedicated local point of contact. FRS Farm Relief are seeking this additional support to join their team of approximately 1,300 farm workers across the country. The ideal candidates will be enthusiastic and like working outdoors, interested in developing their skillsets and furthering their careers. Candidates should also enjoy hands on practical work and dealing with animals. FRS are particularly keen to hear from workers with previous farming experience, including milking. Among the type of tasks those who join the FRS Farm Relief team of farm workers can expect to undertake, depending on their skillsets and preferences, will include milking; operation of farming machinery such as tractors, loaders, quads and other machinery; calving duties including calf rearing as well as general farm work such as feeding, bedding and herding. This recruitment campaign comes as FRS Farm Relief notes there will be a strong demand for additional farm labour throughout the spring season. Recent research published by FRS showed that two out of three farmers found it difficult to source sufficient labour for their farms last year. This research also showed that 9 in 10 workers say they are proud to work in farming, with 7 in every 8 preferring outdoor work over office jobs. FRS is hoping this recruitment campaign will help attract more workers in Tipperary and provide greater flexibility in the delivery of support to farms across the county. We think there is a strong opportunity available this spring for anyone in Tipperary who would like to consider undertaking some farm work and earn an extra 6,000 over the next three months, said Colin Donnery, Group CEO of FRS Network. Farms across Tipperary and throughout the country are seeking additional support ahead of a busy spring season. To help address that need, FRS Farm Relief has organised this recruitment campaign to further boost our strong workforce of farm operators in the county and across the wider region, he said. Our aim through this recruitment drive is to connect local workers with farms in their area, helping them to develop their skills and experience, to secure extra income and also benefitting the local farming community, added Niall Dervan of FRS Farm Relief, Tipperary. It is a win win for all involved and we hope there will be strong interest from those in Tipperary who would like to pursue a career in farming. Anyone who has farming experience or would like to try out a career in farming is encouraged to contact our local team in Tipperary, he concluded. Any workers who would be interested in taking up these openings, or who would like any additional information are encouraged to contact Niall Dervan ndervan@frsnetwork.ie of the FRS Farm Relief team in Tipperary and visit www.frsfarmrelief.ie/careers [February 07, 2023] The Conference on Crimes Against Women Announces the State Department's Cindy Dyer as Keynote Speaker Cindy Dyer, Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons for the U.S. Department of State and Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP), will headline the 18th annual Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW) in Dallas, Texas from May 22-25, 2023. The TIP Office leads the U.S. State Department's global efforts to combat human trafficking through the prosecution of traffickers, the protection of victims, and the prevention of human trafficking. She will present during CCAW's Opening Plenary on Monday, May 22, at 8:00 a.m. CT. Close to 50 million people around the globe are trafficked and trapped in modern-day slavery.1 In the United States, it is estimated there are anywhere from 10,000 to 150,000 people trafficked each year.2 To spotlight this global problem, CCAW recognized the need to expand its human trafficking courses with a specific track and deepen the partnership with New Friends New Life, a Dallas-based nonprofit that has been in the fight against human trafficking for the last 25 years. The sessions will be conducted by nationally-recognized leaders from across the country in the anti-trafficking field to address ways that attendees can support survivors through trauma-informed care, educate their communities, and work with law enforcement and legislature to disrupt the industry and also ensure perpetrators are brought to justice with effective investigation and prosecution tools and strategies. "We will never succeed in our fight to end violence against women and children if we do not address the societal devastation of human trafficking. The increase in human trafficking around the globe compels us to spotlight these crimes at our 18th annual Conference on Crimes Against Women," said Jan Langbein, Chief Executive Officer of CCAW and Genesis Women's Shelter & Support. "We are extremely fortunate to have as, our keynote speaker, United States TIP Ambassador Cindy Dyer to share with us her expertise in fighting gender-based violence. A gifted speaker, Ambassador Dyer began her career as a domestic violence prosecutor with the Dallas County District Attorney's office. She will also be helping us launch our program-specific subject track with our partners New Friends New Life focusing on identifying and protecting victims of human trafficking and holding accountable perpetrators." Ambassador Dyer is a human rights advocate and lawyer with three decades of experience working at the local, national, and international levels to prevent and respond to human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence. In December 2022, the Senate unanimously confirmed her, and President Biden appointed her, to lead the United States' global engagement to combat human trafficking and support the coordination of anti-trafficking efforts across the U.S. government. She previously served on the Independent Reviw Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military. For 12 years, she was the Vice President for Human Rights at Vital Voices Global Partnership, an international organization advancing women's leadership. Prior to joining Vital Voices, she served in a presidential appointment as the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women within the U.S. Department of Justice, where she served as the liaison between the Department of Justice and federal, state, tribal, and international governments on matters involving violence against women. Ambassador Dyer began her career at the local level serving as a specialized domestic and sexual violence prosecutor in Dallas, Texas for more than 13 years, where she prosecuted high-profile, complex cases including capital murder, murder, aggravated assault, sexual assault, retaliation, and stalking. She assisted in creating Dallas County's specialized Family Violence Courts in 1995 and the county's specialized Protective Order Court in 1999, which were the first of their kind in the state of Texas. Presented by Genesis Women's Shelter & Support and the Dallas Police Department, the Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW) is a national clearinghouse for training on the identification, investigation and prosecution of all types of violent crimes against women, including domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking. The Conference is the largest of its kind with more than 25,000 attendees over the last 17 years from all 50 states and multiple countries. This year, attendees will have the opportunity to choose from more than 200 engaging and timely workshops, including those in the human trafficking track, to gain tools that they can take with them and implement in their own communities. Classes are taught at CCAW with the intention of not only educating attendees but also equipping them with the necessary tools to convey information to their departments and colleagues, thereby systematically improving agencies and increasing collective skill and competency levels. Ultimately, this training facilitates improvement of policies, practices, strategies, and collaborative responses to all crimes against women. The 2023 Conference will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Dallas, Texas May 22 to 25. For additional information about the Conference or to register, please visit www.conferencecaw.org. About the Conference on Crimes Against Women: The goal of the Conference on Crimes Against Women is to create an overall reduction in the rate of crimes against women and, ultimately, eliminate violence against women. It is also, however, a primary part of our mission to improve the way crimes against women are investigated and prosecuted, as well as to improve the way victims are treated throughout the criminal justice system. The problem of domestic violence is so pervasive and at such epidemic proportions, that tangible decreases in the rate of violence against women will not be seen until huge volumes of women are safer in their homes. This volume happens through culture shifts, and conferences like CCAW create the momentum and the network for that very culture shift. For additional information about the Conference, please visit www.conferencecaw.org. About Genesis Women's Shelter & Support: Since opening its doors in 1985, Genesis Women's Shelter & Support has provided safety, shelter and expert counseling services to women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Genesis is committed to removing every roadblock a woman might face on her journey to the abuse-free life she deserves. These life-changing services include an emergency shelter, long-term housing, an award-winning onsite K-12 school, daycare, access to legal representation and cutting-edge therapeutics. Genesis serves more than 3,700 women and children each year, and relies on the generous support of the Dallas community to continue providing these services at no cost to clients. For more information, visit www.genesisshelter.org. 1 https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/forced-labour/lang--en/index.htm 2 https://www.aclu.org/other/human-trafficking-modern-enslavement-immigrant-women-united-states View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230201005397/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 06, 2023] CloudMile Malaysia has achieved Google Cloud managed service provider partner status and named 2022 Google Cloud Partner All-star in Sales The company aims to double its investments in the Malaysia market including the launch of a Centre of Excellence, to showcase CloudMile and Google Cloud's most up to date and innovative solutions. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CloudMile, a leading cloud, data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) company in Asia, has been recognized as a 2022 Google Cloud Partner All-star in Sales in Malaysia, meeting all of the criteria for managed service provider partners in the areas of sales goals and targets, alignment on shared goals, and management of the customer relationship. The company also plans to double its investments in Malaysia amid its consistently expanding success in the market. Google Cloud Partnr All-stars is an annual program that recognizes and celebrates performance on an All-star level in the areas of solutions engineering and delivery, sales, and marketing. Factors in the CloudMile Malaysia team receiving the award included strategic planning, effort spent on customer success from pre-sales to post-sales, and perseverance in solving challenges. Being a Google Cloud Premier Partner for the APAC region and the recent elevation to managed service provider (MSP) status for Malaysia is not only an honorable distinction, it also allows CloudMile to have in-depth access to modernized tools, know-how, services and support from Google Cloud to inspire customers in the future of IT. CloudMile has become one of the biggest Google Cloud resource partners in Malaysia, growing from a team of three into 30 in the short 18 months since the former's Kuala Lumpur office began operations. Lester Leong, CloudMile's Malaysia country manager, said: "It is deeply validating to see our efforts of the past one and a half years acknowledged in Google Cloud naming us a 2022 Google Cloud Partner All-star. We are truly excited to see what we can accomplish together in 2023 in helping Malaysia accelerate digital transformation and thrive in a cloud-first world." Leong added that CloudMile is preparing to launch a Centre of Excellence with a new office in Kuala Lumpur to showcase CloudMile and Google Cloud's latest cloud solutions and aims to accelerate digital transformation for enterprises on the cloud. Spencer Liu, Founder & CEO of CloudMile, said: "This is a great and rewarding moment for us. Our Malaysia team has continued to stand as a beacon for what can be achieved in the market in terms of enhancing cloud infrastructure and services across industries. That's why we plan to double our investments and resources in Malaysia, particularly with regard to recruiting local talent, to help local organizations realize all of the possibilities offered by the cloud and AI." About CloudMile CloudMile is a leading data analytics and artificial intelligence company empowering businesses to accelerate digital transformation through cloud technology and machine learning. Our mission is to make digital changes possible for every enterprise by modernizing and integrating mainstream IT and deploying digital solutions at scale for a successful digital future. SOURCE Cloud Mile [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 06, 2023] Realtime-Dungeon-Generating Action Rogue-like game 'MISTROGUE: Mist and the Living Dungeons' is Coming to Steam Next Fest The Maze has come to life... Action rogue-like in the living dungeons - its shape modifies in front of players TOKYO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 'MISTROGUE: Mist and the Living Dungeons' is a Realtime-Dungeon-Generating Action Rogue-like game, currently under development by Polyscape Inc., a Japanese company with 6 people. It is scheduled for early access on Steam in Spring 2023. Trial version at 'Steam Next Fest' on February 2023. A trial version of 'MISTROGUE: Mist and the Living Dungeons' will be distributed at the Steam Next Festival. The event will be held from February 6th 10:00 am to February 13th 10:00 am (PT). Play the trial version and write the impressions and opinions on the Discord server. Live streaming by the development team is also being planned. Steam Store Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2102320/MISTROGUE/ Live streaming schedule at steam next fest: Thursday, February 9 th 22:00~ (PT) th 22:00~ (PT) Sunday, February 12th 22:00~ (PT) * Players can watch them from the Steam Store Page. What is 'MISTROGUE: Mist and the Living Dungeons'? 'MISTROGUE: Mist and the Living Dungeons' is an action roguelike game characterized by the 'Living Dungeons' - where the structure dynamically changes in front of players' eyes. Players fight through the dungeons using vital equipment and skills, and the 'Maze Stone', which enables them to modify the structure to their advantage. Official Twitter: EN https://twitter.com/PolyscapeInc JP https://twitter.com/PolyscapeJapan Discord: *EN, JP https://discord.gg/5nXmP2Q3GF Official Teaser Trailer (English) https://youtu.be/cmn3akFd-GM Synopsis: The Maze has come to life The stage of this game is a labyrinth left behind by a kingdom that is said to have reached its peak of prosperity a long time ago. When this kingdom was on the brink of extinction, they narrowly succeeded in confining the disaster in the labyrinth. However, due to the 'sealing magic' placed on it - a forbidden magic that constantly changes its shape, it is filled with life and has its own will. Eventually, the entire country was swallowed up by the dungeon, and the kingdom disappeared overnight. A long time has passed since then. Mist, who lives in Lootgar, a town where treasure hunters gather, sets out to explore 'Living Dungeons' in search of the whereabouts of his missing father. Characters: Mist (main character) One of the treasure hunters living in Lootgar; the town where adventurers and treasure hunters gather. He might look cool, but he has a strong will to find his father who disappeared when he was a child. He lives in Lootgar; He spends his days selling the loot he obtained from treasure hunts to his friend; a wandering trader named Lupo. Through his adventure, he found a ruined kingdom turned into a living dungeon. He is now determined to uncover the mystery of the kingdom. Lupo (sub-character) A wandering trader who lives in Lootgar. She comes from a merchant family and has traded items found in dungeons since childhood. Since she is not good at combat, she makes contracts with adventurers and treasure hunters including Mist to stock items for trading. She is usually a quiet person but becomes canny and greedy when it comes to a business her lifelong profession. The recommended points of 'MISTROGUE: Mist and Living Dungeons' 1. Ever-changing Living Dungeons; the thrill that everything changes in real time. The 'Living Dungeons' is amorphous and reacts to the movement of the mist, creating or dropping passages one after another in front of the player's eyes. Terrain, scaffolding, monsters, traps, everything in the dungeon suddenly changes in real time. Players confront the 'Living Dungeons' by making full use of their own strongest skill build. Also, due to the strange power of the 'Living Dungeons', Player's level resets every time they enter it. For example, passages and rooms are dynamically generated when approached, bridges that fall once crossed, moving floors, scaffolding suddenly rise (or disappear), etc. The familiar 'Monster House' in many roguelikes will also appear. However, this game's monster house approaches the player; the empty floor suddenly becomes a 'Monster House', and attacks the player in combination with the gimmick of 'Living Dungeons'. 2. A battle where strategy and action coexist. In this game, players can use items and change equipment even during battle. They can carefully choose items such as equipment and spell books that match the situation. They can also use spell books to wipe out enemies, knock back enemies, and use special skills and labyrinth stones to create and erase scaffolding blocks. 3. Find the own strongest build. There are four types of Mist equipment: Weapons, Shields, Bracelets, and Rings. Of these, Weapons, Shields, and Bracelets have unique skills attached to it. When players combine them effectively, the skill synergy will jump several times. Skill synergy allows them to seek for their strongest build according to the situation, such as specializing in attack, defense, or recovery. Rings do not come with any skills, but it increases certain stats. The effect of the ring is random, so searching for the best rings will further strengthen the build. About Polyscape Inc. Polyscape Inc. is a start-up company founded by Hiroki Shimada in February 2022 with the mission of "creating a virtual world where people can live more freely." He was the former CEO of LAPRAS Inc., which develops the career matching platform "LAPRAS" for engineers and the AI headhunting service "LAPRAS SCOUT" for companies. About Hiroki Shimada (CEO) In 2015, he received a bachelor's degree in computer science from Kyoto University. He majored in artificial intelligence. During his college days, he had an internship at Google and also supported various startups at the Incubate Fund. In 2016, he received his master's degree from the University of Edinburgh, UK. In 2016, he founded LAPRAS Inc., which operates Japan's first AI headhunting service. He was elected as Forbes Under 30 Asia in 2021. After that, he resigned as the CEO of LAPRAS Inc. and established Polyscape Inc. in February 2022. SOURCE Polyscape Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] JustLogin and MyCLNQ Health collaborate to bring access to a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem to SMEs and their employees JustLogin's latest integration with MyCLNQ Health empowers employees to manage healthcare needs with a host of digital choices at their fingertips. SINGAPORE, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- JustLogin, the pioneer of cloud-based HR solutions in Southeast Asia, announced today the integration of JustLogin with MyCLNQ Health, a leading healthtech app based in Singapore. With the touch of a button on the JustLogin mobile app, JustLogin users can access a wide range of digital healthcare services from telemedicine, medical transport booking, to digital health screening via Single Sign-On (SSO). The collaboration makes JustLogin the first HR tech company in Singapore to integrate digital healthcare services into its platform, enabling Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and their employees to benefit from MyCLNQ Health's comprehensive, yet affordable ecosystem. Employees can take care of their healthcare needs with a convenient, one-stop solution fully integrated with their HR system, while SMEs can easily manage their health and wellness programmes to improve employee satisfaction. "Employee wellbeing is increasingly critical for SMEs, not only to ensure productivity among your talent but also to retain them over time. Throgh our collaboration with MyCLNQ Health, JustLogin is leading the industry and enabling the convergence of HR tech and healthtech for the benefit of our customers," said Kwa Kim Chiong, Chief Executive Officer at JustLogin. "This integration will progressively extend across JustLogin's entire suite of features, including Benefit, Leave and Payroll, to seamlessly address the administration of healthcare for employers and employees alike," he added. "MyCLNQ Health is excited to partner with JustLogin to make healthcare more affordable and accessible. With a comprehensive family healthcare ecosystem readily available via JustLogin, employees are empowered to take care of themselves and be more engaged in getting personalised care and self-care decisions, while employers benefit from a happy, healthy workforce minus the hassle of sourcing and implementing complex programmes," said Anwar Rafique, Chief Executive Officer at MyCLNQ Health. JustLogin customers are now able to use MyCLNQ Health as part of their subscription, chargeable on a per consultation basis. To support SMEs in their adoption of an integrated healthcare programme, JustLogin and MyCLNQ Health are extending an exclusive waiver of consultation fees for the first five consultations per company and 20% off any subsequent consultations in the first three months of MyCLNQ usage. To learn more, visit http://justlogin.com/myclnq. About JustLogin A leading cloud-based HR software for People, Payroll, Leave, Attendance, Expense, Mobile App and SafeClock, JustLogin aims to provide the best employee experience for small to mid-sized businesses. Founded and headquartered in Singapore in 2000 as the pioneer of cloud-based applications, JustLogin is used by over 2500 customers in over 25 countries today. For more information, visit www.justlogin.com About MyCLNQ Health MyCLNQ Health Pte Ltd is a Singapore based healthtech company, focused on connected health also known as technology-enabled care (TEC) which involves the convergence of health technology, digital media, and mobile devices. For more information, visit www.ssivixlab.com/myclnq/ SOURCE JustLogin [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Continued strong Cresemba (isavuconazole) sales performance in Asia Pacific and China triggers second sales milestone payment to Basilea from Pfizer Basel/Allschwil, Switzerland, February 07, 2023 Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to meeting the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections, announced today that the continued strong sales performance of the antifungal Cresemba (isavuconazole) by its license partner Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE, Pfizer) in the Asia Pacific region and China exceeded the threshold triggering a sales milestone payment of USD 1.25 million. David Veitch, Basileas Chief Executive Officer, stated: We are very pleased that Cresemba sales in Asia Pacific and China are growing fast, resulting in the achievement of the second sales milestone payment within eight months and underscoring the significant commercial potential of the brand in this region. Cresemba is well on track to become a leading global brand for the treatment of patients with invasive mold infections. The license agreement between Basilea and Pfizer for Cresemba covers Europe (excluding the Nordic countries) as well as countries in the Asia Pacific region and China. Under the agreement, Basilea is eligible for additional regulatory and sales milestone payments of up to around CHF 580 million, in addition to receiving mid-teen royalties on sales. Cresemba is approved in 73 countries to date and is currently marketed in 63 countries, including the United States, most EU member states and additional countries inside and outside of Europe. According to the latest available market data, total global in-market sales of Cresemba in the twelve months between October 2021 and September 2022 amounted to USD 363 million, a 19 percent growth year-on-year.1 About isavuconazole (Cresemba) Isavuconazole is an intravenous (i.v.) and oral azole antifungal, commercialized under the trade name Cresemba. Basilea has entered into several license and distribution agreements for isavuconazole, covering the United States, Europe, China, Japan, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and North Africa region, Canada, Russia, Turkey and Israel. In the 27 European Union member states, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the U.K., isavuconazole is approved for the treatment of adult patients with invasive aspergillosis and for the treatment of adult patients with mucormycosis for whom amphotericin B is inappropriate.2 In China, the oral and intravenous formulations are approved for the treatment of adult patients with invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis. It is also approved in the United States and several additional countries in Europe and beyond, including Japan.3 Cresemba has orphan drug designation in the US, Europe and Australia for its approved indications. About invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis Invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis are life-threatening mold infections that predominantly affect immunocomromised patients, such as patients with hematologic malignancies (blood cancer). Both infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality. About Basilea Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of bacterial infections. In addition, we have preclinical anti-infective assets in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com. Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd, Allschwil Hegenheimermattweg 167b 4123 Allschwil Switzerland Phone +41 61 606 1102 E-mail [email protected] [email protected] This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com. References IQVIA Analytics Link, September 2022. In-market sales reported as moving annual total (MAT) in US dollar. European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) Cresemba: http://www.ema.europa.eu [Accessed: February 06, 2023] The registration status and approved indications may vary from country to country. Attachment Press release (PDF) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Pantai Berawa beach in Canggu, North Kuta in Bali, Indonesia Didier Marti/Getty Images Community site Digital Nomads rounded up the world's top destinations for people looking to work remotely. Canggu and Ubud were named among the best places for digital nomads to live in this year. Living in Bali can cost as little as $520 a month. Bali, a province in Indonesia, is one of the world's top travel destinations. In recent years, the island has become especially popular with digital nomads, especially as Indonesia launched its remote work visa in October last year. Despite only being around the size of Delaware, two towns in Bali Canggu and Ubud were named among the top five destinations for remote workers in a ranking published by community website Digital Nomads. The ranking compiled the best places for digital nomads to live, based on factors like the monthly cost of living and Wi-Fi speed. Canggu, a town renowned for its world-class surfing, ranked third on the list. According to Digital Nomads, the town is great for remote workers who want to live by the sea. The website noted that it has "plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, events, and workshops." Digital nomads can expect to spend around $1,350 a month in Canggu, and enjoy a decent Wi-Fi speed of 25 Mbps. "Canggu has so much energy and excitement," one digital nomad wrote on Nomad List in January, a website dedicated to the ins and outs of working remotely. Nomad List collects reviews about destinations anonymously. Digital Nomads praised Ubud, which ranked fourth in its list, for its natural beauty and wildlife. The website described the town as a "hotspot for yogis," adding that it's perfect for those looking for a relaxed lifestyle. While Wi-Fi connection can be unstable outside of coworking spaces, it usually numbers at 20 Mbps, according to the Digital Nomad. Remote workers can expect to spend $1,200 a month in Ubud. One digital nomad wrote on Nomad List that Ubud is "pretty damn good," with an abudance of waterfalls, jungles, and a stunning beach. While it costs over $1,000 to live in either of these popular digital nomad destinations, it can cost much less to live in other parts of Bali. For example, remote workers can expect to spend only $520 a month in Seseh, a seaside neighborhood in Bali, according to Nomad List. Story continues Three out of the top five remote work destinations in the Digital Nomads' ranking were in Southeast Asia. Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, took top spot. Melbourne, Australia, and Chiang Mai, Thailand, both finished second and third respectively. Read the original article on Insider [February 07, 2023] Algorand Foundation Announces Broad-Reaching Partnerships in India to Grow Web3 T-Hub and Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) partnerships are part of Algorand Foundation's significant investment in India's blockchain ecosystem SINGAPORE, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Algorand Foundation, the organization focused on growing the ecosystem for the world's most advanced, secure and reliable layer-1 blockchain, announced broad-reaching partnerships in India. With India set to surpass China as the world's most populous country this year, the Foundation is committed to supporting the creation of employment opportunities and solutions that serve India's vibrant population. Algorand is the first layer-1 blockchain protocol to partner with T-Hub, India's premier innovation hub with 600+ corporate partners, including Intel, AWS, Boeing, Meta, Microsoft, Cisco, among others. This partnership will support startups and established companies building high-impact, scalable blockchain-based solutions. "T-Hub and Telangana state are committed to supporting a Web3 ecosystem of entrepreneurs, developers and creators. Our new partnership with Algorand, especially given the sustainability and real world utility of its blockchain in a market like India, is strong evidence of that," said M. S. Rao, T-Hub CEO. "This partnership will help our ecosystem scale globally and access capital from around the world." Through partnerships with Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderaad and the Indian School of Business, the Algorand Foundation will soon launch faculty development programs, student developer training, and a master class series for companies looking to transition critical business processes to Web3. In addition, Algorand will act as a technology partner for the new $50 million Global Climate Resilience Fund launched by the Clinton Foundation and its Clinton Global Initiative, with SEWA as a founding partner geared towards helping women micro-entrepreneurs address climate change. SEWA is the largest trade union in India with more than 2.1 million female workers. For 50 years, SEWA has improved the livelihoods of self-employed women workers from the informal economy through initiatives including technical training. In celebrating the new fund, the Algorand Foundation and its CEO Staci Warden have joined Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and The Clinton Foundation in Ahmedabad. The fund, in part, will help local entrepreneurs connect with the carbon markets and monetize carbon credits that their activities generate. Through business accelerator programs and seed investments, Algorand will support women-led enterprises building solutions to increase financial inclusion and empowerment of SEWA members and low-income working women across India. "At the Algorand Foundation, we are deeply committed to ensuring blockchain lives up to its potential in creating a more inclusive economy in India and across the globe," said Warden. "I am thrilled to be back in India, and especially to see the embrace and enthusiasm by people across the country for technology that can so significantly and positively impact their quality of life." Algorand's focus on India follows the Foundation's recent appointment of Anil Kakani as India Country Head. "The partnerships we are formalizing this week with India's most respected institutions and organizations are reflective of the reliability, scalability and real world utility of Algorand's blockchain technology," said Kakani. "Our mission is built around sustainable impact. We are ready to take center stage in India and across the globe to fuel world-changing solutions to improve access to financial services, health care, education and so many other critical applications." Startups and developers interested in learning more about Algorand and opportunities to take part in this initiative can apply to join a 3-day mini accelerator experience in Hyderabad taking place March 24-26, 2023. For more information, click here. About Algorand Foundation The Algorand Foundation is dedicated to helping fulfill the global promise of the Algorand blockchain by taking responsibility for its sound monetary supply economics, decentralized governance, and healthy and prosperous open-source ecosystem. Designed by MIT professor and Turing Award winning cryptographer Silvio Micali, Algorand is uniquely capable of delivering on the promise of a borderless global economy. It achieves transaction throughputs at the speed of traditional finance, but with immediate finality, near zero transaction costs, and on a 24/7 basis. Its carbon-neutral platform and unique pure proof-of-stake consensus mechanism solves for the "blockchain trilemma" by achieving both security and scalability on a decentralized protocol, and without a second of downtime since it went live in 2019. For more information, please visit https://algorand.foundation Media Contact Ditto PR, [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1743761/Algorand_Foundation_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/algorand-foundation-announces-broad-reaching-partnerships-in-india-to-grow-web3-301740349.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Nokia helps Telia Denmark achieve superior network performance Press Release Nokia helps Telia Denmark achieve superior network performance Recent independent network testing verified the highest-scoring performance across four cities Superior service performance for Telias customers was achieved by an advanced end-to-end optimization program delivered by Nokias Managed Operations organization 7 February 2023 Espoo, Finland Nokia today announced that its network technology and services have helped Telia Denmark achieve the number one position for network performance placing it ahead of the competition - in recent independent drive testing in the countrys four largest cities. The tests assessed the quality of the country's mobile radio network coverage and were performed by umlaut, part of Accenture, an industrial and organizational advisory research and benchmarking firm. Nokia provides Telia Denmark with equipment from its latest energy-efficient 5G AirScale portfolio as well as core network and managed operations support, which has strengthened Telia's network performance and enabled the company to drive better service delivery outcomes for its customers. Nokia is the exclusive supplier of 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) to TTN, the joint network of Telenor and Telia in Denmark, covering more than 4,300 sites and serving over three million subscribers nationwide. Nokia is also providing its Cloud Packet Core and Registers in order to deliver advanced 5G services, as well as the network flexibility, scale, and performance to allow Telia Denmark to meet its customer demands. Daniel Askeroth, CTO at Telia Denmark said: The Telia Denmark and Nokia teams have done a superb job optimizing the performance of Telia Denmarks network in order to provide our customers with important service delivery improvements. These very positive outcomes are also reflected in Telia Denmarks No. 1 network position in umlauts recent survey and that is a testament to a lot of hard work and cooperation. Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia said: High-performance radio networks are the key to delivering an outstanding mobile user experience. We take great pride in helping Telia acieve this success with our market-leading AirScale portfolio and efficiencies enabled by Managed Operations. The combined strength of the RAN and Core products and Managed Operations we provide to Telia have really helped them to get the best out of their network. We look forward to continuing this important partnership and strengthening Telias position as Denmarks best network. Nokia provided TTN with a full network deployment including strategic design, planning, RAN optimization, and implementation. This included products from its latest energy-efficient AirScale product portfolio including 5G Massive MIMO antennas to deliver enhanced ultra-fast, low-latency, and high-capacity mobile broadband services to Denmarks four largest cities. Nokias support for Telias core network includes providing its high-performance Cloud Packet Core, robust Subscriber Data Management, and data consolidation in the Shared Data Layer. Nokia also provided end-to-end optimization services to maintain premium network performance. Nokia Managed Operations support for Telia Denmark included performing network analysis and then mapping improvement areas, particularly in the areas of voice and data. Nokia and Telia Denmark tested and implemented changes, driving efficiencies through AI and quality methodologies that led to across-the-board network quality enhancements. With customers in 55 countries, Nokia Managed Operations supports more than 1 billion subscribers globally in multi-vendor network environments. Resources Nokia Managed Operations Nokia AirScale Nokia Cloud Packet Core Nokia Subscriber Data Management Nokia Shared Data Layer Nokia accelerates Telenor and Telia joint 5G network rollout in Denmark About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Adhering to high standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world. Media Inquiries: Nokia Communications Email: [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] TILT Biotherapeutics Announces Final Close of 22 Million Financing Round to Advance to Phase II Oncology Immunotherapy Trials TILT Biotherapeutics (TILT), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing cancer immunotherapies, announces the final close of its EUR 22 million (approximately USD 23.8 million) round. This follows on from the first close of EUR 10 million in June 2022. The financing was led by Finland's Lifeline Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm founded by serial entrepreneurs. The funding will be used to advance to Phase II the company's combination trials which use oncolytic immunotherapies synergistically with checkpoint inhibitors. This final close of 12 million includes 5.9 million equity from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund as well as a 2.1 million grant from EIC's Accelerator programme, as well as investments from Stephen Industries Inc Oy and ACME Investments SPF Sarl. The EIC Fund is TILT's first significant international investor. The EIC investment decision followed a due diligence process by the European Investment Bank, which supports the EIC Fund as Investment Advisor. TILT Biotherapeutics' founder and CEO, Akseli Hemminki, a cancer clinician who has personally treated hundreds of cancer patients with oncolytic viruses, said, "We're pleased to have achieved this round of 22 million to advance our promising pipeline of armed oncolytic viruses. Our trials are progressing well through Phase I, and this new funding will support us in progressing them into Phase II, another key step for these new therapies to reach patients in a range of cancers". Timo Ahopelto, Founding Partner of Lifeline Ventures, said, "We invest in future category-leading companies with strong founders, and support them through their growth. We saw the potential in TILT's cancer immunotherapies early on and continue to build on that potential in Europe as well as the U.S market with this funding round." Hermann Hauser, member of the EIC Fund Board said, "Combining grants and equity is unique to the Europea Innovation Council. It bridges the funding gap for highly innovative companies, unlocks additional private investments and enables them to scale up in Europe." The heart of TILT's innovative approach revolves around the use of armed oncolytic adenoviruses, using cytokines and other molecules to boost the patient's immune response to better enable it to find and destroy cancer cells. The company is advancing its pipeline of programs including its lead asset TILT-123, in further clinical trials, including in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. -Ends- Notes to Editors About TILT Biotherapeutics TILT Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing cancer therapeutics based on its proprietary oncolytic adenoviruses armed with molecules including cytokines that can stimulate, or suppress, T cells. The company's patented TILT technology, which can be delivered locally and systemically, modifies the tumor microenvironment, and eliminates its ability to suppress immune responses to cancer, thereby enhancing T-cell therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, and CAR T therapies. TILT's lead asset, TILT-123, is a 5/3 chimeric serotype adenovirus armed with two human cytokines: TNF alpha and IL-2. TILT-123 has demonstrated a 100% response rate in pre-clinical cancer models in vivo, and it is currently in Phase I clinical trials. The company's pioneering approach has been recognized by industry leaders including with the Merck KGaA and Pfizer Alliance, who are collaborating to investigate TILT-123's therapeutic effect in combination with the PD-L1 inhibitor, avelumab (Bavencio), in head and neck cancer (NCT05222932). The company has two collaborations with MSD, a tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, investigating TILT-123 in combination with pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA) in ovarian cancer (NCT05271318) and in refractory non-small cell lung cancer. In 2019, TILT established an additional partnership with Biotheus, a privately held Chinese company based in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China, for the development and commercialization of TILT's proprietary oncolytic virus TILT-123 in Greater China. Based in Helsinki, Finland, and with an office in Boston, the company was established in 2013 as a spin-out from the University of Helsinki. It has funding from Lifeline Ventures, Finnish Industry Investment (TESI), angel investors, Business Finland, and the European Innovation Council. About the EIC Fund The European Innovation Council Fund from the European Commission is an agnostic Fund: it invests across all technologies and verticals, and all EU countries and countries associated to Horizon Europe. It provides the investment component of the EIC Accelerator blended finance. The EIC Fund aims to fill a critical financing gap and its main purpose is to support companies in the development and commercialisation of disruptive technologies, bridging with and crowding in market players, and further sharing risk by building a large network of capital providers and strategic partners suitable for co-investments and follow-on funding. The Fund pays particular attention to the empowerment and support of female founders as well as the ambition to reduce the innovation divide among EU countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005020/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] MSCI ESG Research Launches Tool for Companies to Analyze Their Sustainability Strategy Against Peers MSCI Inc. (NYSE: MSCI), a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community, today announced the launch of MSCI Corporate Sustainability Insights - a solution designed to increase corporate sustainability executives' understanding of the ESG and climate challenges and opportunities facing their companies. MSCI Corporate Sustainability Insights gives executives at companies tracked by MSCI ESG Research the ability to measure and compare their ESG and climate data versus peers, while also identifying potential disclosure gaps through intuitive charts, graphs, and maps. Features of MSCI Corporate Sustainability Insights, managed by MSCI ESG Research LLC, are designed to give companies: Streamlined insights to support strategic planning and drive investor engagement through new visualizations of MSCI ESG Research risk and performance data, including a company's ESG Ratings, ESG Controversies, and Sustainable Development Goals Net Alignment profiles; Views into their risk exposure and alignment with global temperature goals through MSCI ESG Research's Climate Value-at-Risk and Implied Temperature Rise solutions; Help in identifying their potential disclosure gaps in carbon-related commitments through the MSCI Target Explorer tool; and Views into climate-related risks and opportunities compared with industry peers, based on the recommendations from the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). MSCI ESG Research has measured and modeled the ESG performance of companies for over 40 years via extensive collection of publicly reported data and direct engagement with companies. The rising importance of ESG for investors and companies in recent years, as well as the higher level of regulatory reporting requirements, has led to greater data disclosure and dissemination from companies themselves to MSCI ESG Research. In 2022, 3,989 companies (43%) in the MSCI ACWI Investible Market Index interacted directly with MSCI ESG Researchi. As regulators have begun mandating TCFD-aligned rules, more companies are also making net-zero pledges. As of March 2022, 1,330 of the more than 2,900 constituents of the MSCI ACWI Index had set emission-reduction targetsii. Companies are also increasing their climate-related data disclosures in lock step with institutional investors that are moving towards net-zero and other ESG and climate investing goals. The number of data points related to climate change that companies submitted to MSCI ESG Research rose from 9,914 to 14,648 between 2021and 2022iii. Beth Byington, Global Head of Corporate ESG and Climate Solutions at MSCI, said: "The ESG and climate needs of companies have evolved dramatically as new reporting requirements from regulators and institutional investors have emerged in recent years. It is now more important than ever for listed companies to speak a common language with these audiences about financial opportunities and risks associated with subjects like climate change. MSCI Corporate Sustainability Insights was created to help corporate leaders, such as chief sustainability officers, gain further transparency into their ESG and climate profile. We hope these deeper insights will allow them to take quick, decisive action to meet their unique sustainability goals." About MSCI Inc. MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 50 years of expertise in research, data, and technology, we power better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. We create industry-leading research-enhanced solutions that clients use to gain insight into and improve transparency across the investment process. About MSCI ESG Research Products and Services MSCI ESG Research products and services are provided by MSCI ESG Research LLC, and are designed to provide in-depth research, ratings and analysis of environmental, social and governance-related business practices to companies worldwide. ESG ratings, data and analysis from MSCI ESG Research LLC. are also used in the construction of the MSCI ESG Indexes. MSCI ESG Research LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and a subsidiary of MSCI Inc. To learn more, please visit msci.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or performance and involve risks that may cause actual results or performance differ materially and you should not place undue reliance on them. Risks that could affect results or performance are in MSCI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year ended on December 31 that is filed with the SEC. MSCI does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements. No information herein constitutes investment advice or should be relied on as such. MSCI grants no right or license to use its products or services without an appropriate license. 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MIFID2/MIFIR notice: MSCI ESG Research LLC does not distribute or act as an intermediary for financial instruments or structured deposits, nor does it deal on its own account, provide execution services for others or manage client accounts. No MSCI ESG Research product or service supports, promotes or is intended to support or promote any such activity. MSCI ESG Research is an independent provider of ESG data, reports and ratings based on published methodologies and available to clients on a subscription basis. Privacy notice: For information about how MSCI collects and uses personal data, please refer to our Privacy Notice at https://www.msci.com/privacy-pledge. i Source: MSCI ESG Research LLC, as of December 31, 2022. Interaction rate is the % of companies in the relevant MSCI Index that have reached out in a given year. MSCI does not issue surveys or questionnaires. ii Data on companies in the MSCI ACWI Index, as of March 2022. When target announcement dates were not disclosed, we assumed the targets were set in 2021. Source: MSCI ESG Research LLC, published in "As TCFD Comes of Age, Regulators Take a Varied Approach," MSCI.com, April 21, 2022. iii Source: MSCI ESG Research LLC, as of December 31, 2022. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005375/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Bigo live's Host Wins Miss Planet International and Spreads Message of Change MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Standing tall amongst a group of beautiful women, Miss Maria Luisa Varela of the Philippines beamed with pride as she graciously accepted the crown and title of "Miss Planet International" in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in January this year. The newly crowned Miss Planet International has been a Bigo Live host since 2020 and goes by the ID: EmpressPH. An avid livestreamer, Miss Varela regularly streams on the social app, sharing her ideas, talking to her friends and fans, and of course, sharing tips about how each and everyone can do their part in planet conservation. She believes that if each person just does their part, the collective result will create impact and change in the world. "I enjoy Bigo Live because its such an international app. Through my phone, I can reach out to the world and share my message on conservation, and do my part to spread education and fight misconception." Miss Maria Luisa Varela says. "Although the pageant has given me another platform to share about conservation, Bigo Live is unique because it allows me to reach everyone on a personal level. It's also how I engage with my community especially during the pandemic." The bright-eyed beauty also showcases on Bigo Live, her love for dancing and her humorous take on current affairs and engaging with the youth in the community. However, she is best known for her warm and humble personality and for being a warrior of the planet. About Bigo Live Bigo Live is one of the world's fastest-growing livestreaming social communities where users broadcast in real-time to share life moments, showcase their talents and interact with people from around the world. Bigo Live has around 400 million users in over 150 countries and is currently the market leader in the livestreaming industry. Launched in March 2016, Bigo Live is owned by BIGO Technology which is based in Singapore. SOURCE Bigo Live [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Industrial Cooking Fire Protection System Market to Reach $71.9 billion, Globally, by 2031 at 8.3% CAGR: Allied Market Research Increase in demand for water mist suppression systems and the need to offer protection against fire risks to industrial kitchens across the world drive the growth of the global industrial cooking fire protection system market PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Industrial Cooking Fire Protection System Market Product Type (Fire Alarm Type, and Detector Type), Connectivity (Wired, and Wireless) and End Use (Restaurants and Hotels, Food and Beverage, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2031" According to the report, the global industrial cooking fire protection system market was valued at $34.3 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $71.9 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 8.3% 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 [email protected] https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/10154 Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities The global industrial cooking fire protection system market is expected to witness notable growth during the forecast period, owing to increase in demand for water mist suppression systems and the need to offer protection against fire risks to industrial kitchens. Moreover, development of wireless and remote function cooking fire protection system is expected to propel the industrial cooking fire protection system market growth during the forecast period. However, cost is often the primary factor while choosing a new cooking fire protection system and hence it is the prime factors that restrain the global industrial cooking fire protection system market growth. Covid-19 Scenario The outbreak of the pandemic gave way to a decline in demand for industrial cooking fire protection system from the various industries, which impacted the global market negatively. However, rise in demand for portable fire suppression systems solutions across prime sectors is one of the major factors that propel the market growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the surge in demand for commercial, industrial, and other sectors is expected to strengthen the industrial cooking fire protection system market opportunity post-COVID-19. The Fire Alarm Type Segment to Maintain its Dominance during the Forecast Period By product type, the fire alarm type segment garnered the highest share during the forecast period. Growth of the fire-alarm type segment is mainly driven by rise in awareness about fire protection systems. In addition, surge in number of facility managers and owners are adopting fire-alarm type solutions as the most effective way to improve overall protection through its integration with other building systems, such as mass notification systems and security systems Moreover, the market is significantly fueled by stringent government regulations related to fire protection. Various factors industry and in human and property loss due to fire breakouts, growth in the construction industry, and rise in adoption of wireless technology in fire detection boost the growth of the market. Interested to Procure the Data? Inquire Here (Get Full Insights in PDF -172 Pages) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/10154 The Wired Segment to Maintain its Dominance during the Forecast Period By connectivity, the wired segment accounted for highest market revenue in 2021, and is projected to retain the lion's share by 2031. Wired industrial cooking fire protection system uses wires and cabling to transmit signals between the number of devices and the system control panel. The fact that wired fire alarm systems are less expensive than wireless ones is a major factor in this market's growth. Additionally, wired systems are thought to be a more dependable choice. They are powered by the mains and have a battery backup in case the system fails. Additionally, since this type of system is not concerned with radio frequecies, the possibility of signal interference is zero, which increases end users' demand for wired industrial cooking fire protection systems. Restaurants and Hotels Segment to Maintain its Dominance during the Forecast Period By end use Restaurants and hotels segment accounted for highest market revenue in 2021 and is projected to retain the lion's share by 2031. Hotels and restaurants are included in the hospitality sector. It encompasses a variety of industries that fall under this broad category, including restaurants, theme parks, hotels, motels, resorts, and others. Restaurants and hotels is the fastest-growing segment in this market with a CAGR of 9.05% owing to increasing footfall after lockdown restrictions were lifted and increase in different forms of eateries, and government legislation mandating installation of such systems in public places. In addition to this, the rise in urbanization as well as development of new commercial complexes such as malls, offices, retail shops, showrooms, near restaurants drives the growth of this segment. North America Garnered the Major Share in 2021 By region, North America contributed to the highest share in 2021. The number of fire incidents has increased, which has resulted in an increase in casualties, property loss, and human deaths. Fire-related losses in North America were about USD 27.6 billion just in 2020. The need for improved fire protection systems has grown in recent years as a result of the rising number of injuries and asset losses caused by such dangers. The demand for technology employed in alarms, detection, monitoring, and sensing during fire threats is escalating alongside this demand for fire protection systems. Major infrastructure improvements in industrial cooking have been taking place in North America, which has increased demand for fire protection systems in this region. The market for fire protection systems may be hampered by increased use of predictive maintenance and price fluctuations for raw materials. Enquire for Customization with Detailed Analysis of COVID-19 Impact in Report @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/10154 Leading Market Players- Carrier Global Corporation Eaton Corporation Plc Halma Plc Hochiki Corporation Honeywell International Inc Johnson Controls International Plc Napco Security Technologies Inc Nittan Company Limited Robert Bosch GmbH Siemens AG The report analyzes these key players of the global industrial cooking fire protection 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 industrial cooking fire protection system market analysis and industrial cooking fire protection system market outlook from 2021 to 2031 to identify the prevailing industrial cooking fire protection 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 industrial cooking fire protection system market segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities. Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global market. Market player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players. The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global industrial cooking fire protection system market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth strategies. Industrial Cooking Fire Protection System Market Key Segments: Product Type Fire Alarm Type Detector Type Connectivity Wired Wireless End Use Restaurants and Hotels Food and Beverage Others By Region North America (U.S., Canada , Mexico ) (U.S., , ) Europe (UK, Germany , France , 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 @ https://bit.ly/3RzSDil Trending Reports in Semiconductor Industry (Book Now with 10% Discount): Mining Automation Market was valued at $2,193 million in 2016, and is projected to reach at $3,810 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2017 to 2023 Factory Automation Market generated $242.5 billion in 2021, and is anticipated to generate $558.8 billion by 2031, witnessing a CAGR of 8.7% from 2022 to 2031 Industrial Display Market was valued at $32,463.5 million in 2019, and is projected to reach $203,069.9 million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 21.7% from 2020 to 2027 Fire Alarm and Detection System Market was valued at $60.51 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $98.90 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.0% About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/semiconductor-and-electronics Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/industrial-cooking-fire-protection-system-market-to-reach-71-9-billion-globally-by-2031-at-8-3-cagr-allied-market-research-301740482.html SOURCE Allied Market Research [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Cybrary Makes 500+ Hours of Premium Training Content Free to Address Cybersecurity Skills Shortage Cybrary, the leading training platform for cybersecurity professionals, today announced Cybrary Free Access, an offering unlocking more than 500 hours of free, premium cybersecurity skills training and upskilling content. The move is designed to address the longstanding cybersecurity skills shortage, which is a result of the lack of affordable quality training options that provide current and prospective cybersecurity professionals with the guidance and practical skills required to secure employment. Through Cybrary Free Access, participants gain access to guided instruction on key foundational roles and concepts, certification preparation, and threat-based training to develop skills to defend against real adversaries. Kevin Hanes, CEO of Cybrary, said: "The industry is facing a capacity, capability, and confidence problem. While everyone is talking about it, the problem isn't getting any better. What we're doing is working to get millions of people in those seats. We're coming back with a stronger free product than ever in response to not only the skills shortage, but also a market that's in need of new opportunities. This isn't just free content; it's an experience designed to provide practitioners with hands-on skills training based on the threats organizations are facing now or likely to face soon." Jim Curry, Co-Founder of the Build Group, which led Cybrary's C Round funding, said: "What first attracted me to Cybrary was the community. Cybrary's users are all highly engaged not only in developing their own careers, but in onboarding new cybersecurity professionals and helping their peers to advance. The opportunity to combine critical mission with a great business is a rare opportunity, and we are excited to continue to support it. With this new launch, Cybraryis furthering its community commitment and we are proud to stand behind them on it." Cybrary Free Access expands three categories of premium content with more than 500 hours of material to help users advance towards their career goals: IT Foundations and Cybersecurity Foundations Paths: a comprehensive, deep dive into the core concepts found across all cybersecurity roles and the IT ecosystem. IT Foundations includes overviews of hardware, systems architecture, operating systems, networking and context. Cybersecurity Foundations includes introductory content, career paths, threats and adversaries, vulnerabilities and risks, cryptography, hacking systems, defending systems, security architecture, controls, scripting and more. Certification Prep Courses: help for those who are not only looking to achieve recognized accreditations, but are also looking to understand the underlying concepts behind the certifications. Advanced Courses: experienced talent seeking to further advance their skills can access a sampling of interactive labs based on realistic attack scenarios. Ron Gula, President at Gula Tech Adventures, said: "I'm proud that Cybrary continues to lead the development and expansion of our vital cybersecurity workforce. Cybrary's training and materials -- including of the latest critical vulnerabilities and attack vectors - are essential to ensuring front-line cyber defenders have the skills to protect our nation and its businesses. Offering free access to premium content is, quite simply, an extension of the company's long-standing commitment to the cyber community and will ensure that no one who wants to break into this field or upskill during these tumultuous economic times is turned away." George Steuart, CISSP, a cybersecurity professional for a leading Boston medical establishment and one of approximately 3 million registered Cybrary users, said: "Cybrary's content is superb, and unlocking this content is going to make cybersecurity careers accessible to a lot more people." Visit Cybrary's blog post to learn more about their commitment to solving the cybersecurity skills shortage and how to sign up for the Cybrary Free Access offering. About Cybrary Cybrary is the industry-leading professional development platform that provides the right training at the right time to fully equip cybersecurity professionals at every stage in their careers. Cybrary's threat-informed training, advanced assessment capabilities, and certification preparation help industry professionals build the skills and knowledge to confidently mitigate the threats their organizations face and bridge the persistent cybersecurity skills gap. Cybrary enables more than 3 million learners, from individuals to service providers and government agencies to Fortune 1000 organizations, to be ready to respond in the fight against constantly evolving cybersecurity threats. For more information on Cybrary's offerings, visit www.cybrary.it. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005584/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] VODAFONE GROUP PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY LAUNCHES ANY AND ALL CASH TENDER OFFERS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO, OR TO ANY PERSON RESIDENT AND/OR LOCATED IN, ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IS UNLAWFUL THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES TO THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION THAT QUALIFIED OR MAY HAVE QUALIFIED AS INSIDE INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 7 OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) 596/2014 AS IT FORMS PART OF DOMESTIC LAW IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018 NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE, England, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vodafone Group Plc ("Vodafone" or the "Company") announces the launch of three concurrent, but separate, offers to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding series of notes listed in the table below (collectively, the "Notes") upon the terms of and subject to the conditions in the offers to purchase dated February 7, 2023 (the "Offer to Purchase") and the accompanying notice of guaranteed delivery (the "Notice of Guaranteed Delivery," and together with the Offer to Purchase, the "Tender Offer Documents"). The Company's obligation to complete an Offer with respect to a particular series of Notes is conditioned on the aggregate principal amount of the validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes, together with the aggregate principal amount of Notes of each series accepted for purchase with a higher Acceptance Priority Level, not exceeding $2.0 billion (the "Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount"), subject to the provisions herein. The offers to purchase with respect to each series of Notes are referred to herein as the "Offers" and each, an "Offer." Capitalised terms not otherwise defined in this announcement have the same meaning as assigned to them in the Offer to Purchase. Holders are advised to read carefully the Tender Offer Documents for full details of, and information on the procedures for participating in, the Offers. All documentation relating to the Offers, including the Tender Offer Documents, together with any updates, are available at the following website: https://sites.dfkingltd.com/vodafone. Acceptance Priority Level Title of Security CUSIP / ISIN Outstanding Principal Amount Reference U.S. Treasury Security Bloomberg Reference Page(1) Fixed Spread (basis points) 1 5.250% Notes due May 2048 92857WBM1 / US92857WBM10 $3,000,000,000 UST 3.00% due August 15, 2052 FIT1 175 2 4.375% Notes due February 2043 92857WBD1 / US92857WBD11 $1,400,000,000 UST 4.00% due November 15, 2042 FIT1 155 3 5.000% Notes due May 2038 92857WBL3 / US92857WBL37 $1,000,000,000 UST 4.125% due November 15, 2032 FIT1 155 (1) The page on Bloomberg from which the Dealer Managers will quote the bid-side price of the applicable Reference U.S. Treasury Security. Purpose of the Offers The Offers and the issuance of the New Notes (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) are being undertaken to proactively manage the Company's outstanding debt portfolio. Purchase Price Consideration Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Tender Offer Documents, Holders who validly tender and do not validly withdraw Notes at or prior to the Expiration Time or the Guaranteed Delivery Date pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures, and whose Notes are accepted for purchase by the Company, will receive the applicable Purchase Price Consideration for each $1,000 principal amount of each series of Notes, which will be payable in cash. The Purchase Price Consideration applicable to each series of Notes will be calculated at the Price Determination Time and will be determined in accordance with standard market practice, as described below, using the sum of: (i) the reference yield, as calculated by the Dealer Managers in accordance with standard market practice, that corresponds to the bid-side price of the applicable Reference U.S. Treasury Security specified in the table above for each series of Notes appearing at the Price Determination Time on the Bloomberg Reference Page specified in the table above for such series of Notes (or any other recognised quotation source selected by the Company in consultation with the Dealer Managers if such quotation report is not available or manifestly erroneous) (such reference yield, the "Reference Yield"), plus (ii) the applicable Fixed Spread specified in the table above for such series of Notes (such sum, the "Offer Yield"). Accordingly, the applicable Purchase Price Consideration payable by the Company for each $1,000 principal amount of each series of Notes accepted by the Company pursuant to the relevant Offer will equal: (i) the present value on the Settlement Date, as determined at the Price Determination Time, of $1,000 principal amount of such Notes due on the scheduled maturity date of such Notes and all scheduled interest payments on the principal amount of such Notes to be made from (but excluding) the Settlement Date up to (and including) such scheduled maturity date, discounted to the Settlement Date in accordance with standard market practice, at a discount rate equal to the applicable Offer Yield, minus (ii) the applicable Accrued Interest per $1,000 principal amount of such Notes; with such total amount being rounded to the nearest cent per $1,000 principal amount of such Notes. The calculation of the Purchase Price Consideration applicable to each series of Notes is also described by the formula set forth in Annex A-1 to the Offer to Purchase. The Company will issue a press release specifying the Purchase Price Consideration in respect of each series of Notes as soon as reasonably practicable after the determination thereof by the Dealer Managers. All Notes accepted in the Offers will be cancelled and retired by the Company. Accrued Interest In addition to the applicable Purchase Price Consideration, Holders whose Notes are accepted for purchase will be paid the applicable Accrued Interest. Interest will cease to accrue on the Settlement Date for all Notes accepted in the Offers. New Financing Condition The Company also intends to issue New Dollar Notes (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) and Vodafone International Financing DAC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, intends to issue New Euro Notes (as defined in the Offer to Purchase). Whether the Company will accept for purchase any Notes validly tendered in the Offers and complete the Offers is subject, without limitation, to the successful completion (in the sole determination of the Company) of both the issuance of the New Dollar Notes and the issuance of the New Euro Notes (the "New Financing Condition"). The New Dollar Notes will be issued pursuant to a registration statement (File No. 333-240163) filed on Form F-3ASR with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction in relation to the New Euro Notes that would permit a public offering of securities. Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount Condition The Company's obligation to complete an Offer with respect to a particular series of Notes is conditioned on the aggregate principal amount of the validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes, together with the aggregate principal amount of Notes of each series accepted for purchase with a higher Acceptance Priority Level (with 1 being the highest Acceptance Priority Level and 3 being the lowest Acceptance Priority Level), not exceeding the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount (the "Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount Condition"), unless waived by the Company as provided in the Tender Offer Documents. Notwithstanding any other provision in the Tender Offer Documents to the contrary, if at the Expiration Time for a particular Offer, the aggregate principal amount for such series of validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes, together with the aggregate principal amount of all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of each series with a higher Acceptance Priority Level, that are accepted for purchase is greater than the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount, then the Company will not be obligated to accept for purchase such series of Notes and may terminate the Offer with respect to such series of Notes. If the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount Condition is not met with respect to every series of Notes because the aggregate principal amount of the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn (together with the aggregate principal amount of Notes of each series accepted for purchase with a higher Acceptance Priority Level) is greater than the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount, then the Company will, in accordance with the Acceptance Priority Levels, accept for purchase all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of a given series so long as the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount is greater than or equal to the aggregate principal amount of any and all Notes of such series validly tendered and not validly withdrawn plus the aggregate principal amount of any and all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of all series having a higher Acceptance Priority Level than such series of Notes that are accepted for purchase, subject to the condition with respect to Non-Covered Notes further described below. For purposes of determining whether the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn exceeds the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount, the Company will assume that all Notes delivered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures will be validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Guaranteed Delivery Date, and the Company will not subsequently adjust the series of Notes that it is accepting for purchase in accordance with the Acceptance Priority Levels if any such Notes are not so delivered. If the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount Condition is not satisfied for any and all of the validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of a particular series (each such series of Notes, the "Non-Covered Notes"), at any time at or prior to the Expiration Time, then: (1) no Non-Covered Notes will be accepted for purchase, and (2) if there is any series of Notes having a lower Acceptance Priority Level than the Non-Covered Notes for which the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount is equal to or greater than the total of: (a) the aggregate principal amount of any and all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of such series, plus (b) the aggregate principal amount of any and all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of all series having a higher Acceptance Priority Level than such series of Notes, other than the Non-Covered Notes, then all Notes of such series having a lower Acceptance Priority Level will be accepted for purchase, until there is no series of Notes with a lower Acceptance Priority Level to be considered for purchase for which the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount Condition is met. It is possible that any series of Notes with any Acceptance Priority Level will fail to meet the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount Condition and therefore will not be accepted for purchase even if one or more series with a lower Acceptance Priority Level is accepted for purchase. If any series of Notes is accepted for purchase under the Offers, all Notes of that series that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn will be accepted for purchase. No series of Notes will be subject to proration pursuant to the Offers. For further details on the procedures for tendering the Notes, please refer to the Offer to Purchase, including the procedures set out under the heading "Description of the OffersProcedures for Tendering Notes" in the Offer to Purchase. Offers Period and Results The Offers commenced today, February 7, 2023 and will end at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on February 13, 2023, unless extended or earlier terminated with respect to any Offer by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion, subject to applicable law. The relevant deadline set by any intermediary or DTC for participation in the Offers will be earlier than this deadline. The results of the Offers are expected to be announced on February 14, 2023. The acceptance of Notes for purchase is conditional on the satisfaction of the conditions of the Offers as provided in "Description of the OffersConditions to the Offers," including the New Financing Condition and the Maximum Tender Acceptance Amount Condition. In respect of accepted Notes that are delivered at or prior to the Expiration Time, the Company expects the Settlement Date to occur on the second business day after the Expiration Time, February 15, 2023. In respect of accepted Notes that are delivered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures, the Company expects the Guaranteed Delivery Settlement Date to occur on the business day after the Guaranteed Delivery Date, February 16, 2023. The Company has retained Merrill Lynch International and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC as Dealer Managers and D.F. King as Information and Tender Agent (the "Information and Tender Agent") for the purposes of the Offers. Questions regarding procedures for tendering Notes may be directed to D.F. King at +44 20 7920 9700 (London), +1 (212) 269-5550 (New York City) or +1 (800) 605-1957 (New York City toll-free), or by email to [email protected]. Questions regarding the Offers may be directed to Merrill Lynch International at +1 (888) 292-0070 (toll free), +1 (980) 387-3907 or +44-20-7996-5420 (in London) or by email to [email protected] and to Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC at +1 (800)-828-3182 (toll free), +1 (212) 902-6351 or +44 20 7774 4836 (in London) or by email to [email protected]. This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy, or a solicitation of an offer to sell, any security. No offer, solicitation, or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. The Offers are only being made pursuant to the Offer to Purchase. Holders of the Notes are urged to carefully read the Offer to Purchase before making any decision with respect to the Offers. This announcement does not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for, or otherwise invest in, New Notes in the United States. The New Dollar Notes will be issued pursuant to a registration statement (File No. 333-240163) filed on Form F-3ASR with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Any investment decision to purchase any New Dollar Notes should be made solely on the basis of the information contained in the prospectus dated July 29, 2020, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated February 7, 2023 (together, the "Company Prospectus"), and no reliance is to be placed on any representations other than those contained in the Company Prospectus. The New Euro Notes mentioned herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"). The New Euro Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US persons (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will be no public offer of the New Euro Notes in the United States. The distribution of announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes are required by each of the Company, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions. This announcement is made by Vodafone Group Plc and contains information that qualified or may have qualified as inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as it forms part of domestic law in the United Kingdom by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the "EUWA") ("UK MAR"), encompassing information relating to the Offers described above. For the purposes of UK MAR and Article 2 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1055 as it forms part of domestic law in the United Kingdom by virtue of the EUWA, this announcement is made by Rosemary Martin, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary of Vodafone. Offer and Distribution Restrictions Italy None of the Offers, this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or any other document or materials relating to the Offers have been or will be submitted to the clearance procedures of the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa ("CONSOB") pursuant to Italian laws and regulations. Each Offer is being carried out in Italy as an exempted offer pursuant to article 101-bis, paragraph 3-bis of the Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended (the "Financial Services Act") and article 35-bis, paragraph 4 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of 14 May 1999, as amended. Holders or beneficial owners of the Notes that are located in Italy can tender Notes for purchase in the Offers through authorised persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of 15 February 2018, as amended from time to time, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993, as amended) and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or with requirements imposed by CONSOB, the Bank of Italy 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 Notes and/or the Offers. United Kingdom The communication of this announcement and the Offer to Purchase and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers is not being made and such documents and/or materials have not been approved by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials as a financial promotion is only being made to those persons in the United Kingdom falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Financial Promotion Order")) or persons who are within Article 43(2) of the Financial Promotion Order or any other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order. France The Offers are not being made, directly or indirectly, and none of this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or any other document or material relating to the Offers has been or shall be distributed, to the public in the Republic of France other than to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies) within the meaning ascribed to them in, and in accordance with, Article 2(e) of the Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. Neither this announcement nor the Offer to Purchase has been or will be submitted for clearance to nor approved by the Autorite des Marches Financiers. Belgium Neither this announcement, the Offer to Purchase nor any other brochure, document or material related thereto has been, or will be, submitted or notified to, or approved by, the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autorite des services et marches financiers/Autoriteit voor Financiele Diensten en Markten). In Belgium, the Offers do not constitute public offerings within the meaning of Articles 3, 1, 1 and 6 of the Belgian Law of April 1, 2007 on takeover bids (loi relative aux offres publiques d'acquisition/wet op de openbare overnamebiedingen) (the "Belgian Takeover Law"), as amended or replaced from time to time. Accordingly, the Offers may not be, and are not being advertised, and this announcement, as well as any brochure, or any other material or document relating thereto (including any memorandum, information circular, brochure or any similar document) may not, has not and will not be distributed, directly or indirectly, to any person located and/or resident within Belgium, other than (i) those who qualify as qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies/qekwalificeerde beleggers), within the meaning of Article 2(e), of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market, and repealing Directive 2003/71/EC acting on their own account; and (ii) in any circumstances set out in Article 6, 4 of the Belgian Takeover Law. Accordingly, the information contained in this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or in any brochure or any other document or material relating thereto may not be used for any other purpose, including for any offering in Belgium, except as may otherwise be permitted by law, and shall not be disclosed or distributed to any other person in Belgium. General This announcement does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell Notes (and tenders of Notes in the Offers will not be accepted from Holders) in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation or acceptance is unlawful. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require the Offers to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and any Dealer Manager or any of the Dealer Managers' affiliates is such a licensed broker or dealer in any such jurisdiction, the Offers shall be deemed to be made by such Dealer Manager or such Dealer Manager's affiliate, as the case may be, on behalf of the Company in such jurisdiction. Each tendering Holder participating in the Offers will be deemed to give certain representations in respect of the jurisdictions referred to below and generally as set out in the section titled "Description of the OffersProcedures for Tendering NotesOther Matters" in the Offer to Purchase. Any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offers from a Holder that is unable to make these representations will not be accepted. Each of the Company, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to investigate, in relation to any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offers, whether any such representation given by a Holder is correct and, if such investigation is undertaken and as a result the Company determines (for any reason) that such representation is not correct, such tender shall not be accepted. Forward-Looking Information This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements which reflect the Company's intent, beliefs or current expectations about the future and can be recognised by the use of words such as "expects," "will," "anticipate," or words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of any future performance and are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of the senior management of the Company and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. As a consequence, these forward-looking statements should be considered in light of various important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements, which include, without limitation, the risk factors set forth in the Offer to Purchase. The Company cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realised, although it believes it has been prudent in its plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialise, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable law. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vodafone-group-public-limited-company-launches-any-and-all-cash-tender-offers-301740603.html SOURCE Vodafone Group Plc [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Azul Platform Prime Now Supports 64-Bit Arm, Including AWS Graviton Processors Azul, the only company 100% focused on Java, today announced that its high-performance Java runtime, Azul Platform Prime, now supports 64-bit Arm architectures including Amazon Web Services (AWS) Graviton-based Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) instances. Together, this pairing allows customers to optimize cloud costs, and boost the performance of cloud-native applications, popular open-source technologies and Java-based frameworks. "Technical and business leaders face a paradoxical set of priorities: deliver innovative cloud-based applications and optimize operational costs," said Scott Sellers, CEO and co-founder, Azul. "Azul Platform Prime reduces cloud costs by up to 50 percent with its unique ability to improve application performance and service levels. We are seeing more and more customers choose Platform Prime when running Java applications on AWS Graviton2 and AWS Graviton3 processors as a 'best-in-breed' practice for addressing the margin pressure created by cloud spending." Azul brings more than 20 years of leadership in the Java market and supports more versions of Java than any other vendor, including Oracle (see this source). Azul has long driven Java support for emerging hardware architectures, including leading the OpenJDK community effort (JEP 391) to add support for Apple Silicon Arm-based Macs, and now supports AWS Graviton2 and Graviton3 processors for cloud deployments. "At Heirloom Computing, we go way beyond traditional mainframe migration solutions to deliver agile cloud-native applications that plug & play with any cloud, and on a Java technology stack that accelerates our customer's transformation journey," said Gary Crook, CEO of Heirloom Computing, Azul partner. "Based on what we have seen from our benchmarks, it's clear that the combination of Azul Platform Prime running on AWS Graviton processors will deliver the next-level price and performance targets needed for our customers." Arm platforms are increasingly attractive because of their price-performance benefits and are rapidly growing in popularity. According to Gartner, "by 2025, Arm-based server shipments will account for around 20% of worldwide (except China) infrastructure as a service (IaaS) capabilities and 55% of platform as a service (PaaS) capabilities from hyperscale service providers." (Gartner, Forecast Analysis: Arm-Based Servers, Worldwide, Kiyomi Yamada, Adrian O'Connell, Alan Priestly and Uko Tian, November 2021) "Our customers can address cost savings by choosing a solution that is powered by AWS Graviton processors which offer performance and price improvements," said Raj Pai, Vice President, EC2 Product Management at AWS. "AWS invests in silicon innovation so customers have their choice of instance types that are appropriate for their workloads." Azul is expanding its leadership with cloud-native Java runtimes supporting 64-bit Arm architectures, delivering the best Java Virtual Machine (JVM) for AWS Graviton processors with Azul Platform Prime, and has earned an AWS Graviton Ready Program service validation. Azul's extensive testing highlights significantly faster performance using Azul Platform Prime versus other OpenJDK offerings. Together, Azul Platform Prime running on AWS Graviton2 and AWS Graviton3 processors deliver improved price-performance and scale needed for cloud workloads. To learn more about the performance of Azul Platform Prime running on AWS Graviton-based Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) instances, please visit our blog here. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. About Azul Systems Inc. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Azul provides the Java platform for the modern cloud enterprise. Azul is the only company 100% focused on Java. Millions of Java developers, hundreds of millions of devices and the world's most highly regarded businesses trust Azul to power their applications with exceptional capabilities, performance, security, value and success. Azul customers include 35% of the Fortune 100, 50% of Forbes top-10 World's Most Valuable Brands, all 10 of the world's top-10 financial trading companies and leading brands like Avaya, Bazaarvoice, BMW, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Telekom, LG, Mastercard, Mizuho, Priceline, Salesforce, Software AG and Workday. Learn more at azul.com and follow us @azulsystems. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005120/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] The Minneapolis Institute of Art Collaborates with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Using Art to Expand Conversations Around Systemic Racism The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) has teamed up with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) to launch a multi-generational project that will seek to create narrative change, addressing systemic racism through the power of art. The collaborative program will kick off in early February. Local teens will use art to visually communicate how racism impacts health issues, using their own personal experiences as well as those of their communities. In early May, Mia will display the works in an onsite gallery exhibition. The two organizations will connect with students from local high schools and professional artists in the community, including Kprecia Ambers, Juan Lucero, Jacob Olson, Akiko Ostlund, and guest facilitator Ebony Beck. High school students from Como Park Senior High School, FAIR School for Arts, Southwest High School, Perpich Arts High School, St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, Minnesota Transitions Charter School (MTS Secondary), Highland Park Senior High, St. Paul City School, and Thomas Jefferson High School will participate in professional artist-led workshops at the museum focusing on idea generation, materials and technique, individual artmaking, and group collaboration. Together, the group will co-vision, co-develop, and co-create racial and health equity-themed works to be included in a public art exhibition at Mia. "Mia is excited to team up with the Blue Cross for a second year and work with local artists and teens to share their perspectives on how racism impacts health issues within Minnesota communities," said Virajita Singh, chief diversity & inclusion officer. "As a learning organization, which itself is part of a larger society that is on a learning journey about historical inequities and reform, Mia is eager to engage with the next generation of change-makers and leaders. Through this collaboration and exhibition, we will learn alongside the artists and students and participate in important conversations about the impacts of systemic racism." At the conclusion of the program, Mia will showcase the student and professional artist works in an onsite exhibition in the museum's Community Commons Gallery in May. The exhibition will remain on view for several months. "We're extremely excited for this collaboration with Mia that will give local school students a powerful voice through the medium of art. Art is powerful - it allows neighbors to experience life through a new lens and starts necessary, thought-provoking discussions," said Bukata Hayes, chief equity officer and vice president of racial and health equity at Blue Cross. "We will not succeed in eliminating systemic racism without elevating the voices and stories from our community members who have historically been silenced. Through this project we hope to bring people together- starting with awareness, conversations, and honest reflections for how we all can drive change that needs to happen to ultimately dismantle systemic racism." About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota For nearly 90 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (bluecrossmn.com) has supported the health, wellbeing and peace of mind of our members by striving to ensure equitable access to high quality care at an affordable price. Our 2.5 million members can be found in every Minnesota county, all 50 states and on four continents. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. About the Minneapolis Institute of Art Home to more than 90,000 works of art representing 5,000 years of world history, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) inspires wonder, spurs creativity, and nourishes the imagination. With extraordinary exhibitions and one of the finest art collections in the country-from all corners of the globe, and from ancient to contemporary-Mia links the past to the present, enables global conversations, and offers an exceptional setting for inspiration. General admission to Mia is always free. Some special exhibitions have a nominal admission fee. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005430/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey is in Ottawa to meet with other Canadian premiers, federal health officials and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (Patrick Butler/Radio-Canada - image credit) Patrick Butler/Radio-Canada Newfoundland Labrador Premier Andrew Furey is in Ottawa this week to meet with Canada's other premiers and to pressure the federal government for more help fixing an overworked and understaffed health-care system. Furey said an increase to the Canada Health Transfer, which distributes federal money to provinces for health care, is among his top priorities. The premier said Newfoundland and Labrador needs more money to fully implement the Health plan to modernize the province's health-care system. "We need to make sure we're training more, upstream, to meet the demands of today and tomorrow. That costs money. When you talk about accessing virtual care, that costs money. It's an investment in technology, upgrades to systems, that all costs money," said Furey on Monday from Canada's capital. "Money is not the answer by itself but combined with a plan it is an integral part of how we move forward. Money can unlock value of return on human resources, whether it's in training more or looking to initiatives that we've taken part in, for example in recruiting beyond the borders of Canada." The premiers want to increase the Canada Health Transfer's share of public health spending from 22 per cent to 35 per cent starting this year an additional $28 billion to the $45.2-billion transfer. They also want that total to increase by six per cent annually. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press On Monday, sources told CBC News the federal government will propose a 10-year plan to fund and reform health care across the country at Tuesday's meeting, including more money for the Canada Health Transfer in the next federal budget. Opposition parties weigh in on meeting Interim PC Leader David Brazil said if a deal is to be reached there are Newfoundland and Labrador-specific issues that need to be considered first. "It must take into account the geography, demographic profile and unique health needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Previous health-care funding arrangements have been tied to per-capita funding, and we need to ensure this deal is tailor-made for the people of our province," Brazil said in a media release Monday. Story continues "The unique challenges facing Newfoundland and Labrador's health-care system need unique solutions. Imposing a system that works in downtown Toronto on the people of our province will simply not work. We need a deal that reflects the realities on the ground in our province." Brazil said his party will be closely watching how Tuesday's meeting unfolds, adding any deal that doesn't take into account Newfoundland and Labrador's specific issues "is simply unacceptable." "This particular government has been reactive, rather than proactive, since Day 1, and the people of the province are running out of patience," he said. Interim provincial NDP Leader Jim Dinn wrote a letter to Furey outlining areas he says should be the priority for discussions, including long-term care, retention of health professionals and strengthening the system. "Press for funding to put in place the long-term care standards that were released last week. We have to work [to] help people stay at home longer, spend less time in hospital, and age with dignity," Dinn wrote. "We know that in our province long-term care beds sit empty due to a lack of staff. This is causing a bottleneck in our hospitals which means hospital beds are not available when needed. This is adding to our surgical backlog. We need solutions that will lessen pressure on beds in hospitals and help with surgery delays." Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador The AI State of the Union Experience: FiscalNote Combines Proprietary Datasets & AI With OpenAI Platform to Transform Analysis of Presidential State of the Union Addresses, Building on Its Decade-Long Track Record of AI-Driven Solutions & Expertise As President Joe Biden prepares to deliver his Constitutionally-obligated State of the Union (SOTU) message to the U.S. Congress and the nation - FiscalNote Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NOTE) ("FiscalNote"), a leading AI-driven enterprise SaaS technology provider of global policy and market intelligence - is leveraging its proprietary AI technology to provide a live transcript of the address in real-time, paired with video coverage and non-partisan automated and human-enhanced analysis to help customers better scrutinize context, nuances, and potential impacts of the speech. In addition, for the first time, the combination of both FiscalNote's proprietary technology, incumbent datasets collected over a decade, and OpenAI data capabilities has generated a free, publicly-accessible online dashboard of unique and fascinating tools that optimize artificial intelligence to produce revealing insights and comparative analyses of State of the Union addresses from today and yesteryear, including: The AI State of the Union (https://fsc.al/sotu-ai-2023): Based on the past six months of President Biden's public statements, FiscalNote used OpenAI to make a groundbreaking attempt at drafting what President Biden's address may look and sound like - before it's delivered. (https://fsc.al/sotu-ai-2023): Based on the past six months of President Biden's public statements, FiscalNote used OpenAI to make a groundbreaking attempt at drafting what President Biden's address may look and sound like - before it's delivered. Political Partisanship & Polarity : This tool analyzes how each President's SOTU speech discusses and frames the political opposition in the context of domestic policy - discerning levels of political rhetoric and polarity over a 140-year period. FiscalNote's proprietary AI data found that partisan rhetoric has never been stronger than it is today. : This tool analyzes how each President's SOTU speech discusses and frames the political opposition in the context of domestic policy - discerning levels of political rhetoric and polarity over a 140-year period. FiscalNote's proprietary AI data found that partisan rhetoric has never been stronger than it is today. Promises Made vs. Promises Kept (https://fsc.al/sotu-promises): From President George H. W. Bush's SOTU in 1989 to today, FiscalNote's AI platform identifies the main issues and promises made in the speech, and then looks ahead one year to determine if legislation was adopted on those topics. (https://fsc.al/sotu-promises): From President George H. W. Bush's SOTU in 1989 to today, FiscalNote's AI platform identifies the main issues and promises made in the speech, and then looks ahead one year to determine if legislation was adopted on those topics. AI Debates Between the Presidents : This tool enables a user to select any two Presidents in history and watch them debate together about issues raised in their respective SOTU addresses (example: watch Presidents Ronald Reagan and Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, or John F. Kennedy and Donald Trump, debate each other - or even Abraham Lincoln debatehimself). : This tool enables a user to select any two Presidents in history and watch them debate together about issues raised in their respective SOTU addresses (example: watch Presidents Ronald Reagan and Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, or John F. Kennedy and Donald Trump, debate each other - or even Abraham Lincoln debatehimself). AI Rebuttals Between the Presidents (https://fsc.al/sotu-rebuttal): Users can pick any two Presidents in history to offer rebuttals to each others' SOTU speeches (example: see how Richard Nixon might respond to George Washington's inaugural State of the Union address in 1790). FiscalNote's historical database through Factba.se provides a compendium of all 254 State of the Union speeches and written messages since 1790, covering 2,079,303 words, with video or audio for 81 addresses dating back to 1936 (that's 66 hours, 31 minutes,12 seconds to be exact). This includes statement-by-statement sentiment, vocabulary modeling, and other analyses dating back to our first President, George Washington. Clicking within any historical State of the Union transcript jumps right to the appropriate section and analysis within the video. To complement the data-driven AI information from Factba.se, FiscalNote will also provide additional, comprehensive, non-partisan research and analysis of President Biden's address. CQ and Roll Call will analyze the President's proposals for domestic policy and international affairs, climate change, infrastructure, and more. FrontierView and Oxford Analytica will provide customers with in-depth overviews of the political and economic implications stemming from the speech. For further insights, news, reaction, and analysis of the President's State of the Union address and many other timely national and global issues, visit Roll Call, Oxford Analytica, and FrontierView. About FiscalNote FiscalNote (NYSE: NOTE) is a leading technology provider of global policy and market intelligence. By uniquely combining AI technology, actionable data, and expert and peer insights, FiscalNote empowers customers to manage policy, address regulatory developments, and mitigate global risk. Since 2013, FiscalNote has pioneered technology that delivers mission-critical insights and the tools to turn them into action. Home to CQ, Equilibrium, FrontierView, Oxford Analytica, VoterVoice, and many other industry-leading brands, FiscalNote serves more than 5,000 customers worldwide with global offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. To learn more about FiscalNote and its family of brands, visit FiscalNote.com and follow @FiscalNote. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005642/en/ [February 07, 2023] Aluf Holdings, Inc. 2022 Year in Review FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aluf Holdings, Inc. ("AHIX") ("Aluf") (OTC PINK: AHIX) today announced that despite a slow recovery from COVID-19, 2022 was a transformational year. During 2022 the Company made major changes in its strategy, portfolio, and leadership, and achieved major milestones in strategic growth. 2022 Highlights Kicked off Q2 with a newly appointed Chief Executive Officer dedicated to Alufs strategic vision and the experience to expand and achieve our acquisition strategy. Entered into a collaboration for the development of a digital health device. Formation of three new operating segments developed to diversify our future revenue streams and expand our national brand. Acquired Rapid Tax USA TS , a premier tax, accounting, and business advisory service to corporations, small businesses, and high net worth individuals nationwide. , a premier tax, accounting, and business advisory service to corporations, small businesses, and high net worth individuals nationwide. Announced the execution of non-binding Letters of Intent to acquire BizzUniverse SM and Bizz Shield ProSM, both privately held technology-based companies. 2023 Outlook The next several months promise remarkable results as we take the company from no revenue at the beginning of 2022 to sustainable growth and profitability, including: Complete multiple acquisitions beginning with the two currently under contract. Launch and finalize multiple capital raises for traditional M&A debt financing and under a revised Private Placement providing additional working capital to support growth initiatives for portfolio companies. Complete annual audits for Aluf and subsidiaries, become fully reporting, file a registration statement, and take additional steps toward up-listing off OTC Pink Sheets. 2022 Results For the year end, December 31, 2022, total assets decreased to $619,180 compared to $3,681,094 December 31, 2021, while total liabilities increased to $887,554 compared to $858,104 in the same period attributable to asset impairment. Total operating income increased to $62,025 compared to $00, Gross operating profit increased to $55,025 compared to $00, Operating net loss increased to $(898,536) compared to $(751,766), Impairment loss of $(3,315,000) compared to $00 in 2021. ur management team has developed a strategy that strikes to the core of a successful company, begins Sam Jakobs, CEO. Through a series of upcoming acquisitions of technology-driven companies and the continued rollout of Alufs new operating platforms, we are building the framework to do just that, continues Jakobs. About Aluf Holdings, Inc.: Aluf Holdings, Inc. is a publicly traded holding company headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, engaged in acquiring, operating, and managing subsidiary companies in the development and sale of proprietary software and technology solutions. Our key strategy is to build a larger and more diverse company through strategic and managed acquisitions and growth. Our core focus includes biometrics, software and hardware verticals. For more information go to www.aluf.com About Tax Partners USA, LLC.: Tax Partners USA, LLC, is located in Davie, Florida doing business as Rapid Tax USATS, providing personalized virtual tax, accounting, and business advisory services to corporations, small businesses and high net worth individuals nationwide. Our professional staff at Rapid Tax USA focuses on the unique personal and business needs of their clients and provides them with customized solutions to meet their goals. About BizzUniverse, Inc.: BizzUniverse SM, is a technology company empowering individuals, entrepreneurs, business owners, community organizations, and other groups through its technology-based networking and business development platform designed to enable members to achieve their goals and realize higher levels of success. For more information go to https://www.bizzuniverse.com About Bizz Shield Pro, Inc.: Bizz Shield ProSM offers cost saving discount programs that help individuals and families proactively manage their healthcare costs and secure control over other liabilities which can significantly impact their financial future. Bizz Shield ProsSM benefit portal not only provides simple access to affordable benefit plans, but uniquely affords highly motivated individuals the ability to generate continuous sources of revenue generation through the Associate Sales Representative Program. Associates driven for success can utilize Bizz Leads ProSM, a premier lead generation system with access to top tier products and services as well as a National Associate Network, to exponentially increase their opportunity for growth. Bizz Leads ProSM, is a division of Bizz Shield ProSM. For more information go to https://www.bizzshieldpro.com and https://www.bizzleadspro.com. Safe Harbor Statement: This release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E and/or 27E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including statements as to the future performance of the company and the risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in reports filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations or any of its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to raise necessary financing, retention of key personnel, timely delivery of inventory from the company's suppliers, timely product development, product acceptance, and the impact of competitive services and products, in addition to general economic risks and uncertainties. Corporate Contact: Aluf Holdings, Inc. Teresa McWilliams, Chief Financial Officer 866-793-1110 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Qatar Airways Cargo to Utilize FLYR AI Platform in Strategic Partnership for Cargo Optimization DOHA, Qatar and LOS ANGELES, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Qatar Airways Cargo , the worlds leading air cargo carrier, is partnering with FLYR Labs , the travel industrys leading innovator in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for forecasting and pricing. Together, the partnership will apply FLYR's advanced technologies like deep learning, a cutting-edge form of AI, towards forecasting cargo capacity and demand and optimizing commercial decision making. The move is in line with The Next Generation initiative from Qatar Airways Cargo to reshape the future of air cargo, underlining its status as a trailblazer in digital transformation and seizing a key competitive advantage when it comes to optimizing revenue. FLYRs cloud-native decision intelligence platform, The Revenue Operating System, leverages deep learning technology to provide automated, AI-based revenue management capabilities that help solve the industrys cargo model complexities and boost businesswide revenue opportunities. FLYRs platform harnesses and understands the complex context behind airline data, helping commercial organizations make better-informed decisions. We are resolutely committed to remaining at the forefront of our industry by embracing the latest technologies, and our partnership with FLYR is the most recent example of this, said Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo at Qata Airways Cargo. Were looking forward to working closely with FLYR to gain crucial insights that will unlock new opportunities for our business and our customers. The freight division of Qatar Airways, Qatar Airways Cargo delivers to an extensive network globally, using a young and modern fleet that includes 31 dedicated freighters. Qatar Airways Cargo is a forward-thinking, digital-first carrier, and we're excited to support their drive for continually seizing opportunities offered by groundbreaking technologies like ours, said Alex Mans, founder and CEO of FLYR. We jointly believe that FLYR's advanced AI technology will drive the industry forward, accelerated by this partnership, to unlock exceptional results and bring renewed sophistication to forecasting and revenue maximization at the heart of commercial operations. About Qatar Airways Cargo Qatar Airways Cargo, the worlds leading international air cargo carrier is based in Doha, State of Qatar. It serves a global network of more than 70 freighter destinations and 150 passenger destinations utilizing freighters and belly-hold passenger flights. The airlines freighter fleet includes two Boeing 747-8 freighters, two Boeing 747-400 freighters, 26 Boeing 777 freighters, and one Airbus A310 freighter. It also has an extensive road feeder service (RFS) network. With considerable investments in its products, services, quality handling, infrastructure, facilities, people, and procedures at each of its destinations, the cargo carrier provides high operating standards for the transportation of cargo. Qatar Airways Cargo remains committed to sustainability and giving back to communities it serves through its sustainability program WeQare, built on the key pillars of sustainability: environment, society, economy, and culture. About FLYR Labs FLYR Labs, the pioneer of The Revenue Operating System, is focused on the relentless application of AI technologies that help transportation leaders unlock their highest potential. Its clean sheet, vertically integrated platform, brings data, forecasting, pricing, reporting, and simulation capabilities into a single pane of glass that informs and automates commercial-wide functions. FLYRs end-to-end platform can enable or automate all commercial decisions and eCommerce experiences, including those through its internet booking engine (IBE), offer management, customer messaging, customer management, and content management capabilities, resulting in improved revenue performance and digital customer satisfaction. FLYR Labs is headquartered in California with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Krakow, and Amsterdam. To learn more about FLYR Labs, visit flyrlabs.com or follow @flyrlabs on Twitter and LinkedIn . Media Contact: Jeff Tieszen [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Buehler's Fresh Foods Selects Mercatus to Innovate Grocery eCommerce and Accelerate Omnichannel Revenue Growth Buehler's Fresh Foods and Mercatus, a leading provider of grocery eCommerce solutions, today announced a partnership to bring Buehler's valued customers a modern, fully integrated online ordering and fulfillment experience. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005395/en/ Source: Mercatus, 2023. With 14 supermarkets in northeastern Ohio, Buehler's provides customers a compelling in-store shopping experience along with a full assortment of locally sourced specialty grocery, prepared foods and fresh products. The employee-owned grocery chain - regarded as a pacesetter among independent grocers nationwide - is no stranger to offering customers innovative and creative shopping experiences. The Buehler's team selected Mercatus for its innovation track record and success in getting solutions to market. In transitioning to Mercatus' multi-tenant cloud commerce platform, Buehler's is looking to future-proof its digital grocery services, all while growing their online business and improving the overall experience for Buehler's customers. "Our customers love the convenience of shopping online and we want to make sure we not only meet their expectations but exceed them," said Mike Davidson, president and CEOof Buehler's. "We're excited about the partnership with Mercatus and look forward to introducing their wide-ranging eCommerce functionality and services to our valued customers." Buehler's online shopping experience will include new commerce technologies and capabilities, like Mercatus' recently announced next generation mobile grocery shopping app. Customers also will be able to shop the full range of Buehler's assortment, including popular ready-made and prepared meals and customized selections like cakes, platters and deli counter foods. Buehler's customers will be able to choose from curbside pickup, or delivery via white-label integration with DoorDash Last Mile. They will also have the option to pay online with SNAP EBT and EBT Cash benefits. Buehler's will also leverage Mercatus' proprietary picking app, integrated with geolocation technology which will help streamline fulfillment operations and improve the overall curbside pickup experience. Mercatus will also soon provide Buehler's with integrated advertising and retail media capabilities to help the retailer drive incremental revenue from its online grocery channels. "We appreciate the trust Buehler's leadership has shown in selecting Mercatus and their confidence in our technology and innovation pipeline," said Sylvain Perrier, president & CEO, Mercatus. "We look forward to working closely with the Buehler's team to implement their new online shopping experience and strengthen Buehler's connections to its customers and improve online's contribution margin in the process." About Buehler's Fresh Foods Buehler's Fresh Foods was founded in 1929 by E.L. Buehler and his wife, Helen. In 2017, Buehler's went through a management buyout while forming an ESOP. Buehler's currently operates 14 supermarkets, 8 liquor agencies, outside catering, coffee shops and a food truck named Ferris. Buehler's is proud to be recently Certified by Great Place to Work. Buehler's Fresh Foods is committed to environmentally responsible behavior, local sourcing of product and supporting the communities in which we operate. About Mercatus Mercatus helps leading grocers get back in charge of their eCommerce experience, empowering them to deliver exceptional retailer-branded, end-to-end online shopping, from store to door. Our expansive network of more than 60 integration partners allows grocers to work with their partners of choice, on their terms. Together, we enable clients to create authentic digital shopping experiences with solutions to drive shopper engagement, grow share of wallet and achieve profitability, while quickly adapting to changes in customer behavior. The Mercatus Digital Commerce platform is used by leading North American retailers, including Weis Markets, Save Mart brands, Brookshire's Grocery Company, Kowalski's Markets, Buehler's Fresh Foods, WinCo Foods, Smart & Final, Stater Bros. Markets, Southeastern Grocers' Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores among others. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005395/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Four First Nations Launch Groundbreaking Technology and Indigenous Development Summit for National Indigenous Peoples Day 2023 Tech sector, Chiefs, Elders and entrepreneurs come together to find solutions affecting remote communities in Canada TKARONTO, ON, Feb. 7, 2023 /CNW/ - Produced by the Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord (SLFA), The Technology and Indigenous Development Summit ("TIDsummit") 2023 is Canada's first-ever national gathering of the tech sector, entrepreneurs and Indigenous leaders. Kicking off on National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the groundbreaking two-day conference will include panels, keynotes and breakout sessions focusing on finding solutions to the problems facing Canadians in remote communities. "The idea came to me when I was participating in the Reservation Economic Summit, a massive gathering that occurs each year in the U.S," Jake Dockstator, who serves as the Executive Director of Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord. "One of the things noticed is that a lot of the sponsors of that conference were tech companies and it got me thinking that we rarely see tech involved in the Indigenous space in Canada even though it's an exciting part of the economy." TIDsummit is unlike any other conference for the tech or business community. All about collaboration, it focuses on putting their resources, skills and concepts towards helping First Nations, Metis and Inuit. Topics will include food security, clean water, housing, remote businesses, employment, and training. "There are all these great tools available to Canadians in well-connected regions, but the further north you go, the worse that connection gets. So the message is: when you're developing all these great tools for Canadians, make sure it works for all of Canada." Technology Indigenous Development Summit will also include networking opportunities, social events, workshops and expo booths. The full itinerary is available at TIDsummit.ca. ABOUT SLFA: The Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord (SLFA) is a non-profit organization created by the Indigenous communities of Lac Seul, Slate Falls, Cat Lake and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug. We aim to foster sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all of Northern Ontario. The Friendship Accord and the First Nations of Northern Ontario are inviting you to be a part of the conversation about the future of our country. WHERE: Metro Toronto Convention Centre 255 Front St., W., Toronto WHEN: June 21-22, 2023 PRICING: $550 for 2-Day conference pass SOURCE Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Metrc Expands Track-And-Trace Government Contract with the State of Missouri for Regulation of its Adult-Use Cannabis Market LAKELAND, Fla., Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Metrc , the most trusted and experienced provider of cannabis regulatory technology systems in the U.S., announced the expansion of its contract with the State of Missouri to support the regulation of its adult-use cannabis market. The Company has been the states partner in the regulation of its medical cannabis market since 2019. In November 2018, the people of Missouri voted to legalize medical cannabis, and in December 2019, Metrc was selected to help launch and regulate the new market alongside Missouris Medical Marijuana Regulatory Program (MMRP) and the NIC. When Amendment 3 was passed in November 2022, Missouri became the 21st state to legalize adult-use cannabis. The following month, the states Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) began accepting requests from facilities to convert operations for adult-use, and Metrcs track-and-trace government contract was expanded to include the adult-use supply chain. On February 3, the state issued 207 comprehensive dispensary licenses, 72 comprehensive infused product manufacturing licenses, and 56 comprehensive cultivation licenses, and numerous cities across Missouri commenced retail sales. As Missouri implements its adult-use cannabis program, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to build on the solid foundation created through our wok with the states medical market, said Michael Johnson, CEO at Metrc. Our team at Metrc looks forward to working alongside the DHSS to expand our strong regulatory technology framework as the backbone for the entire supply chain, where patients and consumers are confident in consuming safe products and licensees are provided an environment to thrive. Metrcs robust track-and-trace platform facilitates the data collection and regulatory insight for Missouris cannabis market, enabling licensed operators to easily track all activities impacting the status of a plant or the creation of cannabis-based products, including origin, testing results, handling, and chain-of-custody information, through the Companys unique RFID tag model and software-as-a-service (SaaS) system. Seamless data tracking in Metrc helps operators optimize inventory control, accurately report sales data, and improve cultivation management. This information is accessible to state regulators, providing the ultimate transparency to ensure regulatory compliance, help combat the illicit market, and safeguard the health and well-being of Missouris patients and consumers. Metrc now holds exclusive government contracts in every region of the U.S, including Washington, D.C., and maintains a strong presence in the Midwest, where it holds contracts with Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and South Dakota. While these areas have diverse regulatory frameworks, each jurisdiction shares the common goal of ensuring safe legal cannabis markets. Metrc continues to be the favored partner of regulators and businesses in serving their unique needs and goals. About Metrc Metrc is the most trusted and experienced provider of cannabis regulatory technology systems in the United States. Our solution combines advanced software, radio-frequency identification (RFID), a dedicated customer support team, and a secure database to track cannabis from growth, harvest, and processing to testing, transport, and sale. Metrc is engaged in 23 government contracts and serves more than 345,000 users, including growers, testing facilities, dispensaries, state regulators, and law enforcement officials. We are proud to play a leading role in ensuring the safety and security of the nations legal cannabis market. Metrc Media Contact: Mattio Communications [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Knoxville Utilities Board Selects LightSpeed Technologies To Deliver Nokia IP Core for XGS-PON Network Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB), an award winning provider of electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater services, announces it has selected LightSpeed Technologies, Inc., ("LightSpeed"), a Nokia (NYSE: NOK) partner and systems integrator providing next-generation networking solutions, to deliver the core and middle mile infrastructure in support of a multi-million-dollar, multi-gigabit symmetrical passive optical network (XGS-PON) enabling Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) for its more than 478,000 municipal customers. The IP Core Network currently being implemented is comprised primarily of state-of-the-art Nokia 7750 Service Routers. When complete, the XGS-PON network will enable KUB to provide 100% fiber-to-the-home, symmetrical broadband Internet access to its customers. The Knoxville Utilities Board was created by an amendment to the Knoxville City Charter in 1939. As an independent agency of the City of Knoxville, KUB provides electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater services to nearly half a million customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. In December 2021, KUB announced it would begin to roll out its new fiber optic network. LightSpeed was selected to provide the IP Core for the XGS-PON network, which is set to be delivered in a multi-phase approach. Phase one includes the construction of the fiber network backbone, which runs along the current electrical lines. Phase two expands the network roll-out to different areas and will continue until fiber is deployed to cover the entire KUB electric service territory. When complete, KUB will be able to offer broadband services o its customers, including standard triple play services including Internet, TV, and voice. "KUB believes broadband services should be available regardless of where you live. Partnering with LightSpeed helps us to bridge the digital divide throughout the communities we serve," adds Andrew Hmielewski, KUB Director of Fiber Operations. "We are grateful to be Knoxville's hometown utility, and we look forward to enhancing our service capabilities and continuing to help our community grow in the years to come." Bridging the digital divide with more affordable broadband solutions throughout Knoxville, Tennessee and its surrounding areas is important for local municipalities. According to data from Broadband Now, Knoxville is the 23rd most connected city in the state of Tennessee. Today, almost half of Knoxville's population has access to multiple providers, with over 9,000 people without access to more than one wired provider, and over 3,000 people without access to a wired connection capable of delivering 25 Mbps. "We were thrilled to be selected by KUB to help expand their utility services with state-of-the-art fiber broadband capabilities, further enabling KUB to provide municipality customers with affordable Internet, voice and TV services," comments John Brannon, CEO of LightSpeed Technologies. "Our award-winning leadership, engineering and operations team brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of XGS-PON deployments to this project. We look forward to partnering with other utilities and co-ops to add services and enhance capabilities for their customers." LightSpeed's mission is to assist customers in achieving best-in-class solutions for their network. Founded in 2001, the company specializes in providing end-to-end network services and support, including network design and engineering, installation and integration services, project management, ongoing maintenance, and technical support. The LightSpeed team has a successful track record of installing numerous XGS-PON networks since 2015, and has been named Nokia's top North American Value-Added Reseller five times over the past six years. "As Nokia's Top Value-Added Reseller in North America for 2022, we have great confidence in LightSpeed's technical capabilities and experience as an exclusive provider of Nokia's products and services since 2001," said Vikas Trehan, North America Partner Sales Leader at Nokia. "We're excited to see the positive impact the implementation of this network will have on the Knoxville community and surrounding counties served by KUB." For more information about the Knoxville Utilities Board, please visit https://www.kub.org/. For more information about LightSpeed Technologies, Inc., please visit www.lightspeedt.com. For more information about Nokia, please visit https://www.nokia.com/. About Knoxville Utilities Board: KUB is a municipal utility serving Knox and parts of seven adjacent counties with safe and reliable electric, fiber, natural gas, water, and wastewater services to more than 478,000 customers. About LightSpeed Technologies: Founded in 2001, LightSpeed Technologies specializes in providing next-generation networking solutions that address the ever-growing need for bandwidth. We offer a full line of Nokia solutions including Optical (DWDM), Data Networking (Ethernet, IP/MPLS), Microwave Radio and Ultra-Broadband Technology (FTTX, XGS-PON, LTE) products, to support the Utility, Service Provider, Enterprise, Transportation, Public Safety and State & Local Government market segments. About Nokia: At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed, and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Adhering to high standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005480/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] FreshBooks Enhances Security with Successful Completion of SOC 2 Type 1 Certification Toronto, CANADA, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FreshBooks, a leading cloud accounting software provider with paying customers in 160+ countries, has announced its successful completion of the Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type 1 certification, further enhancing the companys commitment to data security and protection. SOC 2 reports are recognized globally and affirm that a companys infrastructure, software, people, data, policies, procedures and operations have been formally reviewed. Established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the SOC 2 examination is designed for organizations of any size, regardless of industry and scope, to ensure the personal assets of their potential and existing customers are protected. The SOC 2 audit was conducted by leading compliance assessor A-LIGN, a technology-enabled security andcompliance partner trusted by more than 2,500 global organizations to help mitigate cybersecurity risks. At FreshBooks, we continually invest in security best practices so our customers can be assured their data stays private, safe and secure, says Venetia Verdicchio, FreshBooks Director of Information Security. Our successful completion of the SOC 2 audit is part of our ongoing commitment to data security. The report is available upon execution of a non-disclosure agreement. If you are interested in receiving a copy of FreshBooks SOC 2 report, please contact [email protected] For more information on privacy and security policies at FreshBooks, visit Security and Reliability Safeguards - FreshBooks About FreshBooks FreshBooks is changing the way business owners manage their books. Its owner-first accounting platform, loved by businesses in over 160 countries, takes an easy-to-use approach to managing finances, billing, payroll, payments, and client engagement. Known for its 11x Stevie award-winning customer support, FreshBooks serves customers of all sizes from offices in Canada, Croatia, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, and US. FreshBooks has been recognized as a Top 10 employer by Great Places to Work for seven of the last eight years. Jackie Paduano FreshBooks [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] BioSkryb Announces Commercial Launch of ResolveOME System and BaseJumper Bioinformatics Platform BioSkryb Genomics, a pioneer in comprehensive single cell multiomic research solutions, today announced the commercial launch of its ResolveOME Whole Genome and Transcriptome Amplification system and BaseJumper Bioinformatics Platform at the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) 2023 General Meeting. For the first time in the single cell analysis market, ResolveOME makes it possible to interrogate the entire genome, transcriptome, exomes, or targeted gene content from a single cell with exceptional coverage and accuracy. When coupled with BioSkryb's BaseJumper Bioinformatics platform, which provides simple and dynamic visualization of multiomic findings, investigators can now comprehensively explore the cellular ecosystem to enhance our understanding of complex human disease. "The technological advances at BioSkryb that allow concurrent analysis of the genome, transcriptome, and proteome at single cell resolution are unprecedented, and will lead the way to new biological insights," said Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH, Surgical Oncologist and Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Surgery, Duke University. Traditionally, single cell methods have only been able to decode a limited portion of the genome or transcriptome, or researchers were required to rely on bulk samples. This approach lacks the resolution necessary to fully comprehend te molecular and cellular dynamics of biological systems, and it can also be time intensive. However, the ResolveOME system addresses these limitations through its breakthrough single cell whole-genome amplification (WGA) technique utilizing proprietary and patented Primary Template-directed Amplification (PTA), along with full-transcript reverse transcription. As a result, the ResolveOME system offers a comprehensive single cell multiomic solution, enabling the simultaneous exploration of both the whole genome and whole mRNA transcriptome from the same single cell. Additionally, the assay provides the flexibility to examine the whole exome or smaller targeted portions of the genome based on the researcher's needs, with unmatched comprehensive coverage and allelic balance in the market. "We are thrilled to make our ResolveOME system widely available after the successful completion of our Early Access Program with key scientific partners," said Suresh Pisharody, CEO of BioSkryb. "Our cutting-edge technology allows for a deeper understanding of the cellular ecosystem, providing insights into tumor phenotypes, immune evasion, and drug resistance, which have the potential to greatly impact cancer drug discovery and development efforts, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes." The BaseJumper Bioinformatics Platform has been designed to complement the ResolveOME system, streamlining the process of single cell informatics at scale. The platform allows for the rapid organization and mapping of multiomic (DNA, RNA, and protein) data generated by the ResolveOME system, empowering researchers from all disciplines to easily interpret and visualize large data sets through dynamic filtering capabilities and a suite of visualization applications. "ResolveOME and BaseJumper are leading the way in a new era of single cell genomics by accelerating and expanding both the ability to view the vast multiomic dynamics within each single cell along with the visualization of that data," said Dr. Jay West, CTO and Co-Founder of BioSkryb. "The BaseJumper Platform not only allows for the ultrafast filtering of millions of biomarkers in a study, but it can also generate publication-quality figures and reports, greatly expediting the discovery process for scientists." The BioSkryb team will showcase both solutions at the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) 2023 General Meeting taking place February 6-9 in Hollywood, Florida. The BioSkryb suite is located in the South Tower on the third level of The Diplomat Hotel (#317). To schedule a demo or meeting, please email [email protected]. To learn more about BioSkryb, please visit https://www.bioskryb.com/. About BioSkryb Genomics BioSkryb Genomics is a rapidly growing organization that is transforming single cell molecular discovery and analysis. Through its single cell whole genome and whole transcriptome amplification tools, scientists and clinicians can gain an unprecedented view of the genome, transcriptome, and proteome within a single cell to better understand the drivers, mechanisms, and management of complex disease. The company is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina. For more information, visit bioskryb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005497/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Goes Live with Tyler Technologies' Permitting & Licensing Solution Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: TYL) announced Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport is live with Tyler's Enterprise Permitting & Licensing (EPL), Community Development, Civic Access, and Workforce Mobile solutions. DFW Airport was seeking a system for the application, issuance, inspection, and enforcement of construction-related permits in conjunction with the contracts awarded through the Design, Code, and Construction (DCC) Department. The airport selected Tyler's solution for its modern user interface, which provides the airport and its permit applicants with a more user-friendly experience. Tyler's EPL solution assists DFW Airport with planning, permitting, licensing, asset management, and engagement through a cloud-based, configurable interface. The solutio also provides the airport with a fully compliant Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard (DSS) financial processing module for secure transactions. The addition of Tyler's Civic Access solution provides online access directly to the contractors and consultants involved with development projects on airport property, so they can easily apply for a permit, request an inspection, pay invoices, and more. For staff, the solution helps streamline processes such as permit applications, fee payments, and inspection requests. "The flexibility of Tyler's Enterprise Permitting & Licensing solution makes it a great fit for a non-traditional government agency like DFW Airport," said Greg Savard, general manager of Tyler's civic services business unit. "We are pleased to help them streamline their permitting processes and bring their contractors and consultants a strong communications platform to assist in filing permit applications." DFW Airport is the second-largest airport by land area in the U.S. It is the largest hub for American Airlines, which is headquartered near the airport. About Tyler Technologies, Inc. Tyler Technologies (NYSE: TYL) provides integrated software and technology services to the public sector. Tyler's end-to-end solutions empower local, state, and federal government entities to operate more efficiently and connect more transparently with their constituents and with each other. By connecting data and processes across disparate systems, Tyler's solutions are transforming how clients gain actionable insights that solve problems in their communities. Tyler has more than 37,000 successful installations across more than 12,000 locations, with clients in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, and other international locations. Tyler has been recognized numerous times for growth and innovation, including Government Technology's GovTech 100 list and Forbes' "Most Innovative Growth Companies" list. More information about Tyler Technologies, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Plano, Texas, can be found at tylertech.com. #TYL_General View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005111/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] TEGNA Stations KARE and WXIA Win Prestigious 2023 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) today announced that KARE (Minneapolis, Minn.) and WXIA (Atlanta, Ga.) received 2023 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards which honor excellence in broadcast, online and documentary journalism. KARE won for "KARE 11 Investigates - The Gap: Failure to Treat, Failure to Protect," which exposed systemic and often fatal failures to treat people with mental illness and protect the public. WXIA was honored for "The Reveal: #Keeping," an investigative series on the disturbing flaw in Georgia's social safety net. "Through impactful investigative reporting, our local journalists continue to hold those in power accountable and create change in their communities," said Lynn Beall, EVP and COO for media operations, TEGNA. "Congratulations to the teams at KARE and WXIA for these well-earned honors." In KARE 11 Investigates - The Gap: Failure to Treat, Failure to Protect, a year-long series and primetime special, reporters A.J. Lagoe and Brandon Stahl, along with investigative producerSteve Eckert and photojournalists Gary Knox, David Peterlinz and Ronald Stover revealed how violent criminal suspects deemed too mentally ill to stand trial in Minnesota are often released without adequate treatment or supervision - and go on to commit new crimes, including murders. Citing KARE 11's findings, state lawmakers passed sweeping reforms. In The Reveal: #Keeping, WXIA reporter Rebecca Lindstrom, director of innovation Erin Peterson, photojournalist David Brooks and graphic artist Toby Sjolander look at children abandoned to Georgia's child welfare system because their parents couldn't get the behavioral and mental health services they needed to keep them safe. After the #Keeping investigative series aired, lawmakers in Georgia signed the Mental Health Parity Act into law, increased funding for therapeutic foster care, and approved additional funding to increase the state's workforce shortage in mental and behavioral health. About TEGNA TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) is an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. Across platforms, TEGNA tells empowering stories, conducts impactful investigations and delivers innovative marketing solutions. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA is the largest owner of top 4 network affiliates in the top 25 markets among independent station groups, reaching approximately 39 percent of all television households nationwide. TEGNA also owns leading multicast networks True Crime Network, Twist and Quest. TEGNA offers innovative solutions to help businesses reach consumers across television, digital and over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including Premion, TEGNA's OTT advertising service. For more information, visit www.TEGNA.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005664/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Q2 Helps Utah Community Credit Union Achieve Significant Growth by Attracting Younger Members Q2 Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: QTWO), a leading provider of digital transformation solutions for banking and lending, today announced that Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU) has transformed its digital banking experience to meet the expectations of younger account holders while achieving significant business outcomes, including new account openings, increased member satisfaction, decreased call volume and growth in external transfers. UCCU's CIO Justin Olson said, "We have experienced extraordinary growth in both assets and members over the last five years, which speaks highly of the direction we've gone with our technology through our partnership with Q2. Overall, assets are up. New member growth is strong. Loan growth is strong. Online and mobile banking traffic and transactions are up significantly." Olson said, "In the first 24 hours of launching Q2 Goals, we had a thousand new savings goals accounts opened without requiring any employee intervention. It was all automated. It's been a great opportunity for us to reach out to members and connect with them in a new way. We pride ourselves in helping our members be financially stronger. We can see our members are financially better off for having banked with us than if they were somewhere else. That's a big deal." Since UCCU began its partnership with Q2, it has deployed many of Q2's pre-integrated solutions available through the Q2 digital banking platform. Recent results include 1,000 new savings accounts opened in the first 24 hours of its implementation of Q2 Goals, a 25% decrease in call volume year over year, a 65% increase in asset size and a daily increase in external transfers from 30 to over a thousand. "What's also really improved is external transfers," said Stirling Ogden, Director of UCCU's Online Services. "Our external transfer volume went from 20 - 30 a day to about a thousand a day. We had so many different vendors to tie into our online banking, but ow Q2 has that integrated for us. It used to take members three to five business days to link an external account. Now, the workflow through Q2 is so simplified that members can have their account linked and verified in a day because it's simple, visible and intuitive." UCCU - a $2.58 billion community credit union based in Provo, Utah - serves more than 220,000 members across multiple generations. The organization is rooted in the credit union philosophy of "people helping people" and built on traditional values of commitment to outstanding service, respect for others, and fiscal responsibility, and began its partnership with Q2 in 2017. Dallas Wells, senior vice president of Product Management, Q2 said, "Q2 is pleased to help Utah Community Credit Union fulfill its vision of being the most loved, most trusted, and most utilized credit union in the nation. We know that consumers of all ages demand digital banking tools that simplify their financial lives, are easy to use, and are accessible through the device of their choice. Q2 looks forward to continuing our partnership with UCCU by staying relevant and always a step ahead of the evolving expectations of account holders." Learn more: Case Study: UCCU Exceeds Expectations of Tech-savvy Members with Q2 Blog: How Utah Community Credit Union Attracts Younger, Tech-savvy Members with a Modern Digital Banking Experience Video: UCCU Testimonial Video About Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU) Founded in 1955, Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU) is an organization rooted in the credit union philosophy of "people helping people"? and built on traditional values of commitment to outstanding service, respect for others, and fiscal responsibility. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of honesty, professionalism, and integrity and are committed to achieving excellence in operations, products, and member service. With consistent and reliable service delivery, we create trusting relationships with our members. We are a member-centric organization. Our decisions at all levels are based on what is in the best interest of the member, while maintaining a financially strong and stable organization. About Q2 Holdings, Inc. Q2 is a financial experience company dedicated to providing digital banking and lending solutions to banks, credit unions, alternative finance, and fintech companies in the U.S. and internationally. With comprehensive end-to-end solution sets, Q2 enables its partners to provide cohesive, secure, data-driven experiences to every account holder - from consumer to small business and corporate. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Q2 has offices throughout the world and is publicly traded on the NYSE under the stock symbol QTWO. To learn more, please visit Q2.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005844/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Universal Hydrogen Announces Strategic Agreement with Air New Zealand to Deliver True Zero Emission Solution for Regional Aviation Universal Hydrogen Co., whose mission is to make hydrogen aviation a near-term reality, today announced it has signed a strategic agreement with Air New Zealand as part of the airline's expanding Mission Next Gen Aircraft program. Air New Zealand has today named Universal Hydrogen to its long-term partner program as it seeks to find sustainable solutions for its fleet. Air New Zealand's Chief Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin says the airline has bold sustainability goals that won't be met by a 'business as usual' approach. "Mission Next Gen Aircraft aims to accelerate the technology and infrastructure needed to decarbonize our domestic flights, by joining forces with the world's leading aircraft developers, innovators, and infrastructure providers. We want to be a leader in the roll out of zero emissions aircraft in New Zealand. Having Universal Hydrogen as one of our long-term partners will grow our collective understanding of zero emissions aircraft technology as it develops and will give them the confidence they are developing a product that's well-suited for our fleet." Universal Hydrogen is developing a solution to convert existing regional airplanes to fly on hydrogen and to supply hydrogen to the fleet using a mdular fueling approach, which eliminates the need for new airport infrastructure, speeds up the fueling operation, and reduces transfer losses throughout the hydrogen delivery chain. On completion of testing and certification, Universal Hydrogen's conversion kits could be installed in Air New Zealand's regional fleet. "As the second-largest turboprop operator in the world, Air New Zealand is a trendsetter for the industry," said Paul Eremenko, co-founder and CEO of Universal Hydrogen. "We fully expect other airlines to follow in Air New Zealand's footsteps toward a true zero emissions solution for their fleets. We're thrilled to be selected alongside Air New Zealand's other long-term partners-Airbus, ATR, Embraer, and Heart Aerospace-to quickly address aviation's contributions to the climate crisis." About Universal Hydrogen Universal Hydrogen is building a hydrogen logistics network to fuel the future of aviation today. Hydrogen is the ideal fuel for flight and will power aviation's new golden age, where planes are powered by renewables and emit nothing but water. The company's modular hydrogen capsules move over the existing freight network from production directly to the airplane anywhere in the world. Universal Hydrogen is also working to certify a powertrain conversion kit to retrofit existing regional aircraft to fly on hydrogen. The company has gathered the world's leading aviation and hydrogen talent to give the industry the option of clean flight, forever. About Air New Zealand Air New Zealand's story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat - a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has 104 operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It's a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 7.3 years. Air New Zealand's global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. Pre-Covid, the airline flew more than 17 million passengers every year, with 3,400 flights per week. Air New Zealand was recently named the World's Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline's laser-focus on safety. This year, Air New Zealand won Best Corporate Reputation in New Zealand - 8th year in a row. Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, Asia, the Pacific Islands and the US, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airline's efforts in tackling some of New Zealand's and the world's most complex challenges. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangopare, the Maori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005983/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] EverWind Fuels Receives Environmental Approval for First Industrial-Scale Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia Project in North America HALIFAX, NS, Feb. 7, 2023 /CNW/ - EverWind Fuels Company ("EverWind") has received Environmental Approval for the initial phase of its $6 billion, 1 million tonnes per annum green hydrogen and green ammonia project located in Point Tupper, Nova Scotia. The approval was issued today by the Honourable Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Nova Scotia. EverWind remains on track to deliver green ammonia to German off-takers, E.ON and Uniper, by 2025, achieving the goals outlined in the historic Canada-Germany Hydrogen Alliance signed in August of 2022 by the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, and Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck of Germany. The Environmental Approval is a significant milestone for EverWind and its First Nations equity partners, Membertou, Paqtnkek (Bayside Development Corporation) and Potlotek. It paves the way for construction to commence in the first half of 2023. It is the first independent green hydrogen and green ammonia project in North America to receive an Environmental Approval, and amongst the first in the world. In December 2022, EverWind was the successful proponent in a Provincial request for applications for Crown land and is now exclusively applying for leases on 137,000 acres of land to develop a 2GW onshore wind farm. The onshore wind is expected to power the second phase of its green hydrogen production facility by 2026. EverWind acquired the Point Tupper terminal in early 2022. Its existing, operational marine terminal is the deepest ice-free berth on the East Coast of North America. The site has capacity to produce more than 10 million tonnes per year of green ammonia. The site, with approximately $1 billion of existing storage and logistics assets, is an ideal hydrogen hub and is connected via critical infrastructure including rail, road and pipelines, in addition to its port facility. Trent Vichie, CEO and founder of EverWind welcomed the news from the government, saying: "As a first mover in Atlantic Canada, EverWind is establishing a globally competitive clean energy hub, unlocking the immense local, national, and international opportunities presented by green hydrogen and green fuels. The Environmental Approval announced today, will enhance the region's ability to create the first mover supply chains necessary to scale quickly in new markets. Furthermore, it creates the foundation of a new industry in Canada and Nova Scotia that will lead the green energy transition." Laurel Broten, CEO of Invest in Canada, Canada's global investment attraction and promotion agency acknowledged the significance of today's announcement. "Hydrogen is a critical tool in the energy transition and in how we meet our net-zero goals by 2050. EverWind Fuels' planned hydrogen and ammonia project in Point Tupper, Nova Scotia is an example of the transformative benefits foreign direct investment can bring to Canada and to Canadian communities." Recognition of the Mi'kmaw & their Ancestral Territory EverWind Fuels acknowledges the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people, and we acknowledge them as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land, Mi'kma'ki. Our work shares a core principle practiced by the Mi'kmaq: environmental stewardship. We are committed to working with the Mi'kmaq through consultation, engagement and delivering a comprehensive partnership on all aspects of the project. About EverWind Fuels EverWind is North America's leading independent green hydrogen developer, building a 1 million tonne per annum green ammonia facility. The first phase is permitted and set to produce and export 200,000 tonnes per annum starting in 2025 then achieve the full 1 million tonnes per annum volume by 2026. EverWind owns and operates the deepest ice-free berth on the East Coast of North America, with world class access to rail, roads and pipelines. Our safety-first culture reflects a highly skilled and extensively certified workforce, with a stellar safety record. EverWind works with some of the largest European energy companies, leading hydrogen & ammonia equipment suppliers, and financial advisors. These relationships will support the strategic and expeditious development of the next phase of our Nova Scotia project, including a 2 GW wind farm, which is expected be the largest in North America. EverWind has three First Nations equity partners and is a champion for meaningful engagement with Rightsholders and the advancement of social and economic reconciliation. At a local level, the Company works closely with municipalities and stakeholder organizations. Leveraging our Nova Scotia development experience, EverWind is also pursuing a sister project on the Burin Peninsula in Newfoundland & Labrador. This project will consist of a 2 GW wind farm to produce green hydrogen and ammonia, very similar to the second phase of the Nova Scotia project. EverWind is led by Trent Vichie, a co-founder of Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners. EverWind's executive team members have previously held CEO and C-Suite positions at various infrastructure, private equity, renewable power and utility companies and their investment experience totals more than $45 billion in capital projects over the past two decades. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by EverWind. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. EverWind does not intend, and does not assume any liability whatsoever, to update these forward-looking statements or to align them to future events or developments. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/everwind-fuels-receives-environmental-approval-for-first-industrial-scale-green-hydrogen-and-green-ammonia-project-in-north-america-301741136.html SOURCE EverWind Fuels Company [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] CSP's Retail Leader of the Year 2023: Natalie Morhous 3rd-generation leader keeps RaceTrac speeding along with strong culture and strategy CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Winsight and CSP are pleased to honor Natalie Morhous, president of RaceTrac Inc., as our 2023 Retail Leader of the Year. Morhous is a third-generation leader in the family-owned business started in 1934. She began her career with RaceTrac in 2012 and, in company parlance, has been a TracFanatic since birth. In Morhous' 10 years with RaceTrac, she has served as director of strategy and development, executive director of strategy and solutions, and vice president of Energy Dispatch before assuming her role as president of the company in February of 2019. Morhous also serves on the NACS Legislative Committee; is a board member of Our House, an organization dedicated to ending the cycle of homelessness for families; part of Leadership Georgia's 2023 class; and a member of the Young President's Organization. Under her leadership, the company has expanded the RaceTrac brand into Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee with eyes on continued expansion into other additional states. The company also opened new store types, including a travel-center format and drive-thru locations, and welcomed franchisees into the RaceTrac family. All of this growth is just the beginning of RaceTrac's goal to build a connected fuel network, serving convenience guests and professional drivers across its growing footprint. "Our family is lucky to have Natalie's strategic leadership, candid communication and passion for our business guiding RaceTrac into the future," said Melanie Isbill, RaceTrac's chief marketing officer and Morhous' sister. "I believe that her commitment to carrying on our father's and grandfather's legacies as well as her drive to strongly impact our generation's unique mark on what they started will make our organization even more successful for many years to come." "If you're lucky, you get a chance to work withsomeone like Natalie maybe once in a career," said Robby Posener, chief development officer. "She is a lifelong learner who challenges those around her to be better every day. Natalie does not take the easy road. She chooses the path forward which will advance the lives of our guest and employees, even if doing so is uncomfortable in the moment." Based in Atlanta, RaceTrac owns and operates more than 770 retail fuel and convenience stores across 13 states under the RaceTrac and RaceWay brands. The RaceTrac family of companies also includes Energy Dispatch, the transportation company that hauls fuel for RaceTrac, and Metroplex Energy, the wholesale fuel supplier which secures bulk fuel to supply RaceTrac and RaceWay stores and other third-party companies. "Most great leaders have a strength in either strategic direction or tactical execution," said AJ Siccardi, president of Metroplex Energy. "Natalie is the unique and extraordinary leader who excels in both with an unparalleled level of humility, drive, and desire to do the right thing regardless of her feelings or predispositions." Morhous' recognition comes 14 years after her father, Carl Bolch Jr., was honored as CSP's Retail Leader of the Year in 2009. "We're extremely excited to honor Natalie Morhous for her role in growing RaceTrac and in carrying on a family legacy," said Steve Holtz, editor-in-chief of CSP. "Seeing leadership of a family-owned company pass from father to daughter without a dip in momentum, stability or ambition is an enviable sign of a company operating with a strong culture and oversight. CSP will celebrate Morhous' leadership and achievements with family and friends at a formal dinner and award presentation during the NACS Show in Atlanta in October. Click here for more information. CSP's Retail Leader of the Year (RLOY) award has a 20-year legacy for recognizing convenience-retailing executives for their excellence in leadership, innovation and perseverance within his or her company, positively transforming the organization to new and higher levels. Past honorees include Ken Parent, Pilot Co.; Brian Hannasch, Alimentation Couche-Tard; Chet Cadieux, QuikTrip; Kyle Krause, Kum & Go; Ari Haseotes, Cumberland Farms; Bob Myers of Casey's General Stores; Tony Kenney, Speedway; Sam L. Susser, Susser Petroleum Partners; John MacDougall, Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes; Don Zietlow, Kwik Trip; and Joe DePinto, 7-Eleven Inc., among others. Contact: Steve Holtz, Director of Content, CSP, Winsight LLC 312-940-1576 [email protected] About Winsight LLC Winsight LLC is a business-to-business information, event and market intelligence company serving the restaurant and noncommercial foodservice, convenience and petroleum retailing and grocery industries. Winsight provides research and analytics, branding solutions, face-to-face opportunities, lead generation initiatives and content marketing services through products including subscription data products, reports, research tools, research programs, fully custom studies, conferences, custom marketing services, meetings, print and digital trade media. For more information on Winsight, go to www.winsightmedia.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/csps-retail-leader-of-the-year-2023-natalie-morhous-301741134.html SOURCE CSP [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] Bay Area Housing Finance Authority to Simplify Search For Affordable Housing Google.org Providing Pro Bono Technical Support to Create New Web Portal SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) is beginning a project to develop and implement the Doorway Housing Portal, an online portal that will enable residents to search for affordable housing anywhere in the nine-county Bay Area and complete an application in less than 10 minutes. Scheduled to launch in early 2024, the Doorway Housing Portal will serve as a one-stop shop for housing seekers. The Doorway Housing Portal will allow prospective renters to immediately determine their eligibility for all kinds of affordable housing units, apply for multiple listings at the same time and receive up-to-the-minute information on waitlists, lotteries and placement, all while protecting personal data throughout the process. The portal also will simplify the lease-up process for developers and property managers, and provide important data about the demand for affordable housing, which will help create more housing resources. A team of Google.org Fellows Google researchers, designers, product managers, software engineers and other Google employees will provide pro bono technical support for the project. "Affordable housing needs to be funded and it needs to be accessible," said U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, who represents California's 18th Congressional District. "That's why I welcome this new effort by the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority and Google.org to help provide needed information about affordable housing options in our community." "The collaboration between Google.org and BAHFA is precisely the kind of public-private teamwork we need to finally start solving the Bay Area's ongstanding housing affordability problems," commented state Assembly Budget Committee Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), whose support for a $20 million earmark in the 2021 state budget was pivotal in kickstarting BAHFA's operations. "By leveraging Google.org's technical expertise with the open-source DAHLIA portal already being used in San Francisco, BAHFA is building a tool that can be used not only by residents but also by developers and property managers throughout the Bay Area and then scaled up for use all around the country." "Searching for an affordable home in the Bay Area is so much harder and more time-consuming than it should be," noted Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, who chairs the Assembly Housing Committee. "There's usually a lot of paperwork when people try to apply for affordable housing and the process is often different from property to property, with confusing eligibility rules and lack of clarity about why a person did or didn't get approved. Doorway aims to eliminate these unnecessary obstacles that families face just trying to locate an affordable place to live and it's well overdue. I'm excited that BAHFA is partnering with tech to develop a regional solution that will benefit residents across the whole Bay Area." As part of Google's $1 billion Bay Area housing commitment, Google.org is providing pro bono support to select local nonprofits. The Doorway Housing Portal continues this effort and builds on the success of a past Civic Fellowship with the City of San Francisco, where a team of Google employees supported the city to research and design what is now DAHLIA. DAHLIA was developed in partnership with the San Francisco Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development, the San Francisco Mayor's Office of Civic Innovation and Exygy, a San Francisco-based Certified B Corporation that also will develop the Doorway Housing Portal with BAHFA and Google.org. The Doorway Housing Portal will be built on Bloom Housing, an open-source software project being developed with governments across the country. "Open-source platforms like Bloom Housing facilitate collaboration between governments to develop world-class, human-centered software that serves our most underserved communities. Bloom Housing's role in increasing access to affordable housing is a great example of ways design and technology can help improve lives," said Zach Berke, founder and managing partner at Exygy. Established by the state Legislature in 2019, BAHFA is the first regional housing finance authority in California. BAHFA is governed by the same board members as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), with some of its policies also overseen by the Executive Board of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). Google.org is Google's philanthropy arm, bringing the best of Google to help solve some of humanity's biggest challenges; combining funding, innovation and technical expertise to support underserved communities and provide opportunity for everyone. Google.org engages nonprofits and social enterprises who make a significant impact on the communities they represent, and whose work has the potential to produce meaningful change. Google.org wants a better world, faster and believes in leveraging technology and applying scalable, data-driven innovation to move the needle. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bay-area-housing-finance-authority-to-simplify-search-for-affordable-housing-301741139.html SOURCE Metropolitan Transportation Commission; Association of Bay Area Governments [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] EAGLE POINT SOFTWARE FOCUSES ON MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AT UPCOMING 3DEXPERIENCE WORLD DUBUQUE, Iowa, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Eagle Point Software, creator of the Pinnacle Series e-learning solution, is a sponsor of the upcoming 3DEXPERIENCE World to be held February 12-15, 2023, in Nashville, TN. This event gathers thousands of designers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, all looking to find technologies and solutions to push the manufacturing industry forward. John Biver, President and CEO of Eagle Point, explained, "Manufacturing is a growing area of focus for our company and is an industry that truly benefits from the Pinnacle Series solution. Our clients in the manufacturing space have shared how our innovative technology is helping to shape the world of product development and is driving productivity within the industry." Steve Biver, COO at Eagle Point, shared more specifically how the company is working with clients within the industry. "We have continued to expand our team of manufacturing experts over the past few years, as we identified that Eagle Point can address the needs and help solve many of the challenges that manufacturing professionals face. We are dedicated to creating, managing, and planning content for our manufacturing client base and developing solutions to enable organizations to improve their use of design technologies, including SOLIDWORKS." Steve continued, "Our team at Eagle Point continues to lead via innovation, and we are excited to share more of our solutions that directly address the challenges that companies face today in the manufacturing industry. 3DEXPERIENCE World is sure to be an otstanding event." Pinnacle Series is an AEC and manufacturing e-learning solution that features a comprehensive library of videos, documents, and other manufacturing development resources that enable long-term employee training, on-demand problem-solving, and digital transformation. About Eagle Point Pinnacle Series creator Eagle Point Software has helped AEC & manufacturing companies work more efficiently since 1983. Based in Dubuque, Iowa, the Pinnacle Series team is comprised of industry experts who deliver the leading development and productivity platform to 436,000+ global AEC & manufacturing professionals. Pinnacle Series offers a robust library of on-demand software training content , plus knowledge capture and sharing capabilities that ultimately increase efficiency. www.eaglepoint.com ; +1 563.556.8392. Follow Pinnacle Series on LinkedIn ; Twitter ; Facebook ; YouTube . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eagle-point-software-focuses-on-manufacturing-industry-at-upcoming-3dexperience-world-301741197.html SOURCE Eagle Point Software [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] GreenPages Technology Solutions Acquires Arcas Risk Management PORTSMOUTH, N.H., Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GreenPages Technology Solutions, a nationally recognized cybersecurity, cloud, and managed services provider announced on February 3, it has acquired Arcas Risk Management, a Massachusetts-based cybersecurity, risk advisory, and compliance consulting services firm. The transaction was completed on February 1, 2023 and bolsters GreenPages growing cybersecurity practice with expanded capabilities around incident response, risk assessments, cybersecurity programs, and security operations. Were excited to welcome the talented Arcas team to GreenPages, said Ron Dupler, GreenPages CEO. The digital era is rife with opportunity for our clientsbut also teeming with increasingly advanced threats. Modern CIOs and CISOs know that cybersecurity must be a board-level business strategy steeped in zero trust that spans the entire organization. Added Dupler, Together with Arcas, our best-in-class cybersecurity experts will help clients further reduce their attack surface across their operating environments and protectcorporate data against threats. GreenPages adheres to the strictest security certifications and standards, including the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST); Payment Card Industry (PCI); Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA); HITRUST; Data Security Standards (DSS); Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL); CMMC (The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification); and GDPR/CCPA/SHIELD. The company also holds AICPA SOC 2 accreditation to provide clients with the strongest security, confidentiality, operational rigor, and systems excellence possible. Many clients face a huge challenge fending off cybersecurity dangers day-in and day-out while dealing with tight budgets and skills gaps, said Robert Fitzgerald, Arcas founder and CEO. We founded Arcas with a goal of helping these clients build robust, agile cybersecurity programs and roadmaps to mitigate and manage risk. And now in partnership with GreenPages, we look forward to creating one of the most robust next-gen cybersecurity services portfolios in the industry. In addition to cybersecurity services, GreenPages also offers infrastructure modernization and automation; cloud transformation and FinOps; networking; modern workspace; carrier; and managed services. In December, 2020, GreenPages completed a recapitalization with Abry Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm that has helped the company fuel market innovation and accelerate its aggressive growth goals. About GreenPages GreenPages is an innovative, digital-first IT and cybersecurity firm that plans, implements, and manages secure, high-performance digital operating environments for leading companies nationwide. It is uniquely positioned with extensive technology expertise in security and cloud to deliver complete infrastructure solutions that enable companies to drive business outcomes and compete in the digitally-driven economy. www.greenpages.com For more information, contact: Sarah Foote GreenPages [email protected] [February 07, 2023] Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare announces partnership with Epic Transition to 'Epic' aligns with system's mission to create a seamless experience for patients MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (MLH) is launching a digital transformation journey for patient care through a new partnership with electronic health record company, Epic. MLH joins nearly 2,400 hospitals across the country in this transition to the Epic platform, which will align patients' electronic health records from every Methodist Le Bonheur care setting into one state-of-the-art digital platform as well as increase interaction between physicians, clinical staff and their patients. "This advanced technology is an investment in our physicians, team members, patients and the communities we are privileged to serve. Whether patients are treated in an MLH minor med, a primary care office or one of our hospitals, hysicians and care teams will have effortless and secure access to patients' records in Epic, across the care continuum," said Dr. Michael Ugwueke, president and CEO of MLH. The Epic platform also allows families to access all of their healthcare information in one place a single app - called MyChart. Patients will be able to check-in electronically for appointments, request prescription refills and directly message care team members, which empowers them to better manage their care. "Epic allows for patients and physicians to have a seamless connection with each other further delivering on our commitment to more personalized care and a better patient experience," said Monica Wharton, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at MLH. MLH anticipates the Epic implementation process to be a multi-year journey. In the meantime, there will be no disruptions to patient care or staff workflows. About Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has been caring for patients and families regardless of their ability to pay for more than 100 years. Guided by roots in the United Methodist Church and founded in 1918 to help meet the growing need for quality healthcare in the greater Memphis area, MLH has grown from one hospital into a comprehensive healthcare system with 13,000 Associates supporting six hospitals, including nationally ranked Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient facilities, hospice residence and physician and specialty practices serving communities across the Mid-South. From transplants and advanced heart procedures to expert neurology services and compassionate cancer care, MLH offers clinical expertise with a focus on improving every life we touch. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/methodist-le-bonheur-healthcare-announces-partnership-with-epic-301741217.html SOURCE Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 07, 2023] InvestCloud Partners With 55ip to Integrate Tax-Smart Technology on the InvestCloud Financial Supermarket InvestCloud, the global leader in digital transformation for the financial industry, and 55ip, the tax-smart investment platform, today announce a breakthrough partnership to integrate 55ip's tax-smart investment technology into the InvestCloud Financial Supermarket. The integrated offering expands the products, strategies and tax optimization options available to advisors to seamlessly discover and add to client portfolios, optimizing for tax at a time when maximizing returns is paramount. 55ip has seen huge adoption for its ActiveTax technology, which uses intelligent automation to elevate portfolios through automated tax-smart transitions, management and withdrawals. This technology will be integrated onto the InvestCloud platform, making it accessible to over 400 wealth management firms with over 25 million accounts on the InvestCloud platform. Advisors will now be able to maximize tax efficiency for their clients across the wealth continuum. The partnership aligns with InvestCloud's drive to transform the communication, shopping and selling of financial products within the industry. From a single digital platform via the Financial Supermarket, advisors serving US clients can have access to tax-efficient products through simple search with direct indexing, tax-loss harvesting, tax-efficient portfolio rebalancing and tax transition, pre-integrated into the implementation of portfolios across a myriad of account structures, including true Unified Management Accounts (UMAs). "Now more than ever, tax-efficient investing is front of mind for advisors as they try to squeeze out eery marginal gain amid more volatile markets. There is no better time to enhance tax strategies to align with a client's long-term goals," said Cheryl Nash, InvestCloud's CEO of the Financial Supermarket. "Integrating 55ip's powerful technology is an exciting step on our journey to simplifying product selection by digitizing the way advisors optimize for tax when constructing and managing client portfolios." Paul Gamble, 55ip's CEO, commented: "Automating tax-smart management is vital to delivering personalized portfolios at scale that deliver more value to clients. Partnering with InvestCloud means more advisors will have access to the tax-efficient tools they need to help clients reach their financial goals. A fundamental part of our strategy is integrating with premier platforms serving advisors. Our partnership with InvestCloud is a major step on our path to become the industry standard for tax-smart management." About InvestCloud InvestCloud is a global company specializing in digital platforms that enable the development of financial solutions, pre-integrated into the cloud. The company offers on-demand client experiences and intuitive operations solutions using an ever-expanding suite of modular apps, resulting in powerful products including Communication (client portals, advisor portals, mobility and more), Planning (goal-based, cashflow, digital advice, proposals and more), Shopping & Selling (digital marketplace for financial products) and the App Library (IBOR, ABOR, performance and more). Headquartered in Los Angeles, InvestCloud has over 20 global offices including New York, London, Geneva, Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney, supporting trillions in assets across hundreds of diverse clients - from the largest banks in the world to wealth managers, asset managers and asset services companies. For more information, visit InvestCloud.com. About 55ip 55ip is a financial technology company purpose-built to break down barriers to financial progress. Setting the industry standard for automated, personalized, and optimized tax outcomes, the 55ip platform delivers efficient implementation of the investment process to the financial services industry. Combined with leading trading and rebalancing capabilities, we offer a full-service solution that meets the unique needs of advisors. At the heart of 55ip's seamless, intuitive user experience is 55ip's ActiveTax? Technology, including elevated portfolio design and delivery, tax-smart transitions, management, and withdrawals, all helping advisors save time and achieve better outcomes for their clients. 55ip is a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, the asset management business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Visit 55-ip.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207006130/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Gov. Tony Evers was welcomed as the keynote speaker for the 51st annual La Crosse Area Development Corporation meeting. Evers addressed the fiscal health of the state and highlighted aspects of his upcoming budget, including child care support, small business grants, addressing PFAS contamination and shared revenue for local governments. I pledge to support a provision that will return 20% of sales tax back to local communities like La Crosse and the other municipalities here today, Evers said, so that those communities can meet the unique and basic needs for transit, public health, police, fire, EMS, you name it. Evers noted that in the past decade the largest increase in shared revenue was 0.03%. Ive always been someone who believed that most of the hard work that government does happens locally, Evers said. This is long overdue, and I believe that we have bipartisan support to do something. Shared revenue between the state government and local governments has been a top issue for local elected officials, who have been working with limited revenue to fund public safety and education. In October, municipal leaders from across the state met in La Crosse to advocate for an increase in shared revenue. Additional items Evers highlighted in his budget proposal include $600 million in tax relief targeted for working families, including a 10% middle class tax cut. Another $100 million is proposed to be used to address PFAS contamination across the state. Evers budgeted $50 million to continue the Main Street Bounce Back program. The program has led to over 8,500 businesses opening their doors or expanding in downtown areas across the state. More than 195 businesses in La Crosse county benefitted from the program. Im also proposing major investments in attracting and retaining a skilled workforce, Evers said. Making sure that were increasing the opportunities for childcare for working families and growing job opportunities in our local communities. The governor plans to propose continued funding for the Child Care Counts program and the Partner Up grant program to ensure child care is affordable and accessible for working families. In regards to workforce development, Evers has proposed a historic $50 million to bolster the healthcare workforce and another $10 million to expand clean energy job training. The event brought together community members of all types from business owners to local elected officials. LADCO is a non-profit, economic development organization focused on the growth and prosperity of the La Crosse Area. LADCO helps existing businesses grow and expand, attracts new businesses and workforce to the area, and manages the areas small business incubator the Coulee Region Business Center. [February 07, 2023] Guild Mortgage Acquires Legacy Mortgage Guild Mortgage (NYSE: GHLD), a growth-oriented mortgage lending company originating and servicing residential loans since 1960, has increased its Southwest presence with the acquisition of Legacy Mortgage, an independent New Mexico-based lender. Legacy Mortgage was founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2002. Jack Thompson joined Legacy in 2006 as Co-owner and CEO/ President and grew the company to be a leading presence in New Mexico. Thompson purchased the company in 2006. Legacy will become part of Guild's Southwest region. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Legacy is well-respected for its market leadership and community involvement, with 13 branches in four states - Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas, and offers a wide range of purchase and refinance loan options. "This acquisition is part of the company's continued plan to grow both in existing markets and by entering new ones with selective acquisitions of like-minded lenders," said Mary Ann McGarry, Guild CEO. "Legacy Mortgage recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary of providng home financing and our team has always admired the company's commitment to its employees and customers. We are pleased to further grow Guild's presence in the high-growth Southwest region of the country and the Legacy Mortgage culture aligns well with what we've developed at Guild over more than 60 years. Our combined strengths will drive further growth throughout the Southwest." "By joining Guild, the Legacy Mortgage team can offer borrowers a broader range of purchase and refinance loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA, down payment assistance programs and other specialized loan programs," said Thompson. "Clients will also benefit from access to new digital and customer relationship tools that improve every step in the lending experience, including servicing, a Guild strength for decades." Headquartered in San Diego, Guild Mortgage is a leading national lender with an established history of offering a comprehensive array of loan products and partnering with government organizations to help deliver the promise of home in every neighborhood and community. Its loan professionals can serve the needs of any homebuyer, from helping first-time buyers achieve homeownership, often through government loan programs, to homebuyers looking for a jumbo loan. Guild also helps active duty and retired military personnel who qualify for VA loans with 100% financing and flexible qualifying standards. The company is consistently recognized for its impact in the communities it serves, commitment to customer service, strength in regulatory compliance, and workplace culture. About Guild Mortgage Founded in 1960 when the modern U.S. mortgage industry was just forming, Guild Mortgage Company is a nationally recognized independent mortgage lender providing residential mortgage products and local in-house origination and servicing. Guild's collaborative culture and commitment to diversity and inclusion enable it to deliver a personalized experience for each customer. With more than 4,000 employees and over 250 retail branches, Guild has relationships with credit unions, community banks, and other financial institutions and services loans in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Guild's highly trained loan professionals are experienced in government-sponsored programs such as FHA, VA, USDA, down payment assistance programs and other specialized loan programs. Guild Mortgage Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guild Holdings Company, whose shares of Class A common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GHLD. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230207005325/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Investigation still underway . . . Here are the basics . . . Topeka Fire Marshal Alan Stahl said Topeka firefighters were called about 1:42 p.m. to a report of a large grass fire on the governor's mansion grounds near S.W. 6th and Governor's View. Cedar Crest is located northeast of that location at 1 S.W. Cedar Crest Road. As Topeka firefighters worked to put out the blaze, Topeka police arrested a man who had been observed setting the fire, Stahl said. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Right now we roundup a bevy of local crime reporting that mixes a bit of the political in with tragic stories from the recent past. As always, we search for law enforcement good news near the end of the compilation. Check TKC news gathering . . . Kansas City man sentenced for role in 2017 kidnapping, murder KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A 27-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man is sentenced in federal court Monday for his role in a kidnapping conspiracy that resulted in the death of a 19-year-old man. Marco A. Sosa-Perea was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Sosa-Perea pleaded guilty on Jan. Officials recover body of man who drowned after falling through Shawnee Mission Lake ice KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - First responders confirmed the body of a man who fell through the ice Monday morning at Shawnee Mission Lake has been recovered. Lenexa Police told KCTV5 that dive team members were working on the recovery of the body of a 21-year-old man. Gov. Parson confirms Mo. will carry out death sentence of Leonard Taylor JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KFVS) - Leonard Taylor murdered his girlfriend and her three children just before Thanksgiving in 2004. On February 6, Governor Mike Parson confirmed that the State of Missouri will carry out the death sentence of Leonard Taylor on Feb. 7, as ordered by the Supreme Court of Missouri. Alleged Olathe East shooter appears in court, will go to trial KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The student who allegedly opened fire in an Olathe East assistant principal's office last March has been bound over for trial. Jaylon Elmore, 19, appeared Monday in Johnson County District Court. Platte City doctor found guilty of child sexual abuse KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A Platte City physician has been convicted by a jury of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl. Dr. Jonathan Philippe, 43, was found guilty on Friday. After a five-day trial, Philippe was found guilty of two counts of statutory sodomy in the first degree, one count of attempted enticement of a child, and one count of child molestation in the third degree. Missing 1-month-old baby boy located safe; investigation ongoing UPDATE, 1:40 p.m. | Police say the missing baby boy has been located and is safe. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. EARLIER | Police in Kansas City, Missouri, hope someone knows the whereabouts of a missing 1-month-old baby boy. 'My heart is broken.' Family mourns 20-year-old fatally shot at sideshow in Kansas City Thomas Lewis died doing what he loved, even though it came with its share of risk. A native of Johnson County, where his family lived in both Gardner and Lenexa, Lewis attended sideshows in Kansas City because he loved "fast cars and burning rubber," his mother Wiesje Sammis said. Lifelong Aspirations Fuel New Major At North Patrol Division Almost three decades later, Asper is now the Major at North Patrol Division, achieving one of his goals. He landed there after performing numerous assignments - ranging from community officer to policy development - at a high level. One of his proudest accomplishments is helping to build the Law Enforcement Resource Center (LERC) as a sergeant. Developing . . . Our KICK-ASS TKC blog community was FIRST to preview this pricey move last week. And now . . . THIS WEEK MAYOR & COUNCIL ANNOUNCE AN EPIC ANTI-CRIME GROUP GIVEAWAY!!! Again . . . For the record . . . Whilst we agree that the need to confront crime is KCMO's most pressing crisis, over the years, we've confirmed that these type of groups have very little to no efficacy when it comes to curbing homicide & violence stats. And now . . . THANK TO THE MOST BAD-ASS KC INSIDERS . . . Here's the SLUSH FUND sneak preview e-mail FIRST on this blog . . . Subject: Press conference for violence prevention Hello colleagues, You are all invited to attend the press conference announcing the legislation for appropriating $30 million for violence prevention in the budget. Please see the details of the media alert for the press conference below. We are also preparing a press release and would like to offer you the opportunity to provide a statement in the press release. Please send you press release statement to me by COB tomorrow Feb 7. With 16 homicides already this year, we are on track for another record year of homicides. Thank you for your support and agreement that NOW is the time to truly invest in preventing violence in our city. Please feel free to contact me with questions. [PRESS CONFERENCE] Kansas City council members to sponsor and present legislation to fund $30 million for violence prevention programs Nine Kansas City Council Members will introduce legislation to appropriate $30 million over the next five years for violence prevention programs across the city. The council members are in favor of the proposal and are now calling on the City Manager to budget the allocation of funding. As you've previously reported on violent crime in our city and the violence prevention organizations aiming to make a change, I'd like to invite you to attend a press conference addressing the investment from the city council. The press conference, held by the council members, will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8 on the 26th floor of Kansas City City Hall. Media members are encouraged to attend and interview the council members about this historic investment for our city. MEDIA ADVISORY What: Press Event featuring speakers from the Kansas City Council and community organizations, proposing legislation for $30 million allocation for violence prevention. When: Event begins at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday February 8. Media encouraged to arrive no later than 12:10 p.m. Where: 26th floor of the Kansas City, Missouri City Hall - 414 E 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64106 Who: * Honorable Mayor Quinton Lucas * KCPD Deputy Chief Jospeh Mabin, Deputy Chief Louis Ortiz * Nine City Council Members - Kevin O'Neill, Dan Fowler, Brandon Ellington, Melissa Robinson, Eric Bunch, Lee Barnes, Ryana Parks-Shaw, Andrea Bough, Kevin McManus * KC Community Organizations: - Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission - Rick Armstrong - AdHoc Against Crime - Brandon Mims - KC Mother's in Charge - Rosilyn Temple - Center of Conflict Resolution - Annette Lantz-Simmons - KC Common Good - Klassie Alcine - Uncornered - Mark Culliton - KC 360 - Pastor Darren Faulkner - Partners for Peace- Melesa Johnson - Plaza Area Council - Kate Marshall - Faith Community Leaders - Neighborhood Leaders Why: In 2020, the Kansas City City Council adopted the Kansas City Blueprint for Violence Prevention, a plan to reduce violence in Kansas City with collaborative partners and community organizations. Since then, Kansas City has seen more than 500 homicides and had its three deadliest years on record. Nine City Council Members have come together proposing legislation to finally implement the KC Blueprint, KC 360 and Partners for Peace. The proposed legislation calls for $30 million to be distributed over the next five years. Please excuse typos-sent from cell Yours In Service, Ryana Parks-Shaw Councilwoman, 5th District ################# Developing . . . Tax season is upon us and with it comes the ever-present threat of fraud. Canadians should be wary of scammers posing as Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) employees who will trick their victims into sending them money or providing personal information that can be used to take over a bank account. Instead of evaluating the evidence, a Hamilton judge embarked on a lengthy discussion about whose materials were more thought-provoking, which has no bearing at all on whether the respondents materials were admissible. WASHINGTON Heres a look at how area members of Congress voted over the previous week. House votes Petroleum reserve: The House has passed the Strategic Production Response Act (H.R. 21), sponsored by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash. The bill would require the federal government to take measures to increase oil and natural gas production on federal lands when it makes withdrawals from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Rodgers said it will help ensure this vital American energy asset and American security interests will not be drained away for nonemergency, political purposes. A bill opponent, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., said that by limiting releases from the Reserve, it will hamstring the single most important tool the Biden administration has used to fight Putins price hike on gasoline. The vote, on Jan. 27, was 221 yeas to 205 nays. Yeas: Van Orden, R-WI (3rd) Finance and fraud: The House has passed the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act (H.R. 500), sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., to allow an investment management company (also known as a mutual fund) to delay its redemption of a security if it believes the redemption was fraudulently requested, and use the delay to determine whether the request is valid. Wagner said the bill will provide our potentially vulnerable investors with an important layer of investor protection to help make sure that they receive the hard-earned savings that they have built up over the years. The vote, on Jan. 30, was unanimous with 419 yeas. Yeas: Van Orden, R-WI (3rd) COVID vaccines and health care workers: The House has passed the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act (H.R. 497), sponsored by Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., to cancel the COVID vaccination requirement for health care workers at facilities that receive funds from Medicare and Medicaid. Duncan said the requirement has only created resentment and distrust toward the government and loss of jobs, nursing jobs, CNA jobs, often replaced with traveling nurses being paid a higher rate, a higher cost for the taxpayers and the hospitals. A bill opponent, Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., said halting vaccination for healthcare professionals would severely and irreparably harm patients and undermine the patient-public interest. The vote, on Jan. 31, was 227 yeas to 203 nays. Yeas: Van Orden, R-WI (3rd) Ending COVID health emergency: The House has passed the Pandemic is Over Act (H.R. 382), sponsored by Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., to terminate the COVID public health emergency declared by President Trump on Jan. 31, 2020, on the date the bill becomes law. Guthrie said: The American people are tired of living in a perpetual state of emergency, and it is long overdue for Congress to take back the authorities granted under Article I of the Constitution. A bill opponent, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., called it a reckless plan that would jeopardize the health of millions of Americans by immediately ceasing these important response programs without advanced preparations. The vote, on Jan. 31, was 220 yeas to 210 nays. Yeas: Van Orden, R-WI (3rd) Remote work policies: The House has passed the Stopping Home Office Works Unproductive Problems Act (H.R. 139), sponsored by Rep. James Comer, R-Ky. The bill would require the federal governments executive branch agencies to reinstate the telework policies they had as of the close of 2019. Comer said the reversion was needed because due to the expansion of remote work following the emergence of COVID, federal agencies are falling short of their missions. They are not carrying out their duties. They are failing the American people. An opponent, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said: Telework has strengthened private and public workplaces across the land, enhanced productivity, increased efficiency, improved the morale and satisfaction of the workforce, reduced traffic congestion, and made positive environmental changes. The vote, on Feb. 1, was 221 yeas to 206 nays. Yeas: Van Orden, R-WI (3rd) Ending national COVID emergency: The House has passed a resolution (H.J. Res. 7), sponsored by Rep. Paul A. Gosar, R-Ariz., to end the national emergency in response to COVID that was declared by President Trump on March 13, 2020. Gosar said the resolution was needed to have the House perform its most basic constitutional duty: checking the powers of the executive branch and the power of the purse. An opponent, Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., said: Terminating the emergency declaration now sends the wrong message and could have consequences for public health and safety. The vote, on Feb. 1, was 229 yeas to 197 nays. Yeas: Van Orden, R-WI (3rd) Removing member from committee: The House has passed a resolution (H. Res. 76), sponsored by Rep. Max L. Miller, R-Ohio, to remove Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., from the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Miller said the action would state clearly that the House does not condone hate and to reaffirm that we will always condemn anti-Semitism that Omar has expressed in remarks criticizing Israel. Omar said she has merely spoken on behalf of those who are experiencing unjust wars, atrocities, ethnic cleansing, occupation, or displacement. The vote, on Feb. 2, was 218 yeas to 211 nays. Yeas: Van Orden, R-WI (3rd) Socialism: The House has passed a resolution (H. Con. Res. 9), sponsored by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., to denounce socialism in all its forms, and oppose the implementation of socialist policies in the U.S. A supporter, Rep. Jodey C. Arrington, R-Texas, called socialism a series of actions that rob people of their freedom and concentrate power in the hands of a few in their central government. An opponent, Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., said the resolution presented a misleading and sophomoric description of history. We are told that all socialism is equal, and that Marxist-Leninism is the same as the European Socialists. The vote, on Feb. 2, was 328 yeas to 86 nays. Yeas: Van Orden, R-WI (3rd) Along with roll call votes this week, the House also passed the following measures: the Commercial Remote Sensing Amendment Act (H.R. 290), to provide for transparent licensing of commercial remote sensing systems; and the Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act (H.R. 298), to expand access to capital for rural small businesses. Senate votes Peace institute member: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Roger Israel Zakheim to be a member of the board of the U.S. Institute of Peace for a 4-year term. Zakheim, director of the Reagan Institute since 2018, has also been a lawyer specializing in government and public policy, and a military official in the George W. Bush administration. The vote, on Jan. 30, was 84 yeas to 10 nays. Yeas: Johnson, R-WI; Baldwin, D-WI Second peace institute member: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Joseph Lee Falk to be a member of the board of the U.S. Institute of Peace for a 4-year term. Falk is a consultant at the Akerman LLP law firm and has served on the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. The vote, on Feb. 2, was 60 yeas to 37 nays. Nays: Johnson, R-WI; yeas: Baldwin, D-WI 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. WAUPACA A Wisconsin woman was sentenced to 15 years in prison Monday for her role in the fatal shooting of her 18-year-old son during a dispute with a man over stolen reptiles. Tiffany Powell was also ordered to discuss the incident with authorities on each anniversary of Ryelee Manete-Powell's death, WLUK-TV reported. Manete-Powell was fatally shot in Waupaca, 65 miles west of Green Bay, in October 2020 when confronted with the theft of several reptiles worth nearly $30,000. A first-degree intentional homicide case is pending against Bill Zelenski, who owned the reptiles. Police said Powell handled a shotgun at one point and was present when her son was killed. At no point did you say, Dont hold that gun on my son. Dont give me this gun. Im a convicted felon. I cant hold onto a gun,' Judge Vicki Clussman said. The only thing you werent thinking about was Ryelee, the judge said. Powell acknowledged that irrational decisions were made. "I wish I could see him here and ask for forgiveness, but to ask for that would mean I would have to forgive myself, she said. Powell was convicted of first-degree recklessly endangering safety and illegally possessing a firearm. Russia has been attempting to re-start major offensive operations in Ukraine since early January 2023, but it remains unlikely that Russia can build up the forces needed to substantially affect the outcome of the war within the coming weeks. The UK Ministry of Defense said this in its latest intelligence update published on Twitter, Ukrinform reports. According to the update, Russia's operational goal is almost certainly to capture the remaining Ukrainian-held parts of the Donetsk region. British intelligence recalled that Russian forces have only managed to gain several hundred meters of territory per week. This is almost certainly because Russia now lacks the munitions and maneuver units required for successful offensives. Senior commanders likely make plans requiring undermanned, inexperienced units to achieve unrealistic objectives due to political and professional pressure. Russian leaders will likely continue to demand sweeping advances. "It remains unlikely that Russia can build up the forces needed to substantially affect the outcome of the war within the coming weeks," the report said. Read also: Air Force of Ukraine launches 11 strikes on enemy positions Two Ukrainian citizens, who were considered dead after an earthquake in Turkey, have been rescued from under the rubble of a collapsed building. Ukraine's Ambassador to Turkey, Vasyl Bodnar, announced this on Facebook, according to Ukrinform. "Citizens of Ukraine are alive! Fortunately, according to verified information, two citizens of Ukraine, who were considered dead in the Turkish city of Hatay, have been rescued from the ruins of a building. Thank God!" the diplomat said. Bodnar promised to provide details later. Ukrainian Foreign Minister spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said earlier that the Turkish side reported the probable death of two Ukrainians, with the Embassy of Ukraine verifying the information and establishing the identities of the dead. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, named three priority topics that Ukraine will promote at the Munich Security Conference this year: the supply of long-range missiles and combat aircraft to Ukraine, our country's membership in NATO, and the future of Russia. He announced this on the air of the national telethon, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "This Munich Security Conference will be very important. It will bring together key figures in Euro-Atlantic security issues. The focus will be on topics directly related to the security of Ukraine, Europe and the world in general," he said. Kuleba reminded that a year ago, it was at the Munich Security Conference that the President Volodymyr Zelensky made a keynote speech in which he called on partners to provide weapons to Ukraine. "This year, we will promote priority topics for Ukraine at the Munich Security Conference. The key is the supply of long-range missiles and the unlocking of the supply of combat aircraft, since warplanes are the last type of weapon to be unlocked, while all other positions already have been by a joint effort last year. We will also talk Ukraine's membership in NATO and the future of Russia in general," the minister said. As reported, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) will be held February 17 through 19. One of its main topics will be an analysis of the situation a year into Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the conference in February 2022, President Zelensky who tried to convey to world leaders the threat coming from Russia. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has met with newly appointed Federal Minister of Defense of Germany Boris Pistorius, who is on a visit to Ukraine. According to the Presidents Office, welcoming the German defense minister in Kyiv, Zelensky thanked him for the fact that his first foreign visit is to Ukraine. "Thank you for this signal of support for Ukraine," he said. The President commended the solidarity and comprehensive effective assistance in security, political, financial, energy and other spheres provided by Germany to Ukraine amid Russias full-scale armed aggression. "Ukraine is extremely interested in the support from one of the leaders of the European Union - Germany. Especially at this time of ordeals for us. We are grateful for the recent decisions, for all decisions," Zelensky said. He praised the long-awaited decision of Germany to supply Ukraine with Leopard battle tanks and to allow their transfer to Ukraine by third countries, which paves the way to the creation of an international tank coalition. Zelensky also briefed the interlocutor of the situation on the frontline and top-priority defense needs of Ukraine in the context of Russia's escalation of the war of aggression. He emphasized that in order to ensure an effective response during the new phase of Russian aggression, to protect civilians, Ukrainian cities and power grid, it is necessary for Ukraine to receive all the necessary weapons and military equipment as soon as possible. The parties also discussed a number of practical steps to enhance the protection of Ukrainian skies and increase Ukraine's defense capabilities with the support of Germany. Photo: Presidents Office People search for survivors under the rubble of a building in Aleppo's Al-Kallasah neighborhood following the earthquakes that struck Syria and Turkiye on 6 February. UNHCR/Hameed Maarouf UNHCR Representative in Turkiye Philippe Leclerc: The situation is tragic, and we are witnessing it every day on the ground in the 10 provinces which are affected by the earthquakes. As an optimistic note, in addition to the figures provided by Jens (OCHA), I would like to mention the 8,000 people that were rescued by the search and rescue teams that are operating under the leadership of AFAD, the Turkish emergency disaster relief agency, which is intervening in 10 provinces and has extensive support being provided, and will be reinforced by the OCHA team as well as many countries who are coming in to provide assistance. We are witnessing again the disastrous effect of it on the lives of families, be they Turkish [or others], of course because these 10 regions are also hosting the largest refugee population in the world. More than 1.7 million of the 15 million people inhabiting these 10 provinces are Syrian refugees, and in some of these provinces Kilis for example one out of every two people is a refugee. Gaziantep, Sanlurfa, Hatay, one out of four or five are also refugees. So we have made our capacity of UNHCR and other UN agencies available to the Turkish government, led by AFAD. IOM, WFP, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and so many other agencies are working around the clock to support the leading efforts of AFAD. Again, as we speak, the search and rescue efforts are the most important efforts that need to be carried on, so that more than 8,000 people can be rescued all over the 10 provinces. Right now, UNHCR is providing, with other UN agencies, what the Turkish authorities are requesting so basically kitchen sets, mattresses, tents so that we can complement the leading efforts of the Turkish authorities to rescue Turkish citizens and refugees in the same manner. And what we appreciate as always with the Turkish authorities is that no difference is made between any person, its a humanitarian effort, a humanitarian inclusive policy that has been led by Turkiye for more than 12 years, and Syrian, Turkish whoever is a victim is similarly treated. The situation of refugees, as I said, is that they are affected as the Turkish population is. What I highlighted is the way the Turkish authorities and the Turkish state has been including refugees in their policies. So, only 2 per cent of the total population are refugees Syrians which are more than 3.5 million as we speak in the whole of the country and 1.7 million in the 10 provinces which have been affected by the earthquake. So they are living side by side with Turkish citizens in the same buildings which have collapsed. They are participating in the rescue as volunteers under the coordination of AFAD. So it's not that there's a difference between refugees and Turkish citizens. They are living and affected in the same way. There are only 47,000 refugees who are in temporary accommodation centers throughout the seven camps in these provinces. And actually, these camps may be used as a place where earthquake victims will be transferred to as there's a high need of supporting displaced people because of the buildings being affected. So we do not see at this stage any difference in response and even of needs between the refugees and the Turkish people. And this is why we are supporting the Turkish authorities to respond to both, as we speak, in the various provinces I describe. UNHCR Spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh: From the regional perspective, obviously this is an absolute hammer blow for Syria's displaced populations. The refugees and those who have been displaced within Syria itself are already suffering from an economic crisis. We're in the depths of winter. We've been seeing snowstorms. And of course, you know, the crisis has been going on for over a decade within Syria itself. As you probably know, there are almost 7 million people internally displaced. There's a huge need for humanitarian support and assistance in the northwest and northern parts of Syria. In the northwest, there are 4.1 million people who require that assistance, the majority of whom, of course, are women and children. In the northwest, we are working through NGO partners who are working tirelessly to reach those in desperate need of help. So, in terms of UNHCR response in the country, we've been mobilizing our staff and our stockpiles from our country office and our field offices to get much-needed support to the field, to the areas that have been hammered by this earthquake, primarily initially, that's in the areas we've heard about around Aleppo, Hama, Latakia, and Idlib. And that's initially going out with what we call non-food items and core relief items. These are blankets, winter clothes, shelters, tents, cooking items and so on. So that's the immediate response, but obviously that will develop as the days go on. For more information on this topic, please contact: To view the full briefing, click here. Support our work here. Rescue teams search for survivors in the ruins of a building in the Al-Aziziyeh neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria, where those affected include families already displaced by the country's long-running crisis. UNHCR/Hameed Maarouf Two powerful earthquakes that struck south-eastern Turkiye and northern Syria on 6 February have claimed thousands of lives and caused untold destruction to homes and infrastructure across the region. Among those affected inside Syria are families that were already displaced from their homes by the countrys long-running crisis, living in tents, flimsy shelters and partially destroyed buildings. In Turkiye, those caught up in the disaster include many thousands of refugees from Syria and the communities that have generously hosted them for nearly 12 years. With severe winter storms currently sweeping through the region and compounding the vulnerability of survivors, families urgently need life-saving shelter and assistance. UNHCR is already on the ground in Syria providing emergency supplies including tents, thermal blankets, winter clothes mattresses and other supplies. However, in the northwest of Syria, the combination of the earthquake and a severe snowstorm have damaged or blocked many roads, causing power outages and disruptions to telecommunications networks and hampering the relief efforts. Humanitarian partners on the ground are working hard to reach all affected areas with much-needed assistance amidst challenging circumstances. One of the main roads used to truck aid to northwestern Syria was damaged in the earthquake on the Turkish side, making it difficult to bring in new supplies. Humanitarian agencies are hopeful it will be repaired within 48 hours. UNHCR staff meet families affected by the earthquake in a collective shelter in the Salahadin neighbourhood of Aleppo, Syria. UNHCR/Hameed Maarouf A baby sleeps at a school used as a collective shelter for families affected by the earthquake in the Salahadin neighbourhood of Aleppo, Syria. UNHCR/Hameed Maarouf A UNHCR staff member talks to children staying at a collective shelter in the Salahadin neighbourhood of Aleppo, Syria. UNHCR/Hameed Maarouf People search for survivors under the rubble of a collapsed building in the Al-Aziziyeh neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria, following two powerful earthquakes that struck the region on 6 February. UNHCR/Hameed Maarouf In the meantime, partners on the ground are using stocks of aid that were prepositioned inside northwest Syria before the earthquake to reach some of those affected and in need of urgent relief. Another obstacle is the fact that the Turkish city of Gaziantep, near the epicentre of the earthquake, was the main supply hub for the UN agencies and NGOs that oversaw the flow of aid into northwest Syria. Many of their offices were destroyed or damaged in the quake, as well as the homes of some of the staff, who are now working from their vehicles or in open spaces. In Turkiye, UNHCR teams are assisting refugee and local populations alike in response to the governments request to provide emergency assistance. The situation is tragic, said UNHCR Representative in Turkiye, Philippe Leclerc. Right now, UNHCR is providing, with other UN agencies, what the Turkish authorities are requesting, so basically kitchen sets, mattresses, tents, so that we can complement the leading efforts of the Turkish authorities to rescue Turkish citizens and refugees in the same manner. At a news briefing in Geneva on Tuesday, UNHCR spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh described the disaster as a "hammer blow" for displaced Syrians, millions of whom were already reliant on humanitarian aid for survival before the earthquakes struck. "The refugees and those who have been displaced within Syria itself are already suffering from an economic crisis. We're in the depths of winter. We've been seeing snowstorms. And of course, you know, the war has been going on for over a decade within Syria itself," he said. "In terms of UNHCR response in [Syria], we've been mobilizing our staff and our stockpiles from our country offices and our regional offices to get much-needed support to the field, to the areas that have been hammered by this earthquake." Urgent help is needed for Turkiye and Syria donate Tuesday marks the beginning of Wisconsins spring election season, as clerks offices around the state open for early in-person voting. Spring elections typically draw far lower voter turnout than other ones. But partisans on both sides consider the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race to be at least as important as any other. Voters this month will decide which two Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates compete in April, an election that will decide the courts ideological balance as it is expected to rule soon on the future of abortion and redistricting in the state. Plenty of other critical races will appear on voters ballots in February, too, depending on where the voter lives. In Madison, city residents will choose which two mayoral candidates advance to the April 4 general election. The election is Feb. 21, but state law allows nearly two weeks of in-person voting before then. Heres what you need to know heading into the election. How does early voting work? State law allows early voting or what is technically known as in-person absentee voting no earlier than 14 days preceding the election and no later than the Sunday preceding the election. That makes for a possible 13 total days of early voting. Within those strictures, clerks are allowed to set their own hours, days, and, to some extent, sites for early voting. Where can I vote? In most municipalities, the local clerks office is the only voting site for early voting, according to Madison city attorney Mike Haas, a former state elections commission administrator. In Madison, however, there are more than two dozen places where residents can cast a ballot. But because of a quirk in state law, Madison voters are not allowed to vote early at the city clerks office in the City-County Building. Madisons early voting sites dont share the same open dates or hours, but none will be open before Feb. 7 or after Feb. 19. You can find a list of local early voting sites at tinyurl.com/Madisonvoting. Any Madison voter can go to any of those locations. Madisonians who arent registered to vote can sign up at any of the citys early voting locations. But by state law, there will be no voter registration at the sites on Feb. 18 and Feb. 19. How do I vote? First off, make sure youre registered to vote. You can check the status of your voter registration and register to vote at myvote.wi.gov/RegisterToVote. To register, you need to bring photo identification, such as a Wisconsin drivers license or a passport. Voters also need to provide proof of residence, such as a utility bill with current address. New voters or those who have changed their name or address since they last voted can fill out a new registration form at their polling place. Proof of residence is required to register. What do I need to vote? An acceptable photo ID is needed, such as a Wisconsin Department of Transportation-issued drivers license or identification card, a U.S. military ID card, a U.S. passport, an identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in the state, or a photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that includes the date of issuance, signature of student and expiration date no later than two years after the date of issuance. Those with an expired university or college ID must also provide a separate document proving current enrollment. Find more information at bringit.wi.gov. Whats on my ballot? You can find out whats on your local ballot at myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Whats-On-My-Ballot. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is the only election appearing on statewide ballots this February. Four candidates are seeking to replace a conservative justice in a critical race that will decide the courts ideological balance. The conservatives in the race are former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly and Waukesha County Circuit Judge Jennifer Dorow. The liberals are Dane County Circuit Judge Everett Mitchell and Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Janet Protasiewicz. The election is highly partisan. But because its technically a nonpartisan race, all four candidates will appear on the same primary ballot. The top two vote-getters, no matter which partisan camp they belong to, will advance to the April 4 election. That means, technically, either two liberals or two conservatives can advance, though such a result appears unlikely. In Madison, voters in February will decide which two mayoral candidates advance to the April 4 election. The candidates running are Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Scott Kerr and Gloria Reyes. There also will be primary elections in eight Madison City Council districts. See who the Wisconsin State Journal has endorsed for president, from Biden to Reagan and Honest Abe 2016 -- Hillary Clinton (lost) 2012 -- Mitt Romney (lost) 2008 -- Barack Obama (won) 2004 -- George W. Bush (won) 2000 -- George W. Bush (won) 1996 -- Bob Dole (lost) 1992 -- Bill Clinton (won) 1988 -- George H. W. Bush (won) 1984 -- Ronald Reagan (won) 1980 -- Ronald Reagan (won) 1860 -- Abraham Lincoln (won) The father of a former Lincoln Middle School student, injured when an off-duty Kenosha Police officer reportedly knelt on her neck following a fight with another student in the schools cafeteria, has filed a civil rights lawsuit against Kenosha Unified and the officer. Attorney Drew DeVinney, on behalf of Jerrel Perez, of Zion, Ill., the father of the girl listed as Jane Doe, filed the lawsuit Monday in federal court in Milwaukee. Perez is suing Shawn Guetschow, a Kenosha Police officer and a former security officer for the district at Lincoln Middle School at the time of the March 4, 2022, incident. Kenosha Unified and the City of Kenosha are also named as defendants in the lawsuit. Excessive force allegations The suit claims that Guetschow used excessive force in subduing the then-12-year-old student. It also claims that the city and the district failed to provide the necessary supervision, training and discipline required for the job of police officer or security officer. The suit indicates the girls constitutional rights were violated and calls for unspecified compensatory damages against all three defendants. It also calls for unspecified punitive damages against Guetschow, along with court costs and attorneys fees. In a statement, DeVinney said that during the incident Guetschow intervened to break up an altercation between two sixth grade students in the cafeteria. Video of the incident shows Officer Guetschow losing his temper, pulling Jane Doe to the floor, smashing her head into the hard tile surface, getting on top of her and choking her with his knee under the full weight of his adult body, DeVinney said. He said the girl struggled to breathe while Guetschow kept his knee on the back of her neck. According to the suit, the officers use of force constituted an unlawful chokehold. It states that the use of a chokehold is prohibited by Kenosha Police Department policy, except where deadly force is allowed and only as a last resort. It alleges he had intended to cause the girl physical harm and that the district and the city knew Guetschow had a reputation for having a short temper. As a former officer with the Lake Geneva Police Department, in his final year of employment his field performance was marked as unacceptable and he was described as emotional, panicked or loses their temper, the suit contends. Physical, emotional trauma The student suffered physical injuries that included traumatic brain injury, cervical strain and recurrent headaches, which have required medical treatment, according to the suit. She also continues to suffer from mental trauma, anxiety and severe emotional distress which have led her to undergo counseling and treatment for mental health, according to the lawsuit. She has since left the state and is attending school elsewhere. Although she is not healed from her trauma, she is ready to stand up for herself, DeVinney said. Filing this lawsuit and seeking accountability from an unjust system is a sincere act of bravery on the part of this remarkable young woman. Attorney for officer, district responds Perez federal lawsuit comes on the heels of the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office notification to Kenosha District Attorney Michael Graveley that it would not pursue charges against Guetschow, who attempted to break up a fight involving the two students at the middle school, according to Sam Hall, the attorney representing Guetschow and the district. In a statement, Hall said the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin had also reviewed the case and has found Officer Guetschow committed no civil rights violations. Officer still recovering Hall said Guetschow continues to recover from injuries sustained during the physical altercation with the student during lunch time in the school cafeteria. As Officer Guetschow was attempting to break up the fight, he was pushed to the ground, his head violently striking a table as he fell to the floor, he said. Guetschow suffered a concussion, significant swelling and a contusion of the head during the incident, Hall said. The statement continues that despite the officers injuries and through the use of a trained law enforcement technique, he was ultimately able to gain control over the student before escorting her to school administrators and a police officer on duty. Guetschow was later treated in the emergency room at a local hospital. These officers are in Kenosha Unified schools because its the districts highest priority to provide a safe and secure learning environment for its students and staff, Hall said. We will vigorously defend KUSD and Officer Guetschow in this action. IN PHOTOS AND VIDEO: Students plan KUSD School Board candidates forum, weigh in on why they should be heard PLANNING THE YOUTH-LED CANDIDATES' FORUM 3-2-22 STUDENT-LED FORUM Kayla Mitchell with DaRon Green STUDENT-LED FORUM Marciara Fuller STUDENT-LED FORUM Ariana Ervin STUDENT-LED FORUM Benjamin Rothove STUDENT-LED FORUM DaRon Green STUDENT-LED FORUM Aniyah Ervin STUDENT-LED FORUM with facilitator Brandon Morris STUDENT-LED FORUM planning meeting STUDENT-LED FORUM planning meeting STUDENT-LED FORUM planning meeting President Joe Bidens first stop after his State of the Union address will be the Madison area, where he is scheduled on Wednesday to tout his economic plan, according to a White House statement. Biden is scheduled to arrive at the Truax Field Air National Guard Base around 11:30 a.m., according to the statement. At 1 p.m., he is slated to talk about how his economic plan is creating good-paying, union jobs and delivering real results for the American people at the Liuna Training Center in DeForest, the statement says. Hes scheduled to depart Madison for the White House at 5 p.m. Biden last visited the state in September, when he spoke at a Labor Day event in Milwaukee. The last president to visit Madison was Barack Obama in November 2012. Thirteen other presidents have visited Madison, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society. Traffic will likely be impacted given the size of presidential motorcades, Madison police spokesperson Stephanie Fryer said. The presidents visit is scheduled amid a critical month in Wisconsin. One week after Bidens visit, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers will present his budget to the Republican-led Legislature, launching a monthslong battle over state government spending. On Feb. 21, less than one week after Evers budget address, four contenders will face off in the Wisconsin Supreme Court primary, an election that will decide which two candidates advance to the April 4 general election. The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod (LCMS) has resumed distributing its new annotated edition of Luthers Large Catechism over the objections of some of the denominations most conservative members and pastors. Luthers Large Catechism with Annotations and Contemporary Applications contains the unaltered text of Luthers Large Catechism, a core Lutheran doctrinal statement, with 80 essays applying Luthers ideas in modern society. The book is over 700 pages long. Concordia Publishing House released the work in mid-January, but two weeks ago, LCMS president Matthew Harrison announced that he had asked the denominational publisher to stop distribution so they could evaluate the comments and critiques received and revisit our doctrinal process. Critics raised concerns that some of the essays, which are not Lutheran doctrine, mishandle current issues like racial justice, human sexuality, and gun rights. In an email to Christianity Today, Harrison described the controversy as a handful of quotations were taken out of context to allege some conspiracy to import CRT, sexual ambiguity, and woke issues in general into the LCMS. By February 2, he had asked Concordia Publishing House to resume distribution. Harrison said he does not have the authority to halt a publication that has been through the doctrinal review process, and that while some things might have been expressed more clearly, nevertheless, there is nothing in the content of the volume promoting critical race theory (CRT), confusion of sexuality issues, or any theological position at odds with biblical and confessional Lutheranism. He condemned unchristian attacks on the editors and contributors of the annotated Large Catechism. In a Twitter thread that received more than a quarter million views, LCMS layman Ryan Turnipseed first outlined 15 objections within the essay collection and urged Lutherans to contact Harrison with their concerns. For example, Turnipseed took issue with an essay from Concordia Seminary St. Louis professor Joel Biermann, claiming that the fifth commandment (in the Lutheran tradition, the instruction against murder) denies a biblical foundation for the Second Amendment to the US Constitution. The recognition of a legitimate place for the use of the sword within Gods plan for His creation certainly does not provide a scriptural foundation for a right to bear arms, Biermann wrote. The new Large Catechism also includes an essay from pastor and LCMS Black Clergy Caucus president Warren Lattimore on the fifth commandment, with Lattimore writing in a footnote that the deaths of a number of unarmed Black citizens at the hands of white individuals or police officers sparked widespread protests and turmoil in recent years and especially in 2020. Many churches sought ways to promote racial justice and healing. Lutheran pastor and blogger Larry Beane called this description a leftist interpretation of the George Floyd riots, and a deliberate cherrypicking of crime statistics involving racial breakdowns. In a blog post entitled the Large CRTechism, Beane said the essays contained a lot of wokeism and a disturbing amount of political leftism being put forth on political hot-button issues. David Ramirez, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Union Grove, Wisconsin, agreed and called out pretty clear terminology and red flags. Once Harrison announced that distribution of Luthers Catechism would resume, Beane urged readers to vigorously attack disagreeable ideas while refraining from attacking people. We have the rightand the dutyto write, to make arguments, to express our opinions, and to go after repugnant ideasavoiding the temptation to go after individuals with whom we disagree, he wrote. In his foreword, Harrison called the catechism one of the greatest resources for Christian faith and living ever produced by The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod. In the denomination of nearly two million members, some moderates were frustrated that Harrison paused distribution in the first place, appearing to question the LCMS doctrinal review process. The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations reviewed and approved the full text of the book. Many long-serving, faithful Lutherans were alarmed by Harrison calling for a halt to the catechisms distribution, perceiving the action as catering to the most extreme far right voices in the LCMS, said Josh Salzberg, cofounder of Lutherans for Racial Justice. Harrison is up for reelection to a fifth term at the triennial LCMS National Convention in St. Louis this summer. He faces at least one challenger in Pat Ferry, former president of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. Presidential nominations are due at the end of February. Chief Economist of Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB), Erik Berglof here on Tuesday appreciated the economic policies and reforms of the present government for social uplift of the masses ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Feb, 2023 ):Chief Economist of Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB), Erik Berglof here on Tuesday appreciated the economic policies and reforms of the present government for social uplift of the masses. During a call on meeting with Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Berglof highlighted the role of AIIB in infrastructure development projects and investment in Pakistan and discussed future cooperation in development projects especially eco- friendly and climate resilience. Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Finance, Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue, Tariq Mehmood Pasha and senior officers from finance division participated in the meeting, according to press statement issued by the finance ministry. On the occasion, the finance minister shared with Erik Berglof the current economic outlook of the country. He apprised him about the economic policies and reforms of the government for sustainable economic development and social uplift of the poor segment of society. He said that despite economic challenges, the government was determined to set the things in right direction and put the economy on positive trajectory. He also apprised about the economic losses due to the devastated floods in Pakistan and rehabilitation and reconstruction in the flood affected areas. The minister expressed gratitude to Erik Berglof, Chief Economist AIIB for his support to Pakistan. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Feb, 2023 ) :Federal Minister for finance and revenue, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar apprised the Korean Ambassador about the potential investment areas and extended the present government's greater facilitation and support in this regard. Suh Sangpyo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea called on the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at Finance Division, said a press release issued here. SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Mehmood Pasha and senior officers from Finance Division attended the meeting. Ishaq Dar shared the depth of friendly relations between Pakistan and Korea and highlighted the bilateral ties between both countries in areas of trade, investment, human exchange and development cooperation. The Finance Minister also highlighted that the present government is focusing on various other avenues of mutual interest so that the existing bilateral relations could be extended to a new level. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea expressed keen interest in enhancing and strengthening the bilateral relations between both countries, especially on trade and investment, which need to be enhanced. Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar shared welcoming sentiments for pursuing investments in Pakistan and assured the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea of the present government's full support and cooperation. Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman said on Tuesday that considering the growth opportunities in chemical sector and the current economic situation of the country, it had become inevitable to take immediate steps to facilitate ease of doing business for the chemical industry LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Feb, 2023 ) :Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman said on Tuesday that considering the growth opportunities in chemical sector and the current economic situation of the country, it had become inevitable to take immediate steps to facilitate ease of doing business for the chemical industry. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of two-day expo "Pakistan Chemical Expo 2023" held here at Expo Center under Pakistan Chemicals Manufacturers Association (PCMA). KPK Governor Haji Ghulam Ali and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Industries and Production Tasneem Ahmed Qureshi was also present. The Governor said that holding the expo to highlight the investment and trade potential in the chemical industry was an appropriate step in the right direction. This exhibition would play an important role in introducing Pakistan's chemical industry to the international market and promoting it globally. He said, "I am pleased that Pakistan's chemical industry, recognizing its corporate social responsibility, not only considers but has always been adhered to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for the betterment of the environment." He further said that in current economic situation of the country, urgent steps were needed to provide facilities at the government level to business and investment in chemical sector. "I hope that the PCMA will continue to play its vital role in further strengthening the relationship between industry and government, and exploring new opportunities internationally. And I assure you that in this journey towards the growth and betterment, the government will not only help you in every possible way and but also introduce incentives and facilities to promote the chemical industry. " On this occasion, KPK Governor Haji Ghulam Ali said the expo would help Pakistan chemical industry to make its way in international market. Importing of raw material in Pakistani Currency would create a positive impact on country's economy, he added. Pakistan Chemicals Manufacturers Association Chairman Jai Kumar, Senior Members Haroon Ali Khan, Khalid Pervaiz, Qazi Khalid, Zafar Mehmood, Government officials, and representatives of other chambers of commerce and trade associations of the country also participated in the inauguration ceremony. PCMA Chairman Jai Kumar said that more than 100 industries related to chemical sector and concerned departments of renowned universities had set up their stalls and renowned scientists from more than 15 countries would share their modern researches in the following conferences. He said that despite its importance, chemical sector in Pakistan had not yet been properly exploited. That was the reason Pakistan Chemical Manufacturers Association was not only advocating for long-term petrochemical complex projects but also introducing bio-economy projects to take full advantage of the resources available in Pakistan. First time, he mentioned, raw material had been imported from Saudi Arabia in Pakistani currency. "We request the government to formulate a comprehensive and integrated chemical policy in consultationwith all stakeholders including PCMA to remove the bottlenecks and grab full advantage of the growth opportunities in this industry," he suggested. San Francisco, Feb 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Feb, 2023 ) :Google said Tuesday it will release a conversational chatbot named Bard, setting up an artificial intelligence showdown with microsoft which has invested billions in the creators of ChatGPT, the hugely popular language app that convincingly mimics human writing. ChatGPT, created by San Francisco company OpenAI, has caused a sensation for its ability to write essays, poems or programming code on demand within seconds, sparking widespread fears of cheating or of entire professions becoming obsolete. Microsoft announced last month that it was backing OpenAI and has begun to integrate ChatGPT features into its Teams platform, with expectations that it will adapt the app to its Office suite and Bing search engine. The potential inclusion in Bing turned the focus on Google and speculation that the company's world-dominating search engine could face unprecedented competition from an AI-powered rival. Media reports said the overnight success of ChatGPT was designated a "code red" threat at Google with founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page -- who left several years ago -- brought back to brainstorm ideas and fast-track a response. The pressure to act was heightened by the poor earnings posted last week by Google-parent Alphabet, which fell short of investor expectations. The company last month announced that it was laying off 12,000 people as it put more emphasis on AI projects. Google's announcement came on the eve of an AI-related launch event by Microsoft in yet a further sign that the two tech giants will do battle over the technology, also known as generative AI. "Generative AI is a game changer and much like the rise of the internet sank the networking giants that came before (AOL, CompuServe etc.) it has the potential to change the competitive dynamic for search and information," said independent tech analyst Rob Enderle. "Google still largely lives off the fact their search engine is the most widely used, this could change that, relegating them to history," he added. In his blog post on Monday, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that Google's Bard conversational AI was to go out for testing with a plan to make it more widely available "in the coming weeks. " Google's Bard is based on LaMDA, the firm's Language Model for Dialogue Applications system, and has been in development for several years. "Bard seeks to combine the breadth of the world's knowledge with the power, intelligence, and creativity of our large language models," Pichai said. "It draws on information from the web to provide fresh, high-quality responses," he added, hinting that the app would give up-to-the date responses, something ChatGPT is unable to do. Before the emergence of ChatGPT, which was released in late November, Google had been reluctant to launch its own language-based AI fearing the reputational risk of releasing technology that wasn't ready. Researchers using the same language models as Bard or ChatGPT have demonstrated the technology's ability to spew out misinformation or nonsense on a potentially massive scale. Facebook-owner Meta in November was forced to take down the release of its own large language model called Galactica after three days when users shared its biased and incorrect results on social media within hours of its release. Pichai insisted that responses churned out by Bard would "meet a high bar for quality, safety and groundedness in real world information." And much like ChatGPT, Bard would source its responses from a limited version of its base language model in order to reduce computing power and reach a wider audience. Crucially for its looming duel with Microsoft, Google also said that users would soon see AI-powered features in its search engine. New-style responses would "distill complex information and multiple perspectives into easy-to-digest formats," Pichai said. Search engines beefed up by generative AI "will give structured answers to questions and no longer links," Thierry Poibeau, of the CNRS research center in Paris, told AFP. But bots like ChatGPT "also give wrong answers, which is annoying for a search engine," said Poibeau. (@FahadShabbir) Mumbai, Feb 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Feb, 2023 ) :Shares in the flagship firm of troubled Indian conglomerate Adani rocketed as much as 20 percent on Tuesday, making up some of the huge slump suffered since last month. The group owned by tycoon Gautam Adani lost around $120 billion in value after claims of accounting fraud were levelled by short-seller US investment group Hindenburg Research on January 24. The slide has raised concerns about the group's ability to raise fresh financing to pay down its debts. It cancelled a share sale, and reportedly also a bond issue, last week. But Adani said Monday it was repaying early loans worth $1.1 billion, in a move meant to reassure investors. Adani Enterprises, the group's flagship firm, soared on Tuesday, with trading suspended three times as they went up 20 percent. They pared back some of the gains after transactions resumed, but were still up by around 15 percent in late-morning trade. Other group companies were mixed, with Adani Transmission and Adani Wilmar both limit-up five percent, and Adani Total Gas limit-down to the same extent. Hindenburg accused Adani of "brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme" in "the largest con in corporate history". Adani artificially boosted the share prices of its units by funnelling money into the stocks through offshore tax havens, the document said. Adani benefited from what it called a "decades-long pattern" of government leniency, and that "investors, journalists, citizens and even politicians have been afraid to speak out for fear of reprisal". The company has rejected the claims as a "maliciously mischievous" reputational attack. Concepcin, Chile, Feb 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Feb, 2023 ) :Forest fires that have killed 26 people and left thousands homeless in south-central Chile in the past week threatened new regions as temperatures soared on Tuesday. Some 5,600 firefighters, the majority of them volunteers, are actively battling 81 priority blazes countrywide out of 301 still burning, according to authorities. As international help in the form of personnel and equipment boosted the teams' efforts, officials declared a red alert in the southern region of Los Rios where fires threatened the Corral and Valdivia municipalities. Officials also fear fires could break out in the metropolitan region around the capital, Santiago. After a brief reprieve over the weekend, temperatures soared again Tuesday to create conditions, along with the effects of a devastating drought, conducive to fire spread. The mercury in many places was likely to exceed 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit) until the end of the week, according to forecasts. "A very complex climate situation can arise," said deputy interior minister Manuel Monsalve, urging teams to be "prepared for any eventuality." Nearly 2,000 people have been injured in a week of blazes in the regions of Biobio, La Araucania and Nuble, where a state of emergency is in place. Flames have consumed more than 280,000 hectares of land, an area larger than the country of Luxembourg, and razed 1,150 homes, according to the SENAPRED emergency response service. The smoke cloud covering much of Chile as a result, has also unlocked health warnings. Fifteen people have been arrested on suspicion of setting some of the fires. - 'Intense' - Some 2,200 professional firefighters from the CONAF forest corporation and private companies are being backed in the battle by 3,400 volunteers. In Chile, paid, professional firefighters called "brigadistas" concentrate on forest fires while the rest are all volunteers, including those who fight city blazes. "What moves us to be firefighters is... being of service. No renumeration can ever replace the gratitude of people," volunteer Jose Antonio Sepulveda told AFP. With permission from his employer, the 26-year-old engineer traveled on his own time and on his own steam from Concepcion, where he lives, to hard-hit Santa Juana more than 50 kilometers (31 miles) away to help battle fires there. Colleague Macarena Fernandez, a 31-year-old physical education teacher, also from Concepcion, described the day of Friday in Santa Juana as "intense." "We did what we humanly could, what was within our means," she said. "The most difficult is to see the situation of people left without homes, without their family, without their animals and completely destitute." - Volunteers called back - Another volunteer firefighter, Danilo Figueroa, an electrician of 50, said he and his colleagues are working 18-hour days. Some have received calls that their own homes had burnt down while they were out trying to save others. "Even then... they do not stop," he said. A week into the emergency, the government said some employers were demanding their staff who volunteer as firefighters return to work. "We have learnt that in some places... we have lost many firefighters," for this reason, said Interior Minister Carolina Toha. "For as long as there are fires threatening lives, (the work absence required) is not too long," she insisted. "The more days (of fire) the more we need the volunteers, the more tired they are and the more in need of help," said Toha. (@Abdulla99267510) Turkish and Syrian disaster response teams have said that more than 5,600 buildings were flattened including many multi-storey apartments where residents were asleep as the quake struck. ANKARA: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Feb 7th, 2023) The death toll from earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria has risen to over 4300, as the rescue and recovery operations are underway despite freezing weather. Rescue teams continued search for survivors among the rubble of thousands of toppled buildings following the 7.8 magnitude deadly earthquake. Turkish and Syrian disaster response teams said more than 5,600 buildings were flattened including many multi-storey apartments where residents were asleep as the quake struck. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced seven days national mourning in the country for the victims the earthquake. World leaders have pledged to send aid after Turkiye issued an international appeal for help. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Services Chiefs and Armed Forces of Pakistan have offered their deepest empathy and condolences to the earthquake victims in Turkiye. On the instructions of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan Army has dispatched two contingents; Urban Search and Rescue Team comprising rescue experts, sniffer dogs, search equipment and a Medical team comprising Army doctors, nursing staff and technicians along with 30 bedded mobile hospital, tentage, blankets and other relief items. The aid contingents have flown to Adana, Turkiye via special PAF aircraft, to undertake relief efforts for Turkish people while working in close coordination with the Turkish Government, AFs and their Embassy in Islamabad. The contingents will stay there till the completion of relief and rescue operations. People and armed forces of Pakistan stand with our Turk brethren and offer all available support in this hour of need. Meanwhile, Chairman NDMA Lt General Inam Haider Malik dispatched three tons emergency relief consignment along with search and rescue team of Pakistan Army to Turkiye and Syria through PAF C-130. On the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, NDMA has made arrangements for early provision of rescue and relief articles. In a statement, Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik said NDMA Team along with Pakistan Armed Forces and Federal stakeholders is in constant communication with the diplomatic channels at both ends. In first phase, Urban Search & Rescue teams from 1122 and Pak Army are being dispatched, along with winterized tents and blankets." He said Pakistan is ready to provide all needed assistance to Turkiye and Syria at such difficult and challenging times, Pakistan especially cannot forget the extraordinary support by Government and people of Turkiye during floods 2022. Music lovers in the area should plan on Feb. 17 to mosey on over to Columbus High School. Local nonprofit Friends of Music is revving up to present Dan Millers Cowboy Music Revue at 7 p.m. that day in the Columbus High School Concert Hall, 3434 Discoverer Drive. It follows two successful shows in the organizations annual concert season that began in September with How Sweet It Is (a James Taylor tribute concert) and well-known pianist David Osborne in November. I think it has been awesome, a really good concert season so far, Friends of Music Executive Director Kirsten Ritter said. Indeed it will be. Dan Miller and his Cowboy Music Revue have been entertaining audiences worldwide for nearly two decades. More than 170,000 people from dozens of foreign countries have enjoyed the first-class musicianship and family-friendly production that this group is famous for in their home range of Cody, Wyoming, according to a release. The group has made numerous television appearances, including on Larrys Country Diner out of Nashville, Tennessee, as well as on ESPN, Travel Channel and Great American Country Network. I think the audience here will enjoy this style of music because its good Americana. Its American music, Ritter said. Hes going to be offering a style that I think will appeal to a lot of people. Ritter acknowledged the show may appeal to country music fans at first glance, but encouraged people to come and enjoy good live music. She recalled how she and her husband werent familiar with a lot of James Taylors catalog, but loved the show put on by How Sweet It Is last fall. So much so, they find themselves pulling up those songs they enjoyed on their phones often. These concerts are great quality. Every single concert, even if Im not a particular fan of that style of music, Ive loved it because Ive always enjoyed quality live music, she said. Donna Jaixen, who serves on the Board of Directors for the Friends of Music, echoed that sentiment. Its a wide array of music that I think will be great to sit back and listen to, she said, noting Miller and his group play classic country but also more modern tunes by artists like Martina McBride and Simon and Garfunkel. Friends of Music continues to be on a positive trajectory when it comes to its shows, rebounding after the COVID-19 pandemic forced it, like many others around the world, to cancel shows in 2020. After resetting in 2021, the organization has continued to bring top-notch talent and fill the seats at Columbus Middle Schools Nantkes Performing Arts Center and the high school auditorium. The attendance has been terrific, Jaixen said of the 2022-2023 lineup shows. It has been almost a full house, so its good to see that again after COVID. Its so good to see people come out and enjoy this music. That, in essence, is the purpose of the longstanding nonprofit: Give people a chance to hear great live music. Our organization prides itself on bringing a variety of musical acts and this year has been no different, Ritter said. We just want to continue bringing joy to our community. These concerts bring a lot of hope and joy. People have a good time together. Tickets will be available for $25 apiece at the venue (CHS) on the night of the show. Friends of Music has three more shows before the summer to conclude the concert series. The Hall Sisters (classic sister ensemble) will take the stage at 7 p.m. March 11 at CMS, and then it will be back to CHS for a 7 p.m. March 25 show with Backtack Vocals (mixed five-piece a cappella). The 2022-2023 series will conclude at 7 p.m. May 9 with Beginnings (a celebration of the music from Chicago) at CHS. For more information, email Ritter at columbusfriendsofmusic@gmail.com. A 9-year-old boy in Trkiye, who survived an earthquake last year, has donated his pocket money to have a hand in relief efforts for his peers in the wake of Monday's devastating earthquakes in southern Trkiye DUZCE, Trkiye , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Feb, 2023 ):A 9-year-old boy in Trkiye, who survived an earthquake last year, has donated his pocket money to have a hand in relief efforts for his peers in the wake of Monday's devastating earthquakes in southern Trkiye. Alparslan Efe Demir was heartbroken when he saw the destruction caused by the two powerful quakes in southern Trkiye on television. It was only a couple of months ago that Demir had to live in the tents set up by Trkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) for a while after a magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit the northwestern Duzce province in November. Sick at heart for people going through tough times, the boy told his mother Sinem Demir that he wanted to send the money in his piggy bank to his peers. The mother and son visited the Duzce branch of the Turkish Red Crescent and handed over his pocket money to the authorities for them to deliver it to his peers in need. The boy moved the Red Crescent employees to tears with the letter he wrote for the earthquake survivors. "I was very scared when there was an earthquake in Duzce. I had the same fear when I heard about the earthquake in many of our cities. That is why I decided to send the pocket money given by my elders to the children there," he said. "It is okay if I do not buy chocolate here. Children there should not be cold or hungry. I will send my clothes and toys to the children there," he said in his emotional letter. Early Monday morning, a 7.7 magnitude tremor struck southern Trkiye's Kahramanmaras province, then about nine hours later, a 7.6 magnitude quake hit rocked the same region, affecting several other provinces, including Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye, and Sanliurfa. At least 3,432 people were killed and 21,103 others injured in 10 provinces of Trkiye due to the strong earthquakes, according to latest figures by the country's disaster agency AFAD on Tuesday. The earthquake was also felt in several countries in the region, including Syria and Lebanon. In neighboring Syria, at least 1,622 people were killed and hundreds injured in the powerful earthquakes centered in southern Trkiye, according to figures compiled on Tuesday from the Syrian regime's Health Ministry and Syrian Civil Defense. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th February, 2023) US President Joe Biden spoke by telephone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and said the United States will provide any assistance needed by Turkey following Monday's devastating earthquakes, the White House said in a readout of the conversation. "President Joseph R. Biden spoke this afternoon with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. He reaffirmed the readiness of the United States to provide any and all needed assistance to our NATO Ally Turkey in response to this tragedy," the readout said on Monday. Biden also expressed condolences on behalf of the American people to all who lost loved ones or were injured in the earthquakes, the statement said. In addition, Biden said specialized US teams are deploying quickly to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and to coordinate other assistance that may be required by people affected by the earthquakes. The US Embassy was handed a note on Tuesday demanding to stop interfering in Russia's internal affairs, a source close to the leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th February, 2023) The US Embassy was handed a note on Tuesday demanding to stop interfering in Russia's internal affairs, a source close to the leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik. "On February 7, an official note was sent to the US Embassy in Moscow demanding to stop actions incompatible with the status of the diplomatic mission that constitute interference in Russia's internal affairs," the source said. The US embassy makes inappropriate statements about Russian leadership and spreads misinformation about the Russian military, the source added. "The Russian Foreign Ministry states that, despite repeated warnings, in particular, in the ministry's note dated December 9, 2022, the US diplomatic mission carries on malicious activity in the information space, making inappropriate statements about the leadership of the host country, as well as spreading fakes about the Russian military, which are criminally punishable acts," the source said. US diplomats were warned against attempts to conduct subversive work, recruiting "agents of influence" in order to sow discord in the Russian society, and Moscow will use all available means to neutralize such attempts, the source concluded. An optimistic President Joe Biden will seek to lift the spirits of a tense nation Tuesday with a State of the Union address showcasing his efforts to rebuild the US economy -- and setting the stage for the 80-year-old's bid for re-election in 2024. Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Feb, 2023 ) :An optimistic President Joe Biden will seek to lift the spirits of a tense nation Tuesday with a State of the Union address showcasing his efforts to rebuild the US economy -- and setting the stage for the 80-year-old's bid for re-election in 2024. After two years of managing the exit from the Covid pandemic, an end to the 20-year Afghan war debacle, the Western response against Russia's Ukraine invasion, and extreme US political tensions, Biden feels he has much to celebrate. "I want to talk to the American people and let them know the state of affairs," Biden said Monday. "Just have a conversation with the American people." On Capitol Hill, he'll address the full Congress, nearly every senior government member, and a vast television audience, buoyed by news that the economy is recovering strongly from the pandemic, with the lowest unemployment in 50 years. "This is a president who is incredibly optimistic," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. But the dramatic downing on Saturday of a huge Chinese balloon by a US Air Force fighter leaves the unstable relationship with the communist superpower literally looming over the Biden administration. And there are troubles closer to home, with two new polls showing that well over half of voters do not want Biden, the oldest person ever in the presidency, to seek a second term in 2024. Biden spent the weekend at the presidential retreat Camp David, huddled with top advisors and speech writers to finesse the speech. Tweaks continued "until the last minute," Jean-Pierre said. Early Tuesday, the White House announced the guests of First Lady Jill Biden for the speech. These include Ukraine's ambassador, Oksana Markarova and rock band mega star and HIV/AIDS campaigner Bono. The most eye-catching, though may be Brandon Tsay, the 26-year-old man who disarmed the gunman in January mass shooting in California, and RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, the parents of Tyre Nichols, a man whose death after a prolonged police beating in Memphis, Tennessee, shocked the nation. (@FahadShabbir) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th February, 2023) The social media platform Twitter suspended and later reinstated the official account of US Senator Steve Daines after he changed his profile picture to a photo of him and his wife hunting a pronghorn antelope, the lawmaker said in a statement. "I am grateful Elon Musk reached out to me to resolve this issue and am glad that he recognizes that free speech is a bedrock of our country, and acted quickly to reinstate my Twitter account after being made aware of its suspension," Daines said in the statement on Tuesday. Daines' account was locked on Monday night after he changed his profile picture to a photo of him and his wife posing beside an antelope after a hunt, the statement said. Twitter cited "graphic violence" as reason for the suspension, the statement said. Twitter is amending its policy against showing blood in profile pictures to clarify that the blood must be visible without clicking on the photo itself, Twitter chief Elon Musk said on Tuesday in response to the matter. The intent of the policy is to prevent forcing users to see "gruesome" profile pictures, Musk said. "The initial ban over the profile photo of my wife and me after a successful Montana antelope hunt was disappointing given the fact that it is no different than photos Montanans share on social media every day," Daines' statement said. The rest of the United States benefits from the acceptance of diverse thoughts and values, including Montana values, Daines added. Twitter's free speech policies and handling of account suspensions have undergone reforms since Musk acquired the platform last year, including reactivating the account of former President Donald Trump. Acclaimed Author Jesmyn Ward to Present Lecture at USM Gulf Park for Black History 365 Programming Tue, 02/07/2023 - 01:58pm | By: Van Arnold The University of Southern Mississippi (USM)s Gulf Park Campus is sponsoring a signature Black History Month event as award-winning author and Mississippian Jesmyn Ward delivers a special presentation on Feb. 28. Ward will present a lecture titled, Black Excellence Celebration: A Journey to Prosperity from 12:15 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the Fleming Education Center Auditorium on the Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach, Miss. Her visit will include a Question & Answer session facilitated by Dr. Whitney Martin, Assistant Teaching Professor English, as well as a book signing. The event is free and open to the public. Ward is the author of several novels, including, Where the Line Bleeds and Salvage the Bones, winner of the 2011 National Book Award, and Sing, Unburied, Sing, winner of the 2017 National Book Award. She is the first woman and the first African American to win two National Book Awards for fiction. Jessica Langston, Director of Student Engagement and Strategic Initiatives at USM Gulf Park, explains that Wards visit is the culmination of a student-led initiative spearheaded by Queliah Conway, a student employee in the Office of Student Affairs who serves as Vice President of Programming for the Gulf Park Student Government Association. Queliah worked to enhance the quality and scope of our continuous Black History programming throughout 2022, said Langston. With substantial support from Gulf Park staff and administration, she created a proposal and designed a slate of events centered around Jesmyn Wards work. Queliah then reached out to Wards team to invite the world-renowned author to campus for a lecture and book signing. Added Langston: After successfully securing Wards attendance, Queliah implemented a plan to raise awareness among the student body. She collaborated with Student Affairs, the Academic Success Center, and the Gulf Coast Library to create a series of events designed to provide free copies of Wards novels and discuss her work in celebration of Black History on the Gulf Coast. When asked to describe the excitement of having an acclaimed novelist like Ward scheduled to speak at Gulf Park, Conway expressed satisfaction in the team effort. As a small, community-oriented campus, knowing how much you can accomplish with profound student determination and a supportive team is definitely exciting, she said. Having a renowned author visit our campus is an incredible accomplishment, and it makes this campus and our students feel seen, important, and heard. We now know that nothing is outside our reach, and we will continue to make impactful changes and support student initiatives on the Gulf Park Campus. Conway further notes that recognition of Black History will not end with Wards lecture on the final day of February. We have implemented Black History 365, as these underrepresented communities deserve more than just February. They deserve 365 days and beyond, said Conway. Jesmyn Ward is an example of black excellence, and it is fitting for her to kick off our Black History 365 programming. We have a strong start. Jesmyn Wards visit is only the beginning, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds. Ward received her masters in fine arts from the University of Michigan and is currently a professor of creative writing at Tulane University. She also serves as editor of the anthology The Fire This Time and the author of the memoir Men We Reaped, which was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. In 2022, the U.S. Library of Congress selected Ward as the winner of the Library's Prize for American Fiction. At age 45, Ward is the youngest person to receive the Librarys fiction award for her lifetime of work. When it comes to volunteer firefighter recruitment, fire companies on the East Shore of the Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania earned the bragging rights. Both shores competed in a recruitment contest between companies from September through the end of last year, and the East Shore came out on top, gaining 31 new members across various departments to the West Shores 26, said Michael Berman, a public relations specialist for the campaign. The push came as part of a bigger recruitment campaign spearheaded by Capital Region Firefighter, a volunteer recruitment campaign that began last April through a $2.2 million grant awarded to the Capital Region Council of Governments by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Participating East Shore companies were Dauphin Middle Paxton Fire Company, Progress and Rescue Fire Companies in Susquehanna Township, all four Swatara Township Fire and Rescue Companies, South Hanover Township Fire Company and Annville Fire Company. On the West Shore, New Kingstown, Union Fire Company, Monroe Fire Company, Silver Spring, Hampden, West Shore Bureau of Fire, East Pennsboro, Camp Hill, Carlisle Fire & Rescue Services, Lisburn, Lower Allen, Upper Allen and New Cumberland were part of the campaign. While the specific East Shore vs. West Shore competition has ended, the campaign itself will extend through 2025, Berman said. Chief Bob Rusbatch of Dauphin Middle Paxton Fire Company on the East Shore said his department gained two members during the competition. I always hope for at least one, he said. On the West Shore, New Kingstown Fire Chief Curt Hall said his department gained 10 members in 2022, with two joining in December. While he said 10 new volunteers is better than none, Hall doesnt believe fire companies have seen the influx of members they hoped for, though its not for a lack of trying. It points to an issue faced by nearly every fire department in Cumberland County, mirroring a nationwide shortage of volunteer firefighters. Rusbatch said in October that when he joined his company 20 years ago there were about 30 active members. Today that number has dropped to around 11. Hall said some people move to Silver Spring Township and central Pennsylvania from areas with paid fire departments. They just assume that when they see the fire truck going down the road that everybody on that is paid, he said. So I think [thats] a lot of it and some of this also has to do with the time; people just do not have enough time to volunteer. Another factor Hall cited was training, saying that depending on a volunteers schedule it can take six months to a year to become a fully trained, active firefighter. Halls solution: marketing, both through the Capital Region Firefighter campaign and also through word of mouth, something he described as one of the companys best recruiting techniques. Thats what led Zachary Leitzel to join New Kingstown Fire Company as a volunteer in December during the East Shore vs. West Shore competition. A resident of Juniata County, Leitzel has been in the fire service for approximately seven years, serving as a firefighter in Mifflintown and an EMT at Fame EMS in Lewistown. One of our members at my station in Juniata County is a career driver down there and he told me all good things about New Kingstown, about the good experience they get [and] the good training they have, He said. As a young person coming up through the fire service, I like good training. Thus, Leitzel makes the one-hour commute during his time off to help staff the station. I like to get [a] different experience and its nice to go other places to see how they do things, to pick up something new for yourself and also bring [it] back to your home companies as well, he said. Sirens for Service: Hear what Midstate fire, police and ems workers have to say about their jobs Sirens for Service features Trenton Wise with Cumberland Goodwill EMS Sirens for Service features Charlie Alleman with Friendship Hose Company Sirens for Service features Kevin Winter with the Silver Spring Township Police Department Sirens for Service features Trent Wenger with Friendship Hose Company Sirens for Service features Katherine "Kitty" Strait with Cumberland Goodwill EMS Sirens for Service features Theo Arndt with Friendship Hose Sirens for Service features EMT Ansley McFarling with Cumberland Goodwill EMS Sirens for Service features Andrew Mellott with Friendship Hose Company Sirens for Service features David Schoonover with Penn Township Volunteer Fire Company Sirens for Service features Adam Lepley with Carlisle Fire & Rescue Services Sirens for Service features Wes Gingrich with Penn Township Volunteer Fire Company Sirens for Service features JoEllen Wiser with Friendship Hose Company Sirens for Service features Sean Ryan with Carlisle Fire and Rescue Services Sirens for Service features Jamie DiMartile with the Carlisle Police Department Sirens for Service features Olie Mick with Penn Township Volunteer Fire Company Sirens for Service features Joseph Todaro with the Carlisle Police Department Sirens for Service features Interior Firefighter Billy Sellers with Carlisle Fire & Rescue Services. Sirens for Service features Jeremy Fox with Cumberland Goodwill EMS Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who served as White House press secretary under Donald Trump, will deliver the Republican response to President Joe Biden's State of the Union. Huckabee Sanders, who describes herself as a conservative reformer, will speak from the state capital Little Rock after Biden's remarks on Tuesday before a joint session of Congress. It will be Biden's first State of the Union since Republicans won control of the House of Representatives in November's election. Both addresses could serve as a primer for the 2024 presidential campaign season as Democrats and Republicans seek to shape public perceptions in front of a large television audience. The federal debt limit, social spending, the war in Ukraine and policing in minority communities are among the biggest topics driving political discourse. U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, in a joint announcement last week, heralded Sanders as a rising figure in the party. "Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is the youngest governor in the nation and a powerful advocate for the popular, commonsense conservative principles that will put our country back on a better course," McConnell said in the statement. Huckabee Sanders, 40, served as then-President Trump's second press secretary from mid-2017 to mid-2019. She is the daughter of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, also a Republican. Elected last year, in January, she became the first woman to lead the state of Arkansas. The European Union has opened its doors to millions of Ukrainian refugees since Russias invasion of Ukraine even as member states tighten restrictions against economic migrants and asylum seekers from elsewhere. That includes France, which unveiled new immigration legislation last week. For VOA, Lisa Bryant reports from the Paris suburb of Evry Courcouronnes. Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell has been invited to China, boosting hopes that sanctions and tariffs on Australian exports are a step closer to being removed. Diplomatic tensions have hindered bilateral ties for several years, but the Canberra government has said it wants to stabilize the relationship. Farrell told Chinas Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao during a video conference Monday that both countries would benefit from more harmonious trading relations. It was the first time in three years that an Australian trade minister has held talks with their Chinese counterpart. Canberra is eager for tariffs or unofficial bans to end on a range of Australian exports to China, including coal, barley, lobsters and wine. Experts believe there are signs that relations are gradually improving. Wang invited his Australian counterpart to Beijing, and said he was looking forward to professional, candid and practical exchanges of views. Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Monday that Canberra is keen to reset relations with its biggest trading partner. We have always said in terms of the relationship with China we want to stabilize the relationship, Wong said. Weve said we will cooperate where we can, we will disagree where we must and we will engage in our national interest. We hope that the trade impediments will be removed. We believe it is in both countrys interests for that to occur, she added. Analysts say the trade restrictions are a consequence of bilateral diplomatic friction. Australias stance on various geopolitical issues, including Taiwan, human rights violations in Chinas Xinjiang Province and Beijings ambitions in the South China Sea and South Pacific, have been a source of tension. Then there was a call in 2020 by the former conservative government in Canberra for an inquiry into the origins of COVID-19, which was first detected in China. It deeply angered Beijing and restrictions on a range of Australian exports followed. Analysts say recent high-profile meetings have suggested that relations are improving. Last November, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met Chinas President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Indonesia. China accounts for about a third of Australia's global trade. Government data shows that the export of Australian goods and services to China were worth US$123 billion in 2020-21. U.S. President Joe Biden is delivering his second State of the Union address Tuesday night at a critical juncture midway through his four-year presidency, prepared to defend his record as one of accomplishment, even though many Americans believe he has accomplished little so far. Biden often cites the millions of new jobs added on his watch, passage of legislation to combat climate change and to fund repairs of the countrys deteriorating roads and bridges, along with his leadership of the Western coalition fighting Russias war on Ukraine. Yet, a new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds that 62% of Americans think he's accomplished "not very much" or "little to nothing" in two years on the job. The 80-year-old Biden appears to be inching toward a 2024 reelection campaign and the annual State of the Union address gives him a platform to speak to a politically divided Congress with vocal Republican opponents now controlling the House of Representatives, even as Democrats hold a Senate edge and American voters, a majority of whom tell pollsters they disapprove of Bidens job performance. As of Monday afternoon, the president was still writing and revising his speech with close advisers, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. Biden "will have an opportunity to speak directly to the American people, not just Congress, to talk about what he has done over the last two years, and how he sees the future of this country," she said. Political scientist Andrew Seligsohn, who leads the nonpartisan research organization Public Agenda, said Biden needs to cover the so-called "bread and butter" issues that matter to most Americans, like the economy. But he also is likely to nibble from the entire smorgasbord of issues, including foreign policy, public health, police reform, gun control and immigration. "Biden's challenge in the State of the Union is to make the global case while also presenting himself as a leader who understands and is prepared to meet the day-to-day economic challenges facing Americans here at home," Seligsohn said in a note to VOA. Aaron Kall, the debate coach at the University of Michigan and a longtime expert on major presidential addresses, told VOA, He should use this opportunity to make the rationale for a second term in office without formally declaring his reelection intentions. Momentum from the speech and a short-term boost in public opinion polling could be beneficial ahead of a contentious 2024 presidential election cycle. It's the economy, always Even with last-minute changes, the White House said Biden will definitely devote time to what Americans consistently say is their main concern: their wallets. In that recent Washington Post-ABC poll, 41% of Americans reported that they are worse off financially than when he became president; 42% said they were in the same shape financially as when he took office. "Two years in, it's clear clearer than ever that my economic plan is actually working," Biden said in January, citing job growth, falling prices and a boost in investments and manufacturing. On the eve of the speech, his top economic adviser was more measured in his optimism. "I think the core message is we have to make more progress, but people should feel optimism because of what we have seen and because of the progress that we've made, that we know how to keep making progress going forward," said Brian Deese, National Economic Council director. Biden is also expected to present his argument to raise the debt ceiling, which is the maximum amount the U.S. Treasury can borrow to pay its bills. The U.S. hit its debt limit of $31.4 trillion in January. Congress now has until midyear to decide to raise the limit before the U.S. defaults. Kevin McCarthy, the newly elected speaker of the House of Representatives, who will be seated behind the president for the duration of the speech, said the Republican Party will continue to oppose what they see as excessive spending. "I was very clear," McCarthy said last week, after spending an hour discussing the issue privately with Biden at the White House. "We're not spending more next year than we spent this year." Tuesday night, Biden will be able to make his case, said David Wessel, who heads the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy at the Brookings Institution. "The president will undoubtedly say that he believes that the full faith and credit of the United States should be unquestioned, and he'll call for a clean increase in the debt ceiling," Wessel said. "And he probably will say that once we do that, I want to talk about what our spending priorities are. Of course, that won't go over well with the Republicans." Leadership role Biden also is expected to discuss a range of foreign policy issues, centering on the country that he sees as the United States biggest competitor. I would fully expect that you'll hear the president talk about the importance of our leadership on the world stage," said John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications. "The influence that America has wielded, particularly when it comes to helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia's invasion and the strategic competition with China." On Ukraine, Constanze Stelzenmuller, director of the Center on the United States and Europe at the Brookings Institution, said Biden has a chance to set the tone for how the U.S. and NATO allies tailor their support for Ukraine. "I think the choice that the allies are staring at and where I believe neither the administration nor the Europeans really have made up their minds is whether they ought to pursue a path of prudence, of slow incrementalist turning up the heat, colloquially known as boiling the frog, for the sake of avoiding escalation by Putin," she said. "Or whether they should enable Ukraine to do a big push to prevent a spring offensive by the Russians that might reverse their territorial gains and conversely, allow Ukraine to retain full control over its territory." Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific security chair at the Hudson Institute, a conservative Washington think tank, told Lin Feng of VOAs Mandarin Service that Biden needs to show he is forging ahead with policies that strengthen the security of America and its allies. His words about China should highlight Beijings deeds, not words, but without adjectives. Let facts speak for themselves." It is not known whether Biden will discuss last weekends U.S. shootdown of a Chinese spy balloon after it traversed the country for a week, including over key military installations. Gun policy, immigration, health care, police reform and more are also likely to feature in the address. As is custom, the event will host guests who symbolize some of the issues. The Congressional Black Caucus has invited the parents of slain Memphis resident Tyre Nichols to the address. Nichols, 29, was killed by five Black police officers in January. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have used the tragedy to urge Congress to revisit the stalled police reform act that Democrats proposed after the 2020 killing of Minneapolis resident George Floyd. Asked by VOA whether COVID-19 which Biden mentioned 23 times in last year's speech would come up this year, Jean-Pierre said, because of the work that this president has done, we are in a different place." "COVID is not taking over our lives, she said. We're still fighting COVID. But, again, we're in a different place." 2024 presidential run? William Galston, a governance analyst at the Brookings Institution, said Biden's speech is about more than policy. As he stands before a joint session of Congress, Biden needs to perform as if he wants another shot at the White House, Galston said. Biden has repeatedly said he plans to run in 2024, but the 80-year-old has not formally announced his candidacy. "If you look at the public opinion polls, majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents think he is too old to do the job," Galston said. "And one of the really important things that he must convey in this speech is the kind of strength and coherence of delivery that does what can be done to dispel that impression. Otherwise, it could be a major impediment to his reelection, he said. So, the mode of delivery, I think, is more than ordinarily important in this speech. Tuesday's address is at 9 p.m. EST (0200 GMT) in Washington. Authorities in Cameroon say 27 people, including senior police officers and a well-known media mogul, have been detained in connection with the killing last month of popular journalist Martinez Zogo. Journalists in Cameroon say they are increasingly receiving death threats and experiencing harassment. The media professionals called for justice and protections after two journalists who reported on corruption were found dead in the capital in two weeks. The mutilated body of radio host Zogo was found on January 22 in Yaounde, five days after he was abducted. On February 2, Jean Jacques Ola Bebe, a Catholic priest and radio host, was also found dead in the capital. Two days earlier, Bebe, who had called for justice for Zogo, told Cameroon's Galaxy FM Radio he was receiving regular death threats that he suspected were from authorities. The president of the Cameroon Journalists Trade Union, Marion Obam, told local media Tuesday at a press conference in Douala that Cameroonian journalists will wear dark clothes every Wednesday to show they want all suspected killers of journalists arrested and brought to justice. She said in the past four years, four journalists have either been killed or have died in suspicious circumstances, while at least 20 experienced severe violations of their rights. The president's office on Friday said more than 20 people had been detained over Zogo's killing, including senior police intelligence officers. The statement did not elaborate and officials declined requests for comment. On Monday, police detained seven more people, including media mogul Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga at his Yaounde home. They also detained Belinga's chief of security, who is a former presidential guard commander, and the head of his Vision 4 TV channel. It's not clear if anyone has been officially arrested or charged. Zogo, on his radio program, said Belinga had plans to kill him for reporting on Belinga's alleged corrupt deals with officials. Authorities in Cameroon have not issued a statement on the killing of Bebe. Government spokesman Rene Emmanuel Sadi told state Cameroon Radio Television on Sunday authorities will punish anyone involved in killing or threatening journalists. He said Cameroon is a country of laws where fundamental freedoms, including press freedoms, are guaranteed by the state. Sadi urged all Cameroonians, especially journalists, to wait for the results of investigations ordered by President Paul Biya into the murder of Zogo and other abuses. Since the killings, several other journalists in Cameroon say they have received death threats. Police have detained reporters who interviewed colleagues of the journalists who were killed, allegedly seizing their equipment and erasing their recordings. Yaounde-based freelance reporter Fonban Emmanuel told VOA on Tuesday the atmosphere for the press is one of intimidation and fear. "Nobody would want to be killed. When journalists are moving, they feel that the worst can come to them. We even have some families who are already beginning to advise that their children should not engage in journalism because it could invite agony to their lives," Fonban said. "Many journalists are waiting to see the Cameroonian government bring to book those who have brought this kind of agony to the media in Cameroon." The U.N.'s human rights spokesperson in Geneva issued a statement Tuesday of deep concern over the second killing of a journalist in Cameroon in two weeks and called on authorities to ensure an independent, effective and impartial investigation. The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on Cameroonian authorities to ensure transparency in the investigations and deliver justice. Countries around the world are rushing to send rescue workers, equipment and aid after a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Turkey and Syria early Monday. U.S. President Joe Biden said in statement that U.S. "teams are deploying quickly to begin to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and address the needs of those injured and displaced by the earthquake." Biden spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday to offer condolences and said the United States will send "any and all" aid needed to help recovery, the White House said in a statement. John Kirby, the U.S. National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, said the United States is deploying two 79-person urban search and rescue teams and that the Pentagon and the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, are coordinating with their Turkish counterparts on additional assistance. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, to "pick up the phone and let us know" what the United States can do to help, according to State Department spokesperson Ned Price. The European Union said it mobilized rescue teams with crews from countries including Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania dispatched to the region. At least 13 member countries have offered assistance. "Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones and the brave first responders working to save lives," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic said in a joint statement. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said their governments were ready to help those affected by the earthquake. Britain said it was sending a team of 76 search-and-rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs. "Greece is mobilizing its resources and will assist immediately," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said search and rescue teams, as well as medical aid, would be going to Turkey in response to a request from the Turkish government. Israel also said it had received a request for humanitarian aid for Syria through a diplomatic official and would send assistance. The two historical adversaries have no diplomatic relations. Russia also said it had rescue teams preparing to go to Turkey and Syria to help earthquake victims. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad and Turkey's Erdogan to express his condolences over the death and destruction caused by the earthquake. The United Arab Emirates said it would set up a field hospital in Turkey and send search-and-rescue teams to Turkey and Syria. Iraq said it would send civil defense teams to Turkey and Syria with relief supplies, including food and fuel. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered his government's support as well. "I am shocked to learn of deaths and injuries of hundreds of people as a result of the earthquake in Turkey," Zelenskyy tweeted. "We send our condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery. At this time, we stand by the friendly Turkish people and are ready to provide the necessary assistance." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "anguished" by the deaths in Turkey and Syria and said two teams comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dogs were ready to be flown to the affected areas. China's president, Xi Jinping, sent his condolences to the leaders of Turkey and Syria while China's foreign aid agency said it was in communication with both countries and "willing to provide emergency humanitarian aid in accordance with the needs of the affected population." Japan, another country often plagued by earthquakes, said it is sending a group of about 75 rescue workers to Turkey. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg expressed "full solidarity" with alliance member Turkey and said, "NATO allies are mobilizing support now." At the United Nations, the General Assembly observed a minute of silence in tribute to the victims. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his "deepest condolences" and said the United Nations "is fully committed to supporting the response," according to U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. "Our teams are on the ground assessing the needs and providing assistance. We count on the international community to help the thousands of families hit by this disaster, many of whom were already in dire need of humanitarian aid in areas where access is a challenge," Dujarric said. Some material for this article came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. At least 38 people were killed, and more than 130 others injured following two days of fighting in Las Anod town, in eastern Somaliland. Health officials also reported Las Anod General Hospital, the towns main medical center, was hit by suspected mortars. We were hit by four incoming fires which destroyed some parts of our offices, said Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, the hospital director. Hassan said the hospital was targeted Monday and Tuesday and that some of the staffers and patients fled the facility to seek safety elsewhere. Hassan also said other hospitals recorded casualties, but he did not give additional figures because he was not in communication with those medical facilities. Somaliland declared its secession from Somalia in May 1991 but has not yet achieved international recognition. Despite the lack of recognition, Somaliland was widely praised by the international community for achieving stability and holding democratic elections. The clashes between Somaliland forces and local fighters comes after weeks of tension in the town following the killing of a local politician by masked gunmen. It was the latest in a series of assassinations in the town over many years, incidents which authorities blamed on al-Shabab fighters. Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi accused the enemy of Somaliland of being behind the killings. This latest fighting also comes amid a dispute over the future status of territories in eastern Somaliland, where a significant number of the locals appear to support unity with Somalia. Mutual recrimination Each side accused the other of starting the fighting. On Monday, local elders who have been meeting in the town issued a declaration stating they are not part of Somaliland. The declaration stated the territories are part of the federal republic of Somalia and stand for the unity and integrity of Somalia. The Somaliland government dismissed the declaration. In a statement, Somaliland said its forces are fighting international terrorist groups that have been planning on creating insecurity, and instability in Las Anod, and it warned that the violence in Las Anod is threatening the stability of the region. In the same statement, Somaliland said it is prepared to resolve the situation in Las Anod through dialogue and consensus. The elders in Las Anod said they are not terrorists and that they elected 45 members to govern the area. They urged Somaliland to withdraw its forces. Calls for dialogue Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called for the cessation of hostilities in Las Anod. He said in a speech the conflict in Las Anod requires a political solution. He said resolving the dispute will be part of the overall effort to gain the unity of Somalia. Put down the weapons, cease the fire, start dialogue," Mohamud said. The federal government also said it welcomes the decision of the people of Las Anod to support solidarity with Somalia. Mohamud has urged respect for the wishes of the people. He said to continue to spill the blood of Somalis is unacceptable. Meanwhile, foreign diplomatic missions in Mogadishu, including the United Nations, the European Union, African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and the United States, issued a brief statement calling for a peaceful settlement. Separately, the U.N.s deputy special envoy for Somalia, Adam Abdelmoula, said in a tweet the new clashes have displaced more than 80,000 people in Las Anod, and that international human rights law, where applicable, must be upheld. Nuh Muse Birjeb contributed to this report. Eight EU nations called on Brussels to significantly toughen the bloc's borders to "prevent another large-scale migration crisis," according to a letter seen by AFP ahead of a key summit. The overall tone on migration has hardened in Europe since 2015-2016, when it took in over a million asylum-seekers, most of them Syrians fleeing the war in their country. Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta and Slovakia sent the letter dated Monday to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel. They said it was "high time" for a "comprehensive European... approach for all relevant migratory routes" to tackle irregular migration. The letter called for "additional financial support" within the existing budget to enhance "relevant operational and technical measures for effective border control". It also urged "significantly increasing swift returns of third country nationals" and concluding new partnerships and safe third country arrangements. Some member states are facing "levels of arrivals and applications equivalent to, or higher than, those seen during the migration crisis in 2015 and 2016," the letter added. At the end of January, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson said she was confident that asylum reform under discussion since September 2020 would be adopted before the European elections in 2024. The EU has earmarked six billion euros to protect its borders for the 2021-2027 period. Several countries, including Austria, have called for EU funding to strengthen fences along the bloc's external borders to reduce the flow of asylum-seekers. But the commission has so far been reluctant, saying that "building walls and barbed wire" is not the right solution. EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said last month that member states could sign up to a pilot scheme over the first half of this year to speed up screening and asylum procedures for eligible migrants and "immediate return" for those not deemed to qualify. Von der Leyen said she wanted the EU to draw up a list of "safe countries of origin", and for the bloc to strengthen border monitoring on the Mediterranean and Western Balkans routes migrants use to get to Europe. Structural engineers, soldiers, paramedics and handlers with trained search dogs are heading to Turkey and Syria to help locate and rescue survivors of Monday's earthquake. Here's a glance at the assistance that's being provided: The European Union has mobilized search and rescue teams to help Turkey, while the bloc's Copernicus satellite system has been activated to provide emergency mapping services. At least 13 member countries have offered assistance. The United States is coordinating immediate assistance to Turkey, including teams to support search and rescue efforts. In California, nearly 100 Los Angeles County firefighters and structural engineers, along with six specially trained dogs, were being sent to Turkey. Russian rescue teams from the Emergencies Ministry were sent to Syria, where Russian military deployed in that country already has sent 10 units comprising 300 people to help clear debris and search for survivors. The Russian military has set up points to distribute humanitarian assistance. Russia also has offered help to Turkey, which has been accepted. War-ravaged Syria called for the United Nations and its members to help with rescue efforts, health services, shelter and food aid. Both government-held territory and the last opposition-held enclave were damaged by the earthquake. The Israeli army is sending a search and rescue team of 150 engineers, medical personnel and other aid workers to render lifesaving aid in Turkey. The two countries are mending ties after years of tensions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has also approved a request for humanitarian aid for Syria. Israel and Syria do not have diplomatic relations. Neighbor and historic rival Greece is sending Turkey a team of 21 rescuers, two rescue dogs and a special rescue vehicle, together with a structural engineer, five doctors and seismic planning experts in a military transport plane. South Korea will dispatch a 60-person search and rescue team and send medical supplies to Turkey. The government also says it is providing an initial $5 million in humanitarian support, and the Gyeonggi provincial government plans to provide $1 million in humanitarian assistance. Pakistan has sent one flight of relief supplies and another carrying a 50-member search and rescue team. The government says daily aid flights to Syria and Turkey will start Wednesday. Britain is sending 76 search-and-rescue specialists with equipment and dogs, as well as an emergency medical team, to Turkey. The U.K. also says it's in contact with the U.N. about getting support to victims in Syria. India is sending 100 search and rescue personnel from its Natural Disaster Response Force to Turkey, as well as specially trained dog squads and equipment for relief efforts. Medical teams with trained doctors, paramedics and essential medicines are also ready, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Taiwan is sending 130 rescue squad members, five search dogs and 13 tons of equipment to Turkey. Interior Minister Lin Yu-chang said the first group left for Turkey late Monday and another was sent Tuesday. Taiwan earlier said it would donate $200,000 to Turkey. Swiss rescue dog service REDOG is sending 22 rescuers with 14 dogs to Turkey. The government said it would also send 80 search and rescue specialists to the country, including army disaster experts. The Czech Republic is sending Turkey a team of 68 rescuers, including firefighters, doctors, structural engineers and also experts with sniffer dogs. Japan is sending a group of about 75 rescue workers to Turkey. Lebanon's cash-strapped government is sending soldiers, Red Cross and Civil Defense first responders, and firefighters to Turkey to help with its rescue efforts. Germany is readying deliveries of emergency generators, tents, blankets and water treatment equipment. It also has offered to send teams from the THW civil protection agency to Turkey. The group International Search and Rescue Germany was also preparing to fly dozens of doctors and rescue experts to Turkey late Monday. Austria has offered to send 84 soldiers from a military disaster relief unit to Turkey. Spain was preparing to send two Urban Search and Rescue teams to Turkey with 85 personnel, and a contingent of volunteer firefighters. Poland is sending Turkey 76 firefighters and eight trained dogs, with equipment. Romania is sending specialized personnel and material to Turkey on two military aircraft. Croatia is sending 40 personnel and 10 dogs, rescue equipment and vans to Turkey. Serbia is sending 21 rescuers and three liaison officers to Turkey. Montenegro is sending at least 24 firefighters to Turkey. Moldova's president says 55 rescue workers have been sent to Turkey. France is dispatching rescue teams to Turkey. Jordan is sending emergency aid to Syria and Turkey on the orders of King Abdullah II. Mexico's foreign affairs secretary said the country will send equipment and rescue specialists to Turkey. Prisoners mutinied in a northwestern Syria prison Monday following a deadly earthquake, with at least 20 escaping the jail holding mostly Islamic State group members, a source at the facility told AFP. The military police prison in the town of Rajo near the Turkish border holds about 2,000 inmates, with about 1,300 of them suspected to be IS fighters, said the source. The prison also holds fighters from Kurdish-led forces. "After the earthquake struck, Rajo was affected and inmates started to mutiny and took control of parts of the prison," said the official at Rajo jail, which is controlled by pro-Turkish factions. "About 20 prisoners fled... who are believed to be IS militants." The 7.8 magnitude quake which was followed by dozens of aftershocks in the region caused damage to the prison, with walls and doors cracking, the source added. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said it could not verify whether prisoners had escaped, but confirmed there was a mutiny. At least 1,444 people died Monday across Syria after the devastating earthquake that had its epicenter in southwestern Turkey, the government and rescuers said. In rebel-held parts of the country's northwest, at least 733 people were killed and more than 2,100 injured, according to the White Helmets rescue group. The incident in Rajo comes on the heels of an IS attack in December on a security complex in their former de facto Syrian capital of Raqa, which aimed to free fellow jihadis from a prison there. Six members of the Kurdish-led security forces that control the area were killed in the foiled assault. The conflict in Syria started in 2011 with the brutal repression of peaceful protests and escalated to pull in foreign powers and global jihadis. Nearly half a million people have been killed, and the conflict has forced around half of the country's prewar population from their homes, with many seeking refuge in Turkey. An area man is charged with promoting and possessing child pornography in St. Francois County following a recent investigation. Court records show the man has previously faced similar accusations and pleaded guilty to possessing child porn in Jefferson County. Johnnie Lee Lewis Jr., 35, with addresses listed in Bonne Terre and De Soto, has been charged with one count of first-degree promotion of child pornography and four counts of possession of child pornography. The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control detailed the charges against Lewis in a press release on Friday. Officials said the arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Division of Drug and Crime Control's Digital Forensics Investigative Unit. The highway patrol investigators were assisted by the Bonne Terre Police Department. According to a probable cause statement in the case, on Jan. 16, troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) were conducting an online investigation for offenders sharing child pornography when a device at a specified IP address reportedly offered an illicit video file for download. Using public records, the report states, police determined the IP address was registered to Charter Communications. The internet service provider reportedly responded to a search warrant and indicated the IP address was being used by an account for a house on Mound Street in Bonne Terre. On Thursday, investigators executed a St. Francois County search warrant at the Bonne Terre home. The report states Lewis was located at the residence and admitted to using online file-sharing software on his cell phone to download and view child pornography. Police reportedly located a red cell phone on Lewis' bedside table. The report states that hundreds of images and videos of children engaged in sexual acts were located on the cellular device. Lewis was taken into custody and taken to the St. Francois County Jail. The man's bond was set at $250,000. If released on bail, Lewis is ordered to comply with GPS and pre-trial monitoring and is prohibited from having contact with anyone under the age of 18. A criminal history search showed Lewis has faced similar charges before. Records indicate the man pleaded guilty in October 2015 to one count of possession of child pornography in Jefferson County. He received an eight-year prison sentence and was released on parole in February 2019, according to court records. The report filed in the case this month notes Lewis is a registered sex offender in Missouri and has prior arrests for violating his sex offender registry requirements. "His previous conviction and current registry requirements were not a crime deterrent, and he continued to victimize children over the internet," the report alleges. "Lewis should be considered a high-risk threat to children." The man has other past convictions for felony and misdemeanor offenses, including animal abuse and two separate cases of second-degree burglary, according to records. "The Division of Drug and Crime Control encourages internet users to promptly report to the Patrol or local law enforcement anyone who attempts to engage in unwanted, inappropriate, or sexualized communications with children," the press release reads. "The Digital Forensics Investigative Unit is partially funded by the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been invited to take part in a summit of European Union leaders, the EU said Monday, amid reports he could be in Brussels as soon as this week. Charles Michel, the president of the European Council of the EU's national leaders, invited Zelenskyy "to participate in person in a future summit," a spokesman for Michel tweeted. The spokesman, Barend Leyts, did not say when Zelenskyy might take up the invitation and specified that no further information would be provided "for security reasons." The next EU summit takes place Thursday and Friday of this week in Brussels. Earlier in the day, multiple media outlets reported that Zelenskyy could attend the summit and may also address a session of the European Parliament. EU officials had declined to comment on those reports. Some noted that if news of such a visit leaked in advance, it could pose a greater security risk for Ukraine's wartime leader and lessen the chances of him going ahead with the trip. Zelenskyy's office did not respond to a request for comment on the reports. If Zelenskyy does visit Brussels this week, it would be only the second foreign trip he has taken since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine last Feb. 24. In December, Zelenskyy visited Washington to meet President Joe Biden and address the U.S. Congress. Former Twitter employees are expected to testify next week before the House Oversight Committee about the social media platform's handling of reporting on President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden. The scheduled testimony, confirmed by the committee Monday, will be the first time the three former executives will appear before Congress to discuss the company's decision to initially block from Twitter a New York Post article regarding Hunter Biden's laptop in the weeks before the 2020 election. Republicans have said the story was suppressed for political reasons, though no evidence has been released to support that claim. The witnesses for the February 8 hearing are expected to be Vijaya Gadde, former chief legal officer; James Baker, former deputy general counsel; and Yoel Roth, former head of safety and integrity. The hearing is among the first of many in a GOP-controlled House to be focused on Biden and his family, as Republicans wield the power of their new, albeit slim, majority. The New York Post first reported in October 2020 that it had received from former President Donald Trump's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, a copy of a hard drive of a laptop that Hunter Biden had dropped off 18 months earlier at a Delaware computer repair shop and never retrieved. Twitter initially blocked people from sharing links to the story for several days. Months later, Twitter's then-CEO Jack Dorsey called the company's communications around the Post article "not great." He added that blocking the article's URL with "zero context" around why it was blocked was "unacceptable." The Post article at the time was greeted with skepticism due to questions about the laptop's origins, including Giuliani's involvement, and because top officials in the Trump administration already had warned that Russia was working to denigrate Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 election. The Kremlin had interfered in the 2016 race by hacking Democratic emails that were subsequently leaked, and there were widespread fears across Washington that Russia would meddle again in the 2020 race. "This is why we're investigating the Biden family for influence peddling," Rep. James Comer, chairman of the Oversight committee, said at a press event Monday morning. "We want to make sure that our national security is not compromised." The White House has sought to discredit the Republican probes into Hunter Biden, calling them "divorced-from-reality political stunts." Nonetheless, Republicans now hold subpoena power in the House, giving them the authority to compel testimony and conduct an aggressive investigation. GOP staff has spent the past year analyzing messages and financial transactions found on the laptop that belonged to the president's younger son. Comer has previously said the evidence they have compiled is "overwhelming," but did not offer specifics. Comer has pledged there won't be hearings regarding the Biden family until the committee has the evidence to back up any claims of alleged wrongdoing. He also acknowledged the stakes are high whenever an investigation centers on the leader of a political party. On Monday, the Kentucky Republican, speaking at a National Press Club event, said that he could not guarantee a subpoena of Hunter Biden during his term. "We're going to go where the investigation leads us. Maybe there's nothing there." Comer added, "We'll see." Final prayers were offered Tuesday in Karachi for Pervez Musharraf, Pakistans late president and military ruler. The service at the grounds of a military complex took place hours after Musharrafs body was flown by a special jet to the southern port city from Dubai, where he and his family spent his final years in self-imposed exile. Among those in attendance were former military chiefs Qamar Javed Bajwa, Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Aslam Beg. Current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not attend, but issued a message of condolence on Twitter: I offer my condolences to the family of General (rtd) Pervez Musharraf. May the departed soul rest in peace! Musharraf was laid to rest in a military graveyard in Karachi. The 79-year-old Musharraf died Sunday in Dubai from amyloidosis, a rare disease in which an abnormal protein builds up in organs, causing them to malfunction. He came to power in October 1999 after overthrowing democratically elected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the current prime ministers brother, in a bloodless coup. His efforts to root out corruption initially won him widespread popular support, which grew as Pakistans economy flourished on the back of foreign assistance that the country received for supporting the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan that toppled the ruling Taliban in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington. But his support of the U.S. grew increasingly unpopular as Pakistan suffered a rise in militancy and terrorism from local groups that supported the Afghan Taliban. As his rule went on, major political parties remained suppressed, thousands of political opponents were arrested, and the freedom of the media and judiciary was curbed. The assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007, and his suspension of Pakistans constitution that same year, further eroded Musharrafs political standing. He resigned as president in 2008 and left Pakistan the next year. Musharraf was tried in absentia for treason in 2013 and sentenced to death six years later. The punishment was struck down in 2020. Some information for this report came from Agence France-Presse and reporting by Ayaz Gul in Islamabad. International experts on Monday joined Chile's frantic fight against devastating, drought-fueled forest fires that have killed 26 people, injured hundreds and destroyed more than 1,100 homes in less than a week. Officials said the blazes in south-central Chile, some 280 of which were still burning Monday, have consumed about 270,000 hectares (667,000 acres) of land an area larger than the country of Luxembourg. As the alarm was raised over a new surge in temperatures starting Tuesday after a brief reprieve, a DC-10 air tanker from the United States arrived in the country to join the battle by some 5,600 firefighters against 69 of the highest priority fires. The craft is capable of dropping 36,000 liters (9,500 gallons) of water. Chile's SENAPRED emergency response service said the fires have left 1,260 people injured and another 3,000 without homes. At least one firefighter was among the 26 dead, and eight among the injured. Aid volunteer Carmen Cuevas told AFP of seeing parts of her hometown of Santa Juana in the hard-hit Biobio region, some 500 kilometers (310 miles) south of the capital Santiago, "turned to ash," as she helped Monday to distribute water to affected people. Interior Minister Carolina Toha told reporters that in five days of fires, an area was destroyed equivalent to "what is usually burned in two years of fires." Over the weekend, the minister said Chile was becoming one of the countries most vulnerable to fires due to climate change. Fire conditions that would have seemed extreme just three years ago are becoming more common, she said. Chile is experiencing a summer with record temperatures that have repeatedly exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in areas where this has historically been rare. On Sunday, a plane arrived from Spain with 50 firefighting experts, soldiers and drone pilots to aid in the massive containment operation. Argentina promised some 60 firefighters as well as trucks and a helicopter, while a contingent of 150 military and civilian specialists arrived from Mexico. French President Emmanuel Macron sent a message of support on Twitter, saying: "The Chilean people can count on the support of France to fight against this catastrophe," while Portugal said it was ready to send 140 firefighters. According to Chile's foreign ministry, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay and Venezuela have also pledged aid. "It is wonderful to see how other countries that have their own problems and needs, are allocating their resources to help us right now," Toha said in a message of thanks. Hong Kong's largest national security trial since the sweeping National Security Law was imposed by Beijing is underway with a cross-section of pro-democracy figures standing accused of "conspiracy to commit subversion" for holding pre-election primaries in July 2020 that Beijing had not condoned. What is expected to be a 90-day trial began Monday in the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts. The case will be heard without a jury. The vaguely worded law went into effect in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, following anti-government protests in 2019. The law, which strictly prohibits acts deemed as secession, subversion, foreign collusion or terrorism, has been used by authorities to target Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. Among those charged are activists, former politicians and community workers. Most were arrested in pre-dawn raids on January 6, 2021. Most were denied bail and have been in jail since then. Prosecutors described the primary election held to select the strongest candidates to run against pro-Beijing candidates in the Legislative Council election as a "vicious plot" to subvert Hong Kong's government and undermine Beijing's power, which saw a vote in the July 2020 election as a protest. Thirty-one of the 47 pleaded guilty before the case came to trial. Those who entered guilty pleas include former law professor and pro-democracy activist Benny Tai and the prominent young activist Joshua Wong. They, and the others who pleaded guilty, will be sentenced after the trial. All the defendants face charges that carry life sentences. Prosecutor Jonathan Man told the court that four of the 47 defendants are set to testify against the 16 who did not plead guilty. Kenneth Chan, associate professor at the Department of Government and International Studies at Hong Kong Baptist University, said the long detention played a role in why four have agreed to testify against the others. Outside the court, members of pro-democratic organizations demonstrated and demanded the immediate release of the detainees. Dozens of police surrounded the protesters and erected a blockade to prevent reporters from conducting interviews with them. Police arrested one of the demonstrators for removing his mask to speak because Hong Kong has yet to lift its mask mandate for COVID-19 prevention. Chan Po-ying, chairwoman of the League of Social Democrats, a social democratic party in Hong Kong that is one of the few remaining pro-democracy organizations, told VOA Cantonese, "We don't know why the 90-day trial is necessary, because basically we saw that the accusations made by the prosecution were completely false." She said that Hong Kong's years of peaceful elections are also on trial. "Now we are trying our election," she said. "There were 600,000 people on the day of the trial who voted in the primary election." She also questioned why the accused, like almost all the other people charged under the National Security Law, are not eligible for bail. Hundreds of people lined up outside the court before the trial was expected to start in order to obtain one of 39 tickets to sit in the courtroom. According to the Hong Kong Free Press, Robin, a journalism student at the University of Hong Kong, was the first in line, arriving at 6 p.m. Sunday. Many people brought folding chairs and cardboard and camped overnight outside the court building. Bull Tsang, a League of Social Democrats member, told VOA Cantonese he suspected some of the people in line were trying to occupy seats in order to exclude defendants' family and supporters from the courtroom. "Some ladies said [they] got paid 150 HKD [roughly 20 USD]. I hope it's not the case," Tsang told VOA. "If those who are here to occupy the seats take the tickets and leave after getting paid, the courtroom would be empty." Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report. For full coverage of the crisis in Ukraine, visit Flashpoint Ukraine. The latest developments in Russias war on Ukraine. All times EST. 11 p.m.: In his nightly video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he met with Germanys new defense minister, Boris Pistorius, who visited Kyiv on Tuesday. Today I met with the German minister of defense, who has arrived in Kyiv. The topic of our conversation is obvious. We are doing everything for our skies to be clear, for our warriors to have powerful tanks and for our artillery not to be inferior to that of the occupier. I thank Germany and all partners for the respective support, Zelenskyy said. Today, as usual, I held several meetings with the military and a meeting with the head of intelligence. We are paying maximum attention to what the occupiers are preparing. And to what our warriors need to effectively resist in all directions. 10 p.m.: U.S. prosecutors charged a Russian citizen who was also a U.S. resident with facilitating a sanctions evasion and money laundering scheme in relation to billionaire Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg, in an indictment unsealed in federal court on Tuesday, the Justice Department said, according to Reuters. Vladimir Voronchenko, 70, of Moscow, was accused of participating in a scheme to make payments totaling over $4 million to maintain four U.S. properties that were owned by Vekselberg, the Justice Department said in a statement. Voronchenko, who resided at various times in New York, Florida, and Russia, held himself out as a successful businessman, art collector, art dealer, and close friend and business associate of Vekselberg, according to allegations in the indictment. Washington imposed sanctions on Vekselberg in 2018 over alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, and in 2022 over his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin denies interfering in the election and calls its actions in Ukraine a "special military operation." 9:30 p.m.: Ukraine's national security chief said on Tuesday Kyiv expects Russia to include the northeastern Kharkiv or southern Zaporizhzhia regions as targets of an anticipated offensive aimed at reclaiming the initiative in its year-old invasion, Reuters reported. Oleksiy Danilov, head of the National Security and Defense Council, said Russian forces were probing Kyiv's defenses in partially Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia, part of a Moscow-controlled land bridge between eastern Ukraine and Crimea on the southern Black Sea coast. In an interview with Reuters, he also said Kyiv "doesn't exclude" a new Russian push in the Kharkiv region, from which Moscow's forces were repelled by a lightning Ukrainian counter-offensive last summer. "Attempts at an offensive in either the Kharkiv or Zaporizhzhia direction will of course be made," he said, speaking in his office in the capital, Kyiv. "How successful they'll be will depend on us." 8:23 p.m.: 7:58 p.m.: Russia has demanded that the U.S. embassy in Moscow stop spreading what Moscow regards as fake news regarding its military operation in Ukraine and has threatened to expel U.S. diplomats, the TASS news agency reported, according to Reuters. The warning included a harsh message to Lynne Tracy, the new U.S. ambassador to Moscow, TASS said, citing a senior Russian foreign ministry source who said Tracy had been told she must strictly adhere to Russian law when making any statements about Russia's armed forces in Ukraine. U.S. diplomats engaged in what Moscow called "subversive activities" would be expelled, TASS quoted the source as saying. 7:05 p.m.: Ukraine said Tuesday that it would send a team of several dozen rescue workers to Turkey after an earthquake left thousands dead there and in neighbouring Syria, Agence France-Presse reported. Kyiv will send "to the republic of Turkey a combined search-and-rescue team of the State Emergency Service consisting of 87 people", including 10 flight crew members, according to Ukraine's government website. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with Turkey's leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan and "expressed condolences over the horrific tragedy that befell the people of Turkey due to the earthquakes". "I informed him of the decision to send a group of rescuers and equipment from Ukraine to Turkey to help in overcoming the aftermath of the emergency," Zelenskyy said on social media. 6:24 p.m.: The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of long-range missiles, rockets and launchers to Poland in a deal valued at up to $10 billion, the Pentagon said, according to Reuters. Poland has been on a spending spree to modernize its military while simultaneously donating older weapons to its neighbor Ukraine to fight Russia's invasion. The potential sale includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), which Kyiv has praised for their battlefield successes such as destroying Russian warehouses and command posts. The package includes 18 HIMARS launchers, 45 of the 185-mile (297-km) range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles and more than 1,000 Guided Multiple Rocket Launch System (GMLRS) rockets. The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the potential sale on Tuesday. 5:46 p.m.: Oleksandra Matviychuk is the director of the Center for Civil Liberties, the Ukrainian NGO (non-governmental organization) that shared the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize for its work documenting alleged Russian war crimes. Matviychuk, a lawyer and rights activist, said Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was the result of decades of impunity for the Kremlin, according to a wide-ranging interview with Vazha Tavberidze of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Georgian Service. She said Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials must ultimately be brought to justice, while acknowledging that process is likely to be lengthy. The interview with Matviychuk was conducted on January 26 in Strasbourg, France, on the sidelines of the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. 4:54 p.m.: Hot Wheels: Stoves For Ukraine Made From Old Lithuanian Car Rims: Lithuanian actor Viaceslavas Mickevicius has helped bring warmth and kindness to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Together with a growing number of volunteers, he helps produce stoves out of old car rims. The stoves are sent to Ukraine where they help provide heating for people in need during the frigid winter months. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has this report. 4:07 p.m.: A fire broke out Tuesday at a U.S. drone factory in Latvia that has built drones for Ukraine's military and NATO allies, Agence France-Presse reported. Two dozen police cars, nine fire engines and five ambulances deployed to the scene of the fire at the factory run by U.S. firm Edge Autonomy on the outskirts of Latvia's capital, Riga. The cause of the blaze was not known but two people were taken to hospital, Latvia's emergency services tweeted, adding a third person was receiving treatment at the facility site. "A high-risk fire has occurred in the production building, sparking a lot of smoke," the fire service said on Twitter, urging local residents to keep their doors and windows closed. Hours after some 50 firefighters were dispatched to the scene rescue services reported the blaze was under control as police launched an investigation into the incident. 3:18 p.m.: Ukrainian skier Ivan Kovbasnyuk, a two-time Olympian, cant train at home in the Carpathian Mountains because war in the country has damaged the power grid so severely that theres not enough energy to make the chairlifts operate, The Associated Press reported. Thats just one of the reasons why he thinks athletes from Russia and Belarus shouldnt be allowed to compete at the next Olympics or in any international sports events. Its not fair when Ukrainian sportsmen dont have a chance to participate in the Olympics because they are dying on the battlefields while Russian athletes are just silently supporting (Vladimir) Putins crime regime, Kovbasnyuk said after competing in the combined race at the Alpine skiing world championships on Tuesday. This is absolutely not OK, he added through a translator. We will do everything in our powers to prevent them from being a part of the Olympic family again. And we will defend ourselves until the end, down to the last soldier, to the last person in Ukraine. 2:30 p.m.: Russia's U.N. ambassador Vassily Nebenzia was asked at a press conference Tuesday about whether he thinks there will be peace in Ukraine this year, VOAs U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer reported. Will we see peace in Ukraine in 2023? I hope. We all hope for peace, he said. Nebenzia noted that he will attend the U.N. Security Council meeting Wednesday to discuss what he characterized as an arms buildup and proxy war by the West with the help of poor Ukrainians who are dying for them. So far, unfortunately, I dont see any readiness on the other side to engage in anything new, he said. When asked what Russias concerns are regarding Ukraine, he said, We said it in the beginning: that what was happening in Ukraine was a security issue for us. That we want Ukraine to demilitarize and to de-Nazify, and that we want to make sure that no threats are proceeding from that territory to the Russian Federation. These were announcements that were made officially at very beginning of that crisis. Ukraine and its Western allies have rejected Russias characterization of the conflict, saying Russias invasion of Ukraine was unprovoked and unjustified. 2 p.m.: 1:40 p.m.: The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany are buying 100 Leopard-1A5 battle tanks for Ukraine, the Dutch government said on Tuesday, according to Reuters. The Dutch defense ministry said in a statement the tanks would be purchased "directly from German industry." In an interview on Dutch national broadcaster NOS, Netherlands Defense Minister Kasja Ollongen said the tanks, a slightly older model, are "definitely still useable" for fighting in Ukraine. 1:25 p.m.: The German government's security council has approved delivery of 178 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine from industry stocks, considerably more than previously announced, Reuters reported Tuesday, quoting a source who confirmed an earlier Spiegel magazine report. "The export of 178 Leopard 1s is approved," said the person, who was familiar with the situation. The report emerged as German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius made a surprise appearance in Kyiv. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov tweeted a picture of him and Pistorius posing with a scale model Leopard in a display case, writing: "The 'first' Leopard 2 has arrived in Kyiv." 1:05 p.m.: Ukraine had withdrawn from its libraries about 19 million copies of books by last November that came either from the Soviet era or were in Russian, Reuters reported, quoting a senior lawmaker. Yevheniya Kravchuk, deputy head of the Ukrainian parliament's committee on humanitarian and information policy, said Monday that of the 19 million books, 11 million were in Russian. "Some Ukrainian-language books from the Soviet era are also written off," Kravchuk said according to a statement published on the website of the Verkhovna Rada, the country's parliament. "There are also recommendations to write off and remove books whose authors supported armed aggression against Ukraine." It was not immediately clear what happened to the withdrawn books. After Russia moved to annex Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014, Kyiv increasingly restricted the use of Russian books. The process of the so-called "de-russification" sped up when Russia invaded the country nearly a year ago. 12:40 p.m.: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Tuesday called for European Union financing for border fences, reviving an idea long seen as inadmissible ahead of a summit of the bloc's leaders to discuss curbing irregular immigration, Reuters reported. Though it has taken in several million fleeing from Russia's war in the neighboring Ukraine, the bloc is trying to return more people to the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia as growing irregular arrivals revive harsher policies. In a joint letter ahead of the summit, the leaders of Malta, Denmark, Greece, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Austria and Slovakia said the EU's "current asylum system is broken." 12 p.m.: The European Union has opened its doors to millions of Ukrainian refugees since Russia's invasion of Ukraine even as member states tighten restrictions against economic migrants and asylum-seekers from elsewhere. That includes France, which unveiled new immigration legislation last week. VOA's Lisa Bryant reports from the Paris suburb of Evry Courcouronnes. 11:50 a.m.: President Joe Biden is ready to offer a reassuring assessment of the nations condition rather than roll out flashy policy proposals as he delivers his second State of the Union address on Tuesday night, seeking to overcome pessimism in the country and concerns about his own leadership, The Associated Press reported. His speech before a politically divided Congress comes as the nation struggles to make sense of confounding crosscurrents at home and abroad economic uncertainty, a wearying war in Ukraine, and growing tensions with China among them and warily sizes up Bidens fitness for a likely reelection bid. 11:35 a.m.: Russia has demanded that the U.S. embassy in Moscow stop spreading what Moscow regards as fake news regarding its military operation in Ukraine and has threatened to expel U.S. diplomats, Reuters quoted the TASS news agency as reporting on Tuesday. The warning included a harsh message to Lynne Tracy, the new U.S. ambassador to Moscow, TASS said, citing a senior Russian foreign ministry source who said Tracy had been told she must strictly adhere to Russian law when making any statements about Russia's armed forces in Ukraine. U.S. diplomats engaged in what Moscow called "subversive activities" would be expelled, TASS quoted the source as saying. Russia has made "discrediting" its armed forces a crime punishable by up to five years in jail, while a charge of knowingly distributing "false information" about the military carries a maximum sentence of 15 years. There was no immediate comment from the U.S. embassy in Moscow. 11:15 a.m.: 10:55 a.m.: Ukraine said on Tuesday the last 24 hours were the deadliest of the war so far for Russian troops, Reuters reported. Moscow pressed on with an intensifying winter assault in the east bringing tens of thousands of freshly mobilized troops to the battlefield. The Ukrainian claim could not be independently verified and Russia has also claimed to have killed large numbers of Ukrainian troops in recent weeks. Tallies of enemy casualties from either side have typically been seen as unreliable, and Kyiv offered few details of the latest battles. But the assertion that the fighting was the deadliest so far fits descriptions from both sides of an escalating campaign of close contact trench warfare, which has left snow-covered battlefields of eastern Ukraine littered with corpses. 10:40 a.m.: 10:25 a.m.: Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Tuesday he was ready to restart stalled negotiations over Sweden's application to join NATO as soon as Turkey was, Reuters reported. Finland and Sweden sought NATO membership shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, and while most member states have ratified the applications, Turkey has yet to give its approval in what must be a unanimous process. The three nations last year reached an agreement on a way forward, but Ankara suspended talks last month as tensions rose following protests in Stockholm, where a far-right politician burned a copy of the Muslim holy book, the Koran. "The first thing we need to do is calm down the situation. It is hard to have good talks when things are literally burning around you," Kristersson told a news conference during a visit to Estonia's capital. He said preconditions for restarting talks were good, but that with Turkish elections due in May, it was understandable Turkey was focused on domestic policy. "As soon as they are prepared (for talks), we are obviously prepared," Kristersson said. 10:10 a.m.: Ukraine has expressed concerns over a court decision in Tbilisi rejecting an appeal to release former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who holds Ukrainian citizenship, from prison on health grounds, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry called on Georgian authorities in a statement on Tuesday "to stop settling political scores with a Ukrainian citizen and ensure compliance with his rights and hand him over to Ukraine." Saakashvili, who was Georgias president from 2004 to 2013, is serving a six-year sentence for abuse of power, a charge that he and his supporters say was politically motivated. His medical team says his health has worsened significantly since he went to prison in October 2021 and staged repeated hunger strikes to protest his incarceration. 9:45 a.m.: 9:30 a.m.: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Tuesday for an end to the spread of "rumors or any other pseudo-information" that could undermine unity in the war against Russia, Reuters reported. His remarks, in an address to parliament, appeared intended to end public speculation over whether Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov will be removed and underline that only the president can take and announce such decisions. David Arakhamia, a senior lawmaker and ally of the president, said on Sunday Reznikov would be replaced after a corruption scandal at the ministry. A day later, Arakhamia said there would be no personnel changes this week, appearing to row back after Zelenskyy kept silent on Reznikov's future and other politicians publicly defended the minister's record. "The necessary information is provided as regards each such step, whether personnel or institutional - at the level where decisions are made," he said, underlining that such decisions were the responsibility of only the president. "I thank everyone who refrains from spreading any rumors or other pseudo-information that could weaken the focus of our people in their work for the victory of Ukraine," he said. The questions over Reznikov were the first public sign of serious disarray in Ukraine's wartime leadership. The confusion followed a crackdown on alleged official wrongdoing as Zelenskyy seeks to show that Kyiv can be a safe steward of billions of dollars of Western aid. Reznikov said earlier on Tuesday that he was "holding the line", and showed no sign of stepping aside. 9:15 a.m.: 9:00 a.m.: Ukrainian lawmakers on Tuesday appointed Vasyl Malyuk to the post of chief of the Security Service and Ihor Klymenko to the post of interior minister, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported. Malyuk had served as the SBU's acting chief since August 2022. Klymenko had been serving as acting interior minister after his predecessor, Denys Monastyrskiy, was killed in a helicopter crash in January. 8:50 a.m.: Ukraine's parliament approved changes to the 2023 state budget on Tuesday, raising state spending to support small businesses and channel more funds into reconstruction and recovery projects following Russia's invasion, Reuters reported. Roksolana Pidlasa, the head of the parliamentary budget committee, said spending had been increased by 5.5 billion hryvnias ($150 million). The increase included funds to finance and modernize hospitals in the capital Kyiv and the western city of Lviv, and to rebuild bridges damaged in Russia's war on Ukraine. The amended budget also plans for 1.28 billion hryvnias in additional support for small businesses in the processing industry and state guarantees for loans in the agriculture sector. Almost a year of war has ravaged Ukraine's public finances, leading to double-digit inflation, higher unemployment, a sharp fall in exports and big losses in revenue and tax income. Ukraine's budget deficit this year is expected to be about $38 billion. The government plans to cover the deficit with Western foreign aid. 8:35 a.m.: 8:20 a.m.: The Moscow City Court on Tuesday upheld an earlier verdict to revoke the license of Novaya Gazeta, a top independent newspaper that has been critical of the Kremlin for years, as part of Russian authorities relentless crackdown on dissent, The Associated Press reported. The court rejected Novaya Gazetas appeal against Septembers ruling by a district court in Moscow that approved a petition by Russias media regulator to revoke Novaya Gazetas license. The regulator accused the newspaper of failing to submit its newsroom charter to authorities on time, the claim that Novaya Gazeta rejected as a cover for what it described as the authorities effort to muzzle an independent voice. Dmitry Muratov, Nobel Peace Prize-winning editor-in-chief of the newspaper, denounced Tuesdays ruling, saying that it serves a bunch of people who want to leave the nation facing only propaganda. Days after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, the Kremlin-controlled parliament approved legislation that outlawed alleged disparaging of the Russian military or the spread of false information about the countrys military campaign in Ukraine. 8:05 a.m.: A prosecutor has asked a court in the Siberian city of Barnaul to convict and sentence journalist Maria Ponomarenko to nine years in prison on a charge of discrediting Russias armed forces with "fake" social media posts about the war in Ukraine, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported Tuesday. Ponomarenko's lawyer, Dmitry Shitov, said the prosecutor also requested the court to bar Ponomarenko from journalistic and online activities for five years. Ponomarenko was arrested in April 2022 for her online posts about Russia's ongoing unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. 7:55 a.m.: 7:40 a.m.: Estonian Ambassador Margus Laidre has left Moscow as requested by Russia's Foreign Ministry, Russian media reports said on Tuesday, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Last month, Moscow demanded that Laidre leave Russia by February 7, saying the level of diplomatic representation in both countries will be reduced from ambassadors to charge d'affaires. The move came after Estonia told Russia to cut the number of diplomats it has in the Baltic nation to eight, equivalent to the number of Estonian diplomats in Moscow. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Estonia has expelled three Russian diplomats. 7:25 a.m.: Russian shelling hit more civilian targets in Ukraine, starting a fire at a town hospital and damaging five apartment buildings, local officials said Tuesday. At the same time, Ukrainian authorities reported a Russian troop buildup in eastern areas that Kyiv suspects is preparation for a new offensive around the anniversary of its Moscows invasion, The Associated Press reported. The shelling in the northeastern town of Vovchansk caused multiple fires late Monday, including at its two-story municipal hospital, the regional State Emergency Service said in an online statement. Emergency crews evacuated eight civilians from the site before putting out the blaze, which caused no casualties, authorities said. Vovchansk is in the Kharkiv region, which was occupied by Russia after its full-scale invasion began on February 24 and subsequently retaken by Ukraine during a late summer counteroffensive. The anticipated Russian push may seek to recapture territory Moscow lost in that counteroffensive. Ukrainian officials say they expect Russian forces to make a new drive in eastern and southern Ukraine, as the Kremlin strives to secure territory it illegally annexed in late September and where it claims its rule is welcomed. Russian forces are regrouping as they attempt to break Ukrainian lines in five areas in the countrys east and northeast, the Ukrainian military reported Tuesday. 7:10 a.m.: 6:30 a.m.: The five Olympic committees in the Nordic region on Tuesday urged the International Olympic Committee to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from international sports participation because of the war in Ukraine, The Associated Press reported. The bodies from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway said they wanted to express their steadfast support once again with the Ukrainian people and the demand for peace. We stand firm in our position, they said in a statement. Now is not the right time to consider their return. Last week, the three Baltic prime ministers called for a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes and said an Olympic boycott was a possibility. They spoke a few days after the Latvian Olympic Committee threatened to boycott the Paris Games if Russian athletes are allowed and called on other countries to form a coalition to pressure international sports bodies. It was the first national Olympic body other than Ukraine to threaten to boycott rather than compete against Russians. Other national Olympic sports bodies, including the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, back the IOCs efforts to find a path for Russians to compete. 6 a.m.: Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo is opposed to the presence of Russian competitors at the 2024 Olympics "while the war continues" in Ukraine, her office said on Tuesday, according to Agence France-Presse. It represents a change in the position of Hidalgo, who said last month she believed Russians could take part "under a neutral flag" to avoid "depriving athletes of competition". 5:30 a.m.: Reuters reported that Russia's defense minister said on Tuesday that Western arms shipments to Ukraine were effectively dragging NATO into the conflict, warning this could lead to an "unpredictable" level of escalation. "The U.S. and its allies are trying to prolong the conflict as much as possible," Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying. "To do this, they have started supplying heavy offensive weapons, openly urging Ukraine to seize our territories. In fact, such steps are dragging NATO countries into the conflict and could lead to an unpredictable level of escalation," he said. 5 a.m.: 4:30 a.m.: In a rare acknowledgement that Western efforts to punish Moscow over Russia's invasion of Ukraine have crippled parts of the country's financial sector, Andrei Kostin, CEO of Russia' No. 2 bank VTB blamed sanctions for the lender's entire 2022 losses, Reuters reported Tuesday. The West blocked several major Russian banks' access to the international SWIFT payments system soon after Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on February 24 last year, with dominant lenders Sberbank SBER.MM and VTB VTBR.MM forced to shutter operations across much of Europe. The sanctions hammer fell for VTB sooner than most domestic rivals and, being heavily exposed to international markets and with more than 20% of its loan portfolio in foreign currency, the bank was one of more than 100 loss-making lenders as the sector's profits slumped around 90% in 2022. Kostin, in an interview with state television channel Rossiya 24, said the bank had managed to grow its retail and corporate loan portfolios, but that sanctions accounted for all the lender's losses. "The main thing on which we incurred losses is that from February 24 to March 10, before decisions were made about restrictions on issuing funds in foreign currency to the population, $26 billion was withdrawn from our accounts," Kostin said. Capital controls introduced in February and March last year included a ban on buying cash dollars and euros as depositors hurriedly withdrew funds and Moscow sought to wrestle back some control on the FX market. VTB was forced to buy FX on the open market when the rouble had weakened sharply to more than 100 against the dollar, Kostin said. On Tuesday the rouble was trading at around 71 to the dollar. 3:35 a.m.: 2:30 a.m.: 2 a.m.: Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Mali early Tuesday for talks with its junta leaders seeking Moscow's help in battling an Islamist insurgency that remains entrenched despite years of fighting, Agence France-Presse reported. Lavrov, who was in Iraq on Monday, was welcomed upon his arrival by his counterpart Abdoulaye Diop. The two men did not make any statements to journalists. The visit of fewer than 24 hours will be his third trip to Africa since July, part of a bid to expand Russia's presence on the continent amid broad international isolation after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine last year. Since taking control of Mali in two coups since August 2020, the military junta led by Colonel Assimi Goita has embraced Russian support to aid its anti-jihadist fight after evicting the forces of former colonial ruler France. 1:35 a.m.: Russia's military likely attempted to restart major offensive operations in Ukraine since early January this year, with the goal of capturing Ukraine-held parts of Donetsk, Britain's Defense Intelligence update said on Tuesday. However, it remains unlikely that Russia will be able to build up the forces required to significantly affect the war's outcome within the next few weeks, the update added. 1 a.m.: Taiwan will speed up development of drones for military use taking into account the lessons of the war in Ukraine and the threat posed by China, Reuters reported the island's defense ministry as saying on Tuesday. Unmanned aircraft have played a crucial role on both sides since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February last year. Ukraine's defense minister has said that he regarded drones as the future of modern warfare. Taiwan, which is facing a growing threat from China to use force to bring it under Beijing's control, has repeatedly said it is closely watching the war and learning lessons it could apply to fight off a Chinese attack, including how Ukraine has resisted a numerically-superior force. Taiwan Defence Ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang told reporters that the island is speeding up the development and production of drones. 12:30 a.m.: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the annual Munich security conference this month, her office said Monday according to Reuters. Harris will use her February 16-18 stay in Germany and her attendance at the annual forum, as the war in Ukraine nears one year of combat, "to demonstrate Transatlantic unity and resolve," said a communique from press secretary Kirsten Allen. The 59th edition of the security conference, which draws leaders from around the world, will be held February 17-19. Harris will give a speech at the conference itself and meet with foreign leaders. Her presence will also show U.S. leadership in the world and "our enduring commitment to support Ukraine," the statement says. 12:01 a.m.: The construction of protective structures for key facilities at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southeast Ukraine is nearing completion, Russia's state TASS news agency reported on Tuesday, citing an adviser to the head of Russia's nuclear plants operator according to Reuters. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, was captured by Russian troops in March of last year, in the opening days of Moscow's invasion in Ukraine. It remains close to the frontlines, and has repeatedly come under fire, raising fears of a nuclear disaster. "The erection of engineering and construction structures, which are designed to provide additional protection for important infrastructure facilities of the nuclear power plant, including those related to the storage of radioactive materials, is at the completion stage," TASS cited Renat Karchaa of Russia's nuclear plants operator Rosenergoatom as saying. Some information in this report came from Agence France-Presse, The Associated Press and Reuters. In the latest sign that Donald Trump may have difficulty earning a third consecutive nomination for president by the Republican Party, Americans for Prosperity, a major conservative interest group and source of campaign donations, has announced it will seek to endorse a 2024 candidate other than the former president. On Sunday, Emily Seidel, the CEO of Americans for Prosperity (AFP) and a senior adviser to its affiliated political action group, AFP Action, sent a three-page letter to her organizations staff and the groups network of activists outlining the organizations strategy for 2024. [T]o write a new chapter for our country, we need to turn the page on the past, she wrote. So the best thing for the country would be to have a president in 2025 who represents a new chapter. The American people have shown that theyre ready to move on, and so AFP will help them do that. Major conservative voice Americans for Prosperity was founded in 2004 with the backing of brothers Charles and David Koch, billionaire industrialists with a history of activism in conservative and libertarian politics. Through its affiliated super PAC and with the cooperation of a nationwide network of wealthy activists, the group has channeled hundreds of millions of dollars into U.S. political campaigns since its inception. Experts told VOA that having AFP actively campaigning against Trump is bound to pose a challenge for the former president, who announced his candidacy in November but has held few campaign events so far. Americans for Prosperity has been one of, if not the most, influential money groups on the conservative side for the last decade and a half, Sarah Bryner, director of research and strategy at the Center for Responsive Politics, told VOA. They rank very highly in terms of the amount of money spent overall and that's just money that we know about, theres money being spent that we don't, said Bryner, whose organization tracks political spending. They have a huge network, and theyre bankrolled by some of the most important conservative donors in the country. To have this group this powerhouse say, Thanks, but no thanks to Donald Trump is a major setback for his campaign. No clear alternative Kyle Kondik, the managing editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginias Center for Politics, told VOA that the decision by AFP is consequential, but that its ultimate impact is not yet clear. I do think this is significant the Koch apparatus is very well-funded and their support (or opposition) could make a difference in the Republican nominating contest, Kondik said in an email exchange. That said, I think its fair to say that conservative organizations and political elites were never as supportive of Trump as a lot of Republican voters were, and I can imagine Trump using the opposition of these kinds of groups as an argument for his own candidacy as the campaign heats up. Kondik added, Ultimately, AFP and others are going to have to coalesce around an actual alternative to Trump [Florida Governor] Ron DeSantis seems like the most logical person to get that support, but were just at the start of the campaign and DeSantis is not yet a candidate. But if conservative elites dont want Trump to be the nominee and its pretty clear a lot of them dont they will need to work to try to stop him. This announcement is an indication that at least some of those groups are going to try to do that. Other conservatives opposing Trump In turning aside from Trump, AFP becomes the most recent major Republican donor to signal a lack of enthusiasm for a second Trump presidency, though, as of yet, none has coalesced around an alternative candidate. The Club for Growth, an activist group focused on lower taxes and other economic policy matters that has been a force in Republican politics for more than two decades, has signaled that it is also in the market for a new Republican presidential nominee in 2024. Billionaire financiers Stephen A. Schwarzman and Kenneth C. Griffin, both major Republican donors, have also indicated a desire to move on from Trump. In the past, however, Trump has demonstrated an ability to overcome the disdain of party elites, using his core of die-hard supporters as a base on which to build a winning primary campaign, as he did in 2016. For that reason, some experts wonder how firm the opposition to the former president really is among Republican donors. A different tune Robert Maguire, research director for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, told VOA that during the 2016 Republican primary, major donors generally lined up on the side of candidates other than Trump but fell into line once his victory became inevitable. If he is able to do it again, Id expect them to be singing a different tune [drop their current opposition to him], Maguire said. However, in the meantime, AFPs announcement is a signal to other potential Republican presidential candidates to begin courting the organizations endorsement, he said. This demonstrates the degree to which some people, because of the vast wealth that they can pour into elections, get far greater access to powerful politicians than ordinary Americans, Maguire said. Other potential candidates So far, Trump is the only one of a number of potential Republican presidential contenders to officially enter the race, though several others seem to be waiting in the wings. Some of Trumps possible rivals are former officials in his administration. Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during Trumps presidency, is expected to announce her candidacy soon. John Bolton, who served as Trumps national security adviser, has already said that he is considering running. Trumps former vice president, Mike Pence, is also believed to be considering a challenge to the former president. As is Mike Pompeo, who served first as director of the Central Intelligence Agency and later as secretary of state during Trumps White House years. DeSantis, the governor of Florida, is widely considered to be Trumps most formidable opponent. A popular second-term governor who has won conservative plaudits for his stance as an aggressive culture warrior, DeSantis has yet to officially express interest in the office. Some others believed to be considering a run for Republican nomination include Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who lost the nomination to Trump in 2016, and Virginia Governor Glen Youngkin. Nigerian authorities have vowed to provide justice after armed men in Burkina Faso attacked a group of Nigerian pilgrims on their way to Senegal, killing at least 16. Burkina Faso's military government launched an investigation of Monday's attack in an area known for Islamist militants. The Nigerian presidency said in a statement that authorities are in talks with Burkinabe counterparts and are waiting for the outcome of their probe before they take action. President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the killing and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. Authorities also pledged to secure the remains of the deceased. Nigerian pilgrims were in convoy of buses bound for Kaolak, Senegal, when they were stopped by heavily armed men in military uniforms. The men forced the passengers out of the buses, selected 16 pilgrims at random and shot them to death. Burkina Faso authorities refute allegations the killers are members of their security forces. Abuja-based Beacon Security analyst Kabiru Adamu said it might be too early to point a finger. "Around 2019 up until now, the intensity of terror attacks in that country has increased tremendously," Adamu said. "Seeing persons in military uniforms may not be enough to conclude that they're state officials. Just like it happened in Nigeria, no-state actors sometimes dress in public security uniforms and come out to carry out their atrocity." Burkina Faso and its neighbors, Mali and Niger, have been battling armed groups with links to al-Qaida and Islamic State. The fighting is mainly in the country's northern region, where hundreds of villagers have been killed and nearly 2 million displaced. Last week, at least 10 civilians were killed in two attacks in the west central town of Dassa. Security analyst Senator Iruegbu said Nigerian authorities and citizens must take travel advisories seriously. "This also boils down to issues of negligence on the part of the government and ignorance on the part of the citizens," Iruegbu said. "What kind of travel advisory has the federal government given to citizens that want to embark on such journeys? We know that the Sahel Region, all these countries have been embroiled in conflict." It's not clear when Burkina Faso authorities will present the probes outcome. But Adamu suggests the Nigerian government could employ multilateral relations to address the problem. "We can invite the ambassador of Burkina Faso to Nigeria and request formally for an investigation," Iroegbu said. The other option is multilateral. Since we're members of several multilateral platforms, Nigeria can also use that ECOWAS, the EU and the UN. It's absolutely important that these multilateral platforms are pursued for the simple reason that the issue probably has to do with terrorism because that's the major issue with Burkina Faso." Burkina Faso also faces growing political instability from two coups in the last year alone. On Tuesday, the United Nations said poverty and the prospect of better-paid work, rather than ideology, are fueling recruitment to jihadist and other violent groups in Africa, casting doubt on assertions that religious doctrine is the main reason for continued trouble. A special plane transporting the body of Pakistan's former president Pervez Musharraf from the United Arab Emirates arrived in Karachi on Monday amid tight security, immigration officials said. Family members were also on board when the plane landed at the airport in the city where he will be buried Tuesday. Musharraf, who died at age 79, seized power in a bloodless coup in 1999 by ousting the elected government of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Musharraf died in Dubai on Sunday after a prolonged illness. During his tenure as president, Musharraf made Pakistan a key ally of Washington in the war on terror after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. That angered militants who at least twice tried to assassinate him in the city of Rawalpindi in 2003, but he escaped unhurt. Musharraf was forced to resign in 2008 by the party of former president Asif Ali Zardari when his allies lost parliamentary elections. Pakistan later allowed him to leave the country on bail to travel to Dubai in 2016 for medical treatment. He remained there after being sentenced to death for treason. Pakistan last year said Musharraf would not be arrested if his family wanted to bring him back home. But Musharraf's doctors and his family said his treatment was not available in Pakistan. Rescue crews in Turkey and Syria raced against the cold early Wednesday to find survivors buried in the rubble of buildings toppled by powerful earthquakes that struck the region Monday and left more than 7,700 people dead. After a night in which temperatures fell close to freezing, there were more aftershocks a day after the 7.8 magnitude quake. More than 20 of them measured a magnitude of 4.0 or greater, shaking the territory along the border between the two countries. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed support for the people of Turkey and Syria in this moment of unspeakable grief, and said the casualty figures do not capture the grief and loss being experienced by families right now who have lost a mother, a father, a daughter, a son beneath the rubble or who dont know whether their loved ones are alive or dead. Speaking at a WHO meeting in Geneva, Tedros said the organization is sending charter flights to both countries with medical supplies and that it will work to support them as they recover and rebuild. This is a moment when we must come together in solidarity, as one humanity, to save lives and alleviate the suffering of people who have already suffered so much, he said. Turkeys emergency disaster management agency said it was conducting operations by road and by air to get supplies and crews to areas affected by the earthquakes. Those efforts were being backed by a growing number of other governments and aid agencies that have sent teams and resources to the region. On a traffic-jammed, snowy road between the cities of Krsehir and Kayseri, VOA Turkish spoke with people who were on their way to the affected area with aid. Cetin Klc told VOA his truck was carrying blankets and food. We will do whatever is necessary, he said. The epicenter of Mondays pre-dawn earthquake was near Gaziantep, close to the Turkey-Syria border, and it was followed by a separate magnitude 7.5 earthquake about 100 kilometers north in the early afternoon. Officials in Turkey said Tuesday more than 7,700 people were killed and more than 15,000 others were injured. They said more than 8,000 people had been rescued and at least 6,200 buildings had collapsed. Syria reported at least 1,800 deaths and about 3,700 injuries, according to figures from the Damascus government and rescue groups. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared seven days of national mourning and a three-month state of emergency in 10 provinces directly affected by the quake. Erdogan described the earthquake as unique in the world, and he thanked Qatar for offering 10,000 container homes for people left homeless. Search teams and emergency aid from throughout the world poured into Turkey and Syria as rescue workers dug through the rubble in a desperate search for survivors. Some voices that had been crying out for help fell silent. "We could hear their voices, they were calling for help," said Ali Silo, whose two relatives could not be saved in the Turkish town of Nurdagi. More than 8,000 people have been pulled from the debris in Turkey alone, Vice President Fuat Oktay said, and some 380,000 have taken refuge in government shelters or hotels. They huddled in shopping malls, stadiums, mosques and community centers, while others spent the night outside wrapped in blankets gathering around fires. Awale Ahmed Darfa, a Somali student in Gaziantep at the epicenter, told VOA Somali, A large earthquake hit while we were asleep ... The situation turned critical very quickly. We heard screams, cries and people running. The buildings were shaking as if they were shaken by Jinn [evil spirits]. Everyone ran to wherever they felt they would be safe. The student added, We are now outside since we left our homes around 4 a.m. There is a problem being outside it is rainy, cold, windy, and we are not wearing protective clothing. Outside, everyone is wearing what they were wearing [while] asleep. Some people do not have shoes. They told us we could not go back to the buildings because of the fear [of aftershocks]. That is the disaster here. The earthquake struck a region enveloped on both sides of the border by more than a decade of civil war in Syria. On the Syrian side, the swath affected is divided between government-held territory and the countrys last opposition-held enclave, which is surrounded by Russian-backed government forces. Turkey, meanwhile, is home to millions of refugees from the conflict. The opposition-held regions in Syria are packed with about 4 million people displaced from other parts of the country by the fighting. Many of them live in buildings that are already damaged from past bombardments. The opposition emergency organization, the White Helmets, has experience pulling people from buildings collapsed by airstrikes. But with calls for help coming from more than 700 places, Mounir al-Mostafa, deputy head of the White Helmets, said they are overwhelmed. They can realistically help in 30 places. Strained health facilities and hospitals were quickly filled with the injured, rescue workers said. Others had to be emptied, including a maternity hospital, according to the SAMS medical organization. Mondays quake destroyed the historic Gaziantep Castle and many other historic buildings in the area. In the Turkish city of Mersin, resident Nurhan Kiral told VOAs Turkish Service that the earthquake lasted about a minute. We woke up with the tremor and got out of the bed. Rubble fell from the chimney. Rubble fell from the empty space between the buildings. It was terrifying, Kiral said. Residents in Turkeys western city of Izmir organized a clothing donation campaign to help the earthquake victims. Emre Demirpolat told VOAs Turkish Service, We brought blankets and heaters. We need to be united ... In such bad times, we must support each other. While we cant stay outside for 10 minutes in this cold, people there, shudder to think about the loss of their homes and when they will get to go to a warm place. In other parts of Turkey, residents struggled to find transportation to travel to the earthquake-stricken area to see their relatives and loved ones. Serdar Ozdemir, an Ankara resident, told VOAs Turkish Service he was finally able to get a bus ticket to go to the city Malatya, after not being able to find a car rental. I cant rent a car. Theres no way to go. I have been looking for a car here for hours. Turkey is in one of the worlds most active earthquake zones. In 1999, more than 17,000 people were killed when a 7.4 magnitude earthquake the worst to hit Turkey in decades struck near Duzce, in the northwest of the country. In October 2022, a magnitude 7.0 quake hit the Aegean Sea, killing 116 people and injuring more than 1,000. All but two of the victims were in Izmir, Turkey. VOA Turkish and VOA Somali Services contributed to this report. Some material for this article came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Distracted driving crashes and unbuckled fatalities: These two critical issues have caused the number of fatalities to increase on Missouri roadways. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), nearly two-thirds of people killed in this state's crashes are unbuckled. In addition, cell phone-related accidents in the state have increased more than 35% since 2014. The AAA Automobile Club of Missouri, in partnership with MoDOT, created a traffic contest in 2021 called Buckle Up Phone Down High School Showdown in hopes to decrease these tragic numbers and educate teen drivers and their families on the dangers of distracted driving and not wearing seat belts. AAA has been instrumental in expanding the reach of Missouris Buckle Up Phone Down campaign during the last two years. The organization also advocates for stronger public policy related to distracted driving. The West St. Francois County R-4 School District was notified Jan. 20 they took the top spot in the Class 3 division in the 2022 Buckle Up Phone Down High School Showdown. West County is the only Parkland school to win. School Resource Officer Jennifer Hulsey said, when the academic year started, the school was asked if it wanted to participate in the showdown. We did seat belt checks when students were entering or exiting the property, made sure they were not using their phones, and encouraged students and staff to take the pledge to continue every day to not use cell phones or go anywhere without wearing their seat belts, said Hulsey. We also encouraged students families and the community to do the same thing. She said everyone was very positive regarding the safety checks, partly due to the district's history with loss in recent years. Two West County High School students have died in accidents on nearby Highway 8: Katlynn Newhouse, 17, in April 2022, and Ethan Bryan, 16, in September 2020. The kids have been very good about wearing their seat belts, she said. With them losing two classmates in car accidents, this has really impacted them. Seat belts are a very important thing for us. Out of all the face-to-face safety checks completed, Hulsey said only five people didnt have their seat belts on. Four were students parents or staff members. Only one student was not wearing a seat belt. Because of the efforts of students, staff and the community, West County High School will be awarded $2,500 for their first-place win, to use for a student safety program of the schools choice. AAA sponsors the annual competition among Missouri high schools to see which school obtains the largest percentage and number of Buckle Up Phone Down pledges among staff, students and their families, and the community. We hope this serves as a gesture of our appreciation for the West County community taking a vested interest in teen driver safety, ensuring students and their families drive without cell phone distraction, speaking up for others to do the same, and committing to always wearing a seat belt, said Angela Nelson, vice president of public affairs and governmental relations for Missouri AAA. Representatives from West County High School are invited to the Missouri State Capitol Rotunda on April 26 to participate in the AAA Distracted Driving Awareness Day. The district will receive their prize and check at the event. I think this contest gave everyone a better view of how much not wearing their seat belt or using their phone while driving could affect them, said Hulsey. Everyone was so positive, and the kids were anxious to get the results of the showdown. She said it was just awesome to see their excitement when they found out we won. Everyones support and the students enthusiasm meant a lot to me, said Hulsey. To see they all cared so much about safety is a really big deal. Too often, kids have the attitude it wont happen to me. But our kids get it and took this very seriously. West County beat out numerous districts in the Class 3 division, including Woodland, South Harrison, Iberia, Bernie, Thayer, Twin Rivers, Russellville and New Bloomfield. The 2022 Buckle Up Phone Down High School Showdown started Oct. 21 and ended Dec. 31. It reached 70 high schools across the state and generated nearly 16,000 safe driving pledges from students, faculty, family and the community. This just shows when we all work together, said Nelson, we can truly make Missouri roadways safer for everyone. Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives campaigned on the promise to investigate the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden. With the 118th Congress now underway, VOAs Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson previews their concerns about immigration, political favoritism and the handling of classified documents. A Moscow court on Monday sentenced a popular cookbook author and blogger to nine years in prison after convicting her in absentia of spreading false information about the country's military. The trial was part of the Kremlin's sweeping, months-long crackdown on dissent. The charges against Veronika Belotserkovskaya, who lives abroad, were brought over her Instagram posts that the authorities alleged contained "deliberately false information about the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation to destroy cities and the civilian population of Ukraine, including children." Belotserkovskaya, whose Instagram profile says she was born in Odessa, a city in southern Ukraine, responded to the news of the sentencing by writing that she is, "on one hand, perplexed, and on the other hand, of course, proud." Russia's Investigative Committee announced launching a case against Belotserkovskaya on March 16, 2022, several weeks after Moscow's troops rolled into Ukraine. It was the first publicly-known case under a new law adopted earlier that month that penalized information seen as disparaging to the Russian military. The Russian authorities issued an arrest order for the blogger in absentia, put her on a wanted list and seized 153 million rubles (roughly $2.2 million) worth of her assets. She was also declared a "foreign agent," a designation that implies additional government scrutiny and carries strong pejorative connotations aimed at discrediting the recipient. Belotserkovskaya has been handed the longest prison sentence under the new law and is the second prominent public figure to be sentenced in absentia. Last week, a Moscow court sentenced Alexander Nevzorov, a television journalist and former lawmaker, in absentia to eight years in prison on the same charges. 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 journalist moved abroad after the start of the Ukrainian conflict. In December, prominent opposition politician Ilya Yashin was sentenced to 8 years in prison under the same law. Earlier last year, Alexei Gorinov, a member of a Moscow municipal council Yashin used to chair, was sentenced to seven years in prison for his critical remarks about the hostilities in Ukraine. Another leading opposition figure, Vladimir Kara-Murza, is currently in custody facing the same charges. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday vowed that Russia will continue helping Mali improve its military capabilities in a joint press conference aired live on state television. Standing alongside his Malian counterpart, Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, Russia top diplomat touted the August 2021 delivery of several fighter jets and helicopters, adding that more military support is assured. "We have delivered very important aircraft," he said, "and this has considerably increased the capacity of Malian armed forces to eradicate the terrorist threat." Russian support for the West African nation's efforts to sustain a decade-long battle against al-Qaida and Islamic-State-linked militants has increased since Frances withdrawal from the country last year. The French army intervened in Mali in 2013 after the north of the country was taken over by Islamist militants but withdrew last year on concerns about Malis military government working with Kremlin-backed Wagner Group mercenaries The growing partnership between Moscow and Bamako has prompted Western concern. Mali has been under international scrutiny for cooperating with Russian Wagner mercenaries since last year, with the U.N. and several international human rights organizations calling for investigations of massacres committed by the mercenaries working with the Malian army. Lavrov and Diop both referenced efforts by the United Nations to investigate human rights abuses in Mali. Both ministers described those efforts as neocolonial, with Diop claiming they are an effort to destabilize Mali. Rights groups and journalists reported human rights abuse allegations committed by Russian mercenaries several times last year. Following one investigation, French broadcasts were banned from the country. Last week U.N. experts called for an investigation into international crimes committed by the Wagner Group in Mali. Following testimony at a U.N. Security Council meeting on January 27, Malis military government expelled the chief of the U.N. mission to Malis human rights division for destabilizing and subversive actions against the Malian government. Violence has continued to spread south in recent years, with several attacks in recent months near Bamako attributed to Islamist militants. In July of last year, Malis main military base in Kati, 15 kilometers from Bamako, was attacked by Islamist militants. Lavrov's visit comes as Moscow seeks to shore up relations with its allies amid Western isolation because of its invasion of Ukraine. Russian news agency RIA quoted Lavrov as saying that Moscow hoped to start delivering wheat, fertilizers and oil products to Mali soon. Lavrov has visited a series of African countries recently as Moscow, hit by Western sanctions over its war in Ukraine, seeks to strengthen ties and strategic partnerships elsewhere. Some information in this report came from Reuters. Somalia's president has called for a cease-fire after clashes in a disputed town in the breakaway region of Somaliland left at least 13 people dead. Both sides accuse the other of starting the fighting; Somaliland insisted it was defending itself from aggression. "The reason for the confrontation is not due to animosity, but for political reasons," Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said on Tuesday. "Therefore, we are sorry and not happy about what is happening there. ... Respect the interest of the people, lay down arms, and stop the fighting. Start negotiating." Tensions have been building in Las Anod, the capital of the contested Sool region, since December. The region has been a point of conflict between Somaliland and the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, both of which lay claim to the territory. "The fighting in Las Anod was ignited by a series of killings in the town and the lack of arrests of the perpetrators," said Mohamed Abdulle, a security analyst and the founder of Daludug Security Services in Somalia. "Somaliland authorities made no arrests to ease the situation. That angered the public." Somaliland has been governing the Sool region since capturing it from Puntland in 2008. However, the region has witnessed a series of battles between the two sides. Abdulle warns the fighting in the Sool region could impede the ongoing campaign by the federal government in central regions. "It is possible these clashes could undermine operations against al-Shabab," said Abdulle. "Immediately clashes started, al-Shabab attacked a strategic village and briefly held it. Also, Somaliland uses the term terrorism against the locals fighting its soldiers, so that could increase the insecurity." Abdiaziz Issack, a security analyst with the cultural and research organization known as the Hamad Bin Khalifa Civilization Center, told VOA that the conflict in the Sool region runs deep and cannot be solved without resolving the Somalia-Somaliland dispute. "There is no single solution to the conflict in Las Anod and the Sool region at large," he said. "However, it goes back to the dispute between Somalia and Somaliland. The two sides have to agree to a joint administration of the Sool region until the talks between Somalia and Somaliland are concluded." Clan elders, who had been meeting in Las Anod before the fresh fighting started, said in a communique that they reject the administration of Somaliland over the territory. They said that the region will be governed by the federal government in Mogadishu. Issack said that, while that stance acknowledges the authority of the federal government, President Mohamud will need to take a diplomatic path to avoid a dispute with Somaliland. Issack said the federal government finds itself in a tight spot regarding the issue. "While it might want to directly intervene, it guards against going into a collision with Somaliland," said Issack. "Therefore, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will just have to continue encouraging dialogue and cease-fire building on the goodwill of his government with the administration in Somaliland." The fighting in Las Anod has once again ignited the long-running debate over regional autonomy in Somalia. In the past, politicians in the Sool and Sanaag regions have pushed for the formation of a federal member state referred to as Khatumo, but that initiative has not gained recognition from the federal government. As tensions flare again, the federal government and the break-away region might need to directly engage with one other to avert more killings and to create room for the resumption of long-delayed talks between Somaliland and Somalia. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the county's electricity crisis has severely damaged its mining industry, a key pillar of the economy. Ramaphosa made the comment while addressing Investing in African Mining Indaba, the world's largest mining investment conference. The Minerals Council South Africa, which represents mining companies, estimates that total mining volumes were down by 6%, or $1.8 billion last year. In his address, Ramaphosa admitted that the ongoing power cuts implemented on 200 days in 2022 contributed to the slump. The electricity crisis on its own has had a huge impact on the mining industry as it has had on other industries, he said. Six months ago, we announced the national Energy Action Plan to improve the performance of our existing power stations and to add new generation capacity to the grid as quickly as possible. Ramaphosa said the fact that government is now allowing mining companies to generate their own electricity without any restrictions is going to make a huge difference. According to the Minerals Council of South Africa, since the licensing threshold was lifted, approximately 89 embedded projects have been developed with a focus on renewable solutions like solar, wind and battery storage, he said. Not only will these projects support mining operations themselves and bring down operation costs, but they will also add much needed power to the countrys overall supply and support South Africas decarbonization process. Minerals Council South Africa chief economist Henk Langenhoven said the presidents speech hit all the right notes in terms of what action is being put in place to solve the problems. I think the fact that load-shedding is touching every citizen and every voter is a big incentive to do something about it, he said. And lately weve seen a lot of urgency and a lot of pushing from the presidency, and our national treasury have a combined operation specifically looking at this. And they have been very, very active to try and accelerate that the actions are implemented as quickly as possible. Touching on the other challenges of transport and logistics, Langenhoven said coal exports which for 12 months were up nearly 150% due to demand caused by Russias war on Ukraine, were also down due to bottlenecks in South Africas rail and harbors. In a bid to solve these issues, the council would be working with the governments state-owned transport and logistics company, Transnet. Ramaphosa welcomed the cooperation in his speech, saying the private sector is critical. Langenhoven said they were very encouraged to hear the president saying that an electronic management system known as cadastre would soon be implemented. We have been in the doldrums with that, he said. Its a complete disaster, the previous system. So, its possible that that can be put in place in six months. It has been done in other countries, and recently in Botswana and Namibia. And that will bring us immediately into a hundred percent better efficiency. Itll take some time to work through the backlogs, but it will be a massive, massive improvement. Mining analyst Peter Major of Modern Corporate Solutions also welcomed the cadastre announcement. He said the ruling African National Congress has been stalling on this. Because then, they cant give all these allocations to their friends, he said. You know what happens we apply for something, and we never hear back. Then in three or four months, they say, Oh sorry. It turns out, somebody already has your license, or It turns out, somebody already has the very juicy part of your license. Its a breeding ground for corruption. The Investing in African Mining Indaba conference taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Center ends Thursday. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. In response to deadly earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, the United States has mobilized search and rescue teams to support relief efforts. VOAs Veronica Balderas Iglesias spoke with humanitarian workers about the challenges and how people can help. Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands said Tuesday they are planning to send at least 100 older, refurbished Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine to bolster its defenses as Russia's invasion nears the one-year mark. The Leopard 1 tanks were manufactured from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s and, once made battle-ready again, won't reach Kyiv's fighters until the summer months. But the defense ministers of Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands said in a statement that the additional weaponry would "significantly enhance Ukraine's military potential for the restoration of their violated territorial integrity." The German Defense Ministry said Berlin authorities have approved the export of up to 178 Leopard 1 A5 tanks to Ukraine, but said the actual number sent would depend on the refurbishments required. Germany hasn't used the tanks since 2003. The new weapons deployment is in addition to Germany's recent announcement that it would dispatch 14 newer Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine's fighters. The United States said it would supply 30 of its front-line Abrams tanks. Ukrainian officials have been saying for days they expect Russian forces to make new attacks in eastern and southern Ukraine to coincide with the first anniversary of their invasion on February 24, although Western analysts have expressed skepticism about Russia's ability to carry out a large new offensive. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Defense Secretary Oleksii Reznikov tweeted Tuesday that reforms in Ukraine operations continue, "even during the war," in comments that came amid a string of government resignations and firings and rumors that he would be replaced. "Thank you all for your support, as well as constructive criticism. We draw conclusions," Reznikov said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not publicly remarked on comments from a member of parliament suggesting Reznikov would be transferred to another position. In his nightly address Monday, Zelenskyy said his government is "strengthening our management positions," including appointing "managers with military experience" in border and frontline regions. Reznikov has said that while he was not planning to resign, any decision about his future would be made by the president. The shakeup of Zelenskyy's government in late January included the resignation of Deputy Defense Minister Viacheslav Shapovalov, who was in charge of logistical support for Ukraine's forces. He cited allegations about a food procurement scandal that he denies. Ukrainians bracing for offensive Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia could be preparing an offensive to show gains as the anniversary of the invasion approaches. Britain's defense ministry said Tuesday that Russia has likely been trying to restart offensive operations in Ukraine since early January and that its goal "is almost certainly to capture the remaining Ukrainian-held parts of Donetsk Oblast." Britain's assessment said it is "unlikely that Russia can build up the forces needed to substantially affect the outcome of the war within the coming weeks." UN chief warns of escalation U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday warned nations that he fears the likelihood of further escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict means the world is heading toward a "wider war." "The prospects for peace keep diminishing. The chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing," he told diplomats in New York. "I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a wider war. I fear it is doing so with its eyes wide open." As Ukraine awaits more weapons from the West to repel Russian forces, Switzerland is close to breaking with a centuries-long tradition as a neutral state, as pro-Ukrainian sentiments pervade public and political sectors, pressuring the government to end its ban on exports of Swiss weapons. Under Swiss neutrality, dating back to 1815 and enshrined by treaty in 1907, Switzerland will not send weapons directly or indirectly to combatants in a war. Lawmakers are divided on the issue. "We want to be neutral, but we are part of the Western world," said Thierry Burkart, leader of the center-right FDP party, who has submitted a motion to the government to allow arms re-exports to countries with similar democratic values to Switzerland. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi traveled to Ethiopia's Tigray region this week to meet with families displaced by conflict. Since arriving in Ethiopia on February 5, Grandi also has met with the president of Ethiopia and with Eritrean refugees in Alemwach camp in Amhara. Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia have faced targeted attacks over the past two years of war. In December, the UNHCR collaborated with partners to relocate 7,000 Eritrean refugees from Western Tigray to Alemwach. Though access for aid to Tigray has improved since a peace deal was signed in November between the federal government and Tigray forces, resources remain limited compared to needs, according to a U.N. report. Grandi said through a statement made on Twitter that the peace agreement has allowed humanitarian agencies to deliver more aid in areas of Northern Ethiopia impacted by conflict. Since the deal, the federal government has restored basic services and humanitarian aid to the region. As part of the agreement, Tigrayan fighters have handed over heavy weapons to the federal government, while Amhara special forces have left the Tigray region. On February 3, Prime Minster Abiy Ahmed met with TPLF leaders for the first time to discuss the implementation of the peace deal. The Biden administration is working on making sanctions targeting Russia more effective by explicitly warning Russian trading partners that they run legal risks doing business with banned entities. Brian Nelson, U.S. Undersecretary of Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, recently met with government officials and banking sector representatives in Turkey to discuss how U.S. sanctions on Russia affect Turkish businesses as part of a regional tour that also included the United Arab Emirates. Trade experts told VOA that the U.S. is focusing on depriving Russia's military of advanced equipment by threatening to enact secondary sanctions on businesses that still trade with Russia. "In engaging with sanctioned Russian entities, Turkish businesses and banks could put themselves at risk of sanctions and a potential loss of access to G7 markets," Nelson told the Bank Association of Turkey, in remarks that were also published online afterward. 'Dual-use technology' Pointing to the rise in Turkey's exports to Russia last year, Nelson urged companies to take extra precautions, especially when it comes to dual-use technology transfers that could be used by the Russian military-industrial complex. The dual-use term refers to items or know-how that could potentially be used for both civilian and military purposes, such as semiconductors. The warning came a week after the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, known as OFAC, targeted Russian private military company Wagner Group as well as other entities seen as supporting the Russian military complex. Last week's designation included Aviacon Zitotrans, a Russian cargo airline company, which, according to the Treasury, sought to use a Turkish company and Turkish diplomats to facilitate the sale of Russian defense equipment abroad. Experts point out that Turkey doubled its exports to Russia in 2022. According to Marshall Billingslea, former assistant secretary for terrorist financing at the Treasury Department, the exported materials include things such as semiconductors. "Turkey has gone from virtually no exports of semiconductors to Russia in 2021 to now being the fourth-largest supplier," he told VOA. Focus on Russian trade partners Brian O'Toole worked as a senior adviser to the director of OFAC during previous administrations and played a central role in designing the sanctions regime in response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine. He said Treasury appears to be clearly signaling that it is focused now on banned exports to Russia, in particular semiconductor exports. But he said Treasury likely has other interests in Turkey. "Military is top priority and, two, is Russian oligarchs and elites using Turkey as a safe haven for assets when they've been sanctioned elsewhere. The third is the backfill component. Turkey shouldn't be taking advantage of the West pulling out." NATO member Turkey, which has maintained good relations with Kyiv and Moscow, has opposed blanket Western sanctions on Russia, saying it must pursue its own policy in order to protect its interests. Ankara, which previously condemned Russia's invasion, saying it fully supported the territorial integrity of Ukraine, has said in the past it would not allow international sanctions to be circumvented. But U.S. Treasury official Nelson told Turkish bankers that Russian oligarchs have continued to buy property and yachts in Turkey. He urged enhancing due diligence beyond checking the U.S. sanctions list. "The screening should also capture companies and proxies that sanctioned Russian and Belarusian actors use as fronts," he warned. Russian sanctions evasion Studies of Russia's economy this year indicate that while sanctions have driven up prices and made some high-tech equipment harder to find, importers have found new ways of getting banned equipment into the country through third countries. An investigative report by the Wall Street Journal based on trade data shows more than a dozen Turkish companies exported plastics, rubber products, transport vehicles and generators last year and that those items were purchased by 10 Russian companies on the U.S. sanctions list. The Turkish Embassy in Washington did not reply to a request for comment on the alleged sanctions violations before publishing. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the annual Munich security conference this month, her office said Monday. Harris will use her February 16-18 stay in Germany and her attendance at the annual forum, as the war in Ukraine nears one year of combat, "to demonstrate Transatlantic unity and resolve," said a communique from press secretary Kirsten Allen. The 59th edition of the security conference, which draws leaders from around the world, will be held February 17-19. Harris will give a speech at the conference itself and meet with foreign leaders. Her presence will also show U.S. leadership in the world and "our enduring commitment to support Ukraine," the statement said. Battles are raging in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, with the city of Bakhmut and the nearby towns of Soledar and Vuhledar at the epicenter of relentless fighting. "The battles for the region are heating up," Donetsk Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said in televised remarks, adding that "the Russians are throwing new units into the battle and eradicating our towns and villages." Russia's military buildup along the Ukrainian border and particularly along Ukraine's eastern and northeastern boundaries since late January 2023 are also indicative of a possible large Russian offensive before the anniversary of Russia's invasion on February 24, Ukrainian officials said Monday. Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson Vadym Skibitsky predicted that Russia will likely press its offensive in the Donbas and could also launch an attack in the Zaporizhzhia region. He added that Russia is likely to mobilize another 300,000 to 500,000 troops in addition to the 300,000 mobilized in the fall. Rumors of a political reshuffling within the Ukrainian government add another layer of challenges to Ukraine's defensive war against Russia. Reports of a possible resignation or removal of Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov came after a series of accusations of corruption within the ministry. The questions over Reznikov's fate were the first public sign of serious rift in Ukraine's wartime leadership. Sunday, Kyiv announced that Reznikov would be transferred to the post of minister for strategic industries to strengthen military-industrial cooperation and would be replaced by General Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the country's military intelligence agency. Since then, David Arakhamia, head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's parliamentary bloc, reversed his earlier comments, saying on Telegram that "there will be no personnel changes in the defense sector this week." Reznikov has said that while he was not planning to resign, any decision about his future would be made by the president. UN chief warns of escalation U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday warned nations that he fears the likelihood of further escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict means the world is heading toward a "wider war." "The prospects for peace keep diminishing. The chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing," he told diplomats in New York. "I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a wider war. I fear it is doing so with its eyes wide open." As Ukraine awaits more weapons from the West to repel Russian forces, Switzerland is close to breaking with a centuries-long tradition as a neutral state, as pro-Ukrainian sentiments pervade public and political sectors, pressuring the government to end its ban on exports of Swiss weapons. Under Swiss neutrality, dating back to 1815 and enshrined by treaty in 1907, Switzerland will not send weapons directly or indirectly to combatants in a war. Lawmakers are divided on the issue. "We want to be neutral, but we are part of the Western world," said Thierry Burkart, leader of the center-right FDP party, who has submitted a motion to the government to allow arms re-exports to countries with similar democratic values to Switzerland. Norway's prime minister proposed Monday a $7.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, the latest show of support from Ukraine's European allies as it fights off a Russian invasion. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere told reporters after meeting with opposition leaders that the aid would be delivered over a five-year period, and that his government wants to add additional support for other countries affected by the conflict. "We are proposing that Norway gives a binding and lasting contribution to Ukraine," he said. Norway's parliament must approve the aid package. The Financial Times reported Monday that the European Union is preparing for a potential visit this week by Zelenskyy to address the European Parliament. EU leaders traveled last week to Kyiv to meet with Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian leaders to discuss the EU's response to Russia's invasion as well as Ukraine's application to join the European Union. The United States and other Western governments have pledged billions of dollars in new military assistance, including tanks and infantry fighting vehicles to help Ukraine withstand new attacks and launch counteroffensives. "Not all of the Western weaponry will arrive in time," Reznikov said. "But we are ready. We have created our resources and reserves, which we are able to deploy and with which we are able to hold back the attack." Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. On an official visit to Tripoli, President Meloni committed Italy to 360all-round cooperation with Libya. But which Libya? The Libyan Government of National Unity, internationally recognized, and chaired by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. It was elected in 2021 in Geneva by a Forum of 73 Libyan representatives chosen and directed by the UN representative Stephanie Williams, a US State Department official. Melonis meeting with Dbeibah was sealed by an 8 billion dollar agreement between ENI and the Libyan National Oil Corporation for the exploitation of an offshore gas field off the coast of Tripoli. However, this agreement was immediately disavowed by the Minister of Gas and Oil of the Dbeibah government, who declared it illegal. At the same time, in Tripolitania protesters occupied the control room of the Greenstream gas pipeline demanding to stop pumping gas to Italy. This is the result of the fact that Italy does not recognize the real Libyan government: Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha, appointed by the duly elected Parliament, which provisionally operates from the cities of Sirte and Benghazi because the Dbeibah government militias prevent him from entering Tripoli. The Bashagha Government, which controls most of Libyas territory and energy resources, offers Italy oil and gas at very low cost: as Michelangelo Severgnini showed in his reportage on Byoblu, in Benghazi petrol costs 3 cents of euro at the pump per litre. In compliance with NATO and EU directives, Italy refuses this possibility. Italian imports of Libyan gas have dropped from about 8 billion cubic metres per year before the 2011 NATO war to about 2.5 billion in 2022. Even if the agreement concluded in Tripoli becomes operational, Libyan gas imports could not recover to previous levels. Italy thus remains in the pincers of the energy crisis, deliberately provoked by the USA and the EU with the blockade of Russian gas supplies to Europe, paid for increasingly heavily by Italian and European citizens. Albemarle Countys Deputy County Executive Doug Walker announced last week that he will retire on Aug. 1. The county said it will begin the recruitment process for a successor in the coming weeks. Walkers retirement will bring to a close a decade of work for Albemarle County and more than 33 years of work in local government management in Virginia, according to a county statement. Walker said in the statement that his time in Albemarle was especially satisfying and an exceptional career capstone. I will dearly miss being part of this team, said Walker. Walker began his Albemarle career as an assistant county executive in 2013 and was later promoted to deputy county executive in 2015. His work for the county included establishing the countys Economic Development Office, facilitating an agreement for the redevelopment of Southwood Mobile Home Park and working on Albemarles Comprehensive Plan. Dougs breadth of knowledge in Virginia local government is truly remarkable, County Executive Jeff Richardson said in the statement. Our organization has been so fortunate to have Doug for the final ten years of his career. Iranian diaspora in Rome mobilises against regime. ROME: On a Saturday afternoon in late January, a group of plain-clothes officers stand guard in front of the Iranian embassy's high wrought iron gates on Via Nomentana in north-east Rome. Across the road, dozens of pro-democracy activists, a mix of Iranians and Italians, equipped with flags and megaphones, gather behind a large banner with the words "Women. Life. Freedom." This is the slogan that has become the rallying cry for the protest movement in Iran, which ignited in mid-September after the murder of the Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini in police custody. Nearly five months after the uprising began, revolutionary sentiment is still coursing through cities and towns of Iran. In response, the Iranian diaspora in Rome is continuing to mobilise to support the protests with coordinated actions across the capital. The aim is to keep the spotlight on Iran and to raise the alarm about the regimes increasingly violent crackdown. With everything that is still going on on the streets of Iran, its impossible to just stay at home, said Afsane Mitus, an Iranian artist living in Rome, who is attending the protest. After leaving Tehran in the mid-1990s to pursue her artistic career, she was galvanised into action last autumn after watching young women march through the streets of Iran for their rights. Ive regained my patriotism, she said. Mitus is one of around 14,000 Iranians living in Italy. Compared to other European countries, like Germany, France and the UK, the diaspora population in Italy is relatively small. However, using social media platforms like Instagram to connect and share information, Iranian immigrants in Italy have been making their voices heard. Together with organisations, like the left-wing party Partito Radicale, Iranian immigrants have organised demonstrations in front of the Iranian embassy in Rome almost every weekend in January and February. Donna, vita, liberta demonstration in Rome. Photo Charles Seymour. On 8 January, hundreds of anti-regime demonstrators marched through Romes city centre. On 4 February, about 60 protesters gathered in Piazza dei SS. Apostoli in memory of Mohammad Moradi, an Iranian student living in the French city of Lyon who threw himself into the Rhone river in protest against the widespread suppression of the uprising in Iran. In January the newspaper La Stampa ran a petition in support of freedom in Iran, which was signed by more than 300,000 people and was handed over to staff at the Iranian embassy. It's the effort like this of Iranians outside the country that is helping to make the movement in Iran different to earlier ones. Across Europe, Iranian exiles have been tireless on the protesters behalf. In October 80,000 Iranian expatriates convened in Berlin demanding the abolition of the Islamic Republic. Similar protests have taken place in the US and Canada. Strikingly, according to a leaked recording of a meeting attended by Iranian intelligence officials, published by BBC Persian, of 92 million social media posts generated in the aftermath of Mahsa Aminis death, 60 per cent came from abroad. Risks Yet speaking out against Iran - even from the relative safety of Italy - can come with its own risks. The Islamic Republic has a long and well-documented policy of using violence as a tool of political repression - even against dissidents who live abroad. I am a little scared about speaking out. But Ive told myself I won't go back to Tehran until the revolution happens, said Fardokht Kashani, 21, an Iranian student at La Sapienza University in Rome. Kashani says her vocal opposition to the regime's hard-line leaders could get her arrested for spreading false information, punished and even imprisoned once she returns home. She has chosen to keep her family, who live in Tehran, in the dark about her activism so as not to worry them. Despite the risks, Kashani has continued to uplift the voice of her fellow Iranians here since September. She has made pro-democracy speeches at university, attended demonstrations, including in Budapest, and used her social media to share news and information about whats happening in Iran to those outside of the country. My role is to spread awareness, she said, I feel very much part of the movement . . . even from Italy. Kashanis activism is courageous. It's the sort of courage that has made Iranian women - who have been leading the movement in Iran - a symbol of resistance around the world. Across town, another sort of protest is taking place in Piazzale Flaminio. Amid the swarms of camera-toting tourists, about 40 demonstrators are placing red roses in front of pictures depicting the faces of those who have been killed by the regime in recent months. This vigil has been organised by a group known as Mujahideen-e-Khalq (MEK) or People's Mujahideen, a part of the National Council of Resistance of Iran. The group, which played a decisive role in toppling the Shah, has been committed to overthrowing the Islamic republic for a generation. Nevertheless, the group remains controversial in Iran for its cult-like following and for its support for Hussein in the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s. Shahrzad Sholeh, an activist attending the event, is the president of the Iranian Democratic Women's Association in Italy, an umbrella organisation of the People's Mujahideen. She said she has been organising protests against Irans regime in Italy for more than 40 years. After moving to Italy as a political exile in the early 1980s, she has spent decades cultivating close contacts with senior politicians, lobbying Italian media, as well as international organisations like the UN in Geneva and EU in Brussels, for a tougher stance on Irans theocratic regime. Recently, she has been helping to get Iran's violent Revolutionary Guards blacklisted on the EU terror list. Sholeh, like many others in the diaspora, has been feeling the psychological toll of the current resistance but she is optimistic about the future. It is very painful to see the pictures and to see the girls and boys who were being killed. But at the same time we are getting to a point where the Iranian people are finally getting closer to freedom, she said. Discussions about a future, post-Islamic Republic of Iran reveal some disunity among the opposition groups operating in Italy. Sholeh says the People's Mujahideen no longer join other anti-government protesters in Rome, choosing instead to have their own events. Some protesters dont want to be associated with us even though we have the same objectives, she said. Conscious of the People's Mujahideen's chequered past, its true that some Iranians are distrustful of the groups political ambitions in Iran, fearing that they will grab power for themselves once the regime falls. In response, members of the People's Mujahideen claim that such narratives have been planted by the Islamic Republic as part of a tactic to discredit the group and spread fear that if the regime falls, chaos will follow. Fight for change Nevertheless, for the time being most Iranians in Italy are united in their view that nothing can be worse than the current regime and are prepared to keep on fighting for change. Back across town in front of the Iranian embassy, Mitus is about to lead an anti-regime chant with a megaphone. The movement is like a fire, she said, every person needs to add a log to keep it burning. By Charles Seymour Cover photo ANSA Ribera created the Five Senses series during his four years in Rome. Three years after Caravaggios lonely death on a beach outside Porte Ercole, a Spaniard, still in his early twenties, arrived in Rome via Parma where his depiction of St Martin for the S. Prospero church had won him recommendation from another great Baroque master Guido Reni. As apparent from the parish records, soon Jusepe de Ribera was lodged with his brothers in Via Margutta, then like now an artistic hub. His four-year stay (1612-1616) is attested to by the register of the Academy of S. Lucia, with which evidently, despite earning a princely five or six scudi a day, he had run up debts. Perhaps seeking parallels with Caravaggio, biographer Giulio Mancini hints at riotous living, though this was to end with Riberas departure for Naples. Lo Spagnoletto came into contact with long-established Sicilian artist Bernardo Azzolino. By way of a test, Azzolino asked Ribera to draw him a head. This Ribera did to such perfection that, as in a fairy tale, Azzolino made the young arrival an offer: Everything youve seen shall be yours since, should you wish to marry my daughter, its to her that are destined all my earthly goods. So Jusepe took the then 16-year-old Caterina as his wife. Unlike Caravaggio, his existence from thereon was comparatively settled, one of his daughters even becoming his model. When offered work back in his native Spain, Ribera stayed put, by all accounts an exile by his own volition, eventually being laid to rest in Naples Margoglino district in 1652. But to get back to his Roman stay. Thanks to the support of Caravaggios ex-patron Marquis Vincenzo Giustiani, Ribera would have had time to study the late geniuss work. To cite Palomini writing in 1724, Ribera mastered Caravaggios chiaroscuro, making daily progress, with repeated imitation from nature. Another link with Caravaggio would be the Baroques Theatre of Cruelty, an arena where Ribera might be even said to upstage his tormented, more famous mentor. As Byrons Don Juan describes some paintings in the poets family mansion: Of martyrs awed, as Spagnoletto tainted/ His brush with all the blood of all the sainted. He would depict the flaying of Saint Bartholomew times over. In a pagan context, theres his Marsyas in Naples Capodimonte museum, Apollo presiding over the scene with a set of scalpels as the dentally-challenged satyr writhes towards the viewer in a feat of foreshortening. Yet Ribera could produce work more beatific than violent. Such, for instance, is his radiant portrayal of Jacobs dream. Nor in the paintings completed during Riberas Roman stay is there an instrument of harm or speck of blood in sight: the series of the Five Senses evokes a studied calm. (Hearing has been lost, the other four are dispersed in collections around the world). Smell by Ribera, private collection. Take Smell, here noun or verb, transitive and intransitive at the same time, pungently indicative. Riberas pauper is accompanied by a trio of vegetables, bringing together still-life and portraiture in a single frame. Smells you could peel, goes a saying. Cut onion prickling his nose still pointier, he luxuriates in odours warp and weft, a rustic elf, stenchs djinni, tavern satyr. Battered hat. Goat-tuft beard. Sleeves with circular tears like vents: all emit, in turn, a tang of their own. Ribera depicts them as painstakingly as more conventional painters might a cardinals robes or arch-dukes perfumed doublet. I will astound Paris with an apple, said Cezanne. Ribera manages an equivalent with two split onions and a head of garlic. A token sprig of bergamot gets overpowered. Sight sniffs. Nostrils blink. From smells you can see to sights you can feel. Touch features a blind Michelangelo look-alike feeling a piece of ancient sculpture. Or rather seeing its lineaments on our behalf. His hands modelled with sculptural rigour confirm how lack of one sense can enhance another. What we take as a given, becomes to the sitter an act of devotion. His brow crinkles in concentration. As in Dutch still-lifes, painting acquires a relative weight all of its own. In an exercise of synaesthesia, touch is exalted as a sort of inner eye. Meanwhile on the table in front, a portrait-painting laid flat suggests the link between the perfection of ancient sculpture with the Baroques newfound pictorial naturalism. Touch by Ribera, Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena. If Touch concerns itself with the close-at-hand, Sight extends the new naturalism to the heavens, painting and astronomy never so well aligned. In it a man holds the first telescope in western art. Fittingly it is inlaid with two gold bands. Heres the device Galileo developed a few years before, raising the focus of the Dutchman Hans Lipperheys 1608 invention 20 times. Galileo, thanks to his adjustments, in 1609 sketched the phases of the moon with all its pocks and craters. Then in 1613, after a spell of sky-gazing on S. Maria Maggiores roof, the artist Ludovico Cigoli, a friend of Galileo, dared to insert the revised distinctly imperfect view of the celestial body observed there into the fresco of Immaculate Conception in the basilicas Pauline Chapel. The Virgin stands upon a sphere anything but smooth, while the sun behind her is marked by the spots Galileo first observed in 1610. Re-fast-forward to Riberas portrait: the tense forehead and wide-eyed look of the central figure seem to reflect wonder at the new astronomical phenomena he too could have just shared in. Endowing Sight with further interest is the possibility that Ribera and Galileo had actually met; their dates in the city more or less coincide, as do the learned circles (c.f. the fore-mentioned Academy of S. Lucia) in which they moved. Sight by Ribera. Franz Mayer Museum, Mexico. Where the background in Riberas other three paintings is in shadow, Sight has a window. The crepuscular view it frames is vaguely reminiscent of Adam Elsheimers Flight into Egypt. The German artists 1609 night picture is less-land-than-skyscape. It was also revolutionary: following the findings set out in Galileos Siderius Nuncius, the Milky Way is depicted not as a cloud but a conglomeration of innumerable stars. As in Cigolis fresco the moon is cratered. Then the constellations are clearly visible: Ursa Major and Leo, with the star of Regulus shedding thematic light on the Biblical scenes below. (Regulus for new-born king; the Milky Way for stairway to heaven.) Florian Heine in his The First Time: Innovations in Art pinpoints a date: Elsheimer reproduces the sky over Rome as it was on 19 June 1609. This with an accuracy made possible by the instrument similar to that clasped gingerly by Riberas moon-struck sitter. On the one hand, lo Spagnolettos portrait pays tribute to Galileo. Less directly, via that windows picture within a picture, might it also cross-reference Elsheimer, active in Rome until his early death in 1610, just years previously? Speculation, yet in the small (and international) world of Romes Baroque, not unfeasible. A short walk from Via Margutta, the German painter is buried in S. Lorenzo in Lucina. Rubens praises him in a letter. Was Ribera, however tangentially, doing the same in paint? Back down to earth with Taste, the last surviving painting of the series. Picture any osteria, past or present: there sits a figure, his silvery jerkin tarnished by spillage, matching chromatically the plate of anchovies on the table in front. Taste by Ribera. Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, Connecticut. Grub before art, he glares between mouthfuls, threatening to burst a button. Or convert his clenched quarto of wine into a missile. Like a seasoned skipper mid-tempest, the Spaniards equal to the worst human weather can throw. He doesnt only take the goad on board. Putting his art first, he relishes it. Some trace Riberas trencherman back to the inn-keeper in Caravaggios Misericordia in Naples, Ribera having already made a foray into the southern capital. Why should he have needed to go so far? The electrical tension depicted is surely first-hand. Then theres the medical element, one commentator diagnosing in the diners ruddy nose and cheeks and the swollen forefinger the symptoms of gout. Portrait as health warning, enduringly topical, realism from Urbs Eterna. A pity that, due to Riberas Spanish connections, the four works discussed have ended up in the New World, far from Rome and hence rather overlooked. One more caravaggista lo Spagnoletto is often labelled; its time for an upward re-assessment. By Martin Bennett This article was published in the January 2023 online edition of Wanted in Rome magazine. Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., once considered a category killer, is making a last-ditch effort to keep the lights on. The housewares retailer mustered more than $1 billion through institutional investors led by Hudson Bay Capital to help delay bankruptcy, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News on Tuesday. Things look bad. Bed Bath & Beyond has bled cash for the last three years, reporting negative operating income since 2020. Sales have dipped in the double digits year over year since 2020. The company missed debt payments to banks and bondholders earlier this month, and its vendors have stopped shipping it goods out of concerns the company wont be able to pay them. Ailing retailers in the past have so far gone down only a few paths going private, being acquired or filing for bankruptcy. But for Bed Bath & Beyond, there are really no good options for a way out of this mess. Advertisement The companys most burdensome asset is its sprawling store fleet. Luckily for Bed Bath & Beyond, grocery and value retailers are looking to expand as shoppers return to in-person shopping. Many of its stores are in suburban shopping centers, areas that experienced an uptick in population growth as people fled cities during the early years of the pandemic. But its a toss-up whether Bed Bath & Beyonds landlords will let it walk away from its stores. Landlords are reluctant to let a tenant cut a lease short if it is above market rate, said Spence Mehl, partner at RCS Real Estate Advisors. A bankruptcy would allow the company to get rid of the leases entirely, he added.However, bankruptcies havent done much good for retailers in the past because what got them into such a desperate financial situation were often strategic missteps or flat out missing sea changes like the rise of online shopping. You cant fix whats fundamentally broken with a bankruptcy. For instance, Pier 1 Imports struggled for years with cluttered stores and a mishmash of undesirable products before it eventually liquidated as the pandemic swept the country. That same year, dozens more retailers filed for bankruptcy including outdated department store JCPenney. Most of them, if they didnt liquidate, emerged as a fraction of themselves (Lord & Taylor became an online-only company, and Century 21 announced it would reopen its New York City flagship store) or have struggled to right themselves, like J. Crew, which suffered from irrelevancy among its core professional worker crowd and low-quality goods. So Bed Bath & Beyonds third option would be some kind of deal to go private. Its mainline stores likely wouldnt draw any buyers because they arent profitable. But analysts see some upside with the companys baby retail stores, called Buy Buy Baby, which means that part of the business could get a second life. Buy Buy Baby reported $1.4 billion in sales in 2021, and they have declined less compared with the main brand, the company told investors last year. If the company were to spin off the baby business, it would be entering a market with little competition. There are few specialty baby retailers in the country, which means Buy Buy Baby could find its niche. The only firms that have been risky enough to buy or invest in struggling retailers in the last few years are private equity firm Sycamore Partners, which owns Staples, Belk, Talbots and Hot Topic, and mall operator Simon Property Group Inc. through its joint venture with Authentic Brands Group called Sparc Group. But on a call Monday with investors, David Simon, the mall operators chief executive officer, said the company did not have plans to add additional retailers to its portfolio. Sycamore Partners was reportedly in talks earlier this year to buy some of Bed Bath & Beyonds assets, according to the New York Times. But clearly those talks didnt result in an acquisition. Advertisement Bed Bath & Beyonds last-ditch effort to draw help from the public market is too little too late. The company noted in its announcement of the offer Tuesday morning that outstanding revolving loans repaid using net proceeds of the offering may be reborrowed. It may have been able to convince investors to give it this last shot at a turnaround, but it doesnt have many more chances to keep asking for more time. More From Writers at Bloomberg Opinion: Matt Levines Money Stuff: Bed Bath & Beyond Sold Some Stock Amazons Day Two Is Too Close for Comfort: Leticia Miranda What Do Gucci and Unilever Have in Common?: Andrea Felsted This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Leticia Miranda is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering consumer goods and the retail industry. She was previously a business reporter at NBC News and a retail reporter at BuzzFeed 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 I hope Joe Bidens State of the Union address is boring. It ought to be. The president should offer a laundry list of policy suggestions, most of which he knows full well will never be adopted by a divided Congress. Add some items that wouldnt survive review by a partisan Supreme Court, and some platitudes about democracy, and the speech will have achieved what it is designed to do: reinforce democratic norms while reassuring loyal supporters. The State of the Union speech rarely transforms policy. But it still can accomplish a lot. First, the speech is a major forced deadline within the White House and the executive branch. To lock in language for the address, policy arguments within the White House and among different executive branch agencies must be settled; once words escape a presidential mouth, they are official administration policy, and changing them comes with a cost. Advertisement So for the last several weeks, officials inside and outside of the administration have been pushing to have their wording accepted, their pet bill or policy area mentioned, their version of events endorsed. Thats why the speeches typically become laundry lists. Its usually easier to please organized groups, members of Congress and even other nations by including something they want than to refuse to do so. For example, Biden will certainly mention Ukraine, but that probably means also acknowledging other US friends and allies so that they dont feel neglected. The State of the Union also is an important democratic ritual. Political scientist Matt Glassman captured the events symbolism: In a system of separate institutions sharing power, in which the ambitions of men are pitted against each other in hopes of producing a common good, the SOTU reminds us that fundamentally we are not a nation of competing political parties, or of divergent ideologies, or of irreconcilable interests. At our core we are a unified republic The ties that bind us are not on display often in politics but, when they are, they time and again prove that our republic is not a government of men, but one of ideas and institutions and, most importantly, laws. Advertisement Thats from 2012, and its even more relevant after Jan. 6, 2021. Read the whole thing its guaranteed to be more interesting than a transcript of whatever Biden is going to say. The display of unity amid disagreement is especially meaningful during times such as these of divided government. On Tuesday night, a Republican speaker of the House will welcome a Democratic president to the House chamber who will in turn acknowledge he is there by invitation, ushered in by members of Congress to (as Article II of the Constitution states) recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient. Not compel, but recommend a power to suggest things for Congress to do shared equally with 330 million citizens Finally, the State of the Union is by tradition an important part of representation. Thats where the need to be dull comes in. Representation involves making promises during a campaign, governing with those promises in mind and then explaining ones actions to constituents in the context of the original promises. Bidens presidency has been about governing with two overarching and sometimes difficult-to-reconcile promises. To the nation as a whole, he pledged to lead a return to normal and a restoration of democracy after the upheaval and the would-be authoritarianism of Donald Trump. He would be a president of all the people, not just of his strongest supporters, and respect the rule of law. For Democrats, however, he pledged to be a strong partisan president, seeking to enact as many mainstream liberal (and even very liberal) policies as he could. Advertisement For Biden, then, the symbolism of the speech is important and so are the policies. The best way to reconcile the dueling promises is to embrace the boring laundry-list approach precisely because it is traditional for Democratic and Republican presidents to do so. Its the rare occasion when enumerating liberal policies (for a Democratic president) can be norm-affirming, even if the policies themselves are highly partisan and controversial. Its traditional for speechwriters to add rhetorical flourishes. That, too, can work for Biden. Its the perfect occasion for him to reprise his points about democracy that he made in two speeches leading into the midterms. Many of his predecessors had to use post-midterms State of the Union speeches to acknowledge electoral losses and the legitimacy of new congressional majorities opposed to the presidents party. Biden needs to do some of that, given the slim new House Republican majority, but he can also claim credit for an unusually good performance by the in-party. And he can attribute that to his democracy agenda.(1) Dont think of the presidents State of the Union address as an opportunity to sway public opinion. Presidential speeches usually cant do that. Sure, we can expect Biden to use the speech to talk up the economy. Its certainly appropriate for him to brag about his accomplishments. But over time, results, and not presidential spin, are what matters. Advertisement The rest of the speech, and what goes into it, remains quite important, even if it wont change anyones mind about anything. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Two Years, 10 Metrics: Assessing Bidens Presidency: Bloomberg Opinion Bidens Successes Were Made Possible by Obama: David A. Hopkins Crash Course: Donald Trump Vs. the Republican Party: Timothy L. OBrien (1) Of course, what actually affected midterm outcomes is a much more complicated question. But politicians typically (and quite properly) fight over election interpretations regardless of what more objective analysts may find. And while Biden for example will certainly mention abortion rights in his speech, it makes more sense for him to attribute Democratic success in the midterms to support for democracy. 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 Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Whatever the slogans wielded by striking workers angry at Emmanuel Macrons pension reform might say such as commute, work, die the French are anything but lazy. The countrys unemployment rate is at its lowest in years, and France has a greater share of 25-to-54-year-olds in work than the European Union average, or indeed the US. The pace of job creation is above pre-pandemic levels. Where France punches below its weight, however, is in its share of workers over 55. Macron wants to raise that number but not just by pushing the retirement age to 64 from 62; he wants to prod companies to hire more people in their 50s and 60s, setting targets for diversity by age. Similar steps have been taken elsewhere, such as when UK firms including Aviva Plc and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. pledged in 2017 to hire more over-50s. The French version looks distinctly less touchy-feely, with the threat of fines if companies dont play ball. If Macron is tying the idea of tougher age quotas to pension reform, its also as a sop to critics and unions who say lifting the pension age will worsen unemployment as older workers get laid off before retirement. Advertisement Expanding the labor pool is an issue of great economic significance potentially even more so than the estimated 17.7 billion euros ($19 billion) the Macron administration hopes the reform will unlock. If France lifted its over-55s employment rate by around 10 percentage points to 66% (the G7 average) by 2032, that might mean an extra 825,000 workers and almost 50 billion euros in extra gross domestic product by one estimate. This isnt just a French thing PwC has suggested the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development as a whole could add $3.5 trillion to GDP if it lifted over-55s employment share to 78% but France is a clear retirement outlier. In principle, publishing more data at the corporate level would be a good way to shine a light on divergent national and company practices, beyond the basic hike to the retirement age if the reform goes through. There does seem to be a gap worth tackling: Luxury goods behemoth Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy SE has a higher share of staff aged 50-59 in France than elsewhere, but has more over-60s working at the firm in the US than in its home market. Transport company Transdev Group SA has 20%-30% of drivers over 60 in Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and the US; in France, its 12%, according to France Inter radio. Advertisement But just as raising the pension age feels like a blunt tool for todays workers watching todays retirees enjoy wealthier and healthier twilight years, quotas wont fix the deeper issues below the surface. If the French arent thrilled about working longer, it may be because many feel like theyve already paid their dues. French executives are the worlds worst workaholics, a BUPA survey found, which might be one reason why few retirees are misty-eyed about going back. Perceptions of cost and skills gaps with younger workers also encourage ageism: A 2015 Eurobarometer survey found 75% of French managers believed a job candidate older than 55 would be at a disadvantage. Any silver quota will likely be shrugged off by key sectors like technology, where 40 is the new old and where young coders are seen as competitive advantages. What should really happen instead is a re-evaluation of the three-stage life education, work and retirement that is proving resistant to change, even as the prospect of living to 100 becomes less outlandish. Advertisement Instead of tacking on concepts like mentoring to ones late-career life, retraining should happen more regularly (maybe every decade). Instead of associating older workers with high health costs, its worth following the example of BMWs 2017 production line, in which a small investment in physical well-being wooden floors, magnifying lenses, adjustable chairs boosted productivity. And the carrot of a more flexible transition between work and retirement, such as by combining part-time work with partial pension payments, or by sharing one older hire between small businesses, might be better than the stick of quotas. This may seem like a sideshow next to the core issue of the retirement age that has put hundreds of thousands of protesters out on the street, and that has Macrons opponents in parliament pressuring the government to back down. Ideally, his reform would be made fairer and more acceptable by sharing the financial burden between companies and retirees, not just workers. But the reality of demographic and economic decline means that the long-term question of silver workers and the effectiveness of quotas is the far bigger one. Commute, work, die should be retired. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Advertisement Time for France to Work Longer and Retire Later: Lionel Laurent 8,000 Layoffs Dont Exactly Scream Family Values: Beth Kowitt Worlds Economy Needs a Supply-Side Revolution: Allison Schrager This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Lionel Laurent is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering digital currencies, the European Union and France. Previously, he was a reporter for Reuters and Forbes. 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 As the chief economics correspondent of the Financial Times since 1996, Martin Wolf is one of the worlds most influential economists. He started his journalistic career as a vigorous advocate of globalization and deregulation, but since the global financial crisis his mood has darkened. His new book, The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism, is both his magnum opus and an explanation of his crisis of faith. Wolf started writing the book in the annus horribilis of 2016. The twin hammer blows of Brexit and Trumps election provoked lamentation and garment-rending in the FTs London headquarters, where Tory supporters are as thin on the ground as Jehovahs Witnesses, but Wolf was particularly upset. In a moving preface, he describes how both his parents fled from Europe in the late 1930s his father from Austria in 1937 and his mother from the Netherlands in 1940 and how members of his family who failed to make the escape were killed in the Holocaust. I and my brother, born in 1948, are, like many millions of others, children of catastrophe. The family memory of the 1930s left him with a permanent sense of the fragility of civilization. Wolf argues that democracy and capitalism are complementary opposites: Opposites because capitalism depends on inequality of rewards while democracy depends on political equality, complementary because they both enshrine the principle of individual choice. But in recent decades this marriage of opposites has been falling apart, most importantly in the supposed standard-bearer of democratic capitalism, the United States. Advertisement The decline in productivity growth is leading to stagnation. Stagnation is turning more people against the system. And vulture-like populists are growing fat not just because they tell lies, but also because they tell a certain truth that ordinary peoples prospects are not improving at anything like the rate that they once did and are frequently not improving at all. Make America great again resonates because it contains a big truth as well as a big lie. Why has the promise of the 1980s and 1990s turned to ashes? Wolf points to three things: the rise of rentier capitalism, the corruption of politics and the demoralization of the elites. The tension between giant rewards for a handful of entrepreneurs and the universal franchise is manageable when the entrepreneurs create things, like cars and personal computers, that benefit the many. The capitalist achievement does not typically consist in providing more silk stockings for queens but in bringing them within the reach of factory girls, as Joseph Schumpeter said. In recent decades however, the few have devoted ever more ingenuity to extracting rents rather than creating value. Managers rig incentive systems to make sure that they gain regardless of performance, buying back shares to boost their own remuneration for example. Companies move their operations to tax havens to reduce their tax burdens, with brand-name companies engaging in contortions that were once confined to spivs. Consultancies and law firms cast aside their professional ethics to service rogues and dictators. Wolf concludes that the liberalization of finance, which he once defended, has enriched a tiny number of people at the expense of destabilizing several companies and, in 2008, threatening to bring down global capitalism. From 1993 to 2015, the top 1% captured 52% of the increase in total real family income growth. Advertisement In a healthy polity democratic politics might provide a check to rent-seeking. But politics is far from healthy. In the United States the rich have all but hijacked politics through campaign finance contributions and ubiquitous lobbying. Democratic capitalism is becoming crony capitalism. In much of the rest of the world, politics suffers from the twin vices of professionalization and apathy: Professionalization means that identikit figures have taken over most parties remember the Tweedledum and Tweedledee of David Cameron and Sir Nick Clegg in the 2010 Coalition government? while popular apathy means that a growing number of people dismiss democratic politicians as crooks and liars. This provides the ideal conditions for populists who promise to sweep away a corrupt and stagnating system in the name of the people. We know that these populists are liars Trump did more to improve the lives of his fellow billionaires by cutting taxes than he did to address the economic concerns of his MAGA crowds but again, the problem is not just that they lied but that they told a big truth: that the global elites have failed the people through a combination of incompetence and venality. The elites have repeatedly made promises that turned out to be hollow most notably that they knew how to control the demon of global finance that they were letting out of the bottle. They have skillfully escaped from the consequences of their actions. Only one banker was imprisoned after the 2008 crisis in the US and none in the UK. US billionaires pay a lower tax rate than the little people. Leading members of the Sackler family remain free while millions of Americans, a disproportionate number of them Black, are imprisoned for minor drug crimes. All dry tinder for popular fury. Wolf backs all this up with innumerable references to the economics and political science literature. The FTs chief economic commentator is not a man to dirty his boots with visits to decaying manufacturing towns or dying seaports, or if he is, he doesnt write about it; he is a man who digests reports, studies and surveys and chews the fat with big-name economists in Davos and Bilderberg. But his writing is often at its best when he returns to his first love, the classics (he read classics at Oxford before turning to economics and, as he noted at his launch party, he is one of the few non-Greek economists who has read Homer in the original). Advertisement He explains the decay of our elites with reference to Plato and Aristotle. Plato argued that society can only save itself from the perils of tyranny and anarchy if it devoted energy and ingenuity to training a class of guardians who are distinguished by their willingness to prioritize the common good over personal gain. Aristotle insisted that societies can only flourish if they have a large and healthy middle class. Both preached the importance of restraining animal appetites in the pursuit of excellence and wisdom. How can we cure the twin degeneration of capitalism and democracy? Wolf rightly warns against the dangers of nostalgia: The community-promoting world of big industry and big labor has gone forever, more because of technological innovation than globalization. He rightly eschews fashionable business fads such as forcing companies to declare a purpose or embrace stakeholder capitalism. He prefers instead what Karl Popper called piecemeal social reforms: that is, in Poppers words, searching for, and fighting against, the greatest and most urgent evils of society rather than searching for, and fighting for, its greatest ultimate good. Wolfs long list of piecemeal social reforms includes repealing the Supreme Courts Citizens United ruling, which claimed that companies should have a political voice like any other citizen, removing the generous treatment of debt in tax codes, treating carried interest as income rather than capital gains, and making senior managers more accountable for corporate failures that they help to manufacture in other words the stuff of a thousand FT (and Economist) editorials. Advertisement Wolf clearly senses that such small-bore reforms will not carry the day without a more general remoralization of society. He ends by calling for a revival of the communal spirit before beginning his final paragraph on a downbeat note: This is a moment of great fear and faint hope. Though it may sound churlish to ask for more from an already long and comprehensive book, I wish he had taken more for a sustained discussion of the history of liberalism, in all its rich variety, before throwing his intellectual weight behind communitarianism. For surely liberalism is the magic ingredient that civilizes both democracy and capitalism and fuses them together into a working whole? Liberal theory puts constraints on the power of majorities and encodes the rights of minorities in law. Several experiments with democracy in the Middle East and Latin America have failed not because the voting was rigged, but because they replaced all powerful non-elected rulers with all-powerful elected ones. Liberal theory also lays down the rules for an effective market by not only giving limited rights to the little republics or corporations but also preventing the formation of monopolies. Liberalism has grown sick during the past 40 years of its supposed triumph. A philosophy that was born in rebellion against the old order has become the philosophy of a self-indulgent and self-dealing ruling class. Now what is best in liberalism is threatened on all sides. Universities are increasingly dominated by progressive liberals obsessed with group rights and collective guilt. Anyone who dissents from the new orthodoxy is deprived, if not of their jobs, then at least of power. Global institutions, particularly the European Union, are run by technocrats who regard democratic input as an irritation. Most worrying of all, tech companies are busy developing clever ways of manipulating our preferences. Advertisement We are arguably seeing the birth of a profoundly illiberal form of capitalism: information capitalism that thrives by sucking up vast amounts of information from apathetic consumers (who give away their secrets as the price of getting convenient apps) and then using that information to manipulate consumer choices. If the promise of democratic capitalism is that it gives us the freedom to control our lives, what does it mean if our information overlords can shape our decisions without us knowing? Add to that the rise of authoritarian capitalism in China, and the association between capitalism and liberalism in the 20th century may well prove to have been a mere passing phase. The job of fixing democratic capitalism arguably involves more than fixing democracy and capitalism. It involves fixing the philosophy that once elevated them both and is now in disrepair: Restore liberalism to its radical roots, re-center it on individuals rather than on groups and on opportunity rather than grievance, rewrite the rules of information capitalism according to liberal principles and bust concentrations of power wherever they occur, be it in the boardroom or in politics. Liberal intellectuals have repeatedly fixed capitalism over the past century, in the early 20th century to discipline the robber barons and in the wake of the Second World War to build welfare capitalism. To have any chance of repeating the trick in the current one, they need to rethink what liberalism means in an era of information capitalism, populist rage and Chinese power. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Advertisement Progressives Are Beating Populists Again, But Dont Celebrate: Niall Ferguson Americas Work Ethic Is Under Assault: Adrian Wooldridge A Pessimist Confronts Good News in a Bad Year: Andreas Kluth This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Adrian Wooldridge is the global business columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. A former writer at the Economist, he is author, most recently, of The Aristocracy of Talent: How Meritocracy Made the Modern World. 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 Azerbaijan and Iran majority Shiite Muslim countries that share strong ethnic and linguistic ties and centuries of history saw the worst escalation in their tense relations in January when the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran came under an armed attack. That followed Irans military buildup on its border with Azerbaijan in a dispute between the neighbors over Israel. The brewing conflict has ramifications for the larger Caucasus region, which is important to Russia and Turkey and crisscrossed by pipelines shipping oil and natural gas to the West. 1. Whats behind the Iran-Azerbaijan tensions? Iran has a sizable ethnic Azerbaijani minority, which is believed to account for around a third of its population of 85 million. Iran has been wary of separatist sentiment within the ethnic Azerbaijanis, who also call themselves Turks, while Azerbaijani authorities have accused Iran of denying them some minority rights, such as the right to education in their own language. In addition, Azerbaijan officials have blamed Iran for backing Armenia in the long-running conflict over Azerbaijans separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh. And tensions have occasionally flared in the past 30 years because of Azerbaijans friendly relations with Israel and its energy projects with Western companies including BP Plc. Advertisement 2. How did the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict affect Iran? After Azerbaijan triumphed in a 44-day war with Armenia in 2020, it reclaimed districts along a 130-kilometer (81-mile) stretch of its border with Iran that Armenians had occupied since the 1990s. It also regained part of the main highway linking Iran to Armenia, a critical trade route to the Black Sea and Russia. Tehran reacted angrily when Azerbaijan imposed a heavy tax on Iranian trucks carrying goods to Armenia, effectively paralyzing trade between them and jeopardizing Irans access to markets farther away. President Ilham Aliyev accused Iran of ignoring demands to stop delivering goods to Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Iran and Armenia have been discussing plans for an alternative road avoiding Azerbaijan. 3. How is Israel involved? Advertisement Azerbaijan is a major oil supplier to Israel. It also buys high-tech drones and other weapons from Israel, which proved crucial in the war against Armenia. Israel was the second-largest arms supplier to Azerbaijan from 2011 to 2020, after Russia, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Israel opened an embassy in Baku, Azerbaijans capital, in the early 1990s, and Azerbaijan has hosted Israeli leaders. Weeks before the embassy attack in Tehran, Azerbaijans parliament approved a bill to open an embassy in Israel, breaking with a decades-long policy of not having a diplomatic mission in the Jewish state, lest it irritate Iran. Iran sees Bakus ties to Israel as a national security threat. 4. Why does Iran see Azerbaijans relations with Israel as a threat? For years, Iran has suspected Israel of using the relationship to spy on Iran through tools like unmanned surveillance aircraft. Azerbaijans State Border Service is the main recipient of sophisticated Israeli intelligence and attack drones. Iran has accused Israel of being behind attacks on its nuclear and military facilities and the assassination of scientists. Israel, which has vowed to prevent Iran acquiring a nuclear bomb, has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. In 2021, Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps held large-scale military drills near the border with Azerbaijan. Iranian officials accused Azerbaijan of allowing Israel to have a military presence near the border. Azerbaijan denied harboring Israeli forces and countered by holding military exercises with Turkey near the Iranian border. Advertisement 5. What happened in January? Azerbaijani officials blamed Iran for what they described as a terrorist attack on their embassy in Tehran. Iran said an initial interrogation of the gunman, who was detained by police, indicated that he acted from personal motives; a senior Azerbaijani diplomat dismissed that as absurd. Pro-government news website Caliber, citing unnamed sources in the Azerbaijan government, claimed Irans special services were behind the attack. Azerbaijan closed the embassy, evacuating the staff and their families. The Foreign Ministry in Baku also warned citizens against visiting Iran. 6. What would a conflict look like? An outbreak of fighting between Azerbaijan and Iran would quickly entangle NATO member Turkey, which has a mutual defense pact with Azerbaijan. Turkey has long been Azerbaijans main military backer, openly supporting it with weapons and advisers against Armenia in the 2020 war. Its now deployed troops to monitor the Azerbaijan-Armenia cease-fire alongside Russia, which has sent 2,000 peacekeeping soldiers to Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia has a military base in Armenia, and the two nations have a defense pact. Advertisement 7. Whats at stake economically? An armed conflict between Iran and Azerbaijan could put at risk regional energy projects. BP and its partners have invested more than $70 billion in Azerbaijans energy development and transportation projects since 1994. The projects include a 1,768-kilometer (1,098-mile) oil pipeline connecting Caspian Sea output with Turkeys Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Azerbaijan also helped build 3,500 kilometers (2,174 miles) of natural gas pipelines to Europe via Georgia and Turkey. Azerbaijan started gas exports Dec. 31 to European Union countries, including Greece and Italy, via the US-backed Southern Gas Corridor. In July, the country agreed to double natural gas exports to Europe by 2027. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Theres little debate that phasing out coal-fired power plants is necessary to avoid the worst climate change scenarios. Yet rather than fade away, coal, the biggest source of carbon emissions, is experiencing a renaissance. Worries about global warming have been overtaken by more prosaic ones about keeping the lights on. Those concerns are the result of shortfalls of a different power source natural gas brought on by the disruptions of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. 1. How much coal is used now? Coal is by far the biggest source of electricity in the world, generating more than 36% of it. Global usage had started to fall after 2018, but it rose again in 2021 and reached an all-time high in 2022, surpassing 8 billion metric tons for the first time. The International Energy Agency expects demand to remain at that level at least through 2025. Advertisement 2. Who burns all that coal? In developing countries, notably China and India, the two biggest consumers, coal use has grown almost continuously for decades. These countries see coal as the cheap and convenient source of power they require to modernize their economies. Together, they consumed 67% of the worlds coal in 2022, compared with 35% in 2000. As a general trend, coal consumption had been falling in industrialized countries, especially the US and European states. But in 2021 and 2022, consumption rose in the European Union, which has struggled to secure sufficient imports of natural gas, the second biggest source of electricity. Usage also climbed in the US in 2021. But its sliding again in the US, which unlike the EU is self-sufficient in natural gas. The amount of US electricity generated by coal in 2024 is expected to be down almost two-thirds from the peak in 2007. 3. How did the pandemic affect coal use? Advertisement With the onset of the pandemic in early 2020, electricity consumption fell dramatically as factories and offices around the world shut down. That led producers of natural gas to curb their output. Then, when Covid restrictions began to ease in 2021, demand for power surged. Gas suppliers struggled to ramp up production fast enough. Utilities clamored for an alternative to keep the power flowing, pushing coal prices to record highs. A huge government-backed drive for mine expansions and developments lifted supply in China, while India also had some success boosting output. 4. How has the war in Ukraine affected coal use? In response to European sanctions aimed at punishing Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow in early 2022 began choking off natural gas supplies to Europe. The continent had relied on Russia for about 40% of its gas and has boosted coal usage to fill the gap. Its also had to replace Russian coal with supplies from elsewhere because of an EU ban on Russian imports. All of which has put pressure on international supplies, prompting China to boost domestic mining to keep its power plants running. Advertisement 5. What is Chinas coal policy? China uses more coal than all other countries combined, so its actions are a huge factor in determining whether the world shifts away from the dirtiest fossil fuel. President Xi Jinping has pledged that Chinas coal use would peak by 2026, and his government plans to dramatically boost production of power using renewable sources. However, officials also have been pressing coal miners to increase output to record volumes and China is expanding its fleet of coal-fired power plants to avoid economy-crippling power shortages. 6. Whats at stake? In the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement, nations agreed to work to limit global warming since the Industrial Revolution to no more than 1.5C, the level that scientists agree would avoid the most catastrophic impact of climate change. However, the Earth has now warmed by about 1 degree, and the impact is already profound. Researchers have found that since 2011, the vast majority of extreme weather events such as heat waves, drought and hurricanes were more likely to occur, or were made more severe, because of global warming. The result is often significant destruction and threatened agricultural production. Scientists warn that under policies currently in place, the planet may heat up by as much as 2.4 degrees. They calculate that if governments fully implement policies to reach more ambitious targets under discussion in global talks, warming may reach 1.8 degrees. Meeting those goals would be difficult without sharply reducing coal consumption. Advertisement 7. Whats happening in global talks? International climate talks have made only incremental progress in recent years. Ahead of the COP26 talks in Glasgow in 2021, there was optimism that nations would agree to bring coal consumption to an end. However, with power shortages at the time underscoring the importance of the fuel, the conference ended with a less ambitious deal to phase coal down rather than out. Chinas continuing investments in coal cast a pall over negotiations at the COP27 talks in Egypt in 2022. The conference ended with an historic agreement to create a fund to help nations most vulnerable to and impacted by global warming face its effects. But the meeting failed to strengthen goals on phasing down fossil fuels. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article A car collided into the front of a urology clinic on Pantops on Monday afternoon. It is now the third instance of a vehicle crashing into a building in the Charlottesville area this year. There were no injuries and no charges on Monday, according to the Albemarle County Police Department. The incident was described by police as improper parking. Police arrived at the scene Monday afternoon after receiving a call at 12:35 p.m., county police spokeswoman Abbey Stumpf told The Daily Progress. Upon arrival, they found a sedan parked inside the front entrance of the Urological Associates offices at 155 Riverbend Drive. Stumpf said the car had a driver and passenger inside. Neither was injured. Nor was anyone inside the building, Stumpf said. People were evacuated from the building, she said, but no one was injured. A fire marshal was also dispatched to the scene, according to Stumpf. By 4 p.m., a crew was already at the site working to patch up the hole in the facade of the building. Mondays crash is the third time this year a car has crashed through a building in the area. On Jan. 30, exactly a week before Mondays crash, police say 71-year-old Charlottesville resident Anne Moore Milnor crashed her BMW SUV through the front of the Package Depot in Ivy Square Shopping Center in Charlottesville. Milnor, who was treated for minor injuries at University of Virginia Medical Center, was issued a traffic summons and charged with reckless driving. A Package Depot employee who Milnors vehicle struck also was treated for minor injuries on site, police said. Earlier, on Jan. 4, a driver crashed into a vacant meeting room at the DoubleTree Hotel off U.S. 29 north of Charlottesville in Albemarle County. No one inside the hotel was hurt and the motorist also suffered only minor injuries, according to the Albemarle County Police Department. Police said at the time they believed it was an accident. The United States is finally ready to take the plunge when it comes to electric vehicles. But our flawed EV charging system is standing in the way. The grandparents of a 7-year-old girl who died in an attack by a Rottweiler at their Waynesboro residence last year, have pleaded guilty to charges in the case and will serve time in prison. The attack happened in January 2022 in the 200 block of Parker Heights Road. The child died after being taken to Augusta Health. The Rottweiler was impounded after the attack and later euthanized. Pleading guilty Friday to manslaughter and felony child endangerment in Waynesboro Circuit Court was the girls grandmother, Penny Lee Bashlor, 64. The girls step-grandfather, Stephen Christopher Kachmar, 61, entered a plea to a charge of felony harboring a vicious canine, said Waynesboro Commonwealths Attorney David Ledbetter. Under the original indictment against the two, Bashlor and Kachmar were charged with non-capital murder and four other charges. If convicted under the original charges, they could have each received maximum sentences of 70 years. The indictments against the pair were returned last May after evidence was presented to a special circuit court grand jury. Both Bashlor and Kachmar were sentenced to individual prison terms of five years, Ledbetter said. But he said both would receive credit for time already served. Both must serve three years of supervised probation and cannot own a canine. Bashlor and Kachmar must also agree to any conditions imposed by the Department of Social Services in regard to contact with other grandchildren. The case against Bashlor and Kachmar was set to go to trial next Monday in Waynesboro Circuit Court. Had the trial been held, Ledbetter said he would have had witness testimony that the Rottweiler had bitten five individuals. More damaging would have been the testimony of a trainer who worked with the dog. Ledbetter said on two occasions, the trainer told the grandparents to get rid of a gate between the house and family area. The trainer said the dog was guarding the gate. The trainer also would have said the dog was a ticking time bomb and should be euthanized. Ledbetter said an autopsy performed on the euthanized dog at a state lab did not reveal any brain injuries. While the commonwealths attorney said he could do nothing to return the 7-year-old girl to life, he was glad to see some closure in the case. I was glad to spare the family the trauma of a trial, he said. Still unresolved are charges of felony child endangerment against the parents of the 7-year-old, Brooks Anthony Floyd and Alicia Rene Floyd. Most popular guard dog breeds #23. Belgian Laekenois #22. Canaan dog #21. Bergamasco sheepdog #20. Puli #19. Briard #18. Tibetan mastiff #17. Spanish water dog #16. Black Russian terrier #15. Beauceron #14. Boerboel #13. Bouviers des Flandres #12. Anatolian shepherd dog #11. Staffordshire bull terrier #10. Giant schnauzer #9. Bullmastiff #8. Akita #7. Chesapeake Bay retriever #6. Cane corso #5. Doberman pinscher #4. Boxer #3. Australian shepherd #2. Rottweiler #1. German shepherd The bosses of financial heavyweights ANZ Bank and Suncorp Group predict Australia is likely to avoid recession, saying household finances remain resilient despite the pressure on mortgage customers from steeply rising interest rates. After the Reserve Bank on Tuesday raised rates and flagged more increases this year, fanning fears of possible recession, Suncorp chief executive Steve Johnston on Wednesday said its banking customers still had significant buffers. Suncorps half-year profit rose 44 per cent to $560 million. Credit: Paul Harris Almost a third of Suncorps bank customers were more than a year ahead of their repayments, he said, and the strength of household finances was one reason why Johnston believed Australia would avoid recession. Even so, he acknowledged the Reserve Banks task of achieving a soft landing while bringing inflation under control was incredibly difficult. In the fawning world of Silicon Valley, they are collectively known as the A-Team but on current form they would probably struggle to break out of a paper bag, never mind a maximum security stockade. After a week in which a slowdown of the Federal Reserves inflation-busting campaign sparked a strong stock market rally, the titans of the tech world took turns to spoil the party once again, posting a succession of underwhelming financial results. Apple CEO Tim Cooks China moves have been costly. Credit: AP Google parent Alphabet posted below-par figures with the slowdown at video sensation YouTube a notable black spot. Amazon spooked shareholders with bearish outlook for the coming months. Yet it is the reversal at Apple that is increasingly standing out in the post-COVID tech wreck that has overshadowed markets for the past year. Indeed, 2023 is likely to be remembered as the moment when one of the worlds most-admired companies finally paid a heavy price for tying its fortunes so closely to those of Beijing, and a remarkable run during which Apple became the worlds first $US1 trillion ($1.4 trillion), $US2 trillion and then $US3 trillion company came to a spectacular end. It is rare that Apple disappoints Wall Street but on Thursday the iPhone maker shocked analysts after missing forecasts for the first time in seven years. Sales dropped 5 per cent to 96 billion ($168 billion) in the three months to the end of December. Profit, meanwhile, slid to just under 25 billion from 28 billion. Corsage (M) 114 minutes This is the story of Elisabeth, the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria, who spent much of her life being laced into ever-tighter corsets in case anyone should think she was getting fat. Or rather, its a feminist fable suggested by the life of Sisi - her nickname. It may be entertaining, but its mostly unreliable as a biography. A corsage is also the top half of a womans dress: thats the sense of the title. Sisis corsets are the straitjacket she allows, as part of her campaign to stay beautiful. In 1877, she is now 40, older than the average life expectancy of the women in her empire. Her diet consists largely of beef broth and slices of orange. She is a fashion icon, famous for her elaborate hairdos, but she complains having her hair done is her only official duty. Vicky Krieps gives a stunning performance as Sisi, the rebellious wife of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria, in Corsage. Credit: Felix Vratny Vicky Krieps, in a spectacular performance, illuminates a rather trudging narrative. Sisi spends much of the film gasping for breath; the rest she spends pining, weeping, brooding and rebelling. There are suicide attempts, heroin use and lots of smoking. Sisi did smoke, which was unusual for a noblewoman in her position. The rest is largely supposition. Her life was full of sadness and madness - but that ran in her family (Ludwig II of Bavaria was her much-loved cousin). In the German-speaking world, she is a household name, thanks in part to a trio of films starring Romy Schneider. The intention seems to be to invoke Diana Spencer, at least in the sense of shared tragedy. Sisi is a monarch for our times, flicking an unhappy finger at Viennas finest. Loading Elisabeth of Bavaria was only 16 when she married the dull and conservative FJ - who probably loved her more than she loved him. She bore him four children but then largely withdrew from royal duty, preferring long trips with her ladies-in-waiting. She was rumoured to have had several lovers. She was probably anorexic and depressive. Here, her remaining children turn against her and her husband (Florian Teichtmeister) is cold. The pace of the film is glacial; the style, repressed but sumptuous. The settings impress us, but not her. Marie Kreutzer, the Vienna writer/director, is bored by mere fact. She gives us deliberate anachronisms - a tractor, a telephone, electrical wires, cinema before its invention - to warn us this is reverie, not reportage. The real Sisi was assassinated by an Italian anarchist on Lake Geneva in 1898, when she was 60. Kreutzer gives her a more exotic ending, as if her assassination was not enough. Kreuzers invention is ingenious wishful thinking - a way of liberating Sisi from history, allowing her a freedom she never had. Theres a fraction too much fiction here. Drinking water from Perths biggest dam could be rendered undrinkable for years thanks to alarming mining practices by Alcoa, potentially causing restrictions and costing the state up to $2.6 billion to clean it up. The US aluminium giant mines bauxite within 300 metres of the Serpentine Dam, and the risk of sediment flowing into the waterway increased when it changed its methods about five years ago. Government advisers fear heavy rain could wash so much sediment containing chemical pollutants and disease-causing pathogens into the dam that the water would not be drinkable for months or even years. Alcoas changed mining practices and the risk to Perths water supply are detailed in recent internal state government documentation obtained by this masthead. Former federal Liberal political staffer Bruce Lehrmann has filed defamation proceedings against Network Ten and News Corp over their coverage of rape allegations made by his former colleague Brittany Higgins. Lawyers for Lehrmann filed statements of claim in both cases on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Federal Courts online filing system. The lawsuits name Network Ten and News Life Media, the News Corp company behind News.com.au, as respondents in the proceedings. Lehrmann is being represented by Sydney defamation law firm Mark OBrien Legal. Bruce Lehrmann outside the ACT Supreme Court in October last year. Credit: Rhett Wyman Lehrmann stood trial in the ACT Supreme Court last year on one charge of sexual intercourse without consent. He pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting Higgins in the ministerial office of the pairs former boss, Coalition senator Linda Reynolds, in March 2019. A furious row over former Greens senator Lidia Thorpe has sparked demands she give up her Senate seat because it belongs to the party and not to her, with a key preselection rival rebuking her for defecting to the crossbench. Human rights activist and barrister Julian Burnside, who sought the Senate position in a ballot against Thorpe two years ago, said she had treated Greens supporters badly when their work had won the seat for the party last year. Thorpe hit back at her critics late on Tuesday by declaring they should stop demonising her when she was giving Aboriginal people a say and drew her support from a grassroots collective of sovereign black people. Julian Burnside was beaten by Lidia Thorpe in a vote of members to choose retiring leader Richard Di Natales Senate replacement. Credit: Jason South Greens members privately admitted the catastrophe for the party from her defection and said the outcome raised questions over the preselection ballot in June 2020 that elevated her to the Senate rather than naming Burnside. Warsaw: The head of the Russian Orthodox Church worked as a spy for the KGB in the 1970s, according to newly declassified Swiss records. Between ski trips to the Alps, Patriarch Kirill reportedly used a posting to Switzerlands World Council of Churches in 1971 to collect information for the Soviet spy agency. Russian President Vladimir Putin, front, leaves after his meeting with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, left, in Moscow in 2014. Credit: AP Now a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, himself a former KGB agent, Kirill, born Vladimir Mikhailovich Gundyayev, arrived in Geneva as an ambitious 24-year-old looking to make his mark for the Soviet Union. During the Cold War, religion was treated with suspicion in the USSR and used mainly as a tool to promote the Kremlins worldview. Clergymen often had to become KGB agents before they were allowed to travel abroad. Kyiv: Russia is pouring reinforcements into eastern Ukraine ahead of a new offensive that could begin next week along a front where there have been relentless battles for months, a Ukrainian governor said on Tuesday. Desperate for Western military aid to arrive, Ukraine anticipates a major offensive could be launched by Russia for symbolic reasons around the February 24 anniversary of the invasion, which Moscow persists in calling a special military operation. Ukraine is itself planning a spring offensive to recapture lost territory, but awaiting delivery of promised longer-range Western missiles and battle tanks, with some analysts saying the country was months away from being ready. We are seeing more and more [Russian] reserves being deployed in our direction, we are seeing more equipment being brought in ..., Luhansk regional Governor Serhiy Haidai told Ukrainian television. London: Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has said that China will lift its trade bans on Australia as Beijing is looking for a way to climb down from the unsuccessful sanctions. Beijing slapped bans worth tens of billions of dollars on Australian coal, lobsters, barley and wine as relations between the Morrison government and China soured during the COVID-19 pandemic. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Links between the two countries reached a nadir when Chinese officials refused to answer phone calls from Australian counterparts. But the relationship has thawed with the election of Labor to government, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong visiting Beijing in December and Trade Minister Don Farrell invited to visit the Chinese capital in the near future. London: Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has joined the board of trustees of the leading climate sceptic think tank, the Global Warming Policy Foundation, vowing to inject more genuine science and less groupthink into the debate. The London-based think tank was founded in 2009 by Nigel Lawson, who once served as treasurer to former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher. It exists as an educational charity that aims to combat what it calls damaging and harmful climate-change policies. Former prime minister Tony Abbott has joined the board of Britains leading climate-sceptic think tank. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The foundation recently started Net Zero Watch, a campaigning platform highlighting what it calls the costs of net zero. Its charitable status has come under increased scrutiny in Britain over several questions about its funding and claims it is, in fact, a lobbying organisation. The campaigning arm of the foundation was set up after a previous investigation by the UKs Charity Commission found that it had breached rules on impartiality. From 30 January to 3 February 2023, the WCO, within the framework of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), delivered a workshop on performance measurement functions to the Customs Administration of Serbia (CAS). This activity aimed at supporting the CAS in the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in line with the WCO Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM) while complementing the implementation of the national KPIs for the Strategic Goals and corresponding Specific Goals as envisaged in its Business Plan. During the workshop, the CAS officials were invited to reflect on the methodology to develop the indicators for measuring the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs operations with the establishment of an evidence-based performance measurement system. Through active participation in the discussions and practical exercises to apply the knowledge, the CAS officials were able to adopt complementary KPIs designed to enhance reporting, evidence-based decision making, and the monitoring of the implementation of their strategic documents. The discussions further tied the lessons learned to specific expected outcomes and indicators to be implemented by the CAS in the upcoming strategic planning cycle. The high level of interaction from the CAS confirms the Administrations commitment to further develop the maturity of the national performance measurement system in accordance with WCO recommendations and best practices. For more information, please, contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org. The WCO, with the financial support from the Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF) - China, conducted an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme workshop from 23 to 27 January 2023 in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The key objective of this mission was to assist the DRC in the establishment and implementation of their AEO programme, which is one of core trade facilitation measures as detailed in Article 7.7 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and Pillar 2 of the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards. WCO Experts carried out the diagnostic mission, which included the analysis of the current national situation concerning the AEO implementation vis-a-vis relevant international standards and global best practices with a view to identifying gaps and providing recommendations on legal framework. Hands-on training and guidance was provided by WCO Experts for DRC Customs officials, helping them to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement their AEO programme. The training covered a wide range of topics, including risk management, post clearance audit, stakeholders engagement and human resource requirements. At the end of the Workshop, a set of recommendations for effective implementation of an AEO programme were drawn up and a work plan for the implementation of a fully-fledged operational AEO programme was prepared by DRC Customs with the assistance of the WCO Experts. This mission was a crucial step in strengthening the implementation of the AEO programme in the DRC and DRC Customs officials showed a strong commitment to implementing the AEO programme, starting with the mining sector. The WCO Experts received positive feedback from the participants and the DRC Customs Administration expressed their gratitude for the support provided. The WCO will continue to provide technical assistance to the DRC Customs Administration to support their initiative going forward. Today Clouds thicken overnight. A warm and dry evening, then a spotty shower or two possible after midnight. Remaining quite mild. Tonight Clouds thicken overnight. A warm and dry evening, then a spotty shower or two possible after midnight. Remaining quite mild. Tomorrow Mainly cloudy and much cooler than we've been (but still not bad for April) with some occasional showers or an afternoon t-storm, but not a washout. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Clouds thicken overnight. A warm and dry evening, then a spotty shower or two possible after midnight. Remaining quite mild. . Tonight Clouds thicken overnight. A warm and dry evening, then a spotty shower or two possible after midnight. Remaining quite mild. HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro warned residents on the Ohio border to evacuate ahead of a controlled release" of toxic material. It follows a fiery Norfolk Southern train wreck from over the weekend. "I am strongly, strongly encouraging an evacuation in a one-mile, two-mile area surrounding East Palestine," said Gov. Josh Shapiro, (D) Pennsylvania. Shapiro spoke to Pennsylvanians who live near the area in Ohio, ahead of the "controlled release" of toxic material on Monday afternoon. Officials say they're worried about a potentially dangerous explosion. Shapiro said his team has been monitoring the situation ever since the train derailed south of Youngstown on Friday. "The vinyl chloride contents of five rail cars are currently unstable and could potentially explode, resulting in deadly shrapnel and toxic fumes," continued Shapiro. Residents in the area of the train derailment were encouraged to evacuate before the controlled release by Norfolk Southern at 3:30 p.m. The zone impacts 22 Pennsylvanians. "Let me be very clear, if you are in this red zone, this one on the map, and you refuse to evacuate, you are risking death," said Shapiro. The governor continued to say anyone living in the orange area of the zone who refuses to evacuate is risking permanent lung damage within hours or days of the chemical release. Norfolk Southern released a statement online. It says efforts continue to restore service and customers should expect delays of at least 24 hours on shipments moving between Cleveland and the Northeast via Pittsburgh. READING, Pa. Reading City Council's strategic planning committee heard a brief report from the city administration Monday night regarding implementation of the Stantech Downtown Plus report. Jamal F. Abodalo, community development director, said the study was commissioned in 2021 to look at the area between City Park and the river. Abodalo said the administration will begin to put together resolutions which will be presented to council over the next few weeks. The overall goal is to put together the steps and identify the funding sources to bring back a vibrant downtown. "When we started the study, we basically looked at parameters of what would be able to improve the downtown and bring it back to being a vibrant downtown," Abodalo said. "We discussed how to bring in more residents, how we would be able to encourage businesses to come back to the area, how we can deal with the parking, what can we do about traffic calming and how we will be able to incentivize special components of it," he said. Councilwoman Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz said that during her years of being on council, this has been one of slowest processes she has ever seen. "The only real movement we saw downtown was when the Santander Arena was built, and then following that, years later, the DoubleTree Hotel," Goodman-Hinnershtiz said. "Whatever administration takes on this strategic plan, it has to have a timeline on it and be monitored to see whether or not we're accomplishing it, and then document why we're not," she continued. "That's my biggest concern that things keep falling through the cracks." Goodman-Hinnershitz said she will not support the strategic plan unless she sees specific timelines and unless it includes the positions in city hall which will be accountable for implementation. "We need to be able to sometimes backtrack a little bit and talk about what hasn't happened, and clearly state to the public why it hasn't, and then be able to say, 'This is our plan moving forward,'" she added. "Because the downtown is never going to be vibrant unless the community holds people in our position accountable," Goodman-Hinnershitz said. "I think everyone could say they want something to happen downtown, but there doesn't ever seem to be any accountability." Council President Donna Reed said she shared the concerns raised by Goodman-Hinnershitz. "Many people will come to us and say, 'What's going on with this building or that building?'" Reed said. "They see no movement on it. It's been sitting there stationary or without activity." "How can we address that both from the city standpoint that things are being done and that we as a city are holding people accountable?" Reed asked. Abodalo said he would be happy to bring in out-of-town developers to speak to council via Zoom to address what is being done. Managing Director William Heim said it's important to identify the parts of the plan that can be controlled by the city. "As you know, we can't make developers make investments," Heim said. "We can assist them trying to get some incentives from the state and federal government, when possible, but it's a lot more complex." "One of the things I think that makes things difficult right now, especially following COVID, is that everybody's kind of struggling to regain sense of normalcy, and that hurts development," Heim said. "But I think there are some things that we can identify as priorities that we can achieve within a timeline that we have more control over." Reed said such information would go a long way for the public to feel that something is happening with the downtown buildings. Bethlehem's Planning Commission will review Thursday a 317-unit apartment complex that crosses the city's border into Allentown and could bring in hundreds of new residents. The proposed Hanover Apartments would be in both cities, with four apartment buildings of four or five stories each. The development would go on vacant land at 2300 Hanover Ave. Most of the apartments would be in Bethlehem, where West Broad Street and Eaton Avenue join to form Hanover Avenue. The 8.7-acre tract is a block south of the Lehigh Shopping Center on West Union Boulevard. The plan is proposed by BAHX LLC of Cedar Knolls, N.J., according to planning documents. The planning commission has a full agenda, with the Hanover proposal, along with 54 apartments planned for 2897 Easton Ave. (across from the shopping center anchored by a Giant grocery store) and a revised plan for the Martin Tower site on Eighth Avenue. The meeting will be at 5 p.m. in Bethlehem Town Hall and broadcast on the Internet. Allentown's Planning Commission reviewed the Hanover Apartments proposal last month. Chairman Christian Brown described the idea of adding 317 apartments on the border of the two cities as "significant." Bethlehem's Planning Commission will see just a preliminary, or "sketch," plan on Thursday and will not make any formal decision, but it may pass recommendations on to the Zoning Hearing Board. The apartment buildings as proposed would be 250 feet to 280 feet long, and would require a variance from the zoning code, which limits them to 180 feet. Based on the size of the development, the builder would have to pay a recreation fee of $475,500 to Bethlehem. The commission will also go over revisions to the master plan for the former site of 21-story Martin Tower, once headquarters for Bethlehem Steel Corp. That mixed-use development proposes office, retail, medical and more than 1,000 residential units, according to the Bethlehem planning bureau. Martin Tower was blown up in 2019 and the land cleared for development. Also on the agenda is a plan for 54 apartments at 2897 Easton Ave., former site of Kospia's Nurseries. The city's zoning board approved variances for that development in February 2022. The Easton Avenue project was proposed by Dominic Villani of Bethlehem and John Tallarico of Nazareth. It is about a half-mile east of 220 apartments that will be built at the former Bethlehem Drive-In, on the Bethlehem Township side of Easton Avenue. BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. - A Northampton County man claimed he killed his neighbor in self-defense, and a jury believed him. The not-guilty verdict was reached Tuesday in the Joshua Leone trial. It took more than nine hours for the jury to finally declare Leone an innocent man. "They took their job seriously. They didn't come to a rush to judgment, a quick verdict," said Bob Goldman, Leone's attorney. Goldman said he's grateful the jury came to the same conclusion he did: That Leone was acting in self defense when he pulled the trigger of his shotgun, killing Kenneth Pickell in the garage of his Clifton Ave., Bethlehem Township home in February of 2021. The two had allegedly been feuding for some time, but Goldman said it was Pickell who instigated the final confrontation, not Leone. "What makes it really hard when you represent a client is when you know he's innocent, you know he's been sitting in jail for two years being an innocent man," said Goldman. The only eyewitness in the trial was Michelle Kurtz, Pickell's girlfriend. Goldman said he's surprised the prosecution put her on the stand. "Their eyewitness admitted during the trial that she committed perjury well over 10, 15 times in another, earlier court proceeding," said Goldman. Deputy District Attorney James Augustine defended Kurtz's role as an integral part of their case. "Her testimony had some inconsistencies, but I don't believe that it rose to the level of outright lying about material aspects of this case," said Augustine. Goldman said Leone has been waiting in jail for this verdict for two years. He now gets to see his wife and three children, one of whom he's never met. "His wife at the time of this incident was pregnant, and he's never seen his newborn son," said Goldman. We also caught up with Leone as he was leaving the Northampton County Jail right after 5 p.m. Tuesday. "This has been the worst two years of my life. I was incarcerated for saving my life," said Leone. "I missed the birth of my son, and I lost my house, I lost my cars and I'm literally starting from scratch." Goldman said the verdict gives him faith that the justice system still works. "It's just wonderful that, in this country, this can happen. The right decision happened," said Goldman. BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Northampton Community College is honoring Tyre Nichols in a special way. A number of photographs taken by Nichols before his death last month will be on display inside the lobby of the Fowler Family Southside Center on the college's campus in Bethlehem. The display is being put up by Lehigh Valley Justice Institute and is meant to honor Nichols' life and passion for photography. Nichols died three days after he was brutally beaten by a group of Memphis police officers during a traffic stop on Jan. 7. Officials with the justice institute say they didn't want Nichols to be "written off as another Black man who ended up in a bad situation with law enforcement." "We felt it was important for people to understand him as an individual and to see his view of the world, and as I said, the beauty he tried to capture," said Lehigh Valley Justice Institute Executive Director Joe Welsh. You can check out the display this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. - Joshua Leone's fate is now in the hands of the jury. The prosecution argues he should be convicted of first-degree murder for shooting and killing Kenneth Pickell in the garage of his Bethlehem Township home in February of 2021. Prosecutors say Leone told his wife and kids to leave the house, loaded a shotgun, and hid it in his garage. Prosecutors argue he then provoked Pickell intentionally, luring him into his garage to kill him. But Leone's attorney says he should be found innocent. Video before the shooting shows Pickell acting erratically, walking onto Leone's property, taking off his shirt and pulling down his pants, and exposing himself. The video also shows Leone backing away from Pickell. Inside the garage, Leone's attorney claims Pickell picked up an axe and threatened Leone, prompting him to grab the shotgun and fire in self-defense. But prosecutors say Pickell's fingerprints were not found on the ax. A key piece of evidence is that Pickell was shot in the back. The prosecution claims that's because he was leaving the garage, but Leone's attorney says it's because he was in the middle of a throwing motion with the axe, and the shot caught him in the back. Jurors went home for the night around 9 p.m. Monday. Deliberations are to resume at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. BETHLEHEM, Pa. - In a letter to families, Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Joseph Roy said BASD Dining Services received shipments of juice products that were discovered to have signs of egg larvae or maggot activity on some crates/pallets. The shipments were received last week, over several days, Roy said. In a few instances, maggots attached to the exterior of drink cartons were transferred to student trays, according to the letter. Roy says the beverage products were disposed of at all 22 schools after the identification of the issue. As of this time, the issue involved four schools: Freedom High School, East Hills Middle School, Freemansburg Elementary, and Thomas Jefferson Elementary, Roy said. Aramark, the district's dining services manager, is working with dining services staff at all 22 schools to conduct quality assurance inspections related to receipt of deliveries, Roy said. The City of Bethlehem Health Bureau was also consulted to review the steps that Aramark has taken to address the problem. "The health and safety of our students and staff must always be a top priority," Roy said. "Food safety must be a given. We expect the same high standards from our food and beverage vendors." "Maggots are disgusting," Roy said. "It's disgusting that they even made it into the delivery areas of the kitchens." Roy spoke with 69 News just a few hours after his initial email to parents to give an update on the investigation. After further investigation, he says that at Freemansburg and Thomas Jefferson elementary schools, the products never made it to the serving line. However, that wasn't the case for all of the schools. "Freedom High School and East Hills Middle School, some of the products made it to the serving line," Roy said. "And we're aware of just two incidents where a single maggot was on a tray." He said milk cartons weren't impacted, and that the insects were only found near the juice products. He also said the food was never contaminated. "I want to make it really clear; it was on the crates or the pallets, nothing in food," Roy said. "So even though it was juice, they were the sealed containers. It was on the crates that they came in on." Roy said the juice was delivered by supplier Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms, and that BASD will no longer be using its products. Roy, however, is taking responsibility, saying district employees should have done a better job of catching the issue before the bugs got into the cafeterias. He says BASD will also be checking shipments before they come into schools. "What we needed to do better, was really what the first two schools did, which is the delivery came, they inspected it and identified a problem, and put it back out there," Roy said. "We've got to make sure that happens every day with every delivery." Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms released a statement Monday, saying, in part, "...our top priority is producing safe, nutritious, and high-quality products. Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of the communities we serve." The company apologized to the district. "An investigation is underway to determine the source of the reported insect activity," the company said. "Based on the findings of our investigation, we will take appropriate corrective actions as necessary." The company said that before making any future deliveries to the district, product crates and cartons will undergo additional inspections to verify crates are clean. Following a successful statewide outreach last year, Get Ahead Colorado will continue with its awareness and help campaign for tax filing assistance and sourcing available tax credits. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recently announced it will continue the bilingual Get Ahead Colorado and Hacia Adelante Colorado statewide awareness campaigns. Coloradans can use the resources offered through this program to save money and learn about how to receive tax credits including the child tax credit, earned income tax credit, and the child and dependent tax credit, among others, according to a news release. Last year, the campaign resulted in $3.5 million claimed tax credits for low and moderate-income tax payers. The success of last years work was through a combination of help from the Polis-Primavera administration, CDPHE, AmeriCorps, and ServeColorado in addition to Colorado Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly volunteers. Almost one in four Coloradans do not claim tax credits that they are eligible for, according to Heather Link-Bergman, economic mobility communications manager in the Prevention Services Division at CDPHE. So this team aims to close that gap. There is a reason behind why this gap may exist, according to Link-Bergman. One example is that low-income Coloradans may not be making enough money to be required to file a tax return, so tax credits that they still qualify for may be skipped over. We want to make sure that folks who are eligible to receive tax credits so for example, the child tax credit or the earned income tax credit are two big ones we want to make sure that they are able to get these credits, Link-Bergman said. This campaign will connect those interested in filing returns with three free-and-secure ways to file their taxes: Whether it be through the online platform, with an IRS-certified tax preparer on a smartphone, or in-person at one of the Colorado nonprofit organization's site location, according to the news release. This program is funded by the Senate Bill 22-182 Economic Mobility Program. We are making sure Coloradans can keep more of their hard-earned money, and this tax season we encourage Coloradans to check out this great opportunity to get free and secure tax support, Gov. Jared Polis said in the release. Link-Bergman said that tax credits help reduce poverty and increase economic well-being for many. Tax credits can help people manage the stress of rising expenses as well, so they can afford fresh food or afford to pay for child care or afford to meet the rising cost of housing, Link-Bergman said. So being able to reduce that stress also has a positive outcome for folks. For more information, or accessing help in filing tax returns, visit GetAheadColorado.org or HaciaAdelanteColorado.org. ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Thousands are dead and thousands more injured after a devastating earthquake hit Turkey and Syria. The death toll continues to rise. Civil war and international sanctions have crippled Syria, and now with the natural disaster Syrians we spoke to say their countrymen are in desperate need of international help. Earlier Monday Allentown's Elias Mamari was on a Facetime phone call with his dad, a priest, in Aleppo, Syria. "I wish he will be safe, but we don't know what will happen next. He just told me four earthquakes happened right now," he said. More than 3,000 people have died and 14,000 injured, as the 7.8-magnitude quake and ensuing aftershocks devastated parts of Turkey and Syria. Mamari's father shot video of an apartment building toppling earlier Monday. "He said they were afraid if something happens they can't do anything and there is no way to help the people there because they don't have any medication," the 20-year-old relayed from his father. Crews searched through metal and concrete for survivors. Those like Foud Salloum's family, who live near the epicenter, are now pushed on the streets, into bitter cold weather. Solloum was able to talk with one of his three siblings Monday. "Something crashed." "But he is alive?" "Yes, my family is all good," Solloum told us. Father Meletios Zafaran of Allentown's St. George Orthodox Church, who also has family in Syria, sees the damage posted online. "They are thirsty and don't have water and medications. They have nothing of the important sources of life. Even bread is hard for them to get," he explained. It's a result, he says, of a decade of civil war and economic sanctions that crippled the country's hospitals, medication, and food supplies. Zafaran is pleading for the international community to help, while Mamari is just hoping his dad is okay. "We try to stay connected with him all the time. Pray for him and all the people there," he said. The United Nations has said it is sending humanitarian aide to both countries. WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Susan Wild is hoping she and three other Democratic colleagues can move through a package that she says will strengthen the supply chain. "Making sure that we can proactively look at the vulnerabilities in our supply chain, identify where gaps are, where we need to be producing more, and shoring up our supply," Wild said. The package consists of five bills that work together to federally monitor and improve the supply chain, while also creating grant programs that invest in domestic supply and manufacturing. Of the five, Wild is introducing The Supply Chain Security and Resilience Act, which would create a program at the Department of Commerce to develop standards, guidelines, and procedures to identify needs. "So it's partly to make sure we never end up with shortages again, but just as importantly it's to make sure we are building that Made-in-the-USA economy," Wild said. "Hopefully, we can return a lot of this manufacturing to the U.S. with American workers." "I think there's always been a case for a need for investing, perhaps at the federal level, in manufacturing," said Director of the Center for Supply Chain Research at Lehigh University Zach Zacharia. He thinks investing in domestic manufacturing would accelerate innovation but isn't convinced the federal government would be more effective at monitoring the supply chain. "People who are investing their own dollars will identify those vulnerabilities," Zacharia said. "I just don't know how you'd be able to map everything that's going on, I mean we have a huge economy to be able to do that." Wild sees it more as a resource that can work on a macro level with states and private industry: "We can see the big picture, we can see the patterns developing, where we are going to run short on certain supplies or goods." The package will need bipartisan support to pass. Wild feels they can get it. A building that's ready for high-tech work is available in South Bethlehem, to the person with about $7 million. That is after the price was reduced, according to a real estate ad. The 119 Technology Drive building covers 48,000 square feet on about 4 acres, just east of the Fahy Bridge and just south of the Lehigh River. The current tenant is IQE Plc, a U.K.-based maker of semiconductor wafers. In 2020, IQE filed a notice with the State of Pennsylvania that the plant would close by 2024, with 100 jobs lost. 69 News contacted IQE on Tuesday for comment. The building is leased through December of this year, according to the sale ad placed by commercial real estate firm NAI Summit. The owner is listed on Northampton County records as IQE Properties, a limited liability corporation that bought 119 Technology Drive in 2007 for $3.5 million. The property has office space, a "clean room" (a space where airborne particles are minimized), about 7,000 square feet of warehouse area and 120 parking spaces. It is close to Routes 378, 22, 309 and I-78, a few miles from Lehigh Valley International Airport and a few blocks from Lehigh University, according to NAI Summit. Nearby are other high-tech and industrial tenants, such as OraSure Technologies Inc. HARRISBURG, Pa. A Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled Tuesday that the state's system of school funding is unconstitutional. The judge ruled that the funding system violates the Education Clause of the Pennsylvania Constitution, saying the clause was "clearly, palpably, and plainly violated because of a failure to provide all students with access to a comprehensive, effective, and contemporary system of public education that will give them a meaningful opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and civically." In the 786-page decision, Judge Renee Cohn Jubilerer said that over the course of the more than three-month trial that ended a year ago, the petitioners had demonstrated "manifest deficiencies" between low- and high-wealth districts. She said there was "no rational basis" for the disparities, which derive from Pennsylvania's heavy reliance on local property taxes to pay for public education. It wasn't immediately clear what would happen next; the decision has been expected to be appealed. The court heard 41 witnesses and received 14,000 pages of testimony before closing arguments were finally made in Pennsylvania's landmark school funding trial. The attorney for six statewide school districts, including Panther Valley and Shenandoah, had described Pennsylvania's public education as education on the brink. First filed in 2014, a lawsuit argued the public education funding system violated the state's constitution and does not promise a through and efficient education for all students. The reason? The majority of school funding comes from local sources, like property taxes, and poorer districts are drastically underfunded compared to wealthier ones, the lawsuit said. There's a $7,000 per student difference between districts, attorney Katrina Robinson told the judge during the trial. She called the General Assembly willfully ignorant and irrational in how it funds public schools, saying Act 35, the fair funding formula passed in 2016, doesn't do its job. She pointed to both Panther Valley and Shenandoah having some of the highest taxes in the state but being funded near the bottom of the 500 school districts. During closing arguments pictures of run-down school buildings and classrooms were shown as examples of how districts don't have the funds for basic repairs. Several state entities were being sued, including the state Board of Education. Politicians are responding to the ruling. State Sen. Lisa Boscola issued a statement: "Hopefully, this decision will spur the General Assembly to move away from local school property taxes and towards a fairer funding mechanism that fully utilizes our fair funding formula. A child's zip code should not determine the quality of their education." State Rep. Michael Schlossberg said, "Now thanks to the court decision, Allentown students and taxpayers can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our kids win today. Justice wins today." Pennsylvania Acting Attorney General Michelle Henry issued a statement regarding the decision: "When our Office filed an amicus brief last spring in support of the lawsuit challenging the Commonwealth's school funding formula, we argued that the Pennsylvania Constitution demands that every child should have access to high-quality public education regardless of their zip code and that the system as it exists fails to meet that standard. Our Office is still in the process of thoroughly reviewing the Court's opinion, but we were gratified to learn today that the Court agreed with our position, paving the way for Pennsylvania lawmakers to come together to create a new system that works for all children and families." YARDLEY, Pa. - A man has learned his fate after pleading no contest to shooting a police chief in Bucks County. Colin Petroziello, 25, was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in a state correctional institution for shooting Yardley Police Chief Joseph Kelly, according to a news release from the county district attorney's office. He will also undergo probation for 15 years once hes done serving his time and pay more than $43,000 in restitution, the DA's office said. Petroziello, of Yardley, entered a no contest plea in September to counts of attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer, two counts of attempted murder, six counts of aggravated assault, and one count each of assault of a law enforcement officer, persons not to possess a firearm, false imprisonment, recklessly endangering another person and possession of an instrument of crime. At 11 a.m. on Aug. 18, 2021, Bucks County Adult Probation/Parole Officer Cristina Viviano arrived to conduct an offender check on Petroziello. She heard doors slamming and arguing coming from inside his apartment, and immediately called for assistance from Yardley Borough Police, the DA's office said. Kelly arrived a short time later. The DA's office said Petroziello was angry, agitated and intoxicated and was armed prior to police arrival, but his mother never gave that information when she called for assistance from probation. Petroziellos mother also texted Viviano, asking her if she was still on her way while never mentioning her son was armed, according to the news release. Kelly and Viviano approached Petroziellos door, knocked and identified themselves as police. At a preliminary hearing held on Aug. 31, 2021, Kelly testified he was able to peer into a windowpane on the door and could see a male, later identified as Petroziello, inside, aiming a shotgun at the door, according to the DA's office. Kelly was able to move as Petroziello fired a shotgun through the front door with the projectiles penetrating the door and hitting Kelly in the hand and ear, according to the news release. Kelly testified Monday that he continues to have limited mobility of his injured hand. Armed with the shotgun, Petroziello barricaded himself in the unit and prevented his mother from leaving and police from entering, the DA's office said. Law enforcement agencies from throughout Bucks County converged on the scene and established a perimeter. He was taken into custody after a more than four-hour standoff. The South Central Bucks County Emergency Response Team helped to get Petroziello's mother out through a window. Before she got out, Petroziellos mother was able to toss a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun out the window when her son fell asleep. When the SERT Team later went into the apartment, they found Petroziello unconscious. They recovered a loaded .45-caliber handgun tucked in his waistband, and a second loaded magazine was found in his pants pocket, the DA's office said. The DA's office said Bucks County Detectives also found a set of brass knuckles in Petroziello's bedroom. A background check revealed Petroziello was twice committed on involuntary mental health commitments, making him ineligible to possess a firearm under Pennsylvania law. He also had an active protection-from-abuse order against him from his maternal aunt. During Mondays sentencing, First Assistant District Attorney Jennifer M. Schorn detailed Petroziellos history of drug use and propensity for violence, spanning nearly a decade. The public is not safe if the defendant is out in the community, she said. The potential of such technologies as fixed wireless access (FWA) to help schools, teachers, and students in very resource-limited settings is to be demonstrated in Senegal by Ericsson and operator Free Senegal. Ericsson and Free Senegal have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a proof-of-concept (PoC) project that aims to provide a digital education ecosystem for schools in Senegal. As part of the PoC, a number of schools will be connected with FWA technology, and will also be provided with laptops, learning content and teacher training to support the development of the ecosystem. The project will run as a part of Ericsson'sConnect To Learnprogramme, which is described as a global education initiative to improve educational opportunities through technology. The partnership also complements Free Senegals ongoing efforts to improve learning standards in Senegals schools to help students across the country develop their communities and increase their digital literacy. As Ericsson points out, for many schools around the globe, including schools in Senegal, connecting to the internet, and accessing online education will be via mobile networks. Although it is usually implemented as a solution for homes and businesses, the PoC will demonstrate how FWA, using existing mobile network infrastructure, can be a cost-effective and quickly deployed solution to connect schools. Residents on the outer limits of two areas of Lebanon will see additional traffic lights after the City Council recently approved two signals in high-traffic areas.The council approved contracts for construction of traffic signals at the intersection of Highway 109 and Rock Castle Drive near the Spence Creek subdivision, and the intersection of Highway 231 North and Torrey Pines Lane [] Since the end of January non-profit homeless shelter Compassionate Hands in Lebanon is debt free after Providence Church in Mt. Juliet blessed it with a $190,000 check to fully pay off the mortgage of its Center for Hope & Renewal.Compassionate Hands Minister and Executive Director John Grant said the center was purchased November 2020 with another huge check from Providence [] Having confirmed its acquisition of a 32% stake in Vodafone Idea, and helped to alleviate bankruptcy concerns hovering over the company, the Indian government is reportedly insisting that the countrys third-largest operator must press ahead with 5G rollout. We reported on Monday that Vodafone Idea said it had partnered with Motorola to ensure the smartphone makers devices work on Vodafone Ideas 5G network in Delhi. This implies a possible 5G launch in the national capital. Indeed, the Economic Times news service suggests that the government expects Vodafone Idea to start 5G rollouts soon in line with minimum rollout obligations after having bought 5G spectrum in last year's auction. The Mint news service says, however, that the operator will need an investment of $6 billion-$8 billion in 5G and fibre and infrastructure upgrades, to stay competitive. This could be a problem given high levels of debt, continuous loss of subscribers and market share erosion. However, the network rollout obligations are clear: commercial launch of 5G services anywhere in each of the three metros within the first year after spectrum allotment, which, in the case of Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vi was mid-September 2022. Also, at least one city has to be provided with 5G in each of India's 22 telecom circles (or service areas). Non-compliance means a financial penalty, and potentially, after a year, return of the spectrum. Vodafone Idea has not yet offered a timetable, but the governments position sems to be clear. Telecom Secretary K Rajaraman, quoted in the Economic Times, says: "We have sold the spectrum to them, and we expect them to roll out because there are minimum rollout obligations." The Winona City Council approved a motion to support the group Healthy Lake Winona in its grant application and planned carp control. The citys collaboration with Healthy Lake Winona to develop a plan for common carp management for Lake Winona and its connected bodies of water starts with a potential grant from the new Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources to fund the work. If Healthy Lake Winona receives the Clean Water Legacy Partners Grant, the city would contribute in-kind staff time to meet the required 10% match. Volunteer and college student work would be the primary source for meeting the requirement. This is a great opportunity that Healthy Lake Winona would be applying for and the city would participate with some staff time and being an active participant in the study, said John Howard, city of Winona natural resources sustainability coordinator. The key will be to capture carp and put a tag in them to track where they are going. Mostly to see if they are going to Bollers Lake to breed, we believe thats where they are going Along with determining where the carp go to spawn, the study would give an estimation of the number of carp in Lake Winona, and the report would provide recommendations on control and removal options. Ultimately, the goal is to get that population down to a point where it is no longer impacting the sediments, said Howard. Ideally that would open up the possibility of doing a phosphorus treatment. Currently, we are not able to do any lake treatment to control the phosphorus. (Treatment) would really get the lakes phosphorus levels down, help control the algae and improve water quality. So, the carp are kind of that first step. Controlling the carp population is one of the steps to get Lake Winona off the impaired waters list. This invasive fish contributes to higher phosphorous levels by disturbing the lake bottoms, undermining treatments from being done successfully. Howard told the mayor and council that although the city is not applying for the grant, a study like this is required for a lot of clean water funding, so it can open the door to future funds. Ideally, we could start work this summer. The timeline on the grant is pushing it out to early summer for doing the tagging and population estimate, said Howard. That means we could do some control work, potentially get a report back by the fall and have a plan going into the winter. The grant deadline is in two weeks, and Healthy Lake Winona should hear back on the application results in April. I believe (the target) number for the carp population is 120 kilograms per acre. We are well over that. From the study, we will get an idea of what that number is exactly and then how we would get that population down, said Howard. (For) the control aspect, to keep the population from coming back up, there are a couple of options that would be addressed in this report. Touring the River Valley: Winona County What do you love most about Winona County? (filmed in 2021) Lakeview Hills Lake and High School Greenery Hills Greenery Structures Water Hills Farm Turbines Farm Farm Welcome to Utica Tractor Farm land Solar panels Crop land Farm equipment Cows Farm land Water Winona County sign Flag Water Whitewater State Park Bridge Greenery Hills Walking path Water Fire tower Garvin Heights Garvin Heights Garvin Heights Sugar Loaf River Bridge Winona County ST. PAUL The Otto Bremer Trust has awarded $16,554,123 in grants and program-related investments as part of its most recent grantmaking cycle. OBT invested in a variety of organizations and programs that are focused on helping meet critical needs across Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Wisconsin, said Daniel Reardon, co-CEO and trustee at OBT. The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul. Created in 1944 by business and community leader Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested more than $1 billion in people, places and opportunities in its region. A Sauk County Circuit Court judge recently issued an arrest warrant for a former Baraboo man accused of brutalizing and stalking another person for years. Wendell D. Gist, 48, of Country Club Hills, Illinois, faces three felony counts of first-degree sexual assault by use of a dangerous weapon, a felony charge of first-degree sexual assault causing great bodily harm and stalking with a result of bodily harm. The charges stem from complaints made by the person who Gist allegedly attacked to a Sauk County Sheriffs Office detective in early 2020. The person tried to explain that by working with a rape crisis counselor, they had decided to report the attacks. During the attempted interview, the person was distraught. The detective advised that they write down a record. In April 2021, a letter from the reporting person arrived. According to the complaint, the letter detailed three separate attacks, two at a home on Quarry Street in Baraboo and another at Campus Inn in West Baraboo. A later attack also reportedly happened at another residence on Oak Street in Baraboo. In one attack, Gist entered the home without the persons knowledge and attacked them. The complainant told police that Gist forced them to a bedroom and laid them out on plastic wrap, threatening them with a knife and stabbing the person in the leg before sexually assaulting them while holding a gun to their head. I know a lot of this is hard to read, says the letter. I tried to go back and reread/write. I cannot.Ive spent my adulthood traumatized. I live in fear. Gist also attacked the person in a separate encounter by using a hair straightener to burn the persons arms, causing infection. During the attack at Campus Inn, the person told police Gist strangled and sexually assaulted them in a room there. Gist also burned them with cigarettes. This person told police that as a result of Gists alleged attacks, they now deal with post traumatic stress disorder, paranoia, night terrors and depression. These events happened roughly a decade ago, in 2011 and 2012, before this person moved away, though Gist has continued trying to contact them through social media. Gists arrests over the years meant that the alleged harassment and abuse would be sporadic. According to court records, Gist was charged in September 2011 with substantial battery in Sauk County Circuit Court. He spent 90 days in jail as a condition of probation ordered by Circuit Court Judge Guy Reynolds, but it was revoked in February 2014 and he was sentenced to another 12 months in jail with work release privileges. Gist has also been convicted of felony child abuse, carrying a concealed weapon, possessing up to 40 grams of cocaine with the intention to sell, strangulation and suffocation and misdemeanor battery. According to messages provided in the complaint, Gist contacted the person he allegedly attacked in separate incidents in 2017, 2018 and 2021. He said he had grown up and apologized. Circuit Court Judge Patricia Barrett issued the warrant Jan. 12. Gist faces a maximum of 167.5 years imprisonment and up to 85 years of extended supervision if convicted. GALLERY: Sauk County court, cops Arsonist sentenced Shores enters Spoentgen argues Amber Lundgren hearing 'I'm sorry, that's all I can say' 020221-bara-news-metzger1 Defense attorney Jeremiah Meyer-O'Day Amber Lundgren in shackles Medflight near Baraboo Judge sets $250K bond for Pulvermacher in Baraboo homicide case Amber Lundgren homicide hearing Albart B. Shores trial Sauk County ADA Rick Spoentgen Pulvermacher listens 102519-bara-news-sauk-co-homicide1 William Wenzel Judge Michael Screnock Judge Klicko and attorneys Martinez and Spoentgen Sauk County Assistant District Attorney Rick Spoentgen Drew Bulin testifies Wenzel and Van Wagner in courtroom 073021-bara-news-dogs1 Mike Albrecht sworn in 051121-bara-news-law-zunker The Beaver Dam Common Council was presented with several options for dedicating the citys remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds Monday night. In total, Beaver Dam has received $1.7 million and has spent approximately $432,000, leaving the city with $1.3 million. While few official decisions were made, City Administrator Nathan Thiel presented a swath of ways that ARPA funds could be used, encouraging the alders to take a holistic view of their spending. One of the proposed projects is the addition of pedestrian amenities on Spring Street as well as sprucing up a parking lot on Henry Street. Thiel suggested that Beaver Dam could dedicate $50,000 in ARPA funds and get its investment matched by a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation grant. The addition of a parking lot would run the city $30,000. While Beaver Dam has until December 2024 to decide how it will dedicate the money, the WEDC grant deadline forced the council to come to terms on at least one of its funding options. The city invested a lot into Spring Street last year, but there was a lack of funding to support the streetscape amenities, Thiel said. The discussion was, can we look for grants and other opportunities to find funding? As I reviewed opportunities, WEDC brought forth the Vibrant Spaces Grant, and as a staff we were excited to bring this concept. Ten benches, 10 trash barrels and 10 planters would be purchased for Spring Street. To better match the project with WEDCs grant specifications, the Henry Street parking lot was tacked on along with a plan for landscaping, lighting and trees on the western side of the lot. Additionally, the city met with Ooga Brewing Company and Title Consultants Inc to discuss beautifying the entire corner. That parking lot would get utilized a lot more if it was laid out more efficiently, so I think a redo on that parking lot would be very beneficial, Council President Mike Wissell, District 14, said. I cant park my truck on Center Street. Its too long. Ill kill somebody. I cant park my car there either because somebody will park a truck next to it, Alder Kevin Burnett, District 13, stated. Im for this parking lot. The council voted to authorize the use of ARPA funds for the Spring Street project as well as match the Vibrant Spaces Grant for the parking lot should the city receive it. If Beaver Dams application isnt chosen, the city would only be obligated to put in amenities on Spring Street. The resolution passed 10 to 4, with Alders Ken Anderson, 6, Mick Fischer, 5, David Hansen, 1, and Jack Yuds, 7, against. Other recommendations for the remaining funds included purchasing fire and rescue equipment, funding a mass transit feasibility study and upgrading the citys street lights to LED, which would cost $280,000 but yield $65,000 in energy savings. Roughly $100,000 could be set aside for future housing projects, and $200,000 can be dedicated to area projects that expand childcare offerings. Mayor Becky Glewen also proposed committing $225,000 for land acquisition on Madison Street in a continued effort to revitalize the gateway to the downtown area. Beaver Dams Downtown Redevelopment Plan identifies Madison Street, a route thats commonly taken off of Highway 151, as being integral in how residents and visitors perceive the city. If all funding recommendations were approved in the coming months, the total bill would be $1,374,000 $90,030 over what the city has available in ARPA funds. Fischer commended the LED lighting upgrade, noting that the city would be able to spend ARPA funding instead of its own dollars on a project that would also result in future savings. Fischer added that the city should be looking at other ways to save money instead of spending. He later accused alders who vote for the resolution of financially benefitting from the decision. We have available funds at this time to use as a match, which makes (Spring Street) a project that can be accomplished that otherwise might not be, Mayor Glewen said. This is nothing that were just making up or trying to benefit one business over another. It is purely looking at how we can grow our community. A bridge in Courtland has been closed for years due to the state officials and railroad officials disagreeing on a final plan. The bridge on County Highway A, just south of Randolph, has been closed since 2020. The bridge, which sits in the town of Courtland, was built by the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), the former Chicago and Northwestern lines, in 1910. It is made of timber with an asphalt base and goes over the railway tracks. The bridge currently has large Bridge Out signs on both ends. There is also guard rail blocking the entrance and large concrete blocks to stop all traffic from crossing bridge. The railway closed the bridge due to a number issues including no longer being safe for public use, Columbia County Highway Commissioner Chris Hardy said. Hardy explained the county has been planning to replace the bridge since 2017, but has been slowed by the UPRR and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The two entities cannot come to agreement on the final design of the bridge, according to Hardy. The railway built the bridge and therefore have to agree to the bridge concurrence, Hardy said. They built the bridge so they need to agree to the final plan before construction can begin. The Wisconsin Office of Commissioner Railroads ruled last year in favor of a petition by the DOT. Yash P. Wadhwa, Commissioner of Railroads with the OCR wrote in his final decision that UPRR that the delay in approving a preliminary engineering agreement for the CTH A has led to more risk to the public. The WisDOT and UP have been at an impasse for more than two years over a Preliminary Engineering (PE) Agreement and Stipulation that has significantly delayed a project to replace a seriously deficient structure under 23 U.S.C. 144. This lack of action has placed public safety at risk, Wadhwa wrote. Weve been working to replace this for almost eight years now, Hardy said. The issues with the DOT and UPRR are still at odds over the design of the bridge. The bridge is part of the DOT local bridge program and when the design is completed will be funded by federal, state and county funds. The CTH A Bridge would be funded with 80% federal and state funds with the county responsible for the remaining 20%. Hardy added a portion of that 20% will come from the railway because of an existing agreement between Columbia County and UPRR. Hardy said he has heard from Randolph Fire department and EMS that having the bridge out makes getting to the area in Courtland difficult. There are two town roads near the bridge but one has a low clearance and theres also a sharp, narrow S-curve on one of the town roads, Hardy said. County Supervisor Adam Hahn represents the towns of Courtland and Fountain Prairie and the Village of Cambria. He said he wants the bridge issues resolved as soon as possible. This is taking county traffic and is going into the towns. It will lead to the towns having to fix the infrastructure caused by this closure, Hahn said. Im a family farmer in the area and it is directly affecting our farm, Hahn said. Trucks are getting re-routed through the area for a road that just ends now. Hardy said the design for the bridge is 60% completed, but there are still design issues that need to be resolved with the railway and DOT. The portal for the railway and the vehicle traffic designs have been completed, Hardy said. So the rough idea of the bridge stuff has been completed. The remaining portion is a final bid package that will include all aspects of the bridge construction and the complete design. There are similar bridge concerns off of CTH A with Sterk Road Bridge and Inglehart Road Bridge. Hardy said he expected the bridge designs to be approved and then bid out the project. However, Hardy thinks the OCR may have to rule on the design of those bridges, too. These two bridges also involve the DOT and UPRR. The CTH A Bridge was set to be bid out later this year in September, but Hardy said that will be delayed as the two sides still have not agreed on a final design plan. This is a continuing issue and there is a growing necessity for it to be resolved, Hahn said. Close PHOTOS: A look inside Beautifully Blemished Sharon Wade's Beautifully Blemished shop has become a fixture on Portage's West Cook Street, serving vintage and antique lovers, crafters, and local folks who just love a good project. People like Wade, for whom the shop is a long-standing "dream." A Cambria man has been charged with operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration, 5th offense, after authorities could allegedly smell intoxicants when responding to a car crash last year. Court documents filed in Columbia County allege John R. Dawidziak, 49, was driving under the influence of alcohol in June 2022. Dawidziak was involved in a single-car crash and when authorities showed up he allegedly admitted to having a few drinks before driving. The complaint alleges there were cold beer cans in the car when the crash happened. If convicted, Dawidziak faces five years in prison followed by up to five years of extended supervision. Dawidziak is also facing three traffic violations stemming from the event. He is charged with failure to stop at a stop sign, refusing to take a test for intoxication after arrest and failure to notify police of an accident. According to the criminal complaint filed on Feb. 2: On June 12, 2022, a Columbia County Sheriffs Deputy was dispatched to the town of Randolph near County Highway E and Scharf Road for a report of a single-vehicle crash in the area. When the deputy arrived, Dawidziak was being treated by EMS personnel. Dawidziak was the lone occupant and admitted to the deputy he had two to three drinks before the crash. The deputy reported smelling the odor of intoxicants coming from Dawidziak and the vehicle. Three cold cans of beer were located in the vehicle. A blood alcohol level for Dawidziak was obtained after two blood specimens were sent to the Medical Toxicology Section of the State Laboratory of Hygiene. Results from the state lab analysis show a blood alcohol level for Dawidziak was 0.156 g/100 mL. State statute states that a motorist cannot have a prohibited alcohol concentration over 0.02 g/100 mL. The criminal complaint states Dawidziak was first convicted of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant in Wisconsin in 1999. His fourth and most recent conviction was in 2008. Dawidziak is set to be in court on Wednesday, Feb. 8 for his initial appearance in Columbia County Courthouse. People learn to make lanterns during an event celebrating the Lantern Festival in Southlake, Texas, the United States, Feb. 4, 2023. [Photo by Xin Jin/Xinhua] DALLAS, the United States, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) It's a festive weekend in and around Dallas, a major city in the U.S. state of Texas, where hundreds of people celebrated the end of the Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Lantern Festival. In Dallas, shopping malls joined in on the celebration. Hundreds of red lanterns draped down from the ceiling of the Dallas Gallery shopping mall, while a big Chinese New Year message could be seen at North Park Center, another big shopping mall in the city. Lunar New Year is a big deal in Dallas, residents say. It's a two-week event that includes several celebrations among Asian communities, ranging from large-scale lantern displays in upscale shopping malls to cultural performances and, of course, the Lantern Festival to conclude it. A lantern in the shape of a rabbit is seen at an event celebrating the Lantern Festival in Southlake, Texas, the United States, Feb. 4, 2023. [Photo by Xin Jin/Xinhua] In Southlake, a suburban city 20 miles (32 km) west of Dallas, more than 100 children and adults flocked to the Town Hall activity center on Saturday afternoon, joining a workshop to make hand-crafted rabbit lanterns that best exemplify the customs of the Lantern Festival. As night fell and streetlights began to flicker, people from all over the city gathered in the Rustic Park in front of the Town Hall, bringing the lanterns they had made earlier in the day. As people followed the young dragon dancers' footsteps during the evening lantern walk, the streets and alleys of Southlake were filled with lighting and laughter. "As a mayor, one of the most fun and honored things I do is to support all of the cultures in Southlake, including our Asian culture," John Huffman, the mayor of Southlake, told Xinhua, calling the whole Spring Festival "truly special and meaningful." People perform drangon dance during an event celebrating the Lantern Festival in Southlake, Texas, the United States, Feb. 4, 2023. [Photo by Xin Jin/Xinhua] The year 2023 is the sixth year Southlake has hosted the Lantern Festival celebration, according to Fendy Chan with the Southlake Sister Cities, a local group co-organizing Saturday's events with the city library. As the Lantern Festival grew in size over time, people enjoyed more activities, such as dragon and lion dances, guessing lantern riddles, lighting lanterns after dark and eating rice balls with various fillings. (Source: Xinhua) An 82-year-old woman was found alive at a New York funeral home after she was pronounced dead hours earlier, police say Over-policed and under-protected: The road to Safer Schools, a report by the Runnymede Trust think tank, reveals that there are 979 police officers in Britains schools. This is an increase of nearly three hundred, or 43 percent, since the last research available, from 2021. The Safer Schools Officers (SSOs) are overwhelmingly in schools with high numbers of students eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), a key poverty indicator, and which also have higher numbers of black and minority ethnic students. SSOs have powers that ordinary police officers do not. They may have ongoing permission to be present on school property which ordinary police officers do not. They are assigned to a school or a cluster of schools under a generally vague Safer Schools Partnership (SSP). Half of the SSOs (489) are based in London in areas where social conditions are appalling. There are plans to further increase the number of SSOs by seven percent (65 officers) across the UK. The Runnymede Trust think tank report, Over-policed and under-protected: The road to Safer Schools" [Photo: runnymedetrust.org] The report presents only a partial picture, based on a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to police forces in the UK of which only 43 responded. The forces that did not respond are Kent, Leicestershire, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Sussex, Northern Ireland and Lancashire Police Constabularies. They cover some densely populated areas, with schools in impoverished areas, including: the city of Leicester, where 20 percent of neighbourhoods are among the most deprived 10 percent nationally; Derby and the former mining areas of Chesterfield and Bolsover; and Lancashire, where towns like Blackburn, Burnley and Darwen have over 35 percent of child poverty. According to a July 7, 2022 written answer to a question from a Green Party London Assembly representative on the number of police in schools, the office of London Mayor Sadiq Khan answered, As of June 2022, the MPS [Metropolitan Police Service] have over 370 SSOs delivering 622 SSPs and a further 329 schools who have named officer support. In total 1014 schools either have an SSP or named school officer. The impetus for the Runnymede Trust research was the case of Child Q, which brought to attention the presence of police in schools. Child Q was a then 15-year-old black girl wrongly accused of possessing cannabis, who in 2020 was strip searched by Metropolitan Police at her school in Hackney. She was menstruating at the time. The arrest triggered protests against the Met, who are still under investigation. An FOI by the Guardian in March 2022 revealed, Metropolitan Police conducted around 9,000 strip searches on children in the past five years. A Childrens Commissioners report into the Strip Search of Children by the Metropolitan Police Service in 2022 found that of the 650 children strip searched by the Metropolitan police between 2018-2020, 95% were boys, and over half of the boys searched were black. This widespread criminalising of children is potentially causing long-term psychological damage. The drive to embed police in schools took place under the Labour government of Tony Blair (1997-2007) which in 2002 brought in the Safer Schools Partnership Programme. This was part of a raft of policies seeking to penalise parents and young people for social problems previously dealt with by social services and school welfare programmes, including the introduction of fines and imprisonment of parents for their childs non-attendance. The Runnymede Trust report comments, This marked a development in the role and activities of police officers in school, who in the decade after, were tasked with a range of multi-agency preventative and enforcement work based in the school setting. The report identified a further shift rightwards when, following the police killing in 2011 of Mark Duggan, riots erupted in Tottenham and quickly spread across the country. In November 2011, the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government introduced the Ending Gang and Youth Violence scheme. This insisted on the placement of police officers in schools as important to identifying potentially at risk young people and referring them for further intervention to address their behaviour. Under the guise of fighting terrorism and preventing radicalisation, the Prevent Strategy was introduced by Labour in 2003, with the deliberate aim of demonising Muslims while reinforcing the apparatus for surveillance and intimidation to be used against the entire working class. Prevent had its remit widened in 2011 by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat government. In 2014, Prevent led to the introduction of British values in the school curriculum. This includes the promotion of British democracy and the rule of law, under conditions in which civil liberties are under a sustained offensive. The Ofsted inspection criteria for judging schools also insists that these supposed values are for all British citizens to adhere to. In 2015, legislation made it a statutory duty for school, local authority, prison and National Health Service staff to report any individual deemed vulnerable to radicalization to the Prevent programme. A 2019 report by Liberty revealed that UK police forces have full access to private information, including the political views, of the thousands of men, women and children referred to Prevent. The information is available to police forces through the National Police Prevent Case Management (PCM) database, centrally managed by the national counter-terrorism body. West Midlands Police [Photo by West Midlands Police / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 The section of the report Young Peoples Experience of a Regular Police Presence in Schools shows the extent to which the presence of police in schools is now a daily experience for many children. It reports that 37 percent of children attended a school with a regular police presence. It notes, Thirty-nine young people who attended or had attended a school with a regular police presence provided qualitative comments about their experiences. The vast majority of views expressed here were negative. Overall, the Greater Manchester report shows that the presence of police in schools stigmatises both schools and their students. Their presence creates a climate of fear, anxiety and hostility for young people, particularly for those that are already marginalised, with young peoples well-being, mental health, and attainment all impacted. Put simply, police in schools feed a school-to-prison pipeline. This forms part of the Runnymede Trusts summary. In the last two decades, state schools have been transformed into holding pens where teachers are subject to intense scrutiny, working within a national curriculum imposed with all the many legal government directives flowing from Safeguarding and Prevent legislation. One of the points made in the Manchester report is that the presence of police in schools adds to existing school punishments including detentions, isolation and exclusions, for example this poses a real barrier to the positive development of young people. Behaviour policies in schools have as their core principle a punitive individual approach to the social problems that many young people find difficult to leave at the door. Over the last 15 years of austerity pastoral support in schools has been slashed, with under-resourced workers spending their entire time dealing with child protection and pressing social needs such as access to food, clothes, and welfare benefitsa situation that can only intensify under conditions of a severe economic crisis. The Runnymede report pays lip service to wider social inequalities, but insists throughout on prioritising race as the defining problem of a police presence in schools separate from any identification of the common class basis of the targeting of pupils, whether they are black, Asian or white. It insists, The government should require all police forces in England to discontinue any further participation in Safer Schools Partnerships and withdraw Safer Schools Officers from schools, because their presence, disproportionally discriminates against black and ethnic minority pupils. The increasing police presence in schools and the entire policy of criminalising the classroom must be ended. While there is plenty of money to pay for police in schools, there is no money to pay for desperately needed education workers and other required additional staff. More must be trained and recruited to create a nurturing not a hostile environment. Tens of billions of pounds must be poured in to support children and young people with their educational, social and mental health needs. At least 26 people have lost their lives to catastrophic fires that are sweeping through central-southern Chile with no end in sight. Over 280 active fires are blazing in the regions of Maule, Nuble, Biobio and La Araucania, 350km to 700km south of Santiago, regions that are dominated by agribusinesses and millions of hectares of pine and eucalyptus plantations. Fire in the Nuble region of Chile. Sign reads, "Preventing a forest fire is easier than fighting one". (Photo: Lacasadeljotta) CC BY-SA 4.0] [Photo by Lacasadeljotta Wildfires have also broken out in the deep south of Los Rios and Los Lagos, and in Valparaiso to the north of the capital. Over the weekend, Minister of the Interior Carolina Toha placed Nuble, Biobio and La Araucania under States of Catastrophe, which allows for the deployment of the Armed Forces into the zones. Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Venezuela and other countries have responded to the call for help and are sending fire brigades, specialists and equipment. A debilitating 14-year drought caused by climate change, criminally reckless forestry industry activity, unusually high temperatures and strong Patagonian winds have created the perfect conditions for the environmental disaster unfolding in Chile. The devastating fires have already burnt through approximately 200,700 hectares according to preliminary estimates of the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF). Theyve predominantly ravaged enormous privately-owned plantations, pine and eucalyptus plantations that have been allowed to encroach into populated spaces where today they buttress homes, farms, indigenous communities, villages, towns and even regional cities. These are the people being directly affected. Twenty-six people have perished in the space of a week, including a volunteer fire fighter, Yesenia Munoz, who died while on active duty, as well as a firefighting pilot and a helicopter mechanic. Over 1,550 houses have been destroyed by the fires affecting some 3,300 people. The death toll surpasses the forest fires of 2014 in the densely populated Valparaiso region, which killed 15, injured over 500, and destroyed more than 2,900 homes. It also looks likely to surpass the 2017 forest fires, until then the worst in recent history. Some 467,000 hectares went up in flames. The tragic incident left 11 dead and localities such as Santa Olga were razed to the ground. 1,600 homes were set ablaze by fires that advanced at 8,240 hectares per hour. In a sickening twist, the focus of the administration of pseudo-left President Gabriel Boric has been to lay responsibility on the population at large and ignore the elephant in the room. The government, assisted by the corporate media, have desperately sought to avoid any mention of the timber industry. In announcing the deployment of the military, Interior Minister Toha told a press conference that an important part of the work that the armed forces and the forces of order is to have patrols to avoid risky situations. To avoid behaviors that could generate new fires Prompted by a CNN reporter if she was aware of any intentionally lit fires, Toha responded that while they are investigating cases, we do know that 99 percent of fires are generated by human action whether voluntary or involuntary So, regardless of what the investigations tell us, what we can say is there was human action behind it, that it was avoidable with precaution, and the insistence today is to concentrate on that because the vast majority of fires are caused by this type of reason. This servility to corporate interests has only emboldened the timber magnates. On February 4, the president of the Chilean Timber Corporation, Juan Jose Ugarte, alleged that the fires were intentional and menacingly called for the militarization of the entire central-southern territory. The capacities are at the limit, and for that reason it is vital to use the tools that the State of Exception allows, because it is required in some communes to establish curfews, prohibition of circulation of people, prohibition of the sale of fuel in drums, to not have accelerant vehicles that spread fires, establish control points of routes, among others, to give security to the neighbors and prevent people from continuing to cause fires, Ugarte said. Nonetheless, it has proved impossible to shut out the growing voices of anger representing the hundreds of thousands of families directly and indirectly affected by the yearly occurrence of bush fires that are widely believed to be the work of the forestry companies themselves to acquire more landin 2021, seven Forestal Arauco brigadiers were arrested for intentionally lighting fires that burnt 15,000 hectares in Radal Siete Tazas National Park. One fisherman from Punta Lavapie, a cove in the Gulf of Arauco, Biobio, interviewed by Megavision demanded that forestry companies stop planting trees so close to their homes. To all the private companies that continue planting near our homes, our coves and our workplaces. We are all artisanal fishermen and we are not going to leave here. You can't plant your resources so close to us, he told a surprised reporter who quickly diverted the discussion to the cleanup efforts of the residents. About 35 houses of the coastal village were razed to the ground. All the residents were forced to evacuate by sea on boats supplied by the local fishermen and by the Navy because plantations adjacent to the small village blocked all possibility of escaping by land. In another interview, the mayor of the rural municipality of Santa Juana unwittingly criticized the governments subservience to the timber magnates in the Biobio region. Santa Juana, which sits between the Wood Route and the Biobio River and is where the fires crossed to other locations, found itself surrounded by fire on all sides. Ten residents have lost their lives and 50 percent of the rural homes have gone up in flames. The mayor, Ana Albornoz, (who happens to be allied with the current administration of the pseudo-left president Gabriel Boric) told the media, The first shelter we had, the school of Colico Alto, we lost. We lost the health care center in the sector, we have no possibility of providing health care for the neighbors affected in the rural area. We are evacuating the sector of Los Castanos, because the fire, in addition to expanding towards Santa Juana, is spreading towards rural sectors of the municipality. She continued, We are unable to cope. We are alone. There is an abandonment by the State of Chile. There is no plan for plantations, we need it to be regulated and that was not done by the State. The legislation we have is horrible, it does not protect us. The Biobio Region is entirely planted with (pines). Sometimes it seems that only Providencia, Las Condes and big cities matter, but not the communities that feed our country. Many thousands more have turned to social media to air their anger at the current and past governments which have bent over backwards to help the timber industry magnates, beginning with the military dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet brought in decree law 701 in 1974, which subsidized 75 percent of the cost of pine plantations, and in 1980 brought in the Water Code, which allowed for the private ownership of water. From 1974 to the present, Arauco (owned by the Angelini Group) and CMPC (Matte Group) had received US $1billion from public funds and own close to 2 million hectares of land combined. To create a propitious climate for the expansion of the industry, the dictatorship removed indigenous Mapuche communities from ancestral lands at the point of a gun. It also rescinded the land seizures of the 1960s and 1970s, handing them back to latifundistas, while brutally repressing left-wing peasant organizations. With the return to civilian rule in 1990, alternating Christian Democratic, Socialist Party and right-wing governments have applied anti-terrorist and state security laws against Mapuche communities, which have turned increasingly to armed struggle to reclaim their ancestral lands. Meanwhile politicians of all stripes have been mired in one corruption scandal after another involving the oligarchic families of Chile. Today President Boric, promoted as a progressive, environmentalist, feminist by liberals and the pseudo-left, is continuing in line with his predecessors. Yesterday, two powerful earthquakes shattered the Turkish-Syrian border region. A 7.7 magnitude quake centered in the southern Turkish city of Kahramanmaras in the early morning was followed by a massive aftershock, of magnitude 7.6 in the afternoon. The quakes, felt as far away as Lebanon and Cyprus, have left thousands dead and tens of thousands desperately awaiting rescue, buried under the rubble. In Turkey, the quakes destroyed at least 6,200 buildings, killed 2,921 people and injured 16,000 in 10 cities, where over 15 million people live. Hospitals, roads and airports all have been destroyed or damaged, and damage to electricity transformers and natural gas lines is leading to widespread power and gas outages. People and emergency teams search for people in the rubble of a destroyed building in Gaziantep, Turkey, Monday, February 6, 2023. [AP Photo/Mustafa Karali] In Syria, devastated by the NATO alliances 12-year war for regime change, the confirmed death toll has already exceeded 1,300. The ongoing war is preventing rescue teams from reaching many areas. Parts of northwest Syria are under the control of the Turkish army and its Islamist proxies, while northeastern Syria is under the control of US forces and their Kurdish nationalist allies. Tragically, with many people still trapped under collapsed buildings in both Turkey and Syria, the death toll is set to rise substantially. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to spend the night in freezing temperatures or in buildings damaged by the earthquake. The World Health Organization has warned that the death toll may rise eight-fold, to nearly 30,000. President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government has declared seven days of national mourning, but people across the earthquake zone are largely being left to cope on their own. With only 9,000 Turkish rescue workers mobilized, no official teams have yet arrived in many places. Miners from various provinces are volunteering to go to the region to join search-and-rescue efforts. While the Turkish government boasts of producing killer drones and long-range missiles capable of hitting Athens, people trying to rescue their friends and loved ones from under the rubble are being to left to work with picks and shovels. The callous reaction of the financial oligarchy to the disaster was summarized by the Istanbul stock exchange: After the earthquake, shares of cement companies soared. The massive death toll from these earthquakes is an entirely preventable and widely foreseen tragedy. It is, in reality, not primarily a natural disaster, but a social crime for which the capitalist system bears responsibility. Yesterdays earthquakes occurred in the world's second-most seismic region, the so-called Alpide Belt. Located on major fault lines, it has a long record of earthquake disasters. The 1999 Marmara earthquake in Turkey killed nearly 18,000 people and injured tens of thousands more, according to official statistics. Scientists had increasingly warned that yesterdays disaster was imminent and implored public authorities to strengthen buildings, warning that failing to do so would come at a horrific cost in lives. After the Elazg earthquake in January 2020 in Turkey, Huseyin Alan, the chairman of the Chamber of Geology Engineers, stated that besides Istanbul, 18 city centersincluding Kahramanmaras and Hatay, which suffered major damage from yesterdays quakeare on active faults with high potential to produce earthquakes. In a major earthquake, buildings there would be destroyed, he stated. Prof. Dr. Naci Gorur, one of Turkeys most respected geologists and advocates of building earthquake-resistant cities, has long pointed to the comparison between Japan and Turkey. He wrote that only four people died from earthquake damage from the 7.4-magnitude quake in Fukushima in 2022, while nearly 20,000 people died in the 1999 Marmara earthquake of the same magnitude. This underscores that virtually all the deaths in yesterdays quake in Kahramanmaras could have been avoided. Gorur has been drawing attention to the danger of major earthquakes in this region for years. In a TV program last night after the earthquake, Gorur said his team had prepared a project to prevent these losses, but that the authorities had ignored it. Gorur once again warned of a major Istanbul earthquake. A magnitude 7 quake is expected in this mega-city of at least 16 million. While Istanbul City Hall, controlled by the bourgeois opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), claims it would cause only 14,000 deaths, Gorur predicts that the actual death toll could exceed 400,000. Building earthquake-resistant housing is a critical global problem that capitalism has proved incapable of solving. A 2021 article in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Science by Chinese, Australian, US, Canadian and German scientists found that in 2015, a staggering 1.5 billion people lived in earthquake-prone areas. This number is rising rapidly, mainly in vulnerable countries of the Middle East and Central and South Asia such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Today, the level of development of science and industry is such that earthquake-resistant cities could be built worldwide. Why has social infrastructure gone constantly neglected and the call to redesign cities and renovate buildings to make them earthquake-resistant been ignored, as have appeals to prepare for post-earthquake rescue and treatment? Yesterdays earthquakes occurred at the epicenter of the US-led NATO powers three-decades long campaign of imperialist wars in the Middle East following the Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria have cost trillions of dollars and millions of lives. Syria has been devastated by a 12-year NATO proxy war that has cost over 500,000 lives and displaced over 10 million people. Many Syrian refugees who fled Syria to save their lives, and today live in poverty in southern Turkey, have been abandoned to their fate after the earthquake. Dozens of NATO states have made token statements about sending aid to their NATO ally Turkey, while largely ignoring the victims of the same disaster in Syria, which remains under a crippling US sanctions regime that denies its population access to medical and other resources desperately needed not only to confront the current catastrophe but to sustain daily life. In reality, the leaders of the imperialist governments, who hypocritically offer condolences to earthquake victims, are primarily responsible for the war in Syria and the catastrophic squandering of social wealth on war, rather than on public health and safety. All major social issues today, including averting natural disasters, are by nature global problems requiring a socially coordinated solution. Yet the private profit interests of the bourgeoisie and the division of the world into rival nation-states stand in the way of any progressive response. This is why there has been no worldwide scientific response to the COVID-19 pandemic or to global climate change. Instead, the imperialist powers, whose criminal let it rip policies on the COVID-19 pandemic have led to the deaths of over 21 million people globally, now threaten all humanity with World War III by escalating their war on Russia in Ukraine. The obstacle to a planned, rational response to urgent social problems can only be removed by a frontal attack by the international working class on the power and wealth of the ruling class, thereby subordinating private profit to social need. The preventable devastation of yesterdays earthquakes has demonstrated once again the urgent necessity of replacing capitalism with global socialism. According to the UK-based predictive health analytics company Airfinity, as of February 6, 2023, the estimated cumulative deaths from COVID-19 in China since December 1, 2022, have reached 1.3 million. In just over two months, pandemic fatalities in China have surpassed the figure for official deaths in the US since the pandemic began three years ago. The US toll stands at 1.13 million, with close to 500 people dying each day. Meanwhile, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to insist on adhering to an extremely narrow definition of COVID-19 deaths, releasing figures which are acknowledged to be vast undercounts by every reputable scientific body with their wide experience in the behavior of the coronavirus, including its latest iteration of Omicron. Reuters noted on February 4, 2023, that Chinese health officials reported that between January 27 and February 2, only 3,278 COVID-related in-hospital deaths had occurred. And among these deaths, only 131 deaths were related to respiratory failures, bringing the cumulative tally since December 8 to 82,238. People look after their elderly relatives receiving medical treatment at an emergency hall of a hospital in Beijing, Saturday, January 7, 2023. [AP Photo/Andy Wong] Since China officially lifted its Zero-COVID policy on December 7, a tsunami of infections has washed across the country. Government officials called it the exit wave, expressing the hope that the country would emerge from the dynamic public health efforts it had mounted to protect the lives and well-being of its population. It was the unrelenting pressures imposed by global finance capital to bring online its economic engines, and not protests by a mere several hundred university students decrying the infractions on their liberties by the Zero-COVID policy, that were decisive in the about-face. Given the popularity of the Zero-COVID policy among the Chinese working class, officials sought to assure them that Omicron was truly mild, a lie perpetrated by every other national government that used the highly contagious and deadly strain to carry out a strategy for mass infection and an end to pandemic restrictions. The new policy in China required a complete cover-up of the real toll in terms of excess deaths that the population was forced to accept in the bureaucracys deal with the West. This was exemplified by Chinas Vice Premier Liu Hes address to the billionaires at the World Economic Forum in Davos, proclaiming that China was open for business again. As the Airfinity update noted, the Omicron surge spread with such ferocity that instead of a second wave during and after the Chinese Lunar New Year, the country experienced one enormous wave of infection peaking in mid- to late-January. Accordingly, they revised their estimates of daily deaths up to 36,000 per day at the peak, accounting for the scale of infection and the impact on health systems as they sought to absorb the massive number of severely infected people. In particular, rural China faced the hardship of both having a much older population and lacking sufficient health care resourcesincluding basic medications like ibuprofen to reduce high fevers being out of stockto manage the crisis. As one physician, Dong Chunhong, in the rural region of Chinas Shaanxi province recounted in the Telegraph, People came knocking on my door until midnight. I was exhausted. My whole family had a fever. I wasnt feeling well, but I still had to serve my people. Dong added that the tiny village of Gongjiahe that he lives in has 1,136 people. He believes more than half were infected and 90 percent survived, although he imagined many died at home without his knowledge. Anecdotal stories about loved ones succumbing to the virus have become legion in press reports. Either hospitals are too crowded to accept more patients or resources are lacking at fever clinics to treat patients. Many of the infected end up waiting at home in the hopes of recovering. However, as their health begins to fail and their need for oxygen becomes acute, they are brought back to hospitals and clinics for immediate attention. Not surprisingly, their families are told their loved one passed away from heart disease. As one man examining his wifes death certificate mused, I didnt know she had such a disease. A report released in mid-January by Peking University had estimated more than 900 million people (64 percent) in the country had been infected, with numbers expected to rise during the mass internal migration of the Lunar New Year, which will drive the virus deeper across the country. Notably, their estimates had placed the level of infections in some rural and remote provinces at upwards of 80 to 90 percent, corresponding to a level of deaths that remain uncounted. In a grim report, attempting to contextualize the hidden deaths in China during the exit surge, the New York Times examined the obituaries of scholars and scientists published over the last four years by the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. As the report noted, there are about 1,700 members distributed almost equally between the two institutions. Although the obituaries didnt specify the exact cause of death other than illness, there was an appreciable jump in deaths during the surge weeks compared to previous months (during Zero COVID) on the order of more than five-fold higher. In total 40 scholars and scientistsmolecular biologists, nuclear physicists, wildlife scientists, etc.perished in the two months straddling the New Year when previously on average about three died per month. The Times report added, The data drawn from the obituaries are far from conclusive still, obituaries published by other institutions showed similar spikes in late December and early January. From 2019 to 2021, the Harbin Institute of Technology, one of the top engineering schools in the world, had published between one and three obituaries for professors and staff members in those months. Between December and last month, it announced 29 deaths. Aside the combined loss of cumulative knowledge and scientific accomplishments that such distinguished institutions produce for the benefit of society, one must acknowledge, given their prestigious positions with potential access to a better standard of health care, that the toll on the working class of China has been even higher during the last few weeks of mass infection. A brief glimpse into the social media platform Weibo provides context into how the population is reeling from the betrayals by their government leaders in protecting them and their families from the ravages of the infection. In response to a post on January 16 from Zhejiang province on the death of their grandfather, responses included, One could really say that your grandfather was murdered by those health care experts who promoted that [Omicron] is a mere cold, that [infections] are all asymptomatic and the Zero COVID should be lifted. Another wrote, I was at the hospital a couple of days ago but could not get access to a bed. I had to stay in the emergency room. It was filled with elderly people, and basically every day we had someone pass away my whole perspective about life was challenged during that couple of days. Indeed. As such grievances are being shared by the population, which is going through a shared catastrophic and horrific experience watching family members become sickened or die, in the financial sector there is only jubilance as the shares for Taiwans Foxconn, the worlds largest contract electronics maker and a major iPhone assembler for Apple, jumped more than 48 percent year-on-year. Revenue in January reached a record high of more than $22 billion, according to Reuters. A statement issued by the company notes that operations at the Zhengzhou campus, site of worker protests against unsafe public health conditions, are back to normal. In the cold rhetoric of finance, Foxconn said, Based on market consensus for first quarter 2023, January revenue came in slightly ahead. The outlook for the first quarter will likely reach market expectation. The International Committee of the Fourth International insisted that a Zero-COVID strategy on a national basis would never last. The pandemic was first and foremost an international phenomenon that threatened the life and livelihood of the entire planet. But for the ruling elites there could be no infringement on their need to extract surplus value off the backs of the working class. Mantras like the cure cant be worse than the disease, Let it rip, Herd immunity, COVID is endemic and Forever COVID are all anti-scientific and justify anti-public health policies that place profits above life and normalize death. Even as estimates indicate that more than 1 million Chinese, mainly workers and peasants, have suddenly perished from a disease that was stoppable and eradicable, the corporate media has moved on, declaring the pandemic is over and giving no serious attention to the enormity of the tragedy. On January 31, the New York Times released filmmaker Sam Mirpoorians documentary film titled A Safe Place, which focused on the death, and subsequent cover-up, of 40-year-old father and worker, Jerod Draper, inside the Harrison County Jail in southern Indiana on October 4, 2018. Roughly seven hours after an early morning traffic stop, Draper, who was white, died inside the jail after he failed to receive medical treatment while suffering from excited delirium due to a methamphetamine overdose. Jerod Draper with his daughter from the film "A Safe Place." [Photo: Sam Mirpoorian/The New York Times] The film chillingly depicts the last torturous hours of Drapers life inside the southern Indiana detention facility using surveillance video from inside the cell where Draper was confined. While incarcerated, Draper was subjected by police officers and medical staff to various heavy-handed restraint techniques, including strapping him into a restraint chair for nearly two hours. Officers justified their barbarism with the flimsy excuse that jail property could be damaged in a room with metal furniture, a steel door and concrete walls. The video shows that while under the care of the jail, Draper, who never resisted police or attacked them, did not receive medical care and instead was tortured for hours by jail and medical staff prior to his death. Prior to being incarcerated, Draper was taken to the hospital by police after they first apprehended him and observed cuts on his wrists and a bloody weapon in his vehicle. He also told police he was suffering from suicidal ideations. Initially Draper did not tell police he was also suffering from methamphetamine intoxication. Eventually he disclosed this to Harrison County Jail commander Dustin Cundall. In the film, Zachary Stewart, a lawyer for the Draper family, says it did not appear that Cundall acted on Drapers admission by informing medical staff so Draper could be evaluated. Instead, Stewart says that someone, still unknown to this day, prescribed Librium (Chlordiazepoxide) for alcohol detoxification. This is despite the fact that Draper never exhibited signs of alcohol intoxication. The film shows how Draper spent his last moments alive. After first being stripped of his clothes and placed in a five-point restraint chair for one hour and 59 minutes, Drapers condition continued to deteriorate inside the cell. He is observed pacing back and forth while sweating profusely and occasionally banging on the steel door. Police responded by aggressively entering the cell, handcuffing the naked man and strapping him to the restraint chair again. While he is strapped to the chair, at least one jailer, Matthew Husley, and a corrections nurse, Michael Gregory, are observed using a taser on Draper seven times in 15 minutes, causing him to bleed. The footage shows that as Draper is restrained, Gregory stomped on his exposed feet with his shoes while another jailer applied pressure to his neck. With multiple corrections officers surrounding Draper, a spit mask affixed to his face begins to pool with blood. Another 50,000 volts from a taser is sent coursing through Drapers body. Jerod Draper bleeding through his spit mask after being tased repeatedly by Harrison County jail staff. [Photo: Sam Mirpoorian/The New York Times] Draper, barely able to move, howls in pain through the spit mask before falling silent, lifeless. The jailers and medical staff remove the restraints and heave his body onto a stretcher and begin to administer CPR. The circumstances around Drapers death were largely unknown for years until investigations by local reporters, working with the assistance of attorneys from the Draper family, forced the county to release the security footage from inside the jail nearly three years after his death as part of a civil lawsuit. In the lawsuit, Harrison County agreed to pay the Draper estate $1 million, yet admitted no criminal guilt in his death. A special report by the Indianapolis Star published in October 2021 titled Death Sentence looked into the death of Draper and other inmates in Indianas jail system. In its investigation the Star found that No public agency ... accurately tracks the number of people who die in Indianas jails, much less how, why, or what should be done about it. In its research, the Star found that inside an Indiana jail Someone has died every two weeks, on average, for more than a decade. Thats more than 300 dead since 2010, and its getting worse. No doubt, these figures are similar or worse in every state across the country. In addition to detailing his last moments inside the jail, the new film shows police footage documenting Drapers arrest; interviews with Natalie Martinez for Wave News in Louisville, Kentucky; Ryan Martin, an investigative reporter for the Indianapolis Star; Drapers mother, Vicki Budd; and lawyers for the Draper family. The film also features depositions from police, jailers and medical staff involved in the death of Draper. It was because Harrison County prosecutor J. Otto Schalk refused to file any charges after reviewing the footage hundreds of times that Drapers family filed the civil lawsuit. In the film, Vicki Budd, Drapers mother, describes her sons childhood as the average Indiana kid enjoying small-town America. But his life was not an exception to tragedy and hardship; in ninth grade, his best friend died in a car accident. The following year his mother said, he witnessed the death of his first love, also in an accident. Budd notes that these successive tragedies built up to the point where he really started to get off track, which led to substance abuse and alcoholism later in life. Before the traffic stop that led to his arrest, he had been clean for several months, according to his mother. Draper is not alone in turning to drugs under the pressure of life in capitalist America. While 10 billionaires increased their net worth by $500 billion in 2021, over 108,000 people in the US died of drug overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In an interview with NPR (National Public Radio) in December 2022, Kenneth Kochanek, a statistician with the CDC, said, Overdose deaths are increasing in the US. Kochanek told NPR that figures from 2022 show that [t]he majority of those deaths are to younger people. Pointing to overdose deaths as a factor in the historic collapse in life expectancy during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, Kochanek noted that deaths to younger people affect the overall life expectancy more than deaths to elderly. Despite footage showing corrections officers and medical staff assaulting Draper while he suffered a medical emergency, the film notes that neither the FBI nor the US Attorney General has filed any criminal charges against any Harrison County Jail staff. A Safe Place is a powerful film and is free to stream on YouTube. It not only sheds new light on the ongoing refusal of state and federal prosecutors to hold any police accountable for the death of Draper, it also, perhaps unintentionally, demolishes the racialist narrative of police violence advanced on a daily basis in the pages of the Times and by the Democratic Party. Draper, like the plurality of the over 1,100 killed by police every year, was white. As Martinez notes in the film, what happened to Draper is not an anomaly in the United States. There is no question there are hundreds, if not thousands more deaths inside Americas sprawling prison complex, including at immigrant detention facilities, that go unreported because the victims families are unable to afford attorneys to navigate the process of civil litigation. The film also refutes claims that the police, an instrument of class rule, can be reformed through implementation of measures, such as body-worn or dash cameras. As Drapers case shows, even when footage exists of brutality and blatant criminality, prosecutors feel no obligation to pursue criminal charges. In a January 2023 interview with The Grid on the adoption of body-cameras by US police departments, Chad Marlow, senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union, observed that when body cameras were rolled out in large number starting in 2016 there was hope that police would behave better since they were being monitored. Those predictions were wrong, Marlow bluntly stated. Body cameras have proven to have limited and inconsistent value when it comes to holding officers accountable for their misconduct and virtually no beneficial effect in preventing misconduct in the first place. Despite clear video evidence, in an interview with the Star in October 2021, Harrison County prosecutor J. Otto Schalk justified not pursuing charges against jail staff by claiming that while Draper was restrained in the chair and surrounded by at least five corrections officers, he still posed a threat and therefore the staff members were within their right to tase him repeatedly. Ive seen a lot of jail guards be injured, contract disease, Schalk told the Star. And so, to opine as to whether or not someone presents a risk when they can still flail around, when they can still projectile bodily waste, I dont know if that would be appropriate at the moment to opine whether or not (the nurse) was in danger at the time. Schalk added that sometimes jail staff will take certain steps, [that] to the lay person they may not always understand... The Zelensky government is in turmoil amid indications that Russia is preparing a new offensive with the hundreds of thousands of recruits who were drafted in the partial mobilization drive since September 2022. On Sunday, the head of the parliamentary faction of the ruling Servant of the People Party, Davyd Arakhamia, announced that Oleksandr Reznikov, Ukraines defense minister, would step down and be replaced by Maj. General Kyrylo Budanov, currently the head of Ukraines military intelligence. Writing on Telegram, Arakhmia stated war dictates changes in personnel policy and announced that Reznikov would be transferred to head the Ministry of Strategic Industries, whose head Pavlo Riabikin would in turn also be dismissed. Reznikov has been implicated in a major corruption scandal in which high-ranking officials were reported to have gone on vacation, accepted massive bribes or made use of vehicles that were sent to Ukraine by NATO to help evacuate refugees from the war. Defense Ministry officials have been accused of procuring food for the military at massively inflated prices. Reznikovs deputy, Viacheslav Shapovalov, was already forced to resign. Reznikov has been a central figure in negotiating the tens of billions of dollars in weapons that are being funneled by NATO into Ukraine. A few weeks ago, he bluntly declared that Ukraine is a member of NATO de facto. As of this writing, the official removal of Reznikov has not occurred with some outlets reporting that the Ukrainian parliament will be voting on it. Reznikov has publicly denied Arakhamias announcement that he would be transferred to head the Ministry of Strategic Industries, declaring that he would not take the position, even if it was offered to him. Ukrainian media have reported that, as a military general, Budanov is legally not allowed to assume the position of the head of the defense ministry, which is reserved to civilian leaders. However, in a meeting on Monday by Zelensky with the military high command, which included the chief of the Ukrainian army, Valery Zaluzhny, the head of the National Security Council, Alexei Danilov, and military commanders, Budanov was reported as a participant, whereas Reznikov was not. According to the Ukrainian press, the meeting focused on preparing for a potential Russian offensive in the very near future. Following the meeting, Zelensky announced that he would replace a series of regional officials with figures who have a military background. As part of the corruption scandal, there have also been raids by the Ukrainian Secret Service (SBU) on the homes of the oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky and the former Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, who is notorious for his ties to the neo-Nazi Azov Battalion. The corruption scandal involving some of the countrys best known politicians and oligarchs has no doubt highlighted the callous criminality of Ukraines oligarchy, which has shamelessly used the war as yet another opportunity to engage in plunder, while the population is suffering extraordinary deprivation and mass death. However, the claim that what is involved in the shake-up of the Ukrainian state and ruling class is a fight against corruption cannot be taken at face value. Within the Ukrainian state apparatus and oligarchy that have emerged out of the restoration of capitalism by the Soviet bureaucracyitself one of the largest orgies of organized plunder in historythe alleged fight against corruption has long been a preferred method of settling political scores and conflicts within the ruling class and cover up the intervention of the imperialist powers in these conflicts. The purge of the state apparatus now unfolding is the largest since the beginning of the war, surpassing that of last summer when the head of Ukraines Secret Service and long-time ally of Zelensky was dismissed and 651 state employees were investigated for treason. As the WSWS noted at the time, there were clear indications of a direct intervention by Washington in this purge. This time too, the Western press has openly welcomed Zelenskys crackdown on high-ranking officials as an effort to prove to NATO that Ukraine would not tolerate the misuse of the tens of billions of dollars in military aid that have been flooding the country. There are also reports of significant tensions within the Zelensky administration and the ruling Servant of the People Party as well as between Zelensky and the armys Chief of Staff Valery Zaluzhnyi. Zaluzhnyi, who is being touted as a potential rival to Zelensky in the 2024 presidential election, is an open admirer of the Ukrainian Nazi collaborator and fascist mass murderer Stepan Bandera and has been repeatedly photographed with far-right paraphernalia. Shortly after celebrating Banderas 104th birthday on January 2, Zaluzhnyi had his first in-person meeting with US Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley earlier this year. Now, he is engaged in a public conflict with Zelensky, as Zaluzhnyi has angrily opposed what amounts to a significant cut in pay for military employees and employees of the interior ministry that took effect with new salary regulations set by the government on February 1. The current purge of the Ukrainian state was preceded by the high-profile resignation of one of Zelenskys top advisors, Oleksyi Arestovych, in mid-January, who was attacked by the military and the far right after he had publicly suggested that Ukrainian air defense was responsible for a missile that hit a residential building and killed dozens of people. Since his resignation, Arestovych has repeatedly gone public with warnings that Ukraine could lose the war and cease to exist as a state. Days after Arestovychs resignation, a helicopter carrying the entire leadership of the Ukrainian interior ministry crashed, leaving five of its officials dead, including the Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky, a close ally of Zelensky and central figure in the wartime leadership. No successors for their positions have been named in the two weeks since. The crisis of the Zelensky government is unfolding as NATO is dramatically escalating the war against Russia. The US and Germany have promised Kiev the delivery of hundreds of Leopard 2 and Abrams tanks, and several NATO members are now openly discussing the deployment of F-16 fighter jets. The escalation has been accompanied by a flurry of meetings by high-ranking officials of the Biden Administration and the Pentagon in Kiev since mid-January. It was later also reported that the director of the CIA, William Burns, also traveled to Kiev to meet with Zelensky. Also in January, the US Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Milley has toured Europe to prepare troops, in his words, to go on the offensive to liberate Russian-occupied Ukraine. Amidst this escalation by NATO and reports of a planned offensive by Russia, the Zelensky government has begun to publicly acknowledge that it finds itself in a highly precarious military situation. Russian forces are making advances in the fight over Bakhmut, the focus of the fighting in East Ukraine over the past months. This weekend, Zelensky publicly complained that the fighting spirit in the population had markedly declined. He later acknowledged that the fighting near Bakhmut is getting tougher. His government has stepped up efforts to crack down on deserters and the WSWS has received reports that men across the country are now being forcibly drafted into the military off the streets. Three months ago, in November, Joint Chiefs Chair Milley declared that both Ukraine and Russia had each suffered about 100,000 casualties in the war so far. This figure has no doubt increased dramatically since. While catastrophic for both sides, proportionally these figures mean far higher losses for Ukraine, which had a prewar population of 40 million as opposed to Russias 140 million. Over 8 million people have fled the country since the beginning of the war and several million of those remaining are living in territories controlled by Russia. The vast majority of the working population, already the poorest in Europe before the war, is now completely impoverished. According to the latest figures of the World Food Program, over almost one in four children (22.4 percent) are suffering from chronic malnourishment and 12.8 million Ukrainians who still live in the country have only insufficient food consumption. A filthy faction fight has erupted within the Canadian ruling class over the federal Liberal governments appointment of Amira Elghawaby, a journalist and high-ranking employee of the federal governments Canadian Race Relations Foundation, as the countrys first-ever Special Representative to combat Islamophobia. Canadas pro-war, pro-austerity Liberal government, which has backed US wars of aggression against Muslim-majority countries throughout the greater Middle East for over two decades and is now waging war against Russia in alliance with American imperialism, claims its selection of Elghawaby for the newly-created post demonstrates its commitment to fighting Islamophobia. It is simultaneously lobbying the Biden administration to close a loophole in the Canada-US Safe Third Country Agreement that allows migrants, many of them from countries devastated by imperialist wars backed by Ottawa, to escape immediate deportation to the United States and apply for refugee status by crossing the US-Canadian border outside of official entry points. Amira Elghawaby [Photo: Government of Canada/Stacey Stewart] The Quebec political establishmentled by a trio of right-wing nationalist parties, the ruling Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ), the Parti Quebecois (PQ) and Bloc Quebecois (BQ)has met Elghawabys appointment with a torrent of invective. Its aim is to portray any and all criticism of Quebecs chauvinist and discriminatory Bill 21 as an anti-Quebec slur and thereby beyond the pale. Quebec Premier Francois Legault, BQ leader Yves-Francois Blanchet and a host of newspaper editorialists and columnists have seized upon a handful of ill-considered remarks made by Elghawaby, in some cases deliberately misconstruing their meaning, to try to silence opposition to Bill 21 and sully the irrefutable contention that it and the reactionary debate from which it emerged have stoked anti-Muslim bigotry and violence. Exhibit One in the nationalist campaign against Elghawaby is an article she co-authored with former Canadian Jewish Congress head Bernie Farber in 2019, shortly after the CAQs Bill 21 became law. Titled Quebecs Bill 21 shows why we fear the tyranny of the majority, the article partially cites the results of a single opinion poll, then declares, Unfortunately, the majority of Quebecers appear to be swayed not by the rule of law, but by anti-Muslim sentiment. Framed as a defence of state secularism, Bill 21 prohibits those working for the provincial government in positions of authority, including as public school teachers, from wearing religious symbols, such as the hijab, the Jewish kippah or Sikh turban. It also prohibits those devout Muslim women who wear the full veil (niqab or burqa) from receiving essential public services, including education and health care. At the same time, in the name of preserving Quebecs heritage the law gives an exemption to the Roman Catholic symbols that are ubiquitous in Quebecs public institutions. Similarly, government officials have said they have no intention of barring teachers from wearing discreet crucifixes. This unholy mixture of religious bigotry and ethno-linguistic nationalism is the product of a debate incited by Quebecs political and media establishment for over a decade on the reputed threat immigrants, especially Muslims, constitute to Quebec values. By fomenting a virulently exclusivist and chauvinist nationalism, Quebecs ruling elite has sought to scapegoat immigrants for the deepening socioeconomic crisis and shift official political life sharply to the right. The reactionary campaign against excessive accommodation to immigrants was initiated in 2006-07 by the right-wing populist ADQ, which merged with the CAQ at its founding in 2011, and the Journal de Montreal, a tabloid owned by the billionaire former PQ leader Pierre-Karl Peladeau. But the pseudo-left Quebec Solidaire has played a critical role in promoting it, repeatedly blessing the phony, anti-immigrant secularism debate and state action to uphold Quebec values as legitimate. This review of the origins of Bill 21 shows how false and one-sided it is to claim, as Elghawaby did in 2019, that it expresses the tyranny of the majority. Her remarks, which ignore the political forces and class issues in the Quebec chauvinist agitation against immigrants, and the Muslim minority in particular, express at best a misguided outlook. But whatever her personal intentions may have been, Elghawabys position is par for the course among the middle-class identity politics crowd that serves as a major pillar of support for the Trudeau government. These social layers, with their six-figure salaries and stock portfolios, like to think that the working masses are seething with racism, nationalism and religious bigotry, and can only be enlightened by a select group of diverse representatives of discreet and arbitrarily defined communities, which require representation within the structures of the capitalist state and corporate boardrooms by people like themselves. For all the venom of the current dispute, their outlook has much in common with the right-wing Quebec nationalists, who insist that only they have the right to speak on behalf of the Quebec nation. The fact of the matter is that Quebecers have been bombarded with right-wing nationalist and anti-immigrant propaganda on a daily basis by the political establishment for well over a decade. The unanimity of this campaign was underscored in the National Assembly last Tuesday, when the members of the Quebec legislature, including the official opposition Quebec Liberal Party, unanimously approved a resolution presented by CAQ minister for secularism Jean-Francois Roberge that demanded Trudeau sack Elghawaby as Canadas Special Representative to combat Islamophobia. Francois Legault, the CAQ premier who has overseen a homicidal response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has officially claimed over 17,975 lives and used repressive state powers to break struggles by workers for wage and benefit improvements, demagogically asserted after the vote that Trudeau was inciting contempt for Quebecers by refusing to fire Elghawaby. Legault, BQ leader Blanchet, and their media backers refused to relent even after Elghawaby publicly apologized for her remarks and claimed they were misinterpreted. They were joined by far-right federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whose allies in Western Canada stoke reactionary Anglo-chauvinist, Alberta First and Western regional politics that mirror the CAQs Quebec chauvinism. In the debate over Elghawabys appointment, Quebec Solidaire (QS) has once again greased the pole for the establishments promotion of right-wing nationalism. It has joined in the attacks on Elghawaby for Quebec bashing, and demanded she explain herself, while saying it wants to have the opportunity for its parliamentary leader, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, to meet with her before deciding whether to join the other parties in demanding Trudeau fire her. The 11 QS legislators abstained on the vote on Roberges motion, but when one of their number made a social media post accusing Legault of using the issue as a diversion, he was publicly reprimanded by QS co-leader Manon Masse. Quebec Solidaires despicable role underscores that there is no way within the provinces political establishment for the majority of working people, French- and English-speaking, immigrant and native-born, to express their opposition to the use of reactionary nationalist provocations to poison political and cultural life. There is also no way for workers to defend democratic rights, including the rights of religious minorities, in alliance with the pro-war, pro-austerity Trudeau government and its cynical brand of identity politics. With the enthusiastic backing of the trade unions and social-democratic New Democrats, Trudeaus Liberals employ bogus references to human rights and multiculturalism to facilitate and justify the crimes of Canadian imperialism. It need only be said in this regard that Irwin Cotler, the man Trudeau selected in 2021 as Canadas Special Representative to combat anti-Semitism, is an ardent Zionist, a proponent of war against Iran and one of the most vocal advocates of the Responsibility to Protect doctrine that was used to justify the NATO powers destruction of Libya in a brutal 2011 air war. At home, the Trudeau governments multiculturalism includes the cultivation of nation-to-nation relations with a thin layer of the Indigenous business elite and middle-class professionals to reconcile the overwhelmingly impoverished Native population to brutal capitalist exploitation. These partnerships aim to open up Indigenous-controlled land to energy and mining interests in order to boost corporate profits, and secure a steady supply of the raw materials needed by Canada and its US imperialist ally to wage wars abroad and dominate the clean energy economy of the future. These policies both conceal and help strengthen the social and political forces primarily responsible for the growth of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of religious and ethnic discrimination. They divert attention away from an examination of the sharp lurch of capitalist politics to the right, expressed in decades of social spending cuts and attacks on workers wages, 30 years of uninterrupted imperialist wars, the stoking of anti-immigrant sentiments and the gutting of democratic rights. These policies, supported by parties of the right and nominal left alike, have produced explosive levels of social inequality, and nourished far-right, militarist and violent sentiments among the most backward and disoriented layers of the population. It is significant in this regard that the position of Special Representative to combat Islamophobia has its origins in the national Summit on Islamophobia the Trudeau government convened in July 2021 in the aftermath of the slaying of a Muslim family of four by a right-wing extremist in Hamilton, Ontario. One day prior to the summit, the Trudeau government convened an entirely separate National Summit on Anti-Semitism, which was dominated by the attempt to slander left-wing criticism of Israeli government policy as anti-Semitism. The war-monger Cotler was the summits co-convenor. There is no progressive side in the squabble between different factions of the Canadian and Quebec bourgeoisie over Elghawabys appointment. Neither the proponents of Quebecs chauvinist Bill 21, nor the advocates of multiculturalism and identity politics have anything to offer the working class except war, austerity and reaction. The urgent task of opposing the rise of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, which are in the final analysis products of the crisis-ridden capitalist profit system, demands the unification of the working class on the basis of a socialist and internationalist program. In opposition to the divisions consciously cultivated and manipulated by competing factions of the ruling elite to set working people against each other on the basis of language, race, nationality, religion or sexual orientation, working people must counterpose their class interests by taking up the struggle for the socialist transformation of society to secure democratic rights and genuine social equality for all. The forcible expulsion of about two dozen immigrant men, mostly from Latin America, encamped outside the Watson Hotel in Manhattan by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on the night of Wednesday, February 1, shines a light on the brutal treatment of homeless immigrants by the administration of Democratic mayor Eric Adams. Recent immigrants to the United States sit with their belongings on the sidewalk in front of the Watson Hotel in New York, Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. [AP Photo/Seth Wenig] The immigrants, asylum seekers, originally numbering about 1,000, who had been housed at the hotel by the city, had earlier been told they would be removed and sent to a makeshift shelter at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, which already holds about 600 migrants. At first, some of the Watson residents agreed to move. But when they traveled to Red Hook and saw the conditions there, a number returned to the hotel, where they were refused re-entry, forcing them to camp on the sidewalk despite freezing temperatures. More than 40,000 migrants are reported to have arrived in the city since last spring. As of late January, more than 27,800 spent the night either in the citys regular homeless shelters or in facilities specifically for migrants. The Red Hook facility is located in a 180,000-square-foot, warehouse-like building reportedly with a maximum capacity of 1,000, that immigrants and supporters have described as totally inadequate, cold, with limited access to showers and toilets, residents sleeping head to toe on cots without sheets, no privacy and limited ability to secure their personal possessions. Conditions are ripe for the transmission of COVID-19 and other diseases. These facts are of no concern to the Adams administration, whose representatives described conditions at Red Hook as nearly idyllic. It has implementing draconian policies not only against immigrants but all of the citys homeless population. According to city representatives, the move from the Watson to Red Hook was to make way for immigrant families with children at the hotel, but follows a string of moves to makeshift, totally inadequate facilities. News accounts report that the police, members of the Strategic Response Group, NYPDs riot squad, used a sound cannon to harass the campers and that their belongings were taken and thrown into a garbage truck. Also, bicycles in a rack in front of the hotel were confiscated. This is doubly egregious since many of the migrants have found work as food delivery workers, among the most exploited sections of the citys workforce. The bicycles are essential to their livelihoods. Furthermore, the move to Red Hook, which has limited subway access, would have taken them, and others who had found various employment, far from their work area. The Cruise Terminal site replaces an even more abysmal facility on Randalls Island, which consisted of tents set up in a flood-prone area with extremely limited access to the rest of the city, overseen by a contingent from the New York National Guard, reminiscent of a concentration camp. It was closed shortly after opening in response to intense public criticism. New Yorkers have a legal right to shelter. However, Mayor Adams has stated that he believes the migrants do not fall under that regulation. He also claimed that the problem of migrants refusing to move to the Cruise Terminal was created by agitators. For their part, the migrants have expressed frustration at being used as political pawns, shipped from places like Texas and Florida by right-wing governors to be dumped in northern cities and then shoved from one makeshift shelter to another. In a shameless publicity stunt, Adams spent Saturday night at the Cruise Terminal facility. This empty gesture does nothing to address the serious complaints of unhealthy, dangerous and concentration camp-like conditions to which hundreds of the migrants staying there are subject. The mistreatment of these migrants is just one example of the huge crisis of homelessness in New York City and around the country that has been intensifying for years before the recent arrivals. A total of more than 77,000 people spent the night in the citys homeless shelters at the time of the police action at the Watson. That number has steadily increased in recent years, rising by more than 30,000 from just a year ago. Many more live on the street, officially recorded at 3,439 as of last June, undoubtedly a gross undercount, refusing to stay in the citys overcrowded and dangerous shelters. Mayor Adams, a former NYPD captain, ran on a law-and-order platform and has undertaken a brutal campaign against the citys homeless. He has vowed to demolish the homeless camps that exist throughout the city, repeatedly sending police and sanitation workers to dismantle encampments. A campaign has also been mounted to roust the homeless who sleep in the subways. Adams has made vague and insubstantial promises to find additional housing for the homeless, but nothing has materialized. The expiration of pandemic-related protections against evictions is driving even more poor residents onto the streets. Meanwhile, the wealth of the citys financial and corporate elite is growing by leaps and bounds. However, these riches, a fraction of which could easily provide decent housing for all of the citys homeless, are sacrosanct. To the contrary, the Adams administration is launching budget-cutting attacks against the citys working class, including the privatization of health care of retired city employees and cuts to the public education budget. Attacks on the citys homeless did not begin under Adams, but are a continuation, in even more overt form, of the victimization of poverty by the ruling class and its representatives. More than 6,000 actions against homeless encampments were undertaken during the last year of the administration of Bill de Blasio, Adams predecessor, also a Democrat. In a further effort to sanitize the city by removing the unsightly reminder of the huge economic gulf between its rich and poor, which offends the sensibilities of its elite, Adams has initiated a campaign of involuntary hospitalization of the homeless who are deemed mentally ill at the discretion of the police rather than medical professionals. This amounts to criminalization of mental illness, an initial step reminiscent of the kind of eugenic cleansing practiced by the Nazis. In any case, the treatment these individuals receive is likely to be brief and inadequate, as multiple independent studies have indicated (e.g., Fact Check on Homeless and Mental Health Care, Coalition for the Homeless, February 2022). Under capitalism, especially in a period of growing crisis, poverty and homelessness are an inevitable consequence of a system based on exploitation and the inequality it produces. The solution of the ruling class is not to address the root cause of that inequality, which would mean attacking the fundamental mechanism of exploitation. Rather, it is to resort to increasingly brutal forms of repression. This cannot be ameliorated by reform but can only be ended by elimination of the system itself. Do you work at Norfolk Southern or another Class I railway? Tell us what you think about Fridays accident by filling out the form at the bottom of this article. All submissions will be kept anonymous. Emergency crews working to contain the fire and damage caused by Fridays derailment and explosion of a Norfolk Southern train released the highly toxic chemicals into ditches dug in the ground and set them on fire to avoid the possibility of further rail cars exploding and widely dispersed carcinogenic substances around the village of East Palestine. A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of the controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern train on Monday, February 6, 2023. [AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar] Several small charges were set off Monday afternoon to rupture five of the tanker cars. The chemicals were set on fire as they poured from the ruptured cars. Flames could be seen stretching for over 100 yards along the tracks next to the damaged cars. Fire balls went up over 200 feet into the air, and thick black smoke traveled up into the atmosphere. Meteorologists tracking the path of the toxic clouds of smoke show them moving southeast towards Pittsburgh and its northern suburbs. On Sunday, safety officials became concerned that the five tanker cars carrying vinyl chloride, a highly unstable chemical, could explode. Safety pressure release valves were not working, and the temperatures of the cars were rising. Vinyl chloride, used in the making of hard plastics, is very flammable and causes liver and other cancers. Government and Norfolk Southern officials are describing the release and burning of vinyl chloride as a controlled release. In reality, the operation was very dangerous and still poses a major health risk. Prior to the release, emergency personnel went door to door in a one-mile radius from the derailment to ensure that people had evacuated an area which encompasses 1,500 to 2,000 homes. Road blocks using bulldozers and tractors were set up to prevent people from reentering the area. The Ohio National Guard was also deployed to assist in this operation. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine warned that fumes released into the air from the venting operation can be deadly if inhaled. Officials designated a red zone around the site, where people faced grave danger of death from breathing in the fumes. Those who remained in a yellow zone just beyond were at a high risk of severe injury, including skin burns and serious lung damage, the governor said. On Friday night, over 50 rail cars went off the tracks, 10 of which were carrying toxic chemicals. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sent an investigator on Saturday. Initial reports are that a mechanical failure caused the derailment. Video from a Ring home door camera showed sparks coming off a wheel, which was clearly breaking down. Moments before the crash, crew members were alerted of a mechanical failure, and they deployed the emergency brakes. In addition to vinyl chloride, other toxic combustible liquids carried by the train included butyl acrylate and benzene residue. Environmental crews have been going up and down a nearby stream removing dead fish. Breathing vinyl chloride is very dangerous. In high enough levels it can cause death. At any level it can cause cancer of the liver, brain and blood. If a water supply is contaminated, vinyl chloride can enter household air when the water is used for showering, cooking or laundry, the National Cancer Institute says. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vinyl chloride in water or soil evaporates rapidly if it is near the surface. Vinyl chloride in the air breaks down in a few days, resulting in the formation of several other chemicals, including hydrochloric acid, formaldehyde and carbon dioxide. It is not clear if NTSB officials explored other ways of removing the vinyl chloride other than releasing it into the environment. Norfork Southern wants to get the wreckage removed and the tracks reopened as soon as possible so it can return to making money on the line. Norfork Southern and the other Class 1 railroads are seeking to boost profits by cutting crews. Trains that can stretch nearly a mile or more are often operated with just a two-person crew, who themselves are overworked and exhausted from being constantly on call. And the railroads want to even reduce this to single-person crews. Maintenance of ways crews are stretched thin and forced to put bandaids on problems which should be properly repaired. Much of the rail cars currently in use are decades old and are not regularly inspected. The fault for this lies not only with the operators but also the heads of the major rail unions, which for decades have collaborated with the rail companies to help them boost profits at the expense of the workers. Most recently the unions worked with Congress to override a strike vote by railroaders and enforced yet another round of concessions. The only way forward for workers to ensure that preventable disasters like the East Palestine derailment do not happen is to take up the fight for rank-and-file control by creating workplace committees and joining these up with other rank-and-file committees in a common fight. All those interested in this fight should join the Railroad Workers Rank-and-File Committee today. One of President Joe Bidens top economic advisers said that he was willing to discuss spending cuts with the Republicans newly in control of the House of Representatives, but that these cuts could not include Social Security and Medicare. Jared Bernstein, a member of the Council of Economic Advisers, was interviewed on Fox News Sunday, and he told the Republican-oriented cable network that Biden rejected negotiations over raising the US debt ceiling as an absolute nonstarter, but would discuss spending cuts in separate talks. The negotiation over the debt ceiling, over default, is an absolute nonstarter for this president, Bernstein said. There is a separate set of discussions and negotiations over fiscal policy. We have our budget, we want to see what Republicans have. Thats the discussion that the president is anxious to have with Republicans, he continued. But the problem is, they really need to bring a plan to the table. If they want to join with him on that kind of fiscal responsibility, deficit reduction, without cuts to Social Security and Medicare, he is all ears, Bernstein added. Yet if they really want to slash spending, they would have to take a butcher knife to Social Security and Medicare, OK? In separating the debt ceiling from talks on cutting spending, and separating talks on cutting spending from talks on Social Security and Medicare, Bernstein reveals the mechanism by which the ground is being prepared for massive cuts in the most important remaining federal social benefits, which provide income and health insurance for more than 50 million retired and disabled workers. This separation is purely rhetorical, a device to distract the American public with the pretense that both parties reject cuts in Social Security and Medicare, when behind the scenes they are engaged in systematic preparations to do exactly that. The consensus within the corporate ruling elite was expressed in an editorial published in the Monday print edition of the Washington Post, calling for the Republicans and Democrats to take up the question of Social Security and Medicare reformi.e., major cuts in benefits and eligibilityas soon as the debt ceiling crisis is disposed of. The editorial presents the newspaper, owned by mega-billionaire Jeff Bezos, as opposed to incorporating cuts in entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare into the debt ceiling talks. The Post warns against a contentious debate about third-rail entitlement programs during the debt ceiling discussions, because avoiding a federal default on debt is an overriding necessity for the US and world financial system. Yet the discussion needs to happen sometime, and sooner rather than later, the editorial continues. These entitlementswhich already account for about a third of federal spendingremain on unsustainable trajectories, and protecting them for future generations is too important to keep reform off the table indefinitely. Like most such calls for cuts by the Republicans and Democrats, gutting Social Security and Medicare is described as strengthening the program for the younger generation, or, like the Post, protecting them for future generations. This means that benefits must be cut and the age of eligibility raised so that the rapid depletion of the Trust Funds which pay out benefits to recipients can be stretched out. Cutting benefits for middle-aged workers, not yet retired, would leave a pittance for younger workers when they retire, rather than nothing at all. Some strengthening! The editorial continues: The potential trade-offs arent painless, but some mix of benefit reductions and tax increases is necessary. Think about raising the Medicare eligibility age to 67 to match the existing Social Security retirement age for those born in 1960 or later. Perhaps raise premiums for Medicare beneficiaries with higher incomes. And maybe reduce Social Security benefits for those with higher incomes. These higher incomes are not so high, and the ceiling will be steadily reduced. Ultimately, such measures will transform Social Security and Medicare from universal benefits into pensions and health insurance limited to the poorest sections of the population, undercutting their popular support and allowing right-wing demagogues to depict them as welfare and advocate their complete termination. Neither the Republicans nor such liberal voices as the Washington Post, nor the congressional Democratic leadership and the Biden administration propose any measures to replenish the depleted Trust Funds by taxing the super-rich, those who have profited enormously during a pandemic which has wreaked a colossal toll of death and sickness, particularly among the elderly. There are no doubt sections of the ruling elite who have noted approvingly that COVID-19 has significantly eased the pressure on the Social Security Trust Fund and private pension funds by removing many elderly claimants of benefits well before their time. These sentiments have been voiced by open eugenicists like Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel. At least one prominent Republican, former vice president Mike Pence, has raised the issue of cuts in Social Security and Medicare as part of his preparations for a likely run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Speaking to a meeting of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors on Friday, Pence claimed that 70 percent of the federal budget is entitlement programs to assist various groups of people, and that the truth is weve got to have a conversation about the future of such programs. The Republican-controlled House gave a glimpse of the coming attack on entitlement programs during the debate on the House Rules Committee on a resolution denouncing socialism, which was passed Thursday by the full House. When one Democrat proposed an amendment that would declare that the resolution should not be interpreted to attack Social Security and Medicare as socialista longstanding contention of the Republican rightit was voted down by the Republican majority. Representative Tom Cole (R., Okla.) has introduced a bill to set up a bipartisan commission to study the plight of the Social Security Trust Fund, and said that a long-term solution would likely include both tax increases and reduced eligibility. When people say Dont touch Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and then dont present your plan, theyre the ones exploiting it, Cole told the press. To say not to touch it is to mean let it go bankrupt. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) is standing in the New South Wales state election in order to take forward the fight against war, austerity and let it rip COVID policies supported by every other party. SEP campaigners win strong support from workers and youth during 2022 federal election. [Photo: WSWS] We are standing a slate in the statewide upper house of WSWS correspondents Oscar Grenfell and Mike Head. The SEP is also running SEP assistant national secretary Max Boddy in the lower-house Sydney working-class seat of Bankstown. The states anti-democratic electoral laws mean our party name will not appear on the ballot. The SEP is fighting for the largest possible vote. But above all, we are standing to help build a revolutionary party of the working class, directed against capitalism, which offers nothing but social misery and an expanding series of existential crises that threaten the very future of humanity. The SEP tells the truth. The NSW election will resolve nothing for working people. As many workers know, there are no real differences between Labor, the Liberal-National Coalition and the Greens. All of them are parties of big business and the banks. The Labor opposition of Chris Minns has functioned as a virtual coalition partner of the far-right government headed by Dominic Perrottet, backing all of its main policies. The official election campaign is based on mind-numbing diversion, lies and cover-up. The major parties, the corporate media and the trade union apparatus are trying to suppress discussion of any of the important issues facing the working class. There is no debate on the COVID policies that have claimed tens of thousands of lives, the growing danger of a nuclear war or the offensive against the social conditions of workers. The SEP alone opposes this silence and will break it. In every state election, an attempt is made to limit discussion to state issues. This is a fraud. The major issues facing workers in NSW are all national and international in scope. The policies of the next state government, whatever its composition, will be determined by these broader developments. It will slash social spending to pay for the massive handouts to the banks and corporations during the pandemic. In imposing budget cuts, it will be following the lead of the federal Labor government, aiding its program of allocating massive sums to military spending, not to healthcare and education. The let it rip policy of the next government will be determined by the profits before lives agenda implemented by capitalist governments across the country and the world. No to war! The election is being held as a major war is already underway and rapidly escalating. The conflict in Ukraine is the opening shot of a third world war, between the US, NATO and its allies, including Australia, and Russia. It threatens a global nuclear conflagration. The SEP opposes the Russian government of Vladimir Putin and its invasion of Ukraine. The Putin regime represents a corrupt capitalist oligarchy, produced by the dissolution of the Soviet Union. But Russia was goaded into its reactionary invasion. For decades, the US and NATO had militarily encircled Russia and continually crossed its security red lines, including by transforming Ukraine into a garrison state on the Russian border. Since the invasion, the US and its allies have poured hundreds of billions of dollars into Ukraine. They have dispatched military advisors and are now sending tanks and advanced missile systems. The escalatory logic is leading to a direct war, where the US would seek to overthrow the Putin regime and dismember Russia to advance its global hegemony. This is one step in preparations for a US war against China, which is viewed as the chief threat to the global domination of American imperialism. All the official parties support this reckless rush to war. Federal governments, Coalition and now Labor, have poured $655 million into Ukraine, $475 million of it in direct military aid, i.e., guns, armoured trucks and other weapons. Labor, the Coalition and the Greens have backed every single US escalation, signalling their full support for policies that are leading to a world war. A Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter and an Australian Defence Force MRH90 land at Sam Hill Airfield in Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area in Central Queensland [Photo: Australian Department of Defence] At the same time, they have placed Australia on the frontline of war preparations against China. For more than a decade, governments, Labor and Liberal-National, have built up the military. Now, the Labor government is buying nuclear-powered submarines and advanced missile systems. It is dramatically expanding US basing arrangements, as a top American general predicts war with China by 2025. Governments say that there is not enough money for decent healthcare and education. But Labor and the Coalition have already committed to spending $575 billion on the military this decade. With announcements virtually every week of new weapons purchases, this is just an initial down payment. The SEP is the only party fighting the program of militarism and war. Together with our sister parties around the world, we are building an international anti-war movement of the working class directed against the source of war, the capitalist system itself. In this election we say: No to war! Stop the US-NATO war in Ukraine and the plans for conflict with China! Two world wars are enough! Stop the warmongers! Tens of billions for education and healthcare, not for militarism and war! Oppose the let it rip COVID program! Lives before profits! All the official parties are claiming that the pandemic is over. This is an outright lie. They have nothing to say about COVID, because they are responsible for the policies that are still killing hundreds of Australians every single week. Striking New South Wales nurses on March 31, 2022 [Photo: WSWS] The NSW government, with the full support of the Labor opposition, was at the very centre of the conspiracy to overturn successful mitigation measures and to let the virus rip. Coalition Premier Dominic Perrottet worked hand in hand with then Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Victorian Labor counterpart Daniel Andrews to unleash an Omicron tsunami on the population. Businesses had to be fully reopened and children and teachers forced back into COVID-infested classrooms, so that corporations could make maximum profits. Anyone who thinks that NSW Labor leader Chris Minns would be any different, needs only to look at what the federal Albanese Labor government has done. It has lifted even more restrictions than Morrison. More people have died in the eight months that Labor has been in government, than in the more than two years before. Based on excess death figures, as many as 25,000 Australians lost their lives to COVID and related causes last year alone. The SEP is the only party that has fought against this policy of social murder. We say no more unnecessary and entirely avoidable deaths. We are fighting for a scientific policy that can eliminate the coronavirus, because we oppose capitalism and its subordination of everything to profit accumulation. We say: Health and lives before profit! Demand the immediate reintroduction of safety measures: universal indoor masking, free mass testing, contact-tracing, air filtration and, where necessary, lockdowns with full compensation for small businesspeople and workers. The pandemic can and must be finally ended! End the social catastrophe! The conditions facing working people are intolerable. Every day they are faced with the threat of COVID infection. At the same time, they are being hit with the biggest cost of living crisis in decades while wages flatline or go backwards. None of the other parties is putting forward any policies that will resolve this crisis. Instead, all governments have given massive handouts to big business, while they facilitate the huge federal military spending. Across the country, state and federal government bailouts and Reserve Bank measures have equated to a $400 billion handout to the major corporations and banks during the pandemic. The countrys billionaires have increased their wealth by 66 percent in the past three years, to almost $236 billion. Public schools and hospitals are in a complete breakdown. After decades of funding cuts, they have been pushed over the edge by the let it rip COVID policies. Teachers, education staff, nurses and other medical workers are leaving their professions in droves. They say the situation is simply impossible. Double-shifts, mandatory overtime, unpaid work, not enough resources or staff to care for the sick or to teach childrenall this is now the norm. Who voted for this state of affairs where the billionaires engorge themselves, the military machine is massively funded but there is no money for decent schools and hospitals? The answer is nobody. These policies are a conspiracy against the population involving all the establishment parties. The SEP advances a socialist program to reorganise society to meet the pressing social needs of the vast majority, not the private profits of the super-rich. Nothing can be solved as long as societys resources, created by the working class, are controlled by a corporate oligarchy. We say: Place the banks and the corporations under public ownership and democratic workers control! Hundreds of billions for public education, healthcare and other essential services! Major pay rises for all workers now, to compensate for years of cutbacks! Everyone who wishes to work must be given a decent job, with enough pay for a dignified and comfortable life! Affordable housing for all! Workers need their own party The working class is entering into struggle, in Australia and around the world. Over the past year, there have been major strikes by teachers, nurses and rail staff in NSW, and disputes involving many other sections of workers. Striking NSW teachers at Sydney rally in May, 2022. [Photo: WSWS] But none of them has succeeded. All have been isolated and shut down without their demands being met. This is the doing of the trade unions, which function as a police force of governments and the corporations. They are no longer workers organisations in any sense, but serve instead the interests of a privileged bureaucracy tied to big business and the state apparatus by a thousand threads. The union leaders who call for a vote for Labor are the same leaders who have imposed wage-cutting agreements and intolerable workloads on workers. Their aim is to trap ordinary people behind the Labor Party, which will carry out the same program as the outgoing Liberal-National government. That is why workers need their own organisations of struggle, independent rank-and-file committees. Such committees, democratically controlled by workers themselves, are the only way to defeat the sell-outs of the unions, unite workers across industries and begin an industrial and political counteroffensive. The SEP will provide workers with every political assistance in forming rank-and-file committees, publicising their activities and developing their initiatives. What is true of the unions is true of all the official parties. None of them even pretend to represent the interests of working people. Labor is no different to the Liberal-Nationals. It is an open party of big business and the banks. The Greens are a capitalist party, which has joined with Labor governments in preparing for war, imposing austerity cuts and placing profits before health and lives in the pandemic. The Greens environmental posturing is a sham. Their program, even if it were implemented, would not meet what scientists state is required to address the existential threat of climate change. The pseudo-left organisations, such as Socialist Alliance and Socialist Alternative, have nothing to do with socialism. They represent an affluent layer of the upper middle-class that is hostile to the working class. They support militarism, including the US-NATO war against Russia, and do everything they can to dragoon workers and young people behind Labor, the Greens and the unions. The SEP is the only party that fights for the elimination of COVID, defends the social rights of workers and opposes the drive to war. Why is it that the socialists are the ones taking the lead in these crucial struggles, against every other party? Firstly, none of the issues confronting the working class can be solved in one country. They are global in scope and require an international movement of the working class. The SEP can fight for this perspective because it is part of a global party, the International Committee of the Fourth International, which fights every day to unite the working class internationally on a common socialist and revolutionary program. Secondly, none of these burning questions can be addressed within the framework of the capitalist system. All of them, from COVID to war and austerity, express the fact that capitalism is a bankrupt social order that offers no future. Not a single major social problem can be addressed, let alone resolved, so long as the world is dominated by the tiny capitalist elite and the governments that represent it. We have entered into a revolutionary period of war and social upheaval. There is immense and growing opposition and anger among workers. But this is not enough. Workers need their own revolutionary party, with a clear socialist perspective based on the lessons of history. That is why we appeal to all workers, students and serious middle-class people, who want to fight for a future, to promote and participate in our campaign as widely as possible, and above all, to join the SEP. Contact the SEP: Phone: (02) 8218 3222 Email: sep@sep.org.au Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia Twitter: @SEP_Australia Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au TikTok: @sep_australia Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000. Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday announced the application period is open for the Governors Office summer internship sessions. Ivey encouraged Alabama undergraduate students to apply. Designed to provide insight to college students who want to learn more about the executive branch of state government, the program offers students a realistic overview of routine activity within a government office. An advocate for education and a former teacher, Ivey encourages all students who are potentially interested in obtaining experience in the governmental sector, to apply for the program. Experience is key to advancement, and Alabama students should engage in internships to provide real-world practice that will prepare them for their future careers. When I was a student at Auburn, I worked to support the efforts of Gov. Lurleen Wallace, who became a true mentor to me, so I am always eager to share similar experiences to our college students, said Ivey. No matter what industry you imagine yourself working in, an internship here at the State Capitol will truly be beneficial to all. I encourage all of our college students to seek out any type of internship or learning opportunities to further prepare them for a career and lifetime of success. The summer internships are divided into two, six-week sessions. Summer Session 1 will occur from May 8 to June 16, and the second summer session will occur June 19 to July 28. Hours of the internship are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. John Gilchrist, a former intern during the summer of 2018, now serves as a policy analyst in the governors office for Education and Workforce Transformation. He credits his internship experience as the gateway that led him to his career. My experience as an intern provided me insight not only into the operations of the governors office but into the functions of state government as well. Being provided the opportunity to meet with cabinet members and the agencies they led was very informative and showed the extensive range that state government covered, said Gilchrist. It was a great and memorable experience to get a first-hand view and understanding of the roles and policies that go into the day-to-day functions of our state. The deadline to apply for both summer sessions is March 15 by the close of business. The application for both sessions of the summer internship, along with additional information can be found at https://governor.alabama.gov/administration/internship-program/ Two pilots are lucky to be alive after their plane crashed along the coast in Western Australia. The Boeing 737 "FireLiner Tanker" was flying above the Fitzgerald River National Park on Monday by "two experienced pilots" when "the aircraft went down," according to a statement from Wayne Coulson, CEO of Coulson Group, an aerial firefighting company. The pilots were part of an effort to tame a large bushfire currently raging in the area. "Both have received medical attention, have been released from hospital and are now recuperating," continued Coulson's statement, which was released Tuesday. "They were deeply shaken to have something like this happen while fighting for the community and are grateful they were able to walk away from the accident." 737 crash in Australia Coulson added that he is "grateful" for the support being shown to his team members and the pilots involved. The pilots' escape is "nothing short of miraculous," Stephen Dawson, an Australian Emergency Services Minister, said, according to the Associated Press. He said that the plane was engulfed in flames and smoke upon impact, and it crashed just after dropping its first load of fire retardant. Australian news outlet WAtoday reported that the fire "has already burnt more than 900 hectares in the national park," which is equivalent to just over 2200 acres. A "bushfire watch and act warning" is in place given the size of the blaze. RELATED: Pilot Uninjured After Clipping Top of 18-Wheeler While Making Emergency Landing on Texas Highway The crash is the "first serious accident involving a Boeing 737" in the country, according to a release from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell. The aircraft was formerly used in the U.S. as a "passenger airliner," the release said, "before being extensively modified" to become an aerial firefighter. The ATSB's investigation into the crash is ongoing, but Mitchell said there is "nothing to suggest" that the crash has any wider implications for other Boeing 737 aircrafts. Story continues 737 crash in Australia 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 2020, a similar crash occurred when another Coulson Aviation aircraft went down while fighting wildfires in New South Wales. Mitchell said it's "too early to suggest any kind of link" between Monday's crash and the 2020 accident, which killed three American pilots. The crash comes just a month after a helicopter crash killed four, including a pilot, and seriously injured three off the Gold Coast in Queensland. The post David Gilmour Blasts Roger Waters As Misogynistic, Antisemitic Putin Apologist appeared first on Consequence. Well, David Gilmour and Roger Waters still hate each other. Gilmours wife, the author Polly Samson, took to Twitter to denounce Waters as a misogynistic, antisemitic Putin apologist (amongst several other things), and Gilmour shared the claims as demonstrably true. Sadly @rogerwaters you are antisemitic to your rotten core, Samson tweeted. Also a Putin apologist and a lying, thieving, hypocritical, tax-avoiding, lip-synching,misogynistic, sick-with-envy, megalomaniac. Enough of your nonsense. Soon after, Gilmore quoted his wifes tweet, adding, Every word demonstrably true. Waters has long been outspoken in his beliefs surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, even calling President Joe Biden a war criminal by supplying arms to Ukraine and, in his mind, fueling its war with Russia. He expanded on those beliefs in a recent interview, walking back a previous remark calling Putin a gangster and instead saying hes more open to listening to what the Russian president has to say. Elsewhere in the interview, Waters defended his longstanding boycott of Israel, stating simply, The Israelis are committing genocide. In my opinion, Israel has a right to exist as long as it is a true democracy, as long as no group, religious or ethnic, enjoys more human rights than any other, Waters added later. But unfortunately that is exactly what is happening in Israel and Palestine. The government says that only Jewish people should enjoy certain rights. So it cant be described as democratic. Following Samsons post, Waters responded with a message of his own, saying he was aware of the incendiary and wildly inaccurate comments made about him which he refutes entirely. He is currently taking advice to his position, the statement reads. Story continues Read Waters full interview here, and see Samson and Gilmours remarks below. As a band, Pink Floyd previously pulled their music from streaming services in Russia and Belarus as as show of solidarity with Ukraine. Gilmour and Nick Mason also released their first Pink Floyd song in 28 years, Hey, Hey Rise Up!, to benefit the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. Every word demonstrably true https://t.co/KWk4I3bMTN David Gilmour (@davidgilmour) February 6, 2023 David Gilmour Blasts Roger Waters As Misogynistic, Antisemitic Putin Apologist Carys Anderson Popular Posts Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox. A computer glitch at the Federal Aviation Administration delayed airline traffic at the El Paso International Airport early Wednesday. According to flightaware.com, a flight tracking platform, there were 36 delays and nine cancellations at the El Paso airport. Southwest canceled seven flights and Envoy Air canceled two flights. Southwest had 22 flight delays, American Airlines had eight, Envoy Air and SkyWest had two each, and Delta and Alaska Airlines had one each. The site also states there were 29 delays, into or out of the United States, Tuesday but only one cancellation. Around the country, more than 6,400 flights within, into, or out of the U.S. were delayed, according to FlightAware, and more than 1,000 flights were canceled. With 19,621 domestic flights scheduled on Monday, according to Cirium data, those numbers are almost certain to rise as airlines recover their operations. On social media various airline carriers posted responses to the FAA computer glitch. On its Facebook page, Southwest posted it would message the "day of travel" contact listed in the reservation for any substantial flight status changes. On its Twitter account, Delta stated Wednesday, "We remain connected with the FAA as we work to mitigate the impact of the ground stop the agency implemented earlier today. A fare difference waiver will give customers additional flexibility even if their flight isnt delayed or canceled." Ted Cruz: The flying public deserves safety in the sky U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), incoming ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued a statement today in response to the FAA's system outage. "The flying public deserves safety in the sky. The FAA's inability to keep an important safety system up and running is completely unacceptable and just the latest example of dysfunction within the Department of Transportation. The administration needs to explain to Congress what happened, and Congress should enact reforms in this year's FAA reauthorization legislation. This incident also highlights why the public needs a competent, proven leader with substantive aviation experience leading the FAA." Story continues Read:Hooters might open in former Cattle Baron on East Side; update on Carino's, Dunkin' Donuts What you're entitled to if your flight is canceled or delayed Cancelations: Airlines are required by the Department of Transportation to offer a refund when they cancel a flight. It doesn't matter if the reason for the cancellation was outside their control, like weather, or within their control, like maintenance issues or flight crew shortages. And it doesn't matter what ticket you bought, including nonrefundable or basic economy tickets. Delays: In the event of a delay, policies vary by airline, but you may be entitled to compensation based on the length of your wait and other factors. Airlines prefer to automatically rebook you on their next available flight, but you are under no obligation to take it. Remember, though, that a refund a) might not be instant and b) probably won't cover the cost of a new last-minute ticket unless your original ticket was pricey. In many cases, the next-available flight might be the least-expensive option for getting to your destination or back home when things go awry last minute. Refunds: If you opt for a refund, you are eligible to get your money back, not just a travel credit or voucher. Airlines are quick to offer credits and vouchers first, so travelers who want their money back instead often have to take some extra steps. Southwest and Delta, for example, automatically issue travel credit, so travelers who want their money back have to request it. For more information: Airline Customer Service Dashboard | US Department of Transportation Maria Cortes Gonzalez may be reached at 915-546-6150, mcortes@elpasotimes.com and @EPTMaria on Twitter. USA Today contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso International Airport affected by FAA computer outage African Penguin turns 43 Metro Richmond Zoo The world's oldest African penguin is celebrating her 43rd birthday. "ET," the oldest known African penguin to ever have lived, has resided at Virginia's Metro Richmond Zoo since 1995. According to the zoo's website, the flightless bird's average lifespan is roughly 15-20 years, "but they can live much longer in zoological parks." In honor of the beloved ET's Jan. 28 birthday, the Metro Richmond Zoo shared some celebratory words on its Facebook page. "The world's oldest African penguin is one year older! Help us wish ET, one of our female African penguins, a very happy birthday," the Virginia facility shared. RELATED: Cincinnati Zoo Names Penguin After Quarterback Joe Burrow Ahead of Super Bowl: 'Cup O' Joe' African Penguin turns 43 Metro Richmond Zoo For her big day, the penguin took pictures under a bright pink "43" sign and enjoyed a special treat. In place of frosting and sugar, ET had a birthday cake made of ice and fish. Though ET appears solo in her birthday shots, she is taken. "Penguins are monogamous and will mate for life," the zoo explained on its site. "ET has outlived two of her mates at the MRZ, and her current mate is Einstein. ET and Einstein have their own private space so she can spend her senior years without any penguin drama." RELATED: Calif. Zoo Penguin Gets Custom Boots After Struggling with Chronic Condition Called Bumblefoot According to Brittanica.com, "African penguins have declined by more than 60 percent since the early 1980s," mainly because of the commercial fishing industry and oil pollution. African Penguin turns 43 Metro Richmond Zoo "The number of breeding pairs, which once exceeded 140,000 in the late 1950s, fell to 69,000 in 1980 and down to just over 25,000 by 2009," the site noted, adding that African penguins have "been listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species since 2010." 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. As ET's elaborate birthday shows, the Metro Richmond Zoo is committed to the happiness and longevity of their record-breaking penguin resident. "ET is in good health considering her age. Like most elderly penguins, she has arthritis for which she receives medication. She also has impaired vision, but her quality of life is strong. She eats well and still loves to swim. ET is a favorite of our staff and guests, and she receives lots of love and care," the zoo wrote on its website. "Happy 43rd Birthday, ET! We love you!" Five additional people with ties to Jehovah's Witnesses have been indicted on child sexual abuse charges stemming from a three-year, special grand jury investigation, according to the Pennsylvania attorney general's office. Four of the men have been detained while a fifth, Norman Aviles, a 44-year-old Lancaster County resident, remains at-large. Kevin Isovitsch, 51, of Butler County has also been charged with rape. "These cases, as all of them are, are disturbing and sad," acting Attorney General Michelle Henry said Tuesday during a press conference. "But this one in particular digs deeper because, in this case, all of the defendants and all of the victims come from the same religious organization: the Jehovah Witnesses. Some of these defendants even used their faith communities to prey upon the victims, and others had to look no further than their own families." Acting Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announces the filing of criminal charges against five individuals associated with Jehovah Witness congregations on Tuesday in Harrisburg. The 49th Investigating Grand Jury first indicted four men connected to the religious organization in October. It's now brought charges against five men from Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Lancaster counties whose victims ranged in age from 5 to 15 years old at the time of the alleged abuse. Each of the men was charged with indecent assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and corrupting a minor. Some of the suspects face additional charges as noted below. More:'Punished' for being sexually abused in York County: Jehovah's Witnesses' culture of cover-up Aviles allegedly molested three children between the ages of 5 and 10 from June 1, 1998, until the end of 2004 while he was a member of both the Spanish-speaking east and west Jehovah's Witnesses congregations in Lancaster County. Aviles, according to Henry, was an elder in his congregation and therefore gained a rapport with many of the parents, which afforded him access to their children. Lancaster Police investigated the claims in 2010, but the case was closed due to a lack of evidence, evidence that the grand jury was able to obtain. Story continues Aviles also faces a charge of aggravated indecent assault. Anyone with information about his case, or the cases of the other men, are encouraged to call the Office of Attorney Generals hotline at 888-538-8541. Anyone with information about child sexual abuse should report to ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313. The other suspects, charged and detained as part of the investigation, are: Kevin Isovitsch, 51, of Butler County. Isovitsch, who is associated with the Chicora congregation of the Jehovah's Witnesses, is accused of sexually assaulting his 9-year-old niece when she was at his West Sunbury home playing with her cousins. The abuse occurred in Isovitsch's bedroom but was interrupted when his wife returned home. The victim later told her brother about the incident. The victim disclosed the alleged abuse to her parents when the subject of sexual contact came up during family worship. Isovitsch was in his 30s at the time of the alleged assault. In addition to the other charges, Isovitsch also faces charges of rape and aggravated indecent assault. Abimael Valentin Matos, 42, of Lancaster County. Like Aviles, Matos was also an elder at his Lancaster church, the "east" congregation, when the alleged abuse occurred. The victim reported that in 2004 her mother moved her and her two sisters into Matos' home to save money to buy their own house. The victim reported that Matos abused her during this time. Matos allegedly took a romantic interest in the teen, who was half his age at the time, and he hoped to eventually marry her. Church elders noticed his interest in the girl and approved of it under the condition that he vowed to marry her and that a chaperone be present during any such courting of the victim. During the course of the grand jury investigation, the victim also reported being among Aviles' victims. Marc Brown, 65, of Allegheny County. Brown allegedly assaulted two sisters ages 10 and 13, for whom he was the legal guardian, between 2004 and 2006. The abuse occurred frequently in the house when their mother was at work. "He threatened the older sister that if she did anything to stop him or if she told anyone he would sexually abuse her younger sister, when in reality that was already happening," Henry said. "He was already doing that to her. She didn't know it." In addition to the other charges, Brown also faces a charge of aggravated indecent assault. Raymond Shultz, 74, of Beaver County. Shultz is accused of molesting two female relatives when they visited his home. One of the girls was between 6 and 9 years old at the time, which ranged from 2004 to 2007. The other victim was allegedly abused between 2000 and 2005, when she was between the ages of 5 and 10. Both victims said they received checks from their grandparents in the amount of $2,500 after a family member relayed to Shultz's wife that they were in counseling. In addition to the other charges, Shultz also faces a charge of aggravated indecent assault. How it started:Jehovah's Witnesses reportedly under investigation by Pennsylvania attorney general Members of the investigative team surround Acting Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry at the podium while she announces the filing of criminal charges against five individuals associated with Jehovah Witness congregations on Tuesday in Harrisburg. Henry, noting that it was her first time speaking on charges involving child abuse charges since Gov. Josh Shapiro appointed her acting attorney general, said she wanted to "underscore" her commitment to addressing such cases. "It is my solemn pledge that I will be here to help survivors," she said. "Much of my career spent as a prosecutor prior to joining this office was focused on prosecuting those that sexually abused children. I'm deeply aware of the impact these kind of cases have on the victims, have on the victim's family. And it is our duty to seek justice, to be their voice, to hold these individuals accountable so that they may have some hope of moving forward in life." Matt Rink can be reached at mrink@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Five more Jehovah's Witnesses charged with child sexual abuse in PA Attorney Brian Stewart, who represents Gabby Petitos parents, has released a previously unseen photo of the travel blogger with bruises on her face moments before her and Brian Laundries encounter with Utah police. The new picture comes as her parents continue to build a case against the Moab Police Department for failing to protect their late daughter. The photo was taken by Gabby on her cell phone on August 12, 2021, at 4:37 p.m. around the same time the Moab Police Department received a 911 call from a concerned citizen about an alleged domestic violence incident involving the former couple. The image shows the Long Island native with what appears to be blood across her face and bruises around her eye. She is also wearing the same outfit she was seen in while being interviewed by Moab Police for nearly an hour that day after they were pulled over near Arches National Park. According to a statement given to In Touch by Stewart on Tuesday, February 7, Moab Police failed to listen to Gabby and failed to investigate her injuries and the seriousness of her assault. Gabby Petito A November 2022 complaint posted on law firm Parker & McConkies website on Monday, February 6, further alleges that despite the documentation of her injuries and her attempt to tell the Moab officers, the seriousness and significance of this type of assault and injury was completely ignored. Citing domestic violence experts, the Petito familys attorney claims that the new photo of her injuries indicate that Gabby was most likely strangled and/or suffocated by Brian before the police arrived on August 12, 2021, and that the Moab Police Department failed to recognize the violent grabbing of Gabbys face as a critical precursor to her eventual death by strangulation that occurred a short time later. The law firm also notes that domestic violence research shows that if a victim of intimate partner violence is strangled or suffocated even one time, she is 750% more likely to be killed by that person, and that the never-before-seen photo of Gabbys injuries show that the Moab Police Department also failed to follow their own training, policies and Utah law to protect her from her alleged abuser. Story continues The disappearance of Gabby gripped the country after Brian returned to his parents North Port, Florida, home from their cross-country road trip without her, but with her 2012 Ford Transit van. She was reported missing by her family on September 1, 2021. Brian, who became a person of interest on September 15, was reported missing by his parents on September 17 three days after the Laundrie family told police when they had allegedly last seen him, though the timeline of his disappearance changed throughout the investigation. A body matching the description of Gabby was found in Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming on September 19, and two days later, the FBI released a statement saying that the body investigated by Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue was confirmed to be Gabby. After a nearly month-long nationwide manhunt, Brians remains were found in the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park on October 20, along with a drybag containing his belongings, including a journal in which he confessed to murdering Gabby. The FBI confirmed the remains belonged to Brian through dental records the following day. It was also determined that Brian died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The Moab Police Department who directed In Touch to the City of Moab declined to comment on the active case. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Getty Images, one of the largest providers of digital media assets in the country, is suing an artificial intelligence company alleging it has violated intellectual property law. In a lawsuit filed last week in District Court in Delaware, Getty Images argues AI art generator Stable Diffusion has copied more than 12 million photographs from Getty Images collection, along with the associated captions and metadata, without permission from or compensation to Getty Images, as part of its efforts to build a competing business. The Verge reported on Monday Gettys lawsuit is the latest in a trend of ongoing legal battles between AI art generators and media asset rights-holders. On its website, Stable Diffusion says its mission is to build open-source AI projects through collaborative research efforts between leaders and experts in their fields. The company did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment. Current AI projects the company says it is working on include text-to-image generation and model developments in language, learning, audio and biology. Getty Images is one of several wire services that collects substantial fees from many large media companies and news providers in exchange for the rights to use photographs and other media assets within its database. Stability AI now competes directly with Getty Images by marketing Stable Diffusion and its DreamStudio interface to those seeking creative imagery, and its infringement of Getty Images content on a massive scale has been instrumental to its success to date, the lawsuit argues. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Welcome to The Press Room, a weekly roundup of the major stories and happenings of the 2023 Delaware legislative year. For this issue, we focus on the tense moments in last weeks Joint Finance Committee hearings, how the state messed up a rollout of a new insurance plan and the lieutenant governors busy week. As always, send story tips, feedback, ideas or good gossip to me at mnewman@delawareonline.com. Follow me on Twitter at @MereNewman. JFC hearing highlights: Delaware State University shows up Without question, Delaware State University had the most anticipated Joint Finance Committee hearing of last week. It comes after students protested how the university handled recent cases of sexual assault. Just before President Tony Allen addressed the committee, Rep. Bill Carson, the chair, reminded lawmakers to focus on fiscal issues and the state budget not social." (Reader, its very common for lawmakers to ask questions that do not relate to the budget.) From left, Senator Trey Paradee, has a talk with of Delaware State University's Chief Operating Officer Cleon Cauley, Esq. and President Dr. Tony Allen, at the conclusion of DSU's state budget hearing at Legislative Hall in Dover, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. Allen came prepared. He began his remarks by addressing the recent campus unrest and the immediate changes the university plans to take. People in the gallery loudly said lie" and "Are they protected" while he spoke. Students and parents were also ready. Two underclassmen spoke of the concerns about safety and the lack of trained counselors and resources available to students. They also noted struggles with water and building security. One mother gave emotional testimony about her daughter being sexually assaulted on campus. BACKGROUND:Delaware State students arent fighting for campus safety. So what's next? Sen. Dave Lawson, R-Marydel, asked Allen if he expects applications or donations to be affected by the recent challenges. "I am hoping not," Allen said. "But my real intention is to lean in on this issue." JFC hearing highlights: Del Tech salaries, union efforts Moments also became tense during Delaware Technical Community Colleges presentation. Lawson pressed President Mark Brainard on the salaries of leadership compared to that of faculty and staff. He commented that the top seems awfully heavy. Its worth noting that Lawson asked all of the college presidents' what their respective salaries were with Brainard being the only one to actually publicly state his. Story continues The senator then informed the president of complaints he had received from employees who were run out after discussions of unionizing. Brainard said he was not aware of any discussions of unionizing. He called it a fantasy. This whole idea of unionizing is interesting because unions have had a tremendous role in this country, and they typically have thrived in workplaces that are intolerable, he said moments later. I'm sorry, Del Tech is a great place to work. Are you really going to sit there and say that you dont know, Lawson responded shortly after. Senator, Brainard said forcefully, If I knew about a union effort, I would tell you. Who's starting a union?" Well, theyre gone now, Lawson replied. One thing to keep an eye: The governor has recommended funding for a joint engineering program between DSU and UD. In five years, students could earn a bachelors degree from the HBCU and then a masters at UD. Delaware's 'utterly disastrous' rollout of a new Medicaid insurer Last week, I wrote about how 40,000 Delawareans on Medicaid began an insurance plan called Delaware First Health and some were completely unaware. State officials said all of these residents are still enrolled in Medicaid and no one should face any disruptions in care. But I spoke with Medicaid recipients who say their providers denied them services due to their new insurance. Its made them wait days, or even weeks, to see their doctors or get a necessary prescription. This rollout was completely and utterly disastrous, said John McNeal, director of the State Council for Persons with Disabilities. Read the full story here. FULL STORY:How Delaware's rollout of new Medicaid insurer left residents in need without care The First State is a dangerous place for pedestrians. Can this grant help? The city of Wilmington has been awarded a $200,000 federal grant to improve its sidewalks and crosswalks, as traffic fatalities continue to reach historic levels. To put this in perspective: 2022 was the most dangerous year for traffic fatalities, with 165 deaths. It hasnt been that high since 1988. DANGEROUS ROADS:Delawares 2022 traffic fatalities reported 165 deaths, tying a record set in 1988 The money comes from the federal bipartisan infrastructure bill. Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki said in a news release that the city plans to use this money on pedestrian signage, particularly in school zones. A busy week for Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long Delawares lieutenant governor announced last week that 44,000 cans of baby formula will be available to families with a baby younger than 12 months old. The state had one of the worst shortages in the country earlier this year. Families can pick up one 28.2 oz canister through the Food Bank of Delaware, Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware and several other community organizations. Hall-Long also last week announced a report by the Delaware Office of Early Learning Advisory Committee, which she chairs. It outlined 12 action items that, if the state takes, will lead to the strong footing required to continue strengthening Delaware in measures of child well-being and education, according to the report. Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long speaks at a Delaware Drug Overdose Community Briefing and Response Meeting held at Delaware State Police Troop 2 in Newark, on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. This line in the report did stop me in my tracks: Half of three- and four-year-old children are not in a preschool experience. It will be interesting to see where this goes. Many of the action items are broad or vaguely worded, but early education has been cited as a major priority for both the governor and the General Assembly. All this to say, keep an eye on what Hall-Long is doing in the coming months. Many Delaware politicos whisper shes one of the likely Democratic gubernatorial candidates. Update on unemployment benefits Gov. John Carney signed legislation last week that will increase the maximum unemployment weekly benefits from $400 to $450. The state, previously, has the lowest unemployment benefits in the region. What to look for this week: Joint Finance Committee hearings continue. This week includes the departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Corrections. Heres where to watch. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware politics: Tense budget hearings, more unemployment benefits Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck in Gigli. Just like the Oscars are for movies and the Emmys are for TV, the Grammys are the big event for the music industry, and last night, the 65th Annual Grammy Awards recognized the best of the best in this field from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. Jennifer Lopez was among the ceremonys presenters, and while her husband Ben Affleck attended with her, the internet couldnt get enough of him looking like he really didnt want to be at the Grammys. Now JLo has shared a recap on social media of her latest Grammys experience. Jennifer Lopez wasnt up for any awards at the Grammys this year, but if youre attending the event, whether youre going up on stage or simply seated in the crowd, you need to look your best. Suffice it to say JLo glammed it up quite nicely, and you can watch the below video montage she shared on Instagram to see how her night unfolded. A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo) A photo posted by on Ben Affleck may not have been excited about being at the Grammys judging by the expressions on his face (which harkens back to the Sad Affleck days), but Jennifer Lopez looks like she had a blast for the most part, between her stylish arrival, posing for photos, reconnecting with familiar faces and eventually presenting Best Pop Vocal Album (Harry Styles walked away with that honor, which also caught a lot of attention online). Its unclear if JLo posted this video in response to the social media chatter surrounding her husband or if shed planned to do it anyway, but either way, this is her way of putting a positive spin on the night. Unfortunately, this doesnt clear up if Afflecks discontentment at the Grammys stemmed from some kind of disagreement hed been having with his wife or just simply not enjoying the event whatsoever. After being one of the hottest celebrity couples in the early 2000s, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck went their separate ways, with the former being married to March Anthony from 2004 to 2014, and the latter being married to Jennifer Garner from 2005 to 2018. Then in 2021, JLo and Affleck started dating again, and by July 2022, they married in Las Vegas, which was followed by a more lavish ceremony in Savannah, Georgia. The blending of their two families seems to be going well per Lopezs comments from last month, and going to the Grammys marked a break in the couples efforts to sell JLos Bel-Air home for a huge profit. As for what these two have going professionally, Jennifer Lopezs newest movie, Shotgun Wedding, premiered to Amazon Prime Video subscribers on January 27, and her next movie, Netflixs The Mother, comes out on May 5. Affleck was last seen in a cinematic setting cameoing in Clerks III, and along directing and starring in this Aprils Air with his Good Will Hunting costar Matt Damon, hes also set to reprise Batman in The Flash come July. Collins Trott, a Wallace Community College-Dothan (WCCD) Child Development instructor, was recently named the 2022 Educator of the Year by Alabama Project Learning Tree (PLT). According to the Alabama PLT, Trott was honored for her commitment to engaging future educators in hands-on environmental education experiences while making a positive impact on preservice educators in the Child Development classes she teaches. We are pleased to present the award to Professor Trott, said Edward Lewis, Forestry Management Specialist Houston County for the Alabama Forestry Commission. She consistently seeks ways to cultivate enthusiasm for teaching in her students. We love that she uses Project Learning Tree. One of my favorite courses to teach is math and science for young children, says Trott. Early childhood teachers often spend little time on math and science because of negative views from their own past experiences. I want Child Development students in my classes to remember what it was like to learn early childhood math concepts. Through hands-on experiences like Project Learning Tree, they grow confident in their knowledge and excited to create fun learning experiences for children. Seeing a transformed attitude of Child Development students on the topics of math and science assures me our young children are going to have a great foundation of skills that will grow in the post-primary grades. WCCD is grateful for Alabama PLTs acknowledgment of Trott. Ms. Trott is a fantastic instructor committed to providing the best educational experiences for our students, said Leslie Reeder, WCCD Dean of Instructional Affairs. We are incredibly proud of Ms. Trotts recognition as the 2022 Alabama Project Learning Tree Outstanding Educator of the Year. According to the Alabama PLT, the Educator of the Year is selected based on commitment to environmental education, exemplary use of Project Learning Trees award-winning curriculum materials, and exceptional teaching skills. Since 1970, the Alabama Forestry Foundation has helped thousands grow in their knowledge and appreciation for Alabamas well-managed forests and their role in protecting Alabamas environment, economy, and way of life. Forest businesses are important in Alabama, and many livelihoods depend on forestry. The PLT curriculum helps others understand the connections of the forest products they use every day to the trees they see growing throughout Alabama. INGLEWOOD, Calif. Its only February, but dont be surprised if Lorenz Larkin remains a candidate for Knockout of the Year by the end of 2023. And that has him feeling a certain way. Larkin obliterated Mukhamed Berkhamov with a hellacious elbow to win by first-round knockout Saturday night at Bellator 290. The finish sent the crowd at Kia Forum into a frenzy given how violent it was, with Berkhamovs limp body crashing to the canvas face first. Afterward, Larkin spoke like a man still with a chip on his shoulder at 36. Its just another feather in the cap. For me, it was more so like redemption from what happened last time and from a lot of people thinking that this fight was gonna go the whole other way, Larkin told reporters backstage, including MMA Junkie. I think just from my interviews from the last fight showed how much frustration I had, and I had such a good camp the last fight and how I felt, even though he took me down and yada yada yada. I just felt like he had nothing for me. For this fight to happen like that, this was no luck. I wish there was f*cking cameras in the back of me warming up. These are the things I work on. Im more happy in this moment just to show off the hard work that me and my team put in. Thats where its at for me. Loren Larkin reacts after his knockout of Mukhamed Berkhamov at Bellator 290. (Photo courtesy of Bellator MMA) It was the second encounter between Larkin (25-7 MMA, 7-2 BMMA) and Berkhamov (15-2 MMA, 1-1 BMMA) after an illegal strike (an elbow) caused their Bellator 283 fight to end in a no contest last July. The finish at Bellator 290 happened while the two men engaged in a back-and-forth of punches before they clinched in the middle of the cage. On the break, thats when Larkin unleashed his vicious elbow that landed flush to the temple. Larkin, who became the first man in 16 fights to finish Berkhamov, was glad to leave no doubt, not just because what it says about him but also his team at Southern Californias Millenia MMA. Story continues If you grab me, these are the tools that I have in my bag, Larkin said. And if you give me the opportunity, Im gonna take it. Its nothing to cut you. Im not trying to cut you. Im trying to do what I did tonight. Everything has bad intentions on it. This is just a little bit of me and a big part of my team. Larkin, who joined Bellator after leaving the UFC in 2016, got off to a rough start when he joined, losing to then-welterweight champion Douglas Lima and Paul Daley in his first two promotional appearances. Things have changed since then as hes currently on a seven-fight winning streak. It could be time for another title shot, although Larkin didnt have a specific opponent in mind for what could be next. I never have a name in mind, said Larkin, who expressed wanting to compete March 31 at Bellator 293 in Temecula. My thing is, Bellator calls me, they give me a name, I can text back or say yes. Thats it. I dont need to call nobody out. Ive fought the best of the best. Im not scared of nobody. I just take the fights. I dont need to do all the sh*t talking, all the callouts. At the end of the day, I just put my f*cking head down, I grind it out, and I keep showing up. Thats all I do lace these f*cking boots and go to work. I dont need to do all the other sh*t. It comes along with it. For more on the card, visit MMA Junkies event hub for Bellator 290. Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie The headline of this story is based on the one that Rolling Stone used on the cover of their February 7, 1970 issue, over a photograph by Annette Yorke of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It was the issue that announced John as the magazines Man of the Year. The article was of particular note because it came at the time when the world was wondering about the very future of The Beatles. It included a detailed account by Ritchie Yorke of John and Yokos week-long trip to Canada a few weeks earlier, in December 1969. During that stay, the couple had meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, communications prophet Marshall McLuhan, and other notables. The feature also included an essay by Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner on why he had given the Man of the Year title to Lennon. It has become impossible to speak of John without at once speaking of Yoko truly the fifth Beatle, in an era when it sometimes appears that there are no longer even four Beatles, wrote Wenner. Thus, when we speak of John as the Man of the Year, we also mean Yoko, but feel a little foolish saying Couple of the Year, although they surely were. There was one more major hit to come from The Beatles recordings in Let It Be, but Lennon had already started down the solo path with his experimental 1969 albums with Yoko. Theyd also had two hits with the Plastic Ono Band in Give Peace A Chance and Cold Turkey, with another soon to arrive, Instant Karma. The day of the Rolling Stone cover date, Lennon and Ono were at the studios of London Weekend Television as guests on the British commercial TV programme, The Simon Dee Show. They brought the black activist Michael X with them, and the show, broadcast the next day, also featured the actor George Lazenby. Meanwhile, George Harrison was at Trident Studios producing Govinda, the follow-up to the UK Top 20 hit Hare Krishna Mantra by the Radha Krishna Temple. Paul McCartney was completing the sessions that would form his solo debut, McCartney, as Ringo Starr continued work on his, Sentimental Journey. The individual Beatles were very much pursuing their own individual projects, and soon the group would officially be over. Story continues Listen to the best of John Lennon on Apple Music and Spotify. For the latest music news and exclusive features, check out uDiscover Music. uDiscover Music is operated by Universal Music Group (UMG). Some recording artists included in uDiscover Music articles are affiliated with UMG. Whats stopping well-heeled Americans from up and moving to another country? These days, not much. Turns out, more high-net-worth homebuyers than ever are seizing the opportunity to live overseas. According to data from the 2022 Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Report, a whopping 92 percent of wealthy Americans were actively looking to relocate abroad last year. Factors including profitable exchange rates, the shift to remote work and a very strong US dollar have all helped turn this once far-flung fantasy into a reality. Though, 67 percent admitted to already owning property outside the US. More from Robb Report We saw renewed interest among wealthy investors in international buying in 2022 in part because of built-up demand after not traveling for years, Michael Altneu, vice president of global luxury for Coldwell Banker Realty in Los Angeles, told Mansion Global. Plus US economic conditions were more challenging in 2022, so investors looked for strength abroad and wanted to expand their borders. Wondering where all the expats are settling down? Well, think anywhere with warm weather and the ability to live off-grid. The report named Central America, North America (Canada and Mexico) and Asia among the most alluring destinations. More specifically, countries including France, Portugal, Belize, Costa Rica and Panama remain especially compellingespecially for foreigners interested in citizen-by-investment programs or those who plan on renting out their homes. Americans are moving to places like Paris and Costa Rica to take advantage of the strong US dollar. Theres immense interest in countries that offer a golden passport that provides citizenship or a visa for both primary and secondary residences, Altneu explained. Weve seen a lot of people buy one place for themselves in Costa Rica and then two or three others as investments. Story continues Take it from Lief Simon, co-owner of Live and Invest Overseas, who splits his time between Paris and Panama. He told Mansion Global about a couple he knows who have purchased residences across seven different countries within the past 18 months and have no plans on slowing down. That lifestyle pays for itself because they rent out the properties when theyre not using them, Simon said. Even if you dont plan on opening up your abode to travelers, its still a great time to expand your real estate portfolio. 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. An Oregon woman is facing charges for allegedly helping a kidnapping suspect evade police and destroy evidence of his alleged crimes. Tina Marie Jones, 68, pleaded not guilty to the crimes of hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence at a Josephine County Circuit Court hearing Friday, according to Oregon television station KTVL. According to court documents reviewed by the outlet and press releases from the Grants Pass Police Department, Jones helped Benjamin Obadiah Foster, 36, dispose of the vehicle he allegedly used to kidnap a woman on Jan. 24. RELATED: University Of Idaho Students Report Seeing A 'Staring' Bryan Kohberger On Campus Before Murders "Jones followed Foster via vehicle to a remote location in Wolf Creek, Oregon, where Foster intentionally drove his vehicle off an embankment. Jones then immediately provided Foster with a ride via vehicle back" to an address where she "had allowed Foster to stay while he was actively evading arrest," Jones' arrest affidavit stated, according to the station. Then, she allegedly "took substantial steps to aid Foster with evading law enforcement apprehension and took substantial steps to suppress or destroy physical evidence that would have aided Law Enforcement in the apprehension of Foster." Foster died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a Grants Pass hospital on Jan. 31 after an hours-long standoff with police, according to an earlier report from KTVL. He reportedly hid in a crawl space under a house while a SWAT team tried to negotiate with him unsuccessfully. Police were called to the scene after he was spotted walking a small dog in the area. Police had sought the public's help in locating Foster a week before, distributing photos of Foster and characterizing the fugitive as "extremely dangerous" and a "serial predator." Oxygen.com could not reach the Grants Pass Police Department to confirm whether Foster was found at Jones' home or to determine the relationship between the two parties. Story continues Tristyn Bailey Aiden Fucci Pd Jones is currently being held at Josephine County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail, according to FOX 26 Medford. Her attorney argued for her pretrial release on Friday due to an alleged cancer diagnosis. She has a myriad of different medications that are necessary for her health that she is unable to receive in the Josephine County Jail, Jones lawyer Brodia Minter said, If her blood clots in her body because she is not able to get her cancer medication, it is going to be bad for everybody. Oxygen.com confirmed with the court that Jones' next hearing regarding a potential pretrial release will take place on Tuesday. A warrant was issued for Foster's arrest after authorities found his alleged female victim on Jan. 24. The woman, who was in critical condition last Wednesday, told police she knew Foster before the attack. She was bound and severely beaten when she was discovered by police, and had been tortured for a "protracted amount of time" before her rescue, Grants Pass Police Chief Warren Hensman said at a press conference. Prosecutors said Foster intended to kill the woman, and charged him attempted murder, kidnapping, and assault. Before he was apprehended by police, prosecutors said, Foster killed two additional men via blunt force trauma. Their corpses were discovered by Oregon State sheriff's deputies on Jan. 31, according to reporting by CNN. A motive in those killings is unclear. Oxy App Foster narrowly evaded capture on Jan. 28 after he "likely received assistance fleeing the area" of his parents' property in Wolf Creek, according to an earlier Grants Pass Police Department press release. Foster's 2008 Nissan Sentra was seized along with other pieces of evidence. It's unclear whether this was the vehicle that was driven off the embankment. At least two other woman who had previous relationships with Foster reported him for abuse, according to Clark County, Nevada court records from cases in Las Vegas reviewed by CNN. In 2019, Foster was charged in Las Vegas for felony battery constituting domestic violence after he was arrested for allegedly holding his ex-girlfriend hostage. He allegedly shaved the womans head and forced her to eat a sandwich filled with lye. The victim suffered seven broken ribs, two black eyes and other injuries from having been bound with duct tape and zip ties. He ultimately entered a plea deal and served 200 days in prison. Additionally, he'd previously served time for felony battery constituting domestic violence in 2017, according to NBC News. Despite the past convictions, Foster was able to use online dating apps, raising concerns about whether app users are vetted prior to their joining. Bumble, Coffee Meets Bagel and Match Group, the parent company of Match, Tinder, Hinge, OkCupid and Plenty of Fish, told NBC News that it does not believe Foster was using their apps based on the information provided to the public. Celia Cruz - Photo: KMazur/WireImage Salsa and Cuban icon Celia Cruz has been selected to appear on the US quarter. Cruz, who died in 2003, was selected by the United States Mint to be one of the five honorees in the 2024 American Women Quarters Program. The American Women Quarters Program is a four-year initiative that honors the achievements and services of American women. The U.S. Mint is releasing up to five new designs each year; they began in 2022 and will continue through 2025. All of the women being honored have lived remarkable and multi-faceted lives, and have made a significant impact on our Nation in their own unique way, said Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson, in an official statement. The women pioneered change during their lifetimes, not yielding to the status quo imparted during their lives. By honoring these pioneering women, the Mint continues to connect America through coins which are like small works of art in your pocket. The other women chosen were Patsy Takemoto Mink, who was the first black woman to serve in Congress; Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, who was a Civil War-era surgeon, women's rights advocate and abolitionist; Pauli Murray, a poet, writer, activist, lawyer and Episcopal priest, as well as a strong advocate for civil rights, and Zitkala-Sa, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, a writer, songwriter, educator and political activist for the rights of Native Americans. The designs for the 2024 American Women Quarters are expected to be released in mid-2023. Cruz was born Ursula Hilaria Celia De La Caridad Cruz Alfonso in Havana, Cuba on October 21, 1925. From a poor family, she began singing at an early age, initially urged by her mother to croon lullabies to put her younger siblings to sleep at night. Cruz then got more serious about performing music and began entering and winning radio talent shows in Havana and performing in cabarets. Since Cruzs death, her reputation has grown. A few months after her passing, the Celia Cruz Bronx High School Of Music opened in New York and, a year later, a park was named after her in New Jersey. Her posthumous autobiography, Celia Mi Vida, with a foreword by Maya Angelou, was a bestseller in 2005, while her life also became the subject of two acclaimed childrens books. Story continues That same year, her career was celebrated by an exhibition at the National Museum Of American History and, in 2007, an award-winning musical about her life had a successful off-Broadway run. She has also been commemorated on a US postal stamp in 2011 and had her life made into a Colombian TV series. More recently, in 2019, her music inspired a critically-lauded tribute album, Celia, by noted Benin-born musician Angelique Kidjo, who gave ten of Cruzs signature songs an Afrobeat makeover. Listen to the best of Celia Cruz on Apple Music and Spotify. For the latest music news and exclusive features, check out uDiscover Music. uDiscover Music is operated by Universal Music Group (UMG). Some recording artists included in uDiscover Music articles are affiliated with UMG. The Twitter profile picture that put Sen. Steve Daines in Twitter jail Montana Senator Steve Daines Twitter account was suspended Monday night because the company determined Daines profile picture, showing the Senator and his wife Cindy seated next to a pronghorn antelope Cindy Daines had shot, violated Twitters policy against posting images that show graphic violence. Last night the Senator was notified his Twitter account was locked because his profile picture violated their rules against graphic violence, a news release from Daines office explained Tuesday morning. Our team has reached out to Twitter to get this resolved because the Senator believes it is preposterous that a picture of him and his wife huntingan activity that is ingrained in the Montana way of lifewould be against Twitter rules. Beginning at around 10:30 pm Monday, Twitter users trying to access Daines site were denied access and instead received the following message, Steve Dainess account is temporarily unavailable because it violates the Twitter Media Policy. Reaction to the account suspension was swift. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) which Daines chairs, reported the incident at around 6 am Tuesday morning. NRSC spokesman Philip Letsou commented in the release, This is insane. Twitter should immediately reverse this suspension. Other political luminaries quickly added their voices of outrage and disbelief. Ridiculous, tweeted Texas Senator Ted Cruz. My friend @SteveDaines is in @Twitter jail for posting this pic w/ his wife Cindy. If you dont like hunting, fine, dont go. But dont censor others who disagree. And Im pretty sure this is a formal job responsibility for a senator from Montana! Twitter has ridiculously suspended Sen. @SteveDaines because his profile picture is of him and his wife hunting, tweeted Donald Trump, Jr. What a disgrace! Stop censoring our Montana way of life! tweeted Montana Representative Ryan Zinke. Great shot, Cindy! Some members of Congress took a more mocking tone. Story continues Hey @elonmusk - Why is Twitter putting @SteveDaines in Twitter jail? tweeted South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds. For his wife being a good shot? Rounds included his own Twitter profile picture in his post, a photograph of he and two of his grandchildren on a successful pheasant hunt. I guess since Ive updated my profile picture, I better turn myself in, Rounds quipped. Twitter reversed its suspension and reinstated Daines Twitter account at around 7:50 am Tuesday. Daines, who is in Washington D.C. in advance of President Biden's State of the Union Address, had only a brief comment on the kerfuffle. My wife is a great shot, Daines tweeted. What can I say? This article originally appeared on Great Falls Tribune: Daines Twitter account suspended over hunting photo EXCLUSIVE: Tom Girardi seen arriving for court in Los Angeles. Pictured: Tom Girardi Ref: SPL5520142 060223 EXCLUSIVE Picture by: SplashNews.com Splash News and Pictures USA: +1 310-525-5808 London: +44 (0)20 8126 1009 Berlin: +49 175 3764 166 photodesk@splashnews.com World Rights SplashNews.com Tom Girardi, the estranged husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Girardi, has arrived in court. After the former attorney, 83, was indicted on fraud charges last week for allegedly stealing from the families of victims in a 2018 plane crash, Girardi was photographed Monday arriving at a courthouse in Los Angeles beside his attorneys. According to court documents previously obtained by PEOPLE, Girardi is facing eight counts of wire fraud and four counts of criminal contempt of court by a federal grand jury in Chicago. RELATED: Tom Girardi, Estranged Husband of RHOBH Star Erika Girardi, Indicted on Fraud Charges Along with two other employees of his law firm Girardi Keese, he allegedly stole more than $3 million intended for relatives of victims killed in the crash of Lion Air Flight 610, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Illinois, said in a press release. David R. Lira and Christopher K. Kamon are both also charged with 12 criminal counts each. Kamon was head of the firm's accounting and finance department. Erika Jayne, Tom Girardi Steve Eichner/AP Erika and Tom Girardi RELATED: Erika and Tom Girardi: Everything We Know About the Legal Controversies Facing the Former Couple Girardi and Lira represented five clients whose family members were killed in the 2018 crash. They filed lawsuits against the plane's manufacturer, Boeing Co., and settled the suits in 2020, according to the press release. Along with Kamon, they are accused of stealing more than $3 million of settlement funds for "improper purposes, including paying the firm's payroll and operating expenses, and funding settlements to other Girardi Keese clients." The indictment alleged they then attempted to conceal the misappropriation to their clients by blaming the delayed allocation of funds on the COVID-19 pandemic and "serious issues" with Boeing. The indictment noted that they also made false claims knowing that the law firm had already received the settlement funds. Story continues Thomas Girardi Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Tom Girardi Erika filed for divorce from her estranged husband in November 2020 after 21 years of marriage as the racketeering and embezzlement allegations were rising. Allegations included both a criminal and civil suit, the latter of which named Erika as well. Erika maintains that she was unaware of Tom's alleged criminal actions in regard to the victims of the 2018 plane crash, which resulted in his disbarment by the California Federal Court. She has not been named in any federal suits. Though a civil battle continues, it was recently concluded in one case that the plaintiffs suing Erika for "aiding and abetting" her estranged husband in alleged fraud failed to prove she had any knowledge of the alleged crimes, which Erika took as a hopeful sign. "Two years now, down the road, we're getting some really great rulings, and I'm grateful for that," she said during the RHOBH panel in October at BravoCon 2022. "And more to go... So I'm in a much better place, and I'm grateful for that." RELATED VIDEO: RHOBH's Erika Girardi Hit with $745,000 Lawsuit from Nicolas Cage's Ex-Girlfriend Christina Fulton Amid his legal woes and divorce from Erika, Tom was diagnosed with dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's disease in March 2021. That July, he was moved to a nursing facility with 24-hour care. The former attorney was placed under a temporary conservatorship managed by his younger brother in February 2021, which was made permanent in July 2021. During a May appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Erika offered an update on Tom's health, telling host Andy Cohen that his condition had not improved. "Tom lives in a memory care facility... Look, I can only say decline and further decline, it will not get better," she said, noting that Tom still often reaches out, though their phone calls "last about five seconds." 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. Cohen then asked Erika how aware Tom is of his legal troubles, to which Erika responded, "He thinks he's still practicing law." In October, Tom was moved to a "restricted memory care unit" at an assisted living facility as his health continues to deteriorate. In court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Tom's court-appointed attorney Rudy M. A. Cosio indicated that the 83-year-old was moved to the facility "due to a further decline in his memory functions." REUTERS/Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/Kremlin Ramzan Kadyrov, a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has begun rattling off threats about attacking Poland after Ukraine. Kadyrov, the head of Chechnya, suggested Monday that Russia should denazify and demilitarize Poland next. What if, after the successful completion of the NMD, Russia begins to denazify and demilitarize the next country? After all, after Ukraine, Poland is on the map! I will not hide that I personally have such an intention, Kadyrov said on Telegram. I personally have such an intention, and I have repeatedly stated that the fight against Satanism should continue throughout Europe and, first of all, on the territory of Poland. Kadyrov warned Tuesday that the time has come for the West to fall to its knees before Russia, predicting that the so-called special military operation in Ukraine, would be over by the end of 2023. The special [military] operation will be over before the end of this year. European countries will admit they have been wrong, the West will fall to its knees, and, as usual, European countries will have to cooperate with the Russian Federation in all spheres, Kadyrov said, according to TASS. There should not and will never be an alternative to that. It isnt clear that the war will indeed be over by the end of the year. Russia is preparing to mobilize between 300,000 to 500,000 troops for a new offensive in Ukraine, according to a new Ukrainian military intelligence bulletin. U.S. officials have warned that Russia is likely gearing up for a new onslaught as well. Its not the first time that Russia or Putins cronies have suggested that Poland is on their list of targets in Europe. Belarus, a close Russian ally, has threatened to go after Poland with a cruel response over what the country said were provocations from Poland. Kadyrov himself threatened Poland on multiple occasions last year. Top Putin Ally Threatens Cruel Attacks on New Country After Ukraine, if we're given the command, in six seconds we'll show you what we're capable of, Kadyrov said of potentially attacking Poland in May of last year. Story continues Tensions have already bubbled up over the prospect of Russia attacking Poland. In November, a stray missile fell into Polish territory near its border with Ukraine and killed two, raising questions about whether Russia had deliberately attacked Poland, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and whether wider war was about to break out. When one member of NATO is attacked, NATO can consider it an attack against all members. An investigation into that incident revealed it was a Ukrainian air defense missile that had been fired to defend against a Russian attack. But if Russia follows through on threats to expand the war in Ukraine to include other territorial goals, including those in Poland, Moscow could end up ensnaring NATO members and and touch off a wider war. Polish authorities are concerned that Russia is still eyeing Poland. Marek Magierowski, the Polish ambassador to the U.S., warned just this week that Russia might set its sights on Poland next. Russia has always been our neighbor. It is our neighbor and it will remain so. It will not vanish miraculously in the foreseeable future. So we have to prepare, Magierowski told NPR. We have to be prepared for any eventuality. Poland might be the next target. Warsaw is taking the threat seriously. On Tuesday, the Polish military is conducting anti-aircraft drills in an effort to demonstrate to would-be aggressors that Poland should be considered off-limits, according to Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Baszczak. Russias New Large-Scale War Plan Is Already Doomed to Fail We all realize there is a war on our eastern border. But with these exercises, we will showwe will deliberately showthese exercises are to deter an aggressor, Baszczak said. And so we demonstrate the combat readiness of the Polish military. The U.S. State Department also just approved a possible sale of High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers and related equipment worth approximately $10 billion to Poland as part of Warsaws efforts to modernize its military, according to a Department of Defense notice. Congress was formally notified Tuesday. The sale would include 45 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which can reach far longer ranges than HIMARSa key sale that the Biden administration has not yet green-lighted for Ukraine. Later this week, a group of soldiers from the 3rd Warsaw Air Defense Missile Brigade will leave for training in the United States as well, according to Baszczak. The United States, in turn, leads the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Poland and deploys a rotational Armored Brigade Combat Team there, with approximately 10,000 troops stationed in Poland. In a recognition that Poland will be dealing with Russian aggression for some time, Poland has also taken steps to build up its military long-term. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawieck announced just weeks ago that Poland will increase defense spending to 4 percent of gross domestic product. And due to the publics anxiety about the conflict, Poland has been training civilians as soldiers. 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. That was the only path through this darkness, says U.S. prosecutor Zia Faruqui. The darker the darknet gets, the way that you shine the light is following the money. In "Tracers in the Dark," Andy Greenberg, a senior writer at Wired, takes a historical look at what he calls Bitcoins siren song: the promise of untraceable money. He begins by carefully tracing back through the history of law enforcements crypto investigations, and finds their very first success. It was 2014, and IRS special agent Tigran Gambaryan was investigating a DEA agent suspected of having stolen bitcoin from Dread Pirate Roberts, the pseudonymous founder and administrator of Silk Road, the worlds first darknet marketplace, a website where users could sell and purchase bitcoin and drugs, protecting their identities with an encryption technology called Tor. At the time, most people who used bitcoin believed it to be anonymous, an untraceable payment method, akin to using unmarked cash bills. Oh, shit, Gambaryan remembers saying when he found the evidence that showed the corrupt DEA agent did indeed steal millions in bitcoins from the infamous creator of the dark web bazaar. We broke Bitcoin. This is the books first wow moment, and it comes at the end of Part 1, which is mostly spent setting the stage and explaining the technology behind Bitcoin and how it was used to facilitate online drug trafficking. The book truly takes off in Part 2 with a series of stories featuring law enforcement agents from California to Bangkok chasing dark web drug kingpins on the web, on the blockchain and in real life. The beat-by-beat tale of the takedown of AlphaBay, then the largest dark web market in history, is perhaps the books most memorable story. It is told from the beginning, when an anonymous person reached out to a DEA agent in Fresno, California with a tip about the identity of the AlphaBay administrator, to the end, when Thai and American agents lure Alexandre Cazes out of his apartment and arrest him while also being able to seize his computer open and unlocked. This was key because the agents were worried they wouldnt be able to get evidence from it if it was shut down and encrypted. Story continues Much like Silk Road, AlphaBay was hosted on the dark web, and facilitated the sale and purchase of illegal goods, mostly drugs and hacking tools. The investigation into AlphaBay culminates when around 20 agents from the DEA, FBI, DOJ, IRS and DHS travel to Bangkok to arrest Cazes, who was the founder and administrator of the site. In a scene that would otherwise be hard to believe, some of the agents were hanging out in the lounge of a luxury five-star hotel, when Cazes himself parks his Porsche at the entrance and strolls right past them. It was like seeing a ghost, one of the agents remembers thinking, as some of his colleagues panicked. In the end, it was all a coincidence, Cazes walked past, and there was no confrontation. The Thai police, under the supervision of the feds, eventually arrested him a few days later in a well-choreographed operation. A week later, Cazes then died by apparent suicide in a Bangkok jail. Greenberg managed to interview an impressive number of law enforcement agents, who helped him tell the story of these high-profile investigations from the inside. Its a true detailed behind-the-scenes look at high-stakes police operations, such as the AlphaBay takedown, the investigation into the worlds largest child sexual abuse website called "Welcome to Video," as well as the takedown of Hansa, another dark web market that was briefly run by the Dutch police in an unprecedented sting operation. The Hansa takeover-takedown combo resulted in several arrests all over the world, and more importantly spooked the whole dark web illegal markets ecosystem, showing that even the biggest markets could be a sting operation run by the cops. One of the big ideas that "Tracers in the Dark" really drills into the reader is that its not just that Bitcoin actually isnt anonymous. But its also important to remember that law enforcement investigations take time. As it turned out, that anonymous tipster who cold-emailed a DEA agent in Fresno about the identity of AlphaBays founder had the right man. But the investigators still had to pull all the threads and fingerprints left on the blockchain and the internet before going after Cazes. "Tracers in the Dark" shows that there is hope in stopping drug dealers, dark web market kingpins and child abusers given the sheer number of successful busts, takedowns and arrests, from Silk Road to AlphaBay. And its all thanks to the immutable, persistent nature of the Bitcoin blockchain, the perfect place to follow the money. MONTGOMERY Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday announced that the sheriffs departments in all of the states 67 counties will be receiving quarterly funds in an effort to help offset lost money the departments collected for pistol permit fees in 2022. A couple of core tenants of the Ivey administration is that we Back the Blue in the strongest way possible and that we support upholding our citizens Second Amendment rights, Ivey said via a news release from her office. As we have amended Alabama law to help our gun owners, we also worked to ensure our sheriffs received their critical funds, and I am proud that these grants will do that. The Sheriffs Grants will provide them with funding for training, equipment, and other needs not provided by county commissions in their annual appropriations. We are proud to support the vital work our sheriffs departments do on a daily basis. Executive Director of the Alabama Sheriffs Association Jimmy Lambert said, In response to the governors press release this morning, the Alabama Sheriffs Association wishes to thank Gov. Ivey and the members of the Alabama Legislature for creating this grant program to partially fill the substantial void in our funding created by the passage of the permitless carry bill last year. We look forward to working with the governor and Alabamas leaders in the upcoming legislative session to ensure that these funds are permanently allocated and sufficient to restore our ability to fulfill our sworn duty to protect and serve all of Alabamas citizens. ADECA administers multiple programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management, and recreation development and is making disbursements to the sheriffs offices based on reports collected by other state agencies. Under the Local Government Pistol Permit Revenue Loss Fund, Alabama sheriffs need to show a loss of pistol permit funds based on the 2022 figures. On Jan. 1, Alabama became the latest state to allow people to carry a concealed handgun without getting a state permit that requires a background check when Ivey signed into law the bill which eliminates the requirement of residents in the state to obtain a permit in order to carry a concealed pistol. Unlike states who are doing everything in their power to make it harder for law-abiding citizens, Alabama is reaffirming our commitment to defending our Second Amendment rights, Ivey said after she signed the measure. I have always stood up for the rights of law-abiding gun owners, and I am proud to do that again today. Republican state Rep. Shane Stringer had been the sponsor of House Bill 272, which eliminates the need for gun owners in the state to obtain a permit from a county sheriffs office in order to legally carry a concealed firearm in the state. ADECA intends to carry out our duties in this matter to ensure that Alabamas sheriffs offices are compensated for their losses based on those shortages provided in the data, said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. Alec Baldwin's attorney moved on Tuesday to disqualify the special prosecutor in New Mexico who investigated him over the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of "Rust." The special prosecutor, Andrea Reeb, is a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives. She was elected to her first term last year and assumed office on Jan. 1. "Under Section 1 of Article III of the New Mexico Constitution, however, a sitting member of the Legislature may not 'exercise any powers properly belonging' to either the executive or judicial branch," Baldwin's defense attorney, Luke Nikas, wrote in a motion filed on Tuesday. PHOTO: Rep. Andrea Reeb talks with people on the floor of the New Mexico House of Representatives before the start of a session, Feb. 1, 2023, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Albuquerque Journal via Zuma Press) Baldwin has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Hutchins. His defense attorney argued Reeb cannot simultaneously exercise legislative and judicial power. "Were the arrangement here approved by the courts, future District Attorneys could seek to curry favor with legislators who control their budgets by appointing them to high-profile cases -- distorting the legislative process," Nikas said in the motion to disqualify. MORE: Involuntary manslaughter charges formally filed against Alec Baldwin in 'Rust' shooting "A prosecutor who also serves as a legislator could face pressure to make prosecutorial decisions that serve her legislative interests, such as by prosecuting a prominent defendant associated with an opposing faction within the Legislature even in the face of conflicting evidence or law," the motion continued. The filing cited a funding request from First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies of $635,500 from the New Mexico Board of Finance for the prosecution of individuals related to the Rust shooting. The proposed budget included $156,000 for Reeb's salary. PHOTO: This handout file image courtesy of Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office released April 25, 2022, and part of the investigative files, shows actor Alec Baldwin being processed after the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. (Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office/AFP via Getty Images) "In short, there can be no question that Representative Reeb is violating both the plain text and the purpose of the New Mexico Constitution's separation-of-powers provision by serving simultaneously as a legislator and a prosecutor. She must be removed," Nikas said. Story continues The district attorney's office brushed off the motion, calling it a distraction. "Mr. Baldwin and his attorneys can use whatever tactics they want to distract from the fact that Halyna Hutchins died because of gross negligence and a reckless disregard for safety on the 'Rust' film set," Heather Brewer, a spokesperson for the First Judicial District Attorney, said in a statement. "However, the district attorney and the special prosecutor will remain focused on the evidence and on trying this case so that justice is served." MORE: 'Rust' timeline: Key events in the Alec Baldwin on-set shooting Hutchins was fatally shot on the Santa Fe set of the Western on Oct. 21, 2021. In addition to Baldwin, the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter over her death. They both are scheduled to make their first court appearance virtually on Feb. 24. First assistant director David Halls has already agreed to plead no contest for the charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon in connection with the shooting. The plea agreement is pending a judge's approval, prosecutors said last week. A plea conference has been scheduled for March 8. Alec Baldwin's attorney seeks to disqualify special prosecutor who investigated 'Rust' shooting originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Delivontae Johnson, 19, didnt have to go out of his way to return a lost wallet to its owner and a complete stranger but he did. When he returned the wallet that Dee Harkrider of Wynne, Arkansas, had unknowingly left in a Walmart shopping cart last month, he sparked an unlikely friendship thats still going strong. I just felt like he was an angel sent from God, Harkrider told USA TODAY. The pair have stayed in touch since the random act of kindness brought them together. Johnson was welcomed as a visitor to Harkriders church in January with open arms, and she plans to visit his church in return. Last weekend, the grandmother of seven met Johnsons mother, Rachel Johnson, for the first time over lunch. After visiting with her today, I can see why Delivontae is the young man he is today! she wrote on Facebook. "Delivontae Johnson, I pray that God blesses you beyond any measure!" wrote Dee Harkrider of Wynne, Arkansas, on Facebook after a stranger returned her wallet to her. She now considers Johnson "a new friend" after his random act of kindness. When Johnson returned her wallet on Jan. 12, Harkrider thanked him with $20 she pulled from it and wished she had had more to offer for his generosity. Johnson, not seeking a reward, said the cash was more than enough. When people ask why he bothered to drive about 20 miles to track Harkrider down, he says he was simply brought up to do the right thing. GIVING BACK: A Maine barber knows struggle. It's why the great-grandmother offers free cuts to those who can't pay. EMOTIONAL SURPRISE: Broadway star bursts into tears seeing family on closing weekend The way I was raised, you dont take something that's not yours, Johnson told USA TODAY. You've just got to be honest. (Theres) no telling what the outcome might be, he said. If you do good things, good things will follow. A mission to return what was lost Harkrider wasnt aware she had lost her wallet after her trip to Walmart in Forrest City, where Johnson lives, WREG-TV in Memphis reported. Harkrider went to buy 3 gallons of washer fluid. After loading the backseat of her car parked in the reserved spot, Harkrider, who lives on disability, drove to a friends home in her hometown, Palestine, in the eastern part of the state. Story continues Dee Harkrider of Wynne, Arkansas, lost her wallet on Jan. 12 in a Walmart parking lot. Delivontae Johnson, 19, of Forrest City, Arksas, went out of his way to get it back to her. Not long after, Johnson pulled up and spotted the wallet, he said. He pocketed it and entered the store to withdraw money for a tire repair. Johnson considered first getting his spare tire fixed before driving to Wynne, where he learned Harkrider lived from her driver's license. GOING THE EXTRA MILE: A stranded elderly couple in Hawaii had no spare tire nor cell service. 'A guardian angel' saved the day. I didn't know if she was going to come back to Walmart looking for a wallet that wasn't there," Johnson said. "If they would have watched the cameras and seen Id picked up a wallet, the police would have been at my house." Johnson tried Facebook-messaging Harkrider but got no response, so he checked her recent photos' reactions to find a friend of hers to contact. Thats how he connected with Harkriders friend Elaine Keown. 'God was watching out for me' While driving, Harkrider got a call from Keown, who asked if she knew a man named Delivontae Johnson. I was like: No I've never heard that name. I have no idea who that is, Harkrider said. Keown explained he had found her wallet and gave Harkrider his number. Johnson said he initially headed to Harkriders home in Wynne before Keown texted him that Harkrider was actually visiting a friend in Palestine, so he changed his route. At their first meeting, Dee Harkrider poses for a photo with Rachel Johnson, the mother of Delivontae Johnson, the man who returned Harkrider's lost wallet to her last month. The two met at a small restaurant in Palestine, and Harkrider was reunited with her lost wallet. HUMANKIND: 13 magical moments to make you smile "When he got there, I jumped out of my car and I said, 'I'm gonna take a picture so I can put it on Facebook!'" Harkrider shared. "I gave him big old hug." A friend told Harkrider she was lucky after the chance encounter, she wrote on her social media account. "I told her no, God was watching out for me," she wrote. Johnson said it felt "great" to do something selfless for someone he now considers a friend. "People need to know that it doesn't hurt to do a good deed nowadays." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arkansas man finds a lost wallet and an unlikely friendship: Good news Residents near the Ohio-Pennsylvania state line who were told to evacuate after tanker cars derailed in a fiery crash can return home after an evacuation order was lifted on Wednesday, officials said. Air and water samples that were collected Tuesday have been deemed safe, according to officials. Officials have urged East Palestine residents to follow a "Safe Return Traffic Plan" to ensure a seamless return to the northeastern Ohio village where the derailment occurred on Friday. "We came together as a community and put safety first, avoiding what very well could have been a tragedy of epic proportions," Chief Keith Drabick of the East Palestine Fire Department said at a press conference on Wednesday. The Ohio EPA will remain involved to oversee the long-term cleanup, working with Norfolk Southern and other contractors over the next several years -- aiming to ensure the air and water remain within safety thresholds. Crews conducted a controlled release and burn of toxic chemicals from five of the derailed cars that were in danger of exploding on Monday afternoon, officials said. A large ball of fire and plume of black smoke could be seen billowing high into the sky from the smoldering derailment site in East Palestine as the controlled burn took place. MORE: Ohio train derailment: Controlled burn of toxic chemicals went 'as planned,' PA gov says As of Monday night, a 1-mile mandatory evacuation zone had been in place around the site, according to East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway. East Palestine is home to roughly 4,700 residents, about half of whom had been warned to leave over the weekend before officials decided on Monday to conduct the controlled release. PHOTO: Flames and black smoke billow over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern Railway trail on Feb. 6, 2023. (Gene J. Puskar/AP) About 50 cars of a Norfolk Southern Railroad train, traveling from Illinois to Pennsylvania, derailed in the village on Friday night at around 9 p.m. local time. Ten of the derailed cars were transporting hazardous materials, five of which contained vinyl chloride. No injuries were reported, officials said. Story continues According to the National Transportation Safety Board, two videos show preliminary indications of mechanical issues on one of the car's axles. The train's emergency brake was activated after crews said an alarm went off, the NTSB said. Efforts to contain a fire at the derailment site stalled on Saturday night, as firefighters withdrew from the blaze due to concerns about air quality and explosions. Forced evacuations began in East Palestine on Sunday night and by Monday residents in a 1-mile by 2-mile area surrounding the site, which includes parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania, were ordered to evacuate immediately. "The vinyl chloride contents of five rail cars are currently unstable and could potentially explode, causing deadly disbursement of shrapnel and toxic fumes," the office of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement Monday. The controlled release and burn went "as planned," according to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. "Thus far, no concerning readings have been detected," Shapiro said during a press conference on Monday evening, about three hours after the procedure began. "For now, out of an abundance of caution, Pennsylvanians who live within two miles of East Palestine, where this derailment occurred, should just continue to shelter in place this evening and keep your windows and your doors closed." PHOTO: A map shows two areas that will be affected by a burn off of chemicals from a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. (Ohio Governor's Office) Crews monitoring air quality "have not seen anything" unexpected, according to James Justice of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "So far, so good," Justice said at the press conference. "And we're going to continue to monitor until the fire's out." MORE: Residents in Louisiana parish evacuated after train derailment causes acid leak In a statement to ABC News, Norfolk Southern Railroad also called Monday's controlled release a success and said materials were burning off according to plan. "We have been, and will continue, monitoring air quality with the Ohio EPA," the rail operator added. "Remediation work at the site can now safely continue.| ABC News' Jianna Cousin, Alexandra Faul, Matt Foster, Melissa Gaffney, Teddy Grant, Darren Reynolds and Alondra Valle contributed to this report. Ohio train derailment: Evacuation order lifted, residents can return home originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The parents of Tyre Nichols, the 29-year-old skateboarder and FedEx employee killed last month by Memphis police, will be among those attending President Joe Bidens State of the Union address Tuesday in Washington. The president is expected to discuss police brutality in the wake of Nichols' death in addition to proposing ways that Democrats and Republicans can cooperate on issues such as the federal budget and the economy. This will be the second State of the Union address of Biden's presidency. Who are RowVaughn and Rodney Wells? RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, Nichols mother and stepfather, have vowed to fight for police reform in the wake of their sons death. This is a continuous fight, Rodney Wells said at Nichols' memorial service, held Wednesday at Memphis' Mississippi Boulevard Baptist Church. "We have to fight for justice. We cant continue to let these people brutalize our kids. On the GoFundMe page RowVaughn Wells created in the wake of her son's death, she described him as gentle, kind, quirky and joyful, a "beautiful soul" who "had never been in trouble with the law, not even a parking ticket. Rev. Al Sharpton delivers the eulogy during the funeral service for Tyre Nichols at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, Tenn., on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. She could not bring herself to watch video footage of her sons fatal beating when it was shown to her family on Jan. 27. For a mother to know that their child was calling them in their need, and I wasn't there for him, do you know how I feel right now? she told mourners at Nichols funeral. Michael Brown's father from Ferguson shooting will also attend SOTU The couple has pleaded with Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a sweeping police-reform measure that was passed twice by the Democrat-controlled House before stalling in the Senate. Among other things, the bill would ban federal no-knock warrants and chokeholds such as the one that killed Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man killed by Minneapolis police officers in May 2020. "We are going to get justice for Tyre if it's the last breath I take," RowVaughn Wells said. Story continues In addition to Nichols' parents, Michael Brown Sr., whose teen son Michael's fatal shooting by police in Ferguson, Missouri, ignited furor nationwide and spawned the Black Lives Matter movement, is expected to attend the event. Who was Tyre Nichols? Nichols, who worked at FedEx with his dad, had been an avid skateboarder since he was 6. Hed moved to Memphis from California and had a 4-year-old son. RowVaughn Wells, mother of Tyre Nichols, who died after being beaten by Memphis police officers, leaves at the conclusion of a candlelight vigil for Tyre, in Memphis, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) The Saturday afternoon of Jan. 7, the last time he would see his mom, she had been preparing to make sesame chicken, a dish he loved and hoped to have for dinner after heading out to take pictures of the evenings sunset at a suburban Memphis park. That evening, officers stopped Nichols for an alleged traffic violation. Footage released later by Memphis police showed the officers pepper-spraying and brutally beating Nichols with a baton and stun gun, even as he was restrained. Im just trying to go home, Nichols told them, ultimately calling for his mother. Nichols died three days later in a hospital, suffering extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating, according to an autopsy commissioned by his family. He had his mothers name tattooed on his arm. Have officers been charged in Nichols death? Five Memphis police officers Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III, Justin Smith and Tadarrius Bean were swiftly terminated and charged with second-degree murder, among other charges. All are Black. Two other officers were relieved of their duties. Memphis Fire officials also fired several employees for failing to provide adequate medical aid after arriving at the scene. Will there be a federal investigation into Nichols' death? Memphis specialized Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods Unit, a crime-reduction force to which the five charged officers belonged, was permanently shut down on Jan. 28. Candlelight illuminates a photo of Tyre Nichols during a vigil held Jan. 30, 2023, at Regency Community Skate Park in Natomas, Calif., where Nichols used to skateboard when he lived in Sacramento. Nichols was fatally beaten by Memphis police last month. The FBI and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have launched investigations into the traffic stop and Nichols death, and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson has asked for a federal investigation of the Memphis Police Department itself. How the Nichols family plans to honor Tyre My husband and I have had our entire world turned upside down by what happened to our son, RowVaughn Wells wrote on GoFundMe. She hoped the proceeds would fund, in part, a memorial skate park in honor of his love of skateboarding and sunsets. The only thing thats keeping me going is that I truly believe that my son was sent here on assignment from God, she said at his funeral service. And I guess now his assignment is done. Hes gone home. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What to know about Tyre Nichols: Parents to attend State of the Union A Florida man and a Maryland woman have been arrested on federal charges of plotting to attack multiple energy substation with the goal of destroying Baltimore, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday. The suspects, Sarah Clendaniel of Catonsville, Maryland, and Brandon Russell of Orlando, Florida, were allegedly fueled by a racist extremist ideology as they "conspired to inflict maximum harm" on the power grid with the aim to "completely destroy" Baltimore, U.S. Attorney Erek Barron and a top FBI official said at a Monday morning press conference. Russell is quoted in court documents saying that attacking power transformers is "the greatest thing somebody can do." He is accused of providing instructions and location information for the substations he and Clendaniel allegedly sought to target as part of their plot, federal prosecutors said. MORE: Investigators seek video in sabotage of Washington power grid Clendaniel allegedly told an FBI confidential source she was "determined" to carry out the attacks aimed at Baltimore's infrastructure, saying, "It would lay this city to waste." "Their actions threatened the electricity and heat of our homes, hospitals and businesses," said Thomas Sobocinski, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Baltimore field office. "The FBI believes this was a real threat." Sobocinski said the two suspects "had extremist views" and believed that by conducting the attacks, they would bring further light to their views. Sobocinski declined to go into specifics when pressed by reporters. PHOTO: A view of the substation in Carthage NC, Dec. 05, 2022. (Peter Zay/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images, FILE) Russell, who was the founder of the notorious neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen, was incarcerated when he first met Clendaniel and both were out on probation as they coordinated their plans to attack the energy facilities, according to an affidavit in the case unsealed Monday. Russell had previously pleaded guilty in 2018 to charges of possessing an unregistered destructive device and was sentenced to five years in prison. His arrest on those earlier charges came after a man he was living with in Tampa, Devon Arthurs, killed two of their roommates and told investigators that they had been plotting to attack a nuclear plant in Florida and other energy infrastructure. Story continues After his release from prison, Russell allegedly began communicating in June 2022 with an FBI confidential informant he encouraged to carry out attacks against critical infrastructure, according to the affidavit. In a conversation last October, Russell allegedly told the informant that "putting holes in transformers... is the greatest thing somebody can do," affidavit alleges. Russell allegedly instructed the informant to carry out an attack "when there is greatest strain on the grid," adding, "when everyone is using electricity to either heat or cool their homes," the affidavit says. MORE: Power outages in North Carolina suspected as 'intentional vandalism': Sheriff In December, Russell allegedly told the informant he knew of another person in Maryland who was also going to carry out an attack on an energy facility and offered to connect the informant with Clendaniel to coordinate their attacks to "maximize impact," according to the affidavit. Clendaniel allegedly told the informant she expected to die of a terminal illness in her kidneys in a few months and wanted to obtain a rifle as soon as possible to be able to carry out the attacks, according to the affidavit. She allegedly had a document on her computer referencing Hitler and the Unabomber, allegedly saying, "I would sacrifice everything for my people to just have a chance for our cause to succeed." PHOTO: Brandon Russell of Orlando, Florida, has been charged in connection with a plot to damage power stations near Baltimore. (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office via AP, FILE) In a recorded conversation with the informant on Jan. 29, Clendaniel allegedly said she planned to target five substations in the Baltimore area on the same day -- including ones in Norrisville, Reisterstown and Perry Hall, according to the affidavit. "[Clendaniel] described how there was a 'ring' around Baltimore and if they hit a number of them all in the same day, they 'would completely destroy this whole city,'" the affidavit alleges. Both Clendaniel and Russell were scheduled to make their initial federal court appearances on Monday -- Clendaniel in Baltimore and Russell in Orlando. Clendaniel made her appearance alongside her court-appointed attorney Kirsten Hopkins and agreed to the governments request to remain in detention until trial. "This is a very serious development and suggests that the far right threat inside the United States, and specifically the neo-Nazi white supremacist threat, is still very acute," Javed Ali, the former senior director of counterterrorism at the National Security Council told ABC News. Her preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 15. The arrests come after a series of attacks on energy substations nationwide, including one in December in North Carolina that left 45,000 utility customers without electricity for days and prompted local officials to declare a state of emergency. MORE: Feds investigating multiple reports of recent utility company sabotage The Department of Homeland Security has warned about similar attacks recently. A "National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin" issued on Nov. 30 said individuals and groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances "continue to pose a persistent and lethal threat to the Homeland." "Power grid targets have long been the focus of domestic extremists here in the United States," Ali, now a professor at the Ford School of Public Policy told ABC News. "This perception of vulnerability, it's fairly easy to to walk up close to one unless it's guarded with lots of perimeter security. Other extremists in the past have thought about different ways of attacking energy targets in the United States, whether through explosive devices, small arms attacks or some combination of those." In January, two men were arrested in Tacoma, Washington, and charged with conspiracy to damage energy facilities and possession of an unregistered firearm. Prosecutors said the suspects attacked four substations in the Tacoma area, causing more than $3 million in damage. In February 2022, three men -- Christopher Brenner Cook, 20, Jonathan Allen Frost, 24, and Jackson Matthew Sawall, 22 -- pleaded guilty in federal court in Columbus, Ohio, to crimes related to a scheme to attack power grids in the United States in furtherance of white supremacist ideology. As part of the conspiracy, each man was assigned a substation in a different region of the United States to attack with rifles, believing their plan would cost the government millions of dollars, cause unrest for Americans and even prompt a race war, federal prosecutors said. ABC News' Chad Murray contributed to this report. Suspected white supremacists arrested in plot to attack power stations, destroy Baltimore: Prosecutors originally appeared on abcnews.go.com 33 Dogs Arrive in Chicago After Tornado Damages Texas Animal Shelters (Picture Credit: john finney photography / Getty Images) 33 dogs and puppies have arrived in Chicago from Texas after recent tornados affecting the state damaged local animal shelters, per ABC7 Chicago. One shelter, in the city of Pasadena, saw its roof completely torn off, per NBC Chicago. KHOU news anchor Shern-Min Chow shared a video on Twitter of the tornado hitting Pasadena Animal Shelter, and extensive damage is visible. Fortunately, the animals were unharmed. But, of course, they were unable to stay at the shelter with so much damage having been done. As a result, PAWS Chicago is receiving 33 dogs from five shelters with extensive building damage. And 27 of the pups are under a year old. Extensive Tornado Damage Last week, rare January tornadoes struck the Houston, Texas area, badly damaging and forcing the closure of the Pasadena Animal Shelter in Pasadena, TX, said a press release. The roof of the shelter was completely ripped from the building, forcing the facility to relocate each animal. PAWS Chicago reached out to the Pasadena shelter and others in the area to rescue almost three dozen dogs and puppies. Now the dogs have arrived in Chicago, theyll undergo physical and medical exams. Then, veterinarians will give them any treatment that might be necessary, too. Then, theyll be spayed or neutered and should be made available for adoption or fostering. Aladdin and Cheddar up for Adoption There are eight sets of families or littermates, and then eight individual dogs. The average age of the dogs is just six and a half months, and they have some seriously cute names. From siblings Aladdin and Jasmine, eight months old, to seven-week-old Brie, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Colby, Feta, Provolone, and Cheddar, we wont forget their monikers in a hurry. For more information about adopting or fostering any of the new arrivals, you can head to the PAWS Chicago website. If you cant do so, but would like to help, you could always donate instead. The post 33 Dogs Arrive in Chicago After Tornado Damages Texas Animal Shelters appeared first on DogTime. MADISON A Wisconsin state legislative race is a new target of a national Republican group created to support the reelections of GOP members of Congress who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol insurrection. Americans for Country First is spending at least $55,000 on ads criticizing state Rep. Janel Brandtjen, a Republican from Menomonee Falls who is seeking a seat in the state Senate in a special election this spring. She faces state Rep. Dan Knodl of Germantown and Thiensville Village President Van Mobley in a Feb. 21 Republican primary. The winner will go on to face Jodi Habush Sinykin of Whitefish Bay. More:Here are the 5 Republicans and 1 Democrat lined up to run for Wisconsin's crucial 8th Senate District In the ad, Brandtjen is described as "inept, unqualified, ineffective" citing words her caucus leader, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, used to describe Brandtjen following the midterm elections. "... Brandtjen spends her time tearing others down and dividing the state. She's not fighting for us. She's promoting herself," the ad says using a voiceover and a photo of Brandtjen speaking at a rally Trump held ahead of the August primary election during which he blasted Vos for not doing more to undo his election loss. Rep. Janel Brandtjen speaks as former President Donald Trump held a campaign rally for Republican candidate for governor Tim Michels at the Waukesha County Fairgrounds in Waukesha on Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Brandtjen did not immediately respond to the ads. The ads, first reported by Wispolitics.com, are from a group founded in 2021 by advisers to Adam Kinzinger, a former Illinois congressman who helped lead a U.S. House investigation into Trump's involvement in the attack and has been outspoken against Republicans who embraced Trump's false claims about the 2020 election. Brandtjen is one of those Republicans. Republican members of the state Assembly voted to expel Brandtjen from private caucus meetings after the Menomonee Falls Republican campaigned for Vos' opponent Adam Steen in the primary and general election and publicly criticized Vos for not doing more to litigate the 2020 election, including overturning its result an illegal and impossible act. Story continues After Trump began falsely claiming his 2020 loss in Wisconsin was a result of massive voter fraud, Brandtjen used her position as chairwoman of the Assembly elections committee to promote baseless conspiracy theories about the state's election system and gave a platform in the state Capitol to election deniers through committee hearings. Brandtjen received an endorsement and public praise from Trump as a result. The group running digital ads against Brandtjen describes itself as a super PAC "dedicated to supporting principled Republican candidates in GOP primaries," according to its website. While the group has so far focused on Brandtjen, Knodl also has embraced Trump's election distortions. A day before the results of the 2020 presidential election were scheduled to be certified by Congress, Knodl and 14 other Wisconsin lawmakers signed a letter urging then-Vice President Mike Pence to delay certification. "The 2020 election witnessed an unprecedented and admitted defiance of state law and procedural irregularities raising questions about the validity of hundreds of thousands of ballots in our respective states," the letter read. The national Republican State Leadership Committee also is spending $163,550 on behalf of Knodl through television ads, mailers and text messaging, according to state campaign finance records. Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Anti-Trump Republican group launches ads targeting Janel Brandtjen Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. The dermatologist-approved ingredients heal dry skin and chapped lips. Travel + Leisure / Pamela Jew A few years ago, after a ski trip filled with brutal winter conditions including intense wind, sun exposure, and subzero temperatures my lips cracked in a way I had never experienced. Severely damaged, cut, and even bleeding, it was a painful ordeal, and my usual remedy of layering Kiehl's lip balm #1 with Aquaphor was not cutting it. To heal my lips, I desperately put out a plea for help on my Instagram story: What are your secret products for healing the worst chapped and cracked lips ever? A ski buddy immediately responded with advice to try the $9 Australian healing ointment I now swear by: Lucas Papaw Ointment. Amazon To buy: amazon.com, $9 I had never heard or seen Lucas' Papaw Ointment until then, but I found out it not only has a strong following in the ski community but is also widespread throughout Australia, where it is made. Lasting the test of time, the brand has been used for more than 100 years. Its tried-and-true secret ingredient? Fermented papaya (which in Australia are called pawpaw, hence the name). Related:Ive Tested Nearly 50 Portable Chargers and This Is the Only One I Pack for My Travels This yummy fruit has many benefits for the skin, including antioxidants that help the skin heal and moisturize, so its not surprising that most people first discover and use Lucas Papaw Ointment as a lip balm. But in my experience, this is one of the best multi-purpose skin products I've ever found on the market, especially as someone with sensitive skin. The ingredients in this hard-to-miss red tube not only heal my lips and dry skin, but also address minor cuts and burns including sunburn as well, all in a travel-friendly .8-ounce tube thats perfect for packing in a carry-on. Amazon To buy: amazon.com, $9 Especially in the winter, I like to rub Lucas' directly into my cracked knuckles and elbows right before hitting the hay. Once the ointment sets into the knuckles, I moisturize it further with Kiehl's Creme de Corps. This combo has been a game-changer for me, fixing my dry, cracked knuckles and giving me the softest hands despite the Northeast's dry, chilly temperatures at this time of year. Story continues I was curious to find out what was making this powerful ointment work so well, so I asked Dr. Aanand Geria, a Board Certified Dermatologist located in Verona, New Jersey, to learn more. Papaya is fortified with useful enzymes and plant-based antioxidants, Dr. Geria told me. These components can remove impurities like damaged and dead cells, tissues, and debris from the skin's surface. The ointment has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, Dr. Geria told me, noting that it makes an excellent travel product. Before we had manufactured skincare, papaya had been used as a natural remedy for burns, scars, and other skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema. It can help reduce the redness and itching associated with these conditions, he said, continuing, For skin moisture, its high concentration of enzymes and antioxidants assist in treating flaky, dry skin and restoring the moisture barrier. The brand states that they still peel their papaws by hand to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used in the product, and I further discovered that the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia backs up Lucas Papaw Ointments claims surrounding its effectiveness. But its not just regulators that are vouching for this ointment. One Amazon reviewer mentioned that its "the only thing that heals my dry lips," while another reinforces one of my favorite parts about the application of the product itself: "It slips without being glossy; it's balmy without being tacky or sticky." Lucas' Papaw Ointment is an excellent alternative to chemical-laden ointments and creams. While you can find the popular ointment all over Australia in grocery and pharmacies, including Woolworth's, Cole's, and IGA, my favorite part about buying it in the States is that you can get it on Amazon Prime, usually in two days or less. This ointment is also available in a variety of sizes on Amazon, from a tiny .53-ounce tube you can stick in your pocket or travel carry-on to a more oversized 7-ounce tub that's ideal for the medicine cabinet. My personal hack is to buy it in bulk in the available 3-pack option, which makes it slightly cheaper per tube. Amazon To buy: amazon.com, $19 But this multipurpose ointment is not just for cold winter weather, either. On a recent trip to a gorgeous villa at Tryall Club in Montego Bay, Jamaica, I discovered another use for Lucas' Papaw Ointment as soon as the sun went down and the mosquitos came out to play: bug bites! Rubbing the ointment directly on a fresh bug bite made it quickly disappear and soothed the normal itching feeling left by enemy bugs. I've similarly rubbed Lucas' Papaw Ointment on pimples or blemishes and noticed that in doing so, it helps reduce redness in these pesky spots and encourages the already-broken skin to heal more quickly. And the benefits dont stop there. The brand lists even more uses against ailments including abscesses, boils, carbuncles, chafing, cysts, gravel rash, heat rash, cracked nipples, and even the temporary relief of the symptoms of dermatitis and eczema. Its also worth noting that although I don't personally wear it with lipstick, reviewers gush about how well it works in combination. "No joke, y'all: you can actually wear lipstick and not have lip flakes practically within the hour, says another five-star Amazon reviewer who is ditching their popular name-brand lip treatment for Lucas Papaw. So, there you have it. If your current lip balm or chapstick isn't cutting it or you need something more potent in the winter months, snag a tube of Lucas Papaw Ointment for under $9 at Amazon. At the time of publishing, the price started at $9. Shop More T+L Deals: Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and well send you our favorite travel products each week. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. Courtesy of Getty Images A new financial statement filed with Companies House, an executive agency of the British Government that maintains the register of companies, earlier this year unveiled that Damien Hirst, the United Kingdom's wealthiest artist, created and donated nearly $10 million dollars of work the National Health Service in 2020. However, it is not clear whether the proceeds equated to 100% of the sales value. According to the Art Newspaper, one of his most significant pieces was his Butterfly Heart design, a laminated giclee print on aluminum composite panels. Limited prints were bought by more than 4,400 total people, with 3,109 purchasing small-sized prints priced at around $360 and large-sized prints priced at $1,300, according to an article in the Evening Standard. "I wanted to do something to support the brave people who are risking their lives to help those in need during this time of crisis," Hirst said in an Instagram post featuring an image of the artist holding a large-size version of the piece. "So, I'm selling Butterfly Rainbow to help fund the brilliant from being done by the NHS staff across the country." Hirst dominated the art scene in the United Kingdom in the 1990s, as his allusions to death in his paintings, sculptures, and glass tank quickly rose to popularity. His series of artworks featuring a deceased shark, sheep, and cow preserved in formaldehyde catapulted him into art world fame. Courtesy of Getty Images One of his most famous pieces was The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, which features a 14-foot tiger shark immersed in formaldehyde in a clear display case. The piece was privately sold by art collector Charles Saatchi to an anonymous American collector for around $8.5 million. To date, Hirst is worth $396 million. Currently, the Gagosian in London is hosting an exhibition titled Natural History, which is the first-ever show dedicated to Hirst's works from 1991 to 2021 employing formaldehyde. This exhibition is currently on view until March 9. You Might Also Like Service to Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro is slated to begin later this year. Courtesy of Delta Airlines Delta Air Lines is launching two new flights between the United States and South America, planning to fly non-stop to both Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. The airline will kick off the new flights with direct service to the capital of Argentina from New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport on Oct. 28, according to Delta. The new route, which will operate seasonally on a Boeing 767-400 aircraft, will add to Deltas current service to Buenos Aires from its hub in Atlanta. The route is still subject to government approval. Then on Dec. 16, Delta plans to add a new route from New York to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. This route is part of Deltas partnership with LATAM Airlines, which was approved last year. That route will operate seasonally during the winter on a Boeing 767-300 aircraft. Since implementing our Joint Venture, weve been working closely with LATAM to introduce exciting new routes that are expanding opportunities for customers traveling between the U.S. and South America, Alex Antilla, Deltas vice president for Latin America, said in a statement. Together, were offering New Yorkers the most flights and the best experience for travel between the two continents. In addition to Rio, Delta currently operates service between Sao Paulo and both New York and Atlanta. LATAM also offers service between Sao Paulo and New York, Boston, Orlando, and Miami, and plans to launch a flight between the Brazilian city and Los Angeles this summer. Martin St. George, LATAMs chief commercial officer, said the airline was happy to work with Delta to grow our joint presence between the Americas and was excited to work with them to offer our customers more flight options and a world-class on-board experience. Delta is expanding its network beyond South America, planning to launch a direct flight from Los Angeles to New Zealand for the first time this fall as well as increase transatlantic service from its hubs in New York and Atlanta. Story continues The carrier is also improving the onboard experience by adding free Wi-Fi on most domestic mainline flights, and introducing indulgences like espresso martinis and a dessert cart. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. A Dothan man who was out of jail on bond in connection to a murder charge is now back in jail following his arrest for robbery, according to Dothan police. According to a police press release, early Sunday morning police were called to the 500 block of North Foster Street in reference to a robbery of a person. After speaking to the female victim, it was determined she and the suspect, Jamie Emmanuel Townes, had an argument that led to him assaulting her and taking her purse and vehicle. As a result, Townes, 31, was arrested and charged with one count of robbery third degree. He currently has no bond. Part of the conditions of Townes being out on bond for the murder charge included that he would not to be involved in any criminal activity. His previous bond has been revoked, and Townes currently remains in the Houston County Jail. Dogs Trust Ireland Receives Almost 400 Surrender Requests Since Christmas (Picture Credit: NWphotoguy / Getty Images) We might say a dog is for life, not just for Christmas. But, its clear that not everybody has got the memo. Indeed, from Christmas Day to the end of January, Dogs Trust Ireland has reported 394 requests from members of the public asking to surrender their dogs into the care of the charity, per Dublin People. Reasons for Rehoming Of course, sometimes a dog parent will have no choice but to rehome a dog. Sadly, circumstances can change and mean that its actually in the dogs interest for them to be rehomed. However, the most common reason given to the charity is that the dog is exhibiting unwanted behaviors. The second is that the dog parent doesnt have enough time for the dog. Next up is the difficulty in finding pet-friendly accommodation. Dogs Trust Ireland is asking for donations to help them deal with the increase in dogs in their care theyre facing a 33% increase in the volume of dogs theyre helping compared to this time last year. And as many of the dogs were raised during pandemic lockdowns, they require additional support with their behavior. This means that theyre spending longer in the care of Dogs Trust. Helping the Surrendered Dogs Ciara Byrne, head of communications at the charity, said: As a charity that relies solely on the generosity of our supporters, we are appealing for donations. The current dog crisis is putting a huge strain on our resources. We are taking in more and more dogs with behavioral issues who then spend more time with us as our dedicated team works with them. To get them to a stage where they can be adopted. She continued: We are thankful that so many people contact us for help and advice about their dog. And, dont resort to abandoning them. We try to help where we can, from our online Dog School training classes, to advice available on our website, our aim is to keep as many dogs as possible, happy in their existing homes. The post Dogs Trust Ireland Receives Almost 400 Surrender Requests Since Christmas appeared first on DogTime. The Daub family's home in York, Pennsylvania. Google Maps A family of three was found shot dead in their Pennsylvania backyard last week. Police are describing it as a suicide pact, citing handwritten documents left behind. A family friend said they were conservative Christians who were "hell-bent" on Donald Trump winning in 2020. A family of three from Pennsylvania was found shot dead in their backyard last week in what police are calling a suicide pact, according to NBC News. Police discovered the bodies of Morgan Daub, 26, and her parents James Daub, 62, and Deborah Daub, 59, in York County, Pennsylvania, after neighbors requested a welfare check, NBC News reported. The West Manchester Township Police Department said it appeared to be a "joint decision" to end their lives, citing notes found inside the family home, the news outlet said. The police department added that it believes that Deborah Daub killed her husband, and was then killed by their daughter, who died by suicide, adding that there is no evidence that anybody else was involved, according to NBC News. The lead detective in the case, Timothy Fink, told local media outlet York Dispatch that the department reached this conclusion from handwritten notes left behind by the family members, but added: "We may never know with certainty exactly who fired each shot." An investigation into the deaths has concluded for now, Fink said, per York Dispatch. According to those who knew the family, and who spoke to NBC News, they were Christian conservatives who were outspoken in their political beliefs. Deborah Daub and her daughter were "huge" supporters of former President Donald Trump, said Bret Stabley, who knew the family as they frequented his store, per NBC News. The family "was never shy about letting anybody know what their beliefs were," Stabley said, according to NBC News. A neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, told the media outlet that the family's front yard was "littered" with pro-Trump banners and, later, anti-abortion signs. Story continues Stabley told NBC News that Deborah Daub and her daughter were "hell-bent on Trump winning" the 2020 election, adding: "Like this could be the end if he doesn't." He said he stopped seeing them after Trump's election loss. Stabley also said that Morgan, the daughter, was "very meek," had been homeschooled, and often had her mother speak on her behalf, according to NBC News. In an interview with The Christian Post, a childhood friend described Morgan as having grown up in a "very uptight Christian household," adding that she wasn't allowed to use social media, have a boyfriend, or go out with her friends. The lead detective, Fink, also said that documents left behind at the family's home showed that Morgan had told her mother that she was having "auditory hallucinations" that weren't improving, per York Dispatch. Read the original article on Business Insider Georgia Tennant has once again left David Tennant fans in hysterics with a tweet about her husband. The actor posted a screenshot of a text exchange with Doctor Who actor David on Sunday (5 February), which happened to be the birthday of their Staged co-star Michael Sheen. Georgia had texted David to say its Michaels birthday, seemingly reminding him to send their friend a message. After getting no answer, she replied to her own text with: David? Hours later, when there was still no response, she sent a message, comedically hinting that David might have been hiding away for the day. No reception in the basement? she sent, to which David answered: Send water... Georgia uploaded the photo on social media alongside the post: Happy Birthday @michaelsheen . Thanks for the respite x. Sheens partner Anna Lundberg replied to the tweet: Can I come live in yours? For a break? Georgia replied: Only if you dont mind me locking us both down there? Meanwhile, one fan responded: This is a Staged 4 premise just waiting to be picked up. Sitcom Staged was predominantly filmed using video conference apps from the stars respective homes during the Covid-19 lockdown. Georgia Tennant shares text exchange with husband David Tennant (Twitter) Georgia and David first met after appearing on Doctor Who together in a 2008 episode called The Doctors Daughter. Georgias father is Peter Davison another former Doctor Who star. In 2021, David, who played the 10th incarnation of the Time Lord from 2005 to 2010, previously said he felt stupid marrying the daughter of a fellow Doctor Who actor. Davison played the fifth incarnation of the Time Lord from 1981 to 1984. David will return as the Time Lord in special episodes set to be broadcast on BBC One later this year. A kitten sits in a cage waiting for adoption at center in Hong Kong. ISAAC LAWRENCE/AFP via Getty Images A fashion executive in Hong Kong was duped out of $764,000 in a kitten sale scam, authorities said. The 58-year-old was told to transfer bitcoin for delivery and insurance fees, SCMP reported. She sent the scammer money via 40 cryptocurrency transactions over five months, the outlet wrote. A fashion executive in Hong Kong who thought she was adopting a kitten from Thailand was tricked into giving scammers more than $764,000 in Bitcoin, local authorities said on Wednesday. The would-be cat adopter, a 58-year-old vice-president of a fashion company, believed she had contacted someone looking to give away a three-month-old kitten, The South China Morning Post reported. She got in touch online with the unnamed person in April and continued communicating with them over WhatsApp, per the outlet. The executive was told she could receive the kitten for free, but that she would have to pay transport and insurance fees via cryptocurrency, per a case briefing the Hong Kong Police Force sent to Insider. She complied, opening a cryptocurrency account and sending the funds to the accused scammer's e-wallet, the authorities said. Then, the woman was fed a tall tale that the cat had died during the shipping process. At the same time, another unnamed individual posing as a foreign bank employee contacted her, saying she would be compensated for the cat's death with an insurance payout of around $150,000, police said, per the briefing. There was just one catch: The executive would have to make another payment, this time as a guarantee or administration fee, according to police. She followed the instructions, and by the time she realized the entire interaction was a scam, she'd bought $764,574 worth of cryptocurrency and sent it all to the fraudster, the authorities said. The total sum was transferred over 40 Bitcoin transactions between July and November. It was only in January that the executive thought something was amiss and reported her case to the police, the SCMP reported, citing an anonymous source familiar with the matter. Story continues No one has been arrested in connection to the case yet, police said. Crypto scams have surged worldwide in the last few years, with losses in 2021 totaling almost 60 times that of losses recorded in 2018, the Federal Trade Commission reported in June. Scammers made off with around $1 billion in crypto in 2021 alone, per the FTC. Blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis reported a higher estimate for that year, saying $14 billion was taken by crypto scammers in 2021. Pets are often in the mix, too. In April, New Zealand authorities warned of scammers selling puppies using photos they found online, asking potential buyers to transfer more than $1,200 in crypto for purchasing, transport, vaccination, or insurance fees. In 2018, Bitcoin scammers targeted owners of lost dogs in North Carolina, demanding ransoms for the animals when they didn't have the pets in their possession. Read the original article on Insider The Oklahoma state Capitol seen from inside the Oklahoma Governor's Mansion. The first session of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature begins Monday, and state House and Senate members will spend the next four months debating bills, passing new laws, and crafting the next state budget. The legislative session also gives Oklahomans a chance to be heard. Some will protest in the Capitol rotunda while others will visit lawmaker offices to discuss the challenges they face in their home districts. There are also chances to watch committee hearings and floor sessions. Want to make your voice heard at the Capitol this year? Heres a short guide: Contact your representative and senator Speaker of the House Charles McCall addresses House members after he was re-elected, at the start of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature at the Capitol Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Each Oklahoman has a representative in the House and Senate. You can use your address to find your House district at https://okhouse.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html. Senate districts can be found at https://oksenate.gov/senators. House (https://www.okhouse.gov/representatives) and Senate (https://oksenate.gov/senators) directories can be used to get email addresses, phone numbers and office numbers. If you visit the Capitol, touchscreens on most floors can help you find a specific lawmaker or committee room. Attend a committee hearing Sen. George Burns, left, Sen. Darcy Jech and Rep. Carl Newton, right, listen to officials from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at the state Capitol. Before a bill can receive a vote from the full House and Senate, it first needs a committee hearing. There are different committees for different subjects (education, agriculture, business, etc.). The committee meetings are open to the public, although members of the public are not allowed to address the committee in the same way they might at a city council or school board meeting. You can also watch meetings live or recorded online. House videos can be found here, and here for the Senate. The public is also allowed to watch House and Senate floor proceedings. The viewing gallery can be accessed on the fifth floor. Tracks bills Paperwork and bills are stacking up on the desks of some legislators as Oklahoma lawmakers near the end of their work for the 2018 session. You can go to http://www.oklegislature.gov/AdvancedSearchForm.aspx to look up bills, read the language and track their status. You can search bills by author, bill number or subject. Once you are on the bills page, you can see how lawmakers voted. Story continues However, many bills you might look up right now have nothing inside them. Called shell bills, these placeholders for future legislation are a common tool for lawmakers that The Oklahomans Dale Denwalt recently wrote about in detail. Stay informed Staying informed is an important part of making your voice heard. The Oklahoman's politics team has you covered this session. You can get a digital subscription, or sign up for The Oklahoman's free political newsletter. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Here's how to contact your Oklahoma representative or senator A 36-year-old Missouri woman was arrested in Florida for the kidnapping of her children, who were recovered in her care at a Winn-Dixie grocery store a year after they were reported missing. Kristi Nicole Gilley, 36, her 11-year-old daughter Brooke Gilley and her 12-year-old son Adrian Gilley were located on Feb. 1, when a routine vehicle tag check indicated that its driver was a fugitive, according to a High Springs Police Department press release. RELATED: Police Search Continues For Missing Massachusetts Woman Last Seen More Than A Week Ago The children were turned over to the Florida Department of Children and Families Services and will be reunited with their birth family, the department wrote. Gilley and the children were wearing unspecified disguises at the time of their discovery. A police handout of Kristi Gilley Kristi Gilley Photo: High Springs Police Department Kristi Gilley was arrested on an out-of-state fugitive warrant, and has been in the custody of the Alachua County Sheriffs Office in Florida since Feb. 2 as she awaits extradition to Clay County, Missouri, according to jail records. Both Gilley kids have been safely located out of state, the Liberty Police Department wrote on Facebook. Their non-custodial mother is in custody on parental kidnapping charges out of Clay County. Thank you to everyone who shared this post as it helped bring these children home! According to a missing persons poster shared by the California Attorney Generals office, the children were last seen on March 15, 2022 Adrians 12th birthday. According to a Clay County criminal complaint reviewed by Oxygen.com, Kristi Gilley absconded with her children to "deprive [their father] of his custody right," and made it difficult for him "to visit or speak with the children." Gilley moved in with her sister in Liberty, Missouri after the pair were divorced although they had a joint custody agreement, the children "primarily lived with her." Tristyn Bailey Aiden Fucci Pd Story continues Gilley filed for a custody modification and requested "repeated continuances" throughout the case. When she was denied another continuance and failed to show up in court on April 14 of last year, according to the criminal complaint, her ex-husband was granted sole custody. Before that court date, the father learned that his children's school records were requested by Marigold School District in Chico, California. The Chico California Police Department were sent to Kristi Gilley's grandfather's house, however, and found that Gilley's grandfather along with Kristi and her children were not living there. When police contacted Gilley's appointed advocate, she informed detectives that the mother would "not be cooperating with Clay County Court" because she felt that the court was "violating Krist's rights" by refusing to grant a court continuance. Oxy App The children were safe and being homeschooled, she said, and the mother would "not be ready for court until they gathered sufficient proof that [the children's father] should not have custody of them." Gilley's advocate refused to give police the mother's address, launching her children's missing persons case. On Gilley's arrest warrant reviewed by Oxygen.com, police checked off a box indicating that the mother "is a danger to the crime victim, the community or another person." A review of Missouri Case Net showed that Gilley had only one prior arrest in the state: in 2015, according to the database, she failed to register her out-of-state vehicle, and was fined $78. Court records list Gainesville public defender William Miller as Gilleys attorney of record Oxygen.com could not reach Miller for comment via phone or email at press time. First Lady Jill Biden and several members of Congress have invited family members of victims of police violence to attend President Joe Bidens State of the Union address on 7 February. At least 10 families of Black victims of police violence including Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, George Floyd and Eric Garner, among others were invited to attend the presidents remarks at the US Capitol, where criminal justice advocates anticipate his renewed support for legislation to overhaul use-of-force policies in police departments across the country. RowVaughn Wells, the mother of Tyre Nichols, and his stepfather Rodney Wells, will sit in Ms Bidens box during the speech. Vice President Kamala Harris attended Nichols funeral in Memphis last week, three weeks after he was fatally beaten by a group of Memphis Police Department officers who were subsequently fired and charged with second-degree murder. President Biden has made clear that we must take action to prevent tragedies like this from ever happening again, according to a statement from the White House announcing Ms Bidens guest list. Democratic US Rep Cori Bush of Missouri invited Michael Brown Sr, the father of Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager who was killed in Ferguson in 2014. That shooting and the unrest that followed galvanised an international Black Lives Matter movement, which inspired Ms Bush to organise and run for office. The police killing of Michael Brown in 2014 is what propelled me and many others into lives dedicated to building a world where Mike would still be here with us a world where his life could not be taken from him, she said in a statement. A world where Tyre Nichols and the thousands of other Black people killed by police could live long, healthy lives full of joy. Michael Brown Sr said that no family, no person should have to go through what my family has gone through. My son should be here. We need change. Together we are still fighting for an end to police violence and the never-ending pain and trauma that follows, he added, pointing to legislation supported by Ms Bush and a foundation in Browns honour. We must work together to guarantee the safety and security of our communities. Story continues Legislation supported by Ms Bush would provide victims and families affected by police violence access to the mental health services and create a new federal agency to study policing alternatives. Democratic US Rep Ilhan Omar of Minnesota invited the father of Amir Locke as the congresswoman prepares to reintroduce legislation to limit the use of no-knock warrants. Lockes family is suing the city of Minneapolis after the 22-year-old Black man was killed during a predawn, no-knock police raid in February 2022. His father Andre Locke Sr said that he is honored to be able to represent our family at the State of the Union. We want to help prevent this from happening to other families, so that other families dont have to feel what were feeling, he said. Too many parents have lost their children to police violence, Ms Omar said in a statement. It is unconscionable that no-knock warrants continue to be in effect with little to no restrictions, regulations, and regard for the impact on lives. RowVaughn Wells, left, mother of Tyre Nichols, and Samaria Rice, the mother of Tamir Rice, meet with lawmakers in Washington DC on 7 February. (AP) Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries invited Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, who died in a police chokehold in New York City in 2014 US Rep Sheila Jackson Lee invited the Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, whose murder in 2020 sparked congressional legislation and urgency from the Biden administration to tackle systemic abuse and use-of-force policies. Bipartisan negotiations for that bill, to be named in Floyds honour, ground to a halt. Louisiana US Rep Troy Carter invited Mona Hardin, the mother of Ronald Greene, who died in 2019 after a Louisiana State Police pursuit captured in harrowing body-worn camera footage ended with Greenes fatal beating. Initial police reports attributed his death to a car crash. It wasnt until December of last year, nearly three years after his death, that five troopers involved were charged with negligent homicide, malfeasance and obstruction of justice. US Rep Shontel Brown of Ohio invited Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old Black boy who was fatally shot by a white officer in 2014. The American police brutality epidemic is unsustainable, and police reform innovated through community-driven solutions must be one of the presidents top priorities, the congresswoman said in a statement. It is my prayer that Ms Rices attendance for the State of the Union will give her hope in the presidents ability to address unnecessary deaths of innocent people at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve us, she added. Ms Rice said she is still in search for an indictment to charge the officers involved in her sons death, after an Ohio grand jury declined to issue an indictment and the US Department of Justice determined there was not enough evidence to charge them with a crime. I am hoping my presence here will give the powers that be a change of heart to change policies in this country so that the police can serve everybody, Ms Rice said in a statement. The families of Donovan Lynch, Blair Hope and Jayland Walker also will attend the speech as guests of the Congressional Black Caucus. Other guests from caucus members include gun reform advocates and survivors of police brutality. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and activist Al Sharpton also are expected to attend. State Sen. Gordon Rogers, a Foster Republican, says that he fought off an intruder who entered his home on Thursday evening. "I defended myself, and he was on the losing end of that," Rogers told The Providence Journal on Sunday. "He was in the hospital for at least a couple of days." The incident took place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Rogers said. He had returned from work, taken a quick shower, and gotten dressed before sitting down at his computer to print out some documents on low-and-moderate-income housing that he planned to bring to a Glocester Town Council meeting. When he went upstairs to grab the printouts, he was "startled" to discover an uninvited visitor on the darkened second floor. Rogers said that the man was someone who he recognized and has known for years, but "was not welcome in, and certainly not welcome upstairs." "He's got issues," Rogers said. He said that he assumes the man was there to rob the house, and appeared to be "under the influence." "Im like, 'What are you doing in my house? You shouldnt be here, you need to get out of my house,'" Rogers said. "He said 'Lets go,' and he reached for me and grabbed me by the shirt." Rogers said that he grabbed the man and hit him twice, knocking him unconscious. He then called the Foster Police, who came and arrested the man, he said. According to the police report, the perpetrator's speech was slurred, and he yelled a series of obscenities at the officer who handcuffed him. The officer conducted a pat-down and did not locate any stolen items, and Rogers confirmed that nothing appeared to be missing from the house. The intruder was arrested on a felony charge of breaking and entering and misdemeanor simple assault. On Saturday, after being treated at the hospital, he was released on bail on the condition that he have no contact with Rogers, the police report states. Story continues The police report indicates that the intruder entered through the unlocked back door. Rogers said that his wife had left for the veterinary clinic when he got home from work, so he was alone in the house when the perpetrator entered. He later reviewed his security cameras and saw that the home invader had only been inside for about three to four minutes before he called the police. "When Im home, my doors are not locked," Rogers said, noting that he lives in a rural area where his family members are his neighbors. "Theres four generations that live in three houses on a family farm, all within eyeshot of each other. Everybodys always coming in and out... at 4 oclock in the afternoon, I get grandkids running across two different hayfields to go see their great-grandmother and their grandparents." Rogers noted that he has introduced bills every year to strengthen Rhode Island's "castle laws," which govern when the use of force against an intruder can be ruled self-defense. "Heres a perfect example why we should have stronger castle laws," he said. Rogers added that he was eager to clear up any rumors, since the call that went out over the police scanner had been a hot topic of discussion "at 5:30 the next morning at Dunkin' Donuts." "It came over as an unconscious male, but an assault, so when you have that at a politician's house..." This story has been updated with details from the Foster Police Department report. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Sen. Gordon Rogers, Foster Republican, says he fought off intruder Photo: Chat Karen Studio (Shutterstock) A Dark Day When COVID-19 first came barreling through the United States in March 2020, its impact on Black churches was nothing short of catastrophic. It was a dark day, said Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, chairman of the Conference of National Black Churches. Churches were empty. People lost their jobs. People were dying and there were no funeral services. As pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y., Richardson felt the effects acutely on a personal level, as he received as many as six grief calls a day from parishioners. Read more We had to scramble to stay alive and to keep things going, agreed Reverend J. Edgar Boyd, senior minister at First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME), the oldest African American church in Los Angeles. Many wondered if the church would ever be back. And if it did return, would it be the same? Now, looking back its clear that the Black church as an institution has been radically transformed over the last three years. Not only has it survived, but it has thrived. Many now say they can see light again, as so many houses of worship across the country have learned to expand and grow in ways they couldnt possibly have foreseen before the pandemic. The church never stopped being the church because you had to leave the building, explained Richardson. Instead, the era of COVID-19 became a time for reimagining. And reimagine, it did. A New Beginning Before the pandemic, only a fraction of Black churches nationwide had any kind of digital capacity. Of the 30,000 member churches represented by the Conference, said Richardson, only about 500 of those were streaming when COVID-19 hit. Most were forced to close completely, only reemerging months later after finding ways to pivot and reinvent themselves. Story continues Unless you were a church that already was doing something virtually, it took time to become competent, said Richardson. There was a huge financial investment required and new skills had to be learned. Not only by the congregation, but also by those in the pulpit. During those early months, church often took place in smaller groups by phone and on conference calls, said Richardson. Until, eventually, video streaming and Zoom meetings became the norm. Some pastors scrambled to offer services from their phones and iPads. Budgets shifted dramatically because of lost income. Many staff members were laid off to make room for experts skilled in digital technology. One pastor began referring to TGIF as Twitter, Google, Instagram, and Facebook Day as the churchs whole outlook shifted to digital. Covid pushed online attendance forward by quantum leaps, said Charles Blake II, co-pastor at West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles. Some churches were already famously online, he added, like Bishop T.D. Jakes in Dallas, Texas, whose messages were heard via weekly television and radio broadcasts. However, most churches werent at all prepared for the digital shift. Blake, too, was challenged to pivot and reinvent. In December 2020, he posted a sermon on YouTube called The Church Has Left the Building. In it, he stands outside, in the open air, against a classic backdrop of Los Angeles palm trees. The message begins by acknowledging the pain his parishioners are experiencing, after nine months of not being able to come together as the assembly of the saintsnine months of not being able to share each others pain and bear each others burdens. From there, however, he quickly moves on to his main message: the church must redefine itself. The church is you and me, he says, not the building its housed in. The church is us. Today, West Angeles has more than 90,000 YouTube subscribers; a significant increase from its in-person reach, which fluctuated between 20,000-24,000 during the pre-COVID years. But the transformation didnt come easily. Something Lost, Something Found We had to learn a whole new way to do ministry, said Bishop Kenneth Ulmer of Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, Calif. As anyone who has ever attended an African-American service (or movie theater) knows, the Black church maintains the cultural specificity of long-held African roots and traditions, such as call and response, a mode of interaction whereby the congregation answers aloud to whoever is speaking from the pulpit. Well, what if theres nobody to respond? asks Ulmer. What are you going to do? I know some guys who struggled with that psychologically. And looking into that camera, I struggled with it myself. Because for so long [we] were pitching into the wind. You dont know whats out there. I dont know if anyone is home listening. Others have a different take. Call and response is nice, said Ricky Temple, senior pastor at Overcoming by Faith Ministries in Savannah, Ga. I was trained to preach that way. Its a nice cultural experience. But to be honest about it, thats not the foundation. You dont have teachers saying, One plus one, and the students saying, Two. Thats not how you learn math. And thats not how you learn scripture long term. Temples ministry, which began its digital shift back in 2007, was one of the few prepared to go fully online when COVID-19 hit. I realized that digital was even more effective than television, said Temple, who had even phased out much of his television broadcasting by 2010. You could be more specific, and it didnt cost as much money. By March 2020, 65 percent of Temples income was already online. Today, that number has grown to 97 percent, with only about three percent sending donations by mail. Whats more, Temple discovered a critical new benefit: his congregation gave 30 percent more money when tithing digitally. I used to tell them, Please go home and put your pajamas on and give, he said, laughing. With digital offerings, the churchs coffers remained consistent. It didnt matter whether it rained or snowed, said Temple. Photo: Hill Street Studios (Getty Images) A Different Kind of Sermon Despite these advantages, pastors across the country struggled with the new digital universe. Sermons had to be shortened, for example, to reflect the shorter online attention span. Two and a half hours of preaching had to be slashed to under 30 minutesanother huge cultural shift. And there were theological questions, too. How could the church recommend online worship when a physical presence had been a part of Biblical doctrine? We would often say a passage out of the book of Hebrews, said Reverend Ulmer. Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together. This meant, Come to church. And then we said, Dont come to church. And now were saying, Come back. Congregants are saying, Well, now, what do you want us to do? But many have had no problem answering that question for themselves, as only about a third of attendees had returned to in-person services as of August 2022. Theyve found that they can do Jesus with a cup of coffee and house shoes, said Ulmer. Why get up and put on your clothes and put on your hair and put on your makeup when you can do it at home? Temple agrees. Think of all the energy it takes to get to a church service. It takes an hour and a half to get dressed and go to church. You stay there for two and a half plus hours to talk. Then its an hour to get home. Thats a five-hour commitment for one service. And youve got to come back Wednesday night Its a killer, he adds. At one point we were having 28 services a month. The benefits of digital are hard to deny. At one time, at the height of the pandemic, Ulmer estimates that his church was broadcasting online to as many as 63 different countries, from Canada to South Africa. We reached a whole new audience, he said. So now weve got an emphasis on viewers. How many are coming? How long do they stay? Which raises yet another critical theological question. Were not called to make viewers, said Ulmer. Were called to make disciples. So, how do you do that in this hybrid culture? We dont know. So, theres another learning curve thats coming. While some are ready to meet this challenge, others remain firmly rooted in the past. One colleague implied that Pastor Temple was going to hell for encouraging online services, he said. Well, not exactly, hell. But they did insist that what he was doing wasnt real church. They think theyre losing sight of God, he said. I dont think so. Change is a natural process in life. But theyve ridden on a horse and buggy and just cant imagine being in a train or a car. The Human Touch But is connectivity the same as being in community? some ask. After all, following someone online can never be the same as a hug or a smile. Thats the downside, said Ulmer. The sacrifice of intimacy and relationship. The hybrid model means that we will often miss greeting someone before and after the service, he adds. Looking a friend in the eyes and asking, How have you been doing? While Pastor Boyd of FAME sees the benefits of online for congregants who previously drove 40 or 50 miles to church every Sunday, he also acknowledges that some people actually need a hug from their pastor. Because they see a pastor as being the connection between them and God. A hug from their pastor on Sunday morning was the psychological, emotional fuel that got them through the week. Some seniors have felt the shifts acutely. Before COVID-19, one parishioner had repeatedly complained to her pastor, asking him to tell these children to stop looking on these telephones in the middle of the service, not realizing that they were looking at Bible apps on the phone. Now, that same woman has a plethora of her own social media accounts, such as Facebook and Instagram. Still, others have struggled. For as much as the church does outreach and sends help (some have even given away laptops and iPads to seniors in need), there are always going to be those who feel isolated; those with medical issues who must remain at home, and for whatever reason, are not connected. Temple agrees, but with caveats. I dont know that people define human contact the same way anymore, he said. I think we want to define it that way, but whens the last time you went to the bank, stood in line, and transferred money? Although his ministry still offers in-person Sunday services as well as digital, along with outdoor Family Days with carnival rides and food trucks, he said, I think people define things differently now. We evolve and grow. Jesus said, Go out into the world. Digital allows you to do that. Whats more, it allows for more direct contact, not less, he argues, since congregants can meet more often, in small groups, and in more intimate ways. They email me directly when they have a problem. Its amazing how it becomes easier for them. Whats Ahead Were expanding. Were coming back, said Pastor Boyd of FAME in Los Angeles. We wont be totally back, but well be different back. And well use that difference to make certain that we reach the people and provide the ministries weve always provided. The pandemic has brought some real challenges, but its helped us to engage and expand and to do ministry much more effectively and efficiently than we did pre-pandemic. By now, it has become crystal clear to everyone that the Black church is desperately needed during times of crisis and beyond. The Conference of National Black Churches, which represents some 20 million people, or more than 80 percent of historically Black churches nationwide, partnered with the CDC early on to overcome vaccine hesitancy, initiating training and education efforts with 3,000 pastors a year. By 2022, the Conferences member churches had facilitated more than half a million vaccinations nationwide. The Black church could not afford to let this go, said Reverend Richardson. If we werent speaking out during this time, then we just need to go out of business. Because the life of our people was on the line, and the church needed to be a lifeline to save it. FAME, one of 25 churches participating in the Conferences partnership with the CDC, also secured a $17.5 million grant from the state of California to do COVID testing, vaccinations, and educational efforts to address racial disparities. It offered monthly Rock the Vax events on church property, with free taco food trucks and haircuts, in an effort to encourage parishioners to come out and get vaccinated. In fact, a Brookings Institute study found that Black churches boost racial equity in COVID-19 prevention outcomes, while a Pew study found that the vaccination gap had closed, in part because of partnerships between Black church leaders and health care and vaccine providers. We are still here and still doing ministry, said Pastor Boyd of FAME. Were still very much alive. More from The Root Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Supporters of Brazilian former President Jair Bolsonaro clash with the police on Sunday (AFP via Getty Images) The storming of Brazils seats of power by a rampaging mob backing Jair Bolsanaro has sent a shockwave through the country and become the focus of international attention. But there has been lingering fear since the presidential election that the toxic political divisions would erupt into violence. Hundreds have been arrested following the riots and the government buildings that were occupied have been cleared. There was no certainty, however, that this would end further strife by the followers of the far-right former president who refuses to accept the victory of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The hardliners, many of them armed, are on a crusade to stop the left-winger Lula whom they label, falsely, a communist, from turning Brazil into another Venezuela or Cuba, as they put it. And they have support, covertly and at times overtly, from elements of the security forces. World leaders voiced their support for the Lula government following the attacks, with Joe Biden saying: I condemn the assault on democracy and on the peaceful transfer of power in Brazil. Brazils democratic institutions have our full support and the will of the Brazilian people must not be undermined. It is believed that similar international support and acceptance of the election outcome within hours of results played a part in stopping any possible Bolsanaro plans of clinging to office. However, strictures from abroad are unlikely to sway Bolsanaro supporters who intend to carry on their aggressive protests, with the next flashpoint coming soon. Ever since Lula narrowly won the second round of the election, the former presidents supporters have been encamped across the country, often outside military bases calling for a coup. On Monday, Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered troops to start dismantling the camps within 24 hours and clear all highways of roadblocks. Absolutely nothing justifies the existence of full camps of terrorists, sponsored by various financiers and with the complacency of civil and military authorities in total subversion of necessary respect for the Federal Constitution," read his order. Commanders from the armed forces, police and the defence minister will be held accountable in court if this was not done, it added. Story continues This came after President Lula, who blamed Bolsanaro for the attacks, vowed that anyone involved will be punished. The attack, he said, had been carried out by vandals, neo-fascists and fanatics with the complicity of some police officers who didnt do anything at all. They just let the protesters in. The federal police chief, Anderson Torres, who previously served as Bolsonaros justice minister, has been fired and Ibaneis Rocha, the pro-Bolsonaro governor of the federal district, has been suspended from office for 90 days. Bolsanaro remains out of the country having broken precedent by refusing to attend his successors inauguration. Some reports claimed that he had fled to escape possible criminal charges over a range of alleged offences while in power. The former president turned up in Florida where, according to reports, he is due to meet Donald Trump at his home, Mar-a-Lago. There have been immediate and predictable comparisons between what happened in Brasilia and the attack on the Capitol by Trump supporters two years ago. The images from both assaults were similar: flag-draped intruders lounging on office chairs, ransacking and stealing property, assaulting guards. Security forces stand guard as supporters of Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro leave a camp outside the the army headquarters in Brasilia (Reuters) Both sets of protesters were following authoritarian populist leaders who claimed they had been victims of electoral fraud. In Brazil, as in the US, the discontent has been fuelled by conspiracy theories in the social media. As the Brasilia attack unfolded, well-known Trump supporters egged on the rioters, with Steve Bannon lauding them as freedom fighters who knew criminal, atheistic, Marxist Lula stole the election. Ali Alexander, a fringe activist who became prominent in Trumps stop the steal movement, exhorted: Do whatever is necessary. The links between the camps of Trump and Bolsanaro, who revelled in his Trump of the Tropics moniker, began long before the Brazilian election and its aftermath, with Bannon one of the main conduits. During the Brazilian election campaign, Trump wrote on his social platform: President Jair Bolsonaro and I have become great friends over the past few years for the people of the United States... He is a wonderful man and has my complete and total endorsement. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva meets with Supreme Court ministers and his cabinet on Monday (AFP/Getty) Bolsanaro has so far failed to explicitly condemn the attacks. He tweeted: Peaceful demonstrations, within the law, form part of democracy. However, depredations and invasions of public buildings like those that happened today, as well as those practised by the left in 2013 and 2017, are exceptions to the rule. The mood among some who taken to the streets against Lula remained defiant. On protester, Bernardo Lopez Diaz, said: I did not go [into the public buildings] and do not agree with the damage that was caused. But we are not going to accept a fake result. If they start destroying camps, well build new ones. We have a right to be heard. Felipe Contreras, a former policeman in Sao Paolo, said: It is no longer just about Bolsanaro. He has frankly been disappointing the way he just accepted the election and is not even here now. No, this is about stopping a communist takeover of our country. We are going to stop this happening; we dont care what people in North America or Europe say, you dont face ending up like Venezuela. We are prepared for whatever happens. Bolsanaro dismantled much of Brazils gun control legislation during his time in office. Ownership of registered firearms increased six-fold during his tenure, with 700,000 now officially owned. During the election campaign, The Independent visited a gun club in Sao Paulo with booming sales. At a shooting range attached to the shop an instructor told a group of teenagers: If you are going to use a gun, you need to do it properly. Youll find this necessary to defend your family, your community. Our country faces a dark future, communists could try to take over. The Dothan Police Department is welcoming a variety of different police departments from all over the southeast this week for the 27th annual K9 seminar. This our 27th year hosting this seminar and it just seems to be getting bigger each year, said Lt. William Wozniak, the head of the departments K9 unit. Over 70 K9 teams from as far west as Texas and as far north as Indiana are expected to participate in the four-day event. This is the biggest turnout in the events history, according to Wozniak. The event was open to advanced and intermediate K9 teams and cost $150 dollars to participate in. The dogs and their handlers are going to be put to the test over the course of the event. They will be placed in different scenarios with the goal of improving their techniques in a variety of different areas so they can better serve their local communities once they go back home. We have a couple of gun detection-only dogs, so we have firearms hidden in the buildings so the dogs can work on their detection skills, Wozniak said. At other locations, we have building searches for suspects and area searches for suspects. We have about six different venues and they are all going on at the same time. Wozniak said the participants are free to travel from venue to venue so they can take advantage of the different kinds of training sessions while they are here for the seminar. Outside of providing training, the city hosts this event to give agencies an opportunity to network with each other, Wozniak said. This gives guys an opportunity to make contacts with agencies from all over the United States, Wozniak said. We got guys from Baldwin County here and we had a theft at the mall and they figured out the direction that the guy was going. So we were able to call the guys in Baldwin County and they stopped him on the interstate. Having those connections is really nice and this is a catalyst for that. Wozniak thanked the different businesses in the area for allowing the group to use their properties for the event. Having the venues that we do helps everything run smoothly, Wozniak said. We couldnt do it without the local support. Wozniak hopes that the K9 units in attendance this week return to Dothan for years to come. Each year this event just seems to be getting bigger and better, Wozniak said. We hope that all of the departments that are here this week learn a lot and come back in the future. We want to keep building this up and attract as many units from all across the country as we can. Major congratulations are in order for Maria Menounos and her husband, Keven Undergaro. According to People magazine, the TV host, 44, is preparing to welcome her first child via surrogate after years of fertility struggles. Just after a decade of trying everything, we are so grateful to the beautiful family helping us conceive our baby, she told the mag. Keven, my dad and I are all beyond excited for this soul to come into our lives. What a blessing. Menounos shared an exclusive video with People featuring herself and her father, Constantinos, admiring the ultrasound. Oh, my God, Menounos said in the video. Guys, thats my baby. I love you. She added, Its so different when you see the reel. Its more personal when you see it in the womb, right? Menounos also appeared on a recent episode of Live with Kelly and Ryan (see below), where she confirmed that shes expecting her first child. We had a lot of plans, she said. We were going to go to Greece in the summer, but were having to move that up because we're having a baby. Menounos has previously shared details about her decade-long IVF journey. I definitely didnt think it was going to take this long. Its been years. Weve used different services, different people, she said. Its just been a very frustrating process. In 2018, the TV personality revealed that she and Undergaro were looking into surrogacy. She even received advice from Kim Kardashian, who had two kids via surrogate. I was grateful that I had her to share and help me, Menounos added. Congrats, Maria and Keven! Want all the latest celebrity news sent right to your inbox? Subscribe here. Reese Witherspoon and Son Deacon Could Nearly Pass for Twins in New IG Photos They say youve got to spend money to make money. The Massachusetts Lottery is giving people a way to win millions but youll have to put up $50 first. The Lotterys newest scratch ticket, the Billion Dollar Extravaganza, promises the states highest-ever instant payout of $25 million. That mega jackpot comes at a high price; at $50 its also the states most expensive lottery ticket ever. Cities in the Southcoast are traditionally big spenders when it comes to the Lottery. According to a report published by WBUR, for the period from 2013 to 2017, Taunton dropped $235.8 million on Lottery tickets. Fall River was higher at $355.6 million, the 10th highest city statewide. And people in New Bedford spent $444.3 million on lottery tickets, the 6th highest community in Massachusetts. Billion Dollar Extravaganza goes on sale Feb. 7 statewide. Here are five fast facts to know before you pick one up yourself. The Massachusetts Lottery is debuting a $50 scratch ticket called Billion Dollar Extravaganza, with prizes up to $25 million. Real estate report:Modernized cape in Somerset sells for $515K How do you play? Billion Dollar Extravaganza is a scratchie like many others but bigger. Theres a deck of 10 winning numbers to scratch off, and 35 numbers you'll try to match them. The ticket also includes three bonus spots, with instant chances to win $100, $500 or $1,000. Massachusetts Lottery instant tickets are scratched off with a quarter. How much can you win? Despite the tickets name, the top prize is not $1 billion it refers to the total pot of prize money available. There are three $25 million prizes at stake, five $2 million payouts, and 15 people will win $1 million. Mass Lottery says the ticket has the best odds to win $500 or $1,000 in its history. One in 4.1 tickets are winners, and the Lottery says every winning ticket is worth $100 or more. If you do happen to luck out with a million- or multimillion-dollar prize, you can claim it as a lump sum with substantial tax withholdings, or pay it out over 20 years for some steady income. The Bearded Chicken:Somerset has a new restaurant opening this spring. Here's what's on the menu. Story continues Sean Finglas of Fall River is the latest grand prize winner in the Massachusetts State Lotterys The Fastest Road to $1 Million instant ticket game. [Courtesy MassLottery] Is this the most expensive scratch ticket ever? This tickets price beats the states previously most-expensive scratchies, at $30. Theyre still on sale and by the way, they still have loads of unclaimed millions out there, potentially sitting behind a counter at your local shop: The Millions ticket still has a $15 million prize left to claim, and five $1 million prizes The Fastest Road to $1 Million ticket has five million-dollar prizes still outstanding The Diamond Millions ticket has five $1 million prizes still out there $15,000,000 Money Maker has two $15 million prizes unclaimed, and four million-dollar prizes Its not the most expensive scratch ticket ever made, though. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the scratchies their $20 Million Supreme ticket costs $100. A newspaper advertisement for The Instant Game by the Massachusetts Lottery was published in 1974. Is it true Massachusetts had the first scratch tickets? The state Lottery turns 50 years old this year, but scratch tickets are just a little bit younger. Massachusetts created the nations first scratch ticket in 1974, called The Instant Game, costing $1 with a top prize of $10,000. It was a smash hit, with Lottery sales soaring 250% to 300% in the first weeks, and 21 million scratch tickets sold in just a few months, according to reports in the Providence Journal and the Patriot Ledger of Quincy. William Perrault, the Lotterys director at the time, said, If this game has staying power at all, we are going to be very delighted. Today, the state produces dozens of varieties. How much does the Lottery give back? The Lottery has long touted its return on investment, in the form of local aid given to all 351 cities and towns statewide. In fiscal 2022, Fall River hit the jackpot with the highest Lottery payout locally: over $26 million, the sixth-highest amount of local aid statewide. New Bedford is just behind Fall River, with just over $25 million taken in fiscal 2022. Taunton topped $9 million in Lottery takings. Figuring in cities and towns, the entire Southcoast region took in about $80.5 million from Lottery sales. Create a Poll Dan Medeiros can be reached at dmedeiros@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: A billion dollars in prizes: Mass Lottery's new $50 scratch ticket An 18-year-old from Alabama died after a single-vehicle rollover crash in Deaf Smith County early Sunday. At about 6:50 a.m. Sunday, a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro was westbound on US 60, approximately eight miles east of Hereford, when it veered into the center median for an unknown reason. The driver, identified as Jayden Villanueva, 18, of Horton, Alabama, overcorrected the steering, causing the Camaro to enter a side skid, according to a news release issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Camaro traveled across the westbound lanes, entered the north ditch, and rolled over. Villanueva was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. He was prounced dead at the scene by Deaf Smith County Justice of the Peace Karen Boren. The posted speed limit was 75 mph, and road conditions were dry and clear at the time of the crash, which remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol Troopers. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Alabama driver, 18, dies in rollover crash off US 60 near Hereford The family of a 12-year-old girl in Kenosha, Wisconsin, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against police and the city after accusing an off-duty police officer of kneeling on the girls neck while trying to break up a fight she was allegedly involved in. The lawsuit, which was obtained by ABC News, was filed on behalf of the girl's father Jerrel Perez and his daughter, who is identified as Jane Doe because she is a minor. The complaint names the Kenosha Police Officer Shawn Guetschow, the City of Kenosha and the Kenosha Unified School District in the Eastern District of Wisconsin as defendants. "As a direct and proximate result of the unlawful use of force by Guetschow, Jane Doe suffered physical injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, cervical strain, and recurrent headaches, which has required Jane Doe to undergo medical treatment for her injuries," the complaint alleges. "As a direct and proximate result of the unlawful use of force by Guetschow, Jane Doe suffered emotional distress, mental trauma, and anxiety, including severe emotional distress, which has required Jane Doe to undergo mental health treatment and counseling and to change schools." PHOTO: An off-duty police officer responds to a fight between two students at Lincoln Middle School in Kenosha, Wis., on March 4, 2022, in a still image from video. The officer appeared to kneel on the neck of a student, prompting an investigation. (Courtesy of student at Lincoln Middle School) Video of the incident, which took place during lunchtime in the cafeteria at Kenoshas Lincoln Middle School on March, 4, 2022, was captured by students. A video taken by one of the students at the school was obtained by ABC News and shows the officer, who was later identified as Guetschow, responding to a fight between two students. Guetschow was working part-time as a security officer for the Kenosha Unified School District at the time of the incident, officials said. Family to sue Kenosha police after accusing officer of kneeling on 12-year-old girls neck The 12-year-old girl, who was in the sixth grade, appears to push the officer and then he pins her to the ground and appears to kneel on her neck, according to the video. It is unclear what happened before or after. Story continues PHOTO: An off-duty police officer responds to a fight between two students at Lincoln Middle School in Kenosha, Wis., on March 4, 2022, in a still image from video. The officer appeared to kneel on the neck of a student, prompting an investigation. (Courtesy of student at Lincoln Middle School) Attorney Sam Hall, who is representing the Kenosha Unified School District and Guetschow, told ABC News in a statement on Monday that the school district "will vigorously defend itself and Officer Shawn Guetschow in the civil litigation filed today by Mr. Jerrel Perez." "Officer Guetschow continues to recover from injuries he sustained during a physical altercation with a student during lunchtime in the school cafeteria," Hall said. "As Officer Guetschow was attempting to break up the fight, he was pushed to the ground, his head violently striking a table as he fell to the floor. Officer Guetschow suffered a concussion, significant swelling and a contusion of the head during this incident." Hall said in the statement that the school district was informed last week that the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office will not pursue any charges against Guetschow. The family indicated in May 2022 that they intend to a file a lawsuit through a notice of complaint. PHOTO: Jerrel Perez, father of a 12-year old girl who allegedly had an off-duty police officer place his knee on her neck while breaking up a fight at Lincoln Middle School, speaks during a press conference in Kenosha, Wisc., March 16, 2022. (WISN ) The family's attorney, Drew DeVinney, told ABC News on May 12, 2022, that the familys decision to file a lawsuit is in response to the Kenosha County District Attorneys decision to criminally charge Jane Doe. Family of 12-year-old girl vows legal action against officer accused of kneeling on daughter's neck Asked about the nature of the charges, the Kenosha Police Department did not return a request for comment, but in March 2022, police confirmed to ABC News that a charge of disorderly conduct was referred to juvenile court for Jane Doe, as well as the other student involved in the fight. Amid a national push for police reform after the death of George Floyd -- an unarmed Black man who was killed after a police officer knelt on his neck -- Wisconsin banned the use of police chokeholds in June 2021 except in life-threatening situations or when a police officer has to defend themselves. Chokeholds include various neck restraints. "Guetschow had multiple opportunities to remove his knee from Jane Does neck and failed to do so," the complaint alleges. "Guetschows use of a chokehold and the duration of the chokehold was an unreasonable and unlawful use of force." PHOTO: Jerrel Perez (r) is joined by supporters during a press conference in Kenosha, Wisc., March 16, 2022. (WISN ) Guetschow resigned from his role with the school district on March 15, 2022, Tanya Ruder, chief communications officer for the Kenosha Unified School District, previously confirmed to ABC News. In his resignation letter, a copy of which was obtained by ABC News last year, Guetschow cited the "mental and emotional strain" that the public attention surrounding the incident has brought on his family, as well as what he says is "the lack of communication and or support" that he has received from the district. Kenosha officer accused of kneeling on girl's neck resigns from school district Kenosha police Lt. Joseph Nosalik told ABC News in a statement on Tuesday that the department "withholds any statement or comment" on the lawsuit as the matter will be addressed in court. Nosalik said that Guetschow, who was placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of three separate investigations, was returned to active duty status on Jan. 31. "Officer Guetschow was not found to have violated anyones civil rights, nor was he found to have committed a crime. Furthermore, an internal investigation found that Officer Guetschow was not in violation of Kenosha Police Department policy or procedure," Nosliak said. Family files lawsuit against Kenosha officer accused of kneeling on 12-year-old girl's neck originally appeared on abcnews.go.com An aerial view of a damaged building after the Turkey earthquake. (Anadolu Agency / Getty Images) The destruction from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Turkey on Monday is so widespread and intense it is hard to fathom. But California has experienced quakes of that magnitude and greater and scientists have spent years developing simulations of how "The Big One" would play out in the Golden State. Here is a closer look at the risks from the pages of The Times: Projecting a huge Southern California quake A quake as strong as magnitude 8.2 is possible on the southern San Andreas fault and would bring disaster to all of Southern California simultaneously, with the fault rupturing from near the Mexican border to Monterey County. Such an earthquake would cause widespread damage from Palm Springs to San Luis Obispo and everything in between, experts say. In 2008, the U.S. Geological Survey and a host of other state government agencies and academics published a study called the ShakeOut Scenario that told the story of what could happen if a magnitude 7.8 earthquake returned to Southern California. A magnitude 7.8 earthquake would be so powerful that it causes widespread damage and consequently affects lives and livelihoods of all southern Californians. A catastrophe is a disaster that runs amok when a society is not prepared for the amount of disruption that occurs, the report said. San Andreas Fault on Pallet Creek Road in Juniper Hills. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times) Among the impacts, the report found: The death toll could be among the worst for a natural disaster in U.S. history: nearly 1,800. Los Angeles County could suffer the highest death toll, more than 1,000, followed by Orange County, with more than 350 dead. Nearly 50,000 could be injured. Main freeways to Las Vegas and Phoenix that cross the San Andreas fault would be destroyed. Some 500,000 to 1 million people could be displaced from their homes. Southern California could be isolated for some time, with the region surrounded by mountains and earthquake faults. Major utilities such as gas, power and cell service would likely be severely compromised. Story continues What history tells us The last California seismic event that reached magnitude 7.8 was the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906. In Southern California, a magnitude 7.8 quake struck in 1857. (The magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake, which occurred on a much smaller fault in the San Fernando Valley, was 45 times weaker than the so-called Ft. Tejon quake.) The last two big earthquakes to strike Los Angeles the 1971 Sylmar quake and 1994 Northridge quake caused destruction and loss of life. But the worst damage was concentrated in relatively small areas and did not halt daily life across all of Southern California. Experts have long warned that a significantly larger quake will eventually strike and that the toll will be far greater. Risk in Northern California The San Andreas fault produced the epic 1906 quake that destroyed San Francisco. But the Hayward fault in the East Bay also poses a major threat, experts say. A landmark report by the U.S. Geological Survey in 2018 estimates that at least 800 people could be killed and 18,000 more injured in a magnitude 7 earthquake on the Hayward fault centered below Oakland. Hundreds more could die from fire following a quake along the 52-mile fault. More than 400 fires could ignite, burning the equivalent of 52,000 single-family homes, and a lack of water for firefighters caused by old pipes shattering underground could make matters worse, researchers said. The Hayward fault is so dangerous because it runs through some of the most heavily populated parts of the Bay Area, spanning the length of the East Bay from the San Pablo Bay through Berkeley, Oakland, Hayward, Fremont and into Milpitas. For all the devastation of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, it was centered off the coast in the Pacific Ocean. Building strength In the Turkey quake, thousands of buildings were reported to have collapsed in a wide area extending from the Syrian cities of Aleppo and Hama to Turkeys Diyarbakir, more than 200 miles to the northeast. A hospital collapsed in the Mediterranean coastal city of Iskanderoun, according to the Associated Press. Building standards in California are significantly stronger. Images in Turkey and Syria show countless toppled buildings. California has been working to improve seismic safety rules for vulnerable buildings. The ShakeOut scenario focused on unretrofitted brick buildings, brittle concrete buildings and so-called soft-story apartment buildings. Some cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco have been pushing retrofits for these types of structures. Soft-story apartments: Last year, L.A. announced a major milestone: More than 8,000 seismically vulnerable buildings have been retrofitted across the city at an estimated cost of $1.3 billion. The improvements mark the biggest advance in seismic upgrades in decades but still leave thousands of buildings vulnerable to damage or even collapse in a catastrophic temblor. Cities such as Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Culver City, Beverly Hills and Pasadena now have laws requiring soft-story buildings to be retrofitted. In Northern California, San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland have such laws on the books as well. In the 1994 Northridge earthquake, about 200 soft-story buildings collapsed, including one apartment building in which 16 people died. Brittle concrete: L.A. has made slow progress on getting brittle concrete buildings retrofitted. City data show that only two of L.A.'s 1,337 brittle concrete buildings have received certificates of compliance showing they meet the standards of the retrofit law. Owners of concrete buildings were given much longer to get them retrofitted 25 years, compared with the seven years that owners of soft-story buildings had to upgrade. Some owners of soft-story buildings began receiving orders to retrofit in 2016, meaning they still have some time before the seven-year deadline passes. Other owners began getting orders in 2017. Concrete buildings can be especially deadly because they are so massive. The collapse of two concrete buildings in a quake in New Zealand in 2011 resulted in 133 deaths. Brick buildings: Some cities like Los Angeles long ago required retrofits of un-reinforced brick buildings. But a Times analysis in 2018 found that there were as many as 640 unreinforced masonry buildings in more than a dozen Inland Empire cities, including Riverside, Pomona and San Bernardino, that have been marked as dangerous but remained unretrofitted despite decades of warnings. Little has been done to get those buildings retrofitted, despite the fact that the San Andreas fault runs through the region. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. I spent my day yesterday questioning our government. Why were we allowing a Chinese spy satellite to traverse our country when we were aware of its presence when it entered our air space or possibly left China? President Joe Biden then shot it down over the ocean where it is difficult to retrieve and the salt might have damaged and diminished the information it may have provided. How many more examples of this president's allegiance to the Chinese government must the people of this great country accept? They now have information on our farmlands, missile sites, towns and cities, as well as military installations. I served in Grand Forks, an Air Force missile base in North Dakota. Our security has been greatly compromised by an incompetent administration that does not have America's security and well being at heart. We already know the Chinese have bought thousands of acres of our farmland around our military installations it's not to grow pansies. They are buying our lands and properties so they can walk into our country and set up shop on any land/property they own as they will already be ensconced in our neighborhoods and flatlands. Maggie Lockridge, Rancho Mirage Congratulations to Rancho Mirage High School's 'A Chorus Line' Kudos, congratulations and big thanks to all involved in the production of A Chorus Line at Rancho Mirage High Schools Galen Center Friday night! The production was flawless from start to finish with our local Musical Theatre University students performing at a professional level in a difficult musical. Their dance technique, singing and spoken roles were all outstanding. Our students would not have the opportunity to develop their talents to such a level without the outstanding faculty and community support they receive in our desert. From The Foundation of Palm Springs Unified School District, to retired professionals who donate their time and talent, to those who buy tickets for the performances, all contribute to this unique and successful program. Story continues Please give yourself a treat and go to the MTU performances. Priscilla Richardson, Cathedral City This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: President Biden poorly handled Chinese spy satellite; shows allegiance A death row inmate claims he has new evidence that he is innocent of the 1996 murder of University of Oklahoma ballerina Juli Busken. Anthony Castillo Sanchez, 44, claims his father confessed before committing suicide last April. Busken was shot in the head at Lake Stanley Draper after being abducted from a Norman apartment complex early Dec. 20, 1996, and raped. She was 21. Anthony Sanchez was convicted of first-degree murder at a 2006 trial after being identified as a suspect by his DNA. He has always maintained he is innocent, telling the victim's parents after the guilty verdict, "I swear to God, I didn't kill your daughter." He is now asking the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals to vacate his conviction because of the new evidence. "This court should at a minimum grant an evidentiary hearing so the innocence claim can be explored further," said his attorney, Mark Barrett. The new evidence comes from Charlotte Beattie, a longtime girlfriend of the father. Glen Sanchez first acknowledged in 2020 that he killed Busken, the girlfriend wrote in a sworn declaration. More:Oklahoma sets execution dates for 25 death row inmates through end of 2024 In 2021, "Glen said more than once that he 'should have done a better job' of killing Ms. Busken," the girlfriend wrote. "Once he said he ... enjoyed watching her die," she wrote. "Glen said that he regretted Anthony was on death row for something Glen did. But he said that Anthony was tough and could deal with being locked up, whereas Glen wasn't strong enough to adapt to being incarcerated." Beattie met Glen Sanchez in 1992, and they have a son together, according to her declaration. Glen Sanchez committed suicide on her front porch in Midwest City. He was 68. Anthony Sanchez sought the post-conviction relief Friday, days after Oklahoma's new attorney general hired an independent counsel to review death row inmate Richard Glossip's innocence claim. Story continues "While I am confident in our judicial system, that does not allow me to ignore evidence," Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a news release Jan. 26. Anthony Sanchez is set to be executed Sept. 21 at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. More:Richard Glossip, six other Oklahoma death row inmates get new execution dates Spiritual adviser for Anthony Sanchez: '... I believe I have encountered a case of actual innocence' Discovering the new evidence was his spiritual adviser, Jeff Hood. The spiritual adviser said he learned of the confession when he "began to engage various family members and whatnot." "I've worked with dozens and dozens and dozens of guys on death row throughout our country. This is the first situation ... where I believe I have encountered a case of actual innocence," Hood said Monday, speaking via a videocall from Little Rock, Arkansas. The victim was abducted after taking a friend to the airport. She had completed her courses at OU and had packed to return to her parents' home in Arkansas and enroll in graduate school. A neighbor reported hearing a man saying, "Just shut up and get in the car." Anthony Sanchez became a suspect after his DNA was collected when he went to prison for a burglary. His DNA matched DNA found on the victim's underwear and a pink leotard discarded at the crime scene. He has claimed before that his father could have been the real killer. His attorneys argued in 2011 in a federal appeal that a sketch of the abductor "closely resembles" his father. They also argued the eyewitness responsible for the sketch thought the abductor was several years older than the victim. Anthony Sanchez at the time was 18. At trial, prosecutors also used shoeprints, ballistics evidence and a call to convict Anthony Sanchez. "It was one thing after another," said Tim Kuykendall, a former Cleveland County district attorney. More:Oklahoma Attorney General Drummond hires independent counsel to review Richard Glossip case "I don't care if a hundred people come forward and confess to killing Juli Busken, all of the evidence pointed to no one but Anthony Sanchez," the former DA told The Oklahoman on Monday. U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton noted the cellphone evidence in a 2015 opinion rejecting a challenge to the conviction. "Then, after the murder, the fact that Ms. Buskens cell phone was used to call petitioners ex-girlfriend is more than just a coincidence," the Oklahoma City federal judge wrote. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma death row inmate Anthony Castillo Sanchez says he's innocent (Reuters) - Russia's defence minister said on Tuesday that Western arms supplies to Ukraine were effectively dragging NATO into the conflict, warning this could lead to an "unpredictable" escalation. "The U.S. and its allies are trying to prolong the conflict as much as possible," Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said in a conference call with military officials. "To do this, they have started supplying heavy offensive weapons, openly urging Ukraine to seize our territories. In fact, such steps are dragging NATO countries into the conflict and could lead to an unpredictable level of escalation." His allusion to "our territories" appeared to be a reference to four regions in eastern and southern Ukraine - Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson - that Russia claims to have annexed following referendums last September condemned by Kyiv and its Western allies as illegitimate. Much of the territory in the Russian-claimed regions remains in Ukrainian hands. WESTERN ARMS Moscow has repeatedly accused the West and NATO military alliance of playing a direct role in the Ukraine conflict by supplying arms to Kyiv, and has warned that NATO weapons are "legitimate targets" for its armed forces. The United States has sent more than $20 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine since Russia's invasion last February, and is set to provide Kyiv with longer-range rockets as part of a new $2 billion package of weapons announced last week. Ukraine says the weapons as well as other military supplies including tanks are urgently needed to stave off Russian attacks and boost its firepower for a spring offensive against Moscow's forces. Ukrainian officials say Moscow is accumulating arms and reserves for a renewed assault in the coming weeks. Shoigu also said on Tuesday that military operations near Vuhledar and the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine - where Russia has intensified its offensive - were "progressing well". Story continues Fighting has focused for months around the Ukrainian-held city of Bakhmut in eastern Donetsk province, which Russia has been trying to encircle. Moscow has also launched an assault further south against Vuhledar, a Ukrainian-held bastion at the strategic intersection between the eastern and southern front lines. (Writing by Caleb Davis; Editing by Gareth Jones) Hundreds of peanut farmers from across Alabama and Florida attended last Thursdays AL-FL Peanut Trade Show at the National Peanut Festival fairgrounds to gain information that would help them with their farming operations. The trade show was hosted by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, the Florida Peanut Producers Association, and the National Peanut Board. About 70 exhibitors gave more than 400 peanut growers an opportunity to view industry products and services that were offered. Researchers from Auburn University and the University of Florida were in attendance to show the peanut research that each school has been conducting. Growers had the opportunity to speak to researchers about the projects. Dr. Marshall Lamb from the National Peanut Research Lab spoke to attendees about this years peanut market outlook during the shows lunch program. Growers also received an update from Bob Parker of the National Peanut Board and a legislative update from Bob Redding of the Redding Firm. (KTLA) With the price of eggs in California nearly tripling in the past year, many people are going farther to find cheaper prices, even crossing the border into Mexico. But at the San Ysidro crossing between San Diego and Tijuana, hundreds and hundreds of eggs are sitting behind closed doors. Rosie Maizuss, chief agricultural specialist with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, is responsible for all food entering the port. She explained why the eggs are sitting at the crossing. They are here because eggs are prohibited from Mexico, she told KTLA. Eggs have been expensive all year, how soon could we see relief? Maizuss said her agents are seizing more eggs than ever before at the border. Hundreds upon hundreds of people bringing boxes. All of these eggs will be destroyed, she said. The primary reason the eggs are destroyed is that they can potentially carry HPAI, better known as bird flu. An outbreak of the disease is of the main reasons for the skyrocketing price of eggs nationally. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports the average national price for a dozen eggs is just under $3.40. Just a year ago, it was $1.30. Thats about a 161% increase in costs. (Bird flu) is approximately in 47 states, Maizuss explained. It cost a lot to eradicate, and we depend a lot on this product. So, we basically want to get rid of this problem, so want to take care of this risk. From the border crossing station, the eggs will be taken to a nearby waste facility where theyll be steamed, sterilized and thrown away. Officials at the border say theyre throwing out thousands of eggs per week. According to Maizuss, people are saying they are purchasing eggs in Mexico for their families because of the high cost of eggs in the U.S. Hanson Car, from Los Angeles, was one of those people stopped at the border for trying to bring in two cartons of eggs. Car said he didnt know bringing the eggs in from Mexico was illegal. We eat every day at least two eggs, he said. I know about the bird flu in the U.S., but I did not know it has to do with Mexico. People who turn their eggs in at the border are free to go, but if youre caught smuggling eggs into the country, you can face civil penalties or fines. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Damaged houses due to Russian shelling are seen through a broken window in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on Jan. 24, 2023 Damaged houses due to Russian shelling are seen through a broken window in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on Jan. 24, 2023 Credit - Diego Herrera CarcedoAnadolu Agency/Getty Images As Russias invasion of Ukraine approaches the one-year mark, all eyes are trained on one small, war-ravaged city: Bakhmut. There, in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region, is where one of the fiercest and bloodiest battles of the war is currently playing out as Russia tries to achieve its first major battlefield victory since its capture of the eastern cities of Severodonetsk and Lysychansk over the summer. Although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the situation on the frontline as very difficult in his Sunday evening address to Ukrainian citizens, Russian forces have yet to encircle the city. This months-long battle for Bakhmut has come at the cost of hundreds of Ukrainian and Russian casualties per day, according to some estimates, as well as the city of Bakhmut itself. Burnt ruins is how Zelensky described it during one of his nightly addresses in December, the outcome of what has been likened to World War I-style trench warfare. Russias offensive on eastern Ukraine, parts of which Moscow purported to annex in September, reflects Vladimir Putins long-held aim of capturing Ukraines eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, collectively known as the Donbasa tall order that Russian troops have been tasked with achieving by March, according to Ukrainian officials. Yehor Cherniev, a Ukrainian lawmaker and head of the Ukrainian delegation to the NATO parliamentary assembly, tells TIME that although Bakhmut is not of strategic importance to Kyiv, they will nonetheless try to hold it as long as possible. We are gradually grinding down the most combat-ready units of the Russians, says Cherniev. Regardless of the future fate of Bakhmut, we managed to win precious time. In our next counter-offensive campaign, we will return much more. Heres what to know about Bakhmut and its potential impact on the war. Story continues What is the history of Bakhmut? Before Russias invasion of Ukraine, this small city was home to a salt mining industry, a non-ferrous metal plant, a winery, and more than 70,000 people. Though it takes its name from the Bakhmutovka river, it was renamed Artyomovsk during the Soviet era, which stuck until 2016 when its original name was restored as part of Ukraines decommunization effort. For residents of Bakhmut, their time on the frontlines didnt begin in 2022, but in 2014, when fighting ensued between Ukraine and Russian-based separatists in the Donbas. Today, less than 1% of Bakhmuts pre-war population remains in the city, living without power, water, or heating. Ukrainian analysts review drone operators' footage near Bakhmut, Ukraine, on Jan. 6, 2023. Nicole TungThe New York Times/Redux Why is Russia fighting so hard over Bakhmut? If Moscows aim is to seize Donetsk and Luhansk by the spring, then capturing Bakhmut could be an important stepping stone in its eastern push. Michael Kofman, the director of Russia Studies at the U.S.-based Center for Naval Analyses, says that Bakhmut represents a gateway to Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, both of which have been subject to recent Russian missile strikes. Such an outcome is not necessarily imminent, let alone likely. Ukrainian and Russian forces have been fighting in the Bakhmut area since at least May. This long, drawn out battle of attrition gained Bakhmut outsized significance as a theater of war, especially as troops and resources began pouring into the small city. Bakhmut has become this rallying cry in the Russian information space, says Karolina Hird, a Russia analyst at the Washington, D.C.-based Institute for the Study of War, noting that the small city represents one of the few places where its forces have been making tangible gains. Among Ukrainians, Bakhmut holds has become a national battle cry. But Russian forces have so far been unable to advance beyond the citys urban outskirts, nor have they been able to disrupt the crucial ground lines being used to supply Ukrainian forces in the city. We continue to assess that the imminent fall of Bakhmut through a Russian encirclement is very unlikely, adds Hirda prognosis that bodes poorly for Putins greater territorial aspirations in the region. Emergency service workers extinguish a fire after shelling on the Bakhmut frontline in Ivanivske, Ukraine on Jan. 2, 2023. Diego Herrera CarcedoAnadolu Agency/Getty Images What happens if Bakhmut falls? The fall of Bakhmut would be a modest tactical victory for Russia. But it would also be a pyrrhic one, given all the resources used. Indeed, Western officials reportedly estimate that the number of Russian troops who have been killed or wounded in the war so far is nearing 200,000, up from estimates of just 80,000 in August. In recent months, the Russians have been forced to spend a colossal amount of resources and reserves to take Bakhmut, says Cherniev. In this regard, our plan was a success. Hird and Kofman agree that while the loss of Bakhmut would be symbolically damaging for Ukraine, which is loath to cede any of its territory to Russia, it wouldnt have a meaningful impact on Kyivs war effort. Bakhmut in and of itself isnt that significant, says Kofman, noting that even if Russian forces were to march onward toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, they would run into yet another, even more fortified Ukrainian defensive line. It took Russian forces eight months to advance from occupied Popasna in Luhansk Oblast to their current position in Bakhmut, says Hird, a distance of roughly 20 miles. With the journey from Bakhmut to Sloviansk and Kramatorsk taking closer to 30, only one outcome is guaranteed: Months and months and months of grinding, attritional conflict. Bucha relatives gather to mourn the body of Oleksiy Zavadskyi, a Ukrainian serviceman who died in combat on Jan. 15 in Bakhmut, during his funeral in Bucha, Ukraine, Jan. 19, 2023. Daniel ColeAP What is the Wagner Groups stake in the fight over Bakhmut? The Russian paramilitary group commands as many as 50,000 fighters in Ukraine who are deployed alongside conventional troops, according to Britains defense ministry. The vast majority of them are believed to have been sourced from Russian prisons. Though the mercenary group hasnt played a widespread role in the Russian war effort so far, it claims credit for delivering Kyivs first major territorial loss in months with the recent capture of the salt mining town of Soledar, just nine miles north of Bakhmut. Demonstrating military success may be politically essential for the Wagner Groupespecially its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is one of the most visible leaders of the war. His visibility is thanks in part to his frequent video commentary about the battle for Bakhmut on the messenger app Telegram, which has emphasized the Wagner Groups role and at times even contradicted the Russian defense ministrys own statements. In a January interview with TIME, Denis Korotkov, a former journalist for the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta and current investigator for the London-based Dossier Center, argued that its essential for Prigozhin to continuously show that the Wagner Group can deliver wins, especially because Prigozhin is unpopular with other Russian dignitaries. Any defeat could lead to the loss of Putins goodwill, said Korotkov. Read More: What to Know About Notorious Mercenary Organization The Wagner Group and Its Founder Wagners role as a proxy fighting force has been on full display in the battle for Bakhmut, where its mercenaries have been tasked with wearing down Ukrainian defenses in the run-up to an offensive by more conventional Russian troops, including Moscows elite VDV airborne force. The Wagner Group offensive on Bakhmut really culminated after they took Soledar, says Hird, though she noted that they havent really been able to make significant progress since then. U.S. officials estimate that at least 4,000 Wagner mercenaries have been killed and a further 10,000 injured in Soledar and Bakhmut. How is Russian media reporting on the battle for Bakhmut? Many news articles about the battle for Bakhmut published within Russia praise the Russian offensive and overstate its success and importance. Moscow owns or tightly restricts media published within the country. Many of these articles say, for example, that Russia launched the special military operation in Ukraine to liberate Donbas and defend it from the Ukrainian military. These articles also refer to Bakhmut by its Soviet name, Artyomovsk. One article quotes the Wagner Groups Prigozhin as saying that defeating Ukrainian troops in Bakhmut would cut the Ukrainian offensive in any direction, a claim that runs counter to what experts tell TIME. Russian media has also spread what many experts say is disinformation related to Bakhmut. The state-owned RIA Novosti has repeated a baseless accusation from Denis Pushilin, the head of the separatist group Donetsk Peoples Republic, that Ukraine used chemical weapons against Russian troops near Bakhmut. an illustration of a toaster oven with red lines beside it Getty Images With all the multifunction kitchen gadgets around these days, your old-fashioned toaster oven may have gotten stashed in your basement. That's a shame, because toaster ovens are great not just for making toast, but for cooking all sorts of things, from breakfast items like eggs and bacon to desserts like cobblers and crumbles. Toaster ovens are essentially just small ovens and "anything you might cook or bake in an oven will be just fine, with the added convenience of something small that can heat up fairly quickly," says John Savoia, who works at Kitchenwitch, a kitchen supply shop in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. When asked what not to put in a toaster oven, self-described "avid toaster-oven enthusiast" Lois DeWitt, author of Pop It in the Toaster Oven, jokes: "Wet mittens!" She adds, "No, seriously, just about any food item can be baked to perfection in the toaster oven." DeWitt explains that the main differences between baking in a traditional oven and your toaster oven are portion sizes, the types of bakeware you can use, temperature and proximity to the baking elements. But there are some precautions you should take to avoid poorly cooked food andmore importantlyfires. "Fires in toaster ovens are usually caused by food being placed too close to the heating elements, not being properly contained or employing too high a temperature for baking or reheating," says DeWitt. "That said, following some simple guidelines will permit safe baking for an almost limitless range of food items, from sunny-side-up eggs and perfect bacon to spice-rubbed Cornish game hen and stir-fries." Here's a look at some foods (and cookware) you should use caution with when using your toaster oven. 1. Fatty or Greasy Foods "I would say the No. 1 thing to avoid is fatty or greasy foods at risk of dripping. Since some toaster ovens have exposed heating elements, it can cause a fire," says Paul Hope, senior home and appliances reporter for Consumer Reports. (I personally know people who have had fires in their toaster ovens reheating french fries and super-cheesy foods!) But you don't have to avoid fatty or greasy foods altogether, as long as you're careful. "To prevent fatty and greasy foods from dripping or splattering, properly contain them in aluminum foil or a covered baking dish," says DeWitt. Story continues Related: How to Clean Your Toaster Oven 2. Pastries "I would also say to avoid foods at risk of drying out too much, like a cinnamon roll or certain pastries, especially if they're frozen," says Hope. "Instead, I like to reheat those in the microwave until they are heated through and then use the toaster oven to crisp them up a little bit." DeWitt advises covering foods that tend to dry out for the majority of the cooking time and then removing the cover to let them crisp up. "If there is a crumble topping (on an apple cobbler, for example), uncover for several minutes after the main baking time is finished to brown the top," she says. 3. Rice "I wouldn't reheat rice in a toaster oven," says Tanya Christian, home and appliances reporter for Consumer Reports. "It has a tendency to come out crispy, particularly on the bottom." Related: How to Store and Safely Reheat Rice 4. Unattended Seeds and Nuts Just like with your regular oven, you should never walk too far away from a hot toaster oven, especially if you are cooking things like nuts and seeds that burn quickly. "I donated my toaster oven because I was always convinced it was a dangerit gets so hot and it's easy to forget about the food one is cookingespecially when trying to toast nuts I have burned a lot of these!" one friend told me. So, while the toaster oven is a convenient way to quickly toast a small batch of nuts or seeds, stay close to the appliance and keep your eyes (and nose) alert. 5. Glass and Ceramic Bakeware That's Not Broiler-Safe "I don't think you should feel too constrained beyond things that wouldn't go in any oven, but some extra care should be taken since the heating elements tend to sit much closer to your cookware or bakeware because of the diminutive size," says Savoia. "I would be especially careful of glass and ceramic bakeware that is 'oven safe' but not 'broiler safe' as the distinction becomes more of a gray area when your heating element is so close." Just like with a regular oven, avoid putting cold glass or ceramic cookware into a hot oven. Even better, opt for a different material. "I would say if you have the option between glass bakeware and metal or even silicone, opt for the metal or silicone instead, just to be safe," Savoia adds. "No matter how oven-safe glass bakeware might be, if you've got the metal loaf pan already, it's easier to use it than to clean up a million shards of glass out of your toaster oven. That's perhaps being overly cautious, but usually if someone asks me what is safe to use in X, Y or Z, they're already in a somewhat cautious mindset." 6. Paper, Wood and Plastic Once again, anything you wouldn't put in your regular oven shouldn't go in your toaster oven. Most paper, including wax paper, wooden bowls or utensils, plastic wrap and storage containers, food packaged for microwaving, and dinnerware and dishes that are not oven-safe are all no-nos when it comes to the toaster oven, says DeWitt. And while aluminum foil is safe in the toaster oven, be sure it doesn't touch the heating elements, she adds. But she gives the thumbs-up to parchment paper, disposable aluminum containers (e.g., pie plates), metal bakeware and regular and nonstick bakeware like loaf pans and muffin tins. Bottom Line With a little common sense and know-how, there's not much you can't cook in your toaster oven, though you might have to make a few adjustments. The iron dako sword has heavily rusted after more than 16 centuries underground. In this photograph, a replica of the sword lies in the place where it was found. Archaeologists in Japan have unearthed a 7.5-foot-long (2.3 meters) iron sword during excavations of a 1,600-year-old burial mound near the city of Nara. The sword was too large to wield as a weapon, so its purpose was probably to protect the person it was buried with from evil spirits, experts say. "I was surprised," Riku Murase, an archaeologist for the Nara City Archaeological Research Center who unearthed the sword in a tomb within the burial mound, told Live Science in an email. "It was so long that I doubted it was true." Murase discovered the sword during excavations of the Tomio Maruyama burial mound in late November. The mound is located in a park just west of Nara, and dates from about the fourth century A.D. The lengthy weapon is an example of a "dako" swords with a distinctive wavy or undulating blade, a bit like the kris knives of Indonesia . Dako swords have been found in other ancient Japanese tombs, but the size of this one is exceptional: "It is twice as big as any other sword found so far in Japan," Murase said. Although much of the iron dako sword is now heavily rusted after so many centuries in the ground, X-ray photographs show its original shape and size. Burial mound The Nara region is peppered with thousands of burial mounds, which are known as "kofun" after the Kofun period of Japanese history when they were built, between A.D. 300 and 710. Kofun are also found elsewhere in Japan, and it is estimated there may be as many as 160,000 throughout the country. The smallest are about 50 feet (15 m) across, but many are hundreds of feet across. Nara's Tomio Maruyama kofun, where the sword was found, is one of the largest in Japan, with a diameter of more than 350 feet (100 m) and a height of up to 32 feet (10 m). The kofun may commemorate the burial of a person related to the imperial Yamato family, Murase said. However, excavations of the mound have unearthed only a large coffin, and not any human remains. The replica is the same undulating shape and size as the original dako sword -- more than 7 feet 6 inches (2.3 meters) long. Archaeologists think it was ceremonial, and not a real weapon. Archaeologists have found several important artifacts from the Kofun period in the Tomio Maruyama kofun, including iron farming tools, eating utensils and containers made from copper. Story continues The latest excavations also unearthed a large bronze mirror, shaped like a shield, which is about 2 feet (60 centimeters) long and about a 1 foot (30 cm) wide; like the oversized sword, archaeologists think it was intended to protect the dead from evil spirits. "(These discoveries) indicate that the technology of the Kofun period are beyond what had been imagined," Kosaku Okabayashi, the deputy director for Nara Prefecture's Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, told the Kyodo News Agency . "They are masterpieces in metalwork from that period." Image 1 of 3 The Tomio Maruyama burial mound in Nara City is one of the largest kofun in Japan. Archaeologists think it was built in the 4th century, more than 1600 years ago, for a nobleman related to Japan's imperial family. Image 2 of 3 The ceremonial sword was found during the sixth season of archaeological excavations at the Tomio Maruyama burial mound, or kofun, in southern Japan's Nara City. Image 3 of 3 The iron dako sword has an undulating shape which may have represented a dragon or snake, to increase its perceived magical power. It is now heavily rusted. Ancient sword Archaeologist Stefan Maeder , an expert in Japanese swords and ancient sword-making, said the undulating or wavy dako swords found in other Japanese burial mounds seemed to be mainly ceremonial. "I would not say they are common," he told Live Science. "They are prestigious objects of high society." But he notes that many practical fighting swords have also been found. He noted that there was a tradition in Japan in later centuries of oversized swords being offered to deities or powerful spirits; many are still preserved in their treasure houses of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Image 1 of 2 A large bronze mirror in the shape of a shield was also unearthed during the latest excavations. Archaeologists think that, like the oversized sword, it was intended to protect the dead from evil spirits. Image 2 of 2 The bronze mirror in the shape of a shield is the largest artifact of this type ever found in Japan. X-ray photographs show where it was decorated by patterns in the metalwork. The distinctive undulating shape of dako swords may represent a dragon or a snake, and may have been intended to increase their perceived magical power, although it did not increase their effectiveness as weapons, he said. related stories 10 stunning swords and other ancient weapons uncovered in 2021 2 Viking swords buried upright might have connected the dead to Odin and Valhalla 'Replica' sword is really 3,000 years old and may have been used in battle The swords in Japanese burial mounds might also represent a spiritual link between Japan, which at the time was considered the "center of the world", and the heavens sometimes suggested in tomb artwork and on swords themselves by the distinctive pattern of the stars of the Big Dipper, or Great Bear (Ursa Major), a constellation that circles the celestial North Pole. But Maeder is not sure if that is the case with the oversized dako sword found at the Tomio Maruyama kofun: "It would be very interesting to see the orientation of the sword," he said. This year's return of the U. S. Navy Blue Angels to The Great Tennessee Air Show will be the second performance since Capt. Jeff Kuss died after crashing in practice in 2016. The Blue Angels canceled their appearance from the 2016 show after the death of the 32-year-old U.S. Marine Corps pilot but returned for the 2019 event. The Navy aviation team will again be the headliner for this year's show June 10-11 at Smyrna Airport off Sam Ridley Parkway. The Smyrna government responded to the 2016 tragedy by building a monument to memorialize Kuss, who's survived by his widow, Christiana Kuss, and two young children, Calvin and Sloane. A decommissioned F/A-18C Hornet that serves as the centerpiece of the Kuss memorial is similar to the jet flown by the Blue Angels team. It's on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration team the Blue Angels, perform during The Great Tennessee Air Show on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at the Smyrna Airport. The 2019 air show was the Blue Angels' first performance return to Smyrna since the 2016 tragic crash that claimed Capt. Jeff Kuss during a practice run. The memorial is located within Lee Victory Recreation Park off Sam Ridley Parkway and sits directly across from the runways at the Smyrna Airport. A memorial for Kuss: 'He was our everything' Christiana Kuss spoke at the 2018 dedication for the monument. This memorial has been created, and Im awestruck every time I let it resonate," she told the crowd who attended the ceremony June 9, 2018. "You all loved him so much. Thank you. You grieve for me and my babies. Thank you. He gave us a great sense of peace and protection. He was our pillar of strength and our soft place to land. He was our everything. Christina Kuss returned to Smyrna in 2022 when her children were ready see the memorial to their father. The Capt. Jeff Kuss memorial is within Lee Victory Recreation off Sam Ridley Parkway and is across the street from the runways at Smyrna Airport. Kuss crashed his jet June 2, 2016, in a field in Smyrna during an air show practice. The Blue Angels team of fighter pilots will be the main headliner for this year's show. The airport also had the Air Force Thunderbirds perform in 2021, said John Black, the 31-year executive director at Smyrna Airport. "Were always proud to host the United States military, and were proud to offer one of the signature aviation events in the Eastern United States," Black said. "Its a rare occasion to be able to see aviation so up close and personal, and to inspire the next generation of aviators." Story continues In addition to the Blue Angels, this year's show will include two other military teams with modern jets, including from an Air Force F-22 Raptor. The other will be a U.S. Navy F-35 demonstration team that will fly with other legacy aircraft that had served during other eras, Black said. Those in attendance also will be able to examine static aircraft, Black added. "People are super passionate in aviation," Black said. Smyrna mayor: Welcome back 'Blues' Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed said in a statement emailed to The Daily News Journal that the town is thrilled to have the Blue Angels back. "We look forward to welcoming the air show visitors," Reed said. "The Blue Angels have been a part of the Smyrna community since the early 70s. There is always such excitement in the community when the Blues are in town. I am elated that the 2023 Great Tennessee Airshow will include a performance by the demonstration squadron featuring Lt. Amanda Lee, the first female demonstration pilot for the Blue Angels. We are looking forward to a wonderful performance and seeing everyone at the airshow. Smyrna has Tennessee's third busiest airport. The runways accommodated over 124,000 operations (take offs and landings) in calendar year 2022, Black said. The airport provides an annual economic impact of $232 million, according to a recent study by the state government. The airport dates back to 1942 when it was then known as Smyrna Airfield to train Army aviators for World War II. It became part of the Air Force operations in 1948 and was known as Sewart Air Force Base from 1950 until closing in 1970. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority assumed control until May 15, 1991, at which time the property was transferred to the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority. The Blue Angels are based at the Navel Air Station in Pensacola. What was the cause of the 2016 crash? The Navy investigated the crash with Kuss and determined he had been flying too fast and low, forgot to disengage his afterburners, and lost control of his jet, according to a Peninsula News Journal story published September 2016. Kuss attempted to eject in the seconds before the crash, Navy investigators said in the report, which was obtained by the Pensacola News Journal through an official records request. The report cited pilot error as the cause of the crash, and said weather and fatigue were contributing factors. The Navy mandated numerous short-term and longer-term changes to the flight demonstration team in response to the crash. Kuss had been with the team since 2014. He was one of the six-jet team's two solo pilots and had served in Afghanistan before joining the Blue Angels. Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @ScottBroden. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription. About The Great Tennessee Air Show When: June 10-11 Location: Smyrna Airport off Sam Ridley Parkway Main attraction for this year's show: Navy Blue Angels Ticket information assistance: phone, 615-549-6640; website, www.greattennesseeairshow.com Sponsor: Nissan This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Navy Blue Angels return for Tennessee air show in Smyrna LA JOLLA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2023 / Driftwood Adventure Treks , a small but powerful adventure company, is offering travelers a chance to immerse themselves in local cultures in a whole new way. The company, founded by international photographer Briana Gallo, believes in the power of photo philanthropy to inspire hope and understanding and is using photography as a tool to connect people from all over the world. Driftwood Adventure Treks, Monday, February 6, 2023, Press release picture Each adventure trek will provide travelers with an opportunity to engage with local villages and communities and learn about their lifestyles, customs, and traditions. The goal is to create genuine interactions and tell a story through a lens different from their own. Whether travelers have a camera or not, they will be able to capture unique and meaningful experiences to bring back home. "I wanted something that was different from the run-of-the-mill trips that are taken in other countries. I wanted to create a brand that was authentic in cultural immersion and in guiding others to step out of their comfort zone," said Briana Gallo. The company offers group treks and personalized trips to countries such as Nepal, Latin America, Mexico, Ethiopia, Vietnam and more. With one-on-one guidance from the moment a traveler signs up to completing their VISA requirements and planning their transportation routes, Driftwood Adventure Treks is committed to providing each client with an individualized and meaningful experience. Driftwood Adventure Treks is the perfect choice for travelers seeking an escape from the familiar and embracing the unknown. From intrepid photographers to determined hikers and adventurous families, there's something for everyone within its reach. "My brand is about creating a meaningful experience through guiding clients to step out of the familiar and experience life around them, no matter what adventure they choose to book with us," said Gallo. About Driftwood Adventure Treks Driftwood Adventure Treks is a boutique adventure company that offers travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in local cultures through photography and meaningful experiences. With one-on-one guidance and personalized trips to countries around the world, Driftwood Adventure Treks is committed to creating a unique and meaningful travel experience for each client. Story continues Country: USA Media Contact: Briana Gallo Company: Driftwood Adventure Treks Email: driftwoodadventures@gmail.com Phone number: 6037318673 Website: www.driftwoodadventuretreks.com SOURCE: Driftwood Adventure Treks View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/738298/Boutique-Adventure-Company-Brings-a-Unique-Twist-to-Cultural-Immersion Firefighters work to control a blaze at C6-Zero on Dec. 8, 2022, in Marengo. Setting the stage for cleanup at the contaminated site of their Marengo factory explosion, C6-Zero leaders have agreed to pay a remediation company and give state regulators requested documents tied to the Dec. 8 blast. In an order issued Monday morning, Judge Lars Anderson granted a temporary injunction against C6-Zero, a renewable energy company that claimed to recycle asphalt shingles into oil. Plant officials agreed to the contents of the injunction, staving off a hearing that had been set for Monday after C6-Zero missed several deadlines. Among the requirements in Anderson's order, company leaders agreed to: Pay $334,000 to EcoSource, a Windsor Heights company that will clean up the area around the blast. Put another $75,000 into a trust account that EcoSource can use. Let the Iowa Department of Natural Resources onto the property "upon prior and reasonable notice." Give the Iowa DNR a list of chemicals and mixtures that the company held on-site at the time of the explosion Company spokesperson Mark Corallo declined to answer several questions from the Des Moines Register on Monday, but he said in an email that "C6-Zero appreciates the Iowa Attorney General's notice of intent to cancel today's hearing. Cleanup is ongoing and we continue to work collaboratively with the state." The plant is not operating, DNR officials said. This is a matter of Iowans safety, Attorney General Brenna Bird said in a statement. Im glad that C6-Zero has now agreed to comply with the law and clean up the property. Our office will continue to monitor the situation and work with the Iowa DNR to ensure this order is followed. Anderson's injunction follows a Dec. 16 emergency order from the Iowa DNR, which told the company to clean up the blast site by the end of January. The company missed that deadline. The Iowa Attorney General's Office requested the court order Jan. 11, after prosecutors said C6-Zero leaders failed to submit a cleanup plan to the DNR on time. Story continues On Jan. 24, with the case still pending, C6-Zero employees at the factory blocked a DNR regulator from inspecting the site. Corallo told the Register at the time that the state inspector "harassed, intimidated and bullied employees." Related:C6-Zero, site of explosion, blocks another Iowa DNR site visit as compliance deadline looms In his order, Anderson wrote that C6-Zero employees who violate his injunction could be in contempt of court. DNR spokesperson Tammie Krausman said in a statement that such an event "may trigger U.S. (Environmental Protection Agency) involvement, including site clean-up and cost recovery." EPA spokesperson Kellen Ashford told the Register in an email that agency officials are coordinating with the DNR. "Any additional involvement such as on-scene cleanup would include an official request for assistance from the state," he said. C6-Zero and the Iowa Attorney General's Office had been scheduled to meet in Iowa County District Court, near the blast site, at 2:30 p.m. Monday. On Friday, Assistant Attorney General David Steward wrote in a motion that his office and company officials settled, negating the need for a hearing. DNR: Water cleanup will take a month After the explosion, water from the day-long firefight ran from the factory into a nearby basin. In her Dec. 16 order, DNR Director Kayla Lyon wrote that tests from the basin showed that chemicals contaminated the water. Krausman said in Monday's statement that the department has signed a contract with Tetrasolv and Rain for Rent to treat the water, a process that DNR officials estimate will take four weeks. Krausman said the DNR will pay the contractors and later seek reimbursement from C6-Zero. "This is an emergency situation to protect the health and welfare of the citizens of Iowa," she said. Krausman also said the Iowa County Drainage District will create a diversion channel, routing rainwater and melted snow around the basin and into the Iowa River. EcoSource hopes to begin cleanup this week In his order, Anderson told C6-Zero to provide $334,000 to EcoSource by the end of Thursday. Darren Fife, environmental director for the cleanup company, said his team hopes to start working around the factory this week if the company gets paid on time. C6-Zero had already contracted with EcoSource in December to create a cleanup plan, a process that required the company to exchange ideas with the DNR for about a month. Within the last two weeks, the two sides agreed about what to do, Fife said. He said the company will first determine contamination levels at the site by sampling the dirt and the groundwater around the factory, digging wells and checking how far from the blast site workers can detect chemicals. Once they create a map of the contamination, they will start cleaning up the area, which will include excavating dirt. According to Anderson's order, C6-Zero needs to give the DNR a refined plan for how to execute the cleanup by March 3. "We just let the science and the data dictate how bad this is and how much cleanup is required," Fife said. "Once we get into the cleanup stages, theres not a lot of guessing involved." [documentcloud url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23599657-feb-6-2023-injunction-against-c6-zero?responsive=1&title=1"] This story has been updated to include comments from a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson. Tyler Jett covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at tjett@registermedia.com, 515-284-8215, or on Twitter at @LetsJett. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: C6-Zero settled with Iowa DNR before Monday court hearing Ford California senator Anthony Portantino has introduced legislation that would grant Californians up to $2000 toward re-fitting their gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles with battery-electric drivetrains. Above: The Ford Eluminator, a 1978 F-100 converted to all-electric operation, unveiled at the 2021 SEMA convention. Senate Bill 301, co-sponsored by SEMA, seeks to add a Zero-Emission Aftermarket Conversion Project (ZACP) incentive to further bolster Californias existing array of electric vehicle rebates. Currently, none of the states programs apply to anything other than the purchase or lease of a brand-new EV. While those programs help speed EV adoption, the cost of new electric vehicles keeps them out of reach for many. Portantino and SEMA want to $2 million in annual funding to be allocated for EV conversions of existing cars and trucks, which they hope will expand access to zero-emission (at the tailpipe at least) machines. It is essential that we continue to look for new methods and ideas to meet our strong climate goals, Portantino said in a release. SB 301 will make it much easier for many Californians who have the desire to go green but lack the financial capacity to do so. It will aid conversion by providing a financial rebate for Californians who choose to convert their gas-powered car into an electric vehicle but cant afford to do so. Cutting-edge energy efficiency should not be reserved only for those wealthy enough to afford it. Ford It is worth noting that professional EV conversions are not exactly a low-budget option now. These builds often cost tens of thousands of dollars, with few being straightforward drop-in packages. Furthermore, SB 301 states that a converted vehicle must have a range of at least 100 miles to qualify for the rebate. Thats not a huge figure by OEM standards, but it would restrict what types of batteries builders can source -- from either salvaged EVs or new sources. Regardless of the hurdles, SEMA sees EV conversions as an important part of the automotive aftermarkets future, and as a way to preserve car culture in an emission-free future. Thats important in California, which intends to ban the sale of new internal combustion cars in 2035. Also, the state has tons of race shops and tuners who could handle such electric swaps should SB 301 be enacted. Whether or not they choose to build EVs is another question. Story continues California residents can show their support for (or opposition to) SB 301 at this link. Ford You Might Also Like Canacol Energy Ltd. CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canacol Energy Ltd. ("Canacol" or the "Corporation") (TSX:CNE; OTCQX:CNNEF; BVC:CNEC) is pleased to provide the following information concerning its January 2023 natural gas sales. January Gas Sales of 185 MMscfpd Realized contractual natural gas sales (which are gas produced, delivered, and paid for) were 185 million standard cubic feet per day for January 2023. About Canacol Canacol is a natural gas exploration and production company with operations focused in Colombia. The Corporation's common stock trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the OTCQX in the United States of America, and the Colombia Stock Exchange under ticker symbol CNE, CNNEF, and CNEC, respectively. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, including without limitation statements relating to estimated production rates from the Corporation's properties and intended work programs and associated timelines. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Corporation cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. They are made as of the date hereof and are subject to change and the Corporation assumes no obligation to revise or update them to reflect new circumstances, except as required by law. Prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements. These factors include the inherent risks involved in the exploration for and development of crude oil and natural gas properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological and geophysical data, fluctuating energy prices, the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated costs or delays and other uncertainties associated with the oil and gas industry. Other risk factors could include risks associated with negotiating with foreign governments as well as country risk associated with conducting international activities, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Corporation. Story continues Realized contractual gas sales is defined as gas produced and sold plus gas revenues received from nominated take or pay contracts. CONTACT: For more information please contact: Investor Relations South America: +571.621.1747 IR-SA@canacolenergy.com Global: +1.403.561.1648 IR-GLOBAL@canacolenergy.com Pack your bags, it's time for an Italian vacation. Nina Ruggiero Ready to have a sultry seaside vacation along the Amalfi Coast? A Roman holiday? Perhaps a shopping getaway to Milan? Then you better book a flight ASAP. According to the World Bank, in 2019, just shy of 100 million people traveled to Italy for a vacation. Though that number declined significantly due to the pandemic, tourism made a major comeback in 2022, with an estimated 56 million arrivals. And if youre looking to be among the pack to visit in 2023 and stay on a budget Scott Keyes, founder and chief flight expert of Going.com, says you should book your flight right now. The two months with by far the highest number of cheap flights to Italy are January and February, Keyes shared with Travel + Leisure. According to Keyes, these are "the slowest two months of tourism in the U.S. and Western Europe, and thus a time when airlines are forced to drop fares in order to fill planes. Sub-$400 round-trip flights to Italy have been commonplace, popping up every few weeks for the past five months. Related: The Best and Worst Times to Visit Italy If youre not particularly concerned with the flight cost but would like to avoid the crowds, Keyes suggested plotting out a shoulder-season getaway to just about anywhere in the European nation. Aside from winter travel, shoulder season (March through May and September through November) is known for cheap Italy deals, he shared. Alessandra Amodio If you can hold out until the end of the spring shoulder season, youll be rewarded with pleasant temperatures in the mid to high 70s across the country, according to WeatherSpark. The same can be said for the early part of the fall shoulder season, with temperatures in Italy going from the low 80s in September to the high 60s in October. Keyes mentioned a few recent round-trip fares to Italy his team at Going found for its members, including flights departing New York City for $360, Miami for $380, Chicago for $489, Washington, D.C. for $455, Charlotte for $434, Dallas for $562, and San Francisco for $430. He added, they even [found flights at] smaller airports like Cleveland for $581. Story continues Nina Ruggiero There was one more time Keyes said could be the cheapest time to fly to Italy: Thanksgiving. I'd argue that the hidden best week of the entire year for cheap flights to Italy is Thanksgiving, he said. That's because while domestic fares get severely inflated that week, few Americans are traveling internationally then, and Thanksgiving is certainly not a holiday in Italy. Over Thanksgiving week, it usually costs more to fly to Minneapolis than Milan. Plus, by late November, the wonderful Christmas markets may already be in full swing in some parts of Italy. And really, who wouldnt want to carve a turkey in Milan? You can pair your bird with a local truffle; as Eataly explained, white and burgundy truffles are at their peak between September and December, while winter black truffles are at their prime from December to early March. But luckily for you, there really is no bad time to visit Italy. Find the flight and the time that fits your budget, then start planning the Italian getaway of your dreams. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. SPS 2022 Show Exclusive Report After a three-year absence, the SPS automation exhibition returned to its Nuremberg venue last November. It might have been slightly smaller than before but it still generated a lot of enthusiasm. There was an almost palpable sense of relief when the SPS (Smart Production Solutions) exhibition re-opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany for three days last November, following a Covid-enforced absence of three years. This was particularly so because of the drama of the previous year when the exhibition had to be cancelled on the Friday before it was due to open because of a surge of Covid cases in Bavaria. By that stage, most of the stands some of them occupying complete halls had been built, and thousands of people had already descended on Nuremberg to man the stands. In 2022, the organisers moved the event a few weeks earlier to avoid the risk of another winter surge of Covid. The shadow of the pandemic still loomed large over the show, however, with around 100 Chinese exhibitors who had been at the 2019 exhibition not being able to attend the 2022 show. In the end, there were just short of 1,000 exhibitors (compared to 1,585 in 2019) and 44,000 visitors (down from 63,708). The percentage of visitors from outside Germany actually rose from 26% in 2019 to 29%. Non-German exhibitors also represented 29% of the total. In Chinas absence, the top five countries were Italy, the US, Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands. Fewer than 10 UK exhibitors attended (down from 17 in 2019), while more US companies were attracted because the retimed event no longer clashed with Thanksgiving. During the pandemic, the shows organisers had launched an online version of SPS and, in 2022, people who could not attend the event in person were offered an SPS on air facility which allowed them to watch presentations online. More than 4,000 people watched the 120 forum talks either in-person or online. Although SPS might have been slightly smaller in 2022, a survey of visitors revealed a high level of satisfaction with the event, with 95% of visitors saying they planned to return in future, and 91% reporting that they would recommend SPS to their colleagues and customers. The exhibitors also seem to have been happy. It feels fantastic to be back, said Steffen Winkler, chief sales officer of Bosch Rexroths automation business. The trade fair visitors as well as our team, and the other exhibitors Ive spoken to, are incredibly enthusiastic. You can really feel the energy in the halls and its just a great feeling to be back here live and physically with other people from the industry. Hs feelings are echoed by Marcus Bliesze, Siemens vice-president of marketing for factory automation: Its a terrific feeling being back at SPS. Participants have come from all over the world, some of whom we have not seen for the last three years. Martin Roschkowksi, president of the organiser Messago Messe Frankfurt, adds: It was apparent just how much the SPS community had missed meeting up with one another and immersing themselves in the world of automation. This exhibition will provide a springboard for many automation projects of the future. On this Web site, we have reported on some of the products and technologies on show to visitors to SPS 2022. We have listed them below. SPS is scheduled to return to Nuremberg from 14-16 November, 2023. Move away from control cabinets gathers pace Three partners develop deep learning for vision systems OS links IT to OT and frees users from proprietary limits Rexroth opens up real-time OS to third parties System promises installation time savings of up to 70% Drives with onboard condition-monitoring avoid sensors IO-Link Safety gets first live multi-vendor demo at SPS First 3D ToF camera opens up a new dimension in safety Open-source Arduino platform releases its first micro-PLC at SPS Kits provide a recipe box for machine-builders Next-gen servodrives save space and deliver more power First IO-Link smart incremental encoder opens up applications IT specialists can now access TIA Portal to tackle OT skills gap Floating production transport system gains flexibility Five compact drives save on space and resources Configurable safety controller looks like a safety relay Circular movers give levitating transport system a novel spin Inverter-only IE5 motors will maximise energy savings 16-core ultra-compact IPCs set new benchmarks Compact machinery drives handle motors up to 22kW IE5 reluctance motors add liquid-cooled and hazardous area types Servodrives give machine-builders more flexibility Software guides technicians through cabinet assembly Vision hardware complements software in single platform UK-developed soft-starters can be set up in under 60 seconds AI-based app optimises energy use of drive systems Vision sensors identify objects without experts China has hit out at the US and warned of further actions after the American military shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the South Carolina coast. In a statement on Sunday, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: China will resolutely uphold the relevant companys legitimate rights and interests, and at the same time reserving the right to take further actions in response. China had clearly asked the US to handle this properly in a calm, professional and restrained manner, it added. The US had insisted on using force, obviously overreacting. China strongly disapproves of and protests against the US attack on a civilian unmanned airship by force, the foreign ministry added on Sunday, according to the South China Morning Post. The USs use of force is a clear overreaction and a serious violation of international practice, the ministry said, adding that China has the right to make further responses that are necessary. The balloon was first spotted by members of the public on Thursday as it flew over Montana, which is home to one of Americas three nuclear missile silo fields at Malmstrom Air Force Base. On Saturday, president Joe Biden said that he was informed of the balloons presence a day earlier, though this was not disclosed at the time. On Wednesday, when I was briefed on the balloon, I ordered the Pentagon to shoot it down, on Wednesday, as soon as possible, he said. The decision was taken not to shoot down the balloon while it was over land, due to the risk of falling debris harming people on the ground. Pentagon officials say an F-22 fighter jet fired a missile at the balloon at 2.40pm EST (7.40pm GMT) on Saturday, puncturing it while it was off the coast near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Navy is taking the lead in an operation to recover the remnants. They successfully took it down and I want to complement our aviators who did it, Mr Biden said after getting off Air Force One on his way to Camp David, reported Associated Press. Story continues Also on Saturday, defence secretary Lloyd Austin said that the balloon was taken down on the presidents authorisation without undue risk to American lives. Earlier China had said that the balloon was a weather research airship that had been blown off course. It had also accused US officials of hyping the incident after secretary of state Antony Blinken abruptly cancelled his Beijing trip, which was due to take place this Sunday. Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said earlier before the balloon was shot out of the sky that China has always strictly followed international law. He said that we do not accept any groundless speculation and hype. Faced with unexpected situations, both parties need to keep calm, communicate in a timely manner, avoid misjudgments and manage differences. Mr Blinkens trip, which had been agreed upon in November, was seen as crucial to stabilising the fraught relations between the US and China. On Saturday, after Mr Blinken called off the trip, Mr Wang claimed that it had never formally been confirmed anyway. Additional reporting by agencies VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 7, 2023 /CNW/ - Megawatt Lithium and Battery Metals Corp. (CSE: MEGA) (FSE: WR20) (OTCQB: WALRF) (the "Company" or "Megawatt") is pleased to report encouraging assay results from its recently completed rock chip sampling program at the Artic Fox project in central Northern Territory, Australia. The Company is targeting rare earth elements (REE) zones. FIGURE 1: ARTIC FOX ROCK CHIP SAMPLE LOCATIONS. ASSAY RESULTS SHOWN AS TOTAL RARE EARTH OXIDE TREO PPM (CNW Group/MegaWatt Lithium and Battery Metals Corp.) In summary, a total of 58 samples were taken at the Arctic Fox Project. Discovery of new areas of mixed grain pegmatite continue to provide Megawatt with compelling new targets that merit follow up groundwork to assess for mineralization. While the 58 samples collected over the course of the program are indicative of REE mineralization, a helicopter borne follow up sampling and mapping program is planned in order to access certain areas of the project not easily accessed on foot or by road. The most significant sample values recorded comprise: Rock Chip sample AF22RS048 returned 2,160 ppm TREO including 1306 ppm Yttrium Rock Chip sample AF22RS051 returned 920ppm TREO including (31% Magnet REO) Rock Chip sample AF22RS057 returned 517 ppm TREO including (29% Magnet REO) Rock Chip sample AF22RS006 returned 456 ppm TREO including (28% Magnet REO) Rock Chip sample AF22RS007 returned 446 ppm TREO including (28% Magnet REO) Rock Chip sample AF22RS015 returned 436 ppm TREO including (24% Magnet REO) David Thornley-Hall Chief Executive Officer commented: "We are pleased to report compelling results of the rock chip sampling program at Arctic Fox and we look forward to further investigation based on these results in order to develop a better understanding of the potential for significant rare earth mineralization in this region. The Arctic Fox Project is located circa 185 km by road north-west of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory (refer Figure 2). More significantly, it is 35 km north-west of Arafura Resources (ASX: ARU) world-class Nolan's Bore REE deposit which contains a Total Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 56Mt at an average grade of 2.6% TREO and 11% phosphate (P2O5) that extends to 215 m below surface. In addition, the MRE has an estimated 26.4% Nd Pr enrichment1. Story continues The technical team believe the style mineralization being targeted within the Artic Fox Project is comparable to that apparent at Nolan's Bore. In geological terms Nolan's Bore is a phosphate-uranium-thorium deposit comprised of a series of ENE trending and steeply NW to NE dipping fluorapatite veins, with notable variation in brecciation throughout the area. Qualified Person Mr. Geoffrey Reed (MAusMM (CP)) (MAIG), Consultant for the Company, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure or Mineral Projects and has reviewed the scientific and technical information in this press release. References Arafura Resources Limited Annual Reports. Available at: https://www.arultd.com/investor/asx-announcements-2021/asx-archive.html Technical Information All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by, or approved by Geoffrey Reed, (MAusMM (CP)) (MAIG), Consultant for the Company. Mr. Reed is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Reed has not verified any of the information regarding any of the properties or projects referred to herein other than the Arctic Fox and Isbjorn Properties. Mineralization on any other properties referred to herein is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Arctic Fox and Isbjorn Properties. The data disclosed in this news release related to sampling results is historical in nature. Megawatt has not undertaken any independent investigation of the sampling nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results. Megawatt considers these historical sample results relevant as the Company will use this data as a guide to plan future exploration programs. The Company's future exploration work will include verification of the data through further sampling. About MegaWatt Lithium and Battery Metals Corp. MegaWatt is a British Columbia based company involved in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in Canada. The Company holds a 100% undivided interest, subject to a 1.5% NSR on all base, rare earth elements and precious metals, in the Cobalt Hill Property, consisting of eight mineral claims covering an area of approximately 1,727.43 hectares located in the Trail Creek Mining Division in the Province of British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, the Company has acquired an 80% interest in a company that indirectly holds a 100% interest (subject to a 2% NSR) in two prospective silver-zinc projects in Australia, being the Tyr Silver Project and the Century South Silver-Zinc Project (see press release dated August 13, 2020), an indirect 100% interest (subject to a 1% NSR) in and to certain mining tenements in Northern Territory and New South Wales, Australia prospective for nickel-cobalt-scandium and rare earth elements. The Company holds a 100% interest (subject to a 2% NSR) in and to the Route 381 Lithium Property, comprised of 40 mineral claims located in James Bay Territory, north of Matagami in the Province of Quebec, covering 2,126 hectares (see press release dated February 3, 2021) and a 100% interest in 229 additional mineral exploration claims prospective for lithium, also in the James Bay area of Quebec covering an area of 12,116 hectares or 121 square kms. Investors can learn more about the Company and team at https://megawattmetals.com. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release includes "forward-looking information" that is subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements may include but are not limited to, statements relating to the trading of the Company's common shares on the Exchange and the Company's use of proceeds and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to such events. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future events and that actual events or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward- looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment based on information currently available. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. Related Links https://megawattmetals.com FIGURE 2: ARTIC FOX / ISBJORN PROPERTIES RELATIVE TO REGIONAL PEERS (CNW Group/MegaWatt Lithium and Battery Metals Corp.) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-compelling-rock-chip-sample-assays-reported-for-rees-at-the-arctic-fox-project-301740715.html SOURCE MegaWatt Lithium and Battery Metals Corp. Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2023/07/c8098.html Feb. 6ST. PAUL The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled on Monday that an engineered wood factory that was proposed to be built near the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe's borders must undergo additional environmental study. This decision requires Huber Engineered Woods' proposal to be sent back to the city of Cohasset for further review, reversing the city's earlier decision when it didn't support the band's request for a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement. The court has ordered Cohasset to further study the proposal's effects on wetlands and issue a new decision on whether an EIS is needed. The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy represented the Leech Lake Band in this case. In a first for Minnesota, the Court of Appeals also recognized that tribal governments have expertise that must be considered when a project's proposal threatens treaty rights. "Based on the Leech Lake Band's sovereign status and environmental expertise, we accord significant weight to its comments (in environmental review) and arguments in this appeal," the documents announcing the decision said. This decision by the Court of Appeals was greatly welcomed by the LLBO. "The court decision issued today is a major victory for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting the sovereignty and treaty rights of Indigenous nations," said Faron Jackson Sr., chairman of the Leech Lake Band. "The proposed OSB Mill project posed a clear threat to our sacred resources, including wild rice and wildlife, while bypassing an important step in the environmental review process." Huber is seeking to build a 750,000-square-foot facility one mile from the boundary of Leech Lake Nation. The site is home to a highly sensitive wetland near Blackwater Lake which contains more than 300 acres of wild rice. The plant would also emit significant amounts of air pollution, producing an estimated 517,370 tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions. Story continues "We will continue to work toward protecting our resources, our environment and preserving our way of life for future generations," Jackson added. Despite its proximity, neither the state of Minnesota nor the city of Cohasset consulted Leech Lake about the proposal. The band only learned of it when a press release announcing the project was issued, which also included the state's intent to excuse the proposal from laws that typically require projects of its magnitude to undergo and EIS due to their significant potential to disrupt the environment. Rather than an EIS, the \release indicated Huber would only need to conduct a cursory environmental review, called an Environmental Assessment Worksheet, that would be reviewed and approved by Cohasset. Opponents worried that Cohasset would not be able to be impartial due to its vested interest in the project. Besides opposition from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, the project also faced notable resistance from local environmental and Indigenous-led organizations, including Honor the Earth, which held several events around northern Minnesota to raise awareness about the proposal. Leech Lake filed extensive comments during the project's EAW process, alerting the city that the facility would have significant impacts on its treaty resources and should be subjected to an EIS. Cohasset denied that request and the band appealed, leading to the court's decision. In the opinion, the court specifically found that the city failed to consider the impacts of the project on wetlands at the site and nearby. The project site has two public waters wetlands that could be eliminated by the project. The court also recognized that wetlands downstream from the site, including the Blackwater wild rice bed, could be significantly affected by the project. "We look forward to working with Cohasset as they reconsider the environmental review on these important issues," said Ben Benoit, the interim executive director for Leech Lake. "The Leech Lake Tribal Council is excited to discuss regional economic policy, creation of jobs and bringing projects to our region, but not at the expense of our homeland." Hunter Larkin for Kansas A 23-year-old Kansas mayor who re-installed himself in office last month in what some horrified observers said was essentially a coup is refusing to leave in the face of furious community opposition. At a contentious city council meeting Monday night, Goddard Mayor Hunter Larkin invoked the late Apple founder Steve Jobs, suggesting that heLarkinwas also a visionary attempting to change the world. In a move that one Goddard resident likened to Germany in 1935, Larkin manipulated existing rules to reclaim a position hed lost in May 2022 following a news report detailing questionable ties to a local real estate family. After his ouster in 2022, Larkin was arrested for DUI, then launched a bid for the statehouse, promising he would spend his time focusing on voter integrity, the right to bear arms, protecting the unborn and keeping Critical Race Theory (CRT) out of schools. He lost. However, as The Daily Beast reported last month, Larkin kept his seat on the Goddard City Council, eventually using his position to gain other members support behind the scenes before dispatching then-Mayor Larry Zimmerman along with a city administrator who had been critical of his business dealings. The move by Larkin, a baby-faced Republican who last year promoted an appearance in Goddard by accused sex pest and conservative celeb Matt Schlapp, was enough to stun a local columnist who has witnessed just about everything. I have to hand it to Larkin, wrote Dion Lefler of the Wichita Eagle. Ive covered cities for a long time and have seldom seen a political takeover that was this sleazy, and yet this well-orchestrated. On Monday, a longtime resident of the town, whose bid for his own seat on the council failed as part of Larkins astonishing takeover, got up to address the meeting. As I told The Daily Beast two weeks ago, if I cant do it from up there, referring to the council dais, Ill do it from out here, hospice chaplain Jeffery Jones told Larkin and the others. ... I would like for you to resign, number one. Not just as mayor, but I need you to step down from the council. You have a hallway that stretches down to the lobby, of people who, for lack of a better word, are pissed, mayor. Story continues About 100 people showed up to the meeting, of which roughly 20 got up to address Larkin and the council. All said they were upset. Many said they were embarrassed. Im just gonna come right out and say it: I think you ought to resign, one resident said. ... This is a huge moment in our citys history, and weve got your stink all over it. Weve got a stain on this city, the corruption, sitting right there, Its insane to me. Yes, it might be legal what you did. It might be within the bylaws or whatever. But its not right We deserve so much better We want you out of here Because we cannot trust you. A woman who described herself as a lifelong Goddard resident also called for Larkin to resign, saying, Weve been on the national news one other time It was when there was a shooting at the middle school It was a very painful time for our town. This is worse. A high school student who got up to speak put it in simple terms: If you have any honor at all, you would resign You are not good for our community. Another woman stepped up to the lectern and demanded the entire city council step down. Her husband, who she described as a very soft-spoken person, became so upset by Larkins sneaky return that she said the two may move elsewhere. One by one, the refrain was the same: Larkin does not have the trust of Goddards citizens. I want to know that everybody on this council, [that] you don't have any ties in with contractors, developers, your decisions are made for Goddard and not for your billfold, said resident Bill Lynch. What has changed with Hunter Larkin? I dont have any faith that youre going to make decisions in the best interests of Goddard. City of Goddard When the speakers were finished, Larkin decided to offer a rebuttal. Well, I wasnt going to say anything, he began. But I think Im going to. He then claimed to quote Jobs, coming out from behind the dais and speaking to the assembled Goddardians as if he were giving a sermon. Heres to the crazy ones, Larkin declared, citing a famous soliloquy that was in fact written by an ad agency copywriter. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. Theyre not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. But, about the only thing you cant do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while others may see you as the crazy one, we see genius. Because the ones who think they can change the world are the ones who do. Larkin then vowed, without a hint of irony, that the council would be more transparent than ever before, promising to work harder than ever before. I know that what happened at the last meeting was tough. But it was done out of love, he said, provoking scattered laughter. Words dont do much. But actions speak louder than words And we will make you proud. And I promise that. One person applaudeda city councilman sitting on the dais. When no one else got up to speak, the council moved on to the presentation of the Goddard Gratitude Award to local residents Earl and Sherry Lauer. Ex-Goddard councilman Michael Proctor, who relinquished his seat on Dec. 31, is leading a recall effort to force Larkin from office. For elected officials to hold themselves out as listening to the people, he really needs to listen to the calls for resignation, Proctor told The Daily Beast on Tuesday, describing Larkins quoting of Jobs as cringe. His attitude is, Gather round, children, Proctor said, noting that he and a bipartisan group of supporters have hired an attorney to get the recall process underway. Jones, for his part, said in a text message, If last night wasn't public enough, we can turn it up a notch. Lefler, the Wichita Eagle columnist, believes any potential recall is probably doomed to fail. State recall law is so politician-friendly that about the only way to get rid of one is if they murder somebody or are in a coma, he wrote Tuesday morning. Theres only one consolation for the Goddard citizens troubled by the strange turn their city has taken without their democratic consent. The council primary will be in August and the general election in November. Heres hoping that not too much havoc gets wrought by then. In response to The Daily Beasts repeated requests for comment, Larkin on Tuesday afternoon replied in a text message, I have no desire to talk to the fake news media. 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. "If our commercial citrus gets infected with this disease, we could potentially lose California citrus." The Image Party / Shutterstock The Director of the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division has been preparing for years to tackle a deadly citrus disease that is beginning to spread across California. Citrus Greening, or Huanglongbing (HLB), is a fatal and incurable citrus tree disease. Beloved oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruits, to name a few, are at risk for encountering the infected insect, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, which carries the deadly contamination. HLB has been destroying citrus trees across the US for years and is beginning to wreak havoc again in parts of California. California recently surpassed Florida in orange production for the first time as the Sunshine State reckons with crop failure, partly due to a persistent pest. Victoria Hornbaker, who serves as the Director of the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, shared with Food & Wine, "In California, we are a fresh fruit state; those beautiful pieces of citrus that you see on your table and at the grocery store, if impacted by this disease, will never fully ripen and have a rancid taste." :Owls Are Helping California Vineyards Stay Pest-Free The division is part of a more significant movement of researchers, government officials, community residents, and business owners working to protect California citrus from invasive pests and diseases. Hornbaker tells Food & Wine, "We look at Florida, they've had HLB since 2005, and their production is less than half of what it used to be." California earns roughly $7 billion in citrus production, employing over 22,000 people. The fatal plant diseases threaten the livelihoods of thousands of workers and pose risks for citrus price hikes. If California has learned anything from Florida's HLB devastation, government officials need to act fast to avoid a potential citrus disaster. Story continues Tamara Wood, Communications Consultant for Florida Citrus Mutual, an organization advocating for citrus growers, shared with Food & Wine that they are not surprised by the spread of HLB. "We had hoped that our experience and research here in Florida would have provided California with strategies to prevent the spread of the disease, and while I do believe they are in a better place to combat the effects, we just haven't found that silver bullet to stop it yet," says Wood. :This Is Why Eggs Are So Expensive Right Now Hornbaker shared with Food & Wine that HLB is currently only impacting residential citrus growers in California. Still, the consequences will be dire if the disease spreads to commercial growers. She warns, "If our commercial citrus gets infected with this disease, we could potentially lose California citrus." The California Department of Food and Agriculture has actively been working on outreach to warn residents of the disease. Community members in Costa Mesa, California, woke up to flyers plastered around their neighborhood warning of citrus greening, reports the LA Times. And it doesn't stop there. Researchers across the nation are rushing against the clock to discover cures. Hornbaker shares, "There is a lot of work going into determining varieties that are resistant or tolerant to the bacteria." The egg shortage and price hike fiasco taught us that climate change is heavily impacting our food supply. And, Hornbaker tells Food & Wine that with temperature changes, the likelihood of pests will increase. The quest for saving fruits like oranges and lemons is even more critical than ever. Still, Hornbaker shared that the California citrus community is up for the challenge. She credits homeowners especially for being on top of reporting HLB cases to the department. "We're going to continue to work closely with all of our partners and keep preventing, knock on wood, the spread of the disease into commercial growth. HONG KONG, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Doo Prime is propelling ahead into 2023 with Traders Fair Thailand this February 2023; this time, as a Premium Sponsor. Traders Fair Thailand 2023 will be held in Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok this February 25th. Traders Fair is a renowned international financial event that accommodates thousands of investors, traders and all the top industry professionals under one roof. Doo Prime will be stationed at booth M15-3, in a high visitation zone. This will allow Doo Prime to extend its reach on an international stage as well as generate more opportunities to connect with other traders and investors at the event. Dedicated Support With Localized Services With over 10 operation centers spread across the world, Doo Prime prides itself in its wide selection of trading products and high-quality localized services, which has garnered international recognition. Doo Prime was very well-received when we made our appearance in the Thailand Traders Fair 2022. We look forward to seeing all our existing and potential partners and clients during this prestigious event. Explore Your Opportunities With Doo Prime At Our Booth With our exponential growth and technological advancements, Doo Prime ensures a secure trading environment, and we want you to be a part of it. We look forward to meeting you in the Traders Fair Thailand 2023 as we share cutting-edge trading solutions, industry insights and more. So, mark your calendars and catch us there as we will also be hosting a variety of on-site campaigns with many prizes to be won. Details of the event are as follows: Venue: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok Date: 25 February, 2023 Time: 9:30am 6:00pm (GMT +7) Admission: https://tradersfair.com/thailand For more information, visit us at www.doogroup.com Email: marketing@doogroup.com SOURCE Doo Group QUADIENT New Drop Box Facilitates Returns with Parcel Pending by Quadient Lockers in UK; Evri to be the First Carrier to Use the Technology The new Drop Box and optional Printer for Quadient parcel lockers streamline s returns and facilitate s parcel collection management for carriers The innovation is being presented today by Quadient and Evri at The Delivery Conference in London London, February 7, 2023 Quadient (Euronext Paris: QDT), a leader in helping businesses create meaningful customer connections through digital and physical channels and a major global parcel locker operator, introduced today an additional feature for its Parcel Pending by Quadient smart lockers that enables shoppers to easily drop off parcels, with the added ability to print shipping labels if needed. On average, researchers estimate 20% to 24% of online purchases are returned to retailers. Additionally, the evolution of the circular economy is highly impacting the e-commerce landscape, contributing to the surge in customer-to-customer (C2C) parcel volumes and delivery services. These trends are leading carriers to look for ways to scale their first-mile activity and innovate to reduce the associated rising costs. Thanks to Quadients modular design, the Drop Box and Printer comes as a unit that can be added to new or existing locker configurations. This module enables consumers to place packages directly into the Drop Box by simply scanning a barcode label, maximising parcel volume while minimising the locker footprint. Users also have the ability to print standard shipping labels directly from the built-in printer. Quadients cloud-based monitoring technology captures every step of the process and gives carriers full visibility of the parcels status at any time. As the new solution becomes available in the UK, one of the countrys largest parcel delivery companies, Evri, will be the first carrier to offer the Drop Box and Printer capability to its customers. Evri is one of four international carriers that have joined the Quadient smart locker open network in the UK. The open locker network already accounts for about 300 locker stations in operation, with plans to reach 5,000 units in the coming years at the pace of about 200 new locations per month. Story continues The introduction of our fully integrated Drop Box with optional Printer in our carrier-agnostic network makes us unique to the market, said Ian Caminsky, SVP & MD Parcel Locker Solutions DACHIT-UKI, Quadient. Quadient is leveraging its long-standing experience in Japan, France, the US and the UK to bring to market innovations that focus on creating operational efficiencies and eliminating time consuming processes. We are honoured to have Evri as our first integrated carrier to use this new feature to easily manage their first mile flows and deliver exceptional customer experiences to online shoppers. Were delighted to expand our out of home network with Quadients smart locker network, taking advantage of new locker technology. It will increase the convenience of sending by allowing customers to print a label directly from the locker 24/7, which is great for customers who cant print at home and means that Quadients locker network offers the same services as our ParcelShops. The Drop Box functionality provides a quick and simple way for small businesses to send multiple parcels in one go and maximises the number of parcels that can be handled at a single locker location each day, said Kath Gill, Head of Out of Home at Evri. On-screen user satisfaction surveys conducted by Quadient in December 2022 and January 2023 collecting over 60,000 responses in France and Japan showed more than 97% of respondents are satisfied with their parcel locker experience. In addition, 97% of first mile users in Japan are satisfied with their experience, highlighting convenience of the location, a contactless experience and wide hours of availability as the main reasons for satisfaction. In the coming months, Quadient will make the Drop Box and Printer available to retailers and other carriers across Europe and in North America. The new Drop Box and Printer is being presented by Quadient and Evri today in London at the UK e-commerce industrys main event, The Delivery Conference. Visit Quadient at Stand No. 11 to learn more. About Quadient Quadient is the driving force behind the worlds most meaningful customer experiences. By focusing on three key solution areas, Intelligent Communication Automation, Parcel Locker Solutions and Mail-Related Solutions, Quadient helps simplify the connection between people and what matters. Quadient supports hundreds of thousands of customers worldwide in their quest to create relevant, personalised connections and achieve customer experience excellence. Quadient is listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and is part of the CAC Mid 60 and EnterNext Tech 40 indices. For more information about Quadient, visit www.quadient.com. About Evri Evri is the UKs biggest dedicated parcel delivery company, delivering over 700 million parcels a year. The company has a mission to be the most convenient way to send, receive and return parcels, without costing the earth. Evri works with most of Europes top retailers including Next, John Lewis, M&S and ASOS. The roots of Evri can be traced back to 1974 but the business has grown over the decades and now has a team of 6,700+ employees, 20,000+ couriers, 10,000+ out of home locations and a growing network of state-of-the-art hubs and depots. For more information about Evri, visit www.evri.com. Contact Dominic Walsh Spark Communications +44 (0)20 7436 0420 quadient@sparkcomms.com.uk Attachment A controversial move by Twitter-owner Elon Musk to end free access to its APIs by February 9 has attracted criticism from the European Union's top diplomat who has warned it could threaten the ability of researchers to study disinformation at a critical time -- with Russia aggressively weaponizing disinformation to try to provide cover for its war in Ukraine. In a speech today, detailing how the bloc has responded to Russia stepping up online disinformation campaigns since its invasion of Ukraine last February, high commissioner Josep Borrell urged more research into how social media platforms are being used to spread Kremlin propaganda. "We have to do more research on the social media platforms. Study how [disinformation] flow[s], where does it come from, and which are the results," he said in the speech to the European Union's diplomatic service (EEAS). Borrell singled out Twitter -- and Musk as its owner -- for naming and shaming -- saying the EU is concerned about the news that Twitter is planning to restrict free access to its APIs which he warned would be "a serious step back from early commitments". LIVE NOW: Keynote speech by HR/VP @JosepBorrellF at the EEAS Conference "Beyond disinformation EU responses to the threat of foreign information manipulation" https://t.co/EjFog6rGMo European External Action Service - EEAS (@eu_eeas) February 7, 2023 "Early commitments" is likely a reference to Twitter being a signatory of the bloc's Code of Practice on Online Disinformation from the get-go, back in 2018, when the Commission unveiled the voluntary initiative to encourage social media platforms to tackle the 'fake news' crisis (as it was still sometimes referred to at the time). The EU has also banned some Russian state media -- so, since March, Twitter has been legally required to ensure its platform does not host the Kremlin-backed media outlets Russia Today (RT) and Sputnik (plus any subsidiaries). Any failure to block the channels from distributing content in the EU would beach the ban. Disinformation research has come on a lot since the bloc's 2018 Disinformation Code was laid down -- and plenty is understood about the types of techniques and tactics used to manipulate information and spread and amplify false perceptions to manipulate public opinion, erode trust in democratic institutions and interfere with free and fair elections. But -- as is the case with cybersecurity -- threats to the integrity of information don't stand still. And Borrell's speech emphasized the need for Western democracies to do more to protect themselves against malicious foreign infoOps by increasing their investment in the study of information threats, with the commissioner also brandishing a copy of the EU's first report on foreign information manipulation and threats -- which he said showed "clear trends in the threats against our information space". A main finding of the report confirms "a new wave of disinformation techniques" -- techniques which he said are being used by Russian to fabricate false images and videos in a bid to spread and amplify anti-Ukraine propaganda -- as well as warning over what he described as a "worrisome" cooperation between threat actors like Russia and China. "Diplomatic accounts and state-controlled channels manipulate perceptions about the European Union -- blaming the West for all the consequences of the war in Ukraine and they amplify lies about military-led Western biolabs in Ukraine targeting its neighbours," said Borrell, adding: "It is something that needs a response. "We need to anticipate and deter such activities with concrete actions and measures. We need to continue supporting Ukraine... and finally we have to be more ambitious in building resilience to authoritarian regimes that try to create this disinformation and manipulate information." While propaganda as a tactic is nothing new in human history, Borrell said the threat attached to the manipulation of information has clearly been supercharged by the Internet and digital tools accelerating information distribution -- arguing that liberal Western democracies therefore need to organize a commensurately serious response to such as fast-scaling disinformation risk. Despite some fresh high-level attention to the issue from the EU -- with the EU's high commissioner seeking to build on existing efforts to raise awareness of Kremlin propaganda around the Ukraine war (such as the EU versus Disinformation campaign) ---- it's fair to say the bloc's lawmakers still haven't managed to find a convincing 'front foot' for effectively countering online disinformation. The issue is a tricky one, given how stronger action may present an easy target for peddling bad faith claims that interventions to protect the integrity of information amount to censorship of freedom of expression. However a flood of manufactured disinformation is clearly the real threat to democratic free speech -- as the weaponization and systematic mass manufacture of fake speech by authoritarian regimes means it's real people's opinions getting drowned out, as Borrell pointed out in the speech. "We have seen artificial networks being created to spread [Kremlin] disinformation. They have been flooding the information space in order to avoid that any other voice can be heard any more. We have seen attempts to confuse and mislead people with an ever-changing narrative and versions of the event. The aim is to make that nobody believes anything, any report, anymore," he argued. "To make people believe that, well, at the end, everything is a lie -- how can I distinguish the lies and the truth? And they want to erode trust in all media and our institutions. And I want to say that -- today -- we have to take this very seriously. It's not just a matter for the specialist. It's not just a matter for the people working on the information system. It's something that the citizen has to be aware -- and we have to address this politically at the highest possible level." The EU's Code of Practice on Disinformation is still not legally binding -- and, unsurprisingly, over its run the nearly five-year-old initiative has failed to stem various waves of propaganda, whether related to coronavirus disinformation or Ukraine. The bloc has at least partially recognized this failure. Hence it announced a strengthened Code last year -- and also, most notably, said it would link observance of the Code to compliance with the (legally binding) Digital Services Act (DSA) -- which entered into force last year and will start to apply for a sub-set of larger platforms later this year (with the bulk of digital services expected to be compliant in 2024). So EU lawmakers will be hoping for better times ahead if the DSA acts as a stick to force platforms to take countering disinformation more seriously. For now, though, the gap between the EU's efforts to-date to clean up disinformation and what's actually going on online looks massive. And, well, the disconnect is getting embarrassing. Thing is, on paper, Twitter under Musk remains a signatory to the EU's Code. Yet, in practice, Twitter's new owner has taken a series of decisions that very obviously run directly counter to the initiative -- dismantling existing misleading information policies on COVID-19, for example, and creating instant chaos soon after taking over last year around account verification by letting anyone pay him to get a blue check mark and triggering a instant flood of malicious impersonation. And for all their claims of being ahead of the curve on digital regulation, EU lawmakers have so far not been able to do much more than issue a few words of warning -- telling Twitter to meet its "commitments". Or warning it of the "huge work" needed if Twitter is to be in a position to comply with the DSA -- whensoever it might apply to the platform. Even more embarrassingly for the EU's reputations as a digital rule setter, Musk has frequently been accused of personally amplifying Kremlin propaganda. In one notorious instance last year this led to an intervention by Ukraine's president himself, who tweeted a sarcastic poll -- asking his followers to vote on which @elonmusk they "liked more": The options offered being 'one who supports Ukraine' or 'one who supports Russia'. Needless to say the Ukraine supporting option won the poll. But Western democratic institutions continue to present like the massive losers on the disinformation issue -- as they appear powerless to prevent the likes of Musk, who is now literally the CEO of Twitter, from wilfully (or, at best, credulously) spreading the Kremlin's lies. Borrell's swipe today -- at "Twitter's owner" -- is perhaps the closet the EU has come to calling Musk out. And, more broadly, to recognizing the need for a more systematic approach if the increasingly toxic threat of authoritarian disinformation is to be rooted out -- and driven out. Which @elonmusk do you like more? (@ZelenskyyUa) October 3, 2022 Musk, meanwhile, continues to use the platform he borrowed billions of dollars to buy last year to amplify Kremlin disinformation. Only this week it was left to Twitter users who haven't already abandoned the platform because of how Musk is trashing it to call out another instance of the "Chief Twit" doing the Russian regime's job for it -- after he had responded credulously to some fake metrics purporting to list high rates of Ukraine casualties by uncritically remarking on a "tragic loss of life". Musk's response on being called out for amplifying the Kremlin's Ukraine war propaganda was not to delete his rubberstamping response to false claims -- which had been posted by an account literally using a picture of the Russian president Vladimir Putin wearing a halo -- but rather he suggested that Twitter's Community Note feature could be used to "correct the numbers". As Twitter user David Rothschild quickly pointed out, you can't correct a massive lie with a "small correction". Doing that suggests you're complicit in allowing a huge lie to continue circulating -- one which paints a false narrative about Russia's war in Ukraine that's helpful to Russia's efforts to undermine support for Ukraine continuing to fight Russia. Musk has left up Russian disinformation, but now agreed to let the Tweet have a Community Note that says it is a lie? LIE + Small correction = Truth LIE + Small correction = LIE Fact Musk is overtly spreading Russian disinformation against US on His Twitter is very concerning David Rothschild (@DavMicRot) February 6, 2023 "We need more transparency and accountability, not less," said Borrell today -- as he called on Twitter and on Musk not to renege on earlier commitments to fight disinformation, adding: "I call on Twitter -- and on its owner -- to ensure that all obligations that they have taken will be honored." In the speech, he went on to urge those working on tackling information manipulation to get more organized -- and come up with interoperable systems for sharing analysis and best practice -- announcing that the EU would be doing more too by setting up a new central resource he said would be used for gathering info on disinformation threats and promoting the sharing of intelligence. "This is a long-range fight. It's not going to be won overnight," he warned. "We have to have the tools. And this information sharing and analysis center will strengthen our responses and enable us to protect our democracies better." TechCrunch reached out to Twitter for a response to Borrell's remarks -- and to ask if it plans to reconsider ending free access to its APIs for researchers. Following criticism that Musk's plan to end free API access would likely kill off scores of useful Twitter bots, he recently announced an arbitrary reprieve for bots providing "good content that is free" -- whatever "good" means in that context. But he appears to have been silent on the researcher API issue so far. (And on the threats to democratic interests posed by the sort of 'bad content' he has a penchant for spreading himself.) At the time of writing Twitter had not responded to our questions about whether it will reconsider cutting off researchers in light of concerns about the impact doing so will have on the ability of experts to study disinformation. However another of Musk's decisions on taking over Twitter was to liquidate its external comms department -- and ignore media requests for comment -- so we're not expecting a response. By Anna Mehler Paperny (Reuters) - Canada's provincial and federal leaders were slated to meet on Tuesday in an attempt to agree upon potential solutions to bolster the country's stretched public healthcare system. Long a source of pride, Canada's publicly funded healthcare system has been strained to the breaking point due to factors including the pandemic and staffing shortages. Here are some of the issues facing Canada's health system: WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES? A shortage of healthcare workers fueled in part by burnout and attrition has plagued Canada's hospitals, clinics and primary care resources. The health and social services sector vacancy rate was 5.7% in November, down from a multi-year high of 6.6% two months earlier. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information there were 93,998 physicians in Canada in 2021, or 2.46 per 1,000 people. According to the World Bank using World Health Organization statistics, the United States had 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people in 2018 and the United Kingdom had 5.8 in 2019. WHERE ARE THE PRESSURE POINTS? The crisis is most evident in the country's hospitals, which faced a surge in respiratory illnesses last fall that left some people waiting hours in emergency departments, sometimes being treated there because of a lack of staffed beds. There were high-profile deaths of people whose families said they could have lived had they received timely care. WHAT IS THE PRIMARY CARE CONUNDRUM? Primary care providers are considered the "front door" of healthcare - they are the clinicians who follow patients, deal with a range of concerns and determine who needs a specialist's care. But millions of Canadians do not have one. A survey conducted last fall found 22% of respondents lacked a family doctor or nurse practitioner they could talk to about their health. Lacking a primary care provider can mean problems do not get caught early or people rely on walk-in clinics or emergency rooms. Story continues WHAT ROLE DOES AN AGING POPULATION PLAY? Canada has failed to address the growing healthcare needs of an aging population, said Alan Drummond, an emergency physician at the Great War Memorial Hospital in Perth, Ontario. On any given day, a fifth of hospital beds in Ontario are taken up by people who do not need to be hospitalized, Drummond said. They are often awaiting transfer to a long-term care facility or to their home where they are assisted by a caregiver. But there are not enough home care or long-term care resources to provide for them, Drummond said. WHAT DOES CANADA SPEND ON HEALTHCARE? Total health spending in Canada was expected to reach C$331 billion in 2022, or C$8,563 per Canadian, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Total health expenditure in 2022 was expected to rise by 0.8%, following a high growth rate of 13.2% in 2020 and 7.6% in 2021. From 2015 to 2019 health spending growth averaged 4% per year. In 2022 total health spending was 12.2% of GDP, down from 13.8% in 2020. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Canada's per-capita health spending was below that of the United States, Germany, Switzerland and other rich countries in 2021. WHAT DO THE PROVINCES WANT? The provinces have asked for billions more in funding from the federal government. Ottawa, for its part, has said such a funding boost must come with strings attached. This could include improvements in data collection and the provision of mental health care, among other things. The federal government and the provinces have cautioned not to expect finalized deals on Tuesday. (Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny in Toronto; Editing by Matthew Lewis) The claim: A vigilante 'shot down the Chinese spy balloon' A Feb. 3 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) shows a screenshot of a tweet that features a photo of a man posing with a gun next to a photo of what appears to be a crashed white balloon. "BREAKING: A local man has SHOT DOWN the CHINESE SPY BALLOON in an EXTRAORDINARY act of vigilantism," reads the tweet. The Instagram post was liked more than 4,000 times in four days. Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks Our rating: False A vigilante did not shoot down the suspected Chinese spy balloon. A U.S. fighter plane took down the balloon after it passed into territorial waters off the South Carolina coast. The person shown in the photo is Sam Hyde, a comedian who has been falsely linked to mass shootings and other events in recent years. Fighter jet, not vigilante, took down Chinese balloon A large Chinese balloon suspected of conducting surveillance drifted across a huge swath of the U.S., from Montana to the Carolinas, in early February. A fighter jet flying at about 58,000 feet fired a single air-to-air missile and hit the balloon shortly after 2:30 p.m. EDT on Feb. 4, as previously reported by USA TODAY. At the time, the balloon was flying at about 65,000 feet and was six miles off the South Carolina coast. The entire incident was captured on video. But that incident has nothing to do with the picture shown in this post. The photo of the balloon in the Instagram post was taken in 2015 after a 240-foot helium-filled blimp broke loose from a U.S. military facility in Maryland. It climbed to about 16,000 feet and traveled about 150 miles in three and a half hours before deflating and coming down on its own, according to the Chicago Tribune. The person shown in the post is Sam Hyde, a comedian who has been repeatedly and falsely linked to mass shootings and other events for years. In 2022, false rumors spread online that "Samuyil Hyde" was the name of a Ukrainian pilot dubbed the "Ghost of Kyiv" for single-handedly shooting down six Russian fighter jets. Story continues The viral tweet was originally posted by a parody account. The Instagram post, however, fails to disclose the tweet's satirical origins. It's an example of what could be called "stolen satire," where stories written as satire and presented that way originally are captured via screenshot and reposted in a way that makes them appear to be legitimate news. As a result, readers of the second-generation post are misled, as was the case here. Fact check: False claim Joe Biden 'signed away' US sovereignty USA TODAY reached out to the social media user who shared the post for comment. PolitiFact also debunked the claim. Our fact-check sources: Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: No, vigilante didn't shoot down suspected spy balloon Two-way trade revenue between Vietnam and Laos in 2022 grew 24% from the previous year to reach some $1.7 billion, beyond expectations of the two countries. Vietnam exported $656 million worth of goods to the neighboring country in 2022, up over 10%, mainly oil and gas, fertilizers, steel, machinery and accessories, and means of transport. Meanwhile, Vietnams imports were valued at over $1 billion, a year-on-year rise of 35%, with main items including wood and wood products, fertilizers, rubber and corn. In December alone, the two-way trade stood at $211 million, up 60% from the previous year. According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Laos, the two countries industry and trade sectors coordinated in organizing a range of trade promotion activities during the year, contributing to the rise of bilateral trade. [Source] Online food guide Taste Atlas included four Filipino dishes in its 2023 100 Worst Rated Foods in the World list. Before the evolving list was updated this week, Filipino spaghetti ranked 81st, while balut, which the food guide previously ranked as the worst egg dish in the world, ranked 9th on the list of worlds worst-rated dishes. Lesser-known Filipino food kinalas, a regional noodle soup dish, landed the 17th spot, while hotsilog, a fried rice meal topped with fried hotdogs and eggs, was listed at 36th. Filipino spaghetti, which is characterized by its sweet sauce combined with ground meat and sliced hotdogs, was described in Taste Atlas listing as a dish slowly becoming a national dish in the Philippines. More from NextShark: Matcha boosts sleep quality and emotional perception, study finds Considered by many Filipinos as a comfort food, the dish is usually served during gatherings or special occasions. Balut, a steamed, fertilized duck egg consumed throughout Southeast Asia, saw a massive jump from last years 283th place in the guides worst-rated food in the region. According to Taste Atlas, the dish is considered a poor man's meal in the Philippines. It has gained notoriety in the Western world after being presented in food shows as exotic and bizarre. The egg dish is also listed as the 9th most disgusting food in the world and is even included in Swedens Disgusting Food Museum. More from NextShark: Family-owned Vietnamese restaurant told to vacate San Francisco spot after being there nearly 40 years Meanwhile, kinalas is a noodle dish from the Philippine province of Bicol that contains brains and other scraped meat from pork or beef head. The website describes its thick soup as a shrimpy, garlicky brown gravy consisting of dried shrimps, vinegar, garlic, shallots, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Hotsilog, a variant of silog fried rice paired with a fried egg and fried meats dishes, is a traditional breakfast fried rice dish that features bright red, Filipino-style hotdogs. Story continues Taste Atlas list caused a minor social media stir in the Philippines, with some Filipino commenters expressing their disapproval of the inclusion of some of the dishes. More from NextShark: Australias worst pedophile sentenced to 129 years in prison for child sex abuse in Philippines Hotsilog is comfort food, some people just don't understand, one user wrote. Downfall of TasteAtlas is coming, another chimed in. They should no longer put this kind of review in social media because of seemingly discrimination to cultures." You dont get to judge the taste of the world, a commenter wrote in Filipino. Balut, Kinalas, Hotsilog and Filipino Spaghetti all taste good for us. We dont care what you think. More from NextShark: Super Typhoon Rai kills 375, displaces 481,000 Filipinos Equally offended users from other cultures similarly criticized the list for including their traditional foods. Taste Atlas has previously stated that they determine the rankings by counting the average ratings that its website visitors give for each dish. We are a site dedicated to local dishes and have a database of 15,00+ dishes and ingredients, Taste Atlas wrote in a series of tweets in December 2022. Throughout the year, people rate those foods (no cuisines) in our databaseAt the end of the year, we take the average of the best-rated [or worst-rated] dishes in each kitchen. At the end of the year, we take the average of the best-rated dishes in each kitchen (so that France is not brought down by frogs, for example). And thats it: https://t.co/TVbd3jYZG4 TasteAtlas (@TasteAtlas) December 24, 2022 Some votes are recognized by our system as invalid (eg nationalist votes: people from one country give high marks to their dishes and low marks to their neighbors. We dont count such votes), it added. In Taste Atlas most recent edit, balut has climbed up to 8th place, while Filipino spaghetti, kinalas and hotsilog have somehow dropped off the list. Cleanup crews work inside the Texas Cattle Company restaurant in Lakeland, FL, Tuesday February 7, 2023. Lakeland Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at the restaurant about 1 a.m. and could see heavy flames and smoke from the south side of the building at 735 E. Main St. An early morning fire on Tuesday at the Texas Cattle Company has cast a cloud of uncertainty on when the more than 50-year-old steakhouse will reopen. That is still unfolding said Stephen Gary, the restaurant's operating partner. By the numbers: Polk County sees slight rise in COVID-19 cases, but positivity rate continues to decline Growth and development: DeSantis' funding proposal would accelerate plans for I-4 improvements in Polk County Gary, 38, of Winter Haven, said the restaurant office, the "fire pit" where all the steaks are cooked and the roof above those areas were destroyed leaving the business with damage to about 25% of the building. "The rest of the restaurant is still in good shape," he said. "The dining room wasn't really touched." The rest of the damage was water, soot and ash and there were no reported injuries. The cause of the blaze appears to be smoldering wood used to smoke meat from a fire box beneath a grill, said Lakeland Fire Marshal Cheryl Edwards. "Our fire investigators are going to call the fire unintentional," Edwards said. "They believe it was accidental." Each night employees empty out the wood from the fire box, place it into a metal can and move it outside on a dolly, Edwards said. However, it appears some of the smoldering wood fell on the ground near the pine wood exterior where the fire started. According to the Lakeland Fire Department, crews responded to a report of a fire at Texas Cattle Company early Tuesday at about 1 a.m. and could see heavy flames and smoke from the south side of the building at 735 E. Main St. on the east shore of Lake Mirror. The fire at the single-story structure presented "several challenges, including propane tank storage and a compromised gas line due to high temperatures and fire," LFD said. The fire was brought under control around 3:30 a.m. Cleanup crews work inside the Texas Cattle Company restaurant in Lakeland, FL, Tuesday February 7, 2023. Lakeland Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at the restaurant about 1 a.m. and could see heavy flames and smoke from the south side of the building at 735 E. Main St. The Lakeland Texas Steak Company location has been an eatery since 1973, Gray said. It is owned by Talk of The Town Restaurants, which was started by Charles Woodsby, founder of the Red Lobster restaurants. Story continues A message on the restaurant's website stated, "We Are Sad To Announce That Texas Cattle Company In Lakeland Will Be Temporarily Closed Due To A Fire In The Building. Please continue to visit our website for updates. We look forward to reopening and serving you again soon!" Paul Nutcher can be reached at pnutcher@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Fire at Texas Cattle Company causes extensive damage Chef David Burke started his career in Westchester; his second job out of culinary school was at La Cremaillere in Bedford. So it only made sense that one day, after a decades-long career spanning top chef positions at River Cafe in Manhattan; numerous TV appearances, such as Bravos Top Chef Masters; two cookbooks; his own cookware line; and numerous restaurants across New Jersey, New York and North Carolina, he'd be back. The 200-seat Red Horse by David Burke in White Plains, his first restaurant in the county, is tentatively scheduled to open in two weeks, after an unforeseen delay (watch their social media for updates). The restaurant, which is open for reservations, serves modern American food with Asian accents featuring prime aged steaks and whimsical pastries. Chef David Burke at his first Westchester restaurant, Red Horse in White Plains Jan. 19, 2023. Like with everything Burke does he's known for being a pioneer in American cooking and is the one behind the illustrious cake pop the decor and food presentation are all about theater. "We're show-offs," he said. "We like to impress and offer that wow factor." James Beard: See what local chefs made 2023 list Insider news: Sign up for the free lohudfood newsletter Valentine's Day: 15 Westchester restaurants going all out To start off with, that means a life-size horse sculpture (black, not red) that will greet diners upon entering on Main Street. There's also a smaller red horse atop the restaurant's signage. And there's a fully functioning (red) pool table complete with the Red Horse logo in the lounge area. Burke calls it "the cool table," and will be doing private meals here for groups of six to 10 (a cover would go on top so you can eat on the table, then shoot pool either before or after your meal). The table will also be available for Happy Hour and for anyone else who wants to partake, provided it's not already booked. This is the first restaurant his David Burke Hospitality Management Group has 15 in New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Saudi Arabia, including one that will open in March in Rhode Island that he's taken the reins of (pun intended). He had a hand in the design, decoration and concept. One of his biggest risks, he said, was installing red drum chandeliers that hang in the main dining room. "With all the windows we have, we needed something that brings a big space like this alive," he said. Story continues He also brought in, along with the pool table (which had been at his New Jersey home), a 1930s/1940s-era phone booth tucked into the corner near The Opus hotel entrance. It came from Perona Farms Bar Room in Andover, New Jersey, that he's had for 27 years. Decorated with Andy Warhol print wallpaper, he describes it as a cellfie phone booth" where "what happens in the cellphone booth, stays in the cellphone booth." A salt wall along a row of tables at Red Horse in White Plains Jan. 19, 2023. As to be expected the restaurant is named Red Horse, after all there are a variety of horses in various shapes, sizes and colors, lining the walls, including a replica of the painting near the front that first caught Burke's eye and inspired the restaurant's name. A prolific art collector, Burke first bought a painting of a red horse in New Hope, Pennsylvania, at the beginning of the pandemic. I loved the painting and my dads name is Big Red, he said. That's when he decided to name his next restaurant Red Horse, using a logo based on the painting. His first Red Horse opened in Rumson, New Jersey, in 2021. Like his Rumson spot, the White Plains restaurant features lots of bold red-and-white stirrup print wallpaper, hand-blown glass rods in a variety of hues and a backlit sea salt wall, a signature of all of his restaurants and a decorative nod to Burkes famous patent on his Pink Himalayan salt dry-aging technique. The space also has horse sculptures throughout, as well as eight jockeys painted by local artists, on a ledge near the ceiling. The artists came through a collaboration with White Plains-based Arts Westchester. Unlike the spot in New Jersey, this one features a carving table near the lounge area of the dining room where meats will be cut and sliced. There's also a ham slicer for servers to cut Catskill smoked ham and heat up corn cakes in the toaster. "We want to have a little activity out here," said Burke. "We want people to walk away from an experience here and think it was exciting and unique," he added. "I want them to see something they havent seen in other restaurants, whether it's in the design, on the plate, or with the service." A carving station table at Red Horse in White Plains Jan. 19, 2023. What's for dinner There's a lot of theater involved in a David Burke restaurant and that extends to the food. Signature items include the "must try" Clothesline Bacon, served with scissors so you can cut off a piece, and a pickle on the bottom that catches all the drippy maple glaze juice; a tableside little gem Caesar; and a shrimp and avocado "cocktail" appetizer served on a bed of nails with endive, veggie chips, Shishito peppers and shaved carrots. Like at BLT before it (this restaurant takes its space), there will be popovers. There will also be warm corn cakes, heated up on the toaster at the carving station, featuring honey truffle goat cheese, boozy grapes and melon. And, for those who've never had, there's a Japanese Pretzel "Crab Cake Raft," basically a crabcake enrobed with a raft made of pretzel sticks, Old Bay tomato jam and chipotle aioli as well as chorizo and octopus kebabs. Clothesline Bacon with black pepper maple glaze at Red Horse in White Plains Jan. 19, 2023. Other dishes include branzino with artichoke puree and Kalamata olives; roasted chicken with butternut squash, mushrooms and a Brussel sprouts farotto; pork chop with Jersey Shore "Clams Casino," with white wine, garlic, peas, baon and peppers; and lacquered duck with a sweet potato vanilla puree, foie gras dumplings, bok choy and kumquat gastrique. Diners will also find a variety of dry- and wet-aged meats such as ribeye, porterhouse and Tomahawk. And, there's an extensive sushi menu. Fish dishes, it should be noted, are made with oil, not butter. All is run under the guidance of Carmine Di Giovanni, corporate executive chef for David Burke Hospitality Management, who has been working with Burke to organize the kitchen and menu. Meticulous detail and forethought can be found in every crevice of this restaurant, including with every place setting adorned with a Red Horse plate and salt and pepper grinders placed atop pink Himalayan bricks. Burke, who's literally "been there, done that" when it comes to the culinary world, has U.S. patents for several innovations, including a Himalayan salt aging process for beef, so it makes sense he would incorporate that feature. Reconstructed banana split at Red Horse in White Plains Jan. 19, 2023. The surprises extend to dessert where diners will be treated to playful presentations and out-of-the-box creativity, including a deconstructed banana split with a chocolate chip waffle, caramelized banana, vanilla gelato, and a cookie in the shape of a monkey on top accompanied by brown sugar caramel, chocolate sauce and cherries. Other sweet treats include a vanilla bean creme brulee with a fortune cookie on top, sugared doughnuts and macaroons with whipped cream, passion fruit caramel and raspberry sauce; and Burke's signature cake pop tree, with red velvet, black and white raspberry, heath bar crunch and chocolate sprinkles. If you go Address: 221 Main St., White Plains, 914-467-5500, redhorsebydb.com Hours: Dinner to start from noon to 10 p.m. daily. Happy Hour will run from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Two weeks (ish) after opening, the restaurant will start serving lunch and brunch. Prices: Appetizers range from $18 to $35; entrees from $38 to $65. Burke also plans to offer weekly specials such as venison on Mondays, pork shank on Tuesdays, Dover sole on Fridays, etc. Good to know: There's plenty of room for private dining, including one room that can acommodate up to 40. Outdoor seating for 80 on the patio in front is also planned. Surf and turf at Red Horse in White Plains Jan. 19, 2023. Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food or via the lohudfood newsletter. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Celebrity chef David Burke opening restaurant in White Plains NY Some folks dream about opening their own restaurant, imagining the recipes, menus, decor, and delight on guests' faces when they dig into a signature dish. That dream is about to come true for one entrepreneur. Own Your Own, a company based in the Pender County town of Burgaw, has put out a call for Fayetteville-area cooks, chefs and dreamers to apply for a nationwide competition to win up to $1 million to build their own restaurant. The winner will work with a team of designers and architects to transform a 2,250-square-foot space with exposed brick walls and a patio on Courthouse Avenue in historic Burgaw into their dream restaurant. The space will be leased to the winner. Own Your Own restaurant competition winner will work with a team of designers and architects to transform the 2,250-square-foot space with exposed brick walls and a patio on Courthouse Avenue in historic Burgaw into their dream restaurant. Own Your Own founder Richard Johnson is holding the competition as part of his efforts to revitalize downtown Burgaw, where he owns Fat Daddys Pizza on Fremont Street and Burgaw Brewing Company on Wright Street. "I find someone who wants to own a restaurant, build it for them and hand it over with a reasonable lease. They get their own restaurant, and the town has a new gathering place," Johnson said in a statement. Pour and sip:Bring your own booze candle-making bar opens in Hope Mills Your tax dollars:Fayetteville gave 55 businesses $2 million in COVID-19 recovery grants. Heres where it went A rendering of the 2,250-square-foot space with exposed brick walls and a patio on Courthouse Avenue in historic Burgaw. Competition details Finalists will prepare their signature dish at a pop-up kitchen in the Burgaw town square. Community members and a panel of chefs will vote on their favorites to determine who will move forward in the competition. The finalists will then compete in a series of challenges that highlight their culinary expertise, creativity, leadership, ability to problem solve and people skills, according to the Own Your Own website. About Burgaw, North Carolina The Pender County seat, Burgaw is about 75 miles southeast of Fayetteville and 30 miles from the coast. The population as of 2021 was 3,071, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. "I Know What You Did Last Summer" movie and "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" television series were both filmed in the town. An annual blueberry festival brings tens of thousands of visitors to the area each June. Story continues Alcohol alternative:Kava sold at new Fayetteville bar makes you feel 'completely relaxed,' but what is it? Neighborhood guide:Where to eat on Cliffdale Road, from candied grapes to chop suey How to apply Culinary experience is not required. The judges are looking for a passion for food, a mind for business and a heart for community, according to the website. Applicants 18 and older can apply at ownyourown.com. Reporter Taylor Shook can be reached at tshook@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Win $1 million to build your dream restaurant in Burgaw, NC Commonwealth's Attorney Ronnie Goldy A Kentucky House committee drafted and passed three articles of impeachment Tuesday against Commonwealth's Attorney Ronnie Goldy Jr., recommending the chamber move forward with his removal from office over allegations he promised a defendant favors in court in exchange for nude images of her. Goldy, the top state prosecutor for the 21st Judicial Circuit, comprised of Bath, Menifee, Montgomery and Rowan counties, has been embroiled in scandal since July, when The Courier Journal first reported hundreds of Facebook messages he exchanged with the defendant. The defendant, Misty Helton, testified the Facebook messages were authentic and told a hearing officer for a bar inquiry commission that she and Goldy had sexual relations, with the prosecutor allegedly withdrawing warrants and getting her cases continued in exchange for the images. Following the allegations last summer, the Kentucky Commonwealth's Attorneys' Association removed Goldy from the organization and the Kentucky Supreme Court suspended Goldy from practicing law. However, the high court added that it could not remove him from office, as that can only be done through impeachment, which is the province of the legislature. More:Accused in nude photos scandal, Kentucky prosecutor Ronnie Goldy will fight impeachment The committee approved its final report by a 7-0 vote, which found "sufficient evidence to conclude that the alleged conduct did occur," which was also "sufficient to warrant impeachment, removal from office and disqualification to hold any office of honor, trust or profit" in Kentucky. The committee also voted unanimously to approve three articles of impeachment and recommend the full House impeach Goldy. Goldys attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the committee's action, though a letter from Goldy to the committee indicated he plans to fight his removal, stating: "I without question deny the allegations that have been made." Story continues Impeachment committee members Reps. Kim King, Nima Kulkarni, Daniel Elliott, Suzanne Miles, Jennifer Decker, Jason Nemes and Lindsey Burke sign the articles of impeachment against Ronnie Goldy. The first article of impeachment is based upon the Supreme Court's suspension of his license, noting Goldy's "inability to provide legal services" to the citizens of his judicial district. The second article of impeachment was for his "inappropriate communications and actions," which amounted to "a violation of public trust." The third article of impeachment was for Goldy requesting and receiving "inappropriate personal information" from the defendant "as quid pro quo for actions he took in his official position" as commonwealth's attorney. Goldy's letter to the committee denies the allegations and disputes The Courier Journal's original reporting, saying he never asked for any nude images or video and "the words nude, naked or any other phrase of that nature" were not used in the messages to Helton. Commonwealth's Attorney Brian Wright of the 29th Judicial Circuit testified to the committee last week that this response from Goldy was evasive, saying "when you read the messages in the entirety, the context makes that a very disingenuous response and seems to be avoiding the obvious." If impeached by the House, the official would then be tried in the Senate, where a conviction requires the vote of at least two-thirds of the senators present. Per the state constitution, any "civil officers" can be impeached "for any misdemeanors in office." Reach reporter Joe Sonka at jsonka@courierjournal.com and follow him on Twitter at @joesonka. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: House approves articles of impeachment against prosecutor Ronnie Goldy The Joe Rogan Experience Conspiracy-peddling podcaster Joe Rogan, who signed a $200 million deal with Spotify in 2020, is once again in hot waterthis time for pushing the well-known antisemitic trope that Jewish people are into money and greedy. Rogan, who apologized last year for his repeated use of the N-word, has a lengthy history of making bigoted and antisemitic remarks on his mega-popular podcast, which currently boasts an average of 11 million listeners. Last year, the podcaster claimed that Kyrie Irving shouldnt have been punished for his antisemitic posts while complaining that Kanye West was being censored during his anti-Jewish meltdown. He continued that ignominious tradition during a recent episode this past weekend. Speaking with Breaking Points co-hosts Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti, the Intellectual Dark Web member appeared to come to the defense of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), who was recently removed from the Foreign Affairs Committee by Republicans over accusations that she is antisemitic. Much of the criticism of Omar centers on her 2019 tweet condemning the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which implied American support for Israel was all about the Benjamins, a hip-hop reference to $100 bills. The Muslim congresswoman would later apologize for her comments, saying antisemitism is real, and she was grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of antisemitic tropes. .@joerogan saying the idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous. Thats like saying Italians arent into pizza would make sense if Jews invented money and/or Italians had been massacred because of a conspiracy that they control the world through pizza. pic.twitter.com/odzZzFHIYG Ian Haworth (@ighaworth) February 7, 2023 Rogan, however, said Omar had nothing to be sorry over. According to the longtime UFC commentator, there is nothing problematic about observing that Jewish people like money. Story continues Shes apologizing for talking about Its all about the Benjamins, which is just about moneyshes talking about money, he stated. Thats not an antisemitic statement, I dont think that is. Benjamins are money. Rogan continued: The idea that Jewish people arent into money is ridiculous. Thats like saying Italians arent into pizza. Thats fucking stupid. Noting that Omar recently reiterated her apology during an interview alongside Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), who is Jewish, Rogan doubled down. Whether you agree with her or not, she has a bold opinion, and that opinion is not her own. Theres many people that have that opinion, and they should be represented, he declared. My point is, shes sitting right next to Adam Schiff, and no one says shit. Ball, a former Democratic candidate turned leftist commentator, added that Omar could have phrased her comments in a different way so people would have less of a freakout. Largely defending the congresswomans remarks, she then pivoted to talking about U.S. policy on Israel and how it is just like every other fucking interest in D.C. Disturbing that at a time of rising anti-Jewish violence, when growing numbers of Americans believe in antisemitic conspiracy theories, @joerogan would use his immense platform to spew antisemitic tropes about Jews and money, Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt tweeted on Thursday. For centuries, people have used these longstanding tropes to spread vicious lies about the Jewish people. Comedian or not, Rogans comments are no joke, he added. Conservative Jewish columnist Ian Haworth tweeted that the podcasters analogy would make sense if Jews invented money and/or Italians had been massacred because of a conspiracy that they control the world through pizza. He also observed that there was a stunning lack of outrage from conservative Jewish thought leaders who will not dare criticize Joe Rogan, but if an MSNBC host said Jews are into money would never stop screaming about it. Joe Rogans Im a Moron Defense Is a Cop-Out Former Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), who is now CEO of the American Jewish Committee, said that Rogan was invoking the same tropes that have been used to persecute Jews for centuries and that its dangerous to be so flippant in trafficking in antisemitic stereotypes. Comedian David Baddiel, author of Jews Dont Count, lamented how Rogan was able to breezily peddle the trope on his show while no one gives a fuck. He also quipped that Joe Rogan has a 200 Million dollar deal with Spotify. And yet apparently its Jews who are into money. Rep. Josh Gotterheimer (D-NJ), meanwhile, blasted Rogans despicable language, claiming that it could lead to attacks and threats against Jewish people. He also took issue with Ball, saying it was infuriating watching her promote blatant, dangerous antisemitic tropes, including those masquerading as anti-Israel sentiments. Ball, when asked for comment about Gottheimers criticism of her, pointed The Daily Beast to a tweet she sent the congressman on Tuesday afternoon. Is it anti-Semitic to point out youre corrupt? Ball wrote, alongside a screenshot of an article calling Gottheimer the Billionaires Democratic Bag Man. According to the Anti-Defamation League, one of the most prominent and persistent stereotypes about Jews is that they are greedy and avaricious, hoping to make themselves rich by any means. The organization also notes that the stereotype of Jewish greed took hold in the Middle Ages, when Jews were frequently associated with money. Representatives for Rogan and Spotify did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 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. EVANSVILLE Customers hoping to comment on the latest CenterPoint Energy project that could impact their electric rates can do so until Feb. 22. The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is accepting written comment on the utilitys pending wind generation proposal which is estimated to add almost $20 to the average monthly bill. The OUCC will file its testimony on the request Feb. 27 and written comment from customers will be included. Comments can be sent to the OUCC via its website, email at uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov or by mail addressed to Public Comments Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 SOUTH Indianapolis, IN 46204. Written comments should include name, mailing address, and a reference to either IURC Cause No. 45836 or CenterPoint Energy. More:Need help paying a CenterPoint bill? Here's how to apply for CAPE's assistance program The project The request from CenterPoint is to build and operate a wind generation facility out-of-state. The location of the facility is redacted in its filing. Project costs are estimated at $636 million, which in its petition CenterPoint calls reasonable. The uptick to a customers bill for the recovery of the costs would be $19.86 a month for 1,000 kilowatt hours. According to the petition filed by CenterPoint, the project would begin in late 2023 and be operational in 2025. The rate increase would not take effect immediately, but would likely be included in the next approval for its base electric rates, according to a news release from the OUCC. CenterPoint must file a general rate case by the end of this year. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Here's how to comment on the latest CenterPoint proposal Chelsea Jovanovich and her youngest, Stetson. Kriste Tiana photography Chelsea Jovanovich was born without a fully formed uterus, and thought she'd never be pregnant. But after a rare uterus transplant from a living donor, she delivered her first son in 2021. Jovanovich just had her second son in October, she told Today.com. Chelsea Jovanovich had always wanted to be a mom, but knew she couldn't carry a pregnancy due to a rare condition called Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome, or MRKH, in which the uterus never fully forms. "It got really hard going to my friends' baby showers, seeing my friends get married and have families of their own," Jovanovich told Today.com. But then the Montana resident learned of an experimental uterus transplant program at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. After applying and being accepted, she underwent a 12-hour uterus transplant procedure in February 2020. Chelsea Jovanovich and her husband before her uterine transplant surgery. Courtesy of Chelsea Jovanovich The uterus came from Cheryl Urban, a woman who'd already had two children and wanted to help someone else create a family. The two women remain close, according to Today. After two embryo transfers, Jovanovich became pregnant and delivered her first baby in May 2021. "I went my whole life thinking I wasn't able to carry a child," she told Today back then. "It was like something out of a dream." Chelsea Jovanovich with her uterine donor, Cheryl Urban. Memories By Maria Then, in October 2022, Jovanovich gave birth to a second son, who's only the 25th baby born to a woman who had a uterus transplant in the US, Dr. Kathleen O'Neill, the lead investigator for the uterus transplant program, told Today. "I look in my rear-view mirror and there's little feet back there," Jovanovich said. "I don't take for granted all the toys that I pick up. I'm like, 'Thank you, God. This is what I wanted.' And now, I get to do it." Uterus transplants are still considered 'experimental' According to Penn Medicine's website, only about 70 uterus transplants have been conducted worldwide, most from living donors. But not all of these transplants have resulted in live pregnancies. In June 2019, a woman delivered a baby from the transplanted uterus of a deceased donor through a Cleveland Clinic trial, marking the first reported birth of its kind in the US and the second in the world, Insider's Lauren Frias previously reported. Story continues Using a deceased donor, the Cleveland Clinic said, eliminates the risks posed to living donors, like surgical complications including urinary tract infections. In November 2019, the second US baby was born to a mom with a uterus transplanted from a deceased donor, Insider reported. That mom, like Jovanovich, was part of Penn Medicine's trial, the only one in the country actively enrolling patients for uterus transplants, its website says. People may be eligible for a uterus transplant if they're born without a uterus, had their uterus removed, or have a nonfunctioning uterus. Research suggests so-called uterine-factor infertility affects about 3% to 5% of the population. "These women have ovaries, they have eggs, they just don't have the uterus to gestate the pregnancy," O'Neill told Today in 2021. "Once we're able to give them that uterus, the vast majority get pregnant and have babies." Kriste Tiana photography After they deliver, the uterus is removed so that the women can stop taking drugs intended to prevent the body from rejecting the foreign organ. For Jovanovich, who's moving back to Montana with her husband and boys, that means resuming the "normal" life she never thought she'd have. "She is like any other mom at this point and Jake's like any other dad," O'Neill told Today. "I mean, they're just a family. That is really professionally and personally one of the best things I've done." Read the original article on Insider David Gilmour and Roger Waters had teased a Pink Floyd reunion (Dave Benett) Pink Floyds Roger Waters has been accused of being an antisemitic Putin apologist by former bandmate David Gilmour and his wife. Polly Samson attacked bassist Waters after he appeared to defend Russias invasion of Ukraine, and branded Joe Biden a war criminal for supplying arms to Kyiv and, in his mind, fueling the war. Sadly @rogerwaters you are antisemitic to your rotten core, Samson tweeted. She went on to make a series of unsubstantiated accusations, calling Waters a Putin apologist and a lying, thieving, hypocritical... lip-synching, misogynistic, sick-with-envy, megalomaniac. Enough of your nonsense, she added. Waters, incensed at the accusations, hit back, with a statement saying: Roger Waters is aware of the incendiary and wildly inaccurate comments made about him on Twitter by Polly Samson which he refutes entirely. He is currently taking advice as to his position. Despite the legal threat, Gilmour backed up his wifes tweet an hour later, adding, Every word demonstrably true. Every word demonstrably true https://t.co/KWk4I3bMTN David Gilmour (@davidgilmour) February 6, 2023 In an interview with Berliner Zeitung, Waters asked: And I wonder: is Putin a bigger gangster than Joe Biden and all those in charge of American politics since World War II? I am not so sure. Putin didnt invade Vietnam or Iraq? Did he? He added: Anyone with half a brain can see that the conflict in Ukraine was provoked beyond all measure. It is probably the most provoked invasion ever. Asked if he still believed in previous comments comparing Israel to Nazi Germany, he doubled down: Yes, of course. The Israelis are committing genocide. Just like Great Britain did during our colonial period, by the way. (Getty Images) He also slammed Pink Floyds sad recent release Hey Rise Up with the Ukrainian musician Andrij Chlywnjuk which raised 500,000 to help alleviate the suffering of the people in the war-torn country. He said: I have seen the video and I am not surprised, but I find it really, really sad. Its so alien to me, this action is so lacking in humanity. It encourages the continuation of the war. Pink Floyd is a name I used to be associated with. That was a huge time in my life, a very big deal. To associate that name now with something like this proxy war makes me sad. Guitarist and vocalist Gilmour, who has a Ukrainian daughter-in-law and grandchildren, previously said the group had been feeling the fury and the frustration of this vile act of an independent, peaceful democratic country being invaded and having its people murdered by one of the worlds major powers. Tenants of Pioneer Investments, which owns properties around Rhode Island, say they are being pushed out of their apartments after weathering poor conditions caused by neglect. On Monday, tenants plan to rally in West Warwick alongside Reclaim RI, a progressive group that has helped to organize renters in their fight for better conditions from their landlord, Anurag Sureka. That has included writing letters to Sureka and showing up outside his home in protest. The latest demonstration was to be held outside the home of Melissa Grussi, a Pioneer tenant of several years, whose home is rife with maintenance problems. During a visit on Friday, a Providence Journal reporter saw a pool of water more than 12 feet wide in the basement caused by a leak from the kitchen sink, what appeared to be vermin droppings, a strong sewage stench from a bathroom, uneven flooring, a hole in a wooden porch and crumbling sections of foundation. Melissa Grussi with sons Sergio, left, and Luciano and daughter Rosealiea at their home in West Warwick, a Pioneer property that has numerous maintenance problems. More:Tenants band together against RI landlord as they face deplorable conditions A history of complaints against Pioneer properties In the past, the attorney general's office has declined to say whether it is investigating Pioneer. Grussi is among many tenants who have tried to raise awareness of living conditions at Pioneer's apartments, though it may cost her her home. In a recording of a late-January phone call with a man she identified as Sureka, Grussi was told, "If you're unhappy, then try to find somewhere else." During the call, the man also asked Grussi if 30 days would be long enough for her to find a new place. He later mentioned Reclaim RI, apparently referring to its role in organizing tenants. Melissa Grussi looks at the puddle on her basement floor caused by a leak in the kitchen sink. More:A Central Falls couple's twins were struggling. Then a blood test showed high lead levels For Pioneer, maintenance issues aren't new. The Journal has previously covered its properties, which are poorly maintained and have often lacked proper lead certificates. Most recently, The Journal published an investigation into the lead poisoning of two children at a Pioneer property in Central Falls both of whom may suffer developmental difficulties as a result, though it remains too early to tell. Story continues Grussi, a single mother of three who manages a Dunkin' location, said she is having trouble finding new housing because of an eviction Sureka filed against her for a brief period of nonpayment of rent while she was in the hospital last year. Grussi said Sureka was informed that the payment would be coming, and she applied for COVID relief funds for use on rent. Now, finding a new unit won't be easy. Grussi said she already has an older eviction on her record because of a dispute with family; both will remain visible as she applies for new apartments, raising a major obstacle. Grussi said that as of Friday, she had not received a termination of tenancy notice on paper, but she expected to be pushed out. Sabastian Colton, another West Warwick tenant who was attempting to organize other renters, said he received a termination of tenancy notice requiring him to leave by the end of the month. Colton said he has lived in his McNiff Street unit for more than a year and has dealt with a leaky ceiling that has gone unaddressed. Melissa Grussi's son Luciano shows the light fixture in his bedroom ceiling that has gone unrepaired for several months. More:Radon is a big risk in Rhode Island, but renters are left to face the danger on their own Pioneer's attorney responds By Monday evening, Samuel Grossack, Pioneer's attorney, replied to a list of questions sent by the Journal between Friday and Saturday. Many of the replies conflicted with tenants' narratives. According to Grossack, Grussi "has made it very difficult for [Pioneer] to conduct maintenance in her unit," though an exterminator has visited the property and "Pioneer would gladly update and repair her unit if she made it accessible." Grossack said Pioneer has offered her another apartment on Providence Street, but she did not take it. Grussi told The Journal she made that decision because she felt the street was too busy to be safe for her youngest child. Grossack said that during Grussi's period of nonpayment, she was already four months behind and Pioneer wanted all four months before moving forward. Grussi provided The Journal with an email from RIHousing showing that in August 2021, the year after she applied for rent relief, she finally was approved for past-due rent and some future rent. Grossack said Grussi's "potential association with ReclaimRI has nothing to do with Pioneer's discussion of her move out" and that Sureka never told Grussi to stay quiet. However, in the call Grussi shared, she was told, "I don't want to be in a situation where there is so much noise, and you know exactly what noise I'm talking about. You've been part of that noise." Regarding Colton's unit, Grossack said the ceiling was fixed but that water may still drip down if the above tenant overfills their bathtub. The Journal also left a voicemail for a woman whom a tenant identified as the property manager but did not hear back. Tenant organizer: Landlord retaliation is illegal yet common "RI has a law on the books that prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants for complaining or joining a tenants union," Shana Crandell, Reclaim RI's lead tenant organizer, said in a statement. "We encounter isolated cases of retaliation all the time the unspoken rule for Pioneer tenants is to shut up or get out, and to expect rent increases but no repairs." Garth Verrill, a father of two who lives on Pond Street, said he, too, received a notice to leave this month, apparently so that his apartment can be remodeled. Like Colton, Verrill said he's had ceiling leaks that have not been patched up. While Verrill didn't participate much in Reclaim RI's organizing efforts, he has been frustrated by Sureka's handling of the property. More:How a Pawtucket man lost his $160,000 childhood home over a $1,182 water bill. "Its full neglect," Verrill said. "He just doesnt care until hes forced to do something." Reclaim RI is now trying to raise $50,000 in part to help affected tenants cover rent and security deposits for any new housing they find. Miguel Martinez Youngs, Reclaim RI's co-political director, said the situation shows why the General Assembly should pass safeguards for tenants. "As despicable as Pioneer Investments is, they're not the only RI landlord who treats their tenants like this," Martinez Youngs said. "This is why we need comprehensive reform to tenant rights in this state. Current protections are so outdated that tenants are forced into accepting awful living conditions while constantly facing the threat of eviction. Meanwhile, these negligent landlords make huge profits and face no consequences." This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Pioneer tenants say they're being pushed out after organizing A dense fog has caused nearly 30 flights to and from north-central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An to be canceled over the past two days. Vietnam Airlines on Tuesday had to cancel four flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Thanh Hoa and two flights between Buon Ma Thuot in Dak Lak Province and Thanh Hoa Province. Vietjet Air canceled two flights between Thanh Hoa and the southern Can Tho City and had 10 planes from HCMC land in Noi Bai of Hanoi instead of Thanh Hoa, which is 190km away. At Vinh Airport in Nghe An Province, as many as 20 flights were canceled on Monday and Tuesday while several airplanes had to land in Hanoi and Da Nang City instead. The northern and north-central regions of Vietnam have experienced drizzling rain and fog over the past week under the impact of a cold air mass from the east and a strong current in the upper westerly wind zone, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. This type of weather benefits the growth of crops but imposes disadvantages for daily life as it makes it difficult to dry clothing, street surfaces will stay wet, and the fog can affect traffic visibility in the morning. Police called off the search Tuesday for a man who went missing two days ago in the waters of Brantley Lake. Eddy County Sheriffs deputies were called to Brantley Lake State Park at about 1:46 p.m. Feb. 5 by the Eddy County Fire and Rescue after State Park officials when officials were unable to find the man. On Feb. 7, the New Mexico State Police ended the search, records show. The missing man's identity was not released to the press. More:Wanted Carlsbad man shot after wielding sledgehammer during police standoff at home Marine Enforcement Officer Ramon Carrillo with Brantley Lake State Park said two men were working on an inoperable jet ski and wanted to test it on water. They entered the park from Champion Bay, Carrillo said, and launched the jet ski. It broke down in the lake, and when the men tried to fix the vehicle high winds blew one of the men into the water, Carrillo said. More:Alcohol a factor in deadly head-on car crash near Carlsbad, police say They were trying to fix it, and the winds picked up and knocked the gentleman into the water, he said. The man attempted to swim to shore, while the winds blew the jet ski and other man back to land. The second man made it to shore and informed park staff who launched their boat and attempted to find the missing man. He couldnt be found, so the Park called police who Carrillo said were also unable to find the man as of Tuesday, even with the use of sonar scanning. More:Police seeking leads, family hopes for answers after Carlsbad man found dead The water at Brantley Lake was cold during the search, as low as 43 degrees, Carrillo said, just 11 degrees warmer than freezing. Neither man was wearing a lifejacket, he said. It all happened because they werent wearing lifejackets, Carrillo said. People need to wear them when they come out here. Entrances to the lake were closed as the incident was being investigated, but the park and campgrounds remained open. As of Tuesday afternoon, the boat ramps remain closed at the park. Story continues As soon as the Sheriffs Office opens the scene, it will open for normal operation, Carrillo said. The investigation was ongoing by the Eddy County Sheriffs Office and New Mexico State Police. An Eddy County Sheriff's Office spokesperson declined to comment. Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter. This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Police search for jet skier reported missing at Brantley Lake Louis Weathers is one of 16 people who received reparations last year. When he was born, his mother was not allowed to give birth in then-segregated Evanstons only hospital (ABCDenver7) Louis Weathers didnt know what to think when he heard he was going to receive reparations for slavery. He had listened to people talking about reparations people such as Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton during the two decades hed lived in Washington DC. But it was always couched as a demand, or an aspiration: something that might happen in a far-off place or a far-off time, not one still so wounded by the impact of Americas original sin. Weathers mother, when pregnant, was forced to travel to a neighboring town to give birth because the hospitals where she lived would not accept African Americans. Weathers was under no illusions as to how hard it would be for society to throw off the cloak of bigotry. And yet there it was: his name, on the list of 16 people who had been selected for a payment. I didnt believe it, says Weathers, now aged 87. The next thing I thought was, werent we meant to get 40 acres and a mule? I was going to keep the acres and give away the mule! Weathers, a military veteran who served in the Korean War, was among the very first people to receive a reparations payment, more than 500 years after the start of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and 156 years after slaverys formal abolition in the United States. He was eligible to receive one because of where he lived. In 2019, the city of Evanston, Illinois, established a committee to fund and administer reparations to those of its 70,000 residents who met certain criteria. To apply, the Black Evanstonians had to fit one of three categories. They could either be residents who lived in the city between 1919 and 1969, referred to as ancestors; or direct descendants of a Black resident from 1919 to 1969; or else they could submit evidence that they had suffered housing discrimination due to the citys policies after 1969. There was a requirement that the money be used to help pay for housing costs. Activists said the payments the first of which were made to recipients in January 2022 were proof of what can happen when a local community decides to stop talking about something and act. What they had not anticipated was that the actions of a small city located on the shores of Lake Michigan would reverberate so widely. Story continues Dozens of other communities across the country have been in contact with the people in Evanston, asking for advice on how to establish their own reparations program. In January, a reparations advisory committee in San Francisco, the largest US city yet to adopt a plan, recommended a one-off payment of $5 million to each eligible Black resident. The committee said the payment would compensate the affected population for the decades of harms that they have experienced and will redress the economic and opportunity losses that Black San Franciscans have endured, collectively, as the result of both intentional decisions and unintended harms perpetuated by city policy. Rev. Michael Nabors, a senior pastor of Second Baptist Church of Evanston and President of the Evanston NAACP, says the city now hosts an annual reparations summit to help other communities. Every year, more people attend. Right now, he says, 400 communities and municipalities are looking into local reparations and of those, at least 100 already have established committees to investigate how to proceed. So we started the process and it kicked off with a bang at a town hall meeting in November of 2019, he says. Its exciting for us to meet all these wonderful people from Amherst and Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and every place in between north, south, east and west are coming to the table. He says the Evanston model cannot be replicated everywhere. His is a small, progressive city with near-unanimity among local officials on pushing forward the plan: What we do is try and help people identify what the special traits or qualities are about their particular town, and then to go on from there. The name of President Abraham Lincoln is seen on a rare, restored copy of the 13th Amendment that ended slavery (AP) From 40 acres and a mule to true reparations Evanstons success might suggest reaching this point has been easy. The truth is, it has been anything but. Even though the town is considered a successful example of how reparations can be meaningfully made, it has run into logistical problems. A month ago, the Washington Post reported that Evanston had spent only $400,000 of the $10 million made available for reparations payments. There remains a waiting list of hundreds of people; Louis Weathers and his 15 compatriots who have received the funds are in the minority. Nevertheless, the small town of 78,000 is being upheld as a national example and used as a blueprint for further efforts to do the same including, most famously, in San Francisco. To truly understand how reparations work and why they are so regularly a hot topic for political debate in the US, its important to look back. Discussion about paying reparations to those whose ancestors were taken from Africa and forced into slavery began at the time of abolition and the end of the Civil War. The order for forty acres and a mule was signed by Union general William Sherman in January 1865, with the idea that land be given to newly freed families. For a dozen of so years at the end of the war a period now termed the Reconstruction land was distributed across the country and a series of amendments were made to the Constitution that, in theory, gave Black Americans the same rights as every other citizen. It was the briefest of periods of optimism. After President Abraham Lincolns assassination, President Andrew Johnson reversed Shermans order and returned land back to former slave owners. By 1877, a deal between Democrats and Republicans led to the withdrawal of Union troops from the areas they had won and the rapid reemergence of white power in the formerly Confederate South. That set in motion the Jim Crow era of enforced segregation, bonded labor in the cotton industry, and the establishment of a penal system that made use of prison labor, overwhelmingly comprised of African Americans. This era would continue for over another 100 years. Through the blood and efforts of abolitionists such as Harriet Tubman, it would be forced to an end during the civil rights movement, during which the Civil Rights Act of 1965 was passed, forbidding efforts to stop Black people from voting. The first measure tabled in Congress to study reparations didnt come until 1989, when it was brought to the floor by Michigan Congressman John Conyers. He then reintroduced it at every Congress until his death in 2019. Since then, the job has been taken up by fellow Democrat congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas. Her proposal, House Resolution 40, better known as HR 40, calls on the president to establish by executive order a federal commission that would study the legacy of enslavement and develop proposals for reparations. To a current generation of activists writers such as Ta-Nehisi Coates, who in 2014 penned a celebrated essay in The Atlantic called the The Case for Reparations the moral case for payments is obvious. He wrote: Until we reckon with our compounding moral debts, America will never be whole. Since then, the argument ought to have become ever clearer. Two events the Covid pandemic, and the 2020 killing by police of George Floyd forced millions in the nation to consider the issue of racial justice. The murder of Floyd, essentially choked to death by a white police officer in Minneapolis as members of the public looked on and recorded on their phones, became shorthand for a criminal justice system that had long discriminated against people of color, based as it was on many of the Jim Crow-era laws intended to suppress and control African Americans. Meanwhile, the pandemic, which had a much greater impact on people of color, and most of all Black people, forced some to confront the utterly unequal economic status such communities are trapped in. Studies show that centuries of laws such as redlining which made it harder for Black people to own homes and establish intergenerational wealth has created a situation where the average white American family has roughly 10 times as much wealth as the typical African American family and the typical Latino family. In other words while the median white household has about $100,000 to $200,000 net worth, Blacks and Latinos have $10,000 to $20,000 net worth, said an account of a study by Harvard University. Despite these facts, data and anecedotal experiences, polls suggest many white Americans have no interest in reparations, and do not want to drag up the past. Indeed, across the country, white politicians seek to prevent even the teaching of a complete history of America, claiming white students should not be made to feel bad about what happened before them. It is perhaps little surprise that a 2021 survey by Pew found only 30 per cent of Americans think descendants of people enslaved should be repaid in some way, such as given land or money. Around 70 per cent say they should not. Again unsurprisingly, the results split across lines of race. It found 77 per cent of Black people supported reparations, while just 18 per cent of white Americans felt the same. Support among Democrats was much greater than among Republicans. Younger people are also notably more in favor of reparations than those aged 65 and above. Congresswoman is now sponsor of reparations bill best known as HR 40 (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) How Evanston took practical action The activists in Evanston were adamant not to be intimidated and thus paralyzed into inaction by the scale of the problem. When they tried to look at the issue of slavery in its entirety a transatlantic trade that took an estimated 12.5 million men, women and children and deposited them in North America, with millions more taken to Latin America the task felt overwhelming. Historians believe the first African slaves were brought to Santo Domingo, on what is now the Dominican Republic, in 1525. The first slaves to arrive on the US mainland a group of between 20 and 30 arrived in 1619 at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia. The last slave ship, the Clotilda, docked at Mobile, Alabama in either 1859 or 1860, five years before abolition. It carried 110 people. That year also marked the last known major slave auction, in Savannah, Georgia. The total debt owed to Black America is immeasurable, says Robin Rue Simmons, a former council member, or alderperson, from Evanston, and the founder of the non-profit FirstRepair. You can look at closing the wealth gap, you can look at other ways of repairing the harm. But the total harm is in every area of liveability of our lives. And so getting to a remedy, I think, is a challenge for many. We have to take a first step towards repair and not be paralyzed in the breadth and scope of the work needed to repair, and start someplace so that we can build upon the work as in every other policy that weve done, she adds. But Simmons who once represented Evanstons fifth ward and who now advises communities across the country on reparations says while it is important to work locally, the size of the problem demands a federal, nationwide redress. In Evanston, they voted to pay for reparations using a tax on cannabis sales, after the drug was legalized in Illinois in January 2020. So were seeing progress and opportunity locally but this is a national issue. It is a 400-plus year national crisis of crimes against Black people, she says. Simmons aim is for the Biden administration to get busy. Evanston is no more capable of addressing the scale of the problem than any other city. These are federal crimes, federal harms, federal legislation, a nation that was built on oppression, discrimination and the theft of black labor, she says. So we want to see a federal response to reparations and we are standing together behind Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and calling on President Biden to sign an executive order for HR 40. During his campaign for the presidency, Biden said he supported the idea behind the push for reparations, as did Kamala Harris. Yet, the bill has never progressed very far. A sister bill in the Senate, the first ever, was tabled by Cory Booker. It secured 12 co-sponsors, but has not moved forward since then. This year, Republicans retook control of the House, meaning HR 40 has even less chance of being voted on. If Republicans retake the Senate in 2024, as many believe they will, the issue will be pushed back even further. The time for talk, says Simmons, is over: We live in the consequences of the transatlantic slave trade. We see it in the wealth gap, in the life expectancy gap, in the education divide, and so on. So too much study. We dont need much more study; we need action right now. Engraving shows the arrival of a Dutch slave ship with a group of African slaves for sale, Jamestown, Virginia, 1619. (Getty Images) Taking Evanstons model to San Francisco: Dont let this so-called progressive, liberal brand spin and deceive you Rev. Amos Brown feels the similar way. The 81-year-old was born and raised in Mississippi and has been a pastor at the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco since 1976. He is also a member of the reparations task force. We are in constant deliberation and discussion, but the hard work is just beginning, he says. Why is that the case? Its challenging to get the American public, the public of San Francisco, to admit, to atone, to act those three As, he says. To admit that not during the days of enslavement or segregation, but to admit that it is wrong down to this day. Brown, whose grandfather was a slave, refers to a survey reported by the Wall Street Journal. The results of that survey showed the 20 worst cities for Black Americans in terms of poverty, education, income, home ownership, unemployment, mortality, and incarceration, compared to their white counterparts. San Francisco was 17, he says. Dont let this so-called progressive, liberal brand spin and deceive you. San Francisco has the smallest Black population of any large city in the country, and, Brown says, lost a large portion of its African American population to so-called gentrification and rising housing costs over the last 30 years. Figures from the US Census Bureau suggest the Black population in the city today represents only 6 per cent of the total, down from more than 13 per cent in 1970. That tells us something is wrong in the state of Denmark, Brown adds, with a Shakespearean flourish. Does he believe that, if the citys experiment is successful, it could set an example for others? Brown says he is doubtful. The House of Representatives he says, is filled by the likes of far-right Georgia Congresswoman Majorie Taylor Greene, the likes of which he thinks are downright mean. Theyre saying they dont have enough time to study it, he adds with some disdain, before reeling off a list of previous investigations into the disparity between Black people and white people that go back as far as the Kerner Report of 1967. Its time for us to stop studying and to get some traction and action. Abolitionist Harriet Tubman was born into slavery but escaped and spearheaded efforts to free others (Reuters) A solution that doesnt solve everything Experts have pointed out that a key factor in continuing the economic inequality between Black people and white people has been the historical barriers enacted to prevent Black people buying and owning property, oftentimes a foundation to intergenerational wealth. From redlining to a banks refusal to give a loan, African Americans have historically been consigned to the bottom of the housing ladder. This is why the city of Evanston decided the first payments of reparation had to be spent on housing either for rent, mortgage payments, another housing-related loan, or else a repair to their home. Academic Dr Andre Perry, a scholar-in-residence at American University in Washington DC and author of Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives and Property in Americas Black Cities, says it is likely that projects in places such as Evanston will add to pressure for a national response. I think many of the reparations programs will bubble up to the federal level, and create a sort of groundswell of support, he says. Were seeing that now. Support for reparations hovered around 10 per cent 25 years ago. Now its well in the 30s. Not only will you build support by advocating for reparations at the local level, youre building a suite of ideas that can eventually be resourced and codified by federal policy. Louis Weathers, who has three children, was able to loan the money to his eldest son, Michael, to allow him to reduce the mortgage on his own apartment. A report in the Evanston Roundtable noted Weathers parents moved to the city from the South in 1932 and bought the property he still lives in. He was born three years later in Cook County Hospital in Chicago, because Evanston Hospital was segregated. Does he remember suffering racial discrimination while growing up? Ive been living with discrimination all my life, he says. He says he had to go to a segregated elementary school for Black children, but that the high school was integrated as there was only one. But growing up, discrimination was all around us. We used to go to movies, we had to sit on the second floor and all that stuff. So I faced discrimination in my life, he adds. Does he think the situation has improved? Its better in a lot of areas but discrimination and racism is still exists, he says. Things are better for my kids and my grandkids. They can achieve things, maybe not as fast and not as much, but its not worse for them. His eldest son, Michael, who is 61 and a state of Illinois employee, learned last year that he, too, had secured a $25,000 reparations payment. He said he would use the money to pay off his mortgage. Another recipient, Ramona Burton, says her mother also had to travel to Chicago to give birth to her. Burton was the youngest of six children and that her parents were from North Carolina and South Carolina. Her father worked three jobs in order to be able to buy their home. Burton first heard about the proposed plan for reparations when the actor Danny Glover spoke at an event in Evanston in 2019. I was very excited and surprised, she says. She has used the money she received to complete a series of repairs to her house, including fixing the roof: I had eight new windows put in, and my chimney fixed, a partial fence, and central air conditioning. Burton says she feels she did not encounter prejudice as much as others, although memories come to mind throughout the years. One thing she is adamant about is that no amount of money can address the racism that Black people have had to endure for decades: I think its a start, but I dont think any amount of money can repay people for all the damage, both physical and psychological, that it did. Thiokol workers search through the rubble of building M132 at the Thiokol Chemical plant in Woodbine, Georgia, following an explosion that killed 30 people on Feb. 3, 1971. Fifteen years ago today, Savannahians learned that sugar dust could kill. A series of dust-related explosions at the Imperial Sugar refinery in Port Wentworth killed 14 workers, injured 40 others and leveled part of the plant, a local landmark dating to 1916. The tragedy is one that will never be forgotten in Savannah. Another workplace disaster recently passed a dark anniversary. Friday, Feb. 3 marked 52 years since a fire and explosion killed 29 at the Thiokol munitions plan in Woodbine, located 80 miles south of Savannah in Camden County. The accident occurred in a building where workers assembled trip flares, which were employed by the U.S. military in the Vietnam War, which was raging at the time. Among the 29 victims were 19 Black women, who had only recently entered the local workforce beyond farming, housekeeping and school-teaching duties as manufacturing facilities such as Thiokol integrated. On Friday, local residents, including some who worked at Thiokol or whose parents, aunts, uncles and siblings did, held a remembrance event. Listen: Tripwire A narrative podcast investigating the 1971 Thiokol plant explosion in Georgia The story behind the Thiokol disaster is sad yet fascinating, and Savannah Morning News journalists Nancy Guan, Zach Dennis and Richard Burkhart are telling it through a multimedia project entitled Tripwire. Guan employs audio storytelling tools with multiple episodes. An introduction to the Thiokol disaster and the people and community impacted published last week and is available for listens at SavannahNow.com. There are words, images and video available, too. Future episodes will go deeper into the accident and its legacy. As you take a moment to think about the Imperial Sugar tragedy today, make a note to listen and learn about this other piece of Coastal Georgia history. Sugar refinery's future: U.S. Sugar to purchase Imperial Sugar, upgrades planned A destroyed truck and school bus sit amongst the rubble of building M132 at the Thiokol Chemical plant in Woodbine, Georgia, on Feb. 3, 1971. The explosion killed 30 people and injured several others. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Anniversary of workplace accidents at Imperial Sugar Thiokol munitions More than 40 Republican senators have filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court arguing against Bidens student loan relief plan. The Republicans, including the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), filed the brief on Friday for both student loan cases in front of the Supreme Court: Biden v. Nebraska and Department of Education v. Brown. The senators argue in the brief that Biden does not have the unilateral authority to cancel debt as he is trying to do. President Bidens student loan schemes do not forgive student debt, but transfers it onto Americans who chose not to go to college or worked hard to pay off their loans, Cassidy said. These policies are a clear overreach of President Bidens authority and unconstitutional. Bidens student debt relief is estimated by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to cost taxpayers $400 billion. The Biden administration has maintained that it has the authority to unilaterally cancel debt through the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (HEROS) Act, which it argues allows the administration to cancel debt during a national emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Republicans have rejected that argument, saying the act does not apply to the current situation and that Biden needed authorization from Congress to attempt to cancel up to $20,000 in debt for student borrowers. The HEROES Act cannot plausibly be read to authorize the forgiveness of loan principal that places borrowers in a better position financially than before the emergency, much less to cancel half a trillion dollars in loan principal as the Secretary attempts to do here, the senators wrote in the amicus brief. The oral arguments for the two student loan cases will be presented in front of the Supreme Court later in February, with a final decision likely to come out in May or June. The Republicans filed their brief the same day President Biden is set to give the State of the Union address, where he will likely mention student debt relief. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The mother of Ronald Greene, the Black motorist who died in Louisiana State Police custody after white troopers beat him during a traffic stop, will attend President Joe Bidens State of the Union address. Mona Hardin is the invitee of Congressman Troy Carter, D-New Orleans, whose office confirmed Hardin will be in the gallery of the U.S. House of Representatives for Tuesday nights speech. The Congressional Black Caucus and others have pushed Biden to make accountability for police brutality a focal point of his administration and the State of the Union address. The issue is once again at the forefront of national discussion following the Jan. 7 death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of law enforcement in Memphis, Tennessee. Within days of the incident, five officers were fired from the Memphis Police Department and charged with second-degree murder. A sixth officer has since been fired but not yet charged in Nichols death. Greene, 49, died May 10, 2019, after a Louisiana State Police pursuit ended near Monroe. Video footage from troopers body-worn cameras showed Greene being dragged, kicked and punched while he was restrained on the roadside. Police originally attributed Greenes death to his car crashing into a tree, but forensic examinations would later refute that claim. Marleigh Baudoin of Lafayette holds a sign during a rally to support Ronald Greenes family at the Louisiana State Capitol on Thursday, May 27, 2021. State Police also delayed the release of video footage that revealed Greenes harsh beating. Their internal investigation didnt begin until May 2020 nearly a year later when Greenes family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against State Police. It wasnt until December 2022 more than three years later that five troopers involved were indicted in connection with Greenes death. They have been charged with negligent homicide, malfeasance and obstruction of justice. Hardin, who lives in Orlando, Florida, has appeared multiple times before a Louisiana legislative committee investigating allegations of a State Police cover-up in Greenes death. Story continues This is murder. This is murder, and its condoned, Hardin told lawmakers at a November 2022 hearing. Gov. John Bel Edwards was scheduled to appear but did not because of a schedule conflict. It is not clear if the committee will meet again, although members have said they want to hear from the governor and at least one more administrator with State Police. As recently as that November hearing, two of the troopers shown in the video beating Greene were still on active duty before they were criminally charged the next month. The State of the Union address will take place at 8 p.m. CT Tuesday. Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nevada, has invited Nichols mother and stepfather to attend, Politico has reported. The White House has not yet announced who will sit with First Lady Jill Biden. The Louisiana Illuminator is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization driven by its mission to cast light on how decisions are made in Baton Rouge and how they affect the lives of everyday Louisianians. This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Ronald Greenes mother will attend State of the Union address Jason Cichowicz SOUTH BEND A state commission has filed disciplinary charges against a St. Joseph County Probate Court judge and asks the Indiana Supreme Court to punish him for allegedly funneling money from a client's trust fund to the St. Joseph County Probate Court without disclosing it. "After Cichowicz was elected judge, he violated judicial canons that require judges to respect the law, avoid impropriety, promote public confidence in the judiciary, and avoid abusing the prestige of judicial office to advance the private interests of another," the commission wrote in its findings. Attorneys for Cichowicz and Russell Cartwright the client in question say, however, that the recent filings are a case of "no good deed going unpunished" and that Cichowicz has always acted in Cartwright's interests and with his approval. The attorneys maintain the financial maneuverings were all legal, but were made anonymous on purpose to avoid bringing public attention to the funding available to Cichowicz. 'Total financial control':A man says a husband and wife both Elkhart police officers took control of his finances Donald Lundberg, an attorney representing Cichowitz, did not answer questions from a reporter Tuesday but provided a written statement responding to the allegations. "Judge Jason Cichowicz successfully and legally obtained private funds to improve his court at no cost to the taxpayer and at no personal benefit to himself," the statement says. "The commissions own statement of charges correctly asserts that Judge Cichowiczs interest was in making improvements that would be beneficial to the important work of the St. Joseph Probate Court and the families and children it serves." Cichowicz is the county's elected probate court judge and has held the office since 2019. The St. Joseph County Probate Court mostly deals with family law and juvenile proceedings and houses the county's Juvenile Justice Center. The charges against Cichowicz now go before the Indiana Supreme Court, which will decide what, if any, punishment is warranted. Though there are no criminal charges against Cichowicz, he could be potentially be suspended or barred form holding judicial office in Indiana. Story continues A member of Cichowicz's staff said the judge was not immediately available for comment Tuesday. 'Particularly susceptible to undue influence' The allegations outlined by the state commission date back to 2015, when Cichowicz was a practicing attorney in South Bend, handling mostly juvenile delinquency cases. The documents say Cichowicz became close with Cartwright after representing Cartwright in divorce proceedings. Court documents show Cartwright has a trust estimated to be worth over $6 million. Cartwright who is over 80 years old and lives in an assisted living facility per court documents eventually named Cichowicz as his trustee and beneficiary and then as a joint holder on his checking account, all while Cichowicz was still representing Cartwright as an attorney, which was a violation of Indiana's rules on attorney conduct, the commission found. Though the report from the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications does not address the motivations for Cartwright naming Cichowicz as his trustee and beneficiary, that set of actions did lead to Bank of America filing a separate civil lawsuit against Cartwright and Cichowicz in 2021. That suit sought to block Cartwright from transferring funds to Cichowicz and implied there was elder abuse. However, Cartwright's attorneys argued in court documents that he fully understood what he was doing and that he had come to see Cichowicz "much like a son." Mike Misch, an attorney who represents Cartwright and his nonprofits, reiterated Tuesday that the implication Cichowicz was taking advantage of Cartwright is false. "Mr. Cartwright has always held Judge Cichowicz in the highest regard and regards him as a family member," Misch said in a written statement. "Mr. Cartwright has always maintained that all actions taken by Cichowicz on behalf of Mr. Cartwright were of his own choosing and also in the best interest of our community and the children and families served by the JJC." Cartwright and Bank of America settled their lawsuit in November, however, a previous instance when Cichowicz represented Cartwright gives rise to questions about Cartwright's competency. In 2015, Cartwright sued an individual saying the man had wrongly taken ownership of a car, which Cartwright had paid for. The man claimed Cartwright legally gifted him the vehicle, but in court filings, Cichowicz argued Cartwright could not have done so because he didn't have the mental capacity to enter into contracts. To support his claim, Cichowicz submitted two affidavits from doctors who had treated Cartwright in which they say he has bipolar disorder and was hospitalized multiple times in 2014 because of psychiatric issues. "It is my belief, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, that Mr. Cartwright would have been easily manipulated and was particularly susceptible to undue influence during the time period from August 2014 through the end of December 2014," both affidavits say. According to the charges brought by the commission, Cartwright granted Cichowicz power of attorney in October 2014 and named him a co-trustee over his nonprofit organization in February 2015. Misch did not respond to questions about Cartwright's mental state by The Tribune's deadline and Lundberg declined to comment, though in their written statements the attorneys emphasized Cartwright has not once complained to the judicial commission regarding his arrangements with Cichowicz. Anonymous donations As a judge, Cichowicz continued to violate the state's ethical policies, the commission alleges, by making purchases for the probate court with the client's assets that he now controlled. When he was newly elected in early 2019, Cichowicz pushed to build a new courtroom and took a little over $80,000 from his client's nonprofit foundation to pay for the renovation without disclosing the source of the funding to county lawmakers, the documents say. Then in 2019 and 2020, Cichowicz paid nearly $25,000 to R & K Ceramic Tile LLC for repair work to breakrooms in the center. The commission's report states that the owner of R & K Ceramic Tile is Kenneth Cichowicz the father of Jason Cichowicz. Similarly in 2020, the report says, Cichowicz paid an automobile company owned by his father around $51,000 for three cars to be used by JJC-affiliated staff. In all three cases, the commission report says that Cichowicz took funds from the Cartwright nonprofit foundation, which he is the sole trustee, and transferred them to Misch's law firm. Misch's firm, in turn, gave the money to the Friends of the St. Joseph County Juvenile Justice Center a separate nonprofit that works to provide funding to various programs within the JJC. In addition to representing Cartwright, Misch sits on the board of the Friends of the JJC. Responding to the charges brought by the commission, Misch said the point of the roundabout money transfers was to keep Cichowicz's involvement anonymous so it wouldn't become common knowledge among JJC staff members that their boss was donating money for facility upgrades. Cichowicz "didnt want to be known for doing this," Misch said. "All he cared about was making sure that the kids and families affected by the JJC could get their court cases done faster, more efficiently, instead of these cases being hung up unnecessarily just because they didnt have the judicial officer or court space to deal with it." Misch said the money given to the JJC through the Friends of the JJC nonprofit is not subject to approval by county lawmakers and that it was all done legally. In total, Cichowicz faces seven counts of violating attorney or judicial conduct policies, including his failure to note his ownership stake in various companies on his financial disclosure forms. He now has 20 days in which to respond to the allegations or to work out a disciplinary settlement. A statement provide by Cichowicz's attorney indicates the judge is prepared to argue his case in front of a panel of three independent judges appointed by the Indiana Supreme Court. Email Marek Mazurek at mmazurek@sbtinfo.com. Follow him on Twitter: @marek_mazurek This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: St. Joseph County probate judge accused of improper financial dealings Riding from 300-foot-tall redwoods to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk might be the best way to sightsee in California. VSCC and Walter Scriptunas California's iconic coastal redwoods are majestic: They are the tallest trees on Earth, often growing more than 300 feet high and living as long as 2,000 years. Back in the mid-1800s, the logging industry in the West relied on trains to move the redwoods' tremendous tree trunks from the coastal forests and mountains to flatter, inland regions. Today, coastal redwood forests are preserved, of course, but in some places, trains continue to move on down the track, helping nature buffs (and train buffs) enjoy these scenic areas via locomotive. In Felton, California, about seven miles outside of the Santa Cruz, Roaring Camp does just that. Trains have run here since 1875, so guests today get a feeling for life back then, with historic engines pulling them through the redwood forest along narrow-gauge grades and so close to redwood trees you can almost touch them. Jenn Day The trains are working pieces of history themselves. One of the few operating steam trains here is Dixiana. Named for the Virginia area it served for years as a mining train, Dixiana is a two-truck steam engine that makes that cartoon-famous (and wildly loud) toot, toot when the conductor releases the steam valve. It pulls open-air cars along its route a slow ride, as it would have been back in the day. The wind may not blow your hair, but youd be hard-pressed to beat your view. There are two journeys available at Roaring Camp. Diaxana carries guests for 75 minutes up Bear Mountain and back to the village. For a longer experience, try the three-hour ride connecting Roaring Camp to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. You can start your ride at either of these stops, then enjoy a trip to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, through a gorge and 19th-century tunnel as you go. This route is part of the historic Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway, operating since 1875. Story continues Families heading to Roaring Camp can tack additional kid-friendly activities onto their day. Theres gold panning and candle making, for example, plus lots of outdoor space to run or picnic. Reserving train tickets in advance is suggested. Prices start at $25 for kids (those under age two are free) and $40 for adults. Theres a full calendar of special events, too, including educational weekend rides in March, an Easter Egg Hunt in April, and themed dinner and movie nights throughout the year. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. Cut open nutmeg fruit GETTY IMAGES TABLE OF CONTENTS On This Page Sister Spices Flavor Profiles How to Use Nutmeg and Mace History Who hasn't sprinkled nutmeg on a cup of yuletide eggnog, or added a dash to pumpkin pie? While many home cooks associate the spice with holiday treats, those in the know embrace the complex flavors and luscious aromas of nutmegand its botanical sidekick, macejust about any time of year. Treasured since antiquity, nutmeg and mace were among the spices beloved by medieval European cooks. In the 1600s, the Dutch and Portuguese fought to control their nutmeg sourcethe Maluku Islands in Indonesiafittingly dubbed the Spice Islands. Two spice experts from family-owned organic nutmeg estates in Grenada, the world's second-largest producer of nutmeg (after Indonesia), share all there is to know about using these wondrous spices. Related: The Right Way to Store Spices to Keep Them Fresh One Tree, Two Spices Nutmeg and mace are more than kissing cousinsthese distinctive spices come from the same fruit-bearing evergreen tree, Myristica fragrans, indigenous to the tropical Banda Islands in Indonesia's Maluku region. Once the yellow fruit, called the nutmeg pericarp, matures, it splits into two to reveal a firm white interior and shiny nutmeg seed with a lace-like covering. "It's really special that the seed provides two spices in one: the nutmeg and the beautiful bright red mace aril that envelops the seed," says Shadel Nyack Compton, managing director of Belmont Estate in St. Patrick, Grenada, West Indies. Belmont Estate has grown nutmeg since the 1800s and has been in Nyack Compton's family since her grandparents bought it in 1944. Today, the nutmeg is sustainably grown, harvested, dried, and packaged on the estate. "In a way, the mace acts as the protective membrane between the fruit (pericarp) and the hard shell," adds Bobbie Garbutt, director of L'Esterre Estate, a 300-year-old plantation in St. Andrews, Grenada purchased by her grandparents in 1949. The property uses regenerative agricultural practices, implemented over the generations. Story continues The ripe fruit is a spectacular sight. "It looks like a peach and hangs from the nutmeg tree like a Christmas ornament," says Nyack Compton. And indeed, it has gifts to share. Once ready for harvesting, the husk is removed and the nutmeg and mace are dried separately. "The fruit is not eaten fresh, but is used to make juices, jams or jellies, nutmeg syrup, nutmeg pickle, and other condiments and confectionaries," she says. Nutmeg vs. Mace Flavor Profiles While nutmeg and mace have similar flavor profiles, there are marked differences, too. Mace packs a spicier, more intense wallop, so if replacing it for nutmeg in a recipe, you need just a quarter of the amount. "Mace is often described as a unique flavor reminiscent of pepper and cinnamon combined," says Nyack Compton. "Nutmeg has a warm, nutty, and slightly sweet profile, with notes of mint, eucalyptus, cardamom, or pine. It has a more delicate and milder taste than mace." Whole Seeds Whole nutmeg seeds (which resemble walnuts) are much more potent than ground nutmeg. "They retain their flavor and fragrance most when whole," says Nyack Compton, adding that they should smell fragrant, with no mustiness. She suggests using a microplane grater and grating just what's needed for a dish. The whole seeds (usually sold in batches of six to eight) can be stored for years in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. Ground Spice Ground nutmeg keeps its fragrant properties for about nine months, says Nyack Compton. "Nutmeg starts losing its potency once it's grated because the oils start to oxidize, which holds a lot of the flavor," says Garbutt. Mace is typically sold ground, but some specialty spice companies (like Burlap & Barrel, a customer of both farms) sell jars filled with pieces of the aril, called blades, which can be ground or crumbled into stews and rice dishes. Stored like nutmeg, both types of mace retain their flavor for about a year. New Ways to Use Nutmeg and Mace By all means, spruce up eggnog and pumpkin pies with nutmeg, but why not expand your horizons? Mace enhances bechamel sauce, meat dishes, and savory creations, says Garbutt. She also adds it to homemade curry powder, pickled vegetables, fish pie, and sweet potatoes, to name a few favorites. "Nutmeg in Grenada is mostly used in sweet dessertswe consume a lot of nutmeg ice cream!" says Garbutt. "It elevates any dairy product. I like mine finely grated over hot buttery toastit adds another dimension you didn't realize was lacking before." She also uses nutmeg on overnight oats, muesli, plain yogurt, and rice pudding, and slides back to savory with stews, and any cheesy dish. Both spices can be used extensively in flavoring and curing meats, says Nyack Compton. "Barbecue rubs, roasts, poultry breast, stewed lamb, and many other dishes are enhanced by the warm spicy flavor of nutmeg," she says. Fascinating History Nutmeg and mace were prized by ancient civilizations in India, China, and Arabia for their medicinal properties, thought to remedy headaches, flatulence, digestion, toothaches, and rheumatism. Nutmeg's fragrance also permeated the past: Emperor Henry VI had the streets of Rome fumigated with the spice before his coronation. The Arabs were the first to make the culinary leap, and by the Middle Ages, European cooks lavished nutmeg, mace, and other spices, on meat, fish, desserts, wine, and nearly anything they could get their hands on. Nutmeg and mace also had an outsize impact on the global spice trade, fueling the Age of Exploration and playing a central role in the Spice Wars of the 1600s. Though no longer trophies for world domination, nutmeg, and mace remain precious cargo, craved by cooks everywhere. Authorities announced Friday that two arrests were made in the massacre of a California family that claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl and her 10-month-old infant, among others. Angel Uriarte, 35, and Noah Beard, 25, were arrested during pre-dawn Friday raids in Goshen and nearby Visalia, California about 35 miles southeast of Fresno respectively, the Tulare County Sheriffs Office announced in a press conference. Beard was taken into custody without incident," Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said on Friday afternoon. "Uriade, on the other hand, engaged in a gun battle with ATF agents. He was struck and rushed to a nearby hospital and is currently undergoing surgery. He is in stable condition and expected to survive. RELATED: Oregon Woman Pleads Not Guilty To Helping Kidnapping Suspect Benjamin Foster Evade Police Jail records reviewed by Oxygen.com on Monday indicate that Uriade is still recovering from his injuries. Beard is currently being held without bond. Police and prosecutors believe that the two are responsible for the massacre in Goshen that killed five members of the Parraz family Eladio, 52; Marcos, 19; Rosa , 72; Alissa, 16; and Nycholas, 10 months along with Jennifer Analla, 49, around 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 16. They said on Friday that another, unnamed man on the property was also shot in the stomach that night but survived. A police handout of Noah Beard Noah Beard Photo: Tulare County Sheriff's Office Boudreaux stated that investigators believe the massacre was part of a larger feud between the Norteno gang, which is more dominant in the area, and the rival Sureno gang, but don't yet have a specific motive in the massacre. The names denote the areas of California from which members hail: Nortenos are affiliated with the larger Nuestro Familia gang, while Surenos are affiliated with the Mexican mafia, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. "The two members of the Parraz family, the victims family, were well known, validated Surenos gang members in Goshen, which is predominately held by the Norteno gang," he stated. "The two suspects arrested today are validated Nortenos." Story continues Police allege that the first victim was the unnamed man who was shot in the stomach while standing in the doorway of a trailer at the end of the property, the sheriff said. He'd previously stated that the suspects never entered the trailer, as Oxygen.com previously reported, and said on Friday that the 911 call came from one of two women who hid in it after the first shots were fired. One of those women was reportedly the shooting survivor's girlfriend. Then, according to Boudreaux, police believe that Beard and Uriarte entered the house, displaying surveillance video from around the property at Friday's press conference that shows two visibly armed men in various places around the property. A poster of the victims of the Goshen homicide A poster of the victims of the Goshen homicides is displayed at the press conference. Photo: Getty Images They believe that one of the men first shot Eladio in the torso and chest, killing him. Marcos was then shot in the head, followed by Analla, who was shot in the head in her bed while she slept. Rosa, police believe, got up to investigate the commotion and was shot in the head while on her knees in her bedroom. In the midst of the shootings, Elyssa grabbed her child, Nycholas, and ran out the front door of the home. Surveillance video played at Friday's press conference shows a small female figure running towards the street along a driveway with a tall picket fence separating her from a neighboring property and a metal rolling gate between the driveway and the street. The girl leans up over the fence and places the infant on the other side of it, then scales the driveway gate, reaching the street just as a gunman comes into view. Tristyn Bailey Aiden Fucci Pd Police said at the press conference that they believe the gunman was Beard, and that he shot first Elyssa and then Nycholas in the backs of their heads and left their bodies in the street. First responders reached the home seven minutes after the 911 call began, but the suspects had already left. Around 6 a.m. on Friday, police, federal agents, local jail and California prison officials conducted multiple searches and arrested Beard and Uriarte. They also searched a third property as well as eight cells in six different prisons involving 16 inmates affiliated with Nuestra Familia/Nortenos members, as well as a number of inmates and cells in local jails. Authorities named the morning "Operation Nightmare." Federal officials announced they intended to seek other charges against Uriarte for allegedly firing on federal agents, though none were reported injured. Oxy App Currently, Uriarte faces one charge of homicide and Beard faces one charge of homicide, two other unspecified charges, one drug charge and one weapons charge, according to jail records reviewed by Oxygen.com. Prosecutors emphasized at Friday's press conference that neither suspect was legally allowed to own a firearm and that multiple weapons were recovered in the searches. More charges are expected in the case. Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward has not stated whether his office intends to seek the death penalty in the case. There has been a moratorium on executions in place since March 2019, and Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week that he would dismantle the state's remaining death row and transfer all prisoners sentenced to death elsewhere by 2025. California hasn't conducted an execution since 2006. The air quality of Ho Chi Minh City was rated "good" and "excellent" by global measuring tools on Tuesday morning. The air quality index (AQI) in Vietnams biggest city during Tuesday morning stayed at an average level of 33, according to the Switzerland-based air quality monitoring facility, IQAir AirVisual. For the AirVisual's AQI, the higher index means worse air pollution. An index of 33 puts HCMC's air quality in the "good" range, which means the air quality is "satisfactory", and there is little or no risk from air pollution. By around noon, the index rose to "moderate" range, when sensitive people are recommended to avoid outdoor activity. AirVisual measured the average air quality level of the city at 49 on Monday, which was also in the "good" range. AirVisual measured the city's PM 2.5 concentration on Tuesday morning at 8g/m, which is 1.6 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value, and by noon at 13g/m. PM2.5 is defined as ambient airborne particulate that measures up to 2.5 microns in size, just a fraction of the width of a human hair. Their microscopic size allows these particles to be absorbed deep into the bloodstream upon inhalation, potentially causing health effects like asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease. Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to negative health effects like cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and premature mortality. American site AccuWeather rated HCMC's air quality as "excellent" on Tuesday with an AQI of 17. It measured the PM2.5 level in the city at 9g/m, saying the air quality is ideal for most individuals and that people should "enjoy your normal outdoor activities." HCMC has entered the dry season, with the highest temperature in the day rising to 34-35 Celsius degrees. The AQI of Hanoi on Tuesday stays at 98, within the "moderate level" as measured by AirVisual, which recommended people to "close window to avoid dirty outdoor air" and sensitive groups to reduce outdoor exercise. It measured the capital's PM2.5 at 34.6g/m, which is 6.9 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value. LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Supreme Court is to rule on Wednesday on a challenge to the validity of the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol which governs post-Brexit trade between the region and the rest of the United Kingdom. The challenge, taken by Brexit activists and the leaders of Northern Ireland's largest pro-British parties, was rejected by Belfast's High Court in 2021 and by the Court of Appeal last year. The protocol, designed to protect the European Union's single market without creating a land border on the island of Ireland, has caused disruption to trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom since it came into force at the start of 2021. The perception that the protocol, which effectively left Northern Ireland in the bloc's trading orbit, undermines the region's place in the United Kingdom has sparked anger in pro-British communities. The High Court in 2021 rejected all five main arguments made by the parties based on both British and European Union law, saying none justified the judicial review of the protocol requested. The ruling said that Britain's EU Withdrawal Agreement, which contains the protocol, overrode earlier precedents including parts of the 1800 Act of Union due to the sovereignty of the British parliament and the agreement's status as constitutional legislation. The challenge was brought by former Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster, Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister and former Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble among others. (Writing by Conor Humphries; editing by William James) South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott (R) in the coming weeks will hold events in Iowa and his home state as part of a listening tour that is expected to springboard him into the 2024 Republican presidential primary, making him the first U.S. senator to jump into the contest in either party. Theres also a chance hes the last. Over the last 20 years of presidential politics, the Senate has been a breeding ground for those with presidential aspirations, no matter how successful their runs turned out. Starting with the 2004 campaign cycle and continuing every four years, other than 2012, at least four sitting senators have run for the White House regardless of party. In total, 12 senators currently in office have run for the top job at some point in their career. In 2016, four current or former senators competed in the GOP presidential primary. The difference this year may not be so much a lack of interest among senators as much as a reflection of the state of Republican Party politics. Former President Trump who has officially jumped into the race and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) who has not but is widely expected to are garnering the lions share of attention and are far and away the leading candidates. Theres a lane out there, and itll start probably getting occupied more as time goes on, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) told The Hill, acknowledging that the power dynamic in the party is forcing senators who would otherwise jump in the presidential waters head first to recalibrate. With Trump in, that affects, probably, some folks decisions. While a number of high-profile party figures have made concrete steps toward a run, most senators who have shown interest in doing so have shifted toward alternate plans. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), the former head of Senate Republicans campaign arm who has made waves and grabbed headlines by challenging Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), says he is running for a second term in the upper chamber. Story continues Ditto for Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). The buzz surrounding Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who both ran in 2016 for the GOP nod, has been muted this go-around. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) already ruled out a 2024 campaign. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who has made clear his desire for a second presidential bid at some point, is also gearing up for a Senate reelection campaign. The so-called LBJ law which allowed Lyndon Johnson, then the Senate majority leader, to run for reelection and on the Democratic ticket for either president or vice president allows Cruz to run for both if he chooses, however. As for Tim Scott, he will launch his listening tour with an event in Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 16 before making a pair of stops in Iowa on Feb. 22. The expectation that he will enter the race is being welcomed with open arms by a number of his colleagues. Having Tim get into the race would be very well-received by a number of members of the Senate, me included, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) told The Hill. Hes sharp. Hes got a business background. Hes got a great personal story. Theres a number of us that have basically been encouraging him to at least consider that type of a run, Rounds continued. This is good news, we think, that hes at least exploring the possibility. Thune added that Tim Scott would be a great voice to have in the field and brings a lot to the table. The apathy primary voters feel toward the senators demonstrates in part the power Trump continues to wield over the GOP, despite the somewhat tumultuous start to a campaign that has attempted to be more conventional in recent weeks. Most national and early primary state polls still show him leading the potential GOP primary field. It also shows the power DeSantis has among the party faithful. The Florida governor has seen his stature grow to the point where he is being attacked consistently by the former president and is sitting closely behind Trump in survey after survey and leading in some. I think the leadership is going to be coming from the states and governors, because they actually run things, said Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), who is retiring to run for the Indiana governorship. I like anybody that comes from the outside. To me, if youre wanting to get more people from the farm system of politics, which are the career politicians, expect more of the same. Indeed, prospective candidates have largely come from the ranks of governors and Trump administration officials. Former Ambassador to the United Nations and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) is expected to make her bid official later this month, while former Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo move toward doing so themselves. Other names tossed around include first-term Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) and Trump critics Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R), who says hes eyeing an April decision. On the Democratic side, the expectation that President Biden mounts a reelection campaign has kept the conversation muted. While the 2020 primary field featured seven senators, even those who have indicated they would like to make another run at some point including Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) have said they wont challenge Biden. Some Senate Republicans and GOP operatives, however, caution that it is still early in the 2024 cycle. Tim Scott himself hasnt announced a bid. Cruz has not ruled out running altogether. And Rick Scott has continued raised eyebrows among some in the party, especially with a 7-figure national ad buy last month and his ongoing feud with McConnell, which kept up last week after the leader yanked him from his post on the Senate Commerce Committee. In spite of those signs, he has maintained that he is running for reelection in the Sunshine State. Id be shocked, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said about the possibility that Tim Scott could be the only senator running for president this cycle. Its early. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Artur Debat - Getty Images The German town of Balingen is hosting the first public test of an electrified road that charges cars while they drive using dynamic induction charging. These roadways could help improve electric vehicle range and cost while revolutionizing green public transportation. The cost of these roads, as well as their deployment in rural areas, remains a big challenge. When talking to people about buying an electric vehicle, range anxiety is what keeps most from joining the EV revolution. Although cars like Teslas Model 3 can reach distances up to 358 miles per charge (for the long range model), most electric vehiclesespecially the affordable onesstill hover around 250 miles if youre lucky. Combine that anxiety with lagging EV infrastructure and long charging times, and an electric car looks more and more like a wait-and-see purchase. Although recent federal investments in EV infrastructure and further advancement in battery technology will only aid in EV adoption, clever engineering also helps ease anxieties by building electrified roads that charge your car while you drive. The idea is called dynamic induction charging and the first public test of this potentially groundbreaking technology is about to go online later this year, the Financial Times reports. This one-kilometer strip of road in a town called Balingen, about an hours drive from Stuttgart in southwest Germany, is being built by Electreon , an Israeli-based company that has similar pilot projects around the world. Much like the way modern smartphones can charge wirelessly, so, too, can electric cars. This road works by leveraging magnetic resonance induction , where copper coils embedded under the roadway transfer energy to a receiver installed on any electric vehiclewhether a Chevy Bolt or massive electrified bus. The idea of wireless EV charging isnt new, and companies like BMW have designed stationary charging pads that can power up cars without a bulky cable, but Electreons electrified road baked that inductive idea into the transportation network, Story continues If these roads prove effective (and crucially, if they can be built affordably), EVs could opt for smaller batteries that could drastically lower cost. But the near-term benefits of electrified roads would first be felt elsewhere. The aim of this project is not only to open up wireless charging to the public in Germany, Andreas Wendt, a chief executive at Electreon, tells Financial Times. Other significant aspects include the development and use of a tool that will assist public transportation planners in where to install the inductive infrastructure for a specific town or region. Bus routes or autonomous shuttles in city centers and universities are whats known as captive fleet, meaning they have regularly scheduled routes and roadways. This technology could make it so that these public transportation vehicles could simply run 24/7 with no downtime needed to juice up its batteries. The idea is so compelling that the Michigan Department of Transportation signed a five-year agreement with Electreon last year to trial an in-road charging network along a one-mile stretch in Detroit. These projects are still in the learning phase and need to overcome some serious limitations, chief among them being cost. While it may make sense to electrify the roads of the worlds largest cities and busiest highways, embedded wireless charging in rural communities is a much bigger challenge. But so far, the idea has only been embraced by automakers as companies like Fiat-Chrysler and Volvo are already testing the induction technology on their vehicles. If things go well in places like Balingen and Detroit, electrified roads could be the antidote for the EV revolutions lingering anxieties. You Might Also Like Jerry "The King" Lawler was rushed to a Fort Myers hospital after suffering a stroke, according to multiple media outlets and friends of the legendary wrestler. Lawler, 73, owns a condo in the south Fort Myers area and had been out to lunch with friends when he became ill and was rushed to the hospital on Monday. Lawler's longtime friend Dave Brown told the Memphis Commercial Appeal he spoke to Lawler via FaceTime early Tuesday afternoon and was very encouraged that he is recovering from a stroke. I hope my friend is going to okay. Love you, Jerry. pic.twitter.com/CV5F6YUGIx Ricky Morton (@RealRickyMorton) February 7, 2023 Some of the initial reports were just horrible, so I feel much better than I did 18 hours ago when I felt like I got hit in the face with a shovel, said Brown, a former meteorologist in the Memphis area, where Lawler is from. I was incredibly encouraged after I did a FaceTime. Jerry was alert. He talked to me. He could only say a couple words at a time, which is pretty normal. But (he) was able to move both legs and both arms. I feel very optimistic that hes eventually going to recover. Jerry Lawler:WWE superstar Jerry 'The King' Lawler had a stroke. Here's what we know. Wrestlers in the Sunshine State:Who are the top 5 most famous pro wrestlers living in Florida? Brown became friends with Lawler when he served as an announcer for the long-running Saturday morning "Classic Memphis Wrestling." Jerry "The King" Lawler greets the audience at a Northeast Wrestling card in Poughkeepsie on August 16, 2019. After his wrestling career, Lawler became one of the top color commentators for the WWE and recently appeared on WWE's Royal Rumble on Jan. 28. He also appeared in Punta Gorda at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center on Saturday signing autographs. Back in 2012, Lawler had a scare after wrestling in a tag team match and later announcing during an episode of WWE Raw. He took a heart attack during the show and was declared clinically dead for 30 minutes before being revived. Story continues Here are some of Lawler's career highlights: Lawler made his pro debut in 1970 and between 1970 to 1992 he performed in over 20 different wrestling federations and associations, according to Jerry Lawler's official website. He's credited with winning 168 championships. He rose to national fame in 1982 with a fake feud with comedian Andy Kaufman, which resulted in him famously slapping Kaufman in the face during a taping of the "Late Night with David Letterman" show. Lawler earned his moniker "The King" in 1974. He was feuding with Jackie Fargo which led to a match for the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship. Lawler won the belt and the title of "King of Wrestling." In 1992 he joined the WWF and has become one of the top figures in wrestling, serving as a wrestler and commentator for over 20 years. He was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996 and WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. Other professional wrestlers were also sending out well wishes including Paul Orndorff and Ric Flair. Hey folks, it's been reported that Jerry Lawler was rushed to the hospital following a medical emergency (possible stroke), so please keep The King in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/rqqvGLKtLR Paul Orndorff (@Pau1Orndorff) February 7, 2023 This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Pro wrestling icon Jerry "The King" Lawler rushed to Fort Myers hospital David N. Myers teaches Jewish history at UCLA and is the president of the New Israel Fund. Daniel Sokatch is the CEO of the New Israel Fund. A collage of two pages from a notebook that belonged to Vietnamese martyr Cao Xuan Tuat, which U.S. veteran Peter Mathews has been keeping for the last 56 years. Photos courtesy of Peter Mathews's Facebook page Tran Nhat Tan, head of the Ha Tinh Fatherland Front Committee, said the search for soldier Cao Xuan Tuat as described in a notebook possessed by U.S. veteran Peter Mathews came to him like fate. "I felt as if something was spurring me to find the notebook's owner," he said. At 10:50 a.m. on January 30, Tan received a phone call from a reporter about what Ha Tinh authorities would do, following a number of news articles translated from the original interview by the North Jersey with Mathews. The 77-year-old veteran has spent decades trying to find the owner of the notebook, someone supposedly named Cao Xuan Tuat from Ky Anh District, Ha Tinh Province. Tan contacted with leaders of both the Ky Anh District and the Ky Anh Commune, as well as other authorities in the central province of Ha Tinh, to see if theres any deceased or former soldier who goes by the name Cao Xuan Tuat. After a population data check that went all the way back to 1921, Ha Tinh police said there was no one with the name Cao Xuan Tuat. The Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs meanwhile said there were 36 deceased soldiers from Ky Anh whose family name was Cao. Nine of them were named Tuat, and one of them was Cao Van Tuat, whos from Ky Anh District. Tan then came to Mathewss website and email, preparing a link to the North Jersey report by Burrow Megan, hoping to make contact and gather information. However, he hesitated, fearing that a direct and sudden question would make Mathews and Megan reticent. So Tan requested the help of professor Shannon Gramse, who works at the University of Alaska and had interacted with Tan during a business trip during this years New Year holiday. Tan wanted him to contact with Mathews and Megan, hoping their communication would be easier. "Professor Shannon Gramse also cares about the article regarding the notes with the name Cao Xuan Tuat, so he agreed to connect me with Burrow Megan and Peter Mathews," Tan said. With Gramses help, Tan wrote to Mathews and Megan, saying there was indeed a deceased soldier named Cao Van Tuat. "Its highly likely that Cao Van Tuat is the one youve been looking for. I would need all the pages in the notes; maybe there would be more concrete info inside them," Tan wrote. Peter Mathews holds in his hands a notebook belonging to a Vietnamese soldier that he has kept for the last 56 years. Photo by VnExpress/Dang Huyen Homecoming On January 31, Tan began to contact with Mathews through emails. However, the U.S. veteran was not exactly savvy with computers, so he could only send a few pictures at a time. With every image received, Tan would save them and hand them over to authorities for further analysis. Communication between the two continued, and by 9:12 p.m. the same day, Tan received a photo of a page from the notes, saying that Cao Xuan Tuats family was located in Cao Thang Village. His father was Cao Xuan Ke, and his mother was Le Thi Vy, with a sister named Dieu. "I got goosebumps reading it. I went silent for a few seconds, shocked at how everything fell into place so perfectly," Tan recalled. Tan then called Ha Huy My, 63, in Cao Thang Village, who was caring for the late Cao Van Tuats post-death matters. He then asked about Van Tuats address and family members. Everything matched. On February 1, authorities of Ha Tinh Province and Ky Anh District came to Mys house for info verification. Then they contacted Nguyen Tien Hue, from Ky Anh District, who was a comrade with Van Tuat. They sent him pictures of the notes. "Ive checked them very carefully. They are indeed Tuats handwriting," Hue said. He said he and Tuat grew up together, so he knew about Tuats love for art. When they were in the army, sometimes Hue and Tuat would meet, and Tuat would show his friends pages of poetry, art and music. Thats how Hue remembered Tuats handwriting, he said. Tan then sent an email to Mathews and tell him what happened. Mathews then asked how had Tuats family reacted. When Tan said they were overjoyed, Mathews broke down in tears. It was 4 a.m. in the U.S. at the time. Based on the data from the notes, archived documents and info gathered from living relatives and witnesses, authorities of Ky Anh District were able to confirm Cao Xuan Tuat and Cao Van Tuat to be indeed the same person. Tuat, born in 1942, was the second-born in his family in Cao Thang Village, Ky Xuan Commune. His father was Cao Van Ke, and his mother was Le Thi Vy. He had three sisters: Cao Thi Dieu, Cao Thi Nong and Cao Thi Nanh. Tuat joined the army in 1963 and died in 1967. His final resting place was in a graveyard of Hoai Nhon Town, Binh Dinh Province. Authorities of Ha Tinh has requested a lawyer in the U.S. to go to Mathewss house, asking for his permission to photograph all of the notes, which include poems and paintings, as well as pages written by other people. "The notes could be archived as education material, contributing to the friendship between Vietnam and the U.S. Mathews said he was waiting to go to Vietnam soon, meet with Tuats family and return them his notebook. Number of Chinese visitors to Vietnam forecast to reach 4.5 million this year: HSBC Chinese tourists arrive at Cam Ranh Airport near Nha Trang in central Vietnam, January 2023. Photo by Anh Duong Vietnam could receive three to 4.5 million visitors from China this year, equivalent to 50%-80% of pre-pandemic levels, after the latter reopened its borders following a three-year strict Covid lockdown, HSBC said in its latest report. "The increasing return of Chinese tourists following China's border reopening on January 8 will notably contribute to the growth of Vietnam's tourism, which can be a key sector for Vietnam in 2023, offsetting the decline in trading and manufacturing," said HSBC experts. HSBC also called on Vietnam to fix existing issues such as flight constraints and visa barriers so that the tourism industry could take off this year. After Vietnam reopened tourism in March 2022, domestic tourism witnessed a strong recovery, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. However, international tourism, which used to account for 60% of tourism revenue pre-Covid, remained sluggish due to visa issues. Vietnam is now offering a visa exemption for nationals of 24 countries for stays of 15-30 days, except for Chileans, who are allowed 90 days, and a one-month single-entry e-visa for visitors from 80 other countries. Vietnam last year received only 3.6 million foreign tourists, mainly South Koreans and Americans. In 2019, the year before the onset of the pandemic, China was Vietnams biggest source of foreign arrivals with 5.5 million arrivals. The Vietnamese aviation industry also resumed commercial flights to China after three years while tourist hotspots are also ready to welcome the return of Chinese tourists. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. The European Parliaments proposal on the full embargo of Russian fossil fuels is life-threatening, untenable and flawed, Fidesz MEP Balazs Hidveghi told public radio. Fidesz MEPs stayed away from the vote because this was the latest of many impossible texts we should have given our opinion on. The proposal welcomes the shipment of tanks and calls for the delivery of fighter jets and long-range missile systems to Ukraine, Hidveghi said. Based on the false statement that this is our war, NATO and the western allies are getting dragged into this war, he added. This approach only leads to escalation, he said. The proposal also calls on member states to adopt a tenth package of sanctions, which proposes a full and immediate embargo on all fossil fuels and uranium. The measure would result in a dangerous and untenable situation, he said. Earlier, similar proposals did not bring the end of the war closer, and further steps would be suicidal and harmful to us, slowly ruining the security and quality of life of Hungarians and Europeans, to the point of collapse, he said. Regarding the corruption scandal plaguing Brussels, Hidveghi said this is clearly an extensive system of corruption that has been in place for a long time, and I think it has shaken the trust in the entire institution. Leftist parties are trying to deny the scope of the problem by insisting it only pertains to a few individuals, but actually it is an institutional, manipulative practice. On the EP proposal on the transparency of political campaigning, Hidveghi said the dangerous motion would interfere with member states election campaigns. It is unacceptable that an institution essentially working as a political committee or a censors office should decide what can be included in a campaign ad, and what qualifies as an acceptable or good political ad, he said. The proposal bears signs of the anti-democratic, centralist approach treading rough-shod on member states competencies generally typical of current EU decision-making, he said. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto asserted on Saturday that German financial interests are behind the protests against plans to build an EV battery factory in Debrecen. In a video uploaded to his Facebook page, he said the Hungarian left wing is striving to create jobs in, for instance, Germany rather than in Hungary, because the major Chinese battery factories primarily supply German carmakers. A significant portion of German car factories are here in Hungary, Szijjarto said, adding This obviously does not coincide with German national economic interests. Szijjarto added they are now trying to present the production of batteries for electric cars as some kind of a secret story which will come here and cause great damage. Large battery factories are currently operating in Hungary and they not causing any environmental problems at all, he claimed. Finally, he said anybody who campaigns against the construction of the factory in Debrecen is campaigning against environmental protection and the interests of the national economy. The building of the Hungarian embassy in Ankara has been temporarily evacuated following the earthquake in Turkey, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Monday. The government will send a team of fifty people on Monday evening to help with rescue operations in the affected area, he added. Szijjarto said he had recently talked to his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, expressed his sympathies and offered Hungarys help in the search for survivors, caring for the injured and restoring damaged infrastructure. The earthquake could also be felt in the building of Hungarys embassy in Ankara which has been temporarily evacuated pending an evaluation of its structural integrity by experts, he said. We have informed Hungarian citizens staying in Turkey, including 213 people who have registered for consular protection, about which areas of the country should not be visited, he said. We know about one Hungarian person staying in the affected area, with whom we maintain continuous contact, he added. He asked for persons with information about Hungarian citizens staying in the affected areas to report them to the consulate. He also said that a team of fifty Hungarian rescuers, including six doctors, will leave for Turkey under arrangements by the disaster management authority later in the day. Earthquake damage has also been reported from Syria, with several Christian communities having been seriously affected, Szijjarto said. Support to them will also be on the agenda in the upcoming days, and help will be sent, he added. Hungarian Rescue Team Leaves for Turkey Hungarys Hunor rescue team has left for Turkey to help those affected by a major earthquake that hit the country early on Monday. Providing fast assistance at a time of such a disaster is critical, Bence Retvari, a state secretary of the interior ministry, said before the teams departure. The faster help arrives, the more lives can be saved, Retvari said, noting that more than 1,000 people have been confirmed dead after the earthquake and 5,000-6,000 have been injured. The 55-member team comprises firefighters, military doctors and members of the ambulance service. Its mission in Turkiye will also be assisted by search dogs. The team and its 90 tonnes of equipment and supplies are being flown to Turkey with an Airbus A319 of the Hungarian Armed Forces. Their work will be directed by Turkeys disaster management authority. The teams supplies are enough for 10 days. Retvari noted that the Hunor rescue team was established 11 years ago and that since then Hungarian disaster management has proven it to be one of the worlds best prepared rescue teams. Hunor has provided help in Serbia, Macedonia and Japan, among other places, he said. Retvari said Hunor would also strengthen Hungarian-Turkish friendship, and thanked the team for its work. President, Parliament Speaker Send Condolences Over Turkey Earthquake President Katalin Novak has sent her condolences to her Turkish counterpart over the victims of an earthquake that shook Turkey in the early hours on Monday. In her letter to Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Novak expressed her sympathy with the families of the victims and offered Hungarys help to rescue operations. Laszlo Kover, the speaker of parliament, expressed sympathy on behalf of the Hungarian parliament with the families of the victims and sent them his condolences, his office said. Kover wished those injured a speedy recovery. In his telegram sent to Mustafa Sentop, Speaker of Turkeys Grand National Assembly, Kover said he had learnt with deep shock about the devastating earthquake that claimed a large number of lives and in which hundreds of people were injured. He assured Sentop, that the people of Hungarys friend Turkey can count on our countrys help and support at this difficult time. Orban: Hungary Standing by Turkey Prime Minister Viktor Orban sent his condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a letter over the earthquake that shook southern Turkey in the early hours of Monday, and offered Hungary's help. Hungary is standing by Turkey at this tragic moment, Orban said, adding that he learnt about the disaster with deep shock and sorrow. Orban expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Peter Szijjarto, the foreign minister, said that a team of fifty Hungarian rescuers, including six doctors, were set to leave for Turkey under arrangements by the disaster management authority later in the day. Turkey, the Turkish nation is a friend of Hungary and the Hungarian nation. It is natural, that in this disaster we will stand by our Turkish friends and help with whatever we can, Szijjarto said. He said help will also be sent to Christian communities affected by the earthquake in Syria. Bertalan Havasi, the prime ministers press chief, said the earthquake that hit southeast Turkey and northern Syria would also be at the top of the agenda of a three-day strategic cabinet meeting that started on the outskirts of Sopron, in western Hungary. MTI Photo: Tamas Kovacs SUVs are growing to become the most-liked car body type in India. The story is better narrated by the SUVs' sales numbers, with these cars earning their place in the list of best-selling cars leaving sedans behind and slowly catching up with hatchbacks. To reap the benefits of this epoch, manufacturers are setting up to launch the best of their models in the Indian market. Automakers like Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, and others have SUVs lined up to launch in India like the Mahindra Thar 5-door, Maruti Suzuki Jimny, and others. Here we have compiled a list of the top 5 upcoming SUV launches in India: Maruti Suzuki Jimny With the Auto Expo 2023, the Indian automaker lifted the covers off of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door in India for the first time. Since the unveiling, the company has been teasing the off-roader SUV which is soon to be launched in India. The new car with the boxy design will get a Suzuki AllGrip Pro system to help it go off the road, Furthermore, it will be powered by the company's K-Series 1.5 litre engine. Also read: Maruti Suzuki Adds Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto to Baleno, XL6 and Ertiga Mahindra Thar 5-door Mahindra Thar is one of the best-selling off-roader SUVs in India. The car has been around for quite a while now and has gone through multiple iterations. The latest of these versions is speculated to launch soon in India as the Mahindra Thar 5-door. The off-roader SUV once launched will rival the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Jimny. Furthermore, this SUV is comparatively bigger than the outgoing version of the car. It is expected to be noted that the car is expected to be powered by the same engine as the outgoing model with increased power output. Maruti Suzuki Fronx Expanding its model lineup the Indian automaker unveiled the Maruti Suzuki Fronx in India. The Baleno-based Crossover SUV coupe features the company's modern design language and is soon to be launched in India. The SUV will be sold in India with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.2-litre petrol engine. The new model is speculated to be launched soon for consumers in India. Upon launch, the car will go head-to-head with models like Nissan Kiger and others. Kia Seltos Facelift The South Korean automaker is set to evolve the Kia Seltos SUV with a facelift in 2023. The new version of the SUV is expected to be launched in the mid of this year with multiple changes around the body, features, and interiors of the car. However, the car will retain its 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine. Though, chances are that the turbo petrol engine will be excluded from the car. Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG The Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG will be the nation's first CNG-powered car with an automatic transmission whenever it is released. The 1.5-liter K15C DualJet engine, which also powers the Ertiga and XL6, will be used to power it. It produces 100 horsepower and 136 torque in the MPVs, and 88 horsepower and 121.5 torque when it runs on CNG. In the Brezza, anticipate similar results. The Brezza will also come with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, in contrast to the Ertiga and XL6 CNG's 5-speed manual transmission alone. A still from a YouTube video shows South Korean MC and entertainer Noh Hong Chul (L) and YouTuber Pani Bottle on a street in Ho Chi Minh City, 2023. Famous South Korean MC and entertainer Noh Hong Chul was injured in a recent motorbike accident in Ho Chi Minh City while traveling with YouTuber Pani Bottle. On Monday, Bottle posted a video on his YouTube channel showing the Korean TV personality lying on the ground after he got into a traffic accident in the outlying district of Cu Chi, around 70 kilometers from downtown HCMC. In the video, Bottle said they planned to camp out on the last day in the city and both rented motorbikes to reach the camping site. Chul was traveling ahead of Bottle when he hit another motorbike and fell to the ground. Seeing Chul's face bleeding, Bottle shouted, "Help me," and local residents called an ambulance, which arrived 30 minutes later and Chul was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The doctors told the Korean entertainer that he didn't require surgery but that he needed to let his scar heal. Both soon wrapped up their holiday in Vietnam and returned to South Korea. In the video, Bottle also thanked the Vietnamese people who supported them in a time of need. Chu is famous for serving as the co-host of the variety show "Talents for Sale." He previously appeared on the television programs "Infinite Challenge" and "I Live Alone." Since Vietnam reopened its border in March 2022, South Korea has become the country's largest source of foreign visitors. In 2022, Vietnam received 965,000 South Korean tourists, around 30% of pre-pandemic levels. A video posted by YouTuber Pani Bottle shows the South Korean TV personality Noh Hong Chu after a motorbike accident during their trip to Vietnam: Two pilots walked away with minor injuries after a Boeing 737 jet, converted for firefighting, crashed in Australia, officials said Tuesday. The twin-engine tanker owned by Canadian-based Coulson Aviation crashed in Fitzgerald River National Park in southern Western Australia state while fighting wildfires late Monday. Both pilots received only minor injuries even though the plane was engulfed in flames and smoke upon impact, Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said. "It's nothing short of miraculous that they were able to walk away from that plane," Dawson told reporters. The men, believed to be Canadian citizens, were released from a hospital on Tuesday, Australian Associated Press reported. Three American aviators died when a C-130 Hercules tanker, a four-propeller plane also owned by Coulson Aviation, crashed in the east coast state of New South Wales while fighting wildfires in January 2020. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the nation's crash investigator, said Monday's crash was the first serious accident involving a Boeing 737 in Australia. The plane crashed shortly after dumping its load of water with additives in turbulent conditions. Coulson Aviation is sending executives to Sydney. Crash investigator Angus Mitchell said it was too early to suggest any link between the two Coulson Aviation crashes or wider implications for Boeing 737 passenger aircraft. "This is fairly common that air tankers are converted from other uses," Mitchell said. "In terms of a large aircraft like this coming down, it's generally never one thing that goes wrong, it's quite often a succession of things," Mitchell added. The plane had taken off from an airport 500 kilometres (300 miles) away. It was the plane's second retardant drop on an out-of-control wildfire near the coastal town of Hopetoun. Flight services on Chennai Airport were disrupted because of bad weather. According to Chennai airport authorities, Tuesday morning's severe fog caused a number of planes to be delayed or diverted to Bengaluru. Seven aircraft attempting to arrive in Chennai from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Dubai were unsuccessful and continued to circle the earth. According to officials, aircraft from Dubai were redirected to Bengaluru for landing. This morning, Chennai and its suburbs were suddenly affected by heavy fog after 7:30 am. As a result, flights arriving and landing at Chennai airport were delayed. An Indigo Airlines flight from Bengaluru, scheduled to land at Chennai at 8 am this morning, circled the sky for a while and left for Bengaluru. Similarly, the Emirates Airlines flight which came from Dubai to Chennai circled for a long time and was finally diverted to Bengaluru. Also read: Aero India 2023: Boeing to Showcase Top Gun-Fame F/A-18 Super Hornet Fighter Jet (With ANI Inputs) An Indigo's flight from Jeddah to Delhi made an emergency landing in Rajasthan's Jodhpur on Thursday after one of the passengers on the plane fell sick. As per reports, the passenger was identified as 61-year-old Mitra Bano. After the landing at the airport, the passenger was taken to Goyal Hospital and Research Centre in the city for her treatment. However, the medical professionals said that Bano was already dead when she was brought to the hospital. A doctor on board, according to an IndiGo statement, reportedly assisted the crew in giving the passenger quick first aid. The airlines also offered Mitra Bano's friends and family their condolences. She was with her on Mir Muzaffar when the plane touched down in Jodhpur at 11 a.m. According to authorities at the airport, the woman's condition apparently got worse during the flight, necessitating the emergency landing, as reported by India Today. The woman's son, Mir, asserted that his mother had never previously been ill. Her medication utilisation, blood sugar, and blood pressure were all within acceptable ranges. He had a good time on his trip to Saudi Arabia and had no idea that something would happen in the middle of it. On the way home, the mother complained of excruciating agony, which required an emergency landing. According to reports, the mother had a heart arrest. Mir operates his business from his home in Jammu and Kashmir's Amirabad Talal neighbourhood. His mother, brother, and father had just returned from a vacation to Saudi Arabia with him. Only a few weeks before, an IndiGo flight from Madurai to Delhi had to make an emergency landing at the Indore airport after a 60-year-old passenger started bleeding in the air. However, a local hospital's medical professionals declared him dead. The traveller was a local of Noida. With PTI inputs The investigation committee found that the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder from the crashed Yeti Airlines ATR-72 aircraft, which killed all the 72 passengers on board on January 15 in Nepal, indicated that there was a problem in the engine. "In ATR-72 aircraft feather means to stay inclined to 90 degrees in spite of being in a certain degree as turned by the pilots. In order to increase the speed, the pilot has to incline the propeller blade using the liver that is in the cockpit. With the propeller blade standing at 90 degrees, the plane would lose aerodynamic movement," the committee said in a report. All 72 people including 5 Indians and 4 crew members lost their lives when a Yeti Airlines aircraft ATR-72 crashed in Pokhara of Nepal earlier last month. The twin-engine ATR 72-500 aircraft plummeted into a gorge as it was approaching Pokhara International Airport in the Himalayan foothills. The crash site is about 1.6 km from the runway at an elevation of about 820 meters (2,700 feet). Kathmandu Post on Sunday quoted Sudarshan Bartaula, a spokesperson of Yeti Airlines as saying that the ATR 72 Yeti airlines aircraft crashed between the old airport and the Pokhara International Airport. After the incident, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal promised the families of the Yeti airlines plane crash victims to "expedite" the process so that they can have the bodies of the deceased soon. The Prime Minister met the kin of those killed in the tragic crash as he was not able to go to the site at the time of the accident and assured them of accelerating the procedure. Notably, the families and relatives are waiting for the bodies to be handed over to them at the morgue. "PM Dahal promised the families to hand over the bodies as soon as possible expediting the procedures. The hospital can ask the government for additional resources in case they need to expedite it," according to an official statement of the PM secretariat. Earlier, the black box of the Yeti Airlines aircraft was handed over by the Nepal Army to Civil Aviation Authority officials.A black box is a flight data recorder that records all flight information through a special algorithm. In the wake of earthquakes in the western Asian nation, the Indian government has summoned an urgent conference with Indian airlines that fly to Turkey. Low-cost airline IndiGo from India offered free cargo transportation to Istanbul during the summit. The Indian aviation regulator met with Indian airlines over the operation of commercial scheduled flights carrying cargo to Turkey. "IndiGo has offered free cargo movement on its scheduled commercial flights using Boeing 777 aircraft to Istanbul." an aviation industry source told ANI. Recently Indigo started its wide-body flight operation to Turkey in Istanbul by Boeing-777."The Indian carrier colony is with Turkey in the disaster and we are ready to provide free cargo movement for humanitarian aid," sources quoted the airline company as saying in the meeting. Also read: Turkey Earthquake: Pakistan Denies Airspace to India's C-17 Plane Carrying NDRF Team, Medical Aid - Report Other ministries are also part of the meeting and a final decision is yet to be taken in this regard. The first Indian Air Force plane carrying disaster relief material and rescue team to carry out search and rescue efforts in Turkey has reached Adana in the earthquake-hit country, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. The C17 flight with over 50 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and a specially trained dog squad along with necessary equipment, including medical supplies, drilling machines and other equipment required for the aid efforts departed for Turkey early this morning. Turkish Embassy in New Delhi tweeted, "First batch of earthquake relief material along with NDRF`s special search and rescue teams and trained dog squads just arrived in Turkiye. Thank you India for your support and solidarity." Meanwhile, nearly 4,900 people have been killed and tens of thousands injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on Monday, according to officials, reported CNN. Turkey`s death toll rose to at least 3,381 as of around 9:45 a.m. local time on Tuesday, Orhan Tatar, an official with the country`s disaster management agency, said in a televised briefing. At least 20,426 injuries have also been reported, according to Tatar. Meanwhile in Syria, the death toll has risen to 1,509 across areas controlled by the government and by the opposition, officials said, reported CNN. (With ANI Inputs) Update: The Indian Air Force clarified that as per standard operating procedure, its aircraft have avoided flying over Pakistan. "Our aircraft don't fly over Pakistan as this is our standard operating procedure. Our planes take a longer route by flying from the Gujarat side to avoid Pakistani air space while going towards Europe or West Asia," an IAF official said. As per a media report, Pakistan has denied its airspace access to the Indian Air Force aircraft travelling to Turkey for relief operations. On February 6, 2023, Turkey and Syria were jolted by a 7.9-magnitude earthquake, one of the most devastating earthquakes in the history of West Asia. To help Turkey in the relief operation, Indian govt promised to send for medical aid as per as NDRF (Indian National Disaster Response Force) teams. India deployed its biggest cargo plane in the service, the Boeing-made C-17 Globemaster. The first of these planes landed in Adana airport with modern drilling equipment, medics and rescue dogs. However, as per a CNN-News18 report, the IAF had to take a detour because of Pakistan denied permission for the flight to use its airspace. There were 5 back to back earthquakes within two days, resulting in more than 4,800 deaths. Over tens of thousands injured and thousands trapped under the rubble of dilapidated buildings. This is not the first time Pakistan has stopped an Indian plane from accessing its airspace for sending humanitarian aid to nations. It is to be noted that India has to fly over the Pakistani airspace to reach countries in the West, including Turkey, Ukraine, European Nations among other countries. In 2021, Pakistan prevented India from using its territory in the aftermath of the Taliban taking over Afghanistan. During Covid-19 rescue ops to bring back Indians stuck in Europe, India undertook a massive drill called Mission Vande Bharat. Pakistan denied flights from India to use its airspace and airlines had to take a longer route to reach the west, resulting in increased time and fuel consumption. New Delhi: Kartik Aaryan has been looked up to by the masses for his upcoming mass entertainer Shehzada. While the youngest superstar truly left the entire nation impressed with his action avatar and cool massive swag in the trailer of the film, he also gave everyone a fun, party number and a romantic song. While the fever of the film has been constantly taking over the audience, our very own Shehzada is rigorously promoting the film and his tour has now reached Agra and Delhi where the superstar witnessed a crazy crowd while totally winning the grounds with his charm. Kartik took to his social media while sharing some glimpses of his Shehzada promotional tour. While the pictures capture his moments with the crowd, he also shared some videos in which he can be seen grooving with the kids and cheering the audience on the songs of the film. Expressing his love to his fans, he jotted down a caption, "Your love makes me unstoppable #Shehzada." Watch the video shared by Kartik Aaryan Moreover, as Kartik had a super successful 2022, with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 being the biggest blockbuster and having given his finest performance in Freddy, he is currently topping all the headlines for his upcoming film Shehzada. On the work front, besides Shehzada, Kartik also has Satya Prem Ki Katha lined up for this year and will also be seen in the 3rd installment of Aashiqui. He also has Kabir Khan's untitled in his kitty. New Delhi: A viral message is doing the rounds in the social media regarding BSNL Customers' KYC. The viral message claims that customer's KYC has been suspended by the TRAI following which the sim card of the customer will be blocked within 24 hours Meanwhile, Busting the fraudulent message, PIB has said that these claims are fake. BSNL never sends any such notices. PIB has further advised that people should never share their personal and bank details with anyone. PIB has tweeted: It is being claimed in a notice that the customer's KYC has been suspended by @TRAI and the sim card will be blocked within 24 hrs#PIBFactCheck These claims are #Fake @BSNLCorporate never sends any such notices Never share your personal & bank details with anyone pic.twitter.com/R8WWgGOB06 PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) February 7, 2023 PIB from time to time advises that people should not click any such suspicious links being sent over as a viral message. How to get messages fact-checked by PIB If you get any such suspicious message, you can always know its authenticity and check if the news is for real or it is a fake news. For that, you need to send the message to https://factcheck.pib.gov.in. Alternatively you can send a WhatsApp message to +918799711259 for fact check. You can also send your message to pibfactcheck@gmail.com. The fact check information is also available on https://pib.gov.in. NEET PG 2023: A group of doctors, including NEET-PG aspirants, held a protest at the Jantar Mantar Road in the national capital on Tuesday (February 7, 2023) and demanded the postponement of exams scheduled for early March. The NEET PG aspirants carried out a protest under the banner of a body of doctors - the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and demanded that the NEET PG 2023 exam be pushed by two to three weeks to reduce the gap between the result declaration and counselling process. As per the calendar issued by the National Board of Examinations, the NEET PG 2023 exam is scheduled for March 5 and the results will be out around March 31, while the counselling process will start in July 2023. NEET PG 2023 postponement: There is large gap between counselling and examination date, says FAIMA FAIMA founder Dr Manish Jangra said the association members, which included NEET-PG aspirants and office-bearers of the association today held a protest with a demand to postpone the NEET-PG entrance examination to May-June. He said that the counselling after the exam is likely to be held in July, so a large number of interns may face issues with eligibility. "At present with the eligibility bar for interns being June 30 and the exam date on March 5, there is a large gap between the counselling and the examination date, this time could be utilised by the students to study for the examination and pursue their dream subject," news agency IANS quoted Jangra as saying. "We also want to convey that this is the year where we are adjusting to the delays of the Covid-19 pandemic in which the healthcare sector played a major role. Henceforth, we request the government to postpone NEET PG 2023 with immediate effect and allow maximum interns to take part in the examination system," Jangra added. Mangaluru: A total of 137 nursing and paramedical students staying at a private hostel here have fallen sick due to food poisoning after having dinner, police sources said on Tuesday. The students have been admitted to various hospitals in the city, city police commissioner N Shashi Kumar said. Karnataka | Around 137 students of a private nursing and paramedical college in Shakthinagar area of Mangaluru were admitted to different hospitals in the city yesterday, after they complained of food poisoning, allegedly after having food at their hostel mess. pic.twitter.com/M8vmdZ6qW7 ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2023 The students complained of stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhoea and were admitted to hospitals on Monday night. Water contamination is said to be the reason for the food poisoning, sources said. The condition of some of the students is stated to be serious. Today, the world is experiencing the direct and spillover effects of Putins senseless war in Ukraine, said U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. For one, Russias war against Ukraine has dramatically exacerbated the global food crisis, she said. But the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has been critical to feeding the worlds hungry, is not keeping pace with the global demand for Black Sea grain. Due to Russias deliberate slowdown of inspections, dozens of ships are waiting to depart, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield: The Initiative should operate as it was envisioned, moving five million tons of food per month. The worlds hungry deserve nothing less. . . .Im asking members of the Council to join us in urging Russia to scale up cooperation immediately. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also called attention to the well-documented cases in Ukraine of sexual violence committed against women, men, and children by the Russian Federations forces. In recent months, the war has been stoked by Iran and the DPRK as they have transferred prohibited materiel to Russia. Since August, Iran has transferred hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles to Russia and may be considering transferring ballistic missiles to Russia as well noted Ambassador Thomas Greenfield: We believe Iran is now considering the sale of hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia ... in violation of Council resolutions. We urge Iran to reverse course ... And we urge everyone who supports peace to ask Iran to do the same. In November 2022, the DPRK delivered infantry rockets and missiles into Russia for use by the Russian Federation-backed Wagner Group in violation of the UN Security Councils sanctions resolutions. The United States condemns the DPRKs and Russias actions and urges the DPRK to cease these deliveries, which are blatant violations of Security Council resolutions and further fuel Russias aggression and war of choice against Ukraine. The people of Ukraine, as well as people all around the world, have suffered greatly. The people of Ukraine want to return to a normal life. People everywhere want to address food security and other global challenges, not make them worse. Now is the time for all countries to stand together and demand that Russia end this senseless war. Turkey-Syria Earthquake: More than 4,300 people have died in Turkey and neighboring Syria after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck on Monday morning. The Government of India has sent two NDRF teams to Turkey along with relief equipment on this occasion. NDRF Director General Atul Karwal has said that "The first team left on February 7 at 3 am with 51 rescuers. This includes 51 rescuers as well as a dog squad, five women rescuers and three cars. They will land at Adana Airport-which is near the disaster-affected area." Delhi | First NDRF team left for turkey at 3 AM on Feb 7 with 51 rescue staff, a canines squad; five women rescue staff & three cars in the Indian Air Force plane. They will land near Adana airport in Turkey which is near the first site of disaster: Atul Karwal, DG, NDRF pic.twitter.com/XgiKNYtc2K February 7, 2023 After this, the second team left from Hindon airbase at 11 am, which included paramedic staff along with a commander, fifty rescuers and an NDRF doctor. Thanking the Government of India, Turkish Ambassador to India Firat Sunel has written on Twitter "Friend is a common word in Turkish and Hindi. There is a proverb in our Turkish language which means that a friend in need is a friend indeed. Thank you very much.' "Dost" is a common word in Turkish and Hindi... We have a Turkish proverb: "Dost kara gunde belli olur" (a friend in need is a friend indeed). Thank you very much @narendramodi @PMOIndia @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @MOS_MEA #earthquaketurkey https://t.co/nB97RubRJU Frat Sunel (@firatsunel) February 6, 2023 The death toll from earthquakes in Turkey and Syria is continuously increasing. There has been huge devastation in Turkey and Syria. According to news agency ANI, a medical team of 89 people has left Army Field Hospital in Agra for relief work. Many medical experts are included in this team. The team will treat the injured. Apart from this, India has now also sent NDRF team for relief and rescue operations. #Turkey earthquake | Agra-based Army Field Hospital has dispatched an 89-member medical team. The team comprises critical care specialist teams including Orthopaedic Surgical Team, General Surgical Specialist Team, Medical Specialist Teams apart from other medical teams February 7, 2023 A strong tremor was felt near the town of Gaziantep on Monday. The second blow came soon after that. A question is arising as to why there have been so many deaths in these earthquakes? The magnitude of the earthquake near Gaziantep was 7.8. On the official scale, it is classified as very destructive. According to Professor Joanna Faure Walker, head of the Risk and Disaster Reduction Institute at University College London, "If we look at the devastating earthquakes that have occurred in any year, only two earthquakes of this magnitude have been recorded in the last ten years and four in the decade before that." However, due to the powerful tremors, there has been devastation on such a large scale. These earthquake tremors came on Monday morning, when people were inside houses and were sleeping. The strength of the buildings is also a factor in this devastation. Thane: The Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena (BSS) on Tuesday termed as "childish" former Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray's comments challenging Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to contest the election against him from the Worli Assembly seat in Mumbai. Aaditya Thackeray, who was a cabinet minister in the erstwhile Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government headed by his father Uddhav Thackeray, is the sitting MLA of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) from Worli. Addressing a press conference here, Naresh Mhaske, a spokesperson of the Shinde-led Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena, said Aaditya Thackeray is not even a shakha pramukh (local party unit chief) and should stop comparing himself with the CM, who is a mass leader. Mhaske said several senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders like Sunil Shinde and Kishori Pednekar were ignored and the ticket was given to the junior Thackeray to contest the 2019 Assembly polls from Worli in central Mumbai. The former Thane mayor said Aaditya Thackeray's challenge to Chief Minister Shinde to contest the election against him from Worli was "childish". "I have challenged this unconstitutional chief minister that I would resign as MLA from Worli and you contest election against me. Let me see how you win from Worli," the junior Thackeray said at a party programme in Mumbai last Friday. The BSS spokesperson said when Uddhav Thackeray resigned as Chief Minister in June last year, he had declared he would also quit his Legislative Council seat, but the former CM continues to be a member of the Upper House. Mhaske said Aaditya Thackeray did not contest elections from his family's home turf Bandra in suburban Mumbai and instead went to Worli to fight polls. The BSS spokesperson said instead of throwing challenges at Shinde, Aaditya Thackeray should contest upcoming civic polls against him (Mhaske) from Thane city. Shinde is the MLA from the Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency in Thane. Patna, Feb 7 (IANS) A seven-year-old boy was killed during celebratory firing in Bihar`s Nalanda district, an official said on Tuesday. The celebratory firing took place during the birthday party of a minor girl in Parmanand Bigha village on Monday night. An FIR has been registered against the girl`s father Naresh Yadav and six others in Noor Sarai police station. The accused are absconding now. The deceased was identified as Mohit Kumar, son of Sudhir Prasad. He was one of the guests at the birthday party. "The celebratory firing started soon after cake cutting ceremony. The people assembled there fired several rounds in the air and one of the bullets hit Mohit as well. The minor boy died on the spot," DSP, Sadar, Sibli Nomani said. After the death of Mohit, the guests involved in the celebratory firing fled from the spot. Even Naresh Yadav also fled from the village with his family members. "We have registered an FIR against Naresh Yadav and six others in Noor Sarai police station. The accused are at large. Raids on," Nomani said. (The above article is sourced from news agency IANS. Zeenews.com has made no editorial changes to the article. News agency IANS is solely responsible for the contents of the article) New Delhi: Amid chaos and clash between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MCD mayoral elections, BJP`s mayor candidate Rekha Gupta slammed AAP for playing "dirty politics".Talking to ANI BJP`s Mayor candidate Rekha Gupta alleged, "AAP leaders are approching BJP councillors and offering them MLA tickets and money to join and support AAP. Aadmi Party is very unexpected, they say something, do something and show something. "Earlier during the mayoral elections in January, the country`s people witnessed how AAP created a ruckus in the house. If they have numbers and a majority then why they are doing this Gupta said. Speaking on AAP leader Atishi`s allegations BJP Mayor candidate said, "They have only defended themselves by saying that we have not done anything, but we have proof of how many AAP leaders approached our councillors. "Meanwhile, BJP`s mayor candidate alleged that for cross-voting many big leaders of AAP approached our 10 councillors. Responding to reporters` questions about whether the mayoral elections will be concluded peacefully or not Rekha said, "From our (BJP) side, we will try that election concludes peacefully."Notably, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, VK Saxena on Wednesday approved February 6 to hold the election of Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and the six-Member Standing Committee. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia had proposed the election date. Earlier on January 6 and January 24 the mayoral elections at the MCD House were postponed after a clash erupted between AAP and BJP councillors. The AAP has fielded Shelly Oberoi as their candidate for the post of mayor while BJP has nominated Rekha Gupta. Aaley Mohammad Iqbal is the deputy mayor candidate of AAP. NEW DELHI: Amid the government-opposition standoff over the Hindenburg-Adani row, the Congress on Tuesday took pot shot at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his silence on the issue and his continued patronage of the Gautam Adani-led Adani Group. The main opposition party posted a picture on its official Twitter handle showing PM Modi in deep meditation pose. Congress also captioned the tweet: ADANI. Din raat bus ek hi nam japate hain (day and night, he chants only one name). The main opposition party has earlier said that it would not "back down" till Prime Minister Narendra Modi agrees to have a discussion on Hindenburg Research`s report against Adani Group in Parliament. "We need PM Modi`s statement on the Adani issue, which has affected the lives of people and lost crores of money. We want a discussion under rule 267. We won`t back down till the PM agrees to have a discussion in Parliament," senior Congress senior leader Digvijay Singh said on Monday. Congress is continuously cornering the government over the issue in Parliament forcing the adjournments of both Houses during the Budget Session. On Monday, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm and then for the day. This is the fourth day of the logjam in Parliament over the opposition`s demand for the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Congress also held nationwide protests outside State Bank of India (SBI) branches and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) offices on Monday, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the matter. In Himachal, the Congress demonstrated in all the district headquarters. In Shimla, Congress protested outside the main branch of SBI and raised slogans against the Adani group and the central government. The principal Media Advisor to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan said that crores of people`s money are in SBI and LIC and are on the verge of ending. "This is a huge scam. The Congress party has raised its voice against this and is demanding an inquiry by the sitting judge of the Supreme Court by setting up a JPC. It should be clarified why the BJP government is not conducting its inquiry," Chauhan also said. He further said that the Central agencies like CBI, ED, and Income tax which are active against anti-Modi leaders are silent today. In Chhattisgarh, the party leaders staged a protest at Jai Stambh Chowk in Raipur. A large number of Congress office bearers, including state Congress president Mohan Markam and Congress MLA Satnarayan Sharma, participated in the demonstration. Protesters also raised slogans against the central government on the occasion. Members of Congress in Telangana staged a protest outside the State Bank of India office in Hyderabad over the Adani issue. The Congress also held a protest in Jammu on the same.A video showed protesters clashing with the police, who were raising anti-BJP slogans. A protest was also held by NSUI (National Students Union of India), the student wing of Congress in Delhi who were demanding a Joint Parliament Committee probe over the Adani row. As part of the Congress party`s nationwide protests, Odisha Congress President Sarat Pattanayak staged a demonstration outside SBI Bank over the Adani issue in Bhubaneswar. It is being argued by the opposition that the investment of the Adani group in public sector banks such as the SBI and LIC has had a big impact on the savings of the middle class. Opposition parties on Monday protested near the Gandhi statue outside Parliament and demanded a Joint Parliament Committee investigation or Supreme Court-monitored probe into the Hindenburg-Adani row. Hindenburg Report On Adani Group A report by a US-based Hindenburg Research surfaced on January 24, claiming that the Adani Group had weak business fundamentals, and was involved in stock manipulation and accounting fraud, among others. According to the statement, the Adani portfolio and the Adani verticals are focused on bringing India into the global economy and nation-building. In the summary of the long response by Adani Group, it said the report was "nothing but a lie". The Adani report states that by "holding short positions" in Adani stocks, which, simply put, is betting on the stock falling. Hindenburg exposed its hand as it made huge money with the fall of Adani stocks immediately following the publication of the report on January 24."The document is a malicious combination of selective misinformation and concealed facts relating to baseless and discredited allegations to drive an ulterior motive," the Adani Group`s response said. The report triggered a sell-off of shares of all Adani Group companies. Although the Congress is getting the support of other opposition parties on the Adani issue, it has to be seen whether the parties such as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Aam Aadmi Party and Trinamool Congress, which are seen together in the meetings, will join the Congress demonstration or extend moral support. New Delhi: TMC MP Mahua Moitra on Tuesday launched a stinging attack on the government over the Adani-Hindenburg issue and said the billionaire businessman had 'topi-pehnau-ed (duped)' the country. While participating in the debate on the 'Motion of Thanks to the President's Address' in Lok Sabha, Moitra, without naming Adani, said that a famous person whose name starts with 'A' and ends with 'I' and is not Advani, who stinks of crony capitalism, had duped everyone. Soon after she concluded her speech, there were angry exchanges between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and BJP members. Moitra was heard using certain objectionable words to which the Chair objected and urged members to avoid cuss words. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi asked Moitra to apologise out of morality and said if she does not it would reflect on her culture. Moitra brought two birthday caps in the House to press her argument that the businessman being most talked about had "topi-pehnau-ed" the government. She demanded that an enquiry be ordered against the activities of the Adani group. Beginning her address by quoting from President Droupadi Murmu's address, Moitra said, "Every word I utter is going to be an oblation and offering a truth into my 'maha yagna' of nation building." "I want to start off by saying as an ex-investment banker, I want companies to thrive. But I want honest, hardworking Indian companies to strive and not trapeze artists. As an MP colleague of mine likes to say the Chair always asked me not to get angry. I will not be angry for what I have to say. I will only say that we've all been fooled," she said. Moitra also alleged that the businessman gives the impression that doing things for him means that one would be in the prime minister and home minister's good books. Referring to a statement by the Adani group in which it had said that short-seller Hindenburg's report was a calculated attack on India, she said, "The pride of India is not the wealth of one individual, pride of India lies in the robustness of its institutional structures." She said a company which is in infrastructure makes five to 15 per cent returns if they are lucky and if they get everything right, but the multiple with which this company 'A' was trading was absolutely outrageous. Please watch monkey brigade out in full force to shut me up. https://t.co/C2jPC2CYxm Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) February 7, 2023 Even Google, Amazon and Microsoft don't trade on such multiples, she said. "Honourable home minister, he has topi-pehnau-ed you...He is getting security clearances from the ministry of home affairs...Madam, finance minister he has topi-pehnau-ed you," the TMC leader said. "This man has been allowed to use LIC, and SBI to get money as and when he likes. Honourable civil aviation, he has 'topi-pehnau-ed', you shipping minister, he has topi-pehna-ed you petroleum minister, he has 'topi-pehnau-ed' oil PSUs...Power minister he has topi-pehnau-ed you," she said. "India is on its way to becoming the third largest economy in the world. Don't let him smear your time in government, with a stink of crony capitalism. Please immediately order a full complete and thorough investigation into all matters...Our country's reputation is at risk," Moitra said. She also said the House too has historically seen some of the greatest debates, some friendly, some not-so-friendly sparring matches. "But it is more and less a sacred place where elected representatives could speak their minds without fear of favour... Today and I say this with a heavy heart, Lok Sabha is a space which stands out more for what cannot be said in this hall, then what can we say. The list of unmentionables is actually far longer than the list of mentionables," she claimed. "We cannot say China, we cannot say Pegasus, we can not say BBC, we cannot say Morbi, we cannot say Rafael, and sometimes we cannot even say Modi ji...," she said. Nobody is behind Mahua. Mahua is behind the truth (And truth cant be silenced by thug hecklers) My speech in Lok Sabha todayhttps://t.co/pFdvrUBfoF February 7, 2023 The opposition has been demanding a joint parliamentary committee probe or a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the allegations of fraud and manipulation made by the US-based short seller Hindenburg Research against billionaire Gautam Adani's companies that triggered an unprecedented stock crash. The group has denied the charges. The opposition parties have alleged that the meltdown in Adani Group shares is a 'mega scam' that involves common people's money as public sector LIC and SBI have invested in them and have questioned the government on steps taken by it. Islamabad: Pakistan`s former President and chief of army staff General (retd) Pervez Musharraf`s mortal remains arrived in the metropolis airport from the United Arab Emirates on Monday, Geo News reported. The mortal remains of Pervez Musharraf departed from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai and landed at Karachi`s Jinnah International Airport at around 9:51 pm (local time), as per the news report. Aircraft A319 was given the task of bringing the last remains of Musharraf and the aircraft had been given "special flight" status. After arrival, the aircraft was parked near the old terminal at the airport. The body and the aggrieved family were taken to their destination from the old terminal under tight security, as per the Geo News report. Musharraf`s family had approached Pakistan`s consulate in Dubai on Sunday, seeking permission to move his mortal remains to Pakistan. The funeral prayer of General Pervez Musharraf will be offered on Tuesday at 1:45 pm (local time) at the Polo Ground in Malir Cantt, Karachi, Geo News reported citing sources. Musharraf, who had been living in Dubai since 2016, passed away on Sunday. General Pervez Musharraf, who passed away at the age of 79 in Dubai, was suffering from amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body, The Express Tribune reported citing his family. The build-up of amyloid proteins can make it difficult for the organs and tissues to function properly, as per the news report. Notably, Musharraf joined the Pakistan Army in 1964, as per The Express Tribune report. He was promoted to the rank of general in 1998 and took over as the chief of army staff (COAS) post. He seized power in a coup in 1999. General Pervez Musharraf served as the President of Pakistan from 2001 to 2008. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo Nawaz Sharif, and several other lawmakers condoled the demise of former President General Pervez Musharraf. Shehbaz Sharif tweeted, "I offer my condolences to the family of General (retd) Pervez Musharraf. May the departed soul rest in peace!"Taking to his official Twitter handle, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo wrote a verse in Arabia with the hashtag Pervez Musharraf. The verse loosely translated to English reads, "We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return."Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry also condoled the demise of Parvez Musharraf. He tweeted, "Pervez Musharraf passed away, he was a great person, his friends proved to be small, always Pakistan first was his thought and ideology, may God have mercy on him." New Delhi: Congress party has said that it would not "back down" till Prime Minister Narendra Modi agrees to have a discussion on Hindenburg Research`s report against Adani Group in Parliament. "We need PM Modi`s statement on the Adani issue, which has affected the lives of people and lost crores of money. We want a discussion under rule 267. We won`t back down till the PM agrees to have a discussion in Parliament," senior Congress senior leader Digvijay Singh said on Monday. Congress is continuously cornering the government over the issue in Parliament forcing the adjournments of both Houses during the Budget Session. On Monday, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm and then for the day. This is the third day of the logjam in Parliament over the opposition`s demand for the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Congress held nationwide protests outside State Bank of India (SBI) branches and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) offices on Monday, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the matter. In Himachal, the Congress demonstrated in all the district headquarters. In Shimla, Congress protested outside the main branch of SBI and raised slogans against the Adani group and the central government. The principal Media Advisor to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan said that crores of people`s money are in SBI and LIC and are on the verge of ending. "This is a huge scam. The Congress party has raised its voice against this and is demanding an inquiry by the sitting judge of the Supreme Court by setting up a JPC. It should be clarified why the BJP government is not conducting its inquiry," Chauhan also said. He further said that the Central agencies like CBI, ED, and Income tax which are active against anti-Modi leaders are silent today. In Chhattisgarh, the party leaders staged a protest at Jai Stambh Chowk in Raipur. A large number of Congress office bearers, including state Congress president Mohan Markam and Congress MLA Satnarayan Sharma, participated in the demonstration. Protesters also raised slogans against the central government on the occasion. Members of Congress in Telangana staged a protest outside the State Bank of India office in Hyderabad over the Adani issue. The Congress also held a protest in Jammu on the same.A video showed protesters clashing with the police, who were raising anti-BJP slogans. A protest was also held by NSUI (National Students Union of India), the student wing of Congress in Delhi who were demanding a Joint Parliament Committee probe over the Adani row. As part of the Congress party`s nationwide protests, Odisha Congress President Sarat Pattanayak staged a demonstration outside SBI Bank over the Adani issue in Bhubaneswar. It is being argued by the opposition that the investment of the Adani group in public sector banks such as the SBI and LIC has had a big impact on the savings of the middle class. Opposition parties on Monday protested near the Gandhi statue outside Parliament and demanded a Joint Parliament Committee investigation or Supreme Court-monitored probe into the Hindenburg-Adani row. Hindenburg-Adani row A report by a US-based Hindenburg Research surfaced on January 24, claiming that the Adani Group had weak business fundamentals, and was involved in stock manipulation and accounting fraud, among others. According to the statement, the Adani portfolio and the Adani verticals are focused on bringing India into the global economy and nation-building. In the summary of the long response by Adani Group, it said the report was "nothing but a lie". The Adani report states that by "holding short positions" in Adani stocks, which, simply put, is betting on the stock falling. Hindenburg exposed its hand as it made huge money with the fall of Adani stocks immediately following the publication of the report on January 24."The document is a malicious combination of selective misinformation and concealed facts relating to baseless and discredited allegations to drive an ulterior motive," the Adani Group`s response said. The report triggered a sell-off of shares of all Adani Group companies. Although the Congress is getting the support of other opposition parties on the Adani issue, it has to be seen whether the parties such as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Aam Aadmi Party and Trinamool Congress, which are seen together in the meetings, will join the Congress demonstration or extend moral support. However, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Janata Dal (Secular) have kept their distance from Congress on this issue. Bengaluru: Former Karnataka chief minister and the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, Siddaramiah, on Monday triggered controversy with his remark that he is not anti-Hindu but anti-Hindutva as according to him, Hindutva is for murder, violence and discrimination. Speaking in Kalaburagi during the launch of a book - a biopic of former congress MLA BR Patil, Siddaramiah said, "Hindutva is against Constitution. Hindutva and Hindu dharma is different. I`m not against the Hindu religion. I`m a Hindu but oppose Manuvad and Hindutva. " No religion supports murder and violence but Hindutva and Manuvad support murder, violence and discrimination," he added. This is not the first time the minister has sparked controversy with his remarks on Hindutva. Earlier on January 8, he asserted that he was a Hindu but opposed Hindutva. At the same event, he also said that he never opposed Ram Temple in Ayodhya but was against using it for political gain. On Saturday, Siddaramiah, also launched an attack on Karnataka Animal Husbandry Minister, Prabhu Chauhan, calling him a `fool` who cannot tell a goat from a cow. Taking to social media, Siddaramiah made a series of tweets in which he slammed the Animal Husbandry Minister of state and the functioning of the state government. "This minister is not fluent in any language including Kannada. Such people are unfit to be MLAs," he wrote in Kannada. Lashing out at the BJP, the minister said, "The BJP leaders paid Rs 15 to 20 crores to each MLA and formed the government under the leadership of Yeddyurappa through `Operation Kamala." In 2013, we fulfilled 158 of the 165 promises and launched 30 new programmes. The BJP made 600 promises in 2018, of which 50 to 60 were not fulfilled, " the minister claimed. Siddaramiah said by imposing an 18 percent tax on pens, pencils, books, and yoghurt, the government had put more burden on the common man. However, he added that Congress has decided to give Rs 20,00 per month to every house owner and 200 units of electricity per month for free. Washington: Indian-American schoolgirl Natasha Perianayagam was named in the "world's brightest" students list for the second consecutive year by the US-based Johns Hopkins Center For Talented Youth, based on the results of above-grade-level tests of over 15,000 students across 76 countries. Perianayagam, 13, is a student at Florence M Gaudineer Middle School, in New Jersey. She also took the Johns Hopkins Center For Talented Youth (CTY) test in Spring 2021, when she was a Grade 5 student. Her results in the verbal and quantitative sections levelled with the 90th percentile of advanced Grade 8 performance, which catapulted her into the honours list that year. This year, she was honoured for her exceptional performance on the SAT, ACT, School and College Ability Test, or similar assessment taken as part of the CTY Talent Search, the university said in a press release on Monday. Perianayagam, whose parents hail from Chennai, said she loves doodling and reading JRR Tolkien's novels in her spare time. CTY used above-grade-level testing to identify advanced students from around the world and provide a clear picture of their academic abilities. According to the university release, Perianayagam was among the 15,300 students from 76 countries who joined CTY in the 2021-22 Talent Search year. Less than 27 per cent of those participants qualified for the CTY ceremony, receiving either high or grand honours based on their test scores. In her latest attempt, Perianayagam scored the highest grades among all candidates. "This is not just recognition of our students' success on one test, but a salute to their love of discovery and learning, and all the knowledge they have accumulated in their young lives so far," said CTY's executive director Dr. Amy Shelton. "It is exciting to think about all the ways in which they will use that potential to discover their passions, engage in rewarding and enriching experiences, and achieve remarkable things -- in their communities and in the world," she added. The United States condemned in the strongest terms the terror attack that took place in Jerusalem on January 27th and deplored a subsequent attack the following day. The first occurred in Jerusalems Neve Yaakov neighborhood, where people were leaving a synagogue. Seven people were killed and others were wounded when a Palestinian gunman opened fire. The 22-year-old gunman was shot and killed by Israeli police. The attack was the worst to occur in Israel in years. It took place on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The second attack occurred the morning after, when a 13-year-old terrorist opened fire on a group of Israelis outside the Old City of Jerusalem, severely wounding two people, a father and son. On his arrival for a two-day visit to Israel on January 30, Secretary of State Antony Blinken denounced the attacks. To take an innocent life in an act of terrorism is always a heinous crime, but to target people outside their place of worship is especially shocking, said Secretary Blinken. Fridays attack was more than an attack on individuals; it was also an attack on the universal act of practicing ones faith. We condemn it in the strongest terms. We also condemn the subsequent terrorist attack in Jerusalem on Saturday in which a father and son were wounded. Secretary Blinken deplored the celebrations of the attacks, as well, adding, Calls for vengeance against innocent victims are not the answer and acts of retaliatory violence against civilians are never justified. Secretary Blinken said, It is the responsibility of everyone to take steps to calm tensions rather than inflame them, to work toward a day when people no longer feel afraid in their communities, in their homes, in their places of worship. That is the only way to halt the rising tide of violence that has taken too many lives too many Israelis, too many Palestinians. Later in the day, after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Secretary Blinken noted that President Biden had immediately called the Prime Minister after the attack outside the synagogue: To underscore the United States steadfast support for Israel and its people, a message that I reaffirmed in the meeting we just had, in the context of this attack and escalating violence, he said. Its important, declared Secretary Blinken, that the government and the people of Israel know Americas commitment to their security remains ironclad. Chennai: Lawyer Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri, who faced opposition from a section of legal fraternity to her appointment to the higher judiciary for her alleged 'hate speech' against minorities, on Tuesday took oath of office as the additional judge of Madras High Court. Gowri in her address after sworn in as additional judge asserted that she would dispense justice in realising the dreams of the makers of the Constitution. Following usual practice, including reading out the Warrant of Appointment issued by the President and a Central government notification, Gowri was administered the oath of office by Acting Chief Justice of Madras High Court Justice T Raja. In her speech, Gowri expressed gratitude and thanked former Chief Justice of Madras High Court, Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandrai, former Acting Chief Justice Justice M Duraiswami (Retired) and Acting Chief Justice, T Raja for reposing faith in her and for recommending her name for the post of judge. She thanked the Supreme Court judges including the Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud. Gowri said she hailed from a very remote village (West Neiyur) in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu and is a first generation lawyer from a 'very ordinary family.' She thanked all her senior advocates, including Maniraj and Jacob Fletcher. She is an alumnus of Madurai Law College. Finally, she said she bowed to the 'noble feet of my husband Thiru Thulasi Muthu Ram' who stood by her in all her 'experitments'... Facilitating 'the flow of my life like an enchanting river without stagnation.' She thanked her two daughters. Also, she said: "I bow to the noble feet of all the elder brother and sister judges who are on the dais and who are watching from my beloved Madurai Bench.." She also thanked members of the Bar and sought their blessings. Citing a quote of Swami Vivekananda, Gowri said she is conscious that she is handed over the 'greatest responsibility of being a judge' to work for the cause of the 'unheard and the oppressed voices of the poorest of the poor, to liberate the marginalised, 'scuttle' inequalities of society and nurture fraternity in the diverse country. "With all humility, I undertake to dispense justice in realising the dreams of the makers of our Constitution. Thank You. Jai Hind." Earlier today, the Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea seeking to restrain lawyer Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri from taking oath as a judge of the Madras High Court. Besides Gowri, four others also took oath as additional judges of the High Court. Pillaipakkam Bahukutumbi Balaji and Kandasamy Kulandaivelu Ramakrishnan (both advocates), Ramachandran Kalaimathi and K Govindarajan Thilakavathi (both women judicial officers) took oath as additional judges. Their tenure (as additional judge) is for two years. Advocate General R Shunmugasundaram and Chairman, Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, P S Amalraj delivered their welcome address. New Delhi: Leading the Opposition attack over the Adani-Hindenburg issue in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday linked Gautam Adani's meteoric rise to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's coming to power and said "magic" happened after 2014 that propelled the businessman from the 609th to the second spot on the global rich list. The Congress leader's remarks drew a sharp response from the treasury benches, with Law Minister Kiren Rijiju asking him not to level "wild allegations" and furnish proof of his claims. Speaker Om Birla disapproved of the Congress leader displaying two pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi - one in which he can be seen with Adani inside a plane and the other in which he is getting down from a plane which has an Adani logo on it - to highlight their alleged proximity. "If you show posters, they (BJP) will show posters of the Rajasthan chief minister (with Adani). Parliament is not for these things," Birla said. Participating in the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in Lok Sabha as the first Opposition speaker, Gandhi made a barrage of allegations including that Modi helped Adani bag overseas contracts in various sectors. Posing questions for the prime minister, Gandhi asked how many times has he travelled together on a foreign trip with Adani. "How many times did Adani ji join you later on a visit? How many times Adani ji travelled to a country immediately after you visited the country? How many times has Adani ji bagged a contract in a foreign country after your visit there?" Gandhi said. He asked how much money Adani has given to the BJP in the last 20 years, including through electoral bonds. Speaker Birla asked Gandhi to focus on the President's address. There should be a case study on Adani by business schools such as Harvard "There should be a case study on Adani by business schools such as Harvard, on how the relationship between business and politics works, India is a case study... PM Narendra Modi should get a gold medal in this" Gandhi said. Gandhi also hit out at Modi for slamming the Opposition over its criticism of the Rafale deal by allegedly overlooking the capabilities of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). "Yesterday the prime minister said at HAL that we hurled wrong allegations. But in reality, HAL's contract of 126 aircraft went to Anil Ambani, who then went bankrupt," Gandhi said. Gandhi, who just completed his over 4,000 km Bharat Jodo Yatra, said people asked him how Adani got into so many businesses and succeeded, as well as what is the nature of his relationship with the prime minister. During Bharat Jodo Yatra, people asked me how Gautam Adani's net worth increased between 2014 and 2022 "From Tamil Nadu, Kerala to Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, we have been listening one name everywhere 'Adani'. Across the entire country, it's just 'Adani', 'Adani', 'Adani'...," Gandhi said. He said that during the yatra people also asked him how Adani's net worth increased from USD 8 billion to 140 billion between 2014 and 2022. "The (Adani-Modi) relationship began many years ago when Narendra Modi was Gujarat CM. When most of India was asking questions of the prime minister, was against the PM (then CM Narendra Modi), one man stood shoulder to shoulder with PM Modi, he was loyal to the prime minister and helped Mr Modi construct the idea of a resurgent Gujarat," Gandhi said. Adani was the backbone in setting up a group of businessmen in Gujarat, he said, adding that the result was a tremendous expansion of Adani's businesses in Gujarat. "Then the real magic starts, when the PM comes to Delhi and the real magic begins in 2014. In 2014, he was in 609th spot on the list of richest people and climbed to the second spot," the former Congress chief said. Gandhi also raised the issue of the report by US-based Hindenburg Research, saying it alleged that Adani has shell companies abroad. Pointing out that Adani works in strategic sectors, he said the government must find out about these shell companies as to who controls them as this is a national security issue. The Opposition has been demanding a joint parliamentary committee probe or a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the allegations of fraud and manipulation made by Hindenburg Research against Adani's companies that triggered an unprecedented stock crash. The group has denied the charges. Modi govt tweaked rules in favour of Gautam Adani Gandhi alleged that the government tweaked rules in favour of Adani and said that the clause that no one without any prior experience would be involved in the development of airports was done away with. "This rule was changed by the government and Adani was given six airports. After that India's most strategic, profitable airport, Mumbai Airport, was taken away from GVK using agencies like the CBI, ED, and was given to Adani by the government of India," he alleged. The treasury benches repeatedly asked Gandhi to authenticate his claims, saying that such allegations cannot be levelled against the prime minister without documentary evidence. "Adani never made drones while HAL used to do it and other companies do it. PM goes to Israel and Adani gets the contract... They have four defence firms and had not done this work before, small arms, sniper rifles, all are made by Adani," he said. He alleged that be it maintenance of aircraft, small arms or drones, the whole India-Israel defence ties have been handed over to Adani. Adani group has a 30 per cent market share in the airports business and also controls 90 per cent of Israel-India defence cooperation, he claimed. Gandhi also cited the example of Australia, saying PM Modi visited that country and with "magic" USD 1 billion was given to Adani by the State Bank of India. Gandhi also listed the examples of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka visits of the prime minister to claim that following the trips Adani got contracts there. In June 2022, the chairman of Sri Lanka's Ceylon electricity board informed a parliamentary hearing that President Rajapaksa told him that PM Modi "pressured" him to give the wind power contract to Adani, Gandhi alleged. This is not India's foreign policy but a policy to enhance Adani's businesses, the Congress leader said. "I was asked by the people during the Yatra as to why LIC's money is being put in the Adani group. They also asked Adani's shares, which are volatile, why LIC's funds are being put in it. I want to say, how do the government and PM help Adani -- thousands of crores of (money from) public sector banks is given to Adani," he said. "First, Modi used to go in Adani's plane now the businessman goes in the prime minister's aircraft," Gandhi said. Participating in the debate, Gandhi also questioned the Agniveer scheme for recruiting defence personnel claiming that youths aspiring to be in the army were not on the same page as the government on the scheme. Senior officers have said the scheme will weaken the army and it came from outside the Army, from the RSS and Home ministry, he claimed. "They said that the Agniveer scheme came from outside and (National Security Advisor) Ajit Doval had forced it on the forces," Gandhi said, evoking objections from the treasury benches which claimed that the official's name should not be taken. He said the main concerns of the people such as unemployment and price rise were not even mentioned in the president's address. "Previous speaker from the BJP encapsulated it very well for me, 'Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success, Adani ji and Narendra Modi ji...Thank you," Gandhi said. Speaker Birla said that comments should not be made outside the House that mics are turned off, to which Gandhi said, "It is the reality that you do turn off the mics." Outside Parliament, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad hit out at Rahul Gandhi, saying he has made "baseless, shameless and reckless" allegations against PM Modi. Congress and its leaders were involved in all big scams which tarnished the image of India, he alleged. NEET PG 2023: NEET applicants and the Federation of All India Medical Association, FAIMA, have pushed for a two to three-week delay in the NEET PG exam. A peaceful protest would take place today at Jantar Mantar at 10 am in New Delhi in order to have their demands addressed. FAIMA has already contacted the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and authorities at the National Board of Examinations for Medical Sciences, NBE, to request that the NEET PG 2023 exam be postponed. The NEET PG 2023 Exam is currently set for March 5, 2023. NBE has also finalised the registrations for the same. Candidates are advocating for a 2 to 3-week delay in the NEET PG 2023 exam to close the gap between the result announcement and the counselling procedure. Requesting all Medicos nearby #Delhi & Delhi NCR to reach #JantarMantar by sharp 9 AM! REQUESTING Medicos outside Delhi to protest at famous spot at your respective state! We need to do it nationwide.#PostponeNEETPG2023 @PMOIndia @mansukhmandviya @AmitShah @ANI @PTI_News pic.twitter.com/aTvcsvbqP1 FAIMA Doctors Association (@FAIMA_INDIA_) February 6, 2023 Dr. Rohan Krishnan, FAIMA's National Chairman and Founding Member, has stated that on Sunday, February 12, 2023, a delegation will meet with Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and the NBE director to discuss the likely postponement of the NEET PG 2023 exam. According to the NBE calendar, the NEET PG 2023 results will be announced around March 31, 2023, and the counselling procedure will begin in July 2023. I will be meeting @mansukhmandviya Sir (likely) & Director,@NBEMS_INDIA at an event on Sunday. I will be explaining him the importance of Postponement and shall try to convince him & the officials for the same. We have no issues with @MoHFW_INDIA , v just want Postponement! Dr. Rohan Krishnan (@DrRohanKrishna3) February 6, 2023 The counselling procedure would begin once candidates had completed their internships, for which the deadline had been extended to June 30, 2023. As a result, aspirants have advocated for the NEET PG Exam to be postponed till at least May or the first week of June. There is a 50 percent possibility that the decision will be in favor of the candidates. The government must examine the availability of exam centres, the avoidance of overlap with other examinations, and the availability of dates to conduct an exam at a later time. These considerations may have an impact on the outcome of the NEET PG 2023 delay. New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (February 7, 2023) continued to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the industrialist Gautam Adani issue. Participating in the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in Lok Sabha as the first opposition speaker, Gandhi alleged that Adani helped PM Modi to construct the idea of a "resurgent Gujarat". He also linked the massive rise in the business fortunes and personal wealth of Adani to the Modi government coming to power in 2014. The former Congress chief also displayed a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Adani in the business tycoon's plane to highlight their alleged proximity. Here are key highlights from Rahul Gandhi's address in Lok Sabha: In his address, Rahul Gandhi said that during his Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, he talked to people of different age groups and people all across took the name of 'Adani'. "From Tamil Nadu, Kerala to Himachal Pradesh, we have been listening to just one name everywhere 'Adani'. All across the country, it is just Adani, Adani, Adani`... People used to ask me that if Adani enters any business, it never fails," he said. He also said that the youth have asked him how has Gautam Adani's net worth risen multiple times. "The youth has asked us that Adani who is now in eight to ten sectors, how is it that his net worth has risen from USD 8 billion in 2014 to USD 140 billion in 2022. It was only Adani who talked about bringing the apples of Kashmir and Himachal to the ports, airports, and even the roads we are walking on," Rahul Gandhi said. "Relationships begin many years ago when Narendra Modi was Gujarat's Chief Minister... one man stood shoulder to shoulder with PM Modi, he was loyal to the PM and helped Mr Modi construct the idea of a 'Resurgent Gujarat'. The real magic began when PM Modi reached the national capital in 2014," he added. The Congress leader also alleged that the Modi government has changed the rules which allowed only previously experienced firms to be involved in airport development. "There is a rule who does not have prior experience in airports can't be involved in the development of airports. This rule was changed by the Government of India and Adani was given six airports," he said. Gandhi claimed that India's most profitable airport Mumbai Airport was "hijacked" from GVK Industries using the CBI and ED and was given to Adani by the Centre. Rahul Gandhi also posed a few questions to PM Modi and asked him how many times has he traveled abroad with Adani. "How many times did Adani meet you on your foreign trips?" he asked. "How many times Adani went to that country immediately after your foreign trip and got a contract?" Gandhi asked Modi. "How much money did Adani give to BJP in electoral bonds?," the Congress leader further asked. The Adani Group is currently facing the heat following the allegations of fraud and stock manipulation by a US-based short-selling firm Hindenburg Research. The company's stocks have also been hammered even though the group has rejected the charges. New Delhi: In a bizarre incident unused railway track went missing in Bihar's Samastipur. As per reports, it was found that railway scrap worth crores was sold to scrap dealer and RPF personnel are said to be involved in the deal. After the reports of the scrap scam have been suspended for not providing proper information. The Divisional Railway Manager of Samastipur Railway Division, Ashok Agarwal told ANI, "A departmental-level inquiry committee has been formed for investigation. Two personnel have been suspended with immediate effect including Jhanjharpur RPF outpost in-charge Srinivas of Railway Division and Jamadar Mukesh Kumar Singh of Madhubani for not informing the department about the case on time". "It has been reported that a scrap of the railway line was sold to the scrap dealer in connivance of the RPF without auctioning it. There seems to be a stir in the railway department regarding the matter," DRM Aggarwal further added. The railway line was laid from Pandaul station of Samastipur Railway Division to Lohat Sugar Mill which was closed for a long time. The whole matter is being investigated by the team of Darbhanga RPF Post and Railway Vigilance. New Delhi: Delhi`s Saket Court on Tuesday took cognizance of the chargesheet filed against Aaftab Amin Poonawalla in the Shraddha Walkar murder case.The copy has been supplied to the accused.Metropolitan magistrate Aviral Shukla took cognizance of the chargesheet. The court has listed the matter for scrutiny of documents on February 21. Media entry was stopped by Delhi Police. The proceedings took place behind closed doors. Aaftab was produced physically in the courtroom. Before the hearing, Delhi Police thoroughly checked the court area with a dog squad. Delhi Police on January 24 filed a voluminous 6629 pages chargesheet against Aaftab.The investigating officer informed the court that the chargesheet contains 6,629 pages including the annexures. Following this, the judge said, "it is voluminous."Accused Aaftab was produced through video conferencing from Tihar Jail after the expiry of judicial custody. Earlier, Aaftab had told the court that he wants to change his counsel advocate MS Khan. The charge sheet has been filed under sections of 302, 201 and other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Delhi Police filed the charge before the expiry of 90 days after its investigation. During the investigation, Delhi police conducted the narco Analysis test, and polygraph test and collected the DNA evidence to establish the allegations against Aftab. Aftab is accused of strangling his live-in partner in May 2022 in the Mehrauli area. After the alleged strangulation, he allegedly cut the body of the deceased into 35 pieces. While seeking permission to obtain the voice sample, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Amit Prasad submitted before the court that the voice sample is required to investigate the matter. According to sources Delhi police had some videos and audio related to the case. Delhi police wanted to obtain a voice sample of Aaftab to examine that evidence.Earlier, the Saket court had dismissed the bail plea of Aaftab Poonawala after he withdrew the same. Agartala: Claiming that the electoral understanding between the Left and the Congress has a "moral ground" in Tripura, CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar said that the ruling BJP is "scared of two of its rivals coming together" to oust the "fascist ruler" in the northeastern state. He also accused the saffron party of "throttling democracy" in the northeastern state during its rule in the past five years. "The BJP must be thinking about how its two rivals have joined hands. They are also questioning the morality of the electoral adjustment but the reality is that the people want to oust the fascist ruler from power," he said at an election rally in Dhalai district's Surma assembly constituency on Monday. Sarkar claimed that the Left-Congress understanding is "based on the people's aspiration to restore democracy" in the northeastern state. "Both CPI (M) and Congress are helping each other to restore democracy, secularism and protect people's liberty. The electoral understanding between the two parties has a moral ground. The nationwide slogan to 'oust BJP to save the country' will gain momentum from Tripura," Sarkar said. Asserting that the "BJP's defeat in the ensuing assembly elections is inevitable", the former Tripura chief minister said the BJP has secured less than five per cent votes in the 2013 assembly elections. "In the 2018 polls, the BJP and its partner IPFT secured around 50 per cent vote share. The Congress, which had got 41 per cent votes in the 2013 election, lost around 39 per cent of votes to the saffron party five years ago. The Left too lost 6-7 per cent in the 2018 elections," he said. Elections to the 60-member Tripura assembly will be held on February 16, and counting of votes will take place on March 2. The CPI (M) leader also said, "The BJP is scared of the Left-Congress electoral understanding. It is going to lose non-tribal Congress votes this time. Non-tribal Congress leaders had played an active role in defeating the Left Front government five years ago." Sarkar also claimed that the IPFT, which had "assisted the BJP" to gain tribal votes, has also lost its ground. "Where are BJP's votes" The prime minister and home minister may campaign for the party here but it will not succeed," he said. Notably, Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah had on Monday alleged that the Tipra Motha has a "secret understanding" with the Congress and the CPI(M), and that the newly formed regional party is "trying to bring back Communist rule in the state by misleading indigenous people". Of the 20 tribal seats, the BJP won 10 in the 2018 assembly elections, while its ally IPFT got eight. The CPI(M) could retain only two seats. Alleging that the BJP won the last assembly election by "befooling people", Sarkar claimed that at least 25 CPI(M) leaders and workers were killed during the BJP-IPFT rule in the state. "Hundreds of party offices were burnt down by the BJP-backed miscreants, while thousands of our workers left their homes in the wake of terror," he alleged. The veteran Left leader appealed to the electors to "cast votes to secular and democratic forces to restore democracy and ensure a pro-people government in the state." New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday (February 7, 2023) addressed a public rally in poll-bound Tripura and said that her Trinamool Congress (TMC) is the only party that can oust the double engine government of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking at a rally in Agartala, she claimed that democracy has taken a backseat in Tripura under BJP's rule as "parties are not allowed to organize political meetings". She also said that journalists have lost their right to gather news. "Two years ago, our party leaders and activists were attacked, their vehicles vandalized. Some of them were illegally put behind the bars. Democracy is in a bad shape in the state, and our leaders and members became subjects of torture for protesting against such misdeeds," Mamata Banerjee said. Has Rs 15 lakh come into your account?: Mamata Banerjee slams BJP In an apparent attack on BJP, she said that the party which cannot guarantee 100 days' work to people has no right to ask for votes. "The TMC is the only party which would oust the double engine government from the country and provide an alternative to people," she said. TRIPURA DESERVES BETTER, & we shall bring about CHANGE! Tremendous support, unparalleled energythe people of Tripura have already made their choice! Hon'ble Chairperson Smt @MamataOfficial and Nat'l General Secretary Shri @abhishekaitc in a MASSIVE padyatra at Agartala pic.twitter.com/nvBbVksAQF All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) February 7, 2023 "Unemployment has increased by 40 per cent in the country under the double-engine government. Have they fulfilled the promises they made? Has Rs 15 lakh come into your account?" she questioned. Congress is BJP's 'B team': Mamata Banerjee Mamata Banerjee also slammed Congress and called the grand old party BJP's 'B team'. "This Congress is not that I was associated with once. If it was then I would have never left that party. This Congress is the 'B' team of BJP," she said. Banerjee also stated that people in Tripura will "reject" the CPI(M)-Congress alliance, much like what happened in Bengal. "We are fighting the elections in this state alone as we did not want to make compromises for forging an alliance. We are ready to fight and even make sacrifices in this battle," she added. Today, Hon'ble Chairperson Smt @MamataOfficial and National General Secretary Shri @abhishekaitc participated in a padyatra at Agartala. We are overwhelmed to witness the TREMENDOUS support of people. We pledge to BRING THE CHANGE that Tripura deserves! pic.twitter.com/7rw2qmrWUF February 7, 2023 The TMC supremo pointed out that Tripura and Bengal have a lot in common, including language, culture, and food habits, and vowed to work for people's welfare in the northeastern state, if given a chance. Elections to the 60-member House in Tripura will be held on February 16. Votes will be counted on March 2. New Delhi: The Turkey-Syria earthquake has created havoc in the country killing thousands of people. Until now, over 5,000 people have died and flattened thousands of buildings in Turkey and neighbouring Syria. The earthquakes were centered in Turkey's southeastern province of Kahramanmaras and were felt as far away as Cairo. Hence, to provide aid to the earthquake-stricken nation, PM Narendra Modi directed two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams consisting of 101 personnel along with specially trained dog squads to Turkey by special Indian Air Force flights for undertaking search and rescue operations. The NDRF teams are accompanied by two search dogs, four-wheeled vehicles, chipping hammers, cutting tools, first aid medicines, and communication setup. The Turkey-bound group includes five women rescuers, a doctor, and paramedics. India has directed for deployment of 02 Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Teams consisting of 101 personnel of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Ghaziabad & Kolkata base to conduct rescue and relief operations in affected areas of Turkey. Also read: Turkey-Syria Earthquake: List of Countries Providing Help After Deadly Quakes- Check Here Accordingly, a one-self-contained team of 51 Rescuers with Mahila Rescuers, Canines, equipment and vehicles took off for Turkey at 0300 hrs this morning and landed in Turkey. Another team comprising 50 personnel has also left for Turkey to conduct Urban Search and Rescue. The personnel, drawn from teams based in Ghaziabad and Kolkata, boarded two Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 aircraft from the Hindon air base in Ghaziabad, an NDRF officer said. "This is part of the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) measures announced by the Indian government on Monday for the earthquake-hit Turkey and neighbouring areas," the officer said. Last night, an IAF C-17 got airborne for Turkiye. Bearing Search & Rescue teams of the @NDRFHQ, this aircraft is part of a larger relief effort that will be undertaken by the IAF along with other Indian organisations. #Turkiye#IAF_FirstResponders@IndianEmbassyTR pic.twitter.com/J8OsDd9ojn February 7, 2023 The NDRF, dressed in their trademark orange dungarees, will help rescue people trapped under the collapsed structures and render all assistance as required by local authorities and rescuers from multiple other nations, he said. The NDRF has been part of two similar international operations -- the 2011 Japan triple disaster (earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown) and the 2015 Nepal earthquake. The government on Monday decided to rush NDRF teams along with medical aid and relief material to Turkey following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's instructions to offer all possible assistance to the country. Second @IAF_MCC C-17 with self-contained @NDRFHQ teams including dog squads, search & rescue equipment, extrication tools and vehicles leaves for Turkiye. India continues to support the people of Turkiye in their hour of need. pic.twitter.com/Pkfbwrg8FF February 7, 2023 The massive earthquake that struck Monday has killed more than 4,900 people and flattened thousands of buildings in Turkey and neighbouring Syria. It was centered in Turkey's southeastern province of Kahramanmaras and was felt as far away as Cairo. (With inputs from PTI) Mathura: In another heart-wrenching incident of speculated hit and drag case, a body of a man was found stuck at the other end of a car moving towards Noida in Uttar Pradesh at the Yamuna Expressway, the Uttar Pradesh police said on Tuesday. As per the information, the car was heading towards Noida from Agra when the stuck body of an individual caught the attention of security personnel at a toll booth in Mathura`s Mant. The car was driven by a Delhi-based Virendra Singh, who is currently being interrogated by the police."There was a dense fog at the Expressway last night, hence there was the least visibility due to which the man who met with some accident stuck with his car," Superintendent of Police (SP Dehat) Trigun Bisen said quoting suspected accused Virendra Singh as saying. Virendra is being interrogated and the cameras are being scanned. The people in the nearby villages have been nudged about the incident for his identity. Further information on the matter is underway. Similar incidents have been regularly making headlines since the January 1 incident, wherein a 20-year-old Anjali Singh, who was riding a scooter, was found dead on the street after being allegedly hit and dragged for several kilometers by a car driven by five youths in Outer Delhi`s Kanjhawala area. The woman was abandoned dead in the middle of the street, with her clothes torn and tattered from the alleged dragging incident. A total of seven persons, including the five occupants of the car, were arrested in the wake of the incident. ELKO The Elko Federal Credit Union has announced a $500,000 bonus dividend and community impact commitment. Both were approved at the EFCU Board of Directors meeting in December. The EFCU board of directors is devoted to servicing the financial needs of Northeastern Nevada as well as contributing to the wellbeing of our community. We feel strongly EFCU is only as successful as our members, Jan Baum, board chairperson, said. We are excited to announce our current year bonus dividends and community impact commitment. EFCU board believes our community impact commitment to mental health awareness and suicide education and prevention is another step towards servicing our community for the long-term. The one-time bonus dividend consisted of a $250,000 loan interest refund to EFCU borrowers, as well as a $50 per share dividend payment to the Moola Moola and Student Share Accounts, regardless of account balance. Additionally, EFCU is proud to announce a community impact commitment in the amount of $150,000 that will be utilized within the primary field of membership areas and specifically targeting mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Community is what we are all about, stated Todd Sorenson, EFCU President and CEO. What a better way to start off 2023 than to thank our membership via a refund on loan interest and to be able to provide a meaningful impact to our youth and student members, many who have not yet experienced a strong earning power on share deposits. I am equally excited about the opportunity EFCU has to provide a community impact commitment in a BIG way, which is in addition to our existing community involvement participation. Washington: Bengaluru-based Indian music composer and producer Ricky Kej, who recently won his career`s third Grammy award, has shared how he celebrated his win with his "guru, older brother and dear friend" Stewart Copeland. Taking to Twitter, he posted a picture of him and Copeland eating an Indian meal. Along with the picture, he wrote, "This is how my guru, older brother and dear friend Stewart Copeland and I celebrated our win :-) An Indian meal in Los Angeles.. just the two of us. So grateful for him in my life." Kej won the Grammy on Monday for his `Divine Tides` album, which was nominated in the Best Immersive Audio Album category. He won the trophy alongside Copeland, who is a rock legend. The result was announced at the live ceremony held at the Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles, USA. This song was Kej`s collaborative project with Copeland and they bagged another Grammy for Best New Age Album in 2022. The composer also won for his 2015 album, `Winds of Samsara.` This is how my guru, older brother and dear friend Stewart Copeland and I celebrated our win :-) An Indian meal in Los Angeles.. just the two of us. So grateful for him in my life. @copelandmusic @RecordingAcad #3xGrammyWinner #GRAMMYwinners pic.twitter.com/o9632qY0qT Ricky Kej (@rickykej) February 6, 2023 Featuring artists from around the world, `Divine Tides` is a tribute to the magnificence of our natural world. This critically acclaimed album contains 9 songs and 8 music videos that were filmed around the world from the exquisite beauty of the Indian Himalayas to the icy forests of Spain. New Delhi: Rakhi Sawant is currently making headlines for her hush-hush marriage and separation with Adil Durrani. Recently, Rakhi was spotted at the Oshiwara Police Station and in the latest development her husband Adil Khan Durrani has been arrested. In a voice note, Rakhi revealed that she had filed a complaint due to which the police arrested him. He got arrested because I filed an FIR against him. This is no drama. He spoiled my life. He thrashed me. He took away my money, Rakhi said in an audio statement. Earlier, she had announced separation from Adil after she claimed that he cheated on her and kept their marriage in secret for doing affairs. She even shared photos of Adil with his alleged girlfriend Tanu. "The other day, he asked me to apologise in the media. He told me that he will come back only if I apologise. He told me that he will leave everything and will come back but he did not return," Rakhi told paps. "He is staying with that girl. Shame on that girl. Finally, Adil has left me. Now, I have shared everything with the media," the actress added. Rakhi also accused Adil of taking all her money which led to the death of her mother Jaya Bheda. She even accused him of using her name to enter Bollywood. In an emotional video, the 44-year-old actress had said, "Adil ne finally decision le liya ki woh Tanu ke saath rehenge. Kal unhone bol diya mujhe, ki mai jaa raha hoon tumhe chod ke, mai Tanu ke saath rahunga. Mera Istemaal kiya Bollywood mai ane ke liye. Mai court jaungi. Mere saare paise unhone le liye. Mere pass saare proof hai." NEW DELHI: Rakhi Sawant has lately been hogging all the attention and not for good reasons. The popular actor-dancer and Bigg Boss star surprised her fans when she announced her marriage to boyfriend and businessman Adil Khan Durrani last month. However, soon after, she levelled some serious allegations against him and accused him of cheating on her with other women. On Tuesday (Feb 7), Rakhi hit the headlines once again after she filed a complaint of domestic violence against her husband Adil. During a recent media interaction, Rakhi Sawant and her brother, Rakesh Sawant opened up about the domestic violence that Adil Durrani did to her. Rakhi also showed bruises on her neck, cheeks and other body parts. Her brother Rakesh also backed Rakhi's claims and said Adil physically and verbally abused the actor. Rakesh further revealed how Rakhi could have shared about this earlier since she was terrified due to her mother Jaya Bheda's sudden demise. Check out: On Tuesday (Feb 7), Adil was taken into custody by the Oshiwara police in Mumbai. It was after Rakhi filed a case against him after becoming a victim of domestic violence. Rakhi Sawant Accuses Adil Khan For Her Mother's Death: Rakhi also blamed Adil for her mother Jaya Bheda's death. For the unversed, late Jaya was fighting cancer until she breathed her last on January 28, 2023. During a media interaction, Rakhi mentioned that before leaving for Bigg Boss Marathi, she had handed over a cheque of Rs 10 lakh to Adil for her mother's treatment. However, she was surprised to know that Adil did not take care of her mother and it was due to his negligence that her mother's treatment could not take place on time. Rakhi Sawant had tied the knot with Adil Khan Durrani in June 2022, but the duo kept it a secret for a longer period of time. The actor, who had embraced Christianity almost a decade ago, converted herself to Islam to marry the businessman and changed her name to Fatima. After soon after she shared photos and videos of her nikaah, Rakhi accused Adil of having extra-marital affairs with several women and cheating on her. New Delhi: Numerous things can change for a person if they suddenly become affluent. There is undoubtedly a lot that money can buy, even though it may not be able to buy everything. After winning the lotto, a Canadian teen named Juliette Lamour experienced life-altering events that were previously unheard of. She turned 18 after the occurrences that led to her winning the lotto. The girl, who lives in Ontario, went shopping to get the girl something unique for her birthday. But she was perplexed. She should get a lottery ticket, her granddad advised. She had no idea that it would alter her life forever. (Also Read: Swiggy Teases Newlyweds Kiara Advani, Sidharth Malhotra With Adorable Post, Take a Look) The girl's granddad assisted her because she didn't know how to purchase a lotto ticket. The girl went home after purchasing the Lotto 6-49 lottery from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. (Also Read: Google Introduces Bard to Counter Rival ChatGPT; Here is How Netizens Reacted) The lottery had been utterly lost on Lamour. But one day, when she learned that her neighbour had won a prize in the lottery on January 7, she realised she had also purchased a ticket. The girl then opened the app to see if she had received any awards. She earned Rs 290 crore, much to her astonishment. The adolescent was stunned. The adolescent immediately bought her family five Mercedes automobiles, each costing Rs 2 crore, after sharing the good news with them. Additionally, she spent Rs 100 crore on a private jet and Rs 40 crore on a London villa. Additionally, the wise girl set aside about Rs 150 crore for her future. Lamour, who aspires to be a doctor, declared that she will put the money to work with her father's assistance. New Delhi: On February 1, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made a number of announcements during her yearly Budget speech. The new leave encashment exemptions, which generated headlines, were one of the big announcements. FM Sitharaman suggested increasing the tax exemption on leave encashment for non-government-paid workers who retire to Rs 25 lakh from Rs 3 lakh. Sanjay Malhotra, the revenue secretary, stated to the Times of India days later that "the benefit of Rs 22 lakh at 30 percent plus comes out to roughly Rs 7 lakhs." According to Malhotra, the exemptions add up to more than Rs 20,000 per year if they are spread out over 30-35 years. Malhotra estimates that the salaried class makes up 50 percent of personal income taxpayers. Therefore, whether people pick the new tax system now or the old today, the new leave encashment exemptions will help them when they retire. He said that government employees, including those employed by AIIMS, will also profit from the new "leave encashment" exemption. What is Leave Encashment? Every salaried individual in India is entitled to a minimum number of paid leaves per year under the country's labour laws. However, an employee may not use all of those leaves in a given year. These unused paid leaves are now typically rolled over to the following year. As a result, when an employee retires or resigns, they will have accumulated unused leave balances. The business is now required to reimburse the employees for any unused paid time off. This process is called leave encashment. New Delhi: The central government provides benefits of Rs 6,000 every financial year to farmers families which is directly transferred to the their account of eligible farmers under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme (PM-KISAN). All the three installments of the current financial year have been transferred in the bank accounts of the farmers while it is believed that the next installment (13th installment) will be credited before Holi. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojna Prime Minister Narendra Modi had released the 12th instalment of financial benefit under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. Modi transferred over Rs 16,000 crores to more than 10 lakh beneficiary farmer families on Monday, October 17. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi 13th installment Status Check -Visit official PM KISAN website https://pmkisan.gov.in/ Portal - You will see the map of India under Payment Success tab. - On the right hand side, there will be a yellow coloured tab called "Dashboard" - Click on Dashboard - After clicking, you will be taken to a new page - On the Village Dashboard tab, you will have to fill your complete details - Select the state, district, Sub-District and Panchayat - Then click on show button - After this you can choose your details Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme Details The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme, was launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2019, aims to provide income support to all landholder farmer families across the country with cultivable land, subject to certain exclusions. Under the Scheme, the amount of Rs 6000 per year is released in three 4-monthly instalments of Rs 2000 each directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. Who are eligible to get benefits under the PM-KISAN Scheme? All landholding farmers' families, which have cultivable landholding in their names are eligible to get benefit under the scheme. Who are excluded from the PM-KISAN Scheme? Those excluded from the PM-KISAN include institutional land holders, farmer families holding constitutional posts, serving or retired officers and employees of State or Central government as well as Public Sector Undetakings and Government Autonomous bodies. Professionals like doctors, engineers and lawyers as well as retired pensioners with a monthly pension of over Rs 10,000 and those who paid income tax in the last assessment year are also not eligible for the benefits. PM-KISAN Scheme for only Small and Marginal Farmers' families? ln the beginning when the PM- PM-KISAN Scheme was launched (February, 2019), its benefits were admissible only to Small & marginal Farmers' families, with combined landholding upto 2 hectare. The Scheme was later on revised in June 2019 and extended to all farmer families irrespective of the size of their landholdings The Central Government had notified a decision to extend the benefit of Rs 6,000 per year under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme to all 14.5 crore farmers in the country, irrespective of the size of their landholding. New Dehlhi: PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme: The government on Tuesday informed Parliament that there is no proposal at present to increase the amount under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) from the existing Rs 6,000 per annum for the eligible beneficiary farmers. Various media reports had stated two weeks ago that the government might increase the amount of annual financial benefit for farmers under the PM-KISAN scheme to Rs 8,000. Reports further said that the Rs 8000 will be disbursed in the account of eligible farmers in 4 equal installments. "There is no such proposal at present," Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said in his written reply to the Lok Sabha when asked if there is any proposal to increase the amount under the PM-KISAN. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme, was launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2019, aims to provide income support to all landholder farmer families across the country with cultivable land, subject to certain exclusions. Under the Scheme, an amount of Rs 6000 per year is released in three 3-monthly installments of Rs 2000 each directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. While lakhs of eager farmers are waiting for the disbursal of Rs 2,000 in their account, there are several farmers who are not eligible for the PM KISAN Scheme. All the three installments of the current financial year have been transferred in the bank accounts of the farmers while it is believed that the next installment (13th installment) will be credited before Holi. Delhi Metro often uses social media to inform people of updates on the metro services. Using social media to handle the transport organisation also spreads awareness of the rules people should follow while traveling in the metro. Sometimes these messages to spread awareness can be even wrapped up in like a package of a light-hearted joke. This time spreading awareness against shooting reels in the metro, DMRC has shared a meme featuring the Nacho Nacho Nacho song from the movie RRR. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation recently shared a hilarious meme on Instagram along with a warning to avoid filming dance videos inside metros. In order to win the meme game, DMRC referenced the Oscar-nominated song "Naatu Naatu" from the movie "RRR." Sharing the meme Delhi Metro said, "Dance is fun but Delhi Metro mein Na-Naacho Naacho Naacho." Also read: Holi 2023: Indian Railways to Run 3 Special Trains from Gorakhpur to Cater Festive Rush The post featured a photo of actors Ram Charan and Jr NTR performing their signature dance move from the song in RRR. The caption on the photo said, "Remember to Passengers." Adding to it, the picture also had a disclaimer saying, "Filming Reels/Dance videos or any other such activities that may cause inconvenience to the passengers is strictly prohibited inside the Delhi metro." After DMRC shared the meme, social media users came forward to appreciate the effort and asked for more awareness posts. While many criticised the ones who shoot videos on trains. Before this, DMRC shared other memes addressing the same issue. The previous meme features Geeta Kapur, Malaika Arora, and Terence Lewis reacting to the reels as judges on a dance reality show while appealing to people to not dance in trains. It is to be noted that videos of people shooting reels in Delhi Metro have been recently going viral on the internet. However, the practice is not appreciated as DMRC prohibits the use of cameras inside trains. Furthermore, such acts cause inconvenience to commuters. New Delhi: The much-touted flagship phone of the OnePlus i.e OnePlus 11 5G will officially introduce today, February 7, 2023, in India. This is the company's first flagship phone of the year. The Oneplus 11 smartphone was revealed last month in the domestic Chinese market by the manufacturer as part of OnePlus's celebration of its ninth anniversary. The business is also anticipated to unveil the Oneplus Buds Pro 2, Oneplus Pad, Oneplus Magnetic Keyboard, and Oneplus Monitor in addition to the smartphone. OnePlus 11 Launch Event Date, Time, Other Details: How, When, and Where to Watch Live Stream? The OnePlus Cloud 11 launch event will get underway in New Delhi, India, at 7:30 PM tonight. The general public is welcome to attend the event by purchasing tickets on Paytm Insider. The event's official website and YouTube channel will both stream it live for interested viewers. To remain up to date on the most recent information and developments, you may also register on the OnePlus Could 11 Launch Event page. Nearly all the important information regarding the new OnePlus flagship phone was leaked online before the formal announcement. OnePlus 11 Design The OnePlus 11 is currently on the market in China, and the identical model is anticipated to arrive in India. This basically indicates that the OnePlus 11 Indian model will have the same features and characteristics as the Chinese model. OnePlus 11 Price Additionally, leaks imply that the OnePlus 11 would have a competitive price in India. According to leaks, the OnePlus 11's entry-level variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage will cost Rs 49,999 in India. Three further models will be available. The prices for the additional variants, which include 12GB RAM + 256GB storage, 16GB RAM + 256GB storage, and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage, are anticipated to be Rs 54,999, Rs 59,999, and Rs 66,999, respectively. OnePlus 11 Specifications The OnePlus 11 has a 6.7-inch QHD+ curved AMOLED display with an adaptive 120Hz high refresh rate. The smartphone is equipped with the most recent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor from Qualcomm and up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It has a 5,000mAh battery that supports 100W rapid charging out of the box. The phone comes pre-installed with OxygenOS 13 based on Android 13. OnePlus 11 Camera Options The OnePlus 11's triple rear camera system has a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 48-megapixel ultra wide-angle camera, and a 32-megapixel telephoto camera. The smartphone has a 16-megapixel front camera on the front for taking selfies and making video calls. New York: Google is girding for a battle of wits in the field of artificial intelligence with Bard," a conversational service apparently aimed at countering the popularity of the ChatGPT tool backed by Microsoft. Bard initially will be available exclusively to a group of trusted testers" before being widely released later this year, according to a Monday blog post from Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Google's chatbot is supposed to be able to explain complex subjects such as outer space discoveries in terms simple enough for a child to understand. It also claims the service will also perform other more mundane tasks, such as providing tips for planning a party, or lunch ideas based on what food is left in a refrigerator. Pichai didn't say in his post whether Bard will be able to write prose in the vein of William Shakespeare, the playwright who apparently inspired the service's name. Bard can be an outlet for creativity, and a launchpad for curiosity," Pichai wrote Google announced Bard's existence less than two weeks after Microsoft disclosed it's pouring billions of dollars into OpenAI, the San Francisco-based maker of ChatGPT and other tools that can write readable text and generate new images. Microsoft's decision to up the ante on a USD 1 billion investment that it previously made in OpenAI in 2019 intensified the pressure on Google to demonstrate that it will be able to keep pace in a field of technology that many analysts believe will be as transformational as personal computers, the internet and smartphones have been in various stages over the past 40 years. In a report last week, CNBC said a team of Google engineers working on artificial intelligence technology has been asked to prioritize working on a response to ChatGPT". Bard had been a service being developed under a project called Atlas," as part of Google's code red effort to counter the success of ChatGPT, which has attracted tens of millions of users since its general release late last year, while also raising concerns in schools about its ability to write entire essays for students. Pichai has been emphasising the importance of artificial intelligence for the past six years, with one of the most visible byproducts materialising in 2021 as part of a system called Language Model for Dialogue Applications," or LaMDA, which will be used to power Bard. Google also plans to begin incorporating LaMDA and other artificial intelligence advancements into its dominant search engine to provide more helpful answers to the increasingly complicated questions being posed by its billion of users. Without providing a specific timeline, Pichai indicated the artificial intelligence tools will be deployed in Google's search in the near future. In another sign of Google's deepening commitment to the field, Google announced last week that it is investing in and partnering with Anthropic, an AI startup led by some former leaders at OpenAI. Anthropic has also built its own AI chatbot named Claude and has a mission centred on AI safety. A U.S. district court judge Monday upheld the federal governments decision to approve the Thacker Pass lithium mine north of Winnemucca after a permit issued in 2020 faced three legal challenges from conservationists, Indigenous communities and a local rancher. Judge Miranda M. Du found the U.S. Bureau of Land Management generally did not err in approving the permit for the massive lithium mine but asked the agency to revisit one section of the environmental analysis upon which the decision was based. The ruling could pave the way for the mine to proceed and does not undo the federal permitting as challengers hoped. The ruling, however, requires the company and the federal agency to validate mining claims for storing waste rock on federal public land, what a mining watchdog described as a strict test. Under that order, the agency must assess mining claims that Lithium Americas, the company developing the mine, holds in accordance with an 1872 law governing mining on public lands. At the center of the closely-watched court battle was the future of a geologic deposit described as the largest known lithium source in North America. Policymakers and politicians have touted the hard-rock mine as an essential piece of the domestic supply chain. Last week, automaker General Motors announced a $650 million investment to bring the Thacker Pass mine online. But the mine has come to symbolize the tensions and costs of an energy transition that will require more mining for minerals needed in technologies including batteries and electric vehicles. Thacker Pass faced pushback from local residents and tribal governments with deep connections to the land and environmental organizations who cited the impact a mine project would have on wildlife and the ecosystem at the base of the Montana Mountains. While the case encapsulates the tensions among competing interests and policy goals, this order does not somehow pick a winner based on policy considerations, Du wrote in her order on Monday. The Courts role instead is to carefully apply the applicable standard of judicial review to consider the decision of a federal agency that is generally entitled to deference In a statement Tuesday, Lithium Americas said it will comply with the order to revisit the claims and that the court did not impose any restrictions expected to impact the construction timeline. The favorable ruling leaves in place the final regulatory approval needed in moving Thacker Pass into construction, Jonathan Evans, the companys chief executive, said in a statement. The groups challenging the mines permit could still appeal the decision. In 2020, at the end of President Trumps administration, federal land managers approved the Thacker Pass mine based on an environmental analysis and in accordance with environmental laws known as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA). Soon after, several environmental groups and an Orovada rancher challenged the decision. The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and Burns Paiute Tribe also sued. In complaints and briefings over the course of more than two years, attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that the Bureau of Land Management failed to fully analyze the projects impacts on the environment and did not fully consult Native American tribes or weigh concerns raised by other agencies, including the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental groups had argued the mine would have a harmful effect on populations of Greater sage-grouse, an imperiled bird species with critical breeding ground in the Montana Mountains, affect groundwater quality and undermine air quality standards. Furthermore, they argued federal land managers did not fully inventory impacts in their environmental analysis But the court said it found these arguments unpersuasive, deferring to the Bureau of Land Managements analysis and expertise. The court also was not persuaded that federal land managers should have reasonably consulted with the Burns Paiute Tribe and Reno-Sparks Indian Tribe, based on previous indications that they did not wish to be consulted on projects being considered in a geographic area encompassing the [mine] and other evidence in court. Federal land managers sent letters to consult with the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe, the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe and the Winnemucca Indian Colony in December 2019, though they did not receive responses before the approval decision was released in 2020. With one exception, the court said it otherwise affirms the [agencys] decision. This decision was not unexpected, Will Falk, an attorney for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, said in an emailed statement Monday. American law prioritizes mining on public land over all other uses including Native American spiritual uses. Until that changes, law will be a limited tactic in protecting public land and Native American sacred places. We were prepared for this and the campaign to protect Thacker Pass will move into the next phase. Were not giving up. Several groups, including plaintiffs in the case, criticized the permitting decision, saying it was made in a rushed manner that did not fully consider cultural and spiritual connections to the land. In 2021, elders and traditional members of the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe, whose lands are about 50 miles from the mine, formed The People of Red Mountain, or Atsa koodakuh wyh Nuwu in Paiute, to push back against the project, and areas known as Peehee Muhuh, or rotten moon, a reference to a 1800s massacre. Although the judge did not overturn the federal permitting decision, Du did remand a section of the environmental analysis to the Bureau of Management for further review. That element of the ruling involved the breadth of the Mining Law of 1872, which governs activities on public land. Du ruled that a 9th Circuit precedent, known informally as Rosemont (because it involves the Rosemont mine in Arizona), required the Bureau of Land Management to determine whether certain mining claims held by Lithium Americas were valid before the mine could occupy about 1,300 acres of federal public land that it intended as a place to store its waste rock and tailings. In an email, John Hadder, who leads Great Basin Resource Watch, one of the environmental groups involved in the case, said that the mine developer, Lithium Americas, and the agency still had considerable work to do to validate the claims and comply with the ruling. The court correctly ruled that BLM violated federal public land law by assuming mining claim rights without evidence, which was a fundamental part of the case, Hadder wrote. [The agency] and the company now have to prove that, for the project approval to be legal, the lands to be buried by 1,300 acres of waste dumps contain valuable minerals, which is [a] very strict test under federal mining laws, he added. When judges remand part of a permitting decision because of an agency error, they often vacate the final decision. In this case, however, Du remanded the decision without undoing or vacating the final approval. Du reasoned that her limited remand was warranted because, based on evidence in the court record, the agency could likely still support its decision. In addition, Du found the agency substantially complied with the applicable legal requirements and noted that the Rosemont precedent was not issued until after the permit was approved. Over the past two years, Lithium Americas has worked to address the impact the mine will have on communities near the Thacker Pass: Kings River Valley, Orovada and McDermitt. In 2022, the company entered into a community benefits agreement with the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe. It has also pledged to build a new K-8 school in Orovada. New Delhi: Ukraine said on Tuesday (February 7, 2023) the last 24 hours were the deadliest of the war so far for Russian troops as Moscow pressed on with an intensifying winter assault in the east, bringing tens of thousands of freshly mobilised troops to the battlefield. The Ukrainian claim could not be independently verified and Russia has also claimed to have killed large numbers of Ukrainian troops in recent weeks. Tallies of enemy casualties from either side have typically been seen as unreliable, and Kyiv offered few details of the latest battles. But the assertion that the fighting was the deadliest so far fits descriptions from both sides of an escalating campaign of close-contact trench warfare, which has left snow-covered battlefields of eastern Ukraine littered with corpses. Close to the town of Maryinka, some 30 km (18.6 miles) from the eastern city of Donetsk, a marine unit of Ukraine's armed forces fired rockets on Russian positions from a Soviet-era launch system. "They storm in small infantry groups, trying to creep in further and further. Even without previous artillery strikes (on Ukrainian positions), their infantry attempts to move in," said a soldier who gave his name only as Ievhen. "The enemy adapted quite well, they learn as fast as we do. They adopted different kinds of tactics," he added. Kyiv and the West say Russia has been pouring troops and mercenaries into eastern Ukraine in recent weeks in hopes of being able to claim new gains around the time of the first anniversary of its full-scale invasion later this month. A lieutenant in the Ukrainian unit who gave his name as Volodymyr said: "The targets are given to us either by drone operators or by our spotters - they observe where our rockets explode. Then, we correct our fire direction and launch again." The Ukrainian military increased its running tally of Russian military dead by 1,030 overnight to 1,33,190, and described the increase as the highest of the war so far. For its part, Russia said it had inflicted 6,500 Ukrainian casualties in the month of January. The war is soon entering its second year at a pivotal juncture, with Moscow attempting to regain the initiative while Kyiv holds out for Western tanks to mount a counter-offensive later in 2023. After Russia failed to capture the Ukrainian capital Kyiv last year and lost ground in the second half of 2022, Moscow is now making full use of hundreds of thousands of troops it called up in its first mobilisation since World War Two. The last few weeks have seen Russia boast its first gains for half a year. But the progress has still been incremental, with Moscow yet to capture a single major population centre in its winter campaign despite thousands of dead. Fighting has focused for months around Ukrainian-held Bakhmut in eastern Donetsk province, a city with a pre-war population of around 75,000. Russia has made clear progress towards encircling it from both the north and south, but Kyiv says its garrison is holding fast. Moscow has also launched an assault further south against Vuhledar, a Ukrainian-controlled bastion also in Donetsk province on high ground at the strategic intersection between the eastern and southern front lines. Karachi: Pakistan's former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf was on Tuesday laid to rest with full military honours in an army graveyard here in the presence of his relatives and several retired and serving military officers. The 79-year-old former president's funeral prayers were held at the Gulmohar Polo Ground in Malir Cantonment in the afternoon in a low key ceremony which was neither attended by President Arif Alvi, nor Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, Joint Chiefs of Staff General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and former army chiefs - Qamar Javed Bajwa, Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Aslam Beg - attended the funeral. Former ISI chiefs attend General Pervez Musharraf's funeral prayers Former ISI chiefs - General (retd) Shuja Pasha and General (retd) Zaheerul Islam - and several serving and retired military officers also attended the funeral prayers. Politicians including Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) leaders Khalid Maqbool Siddiqi, Dr Farooq Sattar, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Amir Muqam, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf leader and former Sindh governor Imran Ismail, former federal information minister Javed Jabbar, were also in attendance. No top leaders from the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party in the Sindh province or the Jamaat-e-Islaami were present at the final rites. Musharraf's coffin was draped in Pakistan's green and white flag, though the ceremony was not a state funeral. The casket of Musharraf was then taken to the army graveyard reserved for top officials on Shahrah-e-Faisal and buried there with full military honours and protocol. Musharraf, the architect of the Kargil War in 1999 and Pakistan's last military ruler, died on Sunday in Dubai after a prolonged illness. The former president was undergoing treatment for amyloidosis in Dubai. He was living in the UAE since 2016 in self-exile to avoid criminal charges back home. Musharraf's mortal remains arrived from Dubai Musharraf's mortal remains arrived here on Monday on a special flight from Dubai. His wife Saba, son Bilal, daughter and other close relatives arrived with the body on the special aircraft of Malta aviation arranged by the UAE authorities. The aircraft touched down at the old terminal area of the Jinnah International Airport amid heavy security with the former president's family and the body was taken to the Malir Cantonment area, officials said. His mother was buried in Dubai while his father was laid to rest in Karachi. Musharraf enjoyed immense support and popularity among many but was also hated and vilified by the bar councils, civil rights groups and political parties for his anti-democratic actions. Musharraf, who seized power after a bloodless military coup in October 1999 and ousted the elected government of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, ruled Pakistan till 2008 as chief executive and President. He was born in New Delhi in 1943 and migrated to Pakistan after Partition in 1947. Three large earthquakes that occurred on Monday in Turkey and Syria severely damaged infrastructure and killed more than 4000 people. Numerous aftershocks from the 7.8-magnitude earthquake destroyed entire neighbourhoods in important Turkish cities in the area, which were home to millions of people fleeing the civil war in Syria and other crises. The lone runway of the airport in the Hatay region of Turkey has likewise been destroyed and rendered unusable. On social media, a video of the runway's total destruction was posted. The tarmac appeared to have broken in two, necessitating its closure to all aircraft. Turkey Earthquake: The Epicentre At a depth of roughly 18 km on the East Anatolian Fault, the epicenter was located about 26 kilometers to the east of the Turkish city of Nurdagi. The earthquake's northeastern radiation devastated central Turkey and Syria. The East Anatolian Fault produced little significant seismic activity in the 20th century. According to Roger Musson, an honorary research fellow at the British Geological Survey, "it would seem more or less blank if we were going only by (large) earthquakes that were recorded by seismometers." According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there have only been three earthquakes in the region that have been recorded above 6.0 on the Richter Scale since 1970. But a 7.0 earthquake that struck the area in 1822 killed more than 20,000 people. Turkey Earthquake: Deadliest Of the Decade The earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria unleashed 250 times as much energy as the 6.2 earthquakes that struck central Italy in 2016 and killed over 300 people. Only two of the most deadly earthquakes between 2013 and 2022 had a magnitude comparable to Monday's tremor. Dozens of countries and organisations have offered to assist rescue efforts in southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria after an earthquake disaster killed thousands of people. Many countries have offered to assist rescue efforts in Turkey and Syria after deadly earthquake Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Here is the list of medical aid given by different countries India India has dispatched the first batch of relief material to Turkey aboard an Indian Air Force. India has also dispatched National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams with 100 personnel and specially trained canine squads to help Turkey with rescue efforts. The decision to deploy rapid assistance was decided at a high-level meeting at the PMO in South Block, presided over by Dr. PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, and in coordination with the Turkish government, according to the Prime Minister's office. China China will provide a first tranche of 40 million yuan ($5.9 million) in emergency aid to help Turkeys relief efforts after this weeks major earthquake, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The country's Red Cross will also provide Turkey and Syria with emergency aid of $200,000 apiece. China expressed condolences and concern for the loss of life and property, a spokesperson from China International Development Cooperation Agency said on Monday. Germany Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) of Germany "may set up camps to provide shelter as well as water treatment equipment." Generators, tents, and blankets are also being prepared by the THW agency. Berlin will also provide an additional $1.1 million in help to organisations like Malteser International that are providing humanitarian relief in northwest Syria, she said. Russia In phone conversations with Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Bashar al-Assad of Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to send Russian teams to both nations. The Kremlin announced that Russian emergency ministry rescuers would depart for Syria "in the upcoming hours." According to the defence ministry, 300 military men who were stationed in Syria were assisting with the rescue operation. Bashar al-Assad warmly accepted this offer, according to a statement from the Kremlin. Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the beleaguered president of Ukraine, who is waging war against the Russian invasion, has also stepped forward to offer Turkey all assistance that he can. Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter: I express my sincere condolences to President Erdogan, the Turkish people, and the families of the victims of the earthquake in the southeast of Turkey." USA US President Joe Biden stated that his government has been collaborating closely with Turkey and has given the go-ahead for a prompt reaction from Washington to the tragic earthquake. The United States is sending two, 79-person search-and-rescue teams to assist Turkish authorities. Our teams are deploying quickly to begin to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and address the needs of those injured and displaced by the earthquake, Biden said. United Kingdom A search and rescue team as well as an emergency medical team are being dispatched to Turkey, according to the UK. According to the British foreign ministry, Britain will send 76 searches and rescue personnel, four search dogs, and rescue tools to Turkey on Monday night. The foreign secretary of the UK, James Cleverly, issued a statement that read, "We stand ready to provide further support if needed." Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's newly elected prime minister, gave the staff the order to put up an aid package for Turkey that would include medical and search-and-rescue support. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel's security forces are prepared to be sent to provide the aid that the disaster-stricken countries require. Eli Cohen, the foreign minister of Israel, also unveiled a programme of assistance for Turkey. ISTANBUL: A woman has been rescued alive nearly 22 hours after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Turkey and bordering Syria on Monday morning. According to the Turkish state media service Andalou Agency, the unidentified woman was pulled out of the debris alive in the south-eastern province of Sanliurfa. Turkish state media agency also posted a video showing the woman being pulled out of the debris by national rescuers with the help of local residents. WATCH Video Of Woman Being Pulled Alive From Under Debris in Turkey A woman is rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building in southeastern province of Sanliurfa after 22 hours https://t.co/9XuWtuDWGi pic.twitter.com/A7kpzGEkhd ANADOLU AGENCY (@anadoluagency) February 7, 2023 This comes after several shocking videos and images showing the destruction and chaos unleashed by three power earthquakes have surfaced on social media as rescuers in Turkey and war-ravaged Syria continue their search for more survivors from the rubble. The combined death toll due to the powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that first rocked central turkey on Monday morning has risen to 4372 and it toppled thousands of buildings across a wide region. Authorities feared the death toll from Monday's pre-dawn earthquake and aftershocks would keep climbing as rescuers looked for survivors among tangles of metal and concrete spread across the region beset by Syria's 12-year civil war and refugee crisis. These shocking videos show survivors crying out for help from within mountains of debris as first responders contended with rain and snow. Meanwhile, seismic activity continued to rattle the region, including another jolt nearly as powerful as the initial quake. Workers carefully pulled away slabs of concrete and reached for bodies as desperate families waited for news of loved ones. The quake, which hit in the early darkness of a winter morning, was also felt in Cyprus and Lebanon. Multiple aftershocks followed the most powerful earthquake in nearly a century. Social media videos showed multiple collapsed buildings with terrified locals huddling on the streets. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a 7-day national mourning in the country following a powerful pre-dawn earthquake in the country's southern region which claimed the lives of over 2,000 people. 656 people were reported dead in government-held areas of Syria. The first earthquake that hit on Monday morning is the largest ever to hit Turkey in at least 100 years, the news agency AFP reported. In Turkey, entire sections of cities populated by Syrian refugees have been wiped out. The earthquake struck near Gaziantep, a Turkish city with a population of around 2 million. More than 40 aftershocks followed and they were felt even in Egypt and Cyprus. The quake hit at depth of 11 miles (18 kilometers) and was centered in southern Turkey, near the northern border of Syria, according to the US Geological Survey. Many aftershocks rocked the two countries since the initial quake. In the first 11 hours, the region had felt 13 significant aftershocks with a magnitude of at least 5, said Alex Hatem, a USGS research geologist. LAS VEGAS Communities In Schools of Nevada, the nations leading dropout prevention organization, has announced the opening of the application window for its second annual Elaine P. Wynn Stronger Together Scholarship, a four-year scholarship created last year for CIS case-managed high school seniors. Applications are due Feb. 28. CIS, with offices in the Clark, Elko, Humboldt and Washoe County school districts, encourages all its case-managed senior high school students to apply for this CIS scholarship opportunity. The application includes a personal essay, in either English or Spanish, about how post-secondary school will contribute to the students academic and/or career goals and what drives them to pursue post-secondary education. The scholarship, paid directly to the educational institution, is renewed yearly and can be used toward full-time enrollment at an accredited college, university, community college or trade school. Renewal and yearly payments are contingent on meeting scholastic requirements including a 2.0 GPA and continued academic progress demonstrated in transcripts that are provided every semester. This years winner will be announced in April. We are pleased to open the application window for our second annual Elaine P. Wynn Stronger Together Scholarship and cant wait to hear the remarkable journeys of our graduating high school students and their pursuit of post-secondary school, said Tami Hance-Lehr, CEO and state director, Communities In Schools of Nevada. Together with Elaine Wynn, we know this scholarship will help one special and driven student get one step closer to reaching his or her full potential, something that may not have been possible without this scholarship. Last years inaugural scholarship recipient winner was Isaac Cuevas Ruelas, a high school senior from Elko High School. He was awarded a scholarship of up to $10,000. Ruelas is now attending Great Basin College in Elko and is pursuing an associate degree in psychology. Ruelas is the first in his family to go to college. The Elaine P. Wynn Stronger Together Scholarship is made possible by Elaine Wynn, the founding chairperson of Communities in Schools of Nevada and current national chairperson for Communities In Schools. For nearly two decades, she has been actively engaged with CIS National, the organization that serves 1.7 million children in more than 2,900 schools in 26 states, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. A member of the national board since 1999, Wynn was elected chairperson in 2007, a position she proudly holds today. An indomitable crusader for childrens welfare and an influential philanthropist, her commitment to improving childrens lives through education has engaged her in numerous leadership roles at local, state, and national levels. More about the Elaine P. Wynn Stronger Together Scholarship can be found at cisnevada.org/strongertogether. Currently, CIS of Nevada operates in 92 high-needs and Title I schools across four rural and urban school districts throughout Nevada. The organization places full-time site coordinators inside schools to support more than 80,000 students considered at high risk for dropout. CIS long-term vision is for every child enrolled in a Title I School to have access to a CIS site coordinator and Integrated Student Supports, an evidence-based model otherwise known as wraparound services. Since 2004, CIS of Nevada has demonstrated measurable success in student outcomes. For the 2021-2022 school year, the graduation rate for CIS case-managed high school seniors in Nevada was 94%, 12.5 percentage points higher than the Nevada statewide graduation rate of 81.54% for students on free or reduced lunch a comparable population. The loss of species at its natural, evolutionary speed is difficult to define as detrimental. That is the opening line from its mission statement at Colossal Biosciences out of Dallas, Texas, a company that plans on de-extincting the woolly mammoth within the next five years. And they just may be able to do it because they are well funded. Another of their projects involves bringing back the seemingly stupid dodo bird that everyone knows is the poster child for extinction. Lets take a deeper look and see how they plan to do this and why the dodo went away. According to history, the dodo originated on the island of Mauritius and nowhere else in the world. This island nation lies in the Indian Ocean about 500 miles east of Madagascar and is home to some of the worlds rarest plants and animals because it is so remote and isolated. Before the Portuguese arrival in 1507, there were no terrestrial mammals on the island and this allowed the evolution of a number of large reptile species and flightless birds, including the dodo, to occur. From what we can piece together these birds were about a yard tall and weighed about 50 pounds, something like an oversized turkey you might say. They lived on abundant fruit and nested on the ground in the woods where they were safe. While no actual photograph exists of a dodo, many sketches and paintings do and it has been depicted with brownish-grey plumage, yellow feet, a tuft of tail feathers, a grey, naked head, and a black, yellow, and green beak. One account states its clutch consisted of a single yearly egg hardly enough for a population explosion but just enough to keep the population in balance. Though the dodo has historically been portrayed as being fat and clumsy, it is now thought to have been well-adapted for its ecosystem. Ah, now enter the humans. Most contemporary descriptions of the dodo are found in ships logs and journals of the Dutch East India Company vessels that docked in Mauritius when the Dutch Empire ruled the island. From early accounts, many of the Mauritian birds were tame and easily approached, and so simply caught by humans. But dont blame people completely. It is thought that the species rapid decline was probably caused by the dogs, cats, rats and pigs that the sailors had brought with them because from old accounts, the meat of the dodo tasted terrible. These loose animals spread quickly across the island, destroying dodo habitats and eating their eggs. The last confirmed sighting of a dodo was in 1662 and by the 1700s it was considered gone. If this is so, how will they get DNA of the dodo the last one died over 350 years ago? As of 2023 three dodo specimens still exist. One of the three, the so-called Oxford Dodo, is a specimen that was part of the Tradescant collection, one of the founding collections of the Ashmolean Museum at the University of Oxford. This specimen is first listed in 1656 in a catalogue as Dodar, from the Island Mauritius; it is not able to flie, being so big. There are old stories that what is left actually are the remnants of a complete physical specimen after the museum staff burned the stuffed dodo around 1755 because of severe decay, saving only the head and leg. Today, what remains of the original specimen is the skull with left side of skin, the sclerotic ring from the eye, the skeleton of the foot, the sectioned femur, a feather (removed from the head in 1986) and various tissue samples taken over the years. The specimen was exhibited at the Oxford museum from at least the 1860s and until 1998. After then it was mainly kept in storage to prevent further damage Their website says that the mummified skin from the head of the Oxford dodo represents the only surviving soft tissue available for DNA research today. Perhaps this is what Colossal Biosciences will use. Another thought is to look for dodo bones in old swamps. The remaining other two pieces of a dodo are a skull in the University of Copenhagen Zoological Museum, and an upper jaw in the National Museum, Prague. The Copenhagen skull has an interesting history, once part of a collection of Bernardus Paludanus until 1651, when it was moved to the museum and assimilated into the Royal Danish collection in 1702. The skull was discovered in the collection by J. T. Reinhardt in 1840 and is now thought to be the oldest known surviving remains of a dodo brought to Europe. Slightly smaller than the Oxford skull, it may have belonged to a female. There was mention of a fourth intact dodo foot once housed in the British Museum but sadly that has been lost over time. On their website, Colossal says the Nicobar Pigeon, the dodos closest living relative, will provide the host cells genome for engineering. One advantage of growing a dodo: after fertilization inside the bird, much of the embryo develops inside its egg, making the development process dramatically simpler. They seem to be serious to bring back the mammoth and dodo. They have already raised more than $200 million for the projects and say they expect results within five years. In its final report on a Jan. 14, 2022, fatality at an underground coal mine in West Virginia, the Mine Safety and Health Administration said Jeffrey Phillips received fatal injuries when he fell 27 feet onto a concrete floor. Phillips, a 44-year-old contract laborer with over 13 years of mining experience, was on a belt conveyor and was working on replacing a roller at the time of the accident. The belt conveyor transports the mines coal toward the surface. Phillips was employed by NexGen Industrial Services and was working in the Ohio County Mine in Dallas, West Virginia. The mine employs around 442 miners. Phillips had received all required safety training, including fall protection, in accordance with MSHA training regulations. The MSHA report said that in an interview a coworker said both he and Phillips used fall protection two separate times earlier in the shift. The coworker said when he and Phillips were working on replacing the roller, he told Phillips twice to put on his fall protection, but Phillips did not put it on. A short time later, the coworker bent down from a catwalk to see how high Phillips would have to hoist the roller, and he saw Phillips fall. The accident happened around 11:12 a.m. The local fire department and emergency medical services came to the scene, and Phillips was pronounced dead at 11:34 a.m. A citation was issued to NexGen Industrial Services for violating the federal requirement that all coal mine workers must utilize safety belts and lines where there is a danger of falling. The MSHA report said NexGen has now developed and implemented an updated training plan on effective use of safety belts and lines and retrained all miners according to the updated plan. An order was issued to Ohio County Coal Resources reminding the mine owner of the obligation to preserve all evidence that would aid in investigating the cause or causes of the accident. MSHA provided a list of best practices to prevent falls: Establish and follow safety policies and procedures when working at heights. Train miners to use fall protection when a fall hazard exists. Ensure fall protection is available and properly maintained. Provide identifiable and secure anchor points to attach lanyards and lifelines. Provide mobile or stationary platformsor scaffolding where there is a risk of falling. WASHINGTON Americas Navy is coming to Elko, one of 15 cities across six states to host a performance by the United States Navy Band during its 2023 national tour one of the signature outreach programs of the U.S. Navy. The United States Navy Concert Band is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. March 14 at Elko High School Performing Arts Center, 987 College Ave. While all tour performances are free and open to the public, some concerts may require advanced ticket reservations. For the most up-to-date ticketing information, visit the bands website at www.navyband.navy.mil. The U.S. Navy Concert Band is the premier wind ensemble of the U.S. Navy. As the original ensemble of the Navy Band, the Concert Band has been performing public concerts and participating in high-profile events for 98 years. The band performs a wide array of marches, patriotic selections, orchestral transcriptions and modern wind ensemble repertoire. One of the U.S. Navy Bands core responsibilities involves touring the country. All of the bands primary performing units embark each year on concert tours throughout specified regions of the country, allowing the band to reach out to audiences in areas of the country that do not have opportunities to see the Navys premier musical ensembles on a regular basis. The concerts are family-friendly events, meant to be entertaining to veterans, families, individuals and those interested in joining the Navy. Outbound tourism by Chinese citizens, which had been suspended for nearly three years, has gradually resumed since China optimized its COVID-19 response and entry-exit policies on Jan. 8. More than 2.87 million Chinese traveled abroad during the 2023 Spring Festival, up 120.5% from the same period last year, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. Southeast Asian countries benefited the most from the surge of Chinese tourists during the festival, data from Chinese travel platform Ctrip showed. In light of the current situation of the epidemic, China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on Jan. 20 that it would resume outbound group tours for Chinese citizens on a trial basis, starting Feb. 6, with 20 pilot destinations, nearly half of which are in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia. In an interview with China.org.cn, Yuk Sengponleur, tourism attache of the Embassy of Cambodia in China, expressed his excitement about Cambodia being included in China's first batch of 20 pilot destinations for outbound group travel. He said the return of Chinese tourists during the Spring Festival was an excellent start for Cambodia's tourism industry in 2023. He noted that China is a large and densely populated country, the world's largest tourism market, and is close to Cambodia. The two countries maintain strong transportation links, including flights, and have established good cooperation and robust diplomatic ties. These factors have laid a solid foundation for constructing a community with a shared future for mankind, making it clear that the Chinese tourism market is a top-priority market for Cambodia. The vast potential of Chinese tourists, as well as Chinese investors, will drive the growth of tourism and boost Cambodia's socioeconomic development. He also mentioned that Cambodia had been following the World Tourism Organization's guidance and had implemented various strategies and action plans to attract Chinese tourists, such as the "China Ready" strategy, which includes the establishment of a China Ready Center, language and culture training for officials and staff, Chinese-speaking tour guides, measures to attract Chinese investors, infrastructure support, and improved tourism services. To welcome Chinese tourists, Cambodia has worked to improve seven areas of tourism services, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, travel agents, resorts, supermarkets and souvenir shops. It has also established five criteria for customer services, including front-line staff who can speak Chinese, promoting Chinese language through digital means, Chinese product labels, and standard quality services. He emphasized that Cambodia is ready and eager to welcome Chinese and international investors and tourists with open arms and without any health-related restrictions. He noted that since the announcement of its reopening in 2022, Cambodia has been steadily facilitating travel and removing health barriers. In a workshop operated by Nanchang Highly Electrical Appliances Co., Ltd., a busy scene plays out behind the clamor of machines, with a new air conditioner (AC) compressor rolling off the assembly line every six seconds. Unmanned vehicles shuttle back and forth, and over 1,400 employees roll up their sleeves to fill rising numbers of orders at the factory in Nanchang, capital of east China's Jiangxi Province. The company saw its production orders increase 20 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2023. This was attributed to "the good momentum of China's overall economic conditions," said Wang Xin, director of the general manager's office of Nanchang Highly Electrical Appliances Co., Ltd. Manufacturing facilities in China are rumbling back to life following the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday in late January, adding to signs that the world's second-largest economy is recovering from the COVID-19 impact. In southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, the three factories owned by Chinese automaker Changan Auto in the Liangjiang New Area are running at full capacity, with more than 9,000 employees. As of Jan. 31, about 360 industrial enterprises above designated size -- meaning industrial firms with an annual business turnover of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.94 million U.S. dollars) -- had resumed production in Liangjiang, and more than 140,000 workers had returned to their posts. An array of major projects across the country have resumed construction. In Shenzhen, a manufacturing and tech hub in southern China, the first batch of 266 new projects for 2023 was launched in late January, with a total investment of 329.53 billion yuan. The outstanding performances of many provincial-level regions since the start of the year show the huge growth potential of China's economy, said Chen Bin, an expert from the State Information Center. "A good start in the first quarter will greatly buoy confidence in economic development throughout the year," Chen added. According to a recent survey conducted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, 99.4 percent of the foreign companies surveyed were bullish about the prospects of China's economic development in 2023. On the first day after the holiday, production lines were active and machines were up and running at the second factory operated by SMC (China) Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan's pneumatic component manufacturer SMC Corporation, in Beijing. The pneumatic components manufactured there will be sold to more than 80 countries around the world. "Benefiting from various service guarantees from government departments, our revenue is steadily increasing," said Ma Qinghai, general manager of SMC Investment Management China Co., Ltd. The company will continue to expand its investment in China and will establish an R&D center in Beijing, which will be the largest of its kind outside of Japan, according to Ma. The long-term positive fundamentals of China's economy remain unchanged, and positive factors that drive the overall improvement of its economic performance have increased greatly, said Zhang Liqun, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council. The purchasing managers' index for China's manufacturing sector returned to expansion territory in January after three consecutive months of contraction. The International Monetary Fund recently lifted its forecast for China's economic growth in 2023 to 5.2 percent from a previous prediction of 4.4 percent. Vietnam remains third largest seafood supplier to Republic of Korea last year (Source: vov.vn) Last year witnessed Vietnam spend US$6.47 billion on importing 1,595 million tonnes of seafood from 109 markets, duly representing a rise of 3.9% in volume and 12.7% in value compared to 2021s figures. The RoK mainly increased seafood imports from Russia and Vietnam, while reducing seafood imports from markets such as Norway, the United States, and Peru. Photo for illustration (Source: https://thuonghieusanpham.vn) Vietnam was the third largest seafood supplier to RoK last year with 161,900 tonnes worth US$915.8 million, up 3.6% in volume and 15.3% in value compared to 2021. In the first half of the year, the RoKs seafood imports are anticipated to continue slowing following the trend in the last quarter of 2022 due to a global economic downturn. However, the trend of seafood consumption in the RoK has changed in line with reduced spending globally, which will offer opportunities for Vietnamese seafood items to boost the export of seafood products to the market at reasonable prices. Banks plan to pay cash dividends for first time in three years Some banks have announced plans to pay cash dividends to shareholders for the first time in three years. Photo for illustration (Source: tuoitre.vn) Accordingly, TPBank is due to pay a cash dividend at a rate of 25% instead of a stock dividend like in previous years. This means that shareholders will receive 2,500 VND (0.11 USD) per owned share. The payment is expected in the first quarter of 2023. The source is from undistributed profits as of 2021 after disbursing funds according to the audited financial statements. This is the first bank to consult shareholders on cash dividend payments this year. Some banks have announced plans to pay cash dividends to shareholders for the first time in three years. (Photo: VNA) TPBank said that accumulated to the end of 2022, the remaining profit and surplus from funds reached more than 13.36 trillion VND. Of which, the undistributed profit until 2021 after distributing to funds was nearly 5.5 trillion VND. Last year, TPBank also recorded a 30% growth in profit before tax to nearly 7.9 trillion VND, thanks to an increase in fee income and the recovery of customers whose debts were extended during the pandemic, so risk provisions were reduced. Previously, Vietnam International Commercial Joint Stock Bank (VIB) said that if it is approved by the general meeting of shareholders and approved by the State Bank of Vietnam, it can pay a cash dividend of up to 35% of the charter capital, meaning that shareholders owning one VIB share can receive 3,500 VND in dividends. According to VIB's representative, the payment rate could be higher if irregular revenues were recorded in 2022. In 2022, VIB recorded a profit before tax of more than 10.58 trillion VND, an increase of 32% over the previous year. Similarly, Vietnam Prosperity Commercial Joint Stock Bank (VPBank) and Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (ACB) also plan to pay cash dividends this year. Vietnam expects to send 10,000 guest workers to RoK this year Vietnams relevant agencies have stepped up training since mid-2022 in an effort to increase the number of workers sent to the Republic of Korea (RoK). Vietnamese workers at Incheon airport in the RoK. (Photo: VNA) The Korean Ministry of Employment and Labour said the country has plans to employ about 110,000 migrant workers this year to work at its farms and factories, but some businesses believed even more will be needed to keep them running. Apart from working to raise the number of guest workers under the Employment Permit System (EPS), Vietnam's competent agencies have also discussed with Korean relevant units to loosen conditions, making it easier for shipbuilding workers to enter the RoK. Vietnam's labour management board in the RoK has also coordinated with the Vietnam EPS Labour Management Office and support centres for guest workers to diversify communication and support activities. Last year, Vietnam sent nearly 9,000 workers to the RoK under the EPS programme, out of 70,000 set for 16 selected countries. Head of the EPS Vietnam Office in the RoK Pham Minh Duc said up to 10,000 Vietnamese guest workers are expected to be sent to the RoK this year. The office will coordinate with the labour management board and the Vietnamese Embassy in the RoK to provide training for the workers, helping them quickly integrate into the host society. Joint efforts will also be made to popularise the Korean laws among the guest workers, and more measures will be taken to support them, he said. After the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, the Vietnam Centre for Overseas Labour helped to send 138 workers to the RoK, and received dossiers of nearly 6,000 others that satisfy Korean language requirements./. Acting President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (R) and Brazilian Ambassador to Vietnam Fernando Apparicio da Silva. (Photo: VNA) During a reception for the diplomat in Hanoi on February 6, Xuan affirmed that Vietnam always wishes to further strengthen its ties with Brazil, one of the top important partners in Latin America. She suggested both nations continue facilitating the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially those at the high level to boost the bilateral relationship. Vietnamese leaders also wished to welcome Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to visit Vietnam soon, Xuan said. Speaking highly of the development of bilateral economic and trade ties, Xuan expressed her hope that the two countries will continue creating conditions for their goods to enter each other as well as step up educational cooperation which is also their strength. The Acting President proposed the Brazilian Government continue supporting the launch of talks on a Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market Mercosur. The two nations should continue supporting each other at international organisations and multilateral forums, she added. Apparicio da Silva, for his part, said two-way trade surged to 6.78 billion USD last year from about 4 billion USD in late 2018, up 6.6% annually. Expressing his thanks to Vietnams competent agencies for their support during his tenure, he wished that the bilateral ties would thrive in the near future, especially the exchange of high-level delegations and cooperation in economy, trade and other areas of strength of each nation./. Baby elephant Bao Ngoc is one of the symbols of Vietnam - Germany friendship (Photo: VNA) Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vu Quang Minh and his wife Nguyen Minh Hanh attended the naming ceremony and became the patrons of Bao Ngoc elephant. Baby elephant Bao Ngoc was born on December 20, 2022. Leipzig Zoo held a naming ceremony for this smallest member. Bao Ngoc is the second calf in a herd of four elephants begun in 2002 with the birth of their father Voi Nam. Bao Ngoc and Akito, his younger sister expected to be born in the next few weeks, are the calves of elephant mothers from Asian countries. More than 20 years ago, the birth of Voi Nam in 2002 was a big event, because after 66 years, since 1936, the elephant herd at Leipzig Zoo for the first time welcomed a new member. When he was born, Voi Nam weighed 120kg and was 95 centimeters tall. After Bao Ngoc was born, Leipzig Zoo consulted elephant lovers to find a suitable name, in which special priority was given to names of Vietnamese origin. With the help of Ms. Nguyen Thu Thuy, who represents the city's patrons and animal lovers, Ambassador Vu Quang Minh and the zoo's leader chose the final name Bao Ngoc, with the meaning of "precious gem", one of the most magical things. Leipzig Zoo has the second largest scale in Europe, built in the 19th century, with a total area of 26.3 hectares. There are nearly 600 species of animals from all continents of the world. In addition to developing and conserving rare animals, Leipzig Zoo is also implementing projects to help Cuc Phuong and Cat Ba national parks in Vietnam take care of, maintain and conserve rare animal species./. Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) The article wrote that since he was young, witnessing Vietnam being oppressed, poor and hungry, Nguyen Tat Thanh (President Ho Chi Minh) nurtured an aspiration to find a way to save his country and bring independence to the Vietnamese people. After a 30-year journey abroad searching for national salvation with revolutionary activities in 28 countries globally, he always held a strong belief and aspiration for national independence. In 1941, he returned to the country and directly led the Vietnamese revolution. From 1941 to 1945, he led the Vietnamese people through myriad difficulties to the great victory of the August Revolution in 1945. After the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was established, President Ho Chi Minh wished to make the country wealthy, bring freedom, well-being and happiness to the people, it stressed. In his Testament, President Ho Chi Minh expressed his final wish that the entire Vietnamese Party and people stay united and build a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic and prosperous country, make worthy contributions to the world revolution." The thought and aspirations of the late President have been continuously followed by the entire Vietnamese Party and people in the process of national construction on the path of socialism, and in the cause of renovation and national development over the past 35 years and in the next period. The article concluded that the countrys past achievements are significant and comprehensive, as mentioned in the documents of the 13th National Party Congress which affirmed that Vietnam has never enjoyed such fortune, power, international standing and prestige as it does today./. People visit an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) People visit an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) Lamas prepare an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) Lamas prepare an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) Butter sculptures are pictured at an exhibition at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) Lamas prepare an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) Butter sculptures are pictured at an exhibition at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) People take pictures of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) People visit an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) Lamas prepare an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) People visit an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) Lamas prepare an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) People take pictures of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) Butter sculptures are pictured at an exhibition at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) Editor: Zhang Zhou People guess lantern riddles in Xuan'en County, central China's Hubei Province. People across China celebrate the Lantern Festival with rich and varied traditional folk customs. Cultural performances are given on street, creating a festive mood among people. (Wang Jun/Guangming Picture) People across China celebrate the Lantern Festival with rich and varied traditional folk customs. Cultural performances are given on street, creating a festive mood among people. (Wu Zhiwei/Guangming Picture) People across China celebrate the Lantern Festival with rich and varied traditional folk customs. Cultural performances are given on street, creating a festive mood among people. (Ouyang Guanglin/Guangming Picture) People across China celebrate the Lantern Festival with rich and varied traditional folk customs. Cultural performances are given on street, creating a festive mood among people. (Wang Fujian/Guangming Picture) Editor: WXL The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) handed over to Ukraine the first General Electric gas turbine plant with a capacity of 25 MW. "This is a practical step towards the decentralization of the energy system, the development of which is in the strategic plans of Ukraine. The launch of such a station will increase the reliability of power supplies amid enemy shelling," Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko said during the transfer of equipment. He thanked the U.S. administration and the people of this country for their support, noting that Ukrainians feel it all the time. According to U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, this gas turbine unit will provide electricity to up to 100,000 consumers. At the same time, the ambassador said that, as far as she knew, a similar unit would be delivered to Odesa, whose energy infrastructure had been seriously damaged by Russian shelling. According to USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman, the agency has already donated 17,000 generators and a large number of tents for heating to Ukraine. Now the decision of the U.S. Congress on the allocation of a significant amount to Ukraine for the restoration of the energy system is expected. "All together we are working on the rapid purchase of equipment for Ukraine," she said. Exports of processed products in the agribusiness segment from Ukraine to Russia in 2022 fell by 93.5% compared to 2021, to $3 million from $46 million, while its supplies of similar products to Belarus fell by 86.7%, to $69 million from $520 million. As reported on the website of the Ukrainian Agriculture Export Association (UAEA), Ukrainian exporting companies no longer plan to supply food products to the Belarusian and Russian markets, given the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and the successful reorientation of its exports to the EU countries. According to the UAEA, in 2022, in particular, the export of cocoa paste to Russia stopped, although in 2021 the Russian Federation was its largest buyer with a 60% share in Ukrainian imports of this product and volumes worth $20 million. Last year Ukraine also stopped supplying ice cream to Russia, although, in 2021 it was in 3rd position in exporting this Ukrainian product after Moldova and Israel. In 2022, instead of it, Germany joined the main sales markets. In 2022, deliveries to Belarus, in particular, Ukrainian bakery confectionery products, fell by 88.3%, to $2 million, while in 2021 it took 3rd place in the ranking of importers in this segment with an indicator of $17 million. Similarly, supplies of Ukrainian frozen beef fell by 97.7%, to $0.3 million in 2022 versus $13 million a year earlier, and canned fruit and berry products by 85.1%, to $1.5 million from $10 million. According to the association, if in 2021 Belarus was the major importer of Ukrainian potatoes with an 80% share in exports worth $3 million, then in 2022 it took 2nd place with 23% and $1 million, respectively (a drop of 66.7%). Supplies of tomatoes, onions, cabbage, and carrots grown in Ukraine, sold to Belarus being among the top destinations in 2021, plunged or stopped. In addition, last year, the Republic of Belarus, being the leader in importers of cooked non-frozen vegetables from Ukraine and occupying first place in 2021, was "displaced" by Moldova, Georgia, and Hungary. "With virtually unchanged exports of jam, jelly, and marmalade in 2022, Poland, Moldova, and the Czech Republic became their main buyers (in 2021 - Poland, Belarus, Israel)," the association said in the report. The UAEA said that in the segment of frozen vegetables, last year Ukraine generally increased its export volumes with a change in its geographical structure compared to 2021: Germany rose to the 2nd position instead of Belarus, which had left the top three, and Turkey took the honorary bronze. The leader here, as in the year before last, was Poland. "Mutual embargoes with Russia, introduced in 2016, significantly reduced mutual trade even earlier. In particular, the export of frozen beef, fresh and processed vegetables, and confectionery products to Belarus significantly decreased. Last year, supplies of cocoa paste and ice cream dropped to zero. Last year, the supply of cocoa paste and ice cream to the Russian market fell to zero," the organization said. PJSC ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih (AMKR) hopes for an improvement in the situation with power supply in the first half of this year and an increase in production from the current 25% to 50% of the plant's capacity, CEO Mauro Longobardo has said. "We can't produce more than 25% because we don't have enough power. As soon as we have power, we can increase production... and reach 50%," he said on the sidelines of a business forum on the rapid restoration of Ukraine in Luxembourg organized by the Ukraine-Luxembourg Business Club. Longobardo said that the facility is currently operating at 25% in ore mining and steel production and consumes about 125 MW, compared to the pre-war typical consumption level of about 450 MW. The CEO also added that after the recent decision of the government, AMKR started importing electricity and is currently quite satisfied with the result, although the price of imports adds a negative impact on the cost. According to him, despite this, the entire team of 26,000 employees has been retained, of which about 10,000-12,000 are employed at work, depending on the day, but assistance is also provided to others. "We are investing in keeping all of our people through this year," the CEO said. He said that if there is sufficient power supply, further restrictions of 50% of capacity are already related to logistics. As Longobardo said, AMKR is actively developing new routes alternative to the pre-war maritime ones, and preliminary new directions to Poland and southern Ukraine will ensure 50% of production work. "We just need to test them when we have 50% in stock," the CEO added. According to him, without the resumption of operation of the main ports of Ukraine, the plant will not be able to either export products or ensure coal imports. Longobardo said that AMKR is currently operating entirely on Ukrainian coal, as the operation of the traditional coal import route from Kazakhstan from another ArcelorMittal's subsidiary is currently interrupted. At the same time, he said that there are other obstacles on the way to increasing production up to 50%. First, Longobardo explained, the power supply must be reliable, since the enterprise has three blast furnaces, of which one is still working. Going to 50% would mean running two furnaces, as the third is the largest, and shutting down the furnaces abruptly in the event of power problems is fraught with damage. The CEO called the growth of costs and logistics costs the second important problem. "The cost has already been killed. When I tell you that logistics is possible, it's true. But it's $100 per tonne more than what I paid before," Longobardo said. He said that earlier the transport distance to the port of Mykolaiv was 250 km, there were also river deliveries, while now it is 1,500 km to Gdansk and there are also transshipment costs due to different gauges in Ukraine and Europe. ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih is the largest producer of rolled steel in Ukraine. It specializes in the production of long products, in particular rebar and wire rod. The Ukrainian Defense Forces are counteracting Russian attempts to encircle Bakhmut, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address on Monday. "Held a regular meeting of the Headquarters, a lot of questions. The key is our actions on the front line. In Donetsk region and other directions. Particular attention is on Bakhmut. Our defense, the attempts of the occupier to surround the city and break our defenses there. We resist. And I thank every warrior who provides this resistance with his stamina," Zelensky said. According to him, the Headquarters also discussed, in particular, issues of providing ammunition. "Artillery is one of the key factors," the president said. In a number of regions, people with military experience will be appointed as leaders, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address on Monday. "In a number of regions border and frontline we appoint leaders with military experience. Those who can prove themselves most effectively in protecting against existing threats. I will inform about each such decision," he said. In general, the president said, "it should be noted that we will combine the experience gained by our people in defending Ukraine military experience with specific managerial work in positions in local and central government." Civilian casualties from February 24, 2022, when Russia started the war against Ukraine, to February 5, 2023 amounted to 18,817 civilians (a week earlier some 18,657), including 7,155 killed (7,110), the Office of the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights Council (OHCHR) said on Monday. "Most of the civilian casualties recorded were caused by the use of explosive weapons with wide area effects, including shelling from heavy artillery, multiple launch rocket systems, missiles and air strikes," the UN said. This concerns, for example, Mariupol (Donetsk region), Lysychansk, Popasna, and Sievierodonetsk (Luhansk region), where there are allegations of numerous civilian casualties. According to confirmed UN data, some 2,853 men, some 1,927 women, some 226 boys and 180 girls killed, while the gender of 32 children and 1,937 adults has not yet been determined. Among the 11,662 injured were 339 boys and 248 girls, as well as 264 children whose gender has not yet been determined. Compared to January 29, nine children were injured. If earlier the OHCHR report on the number of casualties was published daily, and then only on weekdays, since July it has become a weekly one. In this summary, as in the previous one, the data are given by months. According to them, the number of deaths in January decreased to 177 from 190 in December, but exceeded the figure for November some 164, which was the lowest since the beginning of the war, and for five days of February it amounted to 29 people. March remains the deadliest month for civilians, with a minimum of 3,378 deaths, according to the UN. In April, according to an OHCHR publication, the number of civilian deaths due to the war fell to 714, in May to 476, in June to 376 and in July to 360. In the first five days of the war, from February 24 to February 28, some 362 people killed, for August some 307, for September some 331, for October some 288. The number of wounded in January some 520 was the lowest since the beginning of the war: in December there were 612, in November some 530. In October, the number of wounded fell to 787 from 934 in September, when it was higher than in August some 894 and slightly lower than in previous months: July some 1,100, June some 1,030, May some 1,021. In April and March, 1,255 and 2,418 people were injured, respectively. According to the report, in January, 167 people were killed and 468 injured by explosive weapons with a wide area of effect, while 14 people died and 52 were injured by mines and explosive remnants of war (9% of the total casualties). Government-controlled territories accounted for 91% of the victims in January, according to the UN. The summary has traditionally stated that increases from the previous summary should not be attributed only to cases after January 29, since during this period the Office verified a number of cases from previous days. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has liquidated a large-scale scheme of clandestine financing of Russian occupational groups by citizens of Ukraine, in particular Oksana Marchenko, the wife of former MP Viktor Medvedchuk suspected of treason, the SBU reports. "It is she (Marchenko) who is the ultimate beneficiary of the network of Kyiv companies and enterprises in Yalta, which transferred millions of dollars to the accounts of the National Guard and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation in the occupied Crimea," the telegram channel of the Ukrainian intelligence service reported on Tuesday. According to the SBU, it was established that these companies paid the invaders allegedly for the protection of Medvedchuk's real estate on the peninsula. In addition, as the special service said, Marchenko's business structure regularly replenished the Russian budget in the form of paying "taxes and fees" - the total amount of payments made in favor of the aggressor country is more than 50 million in hryvnia equivalent. "To implement the scheme, Oksana Marchenko registered a company in Yalta with a charter capital of more than RUB 1 billion. To create it, she used the assets of three controlled investment companies located in Kyiv. Then the 'Crimean' company signed the corresponding 'security' agreements with structures of the Russian National Guard and Ministry of Internal Affairs," the SBU informs. The report also states that after the start of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, Marchenko's company continued to finance the budget of the occupiers. During 11 searches of Medvedchuk's wife's real estate, the offices of her Kyiv companies, and the residence addresses of their top managers, SBU officers found documents, computers, mobile phones with evidence of transactions, stamps and bank cards that were used in illegal activities. On the basis of the collected evidence, SBU investigators informed Oksana Marchenko and the head of an affiliated company in Crimea about the suspicion under Part 3 of Article 110-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (financing actions committed with the aim of forcibly changing or overthrowing the constitutional order or seizing state power, changing the boundaries of the territory or the state border of Ukraine). The security system in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine has been completely revised after a helicopter crash in Brovary, Kyiv region, when the leadership of the ministry died, acting Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. "The security system has been completely revised. Helicopters of the class that crashed in Brovary are currently all at the airfields, the relevant specialists are working. We are completely checking all the helicopters that were in the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs," the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs said at the telethon. According to Klymenko, this process will drag on, perhaps for a month or two, until it is established, together with foreign experts, that these helicopters are safe. As the head of the department said, the heads of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are currently prohibited from traveling by helicopter, only by road, until the investigation is completed and the causes of the crash are finally known. As reported, on January 18 in the morning in Brovary, near a kindergarten, a State Emergency Service helicopter crashed, carrying nine people, including the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. A total of 14 people were killed, including everyone in the helicopter and five people on the ground, including one child. Some 25 people were injured, some 11 of them children. The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) with support from the Japanese Red Cross Society implements a project for providing medical assistance to the residents of the mountainous districts in Ivano-Frankivsk region. "Four mobile medical teams of the Ukrainian Red Cross have been working in Ivano-Frankivsk region since November. The specialists have made 166 visits to remote settlements of the region and conducted medical consultations for around 3,000 patients over this period," the URCS said on its Facebook page. The medical workers examine patients, measure blood pressure, glucose, and blood saturation levels, as well as conduct electrocardiography and ultrasound examination. They also give recommendations on treatment and provide medicines free of charge. On average, 300 to 340 people receive medical care per week. The specialists visit mainly settlements in mountainous areas where there are no primary outpatient clinics, while dirt roads and poor route communication with regional centers prevail. Thanks to the work of medical mobile teams, people from vulnerable segments of the population and pensioners can receive the necessary medical care. Employees of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine shot down a Russian Su-25 aircraft in the sky over Bakhmut, Donetsk region, the state service said on the Telegram channel on Tuesday. "An enemy attack aircraft was covering from the air the infantry approaching the defense line. One of the border guard units opened fire from a man-portable air defense system and shot down the Russian combat aircraft, tentatively Su-25. After the missile strike, the aircraft went on fire and fell down, the fate of the pilot is unknown yet," the Border Guard Service said. Hong Kong: Govt rejects scandalising of courts The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it strongly disapproved of and firmly rejected the scandalising of Hong Kongs criminal justice process, including cases concerning the National Security Law, by some groups and members of the US Congress. Any attempt to interfere with the citys judicial proceedings is a blatant act undermining Hong Kongs rule of law, it said in a press statement. As guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, all defendants charged with a criminal offence have the right to and will undergo a fair trial by the Judiciary. Specifically, Article 85 of the Basic Law guarantees that Hong Kong courts shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that the courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws, adding that cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the people involved. This story has been published on: 2023-02-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The German government has approved the delivery of Leopard 1 main battle tanks to Ukraine. In general, 88 tanks from Rheinmetall Group and 99 tanks from Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft have been approved for export, Business Insider reports. It is noted that the official figures will be released on Tuesday. At the same time, according to sources of the publication in the German government, funding for the repair of tanks has not yet been provided. This should be finally clarified only in the next few weeks. In addition, it is expected that the first tanks will be delivered no earlier than the middle of this year. The exact number of them has not yet been established. Insiders say, it also depends on funding. It is also unclear whether all 187 Leopard 1 tanks will eventually be combat-ready, or whether many tanks will have to be used as spare parts depots. In addition, in private conversations within the government, it is also noted that the military-strategic importance of delivering tanks lies not so much in the vehicles themselves, but in changing the ammunition used. Leopard tanks use the NATO standard 105 mm caliber, which means a much better supply of ammunition to Ukraine, since it cannot produce ammunition for its old Soviet tanks itself. In the long term, this can increase the stability of the Ukrainian army. Earthquake in Turkey probably kills two Ukrainian citizens, no contact with 19 Ukrainians so far MFA Two Ukrainian citizens, probably, were killed as a result of an earthquake in the south of Turkey, Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine Oleh Nikolenko has said referring to the country's authorities. "As the Turkish side said, two Ukrainian citizens, probably, were killed as a result of the earthquake. The embassy is checking this information and taking measures to identify the victims," he said on Facebook on Tuesday. The ministry also knows that four Ukrainians were injured, according to Nikolenko. "They were slightly injured, there are no threats to their lives, and they do not need to be hospitalized. Those injured have been provided with temporary housing and foodstuffs," he said. According to the ministry's spokesman, in general, diplomats have found 38 citizens. They are cooperating with the Turkish rescue services to find the other 19 Ukrainians, who have not made contact yet. "The Foreign Ministry is preparing to send Ukrainian consuls to the city of Gaziantep. The diplomats from the embassy will be able to arrive at the natural disaster area as soon as the situation allows against the background of the state of emergency introduced in Turkey," he said. Nikolenko also stressed that the consuls will coordinate on the spot the assistance to Ukrainians, and provide them with warm clothes and essential items. "On the way back, the embassy plans to transport by its vehicles the Ukrainians who would be willing to move to other regions of Turkey," he said. Ukrainian rescuers to arrive in Turkey as soon as possible Zelensky Ukrainian rescuers will go to the earthquake-affected regions of Turkey in the near future, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday. Speaking to President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, I expressed condolences over the horrific tragedy that befell the people of Turkiye due to the earthquakes. I informed him of the decision to send a group of rescuers and equipment from Ukraine to Turkiye to help in overcoming the aftermath of the emergency, he said on the Telegram. Ukrainian specialists have relevant experience in overcoming the consequences of natural disasters and will arrive in the affected regions as soon as possible, Zelensky also noted. There will be personnel reshuffles in the Interior Ministry of Ukraine aimed at improving the efficiency of its work, Interior Minister of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko told Interfax-Ukraine. "It is necessary that the system of the Interior Ministry work as a single fist. When one part of this mechanism falls out, the failure can be felt immediately. That is why the weak links are noticeable. Of course, there will be certain personnel reshuffles. Only in the interests of the efficiency of the ministry," Klymenko said following his appointment as Interior Minister. Speaking about the ministry's priorities, he said, "We all have a common priority the Victory of Ukraine over the Russian invaders. Bringing every military criminal to justice. Security of people and the state. Zero tolerance for corruption at all levels." Klymenko also said that the Interior Ministry always was an agency with a wide range of functions, and the full-scale war has extended it even more. "So, we maintain the system and continue to work. This is the main thing to do," he said. Klymenko stressed that the ministry will not tolerate corruption and treason, adding that these two phenomena must not be forgiven. A group of Ukrainian military went to Germany on Tuesday to prepare for the management of Leopard 2 tanks, said head of the German Defense Ministry Boris Pistorius. "Today I had the honor to accompany your military to conduct training on Leopard 2. I admire the speed of preparation of Ukrainians who receive knowledge. Weapons systems work effectively for Ukraine in this aggressive war of Russia. This applies to Marder, NASAMS, Patriot. It also shows how well Ukrainian soldiers work," Pistorius said during a press conference at the Military Media Center in Kyiv. There should be more people in govt who went through war trial Zelensky There should be more people who have passed the test of war in state and local authorities, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said. Vasyl Maliuk has been the Acting Head of the Service for some time. He passed the test of war. He proved his effectiveness. He was appointed, Zelensky said in his video address. The Head of State also thanked the members of parliament of Ukraine for the positive vote on the candidacy of Ihor Klymenko for the post of Minister of Internal Affairs. According to him, it is important that the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which is an element of the overall defense and security system, has quickly received a leader who has been defending our country since the first minutes of the full-scale invasion together with everyone else. Now we have people who have gained experience in such a war. They have clear results in their work for the state that is fighting for its people and its independence. There should be more such people on posts of various levels in central and local government, the president said. Zelensky also noted that Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia and Kherson regional administrations will be headed by specialists who have experience in real protection of the state right now. 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. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry announced in a telephone call with his Turkish and Syrian counterparts that Egypt was sending urgent relief aid to both countries to help them to face the repercussions of the deadly earthquake that killed over two thousand and injured thousands of others according to the latest estimations. According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called on Monday his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu and extended his condolences to the government and people of Turkey for the victims of the quake that hit southeastern Turkey killing over 1000 and injuring 1000 others according to latest estimations. During the call, Shoukry announced that the Egyptian government was sending urgent relief aid to Turkey in a show of solidarity with the Turkish state and Turkish people as they face this catastrophe. Shoukry also expressed his wishes for the success of the current search and rescue operations in the country. Cavusoglu, for his part, expressed his appreciation for Egypt's solidarity with Turkey as it faces this disaster. Shoukry also made a telephone call to his Syrian counterpart Faisal El-Mekdad to offer condolences to the victims of the horrific quake that hit Syria early Monday morning. During the call, Shoukry told his counterpart that the Egyptian government has decided to send relief aid in solidarity with the Arab Republic of Syria to help the Syrian state and the Syrian people face the repercussions of the quake that killed hundreds and injured thousands in Northern Syria alone. El-Mekdad, for his part, expressed his appreciation and thanks for Egypts support in the face of this disaster. A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked southeastern Turkey and northern Syria early Monday, toppling hundreds of buildings and killing more than 2,300 people. Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi expressed earlier Egypt's "full solidarity" with the people of Syria and Turkey as well as the country's readiness to provide aid to face the impacts of the deadly earthquake. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said in a statement that Egypt is ready to provide assistance to help both Syria and Turkey face the horrifying impacts of the deadly earthquake that struck both countries as well as a number of eastern Mediterranean countries. Egypts embassies in Syria and Turkey have launched on Monday hotlines for Egyptians in both countries to report any damage or call for help following the deadly earthquake that hit both countries. Egypts Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid released online the hotline numbers of both embassies. Egyptian Embassy in Ankara: 00905497695566 Egyptian Embassy in Damascus: 00963112144886 - 00963112144885 Search Keywords: Short link: Could humanity finally be gaining the upper hand in our age-old fight against cancer? Recent scientific and medical advances have added several new weapons to our arsenal, including personalised gene therapy, artificial intelligence screening, simple blood tests -- and potentially soon vaccines. Cancer accounted for nearly 10 million deaths -- almost one in six of the global total -- in 2020, according to the World Health Organization. Here are some of the promising recent developments in diagnosing and treating the disease. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy drugs, which stimulate the immune system to track down and kill cancerous cells, have been one the biggest advances in cancer treatment over the last decade. With fewer severe side effects than chemotherapy, immunotherapy has had a profound effect on the treatment of several types of cancer. Before 2010, the survival rate for people with severe cases of the skin cancer melanoma was very low. But thanks to immunotherapy drugs, some patients can now live for 10 years or more. However not all tumours respond to immunotherapy, which has its own side effects. "We are only at the beginning of immunotherapy," said Bruno Quesnel, research director at France's National Cancer Institute. Pierre Saintigny, an oncologist at France's Leon Berard cancer centre, said that different kinds of immunotherapy treatments will need to be combined "as intelligently as possible." With immunotherapy, we have moved up a level in cancer treatment, but steps still need to be taken for all the patients who do not benefit from it," he added. CAR-T therapy CAR-T therapy involves taking the T-cells from the blood of an individual patient and modifying them in a laboratory. Then the T-cells, which are part of the immune system, are injected back into the patient, newly trained to target cancerous cells. Another technique called Allogeneic CAR-T involves getting the cells from a different, healthy person. So far, CAR-T therapies have mainly been effective against some kinds of leukaemia, and the process remains very expensive. Artificial intelligence Computer programmes using artificial intelligence (AI) have been shown to identify brain and breast cancer from routine scans with more accuracy than humans. With AI research booming across a range of fields, it is expected to play an increasing role in other ways to diagnose cancer. "Thanks to artificial intelligence, we will be able to identify which patients can benefit from shorter treatment," said Fabrice Andre, an oncologist France's Gustave Roussy cancer institute. This would mean fewer side effects for patients, and a lower burden on the health system. - Liquid biopsy testing - Liquid biopsies are able to detect cancer in DNA from a simple blood test, which is easier and less invasive than traditional biopsies which require a tissue simple. Quicker and easier testing would help doctors detect and act against cancer before it has the chance to spread. The new technique is now being used in the United States, "but there are still a lot of false positives," Andre said. Vaccines There have long been vaccines available to protect against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer, and hepatitis B which can lead to liver cancer. But after decades of failed efforts towards a cancer vaccine, hopes have risen that the mRNA technology pioneered for Covid-19 vaccines could also lead to a breakthrough in cancer. Vaccines that treat -- rather than prevent -- cancer have been the most promising in development. In December, the drugmakers Moderna and Merck announced positive early trial results for their personalised mRNA vaccine to treat skin cancer patients. And last month, German pharmaceutical BioNTech said that 10,000 people in Britain would be part of a trial for a mRNA cancer vaccine that would be tailored to individual tumours. A personal combination Steven Le Gouill, the head of the hospital group at France's Curie Institute, said he was optimistic for the future of cancer treatment. "We have passed a milestone in our understanding of the tumour cell," he said. "Cancer remains an ordeal, but progress has been made -- exponentially." Search Keywords: Short link: Cairo hosted on Tuesday meetings of the Libyan 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) under the auspices of the United Nations to discuss the departure plan for mercenaries and foreign forces from Libya, state-owned news agency MENA reported. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Abdoulaye Bathily and representatives of Libya's neighbouring countries Sudan, Chad, and Niger participated in the JMC meetings, which are planned to last for two days. Bathily stressed that the security track is an important pillar for paving the way to establishing a favourable political and economic environment in Libya, according to MENA. Libya has witnessed a political stalemate since it failed to hold long-awaited elections in December 2021. The country is currently divided between two rival governments; one based in Tripoli, led by Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah, and the other appointed by the east-based parliament and led by Fathi Bashagha. Dbeibah, who has refused to hand over power before holding elections, asserted in early January that his government is ready to hold general elections in 2023. Egypt has repeatedly asserted that holding the elections is the only way to resolve the ongoing crisis in Libya. Libya failed to hold general elections in December 2021 as previously scheduled due to disagreements over election laws among Libyan parties. During the meeting on Tuesday, Bathily said that the two-day discussions aim to activate the Libyan liaison committees agreed upon in November 2021 in Cairo, within the framework of preparing for the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries. At the time, in 2021, the three neighbouring countries expressed their readiness to receive the fighters who belong to their countries and coordinate with the Libyan parties to guarantee that they will not return to Libya. Bathily noted on Tuesday that the last meeting of the JMC, held on 15-16 January, made progress, including the nomination of members of the Libyan Liaison Committee to let them to work hand-in-hand with their counterparts from Sudan, Chad and Niger. Your work is of great importance for the implementation of the action plan for the withdrawal of foreigners and mercenaries, said Bathily, adding that he attended a fruitful meeting with the ambassadors of Sudan, Niger and Chad last week, where they expressed their desire to support the UNSMIL and the Libyan actors to find permanent solutions to the challenges raised and to cooperate with their Libyan brothers. The UN diplomat also thanked the JMC for its efforts to implement the ceasefire agreement, and the steps it has taken so far, in order to activate the action plan signed in Geneva in October 2021 under the auspices of the UNSMIL. In early January, Egypt facilitated a meeting in Cairo between rival Libyan leaders, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh and Head of Higher Council of State Khaled Al-Mishri Egypts Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the outcomes of the meeting, describing it as an important step towards holding presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously as soon as possible. "Egypt will always remain supportive of the choices of the Libyan people and the role of the Libyan institutions in a way that leads to achieving security, stability, and unity in Libya," the foreign ministry said at the time, adding that Egypt will also support Libya in a way that leads to the exit of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libyan lands. Search Keywords: Short link: The shooting down of an alleged Chinese spy balloon by the US this week has led to the postponement of an important US-Chinese meeting. US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping met in Bali in Indonesia in November and agreed that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken would travel to Beijing in early 2023 as part of a joint endeavour by the US and Chinese governments to build on their successful Bali Summit. The US State Department announced last week that Blinken would travel to Beijing on 5-6 February. However, then came news of a Chinese spy balloon flying at high altitude above the continental US and over the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana where the US military has nuclear missile silos. US officials said on 3 February that a second Chinese balloon had been detected over Latin America. On 4 February, an F-22 Raptor plane shot down the balloon at exactly 2:39 pm, according to the US Department of Defence, using a single air-to-air Sidewinder missile to do so. Recovery operations for the debris by the US Navy in the presence of US counterintelligence officials immediately started in order to recover as much as possible of the highly sensitive equipment in the balloon. According to a statement by US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, the downing of the Chinese balloon off the coast of South Carolina was done at the direction of Biden himself who gave the order on 2 February provided that the shooting would not cause harm or damage on the ground and that the US military would wait for the right circumstances to execute the order. The statement stressed that the Chinese balloon was an attempt to surveil strategic sites in the continental United States and that it was an unacceptable violation of US sovereignty. It also pointed out that the downing of the balloon had been coordinated with the Canadian government. In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said it regretted the balloons flying across US airspace, adding that it had been blown off its original course. In a phone call between Blinken and Wang Yi, a former Chinese foreign minister and now the highest official in the politburo of the Chinese Communist Party in charge of foreign affairs, Blinken said that the US administration had decided to postpone his previously scheduled trip to China because the balloon incident had meant that now was not the right moment to discuss the future course of US-Chinese relations. He added that it had been detrimental to the substantive discussions that we were prepared to have in the visit. In response, Yi urged Blinken to avoid misjudgement over [the] balloon controversy and emphasised that both governments had committed themselves to dealing with the controversy in a calm and professional manner. As expected, the Chinese reacted firmly and forcefully to the shooting down of the balloon, saying that it was a clear overreaction and a serious violation of international practice. China reserves the right to make further responses if necessary, it said. In diplomatic speech, the phrase if necessary means that China does not want to derail the process of positive engagement with the US that was the positive result of the US-China Summit in Bali last November. Nevertheless, the Chinese Ministry of Defence accused the US of executing an excessive attack on a civilian craft in shooting down the balloon. Quoted in last weekends edition of the UK newspaper the Financial Times (5-6 February), the ministry added that we solemnly protest against the US move and reserve the right to use the necessary means to deal with similar ones. The spy balloon incident brought to mind a similar incident in 1960 at the height of the Cold War when the former Soviet Union shot down a US reconnaissance plane flown by a pilot named Gary Powell. Moscow at the time was under the leadership of then secretary-general of the Soviet Communist Party Nikita Khrushchev who made quite a noise over the incident that led to the postponement of a scheduled summit meeting with the then US president John Kennedy. The US reaction to the Chinese spy balloon today fits in well with its strategy towards a rising and more powerful China namely, to keep up the pressure on Beijing and put it on the defensive on a host of questions so that Washington will always have the upper hand in managing its fierce competition with the country. Similarly, the US reaction speaks of domestic political considerations within the US itself, notably because former US president Donald Trump had said shoot it down in an emphatic way. Republican Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Alaska) also released a statement in which he called on the White House to provide answers about why they decided to allow a spy balloon to cross the United States and what damage to our national security occurred from this decision. Thus, the Republicans seem to be in the mood to accuse the Democratic Biden administration of being an accessory to the murder, so to speak. Rogers said the administration should have taken care of this [balloon] before it became a national security threat. A source in the Pentagon was quoted in the Financial Times on 5 February as saying that the US military had been able to gather intelligence about the balloons capabilities during its flight. The same source said that the craft was part of a fleet of Chinese spy balloons operating over five continents. It goes without saying that the balloon incident has put Beijing in a tight spot, and the US will not let it off the hook until it decides on a date for rescheduling the postponed trip of Blinken to China. On the other hand, the sensitive information and equipment that the Americans will recover from the debris of the downed balloon will be very useful for the US intelligence community and a major setback for its Chinese counterpart. * The writer is former assistant foreign minister. * A version of this article appears in print in the 9 February, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: For my generation, growing up in the 1950s, the Palestinian cause was ever present. It was the central Arab cause in the chants we recited in the school courtyard. It topped the headlines in the five-oclock news, and no after-dinner conversation among adults was complete without a discussion of the latest developments in Palestine. For two decades, the cause was framed in the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict. For us, it was not that long ago that Arab armies had marched to Palestine to confront Jewish settlers in the first Arab-Israeli War of 1948. Some years later, Egypt and fellow Arab volunteers fought off the tripartite invasion of Israel, Britain and France. Britain wanted to retake the Suez Canal, France hoped to deprive Algerian freedom fighters of Egyptian and other Arab support, and Israel thought it could nip Egypts economic and military revival in the bud. Israel had started planning for this war soon after the famous Egyptian-Czechoslovak arms deal of 1955. After the June 1967 War, when Israel engulfed what was left of Palestine and occupied territories in Egypt, Jordan and Syria, the Palestinian cause receded as these frontline states focused on eliminating the effects of the aggression. As for the Palestinians, since the mid-1960s they have opted for a course based, first, on armed struggle and secondly on independent Palestinian decision making. This coincided with the establishment of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), which was eventually recognised as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Since the end of World War II, the Arab peoples had been fighting to free themselves of colonial rule and establish independent states. That period gave rise to territorial integration projects or drives for reconciliation and concord between various groups and regions, but it was the state-building project that preoccupied the people. As the Arab saying has it, the locals know the lay of their own land best, making them the best equipped to manage their own affairs. So as they struggled for independence or national development, it was up to other Arab states and peoples to lend whatever help they could, be it financial, military, political or diplomatic. The UN and other international organisations, alliances and collective media campaigns were common vehicles for rallying support. Eventually, through a blend of armed struggle and political and diplomatic action, all Arab countries won their independence. Then they had to decide what to do with it. In other words, they had to determine how they would develop, prosper and advance among the community of nations. Unfortunately, the Palestinians remained the exception. They are the only people in the Arab region and perhaps the world who have not yet been able to win their right to self-determination and independent statehood. There are many reasons for this, first and foremost among which is the nature of the Isreali state and the Zionist colonialist settler movement. That said, the PLO came very close to the goal of independence when it signed the Oslo Accords with Israel, leading to the creation for a Palestinian National Authority on Palestinian land for the first time in Palestinian history. Nearly three decades have passed since the signing of the Oslo Accords. So much has changed since then, in Israel, Palestine, the Arab region, the Middle East and the whole world. Israel has drifted further and further to the right. The ultra-zionist and religious right had been steadily gaining ground since 1977, slowly and hesitantly at first by taking turns in power or forming coalition governments with the left. For decades, almost since the creation of the state, politics in Israel revolved around the shifting balance between the two main parties, Labour and Likud. However, since 2009, Israeli governments under Benjamin Netanyahu have swung to the far right. The most dramatic shift occurred after the brief hiatus when he had been ousted from power by a centrist coalition. On his return in the last election, he brought with him elements from the extreme right who advocate complete annexation of the West Bank and the mass expulsion of Palestinians. The most significant change in the Palestinian sphere is the geopolitical schism between the West Bank and Gaza and between Fatah and Hamas. In recent years, new organisations have emerged out of Fatah advocating armed confrontation against Israel. A similar dynamic has occurred in Gaza where the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) recently took it upon itself to battle Israel. Ultimately, the Palestinian National Authority not only lost control over the territory that it administers, it also lost one of the main prerequisites of a modern state, namely the monopoly on the legitimate right to use armed force. In the Arab region, a division has emerged between the countries that do not have peace treaties or normalised relations with Israel, even if they support the Arab peace initiative, and six countries that signed peace agreements: Egypt and Jordan which have a cold peace with Israel, and four Gulf states that have developed warm relations with that country. The Middle East as a whole has watched Israeli military operations against Syria, Lebanon and Iraq. It has also seen Iran emerge as a threat to Arab states: Saudi Arabia and the UAE, in particular. Turkish-Arab relations entered a period of tension but have recently begun to thaw. The same applies to Ankaras relations with Israel. The international realm is in the throes of another sea change. Russia and China are campaigning to revise the world order that has prevailed since the end of the Cold War and the USs rise to the helm of world leadership and mastery of the era of globalisation. The contest precipitated the Ukrainian crisis and mounting tensions in US-Chinese relations. As a result, the attention of the world has been drawn away from the Palestinian cause, other crises in the Middle East and even climate change. Against this backdrop, Arab-Israeli relations seem complicated. This stems from the diversity in their nature, which range from peaceful to hostile. Even so, all share the realisation that the Iranian factor has grown increasingly dangerous because of Tehrans desire to acquire nuclear weapons as it grapples with mounting domestic political and economic crises. Palestinian-Isreali relations are no less complex, primarily because of the lack of a single political frame-of-reference. The Palestinian people are divided physically and ideologically between those in Israel, the West Bank, Gaza and the diaspora. The first demand equal rights as citizens. The Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza demand liberation and independent statehood. Palestinians in the diaspora want to see a peaceful settlement that includes the right of return. The Palestinians in Israel could have forestalled Netanyahus electoral success. If they had united to form a single Arab list, they would have won 15 to 17 seats in the Knesset. As things stand, however, the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza are on the brink of a military confrontation with Israel. The more this danger looms, the more they will reach out for help to Hizbullah in Lebanon and Iran to the east of the Gulf. The Arab world needs a mechanism to organise political thought and action on this volatile situation before it explodes, whether in Palestine or the Gulf. * A version of this article appears in print in the 9 February, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Rescuers in Turkey and Syria battled bitter cold Tuesday in a race against time to find survivors under buildings flattened by an earthquake that killed more than 7,300 people. Tremors that inflicted more suffering on a border area, already plagued by conflict, left people on the streets burning debris to try to stay warm as international aid began to arrive. But some extraordinary survival tales have emerged, including a newborn baby pulled alive from rubble in Syria, still tied by her umbilical cord to her mother who died in Monday's quake. "We heard a voice while we were digging," Khalil al-Suwadi, a relative, told AFP. "We cleared the dust and found the baby with the umbilical cord (intact) so we cut it and my cousin took her to hospital." The infant is the sole survivor of her immediate family, the rest of whom were killed in the rebel-held town of Jindayris. The 7.8-magnitude quake struck Monday as people slept, flattening thousands of structures, trapping an unknown number of people and potentially impacting millions. Whole rows of buildings collapsed, leaving some of the heaviest devastation near the quake's epicentre between the Turkish cities of Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras. The destruction led to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declaring Tuesday a three-month state of emergency in 10 southeastern provinces. 'Children are freezing' Dozens of nations including the United States, China and the Gulf States have pledged to help, and search teams as well as relief supplies have begun to arrive by air. Yet people in some of the hardest-hit areas said they felt they had been left to fend for themselves. "I can't get my brother back from the ruins. I can't get my nephew back. Look around here. There is no state official here, for God's sake," said Ali Sagiroglu in the Turkish city of Kahramanmaras. "For two days we haven't seen the state around here... Children are freezing from the cold," he added. A winter storm has compounded the misery by rendering many roads -- some of them damaged by the quake -- almost impassable, resulting in traffic jams that stretch for kilometres in some regions. The cold rain and snow are a risk both for people forced from their homes -- who took refuge in mosques, schools or even bus shelters -- and survivors buried under debris. "It is now a race against time," said World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "We have activated the WHO network of emergency medical teams to provide essential health care for the injured and most vulnerable," he added. 23 million could be affected The latest toll showed 5,434 people killed in Turkey and at least 1,872 in Syria, for a combined total of 7,306 fatalities. There are fears that the toll will rise inexorably, with WHO officials estimating up to 20,000 may have died. WHO warned that up to 23 million people could be affected by the massive earthquake and urged nations to rush help to the disaster zone. The Syrian Red Crescent appealed to Western countries to lift sanctions and provide aid as President Bashar al-Assad's government remains a pariah in the West, complicating international relief efforts. Washington and the European Commission said on Monday that humanitarian programmes supported by them were responding to the destruction in Syria. The UN's cultural agency UNESCO also said it was ready to provide assistance after two sites listed on its World Heritage list in Syria and Turkey sustained damage. In addition to the damage to Aleppo's old city and the fortress in the southeastern Turkish city of Diyarbakir, UNESCO said at least three other World Heritage sites could be affected. Much of the quake-hit area of northern Syria has already been decimated by years of war and aerial bombardment by Syrian and Russian forces that destroyed homes, hospitals and clinics. Residents in the quake-devastated town of Jandairis in northern Syria used their bare hands and pickaxes to search for survivors. 'Hear their voices' "My whole family is under there -- my sons, my daughter, my son-in-law... There's no one else to get them out," said Ali Battal, his face streaked with blood and head swathed in a wool shawl against the bitter cold. "I hear their voices. I know they're alive but there's no one to rescue them," added the man in his 60s. The Syrian health ministry reported damage across the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama and Tartus, where Russia is leasing a naval facility. Even before the tragedy, buildings in Aleppo -- Syria's pre-war commercial hub -- often collapsed due to the dilapidated infrastructure. Following the earthquake, prisoners mutinied at a jail holding mostly Islamic State group members in northwestern Syria, with at least 20 escaping, a source at the facility told AFP. Turkey is in one of the world's most active earthquake zones. The country's last 7.8-magnitude tremor was in 1939, when 33,000 died in the eastern Erzincan province. The Turkish region of Duzce suffered a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in 1999, when more than 17,000 people died. Experts have long warned a large quake could devastate Istanbul, a megalopolis of 16 million people filled with rickety homes. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt needs to amend the penal code to impose tougher penalties on female genital mutilation and child marriage. Speaking during the Senates two-day debate on family violence this week, Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine Al-Qabbaj said that while several laws have been passed in recent years to stem the phenomena of genital mutilation and child marriage they have not been enough to eradicate the practices. In rural Egypt some families resort to early marriage without official documentation, which Al-Qabbaj equated with human trafficking. We are currently in the process of amending the penal code to introduce tougher penalties for female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, she told senators. Figures released by the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics show that genital mutilation among females less than 19 years dropped from 21 per cent in 2014 to 14 per cent in 2021. According to Al-Qabbaj, the aim of the governments current campaign, Female Genital Mutilation is a Crime, is to abolish the practice completely. The campaign began in Egyptian villages and rural areas this week and aims to raise awareness of the dangers of both FGM and child marriage. Continuing until 15 March it provides rural families with information on the negative impact of FGM on womens health, how it is prohibited by Islam and Christianity and criminalised by the state. One message of the campaign is that families that resort to FGM or child marriage will face tougher penalties and be denied access to state subsidies, said Al-Qabbaj. In March 2021, the House of Representatives approved changes to Article 242 of the 1937 Penal Code increasing the penalties for FGM. Non-medical individuals involved in performing FGM can now face up to10 years in prison and medical professionals (ie doctors and nurses) up to 15 years. The ministry is also expanding female-led economic empowerment initiatives, implementing 300,000 small-scale projects at a cost of LE3 billion to raise the incomes of rural women and combat poverty which is one of the main factors in family violence, said Al-Qabbaj. Minister of Waqf (religious endowments) Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa said clerics are using mosques and Fridays prayers to highlight the problem of family violence and underline that practices like FGM and child marriage are prohibited by Islam. Moushira Khattab, president of the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR), urged the passing of the new Personal Status Law. There is a pressing need for the law to be passed in order to settle family disputes which have become a major source of violence in recent years, said Khattab. Senator Mohamed Heiba said the Senates study on family violence had illustrated the role social media platforms play in the phenomena. We support legislation requiring social media platforms to obtain a licence, said Heiba. In recent years, violence within the home has been fanned by people being exposed to violent scenes on social media platforms. Senators also complained that drug addiction has fed the spike in family violence and called on the Ministry of Social Solidarity to expand rehabilitation facilities. The Senates study on family violence, jointly prepared by the human rights and social solidarity committees, noted a rise in incidents of family violence since 2002 and said the coronavirus pandemic and related social distancing measures have made things worse and are largely to blame for the spike in psychological troubles and family violence in the last three years. There was a 15.1 per cent increase in reported incidents of violence within families in 2022. In 2022, financial pressures, particularly low incomes, were a factor in 26.8 per cent of family violence, up from just 10.2 per cent in 2002, said the report. Other factors, including psychological troubles and exposure to violence on TV and the social media, also feed the phenomena. Senate Speaker Abdel-Wahab Abdel-Razek said the study will be referred to President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi. Among the most important recommendations is the need to draft legislation that criminalises family violence and establishes mechanisms that spread a culture of tolerance, he said. * A version of this article appears in print in the 9 February, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Stories about the Central Asian country of Uzbekistan have been finding more and more important place in the international media as two Paris exhibitions confirm, writes David Tresilian The five Central Asian countries of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan were once not as well known as they should be to international audiences. There was their generally landlocked location only Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan border the Caspian Sea and there was their forbidding terrain, with the mountains of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan contrasting with the steppe and desert of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. However, in recent years these countries have been opening up to foreign visitors, with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in particular now offering opportunities for hiking, mountain climbing, and ecotourism. Uzbekistan is known for cultural tourism. Exploring the region some years ago while based in Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, the present writer had the opportunity to marvel at its unspoiled landscapes as well as experience the ease with which one could generally get around even when shamefully ignorant of the local languages. As if to underline the developing profile of these still too-little-known countries, an exhibition at the Musee Guimet in Paris early last year presented a survey of over a thousand years of Tajik history in an event organised with the countrys culture and heritage authorities and opened by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. Described as the largest event of its kind on Tajikistan ever held in any Western country, the exhibition, Tadjikistan, au pays des fleuves dor the land of rivers of gold presented the early history of the country, stopping off to consider the arrival of Alexander the Great in the late 4th century BCE, the establishment of Hellenistic rule, the spread of Buddhism along the famous Silk Roads that once crossed Asia from China to the Mediterranean, and the introduction of Islam in the early 8th century CE. Today it is the turn of neighbouring Uzbekistan to enthrall visitors as two new exhibitions organised by the Uzbek authorities in association with the relevant French institutions opened in Paris late last year. The first, Splendeurs des oasis dOuzbekistan at the Louvre Museum, was opened by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in a ceremony also attended by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in November. The second, Sur les routes de Samarcande at the Institut du Monde Arabe, is an exhibition of traditional Uzbek textiles that runs until June this year. Visitors to the first are introduced to the history of the Uzbek cities of Bukhara and Samarkand in a survey that emphasises their role as cultural and trading centres on the Central Asian Silk Roads. Visitors to the second can see a collection of sumptuous late 19th and early 20th-century textiles made in Bukhara and embroidered with gold. As Louvre curators Yannick Lintz and Rocco Rante say in an interview accompanying the first exhibition, it presents what will be a new world for visitors and one associated with names like Genghis Khan, Marco Polo, and Tamburlaine Everyone is likely to have heard of Samarkand, but how many will know exactly where it is located? Our hope is that the exhibition will enable visitors to find out more about the Eurasian civilisations and their geographical and artistic landmarks. OASIS CITIES: Many people will be familiar with the Uzbek cities of Bukhara and Samarkand owing to their religious architecture, much of it built in the 15th century under the Timurid Dynasty founded by the Turco-Mongol warlord Timur, better known in English as Tamburlaine the Great. At its greatest extent, the Timurid Empire ruled territory stretching from parts of modern-day Turkey in the west to India in the east, taking in the whole of Central Asia, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. Timurid architecture, employed in mosques and madrasas across the region, uses a vocabulary of domes and monumental entrance portals clad in multi-coloured tiles, and there are many spectacular examples of it in Bukhara and Samarkand. However, the exhibition starts much earlier than the Timurids in the early centuries BCE and in the wake of Alexanders sweep through the region on his way to what is now Pakistan. He left pockets of Hellenistic culture behind him in the shape of Greek garrison cities set up under the Seleucid Empire, and this later fused with the Buddhism that was spreading across the region to produce the Graeco-Buddhist art that can be found at sites scattered across Southwest and Central Asia from Pakistan to Uzbekistan. The period between the end of the 3rd century CE and the arrival of Islam in the region in the 8th century CE was one of rising prosperity, the exhibition says, at least for places like Bukhara and Samarkand that hosted caravans crossing the Silk Roads. Lent by the Uzbek Fine Arts Museum in Tashkent like other objects in the exhibition are artefacts from princely mansions in Bukhara at the time of the arrival of Islam, including a digital reconstruction of mural paintings from a palace at Varakhsha west of the city. With the Arab conquests that began in the early 8th century CE, Bukhara and Samarkand were incorporated into the easternmost region of the later Abbasid Caliphate, with the Arab general Qutayba ibn Muslim becoming its first governor. Later, this region became more and more detached from the Caliphate in Baghdad, and local dynasties such as the Persian Samanids took power in Bukhara and Samarkand. They were then ejected by the Turkic Qarakhanids and other dynasties before the region as a whole was put to the sword by invading Mongols under Genghis Khan in the 13th century. With the Islamisation of the region came the development of a new material culture as well as a new religion, represented in the exhibition by ceramic and metalwork pieces as well as a page from an 8th-century copy of the Quran. It was at this time, too, that its intellectual fame began to spread, signalled by the births of the Muslim polymaths Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and Al-Biruni in what is now Uzbekistan. Ibn Sina, born in Bukhara in 980 CE, was the author of works of philosophy, medicine, and science and is widely considered to be one of the most important writers of a period known for its achievements in philosophy and science. Al-Biruni, born in a city now on the Uzbek border with Turkmenistan in 973 CE, wrote pioneering works of history, anthropology, and geography. In the early 13th century, both Bukhara and Samarkand were destroyed by invading Mongol forces led by Genghis Khan in a foretaste of the destruction meted out to Baghdad just a few decades later. However, both cities had apparently recovered by the time the Venetian traveller Marco Polo passed through them in the 1270s, even if their full recovery and renewed splendour would only come after the conquests carried out by Timur in the late 14th century. It is this period that is the easiest to illustrate because of the extraordinary Timurid religious architecture of especially Samarkand that may remind many of comparable buildings in Herat in Afghanistan or Isfahan in Iran. The exhibition does the two cities proud with a video installation that allows visitors to view buildings such as the Mausoleum of Timur, Registan Square, and the Shah-i-Zinda Cemetery in Samarkand from multiple perspectives as well as close to as if they were watching a high-tech architectural fly-through. Aerial photography of the facades and domes allows them to appreciate the patterned tiling of the buildings in a geometric symphony of greens and golds. Among the objects on display are plates taken from illustrated books from the period, among them miniatures illustrating a late 16th-century Persian version of the traditional Arab story of Layla wa Majnun. There is an elaborately carved door taken from the Mausoleum of Timur in Samarkand, ordinarily to be found in one of the citys museums. According to the notes accompanying the exhibition, the Silk Roads, stronger than ever under the Mongol, Turkic, and Timurid Empires that at different times united Central and Southwest Asia, fell into disuse after the Ottoman conquests of the Eastern Mediterranean in the late 15th century and the parallel European discovery of sea routes connecting Europe to China. SILK AND GOLD: The second exhibition at the Institut du Monde Arabe presents the traditional textile industry of Bukhara that saw an Indian summer at the end of the 19th century owing to increased patronage from the court of the emir. As the notes to it explain, Russian expansionism across Central Asia led to the three khanates of Bukhara, Khiva, and Kokand losing their independence. Corresponding to the modern states of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, along with parts of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, they were incorporated into what became the Russian government-general of Turkestan with its capital in Tashkent, today the modern capital of Uzbekistan. However, the khans continued to rule their traditional territory, though now under Russian protection. In Bukhara, a policy of official support for the khanates traditional handicrafts led to the preservation and expansion of the textile sector. Still on an artisanal scale, but now benefitting from the emirs patronage, this made use of the abundant cotton, wool, and silk produced in the region. When suitably woven, embroidered, and dyed, these materials were made into the kind of sumptuous chapans a roomy top coat or kaftan worn by men and the originally rather plain paranjas a covering robe worn by women that are on show in the exhibition. What stands out among the chapans is the embroidery, the colours, and the use of gold. According to the exhibition notes, the most beautiful chapans were made at the court of the emir using silk and gold embroidery called zardozi with monumental pieces being made for his own personal use. The ample use of gold is certainly a feature of some of the pieces on show, which, weighed down by gold embroidery and reaching to the floor, include the ceremonial chapan worn by the last emir of Bukhara, Mohamed Alim Khan, at his coronation in 1911. Like the other pieces on show, this has been lent to the exhibition by the Uzbek state museums. According to the notes, zardozi embroidery was exclusively done by men, and only men of suitably high rank could wear chapans or other clothes embroidered with gold. Gold embroidery was exclusively the preserve of men in a society where it was thought that gold would tarnish if touched or breathed on by a woman, they add. The overall result seems to have been that while men of high status could dress in sumptuous outfits weighed down with gold, the choices for women were far more limited. In the same way that it was forbidden for women to touch gold, it was also forbidden for them to wear it in an ostentatious fashion, the notes comment, adding that womens dress was carefully monitored as a way of signalling social status and the age and marital status of the individuals concerned. Later in the exhibition, however, there are chapans on show that are labelled as having been made for women, many of them in brightly coloured silks and embroidered with gold, so perhaps the rules were not always strictly observed. The exhibition also includes some of the ceremonial trappings used for horses, an important part of the traditional culture of the region, as well as examples of traditional embroidered skullcaps, called doppis, flatweave and pile carpets, and many suzanis, embroidered pieces made of cotton and silk that were hung on walls or used as bedspreads or furniture throws. These were made at home by the female members of the family and were often passed down the generations. In the exhibitions final room, there are examples of traditional jewellery from one of the regions of Uzbekistan. Made of heavy looking silver and decorated with coral and coloured glass and sometimes hung with imperial Russian ruble coins, these may remind some visitors of traditional Arab Bedouin styles. Splendeurs des oasis dOuzbekistan, Louvre, Paris, until 6 March; Sur les routes de Samarcande, merveilles de soie et dor, Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, until 4 June. * A version of this article appears in print in the 9 February, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Five Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli forces in the West Bank this week, part of an ongoing Israeli escalation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Five Palestinians were shot dead on Monday morning at the Aqabat Jabr Refugee Camp in Jericho in the east of the West Bank this week. It was part of the deadliest escalation by Israel in the West Bank, which has thus far left 42 Palestinians dead and dozens injured. The Israeli army said it was in pursuit of an armed cell in Jericho when the shooting happened, claiming the cell was responsible for a shooting at a restaurant frequented by Israelis a few days earlier. The army claimed it then clashed with the armed men and killed them. Four of the five men who were killed belonged to one family, including two brothers, one of whom was a doctor and the other an engineer. In a rare admission, the Palestinian group Hamas said it had a military presence in the West Bank, and the five men were members of the group. It threatened Israel with escalating the resistance across the West Bank. During the onslaught, Israel arrested one Hamas leader a day after the arrest of Khedr Adnan, a leader of the Islamic Jihad group. There has been extensive escalation between the group and Israel since August last year, triggered by the arrest of another Islamic Jihad leader Bassam Al-Saadi. Jericho was one of the calmest cities in the West Bank before the Israeli army raided it twice in just a few days and announced that it had killed a group of Palestinians. The Israeli army then decided to withhold the bodies to see if they could be part of an exchange with Hamas, which has admitted capturing four Israelis, including two soldiers. The raids raised widespread concern in Israel since it once considered Jenin and Nablus to be the only two hotspots in the West Bank. Israeli officials say that the presence of armed groups in Jericho is a warning sign of the danger of growing armed military cells across the West Bank. The clashes will also likely unhinge the fragile calm between Israel and the armed Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip, from where there have been repeated rocket launches towards Israeli settlements in response to the Israeli escalation in the Jenin Refugee Camp in the northern West Bank in late January. Egypt has been working hard to restore calm and prevent further confrontations between Israel and the armed Palestinian groups in the West Bank. Cairo has hosted the leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, and Islamic Jihad, Ziyad Al-Nakhleh, as well as political and military officials from both groups. Antwan Shahlat, a political analyst, told Al-Ahram Weekly that Egypts efforts are key to a truce between the Palestinians and Israelis, and Cairo will continue to exert pressure to prevent another military confrontation in Gaza and to restore calm in the West Bank. Egypts efforts are supported regionally and globally, which gives weight to its efforts, Shahlat said. Egypts role also aligns with the desire of several Palestinian parties, he said, including the Palestinian Authority (PA), to prevent an explosive situation on the ground. The escalation comes on the heels of a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Israel and the West Bank in early February, which was preceded by a trip to Cairo to discuss issues including the tensions in the Palestinian Territories. The Palestinian presidency issued a statement after the Israeli invasion of the refugee camp in Jericho, asserting that Israel was challenging international efforts to end the escalation in the Palestinian Territories. The global silence regarding the occupations violations and crimes encourages it to commit more massacres against the Palestinian people, the statement said. Despite reports in Israel and the US that Blinken exchanged suggestions with Palestinian and Israeli officials on restoring calm in the West Bank, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under the thumb of extremist elements in his government, declared that the Israeli army would continue operations in the West Bank. Netanyahu also took additional steps that are likely to further aggravate the escalation with the Palestinians, most notably the Israeli governments approval of building more Israeli settlements for 500 families close to the Gaza Strip. This is a move that consecutive Israeli governments had earlier avoided. The Israeli government will begin promoting a new settlement development called Hanon in response to growing demands for this type of settlement. Netanyahu views the step as a response to the terrorism emanating from the Gaza Strip. The armed Palestinian factions in Gaza have begun to take steps to shatter the truce by repeatedly launching rockets from the Gaza Strip, three in less than one month. The Israeli army has also intercepted a drone above Gaza. Netanyahus right wing cabinet allies reject the Israeli policy on Gaza that was a feature of Netanyahus previous government. That government was defeated by the cabinet of change led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. To pressure Netanyahu to take more hardline positions against the Palestinians, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to resign and abandon Netanyahus coalition if he does not adopt harsher policies. Ben-Gvir has strongly criticised the governments policies and allegedly lax handling of the Gaza Strip. He has said that if he fails to lead a major change on these issues within eight months, then he will reconsider his participation in the coalition and resign his post. He has also demanded that the Israeli government liquidate key Palestinian leaders in the Gaza Strip due to recent rocket launches from Gaza into southern Israel. This also coincides with wider Israeli accusations against Netanyahus government of failing to achieve security, especially with the escalating security tensions in the West Bank. If Ben-Gvir or any member of Netanyahus coalition government withdraws, the government would fall and Israel would again return to the polls to elect another parliament. This is an event that has occurred five times in four years. Any political instability caused by Netanyahus allies would also further weaken the government in the face of pressures from the Israeli streets, where tens of thousands of protesters are marching against Netanyahus government and its proposed judicial reforms. * A version of this article appears in print in the 9 February, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Egyptian authorities released on Tuesday 35 pretrial detainees, according to an announcement posted on Facebook by lawyer Tarek El-Awady, who is a member of the Presidential Pardon Committee. The released detainees were jailed pending investigation in different cases between the years 2020 and 2022. Among those released on Tuesday was photojournalist Mohamed Fawzi, who was arrested in May 2022 on charges of joining a terrorist organisation and spreading false news. Since the reactivation of the Presidential Pardon Committee in April 2022, more than 1,000 pretrial detainees have been released and 12 convicts have been pardoned. Pardons and release orders have included high-profile figures, including political activists Hossam Mones, Yahia Abdel-Hady, and Hisham Fouad, as well as leftist activist and lawyer Haitham Mohamadein. The committee was originally established in 2016 to review the cases of those imprisoned for political crimes and others who meet certain criteria set by the committee. The committee receives appeals from entities and political entities such as the National Council for Human Rights and parliaments Human Rights Committee as well as through its website. Search Keywords: Short link: A High Emergency State Security Court sentenced on Tuesday a man to death and 11 others to life in prison over various terror charges in the 2017 case dubbed by the media as the 'Daesh Al-Omraniya cell case'. A life in jail sentence carries 25 years in prison per the penal code. The court sentenced six other defendants in the case to 10 and 15 years in prison. It also acquitted four other defendants. The Prosecution had accused the first two defendants in the case of assuming the leadership of a terrorist group from the year 2015 to 2019, endangering social peace, obstructing government administration, destruction of public property, planning to hijack police vehicles and kill police personnel as well as possessing firearms. It accused other defendants of joining a terrorist group, attempting to kill police officers and personnel and destroy public property, as well as possessing firearms. Today's verdict has to be ratified by the president per the penal code. Search Keywords: Short link: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry warned against the serious repercussions of the continued escalations in the Palestinian territories on security and stability in the region as well as on the chances of a two-state state solution, a statement by the ministry said on Tuesday. Shoukrys remarks came during a meeting in Cairo with the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Middle East Peace Process Sven Koopmans. On Monday, Koopmans mandate as EUSR was extended for two years until February 2025. Shoukry discussed with Koopmans efforts to "calm the situation between the Palestinians and Israelis" as well as strategies to revive the peace process among other topics, said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid in a statement. The foreign minister reviewed the recent developments in the Palestinian territories and the increasing pace of violence that threatens to send the situation spiraling out of control. Shoukry also affirmed Cairo's stance in emphasising the necessity of calming the on-ground situation. This echoed his previous statements in last week's press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the country's keenness to maintain the "stability, security and development of the region." Moreover, Shoukry emphasised the importance of Israel's cessation of unilateral measures that would fuel the Palestinians' frustration, Abu Zeid said. The foreign minister added that stopping such actions would have a direct impact on creating the appropriate climate for resuming negotiations to reach a comprehensive and fair peace on the basis of the two-state solution. Israeli warplanes struck Gaza early Thursday, drawing retaliatory rocket fire from Palestinian militants, as violence flared. Thursdays attack on the Gaza strip came after events in the West Bank where a deadly raid on the Jenin refugee camp occurred in late January that killed 10 Palestinians, after which a Palestinian gunman opened fire outside an East Jerusalem synagogue the next day, killing at least seven and wounding several people. Tuesdays meeting comes a week 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 foreign ministry 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. Egypt's President El-Sisi also underlined in late January, during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the country's constant stance on the need to reach a comprehensive and fair solution that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people according to international standards in a manner that solves the conflict to allow peace, stability, cooperation and growth. In turn the US secretary said to El-Sisi that Washington relies on close coordination with the Egyptian presidency to restore stability and achieve calm between the Palestinian and Israeli side During Tuesdays meeting, Shoukry also emphasised the important role that international partners can play, especially the European Union, to end current tensions, cease the violations and attacks on Palestinians and encourage the two parties to return to negotiations. On his side, Koopmans affirmed the European Union's keenness to consult and cooperate with Egypt about the tense situation in the Palestinian territories as well as discuss the opportunities to encourage the Palestinian and Israeli sides to return to negotiations through offering new and creative proposals and visions, the spokesperson reported. Koopman said that the EU takes into account Egypt's pivotal role in this context. Search Keywords: Short link: President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi reiterated on Tuesday in a phone call with the Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad Egypts solidarity with Syria and its brotherly people in the current calamity and that he would direct all possible aid to the country. El-Sisi also expressed to Al-Assad his sincere condolences over the victims of the devastating earthquake that hit Syria on Monday, wishing the injured a quick recovery, according to Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency Ahmed Fahmy. This is the first-ever phone call between the two leaders since El-Sisi took office in 2014. For his part, the Syrian president expressed his appreciation to El-Sisi for his kind gesture, stressing Syrias pride in the historical and fraternal relations between the two countries. On Monday, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake and multiple aftershocks struck eastern Turkey and neighbouring Syria, killing more than 5,000 people, according to AP. Also on Monday, El-Sisi expressed Egypt's "full solidarity" with the people of Syria and Turkey as well as the country's readiness to provide aid to face the impacts of the deadly earthquake. "I express my sincere condolences to the people of Syria and Turkey and the families of the victims of this devastating earthquake that struck the Eastern Mediterranean region," El-Sisi said during a press conference alongside the Croatian President Zoran Milanovich who is visiting the Egyptian capital to discuss bilateral relations. Moreover, El-Sisi confirmed his readiness to provide aid to face the impacts of this earthquake, adding "once more, our sincerest condolences and solidarity and our prayers to God for a speedy recovery of the injured." Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Egypt is ready to provide assistance to help both Syria and Turkey face the horrifying impacts of the deadly earthquake that struck both countries as well as a number of eastern Mediterranean countries. In two separate phone calls with his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry announced that Egypt was sending urgent relief aid to both countries. Egypts embassies in Syria and Turkey launched on Monday hotlines for Egyptians in both countries to report any damage or call for help following the deadly earthquake that hit both countries. Egypts Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid released online the hotline numbers of both embassies. Egyptian Embassy in Ankara: 00905497695566 Egyptian Embassy in Damascus: 00963112144886 - 00963112144885 Search Keywords: Short link: Representatives of Sudanese political forces and parties signed a political consensus agreement in Cairo on Tuesday, concluding an inter-Sudanese dialogue that tackled a number of issues including the transition to democracy and addressing the situation in East Sudan. The agreement included adopting the constitutional document signed in August 2019 and amended in 2020 with amendments that are compatible with the current requirements for governing the remainder of the transitional period, especially since there is no constituent authority that can authorise a new constitution. The participants also affirmed their commitment to the Juba Peace Agreement signed in October 2020 and to addressing the conditions that produced the various civil wars by improving the economic and living situation of marginal areas. They agreed that this should be done while taking into account the importance of addressing the situation in East Sudan and solving problems through an agreed upon negotiating platform acceptable to the people of the east. Concerning elections, the participants agreed that free and fair elections require the formation of an independent commission and that the elections shall be held within a maximum period of two years from the date of appointing a prime minister. The dialogue kicked off on Thursday and launched a workshop under the title Democratic transition prospects towards a Sudan that accommodates everyone. The workshop discussed the situation in East Sudan as well as the democratic transition in Sudan in general. The chairman of the United Peoples Front for Liberation and Justice Al-Amin Dawoud said in a press conference following the workshop that the discussions centred around ways to achieve relative stability and peaceful coexistence in East Sudan. Dawoud stressed that the stability of East Sudan is at the top of priorities for any agreement. The workshop was attended by at least 85 representatives of 35 parties and movements as well as representatives of civil society organisations. Several diplomats from the USA, Europe, South Sudan, and the Arab League attended the workshop. The political blocs participating in the workshop included the Freedom and Change Democratic Bloc, the National Consensus Bloc, the National Movement Bloc, the National Forces Bloc, and the Revolutionary Front, along with representatives of civil society, academics, women and youth and representatives of some resistance committees. The participants were divided into 10 committees on constitutional arrangements, peace, the issues of eastern Sudan, transitional authority structures and governing bodies, transitional justice, dismantling the June thirtieth system, the transitional period program, institutional reform, youth, and media. Last month, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met with the Head of Sudans Transitional Sovereignty Council Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan last December in Riyadh on the sidelines of the first China-Arab summit. During their meeting, El-Sisi affirmed Egypt's support for the recently reached Political Framework Agreement as an important step to establish governance structure principles and support the Sudanese state in ensuring the success of the political process through a Sudanese consensus to achieve stability and prosperity for the country. Search Keywords: Short link: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has phoned his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to express condolences and sympathy over the victims of the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey on Monday, leaving thousands of people dead and wounded. During the phone conversation, President El-Sisi stressed Egypt's solidarity with the brotherly Turkish people, noting that humanitarian assistance and relief will be delivered to help Turkey overcome the consequences of that disaster, Presidential Spokesman Ahmed Fahmy said. Meanwhile, the Turkish president thanked President El-Sisi for his good feelings, which he said confirm the depth of historical relations between the Egyptian and Turkish peoples. Earlier on Tuesday, President El-Sisi affirmed in a phone call with the Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad Egypts solidarity with Syria and its brotherly people in the current calamity and that he would direct all possible aid to the country. On Monday, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake and multiple aftershocks struck eastern Turkey and neighbouring Syria, toppling hundreds of buildings and killing more than 5,400 people according to most recent figures. On Monday, shortly after the devastating earthquake struck the two countries, El-Sisi expressed Egypt's "full solidarity" with the people of Syria and Turkey as well as the country's readiness to provide aid to face the impacts of the deadly earthquake. "I express my sincere condolences to the people of Syria and Turkey and the families of the victims of this devastating earthquake that struck the Eastern Mediterranean region," El-Sisi said during a press conference alongside the Croatian President Zoran Milanovich who is visiting the Egyptian capital to discuss bilateral relations. The Egyptian president affirmed his readiness to provide aid to face the impacts of this earthquake, adding "once more, our sincerest condolences and solidarity and our prayers to God for a speedy recovery of the injured." Earlier on Monday, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Egypt is ready to provide assistance to help both Syria and Turkey face the horrifying impacts of the deadly earthquake that struck both countries as well as a number of eastern Mediterranean countries. In two separate phone calls with his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry announced that Egypt was sending urgent relief aid to both countries. Egypts embassies in Syria and Turkey launched on Monday hotlines for Egyptians in both countries to report any damage or call for help following the deadly earthquake that hit both countries. Egypts foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid posted the hotline numbers of both embassies online. Egyptian Embassy in Ankara: 00905497695566 Egyptian Embassy in Damascus: 00963112144886 - 00963112144885 Search Keywords: Short link: President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi issued on Tuesday his directives to send five military planes carrying emergency medical aid to Turkey and Syria to contribute to relief efforts following the devastating earthquake that killed more than 5,400 in both countries on Monday. On Monday, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake and multiple aftershocks struck eastern Turkey and neighbouring Syria, toppling hundreds of buildings and killing more than 5,400 people according to the most recent figures. Earlier on Tuesday, President El-Sisi presented his condolences over the victims of the earthquake in two separate phone calls to both Syrian President Bashar Assad and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stressing that Egypt is ready to send in humanitarian assistance and relief to help both the Syrian and Turkish and people. On Monday, shortly after the devastating earthquake struck the two countries, El-Sisi expressed Egypt's "full solidarity" with the people of Syria and Turkey as well as the country's readiness to provide aid to face the impacts of the deadly earthquake. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Egypt is ready to provide assistance to help both Syria and Turkey face the horrifying impacts of the deadly earthquake that struck both countries as well as a number of eastern Mediterranean countries. In two separate phone calls with his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry announced that Egypt was sending urgent relief aid to both countries. Egypts embassies in Syria and Turkey launched on Monday hotlines for Egyptians in both countries to report any damage or call for help following the deadly earthquake that hit both countries. Egypts foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid posted the hotline numbers of both embassies online. Egyptian Embassy in Ankara: 00905497695566 Egyptian Embassy in Damascus: 00963112144886 - 00963112144885 Search Keywords: Short link: The Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday that Israeli troops killed a Palestinian teenager in an army raid in the occupied West Bank. He was the latest casualty in what is already one of the most violent periods in the West Bank in recent years. The ministry said 17-year-old Hamza al-Ashqar died of a gunshot wound to the head but provided no additional details about the incident. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. The incident came a day after Israeli forces killed five Palestinian alleged to be linked to the militant Hamas group in a raid on refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli army has staged almost nightly raids across Palestinian towns in the occupied West Bank which they say is in response to a series of deadly attacks in Israel last spring. The Palestinian Authority declared it would cease security coordination with Israel after 10 Palestinians were killed in a raid last month. Nearly 150 Palestinians were killed last year in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, making it the deadliest year in those areas since 2004, according to figures by the Israeli rights group B'Tselem. Since the start of this year, some 42 Palestinians have been killed in those occupied territories, including nine children and an elderly woman. The Israeli army claims most of the Palestinians killed have been militants. But youths protesting the incursions and others not involved in confrontations have also been killed. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians seek those territories for a future independent state. The UN General Assembly asked the International Court of Justice in December to consider consequences for Israel over its occupation of Palestinian territorie *This story was edited by Ahram Online Search Keywords: Short link: The Syrian Red Crescent on Tuesday appealed to Western countries to lift sanctions and provide aid after a powerful earthquake has killed more than 1,600 people across the war-torn country. The 7.8-magnitude quake early Monday, which has also killed thousands in neighbouring Turkey, led to widespread destruction in both regime-controlled and rebel-held parts of Syria. More than a decade of conflict and years of economic sanctions have devastated Syria's economy and its ability to respond to large-scale disasters. Khaled Haboubati, head of the Syrian Red Crescent, urged on Tuesday "all European Union countries to lift economic sanctions on Syria". "The time has come after this earthquake," Haboubati, whose organisation is based in government-held areas, told a press conference broadcast by Syrian state TV. His call echoes a similar plea by Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, who on Monday said the government was ready to "provide all the required facilities" to receive humanitarian assistance. Damascus often blames its financial woes on Western sanctions imposed in the wake of the 2011 conflict that began with the brutal repression of peaceful protests and escalated to pull in foreign powers and global jihadists. Despite the sanctions, government-controlled parts of the country receive aid through United Nations agencies, many of which have headquarters in Damascus. Syrian state media and rescuers said at least 1,602 people have died in the earthquake and more than 3,600 have been injured across the country. The Red Crescent has dispatched 3,000 volunteers, Haboubati said. "I appeal to United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide assistance to the Syrian people," he added. The Syrian government's main allies Iran and Russia have expressed willingness to send aid, in addition to some Gulf states that restored ties with Damascus, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The White House and the European Commission both said on Monday that humanitarian programmes supported by them were responding to the destruction in Syria. The war in Syria has killed nearly half a million people and forced around half of the country's pre-war population from their homes, with many seeking refuge in Turkey. At least 2.9 million people in Syria are at risk of sliding into hunger, while another 12 million do not know where their next meal is coming from, the UN said in January. Search Keywords: Short link: Countries around the world have mobilised rapidly to send aid and rescue workers after a massive earthquake killed more than 5,000 people in Turkey and Syria. Offers of assistance came from countries across the world. Here are some of the chief pledges of support. European Union The European Union has mobilised 27 search and rescue and medical teams from 19 countries to help Turkey, together over 1,150 rescuers and 70 rescue dogs, EU crisis management commissioner Janez Lenarcic confirmed Tuesday. United States President Joe Biden said that US teams were "deploying quickly to begin to support Turkish search and rescue efforts". National security spokesman John Kirby said the United States was sending two search-and-rescue teams of 79 people each, while the Pentagon and USAID were coordinating with their Turkish counterparts. Gulf states Qatar said it would send 120 rescue workers to Turkey, alongside "a field hospital, relief aid, tents and winter supplies". The United Arab Emirates pledged assistance worth around $13.6 million to Syria, including search and rescue teams, urgent relief supplies and emergency aid. Official news agency WAM said the UAE had already dispatched a first plane to southern Turkey, where it is planning to establish a field hospital. Algeria The country sent a 89-member risk-management team, including medics, to Turkey with 17 tonnes of equipment, and another team will go to Syria, civil defence said. Iraq A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency shows boxes of rescue aid delivered by an Iraqi Air force plane at Damascus airport. Tunisia President Kais Saied ordered "humanitarian aid" for both Turkey and Syria, including 14 tonnes of blankets and food, officials said. Tunis also appealed for volunteer medics to be flown out on Tunisian military aircraft. Iran Iran is ready to provide "immediate relief aid to these two friendly nations", President Ebrahim Raisi said, offering condolences on the "heartbreaking incident". China China said the first Chinese rescue teams started work in Turkey on Tuesday and that it was sending $5.9 million in emergency aid to the country, including rescue and medical teams, state media reported. Deng Boqing, vice director of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, told state broadcaster CCTV that Beijing would also coordinate "urgently needed disaster relief materials" for Syria but did not say how much would be sent. Britain Foreign minister James Cleverly said the UK was sending a team of 76 search and rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs. Britain was also sending an emergency medical team to assess the situation on the ground. Russia President Vladimir Putin promised to send Russian teams to both countries in telephone calls with Syria's Bashar al-Assad and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The defence ministry said 300 military personnel deployed in Syria were helping with the clear-up effort. - United Nations - "Our teams are on the ground assessing the needs and providing assistance. We count on the international community to help the thousands of families hit by this disaster, many of whom were already in dire need of humanitarian aid in areas where access is a challenge," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. India Two of India's National Disaster Response Force teams comprising 100 personnel with dog squads and equipment were ready to be flown to the affected area, the foreign ministry said. Doctors and paramedics with medicines were also being readied. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "anguished" and "deeply pained" by the deaths in Turkey -- with whom India has frosty relations -- and Syria. Germany Germany -- home to about three million people of Turkish origin -- will "mobilise all the assistance we can activate", Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said. Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his war-torn country was "ready to provide the necessary assistance to overcome the consequences of the disaster." Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis, prime minister of Turkey's historic rival Greece, whose relations with Ankara have suffered from a spate of border and cultural disputes, pledged to make "every force available" to aid its neighbour. Japan The government in Japan -- which frequently suffers earthquakes -- is dispatching the Japan Disaster Relief Rescue Team to Turkey. Search Keywords: Short link: It is the last time Mesut Hancer will ever hold his 15-year-old daughter's hand. And despite the icy weather, he refuses to let it go, caressing her waxy fingers after she died in the fearsome earthquake that has devastated southern Turkey and neighbouring Syria. Wrapped up in a fluorescent orange jacket, Hancer knelt next to Irmak's lifeless body as it lay under the rubble on a mattress near the quake's epicentre in Kahramanmaras province. He was too grief-stricken to speak. He simply sat and held her protruding hand, the rest of her body still hidden by huge slabs of concrete. Irmak is one of more than 6,256 people who died in Turkey and Syria after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Monday, injuring thousands and leaving millions unable to return home because their apartments either no longer exist or could crumble from an aftershock. For Irmak, it is too late. But as each hour brings more horror, fury and frustration are rising in Kahramanmaras, where residents are lashing out at the state for what they see as its slow response to Turkey's biggest disaster in decades. "Where is the state? Where are they? I can't retrieve my brother from the ruins. I can't reach my nephew. Look around here. There is no state official here for God's sake," Ali Sagiroglu shouted in exasperation. His father and brother have vanished in the rubble, their fates unknown. The devastation is overwhelming. Eight apartment buildings more than 10 storeys high in one area of the city centre collapsed during the first quake that hit before dawn. Several powerful aftershocks have followed. Very few were able to escape from the eight buildings, and it is believed around 150 people lived in each block. 'No compassion' Sagiroglu wasn't alone in his anger. No longer willing to wait for help to arrive, some families used their bare hands to find their loved ones, dead or alive. AFP teams witnessed many areas of Kahramanmaras in which groups of survivors stood alone, without any government teams offering food, medical aid or other support. An eerie silence had descended on the city centre by Tuesday afternoon. "Yesterday, we could hear a lot of people in the ruins crying for help but this morning, it is silent -- they must be dead because of the cold," a 40-something-year-old man said, refusing to give his name. Those fortunate to be alive huddle around bonfires to keep warm, while others sought shelter from harsh wind and rain in their cars. Temperatures dropped to -3 degrees Celsius (26 degrees Fahrenheit) overnight. Cuma Yildiz, an elderly man in his sixties, accused officials of showing no mercy. "Where are they now, where?" he asked. "They don't have mercy, they don't have compassion," he thundered. Under pressure heading into a tough May election, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday promised to spend 100 billion liras ($5.3 billion) on various quake support measures. He also pledged that "many" members of the armed forces would soon assist search and rescue efforts. Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu separately went on live television from Kahramanmaras to insist that 2,000 search and rescue personnel were at work in the province. Growing desperation in Hatay Onur Kayai was so desperate for help in nearby Hatay province, close to the Syrian border, that he chased after two disaster agency vehicles to help rescue his mother and brother -- but to no avail. "We need urgent help," the 40-year-old NGO worker said. "My mother's voice is louder, but my brother makes no sound," he said, pacing in front of a damaged building. Semire Coban, a kindergarten teacher, was equally distressed. She patiently waited for rescuers to arrive, but agonised that her nephew and two other trapped relatives were not responding to her calls. "The teams prefer to work in the rubble where they can hear voices," she said. Search Keywords: Short link: Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry Ahmed Samir said on Tuesday that Egypt and Switzerland have distinguished trade and investment relations, with the volume of trade exchange between the two amounting to $994 million in 2022. Samir made the remarks in a meeting with Swiss Ambassador to Egypt Yvonne Baumann in Cairo. Switzerland is also "one of the most important countries investing in the Egyptian market," contributing $2.2 billion across 433 projects, he added. The meeting dealt with preparations for the visit of Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda to Cairo in early July. Artieda will head a delegation of businessmen from Switzerland to review investment opportunities and advantages in the Egyptian market in various productive and service sectors, according to a statement by the Egyptian ministry. Samir pointed to the ministry's desire to benefit from Swiss expertise and experiences in developing small and medium enterprises and green economy projects, as well as in developing technical and vocational training systems. This will contribute to the provision of qualified cadres for Egypts industrial sector in general and the needs of Swiss investments in Egypt in particular, he said. There are distinct investment opportunities for the Swiss business circles in the Egyptian market in a large number of productive sectors, especially projects related to food security, chemicals and fertilisers to meet the needs of the Egyptian market and export to the markets of the countries of the African continent within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the statement quoted Samir as saying. The AfCFTA agreement which was signed in March 2018 in Rwanda and is the worlds largest free-trade area entered into force in 2019 during Egypt's presidency of the African Union (AU). The 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. According to Egypts Economic Report 2022 released by the Swiss Embassy in September 2022, Egypt continues to be Switzerland's top export destination in Africa. The total trade volume including gold bars and other precious metals, coin, precious stones and gems as well as works of art and antiques between Switzerland and Egypt amounted to CHF 1.3 billion ($1.4 billion) in 2021. The main Swiss exports to Egypt are, according to the report, chemical and pharmaceutical products, machinery and electronic devices and precision instruments and watches. While the main export goods from Egypt to Switzerland are textile products, agricultural products and chemical and pharmaceutical products. From her side, Baumann stressed her countrys keenness to strengthen the frameworks of joint cooperation with Egypt in various fields and at all levels, noting the aspiration of the Swiss business circles to invest and expand in the Egyptian market as one of the most important and largest markets in the Middle East and a major industrial and export hub for the markets of the countries of the African continent. She also referred to the distinguished investment opportunities in the Egyptian market in industries with advanced technology, construction, engineering industries, and pharmaceutical industries, especially in light of the launch of the State Ownership Policy Document, which provides more investment opportunities for global capital. In December, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi approved the final version of the document, which identifies the sectors from which the state plans to withdraw, decrease, or increase its presence over the coming three years with the aims of increasing the participation of the private sector to stimulate economic growth, increase exports, and provide employment opportunities and investments. Search Keywords: Short link: On Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived to Bamako for talks with Colonel Assimi Joita, the military leader of Mali, on a wide range of issues probably including war on militant groups and economic cooperation. This visit took place against the backdrop of continued political tension in Mali over the possible reluctance of Joita to hand over power to a civilian government in the spring of this year. Diplomatic sources informed of developments in Mali say that the handover to a civilian government is unlikely to be an agenda issue on the talks of the top Russian diplomat. They argue that expanding the presence of Russia, both on the economic and security fronts, is the key issue. Russia has been expanding its foothold in Africa in an aggressive way during the past couple of years; this is about the economy and the power struggle with the West, said one Cairo based European diplomat. This is the second segment of Lavrovs diplomatic offensive on Africa this year. Late last month, the top Russian diplomat did an African tour that included crucial players in the continent like South Africa and Eritrea, a top anti-Western country on the eastern part of the continent. Russia, diplomats say, has been working actively to take over the African zones of traditional French influence in north and west Africa. They add that it has been very successful in so doing, especially through its militia arm: the Wagner group. Russia has expanded its presence across the Sahel and Sahara zone at times in cooperation with partners from north Africa. Algeria in particular is a close Russian ally. Energy, security and military cooperation is key for the relationship of Algiers and Moscow and it is expected to top the agenda of talks that Algerian President Abdulmedjid Teboune is scheduled to have with his Russian counterpart in Moscow in the spring of this year. Lavrov visited Algeria last spring as part of a North Africa diplomatic offensive that is set to be replayed to further empahsise cooperation and presence. Lavrov arrived in Bamako after a two-day visit to Baghdad where he met with top Iraqi officials, including President Abdul-Latif Rashid, to discuss cooperation. A Baghdad-based diplomatic source said that Russia is keen to expand an axis of cooperation with Iran, Iraq and Syria in the face of Western influence to the east of the Mediterranean. Overall, diplomatic sources agree that with the complicated situation Russia is presented with in its war in Ukraine, its top diplomat is working hard to combat a sense of isolation that his country has developed following Western support for Ukraine. * A version of this article appears in print in the 9 February, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Press Release February 7, 2023 CO-SPONSORSHIP SPEECH Senate Bill No. 1849 AMENDMENTS TO RA 11709 Mr. President, I rise today to co-sponsor Senate Bill No. 1849 under Committee Report No. 23, which aims to amend Republic Act No. 11709, a law which seeks to strengthen the professionalism and promote the continuity of policies and modernization initiatives in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Mr. President, as I have said during the last Congress, the passage of the measure is tantamount to hitting two birds with one stone as it will ensure the professionalization of the AFP, and more importantly, it will make us one step closer to resolving the ballooning pension of the military and uniformed personnel which has now reached P9.6 trillion for the next 20 years. Thus, it gave birth to Republic Act No. 11709 primarily to address these issues. However, no law is perfect. It is through the clamor of our military personnel that the unintended consequences of Republic Act No. 11709 have been far-reaching in fact, even reaching the four corners of this chamber as it has resulted in unnecessary attrition and bottlenecks in promotion. This, Mr. President, highlights the need to address these issues immediately. As a former military officer, hindi kaila sa akin kung gaano kahirap ang pinagdaanan ng ating kasundaluhan. Ang pagsasakripisyo para sa bayan ng malayo sa pamilya, ay laban ng buhay na aming hinaharap sa araw-araw. Matagal na pong retirado sa military si Bato ngunit hindi nagtapos ang pagseserbisyo. Today, as a legislator, I continue to battle for the rights and welfare of my brothers in arms. It is within the judgment of this august body to resolve issues that might have caused unnecessary worries and distress to our uniformed personnel. Senate Bill No. 1849 amends certain provisions of Republic Act No. 11709 such as the provisions on the tour of duty of key officers, the forced attrition of our enlisted personnel, compulsory retirement for military personnel, and officer grade distribution. Undoubtedly, Mr. President, now is not the time to unnecessarily limit the capability of the AFP especially with the ongoing issue on the West Philippine Sea. We must strengthen our country's defense capability to protect our country's sovereignty. However, we must first find a middle ground to resolve our internal affairs. A timeless saying has never been more appropriate: "United we stand, divided we fall." Mr. President, as legislators, we must hear the clamor of our military personnel without necessarily compromising the purpose for which Republic Act No. 11709 was passed, to remove the revolving door policy and to resolve the ballooning pension of the AFP. I humbly appeal to you, my colleagues, to support this measure. Our troops are fighting battles in the field for our sovereignty and freedom. In turn, let us assure them that the battle for their welfare within this hall is not far from victory. Before I end, Mr. President, I would like to ask the permission of my Chairman of the Senate Defense and Security Committee and the main sponsor of this bill to accept my desire to become co-author of this measure, Mr. President. Maraming Salamat, Mr. President. It will be some time before final figures for those killed and injured as a result of the devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday morning are available. As Al-Ahram Weekly went to press, almost 48 hours after the beginning of the seismic nightmare, the number of those who died had risen to thousands, the injured to tens of thousands. Rescue workers and medical staff continue to search for people caught beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings. After Mondays 7.9 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes left large segments of cities and villages as little more than rubble, aftershocks continued to hit southern Turkey and northern Syria on Tuesday. The last time such a powerful earthquake hit Turkey was in 1939. Northern Syria has not seen such a high-magnitude tremor in 200 years. The initial earthquake was strong enough to be felt in Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Cyprus, and Armenia. The aftershocks hit as the World Health Organisation was anticipating a final death toll of around 20,000 and rescue workers, especially in Syria, were appearing on satellite TV channels to complain about the difficulties of accessing emergency aid, either because the regime was determined to distribute all relief through the Syrian capital, or because of the complicated security situation on the border between northern Syria and its neighbours, including Turkey. Damascus lost control of northern Syria to Kurdish rebel groups 10 years ago. More recently, Turkey has launched repeated military operations in the area targeting Kurdish rebels. Compounding the situation is the fact that the runways of Turkish airports near the most devastated areas were also affected by the quake. As the world woke up on Monday morning to the news of the earthquake, world leaders were quick to offer assistance. US President Joe Biden spoke to his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan offering help. Russia and Iran also promised help, as did Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The European Union has vowed to do what it can, as have individual European states. Arab countries, too, have reached out. On Tuesday President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi called his Syrian and Turkish counterparts to express condolences and solidarity. The phone calls came along with a presidential directive to send relief aid aboard five military planes. A day earlier, in his first ever call to his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri offered both condolences and assistance. Shoukri also had an unusual phone call with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, in which he said Egypt will send urgent relief aid. The UAE has committed to delivering a $10 million preparatory rescue package to Syria and offered help to Turkey. Other Arab Gulf countries also promised relief, while the first relief aid to reach Syrian territories on Tuesday morning came from Iraq. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the international community to show a quick response, saying that humanitarian aid is desperately needed in areas to which access is a challenge. A member of a UN humanitarian agency told the Weekly on Tuesday morning that prospects were particularly worrying for people in northern Syria. The area is already facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to fighting that has included regime forces, Turkish forces, Kurdish groups and Islamist militants, including Jabhat Al-Nosra and Islamic State. This is a compounded situation, really horrific, said the humanitarian worker. The area is home to four million displaced Syrians who have fled the worst civil war ravaged parts of the country. By Monday evening, distressed medical workers were appearing on TV channels to say they had only a few hours to reach buried survivors and bring them out of their collapsed homes alive. According to preliminary estimates, over 25 million people have been affected by the earthquake. In northern Syria, many lost the tents that were their only shelter from the freezing weather. There is also an acute shortage of food and medicine, and challenging health problems including an outbreak of cholera. In both Syria and Turkey, the freezing weather and primitive equipment are hampering the search for survivors. According to the UN humanitarian worker, after 48 hours the chances of finding survivors alive plummets. The humanitarian tragedy is hard to exaggerate, and is reinforced by images of people desperately scratching the rubble with their bare hands as they search for survivors. But alongside the very human tragedy, there are also political tremors in the making. Erdogan, who is seeking re-election in the presidential poll scheduled for May, is doing so against the backdrop of a growing economic crisis that has severely undermined his reputation for economic competence. According to a retired Turkish diplomat, the current crisis has thrown up further obstacles in Erdogans path. It was already very difficult because Erdogan has lost much of his former popularity. He is now seen as being just like any other dictator, with no economic successes to his credit, he said. The opposition, added the former diplomat, is already working to support a consensus candidate. Regional Arab and European diplomats, meanwhile, say it is too early to predict the effect of the earthquake on Erdogans chances of retaining the presidency. According to one, it was the economic crisis of 1999 that allowed Erdogan to ascend the political ladder to the top executive job. Erdogan could rework his scheme by using this humanitarian tragedy to lobby support in the face of a very difficult situation, he said. One option he anticipates is greater momentum towards a rapprochement with the regime of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria. This would work for both Erdogan and Al-Assad given that Al-Assad is also trying to use the crisis to repair his undermined legitimacy. This is why he insists on all relief aid being processed through Damascus. * A version of this article appears in print in the 9 February, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: The deadliest earthquake this century, which hit Turkey and Syria on Monday, had already claimed more than 5000 lives by the time Al-Ahram Weekly went to print. The figures are expected to continue rising, with every minute passing, meaning less hope of survivors among the thousands buried under the rubble. The amount of damage is massive, with hundreds of buildings toppled in seconds, including hospitals, mosques and schools, leaving millions stranded in freezing weather in the streets, parks,or any open space away from the structures they fear might fall on their heads again in ongoing aftershocks, adding to the deaths and tens of thousands of injuries. Rescue teams have hunted for survivors in freezing temperatures, struggling to save lives and provide medical aid. No words can make up for the sudden human loss that the peopleof Turkey and Syria are enduring following one of the strongest recorded earthquakes in recent years. Offers of international assistance have been massive, including from Egypt that has special historic ties with the peoples of both countries. Only a few hours after first reports came in on the wide scope of the disaster, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi offered his sincere condolences to the peoples and governments of Turkey and Syria. He ordered urgent humanitarian assistance, as well as rescue and medical teams to be dispatched immediately to the two countries among those of many other Arab, Muslim and world countries. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri also spoke on the phone with his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, confirming Egypts readiness to offer support. The shock of the death of thousands of people while asleep in their homes, entire families vanishing and massive damages in property is a time for world leaders and governments set aside their political differences and unite in expressing solidarity. Facing such a heavy death toll reminds us of our shared human destiny, and how helpless we all are in the face of natural disasters. Reports coming out of both countries confirm that the amount of support needed is huge, and in many areas, starting with search and rescue teams, medical teams and supplies, tents and mobile housing units, food, and heavy winter clothes that are very much in need in the freezing temperatures that have been hindering rescue efforts. While the death toll, injuries and damages in Turkey are clearly higher than those in Syria, with over 13 million people affected by the quake, there is a clear recognition among world countries and international humanitarian aid organisations that the situation in the northwest Syria is much worse in many aspects. After suffering scores of earthquakes over the past century, Turkey has clearly developed the expertise and capabilities to deal with such massive disaster situations. More importantly, the Turkish state remains intact, with a strong central government capable of coordinating rescue operations and providing much needed assistance to victims. All this is lacking in Syria which has been torn by Civil War for 12 years, with the northwestern parts of the countryhit by the earthquakefalling outside government control. Over four million people live in those regions, mostly displaced in the infighting between Syrian government forces and a variety of opposition groups. Those millions were already living in precarious conditions in tents in refugee camps lacking many basic needs, including heat, food and medical care. Only a few days before the earthquake hit Turkey and Syria, the UN and other humanitarian groups providing assistance to refugees in northwestern Syria had appealed for more urgent aid to help the refugees cope with the harsh winter conditions and snow. The recent sharp increase in oil prices made it nearly impossible to provide sources of heating for them, and they ended up cutting trees to provide some warmth in their poor tents. A top UN humanitarian official in Syria said fuel shortages and the harsh weather were creating obstacles to its response. The infrastructure is damaged, the roads that we used to use for humanitarian work are damaged. We have to be creative with how to get to the people... but we are working hard. Across northwestern Syria, apartment blocks, shops, even entire neighbourhoods were wiped out in seconds by the powerful earthquake. The economic collapse the war brought on had made it impossible for many of them to have a decent meal. This winters fuel crisis had them shivering in their beds, without heat. Syrias wrecked infrastructure had caused thousands to fall sick with cholera in recent months; the ruin of its hospitals meant many could receive no health care. Mark Kaye, spokesman for the International Rescue Committee, echoed many United Nations and aid groups pleas for more aid to be sent to Syria in the earthquakes aftermath. Anywhere else in the world, this would be an emergency, he said. What we have in Syria is an emergency within an emergency. * A version of this article appears in print in the 9 February, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: What Israel is doing today cannot be condoned, and to invoke the horrors of the past to justify those of the present is gross hypocrisy. This statement was made by the great British philosopher Sir Bertrand Russel a few days before his death on 2 February 1970. Yet, it feels as though he is still among us, observing the events in Palestine today. What is currently unfolding there is the continuation of the horrors that began years before the establishment of the state of Israel, perpetrated by terrorist Zionist gangs and militias such as the Lehi (Stern Gang), Haganah and Irgun, the leader of which, Manachem Begin, would go on to become an Israeli prime minister. Terrorism as an instrument for founding the state became an instrument of the state. But, as Russel indicated, the West remained silent on the grounds of the persecution the Jews had suffered under the Nazis. Israel today has taken off its mask with the election of a government some members of which had been prosecuted on charges of racist incitement while others openly espouse death to the Arabs. As expected, violent clashes erupted across the occupied territories as Israeli occupation forces launched brutal attacks on Palestinian towns and villages, ostensibly targeting resistance fighters and their families. Many innocent bystanders were killed in the process, including an elderly woman in her seventies. In addition, once again, dozens of Israeli settlers, assisted by Israeli intelligence and military personnel, stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque sanctuary. According to press reports, the extremists toured the interior of the mosque to provoke the worshippers and performed Talmudic rites. Isreali occupation forces and armed Israeli settlers have committed more than 700 acts of aggression in January alone, the Colonisation and Wall Resistance Commission reported. The current Israeli government has revealed its true ugly face with the unprecedented levels of violence, bloodshed and destruction it unleashed against Palestinian people, land and property from its first day in power, said Muayyad Shaaban, the head of the commission. Thirty-five Palestinian men, women and children have been killed in just a month. What would Bertrand Russel say today if he saw how much more brutal the Isreali occupation has grown since he was alive? * A version of this article appears in print in the 9 February, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: The novelist Naguib Mahfouz is not known for surprising plot twists. Egypts sole Nobel Prize winner in literature specialised in the slow meandering of ordinary events and the unfolding of the daily lives of his characters. This emphasis reflected Mahfouzs view of the transformations that the society of Cairo and Alexandria had undergone in the first two thirds of the 20th century. His novels are journeys in which his readers explore at a tranquil pace the story of modern Egypt. The story began with the rise of the desire for independence from the Ottomans and the British. For Mahfouz, the 1910s and 1920s were a golden age because they were the time of modern Egypts youth. The country had accumulated energy from its modernisation throughout the 19th century, had grown wealthy as it eschewed the devastation of World War I, and had attracted many of the best and brightest from the Mediterranean basin. Egypts identity was a unique mix of the countrys ancient, Christian, and Islamic history, and its recent multicultural past in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The country was looking resolutely across the Mediterranean for its future and in the direction of European modernity. The desired end was not a return to any romanticised past, but instead further modernisation and the development of a free and open society. Mahfouz had no illusions about Egyptian society in the period between World Wars I and II. He depicted the ills that wealth and an openness to modernity had brought to a society in which segments were not prepared for the winds of change that often seemed to uproot what had been the known and the familiar from centuries before. But hope abounded those winds were carrying with them the seeds of growth and potential transformation towards more freedom and wealth. The characters in Mahfouzs novels that seemed to represent Egypt at that time were always lively and vivacious. Faced with tragedy, they embodied a determination to get up and move on. Something in their being a flame ignited by the freedoms of the age and nurtured by the rich experiences of the 19th and early 20th centuries gave them faith in themselves and in the future. A downward trajectory began with the collapse of liberalism in the early 1950s, however. For Mahfouz, this took with it not only many of the freedoms that liberal Egypt had taken for granted, but it also replaced those freedoms with an oppressiveness that transcended political or cultural life. The lightness, refinement, and elevation of features of Egyptian society in the early decades of the 20th century began to disappear, leaving centre stage to a kind of heavy handedness in politics and culture. The characters in Mahfouzs novels became burdened with societal injustices and moral dilemmas. Gloom and melancholy filled their emotional space. The key change was not in their circumstances as much as in how they perceived the milieu surrounding them. Faith in themselves and in the future was replaced by apprehension. Mahfouz, a sharp reader of the Egyptian mood, detected and portrayed the effects of the slow evaporation of freedom on Egypts view of itself. Space was also key to Mahfouzs renderings of modern Egypt. Many of the titles of his novels are the names of Cairo and Alexandria neighbourhoods, and these places were often the backgrounds of the novels. But perhaps things were actually the other way around: the changes that his characters underwent in the novels were actually the backgrounds to the more important and lasting transformations that Mahfouz set out to chronicle in the districts of Cairo and Alexandria. Mahfouzs most famous work is the Cairo Trilogy, which follows the lives of three generations of a Cairo family. It is a prime example of novelistic chronicles of this sort and constitutes a vast canvas on which the social transformation of Egypt in first half of the 20th century can be read. His later work, however, was deeper and perhaps also richer. In novels such as Autumn Quail, Adrift on the Nile, and Qushtumor, Mahfouz exposed the fraught turns that modern Egyptian history had taken and the costs that society had had to pay over often many decades. Not only were these novels darker in tone and feeling than Mahfouzs earlier and more famous work, but they were also more insightful readings of the turmoil that Egypt was undergoing as the country found itself more and more deprived of what had shaped it in the liberal age. Mahfouz always came across as straightforward, humble, and softly spoken in manner, and he always had a wide smile that seemed engraved on his face. Beneath that facade, however, lay a deep and courageous thinker. He wanted to understand the Egyptian psyche. And nothing had shaped that psyche more than ideas about fate and free will. He began his writing career with three novels set in ancient Egypt, a civilisation built around certain ideas about the divine and its interactions with and missions for humanity. At the height of his career, Mahfouz returned to perceptions of the divine, even though he was not particularly interested in theology. Instead, what he was aiming at and wanted to deploy in his telling of the story of modern Egypt was how society had perceived and thought about and reacted to what it had deemed divine will and destiny. This interplay between human agency and the abdication of the will has always been of immense significance throughout Egyptian history. No modern Egyptian writer or thinker has managed to analyse this dynamic and its impact on modern Egypt more profoundly and engagingly than Mahfouz. Whereas Tawfik Al-Hakim, a writer discussed earlier in this series, chose to keep his ideas about the same subject private and only available to a few confidants, Mahfouz put his thinking on these issues forward. As a result, he paid a price: at the age of 82, he was stabbed several times in the neck by a 22-year-old Egyptian man who apparently had never read any of Mahfouzs works, but who had been told that he was an apostate. It took years for Mahfouz to teach himself how to write again as a result of injuries. When he had done so, he gave us the last of his writings in a set of dreams. Some thought that these short paragraphs, apparently belonging to the genre of magical realism, were literal dreams that an old man was having. But they were hardly the stuff of sleep. Instead, taking great pains and with immense personal effort, Mahfouz had decided to defy those who wanted to silence him. Instead of succumbing to a slow death, in these scattered paragraphs he gave us succinct imaginative reflections on his work and how it had attempted to tell the story of Cairo and Alexandria, cities he was always in love with. Mahfouz remains one of the most widely read modern writers in Egypt and abroad. This is how it should be, as modern Egypt has had no better chronicler. * The writer is the author of Islamism: A History of Political Islam (2017) and Egypt on the Brink (2010). * A version of this article appears in print in the 9 February, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Abdoulaye Bathily and representatives of Libya's neighbouring countries Sudan, Chad, and Niger participated in the JMC meetings, which are planned to last for two days. Bathily stressed that the security track is an important pillar for paving the way to establishing a favourable political and economic environment in Libya, according to MENA. Libya has witnessed a political stalemate since it failed to hold long-awaited elections in December 2021. The country is currently divided between two rival governments; one based in Tripoli, led by Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah, and the other appointed by the east-based parliament and led by Fathi Bashagha. Dbeibah, who has refused to hand over power before holding elections, asserted in early January that his government is ready to hold general elections in 2023. Egypt has repeatedly asserted that holding the elections is the only way to resolve the ongoing crisis in Libya. Libya failed to hold general elections in December 2021 as previously scheduled due to disagreements over election laws among Libyan parties. During the meeting on Tuesday, Bathily said that the two-day discussions aim to activate the Libyan liaison committees agreed upon in November 2021 in Cairo, within the framework of preparing for the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries. At the time, in 2021, the three neighbouring countries expressed their readiness to receive the fighters who belong to their countries and coordinate with the Libyan parties to guarantee that they will not return to Libya. Bathily noted on Tuesday that the last meeting of the JMC, held on 15-16 January, made progress, including the nomination of members of the Libyan Liaison Committee to let them to work hand-in-hand with their counterparts from Sudan, Chad and Niger. Your work is of great importance for the implementation of the action plan for the withdrawal of foreigners and mercenaries, said Bathily, adding that he attended a fruitful meeting with the ambassadors of Sudan, Niger and Chad last week, where they expressed their desire to support the UNSMIL and the Libyan actors to find permanent solutions to the challenges raised and to cooperate with their Libyan brothers. The UN diplomat also thanked the JMC for its efforts to implement the ceasefire agreement, and the steps it has taken so far, in order to activate the action plan signed in Geneva in October 2021 under the auspices of the UNSMIL. In early January, Egypt facilitated a meeting in Cairo between rival Libyan leaders, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh and Head of Higher Council of State Khaled Al-Mishri Egypts Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the outcomes of the meeting, describing it as an important step towards holding presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously as soon as possible. "Egypt will always remain supportive of the choices of the Libyan people and the role of the Libyan institutions in a way that leads to achieving security, stability, and unity in Libya," the foreign ministry said at the time, adding that Egypt will also support Libya in a way that leads to the exit of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libyan lands. Some external parties have to cease attempts to divert Libya's political process to suit their interests, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in a meeting on Tuesday with UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Abdoulaye Bathily. The Egyptian top diplomat also stressed the necessity of not allowing "any internal Libyan party to hijack the political process through imposing a fait accompli." Moreover, Shoukry briefed Bathily on the developments of the constitutional track in light of the successive meetings Cairo recently hosted, stressing the importance of successfully concluding this track under the auspices of the UNSMIL in preparation for holding legislative and presidential elections simultaneously without delay. In early January, Egypt facilitated a meeting in Cairo between rival Libyan leaders, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh and Head of Higher Council of State Khaled Al-Mishri. Egypts Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the outcomes of the meeting, describing it as an important step towards holding presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously as soon as possible. "Egypt will always remain supportive of the choices of the Libyan people and the role of the Libyan institutions in a way that leads to achieving security, stability, and unity in Libya," the foreign ministry said at the time. Libya has witnessed a political stalemate since it failed to hold long-awaited elections in December 2021. The country is currently divided between two rival governments; one based in Tripoli, led by Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah, and the other appointed by the east-based parliament and led by Fathi Bashagha. Bathily stated on Tuesday that the UNSMIL stressed to all relevant parties that the "key" to Libya's solution lies in the hands of the Libyans, calling on all parties to show flexibility regarding the few remaining issues in the constitutional track. Earlier in the day, Bathily stressed during a meeting of the Libyan 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC), which is being hosted by Cairo for two days, that the security track is an important pillar to pave the way for establishing a favourable political and economic environment in Libya, according to MENA. The meeting of the JMC, which aims to discuss the departure plan of mercenaries and foreign forces from Libya, saw the participation of Bathily and representatives of Libya's neighbouring countries Sudan, Chad, and Niger. During his meeting with Shoukry, Bathily thanked Egypt for its efforts in resolving the Libyan crisis as it pertains to the JMC, the country's constitutional track, as well as the Libyan Economic Working Group, according to Abu Zeid. Bathily added that it is necessary for Egypt to maintain open communication and coordination with the UN in order to provide proper support to Libya to guarantee the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections as well as the exit of all foreign forces and mercenaries from the country in line with the Security Council resolutions, the spokesperson said. Furthermore, Bathily affirmed his interest in "continuous coordination" with Egypt in light of its pivotal role in bringing stability to Libya. Search Keywords: Short link: The share of Japanese carmakers in Korea's import market in the first seven months fell from 20.3 percent last year to 7.9 percent this year, while German automakers' rose from 52.1 percent to 62 percent. According to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association, Japanese automakers' sales from January to July plummeted 55.4 percent on-year. Over the same period, total sales of imported cars rose 14.9 percent. Japanese car sales have plunged here due to a continued boycott by consumers here and the coronavirus epidemic. Industry watchers blame the ongoing boycott against Japanese products in protest against Tokyo's trade curbs. But they also say that Toyota, Honda and Nissan are falling behind their rivals in terms of product competitiveness. Genesis' high-end G80 and GV80 sedans have been huge successes here since their release earlier this year, while Tesla's cheapest electric car, the Model 3, also achieved strong sales when it finally became available here. Japanese automakers by contrast lacked eye-catching new products. Unable to tolerate further losses, Nissan announced in May that it will pull out of the Korean market altogether. It offered up to W15 million discounts and succeeded in emptying its entire inventory of 824 cars excluding the high-end Infiniti brand (US$1=W1,185). Toyota and Honda are also offering hefty discounts, but there are no signs of sales improvements. Toyota (including Lexus) saw sales plummet 24.4 percent in July compared to the previous month, while Honda's sales dropped 0.8 percent to just 129 cars despite the introduction of a new model. Neither intends to pull out. Rather, Toyota continues to invest in its operations in Korea, rolling out six new models in the first half of this year and refurbishing showrooms and service centers in Bundang, Suwon and Wonju. They are also appealing to Korean customers in other ways. Honda Korea gave W100 million to the Korean Red Cross on Monday to help flood victims, while Toyota donated W100 million to the Korea Disaster Relief Association. The student added, "We are now outside since we left our homes around 4 a.m. There is a problem being outside -- it is rainy, cold, windy, and we are not wearing protective clothing. Outside, everyone is wearing what they were wearing in asleep. Some people do not have shoes. They told us we could not go back to the buildings because of the fear [of aftershocks]. That is the disaster here." Awale Ahmed Darfa, a Somali student in Gaziantep at the epicenter, told VOA Somali, "A large earthquake hit while we were asleep The situation turned critical very quickly. We heard screams, cries, and people running. The buildings were shaking as if they were shaken by Jinn [evil spirits]. Everyone ran to wherever they felt they would be safe." "Because the debris removal efforts are continuing in many buildings in the earthquake zone, we do not know how high the number of dead and injured will rise," Erdogan said. "Hopefully, we will leave these disastrous days behind us in unity and solidarity as a country and a nation." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at least 2,800 buildings had collapsed, with Turkish officials saying nearly 1,500 people had been killed and thousands more injured. Syria reported more than 430 deaths in government-held areas, while rescue workers said at least 380 others died in rebel-controlled areas. On both sides of the border, residents were jolted awake as they rushed outside on a cold, rainy and snowy night. Many buildings were flattened into piles of pancaked floors, with aftershocks continuing to rattle the region. The epicenter of the pre-dawn earthquake was near Gaziantep, close to the Turkey-Syria border, and it was followed by a separate magnitude 7.5 earthquake about 100 kilometers north in the early afternoon. A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked wide parts of Turkey and Syria early Monday, toppling hundreds of buildings and killing more than 2,300 people, with hundreds more believed to be trapped under the rubble. The earthquake struck a region enveloped on both sides of the border by more than a decade of civil war in Syria. On the Syrian side, the swath affected is divided between government-held territory and the country's last opposition-held enclave, which is surrounded by Russian-backed government forces. Turkey, meanwhile, is home to millions of refugees from the conflict. The opposition-held regions in Syria are packed with about 4 million people displaced from other parts of the country by the fighting. Many of them live in buildings that are already damaged from past bombardments. On Monday, hundreds of families remained trapped in rubble, an opposition emergency organization, the White Helmets, said in a statement. Strained health facilities and hospitals were quickly filled with injured, rescue workers said. Others had to be emptied, including a maternity hospital, according to the SAMS medical organization. The region sits on top of major fault lines and is frequently shaken by earthquakes. About 18,000 were killed in a similarly powerful earthquakes that hit northwest Turkey in 1999. Monday's quake destroyed the historic Gaziantep Castle and many other historic buildings in the area. In the Turkish city of Mersin, resident Nurhan Kiral told VOAs Turkish service that the earthquake lasted about a minute. "We woke up with the tremor and got out of the bed. Rubble fell from the chimney. Rubble fell from the empty space between the buildings. It was terrifying," Kiral said. The Syrian American Medical Society said its hospitals in Syria were "overwhelmed with patients filling the hallways." "Many hospitals are full, but some critical facilities, including Al Dana Hospital had to evacuate patients after sustaining severe damage from the earthquake," the group said in a statement. "Likewise, the Idleb Maternity Hospital was forced to transfer all newborns to a nearby hospital." International Help U.S. President Joe Biden said he authorized an immediate U.S. response. "Our teams are deploying quickly to begin to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and address the needs of those injured and displaced by the earthquake. U.S.-supported humanitarian partners are also responding to the destruction in Syria," Biden said in a statement Monday. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement, "We are determined to do all that we can to help those affected by these earthquakes in the days, weeks, and months ahead." The European Union said it mobilized rescue teams to the region, with crews from Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania. "Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones and the brave first responders working to save lives," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic said in a joint statement. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak all said their governments were ready to help those affected by the earthquake. "Greece is mobilizing its resources and will assist immediately," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said search and rescue teams, as well as medical aid, would be going to Turkey in response to a request from the Turkish government. Russia also said it had rescue teams preparing to go to Turkey to help earthquake victims in both Turkey and Syria. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered his government's support as well. "I am shocked to learn of deaths and injuries of hundreds of people as a result of the earthquake in Turkey," Zelenskyy tweeted. "We send our condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery. At this time, we stand by the friendly Turkish people and are ready to provide the necessary assistance." Turkey is in one of the world's most active earthquake zones. In 1999, 17,000 people were killed when a 7.4-magnitude earthquake -- the worst to hit Turkey in decades -- struck near Duzce, in the northwest of the country. In October 2022, a magnitude-7.0 quake hit the Aegean Sea, killing 116 people and wounding more than 1,000. All but two of the victims were in Izmir, Turkey. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Monday that the world needs to wake up and take urgent action to change the trajectory on conflicts and geopolitical divisions, the climate crisis, and economic inequality. "We need a course correction," Guterres said as he laid out his 2023 priorities to the UN General Assembly. "The good news is that we know how to turn things around -- on climate, on finance, on conflict resolution, on and on," he added. "And we know that the cost of inaction far exceeds the costs of action. But the strategic vision -- the long-term thinking and commitment -- is missing." He cited the recent announcement by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists to move the so-called Doomsday Clock 10 seconds closer to global catastrophe as a "wake-up call." On Jan. 24, the organization's board, citing Russia's war in Ukraine and the threat of the use of nuclear weapons, said the planet is now "90 seconds to midnight." "This is the closest the clock has ever stood to humanity's darkest hour, and closer than even during the height of the Cold War," Guterres warned. The organization of scientists, of which Albert Einstein was a founding member, created the clock in 1947 as an indicator of how close the world is to manmade global catastrophe. Adding to the growing list of crises and concerns was Monday's deadly 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Turkey and Syria. Guterres said the United Nations is mobilizing to support the emergency response. "Let's work together in solidarity to help those hit by this disaster, many of whom are already in dire need of humanitarian aid," he said. The quake's epicenter was in parts of Turkey and Syria with large populations of refugees and people affected by more than a decade of civil war in Syria. For the first time in his presidency Tuesday night, U.S. President Joe Biden will address a Congress under divided party rule. Republicans who hold a slim majority in the House of Representatives have already issued the first subpoenas in one of many investigations just getting under way based on accusations the White House has abused its power. "I do not think any American believes that justice should not be equal to all," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters last week. "We found from this administration, what happened before every single election, whatever comes out, that they utilize to try to falsify, they try to have different standards for their own beliefs. That doesn't work in America." Republicans argue the Biden administration has abused its power in several ways and plans to conduct investigatory hearings. The House Judiciary Committee, headed by Representative Jim Jordan, launched hearings into the Biden administration's border security last week. "Month after month after month, we have set records for migrants coming into the country. And frankly, I think it's intentional," Jordan said. "I don't know how anyone with common sense or logic can reach any other conclusion. It seems deliberate. It seems premeditated." One of the Republican-majority House's first acts was to establish a Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. The subcommittee -- along an entirely party-line vote -- has a mandate to investigate the use of information on U.S. citizens by executive branch agencies. Republicans will investigate their allegations that U.S. government agencies targeted conservative supporters of former President Donald Trump. "The goal, the principle is that the president, like every other American citizen, is not above the law. And congressional hearings are one way to ensure that the president does not put himself above the law," Ken Hughes, a historian with the University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs, told VOA. Hughes said that in the past, Congress has been able to conduct productive investigations even in eras of divided party rule. "Even in a polarized era, congressional investigation can do some good, but in order for you to have a truly beneficial impact, both parties have to cooperate." Press Release February 7, 2023 SPONSORSHIP SPEECH Senate Bill No. 1849 under Committee Report No. 23 An Act Amending Sections 2, 6, 10, 11 and 15 of Republic Act No. 11709 otherwise known as "An Act Strengthening Professionalism and Promoting the Continuity of Policies and Modernization Initiatives in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, by Prescribing Fixed Terms for Key Officers Thereof, Increasing the Mandatory Retirement Age of Generals/Flag Officers, Providing for a More Effective Attrition System, and Providing Funds Therefor" 7 February 2023 Mr. President, my distinguished colleagues of this august body, as your Chairperson of the Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, it is my distinct honor to sponsor Senate Bill No. 1849 under Committee Report No. 23 or An Act Amending Sections 2, 6, 10, 11 and 15 of Republic Act No. 11709 otherwise known as "An Act Strengthening Professionalism and Promoting the Continuity of Policies and Modernization Initiatives in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, by Prescribing Fixed Terms for Key Officers Thereof, Increasing the Mandatory Retirement Age of Generals/Flag Officers, Providing for a More Effective Attrition System, and Providing Funds Therefor". The Committee Report is a consolidation of Senate Bill 1601 authored by this representation and Senate Bill 1603 filed by our Honorable Senate President. Your Committee also took into consideration House Bill 6517 referred to the Committee on 23 January 2023. Mr. President, Section 3, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that "[t]he Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory." Further, Section 5(3), Article XVI of the 1987 Constitution states that professionalism in the armed forces shall be a prime concern of the State. Towards this end, several laws were passed to continually enhance the professionalism of our armed forces. The latest of which is Republic Act No. 11709, signed into law on April 13, 2022 and took effect on July 1, 2022. The enactment of RA11709 was intended to obviate the revolving door accommodation on promotions and to allow the AFP leadership a longer period to institutionalize sound policies and implement reforms that will redound to the improvement of the AFP by prescribing fixed terms for key officers and by increasing the mandatory retirement age for generals and/or flag officers. While this representation agrees with the intent and purpose for the passage of RA 11709, the unintended consequences in implementing the said law are too far-reaching. It has caused bottleneck in the promotions of officers, and is expected to cause unnecessary and unwanted attrition within the ranks of the AFP. Upang mailarawan ng mas malinaw ang magiging epekto ng RA 11709, may isinagawang actuarial modelling o simulation. Ito po ang mga datos na lumabas sa nasabing pag-aaral. Sa ilalim ng dating umiiral na batas o Republic Act No. 8186, sa loob ng limang taon nasa 3 lamang po ang bilang ng 1-star general natin na napipilitang magretiro dahil hindi na ma-promote. Ngunit sa ilalim ngayon ng RA 11709, 93 (ulitin ko po 93) na ang magiging bilang ng mga 1-star general na mapipilitang mag-retiro sa susunod na limang taon. Ang attrition ng ating mga 1-star general sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang RA11709 ay 31 times higher kumpara sa dati. Ang mga 2-star generals naman natin, 6 times higher ang magiging attrition rate. Mula sa dating 5, inaasahang nasa 32 na ang mapipipilitang magretiro dahil sa attrition sa susunod na 5 taon. Sa 3-star generals naman ay 3 times higher ang attrition rate, mula sa dating 3 sa loob ng 5 taon ay magiging 9. Ang ating mga Colonels, 2 times higher, mula 68 ay magiging 134. Pero hindi pa po ito ang pinakamalaking dagok na dala ng RA11709. Tinatayang nasa 15% rin ng ating enlisted personnel ang maapektuhan ng unnecessary attrition na bunsod ng RA 11709. Sa kasalukuyan, 82% of AFP o nasa higit 135,000 ng ating kasundaluhan ay binubuo ng magigiting na enlisted personnel. Inaasahang hindi bababa sa dalawampung-libo (20,000) ng ating mga enlisted personnel ang mapipilitang umalis sa serbisyo sa mga susunod na taon dala ng kanilang forced attrition na nakasaad sa RA11709. Ito po ay ilan lamang sa mga dahilan ng so-called "grumblings" sa hanay ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. The concerns of the brave men and women in the AFP are very much valid and understandable given the perceived uncertainty of their military careers na halos buong buhay nilang pinagtrabahuan. Although unintended, Republic Act No. 11709 has caused uneasiness, demotivation, and adversely affected the morale of our troops. Ginoong Pangulo, batay po sa iba't ibang mga survey, laging ang AFP po ang pinaka-mataas at nangunguna sa mga approval rating, satisfaction rating at trust rating. Malinaw po na mahusay at maayos nilang ginagampanan ang kanilang tungkulin bilang tagapangalaga ng sambayanang Pilipino at ng Pilipinas. Ganito po ba ang dapat nating isukli sa kanilang mga sakripisyo para sa ating bansa? Mr. President, we do recognize the hard work and diligence that were poured out by our esteemed colleagues from the previous Congress, and many of whom are still part of the present Congress, in crafting RA 11709. I, myself, am convinced that RA 11709 is a good law, which sought to institute meaningful reforms and finally resolve the revolving door policy that has hounded the AFP for so many years and severely hampered the long-term planning, stability and strategic direction of the defense establishment. Nonetheless, it is incumbent upon me to listen and respond to the grievances of members of the armed forces. Hindi natin pwedeng isantabi na lamang at ipagwalang-bahala ang kanilang mga hinaing at punto hinggil sa epekto ng pagpapatupad ng batas na ito. This Senate Bill therefore seeks to amend five (5) provisions of RA11709, which will definitely address and put the so-called "grumblings" to rest. Foremost is for matters concerning our enlisted personnel be removed from the coverage of RA11709. We will revert to the previous system where the promotion, separation, and maximum allowable tenure of our enlisted personnel will be governed by the issuances of the Department of National Defense and the AFP. This will afford the DND and AFP flexibility in adjusting the policies concerning our enlisted personnel depending on their developing and expanding needs. The Senate Bill also reintroduces a one-year period of prohibition for promotions, which was effectively removed by RA11709, and reinstitutes the previous tenure-in-grades of Colonels/Commander and Brigadier Generals/Commodores Officers may only be eligible for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General/Commodore or higher if he/she has at least one (1) year remaining of active service before compulsory retirement. This will address a major issue in the implementation of RA11709 by preventing "photo finish" promotions of generals/flag officers despite having a few months or days left before retiring. Reinstituting the one-year prohibition was a result of the consultative meeting between this representation and the junior officers of the AFP conducted last February 3, 2023. The reimposition of the one-year prohibition will mean that a Colonel with a present tenure-in-grade of eight (8) years has only seven (7) years within which to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. A Brigadier General with a present tenure-in-grade of three (3) years only has two (2) years within which to be promoted as Major General. Given the limited number of officers in the aforementioned positions, a period of seven (7) years for Colonels and two (2) years Brigadier Generals within which to compete for promotions is quite short and will lead to their unnecessary attrition. As earlier stated, the attrition rate for Colonels under RA11709 will be doubled and for Brigadier Generals, it will be 31 times higher. This computation was arrived at without taking into consideration a period of promotion ban. The attrition rate will even be higher should we impose the proposed one-year prohibition. Thus, the reversion to their previous tenure-in-grades under Republic Act No. 8186, ten (10) years for Colonels and five (5) years for Brigadier Generals, is in order. This will allow them a fair and equitable opportunity to compete and to be promoted to the next rank. And for the sake of clarity and for the record, Mr. President, your Committee is not against attrition. We believe that weeding out non-performers and lame ducks in the organization is crucial, if not at the heart of ensuring professionalism and maintaining only the best and the brightest, the cream of the crop in the AFP. Limiting the tour of duty to five (5) tenured key officers and allowing other key officers lateral movement to key positions is also being sought. The AFP Chief of Staff will still be accorded a maximum tour of duty of three (3) years. The PMA Superintendent will still have a maximum tour of duty of four (4) years. The tour of duty of Major Service Commanders, however, will be shortened from three (3) years to two (2) years. We are still fostering the continuity of policies for the tenured key positions but at the same time affording the subsequent commissioned classes a fair and equitable opportunity to compete for promotions to these positions. All other key officers, namely: Vice Chief of Staff, The Deputy Chief of Staff, Unified Command Commanders and The Inspector General, will now be allowed lateral movement provided that an appointment to a tenured key position will be covered by the one-year prohibition on promotions. This will grant our Major Generals and Lieutenant Generals a fair and equitable opportunity to compete for promotions to key positions, which was indiscriminately and unfairly deprived of them by RA11709, Moreover, the AFP Board of Generals will not be bound by restrictions, particularly the prohibition on lateral movement, in determining the best qualified candidates to these key positions. The introduction of a graduated age of compulsory retirement for generals/flag officers is likewise being espoused by this Senate Bill. This is a balancing act as it allows the AFP to maximize the services of our senior generals but at the same time affords the younger colonels/generals the opportunity for career progression. Under this Senate Bill, the compulsory age of retirement for 1-star generals is 57. For 2-star generals, it will be 58. For 3-star generals, it will be 59 BUT if the officer is occupying a tenured key position, the maximum tour of duty will take precedence. It is worth noting, however, that among the recommendations gathered by this representation during the consultative meeting with AFP junior officers is to merely impose 57 (not graduated) as the uniform age of compulsory retirement for generals/flag officers. The determination of 57 was arrived at given that there are incumbent generals/flag officers who have surpassed the age of 56. Finally, the Senate Bill seeks to reintroduce the percentages on officer grade distribution provided under Republic Act No. 9188 but the basis will be the AFP Table of Organization Under RA 11709, the Secretary of National Defense is mandated to ensure the decrease in the number of our generals/flag officers from 190 to 164 before April 13, 2023. This representation respectfully submits that this significant decrease is not in keeping with the demand of the times given the continued modernization of our armed forces. The AFP needs to be dynamic and highly responsive to the complex, volatile, ambiguous and evolving local, regional and global security landscapes. It will be more prudent, therefore, to reinstitute the percentages provided under RA9188, particularly on the number of generals/flag officers, and to give the DND and the AFP leeway in determining their force structure by basing the said percentages on the AFP Table of Organization. While we are granting the DND and the AFP more flexibility to respond to the current and future security threats, the grant is not without sufficient safeguards. Percentages are in place and allocations for additional positions are still to be justified with the Department of Budget and Management. Mr. President, as to the application of the amendments we are proposing, this representation respectfully submits that the tour of duty, compulsory age of retirement and maximum tenure-in-grade shall be made to apply to those appointed or promoted on 1 July 2022 onwards or during the effectivity of RA11709. Doing so will immediately address the issues and concerns, including the bottleneck in promotions, following the implementation of RA11709. Otherwise, our troops will continue to suffer as the effects of these proposed amendments will only be realized two (2) or (3) years down the line. As to the issue of impairing the vested rights of those appointed or promoted during the effectivity of RA11709, the Supreme Court, in a long line of cases, recognized police power, which is verily lodged in the Legislature, as a valid limitation to the exercise of vested rights. The exercise of police power requires the concurrence of a lawful subject and a lawful method, both of which are readily apparent in the issue at hand. Mr. President, the passage of the Senate Bill 1849 under Committee Report 23 will address the gaps, issues and unintended consequences brought about by the implementation of RA11709. It will also result in a more dynamic and highly responsive AFP capable of adapting to the demands of the present time. Most importantly, it will definitely usher a level of improved morale within and among the ranks of our armed forces. Ensuring a level playing field for career advancement is the least we can do for our soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines who continue to lay their lives on the line protecting the Filipino people and defending the Philippines. In closing, may I just say and emphasize that this piece of legislation remains consistent with the spirit and intention of RA 11709 that is anchored on meritocracy and professionalization, while providing the organization with the necessary room for flexibility, ensuring stability, and improving the morale in our Armed Forces. Thank you, Mr. President. International flights in and out of Korea last month reached roughly 60 percent of pre-pandemic levels with a surge in flights to Japan and Southeast Asia. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on Monday said the number of passengers was around 4.61 million in January, roughly 58 percent the level in January 2019. Nearly 1.33 million of them headed to Japan after the country reopened its borders and the yen remained cheap. Some 2.18 million passengers traveled to Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines. Tourists from Southeast Asia are making up for the shortfall of Chinese visitors in Seoul's shopping district of Myeong-dong. Only around 2 million tourists visited Korea last year, compared to 14.43 million before the coronavirus pandemic in 2019, and the proportion of Chinese visitors fell from 33.9 percent to 3.3 percent. But tourists from Southeast Asia increased from 13.1 percent to 26.7 percent over the period as countries there largely returned to normal while China remained in lockdown. One 43-year-old street vendor in Myeong-dong has placed a halal sign on his stall. "I put up the sign because of a sharp increase in the number of visitors from Southeast Asia since there are a lot of Muslims in Indonesia and Malaysia," he said. Some stores have even hired Muslim staff. One man from Uzbekistan has been working part-time since last autumn at a street stall selling lamb skewers. "More Muslim customers come if I sell halal food," he said. Signs on other street stalls are in Thai and Vietnamese. North Korean hackers stole about W160 billion worth of cryptocurrencies from the accounts of South Korean companies and individuals last year, intelligence authorities here said Monday (US$1=W1,253). About 1/10th of some W1.65 trillion worth of cryptocurrencies the North stole throughout the world last year is believed to have come from South Korea. The stolen money is believed to have been laundered to fund the regime's nuclear and missile development. In a recent report, U.S. blockchain firm Chainalysis said North Korea-linked hackers stole US$1.65 billion in cryptocurrencies last year, accounting for 43.4 percent of the total $3.8 billion worth that was stolen around the world last year and up nearly four times the amount from the previous year. This suggests that crypto theft now takes up a considerable part of the North Korean economy, given that its total exports amounted to just $142 million in 2020. KYODO NEWS - Feb 7, 2023 - 19:19 | All, Japan A Japanese court on Tuesday dismissed a damages suit filed by the children of some Hiroshima atomic bombing survivors seeking financial support from the central government. In the lawsuit filed with the Hiroshima District Court in 2017, the 28 plaintiffs each sought damages of 100,000 yen ($760), claiming the state violated the Constitution by not providing them aid even though health damage caused by the genetic effects of radiation cannot be denied. In rejecting the suit, the court stated that the lack of legal provisions for support, such as those for their parents, did not represent unfair and discriminatory treatment, and it was therefore not unconstitutional for them not to receive aid. The ruling came after the Nagasaki District Court dismissed last December a similar suit filed by a group of children of Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors. The Nagasaki court also denied the state violated the constitutional guarantee of equality under the law, pointing out that the children were not deemed to have been directly exposed to radiation in the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing. Unlike their parents, who are eligible for financial aid, including coverage of medical expenses under the Atomic Bomb Survivors' Assistance Law, children of atomic bomb survivors are only eligible for free health checks. The plaintiffs sometimes referred to as second-generation hibakusha, argued that some scientific research had shown that the possibility of such a generation suffering ill health from their parent's exposure to radiation from the bombing could not be discounted. The plaintiffs claimed that the difference in their treatment constituted unreasonable discrimination in violation of Article 14 of the Constitution, which states that all people are equal under the law. The Hiroshima court said in the ruling that the assistance law applies to people who "may have been directly exposed to radiation from the bombing." It added that while children of survivors shared with their parents the chance of health issues developing, the existence and accuracy of scientific views "differ greatly." As a result, the court decided that a difference is present between A-bomb survivors and their children, and therefore the lack of legal measures to support the children did not represent a contravention of the Constitution. The government had argued that the effects of radiation on the children of atomic bomb survivors have not been confirmed and that it has no legislative obligation to provide relief. It had also sought the suit to be dismissed, demanding that the plaintiffs prove scientifically that the survivors' exposure impacted their children's health. According to a support group for second-generation A-bomb survivors, some 300,000 to 500,000 people across Japan are estimated to have parents who were exposed to the bombings. KYODO NEWS - Feb 7, 2023 - 23:19 | All, Japan Two of four Japanese men suspected of planning and coordinating a string of robberies across Japan were deported from the Philippines and arrested by Japanese police while aboard a flight to Narita on Tuesday. The police have transported Kiyoto Imamura, and Toshiya Fujita, both 38, to a Tokyo police station, with the two remaining suspects held in Manila expected to be deported late Wednesday local time. The arrests of Imamura and Fujita came after days of developments around an immigration detention facility in Manila where the four men have been held, with their repatriation hinging on courts dismissing local criminal cases against them. The police have for some time sought for the four men to be turned over on arrest warrants issued on suspicion of theft in connection with a scam targeting elderly people in Japan since last year. Imamura and Fujita were cleared of charges in the Philippines before their deportation. "They are being deported because they have been tagged by their government as fugitives from justice. Therefore they are considered undesirable aliens in this country," Philippines' Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval told reporters Tuesday. The remaining two suspects, Yuki Watanabe, 38, and Tomonobu Kojima, 45, have been cleared for deportation following a local court on Tuesday dismissing their cases, according to their lawyer. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told the day's news conference that with "no more legal impediment" to their deportation, they are expected to be deported on Wednesday. Manila believed criminal complaints lodged against the men were likely fabricated to allow them to avoid deportation. The deportation comes just a day before Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to begin a five-day visit to Japan for talks with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The Philippine government has been working to expedite the suspects' deportation to avoid the issue being a distraction during the president's visit, which officials on both sides hope will focus on deepening economic cooperation. Besides the theft cases for which their arrest warrants have been issued, the four men are suspected of coordinating robberies using an encrypted messaging app while being held at the immigration facility. They are believed to be linked to at least 20 robberies across 14 of Japan's 47 prefectures. A murder-robbery of a 90-year-old woman in the city of Komae in Tokyo on Jan. 19, in particular, drew a strong response from the Japanese public. Perpetrators of the actual robberies are believed to have been enticed on social media by well-paying "part-time jobs" and received instructions via the Telegram messaging app when committing the acts. The four suspects likely include the person, or persons thought to have used the pseudonyms "Luffy" and "Kim" when the crimes were allegedly committed. In Tokyo, Koichi Tani, the head of the National Public Safety Commission, which supervises the nation's police, thanked Philippine authorities for their cooperation in deporting the suspects. Noting that Japanese police had been calling for the suspects' deportation since November 2019, Tani said he is determined to have the police thoroughly investigate and resolve the cases. Philippine authorities handed over 24 items confiscated from the four men, such as smartphones and computer tablets, to Japanese police, according to Justice Department spokesman Mico Clavano. The police believe Watanabe is the leader of the scam ring that the National Police Agency alleges stole more than 6 billion yen ($45.3 million) in crimes targeting elderly people. But the group is believed to have turned to robberies after police cracked down on their methods. An outstanding arrest warrant against Imamura alleges he conspired with an unknown individual to steal eight bank cards from a Tokyo woman by pretending to be a police officer, withdrawing about 700,000 yen in cash in April 2019. Fujita is alleged to have stolen two bank cards from a Tokyo man similarly in November 2019. Related coverage: Japan robbery suspects in Manila possibly involved in 6 bil. yen scams "Luffy" Japan robberies head suspected to be behind Manila fraud ring Japan mulls sending 200 bil. yen aid to Philippines for infrastructure KYODO NEWS - Feb 7, 2023 - 14:46 | All, Japan The Japanese government and civic groups on Tuesday criticized Russia for its "illegal occupation" of disputed islands off Hokkaido in a rally demanding their return, with Tokyo using the phrase for the first time in five years following a deterioration of bilateral ties over Moscow's war in Ukraine. "It is completely unacceptable that the Northern Territories have yet to be returned since the Soviet Union's illegal occupation of them 77 years ago," a statement adopted during the annual event in Tokyo said in reference to the islands, which Russia calls the Southern Kurils. The territorial row has prevented Tokyo and Moscow from concluding a postwar peace treaty. The government-sponsored event was held for the first time since Russia launched its war against its western neighbor on Feb. 24 last year. Japan has imposed punitive sanctions against Russia over the aggression, prompting Moscow since March last year to suspend the decades-old peace treaty negotiations and bilateral visa-free exchange programs, including one that allows Japanese former residents to visit the graves of their ancestors on the islands. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed hopes for a resumption of such exchange activities between the two countries, describing the goal as "one of the top priorities" in Japan-Russia ties. He also said the government maintains its stance that it will seek to "resolve the territorial issue with Russia and sign a postwar peace treaty despite the current severe state of bilateral ties." The ceremony has been held every year on "Northern Territories Day," which falls on Feb. 7. On the same day in 1855, Japan and Russia concluded a Treaty of Commerce, Navigation and Delimitation, drawing a national border that put the four islands inside Japanese territory. In 2019 and 2020, the rally's statement did not use the phrase "illegal occupation," apparently to avoid increasing tensions with Moscow. Then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had made resolving the dispute one of his top ambitions. But in the following two years, after Abe left office, the statement's wording was revised to call Russia's presence in the islands an "occupation without legal basis." Japan says the Soviet Union illegally seized the islands -- Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and the Habomai islet group -- soon after Japan's surrender in World War II on Aug. 15, 1945. Russia claims the action was legitimate. Related coverage: Japan adds targets for Russia sanctions over war in Ukraine Japan urges Russia to start annual talks over safe fishing pact Russia scraps visa-free visits to islands disputed with Japan KYODO NEWS - Feb 7, 2023 - 18:47 | World, All The death toll from Monday's powerful quake that rocked southern Turkey and neighboring Syria has exceeded 5,000 as rescue operations continued, authorities said. In Turkey, the quake that struck Gaziantep province with a magnitude of 7.8 has killed at least 3,419, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said. The death toll in Syria has risen close to 1,600, according to the country's health ministry and a volunteer organization involved in rescue operations. International aid is arriving to assist in rescue efforts, including rescuers and disaster relief personnel from Britain, Japan and the European Union. Britain has sent search and rescue personnel to Turkey, while Greece provided transport planes, rescue vehicles and rescue dogs, according to local media reports. India will be offering medical teams. The EU plans to send a rescue team consisting of personnel from seven countries, including Bulgaria and France, to Turkey. Japan has decided to send additional 60 rescue personnel to devastated areas, according to a government source, following an 18-member advance unit of a disaster relief rescue team that left Japan Monday. Ukraine, which is in the midst of a war with Russia, is prepared to send a group of rescue workers to Turkey, its foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the country's authorities to prepare immediate assistance for the crisis. Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to send rescue personnel to Syria after speaking on the phone with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Meanwhile, there is international concern on whether sufficient aid will be provided to civil war-torn Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, where rebel forces are based. Related coverage: Over 2,700 killed in M7.8 quake in Turkey, Syria KYODO NEWS - Feb 7, 2023 - 20:14 | All, Japan Tokyo police on Tuesday arrested a polyamorous 74-year-old man and one of his ex-wives for allegedly brainwashing an adolescent girl with a view to sexually assaulting her. Hirohito Shibuya and his ex-wife Chiaki, 43, have been arrested on suspicion of attempting to commit constructive forcible sexual intercourse, a crime that takes advantage of a victim when they are unconscious or in no state to resist, according to investigators. He has denied the charges, while Chiaki has maintained silence. Shibuya was arrested Tuesday in connection with an incident that took place on Dec. 12 last year at his home in Higashiyamato, west Tokyo where he lives with his current wife and eight of his ex-wives, including Chiaki, as well as three children, investigators said. He and Chiaki are suspected of showing the girl images of aliens over the course of several hours after Chiaki invited her to their home with the promise that she could consult a genuine fortune teller. Shibuya then told the girl that she "would be abducted by aliens" unless she entered into a relationship with him. The girl believed him and promised to visit again, but her family and friends persuaded her to go to the police instead. In 2006, Shibuya was convicted of trying to force another woman into joining his polyamorous family. By Tadashi Minoguchi, KYODO NEWS - Feb 7, 2023 - 11:52 | Feature, All, Japan In a town in central Japan renowned for producing kitchen cutlery, an artisan has devoted himself to painstakingly honing the sharpest blades imaginable, an obsession that has earned him a clientele made up of the world's top chefs. Hiroki Kobayashi, 42, is the chief executive officer of Raicho, a company located in Seki, Gifu Prefecture that specializes in producing professional kitchen knives. Like the glistening blades he crafts, Kobayashi has a twinkle in his eye. The knives cost from 40,000 yen to 160,000 yen each ($300-$1,230) and there is a two-year customer waiting list, meaning most new orders are turned down, making the knives hot property. Kobayashi, whose father was also a bladesmith, grew up in a home where it was natural to always have a knife lying about. From the time he was little he thought, "One day I will make knives," Kobayashi said. Despite his aspirations to follow in his father's footsteps, after graduating college, Kobayashi got a job with an apparel company. He had hoped to join the knife-sharpening business run by his father but the elder man refused. At the time, cheap knives from China and other countries were pouring into Japan while production bases shifted overseas. Unfortunately, the voices of pessimism about the future of the knife industry in Seki began to prevail. Kobayashi worked in apparel for two years, but he had become obsessed with entering the family business. After pleading with his father, the older man finally relented. In Seki, Kobayashi has had a hand in making products for various manufacturers, putting his sharpening specialization to work. Once his father gave him the go-ahead, Kobayashi became an apprentice to a master said to have the highest skill level in Japan, learning all the aspects of knife-making from him. After acquiring the skills that put him on par with his teacher, Kobayashi in 2016 decided he would venture out on his own to aim for even loftier goals. But he quickly discovered there was strong opposition from people around him who lacked the same vision for his pursuit of perfection. He was told, "Even if you put in all that effort to make the best product, it won't sell." But Kobayashi remained resolute. "I knew if I could make an truly sharp blade, the people who understood this would really understand it," he said. Borrowing a corner at his father's company, Kobayashi drew up the blueprints and started making knives. "In order to cut well, the first thing you need is a thin blade. But if you make it too thin and too sharp, it will bend and become unusable." Striking the right balance was key. The bladesmith must first boldly sharpen the implement, then carefully finish it with a fine-grained whetstone, Kobayashi explained. At first, he was only able to make a kitchen knife that he considered "the best" once in 100 tries. He knew that if he could not reproduce top quality at a higher rate, he did not have a saleable product. It took Kobayashi six months to refine his process to achieve his goal. Next was figuring out how to sell the knives he had made. Kobayashi set out on an eating tour of the finest restaurants in Tokyo and Paris. He said when he met chefs who left an impression on him, he offered them a "test cut" with the knives he was carrying. This invariably drew quizzical looks from the chefs who hesitantly took the knives being handed to them. But once they saw how easily they cut, their expressions changed completely, Kobayashi said. The roughly 30 knives he brought with him to France sold out, and the orders continue to this day. On the company website, Kobayashi says about 30 processes, including forging, tempering and sanding, go into making the Raicho knives, and "all are essential for satisfying sharpness and ease of use for our customers." Kobayashi produces around 20 to 30 knives per month. It is difficult for him to keep pace with the orders by himself. He has two apprentices, one female and the other male. The two Chinese characters that make up the word Raicho mean "paying respect and receiving gratitude." "There is so much demand but production just can't keep up. The future of kitchen knife artisans is very bright," he said. "I want (my apprentices) to take pride in their work and make it a matter of course that they are treated better than the employees of major companies." Related coverage: Japan's Echizen forged knives sought after by chefs overseas France-based Japanese chefs feeding doctors during coronavirus fight High schoolers a cut above in soba making stakes Press Release February 7, 2023 Opening Statement of Senator Risa Hontiveros Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality Hearing February 7, 2023 Aside from the three bills being considered today, we note that Senate Resolution 462. authored by Sen. Angara entitled, Resolution Directing the Appropriate Senate Committee to Conduct an Inquiry, In Aid of Legislation on the Alarming Increase of Pregnancies Among 10 to 14 Year Olds has been filed and is awaiting referral, most likely to this Committee. Last 2021, it was reported that there were 386,000 Filipino girls (or 6.8% of girls aged 15-19) who have begun childbearing. This translated to around 306,000 girls who have already given birth and 79,000 girls who are then pregnant with their child. These numbers, believe it or not, are an improvement of the childbearing rates reported a decade ago, when the teenage childbearing rate was at 13.7%. While the trend for teen pregnancies among girls aged 15-19 are declining, a recent worrisome trend among girls aged 10-14 has been emerging. In 2021, pregnancy among very young girls increased, with 2,113 births recorded from these age group in 2020 (PSA data) to 2,299 in 2021 (DOH data). As legislators and leaders of implementing agencies, everyone here in the room has a responsibility for each and every one of these young parents. There is an urgent need to improve the current legal framework that limits the remedies that address the prevention of adolescent pregnancies and to build on the victories that we have already secured in terms of upholding the sexual and reproductive health rights of adolescent Filipinos. There had been efforts from local chief executives to combat the issue of adolescent pregnancies. Initiatives from the province of Isabela, and the cities of Naga, Tuguegarao, and Quezon City, among others, demonstrate that local leaders see an urgent need to address the needs of adolescent parents through the issuance and approval of ordinances and implementation of relevant programs. These efforts underline the urgent need for a national policy to ensure that all Filipino adolescents are catered to, not just young Filpinos in select municipalities, cities, and provinces who are fortunate to reside in places with ordinances and programs in place. With these said, I look forward to hearing from our NGAs and stakeholders to see their recommendations on how we can work together in reducing adolescent pregnancies in the country. Thank you very much. KYODO NEWS - Feb 7, 2023 - 19:06 | All, World The U.S military has collected some debris from a Chinese balloon that was shot down over the weekend off South Carolina and it will try to recover as much of the wreckage as possible to scrutinize the craft's surveillance capabilities, the White House said Monday. White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters online that the United States has no plans to return the debris to China, which has claimed it was a weather research balloon that blew off course and entered U.S. airspace by accident, criticizing Washington's response as an "obvious overreaction." Beijing opposed Washington's move to keep the debris, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stressing at a press conference Tuesday that the balloon is China's. "The Chinese government will continue to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," she said. Kirby reiterated that Washington believes the balloon was "conducting surveillance over sensitive military sites inside the United States," adding the object, equipped with propellers, had the ability "to maneuver itself, to speed up, to slow down and to turn." Calling China's action an "egregious violation" of U.S. sovereign airspace, he said the downing was absolutely within the country's rights and in line with international law. He added that the incident has hurt bilateral ties and "now it's just not the appropriate time for us to have any sort of face-to-face discussions with them on larger diplomatic issues," although President Joe Biden's recognition that Washington's ties with Beijing are very important remains intact. Biden later told reporters, "We've made it clear to China what we're going to do. They understand our position. We're not going to back off." In response to a question about whether the incident would erode relations between the two countries, the president said outside the White House, "We did the right thing. And there's not a question of weakening or strengthening. It's just the reality." Also, in a sign of displeasure, he said, "Because they are the Chinese government," when asked why Beijing had committed such an act. The balloon, which was estimated to be the size of three buses, was shot down Saturday by an F-22 fighter with a single missile when it was at an altitude of nearly 20 kilometers. The discovery of the balloon, which was first disclosed by the U.S. Defense Department on Thursday, led to the abrupt postponement of a high-profile trip by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Beijing. State Department spokesman Ned Price said Monday that the two countries have not discussed rearranging a visit by Blinken. Price said the United States is currently focused on sharing information on the Chinese balloon with Japan and other allies, and coordinating closely with them as similar cases had been detected in the past. U.S. officials have said they are aware spy balloons belonging to China flew over the country at least three times while Donald Trump was president, but unlike the latest one, they traveled for brief periods of time. Gen. Glen VanHerck, head of U.S. Northern Command, said debris from the balloon, which first passed into the U.S. air defense zone north of the Aleutian Islands on Jan. 28, has been collected from an area of about 1,500 meters by 1,500 meters. VanHerck told reporters that working together with the coast guard, they have been trying to locate sunken debris by using unmanned underwater vehicles. He also revealed that the balloon was about 60 meters tall and the payload under the object weighed hundreds of kilograms, adding that the ongoing collection has given the United States "the opportunity to assess what they were actually doing." Related coverage: U.S. military shoots down suspected Chinese spy balloon China protests U.S. downing of "civilian" balloon Japan probing links between Chinese balloon, past flying object People visit an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) People visit an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) Lamas prepare an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) Lamas prepare an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) Butter sculptures are pictured at an exhibition at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) Lamas prepare an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) Butter sculptures are pictured at an exhibition at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) People take pictures of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) People visit an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) Lamas prepare an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) People visit an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) Lamas prepare an exhibition of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) People take pictures of butter sculptures at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) Butter sculptures are pictured at an exhibition at the Taer Monastery in Huangzhong District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 5, 2023. The butter sculptures are handmade by lamas in shapes of Buddha figurines, trees, flowers, birds and animals. (Xinhua/Li He) Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan makes an inspection tour of Beijing No. 19 High School, Peking University, Tsinghua University, Beihang University to learn about the schools' preparation work for the new semester after the winter break in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan on Monday urged efforts to optimize school management further in accordance with the country's adjusted COVID-19 response and fully restore the normal order of school life. Sun made the remarks during an inspection tour of a number of secondary school and university campuses in Beijing. During the tour, Sun learned about the schools' preparation work for the new semester after the winter break. Noting that approximately 300 million teachers and students will return to school for the spring semester, Sun called for efforts to safeguard the health of all teaching staff and students, as well as the safety of school campuses. Before the new school term, the COVID-19 statuses of teachers and students should be monitored closely, and health monitoring and management should be enhanced, Sun said. She also called for efforts to maintain high-quality education, enhance campus security, and defuse potential risks. SHANGHAI, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- With the optimization of China's COVID-19 response policies, Shanghai's legendary Fairmont Peace Hotel, a cherished landmark for almost a century, felt the Spring Festival vibe back in the air in 2023. At the end of Nanjing Road and a stone's throw from the Bund, sits Fairmont Peace Hotel. As people celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Rabbit with strong consumer sentiments, the hotel found itself basking in a festive hustle and bustle. The center of its hall featured dozens of dough artworks in the shape of lions and rabbits, giving guests a special welcome. Thanks to the optimization of China's COVID-19 response policies, the sales of the hotel last month increased by 50 percent compared with the same period in 2022, said George Wee, general manager of Fairmont Peace Hotel. Following China's downgrading of its COVID-19 management, unleashed consumer demand has been evident across the country. "We could not believe what happened. When restrictions were lifted, our business just shot right up. That's an incredible experience!" he said. "Now we are super busy. All of our 270 rooms and 38 suites were booked during the Spring Festival holiday and our restaurants were packed every day for lunch and dinner from the start to the end of the holiday." Wee expected that the 2023 market performance will exceed the 2019 level, as the increase in travel and consumption had given a strong signal that the country's economy will see robust recovery this year. "Taking this as a starting point, we have every reason to believe that the pent-up demand will be there and confidence in China's consumption and potential will return rapidly. We have a great team ready to make guests feel special when they come back to us," he said. The experience of Fairmont Peace Hotel vividly shows the regained vitality of the consumer market in China. During the Spring Festival holiday, Shanghai was among the most popular destinations. It is monitored that a total of 4.12 million visits were made to the city's major tourist attractions, which recovered to about 90 percent of the same period before the pandemic. According to the State Taxation Administration, the sales revenue of China's consumption-related sectors during the weeklong Spring Festival holiday this year went up 12.2 percent from last year, and saw an average annual growth of 12.4 percent during this period compared with the Spring Festival holiday in 2019. Zhu Haibin, chief China economist at J.P. Morgan, lifted China's 2023 full-year forecast to 5.6 percent year on year in his latest report, noting that consumption and investment will become the main growth drivers. Alicia Garcia Herrero, chief economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, who expected 5.5 percent GDP growth for China in 2023, believed that tourism recovery will be a very important prologue to China's economic performance. BEIJING, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese rescue team departed from Beijing for Turkiye on a chartered plane on Tuesday afternoon to join earthquake relief efforts in the country. The 82-member team was dispatched by the Ministry of Emergency Management, at the request of the Turkish government. The team, composed of personnel from the Beijing fire and rescue corps, the National Earthquake Response Support Service and the Emergency General Hospital in Beijing, carried with them rescue equipment and supplies. Around 5,000 people were killed and tens of thousands injured after strong earthquakes jolted parts of Turkiye and neighboring Syria on Monday. Fifty people from the Beijing fire and rescue corps joined the rescue team, and most of them are frontline rescue forces, said Bi Hongyi, head of the team. "The rescue forces have experienced professional training and have participated in many rescue operations," Bi said. "We carry 13 tonnes of rescue equipment, including equipment for cutting concrete and steel bars, search and detection, and four rescue dogs, which can effectively help us carry out the mission," Bi added. However, the large area affected by the earthquake, accompanied by high-intensity aftershocks and extremely cold weather, are expected to cause difficulties for rescue operations, said Bi. Fu Jie, a member of the rescue team, said, "We have been preparing for the mission since Monday. We have collected information on the earthquake situation and rescue response from other countries, and have made urgent action plans." "We will carry out relief operations in accordance with the requirements of the Turkish government and the arrangements of the United Nations," said Fu, adding "I hope we can do what we can to help Turkiye." Meanwhile, several non-governmental Chinese rescue teams are also departing for Turkiye to join earthquake relief efforts. On Tuesday morning, a team of eight earthquake relief experts from the Rescue Team of Ramunion departed from Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, and is expected to arrive in earthquake-stricken areas of Turkiye on Wednesday afternoon. He Jun, captain of the team, said that they would use advanced radar life detectors, demolition and rescue equipment, and a search and rescue dog for the mission. On Tuesday afternoon, the first group of eight rescue workers from Blue Sky Rescue (BSR) departed from Hefei, the capital of Anhui Province, for Turkiye to help search and rescue efforts, and support those impacted. They will fly to Turkiye on Wednesday after joining rescue workers from other BSR teams in Wuhan, central China. Rescue efforts are expected to continue for more than 15 days, according to Liu Xiaodong, a member of the Hefei BSR team. The rescue workers have brought professional earthquake rescue equipment, personal protective equipment and other necessary resources to support their work, Liu said. A Chinese New Year reception in Egypt's capital Cairo to mark the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit has gathered hundreds of attendees from both countries. Hontiveros renews call to pass bill curbing teen pregnancies Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday pushed anew for the passage of the Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy Bill, amid a rising trend of girls aged 10-14 getting pregnant. "While the trend for teen pregnancies among girls aged 15-19 is declining, a recent worrisome trend among girls aged 10-14 has been emerging. Nakakabahala na dumadami ang mga ganito kabatang babae na nabubuntis ng wala sa panahon at ng walang suporta," Hontiveros said. In 2020, the Philippine Statistics Authority recorded 2,113 births of very young girls aged 10-14. A year later, this number increased to 2,299 births, according to data from the Department of Health. Hontiveros highlighted that there have already been efforts by local chief executives in the province of Isabela, the cities of Naga, Tuguegarao, and Quezon City, to combat the issue of adolescent pregnancies through the issuance and approval of ordinances and implementation of relevant programs. "The initiatives of these LGUs demonstrate that local leaders see an urgent need to address the concerns of adolescent parents. Alam ng mga LGU ang realidad sa mga komunidad kaya't kailangan narin masuportahan ito ng isang national policy," Hontiveros said. During the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality hearing, teen parent Carmela Bondoc said that it is important for young moms like her to receive culturally sensitive, age- and development-appropriate adolescent and health education. "Edukasyon na tamang gagabay sa amin. Impormasyon na galing sa mga health professionals. Impormasyong tama. Impormasyong hindi ipagkakait sa amin ng dahil sa panghuhusga. Edukasyong nagbibigay ng dignidad sa aming desisyon para sa sarili," she said. Hontiveros expressed support for Carmela's statement, further encouraging national government agencies and stakeholders to listen to the lived experiences of young parents like Carmela in addressing teenage pregnancy cases in the country. "Adolescent pregnancy has deprived many girls of an education, of job opportunities, of a future. But this doesn't have to be the case. Ipasa na natin ang Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy Bill para makapagbigay ng tunay na suporta at serbisyong naninindigan sa dignidad at karapatan ng ating kabataan," Hontiveros concluded. Just how fast is China's economy rebounding? To find the answer we can take a look at the exciting new job opportunities being offered across the country. We head to a job fair in Hubei to see the interaction between enterprises and job seekers. Produced by Xinhua Global Service UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Monday for urgent action to end female genital mutilation. "Some 4.2 million girls are at risk of being subjected to this act of gender-based violence during 2023 alone. We need urgent investments and action to reach the Sustainable Development Goals target of eliminating female genital mutilation by 2030," Guterres said in a message on the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, which is observed annually on Feb. 6. The top UN official termed female genital mutilation as "an abhorrent violation of fundamental human rights that causes lifelong damage to the physical and mental health of women and girls." "It is one of the most vicious manifestations of the patriarchy that permeates our world," he said. Guterres said female genital mutilation is rooted in the same gender inequalities and complex social norms that limit women's participation and leadership and restrict their access to education and employment. "This discrimination damages the whole of society, and we need urgent action by the whole of society to end it," he said. Men and boys -- brothers, fathers, health workers, teachers, and traditional leaders -- can be powerful allies in challenging and ending this scourge, as this year's theme makes clear, he said, calling on men and boys everywhere "to join me in speaking out and stepping forward to end female genital mutilation, for the benefit of all." On the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, "let's commit to social change and strong partnerships to put an end to female genital mutilation once and for all," he said. BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) has decided to provide the Turkish Red Crescent and the Syrian Red Crescent with 200,000 U.S. dollars cash respectively as emergency humanitarian assistance. On Monday, strong earthquakes jolted Turkiye and Syria, resulting in huge casualties and loss of property. Chen Zhu, president of the RCSC, sent his letters of sympathy to the Turkish Red Crescent and the Syrian Red Crescent. The RCSC will keep abreast of the relief work in the disaster-hit areas, and pledges to offer more humanitarian aids if needed. Chinese tourists arrive at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Feb. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Teng) BEIJING, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- China's resumption of outbound group tours after the optimization of its COVID-19 response will be a strong boost to the global tourism industry and a boon for the world, especially for economies that are dependent on tourism. On Monday, China resumed outbound group travel to 20 countries, including Thailand, the Maldives, the United Arab Emirates, Russia and New Zealand. Group tours between the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions also resumed. The move came after the country downgraded its management of COVID-19 from Class A to Class B on Jan. 8. Resuming outbound travel is one of the measures in China's COVID-19 response adjustment. It has been three years since the country suspended outbound group tours -- the major form of travel for outbound tourists. The rebooting of the services is undoubtedly part of the certainty and momentum that the world's second-largest economy is contributing to a world faced with uncertainties and bleak growth prospects this year. Before the pandemic, China was the world's biggest outbound travel market. Its total number of outbound tourist trips was 155 million in 2019. According to the World Tourism Organization, China's total expenditure on outbound tourism hit 277 billion U.S. dollars in 2018. Countries like Thailand, Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates welcomed the first tour groups from China in three years on Monday. Chinese tourists used to account for about a quarter of all arrivals in Thailand, which aims to receive more than 7 million Chinese tourists this year. During the Spring Festival holiday from Jan. 21 to 27, China saw nearly 2.9 million cross-border trips, up 120.5 percent year on year, and 308 million domestic trips, up 23.1 percent and back to 88.6 percent of the 2019 level for the same period. The World Tourism Organization forecast that international tourist arrivals could reach 80 percent to 95 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 (versus 63 percent in 2022), despite lingering global headwinds. With the gradual and orderly recovery of outbound tourism, more countries are expected to receive tour groups from China. Over the past three years, China's average growth rate was 4.5 percent, far higher than the global average of 1.8 percent. The resumption of group tours shows that in the new phase of its COVID-19 response, China will strengthen people-to-people and economic exchanges with other countries, and inject more confidence and strength into global economic recovery. ANKARA/DAMASCUS, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Around 5,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands injured as of Tuesday noon after strong earthquakes jolted parts of Turkiye and neighboring Syria early Monday. In Turkiye, the death toll has risen to 3,419, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said, adding that at least 20,534 people were injured. The devastating earthquakes destroyed 5,775 buildings, the country's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority said. On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared seven days of national mourning for the victims. In neighboring Syria, more than 1,500 people died, and some 3,500 were injured in Syria, according to the Syrian health ministry and local authorities. A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Turkiye's southern province of Kahramanmaras at 4:17 a.m. local time (0117 GMT) Monday, followed by a magnitude 6.4 quake a few minutes later in the country's southern province of Gaziantep and a magnitude 7.6 earthquake at 1:24 p.m. local time (1024 GMT) Monday in the Kahramanmaras Province. Many countries and global aid agencies are offering relief supplies to quake-hit regions. "This is a moment when we must come together in solidarity, as one humanity, to save lives and alleviate the suffering of people who have already suffered so much," the World Health Organization tweeted Tuesday. Deng Boqing, deputy head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, said Tuesday that the country will provide the first batch of emergency aid worth 40 million yuan (about 5.89 million U.S. dollars) to Turkiye. He added that China is coordinating efforts to provide relief supplies to Syria and speeding up the implementation of the ongoing food aid program. Iran, Egypt, Tunisia, Russia, France and other countries worldwide have also expressed their readiness to help Turkiye and Syria. More than 100 Russian rescuers have arrived in Turkiye to assist in the aftermath of the deadly earthquakes, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations said on Tuesday. According to the French Foreign Ministry, France is sending emergency services personnel, who will be on their way within hours, in response to the Turkish request for international assistance. A Pakistani expert says little progress has been made on gun control in the U.S. as its Congress is held hostage by powerful lobbies like the National Rifle Association. Produced by Xinhua Global Service HONG KONG, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chan Kwok-ki, acting chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said on Tuesday that around 280,000 cross-border travelers were recorded on Monday when normal travel between Hong Kong and the mainland started to resume fully. Speaking ahead of an executive council meeting, Chan said all the seaborne, land and air control points have been fully reopened since Monday. The overall operation was smooth on the first day of the full resumption of cross-boundary travel, when around 220,000 people traveled through the land control points with the one at Lo Wu being the busiest. Chief Executive of the HKSAR John Lee departed for a visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday. During Lee's absence, Chan, the chief secretary for administration of the HKSAR government, becomes the acting chief executive. CHANGSHA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The China-Africa economic and trade digitalization service base of Hunan Province was unveiled in Changsha, the provincial capital, on Monday. The base mainly serves Chinese companies in Africa and provides related digital information services. It will also promote the innovative application of new business forms such as cross-border e-commerce, China-Africa economic and trade data statistical analysis, and other digital products related to telecommunications, Internet, software and information technology services. The base can provide campsite communication support equipment services for enterprises in need and build cross-border interconnection routes for African branches of Chinese-funded enterprises. Furthermore, it can also provide services such as website construction in local languages to help high-quality economic and trade development between China and Africa. In addition, based on mutual sharing and mutual trust between China and Africa in bilateral economic and trade data, the base is expected to contribute to China-Africa economic and trade development. It will issue industry insight reports through the use of data statistics, analysis and research. The service base will also provide preliminary research data for the implementation of projects related to China-Africa economic and trade cooperation. In the future, it will help build digital and information capabilities in China-Africa economic and trade cooperation. At the same time, it will also help some African countries build more comprehensive and efficient payment systems. Hunan is the longterm host of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. Last year, Hunan's imports and exports with Africa reached 55.66 billion yuan (about 8.19 billion U.S. dollars), up 42.8 percent year on year. MOSCOW, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday denounced Washington for hyping the situation regarding China's civilian unmanned airship. "We believe that the explanation given by the Chinese side regarding the entry of a Chinese unmanned airship into U.S. airspace due to force majeure is quite sufficient and understandable," the ministry's spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a statement. China has acted responsibly in this difficult situation, but the impulsive reaction of Washington and the American media can be only called hysterical, she stressed. "The United States continues, for far-fetched reasons and often without them, to denigrate and demonize countries that do not intend to dance to its tune," Zakharova said. YAOUNDE, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon's security forces on Monday arrested a media mogul in connection with the murder of a prominent journalist, Martinez Zogo, according to authorities. Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga, who owns Group Anecdote, a private media enterprise, was arrested at 5:30 a.m. local time. "It is a legal procedure that is following its course, and we know that investigators are doing just their work," Group Anecdote said in a statement confirming his arrest. His close collaborators, journalist Bruno Bidjang and retired colonel Etoundi Nzoe, were also arrested. Zogo, the manager of the private radio station Amplitude FM, was abducted in late January by unknown gunmen and his corpse was found five days later. Last week, Cameroon's presidency said "several" alleged perpetrators of Zogo's murder have been arrested. Peter Stano, the spokesperson of the European Commission's External Action Service called on the Georgian government to join the sanctions imposed on Russia in the aviation sector.When asked about the possible resumption of direct air traffic between Georgia and Russia, Stano replied that "Georgia must be vigilant so that Russia cannot evade the sanctions imposed on it.""We are aware of recent discussions regarding the possible resumption of direct flights between Russia and Georgia. Due to Russia's illegal aggression against Ukraine, the European Union has imposed sanctions on Russian aviation and banned flights to, from, or through Russia.The European Union calls on Georgia to join the sanctions imposed by the European Union and other countries against Russia in the aviation sector and to remain vigilant against any possible attempts to circumvent the sanctions. The EU sanctions regime is considering imposing sanctions on those who participate in or support the possible circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia," Stano said.The Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine discussed the draft resolution regarding the sending of the imprisoned third president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, for medical treatment abroad.The draft resolution on the transfer of Mikheil Saakashvili abroad for treatment was registered in the Ukrainian Rada on February 3. The initiator of the project is the chairman of the People's Servant party, Olena Shuliak.According to the resolution, the deputies of the Rada of Ukraine address Georgia, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the European Commission, PACE and the parliaments of the EU member states.Based on the results of the consideration of the draft law, the committee decided to make a recommendation to the draft resolution that the Rada include the mentioned resolution in the agenda of the session and adopt it taking into account the technical and legal changes. MOGADISHU, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The UN human rights chief on Tuesday called on Somali authorities to carry out an independent, effective and impartial investigation into the killing of at least 20 people in clashes between security forces and clan leaders in Las Anod, northern Somalia. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said an estimated 119 people, including children, have been injured in the clashes that started on Sunday. "These potentially unlawful killings come just a month after at least 20,000 people were displaced by clashes in Las Anod, and could contribute to further displacement, compounding the already fragile humanitarian situation in the region," Turk said in a statement. He also expressed concern about reports that the clashes are continuing on Tuesday with additional claims of new casualties. "I call on the authorities to conduct a credible and impartial investigation into the clashes to determine who is responsible and hold them to account in fair trials, including for reported damage to homes," Turk said. JAKARTA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian police and military are gearing up to rescue an airline pilot of Susi Air with five passengers in the province of Highland Papua, who have reportedly been kidnapped by armed separatists in the region. The pilot, a New Zealand citizen, was piloting a plane carrying five local passengers early Tuesday from an airport in Mimika District in Central Papua to an airport in Nduga District in Highland Papua. When it landed, the plane was attacked and set on fire by militants. The military wing of Free Papua Movement has claimed responsibility for burning the plane and kidnapping the pilot and the passengers. The incident had also been confirmed by Indonesian officials and the airline company. Authorities have reportedly assigned police and military personnel in the province to locate the hostages. SEOUL, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Tuesday ordered government officials to send urgent aid to the devastating earthquake-hit Turkiye. During a cabinet meeting, Yoon expressed his deep condolences to people who lost their lives in the 7.8-magnitude earthquake which struck southern Turkiye and Syria, and killed more than 4,000 people, according to the presidential office. Yoon said he had instructed his chief of staff and national security adviser to prepare emergency assistance measures for Turkiye, noting that it would be urgent to dispatch rescue workers and medical supplies to Turkiye. He said it would be natural for South Korea to help Turkiye which was suffering from difficulties, adding that the quake, which caused a massive loss of life, should be seen as an international disaster beyond the disaster of one country. Kim Eun-hye, senior presidential secretary for press affairs, told reporters that around 60 members of the country's international rescue team would be sent to Turkiye. Kim said the president ordered relevant ministries to rapidly dispatch rescue workers and medical supplies through a military aircraft. NEW DELHI, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Indian government Tuesday said the state-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) holds less than 1 percent stake in both equity and debt in the Adani group, whose shares tumbled following U.S. short-seller's critical report on its businesses. The information was given by junior Minister of Finance Bhagwat Karad at the upper house of the Indian parliament. LIC has issued a press release saying its total holding under equity and debt is 4.34 billion U.S. dollars as of December 31, 2022, under the Adani group, the minister said in a statement. Opposition parties have cornered the government and staged protests in parliament demanding a discussion on the situation arising out of the allegations against the Adani group and the fall in its stocks, in which several public sector banks and LIC hold stakes. The Adani group faced a rout of share prices of its listed firms after U.S.-based short-seller Hindenburg Research accused an Indian multinational conglomerate of "brazen" stock market manipulation and accounting fraud and claimed its companies had "substantial debt" which put the entire group on a "precarious financial footing". The report accused Adani of "pulling the largest con in corporate history." The Adani group has dismissed the allegations as malicious and untrue. Opposition parties are seeking a joint parliamentary committee probe or a day-to-day judicial probe headed by a Supreme Court panel into Hindenburg Research's report on Adani. ISLAMABAD, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- At least 25 people were killed and several others injured when a passenger bus collided with a car in Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region, government officials and police said on Tuesday. The accident occurred after the over-speeding bus collided with a car near the Shatial check post in the Kohistan district of the region, information minister of the GB province Fatehullah Khan told media. The passenger bus and the car fell into the ravine after the accident, said the official, adding that at least 45 passengers were onboard the bus when the incident happened. Rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the victims to a nearby hospital. Road accidents are quite frequent in Pakistan mainly due to poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and unprofessional driving. ROME, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Search and rescue teams have been dispatched from ten European member states in the wake of two devastating earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria, which have left at least 2,700 people dead. Early on Monday, the European Commission said teams from Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania had been sent to the earthquake-stricken areas. "Speed is of the essence because so many people are still trapped under the rubble," said Janez Lenarcic, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management. "The rescue teams will continue to work for as long as necessary." Other European countries have offered help with logistical information, seismic expertise, and equipment, as well as to house people displaced by the disaster. Leaders across the European Union have expressed their solidarity with the areas hit by the massive quakes. French President Emmanuel Macron said that France "stands ready to provide emergency aid to the population on the ground." In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was closely monitoring the situation in Turkiye and Syria, and expressed her solidarity with the people affected. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Germany "mourned with the relatives and feared for those buried." In Greece, the closest European Union member state to the areas impacted by the quake, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he was "heartbroken" by the televised scenes from the affected areas. China and the United States have also expressed their sympathy and support, and offered to send help. Both Italy and Greece temporarily closed some coastal areas as a precaution against a potential tsunami caused by the earthquake. A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck Turkiye's southern province of Kahramanmaras at 4:17 a.m. local time (0117 GMT). It was followed by a magnitude-6.4 quake a few minutes later in the country's southern province of Gaziantep and a magnitude-7.6 earthquake at 1:24 p.m. local time (1024 GMT) in the Kahramanmaras Province. Buildings were leveled, bridges collapsed, and other essential infrastructure was destroyed. Hours after the quake, rescue workers were still finding survivors amid the rubble. Officials said they expected the death toll to continue to rise in the coming days. HELSINKI/STOCKHOLM, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Finland and Sweden will send aid to earthquake-stricken Turkiye and Syria, the two governments have said on Tuesday. Finland will send humanitarian assistance worth 1 million euros (1.07 million U.S. dollars) to the two affected countries through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release on Tuesday. The money will be used to provide food, shelter, medical supplies and psychosocial support to people who lost their homes in the two countries. The government of Sweden also said on Tuesday that it would send an additional 30 million Swedish kronor (2.8 million U.S. dollars) to the two countries. Of this sum, 20 million kronor will be distributed via the IFRC and the rest will be transferred to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). On Monday, Sweden already decided to send 7 million kronor to the affected countries. "The scale of human distress is immense in the region, and the fear of aftershocks makes it worse," Finland's Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari said in the government's release. "Finland wants to help quickly those affected by the disaster. Turkish and Syrian teams of the IFRC are already helping people on the ground, for example by providing meals and emergency shelters, and Finland supports their work." The aid from Sweden will be spent on food, tents, blankets, blood and blood plasma, the country's Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell said. According to the Finnish press release, the IFRC has launched emergency appeals for 70.6 million euros to support affected people in Turkiye and Syria. Finland is also sending experts to Turkiye to assist in rescue and relief work, the release added. The experts will be deployed through the European Union's (EU) Civil Protection Mechanism. The Swedish government has also decided to give the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) green light to contribute tents, food and generators within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Partnership for Peace international cooperation, Minister for Civil Defense Carl-Oskar Bohlin said. (1 euro = 1.07 U.S. dollar) (1 Swedish krona = 0.094 U.S. dollar) WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Recent comments by a four-star general of the U.S. Air Force that the United States and China will fight a war in 2025 over Taiwan have been criticised as groundless speculation. Mike Minihan, commander of the Air Mobility Command (AMC), said in a memo sent to his subordinates that his "guts" told him that the United States and China "will fight in 2025," basing on self-claimed scenarios. Minihan's comments triggered criticism from both military experts and public commentators in the United States. Responding to the comments by Minihan, who leads the Air Force's responsibility for transporting soldiers and weapons onto battlefields and refueling U.S. military aircraft mid-air, the U.S. Defense Department said in a statement that the general's assertions "are not representative of the department's view on China." "There's no reason for the bilateral relationship -- the most consequential bilateral relationship in the world -- to sort of erupt into some kind of conflict," said John Kirby, the National Security Council's coordinator for strategic communication, when asked to comment on the matter. Even the direct recipients of Minihan's memo found it astonishingly ridiculous. U.S. military news portal Military.com quoted pilots and officers within the AMC as saying that predictions and corresponding directions contained in the memo are unrealistic and "inappropriate." "Some of my airmen are going to get scared when they read this memo," one of the officers said. Anti-war activist and podcast host Jimmy Dore said in an appearance on Fox News that the United States' enemy is not China, but rather "the military industrial complex fleecing this country to the tunes of hundreds of billions and trillions of dollars." Dore said what's actually running the United States is a "war machine" that "can not be stopped," leaving the American people who cheer for war with no idea whatsoever about their country's foreign policy. "What is worse, they have no idea that they don't have any idea what is happening with the foreign policy." "Americans have no idea how corrupt our government is. They think our government is just regular corrupt ... that's not (the case) -- the whole thing is corrupt," Dore said. Having plunged the Middle East into constant war over the past 20 years, the United States, Dore said, is "doing a proxy war in Ukraine" that both itself and its allies admitted has been provoked by the West. "Now we're trying to sabre-rattle this with China, and (those in the industrial-military complex) are 'predicting a war,'" Dore said. "Again, China won't invade us. China is not our enemy." "I remain skeptical," said George Friedman, founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures. "The Pentagon has distanced itself from the general's remarks," he said. Minihan was also criticized by Jude Blanchette, the Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank. The general's prediction -- together with similar speculations by other high-ranking U.S. military officials indicating "various years" in which a U.S.-China war would break out -- "comes across as undermining the credibility of our statements and our assessments on precisely the relationship where your words matter," Blanchette said. CCTV: Can you confirm if there are Chinese citizens killed or injured in the deadly earthquakes that hit Turkiye and Syria on February 6? Does China plan to offer humanitarian assistance? Mao Ning: China has been closely following the strong earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria. President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence each to Turkiyes President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, extending deep condolences over the loss of lives and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured. He conveyed his belief that the people of Turkiye and Syria will overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes at an early date. In the wake of the earthquakes, the Chinese embassies in Turkiye and Syria immediately issued consular alerts and activated emergency response mechanisms to find out if any Chinese nationals or enterprises have been affected. So far, no Chinese casualties have been reported. We continue to remind fellow Chinese compatriots in Turkiye and Syria to watch out for post-earthquake secondary disasters. Turkiye and Syria are both friendly countries to China. In the wake of the devastating earthquakes, the Chinese side will do all it can to assist. The Chinese government immediately activated the emergency humanitarian assistance mechanism. Our first batch of 40 million-yuan emergency aid will be on its way to Turkiye, including heavy urban search and rescue teams, medical teams, and urgently needed disaster relief supplies. China is coordinating urgently needed disaster relief supplies to be shipped to Syria and speeding up the delivery of ongoing food aid programs. The Red Cross Society of China has provided emergency humanitarian assistance to the Turkish Red Crescent and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. Chinese rescue teams are on their way to the affected area in Turkiye to assist in rescue efforts. Going forward, the Chinese side will provide additional support and assistance in light of the needs of Turkiye and Syria. China Daily: Chinas outbound group tours have resumed on a pilot basis from yesterday. Many countries tourism authorities said they have been looking forward to this, and believed that this would give a strong boost to their tourism sector. Whats your comment? Mao Ning: We have noted that the first outbound Chinese tourist groups have arrived in Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, the UAE, Egypt and other pilot countries yesterday and were warmly greeted. We hope Chinese tourists will enjoy a safe and easy travel environment while they are there. After a three-year hiatus, China has resumed outbound group tours. This will revitalize the global tourism market and contribute to the post-COVID world economic recovery. At the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum 2023, ASEAN countries shared their hope that the arrival of Chinese tourists will help spark a strong revival of ASEANs tourism. Winter will soon be over and spring is in sight. As cross-border travels gradually resume on an orderly basis, China will strengthen people-to-people exchange and economic contact with other countries and inject more confidence and strength into the world economic recovery. NBC: China has said that the balloon that was shot down over the US and the second balloon that has been spotted over Latin America are civilian airships. Which company or enterprise or department do the balloons belong to? Can China please clarify for the record? Several days into the investigation, could you please clarify what kind of information, weather or otherwise, was the balloon gathering over the US? Mao Ning: The Chinese side has given information about the unmanned airship on several occasions. I dont have anything to add at the moment. NBC: Has China asked the US to return the debris of the balloon that was shot down? Mao Ning: The airship does not belong to the US. It belongs to China. NHK: Chinese media reported in 2019 that a Chinese air force fighter jet shot down a foreign spy balloon. So why did China protest to the US after the latter downed what it claimed was a surveillance balloon? Mao Ning: The unmanned Chinese airship is of civilian nature. Its unintended entry into US airspace is entirely unexpected and caused by force majeure. It didnt pose any threat to any person or to the national security of the US. The US should have properly handled such incidents in a calm and professional manner not involving the use of force, yet they decided to do otherwise, which is a clear overreaction. Bloomberg: One of the highest profile anti-China leaders in Solomon Islands was ousted in a no-confidence motion on Tuesday. This is the latest blow to critics of that nations increasingly close relationship with Beijing. Does the foreign ministry have any comment on this? Mao Ning: I am not yet aware of what you said. I have no comment on the internal affair of Solomon Islands. I dont think it needs to be linked to Chinas relations with Solomon Islands. NEW YORK, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The pretext of public health and safety has proven to be a good fulcrum, a good lever to get people to do things that otherwise they would be very reluctant to do, U.S. news portal The Daily Signal reported on Monday, citing an expert. Many COVID-19 restrictions and mandates have been rolled back, but the infrastructure remains in place, "ready and waiting for the next declared public health crisis," said Aaron Kheriaty, a psychiatrist who directs the Bioethics and American Democracy program at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington. Kheriaty chose to speak out against the COVID-19 vaccine mandates, which cost him his job at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, according to the report. "It's also been an occasion for the accumulation of power, mostly by the executive branch of government," he said. Unless placed in check, the government will use public health orders to further its own agenda, whether about COVID-19, climate change, or abortion, he added. Jakrta: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Indonesia will open to the public before this year's Ramadan, a representative of the religious ministry announced on Monday. The government is counting on the new mosque to draw tourists and establish itself as a hub for moderate Islam. The mosque in Solo, Central Java, is a scaled-down version of the well-known Abu Dhabi landmark named after the late president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan. It was presented by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who also joined Indonesian President Joko Widodo to officially open it in November. The mosque is currently in its final stages of construction prior to a public opening, according to Akmal Salim Ruhana, who oversees the sub-directorate at the Ministry of Religious Affairs responsible for mosque affairs. Also Read: 'Those who stand in bad times are true friends,' Turkey said on India's help amid devastation Because we have already planned a number of events for the holy month, we must open before Ramadan, Ruhana told Arab News. According to Ruhana, the mosque served as a symbol of the close ties between Indonesia and the UAE and will be run by representatives from both nations. Both governments also have plans to build an Islamic centre in the same city soon. In addition to the closeness and friendliness of the two presidents, he said, "This is an expression of the good relations between the two countries, Indonesia-UAE diplomatic relations." The potential for religious tourism attracted by the mosque also gives officials hope. Heny Ermawati, a representative of the Surakarta City Government, another name for Solo, told Arab News that the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in that city has the potential to serve as a learning facility for a new generation of Muslims who are more moderate. "The aesthetic appeal of this building may draw visitors from far and wide." According to Ermawati, the Indonesian government had sent architects to detail the large mosque in Abu Dhabi, and the Solo structure is about one-fifth the size of the original. Also Read: UN chief worries that a larger war is about to break out She added that the mosque, which has a capacity of 14,000 people, features regionally specific design elements like the use of batik patterns on the carpeting and flooring. Batik is a traditional Indonesian art form that involves painting fabrics with wax-resistant dye. Although it is not yet open to the public, the mosque has already generated excitement in Solo and across the nation, drawing throngs of locals and tourists who want to see it and take pictures. Despite not yet being in use, the mosque is already having a significant positive impact on the community. Teuku Rezasyah, a specialist in international relations from Padjadjaran University in West Java, told Arab News that it was a new symbol for Solo. According to Rezasyah, the mosque can support neighbourhood initiatives such as teachings on moderate Islam, youth and women's empowerment, and other initiatives. Also Read: Devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria claim 4300+ lives The ability of this mosque to educate the populace of Indonesia about the significance of future relations between Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates, which are advantageous to both nations, is said to be its essence. New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry filed a review petition on Monday (February 6) against some controversial observations of the Supreme Court referring to the Nepali community of Sikkim as 'immigrants'. While filing a review petition in the top court, the Home Ministry has demanded consideration of the old decision. Not only this, the Central Government reiterated its position regarding Article 371F of the Constitution protecting the identity of Sikkim, saying that it should not be weakened. The application filed in the court states that the observation in the said order should be reviewed in respect of persons of foreign origin settled in Sikkim such as Nepalese, as the said persons are Sikkimese of Nepali origin. On January 13, while giving a verdict on a petition related to providing income tax concession to the residents of Sikkim, the apex court mentioned people of Nepali origin, who had come and settled in Sikkim, as immigrants. This remark of the Supreme Court created a stir in the politics of Sikkim and people of Nepal origin took to the streets to protest against it. In its order dated January 13, 2023, the apex court had directed the central government to change the definition of 'Sikkim' in section 10 (26AAA) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, in which the date of merger of April 26, 1975, or Prior to that all Indian citizens domiciled in Sikkim were given income tax concession. At the same time, the Union Home Minister's office said in its tweet that, 'The Ministry of Home Affairs has made some observations in the recent decision of January 13, 2023, on two petitions filed in the Supreme Court by the 'Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim and Others' in 2013 and 2021. And against the instructions, a review petition has been filed in the court. The Government of India has reiterated its stand regarding the primacy of Article 371F of the Constitution, which protects the identity of Sikkimese residents, which should not be diluted.' It has been further said in the tweet that, 'In the said order, the comment regarding people of foreign origin such as Nepalese settled in Sikkim should be reviewed because those people are citizens of Sikkim of Nepali origin.' Akhand Paath of Ramcharitmanas has been going on here for 7 years India sends NDRF team, humanitarian aid after deadly earthquake Sea Creature of Dinasaurs Time, You will be surprised after seeing this dangerous animal New Delhi: Pakistan is continuously roaming around the world complaining that minorities (especially Muslims) are being persecuted in India. Pakistan keeps making baseless claims regarding Kashmir. But, everyone who claims that Muslims are oppressed in India must read the Center for Policy Analysis (CPA). According to media reports, out of 110 countries in the world, India is the country that is best for minorities. India has been placed at the top of a list of 110 countries for inclusive measures towards religious minorities in a CPA report on global minorities. That is, in these 110 countries, the condition of religious minorities in India is the best. After this comes South Korea, Japan, Panama, and America. The report said that Maldives, Afghanistan, and Somalia are at the bottom of this list, and Britain and UAE are in 54th and 61st place respectively. According to the CPA report, India's minority policy emphasizes increasing diversity. Special provisions have been made in the Constitution of India for the advancement of religious minorities in culture and education. According to the report, there is no specific provision in the constitution of any other country to promote linguistic and religious minorities. The CPA report also highlights how, unlike many other countries, there is no ban on any religious denomination in India. The UN can use India's minority policy as a model for other countries because of the model's inclusiveness and lack of discrimination against multiple religions and their sects. The report highlights India's minority policy which needs to be reviewed and re-examined from time to time. The report further states that if India wants to keep the country free from conflicts, it will have to rationalize its attitude towards minorities. The Global Minorities Report created by CPA also aims to educate the world community on the prejudice against minorities in different countries on the basis of their faith. The research also considers the issues that various religious groups and denominations deal with on a global scale. India sends NDRF team, humanitarian aid after deadly earthquake Sea Creature of Dinasaurs Time, You will be surprised after seeing this dangerous animal Man did not eat for 20 years, Mouth was closed since birth, Here is how he got a new life European Council invites Zelenskyy to Brussels summit 7 February, 04:33 AM Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo:Office of the President) The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, has officially invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to participate in a future European Council summit in Brussels, representative of the President of the European Council, Barend Leyts, announced via Twitter on Feb. 6. The President of the European Council has invited President Zelenskyy to participate in person in a future summit of the European Council, Leyts wrote. For security reasons, no further information will be provided. Earlier, the Financial Times reported that Zelenskyy could travel to Brussels in near future to meet with EU leaders, but the trip could be canceled due to security concerns. Video of day Since the beginning of Russian full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy has made only one foreign trip to Washington D.C., where he met with U.S. President Joe Biden and addressed both chambers of U.S. Congress. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News According to Fortune Business Insights, the global casino management system market size is projected to reach USD 22.56 Billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 17.6% during the forecast period, 2023-2030 Pune, India, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global casino management system market size was USD 6.28 billion in 2022. The market is expected to expand from USD 7.24 billion in 2023 to USD 22.56 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.6% over the forecast period. The surge can be attributed to the growing usage of block chain and cryptocurrencies on online gaming platforms. Fortune Business Insights provides this information in its research report, titled Casino Management System Market Forecast, 2023-2030. Key Industry Development: October 2022 Gaming Innovation Group Inc. (GiG) inked a partnership with Strike Games for the provision of world-class platform solutions. The collaboration involves GiGs player account management, front-end, and Content Management System (CMS). Request a Sample Copy of the Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/casino-management-systems-cms-market-102987 Report Scope & Segmentation Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 CAGR 17.6% 2030 Value Projection USD 22.56 Billion Base Year 2022 Casino Management System Market Size in 2022 USD 6.28 Billion Historical Data for 2019 to 2021 No. of Pages 150 Segments covered Module, Application and Geography Key Takeaways Casino management system market size in North America was USD 3.29 billion in 2022 Major driving factors include the rising need and awareness of advanced security and surveillance systems By application, accounting segment holds the maximum market share Global demand is driven by huge fraud and theft occurrences at the casinos Increasing use of digital currencies will drive the market in the forecast period, 2023-2030 Browse Complete Report Details: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/casino-management-systems-cms-market-102987 Story continues Drivers and Restraints: Market Share to Rise Due to Growing Inclination Toward Better Management of Security Operations. One of the prominent factors propelling the casino management system market growth is the increasing concerns over theft and fraud. This is attributed to high volumes of daily monetary transactions in casinos and increasing demand for advanced solutions. However, the market growth could be restrained on account of various factors such as rising smartphone penetration and the surging popularity of online gambling platforms. Segments: Table Games Segment to Record Substantial Growth Due to Increasing Popularity Among Young Population On the basis of module, the market for casino management systems is segmented into table games and slot games. The table games segment is expected to register appreciable expansion throughout the forecast period. The segmental expansion can be credited to the rising number of table games such as blackjack, baccarat, red dog, roulette, and craps. Security & Surveillance Segment to Gain Traction Owing to Rising Need for Security Solutions By application, the market is subdivided into player tracking, security & surveillance, accounting, gaming analytics, marketing & promotions, and others. The security & surveillance segment is slated to grow at a considerable CAGR over the estimated period. The rise is being driven by the presence of identity theft attacks and fraud in several financial transactions. On the basis of geography, the market for casino management systems is categorized into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the rest of the world. Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/casino-management-systems-cms-market-102987 Regional Insights: North America to Lead Owing to Rising CMS Adoption for Customer Retention The North America casino management system market share is expected to register substantial expansion over the projected period. The rise is impelled by the growing product adoption for customer retention and the improvement of operational efficiency. The Asia Pacific market is estimated to record considerable growth throughout the study period. The surge can be credited to the increasing introduction of IT systems and solutions. Competitive Landscape: Leading Companies Ink Partnership Agreements to Enhance Product Reach Major players are focused on the adoption of various strategic initiatives. These steps are being adopted for the consolidation of their industry presence. These include mergers, acquisitions, product developments, and the formation of alliances. List of Key Players Mentioned in the Report: Ensico CMS d.o.o. (Slovenia) WIN Technologies Limited (Barcelona) Novomatic (Austria) Apex Pro Gaming s.r.o. (Czechia) CT Gaming (Bulgaria) Tangam Systems (Canada) Table Trac, Inc. (U.S.) Evona (U.K.) Casinfo Systems (U.S.) Agilysys NV LLC. (U.S.) Quick Buy Casino Management System Market Research Report https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/102987 Major Table of Contents: Global Casino Management System Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2019-2030 Key Findings By Module (USD) Slot Games Table Games By Application (USD) Accounting Security & Surveillance Players Tracking Marketing & Promotions Gaming Analytics Others (Digital Content Management, Etc.) By Region (USD) North America Europe Asia Pacific Rest of World (RoW) North America Casino Management System Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2019-2030 Key Findings By Module (USD) Slot Games Table Games By Application (USD) Accounting Security & Surveillance Players Tracking Marketing & Promotions Gaming Analytics Others (Digital Content Management, Etc.) By Country (USD) United States Canada Mexico Europe Casino Management System Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2019-2030 Key Findings By Module (USD) Slot Games Table Games By Application (USD) Accounting Security & Surveillance Players Tracking Marketing & Promotions Gaming Analytics Others (Digital Content Management, Etc.) By Country (USD) U.K. Italy Ireland Finland Sweden Rest of Europe TOC Continued! FAQs How big is the casino management system market? Casino management system market size was USD 6.28 billion in 2022. How fast is the casino management system market growing? The casino management system market will exhibit a CAGR of 17.6% during the forecast period, 2023-2030 Related Reports: Blockchain Market Size, Share, Revenue Forecast and Opportunities Artificial Intelligence Market Overview, Industry Share and Forecast Machine Learning Market Size, Share, Opportunities & Analysis About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A $25 million gift from an anonymous donor to Penn Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) will establish the Center for Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ENDD), accelerating collaborative research in genetic therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders. This gift will bolster the efforts of an interdisciplinary group of clinicians and scientists at Penn and CHOP, led by director Benjamin Prosser, PhD and co-directors Beverly Davidson, PhD and Ingo Helbig, MD. Dr. Prosser is an associate professor of Physiology at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, who adjusted the focus of his research career when his own daughter, Lucy, was diagnosed shortly after birth in 2018 with a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder. Dr. Benjamin Prosser and his family. "ENDD offers hope to patients and families living with the many challenges of rare, genetic neurodevelopmental disorders," said J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD, executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System and dean of the Perelman School of Medicine. "This important gift will accelerate the progress of an extraordinary partnership between Penn and CHOP that demonstrates the power of collaboration and a commitment to finding cures. We are incredibly grateful to this donor, whose dedication to the advancement of research in this area is sure to create the launch pad for a new outlook for those diagnosed with these conditions." The gift was made in honor of the late television executive Daniel B. Burke whose son Stephen B. Burke served on the board of trustees at CHOP. "We are extremely grateful for this visionary gift that supports our efforts to solve the unsolvable when it comes to rare diseases, improving our ability to translate new discoveries about potential therapies into clinical practice," said Madeline Bell, President and CEO of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "CHOP and Penn have systematically invested in integrated care programs for genetic epilepsies and neurodevelopmental disorders. This new center will fill the gap between the tremendous advances in early diagnosis and comprehensive clinical care and the development of new treatments for these patients." Story continues ENDD will initially focus on developing therapies for disorders related to mutations of the STXBP1 and SYNGAP1 genes which are linked to abnormal brain function, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and motor and behavioral impairments with the goal of expanding its efforts to other genetic neurodevelopmental disorders over time. ENDD strengthens an existing partnership between Dr. Prosser and Dr. Davidson, the Director of the Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics and Chief Scientific Strategy Officer at CHOP and Professor of Pathology and Lab Medicine at Penn, and Dr. Helbig, a pediatric neurologist in the Department of Neurology at Penn and Division of Neurology at CHOP and the Director of Genomic Science at CHOP's Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative (ENGIN). Their joint work in the Center will target the development of anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO), gene therapy, and CRISPR-based strategies for the treatment of NDD. Dr. Prosser's daughter Lucy was diagnosed with a rare, genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation of the STXBP1 gene. STXBP1-related disorders cause a range of symptoms, including seizures, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and movement disorders. There is no known cure or effective treatment. Driven by a desire to help his daughter and the more than 5,000 children with STXBP1 disorders born each year worldwide, Prosser, an expert in cardiac molecular biology, launched a separate research arm in his lab focused on developing new therapies for STXBP1 and related disorders. He began collaborating with Davidson and Helbig, as well as other researchers and clinicians across Penn and CHOP, forming the ENDD Therapeutics Team. "As a scientist and as a parent, I am incredibly grateful for this gift, which will propel our work forward with the hope of changing the course of these disorders," Prosser said. "We have a rare opportunity with such a brilliant and dedicated team of scientists and clinicians at Penn and CHOP, who are motivated each day to make a difference for Lucy and children like her." Davidson, a world-renowned expert in gene therapy in neurological disorders, works to understand the molecular basis of childhood onset neurodegenerative diseases and the development of gene and small molecule therapies for treatment. Helbig, who serves as one of the directors of the Epilepsy Neurogenetics Initiative (ENGIN) at CHOP, has particular expertise in SYNGAP1 and STXBP1 and treats many children with these disorders, including Lucy Prosser. This unique combination of clinical knowledge, innovation in gene therapy, and the drive of a parent-scientist will accelerate the development of new therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia logo Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/25-million-gift-to-penn-medicine-and-childrens-hospital-of-philadelphia-establishes-center-for-epilepsy-and-neurodevelopmental-disorders-301740926.html SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Privacy-first product enhancements support evolving regulatory landscape AUSTIN, Texas , Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ActivTrak today announced updates to its workforce analytics platform that enhance employee data privacy and increase compliance support for the growing number of labor and employment laws. Workforce Analytics for the Modern Workplace Logo (PRNewsfoto/ActivTrak) Data privacy continues to be a primary focus of recently enacted or amended state laws in New York, Delaware and Connecticut. And just last week , Senator Bob Casey, the senior Democrat from Pennsylvania, introduced a bill to curtail employer surveillance of workers. "Visibility need not come at the expense of privacy," said Mark Ralls, CEO, ActivTrak. "You can respect privacy and still give leaders the data they need to run their businesses more effectively. Over the last three years we have made significant investments in our platform to provide the level of privacy that workers deserve, and we are pleased to see our philosophy reflected in these new laws." ActivTrak's privacy-first analytics are now the default mode for all product packages. Features that could potentially expose sensitive Personal Identifiable Information (PII) such as screenshots, screen views, and the capture of title bars and detailed URLs are excluded. Companies with business or regulatory requirements for more detailed activity tracking can still access those features with a Screen Details add-on. ActivTrak is designed to prioritize and protect employee privacy with features that: Aggregate and anonymize data Control access based on role and permissions Limit data collection to business hours Give employees access to their data. As a workforce analytics platform, ActivTrak does not support keystroke logging, camera access, video recording, email reading or counting. ActivTrak is also Soc 2 Type 2 certified, validating that its operational processes and controls meet the highest levels of security, privacy and governance. "Experts increasingly recommend that businesses should avoid accessing employee PII to reduce corporate risk and comply with government and industry privacy regulations," said Javier Aldrete, senior vice president of product, ActivTrak. "We've responded to the evolving needs of our customers with capabilities that offer the strictest data security and privacy controls without compromising access to valuable visibility and productivity insights." Story continues To learn more about ActivTrak's privacy-first workforce analytics and industry best practices, visit: About ActivTrak ActivTrak helps employers and employees work better together to realize their full potential. Our workforce analytics cloud provides visibility and insights across people, processes and technology to help organizations inform key decisions and optimize outcomes. More than 9,000 customers trust ActivTrak, which has been recognized by the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, Inc. 5000 and Brandon Hall Excellence in Technology award. Founded in 2009, and based in Austin, Texas, ActivTrak is backed by Sapphire Ventures and Elsewhere Partners. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/activtrak-deepens-commitment-to-employee-privacy-in-workforce-analytics-301740635.html SOURCE ActivTrak Company Logo Dublin, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia-Pacific Smartphone Tariff Tracker and Analysis - 2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Pricing is used as one of the key differentiators by mobile operators across the industry. To keep up-to-date with the increased complexity of packages offered is a challenge. The analyst has researched and collated prices for post- and prepaid smartphone price plans across Asia-Pacific since 2006 and has been updating it every quarter since. Prices presented in local currency, Euros and USD allow for a speedy and like-for-like comparison of the 400+ price plans covered. Key information collected and provided in the excel spreadsheet include: Name of operator Effective/Verified Date Type of customer (Consumer, Youth, Senior etc) Type of subscription (Postpaid/Prepaid,Hybrid) Contract term for Postpaid plans(m-t-m, 6, 12, 18, 24 plans) Validity for prepaid plans Name of Plan Cost in local currencies and Euro (inclusive and exclusive of tax) Inclusive allowances such as Voice, IDD, SMS, MMS, Data, roaming VAS, others, a separate column for each of these) Charges (per min, per SMS, per MMS, per 1 Mbyte of Data Tax rate Comments (these relate to the price plan and provide additional information such as add-on details) In this continuously updated service - every quarter - based on a survey of providers, the database will illustrate how operator marketing strategies create plans to retain loyalty, entice new customers and increase usage and value. The database also highlights key changes announced by operators since the previous update which are easily identifiable as marked in red. Geographical coverage (mobile network operators) end of December 2022: Australia Telstra/Sub-brand Belong Australia Telstra Australia Vodafone Australia Optus Bangladesh Grameenphone Hong Kong 3 Hong Kong CSL Hong Kong SmarTone Hong Kong China Mobile India VI (Mumbai) Japan Softbank Japan DoCoMo Japan Rakuten Laos Unite Macau CTM Malaysia Celcom Malaysia DiGi Malaysia Maxis Myanmar Telenor New Zealand Spark (Telekom NZ) New Zealand Spark's sub-brand Skinny New Zealand Vodafone New Zealand 2 degrees Pakistan Jazz Singapore M1 Singapore SingTel Singapore Starhub Singapore TPG Sri Lanka Dialog Sri Lanka SLT-Mobitel Taiwan Taiwan Mobile Taiwan Star Telecom (Vibo) Thailand AIS Thailand DTAC Vietnam Viettel Story continues Key highlights of the database include: Tariff price plans for consumer and business post and prepaid, presented in tabular format, in local currency, Euros and US Dollars allowing for easy comparison Each plan provides details such cost and allowances that come with it. All the data is updated quarterly, and changes made are marked in red. Summary report provided with each update commenting on key changes Researched by a multi-lingual team Enquiry service provided by a tariff expert with 24-years of experience in telecoms pricing Subscription includes 4 Updates per annum Summary report with each update FREE Enquiry Service Who should subscribe to this service Government agencies with a need to compare mobile prices across countries Telecommunication operators Software and equipment vendors Consultancies Investors, Venture Capital companies and Financial Institutions A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes 2 degrees 3 AIS Celcom China Mobile CSL CTM Dialog DiGi DoCoMo DTAC Grameenphone India VI (Mumbai) Jazz M1 Maxis Optus Rakuten SingTel Skinny SLT-Mobitel SmarTone Softbank Spark (Telekom NZ) Star Telecom (Vibo) Starhub Taiwan Mobile Telenor Telstra TPG Unite Vietnam Viettel Vodafone For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/mlvz0e-pacific?w=12 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. CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Redemption Press Expands Ownership Team New partners add strength, experience, and enthusiasm to independent publishing company NEWS PROVIDED BY Redemption Press Feb. 6, 2023 ENUMCLAW, Wash., Feb. 6, 2023 /Standard Newswire/ -- "No matter what the future holds for me, I wanted to ensure that our authors and team will be well cared for, and the legacy of Redemption Press continues on. In that light, we have been looking for a creative partnership that would strengthen and grow Redemption Press well into the future," says founder Athena Dean-Holtz. "This partnership is a dream come true and one that will build on our existing strengths." On January 24, 2023, Athena and Dr. Ross Holtz welcomed Kelley and Carol Tetzlaff of Arizona and Shelly Brown of Florida as minority co-owners to the nearly-decade-old, Washington-based publishing company. The new growth of Redemption Press comes with more than seventy years' worth of collective experience in publishing, book design, marketing, and packaging. Athena and Ross Holtz will remain majority owners with a plan to maintain the tradition of excellence that makes them one of independent publishing's greatest successes. Since 2014, Redemption Press, which uses the product-management style of traditional publishing, has filled an author-centered niche in Christian publishing, and was certified as a Best Christian Workplace by BCWI (Best Christian Workplace Institute) in 2021 and 2022. New partner, Kelley Tetzlaff said, "Having closely observed Redemption Press for the past two years, I see Athena and Ross Holtz as people of integrity who have a passion to publish with excellence. I am thrilled to provide support to the company and the authors they serve. My partnership comes with great expectations for the future success of Redemption Press." Carol Tetzlaff said, "Publishing my first Bible study with Redemption Press brought me into a community that offered me support and encouragement on my journey. Only God could orchestrate this path and open the door for me to create for the very people I admired from afar. My role has grown from creating content and organizing events to becoming an integral part in the marketing and development of this company." "Working hand-in-hand with Athena and the Redemption Press team over the last three years has been the highlight of decades of my professional endeavors," said Shelly Brown. She added, "We've crafted strategies that have spread our authors' incredible messages far and wide, allowing them to reach heights they never thought possible. As I look forward to all the opportunities ahead for existing and new writers alike, my heart overflows with excitement about the bright future of Redemption Press as we soar higher than ever before." "At a time when many Christian publishers are selling out to secular publishing corporations, we pledge to remain committed to the same values that we started with--putting kingdom purposes first and honoring God," says Athena Dean Holtz. "Our new strategic partnership will ensure not just longevity but continuity for new and existing authors as well. I look forward to working alongside our new partners for years to come. Their individual hearts for Jesus and serving our authors resonate with ours in commitment and love for the power of story and redemption. We can't express how excited we are for the future as we continue to represent integrity and excellence in publishing alongside these new partners." SOURCE Redemption Press CONTACT: Athena Dean Holtz, publisher, 210-620-490, athena@redemption-press.com Barrick rules out rival bid for Australia's Newcrest - Bloomberg FILE PHOTO: Small toy figure and gold imitation are seen in front of the Barrick logo in this illustration MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Barrick Gold has ruled out a counterbid for number-one Australian gold producer Newcrest Mining, its chief executive told Bloomberg, eliminating what had seemed to be the most likely prospect of a rival to bidder Newmont. But another alternative for Newcrest would be lifting its value through sale of assets, analysts said. Newmont, the world's biggest gold producer, on Monday bid $16.9 billion for Newcrest, whose operations include top-class asset Cadia in Australia and an expanding footprint in North America, Papua New Guinea and Ecuador. It also has growth potential in copper. Amid broad consolidation in the sector, the offer from U.S.-based Newmont could trigger bids from rival gold producers. But none would come from Barrick, the world's second-biggest, the Canada-based company's chief executive, Mark Bristow, told Bloomberg. "There is a difference between value merger acquisitions and getting bigger for the sake of getting bigger," Bristow said in the Monday interview. Newcrest had alternatives to being taken over by Newmont, said analyst Dan Morgan of investment bank Barrenjoey in Sydney. "Self help is the best help," Morgan said. Newcrest should better articulate the value of its long-life growth projects and maybe adjust its portfolio, he said. That could include selling the relatively modest Havieron gold mine in Australia and the nearby Telfer mine and processing plant, which is operating well below capacity. Newcrest could also sell its 32% stake in Canada's Lundin Gold and the Lihir mine in Papua New Guinea, which uses deep sea tailings disposal and therefore does not fit with some investors' environmental mandates, he said. "Why not demerge that, then the rest of the portfolio would be more attractive to investors and acquirers?" Other analysts said the most obvious potential buyer for Havieron was its minority shareholder Greatland Gold, which plans to list on the Australian Securities Exchange this year. Story continues Greatland Gold declined to comment. A source told Reuters on Monday that Newmont was open to slightly increasing its $16.9 billion offer. Analysts say a 10% improvement in terms or cash would be expected by Newcrest investors, as a reflection of its strong growth projects. Goldman Sachs's hedge fund desk said on Monday it saw only a limited chance of Newmont improving its bid by more than 5%. A drop in Newmont shares would lower the offer price, which would lower the premium and so make it harder for Newcrest's board to recommend the deal, it said. Newmont's shares fell nearly 5% on Monday. "This is the biggest risk around the deal," it noted. For Australian investors, Newmont could also sweeten the offer, since it had franking (tax) credits of $440 million, Jefferies said in a note. Shares in Newcrest, which will report half-year results on Feb. 16, closed 1.7% higher at A$24.95 on Tuesday. Newmont's implied offer price is $27.16. (Reporting by Melanie Burton; Editing by Kim Coghill and Bradley Perrett) A store in Holland Township has been added to the list of Bed Bath & Beyond locations closing in Michigan, employees were informed over the weekend. HOLLAND TWP. A store in Holland Township has been added to the list of Bed Bath & Beyond locations closing in Michigan, employees were informed over the weekend. The closure list updated Jan. 30 includes locations in Ann Arbor, Auburn Hills, Brighton, Chesterfield, Farmington Hills, Lansing, Muskegon, Northville, Walker and White Lake Township. The Holland storefront was not listed. Holland was one of 16 Michigan stores set to remain after the closures, according to the Detroit Free Press. Assuming none of the others have been added, those stores now include: Beverly Hills: 31535 Southfield Road Flint: 3605 Miller Road Grand Rapids: 4901 28th St. SE Novi: 43610 West Oaks Drive Okemos: 1982 West Grand River Ave. Petoskey: 910 Spring St. Portage: 5930 South Westnedge Ave. Rochester Hills: 1242 South Rochester Road Roseville: 30801 Gratiot Ave. Saginaw: 4420 Bay Road Sterling Heights: 12020 Hall Road Taylor: 23871 Eureka Road Traverse City: 3301 North U.S. 31 Troy: 650 John R. Road Westland: 35615 Warren Road The New Jersey-based retailer warned in January it may need to file for bankruptcy as sales continue to drop, according to the Associated Press. There is substantial doubt about the companys ability to continue as a going concern, the retailer wrote in a statement. The company said in early January it would slash an additional $80-$100 million across the company, including an unspecified number of layoffs. An employee confirmed the Holland closure Saturday, Feb. 4, but said the store wouldn't shut its doors right away. Contact editor Cassandra Lybrink at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @CassLybrink. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Bed Bath & Beyond to close location in Holland Township BeyondTrust Accelerating recurring revenue to 80% of total revenue, with greater than 25% YoY ARR and 90% YoY subscription ARR growth BeyondTrusts new Identity Security Insights uncovers hidden privileges and attack vectors, empowering security teams to rapidly detect and address identity threats ATLANTA, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BeyondTrust, the leader in intelligent identity and access security, today announced record recurring growth in 2022 and continued innovation through expansion of its identity security platform, acquisition of new customers, and delivery of exceptional customer and employee experiences. Key 2022 highlights include: Accelerating recurring revenue to 80% of total revenue, with greater than 25% YoY ARR and 90% YoY subscription ARR growth Driving record new business, adding nearly 1,600 new logos Expanding current solutions for more than 3,700 current customers with new products or add-ons Achieving gross retention of more than 95% and net retention more than 110%, along with an industry-leading Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 55 and Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) score of more than 95% Delivered profitable growth with Adjusted EBITDA (GAAP) in excess of 20% The company also continued its innovation leadership, releasing advanced capabilities across the BeyondTrust Platform, centered on its new Identity Security Insights solution. The explosion of disparate identities and access across organizations has created poor visibility of threats and a lack of centralized control. Security teams struggle to detect and respond to events that involve multiple identities and accounts. BeyondTrust Identity Security Insights will give security and IT teams visibility of all identities, privileges, and access across their estate so they can identify and remediate problematic overprivileged accounts and users, poor security controls, and suspicious activities from a single interface. Additional capabilities introduced in the past 12 months include: Story continues Password Safe: Expanded feature set supports more platforms and streamlines management of privileged credentials, including service accounts. In addition, new secrets management capability integrated into Password Safe enables credential and secrets management in a single solution. Privileged Remote Access: New features enhance productivity for technical workers and provide admins with greater control of secure access to their systems. An expanded integration with BeyondTrust Password Safe provides layered credential security over remote access for employees and third parties. Plus, new infrastructure access capabilities enable developers, cloud ops engineers, and technical staff to securely access critical resources. Remote Support: New administrative functions simplify user management, improve change control, and provide more granular security to enable integrated support for complex environments and large deployments. Privilege Management for Windows & Mac: The integration of a new Policy Editor and Azure AD, as well as numerous other enhancements, enable more efficient and streamlined workflows between endpoints, faster policy implementation, and improved access controls and auditing. Privilege Management for Unix & Linux, AD Bridge: A new SIEM connection enables admins to configure connections to Elasticsearch and Logstash, enabling admins to centrally search event log records with a unified view of multiple, diverse log server. In addition to significant product releases, BeyondTrust demonstrated its ongoing commitment to serving the evolving needs of the market with these strategic initiatives: Achieving FedRAMP Moderate In-Process Status: Obtaining a FedRAMP authorization not only strengthens BeyondTrusts capacity to serve federal government agencies but also exemplifies the companys dedication to the cloud as a deployment model. Offering all identity and access security solutions in the AWS Marketplace: Customers benefit from a simplified procurement process through AWS Marketplace with flexible payment terms, consolidated billing, enterprise discounts and more. In 2022, BeyondTrusts significant revenue achievements, as well as product and market leadership momentum, were recognized by leading analysts and media organizations: BeyondTrust also remained committed to delivering an exceptional employee experience in 2022, and continued to grow its talented team, expanding to 1500+ employees globally and promoting 270+ employees across the organization. BeyondTrust was recognized in 2022 by a remarkable number of workplace awards globally, including: Securing identities and access is critical to combatting todays cyberthreats. We continue to invest in innovation to provide visibility into all identities and access pathways, detect advanced identity threats, and automatically remediate gaps and adjust policies, said Janine Seebeck, CEO, BeyondTrust. Im extremely proud of our employees and partner ecosystem for helping our customers address their biggest cybersecurity challenges, while also delivering an exceptional customer and employee experience. About BeyondTrust BeyondTrust is the worldwide leader in intelligent identity and access security, empowering organizations to protect identities, stop threats, and deliver dynamic access to empower and secure a work-from-anywhere world. Our integrated products and platform offer the industry's most advanced privileged access management (PAM) solution, enabling organizations to quickly shrink their attack surface across traditional, cloud and hybrid environments. BeyondTrust protects all privileged identities, access, and endpoints across your IT environment from security threats, while creating a superior user experience and operational efficiencies. With a heritage of innovation and a staunch commitment to customers, BeyondTrust solutions are easy to deploy, manage, and scale as businesses evolve. We are trusted by 20,000 customers, including 75 of the Fortune 100, and a global partner network. Learn more at www.beyondtrust.com. Follow BeyondTrust: Twitter: https://twitter.com/beyondtrust Blog: https://www.beyondtrust.com/blog LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondtrust Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondtrust For BeyondTrust: Mike Bradshaw Connect Marketing for BeyondTrust P: (801) 373-7888 E: mikeb@connectmarketing.com Preventing crime one click at a time just got easier for parents and kids WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kids around the nation can become McGruff the Crime Dog's sidekick and help him Take A Bite Out Of Crime at McGruff.org, a new educational site featuring a variety of engaging games and videos. ncpc.org (PRNewsfoto/National Crime Prevention Council) McGruff.org empowers kids to become active crime prevention participants in their communities. Teens and tweens will take a front-row seat in games focused on anti-counterfeiting, crime prevention through environmental design, bullying, home safety, and more. Anyone can join McGruff and become a certified Dupe Detective or participate in the #GoForRealChallenge. "McGruff continues to meet this new generation where they are," said Paul DelPonte, executive director at the National Crime Prevention Council. "Tackling 21st-century crimes takes a 21st-century approach. McGruff knows first-hand how smart these kids areit is time to put their skills to the test." Users can engage directly with McGruff and join his mailing list to become an official part of the McGruff crime prevention family perks include exclusive access to new merchandise, giveaways, and birthday presents. The site is a one-stop shop for parents, teachers, and kids to learn about crime prevention efforts that can keep communities safe for years to come. The first phase of the site includes three games, downloadable activity sheets, and easy access to Go For Real TV and classic McGruff Public Service Announcements. To learn more, visit McGruff.org or follow the crime dog on social @McGruffatNCPC (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) and @McGruff_CrimeDog (TikTok). About the National Crime Prevention Council The nonprofit National Crime Prevention Council is home to McGruff the Crime Dog and has helped generations of Americans Take A Bite Out Of Crime through public education campaigns and advocating for public policies to make the U.S. safer. Follow NCPC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram (@McGruffatNCPC), and TikTok (@McGruff_CrimeDog). Story continues Media Contact: Tatiana Peralta Communications Manager tperalta@ncpc.org 954-895-5980 Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/take-a-bite-out-of-crime-on-mcgrufforg-301740711.html SOURCE National Crime Prevention Council WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), along with the strongest-ever assembled coalition of immigration groups and leaders, today released a letter calling on the House Majority to immediately begin implementing the "Commitment to America" and, in particular, end the Biden Border Crisis. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is a national, nonprofit, public-interest, membership organization of concerned citizens who share a common belief that our nation's immigration policies must be reformed to serve the national interest. Visit FAIR's website at www.fairus.org . (PRNewsFoto/FAIR) The letter states: February 7, 2023 Dear Members of the House of Representatives, With the 118th Congress officially underway, it is time for the House majority to immediately begin implementing the "Commitment to America" and, in particular, end the Biden Border Crisis. During the final months of the 117th Congress, you made an unwavering commitment to "Secure the Border and Combat Illegal Immigration" and to "End catch-and-release loopholes."[1][2] This was echoed as a rallying cry on the campaign trail and we are encouraged by the stalwart freshman class joining your ranks this Congress in the fight for America's future. The time for action is now. The previous Congress failed the American people by refusing to hold the Biden Administration, including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accountable for a historic border crisis intentionally created by their policies. Consistent with the American Security Task Force plan unveiled last summer, the new House majority has meaningful solutions to secure the border, including to, "expand authorities like Title 42," "change asylum laws to protect legitimate claims and prevent fraudulent claims," "end abuse of parole authority," and "require implementation of [Migrant Protection Protocols]," amongst other critical items.[3] The undersigned coalition was proud to work with you to strengthen this plan and hold the line against lame duck open-borders policies, and now stands ready to assist you in turning these proven policies into meaningful legislative reforms. The 118th Congress cannot resort to the mere reallocation of resources laws must actually be changed to close loopholes that have been weaponized by the Biden Administration. This necessarily means ending the massive abuse of our asylum system. Story continues Our Nation simply cannot withstand the damage being done to our sovereignty, security, and well-being. Americans are begging for the crisis to end and do not want to be complicit in the human trafficking the Biden Administration's policies facilitate. From the border-area landowners who live in constant fear while their property and livelihoods are destroyed to the flood of fentanyl that is affecting millions of lives in all 435 congressional districts, a border that is not secure equates to nothing less than the decline of our great Nation. Even as the Biden Administration now attempts to mask illegal immigration numbers by implementing unlawful, mass parole under the guise of legality through the ports of entry, the damage continues to take its toll. It is past time to act to protect Americans from this Biden Administration-imposed crisis. It is time to hold those accountable who were entrusted to defend our borders and who have failed this country in the most destructive of ways. It is time to rebuke those who would hold border crisis solutions hostage to their demands for amnesty. The American people have entrusted you with control of the House, and the clear commitment to restore order at our border was a key reason. With the situation worsening every day, confronting Biden Administration policies and flaws in our system that invite chaos and abuse at our borders cannot be delayed. This is a commitment Americans expect you to fulfill, but more importantly, they deserve immediate action. Sincerely, Organizations Advocates for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime America First Policy Institute Center for Renewing America Center for the American Way of Life Claremont Institute Conservative Partnership Institute Counterpoint Institute for Policy, Research, and Education Eagle Forum Federation for American Immigration Reform Heritage Action for America The Heritage Foundation Judicial Watch NumbersUSA The Remembrance Project Texas Public Policy Foundation Senior Officials (Listed with Former Title) Chad Wolf, Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Derek Maltz, Director of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Special Operations Division Gene Hamilton, Counselor to the Attorney General, Senior Counselor to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Joseph Edlow, Acting Director of Citizenship and Immigration Services Ken Cuccinelli, Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Lamar Smith, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and its Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship Mark Morgan, Acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection Rodney Scott, Chief of the Border Patrol Russ Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget Tom Homan, Acting Director, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mark Meadows, Chief of Staff to the President of the United States Christopher Landau, United States Ambassador to Mexico Contact: Ron Kovach, 202-328-7004 or rkovach@fairus.org. ABOUT FAIR Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced. [1] https://republicans-homeland.house.gov/american-security-task-force-unveils-border-security-framework-for-day-one-of-republican-majority/ [2] https://www.speaker.gov/commitment/ [3] Id. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/border-coalition-calls-on-house-republicans-to-deliver-on-their-commitment-to-restore-order-at-the-border-301741173.html SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) DALLAS, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Catalyze Dallas has appointed Linda Hart, vice chairman, president and CEO of the Hart Group, Inc. to its Board of Advisors. A nationally recognized corporate and securities law attorney, Hart is active on numerous boards and has served as both a former Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange Legal Advisory Board and as a consultant to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Hart will draw from her extensive experience to help guide Catalyze, which accelerates commercialization of intellectual property sourced from the world's most innovative global corporations by launching companies that unleash the full value and potential of their investments in technology. Catalyze Dallas has appointed Linda Hart, vice chairman, president and CEO of the Hart Group, Inc. to its Board of Advisors. A nationally recognized corporate and securities law attorney, she co-authored the first treatise on securities and partnership law for master limited partnerships and other investment limited partnerships, and is a former Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange Legal Advisory Board. "Linda's entrepreneurial expertise in scaling the Hart Group's manufacturing and investments enterprise makes her a great asset to our Advisory Board," said Joe D'Cruz, Founder and Managing Director of Catalyze Dallas. "Her impressive institutional experience as both a director of numerous public companies and as a sought-after national legal voice adds incredible value to Catalyze's Board of Advisors, which already includes a highly regarded group of leaders from both the public and private sectors." Prior to joining the Hart Group, Hart co-authored the first treatise on securities and partnership law for master limited partnerships and other investment limited partnerships. Hart also wrote and lectured frequently around the country, serving as a visiting professor at Stanford Law School. She is a Trustee and former Vice Chairman of the Center for Strategic & International Studies, and has a long record serving in leadership positions with arts organizations like the Dallas Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, and The Dallas Opera. Hart graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh and went on to receive her law degree from SMU Law School, after which she clerked for Judge Irving Goldberg on the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the first woman to do so. Story continues Additional members of Catalyze's Board include: Frank Cappuccio, Advisor to the Defense Science Board, former Executive Vice President and General Manager of Skunk Works Ed Dolanski, former President of Boeing Government Services and former President and CEO of Aviall, a Boeing company Thomas C. Leppert, Chairman of Austin Industries, former Dallas Mayor, former CEO of Kaplan and Turner Construction Company Dr. Bobby B. Lyle, CEO of Lyco Energy Holdings inc., SMU Trustee (Lyle School of Engineering) Ron Nicol, former Senior Partner and Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group, Board Member at Austin Industries, and Executive Chairman at NUBURU Robert F. Weiss, former President of Skunk Works, former Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin Partnering with more than a dozen Fortune 100 clients, Catalyze assesses hundreds of technology assets and business units each year, selecting the most promising for spinout. Catalyze has already launched three successful companies: Almaden Genomics, which is accelerating the pace of genomic discovery; Alpine Advanced Materials, which delivers high-performance lightweight custom-engineered parts to the aerospace, defense, commercial space and industrial industries; and Metro Aerospace, a leader in delivering certified 3D printed components to the aerospace industry. About Catalyze Dallas Catalyze Dallas launches scalable companies that accelerate commercialization of intellectual property sourced from the world's most innovative global corporations, monetizing significant investments in innovation. Partnering with more than a dozen of the most respected industry leaders, Catalyze assesses hundreds of technology assets and business units each year, selecting only the most promising for spin-out into entrepreneurial portfolio companies. Catalyze provides investors with founder's ownership in the portfolio, a highly risk reduced and well priced investment model compared to traditional venture and private equity. For more information, visit www.catalyzedallas.com. Contact: Ariel Herr 469-235-2708 ariel.herr@alpineam.net Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/catalyze-dallas-appoints-linda-hart-to-board-of-advisors-301740885.html SOURCE Catalyze Dallas VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / CMC Metals Ltd. (TSX-V:CMB)(Frankfurt:ZM5P)(CMCXF:OTCQB) ("CMC" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its proposed marketing activities for Q1-2023. The Company will be exhibiting and presenting at the following events: Mines and Money, James L. Knight Centre, Miami, USA. February 23-24, 2023. Mineral Investor Forum, Delta Hotel, 75 Lower Simcoe St., Toronto, Canada, March 3-4, 2023 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), Booth # 2113, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 355 Front Street West, Toronto, March 5-8, 2023. Mr. John Bossio, Chairman noted "this is one of our most aggressive public marketing campaigns we have undertaken as a Company. The Board of Directors is committed to maintaining a high level of communication with our shareholders and potential investors. This is especially important for 2023 as we advance exploration on our new silver-lead-zinc targets on the Silverknife project in what we hope will be a highly successful exploration project. In addition, we continue to advance all of our exploration projects continuing our goal to advance a project to drill ready stage every 18-24 months." Kevin Brewer, President and CEO noted "We are going to Mines and Money Miami to provide us with exposure to US based funds and investors. This compliments our efforts in 2022 where the Company completed an OTC listing solely for the purpose to help attract US-based investment and following the advice of some of our key investors. We attended a very successful PDAC last year and feel it is important to be a participant in one of the largest mining conferences in the world. In addition, we have always found the Metals Investor Forum events to be well attended by the investment community." "I would also like to thank our investors for being patient with us. I had the flu for 6 weeks and it affected our ability to get news out. I am now back in full health and am diligently working to review data and ensure all plans are in place for our upcoming season. the Company will have a lot of news updates in the coming weeks on both our results from the 2022 exploration campaign and more specific details on our plans for the upcoming exploration season." Story continues About CMC Metals Ltd. CMC Metals Ltd. is a growth stage exploration company focused on opportunities for high grade polymetallic deposits in Yukon, British Columbia and Newfoundland. Our polymetallic silver-lead-zinc CRD prospects in the Rancheria Silver District include the Silverknife project (British Columbia), located in very close proximity to one of the world's highest grade underground silver-lead-zinc mines in the world (owned by Coeur Mining Inc.), the Silver Hart Deposit and Blue Heaven claims (Yukon), Amy claims located 7km west of the Silverknife claims (British Columbia). Our polymetallic projects with potential for copper-silver-gold and other metals include Bridal Veil, Terra Nova (optioned to Highbank Mining Inc.), and Rodney Pond (central Newfoundland) and Logjam (Yukon). On behalf of the Board: "John Bossio" John Bossio, Chairman CMC METALS LTD. For Further Information and Investor Inquiries: Kevin Brewer, P. Geo., MBA, B.Sc.(Hons), Dip. Mine Eng. President, CEO and Director Tel: (+52) 669 198 8503 kbrewer80@hotmail.com Suite 1000-409 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, V6C 1T2 To be added to CMC's news distribution list, please send an email to info@cmcmetals.ca or contact Mr. Kevin Brewer directly. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. "This news release may contain certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, statements that address the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles and exploitation activities and developments. In this release disclosure regarding the potential to undertake future exploration work comprise forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks, including the ability of the Company to raise the funds necessary to fund its projects, to carry out the work and, accordingly, may not occur as described herein or at all. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, the impact of the constantly evolving COVID-19 pandemic crisis and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Readers are referred to the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators for information on these and other risk factors, available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation." SOURCE: CMC Metals Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/738425/CMC-Metals-Provides-Update-of-Proposed-Marketing-Activities-for-Q1-2023 Contrive Datum Insights Pvt Ltd According to a market research study published by Contrive Datum Insights, In 2021, North America had the biggest share of the USD 3.27 billion contact lens market. Farmington, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Contact Lenses Market Size Was Valued At USD 9.48 Billion In 2021. The Market Is Projected To Grow From USD 9.94 Billion In 2022 To USD 14.80 Billion By 2030, Exhibiting A CAGR Of 5.9% During The Forecast Period. The COVID-19 pandemic has been shocking and has never happened before. Compared to what it was before the pandemic, demand is lower than expected in all areas. Our research shows that the global market was 9.0% smaller in 2020 than in 2019. Thin lenses called contact lenses are put on the surface of the eye to help people see better. Depending on how they feel and how often they can be used, the lenses can be hard or soft. During the forecast period, the market is expected to grow because more people in developing countries are using these devices and the number of people with refractive errors is growing everywhere. A study found that 116.3 million people with uncorrected refractive error have moderate to severe vision loss, according to a BMC Public Health report from 2021. As the number of people with refractive errors around the world goes up and more people learn that contact lenses can help them see better, the market for contact lenses is likely to grow. Request Sample Copy of Report Contact Lenses Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Opportunities, Future Trends, Covid-19 Impact, SWOT Analysis, Competition and Forecasts 2022 to 2030 , published by Contrive Datum Insights. Recent Developments: April 2021 - Cooper Companies Inc. announced the acquisition of No7 Lenses, which designs and manufactures specialty lenses primarily distributed in the UK. April 2021 EssilorLuxottica announced the acquisition of GrandVision, an optical retail chain with over 350 stores across Europe. October 2020 - Bausch & Lomb Incorporated has obtained an exclusive license for a myopic control design for lenses developed by BHVI, an Australian non-profit organization with an international focus on vision research. Story continues Segment Overview Modality Insights Depending on Modality, parts on the market can either be reused or thrown away. Most of the things on the market could be used more than once. There are more people with refractive errors and more people who wear glasses, so more people with refractive errors are buying these products. Design Insights Based on how the design, the market is divided into toric, multifocal, and spherical. During the time frame of the forecast, the spherical segment is expected to have the biggest market share. Because technology is getting better and more adults are using lenses, spherical lenses have the biggest market share. Distribution Channel Insights In 2020, most of the world's market was made up of stores that sold goods. The most important part is the retail stores segment, because manufacturers are putting out new products in retail stores at reasonable prices, retail stores offer discounts, and retail stores are joining larger store chains. Retail pharmacies are also growing quickly on the global market because there are so many stores in developed countries. Regional Outlook: In 2021, North America had the biggest share of the USD 3.27 billion contact lens market. More and more people are getting refractive errors, and patients are learning more about how to fix their vision. Strategic partnerships and collaborations are also getting more attention from market players. So, these are the main reasons why the market in North America is growing. In April 2021, for example, Johnson & Johnson Vision and Menicon, a top company that makes innovative lenses, announced a global strategic partnership. The goal of this partnership was to make therapeutic lenses that would help stop children from getting myopia or making it worse if they already had it. Also, the number of people in the U.S. who wear contact lenses is likely to slowly go up. In 2021, 31 million people in the U.S. will be wearing contact lenses, according to a report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The North American market is likely to grow because more people will want to use it because their tastes in eyewear are changing. Also, Europe had the second biggest share of the global market. This is because a lot of people have eye problems like nearsightedness and farsightedness, the area is using more and more advanced products, and new lenses have been approved by the government. Buy this Premium Research Report@ https://www.contrivedatuminsights.com/buy/248541/?Mode=PM Scope of Report: Report Attributes Details Growth Rate CAGR of 5.9% from 2023 to 2030. Revenue Forecast by 2022 USD 9.94 Billion By Modality Reusable, Disposable, Others By Design Toric, Multifocal, Spherical, Others By Distribution Channel Ophthalmologists, Retail Stores, Online Stores, Others By Companies Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. (U.S.), Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (Germany), Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (Canada), Alcon (Switzerland), The Cooper Companies Inc. (U.S.), Hoya Corporation(Japan), EssilorLuxottica (France), Menicon Co., Ltd. (Japan) Regions and Countries Covered North America: (US, Canada, Mexico, Rest of North America) Europe(Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Nordic Countries, Benelux Union, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, India, Australia, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Rest of Asia-Pacific) The Middle East & Africa(Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, Rest of the Middle East & Africa) Latin America(Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Rest Of the World Base Year 2022 Historical Year 2017 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023 to 2030 Trends: There will be more demand for daily disposables if people worry more about their eyes. More people should know that disposable lenses are better than reusable ones. For example, cleaning solutions can cause side effects like eye staining and lid effects. Even though the cost of disposable and reusable lenses isn't that different over the course of a year, eye doctors recommend using disposable lenses because they are safer. Also, the biggest players in the market are running programmes to raise awareness and putting out new, innovative products, which are expected to help the growth of daily disposables. For instance, in January 2021, Alcon released PRECISION1 for Astigmatism, a daily disposable silicone hydrogel (SiHy) lens for people with astigmatism in the United States. Driving Factors: The market will grow because there are a lot of refractive errors and more technologically advanced products are coming out. Both children and adults are getting more and more presbyopia and myopia. This is one reason why the number of people with vision problems is going up. Another is that most people, especially in developing countries, don't know much about vision correction and are afraid to get it done. According to data released by the WHO in 2021, 2.2 billion people around the world have nearsightedness or farsightedness, and about 1 billion of them have not been diagnosed. Most of the cases were found to be untreated refractive errors or cataracts. Restraining Factors: If there are other ways to treat refractive errors, the market will grow less quickly. Several clinical studies have shown that how people use their contact lenses can cause side effects. Some of these side effects can permanently hurt the eyes or even make it impossible to see. Using contact lenses can cause a lot of problems, like infections, corneal edoema, superficial keratitis, red eyes, mucus buildup, epithelial microcysts, infiltrates, giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), and corneal vascularization. Because of these problems, people don't use these lenses as much as they could. In 2021, Harvard Health Publishing will say that up to 20 out of every 10,000 people who wear contact lenses get keratitis, which can lead to blindness. Also, about 1 million times a year, these devices were used incorrectly, which led to trips to hospitals and emergency rooms. Key Segments Covered: Top Market Players: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. (U.S.), Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (Germany), Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (Canada), Alcon (Switzerland), The Cooper Companies Inc. (U.S.), Hoya Corporation(Japan), EssilorLuxottica (France), Menicon Co., Ltd. (Japan), and others. By Modality Reusable Disposable Others By Design Toric Multifocal Spherical Others By Distribution Channel Ophthalmologists Retail Stores Online Stores Others Regions and Countries Covered North America: (US, Canada, Mexico, Rest of North America) Europe: (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Nordic Countries, Benelux Union, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific: (Japan, China, India, Australia, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Rest of Asia-Pacific) The Middle East & Africa: (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, Rest of the Middle East & Africa) Latin America: (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Rest Of the World Check out more related studies published by Contrive Datum Insights: Urban Farming Market - The Global Urban Farming Market Size Was US$ 137.5 Billion In 2021. It Is Forecast To Grow To US$ 281.9 Billion By 2030 By Registering A CAGR Of 3.1% During The Forecast Period From 2022 To 2030. Functional Mushroom Market - The Global Functional Mushroom Market Size Was Valued At USD 26.7 Billion In 2022 And Is Expected To Expand at a CAGR Of 10.8% From 2022 To 2030. Construction Robot Market - The Global Construction Robot Market size was valued at USD 0.69 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 2.59 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 15.32% from 2023 to 2030. Customization of the Report: The report can be customized as per client needs or requirements.For any queries, you can contact us on anna@contrivedatuminsights.com or +1 215-297-4078. Our sales executives will be happy to understand your needs and provide you with the most suitable reports. About Us: Contrive Datum Insights (CDI) is a global delivery partner of market intelligence and consulting services to officials at various sectors such as investment, information technology, telecommunication, consumer technology, and manufacturing markets. CDI assists investment communities, business executives, and IT professionals to undertake statistics-based accurate decisions on technology purchases and advance strong growth tactics to sustain market competitiveness. Comprising of a team size of more than 100 analysts and cumulative market experience of more than 200 years, Contrive Datum Insights guarantees the delivery of industry knowledge combined with global and country-level expertise. Social: Facebook / LinkedIn / Twitter Contact Us: Anna B. | Head Of Sales Contrive Datum Insights Phone: +91 9834816757 | +1 2152974078 Email: anna@contrivedatuminsights.com Website: https://www.contrivedatuminsights.com Contrive Datum Insights Press Releases Latest Contrive Datum Insights Latest Reports Clear Blue Technologies International Inc. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clear Blue Technologies International Inc. (Clear Blue or the Company) (TSXV: CBLU), the Smart Off-Grid Company, announced via press release on January 27, 2023, that it has closed a second and final tranche of a non-brokered private placement (the Offering) on January 24, 2023. The second tranche raised CAD$1,304,420 in proceeds, following a CAD$1,269,667 first tranche that closed on December 20, 2022. Total gross proceeds for the two tranches were CAD$ 2,574,086. The total number of shares and warrants issued for both tranches were 36,772,663 and 36,772,663, respectively. The Company also paid cash finders fees in the amount of CAD$61,230.40 to certain arms length third parties, and issued 727,020 finder warrants, in each case representing approximately 7% of the gross proceeds of the entire Offering. Each whole finder warrant is exercisable at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the date that is 60 months following the date of issue of each respective tranche at a price of $0.07 per Common Share, subject to accelerated expiration in accordance with the terms of the certificates governing the finder warrants. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months and one day pursuant to applicable securities laws. Completion of the Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSXV. Certain directors and officers of the Company (collectively, the "Insiders") have participated in the Offering and, as such, the Offering may constitute a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), but is otherwise exempt from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue Sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of such Insider participation in the Offering. No special committee was established in connection with the Offering or the participation of the applicable officers and directors in the Offering, and no materially contrary view or abstention was expressed or made by any director of the Company in relation thereto. Further details will be included in a material change report that will be filed by the Company in connection with the completion of the Offering. The Company did not file the material change report more than 21 days before the initial closing date of the Offering as the terms of the Offering and the total amount to be invested by the applicable officers and directors were not settled until shortly prior to the initial closing of the Offering, and the Company wished to complete the initial closing of the Offering on an expedited basis for sound business reasons. Story continues About Clear Blue Technologies International Clear Blue Technologies International, the Smart Off-Grid company, was founded on a vision of delivering clean, managed, wireless power to meet the global need for reliable, low-cost, solar and hybrid power for lighting, telecom, security, Internet of Things devices, and other mission-critical systems. Today, Clear Blue has thousands of systems under management across 37 countries, including the U.S. and Canada. Forward-Looking Information and Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" and/or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only Clear Blues beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Clear Blue's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information contained herein may include, but is not limited to, information concerning the proposed completion of the eSite acquisition and the Offering, and the intended use of the gross proceeds of the Offering. By identifying such information and statements in this manner, Clear Blue is alerting the reader that such information and 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 Clear Blue to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. An investment in securities of Clear Blue is speculative and subject to several risks including, without limitation, the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Clear Blue's listing application dated July 12, 2018. Although Clear Blue has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. In connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Clear Blue has made certain assumptions. Although Clear Blue believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. All subsequent written and oral forward- looking information and statements attributable to Clear Blue or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice. Media Contact & Investor Relations: Miriam Tuerk Co-Founder and CEO investors@clearbluetechnologies.com http://www.clearbluetechnologies.com/en/investors +1 (647) 748-4822 Legal Disclaimer 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. (Bloomberg) -- Coupang Inc., the South Korean e-commerce pioneer that has lost billions of dollars since its founding, is rolling out an army of robots at fulfillment centers in a bid to reach profitability. Most Read from Bloomberg Koreas answer to Amazon.com Inc., Coupang burned cash by building distribution centers around the country that could help it push the boundaries of speedy delivery with broad selection. Now the company is closing in on breaking even, with analysts projecting it will turn a profit for the second straight quarter and then report its first annual operating profit in 2023. The extreme automation is on display one cold February day at a Coupang facility in the southern city of Daegu. Squat autonomously guided vehicles AGVs for the robotically literate march toward a collection point like school kids queuing for lunch. The machines, which can carry 1,000 kilograms, look like bookshelves riding on Roomba cleaners, delivering payloads to pickers and sorters. The workload for humans has been cut by about 65%. Coupang has invested about $260 million in the 12-story fulfillment operation in Daegu, and it is revealing its humming, AI-directed nerve center for the first time. The typically low-profile company is going public because it plans to adopt this kind of automation in other facilities. There are more expansion plans, E.J. Choi, regional director of fulfillment services, told Bloomberg TV at the Daegu fulfillment center. The new facility provides a model for improving the effectiveness of how we operate to continue to deliver our customer service while we are reducing the intensity of our workers workloads. Story continues The Daegu facility is a dizzying effort to supplement human labor with artificial intelligence-powered machines. The AGVs are segregated in an enclosed area that stretches the length of the fulfillment center, presumably to avoid physical injury to workers. The robots race through their side of the enclosure, collect the ordered goods and zip over to a human laborer, who plucks the packages from the top of the robot. On another floor, sorting robots organize goods based on Coupangs algorithms to make them more efficient to collect. They dash across the plain white floor like rambunctious kids careening around an ice rink at full speed. Coupang, like so many of todays startups, grew up in an era when they could blow money by the billions because of backing from deep-pocketed investors like SoftBank Group Corp. But times have changed. The stocks of money-losing newbies have plummeted. Fresh capital is almost impossible to come by. SoftBanks Vision Fund cut back its new investments by about 95% in the most recent quarter. Coupang has used its capital from private backers and a 2021 initial public offering to expand rapidly throughout South Korea. The number of customers continued to increase even through a recent price hike as the company pushed to deliver products faster and in a wider swath of regions. Still, Coupangs stock is off by more than half since its listing in New York in March 2021 at $35 a share. The company has been caught up in controversies in recent years with a fire accident at one of its fulfillment centers in Icheon in 2021, while staff continued to ask for better working conditions. It has pledged to secure safety at workplaces and started to offer health-care benefits to employees. Read more: He Built an $8.9 Billion Fortune. Then Controversies Began Under the guidance of Coupang founder Bom Kim, who has stepped down from his positions at a Korea subsidiary to lead overseas businesses, Coupang is pushing to expand new markets in Taiwan and Japan. Were excited about the long-term opportunity and markets beyond Korea, said Kim on a call with investors in November. When we do invest more, its a reflection of that confidence. Coupang has more than 100 fulfillment and logistics centers in South Korea, but has yet to build such automation-based facilities overseas and hasnt given detailed expansion plans. That could be the most challenging task for Coupang as it has to compete against big tech companies such as Amazon, said Shawn Yang, an analyst at Blue Lotus Capital Advisors. I think at least now its full of challenge because global expansion is not something very easy, Yang told Bloomberg TV. Beyond the familiar huge internet retailers like Amazon and Alibaba, there are some other players, like Shein, even TikTok wants to do its own e-commerce. So its going to be a very crowded business. Coupang is determined to keep rolling out the robots. The company sees Daegu as the beginning, not the end of its efforts. These are very modular and flexible systems, said Choi. We can easily replicate this in other locations. --With assistance from Adrian Wong, Andy Hung and Emily Yamamoto. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. By Azernews Qabil Ashirov Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov is visiting the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan, Azernews reports, citing official sources. The minister will hold a meeting with entrepreneurs at the Business Center in Nakhchivan. New proposals from entrepreneurs will be heard at the meeting, and activities for the development of this sector will be discussed. In a tweet, the minister said that he met with Fuad Najafli, the special representative of Azerbaijan's president in Nakhchivan. At the meeting, the economic potential of the region, the improvement of the business environment, and the support for entrepreneurs were discussed. "Together with our colleagues, we are visiting the historical region of Nakhchivan. During the meeting with Fuad Najafli, the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Azerbaijan Republic in #Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, we have discussed the economic potential of the region, the improvement of #businessenvironment and support for entrepreneurs," the minister tweeted. Company closes record-breaking fiscal year with triple digit customer and ARR growth, two new product launches, and $150M in new funding SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PmRNewswire/ -- Cribl , the leader in enabling open observability, today announced the results of its fiscal year, marked by surging customer demand, an expanded observability product suite, and major funding. The company more than doubled its customer base and annual recurring revenue, with 24 of the Fortune 100 companies now Cribl customers. Cribl also launched two new products in 2022, Cribl Edge and Cribl Search, secured $150M in Series D funding, and grew its team to nearly 500 employees. Cribl helps customers unlock the value of their data with innovative and customizable controls to route security and machine data to the right place, in the right format, at the right time. (PRNewsfoto/Cribl) "When we started Cribl back in 2017 we had a simple vision: Give customers choice and control over their data. This past year of record customer and revenue growth continues to show that sentiment resonates with the market," said Cribl Co-Founder and CEO Clint Sharp. "As we turn our sights to our next fiscal year and beyond, our team is committed, more than ever before, to delivering innovative products, best-in-class customer support, free education for all, and, ultimately, charting the future of the observability category." Financial Highlights, Customer Wins, and Industry Recognitions: Customer growth: Cribl more than doubled its customer base, which now includes 24 of the Fortune 100 companies and 59 of the Fortune 500. Fast-growing business: Cribl's annual recurring revenue grew by triple digits (January 31, 2023 over January 31, 2022). The company also added more than 200 team members and head into 2023 with nearly 500 employees. Increased interest from investors: In May, Cribl secured $150 million in Series D funding led by Tiger Global Management, and joined by existing investors IVP, CRV, Redpoint Ventures, Sequoia, and Greylock. Industry recognition: Cribl was named to CNBC's Top Startups for the Enterprise, received recognition at the Bank of America Technology Innovation Summit, won several Comparably awards recognizing company culture, and was recognized on CRN's 2022 Cloud 100, Big Data 100, and Emerging Vendors. Story continues Expanded Leadership Across the Business: Leadership team: Cribl continued to build its first-class leadership team, promoting Zach Johnson to Senior Vice President of Finance and Legal, Abby Strong to Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Marketing, and Matt Bauer to Senior Vice President of Global Sales. Cribl also hired Lisa Nielsen as Senior Vice President of People, who previously held leadership roles at Amplitude, Looker, Keen, and EY. EMEA expansion: Cribl brought on Charlie Howe as Vice President of Sales, EMEA. Based in London, he brings over 20 years of sales experience, including recently serving as VP EMEA for Exabeam, Noetic Cyber, and Skyhigh Networks. Howe will continue to build Cribl's presence in EMEA, where the company currently serves customers including BMW, Telefonica, JustEat, and more. Product Suite Expansion and Industry Partnerships: Cribl Edge Marking its official emergence as a multi-product company, Cribl launched Cribl Edge, an observability agent that allows teams to automatically detect, collect, and process observability events in real time and deliver the data to any destination, directly or through Cribl Stream. Cribl Search Further broadening the product suite, Cribl launched Cribl Search, the first open and vendor-agnostic analytics tool to perform "search-in-place" queries on any data, in any format, at any location. Cribl Stream 4.0 Cribl Stream now features additional analysis and troubleshooting capabilities with Pipeline Profiling & DB collector enhancements. The entire Cribl suite was also given a streamlined interface for easier usability and manageability. Expanded industry relationships Cribl announced its integration with Amazon Security Lake and achieved AWS Security Competency status. SentinelOne and Cribl announced a partnership to help customers unlock the value of all observability data. Certification Program To help democratize the skills needed to grow the next generation of observability practitioners, Cribl launched the Cribl Certified Observability Engineer (CCOE) program, a first-of-its-kind free technical certification program to set the industry standard for observability lifecycle skills. To date, more than 1,800 credentials have been issued. About Cribl Cribl makes open observability a reality for today's tech professionals. The Cribl product suite defies data gravity with radical levels of choice and control. Wherever the data comes from, wherever it needs to go, Cribl delivers the freedom and flexibility to make choices, not compromises. It's enterprise software that doesn't suck, enables tech professionals to do what they need to do, and gives them the ability to say "Yes." With Cribl, companies have the power to control their data, get more out of existing investments, and shape the observability future. Founded in 2017, Cribl is a remote-first company with an office in San Francisco, CA. For more information, visit www.cribl.io or our LinkedIn , Twitter , or Slack community . Media Contact media@cribl.io Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cribl-heads-into-2023-boasting-massive-growth-and-expanded-observability-product-suite-301740749.html SOURCE Cribl Fortune Business Insights Companies Profiled in the Digital Therapeutics Market are Proteus Digital Health Inc., Omada Health Inc., Welldoc Inc., Livongo Health, Noom Inc., Propeller Health, CANARY HEALTH, Mango Health Inc., 2Morrow, Inc Pune, India, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The digital therapeutics market size is expected to experience considerable growth in the forthcoming years. This information is published by Fortune Business Insights in its report, titled "Digital Therapeutics Market, 2022-2030". It provides patients with genuine therapeutic interventions that are guided by high-quality software programs in order to prevent, cure, or treat a medical condition or disorder. Cutting edge software is linked to design, usability, clinical validation, and data protection and security in these goods. These therapeutics mainly aim to deliver clinical outcomes as well as finds diverse medical conditions. Key Industry Development Welldoc and Astellas Pharma Inc. jointly developed and commercialized the Bluestar product in Japan and Asia. Morrow launched the first digital health smartphone app to help teens and young adults quit vaping. Catasys Inc. announced its partnership with CANARY HEALTH to aid greater portion of the population through digital therapeutics. Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/digital-therapeutics-market-103501 Key Takeaways Geographically, there are five submarkets for digital therapeutics: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. According to estimates, the U.S. dominates both the global and North American markets for digital therapeutics in terms of revenue. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to have a significant growth potential over the forecast period. According to the American Heart Association's Heart and Stroke Statistics - 2019, nearly 48 percent (or 121.5 million adults) of all Americans in 2016 had a cardiovascular disease of some kind. Story continues Drivers & Restraints Emphasis on Self-care Infrastructure to Boost Demand Several major governments such as the U.S. are emphasizing the use of technology to receive information from a single point of contact. This is expected to improve the self-care health sector and advance the demand for digital platforms required to collect and source such data. The technological advancement across digital platforms in recent years has made such platforms easily accessible for the user. Moreover, digital literacy across the globe and rising health-conscious consumers is expected to generate high demand. Certain regions across the globe are experiencing a considerable rise in geriatric demography which require advanced health infrastructures to manage their several health concerns. For instance, in 2019, the World Health Organization accounted for an estimated 1.5 million deaths directly caused by diabetes. Such statistics are projected to drive digital therapeutics market growth. Browse Complete Report Details: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/digital-therapeutics-market-103501 Regional Insights Adoption of Technology in North America Healthcare to Augment Growth North America is expected to hold a leading digital therapeutics market share with a rising emphasis on technological adoption for sourcing information. Increasing adoption of technology to facilitate optimum patient care in this region have increased the demand for real-time solutions through a mobile application, tracking of health conditions remotely, data collection to track inventory & health facilities, and others. Asia Pacific is projected to hold a significant market share with the rise of ageing democracy in the region. The shortage of the healthcare workforce has led to the search for substitute diagnosis & treatment processes such as these digital therapeutics. This region is projected to showcase considerable growth in the forthcoming years. Factors affecting the growth of Digital Therapeutics Market (2023-2030): Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases Growing acceptance of digital technologies in healthcare Favorable government initiatives and reimbursement policies Rising investment in research and development of digital therapeutics Increasing use of wearable devices and mobile health applications Growing adoption of telemedicine Growing awareness of the benefits of digital therapeutics Technological advancements in digital health Growing demand for cost-effective and convenient healthcare solutions Growing geriatric population. Quick Buy - Digital Therapeutics Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/103501 Digital Therapeutics Market Trends in 2023 Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Emergence of Prescription Digital Therapeutics (PDTs) Increased focus on patient engagement and remote monitoring Growing demand for mental health digital therapeutics Expansion of digital therapeutics in emerging markets Increasing partnerships and collaborations between pharmaceutical companies and digital health startups Growing use of blockchain technology in digital therapeutics Emergence of personalized medicine through digital therapeutics Growing adoption of digital therapeutics in chronic disease management Expansion of digital therapeutics in preventative care. High Demand of Product Owing to Rapid Streamlining of Information The demand for digital therapeutics platforms has experienced a considerable spike during the pandemic. The need for accumulating essential information regarding inventory, facilities available at various hospitals, and others have rapidly set up several such platforms across the globe to help patients suffering from the outbreak. These platforms are managed by both public and private institutions to facilitate efficient resource management. Moreover, to efficiently manage the outbreak various telehealth platforms have also come up in the recent few months to support patients remotely. The efficiency of these platforms and infrastructure in this outbreak have been observed and is expected to experience a rise in demand in the foreseeable future. Market Segmentation Based on the applications, the market for digital therapeutics can be divided into diabetes, weight management, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and others. By the product, the market can be grouped into software and devices. On the basis of end-users, the market can be bifurcated into patients and caregivers. Based on geography, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Get your Customized Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/digital-therapeutics-market-103501 What Does the Report Contain? The report offers an insight into the profitability, entire structure, and scale. It also studies the drivers and restraints and considers all the potential threats to the market. The critical analysis of marketplace sections, prediction analysis, and expert insights are strategically included in the report. A wide spectrum of data, including regional analysis, market segmentation, industry developments, and key players, are included in the research conducted by market experts. Competitive Landscape Presence of Innovative Market Players to Intensify Market Competition The rapidly developing market of digital therapeutics platforms is expected to attract several new entrants to the market. The high demand for the product in the market, coupled with, government support and initiatives has resulted in a competitive market. Several prominent players are already furthering their products and evolving with market demands. Marketing strategies and promotions offered by these companies are further stabilizing their market position. The user-friendly approach by several market players is generating high revenue for the companies. List of Key Players Profiled in the Market: Proteus Digital Health Inc. Omada Health Inc. Welldoc Inc. Livongo Health Noom Inc. Propeller Health CANARY HEALTH Mango Health Inc. 2Morrow, Inc About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US :+1 424 253 0390 UK : +44 2071 939123 APAC : +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com ALLENTOWN, PA / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / The Dr. John Manzella Scholarship for Second Opportunities is now accepting applications from students with incarcerated parents or guardians in the United States. The Scholarship for Second Opportunities is for students who have overcome hardships caused by the imprisonment of a family member and are currently enrolled in any school in the United States. The outstanding student will be given a $1000 prize in exchange for writing an essay with the theme "Describe an issue with the criminal justice system today, and how it could be improved to reduce recidivism" in under a thousand-words by email at apply@drjohnmanzellascholarship.com. Before turning in the essay, students must also give their contact information, such as their full name, address, phone number, and email address. In addition, you should include your GPA, where you are now enrolled, and the location and date of your high school graduation. The application deadline is June 15, 2023, and the Dr. John Manzella scholarship recipient will be notified on July 15, 2023. Dr. John Manzella Scholarship, Tuesday, February 7, 2023, Press release picture Dr. John Manzella is aware of the challenges of pursuing a degree, particularly when coping with an imprisoned parent. He is now looking forward to the opportunity this scholarship award will provide to help a standout student. A recent study estimates that 5% of American children, or around 7% of all children, have at least one parent in prison. Children of jailed parents confront a stigma frequently perpetuated in the classroom, adding to the numerous difficulties they already experience outside school. Dr. Manzella is determined to assist worthy students juggling school, work, and family by providing them with scholarships. Scholarships are a fantastic opportunity to reduce or eliminate the financial stress associated with education. For students who are struggling financially, this might be a godsend. You may get ahead in the internship or job search process with the help of a scholarship. It is always to your benefit to stand out from the crowd during a job hunt. Joining this group may benefit your professional and personal development and your sense of community. Student-to-student and student-to-teacher communication are crucial because it provides a window into other people's experiences and viewpoints. Simply put, scholarships allow bright, hardworking individuals to pursue higher education without incurring the crushing financial load of years of loan payments. Scholarship applications are time well spent because of the long-term benefits they may provide during and after college. Through this scholarship, Dr. Manzella also wants to increase awareness of the challenges these young students face while pursuing degrees. Story continues Dr. John Manzella has been practicing medicine and running profitable businesses for almost thirty years. He got his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Marquette University. In 1995, he graduated from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine with a Ph.D. Additionally, he earned a doctorate in healthcare administration from the University of Rochville in 2013. He has spent his entire professional life bridging the divide between the medical and commercial worlds. In 2009, he established LV Housecalls.com, a medical firm that does home calls in northeastern Pennsylvania. Currently, Dr. Manzella serves in the dual roles of Medical Director and Practice Manager. Topper Medical is based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Dr. John Manzella serves as their Physician Liaison and Billing Specialist. Since 2013, he has worked as a medical consultant to help businesses improve their billing, coding, documentation, and office practices. SOURCE: Dr. John Manzella Scholarship View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/738397/The-Dr-John-Manzella-Scholarship-Giving-Second-Opportunities-To-Students-Overcoming-Incarceration ELIOT, Maine For his work in creating a crisis intervention team and spotlighting officer wellness, Elliott Moya, the towns police chief, has been named the state's Chief of the Year by the Maine Association of Police. Nominated by his department peers, Moya received the award named for David W. Pickering during an annual banquet in late January. With the previous banquet canceled due to COVID-19, Moya was named Chief of the Year in addition to Paul Fenton, chief of the Cape Elizabeth Police Department. Eliot police Sgt. Ronald Lund, left, Police Chief Elliott Moya and Town Manager Michael Sullivan celebrate Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, after Moya was named Maine Chief of the Year. Moya said the award belongs less to himself and more to the men and women of the towns police force, a department with a $1.8 million budget in which there are currently only eight officers. It completely caught me off guard. I am absolutely the guy thats like, I dont deserve this. Were here, we work and it is what it is, Moya said. But in a way, its kind of cool because Im like, OK, do I deserve this? And then you think, Well, what have we done? And when I think about it, for such a small department, we have a good crew here. Weve done a lot. Moya, a former member of the Air Force Reserve who was born in Brooklyn, began his policing career in the town department as a patrolman in 2007. Three years later, he was promoted to detective, and he later became a department lieutenant before being sworn in as chief in May 2016. As humble as I want to be, sure Im the guy who gets named, but its these guys that make me look good, he said of Eliots police personnel. Theyre the ones that really do the work. Moya's officers made case for him Eliot police Sgt. Ronald Lund and other town officers nominated Moya for the award in late 2022. In their official nomination letter to the Maine Association of Police, Lund wrote that Moya created and supervised a crisis intervention team where responding officers reported all mental health calls and conducted follow-up checks on people and their families. New Labrie project in Portsmouth:Thai restaurant and more on Congress Street Story continues Moya, the letter continued, partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Maine and Sweetster Mobile Crisis Interventions, representatives of which have joined Eliot police on ride-alongs. Last year, the Eliot Police Department partnered with the York County Community Action Corporation and police from Kittery and York to hire a case worker focused on residents in the three municipalities. Recently certified as a peer support administrator, Moya additionally hosted a Law Enforcement Wellness and Resilience Symposium for New England police in March 2022, which drew 125 officers. Moya was also credited for implementing wellness check-ins for town police with a mental health expert. Eliot Police Chief Elliott Moya, seen Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, thanks his department after receiving Maine Chief of the Year honors. Its rewarding for us that we were able to recognize him for the great work that weve been doing, Lund said. One of the biggest things that the chief did when he took over was rewrite the mission statement and our core values, and those are respect, integrity, fairness, leadership and empathy. Hes really instilled that in us. Moya's work praised by town and state leaders Town Manager Michael Sullivan, who has been at the helm of the town for close to a year-and-a-half, has worked with larger police departments in his municipal career. When he came to Eliot from South Hadley, Massachusetts, where he was town administrator, Sullivan was pleasantly surprised to see residents were on a first-name basis with the towns small police roster, and the department was ingrained in the community. More local news:Riverside Rest Home staffer charged with stealing checks from relative at the nursing home in Dover Sullivan further noted that because of Moyas leadership, Eliots police officers care deeply for each other and the work they undertake. That idea of thoughtfulness permeates throughout the department. You care about them and they care about each other. Its really impressive, he said. The David W. Pickering Chiefs Award is bestowed upon a police chief from one of 53 association member municipalities who has supported and contributed to the mission of the Maine Association of Police. Elliott is truly a man apart from a lot of other leaders in the police profession, said the associations executive director, Paul Gaspar, who added selecting Moya for the honor was a no-brainer. I truly think of him as a friend and a brother, and I couldnt think of a more deserving person, he said. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Eliot Police Chief Elliott Moya named Maine Chief of the Year Enel North America, a clean energy leader in the US and Canada, built 1.98 GW of new utility-scale wind, solar and storage capacity across the two countries in 2022. The growth in deployment of a variety of clean energy technologies comes as the company enters new business areas, including plans to build a large-scale solar manufacturing facility . Enel also signed 12 power purchase agreements (PPA) in 2022, totaling over 630 MW, including a new virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Verizon. ANDOVER, Mass., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Enel North America, a leading clean energy company in North America, built 1.98 gigawatts (GW) of additional utility-scale wind, solar and battery storage capacity across the US and Canada in 2022. The company also added over 550 MW of new demand response capacity and had an additional 119 MW of distributed energy storage deployed or under contract in 2022. (PRNewsfoto/Enel North America) "Thanks in part to major policy action and high market demand, Enel is stepping up its contribution to move the US and Canada closer to a zero-carbon economy," said Enrico Viale, Head of Enel North America. "As one of the leading clean energy companies in North America, we feel a sense of urgency to usher in large-scale clean power plants together with other energy solutions that advance our society toward full decarbonization. Today's announcement of our tremendous progress in 2022 demonstrates our capability to extend the power of clean electrification to more customers than ever before." Enel's renewables business, Enel Green Power, closed out 2022 with several new clean power plants in North America, including the 270 MW Blue Jay solar project in Texas, the 250 MW 25 Mile Creek wind project in Oklahoma, and several others. The Blue Jay project also includes a paired battery storage facility expected to begin operation in 2023. Worldwide, Enel built over 5.2 GW of new renewable capacity over the course of the year. Combined, the new projects in the US and Canada represent over $200 million in new property tax revenue for communities and over $210 million in landowner payments over the projects' lifetimes. Story continues In 2022, Enel signed 12 power purchase agreements (PPAs) totaling over 630 MW, including deals with Campbell Soup Company, Thermo Fisher Scientific, McDonald's and five members of its North America Logistics Council, and more. To support the 25 Mile Creek wind project, Enel signed virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) in late 2022 with Verizon for a 100 MW portion of the wind farm's output and with MathWorks for a 11 MW portion. The Clorox Company previously signed a VPPA for a 47 MW portion of the project. The company's capacity growth occurred alongside its expansion into new business areas. In 2022, Enel announced the additions of Enel X Way, a new business line dedicated to electric mobility, and Gridspertise, a grid modernization subsidiary, in North America. Enel also revealed its intention to build a large-scale PV solar panel and cell manufacturing facility in the US and begin retail electricity sales in select deregulated US states. The expansions are part of a larger, integrated growth strategy as Enel looks to seize the opportunities and incentives brought about by the Inflation Reduction Act to meet market and customer demand. As demand for clean energy rises, Enel continues to strategically deploy capital for the development of energy resources in North America. At the company's annual Capital Markets Day presentation to investors in November 2022, Enel announced plans to invest around $5 billion in the North American market, with the aim to develop approximately 5 GW of new utility-scale renewable and battery energy storage capacity through 2025. Additionally, Enel intends to add 155 MW of distributed energy storage and 475,000 charging ports by 2025. About Enel in North America Enel North America, part of the Enel Group, is a clean energy leader in North America and is working to electrify the economy and build a net-zero carbon future by decarbonizing energy supply, electrifying transportation, creating resilient grids, and promoting a just, equitable transition. Enel North America serves over 4,500 businesses, utilities, and cities through renewable power generation, demand response, distributed energy resources, smart e-mobility solutions and services, energy trading, advisory and consulting services, and more. Its portfolio includes over 9.6 GW of utility-scale renewable capacity, 606 MW / 910 MWh of utility-scale energy storage and 76 MW / 174 MWh of distributed energy storage capacity, 4.7 GW of demand response capacity, and 160,000 electric vehicle charging stations. Visit enelnorthamerica.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube to learn more. Media Contact Matt Epting northamericamedia@enel.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enel-adds-nearly-2-gw-of-new-renewable-capacity-in-us--canada-in-2022-301740219.html SOURCE Enel North America OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 7, 2023 /CNW/ - For the fifteenth consecutive year, Hydro Ottawa has earned a spot among the National Capital Region's Top Employers . Hydro Ottawa remains resilient thanks to a connected workforce (CNW Group/Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.) When a historic derecho wind storm devastated Ottawa and its electricity system on May 21, 2022, Hydro Ottawa employees came together for days on end to restore power for their customers. From severe damage to property and Ottawa's urban forest, the impact on the company's electrical infrastructure made this storm its biggest yet; significantly worse than the 1998 ice storm and the 2018 tornadoes. The restoration effort was so massive an undertaking that it was the equivalent of doing four years worth of construction work and emergency repairs in 14 days. Through it all, employees from across the organization stepped up to assist. The powerful connection between employees and the community, as well as to each other, has been carefully nurtured over many years within the culture at Hydro Ottawa. It's that connection to purpose and community that is a key driver of the organization's success and vision for the future. As a leader in a smart energy future, the company has committed to being the first municipally-owned utility in Canada to achieve net zero operations by 2030. It's a moonshot, and employees across the company are taking up the challenge to innovate and plan the way forward. Employees of Hydro Ottawa work in rewarding careers that shape and influence the world around us, specifically in the rapidly evolving fields of electricity, sustainable energy solutions, and renewable energy generation. Quick facts Hydro Ottawa places an emphasis on the health and wellbeing of its employees through its healthcare benefits, fitness and wellness programs, paid volunteer day, and employee assistance programs. Since the pandemic, the company introduced a fully digital, therapist-led, cognitive behavioural therapy program designed to help employees and their families struggling with mental health challenges. The company supported 11 local charities in 2022, including a donation of $150,000 for the Ottawa Food Bank, and an employee-led campaign that raised more than $166,000 for the United Way of East Ontario. In 2021, Hydro Ottawa launched its 2021-2025 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework and Corporate Plan, the third plan since 2013, with a focus on continuing to increase the diversity of our workforce, providing a safe and inclusive work environment and strengthening partnerships in the community. And in 2022, the company outlined its commitment to gender diversity goals by 2030. On average, Hydro Ottawa invests close to 40 hours per employee annually on training in trades and safe work practices, business skills, management and leadership development. In 2022, the company continued its approach to modernizing its training and development programs, enabling employees to access micro learning anytime and anywhere on any device. A constantly growing eLearning library of courses, videos and ebooks for professional and skill development keeps employees learning, when it works for them. For field employees, new virtual reality training modules are changing the way they learn and practice their trade. Hydro Ottawa supports employees through key stages in their lives, and also invests in their families through programs like mental health support extended to family members and Safety Scholarships for post-secondary education. Story continues Quotes "When an emergency happens, whether it's the derecho wind storm in May or the winter storm we experienced in December, I know our employees will give their all, and more, to restore power to our customers. They are committed to finding and implementing innovative solutions that will make our systems more resilient to climate change, and spearheading initiatives for a greener, more sustainable electricity future. That dedication to their work and their community is the reason for our continued success." - Bryce Conrad, President and Chief Executive Officer About Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (Hydro Ottawa) is a private company 100 per cent owned by the City of Ottawa and whose core businesses are electricity distribution, renewable energy generation, and energy and utility services. As a leading partner in a smart energy future, Hydro Ottawa is committed to sustainability and reducing its impact on the environment in all aspects of its operations. It owns and operates three primary subsidiary companies: Hydro Ottawa Limited a local distribution company that delivers electricity to more than 354,000 customers in the City of Ottawa and the Village of Casselman; Portage Power the largest Ontario-based municipally-owned producer of green power with 131 megawatts of installed green generation capacity; and Envari an energy solutions company offering products and services that help reduce energy consumption and costs for municipalities, industrial and commercial clients, and various local distribution companies. SOURCE Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2023/07/c8769.html Canadian Labour Congress Bruske: Health care deal is a step in the right direction Now governments must deliver OTTAWA, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadas unions welcome the federal governments pledge to increase health funding to provinces and territories. New money being added will help address some of the challenges but with no strings attached, this deal will only scratch the surface of the problems our crumbling health care system is currently facing. Extreme staffing shortages and years of chronic underfunding put our public health care system at risk. Emergency rooms are overflowing, childrens hospitals are swamped, and wait times for critical surgeries keep getting longer. Tragic reports of people dying as they wait in emergency rooms for care have shaken communities across Canada. Health care staff are on the brink, and our loved ones cannot access the care they need. We are cautiously optimistic to hear that our federal government has committed to $196.1 billion over the next 10 years and $46.2 billion in new funding, now we need to see results, said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. Canadians desperately need meaningful investment in our public health care system to ensure staff are supported and our loved ones can access care when they need it. The agreement of $1.7 billion over five years to support hourly wage increases for personal support workers is encouraging, but its not enough and it wont be sufficient to fix the staff shortage, added Bruske. Canadas unions are calling on our federal and provincial governments to bolster public health care by: Increasing funding to the public health care system and putting a stop to for-profit healthcare; Urgently addressing the critical shortage of health workers; Implementing publicly funded, and delivered, Pharmacare; Providing permanent and ongoing funding for public mental health services; Bringing long-term care entirely into the public system. Bruske said that the path out of this health care crisis would require cooperation by all levels of government. Health care is one of the most pressing issues facing our country right now. Canadians expect to see our elected leaders roll up their sleeves and get to work on rebuilding our public health care system. Story continues To arrange an interview, please contact: CLC Media Relations media@clcctc.ca 613-526-7426 Fremantle has unveiled a new European leadership team. The expanding content company owned by German giant RTL has created two new CEO roles. One for Northern Europe, for which it has upped its Amsterdam-based exec Georgette Schlick, the other for Southern Europe, for which it has poached prominent Paramount Global Southern Europe and Middle East chief Jaime Ondarza. More from Variety The two new positions will report directly to Andrea Scrosati, Fremantle Group COO and CEO Continental Europe. Schlick, formerly CEO of Fremantle Netherlands and Belgium, will oversee Fremantles businesses in The Netherlands and Belgium, including scripted label Fiction Valley, and Fremantle production territories Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Poland. Meanwhile, the This Is Nice labels, which Fremantle acquired in 2021, will continue to be overseen by CEO Morten Mogensen, who will now report to Schlick. Ondarza, who at Paramount Global was most recently EVP Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa and Head of Streaming Southern EMEA and Latin America, will continue to be based in Rome from where he will oversee Fremantles production businesses in France, Israel (Abot Hameiri), Italy, Portugal, and Spain. However the founder-led drama labels in these territories Miso Film (Denmark, Sweden, Norway); Wildside; The Apartment Pictures; and Lux Vide (Italy) will instead report to Christian Vesper in his recently announced new role of CEO, Global Drama. Through acquisitions and organic growth, Fremantle today is bigger and stronger than ever, said Scrosati in a statement. We have carefully designed this new structure to best support our regional CEOs across Europe. Georgette and Jaime are the perfect choices to manage these key roles and future proof our rapid business expansion, he added. Story continues Scrosati also noted being Delighted to welcome Jaime into the Fremantle family and having appreciated his professional expertise and personal sophistication for many years. He also pointed out that he looked forward to Working even more closely with Georgette Schlick. I have been incredibly impressed by her managerial and leadership skills which make her a truly exceptional executive, he went on to note. Fremantle, once known for talent shows X-Factor and American Idol, has been on a buying spree snapping up indie companies across Europe, including Irelands Element Pictures, Italys Lux Vide, and the U.K.s Passenger, among others, and making a major push into TV series such as The Mosquito Coast and movies including upcoming Angelina Jolie-directed drama Without Blood. The companys revenues for the first nine months of 2022 soared 27.8 percent to 1.65 billion euro ($1.61 billion) and RTL has set a target for full-year revenue to reach 3 billion ($3.2 billion) by 2025. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Company Logo Dublin, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Automotive Glass Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2022 to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global automotive glass market was valued at US$ 17.47 Bn in 2021 and is anticipated to grow to US$ 29.98 Bn growing at a CAGR of 6.3% throughout the forecast period from 2022 to 2030. Despite the challenging environment, the automotive market posted modest growth during 2020-21. According to report published by International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) the global sales of automotive vehicle was 95,055,937 units globally. Thus driving the growth of the automotive glass market. Factors including rapid development of infrastructure, and support from fiscal stimuli among other are further fueling the market growth. The sales of automotive will be affected by technical advancements in vehicle connectivity and integration of safety systems for self-driving cars. Rapid technological advancements have helped in improvising vehicle designs including cross-curvature windows, roofline sweeping glass, and asymmetric shapes. There is a positive impact on consumers due to increased usage of telematics in vehicles and a shift in consumer preference towards superior comfort vehicles influencing the market growth. Product Analysis Based on product, tempered glass was the largest market segment and accounted for over 50% of revenue share of the total market revenue. This can be attributed to the factors including reduced cost, easy manufacturing and high demand of product in both commercial as well as passenger vehicles. In addition, the benefits offered by it including durability and utility in automotive industry among others is expected to drive the market growth. In contrast, laminated glass segment is anticipated to register fastest growth throughout the forecast period. Owing to the increased usage of laminated glass in windshield, better visibility and enhanced safety among others. Increasing demand for premium features in automotive vehicles is anticipated to facilitate R&D and product development in this segment. Thus boosting the demand of the automotive glass market. Story continues End-use Analysis Based on end-use, the global automotive glass market is segmented into OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and ARG (Aftersales Replacement Glass). OEM segment leads the market in terms of revenue share and accounts for more than 80% of the market revenue. This can be associated with the increasing sales of vehicles globally and technological advancements for enhancing safety solutions. Thus bolstering the growth of the market. In comparison, ARG segment is expected to grow at a modest CAGR during the forecast years. Owing to, factors including low cost of installation than OEM, poor installation, accidents, and temperature changes among others. Thus driving the growth of the automotive glass market in this segment. Regional Analysis In 2021, Asia Pacific appeared as the market leader and contributed more than 30% to the market revenue of the global automotive glass market. Asia Pacific region is projected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period trailed by Europe. This is due to rapidly developing infrastructure, and increased production and sales in the countries including China and India among others. Thereby fuelling the market growth of automotive glass market. According to report published by OICA, the sales in India increased to 4,400,136 units in 2018 from 4,059,455 units in 2017. On the contrary, Latin America region is set to register fastest growth throughout the forecast period. Owing to, growing urbanization, expanding automotive industry in the region among others. For instance, the sales of automotive in Brazil increased from 2,172,738 units in 2017 to 2,468,434 in 2018. In addition, Europe appeared as the second largest revenue contributing region to the global automotive glass market with a share of more than 20%. List of Companies Covered: Asahi Glass Co. Ltd. Fuyao Group Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Corning Incorporated. Saint-Gobain S.A. Guardian Industries Corp. Xinyi Glass Holdings Ltd. Duratuf Glass Industries Pvt. Ltd. CSG Holding Ltd. China Glass Holdings Ltd. Central Glass Co. Ltd. Historical & Forecast Period This study report represents analysis of each segment from 2020 to 2030 considering 2021 as the base year. Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each of the respective segments estimated for the forecast period of 2022 to 2030. Key questions answered in this report What are the key micro and macro environmental factors that are impacting the growth of Automotive Glass market? What are the key investment pockets with respect to product segments and geographies currently and during the forecast period? Estimated forecast and market projections up to 2030. Which segment accounts for the fastest CAGR during the forecast period? Which market segment holds a larger market share and why? Are low and middle-income economies investing in the Automotive Glass market? Which is the largest regional market for Automotive Glass market? What are the market trends and dynamics in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa? Which are the key trends driving Automotive Glass market growth? Who are the key competitors and what are their key strategies to enhance their market presence in the Automotive Glass market worldwide? Key Topics Covered: 1. Preface 2. Executive Summary 3. Automotive Glass Market: Competitive Analysis 3.1. Market Positioning of Key Automotive Glass Market Vendors 3.2. Strategies Adopted by Automotive Glass Market Vendors 3.3. Key Industry Strategies 3.4. Tier Analysis 2021 Versus 2030 4. Automotive Glass Market: Macro Analysis & Market Dynamics 4.1. Introduction 4.2. Global Automotive Glass Market Value, 2020 - 2030, (US$ Million) 4.3. Market Dynamics 4.3.1. Market Drivers 4.3.2. Market Restraints 4.3.3. Key Challenges 4.3.4. Key Opportunities 4.4. Impact Analysis of Drivers and Restraints 4.5. See-Saw Analysis 5. Automotive Glass Market: By Product, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 5.1. Market Overview 5.2. Growth & Revenue Analysis: 2021 Versus 2030 5.3. Market Segmentation 5.3.1. Laminated 5.3.2. Tempered 6. Automotive Glass Market: By Application, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 6.1. Market Overview 6.2. Growth & Revenue Analysis: 2021 Versus 2030 6.3. Market Segmentation 6.3.1. Windshield 6.3.2. Sunroof 6.3.3. Rear-view mirrors 6.3.4. Others (Sidelite, Backlite, etc.) 7. Automotive Glass Market: By Vehicle, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 7.1. Market Overview 7.2. Growth & Revenue Analysis: 2021 Versus 2030 7.3. Market Segmentation 7.3.1. Passenger Vehicles 7.3.2. Commercial Vehicles 8. Automotive Glass Market: By End-use, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 8.1. Market Overview 8.2. Growth & Revenue Analysis: 2021 Versus 2030 8.3. Market Segmentation 8.3.1. OEM 8.3.2. ARG 9. North America Automotive Glass Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 10. UK and European Union Automotive Glass Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 11. Asia Pacific Automotive Glass Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 12. Latin America Automotive Glass Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 13. Middle East and Africa Automotive Glass Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 14. Company Profile For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7pm2o6-glass?w=12 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. CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 DUBLIN, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Drone-Powered Business Solutions Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Research and Markets Logo The global drone-powered business solutions market size reached US$ 1,453.3 Million in 2021. Looking forward, the publisher expects the market to reach US$ 12,087.4 Million by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 42.34% during 2021-2027. Companies Mentioned 3D Robotics Inc. Cyberhawk Innovations Ltd. Delair DroneDeploy Eagle Eye Drone Service LLC FlyWorx LLC Phoenix Drone Services LLC Pix4D SA (Parrot SA) PrecisionHawk Skylark Drones Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, we are continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic on different end use industries. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor. Drones are aircraft without crew, human pilots, or passengers. They fly remotely in set routes according to commands transmitted by onboard computers or the user. They are widely used in business settings that require both high-quality data and mobility, ranging from broad capital projects to infrastructure maintenance. They also support strategic advisory for start-up companies and government authorities and image data processing and analytics delivering technical products and reports. Nowadays, numerous companies are developing apps that integrate, manage, and provide data collected by drone-powered business solutions in a convenient, easy-to-use web browser interface. This data assists in measuring and analyzing geospatial data. Drone-powered business solutions can address issues faced by different organizations in managing their assets dispersed over large areas. This represents one of the significant factors stimulating the market growth. Besides this, they are employed in the agriculture sector to compile plant count and calculate fair crop loss percentage. They are also used for crop supervision and maintenance during precision farming. Story continues Additionally, as governing authorities of several countries are focusing on enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and automated flights, the sales of drone-powered business solutions are increasing worldwide. They also aid in three-dimensional (3D) video mapping, land audit, and town planning. Apart from this, travel restrictions due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak are propelling the need for these business solutions to support transactions with remote asset insights. The incorporation of cloud computing, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) is also offering lucrative opportunities for key market players. These players are currently focusing on innovating these solutions to expand their utilization in delivering medical supplies. Key Questions Answered in This Report: How has the global drone-powered business solutions market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years? What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global drone-powered business solutions market? What are the key regional markets? What is the breakup of the market based on the type? What is the breakup of the market based on the solution? What is the breakup of the market based on the application? What is the breakup of the market based on the end use? What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry? What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry? What is the structure of the global drone-powered business solutions market and who are the key players? What is the degree of competition in the industry? Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 145 Forecast Period 2021 - 2027 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2021 $1453.3 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2027 $12087.4 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 42.3 % Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: 1 Preface 2 Scope and Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Introduction 4.1 Overview 4.2 Key Industry Trends 5 Global Drone-Powered Business Solutions Market 5.1 Market Overview 5.2 Market Performance 5.3 Impact of COVID-19 5.4 Market Forecast 6 Market Breakup by Type 6.1 Multi-Rotor 6.1.1 Market Trends 6.1.2 Market Forecast 6.2 Fixed-Wing 6.2.1 Market Trends 6.2.2 Market Forecast 6.3 Others 6.3.1 Market Trends 6.3.2 Market Forecast 7 Market Breakup by Solution 7.1 Services 7.1.1 Market Trends 7.1.2 Market Forecast 7.2 Software 7.2.1 Market Trends 7.2.2 Market Forecast 8 Market Breakup by Application 8.1 Filming and Photography 8.1.1 Market Trends 8.1.2 Market Forecast 8.2 Mapping and Surveying 8.2.1 Market Trends 8.2.2 Market Forecast 8.3 Data Acquisition and Analytics 8.3.1 Market Trends 8.3.2 Market Forecast 8.4 Surveillance and SAR 8.4.1 Market Trends 8.4.2 Market Forecast 8.5 3D Modeling 8.5.1 Market Trends 8.5.2 Market Forecast 8.6 Delivery Service 8.6.1 Market Trends 8.6.2 Market Forecast 8.7 Others 8.7.1 Market Trends 8.7.2 Market Forecast 9 Market Breakup by End Use 9.1 Real Estate and Construction 9.1.1 Market Trends 9.1.2 Market Forecast 9.2 Media and Entertainment 9.2.1 Market Trends 9.2.2 Market Forecast 9.3 Energy 9.3.1 Market Trends 9.3.2 Market Forecast 9.4 Agriculture 9.4.1 Market Trends 9.4.2 Market Forecast 9.5 Security and Law Enforcement 9.5.1 Market Trends 9.5.2 Market Forecast 9.6 Logistics and Transportation 9.6.1 Market Trends 9.6.2 Market Forecast 9.7 Others 9.7.1 Market Trends 9.7.2 Market Forecast 10 Market Breakup by Region 11 SWOT Analysis 12 Value Chain Analysis 13 Porters Five Forces Analysis 14 Price Analysis 15 Competitive Landscape 15.1 Market Structure 15.2 Key Players 15.3 Profiles of Key Players For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ov7tp-powered?w=5 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 press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 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 Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-drone-powered-business-solutions-market-to-2027-key-players-include-3d-robotics-cyberhawk-innovations-delair-and-dronedeploy-301740676.html SOURCE Research and Markets Laman Ismayilova 102 years have passed since the birthday of the Azerbaijani computer scientist and Professor Lotfi Zada, Azernews reports. He is renowned for proposing fuzzy mathematics consisting of these fuzzy-related concepts like fuzzy sets, fuzzy logic, fuzzy algorithms, fuzzy information, etc. The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) studies, designs and implements control systems based on his theories. Lotfi Zada submitted "Fuzzy Sets", a groundbreaking paper that introduced the world to his innovative mathematical framework called "fuzzy logic" on November 30, 1964. In his theory of fuzzy sets, the scientist proposed using a membership function operating on the domain of all possible values. He proposed new operations for the calculus of logic and showed that fuzzy logic was a generalization of classical and Boolean logic. His revolutionary theory of fuzzy logic is widely used in the production of photo and video cameras, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and other technology. The theory played a major role in the formation of modern information and communication systems. Lotfi Zada passed away on September 6, 2017. The body of the deceased was brought from the US to Azerbaijan and interred in the First Alley of Honor. In 2021, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on holding the 100th anniversary of the outstanding scientist Lotfi Zada. A symposium on artificial intelligence in digital governance was conducted virtually in 2021 in remembrance of the late world-renowned scientist Lotfi Zadeh. The three-day conference was conducted by the E-GOV Development Center (EGDC) of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations and featured 58 speakers from 22 nations. Future Market Insights Global and Consulting Pvt. Ltd. The USA market currently accounts for over 20.9% of the global market and is expected to grow over the course of the forecast period. China and the USA market expanding at a high CAGR. Together, North America and East Asia are projected to hold around 35 percent of the market share through 2033. Japan is slated to hold a 6.5% share of the global market in 2022. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global hydraulic cylinder market is expected to advance at 4.6% between 2023 and 2033. The valuation is expected to exceed US$ 24 billion by 2033. In 2023, the estimation is likely to be at US$ 15.3 billion. Automotive factories face a massive demand for hydraulic cylinders. In 2021, the automotive market had a mammoth valuation of US$ 2.8 trillion and is expected to grow at a robust rate during the forecast period. These figures display massive prospects for the market going ahead. Hydraulic cylinders are used in the construction sector as well. These are deployed for the preparation of concretes, and also for transferring heavy loads to the construction site. Rapid urbanization in major parts of the world presents a slew of opportunities for the market. Ask for In-depth Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-14430 The ability to provide variable speed control ensures that the machine doesnt deteriorate because of extreme working conditions. Certain kinds of hydraulic cylinders occupy less space, and despite not possessing a massive build, they perform flawless operations. The investors are ready to pour huge amounts of money because of their ability to deliver efficient power-to-weight ratios. All these factors are expected to surge the sales of hydraulic cylinder during the forecast period. However, the lack of availability of raw materials because of the ongoing supply chain issues is expected to hinder the market growth. Thus, from the insights provided by the FMI analysts, it can be inferred that the massive automotive market, surging construction sector, the ability to work in extreme conditions and lots of other factors are expected to surge the growth of hydraulic cylinder market during the forecast period. Story continues Key Takeaways: The market is expected to record a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period. In 2023, the valuation is expected to be at US$ 15.3 billion. By 2033, the market size is expected to surge past US$ 24 billion. Asia Pacific is expected to be the dominant market during the forecast period. The United States market is expected to record a CAGR of 3.5%. The United Kingdom market is expected to register a CAGR of 3.9%. China's market is anticipated to post a growth rate of 6.3%. Japan market is projected to surge at 5.1%. South Korea market is anticipated to advance at 5.4%. Based on product type, welded hydraulic cylinder is expected to be the dominant segment, and is expected to grow at 4.6%. Based on application, mobile equipment is anticipated to be the leading segment and is projected to grow at 4.5%. Competitive Landscapes The manufacturers operating in the hydraulic cylinder market are expected to invest in crucial acquisitions. This comes at a time when all the pending projects are done on a priority basis after a brief gap. Apart from that, the intention is to grab lions share of the market. The key players are also pumping in millions of dollars in research and development activities. A lot of emphasis is being laid on sustainable initiatives. With governments worldwide adopting stringent measures to cut down carbon emissions, the key players have started adopting eco-friendly practices, and are making use of green technology. Ask Our Analyst More about Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-14430 Recent Developments In October 2022, Caterpillar announced the expansion of its construction industry portfolio with four battery electric machines. In December 2022, Eaton expanded its cybersecurity services, and added global customer experience sites to help customers address critical infrastructure vulnerabilities. Key Segments Covered in Hydraulic Cylinder Industry Research By Bore Size: <50 mm 51 - 100 mm 101 - 150 mm 151 - 300 mm Above 300 mm By Product: Tie-rod Cylinders Threaded Cylinders Welded Cylinders Bolted/ Mill Cylinders Telescopic Cylinders Other Cylinders By Application: Hydraulic Cylinders for Industrial Equipment Lifts & Aerial Work Platforms Rams & Presses Loading Docks Injection Molding Machines Oil & Gas and Offshore Applications Others Hydraulic Cylinders for Mobile Equipment Agricultural & Forestry Vehicles Construction Equipments Mining & Material Handling Equipments Others By Operating Principle: Single Acting Double Acting Multi-stage/ Tandem By Region: North America Latin America Europe East Asia South Asia & Pacific Middle East & Africa 100% Customization Report For You@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-14430 Table of Content 1. Executive Summary | Hydraulic Cylinder Market 1.1. Global Market Outlook 1.2. Demand Side Trends 1.3. Supply Side Trends 1.4. Technology Roadmap 1.5. Analysis and Recommendations 2. Market Overview 2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy 2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations 3. Key Market Trends 3.1. Key Trends Impacting the Market 3.2. Product Innovation / Development Trends 4. Key Success Factors 4.1. Product Adoption / Usage Analysis 4.2. Product USPs / Features 4.3. Strategic Promotional Strategies Read Full Report @https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/global-hydraulic-cylinder-market Explore FMIs Extensive Coverage in Industrial Automation Domain : Rockbreakers Market Review: The global rockbreakers market is valued at US$ 28,118.8 million in 2023 and is projected to register significant growth at a CAGR of 6.1% to reach a market valuation of US$ 50,833.6 million by the end of 2033. Latin America Hydraulic Filtration Market Research: Latin America's hydraulic filtration market size reached US$ 150.1 million in 2021 and it is likely to surpass a valuation of US$ 156.4 million in 2022. Industrial Robotics Market Overview: The global industrial robotics market is estimated to surpass US$ 220 billion by the end of 2033. The market is rising at a CAGR of 18.9% during the forecast period 2023 to 2033. Screw Conveyor Market Forecast: Registering a year-on-year growth of 3.7%, the global screw conveyor market is forecast to reach US$ 884.2 million by the end of 2022. Overall screw conveyor sales are slated to increase at a CAGR of 4.8% Industrial Motors Market Share: The global industrial motors market was valued at US$ 653.0 million in 2022. From 2022 to 2032, the market is projected to expand slowly at a CAGR of 3.5%. This is likely to propel the markets valuation to US$ 917.3 million in 2032. About Future Market Insights, Inc. Future Market Insights, Inc. is an ESOMAR-certified business consulting & market research firm, a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and is headquartered in Delaware, USA. A recipient of Clutch Leaders Award 2022 on account of high client score (4.9/5), we have been collaborating with global enterprises in their business transformation journey and helping them deliver on their business ambitions. 80% of the largest Forbes 1000 enterprises are our clients. We serve global clients across all leading & niche market segments across all major industries Contact Us: Future Market Insights, Inc. 1602-6 Jumeirah Bay X2 Tower, Plot No: JLT-PH2-X2A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com ReportLinker Report Scope:. This report will cover the market for laboratory disposables.Definitive and detailed estimates and forecasts of the global market are provided, followed by a detailed analysis based on end user, material, product, and region. New York, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Market for Laboratory Disposables" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06416969/?utm_source=GNW This report covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global market for laboratory disposables for 2022-2027. To calculate the market size, the revenue generated through sales of laboratory disposables products for end-use industries such as hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, contract research organizations, and several other end users are considered. The report also presents the competitive landscape and a subsequent detailed profile of the key players operating in the market. Furthermore, the study also discusses the market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. It also examines new and emerging trends and their impact on current and future market dynamics. Report Includes: - 47 tables - In-depth overview and up-to-date analysis of the global markets for laboratory disposable products - Analyses of the global and regional market trends, with historic revenue data for 2021, estimates for 2022, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2027 - Understanding of the current and upcoming market opportunities of laboratory disposables, and areas of focus to forecast the market into various segments and sub-segments - Estimation of the actual market size and revenue forecast for global laboratory disposable market in USD million values, and corresponding market share analysis by raw material type, product, end user, and geographical region - Highlights of the current market status, emerging trends, and future commercial potential for each key segment of the global market for laboratory disposables, and the major regions and countries involved in market developments - Coverage of the technological, economic and business considerations of laboratory disposable products market with analyses and growth forecasts through 2027 - Insight into the recent industry structure, regulatory dynamics, technology advancements, and major strategic developments in the market for laboratory disposables - Company profiles of the major market participants, including Becton Dickinson and Co., Cardinal Health, Avantor, McKesson Corp., Medline Industries Inc., Gerresheimer AG, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Summary: The main materials used to create disposable goods are plastic, paper, polystyrene foam, or cotton. Laboratory disposables are a group of consumable goods that aid in keeping labs clean. Better outcomes are obtained from diagnostic and research tests using laboratory disposables.As they are not reusable, these goods also aid in reducing the need for reprocessing. Disposables for laboratories can be sterile or non-sterile, made of various materials, suited for keeping various samples, resistant to chemicals, etc. Due to the numerous benefits of plastics, including their affordability, light weight, adaptability, and biocompatibility, the demand for them in the healthcare industry is rising, which is a major driver of the global market for laboratory disposable products.Products that are disposable improve patient safety by reducing the risk of product contamination and infectious illnesses. During the projected period, it is anticipated that this will increase demand for laboratory disposable items. The market for laboratory disposable products is being driven by an increase in R&D in the healthcare sector, an increase in the burden of chronic diseases, an increase in the number of laboratories, and an increase in technical improvements.Strategies adopted by key players and emerging economies to provide profitable opportunities to companies in the global market for laboratory disposable products are concentrating on meeting the demands of the medical industry through the introduction of cuttingedge products and technologies. To improve their position in the worldwide market, major players emphasize research and development efforts as well as acquisitions, mergers, and collaborations. Leading companies in the global market for laboratory disposable items are Cardinal Health, Medline Industries Inc., BD, McKesson Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Gerresheimer AG, PerkinElmer Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., etc. The BD Intevia 1mL two-step disposable autoinjector, a reliable platform device integrating autoinjector and pre-fillable syringe in one integrated system, was introduced in October 2019 by BD, a prominent worldwide medical technology firm. The news was made at the 2019 Universe of Pre-Filled Syringes and Injection Devices meeting of the Parental Drug Association in Gothenburg, Sweden. Due to factors such as an increase in the patient population, an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases, an increase in government initiatives in the healthcare sector, an increase in the number of laboratories, and an increase in R&D activities, emerging economies present lucrative opportunities for the market for laboratory disposable products. North America accounted for the largest share of the global market for laboratory disposable products. Due to rising patient populations, technological advancements, an increase in the number of laboratories with adequate equipment, an increase in R&D activities, and the presence of important market players, North America is anticipated to hold the largest share of the global market for laboratory disposable products during the forecast period. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06416969/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Story continues CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The value of the green technology and sustainability market stood at USD 19,499.6 million in 2022, and this number is projected to reach USD 43,453.9 million by 2030, advancing at a CAGR of 10.7% during 20222030. P_and_S_Intelligence_Logo P&S Intelligence majorly credits this growth to the increasing demand for energy, implementation of sustainability legislations, extensive usage of building automation solutions, and ever-changing prices of crude oil. Get the sample pages of this report: https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/green-technology-and-sustainability-market/report-sample Internet of Things Usage Is Set To Grow at Highest Rate The IoT category is set to lead the industry and experience rapid growth in the coming years. This will mainly be due to the growing awareness regarding the environmental and health problems because of the emission of carbon. Further, to avoid the wastage of energy and gather energy consumption data, such technology is useful in several applications, such as factories, hospitals, power grids, utility meters, hospitals, homes, city administrations, offices, and smart transport. Global Warming Is Driving Green Building Development Because of the rampant industrialization and commercialization, the building and construction industry is growing significantly, to satisfy the increasing demand for space for residential and business purposes. Resulting from the surge in the production of energy, carbon releases are growing at a shocking rate worldwide. Consequently, to cope with the high energy needs without causing any environmental damage, governments are focusing on green buildings. The purpose of green building technologies is to decrease the consumption of energy and utilize only the electricity generated onsite, through rooftop solar panels, BIPVs, and other renewable energy sources. Solution Usage among SMEs To Grow Faster The SMEs category is projected to accept eco-friendly technologies at a higher rate of growth in comparison to larger enterprises, since the contribution of small enterprises is massive for any nation's economy. Due to this, the augmenting acceptance of cloud computing technologies and IoT by small and medium-sized enterprises will continuously drive the revenue for solution providers in the coming years. Story continues Browse detailed report on Green Technology and Sustainability Market Share, Growth and Demand Forecast Report 2030 North America Is Rapidly Adopting Green Technologies In 2022, North America led the green technology and sustainability market, and it will stay on this path in the future. This is credited to the surge in the government effort to decrease carbon releases and the quick uptake of power-saving technologies in the continent. A number of megacities in the U.S., including New York City, Los Angeles, and Denver, have set ambitious green building targets. Additionally, the Biden Administration has announced plans to have over 50% lower emissions in 2030 than in 2005. Green Technology and Sustainability Market Report Coverage By Component Solutions Services By Technology IoT AI & Analytics Digiital Twin Cloud Computing Blockchain By Organization Size SMEs Large Enterprises By Deployment Mode Cloud On- Premises By Application Green Building Carbon Footprint Management Air Pollution Monitoring Water and Wastewater Management Weather Monitoring Soil Condition/Crop monitoring Fire Detection Forest monitoring Regional Analysis North America Europe Asia-Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa Browse More Reports Published by P&S Global Digital Twin Market Size, Trends, Opportunities, and Growth Forecast to 2030 Global Blockchain Devices Market Size, Trends, Opportunities, and Growth Forecast to 2030 Global Wastewater Treatment Plants Market Size, Trends, Opportunities, and Growth Forecast to 2030 About P&S Intelligence P&S Intelligence provides market research and consulting services to a vast array of industries across the world. As an enterprising research and consulting company, P&S believes in providing thorough insights on the ever-changing market scenario, to empower companies to make informed decisions and base their business strategies with astuteness. P&S keeps the interest of its clients at heart, which is why the insights we provide are both honest and accurate. Our long list of satisfied clients includes entry-level firms as well as multi-million-dollar businesses and government agencies. Contact: Prajneesh Kumar P&S Intelligence Phone: +1-347-960-6455 Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.psmarketresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1224988/P_and_S_Intelligence_Logo.jpg Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/green-technology-and-sustainability-market-will-reach-usd-43-453-9-million-by-2030--says-ps-intelligence-301740549.html SOURCE P&S Intelligence HARJU ELEKTER AS AS Harju Elekter announced in a stock exchange announcement on 8 June 2022 that they were planning to build a new production building in the Allika Industrial Park. To this end, AS Harju Elekter and Nordecon Betoon OU (brand name NOBE) signed a construction contract for a production and office building at Angerja tee, Huuru. Together with the construction cost of the building, the total real estate investment will amount to 5 million euros, and the works will be completed in December 2023. Nordecon Betoon OU is a company of Nordecon Group. Nordecon is a group of construction companies whose core business is construction project management and general contracting in the buildings and infrastructures segment. Geographically the Group operates in Estonia, Finland, Ukraine and Sweden. The parent of the Group is Nordecon AS, a company registered and located in Tallinn, Estonia. The consolidated revenue of the Group in 2021 was 289 million euros. Currently Nordecon Group employs close to 670 people. The real estate unit of Harju Elekter Group is engaged in the development of industrial real estate, project management, leasing, and related services for both rental partners and Harju Elekter's own companies. The real estate unit manages a total of nine industrial parks in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Lithuania. Harju Elekter is an international industrial group with extensive experience in providing future proof solutions for electrical power distribution. We engineer, manufacture, and install electrification solutions for utilities, industries, infrastructure, public and commercial buildings. The entities of Harju Elekter Group in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Lithuania employ around 900 people, and the Groups nine-month revenue in 2022 was 125.3 million euros. Aron Kuhi-Thalfeldt Real Estate Department Manager/Member of the Management Board +372 5171448 SOITEC In Bernin, on February 7, 2023 INFORMATION RELATING TO THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VOTING RIGHTS AND SHARES FORMING THE SHARE CAPITAL (Article L. 233-8 II of the French Commercial Code and article 223-16 of the General Regulation of the French financial markets authority (A.M.F)) Corporate name and address of the company: SOITEC Parc Technologique des Fontaines - Chemin des Franques 38190 Bernin (FRANCE) Statement date Total number of shares forming the share capital Total number of voting rights 1/31/2023 35,589,417 (1) Number of theoretical (gross) voting rights (2): 46,101,149 Number of exercisable (net) voting rights (3): 44,948,340 (1) representing 35,589,417 ordinary shares of 2.00 par value each, listed on the Euronext Paris regulated market under ISIN code FR0013227113 and the mnemonic SOI. (2) The total number of theoretical voting rights (or gross voting rights) is used as the basis for calculating the crossing of shareholding thresholds. In accordance with article 223-11 of the AMF General Regulation, this number is calculated on the basis of all shares to which voting rights are attached, including shares without voting rights (for example, treasury shares) and after taking into account the number of shares entitled to double voting rights. (3) The total number of exercisable voting rights (or net voting rights) is calculated after taking into account the number of shares entitled to double voting rights, and after deduction of the shares without voting rights (for example, treasury shares). Soitec, a French joint-stock corporation with a share capital of Euros 71,178,834 - 384 711 909 R.C.S. Grenoble - APE code 2611 Z Headquarters address: Parc Technologique des Fontaines Chemin des Franques 38190 Bernin (France) Attachment Innovative Food Holdings Bill Bennett Appointed CEO and Director Sam Klepfish to Remain Chairman of the Board of Directors BONITA SPRINGS, Fla., Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Innovative Food Holdings, Inc. (IVFH), a leading specialty food-focused eCommerce platform, today announced that current IVFH CEO Sam Klepfish plans to step down on February 28, 2023 and Bill Bennett, an experienced eCommerce, digital, and grocery leader will join the Company as its new Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, Mr. Bennett will join the Board of Directors. Mr. Klepfish will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board and will be working closely with Mr. Bennett to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Mr. Bennett was most recently Vice President of eCommerce for The Kroger Co. In this role, he was responsible for the companys $10 billion eCommerce business, leading cross-functional partners in marketing, merchandising, product management, supply chain, technology, and analytics to develop and lead a robust eCommerce go-to-market and growth strategy across the enterprise. Mr. Bennett joined Kroger from Walmart where he served for more than seven years in a variety of eCommerce and store leadership roles, including finance, merchandising, strategy, analytics, and product management. Prior to Walmart, he led the pricing strategy team at S.C. Johnson and served in a variety of leadership roles at General Mills. Bill received a bachelors degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Finance from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. Jeff Gramm, Bandera Partners, independent board member of IVFH stated, Attracting an executive of Bills caliber, expertise, and background validates the power and the future of the IVFH platform. We are thrilled about the opportunities to further leverage and grow IVFH under Bill's leadership, vision, and strategic approach. Bills passion, energy, and drive to succeed makes me confident that IVFH will thrive under his guidance. We look forward to working with Bill as he focuses on creating significant shareholder value. Story continues Mr. Gramm concluded, We appreciate what Sam has done to build and transform IVFH from a small upstart company with under $6 million in revenue to a leading specialty food platform company with over $77 million in twelve month trailing revenues. Bill Bennett said, I am thrilled to join IVFH at such an exciting time. The Companys profitable third quarter results and record third quarter sales reflect accelerating momentum and a strong infrastructure that is well positioned for future growth. Sam is a proven eCommerce executive and thought leader who has built IVFH into a leading direct-to-consumer and direct-to-chef specialty food platform. I am excited to continue building on the foundation he created. Mr. Bennett continued, IVFHs unique set of assets, supplier relationships, fulfillment capabilities, and eCommerce expertise strongly position its platform for further growth and scale. I believe these capabilities will allow us to lean into our specialty foods marketplace business with broad line distributors, onboard new brands as a full-service third-party logistics provider, and build sustainable DTC businesses with unique customer offerings. With our DTC portfolio of iGourmet.com, Mouth.com, and Plantbelly.com, IVFH has differentiated brands with a unique, on-trend value proposition. The opportunity to lead IVFH is incredibly exciting for me as we work to further grow IVFHs leadership position unlocking significant value for IVFH shareholders. I look forward to updating shareholders in the coming months on our plan to do so. Mr. Klepfish has been at IVFH for 17 years and has been instrumental in the Companys growth. He joined the Company in 2006 as Interim President and became CEO in 2007. When he joined the Company, IVFH had $6 million in revenue from one revenue stream, 12 employees, and a rented storefront in a Florida strip mall. Under his leadership, he built IVFH into a leading, multichannel, specialty food company with 130 employees. Today, IVFH has powerful B2B and D2C eCommerce platforms and trailing twelve-month revenue of $77 million across diversified revenue streams. It has been a great honor to be able to work with our team of talented employees to build and grow IVFH into a leading, multichannel specialty food company with powerful B2B and D2C platforms. As I shift my focus to new entrepreneurial and investment projects, I believe this is the optimal time to transition to a new CEO who can take the Company to the next level by further leveraging the platform we have built, said Sam Klepfish. Im extremely confident the Company is well positioned to achieve significant success under Bills leadership. Bill offers a unique and success-driven skillset. He combines an entrepreneurial, high-emotional-IQ management style, with an impressive background and proven track record as an executive at leading and complex consumer companies. On behalf of the Board and leadership team we are excited to welcome Bill to IVFH. I look forward to working with him as he further grows the Company and enhances shareholder value. About Innovative Food Holdings, Inc. IVFHs leading end-to-end direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform and direct-to-chef platform connect the worlds best artisan food makers with top chefs and epicurean consumers nationwide. Our unique ability to reach both specialty foodservice B2B customers and consumers positions IVFH as a compelling resource for artisanal food producers, CPG brands, chefs, and consumers. IVFHs owned online retailer brands on its leading DTC e-commerce platform include www.igourmet.com and www.mouth.com . Additional information is available at www.ivfh.com . Forward-Looking Statements This release contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to Innovative Food Holdings, Inc. (the Company) that are based on the current beliefs of the Companys management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain assumptions, including those described in this release. Should one or more of these underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as should, could, will, anticipate, believe, intend, plan, might, potentially targeting or expect. Additional factors that could also cause actual results to differ materially relate to the global COVID-19 crisis, international crisis, environmental and economic issues and other risk factors described in our public filings. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. The content of the websites referenced above are not incorporated herein. Investor and Media Contact: Andrew M. Berger Managing Director SM Berger & Company, Inc. (216) 464-6400 DUBLIN, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Ireland Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Research and Markets Logo The market is forecast to reach $5.23 billion in 2027 from $3.92 billion in 2021, growing at a CAGR of 4.96% from 2022 to 2027 This report analyses the Ireland data center market share. It elaboratively analyses the existing and upcoming facilities and investments in IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standards. It discusses market sizing and investment estimation for different segments. The country's significant data center construction locations include Dublin, Clonee, Belfast, and others. In the coming years, highly populated and urbanized locations such as Dublin expect growth in brownfield data center construction, while greenfield investments will take place in other cities. The Ireland data center market has the presence of cloud service providers such as Microsoft, IBM, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Oracle, and Tencent. In the IDA Business and Technology Park, AWS is building multiple facilities, of which the first one is expected to be operational by 2023. KEY HIGHLIGHTS Ireland's data center market is currently one of the major markets in the Western European region, supported by factors such as a rise in cloud-based services, growing digitalization, robust connectivity, and others. Cloud demand is significantly increasing in the country, and major cloud services providers such as AWS, Microsoft, and Google have cloud regions in the country. Dublin has become a hub for colocation providers such as Equinix, Digital Realty, CyrusOne, EdgeConneX, and Echelon Data Centres. The de-facto moratorium in Dublin, owing to a limited power supply by EirGrid for data center development, will limit data center development over the next few years in the region. As a result, development is expected to shift to other areas within Ireland. The government of Ireland launched the Digital Ireland Framework known as "Harnessing Digital" in February of 2022. The digital framework states that the business and enterprises in Ireland will enjoy the Gigabit network offering high speeds by 2028. 5G will expand in all populated areas by 2030. "The Climate Action Plan" has pledged to use renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions by up to 51% by the year 2030 for the country to become carbon neutral by 2030. Renewable energy plants harnessing energy from solar and wind sources are continuously operating, and many are also under construction. EirGrid is a prominent operator for energy generation using renewable energy sources. Various initiatives are being taken to support renewable energy adoption in Ireland. One in the UK is called Renewable Obligation (RO), which is set and proposed by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) other in Northern Ireland is by the Department of Economy (DfE). Story continues WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS RESEARCH? Market size available in the investment, area, power capacity, and the Ireland colocation market revenue. An assessment of the investment in Ireland by colocation and enterprise operators. Investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across locations in the country. A detailed study of the existing market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about the Ireland data center market size during the forecast period. Commentary on the de facto moratorium in Dublin and its potential impact on future development and change in dynamics on the Ireland data center market. Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in Ireland Facilities Covered (Existing): 26 Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 23 Coverage: 2+ Locations Existing vs. Upcoming (Area) Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity) Data center colocation market in Ireland Market Revenue & Forecast (2021-2027) Retail vs. Wholesale Colocation Revenue & Forecast (2021-2027) Wholesale Colocation Pricing The Ireland market landscape investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast. A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry. Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the industry. A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspect of the market. VENDOR LANDSCAPE Some key investors in the Ireland data center market include AWS, CyrusOne, Digital Realty, EdgeConneX, Echelon Data Centres, K2 Data Centres, Facebook, and T5 Data Centres, among others. In 2021, Ireland witnessed investments from major companies such as Echelon Data Centres, K2 Data Centres, and CyrusOne. The Ireland data center market includes several local and regional construction contractors catering to the country's operators. For instance, Callaghan Engineering has worked as the MEP designer for Digital Realty's DUB13 data center's second data hall. Major Vendors IT Infrastructure Providers Arista Networks Atos Broadcom Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Fujitsu Hewlett Packard Enterprise Huawei Technologies IBM Lenovo NetApp Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors Arup Bouygues Construction Callaghan Engineering Designer Group Future-tech ISG Kirby Group Engineering Mercury Mace Group M+W Group PM Group Winthrop Engineering & Contracting Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Caterpillar Cummins EATON HITEC Power Protection KOHLER-SDMO Legrand Rolls-Royce Schneider Electric Rittal Socomec STULZ Trane Technologies Vertiv Data Center Investors AIMS Data Centre AWS CyrusOne Digital Realty Equinix EdgeConneX Echelon Data Centres K2 Data Centres Facebook T5 Data Centers EXISTING VS. UPCOMING DATA CENTERS Existing Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity) Dublin Other Cities List of Upcoming Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity) REPORT COVERAGE: The segmentation includes: IT Infrastructure Servers Storage Systems Network Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer Switches & Switchgears PDUs Other Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Rack Cabinets Other Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems CRAC & CRAH Units Chiller Units Cooling Towers, Condensers & Dry Coolers Economizers & Evaporative Coolers Other Cooling Units General Construction Core & Shell Development Installation & commissioning Services Engineering & Building Design Fire Detection & Suppression Systems Physical Security Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Tier Standard Tier I & Tier II Tier III Tier IV Geography Dublin Other Cities For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ilg3zv-data?w=5 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 press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ireland-data-center-market-analysis-report-2023-a-5-23-billion-market-by-2027---investment-opportunities-in-it-electrical-mechanical-infrastructure-general-construction-and-tier-standards-301740525.html SOURCE Research and Markets Market Research Future Label Adhesives Market Insights and Industry Analysis by Type (Permanent, Removable, Freezer, High Temperature, and Repositionable), Technology (Water Based, Hot Metal Based, and Solvent Based), Substrate Type (Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Metal Container, and Polyolefin Bottle) and Region, Competitive Market Size, Share, Trends, and Forecast to 2030 New York, USA, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Label Adhesives Market Overview According to a Comprehensive Research Report by Market Research Future (MRFR), Label Adhesives Market Information by Type, Technology, Substrate Type, and Region - Forecast till 2030, the market is estimated to grow at a 6.20% CAGR to reach USD 52 Billion by 2030. Market Synopsis Self-adhesive labels are mostly made of paper or plastic. Though they are recyclable, plastic labels are more compact in size and can be categorized as micro-plastic. The surging consumer awareness with regard to the toxic impact of plastic on the environment along with the rising significance of bio-degradable alternatives should result in a heightened focus on the development and use of such materials. Get Free Sample PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4509 Report Scope: Report Attribute Details Market Size in 2030 USD 52 Billion CAGR 6.20% (20222030) Base Year 2021 Forecast Period 20222030 Historical Data 2020 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Type, Technology, Substrate Type, and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW) Key Market Drivers The on-growing demand for health awareness has led this industrial sector. The technology advancements in the label adhesives market sectors are a great opportunity.. Market Competitive Landscape: The affluent vendors in the label adhesives market are Jubilant Industries Ltd. HERMA Company Henkel AG & Co. H.B. Fuller Company KGaA UPM Raflatac AVERY DENNISON CORPORATION Pacific Adhesives Inc. 3M LINTEC Corporation Bostik Dow Ashland OKILSATO Illinois Tool Works Inc. Among others. Story continues Market USP Covered: Market Drivers: Label adhesives help describe the manufacturing date, expiry date, contents, and several important information regarding the product. This helps choose the right product as per the label description, instructions, and logo. These labels have widespread use in pharmaceutical, food & beverages, consumer goods, and medical industries. Heightened demand for clothing, packaged food, consumer durables, non-durable goods, and electronics worldwide should bolster the market demand. The exploding population raises the demand for consumer goods, as well as the daily use of goods, thereby fostering market growth. A variety of FMCG goods are enjoying accelerated demand owing to the surge in per-capita disposable income, which enhances the use of label adhesives. Labeling has use in product packaging, helping elevate consumer awareness regarding the product being consumed and helping mention the key ingredients. For example, pharmaceutical firms make use of labels with information and the logo on the product to educate consumers about the brand as well as its offerings. Given the durability of these labels, the ink on the label does not fade. Market Restraints: The food and beverages industry has a huge share in the label adhesives market. Food products that are perishable are required to offer the expiry date, date of manufacturing, and other essential data to prevent health complications as well as side effects. Government bodies have implemented rules with regard to the labeling and packaging of food products. The adhesives and inks used in these labels sometimes penetrate into the packaging and blend with the edibles, which proves to be dangerous. For instance, a few contents in inks can lead to poisoning, and can therefore be fatal, which can restrain the worldwide market. Browse In-depth Market Research Report (140 Pages) on Label Adhesives https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/label-adhesives-market-4509 COVID 19 Analysis The COVID-19 outbreak affected the market for label adhesives. Given the pandemic scenario, many countries had to go into lockdown to contain the mounting instances. As a result, the demand and supply chains have been disrupted, affecting the global economy. Because of the pandemic, infrastructure projects, manufacturing units, industries, and numerous operations had to be halted. The market's growth pace has been slowed because to variable raw material costs and the COVID-19 epidemic. On the plus side, things are returning to normal, which suggests that the market will rise faster in the future. Market Segmentation By Type The label adhesives industry, depending on type, caters to removable, permanent, high temperature, repositionable, and freezer. By Technology The label adhesives market, with respect to technology, has been considered for hot metal-based, solvent-based, and water-based. Water-based technology is the leading section in the label adhesive market and would capture the highest CAGR between 2020 and 2027. The segment's rapid expansion can be attributed to numerous properties, such as affordability, low VOC content, and more. Water-based label adhesives can bear extreme temperatures. By Substrate Type The key substrate types are metal containers, polyolefin bottles, and polyethylene terephthalate. The PET segment could anticipate attaining the highest CAGR over the following years. Buy Now: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=4509 Regional Insights The Asia-Pacific market takes the lead given the high production rate of label adhesives in the region. The presence of rapidly developing nations, expansion of the customer goods and packaging industries along with rapid industrialization rate favor the market. Several manufacturing units in other regions are now moving to Asia Pacific to enhance their production rate at a lower cost. China and India present opportunities to new companies and industrial owners to elevate their presence through new product launches. The North American market could anticipate significant growth in the years to come, thanks to the extensive manufacturing base. The surging e-commerce industry in the U.S. enhances the demand for labels used for packaging. On top of this, the high disposable income of the consumers fostering the demand for consumer goods will have a remarkable impact on the market. With the notable rise in the demand for ready-to-eat food, consumables, packaged food, and drinks, the need for label adhesives is bound to escalate in the future. Noteworthy growth of end-use industries like packaging, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and others will augment the market progress rate as well. Europe will show considerable growth from 2020 to 2027, on account of the heightened awareness level among consumers with regard to content including personal care products, cosmetics, and consumables. Rising knowledge about the specifications with regard to consumer goods like electronics, electrical appliances, packages, tools, and others will be favorable for the regional market too. Share your Queries @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/4509 Discover more research Reports on Chemical Industry , by Market Research Future: Epoxy Resin Market : Information By Type (DGBEA, Novolac, DGBEF, Aliphatic, Glycidylamine, Others), By Technology (Solvent Cut Epoxy, Liquid Epoxy, Waterborne Epoxy, Others), By Application (Composites, Paints & Coatings, Grouts & Mortars, Adhesives, Electronic Encapsulation) and By End-Use (Aerospace, Automotive & Transportation, Building & Construction, Electrical & Electronics, Marine) - Forecast till 2030 Bronze Market : Information By Type (Aluminum Bronze, Phosphor Bronze, Silicon Bronze, Manganese Bronze, Leaded Bronze, Others), By Process (Bronze Casting, Bronze Forging, Bronze Extrusion, Others) and By End-Use (Architecture, Marine, Automotive & Transportation, Electrical & Electronics, Others) - Forecast till 2030 Gum Rosin Market Information: By Grade (WW, WG, Others), By End-Use (Adhesives & Sealants, Rubber, Paints & Coatings, Printing Inks, Food & Beverage, Others) - Forecast to 2030 About Market Research Future: Market Research Future (MRFR) is a global market research company that takes pride in its services, offering a complete and accurate analysis with regard to diverse markets and consumers worldwide. Market Research Future has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help answer your most important questions. Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter CONTACT: Market Research Future (Part of Wantstats Research and Media Private Limited) 99 Hudson Street, 5Th Floor New York, NY 10013 United States of America +1 628 258 0071 (US) +44 2035 002 764 (UK) Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Website: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com Ontario Health Coalition TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For decades the Ontario Health Coalition has been on the front line of the fight to safeguard public health care against privatization and to protect patients from extra-billing. Few have followed the behaviour of the private clinics in Canada more closely. Today, the Coalition warned that the unprecedented health care crisis is, in significant part, due to our governments cutting and privatizing public hospital services beyond all reason and evidence. Public hospitals are a target because they represent billions in public funding that vested interests want for themselves in profits, tax giveaways and other redirections of that funding. This has resulted in suffering that is now being exploited, in a horrible irony, to force through privatization. No province has cut its public hospitals more radically than Ontario, but all of Canada ranks very low among our peer nations. Here are the facts: Canadas public hospitals are overwhelmed beyond comprehension yet we are hearing our Prime Minister talk positively about more cuts to - and privatization of - public hospitals, reported Natalie Mehra, executive director. When we talk about a status quo that is untenable, the unrelenting cuts to and privatization of public hospitals are a big part of the status quo that has plummeted us into crisis. Now, the Prime Minister is talking about moving resources everywhere except to our public hospitals. It defies reason, she warned. We cannot continue to do what we have done for 30-years in this country -- nowhere to a worse extreme than Ontario -- and expect that we will get a different outcome. Canada cannot any longer undermine its public hospital system and privatizing it is the destruction of our health care, not an innovation. Already existing private for-profit clinics across Canada routinely extra-bill patients thousands of dollars, often illegally. The private clinics also charge patients hundreds or thousands of dollars for extra medically unnecessary add-ons. Moreover, private clinics take scarce staff out of public hospitals to serve lighter-care profitable patients. They leave behind the unprofitable patients those with more complex care needs like diabetes and COPD, obesity, heart diseases and cancer -- to public hospitals with less funding and staffing to provide for them. This, in the context of unprecedented staffing shortages will devastate already overstretched local public hospitals, warned Ms. Mehra. Story continues Canadians expect our federal government to stand up for the foundational principles of our public health care system. We will not stand idly by and watch these political leaders drive our public hospitals into the ground and then claim that privatization is a solution to the crisis that they have created. Privatization is the destruction of public medicare. Profit-taking from our health care is already causing terrible neglect, staggering medical bills and suffering among the elderly, the injured and the ill. It goes against everything we believe as a people, against the values that we hold most deeply as a country. Four times since 2006, the Coalition has called all the private for-profit clinics in Ontario and/or across Canada and caught the majority of them extra-billing patients. In the most recent study done by the Coalition published in a front-page series in the Globe and Mail, the for-profit clinics were caught double-billing, charging patients thousands of dollars and charging the public health system at the same time for the same procedure . Patients are routinely charged ten times the public health system costs for private for-profit shoulder surgeries, four or five times the cost for private cataract surgeries, three times or more the cost for private MRIs. The same process of calling all the private clinics in British Columbia was replicated by the BC Health Coalition which found the same results. The Ontario Auditor General hired a consultant to do the same type of investigation of extra-billing in private clinics in Ontario and found the same results. The head of a major for-profit clinic in British Columbia has appealed his court challenge to the Supreme Court of Canada in an attempt to bring down the laws that protect single-tier public medicare ie. protect patients against extra billing. Brian Day lost his private clinics case at every level of the courts in British Columbia. There is no possibility that the Prime Minister is unaware of the existential threat that the cuts to and privatization of our public hospitals poses to the future of public health care for Canadians, said Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition. To say his statements on health care are disappointing is an understatement. The Prime Minister needs to make a course correction on health care. Canadians will back him up if he stands up against the privatization and destruction of our public health care against the worst provincial premiers, including Doug Ford. Facts & Background: Trudeaus record on health care is varied: Pre-pandemic Trudeau was weak on health care. When his government took office, Trudeau forced through bilateral funding deals with the provinces that only slightly modified Steven Harpers funding formula . Trudeau adopted Harpers formula with minor modifications, mostly for PR and without substance. During the first years of the pandemic the Trudeau government made a sea change in fiscal policy. They floated the country, contributing more than 80% of pandemic spending , obtaining vaccines and testing kits, PPE and providing extraordinary funding for health care, social and income supports and much more. At this point, the federal government did show tremendous leadership. In the recent federal election, the Trudeau government announced more than $9 billion for long-term care funding, without strings attached . In a horrible irony, this federal funding can be used by provinces (eg. Fords Ontario) to actually expand new for-profit long-term care homes owned by the same companies that are responsible for horrific negligence, suffering and death of their residents. There are no required federal standards: no minimum care standard; no requirement for inspections and public reporting; no accountability. Trudeau has completely ignored calls for meaningful national standards in long-term care , and instead adopted a process that is a distraction, resulting in standards for accreditation: a voluntary, industry-led process that did nothing to prevent the thousands of deaths and suffering among long-term care residents in the pandemic. This is nowhere near the equivalent to strings attached to federal funds to ensure accountability for Canadians. Canadians now face a level of flagrant extra-billing that is truly unprecedented where private clinics have been allowed to expand. Private for-profit clinics are overtly selling medically needed surgeries for thousands or tens of thousands of dollars and charging for an increasing array of medically-unnecessary add-ons. Virtual care companies, bolstered by new public funding, are overtly selling access to family doctors and refusing access to those who cannot pay. COVID testing sites in the midst of pandemic are selling access to medically-needed COVID testing for hundreds of dollars. Previous federal governments have done more, at times. Patients in Quebec forced the federal government to pressure Quebec to stop extra-billing for a period in their private clinics. Albertas Klein government was forced to pay back all patients that were extra-billed in private MRI & CT clinics. The federal government can and must clarify that virtual clinics cannot sell access to doctors, that provinces will be penalized for the extra-billing of patients, and must direct federal funding to public non-profit institutions and services with real national standards and accountability. For more information: Natalie Mehra, executive director (416) 230-6402. Ontario Health Coalition TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What: The Ontario Health Coalition is holding local town halls to stop Ford governments plans to privatize our local public hospitals and demand they take action to fix the crisis in our local hospitals. Since last summer and continuing currently, Ontario has had almost a hundred emergency department closures due to the staffing crisis. In addition, ICUs, maternity units and other vital services have been subject to temporary closures. The Ford government has done very little to address the crisis in our local public hospitals and instead is using the crisis to push privatization of their services. All across Ontario people have banded together for a century or more to build up our local public hospitals. We have volunteered, fundraised and donated from our pay cheques because these are vital services for our communities. Premier Ford claimed that 50% of hospital surgeries were easy, and thus, of the kind he is trying to privatize. This would devastate our local public hospitals, unless we stop him. Private clinics and private hospitals routinely extra bill patients for medically needed services, upsell patients medically unnecessary services and make services contingent on purchasing upgrades and extra testing. They are a take-away, not an add on. They take funding, health professionals and less costly surgeries from our local public hospitals. We have the physical capacity to address the surgical and diagnostic backlog in our local hospitals. Building and expanding private clinics and hospitals serves no purpose other than to carve and dismantle our hospitals and sell them off to corporations. What we need now is action to address the hospital crisis and a plan to recruit and retain vital health professionals in our public hospitals, not further privatization. Everyone, including media, is welcome. When: See listing below, advance registration is required. Upon registering you will be emailed a Zoom link. Story continues Thunder Bay Monday, February 13 at 7 p.m. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlcuivqj8qHtzuhn9jR2D_Asdh69g6QvpO Chatham-Kent Wednesday, February 15 at 7 p.m. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwodeiprTksHdLOVMuIOV5yZF2x7Wy6c8lO London Thursday, February 16 at 7 p.m. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlcOmvpjsrG9d-tLoHuuBt95tLGdvVlyaF Sarnia-Lambton Saturday, February 18 at 10 a.m. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElcuuhqz8vGdTIzpyIDn2ZuY4K4FsDx1zk Haliburton County Tuesday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctd-2prTMrHdIEVqJ13f0acQ74TMEJfbW5 Guelph Wednesday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEudeCorD4uG91p7kDy0Vb-m3ukIjA-Ugra Oakville-Halton Wednesday, February 22 at 7 p.m. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErdemgrzIqHdfv0XXeb8Q653kAiX7qvXb9 Cornwall Thursday, February 23 at 7 p.m. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctcuCgrT0vE9R35bffuiuE3KxXKFJNHYR2 For more information: Natalie Mehra, executive director, Ontario Health Coalition 416-230-6402 (cell). By Azernews Laman Ismayilova Young people in Baku have launched a new project with a focus on the protection of reserves, Azernews reports. The project Qoru (Protect) unites Baku residents living in the territory of the Icharishahar and Gala State Reserves to preserve the country's historical monuments. The project invites the residents to participate in the activities of reserves. The initiative also focuses on promoting volunteer activities, strengthening neighborhood traditions, and joint activities of stakeholders to protect the Icherisheher and Gala. The Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve Board Chairman Shahin Seyidzada, MP Nigar Arpadarai, Deputy Executive Director of the Azerbaijani Youth Foundation Orxan Arabov, Vice-Rector of the Azerbaijani State University of Economics, member of the Icherisheher Council of Elders Saadat Gandilova attended the project presentation. The speakers wished young people further success. With its majestic buildings and ruins, Icherisheher hides a centuries-old history. Numerous unique monuments, including the Shirvanshahs Palace, mosques and minarets, the ruins of caravanserais and bathhouses make this place one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Icharishahar (The Old City) became the first location in Azerbaijan to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In 2000, the Old City of Baku, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, became the first location in Azerbaijan to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Founded in 2008, Gala State Historical Ethnographic Reserve offers a rich collection of artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations. People in love with historical journeys take great pleasure while visiting the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography (open-air), the Museum of Antiques, and the Castle Museum (partly open-air), operating under the reserve. The museum displays over 2,000 archaeological and architectural monuments, including ancient rock paintings, pottery, household items, jewelry, weapons, coins, and much more. The 18th-century tandir and two underground passages (10th-15th centuries), old houses, portable tents made of animal skins, stone and straw houses with domes are of particular interest. Ancient mounds, gravestones, dwellings, places of worship, and other monuments also ultimately grab the attention of curious visitors. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 7, 2023 / Lucky Minerals Inc. (TSXV:LKY)(OTC PINK:LKMNF)(FRA:LKY) ("Lucky" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has discovered large intersections of gold mineralization in the initial stage of its ongoing drill program at the Wayka Project. Assay results for drill holes DDHW-001 to DDHW-005 have been received for a total of 384 metres. Gold Discovery from Drilling at Wayka Lucky has completed the first five drill holes at Wayka using lightweight drill equipment developed by the Company's drilling partner Hubbard Drilling. These shallow drill holes are designed to follow up on the trenches previously announced in the Discovery Zone. Drill results include: 10 metres at an average grade of 0.68 g/t gold (DDHW-003-2023) 7 metres at an average grade of 0.64 g/t gold (DDHW-001-2023) 5.82 metres at an average grade of 0.87g/t gold (DDHW-005-2023) The objective of this initial drill program was to prove the continuity of the siliceous lenses to depth and its lithological and/or structural control. As field observations indicate, part of the gold mineralization follows the rock foliation as shown in the interpretative cross section below. Interpretative Cross Section based on surface geology and drill hole DDHW-003-2023 Lucky's CEO, Mr. Francois Perron stated: "To have discovered large intersections of near-surface gold mineralization in our first five shallow holes at Wayka, totalling just 384 metres, is a substantial achievement and a credit to both the quality of our exploration team and the prospectivity of the project based on an analysis of the results to date, we believe that these initial drill holes have intersected the margins of the epithermal gold system and that additional drilling will allow us to vector into the higher-grade feeder structures within the system. Of the five holes drilled to date, every single hole has returned anomalous gold mineralization. Given these exciting results we will be intensifying work as we continue to drill test the newest gold discovery in Ecuador." Story continues Further details: The following diagram shows the layout of the initial drilling Drill Hole Layout at the Discovery Zone Drill hole DDHW-001-2023 was drilled to intersect the gold mineralization outlined in the southern edge of trench 21 (see News Release dated April 13, 2022). Trench 21 returned 5.24 g/t gold over 14 metres. This drill hole intersected from surface to a depth of 7 metres strongly silicified rock containing gold mineralization. Please see assay table and image below. Drill hole DDHW-001 Sample Assay Table Photo of Vuggy Silica from DDHW-001 at approximately 3.65 metres depth Drill hole DDHW-002-2023 was drilled to intersect the down dip extension of the silicified rocks found in drill hole DDHW-001-2023. This hole intersected a zone of advanced argillic alteration with anomalous gold mineralization from 17.80 to 21.25 metres. Drill hole DDHW-003-2023 was drilled to intersect the surface gold mineralization outlined between trenches 6 and 14. This drill hole intersected gold mineralization from a depth of 16 to 26 metres, associated with vuggy silica and pyrite. Please see assay table and image below. Drill hole DDHW-003 Sample Assay Table Photo of Vuggy Silica from DDHW-003 at approximately 22.47 metres depth Drill hole DDHW-004-2023 was drilled to a depth of 60.50 metres to intersect the gold mineralization below trench 17. This drill hole intersected a zone of faulting with anomalous gold. Drill hole DDHW-005-2023 was drilled to a depth of 80.20 metres to intersect from surface the silicified zone sampled in trench 17. This drill hole intersected from a depth of 0.53 to 6.35 metres, a zone of gold-bearing vuggy silica with disseminated pyrite. Please see image and assay table below. Photo of Vuggy Silica from DDHW-005 at approximately 3.60 metres depth Drill hole DDHW-005 Sample Assay Table In drill hole DDHW-005 the interval from 3.0 to 6.35 metres, (width of 3.35 metres) returned 1.13 g/t gold. All drill holes had core recoveries mostly above 85%. Below is an image of a mag survey completed on the Discovery Zone, where trenches (5, 6, 14, 17 and 21) and drill holes are shown. It can be observed that both trenches and drill holes are located on the periphery of a large mag-low which coincides with areas of silicification and advanced argillic alteration, typically found in these epithermal gold systems. Wayka Prospect - Mag survey, trench, and drill hole locations This initial phase of drilling has successfully shown that the gold mineralization lenses do have continuity at depth, and tends to follow the rock foliation, and appear to have the shape of an elongated ellipsoid. Company geologists have observed that these lenses may represent the margins of a high-sulphidation epithermal gold system (where generally lower-grades are expected). Exploration teams are working on locating the feeder or conduits through which the hydrothermal fluids have ascended and spread laterally along the foliation planes in both meta-granites and schists. These feeders are generally known to host higher gold grades. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Francois Perron" Chief Executive Officer About Lucky Lucky is an exploration and development company targeting large-scale mineral systems in proven districts with the potential to host world class deposits. Lucky owns a 100% interest in the Fortuna Property. The Company's Fortuna Project is comprised of twelve contiguous, 550 km2 (55,000 Hectares, or 136,000 Acres) exploration concessions. Fortuna is located in a highly prospective, yet underexplored, gold belt in southern Ecuador. QA/QC Protocols All exploration work is completed following QA/QC protocols and include the insertion of a coarse blank, a standard and duplicate sample on every batch of 25 samples. Samples are being submitted to Bureau Veritas Labs in Quito for preparation work, and the analytical work is completed at their lab facility in Lima, Peru. Bureau Veritas is an ISO certified and accredited laboratory. Results will be released as they are received. Qualified Person Victor Jaramillo, M.Sc.A., P.Geo., Lucky's Exploration Manager and a qualified person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for supervising the exploration program at the Fortuna Project for Lucky Minerals and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Further information on Lucky can be found on the Company's website at www.luckyminerals.com and at www.sedar.com, or by contacting Francois Perron, President and CEO, by email at investors@luckyminerals.com or by telephone at (866) 924 6484. Or by contacting: Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Kerry Schacter: kschacter@renmarkfinancial.com Tel: (416) 644-2020 or (514) 939-3989 www.renmarkfinancial.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Adjacent Properties and Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: uncertainties related to exploration and development; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund exploration and development; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in input costs; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological or operational difficulties or inability to obtain permits encountered in connection with exploration activities; and labor relations matters. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations also include risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will not update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements unless required by Canadian securities law. SOURCE: Lucky Minerals Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/738272/Lucky-Minerals-Discovers-Gold-in-the-Initial-384-Metres-of-Drilling-at-Wayka GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Malaysia clinical labs market is fragmented with top players being BP Healthcare, Pantai, Premier, Pathology, and Innoquest Pathology. The value chain for independent lab chains in this industry has three core components: equipment manufacturers, clinical laboratories and end users. Ken_Research_Logo Increased adoption of digital pathology has further increased the demand for clinical Lab services. The government of the country is actively functioning towards advancing the healthcare services in the country. Robotics testing, the internet of medical things (IMOT) while leveraging 4G/5G facilities & digital pathology to augment pathological diagnosis are some technological innovations in the market. Investment in Better Healthcare Services: The trend of the population to invest in better healthcare services and increasing investments in medical equipment, therapeutic products and services, pharmaceuticals, and better patient care are also contributing to the growth of the Malaysian hospital market. Growing Medical Infrastructure: A rapidly growing medical industry in the country, growing medical infrastructure and increasing number of hospitals in the country are supporting the growth of the Malaysian hospital market. The Malaysian government plans to boost market development by investing in multiple sectors such as drug development and diagnostic tools, clinical research facilities and diagnostic laboratories. Increasing Number of Cases: The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing number of cases of the disease and the rapid increase in the number of patients in the country. Also, increasing cases of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, cancers, and infectious diseases and their long-term treatment are expected to drive the growth of the Malaysian hospital market in the next five years. Rising Medical Tourism: The government of the country is actively functioning towards advancing healthcare services in the country. There is an increase in medical tourism due to affordable healthcare as compared to western countries and the increasing number of expert professionals in the healthcare industry. Malaysia has many bests in-class private physicians focusing on the different scopes of cutting-edge symptomatic, remedial, and in-patient administrations. Story continues Analysts at Ken Research in their latest publication "Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Outlook to 2027F- Medical tourism and government investment is driving the future of healthcare and clinical Tests in Malaysia" by Ken Research observed that Malaysia clinical lab market is in the growing phase. Growing medical infrastructure, increasing number of hospitals, and medical tourism are some of the factors that will contribute to Malaysia clinical lab market growth. It is expected that Malaysia's clinical lab market to grow at a robust CAGR for the period of 2023F-2027F. Key Segments Covered:- Malaysia Clinical Lab Market By Type of Lab Organized Labs Unorganized Labs By Type of Ownership Private Public By Mode of Tests Walk-Ins Doctor Referrals Corporate Clients Online Referrals External referrals To learn more about this report Download a Free Sample Report By Type of Tests Routine Esoteric Non-Laboratory By Patient's Age 0-20 20-40 40-60 60 and above By Region West Malaysia East Malaysia By Payer Out of pocket Government Private insurance Corporates Key Target Audience Clinical Lab companies Organized Clinical Laboratories Unorganized Clinical Laboratories Private Hospitals Private Equity and Venture Capitalist Industry Associations Technology providers Government Bodies & Regulating Authorities Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Time Period Captured in the Report:- Historical Period: 2017-2022P Base Year: 2022P Forecast Period: 2022P 2027F Companies Covered:- Diagnostics centers BP Leader in Health Check Pantai Premier Pathology Gribbles Lablink Medical Lab Clinipath Pathlab Innoquest Hospitals Sunway Medical Centre KPJ healthcare Park City medical centre Gleneagles Hospital PANTAI Hospital Online Healthcare Apps Doctor2U medical Portal Bookdoc Connect and Unite Doctor Anywhere Doc2US Docquity Key Topics Covered in the Report:- Executive summary for Malaysia clinical lab market Country Overview of Malaysia Ecosystem of major entities in Business model of Malaysia clinical lab market Timeline of major operating in the Malaysia clinical lab market Cross comparison of clinical laboratories market in Malaysia with south-east Asia Malaysia clinical lab market Value chain analysis of clinical lab market Malaysian healthcare system Market overview of Malaysia healthcare market Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Size, FY'2017-FY'2022P Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Segmentation, FY'2022P Segmentation by type of labs and ownership, region and by type of test, by patient age, mode of test, by payer Industry Analysis SWOT analysis of Malaysia clinical lab market Trends and development in Malaysia clinical lab market Growth driver in Malaysia clinical lab market Technological innovation in Malaysia clinical lab market Investment scenario in Malaysia clinical lab market Issues and challenges in Malaysia clinical lab market Government initiatives Impact of covid-19 on Malaysia clinical lab market Competitive Landscape of Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Market Share of Major Players in Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Market Positioning of Major Players in Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Gartner Magic Quadrant Cross-Comparison of Major Players in Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Future Outlook Market Size and Segmentation, FY'22P-FY'27F For more insights on the market intelligence, refer to below link:- Malaysia Clinical Lab Market Related Reports By Ken Research:- Philippines Clinical Lab Market Outlook to 2027F - Driven by increasing awareness, widening customer base, digitalization and increasing corporate requirements for clinical testing According to Ken Research estimates, the Philippines Clinical Laboratory Market which grew from approximately ~800 USD Mn in 2017 to approximately ~1000 USD Mn in 2022 is forecasted to grow further into ~1500 USD Mn opportunity by 2027F, owing to the New Government Policies, Rising Health Consciousness, Newer Delivery Models and New Players in the Market. Market is highly fragmented with over 4000+ medical labs across Philippines. Philippines Government is increasing its Health Budget every year with $ 3.71 Billion PHP in 2021. There are 3185 (87.8%) private independent labs and 441 (12.2%) government independent labs in Philippines. Indonesia Clinical Lab Market Outlook to 2026F (Second Edition)- Driven by Current Shortage, Widening Customer Base and Increasing Corporate Requirements For Clinical Testing Over the forecast period 2022-2026F, the Indonesia Clinical Lab Market Revenue is further anticipated to increase by year 2026F, thus showcasing a CAGR of 12.5%. It is expected that the implementation of JKN will increase the demand for laboratory services. This will lead the public hospitals to refer samples to private independent laboratories for clinical testing, resulting in the growth of external referrals for private independent laboratories. Players, Investing to increase its testing capabilities and has adopted several advanced tests and technologies introduced in the global market, particularly specialized tests. Further, the major private independent laboratories chains are expected to undergo geographic expansion beyond key cities into underdeveloped areas. This will further lead to increase in market share in the overall Indonesia clinical laboratory market. Vietnam Clinical Laboratories Market Outlook to 2027F- Driven by Private Hospitals driving the future of Healthcare and Clinical Tests in Vietnam According to Ken Research estimates, the Vietnam Clinical Laboratories Market expanded at a CAGR of 24.2% in between 2017 and 2022 on the basis of revenue generated. The market faced rapid growth in the year of 2020 owing to Covid and reflected high growth in 2022 too but the growth is expected to normalize in the coming years. Vietnam Clinical Laboratories Market is estimated to grow at a positive CAGR of 10.4% in between 2023E and 2027E. The Private Health Insurance market is set to grow in double digits which in turn would benefit Private Healthcare and boost the bottom-line. The Clinical Laboratories Market in the Vietnam has seen emergence of more than 20-30 players over the past 5 years. Most healthcare facilities in the industry are concentrated in two cities, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi owing to the higher per capita income, higher population and center for commerce and industrial growth. Medic-Lab and Diag Laboratories are market leaders for Independent Lab Chains and Hoan My and FV Hospital for Private Hospitals. Thailand Clinical Laboratory Market Outlook to 2026F- Driven by widening customer base, Government initiatives and increasing corporate requirements for clinical testing According to Ken Research estimates, the Thailand Clinical Laboratory Market which grew at a CAGR of 9.0% in the period of 2016-2021 is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% in the forecasted period of 2022F-2026F, owing to the increasing healthcare spending by aging population, expanding healthcare spending by the Government, growth in non-communicable disease and chronic diseases and increasing public awareness. The market is led by N Health; having the major share of the Clinical Laboratory Market in Thailand. Other players include Pathlab, Thonburi Clinical Labs, Bangkok Medical Labs, Medical Line Lab, Innotech Laboratories and others. Around 60.0% of medical decisions regarding early disease diagnosis, patient prognosis and treatment selection are based on laboratory diagnostic results. Follow Us LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth Ankur@kenresearch.com +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1954972/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/malaysia-clinical-labs-market-is-expected-to-reach-more-than-usd-3000-mn-by-2027f-owing-to-growing-medical-infrastructure-and-investment-in-better-healthcare-services-ken-research-301740272.html SOURCE Ken Research FACT.MR Rising Applicability Of Self-Inflating Manual Resuscitators In Emergency Cases. Demand For Self-Inflating Resuscitators Is Anticipated To Propel At A CAGR Of 7.2% Through 2032 Rockville, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sales of manual resuscitators are expected to accelerate at a CAGR of 7% to reach US$ 780 million by the end of 2032, as per the latest industry analysis by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider. A manual resuscitator is a single device that incorporates a non-rebreathing valve system, a self-inflating bag, and oxygen storage for the manual ventilation of a patient. It can be coupled to an endotracheal tube or mask. The manual resuscitator can still be utilized in an emergency if oxygen is not available. Download Sample Copy of This Report: https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=7799 Key Takeaways from Market Study The global manual resuscitators market is valued at US$ 400 million in 2022. Market in Canada is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period (2022-2032). Demand for flow-inflating manual resuscitators is predicted to progress at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2022 to 2032. Market in Germany is set to increase at a CAGR of 5% through 2032. The processing of manual resuscitators is being accelerated by several innovative techniques. Demand for manual resuscitators is likely to rise as government organizations speed up their efforts to create innovative resuscitation techniques that can lessen brain damage and increase patient survival following prolonged cardiac arrest, says a Fact.MR analyst Winning Strategy Major market participants are actively engaged in the creation of novel resuscitation devices to satisfy consumer demand and improve their position. To help healthcare professionals and physicians provide effective patient care, Zoll Medical Corp. provides a full range of resuscitation tools and technology, such as the Code-Ready monitor defibrillator. Research and Analyze the Market: Understand the current market size, trends and dynamics in the manual resuscitator industry. Identify potential competitors and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. Develop a Clear Positioning: Establish a clear and distinct positioning for your manual resuscitator product in the market. Identify the benefits and features that make your product unique and different from the competition. Create an Effective Branding and Messaging Strategy: Develop a comprehensive branding and messaging strategy that will help differentiate your product from the competition. Focus on creating a strong and memorable brand identity that resonates with the target audience. Develop an Effective Distribution Strategy: Establish an effective distribution strategy that allows you to reach your target customers. Consider using a combination of traditional and digital channels to maximize your reach. Develop a Comprehensive Marketing Plan: Develop a comprehensive marketing plan that outlines the key activities and tactics needed to successfully launch and promote your product. Consider using a combination of traditional and digital marketing tactics, such as paid advertising, influencer marketing, and content marketing. Story continues Get Customization on this Report for Specific Research Solutions: https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=7799 Competitive Landscape Manufacturers of manual resuscitators are making an effort to introduce more recent integrated devices that will help resolve issues about delayed ventilation. To boost their visibility among competitors globally, major companies in the manual resuscitators market are actively engaged in mergers, agreements, and product launch activities. For instance, In 2020, Aequs unveiled AQovent, a mechanical resuscitator made of silicone that is mass-produced, affordable, and of high quality. It is an emergency resuscitator that automatically provides patients with steady pressure ventilation while being powered by oxygen. Key Manufacturers CareFusion Medline Industries Philips Healthcare ResMed, Inc. Laerdal Medical Ambu A/S Covidien Plc Drager Medical AG and Co. GE Healthcare Hill Hopkins Medical Product HUM Systems for Life Me. Ber. Srl Weinmann Emergency Get Full Access of Complete Report: https://www.factmr.com/checkout/7799 Segmentation of Manual Resuscitators Industry Research By Type: Self-inflating Flow-inflating T-piece By Modality: Disposable Reusable By Material: Silicon PVC Rubber By Application: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Cardiopulmonary Arrest Others By End User: Hospitals Ambulatory Surgical Centers Military Specialized Diagnostic Centers By Region: North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa More Valuable Insights on Offer Fact.MR, in its new offering, presents an unbiased analysis of the global manual resuscitators market, presenting historical demand data (2017-2021) and forecast statistics for the period of 2022-2032. The study divulges essential insights on the market on the basis of type (self-inflating, flow-inflating, T-piece), modality (disposable, reusable), material (silicon, PVC, rubber), application (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiopulmonary arrest, others), and end user (hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, military, specialized diagnostic centers), across five major regions (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and MEA). Check out more related studies published by Fact.MR Research: Medical Ventilators Market - The global demand for medical ventilators market is poised to expand 2.5x to reach US$ 3.6 Bn from 2021 to 2031. Neonatal Ventilator Market - The neonatal ventilator market reached a valuation of US$ 387.05 Million by 2021, and is likely to register a Y-o-Y growth rate of 6.0% in 2022, closing at US$ 413.37 Million. Medical Oxygen Systems Market - Fact.MRs medical oxygen systems industry analysis reveals that the global market was valued at US$ 3 Bn in 2020, and is projected to top US$ 5 Bn by 2031, surging at a CAGR of 7%. Non-invasive Ventilator Market - The cumulative demand for new technology devices among surgeons is another major factor expected to drive the non-invasive ventilator market. Medical Device Technologies Market - Demand for medical device technologies was valued at US$ 470.32 Billion in 2021, and is likely to flourish at a Y-o-Y expansion rate of 4.6% in 2022, reaching US$ 491.95 Billion. About Fact.MR We are a trusted research partner of 80% of fortune 1000 companies across the globe. We are consistently growing in the field of market research with more than 1000 reports published every year. The dedicated team of 400-plus analysts and consultants is committed to achieving the utmost level of our clients satisfaction. Contact: US Sales Office 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Tel: +1 (628) 251-1583, +353-1-4434-232 (D) Connect to Author: Mr. Shambhu Nath Jha Email : shambhu@factmr.com Sales Team : sales@factmr.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube GATINEAU, QC, Feb. 7, 2023 /CNW Telbec/ - The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, will announce Canada's 2023 Voluntary National Review on the Sustainable Development Goals. The Minister will make this announcement at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Sustainable Communities Conference. A media scrum will follow the announcement. Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local. Date: Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Time: Noon EST Place: Westin Ottawa Confederation Ballroom 11 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, Ontario To register, contact media@fcm.ca with your name and media outlet, or go to the registration desk on-site upon arrival. Please indicate if attendance will be in person or virtual. Further information for virtual attendance will be provided upon registration. Follow us on Twitter SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2023/07/c7966.html ReportLinker Forecasts by Vaccine Type (Conjugate, Polysaccharide, Others), by Vaccine Brand (Bexsero, Menactra, Menveo, Others), by End-users (Pediatric, Adult, Travelers) AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies AND COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Pattern Analysis. New York, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Meningococcal Vaccines Market Report 2023-2033" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06417096/?utm_source=GNW The Meningococcal Vaccines Market Report 2023-2033: This report will prove invaluable to leading firms striving for new revenue pockets if they wish to better understand the industry and its underlying dynamics. It will be useful for companies that would like to expand into different industries or to expand their existing operations in a new region. Increasing Prevalence of Meningitis Driving Market Growth Increasing adoption of meningococcal vaccines and the growing prevalence of meningitis and other viral diseases in developed as well as developing regions is anticipated to drive market growth. Also, the growing investment in RandD and novel drug launches for the treatment of viral diseases is further boosting the market growth. The developed regions including the U.S., Japan, and Europe accounted for a large share in the market is due to the well-developed healthcare infrastructure and better healthcare awareness in developed countries compared to developing countries. Thus, the demand for advanced and more efficient drugs is high in these regions. Whereas the market in emerging economies such as China, India, and South Africa is growing at a high pace owing to government initiatives, growing respiratory health awareness, and increasing disposable income. What Questions Should You Ask before Buying a Market Research Report? How is the meningococcal vaccines market evolving? What is driving and restraining the meningococcal vaccines market? How will each meningococcal vaccines submarket segment grow over the forecast period and how much revenue will these submarkets account for in 2033? How will the market shares for each meningococcal vaccines submarket develop from 2023 to 2033? What will be the main driver for the overall market from 2023 to 2033? Will leading meningococcal vaccines markets broadly follow the macroeconomic dynamics, or will individual national markets outperform others? How will the market shares of the national markets change by 2033 and which geographical region will lead the market in 2033? Who are the leading players and what are their prospects over the forecast period? What are the meningococcal vaccines projects for these leading companies? How will the industry evolve during the period between 2023 and 2033? What are the implications of meningococcal vaccines projects taking place now and over the next 10 years? Is there a greater need for product commercialisation to further scale the meningococcal vaccines market? Where is the meningococcal vaccines market heading and how can you ensure you are at the forefront of the market? What are the best investment options for new product and service lines? What are the key prospects for moving companies into a new growth path and C-suite? You need to discover how this will impact the meningococcal vaccines market today, and over the next 10 years: Our 214-page report provides 83 tables and 132 charts/graphs exclusively to you. The report highlights key lucrative areas in the industry so you can target them NOW. It contains in-depth analysis of global, regional and national sales and growth. It highlights for you the key successful trends, changes and revenue projections made by your competitors. This report tells you TODAY how the meningococcal vaccines market will develop in the next 10 years, and in line with the variations in COVID-19 economic recession and bounce. This market is more critical now than at any point over the last 10 years. Forecasts to 2033 and other analyses reveal commercial prospects In addition to revenue forecasting to 2033, our new study provides you with recent results, growth rates, and market shares. You will find original analyses, with business outlooks and developments. Discover qualitative analyses (including market dynamics, drivers, opportunities, and restraints), Porters Five Forces Analysis, PEST Analysis and recent developments. This report includes data analysis and invaluable insight into how COVID-19 will affect the industry and your company. Four COVID-19 recovery patterns and their impact, namely, V, L, W and U are discussed in this report. Segments Covered in the Report Vaccine Type Conjugate Polysaccharide Others Vaccine Brand Bexsero Menactra Menveo Others End-users Pediatric Adult Travelers In addition to the revenue predictions for the overall world market and segments, you will also find revenue forecasts for five regional and 21 leading national markets: North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific Japan China India Australia South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America MEA GCC South Africa Rest of MEA The report also includes profiles and for some of the leading companies in the Meningococcal Vaccines Market, 2023 to 2033, with a focus on this segment of these companies operations. Leading companies and the potential for market growth BIO-MED GSK plc Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Merck and Co., Inc. Pfizer Inc. Sanofi Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. Walvax Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Zhi Fei Biological Overall world revenue for Meningococcal Vaccines Market, 2023 to 2033 in terms of value the market will surpass US$3,443.4 million in 2023, our work calculates. We predict strong revenue growth through to 2033. Our work identifies which organizations hold the greatest potential. Discover their capabilities, progress, and commercial prospects, helping you stay ahead. How will the Meningococcal Vaccines Market, 2023 to 2033 report help you? In summary, our 210+ page report provides you with the following knowledge: Revenue forecasts to 2033 for Meningococcal Vaccines Market, 2023 to 2033 Market, with forecasts for Vaccine Type, Vaccine Brand, and End-users, each forecast at a global and regional level discover the industrys prospects, finding the most lucrative places for investments and revenues. Revenue forecasts to 2033 for five regional and 21 key national markets See forecasts for the Meningococcal Vaccines Market, 2023 to 2033 market in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and MEA. Also forecasted is the market in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, France, UK, Italy, China, India, Japan, and Australia among other prominent economies. Prospects for established firms and those seeking to enter the market including company profiles for 9 of the major companies involved in the Meningococcal Vaccines Market, 2023 to 2033. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06417096/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Story continues CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 Middlefield Canadian Income PCC Net Asset Value Middlefield Canadian Income PCC Middlefield Canadian Income - GBP PC (a protected cell company incorporated in Jersey with registration number 93546) Legal Entity Identifier: 2138007ENW3JEJXC8658 Net Asset Value As at the close of business on 06 February 2023 the estimated unaudited Net Asset Value per share was 136.00 pence (including accrued income). Investments in the Company's portfolio have been valued on a closing price basis. Enquiries: JTC Fund Solutions (Jersey) Limited 01534 700 000 The company also celebrates the grand opening of their new market research development center, Motif's Plant Base BOSTON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Motif FoodWorks, the Boston-based food technology company creating the next generation of food, today announced the company will be expanding their ingredient development and innovation business by offering their fermentation and bioprocessing services to customers. This added offering comes as the company celebrates the grand opening of their second facility, a 65,000 sq. ft. market development and research center dubbed "Motif's Plant Base," which will house the company's fermentation, ingredient, and finished-product production. Motifs Plant Base facility located in Northborough, MA Bioprocessing as a Service Motif has experienced first-hand the challenges that come with scaling up a product for commercialization. The difficulty of taking a product through optimization at bench scale and translating that into a pilot scale is a timely and costly process that many start-ups don't have the capabilities for in-house. After the successful commercialization of the company's first product HEMAMI, a yeast-derived heme protein that provides umami flavor and meaty aroma to plant-based meat alternatives, Motif saw a unique opportunity to leverage their knowledge, technology capabilities and production facilities to assist other companies in the commercialization process. Motif will be offering their bioprocessing services to companies in various industries looking to scale-up. The company is currently offering their services at bench-scale, while planning to build out pilot-scale capabilities in the future. "We are thrilled to be able to utilize our experience and offer help to companies that are in a similar position that we were in a few years back," said Philippe Prochasson, Motif's Vice President of Biosciences and Analytics. "By using our holistic innovation process, we are able to help companies rapidly develop and commercialize their technologies." Story continues While offering their bioprocessing as a service to companies, the Motif team will also offer consulting services to these clients, allowing the processes to be a collaboration between the two entities. Motif is already assisting their first customer Arcaea, a biotech-for-beauty company developing nature-inspired ingredients and products. "Arcaea has worked closely with Motifs team on validation and process development. Motif has delivered excellent work," stated Jaide Jensen, Head of Biotechnology at Arcaea. "Motif's guidance has been incredibly valuable as we prepare for scale-up." Learn more about Motif's bioprocessing capabilities online on Capacitor, a database resource for bioprocess service platforms: https://capacitor.bio/database/map/facilities/motif-foodworks Motif's Plant Base In addition to adding a new service to their repertoire, Motif has kicked off the new year with the unveiling of their new market development center, Motif's Plant Base. Motif first broke ground on their new facilities in late 2021 with renovations to the office space and R&D facilities being completed in the latter half of 2022. Located in Northborough, MA, the new facility features state-of-the-art food technology, analytical and bioprocessing labs. The 65,000 sq. ft. facility is currently equipped to house over 55 employees, with additional office and lab facility expansions planned as the company and their services continue to grow. About Motif FoodWorks Motif FoodWorks is creating the next generation of food. We are a food technology company developing breakthrough ingredients that unleash the promise of plant-based foods and transform the eating experience from first bite to lasting impact. With food as our passion and innovation coded into our DNA, we are driven by the science of more. More taste. More texture. More choices for consumers. That is why our work has gone beyond the lab. We have taken it all the way to the plate with products grown from the universal experience of what great food should be: tantalizing, satiating, and nourishing. Our ecosystem of ingredients and finished products are designed for people of all habits and beliefs and with the health of our planet always in mind. Because at Motif, we believe the food of the future should set you free. For more information, visit www.madewithmotif.com. About Arcaea Arcaea is pioneering innovation through expressive biology, by building a new foundation for the beauty industry. Using tools like biological engineering, fermentation, and formulation, Arcaea's new ingredients and product experiences reduce supply chain dependence on harvested natural resources. Media Contacts Julia Dacri Motif FoodWorks jdacri@motiffoodworks.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/motif-foodworks-adds-bioprocessing-services-to-their-menu-301740858.html SOURCE Motif FoodWorks Company Logo Cyber Security Consulting Services Market Cyber Security Consulting Services Market Dublin, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Cyber Security Consulting Services Market - Forecasts from 2022 to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The cyber security consulting services market was valued at US$2.955 billion in 2020 and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 16.51% to reach a total market size of US$8.614 billion in 2027. The consulting companies play the roles of both defenders and attackers in the systems as well as software programs. The major factors bolstering the market growth throughout the forecast period include the growth in cyberattacks and data breaches across various organizations that further lead to a loss of millions of dollars to the companies. This, in turn, further drives the requirements for the implementation of the right strategies regarding security management and data assessments coupled with the setting up of necessary infrastructure and applications. Thus, these consulting services companies play a vital role in guiding companies to define and implement the right strategy depending on the current situation of the business. Furthermore, the rising digitization coupled with the rapid integration of technology across all sectors has led to the rapid adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) which has also amplified the number of connected devices within the organization as well as outside the organization. This, in turn, has increased the risk of cyberattacks, thus considered to be a major factor supplementing the cyber security consulting services market growth in the next five years. There is a high volume of companies working in the cyber security consulting services market. However, some have solidified their position as the leading providers in this industry. These players are involved in a plethora of investments, service expansions, R&D, partnerships, and acquisitions as a part of their growth strategies to further strengthen their position and provide better products to their customers worldwide, which is further expected to propel the growth of the market in the coming years. Story continues Also, growth in the funding received by various start-ups for the enhancement of services offered by them shows the potential for the market to grow in the near future. For example, Haven Cyber-Technologies Group, a UK-based cyber security company, recently announced that it had received 5.7 million in funding from C5 Capital, which it intends to use to improve its solutions, products, and consulting competencies. Also, in May 2020, HCL Technologies announced the expansion of its partnership that it signed with Broadcom Inc in the year 2018, HCL aimed to broaden its service offerings and include Symantec Enterprise Division (SED) consulting services, which were part of Broadcom's enterprise security solutions. Furthermore, in June 2020, CI Security announced the growth and enhancements in its Critical InsightT Channel Partner Program to cater to the growing expectations of consumers due to the increased risk of cyber threats. Growth in the number of cyberattacks is expected to drive the market's growth The key factor supplementing the cyber security consulting services market growth includes the growth in the number of cyberattacks, even in the developed economies of the world despite having world-class infrastructure. According to AtlasVPN data, for example, cybersecurity incidents in NASA increased 366% from 2018 to 2019, reaching 1,469 by 2019 from just 315 in 2018. Also, in September 2018, in a cyberattack on the leading hotel chain, Starwood Hotels, owned by the Marriot group, around personal information of more than 500 million people was compromised, to which more than 327 million entries were related to the banking information of the hotel's customers. Similarly, in February 2018, around US$6 million was stolen from the Russian Central Bank by some unknown hackers in a cyberattack. The cyber security consulting services market has been segmented on the basis of enterprise size, industry vertical, and geography. By enterprise size, the segmentation of the market has been done into small, medium, and large. On the basis of industry vertical, the market has been classified into BFSI, aerospace and defense, retail, IT and Telecom, healthcare, energy and utilities, and others. Geographically, the segmentation has been done into North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. SMEs to show robust growth By enterprise size, both the small and medium segments are anticipated to witness healthy growth during the next five years. The major factor supplementing the growth of this segment includes the significant growth in the number of SMEs at the global level. This, coupled with the rapid adoption of cloud computing solutions is also considered to be a major factor that is expected to bolster the market's growth over the next five years. North America to hold a decent share Geographically, the North American region is projected to hold a considerable market share throughout the forecast period, primarily on account of the early technology adoption coupled with the availability of a well-established infrastructure. Moreover, the presence of key market players in the region is also a key factor supplementing the cyber security consulting services market growth in the North American region during the next five years. Competitive Insights Prominent key market players in the Cyber Security Consulting Services market include Capgemini, Cisco, IBM Corporation, and Optive Security, among others. These companies hold a noteworthy share of the market on account of their good brand image and product offerings. Major players in the Cyber Security Consulting Services market have been covered along with their relative competitive positions and strategies. The report also mentions recent deals and investments by different market players over the last two years. Report Metrics Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 151 Forecast Period 2020 - 2027 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2020 $2.96 billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2027 $8.61 billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 16.5% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Dynamics 4.1. Market Drivers 4.2. Market Restraints 4.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 4.4. Function Value Chain Analysis 5. Cyber Security Consulting Services Market Analysis, By Enterprise Size 5.1. Introduction 5.2. Small 5.3. Medium 5.4. Large 6. Cyber Security Consulting Services Market Analysis, By Industry Vertical 6.1. Introduction 6.2. BFSI 6.3. Aerospace and Defense 6.4. Retail 6.5. IT and Telecom 6.6. Healthcare 6.7. Energy and Utilities 6.8. Others 7. Cyber Security Consulting Services Market Analysis, By Geography 8. Competitive Environment and Analysis 8.1. Major Players and Strategy Analysis 8.2. Emerging Players and Market Lucrativeness 8.3. Mergers, Acquisitions, Agreements, and Collaborations 8.4. Vendor Competitiveness Matrix 9. Company Profiles 9.1. Capgemini 9.2. McAfee, LLC (acquired by Intel) 9.3. Accenture 9.4. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP. 9.5. IBM Corporation 9.6. BlackBerry Limited 9.7. Dell Inc. 9.8. FireEye, Inc. (acquired by Symphony Technology Group) 9.9. Optiv Security Inc. (acquired by KKR) 9.10. BAE Systems For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xab4yi-security?w=12 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. Attachment CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 6, 2023 /CNW/ - Palisades Goldcorp Ltd. (TSXV: PALI) ("Palisades" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company's common shares (the "Common Shares") have been approved for listing on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") as a Tier 2 issuer under the symbol "PALI" (the "Listing"). Palisades' Common Shares commenced trading as at the opening of the markets on Monday, February 6, 2023. No public offering of Common Shares was carried out in connection with the Listing. Palisades holds a diverse portfolio of securities and derivatives among which it holds a 26.67% interest in New Found Gold Corp (TSXV: NFG). Palisades Goldcorp Ltd. Logo (CNW Group/Palisades Goldcorp Ltd.) The Exchange issued a bulletin on February 2, 2023, confirming the Listing. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Collin Kettell" Collin Kettell Chief Executive Officer and Director About Palisades Goldcorp Ltd. Palisades Goldcorp Ltd. is a resource investment company and merchant bank focused on junior companies in the resource and mining sector. The Company seeks to acquire equity participation in pre-initial public offering and early state public resource companies with undeveloped or undervalued high quality projects. The Company focuses on companies that are in need of financial resources to realize their full potential, are undervalued in capital markets and/or operate in jurisdictions with low to moderate local political risk. The Company expects to continue to make investments, pursuant to its dual investment strategy, to achieve broad sector exposure with upside in the event of appreciate in mineral commodities prices, while also providing the potential to realize appreciation in net asset values as a result of discoveries by issuers in which the Company holds larger positions. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the stock symbol "PALI". Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation (collectively, the "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "will", "can", "may", "could", "expects", "plans", "anticipates" and similar expressions which, by their nature, refer to future events. Forward-looking statements included herein include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's expected investment strategy and long-term business objectives. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations Story continues will prove to be correct. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, assumptions, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, including, with respect to the forward-looking statements contained herein, the assumption that the Company will continue to achieve its investment and performance milestones through conducting its operations in a manner consistent with past performance, and such forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with the volatility of the Common Shares, the Company's lack of control over the mining operations of the issuers in which it invests and its limited access to such operational data, risks associated with the Company's acquisition strategy and no guarantee over its investment returns and risks related to resale restrictions, inflation, volatility of global financial conditions, conflicts of interests and those risks applicable to owners and operators of mineral properties. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's final long form prospectus dated January 20, 2023, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. SOURCE Palisades Goldcorp Ltd. Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2023/06/c9063.html Platform Pay (PlatformPay.io): A Leader in Billing and BPO Solutions, Gives Tips for Successful and Secure Online Shopping Platform Pay PlatformPay PlatformPay.io Platform Pay PlatformPay PlatformPay.io LOS ANGELES, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the world has returned more to normal post-pandemic, the bump in online sales has continued to increase worldwide. However, with the rise of digital shopping, there are also unique security risks that come with the convenience and ease of online purchases. To help keep people's financial information and data safe, Platform Pay (PlatformPay.io) is offering the following tips for a secure and successful shopping experience. First, it is important to be aware of the different types of fraud that exist. PlatformPay.io recommends that people keep an eye out for phishing emails, especially during the holiday seasons. These emails can often be disguised as coming from legitimate companies and can contain malicious links or attachments. PlatformPay.io additionally suggests only shopping on secure websites. When shopping online, make sure to only visit websites that have an "https" prefix in their URL. This indicates that the website is secured with an SSL certificate, which encrypts the data it exchanges and helps to keep one's financial information safe. PlatformPay.io recommends using a credit card rather than a debit card when shopping online. Credit cards offer more protection than debit cards, as they do not link directly to one's bank account. Additionally, be sure to check bank statements regularly and report any fraudulent purchases right away. PlatformPay.io also recommends that shoppers take advantage of the many security features offered by their credit card companies. Many credit card companies now offer additional security features, such as two-step authentication, fraud alerts, and purchases notifications. These features can help to keep shoppers safe while they shop online. Next, they recommend that shoppers create unique and strong passwords for each website they shop on. Having a unique password for each account helps to ensure that if one account is compromised, the others will remain secure. By taking the proper precautions, such as making sure that the site is secure, using strong passwords and avoiding giving out personal information, shoppers can be sure that their financial and personal data is not at risk. Story continues By following these tips, one can be sure that their online shopping experience is secure and hassle-free. PlatformPay.io is a top business service provider that offers a comprehensive suite of solutions for businesses of all sizes. With their dedicated customer service team and expert security measures, their clients can trust PlatformPay.io to provide a safe and secure payment experience. To learn more about PlatformPay.io, visit their official website at https://platformpay.io or reach out to info@platformpay.io for more information. Contact Information: Platform Pay Management info@platformpay.io +1 (855) 630-3452 Related Images Image 1: Platform Pay PlatformPay PlatformPay.io Platform Pay PlatformPay PlatformPay.io This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment By Azernews Fatima Hasanova Ambassador of Turkiye to Azerbaijan Cahit Bagci thanked Azerbaijan for solidarity and assistance over the earthquake, Azernews reports. "A plane carrying 179 search-and-rescue personnel, equipment, and search-and-rescue dogs from fraternal Azerbaijan departed from Baku's Haydar Aliyev International Airport to Adana at 1355 today, the second plane is being prepared. We would like to thank dear Azerbaijan for solidarity," the tweet said. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center reports that on January 6, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake was felt in central Turkiye. The epicenter of the earthquake was 26 kilometers off Gaziantep, which has a population of about 1.06 million. The earthquake's epicenter was located 7 km below the surface. According to Turkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, three more earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.4 to 6.6 shook the province of Gaziantep in southeast Turkiye. According to Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay, the earthquake left 284 people dead and 2,383 injured. Two Azerbaijani students were rescued from the rubble in Turkiye's Kahramanmaras, according to information shared on social media platforms. Prisma Campaigns Prisma Campaigns MIAMI, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prisma Campaigns has announced that it is working with Community Resource FCU to digitally onboard and engage its members. Prisma Campaigns, CUNA Strategic Services' preferred solution for marketing automation, is set to provide marketing automation and communication solutions for Community Resource Federal Credit Union. Community Resource FCU's team was looking for ways to deepen member relationships as well as improve and streamline communications while avoiding administrative bloat. Jaye Jones, AVP Marketing & Business Development, said, "Our vision is to be our members' institution of choice. Working with Prisma will allow us to communicate in a timely and effective manner with our members at every stage of their journey with us." Prisma and Community Resource FCU are working together to build an automated member onboarding process, as well as targeted communications by focusing on audiences based on member data. Prisma continues its mission to provide credit unions with advanced marketing capabilities like personalization, segmentation and automation to improve member experience and engagement. About Community Resource FCU Community Resource FCU was created 85 years ago to serve the families of the Niagara Mohawk power company, now National Grid. With $100 million in assets and 7,000 members in Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga and Rensselaer counties, NY, CRFCU's mission is to improve the lives of its members and community by providing access to affordable, reliable, solution-based financial services. For more information, call 518.783.2211 or visit https://communityresourcefcu.com/ About Prisma Campaigns Prisma Campaigns is a marketing platform designed for financial institutions. Selected as CUNA Strategic Services' preferred solution for marketing automation, Prisma helps financial institutions boost loyalty and increase share of wallet through personalized marketing campaigns that drive true value. For more information on how Prisma can help enhance your customer experience, contact the Prisma team at communications@prismacampaigns.com or visit prismacampaigns.com. Story continues ### Contact Information: Prisma Team communications@prismacampaigns.com Related Images Image 1: Prisma Campaigns Prisma Campaigns Logo This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment Australian broker QCM bursts into 2023 with three prestigious international awards just a year after its market debut. It stood out as the best Forex broker in Australia and got awards for the best trading platform. SYDNEY, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the end of the year, QCM received an award at the Le Fonti Awards Global one of the world's leading business ceremonies organized by a major news broadcasting agency with a focus on economics, finance, law and infotainment. The company received a trophy as the best trading platform in Australia, outperforming the competitors in terms of the trading experience and user friendliness. QCM awards 2022 Another highlight of the year 2022 for QCM was the Best Forex Broker Australia award received at ForexAwards , the annual ceremony celebrating top brokers from around the world. According to the selection results, QCM was rated the best in terms of trading conditions and recognized as Australia's #1 for Forex trading. QCM's hall of fame was also replenished with an award for the most innovative trading platform in Australia. The award was issued by World Business Outlook , a global publisher that holds an annual ceremony honoring the leading actors in finance, banking, and technology. "We've been preparing to enter the Australian market for a long time: bringing the business in line with strict local legislation, researching competition and customer needs. Quadcode Markets is a unique broker: with a low barrier to entry, an interesting set of assets, favorable trading conditions, and an easy-to-use trading platform. To our delight, QCM was warmly welcomed by the local users and recognized by the professional community, so we keep improving the user experience to make our platform #1 choice for traders in Australia." - Markus Helsing, Quadode Markets General Manager Quadcode Markets is an ASIC-licensed multi-asset brokerage firm. Despite its young age by market standards, QCM got a strong start thanks to its industry-rare asset selection and low entry threshold. Story continues The QCM trading platform powered by Quadcode provides access to CFD trading on stocks, commodities, indices, FX pairs and crypto, and draws a lot of interest due to its simple UI especially among the less experienced users. In 2022, QCM became the Official Global Partner of the Davis Cup Finals. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1996794/qcm_awards.jpg Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/quadcode-markets-wraps-up-2022-as-australias-best-for-trading-301740350.html Kansas City, Missouri, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rockhurst University is transforming learning for education leaders by introducing a two-year Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership program with three in-demand concentrations. This 100% online, part-time program allows aspiring education leaders to continue working while earning a doctorate degree in education. In the new online program, students will complete a doctoral capstone research project and compile learnings into a publishable article and presentation. This virtual presentation to education leaders gives doctoral candidates the opportunity to showcase their work and thought leadership, as well as bridge the gap between theory and practice. Unlike a traditional thesis in which the doctoral candidate must argue a hypothesis, the capstone project allows candidates to directly address a current issue in their field and offer data-informed solutions that can shape the future of education. The higher education sector, K-12 schools, and health care institutions all rely on competent leadership to improve outcomes. For instance, K-12 leadership development can help retain principals and teachers, improve academic performance, build a culture of trust in school communities, and encourage student success both in and out of the classroom. In addition, reports show that a shortage of health care educators, specifically a lack of qualified nursing program faculty, has exasperated the national nursing shortage. To meet the need for educators who inspire, train, and teach the next generation of leaders, Rockhurst University recognizes the value and importance of offering specialized pathways for tomorrow's educators and offers three concentrations: K-12 Educational Leadership: Todays youth depend on passionate teachers to lead and guide their education, career choices, and future. Rockhurst Universitys Ed.D. in Education and Leadership programs K-12 Leadership concentration allows professionals to bring leadership to todays rapidly changing primary and secondary education environments. Story continues Higher Education: Students enrolled in the Higher Education concentration learn how to design university curricula, leverage modern technologies for virtual teaching platforms, and work in college and university settings. Graduates of the Higher Education concentration will have the credentials to qualify for university faculty and administrative roles and be prepared to make an impact in the future of higher education. Health Care Education: Health care practitioners require highly qualified educators and adequate training to deliver high-quality care. Rockhurst Universitys Health Care Education concentration will prepare educators to address the health care educator shortage with specialized teaching methods and program plans aligned with accreditation processes. Ed.D. students with a Health Care Education concentration will be equipped to lead the newest generation of educators and practitioners upon completion of the program. An online Ed.D. program enables educators to acquire relevant experience, increased career opportunities, and greater compensation when transitioning from the classroom to their employment. In all concentrations, students enrolled in Rockhurst Universitys online Ed.D. program will learn the following: Educational Systems and Policy: Students in all concentrations will learn about the history of educational frameworks, the evolution of pedagogical practices, key issues that influence current teaching models, and the potential future of the educational system. This foundational knowledge gives doctoral candidates greater context to shape policies, curriculum, pedagogy, and administrative leadership roles within their organization. Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum: After building a deeper understanding of the history of teaching, students learn how to draw on existing theories to build their educational leadership competencies by designing curricula, assessing program effectiveness, and measuring student outcomes. This allows them to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. Applied Research: In the third essential pillar of the Ed.D. program, students combine theoretical and practical knowledge to complete a research project. The final research project utilizes qualitative and quantitative research methods to offer a solution to a modern-day challenge. This research project will vary depending on the students chosen pathway. For example, a student enrolled in the Health Care Education pathway would investigate current issues within the health care industry. Rockhurst Universitys Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership program is open to graduates with masters degrees in any field and also available to students with 33 completed graduate credits. The program can be completed in six semesters over two years faster than many alternative Ed.D. programs. Rockhurst values accessible education, and as such, Rockhursts program is highly affordable. The program is ideal for motivated and passionate professionals who wish to accelerate their journey to shape the future of learning as educational leaders. Visit onlinedegrees.rockhurst.edu to learn more about Rockhurst Universitys innovative Ed.D. in Education and Leadership program. ### For more information about Rockhurst University (Kansas), contact the company here: Rockhurst University (Kansas) Katherine Frohoff katherine.frohoff@rockhurst.edu 1100 Rockhurst Road, Kansas City, MO 64110 CONTACT: Katherine Frohoff CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SomerCor, a non-profit, Certified Development Company (CDC) licensed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the SBA 504 loan program, is proud to announce the appointment of Margy Sweeney, Founder & CEO of Akrete, as the new Chairman of its Board of Directors. Thomas Huffman, Executive Vice President - Wintrust SBA Lending, will serve as Vice Chairman. SomerCor (PRNewsfoto/SomerCor) "I look forward to working with Margy and Tom to build upon SomerCor's growth and service to small businesses and lending partners through the SBA 504 program and our other economic development initiatives," said Manuel Flores, President and CEO of SomerCor. "We also thank our Chairman Emeritus, Jon Winick, for his many years of service as Chairman. Over the last few years, SomerCor has achieved significant milestones including receiving SBA Accredited Lender Program (ALP) designation and Local Economic Area (LEA) authority to lend in Kenosha and Rock counties in Wisconsin." Margy Sweeney (Chairman) is the Founder & CEO of Akrete, a WBE national public relations, content, and marketing agency with expertise in both real estate and financial services, including ranking as the nation's #5 real estate public relations firm. Margy has over 25 years of experience in using creative storytelling to promote business growth and has served on the SomerCor board since 2016. Thomas Huffman (Vice Chairman) is the EVP of Wintrust SBA Lending and has over 35 years of experience in commercial and SBA lending and he has served on the SomerCor board since 2018. Wintrust Community Banks was named the number one SBA lender in Illinois in 2022. Jon Winick (Chairman Emeritus) is the CEO of Clark Street Capital, a full-service bank advisory firm specializing in loan sales, loan due diligence and valuation, and specialty asset management. Jon has over 20 years of banking experience and has served on SomerCor's Board for 15 years. "I'm proud of the journey SomerCor is on to support an increasingly diverse set of small businesses. As a business founder and owner myself, I welcome the opportunity to lead this Board of Directors," said Sweeney. "Access to capital can mean the difference between surviving and thriving for many entrepreneursparticularly for woman, minority, and veteran-owned businesses. I'm pleased to play this leadership role in 2023 as the SomerCor team continues their great work expanding economic opportunities and helping small business owners make their dreams a reality." Story continues Other Board Members include Dean Avdalas (SVP, Commercial Lending - Byline Bank), Jeffrey Bronswick (CEO - Bronswick Benjamin P.C.), James Bruno (VP, Area Manager - JPMorgan Chase), Brian Burke (SVP, Commercial Banking Old National Bank), Erica King (President - Greenwood Archer Capital), Santiago Martinez (Regional President - Belmont Bank & Trust), Michael Martino (Head of Chicago Emerging Middle Market Banking - Fifth Third Bank), Michael Plumb (Principal - Lee & Associates of Illinois, LLC), William Towns (National Market President for Community Revitalization - Gorman & Company), Julie Winterbauer (SVP, Marketing and Member Relations - Illinois Bankers Association) and Simon Yohanan (SVP, Managing Director of Middle Market Banking - First Bank Chicago). About SomerCor The SomerCor mission is to grow businesses, create jobs, and increase impactful investment in every community through the SBA 504 loan program and other financing and grant initiatives. SomerCor serves the entire state of Illinois and Kenosha and Rock counties in Wisconsin. For more information visit www.somercor.com Contact: Kim Brisky // (312) 505-7032 // kbrisky@somercor.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/somercor-names-new-leadership-to-board-of-directors-301740072.html SOURCE SomerCor SAO PAULO (Reuters) -An heir of Lebanese-Brazilian billionaire banker Joseph Safra has sued his mother and two siblings amid a dispute over the fortune of his late father, according to a lawsuit filed on Monday. Alberto Safra accused his family members of purposely diluting his stake in a holding company of Safra National Bank in an effort to oust him from the family empire. In the lawsuit, filed in New York State Supreme Court, Alberto Safra claimed that his mother, Vicky Safra, and brothers Jacob and David Safra had engaged in acts of corporate misconduct to damage his interests in the company. "Due to illegal and aggressive acts committed by his brothers, Alberto Safra had no choice but to file a lawsuit with the Supreme Court of New York to protect his rights," he said in a statement. Alberto Safra resigned from Banco Safra's board of directors in late 2019 after a dispute with his younger brother David. A year later, their father, Joseph Safra, who was for many years Brazil's richest man and the world's wealthiest banker, passed away aged 82. In 2021, Alberto Safra and the family came close to an agreement on Joseph Safra's will to avoid litigation over the fortune, which was valued at $15 billion at the time. In a statement, the Safra family rejected Alberto's claims and said it "regrets the path taken by Alberto, who first acted against his father in life and now acts against his memory." It added that Alberto left Banco Safra a few months after receiving donations from his father in anticipation of his inheritance, without heeding the appeals made personally by his father and started a business competing with Banco Safra, "having even harassed and hired several executives of the Group." The family statement added that Joseph Safra had asked several executives not to join Alberto and after several refusals by Alberto to change his plans, disowned his son. (Reporting by Aluisio Alves; Editing by Leslie Adler) Beverage Industry Pioneer Introduces Cutting-Edge Approach to Product Creation SEATTLE, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Talking Rain Beverage Company, the maker of bestselling flavored sparkling water brand, Sparkling Ice, is excited to announce the launch of its new innovation program, I.C.E. Labs bringing new beverage concepts to market in a small-scale, test and learn model, allowing for an iterative approach to product development. (PRNewsfoto/Talking Rain Beverage Company) I.C.E. Labs, short for Innovate, Create and Enjoy, will maximize Talking Rain Beverage Company's ability to test products more efficiently on a smaller scale, generating consumer response over a six to nine-month basis. This entrepreneurial approach will utilize a variety of store types and locations to cater to different demographics and markets, ranging from convenience stores to specialty groceries. Products that are successfully tested will be moved to larger test markets, eventually expanding to a national scale. Talking Rain is currently testing locally in the Pacific Northwest. "We're excited to introduce I.C.E. Labs as an added innovation arm to Talking Rain Beverage Company, which will allow us to create a path to a more diverse portfolio for our consumers," said Anne Wilcox, Senior Vice President of Insights and Innovation at Talking Rain Beverage Company. "We anticipate that this pilot program will bring positive results for Talking Rain with its iterative approach to product development while benefiting consumers with innovative and "better-for-you" beverages." The I.C.E. Labs program was designed to guide new product ideas from the early stages of development to market testing and eventual expansion. This will help Talking Rain gain valuable consumer feedback, prove the feasibility of new beverage concepts and lay the foundation for growth and success on a national level. For more information on Talking Rain Beverage Company's I.C.E. Labs Program, please visit: https://www.talkingrain.com/ice-labs/. Story continues About Talking Rain Beverage Company Talking Rain Beverage Company is a Washington-based beverage company that has been an industry leader for 35 years. The company's portfolio of brands includes the bestselling flavored sparkling water, Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice +Caffeine, and Talking Rain AQA, all of which offer better-for-you beverage options. In 2023, Talking Rain launched its new innovation program, I.C.E. Labs, bringing new beverage concepts to market through a small scale, test and learn model that allows for an iterative approach to product development. With a commitment to developing best-in-class brands and driving meaningful community engagement, Talking Rain is creating connections with every sip. Talking Rain is building a sustainable future in an ever-changing market space. The company is committed to crafting products and embracing practices that build a better future for business, communities, and the planet. About I.C.E. Labs I.C.E. Labs is Talking Rain Beverage Company's new innovation program, bringing concepts to market in a small-scale, test and learn model, allowing for an iterative approach to product development. Standing for Innovate, Create and Enjoy, I.C.E. Labs allows Talking Rain to test products in local markets to proof concepts before expanding on a national scale. Stemming from an entrepreneurial mindset, this new model creates a path to a more diverse portfolio for Talking Rain beverages. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/talking-rain-beverage-company-introduces-ice-labs-a-forward-thinking-innovative-product-development-program-301741127.html SOURCE Talking Rain Beverage Co CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the market for urinalysis future business grows, other companies are entering the market offering innovative solutions. These companies are leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to provide insights into urinary health. In addition, companies like Urinalysis are partnering with medical device companies to develop urine analysis devices for home use. Overall, the urinalysis future business is an exciting and rapidly growing industry. The technology is revolutionizing the way urine is monitored and managed, providing unprecedented insights into urinary health. With the proliferation of new technologies, companies are finding innovative ways to leverage data and insights to improve patient outcomes. MarketsandMarkets Logo Urinalysis Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $3.9 billion in 2022 and is poised to reach $5.7 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2022 to 2027 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Development of new diagnostic products and, government support boosting the market. Emerging economies such as India and Japan are providing lucrative opportunities for the players operating in the urinalysis market. Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=153479294 Browse in-depth TOC on "Urinalysis Market". 198 - Tables 44 - Figures 237 - Pages Urinalysis Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2022 $3.9 billion Estimated Value by 2027 $5.7 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% Market Size Available for 20202027 Forecast Period 20222027 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Product, Test Type, Application, end user and region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Emerging market Key Market Drivers Increasing burden of UTIs, diabetes and liver & kidney diseases The consumables segment accounted for the largest share of the urinalysis market, by product segment, in 2021 Based on product, the urinalysis market is segmented into consumables and instruments. The consumables segment accounted for the largest share of the urinalysis market, mainly due to the growth of POC diagnostics products market, advancing diagnosis technologies with efficient and rapid results and increased emerging opportunities. Story continues The pregnancy & fertility tests segment accounted for the largest share of the urinalysis market, by test type segment, in 2021 Based on test type, the urinalysis market is segmented into pregnancy & fertility tests, biochemical tests and sediment urinalysis. The pregnancy & fertility tests segment accounted for the largest share of the urinalysis market, mainly due to the growth of public awareness about early pregnancy detection and increased R&D investments in healthcare. The diseases screening segment accounted for the largest share of the urinalysis market, by application segment, in 2021 Based on application, the urinalysis market is segmented into disease screening and pregnancy & fertility tests. The disease screening segment accounted for the largest share of the urinalysis market, mainly due to the technological advancements in urine analyzers, increased focus on preventive care and increased funding for diagnostic research. Diagnostic laboratories segment to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period The urinalysis market is segmented into diagnostic laboratories, hospitals & clinics, home care settings and research laboratories and institutes based on end user. In 2021, the diagnostic laboratories segment accounted for the largest share of the urinalysis market. The large share of this segment can mainly be attributed to the increased investment in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, increased R&D in the POC diagnostic segment. North America is the largest regional market for urinalysis market The global urinalysis market is segmented into five major regionsNorth America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America accounted for the largest regional market for urinalysis market in 2021. The large share of North America in this market can be attributed to the government's support for research in the region, increased government funsing for the development of preventive care diagnostics. Request for FREE Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=153479294 Urinalysis Market Dynamics: Drivers: Increasing burden of UTIs, diabetes, and liver & kidney diseases to impact market Rising geriatric population and age-associated diseases to fuel market growth Increasing adoption of POC urine diagnostic tests to drive market Innovations in Urinalysis Restraints: Availability of refurbished urine analyzers to pose challenges for market High capital investments and lack of skilled laboratory technicians to restrain market growth Opportunities: Increasing investments in healthcare and life sciences to fuel growth in emerging markets Technological advancements in urine analyzers to augment market growth Increasing government initiatives and funding for preventive care to provide growth opportunities Challenges: Changing regulatory landscape to challenge market growth Key Market Players: The major players operating in urinalysis market are Siemens Healthineers AG (Germany), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland), Cardinal Health, Inc. (US), Abbott Laboratories (US), Danaher Corporation (US), Sysmex Corporation (Japan), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US), Quidel Corporation (US), Becton, Dickinson and Company (US), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (US) and EKF Diagnostics (UK). Recent Developments: In September 2022, Sysmex Corporation (Japan) launched the UF-1500 fully automated urine particle analyzer, a Product for the urine sediment testing field. In February 2021, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US) and Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. (China) signed an agreement to offer the FDA-cleared and Health Canadaapproved BS-480 (400 tests/hour) and BA-800M (800 tests/hour) analyzers to toxicology labs. In August 2020, Sysmex America, Inc. (a subsidiary of Sysmex Corporation) and Siemens Healthineers AG (Germany) announced an exclusive agreement. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=153479294 Browse Adjacent Market: Medical Devices Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Point of Care Diagnostics Market - Global Forecasts to 2027 In Vitro Diagnostics Market - Global Forecasts to 2027 Clinical Chemistry Analyzer Market - Global Forecasts to 2026 Stoma Care Market - Global Forecasts to 2026 Albumin & Creatinine Tests Market - Global Forecasts to 2025 About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/urinalysis-systems-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/urinalysis-systems.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/urinalysis-market-is-expected-to-reach-5-7-billion--marketsandmarkets-301740408.html SOURCE MarketsandMarkets PHI Group, Inc. New York, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Philux Global Group, Inc. (a/k/a PHI Group, Inc.; www.philuxglobal.com, PHIL), announced today that Thanh Nam Long Co., Ltd., a Vietnamese construction and infrastructure development company, has signed an agreement with Philux Global Group, Inc., the parent and sponsor of PHILUX Global Funds SCA, SICAV-RAIF, to join PHILUX Infrastructure Fund, a Luxembourg-based infrastructure fund focusing on the development and implementation of selective infrastructure projects in Vietnam and other geographical areas that are compatible with the investment philosophy and strategy of the fund. As one of the fastest growing economies in ASEAN, Vietnam is currently demanding for more foreign financial investment and technical assistance to narrow its infrastructure gap. According to the Global Infrastructure Outlook, Vietnam requires an investment of US$605 billion to meet 83 per cent of its infrastructure goals by 2040. Among the sectors that have been given utmost priorities are the urban transportation, road, rail and port infrastructure. Currently, just 20 per cent of the countrys national roads are paved, and a recently approved plan to build Vietnam's North-South high-speed railway, which allows passengers to travel between capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in about eight hours, will cost about 26 billion U.S. dollars. The rising population in major cities in recent years has strained and exceeded capacity of the existing connectivity networks and utilities systems. With 50% of Vietnams population expected to be living in cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are building rapid transit systems exceeding US$22 billion in the hope of reducing private vehicle ownership and improving air quality. Various expressway projects are planned and underway to improve connectivity within major cities. Similarly, development and upgrading of urban utilities infrastructure are announced and there are 44 planed PPP projects with total investment value worth up to US$ 120 billion in the road and power sectors. Story continues PHILUX Global Funds SCA, SICAV-RAIF (www.philuxfunds.com), is a Luxembourg-based bank fund with an intent to initially hold Philux Global Select Growth Fund, Philux Energy Fund and Philux Infrastructure Fund for investment in real estate, infrastructure, renewable energy and healthcare as well as the Asia Diamond Exchange (ADE) in the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, Quang Nam Province, and the Multi-Logistics Center near the new Long Thanh International Airport, Long Thanh District, Vietnam. This will be the first rough diamond exchange in Southeast Asia, expected to be comparable with diamond exchanges in Antwerp (https://www.awdc.be/) and Dubai (https://www.dmcc.ae/gateway-to-trade/commodities/diamonds). Through Philux Infrastructure Fund, Thanh Nam Long Construction Co. will partner with Philux Global Group to develop and invest in the Ho Chi Minh Moc Bai, Tay Ninh Expressway and other select infrastructure projects in Vietnam, including but not limited to the Asia Diamond Exchange, the Multi-Logistics Center in Long Thanh District, Dong Nai Province and other expressway, highway, seaport and industrial zone projects. Nguyen Thanh Long, Chairman of Thanh Nam Long Construction Co., Ltd., commented: We are very pleased to join PHILUX Infrastructure Fund and partner with Philux Global Group to respond to the growing needs of infrastructure development in Vietnam and strongly believe that by combining our experiences and expertise we will be able to achieve significant goals through our cooperation. Henry Fahman, Chairman and CEO of Philux Global Group, stated: We are delighted to partner with Thanh Nam Long to advance the PHILUX Infrastructure Fund for Vietnam and are confident that we will be well positioned to serve Vietnams infrastructure needs as well as create significant benefits for both companies, our shareholders and all other stakeholders involved. About PHILUX Global Funds and Philux Global Group PHILUX Global Funds SCA, SICAV-RAIF is a Luxembourg-based bank fund (www.philuxfunds.com) intending to hold several sub-fund compartments for investment in real estate, infrastructure, renewable energy and healthcare as well as the Asia Diamond Exchange (ADE) in the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, Quang Nam Province, and the proposed Multi-Logistics Center near the new Long Thanh International Airport, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam Philux Global Group, Inc.(www.philuxglobal.com), (PHIL), a/k/a PHI Group, Inc., primarily focuses on mergers and acquisitions and invests in select industries and special situations that may substantially enhance shareholder value. In addition, the Companys wholly-owned subsidiary, PHILUX Capital Advisors, Inc. (www.philuxcapital.com) provides M&A consulting services and assists companies to go public and access international capital markets. About Thanh Nam Long Construction Co., Ltd. Thanh Nam Long Construction Co., Ltd. is a limited liability company in Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam. The company is engaged in construction and infrastructure development in Vietnam and managed by experienced and dedicated managers and well-trained, professional staff with advanced construction equipment and machinery. Thanh Nam Long has been a prestigious participant in multiple large-scale, high-quality construction projects in Vietnam. 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. +1-714-793-9227, info@philuxglobal.com Source: PHI Group, Inc. A former Wells Fargo senior vice president has sued the bank, accusing it of inaction and retaliation after her complaints of sexual misconduct by a higher-ranking employee. (Mark Lennihan / Associated Press) Content warning: This story includes descriptions of sexual assault. A former Wells Fargo executive alleged that she was raped by a superior while on a work trip and said the bank created a hostile work environment, failed to protect her from sexual harassment and retaliated against her, according to a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The lawsuit filed Thursday describes an escalating pattern of sexually harassing comments, groping and assault by Eric R. Pagel, a senior investment strategist and managing director at Wells Fargo, that began soon after the plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, was hired in April 2018 as a senior vice president and wealth advisor. Pagel raped Doe in a Bakersfield hotel room in January 2020 while she was intoxicated, according to the complaint. According to the suit, Pagel groped Doe twice and subjected her to inappropriate comments in the two years prior to the alleged rape, but Doe kept quiet because she feared complaining would damage her career. Then, in February 2020, a few weeks after the alleged rape, she complained to her immediate boss about comments Pagel had made, but was brushed off. Doe filed a formal complaint with the company about the rape in November 2020, but "no meaningful investigation ensued," the suit said. "Rather, Plaintiff was subjected to adverse actions regarding her employment." Wells Fargo spokesperson Laurie W. Kight declined to comment on the complaint's allegations. "We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously and are reviewing the lawsuit," Kight said in an email. Pagel declined to comment, referring a reporter to Wells Fargo. Doe, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said in an interview that as her case dragged on without resolution, she increasingly felt she couldn't trust the company. She said work became unbearable, and she would cry multiple times a day. "I was being gaslighted by Wells Fargo," Doe said. "It was a huge betrayal." Pagel would often remark on Doe's appearance and made demeaning comments about other women, according to the lawsuit. Story continues He made sexually explicit comments, repeatedly suggesting Doe should exchange sex for money, and he said Doe should divorce her husband and sleep with a wealthy client's son, according to the complaint. Pagel regularly invited Doe to drinks alone. He also often invited her to visit his second home in Lake Tahoe without their families requests that Doe declined, the lawsuit said. Pagel groped Doe at a business event in Beverly Hills on Oct. 15, 2018, and again on Jan. 29, 2019, at a company event hosted for clients at a hotel, the lawsuit said. Doe pushed Pagel's hand away in both instances. On Jan. 28, 2020, a team of six Wells Fargo employees including Doe and Pagel drove to the Padre Hotel in Bakersfield to meet with several high-net-worth clients. The group met for drinks in the hotel lobby, then went to dinner around 7 p.m. During dinner, while Doe and a female colleague stepped away to use the restroom, Pagel and three male colleagues allegedly took inappropriate pictures of themselves on Doe's phone, the suit said. After more drinks at a bar, where Doe became increasingly intoxicated, the group returned to the hotel. The next morning, Doe's memory of the previous evening was fragmented and unclear. Piecing her recollections together, she recalled receiving a knock on her door; when she opened it, Pagel "barged in," began kissing her and raped her, according to the complaint. On Jan. 31, she confronted Pagel, the lawsuit said, and he told her they had had sex multiple times without contraceptives. In early February, Doe called her gynecologist to inquire about testing her systems for drugs and administering a rape kit. Her doctor informed her that too much time had passed for tests to be effective. Doe was embarrassed and hesitant to report the incident through formal channels, she said in the complaint. Pagel allegedly continued to make inappropriate comments, telling Doe later that month she should be paired with a wealthy client because that client was having a sexual relationship with his secretary and would also find Doe attractive, the lawsuit said. On Feb. 27, she told her immediate supervisor that she was uncomfortable with comments Pagel had made. The supervisor brushed off her concerns, the lawsuit said, suggesting she should not give Pagel a window of opportunity to be inappropriate. Doe, in the following months, "became emotionally distressed to the point of paralysis" with the thought of her sexual assault and the "cavalier attitude" of her direct supervisor, the lawsuit said. The lawsuit alleges Doe experienced retaliation that clients of hers were reassigned without her knowledge, she was removed from important communications and her superiors threatened to exclude her from high-profile accounts. On Nov. 13, 2020, more than eight months after the alleged rape, Doe filed a formal report with the company's ethics hotline. Doe filed a complaint with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's station in Lomita the same day. The company for months did not take action to investigate the incident, neglecting to collect a statement from Doe or ask for names of witnesses until April 2021, after Doe made a formal charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the lawsuit said. Doe went on medical leave that month for anxiety and depression, and the company began collecting her statement during that period. The company's investigation dragged on, and Doe was asked to engage in an "interactive dialogue," the suit said. Doe ultimately resigned from the bank in July 2021. Doe and her attorney, Ronald Zambrano of West Coast Trial Lawyers, said detectives did not make headway in their investigation and declined to pursue criminal charges against Pagel. On Oct. 21, 2021, Doe received an emailed message from the Wells Fargo ethics line informing her the case she'd filed had been closed; it did not reveal the company's determination or other specifics. "If appropriate, corrective actions have been or will be taken in accordance with Wells Fargo policy," the note said, according to a screenshot reviewed by The Times. Kight, the Wells Fargo spokesperson, did not respond to questions about whether Pagel was still employed at the company. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and monetary relief for unspecified general, consequential and special damages including losses in earnings, physical injuries and illness, emotional distress, medical expenses and attorney fees. The complaint also seeks punitive damages from Wells Fargo for failing to prevent harmful conduct and from named defendants for acting wrongfully or maliciously. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Paramount John Dutton, Americas cowboy patriarch, could be leaving us. Over the course of five seasons, the western drama Yellowstone has reigned supreme as the most-watched show on cable television. Kevin Costner, the series lead, just won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama TV Series. He plays John Dutton, the head of Montanas wealthiest ranch, and the only thing stopping greedy hands from sapping off his familys generational land. Hes killed for this slice of Paradise Valleyeven raised his children to be his ruthless soldiersbut now a new report claims that the star is giving that all up. According to Deadline, Costner will depart Yellowstone, while series creator Taylor Sheridan and the Paramount Network are plotting a potential franchise extension to continue the Dutton saga with Matthew McConaughey to star. (Yes, we're serious.) It isnt clear at present whether the McConaughey-fronted franchise extension will be set on the Dutton ranch in Montana or elsewhere. But the new project is way more than just talk. Let's digest this togetherbecause that's just the beginning of this insane news. What In the Yee-Haw Just Happened?! When we last left the Dutton family, we were amid a not-so-great season. In an essay last month on the success of 1923 and the fans growing disdain for the slow direction of Yellowstone Season Five, we declared that Yellowstone had been sacrificed to promote its spinoffs. Now, even though things were looking to potentially heat up when the series returned this summer, it appears that Yellowstone has been sacrificed entirely. As Deadline reported, tensions were apparently brewing between Sheridan and Costner, as the star felt that the series was taking up too much of his time. Costner allegedly wanted to shoot the second half of Season Five in just a week, sources told Deadline, which was just not feasible. The star is also currently directing, writing, and starring in his own upcoming Western film, Horizon, for Warner Bros. After Paramount told Costner that shooting in just a week would be impossible, he reportedly decided to move on to his other project. Story continues "We have no news to report," a spokesperson at Paramount told Deadline. "Kevin Costner is a big part of Yellowstone and we hope thats the case for a long time to come. Thanks to the brilliant mind of Taylor Sheridan, we are always working on franchise expansions of this incredible world he has built. Matthew McConaughey is a phenomenal talent with whom wed love to partner." What Will Happen to Yellowstone? According to Deadline, It is unclear which of the Yellowstone cast will move over to the McConaughey-led series, but it is expected to include several of the big stars, including Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille and Gil Birmingham. Sheridan has become very frustrated with the situation, understandably, and morale among the cast is reportedly very low. Aside from Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan is also stretched thin at Paramount. Hes currently working on the 1923 spinoff, Mayor of Kingstown with Jeremy Renner, Tulsa King with Sylvester Stallone, and the upcoming CIA drama Lioness with Nicole Kidman, Zoe Saldana, and Morgan Freeman. Bass Reeves, another Yellowstone spinoff starring David Oyelowo is also currently in production, as well as a Billy Bob Thornton-led series titled Land Man. At Yellowstone's midseason break, everything was about to come to climax for the Dutton family. Jamie had been seduced and tricked into plotting to kill his family by the evil Market Equities hedge fund group. John Dutton, now the Governor of Montana, was readying for war with his daughter Beth, and the never-ending cowboy parties were going to be replaced by bloody, climactic, chaos. Now, their fates remain uncertain. Were hearing that its quite possible that Yellowstone will end with the second half of the current season, Deadline reported. Well keep you updated here as the story continues. For now, it seems the Yellowstone ranch is reaching the end of an era. Time will tell what role McConaughey will play in this epic Western, or if the Dutton family has seen its last sunrise. Barring any pushbacks from potential last-minute rewrites, Yellowstone Season Five, Part Two was previously set to return sometime this summer. You Might Also Like The wife of the President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Emine Erdogan, thanked First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva for her condolences in connection with the numerous victims of the earthquake in Turkiye. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the message of condolences and for sharing our pain. Azerbaijan was one of the first to come to our aid on our difficult day. Thank you for your support. It's nice to know that our friends are with us," Emine Erdogan wrote on her Twitter page. Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2023) - Zephyr Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: ZFR) ("Zephyr" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire up to an 80% interest in the approximately 65 hectare MAP Gold Mine property ("MAP Gold Mine") in Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe from an individual and his privately owned corporation ("the Owner"). The Owner is an arm's length citizen of Zimbabwe. The MAP Gold Mine is a small scale combined open cast and shallow underground operation with gold being recovered from three open pits (eluvial gold) and four adits driven on a shear zone. Pit 1 is approximately 60m by 70m and Pit 2 which is similar in size is located approximately 300m south-south-east of Pit 1. A new pit, Pit 3 has recently been started 85m southwest of Pit 1 (between Pits1 & 2), and was reported by the Owner to contain eluvium grading 3 to 4 g/t gold. A grab sample taken by Zephyr from Pit 3 returned an assay of 4.4 g/t gold. To date almost all mining has been in the eluvium with one shallow dipping (35 to 45 degrees) northeast trending shear zone having been discovered at Pit 2. The gold mineralized shear zone is being mined by the Owner via shallow adits dug at four locations in highly weathered sheared Greenstone along approximately 15m of strike length. Grab sampling by Zephyr of the shear zone stock piles from the four adits returned assays ranging between 1.6 g/t gold and 13.8 g/t gold. Unfortunately, the exposure in the adits is insufficient to discern the total width of the shear zone. Pits 1, 2 and 3 are located across a width of 300m perpendicular to the strike of the gold mineralization in the shear zone in Pit 2. These new discoveries warrant a proposed exploration program including drill testing for a potential large tonnage deposit comprising possible multiple gold mineralized shear zones. The property lies within Archean aged greenstones and was mapped on a 1:100,000 scale by the Geological Survey of Zimbabwe between 1985 and 1988. The local area was mapped as metarhyolite with a northeast trending dolerite dike that transects the property. One and a half kilometers (1.5 km) west of the property is a major regional fault which trends north-northeast. Waste rock in dump material around Pit 1 is predominantly talc schist and at Pit 2 it is predominantly highly weathered Greenstones. Story continues The MAP Gold Mine is a new gold discovery found in 2020 when farm workers working their fields noticed quartz fragments in the soil (eluvium) which they then panned and found to be gold bearing. Since that time the size of the deposit being worked has continued to expand with eluvial pits now found over an area of approximately 70m by 300m. Exploration potential remains open in all directions. The area of the workings is approximately 3.5% of the largely eluvium covered Claims which totals approximately 65 hectares. Loren Komperdo, President and CEO stated; "We are very excited about the potential of the MAP Gold Mine property. The extensive area of eluvial gold mining suggests that multiple shear zones may exist on the property. Many of the larger gold deposits in Zimbabwe are found as secondary shear zones adjacent to major regional faults.* This model is applicable to the MAP Gold Mine property as a major regional fault is present directly east of us." Under the terms of the Agreement, Zephyr through its wholly own Zimbabwean subsidiary, Sutter Mining (Private) Limited ("Sutter") can acquire 75% of the Gold Mine Property by paying US$165,000 over two years as well as certain cash payments based on the quantity of gold discovered. In addition, in the event a mine is built, Sutter will pay the Owner US$250,000 upon declaration of commercial production. At Sutter's discretion, it has the right to buy 20% of the Owner's 25% interest, hereby increasing Sutter's interest in the property to 80%. The Owner is permitted to continue small scale mining within prescribed parameters from areas currently being mined until Sutter makes a decision to transfer the Claims into a new operating company (Newco), owned as to Sutter 75% (with option to go to 80%) and the Owner 25% (potentially decreased to 20%). Certain conditions need to be met before exploration can begin including acquiring four additional claims which are included in the Agreement. QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL ("QA/QC") Grab samples were bagged, sealed and sent to the facility of Zimlabs in Harare, Zimbabwe, where each sample was dried, crushed, and pulverized before being fire-assayed (Lab Method Code G703). Gold analyses were obtained via 30g fire assay, lead collection and AAS finish. As part of its QA/QC program, the Company inserted blank and duplicate samples into its sample batch. Qualified Person Mr. Arimon Ngilazi, an independent consultant to the Company, and a qualified person as the term is defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. Mr. Ngilazi has not visited the property. References * Bulletin No. 101 Structural Controls of Gold Mineralization in the Zimbabwe Craton - Exploration Guidelines; 1994; S D G Campbell and P E J Pitfield. About Zephyr Minerals Ltd. Zephyr Minerals Ltd. is active in mineral exploration in Colorado, USA and Zimbabwe. In Colorado Zephyr has been focused on mine permitting activities at its 100% owned Dawson gold property, which is presently in hiatus pending the collection and submission of additional water well data and satisfying certain other environmental related questions. The additional required water wells are still in the planning stage and will be drilled once available funds are in hand. Upon collection of the additional data the Company plans to reapply for a mining permit at Dawson. In Zimbabwe the Company is working to build a mineral property portfolio and to this end has applied for two Exclusive Prospecting Orders covering 124,000 hectares. Zephyr is actively assessing additional mineral opportunities in Zimbabwe on an ongoing basis. Zimbabwe boasts favourable foreign ownership rules for mineral properties as well as prospective, underexplored Archean greenstone belts. For further information please contact: Loren Komperdo, President & CEO or Will Felderhof, Executive Chairman T: 902 706-0222 info@zephyrminerals.com To be included in the Zephyr email database for Company updates please contact info@zephyrminerals.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including, with respect to the use of funds from the private placement, expectations and assumptions concerning timing of receipt of required regulatory approvals and third party consents and the satisfaction of other conditions to the completion of the exploration work on the Dawson-Green Mountain Property. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required Zby applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153922 Zero-emission innovator, a global energy company, and Netherland's second city airport target green flights and decarbonising airport operations using hydrogen KEMBLE, UK and ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ZeroAvia , the leader in developing zero-emission solutions for commercial aviation, today announced signing a collaboration agreement with Shell, Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Rotterdam the Hague Innovation Airport. The parties will develop a concept of operations for hydrogen in airports and demonstration flights to European destinations by the end of 2024, gearing up for commercial passenger flights by 2025. ZeroAvia and Shell to develop a concept of operations for hydrogen in Rotterdam airport, with demonstration flights to European destinations by the end of 2024. Following up on the cooperation commitment announced last year to launch the first hydrogen-electric commercial flight, this specific collaboration will focus on serving the first hydrogen flight from Rotterdam, including operation at the airport, developing on-the-ground infrastructure and operations to satisfactorily pilot distribution, storage, and dispensing of hydrogen for aviation, leading towards decarbonizing the whole airport ecosystem. Ultimately, the project targets supporting aircraft operations using gaseous hydrogen to fuel ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric, zero-emission ZA600 engines. For these specific demonstration flights the parties aim to establish routes to airports in Europe within 250 nautical mile radius of Rotterdam. Last month, ZeroAvia demonstrated a first flight of a 19-seat aircraft powered by its prototype ZA600 engine. This project will also target the development of aviation specific standards and protocols around safety, refueling and hydrogen management, enabling rollout of the promising fuel seamlessly. The parties will work together in discussions with potential airline operators for the initial demonstration and subsequent commercial flights. Shell brings critical experiences and technical capabilities to the project. This is expertise related to hydrogen end-to-end supply chains and global experiences in design and operation of refueling equipment, including hydrogen. Shell invests in hydrogen production projects with the aim to develop regional and international hydrogen economies. In its decarbonization efforts Shell collaborates with airports to develop fit-for-future infrastructure that will allow it to supply customers with sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen and electric planes charging, so called "multi-modular" infrastructure. Story continues Arnab Chatterjee, VP, Infrastructure, ZeroAvia, said: "Having this consortium, including Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport and Shell, moves the ball a significant distance down the field towards our goal line of commercial operations. Some first passengers on zero-emission flights in the world could be flying from Rotterdam. There is still a lot of work to do, but with clear milestones and targets identified, the hard work really starts now towards delivering the infrastructure and exploring the protocols and standards required." Oliver Bishop, General Manager Hydrogen at Shell, said: "This project and collaboration is a milestone as it enables a rapid decarbonization of a hard-to-electrify sector such as aviation. It also offers the chance to support one of the first international zero-emission passenger routes. On top of that, it allows the opportunity to road test multi-fuel and multimodal fueling operations in a live airport environment. This is a big step forward for hydrogen aviation and for Shell's plans in this space." Wilma Van Dijk, CEO, Rotterdam The Hague Airport of Royal Schiphol Group, said: " Hydrogen is key to decarbonize aviation. This collaboration helps us demonstrate and validate new airport infrastructure requirements as well as concepts of operation. And hence accelerate and stimulate airport transformation towards Zero-Emission." ZeroAvia has previously partnered with Shell for the provision of low carbon-intensity hydrogen to power some of its testing and early commercial operations in California. The multinational energy company also invested in ZeroAvia last year. Miranda Janse, CEO Rotterdam the Hague Innovation Airport, said: "As a foundation supported by Rotterdam The Hague airport and Municipality of Rotterdam, RHIA is always keen to drive innovation and sustainable aviation developments at RTHA together with and for a network of partners. RHIA is actively working with partners within its DutcH2 Aviation Hub program to develop hydrogen-driven flights from RTHA. This collaboration is one of the projects within the program that helps us create the open-access infrastructure required for the sector. RHIA is happy to help facilitate this specific partnership and bring the project to life as well as creating the foundation for the partners within the community." ZeroAvia's testing of the ZA600 powertrain in flight is part of HyFlyer II, an R&D project supported in part by the UK Government's ATI programme. The project has also seen the further development of ZeroAvia's Hydrogen Airport Refuelling Ecosystem (HARE) demonstrator alongside project partner EMEC, and separately ZeroAvia has developed a hydrogen refuelling pipeline at Cotswold Airport. About ZeroAvia ZeroAvia is a leader in zero-emission aviation, focused on hydrogen-electric aviation solutions to address a variety of markets, initially targeting a 300-mile range in 919 seat aircraft by 2025, and up to 700-mile range in 4080 seat aircraft by 2027. Based in the UK and USA, ZeroAvia has already secured experimental certificates for its two-prototype aircraft from the CAA and FAA, passed significant flight test milestones, secured a number of key partnerships with major aircraft OEMs and major global airlines, and is on track for commercial operations in 2025. The company's expanding UK operations are supported by grants from UK's Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK, and ZeroAvia is part of the UK Government's Jet Zero Council. For more, please visit ZeroAvia.com, follow @ZeroAvia on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zeroavia-shell-rhia-and-rotterdam-the-hague-airport-advance-plans-for-hydrogen-electric-flights-by-2025-301740195.html SOURCE ZeroAvia (Bloomberg) -- Zoom Video Communications Inc. is eliminating 15% of its workers as the service that became ubiquitous during the pandemic adapts to slower growth. Most Read from Bloomberg The company will cut about 1,300 jobs as part of a restructuring, Chief Executive Officer Eric Yuan said Tuesday in a blog post. Yuan called himself accountable for the companys issues and said he would reduce his salary and forgo his bonus. Our trajectory was forever changed during the pandemic, Yuan said, adding that Zoom headcount tripled in two years. We didnt take as much time as we should have to thoroughly analyze our teams or assess if we were growing sustainably. The reductions are a bigger share of the workforce than cuts announced at enterprise software companies including Salesforce Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Workday Inc. The shares gained 9.9% to close at $84.66 in New York, the biggest single-day jump in three months. Despite Tuesdays rise, the stock has plummeted 85% from an all-time high in October 2020 and is now at pre-pandemic levels. While people and businesses continue to rely on Zoom in post-pandemic life, the uncertainty of the global economy is affecting customers, Yuan said. After gaining millions of users at the height of the pandemic, Zoom is now trying to reverse slowing growth by expanding its tools for business. Still, it has reported single-digit revenue increases for the last two quarters, and analysts project that sales have continued to decelerate in the current quarter. The cuts are likely a bid to preserve or improve margins in the face of slowing growth, wrote Bloomberg Intelligence analyst John Butler. Competition from Microsofts Teams collaboration service has also become more of a concern for Zoom in recent quarters, according to industry analysts. In an interview with Bloomberg last month, President Greg Tomb acknowledged the competition, but said companies using Zoom rarely quit the platform. Tomb added the companys biggest opportunity is getting existing customers using the rest of its portfolio, which includes tools such as the Zoom phone service. Story continues Yuan, the founder of the San Jose, California-based company, said his base salary, which was $301,731 last year, will be cut 98% and he will give up a corporate bonus for the current fiscal year. His total compensation for fiscal year 2022 was $1.1 million, according to a May 2022 regulatory filing. Others on the executive leadership will take 20% base salary reductions. In late January 2020 before the Covid-19 outbreak was declared a national emergency in the US Zooms headcount was about 2,500. It has since added about 6,000 people. The cuts announced Tuesday will reduce Zooms total workforce to early 2022 levels. The company expects to incur $50 million to $68 million in costs, largely due to employee severance, with most reported in the current period ending in April, Zoom said in a regulatory filing. (Updates with costs in the final paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. A Milford man was arrested Sunday after he stabbed and critically injured an acquaintance during an argument, police said. Caroline Sheriff Scott Moser said deputies responded to a disturbance near the Milford Post Office and found a man suffering from stab wounds to his chest. He was rushed to Mary Washington Hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition. By Monday morning, his condition had been upgraded to stable. Following a brief search, Moser said 38-year-old Mateo Velasco was arrested and charged with aggravated malicious wounding, an offense that carries a potential sentence of between 20 years to life in prison. Velasco is being held without bond in the Pamunkey Regional Jail. Moser said Velasco and the victim know each other and got into a heated argument that turned violent. Velasco was arraigned Monday in Caroline General District Court, where a preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 24. A Fredericksburg man who shot a woman during an unprovoked attack in 2021 was ordered Monday to serve 23 years in prison. Tyrese Washington, who turned 43 Monday, was sentenced in Fredericksburg Circuit Court to a total of 43 years with 20 years suspended. Judge Sarah Denekes sentence exceeded the recommended state sentencing guidelines, which called for a maximum sentence of 12 years and eight months. A city jury in December convicted Washington of aggravated malicious wounding and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. The charges stemmed from the July 4, 2021, shooting of Tonia Garnett outside the Wellington Woods apartment complex in the city. According to the evidence presented by prosecutors Blake Anderson and Ed OShea, Washington was sitting outside that day when Garnett arrived to visit someone else. As she passed him, Washington fired a shot that went through her shoulder before lodging in her neck. A second shot went through her hand. Garnett was critically injured and said she has permanent physical and emotional damage as a result. It was scary and I thought I was going to die Garnett testified Monday. I still to this day dont know why he tried to kill me. Garnett said she had a sexual relationship with Washington that ended months before the shooting. She said Washington supplied her crack cocaine that she sometimes used with him. After ending the relationship, Garnett said, she learned that Washington had secretly recorded sex acts between the two. She said he threatened to send a recording to her husband if she didnt pay him $3,000. She refused to comply and Washington sent the recordings to her husband and her now-deceased daughter. In April 2021, Garnett said she had her last contact with Washington prior to the July shooting. She said she wrote that she had forgiven him for distributing the sex tape, but told him she wanted nothing more to do with him. Anderson argued that the guidelines were inadequate in this case. [Washington] tried to take a life in broad daylight, then left her on the concrete to die, Anderson said. Is it safe to ever let someone like this out? Defense attorney Alex Raymond put on character witnesses who said the Washington they know would never do something like what he was convicted of. He asked for a sentence toward the low end of the guidelines, which was five years and eight months, pointing out that he didnt have much of a prior record. Washington didnt make a statement in court, but has repeatedly denied being the shooter. In court records, he called Garnett a compulsive liar. Deneke said she didnt believe Washington, adding that the evidence against him was overwhelming. A Spotsylvania jury began hearing evidence Monday that will help it decide whether a county deputy committed a criminal offense when he shot a county resident in 2021 after mistaking a cordless phone for a gun. David M. Turbyfill, 24, is charged with reckless handling of a firearm resulting in serious injury, a Class 6 felony that carries the possibility of up to five years in prison. The charge stems from the April 21, 2021, shooting of Isiah Brown outside his home at 10229 Catharpin Road in Spotsylvania. The trial in Spotsylvania Circuit Court is scheduled for five days. Brown was shot at least seven times. He received extensive medical treatment and spent considerable time in the hospital. He was in court Monday for the beginning of Turbyfill's trial. According to previously released reports, Turbyfill and other deputies first encountered Brown that night after he called 911 because his car broke down. Turbyfill eventually gave Brown a ride home. A short time later, Turbyfill was sent back to Brown's residence after Brown made another 911 call as the result of a dispute with his brother. During that phone call, Brown told a dispatcher "I'm about to kill my brother," but later told a dispatcher he didn't have a weapon. Turbyfill encountered Brown the second time on a dark road holding what the deputy thought was a gun to his head. Special prosecutor Elizabeth Humphries said in her opening argument that a 911 operator "made efforts" to tell Turbyfill that Brown didn't have a gun and was on the phone with her, but Turbyfill apparently didn't get the message. The deputy yelled such things as "stop" and "drop the gun" before shooting Brown. Turbyfill provided medical aid after the shooting. Humphries, the commonwealth's attorney in Fredericksburg, told jurors the incident was a "very substantial accident" and said Turbyfill's "gross negligence" made it a felony offense. Defense attorney Andrew Meyer said Turbyfill's actions do not support a criminal conviction. He said everything took place within a very short period of time and said the deputy gave Brown at least 10 commands that he did not respond to. He also said Turbyfill did not get the word that Brown was unarmed and acted within the Sheriff's Office policy. "What else is he supposed to do?" Meyer said. "Are officers supposed to be shot before they return fire?" Humphries and city prosecutor Justin Witt are prosecuting the case in place of the Spotsylvania commonwealth's attorney's office. That office and the judges who normally sit in Spotsylvania recused themselves from the case because of their relationship with the county Sheriff's Office. Judge Michaell McKinney is presiding over the trial. The entire morning Monday was spent picking a jury. Fourteen people are on the panel, including two alternates. Brown also has a pending multi-million dollar civil suit against Turbyfill and the Sheriff's Office. Teachers in Fredericksburg City Public Schools who are on steps 0 to 25 of the salary scale would receive raises of between 7% and 12% in the proposed budget for next fiscal year. School nurses would see their salaries increase by 1520%, custodians by 718% and all other employees by 3.5%. This is a budget that focuses on our greatest strength our FCPS staff, division superintendent Marci Catlett said. Catlett and Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Brody presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024, which begins July 1, to the School Board at its regular meeting on Monday. The total $56.9 million operating budget is $3.1 million more than the current fiscal years budget and proposes a $734,500 increase in funding from the city of Fredericksburg. The proposed budget includes a $2.6 million investment in staff salaries, Brody said. She said the school divisions salaries are now and will stay in the middle when compared with surrounding jurisdictions. Its challenging because if a school division has the funds to compete with Northern Virginia, thats always going to be very hard for us, Brody said. But we have a lot to offer, and I feel we have done everything we can in this budget to recognize our certificated staff for the work theyre doing. The budget also reflects increased funding for professional development, the fine arts and programs to increase the graduation rate at James Monroe High School. Stafford County Public Schools has received a $100,000 grant from GO Virginia Region 6 to develop Pathways to Success, a new course that will provide career exploration experiences for area middle school students. I cannot wait to see this in play, division superintendent Thomas Taylor said of the new course, which will be offered for the 202324 school year. Stafford County schools will partner with JASON Learning which provides STEM curriculum and learning experiences for K12 students and teachers to develop the course, which will align with the Virginia Department of Educations standards for career exploration, Taylor said. The semester-long course will include place-based, project-based learning mini-challenges, according to a press release from GO Virginia, which is a statewide initiative to create more high-paying jobs through regional collaboration. Students develop solutions to the mini challenge through hands-on experiences, conducting research, and exploring career opportunities. Each challenge will feature a local industry in one of the states 16 identified career clusters, which include agriculture, architecture and construction, arts and communications, education, health sciences, information technology, manufacturing and STEM. Students will give presentations at the end of the mini-challenges that communicate their solutions and share information on the learned career pathways, the press release states. Taylor said the VDOE introduced the career explorations requirement several years ago. The goal is for middle school students to gain awareness of the wide variety of career opportunities that are available outside of what the adults in their lives do. The state gives schools flexibility in how to meet these standards, Taylor said. There just wasnt a lot of robust support in terms of curriculum materials. Without a lot of guidance and direction, there was a wide variance of quality in terms of the execution. A successful career explorations course should build awareness of different career opportunities but more importantly, do a deep dive into these opportunities, he said. GO Virginia provides grant funding for projects that support workforce development, and Taylor said Stafford saw this as a great opportunity ... to really find a way to create high-quality curriculum materials to support something that very clearly is going to have great outcomes. GO Virginia Region 6, also known as the Mary Ball Washington Region, includes the Fredericksburg area as well as the Northern Neck, and has identified regional priority career clusters that include aquaculture, forestry, manufacturing, distribution and logistics and information technology. Taylor said the curriculum to be developed by JASON and Stafford will include those prioritized industries. The curriculum will be made available to all schools in the area. If we can create something very valuable, thats a way to help all the school systems in our region, he said. Virginia's two United States senators, both Democrats and former governors, sought to intervene in the General Assembly on Monday to urge repeal of a state constitutional amendment that forbids same-sex marriage. Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine wrote an unusual letter to General Assembly leaders to ask their support in passing legislation that could, if enacted this year and again next year and approved in a statewide referendum, eliminate the state constitutional prohibition on same-sex marriage that voters approved in 2006. Kaine, who was governor when voters ratified the amendment, has called it one of his greatest regrets from his gubernatorial term. With the U.S. Supreme Court signaling the possibility of a ruling to overturn its 2015 decision making same-sex marriage a constitutional right, he and Warner want the state to act now to prevent same-sex couples in Virginia from losing the right to marry. Same-sex marriages are not prohibited now, but Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, writing in support of the Supreme Court's June ruling that overturned the constitutional right to abortion, urged the court to revisit other decisions, including Obergefell v. Hodges, which found the prohibition against such unions to be unconstitutional. Thomas wrote in June that the court should review and reverse previous errors under the 14th Amendment right to equal protection, as it did in overturning the right to abortion under Roe v. Wade. "It is long past time that Virginias governing document conveys to same-sex marriages the same freedoms, rights, and responsibilities that are afforded to all other constitutional marriages," the senators said in a letter to House Majority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott; Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, D-Fairfax; House Minority Leader Don Scott, D-Portsmouth; and Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment, R-James City. The letter comes as the Senate, controlled by Democrats, is poised to adopt Senate Joint Resolution 242, proposed by Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, to take the first step to repeal the constitutional amendment that defines marriage as only a union between one man and one woman. The resolution cleared a Senate committee by a party-line, 9-5 vote, but a separate bill proposed by Ebbin to recognize marriages as lawful regardless of sex passed the Senate by a 25-12 margin, with three Republicans supporting it. Senate Bill 1096 also would ensure that clergy and religious organizations have the right to refuse to perform any marriage. But if the constitutional resolution clears the Senate, it would face likely defeat in the Republican-controlled House of Delegates, which refused to take up a House version of the legislation - House Joint Resolution 553, introduced by Del. Mark Sickles, D-Fairfax. Im hopeful that Senators Warner and Kaines call for action by the General Assembly will be heeded, particularly in the House of Delegates," Ebbin said on Monday. "The overwhelming majority of Virginians support marriage equality and want our governing documents to reflect the realities of our times. Adopting or repealing a constitutional amendment requires the assembly to adopt resolutions in consecutive sessions, with a legislative election in between. A measure then goes to voters in a statewide referendum. All members of the General Assembly are up for election in November. The assembly, then controlled by Democrats, adopted a similar resolution in 2021, but elections that year gave Republicans a majority in the House, which rejected the second resolution last year. When a GOP-led House subcommittee defeated Sickles' proposed amendment in 2022, representatives of The Family Foundation and the Virginia Catholic Conference spoke against the measure. In light of current federal law, Virginias constitutional prohibition against same-sex marriage is a dormant position," Jeff Caruso of the Virginia Catholic Conference said at the time, "but federal laws can change. The push to repeal the amendment comes less than two months after President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act, which Congress adopted to ensure that all states must recognize legally performed marriages, even if those states do not allow same-sex marriages. Warner and Kaine warned: "If Obergefell is overturned, then LGBTQ Virginians will likely lose the right to marry the person they love unless the General Assembly repeals the ban in Virginias constitution. Virginias circuit courts would be prohibited from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples due to the prohibition in the Commonwealths constitution." Both senators were co-sponsors of the "Respect for Marriage Act," which Biden signed on Dec. 13. Virginia's congressional delegation split along party lines on the law, with all seven Democratic representatives supporting it and all four Republican's opposing it. "Although the 'Respect for Marriage Act' provides full faith and credit for state-issued marriage licenses, the legislation does not require a state to issue a marriage licenses to same-sex couples," Kaine and Warner wrote. By Azernews Fatima Hasanova The Azerbaijani embassy in Turkiye has appealed to Azerbaijani nationals visiting or residing in Turkiye, Azernews reports per the embassy. The diplomatic mission advised Azerbaijani nationals to keep in touch with the nation's diaspora activists and, in the event of problems, to get in touch with the appropriate authorities in the neighborhood of their residence right away. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center reports that on January 6, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake was felt in central Turkiye. The epicenter of the earthquake was 26 kilometers from Gaziantep, which has a population of about 1.06 million. The earthquake's epicenter was located 7 km below the surface. According to Turkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, three more earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.4 to 6.6 shook the province of Gaziantep in southeast Turkiye. According to Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay, the earthquake left 284 people dead and 2,383 injured. Two Azerbaijani students were rescued from the rubble in Turkiye's Kahramanmaras, according to information shared on social media platforms. The Fremont Fire Department will get a replacement ambulance after the purchase was approved by the city council on Tuesday, Jan. 31. The order for the vehicle, though, will take 26 months to fulfill due to supply chain shortages. Fremont Fire Chief Todd Bernt told the members of the Fremont City Council that the order for the new ambulance needed to be made immediately, because of the construction delays. Those delays mean the ambulance is not expected to be available for use until March 2025. Bernt said in prior years, the wait-time for a new ambulance after the order was about nine months, but now with supply chain and construction material issues, thats expanded to a whopping 26-month delay before it arrives. The new ambulance is intended to replace the departments oldest in-use ambulance a 2008 Marque brand ambulance currently with a trade-in value of only $10,000. The new ambulance is a Braun, made in Van Wert, Ohio, and costs more than $474,000. According to a staff report on the purchase, because the cost exceeds $50,000, it needed the approval of the full city council. No money has been allocated for this project until the budget process starts next year. The fire department needs to order now as lead times are continually being extended. If the fire department waits until next year to order this ambulance when the money is allocated, the lead time for the new ambulance will go into 2026 or possibly 2027, fire officials stated in the staff report. The fire department will work with administration and council to allocate money for this project. Due to the build time, the fire department will not receive the ambulance until 2025. (The) department did apply for an EMS Ambulance and Equipment ARPA grant through the State of Nebraska, this will pay up to $150,000 toward a purchase of an ambulance. The state will start awarding in February 2023. The purchase is one of many recent decisions made by city leaders to upgrade the fire departments equipment and capabilities. The department received the go-ahead on Tuesday, Nov. 29, to move forward with the purchase of three new, updated automatic-robot CPR machines for use in city ambulances. To pay for the machines, the department received a grant for $33,268 from the Fremont Area Community Foundation, which will be used to buy two of the automated-robotic CPR devices. The third device will be purchased with city funds as part of the grant agreement. The grant monies were delegated from the Lester A. Walker Fund, which is part of the FACF. Bernt said at the time fire officials are excited to get upgraded, new technology to help save lives. We have three older ones that we want to get rid of. Weve had them for about 10 years, Bernt said of the current robot CPR machines. It helps to have an automated CPR device because it frees up a person. Instead of having to do manual CPR, we can have this machine do it. It is more efficient. Bernt said the departments three ambulances all have one device, and the robotic CPR machines are utilized on average 25 to 30 times per year in life-saving care for patients being transported in an ambulance. In early January, the department received another charitable donation to buy improved and upgraded life-saving equipment: a $50,000 grant from the Nebraska Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 92 Arbor Vitae of Fremont. Bernt said the $50,000 will be spent on two projects: acquiring three new handheld thermal imaging devices and also to purchase two new, battery-powered Jaws of Life-type devices to assist in patient extrications from motor vehicle accidents. A unique program partnership between Methodist Fremont Health and the Fremont Public Schools has given local high school students the opportunity to chase their dreams of becoming a healthcare worker after graduation. The School to Career program at Fremont Public Schools allows for students at Fremont High School (FHS) to get on-the-job training in a variety of fields, one of which has taken on more importance in the COVID-19 era: nursing. Although the School to Career program at FHS partners with dozens of local businesses and job opportunities, the pairing with Methodist Fremont Health to coordinate the hosting of students interested in a career in nursing has fit a pressing need: replenishing the nursing ranks. The program sees students age 16 or older work in a job-shadow situation at the hospital, usually in the acute care floor of the facility. Two Fremont High School students who are part of the program at Methodist Fremont Health discussed how the experience is preparing them for a post-high school career in nursing. Senior Kallie Johnson, 18, and junior Spencer Divis, 16, are currently in the program and job shadowing other nurses for an hour a day, Monday through Friday. Shelly Sandeen, coordinator of the School to Career program at Methodist Fremont Health, said the program has accepted students from the high school for many years. Spencer and Kallie were once my students. They participate in a class at Fremont High (School). The students get to pick where they do their career training. I get the health care career kids. Sometimes they know what they want to do already, other times they are just exploring, Sandeen said. We get them for a quarter, they come every day for their block it is an hour Monday through Friday. When they come to Fremont Health, the students fill out a form telling us what they are interested in. They just shadow and observe. Typically a student who comes get gets to shadow, just observe. Both Divis and Johnson are also Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and work at the hospital outside the School to Career program. Each said the program has been beneficial to their development as future healthcare professionals. Johnson has been in the program and worked at the hospital since her junior year. She said her teachers and advisers at Fremont High School have been amenable to her efforts and allowed schedule flexibility. Ive known (for years) I want to be a nurse, but I didnt know what place in the hospital I wanted to be a nurse. I shadowed on (the third floor) and then I went down to surgery and that is where I found out that I wanted to be a nursing anesthetist someday and it was my path, Johnson said. I had a few people help me decide the nursing program route. I had grandparents and friends who were sick, and I saw how well the nurses cared for them and thats when I knew it was something I wanted to do my freshman year in high school. In addition to her classroom shadowing, Johnson works as a CNA in the medical surgery department, a part-time job shes had since fall of 2022. She has been a certified nursing assistant since January 2022. Divis said he decided he wanted to follow a career path into medical work and healthcare around the time of his sophomore year. Like Johnson, Divis is also a state-licensed certified nursing assistant, an achievement he finished in November 2022. My grandma was a nurse for about 42 years and then she went into hospice care. My uncle was also a nurse anesthetist, Divis said of his inspiration to become a nurse. I think me and Kallie can both agree, were both going to nursing school. The nursing check-off skills in nursing skill will be a lot easier for us (because of this program) because weve already been doing it. One critical skill that is not a technical medical procedure done by medical professionals is what is often called bedside manner, or the way and manner that nurses and doctors talk to patients. Both cited their experiences with nurses who were especially caring. Johnson said Fremont Health nurse Amanda Hughes was inspirational; while Divis cited his time spent with nurse DeMarquez Frazier. Both students said having a robust medical facility like Methodist Fremont Health has made their learning a better experience. When I started working there, everyone was so friendly. They are like welcoming in culture, to approach everything so positively. The nurses want you to learn, especially for the CNA and make sure you are on the right path to learn correctly, Divis explained. All the equipment, it is very cool to see the doctor using the robotic (devices). Johnson said the friendliness of the staff at the hospital to the students has been a special experience. Everyone is just so kind and open and helping you learn, Johnson said. Mollie Brown, a CTE and vocation associate at Fremont High School, said the program in partnership with Methodist Fremont Health has been in place for more than 10 years. Brown credited Sandeen for allowing students to experience the realities of medical care, which invigorated the desire of many to continue on a path to healthcare. We try to match students with what they want to do after high school. The hospital is really important for the medical field (students). Shelly Sandeen is amazing. She has allowed students to watch surgeries and be involved, Brown explained. (The program) has benefited Kallie tenfold. Kallie has been doing this last year and this year, and after she comes back (from a hospital shadow), she glows and beams. Spencer, he, too, has been able to see the pathway he wants to follow. Melissa Heavican, director of acute care nursing at the hospital, said the students involved in the School to Career program at the hospital may not do hands-on procedures, but they learn a lot from watching medical professionals engage in care from surgeries to continuing care. The unit they are working in is an area (of the hospital) has a little bit of everything. When (students) are in shadow mode, they are really on the hips of a nursing team member. Since they joined us as employees, they are doing things with patients, Heavican said. If you look at anyone in the nursing profession, there are strong values involved. Thats one of our mottos here, patient centered care. Divis and Johnson said the COVID-19 pandemic made them realize how tough and draining the jobs of a nursing professional is, a reality that they believe has increased the need for new nurses to enter the profession. I think it is important because we saw what the pandemic did. We were not able to leave the house, we were not able to do things. At work, we are able to help those people who cant breathe from COVID, Johnson said. It really opened my eyes. Ive seen with my own eyes how a nurse cares for someone with COVID. If you dont know where youre going to go (career-wise), get your foot in the door with School to Career. Divis said he has had conversations with nurses at the hospital, many of whom relayed to him the challenges they faced during the early years of the pandemic. That made him want to be a nurse even more, he noted. (A nurse) told me she worked two weeks straight, 12-hour shifts. I could see her getting burned out from that, Divis added. A lot of the people are really helpful. (Staff) has pulled me aside and had a talk with me about getting a job at (Methodist Fremont Health) and what the job entails. Especially if you want to work at the hospital, seeing the faces there, you really want to work there. Everyone is nice. A class at Northeast Community College in West Point will provide an understanding of the genealogy research process and ways to interpret information that is discovered. With the digitization of historical records, it is now possible to do much of this research from the comfort of anyones home. This class will help participants understand the genealogy research process, the way information is interpreted and guide them through the search process for family names using several websites. Humanities Nebraska has announced a special grant opportunity for Nebraska educators to help celebrate HNs 50th anniversary in 2023 and to spark the next 50 years of humanities learning, programming, and exchange of ideas. Fifty $1,000 grants will be awarded to Nebraska educators around the state to support innovative humanities education during the 2023-24 school year. Grants will be available to all full-time educators and can be used for expenses including, but not limited to, tools and materials for humanities projects, professional development opportunities in the humanities, speaker fees, and field trips. No matching funds are required. Educators may apply through any Nebraska organization that educates students within the Pre-K through grade 12 age range, with a maximum of one application per organization. To ensure statewide distribution, awards will be balanced among the following regions: Lincoln Metro, Omaha Metro, Eastern Nebraska outside of Lincoln/Omaha, Central Nebraska, and Western Nebraska. Priority will be given to underserved schools based on economic conditions, ethnic background, and disability. For complete details and access to the grant application, visit humanitiesnebraska.org/edugrant. Three student-run teams at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are gearing up for a week of testing at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston. The groups are a part of UNLs Research, Engineering and Design (RED) Teams, and the three teams are competing in two separate NASA-hosted challenges. The first team is competing in the NASA SUITS Challenge, an augmented reality design challenge. According to Matthew Bigge, a fifth-year student at UNL who founded the SUITS team last year, the goal is to help NASA design a viable display system for moon-bound astronauts on Artemis missions. Similar to how sci-fi or action video games display a characters health on screen, NASA wants to design a video game-esque system that allows astronauts to check their biometrics in real time. Things like how much oxygen they have left and battery temperature, their bearing and navigation equipment would have assistance through that, Bigge said. Along with things like mission objectives, and all sorts of other tools that could fit into that data stream. The two other RED Teams are competing in NASAs Micro-G NExT Challenge. RED Teams president Isaac Regier says that the Micro-G teams goal is to help develop extravehicular activity tools for astronauts, or tools for activity performed outside the spacecraft. When astronauts are not in the space shuttle, they have these big suits that are really bulky, pressurized from the inside and hard to use, Regier said. So were trying to develop regular tools that are compatible with extremely limited mobility and motor function. Regier says that the two projects the Micro-G teams are working on are a zip tie installing device and a tool attachment device. Bigge said the SUITS team currently has seven members, while the Micro-G teams are divided into a five-person senior design team and a nine-person second team which Regier referred to as a club team. UNLs RED Teams compete against colleges from across the nation for the opportunity to study at the Johnson Space Center, and acceptance rates are low for both challenges. Regier said that NASA typically accepts 30 teams each year for the Micro-G challenge and that the SUITS challenge accepts 12 to 15 teams. NASA announced which teams advanced to the next phase of both challenges in December, and all three UNL teams made the cut. The teams will spend the spring semester preparing for a week of testing in Houston this summer. NASA sends the teams equipment that must be used in their prototype, but they're able to add other components as they see fit. For Regier and Bigge, the biggest task ahead is getting prototypes completed and ready for testing as soon as possible. Fortunately, RED Teams have a solid home base. The majority of their work is done at UNLs Innovation Campus, where they have access to tools including 3-D printers, fiber laser cutting machines and computer-aided design software. Its absolutely amazing having the Innovation Studio available, Regier said. Here they have industrial-level equipment that youre allowed to run yourself after training. All of their work will culminate in late May and early June. The SUITS test week runs from May 18-23, while the anticipated Micro-G test week is June 4-10, according to NASAs website. And while teams will technically go head-to-head while testing their prototypes in an area of Johnson Space Center dubbed The Rock Yard, Regier noted that both challenges are less of a competition and more of a collaborative research effort. NASA is very particular about not calling it a competition because you cant win when youre down there, Regier said. The goal is to develop the best tool with everyones concepts. Success is getting down there and getting useful data back to NASA. Tuesday Nye Legacy Chamber Coffee, 9-10 a.m., 3210 N. Clarkson St., Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Letters to the Churches of Revelation, 10 a.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Ready for Kindergarten, 10-11 a.m., Metropolitan Community College, Room 207, 835 N. Broad St., Fremont. The program is designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Stories, art, manipulatives and sensory stations will help build the skills needed for kindergarten. Supportive Singles, 11:30 a.m., Kentucky Fried Chicken, 707 E. 23rd St., Fremont. For more information, call 402-660-8474. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous Steps of Freedom meeting, 1 p.m., LifeHouse, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511. Fremont Eagles Club open, 3 p.m. to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Mens and Womens Bible Study, 6 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont. Wednesday Dodge County Board of Supervisors, Dodge County Board of Equalization and Dodge County Board of Corrections meetings, 9 a.m., board room, third floor, Dodge County Courthouse, 435 N. Park Ave., Fremont. The meetings are open to the public. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Mens Bible Study, 1 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Fremont Eagles Club open, 3 p.m. to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. Aerie and Auxiliary meetings will begin at 7 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Fremont Community Breastfeeding Support Group, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Three Rivers Health Department conference room, 2400 N. Lincoln Ave., Fremont. This support group is for mothers and their babies. Siblings are welcome. Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Thursday Mens Bible Study, 8 a.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous big book study, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Fremont Eagles Club open, 3 p.m. to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. The kitchen will be open from 5:30-7 p.m. The menu will include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, tacos and soup. Pitch will be played at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Keene Memorial Library Lego Club, 4-5 p.m., Gallery 92 West, 92 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Lego bricks will be supplied. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Civil Air Patrol, 7 p.m., 1201 W. 23rd St., in yellow hangar at Fremont Airport. Marine Corps League, 7 p.m., Disabled American Veterans Club, 137 N. D St., Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave. Tally Ho Toastmasters, 7-8 p.m., Midland Universitys Anderson Building, Ninth and Clarkson streets, Fremont. Everyone is welcome to learn skills in communication, self-confidence and leadership. For more information, call 402-936-3479. Narcotics Anonymous Back to Basics meeting, 7:30 p.m., First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 N. Davis St., Oakland Alcoholics Anonymous big book study, 8 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. OMAHA In a span of just 10 minutes, 32-year-old Joseph Jones entered a west Omaha Target store with an AR-15-style rifle, fired multiple shots and was killed by a responding police officer. On Friday, the Omaha Police Department released a timeline of events from Tuesday's active shooter situation at the Super Target near 178th Street and West Center Road. The timeline shows that Jones was shot dead by a responding officer seven minutes after the first 911 call was placed. Though Jones pointed the rifle at at least one person, it doesn't appear that he shot directly at anyone in the store firing instead at the ceiling, self-checkout machines and a drink cooler, according to police. No one else was shot or physically injured during the shooting. Police estimate that about 250 employees and customers were in the store at the time. According to the timeline, Jones arrived at Target at 11:49 a.m. in his personal vehicle. Six minutes after arriving, he removed a cardboard shipping box from the car and walked in the southeast grocery entrance wearing a dark coat and hat. At 11:57 a.m., Jones walked into the pharmacy area of the store. One minute later, he pointed the rifle at a Target employee before firing one shot into the ceiling. At 11:59 a.m., Jones took off his coat before firing two more shots: one in the direction of the self-checkout kiosks, and one at a drink cooler. At the same time, the first 911 call came in alerting dispatchers to a shooting. Jones went back into the entrance vestibule and fired multiple rounds inside it at noon. He exited the store briefly at 12:02 p.m., then came back, firing another round as he reentered, then walked west throughout the store while holding the rifle. At 12:05 p.m., Omaha Police Officer Brian Vanderheiden and a Nebraska State Trooper arrived on the scene and entered through the southwest doors. Within seconds, they made contact with Jones, who was still holding the rifle. According to police, Jones was given more than 20 loud verbal commands to drop the rifle. He reportedly said "Come on!" three times as officers demanded that he drop the weapon before saying "I'll kill you." Vanderheiden fired one round from his service handgun at 12:06 p.m., killing Jones. The interaction between Jones and the officers lasted about 15 seconds. Vanderheiden has been placed on paid administrative leave, as is department policy when a death occurs at the hands of law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, according to police. Once it is completed, the case will be presented to a grand jury. Photos: Shots fired at west Omaha Target midday Tuesday 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-pic-cm01.jpg 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-pic-cm02.jpg 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-pic-cm03.jpg 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-pic-cm07.jpg 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-pic-cm04.jpg 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-pic-cm05.jpg 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-pic-cm06.jpg 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-ar02.JPG 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-ar05.JPG 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-ar04.JPG 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-ar08.JPG 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-pic-cm11.jpg 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-pic-cm12.jpg 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-ar10.JPG 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-pic-cm10.jpg 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-ar06.JPG 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-ar07.JPG Omaha Police Chief speaks after Super Target active shooter killed 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-ar09.JPG 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-ar03.JPG 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-ar01.JPG 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-pic-cm08.jpg 020123-owh-new-targetshooting-pic-cm09.jpg Shots fired at west Omaha Target midday Tuesday 020223-owh-new-target-pic-cm08.jpg 020223-owh-new-target-pic-cm05.jpg 020223-owh-new-target-pic-cm02.jpg 020223-owh-new-target-pic-cm03.jpg 020223-owh-new-target-pic-cm04.jpg 020223-owh-new-target-pic-cm01.jpg The Colorado Republican and Rhode Island Democrat who led legislation in the last Congress aimed at reining in what they characterize as anticompetitive behavior by the largest tech companies are vowing to keep the effort going with a new, bipartisan caucus of like-minded legislators. U.S. Reps. Ken Buck and David Cicilline, the senior Republican and chairman, respectively, on the House Judiciary Committee's antitrust subcommittee from 2021-2022, announced last week that they're forming the Congressional Antitrust Caucus to promote competition by holding big tech companies to account. The two remain on the subcommittee but lost their previous leadership positions after the GOP took the majority in the House and bypassed Buck to install the more libertarian-minded U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, as the panel's chairman, bumping Cicilline to its ranking member. The Congressional Antitrust Caucus will give members of Congress who care about holding monopolies accountable and encouraging competition in the Big Tech marketplace an opportunity to bring competition policy to the Congress and to the minds of the American people, Buck said in a statement. This is a critically important policy area and one where thoughtful, bipartisan work can deliver results. By creating this caucus, we are showing the American people that we are in Washington to deliver results and that both sides of the aisle can come together to fight against these dangerous monopolistic corporations. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. 'Crushed': Ken Buck amps up battle against big tech in new book | COVER STORY Last month, Buck released a book that recounts his arguments for battling tech giants he says monopolize their markets, including Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google. Said Cicilline: As our bipartisan work in the 116th and 117th Congresses has shown, Big Techs anticompetitive, monopolistic behavior is stifling innovation, hurting consumers, and killing small businesses. We know how to fix this, and are committed to seeing this work through. The subcommittee produced a group of ambitious, bipartisan bills on the topic last year, but only a portion of the sweeping package passed the full Congress and were signed into law. In a joint release announcing the new caucus, Buck and Cicilline said the group plans to hear testimony from "American innovators who have been harmed by Big Tech's predatory and anti-competitive practices." Additionally, they said they'll push legislation that targets monopolistic behavior in the tech industry, citing a bill that would require competition and transparency in digital advertising. The Army veteran from Colorado Springs who helped subdue the Club Q gunman will be watching from the gallery Tuesday night when President Joe Biden delivers his second State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. Richard Fierro is set to attend the speech as a guest of U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, the Centennial Democrat announced. Hailed as a hero, Fierro and another patron, later identified as Navy officer Thomas James, tackled and disarmed the shooter at the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ nightclub on Nov. 19, stopping a rampage that killed five and injured 18. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. A co-owner with his wife of Atrevida Beer Co., the two-time Bronze Star recipient retired from the Army with the rank of major after serving tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fierro and James, along with family members, were guests at Gov. Jared Polis' State of the State address at the state capitol in Denver last month. Crow helped pass a gun violence prevention bill last year and supports legislation to ban assault-style weapons, as well as "additional measures to help save lives, and prevent deadly weapons from falling into dangerous hands," his office said. As state leaders prepare to launch Colorados free preschool program next fall, some educators and advocates fear young children with disabilities will lose out under the new system. They say 3-year-olds could be rejected for a spot and 4-year-olds could receive less preschool than theyre due because of the narrow way the state asks about children with disabilities on its preschool application form. In addition, school district officials say that unanswered questions about special education funding and confusion over how two state agencies will work together on the preschool program are a troubling sign for a major new program that will start in a matter of months. While many early childhood advocates and providers have praised Colorados plan to significantly expand publicly funded preschool, theres ongoing concern that the rollout is being rushed. I think the [Colorado Department of Early Childhood] was pushed into something very quickly, said Callan Ware, executive director of student services in the Englewood district south of Denver. Ashley Stephen, business services director for the Platte Canyon district, said shes excited about universal preschool, but also nervous because communication from the state so far has been a little bit harried and a little bit unclear. The 7-month-old Department of Early Childhood is responsible for running the new preschool program, with the Colorado Department of Education overseeing some aspects related to students with disabilities. The program will offer 10 to 15 hours a week of tuition-free preschool to 4-year-olds statewide, with some eligible for 30 hours. Some 3-year-olds will be eligible for 10 hours a week. Despite concerns about how the preschool program is unfolding, theres no option to slow things down. In the last 2 weeks, more than 22,000 families have applied for a seat and thousands more are expected to join them in the coming months. Amid this surge, advocates worry that some children with disabilities, especially those from marginalized populations, could slip through the cracks as their families encounter confusing terminology, bureaucratic barriers, and uncertainty about their rights. I support and appreciate the idea of universal preschool programming, said Pam Bisceglia, executive director of Advocacy Denver, an advocacy group for people with disabilities. My question is whether those programs are going to be filled with children of parents who enjoy privilege. Children with disabilities are supposed to get priority for 10 hours a week of class time at age 3 and 30 hours a week at 4. But Heather Hanson, whose 9-year-old son was diagnosed with a speech delay as a toddler and later with dyslexia, believes the states new preschool program will make it even harder than it is now for young children with disabilities to get the help they need. The universal preschool application is part of the reason. It asks parents if their child has an active Individualized Education Program a fancy name for a federally required learning plan for students 3 and older with disabilities. But many children dont get such plans until after they enroll in school. A young child with a delay may not even have been evaluated or received a diagnosis. Even when children are identified as toddlers, their plan has a different name and acronym than the one on the preschool application. Hanson, who served on a special education subcommittee during the universal preschool planning process, called the wording on the application horrible and discriminatory. All of those really big words should not be used, she said. Even the word disability might deter some parents. Lucinda Hundley, who heads the Colorado Consortium of Directors of Special Education, said, We dont want to miss children because of an answer on a computerized registration system. Currently, Colorado children with disabilities can be routed to state-funded preschool in one of two ways. Those who have Individualized Education Programs get classes through the preschool special education program. Another group of children who have one of 10 risk factors such as language delays or poor social skills qualify for a state preschool program that will end after this school year. Kids in that second group dont have to have a diagnosis or special learning plan to qualify for free preschool. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. But under the new universal preschool program, the state will use fewer risk factors to decide who can attend for free at age 3 and get extra hours at age 4. One of them is the Individualized Education Program. The others consider whether the child is homeless, an English learner, in foster care, or comes from a lower-income family. Hundley said theres no way for a parent who suspects their child might have a disability to flag their concern when applying for universal preschool. Officials from the early childhood department and education department said in an email that state law requires the Individualized Education Program criteria on the universal preschool application. Hundley said its unlikely the law would disallow additional criteria that might help capture students with potential disabilities. Several advocates said the wording should be simpler and more general: Do you think your child could use some extra help? or Do you have concerns about your childs speech or behavior? Laurie Noblitt, director of elementary and early learning for the Fountain-Fort Carson district, said her district has fielded calls from parents whose 3-year-old children dont qualify for free preschool according to the application system. They say things like, Im really worried about my childs language, theyre only speaking in one- or two-word phrases, she said. In such cases, Noblitt said, the district helps get the child evaluated and into preschool, but she worries about the families who dont make that phone call. Three-year-olds whose parents dont know how to navigate the system stand to lose out on free preschool altogether and 4-year-olds with disabilities could get just 15 hours a week, half what theyre supposed to. Hanson said those extra hours can make a big difference since students with disabilities sometimes need double or triple the repetition and exposure to classroom learning compared with their typically developing peers. The low number of hours offered to 3-year-olds also puts a burden on parents, said Elisa Aucancela, executive director of El Grupo Vida, a nonprofit that supports Hispanic families who have children with disabilities. Her brother, who has a 3-year-old daughter with a disability, is still struggling due to the part-time [hours] for 3-year-olds she said. Its a really difficult challenge for some families because what are they going to do for the other half of the time when they need to work? Several school district leaders worry about how the state is handling $33 million that used to go to school districts to help cover preschool special education costs. They fear the money which amounts to $36,000 a year in small districts like Englewood and up to $4 million in large districts now will be mixed into the general universal preschool funding pot, and wont be set aside for services for students with disabilities. If that happens, districts will have to use local dollars to cover lost state money since theyre legally required to cover special education services. Hundley said that means funding for staff like psychologists and speech therapists who provide mandated services to students with disabilities gets diverted from other district priorities. Even though state funding for special education has increased in recent years, districts still cover about two-thirds of those costs out of their local budgets. State officials estimate theyll spend at least $33 million and possibly more on what they call general education seats for students with disabilities. But Hundley said school districts want the state to direct that money specifically to special education services, which is how it has been used in the past. Beyond money, the uncertainty about funding raises questions about how two state agencies the early childhood department and the education department are divvying up overlapping responsibilities. In response to Chalkbeats questions about funding for preschoolers with disabilities, the education department first referred questions to the early childhood department. After the two agencies signed an agreement this week outlining how theyd work together, the early childhood department referred questions to the education department. On Friday, the two departments released emailed answers together. Neither granted an interview. Editor's note: Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Ann Schimke is a senior reporter at Chalkbeat, covering early childhood issues and early literacy. Contact Ann at aschimke@chalkbeat.org. By Azernews Sabina Mammadli As instructed by President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijani Emergency Ministrys rapid reaction forces have arrived in Turkiye to conduct search and rescue operations, as well as eliminate the implications of the powerful earthquake, Azernews reports. It was noted that a team of 420 people will join the search and rescue operations and work to clear the rubble. The rescue team has already left the city of Adana, where it arrived earlier, to the earthquake zone. Additionally, two more planes with aid cargo will be sent to Turkiye to eliminate the consequences of the disastrous earthquake. One of the planes will deliver a mobile field hospital of the Emergency Ministry with 41 people, equipped with all kinds of medical equipment and appropriate conditions for examination, operations, and treatment of seriously wounded and sick people. The mobile hospital consists of 4 functional blocks - reception and distribution, laboratory, surgical, and resuscitation, three auxiliary containers, and 3 modules. The ministry's professional medical staff will operate in the mobile field hospital. The plane will land at Adana Airport. The second plane will soon be dispatched. The second one will deliver tents, bedding, heaters, and other equipment to accommodate people affected by the quake. A 7.7-magnitude earthquake was recorded in central Turkiye on the morning of February 6, 2023, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center. The quakes epicenter was located 26 km away from the city of Gaziantep with a population of about 1.06 million. The source of the earthquake was 7 km below the surface. Further, three more quakes with a magnitude of 6.4-6.6 rocked Gaziantep province in south-eastern Turkiye. As a result of the earthquake that hit Turkiye, strong tremors were also felt in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Cyprus. According to the latest figures, nearly 3,000 people were killed and 15,834 people were injured in the quake. A student was arrested after allegedly bringing a gun to Sierra High School on Tuesday, according to a statement from the principal. There is no danger to the school. Students informed administration at the Harrison District 2 school that another student might have a weapon in their bag at the start of the school day, according to the statement. The student was escorted from class and searched, leading to recovery of a gun. The student was arrested and will face criminal charges as well as school-imposed disciplinary measures, according to the release. The gun was never shown at school nor used to threaten students according to a statement by Principal Nicole Schurbon. "Please speak with your students to let them know that weapons never have a place in our schools," Schurbon wrote in the statement. "There is no danger to our school, and we appreciate our staff, students and families who work together to keep our school safe." Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. According to spokesperson Christine O'Brien, each Harrison District 2 high school, including Sierra High School, has three security guards and an armed school resource officer through the Colorado Springs Police Department on campus. Security staff is also present at high school entrances. "One of the greatest sources of security is the situational awareness of staff and students," O'Brien said. The incident at Sierra High School is not the first this academic year in which a student was arrested at a Colorado Springs-area school for firearm possession. Deputies with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office arrested a student who reportedly brought a handgun and ammunition to class at District 49's Evans Elementary in October. That student faced a sixth-degree felony charge of unlawful possession of a weapon on school grounds. Nearly 600 people have been missing for a year or more in Colorado. Their families and state officials honored them during Colorado Missing Persons Day on Friday, according to a press release from Colorado Bureau of Investigation. There was a ceremony in the Senate chambers and a ceremony in the House chambers to designate Feb. 4, 2023, as Colorado Missing Persons Day. At the conclusion of the ceremonies, there was a prayer vigil and a bubble release. While Colorado law enforcement agencies have recorded a number of solved cold cases in the past year, we must never lose sight of the families still left without answers about their missing loved ones, said CBI Director John Camper, in the press release. While we are making great strides in incorporating emerging technologies as part of some cold case investigations, we must continue to also focus our resources on supporting families who are navigating the myriad of challenges associated with having a missing loved one. The CBI included tributes to the missing persons through a list of their names and a page of personalized tributes. A man was arrested Monday after allegedly burglarizing a business in Old Colorado City, according to Colorado Springs police. Police around 3:30 a.m. reportedly witnessed a business with a broken front door in the 2300 block of West Colorado Avenue. Police identified the suspect as Matthew Covey, 38. He was taken into custody one block from the business. Covey was booked into the El Paso County jail on suspicion of second-degree burglary. The ACLU of Colorado has chosen its first new legal director in nearly 30 years. Tim Macdonald, who led a landmark trial last year over Denver polices use of force during the 2020 George Floyd protests, will replace retiring Mark Silverstein. Macdonald comes to the ACLU from a role as head of the Denver office at Arnold & Porter, a corporate law firm with offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. But the law firm also partners with the ACLU on civil rights cases, including one that went to trial last year in federal court over how law enforcement handled protests that proliferated in 2020 in response to George Floyds death during his arrest by Minneapolis police. The jury found police used excessive force against demonstrators in the early days of protests, and awarded a group of 12 people $14 million total. I cant wait to wake up every day working to protect, defend and extend civil rights across our state," Macdonald said in a statement. "I have partnered on cases with the ACLU for many years and realized that it was time to follow my heart and join the organization full-time. Jury finds Denver police violated rights of protesters during 2020 George Floyd demonstrations; awards $14M In addition to leading last years trial, he also participated in a 2011 case challenging the constitutionality of a Douglas County School District voucher program that allowed students to spend tuition vouchers at religious schools. Macdonald partnered with the ACLU in 2010 for a lawsuit against law enforcement officials in Jefferson County and the Colorado Highway Patrol over the arrest and strip search of a woman detained by mistaken identity. At Arnold & Porter, Macdonald served on the firms Global Pro Bono Committee, the Global Policy Committee and was a mentor in the Black Attorney Mentoring program. He received his law and masters degrees from the University of Michigan. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. ACLU sues Denver police detective over SWAT raid of Montbello home Mark Silverstein stepped into the legal director role in 1996. He announced his retirement in May, and will have the title of legal director emeritus. Silverstein has been the public face of every case the ACLU of Colorado has been involved with for the past two-and-a-half decades. The organization reached a settlement in a class-action suit filed in 2002 to end a practice by the Denver Police Department of surveilling people involved in peaceful protests and activist work, labeling them in police files as extremists. Another case filed in 2018 accused El Paso Countys sheriff of violating state law by refusing to release people who had posted bond or finished their sentence, at the request of federal immigration officials. The ACLU obtained a permanent injunction against the practice. ACLU of Colorado's legal director announces retirement The Daniels Fund distributed more than $63.8 million through nonprofit grants and student scholarships in 2022, according to a news release Monday. The private charitable foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of those in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The foundation has donated more than a billion dollars to date. Its a mindblower. Bill Daniels believed in investing in one life at a time and making a difference one life at a time, foundation President and CEO Hanna Skandera said in the news release. Its thousands of lives and so many communities changed with the opportunity for a better life. More than $40 million of last years funds remained in Colorado. The state was Daniels anchor, where both his business and his home were located, according to Skandera. He requested 65% of annual funds support Coloradans. Namesake Bill Daniels was a cable television pioneer who owned hundreds of cable systems and helped to shape the industry in its early days, according to the foundation website. After growing up poor during the Great Depression, he committed himself to a life of giving back to those in need. He left $1.1 billion to the Daniels Fund upon his death in 2000, formally establishing the foundation. Last year, Colorado students received $9.7 million through two types of scholarships, according to the news release. The Daniels Scholarship provides financial support for any two- or four-year, nonprofit, accredited college or university in the U.S. Selected students demonstrate great potential, strong character, and big dreams, according to the programs website. The Boundless Opportunity Scholarship provides financial support to non-traditional students who recognize the power of education to create a better life for themselves and their families. Unlike Daniels Scholars, who are selected by the foundation, Boundless Opportunity Scholars are selected directly by universities. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Colorado nonprofits received $33.3 million in grants, according to the release. Grants are made in eight different areas: aging, amateur sports, disabilities, drug and alcohol addiction, early childhood education, homeless and disadvantaged, K-12 education reform and youth development. Colorado Springs Rescue Mission was one of 11 Colorado Springs organizations that received grant payments in 2022. The nonprofit received $600,000 toward its mission of meeting the needs of those experiencing homelessness through food, shelter, job training and rehabilitation. Because of Daniels Fund, we're able to implement some very robust programming that is helping individuals who are struggling with homelessness find ways toward better health, better employment and better housing, Chief Development Officer Travis Williams said. "Daniels Fund is a thoughtful lender that has had a tremendous impact for many in Colorado Springs." The foundation received roughly 275 grant applicants, according to Skandera. Grants range from $10,000 to $1.5 million, averaging to about $150,000. The stories are incredible, whether it's somebody who's able to hear for the first time as a child born deaf, to a person able to walk, to aging with dignity, to leaving homelessness, Skandera said. Story after story of lives changed. It's humbling and exciting all in one breath. The Lynx Crossing Building at 318 Walnut St. on the Auraria campus in Denver was evacuated Monday due to a reported bomb threat. As of 3 p.m., the building was reopened and Auraria Campus Police reported there was no ongoing threat to the public. Prior, police were conducting an investigation and asking students to remain away from the building. Lynx Crossing is housing for students attending the University of Colorado at Denver and Metropolitan State University. It is operated by CU Denver. The bomb threat lasted just over an hour before police allowed students back into the building. Authorities issued the evacuation just before 2 p.m. Monday and asked anyone in the building or immediate vicinity to leave the area. Only the Lynx Building was evacuated, according to the alert. People in the area were asked not to cross 5th Street. Updates were posted to Metropolitan State University's emergency notifications website and posted via social media. Why did the U.S. shoot down the suspected Chinese spy balloon instead of bringing it down intact? What kind of a threat did it pose? And what steps did the US take to ensure the balloon could not collect intel as it traveled across American states? And was there a warhead in the missile that hit the balloon? Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, yesterday answered questions from reporters about the balloon, which the U.S. government shot down off the Carolina coast after it traversed sensitive military sites across North America. The Chinese government said the balloon is a civilian aircraft that drifted into American airspace accidentally. Among other things, VanHerck said the balloon offered America an "intel gain opportunity." "It gave us the opportunity to assess what they were actually doing, what kind of capabilities existed on the balloon, what kind of transmission capabilities existed, and I think you'll see in the future that the time frame was well worth its value to collect." This Q&A has been edited for brevity. Q. As the balloon was still transiting across the U.S., what sort of protective measures did you take to make sure that it did not collect any U.S. intelligence? Were you able to block the balloon from transmitting anything? Vanherck: Yes, so, I'm not going to talk about any ongoing operations that occurred, such as attempts to use non-kinetic effects. Those are things that I need to go to Congress to talk about. I need to talk about with the department before we move forward. What I will tell you is we took maximum precaution to prevent any intel collection. I was in close coordination with the Commander of the United States Strategic Command, and we provided counterintelligence messages out of our intelligence shop across the entire Department of Defense and the interagency so that we could take maximum protective measures while the balloon transited across the United States. Again, this is on record previously. We did not assess that it presented a significant collection hazard beyond what already exists in actionable technical means from the Chinese. And with that said, you always have to balance that with the intel gain opportunity. And so there was a potential opportunity for us to collect intel where we had gaps on prior balloons, and so I would defer to the intel community, but this gave us the opportunity to assess what they were actually doing, what kind of capabilities existed on the balloon, what kind of transmission capabilities existed, and I think you'll see in the future that the that time frame was well worth it's value to collect. Q: And on the prior balloons, was NORTHCOM involved in tracking the balloon that was at the early stage of the Biden Administration and also the three that transited during the Trump Administration, and what can you tell us about those that were different? VanHerck: So, every day as a NORAD commander, it's my responsibility to detect threats to North America. I will tell you that we did not detect those threats. And that's a domain awareness gap that we have to figure out. But I don't want to go in further detail. The intel community after the fact, I believe has been briefed already assess those threats to additional means of collection from additional means and made us aware of those balloons that were previously approaching North America or transited North America. I hope that answers your question. Q: Can you say the F-22 that shot down the balloon will it get a balloon decal to signify the victory? VanHerck: I'll defer to the first fighter wing. I will say I'm really incredibly proud of everybody that took place in this. But the F-22 was remarkable. I'd remind everybody that the call sign of the first flight was Frank 01. The secondly flight of F-22s was Luke 01, a flight of two. Frank Luke, Medal of Honor winner, World War I for his activities that he conducted against observation balloons. So, how fitting is it that Frank 01 took down this balloon in sovereign air space of the United States of America within our territorial waters. Q:Could you give us an estimate of how big the balloon was? We saw that it had solar panels and it also potentially had a recording device on it. VanHerck: Yes, so the balloon assessment was up to 200 feet tall for the actual balloon. The payload itself, I would categorize that as a jet airliner type of size, maybe a regional jet, such as a ERJ or something like that. Probably weighed in excess of a couple thousand pounds. From a safety standpoint, picture yourself with large debris weighing hundreds if not thousands of pounds falling out of the sky. That's really what we're kind of talking about. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. So, glass off of solar panels potentially hazardous material such as material that is required for batteries to operate in such an environment as this and even the potential for explosives to detonate and destroy the balloon that could have been present. Q: There's been a lot made in recent days still about why this was not shot down after it crossed or neared the Aleutian Islands? Can you just explain what you were watching then, what you were thinking then? What the decision-making process was. And why you didn't have enough time to do so, if that was the case? VanHerck: It wasn't time. The domain awareness was there as it approached Alaska. It was my assessment that this balloon did not present a physical military threat to North America. This is under my NORAD hat. And, therefore, I could not take immediate action because it was not demonstrating hostile act or hostile intent. From there, certainly, (we) provided information on the status of the whereabouts of the balloon, and, moving forward, kept the department and the government of Canada in the loop as my NORAD. I have a boss in Canada, as well. Q: Is it true you had U-2 spy planes around the balloon as it crossed the continental U.S. and that was another way that you could collect on the balloon? VanHerck: So, I'm not going to get into details of the operation, what planes. What I'd tell you is that we utilized multiple capabilities to ensure we collected and utilized the opportunity to close intel gaps. I'll defer to the department. I don't want to get in front of my discussions with Congress or others about specific details for collection. I would point out and I think it's important to talk about is day to day we do not have the authority to collect intelligence within the United States of America. In this case, specific authorities were granted to collect intelligence against the balloon, specifically, and we utilized specific capabilities to do that. Q. Can you give us the names of some of the sensitive military sites that were in range of the balloon's censors as it crossed the U.S.? And that debris field you're describing is radically smaller than the predicted debris field that was 20 miles by 20 miles. What accounts for that? Were your models off? Did you figure out a different way to shoot it down? Was there a warhead in that missile? VanHerck: I'm not going to get in front of the department on specific locations, flight path. I would just tell you we took every precaution to ensure any sites in the way were covered and that we minimized any collection. So, let us talk to Congress and provide those specific details. As far as the actual site, the 20 by 20 was an area that we cleared out from the maritime or the notice to mariners for safety. We wanted to clear that box out. I cleared another box out that was 150 miles by 150 miles for air traffic to ensure that there was no air traffic that was potentially involved to minimize risks to all personnel and infrastructure. Q: Could you answer the question about whether there was a warhead in the missile? VanHerck: Yeah, absolutely. There was a warhead in the missile. You can see that explosion on TV as it goes through the lower part of the balloon and right there through the superstructure. Q: Was there ever any thought or planning to try and potentially capture the balloon as opposed to using a, you know, a Sidewinder? And how was that munition chosen? And lastly, at what point did you learn about these other balloons if you weren't detecting them at the time? Was it all kind of retrospective upon the discovery of this one? VanHerck: So, I'm not going to get into the technical details. I will just tell you there were multiple options considered and asked for at multiple levels. The decisions that were made were based on safety first, and then effectiveness and being able to take the balloon down within our sovereign airspace and territorial waters. Again, I'll go back I'm going to reserve that till I talk to Congress, till I talked to others who have interest in the specific details. Q. You had said you didn't think as you watched the balloon that it was a posed a military or kinetic threat. Did you, at first, believe this was a weather balloon or did you believe all along it was a surveillance balloon? And then I was just wondering what you can say about the condition of the wreckage of the debris? Is it in relatively good condition? Is there an estimate on how many pieces it's in? And is there an estimate on weight or mass of what there is to collect from this? VanHerck: On your second question, I can't give you that right now. I don't know the numbers and until we get down there today. I expect later on today we'll have additional fidelity on what debris looks like, size of pieces, weights of pieces, those kinds of things. On your first question, with regards to that, you know, my job as the Commander of NORAD's to identify everything that approaches North America. In this case, I would tell you, we had a good indication that it was a surveillance balloon from the beginning. I was able to corroborate that with my domain awareness capabilities and provided an assessment as such. Q. You said that the balloon potentially carried explosives to detonate and destroy the balloon. Can you just clarify those comments? What exactly was the nature of those explosives? Were they to destroy itself? And then if it carried explosives, what was the assessment based on that it was not a threat? VanHerck: Yeah, so, I can't confirm whether it had explosives or not. Anytime you down something like this, we make an assumption that that potential exists. We did not associate the potential of having explosives with a threat to dropping weapons, those kinds of things, but out of a precaution, abundance of safety for not only our military people and the public, we have to make assumptions such as that. I hope that answers your questions. A man was shot in a drive-by shooting early Tuesday on Colorado Springs' north side, according to Colorado Springs police. The victim was a passenger in a vehicle driving in the 8000 block of North Academy Boulevard, when another vehicle pulled up alongside them, police said. Several rounds were fired into the vehicle, striking the victim at least once in the leg. The victim was taken to the hospital with a serious but not life-threatening injury. Police did not say whether the attack was random or if the victim knew the suspect. No arrests have been announced, and there is no suspect information in the investigation, according to police. "Cairo was always a happy baby, laughed a lot and had a big smile." That's what the grandfather of Cairo Astacio and the prosecution's first witness said during the first day of trial against the Colorado Springs couple accused of allowing their 15-month-old child, Astacio, to die of a fentanyl overdose. Joenny Manuel Astacio Ottenwalder, 36, and 29-year-old Kira Lee Davison, who was previously using the last name Villalba, are charged with child abuse causing death in the overdose of Astacio, who died in November 2021. The trial began Tuesday morning with the jury first hearing the opening statements of the prosecution, as well as the defense attorneys for both Ottenwalder and Davison. The opening statements were a glimpse into the main defenses of both Ottenwlader and Davison, namely, that the other parent of Astacio was more responsible for his death than the other. Josh Tolini, one of the defense attorneys representing Ottenwalder, claimed during his opening statements that the night Astacio died he was being looked after by Davison, who was allegedly smoking fentanyl in bed before falling asleep. Attorneys representing Davison during their opening statements argued that while Davison was asleep with their son, Ottenwalder was awake doing drugs with a friend and playing video games, neglecting to check in on Astacio during that time. Both defense attorneys also spent time during opening statements to insinuate the charges against their client were too drastic, and that while both accept some blame for Astacio's death, they didn't knowingly or recklessly cause the death of their son. Prosecutor Brien Cecil's opening statement claimed that the evidence presented over the jury trial will show that both parents were responsible for the death of Astacio, not just one, and that the high levels of fentanyl found in both of the couple's systems at the time of Astacio's death makes them equally liable. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. "Both Joenny and Kira allowed their son to die," Cecil said near the end of his opening statements. "The people ask that at the end of the case you the jury find both of them guilty." Five witnesses testified in the opening hours of the trial on Tuesday to outline the state of the house the day Astacio died. Davison's own father was the first witness to testify, and he stated that at the time of Astacio's death the couple were staying in his townhouse in Colorado Springs while he was in Arizona. When he returned to Colorado after hearing from his daughter that Astacio had died, he found a black box containing a large quantity of drugs within the home, which he turned over to CSPD. Several first responders and CSPD officers also testified on Tuesday to seeing signs of significant drug use within the house when they first responded to the scene. Additionally, Cecil claimed during opening statements that El Paso County Coroner Leon Kelly will testify later in the trial that Astacio had enough fentanyl in his system to kill a full-grown adult. The trial is expected to last a week, with closing arguments aiming to be given on Friday. Ottenwalder and Davison also face a separate case, in which both are accused of providing fentanyl to a 13-year-old girl who overdosed twice, has been delayed. The second jury trial was scheduled to begin Feb. 13, but because of concerns over the two trials overlapping, as well as attorneys representing Ottenwalder saying they weren't ready, the trial date was rescheduled for July 17. Both Ottenwalder and Davison face two counts of child abuse causing serious bodily injury, controlled substance distribution to a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. By Azernews Fatima Hasanova Chief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces General Staff Col-Gen Karim Valiyev inspected intensive combat training of military units, Azernews reports per the Defense Ministry. Col-Gen Karim Valiyev, accompanied by Lt-Gen Anvar Afandiyev, the commander of the Land Forces, inspected military installations to assess how classes on intensive combat training were going during the new training period. The chief of the General Staff was briefed on the organization and conduct of the classes by the command staff. Special emphasis was placed on the high-quality organization of combat training activities in the units. The classes, which are held in accordance with the plan and take into account the methods of conducting modern battles, are aimed at improving individual skills and tactical-special training of military personnel. The importance of holding training exercises in environments similar to actual combat was emphasized to the command staff by the first deputy defense minister. The chief of the General Staff stressed that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev highly values the retaliatory actions taken by the Azerbaijan army during the suppression of the provocations committed by the Armenian armed forces. He briefed the relevant officers on the tasks assigned to the Azerbaijan army by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, and the defense minister's instructions on maintaining the combat capability of the units at a high level. By Azernews Fatima Hasanova In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Turkiye, Azerbaijani government officials have expressed solidarity with officials of Turkiye, Azernews reports. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov shared a post on his Twitter page. "We were deeply shocked by the news of the earthquake that occurred today in fraternal Turkiye, which led to losses of life. May Allah rest the souls of those who died in this terrible earthquake. We wish healing to the victims. Azerbaijan, as always, is with Turkiye in this difficult time," the tweet read. Assistant of the Azerbaijani president and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev also expressed solidarity with Turkiye in a tweet. "May God have mercy on those who perished! May God give you patience," Hajiyev wrote. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center reports that on January 6, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake was felt in central Turkiye. The epicenter of the earthquake was 26 kilometers from Gaziantep, which has a population of about 1.06 million. The earthquake's epicenter was located 7 km below the surface. According to Turkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, three more earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.4 to 6.6 shook the province of Gaziantep in southeast Turkiye. According to the most recent data, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Turkiye resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and over 15,000 injuries. Up to 2,834 buildings were completely destroyed after the strong earthquake. Four Azerbaijani students were rescued from the rubble in Turkiye's Kahramanmaras, according to social media reports. The police who killed Tyre Nichols were Black. But they might still have been driven by racism. Van Jones CNN contributor (this shows) the use of force and brutality by five police officers. Theresa Dear national NAACP board member Enough with opinions! Here are the facts. On Jan. 7, Tyre Nichols a 29-year-old Black man, was beaten by five Black Memphis police officers during a traffic stop. The attack ended with Mr. Nichols dying a few days later. Police brutality isnt new. The Chicago Tribune was first to use of the term police brutality in 1872 when they reported on the beating of a civilian who was under arrest at the Harrison Street Police Station. Both he and the police involved were White. This trend continues today. Most police killings are white suspects killed by White officers. With little data on beating deaths, we will look at shootings. In 2022, 505 White people were shot to death by police in the United States. This compares to 216 Hispanics, 17 Native Americans, and 313 Black people. Falling into the poisonous abyss of race is a distraction. Lets take it off the table and ask what drives police brutality? Amnesty International suggests a variety of factors contributing to undue violence against citizens. They present inadequate laws, entrenched impunity and insecurity or conflict as underlying causes. Are they right? On the Department of Justice website, we are told, Federal laws that address police misconduct include both criminal and civil statutes. These laws cover the actions of State, county, and local officers, including those who work in prisons and jails. The site continues, The types of law enforcement misconduct covered by these laws include excessive force, sexual assault, intentional false arrests, theft, or the intentional fabrication of evidence resulting in a loss of liberty to another. Enforcement of these provisions does not require that any racial, religious, or other discriminatory motive existed. Our laws seem adequate. Is the issue in the enforcement of these laws? Ninety-nine percent of police killing cases pass without the officer being charged and prosecuted. Most people perceive that if a police officer did something, he or she was doing it for their protection or the greater good of society. Consequently, the bar for charging and/or convicting cops is higher than the bar for regular citizens. Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. But key findings by The Police Foundations national survey of officers across the nation are telling. The survey showed at times police officers both see and ignore their fellow officers while excessive force is used. This research possibly reveals this propensity among 24% of the 806,400 who serve as police officers, detectives, and game wardens. We may have some entrenched impunity within some law enforcement agencies. 24% is not the mainstream of policing by any stretch but unaccountable officers can wreak havoc in the profession. So, what about insecurity or conflict as a driver of law enforcement brutality towards citizens? All bullies regardless of age or situation use an imbalance of powersuch as physical strength, access to embarrassing information or authority to control or harm others. According to the stopbullying.gov website current bullies: have feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem, so they bully to make themselves feel more powerful. do not understand others emotions. dont know how to control their emotions, so they take out their feelings on other people. may not have skills for handling social situations in healthy, positive ways. Police bullying fits this criterion. So does the murder of Tyre Nichols. NPR reported on February 1st that four of the officers arrested for the murder of Tyre Nichols were reprimanded or suspended by Memphis authorities previously for failure to report using physical force and/or failure to report domestic dispute. Insecurity may be a factor in this case too. As reported in Newsweek yesterday, the Memphis Police Department is currently investigating a rumored connection between Tyre Nichols and the ex-wife/girlfriend of now disgraced Officer Haley. Friends this tragedy is about bullying not race. Shenandoah Titus, an internationally recognized expert on anti-bullying tells us, We must stop weeping and start working toward a society where all law-abiding persons... will come to trust the ubiquitous promise of police officers: To protect and serve. Rachel Stovall is an event manager, entertainer and community advocate. Just when the state was making headway in tightening lax marijuana regulations to protect Colorados kids a new bill in the legislature would kick the door wide open to more abuse. Senate Bill 23-081 would roll back safeguards enacted by the legislature only two years ago to prevent high-potency medical marijuana from falling into the hands of minors. This grossly irresponsible measure is scheduled for its first committee hearing Thursday at the State Capitol. Lawmakers would do the state, and especially its kids, a great service by rejecting SB 81 and leaving the current laws protections in place. Approved by voters in 2000, medical marijuana was touted as a form of alternative medicine that could minister to people in pain. But watchdog groups say it turned out to be a major conduit for kids using pot recreationally. It allowed 18-to-21-year olds to obtain marijuana legally, in theory for medical use. Recreational retail pot, legalized in 2012, limited purchases to adults 21 and older. The medical-marijuana law thus allowed a loophole for those under 21 to obtain pot legally on the pretext of using it for health-related reasons. That, in turn, opened the door to, say, an 18-year-old reselling a bulk buy of pot to teen friends who were even younger. Rachel OBryan, a co-founder of the childrens-advocacy group One Chance to Grow Up, says medical marijuana was a pipeline to our high schools and fed underage use of high-potency marijuana products. A broad coalition of childrens-advocacy groups persuaded the legislature in 2021 to clamp down. Bipartisan reforms signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis included key provisions strictly limiting the amount of pot concentrates medical marijuana patients under 21 could purchase, and requiring physicians who write the recommendations needed for medical marijuana to include some of the same basic details that would be required for any other drug. That means directions for use and maximum allowable potency of THC, pots psychoactive ingredient. The law had a significant impact. According to a statement released this week by One Chance to Grow Up, the number of medical marijuana patients between the ages of 18-20 decreased by 56%. Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Now, the lawmakers behind SB 81 want to scrap that progress. Among other provisions, the legislation would quadruple the amount of high-potency medical pot concentrate that 18-to-21-year-olds could purchase from two grams to eight grams a day. It would raise the amount of medical pot concentrate those 21 or over could buy from eight grams a day to 40 grams five times higher. Incredibly, the bill also would erase some of 2021s standards for doctors to recommend medical pot. Physicians no longer would have to include on their recommendations essentially, prescriptions their U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration number; the maximum allowable THC potency for the patient; the daily amount of medical marijuana the patient is authorized to have; directions for use, and the specific marijuana product being recommended. In other words, the same information required by law on any other prescription no longer would govern medical marijuana in Colorado. SB 81 is patently reckless and only can be interpreted as a giveaway to the cynical marijuana industry, which wants to push more product. We cannot fathom what prompted state Sens. Kevin Van Winkle, R-Highlands Ranch, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, to introduce the bill in the Senate, or state Reps. Matt Soper, R-Delta, and Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, to agree to carry it in the House. This is one for the governors must-veto list, assuming it gets that far. Such a primitive device The sky is falling, the sky is falling! Surely many of us will remember that delightful childrens story about a simple case of mistaken identity. Of course, I am talking about the recent incident regarding the Chinese balloon. How quickly we are willing to jump to conclusions without really having all of the facts and checking for accuracy with the ones that we do have! It really represents how we have become a guilty until proven innocent rather than the way it should be vice-versa society. You know, beyond a reasonable doubt. It almost seemed in this case that we were actually looking for something to pick a fight with instead of at least trying for a peaceful resolution, this is another example of our angry times and the need to blame someone. There are so many holes in this story big enough to drive a balloon through! One of them is the labelling it a spy balloon from the get-go. If it truly was identified as such, dont you think that we would have not allowed it to even approach our airspace let alone just let it collect and transmit data before eliminating it? The whole idea that one of the most technologically advanced countries on earth, China would produce such a primitive device instead of a very sophisticated one such as those satellites just doesnt make any sense. And the fact that it really didnt have any true course but to coast aimlessly across the continent suggests it had a very different purpose. Why cant we accept the very probable reason of weather research or climate change, something that would help the entire planet? Still our country needed to take some kind of action in order to save face. Doomed if you do, doomed if you dont. Remember those WMDs? It will be interesting to see just what exactly the contents of the balloon were if there are any actual remains from 60,000 feet and we are truthfully told about them. Christopher A. Jones Colorado Springs A lack of leadership One question for President Joe Biden: what if instead of a balloon, China had flown a nuclear bomber over the U.S.? Would you have ignored that as well? Put on your big boy pants and be the leader you were elected to be. You are putting the country in danger, because of your lack of leadership and indecisiveness. Barry S. Oswell Colorado Springs Couple threatened with expulsion The story on the front page of the Gazette from Sunday, Feb. 5, is beyond belief. Read the whole thing! With illegal immigrants pouring over our southern border every day this couple (Sabine & Michael Berchtold) are being treated far worse! After 25 years of productive work they are threatened with expulsion from this country they have called home! Disgusting!! Carl Bozung Colorado Springs Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Reusable plastic bags I find it ridiculous that Gov. Jared Polis calls plastic grocery bags single use and is using that to ban them. Almost everyone I know reuses the plastic bags for one thing or another (trashcan liners, emptying cat boxes). I tend to collect them in one bag until it is full and then bring it back to the store to recycle. Maybe Polis has been a wealthy politician for too long and has forgotten the many uses of grocery bags. I guess the rest of us have to suffer for his forgetfulness. Randall Stuart Colorado Springs This naked fraudulence I just read Eric Sondermanns good column Santos and the disappearance of shame on the second page of The Gazettes Feb. 2 issue. As he points out disgraceful George Santos isnt the only person to disgrace the political scene. The thought came to me that he could have substituted The Bidens in place of Santos and the article would have been the same. He concludes with: But George Santos (Bidens) have avoided any such sanctions. Which brings this column back to asking how much dishonesty and mendacity does it take to get drummed out of polite society? ... But if our institutions fail to enjoin this naked fraudulence, then they are shameless as well. If you havent read Sondermannns article, go back and take a look. Youll see what I mean. Vern Swim Colorado Springs Such a hatred for others The continuing violence toward minority groups is appalling. We must stand up and speak against those who spew hate. We cannot stand by and remain silent while Jewish temples are desecrated by shooting or bombing. Freedom of worship is a tenet of our country. Why is there such a hatred for others? We must remember that love of each other is key to the Christ that many Americans claim to follow. Let us express this love in stopping the violence and hatred. Anna T. Lopez Colorado Springs Quest to spend others money I am sure that President Joe Biden and consumer Finance Protection Bureau chief Rohit Chopra have Colorado government fees next on their target list. My recent auto registration cost $362, while the fees came up to almost $75, or a 20% tax on top of the registration tax. These fees apply to rich and poor alike, giving lie to purported social justice claims, when compared with show me the money. if you look at your cellular bill, your cable bill, and others, you realize that our government has succeeded in their never ending quest to spend other peoples money, subverting TABOR, with the acquiescence of our ever liberal Colorado courts. Just call it a fee! As one letter writer recently noted, this is not the Colorado I grew up in. Dave Vandenberg Colorado Springs A former Cripple Creek police sergeant arrested on suspicion of sexual misconduct while on duty and blackmail may have may have more victims than previously believed, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. According to an affidavit, Alexander Kenoyer, 36, is accused of continued sexual contact with a woman who was an alleged victim of sex trafficking. During the course of the investigation ... agents discovered several explicit images and videos possibly from the internet of women who may have been photographed/filmed by Kenoyer without their consent, or who may have been aware they were being photographed/filmed but unaware it was being shared on the internet, the CBI press release said. CBI encouraged anyone who believes they may have had inappropriate contact with Kenoyer while he was still a police officer to call 719-662-2662. According to the affidavit, Kenoyers encounter with the current known victim began over text in 2021 and became more sexual into spring of 2022, with the two first meeting to have sex at a local hotel in November 2021. The affidavit states sexual text messages between the two were intertwined with the woman occasionally asking about her case and for other legal advice. Texts also revealed alleged sexual contact between the two in Kenoyers office at the Cripple Creek police station and in his police vehicle. The relationship fell apart because Kenoyer would not leave his wife, according to the affidavit. An Internal Affairs probe by the police department and CBI into Kenoyers alleged misconduct was launched in August 2022, according to the initial news release by the police department. When the woman spoke with the Cripple Creek Police Department that month, she told detectives that she was being blackmailed by Kenoyer and that she had been coerced and blackmailed by Kenoyer into writing a letter to Chief Bud Bright stating they supposedly didnt have any sex, according to the affidavit. The detective was placed on administrative leave on Aug. 24 and resigned from the department on Oct. 25., before the end of the internal investigation. Kenoyer, 36, posted a $10,000 bond after his arrest on Dec. 20, according to court records. Kenoyer is facing two counts of unlawful sexual conduct by a peace officer while on duty and one count of attempt to influence a public servant; all three charges are felonies. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 6. Contact the writer: brooke.nevins@gazette.com A care worker on duty the day Hazel Place died after being left unattended for six hours in 100-degree weather at a Grand Junction assisted living facility was sentenced to 60 days in county jail on Monday in Mesa County district court. Jamie Johnston, 32, was also sentenced to three years of probation and 150 hours of community service in connection with the June 14, 2021, death at Cappella of Grand Junction. Johnston changed her plea in December 2022 to guilty of criminally negligent homicide, a Class 5 felony. Initially she was also charged with negligent death of an at-risk person, a Class 4 felony, and a misdemeanor charge of forgery in connection with falsifying information in the facilitys computerized system to make it appear that Place was monitored throughout the afternoon and evening when, in fact, she was not. The more serious felony charge and the forgery charge against Johnston was later dropped in exchange for pleading guilty. A Cappella surveillance tape of the courtyard revealed Place wandered onto the unshaded courtyard at 2:19 p.m. on a day when the National Weather Service had issued an excessive heat warning. The tape showed that Place tried to get up but was unable to, before she fell back onto a patio love seat. She stopped moving entirely just after 4 p.m. and was still not discovered until around 8:15 p.m. when the husband of another resident in Cappellas memory care unit saw her crumpled body through a hallway window and notified staff. Her gruesome death and the events that followed share striking similarities to other assisted-living deaths in the state. On Feb. 26, 2022, an unattended elderly resident became trapped outside of a Boulder County assisted-living facility in subfreezing temperatures for more than five hours and froze to death. A year before, in Colorado Springs, an 88-year-old woman also froze to death after wandering away from Union Printers Home assisted-living facility despite repeated warnings that staff needed to keep a close watch on her. These tragedies raise troubling questions about the care given to Colorados most vulnerable elderly population and the level of accountability by facilities and state officials when something goes wrong. Hazel Places death was the subject of a Jan. 19 Gazette investigation. If she could take back that day, she would, Johnstons attorney, Kevin Pauly, said during the sentencing, according to those in the courtroom on Monday. He said his client acknowledged responsibility for her part in the preventable death and offered an apology to Hazel Places family who were in the courtroom as they have been in every legal proceeding in this case. Letticia Martinez, also on duty in the memory unit when Place died and who also pleaded guilty to reduced charges, was sentenced late last year to 30 days in Mesa County jail, three years of probation and 100 hours of community service. Martinez served 18 days after being booked Jan. 6 and then released early on Jan. 24, according to a Sheriffs Department spokesperson. Jenny Logan, another care worker that day, pleaded not guilty and was acquitted last week on all charges after a trial in which her lawyer argued it was the other two defendants who were to blame. As in the Martinez sentencing, Johnstons lawyer suggested that the facilitys supervisors and parent company, Englewood-based nonprofit, Christian Living Communities, also bore some responsibility for failing to adequately train staff and ensure resident safety. District Judge Valerie Robison, who has presided over all three cases, again on Monday appeared disturbed by the details, according to those in the courtroom. She decried the fingerpointing that has followed and suggested that the low-wage earners at the facility have borne the brunt of it. Robison declined a request for an interview. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Todays sentencing of Jamie Johnston, who was terminated for her role in the unfortunate passing of Ms. Hazel Place in June of 2021, closes a very difficult chapter in the criminal proceedings. We believe the legal outcomes of all three cases speak for themselves, Pam Sullivan, vice president of strategy and communications for Christian Living Communities, said in an emailed statement Monday. We are so sorry the family had to endure this tragic loss and endure these legal proceedings. We continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers. Attorney General Phil Weiser also issued an emailed statement on Monday: Our hearts go out to the family of Hazel Place. We were able to obtain pleas and acknowledgement of responsibility from two caregivers who were directly responsible for Ms. Places care and safety. Weiser added that the cases bring attention to the need to protect older Coloradans with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia, as well as the need to account for their safety when they are entrusted to care facilities. After Places death, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched an investigation and found nine violations of state assisted-living regulations, plus an additional informational citation that carries no punishment. The facility was ordered to submit a plan to correct the violations and issued a $2,000 fine the current annual maximum in Colorado no matter how many violations found in a year. The facility was also able to keep its license. After the assisted-living facility paid the fine and submitted corrections, the state agency re-inspected in December 2022, eventually closing the case. For those following what happened in Grand Junction, the more recent death of Mary Jo Staub at a Louisville assisted-living facility last year feels familiar. In that case, a surveillance video also tells the story: The 97-year-old who wandered outside in subfreezing weather can be seen frantically screaming and pounding on a locked glass door with her fists and a broom at 12:40 a.m. at Balfour Senior Livings Lavender Farms facility. She wore only pajamas, a robe, boots and gloves, according to a lawsuit filed by her family against the parent company and two employees. The door is adjacent to the nurses station, but it was unoccupied for more than five hours. No one noticed Staub was missing until just before 6 a.m. By then, she was dead. She collapsed on the concrete around 1:40 a.m., according to the lawsuit, and her body can be seen on the surveillance video moving slightly until 4:23 a.m. when she was finally still. In the lawsuit filed by Staubs daughters on Jan. 17, much like in Hazel Places case, the family says they were assured their mother would be closely monitored, as she often became confused and disoriented. Staubs family said they were told their mother would be checked every four hours during the night. But after Staubs death, Lavender Farms employees and officials told investigators there was no policy in place at the time to keep the nurses' station staffed overnight. The lawsuit also states caregivers told investigators they were only required to check on Staub once per night, which a staff member said she did around midnight. But the lawsuit alleges the employee who said she checked on Staub at midnight had left the building just before midnight and did not return until after 1 a.m., according to the facilitys exterior video surveillance footage. Elizabeth Hart, one of the attorneys representing Staubs daughters, declined to comment because the case is ongoing. Balfour executives did not immediately return telephone and email requests for comment. A Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment investigation in April 2022 issued eight citations and fined the owners $1,500, according to agency records. No criminal charges were filed. In the February 2020 death of 88-year-old Margarita Sam in Colorado Springs, all charges filed by the Attorney Generals Office against three workers at the now-closed Union Printers Home were ultimately dropped including those against a nurse whose case was dismissed less than three weeks before she was scheduled to stand trial. Sams body was found on a bench 40 yards from the facility. The El Paso County Coroners Office ruled the cause of death hypothermia. Union Printers Home was permanently closed by CDPHE, and all residents were moved to other facilities. We can no longer excuse such deaths as accidents, said Shannon Gimbel, ombudsman manager for the Area Agency on Aging for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. These deaths are homicidal negligence, and until they are treated as such, they will continue. Colorados second-highest court last week reversed a mans convictions after finding a Denver judge forced him to choose between postponing his jury trial if he wanted a lawyer or continuing to trial as scheduled, but with no attorney. Aurelio DeSantiago opted to represent himself and a jury convicted him of multiple assault charges. He received 13 years in prison. A three-judge panel for the Court of Appeals ruled that DeSantiagos decision to give up his constitutional right to counsel was not knowing, voluntary or intelligent. He only did so after then-District Court Judge Lisa Teesch-Maguire pressured him to postpone his trial, despite no request for a delay from either side. The district court, without sufficient cause for doing so, forced DeSantiago to choose between his statutory right to a speedy trial and his right to counsel, wrote Judge David H. Yun in the appellate panels Feb. 2 opinion. Prosecutors charged DeSantiago in May 2020 with several domestic-violence related offenses. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his trial date was pushed back multiple times. He remained in jail until approximately February 2021, when he was able to post bond. Because he no longer automatically qualified for representation from the public defenders office following his release, DeSantiago needed to reapply for legal assistance. DeSantiago attended a court hearing in April, where he indicated he wanted a public defender. At that point, the judge set DeSantiagos trial for July after instructing him to reapply for public defender representation. At the next court date, May 17, 2021, DeSantiago still had not applied. Teesch-Maguire was substituting for the regular judge assigned to the case, Eric M. Johnson. A lawyer from the public defenders office was present and indicated DeSantigo would apply for representation soon. Instead, Teesch-Maguire told DeSantiago his speedy trial is running, a reference to the deadline in state law for the government to bring a defendant to trial. In order to give his defense lawyer more time to prepare, she explained, I would want you to waive your right to a speedy trial. After DeSantiago declined, the judge said, OK. So then you can proceed by yourself. She then began to read the standard advisement given to criminal defendants when they decide to represent themselves. DeSantiago asked why he needed to agree to a trial beyond the legal deadline which was not for another three months in order to keep his public defender. Because, sir, you had an obligation to apply for the defendant the public defenders office months ago. All right? Its not the (prosecutions) fault that you have failed to follow through, Teesch-Maguire told him. I am saying that you should absolutely have an attorney, she continued. I fully believe that. But its also not the governments fault that you have failed. Youre the reason that you do not have a public defender. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Teesch-Maguire said she was not going to enforce an arbitrary speedy trial deadline because of DeSantiagos own actions. Youre facing a ton of time in prison, sir, she added. But you need to be fair to the (prosecution) and let them have enough time to bring you to trial. Although neither the prosecution nor the defense indicated they would not have enough time to prepare if DeSantiago applied for a lawyer, DeSantiago agreed he would proceed to trial without one. Teesch-Maguire clarified that if DeSantiago applied for the public defender the next day, Judge Johnson might reconsider. Nevertheless, Teesch-Maguire deemed that she had given DeSantiago all of the legally-required warnings to enable him to represent himself. On appeal, DeSantiago, now represented by the public defenders office, argued there was no reason for Teesch-Maguire to tell DeSantiago he needed to hold his trial beyond the legal deadline. On the other side, the Colorado Attorney Generals Office insisted there was no forced choice between DeSantiagos constitutional rights. The advisement was not an ultimatum either waive the right to counsel or waive the right to speedy trial but a precaution so that the defendant knew what the consequence would be if he did not obtain counsel by his trial date, wrote Assistant Attorney General Jaycey DeHoyos. The appellate panel sided with DeSantiago. In order for a defendant to give up their constitutional right to an attorney, it has to be knowing, voluntary and intelligent. The panel found no indication DeSantiago clearly knew about the nature of the charges against him and the allowable punishments. Teesch-Maguire had only told him he was facing a ton of time in prison. DeSantiago was facing a maximum presumptive sentence of forty-nine and a half years. A ton of time in prison does not convey meaningful information about the period of incarceration he faced or a realistic picture of his sentencing exposure such that his decision to proceed could be made with eyes open, Yun wrote, finding DeSantiagos waiver was not knowing or intelligent. Yun added that DeSantiago had also not voluntarily relinquished his right to counsel because Teesch-Maguire made it seem as if he had to choose between that right and his other right to a speedy trial. It did not matter, the panel decided, that DeSantiago also failed to apply for a public defender after Teesch-Maguire claimed his regular trial judge might allow DeSantiago to have a lawyer after all. With such ambiguous language, Yun wrote, and having already been forced into a choice between the right to counsel and the statutory right to a speedy trial, it is no wonder that DeSantiago did not pursue the mere possibility that another judge might potentially reconsider this judges decision. The panel ordered a new trial for DeSantiago. It did not address his other argument on appeal, that Johnson, who presided over the jury trial, committed an error when he instructed jurors that reasonable doubt is what the jury says it is. Judge Jerry N. Jones authored a one-sentence concurring opinion. He agreed DeSantiago did not knowingly or intelligently waive his right to counsel, but Jones did not join the part of Yuns opinion finding the waiver was also involuntary. The case is People v. DeSantiago. The Colorado Supreme Court on Monday interpreted a gun safety law enacted after the Columbine High School massacre, ruling for the first time that the illegal transfer of a firearm to a prohibited person can encompass the shared use of a weapon in a household. The court declined to say whether someone can violate the law on transfers by merely placing the gun in the household where a prohibited person may access it. Instead, the justices believed there was sufficient evidence to convict Sylvia Johnson of purchasing a gun in order to temporarily transfer it to her partner at home. Following the Columbine murders in 1999, Colorado lawmakers enacted a "straw purchase" law, designed to prevent people from purchasing guns intended for use by someone else. The law makes it a felony to knowingly buy a gun "on behalf of or for transfer to a person" who is legally prohibited from owning one. Adams County prosecutors charged Johnson under the law after the arrest of her partner, Jaron Trujillo. Officers found a gun on Trujillo, which he said belonged to Johnson. The two of them had shopped for the gun together at a pawn shop and Trujillo knew Johnson kept it in her closet. Trujillo had a prior conviction and was barred from possessing a firearm. Johnson challenged her conviction, arguing a "transfer" to an ineligible person required more than making a gun available to the prohibited person. In 2021, a three-judge panel for the Court of Appeals determined the meaning of "transfer" encompassed temporary exchanges of a shared item. The panel believed the evidence supported a conclusion that Johnson bought the gun and kept it in a location where Trujillo would retrieve it. "Johnson kept the firearm at a location where both she and Trujillo could access it; they shared possession of the firearm," wrote Judge Lino S. Lipinsky de Orlov. "Johnson and Trujillo 'transferred' the firearm by conveying, moving, and shifting it between themselves. Thus, a 'transfer' of the firearm occurred when Trujillo picked it up from the closet, where Johnson had left it." The Supreme Court agreed to review the case, and held oral arguments last fall at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs. Johnson's attorney, Patrick R. Henson, attempted to draw the line between actively lending someone an item and simply enabling "unsupervised access." "If you went to the mall and you purchased a shirt and you know your sibling's gonna like it and you put it in your closet," he argued, "did you buy that for transfer to a third party?" "Shared possession isnt enough? It has to be an attempt to actually hand over possession to someone else?" asked Justice Monica M. Marquez. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. "I would agree with that 100%" responded Henson. The prosecution suggested that all exchanges of firearms count as transfers. "I buy (a gun) for the family and my 22-year-old son has access to it," said Justice Melissa Hart hypothetically. "Its there in the house. Did I transfer it to him?" If someone in the household is ineligible to own a gun and the purchaser provides access, "you have problem under the statute," replied Assistant Solicitor General Joseph G. Michaels. The Supreme Court ultimately decided that purchasing a firearm in order to "transfer" encompasses the shared use and temporary exchange of a gun. Buying a weapon "on behalf of" a prohibited person, as the statute also outlaws, is a permanent action. In reaching its decision, the court did not address the concern from Johnson and some of the justices that providing access to the gun in a shared household would count as an illegal transfer. "Perhaps," wrote Justice William W. Hood III in the Feb. 6 opinion, adding that the court could uphold Johnson's conviction without going that far. "Not only does the video from the pawn shop suggest a de facto joint purchase, Trujillo told the police that Johnson let him borrow the gun when he was arrested with it," Hood wrote. Such evidence could support the jury's verdict that Johnson knowingly purchased the gun in order for Trujillo to possess it temporarily, he concluded. The case is Johnson v. People. Skyrocketing energy prices prompted Gov. Jared Polis on Monday to direct Colorado's agencies and energy regulators to find ways to offer immediate relief to businesses and residents who have been groaning under enormous utility bills, particularly in the last few weeks. Among other things, Polis, who touted saving Coloradans money in his reelection campaign last year, wants the Public Utilities Commission to "analyze ways to limit bill spikes." In a letter to the commission, the governor said natural gas prices are imposing "terrible burdens on households and businesses," not to mention the "long-term consequences" of higher energy prices for Colorado's competitiveness as a place to live and work. "I am calling on state agencies to work collaboratively with the states utilities and others to develop responses that can help reduce the energy cost burden," he said. In particular, the governor wants energy regulators to look at using federal dollars to reduce energy costs. He lamented again that customers are bearing the burden of paying for "unexpected, exceptional costs without extraordinary efforts to reduce usage and proactive information sharing with customers." Polis is referring to the regulators' decision to allow Xcel to recover $500 million from their customers to pay for the cost of buying natural gas during a cold snap in 2021. But it's not apparent how the governor's instructions to state regulators and energy officials would translate to providing immediate relief to Coloradans, as the biggest driver of the sharp hike in energy bill is largely beyond the state's control. More specifically, PUC chief economist Erin ONeill earlier presented to the commission four reasons for the soaring energy bills that customers saw in November and December last year. Atop that list is the cost of natural gas, which increased by 40% compared to last year. In addition, the use of natural gas also rose again by 30% because of the significantly cold weather in December. O'Neil noted that compared to last year, a typical Xcel Energy customer in December faced an increase of 25% in their electricity bills and 75% in their gas bills. But O'Neill also cited two other reasons that directly resulted from state actions. In particular, Colorado's regulators allowed Xcel to charge their customers $500 million for the extraordinary fuel costs incurred during Winter Storm Uri, the four-day weather event in 2021 that hammered the United States, Northern Mexico and parts of Canada and which, in particular, wrecked havoc in Texas. In addition to Colorado, Xcel provides electricity to Texas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The regulators approved the request even as they expressed misgivings at how Colorados biggest utility company handled the cold snap, a decision that frustrated Polis. That cost made up 11% of Xcel's energy bills, according to O'Neil's presentation. O'Neil also said the rate hikes that energy regulators approved also contributed. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. All told, these factors added an average of $87 to energy bills. Bill Levis, a consultant for AARP Colorado, earlier said the fees that utilities added to customers' bills as a result of legislation passed by the Colorado General Assembly and signed by Polis amounted to a rate hike for ratepayers of more than 6%, plus a $0.50 charge. In his letter to the Public Utilities Commission, Polis also asked energy regulators to: Improve access to and capacity of bill pay assistance programs Work with utilities to secure federal funding for programs targeting Colorado homes and businesses Incentivize utilities to reduce customer costs Identify potential utility actions on gas contracting, financial hedging, and gas storage, as well as on educating consumers on energy conservation Figure out ways to support consumers in the most dire circumstances, including reaching out about payment options for those behind on their bills Implement new approaches to increase public engagement with utility issues at the PUC In addition, Polis directed the Colorado Energy Office to: Expedite the creation of a federally funded home energy rebate and other programs Identify new regulatory approaches and rate structures to align with customer and utility conservation incentives Implement the states building performance standards, which apply to large multifamily residences to reduce utility bills Consider establishing new statewide building energy codes and provide technical assistance to local governments that adopt the codes, in collaboration with the Department of Local Affairs, with the goal of reducing utility bills Implement microgrid programs with state and federal funding We must leave no stone unturned to save Coloradans money on utility bills," said the governor. He added: "Coloradans need near-term and long-term relief on their energy bills and today I am laying out ways state entities and utilities can take action to help save people money on their energy costs, to identify and implement opportunities to protect Colorado consumers, lower costs, and avoid price swings like the one were experiencing now. The governor noted that, at the start of the winter this year, gas bills jumped by 75% compared to last year. Excel is offering a few programs to customers to help them handle the spikes, including averaged monthly payments, pay arrangements to spread balances out over longer periods, and several energy assistance programs such as income-qualified weatherization, discounts for low-income households, and some exemptions for special medical needs such as life-support systems. Energy customers many of whom say they are being crushed by gas and electricity bills that have doubled, tripled and even quadrupled in the last few months gave Colorado's energy regulators an earful last week, some of whom accused the commission of favoring the interests of corporations. Lakewood resident Eva Boyd, for example, excoriated the commissioners for what she said is their failure to look after the publics interests. I've been living here for about 26 years, Boyd said. January 2022s bill was $124. December 2022 was $194. The next one that I'm going to pay in February is $295, which to me is absolutely mind-boggling. Boyd added: You're supposed to be looking out for us. And somebody already said it here: You shouldn't be looking out for corporations. Gov. Jared Polis, along with U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, as well as Rep. Joe Neguse, on Monday sent a letter urging federal officials to distribute $50 million in funding for the East Troublesome and Cameron Peak fire recovery efforts in Colorado. The letter, which Colorado's officials sent to U.S. Sec. of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and United States Forest Service Chief Randy Moore, stressed the need to fund projects in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, where about 400,000 acres were burned by wildfires in 2020. The fires "laid waste to drinking water sources for over a million people," and the lack of funding for recovery projects "threatens public health and safety," Colorado's officials said. "Every time it rains on the burn scars from these fires, the potential for mudslides and flooding risks the life and property of Coloradans nearby or downstream," they added. The Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Grand County, Greeley and Fort Collins have a $228 million hole in their recovery budget, which is why they said it's imperative to distribute the $50 million available to Colorado, Bennet, Hickenlooper, Polis and Neguse emphasized. The funding will go to projects aimed at rehabilitating and stabilizing watersheds and restoring ecosystems that were torched by the East Troublesome and Cameron Peak fires, they said. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Vilavan Yiaporher. The ambassador presented her credentials to President Ilham Aliyev. President Ilham Aliyev then had a conversation with the ambassador. The head of state said that there are good political relations between the two countries, stressing the importance of increasing efforts to expand the economic and trade relations. In this regard, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the significance of reciprocal visits at different levels, tourism opportunities and establishment of direct linkage between business communities. President Ilham Aliyev praised relations between Azerbaijan and Laos both within the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement, and underlined the significance of mutual support in international organizations. President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the importance of Azerbaijan's proposal regarding the representation of a chair country of the Non-Aligned Movement in the UN Security Council on a rotating basis as part of the reforms in the UN. The ambassador conveyed Lao President Thongloun Sisouliths greetings to President Ilham Aliyev. The head of state thanked for the greetings, and asked Vilavan Yiaporher to extend his greetings to the President of Laos. Saying that she is happy to visit Azerbaijan, the ambassador noted that she was impressed by the beauty of Baku. Noting that a large number of Laotian students studied in Azerbaijan during the Soviet period, Ambassador Vilavan Yiaporher said that currently they are successfully working in various fields in Laos and contributing to the development of the country. The ambassador noted that there are ample opportunities for the development of relations between the two countries in the tourism and economic spheres. By Azernews Qabil Ashirov Azerbaijan is ready to evacuate its citizens from provinces of Turkiye hit by the devastating earthquake, Azernews reports, citing a tweet by the country's embassy in Ankara. In a tweet, the embassy kindly asks the citizens, who want to be evacuated, to come to the indicated destinations at 1500 local time on February 7. ??To the attention of AR citizens, who were affected by the earthquake in the provinces, where the state of emergency has been declared in Turkiye, and want to be evacuated to Azerbaijan! The evacuation buses will be at the listed destinations on February 7 at 1500 Turkiye time, the embassy tweeted. The trial of an Arizona man allegedly caught with approximately four pounds of methamphetamine near Rudd on New Year's Eve has been set for April 4 in Floyd County District Court. According to court records, 42-year-old John T. Qualls of Tucson, Ariz., was arrested by the Floyd County Sheriff's Department on U.S. Highway 18 around 5:49 a.m. He is charged with a controlled substance violation, which is a class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Qualls also was charged with failure to affix a drug stamp, which is punishable by up to five years in jail. The affidavit states that a traffic stop of a 2014 Chevy Cruze Qualls was driving near mile marker 201 was conducted because he was traveling 88 mph in a 65 mph zone. A probable cause search was then conducted. Law enforcement allegedly found two plastic bags in the vehicle weighing four pounds. Field tests resulted in a positive for meth. North Iowa history in photos: Mason City street scenes of the early 1900s 1937 Downtown MC.jpg Cigar and peanut wagon on Federal 1909.jpg Parade for the July 4th 1910.jpg 1920 Ford dealeship in Mason Cityr.jpg 1901 Uncle Tom's Cabin Parade MC IA.jpg 1910 Fire Department MC.jpg 1920s Birdsall's Ice Cream Store same location today..jpg 1910busy intersection standard oil wagon.jpg 1920 Commercial Bank on Federal with parked motorcycle.jpg 1915 Charles Hotel at Central Park with Trolley.jpg 1930 2nd St SE and Federal facing North Best.jpg 1915 Iowa Hardware Mutual Office Bldg old metalcraft bldg.jpg 1930s Jefferson Lines buses at the downtown depot MC.jpg 1915 State st North of delaware facing NE2.jpg 1930 East side Federal to State street.jpg 1915 Street scene at Charles Hotel with Trolleyand Olympia Billboard.jpg 1934 buildings being torn down Federal Ave 1.jpg 1918 North Iowa Fair 19th SW at Federal (Southport Mall site.jpg Mason_City_1212.jpg 1919 White Motor Cars on Federal MC.jpg The founder of an educational program for at-risk youth in Des Moines says he will remain all in on helping kids that are not reachable in so many peoples' eyes after he was wounded in last month's shooting that killed two students. Will Keeps, 49, a former Chicago gang member who moved to Iowa in his 20s and later founded the Starts Right Here program, made his first public comments about the shooting this weekend in a video the police department posted online. We went all in on helping kids that are not reachable in so many peoples eyes, he said. Our youth is looking to us to not run. If they constantly keep seeing us say, Oh, we can't, were done, what do you think theyre going to do? They going to be done. So become a beast. We need you to fight, become a warrior. And we need to do it together. Keeps, a rapper whose given name is Will Homes, had his right arm in a cast held up by a blue sling in the video and kept a walker sitting next to his chair. He was just released from the hospital last week. Students Gionni Dameron, 18, and Rashad Carr, 16, were killed in the Jan. 23 shooting at the program, which provides help to students under a contract with Des Moines Public Schools. Two other teens have been charged with murder in the shooting. Police have said all four teens were involved with gangs, although the families of the victims denied that. Keeps said he continues to encounter the kind of violence he experienced as a youth in Chicago when he saw rival gang members kill his friend and he was himself severely beaten. Ive lived it and Ive seen it every day of my life. Im not going to sit up here and ignore the fact that we're killing each other. And were killing each other as easy as seeing a fly on the wall and swatting it or seeing an ant on the ground and stomping on it, he said. Our youth is in trouble, and we constantly kept doing the same thing over and over and over and over again, and it aint working. Police have charged Preston Walls, 18, and Bravon Michael Tukes, 19, both of Des Moines, with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of criminal gang participation. Bail was set at $2.5 million for each. Police say Walls, a Starts Right Here participant, entered a common area of the building Jan. 23 and opened fire before fleeing in a car driven by Tukes. The two belong to a gang and committed the shootings in connection with that gang membership, according to police. Walls waived his preliminary hearing and is awaiting an arraignment that is scheduled for next month, according to online court records. His attorney has declined to comment. Tukes preliminary hearing is set for Tuesday. The lawyers who have been appointed to represent him were not reachable Sunday. One person was seriously injured Monday evening in a collision between a Kia sedan and a Greensboro Transit Agency bus. The crash happened about 6 p.m. at the intersection of Cypress and Yanceyville streets. Video obtained from the bus showed that the Kia failed to stop and collided with the bus, the transit agency said in a news release Tuesday afternoon. The Kia was pushed by the bus into a utility pole, which caused local power outages. The driver of the car sustained serious injuries and was taken for treatment, the transit agency said. Four or five passengers along with the driver were on the bus at the time. They did not suffer serious injuries, but one passenger received a checkup as a precaution, according to the news release The Greensboro Police Department had not filed any charges Tuesday afternoon. RATP Dev, the Citys contractor for bus operations, said it was aware of the collision and was working closely with the Greensboro Police Department on the matter. Additional information will be released as it becomes available, the transit agency said. By Azernews Sabina Mammadli Since early morning today, Azerbaijani citizens have been coming to the Turkish Embassy in Baku to honor the memory of the earthquake victims, Azernews reports. Residents of the capital bring flowers to the embassy in memory of those killed in the earthquake in Turkiye. Besides, the Turkish embassy in Baku and the country's Consulate General in Nakhchivan appealed to Azerbaijani citizens for the collection of humanitarian aid to help victims of quake-hit regions, Azernews reports. The aid is collected in Baku at the Dogtas furniture stores. Besides, goods can be donated to the Consulate General in Nakhchivan at 17 Heydar Aliyev Avenue, Nakhchivan. Meanwhile, Azerbaijani rescuers, sent to quake-hit Turkiye following the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, are conducting search operations in Kahramanmaras. During the operations, they recovered the body of a person from under the rubble. Additionally, a team of 34 Azerbaijani doctors was also dispatched to Turkiye, to assist the victims. A 7.7-magnitude earthquake was recorded in central Turkiye on the morning of February 6, 2023, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center. The quakes epicenter was located 26 km away from the city of Gaziantep with a population of about 1.06 million. The source of the earthquake was 7 km below the surface. Further, three more quakes with a magnitude of 6.4-6.6 rocked Gaziantep province in south-eastern Turkiye. As a result of the earthquake that hit Turkiye, strong tremors were also felt in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Cyprus. The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Monday announced the open house and dedication dates for the Helena temple in Treasure State Acres on the north side of town. The public open houses will begin May 18 and run until June 3, except for Sundays, May 21 and 28. Temple access is usually restricted to church members, but the open houses allow for anyone from the public to tour the facility before the dedication. The temple will be dedicated on Sunday, June 18, in two sessions, one at 10 a.m. and another at 1:30 p.m. Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside, church officials said. The dedicatory sessions will be broadcast to all units in the Helena Montana temple district. This will be the second temple in operation in Montana, which is home to more than 51,000 Latter-day Saints. The Billings Montana Temple was dedicated in November 1999, and the Missoula temple was announced in April 2022. Latter-day Saints consider temples as houses of the Lord and the most sacred places of worship on Earth. Temples differ from the Churchs meetinghouses (chapels), church officials said. All are welcome to attend Sunday worship services and other weekday activities at local meetinghouses. The primary purpose of temples is for members to participate in sacred ceremonies, such as marriages, which unite families forever, and proxy baptisms on behalf of deceased ancestors who did not have the opportunity to be baptized while living. Jim and Suzi Stanger, who head up the open houses and dedication committee for the Helena temple, said they were happy to learn the temple would be opening. They added it would be a special event. Were excited, Jim Stanger said. Were beyond excited, we love Helena and the Helena community, Suzi Stanger said. People have been so supportive and kind through the process. She said there would a day set aside for the Treasure State Acres neighborhood to tour. They have been absolutely wonderful, she said of the neighbors. Bret Romney, the Helena Stake president, said he also was excited that dates have been set. "We're hopeful the community will feel welcome and join us to get a look at the temple," he said. Romney also thanked the neighborhood for its kindness and patience during construction. Ground was broken for the new temple on June 26, 2021, in a ceremony headlined by Elder Vern P. Stanfill, One of the Seventy for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is now a temple on the grounds, a church building and a smaller utility building. Lee Holmes, historical subcommittee chair for the church, discussed the temple Thursday at a gathering of Hometown Helena, a grassroots group. He told them the end of construction was nearing and said that the duties that remain include landscaping. Holmes said he asked the contractor how much money the construction brought into the community. He was not provided a number, however, the contractor said that 80% were local contractors and local suppliers. He said at one time there were 170 employees on-site, who ate in restaurants, stayed in hotels and spent money elsewhere. From a community level we are very proud of what it is and what it will provide to the community here, Holmes said. The Helena Stake was created in 1968 and it was proposed in 1978 that they buy the Otter Road property in Treasure State Acres. Church officials have said the Helena stake has 3,500 members. There are six wards in Helena, one in Townsend and congregations in Boulder, Lincoln and White Sulphur Springs. After intense debate Monday the House gave initial approval to legislation that would say doctors, nurses and others in the health care field, as well as insurance companies, can not provide care they have a moral or ethical objection to. House Bill 303 is from Rep. Amy Regier and it passed a second reading 65-35, with three Republicans joining all Democrats in opposition. The freedom to live and work consistent with ones conscience is critical, Regier said on the House floor Monday. Regier said objections could be made over a range of things including over lifestyle and elective procedures and treatment. She cited abortion as one, as well as procedures that remove healthy body parts or perform sterilization, which is generally seen as opposition to providing gender-affirming care. While Rep. Tom Welch, R-Dillon, tried to extend the bill to apply to public facilities in the same way it does to private ones, Regier called the amendment a poison pill and said it would have triggered a provision that would require a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber to pass. The amendment failed. Some of the strongest opposition came from Rep. Zooey Zephyr, a Missoula Democrat and the first openly transgender woman to serve in the Legislature. We heard in the sponsors opening here as well as in committee a list of things this is designed to fight against. One of them is gender-affirming care for people like me, Zephyr said. Zephyr argued that while Regier said the bill is not discriminatory because its based on procedures that people object to, not individual patients, some procedures are specifically tied to certain patients. But it would also mean, Zephyr continued, that if someone objected to hormone therapy for a trans person, they could also not provide it to someone going through menopause or after a hysterectomy. It will be a denial (of care) based on diagnosis ... (and that is) inherently discriminatory because you cannot parse my diagnosis from who I am. To deny me based on my diagnosis of gender dysphoria is to deny me based on my being a trans woman, Zephyr said. Rep. Jane Gillette, R-Bozeman, said that she wanted all doctors to be able to follow their conscience and oath to do no harm by not providing procedures they believe are harmful. Rep. Jerry Schillinger, R-Circe, said the protections in the bill needed to be established so that providers and others in health care can follow their conscience. The bill faces a final vote in the House before moving to the Senate. Roger Wagner, a farmer and longtime community advocate from Nashua who was elected as a delegate to the 1972 Montana Constitutional Convention, has died. He died on Jan. 31 from congestive heart failure, his family wrote in his obituary. He was 80. Wagner was one of 100 delegates elected to the Convention. His daughter, Barb Wagner, said in an interview her father had just finished college and was active in the community when he was recruited to run. He was someone that had an interest and motivation for public service, she said. He always said he had no idea what he was doing, but he was passionate about it and was proud to represent a voice for rural Montana at the Con Con. Barb Wagner believes her father epitomized what the convention was all about, not necessarily politicians hoping for higher office, but ordinary Montanans focused on shared values and creating a lasting legacy. They had a common desire to create a document for a state where they could earn their livelihoods and raise their families. It was a value her father passed on, she said, always encouraging her to look at issues from different perspectives. Born in Minnesota and educated at St. Johns in Collegeville with a bachelor's degree in economics, Roger Wagner spent most of his life working on the family homestead northeast of Nashua. There with his brothers David and J.F. Wagner, on the Wagner Brothers Ranch, raised registered Herefords. Wagner married Laura Tremper in 1973 in Missoula and the couple had four children, Jeannette Waldron, Rachel Mark, Barb Wagner and Ben Wagner. He served as mayor of Nashua but never ran for statewide office. He focused on his business and family, always attending sporting or other school events, and he became active in a number of community groups such as the Valley County Fair Board, Queen of Angels Church Council, the Valley County Democratic Central Committee and the Nashua Senior Citizens Center. Wagner would use his education to serve on the Tax and Revenue Committee at the convention. He believed in an efficient and fair tax system, and was a quiet leader, preferring to have conversations on the side and whip votes rather than making grand speeches on the floor, Barb Wagner said. When the convention passed the Constitution and it went to Montanas voters, Wagner supported and worked to ratify it. Her father was happy with the bipartisanship he saw that went into its drafting, Barb Wagner said, adding that he became more convinced over the last 50 years of the quality of the document as it has stood the test of time. There were still some controversial points at the time, but he was proud of the document and felt it had been prepared and made with thoughtful discussion, she said. He was glad that the Constitution was based on the principles of Montana, not necessarily politics, but that these were Montanans rights and values. Fellow delegate Gene Harbaugh, then living in Poplar, recalled campaigning with Wagner in northeastern Montana in 1971. Roger was of course one of the youngest delegates. As I think about Roger and what he did during his lifetime, he was such an able and accurate representative for the people in his area, Harbaugh said. He was such a great supporter of his community and he was a person that stayed in one place and did a great deal of good. Harbaugh said both he and Roger Wagner came to Helena without any major agendas, which fit in well with the tenor of the convention. The people that were part of that effort became a very close knit community, and it had nothing to do with which side of political divide you were on, he said. It was an issue-oriented event, it was lot of really healthy debate about issues, it wasnt acrimonious. Mae Nan Ellingson, a delegate from Missoula, recalled that both Wagner and she were among a group of younger delegates that caucused on issues ranging from a clean and healthful environment, to womens rights, to centralization and uniformity of the tax code. The bipartisanship of the convention still stands out to her as a time when people perhaps knew each other better, and rural Montanans would elect a Democrat who they knew from their community. Ellinson was thankful to see Wagner at the 50th anniversary of the convention in July which recognized the 10 delegates still living at the time. I was so happy that I (came) and he (came), and I know from Laura and from him he was happy he did too, she said. Im so happy that he took the opportunity to think about his part in making that Constitution. Its obviously very sad to lose him and be down to only nine of the original 100, she continued. A little bit of history goes with each of these people that pass. Barb Wagner said her father enjoyed attending celebrations for the 40th anniversary in 2012 and the 50th anniversary last July. He also enjoyed attending the Montana Democrats annual Mansfield-Metcalf dinner and sharing his opinions and influence as a Constitutional Convention member. Oh he loved it, she said. For me it was nice to see my dad in a different role because he never talked much about being a Con Con member when I was growing up. I think as an adult, it was just nice to see how proud he was of it. Services for Wagner will take place on Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Glasgow. A vigil service will take place on Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Bell Mortuary. Burial will be at the Nashua cemetery and luncheon at the Nashua Senior Citizens Center. DECATUR New Hope Animal Outreach has grown, but the focus remains assisting lower-income families with the care of their pets via outreach programs. Weve become a bit more sophisticated, said Suzi Morrow, a board member of the agency. The services offered are organized by New Hope Animal Outreach volunteers. But thats not ours, Morrow said. That's kudos to the community. New Hope Animal Outreach's facility is at 2919 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur. However, it is not licensed to receive stray animals, nor shelter animals in need of homes. Decatur has two fine shelters and our focus is, instead, to provide outreach programs for low-income Decatur and Macon County families with pets to help the pets stay out of the shelters and in their homes, Morrow said. Like many agencies and businesses, New Hope Animal Outreach had to adjust during the COVID pandemic. The volunteers are happy with the changes, according to Morrow. Curbside service turned out to be one of the benefits. It solved all of the problems we were having, she said. It forced us to structure that program the way it needed to be structured. Patrons would often grab as many items as possible. If you werent one of the first five people in line, none of the food was left. Now pet owners make a list of what they need and staff members retrieve the items. Therefore, the curbside service remains. New Hope Animal Outreach donations or volunteers For more information or to help New Hope Animal Outreach, financial donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 22, Decatur IL 62525, or visit www.NHAOdecaturIL.org, the Facebook page New Hope Animal Outreach or call/text 217-413-8646. The pandemic also brought more clients to the New Hope services. People needed help feeding their pets, Morrow said. Its still happening. Pet food is one of the many grocery items going up in price. Specialty foods are also harder to come by, according to Morrow. You go to buy what your pet normally eats and its not there, she said. Its been particularly difficult with cat food. One of the new services is the Pet Pantry. Which is free food, Morrow said. The pantry stocks opened pet food that has been donated. Its a place to take the food if they open up and their pets wont eat it, Morrow said. We rebag it. Opened canned food is not accepted. New Hope Animal Outreach partners with Old King's Orchard Community Center for the Food Box Distribution Day once a month. Pet food and pet accessories are added to the boxes for the families with pets. Marcia Phillips and Bea Hall organize the Old Kings Orchard monthly distribution. The event is held on the second Saturday of the month. Weve got a whole area of pet food that they try to put together once a month, Phillips said about the partnership with New Hope Animal Outreach. They are wonderful to work with. Old Kings Orchard is able to distribute pet foods of all types, toys, collars and cat litter. And it goes fast, Phillips said. Last time the only things we had left were a few collars and a couple of leashes. Before the partnership, the Old Kings Orchard food distribution recipients would often ask about food for their pets. Before they said there were times they had to feed (their pets) their food, Phillips said. Now some of the people head to the pet food table first. The programs include the Pet Food Bank which provides a variety of pet food and litter to low-income families with pets "for a donation of approximately half the retail value of the item, the organization states. Information can be found on the agencys website. Dry dog food, wet and dry cat food, and scoopable cat litter is available. The generous Decatur community donates food and money to this program to keep it afloat, the agency states. Food from our (Pet Food Bank) inventory is always needed. #TogetherDecatur Do you know a person or of a story that exemplifies the best of Decatur? Contact Donnette Beckett at (217) 421-6983 or dbeckett@herald-review.com. Another program includes the Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return program, or the TNVR, for feral cats. After the feral cats are trapped, New Hope Animal Outreach will have them spayed/neutered by a local veterinarian. The cats are returned to their original territory after surgery and the recovery period. This is a vital program to help keep the cat population down plus vastly improve the health and wellbeing of feral cats, Morrow said. Low-income families can also have their pets spayed or neutered. A fee is charged with this program, along with low-income paperwork from the county. Decatur veterinarians are used as appointment spots become available and when funds allow. Veterinarians are also called upon to help animals in need of medical attention. We get them in the door, Morrow said. New Hope Animal Outreach pays for the office call with the remainder of the bill being the owner's responsibility, the agency states. We offer fundraising to try and pay some of the medical bill if it is beyond the owner's ability to pay, but ultimately it remains their responsibility. Photos: Sled dogs train and play in warming Arctic DECATUR The Decatur Police Department is seeking help from the public in solving a home invasion, this weeks crime of the week. Decatur police officers were dispatched at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 23 to the 1900 block of East Pythian Street in reference to the home invasion. "Upon arrival Decatur police spoke to two victims who advised they were inside a residence when two suspects entered the house unannounced," Officer Tucker Tool stated in a news release. "At gunpoint, one of the suspects demanded money from the victims. The victims handed the suspects an undisclosed amount of money." According to Tool, the suspects then ran out of the house. They were seen getting in a burnt orange, four-door sedan that drove eastbound toward 22nd Street. The first suspect was described as a Black man, heavier set, 5-feet-11-inches tall, wearing a black hooded shirt. "This suspect was observed holding a silver-colored handgun in one hand and a black colored handgun in the other," Tool stated. Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers at 217-423-8477 (TIPS). Crimestoppers will pay $500 or more for information leading to an arrest. Updated mugshots from the Herald & Review Joseph A. Williams William A. Hosea Randolph Hayes Byron D. Theus Jetrevius O. Jarrett Phillip Gehrken Emmanuel White Aaron L. Hand DECATUR Amid heavy demand, another $800,000 will soon be available to low-income Decatur residents for home repairs. The city was awarded a $400,000 grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, which it agreed to match. The grant funds are expected to be used primarily for roof replacements in the city's urban core. Eligible uses for the grant funds are forgivable mortgage loans for households making below 80% of the area's median income and several kinds of repairs for those making 50% or less of the area median income. According to the city, about 220 residents have requested a roof replacement. In addition to accepting the grant fund and authorizing the match, the Decatur City Council on Monday unanimously approved an agreement with the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority to administer the program. This brings the total amount of housing-related funds the city has entrusted CILBA to administer up to $1.3 million since last year. In January 2022, the council approved allocating $500,000 in federal American Rescue Plan funds towards an "abandonment to rehab" initiative, which aims to rehab vacant properties and prevent them from deteriorating to the point where demolition is necessary. That program's initial aim was for the city to identify 10 vacant homes to purchase. Rehab would cost about $100,000 each with the goal of selling to a first-time homebuyer for $50,000. The roof replacements to be funded by the latest program will cost less, but the need is greater. Some council members raised concerns about whether the latest round of funds were enough. "While I appreciate that not only is this funding available, but there's other programs that the city of Decatur has launched that are associated with these types of revitalization projects," said Councilman David Horn. "I'm simply concerned that we don't have enough funds devoted to really revitalizing the neighborhoods." Community development director Cordaryl Patrick acknowledged that "mathematically, looking at the list of properties that we have for the roof program, $400,000 is not enough." But, he said that there are other programs that address that same issue. About $4 million was dedicated towards neighborhood revitalization in the fiscal year 2023 budget, which was approved by the council in December. Half of that is dedicated to demolitions, with the city hoping to tear down 200 homes this year. Then $1 million apiece was earmarked towards owner- and renter-occupied home rehabilitation programs. The owner-occupied home rehabilitation program was green-lit by the Decatur City Council in May. It assists homeowners within targeted areas of the city with roof repairs and energy efficient improvements such as new air conditioners and furnaces. Each project is capped at $50,000. The council in September also approved the allocation of $450,000 to the Northeast Community Fund for a small repair grants program aimed at low- and moderate-income home owners in the city's urban core. Those grants are capped at $15,000. Patrick said that several people are on several lists. Awardees are picked based on a lottery system that is targeting the citys urban core, with homeowners inside those areas completing a pre-application, and those drawn from the lottery being notified by mail. Councilwoman Lisa Gregory said the city has made good progress with the resources it has. "Is it enough? No," Gregory said. "We're never going to be able to have 100% of the funding in one budget year nor would we be able to effectively use those dollars if we did have them." 7 Decatur buildings that are no longer here Powers Grand Opera House Roach School Washington School Webster Hall Dante's Italian Village Stephen Decatur High School Decatur Public Library DECATUR An old schoolhouse that saw generations of young people pass through its doors could see new life in the form of affordable senior housing. The building that formerly housed Garfield School and then Durfee Magnet School, 1077 W. Grand Ave., is the centerpiece of one of the "catalyst" projects aimed at revitalizing the city's urban core neighborhoods. According to the city, the project would be constructed in phases. The first phase includes the rehabilitation, expansion and conversion of the old Garfield School building into 63 affordable apartments for people 55 and over who are living independently. The Decatur City Council unanimously approved Monday allocating $375,000 in American Rescue Plan funds and $300,000 in federal affordable housing grant funds for the first phase, which is projected to cost $19.6 million. The project is contingent on the developer receiving tax credits from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, which won't be known until June. Though the developer was not identified at Monday's meeting, draft plans attached to the city council agenda indicate it to be St. Louis-based Bywater Development Group. According to the group's website, they specialize in "developing, planning, financing, and implementing transformative affordable housing." They could not be immediately reached Monday evening. But Decatur community development director Cordaryl Patrick vouched for the group, which has a track record of building successful facilities that "really does feel like a community," he said. "I called it 'new school' assisted living because of just how vibrant these buildings are," Patterson said. "It really does bring energy back to the neighborhoods." The apartments would rent for about $700 per month, Patrick said. The property is still owned by Decatur Public Schools, according to Macon County tax records. If approved, the developer has also committed to providing $275,000 for neighborhood revitalization efforts in the Neighborhood United community, according to city officials. In addition to the city, the Decatur Housing Authority has committed funding for 18 of the apartment units in the first phase of development. The building is 99 years old and served as the longtime home of Garfield School. But the Garfield program moved out in 2000 to its present South Shores location when it completed its transition to a full Montessori school. Durfee Magnet School immediately moved in and occupied the building until the school closed in 2020. The building has sat vacant since. Future phases could also include 40 units of one-story affordable housing aimed at families, which would be located closer to Garfield Park. And, eventually, a new mixed-use development that would include additional apartments and retail would be located just south of the school building, according to plans. The council on Monday also approved plans to spend about $1 million remaining in federal COVID-19 CARES Act funds toward several catalyst projects. Among the projects slated to receive funding is the "realignment and reconfiguration" of Garfield Park into a smaller "pocket park," and thus make it "an integral part of the much larger Garfield catalyst project." Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said the proposal was a nice change for the conversation about neighborhood revitalization, which has often revolved around demolitions of dilapidated buildings. "We've done a lot of demolitions and it feels like sometimes that's really all we're doing," Moore Wolfe said. "But this shows tonight that we are doing some major work that people can actually see." Class is in: These former Decatur school buildings are still in use Brush College School Durfee School Jones School Lakeview High School Roosevelt Jr. High Salem School Spencer School St. James School Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of the meeting dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Trade Union Council of Azerbaijan. to be updated DECATUR Phillip J. Gehrken doesnt dispute the fact that he pointed his gun in the face of Kevin Cooper and pulled the trigger and kept pulling it until the gun had fired five times and Cooper was dead. But the issue for Macon County Circuit Court jurors is to decide whether Gehrkens claims of self-defense are justified in the killing of the 51-year-old victim. His murder trial got underway Monday and is expected to last three days. And, in a highly unusual circumstance, the jurors wont just have the words of the prosecution and defense to consider: Gehrken, 54, turned on his cell phones camera and taped his confrontation with Cooper, capturing sound and video. Jurors will be shown the video as part of the evidence. Gehrken, who lives in Forsyth, is pleading not guilty to three alternate counts of murder in a case that dates to the evening of July 11, 2021, on a rural business property in Argenta owned by the defendant. Sworn affidavits from the Macon County Sheriffs Office about the case have confirmed the two men had been involved in a series of disputes, apparently involving money and other issues. The prosecution, presented by Assistant States Attorney Timothy Tighe, insists that nothing Cooper did justified him being shot dead at almost point-blank range by the defendant. And stripped of any justification, Tighe told the jurors the facts of the case were cold and clear: A man named Kevin Cooper was shot to death and the defendant, Phillip Gehrken, was the one who shot him. Defense attorney Monroe McWard aims to convince the jurors that Cooper was the aggressor here. He told them how they will hear that Cooper has previous convictions for violent crimes and witnesses will tell them they had learned to fear his violence. McWard said Cooper, trained in martial arts, was also armed with box cutters on the day he was killed and was climbing up onto an excavator Gehrken was operating to attack him when he was shot. McWard said Cooper had battered Gehrken on previous occasions, knocking several of his teeth out. He said their dispute on the day of the shooting quickly turned into a vicious confrontation: ...The argument escalates to the point where Mr. Gehrken is threatened both to his life and his physical personMr. Cooper says he is going to come in and knock the rest of his teeth out, Monroe told the jurors. We expect that under these circumstances, Phillip Gehrken did nothing more than a reasonable person would have done he defended himself. The trial continues. Updated mugshots from the Herald & Review Joseph A. Williams William A. Hosea Randolph Hayes Byron D. Theus Jetrevius O. Jarrett Phillip Gehrken Emmanuel White Aaron L. Hand Vote now until noon on April 20th to support the businesses that you think are the best in the New Braunfels area. The six applicants for Hickorys open city council seat made their cases and answered questions from Hickory City Council members at a special meeting on Monday. The council is looking to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Councilman David Williams who served Ward 4, which includes the Ridgeview community. The council did not take a vote Monday regarding the candidates, and it was not clear when city leaders would do so. Discussion and potential action on the appointment are on the agenda for the councils Tuesday night meeting. Here is look at the six applicants seeking a seat on the council: Ittiely Carson Carson, 53, currently serves as a member of the Hickory Public Schools Board of Education. I believe that I would be a good fit for this role because this is a vision and this is a passion for me that Ive had for a very long time in my life, Carson said. Getting involved with the board of education, this is an ultimate goal. This is the next goal that I have, whether it be at this appointed time or another time. But this is something I will be seeking. Carson also cited her business experience in furniture sales and as a design professional. She said her work helped her form relationships with people across the community. When asked about what city functions she is most interested in, she said planning. Carson said she did not believe there was a legal conflict if she were to hold two elected offices. She said that being on council was the most important thing to her. This is paramount to me and so Ill do whatever is necessary, Carson said. Jerisha Farrer Farrer, 32, works as the director of inclusive excellence at Forsyth Technical Community College. She identified several areas of interest and initiatives she would like to pursue if appointed to council. She said she would focus on equitable housing for low-to-moderate income individuals, summer enrichment and job training programs for students and routine safety walks to identify areas of concerns in the ward. She also asked the council to be sure to select a strong advocate for the community. In the past six years, this ward, I believe, has missed out on some very intricate things and opportunities to sit at the table to ensure that voices are being heard, all the voices are being heard, information is being fairly distributed, and decisions are being made with all sides beings presented, Farrer said. Farrer also asked that, if the council did not select her, that they choose Anetia Ramseur Wright. The Rev. Anthony Freeman Freeman, 47, is the pastor of Clinton Tabernacle AME Zion Church. He pointed to his leadership at the church during his pitch to the council. In particular, he highlighted the churchs ongoing efforts to fight hunger in the community, which included a partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank to distribute food to more than 500 people during the pandemic. Freeman also shared his views on the role and obligations of public officials. I believe the pivotal purpose for any city council member elected or in this relevant moment appointed, should always possess the passion of making their city an exceptional place to live, Freeman said, adding that council members take on the tremendous commitment of being a voice, a vote, more importantly the heart of citizens in the community. He also stressed accessibility, availability and accountability as attributes a council member should embody. Sam Hunt Hunt, 80, is a former president of the Hickory NAACP. He currently serves as the organizations second vice president. He is also a member of the Hickory Regional Planning Commission. When asked about the most pressing challenges facing Hickory, Hunt replied: Youth and youth and youth. He continued: Youth dont know how to act. Youth dont believe nothing can happen to them. Youth are not learning anything, therefore how can they be a part of anything? How can you build anything? When asked to discuss what could be done to address the problems with young people, Hunt said the council needed to be more visible and involved. If adults dont see yall helping the community with your presence, you certainly aint going to do nothing to help those kids, Hunt said. He also criticized the city for not partnering on a commission or a task force to address racial disparities in the community. Jarrel Jett Jett, 66, describes himself as an aspiring poet and author who previously worked in fields such as retail and manufacturing and served in the U.S. Navy. He highlighted racial divisions in Hickory, referencing a quote from former Hickory resident and North Carolina NAACP President T. Anthony Spearman describing Hickory as genteel apartheid. Here in Hickory, we come together at the ballgames and the meetings but its mainly superficial and casual interaction without really getting to know one another as if were still living basically in separate worlds, Jett said. He suggested setting up a program of sister churches in which a few members from predominantly white churches and predominantly Black churches would go to another church for at least one Sunday a month to deepen bonds between Black and white communities. He concluded his time before the council by reading two poems. Anetia Ramseur Wright This is the second time Wright, 64, a teacher at Hickory Career & Arts Magnet High School, has sought the Ward 4 seat. In 2013, she ran for the seat on the council and finished first in the ward primary before losing in the general election to Hank Guess, who now serves as mayor. In her interview to be a part of the council, Wright praised city leaders for the growth and development of new amenities in Hickory. When asked about areas of concern in Hickory, Wright responded: I dont know what they could be presently because everything looks so good but Ive lived long enough to know things are not always what they seem. But I believe if the city kept on the path that its on now that its a win-win situation. She also pointed to her service in the U.S. Army, which she said helped teach accountability and improved her skills as a communicator. I work really hard to get people to see eye-to-eye on the things that were all concerned about, Wright said. HICKORY The Catawba Valley Community College Small Business Center will host a webinar at no cost, Selling on Shopify, on Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Whether you sell online, on social media, in store, or out of the trunk of your car, Shopify has you covered. Your brand, your way. No design skills needed. Establish your brand online with a custom domain name and online store. There is no charge to attend this workshop, but pre-registration is required. To register or for more information contact the CVCC Small Business Center at 828-327-7000, ext. 4117 or visit http://sbc.cvcc.edu to register online. (Other comments will be added to this story as they are received) Below are comments offered by Commissioner Whitaker: Texas State Constitution Powers, Duties, and Responsibilities as a Judge or Commissioner Budgeting Ethics HR and Personnel County Roads Elections Conducting Meetings Purchasing Agreements & Contracts Open Meetings Act Public Information Act Emergency Management Property Tax Issues State Legislature and How It Effects Local County Government "It was like drinking from a firehose. We took lots of notes and were exhausted at the end of every day. I am so thankful that David Thomas allowed me to shadow him for a few months. With that experience, this seminar was easier than to have shown up without any experience at all," said Whitaker. Commissioner Wylee Maupin adds, " the seminar featured many notable speakers with decades of county government experience. The knowledge passed on to the next generation of county leaders will give all in attendance a great start to their term as commissioner or judge. Just as important as the information given is the networking with other elected officials and their contacts for future questions that may arise." Newly elected Hansford County Judge Tim Glass said, "we completed 20.5 hours for new judge and commissioners from around the state. We broke out into sessions with like county populations and were able to discuss things that may or may not come to commissioner court. We met new commissioners from across the state and made contacts that we will be utilizing in the future. We also studied what state laws and statues govern the Commissioner Courts." Recently, the newly elected Hansford County Judge and Commission;Tim Glass, Wylee Maupin and Robert Whitaker attended a seminar at College Station.The V.G. Young Institute Seminar for new county judges and commissioners was held January 10-13, 2023.1. At 225, we are part of the largest freshman class of newly elected county commissioners and county judges since the 1950s2. 4 days (20 hours total CE) worth of lectures and round table meetings taught by attorneys, former commissioners and former judges.Subjects Covered: Miller named to South Dakota State deans list BROOKINGS, S.D. South Dakota State announces Edward Miller of Concord has been named to the deans list for the fall 2022 semester. Miller is a student in SDSUs College of Natural Sciences. Latherow earns deans list recognition VALDOSTA, Ga. Valdosta State University congratulates Maia Latherow of Concord for earning a spot on the Fall 2022 deans list. Deans list honors are reserved for the highest achieving students at VSU. Latherow is one of more than 1,700 distinguished and accomplished students recognized for exemplifying excellence in the attainment of their educational goals. Belmont announces Fall 2022 deans list NASHVILLE The following students achieved the deans list at Belmont University for the Fall 2022 semester. Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours (exclusive of audit and pass/fail courses this semester) and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C (inclusive of audit, pass/fail courses and zero-credit courses). Students are: Mattea Williams of Concord, Brooke Eller of Huntersville, Ann Lee of Matthews and Grace Swing of Mooresville. Local students named to Mars Hill deans list MARS HILL Mars Hill University recognizes 339 students named on the honor roll of the Academic Dean at the end of the fall 2022 semester. To qualify for the deans list, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 on a minimum of 12 semester hours, and carry no grade below a C. Among them are: Noah Miles Steedley of China Grove; Landon Cole Honeycutt, Brennen Robert Jones, and Michaela Rhiannon Barber, all of Concord; Sara Grace Cook of Mount Pleasant; and Hannah Rose Shoaf of Salisbury. Concord resident receives academic honor ATCHISON, Kan. Benedictine College has recognized those students who have distinguished themselves academically during the last semester. Emilia Shoup of Concord was recently named to the deans list for the fall semester, which ended Dec. 12, 2022. Any full-time student carrying a minimum of 12 hours and a perfect 4.0 grade point average through the spring term is named to the presidents list. Full time students with 12 hours and a grade point average of 3.5 are named to the deans list. Of the 2,135 students on campus for 2022-2023 academic year, 171 made the Presidents List and 794 made the Deans List. Cope achieves academic honors from Nichols DUDLEY, Mass. Brandon Cope from Kannapolis achieved Deans List for the fall 2022 semester at Nichols College. The presidents list and deans list recognize those students who achieve high grades during a single semester. To be included on the presidents list, a student must have a grade point average of 3.85 or higher for at least 12 undergraduate credit-hours and must have received no grades below B- during the semester. Students with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for at least 12 undergraduate credit-hours and no grades below B- will receive deans list honors. A Finnish designer and maker of electric vehicle chargers, is coming to Durham with a pledge to create 306 new jobs within the next five years. On Tuesday, the North Carolina Economic Investment Committee unanimously approved a job investment development grant worth up to $3 million for Kempower to establish an EV charger manufacturing facility in a pair of Durham buildings. The funding will be spread over 12 years and is dependent on Kempower meeting annual hiring and investment targets. North Carolina also allocated up to an additional $1 million toward a utility fund that will help cover the cost of infrastructure improvements in the surrounding community. In a statement following Tuesdays announcement, Kempower said its new facilities will help the company directly supply its U.S. customer base. According to its state agreement, Kempower will invest $41 million in this project and offer average wages that hover right around Durham Countys average wage of $86,700. North Carolina estimates the Kempower plant will increase net state revenue by $11.2 million over the next dozen years. To determine the future economic benefits of publicly funded projects, the state relies on a cost-benefit equation called the Walden Model, which was first developed by North Carolina State University economist Michael Walden in 2002. Kempower is the latest clean-energy business backed by North Carolina tax incentives, following the Toyota EV battery plant in Randolph County, the assembly plant for the electric car company VinFast in Chatham County, as well as a number of smaller economic projects like a lithium-ion battery plant in Mebane. North Carolinas global reputation as a clean energy manufacturing powerhouse continues to grow, Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement Tuesday. Electric vehicle charging stations are a key component of our transportation infrastructure and we welcome these high-wage clean energy jobs that Kempower brings to our state. Kempower plans to begin producing fast-charging units in North Carolina this year as the state strives to position more fast-charging EV stations along its major highways. Fast chargers, which use direct current, are essential to the states plans to position charging stations along main highways. Created by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program gives North Carolina $109 million to build a network of EV chargers across the state. The North Carolina Department of Transportations NEVI plan includes setting at least four fast chargers along every 50 miles of major highways. In the U.S., driving long distances is more common than in Europe, making the reliability of chargers an even more pressing issue, said Kempower CEO Tomi Ristimaki. By having a tried and tested system in place to ensure the reliability of our chargers, we have the confidence that our chargers are fit to serve the continents EV drivers. This story was produced with financial support from a coalition of partners led by Innovate Raleigh as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. Open Source Do you enjoy Triangle tech news? Subscribe to Open Source, The News & Observers weekly technology newsletter and look for it in your inbox every Friday morning. Sign up here. Construction of new homes in flood-prone areas far outpaced the number of buyouts between 1996 and 2017, according to new research from UNC-Chapel Hill. Published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Planning Association, the study found that over the 22-year period North Carolina communities built residences on more than 59,000 parcels in the 100-year floodplain, the area that the federal government has determined has a 1% chance of flooding in a given year. That includes 47,414 single-family homes. During the same period, governments purchased more than 5,000 homes in an effort to limit damage from future floods. What we found shouldnt at all mean that the buyouts and the elevations and the (Community Rating System) arent helpful. This isnt offsetting the benefits of those things, Miyuki Hino, the papers lead author and a UNC-Chapel Hill environmental social scientist, told The News & Observer. Its just that while we do those things, were making our jobs harder at the same time. Climate change will increase flooding The effects of climate change are going to increase the number of homes at risk of flooding in North Carolina, researchers said, increasing the importance of being careful about where and how new homes are built. Storm surge flooding is virtually certain to increase in the coming years, while heavier rains are likely to increase inland flooding, according to 2020s N.C. Climate Science Report. If its a place that weve identified as a floodplain now, it certainly is going to be even more flood-prone in 20, 50, 100 years. So theres still a lot that could be gained by acting to put in more development management policies at this point, Hino said. Researchers looked at more than 5 million parcels statewide, analyzing new construction and how zoning could impact future decisions in floodplains. They also looked at how characteristics of a community such as its efforts to limit risk, where it is located or wealth did or did not affect land use decisions. The actual number of homes built in risky parts of the state is likely higher than the paper found, said Antonia Sebastian, a UNC-Chapel Hill flood resilience professor and coauthor of the paper. Thats because many of North Carolinas federally designated floodplains were created more than a decade ago. These floodplains are moving targets and they will grow in the future, Sebastian said. Home buyouts have been used for decades Buying homes out and converting the land where they stood into parks or similar open space has been used to limit flood risk for decades. Its an effort that can be controversial, opening questions about scattering the residents of longstanding communities in order to allow floodwaters to follow their natural course. North Carolina has offered programs to buy out homes in floodplains following 2016s Hurricane Matthew and 2018s Hurricane Florence. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, funded by FEMA, has purchased 317 properties damaged during Matthew and 115 damaged during Florence, according to an N.C. Department of Public Safety spokesman. The N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency is also offering a buyout program via the Community Development Block Grant for mitigation. A spokeswoman said the $123.1 million program is poised to close on four homes, with an additional 174 applications. While buyouts may have increased in recent years, Hino said, ongoing development in some communities likely means that the broader trend of new buildings outpacing buyouts will continue. I would be surprised if the ratios that were seeing overall have changed much because I havent seen any kind of large-scale shift in the development trends in the past few years, Hino said. 75,000 acres zoned for residential development in floodplains At least 75,000 acres in designated floodplains are zoned for the development of either single-family housing, multi-family housing or mixed-use development, although zoning data was not available for the whole state. Thats an area slightly larger than the City of Durham. An additional 2,522 parcels in floodplains contain single-family homes but are zoned for more dense development. To Hino, that land offers an opportunity to make up for the missed opportunity of managing development to limit flood risk. Across the state, even in communities that have been investing in other ways, we can do better and theres room for improvement thats going to help us in the future as flood risk gets worse, Hino said. By Azernews Qabil Ashirov Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan negotiated to set up a joint development fund, Azernews reports, citing Economy Minister Daniyar Amangeldiyev. He was speaking at a meeting of the Committee on International Affairs, Defense, Security, and Migration. He also noted that negotiations are also underway with Turkiye to create a joint development fund. Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan were established on January 19, 1993. Over 20,000 Azerbaijanis live in Kyrgyzstan and actively participate as entrepreneurs and in the public life of the country. In total, around 58 documents were signed between the two countries. The trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $10.8m in 2022. OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais on Monday said that by 2045, an investment of $12 trillion is needed in the oil and gas sector, which suffers from chronic underinvestment.Addressing a ministerial session during the India Energy Week which began here, Ghais said that while energy security is important, meeting growing demand is equally important."A balanced approach is right for energy security. When we speak about energy security, it is always about production, capacity and supply. However there is a situation of demand also," he said.Citing example of India, the OPEC Secretary General said that it is a classic example of exponential demand as it's economy is set to double by 2030.In this context he said that OPEC believes that all forms of energy are required for countries like India.The OPEC, Ghais added, is not against energy transition, but it believes that transition should be done by reducing emissions."We need to work together to achieve this in a just manner," he said. include_once "/home/jwreview/public_html/$theme/includes/sidebar.php"; ?> President Biden arrived back at the White House aboard Marine One helicopter Monday after he spent all weekend at Camp David. Joe looked quite thrilled as he spoke to reporters while he walked across the South Lawn. He was holding the over-stuffed teddy bear he just won for shooting the balloon. President Biden delivered his State of the Union speech to a joint session of the House and Senate in the Capitol. The speech derives from the king's annual speech to Parliament. One of the surprises in last night's address was when Biden introduced the Chinese spy balloon sitting next to the First Lady. GOP Speaker Kevin McCarthy had budget talks with President Biden last week as both sides seek ways to lower the deficit. The national debt just hit thirty-one trillion dollars and bondholders have to be getting nervous. Now China says the balloon was just performing an inspection before they foreclose. The State of the Union speech was telecast live Tuesday by all the major broadcast networks and cable news channels. The president opened his address to Congress by declaring that the state of the union is strong. It's always best to start your speech with a good joke to get the audience on your side. President Biden in his State of the Union speech Tuesday drew a huge round of applause for the U.S. military when he recognized the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Chamber. I feel lucky they didn't shoot ME down for spying Saturday. I flew all the way across country watching Tik-Tok in a window seat. China vowed retribution for the U.S. shooting down their balloon and accused the U.S. of overhead surveillance of China. It's true, astronauts can see the Great Wall of China from the International Space Station. The Chinese built that wall six hundred years ago and they still don't have any Mexicans. The New York Times quoted Hillary Clinton Sunday ripping Kamala Harris and fueling rumors that Biden won't run in 2024, clearing the way for an open nomination fight. Run, Hillary run. Southerners know we can't enjoy another Civil War, but Hillary vs. Trump would be the next best thing. Black Lives Matter's founder blasted Biden and Democrats for backing away on police defunding which they'd pledged during the 2020 riots. The BLM movement is communist by nature. During the BLM riots in L.A. that summer, looters broke into my apartment, looked around, then tossed me a twenty. GET ARGUS' DAILY SMILES TO YOUR INBOX. SIGN UP FOR THE JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. Los Angeles police vowed a redeployment of officers to fight the spike in violent crime in the city in the past year. The criminal activity has even spread to the city's prosperous West Side. Yesterday I was robbed at the supermarket but luckily I was able to identify the suspect to police as Check Stand #3. Disney Plus is taking heat for its cartoon called Proud Family for being anti-white. It demands reparations. My Anglo-Norman ancestors indentured Saxons in 1066, stole land from the Indians in America and owned slaves but if they want anything from me, they can all get in line behind the IRS. Donald Trump and his DHS team and NORAD denied White House claims Monday that three Chinese spy balloons sailed over the U.S. while he was president. In response Trump did promise to build a dome over the U.S. to protect the U.S. from a missile attack. And he vowed to make Mars pay for it. A New York Democrat U.S. attorney told 60 Minutes if Donald Trump hadn't been president, he'd have been indicted. Trump himself was a New York Democrat until he was 65 and defected to the GOP. Dog the Bounty Hunter would have given up hunting O.J. after 12 years, but not New York Democrats. (COMMENT, BELOW) include_once "/home/jwreview/public_html/$theme/includes/sidebar.php"; ?> Can't sleep? Pack your bags and head for Sussex, England, where you can spend a night next summer in a "luxurious" double bed at the Shleep Sanctuary, according to the Daily Star. As you drift away, numbered actual sheep will mill around the grassy hillside outside the glass dome enclosing your bed. Emma Sleep, a tech company, is offering the one-night stay, which includes dinner, morning yoga and breakfast. "Counting sheep is more than an old wives' tale," said Dr. Dennis Schmoltzi, CEO. "It's a tried-and-true visualization technique that Brits are relying on to send them to sleep." Zzzzzzz. From the "make your resume stand out" files: Karly Pavlinac Blackburn, 27, of Wilmington, North Carolina, was recently laid off from her job, the New York Post reported. Hoping to land a position with Nike in Beaverton, Oregon, and knowing they'd be celebrating Just Do It Day on Sept. 8, Blackburn cooked up a plan: Working with Albertson's Grocery Store, she ordered a sheet cake with an edible resume printed on top. Next, she talked with Instacart driver Denise Baldwin, who promised her she would "do whatever it takes to get this cake to where it needs to be." Sure enough, Baldwin delivered the sweet treat into the appropriate hands, and Blackburn has meetings on the calendar with the sportswear brand and more. "There are a bunch of companies that are kind of involved in the process," she revealed. MATTOON Northeast Coles County native Kathryn Krabel first met Samuel Mazard in 2012 when her church group went on a mission trip to his school in Port-de-Paix, Haiti. The two subsequently stayed in touch as she worked as a teacher in Haiti and he attended college in Florida, fell in love, and then married in 2019. Kathryn Mazard said they had planned to move back to Haiti in 2021 so her husband could work on community development projects there, but the assassination of President Jovenel Moise threw that Caribbean nation into turmoil. Samuel and Kathryn Mazard, who now reside in Mattoon, opted to stay in Central Illinois, where they soon put their language skills to work in the area's manufacturing sector as translators for newly hired Haitian immigrants. "There are not many people in the area who are fluent in Haitian Creole," Kathryn Mazard said. Her husband added, "We couldn't go to Haiti, so God brought Haiti to us." Kathryn Mazard said that experience got them thinking about how several factories are having trouble hiring workers and how immigrants who are not native English speakers need help seeking employment. Consequently, the Mazards decided to open an employment business in Mattoon and are now developing an office here for Global Team Staffing, LLC, which is based in Birmingham, Alabama. They are serving as area managers for this office and utilizing workspace at the Elevate entrepreneur center in the Cross County Mall. Samuel Mazard said an acquaintance suggested Elevate to them, so they got in contact with Executive Director Carlos Ortega. He said they received a lot of "foundational knowledge" about starting a business from Ortega. "Being at Elevate has given us really affordable office space and has cut down our overhead expenses a lot," Samuel Mazard said, adding that this has been great for a startup business. He said there also has been a lot of networking opportunities at Elevate, including with the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce and the Mattoon in Motion community planning group. Kathryn Mazard said they were quickly able to "figure out what they didn't know," such as that starting a staffing company from scratch is difficult. For example, she said a new staffing company needs to demonstrate that it has experience in its field to get insurance, but it's hard to get that experience of being in operation without first having the needed insurance. Ortega helped them get in contact with an existing employment company, Global Team Staffing, through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses entrepreneurship program, Kathryn Mazard said. Their Mattoon office will now be connected with a company that has a good reputation with the employers that it serves in multiple states, she said. "Global Team Staffing CEO Gregory Minard has been and is still an enormous help to us," Kathryn Mazard. The Mazards plan to offer employment services for entry level workers in manufacturing, healthcare, custodial services and other work sites, plus services for highly skilled workers in information technology, engineering, medicine and other trades through Global Team Staffing. Regarding immigrants and refugees, they plan to provide help with translating, accessing multilingual human resources, and more. For example, Kathryn Mazard said they could help them enroll in English as a second language and GED courses at Lake Land College. Sam Mazard added that they want to help them be successful employees and build community ties. "Immigrants are known for being dedicated and hardworking," Kathryn Mazard said, adding that they are often helping support family members back in their home countries. "They appreciate the opportunity to be in the United States." Minard said he is thrilled to have the Mazards join Global Team Staffing, adding that they are great citizens and an amazing team. He said their unique vision, passion for their community, and their leadership skills will benefit both his company and Mattoon. "I have been impressed with the development and community involvement I have seen during my visits to Mattoon, through the Mazards connections with Elevate, the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce, and other local businesses and organizations," Minard said. "I am excited to launch our first Illinois office in this vibrant and growing community and I cant wait to see what the future holds for Global Team Staffing and Mattoon." MATTOON Mary Fons has performed with The Neo-Futurist Theater in Chicago, read her poetry on stage with the Joffrey Ballet, spoken to convention center-sized crowds at QuiltCon, and hosts a live Quilt Nerd" program every week on Twitch. Still, the multihyphenate artist occasionally gets nervous before an audience, as she did Monday morning before reading her "Love Poem" work to a group of art and theater students from Mattoon Middle School and Mattoon High School. To help ward off such nerves, Fons told them she follows a bit of cliched advice that does indeed work "breathe." "When your nervous system is going crazy, it's a literal fact, if you take a deep breath, you will feel better," Fons said, before leading the students in taking a deep breath through their noses and slowly exhaling it all out through their mouths. "It mellows you out." Fons, an Iowa native who now lives in Chicago, conducted a "Stage/Crush" performance workshop on Monday at the Mattoon School District's LIFT regional high school vocational training center as part of the Lebovitz-Lively Workshop Series. The previous evening she discussed the artistry and history of quilts during a presentation in the Lone Elm Room at the Mattoon train depot. To provide background information for her student audience, Fons noted that her mother is famed quilter, Marianne Fons. The two women co-hosted the ongoing "Love of Quilting" program on PBS for several years. "I love quilting. I love the history of them. It's the history of America," Fons said. She added that quilt making has a meditative effect, like assembling a puzzle, but produces functional artwork. "If you make a quilt, you will always have it." Fons holds a bachelors in theater from the University of Iowa and a masters in writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She said her background in theater and writing has helped her be a more engaging speaker for quilting programs. Fons encouraged the students to "diversify your portfolios" so they would have a lot of skills and experiences to draw from in their future careers. In the near term, the Mattoon High School theater students are preparing to perform "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical" at 7 p.m. March 30-31 at the school. This will occur in conjunction with the Mattoon Arts Council hosting a presentation that month by "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" film adaptation writer Craig Titley, who is a Mattoon native. Titley's presentation will also be part of the Lebovitz-Lively Workshop Series. Drama club adviser Rebecca Nevius told Fons she has heard her students practicing their lines from "The Lightning Thief," based on the novel by Rick Riordan, in the school hallways and even in the bus on the way to her presentation. Fons said she has been successful at memorizing her lines by starting with the end of a written work and then learning it backwards, section by section. "You always know where you are going to end up. You get stronger as you go through the piece because you have learned it from the bottom up," Fons said. Her audience on Monday included Mattoon High School senior Trinity Crowe, who is serving as student director of "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical." Crowe said she appreciated Fons' advice on utilizing your options as an artist, adding that she looks forward to exercising her creativity behind the scenes as a director instead of on stage as an actor in this production. "I loved it," Crowe said of Fons' presentation and her eagerness to talk to all the students. "You could tell it was not just a presentation. It was a conversation." Wells Fargo & Co. has informed its federal regulator, the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, of plans to close another 12 branches though none in North Carolina. The closings are occurring in eight states, including three in Austin, Texas, and in Surfside Beach, S.C. There have been at least 50 Wells Fargo branch closings in North Carolina since July 2020. That includes Winston-Salem branches at 100 N. Main St. and 720 Coliseum Drive, as well as two locations in Greensboro and one in Blowing Rock and Dobson. Overall, Wells Fargo has dropped from more than 6,600 branches in 2009, when it acquired a collapsing Wachovia Corp. and gained an East Coast presence. The branch count was at 4,598 as of Dec. 31, down from 4,612 on Sept. 30 and from 4,777 on Dec. 31, 2021. Tardy Tuesday. Note to Self Take the NyQuil before 10 p.m. Everything you need to know about John Nikas was on display early during a recent slow start to the lunch rush at Murphys 2010, one of the longest continuously operating restaurants in Winston-Salem. A middle-aged woman carrying what almost certainly was the bulk of her worldly possessions in a worn backpack poked her head in the front door and asked Nikas - the owner and sole employee of a downtown institution- if she might use the restroom. A lot of business owners, particularly those besieged by monumental challenges not of their own making, might have shooed her away. Nikas just smiled. Certainly, he said, before quietly making sure she left with something to drink, too. It wouldnt have been all that surprising if hed acted differently. How many establishments these days have signs prominently by their front doors proclaiming loudly that Facilities are for customers only? Perhaps its because Nikas knows what its like to struggle. The lifelong restaurateur bought the iconic Murphys Breakfast and Lunch on West Third Street in 2010. I didnt want Murphys to become a Bojangles, either, he said of his decision to buy the business when he wasnt really looking. Places like this are important to every town so they can be unique, so that were not all the same. When other simple family-run spots such as the Dill Pickle and the Lighthouse were closing to make way downtown for newer, flashier and pricier spots, Murphys chugged merrily along doing what it has for decades: serving good food quickly at a fair price. Then came a devastating one-two punch. We know about COVID-19 and the devastation it brought to restaurants. Murphys 2010 wasnt immune. Nikas eventually had to quit serving breakfast, close up on busy Saturday mornings and soldier on as the owner, cook, busboy, dishwasher and maintenance man all in one. Then local government dropped another bag of hammers. A building on West Third Street - which really should have housed the new main library - was being converted into a childrens museum and long overdue work on the mud hole called Merschel Park made a chore out of a simple lunch run. The city, for valid safety reasons, closed a sidewalk and severed for more months a vital artery that ferried regular customers to Murphys 2010 from the Hall of Justice and the Winston Tower. No regular customers, poor parking and no staff makes things difficult. Remarkably, Nikas isnt complaining. He looks forward to the re-opening of West Third and the new museum and says with confidence he can weather this storm. Maybe August, maybe by fall, he said when asked about the sidewalk. Ill be OK. But I do hope they hurry up. Us, too. Precious cargo GREENSBORO - It wasnt the crash per se or the closing overnight of a busy onramp to Interstate 40 that raised eyebrows this morning. Wrecks, unfortunately, happen. So the closing of some lanes of Interstate 40 near Randleman Road at Exit 219 from U.S. 29/70 about 11 p.m. Monday didnt cause much heartburn. A semi-tractor trailer flipped - its driver suffered minor injuries - and spilled its cargo onto the pavement, creating the need for an extensive clean-up. The truck, police said, was hauling a load of Jack Daniels. Pity. More violence, same frustration WINSTON-SALEM - City Council Member Barbara Hanes Burke sounds frustrated - with good reason. Nine killings in Winston-Salem in January - there were four in the first month of 2022 - prompted her to call for a Gun Violence Community Briefing scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 4129 Northhampton Drive. The national reach of the gun violence crisis is evidence that no one agency or organization can resolve this alone, she said. Therefore, it was never our belief that the epidemic we face, along with the entire country, would be addressed without continuous collaboration and persistence. Brand new police Chief William Penn, Mayor Allen Joines, other police brass and city officials will provide updates on what resources are being brought to bear on an intractable problem. While officials, elected and otherwise, should be applauded for their efforts, its difficult to steer clear of despair. Nine killings - including the shooting death of a child in broad daylight in a city park on a Sunday - have been met with silence and a shrug. Whats it going to take? You still sure you want this job Chief Penn? Food trucks and dog spas may have to make room for mobile salons if a bipartisan N.C. Senate bill clears the General Assembly. Senate Bill 44, titled Mobile Beauty Salon, has Sens. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, and Julie Mayfield, D-Buncombe, as co-primary sponsors. The bill has not been placed in a Senate committee as of Monday. If signed into law, mobile salons would be allowed to begin operating on Oct. 1. In this instance, a mobile salon is defined in SB44 as a self-contained, enclosed mobile unit licensed for the practice of cosmetic art. A mobile home would qualify for use as a mobile salon. Krawiec said the impetus for SB44 comes partly from public-health restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and partly to expand the reach of salons. It is much needed for those who are unable to travel to a salon, Krawiec said. During the pandemic, we saw how this could have been helpful. Its a common-sense solution, and I look forward to its passage this session. State law addressing cosmetic arts already allows for licensed salon employees to visit the residences of individuals who are sick or disabled and confined to their places of residence in order to attend to their cosmetic needs. A licensed individual may also visit hospitals, nursing homes, rest homes, retirement homes, mental institutions, correctional facilities, funeral homes, and similar institutions to attend to the cosmetic needs of those in these institutions. According to state law, services that a licensed mobile salon could provide include those typically offered by a cosmetologist: arranging, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, cutting, singeing, bleaching, coloring, or similar work upon the hair of a person, including the use of hands, mechanical or electrical apparatus, or appliances or by use of cosmetic or chemical preparations or antiseptics. Other services would include skin beautification, manicurists, natural hair care specialist and shampooing. The bill would set the licensing, fees and hygienic requirements for operating a mobile salon. The N.C. Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners would be the regulatory authority. For example, an apprentice would not be allowed to operate a mobile salon. Among the operational requirements for a mobile salon are: Must be equipped with a functional sink and toilet facilities and must maintain an adequate supply of clean water and wastewater storage capacity. The mobile salon must be safely parked in a legal parking spot at all times while patrons are present. The owner must maintain a permanent business address at which records of appointments, itineraries, license numbers and vehicle identification numbers for each mobile salon being operated shall be kept and made available for verification and inspection. To facilitate periodic inspections of mobile salons, the owner of the salon would be required to provide a written monthly itinerary listing locations, dates and hours of operation. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and two local organizations have updated the state's suicide prevention plan that will be implemented for the next three years. The Kim Foundation, a statewide organization focused on suicide prevention, created the 47-page document with DHHS and the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition to provide guidelines for individuals, businesses, schools, medical professionals, communities and other agencies to prevent suicide. It replaces another statewide strategic plan that was created in 2016. "We really wanted to make it more of an action plan and framework for all communities in Nebraska, no matter where they were, to dive into and select what would work in their community," said Julia Hebenstreit, executive director of the Kim Foundation. "We knew that not everything in the plan would resonate with all communities, but every community or every person can find something in the plan." Throughout the summer of 2022, the Kim Foundation collected data from 501 people through an online survey and focus groups. Participants were from each area of the state and included school personnel, suicide survivors, farmers, parents, youth and more. Hebenstreit said the foundation also made sure to survey people of different races, gender and sexuality. The plan includes four major strategic directions: healthy and empowered individuals, families and communities; clinical and community prevention services; treatment and support services; and surveillance, research and evaluation. There are localized goals and recommendations depending on each strategic direction. Hebenstreit said because the plan was just released, it hasn't received any state funding yet for implementing the goals on a larger level. "There are some systemic pieces that are going to take major funding and major undertakings, but there's also a lot of recommendations that can be used just on the grassroots level," she said. "All of us can find something in there that we could do to help save lives from suicide." In 2020 the latest data available Nebraska's suicide rate at 14.9 per 100,000 people was higher than the national rate of 13.48 per 100,000 people. A Nebraskan is lost to suicide every 32 hours, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for Nebraskans in the 10-34 age range. Nebraska has been trying to prevent suicide since 1999, said Dave Miers, senior director of behavioral health services at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln. Miers helped write the first statewide suicide prevention plan back then and has since formed the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition. "Every couple of years we developed and reformulated suicide prevention goals, but it wasn't until probably the last decade or so that we worked with the state and the state kind of took ownership," Miers said. "Then we started developing new state plans to where they became part of DHHS." One of the plan's strategies on a local level is to form more suicide prevention coalitions across the state. These coalitions will be run by communities that can take recommendations from the state plan to incorporate in their own neighborhoods. Hebenstreit said communities can apply for funding when the Kim Foundation opens grant applications later this year. Quinn Lewandowski, a research specialist at the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center who worked on the new plan, said it will be a challenge but also a key development to establish more local coalitions. "We want to continue to identify a primary contact so we can all coordinate together. We want people to collaborate because this is a very important issue and we can't all work in silos," Lewandowski said. "We can do really good work together as a team." Joining a coalition is just one of the recommendations for individuals to get involved in suicide prevention. People can also undergo training, attend local mental health events and continue to promote 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline telephone number. Hebenstreit said one of her favorite parts of the plan is that the voices of Nebraskans who were surveyed are intermingled throughout the recommendations. One resident said the state has improved in talking about behavioral health, but it's crucial to train people on how to talk to others about it. Another said: "I want to see our community working on prevention efforts all the time, not just when something happens." A 28-year-old man was sentenced Monday to six to 10 years in prison for shooting into an occupied van in Lincoln. "It is only by chance that you're not here on an even more serious charge," Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong told Antonio Guzman. She said Guzman discharged a firearm into a van with a 33-year-old woman in the passenger seat and his neighbor standing just outside the driver's door. Guzman ultimately pleaded no contest to attempted unlawful discharge of a firearm for the incident near South 27th and M streets at around midnight Feb. 10, 2022. LPD's SWAT team was on scene for two hours negotiating with Guzman before taking him into custody peacefully. Police did not find the gun, but did find .22 caliber ammunition in his apartment. Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Eric Miller said Guzman, in a pre-sentence interview, talked about vandalizing his neighbor's van. "He doesn't specifically ever come out and say that he fired shots using this weapon into the van," he said. Yet, Miller said, one of the bullets struck the headrest where the woman was sitting. "This could have turned out very differently," he said. Guzman said the experience has taught him that he really needs to slow down and think about his actions and the repercussions they can have on people. "I'm just very apologetic to not only the people involved but to the state of Nebraska and the peace and dignity that you have here," he said. "It's been a real eye opener." Guzman's attorney, Stefanie Flynn, said he was under the influence at the time and was attempting to resolve what he perceived as a violent relationship. "Ultimately things did not work out how he would've hoped or wanted," she said. Strong said she didn't know if this happened in part due to Guzman's problem with addiction. "I don't know if there is any excuse for doing something like this," she said. Top Journal Star photos for February 2023 By Aytac Seyhun The official visit of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis to Azerbaijan on February 2 proves that the European countries are interested in elevating and further expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan to the level of strategic partnership, Azernews reports, citing MP Kamaladdin Gafarov. Romanian-Azerbaijani relations have been intensively developing on the basis of strategic partnerships for many years. Over this period, two documents on strategic partnership between the two countries were signed, the parliamentarian said, adding that "as President Ilham Aliyev noted in his statement to the press, there are positive results between our countries in trade and economic spheres". The president also emphasized that although the trade turnover has more than doubled, the country is not satisfied as the majority of this turnover falls to the share of crude oil Romania exports from Azerbaijan. Therefore, extra steps will be taken for the diversification of the trade turnover, and for this purpose, the activity of the inter-governmental commissions can be of special importance, MP Kamaladdin Gafarov said. The parliamentarian emphasized that the energy sector plays a leading role in Romanian-Azerbaijani relations. As President Ilham Aliyev noted at present energy is the most important issue on the agenda of world countries. The energy sector occupies a key place in Romanian-Azerbaijani relations. As one of the aspects confirming this is the efficient operations of SOCAR in Romania for many years. Today, cooperation between our countries is entering a new stage. An agreement on the delivery of natural gas to Romania was signed when the president was in Bucharest last month," the parliamentarian added. Thus, Azerbaijani gas will reach a new address in Europe, and in parallel, using the capabilities of Romania, Azerbaijani gas will be transported to other European countries, he said, adding that two years ago, the last segment of the Southern Gas Corridor was successfully completed, and the importance of Azerbaijan as a reliable energy partner for the European Union further increased. We should note that the Strategic Partnership Memorandum on natural gas signed between the European Union and Azerbaijan in 2022 in Baku once again confirms the trust in Azerbaijan, the MP said, adding that it is rapidly increasing gas exports to Europe to ensure the successful implementation of the memorandum. At the same time, important steps are being taken in the direction of cooperation in the green energy sector between Azerbaijan and Romania and during his visit to Romania, President Ilham Aliyev had efficient discussions to this effect, he noted. This strategic project requires huge investment and connects several nations and two seas. In addition, the transport sector between Azerbaijan and Romania can be of great importance. As the president said, there are very good opportunities for deepening cooperation between the ports of Baku and Constanta, and the realization of these opportunities can pave the way for the implementation of extremely interesting projects for the entire Eurasian space, MP Kamaladdin Gafarov added. Gov. Jim Pillen's effort to create "a much more competitive tax climate" will help build Nebraska's future and address the state's workforce shortage, especially if it is paired with federal immigration reform, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Bryan Slone of Omaha said Tuesday. "I don't think I've ever been more optimistic," Slone said in a news media briefing conducted over Zoom. Nebraska needs to develop "more tech innovation," increase its college and university enrollment, tackle its housing shortage and attract young families, Slone said. "But there is no long-term solution without immigration reform" that brings more workers and families to the state, he said. The state's economy "remains remarkably strong post-pandemic," Slone said, and growing state revenues create economic opportunities that will allow Nebraska to be more competitive as a state. It's a moment of "enormous opportunities," Slone said, and "we need to recruit thousands of people to Nebraska every year." New young workers and their families will need affordable housing and child care, he said, so community investments will be needed in addition to state efforts, including "expedited income tax relief" along with other tax reforms. "We have to lower property and income taxes to be competitive," he said. Slone described Gov. Jim Pillen's tax reduction initiatives and proposed $2.5 billion state investment in school funding through the end of the decade as "pretty bold." That proposal would provide school districts with $1,500 in per-student state funding while limiting revenue growth from property taxes and replacing the current state school funding model. "No state has more to gain than Nebraska" from immigration reform, Slone said. "We have 50,000 to 80,000 jobs that we can't fill and that will grow" unless the federal government reaches agreement on immigration reform, he said. Top Journal Star photos for January 2023 RACINE Students in Racine who are planning to continue their educations after high school now have another option to help defray the cost. The City of Racine and RYDE Racine announced the Rosa Parks Transit Equity Scholarship on Sunday as part of the second annual Transit Equity Day. Parks was a civil rights activist who sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955. Ms. Parks was a seamstress in Montgomery, Alabama, Alderman Mollie Jones said. I am from Mississippi, and the rules were the same. If you entered the bus, there was a section for colored people only. Ms. Parks went to her section and took her seat. As the bus filled, the bus driver asked her to stand up and let a white male sit in her seat. Thats when she was arrested and she was taken to jail. She was not only an activist on that day, she was an activist on womens voting rights. As Black History Month is this month, Ms. Parks was a pioneer in that area as well. Mayor Cory Mason said celebrating mobility and civil rights go hand in hand. Our city services must reach all residents, he said. Ive heard from our residents that when they dont have options to get around, it makes their world smaller. One scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded and may be used at any two- or four-year institute of higher learning. To apply, students must complete an application, write an essay and submit a letter of recommendation. The essay topic is Each person must live their life as a model for others. The application and more information about the scholarship is available at https://bit.ly/transitequityinracine. City celebrates launch of new electric buses, with special guest Gov. Tony Evers Trevor Jung on the new electric bus Watch Now: "Electric Slide" music video celebrates launching of Racine's new electric buses Aldermen Maurice Horton, John Tate II, and Mollie Jones Chelsea Chandler and Mercedes Dzindzeleta Ribbon cutting for RYDE Racine's new electric buses Watch Now: Governor Tony Evers addresses the attendees at unveiling of Racine's new electric buses State Representative Greta Neubauer Craig Thompson of the Department of Transportation Watch Now: Racine-native DOT Secretary Craig Thompson celebrates Racine's electric buses A 42-year-old Kenosha man is facing numerous criminal charges after allegedly shooting into a Somers beauty salon. Angel G. Penalbert-Berrios was charged with three counts of felony first-degree attempted homicide and one count of misdemeanor intentionally pointing a firearm at someone Friday evening. He was charged Monday morning in Kenosha County Circuit Court. No one was injured in the Friday evening incident. A Kenosha County Sheriffs deputy was dispatched to LG Beauty Salon, 1543 Sheridan Road, for a report of shots fired around 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Dispatch advised that a man, later identified as Penalbert-Berrios, had fired several shots at a woman from a domestic relationship inside a salon but that she was not hit, according to the criminal complaint. When deputies arrived on scene they reportedly took Penalbert-Berrios into custody and spoke with the woman involved. According to the criminal complaint, the woman stated that both she and Penalbert-Berrios cut hair at the salon and that a client told her that Penalbert-Berrios was telling lies about her to other people so she went to confront him about it. The woman said Penalbert-Berrios started to yell and get in her face. She stated that Penalbert-Berrios then got a gun out of his drawer and pointed it at her and then fired two or three shots at her. She then thought Penalbert-Berrios pointed the firearm again at her and fired two or three more shots, but she was not struck. She said Penalbert-Berrios then pointed the gun at his head and fired the weapon but was not injured and then fell to the ground and dropped the gun. She said someone else grabbed the gun and they all ran out of the building. Surveillance video from inside the salon was viewed by investigators. It reportedly shows Penalbert-Berrios and the woman shouting at each other before Penalbert-Berrios pulls out a handgun, removes it from its holster, racks the slide back chambering a round and walking toward the woman. The video lines up with witness testimony and reportedly shows Penalbert-Berrios shoot several times and then quickly point the gun toward his own head and fires again. He the falls to the ground and a male client gets off the sofa, grabs the gun and leaves the salon. Inside the business three shell casings were located. Deputies located a bullet hole through the front door glass of the business and the projectile was later recovered in a neighbors yard. A second projectile was recovered from a hole in the door frame. A third projectile was recovered from wood in the ceiling. The firearm was recovered in between two buildings where the male client had thrown it after taking it from the floor. When questioned by investigators, Penalbert-Berrios reportedly said that the woman had recently moved out and that she was antagonizing him with false accusations in front of customers. He reportedly admitted to grabbing the firearm and firing shots toward a door where she was, and then attempting to kill himself. Penalbert-Berrios reportedly denied wanting to harm her but only wanted to scare her so he shot around her. He also said he purchased the gun in Chicago from a gang member years ago for $200, according to the complaint. Our deputies did an excellent job in safely evacuating everyone within the business and taking the suspect into custody without incident, said Sheriff David Zoerner, who also responded to the scene. Penalbert-Berrios made his initial appearance at Intake Court on Monday afternoon with an interpreter. He is being held on a $500,000 cash bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 14. Five Racine-area homes will see their energy bills go down this winter, thanks to sustainable home solar panel installations through a statewide partnership. Habitat for Humanity chapters throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association have partnered on the Grow Solar for Humanity initiative, created to bring solar to households that will significantly benefit from reduced utility bills. The program, coordinated by the MREA, implements affordable renewable energy on homes built by Habitat for Humanity within the last year. Thirty-five of the 49 Wisconsin Habitat for Humanity homes receiving solar are in Milwaukee. Five are located in the City of Racine and Mount Pleasant on Racine Street, Mead Street and Irving Place. Adding solar reduces homeowners energy bills and improves the value of their homes, stated Racine Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Grant Buenger in a news release. We are building more energy-efficient houses and finding ways to keep the cost of those houses affordable. Arch Solar, a Milwaukee-based solar energy company, was selected as the installer. Solar installations for the Grow Solar for Humanity initiative began in November and are expected to be completed early this year. In the Racine area, installs began Monday and are estimated to be completed by Feb. 16. Design wise, installation wise, things have been going very smoothly, Arch Solar Energy Consultant Dexter Peirce said. Arch has previously worked with the cities of Milwaukee and Madison on yearly group buys to encourage people to install solar in their neighborhoods. As a multi-generational family-owned company, Archs vision is affordable renewable energy across the state. Personally, this matters to me so much. I care about this industry. But it is a barrier to entry. Its really difficult. Its typically for a certain demographic of people who have extra money laying around, Peirce said. Everyone should have the access to renewable energy if possible. Focus on Energy provided $87,500 to pay for the installations. FOE and Wisconsins electric and natural gas utilities have partnered to help residential and business customers across the state make cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. FOE has delivered more than $1 billion worth of economic benefits to Wisconsin. For every $1 spent, FOE returns more than $4 to Wisconsins economy in the form of energy savings, jobs and environmental impacts. The installations came at no cost to the homeowner and no cost to Habitat for Humanity, unless the homeowner wanted a bigger solar panel system, based on the space on the roof, Peirce said. Otherwise, Arch is installing average-size solar panel systems on most homes and should account for 75 to 90% of homeowners energy usage, depending on how they use their energy, he said. Their bills will either be extremely reduced or almost eliminated entirely, Peirce said. I think the least I saw someone pay was $15 a month. The Grow Solar for Humanity program is offered on behalf of the following Habitat for Humanity affiliates: Chippewa Valley, Door County, Fox Cities, Lakeside, Dane County, Kenosha, Washington and Dodge counties, Wisconsin River, Milwaukee and St. Croix Valley. When all the Habitat for Humanity solar projects are finished, roughly 414kW of solar will be installed, collectively reducing energy bills for these families by at least $50,323 in the first year. By reducing energy costs, this project will bring long-term savings for these families, while increasing the value of their homes, Chris Garrison, construction director of Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, stated in a news release. Peirce said the Door County installation projects are finished, the Eau Claire and Washington county projects are basically done, and Kenosha and Dane county projects are still yet to come. How the cost of solar panels has fallen How the cost of solar panels has fallen Solar panel shipments have grown significantly in the last 15 years Lower prices have followed that growth Falling prices made solar a competitive electricity source with fossil fuels RACINE Two men who were sitting in a vehicle near the intersection of 16th and Ohio streets were shot Saturday night, according to the Racine Police Department. Officers were dispatched shortly before midnight and upon arrival found two men with gunshot wounds, according to Sgt. Kristi Wilcox, RPD spokesperson. A 26-year-old man had been shot in both legs and another 26-year-old man had been shot in the arm. According to Wilcox, the men told officers that a black, four-door vehicle pulled up on the passenger side of their vehicle and an unidentified person shot at them from the driver-side window. The vehicle then drove off. Both men were taken to Ascension All Saints Hospital for treatment. LAC DU FLAMBEAU Roads have been blocked in northern Wisconsin in a dispute involving homeowners and an American Indian tribe. Leaders of the Lac du Flambeau tribe set up barricades on Jan. 30 after negotiations with property title companies broke down, the Green Bay Press-Gazette reported. The tribe said the roads were illegally built on its reservation without compensation. Leaders insist they are taking care of residents who need food, prescriptions, propane and other services, but some people feel trapped. We understand that this is a difficult time for those residents and have tried to show compassion for their predicament," the tribe said. David Kievet said officials told him he could drive away but he wouldn't be allowed back in. He said he's relying instead on a friend's snowmobile to travel across a frozen lake. From my records, there are 55 affected properties, Kievet said. "So far, I have enrolled about 25 of the property owners in a community site where we can exchange information. Two lawmakers, Sen. Mary Felzkowski, R-Tomahawk, and Rep. Rob Swearingen, R-Rhinelander, have asked Gov. Tony Evers to intervene. The Press-Gazette said he visited the area last weekend. "Its imperative that action be taken immediately to ensure the safety of citizens who are not to blame for the current situation, the lawmakers said. Killeen, TX (76540) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low 67F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low 67F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%. 1. Yes. Having a community member interview panel is an excellent opportunity for input. 2. Yes. Its good that the city will allow residents to meet the finalist at a reception. 3. No. The city should have conducted a public survey early in the process, as KISD is doing. 4. No. Residents should be able to meet candidates before a lone finalist is chosen. 5. Unsure. Its hard to know how to gauge the proper level of public involvement. Vote View Results By Azernews Sabina Mammadli Azerbaijan has sent another batch of humanitarian aid to Turkiye over the devastating earthquake, Azernews reports. Following the instructions of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, another aircraft carrying humanitarian aid flew to Turkiye. The aid supplies include tents, warm blankets, heaters, and a mobile field hospital. Meanwhile, Rescuers from Turkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) and Azerbaijan's Emergency Situations Ministry have begun search and rescue operations in an 8-story building in the province of Kahramanmaras in southeastern Turkiye. Rescue dogs of the Cynological Service of the Azerbaijani Emergencies Ministry - Juna and Luna - help rescuers in search operations. A 7.7-magnitude earthquake was recorded in central Turkiye on the morning of February 6, 2023, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center. The quakes epicenter was located 26 km away from the city of Gaziantep with a population of about 1.06 million. The source of the earthquake was 7 km below the surface. Further, three more quakes with a magnitude of 6.4-6.6 rocked Gaziantep province in south-eastern Turkiye. As a result of the earthquake that hit Turkiye, strong tremors were also felt in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Cyprus. KEARNEY Two charges of first-degree sexual assault of a child were dropped as part of a plea deal for a Kearney man. According to court records, Curtis Steier, 72, pleaded no contest in Buffalo County District Court to two counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child and one count of possession of child pornography. In exchange for his plea, Buffalo County Deputy Attorney Melanie Young dismissed the two charges of sexual assault of a child. A no contest plea is neither an admission nor denial of guilt, but the plea is treated the same as a guilty plea. The sentencing is set for Feb. 27 in Buffalo County District Court. The charges stemmed from incidents taking place between June and August 2022 with a victim between the ages of 12 and 16. Court records detailing the incidents are sealed. The shelter will open at 907 W. Eighth St. in the next few years. The building will be renovated to create 17 apartments for homeless individuals, emergency shelter beds and transitional living space for individuals coming out of its 4-Phase Recovery program or those referred by another agency. Crossroads opened its Mission Avenue Thrift Store at the site in January. It will be relocated when the shelter opens. Daniel Buller, executive director of Crossroads Mission Avenue, said, We value our partnership with Healthy Blue Nebraska on this project. To those experiencing homelessness and needing assistance, we say, help is on the way. In 2022, Healthy Blue donated a generous grant that allowed Crossroads to purchase a commercial refrigeration unit for the Kearney shelter, assist in the purchase of a delivery van and help advertise Crossroads services to central Nebraska. Crossroads Mission Avenue has been serving the homeless for 40 years. Its shelters in Kearney, Hastings and Grand Island provide safe housing, hot meals and life skills classes to help guests gain employment, financial independence and stable housing. Last year, Crossroads experienced a 52% increase in meals served at those locations. The shelter in Lexington will bring needed relief to areas west of Kearney, where emergency shelter services are scarce. In 2022, Crossroads Mission Avenue served 1,103 men, women and children and provided almost 65,000 nights of stay for the needy. The Mission Avenue Thrift store provides jobs and volunteer opportunities while selling low-cost clothing and household goods. Its sales directly support the homeless ministry. Passengers on a United Airlines flight en route to Las Vegas on Saturday were grounded for several hours at the Lincoln Airport. The Boeing 777-200 jet reported losing power to an engine and was diverted to the Lincoln Airport, where it landed safely just before noon. There were 326 people on the flight, which departed Chicagos OHare International Airport at about 10 a.m. Lincoln Airport Authority Police Sgt. Kyle Jackson said pilots declared the emergency approximately 70 miles west of Lincoln. The jet was diverted to Lincoln, where commercial airline travel currently involves 50-passenger regional jets. As far as our commercial side goes, this is the biggest aircraft Ive seen land since Ive been here, Jackson said. Passengers exited the plane using one of the airports jetways and waited in the gate area. Airport officials provided water and food for them as they waited for word on when they would be able to resume their flight. The Lincoln Airport is currently undergoing a terminal renovation project to modernize passenger accommodations, including adding food and drink service in the gate areas. A United jet dispatched from Denver to pick up the passengers and get them to Las Vegas was to arrive at about 5 p.m. Top Journal Star photos for January 2023 Nguyen Thi Thanh expresses her feelings through a video chat after the Central District Court orders the Korean government to pay approximately 30 million won and losses incurred by the delay to her, Tuesday. Newsis By Lee Yeon-woo A district court has ruled in favor of a Vietnamese national who filed a lawsuit against the Korean government for the 1968 atrocities committed by Korean troops against Vietnamese civilians during the Vietnam War. It is the first time that a Korean court ruled against the Korean government regarding the atrocities committed by the ROK Marine Corps. On Tuesday, the Central District Court ordered the Korean government to pay approximately 30 million won and losses incurred by the delay. "(Then) the soldiers of the 2nd Korean Marine Brigade entered the plaintiff's house and threatened the family members at gunpoint to force them outside. And then they fired at them. The court acknowledges that the family members of the plaintiff were killed on the spot and the plaintiff was seriously wounded as a consequence," the ruling reads. "This is obviously illegal." The court denied the Korean government's claim that a Vietnamese national cannot file a lawsuit against the Korean government as stated in the military accord signed among Korea, the United States and Vietnam, saying that the agreement signed by military authorities and government institutions itself didn't make Vietnamese civilians ineligible to seek compensation from the Korean government. During the trial, the Korean government denied its responsibility for the killings and claimed that there is no evidence supporting allegations of the marines' involvement in the atrocities. It further claimed self-defense even if civilians were killed. The court ruled after hearing testimonies from a Korean Vietnam War veteran and a Vietnamese national who was then part of a civilian defense group established to protect the village. Nguyen Thi Thanh, 62, filed a compensation suit against the Korean government in 2020. As a victim of a wartime massacre by Korean marines, she has sought an apology from the Korean government along with 30,000,100 won ($ 23,866) in compensation the minimum amount required for a court ruling. The troops in question were from the 2nd Marine Division, also known as Blue Dragon Division. They allegedly killed 74 unarmed civilians in the villages of Phong Nhi and Phong Nhat of Quang Nam Province in Vietnam, where Nguyen lived, on Feb. 12, 1968. "Korean soldiers shouted and threatened families with grenades to come outside," Nguyen said at the Seoul Central District Court, last August. She is the first Vietnamese to testify about the atrocities before a Korean court. Troops of the 2nd Marine Division, or Blue Dragon Division, move a wounded person to a helicopter during a mission in 1966. Korea Times file By Jon Dunbar It's a busy weekend in a busy month for those in Korea's overworked, underappreciated live music scene. But among all the shows happening this weekend, Chainsaw Fest at Club SHARP is worth taking a close look at. The show features 10 punk, hardcore, metal and ska bands from Korea as well as Japan. Upstairs, SHARP Ink will be hosting a tattoo flash day and flea market. Perhaps most notably, this show marks the return of Scumraid, a Korean crust punk band that used to be one of the tentpole bands of the local scene before its drummer moved away. Scumraid had its last show in Tokyo in 2019. "We've never disbanded, so it's not a reunion it's a forced break due to COVID-19," drummer Lee Ju-young told The Korea Times. She moved to Japan for work, but has also been active in the scene there. "It's already been seven years since I started living in Japan. I think I'm more used to this place now," she said. Over there, she's the lead vocalist and guitarist of , and she also spent three years playing guitar for crust punk band Asocial Terror Fabrication (ATF). She hopes to bring The Vertigos to Korea in the near future, maybe sometime this year. Before moving away to Japan, Lee built up quite a portfolio as a live music photographer, releasing thick photography tomes under the name "The More I See." Fans of her work will be disheartened to learn she hasn't kept up with photography while in Japan. "In Japan, there's a culture where I had to get approval before shooting a band, so I stopped taking pictures of the performance because I was lazy," she explained. Westby Snowflake Ski Club celebrated its 100th annual ski jumping tournament in a big way Friday night and Saturday, with an estimated 3,500 people taking in the action both days. Friday night featured the Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament US Cup on the 90-meter hill, followed by live music by High Mileage at the Rod & Gun building in Timber Coulee. Saturday began with the Snowflake Junior Ski Jumping Tournament, with around 85 entries. The young jumpers competed on the 5-, 10-, 20- and 40-meter hills. The Big Hill Tournament was held Saturday afternoon on the 90-meter hill after the opening ceremonies. Saturdays opening ceremonies included 2017 Snowflake Queen Sharice Elbert singing the national anthem after the presentation of colors by the UW-La Crosse ROTC. Matt Keuler, master of ceremonies and announcer for the clubs large hill tournament, acknowledged ski club members who had passed away since the last tournament Karen Ellefson, Luann Engh, Eleanor Bagstad, Matt Fauske, Gary Theige and Marilyn Bland. They dedicated their lives to the ski club, he said. Westby Mayor Danny Helgerson welcomed attendees and acknowledged the volunteers who have worked to put on the tournament for 100 years. I hope you support the sponsors who help make the tournament happen, Helgerson said. A big thank-you to the volunteers who have worked all these years all year long to make this possible. It wouldnt be possible without their dedication and work. State Rep. Loren Oldenburg, 96th Assembly District, and Sen. Brad Pfaff, 32nd Senate District, presented a legislative citation recognizing the ski clubs 100th anniversary to Tom Ellefson, club president. The 2023 Snowflake Royalty Queen Kenzie Morey and Attendant Madi Sloan also were on hand to welcome the ski jumpers and spectators. I wish the skiers great success, safe landings and lots of memories made this weekend, Morey said. Be safe, dress warm and have fun. Heres to 100 years. The opening ceremonies closed with Morey reading The Ski Jumpers Prayer, a special plaque presentation honoring outgoing Westby Snowflake royalty advisers Terri and Dan Kotek for their 15 years of service and everyone singing The Ski Jumpers Song. When the competition ended on Saturday, there was the traditional long-standing jump. Athletes who participate in the long-standing jump determine their own starting position at the top of the jump before going down the inrun. The athlete who jumps the greatest distance receives money collected from spectators by Snowflake Royalty. This years winner was U.S. ski jumper Patrick Gasienica, who came away with $1,575. There was also live music by Blue Collar 40 at the Rod & Gun Club building after Saturdays competition. Twenty skiers, including three from Norway, competed both Friday night and Saturday. In a telephone interview Monday morning, Scott Yttri, a director on the board, said the club estimates about 2,500 people attended on Saturday and about 1,200 Friday night, for an estimated total of 3,500 for the weekend. Yttri said it was one of the best jumps in 15-20 years. Saturday was awesome, he said. I was working the gates and we sold out of buttons and tickets. Yttri said feedback has been positive on Facebook. He said people have commented on the great weather and how much fun they had, whether they were first-timers or not. Were looking forward to 101 years next year; itll be the same program, Yttri said. In the spring well start planning for next year. Yttri said the club thanks all of the sponsors, those who hosted skiers, the workers and volunteers. He said the club appreciates them for what they did for the tournament. 100th annual Westby Ski Jumping Tournament results 2023 Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament US Cup The Israeli Secondary School Teachers' Association on Sunday staged a one-day strike in high schools in the country for a pay increase, Azernews reports citing Xinhua. Some middle school teachers who are members of the association also took part in the strike, which aimed to pressure the Finance Ministry into reaching a new collective agreement with teachers in time, as the previous one had expired more than a year ago. The association said in a statement that the ministry had yet to negotiate such an agreement, leaving the teachers with "no one to talk to." The organization demands, among other things, that the minimum salary of a secondary education teacher be raised to 12,000 new shekels (3,511 U.S. dollars). Responding in a statement, the ministry claimed that it was not avoiding the talks and called on the teacher's association to get back to the negotiations. Former representative for the Wisconsin 3rd Congressional District Ron Kind joined a Washington, D.C., law firm to serve as a senior policy advisor. Kind will work in the legislative & public policy practice of Arnold & Porter. Im proud of my 26 years serving my constituents in Wisconsin and our country. Now I am eager to begin a new chapter of my career at Arnold & Porter, where I look forward to helping clients find solutions to complex policy and legal issues that affect us all, Kind said. I joined Arnold & Porters legislative & public policy team because their bipartisan approach, substantive policy engagement and deep roster of legal talent is similar to how I approached policy making while in Congress. Kind has engaged at the highest level on a broad range of complex legal and policy issues, including the passage of the Affordable Care Act and most other major health care legislation of the past 20 years. He served as a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and its subcommittees on Health and Trade. In addition, he was a member of several other House committees, including Natural Resources, Budget, Education & Labor and Agriculture Committees. One of Congress most bipartisan members, Kind founded and served as chair of the solutions-oriented New Democrat Coalition and co-chaired the bipartisan US-UK Caucus and the US-British Inter-parliamentary Caucus. Kind co-founded the EU Caucus and co-chaired the Congressional Fitness Caucus, the Organic Caucus, the National Parks and Wildlife Refuge Caucus, the Rural Healthcare Caucus, the Native American Caucus and the Upper Mississippi River Basin Task Force. Richard M. Alexander, chairman of Arnold & Porter, said: We are looking forward to welcoming Rep. Kind to the firm after a distinguished 26 years in Congress. His involvement and leadership in major health care, tax and trade issues will allow him to provide important insights and advice to our clients as they navigate key legislative and policy issues in Washington. Kind earned his JD from the University of Minnesota; MA, with honors, from the London School of Economics; and AB, with honors, from Harvard University. Earlier in his career, Kind served as an assistant district attorney and a state special prosecutor in Wisconsin. IN PHOTOS: Scenes from Rep. Ron Kind's visits to region Trade Rep. visits Stoddard farm Trade Rep. visits Stoddard farm Secretary Walsh visits Dairyland Kind pitches small business relief On a tour Ron Kind visit UWL-Kind UWL-Kind Ron Kind speaks out in support of postal service CHIP A1 promo Rep. Kind listening session in Dunn County U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Rep. Ron Kind First tee shot Garden Terrace Apartments Solar garden ribbon cutting UW-Stout golf experiences Ron Kind Colonel MJ Hull with Ron Kind Prescription drug prices Congressman in Mauston Ron Kind Ron Kind roundtable Contributed kind roundtable Kind Ron Kind at Servais farm Winning Artwork Watch Now: Rep. Ron Kind comments on American Jobs Plan at Dairyland Power Rep. Kind talks new COVID relief bill Rep. Ron Kind on vote to impeach Trump a second time WATCH NOW: Rep. Ron Kind speaks from D.C. amidst riots Infrastructure Tour PFAS crisis PFAS crisis Watch Now: U.S. Rep. Ron Kind speaks at PFAS public session McALLEN, Texas Over the weekend, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas to meet with immigration and border officials and to see challenges at the southwest border firsthand. Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin, met with the men and women tasked with securing the U.S. and discussed solutions to both secure the border and pass comprehensive immigration reform. I visited the southern border because our immigration system has been broken for decades, and I am determined to be part of the solution, Baldwin said. I saw firsthand the need to further invest in border security to protect our communities from legitimate threats like cartels and drug smuggling. While Wisconsin is not a border state, we still feel the impact of harmful drugs like fentanyl coming into our communities. At the same time, we also need to fix our broken immigration system and create a clear path to citizenship for immigrants already here especially our Dreamers. My visit will help inform my work going forward with Democrats and Republicans in Washington to provide necessary resources at the border and to find the common ground necessary to pass comprehensive immigration reform. It is long overdue that Congress act to address this broken system in order to help address a workforce shortage that many Wisconsin businesses are grappling with, support our immigration and border officials, offer migrants in real danger safe harbor in humane conditions, and help identify the crises in Central and South America that are driving migrants to our southern border. Baldwin visited members of Joint Task Force North in McAllen to learn about their support to our federal law enforcement agencies and their efforts to identify and stop transnational criminal organizations activities. She then met with Customs and Border Protection regarding its mission. In December, Baldwin supported the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which provided just over $18 billion in discretionary funding for CBP that will help hire 125 additional CBP officers and 300 additional Border Patrol agents. The legislation also included $70 million to strengthen non-intrusive inspection systems that will significantly improve the scanning of vehicles and cargo entering the U.S. using artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to detect and seize harmful items. Baldwin discussed how these investments in personnel and technology will help CBP secure the border and prevent weapons and illicit drugs from entering the U.S. Baldwin also took an aerial tour of the region to see the existing border infrastructure and security measures. Baldwin then visited with Army National Guard members from Wisconsin who are stationed in the Rio Grande Valley with the CBP to thank them for their service. COLLECTION: Good morning photos of the day Saturday ... in the park, definitely not the 4th of July Strolling swans Eagle watch First robin of spring? Opossum passing by Eagles at sundset Saturday ... in the park, definitely not the 4th of July Snowy skyline Towering Spring rain drop The end of ice fishing season Arcadia flyer Bridge sunset A foggy morning hello Spring rain drop End of ice fishing is a drag Spring snow HARBORMASTER CAPPED Hitting the open water Bikes for everyone Helping our neighbors HyVee work continues PICTURE OF THE DAY PICTURE OF THE DAY: Spring migration A tradition unlike any other... Feeling squirrelly Elm tree flowers Sitting on the dock of the bay A holiday hunt Colorful sunset A nice day for a walk A beautiful sunset Tulip blooms Sunrise in the neighborhood A great day for reflection Enjoying the breeze Right on the river Morning visitor Beautiful blossoms A patriotic pair A trip to the Capitol Misty Mississippi Mallard on the march A balancing act Apple blossoms Flowering Crab trees River overflow Flag Day next week Ready to go for a spin Riverside sunset Doggone beautiful The cat-bird seat La Crosse River at Veterans Memorial Park bike bridge in Riverside Park French Island fiery sunset Cass Street Bridge from Riverside Park End of the Day Holding it together A flower named Sue Hanging out at Goose Island Beautiful day Riding in style On parade at Catfish Days A sun-dappled cemetery lane Pecking away Bunny meets world Cranes by the creek River at Veterans Memorial Park The cat-bird seat Fingers in the fog Dragonfly on the line Breakfast at the birdhouse Spreading her wings Relaxing in the park A view from the stage The Quenten Brown Band Rocking out in Arcadia Viceroy butterfly Dog or lion? Pure Water Days, Chippewa Falls Visiting in style Pedaling is for the birds Working on the new Fire House Dockwork Hurling in the park Swimming swans Hibiscus bloom 'The Remainders' rock the stage Land of milk and honey? French Island dining Anything for a free meal A babbling creek Finches munch on cones Stunning sunset Pucker up Chowing down Hibiscus bloom Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday proposed that counties and more than two dozen large cities in Wisconsin be allowed to ask voters to raise their sales tax to pay for local services such as police and fire protection and road repairs. He first unveiled a proposal to change how local governments are funded in his State of the State speech last month. Evers announced the local option sales tax part of the plan on Tuesday, a week before he submits his two-year budget proposal to the Legislature. Evers, a Democrat, wants to fund local governments with 20% of the state sales tax, or 1 cent of the 5-cent sales tax charged per dollar spent. That amounts to about $576 million in the first year, with future payments increasing as the sales tax goes up, Evers said. The state must fulfill our obligation to ensure our local partners can meet basic and unique community needs alike, and this historic investment will ensure that we do, Evers said in a statement. I look forward to working with the Legislature to find common ground in the weeks and months ahead to fund our communities now and with growth into the future. Evers plan is similar to one that Republican legislative leaders have been discussing. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment. Vos has repeatedly said he doesnt want to send more money to Milwaukee without the city instituting spending reforms. All Wisconsin counties are now able to only levy a half-cent sales tax. Evers proposal would allow for Milwaukee County to impose an additional 1-cent-per-dollar tax on sales, with half of what is raised going to the city of Milwaukee, if approved by voters. All other counties could ask for a half-cent sales tax increase. Officials in the city and county of Milwaukee have been pushing for the ability to raise more from sales taxes. Cities other than Milwaukee with at least 30,000 people could also ask voters for a half-cent sales tax increase. There are 25 cities with at least 30,000 people, based on the 2020 Census. There is a broad coalition of cities, counties, towns, villages and others that supports tapping state sales tax revenue to pay for local governments after years of stagnant funding. Under the Evers plan, more than 43% of the aid would be earmarked for public safety, such as law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, courts and district attorneys offices. The other 56% would be general aid. The current shared revenue program to fund local governments, created in 1911, has remained nearly unchanged for nearly 30 years despite overall growth in tax revenues, according to the nonpartisan Wisconsin Policy Forum. Shared revenue for counties and municipalities was cut in 2004, 2010 and 2012, and since then has been relatively flat. It was 12.5% of the states general fund budget nearly 30 years ago, but is less than 5% now, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. The push also comes as Wisconsin is projected to have a budget surplus exceeding $7 billion. Growing up I remember hearing the phrase Have you no shame? That question must have held some power back in the day. But if you asked that now, some shapers of our current political culture would respond with a resounding No. Hyper-partisanship has moved us into a post-shame world. Shame is the internal, uncomfortable sense arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable or improper, whether that has been done by oneself or another. While shame is a negative emotion, it plays an important part in the development of civilizations. Without shame, there is no longer a need to adhere to cultural norms, follow laws or behave in a way that allows us to exist as social beings. The diminishing influence of shame is exactly what we have been witnessing. And until we can reduce polarization and bring back healthy shame, we will continue to see politicians such as Republican Rep. George Santos not only rise to power but remain in office. Santos may just be the quintessential example of what a post-shame world looks like. The new representative from New Yorks list of lies is long. Here are just a few listed in no particular order of shamefulness: Santos said he earned degrees from New York University and Baruch College. He claimed that while at Baruch College, he was a star volleyball player who required two knee replacements from playing. He later admitted that he didnt graduate from any institution of higher learning. Santos campaign website claimed his mother was in the World Trade Center on 9/11 and that she died as a result of the attacks. According to NBC News reporting, Fatima Caruso Devolder was living in Brazil in 2001 and died of cancer in 2016. Santos described himself as a proud American Jew and falsely claimed his grandparents escaped the Holocaust and who had been to Israel numerous times. He later backtracked and said he was Jew-ish. Finally, he alleged that four of his employees were killed in the Pulse shooting. According to a New York Times investigation, none of the 49 victims of the mass shooting appear to have had any connection to Santos. Perhaps Santos himself is not able to experience the personal sensation of shame as he has yet to express any sincere remorse for his lies. In the past, the institutions of political parties and party elites would have stepped in and put pressure on him to behave appropriately or step down. Unfortunately for the electorate, specifically New Yorks 3rd Congressional District, the Republican Party has also moved past shame and will no longer apply pressure because retaining power is more important. This sickness of audaciousness has infected the country widely. Multiple Republican elected officials have condemned Santos lies and requested his resignation, but House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said Santos will continue to serve. Santos has since been assigned to two House committees, though he reportedly is stepping aside while investigations are underway. This shamelessness is a byproduct of the nations extreme polarization. We are willing to excuse immoral behavior and lies because the other side is worse. These negative views of the opposing party and contempt for the other continue to rise. In 1994, a Pew Research poll found that a majority of Republicans had unfavorable impressions of the Democratic Party, but just 17% had very unfavorable opinions. Similarly, while most Democrats viewed the GOP unfavorably, just 16% had very unfavorable views. Since then, highly negative views have more than doubled: 43% of Republicans and 38% of Democrats now view the opposite party in strongly negative terms. More than half of all Republicans and nearly half of all Democrats now believe their political opponents to be immoral. A recent YouGov survey showed that 60% of Democrats regard the opposing party as a serious threat to the United States. For Republicans, that figure approaches 70%. A 2020 study out of Brown University showed that Americans feelings toward members of the other political party have worsened over time faster than those of residents of European and other prominent democracies. Each side fears the country would be destroyed if the other side achieves power. Gaining influence and securing elective seats has become more important than maintaining a healthy moral compass. Tribalism removes the need to think for ourselves and judge conduct. It asks that we only consider what the other partys members are doing as justification for what happens on our team. Im afraid we are sliding uncontrollably down a very slippery ethical slope. The way back up is to reduce our polarization, call out our own and give candidates personal conduct a high priority when we enter the voting booth. I long for the day when in the political arena we can ask that original question again, Have you no shame? and finally the answer given is: "Yes, I do." The father of a former Lincoln Middle School student, injured when an off-duty Kenosha Police officer reportedly knelt on her neck following a fight with another student in the schools cafeteria, has filed a civil rights lawsuit against Kenosha Unified and the officer. Attorney Drew DeVinney, on behalf of Jerrel Perez, of Zion, Ill., the father of the girl listed as Jane Doe, filed the lawsuit Monday in federal court in Milwaukee. Perez is suing Shawn Guetschow, a Kenosha Police officer and a former security officer for the district at Lincoln Middle School at the time of the March 4, 2022, incident. Kenosha Unified and the City of Kenosha are also named as defendants in the lawsuit. Excessive force allegations The suit claims that Guetschow used excessive force in subduing the then-12-year-old student. It also claims that the city and the district failed to provide the necessary supervision, training and discipline required for the job of police officer or security officer. The suit indicates the girls constitutional rights were violated and calls for unspecified compensatory damages against all three defendants. It also calls for unspecified punitive damages against Guetschow, along with court costs and attorneys fees. In a statement, DeVinney said that during the incident Guetschow intervened to break up an altercation between two sixth grade students in the cafeteria. Video of the incident shows Officer Guetschow losing his temper, pulling Jane Doe to the floor, smashing her head into the hard tile surface, getting on top of her and choking her with his knee under the full weight of his adult body, DeVinney said. He said the girl struggled to breathe while Guetschow kept his knee on the back of her neck. According to the suit, the officers use of force constituted an unlawful chokehold. It states that the use of a chokehold is prohibited by Kenosha Police Department policy, except where deadly force is allowed and only as a last resort. It alleges he had intended to cause the girl physical harm and that the district and the city knew Guetschow had a reputation for having a short temper. As a former officer with the Lake Geneva Police Department, in his final year of employment his field performance was marked as unacceptable and he was described as emotional, panicked or loses their temper, the suit contends. Physical, emotional trauma The student suffered physical injuries that included traumatic brain injury, cervical strain and recurrent headaches, which have required medical treatment, according to the suit. She also continues to suffer from mental trauma, anxiety and severe emotional distress which have led her to undergo counseling and treatment for mental health, according to the lawsuit. She has since left the state and is attending school elsewhere. Although she is not healed from her trauma, she is ready to stand up for herself, DeVinney said. Filing this lawsuit and seeking accountability from an unjust system is a sincere act of bravery on the part of this remarkable young woman. Attorney for officer, district responds The Perez federal lawsuit comes on the heels of the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office notification to Kenosha District Attorney Michael Graveley that it would not pursue charges against Guetschow, who attempted to break up a fight involving the two students at the middle school, according to Sam Hall, the attorney representing Guetschow and the district. In a statement, Hall said the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin had also reviewed the case and has found Officer Guetschow committed no civil rights violations. Officer still recovering Hall said Guetschow continues to recover from injuries sustained during the physical altercation with the student during lunch time in the school cafeteria. As Officer Guetschow was attempting to break up the fight, he was pushed to the ground, his head violently striking a table as he fell to the floor, he said. Guetschow suffered a concussion, significant swelling and a contusion of the head during the incident, Hall said. The statement continues that despite the officers injuries and through the use of a trained law enforcement technique, he was ultimately able to gain control over the student before escorting her to school administrators and a police officer on duty. Guetschow was later treated in the emergency room at a local hospital. These officers are in Kenosha Unified schools because its the districts highest priority to provide a safe and secure learning environment for its students and staff, Hall said. We will vigorously defend KUSD and Officer Guetschow in this action. Kenosha Police Department learned of the lawsuit filed by Attorney Drew DeVinney, on behalf of Jerrel Perez, late yesterday afternoon. We have the utmost respect for our criminal justice system and the rights of citizens to lodge complaints, both at a State and Federal level. Regarding Officer Guetschow s employment status with Kenosha Police Department, shortly after the March 4, 2022 incident, Officer Guetschow was placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of three separate investigations. Officer Guetschow was not found to have violated anyones civil rights, nor was he found to have committed a crime. Furthermore, an internal investigation found that Officer Guetschow was not in violation of Kenosha Police Department policy or procedure. KPD statement On Tuesday, the Kenosha Police Department released a statement. Kenosha Police Department learned of the lawsuit filed by Attorney Drew DeVinney, on behalf of Jerrel Perez, late yesterday afternoon. We have the utmost respect for our criminal justice system and the rights of citizens to lodge complaints, both at a State and Federal level. The Kenosha Police Department withholds any statement or comment regarding the lawsuit and finds the appropriate venue for such discussion to be within the courtroom. Regarding Officer Guetschow s employment status with Kenosha Police Department, shortly after the March 4, 2022 incident, Officer Guetschow was placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of three separate investigations. Officer Guetschow was not found to have violated anyones civil rights, nor was he found to have committed a crime. Furthermore, an internal investigation found that Officer Guetschow was not in violation of Kenosha Police Department policy or procedure. Here are the Walworth Countys weekly criminal complaints from Jan. 31 Feb. 6. The cases still need to make their way through the Walworth County Court System. All information is from criminal complaints filed in Walworth County Circuit Court. To follow the cases, go to wcca.wicourts.gov. Elkhorn man charged with possession of methamphetamine, stealing knives from the Delavan Fleet Farm on Jan. 26Jamie M. Grosse, 49, of 100 block S Lincoln St., Elkhorn, has been charged with possession of methamphetamine, two counts of misdemeanor retail theft and carrying a concealed knife. On Jan. 26, officers were dispatched to Fleet Farm in the City of Delavan for a report of knives being stolen. Grosse was seen shopping around the store for some time before paying for a pair of shoes and exiting the store where other officers approached him. The defendant was found to be in possession of two knives from the store without paying for them. He was also found to be in possession of a crystal-like substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine. Grosse was then transported to the Walworth County Jail where another knife was found in his waistband. Delavan man charged with several related drug offenses after incident Oct. 30, 2022 in the Town of GenevaJacob L. West, 24, of 200 block South Wright St., Delavan, has been charged with possession to deliver methamphetamine-second and subsequent offense, possession with intent to deliver cocaine-second and subsequent offense, and possession with intent to deliver narcotics-second and subsequent offense, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia-second and subsequent offense. He was also charged with identity theft-avoidance, possession of tetrahydrocannabinols-second and subsequent offense and obstructing an officer. On Oct. 30, 2022, the defendant was pulled over in the Town of Geneva for having his license revoked due to a prior OWI and the vehicle had no front license plate. When the deputy made contact with the defendant, he could smell an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was searched where a deputy found a variety of items glass pipe, a full-sized machete as well as two functional digital scales that showed West to be in possession of 0.79 grams of THC, 0.52 grams of crack cocaine, four eight-milligram strips of Suboxone and 2.39 grams of methamphetamine. Lake Geneva woman faced with several charges after domestic abuse related incident and kicking a copKate E. Voss, 33, of N2300 block Knollwood Dr., Lake Geneva, has been charged with felony bail jumping-domestic abuse assessments, felony bail jumping-alcohol violation, disorderly conduct-domestic abuse assessments and disorderly conduct-actions towards/with officers. A detective from the Town of Linn Police Department was dispatched to a residence relating to a family offense. Upon arrival, he noticed several items in between the living room and the kitchen including a broken glass bowl on the kitchen counter. Voss, the defendant, was upstairs in the residence when the detectives arrived. Another person in the home said that she came downstairs at one point screaming and calling him names. She then proceeded to throw a battery charger at the man and fruit from a glass bowl at his head. When a detective finally made contact with Voss, there was a strong odor of intoxicants emitting from her and was seen to have glassy/bloodshot eyes. When she was placed under arrest, she began screaming profanities and grabbed one of the officers thumbs and said Im gonna break this guys thumb. After the detective released from her hand, Voss reached for his Taser and forcibly pulled on it. She also threatened to kill him and kicked him before reaching the squad car. Elkhorn man steals from Walmart in Lake Geneva, arrested in the parking lotKeith E Acker, 47, of 20 block S Wisconsin St., Elkhorn, has been charged with felony bail jumping-delivery of methamphetamine on March 17, 2022, felony bail jumping-delivery of methamphetamine on April 26, 2022, felony bail jumping-delivery of methamphetamine on April 29, 2022, and misdemeanor retail theft. An officer was dispatched to Walmart in the City of Lake Geneva on Jan. 20 for a reported retail theft. The officer was advised that a man (Acker) was concealing stolen merchandise in his clothing and walked out of the store. Once the defendant got outside, he handed the merchandise totaling $80.95 to a woman and fled on foot. The officer met the defendant outside in the parking lot and placed him under arrest. Kazakhstan is prepared to provide food aid to Turkiye, Yerbol Karashukeyev, Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, said, Kazakh media says. Helping a brotherly country is important to us. If the need arises, we must provide assistance. We are ready to help. For this, a special request from Turkiye must be received, Karashukeyev said. The minister added that a special foundation providing international assistance operates in Kazakhstan. The services of the foundation will be utilized, should Turkiye extend a request. This offer is an addition to an earlier made commitment to provide assistance to Turkiyes search and rescue effort. Kazakh rescuers have already reached Gaziantep and commenced their work. Senior Russian Diplomat Says Implementation of New START Treaty Affected by U.S. Policy Toward Russia and Ukraine Feb. 6, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov reported in a press conference in Moscow this morning, that when he met last week with Lynne Tracy, the new U.S. ambassador to Russia, the status of the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty was among the topics on their agenda. We dont reveal the contents of closed consultations. What I can add to the short media statement that was released following the meeting with Ambassador Tracy is that we discussed the New START. The Americans later decided to make their claims on the matter public [likely referring to U.S. accusations made last week that Russia is in violation of the treaty by not allowing U.S. inspectors into Russia-ed.]. There was nothing unexpected or unusual about that signal for us, Ryabkov said in response to a TASS question. He stressed that the United States has made previous attempts to present all things related to the activities of the Bilateral Consultative Commission as a completely different issue that should be considered with no reference to the developments in Ukraine. We view the situation around inspections in the same context as the issue of the next session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission. Its hard to imagine officers of the U.S. Armed Forces inspecting Russian military facilities, he pointed out. They would have traveled deep into our country while being the representatives of a party to the conflict (in Ukraine), albeit for purposes said to be connected with the need to verify the implementation of New START, Ryabkov added. In an interview with RIA Novosti, last week, Ryabkov had indicated that it is quite possible that there will be no arms control treaty between the U.S. and Russia after New START expires in 2026. Unfortunately, during all recent years, Washington was guided by the principle that its egoistic interest is all that matters, while all the rest can be ignored, he said. This is why we were seeing a deliberate dismantling of the entire arms control structure, including multilateral treaties, not just bilateral agreements with the Russian Federation. The New START treaty may also fall victim to this approach. We are ready for this scenario. We are considering it and its consequences, and we are thinking about what we should focus on to guarantee our security. However, we are not hiding that this is not our choice. It would be rational to take a different pathto resume the discussion of strategic stability and start working on a new security equation that would consider all factors affecting strategic stability. Ryabkov also stressed that there is no dialogue with the U.S. on anything especially not on Ukraine. We currently have no dialogue with the Americans on the subject of the special military operation, Ukraine, on any lines, except for communication between representatives of the Foreign Ministry and the State Department with the U.S. embassy in Moscow and the Russian embassy in Washington. Occasional phone calls at other levels take place, but no meetings, special formats for this kind of consultations are not held, he said. On February 1, the College Board released its official structure, or framework, for a new Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course. Like other AP classes, the course gives high school students in the United States a chance to receive college credit depending on how they perform in the course exam. The non-profit organization said in a statement, The official framework has been under development for nearly a year. It replaces the preliminary pilot course framework under discussion to date The group added that the changes have been shaped only by the input of experts But some experts questioned whether political pressure led to the changes. Political pressure from Florida Just two weeks before the College Board released its official framework, education officials in the state of Florida announced that the course would be banned in the states public high schools. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made education one of his central issues. DeSantis says he opposes education that indoctrinates students with liberal ideas. Last year, he signed the Stop WOKE Act, which limits how race can be taught in Florida public schools. EducationWeek reports that Florida is one of 18 states that have passed similar laws. The Florida Department of Education said in a letter to the College Board that the course violates state law and lacks educational value. Florida released a list of concerns it had with the AP course. They included lessons dealing with intersectionality. Intersectionality is the idea that social categories like race, gender, and class combine to create different levels of discrimination and privilege in society. Other objections included critical race theory and LGBTQ subjects. What was removed? Suneal Kolluri researches AP courses for the University of California, Riverside. He wrote in The Conversation that many of the subjects that Florida objected to are no longer in the required framework. Kolluri added, the current discussions of race, racism and oppression have disappeared. Kolluri wrote that writings from Kimberle Crenshaw, a scholar who started the field of critical race theory, have been removed from the course. And subjects like Black Lives Matter, Black imprisonment and reparations are now included as optional for research. The College Board said it did not make the changes because of political reasons. The group said in a statement that it had already made the changes to the course before Floridas Department of Education sent the letter explaining its objections. The course has been shaped over years by the most eminent scholars in the field, not political influence, the statement said. The board said the new framework adds new subjects not fully represented in the pilot and gives students time to study current issues. Kerry Haynie is with Duke Universitys Department of African American Studies and helped develop the course for the College Board. She added in a statement: We reject any claim that our work either indoctrinates students or, on the other hand, has bowed to political pressure. Keeanga Yamahtta-Taylor is a Black Studies professor at Northwestern University. She rejected the College Boards claim that its decision to change the course framework was not based on politics. Given the many state laws limiting the teaching of race in schools, the College Board wanted to make the course politically safe, she said on the news program Democracy Now! Yamahtta-Taylor said: So their explanation that this has nothing to do with the political environment is completely unbelievable. The Florida Department of Education has not said whether it will accept the current version of the course. Before the release of the new framework, a spokesperson for the agency said, "We are glad the College Board (expressed) a willingness to change. Many in Florida have pushed back against the education departments decision to block the course. Some spoke at the Stop the Black Attack rally in Floridas capital in January. Juliette Hickman is a high school student who spoke at the rally. Florida lawmakers are uncomfortable or even afraid of the course, she said. But that does not grant them the right to take away this opportunity from thousands of students across the state. Im Dan Novak. And I'm Andrew Smith. Dan Novak wrote this story for VOA Learning English with additional reporting from The Associated Press. Quiz- College Board: Changes to Black Studies Unrelated to Politics Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ______________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story course n. a series of classes about a particular subject in a school preliminary adj. coming before the main part of something pilot adj. done as a test to see if a larger program, study, etc., should be done indoctrinate v. to teach to fully accept the ideas, opinions, and beliefs of a particular group and to not consider other ideas, opinions, and beliefs privilege n. a right or benefit that is given to some people and not to others LGBTQ n. reparation n. money that a country or group that loses a war pays because of the damage, injury, deaths, etc., it has caused optional adj. available as a choice but not required eminent adj. successful, well-known and respected bow v. to bend forward at the neck or waist as a formal way of greeting someone or showing respect opportunity n. an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done More than 6,200 people have been reportedly killed in the earthquake and aftershocks that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday. But officials warn that the number is likely to rise. Tens of thousands of people have also been injured. In Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a state of emergency in 10 affected provinces for three months. Rescue workers are struggling with difficult conditions and low temperatures. Erdogan said more than 3,500 people have died in Turkey. Turkeys Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said 5775 buildings had been destroyed and more than 20,426 people had been injured. The government plans to open hotels in Antalya, a place popular with foreign visitors, to temporarily house people displaced by the quake. On Tuesday, a large fire was still burning at the southern port of Iskenderun. Pictures from Hatay showed many tall housing buildings had collapsed, suggesting that the number of dead might be much higher. It is feared that many remain trapped under collapsed buildings. One man told Reuters, Theyre making noises but nobody is comingTheyre calling out. Theyre saying, Save us but we cant save them From Geneva, the United Nations childrens agency said it fears: The earthquakesmay have killed thousands of children. In Syria, the government news agency SANA said more than 812 people had died in government-controlled areas. In the rebel-held northwest, a rescue group called the White Helmets said at least 900 had died. The leader of the group said it is making efforts but it was unable to deal with a large number of collapsed buildings. What kind of earthquake was it? The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the 7.8 magnitude quake was centered in southern Turkey, near the border with Syria. Many smaller earthquakes, or aftershocks, followed the first. And, nine hours after the first quake, another 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit. Alex Hatem is a USGS geologist. He said, More aftershocks are certainly expected, given the size of the main shock. Researchers say that the earthquake was a strike-slip quake. These result when two huge pieces of the Earths surface, called tectonic plates, slide past each other. Tension builds up between the pieces of the Earths crust until the energy is released in the form of an earthquake. In this case, one plate moved west while the other moved east, Hatem said. The aftershocks will slowly lessen over time. Mondays earthquake in Turkey was very powerful for one that was centered on land. Usually, such strong quakes take place under the sea, said Margarita Segou of the British Geological Survey. Why was the quake so damaging? The quake hit near Gaziantep, a major city and provincial capital in Turkey. Kishor Jaiswal, a USGS structural engineer, said the area has a lot of vulnerable buildings. He said new buildings in cities like Istanbul were designed to withstand earthquakes. But many older, tall buildings are not. Also, in Syria, fast building methods and years of war have left many structures weakened. Officials say thousands of buildings have collapsed, including pancake collapses in which upper floors fall straight down onto lower floors. That is a sign that the structures were not built well. Rescuers have also been slowed by freezing temperatures and traffic as people flee affected areas. The quake was Turkeys deadliest since the 1999 Izmit earthquake. In 2011, a powerful 7.2 magnitude quake struck southeastern Turkey killing 600. Im Mario Ritter, Jr. Mario Ritter, Jr. adapted this story for VOA Learning English from Associated Press and Reuters sources. _____________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story Words in This Story magnitude n. a measure of the power of an earthquake tectonic plate n. an extensive part of the surface of the Earth which moves in relation to other parts causing earthquakes and volcanoes crust n. the outer part of the Earths surface vulnerable adj. able to be harmed; in danger of damage or destruction ______________________________________________________________________ We want to hear from you. We have a new comment system. Here is how it works: Write your comment in the box. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is the blue circle with D on it. It is free. Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here. For thousands of years, ancient Egyptians preserved their dead in a process known as mummification. Now, researchers have used chemistry and an unusual collection of containers to figure out how they did it. The study, published recently in Nature, is based on a rare find: An embalming workshop with pottery that is around 2,500 years old. Many containers from the site still had instructions written on them like to wash or to put on his head. By matching the writing on the outside of the containers with the chemical traces inside, researchers discovered new details about how ancient Egyptians preserved bodies for thousands of years. Joann Fletcher of Britains University of York was not involved with the study. Fletcher described the find as like a time machine, really Its allowed us to not quite see over the shoulders of the ancient embalmers, but probably as close as well ever get. The workshop is at the famous burial grounds of Saqqara. It was found in 2016 by study author Ramadan Hussein, who passed away last year. Parts of the workshop sit above the surface, but a narrow area goes down to an embalming room and burial area underground, where the containers were discovered. It was in rooms like these where the last part of the embalming process took place, said Salima Ikram of The American University in Cairo. Ikram was not involved with the study. After drying out the body with salts, which probably took place above ground, embalmers would then take the bodies below. Experts already had some clues about what substances were used in those final steps, mainly from testing individual mummies and looking at written texts. But a lot of information remained unclear, said senior author Philipp Stockhammer of the Ludwig Maximilian University in Germany. The new finds helped break the case. Take the word antiu, which shows up in a lot of Egyptian texts but did not have a direct translation, Stockhammer said. In the new study, scientists found that several containers with the word antiu contained a mixture of different substances including animal fat, cedar oil and juniper resin. These substances, along with others found in the containers, have important properties that would help preserve the mummies, said lead author Maxime Rageot of Germanys University of Tubingen. Plant oils could fight off bacteria and fungi, while also improving the smell. Hard materials like beeswax, used on the stomach and skin, could help keep out water and seal the pores. Some of the substances came from very far away like dammar and elemi, types of resin that come from Southeast Asia. These results show that ancient Egyptians would trade far and wide to get the best materials, the authors said. Its interesting to see the complexity, Stockhammer said. Having this global network on the one hand, having all this chemical knowledge on the other side. Ikram said an important next step for the research will be to test different parts of mummies to see if the same substances show up. And these embalming instructions were probably not always the same they changed over time and differed between workshops. Still, the study gives a basis for understanding the past, and can bring us closer to people who lived long ago, she said. The ancient Egyptians have been separated from us through time and space, yet we still have this connection, Ikram said. Human beings all throughout history have been scared of death. Im John Russell. Maddie Burakoff reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story preserve v. to keep (something) safe from harm or loss embalm v. to treat (a dead body) with special chemicals to keep it from decaying trace -- n. a small amount of something allow -- v. to make it possible for someone or something to have or do something author n. a person who has made an important contribution to a journal article clue -- n. something that helps a person find something, understand something, or solve a mystery or puzzle resin n. a yellow or brown sticky substance that comes from some trees and that is used to make various products global -- adj. The war in Ukraine has completely changed the eastern city of Bakhmut. The city used to be a popular tourist site, where visitors could explore the areas late 19th century buildings. The city also has a large lakeside park and offers locally-produced wines. But that has all changed. The longest battle against invader Russia has turned Bakhmut into a ghost town. Bakhmut sits about 100 kilometers from Russias border. Even after months of bombings and attempts to surround Bakhmut, Russian forces have not captured the city. But, the continued attacks have made it impossible for civilians there to have a normal life. Ukrainian Petro Voloschenko is a soldier known on the battlefield as Stone. He told the Associated Press about current life in the city, Its hell on earth right now; I cant find enough words to describe it. The 44-year-old Voloschenko, who comes from Kyiv, arrived in the area in August when the Russian attacks started. Since then, he has celebrated his birthday, Christmas and New Years in Bakhmut. Today, the city is in ruins. Most houses have been crushed completely or are so damaged they cannot be lived in. Only a few thousand people remain in the city, which had a prewar population of 80,000. Those people rarely see daylight though because they spend most of their time sheltering underground. Explosions happen all hours of the day. And, Russia could bomb the city anywhere at any time. Bakhmut lies in the Donetsk area, one of four provinces Russia illegally seized in the autumn. But currently, Russia only controls about half of the province. To take the remaining half, Russian forces must go through Bakhmut, said Mykola Bielieskov. He is a researcher at Ukraines National Institute for Strategic Studies. Without seizure of these cities, the Russian army wont be able to accomplish the political task it was given, Bielieskov said. The situation in Bakhmut worsened during the summer after Russia took the last major city in neighboring Luhansk province. It then sent troops and equipment into the effort to capture Bakhmut. Ukraine did the same to defend the city. In a recent speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the situation in Bakhmut as very tough. These are constant Russian assaults. Constant attempts to break through our defenses Zelenskyy said. For now, Bakhmut remains completely under the control of Ukraines army. In January, Russian forces seized the town of Soledar, which sits less than 20 kilometers away. But Russias push into the area has been very slow, military experts say. Im Bryan Lynn. The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English. ___________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story tourist n. someone who visits a place for pleasure and does not live there wine n. an alcoholic drink made from the juice of grapes ghost town n. a once lively, successfully town emptied of all or most life and activity hell n. a place or state of torture and suffering province n. a large area some countries are divided into because of the kind of government they have accomplish v. to succeed in doing something good task n. a piece of work, especially something unpleasant or difficult tough adj. hard or difficult constant adj. happening a lot or all the time assault n. an attack ______________________________________________________________________ What do you think of this story? We want to hear from you. We have a new comment system. Here is how it works: Write your comment in the box. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is the blue circle with D on it. It is free. Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here. LEXINGTON Crossroads Mission Avenue, which is fundraising to begin construction on a homeless shelter and transitional housing facility, received an $80,000 donation from Healthy Blue on Monday, Feb. 6. Crossroads is a Christian nonprofit that provides housing, job training and support to enable homeless people to become self-sufficient. It was launched 39 years ago in Hastings. It expanded to Kearney in 2012 and to Grand Island in 2018. The former Love in Action building at 907 W. 8th St. was purchased by Crossroads and will be renovated into 17 one-room apartments that can serve single men, single women or families in Dawson County. Crossroads began serving the Lexington community in July 2022, partnering with Food Bank for the Heartland to provide a monthly mobile food pantry. Crossroads staff, guests and volunteers within the Lexington community work together to pass out food boxes, there are no requirements to attend the monthly event, which serves up to 450 families. Audrey Rocheleau, Community Relations Specialist with Healthy Blue, said the donation would sponsor Crossroads mission to build their homeless shelter and their continued work with the Mobile Food Pantry. Healthy Blue is a Medicaid managed care for Nebraska, one of three in the state and is a licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Rocheleau said shelter is a basic human right and Healthy Blue supports the Crossroads mission to offer food, shelter and care to people so they can go to the doctor and become healthy in other ways. A homeless shelter is a need in the community Rocheleau said and they are happy to give back to Lexington through this donation to Crossroads. Daniel Buller, Executive Director of Crossroads Mission Avenue, said the donation was, an incredible gift and contribution toward the campaign and will help thrust us forward. He noted this will help build confidence for other investors who may be looking to help support Crossroads. Since Crossroads began working in Lexington, Buller said Healthy Blue was one of the first entities to partner with them in their work. Healthy Blue helped support Crossroads as they helped to provide the monthly food pantry. The current campaign to construct the homeless shelter and transitional living facility has over $280,000 raised so far, Buller said. He said they have already raised a considerable amount noting they only began fundraising last fall. He said into the spring and the fall Crossroads plans to persue capital grants which could provide the bulk of their fundraising. A part of the fundraising campaign includes a thrift store that is currently located in the building where the homeless shelter will eventually be built. The thrift store is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store offers furniture, clothing, household goods, linens, home improvement, books, vinyl records and more at affordable prices. Buller said Crossroads utilizes a sustainability plan that has been successful in the Tri-Cities, once construction begins on the shelter; the store will not close down permanently, but will be moved to another location in the community. Despite being open only one week, Buller said the Lexington thrift store actually outperformed their thrift store in Kearney. Which is pretty incredible, said Buller, it shows that even in a smaller community like Lexington, the people are generous and want to help, its created an avenue to help. All proceeds from the thrift store go to support local homeless programs, Buller said. Renovation of the shelter could be completed as early as December 2023. When asked how he felt about Crossroads receiving the Healthy Blue donation, Buller said last week he had received a call from a Lexington mother with three children who had no shelter and no place to go. Buller said once the facility is built, people, families and children, will have a place to go and a safe place to be. They will receive food and shelter and be able to have a path forward. The shelter will help address generational poverty and the causes that keep people in poverty, Buller said. When we open up a mission, we hit the ground running. Our message to people is that help is on the way, Buller said, And when Crossroads says that, we mean business. Buller said over the years they have been able to see where the needs are in surrounding counties. For instance when they opened in Hastings, they were seeing Hall County residents, when they opened in Grand Island, they aided Buffalo County residents and now their Kearney facility, opened in 2012, has been aiding Dawson County residents. Crossroads Mission Avenue is not looking to compete with existing programs in Lexington. The objective of this capital campaign is to provide shelter and services where there is a need, and to partner with existing agencies, per Crossroads Lexington campaign materials. The needs are great in Lexington, and the Crossroads Board of Directors and I believe that Crossroads is in a unique position to serve not only those with food insecurities in Lexington, but also the homeless and needy men, women and families of Dawson County. With the support of the Crossroads Board of Directors and the City of Lexington, Crossroads Mission Avenue seeks to Follow the Need and join the Lexington community in providing local care and programming for the homeless and needy in Dawson County, Buller wrote. Gulf Islamic Investments (GII) a leading shariah-compliant global alternative investment company, with over $3 billion of assets under management in real estate, private equity and venture capital, has announced the opening of its new company, Gulf Ventures Capital, with headquarters in Bahrain. This comes as part of GIIs strategy to expand its footprint in the Mena region and globally with current presence in the UAE, London, and Frankfurt. The company is set to invest in food, focusing on strategic food sustainability projects in agriculture, aquaculture, food processing and production, as well as logistics, green technology, and healthcare, aligning with the companys vision for the GCC. Through its investment in food sector, GII aims to address the rising population, increase in standard of living, disposable income and thereby the rising demand in food, it stated. Increasing local production in sectors that are experiencing demand-supply gap, would improve GCC food sector, and GIIs investments are aligned to narrow the gap, create market competitiveness of locally produced and processed food, contributing towards long-term food sustainability, it added. Mohammed Al Hassan, co-Founder, and co-CEO, said: "Our commitment to building and increasing our footprint is testament to our firm belief in the thriving GCC market. We see significant growth potential in food projects and logistics in Bahrain and the larger GCC region. We continue to deliver on our strategy through expanding our portfolio for our stakeholders and partners." GCC food market by consumption is forecasted to reach 53.14 million MT in 2026, experiencing growth at a CAGR of 3.15% for the period spanning 2022-2026. According to Al Hassan, the logistics sector is estimated to witness strong growth due to the increase in infrastructure investment by government & private sector to develop the region into a robust logistics hub with pro-business regulatory policies. It is estimated to register a CAGR of over 5% during the forecast period 2022-2027, he added. Pankaj Gupta, co-Founder, and co-CEO for GII, said: GIIs diversified investments prove our leadership in financial solutions and profitable partnerships. Our new presence in Bahrain offering different asset classes demonstrates our strong position in the region." Saleh Albelushi has been appointed as the CEO for the new GII entity - Gulf Venture Capital. On his new role, Albelushi said: "It gives me pleasure to execute GIIs strategy for growth. Food, agriculture, logistics and green technology are sectors that we will focus on, covering not only Bahrain but also the GCC." "These are exciting times for us and l look forward to translating GIIs vision in the region," he added.-TradeArabia News Service LINCOLN United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Rudy Ortega Raymundo, 35, of Lexington, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Raymundo to 108 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and 50 grams or more actual methamphetamine. After serving his sentence, Raymundo will be placed on supervised release for two years. There is no parole in the federal system. On Oct, 3, 2021, law enforcement in Frontier County, Nebraska received information that a vehicle on Old Highway 23 was failing to maintain speed. A Frontier County Sheriffs Office deputy saw the vehicle and followed it to a nearby gas station. The officer contacted the driver, later identified as Raymundo, and his vehicle at a gas pump regarding traffic violations. Raymundo failed to comply with the deputys requests, and he was arrested. Law enforcement searched Raymundos vehicle and found a black trash bag in the back seat containing four bags of methamphetamine. The deputies also found a methamphetamine pipe with residue and a scale in the center console. In total, about three and a half pounds of lab confirmed methamphetamine were seized from Raymundos vehicle. Some of that methamphetamine was tested for purity and determined to be at least 98% pure. This case was investigated by the Cooperation Operation for Drug Enforcement (CODE) Task Force, Nebraska State Patrol, and the Frontier County Sheriffs Office. The implementation of final Basel III rules by the Saudi Central Bank (Sama) from January 1, 2023, will favour banks with the largest exposures to residential and commercial mortgage loans and high-quality project finance, Fitch Ratings says. By contrast, banks with significant exposures to land acquisition, construction and development, financial guarantees and equities will face moderately higher capital requirements. The average capital ratio for the banking sector as a whole will be broadly unchanged, according to the parallel run conducted in 2022 by Sama. The final Basel III rules do not change Fitchs 2023 credit growth forecast of 12% (2022: 14%) for Saudi Arabia. Some wholesale exposures will consume more capital, but the largest banks can absorb the impact given their solid capital buffers. Saudi Arabia is one of the few jurisdictions to meet the internationally agreed official Basel III implementation date, alongside Australia, Canada, Indonesia and South Korea. This supports Fitchs view that Sama is one of the most sophisticated and conservative regulators in the Middle East and Africa. Retail-focused banks Retail-focused banks capital ratios will benefit from more granular risk-weightings, generally lower than under the previous regime. As the loan/value (LTV) ratio on residential mortgage loans is capped at 90% by Sama, the risk-weight for residential mortgage loans will fall to 20%-40% from 50% previously. We expect risk-weights for most mortgage loans to be between 20% (for LTVs up to 50%) and 30% (for LTVs between 60% and 80%) due to the prevalence of large downpayments, Fitch said. This should be particularly positive for banks with a high proportion of retail lending, especially Al Rajhi (A-/Stable), Saudi National Bank (A-/Stable) and Bank Aljazira (BBB+/Positive). However, risk-weights on mortgages for home financing could rise if falling real estate valuations push up LTVs as Sama may require banks to revise property valuations downwards and will not allow subsequent increases to above the value at origination. Mixed impacts Banks with corporate exposures will have mixed impacts. Risk-weights for commercial real estate will generally be lower, for example 90% for LTVs up to 80% (when repayments are dependent on property cash flow) instead of 100%. However, land acquisition, development and construction exposures will face higher risk-weights (150% instead of 100%) if not significantly covered by equity and pre-sales. Project finance exposures will be more capital-consuming in their pre-operational phase (130% risk-weight instead of 100% during the operational phase), but high-quality project finance exposures will benefit from a reduced risk-weight in the operational phase (80%). We believe most infrastructure project exposures could be considered high-quality, with the government being the ultimate payer. We also expect lenders appetite for project financing to increase in the medium term under the Vision 2030 programme. Collateralised lending against listed domestic shares will also be less capital-consuming. Credit conversion factors Credit conversion factors (CCF) on financial guarantees, which are frequently extended by Saudi banks, will increase to 100% from 50%, resulting in a higher charge, although CCF on undrawn committed lines of credit will decrease to 40% from 50%. The risk-weight for most types of equity investments will increase gradually over five years to 250% from 100%. For a maximum of five years under the final Basel III rules, banks may still use external ratings that incorporate assumptions of implicit government support. After that, they will have to use ratings that do not factor in such support. We do not expect the revised standardised approaches for operational and market risk to have a material impact on Saudi banks capital metrics. In addition, the 72.5% output floor (which caps the benefit of model-based approaches for calculations of risk-weighted assets (RWA) compared with standardised approaches at 27.5%) will have no impact as Saudi banks only use standardised approaches for their RWA calculations, Fitch added.-- TradeArabia News Service At Sultan Restaurant, which is coming to Madisons Williamson Street this spring, patrons will not be expected to tip their servers. Sultan Ahmed, 31, said hes proud of the business model for his new Pakistani restaurant, where employees will make $20 an hour plus a 5% profit share. Ahmed said servers wont be required to reject tips, but receipts will instruct customers to not leave a tip and there will be no space for one on credit card slips. Servers will be instructed to let customers know the restaurant is a no-tip establishment, he said. But if they choose to leave a tip, they choose to leave a tip and those tips will be provided to the servers. Ahmed, a former project manager at Epic Systems, was born in Pakistan and lived in Egypt for five years. He moved to Wadsworth, Ohio, when he was 9 because of his fathers job as an international corporate accountant. He went to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland as an undergraduate and graduate student, earning a masters degree in philosophy and medical ethics, and came to Madison in 2012 when he was recruited by Epic. He worked there for six years and has been an independent consultant since. Ahmed enrolled in culinary school at Madison College last fall because hes always wanted to open his own restaurant. I love it. Its been a blast, he said. I have met a lot of local industry people. The instructors are great. The curriculums been great. Hes gotten his culinary production specialist certificate, and isnt sure if he will finish his last year. He said it depends on how busy the restaurant gets. If he doesnt finish, this will be his last semester, but if he finishes, hell graduate in May 2024. Ahmed is planning to open Sultan, 1054 Williamson St., by May 15 after substantial renovations to the kitchen and dining area. He said it will have a lounge feel, subdued lighting and lots of dark wood surfaces, metal and cascading lighting, which shines from the ceiling and along the walls. The 1,700-square-foot space, formerly Roman Candle Pizza, will seat 50, including 10 at the bar. The goal is to serve authentic South Asian flavors that are a little bit modernized, Ahmed said. He said the food will be primarily Pakistani, similar to Indian food, but with northern Pakistan Punjabi influences. Ahmed plans to offer a lot of small plates to share so customers can try multiple dishes. A sample menu includes a cheese and meat board, lentil fritters, tandoori fish, bone-in chicken and fragrant rice served in a clay pot, braised beef shank with shaved ginger and cilantro, spiced chicken with tomato and yogurt, and beets, mango, pickled red onion and mint. Ahmed said he plans to get produce from local farmers when in season. Proteins will also come from local or regional providers, except for the lobster and scallops in a tandoori dish. He said hell be getting meat from The Conscious Carnivore and the fish will be sustainable and farm-raised. The plan He said he doesnt know if there are any other no-tip establishments in Madison. I havent heard of any other ones personally, he said. Even with the no-tip policy, Ahmed said Sultan wont charge higher prices, and will offer a middle price point that will reflect the quality of the ingredients used and still allow the restaurant to be as accessible as possible to customers. Ahmed said each employee will get additional pay each month equal to 5% of the profit the restaurant makes after he accounts for all expenses and costs. He said the restaurant will have six employees: three in the kitchen, two at the front of house and a bartender. License pending Sultan will be open daily for dinner and for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. It will have a full wine list and a full cocktail menu, provided its liquor license gets approved, Ahmed said. Sultan is a pretty common word in Pakistani culture, he said. It means king or ruler, literally translated. Its used to refer to people of high importance. So I thought it was a good name for a restaurant. Roman Candle Pizza closed in May after almost 18 years, with its owner, Brewer Stouffer, saying it never quite recovered from COVID-19-related shutdowns. 36 Madison-area restaurant, bar, bakery, coffee shop openings in 2022 Taqueria Los Atlantes Golden Nest Pancakes & Cafe Hot Lunch Zippy Lube Coffee, Donuts, and Fried Chicken Tacos El Capi Good Co. at Pioneer Pointe The Bubbling Teapot Sabores Fusion Grill Nori Sushi & Grill North Shore Pizza and Subs Sookie's Veggie Burgers Turn Key La Pollera Colombiana Restaurant Eno Vino Waunakee BigSur Cantina Amara SASS Sauce + Shells The Borough Beer Company & Kitchen Taza Swagat Sun Prairie Little John's Lunchbox AzTec Taqueria Mishqui Peruvian Cuisine Dirty Dog Taphouse Ollie's Forward Craft & Coffee Jacknife The Ready Set FreshFin Poke Hilldale Mom's Bar Prost! Tucuma Northstreet La Taguara Far Breton Bakery Dagu Rice Noodle A Madison native, Scott Kerr has been a city employee for his entire adult life, working for 42 years with the Parking Utility, Building Inspection and Traffic Engineering divisions, where hes poised for a promotion. But the 60-year-old, a storyteller with a gift of comic timing and a craftsman who loves using found objects to make clever improvements to the home he shares with his wife, Judy, is seeking one more city job: mayor. Kerr wants to make government more responsive and intends to raise and spend under $100 on his campaign to prove that we can get the money out of politics or confirming for people that it takes money to get elected. I want to make Madison city government more responsive to the citizens by creating better access and feedback systems so that when we make decisions that impact people, every voice can be heard, he said. (And) focus on fiscally responsible, commonsense solutions to the issues that must be addressed to improve Madison in every way possible. Observers say Kerr is well-liked and performed well in his city jobs. Hes very social, said Nancy Prusaitis, a longtime colleague in the Building Inspection Division, now retired. He is a really good listener. He is very familiar with the city and he deals with all the departments. He would bring something different to the office. The main knock against his candidacy is a lack of experience running a big organization. I have been part of teams in many of my positions and intend to take a team management style into the mayors office, Kerr said. I will staff the office with people who have broad backgrounds and skills that expand my knowledge and experience in the city. I have no kids or pets and my wife just retired and her idea is we should travel. So, if I dont get elected, I probably have a maximum of two years left with the city, he said. If I do get elected, Im a one-term mayor. I will have over 46 years of service with the city. They dont give you a gold watch for 50, so I will be stepping down after one term and traveling with my wife. The next James Dean Kerrs parents met in Madison. When his father left the military, he settled in Madison to go to school under the GI bill, Kerr said. His mother, who came from a larger family, came to Madison after high school to find work. When he was born, his parents were the resident managers of an apartment building on the South Side, and the family later moved to the East Side. I started thrifting as a child. My family was not wealthy and curb shopping was something my mother taught me very young, he said. Any piece of furniture that was thrown out that had even parts that remained usable would be brought home and remade into what we needed or repaired and sold at garage sales. I enjoy repurposing things rather than adding to the landfill and I am frugal to say the least, so if I can make something rather than purchase it I do. One example from his home: a basement ceiling fashioned from cabinet facades, mirrors and other materials in a space that also holds a salvaged bar he refurbished. As a youth, Kerr had two ambitions I was going to become the next James Dean, he said. The other was law enforcement. But becoming the next James Dean is not as easy as one might think, he said. And a deer hunting accident during his freshman year of high school limited his potential for a career in law enforcement. While in a tree stand, he had put his rifle on safety, but he had a freak accident, and the gun went off with his left hand over the muzzle. Kerr had taken hunter safety and knew he had to pressure his wrist to stop the bleeding, so he stuck his wrist in his mouth and bit down hard. A game warden watching from a fire tower saw the accident and radioed for help. A surgeon later said his veins looked like they had been clamped and the combination of his biting his wrist and the gun flash prevented heavy blood loss. The Mayo Clinic sent specialists who successfully used experimental procedures, so he lost his index finger at the wrist but nothing else. It ended my guitar playing, but I still tried to play the drums, he said. But if you were standing to my left while I was playing drums it was not a safe place to be because theres a good chance at some point that stick was coming out and I had no idea when. The surgery also undermined his capacity to shoot a gun and left him vulnerable if somebody grabs across his hand just right and squeezes just right, physical liabilities that eventually blocked his dreams of a law enforcement career. Education over fines After high school, he nonetheless began law enforcement studies at Madison Area Technical College, still delusional and thinking I could make it, he said. But he also got a job with the city Parking Utility, which seemed like a great job because you sat in this little box and when you didnt have a customer you could study, he said. He also worked as a bouncer at some Downtown bars and later did security gigs in Madison and Chicago. As a Parking Utility cashier, Kerr was a police wannabe who shared information with officers and even won an award from the UW-Madison Police Department for helping nab 55 drunk drivers in a year. I would tell (customers) they were too drunk to drive. They should park their car. I would help them get a cab, he said. That would be followed by (the drivers telling him) all kinds of (crude) information about my family that I wasnt aware of or other charming comments. Thats really dumb because youre making somebody mad whos got nothing better to do than call the police and tell them what direction youre going. While a cashier, Kerr began another tradition stopping by a florist en route to work, stashing some flowers under the cashier counter and giving them out one at a time to random customers, male, female, or couples. If they looked (like they were feeling) down, certainly gave them a flower; if they were having a great night, adding a flower to make it even better, he said. Eventually, the city told him to stop due to Ethics Code guidance on gift giving, but a few months later on his birthday he bought a large number of roses and delivered them to every office in the City-County Building. Since then, on every birthday that falls on a weekday, hes taken a vacation day, bought roses and delivered them to an ever-expanding number of locations, including hospitals, television stations and nursing homes. I have an endless number of fabulous interactions with so many people doing this, he said. Most have no idea who I was. Kerr would work for the Parking Utility for 19 years before moving to the Building Inspection Division in 1999, remaining in that office until 2017. At one time or another, he was part of every city Neighborhood Resource Team, which serve needy areas, where he engaged people living from paycheck to paycheck, overcrowded apartments, people using storage lockers as bedrooms, cockroaches and bedbugs, and desperate parents placing a crib near a furnace for warmth. He learned that violators responded better to education than fines. Eventually, he moved to traffic engineering, where hes worked on complex projects that have an emphasis on needing street opening permits. Because hes assumed increasing responsibilities, he was recently recommended for promotion to an engineering program specialist 1. What has he learned? That we are a collective of very different people who for the most part support each other and try to help our community, he said. Madison residents will accept and adapt to the situations they find themselves in. Few expect others to help them while many are willing to offer help. After 42 years with the city, he said, I can give you stories on just about anything. Republican lawmakers are calling for an audit of the state Department of Safety and Professional Services after years of rejecting Democratic Gov. Tony Evers requests to add staff a standoff that has led to long waits for licenses, a huge surplus of agency funds and frustrated applicants flooding legislative offices with pleas for help. We have gotten an abundance of calls, contacts, constituent cases over the last 12 months, said Sen. Rob Stafsholt, R-New Richmond, who led a study committee last year on occupational licensing. My office just for my Senate district has handled literally dozens of cases of people who are frustrated and trying to get licenses they qualify for. Pressure on DSPS has mounted as Republicans have refused to fully authorize the departments requests for more staff during the past four years even though the agencys $62.5 million budget comes almost entirely from fees from 200-plus types of professional licenses and construction permitting, not taxpayer dollars. In fact, the department which oversees nearly half a million professional license holders has amassed a $47 million surplus from those fees, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. The surplus was $4.4 million a decade ago. But DSPS cant use that money to pay for more staff or technology upgrades without legislative buy-in. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee plans to hold a hearing and vote Tuesday on whether to have the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau review the departments professional license processing program. Many of the complaints involve the agencys call center, where performance began to drop in 2017 under then-Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, according to data obtained by Wisconsin Watch through a public records request. The department data show just over half of all calls were agent answered in 2018. Former Secretary Laura Gutierrez did not respond to a request for comment. The rate improved dramatically in the second half of 2022 after Evers used federal funding to hire an outside firm to increase the agencys call center staff from six to 26. The department also switched to a new phone system with a higher capacity in December 2021, so fewer people now get a busy signal, which wasnt logged as a call under the old system. A department spokesperson said that explains why the number of received calls under the new system nearly doubled to 400,000 in 2022. The data show 36% of calls were answered in the first half of 2022, 71% of calls were answered in the second half and 98% of calls were answered in December. The new system makes it difficult to compare the data with previous years. To further expedite applications, DSPS launched an online system, LicensE, in May to begin replacing decades-old systems and paper applications. A portal for professionals and the public to track applications online launched in December. The department expects to have all professions moved to the new system by the end of this year. The Legislature has authorized $14.4 million for the technology update, and Evers allocated another $6 million in ARPA funds this past year. Its main system for internally tracking license applications had been in place since 1998, and system upgrades were discontinued a decade ago, according to agency testimony before the study committee. What I think we will get to when were fully automated is much faster turnaround times for most, DSPS Assistant Deputy Secretary Jennifer Garrett told the committee in November. Our average decision time now is 45 days, and thats an average. We know there are many that are two days and many that are two months and longer. But we can move that average down lower if we are adequately staffed and when the platform is fully implemented. Starved of staff Garrett also told study committee members the department has struggled to hire and retain license review and call center staff because of pay and working conditions. She said the agency had failed twice to recruit a lawyer to conduct legal reviews. But when the position was opened to remote work, DSPS hired an attorney from Green Bay, reducing the legal review time from nine weeks to six. Even with new technology and continuous efforts to improve efficiency, our volume of work routinely exceeds staff capacity and resources, Hereth told the committee. The bottom line is that we need more than efficiency to deliver the kind of service our applicants want and expect. Evers asked for a net increase of 20 full-time positions in the 2019-21 budget and 12 positions in the 2021-23 budget, but Republicans only authorized one new net position in each budget. The department has six fewer positions than it did when it was created in 2011 under Walker. Department officials have asked for 70 new positions across the agency in their 2023-25 budget request. Evers is set to release his budget proposal on Feb. 15, and the Legislature is expected to make wholesale changes before final approval of the biennial budget later this summer. Peoples lives Change cant come soon enough for Sara Wuorinen, 32, who first contacted DSPS in September 2021 to get licensed to be a substance abuse counselor and a mental health counselor in training in northern Wisconsin, which is struggling with a rise in suicides and drug overdoses. More than 16 months later, Wuorinen still doesnt have the necessary license. Wuorinen spent hours on hold with the department, faxed and mailed in application materials multiple times and logged conversations with 13 different department officials. She is licensed as an alcohol and drug counselor in Minnesota and has a 2020 masters degree in rehabilitation and addiction counseling from St. Cloud State University. But Wuorinen found out months into the process she had to take additional classes at UW-Superior to qualify for her state license. She said she moved to rural Wisconsin to qualify for up to $100,000 in student loan forgiveness, but the three-year commitment doesnt start until she gets her Wisconsin license. Wuorinen took a lower-paying job at the clinic that hired her but went from living comfortably in Minnesota to visiting food pantries to make ends meet in Wisconsin. The experience has taken a toll on her mental and financial well-being. This experience has been so negative and so discouraging, its really defeating, she told Wisconsin Watch. I dont think they realize that these are peoples lives peoples livelihoods. Wants more data Rep. Shae Sortwell, R-Two Rivers, chair of the Assembly Committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform, said in an interview the agency probably needs more positions. But Sortwell wants more data to support why the positions are necessary especially in light of the new LicensE system, which should reduce the agencys workload. Sortwell primarily blames the agencys problems on former DSPS Secretary Dawn Crims management as the agency faced COVID-related staffing challenges. Crim did not respond to a request for comment. In announcing a list of nine bills the committee is recommending the Legislature take up this session, Stafsholt accused the agency of stonewalling and sending misleading emails to license applicants rather than providing us with the information we requested. The nine bills would, among other things, require the department to post how long it takes to process each license on its website, increase renewal periods for some licenses from two to four years, allow more professionals from other states to obtain a temporary license during a department review and have Wisconsin join an interstate compact to recognize counselor credentials from participating states. [Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the percentage of calls answered by the Department of Safety and Professional Services. The department answered 71% of calls in the second half of 2022 and 98% of calls in December.] Highlights of Gov. Tony Evers' 2021-23 budget proposal $91 billion budget raises taxes on big manufacturers, expands middle class tax credits Democratic wish list included in budget proposal Big boost for UW System in budget Budget seeks 'bounce back' for businesses, new health insurance marketplace Proposal seeks to reduce number of juvenile offenders in prison Funding included for initiatives to make state carbon free by 2050 Legislative Republicans on Tuesday launched an audit into persistent backlogs at the state agency that processes professional licenses, which department officials and Democratic lawmakers have long attributed to ongoing staffing shortages. The Republican-led Joint Legislative Audit Committee voted along party lines to order the audit of the Department of Safety and Professional Services, which oversees close to half a million professional license holders and permits more than 200 types of professional licenses and construction proposals. Rep. Robert Wittke, R-Racine, said the audit, which will be carried out by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau, relates to weekslong waits faced by those seeking professional licenses through the agency. We have way too many people waiting way too long for licenses, said Wittke, the audit committees co-chair. We need to understand what the issues are and get this resolved. Wisconsin Watch reported Tuesday that many of the complaints lobbed at DSPS involve the agencys call center, where performance began to drop in 2017 under then-Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican. The department data compiled by Wisconsin Watch show just more than half of all calls were answered in 2018. The rate improved dramatically in the second half of 2022 after Evers used federal funding to hire an outside firm to increase the agencys call center staff from six to 26. The department also switched to a new phone system with a higher capacity in December 2021, so fewer people now get a busy signal, which wasnt logged as a call under the old system. A department spokesperson said that explains why the number of received calls under the new system nearly doubled to 400,000 in 2022. Speaking before the committee Tuesday, DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth said the agency is happy to work with the audit bureau on the audit. He noted that some of the agencys previous efforts have helped address some concerns, including the addition of a call center with full-time staff, which increased the rate at which customer calls are answered. Hereth also noted that increased funding would have the biggest impact. More staff, better processes, better technology those all have a meaningful impact on our end customer, Hereth said. DSPS has requested in the 2023-25 biennial budget the addition of 70 new full-time positions. Gov. Tony Evers will unveil his formal budget request on Feb. 15. From there, the Republican-controlled budget committee will rewrite the document before sending it back to the governor. The Republican-controlled Legislature has largely rejected previous requests by Evers and the department for additional funding for staffing needs. DSPS is almost entirely funded by revenue collected from license and inspection fees. DSPS has a roughly $47 million surplus, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, but the Legislature controls how the department spends those funds and must approve increased staffing expenses. State Auditor Joe Chrisman said the audit will look at a number of factors, including staffing, state funding and the nature of delays contributing to the licensing backlog. Lawmakers letter Democratic members of the audit committee, who voted against the audit, sent a letter Tuesday to their GOP colleagues warning that a DSPS audit could further exacerbate delays in the licensing and credentialing process. We write today to raise concerns about the potential day-to-day consequences of your plan to conduct a professional license processing audit at the Department of Safety and Professional Services, the lawmakers wrote. The letter is signed by Sens. Dianne Hesselbein, D-Middleton, and Tim Carpenter, D-Milwaukee, and Reps. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, and Ryan Clancy, D-Milwaukee, and cites the multiple study committees and informational hearings and information requested from DSPS over the last two years related to backlog issues. All of this work has repeatedly and consistently underscored what has been immediately obvious for years, has been reaffirmed and reiterated to this Legislature time and time again over the course of the last decade, and remains fundamentally clear today: DSPS needs additional staffing and resources support, and that will require legislative approval and action, the lawmakers wrote. BELARUS BORDER, Ukraine The reconnaissance drones fly several times a day from Ukrainian positions deep inside the thick forest that marches across the border into Belarus, a close Russian ally, scouring sky and land for signs of trouble on the other side. Ukrainian units are monitoring the 650-mile frontier of marsh and woodland for a possible surprise offensive from the north, a repeat of the unsuccessful Russian thrust toward Kyiv at the start of the war nearly a year ago. This time the Ukrainians are taking no chances. Since the summer they have been reinforcing defenses, building and expanding trenches and laying mines in the forest ahead of the springtime offensive military officials expect. Residents of villages in the region that were temporarily occupied last year are horrified by the prospect of it all starting again. Were listening out for every small sound and noise. This isnt a way to live, said Valentina Matveva, 64, from the village of Ripky. When youre in constant fear, thats not life. Concerns of a renewed military push were stirred in January after Russia and Belarus held joint air force drills, one month after a rare visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Minsk. Military experts and Western intelligence have played down the possibility of a renewed northern offensive. The British Defense Ministry tweeted on Jan. 11 that Russian aircraft and existing Russian troops in Belarus, though numerous, are unlikely to constitute a credible offensive force. Belarusian officials attribute the troop deployment along the border to strategic deterrence according to local reports. The country's authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, has insisted he will not send troops to Ukraine. But Ukrainian commanders are wary, remembering how Russia used Belarus as a launching pad in early 2022. We continuously monitor the enemy from the ground and observe the movement of troops, if they are moving, how many troops, and where they are moving, the area's army intelligence unit head said during a press tour this week near the border. The officer identified himself only by his first name, Oleksandr, citing security reasons. Unlike the east with its devastating artillery duels, here in the north its largely a war of quadcopters. Oleksandr said the Belarusians and Russians are constantly monitoring our guard changes, trying to find our militarys positions. At times, Oleksandrs unit detects enemy reconnaissance drones and shoots them down using anti-drone rifles. Or an enemy drone detects a Ukrainian one and tails it, at which point the Ukrainians try to capture and add it to their stock. We got four of their drones this way recently, and they took two of ours, Oleksandr said. He says the reconnaissance missions have revealed no sign of worrying activity yet. They have a reinforcement section, and the patrol has been strengthened, but we do not observe a significant accumulation of troops from our section, he said. Ukraines Lt. Gen. Oleksii Pavlyuk, who is responsible for Kyiv province, was quoted in local reports as saying his country was preparing for a possible fresh attack through Belarus. Weve created a group on the border with Belarus, which is ready to meet the enemy with dignity, he was quoted as saying. Ukrainian officials argue that no one can know how Moscow will move in the coming months, and that a state of alert is necessary along the border. The (fortifications) were made to prevent re-infiltration, said Oleksandr, Whether it will happen or not, we must always be ready. Ukrainian soldiers armed with machine guns stand in 5-foot-deep trenches dug into the forest floor and reinforced with planks. A local villager briskly cycles past. Memories here are still fresh from the temporary occupation when Russian troops attempted to lay siege to the main city of Chernihiv. They withdrew on April 3 as Moscow switched its focus to Ukraines eastern provinces. But despite the Russian-Belarusian drills, theres also hope. The first time they invaded, we didnt have the weapons and the army (at the border), said Hanna Pokheelko, 66, from the village of Koluchivka. But this time we do. Attack or no attack, Olena, from the village of Novi Yarylovychi, fears the border situation means she may never see her mother, brother and two sisters living just 1.8 miles away in a village inside Belarus. I cant believe they are so close and I cant see them, said the 63-year old, who is a Belarusian by birth but married into a Ukrainian family and who didn't give her full name out of concerns for her family. Photos: Tanks being used in the Russia-Ukraine war Russia Ukraine War Military Aid Russia Ukraine War Germany Ukraine War Germany Ukraine War Germany Ukraine War Germany Ukraine War Russia Ukraine War Tanks Impact Russia Ukraine War Tanks Impact Russia Ukraine War Tanks Impact Russia Ukraine War Tanks Impact Russia Ukraine War Tanks Impact Russia Ukraine War Tanks Impact Move on, then. Gov. Tony Evers made clear his stance on state Republicans proposal to transition to a 3.25% flat income tax rate recently, telling a Madison television station if lawmakers included it in their rewrite of his soon-to-be presented state budget he would veto it, possibly even if it meant vetoing the entire budget. (A flat tax) is kind of a death knell for me, Evers said. I think our progressive tax system is a good one. And we dont need to be spending our time and effort to provide the wealthiest Wisconsinites with some extraordinary large tax cut. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, has been pushing for the flat tax, which would supplant the states four-bracket income tax based on income level. Income up to $12,760 is taxed at 3.54%; income of $12,760 to $25,520 is taxed at a rate of 4.65%; income of $25,520 to $280,950 at a rate of 5.3%, and income over that at a rate of 7.65%. Wisconsin has had the progressive income tax system since 1912. LeMahieu and other Republicans contend switching to a flat tax would make Wisconsin more competitive with other states, such as Illinois. Its ridiculous that (in) the state of Illinois, the vast majority of income taxpayers pay a lower tax rate than the state of Wisconsin, LeMahieu said recently. The voters of Illinois just two years ago, when they voted for Joe Biden, rejected a progressive tax like ours. But a 3.25% flat tax would come with a big price tag. If it was fully implemented, it would reduce state revenue by $5 billion annually, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Thats one way to take a chunk off the states projected $7 billion surplus this year. And in fact, as Evers pointed out, the biggest benefactors of a flat tax would be the wealthy. Two-thirds of the tax cut would go to people making more than $150,000 a year. Someone making over $1 million a year would see an average annual state tax reduction of $112,167. Contrast that to someone making $40,000 to $50,000 theyd see a reduction of about $290 a year. Fortunately, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, seems to be reading the tea leaves correctly. Vos said recently that while a flat tax would be his preference, I understand Gov. Evers has concerns with that. But the most important thing for us to do, we have to make big efforts toward reducing out tax burden. Flat tax would be ideal. If we cant get to ideal, there are other ways to get there. Vos said he wouldnt insist on including a flat income tax as part of the Republican budget proposal. Great. Find those other ways. Remember, time is money. The governor and the GOP-controlled Legislature shouldnt waste it on proposals that are going nowhere. BUHL LM Meats is open for business and ready to help local farmers in the cattle butchering process. The company is owned by Seth Mathews, Bruno Borges and David Loureiro. Theyve been working mostly with family and friends since opening recently, allowing them to work out any kinks and perfect their workflow. A lot of their focus has been on being efficient, clean, innovative and flexible. Most butcher shops were built 50, 60 years ago, or other buildings were repurposed for butcher shops, Mathews said. So you would have to work with what you got. So we wanted it to flow and work right. Instead of hanging meat on a rail system, for example, LM Meats decided to hang them on what looks like a luggage rack. I saw a luggage rack at a hotel and I was like, Why cant we do that? So we got them all drawn out and designed, Mathews said. Its nice because they can come out after each animal. We can get one, pressure-wash them off. So the whole idea behind it was, How do we keep it clean and nice? That was the goal: How do we get to that point where its efficient and we dont need 20 people to run the amount of animals through here that we do. Added Borges, You dont have to be super big to make quality stuff. It can take about 20 days, on average, from the time of drop-off to pickup, Mathews said. But, Borges added, the customer is in control. If an animal comes in and we see its good and its got a lot of fat, and they want to hang in longer, we can hang it for 30 days. We can do what they want, he said. Thats whats nice about those racks in there. You can pick and choose what cart you want to cut today. Eventually, LM Meats owners would like their own corral system to allow customers to drop off their cattle, reducing stress on the farmer and the animal. LM Meats can be contacted at 208-420-7249, through its Facebook page or by email at seth@mathewsbeef.com. The address is 4477 N. 1900 E., Buhl. Times-News: Why did you start the business? Seth Mathews: It started about four years ago; we started on the building and the whole process of it. We farm all around here and we raise our own cattle that we sell. We couldnt get into a butcher anywhere and so I was feeding animals way past what they should have been. So it was, Lets see what we can do here on the farm and go from there. It was just to fill that void of what you do cause I was running out of options of what to do with my animals. And now here we are Bruno Borges: Theres a lot of places around but everybody is so full. T-N: What has been your favorite part of doing this? Seth: For us with the farm and everything, its seeing that thing go full cycle of an animal. Being able to put something out here where we can help the community and provide that relief. Cause on the other side of it, being a farmer, it was a major stress point the last few years of where do we gone what do we do? So thats been one of the fun parts, is kind of getting to see that come to fruition and we can take some of that stress off of people who were in the same boat. One of the fun parts is getting to come in and see the different steaks coming out. Theres times Im like, I just want to take that home cause that looks like an amazing steak. Bruno: When cutting an animal, we can look at it and see, man, this is really good stuff here. You can tell the difference with the animals just by pretty much the day we kill them. But once we start cutting into them, thats when you really see the quality. T-N: What is something you want the public to know that they may not know about you? Seth: That we are getting there and at least come give us a shot. Take a look at it and see. Come out and walk through it. I think most people weve worked with now ... have been pretty happy with what we have done so far. We had a guy come in and train these guys on a more grocery store cut, so even though its packaged beef, when you open up the packages, youre getting a more grocery store-style cut. That was one of the big things was, how do we get to the point where when people open it up theyre proud that they put their own animal out there. Its an experience deal. Give us a call with any questions. Weve got availability and we are ready to go. We can typically fit people in whenever. Close David Loureiro, left, Seth Mathews, middle, and Bruno Borges are the owners of LM Meats in Buhl. Butchered cattle hang in a refrigerated room on Feb. 4 at the LM Meats building in Buhl. The racks were uniquely designed by the company's owners to help make a more efficient way of storing and moving the meat. The LM Meats building in Buhl. The room where LM Meats cuts and prepares the meat, February 4, 2023 in Buhl. LM Meats freezer stocked with meat, wrapped and ready for customers, February 4, 2023 in Buhl. The killing floor, where cattle are brought to be butchered, February 4, 2023, at LM Meats building in Buhl. Cattle roam in a field across from LM Meats' building on February 4, 2023, in Buhl. LM Meats raise and butcher their own cattle. LM Meats is ready for your business LM Meats is a new beef ranch that started up in the last few months and is ready to help take stress off of farmers who cant find availability to get their cattle butchered. David Loureiro, left, Seth Mathews, middle, and Bruno Borges are the owners of LM Meats in Buhl. Butchered cattle hang in a refrigerated room on Feb. 4 at the LM Meats building in Buhl. The racks were uniquely designed by the company's owners to help make a more efficient way of storing and moving the meat. The LM Meats building in Buhl. The room where LM Meats cuts and prepares the meat, February 4, 2023 in Buhl. LM Meats freezer stocked with meat, wrapped and ready for customers, February 4, 2023 in Buhl. The killing floor, where cattle are brought to be butchered, February 4, 2023, at LM Meats building in Buhl. Cattle roam in a field across from LM Meats' building on February 4, 2023, in Buhl. LM Meats raise and butcher their own cattle. Magic Valley legislators' letter against Lava Ridge Dear Idaho Congressional Delegation, We as Representatives of the citizens of the Magic Valley, after reviewing the Environmental Impact Statement, oppose the Lava Ridge Wind Farm Proposal for the following reasons: According to the Environment Impact Statement, the Lava Ridge Project will decimate the bird and bat populations that will in turn impact the insect population and have an unknowable effect on agriculturethe lifeblood of the Magic Valley. The construction of this project may impact our aquifer, further impacting agriculture. The proposed project is the largest of its type ever conceived. It will industrialize large swaths of undeveloped wilderness, requiring the construction of hundreds of miles of new roads, which will forever alter the natural landscape. This will have an impact on cultural resources such as sacred archaeological sites and other sites sacred to Native Americans and Japanese Americans. It will also impact our aviation and any expansion of local surrounding airports. This technology has a short lifespan, but the desecration will remain for decades to come. This project raises the question of what voice the citizens of a state should have over the use of public lands under Federal control, within their states borders. Eminent domain will likely be used to secure the property needed to access the land and we are concerned about setting a precedent in which the Federal government tries to reshape the historic use of such lands. We are concerned that the impetus for this project lies outside of the borders of Idaho in highly populous states who have a poor track record of resource management. This project will forever negatively impact the Magic Valley in unalterable ways with nebulous benefits for far-away electrical consumers. Our constituents have expressed near-unanimous sentiments against the Lava Ridge Wind Farm and other such projects. As state legislators we oppose this project and urge, in the strongest language possible, our Federal Representatives to do the same. Kind Regards, Representative Chenele Dixon Senator Linda Hartgen Representative Lance Clow Representative Greg Lanting Representative Steve Miller Representative Jack Nelsen Idaho gas prices up 15 cents from last week Theres pain at the pump again for Gem State drivers: Gas prices are up 15 cents from a week ago, according to AAA Idaho. The average for a gallon of regular in Idaho was $3.60 on Monday, the 12th highest price in the United States. The national average, meanwhile, dropped four cents from a week ago, to $3.47. Gas prices have been climbing across the U.S. since the beginning of the year, but the big surge hit other parts of the country first. Now, the other shoe has dropped, with price hikes reaching Idaho, AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde said in a news release. With a mixed economic outlook and the continued prospect of winter weather, pump prices could be on a real roller-coaster this week. The most expensive gas prices are in Hawaii ($4.91), California ($4.62) and Washington ($4.14), Texas ($3.08) has the lowest average price, according to AAA. The average in Twin Falls, meanwhile, was $3.66, up 20 cents from last week. The per-gallon price across the Magic Valley on Monday ranged from $3.39 in Burley to $3.89 in Ketchum and Hailey, according to GasBuddy. Simpson lands $1.55M for Shoshone health center Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson on Monday announced that the Family Health Services Community Health Center, under construction in Shoshone, has received $1.55 million in federal funding through the omnibus spending package signed by President Joe Biden in December. The health center, which will include a four-unit ambulance bay and the countys only helipad, will greatly expedite access to emergency care, and reduce health disparities often inherent in rural communities, Simpson said in a news release. The Lincoln County Commission thanked Simpson for including the Shoshone center in the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill at through Community Project Funding. The health center is projected for completion in early 2024, Aaron Houston, CEO for Family Health Services, said in the release. First Federal Foundation gifts nearly $40K in Magic ValleyThe First Federal Foundation has announced nearly $40,000 in monetary donations to eight non-profit organizations in the Magic Valley as part of its December 2022 grant cycle. The foundation has now awarded more than $1.3 million to local charities and other groups, according to a news release. The latest grant recipients are as follows: The Boys & Girls Club of the Magic Valley (indoor play structure) Kimberly High School (softball equipment) Magic Valley Marlins (new timing system) Morningside Elementary School PTO (portable sound system) The Optimist Club of Twin Falls (Idaho Coats for Kids) Tough Enough to Wear Pink (tablets and laptops) Twin Falls Lions Club (vision screening machine) United War of South Central Idaho (ADA portable aquatic lift) (To submit local news briefs, email TWF.Frontdoor@magicvalley.com.) Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has hosted the second edition of the DIFC Talent Week, which continues to shape new talent to prepare them for the future of work. Taking place from February 7 to 9 at the DIFC Innovation Hub, this years event is seeing a greater focus on empowering Emirati talent. The event was attended by Sultan Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai; Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC; Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ; and Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority. DIFC Talent Week introduces Emiratis to founders of successful start-ups so that they can learn from their experience and encourage them to become tech entrepreneurs. Career fair The event also features a unique career fair, live workshops, panel discussions and interactive sessions for students, graduates and young professionals looking to explore opportunities in financial services related firms, and innovation and technology businesses. Attendees have access to job opportunities with top financial institutions and FinTech companies, a sector that is a strong recruiter of young Emiratis. Attendees can also participate in around 30 workshops across three days with leading organisations, such as Dubai Future District Fund, Mark Williams, Michael Page, Middlesex University Dubai, Robert Walters, Sarwa, Stanley Mac and more. National and multinational companies including Baraka, Commercial Bank of Dubai, DIFC Authority, Dubai Government Human Resources Department, HSBC, Munich Reinsurance, Oliver Wyman, Standard Chartered Bank and Talabat are holding recruitment drives onsite, giving candidates the opportunity to showcase their skills and network directly with potential employers. Enormous shifts Mohammad Alblooshi, Head of DIFC Innovation Hub and FinTech Hive, said: Rapid transformations in technology continue to remain a top priority across sectors, bringing about enormous shifts in the world of work. As the future lies in the hands of the new generation, it is critical to inspire and shape young talent to address the ever-evolving needs of businesses. DIFC, with its unique ecosystem, offers a platform for new talent to engage directly with potential employers through DIFC Talent Week. The second edition also focuses more on empowering Emirati talent, who are the future of the nation and will drive the new economy. This year, representatives from well-established start-ups are equipping students and graduates with the knowledge and expertise of starting a business. Attendees have the unique opportunity to learn from the successes and challenges of these entrepreneurs and get practical advice on how to turn their own business ideas into reality. Held in collaboration with educational institutions, world-renowned organisations, start-ups and government bodies, DIFC Talent Week is in line with the Centres commitment to shaping future talent and preparing them for the job market of tomorrow. The inaugural edition of the event received more than 5,000 registrations.-- TradeArabia News Service Was it the classified documents? Is this what the political experts will ask themselves if Joe Biden loses the 2024 presidential election? Will they say the 2024 election was decided when classified documents were found in President Joe Bidens home, prior offices and vacation house? And that President Biden had allowed classified documents to be stored in his private homes and offices? We do not know. But every experienced political expert would say that a problem such as Bidens classified documents is best handled by getting the matter out to the public all at once, rather than dripping out pieces over time. On the challenge of minimizing the drip-drip, Biden got off to an awful start. Here is how the story has dripped so far based on a key events summary prepared by ABC News (https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/key-events-biden-classified-documents-probe-updated-timeline/story?id=96396261). Nov. 4: The National Archives inspector general contacted the Justice Department to say the White House notified the National Archives that documents bearing classification markings were identified at Penn Biden Center, the think tank in Washington that Biden used after leaving office as vice president in 2017. Nov 9: FBI commenced an assessment to understand whether classified information had been mishandled. Nov. 14: Attorney General Merrick Garland assigned U.S. Attorney John Lausch to conduct an initial investigation on whether to appoint a special counsel. Dec. 20: Bidens personal counsel informed Lausch that additional documents bearing classification markings were identified in the garage of Bidens Wilmington, Del., home. The FBI went to the location and secured those documents, Garland said. Jan. 5: Lausch advised Garland that further investigation by a special counsel was warranted. Jan. 9: Reporting broke that Garland assigned Lausch to review classified documents found at the Penn Biden Center. The White House confirmed that the presidents attorneys found a small number of documents with classified markings in a locked closet at the center. Jan. 10: Biden said he was surprised to learn that there were any government records at the Penn Biden Center, adding, I dont know whats in the documents. Jan. 12: The presidents personal counsel called Lausch and stated that an additional document bearing classification markings was identified at the presidents residence in Wilmington. Jan. 14: A special counsel for Biden, Richard Sauber, confirmed that five additional pages of classified information were found when he was working with the Department of Justice to hand over a one-page classified document found days earlier at the Wilmington home. Jan. 20: The Department of Justice searched Bidens Wilmington home and took possession of more items containing classified information. Feb. 1: The FBI conducted a planned search of Bidens home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. And the story continues dripping, day by day. Possibly, Bidens problem with classified documents, as serious as it is, can be successfully managed with explanations that include comparison with other important political figures, including former Vice President Mike Pence, who made similar careless mistakes. But it is also possible that the dripping messages about classified documents could wear down Biden. Dripping messages about then-Secretary of State Hillary Clintons alleged mistakes in the so-called Benghazi affair being responsible for the deaths of four Americans helped sink her 2016 presidential campaign, and a similar series of messages could do the same to Bidens 2024 campaign. In Bidens case, the drip-drip messages about his carelessness in handling classified documents provides a way to imply that his advanced age diminishes his ability to handle important routine matters. That message in its simple form would be that the 80-year-old Biden is just too old to be president again. It might not be fair, but that will not keep it from being an effective campaign tactic to be used by any Biden opponent. Angola is presenting its mining potential at the Mining INDABA 2023 Conference in South Africa, also promoting the minerals needed for the energy transition, the Angolan Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas announced Monday. Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, who is heading the Angolan delegation to the event that began Monday in Cape Town, noted that publicizing the countrys mining potential aimed to attract investors to prospect and research those minerals on Angolan soil. For this conference we specifically bring the promotion of minerals that are necessary for the energy transition, we do not mean by that that we are only concerned with the important minerals for the energy transition, but to disclose the potential that the country also has, the Angolan minister said on Monday. Speaking on the sidelines of the opening of the conference, which runs until Thursday and brings together several operators from the mining sector from the African continent and beyond, Diamantino Pedro Azevedo also noted the presence of Angolan companies at the event. We bring the institutional part, where we show how companies can obtain mining rights so that they can carry out their activities in our country, as well as the infrastructures that we already have to support the mining industry, he said. Angolas actions and potential in terms of the mining industry will be specifically addressed in a panel, as part of the conference, scheduled for Tuesday. According to the Angolan minister, the delegation he heads, which has a full agenda, is also expected to meet with leaders of several global companies in the sector and with financial institutions interested in funding the Angolan mining sector. The Mining INDABA Conference is considered to be the biggest African investment event in the mining sector. Cape Verde will host the 2nd WASAG International Forum, which focuses on water scarcity in agriculture, and is promoted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Cape Verde will host this week, and for the second time, the International Forum on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG), which will bring together in Praia nearly three hundred international experts. Under the slogan Making agriculture resilient to climate change, water scarcity, an opportunity for action and collaboration, the WASAG II International Forum will take place in the city of Praia between 07 and 10 February, after the country hosted the same event in 2019. During the four days, approximately three hundred international experts, professionals and national activists are expected to debate the challenges for resilient agriculture in the context of global climate change. It also aims to provide spaces for reflections and contributions to the mid-term evaluation of the implementation stage of the International Decade for Action Goals (2018-2028) at the UN World Water Conference in March 2023, and to discuss ways to make more effective and impactful partnerships for the implementation of the new WASAG Action Strategy in the period 2021-2024. The Rwandan Armed Forces have announced the extension of their anti-terrorist operations to the southern part of Mozambiques Cabo Delgado province. The Rwandan Armed Forces have extended action to the southern part of Cabo Delgado province, extending support to Mozambique in the fight against terrorism beyond the area of the gas projects, according to information released by the troops. The gas projects, suspended due to attacks, are in Palma district, on the northeastern tip of the province, but the Rwandan forces have an ongoing operation launched since 21 December, in Ancuabe district, to the south, they said in a statement. During a visit to the military base of the Rwandan Armed Forces located in Ancuabe district, Mozambiques defence minister, Major-General Cristovao Chume, along with the deputy commander of the Mozambican Armed Forces were briefed on the state of play of the ongoing operations. According to the statement, during the visit the Mozambican minister expressed the appreciation of the Mozambican government for the work that has been done in the field. Ancuabe district has graphite mines, a resource that has seen a sharp rise in value in recent years due to an increase in demand for the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles. But insurgent attacks have brought work on the mines to a standstill since mid-2022. The same scattered groups are suspected of carrying out the latest attacks against civilians in other nearby districts. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Dhaka Bangladesh. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Extreme heat and humidity and other climate-related events have an alarming impact on mental health outcomes in terms of depression and anxiety in Bangladesh, the world's seventh most vulnerable country to climate change. A study examining this relationship by scientists at Georgetown University and colleagues at George Washington University and the World Bank in Bangladesh, appeared February 5, 2023, in The Lancet Planetary Health. "We have now established a high-water mark that alas could soon be eclipsed for how climate can impact mental health in a highly vulnerable country. This should serve as a warning for other nations," says the study's lead author Syed Shabab Wahid, DrPH, MPH, an assistant professor in the Department of Global Health at Georgetown University's School of Health. "Previous global research has found a link between these climate-related phenomena and adverse mental health outcomes in terms of depression and anxiety. As climate change worsens, temperatures and humidity will continue to increase, as will natural disasters, such as extreme flooding, which portends worsening impact on our collective mental health, globally." The researchers measured climate-related variables at 43 weather stations in Bangladesh for changes in seasonal temperatures and humidity over a two-month period and noted instances of exposure to flooding from study respondents. They say this was not long enough to see major climate change impacts, which could take many years to study, but gives an indication of how even small changes in weather events linked to climate change can impact mental health outcomes. Additionally, the researchers conducted two sets of surveys, in both urban and rural areas, between August and September 2019 and January and February 2020 to assess depression and anxiety in adults in representative households. They received evaluable responses from over 7,000 people. The researchers found that people experiencing one-degree Celsius higher temperatures during the two months preceding the study had a 21% higher probability of an anxiety disorder and a 24% higher likelihood of both depression and an anxiety disorder simultaneously. Similarly, a one gram of moisture per cubic meter of air increase in humidity was found to create a 6% higher probability of a co-occurrence of anxiety and depression. No links between heat or humidity were identified with depression alone. Exposure to worsening flooding linked to climate change in the region was attributed to increased odds of all conditions: depression by 31%, anxiety by 69% and the presence of both conditions by 87%. The overall prevalence of depression in the Bangladeshi population was 16.3%, which is considerably higher than global estimates of depression of 4.4% found in other studies. In addition to the finding of the large disparity in depression levels in Bangladesh compared to global estimates, they found anxiety levels of 6.0% in Bangladesh compared to estimates of 3.6% globally. "Our next steps are two-fold. We want to develop and evaluate community-based interventions that are culturally appropriate for Bangladesh, such as offering mental health services to climate-affected communities, of which there are many throughout the country. We also plan to conduct further research in Bangladesh and globally on the associations identified in this study using longer-term approaches to narrow down the causes and effects of climate changes on mental health," concludes Wahid. More information: Syed Shabab Wahid et al, Climate-related shocks and other stressors associated with depression and anxiety in Bangladesh: a nationally representative panel study, The Lancet Planetary Health (2023). Journal information: The Lancet Planetary Health This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Sub-Saharan Africa has a high maternal death rate and an even higher stillbirth and neonatal death rate. Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital have a longstanding maternal neonatal health project in Malawi, in partnership with Baylor's Children's Foundation Malawi and the Malawi Ministry of Health. Their efforts in using artificial intelligence augmented continuous electronic fetal monitoring (AI-CEFM) has assisted with successful deliveries among mothers and newborns in Malawi. Their findings were published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. "In Malawi, there is a shockingly high maternal death rate, with about 1 in every 200 women dying around the time of delivery, and even higher levels of early neonatal death and stillbirth rate, ranging between 2 to 6 percent of all babies during the time of delivery, either in the womb or outside the womb," said Dr. Jeffrey Wilkinson, professor and vice chair of Global Women's Health in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor and director of the global women's health fellowship program at Texas Children's. PeriGen Inc., which makes the AI-CEFM system, partners with thousands of health professionals in the United States to promote safe outcomes for mothers and babies. The deployment of this technology in Malawi is the first of its kind, offering promising results for future opportunities in low-income settings. Fetal monitoring is standard in high-income settings but very limited in low-income countries like Malawi due to low midwife-to-patient ratios, so it is difficult for midwives to monitor babies in the womb. Researchers focused on whether intrapartum stillbirth and early neonatal death could be reduced by instituting AI fetal monitoring, looking at their outcomes six months before and after the implementation. "There is reason to believe it helps with the low nurse-to-patient ratio because the initial interpretation of the fetal monitoring strip is done by AI and it doesn't require this huge background of knowledge and experience with fetal monitoring," Wilkinson said. The fetal monitoring looks for signs of compromise in the fetus before delivery, generally in the form of hypoxia or acidosis. This can lead to stillbirth or severe birth asphyxia, which can result in early neonatal death. Early identification of fetal heart rate changes can prompt intervention, which might include operative delivery, preventing both intrapartum still birth, early neonatal death or long-term problems with the baby related to brain damage related to the birth asphyxia. "Having the confidence to know you can safely monitor babies in a full labor ward is reassuring. The AI augmented fetal monitoring system helps to mitigate the age-old problem of high nurse-to-patient ratio, which is a barrier to quality care," said Dr. Chikondi Chiweza, co-director of the Baylor Malawi Area 25 Project and co-first author of the research letter. "One neonatal death is a 100 percent still birth rate in the eyes of that poor woman. We should actively try whatever means necessary to reduce the statistic." By training staff to use this system, dramatic decreases resulted in intrapartum stillbirths, stillbirths that occur during labor and in neonatal deaths. This resulted in about a 75 percent reduction in intrapartum still births and early neonatal deaths, with a small increase in cesarean deliveries. "Artificial intelligence augmented fetal monitoring, along with enhanced quality of care, has the potential to create a paradigm shift in the care of women and babies in low-income settings. I am very encouraged by these preliminary results," said Dr. Michael Belfort, professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor and OB/GYN-in-chief at Texas Children's Pavilion for Women. "Adopting the use of artificial intelligence to inform healthcare providers about the fetal condition has proven to be the best quality improvement strategy in preventing birth asphyxia and still births in this setting," said Dziwenji Makombe, head nurse matron at the Area 25 Hospital in Malawi. At the Area 25 Community Hospital where the project is being deployed in the nation's capital, Lilongwe, the team saw 7,500 deliveries last year and are projected to deliver around 8,000 babies this year. According to Wilkinson, this is the first time this system has been employed on the African continent, where stillbirths and early neonatal deaths are quite common (especially in low-income countries). They hope to scale this to other centers to make a difference on rates of these tragedies. "Healthcare systems, international agencies and funders have made very little progress in the reduction of stillbirth and early neonatal death in low-income countries," Wilkinson said. "Until quality of care is emphasized and technology is introduced in a contextually appropriate manner, babies will continue to die around the time of delivery with the suffering of women, families and society that comes along with these preventable deaths." More information: Chikondi Chiweza et al, Can artificial intelligenceaugmented fetal monitoring prevent intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal death in a lowincome setting: An observational study?, BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (2022). DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17321 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A Canadian endocrinologist whose research has helped develop therapies for diabetes and obesity and three chemists whose work has advanced the understanding of RNA were announced Tuesday as winners of Israel's prestigious Wolf Prize. The University of Toronto's Daniel Drucker received this year's Wolf Prize in Medicine "for his research into intestinal hormones and their use in treating diabetes and other metabolic diseases," the Wolf Foundation said. The 2023 laureates were announced by the Wolf Foundation, a state-owned entity that issues the award to promote excellence in arts and sciences. Dozens of Wolf Prize Laureates have gone on to win Nobel prizes in the 45 years since its conception. The other recipients of this year's awards include Ingrid Daubechies of Duke University in mathematics; Chuan He of the University of Chicago, Hiroaki Suga of the University of Tokyo, and Jeffery W. Kelly of the Scripps Research Institute in chemistry; Martinus van Genuchten of Brazil's Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in agriculture; and Fujiko Nakaya of Japan and Richard Long of the United Kingdom in art. The awards were announced Tuesday in Jerusalem at a ceremony hosted by Israel's president, Isaac Herzog. "Looking at the work of this year's laureates, what is so striking to me is not only the faculties of human intellect they reflect, but the determination they express to alleviate human suffering and improve life on Earth," he said. An awards ceremony is scheduled in June. Past recipients of the prize include astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, artist Marc Chagall, conductor Zubin Mehta and musician Stevie Wonder. 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Researchers have discovered that over-the-counter drugs commonly used to treat heartburn could shorten the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). These drugs could also reduce the chances of the bacteria that causes TB from becoming drug resistant. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) today, may mean TB can be cured with shorter treatments. TB typically takes months to treat with multiple drugs. This poses logistical challenges in completing treatment for many people. So, it is widely agreed that shortening TB treatment is needed to thwart the global burden of the disease. Heartburn drugs like omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole and rabeprazole are cheap, commonly available, safe, and are already approved. The researchers found that these drugs stop the bacteria that cause TB becoming tolerant to antibiotics used to treat the illness. The research was led by Professor Lalita Ramakrishnan and colleagues from the University of Cambridge and the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge. In this study, Professor Ramakrishnan and her colleagues wanted to find out exactly why treatment for TB usually involves taking antibiotics for several months. In 2021, an estimated 10.6 million people worldwide fell ill with TB and 1.6 million people died from the disease. When we're infected, TB bacteria enter our tissues and invade cells that make up part of our immune system, called macrophages. When they get there, they turn on pumps in their cell membranes that pump out the antibiotics we use against them. This renders the bacteria tolerant to the antibiotics, a reason it takes so long to treat TB. In this new study, Ramakrishnan and her colleagues decided to test if a cardiac and blood pressure drug called verapamil, which blocks human cell membrane pumps, could also block the bacterial cell membrane pump. To do this, they used a neat approach in which they tagged an antibiotic typically used to treat TB, rifampicin, with a fluorescent marker so they could track exactly how the bacteria process the antibiotic. This meant they could directly see that verapamil does indeed stop the bacteria ejecting rifampicin. The researchers then wondered if other drugs in wide use for all sorts of conditions, which also incidentally block human cell membrane pumps, could have the same effect on the TB bacterial pumps as verapamil. Professor Lalita Ramakrishnan said, "That's when my Ph.D. student, Alex Lake, decided to screen these drugs and bingo, many of them worked. The most stunning of all was the class of proton pump inhibitors that are among the most widely used, over the counter drugs for heartburn, reflux, gastritisomeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole. "Not only do they work, but they work as well as or possibly with even greater potency than verapamil. This is very cool, because one of the holy grails of TB treatment is can we come up with shortening regimes. "And since active drug pumps are thought to enable bacteria to develop drug resistance, there is a possibility that these drugs could at the same time reduce the chances of drug resistance, a significant problem in TB treatment." Dr. Stephen Oakeshott, Head of Infection and Immunity at the Medical Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, said, "This exciting work is a great example of how understanding basic cellular mechanisms can directly unlock pathways to future treatment regimes. "The potential for repurposing cheap and easily accessible drugs to accelerate TB treatment could have enormous health impact worldwide and we look forward to seeing this discovery move forward." So far, this work has only been carried out in cells. More research will be needed before eventually moving onto clinical trials to look at potential treatment regimes for drug combinations in patients. The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology and University of Cambridge researchers collaborated with researchers across the university, as well as in Italy and in the US. More information: Alexandra M. Lake et al, The human proton pump inhibitors inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis rifampicin efflux, and macrophage-induced rifampicin tolerance, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2215512120. Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Provided by UK Research and Innovation This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Flowchart of the model's front-end processing of voice signals. Credit: Tian, Zhu and Jing Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have achieved promising results on numerous tasks and could soon assist professionals in various settings. In recent years, computer scientists have been exploring the potential of these tools for detecting signs of different physical and psychiatric conditions. Depression is one of the most widespread psychiatric disorders, affecting approximately 9.5% of American adults every year. Tools that can automatically detect signs of depression might help to reduce suicide rates, as they would allow doctors to promptly identify people in need of psychological support. Researchers at Jinhua Advanced Research Institute and Harbin University of Science and Technology have recently developed a deep learning algorithm that could detect depression from a person's speech. This model, introduced in a paper published in Mobile Networks and Applications, was trained to recognize emotions in human speech by analyzing different relevant features. "A multi-information joint decision algorithm model is established by means of emotion recognition," Han Tian, Zhang Zhu and Xu Jing wrote in their paper. "The model is used to analyze the representative data of the subjects, and to assist in diagnosis of whether the subjects have depression." Tian and his colleagues trained their model on the DAIC-WOZ dataset, a collection of audio and 3D face expressions of patients diagnosed with depressive disorder and of people without depression. These audio recordings and facial expressions were collected during interviews led by a virtual agent, who asked different questions about the interviewee's mood and life. "On the basis of exploring the speech characteristics of people with depressive disorder, this paper conducts an in-depth study of speech assisted depression diagnosis based on the speech data in the DAIC-WOZ dataset," Tian, Zhu, and Jian wrote in their paper. "First, the speech information is preprocessed, including speech signal pre-emphasis, framing windowing, endpoint detection, noise reduction, etc. Secondly, OpenSmile is used to extract the features of speech signals, and the speech features that the features can reflect are studied and analyzed in depth." To extract relevant features from voice recordings, the team's model uses OpenSmile (open-source speech and music interpretation by large-space extraction). This is a toolkit often used by computer scientists to extract features from audio clips and classify these clips. The researchers used this tool to extract individual speech features and combinations of features that are commonly found in the speech of patients diagnosed with depression. Subsequently, they used a technique known as principal component analysis to reduce the set of features that they extracted. Tian, Zhu and Jian evaluated their model in a series of tests, where they assessed its ability to detect depressed and non-depressed people from recordings of their voice. Their framework achieved remarkable results, detecting depression with an accuracy of 87% in male patients and 87.5% in female patients. In the future, the deep learning algorithm developed by this team of researchers could be an additional assistive tool for human psychiatrists and doctors, along with other well-established diagnostic tools. In addition, this study could inspire the development of similar AI tools for detecting signs of psychiatric disorders from speech. More information: Han Tian et al, Deep learning for Depression Recognition from Speech, Mobile Networks and Applications (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s11036-022-02086-3 2023 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain In 2022, an estimated 7,000 Canadians were diagnosed with leukemia, a term used to define cancer of the blood cells. Of that 7,000, it is estimated that nearly half will face mortality. University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine graduate student Ananna Arna dedicated a research project to examine how genetics and DNA replication play a role in leukemia development. "Like other cancers, leukemia is caused by genetic factors and environmental factors," said Arna. "Genetic alteration impairs normal blood cell production and overall body function." If something is to alter genetics, this naturally means the alteration of DNA. Helicase proteins are responsible for "unzipping" normally double-stranded DNA into two single strands. Under the supervision of USask College of Medicine professor Dr. Yuliang Wu (Ph.D.), Arna's study aims to understand how the actions of a specific DNA helicaseDEAD-box helicase 41 (DDX41)can possibly contribute to the causation of specific leukemias in the body. "Although scientists have identified a significant contribution of various helicases in cancer onset and progression, the mechanism of how a faulty DDX41 leads to cancer has not been explored," said Arna. "DNA alteration of blood cells occur under various conditions; however, these changes are observed more commonly in helicases," said Arna. "We suspect DDX41 helicase plays a significant role in forming small granules that consist of many proteins and RNA molecules." "These granules exist under normal conditions, but they increase in quantity when cells undergo trauma or stress conditions, and reduce in quantity when stress is gone," said Arna. The research team suspected that DDX41 had the ability to cause a change in the way these 'stress balls' are formed. Disruptions to this process have the potential to lead to cancer development. Some early research findings from Arna's team indicate that DDX41 is required for this granule formation. When mutations occur in DDX41, this can lead to alterations in the way granules are produced, opening the door for the creation of potentially negative cellular behavior. "Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are two types of aggressive blood cancers with five-year survival rates of only around 25%," said Arna. "The incidence of AML and MDS increases with the aging population. Given that Canada's senior population is expected to grow by 68% over the next 20 years, the number of patients with MDS and AML is expected to increase significantly." The results obtained from studying the actions of DDX41 will give medical practitioners an in-depth look into how leukemias develop, which can be implemented in the invention of new treatment options and in existing therapeutics. Arna was actively involved in the project for nearly two years, mainly in designing, performing, and interpreting experiments. Another grad student will carry the work forward as Arna has taken on the challenge of medical school and has started her first year in the USask Doctor of Medicine program. "Currently, I have started my first year at USask College of Medicine," Arna said, of her future plans. "I hope to serve as a family physician in Saskatchewan after I complete my degree." Dubai is a lucrative market to grow your real estate game. Its a land that crowns true potential. However, not before testing you in a variety of ways. Its ever-fluctuating market never fails to challenge the best real estate agents. But this was only one of the challenges Anthony Joseph Abou Jaoude had to overcome to become Dubais top real estate broker . He shares three ways in which Dubai chiselled and structured his once-misshapen passion. Anthony came to Dubai from Lebanon. He came as a man with a dream without any means to achieve it. This is when real estate found him. It wasnt something he imagined himself doing, but never the one to turn his back on a challenge, Anthony decided to take a plunge. It didnt take him much to realise that he was a mere salmon in a world of real estate sharks. He had no recourse, and the journey ahead seemed impossible. But he soon realised that he could only go up if he admitted he was at the bottom. This proved to be a good move. He was slow and steady. He started to learn from his mistakes and dared to make new ones. He stuck by his principles, choosing authenticity over farcicality. His clients started to trust his decisions, and his base grew. Thats when he entered the radar of his competitors. He says: I was gaining ground while the big sharks had their back towards me. They didnt see my struggle. They simply saw my rise. And they didnt like it. They started with discouragement and progressed toward jealousy and hatred. It was the toughest thing to overcome. Anthony, however, stuck to his strategy. In his case, those are principles. As he treated his clients as he would my parents and didnt suggest to them anything I wouldnt buy myself, he became synonymous with authenticity. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The best treatment for a genetically driven form of lung cancer continues to show lasting benefits, a new clinical trial update shows. Tagrisso (osimertinib) nearly doubles disease-free survival in earlier-stage patients whose lung cancer is driven by a mutation in their EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) gene, researchers report. After four years of follow-up, disease-free survival was 73% in the Tagrisso group versus 38% in patients who received a placebo, updated results showed. Taken as a pill, the drug also cut patients' cancer recurrence in half compared to placebo, 27% versus 60%. In addition, patients were less likely to develop cancers in other parts of the body. "One of the main benefits of this drug is that it has good brain penetration and it's a whole-body treatment," said Dr. Nicholas Rohs, an assistant professor of oncology with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City. "Often when this disease relapses, it can relapse in the brain, in the bones or other different organs, where it's much more difficult to treat." About 10% to 15% of lung cancers in the United States are driven by an EGFR mutation, according to the American Lung Association. These patients tend to have minimal to no smoking history. EGFR is a protein on cells that helps them grow. This mutation causes cancer by promoting runaway growth. Tagrisso works by interrupting the mutated EGFR's effect on cancer cells. "There's a signal in these cells saying grow, grow, grow, grow, grow because of this mutation in the EGFR domain," said Rohs, who was not part of the study. "We basically block that signal and say, 'Hey, stop telling this cell to grow out of control.'" The U.S. Food and Drug Administration first approved Tagrisso in 2018 for treatment of patients with metastatic solid-tumor lung cancers driven by EGFR mutations. A second clinical trial then commenced to see whether Tagrisso could be used to help prevent lung cancer recurrence in patients with earlier-stage disease, following surgery to remove their tumors. "We've been using this with great success in the metastatic setting for quite a while," Rohs said. "And when we find something works well in a more advanced setting, we often try and see if there's any way we could trickle down into the earlier-stage setting." In the study, nearly 700 patients with stage IB to IIIA EGFR-driven lung cancer were randomly assigned to take 80 milligrams of Tagrisso or a placebo once a day for three years. The results of that follow-up trial were so promising that the FDA approved Tagrisso for use in earlier-stage lung cancers in 2020, following early release of preliminary results. But the clinical trial continued, to see if Tagrisso would continue to be effective over time. The latest analysis, from researchers led by Dr. Roy Herbst, deputy director of the Yale Cancer Center in New Haven, Conn., was published online recently in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. "This was now two more years of follow-up, roughly, which basically showed that when they followed patients as long as they had intended to, that the results held true," said Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer for the American Cancer Society. The trial update also showed that Tagrisso's side effects were manageable, the experts said. The most common side effects were diarrhea, itchy or inflamed skin, and cough or upper respiratory tract infection, the researchers found. The drug can also cause liver irritation and can suppress blood cell counts, Rohs said. "People actually stayed on the drug longer than they stayed on the placebo," Dahut said of the full trial results. "What that tells me is that the drugby preventing the cancer from coming back, even though there were some side effectswas more tolerable than the fact that people had to stop the placebo and then get treatment where their cancer had recurred. So overall, it's a net positive for patients." Tagrisso has become a front-line treatment for solid-tumor, EGFR-driven lung cancer, but Rohs is looking forward to better blood tests that will help doctors direct the pill to the right patients. A month's supply of Tagrisso costs more than $16,000 if paying straight out-of-pocket, according to WellRx.com and GoodRx.com. "Some of these patients are cured of lung cancer," Rohs said. "We're giving them a cancer-directed therapy and they don't have cancer anymore. We have to get better at finding out who to give this to." The drug's maker, AstraZeneca, paid for the clinical trial. Copyright 2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Oregon Health & Science University researchers measured wide differences among U.S. states in the number of people who turn to hospital emergency departments for treatment of mental health conditions through Medicaid, highlighting the lack of suitable care in many states. The findings published today in the February edition of the journal Health Affairs. The study is the first to examine mental health access through emergency departments for patients enrolled in Medicaid, which provides health care coverage to 90 million Americans. The disparate reliance on emergency departments among states comes amid a national mental health crisis identified by the Biden administration. "We know that access to mental health care is a problem," said lead author John McConnell, Ph.D., director of the OHSU Center for Health Systems Effectiveness and a professor of emergency medicine in the OHSU School of Medicine. "This study confirms that it's more of a problem in some areas than in others. If I were a federal policymaker, I'd be pretty concerned about states at the top and want to know what's happening there." Researchers tracked Medicaid data from 2018. They found that Ohio, Nevada and Iowa had the largest number of per-capita visits to emergency departments for mental health conditions among Medicaid beneficiaries while Colorado, West Virginia and Arizona had the least. Hospital emergency departments will always be a resource for people who need timely care for mental health conditions. However, McConnell said heavy reliance on emergency departments for behavioral health is problematic. "If lots and lots of people are going to the emergency department for mental health care, it may be that they're not finding access to care in a less-acute setting," he said. "Emergency departments are trained in handling urgent and acute health needs, but they're not necessarily a good fit for the long-term well-being of people in need of mental health treatment." The study marks the first extensive use of a newly available set of Medicaid claims data known as the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System Analytic Files, or TAF. McConnell said he expects the database will be a burgeoning source of research going forward. "There will be a lot more coming," he said. "Medicaid is a huge, huge program that has really not received a lot of attention." In addition to McConnell, co-authors on the study included Kelsey Watson, M.P.H., biostatistician in the OHSU Center for Health Systems Effectiveness; Esther Choo, M.D., M.P.H., professor of emergency medicine; and Jane Zhu, M.D., assistant professor of medicine (general internal medicine and geriatrics) in the OHSU School of Medicine. More information: K. John McConnell et al, Geographical Variations In Emergency Department Visits For Mental Health Conditions For Medicaid Beneficiaries, Health Affairs (2023). DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2022.00796 Journal information: Health Affairs This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Professor Pauline Norris. Credit: University of Otago Removing the $5 prescription charge for people in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation reduces the number of hospital admissions and the length of stays, a new study shows. Researchers, led by Professor Pauline Norris of the University of Otago's Va'a o TautaiCenter for Pacific Health, are recommending the charges be dropped for people with high health needs and low incomes or be scrapped entirely. Professor Norris says the charge prevents some people from getting their medication, which can lead to them going to hospital. "Some people have such low incomes and high health costs, that the $5 charge per medicine is an insurmountable barrier," Professor Norris says. "They go without their medicines, and as a result their health problems get worse, so they need hospital care. This is bad for them, their whanau, and the health system." More than 1000 people from economically deprived areas of Aotearoa, and who have physical and mental health problems which require medication took part in the year-long study. They were randomly assigned to one of two groupscontrol or intervention. People in the control group were required to pay the $5 fee as normal, while those in the intervention group did not. Instead, pharmacies billed the study authors. Results of the study, published in the international journal BMC Health Services Research, reveals for every 100 people who received free prescriptions, 33 were admitted to hospital and stayed for 208 days. For every 100 people who still had to pay the $5 charge, 41 were admitted to hospital and stayed for 326 days. Removing the charge had a substantial effect on the odds of being hospitalized during the study year, reduced the number of admissions for mental health problems, the number of admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the length of stay for COPD admissions. "We knew from previous studies that people go without their medicines because of cost, and many people had told us about their health suffering and sometimes ending up in hospital before of this," Professor Norris says. "However, I am surprised at how much difference the free medicines made; it was really dramatic". She hopes policymakers will consider eliminating the charges for people who are unable to afford them. "This would be a simple way to reduce health inequities. "If a doctor thinks someone needs a medicine, and they want to take it, why do we let the lack of $5 stop them?" A recent New Zealand health survey reveals 3.3 percent of adults reported going without a medicine because of costs. This was more common for Maori and Pacific people, and those living in areas of high deprivation. Co-author Dr. Shirley Keown, of Turanga Health, says "prescription charges force people to choose between getting their medicines, feeding their whanau, paying the power bill or buying petrol for the car to get to work". More information: Pauline Norris et al, Impact of removing prescription co-payments on the use of costly health services: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial, BMC Health Services Research (2023). DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-09011-0 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A recent study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers in the College of Business Administration analyzed how the experiences of racism and discrimination in health care significantly affect the adoption of innovative medical technology like gene therapies and the gene editing tool CRISPR. The study, "In the Back of the Bus: Racialized High-Risk Consumption and Sickle Cell Disease," published in the Journal of the Association of Consumer Research, focused on consumers impacted by sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects the Black community with 100,000 Black patients in the United States alone. Lez Trujillo Torres, assistant professor of marketing and Benet DeBerry-Spence, professor and head of the marketing department, focused on how Black patients deliberate health care risks and how they evaluate innovative medical technologies. They focused on more than 3,200 archival data materials including governmental sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health institutions, news media, and social media. The researchers found that inequalities in the marketplace can be so disruptive that patients and their families are willing to forgo planned treatments and even health innovations that may result in a cure. On the other hand, some patients can be attracted to innovations because they are trying to escape experiences of racism and discrimination but the path to them is plagued with obstacles. They noted that when Black patients deliberate risk related to health treatments, it is more than their individual experiences that come into play. These patients weigh the racism and discrimination they have experienced individually when seeking and receiving health care services, as well as the collective experiences of Black sickle cell patients, said DeBerry-Spence. This perspective is informed by patients' awareness of the legacy of experimentation and exploitation of Blacks in genetic research, such as the unauthorized harvesting of cells from Henrietta Lacks, an African American who died of ovarian cancer. Their perspectives are also linked to the effects of present day systemic racism and the resulting inequities in clinical care and health outcomes. It is a combination of what is good for the individual and what has been the history behind a racial group's experiences with health care. This means that a necessary trip to the emergency room may be delayed as Black patients recall recent and past instances of discrimination regarding health care. Some community members warn others not to disclose health histories and to even dress differently to avoid negative stereotypes from health care providers. "These patients try to mitigate the risks that might come so that they are not denied basic care and that health providers believe them when they go for pain medication for instance or go to the ER," said Trujillo Torres. Several takeaways related to the successful adoption of innovative technologies emerge from this research. Patient experiences with basic medical care are crucial in risk assessments of gene therapies and other medical technologies. This means, for example, that negative experiences during ER visits factor into patient assessments of gene editing tools like CRISPR. Institutions and medical professionals promoting and introducing innovative therapies, then, must consider the role they play in creating distrust. Scientists and the broader medical community should acknowledge that Black patients have a complex risk deliberation that includes personal and collective aspects. More information: Lez Trujillo-Torres et al, In the Back of the Bus: Racialized High-Risk Consumption and Sickle Cell Disease, Journal of the Association for Consumer Research (2022). DOI: 10.1086/722684 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The Eather mother avatar is shown in the forest setting of the EEG-enabled Virtual Therapy System. Credit: Chris Tacca Clients seeking therapy need to feel comfortable in an environment that is conducive to examining mental health and with a counselor they can trust. Meeting those needs can be challenging in a remote therapy environment. A University of Kansas research team has developed a virtual therapy system that addresses many of the issues of remote counseling while also providing therapists with real-time data on brain activity. The EEG-enabled Virtual Therapy System has received a provisional patent and is being refined for wide market use. The system can take users to several virtual settings in which they meet with a counselor in the form of a VR wizard, Mother Earth figure or other avatars. And recent clinical trials show that users have believed the virtual settings address many of the problems of remote counseling. The system originated from a personal experience of Christopher Tacca, a recent doctoral graduate of KU. Just as he was starting his studies, a tragedy occurred. "I remember celebrating graduation with my family and friends and being nervous about coming to Kansas and the Midwest," Tacca said. "About a week later, one of my friends took his life. I didn't how to process it, but I felt like I wanted to do something that could help someone like him." A bioengineering student and Madison and Lila Self Graduate Fellow, Tacca was working with adviser Elizabeth Friis, professor of mechanical engineering. Friis introduced him to Barbara Kerr, Williamson Family Distinguished Professor of Counseling Psychology. Kerr had trained psychologists throughout her career and has used both virtual reality and EEG brain biofeedback in working with creative students and clients. The Virtual Therapy System originated from their discussions and was developed over the next few years as the team studied the technology and how it could be applied in psychological contexts. "We really wanted to meet the needs of people who would use this. Much of that was from Dr. Kerr's experience, but I also called a lot of therapists around Kansas to get their input and shadowed counselors doing what they do," Tacca said. "We thought it was a cool idea, but we wanted it to be more than that. We wanted it to be useful and meaningful." The team recognized the need for a virtual setting conducive to therapy and discussing mental health, and current virtual therapy sometimes can come up short on providing that sense of security. The system also had to provide a "therapeutic alliance," or way to build a trusting, meaningful relationship between the therapist and client. The system features a choice of three virtual environments: a forest, log cabin or a simulation of Sigmund Freud's office. The forest features settings of nature such as trees, waterfalls, ponds and even nature sounds, while the cabin features a fireplace and windows with scenic "outdoor" imagery. The office features large furniture, framed credentials and bookshelves. "One of the things that makes it restorative and comfortable is if people have control over the environment," Tacca said. "So people can say, 'I want to sit by this tree or pond.' Nature is a place that's very restorative, and people go there all the time. Here, people can also control sound elements like hearing a nearby waterfall." The office was modeled after Freud's famous office, which Tacca and fellow students viewed on trips to Vienna, Austria, and Leipzig, Germany, as part of Kerr's history and systems of psychology course. Academic literature in topics ranging from psychology and neuroscience to anthropology informed the development of avatars for counselors. Kaylie Ridgeway, Kerr's doctoral student with a fine arts background, designed the avatars. Clients can choose which type of person they trust, and appropriate male, female and nonbinary counselors voice the characters in real time. "We can think of therapists as having various personality features, and we've found from cultures around the world people tend to trust certain figures as healers," Kerr said. "So we have a 'wizard' or avatar that is a wise elder and a mother figure. And we're also developing a 'trickster' humorous counselor and fantasy animal characters, because virtual reality doesn't restrict us to human forms, and young people especially are familiar and comfortable with these types of figures from gaming and online experiences. In addition, there will be diversity of ethnicity of avatars." The system also provides data that clients cannot obtain through traditional remote sessions. The Virtual Therapy System is EEG-equipped, which provides data on brain activity in real time. Clients wear a commercially available headband that places nodes on the forehead and monitors activity, similar to how a FitBit or similar device monitors physiological activity, Tacca said. That information can help therapists gauge how a client is feeling, if they are experiencing anxiety or are struggling to process or discuss certain topics. Those feelings are more easily detected in person and can be addressed, but can be missed in remote settings. "When Chris first came to me, I thought this was an ideal way to merge EEG technology with counseling work," Kerr said. "We found it was very powerful for counselors to see the brainwaves of clients while working with them. It was a chance for our doctoral students to learn a new way of experiencing what we've known for a long time about what makes therapy work, live a restorative environment." The Virtual Therapy System has received a provisional patent, and the KU Center for Technology Commercialization is in the process of acquiring a full patent. The goal is to make the system commercially available to any counseling professional. The research team has also conducted a series of studies on the system's effectiveness from the counselor's point of view and its results with clients comparing their experiences with counseling virtually and remotely through the Zoom platform. Users rated the virtual system more highly than counseling via Zoom in effectiveness and other factors. Tacca has presented his findings at the Virtual Reality and Healthcare Global Symposium and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Conference on Virtual Reality + 3D User Interfaces, and the studies are forthcoming in peer-reviewed journals as well. The research team continues to refine the Virtual Therapy System. In the meantime, it has already proven effective in helping both clients and counselors in new ways. "We always say the problem with virtual reality is you can't see emotion," Kerr said. "But our system makes that visible and solves a major problem of VR and allows deeper context for counselors to help clients." This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: West Virginia University experts on infant health looked at 34,412 births in West Virginia between 2020 and 2022, analyzing how many newborns were exposed to opioids, stimulants or cannabis in the womb and how those exposures relate to adverse health conditions such as low birthweights and preterm births. Credit: WVU / Greg Ellis Nearly one in eight infants born in West Virginia between 2020 and 2022 had in utero exposure to opioids, stimulants and/or cannabis, according to researchers at West Virginia University Health Sciences. Amna Umer, a pediatric research associate professor in the School of Medicine, said her team's new study showed West Virginia's rates of prenatal exposure to opioids and stimulants were 10 times higher than national rates. To estimate the effects of in utero exposure to substances, the study used data from Project WATCH, a state-mandated surveillance tool that captures maternal and infant information on about 99% of all births in the state to identify at-risk infants. Umer's analysis of the WATCH data demonstrated that of the 34,412 live births of "singleton" babies (excluding twins, triplets or other multiples) that took place in West Virginia over the two-year span, 12.2% of newborns had in utero exposure to drugs such as oxycodone, methamphetamine or marijuana. Umer said the most prevalent substance exposure was cannabis, with 7.9% of infants exposed to it in utero. Exposure to opioids occurred for 4.4% of the infants, and 2.1% had been exposed to stimulants while in the womb. Slightly over 10% of the infants were exposed in utero to one of those substances, 1.7% had been exposed to two of the substances and 0.3% of infants had been exposed to all three. The Journal of Pediatrics published Umer's findings in a paper coauthored with Christa Lilly, associate professor at the School of Public Health; and experts from the School of Medicine: Candice Lefeber, project coordinator in the Department of Pediatrics, Collin John, associate professor and assistant program director for the divisions of internal medicine and pediatrics, and Janine Breyel from the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership. "We showed substance exposure to stimulants alone was associated with preterm birth, whereas opioids alone and cannabis alone were associated with low birthweight and infants being small for their gestational age," Umer said. "Infants exposed to both opioids and cannabis had greater risk than from either exposure individually." The study data showed a 40% increased risk of preterm birth among infants exposed to stimulants alone and a 70% increase with concurrent stimulant and cannabis exposures. The risk of infants being small for their gestational age almost doubled with concurrent exposures to opioids and cannabis, and the mean birth weight of infants exposed to these substances fell by between 200 and 500 grams. Use of neuroactive substances by pregnant women in the U.S., including the use of multiple different substances concurrently, increased from 5.8% in 2019 to 8.3% in 2020. Those substances can decrease placental blood flow, inhibit a fetus's neurotransmitters and contribute to malnutrition. That means more small, preterm babies, which in turn can mean neurodevelopmental and cognitive delays in later life, in addition to cardiovascular problems. Umer emphasized that maternal substance use isn't the only factor contributing to those adverse outcomes. "Our results suggest a complex interplay between sociodemographic factors and lifestyle circumstances," she said. "Substance use disorders can contribute to adverse neonatal outcomes, and so can many other factors we examined in the study, such as maternal age, race, being less educated, being insured through Medicaid which indicates a low income, not having been previously pregnant, inadequate prenatal care and, importantly, maternal smoking. "One in five women in the study smoked during pregnancy, and 64.2% of the infants exposed to in utero substances were also exposed to maternal smoking. "Then there are important factors that Project WATCH doesn't capture, like the mother's pre-pregnancy body mass index or whether she is a victim of physical abuse. The tool doesn't track prenatal alcohol exposure either, although our previous work shows West Virginia's rural population has a high prevalence of prenatal alcohol exposure." Umer focuses on neonatal health in West Virginia because rural communities experience significantly higher rates of substance use disorder in both the general and pregnant populations while bearing disproportionate socioeconomic burdens such as low incomes and high unemployment. Umer's research may not apply in places that also struggle with high rates of substance use but are more racially diverse and densely populated than West Virginia. However, Umer said her findings can be generalized to other predominantly rural and underserved populations with similar socioeconomic vulnerabilities, and consequently, similarly high rates of substance use disorder. "Early identification and intervention reduce adverse outcomes of prenatal substance use like preterm birth and low birthweight, but stigma, shame and fear of legal ramifications deter women from seeking any or limited prenatal care," Umer said. "During the two years of this study, more than 4,000 newborns were exposed to substances in utero. There is a critical need to address this crisis for the most vulnerable population in the state." More information: Amna Umer et al, Substance Exposure and Adverse Neonatal Outcomes: A Population-Based Cohort Study, The Journal of Pediatrics (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.11.040 Journal information: Journal of Pediatrics The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is targeting to clear the more than 20,000 suspended passport application backlog by the end of Oc... TUESDAY, Feb. 7, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- The rates of in-hospital mortality and failure to rescue decrease from a hospital volume threshold of more than 25 liver resections per year, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in the British Journal of Surgery. Josephine Magnin, from the University Hospital of Dijon in France, and colleagues conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent liver resection between 2011 and 2019, and they calculated a threshold of surgical activities from which there were declines in in-hospital mortality. The in-hospital mortality rate was 2.8 percent among 39,286 patients. The researchers found that the activity volume threshold was 25 hepatectomies, from which in-hospital mortality decreased. More postoperative complications were seen in high-volume centers (more than 25 resections per year), but they also had a lower rate of in-hospital mortality (2.6 versus 3 percent) and failure to rescue (5 versus 6.3 percent), in particular in relation to specific complications (liver failure, biliary complications, and vascular complications; 5.5 versus 7.6 percent). These outcomes were not affected by liver transplantation activity. "Despite more major complications, in-hospital mortality and failure-to-rescue rates were lower in high-volume centers, in particular for minor hepatectomies. This implies that management of complications in high-volume centers is better," the authors write. Despite considerable opposition from the public and some council members, the Missoula City Council on Monday decided to move ahead with a proposed redesign of Higgins Avenue. Council voted 9-2 to go forward with the traffic changes, which include lane reductions north and south of the Clark Fork River and on the Beartracks Bridge. Parking reductions, additional left-turn lanes and improved bicycle facilities are also part of the proposal, which now needs Montana Department of Transportation approval. I would suggest we leave it as it is, said Brooks Street resident John Frederikson. He pushed back against the proposal to reduce Higgins Avenue to two lanes with a center lane throughout the corridor. The lanes are narrow as they are, he said. Reducing it to two lanes in my limited opinion is not appropriate. Councilwoman Sandra Vasecka, who represents Ward 6, agreed with those opposed to the reconfiguration. There is going to be a lot of increased traffic there and I am concerned about the lane reductions and I am concerned about the business access, she said. Her fellow council member John Contos in Ward 5 raised additional concerns with the Higgins concept. This is a town with cars and we really need to take that into consideration, Contos said. I think one of the things that probably bothers me the most with this:This city is growing and were shrinking streets. That just doesnt make sense to me. Even though many on council trumpeted the public safety benefit of the project, Contos said he would prefer leaving an element of danger in the design to encourage people to be responsible. Contos and Vasecka voted against the redesign, but they werent the only ones with concerns. In particular, Ward 4s Mike Nugent expressed hesitation because of the lack of specific details available at this stage in the project. Nonetheless, he and eight other councilors ultimately voted to move forward with re-imagining the Higgins corridor. Numerous public commenters, including Bettys Divine boutique owner Aimee McQuilkin, voiced support for the project as well. Missoula has changed and we have to change with it, urged Councilor Sierra Farmer in Ward 2. Plastic reduction An identical vote accompanied a council resolution supporting local control of single-use plastic regulation. Councilors Contos and Vasecka voted against the measure, while the rest of council and a robust showing of public supporters were in favor of it. Basically, this is a nonbinding resolution of support for efforts that are working their way through the Montana Legislature right now to restore local control to engage the community on how we want to, if we want to, regulate the usage of single-use plastics and Styrofoams, Councilwoman Stacie Anderson said. She represents Ward 5. It (plastic) pollutes our air, water, soil and bodies, said Liz Ametsbichler, a public commenter who represented multiple rows of meeting attendees Monday night. It threatens our wildlife and ecosystems. It increases illness, widens inequality and hastens the climate crisis. Its one of the greatest environmental and health threats of our time. A majority of council agreed. Councilor Kristen Jordan in Ward 6 said, Resolutions like this is one of the reasons I wanted to be on city council, because theyre super meaningful. Vasecka, meanwhile, said her intensive research led her to oppose the decision. I completely understand the frustration and everybody being so passionate about this because I have a child myself and Im concerned about his future, Vasecka noted. However, because a Missoula-based plastics ban could create difficulties for chain businesses with multiple Montana locations, Vasecka voted against the resolution. I do believe in local control and that local control, I believe, is at the state level for this, she said. Council also opened a public hearing on increasing tourist home fees, which will be up for final consideration Feb. 13. The Missoula County Sheriff's Office released the name of a man who was killed during a suspected attempted burglary on Sunday. Patrick S. Shemorry, 41, from Spokane Valley in Washington died from multiple gunshot injuries at a Brooks Street house, according to Missoula County Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen. Missoula police said a resident at the 300 block of Brooks Street shot a suspected burglar at 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. The suspect, believed to be Shemorry, is accused of entering the house through an outer screen door. "The homeowner provided multiple warnings for the male to stop," Missoula Police spokesperson Whitney Bennett said after the incident happened. P&O Maritime Logistics, a leading provider of critical logistics and marine solutions, has signed a new contract with global heavy lifting specialist Mammoet to transport the unique hotel villas, all the way from Hamriyah in Sharjah to the Sheybarah Island Resort, a luxury tourist destination on Saudi Arabias Red Sea Coast. The two companies are supporting Red Sea Global in its ambitious project, which champions regenerative tourism and sustainable development in the Kingdom. The Sheybarah Island Resort is a cornerstone project and part of the Saudi 2030 vision and will consist of a total of 73 uniquely shaped and prefabricated villas, some of which will hover above the islands diverse ecosystem. The stainless-steel orbs were conceptualised by Oppenheim Architecture, based in Miami and designed by Killa Design, the same designers of Dubais Museum of the Future, promising a unique experience for guests when the resort opens. With mangroves, beaches and coral reefs, the resort will utilise the latest sustainable and eco-friendly technologies to preserve and enhance the local environment, it stated. As per the contract, P&O Maritime Logistics will use its versatile multi carrying vessel (MCV) fleet to transport off-site manufactured pre-finished volumetric hotel villas to the resort. CEO Martin Helweg said: "As a company headquartered in Dubai, we regularly operate in the Red Sea and around the Middle East. It is particularly exciting that our MCV fleet has been so successful in this region on a variety of projects." A subsidiary of DP World, P&O Maritime Logistics owns and operates 400 vessels worldwide, providing a wide portfolio of value-add services to customers. "The MCVs selected for the project were serviced in drydock facilities before the contract in order to limit their possible impact on local marine life - and their ballast systems were filled with water from the Red Sea to reduce the chance of introducing foreign organisms," explained Helweg. Additionally, the shallow draft of MCVs and with the versatile thruster arrangement used on P&O Maritime Logistics vessels mean that there will be minimal disturbance of the shallow seabed, he stated, adding the shallow draft makes them an ideal vessel for accessing areas where larger ships are unable to fit due to their size. "The MCVs have the unique ability to allow efficient and timely delivery to site using the just-in-time principle, with minimal congestion for the production facility and project site, delivering a cost-effective customer solution," he said. P&O Maritime Logistics recently chartered a new route between the Port of Jeddah and Port Sudan, where its MCV fleet is carrying containers across the Red Sea for the first time, brining additional volumes and reducing waiting times for main line carriers. Helweg said: "We are also delighted to be supporting Mammoet in the development of the Sheybarah Island Resort, as part of Red Sea Globals Red Sea mandate. Sustainability is at the heart of our business, and transporting the villas is just one example of how we are increasing our capacity for projects that promote sustainable development." Mammoet Project Director Jad Ayoub said: "We are pleased to have P&O Maritime Logistics supporting us with the shipment of villas for the Sheybarah Island Resort. We have selected P&O Maritime Logistics for its vessels with shallower drafts that will have minimal impact on the sensitive marine environment of the Red Sea." Earlier this year Mammoet had been appointed by Red Sea Global for the transport and installation of the villas for Sheybarah Island Resort. "With Mammoets ongoing commitment to sustainability and sustainability being the vision for the project, it was crucial to partner with a company that ensures their operations and values are aligned with ours," he added.-TradeArabia News Service WASHINGTON Monday was supposed to be a day of modest hope in the U.S.-China relationship. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was going to be in Beijing, meeting with President Xi Jinping in a high-stakes bid to ease ever-rising tensions between the world's two largest economies. Instead, Blinken spent the day in Washington after abruptly cancelling his visit late last week as the U.S. and China exchanged angry words about a suspected Chinese spy balloon the U.S. shot down. As fraught as the U.S.-China relationship was ahead of Blinken's planned trip, it's even worse now and there's little hope for it improving soon. Meanwhile, U.S. officials said Monday that improvements ordered by President Joe Biden to strengthen defenses against Chinese espionage helped identify last weeks spy balloon and determine that similar flights were conducted at points during the Trump administration. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday that after Biden took office, the U.S. enhanced our surveillance of our territorial airspace, we enhanced our capacity to be able to detect things that the Trump administration was unable to detect. Before Monday, U.S. officials said at least three times during the Trump administration and at least one other time during Bidens time as president balloons crossed American airspace, but not for this long. In those instances, the United States determined the balloons belonged to China only after they left U.S. airspace, said Gen. Glen VanHerck, head of U.S. Northern Command. I will tell you that we did not detect those threats, VanHerck said of his military command. And thats a domain awareness gap that we have to figure out. He added that the U.S. intelligence community after the fact informed his command about the balloons. China accused the United States on Monday of indiscriminate use of force in shooting down the balloon, saying it seriously impacted and damaged both sides efforts and progress in stabilizing Sino-U.S. relations. The U.S. shot down the balloon off the Carolina coast Saturday after it traversed sensitive military sites across North America. Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng said he lodged a formal complaint with the U.S. Embassy on Sunday over the U.S. attack on a Chinese civilian unmanned airship by military force. However, the United States turned a deaf ear and insisted on indiscriminate use of force against the civilian airship that was about to leave the United States airspace, obviously overreacted and seriously violated the spirit of international law and international practice, Xie said. The setback comes at a time when both sides look for a way to potentially extricate themselves from a low point in ties that has had the world on edge. White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby noted Monday that Blinken's trip was delayed, not canceled. But prospects for rescheduling remain uncertain. "I would put this at a six" on a scale of 10, said Danny Russel, a China expert and former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs in the Obama administration, on the damage to current diplomatic efforts between the two countries. "The signals I see suggest that there has to be a pause and a line drawn under the incident but once the drama has gone through its final act, there seems to be every intention to re-engineer a trip by the secretary of state," said Russel, who is now vice president for international security and diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute. It's not that the U.S. and China don't talk it's that they talk from extremely divergent points of view with very little leeway for either to step back from entrenched positions that are often directly related to political conditions at home. Military-to-military channels are used, but they are hindered by increasing Chinese incursions into Taiwanese air defense zones and aggressive actions in the South China Sea. The result is the U.S. stepped up reconnaissance flights and warship voyages through the Taiwan Strait. Diplomatic channels remain open, but for several years they have been dominated by disagreements rather than grounds for potential cooperation and they are now crowded by complaints from both sides over the balloon. Biden and Xi agreed to Blinken's visit during a meeting in November in Indonesia. Biden may have been hoping that his top diplomat would return from China with a measure of progress on issues ranging from trade, Indo-Pacific security and climate change to human rights and the status of Taiwan. Instead, he now faces a domestic political maelstrom just ahead of his State of the Union speech to Congress on Tuesday. Republican lawmakers have been harshly critical of what they say was Biden's weak response to the presence of the balloon over U.S. airspace. New GOP House speaker Kevin McCarthy's expected trip to Taiwan this year is likely to be accompanied by new complaints about the administration's approach. Two children who were missing for nearly a year after allegedly being kidnapped by their mother are still in shock a week after authorities found them in a supermarket, according to their father. Blake Gilley, 38, told NBC News that his 12-year-old son Adrian and 11-year-old daughter Brooke had been kept out of school and discouraged from interacting with anyone in the 11 months since they vanished. It is an understatement to say I was terrified and freaked out, Mr Gilley told NBC News after an emotional reunion with the children last week. Adrian and Brooke were reported missing from Liberty, Missouri, on 15 March 2022, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Police in High Springs, Florida, said they located the two children and their mom Kristi Nicole Gilley, 36, in a Winn Dixie grocery store on 1 February after running a routine vehicle licence check. All three were wearing disguises, police said, but did not elaborate on how they had changed their appearances. In an arrest photo, Ms Gilley appeared to be wearing a red wig. Brooke Gilley, 11, and her 12 year old brother Adrian Gilley were found at a grocery store in High Springs, Florida, nearly a year after they were reported missing (Liberty Police Department) Ms Gilley was arrested on an active kidnapping warrant and appeared in the Alachua County Court this week, records show. She is being held without bond and will fight extradition to Missouri, her lawyer Maurice McDaniel told NBC News. Kristi Gilley, 36, was arrested on kidnapping charges nearly a year after her two children Brooke, 11, and Adrian, 12, went missing (High Springs Police Department) Mr Gilley told the news network his ex-wife had moved between rural Airbnbs for much of the 11 months they were missing. The two children had told him that Ms Gilley wouldnt tell them where they were going, and ordered them to keep their heads out of sight when they were travelling. Kristi Gilley in an earlier mugshot from the California Attorney Generals Office (California Attorney Generals Office) They were physically healthy, but appeared to still be in shock. Further details have emerged about the custody case between the former couple, who divorced in 2016. According to a probable cause kidnapping warrant from the Liberty Police Department obtained by Law & Crime, Ms Gilley had refused to participate in a custody court case and had moved the children to California in April 2022. Through an advocate, Kristi has refused to cooperate with the courts decision to grant Blake sole legal custody of their children. Mr Gilley told NBC News he planned to get his children counselling and get them back into school. In 1999, Montana became the first state to constitutionally mandate Indian Education for All, and as of 2021, it was still the only state to do so. Indian Education for All (IEFA) requires recognition of Native American culture and a commitment in the state's educational goals to preserve Indigenous culture and heritage. While the law has set Montana apart from other states in its educational ambitions, some say it has not been properly enforced. In July 2021, Montana tribes and parents of 18 students filed a lawsuit, alleging that education leaders failed to teach about the culture and heritage of Native Americans, and therefore violated the Constitution. The case is ongoing. Whats in the bill? A bill brought by Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, aims to bring accountability and transparency to IEFA by establishing new requirements for instruction and for reporting and by defining the educational agencies to which it applies. Specifically, House Bill 338 requires school districts to provide IEFA, whereas previously, Montanans were encouraged to learn about Native culture and heritage. The bill would also enact stricter reporting guidelines. Previously, public school districts were asked to file a report with the Office of Public Instruction, in a form dictated by the superintendent of public instruction, specifying how IEFA funds were used. HB 338 strikes the participation of the superintendent and states the report must include expenses as well as detailed descriptions of the instruction provided and descriptions of how this instruction was developed in cooperation with tribes. The bill stipulates that if a district fails to file the annual report, it will be ineligible to receive funding until the report is filed. The bill requires educational agencies to provide IEFA, and it defines educational agencies, as the Montana University System, professional educator preparation programs accredited by the Board of Public Education, the Office of Public Instruction and school districts. In his address to the House Education Committee, Windy Boy said the bill would bring more transparency to IEFA. He said that since IEFA was enacted, the money has been misused and abused. In 2009, Windy Boy said a school district was caught redistributing IEFA money, adding it to the general fund and using it for teacher raises. I dont think that was the intent (of IEFA), he said. Windy Boy said IEFA funding is meant to help schools develop curricula and other educational opportunities. Ive been trying to get this thing improved over the (last) decade, he said. What do people think? Patrick Yawakie, on behalf of the Blackfeet Nation, said it is critical for students, Native and non-Native, to receive robust education on Indigenous people. How many members of the committee can name all 12 tribal nations in Montana and their reservations? he asked the House Education Committee. Yawakie said learning about Native culture and heritage is critical and can provide important learning opportunities in math, science, law, art and history. Native American studies in the Indian Education for All program offers a foundation in historical context that prepares the kindergarten through 12th-grade students for a broader understanding of the world they grew up in, he said. Yawakie added that his wife worked as an IEFA specialist in the Polson school district, but Yawakie said she was used more as a child care service than a cultural specialist teacher. The way the law is currently written allows for school districts to cut corners and not deliver," Yawakie said. "We need greater protections to ensure that the IEFA program provides a quality education and to ensure funding from the state is effective and efficient. Keegan Medrano, policy director for the ACLU of Montana, said educational agencies have failed to implement, or implement well, this constitutional mandate. He said funding goes unaccounted for, implementation is lacking and there is a better way to enforce IEFA. HB 338 is that better way, he concluded. No one spoke in opposition to the bill, and the committee did not take immediate action. A bill that would create a mental health school screening program and a fund to pay for it went down by a two-vote margin in the House on Monday. House Bill 252 was from Rep. Jonathan Karlen, D-Missoula, and was defeated on a 49-51 vote. It would have screened an estimated 40,000 middle and high school students in its first year and connected them with mental health professions, for a total cost of about $2.245 million. In later years the number of students screened and costs would roughly double. The bill came out of the House Human Services Committee last week on a 18-3 vote. But on the House floor, opposition came from Rep. Jennifer Carlson, a Republican from Churchill who said while everyone cares deeply about youth suicide prevention efforts, the bill was originally tied to just one vendor. And even though that was changed on an amendment from Carlson, she still objected to saying it only required parental notification and not permission. Thats not a high-enough standard, Carlson said. Rep. Jane Gillette, R-Bozeman, said she objected to the funding. She argued that the House has already directed some revenues from the states recreational marijuana program to suicide prevention funding and that theres already a statewide suicide prevention coordinator under the state health department. In supporting his bill, Karlen said that more than 20,000 Montanans have been affected by youth suicide or suicide attempts. I know this program will save lives, because there are a lot of students that are slipping through the cracks right now, Karlen said, adding that the state would not have a youth suicide rate of 2.5 times the national average if the state were identifying students at risk. A bill that would have required public employees to sign a consent form every year to affirm their continued union membership was voted down in the House State Administration Committee on Monday. House Bill 216 went down on a 17-1 vote, with its only support coming from Rep. Bob Phalen, R-Lindsay. In explaining her vote against the bill, Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell, said she heard from about 100 people in her district who wanted her to vote against the bill. Rep. Greg Frazer, R-Deer Lodge, said he also heard a lot of opposition. Frazier raised concerns about if a boss was in conflict with their employee and used the reaffirmation process to intimate them. Rep. Denise Baum, D-Billings, held up a pile of blue slips from constituents that committee members received in opposition to the bill. And Rep. Gary Parry, R-Colstrip, said he was threatened with retaliation if he were to vote against the bill, though he did not say the source. When the bill was heard in committee it saw about 20 opponents who said it would have established a burdensome process. A bill to advance the Legislature's efforts to enact oversight over the judicial branch passed a key vote on the House floor Monday. House Bill 326 would give appointment power of the Judicial Standards Commission's majority membership to the Legislature and the Attorney General's office, on a near party-line vote. The proposal cleared a second reading 67-33; Republican Rep. Bill Mercer, the former U.S. District Attorney for Montana, joined the opposition. Republicans have seen many priority bills from the 2021 session either struck down or stalled in the courts in the last two years. Leading into those legal fights, Republicans in the 2021 Legislature began prying open the judicial branch citing claims of judicial bias. During that escalation, Republicans turned some attention toward the Judicial Standards Commission, which oversees complaints against judges. The vast majority of the complaints heard by the commission are dismissed. "Right now we have judges judging judges," Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe, the Billings Republican sponsoring the bill, testified Monday. "It is very important that we implement a body that the people of Montana have faith in and they know that if they do have complaints, that are valid complaints, that there is a valid investigation and those complaints are heard." Those who have opposed tinkering with the commission have pointed out that the vast majority of complaints are issues with a ruling that ought to be handled in appeals courts. Currently, the three members of the five-member commission in question are appointed by the courts, the nonpartisan branch. The Legislature and the Attorney General's Office are both held by Republicans. Democrats have fought the GOP's efforts to reshape judicial oversight since last session. Laurie Bishop, D-Livingston, said on the House floor that the nonpartisan nature of the commission's makeup is important to maintain the courts. "Once we go into a design where the only people who have a say have a partisan affiliation, we stand to find ourselves in a place of really tipping the scales and losing the separation of powers we have," she said. "It starts to begin, from the perspective of those looking from the outside in, like a power grab." The House on Monday gave strong initial approval to House Bill 302 from Rep. Alice Buckley, D-Bozeman, that would allow doctors to prescribe up to a 12-month supply of birth control to women covered by private insurance. (This is) really important if youre thinking about giving women adequate coverage and theres no gaps in supply, Buckley said, adding that its vital for women in rural areas with less access to pharmacies and other health care, as well as those who dont have the time to repeatedly refill prescriptions. Under current law doctors can prescribe a supply ranging from 60-90 days. The bill passed a second reading 75-25 and faces a final vote before moving to the Senate. Medicaid covers 30% of Montanas working-age maids, child care workers, food preparation workers, cooks and bakers, according to one of two new reports recently released that examine the health and economic impacts of Medicaid and the states expansion program. Among adult Medicaid recipients who work, about half are employed within just 20 occupations, from personal care aids to cashiers and waitstaff to retail salespeople, farmers, ranchers and janitors, among other jobs. The author of the study examining the economic effects of Medicaid and its expansion in Montana is Bryce Ward, who said he wanted to look at employment characteristics to put a human face on the data. Its just my way of trying to (take) one step more toward personalizing these people, Ward, who operates his own economic analysis consulting firm, said in an interview this week. If you are at a restaurant, 30% of the cooks at that restaurant have Medicaid on average; 34% of maids and housekeepers, these are 31% of child care workers. I might interact with some of these people or at least I have some vague sense of who they are. Were talking about a third, thats a high percentage, and we dont walk around telling people 'I'm on Medicaid expansion.'" A lot of the ways we talk about people who receive Medicaid or all forms of public assistance, there tends to be a dehumanization of it a lot of times, Ward continued. The duo of reports, Wards and an annual document reviewing the performance of Medicaid in Montana, both show the program is working to increase access to care, reduce the reliance on using emergency departments and help people move to more preventative services. The information also shows Montanas Medicaid expansion program more than pays for itself through savings to the state budget from an increased federal match for the program and higher revenues from increased economic activity. The annual report is funded by the Montana Healthcare Foundation and the economic report is paid for by MHF and the Headwaters Foundation. Dr. Aaron Wernham is CEO of the Montana Healthcare Foundation and said he was struck by how the list of occupations most frequently covered overlaps with people classified as essential workers during the COVID-19 shutdown. We know these people are doing jobs that are absolutely essential to the rest of us, Wernham said in an interview this week. They keep society running, they keep children cared for, they keep us stocked with food and keep the supply chain going. The Montana Healthcare Foundation's annual report is meant to understand if the program is holding up to its intended goal of improving health in the state. Reviews have show thats the case, and that the program pays for itself and also generates a massive amount of increased economic activity in the state. Overall were continuing to build on how the program is really achieving its aims, Wernham said. The annual report shows that people are accessing preventive services, which appears to be contributing to the reduced use of higher-cost emergency and inpatient services, Wernham said. That translates to lower costs over the years people are enrolled. In 2021 more than 15,470 adults covered on expansion had preventive or wellness exams, according to the report. Across all Medicaid programs, there were more than 62,000 wellness exams, 118,000 preventive dental services and more than 45,000 non-COVID-19 vaccinations. In 2021, those covered by expansion had 2,117 newly diagnosed cases of hypertension and there were 6,611 treated for the disease. About 1,090 were diagnosed with diabetes and 3,506 were treated. Figures were even higher for mental health treatment, with 34,156 receiving care in 2021 and 5,750 getting substance use treatment. Thats really painting a picture of the type of early screening and diagnoses and treatment we hoped to see in the program and people are using the program that way, Wernham said. The annual report also showed that previous data indicating evidence people are using emergency departments less is continuing to play out. In their first year of enrollment, about 4,200 people with substance use disorder went to emergency departments, but by their third year that figure dropped 10%. Emergency department use for dental problems like loss of teeth dropped even more dramatically, down 37% over three years. The report also shows that people are shifting their care, along with corresponding cost changes, to more preventive options. This all paints a picture of a program doing what it was supposed to do to improve the health of Montana and help contain the costs as well, Wernham said. The reports both show that a majority of those covered by expansion are working, with 66% working in some capacity and 76% either working full- or part-time or attending school. Only 4% are not working and report no impediments to work. Ward added that Montanans on Medicaid are more likely to work than those in other states, which would include states with work requirement programs. The economic-focused report found that some of the economic impacts, especially at a county level, are hard to track, but the total number of jobs supported by Medicaid expansion is equal to 0.7% of total county employment in a median county. That's much larger 1.3% in health care centers like Yellowstone or Missoula counties. To put that into context, Ward said 1.3% of jobs in Missoula County would be equal to everyone working in the real estate industry, or the number of people working at gas stations. Take out that 1% and thats noticeable, Ward said. Many recessions don't even decline by that amount. Ward also pointed out most of the jobs are in health care, which tends to offer relatively high wages and stability. Medicaid expansion also has a higher reimbursement rate, with the federal government picking up 90% of the costs. That means the state can shift people from lower-reimbursed programs to expansion, which saves between $32-$49 million a year, or about half of the cost of the expansion program. The report also estimates Medicaid expansion's coverage of substance use and mental health programs and a shift in inmate hospital costs has saved the state $13.8 million, which is about 15% of the program's cost. "Even without accounting for additional ripple effects from Medicaid expansion on the state budget ... budget savings attributable to expansion offset roughly 59-83% of the state's share of expansion costs." Additionally, a special revenue fund created in the 2019 bill to continue expansion covered $53.4 million, or 58%, of the state's expansion costs. The report also found that shifting who pays for health care from individuals to a program thats mostly paid for by the federal government has meant Montana households have from $250-$300 million more to spend in other parts of the economy. The store, gym, rent, whatever it is, I now get to spend that money elsewhere in the economy and its a couple hundred million, that's a lot of money, Ward said. Ward's report also found that in addition to the 71% of people who received Medicaid working in the year they had coverage, the program also did not change the propensity for low-income Montanans to work. The work requirement provision in a 2019 bill that reauthorized Medicaid expansion was stalled following federal action. There are big changes coming for Medicaid in Montana, first with the start of the redetermination process in April. That will be when the state starts reviewing the qualifications of enrollees after a pause put in place during the pandemic. There are concerns that people who still remain qualified for coverage may lose it because they miss communications from the state health department. The big concern about unwinding here and across the country is really that its very possible that some of the people you care most about keeping on Medicaid are the most likely to lose Medicaid, Wernham said. People with serious mental illness or substance use have had to move around a little bit to get treatment and dont have a current address in the system, or on reservations or very rural areas that dont have reliable mail. There are going to be the people that are very vulnerable from a health standpoint as well as maybe having some barriers to completing the redetermination in a timely way. The annual study showed that about two-thirds of those covered by expansion are from rural parts of the state. The next big hurdle is in 2025, when the state's expansion program will end unless legislators that year pass a bill to continue it. While that's still two years away, Wernham said groups are already working to provide lawmakers with information about the program and its economic effects. In the HBO show "The Last of Us," characters identify zombies among them by the fungi that bursts from their bodies, and fungal parasites manipulate the humans to infect the communities around them. In real life, the fungal species that inspired the story, Ophiocordyceps, infects insects and does not cause problems for people. However, the threat from fungal pathogens is increasing, experts say, and may grow much worse in a warmer, wetter and sicker world. "We're always surrounded by fungal spores. We've lived with them ever since we made beds in the Savanna 500,000 years ago, before we even evolved into modern humans. And we've had to adapt this exquisite immune system that we have to defend against spores, because many of them are potentially pathogenic," said Dr. Matthew Fisher, a professor of medicine in the School of Public Health at Imperial College London whose research focuses on emerging pathogenic fungi. "Fungi are just seeking sources of food, and in the eyes of many saprotropic fungi, we are just food," he added. (Saprotrophic describes an organism that feeds on dead organic matter.) Many millions of fungi are good for the environment, but a few hundred can cause disease in humans. Millions of infections each year Scientists are finding new fungi all the time -- they found four just last year -- but not all of them are a threat to humans. Of the 4 million or so diverse fungal species, scientists have identified only 300 as human pathogens that can cause disease. In any given year, more than a billion people have what the Microbiology Society considers "superficial" fungal infections. Athlete's foot, a scaly rash that can cause itching or stinging; thrush, white lesions that develop on the tongue or inner cheek; and even dandruff are largely caused by one of these superficial fungal infections. They are irritating, but fortunately, treatments still work on them. Some infections can be much more serious, even life-threatening. Globally, about 1.5 million people die from them each year, with few working treatments available, if any, according to the Microbiology Society. Last year, the World Health Organization said that it considers fungal pathogens a "major threat" to public health and, for the first time, released its prioritized list of the 19 kinds the world should watch out for. One of the four on WHO's list of the most critical species is cryptococcus neoformans, a pathogenic yeast that lives in the soil. People can inhale fungal cells, and most don't get sick. But in those with a suppressed immune system, it can affect the lungs and spread to the nervous system and blood. Over the years, this fungus has become resistant to some treatments. Another is Candida auris, a yeast that can linger on surfaces and medical equipment and can spread quickly from one person to another. It has caused a growing number of hospital outbreaks around the world, a threat that grew larger still during the Covid-19 pandemic. The CDC says that may in part be due to changes in routine infection-control practices. Infection can affect the heart, central nervous system, eyes, bones and internal organs. It is resistant to many classes of antifungal treatments but can sometimes be treated with antifungal medicines called echinocandins. Apergillus fumigatus, a mold that can be found just about everywhere, may cause pulmonary disease in people with weakened immune systems. It could also cause allergic reactions or lung infections that might become serious and move to other organs. It has showed growing antifungal resistance, WHO says, thanks to widespread use of azole fungicides to prevent its spread in crops. The fourth pathogen, Candida albicans, is another yeast that typically is a part of a healthy human microbiome. It lives in the mouth, intestines and skin. Bacteria in your body keep it in check, but if the system is off-balance, the yeast will overgrow and turn into a vaginal yeast infection, diaper rash, thrush or another condition. It can also become a severe infection that targets the blood, heart, central nervous system, eyes, bones and internal organs. There are no vaccines for any of the four fungal infections on the critical list. Who's at highest risk Fisher said our bodies are generally pretty good at protecting against fungal infections, but "chinks open up in our immune system." "Then we can have fatal consequences," he said. People who are most at risk of a serious fungal infection are those with underlying conditions like HIV, cancer or diabetes and those with compromised immune systems because of their age, a disease or the drugs they take. Others are vulnerable to the more severe consequences of fungal infections because they don't have access to medicines more commonly available in the West. For instance, cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of death for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa because they don't have access to treatments, studies have found. Why fungal threats are growing The number of serious fungal infections has increased partly because of the growing number of immune-suppressed people, studies show. "What's changing is that more people that are exposed have those high risk factors. We have aging populations, and we were using a lot of chemicals in the environment which are forcing fungi to adapt, and our clinical antifungals are being degraded by antimicrobial resistance," Fisher said. There have also been more opportunistic fungal infections during the Covid-19 pandemic, just like there have been after flu epidemics, said Dr. Matthew Kasson, a mycologist at the University of West Virginia. "Viruses have this way of suppressing the immune response, and some of the drugs we're using to combat the viruses are also having an effect where they're making it easier for fungi to invade," he said. A black fungus killed thousands of people in India in 2021, and 85% of them were Covid-19 patients. Fisher said some fungi also seem to "appear out of nowhere" and "are quite quietly spreading around the world, causing silent pandemics," such as Candida auris. Additionally, the climate crisis has exacerbated the spread of fungal infections. "The world is becoming warmer and wetter. That's just going to mean that there's a higher burden of mold spores," Fisher said. What needs to be done WHO encourages countries to improve their diagnostic capacity for fungal infections and to increase surveillance. It also recommends more money put into research, medicine and tests for these infections. Currently, fungal infections receive less than 1.5% of all infectious disease research funding, WHO said. It's difficult to develop antifungal treatments because, in the words of Matt Nelsen, a researcher from Chicago's Field Museum, "animals and fungi are each other's closest relatives." "We share a lot of biochemical similarities, and so when we are trying to kill off the fungus, we need to be careful that we're not also killing ourselves," he said. One of the best defenses against fungal infections is to keep your immune system strong. Fisher advises parents to let children play outside a lot so they will get exposed to a good range of fungi to help develop a healthy immune system. Homes should also be well-ventilated and moisture-free. Kasson said he thinks the attention from "The Last of Us" and other programs means "fungi are having a moment," yet he hopes it is not going to be overblown. When the movie "Jaws" came out, it led to an increase in shark hunting. In fact, sharks were almost hunted to extinction. Millions of fungi are good, Kasson points out. They break down wood, and they can be used in food and in human medicine. "Fungal infections, yes, are a serious concern, and I think it's going to get worse unless we start to really appreciate those connections between how we manage crops, how we manage human disease, how we manage wildlife disease. They're all interconnected," he said. "The sooner we realize that, I think, the sooner we can come up with solutions that help all involved." 10 small, healthy things you should do for yourself every day 1. Find one small way to add more steps to your day. 2. Just be even for five minutes a day. 3. Make sleep a top priority. 4. Refill your water bottle. 5. Take a few deep breaths. 6. Wear something you love. 7. Make something in the kitchen. 8. Deliberately choose a healthy ingredient. 9. Pay attention to your needs. 10. Tell the truth as often as you can. To honor and celebrate Black History Month, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) has announced that throughout the month of February, its colleges will host a series of free public events focused on the impact and contributions that members of the Black community have made. For Muscatine Community College specifically, it will host a special lecture, Alexander Clark: The Mississippi Valleys Most Important Civil Rights Leader, at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, in the Muscatine Community College Student Center. As part of the Alexander Clark Lecture Series, the event is being held in partnership with Alexander Clark Foundation, as well as with the Stanley Center for Peace and Security and the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. The event will be presented by guest speaker Paul Finkelman, who serves as an expert in several fields, including American and world slavery, constitutional law, civil liberties, religious liberty and African American history. MCC has partnered for several years on the Alexander Clark Lecture series, MCC President Naomi DeWinter said. Its meant to be an annual event, shining a light on Alexander Clark, who some say, was the most influential but least known civil rights leader in our area. We are trying to do our part in telling his story, so that it remains a vital part of Muscatines history that is not forgotten. DeWinter noted that, in addition to February being Black History Month, it also is Clarks birthday month. As such, she and her college staff felt it was an appropriate occasion to celebrate Clarks many achievements and allow more people to learn about him. His role in fighting for his daughter, Susan, to be able to attend public school, his son being the first Black man to attend University of Iowa law school and him graduating from the same law school, are all parts of Muscatine and Iowa history we want to keep alive with this annual lecture, DeWinter continued. Some of the other events included in EICCs Black History Month events series are: Feb. 8 Black History documentaries will be showing all day in the Clinton Community College Auditorium, 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton. Feb. 9 History & Education. Learn more about Black inventors, scientists and leaders who paved the way for our future. Attend this public event from 1 to 2 p.m. in Room 1501 (Entrance 9), Scott Community College Main Campus, 500 Belmont Road, Bettendorf. Feb. 16 The Black Church. Special guest The Rev. Frank R. Livingston, Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ, will discuss the role of the Black church. Join a Q&A session following his presentation. Attend this public event from 1 to 2 p.m. in Room 1501 (Entrance 9). SCC Main Campus, 500 Belmont Road, Bettendorf. Feb. 20 Showing of the thought-provoking documentary, 13th, and observance of worldwide Social Justice Day. In this award-winning documentary, scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom. Join 9 a.m.4 p.m. in the CCC Auditorium, 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton. Feb. 23 The Arts & Education. Celebrate Black History through music and dance performances, including Pattin Juba, an African American style of dance that involves stomping and clapping. Learn about Kadir Nelsons illustrations of pride and soul, and Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American poet. The role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities will also be explored. Attend this event from 1 to 2 p.m. in Room 133, SCC Urban Campus, 101 W. Third St., Davenport. For more information about Black History Month events, visit eicc.edu. As a kid, Napa native Gino Suvino-Vinatieri wasnt sure what career hed pursue, but he hoped it would be something to do with movies or music. My grandpa used to build stages decades ago, and I always heard cool stories of being with all the artists and the good times that came with the music industry, Suvino-Vinatieri recalled. Hes worked as a photographer since late 2014, slowly transitioning from hobby to job as of 2017. Ive worked with tons of artists in the industry, including Juvenile, G Eazy, Lil Dicky; Burna Boy, Lil Uzi Vert and Atrak, and plenty of festivals, bigger blogs and events, he said. Today, Suvino-Vinatieri lives in Los Angeles. His business is called GNoDsgn. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. 1. What was your first job? Apart from construction, (a family) profession, my first job was with the Napa River Inn right off of Main Street. It taught me a lot about dealing with people and gauging my service off of the needs of the client. Sometimes people want the super primped formal service; sometimes they want something more personable and casual. 2. What job would you like to try/not try? Try: My dream for the past decade has been to own and run a restaurant. My great grandpa used to be part owner in a coffee shop back in the day, and Ive always had a deep seeded love for the restaurant industry. Not try: Ive been on tour a few times, and theres no way Id want to tour manage for an artist. I know my skill set and some of whats needed is just not in my wheelhouse. 3. How did you get into photography? When I was in college, I took a drawing class and that was the first time I let myself be open to art as an idea. Then I started a clothing business briefly, met some artists that I was a big fan of. They wore some of my garments and let me make single and project artwork for them. When I was living in San Diego, I had a really good job, so I decided to buy a camera for myself. Then I got invited to a show, asked if I could shoot it and just never stopped after that. Once I moved back to the Bay Area, I was constantly at anything I could go to, and finessed a bunch of events I wasnt green lit to shoot and shot them regardless. (laughs) Sometimes its just about getting your foot in (the door) before it closes in your face. And knowing how to act and move around the right way once you're in there. There are a lot of wins, and way more losses. And the most important thing is to not let those losses define your career. Whats most important is to not quit and let life unfold with every decision you make. 4. What is the biggest challenge your business has faced? The business in the music industry, not to mention just art itself, is very, very difficult to navigate. Especially when you have no prior knowledge, and every team, label, individual treats the business in their own individual way. Its really easy to see quitting and selling your gear as an option. But that decision should first go through a ton of internal deliberation. Ive definitely thought about it and am really grateful I didnt decide to quit on myself. 5. Who do you most admire in the business world? Theres a music artist from Vallejo named LaRussel that preaches independence and ways you and your audience can immediately support each other based on the success of your music. 6. Whats one thing Napa could do to help local business? Personally I think theres been way too much of a focus on the wine industry. Especially downtown, theres only so much a single industry can do for a town and history has proven time and time again that when you focus on the success of one aspect of our society, you let a lot go by the wayside. When the youth sees limited options within their own community, they are more likely to leave that community and not come back. I also think the threshold to start business in this town has gotten way too high. Which to be fair will happen as a town develops. But I feel like its pushed out a lot of local business owners to make space for corporate entities and groups that have the money to take over massive lots of business. I just think what we get business-wise could be decided a little more democratically and less by the city of commerce and what will make them the most money. There are ethical ways to conduct business and buying a million-dollar art piece to put up so tourists can ogle at as they drive through the town means a little less when addressing our homeless problem. 7. If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be? Id unionize everything. For the most part, theres no equal representation as an artist if you get screwed over by a label. So that would help a lot of individuals that invest tons of their time to come up with a product for said label to benefit off of. 8. Whats your favorite charity or nonprofit? I love the ASPCA and charities that help abused animals. But I also hope at some point in my lifetime we as a country can come up with programs that are government funded that gets rid of the need for charity from an individual aspect when it comes to human needs. We all live and benefit from the community we live in, and I think we should be more willing to help those in our communities who are less fortunate. 9. Whats something people might be surprised to know about you? While I love my job and the opportunities it has given me, there are a lot of times when I wish I had a regular job that gives me constant paychecks, so my income is completely predictable. 10. What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you havent yet? I definitely want to make a full-length movie, so thats on my list for sure. Hopefully something that can be checked off soon. Lyrics to 60 famously misunderstood songs, explained 60 famously misheard songs 'Tiny Dancer' by Elton John 'We Built This City' by Starship 'Drift Away' by Uncle Kracker 'Blank Space' by Taylor Swift 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen 'Baby Got Back' by Sir Mix-A-Lot 'Message in a Bottle' by The Police 'Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In' by Fifth Dimension 'Waterfalls' by TLC 'Smells like Teen Spirit' by Nirvana 'We Will Rock You' by Queen 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' by The Beatles 'I'm a Believer' by The Monkees 'Blinded by the Light' by Bruce Springsteen 'Bad Moon Rising' by Creedence Clearwater Revival 'Like a Virgin' by Madonna 'It's Gonna Be Me' by NSYNC 'Cups (When I'm Gone)' by Anna Kendrick/Pitch Perfect 'Work It' by Missy Elliott 'We Didn't Start the Fire' by Billy Joel 'Forget You' by CeeLo Green 'Desperado' by The Eagles 'Blurred Lines' by Robin Thicke 'Big Yellow Taxi' by Joni Mitchell 'Our Lips are Sealed' by The Go-Gos 'Stairway to Heaven' by Led Zeppelin 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)' by The Eurythmics 'Dancing Queen' by ABBA 'Papa Don't Preach' by Madonna 'Purple Haze' by Jimi Hendrix 'The Sidewinder Sleep Tonite' by R.E.M. 'Like a G6' by Far East Movement 'Two Tickets to Paradise' by Eddie Money 'Summertime Sadness' by Lana del Rey 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (In the Garden of Eden)' by Iron Butterfly 'Addicted to Love' by Robert Palmer 'Take a Chance on Me' by ABBA 'SexyBack' by Justin Timberlake 'Vertigo' by U2 'Blowin' in the Wind' by Bob Dylan 'Piano Man' by Billy Joel 'Paradise City' by Guns N' Roses 'Shake It Off' by Taylor Swift 'Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds' by The Beatles 'Chasing Pavements' by Adele 'I Can See Clearly Now' by Johnny Nash 'Single Ladies' by Beyonce 'Little Talks' by Of Monsters and Men 'La Isla Bonita' by Madonna 'Livin' on a Prayer' by Bon Jovi 'You Sexy Thing' by Hot Chocolate 'We Are Family' by Sister Sledge 'You're the One That I Want' by John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John 'Gettin' Jiggy Wit It' by Will Smith 'The Final Countdown' by Europe 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' by AC/DC 'Rio' by Duran Duran 'Don't Bring Me Down' by Electric Light Orchestra 'Rock and Roll All Nite' by Kiss 'Respect' by Aretha Franklin UAE-based Azizi Developments has announced plans to launch a brokerage academy titled the 'Azizi Center of Excellence'. Through a full calendar of topic-specific workshops, Azizi aims to facilitate knowledge transfer and educate channel partners on various matters, ranging from construction and engineering all the way to customer service, in an effort to further boost professionalism across the industry. The academy is mainly aimed at helping the industry serve local and international investors better by ensuring more complete, well-informed, and proficient consultations, and by dispelling misconceptions and any lack of competence that may stem from inadequate awareness and a deficit in familiarity with the topics that Azizi sees as important and will educate its brokerage partners on, said the developer in its statement. Workshops will cover various topics, including international marketing methodology and sales tactics, taught by Azizis Executive Director of Sales & Marketing Nima Khojasteh and its Head of Marketing Ehab Yasin, as well as public relations and communications strategies, led by Azizis Head of PR & Communications, Tizian HG Raab. Construction and engineering processes also form a substantial part of the workshops, spearheaded by Azizis Chief Development Officer Mohamed Ragheb Hussein, who will take attendees on a deep dive into how quality can be recognised and communicated, construction timelines and more, stated the Emirati developer. Furthermore, Azizis Legal Director Amir Ballal, will be hosting workshops on legal procedures, as well as on Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPAs). Warsame Jama, Azizis Head of Customer Service, will be divulging the best approaches to ensure customer satisfaction by fostering honest, happy, and mutually beneficial relationships with property buyers, and will impart knowledge on authority relations, including the best, proven ways to manage prolific relations with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), and the Real Estate Registration Trustee Centers, it stated. According to Azizi, its senior management subject-matter experts have prepared in-depth lectures that are both theoretical and practical in nature, helping attendees gain a better understanding of everything needed to guide buyers through their purchase decision-making processes in an expert manner, including products, policies, procedures, and best practices. The conceptualisation of execution of Azizi Center of Excellence is spearheaded by Ahamed Iffham, Azizi's Head of Agency, and Kishor Sadarangani, the developers Head of Training & Development. On the new academy, CEO Farhad Azizi said: "Its launch excites all of us very much. The courses will provide brokerage specialists with a comprehensive foundation for their work and serve as a catalyst to their professional development and career progression." "This academy will help strengthen the real estate brokerage force in the UAE and advance its knowledge in the realm of current trends, developments, and all that goes on in the sector, so that they in turn can offer investors more professional, transparent, convenient, factual, and overall better-informed consultations and purchasing processes," he stated. "In support of the surging demand for homes in the UAE, we have taken it upon ourselves to raise the bar of excellence and further elevate the competencies of those who call property their profession, propelling the industry into a new realm of proficiency and further solidifying the nations standing as a leading global hub for real estate investment," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Appellation St. Helena (ASH) invites guests to its 12th annual bASH from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, 2555 St. Helena Highway (Highway 29/128), St. Helena. bASH is an annual wine and food pairing competition where the wines from 20 ASH member wineries will be paired with savory bites prepared by teams of "rising star" students at the CIA and professional chefs. Tickets are $150 per person and must be purchased in advance on Eventbrite. The event will be held in the historic barrel room at the CIA. Guests will visit tasting stations where Appellation St. Helena wines will be paired with savory bites prepared by CIA students. Attendees will vote with tokens and ASH will award the People's Choice Best Pairing to the top three student teams and a professional team. Each year bASH is a sellout event. Its a ton of fun and many attendees promise to come back the following year, said ASH board president Katie Simpson. This event has been called the "best wine and food event in Napa Valley. With purchase of an event ticket, guests are automatically entered to win a six-pack of wine from wineries in the St. Helena appellation. At the end of the evening there will be a drawing to choose three raffle winners. ASH is partnering with the Culinary Institute of America and the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce. ASH thanks Sunshine Foods and Le Creuset for their generous donations and support. Proceeds from the evening go to ASH and the scholarship fund of the CIA. Attendance is limited to 300 people and all guests must be 21 or older. Nimbus Arts invites artists to submit their work to the 14th annual Nimbash fundraiser. This interactive arty-party, food and wine experience and auction returns to Charles Krug Winery on May 13. More than 300 guests from the Napa Valley, San Francisco Bay Area and beyond attend this annual sold-out event. Nimbash is a commission-based auction, with a percentage of art sales going to the artist. This year's art submissions will go through Entrythingy, an online platform for calls to artists. The work will be juried by a panel to be included in this years event. Artists can receive up to 50% of the final sale price of their work while still supporting a dynamic local art center. The jury consists of: Chandra Cerrito, art consultant and curator Since 2004, Chandra Cerrito/Art Advisors has provided artworks for corporate, heath care and hospitality spaces throughout Northern California. As a public art adviser, Cerrito has also worked with developers, property owners and cities to manage over 50 public art projects and develop public art policy. Matt Rogers, artist and Nimbus Arts board member Rogers is a lifelong resident of California, painter and art collector. He has an accomplished exhibition record with Caldwell Snyder Gallery. His commitment to the supporting local arts extends to being a Nimbus Arts board member. Nancy Willis, artist and curator Willis has lived in worked in the Napa Valley for 30 years. Her painting practice extends out into the community through curatorial projects and teaching. Her work often brings global concerns back into local community through exhibitions like CONFLICT ZONE and public events. For details on how to submit art, go to nimbusarts.org/nimbash-2023-call-to-artists. Photos: Napa Valley's NIMBASH 2018 "Arty Party" celebration "Traveler #1 Un Dia" by Joseph Carl Close at NIMBASH 2018 "Bottled Gold" living scupture at NIMBASH 2018 Dressing for NIMBASH 2018 in the Napa Valley "Marion.net" by Monte Brill at NIMBASH 2018 Vacation in a suitcase at the Napa Valley NIMBASH 2018 "Arty Party" Ceramic painting at NIMBASH 2018 in St. Helena "Custom painted cow" at NIMBASH 2018 in St. Helena Ceramic plate sculptures at Napa Valley's NIMBASH 2018 celebration "The Village on the Hill" by Quinn Scheibal at NIMBASH 2018 "Painter Head" by Jami Ray at NIMBASH 2018 in the Napa Valley Maria May's "Ndzhou" at NIMBASH 2018 in the Napa Valley Attendees at NIMBASH 2018's "Arty Party" in St. Helena Memorializing NIMBASH 2018 in St. Helena Dressed for success at NIMBASH 2018 "Arty Party" in St. Helena Setting the scene for the live auction at NIMBASH 2018's "Arty Party" in St. Helena The rhythm of the "Arty Party" at NIMBASH 2018 in St. Helena Colorful dress with birdnest tiara at NIMBASH 2018 "Arty Party" in St. Helena More than 50 St. Helena High School students and their guardians attended Saturday's bilingual Steps to College fair in Sacramento. Joining the trip on behalf of the St. Helena Unified School District were Superintendent Ruben Aurelio and district social worker/community liaison Roxana Plancarte. The event was geared toward helping Hispanic/Latino students and their families learn about preparing for college and applying for financial aid, including tips on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Chief business official Andi Stubbs booked a charter bus to transport the group from St. Helena to Sacramento. "Our students' and families' energy and enthusiasm were palpable as they learned about mental health support, financial aid, immigration resources, and the many options available to help them achieve their college education dreams," Aurelio said. "I was honored to be part of the event and witness the dedication and commitment of our families in wanting to see their children succeed. In addition, the fair provided a wealth of information and resources, including sessions on funding college and a college fair tent featuring representatives from many colleges." "It was a truly memorable day, and I am proud to be a part of a district dedicated to supporting and empowering our Hispanic/Latino students and families." Steps to College is a joint project of the Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento, the California Student Aid Commission, the Cien Amigos advocacy group and the Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California, as well as public and private institutions. SACRAMENTO Local governments could allow cannabis businesses to serve food and nonalcoholic drinks and host live music performances under a bill introduced in the California Legislature. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. The measure aims to allow for the kind of cannabis cafes that have become popular in Amsterdam. Assemblymember Matt Haney, a San Francisco Democrat who introduced the measure, said it could help pot shops struggling to compete with the illegal market attract new customers. "Many people want to consume cannabis socially while having a sandwich or listening to music," Haney said. "We should allow that." Currently, cannabis lounges are restricted from selling regular food and drinks, which can be an inconvenience to customers, said Jessica McElfresh, a San Diego-based lawyer who represents cannabis businesses. "It would be significant for cannabis lounges and the development of that business type because what's tough right now is that they can't sell just normal food out of the same register," she said. "You end up with a lot of really complicated workarounds." The measure, Assembly Bill 374, could allow those businesses to operate more like a wine bar or a brewpub, she said, where customers can also order food while they smoke or have a cannabis-infused drink. Local governments would have to pass their own regulations to allow the cannabis cafes, Haney said. San Francisco and some other cities are already planning their own legislation to do so, he said. Two previous attempts to legalize so-called cannabis cafes that can serve food have failed in the state Legislature. The most recent attempt, AB 1034 by Assemblymember Richard Bloom, died in the state Senate in 2021. It faced opposition from groups including the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association, which argued that allowing smoking in a place where people are eating and preparing food would pose health risks from secondhand smoke exposure. Haney said he believes his bill this year faces better odds, in part because local officials in some cities, including San Francisco, are supportive and want to allow cannabis cafes. AB 374 has not yet been assigned to a committee. If passed and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, it would take effect next year. Photos: First medical marijuana dispensary opens in Napa Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary The situation around the shady deals by Ursula von der Leyen and Albert Burla to supply Pfizer vaccines to the European Union continues, and a detailed explanation of how and why so many billions of taxpayers' money were spent to obtain them is being demanded from the Commission president. Politico reports that European Commission lawmakers are trying to shed light on the vaccine procurement case and exactly what happened at the peak of the pandemic in 2021. The European Parliament's ad hoc committee on Covid-19 called on von der Leyen to join the panel of moderators and answer their questions. The committee's chairwoman, Belgian MEP Kathleen Van Brempt, said she wanted full transparency on the negotiations that led to the vaccine purchase. According to the Politico report, this is a reference to the Commission chair's personal role in negotiating the largest vaccine contract awarded to Pfizer and its partner BioNTech. His appearance could divert attention to the controversial unknown messages von der Leyen exchanged with Pfizer CEO Albert Burla. As Politico reports, at first glance, von der Leyen could have simply said "no" and not gone to the committee. European Parliament committees do not have much formal power. They have no power to force witnesses to appear or persuade them to tell the truth - and there are no consequences if someone refuses to appear or simply lies in front of a committee. Indeed, Pfizer CEO Albert Burla, with whom von der Leyen allegedly negotiated on a personal level via text messages, sent one of his employees instead of going himself. Indeed, the Commission president herself has already demonstrated a tendency to evade in negotiations with Pfizer, which prompted a verdict of the European Ombudsman on the Commission's maladministration due to a lack of transparency. However, the fact that von der Leyen plays an institutional role gives the Parliament more leverage than in the case of other non-Commissioners, which may help tip the balance in favor of the Commission. Although the Commission president usually addresses all MEPs in plenary, such as during the annual State of the Union address, in the past Commission presidents have addressed committees. The European Parliament is responsible for overseeing the EU budget. Since billions of euros have been spent on the joint purchase of vaccines, and some of these funds have come directly from EU pockets, it is hard to argue that important financial considerations do not apply here, which elected EU representatives should be able to control. Moreover, there is Article 13 of the EU's founding treaty, which requires mutual sincere cooperation between the EU institutions. This point is reiterated in the inter-institutional agreement between Parliament and the Commission, which states that the EU executive must also provide legislators with confidential information upon request - such as the content of certain text messages, for example. Most destructive games: What games cause people to break phones and walls? 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Astghik Medical Center marketing department head explains Brazil's president in China called for abandoning the dollar Artsakh's Ombudsman expresses dissatisfaction to OSCE chairman for attitude of international community Ararat Mirzoyan will go on a working visit to Uzbekistan How can your account be stolen via Telegram for Adults? Police and demonstrators clash on the 12th day of demonstrations in France Anahit Manasyan had a phone conversation with the Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh The 12th protest against pension reform takes place in France Russia MOD: No ceasefire violations recorded in Karabakh during last 24 hours Lemkin Institute issues statement on Azerbaijan noncompliance with ICJ order to unblock Lachin corridor MFA: Shushi is Artsakhs integral part in territorial, cultural, economic, historical aspects Bankrupt FTX may resume work: It has recovered $7.3 billion in assets An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 occurred in southeastern Turkey Charles Michel explains his activeness in Armenia-Azerbaijan relations normalization process Armenia PM to Bujar Osmani: This visit is good opportunity to get familiarized with complicated situation South Korea bans its citizens from traveling to Armenia-Azerbaijan border region What kind of photos does the world's most expensive camera phone Xiaomi 13 Ultra take? Karabakh President convenes working consultation, security challenges discussed OSCE Chairman-in-Office: I am here to find out if there is possibility to build bridges between Yerevan and Baku Armenia PM chief of staff: Azerbaijanis are already in Yerevan, we have ensured their safety Chairman-in-Office: OSCE toolkit provides mechanisms to assist peace process between Armenians and Azerbaijanis Osmani: We are ready for any efforts to achieve positive dynamics between Azerbaijan and Armenia Armenia FM: Replacing army with guards on Azerbaijan border should be part of final settlement Armenia MFA: Rumors about OSCE Minsk Group activities termination are greatly exaggerated 168.am: Who is the Azerbaijani already rendered ineffective in Armenia? What does he say in video? Armenia village youth tell how they caught Azerbaijani Armenia Investigative Committee issues statement on murder of security guard, 56, in Syunik Province Azerbaijani who crossed border into Armenia is caught by locals, found in Achanan village territory 2nd Azerbaijan soldier found, detained in Armenia Armenian health minister: Wounded soldier in critical condition due to Azerbaijan provocation has stabilized Which Armenia company is put on US sanctions list? Astrophotographer captures 100,000 km high 'plasma waterfall' on Sun Kev Orkian speaks about latest Azerbaijan military aggression against Armenia Premier: Armenia ready for reopening of transport links, delimitation of borders Pashinyan: We are ready to withdraw troops to safe distance along Armenia-Azerbaijan 1991 border Armenia to have trade attache in Germany Azerbaijan MFA accuses France foreign ministry of smear campaign and unfair position Armenia PM: It failed to deploy border guards without escalation of tension Newly elected Armenia ombudsperson announces her priority objective in this capacity Armenia deputy PM, US Deputy Secretary of Treasury acknowledge high level of cooperation between both countries NHL: Stanley Cup playoff participants are decided Newspaper: Karabakh soldiers who showed necessary resistance to Azerbaijan military are rewarded Armenia FM, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office tete-a-tete kicks off (PHOTOS) Armenia deputy PM, USAID official discuss opportunities for deepening cooperation Mher Grigoryan, Todd Robinson exchange views on ongoing democratic reforms in Armenia Europa League: Matches of the day Champions League: Real beat Chelsea, Milan defeat Napoli (PHOTOS, VIDEOS) Armenia FM to Derek Hogan: Provocation near Tegh village was another manifestation of Azerbaijan aggressive policy shamshyan.com: Murder in Armenias Syunik Province, 6 gunshot wounds found on body of security guard, 57 US State Department on Armenias Tegh village incident: Use of force to resolve disputes is unacceptable MFA: France deeply concerned about violence that took place near Tegh village of Armenia Legal entity from Armenia on list of those subject to US export restrictions Russia MOD: 4 ceasefire violations recorded in Karabakh The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will not get the much-discussed new technology EU monitoring mission in Armenia not present in the area when Azerbaijan attacked Armenia National Security Service Border Guard Troops commander dismissed Armenia MOD: Tegh village incident that led to undesirable consequences was due to deployment adjustment Mayor of Frances Lyon expresses unconditional support to people of Karabakh Pashinyan: Armenian side had recognized Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan Criminal proceedings launched into Armenia soldiers being killed, wounded by Azerbaijan near Tegh village Chairman-in-Office: OSCE supports continuation of Armenia-Azerbaijan direct contacts Rescue teams worked early on Tuesday to release people trapped in the rubble of buildings in southern Turkey as the death toll in the country from a devastating earthquake a day earlier rose to nearly 3,000, a Reuters report said. The magnitude 7.8 quake hit Turkey and neighbouring Syria early on Monday, toppling entire apartment blocks, wrecking hospitals, and leaving thousands more people injured or homeless. About 1,450 people were killed in Syria and about 3,500 injured, according to figures from the Damascus government and rescue workers in the northwestern region controlled by insurgents. Nearly 8,000 people have been rescued from 4,758 buildings destroyed in the tremors a day earlier, Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said in its latest statement. AFAD head Yunus Sezer said that 2,921 people had died in Turkey as aftershocks continued to shake the region. Another earthquake of 5.6 magnitude struck central Turkey on Tuesday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said. Freezing winter weather hampered search efforts for survivors through the night. A woman's voice was heard calling for help under a pile of rubble in the southern province of Hatay. Nearby, the body of a small child lay lifeless. The earthquake, which was followed by a series of aftershocks, was the biggest recorded worldwide by the US Geological Survey since a tremor in the remote South Atlantic in August 2021. It was the deadliest earthquake in Turkey since a quake of similar magnitude in 1999 that killed more than 17,000. Nearly 16,000 were reported injured in Monday's quake. Poor internet connections and damaged roads between some of the worst-hit cities in Turkey's south, homes to millions of people, hindered efforts to assess and address the impact. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, preparing for a tough election in May, called the quake a historic disaster and said authorities were doing all they could. "Everyone is putting their heart and soul into efforts although the winter season, cold weather and the earthquake happening during the night makes things more difficult," he said. He said 45 countries had offered to help the search and rescue efforts. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov had a telephone conversation with Leo Docherty, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Europe of the UK. This was reported by APA, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. During the telephone conversation, the parties discussed the current issues of the bilateral agenda of Azerbaijan and the UK, the situation in the region, and the prospects of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. "The minister informed the state minister about the situation around Lachin road. It was noted that complaints against illegal economic activity and unintended use of the Lachin Corridor are the legal right of the Azerbaijani people, that there is no basis for complaints related to the blockade and the humanitarian situation, that humanitarian goods are being transported, and as of today, about 2,000 vehicles have passed through the road. The Minister of State was informed about Armenia's non-fulfillment of its obligations, as well as obstacles and a number of provocations which Armenia creates on the way to normalizing the process in the post-conflict period, about Armenia's boycott of the last meeting in Moscow regarding the peace agreement. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan, as a state that promotes a peace agenda and carries out rehabilitation works in the region, is interested in the settlement process. Minister of State Leo Docherty, for his part, criticized the armed attack against the Azerbaijani embassy in Iran and expressed condolences. He said that it is important to eliminate the difficulties hindering peace in the region and restore negotiations. Then the parties exchanged opinions on bilateral and multilateral issues," the message stated. To note, since December 12 of last year, Azerbaijan has besieged Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), closing the Lachin corridor that links Artsakh to Armenia. Only the vehicles of the Red Cross and the Russian peacekeeping troops can pass through this road. The speaker of the National Assembly (NA) is not sure that there is a possibility of deploying a CSTO mission in Armenia. Alen Simonyan, noted about this to reporters in the NA, and referring to Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrovs recent statement that if Armenia is still interested, a CSTO mission could be deployed in the country within one or two days. "There are many different countries in the [CSTO] organization that have their own interests, and I am not sure that one of them will not veto. I don't know more details because we were not told. You yourself have seen on the [broadcast] air, when the leader of one of the CSTO member countries was saying his opinion regarding Azerbaijan, regarding [its president] Aliyev. I don't know what has changed? All we required was just a clear political assessment. They backed away even from that clear political assessment. (). Russia has submitted an option to which Armenia has given its consent. But why did our allied partners not pursue that option later and are now upset by Prague agreement following it? I believe these questions should be asked and talked about," said Simonyan. Russian FM Sergey Lavrov had announced that the proposal to deploy a CSTO mission on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan was still on the table. "If our Armenian allies and friends are still interested in it, that mission can be deployed [there] in just one or two days," Lavrov had said. The first Saudi robot, Sara, recently welcomed visitors to the Saudi Digital Pavilion who are participating in the activities of LEAP 2023, an international technical conference, in the Saudi dialect. In its second edition, LEAP 2023 was launched today at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center under the title "Towards New Horizons" and continues until February 9, reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The robot, Sara, was manufactured in cooperation between Saudi Digital and Qss Company, and it can communicate with all visitors, interact with them, perform all popular dances, and respond to visitors' inquiries. Sara contains a camera that works with artificial intelligence, can recognize the distance of people standing in front of it, and starts the dialogue session after the visitor welcomes it with the phrase "Hello Sarah." The robot also contains a pre-trained model that recognizes the different Saudi dialects, analyses sentences and understands their content, then provides the appropriate answer and sends it in the form of text. The speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, Alen Simonyan, on Tuesday received Gordan Grlic Radman, the visiting Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs. The need for multi-sectoral cooperation aimed at bilateral relations was discussed at the meeting. Simonyan, noting that there was only one visit to Armenia at the level of the speaker of the Croatian parliament, in 2011, proposed to intensify parliamentary relations between the two countries. The role of friendship groups in active dialogue between the parliaments of friendly countries was reflected on. The interlocutors talked about the post-war situation, the Lachin corridor crisis, Azerbaijan's military aggression against Armenia's sovereign territory, the threats to the 120,000 Armenians living in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), and Azerbaijan's continuous aggressive policy. "Azerbaijan's policy of banning the entry of internationalincluding humanitarianorganizations to Artsakh is unacceptable. In our deep conviction, it is necessary that the officials and organizations of the Council of Europe [(CoE)] have the opportunity to visit Nagorno-Karabakh in order to monitor the state of human rights," said Simonyan. At the end of the meeting, a conversation was held about the possibilities of cooperation on international platforms. Prospects of mutually beneficial cooperation in education, science, trade, and tourism were discussed as well. "I believe that the launch of direct flights [between Armenia and Croatia] will contribute to the development of tourism in both directions," noted Alen Simonyan. Mutual accusations have erupted among EU officials after a leak about Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy's possible visit to Brussels raised concerns about his safety, The Guardian reported. Zelenskiy is reportedly planning a trip to Brussels this Thursday to meet personally with EU leaders at a summit and to address the European Parliament at an extraordinary session. He is believed to have left Ukraine only once since the conflict began last February: In December, he made a surprise visit to Washington, where he addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress and called for increased military support. The trip had been planned in the strictest of secrecy because of concerns for his safety, although details had been leaked the day before. About 48 hours before the supposed trip to Brussels, Italian media reported on the visit, and the European People's Party (EPP), a center-right group of MEPs, later tweeted about it. The message was quickly deleted, but a screenshot was taken by Politico European Council President Charles Michel, who organizes EU summits, holds the European Parliament responsible for the leak. His spokesman neither confirmed nor denied the visit, saying, there is an open invitation to President Zelensky to visit Brussels. At the same time, Zelenskiy rejected any offers to travel to Brussels last week, saying the risks of his trips were high. The unfolding scandal embarrasses European Parliament Speaker Roberta Metsola, whose officials have been accused of leaking information. She is also a member of the EPP team that briefly reported on the visit, the British media noted. Separately, EU diplomats said Michelle and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen were vocal in their support for Ukraine. The pair spoke in enthusiastic terms about Ukraine's prospects for joining the EU. But many member states argue that EU leaders should tone down their public rhetoric to avoid raising hopes of a quick accession to the bloc. Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) President Arayik Harutyunyan on Tuesday had a telephone conversation with the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Aram I. The Head of the State presented to the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia the humanitarian and socioeconomic crisis developed in Artsakh as a result of almost two-month-long blockade of the Lachine corridor by Azerbaijan, and specified the steps that are being taken by the Artsakh authorities to overcome the situation. President Harutyunyan spoke with great pain and regret about the earthquake that happened in Syria, inquired from Aram I about the well-being of the local Armenian community, and conveyed the support of the Artsakh Armenians to the Armenian families affected by this natural calamity. The Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia voiced his support to the people of Artsakh, emphasized that apart from daily prayers, the Catholicosate of Great House of Cilicia continues to make efforts to assist Artsakh Armenians. Also, Aram I expressed his confidence that only with unbreakable will and unwavering unity will it be possible to overcome the challenges and prevent the humanitarian disaster. Tonomus, the cognitive multinational conglomerate and the first company to be established as a full-fledged subsidiary of NEOM, has announced a collaboration with Oracle and NVIDIA at LEAP23. The collaboration is aimed at boosting the delivery of groundbreaking AI capabilities across NEOM and Saudi Arabia. The collaboration is designed to accelerate AI-powered innovation for a broad range of use cases by enterprises and government organisations. Tonomus will provide customers with direct access to NVIDIAs advanced AI, digital twin solutions that take advantage of the planned Oracle Cloud Region to be located at NEOM, hosted by ZeroPoint DC hyperscale data center and via Tonomus digital cloud platform. Joseph Bradley, CEO of Tonomus, said: The longstanding alliance between Oracle and NVIDIA complements Tonomus ongoing mission to build the infrastructure and ubiquitous connectivity required to enable the worlds first ecosystem of cognitive technologies. This monumental collaboration will empower NEOM with geographical advantage and place Saudi Arabia firmly on the map as a regional hub for the provision of AI capabilities, as well as further support Saudi Vision 2030 and the kingdoms rapidly developing cloud market. Ideal ground Richard Smith, Executive Vice President, Cloud & Technology, EMEA of Oracle, said: The futuristic city of NEOM is the ideal ground for deploying the latest AI-powered applications and customer experiences, which will help usher in a new era of smart cities. Tonomus will benefit from Oracle Cloud Infrastructures (OCI) unmatched capability of supporting modern cloud native applications in a secure environment. This, coupled with our existing partnership with NVIDIA, will speed AI adoption for enterprises. Jaap Zuiderveld, Vice President of EMEA at NVIDIA, said: AI and accelerated computing in the cloud enable cities around the world to improve sustainability and livability, enhance the safety and efficiency of urban mobility, and deliver more inclusive citizen experiences. NVIDIA software and systems on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure provide an ideal platform for developers like Tonomus to build AI-forward, modern cities. Users of Tonomus seamless, cloud management platform, which combines cloud sales and management with a user-friendly digital interface, will draw a range of valuable benefits from the companys collaboration with Oracle and NVIDIA. Curating access In addition to curating access to the worlds top cloud service providers, the platform allows users to search for and compare a wide range of options, capabilities and costs in real time, and then purchase and manage solutions. It also facilitates cost monitoring, resource optimisation and visibility, centralises customer management of multiple cloud assets and costs, and is an asset to finance and accounting departments in accessing information on historic and projected costs based on consumption. OCIs comprehensive set of public cloud services and NVIDIAs accelerated computing stack from GPUs and networking to software combined with OCIs AI cloud infrastructure of bare metal and RDMA cluster networking and storage, will provide NEOM-based enterprises with a broad, easily accessible portfolio of options for AI training and deep learning inference at scale. Processing engines The availability of the globally adopted NVIDIA AI platform will grant businesses that make NEOM their home the benefits of essential processing engines for each step of the AI workflow, from data processing and AI model training to simulation and large-scale deployment. The venture will be propelled by technology such as the NVIDIA A100 Tensor Core GPU and the upcoming, NVIDIA H100 the most advanced accelerator ever produced and an order-of-magnitude leap for accelerated computing. Its combined innovations can speed up large language models by an incredible 30 times over the previous generation to deliver industry-leading conversational AI. Early adopters of the technology will also be able to enjoy various opportunities, allowing large corporations across a range of industries from healthcare and manufacturing to telecommunications and financial services to reduce their IT infrastructure costs, automate operations and obtain insights faster than ever before. The strategic partnership between Tonomus and Oracle has been steadily expanding since the company was named as the first tenant at ZeroPoint DC in October 2021.-- TradeArabia News Service By imposing a blockade against Artsakh the Azerbaijani side tries to create unbearable living conditions, exert psychological pressure on the people of Artsakh and, ultimately, force people to leave their homeland, Artsakh Republic Foreign Minister Sergey Ghazaryan said in an interview with Artsakhpress. "We consider such actions of Azerbaijan as an element of genocidal policy aimed at the annihilation of the Artsakh people as such. Today's blockade is a direct continuation of the military aggression against the Republic of Artsakh and its people, unleashed by Azerbaijan in 2020 with the direct participation of Turkey and terrorist fighters and mercenaries from the Middle East. As a result of Azerbaijani aggression, vast territories of Artsakh, including the city of Shushi and the Hadrut region were occupied. Some 38,000 people lost their homes and became refugees and displaced persons. More than 90,000 of the 150,000-strong population of Artsakh were forced to take refuge in Armenia, fleeing the horrors of war. However, after the establishment of a ceasefire, most of the inhabitants of Artsakh returned to their homeland. Having failed to achieve all its goals during the aggression in 2020, Azerbaijan resorted to other means to implement its criminal plans. The ultimate goal of this policy is to suppress the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination by expelling and destroying the people of Artsakh as such. Azerbaijan acts according to the principle of "no people, no problem," the minister said. Answering a question about Azerbaijan's international response, Ghazaryan said that Stepanakert welcomes the international community's statements on the need to unblock the Lachin corridor and all of Artsakh as soon as possible. In this context, a comprehensive rather than fragmented approach to the situation in Artsakh as a result of Azerbaijan's blockade is important. "The blockade of Artsakh is not only a humanitarian problem, but also an issue of violation of individual and collective rights of its people. The international community should also view the blockade not as an isolated action, but as just another episode in a series of widespread and systematic attacks by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh and violations of their rights. Through the blockade, Azerbaijan is intentionally creating for the people of Artsakh conditions of life calculated to bring about their expulsion from their historic homeland. The statements of the Azerbaijani leadership that the Lachin corridor is open for those who want to leave Artsakh attest that through the blockade the Azerbaijani authorities are implementing their policy of ethnic cleansing of Artsakh. We call on the community of nations to exercise a comprehensive legal approach to the issue of Artsakh and the rights of its people and, in accordance with their international commitments on preventing mass atrocities, to immediately activate the existing mechanisms of early prevention of genocides," the Foreign Minister said. A note demanding an end to interference in Russia's internal affairs was handed to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow on Tuesday, TASS reported, citing a source close to the Russian Foreign Ministry leadership. "On February 7 this year, an official note was handed to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow with a demand to stop actions incompatible with the status of the diplomatic mission, which constitute interference in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation," the source said. "The Russian Foreign Ministry states that despite repeated warnings contained in the note of the Foreign Ministry dated December 9, 2022, the US Embassy continues its malicious activities in the information field allowing inappropriate statements about the leaders of the country of residence and disseminating fakes about the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation which is a criminal offense", he stressed. According to the interlocutor of the agency, "American diplomats were warned against attempts to conduct subversive work, recruiting 'agents of influence' to sow discord and strife in the Russian society and incite anti-state speeches. "Employees involved in this will be expelled, regardless of their positions," he pointed out. "In this regard, the new US ambassador to Moscow, Lynne Tracy, who was received at the Foreign Ministry on January 30 to present copies of her credentials, was given a tough message about the need to strictly comply with Russian laws and stop activities that run counter to the requirements of the Russian authorities and the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," the source close to the Russian Foreign Ministry added. "Russia intends to use all available means to neutralize the US embassy fakes, he said. "The Russian side does not intend to put up with the rabid anti-Russian propaganda replicated by the US Embassy's information resources and intends to use all available means to neutralize it," he concluded. Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind two of the worlds most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, The Red Sea and Amaala, said it has completed the first ever successful translocation of doum palm trees. The initiative closely aligns with the national objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative, while reducing over-reliance on importing foreign species of plants, said the statement from RSG. The complex nature of the doums tap root system makes safely extracting, moving and re-planting the tree a uniquely tricky botanical operation. To overcome the challenges, RSG designed and fabricated custom-made lifting gear to ensure the root systems remained intact and the maximum volume of surrounding soil could be collected, it stated. "While others would be satisfied to develop at the cost of nature, or to import expensive, fully matured plants as a shortcut to beautiful landscaping, we are constantly pushing ourselves to do things differently, to behave responsibly in a way that prioritizes people and planet," said Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at RSG. Albasseet pointed out that achieving this feat required innovative thinking, new engineering methods and techniques, and collaboration across industries and specialties. "It was not easy, but by challenging ourselves, we now have a model for transplantation that can be replicated again and again. That is good for nature, good for our guests, and ultimately good for our business," he noted. The historic trial, which is part of RSG efforts to protect nature and where possible enhance biodiversity, saw three Doum trees near Umluj that were at risk from urban expansion or drought moved to the Turtle Bay Hotel at The Red Sea. The journey took seven days in June 2022, covering distances of up to 70 km, he added. Tarik Alabbasi, Environmental Programs Director at RSG, said: No scientific literature globally investigated the challenges of transplanting the doum tree. We had to develop and test our own, customized methodologies, procedures and tools to safely transplant these mature sized doum palms. Michael Twitty is a lot of things Black, Irish, Jewish, gay but he is not a chef. As he told a capacity crowd in the Jones Room of the Robert W. Woodruff Library on Jan. 27: A chef is a special kind of professional. That aint me. I am a grandma cook. His cast-iron pots, he claimed, are the giveaway. Those lucky enough to sample the superb food served at the event, based on his award-winning book Koshersoul, might challenge Twittys modesty. However, as a culinary historian, what he cooks up are the connections between the food we eat and how we understand ourselves and our cultural traditions. Twitty appeared as part of the Identity, Inclusion and Sense of Belonging Series of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. As Carol Henderson explained in her introduction, the series seeks to explore the intersectionality of identity, bringing to bear thoughtful and authentic conversations centered on justice, truth, belonging and the common good. Henderson, vice provost for diversity and inclusion, chief diversity officer and adviser to the president, partnered with the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life and the Tam Institute for Jewish Studies to bring Twitty here. His appearance coincided with Emorys honoring International Holocaust Remembrance Day. As Twitty responded to the questions posed by Miriam Udel, Judith London Evans Director of the Tam Institute and associate professor of Yiddish language, literature and culture, both agreed that an emphasis on resilience was the order of the day. Much of Twittys message turned on the importance of insisting on ones self-worth. As he noted: People came out of the Shoah and out of enslavement, and we are still processing that. We are creating new things and new selves. How food defines us Skip carousel Vice Provost Carol Henderson welcomed the crowd there to see culinary historian Michael Twitty on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Miriam Udel, director of the Tam Institute for Jewish Studies and associate professor of Yiddish language, literature and culture, guided the conversation with Twitty. Each answer Twitty gave saw him switch effortlessly between self-reflection and observations about American culture. The first hour offered up food for thought, then the crowd relished tastings from Twittys latest book, Koshersoul. Twittys two most recent books were available for signing. Also catch his writing on the blog Afroculinaria. The jury seems unanimous: delicious! Previous Next Udel began the afternoon with this powerful quote from Primo Levis book Survival in Auschwitz words, she said, that would not let her go: All took leave from life in the manner which most suited them. Some praying, some deliberately drunk, others lustfully intoxicated for the last time. But the mothers stayed up to prepare the food for the journey with tender care, and washed their children and packed the luggage; and at dawn the barbed wire was full of childrens washing hung out in the wind to dry. Nor did they forget the diapers, the toys, the cushions and the hundred other small things which mothers remember and children always need. Would you not do the same? If you and your child were going to be killed tomorrow, would you not give him to eat today? She then asked Twitty: How did your journey into African American foodways begin by deepening your learning about the Holocaust? Twitty recalled his earlier life as a teacher in the Washington, D.C., area who took his students to the United States Holocaust Museum. Understanding ones history, says Twitty, is a way of showing respect for yourself, acknowledging and claiming your worth. He then invoked his identity as a Black man and recalled the civil rights movement, asking: Why would you get dressed up in your best suit to protest when you know a water hose or dog is going to tear it apart? Again, by having love for yourself. Udel wanted to know, What are we really talking about when we talk about food? Twittys response was: Food is not just I am hungry. History becomes a lot more palatable, pun intended, when we can use food to tell stories. Twitty also made the case that no one treats foods quite like the Black and Jewish traditions. We tend to talk about meals we have had when we get together because, when you are an unsettled people, you dwell on the luxury of the past and hope for the future. Asked by an undergraduate specifically about the use of fermentation, Twitty observed that there is not a lot of fermentation in Afro-Atlantic food ways. Why? What is the principal ingredient in fermentation? Time. What was the thing that the enslaved were denied? Time. Lets get this straight. Judaism is not just a religion, and Blackness is not just a phenotype. Both are a feeling, a culture, a peoplehood, a knowledge system with many branches. Intrigued by Twittys rendering of koshersoul as one word, Udel was curious about how he defined the term. Koshersoul is an evolving, dynamic approach to the way Jews of African descent celebrate their lives, celebrate each other and teach about our community, said Twitty. Both Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South (2018; winner of the James Beard Award for best writing and book of the year) and Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew (2022) were available for signing after the event. At this years National Jewish Book Awards, Koshersoul was named the Everett Family Foundation Book of the Year, the first time that a Black author was so honored. Udel, who also is an Orthodox rabbi, described getting to know Twitty: His work sings and sizzles with the energy of the multiple traditions of resilience that he unites in his person. His journey into African American foodways was sparked by deepening his learning about the Holocaust, and his brand of koshersoul is infused with the melding flavors of the ancestral past that formed him as well as his aspirations for shaping the future as a teacher and writer. The road to becoming whole Skip carousel His humor was a delight, often tickling him as well. Rev. Gregory W. McGonigle, dean of religious life, noted that Twitty expressed the deeply intersecting spiritual, cultural and personal identities so many of us bring to campus and community today. Twitty urged those listening "not to take the strength of multiculturalism for granted. Previous Next Despite the evident peace with himself that Twitty evinces today, it was not always so; he has been on a journey with zigs and zags. I want people to understand that, in my toolbox of identities, I use parts of myself to repair other parts of myself. Taking joy in your culture, in who you are, is part of healing, he noted. Twitty touched on kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken vessels with gold or other metallic lacquer. What is the gold we use to repair ourselves? he asked. It is our food, our oratory, our social justice and moral suasion, our style. And then, to smiles all around, he called out Henderson as an embodiment of style. Intersectionality is a shared trait, one that Twitty urged listeners not to shy away from. We are all intersectional in some way. And if you are not aware of how contaminated you are, happily contaminated, you are not doing America right. In fact, you are forfeiting what it means to live in a multicultural society, he advised. And we are not just intersectional but interdependent. When you acknowledge the interdependence of the human soul, spirit and body, and our familyhood to each other no matter where we come from or what we look like, you will not interact with the world in the same way ever again, Twitty said. Offering a window into his spiritual world, Twitty choked up when he observed: I love the moment on Saturday night when we say, And the Jews have light and joy. Rev. Gregory W. McGonigle, dean of religious life and university chaplain, summed up what he heard: Michael Twitty expressed the deeply intersecting spiritual, cultural and personal identities so many of us bring to campus and community today, and spoke eloquently about how the different parts of us might nourish, heal and strengthen the others. In a time when we need to do this communally, he kindled the flames of how we might seek such wholeness, while setting out a magnificent feast for the mind, body and soul. Twitty concluded by saying: My life is in Gods cookbook, and its a darn good recipe. All photos by Kay Hinton, Emory Photo/Video. As 2022 was coming to a close, the European Court of Human Rights issued a groundbreaking decision, taking a bold stand to address officer-perpetrated gender-based violence, an area of focus for Miami Laws Human Rights Clinic. As part of the Community Oriented and United Responses to Address Gender Violence and Equality Initiative, the HRC works on addressing gender-based violence. The clinic had the opportunity to collaborate with the European Human Rights Advocacy Center on a case addressing officer-perpetrated GBV before the European Court of Human Rights. In this case, a police officer in Georgia leveraged his official position to commit domestic violence with impunity, resulting in the tragic death of his former partner. Under the supervision of Human Rights Clinic Founding Director Caroline Bettinger- Lopez and Acting Director Tamar Ezer, law students Anabel Blanco 20, Caitlyn Burnitis 20, Damian Gonzalez 20, Fernando Rodrigues Da Motta Bertoncello 20, Meredith Shea 20, and Simone Smith 20 filed an intervention with the European Court of Human Rights, in collaboration with Casa de Esperanza, End Violence Against Women International, Futures Without Violence, and Women in Federal Law Enforcement. Officer-perpetrated GBV is so prevalent and yet so rarely addressed. It is often met with a blue wall of silence, where police departments protect fellow officers from investigation. said Ezer. This completely undermines the justice system and is particularly troubling since many states rely on law enforcement as front-line responders to GBV. The HRC argued for heightened state responsibility in cases of officer-perpetrated GBV, noting that officers are uniquely positioned to use their state authority, training, and access to weapons and resources to facilitate abuse in their relationship. Moreover, heightened vigilance by the state is required to prevent impunity and safeguard the justice systems integrity. The European Court of Human Rights agreed. The court stated that it expects Member States to be all the more stringent when investigating . . . their own law enforcement officers for the commission of serious crimes, including domestic violence and violence against women in general, than they are with ordinary offenders, because what is at stake is not only the issue of the individual criminal-law liability of the perpetrators but also the States duty to combat any sense of impunity felt by the offenders by virtue of their very office, and maintain public confidence in and respect for the law-enforcement system. The court further referred to a heightened duty to tackle prejudice-motivated crimes. The clinics former students were thrilled to have had this opportunity to influence global standard-setting. This opportunity as a Miami Law student was incredible, and now, on an even larger scale, evolved into adding value to the international legal community, said Shea. All of the hours spent meeting with classmates and mentors to navigate the research, to consider the case and weeks of drafting and re-drafting to provide valuable input to the European Court of Human Rights it was a memorable and formative part of my law school experience. The clinic subsequently expanded its analysis of law enforcement responses to gender-based violence in a report and case studies focused on Canada and Brazil. The report provides a human rights framework for improving law enforcement responses to GBV, addressing accountability for officer-perpetrated GBV, trauma-informed interactions with survivors, effective investigation of GBV reports, and intersecting discrimination. Read more about Miami Law's clinics Two Mount St. Marys University seniors, Angela Vodola and Julianna Roman, have been selected as semifinalists for prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) awards through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Their applications will be sent to committees in Madagascar and Israel, respectively, for the final round of consideration. Vodola, a native of Sandy Hook, Connecticut, is majoring in elementary education, with a concentration in special education, and minoring in theology. She is being considered for a Fulbright ETA in Madagascar, where she would assist an English teacher in a secondary school. I have been considering teaching abroad since my sophomore year when I took Globalization in Education and was introduced to the Mount Fellows Program, she shared. Last year, Vodola became certified in Teaching English as a Foreign Language with the help of the professors who oversee the Fellows Program. Teaching in another country would be an amazing experience and would help me become a better educator by expanding my knowledge of other cultures and customs, she noted. Roman grew up in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, with considerable exposure to world cultures. Her parents are Marco Roman, Ph.D., chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures, and Roxanne Stefanik Roman, a lecturer in the same department. Roman is triple majoring in Spanish, French, and politics, philosophy, and economics, with a minor in Italian. She has applied for an ETA in Israel, which she chose to pursue because of her fascination with the Jewish immigration story, a uniquely ancient and modern story of migration which I wish to understand more fully, she shared. If chosen, she, too, will assist a secondary-school English teacher and help to further students understanding of the United States, and vice versa. The competitive Fulbright ETA award is granted to students who wish to spend a year after graduation in a foreign country, teaching English and learning about their host culture. The Competitive Fellowships Committee, comprised of faculty members, includes Director Jamie Gianoutsos, Ph.D., Associate Director Christine Blackshaw, Ph.D., Josey Chacko, Ph.D., Angy Kallarackal, Ph.D., Michelle Ohanian, Ph.D., and Garth Patterson, Ph.D., oversaw these applications and conducted the Fulbright on-campus interviews. According to Fulbright, applicants who reach this stage will be notified if they have been selected, designated as an alternate or not selected between early March and late May, with dates to vary by country. To learn more about the Office of Competitive Fellowships and the Mount Fellows Program, visit https://msmary.edu/fellowships. N Korea pledges 'expanded' military drills Kim Jong Un attends a meeting of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang. Image: KCNA via AFP North Korea's top army officials have said they will expand and intensify military drills to ensure their readiness for war, state media reported on Tuesday, ahead of a massive parade. The pledge came at a Monday meeting overseen by leader Kim Jong Un and follows last week's staging of joint air drills by South Korea and the United States. The agenda was topped by "the issue of constantly expanding and intensifying the operation and combat drills of the [Korean People's Army] ... strictly perfecting the preparedness for war", the official Korean Central News Agency said. The meeting of North Korea's central military commission comes as commercial satellite imagery suggests "extensive parade preparations" are underway in Pyongyang ahead of key state holidays this month. North Korea celebrates the founding anniversary of its armed forces on Wednesday and the "Day of the Shining Star" on February 16. The latter is the birthday of Kim Jong Il, son of North Korea's founder Kim Il Sung and father of Kim Jong Un. Seoul and Washington have moved to bolster joint military drills following a year of sanctions-busting weapons tests, infuriating Pyongyang, which sees them as rehearsals for invasion. Last week, the security allies staged joint air drills featuring strategic bombers and stealth fighters, prompting Pyongyang to warn such exercises could "ignite an all-out showdown". The joint exercises, their first this year, came a day after US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and his South Korean counterpart vowed to boost security cooperation to counter an increasingly belligerent nuclear-armed North. North Korea's foreign minister has said the move to ramp up joint drills crossed "an extreme red line". Kim recently called for an "exponential" increase in Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal, including mass-producing tactical nuclear weapons and developing new missiles for nuclear counterstrikes. Kim has also said his country must "overwhelmingly beef up military muscle" in 2023 in response to what Pyongyang calls US and South Korean hostility. (AFP) The BMMI Group, a leading private sector enterprise in Bahrain, has announced its first participation at Gulfood Exhibition taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre from February 20 to the 24 with participation from global F&B companies. During the exhibition, BMMI will be showcasing various products including two of its own brands, Purely and Natures Origins. The Purely brand offers customers with consistent, high-quality, and ethically sourced food products at great value. The brands tagline, the right choice, highlights BMMIs belief that great value should not mean sacrificing on high-quality or on ethical sourcing. Through Purely, BMMI is committed to great taste, great value and greater care for the planet. The Purely range showcased at Gulfood will include pantry staples such as canned fava beans, white beans, green peas, hummus, and more. Natures Origins, the second brand BMMI is presenting at the exhibition, provides the market with farm-to-shelf spices, with an emphasis on ethical and sustainable sourcing. With Natures Origins, a wide range of organic and conventional products are picked from the ideal origins, with a focus on quality and adherence to international standards. Some of the brands products that will be showcased at Gulfood include cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves amongst others. BMMI works to a model of vertical integration across the Groups value chain allows BMMI to source efficiently from manufacturing sources and farm gates. Through our direct management of process steps and reducing supply associated risks to major manufacturers, BMMI manages the value chain from farm-gate to consumers, said Robert Smith, BMMIs Chief Supply Chain Officer. In this way, we generate long-term trust with manufacturers, farmers, process owners, and logistics and shipping entities all the way through to end customers. BMMI is looking forward to participating in Gulfood for the first time and presenting its product ranges that highlight the Groups commitment to exceptional quality, sustainability, transparency, and ethical practices, added Smith. With extensive experience in the food and beverages and sourcing and supply industries, as well as a long history tracing back to 1883, BMMI truly understands its customer requirements and, accordingly, provides assurance for traceability, sustainability, and ethical practices by managing the end-to-end value chain. The BMMI Group represents a dynamic portfolio of global household brands and is a leader in the wholesale distribution, retail and production of food and beverages fortified by its end-to-end supply chain solutions and services related to logistics, procurement, integrated facility management and shipping. At the exhibition, BMMI will be able to secure new partnerships to help the company further strengthen its regional and global ties and customer base. - TradeArabia News Service China apologises for balloon incident over Costa Rica A US military jet shot down another balloon just off the US Atlantic coast. File photo: AP Beijing has apologised to Costa Rica for a balloon that flew over its territory, the Central American country's government said on Monday. According to a brief statement from Costa Rica's foreign ministry, Beijing recognised that one of its balloons flew over Costa Rica, and its embassy in San Jose "apologised for the incident," while insisting the balloon was focused on scientific research, mainly weather studies. Costa Rican officials were told by Beijing officials the balloon flight path deviated from its original plan and it had a limited ability to correct the error, according to the statement. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson told reporters at a news conference in Beijing on Monday that the balloon spotted in Latin America was used for civilian purposes. On Sunday, the head of Costa Rica's civil aviation agency said local officials had received reports of a balloon flying over the country last Thursday, after Colombia's military issued a statement on Saturday saying it had sighted an object similar to a balloon over its territory a day earlier. Planes were notified at the time, but no further action was taken, according to the civil aviation director. A US military jet shot down another balloon just off its Atlantic coast on Saturday, after days of frenzied speculation in the country over its mission. And on Monday, US President Joe Biden asserted that Sino-US relations were not weakened by the episode. (Reuters) Court rules S Korea liable for 1968 Vietnam massacre Nguyen Thi Thanh, seen on a computer monitor outside the Seoul Central District Court, welcomes the verdict, saying "the souls can now rest". Photo: Yonhap via AP A Seoul court delivered a landmark ruling on Tuesday holding the South Korean government accountable for a massacre committed by its soldiers in the Vietnam War, ordering it to pay compensation. In the 1960s and early 1970s, South Korea sent troops to support America's doomed fight against the communist North Vietnamese during a bloody two-decade conflict that ended with the fall of Saigon and Vietnam's reunification in 1975. South Korean marines were accused of killing around 70 civilians during a raid on February 12, 1968 in a case brought to court in Seoul by a Vietnamese woman who survived the massacre. Seoul's Central District Court ruled that victim Nguyen Thi Thanh should be compensated with 30 million won (US$23,800), plus interest, for the mass killings in the town of Phong Nhi in Vietnam's central Quang Nam province. Nguyen, now 62, who was injured in the raid and lost family including her mother, filed the lawsuit in 2020 seeking compensation from the South Korean government. Over the past three years, Vietnamese witnesses and journalists who covered the 1968 incident have appeared in court to testify. The court eventually sided with the victim, rejecting the government's argument that it was hard to prove Korean troops were the perpetrators. Marines had "threatened the plaintiff's family with guns and took them outside to shoot them", the court said in its verdict, according to Yonhap News Agency. "The plaintiff's mother was rounded up with others by the soldiers and shot dead... It is established that the plaintiff's families were killed on the spot," the verdict added. The court also ruled that a 1965 agreement between Seoul and the South Vietnamese government which Seoul claimed made its troops immune from legal liability did not prevent individual Vietnamese victims from seeking compensation. Nguyen welcomed the ruling in a video released by her legal team. "I think the spirits (of those killed in the massacre) were with me and supported me," she said. "I am so happy that the souls can now rest." Her legal team also hailed the unprecedented verdict. "Today's ruling bears significance that the South Korean court acknowledges for the first time that there was an illegal act committed during the Vietnam War and that the South Korean government should be held legally accountable," attorney Lim Jae-sung said. (AFP) The Pakistan government on Tuesday formed a committee to review a bill that aims to amend the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) where up to five-year imprisonment will be awarded to whoever ridicules the army or the judiciary through any medium, local media reported. In a handout, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that a cabinet committee has been formed to carefully review the Criminal Laws Amendment Bill, 2023 forwarded by the Interior Ministry, Dawn reported. It added that the body would submit its report at the next meeting of the federal cabinet. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Sardar Ayaz Sadiq as well as representatives from the coalition parties have been included in the committee, the PMO handout said. A threadbare discussion was held on the bill during Tuesday's cabinet meeting, wherein a majority of the members opposed the amendment, Dawn reported. A source from the PMO said PPP leaders Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar and Hina Rabbani Khar were among those who strongly opposed the proposed bill. From the PML-N, only Khawaja Saad Rafique who is also the Railways Minister opposed the proposed bill outright. After listening to the concerns of the cabinet, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recommended that a committee be formed to review the proposed bill. He also said that members from allied parties should also be included in a bid to resolve their concerns, a source said, Dawn reported. Titled Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act, 2023, the bill suggests a new Section 500A after Section 500 in the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The new section is titled 'Intentional ridiculing or scandalising of the state institutions etc'. It says that whoever makes, publishes, circulates any statement or disseminates information, through any medium, with an intention to ridicule or scandalise the judiciary, the armed forces or any of their members will be guilty of an offence punishable with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend up to five years or with a fine which may extend to Rs 1 million or both, Dawn reported. --IANS san/arm ( 364 Words) 2023-02-07-21:22:02 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a meeting with top energy industry leaders on the sidelines of the India Energy Week. Vedanta Resources chief Anil Agarwal, Petronas head T.M. Taufik and OPEC chief Haitham Al Ghais were among the leaders who were present at the meeting. "India can help the world solve the climate crisis with technology and investment made in innovation in the energy sector. It's delightful to listen to PM Modi in India energy week," Joseph McMonigle, secretary general of International Energy Forum, said after the meeting. "It was an amazing meeting with PM Modi today who addressed us at India Energy Week. I have no doubt that India is the most attractive place for exploration and production of oil and gas," Agarwal said. Petronas chief Taufik said: "India is sending important messages across the world as it takes on the G20 presidency. No less than Prime Minister Modi is sending strong guidelines on how to navigate energy transition. I'm in admiration of his ability to sell the concept and also fight for energy justice." "We all support the Prime Minister's vision and policies on energy security, affordability and low carbon as India continues to grow in terms of energy needs as well as being a leader in the transition," said William Lin, executive vice president of British Petroleum. "An honour to meet Prime Minister Modi today. We had an extensive discussion where we listened to the vision laid out by him for India and how energy security, affordability and accessibility play an important role to make this vision a reality," Ghais said. --IANS ans/pgh ( 282 Words) 2023-02-06-23:10:02 (IANS) Reliance Jio and GSMA have announced the national roll-out of their Digital Skills Program, a joint initiative under the broader GSMA Connected Women Commitment initiative. The program aims to provide need-based training to rural women and individuals from marginalized or low-income groups to help them make meaningful use of digital access, Reliance Jio said in a release on Tuesday. As per the GSMA's Mobile Gender Gap Report 2022, women in India are 41 per cent less likely than men to use mobile internet. A total of 330 million women in India still do not use mobile internet, compared to 248 million men. Lack of literacy and digital skills is one of the top reported barriers to mobile internet use. As a part of this program, the GSMA and Jio teams worked together to assess prevalent digital skill gaps and develop need-based digital skills training toolkits that are India-specific. The toolkits were designed post extensive field research and user feedback. Over 1,000 rural women and men from Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu participated and provided inputs for the refinement of the digital training toolkits during the trial phase. The national roll-out phase is now underway, with the program being rolled out across 10 states with a focus on reaching women and marginalized groups. Reliance Foundation will support the rollout through its large network and self-help groups, particularly in rural areas. "Mobile technology has the power to empower women, making them feel more connected, independent, and secure, and providing them with access to important information that helps them in their daily lives. We are proud to partner with GSMA in this program to take digital skills training to the women across India and be the wind beneath their wings," said Isha Ambani, Director, Reliance Jio. Over the next few months, Reliance Jio and Reliance Foundation will focus on scaling up the program. "Mobile technology has the potential to positively contribute to protecting women's human rights and to strengthen their economic, social, and political empowerment and development. But more needs to be done to ensure women are not being left behind in an increasingly connected world. We are excited to partner with Jio and Reliance Foundation to take the Digital Skills Program national and help accelerate digital inclusion for women," said Mats Granryd, Director General, of GSMA. The GSMA is a global organization unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. (ANI) Singapore, February 7 (ANI/PRNewswire): Algorand Foundation, the organization focused on growing the ecosystem for the world's most advanced, secure and reliable layer-1 blockchain, announced broad-reaching partnerships in India. With India set to surpass China as the world's most populous country this year, the Foundation is committed to supporting the creation of employment opportunities and solutions that serve India's vibrant population. Algorand is the first layer-1 blockchain protocol to partner with T-Hub, India's premier innovation hub with 600+ corporate partners, including Intel, AWS, Boeing, Meta, Microsoft, Cisco, among others. This partnership will support startups and established companies building high-impact, scalable blockchain-based solutions. "T-Hub and Telangana state are committed to supporting a Web3 ecosystem of entrepreneurs, developers and creators. Our new partnership with Algorand, especially given the sustainability and real world utility of its blockchain in a market like India, is strong evidence of that," said M. S. Rao, T-Hub CEO. "This partnership will help our ecosystem scale globally and access capital from around the world." Through partnerships with Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad and the Indian School of Business, the Algorand Foundation will soon launch faculty development programs, student developer training, and a master class series for companies looking to transition critical business processes to Web3. In addition, Algorand will act as a technology partner for the new USD 50 million Global Climate Resilience Fund - launched by the Clinton Foundation and its Clinton Global Initiative, with SEWA as a founding partner - geared towards helping women micro-entrepreneurs address climate change. SEWA is the largest trade union in India with more than 2.1 million female workers. For 50 years, SEWA has improved the livelihoods of self-employed women workers from the informal economy through initiatives including technical training. In celebrating the new fund, the Algorand Foundation and its CEO Staci Warden have joined Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and The Clinton Foundation in Ahmedabad. The fund, in part, will help local entrepreneurs connect with the carbon markets and monetize carbon credits that their activities generate. Through business accelerator programs and seed investments, Algorand will support women-led enterprises building solutions to increase financial inclusion and empowerment of SEWA members and low-income working women across India. "At the Algorand Foundation, we are deeply committed to ensuring blockchain lives up to its potential in creating a more inclusive economy in India and across the globe," said Warden. "I am thrilled to be back in India, and especially to see the embrace and enthusiasm by people across the country for technology that can so significantly and positively impact their quality of life." Algorand's focus on India follows the Foundation's recent appointment of Anil Kakani as India Country Head. "The partnerships we are formalizing this week with India's most respected institutions and organizations are reflective of the reliability, scalability and real world utility of Algorand's blockchain technology," said Kakani. "Our mission is built around sustainable impact. We are ready to take center stage in India and across the globe to fuel world-changing solutions to improve access to financial services, health care, education and so many other critical applications." Startups and developers interested in learning more about Algorand and opportunities to take part in this initiative can apply to join a 3-day mini accelerator experience in Hyderabad taking place March 24-26, 2023. For more information, click here. The Algorand Foundation is dedicated to helping fulfill the global promise of the Algorand blockchain by taking responsibility for its sound monetary supply economics, decentralized governance, and healthy and prosperous open-source ecosystem. Designed by MIT professor and Turing Award winning cryptographer Silvio Micali, Algorand is uniquely capable of delivering on the promise of a borderless global economy. It achieves transaction throughputs at the speed of traditional finance, but with immediate finality, near zero transaction costs, and on a 24/7 basis. Its carbon-neutral platform and unique pure proof-of-stake consensus mechanism solves for the "blockchain trilemma" by achieving both security and scalability on a decentralized protocol, and without a second of downtime since it went live in 2019. For more information, please visit https://algorand.foundation Media Contact Ditto PR, algorand@dittopr.co This story is provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PRNewswire) Reliance Jio on Tuesday launched its True 5G services across 10 cities across eight states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with the total count of cities making to 236. Jio users in these cities will be invited to the Jio Welcome Offer, to experience unlimited data at up to 1 Gbps speeds, at no additional cost, starting today, according to a Jio statement released on Tuesday. A Jio spokesperson said, "We are proud to roll out Jio True 5G services in these 10 cities across eight states. With this launch, Jio users across 236 cities can enjoy the transformational benefits of Jio True 5G in the new year 2023. These newly launched True 5G cities are important tourism and commerce destinations as well as key education hubs of our country." With the launch of Jio's True 5G services, the spokesperson said consumers of the region would not just get the best telecommunication network but would also get infinite growth opportunities in the areas of e-governance, education, automation, artificial intelligence, gaming, healthcare, agriculture, IT, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). According to the company, the cities of Hindupur, Madanapalle and Proddatur in Andhra Pradesh; Raigarh in Chhattisgarh; Talcher in Odisha; Patiala in Punjab; Alwar in Rajasthan; Mancherial in Telangana; Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh and Roorkee in Uttarakhand will enjoy Jio's 5G services from today. The spokesperson also said, "We are grateful to the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand for their continuous support in our quest to digitise the region." (ANI) New Delhi [India], February 7 (ANI/PNN): Swiss Learning, an educational body managed by the Heads of Swiss Educational Institutes, recently organised an interactive showcase of global learning on 3rd February 2023 at The St. Regis Mumbai to promote their boarding schools along with their summer and winter camps for students. Apart from offering world-class teaching and comprehensive facilities, the schools and seasonal camps are designed to cater to all students irrespective of their linguistic, educational, or cultural background. Encouraging an upskilling approach to education that is value-oriented to children in the global landscape along with a steadfast inclination towards restoring Swiss-style education, their prestigious boarding schools welcome students from the age group of 6-18 years from diverse backgrounds across the world. Meanwhile, the summer/winter camps are designed to provide an opportunity for children to spend time in the lap of mother nature and include excursions, sports, arts, and other forms of extra-curricular activities that are a significant part of the secondary education system in Switzerland. These activities prepare the students to multi-task, build team spirit, increase self-confidence, and engage with the community. Offering an understanding of how this dual-track model has been helpful for students, Christophe Xavier Clivaz, Founder & Director at Swiss Learning said that it gives the students an opportunity to acquire application-based skills, along with enhancing personal, social, and professional competencies. "The Swiss education system is known for blending hard skills acquired in classrooms, with soft skills that come handy in the real world. While technological capabilities are crucial, proficiencies in areas of communication, time management, emotional intelligence, networking, and leadership are equally, if not more important. To further our cause, we will continue to establish schools and camps rich in educational opportunities that are seamlessly accessible to students from all cultures, communities, and countries", he said. Explaining the vision behind coming up this educational framework for young students, the founder said that the networking opportunity offered by Swiss boarding schools with its alumni prove beneficial in establishing international ties from a young age that will undoubtedly act as a boon for aspiring professionals and determined learners from around the world. "Most students join boarding schools in their pre-teen years, 10-12 on average. As they grow up, they gain a sense of independence, spontaneity, and adaptability to new environments. This results in strong judgment and decision-making abilities in children - skills that are valued by recruiters and employers at later stages in the career trajectory of an individual", he further added. To know more about the summer and winter camps, the boarding facilities, and the experiential opportunities offered by Swiss Learning, visit their website: https://www.swisslearning.com/ This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN) New Delhi [India], February 7 (ANI/ATK): Do you want to learn how youtube backlinks can help promote your videos? In this article, you'll find everything you need to know about youtube backlinks. We'll go beyond the definition of a YouTube backlink to discuss the different types of YT backlinks you can create and the benefits they can provide for search engine optimization (SEO) and website traffic. By the end of this guide, you will have learned everything there is to know about obtaining and utilising YouTube backlinks in digital marketing. What are Backlinks?Backlinks are links to a particular page on your website from other websites. They are also referred to as incoming or inbound links. They are an important factor in search engine optimization (SEO) as they indicate the popularity and authority of a website, with search engines like Google using them as a ranking signal. What are YouTube Backlinks?YouTube backlinks are links from other websites that point to a specific video or channel on YouTube. Similar to backlinks for a website, these links can increase the visibility of a YouTube video and improve its ranking in search results, helping it to attract more views and engagement. The use of high-quality backlinks from reputable websites can help build authority and credibility for a YouTube video or channel. However, it is important to note that while backlinks can be an important factor in YouTube's search algorithms, they are not the only factor, and the quality and relevance of the video content is also critical factor in determining its success on the platform. Types of YouTube BacklinksThere are several types of YouTube backlinks, including: 1. Dofollow BacklinksDofollow YouTube backlinks are links that pass link equity (also known as "link juice") from the linking website to the linked video or channel on YouTube. As search engines use link equity to assess the value and relevance of the content, this type of backlink can increase the visibility of the linked video or channel in search results and help it rank higher. When a website links to a video or channel using a do follow link, it is effectively "vouching" for the quality of the content, which search engines may use as a signal to rank the linked video higher in search results. You can also rank on youtube through youtube views. Increase your youtube views through buy youtube subscribers form Youtube market. Additionally, it's important to focus on building high-quality, relevant backlinks from reputable websites, as spammy or low-quality backlinks can actually harm your video's visibility in search results. 2. Nofollow BacklinksNofollow YouTube backlinks are links from other websites to a specific video or channel on YouTube that have a "nofollow" attribute applied. This attribute instructs search engines to not follow the link and not pass any link equity or "link juice" from the linking website to the linked video or channel. No follow links do not provide any SEO benefits for the linked video or channel and do not help it to rank higher in search results. Additionally, some websites may choose to use no follow links to maintain their own website's link equity and avoid linking out to low-quality or spammy websites. Overall, while no follow YouTube backlinks do not provide any direct SEO benefits, they can still play a role in the overall success and visibility of a video or channel on the platform. 3. Profile BacklinksProfile backlinks are links that are placed within the author profile or bio section of a website or blog, linking back to a specific video or channel on YouTube. These links can be used to promote a video or channel and drive more traffic to it, as users who visit the linking website may click on the link to view the linked video or channel on YouTube. It's important to focus on building high-quality profile backlinks from reputable websites that are relevant to the topic of the linked video or channel. Additionally, it's important to maintain a balanced backlink profile, with a mix of different types of backlinks from a variety of sources, in order to achieve the best results and ignore any potential search engine penalties. 4. Social Media BacklinksSocial media backlinks are links from social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, that point to a specific video or channel on YouTube. These links can be used to drive more traffic to the linked video or channel, as users who see the link on social media may click on it to view the video or channel on YouTube. Having social media backlinks can also indirectly benefit a video's visibility in search results. Additionally, social media links can help to build the reputation and authority of the linked video or channel, as users who see the link on social media may view it as a recommendation from their friends or followers. 5. Comment BacklinksComment backlinks are links placed within the comments section of a blog post or article, linking back to a specific video or channel on YouTube. These links can be used to promote the video or channel and drive more traffic to it, as users who view the comments may click on the link to view the video or channel on YouTube. The quality and relevance of the linking website is often used as a signal of the quality and relevance of the linked video or channel in search results. ConclusionBasically, a YouTube backlink is any link that points back to your website. And YouTube backlinks can be beneficial to SEO because they add to your website's link profile and assist other content creators in discovering your articles for organic link building. Without creating backlinks, you can promote your videos and gain more subscribers and viewers. Purchasing YouTube subscribers form YouTubemarket.net will be very cost-effective. There are numerous packages available on this site that are budget friendly, and they offer organic subscribers and viewers. This story has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ATK) This is about a 230 per cent rise in the number of beneficiaries. PM Kisan scheme is a central sector scheme to supplement the financial needs of land-holding farmers. A financial benefit of a total of Rs 6,000 per year is transferred into the bank accounts of farmer families through direct benefit transfer. This ambitious scheme, which was launched in February 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is one of the largest DBT schemes in the world. The scheme has been able to reach out to crores of farmers, with no middlemen involved in between. To increase the number of beneficiaries receiving payments under the scheme, Common Service Centres have been authorized to assist the farmers in registration and updation of their data. Besides, state governments have appointed nodal officers for the scheme at Block, District and State Levels. (ANI) Dubais Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), has issued its Virtual Assets and Related Activities Regulations 2023 setting out a broad Virtual Asset (VA) Framework stressing economic sustainability and cross-border financial security. The UAE has remained committed to enabling these drivers safely, updating its oversight and regulatory approach, addressing global risks of money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (TF), arising from the potential misuse of new technologies. The VA Framework is structurally designed to offer regulatory certainty allowing the market to have greater clarity on the expected level of operator responsibility. It also mandates gold-standard risk assurance and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards to be applied by licensed entities within the Emirate. Future Economy Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General Dubais Department of Economy & Tourism, and Chairman of VARAs Executive Board said: Dubais D33 Economic Plan has outlined our mission to establish the Emirate as the capital of the Future Economy anchored by Metaverse, AI, Web3.0 and Blockchain. In Q1-2022, VARA was launched as the world's only independent and specialist regulator for Virtual Assets to serve as the accelerator for a truly borderless Digital Economy. Ahead of its first anniversary since establishment, VARA launches the first-of-its-kind VA framework structured to accelerate our New Economy agenda, augmenting secure, and sustainable global market growth. This custom-designed construct reflects UAEs commitment to building responsible safeguards, and Dubais confidence in delivering a progressive VA ecosystem that nurtures next-gen innovation. As the Authority mandated to provide VA oversight across the Emirate of Dubai [except DIFC], VARA will facilitate VA-associated economic stability, investor protection, and jurisdictional resilience. The new regulations span a comprehensive breadth of seven licensed VA activities - Advisory services, Broker-Dealer services, Custodial services, Exchange services, Lending-Borrowing services, Payments and Remittances services, and VA Management and Investment services. Informed decision Additionally, issuance is a regulated activity under the VARA regime to allow consumers to make a more informed decision on new tokens being launched in Dubai, and the associated obligations of the issuer. Existing MVP Operational licence applicants [and holders of either the Provisional or Preparatory MVP licenses], legacy UAE-based Virtual Asset Service-Providers (VASPs), and new market entrants will be provided with a route towards full FMP licensing. All VASPs offering VA services to the Dubai market prior to the publication of the FMP Regulations will be required to register with VARA and become fully compliant with the final rules. Any breach of this condition will be subject to regulatory action.-- TradeArabia News Service Pankaj Chaudhary stated this in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha. In 2017-18, the remittances were at USD 69,129 million, and have been rising since, the minister said, quoting RBI data. The Minister, however, stated that country-wise data on remittance are not compiled. However, the minister shared the data of major countries in inward remittances to India. The US, UAE, the UK, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia are the top five major countries from where India receives such payments. Further, on the value of the rupee, the minister stated that the value of the Indian rupee is market-determined and the RBI closely monitors the foreign exchange markets and intervenes only to maintain orderly market conditions by containing excessive volatility in the exchange rate, without reference to any pre-determined target level or band. (ANI) During the meeting, agendas for sustainable infrastructure development with efficient collaboration between the two nations have been discussed in the presence of senior officials of both countries. On Monday, the Qatari minister also had a discussion with Union ports and shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal. "Glad to meet Qatar Minister of Transport HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti in New Delhi. Had a wonderful discussion on strengthening - maritime cooperation including the interaction between Indian and Qatari ports," Sonowal tweeted. (ANI) Moody's Investors Service has said banks' exposures to Adani Group are not large enough to affect their credit quality materially but it has cautioned that the exposure may increase in case the conglomerate becomes more reliant on bank loans. "The group's access to funding from international markets can be curtailed because of heightened risk perception. In that case, domestic banks may become the main source of funding for the group, resulting in increases in banks' exposures to Adani and greater risks for them," it said in a report on Tuesday. "Yet the overall quality of Indian banks' corporate loans will be stable. Corporates in general have deleveraged in the past few years. This is reflected in modest growth in their corporate loan books. Further, banks' underwriting has been conservative," it added. Through this report, Moody's tried to answer frequently asked questions about risks for Indian banks from their exposures to Adani companies. According to Moody's, banks' exposures to Adani Group are less than 1 per cent of their total loans. While we estimate that the exposures are larger for public sector banks than for private sector banks -- they are smaller than 1 per cent of total loans for most banks. In the past week, share prices of companies in Adani group (Adani) have dropped significantly, following a US-based Hindenburg Research, a short-seller, published a report alleging stock manipulation and fraud by the conglomerate. While Adani has denied the allegation and termed it as a lie. The continued sell-offs in the group's stocks have led its flagship firm, Adani Enterprises Limited, to cancel a fully subscribed Rs 20,000 share follow-on public offer. Adani Group on January 29 said the recent report by Hindenburg Research was not an attack on any specific company but a "calculated attack" on India, its growth story, and ambitions. "This is not merely an unwarranted attack on any specific company but a "calculated attack on India, the independence, integrity and quality of Indian institutions, and the growth story and ambition of India," the Adani Group said in a 413-page response. In its response to the Hindenburg Research, the Adani Group has attacked Hindenburg as "an unethical short seller". It added the report was "nothing but a lie". A short seller in the securities market books gain from the subsequent reduction in prices of shares. The Adani Group states that by "holding short positions" in Adani stocks, it is betting on the stock falling. Hindenburg exposed its hand as it made huge money with the fall of Adani stocks immediately following the publication of the report on January 24. "The document is a malicious combination of selective misinformation and concealed facts relating to baseless and discredited allegations to drive an ulterior motive," the Adani Group's response said. It went on to say the report by the US-based firm was intended only to create a "false market insecurities" to enable Hindenburg, an admitted short seller, to book massive financial gain through "wrongful means at the cost of countless investors". Adani Group, in its 413-page report, has also responded to all 88 questions raised by Hindenburg in details. The timing of the report by Hindenburg Research, Adani Group had said is "clearly betrays a brazen, mala fide intention to undermine" the Adani Group's reputation with the "principal objective of damaging" the group's Follow-on Public Offering from Adani Enterprises, the biggest FPO ever in India. (ANI) Bengaluru-based Indian music composer and producer Ricky Kej, who recently won his career''s third Grammy award, has shared how he celebrated his win with his "guru, older brother and dear friend" Stewart Copeland. Taking to Twitter, he posted a picture of him and Copeland eating an Indian meal. Along with the picture, he wrote, "This is how my guru, older brother and dear friend Stewart Copeland and I celebrated our win :-) An Indian meal in Los Angeles.. just the two of us. So grateful for him in my life." https://twitter.com/rickykej/status/1622619241747976195 Kej won the Grammy on Monday for his ''Divine Tides'' album, which was nominated in the Best Immersive Audio Album category. He won the trophy alongside Copeland, who is a rock legend. The result was announced at the live ceremony held at the Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles, USA. This song was Kej''s collaborative project with Copeland and they bagged another Grammy for Best New Age Album in 2022. The composer also won for his 2015 album, ''Winds of Samsara.'' Featuring artists from around the world, ''Divine Tides'' is a tribute to the magnificence of our natural world. This critically acclaimed album contains 9 songs and 8 music videos that were filmed around the world from the exquisite beauty of the Indian Himalayas to the icy forests of Spain. (ANI) Taking to her Instagram story, Juhi dropped a picture of her "Desi Breakfast." Sharing the pictures, she wrote, "My Desi Breakfast. not to miss the pickles, gud and dahi, .. served in kasa and mitti ka bartan with paper straw and the marigold flower... love my Indian tradition." On Monday, Juhi briefly interacted with the paps at the airport. "Main to shaadi attend karne jaa rahi hun. Unko hmari blessings hai, bohot hi sundar Jodi hai Kiara aur Sidharth ki," Juhi Chawla said. Juhi also took her Twitter, she shared a picture which she captioned, "#sidkiara" In the picture, she didn't reveal her face clearly and could be seen sitting inside a plane with her cap on. Juhi Chawla is Kiara's father's childhood friend. On the talk show, 'Social Media Star With Janice', Kiara once revealed, "My parents are childhood friends with a couple of actors, I had never even met... except for Juhi aunty (Juhi Chawla), who is my father's childhood friend." Preparations for Sidharth's baaraat are in full swing as truck with DJ setup was seen arriving at the Suryagarh Palace. After them, Delhi based band members dressed in pink-white kurta-pyjama and turbans along with their floral chhatris. The things are ready for baraat as ghodi arrives at the venue. Earlier several reports suggested that Sidharth and Kiara were expected to tie the knot on February 6. However, now fans have to wait a little longer. The 'Shershaah' co-stars will exchange vows today (February 7) in the evening. Sidharth and Kiara arrived at their wedding venue on Saturday to kickstart the festivities. Though the couple didn't speak to the media, the groom's brother and mother told paps that they were "excited". Celebrity guests including Juhi, Karan Johar, Shahid Kapoor, Mira Rajput are already in Jaisalmer for the big fat wedding. As per the reports, the sangeet event took place near the sunset patio on Monday night. Sidharth and Kiara have never talked openly about their relationship though they have not denied it. If reports are to be believed, the two started dating during the making of their 2021 film Shershaah, based on the life of martyr Vikram Batra. The film was a hit and fans loved their chemistry. (ANI) Ayo Edebiri, the breakout star of 'The Bear,' will now be seen in 'Abbott Elementary'. According to Variety, a US-based media house, Ayo will be seen as Ayesha Teagues, Janine's infamous sister in the show. Throughout the series, Janine mentions having a troubled connection with Ayesha, who will make her first appearance through FaceTime in the February 8 episode 'Valentine's Day' before returning for a major storyline later in Season 2. Ayo recently joined Marvel Studios' anti-hero team-up film 'Thunderbolts' in an unspecified capacity. The film is directed by Jake Schreier ('Paper Towns,' 'Robot and Frank') from a script by Eric Pearson ("Black Widow"). Kevin Feige is producing, as he is with every Marvel Studios production. At the San Diego Comic-Con, Feige confirmed 'Thunderbolts' for 2022 as the culmination of Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (which begins in February with 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania'). It is currently scheduled to debut on July 26, 2024. According to Variety, 'Thunderbolts' will bring together several anti-heroes from the MCU, including Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Red Guardian (David Harbour), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) from 'Black Widow,' Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell) from 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,' and Ghost from 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' (Hannah John-Kamen). Contessa Valentina Allegra de la Fontaine, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus in 'Falcon and Winter Soldier,' 'Black Widow,' and 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,' will command the crew. Louis-Dreyfus told Variety that 'Thunderbolts' will begin filming in June. (Though Harrison Ford is planned to play the film's namesake, Thunderbolt Ross, replacing the late William Hurt, the character is rumoured to appear in 'Captain America: New World Order,' which is set to premiere two months before 'Thunderbolts,' in May 2024.) Talking about Ayo Edebiri, since FX's 'The Bear' aired on Hulu in June 2022, her career has been on fire. She co-stars with Ben Platt in the movie 'Theater Camp,' which premiered at Sundance and was quickly snatched up by Searchlight, and she'll next be seen in the LGBTQ coming-of-age comedy 'Bottoms,' which will be available on Amazon Prime Video later this year. (ANI) Reality Queen Rakhi Sawant's husband Adil Durrani has been arrested by Mumbai Police after the former filed an FIR against him, alleging he mishandled her funds. The Oshiwara Police filed the FIR under IPC Sec 406 and 420 against Adil Durrani. Later in the evening, the police also added sections 498 (A) and 377 of IPC in the FIR. Adil will be produced before the court on Wednesday. Rakhi accused Adil of assaulting her and taking away her money and jewellery from her flat without her knowledge. While talking to media outside Mumbai's Oshiwara police station, Rakhi claimed, "He (Adil) came to beat me at home in the morning, I immediately called the police. He frequently visits my home and gives threats. Even today he came to beat me at home, and I was scared. He said that you defamed me in the media." Rakhi, last month, revealed that she had married Adil in 2022. Taking to Instagram, she shared a photograph of their purported marriage certificate which shows that the wedding took place on May 29, 2022. Rakhi also accused Adil of having an extra-marital affair. Rakhi's brother Rakesh also backed the actress and said Adil physically and verbally abused her. "Never thought that he will stoop down to such level. We even forgave two or three times. The next day after the demise of our mother, when we went to Rakhi's house to feed her, that time we noticed Rakhi's face is swollen. She was crying, when our relatives asked her then she revealed that Adil has beaten her on the same day our mother passed away," Rakhi's brother said. The details regarding Rakhi and Adil's dispute come days after the demise of Rakhi's mother. (ANI) Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour's wife has accused his former bandmate Roger Waters of being an anti-Semite. Polly Samson claims that bassist Waters, 79, holds anti-Semitic views and is a 'Vladimir Putin apologist', and her guitarist husband Gilmour, 76, shared her message on Twitter along with the statement "every word demonstrably true". The author-and-lyricist - who worked with her husband on songs for Pink Floyd's 1994 album 'The Division Bell' - appeared to be responding to an interview Waters gave to a German newspaper, in which he defended some of Russia's actions in the war with Ukraine, reports 'Female First UK'. Waters has previously referred to Putin as a gangster, and said in the new interview that the country had been provoked into invading Ukraine by the actions of Nato and the US. Sharing a link to the article, he claimed over the weekend that it had been published "against the backdrop of the outrageous and despicable smear campaign by the Israel Lobby to denounce me as an anti-Semite, WHICH I AM NOT, NEVER HAVE BEEN and NEVER WILL BE (sic)." Samson - whose father was a Jew who fled Nazi Germany - later alleged on Twitter: "Sadly @rogerwaters you are antisemitic to your rotten core." "Also a Putin apologist and a lying, thieving, hypocritical, tax-avoiding, lip-synching, misogynistic, sick-with-envy, megalomaniac. Enough of your nonsense," she added. 'Female First UK' further states that in response, a statement on Waters' Twitter page says he is "aware of the incendiary and wildly inaccurate comments made about him on Twitter by Polly Samson which he refutes entirely." The statement added: "He is currently taking advice as to his position." In 2022, Pink Floyd released their first new single in more than 25 years in support of the people of Ukraine. --IANS aa/uk/ ( 308 Words) 2023-02-07-20:08:03 (IANS) Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Monday responded to the BJP's barb over his condolence tweet for Pakistan's former military ruler Parvez Musharraf, saying that the BJP was attacking its 'own PM'. Speaking to ANI on Monday, the Congress MP said, "I don't know why BJP wants to attack their own PM (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) for his policies. After Musharraf's demise, I recalled that they (Vajpayee and Musharraf) were implacable enemies who later worked for 4 years to build peace. I leave it to the BJP to decide if they want to attack Vajpayee. We are too polite to attack Vajpayee," said Tharoor. Tharoor's clarification followed criticism from the BJP over an earlier tweet in which he called the former military ruler, considrered widely as the architect of the Kargil conflict of 1999, as a "real force for peace". The BJP government under PM Vajpayee had negotiated a ceasefire with Pakistan, Tharoor claimed, adding that there was a joint statement which was followed by a handshake by the two leaders. "Musharraf was an absolute implacable enemy of ours, and was responsible for Kargil. But after 2002, it was a different story. The BJP govt of PM Vajpayee negotiated a ceasefire with Pakistan. There was a joint statement followed by a handshake by Vajpayee and Musharraf," said Tharoor. "Why did the BJP negotiate a ceasefire and sign a joint statement with Pervez Musharraf, if he was 'anathema to all patriotic Indians?" Tharoor said. "Question to BJP leaders frothing at the mouth: if Musharraf was anathema to all patriotic Indians, why did the BJP government negotiate a ceasefire with him in 2003 & sign the joint Vajpayee-Musharraf statement of 2004? Was he not seen as a credible peace partner then?" Tharoor tweeted. "I was raised in an India where you are expected to speak kindly of people when they die. Musharraf was an implacable enemy and was responsible for Kargil but he did work for peace w/India, in his own interest, 2002-7. He was no friend but he saw strategic benefit in peace, as did we," Tharoor had tweeted earlier. "'Pervez Musharraf, Former Pakistani President, Dies of Rare Disease': once an implacable foe of India, he became a real force for peace 2002-2007. I met him annually in those days at the UN and found him smart, engaging and clear in his strategic thinking. RIP," Tharoor tweeted in his condolence message for the former Pakistan military ruler. Tharoor's tweet was met with fierce criticism from the BJP, with Union minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar saying his post "best describes Cong" (Congress). "Nothing like a proper military thrashing for Fatcat Pak Dictator Generals to become a "force for peace" and develop "clear strategic thinking". Notwithstanding many lives lost n Intl laws violated n harm caused all around, these Generals will have their admiring fans in India (sic)," Chandrasekhar tweeted. In another tweet, Chandrasekhar said, "That a former Cong Foreign Min (a party that refused to celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas till 2010) wud think that a Pak General who inflicted terror, a backstabbing conflict n tortured our Soldiers in violation of every Intl law, wud be a force for peace -- best describes Cong." Musharraf passed away on Sunday at a hospital in the UAE after a prolonged illness, reported Daily Pakistan. Musharraf was Pakistan's army chief during the Kargil conflict. (ANI) BJP's Delhi Working President Virendra Sachdeva on Monday attacked the AAP for allegedly defying the instructions of the presiding officer of the MCD House as well as law, questioning in this circumstances, how will the capital get a Mayor. Arguing that a 2016 Delhi High Court order states that nominated councillors will also be members of the MCD House and can contest elections to the standing committee, he asked when the court has given them the right to contest the election, then why can't they vote? Sachdeva also said that on the demand of the MCD itself, a top law officer advised that the nominated councillors have right to vote in the election of Mayor, Deputy Mayor etc, and thus the presiding officer allowed them. It is beyond comprehension that the Aam Aadmi Party will neither listen to the legal advice nor listen to the presiding officer, he said. --IANS dr/vd ( 172 Words) 2023-02-06-22:30:04 (IANS)